Page 1

Visit us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/FirstChurchCongregationalSIGN UP TO RECEIVE OUR E-MAIL NEWS AND UPDATES

E-mail request to: office@firstchurchcongregational.orgWebsite: www.firstchurchcongregational.org

Office: Debra Ethan, Administrative Assistant 440-357-7518

December 2018

Pg. 2Pg. 3Pg. 4

Pg. 5Pg. 6Pg. 7Pg. 8Pg. 9Pg. 10Pg. 11

Rev. Cofer’s PenOur FamilyAdvent Schedule/Sermon SeriesOutreachChristmas GatheringsNews & UpdatesOn GivingJourney to BethlehemBusinessCalendar

Service Times9:00 a.m. Contemporary, Chapel

9:15 a.m. Children’s Sunday School

10:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School

11:00 a.m. Traditional, Sanctuary

11:15 a.m. Children’s Sunday School

Contents

_______________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

First Church, CongregationalBusiness Office Hours

Monday-Friday9 a.m.-3 p.m.

“For unto you is born thisday in the city of David

a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

Page 2

___________________________________________________________________________May God bring you all the joy, love and peace that Christmas has to offer as we approach the wonderful celebration of Christ’s birth!

I have always been fascinated with the whole Christmas story. Today, that fascination continues to center around the question, “What does it say about God that He entered the world as an infant?” Theoretically, God could have entered the world and saved His people any way He chose to. He could have come to earth like one of the characters in Greek mythology, on a chariot ofpower and making things right in a powerful and dramatic fashion. Instead, God came into the world in the same way that all of us do, as a vulnerable baby completely dependent on others. Not only did Jesus come into the world the same way that all of us do, but He was born to a regular peasant Jewish family from Galilee…not exactly a circumstance that someone would consider as upwardly mobile to say the least. Jesus was not born into rich or nobility standards, but was born as a common person. This to me is the miracle of Christmas.

There are different opinions on the exact circumstances of Jesus’ birth…like whether He was born in a stable, barn, cave, or something else. The nativity scene as we know it was invented by St. Francis of Assisi as a way to show people the meaning of Christmas, pictures and representations were important in society where the majority of people were illiterate. As an interesting fact, this is also one of the reasons for the stained glass windows in the past…people who couldn’t read and couldn’t understand the priest because he was speaking in Latin, would look at the pictures in the windows and at least get a rudimentary idea of the stories.

When I look at the Bossley window in the back of the sanctuary, it continues to remind me of the importance of the Christmas story when it comes to our faith. In what ways is God coming to you this Christmas in the form of a miracle? How might God be reaching out to you this Christmas season, and bringing you His message in new ways? Every Christmas season, find something new to celebrate that you may not have celebrated the year before. Don’t just get bogged down in the “busyness” of the season, but take time to appreciate the meaning that Christmas brings to our lives.

I also encourage you to take advantage of all the worship, study, and other activities we have going on this month.

Merry Christmas!

In Christian Love,Tom

Page 3

_____________________________________________________________________________

Jean Burnham Gen Conklin Earle Drabenstott Louise Ellis

Janice Kline Dick Libby Jim Norton

Condolences

We are deeply sorry for the recent loss of our dear friends and

church members, Neil Seyler and Lisa Wilson.

Our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with their families

at this most difficult time.

Pray for our Sick| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | || | |

Christopher DuffusSandra TuttleMarcus BrubackRaymond Dela MotteChristopher GrinsteadAlfred GroanAdam Dela MotteAbigale WalkerJames NortonJanice JonesRichard LibbyJanet RockIsabel JolesJean ButlerGreg LoucksDouglas HeiserPam DorrellDonna RogersDavid GrinsteadDeborah LillyJohn HaughtMarcia LunkaNancy KranstuberBeth Moon-RichAvery GarbincusGerald PeperaColin BalanteCourtney Jones

December 1December 2December 4December 5December 5December 6December 10December 10December 11December 12December 12December 12December 14December 18December 19December 20December 21December 23December 24December 24December 26December 26December 27December 27December 28December 28December 31December 31

When Was Jesus Really Born?

