AN EDWARDS EPISTLE G. the Ambassador 1 First Presbyterian Church

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1 the Ambassador 1 First Presbyterian Church Pastor B. Gordon Edwards Associate Pastor Leah R. Hrachovec Director of Youth & Family Ministries Jenna Campbell Youth Ministry Assistant Wyeth Leslie Older Adult Ministry Coordinator Margy Knox University Coordinator Jill Chancellor Director of Music & Chancel Choir Heather Lanners Organist Rebecca G. te Velde Church Administrator Cathy Fairbanks Financial Secretary Dallas Barnes Christian Education Assistant Lucy Newlin Custodian Mike Flowers Childcare Coordinator Kristen Kulling Building Supervisor Peter Thomas Church Office MAIN: (405) FAX: (405) Web Address AN EDWARDS EPISTLE G race and peace to you in our Lord Jesus Christ from Jerusalem! As I write to you, the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the Israeli soldier captured by Hamas is happening. The BBC was reporting the news as I was eating breakfast. There is much joy with this event. Yet, the Holy Land is filled with walls and boundaries, with guards and tension, with checkpoints and visible signs of security. Several persons have described their lives as being in a prison and the desire for a life of freedom from anxiety, limitations, fear, animosity, and depression. As one of the Lutheran pastors has expressed to me, As Christians, we are to proclaim a message of hope. It is not the wall that surrounds us and limits our movement that is important; what is important are the walls we build within ourselves. The Christian schools here are intentional in developing relationships between people of different faith traditions. In a secular, private school I visited yesterday, there is The Tree of Character standing on the stairwell where every student passes several times a day. Each week in the opening assembly on Monday, a moral value is added as a leaf to the tree. I saw leaves of love, forgiveness, optimism, respect, kindness, etc. This kindergarten and elementary school serves Palestinian children from some of the needier families. My voice quivered as the 6th grade class sang in English, We Shall Overcome We Shall Live in Peace Someday. Christian congregations and institutions seek to find ways to share the hope we know in God who continues to transform our lives and the world around us. Last week I was at the Environmental Education Center, next to the Talitha Kumi School (bonus points for anyone who can remember the significance of this school s name). Here they band birds each Friday morning and release them with students from the West Bank. They discuss the statement: Migratory birds know no boundaries. They have had reports that some of the birds migrated to Poland in a month. They are reminded that their spirits are like birds which are free to cross walls and boundaries in search for peace and for life. May we be filled with the Spirit who lifts us in the hope and joy of the grace and love of Christ for the world and continues to be at work transforming the world as it transforms each of us! Thank you for this opportunity to see God at work among these people. Grace and Peace!

2 the Ambassador 2 First Presbyterian Church PRAYER CONCERNS Prayer does not fit us for the greater work, prayer is the greater work. - Oswald Chambers Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire? - Corrie Ten Boom Jean Ames Jana Allen Kay Baker Sarah Barr (G. Smith) Twink Barr (G. Smith) Will Barr (G. Smith) Bill Beindorf (Gumm) Steve Bender (Arquitt) Julie Bills LeNell Bowen (Myers) Glen Boyer (A. Houston) Wanda Bradley Chowning Brake (Brake) Robert Branson (Frohock) Abbey Brown (Simpson) Sharon Cape (Shaw) Keenan Carter (Kraemer) Lanna Carter (Boyer) Susie Causley Audley Cavanaugh (Alspach) Allison Christy (Breuninger) Abby Clapp (Clapp) Mike Clemens (Clemens) Lisa Cook Don Cooper Dan Condit (Carter/Shaw) Sharon Corley (Corley) Sue Cornish (Stiegler) Rick Coutant (Olson) Mildred Crayton (Ward) Anita Davis (Kelly/Myers) Pete Davis Pat Dorr Bill Eason Lori Fagan Eryn Fawcett (Stone) Will Foubert (Wilkinson) Stella Gelder (Gelder) Robert Gibson Bud Gray (Breuninger) Hunter Griffin (Jones) Barbara Gunter (Edwards) Norma Hall Adelia Hanson (Bruce) Karl Harman (Schlais) Dorothy Hayes (Piersall) Nelda Hershberger (Knox) Keith Humphrey (Good) Jim Huwe (Baker) Shannon James (Stone) Kim Jenkins (PW Bowling) Charles Johnson June Johnson Cindy Johnston (Myers/Kelly) Noah Kiser (Reding) Sarah Krivy (Hensley) Suzi Kucko (Woods) Jim Leonard (Plaxico) John Lowrey (Houston) Todd Lowry (Anaya/Boyer) Tom Lutjens (Beckstrom) Ray & Helen Matoy Bob McGaw (McGaw) Rhonda McKee (Wilkinson) Philip Meadows Melvin Miller (Miller) Laura Mitchell (Kulling) Nicole Montgomery (Nipp) Bob Neal (B. Phillips) Cindy Nelson Jean & Tom Pogue (Schlais) Bill Raun (Stiegler) Pat Razook Jim Rex (Rex) Jack Riley Paul Roach (Brosi) Leslie Roark (Frohock) Mercedes Rogers (McGaw) Betty Scott