December 2016

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In this fast-paced, electronic world of ours we expect and demand instant gratification. We hate to wait. Waiting, especially patient waiting, is not something we do well. And so we enter the season of Advent - the season of waiting. It can be an extremely radical time for our internal clocks. Instead of instant results and rapid fulfillment, we are called to yearn, to slow down and to "wait a minute."

We need Advent in our lives. We need this time of pregnant pausing to remind us of the "reason for the season." Instead of rushing around darting here and there at breakneck speed, stop and listen to the sounds of the season. Allow yourself to radically enter into this time seeking opportunities to find the quietness of Jesus' presence.

In these four weeks of Advent watch for Jesus. Watch for the Jesus who entered history in a Bethlehem barn two-thousand years ago, the Jesus who will come suddenly one day to bring history to a fearsome yet glorious end, and the Jesus who wants to enter anew into your life if you will only set aside times to be quiet and attentive.

I pray that you will see Jesus over these weeks, and His presence will fill you with joy, hope, love and peace. Come worship Him with us,

Rev. Kathy

Our Members: John & Maybelle Altland, Mabel Baer, Karen Bathgate, Eugene Bollinger, Mary Jo Bollinger, Barry Brown, Dale Danner, Chris DeGroft, Clara Eisenhart, Jeff & Kathy Flickinger, Allen Hoke, Betty Hoke, Bev Kiser, Pam Kiser, Helen Klinedinst, Grace Kraft, Carl Lauchman, Gladys Leese, Marie Luckabaugh, Anna Mae Mummert, Lois Nelson, Allison Orchowski, Pat Parks, Linda Pentz, Ruby Ruth, Norma Strausbaugh, Betty Thomas, Ruth Yohe. Friends of the congregation: Janet Betlyon, Nancy Cunningham, Johnny Davis, Steve Detwiler, Janet Eichelberger, Michelle Gemmill, B.J. Geiselman, Dane Hildebrand, Susan Howes, Janet Hulfeberg, Tony & Debbi Izzo, Hailey & Logan Kehoe, Sharon Krout, Carissa McComas, Carol Melhorn, Diane Moul, Caroline Mummert, James Mummert, Tyrone Riley, Kurt Riser, Lee & Betty Sands, Sandy Shultz, Russel Snyder, Donna Spinelli, Larry Sullivan, Shirley Thoman, Vicki Zanni. Our friends at home who we want to know are missed, yet are always in our hearts. The men and women proudly serving our country: Ethan Adams, Josh Barday, Phillip Hammond, Kody Lauchman, Joey Myers, Brandon Shepard, Drew Tiehel, Billy Waltersdorff, Shane Warner.

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DECEMBER IS ALMOST HERE! The Lischey's music makers are all busy working on Christmas music!

The Sanctuary Choir has a few Advent numbers they are also working on with the hopes that the congregation will receive the musical message into their hearts as it speaks of our preparation for receiving the Christ Child!

On Sunday morning, Dec. 4th, the youngest of our music makers, and perhaps the most energetic, will present their special program! There is a poor shepherd, Aaron, who is, of all things, allergic to sheep!! And it all starts off with the song, "Once Upon a Sneeze". To add to poor Aaron's problems, his boss, Mr. I.B. Lambchop wants to fire him because his sneezing makes the sheep nervous! Now don't you just wonder what happens to the poor little shepherd boy? Come on Dec. 4th and you will hear the rest of the story!

The Sanctuary Choir will be sharing their cantata, "He Shall be Called" on Sunday morning, Dec. 18th. For centuries prophets foretold his coming and Isaiah 9:6 declares, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. This musical offering honors and glorifies His Name and celebrates His glorious birth! Please plan to join us as we proclaim His great name in many forms!

The pre-service music on Christmas Eve will begin at 6:15 P.M. Any one interested in participating in special music please see me. I'm looking for soloists, duets, and instrumentalists, and any combination of such! It will be a beautiful, musical start to preparing our hearts for the service to welcome our Baby Jesus!

And last, and the very best, we will be singing, with great joy, Christmas Carols on Christmas morning!

Please plan to be with us for worship during the month of December as we prepare and celebrate Christ's birth!

Merry Christmas to my Christian family!

with God's Christmas Blessings,

Darlene

P.S. Nature report...this is a very current nature report! As I'm sitting at my desk writing this, Steve sent me a picture he just took from home! I could not believe my eyes! It is a picture of 2, not just 1, but 2 beautiful bald eagles sitting side by side in a tree below our house! AWESOME! It doesn't get any better than that except if I was there too! It is one of those "wish I was there” moments! But I have hope I will see them in real life soon! I might be sitting on the front porch, on my rocky chair, with my goose down jacket with a scarf and warm mittens waiting for a fly by of the bald eagles! Life is good with many blessings from God!

