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Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.

They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD. Isaiah 60:1,6

Restoration It is the beginning of a New Year. The past

seems a distant reflection of the coming days.

The Prophet Isaiah foretold the restoration of

God’s people over 700 years before the birth

of Christ. He provided great details of the

coming of the one who would restore Israel.

In Isaiah 60, he gives details of the nation’s

coming together to glorify and worship God.

He even includes details of gifts that would be

presented which include those the Wise Men

presented Christ.

Isaiah sees restoration as a major theme in

the work of God and God’s people. Think about that for a moment. Think about the time and energy it

takes in order to restore something? I remember, one year when I was younger, my parents wanted

to restore the kitchen cabinets in their home. It took nearly all summer to strip away layers upon layers

of paint to get down to the original wood of all the cabinets. Hidden under these layers of paint added

over many years was a beautiful wood grain that we were able to restore.

I am sure we have all taken on restoration projects at some point in our lives. Maybe we tried to restore

something or someone. In doing so, we made a decision to return something back to its original

condition. Isaiah foretold that God desired to return his relationship with His people back to the original

condition. To do this he sent the Messiah into the world. It is in Christ that God provides the opportunity

for restoration to all who come to believe upon Him. God desires to be united with His people

Friends, arise, shine, for your light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!

As we begin a new year together in Christ, let us strive to allow the Light of the World to shine forth in

us as we live our lives faithfully to the call that God has set before each of us.

See you at church! – Pastor John

Trinity Presbyterian Church, PC(USA) Jonesville, LA

January 2017

Trinity News

Tradition in the Four Rivers Region since 1856

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Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service Against a backdrop of luminaries lining the walk outside the sanctuary, Trinity Presbyterians, First United Methodists, and the community of over 90 persons participated in a night to remember Christmas Eve Service. The Chrismon Tree, with its white lights and gold and white Christian ornaments, the Advent Wreath, with its glowing candles and the white Christ Candle, and the gorgeous array of red poinsettias on the stair steps of the chancel area set the scene for the most sacred of services. After the “O Holy Night” prelude by Dot Lazarus, the Robert Lee Swayze Family lighted the advent candles of hope, peace, joy, and love. Scripture lessons were interspersed with the singing of appropriate carols, played by Rena Pitts at the piano and Dot Lazarus at the organ. Readers included Glen Tiser, Leslie Bean, Pastor John Scott, Debra Scott, Donald Nelson, Sherry Nelson and Rev. Darryl Tate.

A highlight of the service was a video, “Mary, Did You Know?” Bryce McGlothin, grandson of Dianne and Raymond Nicholson, sang “Happy Birthday, Jesus,” and Kate Hudson, from the Ferriday Methodist Church, played hand bell solos. Lights were extinguished, and the flames of individual candles lit the sanctuary as Silent Night” was sung. The congregation sang “Joy to the World”, and Rev. Tate tolled the bells to conclude the service. This night set the stage for the most sacred of days – Christmas Day – the day our Savior was born.. Advent Readers & Candle Lighters We thank the families that assisted with the Advent readings and in lighting the candles in our Advent wreath during worship from November 27th through Christmas Day: 11-27 Hope – Verda Mophett Family 12- 4 Peace – Mike & Robbie Wilson Family 12-13 Joy – Jim & Martha Brallier Family 12-18 Love – Allan and Charlie Bean Family 12-24 Christ – R. L. Swayze Family 12-25 Christmas – Pastor John & Gregory

Elder Installation Service – January 8 The Class of 2019 Ruling Elders, Ronnie Swayze and Alma Womack, as Elders Elect, will be received by the congregation and installed into their office during the service. Communion will be served.

We thank the Class of 2016 Ruling Elders Beth Parish and Donna Tiser for their service as they rotate off of the Session.

The Angel Tree The Angel Tree mission project this year collected over 40 toys for children in our community; much needed supplies for Concordia Paws Animal Rescue; and Trinity sponsorship commitments for Dariela Mesa and her family through Compassion International. Thank you for supporting the efforts of Trinity’s Angel Tree. Thanksgiving Baskets Trinity collected food for two families in need. Elder Beth Parish took the food donations collected on Thanksgiving Sunday along with a gift certificate from Ford’s and arranged to have them delivered to the families. Thank you to our Trinity family for helping out with this project.

JAMA Thanksgiving Service at Trinity The annual Community Thanksgiving Service was held at Trinity Presbyterian Church on November 20, 2016, sponsored by the Jonesville Area Ministerial Alliance (JAMA).

