The Loveletter. Celebrating 175 Years Annual Meeting and Lunch Sunday, April 29

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1 The Loveletter Sharing the Love and Joy of Christ Easter is far more than a holiday or a celebration; it is power. Jesus taught us to love our enemies and to bless those who persecute us. These are not just words. As his compassionate plea from the cross shows, - Father forgive them, for they know not what they do he practiced what he preached. Johann Christoph Arnold I have lived long enough to learn something of the power of forgiveness and the ramifications of refusing to practice it. In Jesus Christ we see the personification of forgiveness and the awesome effects it has on people. Think of the stories recorded in the Gospels; the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), the woman who anointed Jesus feet (Luke 7), the thief on the cross (Luke 23), and Peter s restoration (John 21). These are all stories that point to the power of forgiveness. It is a power Jesus gives to us, Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors (Matthew 6). The amazing thing about forgiveness is the power it has to heal both the forgiver and the forgiven. Bitterness, resentment, hate, conflict, and animosity are terrible burdens to bear. Arnold says, Forgiveness can vanquish all such pain. This command of Christ s is key to healing all that is broken in our lives. Beware, Returning hate for hate multiples hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. (Martin Luther King, Jr.) The New York Times reported in August 2005 an incident in a Long Island courtroom. Ryan Cushing, a 19-year old charged with assault for tossing a turkey through a car windshield was confronted in court by the driver he nearly killed, Victoria Ruvolo. She had suffered severe injuries and required multiple surgeries to repair the damage done. The Times reported, When Mr. Cushing left the courtroom after pleading guilty, he came face to face with his victim for the first time. He said he was sorry and begged her to forgive him. She did. She cradled his head as he sobbed. She stroked his face and patted his back. It s O.K., it s O.K., she said. I just want you to make your life the best it can be. The article continued, Given the opportunity for retribution, Ms. Ruvolo gave and got something better: the dissipation of anger and the restoration of hope, in a gesture as cleansing as the tears washing down her damaged face, and the face of the foolish, miserable boy whose life she single-handedly restored. Easter is the power of forgiveness. It is a power you and I can receive and give, in Christ name. By God s grace, make it so. Blessings, Mike Celebrating 175 Years Annual Meeting and Lunch Sunday, April 29 Worship at 10:00 am in the Sanctuary Followed by the Annual Meeting and catered lunch in the Fellowship Hall

2 The Loveletter April 2018 Spring 2018 Wednesday Night Dinner 5:30pm Programs 6:15pm Menu s April 4 - No dinner/spring Break April 18 - Sloppy Joes April 11 - Baked Ham April 25 - Fried Chicken 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 April 4 - No program April 11 - Exploring the Power of Prayer, Part 1 led by FPC Prayer Team April 18 - Exploring the Power of Prayer, Part 2 led by FPC Prayer Team April 25 - Exploring the Power of Prayer, Part 3 led by FPC Prayer Team What is prayer? In what ways do we pray? Why do we often find it difficult to quiet ourselves and listen for the still, small voice of God that comes to us in prayer in meditation? Please join us for three Wednesday night programs on April 11, 18 and 25 at 6:15 p.m. in the Upper Room as we explore these questions and others. Members of the FPC Prayer Team will lead us in exploring some practical how-tos of prayer, experiencing different forms of prayer, and sharing with each other as we seek to build stronger prayer lives for greater spiritual growth and service to God. Small Group Study Opportunities Women of the Bible Sunday Study 4:30-5:30, Cornerstone Room April 1--Easter, no meeting April 8--The Queen of Sheba; Jezebel April 15--The Widow of Zarapeth; The Shunammite Woman April 22--Arhaliah and Jehosheba; Huldah April 29--Esther Please join us for a new monthly book study entitled The Beatitudes for Today, by James C. Howell, on Friday, April 20, 1:00-2:00 in the Cornerstone Room. We will be discussing Introduction-Chapter 3. This will be a 4-month study scheduled to conclude on July 21. Church Family To my First Presbyterian Church family, thank you for the phone calls, messages, food, flowers, visits, hugs, smiles and tears; and most of all, thank you for your prayers during this difficult time. I love you each and every one. Cathy Wall