Steve Shedrick (Gumm) David Smith (Cooper) Grace Smith Mary Lee Smith (Parsons) Naomi Stevenson (A. Houston) Gerald Stotts Betty Stratton Bob & Jenny Tanton (A. Houston) Gayle Thomas Rhonda Tolliver (Newlin) Dan Tripp (Baker) Don Tripp (Baker) Charles Walker Lucille Wickstead Nona Wilhm (PW Bowling) Roland Wilkinson (Wilkinson) Tracy Wilkinson (Aresco) Lynn Witzen (Stewart) Cathey Wollenberg (Ewing) LARGER CHURCH: Latin America and the Caribbean Synod of Puerto Rico Synod of the Rocky Mountains (CO, MT, UT, WY) SORROW Danielle Haury in the death of her grandfather, Ray Sandell Chris Murphy in the death of her father, Arvid Nordman Family of Angela Spencer Ray & Donna Riley in the death of their daughter Michelle Family of Lori Jo Knoles Margie Keener in the death of her uncle The family of Jim Struthers BIRTHS October 4 Arthur Cash Holland son of Shieloh & Evan Holland grandson of Judy & Gary Holland BAPTISM Aria Elizabeth Blessing, daughter of Sara & Terry, was recently baptized at Sara s home church in Iowa. MARRIAGE Kelly Litherland & Joshua Grantham October 15 at FPC STAFF NEWS Pastor Gordon Edwards is out of the office on sabbatical leave through November 13 Director of Youth & Family Ministry Jenna Campbell will be out of the office November leading a retreat for youth leaders at Dwight Mission. Names in parentheses indicate the church family member requesting prayer for a non-member. Please notify the church office if persons may be removed from the Prayer List. Thanks!

3 the Ambassador 3 First Presbyterian Church IN THE SERVICE Members & family members of our church family who have been deployed in service to our country: SPC Micheal Casteel (SPD) SGT Anthony Gillilan (Savage) CPT Adam Headrick (Osborn) SGT William Hedrick (Savage) SGT Ricardo Inciarte (SPD) LTC Shannon Jordan (SPD) MAJ Lee North SPC Joshua Taff (E. Williams) CPT Mark Weber (Arquitt) MG Tod Wolters (Wolters) (If you also have family members who are serving, please call the office with their names to be included in our prayer list, here and in the weekly bulletin) IN MEMORIAM James R. Struthers Installed as Pastor of First Presbyterian Church June 4, 1961 Entered the Church Triumphant September 21, 2011 Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me shall never die. PASTOR JIM STRUTHERS A reception was held celebrating the life and ministries of Rev. Dr. James Roy Struthers ( Jim ) on Saturday, October 1, in Fellowship Hall. Dr. Struthers was born in Detroit, Michigan, May 8, 1924, to Roy James and Mable Struthers. He graduated from Albion College, Albion, Michigan, where he met his future wife Jane Harrison. Jim and Jane were married from June 7, 1946 until Jane s death in October He served as a medic in World War II in Germany where his division helped with the liberation of Buchenwald Concentration Camp. His experiences in the service influenced his decision to enter the ministry. Struthers received a B.D. degree from McCormick Seminary in Chicago in Later he was awarded a Doctorate of Ministry. After serving pastorates in Oklahoma and Texas, he was called to serve as Pastor in May 1961 of First Presbyterian Church in Stillwater, where he served for 28 years. Following retirement, he became Executive Presbyter of the Cimarron Presbytery for 13 years and remained active in the Stillwater community. He married Gladeen Burris Allred on December 27, Pastor Gordon Edwards shared his thoughts about Jim s passing: I have had the privilege of succeeding Jim in two pastorates: once removed at St. Barnabas Presbyterian Church in Richardson, Texas, where Jim was the first installed Pastor, and then here in Stillwater. Jim was a committed reformed Presbyterian who developed a strong sense of being members of Christ's Body, members alongside one another. Both congregations have a sound base upon which Christ's ministry is built and shared. I am grateful that Jim provided this foundation of the connectional church - in a worldwide sense as well as in a local congregation. His volunteer service as Executive Presbyter in Cimarron Presbytery is one excellent example of his understanding, his theology of The Church. In these years in Stillwater, Jim has maintained this quality of mutual respect and I give thanks to God for his faithful discipleship seeking to strengthen the Body of Christ, the Church. Thanks be to God! He is survived by his wife, Gladeen, and two daughters, Susan Schelbar and Wende Struthers; two sons, Craig Struthers and his wife Lorrie and James H. Struthers and his wife Lisa; six grandchildren, Brynna Schelbar, Kylee Schelbar Joyce and Kevin Joyce, Rebecca Struthers Valluzzo and Nick Valluzzo, Brent Struthers, and Rachele and Andrew Struthers; great grandson Owen Joyce; and two stepsons, Brett Allred and Lance Allred. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma State University Foundation, PO Box 1749, Stillwater, OK 74076, for the Jane Harrison Struthers Memorial Scholarship.

