November 2024 Newsletter
Baby Shower for Nunley’s
The church threw a baby
shower for Nunley Twins on Sunday, October 13th after the worship service in
the fellowship hall. The party was a bit late since the twin babies were
already born. Maybe the twins didn’t want to wait to come out to the world. The
twin babies were blessed by so many people. Let us continue to bless them and
pray for them so that they may grow big and strong in the faith of our Savior.
Celebrating Bud Hunter
Bud Hunter had served God
in our church for many decades. He was a great blessing to us, making our
worship services richer and more spiritual with his wonderful music. He retired
on December 31st, last year. And now we are celebrating his retirement 11 months
later on Saturday, November 9th from 2p-5p.
Parking
Reminder to not park in the parking lot across from the pocket park, as
we do not want you to get towed. Airy Time would like us to not park in their
lot as well. Please be understanding and considerate of the businesses we share
the street with!
Harvest Dinner
The annual Harvest Dinner
is on the Sunday before Thanksgiving (Sunday, November 24) after the worship
service. As usual, the church will provide turkeys and drinks. You may bring
appetizers, desserts, or any other dishes to share. A sign-up sheet will be
available starting November 10th for side dishes. Pastor Je will
cook the “Don't-Tell-the-Doctor” turkeys wrapping them with bacon.
DST Ends
Daylight Savings Time ends
on the first Sunday of November. Please don’t forget to move your clock one
hour back on Saturday night before you go to bed to avoid coming to church one
hour earlier. If you are pious and religious, you may want to have one extra
hour of prayer in the sanctuary. If that is the case, you don’t have to change
your clocks. Smart devices (such as smartphones and tablets) do not need the
time changed since they adjust their time automatically.
Veterans Day
As Veterans Day approaches,
we take this time to honor and express our heartfelt gratitude to the brave men
and women who have served in our nation's armed forces. (If you allow me, I’d
like to extend it to the law-enforcement officers and firefighters.) Their
dedication and sacrifice have protected the freedoms and values we hold dear.
Let us celebrate the Veterans Day because it allows us to acknowledge their
Service, to express gratitude, and to reflect on peace. So let us pray for
peace and the well-being of all who have served and continue to serve. Let us
come together to honor our veterans, remembering that their contributions
enable us to live in safety and freedom. May we extend our appreciation not
just on this day but throughout the year. Pastor Je would like to invite the
veterans in our congregation to a lunch in November. Please let pastor Je or
the church office know your available date/time.
Per Capita 2024
Per Capita is annual due
for the members of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Per Capita connects PCUSA
congregations and mid councils with the work of the wider church. As the
primary source of funding for the Office of the General Assembly (OGA), it is
how Presbyterians mutually and equitably share the costs of moving the church
forward in the 21st century.
Per Capita giving makes it
possible for:
- Presbyterians to
discern and live out God’s call in their lives
- Churches to connect
with individuals seeking a call to ministry
- Staff support for
General Assembly committees and commissions
- Management and
coordination of General Assembly gatherings
- Presbytery and synod
leaders to gather for training and discernment
- Counsel and support
for churches in crisis (misconduct, legal matters)
- Presbyteries to
address matters of inclusion, participation, and representation at all
levels of church leadership and decision-making
- The denomination to
build connections with ecumenical partners around the world
- Presbyteries and
pastors to receive support on immigration issues
- Presbyterian history
to be cataloged, preserved, and utilized by future generations
Per
Capita 2025 is $44.66 per member. $30.01 goes to the Presbytery of Wabash Valley,
$3.81 goes to the Synod of Lincoln Trails, and $10.84 goes to the OGA. If you
haven’t paid yours, please do so before the end of this year.
