Esther’s sermon on Sunday reminded us that even in the darkest times we are promised “Everlasting Light,” which can give us strength and solace for the journey. The church music of Advent and Christmas is jam-packed with references to this beautiful image of and about God:

“Yet in the dark streets shineth the Everlasting Light”

“Silent Night, holy night! Son of God, love’s pure Light”

“Break forth, O beauteous heavenly Light”

“Creator of the stars of night, your people’s everlasting Light.”

This is indeed a paradoxical season of both noticing and feeling the need for this metaphorical Light and noticing and feeling the absence of the Light. In the next few weeks, our liturgy, music, and gathering as a church family will address these conflicting ideas. Singing together is a mysterious way that we can feel connected to strangers and friends in a way like none other. The power of music to inspire, give hope, and bring comfort is an antidote to the loneliness that we sometimes feel.

When people could not gather in person during COVID, a group of online folks from all 50 states and 30 countries somehow found each other and started a group now known as the “Daily Antidote of Song.” They gather via a link sent to their mailboxes every day at noon EST with wonderful song leaders and sing for fun and connection. This has continued for 1700 days. (www.carpediemarts.com)

Now that we have the great privilege to gather in person, I encourage you to pay attention to the words and music of the season and to take advantage of the gift of live music that we experience every Sunday morning at First Presbyterian. Each week, we have an opportunity to strengthen our spiritual armor and to connect with one another in the common struggles and joys of life.

“Soon your manger, shining bright,

hallows night with new-born light.

Night cannot this light subdue;

let our faith shine ever new.”

---Kathy Parkins, Minister of Music

Sympathies:

The love and concern of the congregation are extended to the following:

· family of Orval Wintermute. Orval, a PCUSA pastor, died November 25^th.

· family of William (Bill) Emory Rupp. Bill died October 12^thin Asheville. He and his late wife Liz were active members of FPC from 1976-1979. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 789 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, on January 18, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.

Concerns:

Carlisle Harvard is receiving care in the Pavilion at Croasdaile.
Mary Ann Ruegg is receiving care in the Health Center at The Forest at Duke.
Jim Gudaitis is recovering from a bone marrow transplant.
Wes Jones, father of Jordan Jones, is recovering from surgery.
Rosalind Mutua, sister of Mercy Ndambiri-Curlett, is very sick in Kenya. Please keep Mercy and Rosalind in your prayers.

Additional concerns can be found here.

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The churchlife app can be used to locate address information for sending cards to individuals and families. You may also contact the church office if you do not have access to the app.

My family and I are thankful for your prayers and support during my illness and treatment. Your kindness and encouragement uplifted our entire family during this healing journey.

With gratitude,

Emily Wilson

(daughter-in-law of Jean & Chuck Wilson)

Thank you to the folks who staffed the table at Bull City Fair Trade on November 17 and to the excellent cookie makers and providers! The monies we raised will go to western NC hurricane relief.

- Karolyn Mangeot

Thank you to the Christian Education Committee for planning, setting up, and hosting our annual Advent Festival and Alternative Giving Fair this past Sunday (December 1) in Watts-Hill Hall.

2025 Pledge Update

At a Glance As of 12/2/2024

Pledges: 151

Amount: $911,545.07

Percentage of 81.41%

Pledge Goal: $1,119,655.01

Needed: $208,109.94

Year-End Giving

Contributions statements are being mailed soon to all those who had pledge balances as of November 30. Timely payment of pledges by December 31 will allow First Presbyterian to pay its end-of-year bills promptly and to meet its benevolence obligations for 2024.

Please remember that the church must receive your charitable contributions by 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 if dropped off at the church; or the gift must be postmarked by December 31, 2024, if mailed, to be deductible on your 2024 taxes.

If you wish to make a contribution by credit card, this may be done through the parish’s website (www.firstpres-durham.org) at any time. To be deductible on your 2024 taxes, please initiate the gift by Friday, December 27. On-line contributions scheduled for December 28, 29, 30, or 31 will not reach us in time.

If you wish to make a donation through a gift of stock, please notify Tom Bloom, Business Administrator (t.bloom@firstpres-durham.org) as soon as possible.

