First Presbyterian Church 1169 Clark Street, SW Covington, GA 30014 770-786-7321

Nonprofit Organi-zation

U.S. POSTAGE P A I D

Covington, GA 30014

Permit No. 32

The deadline for the August “First Press” is July 21, 2014. Please submit your articles and information to the church office by email: penihaug@att.net or by dropping off your copy to the church office, neatly printed or typed or on a flash drive. Thanks!

Time Sensitive Church News Please Do Not Delay

July Birthdays

If your birthday has not appeared on our monthly list, please notify us and we will add it to our data base so that when your next birthday rolls around, we will be able to help you celebrate!

1 Larkin Arnold 5 Lane Dobbs 6 Lauren Moon 7 Travis Moss

Donna Weesner 8 Shaun Evans

Carmen Lanford 9 Perri Walden 11 Scott Daniell

Jake McCarthy 12 Benjamin Weber

21 Ansley Tingler 22 Jon Paschal 23 Penny Blakeney

Steven Schubert Tripp Loftin

24 Elizabeth Daniell 26 Jonathon Schubert 28 Jon Williams 29 Josie Stamps

13 Judy Hooten 14 Pat Patrick

Raleigh Loftin 15 Meghann Timmins

Abbey Grace Venham 16 Koen Ardis 18 Theodosia Wade

Lori Ardis 19 Gavin Bates 20 Leon Savage 21` Larry Kennon

First Presbyterian Church, Covington July 2014

First Presbyterian

Church

1169 Clark Street, SW,

Covington, GA 30014

(770)786-7321

Fax (770)786-6596

www.fpccov.org

FIRST PRESS

First Presbyterian Church Staff

William B. Wade, Jr.

Pastor wbwade@bellsouth.net

Dan Walden Director of Youth and

Children’s Ministry djwalden@mac.com

Peni Haug Secretary-Treasurer penihaug@att.net

Alan Bunn Choir Director

abunn@jackson.k12. ga.us

Alice Walker Organist

Awalker.organist@ gmail.com

Pauleen Green and Maria Serrato

Nursery

Krissy Jones Director

Early Learning Center krissyFPELC

@hotmail.com

The Lord’s Supper

We will celebrate the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper during morning worship on Sunday, July 13. Prepare your heart.

Letter from our Executive Presbyter

Regarding the General Assembly

The following is a letter from our Executive Presbyter, The Rev. Penny Hill, to the pastors of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta:

Dear Friends in Christ,

The 221st general Assembly of the PC(USA) is now over and

all commissioners, observers, and mid council employees are

back home. We experienced and observed a wide range of emotions last week, from

elation to profound disappointment, from bold courage to paralyzing fear. Our church

made some significant decisions which some people believe are more faithful than ever

before, while some believe are a departure from scripture and certainly from tradition.

We now have to discern how to be the Church together and continue to proclaim the

Good News of Jesus saving grace to this hurting and broken world.

Since most of you have undoubtedly read the outcome of decisions, I will not go into

detail about them. You can also access PC-BIZ through the PCUSA website for pre-

cise information. I want to convey my deep concern about our presbytery and our indi-

vidual churches in light of some decisions that may prove to be very polarizing. There

are those who are celebrating because they believe that the marriage decisions are

more faithful to the Good News of the Gospel than prior decisions and definitions.

However there are other individuals and congregations who are grieving because they

see the redefinition of marriage and the freedom for clergy to perform same gender

weddings as a departure from scripture and tradition. What I have observed both last

week and long before is that there are very faithful Christians who hold each of these

stances. People’s view differ according to their interpretation of Scripture and life ex-

periences. Nonetheless, faithful Christians feel passionately about this issue, and we

must be very intentional in order to have ongoing respectful dialog so that we can be

the Church together.

GA’s decision for divestment is just as divisive, as some see the outcome as a breach

with our Presbyterian and Jewish relationships, and others view it as a justice issue of

standing in solidarity with Christians in Palestine. This decision for many people is

very personal as well as political. It is theological and spiritual as well. And it is es-

sential that we convey to our Jewish brothers and sisters that we do value our relation-

ships with them individually and collectively. People feel intense passion on both sides

of this issue, and again, we must find intentional ways of holding respectful dialog so

we can move forward as a Church.

