I Will Light Candles This Christmas...2020/12/12 · 1 December 2020 Volume 94 I Will Light Candles...
Transcript of I Will Light Candles This Christmas...2020/12/12 · 1 December 2020 Volume 94 I Will Light Candles...
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December 2020 Volume 94
I Will Light Candles This Christmas
By Howard Thurman
I will light candles this Christmas,
Candles of joy despite all the sadness,
Candles of hope where despair keeps watch,
Candles of courage for fears ever present,
Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days,
Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens,
Candles of love to inspire all my living,
Candles that will burn all year long.
I remember stopping by a garage sale a few years back. I wandered through the items in the
yard and then made my way into the garage. There on a shelf for a dollar was a shoe box
filled to the brim with the weirdest assortment of tapered candles. I love candles, so I smiled,
paid my dollar and made my way home.
That fall was the first fall when Jess was at her new job in Delaware, 2018. We were empty
nesters but living apart trying to keep afloat with 3 kids in college.
In the mornings and in the evenings that fall I would light a candle to remember her, to pray
for strength, and lift up the names of those going through tough times. There was something
comforting pulling a warped, weird candle out of the shoe box. Despite its imperfection, it
still blazed in the darkness and prompted my prayers. These candles blazed in the
darkness for the year and few months we were apart.
Not sure you’ll be able to find such a blessed box of garage sale candles, but I would
encourage all of us to have a few on hand. Not just to light on the Sundays in Advent, but in
the times when you need joy despite all the sadness, hope where despair keeps watch,
courage for fears ever present, peace for tempest-tossed days, grace to ease heavy
burdens, and love to inspire all our living, all year long.
Tom
Isaiah 9:2, Isaiah 60:1-6, John 1:5, John 8:12, Matthew 5:14-16
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
DECEMBER CALENDAR December 6 Sunday School 11 am—Zoom Online Virtual Christmas Concert 5 pm—Online Streaming December 8 Evening of Remembrance 7:00 pm—Online Streaming December 9 Pancakes and Pajamas 6:45 pm—Zoom Online December 14 Session 7 pm—Zoom Online December 17 Night in Bethlehem 6:30 pm—North Lot December 20 Sunday School 11 am—Zoom Online December 21 Deacons 7 pm—Zoom Online December 24 Christmas Eve Outdoor Family Service 6 pm—North Lot Worship Service 8 pm—Online Streaming Parking Lot Bonfire and Carol Sing 9:30 pm—North Lot December 25 Christmas Day December 29 Community Meal 5:30 pm—Drive-thru
DECEMBER WORSHIP (ONLINE) December 6
Rev. Dr. Tom MacMillan
Communion
Daniel 6:6-27
December 13
Rev. Dr. Tom MacMillan
Isaiah 61
December 20
Rev. Dr. Tom MacMillan
Luke 1:26-45
December 24
Christmas Eve
Rev. Dr. Tom MacMillan
Luke 2:1-20
December 27
Rev. Oommen Thomas
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JOHN KNOX IS HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Step back into Bible times to experience an
amazing night—the night Jesus was born in
Bethlehem. This outdoor family event will
be on Thursday, December 17, 6:30 PM to
8:30 PM. Enjoy live nativity animals,
interactive story tellers, crafts, and snacks.
Social distancing and masks required.
JOHN KNOX VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Sunday, December 6 at 5:00 PM
Even though we can’t assemble in the Sanctuary for
our traditional Christmas Concert, we won’t let that
keep us from enjoying the festive music of Advent
and Christmas in the same way as we have
experienced worship during the pandemic. Just as
you have joined the live-streamed worship services,
you can join the live-streamed concert on Facebook
Live or the John Knox YouTube channel! You will
receive an email notice with the links to watch and
listen to the concert.
The concert will feature the Chancel Bells, the JK
Brass, the Flute Ensemble, vocal ensembles and
solos, and Craig Galinski on the organ and piano.
There might be a few surprises along the way! You’ll
hear many of your favorite Christmas carols, such
as: Go Tell It on the Mountain, Parade of the
Wooden Soldiers, Mary, Did You Know, Joy to the
World, O Holy Night, Silent Night, and more.
