CHURCH CURRENTS. May We seek to glorify God through: ONLINE GIVING

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1 CHURCH CURRENTS First Presbyterian Church 210 S. Wayne Street Milledgeville, GA phone: May 2017 like us on Facebook ONLINE GIVING We are on the radio Our worship service is broadcast on WKZR (102.3 FM.) every Sunday morning at 11:00AM We seek to glorify God through: Inspiring worship in Word and music, Inquiring study for adults and youth, Inclusive hospitality locally and globally, Industrious outreach for social justice and environmental stewardship. APRIL 13 ~ 6:30PM MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE APRIL 14 ~ 12:15PM GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE JOIN US FOR WORSHIP & FELLOWSHIP Sunday School 9:45am Worship Service 11:00am

2 Pastor: Rev. Susan Balfour Coord. of Children & Youth Ministries: Gloria Burns First Presbyterian Church Issue No. 252 May 2017 Admin. Asst.: Amy Snowden Director of Music: Dr. Jennifer Flory Organists: Kate Phillips Jenny Moore Child Care Providers: Charis Andrews Kathleen Green Sarah Patrick Dear Brothers and Sisters, Greetings in the name of our Risen Christ! I give thanks to God for you each day, assured of your faith and love. At its 2017 National Gathering, NEXT Church released a new confessional statement in response to the current state of the church and world. The Sarasota Statement was made possible by a partnership between NEXT Church and the Presbyterian Foundation. In January and February, a group of writers, theologians, and ethicists collaborated on composing a confession responding to injustice and incivility. In a workshop regarding the Statement, the authors made it explicitly clear that this Statement is not a response to the results of the presidential election, but rather to the rampant racism, homophobia, xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-semitism, misogyny, and other dehumanizing attitudes that have emerged in incendiary ways throughout 2016, and now into the first months of The American Civil Liberties Union has reported that hate crimes and instances of abuse, harassment, and violence against women, the under classes, and minorities has increased 87% over last year, in which such discriminatory and hateful actions had already significantly increased over previous years. This Statement is an answer to our call to address such social ills, and certainly, the hate and fear gripping our country qualifies. Repeatedly, Jesus tells us to Fear not. Roosevelt said, We have nothing to fear but fear itself. The fear of the other (someone unlike you and me), in terms of power dynamics, privilege, economics, and so on, seems to be driving the abuse, harassment, and violence we are seeing so often today. It is our hope that the Sarasota Statement will help to refocus our active faith, in our individual and daily lives, upon Christ and his teachings, accepting his command to fear not. Many churches in our denomination have already begun to include the Statement in corporate worship, as prayers of confession and affirmations of faith, and to use it as a tool for proclaiming the light of Christ. A copy of this document may be found enclosed with this newsletter. Should you have questions or wish to discuss the statement, I would be happy to take some time to do so with you; simply let me know! Again, I express my gratitude to and for you, my brothers and sisters, fellow servants in Christ. As always, I wish you the grace and peace of our Redeemer. In Christ, Rev. Susan Elders: Jan Clark Dave Baarda Nancy Miller, Clerk of Session Lee Gillis Holley Cowan Bill Werts Doris Moody Faye Heal Bob Wilson Deacons: Joel Burns Mary Baker Millie Murphy, Margie Dodd Donna Gautier Moderator Irene Tchamna Barbara Rowe

