News & Views Presbyterian Church of Falling SpringVolume 28, Issue 12; December 2016

Our Vision Statement:

Loving Our God, Living Like Jesus Christ,

Learning through the Holy Spirit

Sunday Worship8:15 in the Sanctuary9:00 in the FLC11:00 in the Sanctuary

Sunday School:10:10 in the CEB

Church Office221 N. Main St.717.264.5715Fax: 717.264.0270office@pcfallingspring.orgwww.pcfallingspring.orgwww.fallingspringyouth.org

Hours: Monday-Friday8 AM-4 PM

Published by The Presbyterian Church of Falling Spring221 North Main StreetChambersburg PA 17201

Worship Schedule

For unto us a child is born.Isiah 9:6Sunday, December 4—Second Sunday of Advent. The Holy Sacrament of Communion will be offered at all worship services. Scripture Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10 & Romans 15:4-13.Sunday, December 11—Third Sunday of Advent. Children’s Christmas Pageant at 10 AM in the FLC.Sunday, December 18—Fourth Sunday of Advent. Lessons & carols at 8:15 and 11 AM. “Emanuel, God With Us” at 9 AM; Scripture Readings: Isaiah 7:10-16, Matthew 1:18-25Saturday, December 24—Christmas Eve. Scripture Readings: Isaiah 9:27 & Luke 2:1-20.Sunday, December 25—Unified worship in the Chapel at 10 AM. Scripture Readings: Isaiah 52:7-10 & John 1:1-14.

The Harts of the Matter this Advent Season: I remember one of Olivia’s first Christmases. Being a new dad, I went hog wild on the gifts. I ordered on Amazon, bought out Toys R Us (ok, I got something for myself as well), and actually got her a silver coin from Canada thinking that I would buy one every year for the rest of my life (good intention, but..). Well, the blessed day arrived, and we got up at 5:00 AM and rushed down to open presents. Olivia opened the first one, and then fell asleep. After she woke up she opened the rest, and proceeded to play with one of the boxes that a toy came

in. What? A box? Really? We seem to be really good over Christmas at striving to get more and more stuff. We want more presents, more food, and more electronics. Well, then we get more debt, more weight, and more electric bills. And yet we do not feel satisfied—no we feel like we are missing something. What we are missing is the baby born in the manger. What is ironic is that the most we can hope for, a Savior, was born in a manger, which is basically the least of what we want. So, perhaps instead of wanting more things, we should want more of God. We want more of God through worship, giving more, spending less, and loving more. If we do this then perhaps we can fully understand what happened on that blessed day in that town of Bethlehem. Merry Christmas. May God bless all of you.

Andy and Laura

8:15 AM12/4—Trustee Ryan Moose12/11—Unified Service at 10 AM in FLC12/18—Trustee Cory Meyers12/25—Unified Service at 10 AM in the Sanctuary

9:00 AM12/4—Elder Steve Overcash12/11—Unified Service at 10 AM in the FLC

12/18—12/25—Unified Service at 10 AM in the Sanctuary.

11:00 AM12/4—Trustee Joel George12/11—Unified Service at 10 AM in the FLC12/18—Deacon Janet LaGrassa12/25—Unified Service at 10 AM in the Sanctuary

Living Crèche

Presbyterian Church of the Falling Spring (PCFS) invites all friends and family to join us on Sunday, December 18 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM on the front lawn of the campus for “The Living Crèche (Nativity)”. Multi-generational members of the church and livestock will portray the birth of Jesus Christ in preparation for the Christmas holiday. A cookie reception will follow in the FLC. The Living Crèche is long-tradition at the Presbyterian Church of Falling Spring – for more than 30 years. We hope you will join us for this meaningful, sometimes humorous, church family tradition!

Christmas Open House at the ManseYou’re invited to celebrate the season with the Harts at the Annual Christmas Open House at the Manse on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016. Feel free to drop by anytime between 4pm and 7pm. Laura and Andy will be making all of their favorite Christmas goodies to serve. Please feel free to bring a plate of your favorite Christmas goodies to share as well. And bring the whole family! All are welcome!

CHRISTMAS CAROLING FOLLOWED BY A HOT COCOA BAR!

Bring the family for an afternoon of traditional holiday fun on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 3pm! Come bring joy to others by singing your favorite carols, then come build your PERFECT hot cocoa at a hot cocoa bar with all the fixings at the manse! If you are interested, please call the Church office at 264- 5715 to reserve your spot! We will meet at the FLC at 3pm and travel together to carol at local nursing homes and homes of shut-ins. Don’t miss out on this wonderful chance to enjoy a great holiday tradition!

