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First ARP Church of Rock Hill
December 2019
“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Sunday, December 15 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Worship Services
We will celebrate the promise of the Messiah and the birth of Christ through our annual Lessons and Carols services on
December 15th at both the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services. There will be music from the choir, a brass quintet, string quartet, percussion, piano, and organ. Traditional Christmas readings from
scripture will be interspersed with carols and anthems from the congregation and choir. This year, many of the anthems will
include piano, organ, strings, percussion, and brass. Ryan Tinker will assist as conductor for the orchestra and choir. We are
grateful for Ryan’s talent and willingness to serve our church in this way. Patsy Surratt will be featured on the piano. A jubilant
arrangement of “Arise, Your Light Has Come” by David Danner will feature choir, organ, percussion, brass, and strings! We have
worked very hard to make this a special service. The choir started rehearsing Christmas music in August. Please invite your family,
friends, and neighbors for this special time of worship.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services Tuesday, December 24 5:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m.
*nursery provided
Just Joy Worship Service Sunday, December 22
3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary
Fifth Sunday: Single Worship Service
Sunday, December 29
In this issue... Special Worship Services
Pastor’s Message
Advent Resources
Children’s Christmas Party
Children’s Christmas Program
ChristmasVille Prayer Breakfast
Special Offering
2020 Flower Calendar
Just Joy Dance
Youth News
York County CBA
HARPs News
Officers
Women’s Ministries News
Ladies’ Book Club
Disciples & Warriors
Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen
Member Birthdays
Celebrating New Life
Christian Sympathy
Calendar of Events
Special Worship Services
Operation Christmas Child deadline has been extended to
December 11! It’s not too late to pack a box!
Plastic boxes are available in the connector along with an instructional pamphlet. Please pay shipping online HERE or include a check
made to Samaritan's Purse inside your box. We will have a Prayer of Dedication for our shoeboxes on Wednesday, December 11.
Prayer Team Pastor Jon is going to start a prayer team beginning in January. This group will meet once a month before work to pray for the congregation and the community. While we will pray for all needs, we will especially pray for our young families, young adults/college students, as well as outreach.
If you are interested in joining this group please email Jon:
Pastor’s Message Barry Dagenhart, Senior Pastor
December is the month when we tend to think about giving, since this is the month we celebrate God’s wondrous gift unto us through the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ. And this theme of giving made me think about those who give faithfully to the life of this church. There are all sorts of people who do that week-in and week-out in lots of different ways we can see and notice, but there are also some who give time to the church in behind-the-scenes kinds of ways that you may not ever know. I realize I risk not mentioning
someone when I write an article like this, but I think the risk is worth taking to draw your attention to a few of these faithful folks. (And please do forgive me if I forget to mention you!) I think about Ann Roddey who makes framed cross-stitch sentiments for all of our baptized babies, and waters all the plants in the church every week (and Toni Ridge who has filled in for Ann during her recent illness). Or I think about Lois Kirkpatrick who has received and distributed prayer requests on our prayer chain for the last nine years. Can you imagine all of those emails that she read and sent – practically every day? Lois, thank you so much for a job well done – a task that Jeanie Revell has now taken over. I think about people like Norma White (in years past) and Tom Anderson, Walter Revell and Ken Miller who come up here from time to time and work in the shrubs and flowers and carry off loads of branches and leaves. Walter, by the way, also typically puts up the cross in the front yard during Lent and takes it down again afterwards. Or there’s David Ledbetter who put in hours and hours carving the cross in the sanctuary; he also made the stands that hold our tartan banners during the annual Kirking service, and the cross in Robinson Hall. And over the years, Max Smith has done a little bit of everything when certain systems or lights weren’t working correctly (a job the Hallman brothers used to do back in the 80’s and 90’s) – a task David and Ginger Smith have, in recent years, helped with all over the church. And I think about someone like Spencer Anderson – who for more than thirty years has made the communion bread for whenever we celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. He has mixed up and baked and cut that bread (35 pieces each for 8 bread trays) for communion six times a year for over thirty years. You do the math. Once again, thanks for a job well done. That’s a lot of baking any way you look at it. Lucy Taylor did it for years before Spencer, and she recruited him to take over for her, just like Spencer has recruited and trained Ashley Barron to take over for him beginning next year. With the space I have, I cannot mention everyone – like the Bob Robinsons and Madsens who help decorate for Advent (and Nancy Orr before them), and on and on I could go. Even when we can’t know the source of good works, we can still see them and give God the glory (Matthew 5:16). Do something good for someone this Advent season – whether they know it or not – and to God be the glory! -Barry
Monday, December 23
Fa-La-La-La-La! Let’s go Christmas caroling!
