Spring 2011 First Glance

First Presbyterian Church / Greenville, SC

inside this issue:

From Richard Gibbons inside cover

Executive & Finance Ministry page 1

Evangelism and Missions pages 2-8

Congregational Care pages 9-15

Children’s Ministries page 16-20

Music & the Arts pages 21

Activities Ministry page 22

Contemporary Ministries pages 23-27

Student Ministries pages 28–31

Marriage & Family Ministry pages 32–33

Women’s Ministry pages 34-36

Summary Calendar page 37

Christian Education pages 38-39

The Academy at First Pres pages 40-41

First & Foremost Broadcasts back cover

GlanceA look at the life of First Pres. Spring/Summer 11

Mission is

not a

program of the

church;

it is the

purpose of the

church.

It is not the

church’s mission;

it is

God’s mission.

vol. 7 ISSUE 2

REv. DR. RiChARD GiBBonSSenior Pastor

[email protected]

Earlier this year on Sunday mornings we spent three months considering the Gospel of Luke (the Wiki-Luke series). During that time I sought to

highlight the cultural transition which has left us in a world dominated by the technological sophistication of Blu-ray players, smart phones, and iPads. We are tempted to believe that meaning and purpose are determined by how connected we are to Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, internet blogs, and the ubiquitous convenience of the World Wide Web. Yet for all of our high-tech paraphernalia and the benefits of electronic convenience, there is a great deal more to life than a digital existence. The popularity of social network sites reveals that the search for relationship, identity, and community are priorities for all of us.

The love, care, and concern we offer to the families who worship with us each Sunday allow each of us to build a Christ like sense of relationship with each other while enjoying the many benefits of a Christian community. I trust that for many families, having First Pres as a church home is the privilege of a lifetime. The loving and gracious support extended to families and new members is extremely gratifying as again and again I hear new members talk about the warmth of the welcome and prayerful interest they receive from our church family. Recently we asked new members why they were joining First Pres. For some of their answers see page 6. I found their responses fascinating and very encouraging.

Later this year that loving concern for others will be extended to those beyond our church as we partner with “Feed My Starving Children” to package 100,000 meals for hungry children and families around the world. The packaging event will take place during Impact Weekend October 7-9. As a church we are very excited about this unprecedented event and will be praying, preparing, and planning in the months ahead. This opportunity will allow us to be actively involved in showing a radical compassionate concern for those who are hurting and in need both spiritually and physically, and I suspect it will also have a lasting impact on those involved.

I consider it a great privilege to see so many of you actively engaged in the numerous caring ministries of First Pres. Much of this care comes informally as you show love and concern for those in your Sunday School classes, small groups, neighborhoods, and the multiplicity of mission agencies we support. Your prayerful concern and interest in others is a testimony of your love for Him whom you serve so willingly and seek to follow in your daily life. On behalf of the staff and officers of First Pres, thank you, thank you, thank you.

The highlight of my life here at First Pres is Sunday mornings. When we gather for worship, pray for those we love, and study the Word of God together, your hunger and desire to grow in your faith, never cease to amaze me. Colleagues across the nation would be thrilled to have you as a congregation, and we on the pastoral staff are certainly thrilled to have you as active members of First Pres. Please be assured of my continued prayers for you as together we follow His call, and in so doing, create a church that will provide special memories for generations still to come.

With warmest Christian greetings,

MemoriesAre MadeofThis

From the Senior Pastor

Holy Week Services&

Schedule Palm Sunday

April 17thMorning Worship8:15, 9:40, 11:00

Maundy Thursday

April 21st Service at 7:30pm

(Communion) Sanctuary

Good Friday

April 22nd Service at 3:00pm

Harper Chapel

Easter SundayApril 24th

Morning Worship8:15, 9:40, 11:00

Easter MondayApril 25th

Church Office Closed

1 Executive & Finance Ministry

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all

the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to us. Romans 12:4-6

i nteracting with our staff on a regular basis is one of the great benefits of my job as Executive Director. We have a wonderful staff here at the church. When I think of the

people that God has gathered here, the verses from Romans come to mind. God has blessed us with a staff that is deeply committed to the ministry of His Church in every aspect of the jobs they perform.

All of you are familiar with our ministers. They are the ones who deliver the message on Sundays and the teaching on Wednesdays. They visit us in the hospital and perform weddings and funerals. This group of seven men and a woman is called by God to lead us to a better understanding of His Word through sound biblical and theological teaching and preaching. They lead our congregation well on the front line of ministry.

You may not, however, realize the day-to-day work that is required to keep our ministries functioning. This is where the rest of our staff comes in, handling all the daily tasks that enable our church to perform its ministries.

Almost any day of the week, there will be hundreds of people on the campus here at the church. We have a large, aging facility that requires constant maintenance and upkeep. Thanks to our Facilities crew, problems are few and fixed quickly, and we have a clean, well-cared-for facility in which to worship.

Our Finance staff makes sure that your contributions and payments are properly recorded and tracked, the church’s bills are paid on time, and our registrations are properly handled. Our Mother’s Morning Out and Nursery staffs make sure that our youngest children are cared for well. Our Children’s Ministry staff makes sure that our children are biblically trained when they come here for Sunday School, Wednesday Night Advantage, and Vacation Bible School, and that there are fun activities for our families to enjoy throughout the year. Our Student Ministry staff continues that training and helps our youth grow into young men and women with a heart for God and a thirst to know Him better. Our Vineyard staff keeps us up-to-date with the latest study materials and helps us with a quick and convenient gift when the need arises.

Our Academy staff teaches the children in that program with a sound curriculum that is rooted in a biblical world view. Our Food Ministry staff prepares delicious meals for us on Wednesdays and at special events and provides our continental breakfast on Sundays. Our Support staff makes sure that the rest of us can do our jobs and follows up to make sure that we do what we need to do. Our Music & Arts Ministry staff blesses us each week by leading music in our worship, both traditional and contemporary, and instructing choir members of all ages. Our Activities staff coordinates over 40 basketball teams as well as varied activities for members of all ages. Our Communications staff lets the congregation know what is going on in the church and spreads the Good News through our radio and television programs and our website.

Without every staff member performing each one’s individual role, this church would not be the church it is. We could not have the effective ministry, meaningful programs, and caring outreach that we have. The next time you see a staff member, no matter who it is, express your thanks and your appreciation that each member of the body plays an integral part in making sure the whole body is healthy and functioning.

oneBody— ManyParts

MiKE TEMPLETonExecutive and Finance [email protected]

Update onOnline Giving &

Registrations After a few difficulties with our startup, it appears that our online Registration, Payment, and Giving systems are up and running. You can access the online giving function from the home page (lefthand side bar) at FirstPresGreenville.org. Registrations can be accessed from the home page banner for that event. Please note not all events will have online registration available.

