FPCO Columns - August 2008

8/14/2019 FPCO Columns - August 2008

1/24Vol 48, #8 August, 2008

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One of my professors in seminary said the key to being a

good pastor was learning to be a keen observer of life. You

have to watch what is happening and somehow interpret those

events in light of Gods revealed Word. As I was trying to dothat recently, I observed something in the Wall Street Jour-

nalthat I found telling. It was an article on the front page of the

Personal Journalsection and the title was:

More Couples Find Marriage Leaves Them Alone Together

Now, I dont know about you, but when I read that, my

rst thought was, Great! In my marriage, I am always trying

to nd balance in my life such that I can nd time with Leigh.

The headline seemed to suggest that more couples were nd-

ing that time alone with each other and, as a result, marriages

were better.

Sadly, that was not what the headline meant. It actually

meant that more and more couples are leading separate lives

even though they are together. A Penn State University study

followed 2000 couples one group in 1980 and the other in

2000. They found the likelihood of couples spending time

together doing things such as visiting friends, sharing recre-

ational activities, dining, shopping or sharing projects aroundthe house had fallen by 28% in those 20 years. In other words,

couples are together, but they do more and more things apart.

To be clear, I think couples need to have healthy lives in-

dependent of each other. We all need outside same-sex friend-

ships to support and strengthen us. However, good marriages

are found when husbands and wives partner in life together.

It is in that partnership that emotional bonds are formed. It is

how couples connect.

In the time I spend with couples, this is often a problem

It most often starts with children. Once children come along

couples tend to drift. They invest all their time in their children

but not each other, and they lose that sense of connection andpartnership. Before too long, spouses start feeling as if the oth

er does not know them or understand them. How could they?

They are leading separate lives.

I say this as a means of challenging you to think about your

marriage and to encourage you to sign up for the FPCO mar-

riage retreat this November. Leigh and I will be leading this

event, and it is our prayer that God will use it to renew and re-

store the marriages of many in our church and community. The

theme is marriage matters. I believe that it does, and if you

do, then I hope you will make that weekend a priority so tha

you can connect with your spouse even as you live in a culture

where that is happening less and less.

With joyful expectation in

the Lord, I write

Under His Mercy,

David

ON THE WAYwith Dr. David D. Swanson

Dear FPCO Family and Friends,


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A FRESH ENCOUNTER

WITH GODBy Rev. Donna McClellanWould you like to experience a fresh encounter with theliving God? Are you seeking a more intimate relationship with

God? Would you like to access more power from the Holy Spirit

in your daily life?

Several of us are meeting weekly this summer to pray and

prepare for the Prayer Ministry. You are welcome to join us any

Wednesday, from 6:30 7:30pm, in the EMC Resource Room.Together we have prayed, looked at various prayers in the Bi-

ble, and shared our own experiences in prayer, but mostlywe

have prayed. And God has met us!

I am excited to announce the start of a weekly prayer meet-

ing here at FPCO. We will meet beginning September 3 in Lee

Fellowship Hall from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Please join us for our rst

meeting as we will have a short time of worship, hear David

Swanson bring us a word on prayer and as we spend time to-

gether as a church in prayer.

Cleat Simmons, who is leading our efforts, shared some

thoughts taken from a sermon Charles Spurgeon preached in1868 on prayer citing Acts 1:14; They all joined together con-

stantly in prayer. Here is a summary of what Spurgeon sees as

the purposes of the prayer meeting from that sermon.

Purposes of the prayer meeting

1. To encourage a discouraged people. Acts 1:14

2. To serve as an appointed place to receive power

from the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:1.

3. To act as a resource for the persecuted church.

Acts 4:31

4. To be a means of personal deliverance. Acts 12:4-5

5. To serve as a means of suggesting missionary

operations. Acts 13:2-3

6. To be a rst step in a new work for Christ. Acts 16

Somehow I think that the purposes for prayer meetings in2008 are not that different from the purposes Spurgeon out-

lined in 1868. God has not changed, and our need to depend on

God and to look to Him for guidance has not changed either!

One of the things I most appreciated from his sermon was

this quote; It is a very useful thing for Christians to pray with

each other, even apart from the answer. Our desire for our

prayer ministry is not just to get answers, but to encounter God

in ways that will deepen our faith and give us strength for the

journey (both personally and as a church.).

Please keep Cleat Simmons, Barbara Francis, Cary Burchak

and myself in prayer as we (along with others) continue to prayand plan for this ministry. We know that the enemy is not at al

pleased with these new efforts on prayer and we are dependen

on God and His power to lead us and provide victory. n

WEEKLY PRAYER SERVICE

Wednesdays; 6:30 7:30pm

Lee Fellowship Hall

Beginning September 3

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The Bethel SeriesThe most purchased, yet least understood The Bible.

The Bethel Series is an intensive study of the Bible which will

assist you in developing:

a comprehensive view of the Bible

an understanding of the historical background

which shaped the biblical events

an ability to discern the major themes of

scripture which show the purposes of God for

His people

This September, a Bethel class will be offered on Sundays,

from 4:30-6:30pm. This class will require some reading and

homework and the study will be on the Old Testament team

taught by Revs. Donna McClellan and Sam Knight along with

lay leader, Kim Allen. Registration will be limited, and there is

a $25 fee to cover the cost of study materials.

FIT..Faith, Integrity & TechniqueBecome FIT (Faith, Integrity & Technique) Why should

we be healthy and t? We are told in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do

you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who

is in you, whom you have received from God?

You are not your own; you were bought at a price. There-

fore, honor God with your body. Join in with others to learnhow to be good stewards of our bodies so we may serve His

purpose. Simon and Kris Morgan, along with a nutritionist wil

complete the team to provide basic education and motivation

to be FIT! Class fee is $25 per person and child care is available

with a reservation.

