THE

101 Bridgeboro Road, Moorestown, New Jersey

First Presbyterian Church

Weathervane
(856) 235-1688 www.fpcmoorestown.org

December 2011 January 2012

Dear Friends,

The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant on finding one pearl of great value He goes
Matthew 13:45,46

Most of us are exhausted and turned inside-out as we think about that part of Pennsylvania called Happy Valley. The horror of what took place from my view should have stopped everything in its tracks. No more games removal of all staff. It is time to stop the games and focus upon the reality of what has actually happened to a community that seemed to have it all together. I have this intense response because I have sat with too many parents and children who have experienced some of the pain we are reading about. Just as it is true that there is more to the story than we know, much more, so it is with our lives. If the more of our lives is mired in sin ~ then more pain can be expected. If, however, "the more" of our lives is held in the love and grace and cleansing work of Jesus then the story plays out very differently. Therapists say that 20% of every group of people that gather have experienced some kind of sexual abuse first hand. Here is the "good news" ~ God shows a preferential treatment to those whose lives and hearts have been broken (Psalm 34:18). God knows what it is like to be the victim ~ Jesus' death upon the cross makes that clear. For you who have been abused, please do not feel you walk this path alone. Your pastors and elders are talking about and praying for this congregation at this time of high pain for many. The children are the at the center of our concern. Some have said the boys are "damaged goods" and maybe even irreparably broken. Part of what we bear witness to as a community of faith is this: while abuse causes staggering emotional, psychological, and spiritual damage; and while these scars may never go away ~ healing is possible for the victim of sexual abuse. Many of us know men and women who have experienced the remarkable gift of God's healing presence in the midst of shameful horror. This language of "damaged goods" needs to be changed. Damaged goods ~ no ~ by the grace of God you are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139) and the God who made you can redeem that which has been so twisted. He can bend the bad for good. Part of what we can see in this Advent Season is the incredible need we all have for the light to shine out of the darkness as Isaiah would put it. Maybe in this Advent Season it is time to do some house-cleaning ~ some soul-searching. What are you living with that keeps you in the darkness and saps the energy and vitality of your soul? Does it have to do with TV, the computer, what you read, secretive behaviors, where you go, who you hang around? No matter how old we are we need the light that shines in the darkness. And here is the good news ~ that Light has come for us. Jesus, Immanuel, actually comes and is with us and rescues us from the Happy-less Valleys that all of us know too well. The great gift of the season is nothing you can buy in a store ~ it is Jesus, Himself. Have you received the gift? If you have ~ will you help pass on the gift to another? It could very well begin by inviting that person to sit with you on a Sunday morning. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to people I love very much!

p.s. We have just finished the fall series called: American Idol ~ 8 Kickers. Bob Ford writing for the Inquirer wrote the following that I hope all of our sporting families pay attention to: There should be no cheering on Saturday (Penn State/Nebraska). There should be silence in the enormous concrete and steel edifice built to deify a program that has now been revealed as a false god. Tell the people not to come. Tell them there is nothing here to glorify. Encourage them to spend the fall afternoon with their children (11.11.11). May we that have ears to hear hear.

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December 2011 Sermon Schedule

SUNDAY MORNINGS
8am in Fellowship Hall 8:30am and 11am in the Sanctuary

SUNDAY EVENINGS
5pm New Creation in the Commons
DECEMBER 4 The Gift of Patience Romans 8:22-25 Richard Herman DECEMBER 11 The Gift of Hope 1 Peter 1:1-9 Jonathan Miller DECEMBER 18 The Gift of Revelation Hebrews 1:1-4 Martha Jordan

Sermon Series: Isaiah ~ All I Want for Christmas

DECEMBER 4 2nd Sunday in Advent The Gift of Peace Isaiah 11:1-9 and Gospel Lectionary Martha Jordan DECEMBER 11 3rd Sunday in Advent The Gift for the Underdogs Isaiah 42:1-5, 61:1-3 and Gospel Lectionary Jonathan Miller DECEMBER 18Manger Sunday 4th Sunday in Advent The Gift of a Cherished Children Isaiah 43:1-7 and Gospel Lectionary Richard Herman On Manger Sunday... ...bring your gifts wrapped in white tissue paper to present at the Manger. Please mark them with: gender, age and size THANKS!

