First Presbyterian Church of Columbus, Georgia First Presbyterian Church of Columbus, Georgia ......
Transcript of First Presbyterian Church of Columbus, Georgia First Presbyterian Church of Columbus, Georgia ......
First Presbyterian Church of Columbus, Georgia November 2012
The Power of You
Thank
Sermon series November 11: Thank You for our Country and Our Soldiers
November 18: Thank You for our Friends and Family
November 25: Thank You for Christ the King
November is time for thanksgiving. It is the time when we gather with friends and family to count our blessings and give thanks to God who is “the giver of every good and perfect gift.” In the spirit of Thanks-giving, I want to share with you the power of two simple words: Thank You. These two words have the ability to transform our health, our joy and our sense of peace. Research shows that grateful people are happier and more likely to maintain good friendships. A state of gratitude improves the hearts rhythmic friction and reduces stress. It is actually impossible to be stressed out and thankful at the same time. When you are grateful your brain is flooded with emotions and endorphins that produce energy rather than stress. Gratitude is like a muscle. The more we do with it, the stronger it gets. Here are some ways to practice Thanksgiving: 1. Take a daily Thank You walk: Take a 10 minute walk each day to say (out loud) what you are thankful for. (Make sure the neighbors don’t see you and think you’ve lost your marbles.) 2. Meal Time Prayer: Say a prayer of thanks at every meal with friends and family at home or in a restaurant. 3. Gratitude Visit: Write a letter to someone expressing your thanks then hand deliver it and read it to the recipient. 4. Say Thank You at work, church, school, etc.: The CEO of Campbell’s Soup wrote approximately 30,000 thank you notes to his employees and energized the company in the process. Tell those around you how grateful you are for their work. Attend weekly worship to express your thanks giving to God! O Give Thanks to the Lord for He is good!
Thankful for you,
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VETERAN’S DAY
Chaplain CPT Vincente G. Alcivar will be
our guest speaker at the 11 a.m. service on
Veteran’s Day. Chaplain Alcivar currently
serves as the 1‐29 Infantry Regiment Chap‐
lain, Fort Benning GA. He was born in Ecua‐
dor, the son of Guillermo and Estela Alcivar.
He is married to the former Yvette Rios of
Stamford, CT and they have 3 sons; Kenny
(20), Corey (18) and Anthony (17).
Chaplain Alcivar was saved by the grace of God when he was 23 years
old and he has been involved in the church ministry since 2002 as part of
the Free Presbyterian Church of North America. He holds a bachelor’s
degree in computer Science from Orlando College, Orlando Florida, and
a Master’s degree in Divinity from Geneva Reformed Seminary,
Greenville, SC. He is a graduate of the Chaplain Officer Basic Course.
Chaplain Alcivar’s assignments have been in Fort Jackson, SC, Fort
Hood, TX, and Fort Benning, GA. He deployed to Afghanistan in support
of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
His awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Afghan Cam‐
paign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on
Terrorism Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Ser‐
vice Ribbon and the NATO medal.
New Member Class Sundays, November 11 & 18 Taught by Rev. Hasty & Rev. Doughton
This two-part class is open to all members who joined in 2012 and those interested in membership. The class will be held in the Parlor immediately following the 11 a.m. service and includes a light lunch. Call 706.322.4523 or email [email protected] for reservations.
TOKYO UNION CHURCH
Rev. and Mrs. Hasty travelled to Tokyo October 11‐16 at the invitation of Tokyo Union Church to celebrate their 140th Anniversary. Rev. Hasty served as Assistant Pastor during an intern year and he said that returning 25 years later, to the same church and many familiar friends, was like a dream.
Eight former pastors and assistant pastors made the trip back to Tokyo Union Church. In addi‐tion to seeing old friends, the weekend festivi‐ties included a tour of historical sites dating back to the origins of the church, a concert by the church’s choirs and other musicians, a for‐mer pastor’s forum and communion at both morning worship services.
As a symbolic jester of our unity in Christ, Rev. Hasty delivered one of the heart of pine crosses cut from the old timbers reclaimed during our Called By the Spirit renovation.
Please remember our Christian brothers and sisters in Tokyo in your prayers of thanksgiving for their long ministry and we pray that they continue to be fruitful.
Men’s Life
Tuesdays @ 6:30 a.m. in the Lodge
The last meeting of the Fall Term will be November 13.
Men’s Prayer Breakfast
Thursdays @ 7:15 a.m. in the Parlor
INSPIRE Page 3
Center for Christian Studies The Center for Christian Studies Term 4 begins
Sunday, November 18, through Sunday, Decem‐
ber 9. These classes meet in Room 303 A &3B.
“ADVENT : THE JOURNEY OF FAITH” Sundays, November 18, 25 and December 2, 9
This Center for Christian Studies series will be combined with other Adult Classes for the Sundays leading up to Advent. A team of Adult Sunday School Teachers will pool their talents and rotate leadership on each Sunday. Over these four Sundays we will look at what draws us to the cradle in Bethlehem as it comes from the Gospels of Matthew, Luke and John as we prepare for Christmas.
