Se p t e m be r 2014 NEWSLETTER UPCOMING EVENTS
Labor Day
September 1st
Callison Mission Lunch September 7th
Family Night Dinner & Classes Return September 10th Pg. 4 - 5
Men’s Prayer Breakfast Returns September 18th
F ro m P a s to r Mi k e The first priority of the Church and christians is worship. Theologian and reformer, John Calvin, identified the preaching of the Word of God and the administration of the Sacraments as the marks of the true Church. That would make FPC a true church where God is worshipped, the Gospel proclaimed, and the sacraments administered. In the time of Moses, God asked His covenant people to construct a tent of meeting or a tabernacle for the purpose of reminding them of His abiding presence and gave them a standing invitation to worship Him (Exodus 29:42-43). Later, when King Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem, the Hebrews were commissioned to worship on Mount Zion. Since the day of Pentecost and the baptism of the Holy Spirit Christians have worshipped on “The Lord’s Day”. Worship is not something God commissions for our entertainment, and therefore we should not approach worship as a consumer asking “What’s in it for me?” The Bible commissions us to worship God and make such worship a priority. It’s not about us, it’s about God. The psalmist wrote in Psalm 96: 4-5 “For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.” Making worship a priority takes preparation and planning. Worshiping rightly and regularly will be costly to our self-centered schedules. We may have to intentionally disengage from the secular culture. In order to worship regularly the scripture calls us to keep the Lord’s Day as holy to the Lord. I encourage you to take a hard look at your life and your priorities. Is the worship of Almighty God a top priority? If not, why not? What is more important than your relationship with God? See you in church, Pastor Mike Loudon
8:15 & 10:30 am Classic Services
Great Nights of the Bible The Night of Visions and Dreams Dr. Mike Loudon
10:30 am Vine Service
Colossians: Clarity in a Confusing World Jesus at the Center Kenny Ellis
8:15 & 10:30 am Classic Services
Great Nights of the Bible The Night of Doom and Deliverance Dr. Mike Loudon
10:30 am Vine Service
Colossians: Clarity in a Confusing World Don’t get distracted... Jesus is everything Zac McGowen
8:15 & 10:30 am Classic Services
Great Nights of the Bible The Night when the Handwriting was on the Wall Dr. Mike Loudon
10:30 am Vine Service
Colossians: Clarity in a Confusing World Heavenly–Minded = Earthly Good Kenny Ellis
8:15 & 10:30 am Classic Services
Great Nights of the Bible The Night of the Shipwreck Dr. Mike Loudon
10:30 am Vine Service
Colossians: Clarity in a Confusing World Naming Names Zac McGowen
October
Looking Ahead to
September 28th
September 21st
September 14th
September 7th
Sunday Mornings at FPC
2
October 5th
New Member Orientation
October 12th Fine Arts Dedication Sunday October 19th Volunteer Appreciation Sunday October 26th Fall Picnic
The S pi ri tual D i sci pl i ne of R e-p r ior it izing We have all been there. We have all said we want to do something - to accomplish some goal only to fall short. I have not been immune from that disease… The disease of failed priorities. In 2008, I decided I was going to run a marathon before the end of the year. I had always wanted to, and after coming back to the sport after a long hiatus, I was determined. It was part of a New Year’s resolution, so I set a goal, mapped out my training, and began the regimen. Along the way, I had to make adjustments. Injuries forced me to pick a different race later in the year and alter my training plan to allow for more recovery, but by the end of the year I had done it. The next year, I thought I would do it again… but something changed. My determination, my drive, my focus was altered somehow, and I have never been able to reengage my priority to run at the same level. Too many times that is the story of our spiritual journeys. We come to faith in Christ or start attending a new church, and we say, “Jesus is my number ONE! He’s my everything, I am going to live for Him!” In those seasons, we attend worship services regularly and easily, volunteer on serve teams and local mission projects, daily spend time in the Word of God and prayer, give our offering generously, and we may even invite our friends to church with us. The disciplines of faith are enjoyable and exhilarating. In those seasons, what we proclaim with our mouths lines up with the actions of our lives in lock-step. Our priorities are real. Then something happens. A spiritual injury takes place - maybe a tragedy interrupts our zeal, or a new job opportunity begins to demand more time, or the sirens’ song of the ocean waves or golf fairways is too irresistible to ignore. And while we would still say, “Jesus is my number ONE! He’s my everything, I am going to live for Him!”
