Goodnews Monthly Newsletter of United Presbyterian Church | December 2017

12.1 Mission Sewing

Decorate the Sanctuary

12.2 Joy of Giving

12.10 Lessons & Carols

Parlour Tour

12.11 Theology on Tap

12.14 Thursday @ 2:

Hillary Lewis

12.17 Turkey Potluck Piano Concert

12.24 Christmas Eve

Worship 10AM&11PM

The national church recently collected the 3rd of the four special offerings, Peace

& Global Witness. Twenty-five percent stays with the congregations peace and

justice efforts. Twenty-five percent goes to mid council, Synods, that help

congregations with peace and justice issues. Fifty percent goes to the national

church to advocate for peacemaking and justice through collaborative projects of

education and Christian witness in our fractured world.

One story of impact comes from Columbia Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Ga.

They are converting guns- instruments sometimes used to inflict death- to tools

used to access life-giving water. They cite the ancient biblical vision of turning

swords into plowshares as their inspiration.

Congregation members and people from the community donated guns to the

project. They were taken to a local artistic blacksmith, who forged working rope

pumps with metal from the guns. The pumps are displayed around the

community to symbolize the congregation’s conviction that there are too many

guns in society and too few resources devoted to meeting human needs. The

rope pump display encourages people to donate toward the purchase of rope

pumps for villages in Malawi. Columbia’s pastor, Tom Hagood says, “If we can

prevent one death and help a village get potable water, it’s worth our efforts.

The final offering of the years is “Christmas Joy”. This offering provides financial

assistance to individuals and families who have dedicated their lives to the

church and supports leadership development and education for students

attending Presbyterian related schools.

This year our church is focusing its efforts on the “Joy of Giving” program that

supports our pre-school, a vital program of mission to the youngest in our midst.

JOY OF GIVING FUNDRAISER on DECEMBER 2nd, 10 am—2 pm

Presbyterian Special Offerings, This is How We COME TOGETHER By Nancy Hammond

Mark Your Calendar

“Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord.”

– Luke 2:11

Character Sketch of Tabitha (Dorcas)

Hands that Showed Love There are many ways to communicate love. Poets have filled volumes trying to find the perfect words. Preachers preach, teachers teach, prophets prophesy. And so love spreads, from person to person. But we are not all good with words. Many would be at a loss if it weren’t for their hands-hands to caress, hands to stroke, hands to wipe away tears, hands to scratch backs and massage feet-hands to work. Tabitha (Dorcas) used her hands to show her love. She made things. She loved the poor by sewing clothes for them. The Jewish faith emphasized caring for the poor and the widowed. The concept was not new. But Tabitha’s commitment was extraordinary. She was known throughout Joppa for her charity, and her untimely death stunned the Christian community there. They cherished Tabitha and did not want to let her go. So, in faith, they sent for Peter. Perhaps God would grant them a miracle. Mourners crowded the room where she lay ready for burial. Few could have guessed how many Tabitha had helped until they all gathered here. Each had a story to tell about the love she had shown. And tears filled every eye. Her life had great impact. Peter sent the mourners from the room, got on his knees and prayed, then simply told Tabitha to get up. She opened her eyes and sat up. Peter took her hand and helped her stand. Her hand. How fitting that the Lord used Tabitha’s hand as a conduit of his love for her. Peter “called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive” (Acts 9:41). The Lord was pleased with Tabitha. He used her life to showcase his love both through her and to her. Her good works had made Jesus known in Joppa-simply because she sewed. Now all Joppa quickly learned of the miracle of her return to life, and many believed in Christ because of it. Hands: the terminal parts of the human arms, used as grasping organs functional body parts. But God made them for loving. Our hands can be God’s saving instruments in the lives of others. Our hands can “preach good news to the poor…bind up the broken hearted…proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and …comfort all who mourn” (Isaiah 61:1-2)

Tabitha’s Society is a group of people with the mission of “fellowship with a purpose”. We work together to provide needed items for both local and global mission projects.

We meet once a month for approximately 3 hours. Sewing isn’t a required skill as there are other jobs that are useful to our group.

So far this year, Tabitha’s Society has completed and delivered

Locally:

151 Quilts, Receiving Blankets and Burp cloths to Fish 26 Heel Pillows to Evergreen Hospice 21 Breast Cancer Pillows to Project Her 33 Sheets to PCCCP

2

TABITHA’S SOCIETY Based off of Acts 9:36-42 By Lorraine Johnson

“I bring good news

to you—wonderful,

joyous news for all

people.” – Luke 2:10

Globally:

310 School Kit Bags to Mennonite Central Committee 351 Health Kit Bags and Washable Sanitary Garments to Uganda with Hope Ministries

We have completed and ready to deliver

37 Receiving Blankets 168 Burp Cloths 166 Health Kit Bags 233 Sanitary Undergarments 20 Infant Gowns The current mission project is to be completed in December. Hope Ministries will be going to Uganda in January 2018 There will be a conference where representatives will be coming from 30 villages which represents 30-60,000 peo-ple to have the word of God given to them. In Addition each time Hope Ministries visits Uganda they teach them a skill. Earlier this year it was making a stove that is very wood efficient. It was requested that this time they teach them how to make the sanitary undergarments for the fe-male population of their villages. We have Dec to obtain our goal. I am requesting help to put kits together for each village representative. We will be laying out patterns cutting and assembling the kits. Still Needed:

Packages of Hand Sewing Needles Thread- Any color. Good Quality 1 1/2 “ Safety Pins Gallon Freezer Zip Lock type bags 45m and 60m Rotary Cutting Blades We will be meeting December 1

st from 9-12.

