The View Volume XIV Issue VII First Presbyterian Church 147 N. Main St. Cleveland, GA 30528 706-865-6499 Pastor: Rev. Andy Chambers pastor@fpccleveland.org Office: info@fpccleveland.org Website: www.fpccleveland.org INSIDE THIS ISSUE Pastor s Corner 2 New Members 3 PW Page 4 Calendar 5 Men of the Church 6 Mission Team News 7 Memories and Visions 8 Birthdays 9 Save the Date 10 THE GROWING PLACE CELEBRATION We had a fun picnic May 24th to celebrate the end of the first Growing Place school year. An outdoor picnic was planned but moved inside due to the weather. The Kids First Wednesday night kids decorated and helped set up the Fellowship Hall in preparation for the party. A room full of folks enjoyed eating grilled hamburgers and hotdogs plus lots of sides. The Growing Place students were introduced and given certificates for completing the year and church members got the chance to see them and meet their families in person. Celeste Sumner, Christy Michele and Clair Arvold were recognized for the work they have done this year with the preschoolers. A very special presentation was made at the end of the evening. The following is an excerpt from what Clair had to say. As much as I don't like to think about it, without financial contributions, we are limited in what we can do. Our little Growing Place would not be here today without one very generous donation from a very special family. For those of you who know and love Bill and Kayre Hines the way we do, their generosity is not surprising. When Kayre passed away last year, a memorial fund was established in her name. This money went undesignated until, because of Kayre's lifelong patient and dedicated mission to do God's Work with God's littlest children, Bill offered this fund to the Growing Place to get us started. Without Kayre's love of children, without the world's love of Kayre, and without Bill's selflessness, we would not be here tonight. To show our appreciation, we have a gift for Bill. It is wooden, for obvious reasons. It is a jigsaw puzzle because God is putting our little preschool together with just the right pieces. Kayre is in the center, surrounded by children as she has been her whole life. These are our children but they represent all of the children Kayre has touched in her lifetime and many more that will benefit in the future from the love and selflessness of Kayre and her family. The Growing Place plans to continue next year. We feel like we are meeting a need and it is a place of ministry. We covet your prayers, input and contributions as we move forward. By Melody Thomason
2 Pastor s Corner If I really loved myself, I would.. There was a time when one of the scribes came up to Jesus and asked him which is the greatest commandment (Mark 12:28). Jesus first tells him loving God is the greatest commandment. Next, he says, is loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. What does it mean, though, to love ourselves? I ran across a difficult question a few weeks ago in a book I was reading while on vacation. If I really loved myself, what would I do? A young man trekking the Camino de Santiago shortly after losing his father to a battle with cancer searches deep within Pastor Andy himself to rediscover who he really is asks himself this question. After about a week of hiking he realizes there is much inside of him he doesn t like. A fellow hiker and new found friend, he notices, kisses her hand every morning while sipping her coffee. She explains this is her simple way to remind herself daily of the beauty that she is. The young man was perplexed to say the least. The more I think about this simple act and this difficult question, the more I realize how easy it has been for me to give of myself to others all the while neglecting myself. I am guessing I am like a lot of people having no problem passing off a compliment to others, but knit-picking the tiniest things seen in the mirror. For example, You look great! Have you lost weight? vs. This dress/shirt/ makes me look fat. I guess the honest truth is that to answer the question, What would I do if I really loved myself? requires me/ us to be really honest with ourselves. For starters, we need to acknowledge whether or not we really love ourselves. If not, we must determine why. For me, I have found this time of my life (I m in my early 40 s) a time of re-discovery and questions. Am I happy with how my life has turned out so far? What adjustments might I make to be a better person? What might I do to be a more whole person? What decisions in the past can I learn from? What will it take for me to be content/happy? For far too long have many of us put us off all for the need and care of the other --our children, our friends, our co-workers. And when we finally stop and look in the mirror, we do not like at all that we see--a tired, aged person that seems happy on the outside, but miserable on the inside. Not that I have any or all the answers, but I believe a good place to start with loving ourselves is by filling in the blank: If I really loved myself, I would. Would you eat better? Exercise? Go back to college? Change careers? Forgive myself? Maybe all it takes is a simple kiss on the hand to remind us each day of the person God created, perfectly and wonderfully made, in God s own image. It s ok to look in the mirror in the morning and say I love you to the person looking back at you. That person needs to hear those words as much as any other. Congratulations! Pastor Andy was awarded The Eugene Adams Community Service Award from the White County Rotary. This is given to non-rotarians. Blessing, Pastor Andy
