Issue Number 185, November and December 2015
Transcription
Issue Number 185, November and December 2015
The First Presbyterian Church of Fort Wayne, Indiana Issue N um ber 185, N ovem ber and D ecember 2015 Transforming Lives Through The Love Of Jesus Christ Dear Friends, Weekly Services 9:00am Chapel Service 10:00am Classes for All Ages 11:00am Traditional Service (Sanctuary) 11:00am Korean Language Service (Chapel) 11:15am Sunday School Age 3 to Grade 5 Contents Announcements, Featured Events pages 2-5 Rev. An’s Sermon in Korean page 6 Rev. An’s Sermon Translation and Day School page 7 Theater, Gallery, Music Information page 8 – 9 Transforming Lives page 10 New Members/Guest Preacher/PL page 12 FPC in Pictures page 13 Book Review page 14 Statistical & Financial Information page 15 Calendar page 16 In his recent book, The Road to Character, David Brooks talks about the difference between “résumé virtues” and “eulogy virtues.” The résumé virtues are the ones we list on our Rev. Jeff Lehn résumé, the skills and experiences we bring to the job marketplace. The eulogy virtues are deeper. They’re the ones that get talked about at our funeral, the ones that exist at the core of who we are whether we’re kind, honest, brave, generous and so on. As people of faith, we know the eulogy virtues are more important than the résumé virtues, but most of us have spent much of our lives focusing on the latter than the former. How can we recalibrate? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” It’s a pretty straightforward claim. On any given day, what are we treasuring the most? That’s where our heart will be. But is that where we want it to be? people around us – our family, our friends, our neighbors and our co-workers. We long for a Christ-like character that doesn’t just get us through a season, but gets us through a life. We long for the fruit of the Spirit to be tangibly expressed in our community: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. We long to make a difference, to leave our little corner of the world more loving, more hopeful, more faithful – more like God’s dream. I know it’s not easy. Life is complicated. We have things coming at us so fast. But take a longer-term perspective for a moment. A year from now, what will matter most to you looking back on this season? I’m willing to bet it’s the things that will build your eulogy and not your résumé. As your pastor, I’m committed to helping you do this. I want nothing more than to see you (and myself!) more fully alive to God. We can do it right now. In this very moment. Breathing in God’s grace and exhaling our worries and fears. Noticing the gifts of God that buoy us, despite our challenging circumstances. Facing the day with courage, not knowing what will come, but only that God is leading us and his love supporting us. You have my love and prayers this day and always as we walk this journey together. Gaining skills to build our résumé is a good thing. It honors God and the gifts we’ve been given. And yet if these things become our treasure they will invariably disappoint. Our heart longs for something more. With gratitude and love in Christ, We long for deep and lasting connection with the God who loves us. We long for joyful camaraderie with the Rev. Jeff Lehn Advent at A Glance 300 West Wayne Street Fort Wayne, IN 46802 260-426-7421 www.firstpres-fw.org Nov. 29 Dec. 1 Dec. 2 Dec. 7 Dec. 13 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 First Sunday of Advent Caroling, Cookies & Cocoa with Chelsea, Smock, 1:30 p.m. Advent by Candlelight, 7:00 p.m. Smooth Edge 2 Christmas Concert, 6:30 p.m. The Children’s Christmas Pageant, 10:00 a.m. Compassionate Friends Candlelight Service, 7:00 p.m. Handbell Choir Prelude, 10:50 a.m. Dec. 24 Dec. 25 Dec. 31 Jan. 1 Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m. Family Christmas Eve Service 5:00 p.m. KLM Christmas Eve Celebration 9:30 p.m. Festival Prelude Music 10:00 p.m.Festival of Lessons and Carols Merry Christmas – Building Closed New Year’s Eve – Church Office closed at noon 4:00 p.m. KLM New Year Celebration Happy New Year, 2016 - Church Closed Highlights from the Sept. and Oct. Session Meetings All Session meetings begin with a light supper, sharing of joys and concerns and devotions led by the Elders of the Month. September 8, 2015 Committee Testimony: Members of the Children’s Committee are enthusiastic about starting regular committee meetings rather than meeting by email as was done in the past. The Congregational Life Committee members do a wonderful job planning hospitality at events and receptions. The Worship Committee began serving communion by intinction in May. Many of our members had difficulty with this method, and we discussed ways to assist them. The Adult Education Committee accepted an offer from Seth Kohrman at the Fort Wayne YWCA to present a program on Domestic Violence and the Bible on October 11. Treasurer’s Report : Total yearly income at the end of August, 2015, was $1,072,262. Total yearly expenses at the end of August, 2014, was $1,062,305. Pastor’s Reports: Rev. Dr. An – KLM will have a church picnic at Chain of Lakes on September 20. Pastor Sherwood – Pastors will have lunch together once a month. She reminded us that groups scheduling meetings need to submit an event request and let the staff know if an event is cancelled. Rev. Lehn – The Pastoral Intern Committee selected committee members, and Susanne Rowe drafted a job description. Rev. Lehn hopes to have an intern here by next August. The focus for Dr. Lehn’s fall sermons will be The Sermon on the Mount, and we were encouraged to study this topic in our morning devotions. Commitment Sunday is October 25. He asked for our prayers as he attends Credo on September 29. The next White Water Valley Presbytery meeting will be at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis on November 4. October 13, 2015 Committee Testimony: Personnel reported that Alicia Leal will be preparing Session meals in the future. Lisa Yarian has submitted her resignation. Lisa is a highly valued employee and will be sorely missed, but we will find a satisfactory re-placement. Adult Education Committee reported on the successful TED Talk series; Dr. Achtemeier will be here and preach the weekend of November 15. The Communication Committee reported on plans for Thanksgiving Eve. The “Ringing of the Bells” will be at the beginning of the celebration at 5:30pm. Sarah Savage reminded Session of the Religious Arts Committee’s offering this weekend with a new gallery show and play, His Eye Is On The Sparrow. Treasurer’s Report: David Lundy reported that the third quarter report for the Foundation showed a $910,000 decrease. He has no concern about the operating budget, and the lag in contributions is consistent with prior years and usually recovers in December. Current income is $1,208,439 and expenditures are $1,269, 646. Rev. Jeff Lehn led a discussion of the Foundation and its various funds Pastor’s Reports: Rev. Dr. An is planning to attend a conference in Baltimore at the end of October. Rev. Sherwood gave a report on the “Discovery Process” that she is conducting as a feature of her interim role. She has started the Confirmation Class and Women’s Bible Study. In November she is to teach an Interim Training class at Union Seminary in Richmond, VA. She has also been asked to teach at the Seminary in St. Louis. Rev. Jeff Lehn announced that nine new members will join the church this coming Sunday. Rev. Lehn has completed “Credo” which is a wholistic wellness program for ministers ordained less than ten years to reduce burn out. He will take two weeks after Commitment Sunday to engage in some writing. Elders of the Month The designated Elders of the Month are on call to hear the concerns of congregation members, to assist with Baptisms and to help with other worship related events as necessary. November December Elders of the Month: Marcie Weissner: 