4 the Ambassador 4 First Presbyterian Church TRAINING OF NEW CHURCH OFFICERS - NOVEMBER Church Officer Training for new officers is Saturday, November 19, 8:30 a.m.-noon, and Sunday, November 20, 12:30-4:00 p.m. in South Fellowship Hall. Returning officers are requested to join the new officers from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday to get to know the new officers and review duties and assignments. The following individuals have been elected to serve terms as Elders, Deacons, and Trustees beginning January 1, 2012: ELDERS (3-year terms) Dennis Ferrell Margie Keener Margy Knox Jim Showalter Ted Smith Connie Stiegler Lynn Wenig Mike Woods Marc Major (Youth Elder - 1-yr. term) DEACONS (3-year terms) Beth Atess Donna Clark Gerrit Cuperus Judy Ferrell Anabel Mendoza Phyllis Taylor Brandi White Missy Wilkinson Karsten Wilkinson (Youth Deacon - 1-yr term) TRUSTEES K. Cohlmia Tony Wilkinson Tim Schlais (completing 1-year term) The following have been elected to serve on the 2012 NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Tracy Carter Heather Lanners Larry Perkins Rusty Rex John te Velde TALENT SHOW FOLLOW-UP: IT S A HIT!!! Sunday, October 2, First Presbyterian Church had its first ever FPC'S GOT TALENT show! The evening was a huge success thanks to the talented entertainers' very unique acts and to Emcee Quinn Baldwin who kept things moving while building up the crowd for the next act. Our receptive audience gave huge applause and was quick to show its surprise and enjoyment at the many hidden talents, some being observed for the first time! The most unusual act was John Gelder and Eli Johnson playing Star Wars by blowing into their smart-phones! The most surprising act was drummer Bo Frohock's band from the 60's! The twenty participants ranging from first grade to retired included Eli Parsons, Ella Parsons, Benjamin Lanners, Nick Gedra, Thad Leffingwell, Bennett Frohock, Bo Frohock, Rich Frohock, Nat Cooper, Quinn Baldwin, Isaac Johnson, Jenna Fowler, Claire Leffingwell, Jeff Jaynes, Missy Wilkinson, Jackie Mitts, Natalie Mitts, Eli Johnson, John Gelder, and Donna Clark. Many attendees commented that the evening should become an annual affair! GET THE AMBASSADOR IN A FLASH! HOW? Contact Cathy Fairbanks fpchurch1889@swbell.net or FELLOWSHIP Satisfaction guaranteed, or we ll switch you back! All University students (Presbyterian or not!) are invited to join in any of our fellowship and study opportunities. Whether you are interested in an in-depth Bible study or just some time to meet other students and talk about life and faith, there s a place for you here. Tuesday Night Bible Study is every Tuesday evening from 8:15-9:15 p.m. (except the first Tuesday of the month) at the OSU Library Café. We explore the book of Luke using N.T. Wright s Luke for Everyone. Desserts and drinks are on us! Lunch Out is Sunday, October 30 immediately after the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Meet up with other students at the Information Center outside the Sanctuary, and we ll decide where to have lunch. Lunch cost is covered for students. Congregation members are welcome to attend. Movie Night is Tuesday, November 1. Enjoy a great homemade dinner and the film Hereafter (2010), starring Matt Damon. Held at Nat & Leah s house. Call the church or Lhrachovec@swbell.net for details.

