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Chatham Presbyterian
News, Events and More!
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December 2014 Newsletter
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Issue 33
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A Note from Jim
 Advent. It literally means "At the arrival." It is a season when we prepare our hearts for the arrival of Jesus into our lives. Yes, we do already have Jesus in our lives. Yet each Christmas season gives us an opportunity to experience His presence in a new and exciting way. So we are called to slow down and give thought to what this season can mean to each one of us. Our past year's experiences most certainly inform how God will speak to us. The reading of the story from Scripture, along with the prophet's telling of the coming of Jesus, can shape what this Christmas season can mean to each one of us. So in the midst of decorating, attending parties and buying all those gifts, join your CPC family for worship and study, and use these four Sundays in Advent to welcome Christ into your life once again. Invite your friends and family and join us. December 7: Pondering Christmas with Scripture from Isaiah 9:2-7. December 14: Children's Program December 21: A Family Christmas: Scripture from Matthew 1:18-25 & Luke 1:26-38 December 24: Calming a Crazy Christmas: Scripture from Luke 2:1-20 | |
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Bells in Motion Concert: Dec. 7
CPC is pleased to host the Bells in Motion handbell ensemble during their 2014 Christmas concert series. Their program, "A Ringing Christmas" will be Sunday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 (adults) and $5 (children). Contact Thornton Woerner at 725-5646 for information. | |
 Family Christmas Program & Party Dec 14 Save the date for this fabulous tradition! We'll have a special Christmas Program during worship followed by a celebration including a lasagna luncheon, games, festive fun, and perhaps a visit from a very special white-bearded guest. Questions? Want to help? Contact Amy Bifano at 483-4204. | |
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 CLUBHOUSE
THIS DEC.
SNOW DAY
Dec 7 - Simeon and Anna Prophesy About Jesus (Luke 2:21-40) We trust God to keep his promises.
Dec 14 - Family Christmas Program. No Clubhouse. Dec 21 - The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-20) We praise God for Jesus. Dec 28 - Jesus is Baptized (Matthew 3:13-17) We please God with our obedience. January Sneak Peek: Off Road  Wacky Wednesdays!
What are they? Five
Wednesday
evenings filled with Wacky good times - January 14 & 28, February 11 & 25, March 11; 5:30 - 6:45 p.m. Who are they for? First through fifth graders. What will they include? After a light supper provided by a different family each week, Pastor Jim and his helpers will have games and activities beyond your wildest imagination. How do we get involved? Pick up an information sheet at the Welcome Center or Clubhouse Counter during December. Registration is required to participate, so get signed up. Invite your friends and get them signed up, too! Then watch your e-mail for more information. Want to help? C ontact Laura VanProyen at 494-0503. | |
 Christmas Eve Family Worship & Candlelight Service
On this glorious evening, we gather to praise God for the birth of Jesus. Join us as we seek to calm down Christmas and focus on the birth of Jesus. The Candlelight Service will begin at 7 p.m. featuring joyous Christmas music as we celebrate this momentous event in our Christian faith. | |
 Confirmation Class Update
Confirmation Class will start up in January. Any youth in 9th grade and above are invited to join this group. We will meet on Sundays right after church several times a month. Lunch will be served, and we will discuss our faith, the church and ANY questions you might have about God. If you are in this group, watch the mail for more details. | |
Congregational Meeting: Save the Date: Jan. 18
This meeting will immediately follow our Worship Celebration. We will vote on Elders, Deacons and Nominating Committee members. You will be asked to approve the Terms of Call for our Pastor. There will be requested changes to the by-laws (you will receive those in the mail two weeks before the meeting), budget reports and other information. All members are encouraged to attend. | |
Weather Cancellation Policy  In the case of bad weather and the need to cancel church-wide events, a decision will be made by Jim and the Clerk of Session in consultation with other staff and key volunteers. Your safety is of the utmost importance to us. Here is what will happen:
- Immediate notification of people in key leadership rolls.
- Notification will be posted to the church web site no less than 12 hours before the beginning of the scheduled event.
- A church-wide email will be sent to all members who have given the church email addresses.
- Notification will be posted to local TV stations.
- Please be sure to check to see if we are canceled before heading out.
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Envelope Drive for Kids with Karts This Sunday, December 7th
Thanks to the community's generosity, the Food Pantry is well-stocked for December. But they still need monetary donations or gift cards to County Market to finish stocking Christmas orders. Please consider picking up a gift card the next time you are at the store to help them. Give them to a "Kid With a Kart" inside the doors.
 Cleaning Help Needed:
Are you good with a mop, vacuum cleaner or dust rag? Consider donating a gift of time and labor. Contact Tadd Moorehead at 801-0053 to help.
Quick CPC Links
Staff
2014 Session
Life Groups
Need Help?
Sermons on YouTube | |
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 Angel Tree: Deadline This Sunday to Brighten Others' Christmas!
