Join Us for Breakfast - Sunday, April 12, 8:30-10:30 AM. TOURS at Ten. Pickleball is at FPC! It s a new recreational pickleball group.

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1 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH {xtüà Éy à{x v àç The Broadcaster April g A Monthly Publication of The First Presbyterian Church g Volume 44, No. 4 First Presbyterian Church 1702 Iowa Street Davenport, Iowa fpcdavenport.org Kids Against Hunger -- Coming Again in April! An International Mission Opportunity for All to Support Young Adults: Calling all adults in their 20 s through 49! Friday, April 17, 5:30 to 7:00 PM Our April function will be Minute To Win It (be ready to laugh!) and will take place on Friday, April 17 from 5:30-7:00 PM. There will be childcare upstairs in the nursery and we will open the gym for older youth (they will have supervision I promise). Dinner this night will be a Finger Foods potluck think sliders, taquitos, fried cheese sticks, chicken wings, chips, dips, and countless desserts! If it can be scooped up with the fingers, that s what we want you to bring! Let Tiffany (horvath@fpcdavenport.org) know if you can come and if you will need childcare! Little Dresses for Africa sewing party Sunday, April 19, 12:00 NOON to 2:00 PM SIGN-UP SOON! Packing Sessions: April The sixth annual Kids Against Hunger drive will take place from April at First Pres. The Quad-Cities chapter will again host packaging sessions during which volunteers work on an assembly line (typically 12 people) to bag a special blend of rice, soy, dried vegetables and vitamins for delivery to a coordinating organization in a foreign country. Each bag, when cooked with boiling water, will provide six servings to a family in need. During the past five events at First Pres, more than 70,000 meals were packaged! Multiple packaging sessions will be held between April 26 and 28. The cost to participate in a packaging event is $30/person. Scholarships are also available for those who cannot afford the $30 to participate. Recruit or join a team and invite your friends. Or if you are unable to attend, consider contributing toward someone else s scholarship. SIGN-UP opportunities will be provided between services in Fellowship Hall during April, or contact Deacon Craig Foster ( , cfoster871@mchsi.com). Don't miss this chance to do international mission without even having to leave the church building! An invitation is extended to all sewers who would like to sew some simple dresses and shorts to join us for the sewing party on Sunday, April 19, in Fellowship Hall from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Please bring your own sewing machines and invite your friends. If you have any questions about this outreach project, call Roen Paulsen ( ). Holy Week Maundy Thursday, April 2 Service at 7:30 PM Maundy Thursday is the anniversary celebration of the institution of The Lord s Supper. The worship service will include the Sacrament of Communion. The Chamber Chorale will lead in worship through song. Good Friday, April 3 Service of Tenebrae at 7:30 PM This service provides an opportunity to meditate on the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ. The service includes scriptures, prayers, and music of the Passion featuring the Sanctuary Choir, the Cecelian Carolers, the Vesper Bells and orchestra. Easter Sunday, April 5 Services at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM A celebration of the Resurrection Joy! Easter Sunday special music will be provided by the Celebration Singers and the Sanctuary Choir. The music will include 100 voices singing the traditional Handel s Messiah Hallelujah Chorus! First Presbyterian Church g 1702 Iowa Street g Davenport, Iowa g g fpcdavenport.org

2 Pastor s Column and Congregational Development & Fellowship Out the Study Window That s Why We re Here It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Famous words penned by another author, in a book many of us cannot even remember. But they are words that describe very well the experiences of many Christians around the world today. In terms of the best of times, many members and leaders Rev. Richard E. Miller in our church have studied and prayed together during Lent in small groups and it has been an insightful and joyous experience. In terms of the worst of times, we have also journeyed through Lent reading article after article describing the slaughter of Christians in Syria and the Middle East as Isis wreaks havoc. It is hard to find sufficient words to describe the experiences that some are going