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December SteepleTalk 2017 1
The Counter-Cultural Practice of Observing Advent
Advent 2017 at
Davidson College Presbyterian Church
As I write (Tuesday, November 28th), the commercial season of Christmas is well under way: many stores have been stocked and decorated for Christmas since (or well before!) Halloween; Black Friday and Cyber Monday have come and gone, the Rotary Club is currently selling Christmas Trees on the Town Green across the street from the church, and employees at The Famous Toastery on Main Street earlier today were feverishly getting the restaurant decorated in time for Christmas in Davidson later in the week.
In fact, many of the “traditions” that we associate with Christmas in the United States aren’t very old. For example: President Lincoln was the first U.S. President to have a Christmas Tree in the White House (and it was very contro-
versial at the time!)—a tradition brought to North America by German immigrants, it has deep pagan (Roman) roots (the evergreen symbolized everlasting life in the dead of winter).
In the 17th century the Puritans had laws forbidding the celebration of Christmas, unlike the Catholic Church or the Anglican Church, the latter of which they separated from. And many Presbyterians, well into the 19th century, did not celebrate Christmas (too Catholic!; no scriptural basis for celebrating Jesus’ birth on December 25th!).
The northern stream of Presbyterianism did not officially recognize the celebration of Christmas (it was strictly voluntary!) until the 1906 edition of the Book of Common Worship. And the southern stream of Presbyterianism didn’t adopt this edition of the Book of Common Worship until 1932!
So, within living memory of some of our older church members, celebrating Christmas may or may not have been something they observed in the churches of their childhood and youth. (Historically Easter has been the most important festival/feast day for most Christians!).
All of this changed with the commercialization of Christmas: the importation of glass ornaments from Germany by F.W. Woolworth in the 1880’s and 90’s, Sinterklaas (Santa Claus) from the Dutch in the early 20th century, a rather spooky looking fellow who was transformed into the jovial figure we know today through marketing campaigns by Coca-Cola and the Saturday Evening Post in the 1920’s and 30’s, and Rudolph, who was part of a marketing campaign by Mont-gomery Wards in 1939.
The reality is that the observance of Christmas has always been a grand “Mash-up” of pre-Christian (pagan), Christian, local cultural traditions (which vary widely!) and commercial practices—although the “commercialization of Christ-mas” (on steroids!) in which Christmas sales account for about 40% of yearly retail revenues only dates to the 1960’s.
Which brings us to Advent—an ancient season—the beginning of the church’s liturgical year (dating back to at least the 5th century, if not earlier—and only reintroduced to the mainstream of Presbyterianism in recent decades!) is observed as a time of waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas (it begins late November/early December). The term is a version of the Latin word meaning “coming.”
Advent calendars, lighting an Advent wreath, praying an Advent de-votional, (www.upsemdevotions.wordpress.com), or lighting a Christingle (Christ light) are ways of cutting through the contempo-rary commercialization of Christmas and focusing on the spiritual dimensions of the season. I commend one or more of these Advent practices to you. They help to bring clarity and meaning to what can otherwise be a stressful and chaotic time of year and a needed cor-rective to the excessive (and unnecessary!) consumerism that is hap-py to displace everything else about Christmas—if we let it.
Peace, Scott Kenefake Interim Minister
In This Issue... Advent 2-5 Alternative Gift Fair 6-7
Children’s Ministry 7 Music/Young Adults 8
Children’s Ministry 9 Youth/SAGES 10 UKIRK 11 Missions 12 Men’s Ministry/Stewardship 14 Looking Ahead 15 DCPC Information 16
Click on the link as a shortcut to the page
December SteepleTalk 2017 2
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
26
27
28 29 5:45 WNL (C.H.) 7:00 Joseph Study Angel Tree Info. Ctr.
30 6:00 Santa (C.H.) 6:00 Alt. Gift Fair (C.H.) 7:00 Bailey Orchestra (Sanctuary)
1 8:30 Annual Greening (Sanctuary/Lingle) 6:00 Santa (C.H.) 6:00 Alt. Gift Fair (C.H.) 6:30 Hough High Orchestra (Sanctuary)
2 10:00 Joseph Study (Pines) 6:00 Santa (C.H.) 6:00 Alt. Gift Fair (C.H.) 6:30 Open Mic Night (Lingle)
3 Isaiah 8:30 Worship (Lingle) 9:45 Worship (Lingle)
Sunday School (Various) Coffee @ Chapel
11:00 Worship (Sanctuary) 7:00 DC Vespers (Sanctuary)
4
5 7:00 Messiah Sing –A-Long (Sanctuary)
6 5:45 WNL (C.H.) 7:00 Joseph Study
7 11:00 SAGES Christmas Luncheon (C.H.) 12:00 Preschool Christmas Program (Lingle)
8 5:00 RITI (C.H.)
