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Monday, December 18, 2006

Monday Night Bible Study with Claudia Gainey

The Monday night Bible group hosted by Claudia Gainey spent the entire year of 2006 on the study of David. The group completed a study book/video series by Beth Moore called, A Heart Like His, Seeking the Heart of God Through a Study of David. The ladies in the group learned more than they could ever imagine about David's personal relationship with God.

After the very last chapter was completed, the group had a lovely Christmas party the following week. They even had a visit from a "bad santa!" Good food and fun was had by all, as the ladies took a little break before the new study for 2007.




Wow! These ladies know how to party! Look at that chocolate fountain!



Who showed up at the festivities?
Why, it is Santa Clause! I think!??



It is Saint Nick! (Click the above picture for the full :) effect!)






~BUILD FAITH~~NUTURE HOPE~~SHARE GOD'S LOVE~

Friday, December 15, 2006

The Advent Wreath



Advent in the Christian sense refers to the four weeks before Christmas. The four Sundays of Advent are often traditionally celebrated with four candles with one to be lit each Sunday. Each candle has a specific meaning associated with different aspects of the Advent story. The first one almost always symbolizes expectant hope and is sometimes associated with prophecy. The others are organized around characters or themes as a way to unfold the story and direct attention to the celebrations and worship in the season, such as Peace, Love, Joy. The third (and sometimes fourth) is generally symbolic of Joy at the imminence of the coming of Christ. A fifth, white or gold, candle -- called a "Christ Candle" -- is often lit in the center on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day to signify Christ's birth.

During one of the weekly Family Advent Events that took place in December, the focus was on Advent and making an Advent wreath that could be used with your family. Adults and children were sent outside with a mission to collect natural twigs, leaves, flowers or pinecones from the grounds to construct their homemade advent wreath. After searching for about 15 minutes, all had enough materials to construct a wreath to take home. There were many creative wreaths made that evening. Check out the festivities. You can make your own at home as well with a little imagination.










How to Use Your Advent Wreath

The idea is to use the wreath in conjunction with worship services or personal or family devotions on the four Sundays in Advent. You light candles at the beginning of each service adn snuff then out at the end.
  • On the first Sunday in Advent, light the first candle. Have your service , then blow out the candle.
  • On the second Sunday in Advent, light two candles, first the one from the previous Sunday, then the second one. Have your service , then blow out the candle.
  • On the third Sunday in Advent, you light two candles from the previous weeks, in the order you lit them before, then you light the third one. Have your service , then blow out the candle.
  • On the fourth Sunday in Advent, you light the three candles from the previous weeks, in the order you lit them before, then you light the courth one. Have your service , then blow out the candle. You should get a stair-step effect, since each candle is a different length by now.
If you have a fifth candle in the center, then on Christmas Day you light the four candles in the order you lit them before, and then you light the center candle. Have your service , then blow out the candle.




~BUILD FAITH~~NUTURE HOPE~~SHARE GOD'S LOVE~

Friday, December 08, 2006

10 Tips for a Simpler More Meaningful Christmas

1. Plan ahead. Instead of going on auto-pilot the day after Thanksgiving, hold a family meeting to decide what the group really wants to do and who's going to do what.

2. If you need a symbol for giving (in addition to Jesus and the Three Wise Ones), learn about St. Nicholas. Santa Claus has been completely taken over by commerce.

3. Avoid debt. Refuse to be pressured by advertising to overspend.

4. Avoid stress. Give to yourself. Don't assume that things have to be the same way they've always been.

5. Draw names rather than everyone giving something to everyone else in your giving circle. Set a ceiling for each recipient. Give children ONE thing they really want, rather than so many gifts. If need be, pool funds.

6. Give appropriate gifts. Get to know the recipient. Give what they want to receive, not what you want to buy.

7. Give alternative gifts. Give 25% of what you spent last year to the needy... individuals or groups locally, nationally or internationally.
Buy crafts and clothing from developing countries at alternative gift markets, not from commercial importers, so that the artisans receive a fair price for their work.
Give of yourself, not just "stuff" - a coupon book for future services (such as baby-sitting or an "enchanted evening"); something baked, sewn, handmade, composed, etc.; or a family service project, such as working together at a soup kitchen.

