PASADENA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH The ......................................................................................................................... CLARION Volume 76 Issue 3 December Issue 2016 Christmastide at PPC SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10: 72ndCANDLELIGHT AND CAROLS 4:30 pm and at 7:30 pm This year the annual “Pasadena Tradition for the Whole Family” features plenty of audience carol singing, adult and children’s choirs, handbells, and members of the Friends of Music Orchestra. A dessert reception will follow the 7:30 pm performance. FREE ADMISSION! INVITE YOUR FRIENDS! SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18: LESSONS AND CAROLS 10:00 am English-language worship features this traditional tell- ing of the Advent and Christmas story using a blend of scripture and music. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24: 4:00 pm - CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY WORSHIP Family Christmas Eve Worship, featuring the children of PPC’s Carol Choir and Rainbow Choir in a special musical presentation. Posada 9:00 pm - CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION WORSHIP Saturday, Dec. 17 Dr. Tom Erickson preaches. 4:00 pm SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25: Posadas are a CHRISTMAS MORNING WORSHIP part of Mexican 10:00 am Christmas celebrations. The word “posada” means Join us on this happy morning when we celebrate the “inn” or “shelter” in Spanish, and this tradition birth of Christ with plenty of congregational singing of re-enacts Mary and Joseph’s search for a place Christmas carols. Dr. Tom Erickson preaches. to stay in Bethlehem. Join the Spanish Language Ministry on Saturday, December 17 at 4:00 p.m. at the church for Posadas. There will be music, tamales, and champurrado. And for the children there will be a piñata and toys. Advent Christmas Flowers at PPC One of the oldest and fond- The holidays are a time to remember loved ones and est Advent traditions for both celebrate special occasions. This year, you can help beautify congregations and families is the sanctuary during the Christmas season by purchasing the lighting of Advent candles, one or more poinsettia plants to be placed in the sanctuary. a tradition that reaches back to After Christmas, the potted flowers are delivered to pre-Christian northern Europe- homebound and hospitalized members and friends. ans. During the darkest days of The suggested donation is $20 or more. winter, they lit as many as 24 candles on an evergreen- covered wheel or wreath. By lighting a candle a day, Please complete the form and send they marked time, anticipating the return of the sun’s it, with your check, made payable light and warmth. By the 1500s, Christian congrega- to PPC and designated “Christmas tions adapted the Advent Wreath as a devotional Flowers,” by Tuesday, December 13, way to prepare for the coming of Christ, the Light of for inclusion in the December 18,24 the World. and 25 worship bulletins. I am donating $_______ Reverse Advent Ideas Given by _________________________________________ If you’re looking for ideas for the Reverse Advent (Please choose one of the following designations) Calendar project, here are a couple from one of our In memory of: ____________________________________ members. In honor of: __________________________________ UNION STATION HOMELESS SERVICES Celebrating: _________________________________ Union Station has been serving homeless persons in Pasadena since 1973. They provide a wide array of services which lead towards total independence. 2016 Christmas Joy Offering Suggestions for your daily Advent basket include per- Sunday, December 18 sonal items such as underwear, incontinence under- In this season when we celebrate the child wear, mouthwash, deodorant, sunscreen, antifungal born in Bethlehem, we also realize that spray, and toiletries. Union Station also needs twin the birth of Jesus ushered in a new realm bed sheets and diapers in various sizes. These can be of God’s love at work in the world. This dropped off at 825 East Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena love causes us to recognize the image of 91104. Clothing and larger items, such as furniture, God imbedded in all humankind. It com- electronics, and housewares can be donated in the pels us to reach out with charity, justice, and grace. We seek name of Union Station to ACTS Thrift Store, 1382 to honor every child of God. For over seventy years, Presbyte- Locust St. Proceeds benefit Union Station and their rian have been responding to that love at Christmas by giving clientele. For more details, check out the Union Sta- generously to the Christmas Joy Offering. The Offering helps tion website. students at racial ethnic schools and colleges develop their ANGEL INTERFAITH NETWORK gifts and find their calling to serve God through serving their Angel Interfaith Network has been helping the chap- community. At the same time, the Offering helps families of lains and social workers of LAC-USC Medical Center as both active and retired church workers to meet unexpected they minister to patients and their families in many needs. As we celebrate Jesus’ love in our lives this Christmas, ways. Often they are able to prevent homelessness your gifts bear joyful witness to the powers of the boundless by rent or utilities assistance. Food and personal love that changes lives. items are always needed. Most welcome are hygiene kits (face soap. body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, Rose Parade Tickets on Sale deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb/brush, tis- Tickets to watch the 2017 Rose Parade from the grandstands sues, washcloths), sweats and socks in L and XL sizes at PPC are now on sale. The cost of tickets for PPC members, for homeless patients as they leave the hospital, and clergy and active military members is $45 — you need to call Ralphs and /or Food for Less gift certificates. Gifts may the church office and get a coupon number for ordering. The be dropped off at the AIN center, 1100 North Mission general admission price is $70. Auto parking is $20. Rd., LA 90033. Call (323)226-6923 to arrange for drop Tickets and parking can be purchased only online at: off or for pick up in the Pasadena area. www.ppc.tix.com.