Tidings

What's in this Issue?

1 Cover Page
2 Rev. Norville's Reflection
3-4 Lectionary & Information Pages
5 ATS Information
6 Parish Nurse Team
7 Tree of Life and Poinsettia Order Forms
8 Kid's Corner
9-10 December/January Birthdays/Anniversaries
& Financial Numbers
11 Consistory Bullets/Church Info
12 List of Events
13-14 December and January Calendar
15 List of needed items for REACH

Volume 70, Issue 11

 Reflection from Rev. Mary
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for
they will be filled. Matthew 5:6
Even a brief pause can help us to step back and take inventory
of how we are spending our most precious resource, our time.
Jesus often took time away in the mountains or out to sea to
spend time in prayer. He encouraged the disciples to do the
same. The irony is that December can often feel overwhelming.
During our Advent season it is easy to become so busy with
Christmas preparations, parties, and special events that we
forget to take time away to pray. What it means though, is that
we are literally doing all the extras to celebrate Jesus’ birth and
forgetting to take the time to spend with the very one we are
celebrating. Jesus arrived in such a simple setting and we
celebrate ornately.
As a result, when December is over, we tend to fall into January
exhausted and looking to simplify and organize our lives. This
year, I invite you to take a brief pause in the beginning of
December and spend time praying over the month. As you look
at your calendar include time for reading and prayer. As you plan
your budget consider downsizing spending and upsizing quality
time together. Maybe that means you miss a party or keep
decorations simple. Maybe you fill your house with the smell of
baking, but let go of the expensive dinner. Whatever it is that
feels like too much, I invite you to consider a simpler option
instead.
As we move toward Christmas day and into January, I hope the
stars are shining brightly and a few flakes fill the air. I pray your
heart feels like it’s bursting with Holy experiences that carry
you into the New Year. I wish you the very best of all that your
heart desires.
Dear Jesus, we offer you ourselves this Christmas. Although we
know we aren’t perfect, we know we are made perfect in You.
So for this season of remembering your birth, we are giving you
our most precious gift, our time. For all the love you give, and
for the creation you share, for the moments you make, we honor
you with all that we are. Amen.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Rev. Mary Jane Norville
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 "From the Pulpit”
We will be focusing on the lectionary text listed below.
December 3 First Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 40:1-11 and Mark 1:1-8
December 10 Second Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 64:1-9 and Mark 13:24-37
December 17 Third Sunday of Advent – w/Hearts in Harmony
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 and Luke 1:26-38
December 24 Fourth Sunday of Advent
John 1:6-8 and II Samuel 7:1-11, 16
December 24 Christmas Eve PM Service
Luke 2:1-20
December 31 First Sunday after Christmas
Isaiah 61:10-62:3, Psalm 148,
Galatians 4:4-7 and Luke 2:22-40

January 7 First Sunday after Epiphany

The Baptism of Christ w/Communion
Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29, Acts 19:1-7
and Mark 1:4-11
January 14 Second Sunday after Epiphany
I Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20), Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18,
I Corinthians 6:12-20 and John 1:43-51
January 21 Third Sunday after Epiphany
Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Psalm 62:5-12,
I Corinthians 7:29-31 and Mark 1:14-20
January 28 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111
I Corinthians 8:1-13 and Mark 1:21-28

Wash Cloths for Wellness is December’s Change 4

Change project. Your donation will be used for supplies of
yarn and soap. For every dollar donated, one washcloth
and one bar of soap is given to someone in need. Everyone
deserves a clean start! This ministry supports
organizations such as: Reach, Salvation Army and Rescue
Mission. www.washclothsforwellness.com
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Change 4 Change - November offering was for Micah‘s Backpack. Thank
you for your donation. Your donation helps feed our children in Washington
County.
2024 Offering Envelopes are available to pick up in the Sunday School
Auditorium.
2023 Giving Contributions - Your end-of-the-year gift for 2023 must be in
the office before December 31st. Your 2023 giving statement summary will
be mailed to CRC members during the month of January 2024.
Our Shut-in's would love to hear from you. We have several members that
are unable to attend our services. Let them know you care. Reach out to
office for the list.
Cheryl’s last day in the office will be on December 29th. Jenny Kelley will
her replacement. Please congratulate her on her new position. New office
hours will be M-F from 9-12.
The Women’s Fellowship Breakfast group will meet on Saturday,
December 2nd at 8:30 AM in person. Please bring your favorite breakfast
item to share with others. Come enjoy a time of fellowship and digging into
God's Word.
December 9th - Free Soup and Sandwich Event for community from 11 am
to 2 pm.
December 17th - Hearts in Harmony singing group will return to help us
celebrate Advent.
December 24th 9:30 am and 7 PM will be our Christmas Eve services We
will also be serving communion in AM and PM services.
December 25th and 26th the church office will be closed. Have a Merry
Christmas.
December 26th - Historic House of Worship Tour from 3 PM to 7 PM.
December 31st - We will be having a Prayer Service and Christmas Carol
Sing. Please come to get your star word for the new year.
Change 4 Change for January is for Reach. Please see list on bulletin board
or in this newsletter.
January 1st - Happy New’s Day - The Office will be closed.
January 7th - We will be serving communion on this Sunday.
Tidings Deadline - January 16th is the deadline for the February Tidings. If
you have anything you want in this issue please contact Jenny via phone or
email at CRC1854@myactv.net
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 NO Washington County Gives in 2024
Your ATS donations
In October, the Community Foundation of Washington
County announced that they would NOT be hosting
Washington County Gives in 2024. They are planning on
using their resources to help non-profits develop continuous
and dependable revenue streams.
The Board of Aspiring to Serve is so grateful to those
individuals who supported ATS during Washington County
Gives and we have been told that some individuals would
"hold" their donations so they could give more on that day
and increase the percentage of matching dollars received.
This past year, our "bonus" dollars added up to over $700.
The ATS Board wanted those church members who have
supported us to know that there would be no event this
year so they can plan their giving accordingly. We
appreciate any and all donations. Please remember that
when you use the green envelope in your offering box to
make sure the check is made payable to "Aspiring to Serve."
Then, once tallied by the money counters and credited to
your church giving, it can be directly deposited into the ATS
account.
Again, thank you for your continued support of this ongoing
mission of the church.