Many believe that Jesus was actually born in the spring. The shepherds were watching their flocks by night and one of the only times they do that is when the sheep are giving birth - in the spring.

Also, throughout the Bible, Jesus is referred to as a lamb. How fitting, then, that the Bible be taken literally and figuratively by having Him be born in the spring along with the other lambs?

Then why do we celebrate in the December? The Roman held many pagan festivals in December. When it was decided to give a specific date for the celebration of Jesus’ birth,

it was thought how better to blow the pagan practices out of the water than with an actual religious holiday of the Most High

in the month of December?

Page 4

_____________________________________________________________________________“The Gift of the Nutcracker,” the classic book and video by Matt Rawle, will be the theme for studies and

sermons, beginning November 29th and continuing Thursdays and Sundays through a Christmas Eve Service.

Thursday Evening Advent Study, November 29th:“The Gift of the Nutcracker”, 7 p.m., North Room.

Sunday Worship, December 2nd – “Setting the Stage”Scripture Lessons: Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 1:30-33, Romans 8:22

What is it we are waiting for during Advent? We will focus on Christ’s work that is still coming to fruition.

Thursday Evening Advent Study, December 6th:“The Gift of the Nutcracker”, 7 p.m., North Room.

Sunday Worship, December 9th – “God the Father’s Love”Scripture Lessons: Genesis 1:1-4, Isaiah 40:1-5, Luke 1:34-38

God desires to welcome us into His kingdom and offers us everything we need to welcome Christ into our lives.

Thursday Evening Advent Study, December 13th:“The Gift of the Nutcracker”, 7 p.m., North Room.

Sunday, December 16th – Children’s Christmas Service/Program in the Sanctuary and “A Journey to Bethlehem” in the Social Room from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Thursday Evening Advent Study, December 20th:“The Gift of the Nutcracker”, 7 p.m., North Room.

Sunday Worship, December 23rd – “Mountains and Mole Hills”Scripture Lessons: Isaiah 53:4-5a & 8a, Luke 3:1-6

Because we all look at the world through our own individual eyes, what may seem minor to some may be overwhelming to others.

We will examine why this is.

Christmas Eve Worship, December 24th – “Joyful All Ye Nations Rise”Scripture Lessons: Psalm 137, Luke 2:10

Join us as we celebrate the birth of Christ with music and lessons! 9 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

Page 5

Gifts of LoveA big part of Christmas is reaching out to others. It gives us a warm feeling inside and helps the recipient feel that peoplereally care as they can see the love of Christ first hand.

Beginning Sunday, December 2nd, you can take part! The tree in the Chapel Lobby and Social Room will be decorated, in part, with ‘gift tags’ that YOU can select. Purchase gift noted on the tag and return it to the tree.

_____________________________________________________________________________

1.

2.

3.

4.

Take a numbered tag from either tree.

Sign the tracking sheet on the line with the correspondingnumber of the tag.

Purchase gift (not to exceed $30), wrap & attach the gift tag with the info face up.

Return wrapped gift to the appropriate tree no later than Sunday, December 16th.

Random Acts of KindnessAlong with gift tags, our trees will be adorned with paper ‘ornaments’. Takeone and then do something nice and unexpected for someone. Maybe shovel someone’s sidewalk, help a lady to her car with groceries. Carry a small, brand new toy (in original packaging) in your pocket to give to a fussy baby or child in the grocery store. Offer to pay for someone’s groceries or the next person’sorder in line at the drive through. Then, when saying “you’re welcome”, handthe ornament to the person you helped (or to the window attendant).

The back of the ornament has our contact information and the words:

“Random Acts of Kindness! Pass it on!”

Project Hope & St. JamesHunger doesn’t take a holiday. Please sign

up to help prepare meals for either Project Hope or St. James.

You’ll be a blessing to others as you demonstrate the “love that Jesus taught:”

“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I

was in prison, and ye came unto me.”