Bring your unwrapped gifts to church by Sunday, Dec 7. Gifts will go to Contact Ministries which will distribute them to families on Wednesday, Dec 17. Contact Ministries also seeks volunteers to assist with sorting and distribution, Dec 15-17. For details, contact Jim Reitz at jareitz@comcast.net or call the office at 483-4204. | |
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Commitment Sunday: Giving Back  Good News of Great Joy! In November, we focused on our commitment to God's work here at CPC. There is some wonderful news to share. Thanks to God's Spirit at work in CPC, our total commitment has increased by over $57,000.00. This enables us to move the ministry and mission of CPC forward in significant areas. Watch for more updates that tell of the amazing things happening here at CPC as session looks at the budget for 2015. If you have not had a chance to respond, and would like to do so, please send your commitment to the church office or drop it in the offering on Sunday morning. Be sure to offer prayers of thanks to God for this great news at work in this wonderful community of faith. |
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Youth Mission Trip Bake Sale Dec 7
Need some help with your holiday baking? We have a sweet solution! Our youth mission trippers will have a bake sale this Sunday, Dec. 7, before and after worship. Stock up and be prepared for last minute holiday guests!
Mission Trip Babysitting Fundraiser Need some time to Christmas shop, but don't have a sitter? Help is on the way. Our youth will provide babysitting services at CPC on Saturday, Dec 13 from 10:30 AM to 2 PM. To secure your spot, parents are required to pre-register their child(ren) by Thursday, Dec 11 by calling Amy at 483-4204 or email sabiffers@aol.com. | |
Nativity Road Trip and Dinner: Saturday, December 6th Mindful of Mary and Joseph's trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem, we will journey to the Franciscan Nativity Festival at the Chiara Center near Riverton for an afternoon of reflection. Experience the deeper meaning of the Incarnation through a display of more than 100 nativity sets from around the world. Each set, donated by individual families, tells a unique story of how Jesus transformed lives. We will conclude our journey by sharing an evening meal. Join this road trip by contacting JoAnn Reitz at joannreitz@comcast.net. |
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Adult Christmas Open House: Saturday, December 13th
Please join Jim and JoAnn Reitz for an adult open house at their home, 213 Karros Pointe Dr. in Chatham. You're invited to enjoy this festive party with CPC friends on Saturday, December 13, 2 to 6 p.m. Please come by for a few minutes, or stay and chat for a few hours. | |
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Tuesday Night Study: Life and Ministry of the Messiah.
Women in the Word will meet Dec. 2 and 9 with a "No Homework" study during the busy holiday season. Join us from 6:30 - 8:00 in the adult education room as we look at Jesus' birth, life and ministry using videos filmed on location in the Holy Land with historian/teacher/minister Ray Vander Laan's Life & Ministry of the Messiah. | |
 Soul Food Life Group In January, the Soul Food group will resume their study of the book Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer was a Pastor who stood firm against Nazi Germany during World War II. Come join our discussion and be encouraged in how our own community of faith can be strong in this day and age. For more information, contact Jim at 483-4204. | |
Jay Sampias celebrates the birth of a new great-grandson.
T.J. Knollenberg has received the green light to return to work.
The promise of eternal Peace through the birth of Jesus Christ.
Concerns
The Lounsberry and Sabo families, their aunt is in critical condition: Betty Rhodes
Kathy Ridley, recovering from surgery
Pauline White, recovering from a fall
Laura Black's mother, Sue Brimm,
cancer
Jim and Connie Nimke's son-in-law, health
Don Byram's father, Glen Byram, health
Scott Kaiser's parents, health
Ken Doetsch's brother, Ron Doetsch, health
Mark & Clare Burris' daughter, Stephanie Brumfield, recovering at home
Steve Bifano's sister, Kim Steinart, cancer
Devin Edmison, continued recovery
Laura Black, new treatment for brain tumor
Sally Trawick, Todd Marvel's mom, cancer
Tina Knollenberg's 9-month-old great niece, McKenna Crain, spots on liver and brain
Kelli Severs, health and work concerns
Our Shut-ins: Betty Creasey, Twila Juraska; Maxine McCoy, Lewis Memorial. Our Boosters Who Need Extra Prayer: Jay Sampias, The Dahl Family, The Baird Family, The Van Pelt Family, Dwight Elliott, Wendy Ford, Harold & Helen Kaiser, Mary Jane Elliott, Irma Gobleman, Chuck Hendricks, Lois Siemer, Paul Spindler, Bill & Carolyn Templeton, Cynthia Wilson.
Our Military Members: Eric Anderson, Brody Correll, Drew Correll, Aled Fain, Gary Kirchner, Clay Kuetemeyer, Nicholas Michael , Margaret Siemer, Josh Yakle, Joe Sadaj.
CPC is a congregation of people who strive to pray for one another - in the good times and the challenging times. If you have a prayer request, click here for information on how to be included on our Prayer Chain. | |
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1835 East Walnut, Chatham, IL 62629
Phone: 217-483-4204
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