We welcomed and celebrated five new church members last Sunday.

Alex Chamberlain, Lawson, Mari Billet, and (grandma) Robbin Chamberlain made their way to Granville in 2020. They have been worshiping with us for about a year. Both Lawson and Mari attend Wednesday Faith Formation and Music. The whole family loves Wonderful Wednesday. Alex is in school working on her master's degree; both kids play soccer, and Robbin thrives in the “Gramma” role.

David Reher is a visiting Spanish professor at Denison University. He has been attending our church for two years and is very interested in Mission and Outreach Opportunities.

Jennifer Shaw Wolter and Chuck Wolter moved to Newark this fall. Jennifer is an audio engineer (ask her what that is). Chuck has a beautiful singing voice and has already gifted us by joining the Chancel Choir. Jennifer rings handbells with Festivo Bells. Both Jennifer and Chuck have jumped right in and have become part of our church family.

PRISM meets weekly at 9:00 am, both in person in the East Lounge and online.

The PRISM Adult Discussion class will be starting a new book by Anne Lamott

entitled 
Somehow:
Thoughts on Love.

As described by the inner book cover, "Somehow is a transformative exploration of love. In her twentieth book, Lamott explores the power of love in our lives: how it surprises us, forces us to confront uncomfortable truths, reminds us of our humanity, and guides us forward." Books are available for $10. The group will discuss one chapter a week for 10 weeks. Each chapter is poignant, a little quirky, humorous, and discussion-worthy as individuals consider the role of love in their lives, the church's commitment to Mission, and remaining hopeful in a time of social anxiety. Contact John Weigand at jweigand@cog-med.com for more information. 

Have you been enjoying the refreshments offered twice a month after worship in Heritage Hall?

A lot more people are sticking around for coffee and conversations, and we think the good coffee and tempting treats help to enhance our sense of belonging to a beloved community. Now, YOU can help spread the joy!

We are looking for volunteers willing to provide refreshments once in a while (not a big commitment). You could bring 2 to 3 dozen muffins (or other baked goods), fresh fruit, cheese, and crackers… whatever you feel would be nourishing for body and soul.

Can we count on you to join this ministry of hospitality? Please complete the Sign Up Genius today for the first or third Sunday dates now through May! PLEASE CLICK THE LINK TO SIGN UP TODAY!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B45ACA82BA3FC1-53318784-coffee

Get your family portrait, a new headshot, or a new "we are in love" picture.

Courtney Swisher, a professional photographer, has generously offered to update pictures for you (and the church directory). No appointment is needed - stop by the Chapel after church on Sunday, Feb. 9, and Feb. 16, or at Wonderful Wednesday, Feb. 19.
---New photos will help Pastor Wallace put names with faces.

Have you been attending Granville First Presbyterian for a while and want to join the church?

Do you want to learn more about who and what this church is?

Join us for a 3-week "New Member Class" --- Feb. 9-16-23 after church, 11:15-noon in the East Lounge. The class will be led by Jenni Whitford and Pastor Wallace Bubar

What might it look like to talk with others about what matters to you about faith?

Curious why we believe what we believe and how those beliefs make our world matter?

Consider joining this faith formation opportunity open to all. We'll focus specifically on THREE questions:

• What faith have we inherited?
  What faith do we have?
  What faith do we need?

We will read the Holy Cow Mission Study, listen to podcasts, read articles, and wrestle with these 3 questions. Readings will be provided in advance, with an emphasis on access and convenience. Along the way, we will sprinkle in Mission Speakers and Opportunities

 Adult Class, led by Elder Jeff Kurtz. Feb. 16-May 13 (meets in the Cellar) with child care provided.

Fruit of the Spirit, that is!

***Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control***

We will paint, fold origami doves, go on a church-wide scavenger hunt, hide kindness rocks, create a poem, and play games as we discover what this familiar passage from Galatians has to say to us TODAY.

Kids Faith Formation and Music—WEDNESDAYS (after school)

We are going to spend time in the book of Luke—learning about miracles, calling disciples, and loving our enemies.

Dates the Children’s Choir will sing in worship:

• February 9

• March 9

• April 13

• May 11 (Mother’s Day)

Jenni will be away Jan 24-31 to attend the Association of Partners in Christian Education (APCE).

