Jan/Feb 2022 e-Magazine

January/February 2022 e-Magazine Building Bridges for the Gospel January Memory Verse

Spotlight: Sharing the Light of Christ through Operation Christmas Child Patuxent Presbyterian Church answered the call to be part of an effort to share the love of Jesus Christ around the world, as Samaritan’s Purse National Collection Week for 2021 Operation Christmas Child (OCC) wrapped up right before Thanksgiving. The MANY shoeboxes have been packed with care, prayed over, loaded into shipping boxes, transported to the processing center in Baltimore, and will soon arrive in the hands (and hearts) of children in need.

Under the direction of Project Leader Rachel Portillo and Drop-Off Team Leader Susan McKinley, this year’s OCC was an incredible success! They coordinated this tremendous year-round effort with the help of many volunteers within our church family and our community. They worked tirelessly to recruit and encourage volunteers, obtain and purchase items for children of all ages, inspire church members to support this effort in various ways, plan packing parties, and stay true to following the lead of the Holy Spirit.

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Upcoming Events:  Food of the Month  Winter Ministry Expo  YPG Mac ‘n Cheese Cook-off  Mind & Body Skills Circle  “Belong” – A Generation to

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Generation event Confirmation Classes WARM Church Talent Show …and more!

A Note from Our Pastor Happy New Year, Pax Pres!

Last fall, we adopted a new vision and mission statement: Pax Pres is called by God to build bridges for the Gospel of Jesus between God and people, between one another in community, and between our church and the world.

Everyone I’ve talked to is excited about this image of building bridges for the Gospel and embracing our identity as “the church near the bridge.” In the current state of our world, so many “bridges” between people are eroding and breaking. Can we,

by God’s grace, be agents of repairing and building bridges with the grace, truth, and trust that are central to the Gospel of Jesus?

I hope this question will inspire a lot of ongoing and new ministries and efforts at Pax Pres in 2022 and beyond! Here’s one specific way that the call to “build bridges for Gospel” challenges me - and I pray, challenges you - at the start of a new year: In the four Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John - Jesus’ original disciples included Matthew, a tax collector; Simon the Zealot; and small-business owners like Peter and Andrew.

It is no exaggeration to say these men would have not seen eye to eye on much of anything.

It would not be a stretch to say that, without the work of Jesus in their lives, they would’ve wanted one another to suffer and not to prosper. AND YET. The eternal Word became flesh, as we just celebrated at Christmas. The eternal Son of God built the longest bridge ever known by crossing the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, walking among us. When He entered this world, He had the power to build bridges between even the most dead-set of ethnic and political enemies. Again, this is not exaggeration: by cultural categories, these men were so antagonized to each other than only the Gospel of Jesus built a bridge strong enough to unite and sustain them in common identity and mission.

Jesus built bridges across strained, hostile relationships in the first century. He can still do it in 2022. This e-Magazine is coming out as we mark one year since the storming of Capitol Hill, just one of many events that symbolize the incredible divisiveness in our country and in our souls.

We cannot bridge these kinds of divides on our own. To whom is God calling you and me to build bridges for the Gospel, even if it means crossing divides that only He is big enough to cross? Let’s consider that question together in 2022.

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Halloween Candy Tithe Service Project

Confirmation Class is set to begin on January 29th for youth in grades 6-12!

We offer this class to students who are interested in learning what it means to be a member of our church family. We are looking for a mentor coordinator and a co-lead, mentors, and participants. For information, contact Deborah Rounds at: pastordb@verizon.net.

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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

A special announcement from LuAnn Smouse, Superintendent of our Sunday School: “Many thanks to all who participated in our Sunday School’s Halloween Candy Tithing Project. In November, we delivered a total of 130 bags to the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, the Prince Frederick Fire Department, the St. Mary’s Sheriff’s Office, and the Hollywood Fire Department. They all send their thanks and were very appreciative to be recognized for their work helping our communities.”

Winter 2022 Adult Sunday School begins January 23rd Doctrine for Disciples: This 12-week course examines the nature and Sovereignty of God, the depravity of man, the Divine inspiration of Scripture, God’s revelation to man, and His plan of redemption within the structure of nine defined Doctrines of the Christian faith. This course is open for all believers/seekers and is not limited to seminary-level students. The overall goal for participants is to achieve a better understanding of God and man and our relationship to Him. Join us for a closer walk with Him as Doctrines are practically applied to our everyday living. The textbook is the Bible and students are encouraged to bring their personal copy and a notebook.