When you use the system for the first time, please review the tutorial for signing in. If you’re a church member, put in your email address and request a password by selecting “Forgot Password”; one will be emailed to you very quickly. Nonmembers may register to use the system by clicking on the “Don’t Have a Login” link and following the instructions from there.

Soon we will be launching the features that will allow you to pay your bills to the church (Mother’s Morning Out, Academy, or Vineyard, for example) online. Please watch for more information on this.

2 Evangelism & Missions

Cross-Cultural Missions

BRiAn STEWARTEvangelism and Missions Pastor

[email protected]

The direction of cross-cultural missions has radically changed in the last 20-30 years. During the previous 170 or so years, the pattern was for denominations to do mission

work on behalf of congregations. Energy and funding were channeled into national offices and then professionals called “long-term missionaries” were hired to bring the Gospel to far-off lands. This approach to missions can be symbolized by the great sailing ships that carried these missionaries to the ends of the earth.

The Presbyterian Church has a great history of faithfulness in this endeavor, evidenced by the many, many indigenous believers around the world who claim their spiritual ancestry through these missionaries. Christians in China regularly take visiting Americans to see where Presbyterian missionaries are buried in their country. These missionaries from generations ago are revered to this day. At present, there are more Presbyterians in South Korea and in several African countries than there are in the United States.

The strength of this missionary-sending system was in the wise and powerful witness these professional missionaries offered on behalf of churches in America. But despite this great heritage, there were limitations to this pattern of missional activity. These far-off lands

were not accessible to the average North American believer, and congre-gations had to rely merely upon missionary letters and sporadic visits to hear about the progress of their Kingdom work. Christians put their money in a plate—and that was the general extent of how Presbyterians engaged in mission. My how the world has changed!

Now everyone has a boat!

Easy access to international travel, the internet (Skype), and the opening of international markets currently allows almost anyone who can afford it the opportunity to communicate with these burgeoning churches we helped to found and with unreached people groups who have never before heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Everyone is doing missions, and congregations are rapidly becoming the primary originators of this Kingdom movement. As a result, a myriad of new patterns are emerging. For example, some congregations are creating their own mission networks with other like-minded churches from around the country (Peru Mission Network, Amazon Mission Network, etc). Sunday School classes create their own mission relationships, and individuals from FPC regularly go to far-away places like Peru, Costa Rica, and Turkey on their own accord.

Mission is

not a

program

of the church;

it is the

purpose of the church.

It is not

the

church’s mission;

it is God’s mission.

Evangelism & Missions 3

In 1960, 95 percent of mission dollars and people were sent through the PC(USA) General Assembly Missions Office; but in 2000 less than five percent of Presbyterian mission dollars and people were sent through the denominational office. The advantages of this new pattern are that: 1) more mission work can be done, and, in fact, the circle of missional activity is now much larger than it has ever been in history; and 2) more American believers can directly participate and be blessed in this disciple-making endeavor. The limitations of this new decentralized model are a lack of unified vision and the loss of many years of hard-earned lessons from the past. How often have we heard the all-too-true stories of culturally insensitive Americans committing multiple faux pas as they make their way through societies that are vastly different from our own? Thankfully, these limitations can be mitigated by using the resources and experience of reliable mission agencies.

In the 1960s and 70s, First Presbyterian had an instrumental hand in the founding of a number of these mission agencies. Perceiving a lack of emphases on evangelism and church planting on the part of the Presbyterian Church’s denominational mission arm, FPC under the leadership of Senior Pastor Dr. Randy Kowalski helped to found the Presbyterian Outreach Foundation. Also, Elder Dr. David Webster served as President of the Medical Benevolence Foundation for many years. These two agencies, along with Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship, which concentrates its work specifically among unreached people groups, have become primary vehicles for evangelical Presbyterians within the PC(USA) to engage in cross-cultural ministry. Of course, non-denomina-tional para-church groups like Campus Crusade for Christ and Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship have also enjoyed the leadership and participation of Presbyterians since their inception.

Today, First Presbyterian is on the cusp of the transition I have described above. In the past, our church has with great faithfulness financially supported numerous mission agencies that have sent professional missionaries around the world. We will continue to do so. But now, in addition to this support, we will expand our sponsorship of individual members and teams from this church who have been called to the mission field, in both short-term and longer-term missional capacities.

Unique opportunities to engage personally with our historic partner churches from around the world (like the ones described by Mrs. Marilyn Borst from the Outreach Foundation during her presentation here in March) are coming to FPC. These brothers and sisters are calling to us to create long-term, strategic relationships with them based upon mutual encouragement and care. More than anything, they want us—not our money.

Over the next several months, be on the lookout for announcements from me about specific projects and relationships that are presenting themselves for these types of partnerships. This year and into next, I will be teaching a three-week series on cross-cultural missions in a number of Sunday School classes in our church. If you would like for me to make a presentation to your class, please let me know.

These are exciting and unprecedented times in the world of cross-cultural missions, and a vision and challenge keeps popping into my head that I cannot seem to shake:

What if one day members of our church were personally connected to missional ministry on every continent on this planet?

Do you think that is possible? I believe that by God’s grace, this vision is well within our reach.

Grace and peace,

Presbyterian Cursillo

WeekendsGeorgia Presbyterian

Pilgrimage

Dates: August 18-21;

November 3-9, 2011. Camp Pinnacle Conference & Retreat Center, Clayton,

Georgia http://www.georgiapresbyteriancursillo.com/

PilgrimRegistration

Contact Stephanie Johnson ([email protected])

or Pame Wingerter ([email protected])

SC Presbyterian Pilgrimage

Dates: May 19-22; October 5-9, 2011

Camp St. Christopher, Seabrook Island, South Carolina

Contact Patti Martin ([email protected])

The ALPhA CourseWednesdays, September 7–

November 16, 2011 (6:00–7:30pm)

Contact Brian Stewart ([email protected])

for more information

Contact Charlotte Joye ([email protected])

to register

95% of mission giving

sent to PC (USA) missions office 5% of Presbyterian

mission dollars sent to PC (USA) missions office

1960

2000


news Flash! There are 3500 Greeters

in this Church!“Hello! How can I help you today?”