8. Celebrate Advent for four weeks before Christmas.

9. Put the gifts under the tree shortly before opening them. Then take turns opening them around the tree, not all at once, so that each gift can be admired and each giver thanked.

10. Make changes slowly but persistently. Don't try to change everything and everybody all at once. The resistance will make you feel defeated and lonely.


~BUILD FAITH~~NUTURE HOPE~~SHARE GOD'S LOVE~

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Twas' The Gift Making Workshop

Twas' the morning of the workshop and throughout the Fellowship Hall,
All were ready for gift making, instead of shopping at the mall.

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Ms. Pearl was giving the youth directions, along with a "scare,"

Because soon all the little ones needing help would be there.

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The children rushed in when the clock struck ten,
Their parents thought of sleep and relaxing in their dens.

Four hours of rest and relaxation , they were due.
They were very happy. Their kids had crafts to do.

After fifteen minutes of Worship, there arose such a clatter,
The crafters in the hall, peeked down the hallway to see what was the matter.

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The children-they were coming. Most of them ran!
The crafters got ready, looking at the tables they were to man.

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When the children got to the hall, what did they see?
They saw six crafty crafters, ready to get busy-- like bees!

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With their scissors, molds and templates, they came,
Ready for giftmaking. Now what were their names?

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There was Mary, there was Jean and Mary Catherine too.
There was Onalee, there was Claudia and Marie. Yoo hoo!
There were other helpers around who made the day a success,
Like Lindy and Dick and Tara and Spike.
And for gooodness sake, we can't leave out Pearl and the youth!

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The children made a craft at each crafting table.
They made Christmas pins and decorative gift holders.
They made fragrant bath salts and handmade soaps,
They decorated gingerbread toys and festive yo-yo's.
They decorated holiday post-it notes with stickers, oh so cheery,
and then moved on to handcrafted jewelry!


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The kids had fun and so did those crafters.
I saw kids beaming with smiles tall as the rafters.

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Each child left with six wrapped gifts,
Perfect for someone on their Christmas lists.

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The crafters packed up their molds and stickers and glue,
They packed up the paint, the pompoms and the glitter too.

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The fun was over. The parents? They came back.
Full of vim and vigor from their break, they came back.

The kids were excited and so proud of their gifts.
They had used their creativity to make needed gifts for their lists.

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The vaccum came out and out went the trash.
The lights were turned off and we buttoned and locked the sash.

Everyone got in their cars and drove out of sight!
Happy Crafting to All and to All a Good Night!

Just a few of the pictures of the gift making workshop are posted here. To see them all please visit the St. Andrew's Youth Page. Click this link to see all the pictures of the event!




~BUILD FAITH~~NUTURE HOPE~~SHARE GOD'S LOVE~

Saturday, December 02, 2006

Sunday School Social


The Adult Sunday School lead by Nick Gainey will be having a Sunday School Social at the home of Nick and Claudia Gainey on Sunday, December 3rd. Festivities begin at 5:30PM. You will need to bring heavy HORS D'OEUVRES! The Gainey's will supply drinks! All you regulars who attend Sunday school, do not forget the most important thing---to bring a friend with you who does not attend Sunday school. It will be an afternoon of food, fun and enlightenment! Contact Nick or Claudia if you have any questions.



~BUILD FAITH~~NUTURE HOPE~~SHARE GOD'S LOVE~

Friday, December 01, 2006

World Aids Day: Today


The AIDS epidemic is a global emergency that affects people in every country on earth. UNAIDS estimates that by the end of 2005 a total of 25 million people had died of AIDS since 1981.

In 2005 alone

  • 38.6 million people were living with HIV
  • 4.1 million people were newly infected
  • 2.8 million people lost their lives
World AIDS Day, celebrated annually on December 1st since 1997, is an important opportunity for raising awareness and joining together in response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in our communities and around the world.