3 NEW MEMBERS - LINDSEY, CLARE AND ABBY MCGRATH By Bruce Morgan We are pleased to welcome Lindsey McGrath and daughters, Claire and Abby into our church family. Lindsey was born and raised in the Dallas, Texas area and, believe it or not, found a strong interest in ice hockey there. Not just in watching and cheering on the Dallas NHL team but in playing the sport. Her college days took her to Boston where she graduated with a physics degree and began a career in engineering positions. While there she met her husband Matt when they shared an interest in hiking that continues today. She and Matt eventually worked together in the submarine facility in Connecticut and they ended up in our area when Matt was transferred with NOK. Lindsey is working full time as mother to the girls and has joined FPC in order to give the family a foundation in the Bible and be part of a church family. She says, "Being a mom changes your perspective on life, you want to be the best person you can be for them." Lindsey enjoys crocheting and quilting when she can find the time and she and Matt are looking for hikes they can take as a family. We love to see this young family in our midst and were blessed to witness their baptism as part of their uniting with FPC. NOMINATING COMMITTEE NOTICE The Nominating Committee is looking for your suggestions for Elders and Deacons for terms that begin in 2018. Please give prayerful consideration to anyone in our membership that you feel may be ready to serve the Lord at FPC. Give your suggestions to Jim Hiers, committee chair, as they begin to select a slate. Lunch Bunch June 14 at the Cottage House Restaurant At the June Session Meeting the session: Received "Thank You" note from Maureen Ahern of "Our Journey" for contributions following her visit with us, Recognized Pastor Andy for being chosen for the Community Service Award for 2016 from the Rotary, Reviewed a very busy summer church calendar, Heard a report from "The Growing Place" and discussed funding, followed by a commitment to continue support through this calendar year, Honored Clerk Hiers for 20 straight years of excellent ratings by the Presbytery at their annual review of our records, Approved the financial report, Tabled a motion to replace one of four compressors on the sanctuary AC, Heard a report from the Nominating Committee chair, Heard Pastor Andy's plans for continuing education and the Chaplin position at Rabun Gap Nacoochee School. Set the next meeting for August 13th.
4 WOMEN S BIBLE STUDY 2017-18 WOMEN S MORNING BIBLE STUDY We will meet the 2 nd Thursday of the month beginning in September. The study group is open to women of all ages. We invite you to join us on this adventure. July Calendar: REGULAR MEETINGS - None for the summer The Women s Bible study will hold their annual luncheon July 13th. It will be at Bernie s Nacoochee Valley Guest House in Sautee Nacoochee. If you wish to carpool be at the church at 12:00, or meet at the restaurant at 12:30. There will be a signup sheet and menu choices in the Upper Narthex. We welcome all women to join us; it is always good fellowship and food. WOMEN S LUNCHEON AT BERNIE S July 13-12:30 P.M. sign up in Upper Narthex KNIT & STITCH July 6 & 20-10:00 AM/ lunch to follow DATES TO REMEMBER August 5 Thanks Y all BBQ -- sign up in the Upper Narthex August 12 NEGA Presbytery Workshop. Here at First Presbyterian Special THANKS Y ALL DINNER for all the SUPPORT y'all give to PW Presbyterian Women invites everyone (adults, youth and children) to join us for our 8th annual Barbecue. We use this occasion to say THANKS Y ALL for all the wonderful support our congregation gives to Presbyterian Women throughout the year. From buying and selling necklaces to donating for our special projects, you always support us all the way. Where: Hutcheson Hall Date: Saturday, August 5, 2017 Time: Menu: 6:00 p.m. Barbeque Pork & Chicken with all the trimmings. Cost: No charge but reservations are required. Deadline August 1 (Donations to cover the cost of food will be accepted.) All donations received in excess of expenses will be given to the FPC Christmas Music Program. Entertainment by FPC Choir