3 The Loveletter April 2018 From the Session At the March 13 stated meeting moderated by Dr. Mike Anderson, the session heard the following reports: The session voted to allow the Preschool to move forward with adding a new Kindergarten class. Faith Development Egg Hunt and Lunch is scheduled for March 24 at the Thompson home. Reading the Bible in 90 Days will kick off May 6. The Properties Committee Mini work days scheduled for March 15 & 17 to replace bulbs around the church and the Sanctuary chandelier globes. Ice machine will soon need to be replaced at $2500. In light of recent shootings, Mike Ball attended a safety class at Cassville Baptist Church. A committee will be formed to determine if our church needs to create a security plan of action. Due to her school work load, Hannah Salter resigned from our Youth staff. The Personnel Committee has hired an Education Major from Reinhardt College to work as an intern with our Youth. Mission Committee reports that substitute drivers are needed for Friendship Table. Red Cross Blood Drive is scheduled for March 14. The church received a thank-you note from the residents at Hickory Log for their Christmas gifts. Budget and Finance reported that Revenue up $41k. Expenses are at $117k, which is down $28k from last year. Yearly percentage of budget used is at 16.65, which is right on target. Mike Anderson reported that plans are being made for our Annual Meeting, which will be held on April 29 in the Fellowship Hall after combined worship at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. All moms and friends are invited to gather for an evening of good food and fellowship on Thursday, April 19, at Angelo s on Henderson Drive. We'll meet and eat from 6:30-8:30pm. Friends are welcome! Please contact Renee Shields at renee@cartersvillepres.org by April 16 if you will need nursery care at the church that evening. Save the Date - Saturday April 21 st for Operation Inasmuch Jesus said in essence, Inasmuch as you serve the least of these, you serve me. We will partner again this year with local churches in Bartow County for a day of service in our community on Saturday, April 21 st. We will meet at the host church, Heritage Baptist Church at 8:30 am. The Mission & Service Team will have more project details soon.

4 April 2018 The Loveletter April 2018 Eight Hands of Christ families (or 28 peo- Easter Fun!! ple) joined us at the annual FPC Picnic and Egg Hunt at the Thompson s Farm! It was such a treat to enjoy the fellowship in such a beautiful location. The children enjoyed crafts, truck rides, and petting the horses in addition to hunting eggs. The next day, our sweet children joined the Psalm Sunday processional at the Upper Room service. Don t forget to express your appreciation to our Hands of Christ teachers and staff. They nurture our students in so many ways by setting a Christian example, preparing healthy food, and driving them safely home, in addition to helping them succeed in school. The week of April 23rd is highlighted by the National Afterschool Association to recognize the importance of afterschool programing for children and the dedicated professionals who make it happen.

5 The Loveletter April 2018 Sunday, April 1 st and 8 th there will be no evening activities due to Easter & Spring Break! Wednesday, April 11 th 345 & Youth meet in the Sanctuary after dinner for Children & Youth Sunday preparation on May 6 th Sunday, April 15th Confirmation Church Visits 8:30am APRIL CHILDREN & YOUTH God is so Good! Spring is such a fun, busy time of the year in the Children & Youth program! We are getting ready for Confirmation, Vacation Bible School, High School Montreat, Middle School Montreat, Downhome Mission and our Children s Art and Music Camp! In April we will show the Love of Christ in our community by helping with Operation Inasmuch, preparing Blessing Bags with the Modern Woodman and participating in Foster Watch with the Bartow Adoptive and Foster Parent Association (BAFPA). We want to thank our amazing church family for your love and support. I hope and pray you understand the magnitude of your impact on our growth in Christ. Peace in Christ, FPC Children & Youth 4:30pm 345 and Youth Wednesday, April 18th 345 & Youth meet in the Sanctuary after dinner for Children & Youth Sunday preparation on May 6th Saturday, April 21 st Operation Inasmuch and Modern Woodman 8am 2pm Sunday, April 22th Confirmation Church Visits 8:30am with Sponsor Breakfast to follow 4:30pm 345 and Youth Wednesday, April 25th 345 & Youth meet in the Sanctuary after dinner for Children & Youth Sunday preparation on May 6 th SUNDAY, APRIL 29TH 10AM CONFIRMATION Luncheon & 175th Year of our Ministry Celebrated in the Fellowship Hall at 11am 345 & Youth will have no evening activities due to confirmation

