Faith Component at LOPC

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Connections Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church December 16, 2018 49 Knox Drive | Lafayette, CA | 94549 | (925) 283-8722 | [email protected] | www.lopc.org Pastors Peter Whitelock, Head of Staff | Gerald Chinen, Care Lauren Gully, Mission & Spiritual Formation | Jaime Polson, Families Overflow 2019 Stewardship Campaign So far, this community has pledged $1,916,169 for 2019. Our goal is $2,527,000. If you haven’t had a chance, make your pledge today! You can find pledge cards in the back of the pews and at the front desk in the Ministry Center. Christmas Eve at LOPC Family Service 3 & 4:30 p.m. Traditional Service 7 & 8:30 p.m. Carols, Candlelight, and Communion 11 p.m. Good News Faith Component Every year, we budget for something called Faith Component to draw in support from people who: Like to give at year’s end Have had a better year fiscally than they anticipated when they pledged Have yet to make a giſt to the church Would just like to make an extra giſt before the calendar turns is year it’s not a small number, but one we can easily reach together: $240,000. is is the final push towards having the balanced budget we strive for annually! Look for your Good News letter and return envelope in the mail or you can find a giving envelope in the back of the pews. Christmas Poinsettias TODAY after both services on the Plaza You may donate a plant to adorn the Sanctuary in memory or in honor of someone special. e Deacons and Flower Team will be on the Plaza accepting the $15 donation for each memorial. e list of dedications will be published in the Christmas Eve bulletin. ose who have donated may bring their plant home aſter the 11 p.m. Christmas Eve service.

Transcript of Faith Component at LOPC

ConnectionsLafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church December 16, 2018

49 Knox Drive | Lafayette, CA | 94549 | (925) 283-8722 | [email protected] | www.lopc.org

Pastors Peter Whitelock, Head of Staff | Gerald Chinen, Care Lauren Gully, Mission & Spiritual Formation | Jaime Polson, Families

Overflow2019 Stewardship CampaignSo far, this community has pledged $1,916,169 for 2019. Our goal is $2,527,000.

If you haven’t had a chance, make your pledge today! You can find pledge cards in the back of the pews and at the front desk in the Ministry Center.

Christmas Eve at LOPC

Family Service 3 & 4:30 p.m. Traditional Service 7 & 8:30 p.m.

Carols, Candlelight, and Communion 11 p.m.

Good NewsFaith Component

Every year, we budget for something called Faith Component to draw in support from people who:• Like to give at year’s end• Have had a better year fiscally

than they anticipated when they pledged

• Have yet to make a gift to the church

• Would just like to make an extra gift before the calendar turns

This year it’s not a small number, but one we can easily reach together: $240,000. This is the final push towards having the balanced budget we strive for annually!

Look for your Good News letter and return envelope in

the mail or you can find a giving envelope in the back of the pews.

Christmas PoinsettiasTODAY after both services on the PlazaYou may donate a plant to adorn the Sanctuary in memory or in honor of someone special. The Deacons and Flower Team will be on the Plaza accepting the $15 donation for each memorial. The list of dedications will be published in the Christmas Eve bulletin. Those who have donated may bring their plant home after the 11 p.m. Christmas Eve service.

2 Connections LOPC

youth & children

Children’s Ministry Team: Ryan Timpte,

[email protected] Lori Robinson, [email protected]

Susan Wentworth (Preschool),

[email protected]

Youth Ministry Team: Keris Dahlkamp, [email protected]

Allison Kunz, [email protected]

The 10:10TODAY & December 23, 10:10 a.m., Oak RoomAfter the 9 a.m. service, grab a cup of coffee and head over to the Oak Room. Or come early for the 11 a.m. service. We’ll finish by 10:50 so you’ll make it to church on time. We look forward to seeing you there!

December: Not So Silent Night: The Radical Message of Luke’s GospelKathy Timpte is teaching an Advent series on the Gospel of Luke. TODAY: Jesus’ birth in the margins December 23: Not So Silent Night Q&A.

The 10:10 will take a break for the holidays and resume on January 6.

