December 13, 2018

Church-Wide Events

This Sunday - Patrick Wilson, who had served as Senior Pastor at Living Truth Church, Christiana, will be bringing us Part 3 of the Songs of Christmas teaching series. His message is entitled "What Child Is This?" BELONG: The Journey - The focus of BELONG this Sunday is on "Serve." Discover who God created you to be, and the gifts and passions that make you unique. Join us at 9:30 or 11:30 a.m. in the Oasis.

Eastgate House of Prayer - Join us this Tuesday at 7 p.m. for a time of Devotional Worship led by Anna Landis and her team. These "Devo" sets are often acoustic in nature and designed to provide an intimate and anointed atmosphere for meditating on Scripture and lingering in God's presence. Also join us for a time of refreshments and fellowship together afterward. Childcare is provided through age 7. All are welcome! Photo Updates - You have through Christmas Eve to take advantage of the beautiful "photo booths" in the Atrium to take individual and family photos. We will provide someone to assist with picture-taking between Sunday services, using your own smartphone. Then update your Realm profile and family photos by sending your photos with identification to darleneb@petra.church . For questions about Realm or the updating of your photos, talk to someone at the West Hub.

Child Dedication If you would like to dedicate your child to the Lord on Sunday, December 30, please register online (click on the link below) or call the church office during business hours at 717-354-5394 by Friday, December 21. Read more subsplash.com

Pastors Lester and Erma sent a Christmas letter via e-mail on Monday. Extra copies are available for pick-up from the Resource Center.   2019 Tithe/Offering Envelopes - With 2019 on the horizon, it's time to distribute the Petra Offering Envelopes. You will find them on a table in the Lobby near the West Hub over the next three weeks. They are in alphabetical order. You only need to use these envelopes if you are giving cash or if you frequently designate funds; you do not need them if you give via our website or the Petra App or by using checks.

Join us on Christmas Eve, December 24, at either 5 or 7 p.m. as we consider what it means to meet God while serving others less fortunate. The theme is “The Extra Ordinary Christmas.” The program will include the singing of Christmas carols, a drama written and produced by Petra staff, a musical number with a drumline, and the lighting of glow sticks. The drama is adapted from Leo Tolstoy’s short story “Where Love Is, God Is.” This is an event the whole family will enjoy! Sign interpretation will be provided at the 5 p.m. program and Spanish translation at the 7 p.m. program. Pick up postcards of invitation from the Lobby and Atrium.

The Petra Family Christmas Card Exchange is in full swing! Drop off cards in one of the collection baskets in the Lobby and Atrium. Pick up cards from the appropriate box at the card display in the Atrium. It would be helpful if, when you are addressing envelopes for a Petra couple, you use both of their first names along with their last name, and to alphabetize and rubber band your cards. Thanks! You may pick up a current listing of Petra members and regular attenders at the East or West Hub, if you wish. Talking about Christmas . . . how about a great idea for that special person or family on your Christmas list? Comedian Tim Hawkins will be performing LIVE at Petra on Friday, July 12, at 7 p.m.! General admission is just $29 per person.

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PETRACAST Podcast

Episode 124: Creating Christmas Traditions - Join Pastors Gary Buck and Brian Flewelling as they discuss ideas for Christmas activities that create lasting and meaningful traditions. How do we cut through the clutter to capture the deep spiritual impact of this moment in history? Listen here

Listing of Petra Events - Check out what's happening over the next few weeks at Petra.

CALENDAR

RightNow Media – Experience Christmas like never before by tapping into the films and teaching videos available through RightNow Media. For example, you can click on this link to join acclaimed author Max Lucado as he provides insight into the season of Advent through a teaching series called “God Comes Near." If you don't have access to RightNow Media, just follow this link to create your own free account.

Petra Lifespring

Cleansing Stream University Module 1 training will be offered on January 13, February 10, March 10, and April 14 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Petra. The purpose of CSU is to teach us how to position our hearts before the Lord, allow him to refine us, and prepare us to minister to others. The Module 1 training is open to anyone who has attended Cleansing Stream and is required for anyone wishing to be an Intercessor at a Cleansing Stream Event. There is a workbook fee of $25. Please register online by January 7. For more info, contact Liz Ingold or Maria Boyd . ELANCO Celebrate Recovery will continue to meet over the Christmas season, on December 20 and 27. Participants will learn the benefits and importance of having a sponsor - a knowledgeable, trusted person walking alongside them who can speak into their lives to encourage, strengthen, and advise as they walk out their recovery. Healing happens in caring relationships. The group meets in the SLC Loft at 6 p.m. for fellowship and food and at 7 p.m. for worship and teaching, followed by small group discussion. All are welcome anytime.

