LENTEN BOOK STUDY
Lenten Group sign ups are OPEN; groups start February 21 week
For Lent 2021, we’ll be reading The Good and Beautiful Community by James Bryan Smith, a professor and Methodist pastor who has a heart for the church and spiritual formation.
Sign ups begin the morning of Friday, Feb. 5. We invite all current small groups to consider reading The Good and Beautiful Community during our six-week church-wide study, beginning the first week of Lent (after Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17). Book groups start on Sunday, Feb. 21st and run through Easter.
Effective February 5, SIGN UP HERE and see dates and times available: https://fpcmoorestown.churchcenter.com/groups/lent-book-groups-2021.
If you’d like to form a book group, please do! You can let Alison Mackey or Kelly LePenske know ASAP!
You may order books yourself through AMAZON.COM or CHRISTIANBOOK.COM A limited number of books will be available through the church office. Contact Alison at 856.235.1688, Ext. 113 or amackey@fpcmoorestown.org to reserve and purchase a copy. Books are $12 each and beautiful hardcover. Leaders, your copy is no charge.
Sign up online on our Events page or call Alison Mackey in the church office to join a group at 856.235.1688, Ext. 113. Sign-ups opened the morning of Friday, February 5th. Most groups will be online via Zoom. Groups are welcome to meet in-person, but are strongly encouraged to do so outdoors or in large, well-ventilated rooms with masks. Groups can meet indoors on FPC Moorestown’s campus in Fellowship Hall or Miller Commons.
Room requests can be made by contacting Jan Martin in the church office (856.235.1688, Ext. 133).
To form a group, reserve a book copy, or sign up, contact Alison Mackey at amackey@fpcmoorestown.org or 856.235.1688, Ext. 113 or Kelly LePenske at klepenske@fpcmoorestown.org or Ext. 101.
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KELLY LEPENSKE ANNOUNCEMENT
Aloha Greetings!
Kelly LePenske, Director of Congregational Ministries, shares a life update message with members of FPC Moorestown.
“Hi FPC. We’ve done a lot together and we’ve done well!” – Kelly LePenske
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CAPITA
Per Capita Apportionment
With 2021 underway, we are preparing
Watch your mail this month for a letter from us, sharing specific information about this offering and how it benefits our church and the larger church.
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YOUR INVITATION TO OUR ANNUAL MEETING

Your Invitation to Our Annual Meeting
Passcode: dFRap9
Webinar ID: 868 4766 1246
Passcode: 878234
- The Journey of Lent begins on Wednesday, Feb. 17 with Ash Wednesday Worship at 7:00 pm. Worship will be in the sanctuary by live stream only. Earlier that day, we will hold two special drive-through events for imposition of ashes at 12 noon and 5:00 p.m. Participants will drive safely into the main parking lot and be greeted for prayer and, if desired, the imposition of ashes or oil, on the forehead or the back of the hand. Please wear masks.
- Lenten Book Study: During Lent we’ll be reading The Good and Beautiful Community by James Bryan Smith, a professor and Methodist pastor who has a heart for the church and spiritual formation. How do we become more authentic Christ-followers? How do we become a beloved and vital community for others, no matter our differences? Visit the online events page, website and eblast for sign up information. Signs ups begin Friday, Feb. 5; groups begin Sunday, Feb. 21 via Zoom on safely in-person. Contact Kelly LePenske or Alison Mackey for questions at 856.235.1688.
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REGISTRATION OPENS FOR STEP BY STEP PRESCHOOL
2021-22 Registration for Step by Step Preschool Opens in January
Now is the time to register for the 2021-2022 school year at Step by Step Christian Preschool, a ministry of FPC Moorestown.
- Early registration for church members and current enrollees begins the week of January 11, 2021.
- Open registration for all others will begin on January 27, 2021.
Applications
Applications can be found online at PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION
Our Classes
Classes begin in September 2021 and are available for 2 ½ year olds (must be 2 by April 1), 3-year olds (must be 3 by Sept 30) and Pre-K students (must be 4 by Sept. 30). Step by Step offers flexible options for morning or afternoon sessions for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days a week, and is open to members of the church and surrounding communities.
Learn more
Visit the preschool’s web site for more information at STEP BY STEP PRESCHOOL or contact Preschool Director Amy Delgado at 856.235.1688, x132.
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A NOTE OF THANKS TO THE CONGREGATION
With Heartfelt Appreciation from the Trustees
We want to sincerely express our gratitude to the entire congregation for the year-end financial support we have received.
Thanks to your response to our appeals, our December collections significantly exceeded expectations and should allow us to close the year with a small surplus rather than a projected deficit. Any surplus, together with other budget relief funds that were already expected to be used for a 2020 budget deficit, is now available to reduce the projected deficit we face in 2021.
While we are still contending with financial challenges in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, your incredible response to our year-end appeal has brightened the picture meaningfully.
We are very appreciative of the sacrifices and efforts all of you make for the good of our Church and the missions we serve.
Jeff Legath, Trustees President
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PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S WINTER GATHERING
Presbyterian Women Offer Program
‘The Changing Face of Mission in the World’
Please join us on Monday, January 25 at 7:00 PM via Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 811 1846 5581
Passcode: 3P7F0M
Dial by your location:
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 811 1846 5581
Passcode: 428910
As we have done in the past, we will be collecting cotton socks for clients of the Christian Caring Center. A box for socks will be outside the Commons Lobby throughout January.
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YOUTH MINISTRY IN A PANDEMIC
DAVE FAUVELL’S UPDATE ON OUR YOUTH GROUP
“Every week they show up and they are ready to talk about faith and they are ready to delve into what it means to follow Christ.”
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PASTOR SPENCER’S HOLIDAY MESSAGE
Experience the light that comes with Jesus’ birth!
Pastor Spencer shares a warm Christmas message with us this year. A year when we may all feel a little banged up.
“Our church aspires to be a beacon light of God’s love; may that love, and the truth of that love, be yours in abundance in this Christmas and Advent season.”
Join us for our Christmas Eve services this year, you are always welcome. We will be doing a lot of carol singing and you will be provided a battery operated candle so you may honor our faith that Jesus is the light that comes in the darkness!
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FPC SPIRIT OF GENEROUSITY
We give to help bring hope and light to the world.
- Year End Stock Donations
- Christmas Green Offering
- Christmas Joy Offering
- General Budget Help
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PASTOR UPDATE CORONAVIRUS LETTER 14