DECEMBER 24CHRISTMAS EVE

4pm Childrens Christmas Service Mary Had a Little Lamb Jonathan Miller 5:30pm Family Christmas Service Mary Had a Little Lamb Jonathan Miller 7pm New Creation Service The Gift of Joy Isaiah 12:3 and Luke 2:8-20 Martha Jordan 8:30pm Christmas Communion Service The Gift Unrivaled Isaiah 9:2-7 Richard Herman 11pm Lessons and Carols Keeping Watch by Night Jonathan Miller Manger Gifts... ...will be distributed to local families in need by Family Services of Burlington County

DECEMBER 25CHRISTMAS DAY

10am Christmas Day Service Joy to the World Jonathan Miller

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January 2012 Sermon Schedule

SUNDAY MORNINGS
8am in Fellowship Hall 8:30am in the Sanctuary 11am in the Sanctuary JANUARY 1 ~ Worship at 10am and 5pm Winter Series: The Prayer Jesus Taught What Is PrayerHow Do You do It? Luke 10:38-42 and Luke 11:1 Martha Jordan JANUARY 8 Holy Communion Be Careful How You Pray Matthew 6:5-8 Jonathan Miller JANUARY 15 Start this Way ~ Holy Father Matthew 6:9 Jonathan Miller JANUARY 22 Come Close Matthew 6:10 Richard Herman JANUARY 29 Please Feed Us Matthew 6:11 Jonathan Miller

SUNDAY EVENINGS
5pm New Creation in the Commons
JANUARY 1 Winter Series: Upside DownHow Jesus Brings Heaven to Earth

JANUARY 8 Holy Communion Longest Table Luke 9:10-17 Richard Herman JANUARY 15 The Power of a Seed Luke 8:1-15 Martha Jordan JANUARY 22 Love me Tender Luke 8:40-56 Martha Jordan JANUARY 29 High Maintenance Messiah Luke 6:12-16 Jonathan Miller

Coming Soon in 2012Week of Prayer and FastingFebruary 12-19

To pray is the greatest thing we can do, and to do it well, there must be calmness, time and deliberation. E. M Bounds We are too busy to pray, and so we are too busy to have power. We have a great deal of activity but we accomplish little; many services but few conversions; much machinery but few results. R. A. Torrey For one week in February 2012, as a church we are giving ourselves to prayer not fast, quickie, fly-by prayer but prayer deliberately given calm and time. That means we will do nothing else but pray no meetings, no practices, no events or other activities all cancelled for Monday through Saturday. To take a phrase from the Bible (see: Proverbs 30:18-19) three times a day we will gather, and four we will pray. We will come together morning, midday and early evening to pray and encourage us all to pray together individually before we go to sleep each night. The Psalmist calls us to prayer seven times a day (Psalm 119:164) but were going to settle for four. A prayer guide will be provided for each person to use during that weekproviding resources both for corporate and individual prayer. Gatherings will be led by our pastors and elders. Be on the look-out in the new year for information, schedules and resources, including a class on an Introduction to Fasting to be taught by Pastors Dick and Martha. If there is anything in the community, country, world or church, anything corporate or personal you would like as something for us to include in our prayersplease convey it in writing with your name to Pastor Dick Herman (via e-mail dherman@fpcmoorestown.org or by dropping a note or letter in his box at the church office).

