Ongoing Response to COVID-19

Weekday Email to Members and Friends – 2020-12-23

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews
 
To Members and Friends of 
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
 
 Dear Friends,
 
I’ve enjoyed your Christmas stories. Thank you for sharing them. (Please keep sending them to me, and I’ll share them until Epiphany on January 6th.) I have many favorite personal stories, and I’m working on the story I want to share with you in tomorrow’s emailer. Stay tuned.

Here is one from Diane Mortensen…

My Christmas memories include the years of growing up in central Wisconsin where sandy soil supports the growth of potatoes and pine trees.  There tree farms are open in December for cutting your own tree, which is what my dad did every year.  When my brother and I were young, we didn’t see the tree until Christmas morning.  When we came downstairs, we saw the tree lighted with candles and the star on top.  It was still dark outside and I remember squinting and seeing the flames quiver.  After the candles were extinguished, the colorful tree lights were turned on.  Our Methodist church service was held on Christmas morning, just a block from our home.  I remember wearing a little, white fur muff that had been under the Christmas tree.
 
Twenty-five years later, Paul and I went to my parent’s home on Christmas Eve.  It was his first time to see lighted candles on a tree.  He looked worried so my dad gave him a packet of matches and sent him to the kitchen sink with the challenge to light a piece of pine.  When he failed, he relaxed and returned to the living room to enjoy the candlelight.

 
* * *
 
TONIGHT, December 23 at 7 pm we will stream “Musical Christmas Treats and a Family Carol Sing.” This will be highlighted by three anthems selected from recent Christmas Music Sunday services and a number of traditional carols recorded by our current choral quartet.

Please invite your family, loved ones and especially the kids to Zoom in with us to sing along on the carols. 

Email zoom@firstpres.church for the link.

I hope to see you there.

* * *

Two important Christmas Eve announcements (please pay attention, dear readers):
 
1.) Our prerecorded service will be available at 4 pm on Christmas Eve (Thursday) at firstpres.live. Please enjoy it at that time or later in the evening whenever you’d like. Would you please consider sharing the link far and wide with everybody on your mailing list, Facebook pages, etc? We all worked hard on it. 
 
2.) Our friends at First United Methodist Church have invited us to an in-person Christmas Eve service beginning at 7 pm at the northeast corner of West Side Park. This brief service will include listening to the carillon at First Methodist and hearing the nativity story from Luke’s gospel. If you feel well, wear your mask, dress warmly, and keep your distance as we gather at the park to bear God’s light to the world! 
 
* * *
 
Advent Daily Devotion Wednesday I Thessalonians 2:9-12
Paul tells the Thessalonian Christians that they, along
with God, are witnesses to Paul’s “holy and righteous and
blameless” conduct toward them. How we treat others reflects
our relationship to God. Our means and ends must match,
our behavior commensurate with the gospel we share. Who
have you witnessed being holy, righteous and blameless?
What about the opposite?
As we draw near to Christ’s birth, we wish to reflect the
One we profess to follow. We pray, God of grace and glory, to
be holy and righteous and blameless in our conduct toward
others. When we fail to meet this standard, forgive us and
send your Spirit to help us to do better and be a closer likeness
of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
 
 
News
 
The 2020 Angel Tree: Food insecurity is the dry technical term for American households going hungry at least some of the time.  It is at crisis levels all over America and very much so in Champaign County.  According to Census Bureaudata, currently, over 1 in 10 American adults did not have enough to eat last week.  And, worse, for families with children, approximately 1 in 4 such families did not have enough food for their children last week!  In Champaign County, rates are similar, and Food Stamps, Eastern Illinois Food Bank, and others are unable to meet the increasing need.  For people of color the statistics are considerably worse. Help is desperately needed now. 
 
 * * *
 
During the holiday season, these emails will become simpler and will NOT include daily zoom notifications and other information that takes Marcia a long time to gather. We’re going slower from Christmas to New Years.
 
