It is one of my favorite Christmas stories not found in scripture, at least. I have told it before during my time as pastor at FPCoG and heard a few sermons referring to it as well. It’s a story about soldiers during World War I and the power of this season to bring peace to us and to our war-torn world. Here it is courtesy of the History Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGO9Q1vl-iM

This event is what we Christians believe Christmas, at its root, does; Christmas transforms hearts; it closes the distance between enemies; it makes further conflict and violence nearly impossible. Not just for a moment but forever.

And it does it all through a most interesting and unusual way:
Not through bullying strength.
Not through overwhelming military might;
Not through a dictator’s proclamation…

But, rather, through the messy, full, beautiful, hard life of human beings. Of a child, who grows into a man, who reveals God’s power which is made perfect in weakness, God’s love which is for the enemy and stranger always; God’s peace which is the disruption of the ordinary way of doing things and the restoration of dignity and wholeness to every part of the creation.

As we make final preparations for the holy day, let us keep this transformative power in mind. Let us look for the changes that need to happen in our world and in ourselves. Ad let us not give into the fear and violence such changes can tempt us to feel; but rather let us again receive the gift of love and pursue the path of peace that Christ guides us upon.

The Lord Bless and Keep you Always,
Rev. Ben

Liftavator Update!

The Session has approved the pursuit of funding for the installation of a plexiglass-enclosed vertical lift near the church office and choir room. Installation of this “Liftavator” would allow greater access to our building for those with mobility issues. This past week we received a gift from an anonymous donor for $10,000 for this project! Thanks be to God! Including “seed” money from the existing Elevator Fund and this gift we have collected $32,950.31 to date and $19,650.00 pledged, which puts us 77% of the way to our $68,000 goal. Ideally, we would like to reach our goal by the end of 2023. The anonymous donor was hopeful that their gift might encourage others to help meet this timeframe. Information on the liftavator and FAQ sheets can be found in the narthex. Additionally, Karen Lovering and Komivi Ekoule are available to answer any questions. Please pray and consider how you and your family might be able to contribute toward this “lofty” goal.

Announcements

• In-Person/Livestream Worship: Join us each Sunday at 11:00 am in person or online (via Facebook live) for worship!
  • Online participation via Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/firstpresbyterianchurchofgarner
  • Join us at 11am and 5pm for Christmas Eve Worship!
  • The Adult Sunday School Class will not meet on the morning of 12/24
• Christmas Joy Offering is a Presbyterian tradition that distributes gifts to support our Leaders…..past, present, and future. Materials related to learning about and contributing to The Christmas Joy Offering are available on December 24. Offerings may be dropped off in the office or in the offering plates. If you wish to give online you may do so by accessing this
•  website: https://specialofferings.pcusa.org/offering/christmas-joy/ and select the “Give Now” tab.
• 2024 Pledge cards: If you haven’t gotten your pledge in yet don’t fret, it’s not too late. There are extra pledge cards on the table at the back of the sanctuary. Feel free to drop it in the offering plate or drop it by the church office anytime.
• December 30, 2023 FPCoG 5th Saturday Commitment for H.O.P.E.: REMINDER…FPCoG our 5th Saturday commitment for H.O.P.E. is Saturday, December 30, 2023. The homeless need us MORE than ever and H.O.P.E. needs FPCoG! I am not exaggerating when I say that, “this has been a VERY difficult year for H.O.P.E.” The attendees each week continue to increase, donations of clothing, and financial resources have declined and the strain on the H.O.P. E. Ministry has been overwhelming. The guests arrive extremely hungry and very needy in all categories. The mantra of, “There but for the grace of God go I,” propels me through each and every Saturday serving in this ministry. I cannot adequately express my gratitude to ALL of you for providing food / assistance / support for this ministry each of our 5th Saturday Commitments in 2023. Your continued donations and support for H.O.P.E. are critical! With so much visible suffering and need all around us and in the world, it is important that we continue to make an impact on the lives of those in our own community. A sign-up sheet is on the table near the hallway in the Narthex for our 5th Saturday Commitment for H.O.P.E. Please sign up to provide food, help prepare, set-up, serve, clean-up, or come and converse with the guests at H.O.P.E. Help provide a day of dignity and help nourish the bodies and souls of the homeless in our community. If you have any questions about this mission or ways to serve beyond our 5th Saturday Commitment, please contact Julie Tedder.
• The Wednesday Night and Thursday Morning Bible Studies are on Christmas break: Stay tuned for announcements for when they will resume in 2024.
• Walking Group: The Walking Group meets each Tuesday weather permitting. The walking group will meet at the Village at 6pm to walk. We will park at Cadence assisted living on Minglewood Dr. and walk 2 laps around the Village. If you have any questions, contact Martha Long. In the event there is inclement weather, we’ll just gather the following week.