CHURCH NEWS, Volume 1, Issue 2 - October Dear Friends,

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1 Dear Friends, CHURCH NEWS, Volume 1, Issue 2 - October 2016 A few weeks ago I took my son, Jake, to have his annual physical examination at Johnson City Pediatrics. He had to miss his last class of the day, which annoys him because he wants to make sure he can have good enough attendance to exempt out of final examinations at Science Hill. I had to communicate with the SHHS office, leave work early to pick him up, and then stay with him during the almost-two-hour ordeal. Why did we both sacrifice so much in order to make this happen? Because it is important to stop, get a physical, determine if any minor adjustments are needed, and then take steps toward better health. All this started me thinking about our spiritual body s health. When was the last time you had your annual Spiritual Examination? Wouldn t it be prudent to stop, get a Spiritual (instead of a Physical ), prayerfully ask God where adjustments are needed, and then make a goal to take steps toward better growth? Why don t we commit, as a community of believers, to getting a Spiritual this week? If you are willing to join me in this important but never very urgent task, here are some questions for the Great Physician to help give you insight into needed adjustments: 1) Where am I excelling during this season of my life: Glorifying God (daily and weekly community worship), Growing (daily time with God and weekly community Bible studies), Going (giving of my time to serve the physically or spiritually poor)? 2) Does my Glorifying, Growing, or Going need minor adjustments the most? 3) What practical steps toward better health can I take? 4) Am I willing to commit these steps to God, in order to improve my spiritual health? Let s be in prayer for ourselves and each other. God is not through with us yet. He has great things in store for us, because He is our loving heavenly Father. Your friend and pastor, Louis

2 Preaching October 2 Stress Factors Series Doing of Work Romans 12:14-20 October 9 Stress Factors Series Deterioration of Health James 4:2-3 October 16 Stress Factors Series Derailed Relationships Proverbs 18:24 October 23 Stress Factors Series Dangers and Fears Luke 8:22-25 October 30 Celebration Sunday SUKKAT Feast of Tabernacles Leviticus 23:33-44 In Spirit Birthdays (Consider sending a note or card to our folks who are not physically able to join us but join us in spirit to brighten their day on birthdays, or just because...) Come on.. LAUGH! Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. [Luke 6: 21b] Politics, terrorism, murder, missile tests, zika virus, fires, floods, identity theft, hacking, racial tension and even disagreements within denominations and churches this list goes on and on and daily we are bombarded with the latest development in each along with a few new worries, fears, threats, and discouragements. And if we allow ourselves, it is all that we ever think about. We become consumed and overwhelmed and discouraged. But why? In the book of John we hear Jesus bring this assurance and comfort, I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. It is reported that every people group on the face of the earth has some cultural sense of humor. They laugh! Surely laughter is a gift from God. It is part of how Psalm 139:14 s declaration of how wonderfully God has formed each of us. And notice how in Psalm 126:2 the nations recognize that God has done spectacular things for his people by virtue of their observation that their mouths were filled with laughter and tongues with joyful songs. God has created us uniquely and wonderfully. He has gifted us and blessed us and led us all the days of our lives. Jesus has come to lead us to eternal salvation through his self-sacrifice. The mere recognition of these truths, exponentially increased through the living in them leads us to a place of unceasing joy. And joy explodes out of us in our words, our deeds and our laughter. Laughter is poison to fear. George R.R. Martin So, let us not be people of long faces and grumbling. Let us instead be people of joy and laughter. Recognize the great joy within you and surrounding you and let it flow forth in laughter. Come on; LAUGH! Visiting his grandparents, a small boy opened the big family Bible. He was fascinated as he fingered through the old pages. Suddenly, something fell out. He picked it up and found that it was an old leaf that had been pressed flat between the pages. "Mama, look what I found," he called out. "What have you got there, dear?" his mother asked." With astonishment in his voice, the boy answered, "I think it's Adam's underwear!" October 3 Lena Holtzclaw 115 Bramm Rd Bristol TN October 22 Betty Stout 10 Tallapoosa Rd Johnson City TN A trigger to a fond memory? Over the last several years as I have climbed on roofs and dug in planters I have periodically come across remnants of old, gray slate roofing tiles that long ago covered our sanctuary. I have retained each of these as I have come across them, thinking that they might have historical value or might trigger a fond memory for someone. So, please know that I have them and if there are some of you that might want to have one to add to the knickknacks on your mantle or a favorite shelf, or to tuck in a memories box, just let me know and I will be happy to provide you with one. [Gary]