Facilitator: Matt Brennan

Be Distinct (2 Kings and 2 Chronicles): God's people were never meant to blend in. Instead, we're called to stand out from the crowd and become a beacon of hope. But nothing dims our light more than conformity – when voices that once proclaimed truth begin to quietly yield to a noisy world.

Based on the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, this study offers an eyeopening look at the high price of conformity and shares how we can stay distinct from our surroundings. This class will be virtual.

Facilitator: Steve Kays

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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Marriage Class: The study material is currently being reviewed but will be video-based with accompanying workbook. The class will have value whether you have been married one year or 40 years!

Facilitators: Tom & Patsy Schumacher and Kim & Bob Hagan

Honey MacCallum Christian Preschool’s Holiday Helping Project!

Fall Preschool Registration

Honey MacCallum Christian Preschool offers preschool either 2 or 3 days per week for ages 2 & 3. We offer 5 days per week for ages 4 & 5. Please see our website for program specifics and tuition/fees. www.hmcpreschool.com.

In-Person registration for our school year 2022-23 (which starts in September) will be Feb. 16th for church members and current preschool families. We open to the public for registration (by appointment only) on Feb. 23rd. For more information on classes, ages, tuition, and more, visit the website or contact the Director at: hmcdirector@paxpres.org.

Our office phone is 301-863-8600. APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED IN ADVANCE FOR REGISTRATION FOR THE PUBLIC. See website for all details.

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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

HMC collected donations of cash, gift cards, and bedding for Sleep in Heavenly Peace throughout the months of November and December. This local chapter of a national organization builds beds locally and provides bedding for children in St. Mary’s County who have no bed in their home. We raised $875 in cash/gift cards and collected donations of 9 comforters and 14 sheet sets! Thanks to all who donated!

This just in: Next year, Pax Pres will become a drop-off location for this important effort!

For more information about this organization or to sign up to volunteer your time to build beds, visit: www.shpbeds.org.

January 2022 Newsletter

Spotlight: Operation Christmas Child (cont.)

“I receive encouragement each year as the Project Leader as I experience the team effort, both at the congregation level and in the larger Body of Christ, as each person uses his or her God-given gifts and abilities to make a world-wide impact for the gospel of Jesus Christ. It brings me great joy to observe the personal touches as donations come in and boxes are packed. It’s being a missionary without leaving home!” shared Rachel Portillo.

This effort would not have been possible without the time, talents, fantastic attitudes, big hearts, and strength of the 2021 OCC National Collection Week Team: Leon Anderson, Mary Anderson, Leah Cuthbertson, Anabel Eschenbrenner, Eliza Eschenbrenner, Leo Eschenbrenner, DB Farmer, Brianna Godfrey, Victoria Godfrey, Kyle Goodrich, Becky Goodrich, Robert Hardin, Molly Harmening, Fred Hepler, Sandi Hepler, Kristin Lawrence, Ryan Ledig, Amanda McKinley, Susan McKinley, Rita Reeves, Cindy Romano, Ashley Smalley, Jessica Smalley, Lauren Smalley, LuAnn Smouse, Tim Unangst, Diane Wandall, Ethan Wolfe, Heather Wolfe, and Sophie Wolfe.

According to Susan McKinley, “The biggest take-away I have had each year operating as a Drop-Off Location is that, while the main goal of Operation Christmas Child is evangelism at the delivery end of the shoebox, a lot of ministry happens on this side of the shoebox as well.”

A few powerful, spirit-led examples:

Our church has been participating in this international effort for over 15 years; this was the third year we have been a Drop-Off Location in St. Mary’s County.

