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The Light of
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of
God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
The Lens & Mirror
What a month it has been for the Franklin family. For 7 months we
prayed, planned, and waited with hope and expectation for the arrival of our
twins. Levi and Deacon entered this world on November 1st. Our hearts are full of
joy, even though Laura and I feel like we could fall asleep at any moment standing
up. From the moment we knew Laura was pregnant to the moment we found out
we were having twins, we have been overwhelmed with expectation and joy.
What an amazing image for us as we enter the season of Advent as we wait with
expectation and joy for the coming king.
The word Advent derives from Latin and actually means “coming.” It is no
wonder the church adapted this season over the years to include the celebration
of the “coming” of Christ. Advent is a special season in the church where we not
only celebrate that the Father sent the Son, but also preparation for the
fulfilment of the promise that the Son is coming again. Do we carry with us the
joy of anticipation as we wait upon the Lord? Or have we gotten so caught up in
the distractions of the season that we’ve forgotten to look forward with hope and
joy?
The beautiful message of the gospel is that “God made him who had no
sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
This is what Advent is all about. The Father sent the Son, born in a manger, that
we might share in his blessings. Advent is a perfect picture of the world we live in
as Christians, already but not yet. Christ has already come and he’s coming again.
This season, as we lead up to Christmas, let us live with joyful expectation of the
coming King.
In Christ,
Pastor Steve
Meridian
Meridian Presbyterian Church
4150 Highland Ave. Butler, PA 16001
724.482.2630 www.meridianpres.org
Pastor Rev. Dr. Stephen Franklin
Secretary
Jean Garrett
Treasurer
Honey Royer
Media Director, Interim Youth Dir.
Laura Franklin
Choir Director
Vicki Georgic
Musician
Debbe Picerno
Custodian
Rob Murtha
Meridian Presbyterian Church
4150 Highland Ave. Butler, PA 16001
724.482.2630 www.meridianpres.org
Pastor Rev. Dr. Stephen Franklin
Dir. of Youth & Family Min.
Mike Barton
Secretary
Jean Garrett
Treasurer
Honey Royer
Media Director
Laura Franklin
Choir Director
Vicki Georgic
Musician
Debbe Picerno
Custodian
Rob Murtha
Nursery Coordinator
Sarah Murtha
November 2018
THE LIGHT OF
MERIDIAN THE LIGHT OF
MERIDIAN
THE LIGHT OF
MERIDIAN December, 2018
The Lens & Mirror
Sunday Morning Services
December
Advent
Series: Promises Made
December 2, 2018 “Hope is Alive”
Focus Passage: Isaiah 7:10-14
Secondary Passage: Mark 1:1-3
Synopsis: Advent begins with the promise of a sign. For
a people lost in hopelessness, the promise of a savior of-
fers hope. In a season of chaos, may we be reminded that
hope is alive in the promise that has already been fulfilled
and the one that is yet to come.
December 9, 2018
“He Will be Our Peace”
Focus Passage: Micah 5:2-5a
Secondary Passage: Luke 1:26-33
Synopsis: The promise of a savior comes with the prom-
ise of peace. The savior will be a shepherd and lead his
people with strength. If we live in the presence of Jesus,
we have the promise of one who will lead us, guide us,
and protect us. This doesn’t mean danger isn’t lurking
around the corner, but it does mean we can have peace in
the midst of it.
December 16, 2018
“Sing for Joy”
Focus Passage: Isaiah 35:1-6
Secondary Passage: John 1:1-5
Synopsis: Even in the midst of the battle we are given a
promise, “Your God will come to save you.” When we
realize that Jesus is that savior, we cannot help but re-
spond and sing with joy — “The lame will leap and the
mute will shout for joy!”
December 23, 2018
“In His Love”
Focus Passage: Zephaniah 3:14-20
Secondary Passage: Matthew 1:18-24
Synopsis: It is through grace that God sends us his love
and takes away our punishment. It is through love that we
will no longer feel rejected, shame, or rebuke but that we
will rejoice with singing. We’ve been given a promise,
“He shall be called Immanuel, which means God with
us.”
December 24, 2018 Christmas Eve
“And He Will be Called”
Focus Passage: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
Synopsis: Names matter, they give us a sense of iden-
tity and tell people who we are. Even in a culture that
is increasingly rejecting titles, they matter as well.
Titles designate what you can do. Being a doctor
means you’re give the responsibility that comes with
the title. Jesus has a title as well, “And he will be
called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting
Father, and Prince of Peace.”
December 30, 2018 “The Candle Still Burns”
Focus Passage: John 1:9-18
Secondary Passage: Isaiah 60:1-5
Synopsis: As the season of Christmas continues, we
are reminded that the light of the world does not burn
out after Christmas day. Jesus comes, the true light,
offering light to all. Christmas is a reminder that we
have a responsibility to bear the light of Christ to the
world. The candles of Christmas still burn — may we
as well.
A Note of Thanks….
“I wanted to express our appreciation for the Trunk or Treat event on October 20th. It was the first year our family at-tended, and we were impressed with the level of hospitality and generosity of eve-ryone we met. It was a fun evening for all.
Thank you!
Katie Koehler
November, was a lot of fun! It was the first month
that I truly got to hang out with the youth group and
get to know them! We had an Operation Christmas
Child shopping day after church on Nov. 11th and a
Cosmic Bowling event FINALLY on Nov. 30th.
Due to the wonderful ice storm and electrical issues our cosmic bowling night got postponed.