Below is a link to the Christmas Concert program,
which you can download and print
in advance of the concert. Copies
of the program will also be
available in the church office.
Program Link
PANCAKES & PAJAMA S AT-HOME
FAMILY EVENT
Wednesday, December 9,
6:45 pm, Zoom Online
Packet Pick-up @JKPC
December 7-9 from 9:00 am to noon
or
December 8 from 6:00-7:00 pm
From your packet, you’ll make
pancakes, play games, and build a
gingerbread house with your family!
Contact [email protected]
with questions.
EVENING OF REMEMBRANCE LIVE-STREAM
SERVICE
Tuesday, December 8 at 7:00 pm
We invite you to participate in a
candlelight memorial service to
celebrate the lives and memories
of those whom God has called to
eternal life.
JOIN US FOR CHRISTMAS EVE
WORSHIP
6:00 pm - Outdoor Family Service
8:00 pm - Live Stream Worship
from the Sanctuary
9:30 pm - Parking Lot Bonfire
Service and Carol Sing
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STEWARDSHIP
You’re not alone. God cares about you. So do we.
#giving tuesday
DONATING SECURITIES AT YEAR-END
Donating securities at year-end. For those of you
who wish to donate securities to John Knox
Church, we can accept these gifts through our
account at Charles Schwab. This is an easy and low
-cost way to fulfill your operating pledge. To
transfer broker-held securities, simply forward a
letter to your broker indicating your wish to gift
securities to John Knox Church. You will need to
provide 3 pieces of information to initiate the
transfer:
1. Our Schwab account number: 9402-4107;
2. Schwab’s DTC number: 0164; and
3. Your written request to transfer the securities to
Charles Schwab and Company.
Please inform Mindi Schibley of your plans at 440-
777-3744, or call if you have questions.
STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN UPDATE
We are thankful to all who have sent in their pledge
cards already, and we are eager to see how God will
use you to help support the many ministries at
John Knox. As of the time of this writing (Nov. 30),
we have received 140 pledges with commitments
totaling $527,271. We still have some work to do
to reach our pledge goal of $858,500. Join us by
taking a moment to fill out your pledge and send it
in if you have not already done so. We ask that you
send it in as soon as possible so when Session
meets on December 14 to plan the 2021 budget,
your pledge will be included. By committing your
financial pledge to John Knox, you help us to
continue to participate in God’s vision and hope for
the year to come. Please contact the office or email
the Finance Manager, Mindi Schibley at
[email protected] if you have questions
or need a Stewardship mailing.
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SESSION HIGHLIGHTS
November 9, 2020 Virtual Meeting
• Treasurer reported that total operating receipts for October are about 70% of the targeted budget.
Overall operating expenses are under or at budget. Total Year to Date (YTD) loss from operations is
($120,326). After adding in the contributions from the Morris fund and Payroll Protection Program
loan the overall gain YTD is $23,134.
• Terry Jones, Chair of the Finance Committee, presented a summary review of the 2020 budget from
the Finance Committee. With the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan, Morris bequest and special
gifts we should be able to balance our budget for 2020. He pointed out that for 2021 he is not aware
of any special gifts and we may not have another PPP loan. He wanted Session to be aware that it
may be more difficult to meet our balanced budget in 2021 if there is a repeat of lower pledge revenue
next year.
• Session discussed the first section of the book Be the Bridge: Pursuing God's Heart for Racial
Reconciliation by Latasha Morrison. Discussed the importance of true history and recognizing that
there are times for lament to initiate healing.
• Motion was approved to accept the slated JKPC Corporate Officers.
• Heard report from the task force looking at readiness for opening. Discussed the need to have a clear
but flexible policy regarding what will be done in terms of on-site small group meetings, funerals, etc.
at JKPC if the Cuyahoga County Covid-19 designation moves to purple.
• Christian Education reported that Sunday School is doing well with a distanced program in Trinity
Hall. Youth were raking leaves and clearing gutters for members that needed assistance. Planning is
going into the Night in Bethlehem and Christmas Eve family service events.
• Heard report that preparations are underway to serve ~500 for the Thanksgiving community meal.
• Committees are looking into how to still do traditional JKPC events in a safe manner.
