​Good afternoon,
            If you ask me, it has turned out to be a lovely day…a bit nippy but that sun is shining.
            I urge you to join us in worship this Sunday and shine some of your light on some other members of our fellowship. This week we will elect, install, and ordain elders and deacons to lead us into the next year of ministry and mission. I look forward to working with them…they look forward to your encouragement.
            It is Baptism of the Lord Sunday, when Jesus is blessed by water, a powerful eccentric prophet, a dove and a strong voice from heaven. We will be reflecting on the beauty and power of a father’s blessing.  
See you in church,
Pastor Michael
 
The adult Sunday School class is starting a new study – “Searching for Happiness.”  A great group of people, a good book, lively, non-judgmental discussion…you will find your spirits lifted. 9:45 a.m. in the lounge.  

Dear brothers and sisters,
            Reverend Hollingsworth’s final prayer request has been answered. It was 18 months ago that we interred the body of his wife, Fran. Both Carol, his daughter and David, his son, tell me that their Dad so longed to join his wife in the place God had prepared for them. God granted that request; at 2:00 a.m. this morning the Reverend Jerry Hollingsworth entered the eternal presence of the Lord he served so faithfully.
There will be an interment for family only at the Homewood Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 18.
A Memorial Service here at the church will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 19.  
The family intends to handle the service for their father as they did for their mother: no visitation, just a low-key Memorial Service without a luncheon reception. The family will greet FPCE members and friends in our sanctuary before and after the Memorial Service. An obituary will appear in the Post-Gazette this Sunday.
 
I will respond to questions the best I can, please contact me. One suggestion, the family is very tired after sitting at Reverend Hollingsworth’s bedside for nearly a week, perhaps we could hold off on phone calls for a few days. I am sure notes, cards, and letters will help lift their spirits.
 
In Christ’s service,
Michael Rucker, Pastor