DECEMBER 2022 - 2ND EDITION

SECOND EDITION DECEMBER 2022

Light of the World SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - WWW.2NDPRES.ORG

WORSHIP CONNECT GROW GO SUPPORT

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From guest contributor Jessica Lewis I was first introduced to the season of Advent when I started working in Laurel, Mississippi in 2008. That year, I was completely immersed in Advent candles, liturgy, Christmas pageant wrangling, and caroling. It captured my heart: this steady progression of remembering the presence of God’s love, recalling the stories of prophets and disciples, and retelling the birth of Christ. In a time of year that can (and mostly will) be busy and filled with too many things, I was lulled into peace by the steady rhythm of Advent and found a joy that surpassed my previous understanding of the season.

Though the Advent season is full of scripture, bringing the arc of God’s story to light across the span of four or so weeks, the one verse that keeps repeating in my mind during these colder days and longer nights is: “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) I know this verse is commonly used to comfort us in times of turmoil or distress, but I also find it to be an encouraging rebuke in times of hustle and hurry. God calls us to “be still,” admittedly a hard task for many of us. The Hebrew, however, calls us to something even harder. The Hebrew word ra-phah means: to slacken, to desist, to sink down, to let drop, to let go, to refrain, to let alone, to be quiet, or to show oneself slack. This list makes my perfectionist, people-pleasing self quake with the fear of disappointing others or not completing something on my long list of “To Do’s”.

And I believe that is exactly the point.

Though we may feel that our actions of busyness are fueled by love for others, there is a line we often cross that leads us to define ourselves by what we DO instead of what, and whose, we ARE. After all, we are called human BE-ings, not human DO-ings. Accordingly, we are called to BE still and know God. It takes stillness, showing oneself slack, letting go, and rest from our hustle to fully revel in the presence of God. We live in a broken and hurting world that calls our attention to many things throughout the minutes and hours of each day. We have responsibilities and relationships that require us to fill our time with errands and meetings. We have ministries and callings that lead us to act and do in various capacities. We are living lives and loving others and making ends meet. God does not call us to be still constantly. God does not call us to perfection, God calls us to devotion. And that is what being still and knowing God is about: finding time to be present in God’s love and basking in it.

It is in the stillness where we can better notice God’s presence with us and within us, when we can be present in the moment, letting our outward expectations drop so we can know God better and become better acquainted with the God who loves us, calls us, is for us, and is always with us.

May we all find time during this season of Advent to bask in the loving presence of God as We are called to “be still,” to stop our rat racing we remember the stories from prophets and disciples and retell the birth of Christ. and distractive hustle and truly focus on God.

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Our Advent theme is Light of the World.

The Narrative Lectionary, Year 1, focuses on Israel’s growing hope for and expectation of a deliverer. This deliverer was seen as being someone who would restore Israel to the role of being a light to the nations.

As we head into the Christmas season, we turn the page to the Christian scriptures and their focus on Jesus – an unexpected Messiah who would become the Light of the World.

December 4th December 11th December 18th December 24th December 25th

Esther 4:1-17 Isaiah 42:1-9 Matthew 1:18-25 Luke 2:1-14 Luke 2:8-20

Esther Light to the Nations Jesus as Immanuel The Birth of Jesus The Shepherds Visit

The Longest Night service recognizes that the holiday season can be painful for some. The constant refrain about the joy of the season and getting together with friends and family reminds many of what they have lost or may have never had. It may be the first Christmas without a family member. The darkest nights just before Christmas can be a time when feelings of loneliness, isolation, depression, or estrangement are amplified. We need space and time to acknowledge our sadness and pain; we need to know that we are not alone.

We will gather in the chapel at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 21st, to pray, read Scripture, sing and be reminded that we are not alone; that God’s presence is for those who mourn and struggle, and that God’s light continues to shine in the darkness, offering hope to the hopeless.

All are invited, especially those who have experienced loss in the previous year and those who want to stand in the place of darkness with others. We hope that this will be a time of healing and hope.

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On Sunday, December 4th at 1:30 pm, we will gather in the fellowship hall for a cookie swap and other Advent festivities. Bring a few dozen of your favorite cookies to share, and you'll go home with a delicious assortment of your own.

The youth of the church will be hosting a Drive-Thru Christmas Caroling on December 18th from 2-4 p.m. in the courtyard. If you would like to sing, please arrive at 1:30 p.m.

If you would like to be sung to, come any time between 2-4 pm. Turn right as you come up the hill and stop at the stairs leading to the sanctuary. We will have hot chocolate and candy canes for those in your vehicle. If you would like to volunteer to help with hospitality, contact Joe Clarke. If you would like to volunteer to transport one of our homebound members, please let Sarah Morgan know.

