The Churchmouse - First Presbyterian Church Douglasville
Transcription
The Churchmouse - First Presbyterian Church Douglasville
The Churchmouse First Presbyterian Church September 1, 2016 Message to Us….. ...from Pastor James For the fall kickoff, I began a new sermons adults in Vine classes than we have had in series called, “Revived!”. It is an exploration of recent memory in its previous form as Sunday the book of the Bible called “Philippians”. I School. You who came that day were a living chose it because Philippians is an inspiring testimony to that sense of joy that I was seemessage to the church in Philippi, who’s joy ing in preparation for the sermon series. inspires the same joy in Paul. Paul reflected But, so too were the many people who made back their joy and the source of their joy in a the kickoff possible. I don’t know if you way that I imagine caused the committed to understood all that happened leading up to celebrate and the observers to catch the that day, but it was a lot. To begin with, the excitement. My hope for the series was that it Session and staff of the church explored for would reflect our own context as well. In my almost two years how we should schedule encounters with people over the our services and what we last year, I have consistently needed to do to ensure sensed an excitement about Joy was what I saw on so our mission drove what the direction of the church many faces as people happened on Sunday and a readiness to move experienced community at mornings. The hours into that future. So many 9:30 and as they worshiped spent in meetings and in people in this congregation together at all the services. prayer were considerable. have expressed a joy about where we are and where we are heading. I hope that as we move through Next, we made an investment in improving Philippians we will be revived in celebrating our facilities. Our children’s ministry led the the God who has already given some joy and efforts last fall when they began the offer those without joy a chance to see Jesus redecoration of the children’s area. In with fresh eyes and experience the joy of his January, a team worked hard to redo our presence. Narthex. In June, we commenced work on The day of the fall kickoff was one of the most both the Jeffords Center and the Youth enjoyable ones that I can recall experiencing. It Center. Both projects transformed the spaces was special for two reasons: so many people through upgrades to both visual and technical were there and so many people made the kick- elements. In July, another group began work off possible. There were more people than I on redecorating the adult classrooms. All of expected at the new Vine Ministry Fair and these projects involved incredibly dedicated attending the worship services. Joy was what I workers. It was clear that the joy of serving saw on so many faces as people experienced Jesus was inspiring and compelling community at 9:30 and as they worshiped together at all the services. There were more (Continued on page 3) Inside this issue: SERVING Together 2 First Presence 2 Walk for Life 2 GROWING Together 3 Men’s Felllowship 3 First Kids 4 Children’s Choir 4 Seeds of Faith 5 Other Happenings 6 Church News 7 Birthdays 8 Youth Insert Special points of interest: PRC Walk-a-thon Men’s Cornhole & Tailgating Children Communion Preparation Kroger points for SOF Flourish Women’s Clothing Swap Wednesday Night Activities (WNA) Boomers ……….SERVING OTHERS….…... 1st Presence Service Day On July 31, we had our annual day of service where we try to mobilize the whole church to serve in different ways in our community. We call this event “First Presence” as a way of demonstrating that we the church at First Presbyterian are those who Youth Villages Crew are sent out into the world to share Christ’s love in word and deed. In 2016, First Presence involved about 100 church members at 9 different locations including: Grace Nursing Home, Faith in Action, Youth Villages, The Good Samaritan Center, The Douglas County Shelter, PRC Medical, A Gift of Love, Eastside Elementary School and The SHARE House. Service projects varied from painting, to landscaping to pressure washing, to singing to nursing home residents, to putting up industrial shelving for a local Christian charity that provides appliances and Emily McDonald furniture to people in need. Great