through. Devastating, gut-wrenching, horrific, agonizing, hopeless, helpless, disheartening, insurmountable, unbelievable, shocking,... with the volume on all of these turned up to apocalyptic levels. But fortunately, these aren't the last words for Christians. I am always amazed how God is the source of all consolation; God comforts us as we struggle with these truly difficult trials that come. Every year our church participates with other Denominations in the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering. Christians from all around the world give to this offering, and this year I know there is a cry for us to send aid to Christians in Syria and the Middle East as a way of giving them hope in their darkest hours. We are reminded that Jesus' death on the cross, his resurrection from the dead, our baptism and our faith in him means that we will never remain without hope. God truly speaks to us, heals us, strengthens us, and shows us how to be the Body of Christ for each other; to support and care for each other. That is an important distinction. We don't just care about each other. That's too distant, too unfeeling, too easy, and not real. We care FOR each other. Do you see the difference? To care ABOUT something or someone, makes us feel good but does nothing for the person in need. But to care FOR someone, well, that's where Jesus comes into the situation and calls us to be there with him. To care FOR each other. That is what we do. That is who we are. That's why we're here. So, as you give of yourself and care for others, think about giving to the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering. May you have a blessed Easter, peace, and a real sense of God's presence. Join Us for Breakfast - Sunday, April 12, 8:30-10:30 AM Join us for Manna & More, our fellowship breakfast. We will be serving pancakes, egg casserole, cinnamon rolls, fruit and beverages. The cost is $3 for adults and $1 for children 10 and younger. We look forward to seeing you there! TOURS at Ten Sunday, April 12, 10:00 AM Join us for a tour of the church! We encourage guests, visitors and those new to the church to join the Hospitality and Welcoming Committee at the back of the Sanctuary for the tour. We start with a brief tour of the Sanctuary and follow through to the educational wing of the building. We will finish up with coffee and questions in Fellowship Hall. Pickleball is at FPC! It s a new recreational pickleball group. Maybe you are an experienced player or maybe you are just interested in learning more and trying out the game. Either way, we have you covered! We have extra equipment for those just getting started. We will be playing on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00-11:00 AM in the church gym. For more information, please contact Diane Schroder ( ) or David Fairweather ( ). Travel Fellowship - Lincoln Day Trip! Saturday, April 18, 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM, Springfield, Illinois Travel with friends from First Presbyterian to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. The FPC Congregational Development and Fellowship Committee has planned a full day coach trip with group admissions to Lincoln s Springfield home and the most visited US Presidential Library and Museum. It s all planned and reserved. The cost is: $59 per adult and $39 per child (8-14 yrs. no younger children allowed). Coach/tour tickets are non-refundable, but transferable. All transportation and admissions included. You may register online (visit the church website). Coach will depart church parking lot 7:00 AM and return at 9:30 PM. Comfort stop in morning, dinner stop in evening. There are only a few seats left, please call Congregational Development & Fellowship Committee contact person, Linda Meadors ( ), for more information. Socializers Manna & More BTC Book Club - Monday, April 20, 12:30 PM, Book Club will meet for dessert and fellowship, and continue every third Monday of the month in the Parlor. The book to be discussed is Aviator s Wife by Melanie Benjamin. Everyone is welcome. If you have questions, contact Lynda Shawver ( ). Saturday, April 25 at 6:00 PM Weather Gods are Angry! What will summer be like? Join us when meteorologist Donna Duhberke, from the National Weather Service at the Davenport Airport, tells us why the winter was very bad and hopefully will have some encouraging forecasts for this summer. Donna will also briefly describe the role of the Weather Service and gladly answer questions. Everyone is invited! We will meet and greet at 6:00 PM in Fellowship Hall and then enjoy the sumptuous Socializer Potluck before the program starts (please bring a dish to pass). Your hosts are Ella and Dennis Johns ( ) and Marlene and Bob Gaston ( ). 2 THE BROADCASTER APRIL

