Annual Antique Roadshow! Thursday, January 10 . Watch the ... · Jessica Konker, [email protected] to learn more about facilitating an activity group or fellowship group during

CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY SERVICE – We will have a Children’s Christmas Eve Choir for the 4:30 Christmas Eve Service. It is open to children in K-5th grade. Upon registration the kids will receive a CD of songs; $5 donation is suggested to help off-set the cost. Contact Carla Mayo, 680-9959 or [email protected] for details.

J.O.Y. NEWS – THE TRADITION CONTINUES! There is a Santa Claus! We will celebrate Christ’s birth once more with the Preschool Children’s Christmas performance. We’ll also sing some of our favorite Christmas carols and share some of the history and stories behind several of those carols. Join us Thursday, December 6th at 11:00 a.m. and enjoy another Chef Sharon Special for only $5.00. We hope you’ll join us in the Fellowship Hall. Call in your reservations, 680-9944. Coming in January…2nd Annual Antique Roadshow! Thursday, January 10th. Watch the weekly bulletins for additional information!

ANGEL TREE BAGS – Thanks to everyone who took an Angel! Please remember to review the procedures outlined in the brochure in the pocket of your bag and return your gift bags by December 9th. Be sure the angel tag is sealed in the pocket and the extra code tag can be taped to anything you cannot get in the bag.

ALTERNATIVE GIFT MARKET RETURNS! Alternative Gift Market is back…and you have the opportunity to join our congregation in supporting a number of missions both local and abroad. Purchase meals for a day for a local family, or chickens & goats through World Vision, or even send a child to a Young Life camp; the possibilities are endless. Look for information in the Lobby or call the office, 680-9944.

2012 ADVENT SERIES THE PROPHESY:

ONE DAY GOD WILL COME It is remarkable that we believe that the God of the universe not only became a human being, but was born in a stable to a poor young Hebrew girl in a depressed little village of a conquered tiny nation in a despised part of the world AND it was foretold more than a thousand years before…

“The Promise” …………Dec. 2

“The People” …………..Dec. 9

“The Plan”………………Dec. 16

“The Place” …………....Dec. 23

“The Person” …………..Dec. 24

DECEMBER CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES

Children’s Caroling at Winterfest Saturday, December 1st

10:45 a.m. – meet in the choir room then walk across to Walter Jones Park at 11:30.

Choir Christmas Music Celebration

“Let Heaven and Nature Swing” Sunday, December 16th

7:00 p.m. – Sanctuary – West Campus

Christmas Eve Services Monday, December 24th

4:30 p.m. - Family Celebration of Christmas & Candlelight Service

Message by Rev. Jenn Arnold

7:00 p.m. - Christmas Message & Candlelight Service

Message by Rev. Kevin Pound

9:00 p.m. – Christmas Message, Candlelight & Communion Service

Message by Rev. Kevin Pound

TURKEY REPORT! – Thanks to all who

donated to this year’s Turkey Drive! MPC has partnered with City Rescue Mission for the last 4 years providing Turkeys for the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. This year we’ve purchased 112 turkeys with the $2,052 in donations!

DO YOU LIKE TO COOK? – If so, there is a wonderful opportunity for you to be “The Hands and Feet” of God, by providing an occasional meal to a family who may have someone coming home from the hospital, a new baby, etc. If you would like to be a part of this ministry please contact Pam Moyer, 230-2909, [email protected] or call Barbara Frye at 680-9951. If you think you are on this list, but aren’t sure, please contact Pam as she is in the process of updating the list. MPP NEWS – Mandarin Presbyterian Preschool is registering students for the 2013-2014 school year. The following classes are offered: 2 year olds: MWF and TTH (8:45 – 12:00) 3 year olds: MWF and TTH (8:45 – 12:00 option to stay until 3:00) 4 year olds: VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten)

M-F (8:45 – 12:00 option to stay until 3:00)

MWF (MW 8:45 – 3:00, F 8:45-12:00)

TWTH (TTH 8:45 – 3:00, W12:00 – 3:00) For more information or to obtain registration forms, please contact MPP Director, Mellanie Henderson, 680-6406 or email [email protected].

MILITARY PRAYER LIST Continued prayers are requested for MPC military and their families: Alaina Clay, Chad Coursey, Geoff Cunningham, Jeremy Etheridge, Peter Flynt, Becky Gallant, Richard Gallant, Russell Gallant, Michael Hahn, Kurt Hannon, Christopher Hicks, Scott Hoffman, Bobby Hughes, John LeVoy, Les McNellie, Yancey Montgomery, Richard V. Shirley, II, Christopher Snyder, & John Winkler (Bold denotes active duty deployed.) (Please call the office to add or remove a name from the list.)