(cont. on page 5)

Page 2 First Presbyterian Church

Session & Administrative Notes

Please let us know your

new address,

phone number or

e-mail address

whenever you have a change.

Thanks!

Weekly E-newsletter:

If you are not receiving the FPC weekly E-News, send your e-mail address to:

info@fpccov.org or call the church office.

June

Session

Highlights

Received new members Rosemary Dean by transfer of letter from First United Methodist Church, Covington, GA; Louise White by trans-fer of letter from Luther Hays PC, Mansfield, GA; Scarlett McCurry by Profession of Faith; Tiffany McCurry by Profession of Faith; and Danny and Beth Vining by transfer of letter from John Wesley UMC, Atlanta, GA;

Approved contracts with two movie companies to use our facilities for catering with total reve-nue of $4,500;

Discussed new Georgia Weapon Law and how it applies to our church;

Heard report of commissioners to Greater At-lanta Presbytery meeting on May 1, 2014.

Bill Loeble, Clerk of Session The Session will have no regular meeting during the month of July

SERVING US IN JULY

Nursery Volunteers

7/6 Trista Hooten - Wilson Family 7/13 Rebecca & Kevin Bates Family

7/20 Courtney & Eric Henderson Family 7/27 Jessica & Nick Jessup Family

Ushers

Chair: 7/6, 7/13 Cy & Jean Wolverton; 7/20, 7/27: Jon & Jane WIlliams

Sound Engineer: Ken Walker

Hospital Visitors

7/6 Jean Blair 7/13 Louly Hay

7/20 Stephanie Fortson 7/27 Bob & Darcel Tabb

Class of 2014 Debra Arnold

Bill Loeble Darcel Tabb

Roger Tingler Cy Wolverton Sam Hay, IV

Class of 2015 Gary Boteler Billy Fortson

Jan Giles Jim Stillerman Kevin Weber

Class of 2016 Charles Ardis

Joyce Ashworth Betty Bailey

Patrick Carmichael Perri Walden

MEMBERS OF SESSION

Before You Leave on Vacation

While you are preparing for vacation remember that the church’s expenses do not take a vacation. If you will mail your check or make an on-line payment before you leave, the lights will still be on at the church to wel-come you home. Thanks!

See our website at: www.fpccov.org

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

4:00 Exercise

2

4:00 Prayer Group

3 10:00 Ambassador Choir at FPC prior to Benton House

12:00 Silver Saints Luncheon

4 5

6 10:00 Sunday School 11:00 Worship-

7 VBS 6:00 Witness Team

8 VBS 4:00 Exercise

9 VBS

4:00 Prayer Group

10 VBS 10:30 Ambassador Choir

11 VBS

12

13

10:00 Sunday School 11:00 Worship &

Communion

14

10:30 Ambassador Choir at Salem Camp Meeting

15

4:00 Exercise

16

4:00 Prayer Group

17

18

19

20

10:00 Sunday School 11:00 Worship

21

Newsletter

Deadline

22 4:00 Exercise

23

4:00 Prayer Group

24 10:30 Ambassador Choir

25

26

27

10:00 Sunday School 11:00 Worship

28

29

4:00 Exercise

30

4:00 Prayer Group

31 10:30 Ambassador Choir

Save the Date

Vacation Bible School

July 7-11, 2014

See our website at: www.fpccov.org

Witness Team News

Page 6 First Presbyterian Church

Bring donations to the church or drop them off at the Community Food Pantry from 9:00-11:00 Mon-day, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday. Call (770) 784-0037 for directions.