3 Connect with Adult Christian Education (ACE) Programs at FPC! ACE Programs - Sundays, 10:00 AM in Von Maur Hall April 5: ACE will be in recess. Celebrate the resurrection joy on Easter Sunday! April 12, 19 & 26: Wired Word Returns Discussions relevant to modern Christian living. The Wired Word curriculum is based on today s big news events! Lessons are designed to spark discussion about major news stories and bring our Christian perspective to the issues. Comparative Religion - Tuesdays, 10:30 AM, in the Parlor This video series explores the many similarities that link all religions as well as major differences among the world's religious traditions. The course will look at how religions develop and utilize notions of sacred time, space, objects, people and texts as well as religious rituals, conceptualizations of divinity, the nature of the human predicament and the paths to overcoming it. Most points of comparison are drawn from Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. For information, contact Connie Richardson ( or thedottedi@aol.com). Adult Christian Education & Welcome New Members Welcome! The following new members of First Presbyterian joined in November and. They look to the congregation to help them become oriented and involved. Make it a point to get to know these wonderful people. Melissa Calhoun lives in Rock Island, Illinois, with her husband Jeff. She is employed as a tutor by Spoon River College in Canton, Illinois, and by the Family Violence Coordinating Council as a coordinator. She has served as an Elder at Macomb First Presbyterian in Macomb, Illinois. She also volunteers with many organizations, which include: the Genesis Garden, Soup and More Community Meal Afterschool Program, Public Action to Deliver (PADS) Homeless Shelter, and Community Garden. In her free time she enjoys reading and gardening. Renea Ferkel was baptized at First Pres. She is a customer service representative at MidAmerican Energy. Josh Ferkel is employed as a sheet metal worker at Schebler. He enjoys hunting in his spare time and volunteers with the City of Buffalo Fire Department. Their son Colt was baptized at FPC on November 9,. Elliott McDonald III is the son of member Elliott Jack McDonald, Jr. He is an attorney with McDonald, Woodward and Carlson, P.C. He has served as an Elder at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Davenport. In his free time he enjoys playing tennis and plays trombone in two local bands. Allison Nisbett comes to Iowa from Wheaton, Illinois and is a full time student at Palmer College of Chiropractic. In her free time, she enjoys piano, knitting, reading, running and yoga. She volunteers with the Palmer College Campus Guides. Abby Dillingham-Scales is married to Jeremy and is full time mom to their three daughters, Ella, 11, Merritt, 7, and Rowan, 2. She volunteers at their school and has been teaching Sunday School at First Pres. since September,. In her free time enjoys reading. Jeremy Scales is a pilot for John Deere. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, watching basketball, baseball and football. Pamela Wolfe has been a regular visitor at First Pres. for several years. She is employed as a customer service representative at APAC Customer Service. In her spare time, she likes reading, music and being with people. When she lived in Minnesota she enjoyed being part of a Christian singing group for eight years. Library Latest You can now search the church library contents from the church website! Go to the Resources pull-down menu to Library, there you can search a variety of methods such as author, title, subject, keyword. So go check it out! Kathy Yoke, a Child Care Consultant with Child Care Resources and Referral of Southeast Iowa, has donated books on parenting. They include: Non-fiction: Let Them Play: An early learning curriculum by Brault Children With Challenging Behavior, Strategies for Reflective Thinking Walking on Eggshells: Navigating the delicate relationship between adult children and parents Fiction: The Kissing Hand by Penn - A book that helps young children find the courage to experience new situations In addition, these have been newly purchased by the Library Committee. Non-fiction: The Berlin Candy Bomber by Halvorsen (Written by the pilot who began the airdrop of candy). Dead Wake: The Sinking of the Lusitania by Larson Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Gawande All Joy and No Fun by Senior The Paradox of Modern Parenthood Einstein Never Used Flash Cards by Hirsh-Pasek Fiction: All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel by Doerr THE BROADCASTER APRIL 3

