“She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people

from their sins.” Matthew 1: 21

Rev. Leigh Benish

Pastorleighb@gmail.com
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
10:30 A.M. - Worship Service
11:30 A.M. - Fellowship Hour Elder Louise Evans

Nancy Slezak, Memorial Handbell

Director and Organist

Elean Heist, Administrative Assistant

and Financial Secretary
Elean.hillup@zoominternet.net

Lyn Goehring, Treasurer

Bob Cuffman

Lord’s Supper and All Saints Day

501 Second Street

Butler, Pennsylvania 16001
724-287-5427
E-mail: hillup@zoominternet.net
www.hillup.org
 WORSHIP SCHEDULE
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES
10:30 - 11:30 A.M.; Doors Open at 10:00 A.M.
Services will also continue online.
DECEMBER 5, 2021
Second Sunday Of Advent
Lord’s Supper

Rev. Leigh Benish

Scripture: Philippians 1: 3-11; Luke 1: 57-80

DECEMBER 12, 2021
Third Sunday Of Advent

Rev. Leigh Benish

Scripture: Zephaniah 3: 14-20; Luke 3: 1-18

DECEMBER 15, 2021; 7:00 p.m.
Blue Christmas - The Longest Night

Rev. Leigh Benish

Scripture: Isaiah 40; Lamentations 3: 21-24; John 14: 27-28; Psalm 121
DECEMBER 19, 2021
Fourth Sunday of Advent

Rev. Leigh Benish

Scripture: Luke 1: 39-55

DECEMBER 24, 2021

Christmas Eve

4:00 P.M. - “Happy Birthday, Jesus!” Party - Family Friendly in the Fellowship Hall with carol singing,
a Christmas story, candle lighting, and birthday cake.

7:30 P.M. - Musical Preludes

8:00 P.M. - Traditional Candle-Lighting Service with special music,
a time with the children, and the Word proclaimed.
Rev. Leigh Benish
DECEMBER 26, 2021
First Sunday After Christmas

Rev. Leigh Benish

 “Although there was no room for them at the inn, someone offered an
unexpected space, making holy room for Jesus’s birth.”
-Elder Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri, former co-moderator, PC(USA)

When something hits close to home, it affects us deeply. During the Advent and
Christmas seasons, we journey through scriptures and rituals that are tender,
heavy with emotion, and vulnerable. We carry the memories and truths of this season close to our
hearts.

This Advent and Christmas season we will be exploring the theme of “Close to Home.” It
acknowledges the “already but not yet” tension of our faith: Emmanuel is with us, and yet, God’s
promised day – our everlasting home – is not fully realized. It names our deep longing for God to
come close to us.

The Advent and Christmas scriptures are rich with home metaphors and imagery:
 John the Baptist prophesies about the One who is to come, but reminds us that we are still
wandering far from God’s promised day; his message hits close to home, especially for those
experiencing inequity and oppression.
 After receiving the angel’s news, Mary retreats to Elizabeth’s home, seeking refuge and
safety.
 Christ is born in the midst of a journey home, in a crowded dwelling amidst livestock and
shepherds alike.
 The Magi travel far from home to pay homage to Christ, and, having been warned in a
dream, they avoid Herod by traveling home another way.

In these scriptures, home is both physical and metaphorical, something we seek and something we
are called to build. Ultimately, God is our home and resting place. God draws near and makes a
home on earth – sacred ground is all around us.

“Close to Home” also names the pain many of us will carry into this season. The holidays can trigger
our grief. Many will be missing loved ones lost to sickness and tragedy. The traumas of the
pandemic will still be with us. Many will have lost homes – due to natural disasters, economic
hardship, and unjust policies. Many do not feel safe in their own homes due to poor living
conditions or harmful family dynamics. Many feel alone and isolated at home. Churches are
discerning transitions with their physical buildings; many of our spiritual homes are changing.