9 10:00 JosephStudy (Pines)
10 Mary 8:30 Worship (Sanctuary)
Christmas Cantata 9:45 Worship (Lingle)
Sunday School (Various) Coffee @ Chapel
11:00 Worship (Sanctuary) Christmas Cantata
5:00 White Gift (Sanctuary)/ followed by dinner (C.H.)
11 7:30 Organ at Davidson (Sanctuary/Parlor) 10:00 Cookie Study Break (Student Union)
12 13 5:00 Children’s Choir Caroling at The Pines 5:45 WNL (C.H.) 7:00 Joseph Study Angel Tree Deadline
14 Cong. Retreat Deadline for Early Registration
15 5:00 RITI (C.H.)
16 10:00 Joseph Study (Pines)
17 John Joy Offering 8:30 Worship (Sanctuary) 9:45 Worship (Lingle)
Sunday School (Various) Coffee @ Chapel
11:00 Worship (Sanctuary)
18 19 20
21 22 Half Day Office Closed 5:00 RITI (C.H.)
23
24 Us Joy Offering 11:00 Worship (Sanctuary) 4:00 Worship (Sanctuary) 7:30 Worship (Sanctuary) 11:00 Worship (Sanctuary)
25 Office Closed
26 Office Closed
27 28 29 5:00 RITI (C.H.) Cong. Retreat Registration Deadline
30
White Gift Christmas Pageant There will be a collection of food as part of the White Gift Christmas Pageant. Just as the wise men took gifts of gold, frankin-cense and myrrh to the Christ child, all are invited to approach the manger with gifts of food (or monetary donations) which will be distributed to families through Loaves and Fishes at the Ada Jenkins Center. We are asking for different kinds of food this year to help keep the Loaves and Fishes shelves full of the most needed foods: Please bring any or all of the following: Rice, Tomato or Pasta Sauce, Canned Fruit/Fruit Cups (no added sugar), 100% Fruit Juice and/or Oatmeal or Grits. (No foods that need refrigeration, please.) Loaves and Fishes always puts your contributions to good use as the need is great. POST-pageant White Gift Christmas Pageant Sandwich Supper It’s soup and sandwiches prepared by Chef Eric. We just ask that folks bring a donation to offset the cost of the food. Plus, there will be Christmas music!
In The Eyes of...
Advent Devotionals Devotionals for adults, youth, and children can be found throughout the church. There is a devotional for each day of the Advent season.
Advent Study for Adults and Youth As we begin the countdown to the busy Christmas season, take time on Wednesday evenings to feed your souls with Faithful: Christmas Through the Eyes of Joseph by popular writer Adam Hamilton.
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Wednesday Night Live (Congregation House) Wednesday Night Live weaves the ministries and gifts of hospitality, worship, and faith formation into a night where we can grow to-gether as the Body of Christ—worshipping, learning, serving, lov-ing, giving—seeking to realize God’s vision for the world. Healthy, delicious meals (vegetarian options available by request) are prepared by Chef Eric, 5:45—6:30 p.m. in the Congregation House. Please make a reservation online or call the church office (704-892-5641) by noon on Tuesdays.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
26
27
28 29 5:45 WNL (C.H.) 7:00 Joseph Study Angel Tree Info. Ctr.
30 6:00 Santa (C.H.) 6:00 Alt. Gift Fair (C.H.) 7:00 Bailey Orchestra (Sanctuary)
1 8:30 Annual Greening (Sanctuary/Lingle) 6:00 Santa (C.H.) 6:00 Alt. Gift Fair (C.H.) 6:30 Hough High Orchestra (Sanctuary)
2 10:00 Joseph Study (Pines) 6:00 Santa (C.H.) 6:00 Alt. Gift Fair (C.H.) 6:30 Open Mic Night (Lingle)
3 Isaiah 8:30 Worship (Lingle) 9:45 Worship (Lingle)
Sunday School (Various) Coffee @ Chapel
11:00 Worship (Sanctuary) 7:00 DC Vespers (Sanctuary)
4
5 7:00 Messiah Sing –A-Long (Sanctuary)
6 5:45 WNL (C.H.) 7:00 Joseph Study
7 11:00 SAGES Christmas Luncheon (C.H.) 12:00 Preschool Christmas Program (Lingle)
8 5:00 RITI (C.H.)
9 10:00 JosephStudy (Pines)
10 Mary 8:30 Worship (Sanctuary)
Christmas Cantata 9:45 Worship (Lingle)
Sunday School (Various) Coffee @ Chapel
11:00 Worship (Sanctuary) Christmas Cantata
5:00 White Gift (Sanctuary)/ followed by dinner (C.H.)
11 7:30 Organ at Davidson (Sanctuary/Parlor) 10:00 Cookie Study Break (Student Union)
12 13 5:00 Children’s Choir Caroling at The Pines 5:45 WNL (C.H.) 7:00 Joseph Study Angel Tree Deadline
14 Cong. Retreat Deadline for Early Registration
15 5:00 RITI (C.H.)
