Look Inside Rev

December 2014 Vol. 3, No. 12

From the Pastor’s Desk Look Inside Rev. Kerri Hefner I met Allen almost ten years ago, when Director of Christian Ed 2 I began my call as the Presbyterian I am overjoyed to in- campus minister in Greenville, NC. Photo Album 4-6 troduce our new Di- From the start, I was amazed at Allen's Calendar 8 rector of Music, Allen talent and moved by his love for wor- Amos. Our search ship. When Allen graduated, he Worship Volunteers 9 committee inter- moved on to his career as a teach- viewed several fine candidates. Allen er. Little did I know we would meet Birthday / Anniversary 14 auditioned at a search committee meet- again -- and little did I know we would Youth 14 ing and at a choir rehearsal. Everyone have the opportunity to serve on the was impressed with his sense of rever- same church staff. Boy Scouts 15 ence in preparing worship music, and In October, I had the privilege of as- NHCCC 11 his ease in working with a choir he had sisting in the marriage ceremony for just met. Some of you may remember Allen and Leah. Leah is a historian Women’s Circle 15 Allen from some special services in and works at the Greensboro Historical 2013 when he played trumpet here, Museum. Concerns / Celebrations 15 working with Mark Gorman and our congregation's musicians. Please join me in welcoming Allen and Historical Notes 10 Leah to our congregation. We will Allen has shared a biography with us, have a “potluck cookie” reception for Pansy’s Corner 13 and some reflections on what he is them on Sunday, January 4, immedi- looking forward to. (on Page 3) ately after worship.

Upcoming Events Adult Fellowship Dinner & Theatre Saturday December 6 5 pm Christmas Pageant Practice Sunday December 7 9:45 am Wassail & Cookies Sunday December 7 12 pm Youth Christmas Caroling & Dinner Sunday December 7 4 pm Christmas Pageant Sunday December 14 11 am Adult Fellowship Lunch Sunday December 14 12:30 pm Pittsboro Bach Society Concert Sunday December 14 4 pm Young Adult Fellowship Dinner Sunday December 14 6 pm Love Feast & Storytelling Breakfast Sunday December 21 9:45 am Christmas Eve Music & Candlelight Service Wednesday December 24 5:30 pm Director of Christian Education snow storms that point to climate change, wars in so Mary Todd Peters many parts of the world, school/university shootings, abductions, suicides, illness, death of loved ones. The Dear Friends of New Hope, list is long. Fear is something that not only sells “Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing newspapers, it causes us to stop in our tracks and you good news of great joy for all the worry how we are going to get through another day. people: to you is born this day in the “Do not be afraid” the angel Gabriel told Mary as he city of David a Savior, who is the Mes- came to deliver God’s message for her. After asking siah, the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 one question “How can this be, since I am a vir- I do not have any experience of watching over my gin?” (really, only one question?!); Mary replies sheep at night in a field. I can only imagine how “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me dark this night was when the angels appeared to the according to your word.” Luke 1.38. shepherds. In the verse right before the angel speaks What does it mean to not be afraid, to trust in God’s the text says the shepherds were terrified. I bet! It goodness, mercy, love and grace? To maybe ask a seems to me the angel would have said something clarifying question or two and then say “Here I am more on the lines of “Its okay! Calm down! You Lord, let it be with me according to your word.” can start breathing again. I’m not going to hurt you—really I’m not. I have a message for you from This Advent is an opportunity to practice living with- God! No no, not a bad message, but a good one!” out fear. Each day of Advent perhaps journal a sen- And on and on for a few minutes until the shepherds tence or two about what fears you have for that day. started breathing again and stopped freaking out. Then say a prayer to God to remove your fears. Be intentional about looking for God’s presence in your Do not be afraid, fear not. It is a message that is re- daily life that keeps you grounded and rooted in faith. peated in the Bible a lot. It is a message I have been Live a life full of joy, anticipation, and faith—not hearing more and more these days from the church one full of anxiety, fear, and dread. world—when it seems the world’s message is telling us to be afraid, be very very afraid! Ebola, monster Let the waiting and rejoicing begin!