Our church shoebox totals: 2019 – 811 2020 – 1,019 2021 – 1,504

Totals collected at the Pax Pres Drop-Off Location (congregational boxes & those from the community):

St. Mary’s County totals collected at both Drop-Off Locations (not including boxes built online):

2019 – 1,011 2020 – 1,536 2021 – 2,352

2019 – 4,239 2020 – 3,707 2021 – 4,572

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January 2022 Newsletter

Spotlight: Operation Christmas Child (cont.) · A prayerful Area Team. The Area Team had texts flying all over two counties on the first day of Collection Week, checking in with each other and asking how they could be praying for each other individually. · The opportunity to talk and pray with donors. Several donors had specific prayer requests and difficulties to share. We were able to talk and pray over those things with them. Several times during the week, our Drop-Off team prayed for them and the Area Team Prayer Coordinator prayed for them, as well. · Children. We had parents dropping off boxes with their children. When children are present, we have a big opportunity to create an experience for them at the Drop-Off, a transformational experience versus simply a transaction. Young kids typically love to help us, so they carry, count and carton the shoeboxes. They are shown with a graphic what happens to their shoeboxes after they leave Pax Pres and we answer all the questions they have. Most importantly, we pray with them over the shoeboxes. Specifically, this year, Lucy, Ben, RaeLynne and Liana brought smiles to our faces with their enthusiasm. Lucy, age 7, said she can’t wait to pack more next year so she could return to Pax Pres. · A real life “widow’s mite.” Linda dropped off 17 boxes she packed and paid the $9 suggested donation. It was a huge (!) financial stretch for her to do it, but she felt it was too important not to. She got misty when we prayed over her boxes and said she had never done that before.

Our Area Team consists of Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties. Area Team totals, including boxes built on-line: 2020 – 14,177 2021 – 15,767 (only two years are reflected because the Area Team changed in 2019 from three to two counties)

Our church packs a huge percentage of St. Mary’s County boxes: 2019 – 19 percent 2020 – 27 percent 2021 – 33 percent

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Our Drop-Off volunteers and their hours: 2019 - 13 volunteers giving 52.5 hours 2020 – 28 volunteers giving 104 hours 2021 – 29 volunteers giving 146.5 hours

January 2022 Newsletter

Spotlight: Operation Christmas Child (cont.)

· Fellowship amongst the volunteers. Watching the volunteers on the last day of collection, it looked almost like the end of a youth retreat, with hugs and “are you coming next year?” and the exchanging of phone numbers. Specifically, watching one of our members and a non-Pax Pres volunteer hugging and making plans to get together for lunch was heart-warming.

Connections are being made – building bridges for the Gospel - through service. · The Pax Pres Concierge Service. Some donors do not have a church home and ask questions about Pax Pres. Susan fielded questions about service times, livestreaming and the Christmas Cantata. · Youth support. Crossing generational lines, our volunteers from ages 12 - 82 worked together toward a common goal. Without the youth of Pax Pres, the Drop-Off would struggle.

They bring their energy, vitality, joy… and muscles… with them. This year, 14 youth, one college freshman home for Thanksgiving, and two youth leaders served at the Drop-Off. As Pastor Matt experienced the Pax Pres partnership with OCC for the first time this year, he observed: “I’ve already had the joy of hearing and seeing stories of God at work at every step of the process before the shoeboxes leave our church. I can’t wait to hear stories of how God keeps working as they head to Baltimore for shipping and then play a simple but amazing part in transforming kids’ lives with the Gospel around the world!”

In addition to Rachel’s year-round efforts, the exposure given to Operation Christmas Child in the weeks leading up to National Collection week had a direct impact on the success of the ministry this year. Susan shared a compelling presentation to our congregation right after the Shoebox Packing Party and before National Collection Week. Social media played an important role in building excitement throughout the week. Instagram is where the younger folks are and getting those updates on Instagram with the pictures of the Youth Group volunteers got their attention. A high school friend of Susan saw a Pax Pres post on Facebook and sent her a check to sponsor shipping of some boxes.

“Ultimately, I feel that operating as a Drop-Off Location firmly fulfills all aspects of the Patuxent Presbyterian Church vision and mission of Building bridges for the Gospel,” stated Susan McKinley.

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OUTREACH

Christmas in April Church Rep Needed Leon Anderson, who has been the Pax Pres representative for Christmas in April for many years, is looking for a replacement.

If interested, email: outreach@paxpres.org or contact Leon Anderson directly.

