Advent and Christmas at LPPC Advent and Christmas at LPPC
Finding Comfort in the One Who Dwells Intimately with Us Finding Comfort in the One Who Dwells Intimately with Us
This Advent season, journey with us through the Gospel of Luke, as we explore the deep metaphors and rich imagery of home woven throughout the Christmas story. After receiving the angel's message, Mary retreats to Elizabeth's home, seeking comfort and refuge. Christ is born on a journey home, in a humble, crowded dwelling space amidst animals and shepherds alike. The Magi travel from their home to honor the newborn King. In these stories, home emerges as both a physical and metaphorical place something we seek and something we are called to build. This Christmas, let us celebrate the Good News that God draws near and makes His home on earth sacred ground is all around us.
December 1: The First Sunday of Advent Homesick 9:45 am
December 8: The Second Sunday of Advent Laying The Foundation 9:45 am
December 21: The Winter Solstice The Longest Night Service
December 15: The Third Sunday of Advent A Home for All 9:45 am 9:45 am
December 22: The Fourth Sunday of Advent Lessons & Carols: A Service of Special Music 7:00 pm
December 24: Christmas Eve Invited Home 4:00 pm - Children's Service 7:30 pm - Traditional Service 9:45 am
December 29: The First Sunday after Christmas Chosen Home
An Intergenerational Service Opportunity Following Worship God has given us so very much and it’s our calling to share what we have with others by giving back. For three Sundays in Advent we have planned simple ways we can serve our neighbors. Join us in Williams Hall as we meet the needs of our community this Advent Season!
December 1: Make Cards for the Homebound and Enjoy Suzy Joe Donuts
December 8: Assemble Hunger Buster Bags for those Experiencing Food Insecurity and Take a Photo at our Christmas Photo Booth
December 15: Decorate Welcome Home Mugs for Individuals Moving into Transitional Housing and Sing Christmas Carols
Children and Youth Ministry
This fall has been an exciting time for LPPC’s children and youth. Sunday School began again in September, and we now have over 40 kids, youth and leaders participating on an average Sunday. Kids in pre-k and kindergarten are always full of questions and stories as they learn important truths such as, “God is always with me!” They love doing crafts, playing games, and feeding their coins to the offering dinosaur.
The 1st - 4th graders enjoy games, worship, and a lesson together on Sunday mornings before splitting up into their small groups. Kids and leaders talk about how to apply God’s truth to their lives, memorize scripture, and pray together. Plus, they never know what type of game or activity they’ll find in their bin!
Club 45 is a group that meets once a month and is especially for 4th and 5th graders. In November, Children’s Ministry Director MaryAnn Alderfer took them on a weekend trip to serve with the Philadelphia Project. The kids spent Saturday serving in the Germantown area of Philadelphia.
Our 5th - 7th graders have been studying the book of Mark this fall. Youth Director Tim Eisemann is challenging them to complete a weekly Bible study at home and their weekly small group discussions provide opportunities to ask questions and make connections. This Sunday morning class provides an excellent way for 5th graders to get ready to move into our Youth program next year.
Youth Group for 6-12 graders started off in September with an evening of fun and games. On regular youth group nights the middle schoolers and high schoolers each have their own lesson time and enjoy dinner, worship, and games together. Once a month “Invite Nights” are fun local outings to which the youth are encouraged to bring friends.
In September the 6th - 8th grader students went to Breakaway for the weekend, which was a great way for them to build relationships and experience God’s creation and love. The 9th - 12th graders participated in a late night event with Church of the Good Samaritan and are looking forward to going on a weekend retreat in January.
The November 20th Sacred Spaces service at Old Norriton was a meaningful time of worship and reflection. Nancy Care brought together songs and scripture that reflected the changing seasons, along with the unchanging presence and love of God. Jane Weeks is learning to play the old organ and did a lovely job accompanying several hymns.
Wellness
Self Care During the Holidays
Great tips on staying centered, reducing stress, and remaining healthy during the holidays:
See the American Heart Association link below for “Month on Giving and Healthy Living”: Link Link
Did you know that heart attack deaths spike in Dec?
Dec. is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month. Click below for info from NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Health)
Small Groups - Big Impact
When you think of church, it’s likely that the first thing you think about is the worship service. There’s something about the sound of the organ, the feel of the wooden pews, and the passing of the offering plate that feels like home. But if someone asked you how the church makes a difference in your life, you’d probably talk about people, not a worship service. God uses people to encourage us when we’re discouraged, challenge us when we’re stuck, and make memories with when we are full of joy. But just showing up on Sunday mornings doesn’t result in these types of relationships. And THAT is where small groups come in.
