Weekly Update
Your Weekly Update
Advent Sermon Series
The Music and Message of Christmas
This year we will be letting some favorite songs of Christmas guide our advent journey. Each week, we will use a song that highlights a particular part of the Christmas story and tie it to the part of the Bible that inspired the music. Hopefully, not only will it mean you get to hear and sing your favorite Christmas Hymn, we also get to learn something from the scene it describes. Hope you can join us as we begin our path toward the manger.
Dec. 16th – A Christmas you didn’t expect – “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
Dec 23rd – Everyone’s Invited – “Angels we have heard on High”
Dec 24th – What happens when Christmas arrives? – “Silent Night”
Please join us on Wednesday, December 12th at 4pm,
for our Annual Hanging of the Greens.
Daily Audio Bible Class
If you’re thinking about making some New Year’s Resolutions and you’ve always wanted to read through the bible from Genesis to Revelations, the Daily Audio Bible may be of interest to you. This is in a program application available on your smart phone, I Pad or computer whereby you can either just listen, or read and listen to daily. Each day, a short passage from the old testament, the new testament, a few verses from Psalms and Proverbs are broadcasted from the rolling hills of Nashville, Tennessee by Brian Harding. One year, 365 days through the bible.
To learn more about this opportunity, a 30 minute session led by Dan and Lori Vicker will be held this Wednesday evening, Dec. 12th during Recharge explaining and/or helping you set up your phone with the DAB . The class will be held in the education room adjacent to the fellowship hall. (The application is free.) All interested are invited to attend.
Attn: Women
Any Women available to pack goodie boxes for our local concerns please meet in Fellowship Hall on Friday, December 14th at 9am. Many hands make light work.
Congregational Life trip to Algona
The Congregational Life Committee would like to invite you to visit the Algona P.O.W. museum and nativity Saturday, December 15th. We will leave the church parking lot at 2pm. We should arrive at the museum about 3:30. After about an hour at the museum we will go and see the nativity scene constructed by the German P.O.W.’s while they were held at Camp Algona during WWII. Viewing of the nativity scene will be followed by dinner and fellowship at a nice restaurant in Algona. Each person will pay for their own dinner and admission to the museum is $3 per person. Please RSVP in the church office or to tonyjill.jennings@gmail.com so we can let the restaurant know how many to expect.
FIN (Families In Need)
Our high school Sunday school class is putting together a project called F.I.N. (aka Families In Need). This project is aiming to put together baskets of goodies, gifts, and other items for about ten families in need in this community. The baskets will be dropped off anonymously to each family before Christmas.
Each family is one that the high school students know through school, so each family has at least one high school age child. Therefore, gifts cards to stores, the movies, Starbucks, Jimmy Johns, Casey’s etc. are a great idea. Some fun clothing or accessory items like nail polish would also be great. Games would always be a fun choice as well.
Some families also do have younger children, so if you want to buy some smaller toys those would be appreciated. There is a box in the Narthex where these gifts will be collected.
Since these baskets are for Christmas, we thought including some seasonal baked goods would be special, so if you enjoy baking, there will be a special drop off day for you to bring those donations. And, if you would like to donate money to F.I.N, just drop it off to Cheri in the church office. Checks can be made out to First Presbyterian Church. All the money will be used by the high school Sunday school class to buy additional items for the baskets.
Just a reminder, December 16th (this next Sunday) is the last day we are taking donations for FIN. Also, the baked goods need to be dropped off that day sometime between the start of the first service and 12:30pm. They can go back to the kitchen.
Below is a Sign-Up Genius sign-up for people willing to bring baked goods.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0a4faaad2caafc1-baked
Youth Christmas Program
The Christmas program featuring students from PreK-8th grade will be held during the second worship service (at 11:15am) on December 16th. The Christmas celebration will be held throughout the entire service of worship and will feature the full Adult Chancel Choir, student led music and much more. We sincerely hope that you and your family will join us for this Christmas celebration!
Parents of Sunday School children are invited to bring their children to Youth Christmas Program practice during Recharge on the next two Wednesdays, December 5 & 12.