Charlotte Trout, 2023 ATS Board President

Lectionary Group
The Lectionary Group will meet on Wednesdays at 11:00 am.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86393839530
or call the following local number: 301.715.8592
Enter Meeting ID: 863 9383 9530
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Dear God,
As I lay me down to sleep
relax the tension in my body;
Calm the restlessness of my
mind;
Still the thoughts that worry
and perplex me.
Help me to rest myself and
all my problems in your
strong and loving arms.
Let your spirit speak to my
mind and heart while I sleep,
so that, when I wake up in
the morning,
I may find that I have
received in the nighttime,
Light for my way;
Strength for my tasks;
Peace for my worries,
Forgiveness for my sins.
Grant me sleep tonight, and
tomorrow power to live.
In Jesus Holy Name,
Amen
From your Parish Nurse Team
WIN A FITBIT
Meritus has provided a Fitbit to
each Parish Nurse Team that
provided tips for healthy living for
their congregation during the first
few months of 2023. We have
decided to give all interested
members of CRC a chance to win
this Fitbit.
If you are interested please put
your name and phone number
on a slip of paper to be found on
the desk in the Parish Nurse
Room (where we take blood
pressures) and drop in the box
(same location) any Sunday
between now and December 31st.
We will draw the winner on
January 7, 2024, (first Sunday of
the new year).
See Fran Paris or Linda Mason if
you have questions.
B/P (Blood Pressure)
Screening to begin first
Sunday of every month
starting, January 2024.
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 ORDERING OF POINSETTIA
The Worship Team will have poinsettias for
sale at $9.00 each. If you would like to place a
poinsettia in memory or in honor of a loved
one, you may place your order with a Worship
Team representative, contact office or put
form in offering. Poinsettias can be picked up
after the Christmas Eve evening service.

Poinsettia order form for 2023

I would like to purchase _____ poinsettia(s) for the 2023 Christmas Season.
In honor/memory (circle one) of___________________________________________
In honor/memory (circle one) of___________________________________________
Given by: _______________________________________________________________________

Tree of Love Project

The Serving Team is sponsoring this project during the Christmas
season to benefit United Church of Christ’s Christmas Fund. If you
wish to donate complete the form below and include your donation.
You can put it in the offering or mail it in. Any size donation is
accepted. The names of persons for who the donation was made will
be placed on an easel next to the tree. (Extra forms will be on podium
at east entrance where you get bulletins and under tree.)

In Memory of: _________________________________________________________ Gold Ball

In Honor of: __________________________________________________________ Silver Ball

Given by: ________________________________________ Donation Amount $_________

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KID'S CORNER

-8-
 DECEMBER
Birthdays Anniversaries

Financials for October 2023

Samaritan Balance $ 574.88
Offerings $ 8,365.38*
ATS Repayment $ 0
Endowment Interest $ 10,000.00
Expenses $ 23,917.71*
Net Profit/Loss $ -5,552.33

YTD Jan-October 2023

Offering $ 107,656.43*
ATS Repayment $ 0
Endowment Interest $ 120,000.00
Expenses $ 233,448.31*
Net Profit/Loss $ -5,791.88

*Elevator check from insurance

company has been removed from
these numbers

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 January

Birthdays Anniversaries

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 NOVEMBER 2023 CONSISTORY NOTES
Volunteers Needed – Take a look at the list of volunteers we need at Christ’s Reformed
Church. Turn your form into the offering or into the office. We would love to hear from
you!
Lectionary Group – The Lectionary group will meet on Wednesdays at 11:00. You may
also join on zoom.
Donations for Micah’s Backpack are being accepted. The collection box is located in the
hallway near the East entrance.
We are still in need of tenants for portions of the Aspiring to Serve building although we
may soon be blessed with being able to lease the 4th floor and half of the 5th floor to
the Hagerstown Fire Department.
Consistory meeting for December 2023 will be held on December 14 at 6:30 pm.
High School Sunday school will be held weekly. Adult Sunday School will be held on the
2nd and 4th Sunday of each month.
Our Shut-in’s would love to hear from you. We have several members who are unable
to attend services. Let them know you care. Contact office for the list.
December Communion will be on Christmas Eve in both services.
Christmas Eve Services will be a 9:30am Celebration with carols, prayer and
communion, 7:00pm a full service with communion. There will be no service on
Christmas day.
This year’s Anniversary Fund (November 12) will be dedicated to repair of the Atrium
roof.
We are planning a free Soup and Sandwich event for the community to take place
Saturday December 9, 2023 from 11 am to 2 pm.
January 7 Epiphany with Communion and installation of the 2024 Consistory members.