* * *
 
Humor (Hard times really need godly laughter): 
 
Prayer for Judy Gamble in a nursing center in Paxton, and for Bill. I am grateful that he shares this tale, which is neither quite a joke nor quite a tall tale.
 
Bill Gamble’s dad, Leo, encountered way too many rattlesnakes in his many years working on and patrolling track for the Santa Fe Railroad, in SW Kansas, SE Colorado, and the Oklahoma Panhandle.  A way of dealing with the snakes evolved: 

  1.       Beat snake to death with a long-handled pitch-fork.
  2.      Cut off the head with a sharp shovel, and bury the head.
  3.      Cut off the rattles to save to give to someone.
  4.      Straighten out the tines of the pitch-fork.

Good Word: (Luke’s story…)
 
Luke 2            
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,[a] the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,[b] praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”[

LET US PRAY: 
 
We are getting even closer, Holy God. 
 
Most of us aren’t children anymore. So, it’s no wonder that approaching the manger no longer makes us most of giddy—though a few of us still, still are, and a few more of us still remember. We take the news for granted—at least the sugar-coated, fa-la-la-la-la part of it that we have shoehorned into our idea of a gum drop Christmas.
 
You dropped in out of the sky into a manger, from heaven’s holy high to earth’s lowly low. Mary and Joseph found themselves homeless in a crowded Bethlehem, and, soon, refugees, on the run from Herod. The baby Jesus was already a victim of the politics of Palestine and Rome in the first century that would, eventually, land him on a cross. But we don’t want to think about crosses right now. And that’s okay. We are right to find our kneeling place at the manger, silence, reverent, open. May we join in on the angel song.
 
You crashed into our lives with your son, O God. And, giddy or not, our world turns nearly upside down in the wake of that dramatic splash. 
 
Thank you.
 
AMEN.
 
* * *
 
Much, much love to you all.
 
Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church


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Weekday Email to Members and Friends – 2020-12-22

Virtual Dessert TONIGHT, December 22, 7 pm
Be prepared to tell us your favorite Christmas tradition. Tell us about your favorite holiday food. What makes your Christmas special? If you have an ugly sweater, please wear it. Let’s have a festive evening together.
Email zoom@firstpres.church for the link.

* * *

On Wednesday evening, December 23 at 7 pm we will stream “Musical Christmas Treats and a Family Carol Sing.” This will be highlighted by three anthems selected from recent Christmas Music Sunday services and a number of traditional carols recorded by our current choral quartet.

Please invite your family, loved ones and especially the kids to Zoom in with us to sing along on the carols. 

 

Email zoom@firstpres.church for the link.

I hope to see you there.

* * *

Two important Christmas Eve announcements (please pay attention, dear readers):
 
1.) Our prerecorded service will be available at 4 pm on Christmas Eve (Thursday) at firstpres.live. Please enjoy it at that time or later in the evening whenever you’d like. Would you please consider sharing the link far and wide with everybody on your mailing list, Facebook pages, etc? We all worked hard on it. 
 
2.) Our friends at First United Methodist Church have invited us to an in-person Christmas Eve service beginning at 7 pm at the northeast corner of West Side Park. This brief service will include listening to the carillon at First Methodist and hearing the nativity story from Luke’s gospel. If you feel well, wear your mask, dress warmly, and keep your distance as we gather at the park to bear God’s light to the world!

* * *
Tuesday, Exodus:16
How often do we think about God’s commandment to not
bear false witness against a neighbor? What does it even
mean to do so? Perhaps it would be helpful to put this in
the affirmative: Tell the truth. Live with integrity even if
it costs you something. We will inevitably violate this part
of God’s law as we do most others, nonetheless we are to
aspire to tell the truth.

God of Truth, we often make excuses for our behavior,
thinking that our violations of your law are small and even
justified. As we prepare to welcome the Word incarnate, the
true light coming into the world, help us to live with integrity,
love our neighbors and bear honest witness to your goodness in
all we say and do. Amen.

