ANNOUNCEMENTS

January Meetings

Mission Committee January 6 7pm

Session Meeting January 13 7pm

Presbyterian Women's Circle January 14 10am

Choir Practice Every Monday 7pm

Presbyterian Women News

Our Presbyterian Women met in the church Fellowship Hall on November 12. Gail Heslep lead the
group in devotions and prayer, as well as a lesson from The Rock, the Road and the Rabbi. This lesson, a follow up to a previous chapter “The Brook of Elah”, attempted an explanation as to why David chose five smooth stones to slay Goliath.
Minutes from the October meeting were shared by Carrie Mast. Joy Evans gave the treasurer’s report,
Jackie Camden reported on recent events involving serving and/or delivering food. There will be no Café with a Smile in November or December. Any person or persons wishing to serve Café should contact Gail Heslep. The next Café will be January 25, 2026.
Plans were made to fill and distribute Thanksgiving baskets and to purchase candy for the Christmas treat bags to be given on December 14 following the Christmas Cantata.
The group, concerned about food insecurities in our community, decided to support a local family
during the holidays as well as make contributions to Free Market at Fairfield Presbyterian Church and RARA.
The PWs will meet December 10 at 1:00 at the home of Carrie Mast for a covered dish Christmas
celebration. Those attending are asked to bring a dish to share and a wrapped gift for a “Dirty Santa” gift exchange. There will be a free will offering to benefit Project Horizon.
David said to the Philistines, “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47

December Committee Reports

Committee Reports-
IT/Administration/Personnel – Mary Helen Nicely
1. No Report
Christian Education /Youth Group – Gwen Whitmore
1. Several weeks ago, the Youth Collective met at New Providence Presbyterian
Church. Bethesda had 5 youth in attendance. The Collective will meet Dec.16th at Bethesda.
2. The youth met Sunday Dec. 9 th and shopped for the Operation Christmas child shoeboxes.
3. Youth Sunday will be December 21 st .
4. The youth helped with organization of Trunk or Treat.
McElwee Chapel – Donna Runkle
1. The annual Revival services were held Dec.2-5 and were well attended.
2. Painting will begin this month before Thanksgiving.
3. The Pumpkin Carving had a good turnout this year.
4. The Christmas program will be December 15 at 7:00 pm.
Member Care – Kelly Cox
1. Established a list of people for the card ministry.
2. Discussed mailing the weekly bulletin to older members who can’t attend.
3. Possible family movie night starting in January.
4. Possibly providing transportation for the elderly for monthly Friday night bingo.
Missions – Brandan Huffman
1. Working on breakfast with Santa.
2. Will send out gift cards for local needed.
3. Helping a local person with their monthly electric bill.
Property – Kenny Cox
1. Lamp post at roadside needs a top/fixed.
Stewardship – Mark McKissick
1. Will meet with the treasurers this week to finalize the budget for 2026. Will
bring the final budget to the December meeting for approval.
Worship – Mary Helen Nicely
1. The committee met November 9th to discuss decorating the church and
chapel for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
2. Poinsettias forms will go out in the December newsletter and in bulletins starting Nov. 30 th .
3. Will find readers for Advent Sundays -Nov.30 th , Dec. 7 th , 14 th , and 24 th .
4. Cantata will be December 14th and Youth Sunday will be December 21 st during church services.
5. Communion will be during the Christmas Eve service – December 24 th .
6. Head Usher for December – Brandan Huffman
7. Ministers for November and December

Bethesda McElwee
Nov. 30 th Sandra Hayslette Sandra Hayslette
Dec. 7 th Bill Klein Rob Spencer
Dec. 14 th Malcolm Brownlee Malcoln Brownlee
Dec. 21 st Youth Sunday Youth Sunday
Dec. 24 th Ben Nicely
Dec. 28 th Rob Spencer Sandra Hayslette
Old Business –
1. Elder Mary Helen Nicely is still working on an electric sign for the church.
New Business –
1. Rockbridge Baths Community Organization requests use of the Fellowship Hall for an additional
exercise class on Thursday mornings 9-10 am. A motion was made by Elder Whitmore and
seconded and passed.
2. The Nominating Committee reported the following slate for office of Elder Class of 2028. Donna
Runkle, Kenny Mohler, and Mike Bell.
3. Elder Ben Nicely moved to hold a congregational meeting December 7 th for the purpose of
electing Elders for the Class of 2028. Elder Kelly Cox seconded and motion passed.
Announcements –
1. The next Session meeting will be December 9 th at 7:00 pm.