Mark Your Calendars • NEST at FPC, December 19-26
Christmas
Sign up for your shift at fpcnorfolk.org/calendar/nest
Eve Project
• Women’s Ministries
First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk Seeking Christ. Sharing His Love.
Impact
FIRST
December
2012
Bloom and Grow in Christ’s Love, Retreat, March 15-17
FPC is going viral again! We
• Morning Aside The Birth of Hope, December 8th, 9 am-12 pm
are looking for volunteers to help
• Men’s Ministries
this issue
us take and post pictures to the
our cultural hook P.2
Shoulder2Shoulder Breakfasts, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays
FPC Facebook page. We need
• Seniors First
Worship Services Traditional 8:30 & 11:00 am
photographers, assistants by the
Lunch, 1st Wednesday each month, meet next Dec. 5th
• Kids and Youth
Christmas tree and social media
Christmas Pageant and Dinner, December 16
enthusiasts to push it all viral!
Fun in the Son, HS Camp and Conference, June 30-July 4 Vacation Bible School, July 22-26
Contemporary 9:30 am
The Great Escape, MS Camp and Conference, July 29- August 3
• 2013 Mission Trips
Sign up at fpcnorfolk. org/ministries/volunteer.
Massanetta Springs, Family Trip June 16-18
advent devotional & wreath P.3
Sermon Resources
to miss out on the message. Video webcasts and audio
can be found on our website at fpcnorfolk.org/sermons-
FIRST IMPACT December 2012
live simply, love generously P.7
service doesn’t mean you have
and contemporary services
Nicaragua, July 20-27
children & families P.6
Missing a Sunday worship
versions of our tradiional
Kenya, June 22-July 6; October 26 - November 9
local & global missions P.4
teaching/sermons.
Poinsettias and Christmas Decorations at FPC
Remember: The Christmas Story by jim wood
Christmas is the perfect time to remember the past and anticipate the future. This year we will celebrate the Christmas story through the light-hearted perspective of the popular movie: A Christmas Story. Our Advent sermon series will walk us
on the delight and love that Jesus brings.
through the beautiful narrative of Jesus’
The Christmas Story is a wondrously
birth found in Luke 2:1-20. Our challenge is
magnificent, yet simple story: Jesus came
to come to know these scriptures by heart
to be with us and the world will never be the
as we journey through and experience the
same.
narrative of our Savior’s birth. Plan to join us for the mission market, follow
One of the meaningful
Throughout the season we will sing familiar
along in our advent devotional and share in
traditions in our family of faith
Christmas Carols, engage in fun and
the excitement of worship and mission as
is decorating our sanctuary
meaningful traditions and worship with
we experience THE Christmas Story!
with beautiful poinsettias on
great anticipation as we center ourselves
The X
Christmas. We encourage you to participate by giving a poinsettia in honor, memory or celebration of a loved one. Cost is $25. Purchase deadline is December 9th.
Welcome to the House God Built For many years, we prayed for an opportunity to offer Christ’s love and care to the sick, abandoned and homeless children of Kenya by opening an orphanage. In August 2011, the Joy Children’s Home became a reality.
If you are interested in helping decorate the sanctuary, please
This story began several years ago when a wealthy
contact Lucy Gates at lucy@
Kenyan woman presented us with a grand property, a
fpcnorfolk.org.
house with many rooms. The only condition attached to the gift was that the house, including several adjacent con’t pg 2
820 Colonial Ave Norfolk, VA 23507 (757) 625-1697 www.fpcnorfolk.org
First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk
Evangelism New Parking Ministry Parking is a huge challenge for our family of faith, and a barrier for visitors. We are putting together a parking ministry team to help with this issue, and we would love your help! If you are interested, contact Jim Gates.
Welcome to the House That God Built, con’t from pg. 1 guest apartments, be used for motherless
family, institution-style, into their three newly
children. God began gathering the least and
renovated apartments next door. Now they
the lost of those orphans and placed a call on
are truly families, each living in their own
the hearts of three “mothers” to serve them
small, but wonderful, space. As one of the
as His hands and feet. And in August 2011,
children was overheard exclaiming on moving
The Joy Home opened its doors for a new
day, “This place looks like it was meant for a
chapter in God’s story of hope.
President!”
On Saturday, November 3, 2012, those three
No, not for a president…for, royalty, the chil-
families moved from the “big house” where
dren of the King. Welcome to His home.
Adult Discipleship New Thru 30 2013 Read through the New Testament In 30 days you will have the opportunity to read the entire New Testament. This will not be an easy thing to accomplish but the benefits will far outweigh the
they had lived for the past year as one large
sacrifice.
