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The Messenger - December 16, 2011 - Cresting the Mountain TOp

First Presbyterian Church of San Pedro: Christ for Life

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"Cresting the Mountain Top"


Have you felt that sense of exhilaration that so many folks describe when cresting a great mountain and looking down at the wilderness below? To me, the third week of December is sort of like that as we draw closer and closer to the birthday of Jesus Christ. It seems like the whole world pauses in a sort of breathless expectation until this holy day is done. Our church has scheduled four services of worship to help you crest that emotional mountain within the next few days, and each of them will hold a special treat.


  • At 5 p.m. next Saturday, December 24, all children from our community and our extended church family are invited to participate in a "Walk On Children's Pageant" during our early service. No rehearsal is required for this memorable activity, and we never know exactly what will occur, but we know it will be fun. We also know that our children's choirs will be joining us for this service, so we hope you will come, too.

  • At 11 p.m. next Saturday, December 24, the youth and chancel choirs will lead our congregation in a "A Festival of Lessons and Carols," featuring well-loved songs and stories along with modern works that culminate in that very special moment when everyone holds a candle to close out Christmas Eve.

  • At 9:30 a.m. next Sunday, December 25, our church will host a worship party to welcome Christ, our Lord. We'll hear a number of unusual "church" instruments, including the tuba, banjo, and mandolin. We'll sing some favorite carols, and we'll see a delightful video clip that ties into my sermon on John 10:10--"I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly."

  • Finally, at 9:30 a.m. this Sunday, December 18, the Chancel Choir will present a lively Christmas Cantata entitled "A Child is Born to Save Us." Unlike other works that focus upon the shepherds or the angels or the stable in Bethlehem, this work focuses upon the meaning of Christ's birth--the reason it should make us glad. Some parts of it are poignant, some parts of it are joyful, and some parts of it are profound. If you're having a bit of trouble finding real Christmas joy here in the third week of December, perhaps this work was made for you.

I'll see you in church!


Neal



Student Ministries News: 
Please note that all of our youth events are in our bi-monthly Youth Bulletin which is handed out at church on Sundays or in the entryway. (copies may be e-mailed upon request)

Fellowship Dinners:   We are asking for $25 donations to offset the cost of Wednesday night Fellowship Dinners (about $2.25 per meals).  Please see Randi or Todd if you have questions.


Winter Movie Nights:  This year we will be having our famous movie nights for our youth on December 23rd and December 28th from 6:30pm to 10:00pm.  Popcorn and sodas will be provided.  Movies are TBD.  Friends are welcome to join in on the fun!

LAST FEW WEEKS TO SIGN-UP FOR WINTER CAMP

Winter Camp:  Pondo’s Christian Camp - January 13-15, 2012.  Cost for the camp is $164 plus extra for skiing or snowboarding.  A $50 deposit will hold a spot for you.  Deposits are due now.

YOUTH CHRISTMAS PROJECT

The youth Christmas Project this year is to supply household items to the Manuelito Navajo Children’s Home in Gallup, NM.  The orphanage in Gallup now has three (3) cottages housing about 20 children in each.  The project is to supply the cottages with needed household items.  Our young people are organizing this project by themselves with youth leader advice and guidance.  In order to accomplish this task, the youth must figure out fundraisers/donations which will be used to purchase the needed items.  They will be comparing prices of items and deciding which items will fit within their raised funds.  Please send prayers to help our teens have a successful Christmas project.


#### YOUTH FUNDRAISER PROJECTS ####

 

Golden State Pops:  The youth will be selling refreshments before and at intermission of the concerts being performed by the Golden State Pops Ensemble at our church. Date for the next concert is January 22, 2012 from 1:30pm to 5:30pm.  If you would like to help with this fundraiser, please see Randi or Todd.

Recycling drive for youth:  We will be recycling #1 plastic bottles and aluminum cans.  If you would like us to pick them up at your house simply call Todd.

Student Ministries Staff

Randi Bender & Todd Walter

Email:  rdbender44@aol.com

Tel: (310) 832-9717 (home) (310) 562-9243 (cell)



Calendar

Sat, Dec 17
9:00 am - Chancel Choir Dress Rehearsal
6:00 pm - Outrigger Cruise

Sun, Dec 18
8:30 am - Adult Sunday School
9:30 am - Worship

Tue, Dec 20
7:30 pm - Session Meeting

Wed, Dec 21
7:00 am - Bible Study at Carrow's
7:00 pm - Handbell Choir Rehearsal
7:00 pm - Prayer Group

Thu, Dec 22
7:30 pm - Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Fri, Dec 23
 6:30pm - Youth Movie Night

Sat, Dec 24
Christmas Eve
5:00 pm - Early Christmas Service
10:00 pm - Late Christmas Service

Sun, Dec 25
8:30 am - Adult Sunday School
9:30 am - Worship

Mon, Dec 26
Office Closed - Alarm Alert!


Amy Hubbard is the editor of the Messenger.
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