FIRST WELCOME is our team of over 180 individuals who serve one or more Sundays per month in spots all over campus: doors, parking lots, and welcome centers. Their shift is usually 20 minutes, but their impact can be long term. The comments below from the same individual reflect the joy of serving—and being served—through FIRST WELCOME.

After serving: Wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed “door duty” on Sunday! Thanks for giving me the primo spot—I could hear the choir and band warming up for the Contemporary Service while I stood there, and it was great! What a wonderful way to start the morning, with all of the smiling faces coming through the door—I had several staff members come up and thank me as well, which was of course not required (but an illustration of what wonderful people we have!) I think you already have, but if you haven’t yet, you are welcome to put me on the sub list—I’m happy to do it whenever I’m in town.

After being served: I went to the Contemporary Service yesterday for the first time and had no less than 3 different people greet me cheerily at the various doors I passed on the way to Fellowship Hall. If it meant that much to me as a member, I can’t imagine what a difference it makes for a tentative visitor coming into the building for the first time! (And they all seemed to be having such a good time!)

You may not be one of the 180, but did you know that you actually are on the FIRST WELCOME team? Every one of us in the church can do our part to create a warm, welcoming, informative environment. Here are a few ways to do so: • IntroduceyourselftoonepersoneachSundaywithwhomyouarenotyetfamiliar.

To avoid awkwardness, say something like, “I don’t believe we’ve met yet. I’m _____.” By the end of the year, you would be acquainted with at least 30 more people. You are bound to see them in the hall, restroom, or elsewhere!

• Don’tbeafraidofchattingwithsomeonewhosenameyoumighthaveforgotten.Simply say, “Please remind me of your name again.”

• BeparticularlywarmonWednesdayevenings.Whilewedon’t(yet)haveFIRSTWELCOME assignments for Wednesday nights (other than our cashiers), there are folks who need guidance and a warm smile. This is particularly helpful at the beginning of each semester, when new classes sometimes draw non-members to campus.

• Ifyouseeanemptyspaceandwishtherewereagreeterthere,goaheadandstepin to greet! You may enjoy it so much you want to be part of the team on a regular basis.

Contact Beth Beutler at [email protected] or 672.1753 to find out more about being a regular participant on the team.

“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes Me, and anyone who welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent me.” Matthew 10:40

BETh BEUTLERMinistry Placement Director

[email protected]


“An Opportunity Like No Other!”

Join the First Pres habitat Team Building a Home for a Family in Travelers Rest

First Presbyterian is beginning another exciting venture of building a house with—and for—a family of God’s children in need. This home will be in Travelers Rest near the house we built last year. As you know, Habitat does not “give” houses away; they work with the new owners to reduce the labor costs and offer a scriptural no-interest mortgage to pay back the other costs. These funds then go into the Fund for Humanity to support Habitat and build more houses.

We will be teaming with John Knox Presbyterian Church, Brushy Creek Baptist Church, and St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church. Each church will have certain days during which it is responsible for “hosting,” that is, providing the morning devotions, snacks, lunch, and assistance with registering workers. FPC’s “host” days are April 29 & 30 and June 10 & 11. Volunteer builders can pick any weekend from April through early June. For details on the build schedule and how to volunteer, contact Joe Barron, 915-3982 or [email protected]. Also contact Joe if your Sunday School class can provide lunches or other refreshments for the volunteers.

ComeBuild with

First Pres’ Young Adult Community Life group helped at the ReStore! They did a lot of painting and hauling gravel to help beautify the store inside and out.

Jennifer Parlett and Josh Barham painting

Phil Hargrove working on the shed

Contemporary Ministries Pastor Phil Hargrove working

with David Foster


at First Presbyterian Church?

Considering Membership?

have you been considering membership here at First Presbyterian Church? I have the great privilege of leading our First Look new member classes six

times per year on Sundays. The class meets for three consecutive weeks. Week one considers what it means to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Week two covers what Presbyterians believe, and week three concludes with a practical discussion of how to become meaningfully involved in the life of the church. Those who believe God is calling them to join the church will meet with the elders at the conclusion of the third class, and then enjoy a luncheon after worship that day where they are introduced to various ministry leaders in the congregation.

Even if you are not quite ready to formally join the First Presbyterian family, the First Look class is a wonderful opportunity to explore what the church believes and to ask questions about our vision and direction for ministry. I invite you to be a part of this experience and to learn more about how we can partner with you in your journey as a “Growing Faithful Christian.”

Grace and peace,

Rev. Brian Stewart Associate Pastor for Evangelism and Missions

For more details about the content of the class contact Pastor Stewart [email protected] and to register call or email Charlotte Joye at 672.0309, [email protected].

2011 FiRST LooK CLASS

DATES:May 15-22-29

with new member luncheon on May 29

July 10-17-24 with new member luncheon on

July 24

September 11-18-25 with new member luncheon on

September 25

november 6-13-20 with new member luncheon on

November 20

“I feel the presence of God in the church. The sermons are understandable and Biblical.

I have talked to a few members and all express excitement

about the church.”

“I wanted to join a community of believers where I could serve and learn and grow and feel like part of God’s family. FPC has felt this

way from Day 1.”

“We first visited in order to appease our children who had

met members of First Pres youth. We found the preaching to be

biblical and the inistries to youth and children to be excellent.

We believe this is where God is calling us to be.”

new Member Comments

Missions&outreachThe hope of spring brings about signs of renewal. We make resolutions with each New

Year that we seldom keep through March. And yet it still all comes down to this question: “What shall I do?”

What shall I do with my time, my resources, my day, my family? As a Christian, it all comes down to what you will do with what He has given you. Indeed, it is all His anyway. The Lord said, “Has not my hand made all these things?” (Acts 7:50).

The Missions and Outreach Committee has worked diligently this past year to answer this question with our eyes focused on Jesus. The 2010 Missions Conference, which was held in early November, provided us with a wonderful opportunity to see how the Lord is bringing hearts to Him in international students in Greenville and also in the Muslim Community oversees. It was exciting and encouraging to see how we can witness in our very own homes to foreign exchange students who, most likely, will one day be the leaders in their own countries. What an opportunity to reach the masses for Christ – without ever leaving the comfort of home! Equally encouraging was the Christian movement in Muslim Communities. This year’s conference is scheduled for October 7–9, 2011. You won’t want to miss out on this exciting time, so mark your calendars now!

