First Presbyterian News

Transcription

1 First Presbyterian News C. Russell Lee, Jr., Pastor, D. Min. April 2013 Chris Jones, Choir Director Jacquelyn McAbee, Secretary Website: 1stpres.cc or pres.cc Dear First Folks, Office hours: 9am to 1pm Monday-Friday Easter is here and God makes all things new! His resurrection breathes new life into our everyday words and actions. He secures eternal life for our souls. He gives us wisdom, and power, and purpose, and direction. As we continue the wonderful things God is doing among us, let us step forward with the spirit God gives us and experience miracle, transformation, and joy. Look for opportunities to grow in grace, help those in need, and spread the good news. Continue in prayer and action for all ministries and people, as we seek to be faithful to the Great Commission. 1 In Him, Sermon Topics for April March 31 Easter/Communion Sermon: The Third Day Scripture: 1 Cor. 15:19-26 Luke 24:1-12 April 7 2nd Sunday of Easter Sermon: That You May Believe Scripture: Psalm 150 John 20:19-31 April 14 3rd Sunday of Easter Sermon: Breakfast with Jesus Scripture: Psalm 30:1-5 John 21:1-19 April 21 4th Sunday of Easter Sermon: Get Up Scripture: Psalm 23 Acts 9:36-43 April 28 5th Sunday of Easter/Handbells Sermon: All Things New Scripture: Psalm 48:1-6 Revelation 21:1-6 May 5 6th Sunday of Easter Sermon: Come Over Scripture: Psalm 67 Acts 16:9-15 Five Cents a Meal Sunday is April 28 Officers Meetings - Monday, April 15 7:00 pm - Diaconate meets 7:30 pm - Session meets The Ladies Circle will meet at 10:30 am on Tuesday, April 2, in the Philathea Room. Gail Carter will be teaching the lesson on Lydia. Scripture reading is from Acts 16:9-15, 40. Gail is a relatively new member of this group, and we encourage all ladies to come out and meet her, as well as benefitting from the lesson. The first thing Luke tells us about Lydia is that she was a seller of purple. We ask all ladies to wear something purple, but if you do not have purple in your wardrobe, choose a nice spring color (or go shopping). March 31 Community Sunrise Service at 7 am Methodist Church Prayer Garden Come celebrate the glory of the empty tomb with your faith community. Preacher will be Reverend Ed Rigg from Main Street United Methodist Church. In case of inclement weather, the service will be held at First Baptist Church. Communion & Flowering of the Cross Worship at 9 and 11 o clock including communion and flowering of the cross after each service Please be sure to bring flowers and greenery for our annual flowering of the cross on Easter morning. Remember your cameras, too! To Triumphant Thomas Skinner Lovelace January 14, March 17, 2013

2 The Young Adults of First Presbyterian Church are invited to eat lunch together after church on Sunday, April 14, at Ermie's Resturant. Please or text Erin Thackston hotmail.com or ) to let her know that you will be attending. In addition, Erin would like to plan spring and summer activities for the group. Please send her ideas for spring and summer activities, and also consider hosting a social gathering. Any ideas and/or assistance would be welcome. 2 Dear church family, I received what I needed to get started working on the church directory in January. Unfortunately, I was not able to work on the directory in January and February like I had originally planned to do. Thank you all for being patient with me while I had to focus on other things during that time. In the last week, Bob Hughes and I have begun really working on the directory and putting all the pieces together to make it happen. I am still in need of a few more pictures, especially from any mission trips the church has been on. If anyone has any they can share, please send them to erinthackston@hotmail.com. I hope to have this wrapped up very quickly. Thank you again, Erin Thackston Quilt Project Coming Together A patchwork quilt made of squares from all church members since 1999 will be stitched together soon. Doris Koch is coordinating this project and will be mailing a square to those families soon. We are asking you to decorate that square to describe your family. She plans to complete it in the next several months and dedicate it on Rally Day 2013, September 8. You can stitch, paint, appliqué, or use any medium to tell who you are as a part of the family of God here at First Presbyterian. Be sure you include your family name in your design. Once the squares are returned and quilted together, they will make a third quilt to join the others already hanging in the fellowship hall made in Stop by and take a look at those to prime the pump on ideas for your square. What a wonderful way to capture a snapshot of the people who are the church right now! We are all squares of the same quilt which is the church of Christ today. Contact Doris ( ) or the church office if you have questions. Session Report from March 18 meeting: 1. Discussed details of hosting Presbytery Meeting on May Finance Elder Jim Burton reported balances in good shape. 3. Approved contributions to After Prom Party and National Day of Prayer. 4. Heard progress on new pictorial directory. Coming soon. 5. Next communions on Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday. 6. Decided to continue Message In A Bottle Ministry and gather stories to share. 7. Heard progress on Stephen Minster training to finish in May. 8. Approved combined service on May 5 for commissioning of Stephen Ministers. 9. Education Elder James Edmunds introduced a new small group ministry possibility, The Connection Ministry, and suggested a new food ministry which he will research. 10. Personnel Elder Jim Debiec reported on youth coordinator search. 11. Property Elder Mike Rand reported on property task force, and gave report on search for a new hymnal. (A new Presbyterian hymnal is scheduled for release in September.) He spoke of more research by committee on hymnbook.

