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 be- come 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 chil- dren 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.