There is new evidence that adult HIV infection rates have decreased in certain countries and that changes in behaviour to prevent infection—such as increased use of condoms, delay of first sexual experience and fewer sexual partners—have played a key part in these declines. The new UN report also indicates, however, that overall trends in HIV transmission are still increasing, and that far greater HIV prevention efforts are needed to slow the epidemic.

Kenya, Zimbabwe and some countries in the Caribbean region all show declines in HIV prevalence over the past few years with overall adult infection rates decreasing in Kenya from a peak of 10% in the late 1990s to 7% in 2003 and evidence of drops in HIV rates among pregnant women in Zimbabwe from 26% in 2003 to 21% in 2004. In urban areas of Burkina Faso prevalence among young pregnant women declined from around 4% in 2001 to just under 2% in 2003.

Despite decreases in the rate of infection in certain countries, the overall number of people living with HIV has continued to increase in all regions of the world except the Caribbean. There were an additional five million new infections in 2005. The number of people living with HIV globally has reached its highest level with an estimated 40.3 million people, up from an estimated 37.5 million in 2003. More than three million people died of AIDS-related illnesses in 2005; of these, more than 500000 were children. According to the report, the steepest increases in HIV infections have occurred in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (25% increase to 1.6 million) and East Asia. But sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the most affected globally– with 64% of new infections occurring here (over three million people).

Treatment makes a difference. More than one million people in low-and middle-income countries are now living longer and better lives because they are on antiretroviral treatment and an estimated 250 000 to 350 000 deaths were averted this year because of expanded access to HIV treatment. that a comprehensive response to HIV and AIDS requires the simultaneous acceleration of treatment and prevention efforts with the ultimate goal of universal access to prevention, treatment and care.

For more information see:


~BUILD FAITH~~NUTURE HOPE~~SHARE GOD'S LOVE~

The St. Andrew's Chrismon Tree

This past Wednesday, many came out to decorate the Chrismon Tree in the sanctuary. Everyone was busy from the youth to the adults. It looks like Pearl Jones was directing the festivities. After a flurry of activity, lights, ornaments, ladders and finally a star to adorn the top, the tree was finished. It is a beautiful tree that proclaims the name, the life, and the saving acts of Jesus the Christ.


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This looks like "Ornament Decorating 101!"

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Okay, now for the tree!

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I think my hands are getting tired!
So many trees, so many ormanemts!

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Almost done....except for the star!
Where is the ladder?

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The Finished Product!

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More about the siginificance of the Chrismon Tree here.

~BUILD FAITH~~NUTURE HOPE~~SHARE GOD'S LOVE~

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Advent Family Gatherings on Wednesdays

Advent Family Gatherings will take place on Wednesdays in December.

December 6th, 13th and 20th.

Mark your calendars now to join us on Wednesday nights during Advent for some intergenerational fun and fellowship. All adult and youth will meet in the Fellowship Hall.
Our theme this year will be, "Whose Birthday Is It Anyway?"

Please join us for Advent. All ages are welcome. Look for more details to come in the bulletin, on the web and as special announcements.



~BUILD FAITH~~NUTURE HOPE~~SHARE GOD'S LOVE~

The Chrismon Tree

The Youth of St. Andrew's will be decorating the Chrismon Tree as part of the Advent Family Gatherings. We normally think about a Christmas Tree and the modern meaning that it has...sparkly lights and shiny ornaments. Some trees are even coordinated to go with the theme or colors of our homes. We should think about the real meaning of Christmas when it comes to the tree as well. This year consider a Chrismon tree that will proclaim the name, the life, and the saving acts of Jesus the Christ.

In 1957, Francis Kipps Spencer created the first Chrismon tree. She coined the term Chrismon as a combination of Christ + monogram to reflect her desire to create decorations for Christmas trees that “proclaim the name, the life, and the saving acts of Jesus the Christ.” The purpose was to make homemade ornaments to show central symbols of the Christian faith. Chrismons are traditionally white and gold to reflect the colors of the Christmas season.