Congregational Life is hosting a hot chocolate, apple cider, and Christmas goodie fellowship on December 16th. We will be hosting our congregation and the family and friends of our youth as they rehearse their Christmas Program for the 11:15 service. We would love your help with some supplies for that fellowship time. Thank you in advance for signing up and getting your items to the church kitchen by 8:30 AM, Sunday, December 16th. Sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E4EA9AC2AA3FB6-christmas1
Christmas Goodies Await You!
Congregational Life invites you to a Christmas Fellowship, Sunday, December 16th at 10 between services. Enjoy a Hot Chocolate Bar, Apple Cider, Christmas Goodies, music and of course, coffee! This fellowship will be while the youth are preparing to bring us their Christmas message at the 11:15 a.m. service. Thanks for joining us!
Progressive Nativity
You and your family are invited to experience the story of the Nativity in a new way. Start by driving to Calvary Methodist Church in Arnolds Park and then make your way through 3 other churches including FPC and experience scenes from the story of Advent. The Nativity will include inter-active story-telling and songs from local congregations. Please join us for the Progressive Nativity December 16th, 5-6:30pm. At the final stop, Grace Lutheran Church and First Presbyterian Church will host hot chocolate, apple cider and holiday goodies.
Our congregation is assisting Grace Lutheran as they host a hot chocolate, apple cider and Christmas goodie fellowship at the final stop of the Progressive Nativity this coming Sunday evening (December 16th).
We are looking for Christmas cookies or bars to help in hosting this event. Please have them to our church kitchen by 11 a.m. Sunday, December 16th. Thank you in advance for signing up to bring some treats here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E4EA9AC2AA3FB6-progressive
Christmas Caroling
The congregation will be sharing Christmas carols with shut ins and community members on December 19th starting at 6:00pm. All students and families are invited to join us for our pizza dinner starting at 5:30pm and join us as we share Christmas favorites with others!
High School Christmas Party
This year’s High School Christmas Party will be held on December 19th starting at 7:00pm. Join us for the annual gingerbread house competition, a white elephant exchange ($10 maximum), Christmas music, Christmas goodies, and Christmas related games. It will be a night full of fun and fellowship, we look forward to seeing you there!
Sound, Audio & Video Volunteers
If you are interested in learning more about our new system or are currently volunteering, please contact Tom Ditsworth at 336-1649 or tom@fpcspiritlake.org for information on upcoming training sessions on the new system.
Advent Poinsettias
This year we will be supporting the Cherish Center as our Mission Project. If you are willing to share a poinsettia with us and donate to the Cherish Center, the cost is $15. For a poinsettia only $11.75. Please contact Cheri in the office at 336-1649 and let her know if this poinsettia is in memory of, or honoring someone.
Attention Sewers:
The children’s and lap quilts are now in the fellowship hall and ready for completion. Please take them home and complete one or as many as you like. These quilts have been given in the past to CAASA, Dickinson County Public Health for the “New Moms” program, Lakes Regional Healthcare for the new babies, Gentiva Hospice and Hilltop Care Center. Your help with this project provides warmth to many members of our community and beyond.
Reforming (2nd) Service Ushers/Greeters Needed
We are in need of Ushers/Greeters for our 2nd Service. Responsibilities include distributing bulletins and greeting worshippers at the center sanctuary doors as well as taking a head count of worshippers (including praise and worship team and those in the nursery. A sign-up sheet is located in the narthex. Sign up for one week or whatever works with your schedule.
PW Sewing (Quilting)
Beginning January 7th, the PW Sewers are trying something new. We will meet once a month on the 1st Monday of the month from 9am – 4pm. If you are able to come all or part of that time, we would love to have you join us. We are also going to have a potluck lunch where you would bring a dish to share such as sandwiches, soup, salad, dessert. If you have any questions, please contact Vernice Wahl. Hope to see you there!
Ladies….of all ages:
Coffee break time every Thursday morning, 8:30 AM is at Lakes Regional Healthcare Coffee Shop. No agenda, just get together with friends and a little chit chat.