Christmas Missions Staff Holiday Love Offering New Hope Elementary Christmas Tree For many years we have supported the less fortu- Please consider making a gift this season nate children of New Hope Elemen- in appreciation of all that our staff do for tary School by adopting a child and providing a Christmas present. This New Hope Presbyterian Church year- is a wonderful opportunity for our round. Let's give congregation to enrich the Christmas Kerri, Mary Todd, of children in our immediate commu- Katherine, Sophia, nity. Please watch for the New Hope Elementary Christmas tree in our Narthex next Christina, and our week with gift requests from these children. newest staff mem- Christmas Joy Offering ber Amber (nursery) For many years, our congregation has given gener- a little extra thank ously at Christmas to lift up those who’ve devoted you! their lives to the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). On December 21, churches Contributions can be made by check or throughout the denomination will again receive this contribution envelope, and placed in the special offering. The Christmas Joy Offering is shared equally by the offering plate. Please designate as "Staff Assistance Program of the Board of Love Offering". Pensions, which provides much- Gifts are due in by December 15th, so needed assistance to PC(USA) church workers and their families, they can be distributed before Christmas. and Presbyterian-affiliated racial ethnic schools and colleges, which enable students to develop their gifts and find their calling.

2 Allen Amos: Our New special services at New Hope Presbyterian Church, I Director of Music understood the congregation’s appreciation for high Allen grew up in Jacksonville, quality music from a diverse repertoire throughout NC and began playing piano history. I am humbled by the opportunity to play on a for worship services at his beautiful organ every week. I am excited to lead the home church, First Presbyteri- Chancel Choir and prepare music that will enrich wor- an, at the age of ten. He at- ship. I am looking forward to growing the handbell tended East Carolina Universi- choir and increasing their musical opportunities; and I ty, and graduated Summa Cum hope to work with children and youth programs to get Laude in 2006 with a bache- young people involved in making music.” Allen is lor’s degree in Music Educa- married to Leah Amos and enjoys running, reading, tion. While at ECU, he studied piano, trumpet, and hiking, tennis, and spending time with friends and organ. During this time, and for several years post- family. graduation, he worked as youth music director and Allen begins his duties at New Hope Presbyterian Chancel Choir accompanist at First Presbyterian Church on January 1. Church of Greenville, NC. After four years teaching About the search process: in the spring of 2014 the middle school band in Havelock, NC, Allen attended session appointed a search committee. This committee the University of Michigan to obtain a masters degree collected dozens of resumes and interviewed three in conducting. He graduated in 2012 and moved to candidates in person. Allen auditioned before the Durham, NC to start the band program at Lucas Mid- search committee and the choir. Committee members dle School. Prior to arriving at New Hope Presbyteri- were Claire Capps, Dean Herington, Larry Lamb, an Church, Allen served as pianist/organist at Fair- Megan Mouton, Elizabeth Prioli, and Ralph Teal, field Presbyterian Church and Eno Presbyterian along with the pastor. Church in Orange County, NC. The search committee and session invite you to wel- “Many things excited me about this position as I become Allen and Leah at a reception following worship gan the application process. After playing for a few on January 4, 2015.

Christian Education Calendar November 30: First Sunday in Advent, regular Sunday school for children, youth begin pageant practice December 7: 9:45am Pageant Practice for children and youth. 4:00pm Christmas Caroling with Youth and dinner at Peters’ house at 6:30pm December 14: 9:30 am Pageant Practice for children and youth. 11:00 am The children and Those of you who are receiving the Newslet- youth will lead the congregation in worship with ter by mail in black & white have another al- the Christmas Pageant ternative. Every month, Illumination is sent December 21: 9:45 am Christmas Memories via e-mail to a large number of folks, and they and breakfast receive a downloadable .pdf copy in full, living December 28: No Sunday School COLOR, and - several days earlier than the paper copy! What a great way to enjoy the Worship Service Recordings photographs of our church functions. There’s Worship service recordings are available by request. If you would like to get a copy of any no need to print the newsletter out to enjoy, worship services from October 2014 on, they are it will display directly on your computer available digitally or can be put on a CD for you. screen, can be re-sized for easy reading and Please contact Kat in the viewing, and can be saved for reference later! church office with your To opt in, send an e-mail to: request and the recording should be ready for [email protected] pickup within 1-2 days. saying you’d like your newsletter via e-mail. 3 Photo Album