16 10:00 Joseph Study (Pines)
17 John Joy Offering 8:30 Worship (Sanctuary) 9:45 Worship (Lingle)
Sunday School (Various) Coffee @ Chapel
11:00 Worship (Sanctuary)
18 19 20
21 22 Half Day Office Closed 5:00 RITI (C.H.)
23
24 Us Joy Offering 11:00 Worship (Sanctuary) 4:00 Worship (Sanctuary) 7:30 Worship (Sanctuary) 11:00 Worship (Sanctuary)
25 Office Closed
26 Office Closed
27 28 29 5:00 RITI (C.H.) Cong. Retreat Registration Deadline
30
DCPC Preschool Christmas Program (Sanctuary) Children from our Preschool will be singing various Christmas tunes guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit. All are welcome on December 7 at 12:00 a.m.
Davidson College Cookie Study Break (Union Atrium) Davidson College Presbyterian Church will be offering free cookies and milk in the Union Atrium on Monday, December 11 at 10:00 pm. Please bake cookies and take them to the back office hallway on Monday, December 11 by 9:00 p.m. Be sure to mark your cook-ies if they have nut allergens in them so that we can set them out separately.
Room in the Inn (Congregation House) DCPC provides shelter to 12 homeless guests on Friday nights, De-cember 8th through March. Volunteer Opportunities may consist of the following: Fridays: transport guests, set up beds, dinner, spend the night. Saturdays: provide breakfast, take down beds, transport guests. During the week: launder linens to be returned by Thursday. Contact: Richie King, 704-892-1385, [email protected]
Angel Tree 2017 DCPC invites you to help sponsor dozens of families in need during our Angel Tree 2017 project beginning Wednesday, November 29th through Wednesday, December 13th. The Angel Tree can be found on the bulletin board beside the Main Office beginning Wednesday the 29th. There will be specific instructions about how to partici-pate in this project on the bulletin board. You may contact Stepha-nie Rollans ([email protected] or 704-892-5641 ext. 12) with any questions. Please help us make the tradition of gift-giving possible for area families!
Collected Dec. 17th and 24th. See Page 5 for details. Christmas Eve ~ Four services
11 am: Traditional Worship Service
4 pm: A service designed especially for children and families (no child-care provided)
7:30 pm: Traditional candle lighting service (nursery available)
11 pm: Traditional service with communion (no childcare provided)
Alternative Gift Fair Want to give a more meaningful gift this year? Come visit DCPC's Alter-native Gift Fair on Nov 30– Dec 2 (6-9 pm) in the Congregation House during Christmas in Davidson. Honor someone (who already has every-thing) by giving a gift to charity! You can also still sign up to volunteer to welcome guests to the Gift Fair and to visit Santa. Contact [email protected] to help or learn more.
Advent Wreath Making The DCPC Advent wreath workshop will take place Sunday, De-cember 3 at 3:00 p.m., in Jetton Hall. Wreath forms and candles will be available along with some greenery to create your special Advent Wreath. Please reserve your space by emailing Rhonda Boggs by Monday, November 20, to ensure we have enough mate-rials. The cost will be approximately $20 for the materials. Please bring clippers and any pretty greenery you have (boxwood, mag-nolia, arborvitae, yew, berries, for example) to share.
