Volume LXII No. 26 December 20, 2017 Page December 20, 2017 First Christian News
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
A Publication of First Christian Church of North Hollywood A Congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Robert M. Bock, Senior Pastor Louise Sloan Goben, Associate Pastor Jennifer Le’au, Interim Director of Children’s Ministries Jeremy Gillett, Director of Youth Ministries Alfredo Gomez & Loydi Rivas Gomez, Pastor, Spanish Speaking Congregation Young Lan Kim & Young Jun Yang, Korean Pastors Volume LXII No. 26 December 20, 2017 PAGE 2 DECEMBER 20, 2017 FIRST CHRISTIAN NEWS There are far too many people to thank to single out individuals. Starting with the parents who made sure their children were at rehearsals to our dedicated staff of church school teachers to the musicians who backed up the children’s singing to Terri Burton who put the pro- It was wonderful to be back in church Sunday, even gram together so seamlessly to the children themselves, if only for the morning service. I was overwhelmed and who did such an incredible job. very humbled by the warm response of the congrega- But I have to mention by name Jennifer Le’au, who tion when I entered the Sanctuary. And Peggy and I directed the Pageant, and Ty Parr, who was in charge both appreciate your love, good wishes and your en- of the music. Starting in October these two ladies be- couragement to follow the doctor’s orders to take it easy gan working on the Pageant and they work continued, and allow my body to heal. And Sunday I heard several without stopping, until Sunday afternoon when all the frightening stories about relapses. So I promise – I am costumes were re-packed for another year. They would going to slow down --- for a while! tell you that it is all about the children and youth who That said, what a wonderful day to return to wor- are the “super-stars” of the Pageant. I will tell you that ship. The Children’s Christmas Pageant is always a high- the “super-stars” behind the “super-stars” are Jen and light of the year and it just seems to get better and bet- Ty, two enormously talented ladies who love our chil- ter, year after year. I watched the Pageant unfold from dren as if they were their own. the balcony, which really is the “best seat in the house,” Thank you to the entire “Pageant-Team” for a job and it looked like well over one-hundred children and well done! youth filled the Chancel. Mary and Joseph were marvelous caring for five and Now a word about this coming weekend and the a half month old Lincoln Mesta, who played the role of New Year – Sunday, December 24th, is Christmas Jesus without a wiggle or a peep. I heard so many com- Sunday/Christmas Eve. It is the fourth Sunday of ments after the Pageant about the narrators having their Advent and the fourth candle of the Advent Wreath will lines memorized and speaking so clearly. There were also be lit. Church and church school will be at the usual comments about the children knowing all the words of 10:00 AM time slot. all the songs and singing so beautifully. The innkeeper At 5:00 PM our Christmas Eve festivities begin with and the Star of Bethlehem played their roles so well and the Living Nativity scene in front of the church patio. without a word. It is amazing how hand motions, a Mary, Joseph and all the animals will be there until 5:30 graceful pirouette and facial expressions communicate so PM when the Family Christmas Eve service begins. The much. And those marvelous three kings – making their Children’s Choir and the Youth Choir will be participat- entrance down the center aisle, singing so beautifully, ing in this service which has become one of the largest and every word could be heard, even in the balcony. of the year. After the service Mary and Joseph will return There were not only many comments about the and the animals will again be present for the children’s “quality” and “beauty” of the Pageant, but also about enjoyment. Many people who do not enjoy being out how the “traditional story” never gets old. People love late at night join the children and their families for this to see and hear that story and they never tire of it, as was joyous, celebrative and “wonderfully alive” service. evidenced by a packed sanctuary and balcony. At 11:00 PM we will again celebrate the birth of FIRST CHRISTIAN NEWS DECEMBER 20, 2017 PAGE 3 Jesus at our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. This church finances are in the red. We will know exactly traditional service has been welcoming in Christmas how much after this Monday’s Stewardship Council morning for over sixty years. It is quite popular with meeting. The interesting thing is that we have stayed our community and is always a highlight. The Chancel within our budgeted expenses. Outside income, such Choir will be singing the glorious music of Christmas. as TV/movie shoots and parking, rentals, etc. have been Come worship at one or all of our Christmas Eve on target. The financial deficit is in congregational -giv services as we celebrate the greatest wonder the world ing. In other words we have not received what our con- has ever known – the birth of the Christ Child. Don’t gregation pledged at the beginning of the year. miss being part of this glorious celebration. But … it is not too late. We will keep the 2017 fi- nancial books open until January 8, 2018. Pledges can The church office will be closed on Christmas Day. be brought up to date by cash, check, gifts of stock or We hope everyone has a wonderful day of peace, joy any other creative way that comes to mind. And I, for and the realization of God’s great gift of Jesus. one, have the ultimate faith that by year’s end, when the Tuesday through Thursday, December 26th – 28th, books are closed, we will have a balanced budget and the office will be open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. On Friday, finish in the black. December 29th, the office will be open from 9:00 AM I know our people. I know their love for this church until Noon. I would remind you that during this time and its ministry. And I have faith that we are all people the play yard is being demolished and rebuilt so if you of our word. And The Word! are in the area please stop and see the progress. The of- fice and CNS staff would love to show you all that is Our traditional Strength of a Cable Sunday will be happening. You may also use this opportunity to leave observed on January 14th. We look forward to this ser- your over-and-above year-end offering or bring your vice of dedication of our church family for 2018. It is pledge up to date. Diane Hirsch will be happy to assist the Sunday when we will receive your 2018 financial you with these details. pledges/intentions of giving. Sunday, December 31st, is New Year’s Eve. There Our prayer is that 2018 will be a year of peace, har- will be only one English speaking service at 10:00 AM. mony, good will and joy and that the differences that Both the 5:30 PM SpiritSong service and the 7:00 PM have divided the people of the world will, in some way, Evenlight service will be on hiatus on New Year’s Eve. be put behind us for the sake of God’s Kingdom on Pastor Alfredo’s Spanish service will meet at 1:00 PM Earth. in the Chapel as usual. Then from 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM My entire staff, church and Christian Nursery there will be a New Year’s party in the Social Hall. Last School, join Peggy and me in wishing each of you a year Pastor Alfredo’s congregation spent New Year’s Eve very Merry Christmas and a most Joyous and Happy with another church. This year that church is invited to New Year. join Pastor Alfredo and his congregation for a New Year’s I’ll see you in church. celebration. Our entire church family is invited to join Pergé! Alfredo and his congregation for this joyous celebration, Pastor Bob complete with wonderful food and fellowship. This is a practical reminder – at this point our PAGE 4 DECEMBER 20, 2017 FIRST CHRISTIAN NEWS What has come into being in him was life, and the life was many of the local traditions that surrounded the win- the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and ter solstice were re-imagined as opportunities to preach the darkness did not overcome it. —John 1:4-5 Jesus Christ as the light of the world. The evergreens Many people today argue that there is a culture represented eternal life, and the red berries of the holly “war on Christmas” as folks in public places are encour- leaves came to signify the blood of Christ. aged to offer the greeting of “happy holidays” instead of Today we find many ways to honor God and Christ the traditional Christian greeting of “Merry Christmas.” this time of year. We give gifts to one another as tokens Those of us in the church feel pretty safe saying “Merry of our love and regard for each other, as a way of of- Christmas” to those who come and go from our estab- fering gratitude and acknowledgement.