SUNDAY DISCIPLESHIP OFFERINGS

BEGIN SEPTEMBER 14Our fall programming is moving from Wednesday nights to Sunday afternoons beginning September 14 through

November 15. Please plan to join our time of study and community from 4:30 6:30pm. Adult classes require reg

istration, which can be done online at www.fpco.org/register.

For registration assistance, contact Lori Needham at 407-423-3441 x1463 or [email protected]. For general ques-

tions, contact Donna McClellan, Associate Pastor for Discipleship and Spiritual Formation at 407-423-3441 x 1488.

No trafc, plenty of parking, relaxed weekend schedulesPlan to spend you Sunday afternoons with the Son.

| www.fpco.org


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Focus on the Family Program:How to Drug Proof Your Kids

Its easy to think, not my kid. Just know that seventy

percent of not my kid used alcohol last year! Perceptions are

dangerous. In todays culture, the only true defense is educa-

tion and open communication with your child. This program is

for parents of children ages 8 through 13.

How to Drug Proof Your Kids is a small-group study pro-

gram. Together with other parents, youll go through one of the

best drug prevention curricula around. Youll learn why kids

use drugs, strategies for communication, how to identify warn-

ing signs, tools to help your kids respond to peer pressure, how

to deal with current drug use and more. Most importantly,

youll learn how to strengthen relationships with your kids that

act as a constant preventative against drug use.

Classes begin Sunday, September 14, from 4:30 6:30pm,

and conclude November 16. Registration is limited to 20 par-

ticipants, and the cost for the study materials is $30 per per-

son. Questions about the program should be directed to lay

leader, Ellie Kiesling at 407-694-7364. Payment for materials

will be collected at the rst session on September 14.

Sonday Times for ChildrenSonday Times is a time for children, Kindergarten thru 5th

grade, to come together for incredible sound and music expe-

riences, fun and crazy recreation and relational and engaging

Bible study. A joint effort by the Worship Arts and Childrens

Ministries, your kid couldnt get a better way to spend Sunday

afternoons and time with the Son.

Programming will take place between 4:30 6:30pm, from

September 14 through November 16. Between 4:30-5:30pm.

kids will be experiencing music in ways in which they have

never dreamed. Song, drums, bells, and who knows what else

will come resounding from the rooms as kids learn and partici-

pate in music in creative, fun and interactive ways. At 5pm they

will transit to be with our Childrens Ministry staff for some

energy-lled games that will not be forgotten. To be followed

by Bible study that will bring practical help from God into thekids daily lives.

Life Group Meeting SpaceFor existing Life Communities, Discipleship & Spiritual

Formation will provide appropriate meeting space for your

group to gather on Sunday afternoons. There are many great

studies available for check-out. If youd like to review the study

offerings in the Resource Center or reserve meeting space, con-

tact Lori Needham at 407-423-3441 or [email protected]

Cross Training for StudentsThis program is for middle and high school students look-

ing for an intense discipleship experience.

Requirements include: Parent approval, one Scripture

memory verse a week, read and answer questions from one

chapter of assigned reading a week, keep a prayer log, journal

of your TAG (time alone with God), take notes at all Bible Studies, sit on one of the front two rows in worship services, submi

to a Code of Conduct for the semester, sign a covenant of com

mitment, and attend at least 10 of 12 meetings. A fee of $45

covers materials, class will meet from 5-6pm and registration

closes after the 2nd meeting. For more information, contact

Rachael at [email protected] or 407-423-3441 x2350.

Child Care and Family DinnersWhile parents are engaged in study, child care will be pro-

vided by reservation for children through Pre-Kindergarten. To

make a child care reservation, please call the Early Childhood

Ministry ofce at 407-423-3441 x2250 or email mvilar@fpco

org. Family style meals will also be available to enjoy in Lee

Fellowship Hall or grab to go and enjoy at home. Menus will be

available on September 14 and you may pay at the door.

SAVE THE DATE!

October 8, 2008 9am 1pm

Lee Fellowship Hall

www.fpco.o


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College Group meets once a week on Thursday nights in the

homes of different families within the church. It is a time where

college-age students can come together for fellowship and to

really dive deeper into the heart of God. Were really learning

and experiencing together who God is, and how we can live the

life God has called us to on our different campuses around thecountry. I know that for me, and many other students who are

involved in campus ministries at our schools, its tough to be

back home for the summer and not really plugged in to a com-

munity. It truly is refreshing to be around people my age and

talk about things that matter to God.

We have been going through a Louie Giglio video series

calledIndescribable, which in all honesty has been blowing my

mind. Louie is an extremely passionate speaker who will ignite

in you a passion to really seek after the heart of God. He has a

love for astrology, and Louie presents the magnicence of God

by examining creation. After watching only a few minutes of his

videos, you will come to the incredible and overwhelming con

clusion that we as humans are pretty small in the grand scheme

of creation. To try and comprehend just how big and how great

the universe as we know it really is, leaves me with a headache

and in complete awe of how big God must be to have created iall. Its also comforting at the same time to know that as minus

cule as we are, the God of the entire universe chooses to have a

relationship with us.