We will provide pictures from both the bowling and Christmas event in the NEW YEAR!
It has been a blessing getting to know the children, youth, and families of Meridian! I look
forward to the fun events and great ways we can serve together in 2019!!!
Thursday Dec. 20th, 6:30 PM
5th grade - 12th grade!
Join us here at Meridian in the
large youth room for an ugly
Christmas sweater contest,
White Elephant gift exchange,
good food and FUN!
Did you know that Meridian Presbyterian has several thriving small group ministries? If not you may find the
list of groups below a good guide to a whole new level of ministry in our church. There are groups for people of
all kinds and backgrounds. If you have any questions or would like to join one of these groups and would like
more information, please contact Mike Barton in the church office OR you may contact the leaders of these
groups. Please make sure you contact them before you stop in to a meeting just in case the schedule has
changed over the holiday season. We welcome you to join and seek God’s message at any one of these groups.
Sunday: Sunday morning there are two small group Bible studies that meet at 9:45 AM.
Dave and Sue Freund leas a Bible Study open for anyone and they use the Gospel Project curriculum
that we use for our Sunday school program.
Joan Martsolf leads a Bible Study in Room 15. They use the Gospel Project.
Monday:
Mike Sanderson and Jerry Dambaugh lead a Men’s Bible Study every other week @ 6:30 PM
They are currently working on the Book of Genesis. They meet in room 15 on the basement level.
Tuesday:
Charlotte Smedley leads a women’s Bible study weekly at her home at 3:00 PM. They are currently working on
Max Lucado’s “Because of Christmas” through the advent and Christmas season.
Wednesdays:
On the first and third Wednesday of each month there is a new women’s discipleship/ Bible study group
meeting at 6:00 PM. They will also be studying Max Lucado’s “Because of Christmas” through the advent
and Christmas Season. They meet in Parker Hall on the basement level. This is a new group that start-
ed November 14th. Harriet Sanderson is leading this group.
On the second and fourth Wednesday of each month there is a new young adult’s discipleship/ Bible study
group meeting at 6:30 PM. They will be doing an advent and Christmas themed study to begin. This
group is led by Michael Barton
Small Groups, Bible Studies, and Discipleship Groups
Christmas Eve Service
Join us for our annual Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve at
7:30 PM. We will journey through the story of Christ’s arrival
through singing and Bible reading.
FROM THE FRANKLINS
We have been completely overwhelmed by the love and generosity of our church
during this season of our lives and pastor appreciation month. Thank you for your
prayer, cards, gifts, meals, and most importantly your love. We are grateful to be
a part of this congregation. You truly embody what it means to be a community of
Christ.
Thank you for Operation Christmas Child
boxes. There were over 55 boxes filled as
well as some monetary donations. Your
generosity is appreciated!
SAVE THE DATE—for Family
Bowling Night at Meridian
Lanes on New Year’s Eve from
6—8 PM
November Celebrations Happy Birthday
12/1 Kristen Kwiatkowski Melissa Olen 12/2 Elaine Angert Beryl Gilliland Alice Olivia Hibbs 12/3 Ben Lyons Chad Moore Emily Wickline 12/5 Kevin Hilliard Misty Wrighter 12/6 Susie Woller 12/8 Jon Palmiero Alek Smith 12/9 Lori Smith 12/10 Presley Cihonski 12/11 Annie Woller 12/12 Mike Dickey Bob Wells 12/13 Derek Kaufman 12/15 Heather Rozic Clayton J. Rudolph 12/16 Cindy Clark Bill Neely 12/17 Bill Rape 12/19 Zachary Longdon 12/20 Donna Esper Carter James Preston 12/21 Irene Fair Wayne Myers 12/27 Nancy McCombs Donna Grimm 12/29 Anthony Foringer 12/30 Marie Baseshore
Happy Anniversary
12/10 Eric & Missy Shiever 12/13 Danny & Haley Holtgraver 12/14 Christopher & Jennifer McKain If your birthday or anniversary is missing or incorrect, please call the office (724-482-2630) so it can it can be corrected. Thank you!
Notes from the Session
The Session was off for the month of
November and will return to normal
activity in December.
Thank you for your participation in the
congregational meeting.
New officers for 2019 will be listed in the
January issue of the newsletter.
Thank you to those who served in 2018.
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2 9:45 AM
Sunday School
11 AM Worship
3 4 12 PM Bible
Study 1 PM
Quilting
6:30 PM Dea-
cons/Trustees
5 6 6 PM Bells
7 PM Choir
7 8
9 9:45 AM Sun-
day School
11 AM Worship
Christmas
Dinner 5:45
10
Men’s Study
6:30 PM
11 12 PM
Bible Study
1 PM Quilting
12 13
6 PM Bells
7 PM Choir
14 15
16 9:45 AM
Sunday School
11 AM Worship
17 18 12 PM
Bible Study
1 PM Quilting
19 20 6 PM Bells
7 PM Choir
21 22
23 9:45 AM
Sunday School
11 AM Worship
24
Christmas
Eve Worship
7:30 PM
25
26 27 28 29
30 9:45 AM
Sunday School
11 AM Worship
31
December 2018
Meridian Presbyterian Church 4150 Highland Avenue Butler, PA 16001
Please join us for the
Christmas Dinner on
Sunday, December 9th at
5:45 PM (sign-up is requested).
Following the dinner, Circle of
Friends will hold a concert in the
Sanctuary at 7 PM.
An offering will be taken at the
dinner to benefit The Lighthouse.