Matthew 25:35-36

Page 6

Christmas Open HouseOnce again this year, Les and Pat Schultz, members of

First Church, Congregational, invite you to a fundraising event, a Sunday Open House. Freewill donations will be

accepted for the youth programming at First Church.

DATE: December 9

TIME: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. (following the 11:00 service and fellowship hour)

LOCATION: 10893 Stonewycke Dr., Concord, OH 44077

HOSTS: Les and Pat Schultz

Featured at the home will be almost 900 Santas that form the 40-year long holiday collection of the Schultz’s.

Plan now to enjoy the Santas, the decorations and the company of fellow church members! Take time to browse the fully decorated home and, of course, to nibble holiday treats!

NOTE: The garage door will be open so you can use the steps with railings.

Cleveland Philharmonic OrchestraJoin us at 7:30 p.m., December 8th here at

First Church, Congregational.

You can purchase your tickets online, at clevephil.org or at the door.

Tickets are $15 Adults, $10 Seniors & Students.

Join us! You don’t want to miss it!

_____________________________________________________________________________

Page 7

_____________________________________________________________________________

Book Club

Our book for December is The Women of Christmas

by Liz Curtis Higgs.Join us on December 19th.

Our first read of the New Year is Gradma Gatewood Walk

by Ben Montgomery.Join us on January 16th.

We’d love to see more people join us. We meet the third Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. in the Garden Room.

Women’s Fellowship Scholarship

High school seniors: Look for information about the

Women’s Fellowship High School Senior

Scholarship in our January Newsletter.

Christmas Fund

Each year, First Church donates to the Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross

and the Emergency Fund. This offering is a tangible expression of

God’s love and light in the world.

In 2017, UCC congregations and members generously contributed over $1,500,000

to the Christmas Fund. This enabled the United Church Board for

Ministerial Assistance to provide Supplementation of Small Annuities,

Retiree Health Premium Supplementation, Emergency Grants and

Christmas “Thank You” Gift Checks to individuals in need.

The theme of this year’s Christmas Fund Offering is The Light is Surely Coming.

The UCC goal is to raise $1.7 million to help support these ministries

of light and love.

The recipients of your gifts are persons who have faithfully served the

church for many years.

The Christmas Eve offering will be split three ways, one of them being to the

Christmas Fund.Women’s Fellowship Cookie Jars

Heidelberg again has jars of cookie mix for sale. These make

great Christmas gifts for a hostess, fellow workers, or busy moms.

Jars will be sold during our Sunday Fellowship Hours

for $7.

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

Christmas Memorials

Don’t forget to get your $8 donation in for a poinsettia this Christmas. To be recognized in the

Christmas Eve bulletin, you must have your information in by December 18th.

Find the bright red ‘poinsettia’ forms in the Chapel Lobby, Narthex and Sanctuary or use the

form on the back page of this newsletter.

Page 8

November Blood Drive

Thank you to the following volunteers at our recent blood drive:

Ralph & Kathy Jahn, Marge White, Shelby Brumbaugh

and the following First Church members donated “the gift of life”:

Natalie Newhous, Doug Smith & Jeff Powers

If any other church member donated blood, please call the office so we can recognize

you as quickly as possible.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Free Throws for FaithTHANK YOU to everyone who pledged to Free Throws for Faith:

Don & Gail Klingenberg Lisa & Tom Cofer Alan & Clare Nichols Les & Pat SchultzNeal & Norma Forbes Jim & Sylvia Langford Dennis & Cathy Watson Stan & Joyce Kasserman

Gene & Eileen McKinstry Bruce Hilborn Gavin & Erin Provins Tim Frost Mary ProvinsCeil Sivula Wendy & Jennifer Anspach Bruce & Karen Anspach Tom & Karen Berry

Coach Jordan Taylor Grandpa Matt Garbincus John & Margie Haught Matt & Melissa GarbincusCostin-Barry’s Dick & Carol Johnson The Bauer Family Lisa Wilson Pierre & Sweeter Hodges

There were several others who gave during the event, but, unfortunately, we didn’t get your names. If you were one of these, we are sorry we didn’t get your name in.