November 7
Parenting Your Parents Pastoral Institute
November 14
Habitat for Humanity
November 21
No Church Family Supper Due to Thanksgiving
November 28 – Advent
Mark Gignilliat Associate Pastor of Divinity
Beeson Divinity School
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND:
THURSDAY ADVENT LUNCHEON SERIES Our Thursday Advent Luncheon Series will return on Thursday, November 29. Rev. Dr. Mark Gignilliat of Beeson Divinity School/Samford University will give the first presentation of our Advent Series: Mark 1:1‐15 “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ.” He has taught Hebrew, Old Testament Exegesis, and Biblical Theology at Beeson Divinity School since 2005. His research interests include the relationship between the testaments and between exegesis and Chris‐tian dogmatics. Before coming to Beeson Divinity School, he taught at Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford. He earned his Ph.D from St. An‐drew’s University in Scotland. He and his wife, Naomi, have three sons.
Our other speakers include Bryan Dunagan‐Associate Pastor, Peachtree Presbyterian Church on December 6; Matt Fleming‐Instructor in Homiletics at Columbia Theological Seminary on December 13; and Adam Borneman, Pastor Second Presbyterian, Birmingham AL, on December 20.
Men’s Life Power Lunch
Thursday, November 8 Noon in the Parlor
Guest Speaker:
Bob Borneman Author of “A Frying Pan is Not a Gift”
INSPIRE Page 4
Confirmation
Orientation
Rev. Hasty will hold a confirmation orientation for parents of 2013 confir‐mands on Sunday, November 11th. Dinner will be served at 5 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. Rev. Hasty will provide an overview of the confirmation program and give parents an opportunity to ask questions about the program. Please RSVP no later than November 7th to Kimberly Moseley in the church office by e‐mailing her at [email protected], or call 706.322.4523.
November’s Emphasis is on
WORKING TOGETHER WITH GOD’S HELP TO DO MORE THAN YOU COULD DO ALONE
Friday, November 2nd��
Pre-K trip to the
RiverCenter to see
“Martha Speaks”
Mondy, November 12th�
NO SCHOOL:
Veteran’s Day
Thursday,
November 16th�
Thankful Feast�����
November 21st-23rd��
NO SCHOOL:
Thanksgiving Break
Children's Sunday School
Mission Project
Each Sunday School class will be
collecting items to fill a shoebox for
Samaritan’s Purse: Operation
Christmas Child (OCC).
Operation Christmas Child demonstrates God’s love to hurting chil‐
dren in a tangible way by partnering with churches worldwide to
deliver gift‐filled shoeboxes and the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Each box includes a language–specific booklet on helping kids understand the love of Jesus Christ.
Each class will be collecting items for a specific box:
K‐1st grade is collecting items for a 2‐4 year old boy
2nd & 3rd grade is collecting items for a 5‐9 year old boy
4th & 5th grade is collecting items for a 10‐14 year old girl
Suggested items include: school supplies, toys, hygiene items,
t‐shirts, accessories, and a note for the receipient. Please do not
include used or damaged items, army or war related toys, chocolate
or food, liquids or lotions, medications or vitamins, breakables or
aerosol cans.
All donation items are due by November 11th!
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Over 30 youth attended our Walking Wisely Weekend, where we grew in our faith through activities and small group discussions as we studied what it means to be a teenage Christ‐follower. Our theme scripture for the weekend was Ephesians 5:15‐19.
NOVEMBER
7th Youth/Yada Yada (6:30 pm)
10th Visit Azalea Trace
11th YOUTH CHOIR (4-5 pm)
SNL! (5-7 pm)
14th Youth/Yada Yada (6:30 pm)
18th YOUTH CHOIR (4-5 pm)
SNL! (Thanksgiving Shopping)
21st No Church Family Supper or
activities due to Thanksgiving
25 NO SNL! (Family Time)
Please accept my heartfelt appreciation for your two recent visits to Mary and I while she was in St. Francis Hospital as a result of a fall. Your concern and prayers along with many others have made me a better Christian. Mary is improving daily at The Manor Care Rehab Home here in Marietta. Thanks again, Jim Howard
Offering for Thornwell Home Sunday, November 18 and Sunday, November 25. For decades children from Georgia, South Carolina, and elsewhere have found a haven of hope at Thornwell. Offering envelopes will be in the pews. Please make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church.
Dear Church Family:
I am writing to inform you that, at the session meeting this past Monday night, Jami Conroy submitted her resignation as Director of Children's Ministry effective November 16, 2012. She expressed her deep appreciation for the opportunity to be a part of the ministry of First Presbyterian Church and to have the opportunity to teach our children and grandchildren about the love of Jesus Christ.