opportunities for all ages. Along with about 20 other church members, I was able to serve at the Faith in Action warehouse. What we were able to accomplish in a few short hours was very gratifying. Judge Beau McLain, who is part of the Faith In Action team, had sent out an email to community partners a few months before advising of the need to have shelving. Faith In Action Site When we arrived at the warehouse it was clear why. The floor space was completely covered with bags of toys for Operation Christmas, appliances and furniture Page 2 items. Many things were inaccessible due to the volume of materials. Items had been stacked on pallets that had been used to produce makeshift shelving to help deal with the quantity. We spent the first couple of hours hauling half of the inventory out into the parking lot. Much of it needed to be taken to the dump. We put the racks up and then put the fridges, ovens, beds, mattresses etc. back in an orderly manner. It was very gratifying to know that people in our community will now be able to have access to these much needed items once again and that Faith In Action is now well positioned to prepare for Operation Christmas 2016! Thanks to everyone who served in so many different ways this year we couldn’t have done it without you! I also want to thank everyone for contributing toward collecting items for Eastside Elementary School. I was able to deliver more than 5 tubs full of supplies at the beginning of the school year to Principal Roach and Vice Principal Sheffield (see picture). Please be in prayer for Principal Roach. He is receiving regular dialysis for his kidneys, which are not functioning properly and he is hoping to receive a kidney replacement. Grace and Peace, Pastor Andrew School Supplies (See 2016 SERVE brochure for opportunities to serve.) Annual Walk for Life Saturday, September 17 10 a.m. in O’Neal Plaza. Join the FPCD TEAM! Search for the First Presbyterian team at www.partnerofprc.com and join the team or make a donation. Funds collected go to support mothers with unexpected pregnancies. The Churchmouse …...Growing Together…... The Vine Ministry Hour 9:30 a.m. Classes Alpha class: Parlor—Co-ed group studying The Lord’s Prayer. Thirstquenchers: Chapel—Co-ed group studying the Book of Daniel, with rich discussions. Theophili: Room 203—Co-ed group is studying the Book of Daniel. Shepherd’s Flock: Conference Room—Co-ed multi-age group studying the Books, I and II Kings. Dive Deep Into the Word: Room 201—Co-ed multi-age group studying the Book of Ephesians. Women in the Word: Room 202—Women Bible study group studying the book, “Wonderstruck”. Finding the Way: Library—Co-ed, multiage group studying the book, “Workplace Grace”. Christianity 101: Room 206, Basic Christianity beliefs. WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY GROUPS Morning Circle Bible Study: Parlor, 10 a.m. 1st Tuesday of each month—This group will be continuing their study in the Book of Luke. Evening Circle Bible Study: Parlor, 6 p.m., 1st Tuesday of each month. This group will be studying “Twelve Extraordinary Women”. Thursday Women’s Bible Study: 9:45 a.m. Please join us as we begin our study of Romans. Call church office to reserve your spot and book: 770-942-0710. Friday Women’s Bible Study: Conference Room, 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month, 10:00-11:30 a.m., studying “Forces of Aging”. Young Mom’s Bible Study: Room 207, 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month, 9:30-11:30 a.m., studying “One Thousand Gifts”. (See Fall, 2016 GROW brochure for details) (Continued from page 1)...their tireless efforts to revive our church’s commitment to our mission. It is clear to me that the joy of following Jesus is welling up within this body of Christ. Have you caught it? Do you experience that joy? It’s contagious so stick around and see what God is doing among us. I think you may suddenly realize one day that the joy of Christ has taken up residence in you. It will be a good day. Blessings James Wednesday Night Activities (WNA) Schedule begins September 7 WNA will begin with a “Bring Your Own Dinner” time where the Jeffords Center will be open at 5:30 p.m. for small groups and families to come and enjoy a time of fellowship. 