Members aged 70 ½ + who own an IRA may be able to make a tax-excludable gift directly to First Presbyterian and have that gift satisfy any required minimum distribution for this year. Please contact your IRA administrator ASAP if you wish to consider this giving option for tax year 2024.

Sunday, December 8

Second Sunday of Advent

11:00 a.m. Worship with the Sacrament of Baptism

New members welcomed & introduced during worship.

Mindy Douglas, preaching

Saturday, December 14

Come watch the Durham holiday parade in person from the sanctuary steps beginning at 10:00 a.m. Dress appropriately for the weather. Hot chocolate and coffee provided by FPC's Fellowship Committee.

NOTE: Main Street will be closed from between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. between Fayetteville Street and Campus Drive as part of the Parade route

Sunday, December 15

11:00 a.m. Worship

A Service of

Lessons of Carols

This service is led by the choir and patterned after the Lessons and Carols Service

held annually at King’s College Chapel in Cambridge, England.

The service includes scripture readings, anthems, and congregational hymns.

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5:00 p.m. Children's Christmas Pageant followed by an all-church potluck

and carols sing-along.

FAITH FORMATION

FOR ALL AGES

MUSIC FOR CHILDREN

Children are welcome on Sunday mornings from 9:45-10:00 a.m. in the Godly Play Room to learn and sing songs. Lenore Champion leads this time with children.

Children's Music returns this Sunday following worship.

Children, kindergarten -6th grade are invited to a time of music with Kathy Parkins in the choir room following worship each Sunday (begins about 12:10 p.m.)

The Preschool Faith Formation class is for ages 3 years to 5 years. Each Sunday, there's free play, a story, a snack, and an activity!

The kindergarten-2nd grade Faith Formation class promises a fun story, big art, drama, and a snack!

The Godly Play class is for 3rd through 5th grades. Stories are presented visually with small props. The class is invited to consider "Wondering" questions as they reflect on the story that was presented. Check in for the week and prayer time ends the session!

If your child is interested in taking part in Worship leadership, please let Lenore know! (l.champion@firstpres-durham.org)

CARD MAKING FOR

DEATH ROW INMATES

Please join us for holiday card making for prisoners on death row in NC on Saturday, December 9 starting at 6:00 p.m. until done. Drop-in for as long as you want/are able. Andy and Cherie

Henry Home - 1407 Arbor St, Durham, NC 27701. Bring a savory or sweet snack to share as you are able. Not required. We'll have plenty either way.

On December 8, after worship, we will gather in the Watts-Hill Fellowship Hall to celebrate Valerie McMillian and her 23 years of faithful, dedicated service to God and to First Presbyterian Church as our Parish Administrator.

Please join us for a reception this Sunday and if you can, bring something yummy to share with others! We are going to miss Valerie so much! This day is an opportunity to show her our gratitude for the gifts of time and talent she has shared so generously over the years.

If you would like to recognize and celebrate Valerie’s time at FPC with a financial gift, you can either 1) donate to the church through the donate button on the website (www.firstpres-durham.org, select “love offering”) – (note: Valerie will be required to pay taxes on any gift given through the church, as she is an employee), or 2) give the gift of cash or check directly to Valerie (A gift box will be available on December 8 if you would like to give anonymously).

Valerie’s official retirement date is the end of December. A search committee chaired by David Sappenfield is currently interviewing candidates to begin work in this position in early January.

FPC Men of Faith

Friday, December 6

8:00 a.m.

Join us for breakfast and lively conversation at the

Mad Hatter's Café.

Officers' Holiday Gathering

(with a meeting and potluck)

Tuesday, December 10

from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

hosted by Jane Wettach

and Paul Baldasare

at 2710 Old Sugar Road

Bring a dish to share

and enjoy singing some carols.

Due to space, this event is limited to current officers only,

no spouses, no partners, or kids.

RSVP via the EVITE. or to Jane.

First Friends Advent Potluck

December 14, 2024

Melinda Ruley & Stewart Fisher

5301 Cabe Ford Road

Advent potluck with delicious food and engaging conversations.

Melinda and Stewart are providing the main dish. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. RSVP via the EVITE.