This year the conference is in Memphis, TN. 
I will hear plenary speakers and amazing pastors preaching in worship, have the opportunity to make connections with other educators, and have many workshops to attend and learn from.
Thank you for supporting continuing education for staff. It "recharges" my spiritual batteries, and I always come back with tons of new ideas.

Church Directory Photo Opportunity

Feb. 2 and Feb. 9—after church (11 am-Noon) Photographer Courtney Swisher, will be set up in the Chapel to take photos.

Signup for a time slot in the church office or follow this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094FA4AB2AA5FBC61-54235198-jan2025

Families, couples, singles—all are welcome. There is no charge for photos. Updated photos will be invaluable as we welcome Pastor Wallace and he gets to know our congregation.

Thanks,
Jenni

Stay after worship on January 26 for a delicious reception and special program in honor of Wendy. Her year as Interim draws to a close, and January 26 is her last Sunday with us. We have been blessed beyond measure with her leadership, and this reception is our opportunity to let her know how grateful we are. Please see below.

We are asking the congregation to write a card to Wendy and leave it in the designated basket in Heritage Hall on January 12, 19, and 26th. Then, join us on January 26 to celebrate our year together with Wendy.

Mon., Dec 23 - 10am-11:45am - Dress Rehearsal: READERS, PAGEANT PARTICIPANTS, KIDS MUSIC, and PRESCHOOLERS. Kids will try on costumes at the end of Rehearsal.

Have you been visiting our church for a while? Would you like to learn more about the various Ministry Areas in our church? 

Join Pastor Wendy and Jenni in the East Lounge (lower level) for "Coffee and Conversation" this Sunday, Dec 15th - after church to ask questions and get to know the church better.

Visitors and those who wish to know more or are curious about joining…

are invited to join Pastor Wendy and Jenni Whitford in the West Lounge after church for coffee and conversation.

Bring your favorite Nativity set from home to display in Heritage Hall.

You can bring it before church and set it up; cards will be provided for you to write your family name, where the Nativity is from, or any other fun facts. Nativities will be on display during coffee hour.

The children (ages K-6th grade) will have practice on Wednesdays after school: Dec 4, 11, and 18

All children are welcome to join the pageant fun.
Dress rehearsal is Monday, Dec 23 at 10 am. If your child is younger than kindergarten, please attend the dress rehearsal only.
The pageant will be part of the 4:30 pm All Ages Christmas Eve Worship.

Higher Grounds Fellowship!

Can we count on YOU?

On the first and third Sundays, the Deacons are hosting a post-worship time centered around fellowship, good coffee, and light refreshments that enhance our growing sense of belonging to a beloved community.

We are looking for volunteers willing to help in the future, starting with the first Sunday of December.  Our vision is to have a few rotating small groups who would be willing to provide baked goods (3 dozen cookies, a coffee cake, etc.), probably only once a month. 

Can we count on you to join this ministry of hospitality?  Please complete the Signup Genius today!

This Advent, we invite you to pick up a copy of the book Calling All Angels. We have these books available in the church office for $11. Wendy’s sermons during advent will go along with this theme of “Do not be afraid!”

Here’s a little more about the book from the Cokesbury website:

“Step into Advent where stories of angelic encounters come to life, echoing the timeless message of overcoming fear. Just like the characters in the nativity story, we're invited to embrace courage and join in God's transformative work.

Each time an angel appeared to one involved in the birth of Christ, they said: do not be afraid. Those words, though, are not just words of comfort; they are an invitation and a calling from God. In this captivating Advent study and devotional, pastor Erin Wathen challenges us to take this timeless message and apply it to our lives today.

Calling All Angels invites us to contemplate what would change in our relationships, vocations, congregations, and communities if we have the courage to overcome our fears like Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, and the Shepherds in the story.

This book includes weekly studies for the Advent season, and so much more, including daily reflections, worship resources, even an Advent playlist for the season! Plus, free videos Free videos featuring the author are available online - perfect for beginning weekly studies, sparking meaningful conversations, and deepening your understanding of that week's story.”

Advent Workshop

Join us for the Annual Advent Workshop on Sunday, Dec. 1st (11:15am-Noonish) It’s going to be a ton of fun, and there are activities for the whole family!

Advent Activities:

• Wreath Making (with fresh greens)

• Nativity Story Stone Painting

• Cookie Decorating

• Christmas Countdown Jar

• Ornament Making