This Advent, may we be comforted by the One who dwells intimately with us. May we expand
safety and sanctuary for everyone wandering far from home. May we come home, wherever home
is found, to live fully with joy, hope, and courage. I hope you will join us as we go “home”
together.

Peace-
Pastor Leigh 3
Don’t forget to order your Christmas poinsettias this year! These flowers will adorn our
chancel for our Christmas Eve service. Order forms are available on the worship tables as
you enter our church. Sunday, December 5th will be the last Sunday to turn in your order
form. Poinsettias are $6.50 this year and will again be ordered from Gumto Greenhouses.
Please use one order form per plant and turn them in to the church office or put them in the
collection plate. Make sure monies (0ne check for multiple plants is fine) are securely
attached to the order form and that checks have “poinsettias” in the memo line.

oinsettias
$6.50 each
PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY THE WAY YOU WISH NAMES TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE BULLETIN

USE A SEPARATE FORM FOR EACH PLANT ORDERED

In memory of: _____________________________________________________________________________

OR
In honor of: _____________________________________________________________________________

Given by: _____________________________________________________________________________

Payment enclosed: Check #________ Cash Total Amount: __________________

Will pick up Deacons can take

Deadline for orders is Sunday, December 5, 2021
November 10th’s Community Dinner served approximately 105 people. The menu
was chili, cornbread, a cheese stick, red grapes, and a pumpkin dessert. Many
thanks to the wonderful members who helped bake the cornbread and dessert.
Calling all bakers! The community dinner staff would like to include Christmas cookies in
our December dinner take out. If you like to bake, we would love to have 2 dozen Christmas
cookies (no nuts or sticky icing). We would need them at church on Sunday, December 5. If
you won't be in church, call Judy Birch or Becky Plymale and we will pick them up. Thanks in
advance!!

A Choral Ensemble is being put together for our Christmas Eve service. ALL are
welcome to join. Please see Becky Plymale to sign up and for more information.

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 Everything from Soup to Nuts: Snack Drive for Hospital Workers

At one time it was a phrase commonly heard, “From soup to nuts.” A quick google search reveals it
originated in the 1800s and referred to a full course dinner, which typically started with some type of
soup and ended with port wine served with nuts. For reference, a full course meal could be anywhere
from four to sixteen courses served sequentially.

Yes, SIXTEEN courses! All that leisurely dining—who has that kind of time today?! But I digress
(and certainly not those working in health care!) However, from soup to nuts is exactly what Kathleen
Davis and Maryanne Puente found recently when they began dividing the “snacks” you donated for
Butler Memorial Hospital healthcare workers. Specifically, the food was to go to four different floors:
6, 7, ICU, and the Emergency Department.

Your donations were perfectly awesome! Every floor received a bit of every type of food donated.
From breakfast bars and oatmeal to tuna and other quick protein, soups and miscellaneous hot food,
there was something for any hour of the day. There was fruit and apple sauce, juice, and an almost
endless array of salty and sweet snacks. Your generosity covered every detail. It truly was from soup
to nuts! Interestingly, back to the google search, it also stated that in current US informal “slang”, the
phrase means: covering every detail or part of something.

Thank you Hill Church for continually sharing love. This time it was food for healthcare workers,
many of whom are being challenged on a daily basis. Your donations (filling the backs of two cars)
were deeply appreciated!

Flower Donations for 2022

As we look ahead to the rapidly approaching new year, the flower chart for 2022 will again be electroni-
cally maintained and updated by Elean Heist in the church office. If you would like to give chancel flowers
in memory or honor of loved ones, please contact Elean via phone or email or turn in the attached form.
Should your first choice date not be available, she will contact you to confirm your date. You may pay at a
later time. The flower donation is $30; please include FLOWERS on the memo line of your check.

Our Deacons have resumed their ministry of delivering the chancel flowers to friends at home and in care
facilities. However, you always have the option and are most welcome to take your flowers (in their con-
tainers) after worship on the Sunday of your donation.