5 the Ambassador 5 First Presbyterian Church FROM THE MAIL BOX: Dear Church Family, Thank you for the beautiful Prayer Shawl. It was a wonderful surprise to receive it at the hospital. I could feel the love as soon as I put it on. Thank you so much. I can t wait for you all to meet little Steven Cornelius. - Toni, John, and Steven Cornelius On behalf of Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency I want to thank you for your generous contribution of $1000. Your gifts were designated for the Mission of Hope which provides for the needs of the homeless and transitioning population of the community. Your support enables COCAA to fulfill our mission of helping people, changing lives, and building communities. COCAA staff strives to build mutual respect and trust, treat all with integrity, establish open and honest communication, enhance community partnerships and serve with excellence. My best regards, -Clarissa Sydnor Executive Director, Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and participants of the LIFE Center, I want to thank you for your recent donation. The Center continues to grow, and contributions such as this are an important and reliable source of needed funds. There has been an increase in people in need of services who are not able to pay the $7.50 an hour and do not qualify for other forms of assistance. Such donations help the Center to be able to serve individuals in the community regardless of ability to pay. Be assured that we will use your donation to continue to provide quality services for older disabled adults in our community. Thank you for the care and support you provide individuals and organizations in the Stillwater community. - Jacqui Sanders Lutterbie Executive Director, LIFE Center Thank you for once again making your exceptional facilities available for the recent step forward with the Bridges Out of Poverty initiative in our community. We had 150 people registered for the September 22 one-day workshop. There were many comments on the comfort and ambiance of the Fellowship Hall building. The complimentary use of your facility was a huge contribution toward making this event possible. Lucy Newlin was great to work with, as were others from the church that also gave of their time. We are grateful for your church s interest in the quest to work with others to alleviate and prevent poverty in our city. This workshop was an education and awareness component that helped equip attendees in the core constructs and strategies of Bridges Out of Poverty. I look forward to the developing relationship with First Presbyterian church that is already making a long-lasting difference in people s lives. Thanks again for your support and encouragement! - Quinn Schipper Executive Director, Stillwater C.A.R.E.S. Cathy, Lucy, Gordon, Joe, Margy, Jenna, Dorothy, and all involved with The Morning Prayer Group! - Thank you so much for the kind card and positive thoughts and prayers! It means the world to us in Afghanistan! Warmest regards, - Tod Wolters (Editor s note: Major General Tod Wolters is the son of First Presbyterian member Donna Wolters.) Specializing in Fairly Traded Coffee ~ Gifts ~ Olive Oil ~ Jewelry ~ Accessories ~ Cocoa Open each Sunday between and after Worship. Weekdays with Staff assistance. NEW! ON THE CHILDREN S CARREL Christmas is right around the corner, and we have received some Christmas-themed books as gifts: The Christmas Star by Marcus Pfister The Story of the Three Wise Kings retold and illustrated by Tomie depaola We Three Kings illustrated by Olga Zharkova

6 the Ambassador 6 First Presbyterian Church SPIRITLINK!!! (for grades 1-5) SpiritLink students meet in the new Westminster Room (formerly the chapel) at 9:30 each Sunday to link-up for classes. Heather Lanners has been teaching us some fun (and some crazy!) new songs to start us off each Sunday! All elementary school students (grades 1-5) are invited to join us. October 23: Celebration Sunday! Noah and the Rainbow Promise 9:30-10:45 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room All parents, younger siblings, and all church members and friends are invited to join SpiritLink classes to celebrate Noah and the Rainbow Promise! Children will present their Rainbow Promise shirts, talk about how BIG Noah s ark must have been, sing songs, and relate the story of God s promises to Noah and to us. Snacks provided. Next SpiritLink Unit: Some Son! God s Christmas Gift (October 30-December 4) The birth of Christ is the story of God giving us a gift we did not know we needed. Through this Christmas unit, we will come to understand God s Christmas gift better by exploring Jesus Son of titles: Son of God, Son of Man, Son of Joseph, Son of David, and Son of the World. In all workshops, we will celebrate and renew our hope through God s Gift of Jesus. A carpentry creation will help us relate to the human side of Jesus as the Son of Joseph. A special story illustrates how Jesus came as the Son of Man to seek out and save us. In the Nature workshop, we learn how we are a part of Jesus family through a Son of David Faith Family Tree project. In the Computer workshop, we will explore ways to share Christmas with others. SEASONED ADULTS Our last Gathering was really enjoyable. Bob and Barb Henderson shared their experiences with the Cimarron Presbytery s Mission Trip to the Czech Republic. We Stillwater Presbyterians are so blessed to have folks like the