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The First ARP Church Newsletter December 2018

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son…” Gal. 4:4

When I think of the Advent Season I also think of fullness. But I’m afraid it is not the same fullness that Scripture speaks about. I think of fullness of activity, with practically every moment of this season spoken for. Of course, these activities are all good things in and of themselves. But like too many helpings of sweet potato casserole at Thanksgiving, irresistible to any sensible person, afterwards I am exhausted and nauseous. I think of fullness of stress. Overwhelmed by shopping lists, Christmas cards, school concerts, and family get-togethers, many can’t help looking forward to the end of the holiday season. If you need evidence, just look at the faces of those shopping around you. And without fail, this season brings with it a fullness of stuff. Lots and lots of stuff. Stuff being yanked out of attics to decorate the house inside, outside, upside and downside. Then there is all of the stuff we purchase for others and the stuff others purchase for us. The latest statistics say that Americans spend over 465 billion dollars on Christmas. It can almost seem like the season conspires against us to keep us from experiencing the real joy and meaning of Christmas. Over a decade ago three pastors found themselves in a similar spot. They decided to participate in an Advent Conspiracy of their own and to seek to bring their families, churches and communities back to the heart of Christmas: The Christ. They share on their website:

For many of us, we were drowning in a sea of financial debt and endless lists of gifts to buy. We struggled to find the connection between our Christmas to-do lists and the story of Jesus’ birth. An overwhelming stress had overtaken worship and celebration. The time of year when focusing on Christ should be the easiest was often the hardest. Somehow, this had become the new normal.

Can you identify? Over the last ten years, thousands of churches from around the world have conspired together to re-discover the joy and significance of Christ’s birth. This season we will join in this Advent Conspiracy. You are invited to participate as we focus on the story of Christ’s birth and the challenge to: Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, Love All. Come join us for worship and participate with us in this Advent Conspiracy. “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son…” (Gal. 4:4) This is the message of Christmas. This is the fullness that we need – the fullness of Christ in the fullness of our lives. The reality is that from the recesses of eternity past God conspired to bring us Jesus and the life, light, and joy that is only found in him. Let’s not settle for less this Advent Season – let’s conspire together to celebrate Christ. Pastor Matt

Financial Update (General Operating Fund)

As of 10/31/18 Revenues $1,179,741.81 Expenses 1,153,838.82 Net Surplus (deficit) $ 25,902.99

Sunday Worship Attendance

8:30 11:00 Total Oct. 28 234 230 464 Nov. 4 300 226 526 Nov. 11 200 251 451 Nov. 18 212 246 458 Nov. 25 212 191 403 Dec. 2 234 230 464 Dec. 9 Services canceled - inclement weather

Sunday Morning Ushers for December

8:30: Chuck Duncan, Todd Friday, Robert Heussy, Doug Love

10:55: Jack Lear, Tom Balsom, Chris McKay, David Jennings

Sunday Morning Greeters

8:30 - Dec.: Russ & Anne McAllister 10:55 - Dec. 2 & 9: Ellis & Meg Fisher 10:55 - Dec. 16 & 23: Gene & Kathy Martin 10:55 - Dec. 30: Paula Dixon

Sunday Morning Coffee Servers

Dec. 2: Gary & Joyce Miller Dec. 9: Fred & Vicki Caldwell Dec. 16: Debbi McCall Dec. 23: Debbi McCall Dec. 30: Gayle Cunningham

Mary Gwynne Cashatt—12/1 Daniel Duffie—12/1 Richard Duffie—12/1 Rob Wysor—12/1 Lorene Bumgarner—12/2 Fred Chase—12/2 Hope Robinson—12/2 Tracey Smith—12/2 Sandra Crouch—12/3 Nicole Best—12/4 Madison Butler—12/5 Myra Cherry—12/5 Stella Gray—12/5 Seth Hooks—12/5 Amy Hueitt—12/5 Sophie Bomgaars—12/6 Debbie Erwin—12/6 Jacob Mocanu—12/6 Justin Champion—12/8 Beth Wingate—12/8 Gideon Williams—12/9 Huntley Auten—12/10 Jane Painter—12/10 Butch Boyd—12/11 Mary Rose Campbell—12/11 Dwayne Fink—12/11 Emerson Mumford—12/11 Maurice Canaday—12/12 Josh Hjemvick—12/12 Artie Cooper—12/13 Hunter Dixon—12/13 Tyler Dixon—12/13 Jim Kelly—12/13 Thomas Taylor—12/13 Denice Eckler—12/14

