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Neshaminy-Warwick Presbyterian Church |
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The Log |
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In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah,* the Lord. Luke 2
At our weekly staff meetings our church Sexton Lloyd likes to remind us how many weeks until Christmas. He usually starts in about April! The church Calendar year of course begins in December since it is the time in which we celebrate the ancient story of Jesus Birth. But what does this ancient story, a story that happened so long ago in such a different time and place mean for us?
Not just a story of something that happened a long time ago but, it is our story as well. It all happened for us. The Christmas story it is far more important, truer, and more real than all the stories of history, all the novels you can read, all of the movies you could ever see; because the gospel story is not just a story of something that happened long ago, but our story. For to you is born this day a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.
One of my favorite Christmas sermons was preached by Karl Barth at a prison on Christmas day. For your sake God was not content to be God but willed to become a human being, for you he emptied himself that you may be exalted, for you he gave himself that you may be lifted and drawn unto him. The wondrous deed brought him no gain, fulfilled no need of his. It was accomplished only for you, for us. The Christmas story then is a story enacted with us and for us. For to you is born this day a Savior! Regardless of who you are, whether or not you fully understand the meaning of the story or not, whether or not you are a person of faith or not, the story is meant for you. The Christmas story happened for your benefit. It does not take place without us. The truth is that in the ways that matter we are just like the people who lived so long ago, who lived in the first century. For 2000 years later do we not still search for the answers to the same basic questions of life: Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going? Is there a purpose for my life?
The reason the Gospel story is for all people everywhere is because it is the story that tells us who we are, created by God, and that the God who created us did not just remain a God up there, out there, far way. In all of its words and phrases, paragraphs and books, what the New Testament wants above all to say to us is only this: It has happened-the most wonderful thing has happened. At great cost Love has come down to where we are.
You are loved-and not only from afar, not only by somebody “up there.” The birth story of Jesus tells us that Jesus is Emanuel, meaning “God is with us.” The story of Jesus birth proclaims that it really happened. God is with us, it is not just a beautiful idea or an abstract theological truth. It happened! The Christmas story is not a fairy tale, or nice story. And it is anything but the sentimental, harmless, once a year occasion for a time to be with family that lasts only a few days before we return to the facts of the real world. Christmas is the story of a radical invasion of God into the kind of real world where we live all year long-a world where there is political unrest and injustice, poverty, hatred, jealousy, and both the fear and the longing that things could be different.
So why is this story for you, because the story tells us this: If you want to know who God is and what God is doing in the world-then get to know Jesus the Christ. If you want to know what it means to be human and to stand for humanity, get to know Jesus Christ. If you want to know why you are here, what your purpose is in life, then get to know Jesus Christ. For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord.
In Christ, Mark
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From the Pastor of Visitation, The Rev. Lynn Parks “I pray that I’ll die soon.” The first person I ever heard say that was my grandfather. Being in my early twenties, I was just getting started in my adult life and couldn’t understand him saying that. But Grandpa, being in his early 80’s, was feeling that his live was becoming more constricted and, although he was still able to do many things, he was getting tired. He was looking forward more to life after death than he was life before death. I’ve since heard this same sentiment from others who are approaching death and wondered, “Is it okay to pray for someone to die, or to pray for one’s own death?” Surprisingly, the answer is yes. In Luke 2, Simeon, a righteous and devout man who was known to be filled with the Holy Spirit, prayed that the Lord might dismiss him in peace because the Lord had fulfilled His promise to Simeon that he would see the Lord’s salvation. This was fulfilled when he held the infant Jesus in his arms as he was presented at the Temple. Simeon’s prayer comes from a sense of fulfillment, completion and joy. This is the same sentiment I’ve heard expressed by people as they sense they are nearing the end of their lives. Whether facing death because of illness or age, people reach the point where they know it is time to leave this life and they desire for God to dismiss them in peace. I’ve recently found a prayer from the Orthodox liturgy of St. John Chrysostom that is prayed weekly in the Orthodox Church. It expresses the hope of finishing this life well and leaving it in peace. I hope some of you may find it helpful in praying for yourself and others. “For the completion of our lives in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord. Grant this, O Lord. For a Christian end to our lives, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good account before the awesome judgment seat of Christ, let us ask the Lord. Grant this, O Lord.” |
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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY For the past year, several people in the church have been knitting and crocheting prayer shawls. These are simple shawls that a person can wrap around their shoulders or drape across their laps. As these shawls are being made, the person prays for whoever will receive them. So far 11 people have received shawls and been reminded that people at Neshaminy-Warwick Presbyterian Church are thinking about them and praying for them. The response from recipients has been wonderful. People love the shawls and the thoughts and prayers that go into them. They have all been deeply touched and encouraged when receiving a prayer shawl. Some people who received shawls were sick at the time and have now recovered. Some people are still living with their illness. Some people who have received them are not ill, but simply need the encouragement that they are remembered and prayed for. A few people who received shawls have since died. If you would like to make a shawl, patterns are available in the church office and yarn can be donated through the concern center. Contact Rev. Lynn Parks, Pastor of Visitation, for more information. |
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From the Music Director…
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Operation Christmas Child NWPC Sunday school children would like to invite you to join them in bringing joy, hope, and the Good News of God’s love to children in desperate situations world-wide. Please consider making a difference in the lives of children by packing a shoe box for Christmas. The Sunday school students will wrap the boxes. If shopping is not your thing, you can donate $7 to cover the cost of shipping someone else’s box. Finally, please pray for the children who will receive these boxes and learn about the greatest gift of all, Jesus. All boxes must be dropped off in the auditorium on or before November 22nd. Pamphlets with suggestions for what to pack in shoe boxes are available. Call Beth Madden with any questions (267-483-5723) |
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BE AN ANGEL Could you imagine not being able to feed your family a warm, home-cooked meal for Christmas or be able to give as God has given to you? This Christmas season will be like that for many families. The mission team is planning, with your help, to bring hope to local needy families with our Angel Tree Project. Two years ago, with your generous support, we filled approximately 42 baskets with complete dinners and gift cards totaling $5000.00. This year we would like to fill at least 50 baskets with a holiday meal of either turkey or ham with all the fixings, and gift cards to local merchants to do holiday shopping (there will be a list of merchants attached to the back of the Angel Tree).
