"God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen" dates back to the 15
th century, but the original author is unknown. The earliest known printed edition is circa 1700. In 1775, a variant text was printed from a song-sheet bought from a street caroler. Charles Dickens referred to it in his 1843 novel,
A Christmas Carol. But Bing Crosby made it world famous in his 1945 "Merry Christmas" album. Note that it is not "God rest you, merry gentlemen," but "God rest you merry - gentlemen." A whole different thought!
The lyrics to "The Twelve Days of Christmas" have changed over the years, and the history of the song is somewhat murky. In 1780, a version was published in a children's book titled
Mirth Without Mischief. One version has the singer's mother as the gift-giver rather than a true love, and some versions differ depending on the region they come from. The 12 days actually reflect Epiphany, which begins on Christmas Day and runs through January 6, when the Magi supposedly visited the Christ child. Note that in 2013 the value of the gifts totaled about $115,000, assuming "minimum wage for the milkmaids, union rates for the drummers and pipers, and quotes from reputable aviaries, jewelers, and garden centers."
Announcements & Coming Events
This Sunday, December 15
th Lessons and Carols will start at 10:15 am.
Contribution envelopes are now available in the Narthex. Don't forget to pick them up.
Based on
pledges for 2019, we budgeted for $430,000.00 income. As of December 8
th, 2019 we have received $407,273.91, which gives a shortfall of $22,726.09. If you are able, please fulfill your pledge or increase your giving for 2019 to help close this deficit. Thank you so much for helping us spread the news of Jesus Christ to the community.
Please join the Caring Tree wrapping and distribution process on December 15th after Lessons and Carols and enjoy the soup and sandwich lunch prepared by volunteers.
Caring Tree household items (laundry soap, paper products, etc.) and personal care items (shampoo, hand lotion, sanitizer, etc.) for the 15 families can be left under the Caring Tree or brought to the gym this Sunday, December 15th. If you have questions, please speak to Mary Ann Howard (770-823-8862) or Linda Redman (678-380-7178).
Donations for hats, scarves, gloves, and/or socks can be put in the basket by the Caring Tree for refugees attending ESL classes at Piedmont Technical College.
This Sunday,December 15th and on the 22nd Mardee Rightmyer will teach the combined Sunday School class on "Christmas in the Four Gospel Homes."
The Food Basket is always in need of food. Stone Mountain. Co-op is in dire need of rice, grits, oatmeal, tuna, & peanut butter. If you can when you're out shopping grab a couple of these items to bring to our EPC food basket in the Narthex. Thanks so much.
Interested in
ringing bells for the Salvation Army December 21
st at Northlake Kroger? We need 5 teams of 2 for 2 hours; 10am-12pm, 12pm-2pm, 2pm-4pm, 4pm-6pm, 6pm-8pm.
Contact Rick Adle at rfapics@hotmail.com or 404-697-0277 to reserve a time.
If you are going to attend the Christmas Eve service and would be willing to serve communion, please contact Carol Carmichael at 770-827-3164 or carolnpat@comcast.net. You are welcome to sit with your family and come forward just prior to the communion part of the service.
PW Save the Date - Our PW Winter Fellowship will be on Saturday, January 11, from 9:00 am - 1:30 pm. We are excited to have Jeanine Fulton return to us as our fellowship leader - the topic will be announced later, and we can promise fellowship and laughter! A light breakfast will be served and bring a salad to share for lunch.
Save the Date
! A combined Salt Shakers luncheon will be Sunday, January 12, 2020. Be on the lookout for more details.
To view a complete calendar for the week, click
here.
Caring Tree
Sharing some warmth
with ESL Students at Piedmont Technical College in Clarkston.
Last year as part of Caring Tree, we sent hats, scarves, gloves and socks to Darlene Job an ESL teacher for the class Padma was attending. Here is the card of thanks we received.
The need continues, and a basket will be placed by the Caring Tree in the Narthex for people to place donations of gloves, socks, warm scarves, and hats for men and women. The gifts will be taken to the College December 16
th for Darlene to distribute.
Many of these students walk or ride a Metro bus to get to class, and hands, feet, and heads get cold making this trip to and from class.
Darlene will distribute these items to these adult refugee students, so as you are able please add a hat/scarf, pair of socks, and/or gloves for adults in the basket.
2020 Pledges
Pledge cards are still being accepted. You can pick one up in the office, fill it out online or email the information to Jan Zabarac at
There are many ways to make a gift to the church including check, credit card and the Eastminster "give" link. You can also gift stocks or other securities or make gifts directly from an IRA or donor-advised fund. Please discuss with your financial advisor to determine which might be the best option for you.
Operation Christmas Child
Wednesday Night Dinner & Program
Join us for fellowship and dinner Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. If you would like to make a reservation, be on the permanent list, or are already on the list and know in advance you will not be able to attend dinner, please let the church office know by email at office@eastminster.us, or by phone 770-469-4881. All reservations should be made by Tuesday morning.
The cost for dinner is $8.00 with a maximum of $20.00 per family.
For our Wednesday night program at 6:30,
we will explore "Songs for the Waiting: Hymns of Advent." A look at the scripture behind several Advent hymns and sing them too!
December Birthdays
10 Steve Stewart
12 John Burger
13 Samillie Malloy
14 Nell Seaton
16 Ben Gerard
16 Courtney Moore
17 Jennifer Streich
17 Richard Taylor
18 Matthew Adams
23 Charles Seaton
29 Lynne Scott
30 Sarah Sauls
If you would like to wish someone a very happy birthday please see our Church Directory App, to conveniently contact them.
Church Directory App
Want to easily access the church directory with contact information and photos?
Church Life is a free mobile app that enables you to stay connected on the go.
With the Church Life App, you can easily look up and use member contact information anytime and anywhere!
View the church directory information such as phone numbers, addresses, emails and photos.
Add contact information to your phone's contact list.
Send a text or call to a contact within the Church Life App.
Pull up a map and directions to addresses in the Church Life App.
In order to use the Church Life App, you will need to load the app on your device and contact Jan Zabarac via phone (770-469-4881 ex. 221) or by email at
*Note: The outer doors by the office and preschool will be locked at 10:45 a.m. during Sunday morning worship. The sanctuary doors will remain open.
*For more information regarding locations and additional events, please note the full church calendar is available on the website and can be accessed at
www.eastminster.us. It runs in real-time and is updated every time an item is added.
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GOT NEWS!
If you have submissions for the Sunday announcements or for the weekly Witness newsletter, please submit them by
Tuesday.
Please click below if you have something to share.
Contribution envelopes are now available in the Narthex. Don't forget to pick them up.
Based on
pledges for 2019, we budgeted for $430,000.00 income. As of December 8
th, 2019 we have received $407,273.91, which gives a shortfall of $22,726.09. If you are able, please fulfill your pledge or increase your giving for 2019 to help close this deficit. Thank you so much for helping us spread the news of Jesus Christ to the community.
Please join the 
Donations
This Sunday,
Interested in
ringing bells for the Salvation Army December 21
st at Northlake Kroger? We need 5 teams of 2 for 2 hours; 10am-12pm, 12pm-2pm, 2pm-4pm, 4pm-6pm, 6pm-8pm.
If you are going to attend the Christmas Eve service and would be willing to serve communion, please contact Carol Carmichael at 770-827-3164 or 
PW Save the Date - Our PW Winter Fellowship will be on Saturday, January 11, from 9:00 am - 1:30 pm. We are excited to have Jeanine Fulton return to us as our fellowship leader - the topic will be announced later, and we can promise fellowship and laughter! A light breakfast will be served and bring a salad to share for lunch.
