PEWSLETTER
WEEKLY
First Presbyterian Church
Lincolnton NC

" It's Not The End of the World "

(Click on Scripture Passage)
I promise I'm not trying to be cute or glib. I've known my sermon title for at least a month and had no clue at the time that I would be leaving.
(If you are reading this and are unaware of my announcement this past Monday, I have accepted a call to be the Transitional Pastor/Head of Staff at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. My last Sunday in the Lincolnton pulpit will be December 8th).

It is funny though how Biblical texts from the lectionary (established years ago) can be so relevant to current events and circumstances. The Luke text is a traditional one for the Sunday before Christ the King Sunday, which is the final Sunday before the beginning of Advent and a new church year. It is "apocalyptic" in nature meaning it uses language that has been associated with end times theology (think Revelation).

In reaction to some with him who openly admire the grandeur of the Temple Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple. One should keep in mind, however, that the Temple was destroyed in year 70 of the first century. Luke is writing somewhere near the year 85, about the period around year 30. The text is not a prophecy, in other words, but an interpretation of history. 
Also, it wouldn't take a rocket scientist in year 30 to predict that one day the Temple would be destroyed. The tension between Israel and Rome had been steadily growing for years. So if these verses aren't about Jesus' amazing ability to predict the future and point us to the end times what is it about?

Luke was not written primarily for 21st-century Christians anxious about the future. It was written for a beleaguered and persecuted minority under the control of Rome. How were they to deal with this situation? Luke says to listen for Jesus, trust in Jesus, and use Jesus himself as a model.

It's never the end of the world...that disappointment, that doubt, that pastor leaving. But when it feels like it, try Luke's perspective, which is good advice regardless of the circumstances.

Join us for worship on Sunday at 10:30 AM as we consider the Temple, it's destruction and all that goes with it and still speaks to us today.

Blessings and peace,
Danny
Calling All Singers! 
(and those willing to try)

You are invited to join with the choir for the Advent and Christmas season. There is a specific schedule below of rehearsals to come to and you are welcome to sing for as few or as many Sundays during December as you like. 

Our FIRST MEN'S CHORUS is invited back to join us for Lessons and Carols. You were the hit of the summer and we would love to have you back for Christmas! 

Here is the rehearsal schedule for all who wish to sing:
  • Tuesday, November 19: 6:00-8:15 p.m. Special rehearsal for all December music.
  • Wednesdays in December - 4, 11, and 18 at 7:00 p.m. to rehearse for each Sunday and Lessons and Carols.
I hope to see you with us in the loft! Becky
It’s Time to Order Poinsettia’s for Christmas
 
It’s the perfect opportunity to remember a loved one who has passed away or to honor a special person in your life. The cost per plant is $10. Order forms are per individual plant but you are still encouraged to honor or remember as many people as you would like. You will find forms at the end of your pew. Please complete the information and place in the collection plate with a check or cash attached, or drop off at the church office. The final day to order will be Monday December 2nd.
Next Churchwide Breakfast is Sunday
November 24th

(Note The New Time)

Make plans to attend the next breakfast Sunday November 24th in the fellowship hall at 9:15 am. Pancakes are on the menu! No need to bring food if you have not been asked to do so.

Children will have choir practice at 9:30 as scheduled so they will be first in line for food.
Breakfast Dates Set For Remainder Of The Year
The following church-wide breakfast dates have been set for 2019.

November 24
December 22
They will be from 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM in the fellowship hall.
Congregational Meeting on November 24 th

The Session has called a congregational meeting at the beginning of worship on November 24 th for the purpose of electing two elders to the class of 2022 and one elder to the class of 2020 filling an open unexpired term.

November 17th

Greeters & Offering
Adriene and Jamie Hodges
Worship Kathy Robinson
Joyground Adrienne Hodges
Children’s Time Jan Duncan
Lockup Mort Wadsworth
Refreshments Sandy Eldridge

November 24th

Greeters & Offering
Myra and Rick Ramseur
Worship Alice Gene Abrams
Joyground Pat Carpenter
Children’s Time Rick Ramseur
Lockup Sandy Eldridge

I f you cannot serve, please find your own replacement and notify the office of the change.
The Dover Family , friends of Scottie and Danny Trapp
Mark Eldridge
Becky Forester, Friend of Pam Sipe
Helen Fox, Evelyn Ross' mother
Ralph Freeman
Ann Haire
Phillip Hicks, father of preschooler Bentley Hicks
Judy Holland
Rev. Don Jafvert, Jane Rollin's father
James Johnston, Kim Fitzpatrick’s father
Barbara Jones, Becky Beatty's mother
The Lafferty Family
Julia Moore, friend of Pam Sipe
Bonnie Mullen
Bryan Ross, Jim Ross' son
Eric Sipe
Keith Talley, friend of Pam Sipe
Brenda Yu, friend of Jan Duncan
Pastor’s Bible Study – Looking Toward Sunday

Join me downstairs in the Choir Room on Tuesdays at 12:30 pm for a study of the Scripture texts for the following Sunday. This Tuesday, November 19th, we will discuss Jeremiah 23:1-6 and Luke 23:33-43. Feel free to bring lunch or just come as you are for an hour of fellowship and study. – Danny
Christmas Giving for
Christian Ministry of Lincolnton

Christian Ministry has begun preparing for Christmas! They have asked area churches to collect the following items to distribute as need increases during the holiday season and winter months.


canned beans, bar soap,
laundry detergent, cooking oil,
spaghetti sauce,
canned meats, rice, grits,
toilet paper, plastic grocery bags

Please bring to the church and place on the pew by the office. The Christmas giving program will run through Sunday December 8 th . 
Fall Handbell and Children’s Choir Schedules
 




Nov. 17 and 24 Children 9:30 AM  Choir Room

Dec. 1 and 8 Handbells 9:30 AM Choir Room
Dec. 15 and 22 Children 9:30 AM  Choir Room
Church Finances – October 2019
**October 2018 income includes proceeds from sale of church van totaling $3,500

Cash Reserves on October 31, 2019 = $146,296
Serve the Lord with gladness...
Psalm 100:2
"Working Hand in Hand With The Lord"


Emergency Services
Soup Kitchen
LINC Meals
Nursing Home Ministry
Amazing Race Against Hunger (replaces Hunger Walk)
Christmas Ministry
Souper Bowl of Caring


2019 Soup Kitchen Dates
Sign-up sheet on refreshment table.


First Presbyterian Church is hosting lunch at the Christian Ministry Soup Kitchen on the following Saturdays in 2019

December 7th

Please sign up on the sheet located on the refreshment table in the sanctuary or contact Pam Sipe.
REACH TEACH FEED LOVE
Church Staff
Rev. Danny Trapp, Pastor   dtrapp@carolina.rr.com (cell—704-654-1319)
Rebecca Beatty Director of Music, Organist becbea50@gmail.com
Jill Goins   Administrative Assistant admin@fpclincolnton.org
Kristen Willis  Preschool Director  preschool@fpclincolnton.org
Nancy Rudisill  Sexton     admin@fpclincolnton.org
Office Hours
8:30-Noon Mon.-Wed
8:30-1:00 Thur.
Closed Friday

Sunday Worship 10:30 AM
With refreshments and fellowship
immediately following the service
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