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6 Advent and Christmas Reflections The following are Advent and Christmas reflections Christmas ...... William Cullen Bryant found at http://www.appleseeds.org/christmas- "O Father may that Holy Star quotes.htm Grow every year more bright, And send its glorious beams afar Memory Awakens Hope. . …….Joseph Cardinal To fill the world with light." Ratzinger, Seek That Which Is Above,1986 "Advent is concerned with that very connection be- Some Special Gifts ...... Source Unknown tween memory and hope which is so necessary to man. Advent’s intention is to awaken the most pro- Here are a few suggestions for special gifts: found and basic emotional memory within us, name- a firm handshake to a shaky soul, ly, the memory of the God who became a child. This a kind word to a lonely person, is a healing memory; it brings hope. The purpose of a warm smile to the disheartened, the Church’s year is continually to rehearse her great a sincere concern for someone troubled, history of memories, to awaken the heart’s memory a feeling of compassion for the neglected, so that it can discern the star of hope.… a comforting thought for the bereaved, a respect for the dignity of others, It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of a defense of the rights of individuals, us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of a word of witness to help a seeking soul, hope." a Merry Christmas to all.

Take Time to be Aware ………. . Edward Hays, A Meanings of Christmas . . .Fr. Andrew Greeley, Pilgrim’s Almanac, p. 196 Woman’s Day, 12-22-81 "Take time to be aware that in the very midst of our "It might be easy to run away to a monastery, away busy preparations for the celebration of Christ’s birth from the commercialization, the hectic hustle, the de- in ancient Bethlehem, Christ is reborn in the Bethle- manding family responsibilities of Christmas-time. hems of our homes and daily lives. Take time, slow Then we would have a holy Christmas. But we would down, be still, be awake to the Divine Mystery that forget the lesson of the Incarnation, of the enfleshing looks so common and so ordinary yet is wondrously of God—the lesson that we who are followers of Je- present. sus do not run from the secular; rather we try to trans- "An old abbot was fond of saying, ‘The devil is al- form it. It is our mission to make holy the secular as- ways the most active on the highest feast days.’ pects of Christmas just as the early Christians bap- "The supreme trick of Old Scratch is to have us so tized the Christmas tree. And we do this by being ho- busy decorating, preparing food, practicing music and ly people—kind, patient, generous, loving, laughing cleaning in preparation for the feast of Christmas that people—no matter how maddening is the Christmas we actually miss the coming of Christ. Hurt feelings, rush…" anger, impatience, injured egos—the list of clouds that busyness creates to blind us to the birth can be An Advent Examination ...... Edward Hays, A long, but it is familiar to us all." Pilgrim’s Almanac, p. 196

"Advent is the perfect time to clear and prepare the Life Is an Advent Season . . .Connections11-28-93 Way. Advent is a winter training camp for those who "Life is a constant Advent season: we are continually desire peace. By reflection and prayer, by reading and waiting to become, to discover, to complete, to fulfill. meditation, we can make our hearts a place where a Hope, struggle, fear, expectation and fulfillment are blessing of peace would desire to abide and where the all part of our Advent experience. birth of the Prince of Peace might take place. “The world is not as just, not as loving, not as whole "Daily we can make an Advent examination. Are as we know it can and should be. But the coming of there any feelings of discrimination toward race, sex, Christ and his presence among us—as one of us— or religion? Is there a lingering resentment, an unfor- give us reason to live in hope: that light will shatter given injury living in our hearts? Do we look down the darkness, that we can be liberated from our fears upon others of lesser social standing or educational and prejudices, that we are never alone or abandoned. achievement? Are we generous with the gifts that "May this Advent season be a time for bringing hope, have been given to us, seeing ourselves as their stew- transformation and fulfillment into the Advent of our ards and not their owners? Are we reverent of others, lives." (Continued on page 10) 7 New Hope Presbyterian Church December 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 6:00 pm Christian 7:00 pm Girl Scout Group 8:00 am Bulletin Info to 6:30 am Men's Breakfast 8:00 pm AA-NA Meeting 2:00 pm GSA Troop 1089 Education 7:00 pm Presbyterian Secretary 6:00 pm GS Mtg 5:00 pm Adult Fellowship 7:00 pm Finance Women Dinner 7:15 pm BSA Troop 449 7:30 pm Chancel Choir Practice