Called Congregational Meeting
The session has called for
a Called Congregational Meeting for two topics on Sunday, December 15th after
the Sunday morning worship service in the sanctuary. It will be a brief and
short meeting. The first reason for this meeting is to elect new Elders to
serve in the session from January 1, 2025, for the next three years. As some of
the elders in the session are graduating, we need to elect the equal number of
new elders. The nominating committee will present the nominees. The second
purpose of the meeting is to vote and decide whether we will become the Matthew
25 Church or not.
Preparing for Advent
Advent, the season of
preparing for Christmas is approaching, and we are getting ready to celebrate
it together. Last year's Advent theme was "The Nations in the
Nativity," where we explored Persia, Rome, Egypt, and Israel. This year,
we will delve into the major characters of the Nativity: Mary, Joseph, King
Herod, the parents of John the Baptist (Elizabeth and Zechariah), and finally
the Magi.
This time, it won't be all
Pastor Je’s preaching. Instead, the messages will be monologues from each
character, and we need volunteers to bring these stories to life. Don't worry, Pastor
Je will prepare all the monologue scripts. You won't need to write your own
message but simply read the prepared and scripted monologues as characters in
the Nativity.
If you'd like to
participate by reading a monologue, please contact Pastor Je or the church
office. This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with the Advent season in a
new and meaningful way.
Gourmet Seekers News
We had two Gourmet Seekers
meetings in October. The one on Friday, October 4th was actually the September
meeting (postponed by a hurricane). Original October meeting was on Friday,
October 25th at the Outback Steakhouse. However, there will be no Gourmet
Seekers in November since the scheduled meeting date is too close to the
Harvest Dinner and we want to fully focus on the bacon covered turkeys. During
the Winter months of December and January, we do not meet due to harsher
weather and possibly dangerous road conditions. Our next meeting will be in
February. The venue will be decided sometime in January.
Thanksgiving Day Is Coming
As Thanksgiving approaches,
our hearts turn toward home, family gatherings, and the cherished traditions
that make this season so special. It's a time when we pause from our busy lives
to reflect on the blessings we've received and to express our gratitude to God
for His abundant grace.
This year, as we prepare to
celebrate, we are reminded that gratitude is not just about the abundance we
enjoy but also about recognizing God's presence in all circumstances. While
many of us will gather around tables filled with food and laughter, there are
fellow citizens who are facing immense challenges due to the recent hurricanes
that have devastated communities in many other states.
Thanksgiving is more than
just another holiday; it's a posture of the heart. It's an opportunity to
reflect on God's Faithfulness (let’s remember the ways God has provided for us,
guided us, and sustained us throughout the year), to cherish Our Loved Ones
(let’s spend quality time with family and friends, strengthening the bonds that
bring joy and support to our lives), and to extend compassion (let’s recognize
the needs of others and respond with kindness and generosity).
As we gather around our
tables this Thanksgiving, let's give thanks (by beginning our meals with a
prayer of gratitude, acknowledging God's goodness in our lives), remember
others (by setting aside a moment to reflect on those facing hardships and
consider ways we can help), and let us also cultivate a generous spirit (by
encouraging our families to embrace acts of kindness, making thankfulness a
catalyst for action).
Let us not forget the
importance of celebrating the blessings of family and community. May our homes
be filled with laughter, our conversations rich with love, and our hearts
overflowing with thankfulness.
Matthew 25
The Matthew 25 Church is an
Initiative launched by the PCUSA. This movement invites us to actively engage
in the world around us, so our faith comes alive and we wake up to new
possibilities.
What is the Matthew 25
Initiative?
Inspired by Jesus' teaching
in Matthew 25:31–46, where He calls us to serve "the least of these,"
this initiative challenges us to deepen our discipleship and make a tangible
impact in our community. The Matthew 25 Initiative focuses on three pivotal
areas:
1. Building Congregational
Vitality
o
Energizing Our Faith: Creating a church environment
where people are excited about their faith and eager to grow spiritually.
o
Inclusive Community: Fostering a welcoming space where
all feel valued and connected.
o
Active Discipleship: Encouraging members to live out
their faith through actions and service.