Christmas Eve schedule offers meaningful, safe worship opportunities
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A Message from Your Prayer Team
You Are Not Alone!
There was once a couple who played a game. No score was kept. There was only one rule:
One named an object and the other person had to explain what aspect of God’s “being” or character was revealed in that object. It could be anything: A moss-swaddled stump of cedar, or voluminous cloud formations. This couple had read Romans 1:20, “Since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what he has made!”
So! They made up this game! A game you can play with others, OR when you are alone.
Here goes! What aspect of God’s being is shown in ICICLES and TREES? Icicles are made as water drips off trees or roofs, and freezes in space. They grow long when warm light beams strike it. The icicle starts to melt getting longer and longer. Darkness comes and it freezes solid. The sun rises and it weeps, drop after drop. The next day it weeps even more as the sun beams down on it. It becomes longer and sharper. When enough light comes into it, its form totally changes! It breaks. Frozen tears melt into a running stream. Bleak winter yields to spring!
God was “frozen” in our time for 33 years and 9 months, in a human form. But his heart melted. It wept. It became a river of Life. Our Lord told the Samaritan woman at the well that if she drank His kind of water she would never thirst again!
Eternal Life had hung on another tree that reached all the way to Heaven, frozen in earth’s space and time with bitterness and cold. Love blazed Light and all of hell could not hold it back. “Drink slowly, Drink deeply,” the River sings. He holds YOUR cup. And out of it will flow rivers of living water to someone YOU touch with your warm love!
With Love and Blessings,
The Prayer Team
First Presbyterian Church Moorestown
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WJCMS ONLINE CONCERT
AT HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
At Home for the Holidays features members of the West Jersey Chamber Chorale under the direction of Music Director Joel Krott. The program collects familiar carols and lesser-known seasonal works in a celebratory evening, hosted by Ivan Woods for an online audience. The live video broadcast will be available at concert time at WJCMS.org/Holiday.
During this unprecedented season, WJCMS is committed to finding inventive ways to bring music to area residents. On the heels of a successful first broadcast in October, the organization is excited to continue its online concerts, allowing audiences across Southern New Jersey to enjoy high-quality chamber music in a safe and accessible format, as they have for over 40 years. The chorus will perform under safety guidelines as established by the performers and the venue.
Concert host Ivan Woods has appeared several times on WJCMS’s Conversation Pieces series. As a singer, he has been featured at the dedication of the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts in Princeton; and has sung with the Virginia Opera, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, and the Philadelphia Singers. He appears regularly as a member of the vocal trio Follow the Drinking Gourd.
And to get you in the mood! The West Jersey Chamber Music Society’s 2020–21 season began on October 18 with a live streamed concert by members of the Arcadian Trio. We invite you to enjoy concert highlights featuring the music of Ravel, Debussy, and de Falla.
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THE (UN)SIMPLE TRUTH DECEMBER WEBINAR
“Becoming Peacemakers” featuring Amanda Mootz