7 2nd Sunday of Advent 8 9 10 11 12 13 9:00 am Buildings & Grounds 10:00 am Compassion 6:30 pm Historical 8:00 am Bulletin Info to 6:30 am Men's Breakfast 8:00 pm AA-NA Meeting 9:45 am Christmas Pageant Practice 7:00 pm Worship 7:15 pm BSA Troop 449 Secretary 9:00 am Felting Group 11:00 am Communion & First Sunday Offerings Committee 7:30 pm Chancel Choir 7:00 pm Communications 6:45 pm T449 Eagle 11:00 am Worship Service Practice Board of Review 12:00 pm Wassail & Cookies (Parker Croswell) 4:00 pm Youth Christmas Caroling & Dinner

14 3rd Sunday of Advent 15 16 17 18 19 20 9:45 am Christmas Pageant Practice 7:00 pm Personnel 12:00 pm Staff Meeting 8:00 am Bulletin Info to 6:30 am Men's Breakfast 8:00 pm AA-NA Meeting 10:00 am Newsletter 11:00 am Christmas Pageant 7:15 pm BSA Troop 449 Secretary 6:00 pm GS Mtg Information to 11:00 am Worship Service 7:30 pm Chancel Choir Office 12:00 pm Adult Fellowship Lunch Practice 2:00 pm GSA Troop 1089 3:00 pm Pittsboro Bach Society Concert 6:00 pm Session Meeting 6:00 pm Young Adult Dinner

21 4th Sunday of Advent 22 23 24 Christmas Eve: 25 Christmas Day: 26 27 9:45 am Love Feast & Storytelling Breakfast 7:00 pm Membership 7:15 pm BSA Troop 449 office closed office closed 8:00 pm AA-NA Meeting 11:00 am Worship Service 7:00 pm Mission 7:30 pm Chancel Choir 8:00 am Bulletin Info to Practice Secretary 5:30 pm Christmas Eve Music & Candlelight Service 28 29 30 31 11:00 am Worship Service 2:00 pm Food for All 7:15 pm BSA Troop 449 8:00 am Bulletin Info to 7:30 pm Chancel Choir Secretary Practice December 2014 - January 2015 Worship Service Volunteers Date Dec 07 Dec 14 Dec 21 Dec 28 Jan 04 Jan 11 Jan 18 Jan 25

James Rosati- James Rosati- Niels James Rosati- Acolyte Walt Pierce Zuling Quade Aidan Kearns Shili Quade Brown Brown Nickelson Brown

Anne Emma Jean Jacky Rosati- Susan Liturgist Pageant Megan Mouton Janet Borel Al Townsend Montgomery Levi Rowe VanFleet

Meredith Barbara Paul & Dan & Sharon Al & Meredith Bob & Helen Townsend & Clint & Janis David & Lisa Brunson & Ushers Carolyn Hooker Townsend Strayhorn Susan Burklin McLamb Susan James VanFleet VanFleet Heman & Susan Yvonne & David & Lisa Ralph & Yvonne & Anne & Gene Helen & Bob Greeters Diana VanFleet & Louis Maness McLamb Harlene Teal Louis Maness Montgomery Strayhorn Robinson Janet Borel

Time with Mary Todd Mary Todd Mary Todd Mary Todd Mary Todd Mary Todd Mary Todd Mary Todd Children Peters Peters Peters Peters Peters Peters Peters Peters