COLLEGE/YOUNG ADULT FALL LUNCH GATHERINGS – Join us December 9th after the 10:30 a.m. service at Village Bread (10111 San Jose Blvd) for a time of fellowship with other college age folk and young adults. We look forward to seeing you then! If you have questions about this or other young adult ministry contact Jessica Konker at [email protected].

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD – Thanks to your generosity, 343 shoeboxes were filled in support of Samaritan Purse’s Operation Christmas Child! These gifts of love have been sent to children living in poverty in areas of the world where there is great need and are sure to brighten the faces of all recipients!

NEW GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES – We are gathering groups and activities to be included in our winter catalog of opportunities at the church. Is there an activity that you would like to lead a group doing? Maybe it is basketball, golf, biking, running, music, decorating, cooking, board games, or hiking. Or maybe you want to get together a group for dinner or service projects. Please contact Jessica Konker, [email protected] to learn more about facilitating an activity group or fellowship group during the winter, January – March.

SAVE THE DATE - Daddy/Daughter Dance February 6th is the date for this enchanting evening of dinner and dancing. This annual event is open to all girls Pre-K and up. Tickets will go on sale in January. Dust off your dancing shoes and mark your calendar for this special event!

NEXT GENERATION 2013

SAVE THE DATES! Faith Prints – Faith Prints is a new program under our Next Generation Ministries! It is focused on helping parents grow and nurture the faith of their children. Each set of classes will bring parents of similar aged kids together and focus on their stage of development as related to physical, emotional and spiritual needs. We will offer age appropriate ideas for ways to engage your children in faith conversations and connect them with God. See upcoming course catalog for details or contact Jenn Arnold, 680-9993 or [email protected].

First Impressions I (Birth – 2 years)

Feb. 10th & 17th at 10:30 a.m. First Impressions II

(3 years – K) Jan. 20th & 27th at 9:00 a.m.

First Impressions III (1

st – 5

th grades)

Feb. 15th & Mar.15th at 6:00 p.m.

Student Discovery – Student Discovery is our confirmation class for anyone in 7th- 12th grades wishing to become members of MPC. Classes will be at 9:00 a.m. Sunday mornings and will run Feb. 10-May 19. For a detailed calendar and class requirements as well as registration, contact Krista Knott, 680-9954 or [email protected].

Friday Night Live – Friday Night Live is a once a month program we are starting for families with children in grades 1-5. Each Friday starting at 6:00 p.m. there will be games and fun as well as learning opportunities for parents and kids. Childcare will be available for younger siblings and older siblings can assist with the program if pre-arranged with our Children’s Director. Description and registration information will be in upcoming Winter Course catalog. Dates are Feb. 15th, Mar. 15th, April 12th and May 10th.

K-Kamp – This summer we will head to Camp Montgomery for our 2nd year of K-Kamp! This is a week designed for elementary age kids in grades 1-5. They will stay in cabins with leaders from MPC and experience a fantastic week of camp focused on building relationships with friends from our church and with God. Mark your calendars for June 16th- 20th. Registration opens in January.

S.C.A.M.P. – This year’s dates for our Summer Camp at Mandarin Presbyterian will be July 29th – August 2nd. This is a week of VBS which includes a separate program for our 5th grade students! For more information, contact Kris Murphy, [email protected]. WELCOME, JONAH! We are delighted to welcome Jonah Lenius to the staff as our Media Engineer. Jonah and his wife Marissa met in high school in Oviedo, FL and have lived most recently in the Baltimore, MD area with their 2 year old son Owen. Jonah is a graduate of Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL and both he and Marissa have family in the Orlando area. Jonah’s hobbies include playing, writing, and recording music. He is a lifelong Florida Gator fan and enjoys watching college football. In Jonah’s words, “In my off time, I love raising my son and spending time with my wife. I have prayed for some time now to use my talents more for Jesus. I feel so blessed that not only were those prayers answered but that Jesus has brought Marissa, Owen, and me back home to Florida.” We are very grateful to have Jonah and his family at MPC!