We will meet at the church at 10:30 a.m. and ride the church bus to sing Christmas carols at Westminster Towers and spread some Christmas cheer. Afterwards, we will enjoy a pizza lunch
and birthday cake for Jesus. All ages are welcome to participate; parents are welcome to join too.
(Parents should come with children 4K and younger.) Sign up in the connector or by emailing Connie Kiser at:
Children’s Christmas Program Wednesday, December 11
Come out and enjoy a meal and fellowship with your church family, followed by a Nativity play and congregational carol singing. The meal will
begin at 5:30 p.m. in Robinson Hall and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.
Advent Guide Below are some Advent devotional resources from Pastor Jon:
1. O Come Let Us Adore Him (Paul David Tripp) - a daily devotional perfect for teenagers and adults 2. Love Came Down at Christmas (Sinclair Ferguson) - an excellent reminder of the heart of Christmas, the love of of our great God 3. Repeat the Sounding Joy (Christopher Ash) - an excellent daily devotional that walks through Luke 1-2 4. Prepare Him Room (Marty Machowski) - a daily devotional for families and great for elementary children 5. The Christmas Promise (Alison Mitchell and Catalina Echeverri) - a book for younger children about the true meaning of Christmas
*click the book titles to be directed to Amazon/Christianbook.com for further description or to buy!*
ChristmasVille Prayer Breakfast Friday, December 6
Beginning at 7:00 a.m. First ARP Gym
A Rock Hill ChristmasVille Festival community event co-sponsored by First ARP and Mt. Prospect Baptist Churches. Proceeds from this event will be divided between Manna House Pantry, The Life House, and Fostering the
Family. The event will include a buffet breakfast, keynote speaker, Dr. Barry Dagenhart, a prayer for the community by Rev. Julian Thompson of
Mt. Prospect Baptist Church, and remarks from Mayor John Gettys.
*Volunteers are needed to assist with set-up, decorating, food prep, greeting, serving, and clean up. Additionally, the planning committee is in search of live greenery and tea light votives the day of the event. Please contact Shellie Sloop to offer your assistance ([email protected] or 803-370-2455).
A limited number of tickets are still available for $10. Contact the church office for tickets. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
9th Annual Just Joy Dance Mark your calendars…
January 25, 2020
A Tropical Escape Visit: https://www.firstarp.org/just-joy/annual-dance
for more information! Stay tuned for ways you can serve and volunteer.
Special Offering The Session has approved a special
offering to allow the Congregation to express their love and appreciation for the
staff of First ARP during the Christmas season. This offering will be received on
December 15th. Please write ‘Staff Christmas’ in the memo line of your
check.
2020 Flower Calendar
The 2020 Flower Calendar will be posted in the T-Hall the first week of
December.
Providing flowers on a Sunday morning is a wonderful opportunity to honor or remember a loved one,
or celebrate a special day.
Call the church office with any questions.
Our Annual Youth Caroling & Christmas Party is going to be Sunday, December 22nd! We will gather at the First ARP gym parking lot at 3:00 pm on Sunday, December 22nd to carol to homebound members of our First ARP Church family & then we will follow that up with some great food, fellowship & games at our Christmas Party, featuring a "White Elephant” Gift Swap at the Smiths' home! JUST A HEADS UP ON WHAT EACH STUDENT WILL NEED TO BRING: Gift: no more than $10 gift for the White Elephant Swap. Food: Girls Bring something sweet, Guys bring something savory/salty. Bring a friend and feel free to wear your tacky Christmas sweater! Also, if possible please try to RSVP so we can plan for the food!
Ski Trip All Middle School and High School students (and their friends!) are invited to attend a day ski trip on Monday, January 20th! We’ll head to a NC Ski Mountain early in the morning and return that evening. More information such as cost and a schedule will be on the way! Contact Luke if you have any questions!
Luke Grigsby, Director of Youth Ministries [email protected]
Youth News
York County CBA
First ARP is participating in the York County Christian Basketball League as a host church. Starting in January, we will be hosting basketball games of
Friday evenings and Saturdays. The Athletic Committee is looking for adult volunteers to serve as Site Managers for the Saturday games.