Tom Ellington—12/14 Nora Sullivan—12/14 Lee Taylor—12/14 Doug Love—12/15 Sarah Whitescarver—12/15 John Cashatt—12/16 Joyce Miller—12/16 Carrie Rouse—12/16 Russ Cox—12/18 Carolyn Dewalt—12/18 Carole Lee Ferguson—12/18 Bob Barnhill—12/19 Austin Buchanan—12/19 Bo Stewart—12/19 Mary Katherine Timbers—12/19 Ed Anthony—12/20 Mark Forbes—12/20 David Russell—12/21 Meredith Russell—12/21 Ashley Westmoreland—12/24 Stefenie Duffie—12/25 Chloe Pearson—12/25 Sandra Duffie—12/26 Chris Smith—12/27 Margaret Hargrove—12/28 Reola Hoyle—12/28 Hellen Davis—12/29 Luke Kelly—12/29 Cindy Lear—12/29 Arden Mumford—12/29 Emily Borden—12/30 Karen Willis—12/30 Tammy Baker—12/30 Judi Brown—12/31 Paula Dixon—12/31 Diane Eller—12/31 Spencer Garvin—12/31 Jan Hubers—12/31 Rob Pearson—12/31

Joe & Joy Woods 12/1/07 11 years

John & Kathy Connor 12/9/18 52 years

Brian & Jannine Rushing 12/10/94 24 years

Jeff & Jane Fawcett 12/11/82 36 years

Brent & Jill Farmer 12/13/86 32 years

Tom & Sue Ellington 12/14/63 55 years

Justin & Julie Champion 12/15/01 17 years

Dean & Alice Auten 12/17/93 25 years

James & Kristi Bostick 12/19/92 26 years

Doug & Karyn Love 12/19/81 37 years

Timothy & Sharron McPeters 12/21/75 43 years

Forrest & Madison Butler 12/22/12 6 years

Harold & Betty Stowe 12/22/56 62 years

Ed & Annie Anthony 12/23/95 23 years

Mac & Sandra Crouch 12/24/67 51 years

Gene & Anne Hanna 12/25/56 62 years

Jon & Meagan Lacher 12/27/14 4 years

John & Mary Gwynne Cashatt 12/28/74 44 years

David & Bonnie Jansen 12/28/74 44 years

Jerry & Sandy Miller 12/28/74 44 years

Mike & Cathy Foster 12/29/67 51 years

Wade & Sherry Huss 12/29/66 52 years

Christmas Eve Services December 24, 2018

Come join us for worship on Christmas Eve at 11am, 5pm and 7pm. See childcare availability per service below:

11am: Infants and Toddlers only 5pm: Infants through 4 years of age

7pm: No childcare provided

Contact Leslie Farrar for childcare reservations. lfarrar@firstarpchurch.org

Blue Christmas Service Sunday, Dec. 16 at 6pm

In the midst of holiday cheer, some of us mourn the loss of a loved one or feel particularly lonely. Our Blue Christmas Service is a time when we can acknowledge the blue feelings we may have and offer

these feelings to God. Join us for this special time of worship and community on Sunday, Dec. 16, at 6pm in the Sanctuary.

This article came from the Nov/Dec issue of CONNECT, the World Witness newsletter. To subscribe, contact Shelia Osborne at sheliao@worldwitness.org or 864-233-5226.

Korean Mission Opportunity

In early February 2019, First ARP will be partnering with a ministry called Life Together to host 10 Korean youth for two weeks. The purpose is to share the love of Christ with these students from Korean welfare homes. We are trusting God to provide five families from our church who are willing to host two youth each in their home and to share the love of Christ. Sarah Koh, Director of Life Together, is planning to host an informational meeting for anyone interested on Sunday, January 6. If you are interested in participating in any way during our hosting time, please contact Courtney at cmckeown@firstarpchurch.org or Sarah Koh at sjkoh4@yahoo.com for more information. _________________________________________________

Recovery at the Crossroads

Do you (or someone you know) long to trade your heavy burden of addiction for the light one Jesus has for you? Then consider joining Recovery at the Crossroads as we look to God’s Word for the keys to living the life Christ has for us! Meetings are on Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30pm in Room #201.

