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Hope, Peace, Love and Joy / R. Harms

The holiday season can become so busy and this year, more than ever, I want to make time to become peaceful and truly remember the reason for the season.

 
The following are things I can do to help keep myself centered in God and one with my inner source of peace:

• Light a candle and watch the tiny flickering light—a symbol of the light of Christ.
• Set aside a special time for prayer and meditation.
• Read the Christmas story as it appears in the Bible.
• Enjoy an inspirational poem or story of the season.
• Listen to favorite Christmas carols.
• Whether alone or with others, sing Christmas carols.
• Close my eyes and let my mind and heart go to that center of peace within. 

I will let this Christmas season be one of wonderful peace.
 
“There will be peace and security in my day.”  Isaiah 39:8

Submitted by:  Ruth Harms

The Stars of Christmas

The Christmas Star appeared in the night sky over the humble town of Bethlehem.  Other stars that were shining included Mary, the Shepherds and the Wisemen.  These unlikely characters starred in a divine drama of hope for the world.

The Christmas stars of old provide lessons for today.  We'll be enlightened by their stories during our time of Advent.  As we explore The Stars of Christmas, we’ll see ways we too can shine for God. 

It may seem difficult to shine bright in a bad global economy and during a time when our local church is torn apart with construction.  How can we sing for joy, when money is scarce and when we are worshiping in a theatre and a café hall?  The answer: God always seems to shine brightest in the darkest times and in the most unusual places.  Think of this:  The brightest moment in history was in a dark Bethlehem barnyard.

As I’ve looked around our congregation during our Advent buildup, I’ve glimpsed the sight of stars among us.  Many of you have been shining bright.  How?  Through enthusiastic worship, generous giving and thoughtful service.  Christ shines in you.  Jesus Christ is, after all, our super star; the light of the world, from whom all hope and joy derives.  It is my prayer that you become enlightened by his light in special ways in these days.

Per Capita Cut in Budget

The Finance Commission recently issued this announcement: 

The Session of our Church recently decided to forego payment of the yearly Per Capita tax in support of our Presbytery for 2009.  This tax is not a mandatory commitment.  The decision was made in light of our ongoing Church budget deficit. Per Capita envelopes, therefore, will not be found in your 2009 box of Offering Envelopes.  Those Church members who prefer to continue paying this tax ($ 34.00 per member) to Presbytery may do so by remitting that amount in a white envelope marked “Per Capita”, with their envelope number included.  Other members may prefer to include that amount along with their regular offering in support of our Church operating budget for 2009. 

A Budget Update

Financial and Budget Update
As of January 7, 2009

We are still in the process of finalizing our financial records for 2008, but our preliminary reports indicate that due to the generous response of you, our church family, the Church will complete the year with a small favorable balance.

A good number of you responded to our earlier message and have contributed extra funds to offset the previously predicted deficit for 2008.  Also, the church family has responded by making year end contributions to complete their 2008 pledge commitment in full.  We are so thankful for your generous response.

To date, we have received pledges for 2009 totaling $515,000.  While this represents an increase in pledge dollars over 2008, it remains lower than the various Commissions have requested in their 2009 budgets to cover programs and services.   As mentioned previously, the Elders have made major reductions in our 2009 budget. Our Finance Commission is still striving to produce a balanced budget for 2009 to see what, if any, further reductions in expenses can be made.

Thank you again for all you are doing, and your continued support of our programs and services.

The 2008 Deficit

 

Our congregation is doing a tremendous job in making up the 2008 deficit in our budget.  At the latest budget meeting, it was reported that with present commitments, we are now only $38,000 in the red.  We still have many expenses here at the end of the year.  We need the continued generosity and extra gifts of many to help us end the year with a balanced budget.  Thank you to all those who give so generously.

The 2009 Budget

 

The Finance Commission is making a diligent effort to present a balanced budget for  2009.  There are several ways we are doing this.

1.           Cutting Expenses

                

We have made major reductions in several areas.  We have cut a staff  position and reduced staff benefits.  We have also reduced some programs and paid for other essential programs from reserves.  Through this process we have reduced the proposed budget from $693,982 to $619,756.  One elder said:  “We have bled the budget about as much as we can.  Any further cuts would require amputation of ministries.”  Even with these major cuts we are still about $80,000 low in our budget for next year.  Beyond the cuts we have made there are three additional ways we seek to balance the budget.

 

2.        Collect outstanding Pledges from Faithful supporters

Some of those who pledged last year have not yet made a pledge for 2009.  If all those that pledged last year would pledge the same amount in the coming year, we would have an addition $58,000 for the 2009 Budget.  This would go a long way in cutting the gap in our budget. But we need to know.  I have had several people who have already pledged tell me that they would make significant family sacrifices to increase their pledge, but they would like to be assured that their fellow members are also making a pledge sacrifice.  So it would be tremendously helpful to know what all our faithful supporters are planning to do.

 

3.        Receive new Pledges 

We also need new pledges.  We are a growing church with many new people calling First Pres home.  New pledges can provide a big boost as we plan for next year.  Perhaps pledging is a new experience and you do not feel comfortable stating what you plan to give, because you are not confident you can do it.  One person told me what they do:  “I write down less, but gave more.”  Of course, this would not be helpful in budget planning if everybody did this, but it would be helpful if you’ve never pledges, to at least give us a little idea.  It would also be nice to be able to go back to some of our old time givers and let them know that many of our newer people have begun to pledge for the first time.

