Thank you to all the bakers and buyers for last month’s Christmas Cookie Sale!  The sale earned $1,729.00 by selling nearly 300 dozen cookies!  The proceed will go to the fund to install air conditioning in the sanctuary.
 
Each year, Old Union is invited to apply for a grant from the Wood Charitable Trust, which was established by Velma N.’s brother.  This year, we were awarded at $2,000.00 grant, which will go toward the installation of air conditioning in the sanctuary.
 
                    AIR CONDITIONING
We are raising money to install air conditioning the sanctuary.  The estimated cost is about $25,000-30,000.  Once we have raised $20,000, we will begin to seek bids and make plans.  As of November 30, the air conditioning fund had $7.611.15.  Since then, we have received a $2,000 grant and we raised $1,729 from the Christmas cookie sale, bringing the total to $11,340.15.  This total does not include contributions we received during December.  If you would like to contribute, please mark your donation “Air Conditioning.”
 
This spring, Rev. John H., retired chaplain from St. Johns Care Center, will lead a study on his book, God’s Forgotten Pillars, to equip us for better ministry to our elderly and homebound members.  Speak with Peter if you’d like to participate
 
We offer condolences to the family of Walt L., who died December 16. 
 
Heather I. and Roger W. have done a great job running our livestreaming worship services, but we’d like to another member to the team for more scheduling flexibility.  If computers don’t scare you and you’re interested in learning new skills, please speak with Heather.
 
                 LEGO TOURNAMENT
The Lego Tournament is back!  After skipping the tournament last year because of COVID, on Saturday January 22 we will welcome 1st-6th graders to compete in five events and to share their creativity with each other.  The tournament begins at 10:00 and ends at 2:00.  The cost is $5.00, to cover the cost of lunch and the prizes, and participants must supply their own Legos.  Call or email the church if you would like to sign a youngster up.  Speak with the pastor if you’d like to help
 
If you have not been vaccinated or if you have not had COVID, please wear a mask while inside the church building.  Please continue to use the hand sanitizing stations when you enter the building.
           

A big “thank you” to Peggy M. as she concludes her service on session, and to Dottie G., Ruth J., and Mary M. as they step down from the deacons.  Be sure to extend you best wishes to each of them.
 
On January 9, we will ordain and install our new officers.  Debbie M. will join the session, and Sally P. will begin a second term.  Cheryl D. will join the deacons, and Charlene K. will begin her second term.  Please surround them, and all our officers, with your prayers as they lead our service for Christ and his people.
 
                   CHILDREN’S TIME
Each Sunday during worship, the children will have an opportunity to come forward for an age-appropriate message.  We’re looking for volunteers to help lead this Children’s Time.  We’ve got resources to help plan, and with enough volunteers no one will need to lead more than a couple times a year.  Speak with the pastor if you’re interested.
 
The pastor will be on vacation from December 30 to January 6.
 
 The pastor’s normal day off is Thursday.
 
                SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
Spiritual Directors are specially trained individuals who provide guidance and support for those who wish to explore and deepen their relationship with God, and to understand better the spiritual aspect of their lives.  In March, our pastor will begin a two-year program to become certified as a spiritual director.  He will spend three weeks each year at the Haden Institute in North Carolina for intensive training.  In between, he will complete reading and writing assignments as part of the program.
 
    LEARNING HOW TO SPELL “PRESBYTERIAN”
In Presbyterian governance, the session holds most of the decision-making responsibility.  The congregation makes decisions regarding the pastor (calling, dismissing, and compensation) and the property (buying, selling, and mortgaging).  The pastor selects Scripture passages for Sunday worship, decides which wedding ceremonies he will perform, and in consultation with the musicians selects the hymns.  Everything else falls upon the session.

 
 
        

Old Union Presbyterian Church | 200 Union Church Road, Mars, PA 16046
​724-538-8672 | OldUnionChurch@gmail.com