Fishermen's News

Dear Members and Friends,

At the time of this writing, Thanksgiving is over and we are gearing up for the celebration of Christmas. I hope to see many of you at any (or all!) of the numerous events and services in the weeks ahead (e.g., Presbyterian Women dinner and bazaar, choir concert, children's pageant, Christmas Eve services), as this is a wonderfully active, worshipful and enjoyable time in the Greenwood Church community.

It can be said that both Thanksgiving and Christmas have, at their core, the remembrance of "gifts;" both the gifts received from God and others, as well as the gifts we plan to give. In fact, at the core of both holidays should be our gratitude to God for His supreme Gift, which was wrapped not in paper, but in flesh and blood; placed by the Giver not under a tree, but in a manger. It is by this supreme Gift that we enjoy every spiritual and physical gift and blessing we enjoy, for "... through Him all things were made, without Him nothing was made that has been made (John 1:3)."

This is an appropriate time as any to call some (perhaps overdue!) attention to another very special gift of God, also wrapped in flesh and blood, who was "given" to the church community here at Greenwood many years ago. This person also happens to have been THE driving and organizing force of the original "Fishermen's News;" and she remains a "gifted Gift" in active service to her church and community to this day. As many of you already know, Angie D'Albora won special recognition from the Presbytery of Southern New England for the many, many years of selfless service, inspiring leadership, unwavering dedication, energetic devotion and compassionate ministry given to her church and Presbytery. On November 18 she was awarded the Walter M. Elwood Mission Award, an award given to the one person among all the congregations and ministry organizations of the Presbytery (which includes Connecticut, Rhode Island and parts of Massachusetts) who best exemplifies the biblical ideal of "being a doer of the Word and not a hearer only (James 1:22)."

Nominees for the award are solicited by Presbytery, submitted by sessions, and the final selection is made by the Presbytery's Stewardship and Mission Committee. Below is a slightly edited copy of the original nomination letter submitted by Session:

Youth Ministry Update!

Thanks to the tireless, selfless, highly creative and energetic efforts of a wonderful team of adult volunteers, the Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (junior-senior high) and King's Kids (3^rd - 6^th grade) continue to meet and thrive in the absence of a Director of Christian Education. In addition to the ongoing Bible studies/fellowship activities of these groups, some special highlights have been the enjoyable Halloween parties (both groups), the successful apple pie/crisp baking mission fundraiser (PYF), and the pizza party/hayride (King's Kids). Most notably, November 17 saw some thirty junior and senior high young people and seven adult leaders embarking on what proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable, deeply inspiring and generally very-worthwhile weekend retreat at Camp Canonicus.

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"In the absence of a Christian Education director, we hope to keep things running as smoothly as possible for the youth ministry in the weeks and months to come. To that end, it would be good and necessary to clarify and/or establish together some common expectations and qualifications for those who will be in the positions of leadership for the young people of Greenwood Community Church." -- excerpt from a letter mailed to all who had expressed interest in helping with the youth ministry (Presbyterian Youth Fellowship and the Kings' Kids) at Greenwood Community Church, Presbyterian, announcing a planning meeting for September 10, 2000.

The following guidelines, requirements and expectations were collectively hammered out and agreed upon by the ten adults present at that meeting. It was readily agreed that the following provisions of the Book of Order, while expressly pertaining to church officers and ministers of the Word and Sacrament, are also appropriate for those who are engaged in ministry with the youth. This was reviewed and approved by the Christian Education Committee October 5; presented by the committee to Session October 19, where it was moved, seconded and approved by unanimous vote, and all volunteers presently engaged in PYF and King's Kids have agreed to sign.

From the Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church USA (emphases added):

G-6.0106a. To those called to exercise special functions in the church -- deacons, elders, and ministers of the Word and Sacrament -- God gives suitable gifts for their various duties. In addition to possessing the necessary aids and abilities, natural and acquired, those who undertake particular ministries should be persons of strong faith, dedicated discipleship, and love of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel in the church and in the world. They must have the approval of God's people and the concurring judgment of a governing body of the church.

G-6.0106b. Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church. Among these standards is the requirement to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness. Persons refusing to repent of any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin shall not be ordained and/or installed as deacons, elders, or ministers of the Word and Sacrament.

