The Loveletter. Sharing the Love and Joy of Christ. Monday, November 6. Wednesday, November 8. Sunday, November 12. November 20-24

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1 The Loveletter Sharing the Love and Joy of Christ Sharing the Love and Joy of Christ Dear Friends, We continue in a time of transition and renewal. Our designated pastor, the Rev. Dr. Mike Anderson, will be in the church office during the week of November 6 and will preach on November 12. As Ruling Elder David Dundee reported at worship on October 22, he comes with all the right experience and credentials. I trust God and the process we went through that good things will continue to happen. It is important to say that there are very few congregations in this country that are not facing challenges. The culture around us is changing rapidly and not in ways that help us in proclaiming and living the Gospel. In my youth, Sunday morning went unscheduled in the community so people could go to church and they did in large numbers. Now there are all sorts of distractions and amusements that draw people away from worship, without the judgment of their neighbors. In this season of the celebration of the Reformation, some are saying that we are again in a time of reformation. That can be frightening or we can see it as a time of new beginnings, new opportunities, and new responsibilities. To this moment, the Cartersville church brings great resources. With God s help, we can and will continue to serve in this community and beyond. This congregation has great bones. We have a long history. This is not the first time we have had to face change and its disruptive side effects. In each case, we have, with God s help, figured out what our Call was and have pursued that Call faithfully. This congregation has great leaders and members. God has blessed this fellowship with faithful and wise leaders who care passionately about the Gospel and the congregation s life. One of the great joys of my time with you has been to serve with the Session. I have watched the Session deal with demanding issues and come to a consensus as to how to proceed. Our membership is fun to be with. I am thankful for the many kindnesses I have received and for the ways in which you have added to my sense of humor with your own humor. Monday, November 6 Presbyterian Women Fruit & Salad Luncheon See page 3 for details Wednesday, November 8 Red Cross Blood Drive 3:00-8:00pm Sunday, November 12 Welcome Rev. Dr. Mike Anderson November Preschool & Hands of Christ Afterschool Holidays This congregation has a bold ministry with many parts. I am amazed at all the things we do and do well. I am humbled by the ways in which we serve the community and especially the most hurting in our community. This speaks to our understanding of the Gospel and our willingness to put our time, energy, and resources where they need to be. As you receive this we will be in the stewardship season. As we look to 2018, I ask you to think about the church of which you are a part and to recognize that our pledges not only support who we are and what we do, but they are an instrument of our Spiritual growth and our commitment to that to which God is calling us. Pete Paulsen

2 We welcome the Reverend Dr. Joseph Michael Anderson as our new designated pastor. Mike (as he prefers to be called) has strong skills and experience in healing congregations and preparing them to call a permanent pastor. Mike comes to us from Westminster Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He earned his undergraduate degree from Samford University. He is certified in Interim Ministry and Coaching Congregational Leadership. Mike also earned a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Golden Gate Theological Seminary, Mill Valley, California. He has had over 40 years experience preaching in Alabama, California, New York, Florida and Mississippi. Mike s first day in the pulpit is November 12. We hope everyone can be there to welcome him and his wife, Monnie. Fall 2017 Wednesday Night Dinner 5:30pm Programs 6:15pm Menu s November 1 - Lasagna November 15 - Thanksgiving meal November 29 - Veggie night November 8 - Soup November 22 - No dinner Meals are $7 for adults and children over 12, $3 for children 4-12 with a maximum of $20 for a family. The meal includes an entrée, vegetable side dish, salad, bread, dessert and drink. Program Calendar November 1 - The Impact of Faith led by Perry Rentz November 8 - Fears Close Associates led by Perry Rentz November 15 - Youth Inter-Generational Event November 22 - No dinner or programs November 29 - And Heaven and Nature Sing music program led by Pam Radford