4 It s All About the Kids! Upcoming CEFY (Christian Education & Fellowship for Youth) Activities and Musikgarten Pictures! Kirkwood Club: On April 1, we are going to do an Easter craft together, and on April 8 we are going to play, One-Footed, Blind-Folded, Peanut Butter Lifesaver Picker Upper! April 15 will be our last Kirkwood Club and Kirkwood Choir for the year we are going to have a PARTY and open gym time! Kirkwood Club is for youth 1 st through 5 th grade and meets on Wednesdays through April 15, from 6:30-7:15 PM. ACT and EPIC and Confirmation: There is no Youth Group on Sunday, April 5 -- enjoy the Celebration of Easter. On April 12, and 19 we will be working on Youth Sunday. On April 26 we will be participating in Kids Against Hunger. Kids Against Hunger. Cost is $30 per person to participate, but PLEASE know that Deacons can help with this cost for anyone who needs it. KAH is a pretty amazing service project where we make meals to give to hungry children throughout the world. NOTE: We will be practicing for Youth Sunday on Saturday, May 2 from 1:00-3:00 PM in the Sanctuary and Youth Sunday is May 3. This is also Confirmation Sunday everyone needs to be here! For more information about youth groups at FPC, please contact Tiffany Horvath (horvath@ fpcdavenport.org). THANKS! Sunday School Teacher Recognition will take place on Sunday, April 19. If you have taught Sunday School or Youth Group ANY time over the past year, please make plans to attend either service this Sunday and get recognized for your invaluable contribution to the youth of our church. Sunday School: There will be no Sunday School on April 5, enjoy the Celebration of Easter. Sunday School will be at its regular time on April 12, 19 and 26. Tiffany s Epiphany: If you need an ark to save two of every animal, I no-ah guy. 4 THE BROADCASTER APRIL

5 CARING F O R SEL F A ND OT HE R S Ministries of the Board of Deacons Pastoral Care & Spiritual Development Committee Men of First Pres.: ALL ABOARD! It s the Spring Men s Breakfast on Saturday, April 11, 8:00 AM CONG R E G AT I O N N EW S Save the date to ride the rails on the City of New Orleans and visit the WWII museum in New Orleans. The Spring Men s Breakfast on Saturday, April 11, will feature Linda Meadors guiding us on a trip to New Orleans on the newly restored Pullman Train cars as well as visit the WWII museum. Join us in Fellowship Hall at 8:00 AM on April 11. The cost is only $4. Sign-up between Sunday services in Fellowship Hall. For more information, please contact Steve Earp ( ). Women of Hope Bible Study - Wednesdays, April 15 & 29, 10:00 AM The Women of Hope Bible Study meets on Wednesdays, April 15 & 29, in Von Maur Hall at 10:00 AM. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Rev. Kristy Parker ( ). Prayer Vigil at FPC for Victims of Gun Violence Sunday, April 26, 7:00 PM Join with fellow Christians from our PUNCH churches for a prayer vigil at First Pres., April 26, from 7:00-7:30 PM. Please use the porte cochere entrance by the west parking lot. We will pray for people in our country, and for families and friends who are victims of gun violence. Let us pray for God s healing for victims, and let us bear witness to the senseless violence in our country. One Day at First Presbyterian Church Project - We are collecting short narratives from church members singling out one day never to be forgotten by that church member. Church member submissions will potentially be included in our book! Blank forms are available in the church office and at the Welcome Desk. Linda Meadors, Heritage Committee Chairperson, shares her one day memory as an example: The one day in my First Presbyterian Church life which I will never forget was September 11, I was home alone when I learned of the tragedy in New York City, Washington, D.C., and the hijacked flights. After calling my family members who all live out of town, I immediately drove to the church to seek comfort from our clergy and other members. A special worship service was organized for the evening and I felt God s presence as we tried to understand what had occurred and what the future might bring. NOTE: You may also your One Day at FPC memory to Carolyn Draper-Math (cdraper@q.com). Financial Summary for the month of Actual Budget Actual Budget General Income 92,622 66,269 68,840 57,891 Custodial Accounts Income 7,990-6,998 General Expenses 75,248 78,610 82,241 80,412 Custodial Accounts Expenses 7,990-6,998 - Surplus (Deficit) 17,374 (12,341) (13,401) (22,521) Actual