There is no doubt that Jami's ministry at First Presbyterian Church has been an incredible blessing for these past three years. Jami feels that she is now called to a new avenue of ministry. She will become the Associate for Children and Adult Small Group Ministries at The Ridge ‐ a new church plant which meets at Carmike Cinema and is a part of the United Methodist Church. Jami obviously possess organizational and creative abilities that are well‐suited for this calling, and we pray God's richest blessings on Jami, Doug and their children, Thomas, Lindsey and Sara, as they take this next step of faith.
We will thank Jami and recognize her for her service on Sunday, November 11, 2012, during the 11 a.m. service.
Already, the elders, leadership and Christian Education programs have met and are meeting to map out transition plans to ensure the continuation of our excel‐lent programs for children and their families.
Your Partner in Christ's Service,
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CORRECTION: Last month in the article about “Becoming
a House of Prayer,” the email for Ida Page was incorrect. The
correct email is [email protected].
The next Church Field Trip will be to Plains,
Georgia on Tuesday, November 27th. We’ll eat
lunch in Americus and visit Habitat for Humanity.
To reserve your sport, please call 706.322.4523 or
email [email protected] .
This Christmas we’ll be Spreading the Cheer by bringing the items listed below to fill tube socks that we will deliver to residents at Ralston Towers during church‐wide Christmas caroling on Wednesday, December 19th. The following items are needed: soap, mouthwash, dental floss, tooth‐paste, toothbrushes, sugar free candy, lotion, pens, pencils, small writing pads, batteries, Chapstick, razors, playing cards and any other small convenience or toiletry items. These items need to be turned in by Wednesday, December 12th. Please place them in the receptacle lo‐cated in the Gathering Hall.
Jami & Thomas
Doug, Sara & Lindsey
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26 Madden & Sally Hatcher
Sunday Rice Julie Micheli
27 Duke Miller Judy Harrelson Clay Dockery
28 Dick & Mary Margaret Stone
29 Joe & Earle Powell Trish Giles Rita O’Bryan Nicholas Manago
30 Joyce Downing Rev. Chuck Hasty, Jr. Suzanne McCary Katherine Flory Shujaa Miller
1 Barschall & Diane Andrews
Cathy Smith Isabelle Powers Melanie McElroy 2 Barbara Peebles Larry Henry 3 Billy Turner
Phoebe Haney Wade Weekley Rob Flournoy
4 Louise Smith
5 Bob Fleck, Jr. Lauren McDonald
6 Sam & Lib Greer Jerri Starlin Sally Hatcher
7 Bob & Mary Jane Galer Jeanne Galloway Christine Jones
8 David & Jaime Lemieux Mary Jarrett
9 Lois Johnston George Lawrence
10 Carol Hutcheson Jessica Shipp
11 John Avant Kenny Bath
12 David & Nan Bufogle Zak & Amy Labas Ted & Emma Neumeister Martha Hatcher Chuck Pennington
13 Ruth Brady Sasa Bruce
14 Nate Hilsman
15 Mark & Julie Littleton
Colin & Kelley McElroy Charlotte Gunby
16 John Franklin Paul Cowart Tamie Lumpkin William Iddins
17 Ralph Johnson Walker Flowers, Jr.
18 Chris Peebles Bob Garrard Henry Tommey Sam Cudd
19 Collier & Erin Trotter Amelia Barton Beverly Soto
20 William & Wanda Edwards Ann Reid Charles McCall Robyn Moore Gene Steger George Avant
21 Ron Hurtt
22 Jeff Adams Kathryn Roberts Meg Harris
23 John & Weesie Laney Mike Wolfe Evan Giles
24 Norm & Glenda Malenke Amy Labas Kristen Snodgrass
25 Donna Terry Sonja Morehouse
November Anniversaries and Birthdays
If your birthday or anniversary is this month, but is not listed, please contact the church office so we can add it to your member profile.
If you would like to submit an article or announcement in the December Inspire, the deadline is November 16. Please contact JoAnna at 706.322.4523 or email [email protected]. Thank you.
Share God’s Love
First Presbyterian, a historic church located in uptown Columbus, Georgia, seeks to minister to all people in Christ’s name through an inclusive, caring, and faithful community that joyfully shares the gift of salvation from a loving and forgiving God.
1100 First Avenue
Columbus, Georgia 31901
Phone: 706.322.4523
Fax: 706.596‐8531
Web: www.columbusfpc.org
First Presbyterian Church First Presbyterian Church Mission Statement
To opt out of receiving the Inspire Newsletter by mail, please contact JoAnna Williams at 706.322.4523 or [email protected].
Sunday, December 2nd-16th
Hosted by the Mission Ministry Team
Shop for Christmas presents for your friends
and family by making a donation to one of our
local church partners. A provided shopping list
will demonstrate how much your money will
benefit these groups. What a wonderful way to
celebrate the holidays by honoring friends and
family with a donation to a worthy organization.
Christmas Benevolence Market