The community of believers came together for a very special service. Dot Lazarus and Elizabeth Wilson were the accompanists, playing preludes of “My Tribute” and “Bless This House.” John Scott gave the Welcome and the Thanksgiving message. Darryl Tate of the First United Methodist Church gave the opening prayer and led the Thanksgiving Litany; Craig James of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church gave the Offering Invitation and the Offering Blessing; Scriptures were read by Mike Deville, of The Pentecostals; Bruce Lofton of the United Pentecostal Church gave the Prayer of Thanksgiving; and Butch Farris of Liberty Worship Center pronounced the Benediction. A video entitled “Hymn of Promise,” was part of the special music which included three Thanksgiving hymns. The Postlude included “God Bless America,” played by the accompanists. The special offering to support the work of JAMA in meeting ministerial needs was $815.

Following the service, a reception was held in the Fellowship Hall for the many in attendance. It was a great, ecumenical gathering to commemorate a night when we all gave thanks to God for our many blessings.

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Congregation & Corporation Dinner Meeting On November 13th, we held our annual business meeting combined with our church dinner. Business of the congregation/corporation included:

Election of Ruling Elders to the Class of 2019 Alma Womack & Ronnie Swayze

Elected Mickie Brown, Catherine Jones and Margaret Hill to 2017 Nomination Committee.

Approval of pastor’s terms of call for 2017

Reinstated Officers of the Corporation President – Craig Edwards; Vice President – Mike Wilson; Secretary/Treasurer – Martha Brallier

December 4th Session Meeting

Quorum was determined & agenda approved

Approved Officer installation for January 8th

Approved 2017 Budget

Elected Dona Tiser as 2017 Clerk of Session and Allan Bean 2017 Treasurer duties to start 1-1-17

Next Session Meeting, January 8th - Elder Donna Tiser, Clerk of Session

2017 Poinsettias

In Memory of Dr. Jimmie Jones

Given by Catherine Jones

In Memory of Fallen Law Enforcement Given by Martha Brallier

In Memory of D. E. Brown, Jr.

Given by Mickie, Zane, and Brittain Brown

In Memory of 2016 Fallen Military Personnel

Given by Martha Brallier

In Memory of Bob, Rob, & Scott Cotton

Given by Dot Lazarus

In Honor of Christians

Given by Gail Bean CARC Thanksgiving Dinner On Tuesday, November 22nd our friends at CARC held their Thanksgiving dinner here at Trinity. Representatives from Trinity, Council on Aging and

Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at Catahoula’s Calling all men. We are meeting for breakfast at 7 AM on Tuesday, January 10th. Join us at the Catahoula’s Café for a time of Men’s Fellowship. Theology in Movies - Afternoon Matinees Join us as we ponder questions of faith as they play out in the movies we see at our 2nd and 4th Friday afternoon matinees at 12 PM. Just come and join in. We will have popcorn & plenty of iced tea ready to go. Presbyterian Women (PW) Presbyterian Women will next meet on Tuesday, January 17th, at 10:00 AM at the church.

Presbyterian Women last met on Tuesday, November 15th at the church. Present were Martha Brallier, Catherine Jones, and Dot Lazarus. Delicious refreshments were served by Martha. The Prayer of the Least Coin was recited, and the group viewed a display of Presbyterian Women’s activities, both local, state, and national, set up by Martha in the Fellowship Hall. During the business session, the group discussed the particulars for the reception following the Community Thanksgiving Service at Trinity Church. Martha led the discussion of lesson #7 in the circle book entitled Streams of Mercy – Forgiveness. The group adjourned with the recitation of the Mispah. - Dot Lazarus

Trinity Prayer Concerns: Giullianna Aponte; Lucille Barnes; Pat Bearden; Stephen Baker; Jack Bonner; Dora Book; Phyllis Boothe; Ashley Bordelon; R.J. Bordelon; Ruth Chevallier; Bubba Edwards; Glenda Edwards; the Fannin Family; Jeddy Hamilton; O’Dare Hammett; Susan Hammett; Evan Hennings; Cub Hudnall; Neva Ivey; Jameson Johns; Ray King; Rick Krahn; Willie Lazarus; Jodi Marra; Bob McBride; Karla McGee; Jennifer Nations; Mason Nations; Liam Ogden; Lindsay Palmer; Rebekah Perkins; Rachel Perry; John Ross; Raymond Rouse; Pam Ryan; Judy Sanson; Frank Sheppard; Lori Smith; Bill Tarver; Aiden Taunton; Donna Tiser; Kristen Upchurch; Myles Schweitzer; Emma Louise Trisler; Kyle Watson; Gwen Webber; Charlene Wiley; Nikki Wiley; Robbie Wilson; Roscoe Wilson; Nan Wood; & Roger Young

We pray for the family of Donnie Wiley, Paul Marra and all that have had a loved one pass from this life in the past month.

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CARC all joined together and shared in a festive dinner and gathering. In Memoriam

To the glory of God and in loving memory of Irene Bruit and David Shively

Given by Pam & Ronnie Swayze To the glory of God and in loving memory of

Betty Doyle Given by Betty Walker

To the glory of God and in loving memory of Paul Marra

Given by Dot & Willie Lazarus Adopt-a Key in memory of Jeffery Pierce

Given by Buddy Pierce

JOSEPH HIREM MITCHELL 1943 – 2016 Our wonderful friend, Joe Mitchell (Mr. Joe as we called him), passed away on September 4th, at his home. A Celebration of Life Service was held on September 7th at the Benoit Union Church.

He filled our pulpit; he was a “maestro” in playing our piano; he brought missionaries to our services and told us stories about his mission work in Peru, Cuba, and other countries, and he loved us all as we loved him so. He proudly served our country in the United States Army and worked as Director for 40 years at the Natchez Children’s Home, and other homes in North Carolina. The Cusco, Peru, Orphanage was one of his special projects.

Notes of Love and Thanks Dear Presbyterian Women, thank you so much for the gift card that you gave Melladee and me for Christmas. We love all of you. - Joyce McDonald

Trinity Family, Thank you for extending the terms of my ministry call with you into 2017. I am so very thankful for your generosity, prayers, and support of my family and me. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! - Pastor John

Extra News at Trinity Sarah Natalie Cotton, daughter of Tom and Terri Cotton and granddaughter of Dot and Willie Lazarus, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology on December 10th from ULM in Monroe. She hopes to further her education at Louisiana College where she will seek a Physical Therapy Associate (PTA) degree.

Donna Tiser was presented the Community Service Award by Delta Kappa Gamma for her many contribution to Catahoula Parish and surrounding areas.

Verda Mophett was surprised by a visit from her granddaughter Krista Mophett Kull and husband James and twin great grandsons, six month old Bennet Avery and Finnegan Aidan.

Danielle Hammett of New Orleans, daughter of Susan and Bryant Hammett and granddaughter of Dot and Willie Lazarus, and the late Bob Cotton, and Lollie and O’Dare Hammett of Ferriday, will marry Benton Bourgeois of Kenner in a family wedding on Sunday, January 8th at the Ponchartrain Hotel in New Orleans. January Birthdays:

7 – Robbie Wilson 19 – Judy Sanson 19 – Myrtle Ann Collins 20 – Ann Krahn 22 – Ronnie Swayze

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We will miss him and his wonderful ministry to us all. May the Lord bless him and keep him while we are absent one from the other. Dot L.

Open House at the Manse Pastor John, Debra and Gregory hosted Trinity and several community groups throughout December. Everyone enjoyed delicious treats and fellowship.

We would like to thank all of those who came to our home and visited with us during our open house this year.

We would like to thank all of you who

contributed to the generous Christmas gift for

our family. Your love, support, and prayers are

very much appreciated.

We wish all of you a very happy New Year and

may 2017 bring you a year filled with good

health and happiness!

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor John, Debra, and Gregory

Trinity Church

CARC

Council On Aging Bible Study Group

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Christmas Eve Service in Pictures

Pastor John holding the Christ Candle.

Robert Lee Swayze Family lighting the Advent Wreath.

Glen Tiser reading a lesson from Isaiah 9:2-7.

Bryce McGlothlin singing “Happy Birthday Jesus”

Rev. Darryl Tate giving a Christmas prayer.

Kate Hudson playing a handbell solo “Oh, Holy Night”.

Singing ‘Silent Night, Holy Night’ in candlelight.

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

Distribution: Dot Lazarus, Catherine Jones Editing: 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.net Pastor John Scott 318-403-9512 Email: jascott303@gmail.com

Trinity Presbyterian Church, PC(USA) Jonesville, LA

July - August 2015

Trinity News

Tradition in the Four Rivers Region since 1856

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

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

Address Label

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.net Pastor John Scott 318-403-9512 Email: jascott303@gmail.com

Trinity Presbyterian Church, PC(USA) Jonesville, LA

January 2017

Trinity News

Tradition in the Four Rivers Region since 1856