December Rehearsals December Special Music Sunday, December 4th, 18th Sunday, December 4th Children's Cantata 9:30 AM Joyful Singers Sunday, December 11th Sanctuary Choir Thursday, December 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd Sunday, December 18th Adult Christmas cantata 6:30 PM Chime Choir Sunday, December 25th All voices 7:00 PM Sanctuary Choir/Men's chorus

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Nov. 27

Sunday School 9:30 AM

1st Sunday in Advent Worship Service w/ communion

10:30 AM

Nov. 28

Cookie Baking

6:15 PM

Nov. 29

Soup Kitchen 8:00 AM

Nov. 30

Supper 6:00 PM

Book Study 7:00 PM

Dec. 1

Chime Choir 6:30 PM

Sanctuary Choir

7:00 PM

Dec. 2 Dec. 3

Dec. 4

Sunday School 9:30 AM

Joyful Singers 9:30 AM

2nd Sunday in Advent Worship Service

w/ children’s cantata 10:30 AM

Dec. 5

Cookie Baking

6:15 PM

7:00 PM

Dec. 6 Dec. 7

Supper 6:00 PM

Book Study 7:00 PM

Dec. 8 Dec. 9 Cookie/ Bazaar Set-up

Dec. 10

Christmas Cookie Extravaganza & Craft

Bazaar 8:00 AM

Dec. 11

Sunday School 9:30 AM

3rd Sunday in Advent Worship Service

10:30 AM Hoffman Home Offering

Dec. 12 Dec. 13 Dec. 14

Supper 6:00 PM

Book Study 7:00 PM

Dec. 15 Dec. 16 Dec. 17

Dec. 18 Sunday School

9:30 AM

Joyful Singers 9:30 AM

4th Sunday in Advent Worship Service w/ adult cantata

10:30 AM Veterans of the Cross Offering

Christmas Caroling

Dec. 19

Orchestra 6:30 PM

Dec. 20 Dec. 21

Supper 6:00 PM

Book Study 7:00 PM

Dec. 22 Dec. 23 Dec. 24

Dec. 25

No Sunday School

Christmas Worship 10:00 AM

Dec. 26 Dec. 27 Dec. 28 Dec.29 Dec. 30 Dec. 31

Christmas Eve Music 6:15 PM

Candlelight Service

7:00 PM

← ← ← Michele—vacation → → →

← ← ← Blaine & Diane—vacation → → →

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Thank you to our Volunteers!

Sunday, December 4

2nd Sunday in Advent

Sunday, December 11 3rd Sunday in

Advent

Saturday, December 24 Christmas Eve

Sunday, December 25 Christmas Day

Sunday, December 18 4th Sunday in

Advent

Ushers Kim DeGroft & Dave Wiker

Altar Guild Melisa Altland & Nancy Cherry

Lectionary

Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

Romans 15:4-13 Matthew 3:1-12

Isaiah 35:1-10 Luke 1:47-55 James 5:7-10

Matthew 11:2-11

Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96

Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-20

Isaiah 52:7-10 Psalm 98

Hebrews 1:1-12 John 1:1-14

Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25

Altar Flowers Linda Pentz Dee Hildebrand Jenell McKowen

Memorial Vase Anna Moul

Acolyte Joe Crisamore Mikayla Gebhart Ryan McKowen Austin Brown

Advent Wreath Pat Warner

Diane Myers Dick & Julie Myers

JoAnn Kirkwood

Tammy Ballard

Nancy King

Cindy Elicker

Worship Leader Dave Wiker Nancy Cherry Kim DeGroft Jenell McKOwen Don Carl

Lay Reader Nancy King Nancy Cherry Kim DeGroft Jenell McKowen Don Carl

Greeters Melisa Altland

Dee Hildebrand Joan Messinger Karen Bathgate

Melisa Altland Dee Hildebrand

Jim Messinger Steve Miner

Wendy Carl Jean Gross

Nursery

Children’s Portion

Julie White Julie White Rev. Kathy Melisa Altland

Special Music Children’s Cantata Sanctuary Choir All Choirs All Voices Adult Cantata

Money Counters Mondays @ 10 AM

Darlene Miner Lois Nelson Kim DeGroft

Bill Waltersdorff Betty Thomas Janet Brown

Carol Brown

Joanne Hoffman Jim Messinger

Tuesday, December 27 Elvin Myers Lois Nelson

Sandy Lehman

Jenell McKowen

Susan Howes

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There was a little miracle at St. Peter's Lischey's! One of our youngest, Sage, was eating at church on election day with Mommy and Daddy. As sometimes happens she had to use the restroom before she finished eating! When she returned her mommy mentioned we needed a stool for little people to step on so they could wash their hands! Now why was that great idea never thought of? Sometimes we just overlook the obvious! Someone told Sage that was a great idea and perhaps that man over there could help! She walked across the room and very politely and with a very well heard voice said, "excuse me"! She told the man that she needed a stool in the bathroom. He asked, "who is going to make that for you?" She said, and pointed her little finger at him, "you are"! It was so very cute. A very serious little girl addressing a potential friend from another generation without fear or intimidation! Of course he said he would see what he could do! Within the week a little stool appeared, and Sage and her friends were able to use it during Sunday School. Isn't that a perfect Christian lesson that those two shared? She ask for some help and a new friend was able to help her. I think it was the beginning of a very special friendship as little Sage has repeatedly thanked her new friend, Jim! A little example of Christian love that we all can learn from! Thank you, Sage, for asking, and thank You, Jim, for helping!