The symbols can include historic symbols of the faith. Crosses are often prominent on Chrismon trees. Other historic symbols are often included, such as Trinitarian symbols or the Chi-Rho abbreviation for the name of Christ in Greek (Xristos or Christos). New symbols are also created to illustrate biblical texts and to point to central elements of the Christian faith. The Chrismon tree is one way in which churches try to avoid the commercialization of the Christmas season by pointing to the message of the Christmas season.

Some of the symbols used on the Chrismon tree are here:

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From left to right
  • Cross Botonnée
    (Preparation for worship)
  • Cross Patée
    (Pastoral liturgies)
  • Anchored Cross
    (Baptism and reaffirmation of the baptismal covenant)
  • Chi Rho
    (Abbreviation for the name of Christ)
This next set is very often used as well:

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From left to right:
  • Celtic Cross
    (Service for the Lord’s day)
  • Jerusalem Cross
    (Resources for the liturgical year)
  • Cross Crosslet
    (Daily Prayer)
  • Maltese Cross
    (The psalms)
Source: PC(USA) O Chrismon Tree


~BUILD FAITH~~NUTURE HOPE~~SHARE GOD'S LOVE~

Poinsettias

In keeping with tradition, we will once again decorate the sanctuary with poinsettias during the Christmas season. Everyone is welcome to participate by providing one or more flowers.

You may designate your poinsettia in memory or in honor of someone, or just as a token of love for the church. The cost for each poinsettia will be $11.00, and you may take it home after the Christmas season.

To place an order, fill out this form and put it in the offering plate along with your payment, or return it to the church office by December 17th.



Name: _____________________________________

I wish to order ______ poinsettias. I have enclosed $_______ with this order.


______ In memory of: ___________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________


______ In honor of: ___________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

______ As a token of love for the Church.

Deadline: December 17th, 2006


~BUILD FAITH~~NUTURE HOPE~~SHARE GOD'S LOVE~

Christmas Gift Making Workshop

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting The Youth will host a Christmas Gift Making Workshop for the children of St. Andrew's on Saturday, December 2nd from 10AM-2PM. $10 donation per child to cover the cost of supplies.

Children 4 years old through 5th grade are invited to come and make Christmas presents, have lunch and maybe even watch a movie. The youth will be helping the younger children and they should leave with several presents for their special folks--wrapped and ready for placement under the tree!

Parents! What a great opportunity for you to do some shopping, take a nap, catch up on some chores or your reading--the possibilities are endless! Children will need to be dropped off and picked up from the fellowship hall.

Sign up in advance is required. Please contact Pearl at the church office at 843-766-4262 for more information!

Christmas Gift Making Workshop Sign-up

Child's Name:________________________ Age: ________

Parents: ________________________________________

Phone #'s (home)_____________ (cell)________________

Food Allergies: ___________________________________

Emergency Contact:________________________________

Phone #'s (home)_____________ (cell)________________


~BUILD FAITH~~NUTURE HOPE~~SHARE GOD'S LOVE~

Monday, November 27, 2006

Sunday Sermon Summary #3

The sermon on Sunday, November 26th was entitled: Is This Good News?

Spike began the sermon by telling us he had a special relationship with an adorable little boy named Sully Carroll (a little boy of one of the church members). Last summer during VBS Spike and Sully were talking about the gospel lesson. Sully's understanding was that Jesus died, came back and is now the president. He is just a very little boy and his parents still have a lot to teach him about Christ, that He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. What does that mean for us? Do we confess He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings? Do we understand our place in the world? Jesus is not valued at all until we value him above all. We really do not do this. He must be our first love. He gives us life and redeems us from sin.

In the scripture lesson for today (Revelation 1: 4-8), Paul is writing to the seven churches in the province of Asia Minor. There were more than seven churches during that time. The seven churches represent our struggles. The Asia in the Revelation passage is really Asia today. God speaks to us through his word and lets us know what is expected of us. Paul was specifically writing to the Laodicean Church. People during that time were still under the control of the Roman empire. Domitian was emperor at the time and he commanded that Caesar be worshiped as lord. He was first above all things.