3 3 Meet Farris and Thelma Goodrum Farris and Thelma Goodrum are mission co-workers serving in the city of Vitória, which is the island capital city of the southeastern Brazilian state of Espírito Santo. Farris was commissioned to mission service in 1982 and Thelma in Farris and Thelma were assigned as professors at the Center of Theological Formation and at its extension in Colatina, Espírito Santo. The Center of Theological Formation is the seminary of the United Presbyterian Church of Brazil. Thelma also works in the business office of the denomination, and Farris has been assigned to be available in the areas of Christian education and music in the nine churches of the Presbytery of Vitória. Before moving to Vitória in January 2010 Farris and Thelma spent 13 years associated with the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil in local churches and at its seminary in the southern city of Londrina. Prior to moving to Londrina in 1997, the Goodrums served for eight years at the seminary of the Independent Presbyterian Church in its northeastern location in the city of Fortaleza. Before their work in Fortaleza, Farris completed a term of service at the Bible Institute of the North in Garanhuns, Pernambuco, an institution of the Presbyterian Church of Brazil that prepares young people for church vocations. It was there that he met and married Thelma, whose family lives on the island of Guarujá, not far from the port city of Santos in the state of São Paulo. Farris was born and grew up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the son of Garland and Eleanor Goodrum, missionaries appointed by the former Presbyterian Church in the United States. He earned his bachelor s degree in music from the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia, and holds a graduate degree in Christian education from the Presbyterian of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia, as well as a graduate degree in music from Georgia State University in Atlanta. Thelma, a native of Brazil, received her undergraduate degree in pedagogy with a major in literature from the University of Guarujá, São Paulo. She earned a certificate in data entry from the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond, Virginia, and graduated in 2007 with a degree in theology from the Independent Presbyterian Seminary in Londrina. In July 2011 she was ordained by the United Presbyterian Church of Brazil. The Goodrums have two sons, Michael and Joel. Michael was accepted at Georgia Perimeter College, where his classes began in January. Joel is doing well in the 9 th grade at Decatur High Farris and Thelma are members of North Avenue Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia. WE HAVE EXPANDED Mission Possible Update Because of your dedicated and faithful support, Mission Possible is excited to announce the expansion of its ministry to a part of Haiti where we have never worked before. In November 2012, Mission Possible purchased a beautiful piece of property in the mountains of Haiti. Unlike our current locations, this mountainous region is green and lush, almost jungle-like. The property includes a school, a big beautiful church, a house for shortterm teams, a radio station, tool shop, and numerous other buildings. Being extremely remote, the people are very poor, but are welcoming and pleased to have us there. Currently there are 322 students in the school getting a good education. The local leadership is solid and they are excited to be working with an established organization again. The next months will be a stretch for us as we raise the support to make the facility repairs and improvements, pay the teachers, and educate the kids. When funding permits we hope to initiate a feeding program for the students, we want to open a Bible program to train Christian leaders, and we would love to see the abandoned radio station begin to preach God s word again. This expansion is a perfect fit with our vision of Equipping the Next Generation of Christ- Centered Leaders. There are so many young people in the area with a potential to change their community and nation. God has laid a great foundation of ministry at Deyemon and Mission Possible is committing our time and resources to further build on that foundation.