Budget Actual Budget General Income 202, , , ,582 Custodial Accounts Income 17,422-41,817 - General Expenses 146, , , ,339 Custodial Accounts Expenses 17,422-41,817 - Surplus (Deficit) 56,220 23,962 38,252 26,243 Member News - The congregation marks the following occasions in the lives of those who make up our community. Death: Jack Hudson - March 4, Make a Note of it... Church Government & Personnel Open Forum will me on April 12, at 10:00 AM To foster open communication, the Church Government & Personnel Committee will be available for church members to bring them any concerns they may have at 10:00 AM, Sunday, April 12, in Room 105 (next to the gym). Newsletter Schedule: Articles for the May Broadcaster newsletter need to be submitted to Diane Pumphrey (pumphrey@ fpcdavenport.org) by April 15. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH {xtüà Éy à{x v àç The Broadcaster: This newsletter is a monthly publication of First Presbyterian Church of Davenport, IA First Presbyterian Church Staff: The Rev. Richard Miller Pastor The Rev. Sue Howes Associate Pastor Emerita The Rev. Kristy Parker Parish Associate Steven R. Jobman Minister of Music Tiffany Horvath Director of Christian Education Ahreum Han Congdon Principal Organist & Assistant Director of Music Linda Bengfort* Assistant Choral Director & Accompanist Adam Page* Youth & Instrumental Music Leader Shannon M. Gruhlke, CM Finance & Facilities Manager Lauren Browne* Accounting Assistant Diane Pumphrey Office & Communications Manager Tammy Mayhew Membership & Pastoral Care Coordinator Rebecca Muhammad Administrative Coordinator Kerri Peterson* Wedding Coordinator Jessie Munn* Nursery Coordinator Georgia Roberts Dave Spaulding Kevin Wilson* Chad Dean* * Part-time employee First Presbyterian Church 1702 Iowa Street Davenport, Iowa Phone: Fax: Handicapped Services: First Church is handicapped accessible via the elevator entrances on the west side of the building. Childcare: Nurseries for infants through four-year-olds are provided in the Folwell Education Center (3 rd floor of the Christian Education Building) during Sunday services. THE BROADCASTER APRIL 5

6 First Presbyterian Church 1702 Iowa Street Davenport, IA Nonprofit Org US Postage PAID Davenport, IA Permit 15 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED PLACE LABEL HERE Find First Presbyterian Church on FACEBOOK, then like us! That s right! Find out all the latest FPC news on the church s Facebook page. Follow the link on the church web page at Do you love to see pictures of recent church events? Yes, I want to see more! Then visit the church s Facebook page were you can see all of the most recent pictures to like and to share! New Member Inquirer s Events Anyone who has considered membership at First Presbyterian Church is invited to attend the next New Member Inquiry on Sunday, April 19, at 12:15 PM in the church Parlor. This is an informational meeting that provides a time for prospective members to ask questions about First Presbyterian Church. Refreshments will be served. On Monday, April 20, at 7:00 PM, those who have chosen to become members are invited to Fellowship Hall to meet and be greeted by church Elders and Pastor. Attendance at this event is required if you wish to become a church member. If you cannot attend this required event please let the Pastor know ASAP. Sunday, April 26, is New Member Sunday. At that time new members will be welcomed by the Congregation at the 9:00 AM worship service and briefly introduced at the 11:00 service with a reception at 10:00 AM in Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions about becoming a member of First Presbyterian Church, please contact Tammy Mayhew ( or mayhew@fpcdavenport.org). Adopt a Flower Bed The Landscaping Committee, often called The On Bended Knee Committee, is looking for at least nine volunteers to adopt one of the nine flower beds surrounding the church. The adoption would involve spring clean-up, mulching (paid for by the Landscape Committee), weeding during the growing season, and fall clean-up. A knowledgeable church member would be available for consulting on any specific questions regarding pruning, weeding, etc. The committee is also looking for three individuals to keep the outdoor planters filled with seasonal materials. Here is a chance to use your creative side! Please contact the church s Finance & Facilities Manager, Shannon Gruhlke (gruhlke@fpcdavenport.org; ) if you are interested in volunteering for this ministry. Sunday Services at First Presbyterian Church are at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM. Childcare is provided.