Maysville Presbyterian

MISSION STATEMENT

We, at First Presbyterian Church, are a congregation of

believers who live out our Christian values through:

1. Worship that glorifies God with scripture-based sermons

and music, service to those in need, and caring support of

members and the wider community.

2. Valuing personal relationships in our church, community

and world.

3. A commitment to providing a safe and stable place to

believers where they can be supported, educated and

assisted in their spiritual journey.

I recently found an article in the Presbyterian Outlook magazine entitled "What's Right With the Presbyterian Church." Author William M. Wiles is a Presbyterian Ruling Elder and Commissioned Pastor who has served PCUSA churches in northeastern Oklahoma for the past 19 years. Bill is a bi-vocational pastor who also works in the business world in organizational health and business strategies.

Here are Pastor Wile’s ten reasons for choosing to be, or remain, a member of a PC(USA) congregation. I have added my thoughts in blue italics.

1. We are a denomination that encourages members to study the Bible for themselves and then discuss it with other members of our faith communities to discern its meanings for their lives. Dr. Craig Denham teaches the Sunday School class for adults. Deacon Karen Wood leads the Wednesday Evening Bible Study. In both groups, you will find sincere learners and lively discussion.

2. We are a denomination that affirms the Reformation tenet of the “priesthood of all believers.” This affirmation is visible when we pass the Communion trays from person to person in each row. Each of us has a gift to share. Each of us is called to ministry.

3. We are a denomination that publicly and corporately confesses our individual sins as a part of our worship service. Every Sunday, we join in confessing our sins. But, of course, this is followed every Sunday by an assurance of pardon.

4. We are a denomination that welcomes women to positions of authority and leadership at all denominational levels. Women and men serve together as ruling elders on the church session. Three women have been called to be the pastor of First Presbyterian Church.

5. We are a denomination that welcomes all of God’s people into congregational life and leadership. The Book of Order states that “faithful worship should be an intercultural event—fostering mutuality, dialogue, and equality among all people.” (W-1.0304 Culture) (cont’d next page)

6. We are a denomination in which ruling elders and Ministers of the Word and Sacrament share equally in providing pastoral services to congregations and church governance. In the Book of Order, you will find this statement, "The commissioners from each presbytery shall be divided equally between ruling elders and ministers of the Word and Sacrament." (G-3.0401 Composition and Responsibilities)

7. We are a denomination that cares deeply about our youth, going so far as to give them a place at the table at our national meetings. The 225th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA will meet in Louisville, Kentucky, June 18 – July 9, 2022. Each of the 170 presbyteries sends four Commissioners, two Ministers of Word and Sacrament, two Ruling Elders, and one Young Adult Advisory

Delegate (YAAD) to each General Assembly. The YAAD needs to be between 17 and 24 years of age and an active local church member.

8. We are a denomination that seeks to address social inequalities even when it is not popular. Christ has entrusted the ministry of the gospel to all of his disciples, calling us to follow him in the way of love, righteousness, peace, and justice. Presbyterians seek to uphold that trust.

9. We are a denomination with a missional concern for sharing the gospel at home and worldwide. Presbyterian missionaries entered Korea in the late 19th century. Today, Myungsung Presbyterian Church in Seoul, South Korea, has 100,000 members and is the world's largest Presbyterian church.

10. We are a denomination with a rich history and long-held traditions. Still, we are also a denomination that strives to respond to the attitudes and practices of contemporary society. That our denomination was founded in 1706, says much about our ability to adapt and thrive. There were Presbyterian churches in the United States even before organizing presbyteries and synods in 1706. Jennifer's

father, Rev. Carl R. Smith, served the Jamaica Presbyterian Church in New York City. It was founded in 1662 and is the oldest continuously serving Presbyterian church in the United States.

What do you think of this list? What would you add, modify or subtract? Whatever your reasons for

belonging, I am glad you are a part of the First Presbyterian Church family!

Cheers,

Pastor Jim

O Lord Jesus Christ, heavenly King, thank you for bringing both Jews and Gentiles to hear your voice. Enable us to follow your holy Word, as those from the East followed the leading of a star. Give us grace to confess your holy name. Rule us by your Spirit, so that the joys of your birth may increase in us. Hear our prayers and cries. Accept our offerings, which you

yourself have given us: the gold of our faith, the incense of our prayers, and the myrrh of our contrite hearts. Deliver us from the destructive ways of sin, and lead us in the ways of peace and in the paths of righteousness. Grant us all, when this life is done, a participation in the joys of the Year of Jubilee in heaven, where we shall praise and serve you and the Father who

live and reign in unity with the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

—Wilhelm Loeh (adapted)

NEW Church mailing address is 21 W. 3rd St., Maysville, KY 41056.

 PLEASE DO NOT USE THE P. O. BOX. 

Session Meeting will be held on Monday, January 24th at 5:30 p.m.

Offerings: You may mail your checks to 21 W. 3rd St., Maysville, KY 41056, if you wish to mail in your

offerings while we are going through this pandemic or you may pay by credit or debit card through a link

on the church’s website: www.maysvillepresbyterian.org.

Revised Safety Protocols: For all services, First Presbyterian Church will observe the safety protocols

outlined by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and Transylvania Presbytery.

_ Hand sanitizer will be available.

_ Pews and other surfaces will be properly cleaned.

_ Wear masks.

Presbyterian Women’s Evening Circle Bible Study will meet on January 12, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. Bible Study will meet on Wednesdays, January 5, 19, and 26th at 6:00 p.m. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Christmas Joy Offering: $170 was collected on December 26th for the Christmas Joy Offering. The Christmas Joy Offering of the Presbyterian Church (USA) assists leaders and their families — past, present, and future. The offering supports church workers and their families who have retired, those who continue their ministry, and those who will be our future leaders. Thank you for your generosity!

The Christmas Eve Service was attended by 114 people. A total of $180 was donated to the Mason County Food Bank.

Annual Committee Reports: Committee reports need to be in the office by January 17th so they may be included in the Annual Congregational Meeting packets. Thank you!

The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 23rd after the morning worship service. There will be more information to come in the bulletins on Sunday mornings.

Per Capita for 2022 is $38.47. Please write “per capita” on the memo line of your check. Thank you!

Two Free Guardian Angel Apps for Your Smartphone

(From the August/September 2020 AARP Newsletter)

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Snug Safety-This free app is made for people who live alone. This app checks on you at a time of day you select. You press a green checkmark on the app and receive a quote of the day. If you fail to check in, your emergency contacts are notified. For Android and Apple phones.