TABITHA’S SOCIETY (continued from Page 2)

3

When I began my Doctor of Ministry degree a few years ago, I didn’t know where it would take me. All I knew was that after serving in pastoral ministry for several years, I needed to be strengthened, refreshed, and to grow as a pastor, preacher, teacher, and leader. Over the course of three years I have been able to explore, develop, and research aspects of ministry that are not merely beneficial to me, but also to the congregation. What has emerged over that period of time is an invitation to rediscover a central piece of the Christian faith: Sabbath. The gift of Sabbath is essential to our full humanity and faith. God spends more time developing the Sabbath commandment than any other, yet it is the one most ignored and violated. It is tempting to think that the challenges of time and busyness, our frantic lifestyles, and chronic inattentiveness to the presence of God are purely modern experience, but the Bible tells us that the stewardship of time and labor has always been difficult. God foresaw the depleted state humans are capable of reaching and established the Sabbath—a “sanctuary in time”—a place of communion with God. Most of the things we need to be most fully alive never come in busyness, but instead grow in rest. The true nature of Sabbath is a rhythm of grace and blessing—it is being aware that we are living in a world that we did not make and embracing a salvation we did not earn. Sabbath keeping is something we do because God knows it will make us whole, restore our spirits, and renew our lives. I have had a growing conviction that the biblical rhythm of creation, rest, liberation, peace, and delight could not be more important for today’s church. Do we always want to be busy, working on the next project or chore, running from one place to the next and missing a whole lot in between? Do we want to continue to be mired in various shades of fear and anxiety, or is there a better way for followers of Christ to show the value of humanity and community? What would happen to our lives, families, culture, and communities of faith if we took Sabbath seriously? How might individual and communal relationships with God, as informed and shaped by Sabbath, contribute to the overall health and vitality of the church? Perhaps God is inviting us to excavate the concept of Sabbath from simply an archaic and inconvenient idea, and instead embrace it as a life-giving, life-restoring gift we simply cannot afford to ignore. (continued)

Sabbath in an Age of Fear, Anxiety, and Conflict Pastor Brandon Lewis

(Sabbath in an Age of Fear, Anxiety and Conflict continued) You are Invited: As part of the “final project” for my Doctor of Ministry, but more importantly, as part of our continued growth as Christians, I would like to invite you to explore the gift of Sabbath. There will be several opportunities available to the congregation in the coming months to participate in the restoration of our relationship with God, family, our communities, and with our world: Through a rediscovery and deepening of our corporate worship Through intergenerational meal gatherings for the purpose of simply being together Through small group discussions and book study/practice groups, leadership training, and

committee work. What does a congregation look like that embodies the bedrock of our God given identity of Sabbath, and also sees it as reorienting our lives and ministry? Cease work, rest our bodies and minds, embrace God, and feast on God’s goodness – this is the journey Sabbath invites on, and I hope you will consider embarking on it with me. Peace, Pastor Brandon

Announcement

Theology on Tap with Brandon Lewis Deluxe Brewing (635 NE Water Ave) at 6:30pm

December 11: What is salvation? A minister, an atheist, and a few other people walk into a bar… The minister says, “Drinking is against God’s will for your life.” The atheist responds: “He forgot to tell that to Jesus.” The others say, “This sounds like a great conversation – can we join?” And so it begins…

Church Office Closed between Christmas & New Years The office will be closed between December 25th and January 1st. We will be back open for business on Tuesday, January 2nd.

Dinner & Nutcracker Friday, December 8. Meet at the church at 4:45 pm. Dinner at Izzy’s and on to the Nutcracker at LBCC. Michelle Rogers is dancing the part of Clara. Join your friends by riding the UPC bus. Tickets are available for $14 at LBCC and may sell out. Contact Pat Lockerby with any questions at 541-926-3116 or patlock@q.com.

Sign Up for Coffee Hour for 2018 in the Round Room We need your help hosting the coffee hour after worship at our church. It’s time to pick your dates for the New Year. Let’s work together to create a wonderful time of fellowship at our church. Contact Deacon Beth Johnson at 541-791-7718 or bethjohnson2382@gmail.com.

Christmas Parlour Tour Our church is on the Albany Christmas Parlour tour on Sunday, December 10th from 2:00 pm—7:00 pm. If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about this event, please contact Glenn Harrison at 541-926-4680 or gr.harrison@comcast.net. _____________________________

Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 17th at 10 am Join us in worship for a simple service of scripture and song. _____________________________

Christmas Piano Concert Sunday, December 17th at 6 pm You are invited to Jill Hickenlooper’s piano studio Christmas concert followed by a reception. Some of our youth are Jill’s students. This is always a wonderful time with a variety of music.