our lives paint a very different picture of our priorities. In truth, Jesus is knocked off the throne. Our priorities are fake. So, what do we do? Do we really want to live in those sort of lukewarm, superficial, quasi-spiritual states disingenuously claiming to be a follower of Jesus? Or do we want our lives to match the words we claim? That takes re-prioritizing our lives. That takes transformation. Paul writes in Romans 12:1-2 - I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (ESV) Our lived-out priorities often reflect the world, but we are called to be transformed from that pattern and set our lives on God’s trajectory. We do this by looking at the ways He is calling us into attitudes of sacrifice, change and holiness. This may mean giving up things we’d rather not give up, or saying “no” to things we would rather say “yes” to. This may mean giving when we would rather take, or waking up when we’d rather sleep. It may mean inviting someone to church when we’d rather not. Changing our lives to ones that better reflect our spoken priorities is not easy, but saying we are followers of Jesus Christ without discipling our lives to mirror that conviction is the same as claiming to be a marathon runner without even lacing up the shoes.
3
W ednes day F a mi l y N i g h t C l a s s Op ti o n s Every Wednesday night, starting at 5:15 p.m. on September 10th, FPC will be offering a Family Night Dinner followed by a variety of classes for all ages. You can make dinner reservations by filling out the reservation cards found in the pews and around the church, or calling the front office at 863-686-7187. Description of the classes that will be offered this fall can be found below and on the adjacent page.
K i ds and Pr ogr am m ing Taught By Dr. Paul Suich Room C Oct. 8 - Nov. 5 Ever had any questions about how much electronic media for which child at what age? How are you balancing the incredible opportunity of the internet with the dangers of cyberbullying, porn, and abduction? Can we give too much too early? Can we be so restrictive that we inhibit our child’s potential? The St. Andrews Counseling Ministry will be hosting a 4 week series on Wednesday evenings this fall for different age groups. See the article on page 7 for more detailed information.
Th e M en’s G r oup
Go d Sto ry C l a s s
Facilitated by Kenny Ellis Room 111 We are just a group of guys who gather every week to talk about life, explore God’s Word and encourage each other to live with purpose, integrity and devotion for God and the people around us. Whether you are new to the faith or have been walking with God for some time – we would love for you to join us.
Taught by Kenny, Zac, and Drs. Paul & Mike Room A The FPC family is reading the story of the Bible in a year. Although we are not reading every chapter, we are covering all the major characters and events that move the story forward. This class will help you go deeper, ask good questions and fully apply the weekly readings.
Taught by Leila Mauer Room 112 In the 1960s, Old Testament scholar and professor John Durham became immersed in the life and work of Rembrandt. According Dr. Durham, Rembrandt “saw and portrayed biblical persons as real people, causing him criticism for being too crude.” Unlike other scholarly books on Rembrandt that focused first on the painter and then on the Bible, Durham did the opposite, studying the works of Rembrandt looking “with faith, at faith.” Join us as we explore the historical, cultural and personal applications of biblical truth through Rembrandt’s art.
Storyt eller s W om en ’ s G r oup
W o me n ’ s S m a l l Gro up
K i d’ s C l ub
Y out h G r oup
Facilitated by Kim Manske and Bev Bigelow The Parlor Women of all ages are welcome, and childcare is available. Our purpose is to discover more about God as we encourage each other along the journey. This Fall we will be focusing on the book of Hebrews.
Directed by Molly Finger Room 115 Kingergarten to 5th grade rotate in groups of K/1, 2/3 and 4/5. Bible lesson, games and art/mission projects are offered from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday night with Ms. Molly & Ms. Jo.
Led by Brian Morgan Youth Hall The night will be filled with exciting group activities, fellowship, and a Christ-centered message! This year the high school and middle school will be separated with the exception of announcements and worship. Come check out our Ignite youth group here at FPC!
