The monthly newsletter of FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Sumter, South Carolina August 31, 2016
THE ART OF LISTENING I feel like I can already call you “Friends.” It’s been a wonderful first two weeks with you. The First Presbyterian Church family has welcomed us with more than open arms – you’ve welcomed us with gifts and incredible food. You truly know how to make people feel welcome!
LOOK AT WHAT’S INSIDE Page 1 The Art of Listening Page 2 Session Action Summary Thank You from the Young’s Joys and Concerns Missions Continue Focus on Finances Page 3 Presbyterian Women News Costa Rica Mission Trip Page 4 Hi-Wire Trip Music Notes Sunday, September 4 and 11 Page 5 Annual Endowment Report September Treasured Tuesday Presbyterian Factoids Page 6 Feed My Hungry Children Welcome Home Picnic Page 7 2016 September Calendar Page 8 Promotion Sunday Upcoming Events ---------------First Presbyterian Church 9 West Calhoun St. Sumter, SC 29150 803-773-3814 www.fpcsumter.org
[email protected] Nick Cheek, Pastor
We have met so many of you and we are looking forward to getting to know all of you. In the next few months, our goal is to give you the chance to spend time with us outside of the worship hour. We want to grow deeper relationships with you. More than a handshake and a smile – we want to share life together with you. Contemporary theologian and founder of the Confessing Church in Germany, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his book, Life Together, writes about one of the most important pieces of an authentic fellowship: “The first service that one owes to others in the fellowship consists of listening to them. Just as love of God begins with listening to his word, so the beginning of love for our brothers and sisters is learning to listen to them.” I am excited about what God has in store for us as we grow together. But first things, first. We want to listen to you. We want to hear about your hopes for your church. We want to hear about your faith and your desires to see God use our church as a light to the community and world. We want to hear about your dreams for the church – and we want to dream BIG with you together! In the next few weeks, we encourage you to sign up for a time to meet with our family. There will be sign-ups posted in the church by the Fellowship Hall. I’m already blessed to be your Pastor. Thank you for welcoming us to be a part of the church that is serving God in the heart of Sumter. You truly know how to make people feel at home. Your “New” Friend,
Nick
August 31, 2016
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SESSION ACTION SUMMARY First Presbyterian Church of Sumter, South Carolina Stated Meeting of August 22, 2016 The August stated meeting of the Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Sumter, South Carolina was called to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Session Room by Teaching Elder and Moderator Nick Cheek. Thirteen Ruling Elders were in attendance, and two Ruling Elders were excused. Also present were the Treasurer, Henry McFaddin and Moderator of the Diaconate, Kay Smith. The agenda was amended and approved. Minutes of the stated meeting of July 25, 2016 and the Special Called Meeting of the Congregation on July 31, 2016 were separately reviewed and approved. The Clerk presented correspondence received in August, noting with regret the resignation of Gene and Susan Weston who received a letter from the Clerk acknowledging their resignation. The Treasurer presented financial statements for July and made brief remarks. Moderator of the Diaconate, Kay Smith, gave a brief report. Elder Bob Smith, Chair of the Endowment Committee, discussed the church’s various endowments. Elder David Holler reported on the Mae Barnes (home rebuilding) project. Elder Peggy Curlovic commented that the gift of a minilibrary given to the church by Kaleigh Jordan in April, will be placed appropriately on a spot to be recommended by Elders John Jackson and Peggy. J.D. Dunn reported on the August 11 meeting of New Harmony Presbytery and noted especially remarks made by Stewart Holler, daughter of Rev. Josie Holler and Elder David Holler. The consent agenda, consisting of three items, was discussed and approved. The first item was to approve Sunday School Teachers for the 2016-17 year. Secondly, approval was given for the Sunday School Curriculum for 2016-17, use of the book A Tree Grows in Brooklyn for use by the Third Tuesday Group. The third item approved was the nomination of Elder Bob Smith to become Clerk of Session for a two-year period commencing January 1, 2017. Bob has served very ably as Assistant Clerk this year. A motion made by the Embrace Ministry Team to have a Special Offering next Sunday, August 28, 2016, for the benefit of the Presbyterian Disaster Agency (PDA) Louisiana Relief Effort was approved. Donors may write “PDA Louisiana Relief” on the memo line of a check or place cash in a pew envelope with the words “PDA Louisiana Relief” on the envelope. Moderator Nick Cheek then commented on the joy he has experienced in his first week of ministry as Installed Pastor here at First Presbyterian Church, Sumter. The Clerk replied that the church family was grateful that Pastor Nick was called here as the eleventh Installed Pastor of this church since its formation in 1823. Moderator Cheek adjourned the meeting with prayer at 6:55 p.m.
