Thyat i r a P resby te r i an Church a t M i l l B r idge

Emai l : o f f i c e@thya t i rap resby te r i an .o rg Webs i t e : thyat i rap resby te r i an .o rg

O f f i ce : 704 -636-1595 Pas to r S te ck : 704 -245 -8100

PASTOR’S PAGE

“The Coming of God” by Ann Weems Our God is the One who comes to us in a burning bush, in an angel’s song, in a newborn child. Our God is the One who cannot be found locked in the church, not even in the sanctuary. Our God will be where God will be with no constraints, no predictability. Our God lives where our God lives, and destruction has no power and even death cannot stop the living. Our God will be born where God will be born, but there is no place to look for the One who comes to us. When God is ready God will come even to a godforsaken place like a stable in Bethlehem. Watch… for you know not when God comes. Watch, that you might be found whenever wherever God comes.

May this Advent, our blessed season of waiting, be a time for reflection on how God has come, and is coming, and will come into our lives.

Peace,

Stacey

December 2017 Newsletter Volume 40, Number 12

PRAYER CONCERNS

Lutheran Home: Mullie Varner

C/O George Calhoun: Mary Alice Calhoun

White Oak Manor, Charlotte: Ruby Erwin

At Home: JoAnn Kerr Ted Deal

• The family of Millard Goodnight who passed away • Kitty Harris, dealing with health issues • Thelma Walton in rehab at Liberty Commons • The family of former West High School Coach Scott

Young, who died this week • Phares Sechler, recovering from surgery on her

hand • Barbara, in rehab at a nursing facility • Frank Fuller’s family, following his death on

November 6 • Monique’s family, following the death of her mother • Carol King • Bob Freeman’s cousin Frank, recovering from colon

cancer surgery • Tom Long, friend of Charles Newsome, receiving

treatment for cancer • Evaun Bulman, friend of Sharry Davis, undergoing

cancer treatment • Bill Hall • The situation in Puerto Rico following the hurricane • A friend of Keith Townsend, being treated for cancer • Families facing challenges • Mary Deal’s sister, Margaret, being treated for an

infection • Betty Morgan, sister of Ruth Albright, recovering

after serious car accident • Alice Sloop’s friend, Nancy, under hospice care • Mike Hawkins’ mother, Elizabeth, now at Genesis • Linda Gaylor’s mother, Barbara • Jay Foster, a nine-year-old with heart issues • Ada Jo Sloop, serving in the Peace Corps • OC Shoaf • A friend of Phares, Cindy Pope, being treated for

some serious health issues • Bill Bergstrom is being treated for leukemia • Sharry Davis is being treated for cancer • Drema Clemens’ mother, Bertha Warden • Millicent Hoffner’s brother, Joe Kerr • Mike Hawkins who has RA • Former member, Pat Hall • Jimmy’s mother and father, Ernestine & Bill Hoffner • Paul Rogers’ daughter and family in Pakistan • The Raymer family serving in Africa

GENEROSITY UPDATE

We ended November at 77% of the monthly projection.

We are at 95% of the YTD goal.

Liturgists:

3 - Phares Sechler 10 - Janet Lambert 17 - Bill Hall 24 - Millicent Hoffner 31 - Phares Sechler Nursery Attendants:

3 - Alice Sloop, Robin Luther

10 - Jada Ware-Guy, Karen Townsend

17 - Melissa Waller, Beth Bates

24 - Leigh Anne Wetmore, Selena Bell

31 - Abby Covington, Flora Calderón-Steck

Ushers: Charlie King Ted Fuller Melissa Kluttz Ben Watts Jada Ware-Guy

Sunday School

Volunteers (2’s, 3’s, Preschool)

3 - Selena Bell, Klancy Deal

10 - Karen Townsend 17 - Leigh Anne

Wetmore 24 - TBA 31 - Aaron Richmond

DECEMBER SCHEDULES

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2 Richard Luther 3 David Kern 4 Rachel Moss 6 Ronald Goodnight Matt Moore 9 Connor Edwards

14 Jerri Seaboch 15 Ted Deal Emery Franz 17 Georgia McCorkle 18 John Cress, Jr. 19 Paul Rogers Tom Turner 20 Mandy Bates 22 Cari McCachren Shah Robert Wilkie 24 Carol Graham 26 Christi Reber 29 Drema Clemens 31 Sandra Swanson Bill Hall, Jr.

