Murray Presbyterian Church

Murray Presbyterian Messenger

December 2008

Dear Church Family,

As we move from Thanksgiving to the Christmas season let us do so with grateful hearts. During Thanksgiving we celebrate with friends and family and have a big turkey dinner. We gave thanks for all the blessings God has given us—shelter, food, friends, family, the ability work, etc. Thanksgiving is a time to be cognizant of all the amazing things God has provided us with. We also need to remember those in our own community who are less fortunate and are dealing with the difficulties of life right now.

There are many in our midst that are suffering from serious health problems or from strained relationships or from other troubles. We need to encourage these people and lift them up in prayer. Throughout this holiday season let us make sure that we remember those in need.

As we enter the Advent season we are reminded of God’s greatest gift of all—his son Jesus Christ. God sent his son Jesus into our world to save sinners and to give believers joy, peace, purpose, and eternal life. While we have much to be grateful for Jesus is what we should be most thankful for. In our day and age there is so much to distract us from what is most important during this season. The commercialization of Christmas has the potential to move our attention away from Jesus and on to other things.

The gifts and parties and the trips to the mall are all fun and they are all a part of our Christmas season. Santa Claus and Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer are great too, but they are not the reason why we celebrate. Many want to turn Christmas into merely a secular holiday. Yet the body of Christ—the church—celebrates the true meaning of Christmas. God gave us the greatest gift when 2,000 years ago he sent his son our Lord Jesus Christ. This Christmas let the true meaning of Christmas reside in your heart and realize how amazing God’s love is for you.

May your focus this year be a little different. Remember and continually remind others about what God has done in human history through his son Jesus Christ. And as we look back this year may we continue to cultivate the relationship that we have already have with Christ. My hope is that your faith will continue to grow in 2009 and that your love for God will overflow so that the world around you sees what you have and desires the same for themselves.

In Christ.

Jeff Romans 5:1-4

Don Loftin: Prayers for healing & strength. (9500 Milford Rd.-Beaver Lake, NE 68048)

Dave, Jenny, Samantha & Ella Cook: Prayers of strength for the family & healing for Ella.

(9923 12^th Street – Murray NE 68409)

Jayne Pool: (Julie Nickels sister) Prayers for strength & healing. A few cards or notes would help lift her spirit.

(328 Auburn Way – Coppell, TX 75019)

Dennis Gochenour: Prayers for healing and strength. (404 N. Elm Street – Weeping Water, NE 68453)

Nessie Swedlund: Prayers for healing and strength. (P.O. Box 61 – Murray, NE 68409)

Janelle Sorenson: Prayers for healing and strength. (17812 18^th Street – Plattsmouth, NE 68048)

Nickey Johnson: Prayers for healing and strength. (922 N. 9^th St. Plattsmouth, NE 68048)

Gary Etherington: (Peggy’s husband) Prayers for healing and strength. (2518 Overlook Cir. Beaver Lake, NE 68048)

Nancy Peters: Prayers for Nancy and her family as they mourn the recent passing of Nancy’s mother, Blanche Henry. (7951 12^th St. – Murray, NE 68409)

Additional Prayer Concerns:

Cathy Balfour as she battles cancer.

(11509 A Street-Avoca, NE 68307)

Nickey Johnson: Prayers for her parents, especially her Mom.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Thoughts & Prayers for our

shut ins:

Lottie Johnson: continual prayers.

(1750 S. 20^th Street-Lincoln, NE 68502)

Mildred Moritz: continual prayers.

(1300 Avenue D-Plattsmouth, NE 68048)

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*Remember the members of our Armed Forces, who are serving overseas and stateside. *Philmore Williams

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Continued Prayers of comfort for:

The Family of Haley Eldred

The Family of Barbara Wohlfarth

The Family of Rick Riekemann

The Family of Char Gochenour

MEMBERSHIP CLASSES

If you are interested in attending a Membership Class - Pastor Jeff McDonald will be glad to talk to you! Please call (402) 682-1439

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Join the Women’s Circle every month, on

the second Wednesday, at the church at 7pm!

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A Thank you from Pastor Jeff

I would like to thank the congregation for your very generous gift card to Border’s Books. It was so nice of you to remember me in this way for “Pastor’s Appreciation Month.” I was able to purchase some much-needed books – A fabulous Bible Dictionary and a book on Paul! As a pastor it has been so nice to be associated with such a kind and encouraging congregation. You are all such a blessing to me. Thanks again!!

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FOOD PANTRY for December

According to Jen at SENCA in Plattsmouth…Their pantry is EMPTY!!

Spaghetti Sauce Peanut Butter Tuna

Cornbread mix Powdered milk Boxed Dinners

Dried Pasta (Hamburger Helper)

Jen with SENCA (Food Pantry in Plattsmouth) is organizing a

TOYS FOR TOTS

for Christmas

If you know of a family with children who would benefit, or if you would like to adopt a family, please call Jen at 296-4477. There is NO maximum income level to qualify!!!!

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Birth Announcement!!!!

Welcome to Karli Eldred, born November 12, 2008

to Kara and Steve Eldred. She is the grand

daughter of Joe Eldred, and niece of Lindsey Eldred.

(2214 Dunbar Drive – Beaver Lake, NE 68048)

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**Advent Program and Dinner**

Please join us on December 7^th for “The Advent Tree,” our Children’s Christmas Program, and then stay for our Advent Dinner! Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. Turkey, potatoes, dressing, and rolls will be provided.