FPC 101
our cultural hook
Are you interested in becoming a member of First Presbyterian
The Christmas Story
by valena hoy This reading plan has been
Advent Devotional and Wreath
by jim gates
designed to walk through the
Church? Or are you wising to
Advent simply means “coming” or
Sunday, November 25 and there will be
New Testament as we begin a
become more informed? Either
“arrival.” The weeks before Christmas
Advent Wreaths available at the Mission
new year together in God’s Word.
have traditionally been a time Christians
Market.
We have also built in two grace
We still have one amazing “in” - one great cultural hook that affects even non-Christians and the un-churched.
way, FPC 101 is the place to start. Held once a month, the
days a week so that you will have
have celebrated the arrival of Jesus, the
time to rest, reflect or catch up.
Messiah. For many years, Christians have
Join the practice of this meaningful
and others seeking membership
lit candles around an Advent Wreath, had
Christmas tradition. We don’t want to miss
to better understand our church’s
family devotions and read the stories and
the sense of excitement and longing at
This is going to be a life changing
prophecies about the Messiah.
Christmastime. There will be opportunities
experience for all those who
not only for a daily devotion, but suggestions
commit to the process and keep up with the plan.
class is designed to help visitors
history and what we believe. It is
This year, we especially want to capitalize
also a greet opportunity to get to
on this opportunity to share the good
know our pastors and staff.
news of Jesus Christ. I invite you to
This year, our Advent Devotional will take
on how to make this season meaningful and
December’s FPC 101 will
commit to inviting a friend (or two) to
us from November 25 all the way to the day
memorable. Advent is a time we can be
join you for one of our Christmas Eve
of Epiphany, January 6, when the church
freshly amazed that the Messiah has come,
Devotional Calendars will be
services. Each service is an awesome
traditionally celebrates the arrival of the
that we can grow closer to him, and that we
available in mid December.
proclamation of the story of Jesus and a
Magi. You can pick up your devotional on
look forward to His coming again.
Reading schedule begins on
be held on Sunday, the 2nd. Childcare and dinner are provided. You can register your attendance on the Connection Card or online at fpcnorfolk.org/ calendar.
Contact Jim Gates Associate Pastor of Evangelism
We live in a post-Christian culture. So many of the societal connections to Christ have disappeared over the last number of decades. However, we still have one amazing “in”, one great cultural hook that affects even non-Christians and the un-churched. Christmas.
perfect opportunity for a guest to visit for the first time. Invite a friend, neighbor or co-worker and give the only gift that matters – the Christmas Story.
Blue Christmas Healing and Wholeness Service Tuesday, December 18th, 7:00 pm Christmas can be difficult for those who are experiencing great loss, grief or difficult changes in their lives. This service is created for those who desire a night of reflection and prayer focused on the hope and promise of Emmanuel, God with us. The promises that we have in Jesus Christ carry us through even the darkest and loneliest of times. Please join us or
jimgates@fpcnorfolk.org
Christmas remains an institution for
(757) 625-1697
Christians and non-Christians alike.
Christmas Eve Services at First
For this reason, it is also a fantastic
4:00 pm Family & Children’s Service, First Hall
evangelism opportunity. People who
5:30 pm Traditional Service, Sanctuary
might never set foot in a church are often
7:30 pm Traditional Service, Sanctuary
interested in attending a Christmas Eve
11:00 pm Meditative Service, Sanctuary
bring a friend to experience the healing power of His love and mercy.
January 13, 2013
Contact Valena Hoy Executive Associate Pastor valena@fpcnorfolk.org (757) 625-1697
“The last two years I attended the service for healing and loss. Each service was meaningful and I was comforted by the prayers that were offered on my behalf. I also appreciated the tokens we received to take home with us as a remembrance. Thank you for offering me an opportunity to worship each year with other members of our church family who have lost a loved one.”
service because it just seems like “the p.2
thing you do.”
