Yaphank Presbyterian Church
65 Main Street
Yaphank, NY 11980
(631) 924-3723
Pastor Ralph Wright
Office: (631) 475-3322
Home: (631) 289-5761
13 November 2007
Dear Friends:
“The Holidays: Let us be thankful for what God has given us!”
The first record of a pilgrim feast was in 1621, marking an abundant harvest and three-day feast after a perilous winter. George Washington issued a Thanksgiving proclamation in 1789, but the first national proclamation of a day of Thanksgiving came from Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Let us continue the tradition this Thanksgiving by remembering how fortunate we are and resolve to share our blessings with those around us.
We invite all members of the church and the community to be with us on Thanksgiving Eve for a Thanksgiving Dinner will be served in the Fellowship Hall (5 to 7 p.m.) for all those who would enjoy a good meal with friends and neighbors of the church. Take-home meals will be delivered to shut-ins. The chef for the dinner is the pastor with the help of the women of the church. If you would like to help call him at 289-5761 or 475-3322. A Thanksgiving Worship Service will be held following the dinner at 7:30 p.m.
How we celebrate the Christmas season varies from family to family. Our concern as a church is that we celebrate it in a Christ like manner. Over the next few weeks in church and the church school we will distribute an advent calendar for 2007. We also urge all families to take the time to plan for a Christ-Centered Holiday. If you cannot obtain the advent calendar at church call the church office and we will mail a copy to you.
Two holiday requests for aid – 1) With the beginning of cold and freezing weather the deacons distribute blankets and warm coats to those in need. Please check your closets for good quality coats and blankets that can be given to the deacons. 2) Each holiday season the Deacons distribute food, toys and other items to needy families in the area. They are requesting drivers to help distribute the food, as well as the contribution of toys, turkeys, hams, gift certificates, blankets and warm coats (men, women and children). Please look at the Holiday Gift Board in the Fellowship Hall and adopt a child or family for Christmas. Also, if you know of someone or a family who are in need and would benefit from the help of the Deacons please let me or the deacons know.
You will be receiving in a separate mailing a stewardship letter and pledge card from the Stewardship Committee of the church. We are a growing parish and we need increased giving to meet the needs. Please read the letter carefully and prayerfully consider your support of the church for the coming year.
A short up date on the Community Service Building plans. The Town of Brookhaven Board of Zoning Appeals approved the request for a special permit for a day care center. We are still awaiting approval from the County Health Department and the Town Fire Marshall’s Office before we can request a hearing with the Town’s Board of the Planning Department. With the issuance of a building permit and the completion of a building fund campaign, we hope to break ground in the spring of -08. We ask for your prayers and support in this endeavor.
Sincerely yours,
Ralph Wright
Pastor
Prayer Notes
Let us remember in our prayers Gene Thomas who continues to breathe with an oxygen tank, Hilda Fries who is now homebound, Howie Ralph who suffers from dementia and George Reeves who injured his leg while delivering food as a Deacon. Also for Heidi Wright whose mother passed away and for Marjorie Nicademus who lost a dear colleague at work. Prayers of Joy for the Hanley Family with the birth and baptism of their daughter Sarah Lee.
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During the four Sundays of Advent, as well as Christmas Eve, families together light the advent wreath during the worship service. If your family would like to participate please speak to the pastor.
Birthdays
Nov 2 Chris Attard Nov 17 Noel Berninger Dec 14 Sophie Stahl
Nov 2 Kristen Damiano Nov 21 Brittany Bihn Dec 14 Ralph Wright
Nov 4 Helen Lewin Nov 25 Paul Story Dec 28 Aaron Powell
Nov 5 Margaret Wolf Dec 3 Elizabeth Attard Dec 29 Sidney Attard
Nov 12 Megan Ralph Dec 9 Robbie Damiano
Treasurer’s Note
Please remember to write your name on your Deacon’s envelopes if you contribute with cash instead of by check. The Deacon’s keep a record of these donations to help you with your tax records.
The Church Calendar
(Note – Church Services are at 9 and 10:45 a.m. each Sunday. Church School is a part of and follows the 10:45 Family Service. Church School Pageant rehearsals begin Sunday, November 18th and are from 11:45 to 12:45 following the Family Service.)
November
21 – (5-6:30 p.m.) Thanksgiving Dinner – Invite a friend to share a meal at the church
21 – (7:30 p.m.) Thanksgiving Eve Service – Bring a can of food for the hungry
24 - (6 p.m.) Patchogue Christmas Parade (Main St. Patchogue) – Church Float
26-30 – (9 a.m. to ? p.m.) Christmas Decorations Work Party at the Church (contact John Knapp)
30 – (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.) Lighting of the Yaphank Christmas Tree at Gazebo
December
1. – (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) Holiday Bazaar & Luncheon (11-2)
1 – (9 a.m. to ?) Work Party –Electrical/Buildings & Grounds/Outdoor Christmas Decorations
2 – (9 & 10:45 a.m.) First Sunday of Advent & Holy Communion
2 - (4 to 8 p.m.) Yaphank Historical Society Tour/Church Open House
8 – (8 to 11 a.m.) Holiday Pancake Breakfast
9 – (9 & 10:45 a.m.) Second Sunday of Advent
15 – (TBA) Pageant Practice
16 – (9 & 10:45 a.m.) Third Sunday of Advent
(5 p.m.) Church School Christmas Pageant and Potluck Dinner
23 - (9 & 10:45 a.m.) Fourth Sunday of Advent
24 - (4:30 p.m.) Children’s Christmas Eve Service
(7:30 p.m.) Family Christmas Eve Service
(11 p.m.) Traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
25 – Christmas Day (time with the family & friends)
29 or 30 – (TBA) Youth Group Day Trip to New York City
DATE TBA – All Church Christmas Caroling
COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER
Wednesday Evening, November 21st
5 to 7 p.m.
All are invited.
No reservations.
OPEN to all.
Cost: None -
Just COME AND share SOME time, food, AND FELLOWSHIP
Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service at 7:30 p.m.
Yaphank Presbyterian Church, 65 Main Street, Yaphank, New York 11980
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CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
Saturday, December 1st
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Christmas Crafts and Gifts
Luncheon (11 to 2 p.m.)
Christmas Wreaths
Baked Goods
Yaphank Presbyterian Church, 65 Main Street, Yaphank, New York 11980
Annual Christmas Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Serving from 8 A.M. – 11 A.M.
Menu:
Fresh-made Pancakes w/ Butter, Syrup & Fruit Sauces, Country Sausage
Scrambled Eggs, Orange or Apple Juice, Coffee, Tea or Hot Chocolate
Adults - $ 6.00
Child - $ 3.00 (age 6 -12 yrs.)
Children Under 6 “Free”
Yaphank Presbyterian Church, 65 Main Street, Yaphank, New York 11980
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PATCHOGUE CHRISTMAS PARADE
Decorate and ride the Church’s float in the Parade
Meet at the Pastor’s Office – 197 E Main Street, Patchogue
Saturday, November 24th, 4:30 p.m.
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Christmas n’ Patchogue
Saturday, November 24, 2007
The Knights of Columbus are planning to bring Christmas back to Patchogue this year with a Christmas Tree and Nativity lighting at 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 24th. Bring your family to enjoy this lighting and carolers at the Roe Family Property on East Main Street. Volunteers and support are needed.
Christmas n’ Patchogue Committee, Knights of Columbus
38 West First St. Patchogue, NY 11772