3 The Presbyterian Women Fruit and Salad Luncheon will be held on Monday, November 6, 2017, beginning at 12:15pm in the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church. All women of the church will be invited to attend this PW Luncheon, which will be a time to honor Becky and Angie. Santa Claus Express 2017 Each year Presbyterian Women celebrate the holidays with residents of Presbyterian Homes of Georgia. Whether store bought or handmade, these gifts remind our residents of the joys of the holidays. Throughout the year, gifts are given to residents to honor birthdays, welcome new residents, and prizes for games and therapy sessions. Here s how you can help be one of Santa s Elves: Select an item from the suggested gift item list such as pajamas, robes, socks, shampoo, lotion, powder, craft items, and hard candies, a complete gift item list is available in the church office. Place all gifts in boxes or bags and write FPC Cartersville on the box or bag and bring to the church office by November 30th. Mark your calendar for the next Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, November 8th from 3:00-8:00pm in the Café area Education Building. If you have questions or would like to volunteer contact Courtney Meckley at cfarnon@gmail.com As we prepare for Believe, the Christmas Musical, the production team needs your help. Please clean out your closets and loan us any dark colored vests. Sized children, youth, women and men will suit; and woven or tweed/brocade will be just fine. We also need newsboy/cabbie style hats in dark colors. Please mark your items and drop them off in the church office. We will return them after the show. Our costume team also needs brightly colored felt, either flats or offthe-bolt and brightly colored ribbons (any width will do). We will not return the felt or ribbons. Attention church seamstresses. We need your help with very simple straight stitches to sew ribbons onto cloth napkins which will make half aprons and to stitch together precut felt pieces for hats. If you can thread a needle, you can create these crafts. Please contact Louise Panter at Further, if there is a carpenter who could make two simple choreograph wooden boxes, sized 12 by 12 by 24, we d love to use them in our set. Please contact Louise Panter at Our Friendship Table program is looking for two volunteers for the first and second Tuesday s of the month to assist with serving and clean up after the meal AND a dishwasher on the first Tuesday of the month. The hours are 5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Please contact Bill Devine with any questions bill.devine4446@att.net cell All moms are invited to gather for an evening of good food and fellowship on Thursday, November 16, at Jefferson s Restaurant on Main Street. We'll meet and eat from 6:30-8:30. Friends are welcome! Please contact Hannah and Renee at hannahandreneefpc@gmail.com if you will need nursery care at the church that evening.

4 From the Session At the October 10 stated meeting moderated by Rev. Pete Paulsen, the session heard the following reports: The Worship Committee discussed Christmas Eve worship. There will be one service Christmas Eve morning, (no Sunday School), and 3 evening services. 5:00 Children s service, 7:00 p.m. service with the Praise Band and 9:00 p.m. service with the Sanctuary Choir. The Mission Committee reports that Friendship Table numbers are up, help is needed on the first and second Tuesdays. Red Cross Blood Drive yielded a church record of 53 pints. Family Promise program is attempting to regroup. Faith Development: Hands of Christ kids attending Wednesday night activities. VBS planning has started. The session approved Renee Shields donating funds to purchase devotional books to sell as a fundraiser. Also approved was a seminar from Willowbrook at Tanner for parents and those who work with children, which will be held early in The Properties Committee approved the use of the Fellowship Hall on November 18 for a Truth Be Told Paint Party, hosted by Denise Manning. Budget and Finance with the year at 75%, contributions is at 74% and expenses at 78%. Nonpledge gifts appears to be behind for this time of year, but most comes in November and December. Session was asked to take a leadership role and prayerfully consider making an additional contribution. Personnel has met with 2 of the 3 full time staff members about benefits changes for The Designated Pastor Committee The committee submitted candidate Joseph Michael (Mike) Anderson for consideration as the Designated Pastor. After reviewing his PIF and the discussion which followed, the motion was approved. Getting to Know Your Church Deacons Per the Book of Order, "the ministry of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress." Annually our church elects members to serve in this humbling ministry as a representation of our membership to provide mercy and grace to those in need of compassion, witness and service. In our church, elected officers of the diaconate (the term/office that a deacon serves) serve a 3-year term. This month our newly elected members of the class of 2020 (Cindy Tobin, Dennis Collier, Mary Gilreath, Renee Shields, and Suzanne Collins) will become fully involved in their respective responsibilities as deacons. A portion of their is service is participating in the ministry teams of this church (Hospitality, Worship, Faith Development, and Mission and Service). Additionally, there are many behind the scenes activities demonstrating compassion to others in our church, community and world as well as supporting the many functions of worship through spiritual leadership and service. All our church officers (elders and deacons) serve in such a capacity through a love for our church and most importantly our love for Christ Jesus. This is only done through your support as members. During this month we ask for prayers for these new deacons as they begin their spiritual journey in the office of the diaconate. If you have any questions or ideas to further this ministry, please feel free to contact any deacon listed in the bulletin.

