All Saints SundayDear friends, The first Sunday of November is All Saints Day. On this Sunday, we rejoice in all who have faithfully served Jesus Christ. We acknowledge our kindship with these servants, and we are encouraged by their work and witness. A companion to our Book of Common Worship describes the day this way: “It is a time to express our gratitude for all who in ages of darkness kept the faith, for those who have taken the gospel to the ends of the earth, for prophetic voices who have called the church to be faithful in life and service, for all who have witnessed to God’s justice and peace in every nation.” The commemoration of this day feels especially relevant this year. We traditionally name the saints who have preceded us in death in the past year and ring a bell. It has been difficult for the church to provide encouragement the way we usually do. Funeral services have been small, private, mostly limited to gravesides. The deacons have been unable to provide receptions for grieving families. Comforting one another in times of grief and bereavement is a hallmark of the church’s work. On this All Saints’ Day, may we be encouraged by the work and witness of the saints, may we rejoice in the lives of those who have passed away this year, and may we continue to trust in the hope and grace of Jesus Christ. Warmly, Michael Mission NotesUpdate from Mission CommitteeThe congregation has donated over 300 blankets for families who are experiencing homelessness. We have provided $900 to Highview School for STEAM programming for the remainder of the year. We have recently received a $30,000 estate gift for the purposes of supporting an initiative for something like providing clean water, medical training for under-served populations, or affordable housing. Christmas BasketsFirst Presbyterian Church is providing Christmas Baskets for 30 families through the Salvation Army. If you would like to sign up to provide toys for one of the baskets, please call the church office or e-mail sandy@fpcmiddletown.com. Blood DriveThe American Red Cross recently reported there being a reduction of 800,000 blood donations. We are working to schedule a drive on Tuesday, December 1, from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Help us confirm this date by calling the church office or e-mail sandy@fpcmiddletown.com to note you interest in donating. Christian Education NotesPreparing the Table for AdventWe have goodies and devotional resources to help each household prepare a table for Advent! Gift bags will be available mid-November for pick up on Sunday mornings. We want to share these resources broadly, so please consider also picking one up for a neighbor, friend, or relative. We will also be making some porch deliveries to those who remain physically isolated, contact Lisa if you need a delivery or if you are willing to help with deliveries! Online Gatherings, all are welcome!Join us on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom. In honor of the Java Johnny Knitters, we gather weekly via Zoom to share a time of fellowship and creativity. On Sunday, November 15, at 1:00 p.m. join us for a time of casual fellowship via Zoom. We will also give a sneak peek of our Advent Table devotional resources. Tuesday Morning Bible StudyTuesday morning Bible Study will be focusing on 1 Thessalonians this November. This letter is the first book of the New Testament to be written, and it is considered a letter of encouragement, which is something we all probably need right now. If you are not already a “regular” and would like to join the discussion, please e-mail Michael or call the office. Worship NotesUpcoming WorshipWe are currently following the Revised Common Lectionary in worship. Here are the weekly readings for November. We’ll focus on the Gospel readings from Matthew 25. November 1 - All Saints Sunday - Communion - I Thessalonians 4:13-18 - Music led by Fay Smillie November 8 - Joshua 24:1-3, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, Matthew 25:1-13 - Music led by Handbells November 15 - Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 - Music led by Tina Newlin November 22 - Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 95:1-7, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 - Music led by violinist Tom Sobieski November 29 - Advent Begins - Communion Music led by Julie Ramsey
Worship through Music"Worship Through Music" is a video series being created by our Music Ministry Team. These periodic videos sharing the gifts if music from our congregation are for your aid in worshiping God during this challenging time. May you find some joy, some inspiration, or be lifted up in some way by the gifts of music we joyfully give. Listen here: https://youtu.be/va6ZtM_DxG8 Christmas ScheduleHere is our anticipated schedule for special Advent and Christmas services. November 29: First Sunday of Advent & Communion December 13: Festival of Christmas Music in Worship December 20: First Presbyterian Church will be leading the Mt. Pleasant Chapel Service at 4:00 on closed circuit TV at Mt. Pleasant December 24: Christmas Eve 7:00 with communion and light
In MemoriamWe give thanks to God for the life of…Odds and EndsNew MembersPlease welcome Bill and Sharon Roggenkamp to First Presbyterian Church. They transferred their membership from First Presbyterian Church in Georgetown, KY. If you are interested in joining, we would love to have you attend our next Session meeting. StewardshipOur stewardship theme this year is “Hope Grows Here.” An estimated giving card should have been mailed to you. Also, feel free to share your commitment on our online card: http://www.fpcmiddletown.com/hopegrowshere Online GivingOnline giving is available through the Presbyterian Foundation. Click the button below to give. If you are a regular giver, please consider offsetting the 2% fee for online giving. Contributions can also be sent to First Presbyterian Church, 2910 Central Ave., Middletown OH 45044.
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