The Outreach Ministry will begin collecting a specific food each month as part of the "Food of the Month" campaign at the start of 2022! Place donations in the food bins in the Narthex. We will also be collecting donations during the Ministry Expo on Jan. 9th at 11:00 a.m.-noon in the Fellowship Hall.

January: Soup! February: Beef Stew!

“From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

-Ephesians 4:16

Small Groups Registration

for Winter semester will begin on the church website and in-person on Jan. 9th at the Ministry Expo after worship. The newest edition of the Get Connected booklet will also be available. Most groups will begin the week of Jan. 23rd.

Begin building bridges within our church community by joining a group. Study material is relevant for both new and mature followers of Christ as well as those seeking an introduction to Christianity.

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OUTREACH – WARM 2022 WARM at Patuxent Presbyterian Church February 20-27th in the Fellowship Hall

Stephanie Thomson and Beth Roth: WARM Co-Coordinators Rachel Portillo: WARM Volunteer Coordinator Cherie Crescini: WARM Kitchen Coordinator

WARM (Wrapping Arms ‘Round Many) is a winter emergency sheltering program for the homeless in St. Mary’s County. It was established out of necessity when the local shelter reached out to the faith-based community and asked for help. The WARM program provides homeless men and women with a warm, dry, safe place to be nightly during the cold winter months.

All WARM guests are given a safe place to sleep, a delicious dinner, a hot breakfast, and are treated with kindness and respect. Guests leave the church during the day and return nightly during our host week.

The first WARM season took place in November 2009.

The WARM program is very successful with over 50 churches participating by donating either their time, volunteers, staff, money, and resources. Pax Pres has been involved with the program since it first began.

WARM operates in close partnership with St. Mary’s County Government, including The Department of Social Services, Walden-Sierra, Three Oaks Center, The Office of Aging, The Department of Corrections, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, and MedStar.

How can I get involved?

There are many ways to get involved with the WARM Program. Whether you can provide the gift of your time, your resources, and/or your prayers, every gift is appreciated.

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Did you know that WARM is second only to VBS in terms of Outreach at our church?

Volunteer Position Descriptions: • Hospitality: Check in our Guests each evening and assign them a cot on which to sleep—from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• Night Monitor: Watch over our Guests to keep them safe. There are two shifts—from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and from 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.

• Provide food for Breakfast • Serve Breakfast/Clean Up: 5:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

• Provide food for Dinner • Serve Dinner/Clean Up: 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Sign-Ups for Volunteers will begin on Sunday, Jan. 9th during the Winter Ministry Expo in the Fellowship Hall.

Volunteers and guests are required to wear a mask during WARM unless they eating or sleeping.

Vaccinations for volunteers are highly encouraged; all guests are vaccinated for COVID-19.

Volunteer Training will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 1st at 7:00 p.m. at Patuxent Presbyterian Church. All Volunteers will be asked to sign a Confidentiality Agreement.

Youth are encouraged to participate!

Why should I get involved?

WARM volunteers change the lives of the homeless men and women the program serves.

Positive interaction with the WARM guests provides a sense of community and fellowship.

As Hebrews 13:2 reminds us, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

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OUTREACH - Missionaries

God is at Work!

The goal of all Christian work is not only to serve others and care for the sick, although that is certainly an expression of our faith walk in Christ. As Christians, our highest goal is to fulfill the great commission stated in Matthew 28:18-20: “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”

The latest news from our missionaries as they seek to fulfill the great commission:  The InterVarsity group, led by Esrael Seyum, witnessed a senior on a campus receive Christ as his Lord and Savior at the beginning of the school year.  Marlen and Aselia have had converts from among the Muslim refugees in Wales who have given their lives to the Lord. They are now facing the challenge of where and how to disciple these new followers of Christ.  Joey and Yisel, serving in Japan, had a young man confess Christ and was baptized a few months ago.  Through the work of the Gho family and the church members in Japan, a man decided to follow Jesus.

Praise God for these new brother and sisters in the Lord! Patuxent Presbyterian Church has been part of the work of these missionaries through prayer and financial support. We are not only part of our local church here in California, Maryland but we are also part of the church around the world - the church of our Living God!

