Youth Attend Two Retreats


From November 16 to 18, seven high school youth and two adult leaders enjoyed a fall retreat at Camp Johnsonburg in New Jersey. Princeton seminarians planned and led the weekend program, which explored “God Is More Tan Enough.”


Two weeks later, 10 middle schoolers and two adult leaders went to Camp J’burg and were immersed in their exploration of Psalm 23, and talked about what it means to “dwell” in the Lord.


Both groups got to know youth from other churches in their small groups and had lots of time to rock climb, zip-line, eat amazing meals, sleep on real beds, and enjoy the beautiful camp! Te seminarians provided wonderful worship, fellowship, and discussion sessions. —Kathy Schmied and Dana Yashou


High school youth attended a retreat at Camp Johnsonburg, in New Jersey, where middle school youth attended another retreat two weeks later.


Mission Fair Highlights Alternative Gifts


For three Sundays in December, FPCA mission teams offered Alternative Gift Giving, but this year, mission leadership decided to kick off with a Mission Fair on Sunday, December 2, in the choir room. Te fair featured displays and goodies for a festive Christmas atmosphere in which members and friends of the congregation could learn more about the ministries that alternative gifts support. Te mission ministries on hand and the alternative gifts they offered for purchase included:


• International Mission: People could purchase a goat or donate toward a goat for families in Malawi and/or donate to the upcoming Honduras


well-digging mission slated for March 2019 (see page 11). International Mission focuses on Malawi and Honduras, along with Syria.


• Diakon: Donations could be made toward books for foster children in our area.


• Local Mission: People could donate to three local agencies: Jerusalem House, Ripple Community Inc., and Ripple. All donations will be pooled


and divided evenly between these three agencies. People could also purchase gifts for children at Roosevelt and Sheridan elementary schools, where FPCA sponsors more than 70 children.


• Christmas Joy Offering: Tis special offering taken each Advent/ Christmas supports the denomination.


Mission teams reported much positive feedback on the fair, and the possibility of another fair in December 2019 is already being discussed.


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