 

 
   
                                                       


 
The Heart of Mission
December 22, 2020
 

The Christmas Joy Offering for Christmas Eve
 
Isn’t this a beautiful graphic of the nativity? Do you like to color? A special coloring sheet of the above picture is available at
 
https://specialofferings.pcusa.org/site_media/media/uploads/specialofferings/christmas_joy/2020/cjo20_coloring_page.pdf

 

This picture shows the perfect gift in Jesus Christ given to us at Christmas. The Christmas Joy Offering shares the perfect gift for some. Read about how Rev. Ken Tracy was able to pay for his wife’s skilled nursing care through the Christmas Joy Offering. https://www.presbyterianmission.org/story/the-nine-lives-of-the-rev-ken-tracy/
 

 
Every year on Christmas Eve, First Presbyterian Church Champaign takes up the Joy Gift Offering, a special offering of the PC(U.S.A.). The Christmas Joy Offering reflects that God is with us, through the generous gifts that support church leaders among us, retired, present and future, who have pointed us to God. Even as we support our current and former church leaders through the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, God is calling new leaders for our Church and world, through the ministry of Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color — offering students the means for a brighter future and enhanced opportunities to use their talents and skills to serve God, the Church and the world for years to come. Because God is with us, we see the potential of students of color who will become our leaders and we seek to come alongside them, to encourage them, to be with them. 50% of your gifts make it possible for students to learn and grow in faith at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. Because God is with us, we see church workers who have critical financial needs and we come alongside them, to assist them — we are with them. 50% of your gifts provide assistance for current and retired church workers and their families with critical financial needs. Thank you for your gift to the Christmas Joy Offering — for when we all do a little, it adds up to a lot.
 
If you want more information about our other two December offerings, Advent and Angel Tree/Food Offering, please go to  https://firstpres.church/giving/.
 
Merry Christmas,
 
Rev. Dr. Rachel Matthews, Mission Coordinator
 
Let us keep all our mission partners in our prayers, those who are waiting to go back to their place of ministry and those who are able to work where they are. Listen for God’s call to you in their ministry.
 
Our PC(USA) Mission CoWorkers:
 
Mark Adams and Miriam Maidonado Escobar (Mexico)
Farsijanna Adeney-Risakotta (Indonesia)
Jeff and Christi Boyd (Central Africa)
Jo Ella Holman (Caribbean and Cuba) – And, for the mission coworker you are preparing to take her place.
Bob and Kristi Rice (South Sudan)
 
Our regional and global mission partners:
 
Kemmerer Village (and Camp Carew)
Lifeline Pilots
Marion Medical Mission
Mission Aviation Fellowship
Opportunity International
Friends of Presbyterian Education Board in Pakistan Presbyterian Cuba Partnership
Special Offerings of the PC(USA)
Theological Education Fund
Young Adult Volunteers
 
Here in Champaign – Urbana:
 
CU at Home
CANAAN S.A.F.E. HOUSE
CANTEEN RUN
COURAGE CONNECTION
DREAAM
eMPTY TOMB, INC
FAITH IN ACTION
JESUS IS THE WAY PRISON MINISTRY
THE REFUGEE CENTER
RESTORATION URBAN MINISTRY
SALT & LIGHT
 
Here at First Presbyterian Church
 
FPCC Amateur Preachers
FPCC Environmental Committee working with Faith in Place
FPCC Presbyterian Women
FPCC ESL
FPCC Children, Youth and Families
FPCC Mission Possible/Go and Serve

 
 
A picture containing drawing Description automatically generated
 

  302 W. Church Street
  Champaign, IL 61820
  217-356-7238
  info@firstpres.church
 
 

 
   
Attachments:

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Weekday Email to Members and Friends – 2020-12-21

Monday December 21st, 2020
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews
 
To Members and Friends of 
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
  
Dear Friends,
 
A Christmas story from Judy Nicolette:       
Many years ago, when I was a second grade teacher, the children we’re getting excited about Christmas.  One student said that another student told her there is no Santa Claus, and she asked me if it was true.