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January 2022 Newsletter

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

A Night of Hope, Peace, Joy & Love

The Pax Pres Deacons’ 2nd Annual Christmas Stroll “A Night of Hope” was held Saturday, Dec. 4th and was a huge success again this year! They created a festive Christmas village complete with hot cocoa and cider, cookies, popcorn, and candy all while seasonal music filled the air. The Garden Club gave away 60 bulbs for folks to take home to grow.

The Kids Corner was busy all evening with children and parents creating various crafts and signing Christmas cards to be delivered to shut-Ins. Thanks to all who generously donated items such as toys/gloves/hats/toiletries for local organizations. A hugely popular addition to the Live Nativity this year featured live animals including an alpaca, mini donkey, mini cow, sheep and goats. With over 150 attendees that night, it was noted that a large majority were not members of Pax Pres and many attended the worship service the following morning. Building bridges for the Gospel!

BIG thanks to our Deacons for their many hours of planning, hard work and incredible creativity: Kevin Miller (Lead Deacon), Kelly Tygrett, (Christmas Stroll Coordinator), Barbara Abell, Courtney Cuthbertson, John Dixon, Patsy Schumacher, Betsy Kebaugh, Jim Light, Becca Sandusky, Cindy Robinson, Karin Stewart, and Katie Karlow!

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Mary Martha Circle

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

Do you know this song? These words affirm that the church is family: “I am the church! You are the church!

We are the church together! All who follow Jesus, all around the world! Yes, we're the church together! The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, the church is not a resting place, the church is a people.”

Continuing to study Keeping Place: Reflections on the Meaning of Home by Jen Pollock Michel, the Mary Martha group explored scriptures in 1 Timothy that remind us that God gave us the church as family. As we labor together to serve others, we were challenged to focus on pleasing God rather than others or ourselves.

Our memory verse was 1 Thessalonians 2:4: “…we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.

We are not trying to please men but God who tests our hearts.”

Couples, singles, moms and dads, this is the group for you! Are you looking for a way to get to know more people from our church in your age group and season of life? We invite you to join us: Mac 'n Cheese Cook-off! Friday, Jan. 21st at 6:00 p.m. at the Banko's House. RSVP to Kami Banko: kami.banko@gmail.com.

Soup & Uno Game Night! Friday, Feb. 25th at 6:30 p.m. at the Joshua House. RSVP to Adam Mierzwa at: adam8191@gmail.com.

Feel free to bring a soup, side or dessert.

On Thursday Jan. 13th, we will meet in Room 108 at 9:30 a.m. to continue our study with a focus on Grace.

BELONG!

JOY GROUP GATHERING

Sunday, Jan. 16th at 11:15 a.m. at Olive Garden in California, MD. RSVP via email: bdengle@md.metrocast.net

by Friday, Jan. 14th.

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A special Generation to Generation event will take place on Saturday, Jan. 29th from 2:00-5:00 p.m. ”Family Feud” is coming to Pax Pres! You belong up on stage in the fellowship hall for some fun, spirited, intergenerational competition. Join a new "family" and see what the survey says.

All ages-from elementary school to old school-are encouraged to attend.

Younger children will enjoy their own activity. Watch for opportunities to sign up for this event!

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

The Christmas Stroll - “A Night of Hope” on Dec 4th was a great success for the Garden Club! We gave away approximately 60 paperwhite bulbs, and many of them to people who do not attend our church! We pray that all those who received them will be reminded of God’s love, and the Hope that is offered through our Lord, Jesus Christ! Big shout out to Deborah Rounds and Rita Reeves for stepping up and helping in our ‘tent’. We were pretty busy! And we even received $50 donated for some of our plants that were for sale! Many thanks to Jean Reamy and Patsy Schumacher for donating the plants!

Gardening Notes:

Mid-to-late February is a good time to clear away any dead leaves/branches that you never got around to clearing last fall! February is also a good time to prune branches off trees. The Garden Club will be hiring our favorite arborist, Chuck Lowe, to come and trim several of the cherry trees in the front, and a couple of other miscellaneous trees around the church property, so they will continue to grow strong and remain beautiful. We will begin to see the noses of some of our daffodil bulbs poking out of the ground in February, so it’s also an opportune time to transplant bulbs if you need to move them. It’s always best to do that after a good rain (or snow?!) as the ground will be softer and you are less likely to lose any roots. Happy gardening!