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From Our Executive Pastor

Dear Friends in Jesus, I love the stillness of Advent and the Christmas season. Some folks really enjoy the hustle and the sounds of Christmas. Me, I love the stillness. One of my favorite holiday moments year-to-year is when one of our youth choirs sings Still, still, still One can hear the falling snow For all is hushed The world is sleeping Holy Star, its vigil keeping Still, still, still One can hear the falling snow. Christmas quiet provides the space for reflection. Its in those moments when I sit in a darkened family room, looking at a lighted tree, that I recount the blessings and gifts that come to me from the Lord, for as James is quick to remind us: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (1:17). I remember my parents and how they passed on the story of Christ to me and my sister; and then passed it to our families as they grew. I remember a midnight candlelight worship service on Christmas Eve in the little, New England congregational church where I interned in seminary and walking out of worship into a gently falling snow thinking We are so blessed! Christmas quiet provides a chance to observe the gentle movements of Gods Spirit moving like a gentle breeze stirring the last remaining leaf on a tree or hear the whisperings of His voice coming with Good News. As the carol reminds us How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him still, The dear Christ enters in. Christmas quiet also invites us to pray. Christmas prayers come in all shapes and sizes. For a child, it can be the wish-prayer for a particular gift on Christmas morning. For a mother or father, it may be a prayer that their son or daughter arrive home safefrom a home across the country for the holiday or back to the States from military service overseas. For a son or daughter, it may the prayer that their parents be healthy, able to enjoy their grandchildren and hold fast to Jesus in the later years. For a young woman, it may be a prayer uttered in anxiety as she contemplates introducing her betrothed to family or that of a young man steeling himself to ask his dearest friend during the Christmas break to marry him. The Christmas prayers of Gods people in the Bible are also wide and varied. They range from Marys prayer of surrender in Luke 1, I am the Lords servant. May it be to me according to your word(1:38) to that of both the angels and the shepherds who offer prayers of worship and praise (2:14, 20) and Simeons prayer of grateful release (2:29-32). And carols, again, express prayers that have shaped us which are uttered at Christmas each year O holy Child of Bethlehem descend to us, we pray. Cast out our sin and enter in, be born to us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell. O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel Or, what about the childs prayer, we all sing Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay close by me forever, and love me, I pray; Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, and fit us for Heaven to live with Thee there. Friendsenjoy the quiet of Christmas this year. May it be full of life-giving moments for you to reflect, observe and pray. With thanks for our Lord and for you, I remain Yours in Christs Service

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From Our Associate Pastor for Families

Dear friends, In 2009, The Barna Group released a study about Christianity and its impact on society. From their research they noticed four themes. Theme 1: Increasingly, Americans are more interested in faith and spirituality than in Christianity. Theme 2: Faith in the American context is now individual and customized. Americans are comfortable with an altered spiritual experience as long as they can participate in the shaping of that faith experience. Theme 3: Biblical literacy is neither a current reality nor a goal in the U.S. Theme 4: Effective and periodic measurement of spirituality conducted personally or through a church is not common at this time and it is not likely to become common in the near future. As a pastor whose focus is on education, the third theme is one that has troubled me. I think we as a church can make a difference in the third theme and improve Biblical literacy. I want to challenge you for 2012 to get to know your Bible better. December is a busy month and the holidays can be time of chaos. So as you look towards the New Year, take time to hear and learn the Word of God better. According to The Barna Group: Bible reading has become the religious equivalent of sound-bite journalism. When people read from the Bible they typically open it, read a brief passage without much regard for the context, and considers the primary thought or feeling that the passage provided. If they are comfortable with it, they accept it; otherwise, they deem it interesting but irrelevant to their life, and move on. There is shockingly little growth evident in peoples understanding of the fundamental themes of the scriptures and amazingly little interest in deepening their knowledge and application of biblical principles. The difficulty is that by the time Americans reach the age of 13 or 14, they think they pretty much know everything of value the Bible has to teach and they are no longer interested in learning more scriptural content. How many times can you hear the same story over and over again? But the reality is that there is so much in scripture that we dont know and dont take the time to study. I heard recently someone comment that you can prove anything from the Bible. There is some truth in that statement but also error in that statement. The Bible cant possibly support every imaginable viewpoint. But the truth is that as Presbyterians we can read the same passage and come to different conclusions. For me, one of the great strengths of our denomination is that we encourage people to read scripture and study Gods Word. To handle the Word of God responsibly, Presbyterians have always stressed the importance of scholarship. All the way back to John Calvin it has been crucial that our decisions rest on the understanding of Biblical knowledge after a thorough study. This happens when one seeks the guidance of the Spirit and asks questions. In 2012, we have a number of opportunities to explore scripture and get to know it better. On Epiphany, you can join us at church for the movie The Nativity. This will be a fun event open to all ages, and will provide you with a study guide to reflect on how the movie interprets scripture. Starting June 2012, we are inviting everyone in the church to read The Bible in 90 Days. Our Summer Sunday School and sermon series will be guided by the scriptures we are reading. Only a minority of Christians have ever read the entire Bible. However, studies indicate that at least one out of two American Christian adults want to read all of the Bible sometime during their lifetime. Unfortunately, without help, most never will. The Bible in 90 Days program has been successful in many churches across the country. It is a practical program to help Christians and others do what most already want to do -- and many have tried and failed to do -- read the entire Bible.