459-2470 Dave Scott: 432-8810 Elders of the Month: Marj Sapp: 413-2639 Sarah Savage: 482-5112 PAGE 2 Angels Among Us Many of us have been touched by angels: those living among us, reaching out to us, lending a hand. This column is an opportunity for individuals to recognize and show appreciation for their angel(s) in a detailed or anonymous way. FPC welcomes your submissions to the ‘Angels Among Us’ column. Please e-mail submissions to [email protected] or leave a note at the Church Office for Cindi Odle. • Thank you to Shannon Timmons, Head of Housekeeping, for all that she did for the Homecoming Celebration. In addition, Shannon has been dealing with some staff changes and has stepped up to make sure everything is still getting done. Thanks Shannon for being an Angel, your extra effort is so appreciated. –Anonymous • Thank you to Betsy Martiny who served as a volunteer in the Book Shop from September of 1987 through August 2015, we honor her dedication and service and her ever-present joyful spirit. –First Pres Book and Gift Shop Volunteers • Thank you to all who worked to make Homecoming Sunday so special. A special thank you to Nan Bloodgood, Norma Christon, and Sandy Niles for their table decorations and food service work at the Homecoming Luncheon! –The Communications Committee • The Hunger Relief Committee would like to recognize the unique way Jim and Sondra Mergenthal chose to celebrate their 50th anniversary! By requesting food items instead of gifts, they were able to joyously celebrate their special memories and help the community at the same time! Thanks to Jim and Sondra and the youth who sorted and boxed the food on Sunday. • Many people and organizations help with our ongoing hunger relief efforts and we often times forgot to say thank you. Thanks to City Wide Delivery Services who are donating their time, labor and truck to pick up our canned goods at Kroger’s each month. Thanks to Georgetown Kroger for providing us with a generous discount in addition to the effort it takes to order and prep our food order, as well as all those brown paper bags! Thanks to all of the volunteers and staff here at FPC who provide their time, labor, food, money and support for this vitally important mission! –Janice Roddy, Hunger Relief Committee Prayer Chain Requests: please call Joan Jackson, 486-4828. If you have a prayer request, Audio Copies of Recent Sermons are available on our website, www.firstpres-fw.org. Go to Media & Resources / Latest Sermons. Our clergy are off on Mondays, with the pastor on call being available for emergencies. If you need immediate assistance, please contact the Church Office, 426-7421. See the weekly bulletin for the most up-to-date on call information. PAGE 3 Scriptures, Anthems and Sermons November & December 2015 November 1: Revelation 21:1-6a, Pastor Laura preaching Communion of the Saints; candle lighting remembrance Anthem: Shine like the Sun by Karen E. Black November 8: Mark 12:38-44, Pastor Laura preaching the Story of the Widow’s Mite Anthem: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty by Hugo Distler November 15: Dr. Mark Achtemeier, Guest Preacher Anthem: Sing to the Lord of Harvest by Healey Willan November 22: Matthew 25:14, Rev. Jeff Lehn preaching on the parable of the talents Anthem: Rejoice, the Lord is King by Malcolm Archer November 29: Luke 21:25-36, Rev. Fred Hasecke, Pastor Emiritus, Trinity English Lutheran Church Anthem: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel by Antony Baldwin December 6: Philippians 1:3-11 and Luke 3:1-6, Rev. Jeff Lehn preaching Anthem: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence by Louise Vierne December 13: Confirmation Sunday, Pastor Laura. leading Anthem: How Far Is It to Bethlehem? by James McCullough December 20: Micah 5:2-5a and Luke 1:46b-55, Rev. Jeff Lehn preaching Anthem: Canticle of the Turning by Anne Krentz Organ December 24: Family Service 4:00 p.m. & Service of lessons and carols at 10:00 p.m. December 27: Gospel reading from Luke 2:41-52, Rev. Jeff Lehn preaching Printed Copies of most Sermons are available upon request (usually by Tuesday), copies of past sermons are also available. You may request that a copy of a recent sermon be mailed to you by calling the Church Office, 426-7421 x100. If you wish, we will put your name on our list to automatically receive the sermon by mail each week. Attention Committee Chairs Annual Committee Reports to be included at the Annual Meeting are due no later than January 6. Sooner is better! Please submit your reports to Cindi Odle at [email protected]. Copies of last year’s Annual Report are available for reference in the Church Office or call Cindi at 426-4721x112. Thank you. Hearing Assistance: Our Chapel, Sanctuary, McKay Hall and Theater are equipped with the “Hearing Loop” system. Set your hearing aid to the “T-coil” or “telephone” setting to access the system or ask an usher for a loop headset. Hospital Visitation and Clergy On Call Schedule: Our Clergy regularly visit rehab patients as well as those How We Know If You’re in the Hospital in hospitals. The on call schedule for November and December is as follows: Week of November 1 Rev. Youngsoo An Week of November 8 Rev. Jeff Lehn Week of November 15 Rev. Youngsoo An Week of November 22 Rev. Youngsoo An Week of November 29 Rev. Jeff Lehn Week of December 6 Rev. Laura Sherwood Week of December 13 Rev. Laura Sherwood Week of December 20 Rev. Jeff Lehn Week of December 27 Rev. Youngsoo An Every weekday morning, a member of our staff calls each area hospital, gives our special code number, and receives a list of those admitted in the last 24 hours who have listed First Presbyterian as their church. These names are passed on to the Pastor on call and to the Deacons, and the patients are visited as soon as possible. Unfortunately, if a person is admitted in an emergency situation, we do not receive this information, even when we call the hospital. So, if your family member or friend has been hospitalized and you’re not sure if we know about it, please call the Church Office, 426-7421 x100, and give us the name. We would much rather have it twice than not at all. Also, please remember to notify us when someone is moved from a hospital to long term care or a rehab facility. The Third Sunday of Each Month is a day of Faith Friend Meetings glorious generosity at First Pres. People donate to the monthly food drive, bring the food they’ve prepared for the Rescue Mission meal and drop their coins in the Children’s Bucket Collection. Please take a minute today to mark all of the “third Sundays” on your calendar, so you can come prepared to share. Thank you. Rescue Mission Meal: The November Mission Meal will be prepared and served on November 15 and the December Mission Meal will be prepared and served on December 20. Watch for menu announcements in weekly bulletins. Cooks and servers are always needed. Please sign up in the Church Office if you are able to participate, or call 426-7421 x100. Everyone a Neighbor Day provides food, comfort, and hospitality to people living (some on the streets) in our downtown neighborhood. We serve a nutritious noon meal, distribute donated clothing, and provide a place of shelter and relaxation on the fourth Thursday of each month. END will resume in January 2016 (due to holiday schedules.) To find out how you can help, please call Sharon Hedeen, 483-9666. Bring monetary and clothing donations to the Church Office. Let Us Rejoice with You: If you would like to allow our church family to rejoice with you about a landmark anniversary or birthday, please send the information to Cindi Odle, 426-7421 x112 or [email protected] at least two weeks before the date of the event. November and December Presby Day Plans: Smock Senior Ministries Presents: “PRESBY-DAY” on the third Thursday of each month,10:00am to 2:00pm at First Presbyterian Church. November 19: Worship at 10 a.m., Program at 11 