New Page 1

DECEMBER CALENDAR

December 3 – Noon, Naomi Circle and Ruth Circle, Galbraith Hall

December 8 – 6:30 p.m. Mary & Martha Circle

December 15– 7:30 p.m. PW Board Meeting

The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David. Luke 2:11

The Holiday-A-Fair will be over by the time you read this article. We are hoping for another successful bazaar. This year we increased the number of vendors, (adding the lower pre-school rooms and the youth room). Thank you to all the wonderful ladies who helped in so many ways to make the Holiday-A-Fair so successful every year. It takes so many ladies to bring this yearly event together and we THANK YOU ALL!

The Advent season is a wonderful time, rejoicing in the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Presbyterian Women send their wishes for a Blessed Christmas Season.

Remember, join a Circle, as we say, “come as you are, stay as long as you can, and leave if you must”. You will meet wonderful, loving ladies and will come home filled with God’s Blessings.

In Christ,

Carol MacDonald, Moderator

A reminder – as members of Bethel Presbyterian Church you are automatically members of the Bethel Cemetery Company. The member discount of $50.00 per grave site established April 1, 2007 will terminate March 2008. Do not miss out on these savings. Call any Cemetery Director to arrange an appointment.

Sections #6 and #7 have just been opened for selections and many prime sites are available. The pre-need purchase of grave sites is highly recommended.

The class is open to anyone, young or old, male or female, church member or not, who desires to learn more about God’s Word. It is an informal reading and open discussion format with no tests.

Join us for warm Christian fellowship on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. in the McMillan room and bring a friend.

It’s December already – a very exciting time in a child’s life! We who work with children every day are so fortunate to be caught up in the excitement of the season with our little ones. Their smiles, their dreams, and their joy are a wonder to behold.

There are many plans being made for a very special month in Preschool. The children will be getting ready for Christmas by preparing gifts for their parents and by working on their programs that they will present to their families. Both of these activities are hard work but a lot of fun. We are also hoping to share some Christmas cheer with our neighbors across the street who so graciously hosted us on Halloween. We are also happy to report that our Sarris Candy sale was a huge success! We made a profit of over $4,600 which will help pay for new curriculum items and will help partially fund air conditioning for Preschool. Thanks to those of you who helped us by buying /selling candy.

Another announcement concerning Preschool: We will begin church member registration for fall 2009 during the week beginning January 11, 2009. If you are planning to register your child for any of our programs, please pick up a registration form in the Preschool office during the week or outside the CE office on Sundays. We will open registration for all of our programs: Moms & Twos, Three-year, Four-year, and Transition Classes to the public on January 26. We hope to continue improving our enrollment. Please tell your friends, family, and acquaintances about our excellent programs.

The children will be helping the Castaways Project this month by donating mittens, hats, scarves, etc. We usually collect a large amount of these items which helps the Castaways Project with their gift-giving. We try to stress to the children the importance of giving to those less fortunate especially at Christmas time.

From all of the children and staff of the Preschool program, have a blessed holiday season. Remember the joy that One special Child brought to us and the reason that we celebrate His birth.

We now have in the library Jan Karan’s newest book Home to Holly Springs, Father Tim Series #1 . Those of you who have read her previous books, The Mitford Series, will love this one as well . We understand that it is the beginning of a new series featuring beloved Father Tim ... join him as he returns to his home town of Holly Springs and faces many unexpected events.

The Cloud Splitter, by Russell Banks was donated to the library as a Memorial. The book is missing from the library and does not appear to have been checked out . If you have borrowed this book, we would appreciate having it returned to the library.

We currently have approximately 75 used books which have been donated to the library either with our knowledge or just left in the library. We understand that everyone thinks the library is a good place for books you no longer need or want, however, we suggest that you donate used books to Goodwill or take them to the Used Book Store who will pay a nominal fee for most books. Please do not just leave used books in the library. Thanks !

Community News

Interfaith Hospitality Network is a network of area churches working together to provide shelter and compassion to homeless families. Our primary goal is to help families stay together as they recover from a crisis during an extremely difficult period in their lives. Equally important is having these families “back on their feet” when they leave our shelter – with homes, a reliable income, and a much brighter, more sure future.

Thirteen community churches serve as “hosts” for our displaced families, working together with volunteers from other congregations to provide overnight shelter and meals within their churches, with a warm and caring spirit of friendship.

During the day, families are transported to our Family Center in Washington, with many individuals working or attending school. Our professional staff assists guests in reestablishing their self-reliance.

During 2006, we sheltered 28 families who were guests for anywhere from one week to four months, plus we provide follow-up and consultation services to over 1,000 families.

Since we receive so many calls for help from families in the Pittsburgh area, we’re excited about opening the Second Circle Family shelter in Crafton. With enough donations and assistance from volunteers, we’ll be able to double the number of displaced families we serve.

IHN is a 501(c) 3 non-profit and your donations are deductible to the full extent of the law.

The Food Pantry at SHIM is in need of canned pasta, as well as boxed and canned potatoes. They need ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise, as well. All types of creamed soups are also requested this month.

Realizing that many people in the area are affected by the current economic downturn, the Deacons are asking that everyone think of SHIM when they go shopping. In an attempt to help SHIM really stock their shelves, the Deacons are hoping that everyone will bring a donation every week between now and Christmas. Your donations can be left at the Marshall entrance or the back of the sanctuary. If you would like to make a monetary donation directly to SHIM, it can be placed in the collection plate. Just be sure to clearly mark the envelope, so that it can be delivered for you.

Prime Time Adult Care, located at Christ United Methodist Church on Highland Road is searching for someone to play the piano for our elderly clients. Time commitment is 45 minutes to 1 hour once a month. Please contact Diane Smith at 412-835-6661 if you are interested in this most rewarding experience.

Congregational Announcements

Community News