FROM DAVID’S PEN . . .

Dear Friends --

In some parts of the Christian church, the Sunday after Easter is officially dubbed "Low Sunday." For many churches (including our own) this description can appear very apt indeed. Although this Sunday is also called the Second Sunday of Easter and is meant to be the joyous continuation of the Easter celebration, it can come across as feeling "low" -- the Easter lilies have been taken away, there is no brass or timpani to be played, and there are considerably fewer people in attendance! As one writer put it, "To be in worship on such a day can feel a bit like showing up at a party after most of the guests have left and those who remain report on what a grand time you missed by coming too late."

Reports from Holy Week continue to come into the church office daily. So many people have commented on how much they enjoyed our noontime services. They've also said that the Seder Meal was a wonderful time and that the Maundy Thursday service was as powerful as ever. Others have shared comments on the Sunrise Service and the breakfast that followed. Holy Week was certainly not lacking in the festivities department, but now that Easter Day has past, will we let ourselves be deceived into thinking that best part of Easter is over? I certainly pray not!

It may be helpful for us to remember that before Christ ascended to the Father, he breathed upon the disciples and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." (John 20:22) Jesus was, and still is, in the business of meeting people where they are. Jesus met Mary in her grief at the empty tomb, and Jesus met Thomas in his doubt after the resurrection. So, too, does Jesus meet us, through his Holy Spirit, in the days following Easter.

Though some days may feel more "low" to us than others, we hold central to our faith one proclamation that we can make every day of our lives -- Jesus is risen! May you discover this season that Christ, through his Holy Spirit, meets you where you are, and in so doing, lifts you high above any feeling that may make you feel otherwise.

Yours in Christ's service --

David

MAY 2014 VOLUME 9:05

YOUTH: (6th - 12 Grade)MARK YOUR CALENDARS

MONTREAT WEEK! - JULY 5-12, 2014

� MONTREAT FUNDRAISER MEAL

12:00 P.M. (following worship) May 4, 2014 - Rodgers Center!!

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4 Calyn Campbell Ella Romine 11 Kate Aday Avery Paysinger 18 Dustin McGlothin Victor Miller 25 Reid Lauderdale Julie Welcher

If you CANNOT fulfill your responsibility on your assigned date. PLEASE find a replacement! If you are unable to get a replacement please contact Lori Aday (256-233-2369) or (westlosa@yahoo.com).

May 2014

2 Chris Hilgeman 5 Mabry Palmer 8 Marlee Averitt Kay Baugher 12 Larry Burlingame 13 Karen Catlett Walter Vice 17 Gladys Smith 18 Mac Baugher Peggy Christensen Emily Eddy 19 Elijah Hand 21 Bonny Noel 25 Phillip Hand 30 David Clem 31 Samuel Garrison

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! April 13, 2014 Palm Sunday

INFANT BAPTISMMary Kate Dunnavant

youth/adult baptismJulie Victoria Welcher

2014 Confirmation ClassJames Melvin Clem Victor Allan Miller

Julie Victoria Welcher April 27, 2014

reaffirmation of faithJames (Jim) L. May

John Christopher (Chris) Morrow, Kim T. Morrow, John Bradford (Brad) Morrow

Leola (Lee) Garrett

December 31, 1926 -

February 11, 2014

ADDRESS UPDATE: Hi! We have the military address for James Colvin. Please send only letters at this time!

RCT Colvin, JEC 3rd BN, MIKE CO, PLT 3033 P.O. Box 16355 MCRD Parris Island, SC 29905

Youth & Kids: NEWS & HAPPENINGS

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COPIES OF INFORMATIONAL FLYERS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE CHURCH OFFICE