2. Dismantling Structural
Racism
o
Education and Awareness: Learning about the roots and
realities of racism in our society.
o
Advocacy and Justice: Taking steps to promote equity
and challenge injustices within our community.
o
Building Relationships: Engaging with diverse groups
to foster understanding and reconciliation.
3. Eradicating Systemic
Poverty
o
Addressing Root Causes: Understanding the systemic
issues that lead to poverty.
o
Support and Empowerment: Providing resources and
opportunities for those affected to improve their circumstances.
o
Community Collaboration: Partnering with local
organizations to maximize our impact.
Why Do We Want to
Participate?
The session and the mission
committee is inviting us to become a Matthew 25 Church which is a commitment to
live out our faith more fully. It's about:
- Deepening Our Faith:
As we serve others, we grow closer to God and understand His heart for
humanity.
- Strengthening Our
Community: Working together on meaningful projects brings us closer as a
congregation.
- Making a Difference:
We have the opportunity to create positive change in the lives of others
and in our society.
How Will This Impact
Our Church Life?
We will discuss and decide
in our next Called Congregational Meeting. Since we believe we are practically
Matthew 25 Church, there will not be huge differences. But possibly we may have
more of:
- Educational
Opportunities: Workshops, Bible studies, and discussions centered around
the themes of the initiative.
- Service Projects: New and ongoing outreach
programs addressing local needs related to poverty and injustice.
- Worship and
Reflection: Sermons and worship services that inspire and challenge us to
live out the teachings of Jesus.
How Can You Get
Involved?
- Pray: Seek God's
guidance for our church as we step into this initiative.
- Learn: Participate in
educational events to better understand the issues at hand.
- Serve: Volunteer your
time and talents in upcoming projects and ministries.
- Share: Offer your
ideas and feedback on how we can effectively engage with the initiative.
Come and Listen
On Sunday, November 24th,
Lauren Rogers from the OGA will come and introduce this initiative to us,
speaking thoroughly about it. She will also stay for the Harvest Dinner,
waiting for your questions. Please come and listen and ask questions you may
have.
PPM News
Happy November from PPM! We had a busy month in
October; fall field trips, visits from LFD and Sparky the Dog learning about
pumpkins and ending the month with our annual Book Character Dress Up day. In
November classes will be learning about the First Thanksgiving and talking
about things we are thankful for. We will end the month with a
Thanksgiving Feast for Lunch. This month Miss Mea will begin teaching us
Christmas songs and preparing the kids for our program.
We have started our Bundt Cake Fundraiser. This year orders are due by December 2nd and the cakes will be in for Christmas (Delivered December 16th).
We will have an order form on
the Bulletin Board outside the church office. Teachers will receive a
portion of the money raised to purchase new items for their
classrooms. We appreciate your support.
Last month at
the staff meeting, I read a devotion about Autumn Blessings. The song Counting
Your Blessings by Matt Maher and Seph Schlueter reminds me daily that our
blessings are sometimes too great to count, and the reasons for
feeling grateful are infinite.
Hope you can find reasons
to feel grateful and blessed today and every day!
Ms. Lori Rowe
Election Day is Here
The general
election is Tuesday, November 5th. As a church, we do not endorse any party or
candidate. As a pastor, I never try to influence you in the election. But I do
encourage you to vote. As citizens and followers of Christ, voting is both our
privilege and responsibility. Check the candidates. Compare their promises. And
cast your ballots. This is one way of making our communities and neighborhoods better.
Voting is from 6a-6p
and the locations are listed below:
·
Advance Community Christian Church – 305 N Main St,
Advance
·
Boone County Courthouse – Rotunda in the Courthouse
·
Elizaville Christian Church – 5745 N 500 E, Lebanon
·
Jamestown Municipal Building – 421 E Main St,
Jamestown
·
Lebanon High School – 510 Tiger Way, Lebanon
·
Lighthouse Baptist Church – 858 W 250 N, Lebanon
·
Thorntown Public Library – 124 N Market St, Thorntown
·
Whitestown Municipal Building – 6210 Veterans Dr,
Whitestown
·
Zionsville Hussey-Mayfield Library – 250 N 5th St,
Zionsville
·
Zionsville Town Hall – 1100 W Oak St, Zionsville
Early voting is
available please check the Boone County Clerks website for those locations and
times.