The Nativity Story (PG) Friday January 6, 2012 7 pm in the Commons

One family . One journey. One child who would change the world forever. The Nativity Story is remarkable movie (2006) of Christ's birth. The movie retells a favorite Biblical story in a way that brings it to life. RSVP by January 3 to Elizabeth: ecaggiano@fpcmoorestown.org
Drink and Popcorn will be provided!

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Adult Christian Education

Sunday Morning 9:30-10:30 am
Bible Option: The Mystery and the Majesty of the Book of Job led by Ken and Joyce Peacock. Fellowship Hall A Christian Living Option: led by Paul Asciutto titled the Victorious Christian Life and explores how to have victory in your life.
Fellowship Hall C 12/4/11 Victory over Failure (The Crossroad to Success) 12/11/11 Victory over Unforgiveness (Learning to Let Go)

2-1 Couples class Option: Can You Hear Me Now? (from the Tommy Nelson Marriage series) Open to couples of all ages.
Pam and Steve Engle facilitating looking at scripture and how couples relate to one another and to their children (whether young or old). Room 3/4

Elective Option: Through Dec 11th, Rev. Martha Jordan will lead a class called Advent: Through the Eyes of Those Who
Waited. The prophets in the book of Isaiah present us with the idea of waiting and preparing for the Messiah--our work for Advent. We meet John the Baptist, Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Elizabeth as we explore how to be patience and have courage while waiting for the blessing that so long in coming that it is no longer expected. Fellowship Hall B

Prayer and Fasting: January 8th-22nd Have you ever wondered why some Christians fast? Have you ever wondered what we
should pray for? Dr. Dick Herman and Rev. Martha Jordan will lead this class to help prepare our congregation for the week of Prayer and Fasting (February 12th through 18th) Fellowship Hall B

The Truth Project

Its not too late to join in the study! On Sunday evenings Bill and Debbie Walker facilitate this informative DVD-based curriculum taught by Dr. Del Tackett. Each lesson discusses in great detail the relevance and importance of living the Christian worldview in daily life. You are welcome to come at 5pm for worship, dinner at 6pm or join us when the program begins at 6:30 pm.

Sunday December 18th

Our young people will present A Charlie Brown Christmas Pageant. At 9:30 on Sunday morning, our young people invite the entire congregation to remember and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. A heart-warming show which reminds each of us of the importance of hearing the true story of the birth of our Lord and Savior.

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Youth Ministry
Schedule for December 2011 and January 2012
PLEASE CHECK THE FPC WEBSITE FOR THE VERY LATEST December 4...WAVE at 5pm December 6...Last Youth Breakfast of 2011at Caulers6:30am Starts up again January 24, 2012 at Britton's Please call Jen (856.235.1688) to take a turn to host! December 7...FLOCK at 6:30pm December 8...Senior High Bible Study at 6:30pm at Allen's December 11...WAVE at 5pm December 14...FLOCK at 6:30pm December 18CHRISTMAS PLAY7th thru 12th graders are asked to participate and play the Peanuts characters WAVE at 5pm December 22...Senior High Bible Study at 6:30pm at Allen's Sunday School Break From December 18 thru January 1 January 1, 2012...30 Hour Famine (Feb 2012) Registration due January 24...Youth Breakfast at Brittons6:30am January 27-29...Camp Johnsonburg Mountain Retreat The Next Two Months in CREDO December 4, 11, 18...Credo in Room 2 from 9:30am to 10:30am December 18...Credo at New Creation Worship5pm to 7:30pm January 8, 15...Credo in Room 2 from 9:30am to 10:30am January 19...Credo Mentor meeting at 7pm January 22...Credo at Broad Street Ministries Camp Johnsonburg/Shawnee Mountain Retreat January 27-29, 2012 $130/person For Grades 7 thru 12 Register by January 6 Join us on a wonderful winter retreat in the Shawnee Mountains! Check the website for more details: fpcmoorestown.org/youth 30 Hour Famine at Woodbury Presbyterian February 24-25, 2012 $30/Person For Grades 7 thru 12 Register by January 15 Students fund-raise money, then spend 30 hours not eating while they play games, have bible study and worship, and do service projects to benefit the community. Minimum fundraising to be determined. Check the website for more details: fpcmoorestown.org/youth

CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING

As your heart leads please add your gifts to the Christmas Joy Special Offering boxes and bring them with you on December 18, Manger Sunday We receive them at all 3 services

Charlie Brown Christmas Pageant

Sunday, December 18 at 9:30am
Children 4th to 6th grade as pageant performers Children 7th to 12th grade As Peanuts characters REHEARSAL FOR 7th to 12th grade: Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9:30 to 11am In addition to 2-4 other rehearsals depending on which Peanut character you play. Charlie Brown, Lucy and Linus having the most to do.

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Childrens Ministry
Schedule for December 2011, January + February 2012
PLEASE CHECK THE FPC WEBSITE FOR THE VERY LATEST December 7...Kingdom Kids at 4:45pm, Family Dinner at 6pm Crossing Zone at 6:30pm December 10...Rehearsal for Christmas Pageant at 9:30am December 14...Kingdom Kids and Crossing Zone Christmas Party Break for Kingdom Kids, Family Dinner and Crossing Zone From December 15, 2011 to February 1, 2012 December 18...Christmas Pageant from 9:30 to 10:30am December 18 to January 1...Sunday School break January 2012 January 27 Drive-in Movie Night from 6pm to 8pm January 29...Sunday School Teachers meeting 10:30am February 2012 February 1...Kingdom Kids at 4:45pm, Family Dinner at 6pm and Crossing Zone at 6:30pm February 8...Kingdom Kids at 4:45pm, Family Dinner at 6pm and Crossing zone at 6:30pm February 1317FASTING WEEK! NO Kingdom Kids, Crossing Zone or Family Dinner February 22...NO Kingdom Kids, Crossing Zone, Family Dinner Due to Ash Wednesday Soup Supper February 24...Mother/Daughter Event from 6:30pm to 8pm February 29...Kingdom Kids at 4:45pm, Family Dinner at 6pm and Crossing Zone at 6:30pm Kingdom Kids and Crossing Zone Christmas Party Wednesday December 14
KK at 4:45pm CZ at 6:30pm

CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING

As your heart leads please add your gifts to the Christmas Joy Special Offering boxes and bring them with you on December 18, Manger Sunday as we receive them at all 3 services

HELP WANTED! Serve/Clean Up Wednesday Night Family Dinner Dates Open: December 14 and Wednesdays from February 1 thru April 26 Email Jen Gould: jgould@fpcmoorestown.org

Charlie Brown Christmas Pageant

Sunday, December 18 at 9:30am
Children 4th to 6th grade as pageant performers Children 7th to 12th grade As Peanuts characters REHEARSAL FOR 4th to 6th grade: Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9:30 to 11am

Please be at the church on December 18 at 8:30am

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Missions
Alternative Gift Market
The 2011 Alternative Gift Market is full of exceptional ways to honor our loved ones, family members, friends, and business associates at Christmas while supporting vast physical and spiritual needs around the world. Displays in the lobby demonstrate how only a few dollars can change the life of a child or family in impoverished circumstances. Catalogs, located at the displays and throughout the church, include gifts that come in all shapes, sizes, colors and prices. No returns! except the sense of enjoyment you will know having given a gift of hope. The card you send encloses a Christmas message along with a description of your gift selection. The card was designed by an 11 year old student at UrbanPromise. A schedule of events and times to select Alternative Gifts appears on the back of the catalog. To request a catalog in the mail, or to order gift cards online contact: office@fpcmoorestown.org

