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Vol. CXLVII, No. 176 January, 2020

The McConnellsburg United Presbyterian Church

Office: 485-4400

email: office@ λ web page:

Dear flock,

Happy Advent! Christmas is upon us – in all of its bright lights, wrapped boxes, and sugary sweets. One of my favorite parts of Advent is setting up the Christmas tree and covering it in a unique blend of ornaments. Our tradition growing up was to decorate the tree the day after Thanksgiving. We always had a fake tree, so while we were still digesting Thanksgiving dinner, we would climb in the attic to retrieve the tree, ornament boxes, light strands, and a collection of Christmas books. It was one of the best days of the year in our house. I loved rediscovering each ornament and picking a special place on the tree just for that one. One of the traditions we had was to place each angel up on the top of the tree. In total, we had about seven different angels resting beneath the same popsicle stick star on top.

When it came to decorating the tree, each year was a little different. Before my sister was born, it was just me and my parents who hung the ornaments. After she joined our family, we would do it all together. Then, as we got older, we would take turns. At some point I think it turned into more of a chore than a joy to decorate the tree. Sometimes my sister or I would be too busy to help, running from one activity to another. Sometimes we waited nearly two weeks after Thanksgiving to finally get the tree up. But no matter when or how the tree got set up, those angels always found their way to the top of the tree. No matter how life seemed to push us around in the busy month, those angels found their way to the top of tree. And no matter how lacking in Christmas spirit we were, those angels found their way to the top of the tree.

The angels who proclaim Christ’s birth are just the same. No matter how or when we acknowledge the coming birth of our Savior, the angels find their way to the manger. No matter how life seems to push us around in busy December, the angels find their way to the lowly shepherds. No matter how lacking in Christmas spirit we are, the angels still proclaim to us that a baby will be born. It is a Christmas miracle – that the angels carry the good news, the love, the joy, and the hope of Christmas with them throughout Advent despite our efforts to ignore them.

This Advent, take time to notice the angels in your life, whether hanging on the Christmas tree or walking down the street. And take time to be an angel, heralding the good news of love, joy, and hope for everyone in every place.

In God’s Peace,

Pastor Emily

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Prayer Requests

Please be in prayer for those listed below and their families: Short Term:

Beckie Drover & family,

Charles Walker, Marion Walker,

Glenn Cordell, Tammy Metz,

Whitaker Raymer, Ken Keebaugh,

Bill Vogel (Doug Brown’s cousin), &

Jean Hickman (Carolyn Kneas’ sister). Long Term: Chas Howells, Ella Spriggs, Audrey Mitchell, & Amanda Bailey.

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Liturgist Ministry

Liturgists wanted! We are hoping to have someone help lead worship every week by reading scripture, saying a prayer or two, and a few other things. If you are interested in being a liturgist, please contact Pastor Emily.

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Bible Study meets Tuesdays at 10 AM. We are working through Genesis.

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2-Steve Walker

5-Joshua Kimmel

6-Linda Heuston

Jason Carbaugh

10-Donna Ankney

11- Duncan Stewart

15-Michael Kerlin

18-Audrey Cutchall

20-Barbara Leese

Jayne Metcalfe

22- Dexter Hu

25-Jack Rhodes

Kenneth Kneas

Raymond Aller

26-Don Fowler

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The Heather placed in the sanctuary on Dec. 1st was given to the Glory of God and in honor of St. Andrew’s Day, and in memory of Jane MacDonald by

Paul MacDonald.

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Deacons

November 6, 2019

Barb MacDonald opened the meeting with prayer at 7pm. Also present were

Nancy Bevins, Laura Metcalf,

Linda Heuston, Joyce Hornberger, and Pastor Emily.

Old Business

College student boxes will be mailed soon. We will bring in goodies to church this Sunday for Linda to box and mail.

Blood drive will be December 4 from 12:30 to 6pm.

New Business

Treasures for Kids: We will take 35 names this year. Sister Martha said there are 500 children signed up from the county.

We will assemble apple fruit baskets on 11/17 to deliver to shut-ins.

Barb told us that this is a busy time for the Food Basket and they would welcome additional volunteers.

Discussed Christmas events schedule. Some are still to be determined.

Prayer concerns and visitations were discussed.

Benevolences

Our Daily Bread $ 200.00

Presbyterian Disaster Relief $1,000.00

American Red Cross $1,000.00

Fuel Mission $1,500.00

Loves Closet $ 100.00

Hann apartment Christmas Gifts $ 50.00

Next meeting will be December 4, 2019.

Meeting was closed with prayer at 8pm.

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Presbyterian Women

November 13, 2019

Presbyterian women met on November 13 at the Fellowship House. There were 8 ladies present. The prayer list remains the same except for the addition of Jean Hickman (Carolyn’s sister). We will participate in the Tree of Love at the FCMC in memory of Tim, Mary Lou, Gerald Peck, and Barb Walker. The shoe boxes are due back November 18-25. The September offering was 131.01 leaving a balance of $400.18. The ladies will be preparing and serving a luncheon following the memorial service for Tim Drover on November 18. The service is at 11:00. We will prepare for 100. The Thank Offering was discussed. It will be on November 24 with a minute for mission given by Carolyn on November 17. The scripture will be from Jeremiah 29: 12-13. Refreshments were served by hostesses Joyce Hornberger and Deb Reed. The next meeting will be on December 11 at the Fellowship House. Marion Walker and Carolyn Kerlin will serve as hostesses.