No education class in college prepared me for this!  I answered that a long time ago, a man called St. Nicholas, gave presents to children at Christmas to celebrate Jesus’s birthday, and ever since that time, someone has continued giving gifts in his name. 

One girl then raised her hand and said, “Mrs. Nicolette, it’s funny.  Jesus was born at Christmas and he died at Easter, he hit a holiday both times!”  
 
* * *
 
Advent Daily Devotion Monday Joshua 24:19-24
Joshua asks the people to make a public declaration of
faith, a commitment to serve God and God only. After
they do so, Joshua reminds them that they are witnesses
“against themselves.” They cannot claim ignorance or
deny their affirmation of loyalty to God. When have
you made a public commitment to serve God? How
will you make that choice evident today?
Gracious God, you abound in steadfast love and yet you hold us
accountable to the public witness we make to serve you. When
we forget or neglect our affirmation of faith, call us back to you
and correct our ways. May our witness against ourselves be a
constant reminder that our ultimate loyalty is to you and that
commitment is made visible in how we live. Amen.
 
 
News

Virtual Dessert Tuesday, December 22, 7 pm
Be prepared to tell us your favorite Christmas tradition. Tell us about your favorite holiday food. What makes your Christmas special? If you have an ugly sweater, please wear it. Let’s have a festive evening together.
Email zoom@firstpres.church for the link.

* * *
 
The FPCC Community Mission Deacons Champaign County Food Insecurity Drive/ aka The 2020 Angel Tree: Food insecurity is the dry technical term for American households going hungry at least some of the time.  It is at crisis levels all over America and very much so in Champaign County.  According to Census Bureau data, currently, over 1 in 10 American adults did not have enough to eat last week.  And, worse,  for families with children, approximately 1 in 4 such families did not have enough food for their children last week!  In Champaign County, rates are similar, and Food Stamps, Eastern Illinois Food Bank, and others are unable to meet the increasing need.  For people of color the statistics are considerably worse. Help is desperately needed now.  
 
The FPCC Mission perspective emphasizes supporting programs that actually help people lift themselves out of poverty.  But, critically, FPCC also firmly believes that crises demand immediate responding.  Therefore, CMD invites you to join in responding to this crisis.  
 
Our fund provides an opportunity for FPCC to reach out to struggling Champaign County brothers and sisters who, through no fault of their own, are caught up in this crisis.  The Eastern Illinois Food Bank has more information at this web site: 
 
https://www.cu-citizenaccess.org/2020/12/07/food-insecurity-projected-to-soar-in-eastern-illinois-and-champaign-county/#:~:text=The%20overall%20rate%20in%20Champaign,from%2012.8%25%20to%2019.4%25.
 
So, if you are able to contribute to this fund, that would be wonderful.  The amount collected will be contributed to Eastern Illinois Food Bank and hence put to good use via an organization expert in food distribution!  As an encouragement, CMD has contributed $4000 and a member family has contributed an additional $1000.  Because the need is so overwhelming and many of us have resources that can make a difference, we are optimistic that our church can contribute a substantial amount that will help relieve the hunger issue in Champaign County.
 
Thank you for your consideration and your generosity. 
 
* * *
 
Humor (Hard times really need godly laughter): 
 
Well, this is a realistic answer…  A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan. She asked the class, “If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?”
 
A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, “I think I’d throw up.”
  
Good Word: (Luke’s story…)
Luke 2            
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

LET US PRAY: 
 
We are getting closer, Holy God. Is it possible that we won’t notice graces along the way because, since we’ve been here before, we think we’ve seen it all? We think we know it all? We think there’s nothing you could do to surprise us? Forgive us for thinking we know our way around the stable too well. 
 
(We love you.)
 
AMEN.
 
* * *
 
Much, much love to you all.
 
Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church


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Weekday Email to Members and Friends – 2020-12-18

Friday December 18th,  2020
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews
 
To Members and Friends of 
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
 
Dear Friends,
 
What a surprise we have in store for this Sunday! (Christmas Pageant!) 
 
* * *
 
I know we can’t worship in person on Christmas Eve, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t worked hard (and are still working hard) to produce a beautiful service of worship. I hope you join us for that service. It will be available at FirstPres.Live at 4 p.m. You can watch it any time after that hour.
 
* * *
 
Pay attention to God’s activity in the world around you. Be amazed. Tell somebody.
 
See you on Sunday, 
 
PEACE,
 
Matt Matthews
864.386.9138
 
 
* * *
  
Advent Daily Reading Friday Luke 12:13-21
Jesus warns us to be on guard and keep watch for all kinds
of greediness. Jesus tells us to keep a lookout for our own
propensity to believe that our life’s worth is measured in
material goods. When have you believed life consists of
an abundance of possessions? Be conscious today of your
relationship to money and possessions. How does that
relationship reflect, or not, your relationship to Jesus Christ?
Jesus, you enter the world as an infant, born in a stable to a
family with little in the way of material possessions. You tell
your followers to take nothing for their journey. You warn us
to be on guard for greed. As we prepare for your birth, we pray
to be given the faith to put you first so that all our priorities
are rightly ordered. Amen.

Saturday Isaiah 9:1-2
Deep darkness resonates this year. The word in Hebrew can
be translated as “shadow” or “death-shadow.” The people
in this passage know the reality of fear and suffering — a
nearness to death and vulnerability that feels familiar
right now. As you navigate the waning days of a difficult
season, where do you see God’s light breaking into the deep
darkness?
God of the light no darkness can overcome, we confess to
being weary, tired of worries that keep us up at night and
ready for your promised rest. When we walk through the
valley of the shadow of death, grant us the peace that passes
understanding and the ability to see even a pinprick of your
light that shows us a way forward. Amen.

Sunday Acts 1:6-10
Why read a passage about Jesus’ ascension during the
season of Advent when we prepare for his birth and
return? What do Jesus’ final instructions to his closest
friends just prior to being lifted up to heaven have to
do with us on the cusp of Christmas? What resonates
in this passage at this time in this year is the disciples’
pressing question. They want to know if now is the
time that God will restore the kingdom of Israel. Their
question is understandable. Having endured seeing
their friend and Savior suffer and die, they want an
assurance that all that pain results in restoration. In
our human terms: they want to know it has all be
worth it, leaving their familiar vocations, following
Jesus, fearing for their lives, huddling behind locked
doors, processing the good but utterly upending reality
of resurrection. After all this, will the world be set
right on their terms?
Do we not have similar questions at the end of this
long year? Will the vaccine come soon and be safe?
Will we be able to be together in person again? Is
now the time we can sing in worship? Will those long
oppressed find justice? Will the economic fallout ebb
and turn course? Is it not the time for the restoration
of what we used to call normal, Lord?
Jesus tells the disciples that he does not know the
answer to what is to them their most pressing
question. Instead, he gives them a mission, an
unwavering purpose no matter what is happening in
the world. They are to be his witnesses right where
they are and to the ends of the earth. I wonder if they
were frustrated by his response. I wonder if we are,
too. Often we want Jesus to answer our most pressing
questions, but rather than answering our question
Jesus gives us a job to do. We are to tell the world what
we know of Jesus and what we know of God through
him. Even as we make ready for his birth, we are to
tell others why his incarnation matters to us and to
Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the world.
As we continue to navigate a difficult time in the life
of the world, we bear witness to the love of God that
refuses to let us go. As we wrestle with challenges that
persist despite our fatigue and dismay, we tell of the
one found among the least of these. As we press God
with understandable and pressing questions, Jesus
recognizes our fears but entrusts us with the gospel
anyway. As we get closer to Bethlehem, we remember
that we are already and always witnesses to our Savior
right where we are and wherever we are sent.
Gracious God, we have so many questions, urgent questions.
We want to know when this time filled with so much
upheaval will come to an end. Even as you honor our
questions, you entrust us with your mission of bearing
witness to Jesus Christ at all times and in all places. Open
our mouths that we might proclaim your praise. Guide our
actions that we might embody the good news of our Savior.
Amen.