Capital Campaign (Building Fund) Pledges & Gifts

As we approach the end of the second year of our 5 year Capital Campaign, we want to thank everyone who has pledged and given to our new Building Project. If you made a pledge, or just want to make a gift before the end of the year to the Capital Campaign, this will certainly help decrease the future interest costs that we will incur for the construction loan. We thank God for you and your commitment to His work.

mailto:cmckeown@firstarpchurch.orgmailto:sjkoh4@yahoo.com

Church Directory Changes

Kim Taylor - Change of address: 7007 Owens Court, Apt. B, Lowell, NC 28098, change of email address: taylorkimberly922@gmail.com Danny & Penny Wilson - change of email address: wils3722@gmail.com Meredith Parks - New address: 4311 Alcove Ave. Apt. 9, Studio City, CA 91604 New Members that joined on 11/18/2018 Edwina Franklin 1120 Stuarts Landing Drive Cramerton, NC 28032 Home phone: 704-879-4270, Cell: 207-730-3545 email address: efranklin464@gmail.com

Andrew Raymond (A. J.) & Anna Williams 310 Linsbury Court Gastonia, NC 28056 Home phone: 904-625-3828, Anna’s cell: 904-625-0570 email address: (A. J’s) andrewrwilliams@gmail.com (Anna’s) annakristine270@yahoo.com Children: Christian Andrew, Eliza Corinne, Gideon Seth, Greta Kate

Rocky & Angela Readling 101 Wyndham Cove Cherryville, NC 28021 Rocky’s cell: 704-616-9841, Angela’s cell: 704-747-0318 Rocky’s email: rreadling@gmail.com Angela’s email: angelah924@hotmail.com Child: Flynn Greg

Jeffrey W. & Nancy “Leanne” Stowe 1349 Union New Hope Road Gastonia, NC 28056 Home phone: 704-829-5640, Business phone: 704-825-9570 Jeff’s cell: 704-678-2882, Leanne’s cell: 704-678-2883 Email address: info@stowesnursery.com Son: Jeffrey “Bennett” Stowe, cell: 704-898-2867

James and Beth Francis 1040 Paramount Circle Gastonia, NC 28052 Beth’s cell: 864-412-9771 James’ cell: 864-977-1282 Email address: james.c.francis3@gmail.com Children: Carrington and William Amy Hueitt - new cell number: 980-989-1013 Elizabeth Ferguson - new cell number: 704-685-4347. This is her preferred number.

mailto:taylorkimberly922@gmail.commailto:address%20%20%20%20-wils3722@gmail.commailto:efranklin464@gmail.commailto:andrewrwilliams@gmail.commailto:annakristine270@yahoo.commailto:rreadling@gmail.commailto:angelah924@hotmail.commailto:info@stowesnursery.com

Church Office Closings for Holidays

The church office will be closed on Monday, Dec. 24 and Tuesday, Dec. 25 for Christmas and Tuesday, Jan. 1 for New Years.

First ARP Community Groups

Are you looking for an opportunity to connect with other believers in Christ in meaningful community? Our goal is to begin 10 new community groups at First ARP. Community Groups are small groups of 8-12 people who meet in homes at least twice a month for spiritual encouragement and growth. If you are interested in joining an existing group or leading a group of your own, please contact Nancy Peeler in the church office at npeeler@firstarpchurch.org.

Music Staff Search Team

Please pray for our Music Staff Search Team as they search for qualified candidates to fill the part-time positions of Children’s Music Ministry Director and 8:30 Worship Team Leader. We

have been blessed in the past to fill these positions with outstanding staff and we trust that God will provide going

forward! Below is a list of those who have agreed to serve on this search team. Please pray for them to have wisdom and direction!

Music Staff Search Team Phil Painter, Ben Morrow, Russ McAllister, Sarah L. Fink, Carole

Lee Ferguson, Milette Oden, Jo Henry

Job descriptions are posted on our website: http://www.firstarpchurch.org/service/. All interested should send

a resume and cover letter to farpmusicpositions@gmail.com.

Kairos Prison Ministry Needs Volunteers

Greetings Brothers and Sisters, thanks to so many of you for prayers, cookies and financial support for this ministry. Kairos is a global prison ministry operates in prisons in 37 U.S. states, and 9 countries: Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Honduras, Peru, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Volunteers conduct over 600 Weekends in prisons and communities annually in the U.S. and worldwide. There are also over 100 prisons worldwide which want the Kairos program, but we don't have the volunteers or resources to accommodate them at this time. Kairos NC serves 23 prisons.

I am writing to encourage anyone who has interest in serving to contact me. This could be in many ways in addition to prayer, cookies and financial support. These opportunities to serve could be (1) Men going into the prison to serve for the weekend, (2) Men or women to volunteer at base camp with cooking, assembling agape. The weekend is February 28th – March 3rd, 2019. If interested in serving please call me. John Barker 704-481-5560.

