November 20, 2020

Grace and peace to the saints at FPC Pottstown,

It is time to reimagine what our Advent and Christmas traditions will look like in this year of 2020! We will not skip over Thanksgiving; we will take time to give thanks to God and, as President Lincoln said in 1863, we will “fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation.” 

But for the purposes and timing of this pastoral letter, it is time to let you know of our plans to adapt the traditions of the Advent season-- because it begins next week, on November 29, the Sunday after Thanksgiving! So take a look at the new form of the familiar ways we will celebrate and serve in this beautiful season.

The Lighting of the Advent Candles 
We will, of course, continue to light the candles on the Advent wreath, and hear again the ancient and timeless words of scripture that tune our heart to Christ’s coming. Usually, we make an effort to schedule people who have never lit the candles, and to have a mix of ages, longtime and newer members. But this year, since not everyone chooses to worship in person, we ask you to let us know if you, or your family, would like to light the candles on Sunday in Advent. (If you have never done it before, you will go to the head of the line!) If no one contacts us, we may just do it ourselves –but we hope that is not the case. It is always good to hear other voices and see other faces of Advent people, young and old.

Advent Devotions in the Home
The Spiritual Formation Committee has compiled meditations written by folks we know in the Advent Devotional book which will be available Sunday, November 23.

Family Advent Wreath kits and SS packets are available for anyone who contacts Jaylee Ferreri via email or phone. It’s time to get ready for the season of preparation.

The Hanging of the Greens
This year, members of the Decorating committee will deck the halls of the sanctuary without our help (thank you, heavenly host)But the Worship committee invites you to a Sanctuary Unveiling and Peace Garden Caroling at 5PM on Sunday, November 29.  Come walk through the sanctuary to see it shimmer, and then circle out to the Peace Garden for our annual tradition of caroling and lighting the Advent candle. The fire pits will be aflame, the cider and chocolate will be hot, an Advent symbol for 2020 has already been created, and words of your favorite carols are being printed. Bundle up, grab your mask, and join us! You’ll be headed back to your homes by 5:45PM with glad and expectant spirits. 

Quiet Christmas Service
We are mindful that the coming season is difficult for many people, and in this year in particular, many are carrying heavier burdens and sorrowing for loved ones. So we will gather in the sanctuary at 7:00 on Wednesday, December 9 for a Quiet Christmas Service, our Advent Service for Wholeness, to pray for the people and places in particular need of the coming of the light of Divine Love.

Christmas Eve 5:00 Service
Our traditional pageant involving a host of singing angels and a lively flock of wandering sheep will just have to wait until 2021. But there must be music! And candlelight! And wise men! And children of all ages! And there will be. Don your Yuletide mask and draw near to the manger – and find out how we have solved the problem of safely passing the light throughout the sanctuary. Violins and guest singers will make music on our behalf.

Christmas Eve 9:00 Service
This year, we will not celebrate the Lord’s Supper, but the Service of Lessons and Carols and the Lighting of the Candles will carry on, with stringed instruments and guest singers. Though our celebration may change a bit, the reason for our joy remains unchanged, so come celebrate the birth of hope. 

Note: both services will be live-streamed, and extra seating will be available in the Community Room and Fellowship Hall where the service can be seen on large screens. Registration for the services will begin early, so stay tuned (we’ll find out who is reading these letters and listening to the announcements...)  And of course, if the situation changes and we cannot gather inside, we’ll let you know the Plan C we’ve got in mind.

Poinsettias
Sadly, we will not have the beloved Deacons Christmas Breakfast this year. (let us pause here a moment to sigh…) Who knows, perhaps we will have a Christmas in July Deacons Breakfast? But the Decorating committee will still transform the sanctuary with poinsettias on the last Sunday in Advent. If you would like to purchase a poinsettia in memory or honor of someone. Scroll down for link.