a.m., “Hometown Diplomats: What We Do and Why It Matters” by Danielle Bash and Dave & Karen Bash. Sunday, Dec. 6, The Santaland Diaries, FPC Theater, 2:00 p.m. $5.00 includes theater and dessert after performance. Welcome Baby Ministry We at First Pres are excited to welcome new babies into this wonderful world and our Church Family. If you are pregnant or adopting, please contact Jennifer Shaw, 426-7421 x127 or [email protected]. We look forward to providing the families of new babies with home-cooked meals, support from other moms and small gifts from the church. Faith Friends of Buckingham and Georgetown 46815 will now meet on the second Monday at Hall’s Triangle Park at 6:00 p.m. The next dates are November 9; and December 14. Faith Friends 46804 and 46814 – meet on the second Sunday of each month at Hall’s Tavern at Coventry at 5:30 p.m. The next two meeting dates are November 8 and December 13. Spotlight on Missions The Parkers, our mission partners in the Middle East, have recently begun a new ministry to tell the stories of families who have been displaced from their homes in Syria and Iraq due to the advances of the Islamic State. The violent extremism of the Islamic State is driving millions of people from their homes. The FPC Missions Team authorized support for this project, called Find A World, and we are excited to present this opportunity to engage with the people of the Middle East. The project’s website at www.findaworld. org will share the stories of beauty, struggle, culture, and above all Christ’s activity in the region. On the site, people will be able to follow the Parker’s journey with a daily devotion centered on what it means to be part of Christ’s mission. For two weeks in October, Scott will be spending time with the refugees in Northern Iraq writing out their stories. The posts on findaworld. org can be shared on social media. The purpose is to inspire the church to step in with donations to assist these families who need help but may be slipping through the cracks in a part of the world with so many who need assistance. Please go on to findaworld.org and follow along with Scott’s journey! –Ben Knoop First Presbyterian Church Suicide Grief Support Group, First Hope If you’ve lost a family member, friend, or acquaintance to suicide, this group is a place where you can find comfort and support; a safe place to share your experiences with others who understand. Please feel free to join us on the second Sunday of each month, 1:00pm, third floor prayer room. Family and friends are always invited. Led by Lea Ann Powers, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Facilitator, and co-facilitated by FPC members. Please contact Lea Ann Powers with comments, questions, or concerns at 260-484-0141, or [email protected] PAGE 4 Featured Events 2015 Angel Tree The Christmas Season will be upon us before we know it and First Presbyterian Church will once again be sponsoring our annual Angel Tree. This year we will have approximately 150 Angels available for your selection; ages newborn through age 12. Eligible Angels come to us from the East Wayne Street Center, Amistad Cristiana, Wellspring Social Services and Boys & Girls Club. Angels will be available for selection in the Small Dining Room beginning on Sunday, November 15th. Individual Angels or families of Angels are available. Angel cards will indicate if the child is an individual or part of a larger family. You can select an individual Angel, one or more members of a family or an entire family. As in previous years, a sign up board will be available next to the Angel Tree for selections done during the week; however, if you do take an Angel during the week, please be sure to include the Angel’s number, your name and phone number in the appropriate areas on the sign-up sheets on the board. This is our only way of knowing which angels you have selected. If you are planning to select an angel or family of angels for your place of business, please let us know so that we can coordinate the distribution of multiple gifts. If you would rather make a monetary contribution and have Angel Tree committee members do the shopping and wrapping, you can drop off your contribution at the Angel Tree table in the Small Dining room on Sunday mornings November 15 through December 6 or you can include it with your offering during church services. Please make sure that you place your contribution in an envelope and designate it for the 2015 Angel Tree. We would like to provide each Angel with a sweater, blouse or shirt, slacks and at least one toy. Additional items requested are also welcomed. Gifts should be new, unused items and wrapped. If you select an Angel but are not able to provide all of the requested items, please let the committee member know when you return your gift so that we can purchase the items you are not able to provide. If you are not able to wrap your gifts, please let us know so that the committee can assist you with that effort. All gifts need to be returned no later than Sunday, December 6. It is prayerfully hoped that all of our Angels will be selected by the congregation this season as the need is always there. If you have questions or would like to help with the Angel Tree, please contact Janice Roddy at 493-2511 or Beth Marks at 434-1227. Advent by Candlelight An evening of prayer, music, scripture, and reflection on the meaning of the season. December 2, 2015, 7:00-8:30pm McKay Hall Join us for the annual Advent By Candlelight evening as we celebrate the beginning of Advent. All women (and girls) are invited! As we anticipate the birth of Jesus through Advent, we will gather for an evening of fellowship, learning, music, creativity, and, of course, desserts! We begin with social time and dessert. Our program this year will focus on “preparation” and how it is meaningful to us. We might just take you on a historical journey of traditions around the world, how we add new traditions, and how we do this through ornaments! We all have those special ornaments we bring out each year, enjoy, and help us relive special memories. We also add new ones to our collections, which will continue to bring joy to our family during the holidays. Join us as we learn and share about the symbols of Christmas as expressed through ornaments. To share in this special evening, sign up in the church office, or e-mail Lynn Rebman. We would appreciate early sign ups, but no later than Nov 25. Host a Table Please consider being a table host or co-host… and invite your friends, daughters, mothers, grandmothers, and aunts. With seven to each table, the host provides a dessert and decorates her table. If you have a co-host, you can split the fun…one bring the dessert, the other the table decorations. Some opt to bring their own holiday dishes, or if you want to keep it simple, just let us know and we can provide table service for you to use. We provide the beverages, tablecloths, music, candles, etc. For more info or to get a copy of table host guidelines, contact Lynn (260) 637-8462 or e-mail [email protected]. Empty Bowls Fundraiser KLM Thanksgiving Dinner On Sunday morning November 15 First Presbyterian church will be partnering with art students from St. Francis to raise funds for homeless families who are being provided with temporary housing at Just Neighbors. The students have created and donated pottery bowls that we will have for sale in the Small Dining Room that morning. The money we raise goes to feeding and housing our neighbors who are facing struggles in their lives. So please shop for birthdays gifts, Christmas gifts, yourself, but mostly shop for a good cause! Stop by the Small Dining Room on your way to Lisa Yarian’s farewell reception! The Annual Korean Thanksgiving Dinner will be held on Nov. 22 in McKay Hall following the 11:00am Worship Service. This dinner is to show gratitude to the veterans who fought for South Korea in the Korean War. In addition to the dinner, there will be special music by Rev. An and a piano trio by Hamilton Tescarollo, David Rezits and Dessie Arnold. Mr. Tescarollo is a professor at IPFW and Mr. Rezits and Ms. Arnold are the members of the Ft. Wayne Philharmonic. The Trio will play Beethoven’s “Andante Cantabile’” before dinner. The meal is free and everyone is welcome. Please sign up in the Church Office by November 18 if you plan to attend. PAGE 5 Korean Language Ministry (KLM) 꿈을 이루어 주시는 하나님 대학시절 저는 무척 소심한 청년이었습니다. 