Yvonne Larry Lamb, Communion Maness, Kathy Elizabeth Prioli, Clifton & Servers & TBA Elizabeth Prioli Sound & David McLamb David McLamb David McLamb David McLamb David McLamb David McLamb David McLamb David McLamb Recording

Sara Aycock & Savanna Megan Mouton Helen Cindy Mouton Lisa McLamb Cori Hooker & Claire Capps & Nursery Stephanie Hooker & & Savanna Strayhorn & & Pamela & Kathy Clifton Sharon Hooker Julia Sung Wittmann need volunteer Hooker Harlene Teal Miller

If you cannot serve on your scheduled time, please notify the Church Office (919-942- 4710) so alternate arrangements can be made and so we may correct our records and display accurate information in the weekly Church Bulletins and Newsletter. Boyd Switzer’s Lutheran Church in Dan- Historical Notes ville, VA. In 1957, Mrs. Spencer decided to use the Having a Christmas tree at New Hope Greek symbols of “Chi Presbyterian Church started during the Rho” for Christ, which is 1948-1956 period with Rev. John En- written in Greek as sign, according to Jane Kirkland. Initial- “XRISTOS.” Later versions ly, the Christmas trees were cedars donated from local added Alpha and Omega, farms and fields. Later, during the 1950s, the trees the first and last letters of were purchased when Christmas tree farms were es- the Greek alphabet, which tablished. During the mid-1960s, Kathleen Brann and represent the beginning and Virginia Bakewell purchased supplies and held a number of workshops, where about a dozen women strung beads and made ornaments for the Chrismon tree. Anne Montgomery recalled that all women in the church were asked to make a Chrismon. Enough ornaments were made by 1970 to fully decorate a tree, which was about half the size of the end. Chrismons are monograms (symbols) of the ones we have had in recent Christ and a communication of faith and heritage of years. A crown made by Victo- our Christian history. ria Brann Venson went on the Chrismons are traditionally colored white and gold. top of the first tree and that tra- White is the liturgical color for Christmas and sym- dition has continued each year. bolizes our Lord’s purity and perfection; gold symbol- After Christmas, the Chrismons are carefully removed from the tree, are wrapped for protection, and are stored in a large marked plastic storage box. The crown is very fragile and is stored in a sep- arate box. Since 1998, Lawrence and Millie McAdams have been donating a tree from their farm to be decorated as our Chrismon tree. Chrismon ornaments izes His majesty and glory. We point to Christ as the were first developed Light of the world by using tiny white lights on the by Frances Kipps tree. The evergreen tree symbolizes eternal life. Spencer at Ascension (Sources: Jane Kirkland, Anne Montgomery, http:// tinyurl.com/Chrismon-Article.

Advent and Christmas Reflections (Continued from page 7) unfailing commitment to what is right and good; lamps re- their ideas and needs, and of creation? These and oth- flecting the light of God’s er questions become Advent lights by which we may Christ in our forgiveness, mer- search the deep, dark corners of our hearts. cy and compassion; harvesters of souls through our humble Called to be Witnesses . . . .Connections 12-11-94 and dedicated servanthood." “We are called to be witnesses of God’s by the love we extend to others; precursors of his justice by our

10 Don’t forget that the renovation of our main building Fleming Lodge will be underway soon with a projected com- pletion date of March 1st 2015. Fleming Camp has been busy for Lodge has been the many weeks with our af- number one facility in past decades for receptions, terschool students coming parties, dances, and daily use by our day camp. from many local Orange It is still on our wish list County Schools. In- …a pick-up truck! If you tersession camps begin th have or know anyone on December 15 2014. Afterschool and Interses- who has a pickup truck sion programs are closed the week of December nd th that they would like to 22 – December 26 . Please refer to our updated donate please contact the website at www.newhopeccc.org/afterschool or office at 919-942-4716. contact the friendly office staff at 919-942-4716 or [email protected] for more information. As you start to think about the gift-giving season please think The holiday season is about a tax deductible donation just around the corner to New Hope Camp and Con- but now is the time to ference Center. Our camp was start planning for your built upon the love and support event. Please contact of its founders and donations the office at 919-942- continue that tradition of gen- 4716 for more infor- erosity in outdoor ministry of the Presbyterian mation. Church. Thank you for your support.