* * *
  
Much, much love to you all.
 
Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church
 
One more Sunday of Advent music. Enjoy:
 
O Come, O Come…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcIIZpnZPgo
  
Emmanuel…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKEUlJRQVbA


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Weekday Email to Members and Friends – 2020-12-17

Thursday December 17th, 2020
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews
 
To Members and Friends of 
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
 
Dear Friends,
 
A Christmas Reflection
by Nancy MacGregor
 
When someone suggested I write a memory of my most memorable Christmas, it seemed an easy piece to write. However, after a week of reminiscing, I realized it was a truly daunting task. Looking back over 3/4 of a century of Christmases, it was impossible to single out one special time: they’ve all been memorable for one reason or another. Should I write about the Christmases we were snowbound? The Christmas my cousin was in Viet Nam and we stopped when it was his turn to open gifts to pray? Perhaps when we moved to Florida in 1978 and for the first time didn’t celebrate Christmas with my mother’s family. It was impossible to choose one out of so many memories. And that’s when I had an epiphany: the reason my Christmases are all memorable is because they are all connected with family and family traditions. 
 
I love Christmas. I love the traditions. I love the smells of the foods we only eat at Christmas. I love the sight of children in their jammies hanging stockings on Christmas Eve. I love the memories of Christmases past. Although we celebrated wonderful Christmas Days with my father’s family, Christmas Eve was always spent with my mother’s family. Christmas Eve was something out of a holiday storybook. There was mistletoe sent by my uncle in South Carolina, my mother and my uncle playing the organ – my mother on her stomach on the floor working the pedals and my uncle playing the keyboard arguing with about tempo and chords while we sang Christmas carols, ten little children looking out the window waiting for Santa and Rudolph, and the table groaning with all the Swedish foods we loved. But what stands out most my mind is my mother sitting in a chair holding a lighted candle as she read the Christmas story from the King James Bible – all of us children sitting at her feet, most of us knowing the story so well we were able to say the words with her.
 
Despite all the wonderful memories, I think this year will be the most memorable, not because of what won’t be, but because I am able to look back and rejoice at what was and look forward to what will be. Ordinarily at this time, I’m rushing to grade papers and record grades [and I am this year as well], decorating the house, racing to finish Christmas shopping, addressing Christmas cards, planning Christmas celebrations with family and friends, attending Christmas Eve services; then scrambling to “undecorate” the house in order to be ready to spend the rest of the break in Florida. And sometimes I wonder where Christmas has gone!
 
You see, like many people, I often become so involved with the “busyness” of the season, that I don’t take to take enough time to focus on the meaning of Advent. This year I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on the significance of these weeks leading up to Christmas. Reading Isaiah, Matthew, Luke, and the beautiful beginning of John remind me that Jesus did not come wrapped in holiday paper; rather he came wrapped in God’s promise of salvation. And I feel joy.
 
So this year on Christmas Eve, I will zoom with my family instead of sitting together with them at a festive table. I will sit in a chair holding a lighted candle and read the Christmas story to my children and grandchildren as my mother did. And I will rejoice and be glad, “For unto us is born this day in city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” 
 
God Jul [Merry Christmas].
 
* * *
 
Daily Advent Devotion Thursday Habakkuk 1:1-5
The writer of Habakkuk calls God to account, wanting to
know why God does not set things right, bring justice and
vindicate the righteous. God answers in verse 5: Look and
see; wonder and be astounded. God is at work in ways that
human beings would not believe even if told directly. Can
you relate to Habakkuk’s frustration? Where is God telling
you to look and see, wonder and be astounded at what God
is doing right now?
Loving God, you hear our cries of frustration, our pleas for
your intervention and tell us to look and see, wonder and be
astounded at the work you are doing in the world. When we
are unable to see your providence and power, remind us yet
again to wonder, to have holy curiosity, to remember that the
kingdom is near, and Jesus is surely coming. Amen.