3 Concert - Sunday, October 9-3:00 PM - Sanctuary The Civic Chorale, under the direction of their new director, Dr. Rodney H. Caldwell will be holding their first concert of the season on Sunday, October 9 at 3 PM. Dr. Caldwell serves as the Director of Choral Studies and Coordinator of Vocal Studies at Mars Hill University, where he conducts The Mars Hill University Choir, Chamber Singers, and the Women s Ensemble. While there is no admission charge for this concert, donations are greatly appreciated, with a $10 suggested donation. Sunday, November 6 - One Service At 10 AM Once again, we will gather on All Saints Sunday to celebrate the Kirkin o The Tartans and honor the Saints who have gone on to the Church Triumphant in the last year. We will gather in the Sanctuary at 10 AM for a combined worship service, and following the service we will gather in the Fellowship Hall for a Thanksgiving Feast. If you are planning to carry a tartan, we are asking that you please contact the church office to let us know of your desire to do so. This is always a need, and we would like to organize this a little better than past years. Your cooperation and willingness to assist us in this special service are appreciated. Our Drama Team has a new time for our rehearsals. We will be meeting on Monday evenings at 6:00 PM in the choir room (lower level of the Sanctuary building). Theatre, film, music and visual arts have a tremendous impact on people. A simple monologue or heartfelt song can bring about eternal change in a person s life. In a world that has become more entertainment and media driven, the church must find new methods to deliver the unchanging message of hope and salvation through Jesus Christ to a constantly changing world. Our Drama Ministry represents the Word of God in action. We need your help. If you would like to be a part of this exciting ministry, come join us on Monday evenings in the choir room. Our instrumental ministry is off and running for another season, and we need you! We know there are folks out there that played an instrument in school or earlier in your life. And you are exactly who we are looking for. It s time to dust off those instruments and come be a part of our music ministry. Play what you can, and it ll get better every week. We meet on Wednesdays at 5 PM in the music room (lower level of the Sanctuary building). Contact Larry Dodd (larry@fpcjc.org) for more information. New Orffestration Ministry To Begin We will be having an organizational meeting of a new music ministry group that will be leading worship through the Orff instruments that our Church owns. This will most likely be a multi-generational group, and everyone is welcome. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO READ MUSIC TO PARTICIPATE. Our organizational meeting will be at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, October 19. We will decide on our meeting day and time during that meeting. Contact Larry Dodd (larry@fpcjc.org) for more information.

