Possible Bridge Addition

At the FutureFocus Workshop, the question was raised as to whether we need to build a new worship space to accommodate future Bridge growth. In the past three years, the Bridge has grown and attracted significant numbers of new people. It has great potential to continue growing, but the current space limits this potential. There is an "80% rule" in worship spaces: attendance won't grow past 80% capacity. The Bridge's experience has borne this out: it has had attendance over 80% for a brief period of time, but this has always receded. Its average attendance is approaching 80%.

To maximize its potential, the Bridge needs a new, larger worship space. The Chapel is too small, and the sanctuary is unsuitable for Bridge-style worship (and such could not even be attempted without major alterations in the space). Therefore, we are considering building a new worship space in the church's courtyard. This could be done either by using half of the existing north wing (i.e. using the space now used by Rooms 100 and 101), or by replacing the north wing entirely (which would enable an attractive new all-church entryway with a view of the Memorial Garden). Todd Miller has done some preliminary drawings for these options, which would more than double current Bridge worship space to allow for ~170 worshipers.

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TRUNK-OR-TREAT was a HUGE success. WOW!

I would like to thank everyone that helped out with Trunk-or-Treat. We had a beautiful day for the event. There were 163 children who registered!  Just a few more than I was planning for, so that was great. Before it started, I thought that we had more than enough candy, and we used every piece of it. So, thank you to all who brought in candy. Also, thank you to everyone that decorated their cars, they looked wonderful. All of the volunteers that helped inside stayed very busy, also, and I owe a huge thanks to all of you. Thank you so much for making it so successful.

Children's Church is going well. We have been meeting at the back of Fellowship Hall at 9:45 a.m. and going up to the library for worship enrichment, and then back downstairs shortly before the service is over. In Sunday School, we are studying Stewardship. In December the children will study Advent and in January we will do a unit on Jonah. I am still looking for teachers, so if any of these topics interest you, please let me know. Contact kristy at presby.net or 523-0866.

Kristy Nix        

 Presbyterian Youth Fellowship Schedule

Small Groups

Parent Meeting – January 27

Confirmation Class

Confirmation News…"Confirmation" is the process in which youth are given an opportunity to study the Christian faith and the church, and decide if they are ready to claim that faith as their own and join the church as voting members. Confirmation is open to 8th graders and older students, and includes study, service, and work with an adult mentor.

Confirmation Seekers, beginning January 13, you'll be meeting weekly during the 9:45 class time, in Room 107 with Pastor Steve. Also, keep watching for information about the Confirmation Retreat this spring at Geneva Center.

Charitable Giving of IRA Distributions

Attention Members over 70! The Pension Protection Act of 2006 allows tax-free lifetime distributions from an IRA directly to charity.  Between now and December 31, 2007, you have a unique opportunity to give to the church (or other charities) in a very tax-advantageous manner. Here's how:
You must be age 70 ½ or older as of the date of distribution.

Distributions must be made directly from a traditional or Roth IRA to a qualified charity.  It doesn't work if the check comes to you. (Note - start early; this may take some time to accomplish). If you wish your gift to be designated for a particular purpose, please let Cinda know.


Distributions will count toward your minimum required distribution.  Thus, if you must take a distribution but don't want to incur taxes, consider having the distribution go directly to the church.  Distributions will count toward your minimum required distribution.
 

The stewardship team thanks all who have submitted Estimate of Giving cards for 2008. Not all the cards are in (reminder letters have been sent), but here are the results as of December 11, with several pledges not yet received:

 

17 New Pledges 82 Grew Pledges 17 Decreased Pledges 55 Remained Same Pledges 171 Pledges = $443,691.08

The team is hopeful that as remaining pledges come in, our Continuing to Grow campaign will come to a successful conclusion. The 2008 church budget will be adopted at the January session meeting, after all the figures are available.

 

Donations for 2007 need to be given or postmarked by December 31 (make sure the date is 2007) to be included on your 2007 giving statement. If you are planning to give a gift to the church by donating stock, make sure you contact your broker immediately to allow the transaction to clear by year-end. Also, please let Cinda know about your gift, so she can credit your account. If you have questions, please call! Cinda in the church office.

 

 

With regard to giving for 2008:

• Offering envelopes are available to be picked up outside the Gathering Place.
  
• If you would like envelopes and did not check the box on your pledge card, please call the church office.
  
• You have the option of paying your pledge monthly with either an automatic withdrawal from a checking or savings account or with a credit card (Master Card or Visa). If you are interested in these options, please call Cinda at the church office (264-3109).
  
• If you want to prepay your 2008 pledge in 2007, please mark clearly in the memo line "2008 pledge," so it can be properly credited.
  

Is your pledge up-to-date? The Stewardship Team asks everyone to catch up by year-end.  If you are not sure, please call Cinda at the church office.