Hendersons who share their time and talent, not only with us, but with those in need outside of Stillwater, i.e. Czech Republic, Mexico, etc. Rib Crib catered our dinner and it was yummy. Our Thursday Bible Study is growing think about joining us. We study the lectionary for the next Sunday s worship service. Gordon and Leah are our leaders; however, with Gordon on Sabbatical, Leah is joining us each Thursday. Thank you Leah! SESSION SUMMARY The Session met in its Stated Meeting on Tuesday, October 11, with Acting Moderator Associate Pastor Leah Hrachovec opening the meeting with prayer. Kevin Shelton served as Acting Clerk for this meeting. The following items of business were conducted: Minutes of the September 13 stated session meeting and the October 2 called congregational meeting were approved. Whitney Brosi, Sharla Lovern, Mike and Cindy Melancon related their faith journeys, introduced their children and were received into church membership. The Parish Paper Why Do Smart Churches Make Dumb Decisions? was reviewed. The Stewardship Committee related plans for the October 16 Stewardship Sunday lunch and program. Stewardship packets are to be distributed at the lunch. The September membership report was accepted, indicating a current roll of 535 members. The current budget deficit of approximately $66,000 was discussed. Pledges are behind for the year to date and were overestimated at the beginning of the year. The Finance Committee has written letters to all church members. Finance is charged with presenting budget-balancing options to the Session in November. The Personnel Committee conducted annual staff reviews this fall with all full-time staff, with the exception of Pastor Gordon Edwards, whose evaluation will be completed after his sabbatical. The FPC s Got Talent night was celebrated as a great success in fellowship and fun. Cimarron Presbytery met on October 11. A summary of the meeting was reported to session members. John Dearinger put in a plug for the Abiding Bible Study Class led by Dan Grischkowsky. Over the past year they have lost some class members and this is an open invitation to join them. They meet at 9:45 a.m. in the Library every Sunday. A group of really nice people! Our next Gathering will be Monday, November 21 at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Heather Lanners and Friends will entertain us! Be sure you put us on your calendar! Please contact me if I can assist in some way. Blessings, Margy Knox

7 the Ambassador 7 First Presbyterian Church PYG CALENDAR October 23 5:00-6:30p PYG 24 7:00-9:00p Sr. Hi Small Group 26 5:30-7:00p Mid High Small Group 30 5:00-6:30p PYG 31 6:00-8:00p Trick or Treat for Food Banks November 2 DEADLINE! Register for Heifer Ranch Trip 6 5:00-6:30p PYG 9 5:30-7:00p Mid High Small Group :00p-8:00a Lock-In 13 No PYG :30a-6:30p Heifer Ranch Trip 27 No PYG Happy Thanksgiving! 30 5:30-7:00p Mid High Small Group LET S DO LUNCH! Look for Jenna and Wyeth on the following Mondays at your schools! Middle School - November 7 Junior High - October 31 and November 28 High School - Come to Ramen Noodle Day in the Hospitality Area, November 14 and 21 PRESBYTERIAN YOUTH GROUP (PYG) For all Youth grades 6-12 Youth Suite (2nd floor) Sundays, 5:00-6:30 p.m. PYG is a time for youth to explore faith in community together. At PYG, youth can expect music, snacks, games, group building activities, hanging-out time (relaxed discussion), Bible study, and prayer. Service and mission, retreats, and trips are also offered throughout the year. PYG TRICK OR TREAT FOR FOOD BANKS Monday, October 31, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Meet in the Youth Suite Wear your cute, scary, funny, or downright strange costume and we ll kick off the evening with a fun Halloween party with yummy Halloween treats. Then we ll head out into the neighborhoods of Stillwater to Trick or Treat. But not for candy - we ll be trick or treating for non-perishable food. All the food we collect will go to help stock local food pantries. Happy Halloween! SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDIES Are you ready to strengthen relationships, learn more about scriptures, and deepen the content and practice of your faith? Our small group ministry is dedicated to these kinds of goals. Regardless of who you are, you will benefit from committing to a small group of spiritual friends who will encourage you to: Read: Think: Pray: Live like our Lord Jesus. Mid High Small Group (6th-8th grades): 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Razook s house (5116 W. 8th). Sr. High Small Group (9th-12th grades): Monday October 24, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Cohlmia s (2807 S. Sangre) TECH TALK - POSTPONED Originally scheduled for Sunday, November 6, the Tech Talk event will be postponed until next year. YOUTH LOCK-IN November 11-12, 9:00 p.m.-8:00 a.m. Bring your friends and experience a night of fun, games, and fellowship. Please bring a snack to share. Beverages will be provided. YOUTH TRIP TO HEIFER RANCH November in Perryville, AR Registration DEADLINE: $43, FPC Permission Form, and Heifer Waiver due by Wednesday, November 2 Experience lifestyles from around the world and explore your cultural identity while examining issues of population, resource distribution, poverty, and hunger. Be inspired to take action in your own life that will positively impact the environment and the world around you. Find out more at We will leave from the FPC parking lot at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday and will return by 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. Permission forms and Heifer waivers, as well as a Heifer Ranch information form, can be found on the youth desk in the Youth Suite, on Lucy s door, or at