Presbyterian Church of Falling Spring Holiday Party  

Wednesday, December 14, 2016 Meal Begins at 5:00 p.m. Beverage Station

 Sparkling Cranberry Pomegranate Punch Egg Nog

Fresh Brewed Iced Tea Coffee, Decaf Coffee, and Hot Water for Hot Tea

 Appetizer Station Lobster Bisque

Caesar Salad w/ Freshly Shaved Romano Cheese Assorted Rolls with Whipped Butter and Margarine

 Hot Foods Station  Prime Rib with Au Jus and Horseradish Sauce - Chef Carved

Tilapia with a Roasted Corn and Leek Cream Hard Wood Smoked Pit Ham w/ Pineapple Glaze

Whipped Potatoes with Chives Green Beans Amandine  Desserts Station

 Triple Chocolate Layer Cake Assorted Cheesecake

Fresh Fruit  Cost: $10.00

Children between the ages of 6 and 12 - $5.00 Children under the age of 5 - Complimentary

Family: $28.00 Gluten Free Options will be available.

Wednesday, December 14th, at the FLC Christmas Dinner, the CASHS Jazz Band B, will be the featured entertainment. The Jazz Band, directed by Pops Wenerd, performs traditional swing and blues as well as newer upbeat rock, funk, and Latin favorites.  The dinner, in concert format, will also include seasonal sounds in jazz treatments rarely heard.  It'll be loud, but cool.

Greeter Schedule

01 Philip Lindsey 03 Ellen Pogue 04 Laura Hart 05 Bradon Kunkleman 05 Kate Smith (Miller) 05 Linda Lake 06 Brad Hill 06 Jimmy Kampstra 06 Kim Gutshall 06 Todd Foltz 06 Will Harter 06 Sarah Albrecht 08 Joe Benbow 09 Bill Hutchings 09 Ginny McCright 10 Blaine Vandevander 10 Michael Yoh 12 Janet Byers 12 Joel Gabler

13 David Brill 14 Cooper Sponseller 15 Barbie Jones 15 Daniel Mackey 16 Katelin Lambert 16 Tim Stonesifer 17 Erin Lightfoot 17 Jane Mackey 17 Joshua Blose 17 Warren Elliott 18 Mary Stonesifer 20 Debra Stewart 21 JoAnn Page 21 Tom Stonesifer 22 Sam Kinton 25 Bonnie Bucher 25 Candace Kegerreis 27 Dave Nicholas 28 Kila Faith Gutshall

29 Carole Amsley 31 Greg Ocker

Happy December Birthdays!

Please join during this season of wonder and joy! Sunday, Nov. 27: First Sunday of Advent; Hanging of the Greens, 5pm

Sunday, Dec. 4: Second Sunday of Advent, communion scheduled for all three services, Blue Christmas service- 3pm, Chapel

Sunday, Dec. 11: Third Sunday of Advent, Christmas pageant. Combined service Wednesday, Dec. 14: Holiday Party and Christmas Festival of Music featuring the CASHS Jazz band.

Dec. 17: Christmas Open House at the Manse from 4-7pm.  

Sunday, Dec. 18: Fourth Sunday of Advent, Lessons and Carols; Living Crèche - 6pm

Dec. 21: Christmas caroling, 3pm

Saturday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve services-4:30, 7:30, and 11.

Sunday, Dec. 25: Christmas Day --unified service at 10am, in the Chapel, pjs optional; No Sunday School.

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CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

Our Children’s Christmas Pageant this year will be on Sunday, December 11 during our combined service of worship in the FLC at 10:00 AM. We are looking for all children ages 4 thru Grade 5 to participate. Our practices this year will be on Sunday, Dec. 4 during Sunday School and Friday, December 9 from 5-8 PM with a break for pizza. Please contact Laura Hart or a children’s ministry leader if you want your child to be a part of this special experience! There will be a time of fellowship and light refreshments served after the pageant in the FLC. Hope to see you all there for this meaningful and moving worship experience led by our children!

Blue Christmas Service Blue? As in "I am feeling blue." Not everyone is cheery for the Christmas holidays. Dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, living with cancer or some other disease that puts a question mark over the future, and a number of other human situations make joviality painful for many people. There is a growing attentiveness to the needs of people who are “blue” at Christmas. The Blue Christmas Service creates sacred space for people living through dark times. This service is reflective, accepting where we really are, and holding out healing and hope. Please join us on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 3pm in the Chapel for this special service.

Don’t Forget to order your memorial poinsettias! They are a beautiful way to honor your loved ones. Poinsettias are $9.00 each and the deadline to order is December 5. Order forms are available in the back of the FLC and Sanctuary.