The God of all creation knows us and cares about us more

than we could ever imagine. I have enjoyed the college group so

much, and really look forward to what God is going to do within

our small community that will have a lasting impact on the dif-

ferent campuses represented there. If youd like to be a part of

our Thursday Summer College Group, contact Rachael Aldrich

at [email protected]. n

INDESCRIBABLE SUMMER EXPERIENCE

FOR COLLEGE-AGE STUDENTSBy Tyler Zieba


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seminarwithChapClark

bridgingthe gap betweenteens &the adults intheir lives

Do you ever wonder what it would be like to go back to high school? Chap

Clark did. He spent one year at Crescenta Valley High School in Southern

California observing and participating in the lives of teenagers. What he discov-

ered led him to draw some conclusions that radically altered assumptions about

how this age group develops. He recorded his findings in a riveting book called

Hurt: Inside the World of Todays Teenagers.Chap will share his conclusions and solutions with Central Floridians

September 9, 10 and 11. Chap is an associate professor of youth, family and culture

and director of youth ministry programs at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasa-

dena, California. As well as being a two-degree seminary graduate, Chap holds a

Ph.D. from Denver University in Human Communication specializing in relation-

ships, teams, and organizational and family systems. He will bring his expertise to

all who will listen, most notably high school faculty, parents, and those that voluntarily work with young

people. He will speak at a local public school on Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon, First Presbyterian

Church on Wednesday evening and Lake Highland Preparatory School on Thursday morning.

There needs to be a movement that changes the way in which we motivate and encourage teenagers,

says Steve Schneeberger, the Executive Director of the Youth Ministry Institute, one of the sponsoringorganizations that is spearheading this effort. We think we are supporting students while, in actuality, we

have created a culture that devalues them. The Youth Ministry Institute offers a two-year training program

for youth ministers from across Florida.

In addition to the Youth Ministry Institute and the partnered venues, Parents Make a Difference is a

major supporter of this event. This underscores the great importance of parents in initiating healthy change.

They are the primary role models in the lives of their children. First United Methodist Church of Orlando and

The Episcopal Cathedral of St. Luke have also joined together in sponsoring this effort.

First Presbyterian Church will host Chap on Wednesday, September 10, 7-8:30pm in Lee Fellowship

Hall. The event is open to the community, welcoming all parents, teens and those who work with teens.

BySteveSchneeberger,FirstUnitedMethodistChurch

www.fpco.o


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I dont think I want to go to Madagascar! were the words

I used to my wife in the same sentence as telling her I had been

invited to go by Don Brown. The idea of going on an overseas

trip was exciting, the thought of spending time in the southern

hemisphere was exciting, the possibility of seeing real dancing

lemurs was also exciting, but I just did not want to take the time

to go. Overseas mission is not an area of ministry that I was

passionate about. I know it is important, I believe the church is

called to be involved in the proclamation of the gospel across the

world, but I also know that other people were called to do that

and not me. As the discussions and prayers continued, both

Jennifer and I felt that if I was supposed to go then the Lord

would reveal that in a clear way. As I made further inquires I

discovered that my passport (British of course) had expired. Iwould need to have a new one, and the timing as such would

become my excuse not to go. Everyone knows how long it takes

to get a passport, and the fact that I could only deal with the

British embassy in D.C., well that would only add to the delay. I

shared with Don Brown that next Sunday the problems with my

passport. The application had been sent and my expectations

were very low. Don said we should pay for it to be expedited and

pray. I was not very hopeful. The next morning Jennifer calls

saying that a package had just been delivered and it was my

passport. From the day I sent off my application to the return

of my new passport was ten days. I knew that

God was taking away my excuse. God was do-

ing amazing things and I had not even arrived

in Madagascar yet. This was just the beginning.

The group of thirteen Presbyterians arrived

in Antananarivo the capital of Madagascar with

great expectancy. Nine of our group were from

Central Florida, one from Washington State,

one a PCUSA missionary in South Africa and

two from Alaska. We were greeted by Dan and

Elizabeth Turk, a PCUSA missionary couple, who FPCO sup-

port in Madagascar as they partner with the denomination

The Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM). After what

seemed to be a brief rest we were on the move again. Our rststop was Ivato Theological College. The students and faculty

gathered in their chapel to worship and greet the overseas visi

tors. With the help of interpreters each member of the group

was introduced. Each member of the team shared where they

were from, their role in the church and our excitement of see-

ing Gods work in Madagascar over the next couple of weeks

Still struggling with being there, I stood to share that I was

from Orlando, FL but originally from Wales. Immediately Rev

Jean DElinivo, the former head of the evangelism departmen

for the FJKM, shared that the rst missionaries to Madagas

I dont think I want to go to

Mdgascr!By Rev. Sam Knight


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car were from Wales. In 1818 David Jones and Thomas Bevan

of the London Missionary Society began sharing the gospel to

the people of the island nation. At that point I stopped arguing

with God and accepted that I was in the right place at the right

time. Everywhere I went I began to meet people who had been

in Wales though various partner ministries.

The FJKM is a fast growing denomination that nds it ori-

gins in a merger of three Christian groups; French Reformed

Church, London Missionary Society and Quakers. The church

reported around four million members last year, but now esti-

mates a number closer to ve million. Fifty-two new church de-

velopments have been initiated since 2007, and the evangelistic

outreach efforts are seeing thousands come to faith in Christ.

The church has several departments, each with a practical vi-

sion for sharing Christ to the people of Madagascar. Dan and

Elizabeth Turk minister within the Development department

using their knowledge, gifts and experience to help both prac-

tically and spiritual, in the development of the island. During

our time the group was exposed to the varied aspects of min-

istry that Dan and Elizabeth are involved in. Tree nurseries;

tree grafting; citrus cultivation projects; HIV/AIDS awareness;family planning; clean water projects; Peer Education teams;

to name but a few of the areas of practical help the Turks are

undertaking as part of their

ministry to the people. Each

of the projects are in conjunc-

tion with opportunities for

sharing a saving knowledge of

Christ.

