Celebrating the Corporate life of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church
303-494-8094
Email = office@standrewboulder.org
Fax = 303-554-7434
Website = standrewboulder.org
Newsletter Staff
Jo Marvin, Editor
Email = ljmarvin@q.com
Alice Koerner
Tiffany Nelson
Newsletter Deadline
15th of each month Pastor
Reverend Dr. Stan Adamson Sunday Worship
9:00 and 10:30 Church School
Adults - 9:00 am & Children 10:30 am Annual Christmas Party
Advent workshop
18 Choir Christmas Cantatas
24 Two Services - 6:30 and 8:00pm
25 Worship - 10:30am
January 1 Worship - 10:30am
6 Epiphany Celebration - 6:00pm
7 'Undecorate' the church
8 Resume two worship services Ordain/install new officers
December 11 Children's Christmas Worship Youth Group
We have had a wonderful Fall! A fantastic group of Youth spent the weekend at Highlands for the Senior High Retreat, we had a fun time exploring the Corn Maze and Fall Festival, and we collected tons of food for Community Food Share's Annual Holiday Food Drive! We have even more fun planned for this winter, so mark your calendars now and bring some friends to join in the fun!
December 4: Christmas Party Fun from 11:30-1:00pm in the Youth Room.
December 11: All Church Christmas Party and Advent Workshop in Parish Hall.
December 18: Christmas Break! No Youth Group.
December 24: Cookies and Conversation in the Youth Room between the two services. All youth and college students are welcome to hang out and catch up in the Youth Room with some sweet treats!
December 25 and January 1: No Youth Group
Looking Ahead¡KOur Annual Steamboat Springs Ski Trip is January 13-15. If you're interested in joining us, let Stephanie know by December 4.
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NOTES IN THE MARGIN
"Nothing Will Be Impossible with God"
"And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end . . . For nothing will be impossible with God"
(Luke 1:31-33, 37 NRSV)
I wonder what the founders of St. Andrew Church thought the congregation might look like in fifty years? Would it grow or shrink, be rich or poor, serve a growing neighborhood or reach out way beyond the boundaries of the fast-growing southern edge of Boulder in 1961? Over the fifty years of the congregation's life, all these things have happened! And all the while, the environment around the campus has changed, the demographics of Boulder have changed, and the denomination, the part of the Christian community, with whom we relate, has changed too.
One thing hasn't changed: the reason we're gathered together as a faith community. The gift of God in the person of Jesus. We're reminded in our Mission Statement that we are called to "live the joy of Christ." This congregation has always lived His joy by "doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God." As we move through the sacred season of Advent, through the festivity of Christmas, and into a new year, we leave behind us the celebrations of this 50th year as a congregation. I want to express my appreciation to the 50th Anniversary Task Force for planning so many memorable events throughout the year. Thanks for helping us develop a corporate memory of the work and worship in which we've been involved for fifty years.
The new year allows us to refocus our mission and ministry on the challenges faced by us and our neighbors in the present, with hope for the future. We are a wonderfully gifted, growing congregation. As we find new ways to put our gifts to work in God's domain, let's give thanks for the past, hope for future, but work and worship in the present, where God is leading us. Please pray for the new ruling elders and deacons who will be our leaders in the new year. Pray for our gifted and dedicated paid and volunteer staff, who support us with integrity and imagination.
Most of all, pray for the Spirit's guidance as we daily share the presence of Christ, and look where He is leading us. Always may we remember, as the angel said, "With God, nothing will be impossible."
Happy New Year!
Yours for faithful living,
Stan Adamson
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ADULT EDUCATION
Adults and Teens have three opportunities on Sundays at 9:00am. The Bible Video class deals with issues of history, archaeology, scripture, and how those relate to our faith and tradition. The Faith Matters class addresses a variety of timely Christian topics, such as environmental stewardship, family life, peacemaking, and aspects of the Presbyterian Church. The Younger Adult class meets for fellowship and discussion, and will determine their own agenda.