Lessons and Carols On Sunday, December 18th, the traditional services at PCFS will offer A Ceremony of Lessons and Carols.  The worship service comprises seasonal scripture verses interspersed with Christmas and Advent choral anthems, vocal solos, instrumentals, and congregational singing. The Presbyterian Church of Falling Spring has been presenting this service for about 14 years and it has become a favorite since there a little bit of something for everyone.

This Advent season, we invite you to join in the challenge of Advent Conspiracy! Advent Conspiracy is a global

movement of people and churches resisting the cultural Christmas narrative of consumption by choosing a revolutionary Christmas through Worshipping Fully,

Spending Less, Giving More and Loving All. Our advent teachings, our Advent Devotional and many of our

activities will be centered around this time of creating a revolutionary Christmas Season!

Worship FullySpend LessGive More Love All

Dear Supporters of the Pittsburgh Project and PCFS Youth,

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our youth, leaders, and the city of Pittsburgh. Your generosity helped us attend the Pittsburgh Project service camp weekend AND solve a few problems.

You helped us solve the problem of comfort. It is easy for many of us to grow accustomed to comfort and predictability in our lives. Our experience in Pittsburgh placed many outside their comfort zones. New surroundings, new people, the inner city, and poverty to name a few. You helped our group to experience discomfort, which is a necessary ingredient for growth.

You helped us solve the problem of shallow connections. It can be easy for high school students to attend the same school and never really get to know each other. Likewise, youth and leaders who attend the same church may not experience deeper connections with one another. Working in teams, sharing a common goal in a new environment has a way of bringing people together and building deeper connections. We were also able to enjoy new connections with the homeowners we served, neighbors, and participants from other churches who attended the weekend.

You helped us solve the problem of deteriorating housing. Most of the homeowners we serve with the Pitt Project are elderly, low-income homeowners, unable to fix things themselves, and unable to pay a professional. You helped us create warmer, safer, drier, brighter, and happier homes for these wonderful homeowners.

I wish you could have been there, to witness the beautiful transformations taking place in the homes and in our lives. Our youth and adults worked hard, with love, they hungered to learn and grow. Please know our youth and leaders represented Christ and our church well!

Here are some photos and quotes from the participants, who responded to the question: “What was the most meaningful part of the trip for you?”.

Again, thank you for your generosity and support!

Much love,

Brad Hill I learned that the youth are AMAZING....and patient, and

kind, and hard working. I enjoyed the synergy of being a

team and working for Regina's benefit! It also was

wonderful to be with the others in our group who

weren't on my work team! Marsha Quesenberry

Welcome New Staff Members!

We welcome would like to extend a warm welcome to several new folks to our staff here at PCFS!

We welcome Bryan Lucas, our Coordinator of Culinary Services. Bryan is a member of the church and comes to us with a wealth of experience and skill both in the kitchen as chef and as manager and overseer of our kitchen and culinary services. Bryan can be reached by email at culinaryservices@pcfallingspring.org. When you see him around, please give him a warm welcome to the team!

We also welcome Jamie Thomson as our Childcare Supervisor. She is responsible for making sure that our nursery is staffed with the best caregivers for our children. She comes from a teaching background and has experience both in the classroom and out. She is already hard at work filling the positions we have open in our nursery and coordinating the nursery schedule. Jamie can be reached by email at childcare@pcfallingspring.org. Welcome to the team, Jamie!

We are so thankful for our nursery caregivers who take good care of our little ones week in and week out! Please welcome: Jennifer Cramer, Tina George, Cindy Olson, Haley Houston, Rachel Briggs.

Children’s Ministries

As we move into the beautiful Christmas season, I want to take a minute to let you know how much I enjoyed serving as chair of the Children’s Ministry Team for the past two (2) years. My term as Elder and Chair ends at the end of the year.

The leadership, which begins with Rev. Laura, consists of a group of dedicated people who have your interests, children, at heart. You will be well led, taught, loved and cherished and entertained as you come to know and love your Lord Jesus. I know that you are in good hands and you will grow in Jesus as you will come to know His love for you.

I wish all of you and each of you a very Merry Christmas.

~Ellen Palmer Elder & Children’s Ministries Chair

News from Presbyterian Women

Dec. 14th is a Mission Day for PW! Mission is at the heart of the day which will be filled with fellowship and an outpouring of love! Please join us for a day filled with opportunities to celebrate as we become the hands of Christ showing Christian love to others. The day begins with--

Gift Wrapping at The Tower at 10 AM. The residents always look forward to our visits, and we enjoy helping them wrap their Christmas gifts. If you would like to join us, give Becky Fritz a call. We provide the wrapping paper and bows; you would

just need to bring scissors and tape.