I encountered Elizabeth

Turk (pictured right) at her

most passionate while visiting

a water project in the remote

villages of Tsaramikatra. She

spoke with conviction of the

need for clean water and sani-

tary living conditions. I visibly

saw the differences between

villagers where there was no

clean water supply. Every op-

portunity Elizabeth had, she shared with men and women re-

garding the problems of large families with little time between

each new mouth to feed and the shortages of food. We met a

mother of nine who had been the rst in the village to undergoa tubaligation. Dan was in his element amidst the trees of the

Moramanga nursery project. The group was shown examples of

grafting, citrus trees being developed for optimal fruit produc-

tion and educational projects for farmers all through the minis-

try of the FJKM and in the name of Christ.

A great deal of the extensive ministries of the FJKM that

we were privileged to experience and witness were related to

the devastating poverty that the island nation experiences. This

poverty certainly impacts the church and her ability to minister

in ways that we in the west would. This, however, does not seem

to impede the willingness and ability of those called to serve

The many pastors that we met each shared the joy of serving

Christ in the communities they were ministering, even despite

many congregations being unable to support them nancially

We visited three childrens homes, one of which cared for chil-

dren with disabilities. Another home, Akany Avoko, was working to help children who had come from some of the most dis-

turbing backgrounds. The home was partnering with various

ministries including Habit for Humanity to help them estab-

lish a new life for themselves. Dan Turk shared with me that

if Malagasy people are given event he smallest of opportunity

they will use it to better themselves and their community. There

were many different experiences that I was able to be part o

including visiting with the national AIDS committee and mem

bers of the Theological Training committee charged with train-

ing ministers of the gospel. We witnessed a feeding ministry to

children in the center of the capitol run by Pastor Helivao. Overthree hundred children are provided a meal of rice and beans. It

was here that I experienced the greatest of heartache and one of

the most poignant moments of the visit. The team began hand

ing out the metal bowls with children reaching out hands held

high trying to get a bowl of food. At rst I was dismayed by

some of the older children pushing to get a bowl overshadow-

ing smaller children at their feet. I resisted giving those a bow

believing them to be almost rude and aggressive. But as one

took hold of a bowl his immediate reaction was to sit and begin

feeding his little brother. I was ashamed at my judging spirit

and my western assumptions of greed. Under the conviction of

the spirit I realized this was an image of what the kingdom ofGod should be. How desperate are we to push toward the giver

of life that we may feed others with the rich nourishment of the

saving grace of Jesus Christ.

The trip to Madagascar gave me an insight into the wider

scope of Gods kingdom, a greater appreciation for overseas

missions and a greater understanding of what God calls each

of us to do in community in which we live. Sharing the good

news of Jesus Christ is not that hard to do. We so often over

complicate something that is a simple as telling someone else

that Jesus loves them. n


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Victor Randriamanivo is a dedicated Christian farmer at Ambatosa

foina near Andramasina about 50 km to the SE of Antananarivo, the capi

tal of Madagascar. Like many in his area, he works hard and grows rice

some manioc, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and vegetables. Most of wha

Victor and his wife produce goes to feed their family of six children. They

try to sell enough to have money for clothes, medicines, and school fees

Every year, from October through March or April, there is not enough

rice to eat. People, like Victor and his family, reduce the number of meals

they eat to two or less a day, relying on starchy manioc for calories.Since 2007, Victor has been taking part in a Presbyterian Church

(USA)-sponsored fruit program partly funded by the Presbyterian An-

swer to Hunger (PATH) of Central Florida Presbytery. The fruit pro

gram is designed to introduce good varieties of fruit trees, good orchard

practices, and fruit tree propagation techniques.

Many of the varieties used were developed in Florida, such as

Flordaprince peach and Sunraycer nectarine. Both of these are low-chil

varieties, meaning that they need less cold to produce good crops o

fruits compared with standard varieties. Through a collaboration with

ECHO at N. Ft. Myers FL, my colleagues and I have introduced over a

hundred varieties of fruit trees to Madagascar. Many will be distributed

to farmers like Victor after they have been evaluated and propagated.This program is simple: provide a limited number of highly moti-

vated farmers at several locations with good varieties of fruit trees, lots

of training and frequent follow-up. The trainings focus on orchard es

tablishment and management, and how to propagate fruit trees in fam

ily tree nurseries. A technician visits each of the 9 participating farmer

in the Andramasina area each month to see how the trees are growing

and to provide technical advice and encouragement. The trainees

do not receive a lot of trees or a lot of equipment. The training wil

enable them to produce their own grafted trees. A few will likely

set up their own tree nurseries to provide grafted trees and advice

to other farmers in the area. The income the farmers receive from

their fruits and from the sale of grafted fruit trees will help pro

vide added income to their families. The fruits will also help their

families with extra nutrition. The hope is that in the future these

families and others will not have periods when they go hungry.

Victors enthusiasm became evident after the rst training. At

that training, each participant received 12 grafted fruit trees (citrus

peaches, nectarines, and apples). The training covered generalities

of grafting so that they would know what was special about graft-

ed trees and how to take care of them. Victor took home cuttings

from an apple tree at the training site and grafted root sprouts of

an apple tree at his home. We knew when we saw the successfully

grafted tree that Victor would go far with grafting, especially after

getting hands-on grafting experience at the second training. Now

Victor has a tree nursery with peach and citrus rootstocks. He i

beginning to graft his own trees.

Recently the participants decided to form their own fruit as

sociation in order to spearhead the promotion of fruit trees in

their area. Many other farmers in the area have requested that the

church include them in the program. The challenge in the coming

year will be to provide Victor and the other participants with the

technical assistance, especially through focused trainings, to en-

able them to realize their own goals and dreams in the fruit tree

domain and to help their neighbors. n

FRUIT TREEEXTENSION INMADAGASCAR

By Dan Turk, Missionary

lder Don Brown looks on as Dan Turk explains the plants growing inhe FJKM nursery that are soon to be distributed across the country.