 
News

Mark your calendar for December 22nd at 7 pm 
The Nurture Committee invite you to a Christmas Dessert gathering via Zoom 
Wear your favorite or “ugly” Christmas Sweater.

Email zoom@firstpres.church for the link.

* * *
 
The FPCC Community Mission Deacons Champaign County Food Insecurity Drive/ aka The 2020 Angel Tree: Food insecurity is the dry technical term for American households going hungry at least some of the time.  It is at crisis levels all over America and very much so in Champaign County.  According to Census Bureau data, currently, over 1 in 10 American adults did not have enough to eat last week.  And, worse,  for families with children, approximately 1 in 4 such families did not have enough food for their children last week!  In Champaign County, rates are similar, and Food Stamps, Eastern Illinois Food Bank, and others are unable to meet the increasing need.  For people of color the statistics are considerably worse. Help is desperately needed now.  
 
The FPCC Mission perspective emphasizes supporting programs that actually help people lift themselves out of poverty.  But, critically, FPCC also firmly believes that crises demand immediate responding.  Therefore, CMD invites you to join in responding to this crisis.  
 
Our fund provides an opportunity for FPCC to reach out to struggling Champaign County brothers and sisters who, through no fault of their own, are caught up in this crisis.  The Eastern Illinois Food Bank has more information at this web site: 
 
https://www.cu-citizenaccess.org/2020/12/07/food-insecurity-projected-to-soar-in-eastern-illinois-and-champaign-county/#:~:text=The%20overall%20rate%20in%20Champaign,from%2012.8%25%20to%2019.4%25.
 
So, if you are able to contribute to this fund, that would be wonderful.  The amount collected will be contributed to Eastern Illinois Food Bank and hence put to good use via an organization expert in food distribution!  As an encouragement, CMD has contributed $4000 and a member family has contributed an additional $1000.  Because the need is so overwhelming and many of us have resources that can make a difference, we are optimistic that our church can contribute a substantial amount that will help relieve the hunger issue in Champaign County.  You may give securely online at https://firstpres.church/giving
 
Thank you for your consideration and your generosity.
 
* * *

Humor (Hard times really need godly laughter): 
 
From Tom Gilmore:  What did the snail sitting on top of the turtle say? Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

Another of what Bill Gamble calls a “bad joke,” his words, not mine. I think it works: There was this guy who had two girlfriends, and he could not decide which one he wanted to marry. A friend finally said to him, “Make up your mind.  You can’t have your Kate and Edith too.”
 
Good Word: (Mary sings a celebration song.)
Luke 1:46b-55
46b My soul magnifies the Lord, 
47       and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 
48  for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. 
          Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 
49  for the Mighty One has done great things for me, 
          and holy is his name. 
50  His mercy is for those who fear him 
          from generation to generation. 
51  He has shown strength with his arm; 
          he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 
52  He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, 
          and lifted up the lowly; 
53  he has filled the hungry with good things, 
          and sent the rich away empty. 
54  He has helped his servant Israel, 
          in remembrance of his mercy, 
55  according to the promise he made to our ancestors, 
          to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

LET US PRAY: 
 
There are those whose road is more difficult than ours, O God. Some have not been able to pay bills in a long time. Some face eviction in January or February; their landlords need to make a living, too. A grandfather raising three beloved grandchildren can’t afford presents, and his drug-addled daughter is costing him a fortune. 
 
Those of us with lesser worries are glad that our concerns matter to you, also. If you need help, O God, ask us. Send us a star, a host of angels, a messiah. And like wise magi, might we make our way to our neighbors in need bearing gifts. 
 
AMEN.
 
* * *
 
Much, much love to you all.
 
Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church
 


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