Contact Kathy Timpte at [email protected] for more information.

spiritual formation

YOUTH GROUPSJoin us and bring your friends for a night of energetic games, worship led by youth musicians, a relevant Bible devotional, and encouraging small group discussions.

BTW9th – 12th Grade Youth Group TODAY, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Progressive Brinner

YOW5th – 8th Grade Youth GroupWednesdays, 6 – 7:30 p.m.December 19: Mediocre Talent Show

TODAY

The Garden for Children9 a.m. & 11 a.m. servicesThe Garden on Sunday Mornings is for kids from three months old through fourth grade.

Youth Alive 9 a.m. service only in CLC 201Youth Alive is a youth program for 5th-8th graders. Share in games and activities as we explore your questions about God together. Youth who attend at 11 a.m. are encouraged to join the worship service with family.

Hold in Prayer

Our prayers of comfort and peace go out to the family and friends of:

Devon Knight, who passed on November 30. Services will be on January 26.Dorothea Benny, who passed on November 29. Service will be on February 2 at 1 p.m. in the Chapel followed by a reception in the Oak Room.Bob Freeman, who passed on November 28. No service is planned.Avis Ada Eukel, who passed on November 23. Services are being planned.Joann Nicolaisen, who passed on November 22. There will be a private family service.Benjamin “Bud” Lake, who passed on November 21. Service will be January 5 at 11 a.m. A reception will follow in Fellowship Hall.Bill Sumner, who passed on November 19. There will be a private family service.James Meador, who passed on November 16. Family will have a private service.Norah Bain, who passed on October 18. Service was rescheduled for January 12 in the Chapel.

If you have someone you would like the community to hold in prayer, contact:

Gerald Chinen, Pastor, Care [email protected] or x227

Harry Jayasingha, Chaplain [email protected]

Alive! In Christ...In the World Connections 3

communityYoung Families Connect (YFC)TODAY, 10 – 11 a.m. Back playgroundWe’re trying something new. Families with kiddos, come hang out on the back playground and connect with other parents! There will be coffee, donuts, kids playing on the play-ground, and smiles! We hope you can join in the fun.

LOPC Breakfast GroupFormerly Men’s BreakfastLarry Sly, Contra Costa Food ProgramDecember 19, 7 a.m. Davies RoomJoin us for a Christmas program!$5 donation at the door for breakfast.RSVP by noon on December 18 to Chris Baldwin at [email protected] or 925-283-8722 x110.

Thursday FellowshipDecember 20, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Fellowship HallCome join us and experience our exciting activities and caring community. The program features light exercise or crafts, lunch, and entertainment. We welcome volunteers, guests, and visitors.

For more information, contact Julie Peterson at [email protected] or Clarita Wooldridge at [email protected] or call 925-283-8722 x281.

Pledge Envelopes Available

For households who requested them, pledge

envelopes will be available in the Chapel Narthex

on Sunday, December 16 through the end of January.

Tax Deadline ApproachingThe end of the year is rapidly approaching. Anyone who plans to make tax-deductible donations to LOPC in 2018 is reminded that the church must either receive your gift by 5 p.m. on December 31 or receive your mailed gift postmarked December 31 or earlier. Sorry, we can make no exceptions to these IRS rules. For those giving stock, please note that these gifts must be in LOPC’s brokerage account no later than December 31. Please notify Lidia Jesionek (x229 or [email protected]) or Char Casella (x253 or [email protected]) if you are making a stock gift, what stock(s) you’re donating, and how it should be applied. That way, we’ll be on the alert for this gift and will know who it’s coming from.Year-end statements will be mailed in January. To insure the deduct-ibility of your gifts, do not file your 2018 tax return until you receive this statement. Some of your gifts may not be tax-deductible if you file your tax return before receiving a written acknowledgement of your gifts to LOPC.