소심한 성격에 불만을 가졌던 제가 택했던 방법은 대학 연극반에 등록하는 것이었습니다. 어느 오후 저는 대학 극장 뒤쪽에 있는 대학 연극반 사무실을 찾아갔습니다. 조명이 어두컴컴한 연극반 사무실 앞에서 얼마나 망설였는지 모릅니다. 그리고는 그 줄은 생각하기 못했습니다. 우리 하나님은 정말 아이디어가 많으신 분이 분명합니다. (참고로 말씀드리면 제가 준비하고 있는 무대는 연극 무대는 아니고 노래를 하는 무대입니다. 미국의 유명한 뮤지컬 곡과 한국 가곡 그리고 찬송가를 부를 계획입니다. 공연날짜는 10 월 11 일 주일 저녁입니다) 문을 두드려 보지도 못하고 돌아와 버렸습니다. 우리 하나님은 우리의 작은 소원도 기억하시는 사무실에 찾아가는 것에는 성공하였지만, 마지막 하나님입니다. 시편 106 편 44 절과 45 절에서는 문을 열고 들어가는 용기가 부족했었던 것이지요. 이렇게 말합니다. 별로 오래 산 인생은 아니지만, 지금도 여전히 “ 그러나 여호와께서 그들의 부르짖음을 들으실 소심한 제 성격을 볼 때마다 그 때 연극반 사무실 때에 그들의 고통을 돌보시며 그들을 위하여 그의 앞에서 돌아왔던 그 순간이 후회가 됩니다. “그 때 언약을 기억하시고 그 크신 인자하심을 따라 뜻을 내가 용기를 내어서 무대 위에 서는 사람이 돌이키시니” 되었다면 나는 어떤 사람이 되었을까?” 하며 말입니다. 그래서 그런지 저는 늘 무대에 서는 사람을 동경했습니다. 그들의 용기와 담대함이 부러웠습니다. 심지어 하나님은 우리가 잊고 있었던 우리의 마음의 소원까지도 기억하셨다가 하나님의 가장 적당한 때에 들어 주시는 분입니다. 저는 제가 만난 이런 하나님을 여러분에게도 소개하고 그런데 저에게 기회가 찾아왔습니다. 연초에 우리 싶습니다. 혹시 잊고 있었던 꿈이 있나요? 그 꿈에 교회 극장 디렉터인 Thom 이 저에게 교회 극장을 다시 한번 더 도전해 보는 가을이 되면 어떨까요? 위한 이벤트를 위해서 무대에 서 줄 수 있겠느냐는 혹시 생각하는 것보다 빨리 꿈이 이루어지지 않아 제안을 한 것입니다. 목회를 병행하면서 한국말도 조급해 하는 분이 계신가요? 하나님은 가장 아닌 영어를 가지고 무대에 오른다는 것이 쉽지 적절한 때를 찾고 계십니다. 그 믿음을 놓치지 않은 일임을 잘 알면서도 저는 그 제안을 기쁘게 마세요. 우리에게 필요한 것은 하나님에 대한 받아들였습니다. 제 마음 속에 오래 전부터 신뢰를 놓치지 않는 것입니다. 다가오는 가을에는 남아있었던 바람 때문이지요. 그리고 그 바람을 이와 같은 신뢰에 기반하여 우리의 소원을 기억하시고 저의 소원을 들어 주신 하나님 들어주시는 하나님을 만나는 계절이 되기를 때문이었습니다. 무엇보다도 저를 기쁘게 했던 손모아 기도합니다. 것은 저의 꿈을 이루어 주시는 하나님의 방법 때문이었습니다. 제 소원을 들으시는 줄은 알고 있었지만, 이런 식으로 저의 꿈을 이루어 주실 행복한 목사 안영수 드림 PAGE 6 Psalms, Chapter One Rev. An’s Letter – Translated God Who Brings Our Dreams To Realization Translation by Antoinette Lee I was a very quiet and timid college student. I felt if I joined the drama club I might be able to shed the introverted personality which bothered me to no end. One afternoon, I mustered all of my courage Rev. Dr. Youngsoo An and went to the Drama Club office. The lights were dim inside the office, and I stayed there hesitating for a long time. I turned around and left without even knocking on the door. I succeeded in going to the office, but I lacked the courage to open the door and actually go inside. I am still a youngster in my 40’s, but every time I feel I am too timid, I remember that incident and regret leaving the Drama Club office. I sometimes wonder, “Would I have been a different person if I had been strong enough to open that door and pursue my dream?” Perhaps that is why, but I always wonder what it would be like to perform on the stage. I envy actors’ daring boldness. And then, an opportunity that I never expected knocked on my door. Earlier this year, Thom, the Managing Artistic Director, asked me if I would like to perform on stage for a fundraising event for our church theater. I Day School News The Day School has had a busy fall hiring a new teacher and enrolling new children and their families. We welcomed Mrs. Jill Leal to the staff as a PreK teacher and 14 new families (16 new children) to our program. Eight of our new children and families come to us through the new On My Way PreK program which the state rolled out this past year. This state funded venture targets at-risk four-year-olds and provides funds to enroll them in high quality prekindergarten programs. Our day school has been accepted as a high quality program and we are happy to have these children and their families with us. Little Free Library Thank you to everyone for your support of the Little Free Library that has been installed by the north entrance of the church. We have plenty of children’s books to keep the library supplied for a while. We are still looking for young adult and adult books to keep the contents balanced. Please feel free to add to the library or drop books off to Marj Sapp in the Day School office. Remember the Little Free Library is open to everyone so don’t forget to peek inside and see if there is a ‘good read’ waiting for you! Johnny Appleseed Festival The Cookie Booth at the Johnny Appleseed Festival was a big success again this year. Many volunteers from the church helped to scoop, bake and pack over 12,000 cookies. After all expenses were accounted for the net profit from the festival was almost $4,100.00 which was split with the Youth of the church who worked hard in the kitchen and at the booth. Thanks to all who helped! Your time and talents are most appreciated. PAGE 7 accepted the suggestion whole heartedly even though I knew learning all the songs in English, which is still not familiar to me, while ministering the Korean congregation all by myself would be quite a challenge. I felt it was an answer to my longing that I have kept in my heart for a long time. But it was because of my God who finally brought my dream of long ago into reality. I was amazed at how He made my wish come true. I know He listens to my prayers and wishes, but I never dreamed that He would bring it to fruition in such a way that left me totally awestruck. My, I knew our God had so many ideas, but this! Our God remembers even the smallest wishes we request. In Psalms 106: 44-45, it says, “But he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented.” He even remembers the wishes long after we forgot and makes them come true at the right time. I would like to introduce you to the God I met on this particular journey. Do you have a dream that you have had for a long time and forgot? Would you like to try again in this Advent season? Are you anxious because you feel it is taking too long? God is looking for the perfect timing. Do not lose faith in Him. What we need is that faith in God. I pray you will have the opportunity to meet God based on the strong faith that He will listen and turn your dreams into reality. –Your Happy Minister, Youngsoo Cookie Dough Sale Orders for the cookie dough sale have been collected and will be delivered on Tuesday November 10. If you have placed an order please plan on picking it up at the church after noon. Thanks for your support! Holiday Season The children are preparing for the holiday season by preparing songs for Thanksgiving which they hope to share at Presby Day. Be sure to check out the turkeys that each family will decorate together for the Thanksgiving season. The classes will also be learning special songs and fingerplays to share with parents and families for Christmas. It is a wonderful, exciting, busy time of year that we love to share with the young ones. Please feel free to visit the hallways on the first and second floors to see the wonderful happenings that go on all the time in The Day School. Theater Just in time for the holidays! Purchase your season ticket today! The Santaland Diaries Dec 3-19 by David Sedaris, adapted by Joe Mantello directed by Thom Hofrichter December 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 18, 19, 2015 subversive tale—just the antidote if the holidays have overwhelmed you. Kevin Torwelle plays Crumpet, the elf. Note: Two Friday performances are at 10 p.m. Tickets available by calling the Box Office, 426-7421, ext. 103 or firstpresbyteriantheater.com This is one man’s account of working as an elf at Macy’s Santaland in New York during the holiday crunch. From one of our funniest contemporary American humorists, with a satirical style reminiscent of Mark Twain, comes this merrily Stratford 2016 Reservations are now being accepted. Shows to include: A Chorus Line and A Little Night Music. For questions or more information, contact Thom Hofichter at [email protected]. A special THANK YOU to all who supported FPT Benefit: Rev An Live onstage. It was a wonderful night of