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Trustees

November 5, 2019

The Trustees met Tuesday, November 5, in the Fellowship House. All but Sandy were present. Our next meeting will be at Sandy’s home December 3, 7 pm.

Our meeting was opened and closed with prayers from Connie

We have completed preparing out facilities for winter. Jason Ramsey will be plowing our sidewalks and streets as needed.

Thank you Barb MacDonald for your work with the flowers and plants around our church.

The AED unit is still working. We have parts ordered that are needed.

Our church sign south of town was removed due to PennDOT regulations. We need help in securing the necessary permits for our signs.

We continue trying to enhance our facilities. Some of our projects were not completed this year. They and other projects are on the agenda for the coming year. Suggestions are welcomed.

Our goal is to have our facilities very inviting to those that are looking for a church. We are also trying to make them very useful for our church family and the community. We encourage you to ask others to visit and hopefully join us.

Ron Mitchell, secretary

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A Christmas Cookie Party will be held at the Manse on Dec. 23rd from 4:00-7:00 PM.

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Session

November 20, 2019

Session met for their stated November 20, 2019 meeting in the Fellowship House at 7:00 with elders, Donna Ankney, Al Clark, LeeAnne Kendall, Wes Howells, Ken Keebaugh, and the moderator, Rev. Emily McCachren present. Elder Carolyn Kerlin was absent and excused. The meeting was opened with prayer and devotions by Pastor Emily. The meeting agenda was approved, as well as the minutes of the October 16, 2019 stated Session meeting. The average attendance for the month of October was 70. Emily spent considerable time with the Drover family both before and after Tim’s passing. She along with the family planned the memorial service. She made other visits and planned weekly worship. She is preparing welcome bags. There will be a longest night service on Friday December 20. Confirmation class will begin in January and run for 15 weeks. She asked permission to upgrade the youth room in the Fellowship House. She is planning to bring back children’s church. Peter will help with that as well as Confirmation class, and updating the youth room. There will be a Christmas

Eve family service at 4:00 as well as the 11:00 service. Rachel Howells was received as a new member on November 10, 2019. Elder Tim Drover passed away on November 11, 2019. A memorial service for Tim was held at the church on November 18, 2019. Wayne MacDonald attended this month’s session meeting and helped get us started in preparing the budget for 2020. He presented and explained the budget worksheet. The new personnel committee will be comprised of John Johnston, Rich Hornberger, and will be chaired by Elder Ken Keebaugh. The dates for December activities were approved. Hanging of the greens will take place on December 1. Christmas caroling and cookie decorating with Santa will take place on December 15. Caroling will be at 3:00. Elder Keebaugh reported that he is working on a new slate of officers for 2020. Elder Howells (Stewardship committee) reported that he is waiting for the pledge cards and the time and talent cards to be returned so that the data can be entered into a spreadsheet. The worship committee met and are planning worship. The long range planning committee continues to meet. Laura Metcalfe will serve as secretary. The congregational meeting and dinner will be held on February 2, 2020 following worship. Elder Howells reported that he and Jason Carbaugh have begun the process of getting estimates, etc. for a new sound system for the church. New Prayer partners were assigned. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 with prayer by the moderator.

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Long Range Planning/Revitalization Committee

In the spring, Session called for the creation of a Long Range Planning Committee, now likely named the Revitalization Committee, to address growing needs of our congregation. Our main focus is to: Understand the community’s met and unmet needs, imagine ministries to address those needs, and see to the formation of those ministries. All done in such a way that people grow in personal commitment to Christ and live faithfully in the kingdom of God. Those serving on this committee are Connie Brown, Wes Howells, April Leese, Wayne MacDonald, Laura Metcalfe,

Ron Mitchell, and Pastor Emily. We will occasionally be seeking guests to speak with our committee as appropriate for certain topics. If you have any issues, ideas, or encouragement you would like to send to the Revitalization Committee, please email office@ with the subject line, “Revitalization Committee,” or let one of the committee members know. If you are feeling called to serve alongside us in this committee, please reach out, there is always room for additional help. Please be in prayer for this committee and our church as we discern the places God is calling us to go, be, and do.

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The Poinsettia Sign-Up Sheet is on the bulletin board at the back of the Sanctuary. The cost is still $10.00. The deadline for ordering is Sunday, December 8th. You must sign the sheet to have your flowers ordered. Checks may be made payable to the Church & marked Poinsettias in the memo section. You may place them in the offering plate or give to Janet McGinnis. Thank you.

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Find us on Facebook! We have a NEW Facebook page - come find us for event listings and online fellowship. Find us by searching McConnellsburg United Presbyterian Church or @McConnellsburgPresbyterian.