The Lord has also allowed the M&O committee, with your help, to continue to support and work with over 90 organizations and individuals who are embodying the spirit of Christ. One new project is the Gifts-in-Kind Center in Spartanburg, operated by United Way of the Piedmont, which allows us to “shop” for various necessities at an overflow store and then provide them to organizations in need. This year, we were able to provide supplies to the Neighborhood Focus Summer Tutoring Program at Russell Memorial and to The Summit. Even in this time of economic distress, we are feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and caring for the poor, all while sharing God’s great love. For details on the Gifts-In-Kind Center, visit http://www.uwpiedmont.org/gik-center.php. For information about the 90 missions we’re supporting, visit FirstPresGreenville.org/missionsandoutreach.htm and click the links to the different agencies.

Let’s begin this year with a commitment to pray daily for the masses to come to know and love our Lord. Let’s find a way to put our prayers into action. Come be a part of Missions and Outreach, and answer the question, “What shall I do?” with Jesus in mind.


SAvEtheDATE

October 7–9, 2011

Stay tuned over the next few months for details about an opportunity for our entire congregation to be personally involved in a mission project during our Impact Weekend. You’ll see more specific information as dates and events are confirmed.

Gifts-in-Kind Center, Spartanburg, SC

8

FPC at Hollis Academy

Evangelism & Missions

Did you know...

...that every child who finishes third grade unable to read is more susceptible to drugs, crime, and prison?

...that 85 percent of all juveniles who interface with the juvenile court system are functionally illiterate?

...that studies have shown that a child’s reading level in the third grade is indicative of his/her reading level in adulthood?

First Presbyterian Church is stepping out to get involved in one of our local schools, Hollis Academy. Hollis is located 2.5 miles from our church campus, with just over 500 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Of these 500 students, 98 percent are living at or below the poverty level. By volunteering to help in this neighborhood school, we can make a difference and show the love of God to a community in need.

In the coming months, we will be looking for volunteers of all ages who are willing to: • volunteerintheschoollibrary • coordinatevolunteereffortsforindividualclassrooms • volunteertohelpoutwithschoolevents,suchasSpringCarnivalandFieldDay • donateneededitemsforschooleventsandclassrooms • serveasmonitorsduringstandardizedtesting • prayfaithfullyforteachers,administrators,andstudents • committoreadingwithat-riskstudents • providefoodandclothingforthoseinneed

Look for upcoming announcements about FPC and Hollis Academy. Begin now to pray about your involvement in this new and exciting mission to our community.

if you have questions or would like more information, contact Beth Simmons (232.4510).

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Matthew 25:40

“One way every church can touch

its community is by volunteering at a

neighborhood school.” —Reggie McNeal,

Missional Renaissance

Congregational Care 9

STAn JohnSonCongregational Care [email protected]

The Waites: Our daughter, Elsie, had been seeing her pediatric cardiologist since she was born in June 2008. In April of 2010, at a routine cardiology checkup, we were told she needed to have a heart catheterization at MUSC in Charleston. We had just joined First Pres, and yet immediately had several phone calls offering prayer for us. God had put us at this church at just the right time. The result of the heart cath was open heart surgery scheduled for July.

The Bentleys: Our son, Sam, was scheduled for his third open heart surgery in July of 2010. This one was the hardest for us as parents, as Sam had many tough questions from a curious six-year-old’s perspective. We had handed this to God many years ago, and knew the outcome was in His hands. We have been members of First Pres for many years, and have been blessed with a huge outpouring of support, prayers, and love from our wonderful church family.

The Waites: Elsie’s surgery was bumped 10 days. An email from Donna Roper arrived saying she knew we were upset, but with the new date, we would be at MUSC with another First Pres family, the Bentleys.

The Bentleys: We received an email telling us about the Waites, and their daughter Elsie’s surgery. Having been through two surgeries with Sam, and knowing how life-changing open heart surgery is, we immediately emailed them.

The Waites & the Bentleys: Elsie and Sam’s surgeries would be one day apart, and we would be in PCICU and the recovery unit together with God, our families, and the power of prayer at First Pres. The prayers said on behalf of our children by the members and staff at First Pres were full of love, support, and a belief in the Great Physician to work in and through our lives.

Elsie and Sam have both made full recoveries. Through His perfect timing, Elsie, Sam, his twin sister, Ellison, and our families have been joined in friendship and fellowship, and continue to grow in our church family.

Aimee and Sumner Waite, parents of Elsie

Liza and Kenny Bentley, parents of Sam and Ellison

his Perfect Timing

10 Congregational Care

ElderberriesSenior AdultsThe Elderberries Senior

Adults group is for anyone age 55 and older. We gather together in the Fellowship

Hall the first Tuesday of each month, September through

May, for a time of fellowship, lunch, and a program.

in April, Deb Weeks will speak about the Kilgore-Lewis family.

in May, we will have a special time of music featuring

Shirley Gallamore.

If you want information or wish to make reservations for the luncheons, call Pat Browning at 313.8004.

Member Attends “Life-Changing”

Stephen Ministry Training Event

Dana Thomason was among 500 pastors and church leaders at a Stephen Series Leader’s Training Course in Orlando, FL, in January.

“It was a life-changing experience,” says Dana. “We represented all 50 states and Canada and comprised many denominations, yet we were united in mission: learning how to bring Jesus’ love and care to hurting people. The lesson that was brought home again and again was that God’s power is NOT seen through the instrument’s ability, but through its

availability.”

The fast-paced, seven-day course began on Sunday evening, January 9, and concluded the following Saturday at noon. “There was so much to absorb, but the information was well presented and organized, which made it easy to keep up.”

The role of Stephen Leaders is to direct Stephen Ministry within their congregations. They are the ones who recruit, select, train, and supervise Stephen Ministers. They locate people with needs for care and match them to a Stephen Minister. They also build awareness regarding Stephen Ministry in the congregation and community.

“The training at an LTC differs from the 50 hours of Stephen Minister training in the congregation. The Leadership Training Course focuses on the administrative and supervisory aspects of Stephen Ministry,” says Rev. Stan Johnson. “The Stephen Minister training that we offer here at First Presbyterian Church focuses on the actual caregiving skills Stephen Ministers will use in their caring relationships.”

Dana Thomason joins the existing Stephen Leadership Team at First Presbyterian Church that consists of Rev. Stan Johnson, Caroline Morris, Joann Reed, and Michael Combs. Please lift Dana up in prayer as she begins her new role as a Stephen Ministry Leader.

“Stephen Ministry is a Christ-centered ministry that belongs to the people of First Presbyterian Church,” Dana says. “I’m even more impressed with what God can do through this ministry after attending the LTC. I encourage members of this congregation to support and become involved in Stephen Ministry.”