The Christmas Joy Offering is a 70 year Advent tradition among Presbyterians that supports the Board of Pensions financial assistance programs and Presbyterian related racial ethnic schools. Through the Joy Offering, the Board of Pensions assists current or retired church workers in crisis or in the event of an extraordinary medical situation or natural disaster. Our denomination historically promotes education, especially through establishing and supporting racial ethnic schools. The Christmas Joy Offering provides scholarships to deserving students and helps schools with basic operating costs. These schools develop leaders for tomorrow as they enable students to discover and pursue their dreams - Barber-Scotia College (NC); Cook College & Theological School(AZ); Knoxville College(TN); Menaul School(NM); Sheldon Jackson College(AK); Stillman College (AL); Presbyterian Pan American School(TX). Christmas Joy Offering envelopes (star), as well as FPC Christmas Offering envelopes (candles), are included with stewardship supplies and pew racks in the sanctuary. As you are able, please add your gifts to these special offerings on Manger Sunday, December 18th.

Missionwares...
...is another way to respond to those in need around the
world at Christmas. Through Missionwares, fair income is generated for skilled artisans in exchange for beautiful and unique jewelry and handcrafts. Missionwares handcrafts come from the two largest Christian organizations that assist third world artisans. It also features handcrafts from other faith-based sources such as Wonderfully Made Jewelry whose mission it is to create hope through an alternative income for survivors of trafficking and exploitation. Each item of jewelry tells a story of the avenue to lasting freedom for victims of trafficking and represents a discussion piece because of the beauty of the design and elegance in the materials and craftsmanship. Intricate beaded articles, made available from Missions Along the Nile, are the workmanship of handicapped artisans in Ethiopia. Missionwares schedule coincides with the Alternative Gift Market.

A third Haiti Mission Outreach departs from Moorestown on Saturday, January 14, 2012 to continue with new home construction for earthquake survivors. The team is comprised of adults and youth from FPCM and the Church Without Borders in Medford. Members of the team include: Mike Baker Steve DiBartolo Steve Engle Joanne Hankins David Hess Matt Miller Bill Walters **Ken Wehn Henry Bilenchi Pam Engle Tom Green Branden Hess David Hughes Rebecca Ritts Ethel Waltrip Al Wenzke

Commissioning of the team occurs on Sunday, January 8th at the 11 am service. They will work under the guidance and leadership of Haiti Outreach Ministries with Pastors Leon Dorleans and Profaite Medeus, visitors in October.

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The Ministry of Music

Vocal Treasures
Tickets: $20, Regular $15 Senior-Student (available at the door)

for Christmas & Epiphany sung by Individual and Combined Choirs Joel Krott, Director Free will offering -Childcare Provided

Conversation Pieces

The Dali Quartet

Sunday, January 22 at 7:30pm

Treasures of the Hispanic Tradition including works by:
Villa-Lobos (Brazil) Amaya (Venezuela) Piazzolla (Argentina) Valdes (Cuba) Rodriguez (Uruguay)

Tickets: $20, Regular

$15 Senior-Student

(available at the door)

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Stepping Stones
Sharing the News from our Preschool

Step By Step concluded November with our much loved Thanksgiving Feast. The children had so much fun dressing up as Pilgrims and Indians plus they enjoyed the chance to eat, sing songs, and share what they are thankful for. The parents visited our feast and enjoyed witnessing one of our favorite traditions. In December, our Enrichment Day class will prepare all month for their annual performance of The Christmas Story...with sets, costumes, and beautiful songs. They will also be creating beautiful ornaments to adorn the Christmas tree at the Christmas Dinner sponsored by Presbyterian Women. All of our classes will be busy learning about and getting ready for the celebration of the best birthday of all...that of our Lord, Jesus Christ! Its almost that time againPreschool Registration for 2012-13 classes! Early registration (for church members and those currently enrolled) will begin January 9. Open registration (for everyone else) will begin on January 23. Our Open House will be the evening of January 23rd from 6:30pm-8:00pm. If you or any families you know are interested in receiving information about next years classes, be sure to email Amy Agger (aagger@fpcmoorestown.org) with contact information so everyone can be included on the mailing list and receive the registration information in January. Help spread the word about our wonderful Preschool here at 1st Pres.!
* We still have spots available in a few of our classes this year. Anyone interested in the openings can contact Amy Agger at 856-235-7105 or aagger@fpcmoorestown.org with any questions or to schedule a tour. They can also find great information on our website, www.fpcmoorestown.org/preschool.