Lingle Chapel is always open for prayer and reflection. During Advent, content has been added to LingleChapel.org, designed to comfort those dealing with loss during the holiday season. In addition, a “Lord’s Prayer Through Music” section has been add-ed featuring renditions of the Lord’s Prayer from throughout the world. Lingle Chapel…Always Open…All Are Welcome
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December 3, 2017 First Sunday of Advent
Sacrament of Holy Communion “Advent Through the Eyes of Isaiah”
Isaiah 40:1-11 Claire George-Drumheller
December 10, 2017 Second Sunday of Advent
White Gift Sunday Choir Cantata (8:30 & 11 am), “Magnificat,” Pergolesi
“Advent Through the Eyes of Mary” Luke 1:46b-55
Robert Alexander
December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent
Sacrament of Holy Baptism, 11:00 am, (John Ryan) “Advent Through the Eyes of John the Baptist”
John 1:6-8, 19-28 Scott Kenefake
December 24, 2017 Fourth Sunday of Advent
Christmas Eve (no Sunday School)
11:00 am, Luke 1:26-38, Robert Alexander
4:00 pm, Family Service, “Lessons & Carols,” John Ryan
7:30 pm, “Lessons & Carols/Candle lighting,” Scott Kenefake
11:00 pm, “Holy Communion/Candle lighting,” Claire George-Drumheller
December 31, 2017 First Sunday after Christmas
(no Sunday School) Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Luke 2:22-40
John Ryan
Adult Faith Formation
Worship
Small Group Advent Study
Covenant (9:45 a.m. Congregation House) December 3 - meet in Room 201 (not the Congregation House) We will wrap up our discussion on Mark while working through the questions Charlie Raynal provides. Coffee will be provid-ed in Room 201 December 10, 17—John Griffith, President Emeritus of Presbyterian College, will present two sessions on love. Love is a concept we associate with God and Jesus as we seek to understand our relationship to the Divine. In these two sessions, we will explore what the Old Testament and then the New Testament reveals to us about love. DECEMBER 24 AND 31. NO CLASS MEETINGS
Maloney (9:45 a.m. Parlor) Dec. 3: Faith in Jesus: Acts 3 Dec. 10: Faith to Discern: Acts 13:1-12 Dec. 17: Faith to Persevere: Acts 14; Colossians 2:6-7 Dec. 24: Faithful Seekers of the King: Matthew 2:1-12 Dec. 31: Faith to Unite: Ephesians 4
The Pines (Marshall Room) See Maloney Class
From his beginnings as a humble carpenter to his all-important role as the earthly father of Jesus Christ, Joseph's place in the nativity story is sometimes overlooked but contains valuable lessons for all of us. Join Adam Hamilton as he examines Christmas through the eyes of Joseph. Absent from much of the biblical narrative, Joseph never spoke a word; but his courageous actions were crucial to the birth of Christ and God's salvation plan for humanity. As you explore this series, you will understand how Joseph's story is much like our own. In life, we encounter circumstances that we would never have chosen for our-selves. At times it can be tempting just to walk away. Joseph provides us a great example of humbly obeying God even when we don't under-stand and of faithfully moving forward in the strength that God pro-vides. Exchange your doubt for courage this Advent and Christmas season!
This three-week study will meet on Wednesday evenings in the Congregation House on November 29 and December 6 & 13 from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. A participant's book is available in hardback or Kindle version on Amazon. While having the book is valuable for in-sightful reading, the purchase of the book is not necessary to partici-pate.
This class will also be taught 10:00 a.m. Saturday mornings in De-cember at the Pines.
To the congregation:
While I, too, miss Mary Margaret Porter and all of her skills, I am pleased to now serve DCPC in the position of staff associate for senior adult minis-tries. Martha and I retired to this Cornelius late in 2015 and immediately began attending DCPC. It felt good to be back in the pews again following a second career of ministry, spanning 20 years, including seminary in Richmond, Va., and pastorates in Blowing Rock and West End, NC.
But now I am back in ministry, at least half time, and I embrace this call.
DCPC has a very active SAGES group that offers programming, fel-lowship and opportunities for service for senior adults. I will be working with the strong SAGES leadership team.
My main task is offering pastoral care to our senior adults, and please, if you know of pastoral care concerns and areas of need, please pass them along to me. My email address is [email protected]. I also will help in worship on Sunday mornings on an occasional basis. DCPC is a great church, and I am truly joyful to work alongside of its great staff, and to serve you, the congregation. Peace, Larry Lyon
Jubilee (9:45 a.m. Upper Room) The Jubilee Class will examine the following readings in The Day the Revolution Began, by N.T. Wright, a groundbreaking biblical scholar and theologian: from PART THREE: THE REVOLUTIONARY RESCUE Dec. 3: Chapter 11: “Paul and the Cross (Apart from Romans)" Dec. 10: Chapter 12: “The Death of Jesus in Paul’s Letter to the Ro-mans: The New Exodus" Dec. 17: Chapter 13: “The Death of Jesus in Paul’s Letter to the Ro-mans: Passover and Atonement" Dec. 31: Chapter 14: “Passover People”
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Follow Christ’s Lead This Advent Season Every year, society expects us to celebrate the holiday season even bigger and better than years before. This year, coming together to reclaim Advent and Christmas can be both humbling and fulfilling. As we excitedly await the birth of Christ, it’s important to remember the reason for the season: the newborn Servant of All.
With Christ at the center this holiday season, we can follow in his example of servant leadership by serving our brothers and sisters in faith. Through the Christmas Joy Offering, we are able to support those in our community and give them the gift of hope.
Funds from the Christmas Joy Offering help the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions provide critical financial assis-tance to eligible workers in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and their families, and to qualifying retired church workers and their families.
The Christmas Joy Offering also supports the education and development of our future leaders at Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges. These schools are dedicated to creating opportunities and environments for racial ethnic stu-dents built on a foundation of Christian values. The Offering benefits Menaul School and Presbyterian Pan American School, two secondary schools that ready students for a path of higher learning, as well as Stillman College, where graduates are pre-pared for lives of leadership and service.