M ar r iage
F i n a n c i a l Pe a c e
A dul t C hoi rs
K i ds’ Choir s
Taught by Drs. Mike Loudon & Paul Suich Room C Sept. 10 - Oct. 1 Are you concerned about the divorce rate, same-sex marriage, changing perspectives on marriage and family? Then perhaps this class would be of interest to you. Join as we explore the topics of the biblical foundation of marriage, the history and mission of marriage, the myths of marriage, and contemporary culture’s affect on marriage.
DVD Study Facilitated by Vicky Anderson Room B This class offers practical information and tools related to every aspect of managing your finances in a way that honors God and provides a solid base for a life of meaning and purpose. Whether you are struggling financially or just want to tighten things up a bit – this class will be beneficial. This class also offers couples a great opportunity to find common ground on a subject that often times causes conflict. Come join us!
First Presbyterian has three adult choirs that sing in the 8:15 and 10:30 Classic services. Chancel Choir (open to all singers) sings every Sunday at the 10:30 service. Jubilation (open to all singers) and Chapel Ensemble (auditioned), typically sing at the 8:15 service. Jubilation and Chapel Ensemble rehearsals take place on Wednesday at 6:40 and Chancel Choir rehearses at 7:30. Come join us!
Alpha Choir (grades 3 - 5) and Servia Choir (grades K - 2) are designed to teach children to use their gifts to glorify God in worship. We sing and engage in age appropriate activities designed to help each child learn how to serve God with their time and talent. Rehearsals begin at 6:00 in the Choir Room (Alpha) and the Bell Room (Servia).
Facilitated by Jennie Ellis Room D Every woman has a story. In fact, your life is made up of many stories and we dare to believe that our Heavenly Father is using those stories to shape us into the women he created us to be. This group gathers each week to share life, explore God’s Word and encourage each other.
4
S eei ng the B i bl e Through Fi ne A rt
5
F P C Loc al Mi s s i o n s & S te a rd s h i p
K i ds and P rogrammi ng
The mission committee at FPC supports many areas of need in our local community. We help with comprehensive rescue missions such as Talbot House, Lighthouse, Salvation Army, and Parker Street. We also help with teens and young adult women at risk through Anchor House, A Woman’s Choice, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Zoe’s Journey. We continue to reach out to our vulnerable neighbors through our Thanksgiving turkey distribution and also our weekly food boxes. We care for our elderly with financial as well as hands-on support of Viste. Our support of Beth-El and PEACE also encompasses our Hispanic neighbors and a justice ministry. None of this would be possible or accomplished without your financial support to FPC. We are grateful for such a caring congregation, and we realize and thank you for all your help over many, many years.
Ever had any questions about how much electronic media for which child at what age? How are you balancing the incredible opportunity of the internet with the dangers of cyberbullying, porn, and abduction? Can we give too much too early? Can we be so restrictive that we inhibit our child’s potential? The St Andrews Counseling Ministry will be hosting a 4 week series on Wednesday evenings this fall on October 8th (Preschool children), 15th (Elementary aged children), 22nd (Middle and High School), and 29th (a panel of experts to address our questions). This is a series designed both for FPC families and anyone we know who shares our concerns. We will be doing a survey of our church to see how we compare to national averages. Contact Dr. Suich at
[email protected] with any questions or if you want to be more involved.
2014 Ste w a rd s h i p
To all book-lovers and to those who just like fellowship, the Jerry Crane Book Club will meet in the church parlor on September 18th to discuss the book Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton. Pirate fans will love the book for its flashy characters and historical authenticity. Crime fans will enjoy the caper-novel structure and the way the author keeps them on their toes. Something new, different, and daring according to the reviews. Come join in the fun and bring a book to share if you have a favorite to pass around.
