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Waiting for the King ADVENT CELEBRATION FOR CHILDREN Advent in the Christian calendar is a time for God’s people to re-live the waiting for Israel’s Strength and Consolation. During Advent, we can reflect on the desperation, hopelessness, and darkness that was apparent throughout the Old Testament prior to the Promised One. It seems strange to imagine what it was like to long for a Messiah before Jesus’s first arrival considering we were not there and that Christ has now come. And yet, we should be reminded of our hopelessness, desperation, and darkness in sin until “Thou Dayspring” came “to disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death’s dark shadows put to flight.” Advent takes time. Time to slow down and reflect on Christ’s first coming. Waiting, hope, and wonder; all themes of Advent and all inclinations children naturally have to this time of year. Four years ago, the Children’s Ministry created the Advent Celebration for Children for families to slow down and reflect on Christ’s first coming. The evening begins in the Sanctuary with a time of singing favorite and well-known Advent hymns such as “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus.” Then the service portion transitions into a “teaching time” where we have different ways for children to experience the Nativity story or themes related to Advent. The first year we hosted the event nearly 80 kids helped reenact the Nativity Story.
BAPTISMS
October 21, 2018
births • Luke McRoberts Ball, son of George & Monet Ball (CC#06) on September 10, 2018.
deaths • Dr. Paul “Marty” Garmon, Jr. (CC#13), husband of Ann M. Garmon (CC#13) on October 19, 2018. • Olene Mackay (CC#05) on October 20, 2018. Samuel James Bibb son of Katherine and Justin Bibb
Jane Carlisle Scott Graham daughter of Brandi Jane and Jason Graham
Each year since we have had something different, unique, and engaging for kids. We hope that the night is not just for kids, however. We want this to be an opportunity for parents to participate with their children, and then take parts from the evening home to reflect on and discuss with their kids. We want parents to have the opportunity to express why Jesus coming was so important to their kids, or what it means to have hope, joy, faith, peace, and love in this season of Advent.
• Margaret “Peggie” Courtin (CC#04), wife of Captain Bob Courtin, Jr. (CC#04), sister of Wilma Malhiot (CC#04), on October 24, 2018. • Charles “Kevin” LaDue (CC#06), husband of Amy LaDue (CC#06); father of Jack & Katie LaDue (CC#06) on October 29, 2018. Care Clusters – pcpc.org/care/care-clusters/
Harold Jackson Mabry son of Rachel and Jackson Mabry
John Daniel Manley son of Megan and Kyle Manley
The evening always ends in Fellowship Hall where families enjoy a meal together, indulge in the hot chocolate bar or holiday treats, and children enjoy Advent themed crafts while parents have a chance to talk. A real joy to the evening is having Elders and Deacons serve dinner and assist with clean-up! Every year our ministry looks forward to the Advent Celebration for Children. A time filled with expectancy and joy, waiting and delight. Usually this time of year we can be distracted with glamour, glitz, and consumption rather than focusing our hearts and minds on hope and longing for Immanuel. We hope our time together on Sunday, December 2nd, 4:30—6:30 p.m., is one where we can pause and reflect on what it means to expect and long for Christ and look forward to His coming again.
OUR FAMILY
GENERAL FUND
budget
2018/2019 operating budget July 1—October 28, 2018 budget
$3,144,374
July 1—October 28, 2018 giving
$3,003,250
Budget variance
Audrea Jane Webb daughter of Juliana and Ian Webb
$13,500,000
($141,124)
“Art is a reflection of God’s creativity, an evidence that we are made in the image of God.” — Francis Schaeffer
11/2/18 12:50 PM
2018/2019 operating budget Weekly Average Needed (52 weeks)
$13,500,000 $259,615