After our service on January 6, the Engagement Ministry invites the new members of our community from Church of the New Covenant Presbyterian to stay for a light lunch in Heffner Hall. In addition to fellowship, this will be an opportunity for you to ask questions about St. Andrews, to provide suggestions about how we can incorporate your gifts and traditions into our life together here, to discuss your interests in engagement, and to provide feedback about church membership and how we introduce you to the congregation. You RSVP here so we have a head count for the lunch, or contact Mary Evans at 770-493-9489 for more information

Chrismons are a type of Christmas Tree decoration used in many churches and often in the homes of Christians.  The symbols used represent a variety of biblical and theological concepts that are well known among most believers. Often, if the ornaments on a Christmas tree are comprised mostly of Christian symbols, the tree is known as a “Chrismon tree.”  Chrismons are white with gold (traditional Advent colors)  decorations of beads, ribbon, glitter, etc.

So Chrismons are different from normal Christmas ornaments.  They are symbols from Christian history and tell the story of the true meaning of Christmas.  The Chrismon Tree that graces our sanctuary during Advent symbolizes everlasting life through Jesus Christ.  the tiny, white lights speak of Him who is the Light of the World.  The white of the Chrismons stands for the purity and holiness of Jesus; the gold represents the glory and majesty of God.  Other colors may be added only when their use is necessary to the meaning of the symbol.

Chrismons are handmade and personal.  They cannot be bought but must be made according to the talents and  willingness of people who use their own hands to express love for Christ.

For more than 25 years. the Presbyterian Women of St. Andrews have been making Chrismons to give to each child who attends our Christmas Eve family worship service.  The new design is revealed on Christmas Eve, and 200 plus Chrismons are given to families and children.  This tradition was started in 1991 by the late Zee Sellmansberger, who was inspired by the women of Eastminster Presbyterian Church.  We started a new tradition in 2012 by having the children themselves decorate the Chrismon Tree with the help of adults.

The first modern usage of Chrismons as decorations for Advent and Christmas trees goes back to 1957 during a Lutheran Christmas service in Danville, Virginia, but the origins come from early Christians and the Latin phrase, “Christi monogramma”, meaning “monogram of Christ.”  In early Christian history, Chrismons traditionally referred to any symbol or figure reminiscent of the name of Christ.

The St. Andrews Chrismon Collection

Take a moment to appreciate the Chrismons that the women of the church have made for Christmas Eve since 1991.  Most of us have several Chrismons for our home trees, and we are very blessed to have this tradition binding our generations together in appreciation for the birth of the Christ Child.

News from NETWorks Cooperative:

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Good Neighbor Christmas Shop a smashing success! From donors of gifts and cash to volunteers who sorted, organized, and priced everything, gift wrappers, cashiers, translators, child care volunteers (and those that brought snacks!)—everyone worked hard.

About 150 families participated as shoppers, including one woman who came in looking for a couple of gifts for her children. Her budget was limited and she seemed nervous as she was checking out. She filled out our survey to get a 5% discount, and the final tally was just under the $20 budget she had. The huge smile and sigh of relief when she heard the total shows what the Good Neighbor Shops concept is all about—allowing people to maintain their dignity while they provide for themselves.

Please thank your congregation for their help in making this event a blessing to so many in our community.

Peace,

David Fisher

Executive Director

NETWorks Cooperative Ministry

Our congregation collected six large bags of toys and games, as well as, several donations that went directly to NETWorks through their page on amazon.com for NETWorks Cooperative Ministry’s Christmas Store. Thanks to all that participated from NETWorks and our community.

Big Table It isn’t necessary to pre-register for Big Table, but it sure is helpful! To sign up for Wednesday dinners, simply click on the date for which you’d like to register: December 12, December 19

Chrismon Making All ladies are invited to help in making chrismons for this year. It is a St. Andrews tradition that each family that attends Christmas Eve services at SAPC receives a chrismon ornament to take home. Please join us on Monday, December 10th at 6:30 pm in the church library to finish this year’s chrismons.

Holiday on Main Street has been cancelled due to weather and is not going to be rescheduled. It’s possible that the organizers may try to do a scaled down version in conjunction with the Farmers’ Market next Thursday. 

Christmas cookies are needed by the dozens and dozens for the reception following Lessons and Carols on December 16. All of the remaining cookies will be festively wrapped and delivered to various shelters and ministries in the area. Donated cookie tins are also welcome for the repackaging! Contact Paige Kubik 404-895-4210 with any questions. Please click here to sign up to help with the reception or to bring cookies.

Advent Devotionals, “Draw Near,” are available in the narthex and in the office. These devotionals include prayers, journal prompts, reflections, original art, and coloring pages all inspired by our scripture texts for the season.

Join Little Light and all of their friends on Sunday December 16 at 2:30 p.m. for their presentation of The Christmas Story. The performance will be held at Briarlake Baptist Church in the sanctuary. Admission is free.

(3715 Lavista Rd Decatur GA 30033)