3 JOIN US FOR WORSHIP & FELLOWSHIP JOIN US FOR STUDY & WORSHIP Sunday School 9:45AM Potluck Wednesday 6:30PM Sunday Morning Worship 11:00AM Bible Study 7:15PM May 7 May 14 May 21 May 28 NURSERY SCHEDULE: Elizabeth Baarda Anna W. Young Jackie Northington Anne Smart Volunteers are always welcome. Thank you for your faithful who continue to serve this ministry of the church. Anne Smart (asmart@johnmilledge.com) PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN To nurture our faith through prayer and bible study and to build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Sunday group will meet on the 2nd Sunday of each month (May 9) at 5:00 in the parlor. Tuesday group will meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month (May 11) at 11:00 in the parlor, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Rosemary Begemann will lead the discussions. FPC Book Club The FPC Book Club met on Thursday, April 13th to discuss our latest read, Britt-Marie Was Here by Swedish author Fredrik Backman. The women of the group seemed to relate to Britt-Marie and enjoy the book, and the men in the group...well, not so much. Nevertheless, the discussion was lively, interesting and insightful. Many of us in the group could relate to the challenges that Britt-Marie faced, Several people in the group have read Backman's other two books, A Man Called Ove, which has been made into a movie with English subtitles, and My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry. The book selected for May is The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco. The setting is in the year 1327 in a wealthy Franciscan abbey. Brother William, a visiting monk, becomes a detective trying to solve the mystery of several murders that take place at the abbey. As a former inquisitor for the church who had lost his motivation for the job, he is the perfect person to solve these mysterious deaths. We will be meeting on Thursday, May 11th in the church parlor at 2:00. For anyone interested in the "short version" of the book, the movie can be found on Netflix and you have the pleasure of seeing Sean Connery play the lead role. Check it out. Our selections for upcoming months are: June- The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, by David McCullough July- White Trash, The 400 Year Untold Story of Class in America by Nancy Isenberg. We look forward to seeing you on May 11th. If you have questions or comments, please contact Millie Murphy at mmurphy1611@yahoo.com or Alice Tenold at alicetenold@gmail.com. SPECIAL MOTHER S DAY OFFERING On Sunday, May 14, our congregation will join with more than 200 Presbyterian churches in Georgia in support of the Caring Hands Funds for Presbyterian Homes of Georgia. Our gifts help to provide much needed care and services for more than 400 elderly residents who, through no fault of their own, have outlived their financial resources. Most of these residents are women and men who never imagined they would need our help, but who are grateful that in their time of vulnerability and need, we are there for them. We all need one another. So lift up your hearts and be generous with the work of your hands, for the sake of all that is Good. Thank you and God Bless!

4 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION S.T.A.R.S. Our young people have been working very hard over the last few weeks. As you know they sang in worship on Palm Sunday and again on April 23. As the school year ends this group will end for the summer on May 28. We will take a break for June and July, returning in mid-august. Thank you to our parents who are so faithful about bringing your children. Puppets Our puppeteers continue to provide our Children s time each Sunday. This group practices each Sunday at 10am. They are a hard working bunch. This group will also take a break for June and July, returning in mid-august. Vacation Bible School This year s VBS will be July 10 - July 14 from 9am until noon. Our theme will be Water All Around the World, a curriculum produced as a mission project by the Synod of Living Waters. Easter Egg Hunt Children and adults gathered on April 8 to hide and find Easter Eggs as a celebration of the Spring Season. The fun began with hula hoop games on the side lawn followed by a rehearsal for Palm Sunday worship. Parents joined us on the playground side walk for our regular prayer routine of Prayers for the People, while volunteers hid a multitude of eggs on the side and front lawns. We ended with a bountiful snack. Thanks to all of our volunteers for providing a fun time for our children. Praise to the Graduates!! Noah Mitchell Smith, son of Erin Smart Smith & Barry Smith and grandson of Anne & Bob Smart, graduates from John Milledge Academy on May 19, He has belonged to the cross-country team, soccer team, and managed the basketball team. He was voted most school-spirited by the senior class. He plans on attending Kennesaw State University in the Fall. Anne & Bob Smart are proud to announce the graduation of their daughter-in-law, Anna Gorman Smart, from Georgia Tech. Anna received a degree in biomechanical engineering. She is the wife of Ben Smart. Tammi & David Ritchie s daughter Mollie Ritchie, is graduating with honors from the University of Georgia with her Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology. She is unsure of her promising future plans at this time. Gloria & Joel Burns son William Burns will graduate from Georgia College & State University with a degree in Computer Science. Promising future awaits!

