|
|
Matthew tells us that, "Seeing the star, the magi were wildly happy." Why? Biblical scholars think that these magi (that's what Matthew calls them, "magi," not "wise men" or "kings") were eastern astrologers. Star gazers. Among those who constantly scanned the night skies. So why should these magi "rejoice with a really, really big joy," as the Gospel literally reads?
I think maybe that they were joyful because they were on a journey, a search. Why study the stars if you weren't hoping they'd take you somewhere new? They were joyful because, looking at the baby Jesus, the magi knew that they had reached their long awaited destination. I'm pretty sure that these weren't the only three eastern star gazers. Presumably, the rest of their fellow magi had stayed home. Took no star chasing journeys. Refused to go off on some wild hop-a-long camel ride to see a baby on the basis of nothing more than a star in the sky. These magi - we don't really know whether there were three or 13 of them - we base the number on the number of gifts - were the sort of folk who were actively looking for something. Willing to risk a journey. Brave enough to set out on the search. Little wonder that when they got to the goal of their search, they felt JOY.
You could make a strong case that the chief requirement for being a Christian is a willingness to set out on a journey. I sometimes worry that too many of us gathered at FPC are here in order to settle in, cozy up and hunker down, as if church were the end of the journey with God, rather than its beginning. But you know what? The star keeps rising. The star that calls us to follow a risen, living Lord. A demanding savior who says "who dares stands idle." And in whose service is both high adventure as well as deep and abiding joy.
Friday is January 6th. The twelfth day of Christmas. A splendid day for an epiphany. It is also, as we stand on the edge of this new year, the perfect day to set off on a journey together. To follow a star - wherever it may lead us in 2012. Let's do it!
Blessings,
|
Scottish Sunday - Better Late than Never!
We'll just celebrate Robbie Burns' Birthday - which is January 25th - instead of Reformation Sunday!
There'll be pipers and drums, kilts and shortbread, tartans and a Beadle leading the way, as we celebrate our Presbyterian denominational roots in John Knox's Scotland on January 29th. Save the date, invite a friend and get here early to be sure to get a good seat.
If you are interested in presenting your tartan during the Kirkin' of the Tartan, please sign up outside Jim's office.
We are also looking for people willing to make shortbread for Coffee Hour. Please sign up outside on the same bulletin board.Sunday, January 29th
|
We Celebrate the Old Year and Embrace the New Year!
2011
We can give ourselves-the Congregation of FPC-a pat on the back for a job well done in our Stewardship of FPC for 2011. We balanced our budget (with help from Extra Measure, some unexpected gifts and our continuing endowment resources). We did not have a deficit for which we had to use funds not intended to be use. We also say so many hundreds of hours of volunteers in helping with programs, events, coffee hours, etc. that all make FPC run so smoothly and vigorously.
2012
We are off to a good start for 2012 with pledges of $ 383,450 from 126 pledging units (or families). We need those of you who have not pledged to step up and do so to meet our goal of $525,000 in pledges to have the possibility of again ending the year with no deficit. 2012 promises to be exciting as the Session and many of you plan for our first Carnival and the plans and dreams of the Highland Foundation continue to take shape. More fund raising activities are planned and opportunities for giving of financial resources and talents will continue to be available for all. We need all members and friends to participate and give what they can.
If you have not answered the call of "From God ForGiving", please do so at your earliest convenience. The Stewardship Committee will begin calling and contacting all members who have not yet pledged as we start the New Year - please participate!
|
|
There will be a meeting of the congregation immediately following worship
on Sunday,
January 22nd
for the purpose of electing new officers and to vote on proposed changes to the by-laws.
|
|
Among the great mysteries of the faith the Transfiguration surely stands out. The odd story of a shining Jesus standing with Elijah and Moses on a mountaintop can be difficult to understand.
We will try to unravel some of the mystery during a three-part series led by Rabbi-in-Residence Phil Schechter and Mary Thies.
Sundays, January 22 and February 5 & 12.
11:30 a.m.
Don't miss it!
|
|
CELEBRATING OUR CENTENARIANS
January is named for the god Janus - who had two faces. One faced the past and the other the new year. Our church had two members reach their one hundredth birthdays during 2011. Audrey Jessup and Eva Barnes. The Deacons remembered these occasions with birthday cards, And also recalled how Audrey helped with the mailing of the Newsletter - and Eva was an active member of the Women's Association.
On January 27, Edna Weaver will observe her 100th birthday. Interviewing her brought back fond memories: especially of Don Campbell Jane and Jim Day (among her first friends at the church in 1948) - working on the Gingerbread Fairs with Peggy Pitney - and face painting there with Iris Kimble - using their artistic talents. What a delight to share these memories with Edna!
We are grateful for these Centenarians who have enriched our church family!---and as we start the new year, we celebrate them and all the long-time members of our congregation!
|
Thank You to all who helped!
Thank you t o all who filled Dove Boxes or sent your donation with the green doves to Person-to-Person. Our church family is so amazing, 44 white doves adopted and delivered. This year our church supported Rippowam Manor and Catholic Family Services. Eighteen churches and one school delivered 759 boxes, double boxes in many cases, to eleven locations within five hours without a hitch. Rippowam Manor was a new residence this year, eighty elderly and disabled adults, and they were absolutely amazed at the generosity of the churches and the bountiful contents of the Dove boxes. Please remember that your efforts have a ripple effect in the community -- of good will, charity, and caring. I thank you and Person-to-Person thanks you. And now you have a Happy New Year, God Bless! Bobby Anderson
|
|
|
|
Meetings, Events & Notes in January
Tiny Tots
Mondays, 9:30 a.m. in the Lounge (starting Jan. 23th)
Christian Yoga
Thursdays, 6:15 p.m. in the Lounge
Pacific House Dinner Preparation
Saturday, Jan. 7 at 3:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall
Soup Kitchen at Yerwood CenterTuesday, Jan. 3 at 10:30 a.m.
The Gathering
Saturday, Jan. 14 at 10:00 a.m. in the Lounge
Deacon Meeting
Sunday, Jan. 8 at 11:30 a.m. in Room 32
Session MeetingTuesday, Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Lounge
Nursery School Board Meeting
Thursday, Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Room 32Congregational Meeting to Elect OfficersSunday, Jan. 19 at 11:00 a.m. in the SanctuaryInquirer's Class Saturday, Jan. 21 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 32
Scottish Sunday
Sunday, Jan. 29 at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
|
|
Lectionary & Preaching Schedule
January 1, 2012 - David Van Dyke
1st Sunday after Christmas Day
Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Psalm148; Galatians 4:4-7;
Luke 2:22-40
January 8, 2012- David Van Dyke
Baptism of the Lord
Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11
January 15, 2012- Mary Thies
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20); Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18;
1 Corinthians 6:12-20; John 1:43-51
January 22, 2012 - David Van Dyke
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:5-12; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31;
Mark 1:14-20
January 29, 2012- David Van Dyke
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13;
Mark 1:21-28
|
First Presbyterian Church
1101 Bedford Street
Stamford CT 06905
203-324-9522
www.fishchurch.org
|
|
|