FAITH MATTERS
December 4, 11, and 18 Immigration from a Theological Perspective
from the Colorado Council of Churches Curriculum
December 25 NO CLASS
January 1 NO CLASS
January 8 Issues in Contemporary Egypt Jim Jankowski
Emeritus Professor of History, CU; Author of
Egypt a Short History (Oxford--Oneworld,2000)
January 15 What Muslims Want Christians to Know
Imam Ibrahim Kazerooni, Former Director of the Abrahamic Initiative at St. John's Cathedral, Denver
January 22 What Jews Want Christians to Know
Rabbi Joshua Rose, Senior Rabbi, Congregation Har HaShem, Boulder
January 29 What a Hospice Chaplain Wants You to Know
The Rev. Melissa Vuto, Hospice Care Center,
Louisville, Colorado
BIBLE VIDEO: - class meets in the church Parlor at the East end of the Education wing. December schedule is as follows:
December 4 The Shaping of Rabbinic Judaism
December 11 A Violent Epilogue - Bar Kokhba
December 18 From "Roots" to "Tree"
This completes the 24-lesson "Beginnings of Judaism.
There are NO CLASSES until January 8 when a new series of study will start.
Any questions please contact Lew Sowell 303-449-8226.
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Confirmation
Hello Parents and Youth, 6-8th grade!
We will be holding Confirmation classes beginning in January. We will celebrate the completion of Confirmation classes by confirming youth on May 27 in worship.
There will be a Parent's Class to discuss Confirmation on December 11 at 9:30am in the Youth Room.
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You¡¦re Invited!
St. Andrew Christmas Potluck Party
And Advent Workshop!
* Follow the Star *
When
? December 11 following worship Where
? Parish Hall Why
? A time for us to celebrate the Christmas season as a church family! Like the Wisemen Follow the Star, we are seeking the birth of our Savior! What
? Cookies, Crafts, and Carols! There will be soup and sandwiches for lunch. Please sign up in the Atrium so we know what you will bring to share. Who
? YOU! In Touch Holidays 2011/12 Page 6
HOLIDAY WORSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
December 4 through January 1, 2012, one worship service at 10:30am.
December 11 - Children's Christmas program
Final Sunday honoring our 50th Anniversary year
December 18 - Choir cantatas w/ orchestra
December 24 - Christmas Eve there will be two candlelight services, at 6:30 and 8:00pm. Sing traditional Christmas carols and listen to the Christmas story anew.
There will be lighting of the Advent candles each Sunday during Advent. An Advent booklet for families is available in the Atrium, so families can have their own Advent observance at home.
CELEBRATE EPIPHANY! Elder Evaristo Ramirez-Aguilar, a native of Mexico, will again lead us in a special Epiphany service and meal at St. Andrew at 6:00pm on January 6, the end of the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas. Learn about Epiphany customs, including the tradition of Rosca de Reyes, and enjoy food and fellowship at this big celebration. Sign up in the Atrium by January 1 so meal planners will know how many to expect.
January 7 - "Undecorate" - take down Advent/Christmas decorations 10:00 a.m.
Sign up to help!
January 8 - resume two worship services 9:00 and 10:30am.
Ordination and Installation of elders and deacons
The Worship Committee would like to thank those many members of St. Andrew who have volunteered to serve as a liturgist, usher or greeter during this past year
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Children's Christmas Worship:
The Children of St. Andrew will lead us in our annual Children's Christmas on Sunday, December 11 during the 10:30 service. We will be practicing in Sunday School on December 4 and on December 11 at 9:30. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. If you cannot attend the practices but would like to participate, please let Stephanie know and she will save you a part!
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POINSETTIA ORDERS:
Christmas is fast approaching! Once again, we invite you to donate a poinsettia, in memory or in honor of someone, to enhance the beauty of our sanctuary. To place your order, complete the form in the bulletin and include a check for $12.00, payable to the church. Please note "poinsettia" on the memo line of your check. Place your check with the form in the box in the Atrium. Plants may be picked up following the 8:00pm service on Christmas Eve. (Orders will be taken through Sunday December 11.)
