THE MESSENGER PAYSON PARK CHURCH

CONGREGATIONAL / UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 365 BELMONT STREET, BELMONT, MA 02478 617/484-1542 [email protected] www.paysonpark.org

D ECEMBER 2 0 15 O U R M I S S I O N S TA T E M E N T “We believe God is calling us to walk in the ways of Jesus Christ and to bear witness to the Gospel through worship and service, empowered by the Holy Spirit.” Advent is the season of hopeful expectation. In the Christian church, we have two reasons to look forward in hope: first, we are blessed to have a Savior, Jesus Christ, who first came into our world as the “Babe of Bethlehem,” the embodiment of God in human form; and second, we look forward to his second coming at the conclusion of time as we know it. In the meantime, between these two divinely offered gifts of grace, we are called to live in hopeful anticipation of Christ’s return guided by the principles he demonstrated in his life as Jesus of Nazareth, a First Century Galilean Jew. Advent is given its true significance by that which follows it: Christmas, or the celebration of Christ’s birth. This means that in Advent season we are to look for the signs of Christ’s coming in the world around us, to prepare our lives to receive him, to rejoice that God draws near to us in Christ’s birth, and to proclaim the good news of freely offered salvation to a world so in need of God’s gracious love. The words of Hebrews 10:24-25 admonish us as Christians to “provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, all the more as you see the Day approaching.” These are good words for us to take to heart anytime of year, but perhaps particularly so during this season of Advent. If it’s been a while since you’ve worshipped with a community of Christians who are looking forward to Christmas and to Christ’s coming new day, perhaps this Advent is the season to come back and be spiritually renewed, surrounded by other people of faith. Or, if you’ve never worshipped with us at all, Advent is a good time to start. So won’t you come join in the celebration of Christ’s birth and God’s love that’s what the season of Advent is all about? Wherever you are on your journey of faith, there’s a place for you at Payson Park Church! Rev. Tom Forster-Smith

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Worship Schedule

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Mission & Service

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Make a Joyful Noise

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Education & Fellowship

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Administrative News

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Church Calendar

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Pageant & Party

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WORSHIP SCHEDULE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 10:30 AM Second Sunday of Advent: The Candle of Peace Holy Communion & Food Pantry Collection The Rev. Tom Forster-Smith preaching We are grateful to the many members and friends of Payson Park who greet us each Sunday. The acolytes greeting from God’s Garden this month are Hollis Cole, Lilly Hay and Vivian Robinson. Lighting the Candle of Peace is Ned Gulley. Altar flowers are given by Janet Coleman in memory of her brother, Kevin Finnerty. Altar flowers are also given by Janet David in memory of Marion, Tom and Kathleen Serino. The deacons serving communion are Pat Cappadona, Lorraine Clifford, Cynthia Lasker and Carl Miller. The deacon on duty is Emily Dallman. The fellowship hour is given by Ned & Wendy Gulley and Janet Scully. Reading scripture is Carl Miller. The ushers greeting are Ann Alves & Carl Miller.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 10:30 AM Fourth Sunday of Advent: The Candle of Love Service of Lessons & Carols, The Christmas Fund Offering The Rev. Tom Forster-Smith preaching Lighting the Candle of Love is Herb Philpott. The poinsettia flowers decorating the sanctuary are given in memory of loved ones. Altar flowers are given by the Diaconate in memory of past members. The deacon on duty is Pat Cappadona. Hosting fellowship hour is Betsy Hay, Mona Hayes and Ellen Robinson. Reading scripture are members of the Diaconate. The ushers greeting are Sally Markham & Carl Miller.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24 5:30 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, The Christ Candle The Rev. Tom Forster-Smith preaching Lighting the Christ Candle is Eddy Villalta. The ushers SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 10:30 AM greeting are Susan Clark and Carl Miller. Reading scripThird Sunday of Advent: The Pink Candle of Joy ture is Ann Alves. Christmas Pageant & Church Party/Luncheon The Rev. Tom Forster-Smith presiding SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 10:30 AM Lighting the Candle of Joy is Matt Clifford. Altar flowers Sunday after Christmas are given by Cindy Lou Benson and Molly Jo Rivelli in The Rev. Bill Ragan preaching honor of the youth in God’s Garden. The Christmas The altar flowers are given by the Caroline Russell luncheon and party is given by the Christian Education Memorial Fund. The fellowship hour is given by Bill & and Mission & Outreach committees. A suggested Kay Hudgins, Susan Harper and Jane Marshall. The donation of $5.00 per person or $20.00 per family is deacon on duty is Holly Bloomfield. Reading scripture asked. The deacon on duty and reading scripture is Lor- is Nancy Slavinsky. The ushers greeting are Carl Miller raine Clifford. The ushers greeting are Cynthia Lasker & & Nancy Slavinsky. Carl Miller.