5:30-7:00 p.m. 6:15-6:55 p.m. 6:30-8:00 p.m. 7:00-8:00 p.m. 7:00-8:30 p.m. Jeffords Center open for “Bring Dinner” Children’s Choir Rehearsal Youth O4G Activities Adult and Children’s Activities Adult Choir Rehearsal Adult Studies The Divine Conspiracy, James Harper & Andrew Dickinson, Conference Room; Co-ed group I Samuel, Scott McLain, Room 206; Men’s group Soul Keeping, , Linnea Osborne, Room 207; Women’s group The Churchmouse Grow Together Through Fellowship Men’s Cornhole Tournament & Tailgating BBQ Saturday, September 17 Come join the men of the Church and invite a friend for this fun evening. There will be a corn hole tournament starting at 5:45 p.m., BBQ, and 7 p.m., and a big screen football featuring Texas A & M vs. Auburn. It will be a great night to play corn hole and other yard games, and get to know other men in the Church. Bring a camp chair for the football game! Page 3 Children and Worship Sundays, 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. We’ve seen a greater presence of children during the worship hour in recent weeks and are delighted to see your tremendous response to making that happen. The church and home are partners together for faith instruction, and we want to help our families as they nurture an understanding of God’s love in their children. Having children here on Sunday for worship is a great first step in that partnership. Using some of the tools available for kids (worship busy bags or worksheets), engaging kids by sitting closer to the “action” and discussing behavior expectations will make the experience even more valuable. Our First Kids Ministry is also reflecting the commitment you’ve made by including a specific hour (9:30 to 10:30 a.m.) of Bible instruction for your children. Thank you for the opportunity to walk with you in helping kids to live as Christ followers. Jesus said, “Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” As parents and children live faith together on an everyday basis, Christian development will continue to be cultivated. The intentionality of making your home a place where children are nurtured in Christ’s love through actions and normal conversation established on God’s principles provides a natural environment for faith formation. When joining this church as a new member, I was asked to relate my faith walk that had brought me to that particular time in life. As I considered the question, I knew there was not any single event or revelation that stood out from my childhood or teen years that had brought me to a relationship with Christ. I was baptized as an infant into the faith community and provided guidance and instruction along the way by those who loved Jesus and loved me. My parents lived their Christian faith by setting an example as Christ followers in all they did and in the best way they knew how, and God honored that. There has never been a time when I did not know Jesus and his love; not an earth shaking testimony but a beautiful love story that I’ve had the privilege to experience. Hold your children fast in prayer before God. Teach Jesus’ love as you weave spiritual insight into normal everyday life through conversation, and set an example for them to follow for holy living doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly with God. Parents are the primary influence in the life of a child, and as such your child is observing and imitating that which is displayed and found important to you. Children’s Choir Wednesday, September 7 Time: 6:15-6:55 p.m. Kid’s come join the fun!!! Communion Preparation Class 3:00-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 18 and September 25 Through age appropriate activities and instruction during this fall training session, baptized children will discover a greater understanding of what the sacred Sacrament of Communion and closely related Sacrament of Baptism mean for Christians and why we observe them during worship. Attending participants for the class sessions are expected to be present for both lessons with one or both parents/guardians from 3:00-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 18 and 25. If your child is ready to participate in the Sacrament of Communion with a deeper level of understanding, please contact Judy Derringer to register for this class. Page 4 The Churchmouse First Presbyterian Church Seeds of Faith Preschool Mission The mission of First Presbyterian Church Seeds of Faith Preschool is to provide children with the opportunity for physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual development within a safe, loving, and developmentally appropriate Christian environment. Slots Open for Fall 2016 Four’s= 6 spots MMO Wednesdays by Reservation Seeds of Faith Preschool 2016-2017 Classes and Tuition Class Monthly Tuition MMO day rate $15 2 days weekly $110 3 days weekly $130 5 days weekly $180 Kroger Community Rewards Kroger Community Rewards program requires customers and associates to re-enroll in the program annually. This is a great way to give to our SOF ministry each time you swipe your Kroger Plus card. Go to www.Kroger.com/communityrewards to identify SOF as your ministry to benefit from your shopping at Kroger. This will not effect Kroger gas points. Celebrating 10 years of ministry here at First Presbyterian Church! PRESCHOOL—2016-17 CALENDAR OF EVENTS September 1 9:00-11:00 a.m. Open House. Drop by to meet your child’s teacher and see their classroom. Seeds of Faith Preschool * 770-942-9334 [email protected] September 6 First Day of School! Registration forms can be found on the website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Angie Johns at 770-942-9334. The Churchmouse Planting seeds of faith . . . Growing in God's love. Page 5 Other Happenings... FLOURISH WOMEN’S MINISTRY KICKOFF EVENT SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25 6:30 P.M.—9:00 P.M. JEFFORDS CENTER We will enjoy coffee and desserts, have a time of worship together led by Andrew Huggins, hear from Susan Schreer Davis (daughter of Paula and Bob Snelling,) and then participate in a big clothing swap! We will begin collecting clothing on racks in the hallway that leads to the Jeffords Center from the Narthex on Sunday, September 11. Take a few minutes to go through your closets and find any clothes and accessories that are in really good shape that you no longer want, and drop them off at the church. Please make sure your clothes are clean, and if they can be hung on a hanger, it would be great to do that for us. Our Flourish team will set up a store and everyone will have the chance to “shop” for free for a couple of new pieces for the fall! Please invite friends for this fun night together. S A V E the D A T E……. Flourish Women’s BUNCO Night Saturday, October 22 at 7 p.m. in Various Homes WoW! What a great launch we saw on August 14th! The energy among the church body was extratangible and the joy was contagious. The new Vine classes, worship services and schedule will be something we adjust to, but hopefully see fruits born of their planting. The road ahead for FPC Douglasville is one we are praying is paved by God and His faithfulness and provision. On behalf of the entire church family, I would like to extend a massive heartfelt THANK YOU to several people, for their sacrifices and donations of time, strength, and resources made during the transition and renovations: Jerry Kibler (hours and hours of labor), Rhonda and Kevin Kelley (organization, administration, labor), Brad Ascar, David Rigdon, Darian Cornish (audio, video, lighting), and Benny Llamazales (painting of Jeffords Center, JC Stage, and CE). Additionally, there were many other volunteers who gave of their time and talents, and for that we know the Kingdom is blessed from your gifts! Praise be to God for His moving on hearts to pour in to this family and community! If you haven’t yet noticed, we are also transitioning to a newly designed website. We hope this will continue to be a place to facilitate information you need for upcoming events, online giving, and various other forms of communication (also see our social media sites on Facebook and Instagram). www.fpcdouglasville.org As we Worship, Serve, and Grow, let’s INVITE someone to come and be with us at a Sunday service, or an upcoming event (i.e., Men’s Tailgate, Healing Service, Flourish Women’s Worship & Clothing Swap), to experience the loving kindness of a church family, and help point others to the saving knowledge and transforming power of Christ. Remember that when Jesus called Simon, Andrew, James, and John, it was a personal invitation. Let’s follow in his steps and do the same. I look forward to seeing you and a friend soon! In the Light, Andrew Huggins Page 6 The Churchmouse Church News…. Check out the Fall, 2016 Brochures for information about how to GROW, WORSHIP & SERVE here at FPC Thank you from