2 First Presbyterian Church Cleveland July 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 7:30 PM Cocaine Anon 5 10 AM Worship 10 AM Worship 10 AM Worship 10 AM Worship 6:30 PM Worship 9 16 23 30 5:30 PM Potluck 3 4 10 9 AM to 12PM VBS 6:30 PM Lions Club 17 18 24 6:30 PM Lions Club 31 4th of July 12 PM Rotary 7 PM Nar Anon 11 9 AM to 12PM VBS 6 PM Presbyterian Men Dinner and Meeting 12 PM Rotary 7 PM Nar Anon 25 12 PM Rotary 7 PM Nar Anon 5 6 12 9 AM to 12PM VBS 19 20 26 27 10 AM Knit & Stitch 8 PM NA 13 9 AM to 12PM VBS 12:30 PM Presbyterian Women Luncheon at Bernies 10 AM Knit & Stitch 8 PM NA 8 PM NA 7 7 PM NA 14 9 AM to 12PM VBS 21 7 PM NA 28 7 PM NA 8 7:30 PM Cocaine Anon 15 7:30 PM Cocaine Anon 22 7:30 PM Cocaine Anon 29 7:30 PM Cocaine Anon
6 PRESBYTERIAN MEN By Bruce Morgan The men will meet at 6:00pm on Tuesday, July 11 for our monthly dinner and fellowship. Our dinner is always extra special as the Presbyterian Women prepare and serve our meals. We pay for their loving service to us and they use money raised from our dinner for church projects, most recently, defraying the cost of the charter bus trip to the Biblical History Center in LaGrange. We invite all male church members and friends to make this fellowship part of their church experience. Ready to travel back in time? Join us in Rome! You ll explore the caves of the Underground Church, meet the Apostle Paul, create cool Bible-times projects, experience thrilling real-life dramas, play high-energy games, sample tasty Mediterranean snacks, and hear unforgettable music. Plus, you ll meet lots of new friends! LOCATION - FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CLEVELAND, GA ADVENTURE DATES - JULY 10-14 THE FUN BEGINS AT - 9 AM THE CITY GATES CLOSE AT - 12 PM FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE Anyone and Everyone is needed to help with VBS. If you are free and would love to spend time with the children please call Clair or Melody.
7 Mission Team News SILENT AUCTION The Growing Place plans to continue serving preschoolers next year which requires funds. Our first Fundraiser will be a Silent Auction which will take place in conjunction with the PW Thanks dinner Saturday August 5, 2017. We are in need of items to auction folks. So put a basket together or have your business donate a service. If you would like to help make this fun evening a success let Melody Thomason know. NO SUNDAY SCHOOL DURING JULY JULY 2, 9, 16, 23 WORSHIP SERVICE AT 10:00 AM JULY 30 WORSHIP AT 6:30 PM (POTLUCK AT 5:30 PM) FINANCIAL CORNER May 2017 Financial synopsis May Year to Date Income for Operating Expenses: $16,480.12 $102,300.22 Operating Expenses: $16,728.28 $ 92,662.48 Net Operating Income for the month: $ - 248.16 $ 9,637.74 Judy Winski A complete listing of the church s May financial documents is posted on the church office glass wall (by the office door). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
8 Memories and Visions By Jim Hiers This church celebrates the 20th anniversary of becoming chartered by the Northeast Georgia Presbytery as a Presbyterian church on November 20, 1997. There was, until then, no Presbyterian church in Cleveland. This was not in the plans for new church development by the Presbytery until the seeds were sown by many. It is important, as we look back, to mine gems from the carefully and wonderfully written Story of the Presbyterian Church in Cleveland authored by the late Barbara Johnson, an anchor in the foundation of this church and the lives of many. Dr. Wade Bell retired from Grace Presbyterian Church, Panama City, FL in 1993. He and Dot moved to Sky Lake in White County. He heard the common question: Why isn t there a Presbyterian church in the Cleveland area? He posed the question to the Chair of the Presbytery s New Church Development Committee. He was told by the COM chair, Dr. William Waterstadt, to arrange a meeting to determine interest. Rev. Charles Cook, Executive Presbyter, suggested that ads be placed in the local papers and radio and to arrange a meeting. The meeting was held on March 17, 1996 with 38 in attendance. Dr. Bell constantly pushed everything and everybody along with the positive assurance that the Presbyterian Church would be established in Cleveland. Dr. Jo Ann Manley of Milledgeville became chair of the Presbytery New Church Development Committee. A worship service was held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on October 13, 1996. During that time. Dr. Manley announced that there was enough interest so the Presbytery would name a steering committee at a worship service on November 24, 1996. At that event, Dr. Manley announced that Rev. Cliff Rigby, an Associate Pastor at First Gainesville, would serve as chair, appointed a couple of us and asked for volunteers to form the balance of the Steering Committee. Members of the Steering Committee were Kaye Bryan, Emylie Foster, Scott Glenn, Jim Hiers, Johnnie Katherine Sulc, Jim McDaniel and Eric Wall. Only