fellowship and fabulous entertainment. We raised $11,000 for the theater. Box Office Hours: Noon to 5:00pm, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and one hour prior to performance at the theater. Festival seating (first come, first served) House opens 30 minutes before curtain*Sunday Matinee curtain at 2:00pm ** Preview performance ***Special late night 10:00pm show Smooth Edge 2 TICKET PRICES General Admission-$20 Seniors (over 65)-$18 Full-time Students-free (with reservations) Thursday previews-$10 Group rates-20 or more $15 Tickets are available online at: firstpresbyteriantheater.com FREE TICKETS FOR STUDENTS Tomorrow’s Audiences Today is a program to encourage students to see theater. Thirty free tickets for every performance are available to full-time students (grade school, high school, and university). Free tickets must be reserved through the box office, or our website firstpresbyteriantheater.com Music December 7, 7:00 p.m. McKay Hall 6:30, Pre-Concert Jazz Piano by Dr. Chelsea Vaught Smooth Edge 2 is returning to First Presbyterian Church after performances in December 2014 and July 2015. They are an a cappella vocal jazz group from Fort Wayne and will be singing vocal jazz arrangements and a number of Christmas favorites plus a surprise or two along the way. You will want to have this concert as part of your holiday season! New this year is pre-concert jazz piano by Dr. Chelsea Vaught which will feature Christmas favorites such as “Winter Wonderland,” “O Holy Night,” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” This is a great family event to get everyone in the Christmas spirit! Christmas Eve Donations As you may know, the music at the 10:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service is enhanced by a 15 piece chamber orchestra consisting of musicians from the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and Fort Wayne area. This is made possible through generous donations from church members. You are invited to consider making a contribution in memory or honor of a loved one. You may leave your contribution in the offering plate on Sunday morning or drop it off at the Financial Office during the week. If you are giving the contribution in honor or memory of a loved one, please be sure to include that information with the donation. Please have your contribution in by December 20 in order to be listed in the Christmas Eve bulletin. Thank you in advance for your generosity! PAGE 8 firstpres-fw.org/the_arts/gallery Gallery November–January 2015–16 Exhibition Schedule October 16 – November 29, 2015 Kathy Palmiter–”Small Comforts,” Fiber Art Nancy Miller– “Nature’s Bounty Redefined,” Gourd Sculpture, Stone Paperweights Kathy Palmiter: After graduating from Indiana University South Bend, Kathy worked in her father’s hobby shop and later in his art gallery/frame shop for many years. Her interest in quilting was helped along by her quilter/grandmother. She comments, “I love creating beauty from simple supplies and found objects. I love sharing my talents and linking the past to the future. . . .” Nancy Miller: A graduate of DePauw University with a major in fine art, Nancy’s aesthetic sensibilities were impacted by the quiet simplicity of Japanese culture. Her work evolved with a concentration on the pure sculptural qualities of gourds, as truly amazing plants. Most of her enhancements are natural plant and animal materials and tiny pebbles. Nancy is renowned in gourd art circles for her refined polished surfaces. December 4, 2015–January 10, 2016 Public Reception: Friday, December 11, 4:30 – 6:15 p.m. Congregational Reception: Sunday, Dec. 13, 12:15 – 1:30 p.m. Sarah Thompson–”Porcelain in Bloom”, Ceramics Carol Mitchell Popp Bennett–Watercolor, acrylic paintings, “Corkie” the puppet, co-star of “Carol and Corkie” Sarah is mostly self-taught and uses a variety of techniques utilizing her own glazes and handmade stamps. As an artist, she feels every piece she creates is a work of art (even a lowly spoon rest or coffee mug) and therefore it deserves the utmost care and attention to detail. She strives for “uniquely functional” pieces that will elevate your everyday routines. Carol: This remarkable woman’s journey includes puppeteer, cartoonist, first runner-up to Miss America, teacher, illustrator, TV commercial producer, interior designer, plus offers to join road shows, and a movie contract, which she turned down. She originated “Carol and Corkie,” the first children’s TV show that aired in Fort Wayne in 1954. Carol continues to create delightful watercolors and acrylics along with greeting cards and stationery. Smock Program Handbell Choir Prelude: Seniors are invited to come and learn little known facts and stories about their favorite Christmas carols. We will sing the carols after hearing stories about them and maybe even play some Christmas carols on handbells. No music experience is required, just a love and appreciation for music. Come and join us and learn some little-known facts about Christmas carols. On Sunday, December 20, First Pres’ Handbell Choir will be playing a special prelude beginning at approximately 10:50 a.m. consisting of Christmas Music. We will be playing “Angel Glory” which consists of “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” “While Shepherd Watched Their Flocks,” “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” and “Angels We Have Heard on High;” “Winter” from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, “In the Bleak Midwinter;” and “Fum, Fum, Fum.” Caroling, Cocoa and Cookies with Chelsea Presented in conjunction with SMOCK senior ministries December 1, 1:30 p.m. McKay Hall PAGE 9 FPC: Transforming Lives.... Shirley Sona: A Story of Transformation Each newsletter we will be featuring stories of transformation. These stories are about individuals who have experienced transformation through the love of Jesus Christ through programs, mission work or any experiences through the church. If you have a story to share, please email [email protected]. Our first story of Transformation features a newer member, Shirley Sona, and how finding First Pres has transformed her life! First Presbyterian is about “Transforming Lives” and it sure has transformed mine! When my husband suddenly died several years ago, as a caregiver I had been isolated and alone with no family here, no friend connections, no church. When I was given a church bulletin one day and went to visit for the first time I knew I was home at last, even though I had grown up Lutheran. First Pres has embraced me as a new member, this year as a new Deacon, and given me opportunities to serve beyond what I could have ever imagined. I first started with the 3-B exercise program (MWF 1:30-2:30) through the SMOCK Senior Ministries (for those over the age of 50). It is really an isometric and movement program aimed at preventing aging disabilities. It is not “the gym or a work out” but focuses on joints, flexibility, and balance using a chair if needed. We also work the brain. Pastor Bill Haworth, who leads the program, always had an inspirational message, incorporated humor, and had an infectious smile. It helped a lot! As of November, I will now be teaching the class on a regular basis. Another opportunity to serve and be healthy as I age. There is no charge for this class, as it is funded by the SMOCK Foundation. So please join us. I have also gotten involved in other committees: Box Office, Mentorship, Table Talk book club, Connections, and Deacon (Memorial and Matthew 25), and, as Deacon, will chair the Jubilee Celebration, the Hospitality Committee and Extended (home) Communion. It keeps me busy, but I love it all. The Spiritual Formation Committee I am on has a variety of programs, as well as one I am forming. The 3-S for Ones is for active widowers/ widowers, or anyone alone who could benefit from ”Socialization, Support, and Spiritual Growth.” Our activities will be based on