Dear Friends, Thank you for your warm “send off” at the worship service on August 21. And thanks to Bob Smith for his generous words. As we prepare, with mixed emotions for the next phase of our lives in Raleigh’s Springmoor retirement community, we look forward to being near our children. We have been richly blessed to be part of this congregation and see great things in the future for our First Presbyterian Church. God bless each of you! In Jesus Name, Charlene & Ted Young
JOYS AND CONCERNS Tuomey: Blaney Coskrey Brookdale: Marion Young Wildewood Downs (Columbia): Laura Anglin At Home: Helen Brookes-Futrell, Ken Young, Jr., Bill Wheeler, Jim Young, Mae Barnes, Gordon Rettke, Patty Lowery (Furman Thames’ mother) Congratulations to Jessica and Joseph Bettinger, proud new parents of Gwendolen Isla Bettinger, born Sunday, August 28.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Jessica Bettinger on the August 26 death of her grandfather, Harley Huggins.
MISSIONS CONTINUE First Presbyterian Church sent well over 3,000 spiral notebooks to Sumter United Ministries for Gear Up for Learning. A big thanks to Richard Mey, who coordinated the collecting, and John James III, who oversaw the delivery. Ongoing activities for the summer included the Deacons’ suppers at the Samaritan House shelter, and Medicine and Meals— feeding the medical volunteers at the Sumter United Ministries Clinic on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Help with these and other mission opportunities. Sign-ups are always on the Volunteer Table beside Fellowship Hall.
FOCUS ON FINANCES For the Weeks Beginning 8/7/2016, 8/14/2016 and 8/21/2016
A Prayer by Susan Price Father, Thank you for this day as we look forward to receiving our new minister and his family. As we receive them with love and anticipation, may we be an encouragement to him. May he and his precious family find peace and joy in their new home, peace and joy with us their church family, and peace and joy in our community. Continue to be with us and bind us together in Christian love and service. These things we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Received Three Weeks YTD Revenue Contributions $39,979.00 *Other Sources $52,103.34 $92,082.34 Disbursements $76,018.99 Surplus $16,063.35 * Endowments, Church Event Fees, Etc
Budgeted YTD
$455,952.07 $472,934.80 $105,707.99 $105,460.87 $561,660.06 $578,395.67 $559,635.01 $561,233.55 $2,025.05 $17,162.12
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PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN NEWS Circles Circle 1: 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 6, McLaurin Room
Meets the first Tuesday of each month in the McLaurin Room Chair: Linda Brown Hostesses: Ginger Barwick, Ollie James, Marie Mills
Study books will be available at the meeting for $8.00. Please join us to start off the coming church year with your friends in Christ. New friends are especially welcome! Circle 2: Disbanded, attend Circle 4 Circle 3: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 13 Home of Aileen Abbott, 521 Vivian Rd. Co-Chairs: Anne Haynie and Margaret Hunter Hostess: Aileen Abbott Circle 4: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 6, McLaurin Room
Meets the first Tuesday of each month in the McLaurin Room Chair: Lois Moore Hostesses: Lee Craig, Martha Shaw Circle 6: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 6
Meets the first Tuesday of each month in a member’s home Home of Valerie James, 85 Paisley Park Chair: Robin Thames Hostesses: Valerie James Circle 8: 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 7, Covenant Place
Meets the first Wednesday of each month at Covenant Place Co-Chairs: Winnie Gee, Fran Kay Circle 9: 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 6
Meets the first Tuesday of each month at 422 Haynsworth St. Home of Sibbie McFaddin, 422 Haynsworth St. Chair: Pam George Hostess: Lisa Mellon
COSTA RICA: We’re still working on the publication full of narrative and pictures from our most recent trip to Costa Rica. In the meantime, here are some pictures to que your interest in this mission ministry of First Presbyterian Church.