 

4.        Increase Pledges already Given

  

I’ve had people come to me and offer increased pledges since our            Stewardship Sunday.  This has actually helped with about $60,000 of increase pledges to tighten the gap in our 2009 budget.  If you would like to do this, you can go on line and increase your pledge, call us or write us.  If you would like to discuss this with me or any of our elders just let us know.  We’d be happy to share with you, answer your questions and pray with you as you make your decisions.

 

Finally, thank you for all you are doing.  The pledges that we presently have represents a significant expression of generosity on your part.  We have a wonderful church, that is doing so much for Christ in our community.  You run this church.  Your loving gifts and service help bring home the love of Christ to so many. 

Help Requested from our Sister Churches

The deacons are doing a great job administering the community food pantry out of the Baptist church during the Presbyterian Church construction.  The deacons are asking all our members and the members of sister congregations to continue helping out for the Christmas season.  Here's their message to us:

 

Consistent with our Mission Statement that states that assistance from our Food Pantry is “available to anyone who comes seeking help,” our Board of Deacons has provided food baskets and turkeys to 108 families for Thanksgiving.  We were blessed with many food drives and monetary donations from the community that made this possible.  However, we have also promised these same 108 families food baskets for Christmas. 

 

Our resources have been greatly depleted, and we ask that you help us to keep our promise for Christmas, by requesting that your congregations continue to donate food and funds.  We specifically need holiday food items such as frozen turkeys, stuffing mix, instant mashed potatoes, canned yams, canned vegetables and fruits, cake mixes, icing mixes, and pie filling. 

Food donations may be delivered to the First Baptist Church and placed in the bins marked for that purpose at the rear of 51 South Street. 

Same Page with your Kids

A lot of families are enjoying the Cafe Worship following Sunday School.  The music is lively.  The children receive a fun lesson in RADhouse during my message to adults.  The theme in worship is directly related to the topics our children are learning about in Godzone.  In Worship you receive helpful insights for your spiritual leadership in the home.

Family Worship During Advent

I want to invite you to join us in worship as we celebrate Advent and Christmas. 

Family worship can be a very special experience to share together with your children.  Families who come to worship describe it as a spiritual experience where our emotions are touched by the heart of God and our thoughts are filled with the wisdom of God.  In worship, the Spirit of God touches our spirit.  Worship is fun! 

If you don't normally come to worship, I think this is the best time of the year to start.  Join together with us as we magnify the Lord together with the angels, shepherds and wisemen of old.  

Ideas for Christmas Study from Cathy Young

Advent is a time of anticipation and new beginnings.  Oftentimes, Christmas also seems a bit empty, especially if it is overstuffed with presents, wrappings, and unrealistic expectations. This year, you might want to add one tradition to the weeks of Advent with a personal or group study of "The Stars of Christmas."  If you have been thinking that you would like to read the Bible  but have not tried a long-term study or Sunday class, then this four week study might be right for you.  There are so many ways you could complete it.  You can use the study as part of an Advent tradition in your home each week, lighting candles with your family after reading and discussing the indicated passages.  You could invite a few friends or neighbors to share the Bible readings and discussion questions with you.  You can bring the material to an existing small-group meeting and enrich it with this Christmas story.  You can commit to meeting with the Lord, just one-on-one, to reflect on the miracle of Christ.  The material is familiar, but the discussion questions will bring new insights.  I pray you will find a way to participate in this church-wide study.  I know that if you do, your Christmas season will be blessed, and you will surely rejoice in the Christmas message this year!  Merry Christmas!

Study the Stars

This Advent season, the Christian Education Commission invites us to join together in a churchwide Bible Study to explore the Christmas story in a new ways.  Our theme is “The Stars of Christmas.”

 

Each week of Advent will feature a different “character” from the Christmas story.  By examining the traits of each of these historic people, we can personalize the Christmas story so that it speaks to each of us in a unique way.  The message is both eternal and immediate; it speaks of salvation for mankind and salvation for us personally.

 

The adult education component of this church-wide study uses the questions and discussion prompts from the Serendipity Bible.  The questions can be used to guide your group discussions of the featured passages.  If you aren't in a Bible Study, join one or pull a group of friends together for Advent.  Study guides are available for you to pick up at church.

 

I like what Cathy Young, our Adult Education Elder says about the program:  "This study can serve as a respite from the program you are currently following, or it can be used in addition to your current program.  Either way, all of us on the Christian Education Commission hope and pray that it will truly bless you with a Merry Christmas!"

A Compelling Character

There are many compelling historic characters in the annuls of time.  Whenever I go to Washington, DC a must-see on my to-do list, is the Lincoln Memorial.  It moves me to stand beneath that massive statute.  It stirs me to look up and see his image.  I am moved by his powerful words on the walls.  

But nothing moves me more than standing beneath the cross of Christ and studying the words of Jesus.  That's what we are doing in our WHY JESUS series at church. 

 

Most thoughtful people, whether they are church goers or not, are interested in Jesus.  All around the world people want to know about Jesus.  There are people here on the Jersey Shore who may not be interested in religion, but they are interested in Jesus.  This is a great time to invite people to come to the Algonquin Theater or Café Worship in the Fellowship Hall to learn why Jesus is so significant to so many of us.