Address Changes
Christ's Reformed Church Please contact Cheryl with any changes you
Phone No: 301-733-4144 have to your address or phone number.
Fax No: 301-733-4145
Church General email: crc1854@myactv.net Office Hours
December office hours are 8-3 Monday
Website: www.crcucc.org through Thursday and Friday 8-2:30.
YouTube: CRC Christ's Reformed Church
Morning Worship 9:30 am 2024 Office Hours are 9-12 M-F.

Church Staff
To join by phone. Simply dial 1-301-715-8592, Rev. Mary Jane Norville Sr. Minister
wait for the prompt, enter the access code 853 Charlotte Trout Consistory President
3757 7035 followed by #, wait for the prompt Jenny Kelley Office Support Assoc.
then enter # again. To join the worship by Margaret Bussard Custodian
computer on Zoom, enter the following Cheryl Wilson Organist
Thomas Greenawalt Technology Support
into your web browser: Charlotte Trout ATS Board President
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85337577035 Gene Jones Treasure Team
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 LIST OF EVENTS
December 2 8:30 AM Women’s Breakfast
December 3 First Sunday of Advent
December 3 Sunday School – High School Youth
December 6 11 AM Lectionary
December 9 Free Soup and Sandwich Event for community
December 10 Second Sunday of Advent
December 10 Sunday School – High School Youth and Adults
December 13 11 AM Lectionary
December 14 6:30 PM Consistory Meeting
December 17 Third Sunday of Advent w/Hearts in Harmony
December 17 Sunday School – High School Youth
December 18 7 PM ATS Meeting
December 20 11 AM Lectionary
December 24 Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 24 7 PM Christmas Eve Service w/Communion
December 25 Christmas Day – Office Closed
December 26 Office Closed
December 26 Historic House of Worship Tour from 3 PM to 7 PM
December 27 11 AM Lectionary
December 31 First Sunday after Christmas – Christmas Carol Sing

January 1 New Year’s Day – Office Closed

January 6 Epiphany
January 7 First Sunday after Epiphany–The Baptism of Christ
w/Communion and Installation of 2024 Consistory
January 14 Second Sunday after Epiphany
January 15 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 18 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25
January 21 Third Sunday after Epiphany
January 28 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
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 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2
Women's
Fellowship
Breakfast 8:30

2:00 pm AA 2:00 pm AA

3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Free Soup
11:00 am and Sandwich
6:30 PM
Lectionary
Consistory Mtg Event
First Sunday 11 AM to 2 PM
of Advent 2:00 pm AA 2:00 pm AA 2:00 pm AA

10 11 Tidings 12 13 14 15 16
Dealline
11:00 am
Lectionary
Second Sunday
of Advent 2:00 pm AA 2:00 pm AA 2:00 pm AA

17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Third Sunday
of Advent 11:00 am
w/Hearts in Lectionary
Harmony
ATS 7PM 2:00 pm AA 2:00 pm AA 2:00 pm AA

24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Fourth Sunday of Historic House
Christmas
of Worship
7 PM Christmas Eve
Service w/w/Comm
Tour from 11:00 am
____________ 3-7 PM Lectionary

Carol Sing 31l Office Closed Office Closed 2:00 pm AA 2:00 pm AA 2:00 pm AA

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth

peace, goodwill toward men!”
Luke 2:14 NKJV
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 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 Epiphany 6
Happy New
Year’s Day Women's
Fellowship
Breakfast 8:30
Office Closed
2:00 pm AA 2:00 pm AA 2:00 pm AA

First Sunday 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
after Epiphany- 11:00 am
The Baptism of 6:30 PM
Lectionary
Christ w/Comm. Consistory Mtg
Installation of
2:00 pm AA 2:00 pm AA 2:00 pm AA
2024 Consistory

14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Second Sunday Martin Luther 11:00 am Week of Prayer for Christian Unity,
after Epiphany King, Jr. Day Lectionary January 18-25
Tidings
Dealline 2:00 pm AA 2:00 pm AA 2:00 pm AA

21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25
Third Sunday
after Epiphany 11:00 am
Lectionary
ATS 7PM 2:00 pm AA 2:00 pm AA 2:00 pm AA

28 29 30 31
Fourth Sunday
11:00 am
after Epiphany
Lectionary

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his
compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is
your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him;” Lamentations 3:22-24 (NIV)

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