If you are interested in participating in this ministry please contact:
Barry Adickes ([email protected] // 803-370-1673) or Charles Robbins ([email protected] // 803-984-3624)
Friday,
December 13 12:00 p.m.
Heritage Hall at Westminster
Towers The annual HARPs Christmas luncheon will be held on Friday, December 13 at 12:00 noon at Westminster
Towers (same place as last year). Again this year, we will be treated to an elegant and tasty luncheon prepared by the chefs at The Towers. Cost for the luncheon is $18.50 which must be paid in advance when
making your reservation. The church office will receive your reservation and check or cash. Reservations must be made by December 6. The menu will be roasted chicken breast quarters or stuffed beef filet with
béarnaise, roasted fingerling potatoes, asparagus, green beans almandine, assorted rolls, and chocolate mousse for dessert. Music will be provided during lunch by Lois and Holland Majors and we’ll sing Christmas
carols after lunch.
HARPs Planning Meeting January 9, 2 p.m.
Faith Room Our HARPs Ministry is at a crossroads and we need to hear from you! If you aren’t aware, HARPs stands for ‘Happy ARPs’ and is a ministry for our members and friends who are in the over 55 age range. Quarterly luncheons catered by our First ARP chefs Ginger Smith or Erin McManus, followed by interesting programs with speakers from the local community, provide a time of fellowship and learning. Occasional outings and some overnight trips provide even more opportunities to get to know fellow church members.
At the end of this year, HARPs will need the following positions filled: chairperson. food preparation, program planning, and trip planning
This is an important ministry in our church, but we need more participation to keep it going. Won’t you consider helping? Please let Debbie Turner or Jeanie Alexander know if you are willing to fill one of the vacant positions or participate in a brain-storming session on January 9 at 2 pm in the Faith Room.
Please pray for our newly elected officers as they guide and serve our church.
Elders
Greg Harbin Robert Lesslie Cole McKinney
Ken Miller
Deacons
Barry Adickes Margaret Coxhead Susan Gardner Amber Graham Debi Hallman Dave Kulbok Jody Rankin
William Robbins Jeffrey Rutland Mitch Sanders Jan Stephenson Jim Townsend Alex Wilson
First ARP HARPs
Women’s Ministries
Retreat FEBRUARY 21-23, 2020
GREENVILLE, SC
• MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW • RESERVE YOUR TICKET AND
YOUR ROOM SOON
Friday night & Saturday morning:
Biblical Theology Workshop for Women
with Nancy Guthrie
Saturday afternoon-evening & Sunday morning:
Fellowship, Food, Fun, Worship, & Prayer
See the Women’s Ministries bulletin board in the
connector for more info!
Ladies’ Book Club
Ladies’ Book Club will meet Monday, December 16 at 6:00 p.m.
at the home of Ann Correll for Christmas dinner and discussion of
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.
Contact Connie Kiser for more information about Ladies’ Book Club. ([email protected])
Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen Thursday, November 21st was a beautiful day to be at Dorothy Day! A team
from First ARP served 95 guests! Volunteers were:
Debbie Bostic Carla Blumenfeld Susan Gardner Fran Hancock Rick London Linda Neely
Jeffrey Rutland Donna Ziegler
The team prepared sweet potato casseroles to accompany ham, green beans, rolls, and
dessert. The team is so excited to have new folks joining them in this meaningful service to our community.
This is a rewarding service that is filled with fellowship. Occasionally not all of the regular volunteers are available, and there is a great need for volunteers who could fill-in. Even if you are unable to be there the entire time (9:30-1:00) you could still be a great help to this team!
The next volunteer opportunity is Thursday, December 19.
Are you willing to help? For more information on serving
contact Susan Gardner: [email protected]
‘Disciples & Warriors’ Has Successful Second Class By: Mike Ridge
There were six men (age 76-21) who completed this mentoring/discipleship course on No-vember 17th. Congratulations to Gus Blumenfeld, Jeffery Rutland and Pastor Jon Oliphant, and additionally, Charles Olson and Kirk Lowe from Hill City Church. It was a special blessing to have Tim Kiser repeat the course after his initial class last Spring. These men represented 16 children. The brothers in Christ were challenged and equipped for 9 weeks to be God’s called men in their personal walk, marriages, fathering and in the workplace. All men at First Church and in the Christian community are invited to pray about this unique training opportunity and sign-ing up for this class next Fall of 2020.