December Birthdays

PUNCH TIN TRAY MISSING:

There was a punch tin tray/basket that was in the Fellowship Hall that has gone

missing. If you know where it is please bring it to the church office. It was made many years ago by a member and has sentimental value to the current members.

The countdown has begun for the Joy Gift Program given by the children of Thyatira. You will not want to miss The Preschoolers present “Christmas Potpourri.” The Young Disciples will present their musical, “A Shepherd’s Staff.” Mark your calendars! The program will be held on December 3 at 11am. It will get your heart in the spirit of Christmas. We hope for a big Sunday so bring your friends.

The Young Disciples will continue choir practice on December 10 as they will have a part in the adult cantata. Following the 10th practice, we will resume January 7th, 2018.

Ms. Millicent

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Breakfast Sunday, December 3 the men of the church will join together for food and fellowship at 8:00am.

Hurricane Matthew Relief Efforts The Thyatira Men are planning a Hurricane Matthew relief effort Dec 7-10. There are still HUNDREDS of homes in need of re-construction before families can return to them. We are working directly with the Methodist Disaster Relief organization who have organized a great effort in numerous Eastern NC areas. Anyone can help, no matter your skills. We will be housed and fed at the Lumberton Methodist church, right across the road from the Lumberton Presbyterian church. Please call David Hall at 704-680-8091 with your interests and qualifications. Non-Thyatira helpers welcome. Gratitude Is Good For the Mind, Body and Spirit.

Rowan Helping Ministries-West thanks Thyatira for the recent donation of 108 pounds of canned goods!

Sunday, December 3 we will have a meeting at 9:00am.

The Young Disciples are continuing their card ministry, Cards to Texas. With the help of the congregation we hope to have a huge mailing collected by December 10. Let’s all pitch in to reach our goal of 100!

Ms. Millicent

Our next Book Club Meeting will be Friday, December 1 at 7:15pm. We will start back on our regularly scheduled 4th Friday of the month in January after all the holiday festivities.

My Dear Church Family,

Many of you braved the rain so you were able to attend my 90th Birthday Celebration. I couldn’t believe how many showed up. My brothers and sisters were much impressed. All my children knew because you are a loving congregation. Thank you too for all the cards you sent while I was in rehab twice, but most of all for your prayers. I love everyone of you at Thyatira.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! “Ronney” Steele

BATTERY RECYCLING

You may bring used household batteries to the church office to be recycled. Please place batteries in the basket labeled for battery recycling. (Single use alkaline, lithium, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, and small sealed lead acid batteries only.)

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NEW CEMETERY SIGN WITH ACCOMPANYING BROCHURE

The Thyatira Memorial Association is happy to announce the completion of a new cemetery entrance sign with accompanying brochure. The sign contains a short history of the church and the reverse side is an alphabetical list of the older graves below the traffic circle along with an easy to use locating system. The accompanying brochure, located in an adjacent weather-proof holder, lists twenty historically significant sites including the ancestral graves of a U.S. President, two Vice Presidents, a founder of the University of NC, many Revolutionary War officers, and the pirates graves. Thyatira hopes this sign with brochure will greatly aid the many visitors we host from across the nation and around the world as they visit our historic cemetery, often called “The Westminster Abbey of Rowan County” due to the many important people interred here.

Wednesday Evening Prayer, Song & Study

All are invited Wednesday evenings at 6:30 to engage in an hour in prayer, song, and study. We’ll gather in the Sanctuary to

give thanks to God for giving us Jesus Christ, the light of the world, to pray for the joys and concerns of our hearts and the world, and to reflect on a passage of Scripture. Please join us! For more information, please contact Pastor Stacey at 704-636-1595.

We will not meet on December 27.

IT’S TIME FOR TUTORING!!!

