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NIKKI’S NOTIONS
Dear Friends,
This month, we celebrate Thanksgiving, and I hope that you consider this to be my Thanksgiving note to each of you! There are days when I look at all that our little church is able to accomplish and feel absolutely amazed. And grateful. Grateful that together, we get to serve God, that together, we get to feed hungry people, to house homeless people, to create one-of-a-kind, hand-made clothing for people who have nothing to wear. Together, we see our youngest members learning and growing in faith. Together, we make music to the Lord each week! Together, we give care to one another when sick or grieving. We are able to accomplish so much TOGETHER. I am amazed by and grateful to all of you who make our church what it is through all of your varied ministries, whether it's sharing your talents, giving your time or making connections with people or supporting and funding our ministries here.
I think I'm most grateful because I see you all as so much more than volunteers and donors. Here's what I mean: A colleague in ministry recently showed up at a church function without her children in tow. Someone asked in passing, "Is your husband babysitting today?" She reports not knowing how to respond. After all, her husband WAS at home with their children. But she just wasn't sure she could call it "babysitting" when it is your own child! She supposed that was simply called parenting. There is a difference when the child is your own.
I think that it's the same way with churches. Historically, churches have asked people to serve–as deacons, as greeters, as Sunday school teachers, etc. Whatever the job, it was considered a service or a ministry. To volunteer or be a donor means that you are an outside resource, stepping in to help an organization in need. Volunteering is what we do when we pick up trash at the park, or build a house with Habitat for Humanity, or help sort food at the local food pantry, when you're able to simply swoop in and give whatever it is that you deem fit, and then dart out again feeling you have done your part. In other words, it’s what you do at a place that is important to you–but not at a place that belongs to you.
That's an important distinction because Delafield Presbyterian Church belongs to you in the same way your family does, that your children do. It’s your own place, your own people. So of course you help take care of it. It's only natural for you to do yard work and make coffee and teach the children and sing in the choir and whatever else it is you do for the home and the people that you love. Of course you support the upkeep of the building that allows us to worship together each week, and help to pay the staff and keep the heat and lights on. And spiritually speaking, it’s your chance to contribute to something bigger than you, something that’s part of who you are.
So next time you talk about "volunteering" at church, remember that your service, your giving, all that you bring to the table means so much more. It’s important to recognize those gifts for what they are–ministry–and I’m not sure the word “volunteer” does justice to the depths contained in the work people actually do in their churches. Call it serving. Call it discipleship. Call it the priesthood of believers, or mission, or the ministry that we all share together. Call it anything you want, but remember that we don’t just belong to the church–it belongs to us.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Nikki
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COMMUNION IS OFFERED...Sunday November 3rd and Sunday, November 24.
November 3rd is the Day of Remembrance. It is a time to remember, honor and celebrate those who have gone before us, and remember our connection to them through God.
November 24 is Reign of Christ Sunday. It is the final Sunday of the Church year, when we celebrate that Christ reigns in our world and in our lives.
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$50,000 BUILDIING FUND MATCHING CHALLENGE
As many of you are already aware our congregation has been given a wonderful opportunity to significantly reduce the $160,000 balance remaining on our mortgage. One of our church families has very generously offered a 2020 Building Fund matching pledge of up to $50,000. To be clear, every dollar the congregation pledges toward the Building Fund for 2020 will be matched dollar for dollar up to $50,000 by the donor. Building Fund pledges for 2018 and ’19 have been in excess of this amount so collectively it’s a challenge we should be able to meet and hopefully surpass. This is a wonderful and exciting offer from a family that wishes to remain anonymous. Let’s hope that we can take full advantage of their generosity. Commitment Sunday is November 17th and pledge cards will go out about November 7th. As always, Operating Fund pledges must be the priority and the Building Fund an additional gift that you may be able to make.
Doug Lurvey
Stewardship Ministry
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SAVE THE DATE
Saturday December 14 is DPC's annual Christmas party! The festivities will be at 6-9 P.M. at Nina Wulf's and Larry Laux's home, located at S36 W32950 Mumford Ln., Dousman, WI 53118. Please bring a treat to share!
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ADVENT SERIES
Sunday, December 1st is the first Sunday of Advent. This Advent, we will explore all of the stories about angels that appear in the story of Jesus’ birth and the messages they have for us today. Their messages were often short and to the point–their favorite line being, "Do not be afraid." As we look at the stories of these winged messengers to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and the Shepherds and their reactions to them, we will contemplate what messages we can offer that will counteract a culture of fear and bring more hope, more peace, more joy, and more love to the world. Please join us!
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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CORNER
Each Sunday school student has received a passport to record the weekly themes as they travel ahead....sailing on their journey through the year. So far, the students have studied the Season of Creation; currently they are in the Season after Pentecost; and next they’ll move on into Advent and Christmas. All children are welcome at any time to "Come On Board" and join in the adventure
Sunday School
Artwork created by the Sunday school is now on display in the hallway across from the office:
· Student drawings were made into slides for the Call to Worship used for Worldwide Communion Sunday on October 6th.
· Each leaf hanging on our Tree of Gratitude represents the original thoughts and items each student is grateful to have in their life.
Coming Up:
On December 1st, come and worship with your family in regular service. There will be no Sunday school due to the Thanksgiving Break from school.
Mark your calendars for our Christmas Pageant on December 15th during regular worship service.