By giving to the Christmas Joy Offering, we can share in the hope of Christ and celebrate his leadership by providing support to our church workers, racial ethnic young people, and their families. Please give generously:
Through your congregation Text JOY to 20222 to give $10 presbyterianmission.org/give/christmasjoy
To learn more about the Christmas Joy Offering, please visit: Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions: www.pensions.org, click on Plans & Programs Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges: www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/resc/
If I wanted advice, I’d ask my mother. I don’t want advice. If I wanted everybody to know why I am upset these days, I could tell my best friend. I won’t.
Maybe it isn’t a major crisis, except it seems that way to me. I just want somebody to talk to.
Even for a couple of weeks, I would appreciate someone to listen – actually listen to me without judging. I’d like that some-one to be a Christian whose basic values I share. I need them to realize the importance of confidentiality, to stay calm if I got angry, yet understand my anger, to have enough distance from my life to give some perspective but close enough to care. I don’t need to be talked out of my problem: I just want to talk it through with the right person.
But who? I realize I am asking a lot – time, confidentiality, calm, Christian perspective, no judging, taking me and my issues seriously.
Is that what a Stephen Minister does? You guessed it – the answer is yes. Stephen Ministers cannot solve your problems, That’s up to you and God. But one can be there for you and walk with you while you sort things out.
None of us need carry our load alone. A Stephen Minister can help share the burdens you have by listening to your story. Stephen Ministers are trained and ready to serve. Call on us so that together we can find a greater measure of peace and joy in our community of faith.
YEAR END DONATIONS: In order for your contributions to count in 2017, they must be received by Trish Jones or Harriett Rosebrough in the church busi-ness office (room 111) no later than noon on Friday, December 29th. Contributions postmarked by December 31st will also be counted toward 2017. Please check the church calendar to see when the office will be open over the Christmas holi-days season. To pay your pledge by credit card, go to www.dcpc.org, click on the “Give” tab and click on “Online Giving”. Then click on the “Give Online” box and follow the prompts. If you are expecting a stock, donor-advised fund, or IRA donation to count toward your 2017 contributions, please con-tact Trish Jones at [email protected] or 704-892-5641 x 30.
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December SteepleTalk 2017 7
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ORGAN AT DAVIDSON presents CHRISTMAS MUSIC FOR ORGAN
In a bonus concert for December, Organ at Davidson presents Christmas music for organ on December 11th at 7:30 p.m. The guest organist is Michael Lehtinen. Dr. Lehtinen’s program encompasses a broad variety of seasonal music, from German chorale settings by J.S. Bach, to early French variations on a noel, to glorious French Romantic nativities, to favorite carols set by American composers. There is something for everyone.
Michael Lehtinen, a native of Minnesota, began his college study at the University of Colorado in Boulder. He completed the Bachelor of Music in Organ Perfor-mance at Oberlin Conservatory. He then received the Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music. His principal teachers were David Craighead and Haskell Thomson.
Michael is the organist at St. Stephen United Methodist Church in Charlotte, and is the director of Southern Park Music School. Recent performance venues include the Northern Lights Music Festival (Minnesota), Charlotte American Guild of Organists Summer Series, and the Spoleto Festival.
The program is free (with donations encouraged), followed by a Friends of the Organ meet-the-artist reception immediately after the performance.
The following month’s program features Chase Loomer from Eastman School of Music, performing on January 15th.
CHRISTMAS CANTATA On December 10th, both 8:30 and 11:00 services are in the sanctuary. The Chancel and Geneva choirs, joined by members of the N.C. Baroque Orchestra, present Giovanni Pergolesi's "Magnificat." Magnificat is the Latin title for Mary's song, "My soul magnifies the Lord." The Canti-cle of Mary is one of three canticles found in the first two chapters of Luke. Since the sixth century, the “Magnificat” has been sung daily as the textual climax of the office of Vespers in the Catholic and Anglican churches, so it is a very important part of the liturgy and has been set to music by almost every important choral composer. The young Pergolesi (1710-1736) and other members of the Neapolitan School were progressive in their composition of operas, but as in other eras of music history, church music was usually composed in the “old style.” In this case, using a phrase of Gregorian chant as the main theme reminded listeners of their roots. The lively first movement expresses the joy of Mary; the lyrical solos convey the mercy God is showing; and the mighty are put down from their thrones with strong, fugal writing.
DAVIDSON COLLEGE CHRISTMAS VESPERS
A beloved tradition con-tinues on the first Sun-day evening of the month, December 3. Da-vidson College presents a beautiful candlelight ser-
vice of lessons and carols in our sanctuary, led by the Chorale, brass, organ, and DCPC's Tower Ringers. The prelude begins at 7:00 p.m. and the service is at 7:30. Consider making this part of your celebration of the season.
This is not an exclusive group but it is primarily for adults between the ages of 20-40 – single, mar-ried, with or without kids – it doesn’t matter. We gather for fellowship and faith formation. Join us!