6 The Loveletter April 2018 April Birthdays 1 Martha Campbell 2 Nan Collier 2 Evan Bergman 3 Joan Green 3 Kerry Stough 4 Brayden Mullinax 5 LaRue Whitehead 5 Patty Richardson 5 Jake Noble 6 Betty Gilbert 6 Millie Roberson 7 John Adams 7 Clayton Forbes 8 Jimmy Cline 8 Perry Rentz 9 Denise Manning 9 David Tilley 9 Ella Bridges 12 Betty-Byrd Randlolph 12 Mary Mullinax 12 Will Pruitt 13 Norman Daugherty 13 Corey Tobin 14 Erin Templeton 16 Mason Cline 16 Mya Shields 17 David Dundee 17 Carrie Trotter 18 Billy Noble 18 Loveline Itoe 18 Mallory Branyon 19 Harrison Porter 20 Mike Tobin 20 Jacob Brush 21 Margaretta Shaw 21 Randy Ellis 21 Adam Erickson 21 Sam Bailey 22 April Hopper 23 Jodi James 23 Jessica Gardner 23 Jennifer Ennerburg 24 Lisa Stone 26 Carolyn Bowen 27 Susan Alexander 27 Chase Dudley 27 Alex Ginn 28 Debbie Grove 28 Sharon Ellis 28 Harrison Paul 28 Alice Hembree 30 Tom Nebergall In April We Pray for Our Church: Staff: Mike Anderson, Charla Banks (ASP), Jill Arthur (ASP), Susan Lathem (Preschool), Tonya Lutjens (Preschool) Officers: Nancy Kelly (Session), Renee Shields (Diaconate) Ministries: Administrative Ministry Families: April 1-7: Jimmy and Tinsley Cline (Jackson, Mason, Julian), Jerry and Sue Coalson, Jay Coalson, Don Coffey, Dennis and Nan Collier April 8-14: Emily Collier, Joey Collins, Lloyd and Julie Collins (Bailey), Molly Collins, Suzanne Collins April 15-21: Ariel and Sally Conlin, Gus Cook, George and Debby Crim, Scotty Crim, Mary Cullens April 22-28: Ann Cummings, John and Lori Cummings (Jack, Maggie), Sarah Curl, Norman and Jean Daugherty, Randy and Deborah Davis April 29-30: Don Denhoff, Bill and Marilynn Devine, Rose Diale, Julie Dioh, Doris Dockery

7 First Presbyterian Church 183 West Main Street Cartersville, GA Contact Mike Anderson, pastor Pam Radford, director of music Robert Reed, director of contemporary music Brady Payne, children s choir director brady@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 lindsay@cartersvillepres.org Jean Dudley, after school program director jean@cartersvillepres.org Araceli Munoz, after school program araceli@cartersvillepres.org Renee Shields, director of children & youth renee@cartersvillepres.org April Calendar April 1 - Easter Sunday Worship 9am & 11am April 2-6 Spring Break for Preschool & ASP April 2 7:00pm - PW Evening Circle April 3 6:30pm - Properties Committee April 6 1:00pm - Bridge Group April 8 April 9 6:00pm - Stewardship & Finance Meeting April 10 7:00pm Session Meeting April 12 6:15pm - Hospitality Committee Meeting April 15 10:30am - Congregational Meeting 12:00pm - Faith Development Meeting April 17 6:15pm - Worship Committee Meeting 6:30pm - Mission Committee Meeting April 19 6:30pm - Moms Night Angelo s April 20 1:00pm - The Beatitudes for Today Book Study April 22 April 23 7:00pm - Diaconate Meeting April 29 10:00am - Combined Worship Service in Sanctuary following worship Annual Meeting & Lunch in Fellowship Hall He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Matthew 28:6