BYOB
Don’t forget the BYOB—Bring Your Own whatever B—on Friday, November
8th in the church library, 11:30AM.
Saturday Bible Study
Will meet in the library on Saturdays at 11:30am.
However there will not be Bible Study on November 9th. We are continuing our study of Genesis.
Coffee and tea will be provided but you need to bring your own lunch
CCC Community Christmas Festival
We are approaching a
special season in our churches. A time in which we make room for the birth of
our Savior. To celebrate this joyful season, Central Christian Church is
hosting a Community Christmas Festival on Sunday, December 15th, at 3pm, and we
would love to have your congregation join us. We invite everyone,
individuals, and choirs to join our community choir. The program will be
approximately an hour long, followed by a reception and time of
fellowship. The festival will include handbells, praise songs, solos, and
congregational carols. Choir rehearsals will be on Wednesdays at 7 pm,
beginning on October 30th, at Central Christian Church, 311 E. Main St. Please
let us know how many singers we can expect so we can prepare enough copies of
our songs.
Communion Server Needed
We have Communion once a month, on the first Sunday of each
month. We need elders to serve the communion. You can volunteer to serve if you
are an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church of U.S.A. (PCUSA). Session has
voted to invite those that are not ordained elders to serve as well. If you are
willing to serve, please put your name on the sign-up sheet on the bulletin
board across from the church office. Servers are still needed for December.
November Communion Servers
·
Sigmon Myers
·
Ben Piper
·
Nancy Kincaid
·
Leeza Finch
Voice Actor for the Scripture Reading
We usually have two Scripture readings each Sunday, one from
the Old Testament (traditionally read by the liturgist), and the other from the
New Testament (traditionally read by the preacher). To make the Scripture come
alive to us, we are dramatizing the Scripture reading whenever there is
conversation involved in the Scripture readings. If you would help in making
the Scripture readings more dynamic, please let Neal Crouse know on the Sunday
of your choice.
November Church Calendar
Sat. 2nd Carolyn Dunham’s Birthday
11:30am Bible
Study
Sun. 3rd Communion Sunday
Ken & Pam
Dies Anniversary
Daylight Saving
Time Ends
Tues 5th Election Day
Thurs. 7th Neal
& Debbie Crouse’s Anniversary
Fri. 8h Rob
Bevington’s Birthday
11:30am BYOB
Sat. 9th 2pm
Celebration for Bud Hunter
No Bible Study
Sun. 10th LIFE Sunday
Tues. 11th Veteran’s Day
Fri. 15th George Piper III’s Birthday
Marylynn
Boatright’s Birthday
5:30pm Worship
Team Meeting
Sat. 16th 11:30am Bible Study
Sun. 17th Ralph Willard’s Birthday
Mon. 18th Cindy Goodnight’s Birthday
Samuel Piper’s Birthday
Tues. 19th 6:30 pm Session Meeting
Fri. 22nd Jane Myer’s Birthday
Sat. 23rd 11:30 Bible Study
Sun. 24th George II & Leanne Piper’s
Anniversary
Caring Sunday
Harvest Dinner
Lauren Rogers Preaching
Tues. 26th John Quinn’s Birthday
Thurs. 28th Thanksgiving
Fri. 29th Nancy Jones’ Birthday
Sat. 30th 11:30am Bible Study
Church Contact Information
Office Email: office@LebanonFPC.org
Pastor Email: pastor@LebanonFPC.org
Phone: 765-482-5959
Address: 128 E. Main St. Lebanon, IN 46052
Website: https://www.LebanonFPC.org
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