Hot off the presses—and not yet reviewed by the Deacons or the Session, are some results from the Deacons’ “Let’s Talk” survey (from fourth quarter, 2007).  (If you still want to take the survey you can—please go to http://www.antrimfpc.org/survey/index.php?sid=96463 and fill it out.)

Unlike the surveys quoted by Richard Dawson in “Family Feud”—which allowed for lighthearted interpretation—the “Let’s Talk” survey allows us to see the pulse of our church, shows us areas we need to improve, and gives some understanding of the direction our members want us to go.  23 people/couples took the time to fill out the survey (and/or otherwise comment), and everything that could be entered electronically for review has been (only 2 of the surveys had no portion that could be converted to electronic form).

The middle-school students of The Branches were given a task by Pastor Peggi--put together the Christmas presentation for the First Presbyterian Church.  After many weeks of brainstorming, producing, and practicing (with an extra week due to weather), the result was a new take on the Last Supper performed on December 23, 2007.

Each of The Branches created a character involved in the preparation of the meal, described their individual, and then read an associated Scripture.  Various parts of Jesus' life (e.g. birth and miracles) were included--giving a picture of Christ beyond that of a normal nativity play.

Pictured here is the wrap-up to the presentation, where each made a statement about Jesus (e.g. "Jesus is the light of the world") connected to their character's experience with Christ.

If you are interested in reading the presentation, please sign into our web site (you can create an account if you don't already have one) and use the "Downloads" menu item and then:

The Branches -> Youth Presentations -> 2007 The Branches Christmas Presentation.

Natasha’s Tale… a Parable not yet finished

Rescued!
Being Rescued can be traumatic… pulled out of darkness, fear, and pain… carried in a strangers’ arms to a new place without being consulted… moved from one place to another… then once again kenneled in fear for long hours, surrounded by strangers… then again bright lights and new smells and voices and faces… not knowing that each new place takes me one step further away from the abuse and closer to the home that is being prepared for me… knowledge comes later; now there is confusion and fear… but also a new experience of “nice” that I don’t trust yet, but Oh! I want to trust it.
       __Natasha

Even though we like to deny that we have been abused or neglected, that we have been sinned upon or have become the ‘collateral damage’ of the sin-full-ness of the human race, when we are honest about our lives we  know, at some level, that “sin is real” and “sin is pervasive”.  When we experience, for the first time, the truth of the Cross, the reality of God’s Grace, the freedom that comes from coming Home to God, … that’s when we can write “Rescued!” in our Diaries.

Too often, we sit down at that point, and take a deep breath, and refuse to move on.  “After all, God has forgiven me and saved me and I am OK!  So that’s DONE.  We don’t have to keep harping on it, do we?”
If the story stops there, the healing and the recovery don’t happen.  If the work stops there, we (humans) can fall into the traps of complacency, of arrogance about our own rescue, and of contempt for those who have not yet found their rescuers. 
       __Peggi

Notes from the Clerk

It is so hard to believe that the Advent and Christmas season are upon us. We are delighted to have Ray Sweeney as our new Music Director! I would also like to thank Sharon Dowling for stepping up and filling in as our Interim Music Director. Our Music Program never lost a beat during the transition. We are truly blessed to have such talented (and willing) individuals in our congregation. Thank you Sharon!

December is going to be a very busy month in our church starting out with the greening of the church on Saturday, December 1st at 9am.

December 9th there will be a Session meeting at 2pm.

December 15th the church will be hosting a “Cookie Walk”.  Our newest member, Sheila Haley, has volunteered to organize this event.  Watch for more information.
December 16th The Branches will be making their Christmas presentation during Worship Service.  Immediately following worship we will hold our annual Fall Congregational Meeting and then after the meeting we will be having a Christmas Potluck Luncheon. Please plan on joining us on the 16th for much fellowship and good cheer!

I wish you all a safe, healthy Advent and Christmas season.

Going forward, during the months of January and February we will be holding our worship services in the Fellowship Hall so that we might conserve energy during the colder months of the year.

In His Service,

Sarah W. Edwards, clerk

Happy November to all!  This month marks the start of that busy time of year with the holidays coming up and the weather getting chilly.  I hope that this month finds you all well and blessed.

I would like to start by expressing an apology to Don Readel.  In last month’s newsletter, I mentioned that I attended the JJ Heller concert during Home & Harvest days, and I neglected to mention Don’s wonderful contribution to the concert.  I deeply regret this oversight.  Don knows this, but I wanted to make sure everyone else knew how much I enjoyed his beautiful music and his presence at the concert.  I know I am not alone in this and that everyone that was there enjoyed it as much as I did.  Thank you, Don, for being a part of that great evening and sharing your gift with us.

By now, folks have received the survey in the mail that the Deacons conducted in conjunction with Session and I want to thank you for your input and taking the time to give us your thoughts.  I pray that we can build this congregation and get some great new programs in the works during the upcoming year.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving.