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 THE LIGHT IN THE THE DARKNESS 

Isaiah 2:5

“…let us walk in the light of the Lord.” 

Have you noticed how quickly dusk comes at the end of the day since the time change? I was reminded of this

on a recent trip to Alexandria. We drove over to take care of some personal business and quickly found that we

were returning home as the sun was setting. During the warmer months, we take for granted how long the

period of dusk lingers. On this particular drive home, we experienced the quickly dimming skies of Autumn. By

the time we reached the Diversion Canal, darkness had enveloped the landscape all around us. Faint shadows

of the trees and oncoming headlights were just about all that could be readily seen along the road we were

traveling. In the year that I have been here, I have learned to be even more aware and ready for anything on

the road once darkness falls.

 Advent comes from the Latin word ‘adventus’ which translates in our language as ‘coming.’ This latin word is

rooted in the original Greek word ‘parousia’ which translates as ‘personal presence’ and is used to refe r to

Christ coming again. Advent is the season in the church where we traditionally commemorate the arrival of the

Messiah through celebrating the birth of Jesus. Our scripture readings during this season reflect the prophetic

promise that this will occur and be fulfilled. The epistle readings during this time reflect the promise that Chris

will return.

When reading John 1, we quickly come to understand that when we pick up the Word we receive one of thegreatest promises that we could receive:

1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2  He was in the

beginning with God; 3 all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was

made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness

has not overcome it.

Considering the absolute threshold, the brightness of a candle flame, and the way a glowing object dims according to the

square of the distance away from it, vision scientists conclude that one could make out the faint glimmer of a candle flame

up to 30 miles away. Think about that for a minute. If we relate our faith in Christ to this, then the darkness that is faced by

us in this world cannot be overcome unless we ourselves choose to extinguish that light. As we allow that light to flicke

within us others come to see the light of Christ within us.

When we light a candle of Hope; when we light a candle of Peace; when we light a candle of Joy; and when we light a

candle of Love we can expect great things to happen. As the light grows in our hearts and lives, then the darkness grows

dimmer. As you share of yourself in whatever the setting or circumstance in your life, ask yourself this; “Do I reflect the

light of Christ in the world?” Remember that the light of Christ is within you and in all that you do. Others are looking to

you to find their way out of the darkness. Will you be a beacon or an unlit lamp? Just as the sun sets in the evening we

can expect to see it return in the morning to chase the darkness away. As we wait for Christ to return, let us walk in the

light of the Lord. See you at church!  Pastor John 

Trinity Presbyterian Church, PC(USA)Jonesville, LA 

December 2013 

Trinity News  

Tradition in the Four Rivers Region since 1856  

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Congregational MeetingDecember 1 we are holding a congregationalmeeting to receive nominations and elect elders tothe class of 2016.

December Fellowship DinnerThis month we are hosting a ‘finger foods’fellowship dinner following the congregationalmeeting. We also look forward to the sharing of

your families ‘nativity’ on display at the dinner thisyear.

Advent Readers:

December 1: Tiser FamilyDecember 8: Edwards - King FamilyDecember 15: Ronnie Swayze FamilyDecember 22: Cotton - Lazarus Family

An Invitation:Christmas Cantata and Communion - Dec. 22

Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 22nd, at

11:00 AM. Trinity’s Chancel Choir will present themessage of the Word in music and delight you with apresentation of familiar and much loved carols in theChristmas cantata, “Season of Rejoicing” written bySusan Callaway and Mark Cabaniss.

Soloists and choir members will take the audience ona musical journey through the carols – “O Little Townof Bethlehem,” It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, “OHoly Night,” and others, with unusual rhythms andorchestral accompaniment.

Pastor John will lead us in Communion as we gatheraround the Lord’s Table. Join us as we continue tocelebrate the Christmas season. - Dot Lazarus

Christmas Eve Service Join us for our Christmas Eve Service at 5:00 PM inthe Sanctuary. This year we will gather for thiscandle light service to hear the lessons and singcarols as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.

December irthdays3 - Dusty Edwards

3 - Pastor John

4 –  Katie Little

4 –  Maddie Claire Bean

8 – 

 Tyler Hill

13 –  Carson Davis Barton

13 –  Melladee Zimmerman

15 –  Robert Lee Swayze

21 –  Mason Alexander King

26- Beth Parish

27 –  Kathy Johnson 

Choir Practice

The choir willgather for practice on the first threWednesday’s in December. December 4th  wwill be practicing the introits and anthems for thimonth.

We have two additional practices this month onDecember 11th and 18th to practice the music fo

the Christmas Cantata which will be on SundayDecember 22

nd.

It’s not too late to join us in singing in theChristmas Cantata. We have books and CD’available for pick-up in the choir room. Checwith Dot. She has a spot ready for you!

Lunch Bunch Bible StudyWe are continuing our study of Paul’s letters to thchurch. We are meeting on the first threThursdays this month at noon. Our readingcontinues in Corinthians. Bring your Bible and bite to eat, and we will see you there!

Presbyterian Women

We invite the ladies of the church to join ougroup which will meet on Tuesday, Decembe10th at 10 AM. Martha Brallier will moderate thlesson. PW did not meet during the month oNovember.

Men’s Fellowship Breakfast Wake-up men and join us Tuesday, December 10

at 7 AM. The hot food and fellowship will be ready tohelp you start your day right.

AND WE GAVE THANKSOn Sunday, November 24th, Trinity observed itannual Thanksgiving service during the morninworship. An array of colorful fruits and vegetablescentered in a cornucopia filled with flowers, was th

focal point in thchancel area. Wbrought cannegoods, fruit, and othefood items to b

donated to needfamilies. These werplaced in a wickebasket near thcommunion table.

During the service, Pastor John, with Gregory’assistance, blessed the 103 filled OperatioChristmas Child boxes. The Chancel Choir sang thThanksgiving anthem, “A Celebration of Thanks.” 

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Hymnal Dedication The new hymnals were dedicated and put intoservice on December 1st.In Memory Of:

  Bob Cotton given by Dorothy Cotton Lazarus

  Scott Cotton given by Dorothy Cotton Lazarus

  Rob Cotton given by Katlyn and Hannah Cotton

  Ivan Bean given by Susan Bean

  Jeff and Clara Bean given by Susan Bean

  Kirk Bean given by Susan Bean

  L.C. & Betty Jo Scott given by Susan Bean  Jimmie Jones given by Catherine Jones

  Clara Bean given by Gail Bean

  Jeff Bean given by Gail Bean

  Ivan Bean given by Gail Bean

  Georgia Franks given by Gail Bean

  Jarrett Davis Barton given by Lauren Barton King

  Dean Doyle given by Betty Doyle

  Rob Cotton given by Betty Doyle

  Ivan Bean given by Betty Doyle

  Jeffrey W. Pierce given by Buddy Pierce

  Leonard Pierce, Sr. given by Buddy Pierce

  John A.Scott, Sr. given by the Scott Family

  Mary Warner given by Debra Scott  Mary Ford given by Rev. John Scott

  Evelyn Jones given by Rev. John Scott

  Martha Wells given by Debra Scott

  Rob Cotton given by Gail Bean

   Anna Boyd given by Gail Bean

  Eula Pullen given by Gail Bean

   Arvel & Elizabeth Barnes given by Margaret andRonnie Hill

  Bert and Margaret Barnes given by Margaret andRonnie Hill

   Arvel and Elizabeth Barnes given by Jim and MarthaBrallier

  Fred and Geneva Brallier given by Jim and MarthaBrallier

  Harry and Frances Smith given by Jim and MarthaBrallier

  Julius and Eula Pullen given by Judy Sanson

  Charlie Sanson given by Judy Sanson

  Robert Lee & Ilene Swayze by Robert Lee & SusieSwayze family

  Lewis & Bobbie Sue Corley by Robert Lee & SusieSwayze family

  Cicero & Johanna Smith by Robert Lee & SusieSwayze family

  Jeffery Pierce by Robert Lee & Susie Swayze family

  David Wayne Ryan by Robert Lee & Susie Swayze

familyIn Honor Of:

  Rev. John Scott given by his family

  Catherine Jones given by Gail Bean

  Donna & Glen Tiser given by Gail Bean

  Susan Bean given by Gail Bean

  Mike Wilson given by Gail Bean

  Verda Mophett given by Betty Doyle

  Betty Doyle given by Betty Walker

  Patricia Warner given by Gregory Scott

Health and Medical Issues: Ronnie Akins, William Atkins;  Shannon Whit

Bairnsfather; Allan Bean; Brady Bean; Rusty Bean

Lynda Calhoun;  Tommy Champlin; Betty Farme

 Alton Griffin; Lailah Hathcock and family; Donn

Hill; Bobby and Ruth King; Connie Martin; Mar

Mason; Johnny Mayo; Robbie McMillin; Robe

Murray; Cathy Nelson; Dianne Nicholson;  Nanc

Pierce; Mason Rowland and family; Myrtle Rushing

Payne Scott; Alberta Stoops; Eula Smith; Emm

Tarver; Buddy Tyler; Kristen Upchurch; Nikki Wiley

Payton Williams; Rodney Williams;  Robert an

 Alice Winegeart; Pat Wollerson; Verna Wurster; &

Betty Yarborough.

In Sympathy:Special prayers for the family of Margare

Killingsworth and all who lost a loved one this pasmonth.

Missionary:Joe Mitchell and his mission ministries.Seminarian:

Humberto Gonzales and his family.

PRAY FOR:   Pray for our country and our leaders.   Pray for peace in Syria, Iraq, Iran, Israe

 Afghanistan, North Korea, and Libya.   Pray for our men & women in harms’ way.    Pray for the economic recovery of ou

country.   Pray for Trinity Presbyterian Church and a

churches.

IN THE SERVICE

Matthew Bean, Rusty Bean, Scott Bean, MaBegnaud, Kacie King Dunn, Joe Hamilton, JimKelly, Justin Lacroix, Eric Little, Nicholas ParishRay Santillano, Crystal Smith. Pastor Ministry Appreciation SundayOn Sunday, October 27th the congregation surprisePastor John and his family with a luncheon in thehonor. Pastor John and his family would like tthank everyone for the kind words and gifts thawere received. “It has been a wonderful first year ithe pulpit and my family and I look forward to manmore with you at Trinty.” - Pastor John

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EXTRA NEWS AT TRINITY

Al Pilson  was the subject of a 2-hour interview byHannah Cotton  on October 26th. Hannahinterviewed Mr. Al about his wartimeexperiences. He was a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army (Aviation) and saw tours of duty twice inVietnam, three times in Korea, and in Germany,China, Japan, and the Philippines. Mr. Al said thathe had been in every country in Europe during his

deployment. Hannah will provide a copy to Mr. Alwhen the project is complete.

Natalee Duncan was chosen as a junior maid on theHomecoming Court at Monterey. Riley Duncan  isplaying basketball for the Monterey team.

Jonesville is so fortunate to have two NursePractitioners here. Abigail Bean Davis  is atRiverpark Medical Center, and Lauren Barton King is at LaSalle Primary Healthcare Center.

Hunter Jones, son of George & Candy Jones  ofGilbert and grandson of Catherine Jones, is a seniorat Franklin Academy in Winnsboro. Prior to now,Franklin Academy had never won a districtgame. Not only did the team win District, they alsoplayed Sharkey-Issaquine Academy for the StateChampionship in Clinton, Mississippi. They lost by14 points, but they played a great game and were soproud to be there.

Hannah Cotton was involved in a recent ChemistryBonus Project. She was sent to Zachary HighSchool to give a presentation to the chemistry classthere. She also participated as a member of the

SCOLA LSU University Choir in their 2nd

  semesterconcert which was a “Tribute to Mother Theresa.” 

Grandparents Donna & GlenTiser have two times the joyin their lives. Jason &Gretchen  recently took thispicture of   Lucy, MargaretLee, Mary Thomas andJulia Francis after theirnewborn girls returned homefrom the hospital.

Eric & Katie Little  recentlyannounced that they will beexpecting a bundle of joysometime in June of 2014. Ericbroke the news with this pictureposted on his Facebook page.

Notes of Love and Thanks

Thanks to Donna Tiser   for the beautifuThanksgiving arrangement in the sanctuary oSunday, November 24th.

Thanks to Gregory Scott  and his motheDebra Scott  for spearheading the OperatioChristmas Child Shoebox project and all of theextra work. And thanks to everyone else wh

helped with this project.

Thanks to Gregory Scott  and Paul Parish  fofolding the newsletters each month.

Stephanie Moore sends her love anappreciation for the work of our church. She senin a contribution to support the shipping of theShoe Boxes. She reflected on the success othis ministry in the church where she and Dichad moved.

Stephanie recalled, “We began the first yeafilling and sending 100 boxes. Each year wehave raised the bar and had nearly 1000 shoeboxes sent last year. We contribute items ayear long and begin packing well ahead of thNovember deadline.” 

Stephanie, thank you so very much in supportingthis ministry. Even though you may be far, wappreciate your support of the continued ministrof Trinity church.

ADVENT SEASON

During the month of December, we will agaicelebrate two meaningful, annual events, thlighting of the Advent Candles and the decoratinof the Chrismon Tree. The Advent Wreath, with itfive candles, symbolizes the approach of the Lordand counts the weeks until Christmas. Osuccessive Sundays and Christmas Eve, we wilight the candles of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Loveand the Christ Candle, and family groups wiparticipate in the lighting and the advent readings.

The Chrismon Tree, an evergreen to symboliz

“eternal life,” is decorated with symbols fromChristian history, all made by churcmembers. The butterfly symbolizes Resurrectionthe Dove  – Peace; the White Rose  –  the Birth oChrist. All chrismons are white and gold. White ifor the Lor d’s purity and perfection; gold is for  Himajesty and glory. The tiny white lights on the trepoint to Christ as the “light of the world.” 

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Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Update

This year we began collecting our items forour Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes

early so there wouldbe lots of variety.We cannot thankyou all enough for

bringing lots ofgreat items weekafter week.

We were able to pack and ship 103shoeboxes this year with your help. Eachbox was filled with a bag of hygiene items, abag of school supplies, a bag of candy, astuffed animal, a toy, and hairaccessories/jewelry for girls and hats for

boys.

We were even able to add some clothingitems and socks in each box. The first thingthey will see when they open their box is acard that reads “To a very special Child” andinside the card, they will find an incrediblemessage from you to them and photo of ourchurch. May they feel the love that each oneof you sent to them.

We will hear sometime in February whereour shoeboxes have traveled. It will bexciting to hear how they got there (by boaor plane or even by canoe, jeep, or elephantand details about the celebration.

 As we have shared before this may be theonly gift that this child ever receives and i

will show them that someone far away lovesthem and cares about them and wants themto know God’s incredible love for them. 

Next year we would like to be able to send150 boxes so always be on the lookouthroughout the year for those bargains andchange of season sales.

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 Trinity Presbyterian Church, PC(USA)401 Third Street, Jonesville, LA 71343

Distribution: Dot Lazarus, Catherine JonesEditing: Adrian White, Dot Lazarus, Rev. John Scott

Tradition in the Four Rivers Region since 1856

For more information related to articles and submissions in the church newsletter please contact:Mrs. Dot Lazarus 318-339-9842 Email: dulazarus@bellsouth.netPastor John Scott 318-403-9512 Email: jascott303@gmail.com 

Trinity Presbyterian Church, PC(USA)Jonesville, LA 

December 2013 

Trinity News  

Tradition in the Four Rivers Region since 1856