4 CHURCH-WIDE GATHERING AT HOLSTON PRESBYTERIAN CAMP October 15 Lunch Provided RSVP with the church office before October 7 Come for a hike, to sit by the fire, canoe on the lake, or just rock on the porch. Additional activities will be offered. It s a great time for fellowship when the leaves will be at their peak, and it s Woolyworm Festival time in Banner Elk, too! GOOD SAMARITAN LUNCH - MONDAY, OCTOBER 17 10:30 AM Church Office PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN Thursday, October 20 10:45 AM - Fellowship Hall Join us for Bible study and lunch ($5.00). Reservations needed by October 19 Call Betty Baker, October 21 Bring sandwiches (individually wrapped), bananas and chips. Sign-up sheets for food donation or to help serve are posted outside the church office and the Worship Center. For further information, call Shelby Ingram ( ). Build your church family through Friends, Food, and Fellowship Sign up for one or more small group gatherings at a local eatery Childcare will be at the church (dinner provided) ALL ARE INVITED: Singles, young couples and families, visitors, members and guests. Contact: Jenny Fowler Jennie Fowler Jill Lewis Jamie Lowe FALL HAYRIDE AT THE GRINDSTAFFS Sunday, October PM Hayrides, hot dogs and S mores! Come join the family fun! 2353 Elizabethton Hwy October Calendar 2 World Communion Sunday 5 Youth Movie Night 6:30 p 6 Civic Chorale Rehearsal 7:00 p 7 1 PSM Lock-in 9:00 p 8 Civic Chorale Rehearsal 1:00 p 9 New Membership Class 10:00 a 9 Civic Chorale Concert 3:00 p 9 NO 1PSM 15 Gathering at Holston. Camp 5:00 p 16 NO 1PSM 17 Good Samaritan Lunch 10:30 a 18 AGO Dinner and Meeting 6:00 p 20 Presbyterian Women 10:45 a 20 Church Directory Pics 2:00 p 20 Highway 56 6:00p 21 Church Directory Pics 2:00p 21 Friday Friends 5:30 p 22 Church Directory Pics 10:00 a 22 Miracles Happen Event 7:00 p 23 1PSM Paintball 2:30 p 23 Hayride at Grindstaffs' 5:00 p 25 Session Meeting 7:00 p 26 1PSM Set-up Trunk or Treat 6:30 p 29 Streetside Ministry 11:00 a 29 Trunk or Treat 5:00 p 30 NO 1PSM Each Week Sunday Praise Team Rehearsal 7:45 a Worship service 8:45 a Chancel Choir Rehearsal 9:45 a Fellowship and Refreshemnts 9:45 a Sunday School 10:00 a Officers' Prayer Time 10:45 a Worshi pservice 11:00 a SNL Worship 5:00 p 1PSM Games and Devotions 6:00 p Monday Drama Team 6:00 p Chamber Ringers 7:00 p Celebration Ringers 7:30 p Miracles Happen 7:00 p Tuesday Worship Planning Team 9:00 a Staff Meeting 10:00 a LXI Bible Study and Dinner 5:00 p Wednesday Instrumental Ensemble 5:00 p Fellowship Dinner - 1Table 5:45 p Adult Bible Study 6:30p 1PSM Elevate 6:30 p R S Followers/Children's Choir 6:30 p Thrusday Sanctuary Reserved 9:00 a Men's Lunch, Bible Study 12:00 p Friday Miracles Happen 7:00 p Saturday Miracles Happen 7:00 p

5 opportunities for faith, laughter, music and inspiration... recommended by Presbyterian Women Higher Ground Baptist Church Kingsport, TN Thursday, November 10-7:00 PM First Baptist Church Greeneville Greeneville, TN Friday, November 11-7:00 PM The River Craft Sale and Open House November 4, :00-8:00 PM 125 West Main St. Handmade Items Art work, hand-knit and -sewn items, teacher gifts, baked goods, canned items, one-of-a-kind crafts; all purchases go to supporting The River. Call for more information Support The River An abundance of keys! We are asking for your help in getting control of the security of our church. We have begun to establish new guidelines for when our doors are unlocked and when they must be locked. We are also very near to implementing a more restrictive use of our burglar alarm system. All of this means that very soon you will need both a key and an alarm code to get into and walk about the church at certain times. Many of us have been given keys for very valid reasons through the years, but the need has now passed yet we retain the key(s). Currently the keying of the church results in separate keys for: offices, outside entrances, inside rooms and closets, and the Fellowship Junction building. You will do the church a great service if you will take any of the following actions that pertain to you: return to the church office any church keys in your possession that are no longer needed by you and/or are probably outdated and no longer functional report to us what specific keys (see the list of four above) you currently hold for your efficient use of church resources request of us those keys that you don t currently hold that are needed for your efficient use of church resources.

