DECEMBER 2022 - 2ND EDITION

WORSHIP CONNECT GROW GO SUPPORT

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.

We are called to “be still,” to stop our rat racing and distractive hustle and truly focus on God.

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 remember the stories from prophets and disciples and retell the birth of Christ.

From guest contributor Jessica Lewis

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.

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 estrangementareamplified.Weneedspaceandtimetoacknowledgeoursadness andpain;weneedtoknowthatwearenotalone.

We will gather in the chapel at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 21st, to pray, read Scripture,singandberemindedthatwearenotalone;

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. that God’s presence is for those who mourn and struggle, and that God’s light continues to shine in the darkness,offeringhopetothehopeless. Allareinvited,especiallythosewhohaveexperienced loss in the previous year and those who want to stand in the place of darkness with others. We hope that this willbeatimeofhealingandhope.

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.

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

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

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.

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

Cheryl Ragsdale with Westview principal Dr. Amy Brace

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 toysand 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!

THE YOUTH THE YOUTH

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.

Weinviteyoutojoinusinthisendeavor.

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Preferably the animals should be between 12 16 inches. Your donation may be placed in the container located at the Atrium starting next week and throughout December. 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

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.

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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