4 4 An Invitation to Commissioning Sunday, May 5 during 10 am combined worship Soon our congregation will commission our Stephen Ministers. Throughout history, when God called people to special ministry, members of their community have commissioned them for the important new work they are taking on. Now we invite you to help carry on that biblical tradition by being part of our congregation s Stephen Ministry. Our Stephen Ministers are completing substantial training to equip them for their task. We now lay hands on them and pray for them, and send them out to minister, asking for God s blessing and the Spirit s wisdom and power. This Commissioning Service offers an opportunity to show our support for this ministry. Our Stephen Ministers will be depending on our support in the time ahead as they assume the duties of their ministry. How can we help? First of all we can pray for our Stephen Ministers and their care receivers. This ministry calls for both time and effort. The assurance of our prayers and appreciation will help them to keep moving forward. We can all become involved in this ministry in many ways. Some of us may recognize a call to use our special gifts in this ministry in the future. Others may accept the care of a Stephen Minister. We can be ministers of referral, watching for people in need and suggesting a Stephen Minister s care. We all can give our enthusiastic support by keeping Stephen Ministry always before us and praying for and affirming those who have answered God s call to serve in this way. As we commission our newly trained Stephen Ministers, let us thank God for all that they will bring to this congregation in providing care to others, and let us promise them our daily prayer and support as we send them to minister among us. Spaghetti Dinner and Mission Meeting Wednesday, April 10, at 6 pm The Men of will host their Annual Spaghetti Dinner on Wednesday, April 10, at 6 pm. Our special guests will be our missionaries, Farris & Thelma Goodrum (see article on page 3). They will share about their work in Brazil, and we are going to ask Farris to play a few selections on the grand piano in the sanctuary. Make a special effort to come out and eat together. The meal is free, and the fellowship is awesome! National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 2, at 6:45 pm The National Day of Prayer Gathering will take place at the Halifax County High auditorium on Thursday, May 2 at 6:45 pm. Special guest this year will be country music singer Linda Davis. She has toured with Garth Brooks, Reba McIntire, Kenny Rogers and others. Her Christian single I Have Arrived recently reached #5 on the Christian Country Charts. Kenny Rogers, a long-time friend and fan proclaims, "In this business, there are people who can sing and there are singers. Linda Davis is absolutely one of the best singers in the business. I defy you to find anyone who's ever worked with her or heard her sing to disagree with that statement. She is the best." The program will also include prayers for our country, special testimony from local folks, and joining together in Christian fellowship. Make plans to be there! Presbytery Meeting Thursday, May 9 We will be hosting the May 9th meeting of the Presbytery of the Peaks here at First Presbyterian Church. It will take 30 to 40 volunteers, and if you would like to help with registration, parking, greeting, serving lunch, etc. please let the church office know. Jim Burton, Bob Hughes, Jim Debiec, and Les Powell are helping coordinate. There will be about 250 people here that day, and we are one of the few churches in the Presbytery who have the facilities to do this, so let s make it a great meeting!