Barefoot Scholarship recipients: Kayley Barker writes...I am able to finish college with no loans thanks to your prayers and financial support. Madeline Gibbs writes...It was truly a blessing to receive this financial support, as it’s helping me to study abroad in Rome, Italy Spring semester. Our church family extends our sympathies to: The family & friends of Nancy Wright. Paula Snelling in the passing of her father and mother, Gladys & Merrill Hughes in June and August, respectively. The family & friends of Nan Gordon. Thanks to all who donated old glasses and cases. We sent 181 items to the Faith Medical Mission in Chickasaw, OK. Thank you….from Grace Assisted Living... I wanted to take a minute to say “THANK YOU” for coming into our home to sing & entertain our residents. We all truly enjoyed it. If you all want to come more often, WE WOULD LOVE THAT! BOOMER’S ON THE GO! Thursday September 15 What a great testimony you give your church when you sing! Thank you, Karen Cabral, Executive Director Stephen Ministry… Stephen Ministry will be recruiting for a new class beginning in January. Leave Church at 3 p.m. Atlanta Botanical Garden Chihuly In the Garden — at Night Dinner at Ponce Market STEPHEN LEADERS: Nancy Williams 770.942.5866 Lessie Smith 770.947.1524 Linnea Osborne 678.838.1360 We will be joining the First Methodist Church in this training. This is a 50-hour class which will meet once a week for about 2 hours. The class will train you to walk alongside another person who is going through a life struggle. You will learn how to listen and to be a Christian presence for that person. If you would like more information about the class, please contact one of our Stephen Leaders listed above. Cost: $23 CHURCH OFFICE HOURS MON.-THUR., 7:30 FRIDAY, 7:30 AM–5:00 PM AM-1:00 PM Articles for the OCTOBER “Churchmouse” are due Wednesday, Sept. 21, Noon CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED MONDAY, SEPT. 5 Volunteer Play Specialists DATE Infants (Rm 102) 9/4 Mindy McDonald September 12 9/11 Brenda Fangman Session 9/18 Valli Robinson 9/25 Sophia Snodgrass Committee/Division September 26 The Churchmouse Toddlers (Rm 103) Grace Ascar Gretchen & Maddy Rakestraw Catherine & Phil Westbrook Amy & Brad Dobbs 2-Year Olds (Rm 97) 3-Year Olds (Rm 98) Audrey Rogers Tim & Bryce Rogers Joe & Joan Cheak Jason & Adam Rakestraw Heather & Faith Guger Mercy Adzotor Kirsten Lee Kathy Simmons Page 7 Auto Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 14 Douglasville, GA 30134 Address Service Requested First Presbyterian Church 9190 Campbellton Road Douglasville, Georgia 30134 http://www.fpcdouglasville,.org Phone: 770-942-0710 Fax: 770-949-3481 E-mail: [email protected] This is a Stephen Ministry Church Place Mailing Label Here Website: www.fpcdouglasville.org ...SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS, 2016… Drue Lynn 1 Holly Natalie C. J. Christi Madeline Maggie Shane Jonathan Sondra Ed Allen Garrett DerCola Harper Owen Revelle Morgan Griffin Harbin Hoel Stavran Burroughs Heatherton Little McPherson 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 Pat Moir 5 Tom Allison Jack Simmons Wittwer 8 8 Oz Armour 9 Herb Arnold 9 Brian Cleaveland 9 Ben Fangman 9 John Hurkmans 10 Geri Armstrong 11 Eloise Cornell 11 Dawn Pike 11 Holly Bradley 12 Jessica Owen 12 Scott Patman 12 Jeff Quinn 12 Justin Bryson 16 Bree Johnson 24 David Carpenter 16 Kendra Robinson 24 Howard Corso 16 Jeff Stephens 24 Mat Johnson 16 Virginia Baxter 25 Reba Haynes 17 Sandra Crumpton 25 Larry Toney 17 Karal Dailey 18 Bob Karr 25 Tammy Kone 18 Faith Guger 26 Will Patman 18 Betty Hardeman 26 Joan Hicks 19 Sarah Bookout 20 Sydney Johnson 20 Amber Budwash 21 Parker Dobbs 21 Lucie Morris 21 Luke Turner 21 Jack Sutton 5 Danny Belyeu 13 Abby Brooks Vaughan Fraker 5 6 Todd Cook 13 Kerry Harbin 13 Helen Bell Eli Rowell 6 Alyce Furr 14 Mae Brenda Damerow 7 Leon Jeffords 14 Lindsey Everest Ethelind Huggins Lindsey 7 7 Luke McCann 14 Scott Ebbie Simmons 14 Tonya Beverly Lynn Butler Kaufman 8 8 Luke Whitcomb 14 Judy Kevin Bonner 15 Gloria Clarence Hobbs 26 Niki Carpenter 27 Melissa Cordle 27 Audrey Preston 27 Dick Smith 27 Bree Revelle 28 Marcia Belyeu 29 22 Theodore Crews, IV 29 Harrell 22 Blakelee Isbill 29 Mercer 22 Ginny Rosebrook 29 York 22 Frank Jeffers 30 Annis 23 Amanda Maddox 30 Lovern 23 Dale Michaelson 30 Hobbs 24 Mikki Moxley 30