Special requests for July: Bath Soap, Shampoo, Toothpaste

DID YOU KNOW Did You Know? There was a called Session meeting by Rev. Marshall Dendy on Sunday morning, Decem-ber 11, 1947. The purpose of the meeting was to take steps as possible to assist the Porterdale Pres-byterian Church which was completely destroyed by fire that morning. Motion was made and carried the offer of our church building for their worship service the first Sunday morning of each month or any other time that they should desire and that Rev. Dendy be authorized to grant such privilege that they be wel-come at our church at any time. Also a motion was made and carried that the Covington Church made a donation of $1000 toward rebuilding the Porterdale Presbyterian Church. On April 1, 1951, this money was reported in the Statistical Report as paid. Did You Know? Rev. Marshall Dendy is Session Moderator and the deacons are instructed to solicit funds to paint the auditorium. Did You Know? The Session on March 5, 1916 rec-ommend calling Rev. J.B. Ficklin as stated pastor with a salary of $1050 for all of his time except one Sun-day afternoon and also to provide a manse. The Congregation would vote the call on April 2, 1916.

Presbyterian Women

Fall Unit Meeting

September 8, 2014

6:00 PM

Martin Fellowship Hall

Presbyterian Women cordially invite all interested women to be present for the Fall Unit Meeting, a biennial meeting when all circles meet togeth-er. The purpose, ministries, and outreach of Pres-byterian Women will be highlighted. New 2014-2015 Circle Leaders will be welcomed. Plans for the new year will be presented. Dessert and bever-ages will be followed by a short but very meaningful video on prayer entitled "Peace, Be Still" featuring Beth Moore and other Christian leaders. This year will be an exciting one for Presbyterian Women! We are happy to welcome new or returning members. Presbyterian Women are: Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves: to nurture our faith and Bible study, to support the mission of the church worldwide, to work for justice and peace, and to build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and witnesses to the promise of God's kingdom.

Presbyterian Women Coordinating Team:

1) Officers:

Moderator: Alice Walker

Vice Moderator: Sherri Bolton

Secretary: Beth Vining

Co-Treasurers: Jeanie Liem and Anne Savage

2) Circle Chairmen:

Circle One: Ann Bouchillon

Circle Three: Jean Blair

Carol Dunbar

Circle Four: Stephanie Fortson

Circle Five: Judy Hooten

E-Circle: Adriane Hawley

First Presbyterian Church Page 3

Congregation Connection

Recycle! Recycling is good stewardship. It helps keep ma-terials out of our land fill. You also can contribute to the Community Food Pantry by taking your sorted recyclables to the City Recycling Center on Alcovy Road and signing the sheet there. We get a check quarterly.

There is a blue recycling container in the Martin Fellowship Hall. Recyclables from the church, in-cluding the paper collected in the choir room and office workroom will be carried regularly to the City Recycling Center on Alcovy Road.

Help fight hunger in our community!

Ambassador Choir

Summer Schedule Thursday, July 3 Sing at Benton House. Please meet in the Choir Room at 10:00 am for warm-up. Wear purple shirts. Sing at 11:00 am. Return to FPC for lunch with Silver Saints at 12:00 noon. Thursday, July 10 - Regular Rehearsal Monday, July 14 Sing at Salem Camp Meeting. Please meet under the Tabernacle at 10:30 am for a brief rehearsal. Wear purple shirts. Sing 11:00 am. Complimentary lunch at 12:00 noon at Salem Hotel. Thursday, July 17 - No Rehearsal Thursday, July 24 - Regular Rehearsal Thursday, July 31 - Regular Rehearsal

August 4-6 and August 15-16 (week day class) (weekend class)

Reconciling Paul

2014-15 Horizons/Presbyterian Women Bible Study Leader Training

Location: Columbia Theological Semi-nary, Harrington Cen-ter 222, Decatur, GA 30031

These courses are de-signed for those who will lead the 2014-2015 Horizons Bible Study; others interested in a contemporary study of Second Corinthians are

welcome. The author of this year’s study leads this session. Course participants will dig deeply into the material, hear from a panel of leaders, participate in listening groups and receive tips for leading the study throughout the coming year. For a current listing of all courses, visit http://www.ctsnet.edu/lifelong-courses-and-events.