Just let us know and we will make sure you are recognized!

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

Thanksgiving Baskets

We really can’t properly thank all of you who so generously donated food, cash and time toward the Thanksgiving Baskets. Altogether, we helped

21 families with a total of 45 baskets!

We had lots of help - so many of you rose to the occasion to help us pack on November 18th.

There were leftover items, too, that we gave to the Methodist Church here in town.

Again, THANK YOU to everyone!

Missions Committee

The Missing Twenty DollarsJust after the middle of December a few years ago, Becky found she was missing $20. She found it a week later and decided that since she hadn’t really needed it, she would give it to someone who did.

At the grocery store, she saw an elderly lady whom she thought might be able to use it. She wore no boots and her coat was old and worn. She seemed to be carefully considering a small can of

vegetables. Becky also saw, in the lady’s cart, among her meager grocery items, a walking cane.

When she offered the $20 to the lady, she was surprised and didn’t want to take it. “Please.” Becky said. “If you can use it, it’s yours.” “Why?” The woman implored.

Becky told her that the Lord had been very good to her and she wanted to do something to give back. The woman finally accepted the gift, with a tremulous ‘thank you’ and tears in her eyes. Becky

couldn’t know how it would help the woman, but she was left with a feeling of celebration and could hardly feel her feet touch the ground.

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :_________________________________

Page 9

On December 16th, we will be traveling to Bethlehem during our combined service at 10 a.m. the children will have a brief program with music, followed by an adventer in Bethlehem that we would like everyone to join us in.

You will receive a map of the city from our gatekeepers and then travel through the marketplace of Bethlehem.

You will hear stories from our Wool Trader, Spice Shoppe, Bakery, Census Office, Fisher’s Pier and our Toy Shoppe.

Each one of these has a unique experience and it isn’t just for kids. You may learn of spices and how they were made in Bethlehem. You could have a snack at the bakery and hear a story from our Baker. The Wool Trader will even teach you a way to play a simple Bethlehem game with your friends with a little bit of wool!

You’ll hear how toys were made and played with in our Toy Shoppe. Our Fishermen will even help you catch a fish!! All of this while hearing many different stories about Jesus and how the story didn’t end that night at the manger!

So JOIN US as we celebrate the Miracle of Jesus!!!

Journey to Bethlehem . . . . unforgettable

____________________________________________________________________________

Page 10

____________________________________________________________________________

Pastoral Relations Committee

First Church Council of Stewards created the Pastoral Relations Committee a few

years ago. This Committee’s mission is to act as a liaison between members of the

congregation and the pastoral staff.

The pastoral staff includes Tom Cofer and the paid church personnel under his

administrative authority. All persons wishing to make a complaint about or extend

a compliment to the pastoral staff are urged to contact the

Committee member of his or her choice.

The source and content ofany comments will be kept

strictly confidential in all respects.

The current members of the Pastoral Rela-tions Committee are as follows:

Ann Marie Hamilton, George Milbourn, Cap Perts,

Melissa Garbincus and Jean Stevens.

Facilities Survey FormsThank you for your responses and

opinions regarding what needs to be repaired, replaced or otherwise

taken care of here at First Church.

We have tallied all the responses and are taking all comments into

consideration as we approach “decision time” as to what

should be accomplished and how to fund.

Again, thank you for your time and watch bulletins in the

new year for news on decisions and how these will affect the church.

Year-to-date Budget as of 9-30-18 Expenses $ 247,471 Income $ 233,093 In the “RED” $ (14,378)

Year-to-date Budget as of 10-31-18 Expenses $ 270,989 Income $ 264,689 In the “RED” $ (6,300)

Please get items into the church office by Tuesday, December 20th, for our

January Newsletter.Thank you!!

These Days Devotionals

In order to offset some of the cost incurred by the Board of Ministries

(this publication is included in the Ministries budget),we would appreciate voluntary

contributions of $1. Simply put $1 in an envelope marked “Devotional” and put in the

offering plate or drop off at the office.

Thank You.