MIDDLE SCHOOL MINISTRY NEWS

Fast Food, Strobe Light, Pillow Fight, Gut Bomb Night – Wednesday, December 19th from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. – Cost is $10 and spots are limited so you must sign up and pay by December 5th! Do you like eating yummy food? Do you enjoy hanging out with your friends? Have you always wanted to smack your leader in the face with a giant pillow while going crazy in strobe lights? Then this night is for you! We will be headed out on school buses all over Jacksonville to pick up the best fast food that we can…a burger here, fries there, desserts somewhere else, plus surprises along the way! We tried this event last year and had so much fun that we had to bring it back! Bring your own pillow and appetite! You MUST have on file a current 2012/2013 Insurance/Permission form. Forms can be downloaded at mandarinpres.com.

GoMAD – Christmas is one of the best times of the year…for many reasons! One of those reasons is that it can be the best time of the year to give back and make a difference! This Christmas the middle schoolers at MPC will be making a huge difference for a dozen refugee families. These are families that are spending their first Christmas in America after fleeing their country because of persecution. Each small group will be sponsoring 1 or 2 families and will be buying them gifts to make their new life in America special. Then on December 15th we will all deliver the gifts together. This is an awesome way to show the love of Christ this Christmas! We are blessed and it is wonderful to bless others. If you are interested in helping or getting involved, contact Tiffany or Daniel at [email protected].

HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY NEWS High School Snowbird Winter Retreat Dec. 27th at 5:30 a.m. – Dec. 30th at 10:00 p.m. In Anderson, NC.

TPC Tickets – Purchase your Players Champions Tickets from MPC Youth Costa Rica Mission Team. These make great Christmas gifts! Tickets are good for any one day. Cost is $40 each and we will get $25 for each ticket sold. Support your High School Mission Team! Contact Mike Mason, [email protected], or 563-5194 for tickets.

High School Party - Crave Christmas Party and Progressive Dinner is December 10th. Arrive at 6:45 p.m. and the buses will leave at 7:00 p.m. sharp. Bring a wrapped white elephant gift (or $5 gift.)

NO CRAVE – December 17th, 24th or 31st.

Costa Rica Mission Trip – Applications for this year’s trip are now available on our website – mandarinpres.com – please print and fill out your application and turn it in as soon as possible; spaces are limited!

NO YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL ON DECEMBER 23RD OR

DECEMBER 30TH

2013 Next Generation Summer Interns Want to be a part of a dynamic team that is passionate about ministry to children and students? We are currently accepting applications for our summer internship program. We have 3 positions available working with our children and youth ministries. Applications will be available on-line beginning Dec. 1st at www.mandarinpres.com. For information call Krista Knott at 680-9954 or [email protected].

WORDS ON THE WORD ADULT STUDY –

December 2nd, (Woody’s) December 9th & *16th (Chapel) at 9:00 a.m. on the East Campus. Join us for coffee, donuts and discussion of Scripture. This will parallel the Advent sermon series and we will discuss the scripture texts. * The previously scheduled class, “God Born in a Stable: What Christians Believe about the Birth of Jesus” has been reformatted and will be offered at the December 16th “Words on the Word” Study. “THE HOBBIT AND THE CHRISTIAN FAITH” - December 16, 10:30am, Room 5 - During World War II, and with the occasional help of his friend and colleague C.S. Lewis, British linguistics professor and Christ-follower J.R.R. Tolkien wrote a story of hobbits, wizards, trolls, and a magic ring that has proven to be a worldwide success of fantasy literature, and also an enduring classic of Christian theology brought to life in a captivating story. The first of three movies comes out in theaters on December 14. Join us the following Sunday to talk about The Hobbit and discuss what this story has to do with the Christian faith. Chris Konker will facilitate. For more information, email [email protected]. THE STORY PART I: “Creation To Kingdom” (Genesis to 1 Samuel) This is a great class for those new to reading the Bible and also those looking to go deeper in their understanding of the overarching story of God’s love in Scripture. The Story will open your eyes to God’s master-plan as it unfolds in the lives of the Bible’s characters. Discover the heart of God’s story and the joy that comes as you align your story with God’s. The class runs from January 13th - March 17th and is offered at 9:00 a.m. in the Chapel and again at 10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Sign-up at the Information Booth or contact Chris or Jessica Konker, [email protected] or [email protected].

MOM TO MOM’S MENTORING GROUP – MPC is initiating a Mom to Mom’s Mentoring group. In order to start the group we are looking for a few women interested in participating as mentoring mom’s who will be a part of a larger group of younger moms beginning in January. This is a great way to build new relationships and encourage each other. If you are interested or want more information, please contact Lynn Wehrmann, 614-1277 or [email protected].