THANK YOU for helping to brighten our chancel as you remember or honor loved ones!
Chancel Flowers Request Form

Date Of Placement First Choice:__________ Second Choice:__________ Third Choice:__________

IN MEMORY OF: _________________________________________________________________

OR
IN HONOR OF: ___________________________________________________________________

Given by: _________________________________________________________________________

Please check all that apply: Chancel Flower Donation is $30 and may be paid at a later date.
_____ Yes, please mention this donation in the spoken announcements (live-streamed via internet).
_____ No, please do not mention in the spoken announcements.
_____ Yes, I plan to take the flowers after worship. _____ No, I will not be taking the flowers after worship.

Best way to reach me (email or phone): _________________________________________________

 Toy Shoppe
Our Deacons are colleting new, unwrapped toys for the Lighthouse Foundation’s Toy Shoppe
Toy Drive. Any toys for children from newborn to 12 years old, $25 gift cards, and stocking
stuffers would be gladly and gratefully accepted.

Toys will be collected through December 5th. Please leave your unwrapped toy donations on
the table in the Overflow.

Founded in 1985, The Lighthouse Foundation is a Christian outreach organization meeting

the needs of impoverished individuals and families in northern Allegheny and Butler
Counties. Their mission is encouraging others to find hope in Christ by meeting their immediate
needs and empowering them towards self-sufficiency. The Lighthouse Foundation delivers
high quality programs and ministries that provide immediate relief and equip people for a
brighter future.

Please see any of our Deacons with any questions.

Our Women’s Bible Study group will be collecting items to
be given by Sami Roth to benefit homeless women
through the Grapevine Center here in Butler.
Please shop from the list below and leave your donations on the designated tables in
the Overflow by December 10th.
Please be sure to buy travel size where noted as these items are put in backpacks and
space is limited.
 Toothbrush  Deodorant
 Toothbrush holder  Chapstick
 Dental floss  Towels
 Travel size toothpaste  Wash Cloths
 Travel size mouthwash  Hair brush
 Travel size shampoo  Comb
 Travel size conditioner  Hair ties
 Travel size soap  Razors
 Travel size body wash  Travel size shaving cream
 Travel size Kleenex  Sanitary napkins
 Travel size baby wipes  Tampons
 Travel size disinfecting wipes  Socks
 Travel size hand sanitizer  Heated handwarmers (air activated)
 Travel size lotion
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P
MeRrY ChRiStMaS WoRd
P T C I L U N M P Y S H O H Z B D E A ADVENT
SeArCh
MARY
T S L L E B M E O E I U D O I M Z E P D ANGEL MIRACLE
J S G G G A H I V E Y R L R U Q M T I K BELLS MISTLETOE
O O N A N E N O J F L Y A E A Q L I P H BETHLEHEM NOEL
S A Y G L S L V E A W H C T T C O C H S CANDLES PEACE
E I E H E T A R B E L E C H S I R X A U CARDS POINSETTIA
P R T T E L C A R I M A O N R H D E N S CELEBRATE SNOW
H E T Y R A M N Y O R H I V X I N E Y E CHRIST STAR
B I G P H W Z G E U N P K Y Q T S Y X J EPIPHANY TRADITION
A A E E B E D E F I O O L N V Y B T V V EXCITED WISEMEN
X R P V F Y L O S R N I I D E C P E U H FAMILY YULETIDE
K H B X M G S T Q Q M B W T A M W G U F HOLY
J E R U S A L E M A G U J N I P E A C E HOPE
A D V E N T W L F E O M D J A D S S I F JERUSALEM
P X G M E F O T L Q L L J J X W A U I K JESUS
I H S F G S N S Y D E Y M J Y M L R E W JOSEPH
S V R Z C I S I F S L V H F X F X F T P JOY
I I T R C E E M Z T Z T O N I W W R V V LORD
Z Q M H O P E N A K N N C L B K D J J L LOVE
H J H H J O S D P S S Z U F L I I F T V MANGER