Disciple Bible Study III Remember Who You Are Part 2, The ProphetsStarting January 10Thursdays, 8:30 – 10 a.m.CLC 201We invite you to join us for a 14-week long study of Scripture led by Pastor Jaime. This study, Disciple: Remember Who You are, aims at transformation—not just information—and is an opportunity to greatly enrich your life through inspiring Bible study in a small group setting. We will use the Bible and the study manual to complete daily reading assignments, generally about 30 minutes of reading per day, and meet weekly for discussion, video and prayers. There is a $20 fee for the study manual.

If you have questions or would like to register for this event, please contact Michelle at [email protected].

Respite NightJanuary 18, 6 – 9 p.m.LOPCFor parents who have children & youth with special needs, ages 2-22Dinner, games, therapy dogs, crafts, activities, and a movie! Children and youth will be divided up by age groups with age-appropriate movies. Sensory and quiet rooms are provided. Several professionals who work with children/youth with special needs will be onsite the entire evening. We will provide a staffing ratio to match your child’s needs.Please register by Monday, January 7 to Michelle at [email protected]. Space is limited. We welcome you to connect with us before the Respite Night.

Mom’s RetreatJanuary 18, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. LOPCPlease join us for our Annual Mom’s Retreat. We have invited Ann Killion, an American sports journalist, author, and sought-after speaker. She will share insights on how to find balance and to live a happier, more fulfilled life while raising a family.For additional information and to register, please email Michelle at [email protected].

Space is limited. Childcare is provided.

4 Connections LOPC

TODAY Congo Necklaces for Sale. See this page.TODAY Young Families Connect. See page 3.TODAY The 10:10 – Advent. See page 2.TODAY Christmas Poinsettias. See page 1.December 19 LOPC Breakfast Group. See page 3.December 20 Thursday Fellowship. See page 3.December 24 Christmas Eve Services. See pages 1 and 4.January 10 Disciple Bible Study begins. See page 3.January 18 Respite Night. See page 3.January 18 Mom’s Retreat. See page 3.

Mark Your Calendar

worshipCurrent Sermon Series: Advent According to MaryToday: Joy

December 23: Love

Christmas Eve ServicesMonday, December 24Family Service: 3 & 4:30 p.m.

Traditional Service: 7 & 8:30 p.m.

Carols, Candlelight, and Communion: 11 p.m.

Hearing-ImpairedPlease ask the ushers to assist you if you need to use a hearing aid headset.

Loved today’s service?Lyrics, scriptures, and other texts that you see on the screen during Sunday worship services are available in the Narthex or online.LOPC.org/worship/worship-bulletins

missionCongo Necklaces for SaleTODAY after both services PlazaNecklaces to support the English and Computer Skills Class for Girls in Congo will be on display after each service. Choose from Santas, snowmen and fluffy scarfs for last-minute Christmas gifts. Holiday earrings have been added. The class can be life changing: A former student, whose father died, is now able to support her mother and lift them out of poverty. Come support this class. Education empowers. Special gift cards available.For more information, contact Bobbi Dodson at [email protected].

Connect with us online!

facebook.com/lopchurch @lop_church

google.com/LOPClivestream.com/LOPC

- Give.- Ask for prayer.- Get the latest news.

All on the LOPC app.Text “LOPC app” to the number 77977 to download it today.

2019 Flower CalendarThe sign-up binder for the 2019 Flower Calendar is located in the Welcome Center on Sunday mornings and in the office during the week. Sponsoring a Chancel floral arrangement for Sunday worship service is a beautiful way to celebrate an occasion or honor your loved ones. March slots are already full. Sign up early to secure your special date. The suggested donation per arrangement is $150. You can now pay on the LOPC App!

For more information, contact Hiroko Shibuya at [email protected] or 925-283-8722 x264.

Photographer Needed for LOPC’s

Day of ServiceDo you have a knack for taking amazing photos? If so, we need your talent to record our Day of Service on February 24, 2019.

If you’re interested, contact Robin at [email protected]

for more details.

Stephen Ministry“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

Change is a constant part of life. If you are going through more transitions than usual and would like a Stephen Minister to walk alongside you, please get in touch. Contact Gerald at [email protected] or 925-283-8722, x227.

care