Eric Wall and Jim Hiers are still active members of this church. Emylie Foster, Kay Sulc and Jim McDaniel passed away, Scott Glenn has moved away and Kaye Bryan returned to her Baptist roots. Rev. Cliff Rigby was the right choice to chair the Steering Committee and the members were dedicated and determined to get the new church put together with the help of prayer and the Holy Spirit. They went to work immediately. Soon, Rev. Charles Benz, who had been organizing pastor for 2 Presbyterian churches, agreed to serve as pastor for 1 year without salary. The Steering Committee, now led by Rev. Benz, met often, usually in a rented office in the upper floor of the building on the corner of E. Jarrard and Main St. which was cooled by a small window air conditioner. Team members learned to get there early to sit next to the AC or burn up. The outside wooden steps were pretty rotten and shaky so you felt blessed when you made it to the top. The committee met so often Eric Wall recently said: We met more than any outfit I have ever been in we meet most of the time. I remember Dr. Benz telling us that we needed a professional secretary to run the office and he had arranged for one to start in a couple of weeks at $27,000 per year. A less than positive discussion followed and the group indicated we could not do this as we did not have the money. He vigorously argued that this was necessary. The debate continued until Eric Wall remarked Dr. Benz, what is it about the word NO that you do not understand? She was not hired. Dr. Benz was dedicated and a man of action who moved us along. He had a gathering at his and Peggy s home. The Steering Committee continued to meet frequently. After holding 2 worship/organizing meetings at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, the St. Paul the Apostle Church offered to let us have 11am services at their facility. Our first communion was held there on July 6, 1997. Then the search began for a site to locate the new church. Many were explored including the church which is now the Cleveland Worship Center. The congregation met there for a lunch inspection. It is a handsome brick facility, but the fellowship hall was across a side street which we felt was a danger to the children in the church. Also, it was felt to be too small as the sanctuary only held 250 worshipers and we were sure our church would need more room. The steering committee agreed that we should try to buy the old Mauney House. It was on the market for $550,000, but had not sold. I remember negotiating with Ray Black, pharmacist and astute businessman, owner, many times. He finally agreed to let us have it for $350,000. It appraised for $455,000. He would be given an in-kind letter for a gift of $100,000. We planned to borrow the whole $350,000. I went to all of the the local banks and some out of the area. I was told in a whisper by one of the bank presidents Banks don t like to make loans to churches. Finally, after we incorporated and were given some money by the Presbytery, none of which could be used to buy a building, the then Habersham Bank in Cleveland loaned us the money. We were off to a good start. Next, the dream becomes a reality and the church becomes official.
9 JULY BIRTHDAYS July 1 - Cindy Free July 2 - Cathy Rades July 12 - Chloe Barrett July 13 - Debbie Wessely July 17 - Walt Barrett July 20 - Gabe Smith July 21 - Ann Chard July 22 - Shirley Kitchens July 22 - Bill Hines July 23 - Avery Rades HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY GOD BLESS YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU Please accept our apologies if we missed your birthday this month. Please notify the church office so we will remember next year. Thank You July 23 - Sandra Montgomery July 29 - Donna Barrett July 30 - Mary Smith July 30 - Barbara Moreland July 31 - Barbara Hiers JULY 30th AT 5:30 pm JULY 30th AT 6:30 pm
First Presbyterian Church 10 147 N. Main Street Cleveland, GA 30528 Phone: 706-865-6499 Fax: 706-865-5362 E-mail: info@fpccleveland.org Website: www.fpccleveland.org AUGUST NEWSLETTER DEADLINE JULY 21ST Chairperson & Editor Bruce Morgan Publisher Cookie Mathis Committee Members Judy Winski Kim Ciriello Bonnie Frost Dick Frost SUNDAY SCHOOL RALLY DAY Sunday August 13 th 10:00 Join us to celebrate the new school year with a continental breakfast and hear about Sunday school offerings for the coming year. SAVE THE DATES July 2-10 AM WORSHIP July 4th July 6-10 AM PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN S KNIT & STITCH July 9-10 AM WORSHIP July 10-14 - 9 AM NOON VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL July 11-6 PM PRESBYTERIAN MEN DINNER AND MEETING July 13-12:30 PM PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN S LUNCH AT BERNIE S July 16-10 AM WORSHIP July 20-10 AM PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN S KNIT & STITCH July 30-5:30 PM POTLUCK SUPPER July 30-6:30 PM WORSHIP