Petra Women

Lipstick and Crayons , a Fellowship for Moms and Children - All women are invited to a Christmas Brunch this Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the Café! Enjoy a relaxing morning of fellowship with a delicious, catered brunch. As always, childcare is provided. Lit 'n Latte will be meeting at Bonnie Stauffer’s home at 5110 Diehl Road, Mohnton, for a Christmas brunch this Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. Ladies will be bringing dishes to share.

Petra Men

Men's Breakfast - Don't miss the Men's Breakfast this Saturday at 7 a.m. at Yoder's! Dave Towers, the Director of Ministry at Men of Iron STRONG27, will be sharing part of his story as well as what is new for Men of Iron at Petra in 2019. Petra mentors and protégés will be sharing their experience of what God has been doing in their Petra STRONG27 journey. This is a great opportunity for men who desire to be a mentor or protégé in 2019. There will also be a drawing for some gift cards and other giveaways that morning. All guys age 13 and up are welcome. Men of Iron Strong27 Mentoring - We believe that each man is distinctly called to be a Godly leader within his family, church, and community. It’s for this reason we work to equip men through mentoring. We connect mentors with protégés for growth in accountability, balance, and spiritual leadership and strength. This is a call for all men interested in serving as a mentor, either one-on-one or through a micro-group. Mentor registration is open online now. There will also be an info table in the Atrium beginning this Sunday. Protégé registration begins in January. If you have any questions, please contact Director Paul Leininger here .

PETRA STRONG27 PAGE

THE WAKE - Young Adults

Come on out TONIGHT at 7 p.m. for THE WAKE's Christmas Party ! Enjoy an evening of connecting with each other, eating food (including Chick-fil-A sandwiches), and singing Christmas carols. Don't forget to dress up as a Christmas character! There will be a prize for the best-dressed character. Note that THE WAKE will not be meeting on December 20 or 27.

Student Ministries

Do you have a heart for children? Student Ministries is looking for childcare workers: THE WAKE (Young Adults) – One adult (18+) once a month on a Thursday night High School – Two adults and one helper (ages 14-18) on the fifth Wednesday of the month EDGE 78 – One adult and two helpers for one or more Monday nights Because childcare workers receive a stipend from Petra, you will have to complete employee clearances, if you have not done so already. If you can serve in this way, please contact Tiffany Blitz at tiffanyb@petra.church or Danae Jensen at danaej@petra.church.

Local Outreach

Renovation, Petra Homestead - You have likely seen or heard of the renovation of the Petra farmhouse (now called the Petra Homestead) over the past six months or so. This residence, located at the corner of Ranck and Airport Roads, will be used as a source of housing for people/families in need within the ELANCO community, both long term and as emergency housing. Although great progress has been made in renovation, we need an infusion of $63,100 to continue the work. Here is the major-cost breakdown:   HVAC – $18,000 Electrical – $6,500 Plumbing – $5,500 Insulation – $12,000 Outdoor Stairs and Landing – $5,000 Drywall – $9,500 Flooring – $6,600 Would you be willing to invest in the renovation of the Petra Homestead, perhaps as part of your year-end giving? Donations can be given online, through the Sunday morning offerings, or mailed to the church. Please make all donations to Petra, earmarking your gift for the Petra Homestead Project. For questions, contact Matt Kulp at mattk@showcasegroup.biz or 717-278-3889. Thank you for your prayerful consideration. 2018 Christmas Outreach - If you picked up a gift tag on behalf of the women and children served by Good Samaritan Services or Petra's Bridges ministry, please bring in your wrapped gift - with the gift tag securely attached - to one of the blue shopping carts in the lobby or Atrium this Sunday .   We are also supporting Good Samaritan Services in its effort to provide new mattresses for their Shelter and Transitional House. Donations of any amount can be mailed to Good Samaritan Services, Box 756, Ephrata, PA 17522, or given online . Please designate your gift for “Mattress Campaign." If giving online, you may designate your gift under Additional Comments.

Global Missions

Mission Prayer Focus - Devan Colby is a Petra missionary serving on staff with YWAM in Toowoomba, Australia, where he helps to staff discipleship training schools for young people being equipped for mission service. Pray for God’s anointing upon him as he leads discipleship training schools and mentors young people going through the YWAM trainings. Pray also for release of God’s provision as he serves.

Petra Family News Thank you for the many expressions of sympathy we received from our Petra Church family since the death of Joanne's mother. May God bless you for your kindness. – Ron and Joanne Werner Last Week Update December 9, 2018 Attendance 1,512 General Fund Weekly Budget: $57,692 Last Week's Giving: $48,412 Building Fund $676 ONLINE GIVING

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