PEWSLETTER
WEEKLY
First Presbyterian Church
Lincolnton NC

" Bearing Fruit in the Wilderness "

(Click on Scripture Passage)
What a way to go out. With John the Baptist providing a screaming voice in the wilderness and calling the church leaders of the day a "brood of vipers." A version of this passage occurs in all the Gospels and it is presented from one of them every year on the 2nd Sunday of Advent. Why? Why must John the Baptist ruin our Christmas?
Maybe it's because we are prone to rush into Christmas without considering the costs? Not to our credit cards, but to ourselves as kingdom people.

The Christmas season is a time of preparation for gift-giving, parties, family gatherings. John also brings a message of preparation: “Change your heart and lives, for the Kingdom of God is near!” Not a message of guilt, but of seizing opportunity. How will we prepare for the Kingdom of Heaven?

Repentance is an invitation to a new way of life which is demonstrated by its fruits. Being a son of Abraham or being born again isn’t enough- our life must change and our actions must bear out that reorientation. Are we willing to be changed by the good news?

John represents one side of the argument, the punishment that awaits those who don't get it right. This is a judgment that Matthew calls us to take seriously. This judgment, however, is trumped--and soundly trumped--by the ministry of Jesus where the unloveable are loved, the outcasts accepted, and sinners get to party with God. 

Join us for worship on Sunday at 10:30 AM as we light the Advent candle of Peace and contend with the fiery John the Baptist.

Blessings and peace,
Danny
Please join us at the back of the sanctuary after worship for some of Danny's refreshments as we honor him with love and appreciation for his devotion to our church.
Worship Teams for 2020

As 2019 comes to a close, and 2020 approaches, it is time to start creating the 2020 "Worship Teams" calendar. I have the list of names of people who have been serving. That is not a final list! If YOU would like to step up and help in any way - Greeter. Offering, Worship Leader, Children's Time, Nursery, and Lock-up - do let me know ASAP.
Either email me, kmrobinson51@gmail.com, or call 704 435-2756 and leave a message. I would like to add some new people to our lists. If you are serving but feel you need step away, also let me know. Thanks. - Kathy Robinson
From the Session

The session met on Tuesday December 3 rd and included guests Judy Roberts and Joe Morgan (elders elect), Jan Duncan and Cam Murchison, Charles Davenport and Russ Reighley representing the presbytery. Rev. Trapp moderated the first half of the meeting and then left so that a discussion about transition in the coming weeks could take place. Actions taking place included:
  • Named Kathy Robinson, Joe Morgan and Jan Duncan as a transition team handling church details over the coming weeks
  • Confirmed the following pulpit supply
Dec. 15, 24 and Jan. 12 - Rev. Joan Martin
Dec. 22 (Lessons and Carols)
Dec. 29 – Bill Prestwood
  • Received Beth Stevens as a new member by reaffirmation of faith and approved the baptisms of Evelyn and Oona Stevens on December 8th
  • Approved the 2020 Communion Dates and Office Holidays Calendar
  • Scheduled new elder training for December 5th and installation during worship on January 12th.
  • Received a report from Danny Trapp concerning the preschool building damage and ongoing issues related to insurance and restoration. (The transition team will provide an update for the congregation shortly)
  • Voted to postpone the church-wide breakfast scheduled for December 22 due to conflicts with the service of lessons and carols. 
December 8th

Greeters & Offering
Pam Sipe & Mary Smith
Worship  Olivia Hodges
Joyground  Anna Gilbert
Children’s Time  Jan Duncan
Lockup  Pam Sipe
Refreshments Alice Gene Abrams, Pat Carpenter, Evelyn Ross

December 15th

Greeters & Offering
Myra Jane and Rick Ramseur
Worship Jan Duncan
Joyground Pam Sipe
Children’s Time Barbara Crumley
Lockup Chip Crumley
Refreshments Anna Gilbert

I f you cannot serve, please find your own replacement and notify the office of the change.
Mark Eldridge
Becky Forester, Friend of Pam Sipe
Helen Fox, Evelyn Ross' mother
Ralph Freeman
Ann Haire
Judy Holland
Rev. Don Jafvert, Jane Rollin's father
James Johnston, Kim Fitzpatrick’s father
Barbara Jones, Becky Beatty's mother
Meghan Lafferty
The Lafferty Family
Torie Lykins, Bill Thomas' great-niece
Bonnie Mullen
Bryan Ross, Jim Ross' son
Eric Sipe
Keith Talley, friend of Pam Sipe
Brenda Yu, friend of Jan Duncan
Our Church Family

During the service Sunday morning Beth Stevens will be received as a new member through reaffirmation of faith and she will present her daughters, Evelyn June and Oona Pearl for the Sacrament of Baptism.
Sunday is the last day to bring items to be delivered

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 . 
Franklin was introduced in the Peanuts comic strip in 1968 in the aftermath of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.
It was novel and controversial for Linus to greet him warmly as a peer. We need to be like Linus.
Fall Handbell and Children’s Choir Schedules
 

Dec. 1 and 8 Handbells 9:30 AM Choir Room
Dec. 15 and 22 Children 9:30 AM  Choir Room
The entire Trapp family, which includes Francis, Jacquie and Julia Purdy pictured above, wishes the wonderful faithful of FPC-Lincolnton a hopeful Advent and Merry Christmas. Thank you for your love, support and ministry these past 4 years.
Danny and Scottie
Church Finances – November 2019
**November expenses are typically impacted by our bi-annual insurance premium. Last month’s expense was $7,093, an $806 increase from November 2018.

Cash Reserves on November 30, 2019 = $138,178
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



First Presbyterian Church is hosting lunch at the Christian Ministry Soup Kitchen this Saturday, December 7th.

If you are scheduled to serve please arrive at Christian Ministry at 10:00 AM
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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