A delivery of new trees from the Turks nursery makes itsway to an outlying clinic where fruit trees will soon dotthe landscape.


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Upon arrival at the First Presbyterian campus for TCS we

were greeted by Joanne Fleming, the current Director of De-

velopment, and one of the most genuine people I have ever

met. I can honestly say that it was her direct answers to some

tough questions from me that turned me from skeptic, to be-

liever, to founding member of the school. I learned that day

and many days since that if you hear it from Joanne, you can

take it to the bank.

But this story is not just about how our family came to the

school, but more about what happened after we enrolled. The

answer, for our kids and for us, is that we all embarked on a

successful journey that has literally established the foundations

for a lifetime of success and learning, anchored by the Christian

principles that are at the core of the schools mission.

My oldest son, Tyler, now a 20 year old junior at FSU, be-

gan TCS as a third grader back in 1996 as one of 52 students inthe schools rst year of operation. Back then the school was

small enough where all the parents knew one another and we

all shared the joy of the schools successes. Then, as now, one of

the important fund-raising events for the school was The Mane

Event golf tournament and auction. While I had known Tyler

was learning and doing well, I remember very specically when

I knew TCS was something special.

In his second year, weeks before The Mane Event, Tyler

made a special request for the auction. He wanted us to bid on

a movie and dinner night with one of his teachers, Mrs. SusanSorrow. While this may seem a small thing, the mere fact that

my son would want to spend time with any of his teachers out-

side the classroom was an eye-opener for me and totally unex-

pected. It certainly wasnt the kind of teacher-child relationship

I experienced.

But the real eye-opener came when so many other parents

experienced the same kind of requests from their own kids.

Whether it was dinner and a movie, being read a bed-time story

or experiencing a cooking adventure, opportunities for our chil-

dren to spend time with their teachers outside of school were

in high demand. To this day, Tyler cherishes the memory of his

dinner and movie with Mrs. Sorrow as one of the highlights of

his years at TCS.

My daughter, Morgan, a freshman at FSU, was also enam-

ored with her teachers at TCS. But it was her spiritual growth at

TCS that left the biggest impression on me. Morgan has always

been a great student, but it was her play with the girls basket-

ball team, which went undefeated for two straight years under

Coach Mark Lansing, and her involvement with Fellowship of

Christian Athletes, that helped her overcome her shyness and

blossom into a young woman who can and does comfortably

share her faith with others. She went on to involvement with

Student Venture and FCA in high school, lettering in three var-

sity sports and serving as her student government chaplain.

Spencer, my most recent TCS grad, is now a tenth grader at

Lake Highland. While he hasnt had the benet of years upon

which to reect back on his TCS experience, he was quick with

an answer to my question about what he liked most. The eld

trips, he said without hesitation and with a big smile. Bu

then, without additional prompting, he added, it really helped

me get ready for high school. And so it has, as he is carrying an

honors GPA into his sophomore year.

With all three of our children, TCS was both a foundation

and a stepping stone. All entered Lake Highland upon gradu

ation, all have ourished academically, spiritually and personally, and all have made us extremely proud parents. But

without fail, when they talk about their educations, as they did

recently while we were out boating over the fourth of July holi-

day, the talk always comes back to their teachers at TCS. Names

like Miller, Sorrow, Burchak, Crimmins, Leadbitter, Allen and

Marvin are regulars around our house even years after they

taught our children. That they are is a testament to both their

own personal excellence and the leadership at TCS that brought

them to the school.

Tyler is now a DJ at WVSF in Tallahassee and will be pursuing a degree in broadcasting. Morgan is following a similar

path with a double major in communications and business, and

Spencer is pursuing a path that could lead to a career in music

But the TCS inuence is not limited to my children.

Now, after all my children have graduated TCS and

moved on, I myself am serving on the schools board of di-

rectors. It is my hope to give back to the school that gave so

much to my kids and to see to it that the tradition of excel-

lence continues. It is a tradition worth preserving for genera-

tions to come and if I had it to do all over with my own kids,

Id do it again! n

www.fpco.org

www.thechristschool.org/admission


15/24www.fpco.org

Sitting in the lobby of the Edington Ministry Center, Nettie

Mosley doesnt appear to have a worry in the world. She sweeps

her short, wiry brown curls out of her face with her hand and

smiles brightly. Tiny lines form around her eyes and mouth.

These lines and the wise look behind her eyes are the only indi-

cation of her age of 67. Everything else about her appears to be

as youthful as ever, down to the hearty chuckle that engulfs her

entire body every time she laughs.

As carefree as Nettie is, no one would ever know that she

is the woman in charge of preparing all 209,000 square feet

of the First Presbyterian Church of Orlandos facilities for the

thousands of Bible studies, events, meetings and programs held

there each year. But as supervisor of Special Services at FPCO,

thats exactly what she doesand has done joyfully every day

for the past 33 years.

We work behind the scenes, Nettie says with a South-

ern drawl shes held on to since moving from Dothan, Ala.,

to Orlando as a teenager. Its just another part of the charm

she brings with her to work every day. Nettie sets up for every

event, whether a wedding, funeral or a Bible study, and makes

sure everything is spotless, from the kitchen to the bathrooms.She also stays long after the last guest leaves to get things back

into working order.

Although her co-workers say that her role is arguably one of

the most important at the church, its not always the most glam-

orous, or recognized. But she doesnt do it for the recognition. I

dont care if its a homeless person or a church member [walking

through these doors], I want them to come here and feel a sense

of love and care. FPCO is not Netties church homeshe attends

Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church every Sundaybut she still

considers it home. To me, they are family, she says.