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We are collecting toothbrushes during the month of December for Love’s Closet.

A collection bin will be at the back of the sanctuary.

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Gleaner Deadline for the January issue is December 23, 2019. If you can’t email it, feel free to call or lay a hand written document on the secretary’s desk.

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The Red Cross Blood Drive will be held December 4th from 12:30 to 6:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall.

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A family Christmas Eve Service will be held at 4:00 PM on Dec. 24th.

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A candlelight service will be held Dec. 24th at 11PM. All are welcome!

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December Lectionary Readings

Week of December 1

1st Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 2: 1-5

Psalms 122

Romans 13: 11-14

Matthew 24: 36-44

Week of December 8

2nd Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 11: 1-10

Psalms 72: 1-7, 18-19

Romans 15: 4-13

Matthew 3: 1-12

Week of December 15

3rd Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 35: 1-10

Psalms 146: 5-10 or Luke 1: 46b-55

James 5: 7-10

Matthew 11: 2-11

Week of December 22

4th Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 7: 10-16

Psalms 80: 1-7, 17-19

Romans 1: 1-7

Matthew 1: 18-25

Week of December 29

1st Sunday of Christmas

Isaiah 63: 7-9

Psalms 148

Hebrews 2: 10-18

Matthew 2: 13-23

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Christmas Caroling & Cookie decorating with Santa will take place on December 15th.

Caroling will be at 3:00 PM.

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The Giving Tree - We are again supporting the Fulton County Catholic Mission "TREASURES FOR CHILDREN" project. We will support 35 children by taking a tag from the tree (record your name by the tag #), Suggested gifts are on the tag but you are not obligated to purchase all listed items. Gifts are to be bagged (not wrapped) with tag attached and returned to church no later than Sunday, Dec. 8.

 Barb MacDonald, Deacon

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*NEW* Longest Night Worship

Join us on Friday, December 20, 2019 at 6 pm for a new kind worship service. Pastor Emily and musician Andy Abel will be leading. The service will provide a contemplative and more natural worship environment in the midst of the chaos of the Christmas season. This service will provide everyone the opportunity to tune into the emotions we usually ignore or have a hard time dealing with around Christmas - grief, sadness, isolation, etc. Yet in the midst of this place we will turn towards the hope offered in the manger on Christmas morning. We look forward to worshiping with you then!

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SUN |MON |TUE |WED |THU |FRI |SAT | |1-1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT |2TUESDAY = “MONDAY" 1 0 0 2 "" \# 0# |3 |4 |5 |6 |7 | |HANGING OF THE GREENS

9:30 AM Sunday School

10:30 AM The Gathering

11 AM Worship Service

6:30 PM Choir Rehearsal

|

6:30 PM Cub Scouts CE |

Office Hours 9AM -2PM

7 PM Trustee Meeting FH |

7 PM Deacons Meeting FH |

Office Hours 9-2

6:30 PM Bell Choir

7:30 PM Women’s Ens. |

6:30 PM Boy Scouts CE | | |8-2nd Sunday of Advent |9 |10 |11 |12 |13 |14 | |

9:30 AM Sunday School

10:30 AM The Gathering

11 AM Worship Service

6:30 PM Choir Rehearsal

|

6:30 PM Cub Scouts CE |

Office Hours 9AM -2PM |

2:PM Presby. Women FH |

Office Hours 9-2

MG 9-11 AM

6:30 PM Bell Choir

7:30 PM Women’s Ens. |

6:30 PM Boy Scouts CE | | |15-3rd Sunday of Advent |16 |17 |18 |19 |20 |21 | |

9:30 AM Sunday School

10:30 AM The Gathering

11AM Worship Service

3:00 PM Caroling

|

6:30 PM Cub Scouts CE |

Office Hours 9AM -2PM |

7:PM Session Meeting FH |

Office Hours 9-2

6:30 PM Bell Choir

7:30 PM Women’s Ens. |

6:00 PM Longest Night Worship

6:30 PM Boy Scouts CE | | |22-4th Sunday of Advent |23 |24-Christmas Eve |25- Christmas Day |26 |27 |28 | |

9:30 AM Sunday School

10:30 AM The Gathering

11 AM Worship Service

6:30 PM Choir Rehearsal

|

Office Hours 9AM-2PM

6:30 PM Cub Scouts CE |

Office Hours 9-2

4:00 PM Family Christmas Service

11:00 PM Candlelight Service |

Nativity of the Lord

Christmas Day |

6:30 PM Bell Choir

7:30 PM Women’s Ens. |

6:30 PM Boy Scouts CE | | |29-1st Sunday after Christmas Day |30 |31-New Year’s Eve | | |31 = 0,"" 31 < 31 29 "" \# 0# | | |

9:30 AM Sunday School

10:30 AM The Gathering

11 AM Worship Service

6:30 PM Choir Rehearsal

|

Office Hours 9AM-2PM

6:30 PM Cub Scouts CE |

Office Hours 9AM -2PM | |

| | | |

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McConnellsburg United Presbyterian Church

116 South Second Street

McConnellsburg, PA 17233

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