Shirley Gallamore

Kilgore-Lewis House

Congregational Care 11

Congratulations

to our new Stephen Ministers!

The caring ministry at First Presbyterian Church recently expanded as a new group of Stephen

Ministers was commissioned on Sunday, March 20, 2011. They now join our active Stephen Ministers at First Pres in providing one-to-one care to individuals experiencing difficulties in life.

Stephen Ministry training combines sound theological principles with contemporary psychology. Stephen Leaders Nancy Lusk, Michael Combs, Caroline Morris, Joann Reed, Dana Thomason, Dr. Pam Cole, Rev. Stan Johnson, and Rev. George Moore taught the class series from October 2010 through March 2011. The skills our Stephen Ministers learn and practice prepare them to provide a high level of Christian caregiving. The training is intense because it explores some serious life issues, but it is also a growth-producing, enjoyable experience.

The 50-hour Stephen Ministry training is broken down into twenty 2½-hour sessions held each Wednesday night. Training topics include:

• Feelings:Yours,Mine,andOurs

• TheArtofListening

• DistinctivelyChristianCaring

• Assertiveness:RelatingGentlyandFirmly

• MaintainingBoundariesinCaregiving

• Confidentiality

• MinisteringtoThoseExperiencingGrief

• CaringforPeoplebefore,during,andafter Hospitalization

Members of this new group of Stephen Ministers are Addie Lieberg, Bill Arthur, Laura Vaughn, Liza Bentley, Sandy Wright, and Nathanial Buah-Kwofie. First Presbyterian Church has now trained 80 members as Stephen Ministers since 2000.

“Continuing education is a vital component of Stephen Ministry training,” says Pastor Stan Johnson. “Stephen Ministers attend continuing education twice a month, even after they begin meeting with

their care receivers. The goal is for Stephen Ministers to continually enhance their skills and learn new ways to care. We want them to provide the best care possible for their care receivers.”

Since the ministry began in 1975, over 500,000 Stephen Ministers and 60,000 Stephen Leaders have been trained in more than 11,000 churches worldwide representing 159 denominations.

The impact of Stephen Ministry on our congregation has been tremendous. People whose needs might otherwise slip through the cracks are coming face to face with Jesus’ love through their Stephen Ministers. Our new additions will help us touch that many more lives with the Gospel.

Please lift up our Stephen Ministers in prayer as they reach out to minister to those in need.

If you or someone you know would like the one-to-one care of a Stephen Minister, or if you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, contact Tammy Burkhalter at 672.0327 or [email protected].

Back row: Nathanial Buah-Kwofie, Addie Lieberg, Bill ArthurFront row: Laura Vaughn, Sandy Wright, Liza Bentley


GEoRGE MooREAssociate Pastor for Visitation

[email protected]

Responses from so many, especially teens, after I shared the message “Sabbath for the 21st Century” at the 8:15 and 9:40 worship services on January 30,

motivate me to continue reflecting with you on the Fourth Commandment. Our issue seems to be: How do we fit God’s commandment to Remember, Observe, Keep the Sabbath into our lives? Let’s rephrase the question: How do we fit our lives into God’s Fourth Commandment?

An attitude of commitment most often marks our beginning point of obeying and serving God. People often confess their need and desire to experience Sabbath. We realize God’s commandments have good and necessary purposes for the “abundant living” Christ offers us (John 10:10). The Fourth Commandment speaks of cessation of work, gaining rest, and doing this in honor and worship of God. The day becomes a holy, sacred day for us, because we commit the day to God and He makes it holy. Realize that God spoke of “My Sabbaths” (Leviticus 19:3). He gave His Sabbath to mankind that we may cease our labors and rest. Realize also that God, our creator and Lord, is all about rest, quietness, and joy. We, His people, yearn and long for these qualities in our lives! Digital Culture Citizens (us) know something is wrong, out of sync. Life is way too busy and stressed, keeping us from intimacy with God and our loved ones, robbing us of emotional and spiritual fulfillment.

Let’s commit to change! Ask Christ for His grace to give us wisdom, love, and strength to rearrange our relationships (focusing more on God, family, and friends), our priorities (focusing less on success, wealth, and recreation), and our schedules. These things can be done; people today are making such changes and telling others the great difference they experience.

Keeping a Sabbath is God’s primary call. He knows that when His people obey this command, there will be time for unhurried worship, prayerful communion, restored family relationships, and renewed physical and mental energy. Some folks relate that they feel guilty simply taking a day of cessation and rest. Be reminded that a Sabbath Day is a focused day, but not a highly planned day. Our schedule is not our master. Focusing on God, His presence, His blessings, His joy, His love, His forgiveness, and His rest offered to us (Matthew 11:28) becomes our plan, and we go where that leads.

Our Lord lived a busy life, but set such a clear example of living the Sabbath life. A study of the gospels from that perspective may be the way the Holy Spirit would lead us in Remembering, Observing, and Keeping the Sabbath holy (Exodus 20:8, Deuteronomy 5:12).

Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for mankind” (Mark 2:27). May we let Him teach us how to “keep it holy.” Enjoying the Journey with you,

Thoughts AboutSabbath“Remember the Sabbath day

by keeping it holy.

Six days you shall labor and do all your work,

but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your

God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien

within your gates.

For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the

earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the

seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath

day and made it holy.

Exodus 20:8-11 (New International Version 1984, ©1984)

It’s Possible That God is Calling YoU to be a

Prayer Warrior!Do you want to contribute to the mission of

First Presbyterian Church and help grow faithful Christians?

Do you have a love for God’s lost children?

Do you spend time listening to God, interceding on behalf of others, thanking God for His many blessings, praising God for who He is?

Do your friends and family ask you to pray for them?

Did you know that First Presbyterian Church has a Prayer Room?

Did you know that you can be part of the Prayer Room Team?

Did you know that the Prayer Room is available for everyone to use for prayer?

Do you feel led by God to be a part of First Presbyterian’s Prayer Room Ministry?

The First Presbyterian Prayer Room is located in Room 310, is a beautiful and peaceful place that has been blessed and set apart specifically for prayer. As a Prayer Room Team member you will be equipped with the Prayer Room Procedures and asked to take a vow of confidentiality. Our Prayer Room Team members pray during scheduled hours for our church and individual requests, but many hours are left open for all in the church to use. We encourage everyone to experience this special place of prayer.

If you are interested in becoming part of the Prayer Room Ministry or if you are interested in using the Prayer Room during its open time, contact Tammy Burkhalter of Congregational Care at 672.0327 or inquire at the Receptionist Desk.

