The View MARCH 2018 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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1 The View Volume XV Issue III First Presbyterian Church 147 N. Main St. Cleveland, GA Pastor: Rev. Dr. Gary Bagley Office: Prayer Request Website: INSIDE THIS ISSUE Easter Info 2 Congregation Meeting 3 PW Page 4 Calendar 5 Men of the Church 6 Mission Team News 7 The Growing Place 8 Birthdays 9 Session & Diaconate 10 T his week, we enter the third week of Lent. Ashes, foot-washing, communion, Palm branches, and, of course, the cross are important symbols in the life of Jesus and this season in the Church s life. First Presbyterian, like most churches, has different important symbols in its sanctuary the pulpit with an open Bible that symbolizes the proclamation of the gospel, the communion table, and the baptismal font. Lighted candles in every service have their roots not only in the history of the Jerusalem temple, but also in the history of the early church and teachings of Jesus Rev. Dr. Gary Bagley about being the light of the world. In addition to the images and symbols in the stained glassed window prominently behind the choir loft, the other clear windows also subtly depict the sign of the cross. Today, crosses are made of pine and mahogany, cast iron, pewter, oil on canvas and water color on paper. Jennifer has a maze of scupadine vines artistically twisted into the form of a cross that hangs on our sunroom wall. The world is full of jewelry made to depict a cross. I have a cross necklace made from two large common square nails on a leather suede cord (saved from a former Lenten season) that hangs in front of my workbench at our garage. Though they take the form of art and jewelry, crosses were never meant to be such. They are first and foremost symbols. Certainly, they were never meant to become idols, any more than Bibles were, lest we break the second commandment. But, we have mistakenly worshipped both today. In Jesus day, the cross was an instrument of execution used by Roman forces occupying Jerusalem. Crosses were instruments of execution reserved only for insurrectionists. Crosses were not used by the Jews only by the Roman Empire. Can you imagine wearing a symbolic noose, miniature electric chair, or pistol around your neck other forms of execution? For Mark s gospel, Jesus words to take up your cross meant to follow his Way of justice, kindness, humility, compassion, and service to others. He died doing so, ultimately rebelling against the Roman government and modeling the Way of God s compassion. Thus, the cross was transformed into a symbol of ultimate love. So, when we wear our crosses, paint our crosses let us do so, mindfully. Year s ago in one of my seminary classes, professor George Buttrick told of passing by a jewelry store that had a sign in its window: Crosses Cheap. The real cross of Jesus is anything but cheap; neither are ours, if we understand what they are. Crosses are a symbol of prices paid for true compassion by those who follow the Way of Jesus. See you Sunday Gary

2 2 PALM SUNDAY MAUNDAY THURSDAY Palm Sunday is the last Sunday before Easter. It is the beginning of Holy Week. The services of Palm Sunday honor Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem days before He was crucified. It is an event mentioned in all four canonical Gospels. Palm Branches are widely recognized as symbols of goodness and victory and are symbolic of the final victory He would soon fulfill over death. The joyous procession started on the Mount of Olives when Jesus instructed two of His disciples to go ahead to the village and bring back to Him a donkey. The use of a donkey instead of a horse is highly symbolic. It represents the humble arrival of someone in peace, as opposed to arriving on a steed in war. As the crowd shouted Hosannas to the King and spread their cloaks on the road along with palm branches, before the end of the week, their praises would turn to demands for His crucifixion. By Becky Clark Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, is a Christian observance that commemorates two events on the night in which Jesus was betrayed. The first being Jesus last supper with his disciples before he was arrested. Jesus instructs them to do this in remembrance of me. The term Maundy is derived from the Latin word for commandment. The second event, according to scripture, is Jesus message to his disciples as he humbles himself by washing their feet. He commands them to Love one another as I have loved you. (John 13:34) The act of washing the feet of the disciples is a powerful reminder of how we are to live the Christian life. These two events are the focus of Maundy Thursday. As you partake of the Lord s Supper be reminded of how our Lord suffered and died for all of us. By Becky Clark GOOD FRIDAY According to the Bible, the day after which the Son of God was betrayed, he was flogged, ordered to carry the cross on which he would be crucified, and then put to death. It is difficult to see what is good about it. Several sources refer to the day as one being known as God s Friday. Theories about the meaning of Good Friday have circulated over the years but Christians believe that Good Friday is good because Christ showed His great love for man and, by his death, purchased for him every blessing. It was this day that led to the resurrection of Jesus and his victory over death and sin and the celebration of Easter, the single most important holy day for Christians. EASTER SUNDAY Hallelujah! He has risen!!! He has risen indeed! By Becky Clark When notifying the office for people to be placed on the prayer list, please provide a mailing address for the person so that a card can be sent to them. The address will not be printed or distributed other than to the Membership Committee which sends the cards.