THANK Y OU

FOR

NOVEMBER WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

F ULFILLING

We are grateful to those who worshipped with us in the month of November. Below is a recording of our worship attendance. Thank you for being here! November 1 - 61 November 8 - 75 November 15 - 66 November 22 & 29 TBD

Y OUR 2015 P LEDGE ! Please note, the year-end deadline for having your contributions appear in 2015 for tax purposes is Sunday, December 27, 2015. Any money received after December 27 will be recorded in 2016! Thank you for fulfilling your 2015 pledge. 2

MISSION & SERVICE THE CHRISTMAS FUND OFFERING:

CHRISTMAS IS COMING Every year our church responds to the City Mission Society’s appeals for gifts of new clothing and toys to stock its Christmas Shops which serve over 4,000 individuals who choose Christmas gifts for their families. These gifts are not sold but are given cost free. Especially needed are warm coats, sweaters, socks, gloves, mittens, hoodies, etc. Every gift we give will surprise its recipient. Collection boxes will be placed in the narthex to receive your contributions on November 29th, December 6 & 13th. Children are invited to bring their gifts to the Christmas Party on December 13th and Santa just might give them a sweet treat in return. ACTIVE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING: A MONTHLY OFFERING TO OUR LOCAL FOOD PANTRY

On the first Sunday of each month the church food for our local food pantry. We call it the “Active Prayer of Thanksgiving.” Please bring in new canned goods and dry food items on Sunday, Dec. 6. Thank you for being part of our local mission work.

LOVE SHINES THROUGH The Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross and Emergency Fund is a special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that honors those who have served as clergy and lay leaders, giving their time, talents and treasure for the work of the church, sometimes at great personal cost. For 113 years this offering has been received thanks to the generosity of congregations and individuals. It is distributed through the UCC Pension Board Ministerial Assistance program to provide monthly pension supplementation, quarterly health care premium supplementation, Christmas “Thank You” gift checks, and Emergency Grants in time of financial crises. We have become who we are today at least in part because of those who have formed us in faith. This includes those clergy and lay employees who carried the light for us through our childhood, our times of doubt, even through our catastrophes. They paved the way for us and this season. With our Christmas Fund Offering we are able to show our thanks and support for them and their tireless years of service. Your gifts, marked Christmas Offering, will help continue to meet a very real need. The Mission Committee

THE MINISTRY OF ALL BELIEVERS: OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE ABOUND

BRISTOL LODGE FOOD KITCHEN: SERVING OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED Thank you for the donations toward the purchase of lasagnas for the November meal! The December meal will be lasagna as well, served on Tuesday, December 22. Please sign-up on the bulletin board near the church office.

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Are you looking for a way to serve the church or the world? The Nominating Committee is currently recruiting members and friends of the congregation to serve on the committees of the church. If you would like to explore ways to offer your talents and time, please speak with Carl Miller or Nancy Fergus, committee members.

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE A NOTE FROM THE CHOIR LOFT

THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR

When it's ninety degrees in the summer, it's hard to imagine these colder, darker months upon us. However, it is the most beautiful season for music, especially in the church. We are preparing some gorgeous music for the Advent Season and are looking especially forward to our Lessons and Carols service on December 20th. There is something extra special about the Lessons and Carols service falling on the winter solstice and we will make the most of that convergence this year. We will be sure to choose some favorite carols for the service as well, so warm up your voices!

December is upon us and our annual Christmas Pageant is almost here! Please join us on December 13th during worship to share in the beautiful story of “Carriers of the Light” as presented by the children of Payson Park. They've learned their songs, memorized their lines, and been fitted with wonderful costumes to prepare for this most special time of year, and to inspire each of us to be a Carrier of Light as we enter this Christmas season. Come celebrate not only the birth of the baby Jesus, but also to support and celebrate the hard work that our youth have done to bring this gift to you. A special thanks to all the children for their dedication and willingness to share their talents!

SHARING A NEW SONG Sharing A New Song chorus will be performing a concert on Saturday, December 12, at 7:30 pm at Payson Park Church. Led by music director Jonathan Singleton, the 75 member chorus will sing a variety of American songs, as well as some Cuban songs they sang during their trip to Cuba last May. Advance tickets are $15; $12 for seniors and students, and are available at www.sanschorus.org. Tickets at the door are $18; $15 for seniors and students. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Belmont Cultural Council.

HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING! ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CAROLING EVENT Join a choir of angels as members and friends of Payson Park Church go caroling on Sunday, December 20 @ 3:00 pm. The joy of song and Christian fellowship will be shared at the homes of our homebound neighbors and friends. For more information, please speak with Emily Dallman or Wendy Gulley.

CARRIERS OF THE LIGHT THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT AND CHRISTMAS PARTY Mark your calendars for a joyful time of Christmas celebration! Our annual Christmas pageant will be presented on Sunday, December 13, during worship. Don’t miss this opportunity to share our wonderful programs for children with your friends and neighbors! The Christmas luncheon and party will follow the service. Join us for this festive time filled with food & fellowship hosted by the Mission & Outreach and the Christian Education Committees. A donation of $5.00 per person or $20.00 per family is suggested. Bring an unwrapped gift for the City Mission Society’s Christmas Shop & receive a sweet treat from Santa. This would be a wonderful opportunity to get a photo with Santa Claus. 4

EDUCATION & FELLOWSHIP MEN’S BREAKFAST:

THEOLOGY, LITERATURE AND COFFEE (TLC) NEWS

GATHERING ON THURSDAY MORNINGS

The adult education group, “Theology, Literature, and Coffee (TLC),” led by our ministerial associate, the Rev. Bill Ragan, is continuing the discussion of Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure the World by Tracy Kidder, 2003 on December 13 at 9:00 am.

The Men’s Breakfast group has established itself as a weekly event that many of the Payson Park men participate in and look forward to. Together we study the lectionary scripture lessons that serve as the basis for our Sunday worship services each week. This is a great way for men to get to know each other better. The group will meet in the MacDonald Room parlor. Speak to Rev. Tom for more information. There will be no meeting on Dec. 24 or 31. Breakfast will resume on Jan. 7, 2016.

This non-fiction, biographical work traces the life of physician and anthropologist Paul Farmer with particular focus on his work fighting tuberculosis in Haiti, Peru and Russia. In this powerful, inspiring, true story of a gifted man who is in love with the world and has set out to do all he can to cure it, Kidder shows how one person can make a difference. Farmer is the founder of the Boston based Partners in Health – a global health organization relentlessly committed to improving the health of poor and marginalized people.

FAITHFUL REFLECTIONS: THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY Would you like a chance to talk about your spirituality with other people? Faithful Reflections is a class that provides just such opportunities as Rev. Tom leads us in conversation about the coming week’s passage of scripture. Join us in the parlor on Thursdays from 10:00 am to 11:15 am. There will be no meeting on Dec. 24 or 31. The study group will resume on Jan. 7, 2016.

Join us on December 13 at 9:00 am, and come to know one another and our God better as we discuss Mountains Beyond Mountains. Come and experience our “Stillspeaking” God at Theology, Literature and Coffee! Please feel free to contact Bill Ragan at his email [email protected] or on his cell: 484-8604108 with any questions about this adult education opportunity.

YOUTH GROUP:

SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT:

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE Mark your calendars for the Christmas Eve service on Thursday, December 24, at 5:30 pm. This service will be filled with the joy of song and celebration – and candlelight. All families and members of the church are encouraged to attend – and please bring a neighbor or friend!

First Fridays Youth Group had lots of fun last month playing games, enjoying pizza and decorating cookies. They made Thanksgiving cards to send to our homebound church members. The group meets on the first Friday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 pm for pizza, prayer, and fun activities. 5

ADMINISTRATIVE NEWS CROSSROADS UPDATE

REACHING OUT TO CHURCH MEMBERS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON As the holiday season unfolds, we have the opportunity to offer our care to those long-time members of the church who are not able to attend worship regularly at this time in their lives. Please reach out to those you miss seeing on Sundays with a note or phone call. It is with such loving outreach we offer the loving Spirit of Christ to the wider community.

The Crossroads process of congregational assessment and renewal has involved the Payson Park congregation in six months of small group discussion to discern how God is calling us to faithful ministry and outreach in the current context of our community. This process has now reached its conclusion and a recommendation from the Crossroads small group leaders is being brought to the Payson Park Church Council on December 1 about how our congregation’s mission can be redefined in light of the needs and issues of the wider community in which this church is planted. Where can we find the intersection of our congregation’s spiritual gifts and the deepest needs of the people living around us? How can we renew the message of hope in God’s love in ways that speak the language of people who may be unfamiliar or out of practice with seeking the good news of Jesus Christ? This is a big challenge, to adapt our approach to living as his disciples in the 21st Century world. But we know that through faith and love, anything is possible, with God’s help. Watch the next issue of The Messenger for further reports on the outcome of the Crossroads process

ANNUAL MEETING Save the date! The Annual Meeting of Payson Park Church will be held on Sunday, January 24, after worship. This is an important event as we review the year past and plan for the future.