8 the Ambassador 8 First Presbyterian Church MONTHLY INCOME REPORT: STEWARDSHIP September 2011 Year to Date % of Budget Giving: $040,086) $358,240) Other Income: $001,357) $014,131) Total Income: $041,443) $372,371) Expenditures: ($055,228) ($438,595) Net Loss: ($013,785) ($066,224) The Stewardship Committee reminds everyone to prayerfully consider their 2012 pledge of time, talents, and finances, and asks you to give back to God as God has given to you. Please look at the blessings in your life and respond to God s love and grace in proportion to the blessings you have received. We have accomplished much in the last few years with all of our new construction and remodeling and have cleared many hurdles. One of our final hurdles is our operating budget. We are running a large deficit this year and need your help to eliminate the deficit for 2011 and get us on a more solid financial foundation for As you might expect, new ministries and expansion of our current ministries require more money. The Session will soon be setting the budget for There will likely be an increase of at least 10-15% in order to pay for our increased utility costs and to accomplish what we need to do. Please turn in your pledge card by Commitment Sunday, October 30. Remember that a pledge is your best estimate of giving and can be changed by filling out a new pledge card and returning it to our church accountant any time during the year. Again, we thank all of you for what you have accomplished in the last few years. We feel very blessed to have the opportunity to know and work with you. May the peace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you now and forever. Gary Franklin, Chair Stewardship Committee Expenditures are roughly on schedule; however receipts are currently behind about 6%. If you have questions regarding your giving statement, contact Dallas Barnes, FPC s Financial Secretary, at Dallas is an OSU student; his FALL 2011 office hours are 10:00 a.m. to Noon, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; and 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays. SPECIAL GIVING OF STOCK CONTRIBUTIONS If you are considering a special gift of stock to the church, please begin by contacting your own broker. Ask your broker to change the registration of the stock into First Presbyterian, Stillwater Oklahoma, and by electronic transfer deposit the stock into the church account. Please be advised that the process of changing the registration and electronic transfer takes a week to 10 days. Have your broker contact the church broker: Edward Jones - Judy Hull (405) S. Sangre Rd. Stillwater, OK From the Organist: AGO ORGAN RECITALS The Cimarron Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) will present two Members Recitals in the next two weeks: Sunday, October 23 at 4:00 p.m. First United Methodist Church, Perry Sunday, November 6 at 2:30 p.m. St. Andrew s Episcopal Church, Stillwater Admission is free to both concerts. Six organists will present a wide variety of music in the hour-long program, including the Toccata and Fugue in D Minor by J.S. Bach (Gerald Frank) and Carillon de Westminster by Louis Vierne (Rebecca te Velde). For more information, contact Becky te Velde (rgtevelde@brightok.net, ). FRIEND US ON FACEBOOK! First Presbyterian Church- Stillwater, OK

9 the Ambassador 9 First Presbyterian Church DEACONS CORNER Transforming Homes & Lives Energy Makeover Day is October 22. Energy Makeover Day is a program sponsored by Central Rural Electric Cooperative. On October 22, trained volunteers from FPC and other area churches will be retrofitting selected homes to reduce energy bills. Our volunteers will meet at CREC's training center at 8:00 a.m. that day to collect the necessary supplies. Food Offering During these times, your gifts of non-perishable food items to the shopping cart in the Narthex are more valuable and more appreciated than ever. The food is distributed to local agencies who help those in need. Suggested items to bring include canned meats, fruits, vegetables, soups, mac & cheese, peanut butter, powdered milk, pasta, baby food. Let s strive to fill the cart each week to assist our neighbors. Love Feast Help! Can you cook spaghetti, heat sauce and a vegetable or mix up some chili? Then you are qualified to be a Love Feast cook. Deacon Quinn Baldwin needs volunteers to do those tasks the afternoon of the 3rd Wednesday of the month. The supplies will be in the kitchen to accomplish the task. Then other volunteers arrive after 5:00 p.m. to pick up the meal, take to Southern Heights, and serve. Please consider sharing an hour or two of your time next month. Sign up on the bulletin board near the Information Center or contact Quinn ( ). FPC s next scheduled Love Feast date is November 16. Looking for a Christmas Musical Ministry opportunity? Come join us! Recruiting now singers for a community-wide choir that will minister at Cowboys With Compassion s annual Food Distribution on December 14, The show will involve skits, choir music, and a Christmas carol sing-along. We would like to invite you to