YOUNG ADULT (20’S & 30’S) CHRISTMAS PARTY Ladies wear red…guys wear green. Join us on December 14th for some Christmas fun! Bring an appetizer to share and also a white elephant present ($5-$10 new or used) for a present swap game. We’ll meet in BOB on the East Campus at 7:00 p.m. Contact Jessica Konker to sign up, [email protected], or sign up at the Information Booth in the Lobby on the West Campus.

Child care reservations available at sign up.

NEW GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES – We are gathering groups and activities to be included in our winter catalog of opportunities at the church. Is there an activity that you would like to lead a group doing? Maybe it is basketball, golf, biking, running, music, decorating, cooking, board games, or hiking. Or maybe you want to get together a group for dinner or service projects. Please contact Jessica Konker, [email protected] to learn more about facilitating an activity group or fellowship group.

THE REVELATION OF JOHN – Join us for this 6 week evening class that dives into Revelation – the last, and (some say) most vexing book of the Bible. What does it mean? What does the Bible have to say about the end times? Where is the grace in such a troubling text? We’ll read this text alongside some of the great interpreters down through history and apply it to our lives today. Small groups are welcome. This class will begin in February. Look for sign-up information in the January Newsletter.

BOB RENOVATION - Many of you know that

we’ve spent most of the month of October creating three new meeting rooms out of the large central space in BOB (the blue Building Out Back on the East Campus.) This has given us much needed meeting space for youth and adults at MPC. We could use your help in furnishing these rooms; if you have any neutral-toned, solid colored sofas or chairs that you are giving away, please call Rosa at 680-9953.

WINTER FPU CLASS - FPU will begin February 10! FPU has been revamped with new videos, shorter meeting times (90 min vs. 120 min), and shorter overall duration (9 wks vs. 12 wks). We encourage those interested in the FPU program and those that are already on their FPU journey to check in and receive some encouraging words about God’s work in the lives of everyday folks like you. What is FPU about and how has it affected people? See some answers to those questions at the following: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVXaBTARD7k. No matter your life circumstance, age, or financial position, we believe FPU can be another opportunity to deepen your faith while also learning some practical money management. Prayerfully consider joining us in 2013, and feel free to contact Jason or Tami Shepler at 268.0636 or [email protected] for any questions. For those interested in taking the FPU class, sign-up sheets will be located in the Narthex.

DEACON CALLING CAMPAIGN – In early November, 22 Deacons spent 60 hours contacting 735 households in our church. They personally spoke to 373 families as they shared concerns and prayed with those contacted. Thank you to the congregation for supporting this effort! And thank you, Deacons!

SEEKERS ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS - In December the Seekers Class will begin a 13 week study entitled “Jesus Is Lord.” We start with a study of Ephesians for 5 sessions under the heading “Victory In Jesus.” In January we will study Philippians for four sessions under the heading “Exalting Christ.” We close this series in February studying Colossians with our guide of “Imitating Jesus.” Each Sunday session is a self contained unit so you will not be “lost” if you miss a Sunday. This class meets at 10:30 a.m. in room 9 on the west campus. All are welcome!

2013 MPC WOMEN’S RETREAT In Focus:

Seeing Christ in a World That’s a Blur

Mark your calendars for Friday, February 1st – 3rd for our second annual Women’s Retreat as we head to Epworth by the Sea in St. Simons Island, GA. Come expecting to laugh and relax as we fellowship and learn how to make Christ the focus of our daily lives. Pricing for the weekend is based on your rooming selection. Quad (4 to a room) - $205 Triple (3 to a room) - $220 Double (2 to a room) - $240 Single Room - $330 Scholarships are available on request. For more information, contact Jessica Konker, [email protected]. Pricing for the Event includes: 2 Hotel Nights 6 meals Welcome Packet Music, Entertainment, Talks Fellowship Worship on Sunday Morning

For other news and events check out the webpage at mandarinpres.com

FROM THE SESSION…Most of you received the Session’s letter last month informing you of its decision to begin conversations with the Presbytery of St. Augustine concerning the possibility of MPC peaceably leaving the PC(USA) denomination. This action has followed many hours of discussion and prayer. The Elders would like the opportunity to speak to any of your small groups, dinner groups or bible studies concerning this process. Please contact Rosa, [email protected] or 680-9953, to arrange to have someone come to your group.