PLEASE CONSIDER GIVING AN HOUR OF YOUR TIME TO TUTOR A

MT. ULLA ELEMENTARY STUDENT!

EITHER TUESDAY OR THURSDAY FROM 6:30PM TO 7:30PM

(January - April 2018)

Please call for additional information. Dot Luther 704-278-2162

Abby Covington 704-855-9498 Carly Moore 704-433-8921

“The more tutors we have,

the more children we will be able to serve.”

I would like to tutor on:

TUESDAY THURSDAY

NO PREFERENCE (Please circle one)

NAME: _______________________________

PHONE: ______________________________

(TEAR OFF AT DOTTED LINE AND PLACE IN OFFERING PLATE)

• Sunday, December 3 - We receive the Joy

Gift Offering and our Young Disciples share their Christmas presentation

• Sunday, December 10 - Our Choir shares music of the season on Big Music Sunday

• Friday, December 15 - Christmas Caroling

• Sunday, December 17 - Ugly Sweater Party

• Sunday, December 24 - We worship on

Christmas Eve morning and then join together again for our candlelight Christmas Eve service

UGLY SWEATER PARTY

Sunday, December 17

After worship in Fellowship Hall

Wear your best ugly or festive Christmas sweater and celebrate the holiday

season together. Cookies and finger foods will be served.

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The Session of Thyatira Presbyterian Church met on November 19 and took the following actions: • Approved Thyatira’s participation in the Presbyterian Panel Survey conducted by the denomination. A

random sampling of members of Thyatira will receive an invitation to participate in an occasion survey of issues on interest to the Church.

• Reconvened the Task Force to review church security. Note: several security measures were already undertaken in 2016-2017.

• Approved the formation of a committee to move the Picnic Shelter process forward.

• Received the report and recommendations of the Vision Discernment Team and will take the next month to prayerfully consider adoption of the Team’s proposed Vision Statement and recommendations.

‘Tis the Giving Season! As we enter the Christmas season and approach the end of the year, thoughts of giving are on the minds of many. While December is a retailer’s dream come true as we give gifts to one another, it is also when we remember God’s gift of Jesus Christ, the greatest gift of all. This Christmas season, there are many opportunities to remember God’s gift of Jesus Christ with your own gift to give thanks. Please prayerfully consider how you can make this time of year a dream come true for those to whom Christ has called us to minister in his name. There are several options to give through Thyatira: • The Lost Sheep Sunday School class has challenged the

congregation to BUY OUT THE ENTIRE 2017 Presbyterian Giving Catalog! Be sure to check out the trees in the sanctuary and take an ornament today! There are gifts in every price range (check out presbyteriangifts.org for details). You can make purchases with a friend, with your family, or sponsor one with your Sunday School class. The possibilities are endless! When you have your money, please return the ornament and money to a member of the Lost Sheep class, return to the church office, or put in the offering plate. Help us meet this BIG goal and make a difference this holiday season!

• The Joy Gift Offering will be received in worship on Sunday, December 3 as our young disciples kick off our Advent season with their music. This denomination-wide offering provides critical financial assistance to church leaders in need and supports our denomination’s efforts at developing future leaders at Presbyterian racial ethnic schools.

• More locally, you can support the recent renovations made to our historic building by making an end of the year pre-campaign gift to lead the way. Early next year, we’ll be launching a more formal mini-capital campaign to meet the costs of our new storm windows, but you can make a gift now in 2017 that will help us reach our 2018 goal more easily.

Remember, gifts to and through Thyatira to any of these offerings are tax-deductible. Please consult your financial advisor about how end-of-the-year gifts to the church can positively impact your financial picture as well as the Kingdom of God.

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PARISH NURSE NEWS Challenges of the Season

This is the time of year when there are many celebrations which often include bounteous amounts of food, desserts, and drinks. Although no one is going to totally keep to the most healthy eating habits during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, everyone can make an effort to control the number of sweets and other unhealthy foods which are so popular. Food Glorious Food

• Choose foods that give you the nutrients your body needs, such as vegetables, fruits, lean meats and whole grains.

• Try eating a healthy meal before you go out to holiday celebrations so that you aren't as hungry.