Noteworthy News COMMUNION WILL BE OBSERVED, Sunday, May 4, 2014 at the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service. Sharon Hand is in charge of preparation for the month of May. Servers will be: Price Boyd (choir & Nursery), Carol Copeland and Jerry Duke (south), Sharon Hand and Doug Harbin (middle), Adam Lauderdale and Julie McNeese (north). THE PW “HAPPY PM CIRCLE” will meet Tuesday, May 6 at 2:00 p.m. This month’s meeting will be in the Rodgers Center. Hostess is Emily Clem, Joyce Counter will be doing the program (Lesson 7). Louise Steele will do the devotional. APRIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS. Please contact the chairman of your committee to find out if your com-mittee is meeting. SESSION WILL MEET Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACADEMY ─ The last night for Wednesday Academy this spring was on April 23. We will resume in the fall, please watch for announcements.FOURTH DAY (4TH) DAY meets each Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. at Don & Diane Payne’s home (11921 Antler Ridge Way, Athens - 35611). INFORMATION FOR THE June 2014 GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER is due in the church office Tuesday, May 20, 2014 by 3:00 p.m. THE CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED, Monday, May 26, 2014 for the Memorial Day Holiday. THE WORSHIP COMMITTEE is trying to give some of the old (not in perfect working order) pianos to new homes. A very nice piano has been donated to FPC and will be put to use in the Rodgers Center which means we need to move the very interesting square grand antique piano (Hazelton Brothers, New York, 1852-1890). We also have three upright pianos if anyone is interested in taking one of these to rehabilitate. Please contact Emily Clem for more information (cell phone: 256-777-4915; email: clem.emily@yahoo.com. 2014 MEXICO MISSION APPLICATION FORMS are available for pick-up on the library counter in the Rodgers Center. PRESBYTERIAN MEN’s Breakfast will be May 11, 2014 (Mother’s Day). The Presbyterian Men will be pre-paring a wonderfully delicious meal that morning to be served honor of all the women of FPC! Ladies please be sure to mark your calendar so you don’t miss this very special treat! Breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Rodgers Center. MAY IS SENIOR RECOGNITION MONTH! SENIOR RECOGNITION DAY will be, Sunday, May 18, 2014. All High School Seniors are asked to bring a 6-8 photos of yourself (maybe from birth to present) to the church to be used as a special way of recognition on the bulletin board in the educational wing. Please bring your pictures to the church office or give them to Randi Harbin by May 8. The pictures will be on the board until the end of May.

Reverend Jaina Anderson will be out of the office on vacation and to celebrate with Colter as he graduates from UNA, May 8-13, 2014. Reverend David Palmer will be out of the office on vacation May 26-31, 2014. 2014 PENTECOST OFFERING will be taken up on Sunday, June 8, 2014

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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ATHENS 2014 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

Benton Whitt Black Franklin Ellis Gossett Sean Michale Miller

2014 COLLEGE GRADUATES

Colter Woodard Anderson, UNA - BS in Business w/double major in Finance & Management

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MAY 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 (Sandra Out) ALMA

5-6:30 p Brownie Troup # 468 meets in Basement

2 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

3 7 a Gideons (RC)

2-8 p “Cruise-In” Around the Square

4 COMMUNION

9:30 a Sunday School 10:30 a Fellowship 11:00 a Worship 12:00 Noon - Montreat Fundraiser Meal

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6:30 p 4th Day meets @ Payne's

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2 p “Happy PM” Circle(RC)

6:30 p.m. Committees

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3-5p Potter’s Hand

7p Choir

8 (Jaina Out)

12 p VIP Luncheon (RC)

9 (Jaina Out) CHURCH OFFICE

CLOSED

10 (Jaina Out)7 a Gideons (RC) & Ladies Auxiliary

9 a John Wade Keyes DAR meeting (RC)

11 (Jaina Out)Mother’s Day

8:30 a.m. Breakfast - IN HONOR OF ALL THE LADIES OF FPC Athens prepared by Presbyterian Men 9:30 a Sunday School 10:30 a Fellowship 11:00 a Worship

12 (Jaina Out)

9:30 a Friendship Quilt Guild (RC)

6:30 p 4th Day meets @ Payne's

13 (Jaina Out)

6:30 p.m. Session

14 (Jaina Out)

3-5p Potter’s Hand

7:00 p Choir

15 8a-2p Kids & Kin Award Banquet by Family Resource Center (RC)

5-6:30 p Brownie Troup # 468 meets in Basement

16CHURCH OFFICE

CLOSED

17 (VAN RESERVED) 7a Gideons (RC)

18 SENIOR RECOGNITION

SUNDAY 9:30a Sunday School 10:15a Fellowship Time - Reception for Class of 2014 11:00 a Worship

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6:30 p 4thDay meets @ Payne's

20 Newsletter Info For June 2014 Due Today!

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3-5p Potter’s Hand

7:00 p Choir

22 23 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

247:00 a Gideons (RC)