Youth helped with the November 2 Gift Wrapping Luncheon , then enjoyed a team building game session

11 Exercise Class Very Sucessful, Consultation Underway to Develop Future Classes

VERY SUCCESSFUL is the best way to describe the neck, hamstring, back and arm stretches. Specific ex- pilot exercise class for seniors recently sponsored by ercises such as shoulder and leg circles and shoulder NHPC Compassionate Care Committee on behalf of rotations were very effective in adding muscle Orange County Department on Aging. In the October strength and enhancing flexibility. We used re- issue of the NHPC newsletter, we introduced you to sistance bands for several exercises that were ex- this 5 week class and asked members and friends to tremely helpful in promoting maximum use of mus- sign up. The classes began cles. Each week, Katie provided on October 20 and ended handouts of all the exercises we did on November 17 with a to- for that week, which were very tal of 23 individuals (5 men helpful for use at home. She also & 18 women) registered, provided other helpful handouts with an average weekly at- regarding falls, training, exercise tendance of 15 people for methods, heart rate, and aerobic the 50 minute sessions. We training that we would love to in- were very pleased with that corporate into future programs. turnout!! Katie provided an evaluation form We had a wonderful, vi- about the class for each attendee to brant exercise instructor, fill out. Once we receive feedback Katie Moore who is a Rec- from her and the Orange Co. Dept. reational Therapy Intern on Aging representative assigned to with the Orange County this program, we will consult with Department on Aging. Katie always started with them as to potential development of future classes some stretches for warm up, but introduced the class within our church. to very helpful exercises focusing on balance, range Yvonne Maness, Committee Chair; (Dee of motion, muscle movements, ankle strengthening, Lowdermilk, OC Dept. on Aging contact person)

Poinsettias for Christmas you may identify for whom your gift is intended, or you may write this The Flower Committee is again offer- information on the sign-up the sheet ing the opportunity to help beautify that will be on the bulletin board in the Sanctuary for Christmas Services the narthex. and help Orange Congregation in Mis- sions (OCIM) feed the hungry during Poinsettias will be this wonderful season. If you would bought to decorate like to contribute to the Poinsettias for the Church and the Christmas – in memory of or in honor funds remaining of a special person(s), please make will go to OCIM for your check payable to New Hope the food pantry. Presbyterian Church. In the memo section of your check 12 Welcome to Nickelson Family Pansy's (Charles, Imke, Svenja and Niels) Corner Are You Ready for Christmas? The Nickelson family joined New Hope Presbyterian Church in November after having visited since the previous summer. Is your tree decorated with tinsel and lights? "We have found not only a spiritual home, Are your windows glowing with candles bright? but a community of wonderful folks who Are your gifts all wrapped with ribbons and bows? we truly enjoy spending time with". Are you frantically rushing to and fro? The gathering of family and friends is fun...... The Nickelsons have lived in Durham since 1994 and have two children, Niels But when do we make time for God's only Son? and Svenja. Charles is a partner in a local Architecture firm and Imke currently What preparation have you made...... homeschools both of their children. The To receive the Christ Child this Christmas Day? family enjoys the outdoors and being with Have you spent time in God's word and prayer... family and friends. That peace will reign on earth everywhere? Have you shared your blessings with those in need? Have you lifted the fallen from their knees? Have you told others of the Christ Child's birth, How He came to save all men on earth? If so, you have prepared the way..... For Christ to come into your heart today! Wishing you the blessings of Christmas, pfd