Nettie leads a team of nine men to create this same com-

fortable environment for members and guests. Even as the only

woman on the team, she says shes never felt outnumbered. I

tell the guys, You dont intimidate me, Ive been working with

guys all my days. The guys she refers to are her four sons andgrandson, who she and her husband Clifford raised as their

own. It was a challenge, she says. I had to be rm as the only

girl gure.

This strong sense of self, along with her faith, has gotten

her through many rough patches in life, including the loss of

her eldest son and 25-year-old grandson to cancer. They passed

away just two years apart from one another. Although Net-

tie struggled with the loss, she says it strengthened the bond

between the other family members, and brought them all to a

deeper sense of faith. I trust God, she says rmly. I know

LEADING BY

EXAMPLEHow FPCOs Nettie Mosley Overcame Adversity to Lead a Life Thats Inspired a Congregation

By Kristin Davis

continue on page 16



God dont make no mistakes.

He had a better plan. Ive

learned to accept the things I

cannot change.

That wasnt the rst

time Nettie was faced with

a problem beyond her con-

trol. When she moved with

her parents and siblings

from Alabama to Orlando

as a teen, she was met

with segregation and ra-

cial discrimination. On

the corner of Orange and

Church [Street], some of

the water fountains had

colored and white la-

beled on them, she says.[And at] some stores, you

had to go out back to or-

der. She also remembers

walking several miles to school, while other children rode by

her on a bus for whites-only. But Nettie never let it get to her,

although she never understood why she was being treated like

a second-class citizen.

I dont see color, she says. I have a love for God andbe-

cause of thatI have a love for people. I felt sorry for the people

that called [black] people names as if they werent human. But the

Bible says to pray for those people because you cant change them.

She adapted this positive outlook from her parents, who she says

taught her to be grateful for what she had rather than envious of

what she didnt. Her father was a sharecropper while her mother

took odd jobs doing housework for others. Nettie is the seventh

of ten children who grew up together in the same household. The

four boys shared one room and the six girls shared another. It was

a good childhood, she says. We were all so close.

The family would work together to raise their own veg-

etables and meat. For entertainment, they would play games

together after church such as jump rope or hide-and-seek. They

would also gather around the radio at night, listening to differ-

ent popular and soul music. At Christmastime, she says

they couldnt afford Christmas ornaments so they would

make their own out of brown paper bags and newspa-

pers. Despite her humble beginnings, she says she al

ways had everything she needed: We didnt have televi-

sion; we just had each other and a lot of church.

Now, with a family of her own, her priorities still re-

main the same: God, family and friends. Her children

now grown, live nearby and visit often. Nettie spends

much of her free time with her husband, who she de

scribes as the love of her life. That wasnt always the case

though: I didnt like him right away, she admits. Hed try to

talk to me and I just wasnt interested. Determined, Clifford

found out where Nettie lived and befriended her sister. After

some convincing from her family, Nettie gradually began tospend more time with him. Not long afterward, he told Nettie

he planned to ask her parents for her hand in marriage: I said

You have to ask me rst.

The two have been married for 48 years and Nettie has

become more than just a wife to Clifford. She is also a caregiver

After a medical condition caused Cliffords right side to become

paralyzed, Nettie began performing daily tasks, such as cook-

ing, for him. Every morning, Nettie wakes up at 3:15 am to

pray for an hour before cooking him breakfast. After work ev-

ery day, she cooks him dinner as well. Although shes happy to

help, she says that Clifford works hard to do things for himsel

and has never let his paralysis keep him from living a norma

life. But normal is hardly a word anyone would use to describe

the lives of either Clifford or Nettie. On any given day, Nettie

can be found strolling through the halls at FPCO, coordinating

several big events simultaneously and smiling for no particula

reason at all.

Most people can tell if Im not feeling good because Im

always joyful and bubbly, she says. Its not a put-on; its just

the way I am. She can be spotted by the walkie-talkie fastened

to her belt, with its constant stream of voices asking her ques-

tions, for help or panicking about a child that had gotten sick on

the playground. She turns the volume down whenever anyoneapproaches to speak to her, so that they know they have her ful

attention, and that she cares about what they have to say.

Her love and respect for others comes from a lifetime o

Christianityshe was baptized at age 8and a desire to nd

ways, great or small, to serve the Lord, she says. She ministers

to the church staff, her friends and family every day. Many of

the church staff even joke that if Senior Pastor Dr. David Swan-

son ever missed a church service, Nettie could step in and de-

liver a sermon to blow the roof off.

The job here is not so much [about] what I do, [but that] I

do it to glorify God, she says. n

The job here is not so much

what I do, I do it to glorify God,


17/24www.fpco.org

WhoisWhois?

Power

Presence

Knowledge

Holy

Just

Unchanging

Truth

Mercy

Sovereign

Faithful

www.fpco.org/sermons

First Presbyterian Church of OrlandoFall Sermon SeriesDr. David Swanson

Traditional: 8:30 & 11am in SanctuaryGenesis: 8:30 & 1 1am in Fellowship Hall



Weekday School has had the privilege of attending early

childhood educational conferences to gain knowledge of the

most recent and up to date advances in the eld. During the

conference that was held in November, 2006, one of the work-

shops provided information on the area of sun protection for

children. Shades like these will protect children from 98% of

the suns harmful rays, skin that is unprotected can be damaged

by the suns UV rays in as little as 15 minutes.

Our school has a playground for our classes, which is locat-

ed between Allen and Yowell Halls in the courtyard which faces

Church Street. We decided that we would apply for a grant from

the Dr. Phillips Foundation to install a shade structure over this

area. This was done in the Fall of 2007, contacting companies

under the guidelines of the Foundation to receive bids for the

structure. Approval from the Foundation was obtained in De-

cember, 2007. We then started the process of securing approval

from the City of Orlando, which has rm restrictions on color

use in the downtown area. Approval was obtained and the con-

struction began in March.