A Light in the Darkness

The people walking in darkness Have seen a great light; On those living in the land of deep darkness A light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2 Not everyone is up and cheery for the Christmas holidays. Instead of the joy and happiness advertised on television or in greeting cards, for some this a bittersweet time of year when nostalgic memories of past holidays bring a stark awareness that life has changed and people we love are gone. Dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of a job, living with cancer or some other dis-ease that puts a question mark over the future can make parties and joviality painful for many people in our congregation and community. Therefore As we have for several years, we will gather again on a December Sunday evening for a quiet Advent Service of Remembrance that is reflective and quiet in tenor, accepting of where we really are, and which hold out healing and hope for everyone present. This annual service creates sacred space for families, friends and anyone who is living through dark times. So, we invite you to join us on Sunday, December 11 in a candlelit sanctuary at 7pm for a time of special music, scripture, stories, quiet reflection, healing prayer and communion; and Pastor Dick Herman will bring a simple meditation entitled A Light in the Darkness. Please come or come with someone you care about who needs such a service of healingand bring a picture or remembrance of your loved one(s) to place on the window sills of our sanctuary to say in the presence of our Lord and our friends, that our love for them and Gods love for us and them still carries us through it all.

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The Latest News from Presbyterian Women

Please come to the church wide Christmas Dinner on Monday, December 5th at 6pm. It will help our planning if you will sign up on one of the sheets around the church. Thanks! Our six circles are studying the Beatitudes at their monthly meetings. We are thankful for Cecelia Lane giving us a good introduction to this years study at the Fall Gathering in September. The Winter Gathering of circles will be Monday, January 23 at 9:30am., studying Lesson 5. There will be a soup luncheon after the lesson. Put March 11-15 on your calendar for the Annual RUMMAGE SALE. Save items that are in good shape and bring them in starting on Sunday afternoon March 11th. See ad to the right. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:6

SAVE THE DATE for the 94th Annual

MARCH 1115, 2012

PUT THIS WEEK ON YOUR CALENDAR !

Joyce Connell, Moderator

Random Acts of Kindness

Come join us in December and January for showing Gods love in a practical way. For December we will go to local diners and pay for breakfasts for some of the patrons. We will do this anonymously but have their server give them a card that says: Merry Christmas! God loves you and so do we. First Presbyterian Church, Moorestown Come join us to give a Christmas gift to a stranger! For January, we will visit folk who recently moved into town and give them a welcome gift. These two events can be done by almost anyone, even you! Why not join us on December 17 and January 21? Put your faith into action! We meet in room 2 at 9:30am and receive instruction and pray. From 10am to 12noon we show Gods love in a practical way. You dont need to bring anything and we give you a RAK tee shirt to wear over your winter clothes. You can do this!!!

We hope to have a large turnout of volunteers since it takes many hands to prepare/execute/clean-up this event. We have positions for:
Receivers, Schleppers, Un-packers, Sorters, Pricers, Sign Makers, Check-outers, Cashiers and Packer-uppers! Contact Debbie Walker (609) 744-4630 or dwalker91@comcast.net

CLEAN OUT THOSE CLOSETS, ATTICS AND BASEMENTS!

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TOYS

TOYS

TOYS

We are again collecting toys for children in Camden. There are so many more families without jobs and we hope to bring some love and joy to them at Christmas. Please open your hearts and help with our drive. So many of you have continued to be so generous over the years. Thank you. Bring your gifts to the church with our name on them or to our home: 329 Springhouse Lane in Moorestown Or we will be happy to pick them up at your home. Our number is: (856) 234-0717 Gifts are most needed for children between 3 and 13 years old. We deliver them to the Presbytery Food Shelf in Camden between December 15th and December 20th. Blessings to all, Annette and Skip Emerson

Church-wide Christmas Dinner

Monday, December 5 at 6:30pm
This is a covered dish supper...check the sign-up sheets around the church!