• Try healthier versions of your favorite foods. (This applies to those who are serving and those who are guests).

• Eat smaller portions and do not skip meals. When there is lots of food to choose from, be picky. If you don't love it, don't eat it. Eat slowly and be mindful, savor every mouthful. A Spoonful of Sugar

There are specific results which occur when we eat too many extra sweet treats and drinks.

• There is increase calorie intake which leads to weight gain.

• Empty calories do not satisfy and often lead to increased hunger and overeating.

• Spikes and dips in blood sugar lead to increased fatigue.

• All of this can lead to a decreased immune system.

• Excessive sweets also lead to dental health risks.

• Negative effects on the liver, blood pressure and blood sugar levels can put us on the path to chronic disease. Until All Are Fed

While this is a time of abundance for many of us, there are those who are in need. Many struggle with food insecurity and may not know where or when they will get their next meal. Donations to a soup kitchen or pantry often increase at this time of year. It is important to consider the quality and nutritional value of donations. Many of those who are struggling have health issues as well and need healthy foods low in sodium, sugar, and fat. According to one study, health conditions of food pantry customers include:

Diabetes 21% High Cholesterol 45% High Blood Pressure 46% BMI in Obesity Range 52%

Give of Your Best

The following items are suggestions for food donations that are healthier choices especially for those with diabetes or heart disease.

• Brown rice

• Whole grain pasta, oats and cereal

• Dried beans or lentils

• No-salt added green beans, tomatoes, and corn

• Canned peaches and pineapple in 100% juice

• Canned chicken or tuna in water

• Peanut butter (natural, no trans-fat)

• Olive oil

• Salt-free seasonings and spices Consider some of these donations which make the season healthier for everyone. Peace Like a River

This season which is filled with joy and thankfulness for most is also a time of stress and even loss for some. It is important to take care of ourselves and others at this time.

• Plan ahead-try to set realistic goals for what you will accomplish.

• Set a budget and stick to it. Generosity which later becomes regret does not make for lasting happiness for anyone.

• Nurture yourself. Ask for help when you need it.

• Quiet your mind through activities such as meditation, a massage, sitting quietly, prayer, and reading scripture.

• Say “NO” to invitations when your schedule is too full.

• Get adequate sleep.

• Stay in the present and live each moment.

• Seek Joy. Thanksgiving and Christmas are wonderful seasons to be uplifted and try to dwell on those blessing we are receiving rather than on the losses and difficulties we have faced.

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Thyatira Presbyterian Church At Mill Bridge 220 White Rd. Salisbury, NC 28147-5606 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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December 2017 Newsletter

Two Year Old Classroom: This month the two year old class talked about animals. We talked about farm animals and what sounds they make, sea animals, zoo animals and finally everyday pet animals. Thanksgiving was a big part of our month with turkeys and other thanksgiving crafts. We enjoyed our special Thanksgiving snack on Tuesday the 21st. These little ones are still working hard on their colors as well as their shapes. We are so thankful for these little ones! Hope everyone had a very Thankful and Blessed Thanksgiving!!

Three Year Old Classroom: The 3 year old class gave thanks to the Lord for all he has given them-mommies, daddies, clothes, families, and the world. We focused on letters "F, G & H" and numbers "6, 7, & 8". They made feathers of fruit loops on a turkey, stamped purple circles to make grapes and a horn of plenty. We sang Thanksgiving songs, decorated a turkey cookie and made a Blessing Mix to share with their family. Hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday season.

Four Year Old Classroom: In the month of November, the four year old class focused on being thankful. We studied the letters H, I, J, and K. Our themes were Harvest Time, Pilgrims and Indians, Turkeys, and Thanksgiving. We decorated our room with scarecrows, Indian corn, fall trees, and turkeys. Abby celebrated her 5th birthday on the 6th and we enjoyed a visit from the book mobile on the 17th. The highlight of the month was our Thanksgiving feast. We dressed up like Pilgrims and shared a special snack. Our parents came at 11:00 to hear our fall and Thanksgiving songs. We had such a great time together. Thanks be to God!