sing in the choir, and would like your help reaching those you know who might be interested in joining us. No audition necessary! More info? Contact director Dayna Simma at: or thesimmas@sbcglobal.net Help Requested: Life Skills Classes at Mission of Hope The Board of Deacons is requesting help to present 1-hour classes to residents of Mission of Hope (local homeless shelter. This is a high priority ministry that FPC Deacons have been involved with for years. Many residents have provided positive feedback on the help received from these presentations. Content for each topic is available in electronic and hard copy formats. Classes are offered on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 7:00-8:00 p.m. on the following topics: Getting Organized Finding a Job Keeping a Job Money Management Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Hygiene and Sanitation Nutrition and Physical Health Goal-Setting and Prioritizing. If you have expertise in any of these topics and would be interested in presenting to Mission of Hope residents, please contact Deacon Jason White at EXCITING THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT DWIGHT MISSION! Greetings! We hope and pray that Dwight Mission has played a role in your past or present, and we are giving you an opportunity to give back! We are preparing for the Kick-off of our $4 Million Legacy Capital Campaign. The grand event will take place with a Dinner Celebration on Friday, November 11 at the Bernsen Community Life Center at First Presbyterian Church in Tulsa. The evening will feature a window auction with local artists painting the old windows out of the Heritage Center, and wonderful entertainment from Dwight s own Devan Yanik. We are also pleased to announce that we have been blessed with a $1 million matching grant to assist us in our goals. By receiving this invitation, please consider making a donation to the campaign. With your contribution, we can bless Dwight and the hundreds of children and families it affects each year. We would be grateful to receive your donation or attendance at the dinner to celebrate this grand event! For more information: Click on: Support Dwight Mission Sincerely, Amanda Fuller Dwight Mission Member, Capital Campaign Committee

10 the Ambassador 10 First Presbyterian Church ADULT SUNDAY MORNING CLASSES 9:45-10:45 a.m. You are welcome to join any classes at any time! Ongoing classes: Seasons of the Spirit, led by Denise Rex (in the Fellowship Hall Dining Room) Abiding Bible Study, led by Dan Grischkowsky (in the Library) Short-term classes (running through November 6): Worshiping with Children, led by Jenna Campbell (in the Worship Center) History of Religion in America, Part II, led by Jim Showalter (North Fellowship Hall) Discovering God s Vision for your Life, led by Leah Hrachovec (South Fellowship Hall) For more about any of these classes and more adult Christian education opportunities, see the 2011 Christian Education Booklet (available in the Narthex.) NEW ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES NOVEMBER 13-DECEMBER 11 Advent Conspiracy The story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love. So, what happened? What was once a time to prepare for and celebrate the birth of a Savior, has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists. And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas? What if Christmas became a world-changing event again? Welcome to Advent Conspiracy, a movement calling us to proclaim Christ in how we celebrate Christmas. Through scripture, discussion, ideas, and videos, explore what it means to Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, and Love All. Leader: Jenna Campbell Good Grieving: Praying Our Goodbyes Deep loss and its attending suffering may be harder for us during Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas than any other time of year. In this class, we will take a spiritual journey using the book Praying Our Goodbyes by Joyce Rupp, OSM, supplemented with other material from our church's rich store of resources on grieving While focusing on the spiritual aspect of loss, basing her reflections on Scripture, Rupp maintains a sound theological and psychological grounding. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, pain and hope can be shared with fellow pilgrims, as we prepare for the coming of the Great Light. Leader: Donna Clark FIRST WEDNESDAYS AT THE WELL Every first Wednesday each month, we will gather to explore our faith together and enjoy fellowship and learning together in an intergenerational community. 5:30-6:15 p.m. Dinner Together 6:15-7:30 p.m. Intergenerational Learning/Worship This year s theme for the Well: The Epic Story Gather with all generations to explore God s story. Together we ll trace the narrative of God s big story, focusing on the Old Testament this year. November 2 - The Fall (What a Mess!) We ll continue our trek through God s Epic Story as we remember that humans sin, but God has a restoration plan. We will gather the WHOLE church around the WHOLE story as we: Enjoy a home cooked meal ($4/person or $16/family maximum) Experience part of God s epic story Live into God s story through discussion and learning Reflect, sing, and praise God together Please make your reservations in the Church Office by Tuesday, November 1 A special note to families with young children: we would love to have your family attend the Well. We want to cover your children (and you as parents!) with love and understand that children need to move around and talk. Our programming is planned with the audience in mind - all ages! Children are invited to plug into the program as they are able or we ll have a few children s materials in the Fellowship Hall (so they will still be a part of the larger group) if they need to focus their energies in a more age-appropriate way. Of course, child care is always provided should you prefer that option. We hope you ll give it a try and let your children experience life in the community of faith. COMING SOON!! Advent Spirituality Center, December 7