________________________________________________________________________________

Merry Christmas &

Happy New Year

From the Session & Staff of Mandarin Presbyterian Church

2013 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN UPDATE On Sunday, November 18th, many of us took the opportunity to invest in the service of Christ by dedicating a portion of our "stuff" to his service. If you have not been able to pledge yet, please drop off your pledge cards at the church office or in the offering plate next Sunday. Your commitment will give our church the ability to plan appropriately for the coming year as we continue to invest in growing the Body of Christ! Thank you for your support and participation in this worthy effort. STEWARDSHIP UPDATE: Goal: 475 pledges $1,900,000 As of 11/28 280 pledges $1,167,198 Please turn in your pledge card, to help us determine our 2013 budget!

NOVEMBER FINANCE UPDATE: Month Calendar YTD

11/1 – 11/29 1/1/12 – 11/29/12 Contributions $141,959 $1,766,383 Expenses $166,520 $1,827,707 Net Income/(Loss) ($24,561) ($61,324) Thank you for your faithful giving to MPC. Please help us make up this deficit.

ON GOING ADULT & STUDENT EVENTS

AND OPPORTUNITIES EC – East Campus; WC – West Campus

SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:00 a.m.

Children 2 yrs.-5th grade – Rooms off Piazza WC Minglers - KidSpace - Room 104 WC Special Needs - KidSpace Room 107 WC Middle & High School Youth – Woody’s & BOB EC

10:30 a.m. K & Younger - Rooms off Piazza WC 1st – 5th graders – KidSpace WC Pathfinders - Room 8 off the Piazza WC Seekers - Room 9 off the Piazza WC

GROUP OPPORTUNITIES Cancer Support Group - 4th Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room EC Contact Evelyn Blackwell, 268-3346.

Caregivers Support Group – 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in room 137/138 EC Contact Cornelia Dutton, 302-1355.

Tuesday Study Group - Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. in Room137 EC Contact Frances Berry, 732-7433.

J.O.Y Senior Adult – 2nd Thursday of the month at 11:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall EC Contact Jim Mittelstadt, 260-0707.

Adult Handbell Choir – Tuesdays at 6:15 p.m. in the Music Room WC Contact Barry Olsavsky, 886-0133.

Sanctuary Choir – Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Music Room WC Contact Bill Vasko, 680-9962.

Praise Team – Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in Room 103 WC Contact Bill Vasko, 680-9962. Auditions required

Worship Team - (vocal & instrumental) Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Music Room WC Contact Bill Vasko, 680-9962. Auditions required

Northeast Florida Great Banquet Retreat Weekends – Men & Women 72 hr. weekends hosted at MPC in the fall and spring. Spring dates: Men’s – 4/6-7; Women’s 4/18-21. Call 680-9981 for information.

New Member Classes – MPC offers quarterly Discovery Classes for membership. Next classes are Sunday, March 3rd & 10th and New Member Dinner is Sunday, March 17th at 6:30 p.m. Call 680-9951 for further information.

CHILDREN Music – K-5th grades. Meets Mondays at 4:30 p.m. in the Music Room WC Contact Carla Mayo, 680-9959.

F.R.A.T. House – 5th graders. Meets 1st Friday of the month at 6:00 p.m. EC Contact Kris Murphy, 680-9956.

YOUTH Hang Ten – Middle School Student Ministry. Meets Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. EC Contact Krista Knott, 680-9954.

CRAVE – High School Student Ministry. Meets Mondays at 7:00 p.m. EC Contact Krista Knott, 680-9954.

YOUNG ADULT (20’S & 30’S)

Small Group Opportunity – Groups meet at various times. Contact Jessica Konker for information, [email protected].

WOMEN

Monday Evening Circle – Meets last Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in homes. Contact Cheryl Peck, 287-6021.

Third Thursday Circle – Third Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in Room 137/138 EC Contact Grace Hinson, 779-2288.

Moms on Mondays meet Mondays at 9:30 a.m. in Room 137/138 EC Contact Tina Siceloff,[email protected]

Tuesday Morning Beth Moore Study meets Tuesdays at 9:45 a.m. in the Chapel EC Contact Cathy Talbot, 287-1631

Wednesday Women’s Study meets Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. in Room 137/138 EC Contact Kathy Reifers, 287-1499.

Moms on Fridays meet Fridays at 9:30 a.m. in Room 137 & 138 EC Contact Susan Nordin, 287-5022.

MEN

Men’s Fellowship Lunch meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at noon for lunch at Santioni’s on San Jose Blvd. Contact Randy Hester, 230-4939.

Kevin Pound’s Monthly Men’s Group meets the 2nd Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in Woody’s EC.