Childr en ’ s M i n i s try N e w s
W el come Theresa Thom as
August 17th was our first day back from the summer season for His Kids with their regular teachers. Faithweaver Now is our chosen curriculum which includes exciting Bible lessons, games and art. We would love to see you on Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m. Kids Etc. is now located in Room 115, for K-3rd grades on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. This season we are enjoying Journey of Jesus where the kids will discover where Jesus went, what Jesus taught and how it is relevant today. Our goal as educators is to give our children a solid understanding of Jesus’ life and ministry. The hope is to help the children discover their own personal way in which they can be followers of Jesus. Helpers are always welcomed to share their talents with the children. Email Jo Ahearn at
[email protected] if you would like to get involved in this program. Kids Club begins on Wednesday nights starting September 10th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for those children from K-5th grades. Molly Finger, our new Kids Club Coordinator, is very excited about the curriculum she has chosen to share with the children this Fall. Come early and have dinner in our dining room! Our children’s choirs, led by Dr. Dan Gordon and Theresa Thomas (Mrs. T), are on Wednesday nights as well from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Servia Choir is for K-2 and Alpha Choir for 3-5 grades. These choirs will assist in Sunday worship services approximately once a month. Children participating in choir will learn melody, harmony, rhythm, form, and expression as they grow musically and spiritually. Songs and instruments will encourage the children to worship God and learn to be worship leaders as they have responsibilities in Sunday morning services. Special thanks to all our teachers and volunteers for all their generous time given to Children’s Ministries. These acts of service never go without notice. We thank you.
6
P i rate Lati tudes
Throughout September, October, and November we will consider the subject of stewardship using the theme “Telling the Story”. The positive news is that our congregation has one of the most commendable levels of giving in the denomination. The negative news is that 50% of our congregation contributes only 3 % of our financial giving. Please take a serious look at your financial giving. Are you where you should be? Should you “step up” in your pledge and giving for 2015? How well does your giving reflect your commitment to Christ?
The Fine Arts Ministry is very proud to announce the arrival of a new staff member. Theresa Thomas has assumed the responsibilities of Coordinator of Children’s Music Ministries/Administrative Assistant: a position with a long title and equally important responsibilities. In her role as Coordinator of Children’s Music Ministries, Mrs. Thomas will serve as the director of Servia, the K – 2 children’s choir that meets during Kids Klub. She will also serve as an advisor and support for music activities involving all our children. Theresa has enjoyed years of experience with children’s choirs and she looks forward to sharing her passion for Jesus Christ and the Church at FPC. In addition to directing choirs, Theresa will serve as the Administrative Assistant in the Fine Arts Ministry. She will become the “point person” for communications within Fine Arts—a huge task, to be sure. Theresa has sung in the Chancel Choir and Chapel Ensemble at FPC for the past several years. Her husband, David, accepted the Director of Music position at Hope Presbyterian Church in Winter Haven last summer. We miss David’s contribution to our choir, but all her choir colleagues are thrilled that Theresa continues to serve with us at FPC.
7
8
27 Hazel Ebersole Julian Grubb Barbara Nixon Tami Trent Amber Dail Kevin Fitzsimmons Ryan Marshall Pat McArthur Abby Rodda Laurie Bailey Morgan Prahl Debi Shofner Allison Stewart Will Chappell Nita Creasy Kelly Otero JoAnn Parker Christy Steinmetz
30 Michelle Crenshaw Kathleen Davis Tom Conger Hubert Holmes Linda Stein Mary Ann Touchton Terry Cyphert Kathryn Delk Lauren Piatt Jennie Scott Mike Trice Walker Wilkerson
Britt Gordon Margaret Holmes Dick Miller Alex Moerschbacher Zoe Wilson
21 Simon Bonini Myra Dalrymple
28
Beverly Springer Gloria Tarver