Presbyterian Women Awareness Sunday The Presbyterian Women (PW) Awareness Sunday brings attention to the work that PW does at First Presbyterian Church. The PW stated purpose is “forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves: to nurture our faith through prayer and Bible study, to support the mission of the church worldwide, to work for justice and peace, and to build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (USA) and witnesses to the promise of God’s kingdom.” On Sunday, September 11, FPC will emphasize the mission projects and activities that PW supports throughout the year. A few of the many projects include making cookies for Shaw Airmen and women and their families, providing meals for Dignity Village and the United Ministries Medical Volunteers, gathering dresses, shoes and accessories for girls attending the Prom, serving the Baccalaureate Brunch to graduating high school seniors, helping with our Covered Dish meals and celebrations, donating to Thornwell Home for Children and Mission Haven, and helping our own congregation through We Care and the Mary Martha Ministry. There are fifteen committees functioning under the PW banner to support the projects and activities of First Presbyterian Church. Special offering envelopes will be in the Sunday, September 11 bulletin, and all loose offerings will go toward the Presbyterian Women Awareness Fund. Please prayerfully consider giving generously to help PW fund its endeavors of benevolence. We encourage all FPC women to continue or begin to participate in the mission projects and activities through one of our six Women’s Circles that meet monthly. If you are not currently a member of a Circle, you may sign up near the Office. We welcome you!
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HI-WIRE TRIP AUGUST 20
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 “Care and Prayer” ~ 9:00 a.m. (Parlor) Sunday School ~ 9:30 a.m. (All in Fellowship Hall) Time of Hospitality ~ 10:10 a.m. (Fellowship Hall) WORSHIP 10:30 a.m. ~ Sanctuary “The Good Shepherd
(Psalm 23) Offertory: Lauren Decker, Violin Solo Amazing Grace arr. Joshua Evanovick ELDER LEADING SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER: John Jackson YOUTH READER: Langston Cooper ELDERS GREETING AT WORSHIP: Will Holmes, Margy Carpenter WORSHIP AT HOME (September 5-11) Bronwyn McElveen (Group 1), Denise Dun (Group 2) ELDERS IN CHARGE OF VISITING (September 4-10): John Jackson USHERS: Bronwyn McElveen, Matt Blankenship Junior Ushers: Ann Weathers Blankenship, Duncan James TELLERS: Susan Osteen, Bronwyn McElveen CHURCH HOUR EXTENDED CARE VOLUNTEERS Committee Member: Anna Moorman Nursery: Markita Gadson 2-5 Year Olds: Cary and Natalie Coker
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 “Care and Prayer” ~ 9:00 a.m. (Parlor) Sunday School ~ 9:30 a.m.
(Children and Parents begin in Fellowship Hall)
MUSIC NOTES Children’s Music News Our children in grades K-5 will participate in worship on Sunday, September 11. Practice will be during Sunday School hour with Mrs. Lauren. You don’t want to miss it! Children’s Choir We are excited that Children’s Choir for ages K-5 will begin soon. Look for information in the Focus and also in the mail. Youth Bells Rehearsal for our Youth handbell group will begin on Sunday, September 11, from 4-4:45. We welcome all youth in grades 612.