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9:30 a Sunday School 10:30 a Fellowship 11:00 a Worship

(David leaves for vacation after worship)

26 (David Vacation) MEMORIAL DAY

HOLIDAY CHURCH OFFICE

CLOSED

6:30 p 4thDay meets @ Payne's

27 (David Vacation) 28 (David Vacation)

3-5p Potter’s Hand

7:00 p Choir

29 (David Vacation)

5-6:30 p Brownie Troup # 468 meets in Basement

30 (David Vacation) CHURCH OFFICE

CLOSED

31 7:00 a Gideons (RC)

Just a note from the Worship Committee: When you provide floral arrangements for a Sunday service, please remember to remove them following the service. If you wish to leave the flowers, please call the Church Office (232-0122) the following Monday so we can have the Sexton remove them. Thank You!

Preparation:Sunday, May 4: Sharon Hand

Servers: Price Boyd, Choir; Carol Copeland & Jerry Duke, South; Sharon Hand & Doug Harbin, Middle; Adam Lauderdale & Julie McNeese, North

IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN!!!

Please take the time to review your information in the Church Directory and use the form below to let the church office know of any changes (i.e. address, home phone, cell phone, email. work phone/email and any additions to the family that I possibly might have left off!). If you have a child in college please provide their school address or if they have graduated and acquired employment their new mailing address. If you married during the last year please be sure we have your names listed correctly and have your new home address. If you were lucky enough to retire to a “life of leisure and honey do’s” please be sure we don’t have your old work information. This helps us keep our records current and updated. Make a notation on any information you do not want us to print in the 2014 Directory. Thank you for your help. Our goal is to have updated directories ready to hand out before the end of May 2014. Forms may be left at the office, in the offering plate on Sunday, mailed (112 S. Jefferson Street, Athens 35611), or emailed (fpcathens@fpcathens.org). Copies of the 2014 Church Directory can be found in hallway behind the sanctuary in the literature rack beside the flower calendar once they are printed. Member Contact Information Cards will also be located on the back pew of the sanctuary during the month of April for your covenience.

MEMBER CONTACT INFORMATION: (Please fill out form and include all family members. Please be sure to include your college age children and their contact information. Birthday information is needed for our monthly birthday list - adults may leave off year - children’s birth year and school grade is especially important for sending out children/youth activity information.)

NAME:_______________________________________________________________________ If child please put parent’s names here:_____________________________________________________

Spouse or other adults in household:_______________________________________________________MAILING ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ PERSONAL INFO: You Other Adult (Home Phone) ___________________________ (Home Phone) ______________________________ (Cell) __________________________________ (Cell) _____________________________________ (Email) _________________________________ (Email) ___________________________________ (Work Phone) _________________(Ext.) _____ (Work Phone) ___________________(Ext.) _____ (Place of business) _______________________ (Place of Business) __________________________ (Birthdate) _______/_______/_______ (Birthdate) _______/_______/_______ CHILDREN: (If more space is needed, please use back.)Name Birthdate Baptism Date/Place Confirmation School & Grade ________________________ _______ ________________ __________ ______________ ________________________ _______ ________________ __________ ______________ ________________________ _______ ________________ __________ ______________

Please return to the church office (email, mail, drop in offering plate, come by the office M-Th 8 a-12 n; 1-3 p). Thank You! . First Presbyterian Church • 112 S. Jefferson Street • Athens, AL 35611 • fpcathens@fpcathens.org • 256-232-0122

PLEASE LET THE CHURCH OFFICE KNOW OF ANY CHANGES !! ↓

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THANK YOU . . . Dear Potters Hands, The appreciation gift of your pottery is just beautiful! I already have my tray on the kitchen table holding the salt and pepper shakers and napkin holder. I also have the cross your made for LCCI last year hanging in our kitchen. Thank you so much for such gifts. you know, when I do such voluntter work such as computer entries at LCCI, I sure don’t expect a gift in return ─ It is my joy to help those who need our help ─ with a smile! I am so pleased that Limestone County has such a worthwhile program to help those who are in need. again, thank you for thinking of us.

Jackie Serocki

Hello, This is McKenzie Smith (John & Diane Lynn’s granddaughter). I want to thank the church, everyone in it, for the prayers, and the Good Lord. Without your support and help I probably wouldn’t have made it this far. I remember when I would come with my wonderful grandparents. I was always filled with joy. I was so happy to see the young children and the elders smiling and singing their hearts out. Thank everyone for everything. It was much appreciated.