Once the weather begins to warm you will see your dedicated Garden Club members out trying to get ahead of the weeds - usually Tuesdays starting at 8:30 am. WE CAN ALWAYS USE EXTRA HELP! Please contact Patsy Schumacher if you are interested in volunteering: helopatsy@yahoo.com.

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TRUSTEES

 If you observe problems with the church building (lighting, plumbing, etc.), please inform the church office staff so the problem can be resolved as quickly as possible.

Email: churchoffice@paxpres.org.

Lead Trustee: Jamie Rhodes Co-Leader: Paul Norton Back-up: Steve Brown Nominating Committee Rep: Jamie Rhodes Finance Ministry Liaison: Rita Reeves HVAC/Plumbing: Adam Mierzwa Inventory/Insurance: Bill Posnett Grounds: Steve Brown Security: Adam Mierzwa Events: Sue Menthe Cleaning: Dave Eschenbrenner Electrical/Lighting: Jill Gaskin Interior/Furnishings: Chris Lawrence Exterior: Paul Norton Kitchen/Kitchenette: Cindy Romano Trustee Google and Zoom Administrator: Cindy Romano 17

WORSHIP Serving Others

Beginning in January, Jim Osterhouse will coordinate Worship Leaders for Sunday worship services. If you are interested in leading the congregation in the Call to Worship and reading Scripture, contact Jim at: jimosterhouse@yahoo.com.

Are you looking for a new service opportunity at the church to kick off the New Year? Still pondering how to live out Worship +2 in your life? The Worship Ministry has many volunteer opportunities for every interest and talent.

Please prayerfully consider signing up for one of these service opportunities. Training will be provided!

• Worship Service Slide Turner - looking for volunteers to run the slideshow.

• Worship Service Livestream Operator volunteers needed to run the livestream equipment and cameras.

• Sound Board Operator - need volunteers to run the sound board during worship service.

• Time for Young Disciples (TFYD) Leaders – looking for volunteers to share a short children’s message during worship.

• Worship Service Slideshow Developer - if you enjoy working in PowerPoint, volunteers are needed to build the slideshows for worship.

Chancel Flowers To donate Chancel flowers in honor, memory, or celebration of someone special or a life event (anniversary, birthday, etc.), place your order online with your dedication and payment.

Price: $37 per arrangement. Order here: https://www.paxpres.com/flowers. To pay by check, mail it to the church or put it in offering plate. The sign-up poster, forms, and money box are located in the church office workroom.

Include on the check note: “altar flowers” and desired date. Contact Carolyn Huff with any questions.

On the Horizon [or Coming Soon!]

Our church Music Director Maureen Wysham has begun planning for a Church Talent Show in late February or early March. This annual tradition includes acts of all shapes and sizes.

Have a talent to share? Talk with Maureen.

If you are interested in serving in any of these capacities, please contact Carolyn Graessle or Paul Wolter for more information: worship@paxpres.org.

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YOUTH Happy New Year!

Upcoming Retreats: June 19th-24th: High School Retreat to Skycroft July 24th-30th: Middle School Retreat. We’re still exploring options. More info to come!

Youth Group is a place for teens to grow the foundation of their relationship with Christ and to develop a community of Christian Fellowship.

If you aren’t on the Group Me App-Youth Chat Group and would like to be, please contact one of the Youth Leaders. This is the fastest way for us to get the word out on an upcoming event.

To add someone to the Group Me chat, the interested person needs a cell phone number and to install the Group Me App.

The last several months has seen some great times for Pax Youth Group. We had a fun Halloween event with lots of costumes and games with a Halloween twist. On Oct. 31st the Youth led Sunday worship; Anabel Eschenbrenner interviewed the Youth Leaders about their reasons for being involved in youth ministry. In November, the Youth Group enjoyed their annual Friendsgiving - a time for us to slow down and share a nice meal with YG friends and invited friends. Victoria shared about the plan of salvation, which was new to a few of our visitors. We wrapped up the evening by playing table games. A special thanks to the parents who helped with serving, setting up and cleaning up, and supporting our youth. On the evening of the Christmas Stroll, we shared a White Elephant Gift Exchange followed by a screening of “The Shepherd” - the pilot episode of The Chosen and tells the Christmas story from the perspective of the shepherds. The following week we watched The Chosen 2021 Christmas Special, which told the story from Mary’s perspective. The Christmas Scavenger Hunt on Dec. 18th was a blast! After finding all the items and taking photos, we all stopped by the Pooley’s house to sing a Christmas carol. A big THANK YOU to the drivers! Our final get-together in December was to see the movie Spiderman: No Way Home.