5 FOOD PANTRY We have been blessed to be able to help several families that drop in on Tuesdays for necessities to get them through some tough times. We are in need of some more helping hands. Thank you to all who donate, contribute, and volunteer to this humbled ministry. COMMUNITY OUTREACH GAME NIGHT!! First Monday night of the month, next one is June 5th, let the games begin 6:30 pm. Bring a snack and plan on having some fun! SAMARITAN S MINISTRY This congregation was faithfully and generously helpful in raising money for this selfless ministry. Through the Easter Lilies and loose offerings donations/contributions there is a sweet portion to be dispersed among our neighbors in the community for utility assistance. Jesus commanded us to love God, love our neighbor, and serve others out of this love. PRISON FAMILY LUNCH Though we gathered on the day before Easter for the monthly luncheon with visitors from Atlanta, the turnout was good, for both guests and volunteers. We enjoyed good fellowship and a ham dinner including sweet potato souffle and succotash as well as much appreciated desserts. Thank you to all who assisted with food donations as well as your time and other talents. Please mark May 20 on your calendar for next time and plan to participate, especially if you have not lately. We might have a picnic! If you would like to acquire some of the unique masterpieces created by Marion, that have been previously displayed on bulletin boards, they are in the library for you to check out. Great for classrooms or personal inspiration!! Dear Class, The cross was just gorgeous! We were sad not to be able to help but happy that you all decided to keep up the tradition and that the result was so beautiful. This was #20 and I was impressed that so many of the congregation seemed to appreciate it and enjoy it. Thank you all for your hard work, for adding ever more joy at our church on Easter Sunday! God bless you, we love you ~ John & Libby If you haven t done so already, please check out our facebook page for an array of wonderful pictures of church members taken by Debbie Lamsma.

6 CHURCH AND COMMUNITY Visually Impaired Persons ~ THE END OF BLINDNESS This is not just a wish, but is a real goal. It is the title of an article in the National Geographic magazine. Ending preventable blindness by 2020 is the goal of the World Health Organization and International Agency for Preventing Blindness. Frances Rewis shared the information in this encouraging report in the April VIP meeting. Businessman Stanford Greenberg has offered 3 million dollars in gold to the person or persons who contribute the most to ending blindness by 2020, and the US National Institute of Health is aggressively funding eye research. It is estimated that 1 in every 200 people on Earth can t see; and another 246 million have impaired vision that moderately or severely limits their ability to function. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness. Much progress has been made with improving the functioning in the retina (which senses light and transmits signals to the brain). Research has produced the cell patch which places stem cells in the epithelial layer to slow or reverse macular degeneration. Cell Injection is another procedure where retinal progenitor cells are injected to slow degeneration in the retina. Sub-retinal implants are microchips act as photo receptors to produce stimuli for the optic nerve to transmit. Retinal Implants such s the Argus, bypass damaged neuroceptors and an external camera and processing unit interpret images. In some cases where there is a genetic component to the condition, a solution carrying the needed genetic material is injected into the eye. All of these procedures are promising, but do not work for everyone and require much, sometimes years of experimentation to get the right area or correct amount of material to use. But there is hope; more than hope, there is evidence that a cure is possible! Next month VIP s will not meet at the church but are encouraged to attend the Center for the Visually Impaired Seminar on May 12 at the First Baptist Church in Milledgeville. The sessions will be held at 9:30-11 am or 1:30 to 3 pm. The public is welcome. For more information see Harry Beck or Anne Weathers. Session Highlights ~ Meeting of April 2017 Minutes of March meeting approved. Clerk sent transfer letter for David Smith to 1 st United Methodist Church in KY. Discussed viability of new church directory using Cornerstone Imaging of TN, tabled until next meeting. Clerk shared that PW was visiting all shut ins with Easter card and flowers week before Easter. Millie Murphy reported on Deacon activity for the month. Heard Ministry Team reports. Heard report from Pastor of her activities during past month.

