Todd Jones ' Retirement Reception

Transcription

1 Todd Jones Senior Pastor and enlivens. My Dear Friends, I cannot begin to tell you how much I will miss this chance to write these words to you our First Edition! I am aware that while not every member of our church manages to get to worship on Sunday, every home in our congregation receives this message and has a chance to find bread for the journey and nourishment for the soul. As I have written these pastoral letters, I have always tried to picture you, imagining the burdens and blessings of your lives, and sought to offer a word that encourages, elevates, January 1, 2019 Volume 34, No. 1 Todd Jones ' Retirement Reception HOSTED BY: PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN JANUARY 20 DURING THE SUNDAY SCHOOL HOUR LIGHT REFRESHMENTS ALL MEMBERS ARE INVITED. One of my favorite practices has been to lift up a passage of Scripture, offer theological reflections on something that grows out of the life of First Presbyterian Church, or reflect upon something that is shaping and shaking our world. I always write in the confidence that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has a word to offer in every time, every place and every circumstance. Jesus always comes to us as Life, as Light and as Love. As John Calvin believed, "Christ comes to us clothed in his Gospel." Let me write this last letter with an eye to words that can sustain and strengthen you for the living of these days. Sometimes I have chosen the New Year to share ten Biblical passages to guide and bless you. Some of these have made their way onto family refrigerators and bathroom mirrors, which always made me smile! Instead of ten passages, let me close with three that gladden my heart and light my path. continued on next page... GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER! HAVE YOU MADE YOUR 2019 COMMITMENT? PLEDGE ONLINE OR TEXT "GENEROSITY" TO Sunday, January 6 Sunday, January 13 Sunday, January 20 Sunday, January 27 Following Where the Star Leads Isaiah 60:1-6 Matthew 2:1-12 Todd Jones Because I Love You Isaiah 43:1-7 Hebrews 4:14-5:4 Stuart Gordon When Jesus is Invited: Final Words Isaiah 62:1-5 John 2:1-12 Todd Jones The Place of Honor Psalm 84 I Corinthians 12:12-31 Stuart Gordon Fascinated, I Took it All In Acts 11 Kody Whitaker Robed in Pomposity Acts 12 Josh Rodriguez A Taste for Eternal Life Acts 13 Josh Rodriguez Place of Hard Times Acts 14 Josh Rodriguez

2 continued from cover The first is Jesus' invitation, in what many of you know is my favorite passage of Scripture. "Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart, and you will find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30). This open, inclusive invitation is why I am a Christian, and it really tells us what the mission of Jesus' people must always be. We are to invite and include everyone in Jesus' gracious call. We are to welcome others as Jesus has welcomed us! Secondly, there is Paul's letter to the Philippians, the first Christian church in Europe. "Rejoice in the Lord, always; again, I will say, Rejoice. Let all know of your gentleness. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7). These words by Paul are a call to worship. Rejoice in the Lord--Always! The best way to strengthen and support First Presbyterian Church in this exciting time of transition is to worship, to offer your presence and prayers to the praise and thanksgiving of the people of God. This is also a call to prayer to "let your requests be made known to God." Know that I will be praying for you. Finally, it is a call to focus your hearts and minds on Christ Jesus. It is a promise that you can entrust your whole life to God. Third, may I leave you with these words delivered by Yahweh to Moses: "The Lord bless you and keep you: The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you: The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26) With Love and Prayers, Now and Always, BAPTISMS: Evelyn Claire Watlington and William David Watlington presented themselves for baptism on December 16. Assisting Elder: Marie Maxwell. Caroline and Lee Noel, Jr. presented their daughter, Brooke Bagwell, for baptism on December 16. Assisting Elders: Barbara and Fred Fisher. Baptism Buddy: Thompson Adams. Worship Helper: Graham Settle. Cameron and Duncan Fort presented their daughter, Ann Foster, for baptism on December 22. Assisting Elders: John Eason and Tom Stumb. Baptism Buddy: Reagan McMullen. Worship Helper: Mary Austin McMullen. Kendall and Barton Laycock presented their son, Barton Fort, for baptism on December 22. Assisting Elders: John Eason and Tom Stumb. Baptism Buddy: Reagan McMullen. Worship Helper: Mary Austin McMullen. NEW BIRTHS: Congratulations to Nancy and Zouky Mapangala on the birth of their son, Elijah, born September 9. Congratulations to Dave and Christian Garvey on the birth of their son, Jacob Andrew, born September 15. Proud grandparents are Alice Christian, Mitch Israel, Steve Wash and Jody and Kevin Garvey. SYMPATHY: Our church family extends prayers & sympathy to the following during their time of loss: Ken Groomes on the death of his wife, Ludine Edwards Groomes, who died on November 12. Sympathy to Tom (Melody) Groomes, Reid Groomes and Katherine Groomes. Annette (Mike) Crout on the death of her mother, Ben A. Butterworth Morris, who died on November 15. Congregational Care: Through our Congregational Care ministry, support is provided to our own by other members giving of their time and talents. This provides an atmosphere and opportunity to sense God s presence and provision within our church community. At-Home Communion is one way we connect with members who cannot physically attend church in person. Elders are