Amanda Mootz is the manager of Grassroots Organizing for World Vision, where she developed and manages a program for faith-rooted advocacy to federal lawmakers on issues related to global poverty. Prior to this role, Amanda worked for World Vision International supporting programs to improve global education and literacy rates, as well as the California State Senate, where she held an active role in crafting statewide policy on behalf of the 38th Senate District. She holds graduate degrees in theology and cross cultural studies from Fuller Theological Seminary, and lives with her husband and two sons in Tacoma, Washington.
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PASTOR UPDATE, CORONAVIRUS LETTER 13
Our faith has been on display in a year that has tested us like none other.

What is Faith?
What is faith? I’ll take Martin Luther’s definition. “Faith is a living, bold trust in God’s grace.” Luther beautifully expands on what such faith does to us and through us. “[Faith] makes us completely different people. It changes our hearts, our spirits, our thoughts and all our powers. It brings the Holy Spirit with it. Yes, it is a living, creative, active and powerful thing, this faith. Faith cannot help doing good works constantly. It doesn’t stop to ask if good works ought to be done, but before anyone asks, it already has done them and continues to do them without ceasing.”
Your faith has been on display in our 2021 stewardship season. At the time of this writing, we have received 180 pledges for a total of $1,441,700. As grateful as I am for the support we have received already from so many of you, these figures represent a decrease of 9% in number of pledges and 10% in total amount pledged compared to 2020. I know that some members have had to reduce their plans for giving next year because of the turmoil brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, and a few donors have passed away or relocated since our last stewardship season. As some donors naturally depart or have less resources to share, I urge any of you who are capable and have not yet done so to strengthen your faith and make a new or deeper commitment to share what God has given you.
- Join me in praying daily for God’s provision and guidance for our leaders. I’m devoting Thursdays to prayer and fasting, and I invite you to join me if your health allows.
- Keep current with your plans and promises for giving for this year.
- Strongly consider making a special gift to help us meet our 2020 budget if you have the resources to do so.
- If you haven’t yet made an Estimate of Giving for 2021 or believe you could now make a further commitment, please do so — online, through our website or by contacting our office to receive an Estimate of Giving card.
Stuart H. Spencer, Pastor
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ADVENT GUIDES
Advent Devotional and Advent Activity Guide
Advent Devotional
Advent Activity Guide

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DEACONS OFFER SEASONAL HELP FOR THOSE IN NEED
Our Deacons continue to help those in need.
Our traditional Thanksgiving Gift Baskets take on a different look this year.
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TWO FAMILY ADVENT CELEBRATIONS THIS SEASON
You Are Invited to Get Ready With Us!

Interactive Advent Family Wreath Lighting
As we celebrate the Advent season we hope you will join us in an interactive family wreath lighting.
You and your family are invited to connect in a new way with our congregation by conducting your own personal wreath lighting with you family at home.
Wreaths can be picked up November 15th or November 22nd before or after services.
Join us during advent season on live stream services beginning November 29th through Christmas Eve, December 24th.

Virtual Ginger Bread House Challenge
Join us for a Virtual Gingerbread House Challenge!
Come to the church and pick up a gingerbread house for you and your family to decorate together!
You can pick up your house on November 15th or November 22nd before or after services.
Take your house home and decorate it with whatever you’d like and take a picture and post it our FPC Family Ministries Facebook Group on November 29th by 4:00 pm to be entered into the judging!
May the Gingerbread be in your favor!
FB Group Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/455452324633585
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THE (UN)SIMPLE TRUTH NOVEMBER WEBINAR
The (Un)simple Truth
FPC’s Adult Spiritual Formation Series Continues

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KIDS AND YOUTH GROUPS ARE BACK
Kingdom Kids, Crossing Zone and Youth Group Fall Plans
Youth Group Plans Spooky Campfire Stories