The Angel Tree will be set up in the Outer Narthex. Stop by and pick up an angel as a reminder and please have the gift cards back no later than December 6th. This year we ask that no food gift cards be donated. If you’re free on December 13th and would like to help fill or deliver baskets, just stop by Room 2 at 10:30 am. Come check out what the mission team is up to. Any questions, please contact Mara Sitasz at 215-956-0253. Because of Jesus, The Mission Team |
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CHRISTMAS BAZAAR AT NESHAMINY MANOR
On December 2, 2009 the Mission Team will be sponsoring the annual Christmas Bazaar at the Neshaminy Manor Home. This sale enables the residents of the home to do Christmas shopping for their families and friends. The items are sold at a nominal price.
A variety of items are needed, and you can help by making donations. Items requested include: books (especially children’s), games, small toys, new or nearly new small items which would be appropriate for either men or women, jewelry (over the head necklaces would be especially appreciated), bracelets, clip-on earrings, watches which run and have batteries, boxed Christmas cards and cash donations which would enable us to purchase items as needed, and to give a few dollars to residents who would otherwise have no money for purchases. Money may be given to Carolee Eberwein, Barb Landis, Mara Sitasz or any other member of the Mission Team.
There is a box marked “Neshaminy Manor Christmas Bazaar” in Room 4 from Sunday November 8th thru Sunday, November 22nd.
Thank you for your help in making this sale a success.
The Mission Team
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RETIRED PERSONS LUNCHEON What are you doing for lunch the first Thursday of the month? Whether your retired or not, but would enjoy a couple of hours of good food and fellowship plan on joining us any first Thursday in the Church Auditorium at twelve noon for a covered dish luncheon. After lunch we usually have a program of general interest. On November 5 our speaker will be Representative Kathy Watson, 144th Legislative District. On December 3 to kick off the Christmas season we’ve booked FULL CIRCLE, Harmony Then and Now. Three women, three age groups, three different backgrounds, bound together by one common thread-their love of singing in harmony. Three part harmony is what sets this group apart from all others – it’s a sound seldom heard anymore. Our own Dottie Miller, Sue Rems, and Jennifer DellaGuardia will be providing this musical program. Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss out on these two exciting programs that have been planned with you in mind. There will be a sign-up sheet in the church auditorium two Sundays before the luncheon for you to indicate your attendance and what type of “covered dish” you plan to bring. It doesn’t have to be home made. We will be looking forward to seeing you. |
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SUNDAY SCHEDULE |
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The second Sunday of the month is Food Collection Sunday. Many thanks to each and everyone who donates food and also to those who have volunteered to sort food at the cupboard. |
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Bette Witlow 11/3 Marge Roushey 11/5 Alma Griffith 11/19 Vic Wiegand 11/30 Betty Stairs 12/2 Terry Slaymaker 12/4
Jeanette Bates 12/10 May Wiegand 12/17 Dan Wolfgang 12/21 Sandi Flynn 12/26 Jack Moore 12/26 |
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COMMUNION
The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be held on November 1 & December 6 at both worship services. We welcome you into the presence of the living Christ. May you experience God’s love and forgiveness during this worship service. Everyone who trusts Jesus Christ as Saviour is invited to take Communion with us. |
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY |
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Concern Center: The Concern Center provides transportation, meals and assistance to those in need. All you have to do is call Doris Pickel (215-674-1854) or Cathy Roushey (215-675-2909) and give details of your need. We have a group of dedicated helpers, however we can always use more. If you can occasionally provide a meal, drive a friend to their destination, or provide several hours of relief to a caregiver, please call and offer your assistance. |
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Jim & Pat Hugo 12/22 Peter & Jill Clayton 12/23
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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY |
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UPCOMING BUS TRIPS PLANNED FOR 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 Bus Trip. FREEDOM CHAPEL DINNER THEATRE – “Amish Family Christmas’ – Step into the Amish World and witness how they celebrate Christmas. Amish style lunch, included, at the Dinner Theatre. Bus leaves at 10 AM and returns at 4:30. Cost is $68. Deadline for making reservations is NOVEMBER 1. If there are not more than 35 people signed up, this trip will have to be cancelled.
Look for sign-up sheets in the auditorium between worship services as well as in the church office. Checks should be made payable to NWPC and either dropped off at the church office or mailed into the church. Contact person is Dorothy Smith and she can be reached at 215-343-1142. |
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Women’s Association Circle meet monthly – September through June – All are welcome
Mary-Martha Circle 7:00 pm Lounge Nov. 11 Dec. 9 Sarah Circle 9:15 am Lounge Nov. 11 Dec. 9 Dorcas-Elizabeth Circle 10:00 am Lounge Nov. 12 Dec. 10
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You CAN help!
Have you ever thought about helping someone and just didn’t know where to start? Don’t have a lot of time to commit? Here’s one way you can help. Aluminum can tabs can pay for kidney dialysis. Abington Hospital takes the tabs—by the pound—and converts them to payment for dialysis treatment for young and old alike! Even the armed forces have adopted this cause and are helping collect the tabs. You can help too! Collect tabs from soda cans, beer cans, any metal cans and give them to Jeanne Lucas any Sunday at coffee hour or call Jeanne at 215-674-3746. |