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ƒnMUSICAL OFFERINGS
On Sunday, December 18, the St. Andrew Choir and guests will present two Christmas Cantatas as part of our 10:30am worship service. Both will be in English and will be accompanied by strings and keyboard.
The Sixteenth century German composer Dietrich Buxtehude's "The Infant Jesus" was composed for New Year's Day and conveys the hope and promise for a new year with the birth of the "Little Child" who "forgives our wrong". In this short cantata each of the verses is connected by instrumental interludes.
American composer Z. Randall Stroope writes that his "American Christmas" was composed to underscore the significant contribution America has made to music around the world. Although many of the beloved carols and traditional songs normally associated with the season are English, German, French or of other origin outside of American, there is a wealth of wonderful music "right here at home." His cantata uses many very familiar American tunes set to texts for the season.
If you would like to help underwrite the cost of the instrumentalists for these cantatas, please send your donation marked "cantatas" to the church office.
All donations are welcome.
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Mission Update
St. Andrew will receive the 2011 Christmas Joy Offering in December. Undesignated gifts to the Christmas Joy Offering will be distributed equally to the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions and to support scholarships at Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges. Through the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions - which comprises a broad range of individualized programs - the Christmas Joy Offering honors the faithfulness of current and retired ministers and church workers in their hour of greatest need by providing funds to help them through life's challenging circumstances. To grant both peace of mind and practical assistance to retired church workers and their surviving spouses, the Board offers income supplements to raise incomes to a level where retirees can afford to live modestly while continuing to maintain their independence. Some recipients need relatively limited, yet critical, assistance - to afford a hearing aid, for instance, to continue a ministry.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) - with its historic commitment to higher education - has long promoted the education of racial ethnic men and women through the establishment and support of racial ethnic schools and colleges. Thanks to the enduring legacy of the Christmas Joy Offering, today's racial ethnic Presbyterian students may receive much-needed scholarship assistance while their schools may get help with basic operating costs. Consider giving to the Christmas Joy Offering and to help support Presbyterian workers and their families and students during this joyful season of Advent and Christmas.
In Touch Holidays 2011/12 Page 8
FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
On December 11, 2011 we will close our yearlong celebration. Let us all express gratitude for the opportunities given to each of us as members of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. Over the past fifty years so many dedicated and caring people have stepped forward, moved to share God's love with others.
As Saint Andrew, the Apostle, was known for introducing Jesus to strangers, so we as a congregation have played an important and ongoing role throughout our congregation, community and the world by introducing others to the grace of God. Come, join us in this final celebration as an opportunity to revitalize our connections and continue to look forward, inspired by the future and our continued role in God's plan.
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CONGREGATIONAL LIFE ACTIVITIES . . .
A "not so new" activity took place during October/November when many church members gathered at homes in groups of 6 to 8 to share a potluck supper and get better acquainted. This revived a custom that happened in years past and was suggested by The Reverend Barbara McKee. Now that we have welcomed a number of new members it is a golden opportunity for many to get to know each other. Since the suppers were so well received we will begin again in January to provide this opportunity for all. Look for times and places to share in this fun activity and sign up!
We continue to make grocery cards available to our church families, however there has been a change in the "time" they are available. Card sales will be available only between the two worship services each Sunday (from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.)
During the months of November and December the Confessional Banners will be replaced in the sanctuary celebrating Part I of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) .
December events will close the year-long celebration of St. Andrew's 50th Anniversary and the gifts of the many dedicated and caring people who have shared God's love with others.
The Annual Christmas Party will be held in conjunction with the Christian Education Advent activities on Sunday, December 11, following the 10:30 a.m. worship service. Look for the sign-up sheet in the atrium.
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MEET MORE NEW OFFICERS
Helen Mitchell Deacon 11/2011
Helen is an Ohio native with college degrees from Heidelberg College and Northwestern University. She taught high school chemistry for several years in Chicago, and after she and Dick married continued teaching high school chemistry and physics in Frederick, CO, until her retirement this past May. Dick and Helen became members of St. Andrew in 1983. They have two children, William, a CU graduate, and Phillip, currently attending CU. Both boys were active members of Scout Troop 78.