Sharing Worship

beyond the Sanctuary

Friends, we are in need of folks to help expand our live streaming ministry staff. Please contact Jody Maxwell if you’re willing to support worship in this way. Jody is happy to train new folks.

FAITH & COMMUNITY CLASS

We meet on Sundays from

9:45-10:45 a.m.

in Watts-Hill Hall.

Faith & Community is reading The Book of Forgiving, by Desmond and Mpho Tutu in December. The Tutus share about a fourfold path to forgiving. On November 24, we started with the first three Chapters, introducing the fourfold path. We'll continue with the first two "folds" of the path this Sunday, December 8, the second two "folds" on December 15, and the final 3 chapters to wrap everything up together on December 22.

LECTIONARY CLASS

Join us each Sunday at 9:45 in the Robert Daye Meeting Room for discussion of the lectionary readings.

December 8: When the Lord looked favorably on the people, who heard the word of God? The emperor in Rome? The Governor? The rulers or the high priests in Jerusalem? No, the word of God came to a strange man in the wilderness. Who will hear (and respond to) the word of God in our time?

December 15: Is it good news or bad news that God is coming soon? According to John the Baptist, that depends on whether you are wheat or chaff.

JOURNEY'S CLASS

Sundays at 9:45 a.m.

in the Wilson Parlor

December 8 - We will continue the saga of Joseph in Egypt. Reflect on Robinson's particularly dark take on Joseph. Do you agree or do you believe we can take away some redeeming qualities?

The readings for this week will be:

Genesis 44, 45

Robinson pp196-211(top)

For more information on this adult class, contact Andy Henry, Eric Wiebe, or Paul Baldasare.

MEANING IN THE MIDDLE

meets Sundays

8:00 p.m., via Zoom

(Link is sent in weekly email)

We are using the resource d365, a Presbyterian / mainline devotional to guide our discussion. There is no reading or prep required, and our topics vary from week to week, so you won't have missed anything.

We need leaders for our weekly Zoom discussions and our monthly in-person gatherings. The sign-up sheet for both is here. If you haven't already done so, please sign up for two weeks on the spreadsheet, and a giant THANK YOU to those who have already signed up.

Middle School Faith Formation – meets Sundays 9:45-10:45 a.m., left-side youth room

High School Faith Formation class in on a holiday break.

FIRST ACTS - PART II

Save the Date!

Sunday, January 12

4:00-6:00 p.m.

Contact Susan Dunlap

919-801-5968

for more information.

Free Yoga Classes

Jane Wettach will offer free yoga classes at FPC on Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Classes are held in Room 201 of the education building.

Please let Jane know by Tuesday at noon if you will attend Wednesday's class, and by Thursday at noon if you will attend Friday's class.

Please register with Jane by email even if you think I know you are coming. If more than six are in a class, we can move to the Fellowship Hall.

If you would like to be removed from the group email list, let Jane know.

Reminders:

Mats and blocks provided; you do not need to bring those unless you prefer to use your own.
Bring your own water bottle.
Please arrive 5-10 minutes early to get set up so we can begin on time.
The class will last about an hour.
The Friday class is especially appropriate for those who have done little or no yoga and for those who prefer a slower, gentler class. Wednesday's class is a stretch and flow class.
Wear clothes that allow you to move easily; stretchy pants without zippers or buttons are best. On top, a tee-shirt or other stretchy shirt that is not too loose.
The code to enter the building is available from Tom Bloom, Jane or Valerie.
All questions are good questions; let me know if you have any!

A Call for

Officer Nominations

Nominations are now open for the Class of 2028 Deacons and Ruling Elders, and anyone desiring to serve at-large on the 2025-2026 Nominating Committee. Nominees should be members you know who have shown a special dedication to the church, who would bring a needed talent or expertise, or who might like to serve but have been hesitant to step forward. Or, if you yourself feel called to serve, do not hesitate to write down your own name. Nomination forms are enclosed in the worship bulletin this Sunday. After completing both sides of the form, detach and place it in the offering plate or return it to the church office. The deadline for nominations is December 31.