Thanks for your support and consideration. DeColores!

John Barker, Jr. SIOR President & Chief Development Officer

ALL MOMS…

STAY TUNED FOR…. MOTHER’S HEART, BEGINNING IN

JANUARY….

Information to be announced in the January issue of The Link.

First ARP Has New Aprons

The Women of the Church have new

aprons! Wanda modeled one for us.

Thanks to Ashley Buchanan for

getting them. Third Girl Burrell

Designs embroidered them and a big

thank you to Frankie Lewis and

Callie Mason for turning the ends up

and making us pockets at the bottom.

We will use these for special

occasions and our bereavement

meals. We have 23 aprons!

http://www.firstarpchurch.org/service

Dear First ARP Church, Thank you, for your support during the healing of my surgery. We appreciate the pastors for prayers and phone calls. Also, to the elders for the uplifting prayers with our family the Sunday before my surgery. Thank you to the New Life Class for all the thoughtful meals. We have a wonderful church family that has prayed, called and sent such lovely

cards during my recovery time. Thanks so much and we are so blessed to be a part of the First ARP Church family! William & Julie Ratchford Family Dear First ARP Church, Rhea and I humbly thank you for the ramp built on Nov. 3. It makes our lives so much easier getting him in and out of the house. We also thank you for prayers and other assistance too! Love & Prayers, Janie Spencer To all of you at First ARP Church who worked in our yard on Saturday (Got Heart), Just thinking about your kindness brings a smile. Thank you so much! Grace & Bryan Warren Many thanks to Danny Wilson for the provision of the newly designed pager “houses” on the 1st and 2nd floor of the children’s ministry hallways. We appreciate his attention to detail, master carpentry and mounting them. The units provide improved stability for each individual pager and offer a finished permanent frame that is still user friendly. It’s a great upgrade for this important component of communication with our parents, grandparents and church family. With Gratitude, First ARP Children’s Ministry

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP WITH THE CHRISTMAS STORE?

December 12th is fast approaching! That night, at 5:30, the first shoppers will begin their shopping time for their children. If they have one child, it costs them $10 and if there is more than one child, the cost is $20. When they have finished, they will have several articles of clothing, two toiletries, two games, balls, toys, books, puzzles, or bedding for each child plus a bible and a food box for each family. This event is not possible without a lot of participation from you, the members of First ARP Church! There are MANY ways that you can help. First, take an angel, or two, from the tree and return money to Tammy Baker or diapers and balls to the tree. Our great store shoppers will use that money to stock the store with everything needed in the store. Our store set up times will be December 6, 7, 10, 11, and 12 from 9-12 and 2-5 each day on the third floor of the Educational building. You can let me know that you want to help during these times or just show up!! There is always something that needs to be done and I cannot do it all by myself! On the night of the store, we will meet around 5:00 to be ready when the shoppers arrive. Volunteers are needed in each department and as a shopper's helper (walk thru the departments with the shopper holding the bag for the child that they are shopping for and making sure that they get to every department). In addition, we have people to give out food boxes, check in the shoppers, check out the shoppers, and our "bagmen". Bagmen carry the finished bags to the shopper's car and make sure that they get a food box on the way. . There will be a 20 minute meeting Sunday, December 9 after the 8:30 service and another after the 11:00 service for store volunteers--come to the one that suits you best! Also, don't forget that Rebecca will be holding a Birthday Party for Jesus in the Fellowship Hall for the children while their parents are shopping and they may need help too! See Rebecca if you would rather help with that part of the store. With all of you helping in whatever way that you can, this year's store will be the best ever!! Thanks for your help!! Vicki Marsh

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In God We Trust

First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 317 S. Chester Street, Gastonia, NC 28052 Phone: 704-864-3468, Fax: 704-864-2416

Church email: info@firstarpchurch.org Rev. Matt Kuiken: mkuiken@firstarpchurch.org

Rev. Dr. Jeff Morrison: jmorrison@firstarpchurch.org Rev. Josh Hjemvick: jhjemvick@firstarpchurch.org

www.firstarpchurch.org

Return Service Requested

Merry Christmas to our First ARP Family! In this season when we celebrate the greatest gift of all, the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, we give thanks for each and every one of you. May God bless each and every one of you, along with your families.

Joy to the World,

Pastor Matt, Sabrina, Cora, Cooper and Leona