5 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat :30 am Ladies Circle Office Closed 6:15 Handbells pm Praise Team 10 6 pm Spaghetti Dinner with Missionaries noon AA 13 8 am - 3 pm Stephen Ministry Training Retreat Young Adult lunch 15 7:00 Diaconate 7:30 Session 16 7 pm Praise Team 17 6:15 Handbells noon AA pm God s Kids :45 Stephen Ministry Training 24 6:15 Handbells 25 7:30 Habitat 26 and Newsletters 12 noon AA pm Praise Team The Connection Ministry The Session has approved a new ministry to help you get to know the other members of your church family The Connection Ministry! This new ministry is being coordinated by James Edmunds who says, I believe that there are others like myself who don't really know the other members of their church family very well. Groups of 2 or 3 families will be put together to just meet once a month when it suits them the best. This meeting could have an agenda such as a devotional and discussion, or it could be as informal as a Dutch dinner or going to a ballgame or dance recital or whatever we all do in our daily lives, just as a family does everyday! Flexibility is the key here! The groups will meet for 6 months (6 times) and then new groups will be formed. Those interested need do nothing more than indicate that they would like to participate, and a small committee will meet every 6 months to form the groups. If you would be interested in being a part of this new ministry, please let James or the church office know by April 14, so we can try and get the groups assigned by May 1. We hope you will sign up so that we can all become better "connected" as a church family over time. April Birthdays 2 Del Pool 6 Will Dillard 6 Kim Albert 8 Patricia Seat 10 Liza Farley 11 Carter Henderson 12 Ann Wood 13 Mark Foster 13 Grace Elizabeth Adams 15 Cal Raney 16 Frances Harrell 16 Buck Wilkins * 18 David Watson 23 Jessica Lumsden 24 Jane Willis 24 Matthew Fraser Freshour 25 Kaitlan Marvin 25 Kirsten Marvin 25 Brian Raney 28 Beth Saunders 29 Daniel Roller 30 Taylor Rowland 30 Debbie Roller 30 Mark Thackston *remembered Please contact the church office if we don t have your name on our list.

6 Summer Mission Trip The Mission Team is firming up their plans for work in St. Albans, WV, the week of July 7-13, and they are still looking for workers. Even if you are just the tiniest bit handy with your hands, as long as you have a heart for service among God's people and are open to a spirit-filled experience, there is a place for you! There is plenty of unskilled labor needed and on-the-job training is available. Each team member will pay $100. (Total cost per person is $225 for materials and lodging.) Youth are welcome with a parent or designated adult guardian - the work is best suited to middle school age youth and older. Contact Kim Albert (kalbert@ntelos.net) or the church office for more information and to obtain the required forms. Forms and payment due by May 1. Having trouble deciding? Check out the newly updated Mission Team link on the church web page for past reports and photos! Fundraiser Luncheon The Mission Team will sponsor a luncheon immediately following combined worship service on Sunday, May 5. You will be treated to an all-you-can-eat meal of special "Mission Hot Dogs" with the trimmings! Mission Team members will be serving up good eats along with photos and stories of blessings, miracles, surprises, and fun from past trips. There is no cost for lunch - diners will have the opportunity to become part of the team by making a donation to help with the expenses, the largest of which is building materials. Most years we have had the funds to accomplish more than was anticipated because of the generosity of First Folks. Come and join in the opportunity to make God's work happen! Men of meet each Thursday at 7 pm in the church library for Bible study and fellowship. They are continuing their study of Max Lucado's book No Wonder They Call Him Savior. A group also meets for dinner each week at 5:50 pm at Roma's restaurant. All men from the church and community are invited! Contact Don Cherry for information. College Graduates - Be sure to let the church office know if you have anyone graduating from college this spring. We will print a list of these special folks in the May newsletter. God s Kids (preschool-5th grade) will meet on Sunday, April 21, at 3 pm at the church. They will have lesson on the changing seasons to coordinate with Earth Day on Monday, April 22. Melissa Fraser is coordinating this meeting. Message in a Bottle Ministry - Linda Lumsden is coordinating a project following through with the Message in a Bottle ministry. If you have participated in this ministry by sharing a bottle, please contact Linda at or her at lululumsden@yahoo.com April Highlights April 2 - Ladies Circle April 10 - Spaghetti Dinner with Missionaries April 13 - Stephen Ministry Retreat April 14 - Young Adult Fellowship lunch April 15 - Officers Meetings April 21 - God s Kids April 23 - Stephen Ministry Training Weekly Happenings - Mondays at Praise Team - Tuesdays at 7 pm Handbells - Wednesdays at 6:15 pm Choir - Wednesdays at 7:30 pm Men of - Thursdays at 7 pm Upcoming Events May 2 - National Day of Prayer May 5 - Commissioning of Stephen Ministers during combined worship/ Mission fundraiser luncheon May 9 - Presbytery meeting here 6 First Presbyterian Church PRSRT 800 North Main Street US Postage PAID South Boston, VA PERMIT#15 South Boston, VA Here is your April newsletter...