Mike Ridge(704-616-2772) is the contact for any interest or questions.
Member Birthdays
Christian sympathy is extended to
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” -Matthew 5:4
1 Josh Ferguson
Bill Turner 2
Megan Madsen 4
Martha Poole Ragan Simpson
Miriam Forrester 5
Barry Poole 6
Chris Fischesser 7
Pressly Dozier 8
Gerald Talley
10 Sarah Harper
11 Matt Velkovich
12 Barbara Allan
Michele Harbin David Ledbetter
Mary Karen Meadows 14
Gail Helms 17
Ben Simpson Grier Gettys
18 John Barron
19 Betty Powell Sarah Slough Roddey Smith
20 Allyson Velkovich
21 Chuck Crawford
Averi Looper Ulmer Tom Simpson Ellen Smith
24 Rene Herlong
25 Chris Hogue
26 Katie Beth Tinker
27 Buist Eaves
28 Kathy Barron
29 Rebekah Allan Christi Gettys Emily Harper
Congratulations to
Mike & Elise Ludwig on the birth of their son
Otto Michael Ludwig November 13, 2019.
Proud grandparents are
Greg & Michele Harbin
Bill Vogel at the death of his brother
James Dana Vogel on October 29, 2019
Bill Cunningham and Beth Gault at the death of their father
McCleery Beall Cunningham on November 8, 2019
December Calendar of Events Sunday
9:00 a.m. Worship 10:00 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Worship
Wednesday (last meeting for the year is December 11)
Foundations for the Faith
5:30 p.m. Meal in Robinson Hall
6:15 p.m. Children’s Choir &
Youth Activities 6:30 p.m. Adult Study
7:15 p.m. Adult Choir Practice
Just Joy
every 4th Thursday*
6:30 p.m. Worship Service
geared toward special needs friends and families, but all are welcome to come and participate!
*special date in December... Sunday, December 22 @3 p.m.
Preschool
Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Contact Tiffany Dagenhart for more info on enrollment: 803-327-2009 or [email protected]
THURSDAY, December 12 • Circle No. 4
7:00 p.m. FRIDAY, December 13 • HARPs Christmas Luncheon
12:00 p.m., Westminster Towers SUNDAY, December 15 • Third Sunday in Advent • A Service of Lessons and Carols 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Worship MONDAY, December 16 • Ladies’ Book Club
6:00 p.m., @ home of Ann Correll • Session Meeting 7:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY, December 18 • Last Day of Preschool THURSDAY, December 19 • Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. SUNDAY, December 22 • Fourth Sunday in Advent • Just Joy Worship
3:00 p.m., Sanctuary • Youth Christmas Party & Caroling
3:00 p.m., meet at the church MONDAY, December 23 • Children’s Christmas Party
10:30 a.m. TUESDAY, December 24 • Candlelight Worship Service
5:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m. DECEMBER 25-26 • Church office closed SUNDAY, December 29 • Fifth Sunday: Single Worship Service 10:00 a.m.
SUNDAY, December 1 • First Sunday in Advent • Officer Training, Part II
4:00-7:00 p.m., Faith Room MONDAY, December 2 • Circle No. 3
7:00 p.m. TUESDAY, December 3 • Family Promise Planning Committee
6:30 p.m., Parlor WEDNESDAY, December 4 • Preschool Family Chapel
9:00 a.m. • Foundations for the Faith
THURSDAY, December 5 • Barry Dagenhart Prayer Team,
8:00 a.m. in Robinson Hall • Circle No. 2
10:00 a.m., Faith Room • Catawba Area Coalition for the
Homeless @ FARP, 11:30 a.m. • Circle No. 1
7:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, December 6 • ChristmasVille Community Prayer
Breakfast, beginning @ 7:00 a.m. SUNDAY, December 8 • Second Sunday in Advent • Family Promise Host Week begins • Women’s Ministries Christmas Tea
3:.30 p.m., Robinson Hall MONDAY, December 9 • Jeanie Alexander Vision Team
10:00 a.m. @ home of Jeanie Alexander TUESDAY, December 10 • Diaconate Meeting
6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, December 11 • Children’s Christmas Program @
Foundations for the Faith
Family Promise guests will arrive on Sunday, December 8. See the Family Promise whiteboard in the connector to volunteer for this important ministry!
Questions? Contact Eric or Nora Madsen ([email protected] or [email protected])