3 3 SATURDAY - MARCH 24TH AT 12 NOON CRAFTS HOT DOGS EVERYONE WELCOME First Presbyterian Church, Cleveland, GA, 2018 Annual Congregational Meeting and Annual Corporation Meeting January 28, 2018 The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. Dr. Gary Bagley at 11:55 a.m. Rev. Dr. Bagley recognized the Session members, Clerk of Session, Deacons, Deacon Moderator, Committee Chairs, Program Moderators and Program Staff. Rev. Dr. Bagley encouraged the members of the congregation to refer to the agenda handout for the committee reports, noting that we would not read the entire thing during the meeting. Clerk Hiers announced that Debbie Wessely will be acting as Assistant Clerk of Session and was elected at the January 21, 2018 Session Meeting. Clerk of Session Hiers stated that the Annual Report has been prepared and submitted to PCUSA with the help of Linda Watkins. He stated that the report is available for anyone who would like to review it. In 2016 the church had 120 active members and 2017 showed 132. Adding two new members in January, Hans and Elaine Wiegert. There are currently 134 active members. Betty Smith raised the question of having dropped some members, why the number is larger. Membership Elder Lindalee Walters explained that the inactive members were contacted and those who requested to remain active were restored to active. Rev. Dr. Bagley reported that the Session has approved the 2018 budget which is attached to the Agenda as prepared by Finance Elder Judy Winski. Rev. Dr. Bagley reported that the previous Congregational Meeting Minutes had been approved by the Session as provided for in the Book of Order. Rev. Dr. Bagley announced as the only order of New Business to nominate and elect four members of the congregation to serve on the Nominating Committee alongside two elders, Bruce Morgan as Chair and Melody Thomason, and deacon representative Don Mathis. The following members were nominated: Bernice Rogers, nominated by Becky Clark Walter Bogart, nominated by Rita Morgan Betty Sloop, nominated by Mary Ann Clyburn Carolyn Brooks, nominated by DeWayne Nix Lindalee Walters moved to close the nominations, seconded by Gypsy Smith. Lindalee Walters moved to accept the nominations by acclamation, seconded by Gypsy Smith. Motion carried and the slate was unanimously approved by vote of the congregation. Corporation Annual Meeting Clerk of Session Hiers announced that FPC Cleveland is a not for profit corporation that is required to hold an annual meeting of its members. The Session members act as the Board of Trustees of the corporation, First Presbyterian Church, Cleveland, Georgia, Inc. Clerk Hiers opened the floor to questions about the corporation. Hearing none, the corporate meeting was declared closed. Pastor s Remarks and Close of Meeting Rev. Dr. Bagley thanked Clerk Hiers for his legal assistance to the church, noting how nice it is to have someone with his wealth of knowledge, experience and skills to handle the duties of Clerk of Session. The meeting was closed with a prayer and benediction by Rev. Dr. Bagley at 12:20 p.m. By Debbie Wessely

4 4 Lunch Bunch will be Thursday, March 15 th, at the noon buffet at the Unicoi Lodge in Helen, GA. PW Annual Meeting The Annual Spring Gathering for Presbyterian Women of the NE GA PW will be Saturday, March 17, 9AM at Commerce Presbyterian Church. There are reservation forms in the Narthex. Cost is $10 which includes lunch. All women are invited, and there will be several women planning to attend. Contact Betty Smith for more details and carpooling information. PW CALENDAR March 7 - CT Meeting March 8 - Women's Bible Study - 10:00 a.m. We will study Lesson 6, "In Community with the Reality of the Present". Jannie dewaart will be the Study Leader, and Betty Royds will be the Hostess. Knit and Stitch - Wednesdays - 3:30 p.m (except March 28) March 17 - PW Annual Meeting in Commerce Save the Dates: April 17 - Ladies Outing - Gibbs Garden May 5 - Spring Retreat INSIDE CHURCH ONLY MARCH 16 Thank You Joyce Naivar, a talented member of First Presbyterian Church for your lovely flower arrangement on Sunday, February 18th. The February Stated Session Meeting was held on Sunday, February 18th. Following the prepared Agenda, the business meeting covered: Presentation on Church Security by Fred Bucher, retired Law Enforcement and Security expert. Review and approval of Minutes from January Meeting. Review and approval of Minutes from Annual Congregational and Corporate Meeting including candidates elected for Nominating Committee. Clerk s Report including a Thank You note from the White County Warriors. Standing Committee Reports with brief discussion on Membership and the upcoming Concert to benefit The Growing Place. Elder Becky Clark offered to attend the Stated Northeast Georgia Presbytery Meeting, February 24 at FPC Milledgeville, along with Pastor Bagley. The March Stated Session Meeting will include a SWOT exercise, facilitated by Pastor Bagley. By Jean Kelly