11 the Ambassador 11 First Presbyterian Church NEWS ABOUT PW On Wednesday, November 9, we gather for our PW Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The program will be about the Thank Offering which will be celebrated at the Luncheon. The theme this year is for God satisfies the thirsty, and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:9 The Thank Offering is a PW offering collected in the fall of each year that gives women a tangible way to express their gratitude for the special blessings in their lives. The Thank Offering supports programs that relieve pain, provide clean water, alleviate homelessness, provide educational opportunities, promote health and improve the lives of women and children throughout the world. The cost of the lunch is $4 and reservations are due to the Church Office by noon on Monday, November 7. (Contact your Circle leaders or the Church Office to register.) The PW Coordinating Team will meet at 10:00 a.m. in the Library prior to the luncheon. Product Label Reminder: Bring Labels for Education and Betty Crocker points to the Hospitality Area Kitchen. Circle Meeting Information: Circle 1: October 26, 9:15 a.m., Hospitality Area Circle 2: October 26, 9:15 a.m., Small Dining Room, Fellowship Hall Nellie Stallard: October 27, 7:00 p.m., 4716 N. Britton Dr. Ohana: November 6, 5:00 p.m., Church Library SECOND MILE SEWING NEWS Second Mile Sewing continues to meet on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. A donation box is in the Narthex for your sewing and crafty items. Second Mile Sewing will not offer our bazaar this fall, but we will present a beautiful sampler quilt for your consideration in a silent auction. The quilt will be on display for bids each Sunday from mid-october through mid-november in the Narthex. We invite your bids. Our current activities include continued work on prayer squares and shawls, pillowcase dresses for the Meadowlark Ministries in Mexico, and provision of craft and activity supplies for Headstart and the Presbyterian Preschool. Our most pressing need is yarn for prayer shawls (or money to purchase yarn), as well as double knit fabric. Last year we gathered bathroom tissue tubes and dryer lint for the Meadowlark Ministries. This year we will collect clean, used blankets, not the fire starter items. Bob and Barb Henderson will deliver the blankets at the end of January. We can accept the blankets on the mornings of the regular meetings of Second Mile, or they can be placed in our donation box in the Narthex. Many thanks for your support of our mission projects. We would welcome anyone who would like to join us! PW POPULAR RECIPE Lynda Tyrl and committee served this soup at the October PW Luncheon. Several people requested that it be shared in the Ambassador. Creamy Bell Pepper -n- Tomato Soup (Makes about 10 cups) 2 T butter (or margarine) 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2-28 oz cans crushed tomatoes 1-14 oz can) low-sodium chicken broth 2-12 oz jars roasted bell peppers, drained 1 T sugar oz envelope Zesty Italian dressing mix 2 C Half & Half (can omit for dairy-free) ¼ t ground red pepper ¼ t freshly ground black pepper Croutons Directions: Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat; add garlic, and sauté 1 minute or until slightly golden. Stir in tomatoes and next 4 ingredients; cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool 10 minutes. Process mixture in small batches in a blender or food processor until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. Return mixture to Dutch oven. Stir in half and half, and cook, stirring occasionally, over low heat 8 to 9 minutes or until thoroughly heated; stir in red and black peppers. Serve with croutons.

12 the Ambassador 12 First Presbyterian Church Renovate ~ Renew ~ Rededicate Commitment Sunday ~ October 30 Be sure to bring your completed pledge forms to dedicate during Worship. Visit us on the web at Morning Prayers - 8:45 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Worship Center Midweek Communion - 8:30 a.m. Wednesday - Worship Center Regular Sunday Schedule Worship - 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School - 9:45 a.m. B. Gordon Edwards... bge41340@swbell.net Leah Hrachovec...Lhrachovec@swbell.net Jenna Campbell... youthandfamily@swbell.net Wyeth Leslie... wyeth.leslie@okstate.edu Margy Knox...mhknox@sbcglobal.net Church Office & Cathy Fairbanks...fpchurch1889@swbell.net Lucy Newlin... cefpcstw@swbell.net Dallas Barnes...fpaccountant@swbell.net Rebecca te Velde...rgtevelde@brightok.net Heather Lanners...heather.lanners@okstate.edu Peter Thomas...admin@childrensbookmarket.com Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Stillwater, Oklahoma Permit No. 143 Deadline for Next issue: Friday, November 11, 2011