Dear Friends,
Along with the Christmas season comes confusion. From a worldly point-of-view, we think about the details of Christmas. We eat way too much over the course of the holiday season, and we run all over trying to purchase the perfect gift. Then, when Christmas morning arrives, presents are opened with such flurry that we are left wondering what just happened! From the perspective of the church year, we as Christians are invited to approach the Christmas season in a very different manner. We are invited to spend the weeks of Advent pondering the mystery and wonder of God coming to earth to show us eternal life. We focus our thoughts and hearts on a Lord who is worthy of our worship. And, when Christmas morning finally arrives, we are called to give and receive with thankful hearts. I generally feel like Advent doesn't last long enough; that I never spend as much time in awe and wonder as I know the Lord deserves. I always appreciate when other believers remind me that this is a season in which we can all seek to hear the angels sing. We can really help each other in this way. Next Wednesday, we will gather for our annual Advent Dinner and Congregational Meeting. I am looking forward to the Advent Dinner. As I mentioned in Sunday worship, I have heard many wonderful things about this event from the beginning of my conversations with the search team. The evening will be a special mix of fellowship, worship and congregational life. After a great meal together, we will elect and install our Deacons and Elders for their 3-year terms. The election and installation of officers is a great illustration of our shared leadership and the priesthood of all believers. After the Service of Ordination and Installation, we will have the privilege of hearing music from the some of our church choirs, as they draw us from the manger to the throne of grace. It will be a joyous evening. Please plan to attend, and be sure to purchase your ticket at Connection Point for the dinner on Sunday. I look forward to seeing you there! Alleluia! Dave Bianchin
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2PC News
Sermons on YouTube
You can click on the date below to watch that morning's sermon. November 25 November 18 November 11 October 28
2PC Stewardship
As 2PC continues to celebrate the ways that God uses our treasure to serve him, we hope you are able to return your pledge card soon. To assist those who can't regularly attend worship, reminder letters will be sent as the campaign progresses. Whether or not you are able to pledge, please return your pledge card so you can be removed from the follow-up list.
Holiday Cards Available | Connection Point
If you would like to send or share a large postcard with friends or family members detailing 2PC holiday events, you may pick those up at Connection Point. Postage for these cards is $.45.
Holiday Decorating at 2PC | November 30, December 1
Volunteers are needed to assist with decorating 2PC for the holidays. No experience is needed and you're invited to come Friday, November 30, at 9am and/or Saturday, December 1, at 9am. Questions? Contact Joan Guenther.
The Music and Message of Handel's Messiah
December 2, 9 and 16
A unique adult Christian Education class will be offered that explores  Handel's Messiah. Taught by Ron and Doris Hill, the class will examine Handel's magisterial and beloved piece, the Scripture texts he used and how he composed the music to magnify the meaning of God's word. This class will meet in Marquis Chapel from 10:10-11am and no preregistration is necessary.
Community Outreach Dinner | December 2
 The Community Outreach Dinner (COD) is a monthly 2PC tradition designed to bring the entire 2PC family together and to invite new people to 2PC. Dinner is from 11am-1pm in Fellowship Hall. Tickets are $6; $2 of that cost is used to fund tickets for 2PC community partners.There is a $22 maximum family cost.
Advent Dinner, Congregational Meeting and
Concert | December 5
Celebrate the Advent season and enjoy a delicious meal at 2PC with your church family. Doors open at 4:45pm. Adult tickets are $7.50, children under 12 are $4 with a family maximum of $25. The meal will be followed by a congregational meeting at 6pm for the installation of new 2PC officers. Childcare is available for children up to 5-years old during the meeting and program. Following the meeting, there will be a program featuring the 2PC children's and youth choirs.
Parents' Morning Out | December 8
 This 9am-noon Christmas event is for children 6-months old through 5th grade. Crafts, stories, games and cookies are included. Cost is $10 per child with a $25 family maximum. Please RSVP to Dana Sholty or sign-up in Martin Hall by Sunday,
December 2.
Lessons and Carols | December 9 Celebrate the holidays by joining a service of Lessons and Carols. At 9am, this 2PC tradition will feature the Chancel and Chapel Choirs, Chorale, dramatic readings, vocal and instrumental soloists and a Scripture lesson. The focus will be on the anticipation of Christ's coming. The 11:11am service will be led by the worship band with a presentation of the nativity story by our 2PC children.
Christmas Poinsettias | December 9 Deadline If you would like to honor someone's memory with a poinsettia, cards to order memorial flowers are at Connection Point and the front desk. The live memorial poinsettias are shared at the Advent Dinner and then with 2PC members who are shut in or managing health issues. The order deadline is Sunday, December 9, and the suggested donation is $12. Contact Rev. Michael McGaughan with any questions.
PW Circle Meetings | December 11, 12, 13 & 19 Lydia Circle | 9am, Tuesday, December 11 | F100A
Grace and Alice Circle | 2pm, Wednesday, December 12 | Westminster Tea
Ruth Circle | 7pm, Thursday, December 13 | Robin Brtva's home
Sarah Circle | 9:30am, Wednesday, December 19 | 2PC Parlor
For more information on Presbyterian Women, contact Sandy Groves.