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African Boxes of Love
FPC & Missions Local and Global We know that we are called to be the church wherever God has placed us. We also know that Jesus did not call the world to go to church, he said for the church to go to the world. Therefore, we
by sheryl wood
at FPC are commited to go
“Did you know that you are rich? You
little they have and how much they need.
have a home to live in. You have a bed to
By donating Boxes of Love in the name of
sleep in. You have a car to ride in. You have
her grandchildren, she allowed them the
food to eat everyday. You have things to
privilege of giving to those less fortunate.
play with, television to watch, parents and
She taught them how to give like Jesus
grandparents who love you.”
gives, how to care for others as Jesus cares The Boxes of Love have evolved
money in your name to a group of children who don’t have many of those things. Some of them don’t have parents or grandparents. Some of them
There is a Box of Love waiting for you on a Christmas Tree in The Common, the Narthex or First Hall.
gift for a certain someone? Give
first time, they really are boxes!
the gift of a Mission trip here or
Inside the box is a precious gift that
abroad.
is not to be seen until Christmas day.
remembering that God does
disease called AIDS. Most of
How wonderful it is to know that
not use us to get missions
them don’t ever have enough to eat. None of
when you purchase a Box of Love for
done - he uses missions to get
them have a home like your home. Most live
$60, every cent of that goes to provide a
us done.
in either tents or shacks made of cardboard.
mattress, a blanket, a backpack, shoes,
Few, if any, have ever been inside of a car
socks, a jacket and a month’s supply of food
or slept on a real bed.”
for a family.
Above is a beautiful excerpt penned
items with you that we, as a church family, need donated in
There is a Box of Love waiting for you on
call and responded - thank you. For those of you still wondering what you could give, here is a
NEST Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team
reminder. • Coats and Rain Gear Now through March 16
One of the most meaningful
• Socks and Shoes Now through Dec. 25
to serve as a host and simply
• Hygiene Supplies Now through Dec. 25
man, a guest of NEST, who left
things you can do at Nest is listen. There was once a young a lasting impression on me. He had a delightful manner. As we enjoyed sitting around the dinner table chatting and getting to know each other, another guest began to play the piano. The music was glorious and everyone stopped
p.4
talking to listen.
As “Silent Night” began to fill
This Christmas, when you hear
the hall, the young man at my
Silent Night, think of that young
table softly said, “Please don’t
man and so many like him.
play that.” The pianist, not
Pray please for their loneliness
hearing him, continued to play
and pray for a safe haven for
while the young man looked
them. Please share some of
down, tears in his eyes. When
your time at NEST this year
the music concluded, the young
and listen to a soul that needs
man spoke. “When I hear that
your ears.
song,” he said, “it reminds
Visit www.fpcnorfolk.org/
me of my time on the streets
calendar/nest to sign up for
where it is silent and calm and
a shift.
so very lonely. Being lonely is one of the worse parts.” Those of us around the table, from 10
NEST Needs
to 50 years old, listened as he
coats, shoes, white socks, duct tape, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, shampoo, chapstick, travel size shaving cream, and travel packs of tissues
continued to share a bit more about that life. A life so very different from my own.
• Massanetta Springs Family Trip June 16-18 • Kenya June 22-July 6, and October 26 - November 9 • Nicaragua July 20-27
Local Resources
a Christmas Tree in The Common, the
grandchildren last year. Grace understands
Narthex or First Hall beginning November
the lives of the people who live near
25th. Purchase many to bless many,
To help those in need in our community.
Nazareth Hospital in Kenya. She knows how
including yourself.
Ghent Area Ministires (GAM)
for the homeless and working
those of you who have heard the
2013 Opportunities
by Grace Weedman in a card to her
order for us to serve and care
poor in our community. For
Looking for just the right Christmas
over the years. This year, for the
are sick with a very horrible
A few weeks ago we shared
A gift of service and blessing.
for us.
This year we have given
to the world, near and far,
Gather and Give this Advent
Mission Trips
Advent
Mission Market
Services Include: • Medical/Prescriptions • Rental Assistance • Utilities • Bus Tickets • Food/Clothing For More Information, contact: Martha Gorman, Director Gam-norfolk@verizon.et
Young and old alike will have a grand time at our
(757) 622-0438
annual Mission Market, on Sunday, November 25. Activities include a lasagna dinner, carols in the sanctuary, a reading of the Christmas Story from Luke, tree decorating and shopping at the
Contact
marketplace. Join in the fun and warm up your singing voice,
Sheryl Wood
as we have our first “Karaoke Christmas Caroling”
Missions Outreach Coordinator
while the market is open! The evening will come
sheryl@fpcnorfolk.org
to a close as everyone joins together around
(757) 625-1697
the Christmas tree in the Common for the grand illumination, carols and hot cocoa. Dinner begins at 5:00 pm and the Marketplace opens at 6:30 pm. You may register your attendance on Sunday’s Connection Card or at fpcnorfolk.org/calendar.
p.5
Children & Families
Join us December 16 beginning at 5:00 for dinner and an evening of entertainment as we celebrate the real reason for the season!