7 Anniversaries Birthdays Church Family: Harry Beck, recovering surgery Bryan Dempster, Green Acres, recovery broken shoulder Peter Piro, cancer, chemotherapy John Sallstrom, prostate cancer Extended Family: Hayden Adams, Don & Terri Glover s 13 yr old granddaughter, large cell leukemia, New York Mick Arnett, Jenny Moore s son-in-law, recovery, open heart surgery Janice Clark, Sunda Coleman s sister, recovering at home Judy degrandcourt, Sandra Balfour s sister, advanced MS Kyle Dennis, Anne s husband, Multiple Myeloma, kidney issues Russell & Kathleen Edwards, Marianne s parents, numerous health problems Marty Flory, Jennifer s mother-in-law, ongoing health issues Dr. Tina Holmes-Davis, Jennifer Flory s friend, recovering at home following a stroke in December Leigh Humphrey, friend of Bill & Ruby Werts, kidney failure Helen Kelley, Craig Callender s mother, liver cancer Arthur & Julie Montemayor, Becky Henderson s parents, ongoing health concerns Larry Moore, Jenny Moore s husband, recovery, knee replacement surgery Tom Murphy, Kathy Carroll s brother, colon cancer Betty Owens, Joe & Charlotte s sister-in-law, cancer Chris Pearson, Sunda Coleman s son, under heart specialist care Roy & Runette Pound, Sunda Coleman s parents, at home Suzy Smith, Lois Callender s mother, prayers for improved physical & mental health Sue York, cancer treatment In Assisted Living: Marguerite Owens, Gloria Burns mother, Savannah Court Reba Vaughan, Green Acres Room 112 Hospice Care Laurette Smith, c/o Russell Smith, 52 Cherry Hills Drive Aiken, SC Those with Limited Mobility: Mrs. Gerry Califf Mary Carlton Martha Chappell Helen Danuser Bob & Eloise Lamb Jo Ann Manley Polly Morrison Joe & Charlotte Owens Gloria Smith Ruth Treptow Deacons met April 2. Items of business included committee reports: *Hospitality - After-worship receptions need additional volunteer hosts; sign-up sheet is posted in the kitchen. *Missions - Prison Family Lunch continues. Food Pantry has received a grant from EMC to purchase food; volunteers from the congregation are needed. The joint local mission, Soup and Sandwich Saturdays at Flipper Chapel, is expected to continue, but summer plans are incomplete. **Old Business: The Teaching Tolerance Grants have not been given in several years. Since this seems a very good time to resume such education, Deacons are looking into the possibility for the upcoming school term. Deacons for this month: Barbara Rowe ~ May 7 & 28, Margie Dodd ~ May 14, Millie Murphy ~ May 21 May 12 Anne & Kyle Dennis May 17 John & Linda Bradley May 25 Lin & Linda McKnight May 31 Johnny & Frances Williams May 7 ~ Debbie Osterhoudt, Laurette Smith May 8 ~ Dorothy Elangwe May 9 ~ Catherine Dean, Charlotte Owens May 10 ~ Mackenzie Morris May 12 ~ Masoma Odihe May 16 ~ Ryan Ritchie May 17 ~ Fidelis Folifac, Kerry Jordan May 29 ~ Bob Carroll

8 May :30 Game Night! 5:15 Long Range Planning 6:30 Catered Meal 6:30 In Our Best Interest 7:00 Choir 7 9:45 Sunday School 10:00 Puppets 11:00 Worship w/ Communion & Food Offering Received 3:00 S.T.A.R.S. 3:00 Deacons 8 4:00 Worship Committee 5:30 Stewardship & Finance Committee 9 11:00 Presbyterian Women Study 4:00 Mourning After Group 5:30 SESSION 10 10:00 Personnel Committee 6:30 Potluck 11 2:00 FPC Book Club 7:00 Choir 12 VIP Seminar First Baptist Church M ville 2 Sessions 9:30-11:00am or 1:30-3:00pm MOTHER S DAY! 9:45 Sunday School 10:00 Puppets 11:00 Worship Mother s Day Offering Received 3:00 S.T.A.R.S. 5:00 Presbyterian Women Study :30 Samaritan Ministry 17 10:30 Visually Impaired Person Group?? 5:15 Long Range Planning 6:30 Potluck 18 2:00 Learning In Retirement Reading 3:00 Learning In Retirement Writing 6:30 In Our Best Interest 7:00 Choir :30 PRISON FAMILY LUNCH :45 Sunday School 10:00 Puppets 11:00 Worship 3:00 S.T.A.R.S. 6:00 Girl Scout Leaders 5:15 Kiwanis Meet 6:30 Bridge 6:30 Potluck 7:00 Choir 28 9:45 Sunday School 10:00 Puppets 11:00 Worship 3:00 S.T.A.R.S :15 Long Range Planning 6:30 Potluck