5 First Presbyterian Church Cleveland March 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 4 10 AM Sunday School 11 AM Worship 11 TIME CHANGE 10 AM Sunday School 11 AM Worship AM Sunday School 11 AM Worship Session Meeting 25 PALM SUNDAY SERVICE 10 AM Sunday School 11 AM Worship :30 PM Lions Club 12 PM Rotary 7 PM Nar Anon :30 PM Lions Club 12 PM Rotary 7 PM Nar Anon 6 PM PM Meeting 12 PM Rotary 7 PM Nar Anon PM Rotary 7 PM Nar Anon 7 3:30 PM Knit & Stitch 3:30 PM Kids First 5:30 PM Dinner all ages 6:30 PM Study Group 7:30 PM Choir 14 3:30 PM Kids First 3:30 PM Knit & Stitch 4:30 PM Membership Meet. 5:30 PM Dinner all ages 6:30 PM Study Group 7:30 PM Choir 21 3:30 PM Kids First 3:30 PM Knit & Stitch 5:30 PM Dinner all ages 6:30 PM Study Group 7:30 PM Choir 28 7:30 PM Choir 1 8 PM NA 8 10 AM PW Bible Study 8 PM NA PM Lunch Bunch 8 PM NA 22 8 PM NA 29 MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE 8 PM NA 2 7 PM NA 9 7 PM NA 16 Inside Church Workday 7 PM NA 23 7 PM NA 30 GOOD FRIDAY 7 PM NA AM PW Meeting Commerce 7:30 PM Growing Place Concert Noon Easter Egg hunt 31 5

6 6 PRESBYTERIAN MEN By Bruce Morgan by Bruce Morgan The Presbyterian Men will meet on the third Tuesday this month (March 20th) for our dinner and fellowship. We'll be making plans for the Spring Fling and an outing to the Delta Airlines Museum. Please join in the fun. "Spring Fling" Simple Bread A Powerful Symbol On April 14th the Presbyterian Men will host a dinner that will include a silent auction to help fund projects on our church facilities. We are looking forward to enjoying Judy's buttermilk chicken and dinner served by our men. Please mark you calendars for this special evening. By Bruce Morgan On the night Jesus was betrayed, he celebrated a traditional Passover meal with his followers. Jesus gave the bread new meaning by declaring, "This is my body, which is broken for you." There is symbolism involved in simple bread - a simple, ordinary and everyday commodity became a powerful symbol of something incredibly great. January Game Night was fun and very competitive. Participation was small, mostly due to illnesses, but we enjoyed a spirited game of Phase 10 with Betty Smith being the winner. These "old folks" even managed a selfie. By Lindalee Walters A special thanks to Bonnie Frost for baking the Communion bread that we break and share each month. It is a true act of faith and love. By Jean Kelly MARCH 11 AT 2 AM