B. Participate in personal opportunities to nurture faith and discipleship, especially those offered by the Christian Education program of Greenwood Community Church, Presbyterian. Although no requirement was established at the meeting September 10, all leaders agreed it was both a good example to the young people and personally necessary to receive training and teaching in matters of the Christian faith.

C. Commit to regular and consistent participation in the planning, implementation and participation of all functions of PYF or King's Kids. If from time to time unforeseen circumstances prevent someone from participation, that leader is obligated to inform/notice the others if he/she is unable to participate. If three (3) consecutive meetings and/or activities are missed without such notice, and/or the leader has failed to attend 60% of the activities in one calendar year without such notice, then that person may be considered as having tendered his/her resignation from leadership.

D. Live a life of moral integrity consistent with the requirements of G-6.0106b.

E. During any and all functions of the PYF and King's Kids, leaders will abide by the same code of behavior that is expected of the young people. Generally speaking, while participating in church sponsored activities, young people are not permitted to engage in activities and/or partake of substances which are forbidden by their parent(s). Specifically, during any and all functions of the PYF and King's Kids, leaders will refrain from use of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, viewing of videos/films rated for over-17 audiences, and/or any other activity which may be legally permissible for adults but not for minors.

Signature________________________________________ Date:__________________

Pasta Dinner following the program in Fellowship Hall. All are welcome!

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

The Annual Stewardship Campaign is in full swing as we strive to reach the Session's goal of $296,235 to support Greenwood Church's programs and mission outreach in 2001. After the first two Sundays of this year's Annual Stewardship Campaign, Greenwood has received 196 pledges consisting of 13 new pledges, 85 pledges increased, 82 pledges remained the same,

and 16 pledges decreased. The total amount pledged to date is $249,511. However, there are still 57 pledge units from last year that have not been turned in yet this year. If these 57 pledge the same amount as last year, total promised pledges would reach $288,665. This amount would be $7,659 short of the funds needed to support Greenwood's proposed budget for 2001. If you have not received a pledge card or have not been contacted by one of our volunteers and would like to support Greenwood Church programs and mission outreach, please contact our church office.

As we approach the end of another calendar year, some of us are behind in fulfilling our annual pledge to the church. As of October 31, 2000, pledges received are running approximately $15,000 behind pledges promised. If you are not up-to-date with your pledge, please remember, if possible, to complete your pledge for 2000.

Thank you for your faithfulness and support as our church seeks to serve Jesus Christ at Greenwood Church through our programs and mission outreach.

David C. Dickerman, for the Stewardship Committee

Needed: children's winter clothing (mittens, gloves, scarves, hats, coats) during the months of December and January!

Circle I would like to welcome all church members and friends to come to our Christmas Cookie Swap. Just make 6 (six) dozen of your favorite cookies and bring them with you to Fellowship Hall on Wednesday, December 13th. We are hoping to start our swap at 9:30. You will need to bring an extra large container to put your cookies in as we swap. You will bring one type of cookie but go home with a wonderful assortment. The more people that come, the more varieties we will have, so please join in the fun!!

If you would like a fun day with great fellowship, join us.

"I bring you good tidings of great joy, for unto you this night in the city of David is born for you a Savior." (Luke 2:10-11)

Joy is ever present. Angie D'Albora, Kitty Channell, Jean Martin and I enjoyed a busy, joyful day at the October 28^th Presbytery Fall Gathering at Crossroads Presbyterian Church in Waterford, Connecticut. Our keynote speaker Lois Carter, leadership trainers, and Issues Samplers presenters provided us with ideas for better communication, thoughts about the ways we relate to others, information on difficulties of people of low-income countries and immigration problems, saving children mission possibilities, and resources for local peacemaking activities. We enjoyed a delicious lunch, had time to shop at the 20,000 Villages Sale table and closed with an inspiring worship and communion service led by the Rev. Marilyn McNaughton.

December is always a joyful month because joy is the product of our relationship with God, and December is the month we celebrate our Savior's birth. Jesus is our joy. Joy grows from the nearness of God and our joy grows when the presence of God in us comforts, leads and guides us.

