Pine Cone Press
December 2024
Pine Tree Cumberland Presbyterian Church
P.O. Box 5340
1805 Pine Tree Road
Longview, Texas 75608
(903) 759-2685
Rev. Cindy Barton, Pastor
(442) 235-1393
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: https://www.pinetreecpchurch.org
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From the Pastor: “Advent, 2024: Rejoice, Wait, Serve”
Rejoice in the work God is doing in you and in the world! Wait expectantly for God’s promises to be fulfilled in Christ’s return. Serve the Lord in gladness as you wait… The season of Advent begins on December 1, and fills the four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve, when we celebrate the birth of Jesus on earth.
Here are the lectionary texts for each week of the 2024 Advent season. I encourage you to read each week and to be aware of God’s actions – past, present, and future! Keep in mind the fullness of God’s plan to redeem all creation, which will be fulfilled in the second coming of Christ.
First Sunday of Advent, December 1: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36.
Second Sunday of Advent, December 8: Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6.
Third Sunday of Advent, December 15: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18.
Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 22: Micah 5:2-5a; Psalm 80:1-7; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-55.
Hope in the Lord is not wishful thinking with an uncertain outcome. Hope is certainty, trusting God. In our lives, hope takes the form of rejoicing and serving, while waiting patiently for Christ’s promised return. The words of the prophets promise us that one day the wolf will lie with the lamb, death will be swallowed up, and every tear will be wiped away. God’s kingdom of hope, peace, joy, and love will be established on earth as it is in heaven. Jesus is coming soon!
2024 Gift to the King Offering
The denomination’s annual “Gift to the King” offering will be collected during worship on Sunday, December 22. This year, the funds donated will be used to complete construction of a Cumberland Presbyterian church building in the rural community of Nan Akou, Haiti. Churches in rural Haiti serve as vital hubs for worship, ministry, outreach, education, nutrition, and community support. Our churches in Haiti provide a spiritual home and center of community life in the loving presence of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Important Dates to Remember
Sunday, December 1 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Communion
Loaves and Fishes Offering
First Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 8 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Noon Meal
Second Sunday of Advent
Thursday, December 12 Session Meeting 1:00 P.M.
Saturday. December 14 CPWM Meeting 10:30 A.M.
Sunday, December 15 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Third Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 22 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Gift to the King Offering
Tuesday, December 24 Christmas Eve Service
Elmira Chapel – 5:00 P.M.
Wednesday, December 25 Christmas Day
Sunday, December 29 Sunday School – 9:30 A.M.
Worship – 10:30 A.M.
First Sunday after Christmas
Tuesday, December 31 New Year’s Eve
“Second String Needed”
The month of November has brought us to a new reality of health and aging: several of our regular workers have encountered major medical challenges simultaneously. If we had a “second string” of workers, we would be putting them in the game now. Some of November’s planned events were cancelled due to the lack of able people to accomplish the work. Are you available to be part of the solution to our problem? We need some help providing back-up or support for those suffering health crises. If you feel called to lend a hand or be the “second string” support in this time, please contact the church office or the pastor.
Worship on Christmas Eve
Pine Tree CP Church has been invited to join Elmira Chapel CP Church for worship on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24, at 5:00 PM. We are excited to participate in a service of “Lessons and Carols” as we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child together! Please join us in this shared event. The address of Elmira Chapel CP Church is 3505 Elmira Drive, Longview, TX.
Poinsettias
If you would like to bring a poinsettia (either living or artificial) for decorating the church this season, please do so in memory of a loved one who has passed or in honor of family and friends who bring joy to your daily life. Poinsettias and the list of those honored and remembered may be brought to the church between December 15 and 24 during our normal business hours.
Directory Updates and Communications
An updated church directory will be printed in January. During December, please contact the office with any changes in your mailing address or phone number. We have recently moved the church office to the lower level of Toler Hall. As a result, our telephone and answering machine availability have been interrupted. If you have an urgent need or have difficulty reaching the church business office, please call the pastor’s cell phone. Thank you for your patience!
Pine Tree CPWM to Meet
Women of the Pine Tree CPWM will meet on Saturday, December 14 at 10:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall. The day’s program will include assembly of cookie platters to be delivered to home- or facility-bound members of the church. Please bring two dozen of your favorite cookies and join us for fun, fellowship, and service.