6 Streetside Ministry Every Sunday morning, the umbrella goes up at the round cement table outside our Church doors and hot coffee, fresh donuts, and devotionals are offered up for our downtown neighbors. While this has been happening for several years, most recently Jeanne Zucker has quietly performed this important ministry that shows God's love for the folks that surround our Church. Please give Jeanne a pat on the back when you see her, and encourage Pat Gagan as he steps up to assist and share in the opportunity to reach out to those who need a little kindness shown to them. Thank you, Jeanne and Pat! Streetside Ministry encompasses not only coffee and donuts each Sunday morning, but on the last Saturday of each month, Streetside volunteers gather in the Fellowship Hall to prepare meals for the homeless and underserved in our downtown neighborhood. Typically, this ministry feeds folks a hot lunch each month and several times a year, much needed basic necessities are provided. Over 3000 meals have been served to date and hundreds of blankets, umbrellas, toiletry kits, rain ponchos and sweatshirts along with Daily Bread devotionals and Bibles have been distributed. From time to time, this group steps up to gather items to help someone finally get into an apartment they have longed for, or simply provide a warm sleeping bag, tent or bicycle to someone in desperate need. These volunteers quietly go about showing God's love through the doors of our Church. Thank you! STUDENT MINISTRY The temperature is cooling off and Fall is here! We are so excited to continue worshiping, exploring and talking about Jesus with the Youth! This past month we took the students to ETSU for some team building on their high and low ropes course. Hey, all had a good time and hopefully learned how to work together more! We offer Sunday school classes for middle school and high school in between the two morning services from 10 AM to 10:45 AM. Sunday evenings we will continue to have our time of fellowship usually from 6:00-7:30 PM. We try to have one off-site event per month, such as retreats, bowling, rafting, concerts, climbing, etc. Wednesday nights we have Elevate from 6:30-7:30 PM, after the meal in the fellowship hall. This usually consists of games, worship, Bible study, and small group time. Team-building at ETSU Ropes Course If you are interested in working with the student ministry please contact Tim Jones via or cell phone; tim@fpcjc.org or (910) Upcoming events October 5 Fall Break Movie Night 6:30-7:30 PM October 7-8 Lock-in at Church 9 PM-9 AM October 23 Paintball 2:30 PM October 23 Hayride at Grindstaffs 6-8 PM $10 October 26 Help set up Trunk or Treat 6:30-7:30 PM October 29 Help serve at Trunk or Treat 4 PM November 4-6 Fall Retreat at TVR $75

7 October at First Presbyterian Preschool Mondays are Chapel Days a wonderful way to begin our week together! October s Bible verse is I am wonderfully made from Psalm 139:14. We will learn this verse with our words, our actions & with our hands in sign language. We always look forward to the Johnson City Firefighters visiting with us in October (and bringing their fire truck) for Fire Safety Month. We will also enjoy All School Story with our amazing Mrs. Jo Rolling who takes us on amazing story time adventures! We ll end the month with the FPC Trunk or Treat event on Saturday, October 29. We love having our preschool families join our church family in this wonderful church wide activity! We would love to have you volunteer and/or bring your trunk and participate in Trunk or Treat! Also, we need candy donations! Please bring individually wrapped candy to the church office by Thursday, October 27.

8 First Presbyterian Church 105 South Boone Street Johnson City, Tennessee FPC Johnson City Staff Gary Arner Director of Adult Discipleship, and Facilities Abraham Bodkins Contemporary and Youth Music Brenda Brewer Maintenance and Kitchen Laura Champouillon Organist Janice Cunningham Ministry Assistant and Receptionist Linda DeLong Kitchen Manager Larry Dodd Director of Worship Sherry Gaskins Church Business Administrator Louis Imsande Senior Pastor Jennifer Jacobs Director of Children s Ministries Tim Jones Director of Student Ministries Stacy Larsen Director of The River Amy Sentell Director of the Preschool September 2016 SHOE BOXES ARE HERE! Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes! Share God s love with children around the world. Bring your prepared shoebox to the church office by Wednesday, November 9, Bring your check for shipping for $7, written to Samaritan s Purse. Contact Clyde Monday for more details; clyde.monday@gmail.com New Pictorial Directory We are getting ready to create a new photo directory and we need you to help make it complete. By participating you will receive a printed community book, and will have access to a directory app. We will be calling soon to provide you with opportunities to sign up for your photo session. You will have three convenient ways to sign up for your portrait session. You will be able to schedule your session with this online link through the church website, by signing up at the tables located outside the worship center and sanctuary, or by calling Janice in the church office (423) Photo sessions will be scheduled for October 20-22, November 6, 7 and 21. Don t miss out! Watch your bulletins for mor e information and be a part of our directory.