5 November 2017 Fruit of the Spirit Kindness Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 Pre-School Events in October We hosted our fall Scholastic Book Fair during October 25 Nov. 3. The children were able to invite their parents and grandparents! Shopping for new books and literary products was a fine educational opportunity for families. Proceeds from sales also support our Pre-School! In addition, we partnered with the FPC Fall Festival and had our Book Fair open for church families on Wednesday, October 25. Our preschoolers enjoyed celebrating the Halloween season. We hosted 2 Costume Parades on Thursday, October 26 th and Tuesday, October 31. We never fail to smile at the children clothed in make-believe. We never fail to be exhausted after parties with lots of sugar. Fall pictures with Tonsmeire Studios will take place Nov. 7 and 8 FUNDRAISER FOR FALL We will attempt a first this November. As our fall fundraiser, we will be selling frozen cookie dough. If you are interested in making a purchase, we will be more than happy to oblige. Pre-School teachers enjoy a day (with students) at Payne Pumpkin Farms. November Pre-School Updates Fall Pictures November 7th and 8th Tonsmeire Studios Chick-Fil-A Friday, November 10th First Presbyterian Preschool Day! Tell Spirit Lunch your cashier to credit your total toward the FPC Preschool fundraiser! Thanksgiving November 14, 16, & 17 Classes will celebrate with parties and feasts celebrations Thanksgiving November Pre-School Closed Break

6 November 2017 HOC Sunday And Wed. Night Ministry A group of 15 afterschool students are now joining us for the Upper Room service and Sunday school, and also for Family night on Wednesdays. Drivers are needed for Sunday morning pick-up and Wednesday evenings pick-up and take home. No CDL required! Please see Jean Dudley or call if you are willing to help. FPC Hands of Christ to view photos from all the fun at the Fall Festival. Get a jump on your Holiday Shopping! Please remember the children of the Afterschool Program this Christmas. Pick an angel from the tree and make a child s Christmas wish come true. This year we have 210 boys and girls who are looking forward to a visit from Santa right here at our church on Dec. 11th. You will find the angel trees in the children s education area, the upstairs café area, in the Fellowship Hall, and in the front vestibule Sunday morning. Please remove an angel from the tree, sign the gift list, and return one wrapped gift in the $30 - $40 price range to the ASP office. Please attach the angel tag to the gift. All gifts need to be turned in to the office by Wednesday, December 6th Hot Toy List *some items may retail for more than $40 but can be purchased with a coupon or on sale at Thanksgiving Ages 5-7 Ages 8-11 Hatchimals Hatchery Nursery Laser Tag Spiderman Webwing Set Real Cooking Princess Cakes Mermaid Tale Kit Slimeball Dodgetag Crayola Light Up Tracing Pad Nerf Nitro Rapid Rally L.O.L Surprise! Doll Otrio Board Game Lego Super Heroes Spiderman Pogo It Num Noms Lipgloss Truck Etch-a-Sketch Freestyle Hatchimals Eggventure Game Pokemon Charizard Troll Hair in the Air Poppy Remote control Cars Trolls Playdoh Set Lego Ninja, Minecraft Pokemon Tins It s So Me Emoticon Beads Silly Scents Mini Art Case Gear Ball Shopkins World Vacation BFF Travel Pack

7 November Children & Youth Schedule 1st Wednesday Night Activities 5th Youth Lead Youth Group (Parents requested to attend on the 5th: Renee & Hannah at Pilgrimage) 8th Wednesday Night Activities 12th Youth Group 15th Wednesday Night Activities 19th Youth Group 22nd No activities- Thanksgiving Break 26th No activities Thanksgiving Break Youth Fall T-shirt Fundraiser Now accepting Orders! Don t Miss Out! See Hannah and Renee or Use one of the sign up Sheets!