paired together to share this sacrament outside our church several times throughout the year. We go out in twos to share communion with several church members who are no longer able to come to church. It seems to mean a lot to these lovely folks and I can assure you it means a lot to me! We review the morning worship service details, summarizing the sermon and even describe the flowers. Occasionally, the caregiver will join us which makes it very special. - Marie Maxwell Each week when you see the beautiful flower arrangements in the chancel of our Sanctuary, six individuals are going to be blessed by those flowers the following Monday. This extends the life and blessing of each floral arrangement! The Monday Morning Flower committee is another way our church connects with our members in need. After flower arrangements are assembled on Monday mornings in the Cheek House, I help deliver them to those in need. Each month, I visit with six members who are unable to attend church. Most of them are living in nursing homes or assisted living residences. I have come to love those friends and enjoy catching up with them each month. The flowers are just an extra. The visit and the relationship is what it s all about for me! -Laura Coyle The Manna Freezer began in 1998 under the guidance of Myrtle Ann Archer. The idea was to make foods available to church members and their friends and neighbors during times of need, such as illness, surgery, death, new baby, financial troubles or difficulty in preparing meals at home. The freezer would be continually stocked by church members with meats, casseroles, vegetables, breads, cookies and desserts. After twenty years from its inception, the Manna Freezer continues to provide food for others in need. I have loved working with the Manna Freezer because it is something I can do on my own time. Making double batches of soup, breads or cookies is an easy way I can make someone else s day a little brighter. -Bekah Caruso If you would like to learn more information about how you can be involved, contact Sandra Randleman at srandleman@ fpcnashville.org. FIRST FRIENDS CELEBRATES TODD JONES THURSDAY LUNCHEON JANUARY 17, 12:00 PM COURTENAY HALL In keeping with his behavior for the duration of his ministry here at First Presbyterian, Todd Jones is finding time, even in these last weeks, to be with us. Whether we have needed a speaker, someone to pray or listen, Todd has been there and has called us by name. We love that about him and look forward to this special opportunity to celebrate him, recalling our joys and sharing our goodbyes. RSVP to or hospitalitycenter@fpcnashville.org by January 14 Senior Pickleball is available in the Enrichment Center Fridays, 3:00 PM.

3 Early Preschool FROM OUR ARCHIVES Our NAEYC-accredited First Presbyterian Church Early Preschool s registration for the school year opens this month. Church members, alumni and current EP families receive priority registration until January 29. A 1954 newspaper article from The Nashville Banner highlights a reception that was given in honor of Dr. Walter Courtenay, celebrating his tenth anniversary as Pastor of First Presbyterian Church. If you or someone you know is looking for a high-quality early childhood education program, find out more information on our website or Brenda-Lutz, the director, at blutz@ fpcnashville.org. Tours are offered for prospective families regularly; the next tour is January 10 at 9:30 A.M. VBS: Save The Date! DivorceCare DivorceCare is a weekly seminar/support group that will help you heal from the hurt in a warm, caring environment led by Dr. Sandra Randleman. Gain hope for your future and learn practical information during the video seminar series from some of the nation s foremost experts on divorce and recovery topics. The sessions include Facing My Anger, Facing My Loneliness, Depression, New Relationships, Kidcare and Forgiveness. Our next DivorceCare group begins on Wednesday, January 9, at 6:30 P.M. in the Memorial Library. Dinner is available in Courtenay Hall at 5:30 P.M. with reservation by calling For more information, contact Sandra Randleman at or srandleman@fpcnashville.org. June 24-27, Winter Inquirers Class Would you like to know about the Presbyterian faith? Would you like to know more about First Presbyterian Church, Nashville? Are you considering church membership? Would you like to learn about how to become involved in the life of First Presbyterian Church, Nashville? An Inquirers Class will be held on: January 6, 13, 27, and February 3 and 10 during the Sunday School hour (9:45-10:45 a.m.) in Courtenay Lounge (on the first floor connected to Courtenay Hall). If you are interested in uniting with our church as members or just wish to learn more about the history and mission of First Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Church, you are invited to attend. Registration is not necessary. For more information, please call Rev. Sandra Randleman at What s On Your Resolution List for 2019? If you want to change your life and make a big difference in the lives of others, join one of our mission teams. No experience necessary! JAMAICA (FEBRUARY 9-16): Many hands are needed for construction and dental support. EAST AFRICA, KENYA (JUNE 28-JULY 10): Help with construction on schools/churches and visiting mission projects. CUBA (JULY): Young Adults are needed to help with VBS with the local church/schools. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (NOVEMBER 2-8): Volunteer with surgery and primary medical care/construction on a local clinic to serve those in need. For more information, contact Annette Crout at missions@fpcnashville.org or ,000 MEALS WERE PACKED WITH LOVE FOR OUR ANNUAL RISE AGAINST HUNGER EVENT!