Questions: Call Lori Vicker at 515-249-6684.
Recharge is a multi-generational gathering of families, youth, and adults. All church members and guests are invited to participate in the weekly evening of rejuvenation, including a family style meal, educational programming, and fellowship. A schedule of activities and semester pricing are both listed below. We look forward to seeing you and your family!
Wednesday, December 12th
Meal: Chicken & Biscuits
Meal Crew: Pat Thomson, Jane Loveall, & Marcia Eckerman
Adult Ed Classes:
Women’s Bible Study – Rachelle Gewecke
With All Your Heart – Ray Miller
Major Religions – Pastor Clint
- Brent Kasson recovering from surgery.
- Heidi Brittain hospitalized with health issues.
- Jeri Lowry admitted to LRH Hospice.
- Jay Anderson recovering at home.
- Laurie Phillips recovering at home.
- Donna Rieck recovering from knee surgery.
- Ida Estes has moved to Bee Hive Homes, Room 8, 6330 Hazeltine Blvd, Excelsior, MN 55331
- Kathy Nygaard admitted to hospice care.
- Bill Cramer receiving cancer treatments.
- Scott & Elaine Greer recovering from kidney transplant.
- Pat Lamoureux dealing with cancer.
- Marcia Hill continued recovery.
- Connie Rohlk rehabbing a broken kneecap at Longhouse Care Center, Spencer.
- Sherry Fuhrman recovering from injuries.
- Keith Swancutt recovering from angioplasty.
- Bev Quail starting cancer treatment.
- Gary Hansen dealing with medical issues.
- Gloria Ditsworth recovering from knee surgery.
- Beth Primavera recovering from knee surgery.
- Jim Ellingson waiting for a kidney.
- Gilbert (friends of the Klosters) receiving hospice care.
- Pauly Eaton recovering from a fall.
- Jack Burrell recovering from knee surgery.
- Macy Jennings fighting lymes disease plus, four co-infections..
- Gary Eaton diagnosed with cancer.
- Dorothy Fiala hospitalized with health issues.
- Patti Meyer diagnosed with alzheimers.
- Marj Roseberry dealing with health issues.
- Marty Jenkins treating an infection.
Loved ones are kept on our prayer list for one month, unless otherwise requested.
Upcoming Meetings:
December 12th
- Hanging of the Greens – 4pm
- Weekly Prayer – 4:45pm
- Recharge – 5:30pm
- Adult Handbell Choir practice – 7pm
- HS Youth Group – 7:15pm
- Chancel Choir practice – 8pm
December 13th
- Men’s Bible Study – 9am
- ACT II – 11:53am
- PW Christmas Luncheon – 12:30pm
- ILCC Holiday Handbell Concert – 7:30pm
December 16th
- Reformed Worship Service – 8:50am
- Coffee and fellowship – 10am
- Sunday School – 10:15am
- Confirmation – 10:15am
- Adult Ed – 10:30am
- Reforming Worship Service – 11:15am
- Youth Christmas Program
- Progressive Nativity
December 17th
- No PW Sewing
- Stewardship Committee Meeting – 5:15pm
December 18th
- Women’s Bible Study – 1:30pm
- Session Meeting – 7pm
Reformed Worship Service ~ 8:50am
December 16th
Pianist – Arla Stover
Liturgist – Erin Davelaar
Ushers – Ron Niebruegge, Gene Ringsdorf, Bob Peterson & Doug Johnson
Greeters – Warren & Barb Jager
Video Taping – Milt Nolting
Soundbooth – Jackie Jenkins, Mike Reekers & Pat Butler
Nursery – Amy Webber
Coffee & Treats – Ron Jenkins, Dan & Peg VanBeek
Reforming Worship Service ~ 11:15am
December 16th
Nursery: Milly & Claire Tillotson
Sound/PowerPoint: Sill family
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First Presbyterian Church · 3501 Hill Ave · Spirit Lake, IA 51360 · USA
