Schola rehearsal on Christmas Eve

All Schola Cantorum students will be participating in the Family Christmas Eve service on December 24th. We will meet in Reception Hall at 3:30pm that day to warm up, rehearse and pray. After the Westminster Brass plays the prelude, Schola choirs will sing. When the kids sing their final piece, they will be dismissed to sit with parents in the sanctuary for the remainder of the service. Children should come “dressed up” for this service—girls in skirts/dresses and the boys in trousers & dress shirts (ties/jackets are also welcome if they’re available). Of course, the kids can simply wear the black and white as well.

Room Available: Spring Semester, 2011

I am seeking a woman to share my apartment with. I am looking for someone who is laid back and comfortable with sharing space. International students are welcome.

The Apartment:
Fully furnished apartment: Living room, spacious kitchen, 2 bedrooms, bathroom, spacious front porch (barbecuing, yes!), storage space in basement (minimal)
Small back yard
Pets: I am cat sitting (temporary, long term)
Excellent landlord
Rent: $350/month

Small bedroom:
Equipped with: Small working area, dresser, closet. twin bed.
2 windows
2 doors: 1 to other bedroom, 1 that opens to the back yard
This room was built as an addition on the house. To use the bathroom, you need to pass through the larger bedroom.

Location: University City on a wonderful block; friendly neighbors
10 minutes to University of Pennsylvania & Drexel University by trolley, 10 by bike, 25 minutes by foot; 1 block from trolley


If you are interested in seeing the room, please contact me, Heather Swanson

Center City apartment for rent

The condo for rent is four blocks from church at 21st and Spruce. 1 bedroom/1 bathroom with washer and dryer in unit. It has high ceilings and hardwood floors, central A/C and heating, stainless steel appliances and a breakfast bar.

See the craigslist listing, rent negotiable for Tenth members: Contact Deborah.

Need a gift for the person who has everything?

Why not honor them with a gift to help pay the Spring school fees of an orphan in Liberia? Twenty dollars will buy one child a month of school and for your generosity you will receive a Christmas card you can give that special someone saying you did this in their honor. It reads in part: "Because you've made a difference in my life, I wanted to make one in his." Cards will be available in Reception Hall Sunday following each service.

To reserve cards, please email ttaylor(at)tenth.org stating how many cards you would like set aside. All other cards will be available on a first come basis.

To find out more about Tenth's involvement in Liberia, browse www.liberia.tenth.org

Roger Nicole

Tenth members may know his name because he spoke at some PCRT conferences, but most people probably do not recognize the name of this theologian whom all the other well-named theologians looked up to - Roger Nicole. He was one of my theology professors at Gordon-Conwell. He died this past Saturday at the age of 95. To get an idea of who he was, check this posting by Justin Taylor.

Merry Christmas Greeting

Click here for a video Merry Christmas greeting from Wheaton College and, at the end, from a well-mannered, clean-looking family that reminds me of the family that used to attend here with kids running wildly around the church.

Philly Girl Friday

Check out the latest offerings from Amy Carpenter's service - Philly Girl Friday.

Uncle Marion

This Friday I will be traveling down to South Carolina to do a funeral for my Uncle Marion on Saturday. He lived to be 101 and 10 months. Here is a picture of him taken at his 100th birthday two years ago.

The Great Divorce

Check this site for info on plays this season by Anthony Lawton, which includes a stage adaptation of C. S. Lewis' The Great Divorce.

15th Anniversary

At our staff Christmas party we had a special recognition.

Fifteen years ago Dot Boersma came on staff! We are grateful for her dedication, and I am grateful for all the times she has covered my mistakes.

The Yankee Swap Conspiracy

Well we had a great staff party. Let me say, though, that if you are involved in a Yankee Swap that includes both Jonny McGreevy and Christy Corbett, keep a close eye on them. Let's just say they know how to work together.

Tree Source

Did you know that the Christmas tree in the sanctuary is a Berzinsky? It came from the property the Berzinsky's have in upstate PA. I'm just trying to figure out how Greg tied it on the top of his car!

Staff Party

The church staff is heading over to Estia at noon for our annual Christmas party. Estia is a Mediterranean restaurant on Locus near Broad and is managed by Tenth member Saki Georganas.

Made Like His Brothers

Sunday's evening sermon, "Made Like His Brothers," is now posted at my website in manuscript form.

Epiphany Afternoon Women's Tea at Springton Lake PC

Epiphany Afternoon Women's Tea
Saturday, January 8, 2011, 1:30 - 5pm
"Mindset Matters: Fear, Faith and the Future" by Dr. Margaret Kim Peterson
Reflection time with harp, hymns, and tea by the fire
Springton Lake Presbyterian Church Women's Ministry
252 & Media Line Rd.
Newtown Square, PA 19073
610-356-4550 for reservations
No charge, donations only

Wanted: roommate in Art Museum area

Seeking Christian female roommate to share 2 bedroom apartment in the art museum area. Contact Alisa.

Christmas Shopping Simplified

Some people I know love Christmas shopping. I don't, at least not in traditional ways. I go into a store with good intentions and immediately start asking Why questions--why do I think this person needs another fill-in-the-blank? (And truth be told, most people I know don't need anything for Christmas because as a country we're already swimming in stuff.)

I do love Christmas shopping in simple, non-traditional ways by supporting fair trade and ministries. One of the most convenient ways to do this is by making donations to New Hope Liberia through their Christmas fundraiser for education. Last night before evening service, I stopped by the table, wrote out a check, and walked away with a couple of cards explaining the gifts. What could be simpler than that?

Don't miss out on an opportunity to simplify your Christmas shopping while caring for our brothers and sisters around the world. The New Hope Liberia table will be open on Sundays until Christmas, so stop by and check it out!