Mesa Messenger • December 4, 2022 Edition
WORSHIP
Sunday, December 4
2nd Sunday in Advent

This Sunday at FPCA:
Family Advent Crafting
Sunday, December 4
Fellowship Hall, 10 am
PreK to 5th-grade families come for crafting and games!
Giving Tree
3 slots left! Sign up.
Bring gifts by THIS Sunday, December 4
Remember to bring gifts for Presbyterian Children's Homes & Services families by this Sunday. Please bring in a gift bag with tissue paper.
Poinsettia Dedications
Purchase by Dec. 11
Dedicate poinsettias in honor or memory of persons in your life. Thank you for filling the Sanctuary with Christmas wonder!
Advent & Christmas
Calling all dreamers! Come and fill your heart with wonder this Christmas season. Learn about upcoming Advent & Christmas activities and worship.
SHARE THE WONDER
Share the Wonder in 2023
121 of 199 Households Pledged
$617,376 of $680,000 Pledge Goal
Thanks to all who have pledged so far!
Share in the wonder around you … give of your time and questions … your thoughts and talents … your wonderments and wealth. God has given wonders to us so we can share and steward them.
GATHER & CONNECT
Welcome New Members!
Give a warm welcome to these new FPCA members (left to right): Christina McMurtry, Adalynn McMurtry, Jesse Janes, Libby Janes, and Abbie Ryon.
Fellowship on the First
THIS Sunday, Dec. 4
Share a meal and connect with others in similar life stages. Does your group want to turn it into a holiday party this month!?!
Gingerbread House Parties
Saturday, Dec. 17
1 pm and 4 pm
Register for a take-home or in-person Gingerbread House Party and support the First Presbyterian Day School. Quantities are limited!
Carols and Cookies
Sunday, December 18
10 am, Fellowship Hall
All ages are invited to enjoy cookies and sing Christmas carols!
Sounds of the Season: Through Your Eyes
Sunday, December 11
FPCA Sanctuary, 7 pm
Joined by The University Brass Quintet, handbells, and percussion, the Sanctuary choirs of First Presbyterian and St. John’s United Methodist will tell the story of the season with inspiring music.
Advent Prayer
Wednesdays, Drop by anytime from 12-1 pm
Center your heart with Advent prayer time. Sarah Dixon will be there to pray with you.
Musical Advent Calendar
Alex Coke (flutes, sax) & Elaine Barber (harp) offer a musical Advent calendar! Learn more.
Everyone enjoyed "The Potter & The Clay" Wonder Hour on the 1st Sunday in Advent!
SERVE
Food on the First
Sunday, December 4
12:30 - 1:30 pm
Donate non-perishable food, cleaning, and hygiene items to benefit Manos de Cristo before or after worship.

Most needed items:
  • Shampoo
  • Dish soap
  • Instant coffee
  • Spaghetti pasta
  • Bar soap
Manos de Cristo Tamale Sale
Order by Friday, Dec. 2
Giving back never tasted so good! Order tamales for pick up at Manos de Cristo on Friday, December 9 from 12-3 pm. Tamales are $16/dozen and come in many varieties.
Reverse Advent Calendar
Add items to a donation bag each day of Advent. Download the calendar or pick up in Narthex.
CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES
Youth Advent Bible Study
Wednesdays, 6 pm
6th-12th Graders:
Meet weekly on Wednesdays for advent bible study November 30 through December 21. Bring money for dinner.
John Knox Family Camp
December 9-11, 2022
Spend some family time in the beautiful Texas Hill Country at John Knox Ranch! Register.
2023 Retreats for All Ages
Mark your calendars for these awesome retreat opportunities at Mo Ranch in 2023!

  • FPCA All-Church Retreat: April 28-30
  • Men's Conference: May 5-7
  • Women's Conference: May 19-21
  • High School Celebration: June 25-30
  • Junior High Jubilee: July 9-13
Youth Progressive Dinner and White Elephant
Sunday, December 18
5:30-7:30 pm
6th-12th Graders:
Enjoy a progressive dinner together traveling to different homes. Bring a White Elephant gift to exchange!
Youth Study Hall
Sunday, December 11
5:30 pm
6th-12th Graders: Eat dinner and study for finals together before attending the Christmas concert.
Youth Midwinter Conference
Register by Dec. 12!
January 13-15, 2023
Mo Ranch
6th-12th Graders:
Register for the Youth Midwinter Conference for rest, fun, and community with FPCA Youth and youth groups in our presbytery.
BUILD
Fund-a-Chair
We are praying for the chair manufacturers as they craft our new Sanctuary chairs.

Help FPCA provide comfortable, accessible seating for all who visit our Sanctuary. All gift amounts are welcome. Give today.
Vision Build
Excitement is building as our campus transforms into a welcoming space for all! Your generosity helps us continue our vision to better welcome guests, invite families and engage our community.
GIVE & PRAY
FPCA Prayer Requests
Help us support and pray for you and your loved ones.
Support the ministry and missions of First Presbyterian Church of Austin. Give today.
'Tis the Season to Give While You Shop!
Before you begin your holiday shopping, please be sure to designate First Presbyterian Church of Austin as your Amazon Smile beneficiary.

First Presbyterian Church of Austin | 512.345.8866 | [email protected] | fpcaustin.org