Priority Partner Christmas Party | December 13
 You are invited to participate in the final official event for our Priority Partner, Home Sweet Home Ministries. Seven volunteers are needed to help serve, clear tables and clean up from 5-9pm after a special holiday meal. Please call Kim Pare or sign up near Connection Point as soon as possible. Volunteers must be at least age 12, and all who assist must complete a Volunteer Application Form if you have not done so this year. Contact Gretchen Cetin with questions.
Live Nativity | December 15
2PC will host a live nativity Saturday, December 15, from 5-7pm at the corner of East and Monroe Streets. Volunteers are needed to spread the joy by serving as carolers, working on the set crew and/or portraying Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels and kings. We'd love to share this "heart of the community event" with all. Sign-up sheets will be at Connection Point on Sunday. Contact Katie Klein or Dr. Judy Webb with any questions. Puppet Show | December 16
You're invited to Good Evening Jerusalem, a puppet show produced by the 2PC puppet team, Sunday, December 16, at 10am in Grace Hall. This is a wonderful opportunity to invite friends with children or grandchildren. Contact Ann Lamkey with questions. Join the JOY group for a matinee showing at the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts to see Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas on Tuesday, December 18 at 2pm. The ticket price is $24. Contact Dave Haake at 828-3591 with questions or to reserve your spot.
Christmas Eve | December 24
Christmas Eve services will be held at 5, 7 and 9pm. Childcare for children age 0-2 years will be provided at 5pm. Childcare for children age 0-5 years will be provided at 7pm. No childcare will be provided at the 9pm service. Year-End Giving FAQs
 When is the last day to make a 2012 contribution? All contributions made in person must be received by 2pm, Monday, December 31, 2012. Mailed contributions must be postmarked on or before December 31, 2012. Can I give stock to the church to satisfy my pledge? Yes. Stock can be transferred electronically from your broker. Stock transactions must be completed by December 31, 2012. When will 2012 contribution statements be mailed? Final statements will be mailed in January, 2013. A special statement will be mailed in early December, 2012. When will we receive contribution envelopes? If you requested them, they will be mailed to your home before January 1, 2013. Can I split a check amount to different funds? Yes. On the offering envelope or in the memo field please note how much should to go to which fund. Unless specifically noted, all contributions go to the Operating Fund. If you have additional questions, please contact 2PC Controller, Peggy Tobin. Western Avenue Food Drive Thank You!
Over $4,700 was donated in cash contributions and food bag purchases for the Western Avenue Food drive. In addition, hundreds of additional food and household items were donated. The items were delivered to Western Avenue on Wednesday, November 28. Thank you for your willingness to Be the Church in our community. Presbyterian Women (PW) Display
Learn more about 2PC's PW groups by visiting their display on the bulletin board between the sanctuary and the servery. You can also learn more about the girl they sponsor through Little Children of the Philippines.
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Kids and Youth 
December 5 | No KOK; Cherub and Covenant Choirs will sing during the Advent program; 5:45pm call time/rehearsal
December 2 | High School Fellowship December 5 | Advent Dinner-Congregational Meeting, 5:30 call time for Carillon and Chancel Choirs, 7:30pm Chancel Choir rehearsal December 7 | Winter Lock-In, High School December 12 | Last Powerhouse of semester
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Christian Education Information
10:10 - 11am
Adult Christian Education
The Gospel of Mark led by Dr. David Webb | F100A
Is it Rational to Believe in God?led by Dr. David Anderson |F201
Real Christianity by William Wilberforce led by Cindy Johnson &
Marjorie Hauge | Parlor
NEW - The Music and Message of Handel's Messiah led by Ron
and Doris Hill | Marquis Chapel
Children and Youth
Preschool | Martin Hall lower level
Elementary | Martin Hall main floor
Junior High and High School students | Breakfast in Java Post at 10am
Junior High Sunday School | Java Post at 10:15am
Chancel Choir Rehearsal | Choir Room at 10:15am
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Calendar
Sunday, December 2
8:15am | Worship | Marquis Chapel
9am | Worship | Sanctuary
10:10am | Christian Education Hour
11:11am | Worship | Sanctuary
5pm | Restoration Church Service | F100A
6pm | High School Fellowship | Grace Hall
Monday, December 3
6:30pm | Pastor Nominating Committee | Staff Lounge
Tuesday, December 4
6:45am | Men's Bible Study | F100C
Noon | Children's Ministry Committee | F203
12:30pm | Prayer Quilt Committee | M201
1pm | JOY Committee | Library
5pm | Global Leadership Committee | F205
5:30pm | TESL | M201
6pm | Trustees | Staff Lounge
6:15pm | Chapel Choir Rehearsal | Sanctuary
7pm | Boy Scouts
7pm | Restoration Church Prayer Group | M201
Wednesday, December 5
2pm | Alcoholics Anonymous | Grace Hall 5pm | Advent Dinner - Congregational Meeting
7:30pm | Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thursday, December 6
9:30am | Heritage Committee Work Session | M205
4:30pm | Contemporary Band Rehearsal | Sanctuary
6pm | Restoration Church Bible Study | M201
6pm | Mixed Boomers Small Group | Library
Friday, December 7
9:30am | Neighborhood Bible Study | F100C
Noon | Friday Prayer Lunch
9pm | High School Lock-In
Saturday, December 8
9am | Parent's Morning Out | Grace Hall
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