Time of Hospitality ~ 10:10 a.m. (Fellowship Hall) WORSHIP 10:30 a.m. ~ Sanctuary Offertory Anthem: The Chancel Choir will sing We Are Redeemed by Lee Dengler ELDER LEADING SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER: John James III YOUTH READER: Owings Holler ELDERS GREETING AT WORSHIP: Will Holmes, Margy Carpenter WORSHIP AT HOME (September 12-18) Robbie Branham(Group 1), Kimberly White (Group 2) ELDERS IN CHARGE OF VISITING (September 11-17): John James III USHERS: Robin Thames, Denise Dunn Junior Ushers: Richard Dwight, Sumter Cooper TELLERS: Becky Owen, Robin Thames CHURCH HOUR EXTENDED CARE VOLUNTEERS Committee Member: Missy Coulter Nursery: Markita Gadson 2-5 Year Olds: Billy and Missy Coulter
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ANNUAL ENDOWMENT REPORT "The Endowment Committee of First Presbyterian Church released its annual report, including names of the 2016-2017 scholarship recipients. A total of $83,967.93 has been given to the church in 2016 based upon the 2015 results. The committee is pleased with the financial performance of these investments and the ability to send earnings off these funds back to the church to carry out its missions. In a written presentation to Session, the individual funds were each broken down: the Raymond L. and Ann B. Baker Scholarship Fund Endowment, which supports up to eight college students from our church annually based primarily on academic achievement and church involvement; the Nixon Fund, established in 1994 to support international projects and missions; the Barnwell Sanders Ministerial Fund which supports some of our church members currently in seminary; and the General Endowment Fund, which includes the West Leadership Scholarship, the criteria for which focuses on church involvement and leadership roles. Besides the West Leadership Scholarship, the Session has earmarked that most of the earnings in the General Endowment go to local missions. Those awarded scholarships this year are: West Leadership Scholarship Stewart Holler and Alex Leasure; Baker Scholarship Seniors Jayne Dingle and Shane King Juniors Parker McDuffie and David McInnis Sophomores Cody King and Ryan Norris Freshmen Stewart Holler and Alex Leasure. Watch for articles in future issues of the monthly Focus to learn how endowments, and in particular these funds, work to further FPC's ministry to individuals in our church and our community at large."
SEPTEMBER TREASURED TUESDAY On September 20, a trip to Ovis Hills Farm (1501 Weaver St., Timmonsville), is planned. Owner Charlie Caldwell is presently shepherding approximately 400 sheep, grazing 35 dairy and beef cows, and pasture -raising chickens. We will begin to get a better understanding of “The Good Shepherd” as we enjoy this wonderful tour., which begins at 10:30. Following the tour we will lunch (Dutch treat) at Truluck’s Seafood and Barbeque. Cost of the tour is $15/person. A minimum of 15 participants is required. To register, mail a check made payable to Camp Pee Dee Retreat center to 1201 Camp Pee Dee Rd., Bennettsville, SC 29512 NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 14. For ruther information contact Kelly Boone Sloan at 843-479-3051.
PRESBYTERIAN FACTOIDS A called meeting of New Harmony Presbytery was held August 11, in the Chapel of the Florence Presbyterian Community. Here are a few reflections from Glenda Denny on the meeting. The worship and report from General Assembly (G.A.) were excellent and meaningful. Each commissioner told about his/her G.A. committee. One commissioner talked about how the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) makes decisions with diligence and passion, but with care and order. Another mentioned observing the diversity of the Presbyterian Church. First Presbyterian Church (FPC), Sumter’s own Stewart Holler (who served as a youth advisory delegate with no official vote) had us almost in tears when she talked about the homeless on the streets, particularly the homeless man she talked to who told her that "no one talks to me.” At the end of the reports, each commissioner answered these questions: What gave you hope? Why was this such an historic G.A.? What was your moment of fun? Some reasons this General Assembly was historic are: 1. It was the sixtieth anniversary of women being ordained as ministers of Word and Sacrament; the first co-moderators of G. A. were elected, both women and both ordained ministers. 2. The Belhar Confession was added to the Book of Confessions, the first confession written in the southern hemisphere. 3. The first African American clerk was elected: J. Herbert Nelson II, who lived in Sumter while his father was a pastor at Goodwill Presbyterian Church. 4. Fifty years ago, G.A. also met in Portland and added the Confession of 1967 to the Book of Confessions. One young woman from New Covenant Presbyterian Church, which is down the street from FPC (our church helped them with building expenses a number of years ago) was given a scholarship to attend the G.A. She didn’t have funds to fly so she rode the bus three days to Portland, Oregon! While attending G. A., she met more influential Presbyterians than anyone. I talked with her after the meeting; she is a very impressive person.