Advent Fun for the Whole Family Are you looking for a fun,
Emergency Chiller and Boiler Alert! This year both our chiller and boiler, Sunday, November 11, 2012 we observed
which have provided air conditioning and
Commitment Sunday when members turned
heating to the sanctuary, kindergarten, and
imaginative and step-by-step
Our “Inside-Out” Kids, joined by our
in their commitment cards at the end of all
old Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian
way to countdown to Christmas
9:30 am Sunday School classes,
three worship services. We received 209
Church for the past 40 years, fell into
with your family? Look no
will “Remember” the true story of
commitment cards which totaled $1,161M.
disrepair. An emergency line of credit
further than “The Family
Christmas through a pageant written
equal to $320,000 was secured to If you haven’t yet turned in your commitment
purchase replacements and the $1,100 per
of the birth of Christ, based on the book of Luke, through pageantry, singing, dancing, and
card we still need to hear from you. To
month interest expense is currently being
drumming. A real treat you don’t want to miss!
respond, please bring it to FPC and place
paid out of FPC’s Operating Fund. Since
of stories and activities to
in the offering plate during any of the three
this expense was not budgeted for in 2012,
help celebrate the meaning of
services, mail it to the church, or fill one out
we covet your prayers as we look for ways
Christmas. Let the countdown
online at www.fpcnorfolk.org/give.
to pay for these major capital expenses.
Book of Advent.” Available
and produced by Joanne Whitaker.
for purchase in the FPC Loft, this little book is packed full
begin!
“Inside-Out” Our next Wednesday Night LIVE Inside-Out classes for kids will begin on January
Our FPC angels will deliver the wonderful message
“Inside-Out” Cookie Exchange
12, our “Inside-Out” kids will enjoy
With less than six weeks left in First Presbyterian Church’s 2012 fiscal year, we need about $360K by December 31 to meet anticipated FPC ministry expenses of $2.1 M. As a church, we can consistently impact lives for the sake of Jesus Christ because of your consistent giving.
For more information: • See fpcnorfolk.org/give/giving. html for ways to make a contribution.
Wednesday, December 12 On Wednesday evening, December
2012 Year-End Giving
and share Christ’s love.
If you
would like to donate Christmas
I Can’t Put My Arms Down! by andrew callan
• Refer to fpcnorfolk.org/give each
In ‘A Christmas Story’
we can or can’t put our arms
update on progress toward meeting
little Randy Parker’s
down.
2012 expenses.
remaining week in 2012 for an
a very special cookie exchange
cookies for our “Inside-Out
mother helps him prepare
As we give gifts to each other
and we need your help!
Cookie Exchange”, you can
to go to school. Being a
this Christmas, let’s remember
The children have decided to
leave them at the Welcome
well intentioned mother,
what the Greatest Gift ever given
donate handmade Christmas
Desk the week leading up to
she bundles him up
said, that “It is more blessed to
securely in multiple winter
give than to receive.” Each of
2013 offering envelopes will
layers. Unfortunately,
us must not hold too tightly to
be available for pick-up in
Our children’s programs are
after getting all suited
the gifts He’s given, but should
the breezeway of the church
always in need of willing hands
up and preparing to go
instead increase our joy by
beginning in mid-December.
and hearts. Would you like to
outside, he discovers that
giving back to God a generous
When you pick them up,
help us out at the Mission Market,
he is too bundled up and
portion of what he’s given us to
you help save us the cost of
Christmas Pageant or Sunday
cries out “I can’t put my
steward for His glory and our joy.
postage. Thanks for your
School? Contact Hunter.
arms down!”
30th. Be on the lookout for opportunities to register in the coming weeks.
Volunteers Needed
cookies to local missions to help spread the Christmas spirit
December 12.
Email hunter@
fpcnorfolk.org for more information.
Like Randy Parker’s mother, we have a
Contact
Remember, God works best through people who remember not to hold
Offering Envelopes
help!
Contact
generous heavenly Father who loves to give
too tightly to the blessings that He has
Hunter Johnston
good gifts to us out of the overflow of His
given. Don’t forget to enjoy the gifts you
Andrew Callan
Director of Children’s Ministry
abundance. What we choose to do with the
have been given, but make sure you can
Minister of Administraton
hunter@fpcnorfolk.org
gifts we’ve received will determine whether
still move your arms!
andrew@fpcnorfolk.org
(757) 625-1697
(757) 625-1697
I encourage you to ask God for grace and a spirit of cheerful generosity to see beyond your own needs. Here are two ways you can do that:
Invite a friend or neighbor and give the only gift that matters - The Christmas Story. p.6
•
If you’ve made a pledge to FPC in 2012, ensure that you fulfill your pledge.
•
If you fulfilled your pledge, consider making an additional year end gift.
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