Deacon's Corner - December 2024

 Thus far, I think that my biggest take-away from Bryan's sermon series on Proverbs is that Solomon, in addition to being wise, was also a brutally direct, hard line pragmatist. He cuts right to the chase on every subject he broaches in his goal to teach the people of Israel how to lead Godly lives. That said, with the Christmas season once again upon us, I was curious as to what he had to say about “giving”. Proverbs 11:25 seemed appropriate:

     “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

You will be pleased to know that there are a variety of avenues that will offer our APC congregation the opportunity to refresh others this blessed holiday season.

Everyone enjoys receiving Christmas cards from friends, family and acquaintances alike. The Deacons thought it might be nice for us to keep in touch with those members of our family in Christ who have moved away by sending them cards. We already send cards to our Friends at Home. It was suggested that perhaps members of the congregation might also like to send cards. If that's something you think you might like to do, please contact either Ida Williams (dancinghorsefarm@gmail.com) or Tonya in the office (tonya@argylepresbyterian.org) for address information.

The Argyle Country Christmas will take place on December 8...hopefully it will be dry this year! We will be serving Presbyterian punch (a sherbet punch) and coffee and will have holiday cookie decorating and a simple “Jesus is the reason for the Season” craft for the kiddos.

Just a reminder that Christmas Jars ought to be wrapping up in the early days of the month. Keep in mind that if you're not comfortable giving out a jar full of change you can use the change for a gift card and place that into the jar.

And here's the one that we're asking all of our holiday bakers the jump in on. In addition to our usual cookie plates for our FAH members, the Deacons will also be putting together cookie plates to be delivered to the Argyle Fire House, the Highway Department and the EMS building. Needless to say, we'll need just a few extra cookies to fill all of those plates. If you are interested in baking cookies for this ministry, please bring them to worship on December 22nd so that we can assemble and wrap the plates for delivery.

By the way, did you know that the cookie dates back to 7th Century (AD) Persia (now Iran)? Neither did I, so I looked it up. Seems the Persians discovered sugar (actually sugar cane) and started making cake like cookies. They caught on during the Crusades and the soldiers, like all soldiers for forever, brought them back to Europe. Next thing you know we've got Oreos!

The Deacons wish all of our brothers and sisters in Christ a blessed Christmas Season and look forward to seeing you throughout the month leading up to our Christmas Eve candle light worship service. And please remember that if you know or know of someone who could use assistance, please let any of the Deacons know or contact Tonya or Bryan in the office.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another

as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”   John 13:34

Tom Genovese for the Deacons

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