SYNOD PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN GATHERING Join Presbyterian Women from Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina at the 10th Annual Gathering of Presbyterian Women in the Synod of South Atlantic at Epworth-by-the-Sea in St. Simons Island, GA October 21-23. The event’s theme is “Looking at Jesus Through a Different Lens,” and it provides worship, Bible study, workshops, and time to spend developing friendships. For more information and to register go to http://capresbytery.org/pwsynod-gathering-at-epworth.
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FEED MY HUNGRY CHILDREN Age was not a factor when it came to packing meals for hungry children. The contingent from First Presbyterian represented all age groups as they measured, poured, labeled, assembled, packed and had the most fun they’d ever had wearing a hair net.
CHEEK “WELCOME HOME” Pastor Nick Cheek, his wife, Ashley, and their three children were greeted by the church family on Nick’s first Sunday in the pulpit, August 14. A reception in the Fellowship Hall was held immediately following the service. Members wearing nametags lined up to greet the Cheek family in front of the stage in the hall. Later that afternoon on the grounds of the West Building, the annual back-toschool church picnic was held with young celebrants enjoying a water slide and ‘bouncy-house’. The airconditioned West Building provided a welcome venue for church family members who enjoyed food and fellowship indoors, while shaded areas outside on the lawn were available for members who preferred to dine ‘al fresco’. A “Welcome Home” sign heralded some of our church family who have been ‘on vacation’ for awhile. A “Welcome Cheek Family” sign was also present at the picnic.
GOT PICTURES? If you take pictures at an event involving First Presbyterian members, please forward them to communications @fpcsumter.org
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 9 West Calhoun Street Sumter, SC 29150
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UPCOMING EVENTS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5—LABOR DAY Church Office and Preschool Closed TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting ………………………………………………………. Parlor 10:00 a.m. Circle 3 ……………………………………………………. 521 Vivian Rd. 10:00 a.m. Circle 4 ……………………………………………………………… McLaurin 12:30 p.m. Circle 1 ……………………………………………………………… McLaurin 6:30 p.m. Circle 6 ……………………………………………………35 Paisley Park 7:00 p.m. Circle 9 ………………………………………….. 422 Haynsworth St. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 3:00 p.m. Circle 8 …...……………………………………………...Covenant Place FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 2:00 p.m. Boy Scout Sleep Over Sept. 9-10 …...……West Center SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 11:30 a.m. Church Women United Luncheon…… Fellowship Hall SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 9:00 a.m. Care and Prayer……………………………………………………. Parlor 9:30 a.m. Sunday School (Promotion Sunday)… Fellowship Hall 10:10 a.m. Time of Hospitality……………………………….. Fellowship Hall 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship (PW Awareness)…………… Sanctuary 4:00 p.m. Youth Bells ……………………………………………. Fellowship Hall MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 6:00 p.m. Deacons …………………………………………………………….. McLaurin TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting …………………………………………………………. Parlor 11:30 a.m. Worship and Music Committee ……………………….. Parlor The Third Tuesday Book Discussion Group will meet in the Parlor at 11:30 a.m. on September 20. The focus of their discussion this month is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.