Advent Devotionals Online Devotionals If you are interested in a downloadable Advent devo- This year we have several devotional materials to tional for your Nook or iPad, check out https:// choose from. Please pick up one or more of these www.creativecommunications.com for downloadable from the table in the back of the sanctuary. versions. Kerri and I hope that every household in our congre- If you would like to receive daily devotions in your gation will be doing some type of devotional as we email, go to http://daily.upperroom.org/. I receive prepare for the birth of Jesus. these short but definitely meaningful devotions every New this year for children “What Child is This” and day and it helps me start my day with a Christian fo- “What Do I ABC This Christmas” daily devotionals cus. You can also subscribe to http://www.d365.org/ with rhymes and seek and find picture puzzles. One todaysdevotion/ which will email a link to your email per family please. account. Click on the link and you will be taken to “Elements of Advent” written by Ron Glusenkamp. their website which has a 5 minute devotional that Each day you will explore a different element of Ad- includes instrumental music. And of course if you vent which connects you to Christmas and bonds you would like to receive this devotion on your to Christ. Each devotional has a scripture passage, a smartphone, there is an app for that! reflection, a prayer, an element activity, and a link to To learn more about the season of Advent and ideas a song that reflects the message for that day. for how to be more intentional in your spiritual prac- “Waiting for the Lord” written by Henri J. M. tices check out Mark D. Nouwen. Selected writings from Nouwens books. “As Roberts blog at: http:// one who struggled with waiting yet sought his Savior www.patheos.com/blogs/ over a lifetime, Henri Nouwen offers insights that add markdroberts/series/ depth and self-discovery to our spiritual introduction-to- journey as we await the advent/ birth of the Christ Child.” Advent Calendar Cards are also available, one for each household.

13 December 7, 4:30 to 8:00 pm December Birthdays Youth Christmas Caroling Betty Ray Schaub Meet at the church at 4:00 p.m. Elizabeth Prioli wearing your Christmas attire. After caroling, we will go to The Bobby Collins Peters’ house (104 Grainger Lane) Cindy Mouton for dinner and Christmas trivia Summer Youth Trips fun! Please bring a side dish or Jacob Wittmann Youth and Youth Chaperons, we dessert to share. Family members will need to make commitments to Lucas Selvidge are welcomed to join us. participate in these programs.

Larry Lamb December 14, 12:30 pm Please contact Mary Todd to sign- Will Hannah Epiphany Play Planning up or for more information.

Sara Aycock Youth have lunch and prepare for Epiphany Dinner play which will June 18-21, 2015 Carole Zinn be held on Sunday, January 11, Mansanetta Middle School Youth Kathy Clifton 2015 at 5:30 p.m. All youth are Conference invited to come and participate in Jenny Hawley June 28—July 3, 2015 the planning of this fun filled night Asheville Youth Mission Trip that recounts the story of a camel Robin Merrill July 19-25, 2015 Mathew Brown in search of relief from the burdens Montreat Youth Conference he carries. Michael Tapp Lauren Barrow Young Adult Fellowship Dinner—December 14 Daniel Johnson A date has finally been selected for Ainsley Burklin our next Young Adult dinner! Hope- fully December 14th works well for everyone. There will be a Pittsboro December Anniversaries Bach Society concert at church at 4 pm, so please come for the concert Joan & Bill McCormick and then stay for our dinner! We are Becky & Chris Tobin trying to come up with a fun plan for our dinner, so suggestions are welcome. So far a White Elephant type gift exchange has been pro- posed. Can't wait to see everyone then! Patricia Johnson Online Church Christmas Pageant Practices Calendar This year the youth and children will be practicing for the Christmas pageant a few Sundays earlier. Pageant parts will be available for sign up at the Advent Craft workshop November 23, for all ages. On November 30, at 9:45 a.m. the youth will begin choosing their http://tinyurl.com/NHPC- speaking parts and practicing a run through of the pageant. Calendar On December 7 at 9:45 a.m., the preschool through elementary aged children will report to their Sunday School classrooms to choose parts, get costumes and will begin rehearsing their parts of the pageant. On December 14, youth will come to church at 9:00 a.m. to run Fellowship Opportunities through their speaking parts. All other children are asked to come at We encourage our congregation to 9:45 a.m. to get into costume and run through the pageant. The pag- organize fellowship dinners for eant will be during our 11 a.m. worship service on December 14 and four, six, or eight in will be the message for that Sunday. your homes, Invite All children and youth are invited to participate in this wonderful retell- someone you know ing of the Birth of Jesus. Volunteers are needed to help with costumes, and someone you’d herding children, and helping the youth practice their speaking parts. like to know better.