Small groups are so important that LPPC offers them for first graders on up! While kids and students take part in small groups on Sunday mornings/evenings, adults have many options when it comes to finding a small group that is the right fit for them. Check out the monthly events on page three to see what groups are offered, and keep in mind that in addition to the groups listed there are small groups for moms with kids/youth, dads with kids/youth, a men’s breakfast, and an empty nesters small group. (These four groups will start back up in January.)
You might be wondering how becoming part of a small group, which meets once or twice a month, could help you in your faith journey. Jen O’Donnell, who is part of the Mom’s Small Group, shares, “Back in September I shared with my husband that I really wanted to make attending small group a priority this school year. He’s been great about taking the kids to their activities on the evenings when we meet, and I find that attending group regularly helps me feel a lot more connected at church.”
Starting something new can be uncomfortable and a little scary, but if you’re willing to take the risk of being vulnerable and getting to know others, you may find that the rewards far exceed your expectations. Investing your time in a small group is step that can help you deepen your relationship with God and allow you to feel truly at home here at LPPC.
On Halloween Circle
took member Marilyn Lautensack for lunch to celebrate her 96th birthday!
The Moms Small Group meets twice a month at Pastor Cara’s house and does other fun meetups throughout the year.
#2
Just a few of the members of the Empty Nester’s Small Group, which meets monthly at member’s homes
Small Groups are for kids too!
Making a Difference in Our Community and Around the World
200 110 108
Families participated in Operation Christmas Child, spreading the good news to over 300 children
Cecil and Grace Bean
Soup Kitchen
Click here to sign up to donate food for Christmas dinner at the soup kitchen.
people enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner due to your donations to the Cecil and Grace Bean Soup Kitchen
Royer-Greaves Open House
Click here to sign up to donate snacks for the open house.
Volunteers packed 10,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger
Hope Prison Ministry
Toy Collection
Bring your new, unwrapped toy donation to the atrium by 12/15!
Rise Against Hunger
Prayer Ministry at LPPC
As a church community we affirm the sacred power and practice of prayer, lifted up to God for one another and for our world. Here are the elements of our prayer ministry:
Weekly Prayer Group - small group of members who meet weekly in person to pray confidentially for the needs and prayer concerns of our congregants.
Prayer Chain - larger group of congregants who pray confidentially for the timesensitive prayer requests of members requesting prayer from the emailed Prayer Chain. Weekly Prayer after Worship - a member of the Weekly Prayer Group and/or an elder will be available after the worship service near the front of the sanctuary to pray with anyone requesting prayer right then. Concerns can be shared back to the Weekly Prayer Group or Prayer Chain as requested.
Parish Concerns - requests sent out to the entire church by weekly email in a single list. Concerns involve congregants who are ill or recovering from illness, hospitalized, having surgery, or have experienced a recent death in the family. People who want to be added or want their loved ones to be added to Parish Concerns may contact the church office. This allows church members the opportunity to reach out with cards, prayers, and calls. Cards will also be placed in the Atrium to be signed after church by members on a weekly basis.
Prayer Shawls/Prayer Squares - volunteers crochet prayer squares and prayer shawls that are delivered to members who are ill, hospitalized, homebound, or in need of encouragement. These are also available by request.
Prayer Request Box - prayer requests can be written on cards located on the table in the narthex of the church and dropped in the box. Requests will be prayed for confidentially at the Weekly Prayer Group meeting.
Who is part of the Prayer Ministry?
Anyone in the congregation who feels called to prayer ministry and is committed to intercessory prayer is welcome. Members of the Weekly Prayer Group and Prayer Chain agree to a promise of confidentiality.
How are prayer requests shared with the Prayer Ministry?
When concerns are shared with LPPC pastors and staff, Deacons, and members of the Weekly Prayer Group, congregants may be asked if they would like their request shared with the Prayer Group and Prayer Chain.
Interested in joining the Prayer Ministry? Contact Nancy Care at the church office (610539-6635 or ncare@lppcmin.org)
From the Presbyterian Book of Order W-3.0308 : Prayers of Intercession: . . .we pray for the world God so loves - joining Christ’s own ministry of intercession and the sighs of the Spirit, too deep for words. These prayers are not the work of a single leader, but an act of a whole congregation as Christ’s royal priesthood . . . ”