We will have a bunch of candy, warm apple cider, and hot coco as we share spooky campfire stories.
Kingdom Kids and Crossing Zone are Back!
- Kingdom Kids (K-3rd grade) The first Wednesday of every month at 4:45 pm
- Crossing Zone (grades 4-6) Every Wednesday at 6:30 pm
Parents: watch your email for the Zoom links.
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CONSECRATION SUNDAY – NEW CHANGES!
Consecration Sunday, October 18th. New changes!
We Give to the Lord
Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NRSV)
Please make plans to virtually attend 9:30 a.m. worship on Sunday, October 18 when we will celebrate the joy of living a generous Christ-centered life. In some ways, our stewardship campaign looks a little different this year and, in some ways, it looks just the same.
How It Will Work
In early October, Estimate of Giving cards will be MAILED to all members so that households may prayerfully (and safely) indicate their weekly, monthly or annual financial commitments to the Lord’s Work. Members may also submit them online. On Consecration Sunday (Oct. 18), we will all be together at home for ONE 9:30 a.m. live stream service, where we will welcome an engaging speaker Dr. Shane Berg from Princeton Theological Seminary. Together, as an act of worship, members will complete their 2021 giving pledge.
Stewardship Series
On September 27, we began our stewardship sermon series “Giving Lessons,”, to provide a biblical framework of God’s Word. Thank you to our Stewardship Speakers:
Oct. 4: Frank Manion
Oct. 11: Ann and Tom McBride
Oct. 18: Dr. Shane Berg, Princeton Theological Seminary, Guest Preacher
Dedicating our Gifts
Drive-Up Dedication. As we do traditionally, we offer a meaningful way to dedicate your pledge (COVID style!). From 10:45-noon that morning, take part in a contact-free Drive-Up Dedication Parade where you can dedicate your gifts safely from your car. Members of the Stewardship team will receive your sealed Estimate of Giving envelope given through your car window, and Stuart and Kelly will offer a personal prayer of thanksgiving for each arriving household.
If you’re unable to join us for the Drive-Up Dedication, you may submit your Estimate of Giving online, or mail the card in the return envelope that will be provided in the mailing in early October. Watch your mail for additional information!
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THE (UN)SIMPLE TRUTH OCTOBER WEBINAR

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OUTDOOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
FAMILY FUN OUTDOOR SUNDAY SCHOOL

This is for families with children in K-6th grades. Children must be accompanied by a parent the entire time. Please bring your own chair or blanket to sit on and wear a mask. Please bring your own chair or blanket to sit on as well as masks for you and your family.
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STEWARDSHIP
We Give to the Lord
In early October, Estimate of Giving cards will be MAILED to all members so that households may prayerfully (and safely) indicate their weekly, monthly or annual financial commitments to the Lord’s Work. Members may also submit them online. On Consecration Sunday (Oct. 18), we will all be together at home for ONE 9:30 a.m. live stream service, where we will welcome an engaging speaker Dr. Shane Berg from Princeton Theological Seminary. Together, as an act of worship, members will complete their 2021 giving pledge.
On September 27, we begin our stewardship sermon series “Giving Lessons,”, to provide a biblical framework of God’s Word. Thank you to our Stewardship
Oct. 4: Frank Manion
Oct. 11: Ann and Tom McBride
Oct. 18: Dr. Shane Berg, Princeton Theological Seminary, Guest Preacher
Dedicating our Gifts
As we do traditionally, we offer a meaningful way to dedicate your pledge (COVID style!). From 10:45-12:00 p.m. that morning, take part in a contact-free Drive-Up Dedication Parade where you can dedicate your gifts safely from your car. Members of the Stewardship team will receive your sealed Estimate of Giving envelope given through your car window, and Stuart and Kelly will offer a personal prayer of thanksgiving for each arriving household.

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MISSIONS GIVES
FPC Moorestown gives $165,000 for COVID-19 Relief
Over the past month, our missionaries, locally and from across the globe, have reached out to FPC Moorestown for assistance due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Last year, funds were made available to us under the generous legacy of Joan Van Camp. The Mission Committee will be sending funding over the next four months to our missionaries who are reporting tragic circumstances of food insecurity, lack of education, beatings, and extreme poverty.
The Mission Committee, with the approval of the trustees and session, have agreed to send $165,000 in assistance to those deemed most in need. Assistance will occur in three stages with the hardest hit receiving funds first. Prior to sending the final payments, the trustees will evaluate the situation with the church to ensure that we can sustain the additional payments.
Locally:
- Moorestown Ministerium/Live Civilly Food Pantry
- Food Bank of South Jersey
- Urban Promise Camden Forward Schools
- St. Vincent de Paul of Moorestown
- The Philadelphia Project
- Christian Caring Center
- Feeding 5000
- Seeds of Hope
- Urban Promise International Honduras
- Antioch Partners Mexico (Weymeyers)
- Haiti Outreach Ministries
- Hope Alive Clinic Haiti
- Urban Mosaic Mexico
- Medical Benevolence Foundation St. Croix Hospital Haiti
- Medical Benevolence Foundation Good Sheppard Hospital Congo
- Medical Benevolence Foundation Embanweni Hospital Malawi
- Nadia Ayoub (Greece) PCUSA
- SNEHA India
- Glad Tiding India
- Hekima Place Kenya
- Urban Promise International Africa Ministries
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