We will gather in the sanctuary on Christmas Eve at 5:30 p.m. for our Carol & Candle Lighting Service. This service is a tradition at Second going back many decades and has come to be a cherished opportunity for our church family to honor the birth of Christ together. This year we will celebrate with a Service of Lessons & Carols. Pre-service music will begin at 5:10 p.m.

Christmas Day falls on a Sunday this year. Our worship service that morning will be an informal service. We are asking everyone to sit in the front half of the sanctuary. We will sing Christmas hymns and carols and Pastor Tim will read a Christmas story. The service will last approximately 30 minutes, after which we will gather for a time of fellowship with hot cider and cookies.

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Beginning January 1st, Sunday Morning Worship will start at 10:30 a.m.

The Worship Committee and Session have instituted this change to provide for and encourage more people to join in a time of fellowship following worship each week so that we can get to know one other better, as well as our visitors. Accordingly, there will no longer be a time of fellowship in the Atrium prior to the worship service. Instead, we will have coffee and refreshments from 11:30-12:00 in the Mary Chambers Room.

This change will be in effect for the first several months of 2023, after which we will evaluate whether or not to make this change permanent. We hope you will join us each week to get to know our guests and each other better. Your Worship Committee

COVENANT RENEWAL SERVICE

On Sunday, January 1st, we will begin the New Year by observing a Covenant Renewal Service. A New Year and a New Worship Time is the perfect opportunity for us to renew our covenant with God and hear of God’s covenant faithfulness to us. Yes – we know it is the day after New Year’s Eve! But that won’t stop us from ringing in the New Year in the most appropriate way possible – by rededicating ourselves to God and God’s mission in the world!

Once again during Advent, Second Presbyterian Church will be decorated, to remind us of the joy of the season and to prepare for the birth of the Christ Child. Poinsettias will be placed in the sanctuary, beginning Sunday, December 11. They will remain until the conclusion of the Christmas Eve service on December 24, when you may take one home to enjoy for Christmas Day. If you would like to reserve poinsettias in memory or honor of loved ones, please fill out the form found in the Narthex or Atrium. The cost is $15 per flower. If you would like to contribute to this ministry but do not actually want to take home a flower, you may do that as well.

Questions? Please contact Bonnie Smith at 865-523-2189 or bsmith@2ndpres.org

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MEETING There will be a brief called Congregational Meeting at the end of worship on Sunday, December 11th for the purpose of electing two at-large members to the Nominating Team.

If you want to meet new people and welcome them to Second, be part of our Ushers Team by serving once a month.

Please call or email Betsy Foster if you are interested in serving in any of these positions (865-406-4800 or bfoster47@gmail.com).

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PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN'S DECEMBER EVENT EVERYONE IS WELCOME: WOMEN AND MEN OF THE CHURCH AND VISITORS The Presbyterian Women’s group meets in December on Tuesday, December 13, at 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We will host some 4 and 5-year-old children from Second Church’s Preschool program. A children’s specialist from the Knox County Public Library will present a storytime for the children and the adult attendees this morning.

This is a unique opportunity to experience one aspect of the Preschool’s interactive learning environment where interested children and adults and the world of books interface.

The PW Bible Study continues its year’s program on gentiles in the first century. The December subject involves a look at the gentiles (probably from ancient Persia) who are referred to in the New Testament as the Magi or wise men. Matthew 2 states that the Magi seek the King of Jews whom they believe is soon to be born and wish to bring gifts and worship Him. The wise men’s beliefs and actions make them among the very first of the world’s gentiles to follow and worship Jesus.

JOIN US!

On November 8 we attended the Presbyterian Women’s meeting where we met Westview principal Dr. Amy Brace.

Cheryl Ragsdale with Westview principal Dr. Amy Brace

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After telling us about Westview, she was happy to accept hats we had made for her to take back to the school.

In November we donated not only hats but several dolls to Isaiah 117 House.

When asked about gifts for boys and teens Christie suggested: for teen girls, body sprays, and hair care products. The boys like Axe body wash and fidget toys and of course the younger boys like the action heroes we gathered for them last year!

This month we were also gifted with a large quantity of yarn from The Table (Disciples of Christ church) which is, sadly, closing.

Thanks to Ann Click for making that happen!

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THE YOUTH have been having fun! Dead Man's Farm, Parents Night Out, and Friendsgiving were all a success!

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BREAKFAST AT VMC Breakfast was served in the Resource Center at VMC on November 10 by Bruce Foster, Henry Naff, Tim Wright, and Leonard Bailey.

About 32 Resource Center participants and Minvilla Manor residents enjoyed Chick-Fil-A chicken and sausage biscuits, fruit cups, orange juice, and coffee.

