The Presbyterian Church in Burlington, Massachusetts --- 01803

Sunday, December 29 - Fun for all Ages

Three o'clock will be the rallying time in the church parking lot. Join a caroling caravan that will take us to various places such as senior residences, nursing homes, and homes of shut-ins. If you have suggestions for places to carol this year, speak to Rod soon! We will finish by 5:30 or 6:00 with a simple but nose-and-toes warming supper. If you'd like to be our host this year, and you live not far from the church, we'd love to have an invitation. It's truly intergenerational and heartwarming time. Look for a signup on the church bulletin board.

It's a long-lived tradition at BPC. There will be nativity tableaux vivants (or living scenes) featuring young folks, and some older helpers, in the roles of Mary and Joseph, angels, shepherds, and wise men. Choir and congregation will join in many carols. The service will end with a spreading of candlelight throughout the sanctuary. Mr. MacDonald will give a brief message. The Christmas Joy Offering will be received. This service is a wonderful way to introduce friends and neighbors to the church - and maybe to make a difference in their lives.

The Christmas Joy Offering is one of four special offerings of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Half of the gifts to the Christmas Joy Offering assist active and retirec church workers in times of need. Through the Assistance Programs of the Board of Pensions, workers can receive income supplements, shared grants, and emergency assistance. The other half of the gifts support eight racial-ethnic schools and colleges related to the Presbyterian Church (USA). The funds are used for basic operating costs and scholarships for deserving students. The entire Christmas Eve offering will be used for the Christmas Joy Offering. If you are unable to be present at that time, gifts can be made at other times. Be sure to indicate that the money is for the Christmas Joy Offering. Please support these worthy causes. Pledges of money, time and talents were dedicated during our Harvest of Offerings service on November 21. If you have not taken the opportunity to pledge to our shared ministry, please don't forget. Our mission depends on all of us! If you need pledge materials, contact the church office. Pledge cards, and time & talent pledges, may be placed in the Sunday offering or sent to our treasurer, Jim Brunner.

Transportation Help Needed The Deacons continue to seek volunteers to provide transportation to church on Sunday mornings for a regular visitor. Please sign up on the posted Sign Up sheet in Fellowship Hall. In addition, if you might be available to provide occasional transportation to our church from Winchester Center for an older visitor, please speak with Deacon Millie Wiegand.

Don't Forget to Fill Out Time and Talents Sheets Each fall the church collects Time and Talent Sheets as well as pledges for the upcoming year from congregation members. Time and Talent Sheets list concrete ways that people can help with various church needs throughout the year, e.g. child care, transportation, publicity, lawn mowing, etc. These sheets provide the Deacons with much-needed information about congregation members' special skills, interests and availability. Knowing this information makes it easier for the Deacons to meet the needs of the church. Please don't forget to fill out your Time and Talent Sheet for 2005!

Burlington Food Pantry Seeks "Shopping Companion" The Food Pantry is in need of a shopping companion who would accompany Food Pantry staff in purchasing needed supplies for the Pantry for a couple hours each week. The Pantry currently serves approximately 300 people in the town of Burlington, including many families. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a "Shopping Companion" please contact the Food Pantry at 781-270-6625.

Thank You! The following note was received from The Community Day Center of Waltham, Inc.
Dear Rod: On behalf of all the guests of the Community Day Center, please share with the officers and members of the Presbyterian Church in Burlington our sincere thanks for their support, including the recent gift of $100. Their support has been both substantial and on-going, and for that we are truly grateful, as we are for the chance to do a little bit of God's work on their behalf and your behalf here in Waltham. With best wishes and much appreciation. Sincerely,

Elliot Hipp, Director

January 12 at 7:00 P.M.
These services of evening prayer are offered on a once-a-month basis. The emphasis will be on quiet reflection and prayer, with opportunity for individual prayers for healing and peace. Plenty of music will be included, in the same spirit. If you would like to be part of leading, or providing music for, these services, please contact Brenda Flynn, Joan Ross, or Rod MacDonald. Do consider bringing a friend who might be searching for the peace that God can give.