Presbyterian Women have many things to be joyful about in December. Our Country Bazaar proceeds help us support our many mission projects and provide leadership training for individuals. Some Circles have adopted families to provide with Christmas presents, and our Christmas Dinner and program provides Christian fellowship and a time when we bring gifts for the South Providence Neighborhood and paper goods for Warwick Shelter. Our December Circles give us a chance to show our joy as we meet to celebrate the season and enjoy the fellowship and comforts that our Circles provide.

Our speaker for the Christmas program, Jan Carlberg, will present: Good News for the Grinch, an evening of stories to put the heart back into Christmas. Jan Jensen Carlberg was raised in a Baptist pastor's home; her husband, Dr. R. Judson Carlberg, is president of Gordon College in nearby Massachusetts. Jan has written several books with humor, wit and insight applied to Biblical selections - these books will be on sale after the PW Christmas program.

We hope that December is a joyful month for you and that knowing God is near and that we are doing his work and living by his values causes your joy to grow. Have a blessed, joyful Christmas!

January will be a slower month for PW as we gather the results of our bazaar and plan for the New Year. We will be thinking about the PW Winter Retreat on February 2-3, 2001 at the Immaculate Conception Convent in Putnam, Connecticut.

Angie has been very active here at Greenwood. She is a deacon, elder, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, serves on the Christian Education Committee, is a past moderator of PW (currently Circle Coordinator), past Presbytery PW Enabler, past member of the Presbytery Council and Presbytery Committee on Ministry, avid tennis player and enthusiast, grandmother, and "Church plant caretaker." As a result of Angie wearing so many hats over the years, on Saturday, November 18, 2000, the Presbytery of Southern New England awarded her the Walter M. Elwood Mission Award for many years of selfless service in mission and ministry. Congratulations, Angie!

Deb is the daughter of Betty Stacey and our PW World Service person. She is an elder, serves on the Mission Committee, on the boards of the Warwick Shelter and Habitat for Humanity. She serves as a lector frequently on Sunday mornings and is a probation officer. Deb enjoys keeping physically fit.

We joyfully celebrate Angie & Deb!

Peggy Phillips, for the Coordinating Team

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN'S CHRISTMAS DINNER

Tuesday, December 5, Fellowship Hall

Dinner, 6:30

Apple Stuffed Roast Pork or Stuffed Chicken Breast with trimmings!

Program, 8:00 p.m.

Nationally known Speaker: Jan Carlberg

(Don't miss this opportunity to hear a wonderful inspirational message!)

All women are invited!

Please try singing this ditty with me to the tune of "After the Ball":

After Bazaar is over

PW Dinner is done

Circles will gather together

For carols, good food and fun.

If I could have rhymed the word "Visitors", I would have said how welcome they would be and if you have any questions, dear reader, please give me a call. Anyway - here are our plans for December:

Circle I will meet at church on Wednesday, December 13^th for their annual Cookie Swap. And here is the good part - we are all invited! Just bring 6 dozen cookies and be there at 9:30 AM. Childcare is provided as usual.

CIRCLE II will meet just before noon on Tuesday, December 12^th and go out for a jolly holiday lunch. I have heard that their new theme for 2001 will be "Outings". More on that next time.

CIRCLE III will meet on Tuesday evening, December 12^th in the parlor to enjoy their Annual Christmas Potluck. Of course there will be a Yankee Swap and lots of laughter!

CIRCLE IV will meet on Tuesday, December 12^th at 6 p.m. at Chelo's for dinner. This is an annual tradition for this large group and they have a very happy time.

CIRCLES V & VI - will meet on Tuesday, December 12^th. They will enjoy a Christmas Luncheon and Yankee Swap at the home of Angie D'Albora at noon.

CIRCLE VII is planning an extra meeting in December so that we will have fresh green things for the Bazaar. So they will postpone their celebration until January.

At this writing, January Circles will be meeting on the 9^th and 10^th and will be back to their regular programs. Circle "girls" have worked very hard - not only on the Bazaar, but have reached out to many during the Christmas season. We have adopted families, brought gifts for South Providence Neighborhood Ministries, paper goods for Warwick Shelter and remembered shut in friends, too. It is a special joy to count these 120 Christmas Angels as my closest friends.

Circle Coordinator Angie D'Albora

- CAUGHT IN THE NET -