In our study of this season’s lectionary scriptures, the opening lines from Psalm 126 jumped off the page: “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.” What does it look like to live as those who dream? The prophets, the psalmists, John the Baptist, Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph, Simeon, Anna, the shepherds and the Magi—they were all dreamers. They received, discovered, and responded to God’s dreams for the world. In Advent, we step into the mystery and awe of God’s dreams and pray they shape our reality. This theme is for the dreamers in all of us—those who dream of a deeper connection with God and those who dream of a better world. It’s for those who dream of comfort and for those who have given up on their dreams. It’s for those whose dreams have been crushed and for those who show us that dreams take time. Join us this Advent as we dream alongside prophets and angels, Mary and the Magi. Join us as we seek and sow God’s dreams for our world.

AMOS Christmas celebration on December 20th at 6pm. SFMT will provide pizza, please bring a side or dessert to share!

December 24 at 3pm (music prelude at 2:40pm)

(enjoy special music by the Chancel and Handbell Choirs

and special guest, Rhian Kenny - principal piccolo 

in the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra)

Poinsettia Decorating

Thank you to all who have submitted their pledges for 2024. Thus far we have received 45 pledges for 2024 which total $213,000, an average of $4,733 per pledge. There were 19 pledges that increased, 25 pledges that remained the same, 1 pledge that decreased, and 2 pledge units that were lost due to death or transfer. For comparison, we received 62 pledges for 2023 that totaled $259,200. We still have 15 pledges made for 2023 that have not pledged yet for 2024. These 15 pledges totaled $38,300 for 2023. In addition, Northmont receives about $100,000 of donations each year for which no pledge is made. It would be very helpful if you plan to donate to Northmont in 2024 if you would pledge. Please mail or drop off your 2024 pledge as soon as possible, so the Stewardship and Finance Committee and Session can finalize a 2024 budget before Christmas. Thank you.

The Northmont Deacons are tremendously happy to announce that the recent Angel Tree Toy Drive was a huge success, with toys estimated at $1,300 and gift cards totaling $975, the grand total was $2,275. This will go far to help give a proper Christmas to North Hills families in need. Kudos to you all!

2023 Adult Offerings Update

The Stewardship and Finance Committee reports that Adult Offerings for November 2023 were $40,900, which was $13,500 over budget. This brought the year-to-date total through November 30, 2023, to $301,000, which was only $100 under budget. Please be generous again in December, and we will exceed our budget for the year. Thank you.

2024 Stewardship Campaign

This Christmas, the Deacons are once again inviting the congregation to decorate our chancel with poinsettias….all different kinds, sizes and colors. Red ones, plum colored ones, candy striped ones, white ones…the works! Please bring in your plants before the service on Sunday, December 17th and place it, (them) in the chancel area of the church where they will remain through Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24th. Thank you so much. It will be so beautiful!

Join us this month as we help North Hill Community Outreach fill their food pantry. Printed calendars will be available on Sunday.

CLEF NOTES

By: Music Director, Stephen Schall

Happy Advent! Happy New Year! This year, with the Fourth Sunday of Advent falling on Christmas Eve, we experience the shortest Advent season there can be. Advent is a beautiful season of expectation as we hear the thrilling and familiar words of prophecy and yearning for redemption, which culminate in the birth of Christ. 

Mark your calendars for all the fall events!