Lee Etter Kevin Lawlor Elivia Weaver Emmett Weaver John Yang
14
29
22
15 Beverly Lyon Greg McCarthy Susanne Morton Hamilton Dykhuizen
Karen Casey Morgan Sisson Casey Stone
Melanie Goodrich Cori Melton Lauren Murray Katherine Nixon Lee Smith Ted Weeks
Ed Carley Ryan Miles
8
23
16
John Atkinson Marylee Clyne Marilyn Cummings Desta Martin Scott Morton Marie Mundy Marge Sheppard
24
17
Hunt Berryman Josh Breed Aubrey Burris Madison Elliott Barbara Godfrey Pamela Kendrick Bella Lazenby Jack Shofner Susan Slaughter Olivia Wright
25
18 Seth Bridges Katy Hewitt Meredith McGough Evan McKean Allison B-Lascurain Julie Champeau Ginny Fahrenholz Rose Howell Tina Marcewicz Jared Roach-Drake
9 Matthew Castor Christopher Cleghorn Leah Higginbotham Alva Johnson Makenna Pennington Marion Scata Ann Stockton
26 Jaiden Baker Bonnie Eckenroth Danielle Ellington Kristine Fagan Colton Gilbert Jackie Hammerberg
George Brewster Luke Ellington Vic Herring Sarah McKinney Penny Parker
11 10 Jeanette Chattin Bill Cole Michelle Hill Jamie Livermore Cole McRae Tony Sherrard Monte Thompson
2 1
Samuel Baker Molly Finger Kim Lance Nancy Pennington Zachary Royal
20 19
12 Courtney Latham Patricia Leggett Christy Schraw Jeanne Sherrard Chrissy Simmers David Barber Christopher Branning Mary Dague Barbara Davis Marty Kucera Peggy Semans Jenica Timmes Charles Vocelle
4 3
Thursday Wednesday Tuesday
7
The FPC session met for their annual retreat this August. Pastor Zac shared a demographic study of who lives within a 7 minute drive of the church (it is a very diverse group). The Property Committee outlined some significant buildings and grounds improvements they plan to undertake in 2015. A large part of the afternoon was spent in discussion of FPC’s response to actions taken by commissioners to the recent General Assembly of the PCUSA. Session directed Pastor Loudon to send a letter to the congregation explaining session actions in light of the Assembly. The Session also unanimously voted to unite with the new affinity group “The Fellowship Community” which is a merger of Presbyterians for Renewal and the Fellowship of Presbyterians and an evangelical voice within the PCUSA.
Donna Elliott Katie Moerschbacher Regan Sampson
A ugus t S e s s i o n R e p o rt
Monday
Come join us on Sunday, October 5th to meet some new friends and learn more about what membership means at FPC with Pastor Mike, Pastor Zac, and Pastor Kenny. We will meet in Room B from 11:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. with a complimentary lunch provided. Our culture values independence and is very suspicious of “organized” religion. This makes it easy to dismiss the importance of church membership. At FPC, membership is not simply a hoop to jump through or a way to be part of “the club.” Rather, it is an invitation to make your devotion to Jesus practical and specific by committing yourself to the family of God in a specific church. If you would like more information, contact Pastor Kenny at
[email protected].
Sunday
S eek i n g Me mb e rs h i p
Betty Edenfield Karen Fetherman Corine Kibler Shirl Lewis Jimbo Long Audrey McKellin Conner Mundy Melinda Murray Ryan O’Neal Jennifer Royal Naomi Wilson
Brian Blanchard Jorgeanne Carpenter Audrey Fagan Joseph Fagan Judy Kemp Georgene Noss Gladys Speed
5
Saturday Friday
Birthday Calendar - September 2014
Stephen Ministry is a long standing program of FPC. This is a confidental, Christian, caring ministry. Care receivers are assigned after being identified by the pastoral staff. Stephen Ministers have 50 hours of original training as well as monthly supervision and ongoing training. They walk along side of their care receivers during difficult times. This can be because of death in the family, loss of job, divorce, recently moving into the community or one of many other reasons that you may need a temporary caring, non judgmental person to walk beside you. There is a need for men to work with this ministry and we will soon be starting a new training class. If you feel you would like to work as a Stephen Minister or if you feel you would benefit from having a Stephen Minister please contact any of our pastoral staff? A Stephen Minister cannot solve your problems, but can often make your walk during a difficult time easier.
13
6
Congr egat iona l C a re F e a tu re d Mi n i s try
9
September
NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID LAKELAND, FL PERMIT NO. 1