1. Thank you to the Ladies of Lischey's for raising money from the Election Day food sale! They sold $3200 worth of food.

2. Thank you to Mark Sullivan for making the beautiful wreath for the Veterans' Day service.

3. The Sock and Mitten tree will be up starting on November 27th. Donations will be delivered to the Harvest of Hope Pantry before Christmas.

4. A day of painting, crafts and fellowship is planned for November 28th, Buck Day. Come anytime after 9 AM.

5. The Advent Suppers and Book studies will be November 30 and December 7, 14 and 21.

6. Kleenex and Christmas cards for the Homewood projects are due by December 4th. Gift bags will be packed as part of the December 7th Advent service.

7. Our Christmas Day service will be at 10 AM.

8. Please note that the next Council meeting will be December 5th, the first Monday.

9. Council is working on next year's proposed budget.

10. We need 3 new people to serve on Council beginning next year. Please see the Pastor or a Council member to volunteer your service or with your questions.

11. A meeting to approve the 2017 proposed budget and to elect new Council members will be on January 8th.

12. A Pastor/Parish Relationship Committee has been formed and will meet on January 23rd at 7pm.

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WE HAVE A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY to share the love of Christ with those who call Homewood at Plum Creek "home." Working through the Activities' Department, we will be assembling Christmas packages for distribution to the folks who live in the Skilled-nursing and Memory Care units. We are looking for donations of "cube" boxes of tissues. We need to collect about 250 of them! This is a tall order, but when you imagine the smiles these simple packages will bring, I know you will want to participate. Your donations can be placed in the box in the over-flow room, but do hurry. We need them by December 4th. If you cannot get to the store, you are welcomed to make a financial contribution and we will purchase tissues for you. Merry Christmas!

WE WILL BE ONCE AGAIN GATHERING for Wednesday evening Advent Fellowship suppers beginning November 30th. A light meal will be served at 6:00 PM. Then at 7:00 PM we will discuss Advent from a different angle. The book "Not a Silent Night" by Adam Hamilton takes us on a journey exploring the meaning of Christmas through the lens of Mary, Jesus' mother. We will gather four Wednesdays in a row - November 30th, December 7th , 14th , & 21st. Everyone is invited - even if you didn't sign up. We will watch a video recapping the readings and share our ideas together. Come for one discussion, or all four; but do come! ...“I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way” — “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him." Mark 1:2b-3

THE WIMPS will not be meeting in December but we will be joining together again in the new year as we plan our upcoming events. We meet the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 P.M. Thanks for all that you have participated in over the last year. We are:

Women In Ministry, Praise, and Service! Merry Christmas!

THE LADIES OF LISCHEY'S will deliver their Poinsettias on Tuesday, December 13, 2016. The flowers will be at the church by 9:00 AM for pick-up. Help is needed to deliver to our shut-ins, sick and over 80 members. Approximately 40 visits need to be made. Delivery can be done according to your schedule. Please let Lois Nelson know if you will help.

Advent Book Study

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DON'T FORGET THE ANNUAL "Christmas Cookie Extravaganza and Craft Bazaar" on Saturday, December 10th, beginning at 8:00 A.M. It will be a wonderland of thousands of cookies to stroll through for your selection! What an easy way to impress your friends at Christmas gatherings or to give as a sweet gift! Also available will be coconut cake (whole or half) and pumpkin cake rolls. When you have completed your "easy baking", stroll upstairs to see all the new quality crafts that will be for sale! You can complete your Christmas shopping list with one stop shopping! Be sure to tell your family and friends!

4 Jonathan Neiderer

5 Grace Kraft*

7 Donald Senft

9 Brandon Hubley

10 Jean Gross

12 Diane Breeden

13 Ruth Senft*

14 Judy Minik

16 Crystal Breeden

17 Tom Waltersdorff

20 Carl Lauchman*

22 Treva Leese*

25 Ken Brown, Sr.

27 Jim Messinger

28 Bob Behm

30 Pat McKowen

31 Jeffrey Myers

** designates married 50 years or more

Russ & Cathy Bolden December 2, 1979

Terry & Jill Neiderer December 15, 1984

Carl & Pat Lauchman** December 24, 1952

Ken & Janet Brown December 29, 1973

Chris & Julie White December 29, 2007

* designates 80 and over

CHRISTMAS CAROLING: Sunday, December 18th. We will stay after church to enjoy a lunch together (provided) and coordinate groups. After we eat, we will then go caroling to our Friends at Home. As always, the more people we have, the better! All are welcome, regardless of singing ability! Our Friends at Home enjoy the company and love to celebrate Christmas!

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Sundays

Sunday School 9:30 AM

Worship Service 10:30 AM

St. Peter’s Lischey’s United Church of Christ 5671 Lischeys Church Rd. Spring Grove, PA 17362

If you are spiritually weary and in search of rest,

If you are mourning and you long for comfort;

If you are struggling and you desire victory;

If you recognize that you are a sinner and need a Savior -

God welcomes you here in the name of Christ.

To the stranger in need of fellowship,

to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

And to whoever will come -