Susan Zapata New Elder 11/2011
Susan Zapata is a relatively new member to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, joining in 2010. In fact, she only moved to Boulder in June 2010 to be near her older son. (Her other son lives in WV.) She served as an educator for 30 years in Illinois, 4 years in Berlin, Germany, 6 months in Burnsville, NC and 4 years in Kuwait.
She has been actively involved in the life of the church by working with the 'angels' work group, writing curriculum for Sunday School and teaching Sunday School. She also serves on several church committees.
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DEACONS' CHRISTMAS
Every Christmas Season the Deacons sponsor three special projects that give the people of St. Andrew an opportunity to help our friends and neighbors in need:
SHARE-A-GIFT PROGRAM
Please help raise the Holiday spirit of less fortunate children in our community through a contribution to Share-A-Gift. There will be a Share-A-Gift collection box in the church Atrium until Monday December 12 for your unwrapped new or gently used toys, books, games and puzzles, and gifts for older children (12-14) as well.
For further information contact Gail Turner (gailbobt@earthlink.net or 303-499-2669) or to volunteer with toy distribution on Saturday, December 17 or shop setup on December 14 or 15 visit www.shareagift.org or call JoAnn at 303-494-4258.
WARMING TREE
Warm the bodies and spirits of local children, youth and adults with your gift to the Warming Tree. Items requested include: hats, mittens and gloves (all ages) socks, winter coats for children and adults, blankets (large to infant), sleeping bags, boots, scarves.
Items should be new or cleaned after being gently used. Benefiting agencies include: Boulder Homeless Shelter, The Deacon's Closet, church members directly serving the homeless, and Title 1 Front Range Elementary Schools. The Warming Tree will be located in the Atrium through the end of the year. Contact Hugh Mattox (hugh.mattox@yahoo.com or 303-543-9895 for more information.
TOILETRIES FOR THE HOMELESS
Brighten the lives of local homeless people with a gift of basic toiletries. Items on the Boulder Shelter wish list include: travel-size shampoo, soap, lotion, toothpaste, deodorant and shaving cream; also disposable razors, toothbrushes, kleenex, Q-tips, chapstick, combs, sunblock, cough drops, vitamins and bandaids. Look for the donation box located in the Atrium through December 18. Contact Mary Ann McWhirter (maryannmc@comcast.net or 303-543-7510) for more information.
The Deacons sincerely appreciate our congregation's generous support of local mission opportunities and invite you to think about how you and your family might contribute to these programs, in whatever manner you can. Thank you.
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PRAYER CONCERNS
Recently hospitalized: Barbara Timblin, Mary (Mrs. Robert) Von Eschen,
Peggy Mussehl (Bozeman, Montana)
Raoudha Trabelsi (Fiancee of Humberto "Bear" Zelaya)
At home: Tiffany & Mark Nelson and their twins, Zander and Mararose;
Charles Southwick
Be1reaved: Tom Fey, whose brother, the Rev. Monty Fey, died in Kansas
November 20
The family of Victoria Reasoner, infant friend of Barbara Guy, died November 20 at Children's Hospital
CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER
Compliments to our own Tom & Stevie Hoffman, who are Highlands Camp 2011 distinguished volunteers! They will receive their award at the annual Highlands Christmas Party on Saturday, December 3, from 1 to 4 p.m.
And special love to the Revend Dr. F. Andrew Carhartt and his lovely wife Ginny on the occasion of their
65th! wedding anniversary!! May you enjoy many more!!Come
Worship
With us!!!!!!
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As an integral part of the life and ministry of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, the mission of the newsletter IN TOUCH is to provide a medium for the dissemination of news, the celebration of significant events, and the support of our ongoing corporate mission. In this way, through accurate reporting, compassion and humor, we seek to participate in making Christ meaningful in the lives of our people.
IN TOUCH