During December we will gather at the Kerr’s home on Sunday, December 17 at 5:30 p.m. for our annual holi-day party. Bring a side dish to share and we’ll plan to watch a holiday movie and enjoy fellowship together.
December SteepleTalk 2017 9
Christmas is coming! Advent is our time to prepare.
How will we teach our children to welcome Christ?
As you "deck the halls" and listen to Christmas music, consider preparing your heart for Christ as well. Advent is our time of active waiting and getting ready for the Christ child. Here at DCPC, there are many resources to help bring your focus to Christ. Click here for a family (all ages- children and youth) Advent calendar with simple scripture and mis-sion-oriented activities. Additional resources (below) are available in Sunday School classrooms and on the Faith Formation and Children’s Ministry bulletin boards.
Children Needed for Christmas Eve The 4 pm worship service is designed especially with children in mind. In fact, children are invited to lead and participate in meaningful ways. We need 4th and 5th graders for small speaking parts, 2nd and 3rd graders for a star processional, and 1st graders (with a parent) to serve as greeters/ushers. If your family is willing to serve, please contact Jenny Alexander. Additional information will be provided. With your help, it will be a very special night!
Dates to Note December 13- Primary and Junior choirs will sing at The Pines during choir hour December 20 & 27- No Kids Club or Children’s Choir (No WNL) January 3- No Kids Club (there will be children’s choir and Wednesday Night Live, however) January 15- 4th/5th Grade Martin Luther King, Jr. Mission Day in Charlotte
The DCPC Weekday Preschool Christmas Program is December 7 at Noon in the sanctuary. All are welcome to come see and hear the children in this festive display of song and holiday cheer.
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Over Veteran's Day weekend DCPC Youth headed down to Camp Canaan for our annual Fall Retreat and had an amazing weekend! Camp Canaan is situated on an island in the Catawba River near Rock Hill, SC and youth and adults really enjoyed the beautiful fall
scenery, disc golf course, cabins, and more.
Our theme for the weekend was What Makes You Happy? and throughout the weekend we ex-plored the connection between hap-piness and peace with God, others, and ourselves, and how both of those are ulti-mately linked to obedience to God. These ideas were brought to life through teach-ing, small group discussions, and quiet time prompts that encouraged youth to re-flect on their lives and the steps they could take towards greater obedience, peace, and happiness.
We also took time to enjoy fellowship with each other through team building exercis-es, archery tag, disc golf, hiking, and just being together. Youth were also encouraged to engage with our discipleship focus for the month of November by reflecting on the fundamental quality of gratitude in the Christian life and then to live that out by starting a gratitude journal and other spiritual disciplines.
Our confirmands got underway in the curriculum portion of their confirmation experience as well at the retreat. Through big group and small group time they reflected on the church and the way it has changed and grown throughout the centuries.
All in all it was a great weekend and one that could not have happened without an incredible team of volun-teer leaders: Alex Aiello, Bonita Beek-en, Catherine Bragg, Diana Merrifield, Eric Davis, Grace Cain, Jay Harris, John Beeken, Kat Seitz, Louise Norwood, Mary Muchane, Orlando Cruz-Solano, and Rob Collier. Please join me in thanking them for a weekend of in-credible ministry.
JOIN US it’s gonna be an
elfin’
GOOD TIME
Thursday, December 7th
11:00 a.m. fellowship
Lunch served at 11:30 a.m.
DCPC Congregation House
$8.00 per person
Come prepared to share your favorite Christmas memory
RSVP by December 5th by
email: [email protected] or phone: 704.892.5641
Bus will leave The Pines at 10:50 a.m.
and return after lunch.
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DAVIDSON COLLEGE Ukirk MEMBERS LEAD WORSHIP SERVICES
Davidson College students planned and led all three worship services Nov. 12th. They created the bulletin artwork, preached sermons, chose hymns and wrote the liturgy. We thank them for sharing their gifts and thank the Session for the chance to lead this congregation in worship.
CAMPUS MINISTRY HOSTS “FRIENDSGIVING” DINNER NOV. 20TH
The Campus Ministry Committee gathered with Ukirk members the Monday before Thanksgiving for the annual holiday “Friendsgiving” dinner. Students enjoyed soup, salads, cornbread, ham biscuits and topped off the meal by decorating holi-day cookies for their dessert. A great way to celebrate and give thanks before the rush of the holidays and finals begins!
LOOKING AHEAD…… 11 pm Christmas Eve Service – Attention DCPC College Students! It’s a beloved tradition that col-
lege students home on break lead the congregation in worship at the 11 PM Christmas Eve service. That means we need your help! Please contact Claire George-Drumheller ([email protected]) if you would like to participate
Cookie Study Break is approaching on Monday, Dec. 11th. Please drop off cookies at the church back office hallway by 9:00 PM to help support our Davidson College students as they trudge through exams!