4 Schedules today are busier than ever. As a result, Forks and Fellowship will be adding a new branch to our traditional monthly dinner groups. From February - May, a meal/meet-up will be planned by a different host for a group of people within the church. The host will determine where to meet up and how many the space allows. (Examples may be Muffins with Moms or Gentlemen s Coffee.) No year-long commitment just join in on the months that interest you! Are you interested in being a host? Sally Einstman (sallye@comcast.net). BookMarks Our church bookstore, BookMarks, is a vital part of our church ministry. Staffed by volunteers, the bookstore carries an impressive array of books from local to national authors as well as Bibles, devotionals, children s selections and class study books. Partnering with Ten Thousand Villages the bookstore has items from around the world that make perfect gifts. A portion of the proceeds from sales in the store supports Presbyterian Women s missions. Stop in to check us out and thank our faithful volunteers! Pastor Nominating Committee Update At the November 26 meeting, our Session moved to make Stuart Gordon the Interim Pastor of First Presbyterian Church. This will become effective at the end of January, when Todd Jones retires. It will continue until a new Pastor/Head of Staff is called to serve our congregation. The Session made this decision for a number of reasons. Stuart is someone we know and trust and has served as a pastor on our staff for over thirteen years. We are not a congregation in conflict or crisis, and continuity seems paramount as we enter into a time of transition. An interim pastor from outside our church life would not come with any real knowledge of the character or ethos of our church. By the time most outside interim pastors learn these things, their period of service is over, and the congregation must adjust once again to another new leader. Stuart knows us well already. Stuart has been working very closely with our staff during the last year and a half in his role as our Executive Pastor, and this should provide the most seamless transition for the rest of our staff, as we await a new Pastor/Head of Staff for our congregation. In order to make this work, we are also increasing Dr. John Musgrave s pastoral work one more day in addition to the day he teaches his popular Sunday school class. John, a retired Presbyterian Pastor, will also begin to assist in worship and preach from time to time. Stuart Gordon will plan on preaching twice a month, and he will also share the teaching duties of his Sunday morning class with Chuck Grice, freeing up more time for these new responsibilities. The rest of the preaching will be shared with our wonderful Associate Pastors, and a special effort will made during this interim period to invite guest ministers from across the country to fill our pulpit, enriching our worship life. We also have decided upon a new Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Engagement to join our church staff, and the congregational meeting to call this person has been set for January 6. Please be sure to be in Worship on January 6 to learn of this exciting new addition to our church family paying special attention to adult education, new members, and communities of belonging. Our Session believes these changes will help make this transitional period a time when our congregation can fulfill its ministry and mission with very little disruption. Please share a word of encouragement with Stuart, and thank him for his willingness to take on these duties at this important time. Volunteers Needed! Ushers: Do you have an interest in helping with ushering duties on an as-needed basis? This opportunity is open to all church members. Please Chris Kirkland (ckirkland@the-kirkland-group.com) for more information and to be included on a volunteer usher list. TEAM-FPC: Our therapeutic horseback riding program, is currently seeking volunteers to serve as horse leaders and side walkers. No horse experience is necessary. Program hours are from 9 A.M.-4 P.M. Horse leaders and side walkers must be able to walk briskly for an average of 30 minutes. Please contact Curt Stacy cstacy@fpcnashville. org or call (615) if you are interested. Room in the Inn: Serve While You Sleep! Room in the Inn needs overnight hosts on Wednesday nights to sleep at the Cannon Center from 5:30 P.M. 6:00 A.M. (with captain s assistance). Also, needed are van drivers, quick breakfasts, sandwiches for sack lunches and laundry. Signup sheets are in Courtenay Hall or on our website. New Hires! Dave Garvey comes to First Presbyterian with a long and varied history of youth ministry experiences. Serving at churches and parachurch organizations in Indiana, Tennessee, and Wisconsin in roles ranging from staff to volunteer, most recently as the Youth Ministry Director at Crossroads Presbyterian Church in the Milwaukee area. Hailing from the great state of Indiana and a graduate of Indiana University, Dave has a connection with First Pres through his wife Christian, a lifelong member of the church. Together Christian and Dave have two children, Bowen (3) and Red (2 months). Dave