Next on Dec. 14th is creating Christmas Stocking Stuffers at

11:45 in FLC. (or following the gift wrapping.) Each year we work through Church Women United and other churches in a mission to supply a little holiday cheer by filling “stockings” for distribution at the Cold Weather Drop-In and Meals on Wheels. We create and fill “stockings” or Christmas bags with small items. Could you help us by providing some of these requested items? Here is a list of suggested items: toiletries, decks of cards, puzzle books, pocket calendars, handkerchiefs, change purses, gloves/scarves/caps, barrettes/hair clips/scrunchies, wallets, and jewelry. You can drop them into the collection boxes in the vestibules of the sanctuary or at the church office. We will add the items to our collection for the “stockings” to be taken to Church Women United. We must have items by Dec. 9th in order to plan.

This year we will also be baking homemade cookies for the Prison Ministry Christmas party, a tradition

of many years. However, this year the Prison Christmas Party is at an earlier date so cookies are needed by Thurs., Dec. 8 at noon. If you like to bake, we could use your help. Please let us know if you are bringing cookies. (Linda Fisher, 263-0310) Thank you for your support for PW. Thank you for your wreath orders. We hope your beautiful wreath is gracing your door by the time you receive this newsletter. This is our main fundraiser. Please plan to support PW each year by purchasing a wreath from us. This year we conducted a second fundraiser by offering items from That’s My Pan. We have closed our account for ordering. We were able to raise some funds to help us continue our many self-supported ministries.

Prayer Shawl Ministry is always in need of crafters’ hands and donations to help us purchase the yarn. If you would like to know more about our prayer shawls and

lap robes, contact Ginny Regi for information.

December Book Discussion will be held on Dec. 21st at 3:15 in Room 205. The book of the month is All the Light We Cannot See”. Please join us in fellowship and lively discussion.

Coordinating Team MembersLinda Fisher, Sue Mummert, Karen Stover, Marilyn Griffin, Lynne Peters; Becky Fritz, Patricia Phenicie-Grandel, Becky Johnson, Ginny Regi, Vicki Kaye, Paige Rosenberger, Judy Klebe, Bonnie Bucher, and Sue Michalski.

I think just seeing the poverty and the way

and conditions people live in is really

eye opening every year and yet the

amount of joy and love they still have! But also it's always great to get to know

a new group of people and work hard

together! And the speaker!!! Amazing weekend as always!

Jenna Lombardozzi

This trip was awesome for many reasons. The first is that the home owner my group helped has been having some health issues and just recently got out of the hospital and told us she wasn't having the best week. Later she told us her birthday was this weekend. Sunday, my group surprised her with cupcakes with lit candles, singing happy birthday to her. She just turned 66. Also, I was able to unwind and be able to connect to God in a way I haven't in months. Debbie Featherly

I think the most meaningful part of my weekend was getting to

know some of the people I probably wouldn't take the time

to build relationships with! It was fun getting to know our

work group better. Erin Lightfoot

The most meaningful part of my trip was bringing joy to my

home owner. I helped paint her room blue along with fixing

some holes in the wall. When she walked in and saw it she

said she didn't even recognize her house and she thought she was in a new one. Seeing her

excitement made me really excited too, knowing I was the

reason for that. She also expressed her love for hugs so I

gave her lots and she always said "thank you kindly". It was

really cute. Avery Rife

Most meaningful parts for me were making stronger connections with our young and

getting out of my comfort zone and

helping someone in need.

Joe Benbow

Most meaningful thing to me was the ability

to work for God in physical way Zeke Knepper

The most meaningful thing for me is seeing the smiling face on our home owner even though

she has been going through a lot of medical issues but still is

welcoming and happy to see us. Mark Shipp

BirthsHenry Joshua Mayhugh was born on October 21. Henry is the son of Joshua and Ellen Mayhugh, the grandson of Ben and Laurie Stonesifer and the great-grandson of Tom and Mary Stonesifer.

BaptismsShepard Strickler Mackey received the Sacrament of Baptism on November 13. Shepard is the son of Andrew and Sophia Mackey and the grandson of Rick and Jane Mackey.

Congratulationsto June George, who celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends at Horse Valley on October 15, 2016.

CondolencesTo Elise Overcash and her family. Elise’s father, Henry Suppan died on November 11. A memorial service was held on November 17 at St. Ignacius Loyola Roman Catholic Church.To Charlie Griffin and his family. Charlie’s uncle died on November 12. A memorial service was held on November 18.