Christians were not persecuted in ancient literature, instead they were persecuted for treason just like Benedict Arnold. We worship god and not Caesar. The Greek word martyr also has the meaning of 'witness.' Revelation was really written to people to people who knew that suffering in this world was not God's intention. Only God can validate our faithfulness and make us new. It is difficult to remain faithful in hard times. Keep the faith! God is with us. John begins his writing with grace and peace. They begin Paul's writing as well. Grace is God's free choosing of us because of God's love for us. We have peace in chaos with God's love. He is the God who is, was and is to come. This refers back to Moses and the burning bush.

In John 15, Jesus is the faithful witness. He takes witness to the heart of God for us. His love is unconditional. Jesus reveals that to as a faithful witness. Witness also means martyr. The Word became flesh and dwelled amount us. He was nailed to the cross and died for that witness. The One who loves us is still alive--he does not use past tense. He freed us from sin.

God calls for salvation and service. We are called to be a bridge. We are bridge builders to God's kingdom so when our family and friends are stuck in suffering, we are the bridge between them and God who loves us. What does it mean for people we meet everyday? 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. When John thinks of the goodness of God he erupts into praise. Do we? Do we get excited about what he had done for us and given us? What kind of priest are we? What kind of bridge are we?

John offers words of assurance. 7Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindred of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. Is this good news? We will be called to account and to answer to him as he is the first born--Lord of Lords and King of Kings! Is this good news?

Spike used to work for a moving company and he had a friend named Dennis during that time. Dennis wanted to make lots of money, have lots of nice things and have lots of girls. That may be typical of many men. Spike tried to show him a more excellent way...that he did not need all that money, stuff and girls. Dennis did not change his views at that time. He felt he was in his twenties and that was what his goals were. He indicated to Spike that the more excellent way would have to come later.

The same God, or Yahweh that delivered the slaves out of Babylon is the same god who offers us grace and peace. Grace and Peace are ours in the midst of trials. The baptism that was held a few minutes ago is indicative of promises the congregation makes to children through the sacrament of baptism. We make promises to children and we have to show them a more excellent way. Jesus loves us and has set us up free to be a bridgebuilder.


~BUILD FAITH~~NUTURE HOPE~~SHARE GOD'S LOVE~

Saturday, November 25, 2006

A Thanksgiving Feast for All!

Last Sunday evening was our Thanksgiving dinner. This blog reporter had the pleasure of attending. It began at 6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. It was the final celebration that ended our Every Member Canvas. There were turkeys enough for an army, baked as well as fried. There were side dishes of every sort, from vegetables to salads to yams. Can we say yummy?! To top it all off there were desserts galore! Good food and fellowship was had by all.

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Pastor Spike Coleman giving the Welcome and Blessing

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The line to get food was quite a long one. Wow! Look at all those intent
faces! Dinner is a serious thing!

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~Turkey Facts~
Turkeys have heart attacks. When the Air Force was conducting test runs and breaking the sound barrier, fields of turkeys would drop dead.
Did you know
turkeys can drown if they look up when it is raining?
A spooked turkey can run at speeds up to 20 miles per hour. They can also burst into flight approaching speeds between 50-55 mph in a matter of seconds.
~Benjamin Franklin wanted the national bird to be a turkey.~

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These girls have the right idea!
Good food and good friends equal fun.


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Smile! You are on "turkey camera!"


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~Turkey Cooking 101~

Be sure you know the difference between a turkey and a chicken
when you begin to fry it.
A turkey fried on top of the stove in a frying pan
has the consistency of shoe leather
and will result in broken teeth.
(It was one of my first attempts at cooking when I was in middle school)
I thought it was a chicken--just a large one!


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Some of the most important work after a wonderful dinner.
Cleanup!
The meal was wonderful and so was the fellowship.
If you were not able to attend this year,
be sure to mark your calendar for next year!





~BUILD FAITH~~NUTURE HOPE~~SHARE GOD'S LOVE~