Christmas Gift Giving
How can we celebrate Heaven’s gift of Love to us without spreading gifts of love to others? Here are some ways to give presents that Christ would want for his birthday:
  • Toys for children through the Cluster
  • Food for hungry families in Pottstown
  • Socks and gloves for our Community Meals guests
 
Deacons’ Assistance Fund to help neighbors in need throughout the
year. Note: The Assistance Fund is normally funded through the
Christmas Eve Offering. Since fewer people will be present in worship on Christmas Eve this year, perhaps you would like to direct some Christmas gift giving this way.
 
Alternative Gifts to our mission partners
Check out the new interactive mission map coming soon on the mission page on our website, thanks to John MacDonald. You’ll find links to more information and addresses for ministries like Kirkwood Camp, SNEHA, Living Waters for the World, the YWCA and more.

Children and Youth
Musicless Rec kids may not be rehearsing music for a pageant this year, but they are still having fun with Miss Jaylee and Mrs. B. In December, they will prepare treat bags for the kids served by Operation 143, and they’ll decorate gingerbread houses. Parents, watch your email each week for inside/outside decisions.

Seekers will gather on December 6, 1-4PM, to enjoy fellowship and spread some Christmas cheer. Watch for details on GroupMe.

College Christmas Brunch
No need to wait until the end of December to gather the college students this year! Come catch up with each other and your advisors, Jaylee and us, spread out in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, December 13, after worship at 11AM. Grumpy’s will be cooking a delicious brunch this year! We’ll need your RSVP – contact the church office or Jaylee. 

Okay, that is what we are looking forward to. Here are the folks who need our prayers and care now:
         
Mission Partner: Living Waters for the World partners in Honduras

Being the Church this Week
  • Sunday, November 23, 9:30AM - Service for the Lord’s Day 
  • Sunday, November 23, 10:45AM - Senior High Sunday School in Fellowship Hall
  • Tuesday, November 25, 7:30PM - Bible Study via Zoom 
         
Conowingo Dam Outing – Saturday, November 28th
Mike Deegan is leading another Faith and Nature trip to Conowingo Dam to see the migrating bald eagles – socially distanced, of course – on Saturday, November 28th. Meet at the church parking lot at 9AM, if interested in caravanning or at 10:30 at the dam. Sign up by emailing Marie at church so we don’t leave you behind that morning.

Faithful, Hopeful, Loving
We hope you can let us know your financial and volunteer intentions for 2021. You can mail in or drop off the pledge cards earlier sent to you, request another one from Marie, or this year make your commitment online.  See below for link to Stewardship page.

As we close this letter, we remember the words of Marcel Proust who said, “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”

We are grateful to you.

Kerry and Carter
Visit the stewardship page on our website!

Watch videos of thanks from our mission partners. Be sure to check back on Monday and Thursday afternoons as new videos are posted.

You can also quickly and securely complete your 2021 pledge card.

Questions? Contact the church office, 610.326.0620 or fpoffice@fpcpottstown.org
Links For This Sunday



Young Children and Worship Video: The Promised Land

The order of service is also posted to the homepage at fpcpottstown.org every week.
If for any reason you have trouble downloading it from this email, you can use the link on the website.
Click here to complete the Google form if you would like to purchase
red, pink, or white poinsettias for Christmas. 

The cost is $9.00 each for a 5 bloom plant. 

You may pay online or make checks payable to the church and send your check to the church office.  

Deadline for orders is Friday, December 11, 2020.
Every good gift, every perfect gift, comes from above. These gifts come down from the Father, the creator of the heavenly lights, in whose character there is no change at all.  (James 1:17 CEB) 
 
At FPC Pottstown, we believe that our time, our talents, our earthly treasures are not our own; they are gracious gifts from God. God entrusts them to us, and calls us to use our gifts and our lives to make God's love known in the world.
 
The coronavirus has not stopped God's work! We continue to clothe, feed, educate and uplift one another, and our neighbors in need.  This work requires offerings of time, talent and treasure. Your giving makes that work possible. Thank you!