Program fees: $105—$125

To the congregation of FPCC: Thank you for all the calls, cards and comforting for my sisters death. Please pray for Art and CR Raines her devoted sons as they move on without her.

Danny Vining

&

Our sincere, heartfelt thanks for all the prayers and kindnesses shown in so many ways during Don's or-deal with pain. Believe in Miracles was his comment as he is now pain free. Dr. Hanowell has said com-plete bed rest for two weeks before seeing him again.

In God's love, Don and Mary Bollinger

=

Page 4 First Presbyterian Church

FAMILY CONNECTION

Early Learning Center News

Welcome New FPELC Director, Tiffany McWaters

The leadership of FPC Early Learning Center is changing with the transition from Krissy Jones to our new Director Tiffany P. McWaters. The ELC will be forever indebted to Krissy for her teaching years in the Pre-K classroom and her administrative years as the ELC Director. She is leaving the ELC to return to public school teaching, but our congregation will continue to enjoy the Jones family through their church membership at FPC. The new FPELC Director, Tiffany P. McWaters, comes to us with elementary classroom experience in the Newton County Schools. Tiffany has a B.S in Early Childhood Education/Special Education General Curriculum from Mercer and is completing her M.Ed. from Valdosta State University. She and her hus-

band and daughters live in Social Circle and are members of Mansfield Baptist Church. Tiffany and Krissy have spent several days working together to ensure a smooth transition. The FPELC has a stellar reputation in the community and Tiffany is ready to carry on the tradition from her predecessors Deanna Graham and Krissy Jones. Please stop by her office and welcome her as she prepares for the FPELC Open House in Au-gust. Carol Dunbar, Chair ELC Board

Vacation Bible School

July 7th - 11th, 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Mark your calendars today for another exciting VBS!

All children who are rising Kindergarten through rising 5th graders are welcome to participate. Older youth (6th grade and higher) and adults are needed as volunteers, so please plan on helping out in any way that you can. Registration forms and music CDs are available in the narthex.

First Presbyterian Church Page 5

CHURCH NEWS

Montreat Retreat

It is time to start signing up for the congregational retreat to Montreat, NC. This is an intergenerational event that combines worship, study and fun in the beautiful mountains of our Presbyterian Conference Center near Asheville, NC. Costs for the trip can be obtained from the church office. Some financial help is available. A deposit of $50 will be due with registration. Forms are in the narthex on the round table.

(continued from p. 1 General Assembly) The new moderator of GA, Heath Rada, continued to highlight the need for reconciliation throughout the assembly, and

especially in light of the decisions made concerning same gender marriage and divestment. I am committed to our pres-

bytery doing everything possible to work toward mutual forbearance and understanding. Our own infighting will do

nothing to help us build up the Kingdom nor serve as a witness to Christ message of peace and grace. As leaders of the

church we need to work together to strengthen our churches and move them forward in their mission and ministry. God

has a plan for the Church, the Body of Christ, of which we are just one expression. God has a plan for the PC(USA)

too, and I pray that we will work to discern God’s plan for us.

I am here to resource and support you as pastors and church leaders in any way. Please call on me and the other con-

gregational consultants to be of service to you. I will close with the end of the prayer that Moderator Heath Rada

prayed after the vote for the redefinition of marriage.

Help us to focus on the fact that these are not the issues that define who we are as your children; but instead it

is the fact that you sent us your Son, Jesus Christ, and that we all love Him and we thank you to the bottom of

our hearts for that gift.

With confidence that the peace of Christ will prevail,

Penny

NOTE: FPC will have discussions about these actions of our General Assembly during the Sunday School hour beginning on August 24th. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to share your questions or concerns with Billy Wade or Dan Walden.

Cross Walk A crosswalk is a safe space - a "sanctuary" - for those traveling through life. Help us to create a "Cross Walk" here at FPC. Bring wall-mountable crosses from your travels so that we can display them on the wall in the hall outside the narthex. Include a note with your name(s) and cross origin information so that we can create a book detailing the cross display for future generations.