14 Homebound Members Adult Fellowship Events Presbyterian Women’s Circle Saturday, December 6, 8 pm 2014-2015 Horizons Bible Study Content removed due November 4, 7 pm Disciple's at the Temple Theater in Sanford. to internet privacy “Sanders Family Christmas” Room, Education Wing Catered dinner at church at 5 pm. Curriculum: Reconciling Paul: A concerns Leave church Contemporary Study of 2 Corinthi- by 6:30 pm. ans, written by Elizabeth Hinson- Carpooling Hasty. available. Ladies, please join us on Tuesday, December 2nd at 7:00pm in the Dis- December 14 ciples Room of the Education Build- Catered lunch ing as Janis Burklin leads us in Les- after church. Hope to have every- son four of our studies (focus text II one there so we can plan additional Corinthians, Chapter 4:7 through upcoming events. Chapter 5:10). This lesson focuses on Paul’s understanding of how the Boy Scout Troop 449 community of faith, the “body of believers,” carries Jesus’ death with- Troop 449 went on an overnight in it by continuing acts of healing, canoe trip on the Haw River and reconciliation, and love. If you Jordan lake on the weekend of would like to join us and need a November 15-16. Paddling dur- copy of the lesson, contact Yvonne ing the day was quite Maness at 919-383-1143 or maness- nice, but overnight [email protected]. We welcome all temperatures in the regular and new members to join in 20’s tested our camp- this discussion ing skills. Brrr!!! An Eagle Board of Review is scheduled for Eagle Scout candi- Thanks to all the contributors date Parker Croswell, on Decem- for this month’s issue. Concerns & Celebrations ber 11th. We wish him well as he We are always looking for strives for the Eagle Rank. new contributors to the Another Eagle project was com- newsletter. If you’d be pleted recently at NHCCC. Cole interested in writing Bullard replaced some of the old something about faith Content removed due journeys, mission service, benches at the lower fire circle to internet privacy with sturdy new ones. people, or occasions you’ve found inspiring, let me know. If you have concerns Upcoming outings include an taken pictures of church people or overnight campout in December events, send them in. and a January city historical trip to Washington, DC. Submit your contributions to: [email protected] We're always working on interest- ing outings, promoting leadership, Have submissions in by the 20th for teamwork, and learning new Men’s Prayer Breakfast skills. inclusion in the following month’s If you know young men from 11- Meets Thursdays at 6:30am at newsletter. 17 years of age who may benefit Bob Evans Restaurant. from the fellowship, training, and We can always Come enjoy the fellowship, hu- leadership skills available in the use additional help in photography, mor, discussion, and Scouting Program, please contact layout, printing, distribution. Let spirituality Ed Lowdermilk or Al Townsend me know if you can assist. of our early- bird group. for more information. Al Townsend

15 New Hope Presbyterian Church NON-PROFIT ORG 4701 NC Highway 86 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Chapel Hill, NC 27514 HILLSBOROUGH, NC PERMIT #15

Church Information Sunday School 9:45 am Worship Service 11:00 am Office: 919-942-4710 Pastor: Rev. Kerri Hefner: 919-903-6172 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: newhopepresusa.org Calendar: tinyurl.com/NHPC-Calendar New Hope Presbytery: nhpresbytery.org Presbyterian Church USA: pcusa.org

Mission Statement: New Hope Presbyterian Church is a family of intergenerational Christians, bound together by over 250 years of traditional uplifting worship and service to God through our missions and fellowship with one another. We are committed to the ministry of New Hope Camp and Conference Center, and to local, national and international mission programs. We devote ourselves to support our members and community in need; to be good stewards of financial, natural, and human resources; and to share our faith in God with those who cross our path.