Job Announcement for

Church Administrator

First Presbyterian Church is looking for an organized, diligent, responsive and motivated individual to support our mission in the role of full-time Church Administrator. Competitive salary and benefits provided. 3+ years of relevant administrative and/or supervisory experience required. Must be well-versed in use of accounting, communication/social media and database software. NOTE: Members of the church and/or their family are not eligible to apply for this position. For more information, go to the church’s website (https://firstpres-durham.org) to see job announcement. Interested persons should submit resume/references by email to adminsearch@firstpres-durham.org.

You Are Not Alone:

A Caring Group

for People Living with Health Challenges

These can be very challenging, and it is often hard to share them with other people. If this describes you, you may be interested in a place to find conversation, support, prayer, and fellowship with others who face similar challenges. We have started a group that will provide these things, facilitated by Susan Dunlap and Amy Heit. We will meet monthly, on the third Tuesday, at 10:30 a.m. in the Wilson Parlor. Our next meeting is on December 17th. For more info, please contact Susan at sjd4@duke.edu.

An Invitation from

Marilyn Hedgpeth

Reception and Book Reading

Saturday, December 14

from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

hosted by Horse and Buggy Press

1116 Broad Street, Suite 101, Durham

in celebration of her poetry group’s newly published book,

White Fence: an ekphrastic collaboration across ten images.

This latest book features the writings of poets Paul Deblinger, Alan Basting, Marilyn Hedgpeth and Bruce Metge,

as well as images created by artist, Paula Siwek.

StepUp Durham is asking for donations of $50 Visa gift cards for some of their clients who are experiencing additional financial difficulty during this holiday season. StepUp offers free employment readiness training, personalized job coaching,

employer referrals, and supportive services to job seekers, including those with barriers like a criminal background or gaps in work history. If you would like to donate a Visa card, you can either put it in an envelope labeled "StepUp" and drop it in the offering plate or bring it to the church office by December 18th.

IGLESIA EMANUEL

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

FOOD PANTRY

We have an easy and wonderful way for you to give 2 hours of your time, right here in Durham. No need to pack your bags and travel, just come be part of the incredibly impactful ministry at the Emanuel Food Pantry! We love welcoming new volunteers, and are always grateful for donations of food, rice, beans, and financial support. To volunteer at the food pantry, simply click here and come join the fun! For more information, contact Margaret Rubiera.

TUTORING PROGRAM

Iglesia Emanuel’s tutoring program is looking for tutors! We offer 1:1 student to tutor ratios from kindergarten through twelfth grade, and tutors are paired with the same student for the entire year, which helps to foster a supportive and collaborative relationship between tutors and students. The focus here is on skill development through games and projects that are inspired by student interests, rather than homework help, so students (and tutors!) look forward to coming each week. No teaching experience is necessary. If you have interest in being part of this community as a tutor, we’d love to have you! For more information, please check out our website at www.emanuellearning.com or reach out to the director, Mimi Dunn at 304-553-3295 or by email: marydunn618@gmail.com.

WORLD MISSION

FPC partners with PC (USA) Mission Co-Workers:

Jhan and Ian Dotel-Vellenga, Nicaragua

https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/missionconnections/vellenga/

Jeff and Christi Boyd, Democratic Republic of the Congo

https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/missionconnections/jeff-and-christi-boyd/

Please keep them, the people they work with, and the work they do, in your prayers. Using the links above, you can find out more about them and subscribe to their newsletters. You may also read today's edition of the PCUSA Mission Yearbook. Click link below.

Link to PCUSA Mission Yearbook

You may remember that our last letter from Mission Partners Christi and Jeff Boyd was about malaria in Congo and sub-Saharan Africa. In Sunday's PCUSA Mission Yearbook there was an article about this issue with a link to send an e-mail to our US Senators and Representatives about support for a malaria vaccination program. We did not see any of our members of Congress as supporters yet. It is easy to just sign your name, or you can personalize the message.

Here's the link to the Mission Yearbook entry:

https://www.presbyterianmission.org/yearbook/November-17-2024/

Here's the link to the e-mail to Congress:

https://www.votervoice.net/PCUSA/Campaigns/118056/Respond

-Karolyn Mangeot

Year-End﻿ Giving

Year-End Giving