the needs of the group, so please call or email me (747-6562 or [email protected]) or sign up in the Church Office for more information. Please help get this new ministry off the ground. I also like to read a lot of inspirational books and poetry. I like to write poetry when the inspiration of life events hits me. I was honored to have my poetry hung in the Church Gallery on exhibit this year. After being here, I feel a personal connection to God. If you are open to the transforming presence of Jesus Christ you will be amazed at what can happen. Transforming Lives is not just a statement, it is God at work and something that I have experienced personally since getting involved at First Pres. Thank you everyone at FPC - Pastors and congregation! I feel truly blessed! –Shirley Sona Venderly Scholarship Winners Kids Against Hunger The Venderly Scholarship Fund was established by a gift from the Venderly family for educational assistance for post-high school studies. We are pleased to announce the many receipients of the funds for the upcoming year: Many thanks to all who participated in and supported the Kids Against Hunger project on October 14th. Once again over 130 FPC and Garrett Presbyterian volunteers gave of their time to create 25,000 meals for hungry children. Meals will be shipped to International Care Ministries for distribution to children in the Philippines. Due to the great turn-out, we were able to complete meal-making and packing in under two hours during an evening of great fellowship and commitment to this wonderful hands-on Mission project. Volunteers from elementary school children to 90-year olds contributed to make a difference! –Mission Team BALL STATE Sarah Foster Lindsey Ferks Dave Gumbert COLLEGE FOR CREATIVE STUDIES Mariah Ribby CENTRAL MICHIGAN Alexis Rudd SOUTHERN INDIANA Hannah Venderley ST. FRANCIS Alexandra Coker Brooke Conrad Sarah Yarnelle IPFW Madison Bell Brooke Bishir Michael Calder Caitlyn Delong Jacob Groninger Shelby Hurley Somer Johnson Brittany Kattau Jacob Machuki Rachele Mertz Courtney Ogle Kelsie Patnoude Jose Rodriguez Brandon Soat Samuel Stephen WESTERN MICHIGAN Ruby Sturdevant PAGE 10 ...Through the Love of Jesus Christ Rising Stars@FPC, Opportunities to Make a Difference in a Child’s Life First Presbyterian is paired with South Wayne Elementary this year for the Rising Stars program. The following are some opportunities to make a difference for children: Study Connection Tutoring This program pairs students and mentors for weekly tutoring sessions, which will take place on Mondays (3:10 to 4:15 p.m.) at First Presbyterian and on Tuesdays (3:00 to 4:00 p.m.) at South Wayne Elementary. These children need help with reading, homework, and other grade-level skills. Full-time and substitute tutors are needed. Life Skills Classes at South Wayne Elementary Volunteers are needed to teach after-school life skills classes at South Wayne Elementary. These could include any of the following: Cooking: making bread, cookies, candy, etc. Woodworking: making bird houses, small treasure chests, etc. Crocheting: Making scarves, etc Other: Art, crafts, or other classes of your choice The Life Skill classes can be tailored to fit your schedule. Q&A with Lisa Yarian, Outgoing Financial Manager Lisa, our financial manager of 27 years, is leaving FPC for the next phase of her life. Prior to her leaving, we asked her to answer a few questions and share some insights from her time at First Pres. Q. What first brought you to First Pres? Lisa: In 9th grade, a friend, Crystal Crumbly, and her family, brought me to a play that our English teacher, Donette Harold, was performing in; it was amazing to me that a church could have a theater in it and not just a gym! A few years later in high school, two new friends of mine, Kim Bates and Sue Cook, invited me to a party. The First Pres youth group members and their parents were there; it was a wild and wacky bunch of people! Q. What have you enjoyed most about working at First Pres? Lisa: Just about everything—the noise from the day school, the staff members (especially, Jo Furr), the daily activity and folks coming in and out of the building, the delicious smells coming from the kitchen, the daily interaction with the committee chairs and church members, and the amazing generosity of the congregation! Q. What will you miss the most? Lisa: Everyone and everything, everyday! Q. What are you future plans? Lisa: Cleaning, organizing, shredding old documents, and updating our home with the possibility of eventually downsizing. Q. What changes have you seen while at FPC? Lisa: Lots of changes with technology (the church’s first enhancement was an answering machine, and then voicemail, email and security was added) and building enhancements/updates, along with many, many changes to the downtown landscape and topography that surrounds the church. In spite of the changes, or because of them, the congregation remains steadfast in its mission to carry out Christ’s mission and ministry. Q: What else would you like to share with members of FPC? Lisa: I am so thankful for the wonderful opportunities I have been given at 300 W. Wayne Street, and for being able to serve with and among all of you at First Pres. This is truly my 2nd church family and home! PAGE 11 Child Care This Fall, Associated Churches will conduct one parenting class in the evening and will need volunteers to provide child care during the class time. A South Wayne administrator will help with this. Questions about opportunities at South Wayne, call Pat Kohart, 433-0584; questions about Study Connection, call Kathy Adair, 672.9155. ”The Case Manager at school asked if I would bake cookies with a small group that had worked hard all year keeping the school beautiful. These boys loved rolling out cookies. They used every little bit of dough I had. It didn’t matter the cookies would be hard with so much flour. They were making something. What pride they had taking home their plate of cookies. They have already asked when that lady will come to bake cookies again.” –Pat Kohart Church and Society Distinguished Service Award The Church and Society Distinguished Service Award in memory of Elaine I. Wareham is awarded annually. Elaine demonstrated that the witness of a Christian should extend beyond the local church and be a compelling force in daily life. We are seeking nominations, submitted in confidence, to the committee. Nomination forms are available in the Church Office. Submit your nomination by placing it in the box in the church office or you may email it to [email protected] The deadline is November 23, 2015. Objective: To encourage and recognize effective Christian witness as a volunteer layperson in First Presbyterian Church and the Fort Wayne community. Scope: Awarded annually to an individual who best represents Christian leadership and service both in the church and in the community. Criteria: 1. Recipient must be a member of The First Presbyterian Church of Fort Wayne, Indiana. 2. Service activities must have been accomplished as a volunteer. 3. Candidates’ names and resumes should be submitted in confidence and may be submitted by any person or group (without the nominee’s knowledge) Guidelines: Any nomination which is submitted should include the following: 1. List participation with Session, Trustees, Deacons, Foundation, Church School, Music Program, youth work, women’s or men’s organizations, special Committee or Department work, Presbytery or Synod work, Theater or any other witness to or service in the church. 2. Give examples of community activities such as United Way, agency boards, Red Cross, Mental Health, Nutrition, Cancer Society, Hospice, AIDS Task Force, Literacy, or other activities that serve to meet the needs of our society. 