Love, McKenzie Smith

A very special and heart felt thanks to all who helped with our Holy Week meals; from table setting to clean-up and all in between. (You know who you are.) All meals prepared were exceptional and enjoyed by all who attended. Attendance was down on Monday due to the rain but increased each day as sunshine and warmer temps returned. Thanks again to all who participated. You are all Angels in our book.

Charlotte K. LylePresbyterian Women’s Moderator

Dear Church Family, We wish to extend our heart-felt appreciatioon to all of you for your many prayers, visits, condolences, and other acts of kindness extended to us during our time of sorrow. Thank you all for lifting us up and helping to bring to all of us the Peace that passes all understanding. We love you very much.

Sincerely,Kayo, Myra, Matt, and Theo Pinson

Dear First Presbyterian Church and Rev. Jaina Anderson, How much I enjoy the wonderful pieces of pottery the Potter’s Hand classes and you give to LCCI volunteers each year! This year’s tray is especially lovely and functional. I’m using it on my bathroom vanity as a jewelry tray, which really helps to eliminate the clutter on my dresser. The Workers at LCCI enjoy being a part of this volunteer program ─ made more enjoyable because we have met appreciative people like you during our work at LCCI.

Thank you, Ida Terry

Dear First Family, We wish to thank Jerry Duke, Pastor David and Pastor Jaina for the lovely ceremony of laying hands on James sending him off to the marines covered in prayers. Thank you church family for your support through prayers and writing James. We are so grateful for a loving and supportive church family ─ everyone has been so kind to our family. James is doing well, please continue to send him encouraging notes.

John, Sandy and Matt Colvin

From the Editor . . . Please let the church office know what information you would like to see in the newsletter. The Grapevine is your newsletter! We look forward to hearing from you!!To receive the email edition, submit information, or to make address or other corrections please contact the church office by phone (256-232-0122 or email).

Email: fpcathens@fpcathens.org. Website: www.fpcathens.org

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday (Office is closed on Friday)

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon ─ 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Information for the newsletter is due

by 2:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month.

CHURCH STAFF: Rev. David Palmer, Stated Supply Pastor Rev. Jaina Anderson, Associate Pastor

Niles Patrick Bacon, Music Director Duane Counter, Treasurer

Sandra Mitchell, Administrative Assistant Cynthia Daniel, Sexton

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Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage Paid Permit #118

Athens, AL 35611

First Presbyterian Church 112 S. Jefferson Street

Athens, AL 35611 www.fpcathens.org

Email: fpcathens@fpcathens.org Pastor Email: williamdavidpalmer@comcast.net

Associate Pastor Email: jainaanderson@fpcathens.org

Vision Statement: “Worship God, Serve

Others and Make Disciples”

FRONT PAGE . . . From David’s Pen . . .

INSIDE THIS ISSUE . . . Page 2: Welcome New Members Address Update: James Colvin Transferred to the Church Triumphant May Birthdays Montreat Week Montreat Fundraiser Meal (May 4, 2014) May Acolytes Children’s Bulletin Online Fun at Home! Page 3: Youth & Kid’s News from Maranatha Page 4: Noteworthy News Senior Pictures Needed! Page 5: May Calendar Page 6: Member Updated Information Needed Page 7: Thank You! Page 8: Inside this Issue. . . Potter’s Hand Studio Lost & Found One Great Hour of Sharing Offering Contact Information

POTTER’S HAND Pottery Studio News . . . The Potter’s Hand Pottery Studio is open each Wednesday in the old kitchen area of the basement! The Studio will be open each Wednesday from 3-5:00 p.m. through the month of May for you to work on your own projects. The kiln is still located at Jaina Anderson’s home. ALSO: LCCI has presented the Potter’s Hand with a framed certificate of appreciation naming the Potter’s Hand “Special Friends of LCCI!” Good work, Potters!!!

A brown umbrella found it’s way to the church office! If yours is missing, please call us or come by the office to claim! I’m sure it would like to go home with it’s owner!!!

Jaina lost the mate to this earring somewhere in the church during or before the Seder Meal last Wednesday night. If you find or have seen it, please bring to the church office. Thank you!!