In the former United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (UPCUSA), a Christmas offering was first taken in 1960. Called the White Gift, its funds were used for general mission and world relief. In 1964, the name was changed to the Christmas Offering, and receipts provided support for health and welfare concerns related to children. The emphasis on global work with children continued until 1973, when the offering was used to assist former servants of the church who were living on inadequate pensions.

In 1974, minority education was added; and in 1979, nursing home care assistance was also included. Funds were distributed evenly between the Board of Pensions and minority education.

In 1988, the PCUS and the UPCUSA offerings were joined into one offering, the Christmas Offering Joy Gift. It was agreed that neither the Board of Pensions nor the racial ethnic schools would suffer in the merger of the Joy Gift and the Christmas Offering. To accomplish that, the 1987 General Assembly set a distribution ratio of 65% to the Board of Pensions and 35% to the racial ethnic schools.

In 1989, the offering was renamed the Christmas Joy Offering; and in 1991, the 203rd General Assembly changed the distribution of funds to 50% to the Board of Pension and 50% to the Presbyterian racial ethnic schools and colleges.

Members and friends of First Presbyterian Church will have the opportunity to take part in this offering. During the Advent season, there will be inserts included in the weekly worship bulletins. Offering envelopes are included in this newsletter and will be available in the pews during the month of December. If you would like to make a contribution for the offering, please make your check payable to First Presbyterian Church and be sure to mark it in a way that the office staff will know your intentions for including it in the Christmas Joy Offering. The offering will be dedicated Christmas Eve.

Friday, December 4, 5:00 p.m.
Women’s Association Christmas Soup Café and Bake Sale
After the tree lighting in downtown Cazenovia
Carol Sing with Sounds of Chimes, Jubilate Choir ringing hand bells and hand chimes
Cazenovia High School String Ensemble, directed by Mary Coburn

Sunday, December 6, 10:00 a.m. ~ Second Sunday in Advent
Sermon: “Prepare the Way of the Lord”
The Reverend Dr. Steven R. Thomas, Jr.
Lighting of the “Bethlehem” Advent Candle
Special Music: Patrick Carney and Nathan Kaecher, trumpeters;
Sounds of Chimes Choir

Sunday, December 13, 10:00 a.m. ~ Third Sunday in Advent
A Traditional Service of Lessons & Carols
Lighting of the “Shepherd” Advent Candle
Special Music: Senior Choir, Jubilate Bell Choir and Children’s Choir

Sunday, December 20, 10:00 a.m. ~ Fourth Sunday in Advent
Christmas Pageant ~ “The Story of Christmas” featuring our Sunday School
Lighting of the “Angel” Advent Candle
Traditional Christmas music by the Jubilate and Senior Choirs

Thursday, December 24, 10:00 p.m. ~ Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Christmas Message: “I Bring You Good News”
Special Music: Mary Coburn and Natalie Brandt on violins, Senior Choir

Merry Christmas!

Your gifts and prayers do change children’s lives.
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:35b, NIV

Ideas for filling a box could include:

• toys ~ small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, etc.
• hygiene items ~ toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap, washcloth, comb
• school supplies ~ pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad, coloring books, writing pads or paper, solar calculators
• other items ~ hard candy, lollipops, mints, gum, sunglasses, flashlights and batteries, socks, ball cap, t-shirt, toy jewelry, hair clips, watches, small picture books.

Please do not include:

• used or damaged items;
• war-related items, i.e. toy guns, knives, military figures;
• chocolate or food;
• liquids or lotions;
• medications or vitamins;
• breakable items, i.e. snow globes, glass containers or aerosol cans.

Make sure your shoe box is ready for a long journey! The National Collection Week is November 16 ~ November 23. It would be helpful to have boxes and/or supplies by November 15th so we have time to prepare them for the dedication during worship on November 22nd. We will have a display in the Meeting House by mid-October with more information and resources to assist you if you would like to support this project. As in years before, we are indeed grateful to everyone for your support of this project.

The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation, of preparation, of longing, of hope.

If you are looking for an open and friendly place to celebrate Sunday morning worship, please join us at the Cazenovia Presbyterian Church. Child Care and Sunday School are available during the service. For more information contact the church

In the former United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (UPCUSA), a Christmas offering was first taken in 1960. Called the White Gift, its funds were used for general mission and world relief. In 1964, the name was changed to the Christmas Offering, and receipts provided support for health and welfare concerns related to children. The emphasis on global work with children continued until 1973, when the offering was used to assist former servants of the church who were living on inadequate pensions.

In 1974, minority education was added; and in 1979, nursing home care assistance was also included. Funds were distributed evenly between the Board of Pensions and minority education.

In 1988, the PCUS and the UPCUSA offerings were joined into one offering, the Christmas Offering Joy Gift. It was agreed that neither the Board of Pensions nor the racial ethnic schools would suffer in the merger of the Joy Gift and the Christmas Offering. To accomplish that, the 1987 General Assembly set a distribution ratio of 65% to the Board of Pensions and 35% to the racial ethnic schools.

In 1989, the offering was renamed the Christmas Joy Offering; and in 1991, the 203rd General Assembly changed the distribution of funds to 50% to the Board of Pension and 50% to the Presbyterian racial ethnic schools and colleges.

Members and friends of First Presbyterian Church will have the opportunity to take part in this offering. During the Advent season, there will be inserts included in the weekly worship bulletins. Offering envelopes are included in this newsletter and will be available in the pews during the month of December. If you would like to make a contribution for the offering, please make your check payable to First Presbyterian Church and be sure to mark it in a way that the office staff will know your intentions for including it in the Christmas Joy Offering. The offering will be dedicated Christmas Eve.