A 7 X 7 X 6 hole was dug, and a reinforced steel and con

crete base was poured for the foundation of a new 25 foot center

pole of the structure. Brackets were bolted to the three walls o

the buildings, ranging from 10 to 30 feet high to hold the cables

of the colorful shade sails. The sails were ordered and made

in Australia and shipped back to Orlando to be installed. The

structure was completed in May.

We, at Weekday School, are very blessed to have had this

opportunity to be able to provide much needed protection to

our children. It not only provides protection from the sun, bu

also a colorful and fun area in which our children can learn and

play. We are grateful to the Dr. Phillips Foundation for thei

support and assistance with this project.

Weekday School also has other sources of support, such a

the Magruder Foundation, which has supplied funds to assist our

families with scholarships for tuition assistance for over 20 years

Weekday School would not be the school that we are today without

these foundations and others who continue to support the work

we do to teach, nurture and show Christs love to our children. n

WEEKDAY SCHOOL CHILDRENNOW ENJOY PLAYINGSAFELY IN THE SHADE

By Pam McComb, Assistant Director Weekday School


19/24www.fpco.or

The Womens Ministry Council is excited to announce a

new study offering to all women of the church that will be in-

teresting, informative, and designed for all students in all walks

of life and levels of spiritual maturity! Beginning in September,

we will start this sixty-six book journey with the rst ve books,

or The Pentateuch, Genesis through Deuteronomy.

How will The Amazing Collection help you?

It will cause you to know and understand the bigpicture of Gods Word.

It will acquaint you with the entire Word of

God, not just bits and pieces.

It will make every other Bible study you do

more meaningful.

It will give you condence in the truth of

Gods Word so you wont be deceived.

It will open your eyes to Gods work through-

out history and in your life today.

It will lay a spiritual foundation that will

benet you for life!

This will be a study that we will support through the

book of Revelation. We hope you will make a commitment

to join other women as we learn the purpose, theme, history

and spiritual application of each book of the Bible.

The study is offered Thursday mornings beginning Sep-

tember 11, from 9:30 11:30am with child care offered by

reservation. Or, you may attend on Monday evenings begin-

ning September 15, from 6:30 8:30pm.

We are also excited to announce a special Amazing Col-

lection Premier on Saturday, September 6, from 10am tonoon. Come and learn about this wonderful study as we host

one of the authors, Patsy Harley. She will share details about

this study and how God is using it in places beyond our imagi-

nation! Following her presentation in the Sanctuary, we will

conclude our time together with a reception in Lee Fellowship

Hall where you will have a chance to pick up your materials if

you pre-registered or it will be an opportunity to register and

receive the materials that day. Invite your friends, neighbors,

co-workers and family to join you in authentic Bible study that

will make a difference in your life.

Register at www.fpco.org/register or pick up a registrationform in the Welcome Center. Dont delay! Mark your calendar

now and plan to attend the commencement and reception with

the Bible study the following week. n

For more information:

Rev. Donna McClellan at [email protected] or

407-423-3441 x1488

Lori Needham at [email protected] or

407-423-3441 x 1463

THE AMAZING COLLECTION:The Bible, Book by Book

By Lori Needham, Womens Ministry



NEWS & NOTICES

Congratulations to:

Lynda and Josh Tomlinson on the birth of their son, Cody

Joshua Tomlinson, on May 8, 2008 in Los Angeles, CA.

Proud grandparents are Donna and Jesse Garcia.

Mary and Richard Solik on the birth of their son, Jona-

than Alex Solik, on May 12, 2008.

Susie and Kyle Taylor on the birth of their daughter, Ad-

dison Leigh Taylor, on June 10, 2008.

Cindy and Taylor Bodine on the birth of their son, Luke

Benjamin Bodine, on June 20, 2008. Proud grandpar-

ents are Linda and Richard McCree.

Bridget and John Skinner on the birth of their daughter,

Lauren Marie Skinner, on June 26, 2008.

Endsley and Thomas Hewitt on the birth of their son,

Pierson Clark Hewitt, on April 11, 2008. Proud grandpar-

ents are Caren and Bob Hewitt.

Julia Bailey and Daniel Hendrickson who were married

June 21, 2008. Julia is the daughter of Mike and Linda

Bailey.

Sympathy to:

Mary Damon and Malcolm Clayton on the death of her

sister, Hallie Quinn, on June 14, 2008.

Dawn and Guy Neff on the death of her father, Dan

Thompson, on June 17, 2008. Mr. Thompson was the

grandfather of Courtney (Chad) Milam.

Rhonda and Cleat Simmons and Lou Anne and Phillip

King on the death of Jim Glenn on June 19, 2008. Mr.

Glenn was the grandfather of Nathan & Emma Simmons

and Turner and Alexandra King.

Carole Foote on the death of her mother, Viola Helzer, on

June 19, 2008.

Jennifer and Nate Hutchins on the death of his grandfa-

ther, Gardner Hutchins, on June 26, 2008.

Online Member Community

MyFPCO.org is a community where you can connect with

other FPCO members outside of Sunday morning. Con-

nect with other FPCO members through blogs, participate

in forums and group discussions and have the opportu-

nity to upload photos and videos to share with other com-

munity members. Please feel free to log on, look aroundand join our social community. Here are some topics be-

ing discussed:

How do we know when we are being obedient to God?

Are fertility treatments, including IVF, Biblically al-

lowed and okay with God?

How does your faith intersect with your politics? Do they?

Should they?