FOOD PANTRY THANKSGIVING MEAL BIG SUCCESS. Thank you to everyone who donated over 300 requested food items, just under $1,000 and many hours of volunteer time to organize, pack, move and distribute 80 complete Thanksgiving Meal bags to our Food Pantry clients. We continue to register about 15 new families per month, however, now that once the Thanksgiving Meal registration ended, daily traffic has slowed a bit.

Realizing that hunger is very much in our community, I ask you to please keep the Food Pantry in your hearts. One item that is always needed is canned chicken. This item is not available through the CentralPAFoodBank and is a good source of protein. As always, please keep those Butcher Shoppe paper bags coming. These bags are what we use for our clients since they

What’s HappeningSession Minutes

Session Minutes* [News & Views]

The Session of the Presbyterian Church of Falling Spring met at 6:30 on November 7, 2016 in Room 208 of the FLC. The following actions were taken at this meeting:

• Approved the wedding of Lauren Schweitzer and Jeremy Crawford on June 10, 2017. • Approved the hiring of Bryan Lucas as Coordinator of Culinary Services. • Approved the hiring of Jamie Thomson as Childcare Supervisor. • Approved the establishment of a $200,000 Line of Credit with both F&M Trust and Orrstown Bank for the

purpose of acquiring and improving the adjacent McCleary property for the development of a Memorial Park.

• Approved the authorization of the Board of Trustees to enter into a Purchase Agreement with the McClearys in accordance with the terms of our Letter of Intent.

• Approved Pastor Andy’s development of an app for use by the Presbyterian Church of Falling Spring in connection with the Steps with Vets ministry.

• Approved vacation days for the Harts from November 22 through November 29. • Approved the September Financial Summary from Paul Luka, Treasurer, showing total year-to-date income

of $464,031 and total expenses of $468,835, resulting in a deficit of $4,804.

Respectfully submitted, Pete Zimmerman Clerk of Session *The full Session minutes are always available from the Clerk of Session.

So, how was Thanksgiving? If you are like most people the holidays are marked with great food, but also weight gain. If you are interested in getting some exercise, please meet us from 3-4 in the FLC on Sundays to

play some hoops. Questions? Contact pastor Andy

CHANGES IN FIRST FRIDAY LUNCHEON

Please note that the location of our First Friday Luncheon has been changed from Chestnut Landing to the Copper Kettle at 1049 LW E. The date has also changed from December 2, to the third Friday, December 16. Arrangements are the same. Call the church office at 264-5715 or Mim Huffman at 263-3983 to make a reservation.

Save the Date and join us for DOLLAR DOG DAY with the Hershey Bears! We all had so much fun last year that we’re doing it again! March 12, 2017 the Bears play Providence at 5pm. We only have 100 seats available! We are again in the alcohol-free section. Tickets are $21.25 each. Sign up now to reserve your seats! Contact Sue or Dave Mummert, 263-5880, smummert@innernet.net and join in the fun.

Falling Spring Preschool will be celebrating Jesus’ birth during our annual Christmas pageant on December 15th at 6:30 pm. Our 3 and 4 year old students have been learning about the Christmas story and have been practicing for a wonderful night of song, show, and celebration. We encourage you to come and celebrate with us! Refreshments will be served following the performance. Bring your family for a blessed night of joy!

Falling Spring Preschool has accepted, with regret, the resignation of our administrator Becky Leonard. It will be effective December 31, 2916. Becky's commitment to our school and her hard work to make it successful are deeply appreciated. Thank you, Becky!

Veterans Ministry What a blessing 2016 has been for our veterans ministry effort. We held two Steps With Vets walks, one downtown and one at Letterkenny Army Depot Chapel. In these events about 25 people walked 2.2 KM in support of our veterans. We also did a 22 KM walk in Gettysburg. In all of these events we were blessed with good weather. Besides walking to support our veterans our Facebook weekly posts are now reaching somewhere between 4-6,000 people a week. In addition at the time of this writing, an app has been submitted to Apple. Prayerfully by the time you read this article it will be available on iTunes.

Tour to Bible LandsDr. Harter and Ian Jacobs will direct their annual Pilgrimage and Study Tour to Israel from February 18-March 2, 2017 flying non-stop on United Airlines from Newark to Tel Aviv. For more information, call 264-3828.

Note from Doc RockHello PCFS! Just an update! I am doing well and am enjoying my new position as staff chaplain at Rappahannock General Hospital in Kilmarnock, VA if you want to contact me,email me at docroc03@gmail.com!

Family News