Prayer Room open hours

(for congregation use)

Sunday 8:00am–12:00pm

Monday 9:00am–11:00am 2:30–5:00pm

Tuesday 1:00–4:00pm

Wednesday 2:00–7:00pm

Thursday 3:00–5:00pm

Friday 11:00am – 5:00pm


If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and

pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will

forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

“But when you pray, go into your room,

close the door and pray to your Father, who is

unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Matthew 6:6

Devote yourselves to prayer, with mind awake and

thankful heart. Colossians 4:2a


MiLiTARY MINISTRY

This year marks the 6th Anniversary of the Military Ministry at First Presbyterian Church. Looking back over the past six years, you have much to be proud of, as

our church’s reach to the military has exceeded all of our initial expectations. Only with the Lord’s direction and guidance has the Ministry been able to provide the following support and assistance:

• Over250Bibles,withspecialappendicesdevotedtohelpingtroopsdealwiththe rigors of combat assignments, and Strength Shields (Joshua 1:9) were sent to our deployed members for their use and for distribution to the men and women under their command. We also distributed a special edition “Military Daily Devotional Guide” and the booklet “Essential Liberty,” which contains the documents essential to American liberty, including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.

• TheMinistryhasdistributedover200boxesofpersonalhygieneitems,food,snacks,and paperback books to members deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Included in these shipments were items in response to special requests from members. The Ministry is blessed to have a relationship with the staff and children of FPC’s annual Vacation Bible School (VBS), who collected several of the shipped items. On numerous special occasions, handmade cards for military members were crafted by the VBS attendees, The Academy students, senior high students, and the women at the Miracle Hill Renewal Program. The God-inspired messages were uplifting and from the heart of each author.

• Ourmostsignificantinvolvementinsupportofanon-memberoccurredwhenMarines in our Ministry found a 3-year-old Iraqi girl about 200 miles west of Baghdad, with “blue baby syndrome.” Thus began Operation Amenah, whereby First Presbyterian helped raise funds for the little girl to travel to the U.S. with her mother to undergo successful heart surgery. She returned to Iraq several weeks later to the cheers of the villagers and Iraqi government officials.

On a more current note, BG Wayne Brock, USAR, and the men of his unit are scheduled to return to the U.S. this spring. Upon completion of this deployment, Wayne will have finished his second one-year tour in Afghanistan. Please pray for Wayne and his unit’s safe return to Greenville and for Melinda, his wife, as she anticipates their reunion.

You are encouraged to visit the Military Ministry page on the church website and pray for the active duty, reserve, and veteran members listed on the prayer rosters. We also ask that you help keep the rosters up-to-date by submitting changes via the website or directly to Tammy Burkhalter ([email protected] or 672.0327). The Ministry appreciates the assistance and support from the congregation for the past six years.

Please continue to pray for all members of our Armed Forces, asking God to sustain them for their selfless acts of courage and their willingness to serve our country.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be

discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

Bible Study in the field

Maj. Jarrord with Amenah

BG Wayne Brock, USAR

15

PAM CoLEVisitation [email protected]

Angels, shepherds, and kings left baby Jesus in the manger and came to the rescue.

in early December, I had a luncheon at my home for the Ladies Circle from Rolling Green Village. My husband, Robbie, picked up the ladies in front of Rolling Green at

eleven in the morning and brought them to our house in Pumpkintown in the church bus, the Champion. The very first lady to get to my house fell in my living room, on a step down that my Mother had begged me not to put there. (Oh, how I wish I had listened more to my Mother!) I got mad at Robbie, because when I asked him to move the Champion out of the driveway so I could get this precious lady to the hospital, the Champion just sat there. It turned out that the Champion had broken down in my driveway! Robbie was frantically trying to move it, but it would not budge. Fortunately, Jennifer Paramore, one of the Pastoral Visitation Ministry leaders, had parked her car at the bottom of the driveway and I was able to take Jennifer’s car to the hospital. All other cars were blocked in the driveway by the broken-down Champion.

Once at the hospital (the precious lady was bruised, but nothing was broken), I began to realize that all the ladies at my house had no way to get home. Rolling Green Village is over an hour from my house, so even if Robbie and I shuttled two at a time, it would have taken more than ten hours to get everyone home. (Robbie and I could not shuttle, however, because our cars were blocked behind the broken Champion.)

I frantically started to call people to help. Most that I called said they were too busy with Christmas preparations to help. I called Karen King, one of the FPC Children’s Ministry leaders, who was leading a live nativity at nearby Eden Farms with the children and teens from our church. Karen immediately jumped into action. She gathered all of those who had driven their cars to Eden Farms and asked them to come to my house immediately to start picking people up and taking them home. In other words, the shepherds, angels, and kings left the manger to come to my house and help take people home.

Our primary purpose in life is to adore Jesus Christ, but out of that adoration comes an intense desire to go out and serve Him in a broken and hurting world. True worship of Christ prompts us to leave the place of adoration and go out into the world to help those in need. That is exactly what the young people serving in the live nativity did that day—they left the manger to go out and serve. I was at the hospital, so I did not observe it, but the ladies who were taken home by the angels, shepherds, and kings told me that these young people were wonderful in their careful attention and care in transporting them home to Rolling Green.

The Pastoral Visitation Ministry at FPC attempts to model itself after Jesus himself, who left his throne in heaven to take the farthest possible journey, to be born as a man on earth and to die for our sins. The Pastoral Visitation Ministers (PVMs) go out into retirement communities, walk the long halls of nursing homes, and visit the homes of homebound members, all in the name of Jesus, the one who left his home in heaven out of zealous love.

The PVMs find that when they go out to visit and serve those in need, they are filled with joy and thanksgiving—and that their service leads them back to praise of the one, Jesus, who came to die for them. If you are interested in serving Jesus in this way, we would be delighted to have you as a part of our PVM team. We meet for training and fellowship the first Monday of every month at 5:30pm in the Parlor.

Congregational Care

Dr. Cole with Judy Hayhes

16 Children’s Ministries

EvELYn PEnKERTDirector of Early Childhood and

Preschool Education672.1843

[email protected]

The Power of a Child’s Prayer

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7

Third, fourth, and fifth graders in the Wednesday Advantage Bible Study are learning what it means to praise, pray, trust, and let go—or in texting

terms, ‘pptlg.’ Together we PRAISE God for His many blessings; PRAY to God with requests and concerns; TRUST in God and His will and timing; and then LET GO and wait for Him to answer our prayers according to His will. After every head is bowed in prayer, we seek God’s presence by “being still and knowing that God is REAL” (Psalm 46:10). Of course, all of this is much easier said than done—especially the being still part. However, once they are still, what a blessing God has in store!