Sunday Greeters Needed Deacon Joanne Rea

2nd Sunday of each month: Parking Lot door. 2nd Sunday of each month: Broadalbin door. We also can use more substitute greeters to add to the list. For more information, please call: Deacon Joanne Rea 541-928-2594 Cell/text: 541-497-9700 This is a 1/2 hour job of enjoyable hugs and greeting our congregation!! _____________________________ Thank you for ordering poinsettias to support our school. Delivery to the church is scheduled for Thursday, November 30th. You can pick them up Thursday afternoon, Friday, or at the Joy of Giving event on Saturday, December 2nd between 10am&2pm.

Fellowship Notes

The Family of Shirley Ruckert Would like to extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the members of the church for the wonderful service celebrating our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and for the beautiful luncheon served afterward. We are so blessed.

Aging Family Support Group Meets weekly on Wednesday nights. New time: 6-7 pm.

Early Risers Meets on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month at Sweet Waters Restaurant in Albany. No host fellowship. To receive a reminder email, contact Bill Hulshof at hulshof@peak.org.

5-Week Advent Study on Tuesdays at 2 The good news of Jesus Christ is good news for all the world - even plants, animals, and the world itself. “ALL EARTH IS WAITING” by Katie Z. Dawson, invites you to explore the familiar Advent themes of hope, preparation, joy, and peace with the reconciliation of the heavens and earth in mind. The author calls us to consider how all creation longs for the coming of Christ, highlighting our responsibility to care for this earth in preparation for Christ’s return.

Come join us on Tuesdays at 2:00 pm in the Round Room for this exciting 5-week journey! We have two extra books available in the church office for $12 each.

Announcements

Musical Performances Schedule

Joy of Giving

Saturday, December 2nd

11 to 11:30 AM Alex Lancaster

11:30 AM to 12 Noon UPC Choir

12:00 Noon-12:30 PM Mike Rogers

12:30 PM to 1:00 PM Mary Jacq Burck

A big THANK YOU to everyone who have dropped off

donations. We are accepting donations through

Wednesday, November 29th. Baked Goods can be

brought on Friday, December 1st or the morning of the

event.

This event is for EVERYONE—not just people with

kids. As an adult, you are invited to participate in the

silent auction, purchase baked goods, lunch from a food

truck, shop the book fair and enjoy the special music

provided by some of your favorite musicians! Check out

the musical performance schedule below...

Shop the Barefoot Books

display. 20% of the proceeds

to benefit the Presbyterian

Child Care Center and Preschool

Library. Thank you!

JOY OF GIVING Activities: Fun for the Whole Family

Silent Auction/Raffle

Poinsettias for Sale

Pictures with Santa

Bounce House

Book Fair

Food for Purchase

Children’s Activities

Secret Santa Shopping (for children through age 12)

Baked Goods

Special Music

PCCCP has been providing quality child

care in the community since 1992. All

proceeds go toward supplying class-

rooms with updated material/

equipment, continuing education for

staff and scholarships.

Fellowship Notes Decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas!

Friday, December 1st

4:30-6:00 PM

Refreshments will be served

UPC Families and Friends are invited to join in decorating the Christmas tree in the Round Room with UPC

ornaments or bring a favorite ornament of your own! Share refreshments and joy in hanging garlands and

swags throughout the Church in preparation for Advent. Members of the Worship Committee will assist with

Christmas Memorials Honor or remember a loved one by donating to our Christmas Memorials. These funds will purchase

Christmas greens & worship supplies. Any additional funds will go towards Godly Play. Please return this

form by Tuesday, December 12, 2017. Indicate on the check your designation as a memorial. On Sunday,

December 17th and 24th, we will publish a list of donors and the people they are honoring. Thank you.

In Memory or Honor of

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

From __________________________________________________________________________________________________

THURSDAY AT 2: SPECIAL GUEST HILLARY LEWIS

December 14th at

2:00 PM in the

Round Room

You are invited to join

your friends for coffee,

tea & treats. Come

hear Hillary Lewis share

her faith story during a

fun time of fellowship.

The annual Socks and Underwear

drive for FISH is underway. Collection

boxes are located in the round room and

on the first floor in the elevator lobby

and will be there through the month of

December. For health reasons these

items need to be new.

4

Christmas Eve is on a Sunday, so note the

new service times this year: family-

oriented morning worship at 10 am and

traditional worship at 11 pm .

10 am & 11 pm

Worship Services

330 Fifth Avenue Southwest

Albany, Oregon 97321

www.upcalbany.org

Office Hours

Closed on Mondays

Tuesday—Friday

9am-Noon, 1:00-4:00 pm

Phone 541-926-5551

You are invited to

Christmas Eve Worship

at 10 am and 11 pm on Sunday,

December 24th, 2017.