7 7 Mission Team And Education News The 1 st Annual Growing in Song Concert is taking place Saturday night, March 17 th at 7:30pm. This folk concert is to benefit The Growing Place Preschool and will take place in the Fellowship Hall. Featured local performers include two groups: Joel and Lara Potter and Sweet Tea and the Blue Grass Boys. Joel and Lara Potter have played various venues together including The Crimson Moon in Dahlonega, Hemlockfest, and Hendershots in Athens. They are a happily married couple with 5 children living on 10-acres in Cleveland. Dr. Potter is a professor of economics at Dahlonega's University of Georgia, and Lara is a working artist, music teacher for The Growing Place, and mother. You can see her handmade Native American/Asian fusion jewelry on display at the Cork and Canvas in Dahlonega. Sweet Tea & the Bluegrass Boys, a traditional bluegrass band made of brothers and sisters, enjoys playing music together and officially formed a band in Band members include Callie (23), Parker (21), Savannah (19), and Jackson Cantrell (17). This up and coming group of young musicians has recorded their first album titled Midnight Jam since that is their favorite time to play music! They have already brought home 1st place in the True Roots Bluegrass Music & Arts Festival band competition and participated in the youth program at Red, White & Bluegrass Festival performing with Flatt Lonesome. In addition to playing at local festivals, churches and private events, Sweet Tea & the Bluegrass Boys has been featured at the Gulf Coast Bluegrass & Folk Music Festival in Panama City Beach, FL, the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, First Night New Year s Celebration and Veteran s Day concerts at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega. We hope you can join us for this night of fun and good music! Coffee, tea and desserts will be available for purchase. All proceeds and donations go to benefit The Growing Place Preschool. By Melody Thomason The ThingsI Learned in Sunday School Why do they call it Fat Tuesday? "Fat Tuesday" is the English translation of the French term "Mardi Gras." Members of the Christian faith would stuff themselves with beef, bread, and anything else that was left in their homes on the last day before Ash Wednesday, which began the 40 days of Lent. Lent is a time of fasting and penance in preparation for Easter, hence Fat Tuesday is the final indulgence before the fast. What foods do you eat on Fat Tuesday? Depending on where you're from, the fried foods traditionally eaten on Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, range from the sweet like doughnuts and cake to the savory like fried Po'Boys. In the UK, Fat Tuesday is Pancake Day and in Poland, it's Paczki Day which refers to a jelly-filled doughnut. As for me, it s ice cream! (Thanks to Google and Pastor Gary for additional insight and information) By Jean Kelly

8 8 What's happening at The Growing Place? I know it is wet and the sun is not sunny but we can have lots of good fun that is funny. The Growing Place teachers came up with some great new activities for keeping the children occupied on the cold, rainy days we had in February. Ms. Celeste donated a pvc tent frame which Ms. Clair and Ms. Christy turned into a huge tent, complete with a tunnel entrance! Ms. Christy brought in a large wooden tray made by her husband that they filled with dried beans. This simple toy has brought hours of play for the children! It was also a useful tool for working on discipline and listening skills as the children were often reminded to keep the beans in the tray. They also enjoyed scooter races around the classroom and ramp building for a marble run. As always, crafts, coloring and music time were a big part of the children's week. Overall, it was a great way to spend some cold, rainy days! By Lindsey McGrath The Growing Place has Openings! Call for information

9 9 MARCH BIRTHDAYS March 1 - Duren Chambers March 3 - Kristen Arvold March 5 - Adele Page March 5 - Avery Chambers March 11 - Thomas (Tom) Leslie March 12 - Barbara Chambers March 14 - Price Clark Cook March 15 - Eris Floyd HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY GOD BLESS YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU Please accept our apologies if we missed your birthday this month. Please notify the church office so we will remember next year. Thank You. March 21 - George Chard March 21 - Jennifer Bagley March 24 - Celeste Sumner March 26 - Wes Wessely March 27 - Darlene Cooper FINANCIAL CORNER January Finances 2018 Financial Synopsis January Year to Date Income for Operating Expenses: $37, $ 37, Operating Expenses: $24, $ 24, Net Operating Income for the month: $12, $ 12, The income includes a couple of 2018 paid in full pledges. Also, we paid in full our 2018 insurance. It includes liability, building, auto, and worker's comp. Expenses include 3 propane deliveries and higher than usual electric bills due to the cold weather. Judy Winski A complete listing of the church s January financial documents is posted on the church office glass wall (by the office door). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

10 First Presbyterian Church N. Main Street Cleveland, GA Phone: Fax: Website: Desserts are needed for the Wednesday Night Meal APRIL NEWSLETTER DEADLINE MARCH 21ST Chairperson & Editor Jean Kelly Publisher Cookie Mathis Committee Members Judy Winski Bruce Morgan Kim Ciriello Bonnie Frost Dick Frost Jean Kelly NEW OFFICE HOURS TUESDAY FRIDAY 9 AM TO 1 PM Please submit any Prayer Request to info@fpccleveland.org The Session Jim Hiers, Clerk of the Session Rev. Dr. Gary Bagley, Moderator Class of 2018 Class of 2019 Class of 2020 Jim Crawford Melody Thomason Becky Clark Building & Grounds Education Worship Jean Kelly Lindalee Walters Nanette Baughman Communications Membership Missions Bruce Morgan Judy Winski DeWayne Nix Administration Stewardship & Finance Congregational Care The Diaconate Don Mathis, Moderator Class of 2018 Class of 2019 Class of 2020 Rachel Romfo Betty Royds Kim Cirello Carolyn Brooks Betty Smith Tony Clark Don Mathis Hugh Walters Gail Rollins