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Christmas Joy Offering   A Presbyterian tradition for almost seventy years; ...designated by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA; ...supports the assistance program of the Board of Pensions to help those who have served the church when they encounter unexpected needs such as housing and income assistance, shared grants and emergency needs; ...supports six Presbyterian racial ethnic schools and colleges; Presbyterian Pan American School in Kingsville, Texas; Barber Scotia College in Concord, North Carolina; Sheldon Jackson College in Sitha, Alaska; Menaul School in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Cook School for Christian Leadership in Tempe, Arizona. We are receiving the Joy Offering now through December 31. Look for the special offering envelopes in the pew racks.

• Elizabeth Hohman for arranging the Church World Service Alternative Gift Market and to Betty Rice for arranging the Soup of Success gift baskets at the Advent dinner as opportunities for us to consider different gifting ideas.
  
  
• All who participated in the PYF Giving Tree.
  
  
• All who have contributed to the Presbyterian Women Mitten Trees.
  
  
• All who have contributed poinsettias. Money given in excess of the cost of the flowers goes to the Presbyterian Peacemaking Offering.
   

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Susanna's Kitchen is an ecumenical soup kitchen currently housed in First Congregational Church, at Third and Marion. Our congregation serves food the fourth Monday of each month. Volunteers need to be there from 10:45-12:30.  If you would like to help, sign up in the Gathering Place or call Walt or Beth Davis(293-7786).

Church Community Services (CCS), our ecumenical food pantry,
distributes bags of food and (as funds are available) assistance with rent and utility payments to local families needing emergency help. Our church supports CCS with regular donations from our mission budget, and a number of our members make individual contributions toward rent assistance (since CCS now incorporates the work of the former Dave's Place). Several of our members volunteer at CCS, and they can always use more volunteers! We collect grocery donations each Sunday on the following schedule:

First Sunday – Fish (canned tuna & salmon) Second Sunday – Spaghetti & Spam (sauce & canned meat) Third Sunday – Oral Hygiene & Toiletries (toothpaste, personal care) Fourth Sunday – Canned Fruit Fifth Sunday – Cleaning Supplies for Faith Mission

Dear First Presbyterian Church:
Thank you for again supplying the cookies and manning the table at one of the rest stops on the CROP Walk.  We're grateful for your loyal participation as we all work to feed the hungry here and around the world.

In Christ's Love,
The Elkhart County CROP Hunger Walk Committee

Dear FPC:
On behalf of Geneva Center, please accept our gratitude for your generous contribution towards Site House Renovation.  Special friends like you keep ministry at Geneva Center alive.  We realize this gift represents a sacrifice on your part and your donation will be used wisely.  Your contribution also encourages others to participate in giving to this ministry.  Thank you for your continued kindness and may God Bless you!

Tom Roots, Interim Executive Director

Dear FPC family:

I just want to once again thank everyone for all the wonderful gifts of love during my surgery and recovery.  Words can't describe how blessed I feel by your love.  Thanks to the volunteers who manned the office, the many cards, flowers, and gift givers, the wonderful meal preparers, and the other acts of love.  Thank you so much!  I am so glad to finally be back to work full-time.
Love,
Cinda

Holiday Office Schedule…The church office will close at noon on December 24 and be closed December 25 & 26, and January 1.

Do you have a prayer concern?
Do you know of someone in the hospital, recovering from illness, etc.? Let us know, so we can hold you or your friend in prayer. Contact Pat Van Dyke to be placed on the prayer chain.

Barbara Evans
July 29, 1927 - December 11, 2007

 

Our condolences go to:
Jan Horner on the death of her mother.

The family of Mildred Bettcher, who died on December 10.

Congratulations go to:
Katie Atkins & Chris Page on the birth of their daughter, Alice Louise Page, born on October 23 in Seattle.  Proud grandparents are Jane & Doc Atkins.
Katie & Brian Henderson on the birth of their twin daughters, Kaiden & Briella, born on November 17.
Jill & Matt Windy on the birth of their son, Nathan born on December 1.

2008 Worship Flower Calendar…Please sign-up for any Sunday's Worship Flower in 2008.  They may be in memory of a loved one, or in celebration of an anniversary, or birthday, etc.  The regular cost is $29.00.  If you would prefer a special arrangement, please call the church office.  We would love to have fresh flowers each Sunday in 2008.  The Calendar is located outside the narthex of the sanctuary in the hallway going to the Gathering Place.

Missing Coat…on November 11, a size 42 Men's tan trench coat was left at the church, while a size 48 is missing.  If you own a tan trench coat and wore it in November, would you mind making sure you have the right coat? Call Al Benham at 293-4879 if you have the missing coat.

Newsletter  Deadline
The next newsletter will be inserted in the bulletin on January 20 , and mailed the following week to those who are not in worship. Please submit articles for that newsletter by January 11.