is also the son of church members, Kevin and Jody Garvey. Angelina DeVincenzo is a native of the sunshine state and will be joining us from St. Augustine, Florida in January. In 2017, she graduated from Flagler College with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy. She has been deeply involved in ministry for as long as she can remember and her greatest desire is to teach every person she encounters that they are God's beloved and nothing they do can make God love them any more or any less. Angelina has spent the past year working with middle school and high school students alongside Walking with Purpose, a non-profit ministry devoted to helping women come to know Christ through Scripture. She has also authored a Bible-study curriculum, specifically for middle school girls. In her spare time (in Florida, of course), you can catch her at the beach running or walking or just sitting and staring at the great big ocean. She is so excited to be apart of what God is up to at First Presbyterian Church, and she can't wait to experience all of the beauty that is to be found in Nashville.

5 ROOTED IN CHRIST relationship seminar & workshop Seminar led by Ian Cron Friday, February 1 6:00 8:45 P.M. The best resolution you can make this year? Tending to yourself and your relationships. Your friends, your family, and your coworkers will thank you! The Enneagram Sunday School class, led by Abbi Rodriguez, has created a space where our congregants have entered into the holy work of self-reflection through the intricate lens of personality. "The Enneagram class has helped us spiritually, within our family and at our places of work. We look forward to continuing to learn through the Sunday school class and Ian Cron s presentation." -Elizabeth and John Wagster And now that best-selling author, Enneagram scholar, and priest, Ian Cron, is coming to our church to lead our Workshop Saturday, February 2 9:00 11:00 A.M. Relationship Seminar on February 1, we will all have the exciting opportunity to learn from his astounding insights into self-awareness and relationship health. "I am so looking forward to finally meeting Ian Cron after being a fan of his work. It will be a momentous night for our church family and community-at-large!" -Wesley Stanley Whether you are new to the Enneagram or ready to take your knowledge to the next level, Ian Cron's revelatory insights about personality and interaction will inspire you to look within for the sake of self-growth and relationship strength. Undoubtedly, this will be a resolution worth keeping! Register now online for the upcoming Rooted in Christ Relationship Seminar and Workshop. Presbyterian Women's Christmas Gathering Dominican Republic Trip: This fall, First Presbyterian Church sent another team of medical professionals to the Dominican Republic to work with Solid Rock International. The team consisted of three nurses, two CRNA students, Dr. Jim Cato and Dr. Betsy Triggs. We joined another team in San Juan de la Maguana that performed the surgical activities throughout the week while the our team went into the barrios (neighborhoods) to treat patients that otherwise would most likely not have access to medical care. things that we may have, but the JOY that they exude is something that we all strive to have. It was a wonderful week using the talents God has given us to do what we can by helping bring people to Jesus and provide necessary medical care. We are looking forward to next year already! -Rainey Germain, RN Dr. Cato and Dr. Triggs treated around 400 adults and children throughout the span of four days. How amazing is that?! Through the church s generosity, we were able to provide medications to patients that would most likely not be able to afford them. This trip was a wonderful experience for us all. The people of the Dominican Republic lack the material Pastor s Corner: What is a New Year s wish you d like to extend to the members of our church? Todd Jones: I wish for you a gifted, gracious new pastor who learns to love you, and leads you to new heights and depths in loving and serving Jesus! Stuart Gordon: Gratitude for many good years with Todd Jones; Hopes and Prayers for the next pastor whom we call; Enthusiasm for offering ourselves in this year, to be the people that pastor will love. Sandra Randleman: May we receive, day by day, God s loving kindness and grow, like our Lord Jesus Christ, kinder, more compassionate and loving, finding joy and peace each day as we serve and bless others, wherever we are and whatever our circumstances. Adam DeVries: As often as possible, slow down. Do a little less, ask for a little more help and savor where you already are. Josh Rodriguez: May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you re wonderful, and don t forget to make some art write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. May your coming year be a wonderful thing in which you dream both dangerously and outrageously. I hope you ll make something that didn t exist before you made it, that you will be loved and you will be liked and you will have people to love and to like in return. And most importantly, because I think there should be more kindness and more wisdom in the world right now I hope that you will, when you need to be, be wise and that you will always be kind. And I hope that somewhere in the next year you surprise yourself. - Neil Gaiman