The GO Team will be considering whether to make this a regular outreach activity and an opportunity for congregation participation.

CHURCH WORKDAY

Help us clean up our church property and be ready for the Holiday Season! December 3rd, 8:30 a.m. – Noon. Dress for the weather.

Please bring your outdoor hand tools.

Call Neal after 6 a.m. for questions about inclement weather at (865) 384- 8741.

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Patricia and Leonard Bailey planting pansies at Westview Elementary School.

Ileen and Jimmy Cheek with Bill Tapp, Avelino Ramirez, and Angela Jones (not pictured) planting pansies at the SPC memorial garden.

STUFFED ANIMAL DRIVE Every year Second Readers collect new stuffed animals for the Juvenile Court. These animals are given to children coming through his court and provide much comfort to these children who are experiencing very stressful circumstances.

We invite you to join us in this endeavor.

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If anyone wishes to participate in this event but is unable to shop, we will be glad to shop for you. Any donation toward the purchases is welcome.

If you have any questions, contact Margaret Sullivan at (865) 588-3103.

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Thank you for your support!

The Christmas Joy Offering will be received on Sunday, December 18, and Christmas Eve, December 24th or it can be mailed to the Church's Office.

Please write "Christmas Joy Offering" on the check.

50%

50%

of your gifts make it possible for students to learn and grow in faith at Presbyterianrelated schools and colleges equipping communities of color

of your gifts assist current and retired church workers and their families with critical financial needs

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS The church office will be closed on Friday, December 23rd, and Monday, December 26th in observance of the Christmas Holiday.

Pastor Sarah will be out of the office the week of December 26th.

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM SESSION Received reports from the Preschool and Ministry Teams as information.

Received the Treasurer’s Report.

Approved to call of a Congregational Meeting on December 11, 2022, after the worship service to vote on two at-large members of the Nominating Committee.

Approved the Baptism of Garret Kite at the request of Cameron and Rebecca Kite.

Approved changing the Sunday Morning Worship time to 10:30 am beginning January 2023 for a six-month trial.

Adopted the Proposed 2023 Budget.

Approved forming a task force to study budget sustainability moving forward.

Approved adding the loose collection at the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day service to the Christmas Joy Offering.

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OCTOBER

YTD

BUDGET

TOTAL GIVING

$73,518.13

$628,200.95

$780,570.00

TOTAL EXPENSES

$62,717.03

$634,370.20

$784,242.10

EXCESS (SHORTAGE)

$10,801.10

-$6,169.21

Church Office Closed Christmas Holiday

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11:30 a.m. Staff Meeting

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9:00 a.m. Fish Pantry (Fellowship Hall) 2:00 p.m. Budget Finance Support Team (Zoom)

4:00 p.m. Deadline for 2nd Edition Articles

9:30 a.m. Presbyterian Women (Fellowship Hall) 7 p.m. Boy Scouts

5:00 p.m. Facilities Support Team (Zoom) 6 p.m. Connect Team (Barbour Room) 6:30 p.m. Boy Scouts Mtg.

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TUESDAY

2:00 p.m. Compassionate Cuisine (Fellowship Hall) 6:00 p.m. Longest Night Service

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11:30 a.m. 2nd. Readers Book Club

10:00 a.m. CCR & R Mtg. (Fellowship Hall) 2:00 p.m. Compassionate Cuisine (Fellowship Hall)

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7

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WEDNESDAY

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10:00 a.m. Arts & Crafts (Room 227)

1:00 p.m. GO TEAM 5:30 p.m. Preschool Music Program (Sanctuary)

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THURSDAY

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23

16

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2

FRIDAY

8:30 a.m. Work Day at 2nd

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5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Service

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10

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SATURDAY

Preschool Closed Dec. 19 - January 2 / Christmas & New Year Holiday The events included in this calendar will take place as listed if we are in COVID Phase Green or Yellow, BUT NOT if Red. Please see the home page & calendar on our website, 2ndpres.org with up-to-date information on COVID Phase changes and new criteria, as well as real-time calendar updates.

11:00 a.m. Worship

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9:45 a.m. Faith, Science and the Future (Barbour Room) 11:00 a.m. Worship 2:00 p.m. Drive-Thru Caroling (Courtyard)

9:45 a.m. Faith, Science and the Future (Barbour Room) 11:00 a.m. Worship

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MONDAY

10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting 4:30 p.m. Cross Ministries Board Mtg. (Barbour Room)

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4

9:45 a.m. Faith, Science and the Future (Barbour Room) 11:00 a.m. Worship 1:30 p.m. Cookie Swap (Fellowship Hall)

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SUNDAY

December