3. Special emphasis should be given to the initiation of new programs or innovations and additions to existing programs which have been developed to meet the most urgent and timely needs of our church and society. FPC Welcomes New Members On October 18, 2015 First Pres welcomed nine new members: Steve Decker, Diane Haffner, John and Misook Kim, Paula, Russ, and Mary Neuman, Lolita Riley, and Dan Serban. The next new member class will be in the Spring! Please contact Beth Grueb, [email protected]., for more information about dates and times. Welcome Dr. Mark Achtmeier: Author of The Bible’s Yes to Same-Sex Marriage, Sunday, November 15 Dr. Mark Achtemeier will be preaching on Sunday November 15 at the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services. In addition, the Adult Ed committee is hosting a Q & A at the 10:00 a.m. adult ed hour. Check out the bulletin and e-news for more details. Mark is a Presbyterian writer, minister and theologian living in Dubuque, Iowa. After starting out as a conservative church activist, he has played a prominent role in recent years in encouraging the Presbyterian Church (USA) to become more accepting toward LGBT Christians. He is author of “The Bible’s Yes to Same-Sex Marriage: An Evangelical’s Change of Heart.” (which our own Session studied as we discerned the question of same gender marriage at FPC). Dr. Achtemeier taught Theology and Ethics for fifteen years on the faculty of the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, and has served churches in Wilmington North Carolina, and Dubuque, Iowa. He was invited to testify before the US Senate Judiciary Committee in support of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act. He served on the PC(USA)’s Theological Task Force on the Peace, Unity and Purity of the Church. He has been an official representative of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in both ecumenical and interfaith dialogues. He is currently working on a theological commentary on the Letter to the Colossians for Westminster John Knox Press. Dr. Achtemeier holds degrees from Harvard College, Union Presbyterian Seminary, and Duke University. A native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, he is married to the Rev. Katherine Morton Achtemeier, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Dubuque. Together they have three grown children and two grandchildren. We are excited to welcome Dr. Achtemeier to the pulpit and for his additional presentation. On the Road of Discovery – Interim Remember Family and Friends this Associate, Pastor Laura Sherwood (“PL”) Holiday Season We are well on the road of “Transitional Discovery” during my Interim time with you. In these first months, I have been attending as many committee and group meetings as possible and absorbing the many, many facets of life, ministry and mission here at First Presbyterian. My first impressions are that this is a busy place with varied interests, deeply passionate people, a great heart for mission and service, avid interest in the arts and a sincere desire to discern and follow God’s vision for a vibrant future. I have also discovered how hard-working Rev. Lehn and Rev. An are alongside a dedicated staff and scores of volunteers. There is already so much here that is exciting and filled with purpose. I am also starting to hear from folks about where they might like to explore new or expanded possibilities for ministry and organization. I hope that everyone here knows that each voice is important and valued in this process which is continuing to unfold. Please do not hesitate to be a part of this conversation and the various new types of initiatives we will plan this year in worship and ministry. My email is [email protected] and I look forward to all that is ahead as we work toward ultimately defining the best model for your next installed Associate Pastor. Thought the four weeks of Advent, our Sanctuary and Chapel are enhanced with beautiful Christmas decorations made possible through generous financial gifts given in loving memory of family and friends. Those commemorated will be listed in both Christmas Eve worship bulletins. Please use the Chancel Guild envelope in your box of envelopes or an envelope available in the pew. Deadline for submission is Friday, December 20. PAGE 12 FPC in Pictures FPC Dayschool sponsors a Little Free Library Celebrating World Communion Sunday The Feast of St. Francis, Blessing of the Animals Theater Fundraising Dinner Homecoming Sunday Installation of Deacons Gallery Season Opening PAGE 13 Book Review by William Kern The Cadmus Project: Innovation is Deadly, a novel by Robert A. Burton, (2012) 360 pages.(2014) Warning: This book should not be picked up on any evening in which you expect to be handling important business on the next morning. The location of the action here is mainly on the southeast corner of the United States, on the (Atlantic) side of Florida. The plain fact of the matter is that the Lafayette, Indiana Police were never interested in looking into the facts that Evan Roberts was able to tell them about a Purdue professor’s murder. They immediately assumed that the murder was carried out by a student whose examination paper had got him a failure mark that would preclude him from pursuing his plan to become an engineer. Nation-wide, this sort of thing happens from time to time. This was what the police repeatedly told Roberts when he inquired about what they had learned. They would, they said, be unlikely to find him among the 33.000 students at Purdue. They also doubted that he would still be on campus or even enrolled there. The situation, then, was this: a number of small and a few very large corporations are working on the development of vehicles which would operate at a speed of up to 75 miles per hour and on a single charge of electricity for 300 or more miles. None of these models were yet ready for a market yet, but a couple of them are within the solving range of one or two remaining problems. This possibility raised grave concerns in the upper board rooms that their company might not be the first, fifth or twentieth to get such a vehicle rolling. Some of these companies were more ethical than others. The competition might already have reached the murder level and the use of spies remaining posted on their competitors was likely to grow. Some would be hired to aid and encourage the project’s development. Others would be happy to see that such vehicles would never see any such market. One such concerned figure was Frank Johnson, a brilliant engineer who had founded one small company which was largely an electronics manufacturer. Without getting much in the way of hard evidence, he had come to the virtual conclusion that his company was being spied upon and that plans and designs were being copied and sent to others and that at least one of his employees, Professor Underwood, his battery expert, had been murdered. To try to deal with this situation, Johnson called on his life-long friend, Evan Roberts, an ex-CIA analyst turned spy novelist to look into whatever it was that was going on in his corporation. These two, Roberts and Johnson, were perfectly matched as their acquaintance reached back to high school days and on to a university where they had taken degrees in engineering. Later, their paths became somewhat different but their friendship became truly fixed due to an accident when Evans was driving and his wife was killed. After the death of his wife, Johnson helped him through a very difficult period. Roberts immediately responded to Johnson’s request for help by flying to Lafayette and beginning a search for the killer along with a detailed investigation of the test vehicles. Johnson’s time was short because he was rapidly running out of money on which to fund the company. In a desperate attempt to find a cost reduction for the battery system, they moved the battery team to Roberts home in the Hilton Head Island away from the prying eyes in Lafayette for a last desperate effort. Essentially there were two sides forming. On one side was Johnson and Roberts and those who hoped they would prevail. They might have failed as the person they befriended was a beautiful blond writer of children’s books who was actually working for the other side. (They didn’t know this at the time. ) And Roberts might not have been the only other male who became seriously compromised if the final clash had not come so quickly. The final clash occurred on a fantastically opulent boat that the owner thought could be used to kill every member of the Roberts group. His plan did not work out at all. Every member of the conspiracy was killed during the final shoot-out. That group had included the blond whom Roberts had fallen for so badly. Robert Burton has written two books and is developing another one. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Mechanical Engineering Degree and a Commission in the US Army Ordnance Corps. He lives with his wife in Fort Wayne, Indiana and has two grown daughters. Bob Burton signing his book The Cadmus Project during the FPC Parish Art Exhibit reception. PAGE 14 Statistics Stories & Photos for the January/February/March 2016 issue of First News are due December 7, 2015 by 5:00 p.m. Please e-mail contributions to Cindi Odle, [email protected] or mail or deliver them to the Church Office. If you have comments, suggestions, would like to recognize an “angel among us” or submit an article I’d like to hear from you. Each month we will feature “transformation stories” – please submit any ideas you might have. First News is published several times a year. If you’d like a weekly update of current and upcoming events, please subscribe to the weekly electronic newsletter, First Pres Weekly News by providing your email address to Jiin Jung at [email protected], or phone her at: 426-7421 x102. 2015 Income and Expense through September Actual Contributions Annual Budget $517,031$624,750 Transfers from Foundation 321,493 301,039 User Fees 312,698 293,008 Other Income 19,311 17,250 Special Offerings 11,294 22,500 Capital Exp. Gift-Com Fdn FW 26,613 19,500 Total Income 1,208,439 1,278,046 Total Expense & Capital Expenditures 1,269,646 1,326,596 Trfr to/(wdrl from) MEPF/MGJ EPF $(61,206) $ (48,550) 2015 Publication Schedule Issue DeadlineMail date January/February/March Dec. 7Dec. 26 April/May/June March 9March 26 Parish Life Update for August and September 2015 August and September Worship Attendance: Aug 2 233 Sept. 6 235 Aug 9 200 Sept. 13 349 Aug 16 244 Sept. 20 256 Aug 23 284 Sept. 27 280 Aug 30 284 23 first time visitors, 113 resident visitors, 25 non-resident visitors August & September Member Deaths Ruth E Holzworth Bowser Phyllis Nora (Burton)Hill Richard Edward Block Joseph H. Barta, Jr. Summary of Active Membership Oct. 1 Membership PAGE 15 August 23, 2015 September 7, 2015 September 19, 2015 September 24, 2015 FPC Website Viewing Activity and Comparison Jun-Sep 2014 Jun-Sep 2015 Users 4,405 4,293 Sessions6,4796,369 Average duration per visit 2 min 11 sec 2 min 01 sec Total page views17,808 17,162 Further Detail for Jun-Sep 2015 Of the 6,369 sessions, 3,897 were from Indiana, including 2,897 from Fort Wayne and Allen County, followed by Indianapolis (256). Other originations included Detroit (295), and Chicago (119). Foreign origins included Brazil (46), Philippines (36), and South Korea (27). 59% of the contacts came from desktop users, 31% mobile phones, and 10% tablets. FPC Facebook Activity 267 Total Page Likes, June 2015 815 Visit Facebook and join our conversation: Facebook.com/firstpres-fortwayne First Presbyterian Church 300 West Wayne Street Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802 NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 217 FORT WAYNE, IN Address Service Requested Join us on Facebook facebook.com/firstpres-fortwayne Calendar NOVEMBER 1 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS “fall back” All Saints Day 9:00am Worship / Communion, Chapel 9:45am Nursery Open 10:00am Adult Ed Classes & Youth Sunday School 10:00am Children’s Christmas Program Rehearsal 10:00am KLM Choir Rehearsal 10:30am Book & Gift Shop open 11:00am Worship / Communion, Sanctuary KLM Worship / Communion, Chapel KLM Sunday School 11:15am Children’s Sunday School 12:15pm Confirmation Class & Lunch 12:30pm KLM Fellowship 1:30pm KLM Choir Practice 2 1:00pm Connections Group Meeting (weekly) 1:30pm 3BExercise Class (M,W,F, weekly) 3:00pm Rising Stars, 3:15 pm (weekly) 6:30pm Angel Tree Preparations 3 9:30am MOPS Meeting (1st and 3rd Tuesdays) 12:30pm Women’s Bible Study (weekly) 5:30pm Personnel Committee 5:30pm Worship Committee 410:00am Table Talk 1 (weekly) 2:30pm Table Talk 2 (weekly) 5:30pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal (weekly) 7:00pm KLM Wednesday Worship Service (weekly) 59:30am KLM Thursday Bible Study (weekly) 11:00am Book and Gift Shop Open (weekly) 7:00pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal (weekly) 8 Worship Schedule, see Nov. 1 1:00pmFirst Hope Suicide Bereavement Support (2nd Sundays) 1010:00am The Day School Cookie Dough Delivery 4:00pm Spiritual Formation Committee 6:00pm Session Dinner and Meeting 1410:00am Angel Tree Decorating 15 Worship Schedule, see Nov. 1 Featuring Guest Preacher, Dr. Mark Achtmeier Hungry Bowls Fundraiser Lisa Yarian Reception 4:15pm Rescue Mission Meal 1910:00am Smock Presby Day 22 Christ the King Sunday Sunday Worship Schedule, see Nov. 1 12:00pm KLM Thanksgiving Dinner 2410:00am Book & Gift Shop Staff Meeting 4:00pm Buildings & Grounds Committee 255:30pm Night of Lights, Ringing of the Bells 26 Happy Thanksgiving, Building Closed 27 Building Closed 29 First Sunday of Advent; Worship Schedule, see Nov. 1 DECEMBER 11:30pm Caroling, Cookies &Cocoa with Chelsea, Smock 4:30pm Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell – Family Ministries 27:00pm Advent by Candlelight 37:30pm“The Santaland Diaries” Performance 47:30pm“The Santaland Diaries” Performance 5 New Gallery Exhibit Carol Popp Bennett, Current Acrylic Paintings and Nostalgia from the “Carol and Corky” TV show from the ‘50s and ‘60s Sarah Thompson, Sarahmics, —Pottery 7:30pm“The Santaland Diaries” Performance 6 Second Sunday of Advent; Worship with Communion, see Nov. 1 2:00pm“The Santaland Diaries” Performance 77:00pm Finance Team Meeting 6:30pm Smooth Edge 2 Christmas Concert 84:00pm Spiritual Formation Committee 6:00pm Session Dinner and Meeting 114:30pm Gallery Public Reception 7:30pm “The Santaland Diaries” Performance 122:00pm Youtheatre – Holidaze Peformance (FPT Theater) 7:30pm “The Santaland Diaries” Performance 13 Third Sunday of Advent; Worship Schedule, see Nov. 1 10:00am Children’s Christmas Pagaent 12:15pm Congregational Gallery Reception 2:00pm Youtheatre – Holidaze Peformance (FPT Theater) 7:00pm Compassionate Friends Candlelight Service 149:00am Angel Tree Gift Deliveries 12:00pm Matthew 25 Committee 155:30pm Communications Committee 187:00pm Youtheatre – Holidaze Peformance (FPT Theater) 10:00pm“The Santaland Diaries” Performance 192:00pm Youtheatre – Holidaze Peformance (FPT Theater 7:30pm“The Santaland Diaries” Performance 20 Fourth Sunday of Advent; Worship Schedule, see Nov. 1 10:00am Cookbook Sales 10:45am Handbell Choir Prelude 12:00pm Parents Day Out 12:15pm Tour Your Church 2:00pm Youtheatre – Holidaze Peformance (FPT Theater) 4:15pm Rescue Mission Meal 24 CHRISTMAS EVE Day School Closed – All Day 9:30am KLM Bible Study 12:00pm Church Offices closed 4:00pm Family Christmas Eve Service KLM Christmas Eve Celebration 9:30pm Festival Prelude Music 10:00pm Festival of Lessons & Carols 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS, Building closed 27 Worship Schedule, see Nov. 1 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE 12:00pm Church Offices Closed 4:00pm KLM New Year Celebration *See pages 8 & 9 for detailed Music, Gallery & Theater information. Please consult your weekly bulletins or check on line at www.firstpres-fw.org for a more detailed list of calendar events and committee meetings.