Teens
Sunday, October 13th, the youth and Teen Leader, Adrienne O’Neil, went to Escape Waukesha, a local “escape room” venue located in Pewaukee. Just in case you didn’t hear from the youth directly – they had an absolute blast at the escape room! What makes it even better is that they escaped!! They all worked together to figure out the clues, piece by piece. The mission they received was "Terror on the Titanic". They had to find the jewels on the boat so that they could bribe their way into getting a raft so they could row to safety. In addition to this, they also had to find the key that unlocked the door of the room they were in. The mission was intense, required quick thinking, a cool head, communication and teamwork. Adrienne was very impressed with the skills the youth displayed during the mission. According to Adrienne, “We. Had. A. Blast!! We worked together and escaped with a minute and 40 seconds left to spare.”
Coming Up:
Mark your calendars! The next Teen event will be Sunday, November 17th. The youth will be doing a few things on that day:
· In the morning (9:30-10:30), they’ll work to put together some items for Knollcrest and make sure all bags are complete and ready to be hung on the Christmas tree.
· On that Sunday evening, the Teens will be helping with Family Promise. This includes setting the table, helping serve food, engaging with the kids/adults, and having dinner together.
No formal training is required to participate as a youth! All Teens will be working under the supervision of a trained adult so you are able to participate whether or not you’ve been formally trained as a Family Promise volunteer.
You can participate in one or both events that day. Please contact Teen Leader, Adrienne O’Neil, in advance so she knows which part you're interested in attending.
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SIGN UP FOR FELLOWSHIP HOUR!
There is now a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board for people to bring treats for fellowship hour after service each week. Fellowship hour is an important time for us to connect with one another as a church family, and having some snacks always encourages people to linger a little longer, so please sign up!
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November Food Pantry
For the month of November please consider donating items for creating a Christmas Meal. Bring donations any Sunday throughout November. Our main collection will be November 24th!
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 FIRST SUNDAY IS LOOSE CHANGE SUNDAY
The first Sunday of each month is designated loose change Sunday. All loose coins and bills received go to the Deacons Fund to support their missions. As always, your generosity is appreciated!
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Sips and Talks
The Sips and Talks group will begin meeting again the fourth Wednesday of every month at Roots Coffee Shop in Oconomowoc at 10:00 a.m.
November 27th – No book discussion; just come to visit.
December 25th – Christmas! We will meet on the 23rd instead, same time. Discussion of a book – TBD |
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Family Promise is DPC's way of helping families in need. We host homeless families in our church for a week at a time, and our next chance to help is coming up in November! November 17-24, we will welcome Family Promise families into our building. Please make sure to check the schedule to see when you are hosting or bringing dinner for our guests. If you don't serve with Family Promise, please support hosts and guests with your prayers! If you'd like to serve with Family Promise or have questions, contact Jane Lurvey at jlurvey@wi.rr.com
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Christ the King's Annual Christmas Concert,“Lessons and Carols”
The Lessons and Carols concert will feature the local premiere of "Gloriam Dei" by Torrin Hallett (Oberlin College BM and Manhattan School of Music) with choirs, organ, and brass.
The Kings College tradition from Cambridge, England of preparing in Scripture and the music with a sequence of prophetic and Gospel texts with accompanying carols, has grown to attract over a billion viewers over the globe. Christ the King with offer a youth-friendly version of this tradition with “Come to the Manger” created by Lynn Shaw Bailey. Familiar and new carols for young and adult choirs with bell and keyboard accompaniments will be the centerpiece of this concert. Festive brass, strings, woodwinds, and majestic organ will round out this community event. The Jubilate Youth Choir, Sanctuary Adult Choir, and Royal Bell Choir will lead the service. Friends and guest musicians including Bruce Bengtson (organist), Torrin Hallett (Manhattan School of Music, French horn), Luke Schwerer (UW Madison, trumpet) and Alex Mortensen (Indiana University Bloomington, oboe) will lead choirs and the audience in spiritually renewing carols. Admission is free with an offering and a reception to follow. For more information contact Director of Music, Mark Gould, at mark@ctkdelafield.org.
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SAVE THE DATE! |
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Support the Hope Center
Denim & Diamonds – HOPE Thanksgiving Dinner & Auction
November 21 @ 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm
 5:00 p.m. Cocktails & Silent Auction
7:00 p.m. Dinner & Live Auction
Attire:
Your favorite denim & best bling!
Milwaukee Marriot West Waukesha, W231N1600 Corporate Ct
Waukesha, 53186 |
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NOVEMBER NURSERY SCHEDULE
NOVEMBER 3 - Adrienne O'Neil & Denise Wilcox
NOVEMBER 10 - Adrienne O'Neil & Dottie McGlynn
NOVEMBER 17 - Doug Lurvey & Ellen Fusco
NOVEMBER 24 - Adrienne O'Neil & Gay Ruby
*****
NOVEMBER USHER SCHEDULE
NOVEMBER 3 - Mark & Suzanne Zwaska
NOVEMBER 10 - Doug & Jane Lurvey
NOVEMBER 17 - TBD
NOVEMBER 24 - Sue Schiller & Carol Beuch
Please be responsible in fulfilling your
time-slotted assistance.
Worship Team will notify you when
you are scheduled.
*If you cannot make your date, please call someone ahead of you on the list and switch!
Thanks, Session
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