FPC members Larry and Courtney Sharrett, our missionaries to Bulgaria through Athletes in Action, will give an update on their work tonight, Thursday, January 3, at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel. During each of the past two summers, they have led "reverse mission trips" to the US for Bulgarian professional basketball players. Several members of FPC have been involved in these outreaches. Come and hear their mission report of God's sovereign work in Bulgaria.

Presbyterian Women will meet Tuesday, January 8, at the church. Circle will begin at 11:00 a.m., Bible study at 11:30, both in room 123, and lunch will follow in the parlor. Please bring some anti-flu items, such as disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, germ-killing sprays, and tissues, for Bristol Faith in Action. Please make lunch reservations with the church office. We look forward to seeing you!

We always have a great time when we work together, in any weather!

The Men's Ministry is sponsoring a service retreat to Washington, D.C., January 18-20. We will travel Friday evening, work at the D.C. Food Bank on Saturday, take in city offerings Saturday night, then worship at National Presbyterian Church Sunday morning and return that evening.

Informational flyers are available throughout the church. The total cost of $60 covers travel, two nights' lodging in a hostel, and some food (dinner on Saturday is not included). Reserve your spot with a $10 deposit.

You will need to pack a sleeping bag (or sheets and a blanket), a pillow, a towel, toiletries, ear plugs, work clothes and gloves, and comfortable shoes. Please let Dave Welch know if you are willing to drive your car; we will pay for the gas.

Scholarships are available. If you have any questions, please contact Dave at dwelch@fpcristol.org.

Mark your calendars for our 2013 Women's Retreat, March 1−3 at Blowing Rock Conference Center in North Carolina. Details to follow!

FPC high-schoolers are invited to take part in an epic weekend at Winterplace Ski Resort in West Virginia, February 22-24. We will leave Friday evening to enjoy games and worship at our slopeside condos. Saturday will be a full day of skiing, and since our condos are right on the slope, we can come and go as we like. The retreat will wind down with Sunday morning worship and fun.

The cost of the trip is $250, but for FPC students, it is only:

• $125 if you need skis
• $140 if you need a snowboard
• $100 if you have your own equipment
• $90 if you want to tube only

This is a weekend you don't want to miss! Space is limited, so register now by sending in a $50 deposit. All registrations must be in by this Sunday, January 6.

Kids' Kirk will meet at both services on Sunday, January 6. We learned about the Dirty Jobs of Bethlehem as we prepared for the birth of Jesus, and now we move forward to a lesson on Jesus, at age twelve, becoming separated from his parents while visiting the temple in Jerusalem. His worried parents found him listening to the teachers in the temple and amazing those around him with his understanding. Emphasis will be on Jesus growing in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man. Children will learn that they, too, should grow in the same way.

Our Wednesday Night Kids begin a new semester of exploration and discovery January 16. This semester, children from age 4 through fifth grade will learn about Heaven's Kitchen, a series exploring the parables that Jesus told. Using a cooking theme, we will learn how Jesus used ordinary ingredients like soil and seeds, salt, yeast, wheat, and fruit to teach about everyday living here on earth. Whether competing in an Iron Chef Competition, making play-dough food, participating in the telling of a parable, tasting the ingredient of the day, or investigating with a kitchen science experiment, kids will learn not only what the parables mean but also how to apply them to their own lives. Come meet Chef Emerald and Chowdown the Apprentice, as we discover that each of us can listen and learn from the Bible.

The Marsh Blood Services Bloodmobile will be in the FPC parking lot from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 16. We need at least 20 people to make appointments to donate blood, so please do so if you possibly can. We hope that you will find it convenient to give blood then refresh yourself at our fellowship dinner. Sign-up sheets and flyers are in the usual places at the church-in your Sunday bulletin, in the narthex, and in the Fellowship Hall.

You're never too old to give blood, and you can be as young as 17 (as long as you have parental consent). For more information or to make an appointment, call the church office at 423-764-7176.

Pray for One Another