All Ground is Holy When you Follow Jesus

The Womens Retreat on

June 6 8 offered ninety

women a respite from

hectic schedules and to

be part of a transforming

weekend of Walking with

Jesus. The topics of sur-

render, suffering, silence

and surprise permitted

each participant a time

to evaluate our walk with

Him. All ages and gen-

erations were represent-

ed from young adult to great grandmothers! Three

generations of Gods girls in one family traveled this

weekend to be together and for some, it was a first ex-

perience at a retreat! Retreat leaders, Donna McClellan

and Leigh Swanson, provided solid biblical messages

with something for everyone to glean. The women who

shared personal testimonies affirmed God is with us at

all times. The weekend may be gone, but the God mo-


21/24



Childrens Music is excited about our latest additionan early

childhood music program called MusikGarten. Registration is now

open online at fpco.org/register

MusikGarten is the preeminent early childhood music educa-

tion program in which the curricula cover children from birth to age

nine; offering parents a complete nine-year developmental plan

The curricula include: Family Music, The Cycle of Seasons, Music

Makers, which includes piano introduction, as well as specialty pro

grams like Nature Trail and Gods Children Sing. Each class is age-

specic and will include a CD, music book, and some will include an

instrument pack for the child to take home. We chose this program

because we wanted an educationally sound music curriculum with

a spiritual component that could be a part of every class. The pro-

gram is based on meeting the developmental needs of children as

they grow. Throughout the curriculum, favorite songs, stories, and

dances are revisitedbuilding on what the child needs to help them

grow and develop into successful students. We want to invite you

and your children to join us for MusikGarten classes. Children learn best through moving and listening, and MusikGarten classes wil

help them grow and develop into successful students.

MusikGarten classes are structured by age groupings. We are of-

fering several sections of each level. We are happy to announce tha

all children enrolled in ICCC and Little School will participate in this

renowned program as an integral part of their school day!

The registration deadline is August 15. Classes will start Septem-

ber 2 and end November 22. There is a registration fee of $60 per

child, and each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

If you have questions, please contact Stephanie Mixner a

407-423-3441 x1186 or [email protected] n

REGISTRATION OPEN NOW!By Dr. Rebecca Bedell

MusikGarten Fall Schedule 2008

Level A: Tues 10am AYH 211 Babies- Wed 10am AYH 215

11 months Thurs 10am AYH 215

Level B1: Tues 10am AYH 213

12-23 mo Wed 10am AYH 217

Wed 4:30pm AYH 211

Level B2: Tues 11am AYH 211

2-3 years Wed 11am AYH 215

Sat 10am CLC 324

Level C: Wed 6:30pm AYH 211

4 & 5 years Sat 11am CLC 324


23/24

If back in 1997 you would have told me

that today, in 2008, I would be nishing my

12th year of camp, I probably would have told

you that you were crazy. And yet that is exact-

ly where I nd myself. Now you must totally

understand what camp involves. Not only isit nearly 200 elementary school age kids plus

a plethora of junior and adult counselors

away from home for a week, it is all the plan-

ning and writing and creating and detailing

in order to even make it to the actual week.

For 12 years, themes have come that have

been relevant, teachings and worship writ-

ings have been inspired, afternoon devotions

have opened hearts, friends have been made

and Gods spirit has moved.

If that is not unbelievable enough,think about this. Kids that came 12

years ago are now in college, 85% of

our junior counselors came as camp-

ers, some adults have actually been

back 8, 9 even 10 years, kids from

Fort Myers, Atlanta, and all over Cen-

tral Florida come to campand God

has been welcomed into hundreds of

kids lives.

As I look back, I am absolutely

blown away by Gods faithfulness.Every year, yes, there have been in-

credible challenges; yet God has con-

sistently seen us through each challenge with grace. Every year

the question of how or why puzzles us; yet consistently God

has answered those questions with wisdom. Every year you ask

yourself, can I really do all of this again; and yet God consis-

tently provides the strength and creativity to reveal Himself.

Camp is so much more than a summer activity or a week

away, it truly is Holy Ground. My life has been and will forev-

er be different because of camp and with Gods backing I will

keep doing camp as long as I

am physically able. Who knowsmaybe heaven is a lot like camp

A community of folks together

living out their faith daily in joy, praise, and worship to God

Okay, so its probably got better air conditioning and the food

is probably better and its most likely not so smelly after a few

days! But in theory they are both Holy Ground.

Twelve years of the seeming unbelievable, and yet it is

documented truth. Seen, experienced, and life altering. Isnt so

much of God that way? So believe in a God who has done and

will continue to do the unbelievable. n

A MILESTONE:Believe the Unbelievable

By Carol Welker, Director of Childrens Ministry

www.fpco.or


24/24

First Presbyterian Church of Orlando106 E. Church St., Orlando, FL 32801

The First Presbyterian Columns (USPS 604-040) is published onceper month, except for twice in March, by the First PresbyterianChurch. Circulation: 4750. (3750 by US Mail, 1000 by oncampus distribution). Periodicals postage paid at Orlando,Florida. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to COLUMNS,106 E. Church St. Orlando, FL 32801-3390.2008 First Presbyterian Church of Orlando COLUMNS.

POSTMASTER: Time Sensitive MaterialPlease Deliver by July 28, 2008

PERIODICALSUS POSTAGE

ORLANDO

106 East Church StreetOrlando, FL 32801

FPCO Main Ofce:( 407-423-3441www.fpco.org

Traditional Services: 8:30am & 11amGenesis Services: 8:30am & 11am

PRAYER

WORSHIP

COMMUNITYThese are the essential elements of our Christian life through which First

Presbyterian embraces all who join us in committing our lives to seek,

share and serveall to the glory of God. We extend to you Christs love

and invitation to bear witness in His name. Our church offers opportu-

nities and encouragement to bring light into your life, our communityand Gods kingdom.

FPCO Columns - August 2008

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Transcript of FPCO Columns - August 2008