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Operation Christmas!!

Our Angel Tree is now up in the back of the church. Please choose and “angel” and return your wrapped gift to church on or before Sunday, December 14^th. Your generosity will help make Christmas special to those children in need! Thank you!!!!!!!!

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A great big THANK YOU to Sherrill Konfrst for organizing the fundraising for the

Manse kitchen!! The Tupperware/soup sale was a huge success. Approximately $785 was raised during that event!!! Thank you to all who purchased items!!

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Mitten Line

Thank you to all who donated mittens to help our local children!!

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****All Junior/Senior High age students****

PYF Event!!

PYF will be attending the “Christmas Pageant” again this year on Sunday, Dec. 21^st. We will leave the church at 3:30pm, eat pizza out, and then attend the program at Westside Church at 7pm. The show lasts 2 – 2 ½ hours and we will be home at about 10pm. Denise Ayers has a limited number of tickets available. PYF will buy the pizza and there is no charge for the tickets!! Please let Denise know if you want to attend this fabulous show!! (H) 235-3157 or (C) 402-968-2900

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*New Address for Charlotte and Paul Mars*

1615 Roosevelt #52 – Sabetha, KS 66534

(785) 284-2193

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If you would like to learn more about the Christian faith, join Rich Gregerson and Dave Coulby every Tuesday evening for dinner or dessert and

to study a series called, “Holy Spirit/Alpha.” Please contact Rich at 235-3642 for the time and location.

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*Denise Ayers is always looking for Liturgists. If you are interested, please let her know. If she asks you – please participate and know that your service to the church is appreciated. A special Thank You to all who have done so in the past.

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Christmas is on its way and so are the poinsettias!!

If you are interested in ordering a poinsettia in Memory of or to Honor someone you love, please complete one of the forms on the table at the back of the church, or call or e-mail the church with your request. The flowers will be available around the 18^th of December and are $7.00 each. Completed forms are to be returned to the church office.

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Christmas Open House at the Manse

Sunday, December 14^th

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Come and enjoy Christmas goodies,

eggnog, and warm spiced cider.

Anniversaries

Happy Belated Anniversary to:

Rich and Karen Gregerson – November 27^th

Birthdays

Happy Belated Birthday to:

Pledge Drive

Our church is currently participating in our annual pledge drive. Stating your pledge upfront helps our treasurers create a budget for the next year. Giving should be a joyous response to the love and forgiveness of God. Our Lord’s total self-giving constitutes the basis for our Christian giving: “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8)

Please prayerfully consider what is best for you and either e-mail, call, or cut-off the following form and send it to the church, (Murray Presbyterian Church P.O. Box 196, Murray, NE 68409 attn: John Meeske.)

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Name:___________________________________________________ Date: _______________________

Address:_____________________________________ Apt.#______ Phone (____) _________________

City:_____________________________________ State:____________ Zip code:__________________

2 Corinthians (written about AD. 56)

-Corinth, Greece—major ancient commercial center. Corinth has been referred to as the Las Vegas of the ancient world.

Philippians (written about A.D. 61)

-He also instructs them to not put confidence in ritual, but rather in Jesus Christ.

-The quarrel between Eudia and Syntyche. Paul pleads with them to agree with each other in the Lord.

-Paul tells the church at Philippi to put into practice whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and praiseworthy.

Colossians (written about A.D. 61)

-True fullness is to be found in Jesus Christ and not human traditions—festivals, religious diets, etc.

Philemon (written about A.D. 61)

-Paul writes a very warm and appreciative letter to Philemon asking him to welcome back a slave named Onesimus.

-Onesimus had a life changing conversion to God and somehow became friends with Paul in Rome. Now Paul wants Philemon to welcome back Onesimus as a brother in Christ.

1 Thessalonians (written about A.D. 50)

-Earlier Paul had started a riot there when he visited the town and preached the “Good News.” (Acts 17)

-Paul gives thanks for the Thessalonian Christian’s faith, defends his own ministry there, and rejoices that the Thessalonian Christians have accepted the word of God as it truly is the word of God (ch. 1 & 2). These believers are doing a great job of sharing the faith.

-Thessalonian Christians are being persecuted by unbelievers and tempted by Satan, but their faith is remaining strong (ch. 3).

-Paul gives instructions in Christian living—live a quite life, work, earn respect from outsiders by how you live (ch. 4). Avoid immorality and love each other

-Paul explains what will happen to believers—both the living and the dead—at the time of the second coming of Jesus (ch. 5). Encourage one another and build each other up.

2 Corinthians 12:9

“But he [the Lord] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ”

Philippians 3:8-9

“What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.”

Colossians 1:18

“And he [Jesus] is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”

Philemon v. 16

“no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord. ”

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”

If you have information that needs to be put in the Congregational Life or Newsletter, please send an email to the church address, which is murraypresbyterian@windstream.net Thank you!

December 2008

Dear Church Family,

Thoughts & Prayers for our

Anniversaries

Happy Birthday to:

Sharlyn Deterding 12/10

Pledge Drive

Name:_____________________________ Date: _

2 Corinthians (written about AD. 56)

Philippians (written about A.D. 61)

Colossians (written about A.D. 61)

Philemon (written about A.D. 61)

1 Thessalonians (written about A.D. 50)

2 Corinthians 12:9

Philippians 3:8-9

Colossians 1:18

Philemon v. 16

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17