DCPC College Christmas Party is planned for Tuesday, Dec. 19th at the Beekens’ home (17915 Nodghia Circle, Davidson) from 5:30-7:30 PM. Come see your DCPC friends and enjoy some holiday fun!
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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance trip to Kinston, NC
The week of November 5th, five men from DCPC traveled to Kin-ston, NC to work with PDA and their flood recovery efforts. Thanks for your support of our Community Mission Efforts that help make this possible!
$7,537 given to PDA has made an impact!
We recently received a thank you from PDA Direc-tor The Rev. Dr. Laurie A. Kraus. You may remem-ber that she preached at DCPC a couple of years ago. In her letter she thanks DCPC for the gener-ous contributions toward Disaster Relief. She writes, “Thank you for making Presbyterian Dis-aster Assistance a priority out of many opportuni-ties to give and serve. Your gift is deeply needed and greatly appreciat-ed….it is a blessing from God above in a moment where it is most need-ed here below. It is a privilege to serve together in a Church that makes such giving reliable, and provides constant faithful partnership to brothers and sisters across the world and here at home shadowed by the challenges and changes brought by disaster and war.”
Way to go DCPC! Your generosity is a blessing to others who have lost so much! Thank you for giving!
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Thanks for helping with the 2017 Day of Service
We had around 220 people that served in 25 projects around the community! Special thanks to Rob Krebs and Matt Dellinger our Co-leaders this year. Also thanks to Vicki and Jeff Gray who coordi-nated our breakfast and lunch. Thank you to all of our project leaders who helped keep us on task. We pray that our efforts went a long way to bring joy and love to our neighbors.
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Men’s Ministry
Our Brindisi Men’s Bible Study meets every Tuesday morning in the DCPC Parlor. Join them at 8:00 a.m. for Bible Study, fellowship, and prayer. They are currently studying the Book of the Revelation. Resource books are available. Contact the church office.
Our Thursday Morning Men’s Group meets from 7-8 a.m. in the Parlor at DCPC. During the Season of Advent they will be participating in the Adam Hamilton series “Faithful: Christmas through the Eyes of Joseph.” This four week series invites participants to consider the life and journey of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. His life contains valuable lessons for us all. Join us for discussion, fellowship, and prayer each Thursday morning.
Report Please consider increasing your commitment or making a pledge if you have not.
As of Monday, November 27, Davidson College Presbyterian Church had received 259 financial pledges totaling $1,164,247.
We have work to do. About half of our congregation is represented by the 259 pledges. Based on previous years, we should see another 100 pledges or so which may total $250,000 to $300,000. Of course some folks give regu-larly to the church without a pledge. This typically totals $125,000 per year.
If these estimates hold, our total revenue could be $1,550,000. The forecast budget is $1,700,000.
We have work to do to fulfill our calling.
We are well staffed with hardworking and faithful professionals.
We are committed to benevolent giving to missions in our community and beyond.
We have a rich internal life of ministry, worship, fellowship, education, and pastoral care.
Each of us has promised to be faithful members of this congregation, to share in its worship and ministry, through our prayers and gifts, our study and service, and so fulfill our calling to be disciples of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your prayerful consideration.
Thomas Hazel Chair, Stewardship Committee
Stewardship
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Congregational Retreat @ Montreat
Mark your calendar now for our annual Congregational Retreat in Montreat, NC, January 19-21, 2018! Our retreat leader is Jeannie Dubose, wife of Montreat Conference Center’s president Richard DuBose and the daughter-in-law of our own Bill & Sally DuBose! Jeannie is a licensed counselor and spiritual director with offices in Black Mountain, NC.
Our 2018 theme is Knowing Self, Knowing Others, Knowing God. According to Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist, who lives in southwest France, “The real miracle is not to walk on water but to walk on earth...to encounter God right in the present moment when we are washing the dishes, looking at a flower, looking into the eyes of another.” Participants of the retreat will be invited to distinguish between narcissistic navel-gazing and the theological relevance of how deepening one’s knowledge of self and others
can lead to a fuller communion with God.
Programs and activities will be available for the whole family – adults, children and youth. You will have free time to explore Mon-treat and Black Mountain, hike the trails of Montreat and participate in our annual Saturday night Variety Show!
Registration details and cost can be found in a brochure that will be emailed in mid-November. You will also find a link to register online on the DCPC website. If you have any questions, please contact Rob-ert Alexander or John Ryan. Please plan on spending a rejuvenating weekend in Montreat with your church family!
Financial Peace University
Starting in January for 9 weeks, the Adult Faith Formation Committee will be offering the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University classes beginning on Monday evenings from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Erika and Phil Batten have vol-unteered to teach and are graduates of the class. For a nominal member-ship fee of $109 (purchased through the Dave Ramsey website,) you will receive all the materials you need to take control of your financial fu-ture. Some of the classes include: Cash flow planning, Real estate and Mortgages, Insurance, Retirement and Planning, and Dumping Debt. This
is the money class that can change lives!