8 The Loveletter November 2017 November Birthdays 1 Debbie King 1 Samantha Porter 2 Jeanne Whatley 3 Greg Beach 3 Martine Roberson 3 Jackson Cline 3 Walker Clark 4 Lloyd Collins 4 Megan Gregory 5 Emmanuel Mukete 5 David Morris 5 Scarlett Warlick 6 Kristen Atwell 7 Lena Jackson 7 Eliza Johnson 8 James Greene 8 Ross Whatley 8 John Brubaker 9 Alice Baker 10 Chad Roberson 10 Zach Pritchard 10 Cailyn Campbell 12 Ann Cummings 12 Katie Mullinax 13 Terry Tumlin 14 Lolly White 14 Lane Baker 16 Melinda Mauney 18 Vivian Trotter 19 Ed Thomasson 19 Sally Barrett 19 Steve Hairston 19 Allen Weirick 19 Harris Pressley 20 Velma Tilley 20 Logan Boccuti 23 John Zierer 23 Anna Prather 25 Cindy Tobin 26 Shane Roberson 27 Carol Clary 27 Jackie Thompson 27 Patty Hall 28 Donna Bridges 28 Rob Forbes 28 Jacob Shaver 29 Charlotte Whatley 29 Kermit Hopper 29 Julia Barrett 29 Brooke Bowen 30 Mina Harper 30 Eric Dunlap In November We Pray for Our Church: Staff: Beth Weathersby, Karen Ruff (ASP), Jennifer Steed (ASP), April Paulk-Ray (Preschool), Leigh Ann Strain (Preschool) Officers: Perry Rentz (Session), Beth Weathersby (Diaconate) Ministries: Presbyterian Women Families: November 1-4: Dale and Janice Searles, Reid Selton, Jay and Allison Shaver (Jacob, Matthew), Margaretta Shaw, Chris and Renee Shields (Grace, Mya, Christopher), Nancy Shipley, Geoff Shrewsbury November 5-11: Julie Shrewbury (Mikayla, Gavin, Logan), Betty Sime, Jerry Simmons, Matt and Sheilah Simons, Anne Sims, Lee Sims, Robert and Cindy Sims (Erin, Elise) November 12-18: Nona and D. K. Smith, Joyce Smith, Marion Smith, Holly Spivey (Tucker, Piper, Rylan), Samantha Starr, Jennifer Steed, Wyley and Judy Steed November 19-25: Chad and Kerry Stough (Madelaine), Terry and Janet Strange, Charlotte Sullins, Wes and Sharon Sullins (Sam, Jake), Jeanine Tarver, J. B. and Dianne Tate, Debra Tatum November 26-30: Lauren Tatum, Brad and Erin Templeton (Elijah, Luke), Kathy Thomas, Ed Thomasson, Randy and Jackie Thompson, Ken and Sandra Thornton, Gerry Thrasher

9 First Presbyterian Church 183 West Main Street Cartersville, GA Contact Mike Anderson, pastor Pam Radford, director of music Robert Reed, director of the Upper Room Band Natalie Beaty, children s choir director natalie@cartersvillepres.org Becky Ferguson, secretary becky@cartersvillepres.org Angie Hood, receptionist angie@cartersvillepres.org Beth Weathersby, preschool co-director beth@cartersvillepres.org Lindsay Scoggins, preschool co-director Jean Dudley, after school program director jean@cartersvillepres.org Araceli Munoz, after school program araceli@cartersvillepres.org Hannah Salter, interim children & youth co-director Renee Shields, interim children & youth co-director hannahandreneefpc@gmail.com November Calendar November 3 1:00pm - Bridge Group November 5 5:30pm - Women of the Bible Devotional Study November 6 10:30am - PW Morning Circle 11:30am - PW Luncheon 7:00pm - PW Evening Circle November 7 6:30pm - Properties Committee November 8 3:00pm - Red Cross Blood Drive November 9 6:15pm - Hospitality Committee Meeting November 12 5:30pm - Women of the Bible Devotional Study November 14 6:00pm - Stewardship & Finance Meeting 7:00pm - Session Meeting November 16 6:30pm - FPC Mom s Night Jefferson s November 17 1:00pm - What Does the Lord Require Study November 18 6:00pm Ladies Painting Party November 19 5:30pm - Women of the Bible Devotional Study November Preschool & HOC Afterschool Holidays November 21 6:00pm - Worship Committee 6:30pm - Mission Committee November Thanksgiving Holidays Church office closed November 27 7:00pm - Diaconate Meeting