I pray for my aunt to be healed from cancer; I pray for my teacher who is really sick; I pray that my parents will not get a divorce; I pray for my dog to get better. These are the simple yet genuine and sincere prayers of our children. We are journaling our prayers and committing to pray over one another’s requests during the week. If you have a prayer request that you would like our children to pray over, please drop it in the prayer box located in the Children’s Ministry hallway. When you see your prayer answered, we would like for you to let us know through an email or a letter or even a personal visit during Bible study time.

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 18:2-4

Dates

June 28 Route 56 Summer

Kick-Off Pool Party

Route 56 will meet once per week during summer

months (dates to be announced)

July 13 Route 56 at

Eden Farms to help with Camp Spearhead Residents

August 9 Route 56

End of the Summer Pool Party

August 1-4 Local Family Mission week

(watch for details)

Children’s Ministries 17

KAREn KinGDirector of Elementary Education and Family Missions (1st–5th Grades)[email protected]

Unexpected Blessings

I love you, sweetheart. It’s going to be okay. Shhh. Shhh. Just think, this will hopefully be your last chemo treatment.

A dear friend shared a story about seeking God’s unexpected blessings. What are unexpected blessings? They are blessings that God created for us before we even asked.

I shared my friend’s unexpected blessings story with the Wednesday Advantage Bible Study children and challenged them to wake up every day and look for those unexpected blessings that God has in store for them. When we see or hear those blessings, we are to quickly share them with a friend so that they, too, will see the abundant unexpected blessings God gives us. One of the children said, “It’s like finding two quarters in your pocket you weren’t expecting to be there!” Yes! He got it—an unexpected blessing!

But how can we see unexpected blessings when there is heartache and uncertainty, so many sad things that we can’t understand? Once I took the challenge of seeking those unexpected blessings, God gave me a big one that I shared with our kids and would also like to share with you.

Recently, my mother has gone through some serious physical issues which require many hours of waiting in hospitals and doctors’ offices. Like a child, I have a difficult time being still, but on this particular day I woke up and asked God to open my eyes to His unexpected blessings. As my mother and I waited for some blood tests, I noticed a mother and her infant son nearby. Immediately, I realized that there were physical issues with this baby and I began to pray even though I was not quite sure what I was praying for. As we were taken to the room for the blood test, the mother and her son were in the room next to ours, and I saw the nurse tenderly work with the child to prepare him for what was coming next. The big STICK! As the baby started crying from the pain of the needle, God opened my eyes to my first unexpected blessing of the day. As I sat and watched, I listened as the mother said repeatedly, “I love you, sweetheart. It’s going to be okay. Shhh. Shhh. Just think, this will hopefully be your last chemo treatment.” My heart began to race. What??!! This little baby has cancer?! God, how can this infant suffering through the pain of cancer be an unexpected blessing? As my eyes filled with tears I could no longer control or hide, I heard the mother and nurse, once again, try to comfort the baby through the treatment. Then, as the baby’s crys started to mellow and fade away, I knew it was all over. As I sat and watched this mother hold and love her son through the pain, God opened my eyes to realize the unexpected blessing of our Father and His love for His Son!

I cannot imagine what the mother of our Lord went through as she sat at the foot of the cross, seeing her Son hanging there helpless, exposed, and in severe pain, yet she could not hold and comfort Him. She could not soothe His pain. All she could do was cry at the foot of the cross. To hear her Son take His last breath and say “It is finished” had to be a relief, knowing that He would suffer no more.

Are you still wondering where the unexpected blessing is? As I heard this little boy (Baby Lee the nurse called him) taking on the pain for a better future, I was reminded of the love of Jesus who took on the pain—OUR SIN—for our eternal future. Does it seem fair? No. Was it worth it? Yes! PRAISE GOD! For without His suffering we would have no future.

I didn’t have the opportunity to speak with this mom to let her know what a blessing it was to see the love she has for her son, but I do have the opportunity to give thanks to our Father for His unconditional love and for revealing to me, through a mother and her sick child, His abundant grace. I pray that you, too, will take time to thank our Father, to hold your child, and to praise God with your child for all of His unexpected blessings.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14

“Let the little children

come to me, and do not

hinder them, for the

kingdom of heaven belongs

to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14

18 Children’s Ministry Father-Daughter

Sweetheart BallJust over 14 years ago, First Pres held its first Father-Daughter Sweetheart Ball.

The beloved tradition was the inspiration of longtime FPC member Joan Perry. It was Joan’s dream to have such an event, and she organized and ran the Ball for many years. Here is her story of how the Sweetheart Ball came about.

The Father Daughter Sweetheart Ball was started when my oldest daughter, Kathleen, was in third grade, almost nine years old. She is now 23. I read about starting a Father-Daughter dance in a Focus on the Family magazine, and knew this would be a fun opportunity for young girls to spend time with their dads. Thinking our church would be the best place to have it, I called some other First

Pres moms, and we began to plan for our first Father-Daughter Sweetheart Ball.

We called the girls together on the day of the dance to decorate the old Fellowship Hall. We made hand-painted banners to honor the dads, used lots of crepe paper and balloons to decorate the room, and prepared the dinner. The girls dressed in their party best and their dads wore their finest as well. I rallied Townes Johnson to be our DJ for the evening, playing all kinds of music—ballroom, beach, limbo, and line dancing—but the Chicken Dance was one of the favorites.

We took photos of the couples and gave them as a keepsake along with a single rose to each girl. It was hard to say who had more fun—the dads or the girls. As the years passed, we served only desserts and snacks. Many girls decided that they wanted to extend their evenings with their dads by going out to dinner beforehand.

I was doubly blessed to watch both of our girls enjoy the Sweetheart Ball with their dad. It was a blessing to receive thanks from the dads for having the dance and to see their joy as they spent the evening with their daughters. One dad who has three girls told us he looked forward to coming every year with one of his daughters. Originally, the dance was around Valentine’s Day, but was later moved to springtime.

My youngest daughter, Elizabeth, is now 20. When I asked her what the night meant to her, she said, “I would do anything to go back and do it again. It’s a night when a father is dedicated to his daughter and lets her know that she’s loved and approved of by him. Every girl needs approval by a man and her father is the first man in her life. It’s a night when they focus on their relationship with each other. Plus it’s always fun to dress up and feel like a princess!”