Page 11

December Calendar _____________________________________________________________________________

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Nov. 258a JoyRide9a Contemporary9:15a Choir Practice10a Adult SS10a Bells Practice11a Children’s SS11a Traditional4p Safety Program

Nov. 26

10:15a Affirming Life3:45p Yoga7p Boy Scouts8p AA

Nov. 27

5:45p Yoga7p CS Leadership7p PWC

Nov. 28

12p Knitting Group6:30p Eastside Ladies7p Venture Crew

Nov. 29

6p AA7p Christian Life

Nov. 30

8p Recovery

Dec. 1

28a JoyRide9a Contemporary9:15a Choir Practice10a Adult SS10a Bells Practice11a Children’s SS11a Traditional2p Four Oaks

3

10:15a Affirming Life3:45p Yoga7p Boy Scouts8p AA

4

5:45p Yoga6p Girl Scouts6:30p Cub Scouts7p PWC

5

6p Finance Meeting6p Youth Group6:30p Eastside Ladies

6

6p Candlelight Dinnr6p AA7p Christian Life

7

8p Recovery

8

7a Santa Breakfast10a St. James4p Cub Scouts7p PWC Rehearsal

98a JoyRide9a Contemporary9:15a Choir Practice10a Adult SS10a Bells Practice11a Children’s SS11a Traditional4p PWC Concert

10

10:15a Affirming Life3:45p Yoga7p Boards Meet7p Boy Scouts8p AA

11

5:45p Yoga6:30p Cub Scouts7p PWC

12

12p Knitting Group6:30p Eastside Ladies7p CE Board Mtg.7p Venture Crew

13

6p AA7p Christian Life

14

8p Recovery

15

9a Men’s Fellowship

16

10a Combined Srv. Youth Program & Journey to Bethlehem

17

10:15a Affirming Life12p Project Hope3:45p Yoga7p Boy Scouts7p Council Meeting8p AA

18

5:45p Yoga6p Girl Scouts6:30p Cub Scouts7p PWC

19

10a Book Club6p Youth Group6:30p Eastside Ladies

20

6p AA7p Christian Life

21

Recovery

22

23

8a JoyRide9a Contemporary9:15a Choir Practice10a Adult SS10a Bells Practice11a Children’s SS11a Traditional

24 Christmas Eve

8p AA9p Christmas Eve Service

25 Christmas Day 26

12p Knitting Group6:30p Eastside Ladies7p Venture Crew

27

6p AA7p Christian Life

28

6p Girl Scouts8p Recovery

29

30

8a JoyRide9a Contemporary9:15a Choir Practice10a Adult SS10a Bells Practice11a Children’s SS11a Traditional

31 Near Year’s Eve 10:15a Affirming Life3:45p Yoga7p Boy Scouts8p AA

Jan. 1 New Year’s Day

Jan. 2

6p Youth Group6:30p Eastside Ladies

Jan. 3

6p AA7p Christian Life

Jan. 4

8p Recovery

Jan. 5

Merry Christmas, Everyone!!!

Page 12

Published monthly byFirst Church, Congregational22 Liberty St., Painesville OH 44077440-357-7518 POSTMASTER First Church, Congregational22 Liberty St., Painesville OH 44077

OR CURRENT RESIDENT

Blessings to:

NON-PROFITUS POSTAGE PD Painesville, OH

Permit 195

Christmas MemorialsIn case you cannot get to church and would like to remember someone, we offer the opportunity to give

a Christmas Memorial via regular mail. Those wishing to donate a Poinsettia are asked to contribute the $8.00 cost.

Others wishing to make a contribution to the Memorial Fund may donate any amount.

December 18th is the deadline for the Memorials to be included in the Christmas Eve Bulletins. Cut or tear out the form below and mail with a check to the church office.

Christmas Memorials

NAME: ________________________________________

IN MEMORY OF: _________________________________

___________________________________________

AMOUNT OF CONTRIBUTION

# of Poinsettias _______@ $8.00 each = Total $______

(Please do not remove Poinsettias until after the late Christmas Eve Service.)