Presbyterian Women presents the

Youre invited to attend the ISG Womens Retreat

Held at St. Marys of Providence Elverson, PA

Mens Breakfast
January 21, 2012 8am
Lingering Lessons from Happy Valley This talk will be guided by the Harvest Ministry team established to help the sexually broken
- NO MENS BREAKFAST IN DECEMBER -

More Beautiful than Diamonds

Featured Speaker: Mrs. Susan Meers, speaking on gems Bible Study Leader: Ms. Ruth Stotsenburg Cost: $165 by January 15, 2012 $175 by March 1, 2012 Reservations may be made by calling (856) 220-1602

You Can Become an Angel!

Support Angel Tree Prison Ministry this Christmas Season.
Each Christmas season thousands of children more acutely feel the pain of separation and sense of abandonment that accompanies the incarceration of a parent. For the past five years our church has been helping to support Prison Fellowship Ministries with their Angel Tree program to reach out to these children. Again this year, your Deacons will be setting up an Angel Tree to let you select a local child or several children for whom you will purchase several gifts. Angel Tree provides us the names, ages, and wish lists of approximately 60 eligible children in Burlington and nearby Counties. Should you want to become an Angel this Christmas season, you will select a paper angel from the Angel Tree on Sunday November 27th . Then during the week after Thanksgiving, you will purchase and wrap your gifts ($20-$30 maximum per child, usually one toy and one clothing item) and place them back under the tree on Sunday December 4th. The Deacons will see that the gifts get delivered before Christmas. Please help us touch the lives of these children with the love of Jesus again this year. It is your chance to be part of a great way to link children in need with caring Christians living in nearby communities. This can be a great thing for you and your family to do together. You may also want to help the Deacons even further by assisting in the gift delivery. We provide you the contact information, you set up a delivery date with the parent or guardian and deliver between Dec. 4th and 24th. Those smiles of appreciation are wonderful things to share with your family. For more information contact Tom Hottenstein (856-866-0827) (thottenstein@comcast.net) or Kathy Stone (856-273-8082) (stoneka1009@aol.com). The Angel Tree web address is (www.angeltree.org). Visit it to learn more ways to give and help.

December 2011 Calendar

January 2012 Calendar

The Weathervane
First Presbyterian Church 101 Bridgeboro Road Moorestown, NJ 08057

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2012 Lenten Small Group Studies

Beginning the Week of February 19, 2012
Beginning the week of Ash Wednesday, the last full week of February, members and friends of First Presbyterian will step out to experience the power of prayer to transform and deepen our relationship with God. In what has become a pre-eminent book about prayerPrayer: Finding the Hearts True Homebest-selling author Richard Foster offers a warm, compelling, and sensitive primer on prayer, helping us to understand, experience, and practice prayer in its many forms. He clarifies the prayer process, answers common misconceptions, and shows the way into prayers of contemplation, healing, blessing, forgiveness, and rest. Coming to prayer is like coming home, Foster says. "Nothing feels more right, more like what we are created to be and to do. Yet at the same time we are confronted with great mysteries. Who hasn't struggled with the puzzle of unanswered prayer? Who hasn't wondered how a finite person can commune with the infinite Creator of the universe? ... We do our best, of course, to answer these knotty questions but when all is said and done, there is a sense in which these mysteries remain unanswered and unanswerable ... At such times we must learn to become comfortable with the mystery." Foster shows us how prayer can move us inward into personal transformation, upward toward intimacy with God, and outward to minister to others. He leads us beyond questions to a deeper understanding and practice of prayer, bringing us closer to God, to ourselves, and to our community. In late January, information about signing up for small groups will become available and the book will be on hand for purchase. If youre willing to host a small group in your home during Lent 2012, please give Elizabeth Caggiano a call at the church (856-235-1688) and let us know as soon as possible; and, should you be interested in leading a group (let us know about that, too), there will be training session with the study guide in February to prepare you to have the best experience possible. I invite you to join us in this wonderful study during Lent 2012. Blessings,

Pastor Dick Herman