WHAT’S UP AT JKPC? WHAT’S UP AT JKPC?
To The Congregation of John Knox Church,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my John Knox family for the many
calls and cards I received. In addition, there were those who picked me up and
transported me to the doctors, meetings, groceries etc. I cannot tell you how moved I
was at the multitude of offers for food and help. My John Knox family showed what it
means to be Christians in action.
Sincerely,
Lillian Predota
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SERVICE & OUTREACH
FOOD PANTRY NEWS Thank you for your continued support of the JKPC Food Pantry. Our plan for the month of December is to prepare bags of non-perishable food items that may help families and individuals who are needing assistance.
Here are some ideas:
cereal
oatmeal
granola bars
ravioli
spaghetti-o's
macaroni and cheese (often sold in 4 packs just add water)
canned tuna
canned chicken
peanut butter
jelly
applesauce singles (often sold in 6 packs)
canned fruit
soups and stews
All items must be new, unopened, and within shelf life (not expired.) You may bring your items during church office hours and drop them off at the red buggy or at the church office.
God Bless!!
GROCERY PICKUP For the month of December, the food pantry will be closed, but we have pre
-bagged groceries available. These can be picked up in the office during
regular office hours.
Matthew 25:37-40 Then the righteous will answer him,
‘Lord, when was it that we saw you
hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and
gave you something to drink? And when
was it that we saw you a stranger and
welcomed you, or naked and gave you
clothing? And when was it that we saw
you sick or in prison and visited
you?’ And the king will answer them,
‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one
of the least of these who are members of
my family, you did it to me.’
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
It is not too late to contribute hats, mittens,
gloves and socks for those in need during this
season of Advent. Collection boxes are
located outside Trinity Hall now through
Thursday, December 17.
This is a collaborative effort between
Congregational Life and the Mission
Committee. All that we receive will be shared
with the Garden Valley Neighborhood and a
Christian day care center in Lorain County.
Please help us make our donations generous
as many in these communities are in need.
A THANK YOU FROM LOVE INC
THANK YOU to all the churches who collected coats
for our coat drive this year. Even in the midst of a
pandemic you still donated over 2,000 coats. We
distributed them last week to several ministries in
the city. Additionally, we have received more calls
from people needing coats than any of us can
remember. Our clothing room has been busy!
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MISSION
ANGEL TREE
Just like everything else this year, the Angel Tree is going to look different. Perhaps more than ever,
families in our own community need your assistance. You will bring such comfort and joy to the families
in the program this year during a time when challenges and stress are both high. It’s been a rough year…
you make a positive difference!!
This year we are offering a contactless option for you to shop for items for families in our community in
the comfort and safety of your own homes. We felt it the responsible approach given such
unprecedented times during the COVID- 19 pandemic to provide you with a registry of items which can
be purchased and delivered directly to our pantry. We believe this is the safest way to administer our
program this year. You can also include household items and wrapping paper for families to wrap their
own gifts this year. For ease, all of our registries were developed on Amazon. When shopping choose
delivery to the Oxcart Pantry 26272 Country Club Blvd., N Olmsted OH 44070 and include a gift receipt
whenever possible!!
Below is the link to the gift registry for our
families
Amazon Registries
All items are due back by the 18th of
December. If strays arrive late, the Oxcart
Pantry will get them to the families at a
later date.
For the gifts that are usually on the Angel
Tree for John Knox Church families in
need, Please sign up to purchase those gifts
via the link below. If you have any
questions, please contact Kim Tunney at
440-454-3194 or [email protected].
Angel Tree Sign-up Sheet
GUATEMALA and NICARAGUA UPDATE
The situation in Guatemala continues to be very difficult for the region and communities in which we
work. The virus and food/medical supplies are greatly needed and then hurricane Eta and mud slides
resulting in road closures. Our partner - Fundenor - is taking supplies to the villages and assisting the
communities affected by the slides. Funds are planning to be sent to help with the food distributions
and if you wish to help you can provide a check to Mindi marked Guatemala Relief or send it to
Guatemala Family Development (PayPal or check) PO Box 215 - Avon Lake 44012.