6 Youth! There have been several natural disasters in our country this year that have devastated the homes and lives of many Americans. Our congregation has begun responding to some of these disasters; initially with financial support to our own Presbyterian Disaster Assistance program, managed centrally by the PCUSA. There are three stages of response to a major disaster: Relief is the initial response to help alleviate the immediate situation, to get people the food, shelter and medical assistance that are needed immediately. Rehabilitation is the longer-term response to rebuild and restore communities. Development is the practice of making changes in the community that will help to improve the situation; implement emergency preparedness, and where possible, lessen the chance that such disasters will occur in the future. The PDA enters into a disaster situation immediately, with the intent to focus on the 2nd and 3rd stages of response. Our Mission Council has approved the following funding to the PDA to support their efforts in these recent situation: Our Church s Contributions: PDA has deployed National Response Team members to the affected Presbyteries to be embedded into the American Red Cross shelters, at the ARC s request, as Disaster Spiritual Care Providers. Some team members provide pastoral care, while others begin organizing to assess local churches to be potential host sites for future volunteers and to identify work partners for each host site. These partners will send teams to help with the rehabilitation process. Donations to PDA help to provide the funding for this work. Additional funding comes from the One Great Hour of Sharing collection that takes place each year in PCUSA churches. Presbyterian Church USA volunteers typically engage and partner with PDA during the longer- term recovery period, which often begins around three to six months post-disaster and can continue for years thereafter. We hope to send teams in the future to be a part of these long term rehabilitation efforts. Please contact us at Missions@fpcnashville.org if you are interested in being a part of such a team. You can contribute directly to this work by designating your donation to go to FPC Disaster Response. Thank you so much for all that you do and give in support of these relief efforts! Prayer Partner Breakfast Recap: Over 300 members, youth and adults, gathered in The Enrichment Center for a morning filled with cookie decorating, inspiring testimonies of fellow church members experiences in prayer, and sharing our hearts with one another. Many thanks to Major Event Coordinator, Beth Singer, who has chaired this event for the past four years! We are so grateful for all of her help. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus says, For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. At Christmas time, we celebrate the birth of Emmanuel, God with us. We are grateful for these prayer relationships, and for the ways God is forging community through prayer at our church. Junior High Ski Trip: The Junior High Ski Trip will take place January 18-20, Seventh and eighth graders will have an amazing opportunity to engage with other youth, staff, and adult volunteers during an exciting weekend on the slopes at Perfect North! Skiing and snowboarding are both available. We will leave Friday night, hit the slopes all day Saturday, and return on Sunday. Bible studies will be held each day where the group is able to learn and grow in their relationship with Christ. This is a great trip for inviting friends! Total cost for the trip is $275. Sign up online today. Downtown Presbyterian Waffle Shop! (Pr Ov mo ex Ev so in Go co (Ju Th ha ex We stu wi on Hurricane Florence North and South Carolinas: $25,000 Hurricane Michael Florida Panhandle - $10,000 California Forest Fires $10,000

7 4815 Franklin Pike Nashville, TN NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID NASHVILLE, TN PERMIT NO nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting First Presbyterian Church 4815 Franklin Pike Nashville, Tennessee facebook.com/fpcnashville instagram: #fpcnashville PASTORS Todd Jones Pastor Stuart Gordon Executive Pastor Adam DeVries Associate Pastor for Youth & Their Families Mark DeVries Associate Pastor for New Ministries Sandra Randleman Associate Pastor for Congregational Care & Missions Joshua Rodriguez Associate Pastor for Young Adult Ministry PROGRAM STAFF Raphael Bundage Director of Music Mike Crout Church Administrator Brenda Geise Older Adult Ministry Coordinator Andrew Kelso Sports Program Director Susan Kirby Worship Coordinator Bryan Miller Director of Recreation Ministry Deb O Brien Director of Children s Ministry Laura Rouse Director of Communications ADMINISTRATION Ginny Barber Administrative Assistant Lynn Elliott Executive Assistant Karen Fitts Nursery Coordinator Kim Rogers Food Service SCHOOLS Hart Roper Head of School, Oak Hill School Brenda Lutz Director, Early Preschool