AUTISM WALK IS A SUCCESS On Sunday, October 18th, the JayWalkers team joined 10,000 others on a cold but sunny day for the 15th Annual Greater Boston Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Our team consisted of 20 people, including Jay, and we raised over $8000. We very much appreciate the many generous donations from members of the congregation and from the Mission and Outreach Committee. To date, the event has raised more than $700,000 in support of Autism Speaks’ mission to fund research, increase awareness and family services and advocate for individuals with autism and their families. Donations will be accepted through the end of the year; contact Wendy Gulley at [email protected] if you'd still like to contribute. Thank you! LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW… BUT, PLEASE, NOT ON SUNDAY! As we enter the winter season, the Diaconate reminds you that Sunday morning worship services will be cancelled when a parking ban is in effect in Belmont. To confirm such a cancellation, please call the church after 8:00 a.m. on the Sunday in question. The recorded message will provide information about the morning service. If you call the church and do not hear the recording, please call again. The line may busy with another caller. Thank you!

The Payson Park Church Search committee is in an inactive status. The committee will not reconvene again until the Church Council reactivates it. That new committee may look different than the previous one, depending upon availability and desire of members to serve on it.

PLEDGE APPEAL:

GIVING OUR THANKS TO GOD As the annual pledge appeal unfolds at Payson Park Church, we hope all members and friends of our community will make a financial commitment to benefit the church and the continued mission of Jesus in 2016. We have the opportunity – and challenge! – to consider how we give our gifts of treasure to God. Pledge cards are available on the Narthex table. 6

DECEMBER 2015 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 7:00 PM Church Council WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 11:00 AM Staff Meeting THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 7:00 AM Men’s Breakfast, Bible Study 10:00 AM Faithful Reflections, Bible Study FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 6:00 PM First Fridays Youth Group SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 9:00 AM Church clean up SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 Second Sunday in Advent, the Candle of Peace Communion Service & Food Pantry Collection 9:00 AM Adult Choir Rehearsal 9:00 AM Nursery Care 9:15 AM Youth Choir 10:30 AM Worship & Pageant Dress Rehearsal 11:30 AM Fellowship Hr. (Ned, Wendy & Janet) TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8 (poinsettia order due) 9:00 AM Food Pantry Belmont Delivery 12:00 PM Communities of Practice (offsite) 6:30 PM Finance Committee 7:00 PM Property Committee THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 7:00 AM Men’s Breakfast, Bible Study 10:00 AM Faithful Reflections, Bible Study SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 9:30 AM Christmas Luncheon Set-up 7:30 PM Sharing a New Song concert

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 Third Sunday in Advent, the Candle of Joy Christmas Pageant & Luncheon 9:00 AM Adult Choir Rehearsal 9:00 AM Nursery Care 9:00 AM T. L. & C. 9:00AM Pageant - Full Dress Rehearsal 10:30 AM Worship & Pageant 11:30 AM Christmas Luncheon WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16 Messenger Deadline THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 9:00 AM Messenger Committee SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 Fourth Sunday of Advent, The Candle of Love Service of Lessons & Carols 9:00 AM Adult Choir Rehearsal 9:00 AM Nursery Care 9:15 AM Youth Choir Rehearsal 10:30 AM Worship & Church School 11:30 AM Fellowship Hour (Betsy, Mona & Ellen) 3:00 PM Christmas Caroling (offsite) Tuesday December 22 5:00 PM Bristol Lodge meal serving THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24 5:30 PM Christmas Eve Service, The Christ Candle SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27 9:00 AM Adult Choir Open Sing Rehearsal 9:00 AM Nursery Care 9:15 AM No Youth Choir Rehearsal 10:30 AM Worship & No Church School

The Rev. Tom Forster-Smith, Interim Pastor, can be reached through the Church Office, 617/484-1542 or by email at [email protected].

CHURCH CLEAN UP: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Rev. Bill Ragan, Ministerial Associate, can be reached or on his cell phone 484/860-4108 or by email at [email protected].

The property committee is hosting a church clean-up day on Saturday, December 5 from 9 to noon. Please stop by if you can share an hour or two.

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THE MESSENGER PAYSON PARK CHURCH 365 BELMONT STREET BELMONT MA 02478-3438

CELEBRATING THE BIRTH OF CHRIST: POINSETTIAS ADORN THE SANCTUARY Join in the festive and loving spirit of this sacred season! Poinsettias will adorn our worship space on Sunday, December 20, Service of Lessons and Carols and the 5:30 pm Christmas Eve service.

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