In Nicaragua the conditions are even worse where our Missionary Partner - Ariel Mendoza is. The
hurricane has caused floods and in Esteli there is much damage. His house was damaged with part of a
mud slide and his car was underwater. Food is in very short supply and the government does not even
recognize there is a virus problem. Some funds to help were sent but conditions will continue. If
additional funds are available, we will plan to send them in early December.
Please pray for our partners and brothers and sisters in Guatemala and Nicaragua. Thank you for your
support.
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INFO YOU CAN USE
Having trouble with technology? Having trouble with Zoom, finding the service on Sunday or connecting with the
devotions? This is a time when technology is keeping us connected more than ever. Services and devotions are
online, classes and coffee hours will be happening via Zoom, and we don't want anyone left out or frustrated. And we
know technology can be frustrating! We want to help if we can. Sign up here and a tech deacon will contact you!
Tech Help Form
Tech deacons are forming. Several people are already signed up, and we are looking for more. Please sign up here if
you are willing to connect with church members to troubleshoot very basic tech issues like using Zoom, finding the
right way to watch the service on Sundays, or just logging on to basic social technology. Sign up here if you are
interested in serving as a tech deacon.
Tech Deacon Sign-up
Questions, contact Susanne [email protected]
TIPS FOR CREATING A SACRED SPACE
The Rev. Chris Miller of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Missouri, offers these ideas for creating a sacred
space at home.
Try to find a place in your home where you already go to feel at peace. Think about where you go when you want to
calm down or need a moment to yourself. “For me, it is often the wooden rocker on my front porch,” he said.
For many people, a comfortable place to sit is a key element, as it allows us to relax. “My only suggestion is this not
be your bed. It can become too easy for prayer time to become naptime. Not that naptime is a bad thing, it’s just
different from prayer time.”
If there are physical distractions in the space, see if there is an easy way to move them. Even if they don’t leave the
room, maybe you can rearrange the space, so they are out of your sight.
See if there is a way to bring meaningful or peaceful items into the space. There might be pictures of family and
friends, candles, plants, chimes, etc. “For me, the wind chimes on our porch are a gentle reminder of the move-
ment of the Spirit”, said Miller.
In addition to physical changes in the space, Miller suggests considering your spiritual/emotional state as you enter
your sacred space. Here are a few thoughts:
When entering a time of worship or prayer, try to do so intentionally. Decide that this is a time you are going to
focus on prayer, or read Scripture, or engage in extended worship. Allow yourself to set aside other concerns until
your time of worship or prayer is over.
Mark the start and end of your time with a pattern. This might be taking a few deep breaths, lighting a candle, or
reciting a prayer or verse of Scripture.
Try to set aside distractions that might pull you away from your sacred space. Turn your phone on silent or “do not
disturb” - especially if you are using it as part of your prayer or worship time. If you aren’t planning to use your
phone, you might even leave it in another room.
Missing out on the John Knox live-stream worship
services? You can watch every JK service on the
johnknoxpc.org or on the John Knox YouTube channel. If
you do not have access to the internet, please reach out to
the office, 440-777-3744. We will add you to our mailing
list and you will receive audio CDs of select services and a
DVD of our most recent Devotional videos. These are
sent periodically to make sure everyone can stay
connected!
Don’t forget as you do your Christmas shopping that the preschool is participating in the AmazonSmiles program. We receive a percentage of purchases made from customers that designate the preschool as their charity of choice. When selecting the preschool we are listed under JOHN KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NORTH OLMSTED. Make sure each device you use is set for the correct charity. Thank you for your support and happy shopping!
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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
In November, Christian Education continued Sunday School, Youth Group, and Playgroup. Sunday School gathered to learn more about God’s boundless love, and created some fun playdoh in the process! TNT and Crew helped rake leaves and make gifts for homebound members. Playgroup came together and connected families to each other and our church community. Christian Education at JKPC is also gearing up for a special Advent Season! Hanging of the Greens, Pancakes & Pajamas, Night in Bethlehem, and Advent packets are some ways we are making this Advent season special, even when it feels a little different.
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25200 Lorain Road North Olmsted, OH
44070
Phone: 440-777-3744 E-mail: [email protected]
Website: johnknoxpc.org
PLEASE PLACE STAMP HERE