You can begin registering for this class online through the church website mid-November. Childcare available on request. Please direct any questions to John Ryan.
January Winter Clothing Drive
Once again, Circle 7 is coordinating the January winter clothing drive for Lydia's Loft. Lydia's Loft in Huntersville is one of the biggest clothing banks in the region, assisting thousands of needy families each year. Please donate gently used or new coats, bed linens, towels and wash cloths, blankets, or new socks and underwear. Items can be placed in the marked collection bins in the hallways near the church office.
Please contact Vicki Gray at 704-999-4546 if you have any questions.
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Davidson College Presbyterian Church Directory dcpc.org † 100 North Main Street, P.O. Box 337, Davidson North Carolina 28036
Office | Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Phone: 704-892-5641; Fax: 704-892-5956
Interim Pastor
Scott Kenefake, x20
Associate Pastors
Robert Alexander, Discipleship & Mission, x25 John Ryan, Faith Formation,x22
Staff Associates
Larry Lyon, Sr. Adult Ministry Claire George-Drumheller, Campus Ministry x15
Administrative Assistants
Rhonda Boggs, x29 Julie Nardella, x10
Church Administrator
Harriett Rosebrough, x19
Bookkeeper
Trish Jones, x30
Director of Music
Jane Cain, x 14
Associate Director of Music
David Brinson, x 17
Director of Congregational Life
Stephanie Rollans, x12
Staff Associate for Youth Ministry
Matt Wiggins x16
Staff Associate for Children’s Ministry
Jenny Alexander x13
Custodian
Sid Wishon, x 28
Kitchen Manager
Eric Rice
Director of Preschool
Kristin Clark, x26 or 704-655-1271
Asst. Director of Preschool
Hunter Busse, x26 or 704-655-1271
Clerk of Session
Lyn Batty, 704-724-5393
Deacons Moderator-Linda Griffeth, 704-892-1669 Secretary-Mary Mac Kincaid, 704-995-4435
Administration & Personnel Chair
Chris Ahearn, 704-892-3408 Greg Krystalowych, 704-892-9192
Faith Formation Chair
Phil Batten, 828-334-7800
Children’s Ministry Committee Chair
Jan Tevepaugh,
Community Missions Chair
John Bosak, 704-894-0439
Finance Chair
John Woods, 704-892-6458
Global Mission Chair
Rosemary Klein, 704-892-8306
Membership Chair
Marjorie Burris, 704-892-0231
Property Chair
Richard Kiley, 904-568-1230
Planning Chair
Alice Sudduth, 704-892-3687
Stewardship Chair
Thomas Hazel, 704-236-3319
Worship Chair
Elizabeth Mills, 704-895-9431
Youth Chair
Chip Fesperman, 704-896-8899
Campus Ministry Chair
Marya Howell, 704-255-6512
Congregational Care Chair
Jim Shaw, 704-402-7641
Common Grounds Fellowship Chair
Kim Beard, 704-892-4406
SAGES Chair
Jan Dumford, 704-391-0861
Endowment Chair
Ed Wadsworth, 704-896-0687
Stephen Ministry
Alice Sudduth, 704-892-3687 [email protected]
Hospitalization
If you or your loved one are in an area hospital, call the Church Office to notify one of the Pas-tors.
Baptisms & Weddings
The use of the Church for Bap-tisms, Wedding, and other events is available to active members. Contact the Church Office.
Career Transition
The Davidson Career Transition Program is a ministry of Da-vidson United Methodist and Davidson College Presbyterian Churches. It provides support to those who have lost their jobs and are seeking a new oppor-tunity or who are seeking a ca-reer transition to a new field. We provide networking opportuni-ties, tools and techniques for an effective job search. If you are unemployed or looking for a ca-reer change or know a family member or friend who is, let them know about our program. Join us the first and third Wednesday of each month 10:00 a.m. to noon at Davidson United Methodist Church. Have ques-tions? Contact DCPC member Terry Pardue at 513-780-2113.
Intercessory Prayer
Prayer Cards are available in the pew racks and at the church information center. Please place your request for prayer in the offering plate. You may also submit requests online by clicking the link on the website (www.dcpc.org). Requests are made known to those gathered for silent intercessory prayer on Wednesday mornings at 11:30 in the Parlor. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join in prayer at that hour in the parlor or wherever you are.
Worship Service Schedule
8:30 a.m. Lingle Chapel 9:45 a.m. Lingle Chapel 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary
Sunday School 9:45
Covenant Class—Congregation House Maloney- Parlor The Pines—Marshall Room Jubilee—Upper Room
Child care provided
dropoff 15 minutes before start of service(s).
Nursery (birth- age 2) is downstairs, room 14. Pre-school (ages 3-5) is by the ramp door, room 118.