Questions? Please reach out to one of the youth leaders: Amanda, Robbie, Victoria, or the temporary Youth Director Mr. Tom at: youthdirector@paxpres.org.

Throughout these many months we were joined by the Youth Band leading us in Youth Praise and Worship nights.

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FINANCE The 2022 Per Capita donation for Presbyterian USA is $42.67 per member.

Giving Envelopes include a special envelope for Per Capita donation. For those giving

by ACH or Credit Card, you can send a check marked “Per Capita” to the Church Office or place it in the offering plate. You can also make your Per Capita donation online through our website paxpres.com/online-giving or you can email Grace Debbink at: Treasurer@paxpres.org to increase your ACH allotment to include Per Capita.

If you are unable to attend in-person worship, please feel free to mail your giving envelopes to the church. Online donations are accepted at www.paxpres.com.

Our website is now offering the opportunity for you to include the credit card fees incurred by the church with your online offering if you wish to do so. Thank you for your continued support to Pax Pres as we continue to meet the needs for the church and community during this time.

If you would like to use monthly automated giving through ACH or Credit Card withdrawal, you may fill out the automated giving form to initiate these types of contributions. The forms are available in the Narthex or at: www.paxpres.com/onlinegiving. If you have any questions please contact the Church Treasurer, Grace Debbink at: 301-863-2033 or Treasurer@paxpres.org. If you currently give via automated giving, please note that if you increased your giving on your pledge card for 2022, a separate note to the Treasurer is needed in order for it to take effect.

Let us walk and work together as we seek to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, at home, abroad, and to the ends of the earth!

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COVID-19 Protocols UPDATE as of December 15, 2021

Given a commitment to continue safe in-person worship and fellowship, in August 2021, Session decided to adhere to CDC recommendations as a biblical expression of love and concern for others, given rising COVID case numbers and a lack of vaccinations for children.

However, this fall saw the approval and distribution of vaccinations for children ages 5 to 12.

Access to these vaccinations and booster shots are now available to everyone except children under 5, who are considered negligible risk from COVID. While St. Mary’s County continues to fluctuate between “high or substantial,” most cases are mild and treated at home, with local hospitals managing more severe cases. With the Omicron variant, the CDC continues to recommend vaccination and boosters and testing if one suspects symptoms of COVID. Given these recent developments, Session believes the reasonable way to maintain and build bridges for the Gospel within our congregation and community is to scale back the mask mandate. Therefore, Session will encourage everyone to use personal discernment to decide whether to wear a mask given their specific health or work situation and comfort level.

The mandate to wear masks inside Pax Pres buildings will cease as of December 15, 2021.

To continue safe in-person worship and fellowship, Session asks each person to: ● Stay home if experiencing COVID symptoms. Please watch livestream services anytime you are unable to attend worship. (Click here.) ● During worship, only use social distancing rows if you are an individual that desires or needs social distancing. ● Wear a mask if unvaccinated. ● Follow the rules established for Honey MacCallum Christian Preschool by MSDE if in the building while classes are in session. ● Notify the church office if you test positive for COVID after attending an in-person event.

The church will appropriately communicate any news of a positive case.

Session will continue to monitor the situation if future developments warrant further updates and changes.

The CDC continues to recommend that everyone be vaccinated and wear a mask in an indoor setting when the community transmission rate is above the CDC’s standards for “moderate.” Additionally, the CDC highly recommends that any unvaccinated individual wear a mask in any public indoor setting.

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BUILDING BRIDGES for the GOSPEL Pax Pres is called by God to make and grow disciples of Jesus Christ by building bridges for the Gospel in Southern Maryland and the world.

We seek to build bridges for the Gospel of Jesus between God and people, between one another in community, and between our church and the world.

23421 Kingston Creek Road | California, MD 20619 paxpres.com | 301-863-2033 | churchoffice@paxpres.org Rev. Matt Pooley, Pastor