I am thankful that the tradition continues. I know I will always treasure these memories, and so will my daughters and their father.

Adopt a Child in Prayer

We ask that you pray for the children of First Presbyterian Church. Thursday, May 5, is Adopt a Child in Prayer Day. If you would like to pray for one or more of our children, please contact Karen King for a child’s name ([email protected] or 672.1840). All we ask is that you lift up the children in prayer at least three times during the day. You are not required to attend any meetings or even to pray at a specific time; instead we ask that you PRAY, PRAY, PRAY for the children at your convenience. It is our prayer that in the process of praying, you will understand the important role that children have in our spiritual future.

After all, Jesus said that children are GREAT—not my words, but His!

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children,

you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child

is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 18:2-4

Elizabeth and her father,

Carter Perry

12th Annual Father-Daughter Sweetheart Ball

All girls in grades 3-5 and their special fathers are invited to the 12th Annual Sweetheart Ball

Friday, April 8, 7:00–9:00pm in Fellowship hall.

Dessert Buffet provided.Please reply to Austin Clay, [email protected]

or 672.0337, by Monday, April 4.

Cost is $10 per couple, payable at the door. Dress is Sunday attire.

by Joan Perry

The Children’s Ministry would love your help!To volunteer for

VBS 2011 contactAustin Clay, 672.0337 or

[email protected].

19 Children’s Ministries

vBS 2011 Pandamania

Where God is Wild about YOU! Psalm 139

vBS volunteer Training and Luncheon

Sunday, June 5, 12:05pmLunch and childcare provided.

vBS “Pandas and Praise” Kick-off ice Cream Party

Sunday, June 12 4:00-5:00pm Teacher set up

5:00-6:00pm ice Cream Party

vBSMonday, June 13–Thursday, June 16

Our traditional VBS is for children who have completed K5 through 3rd grade.

Preschool VBS is for volunteers’ children only.VBS Day Missions will be a little different this year:

Day Missions is for completed 4th through 12th grades to enable more youth to participate and encourage intergenerational

relationships with children and youth.

Save the DatesJune 5 12:05pm

VBS Volunteer Training, Luncheon, and Set Up

June 12 5:30-6:30pm

VBS “Pandas and Praise” Kick-Off Ice Cream Party

June 13-16 9:00am–12:00 noon

VBS

20 Children’s Ministry

mom.2.momJoin us Tuesday, May 10, for our next mom.2.mom event. This is a time of fellowship and encourage-ment from “experienced” moms

to newer moms—our opportunity to put Titus 2:3-4 into practice!

We’ll enjoy brunch and a speaker. This is a great time to invite a mom who could really use

a blessing.

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live… to teach what is good. Then they

can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children.

Titus 2:3-4

Mother’sMorning Out and Summer Bible Camp

The purpose of our Mother’s Morning out Ministry is to glorify God by providing optimum care for infants and toddlers with dedicated caregivers in a Christian environment. We endeavor to give each child exposure to age-appropriate spiritual, social, and academic activities. Our registered program serves families Monday through Thursday, 9:00am–2:00pm during the school year.

Contact Tina Jones, Director, at 672.0347 or [email protected].

Þ Þ Þ

Registration began in February for our annual Summer Bible Camp for infants through rising first graders. Parents may select

which sessions and days to attend; one-day (Wednesday), two-day (Tuesday/Thursday), and three-day (Tuesday–Thursday) options are available. Camp runs from 9:00am-2:00pm each day.

We teach from Group Publishing’s Pandamania VBS Curriculum. Preschoolers (& older) rotate through music, snack, Bible story time, playground fun, video lesson, lunch, crafts, and music again! The lesson is repeated and taught creatively so kids have a great time learning biblical truths. As you can see by the quote above from a mom, this Bible Camp really lives up to its name!

Þ Þ Þ Þ

“When I picked up my kids on Tuesday, they were on fire for Jesus. It was precious! They are having a blast at Bible Camp.

I’m so impressed that they’re actually learning about Jesus while they are there. You have obviously put much effort into

making it not just a babysitting service. Thank you so much!”

Registration for both the 2011-2012 School Year and for the 2011 Summer Bible Camp is now in progress.

Summer Bible Camp DatesTinA JonES

Director of Mother’s Morning Out672.0347

[email protected]

Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Session 5

June 21 June 28 July 12 July 19 July 26



Music & the Arts 21

John GEnTRYDirector of Music & the [email protected]

Sunday, April 10 Music & Arts Dessert Theater! Make plans now to join us on Sunday, April 10, for our annual Spring Fundraiser. Many of our talented children and youth will be featured in solos, duets, and ensembles from favorite Broadway musicals and other memorable numbers. We’ll also reprise several of our past hits, including numbers from Peter Pan and Damn Yankees. We’ll enjoy luscious desserts from several downtown restaurants, plus an Art Show and Sale.Watch the GrapeVine for information about tickets sales, and save the date on your calendar.

Sunday, May 1 Are We there Yet? arrives May 1 Tom Long and Allen Pote have brought us yet another wonderful musical drama for children. Are We There Yet? tells the story of Moses and the Exodus from Egypt in a funny, poignant, and entertaining way for both children and adults. Members of our Cherub, Carol, and Covenant Choirs will join forces for this big production in the old Centre Stage Theater on Sunday, May 1, at 6:30pm. Admission is $5.

Sunday, May 15 Youth Sunday 2011 + Gospel Mass This year’s Youth Sunday observance on May 15 will include a presentation of Robert Ray’s engaging choral work, Gospel Mass. While our youth choirs have performed this piece a number of times over the last few years, this will be its first appearance during Sunday morning worship. Join us at 8:15 or 11:00am for a memorable time of worship.

June 18–25 Montreat Worship & Music, v. 9.0! This June will mark our 9th annual participation in the Montreat Worship & Music Conference in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina, June 18-25. We expect to take a group of more than 60 children, youth, and adults for a week of music and memories. If you’d like to know more, please call John Gentry at 672.1845.

F R O M J O H NAs warmer weather invades every corner of our lives, my thoughts turn more and more to

the focal week of our ministry with children and youth. Since 2003, Montreat has become the glue that holds our kids together throughout the year. In fact, 60 percent of Covenant Choir, 75 percent of Resonate! MS and an astounding 100 percent of current Resonate! Prime members are Montreat alumni. And many of these older kids have participated for six consecutive years or more.

But it’s not all fun and games. These kids spend at least two hours each day in rehearsals, plus Bible studies, seminars, daily worship services, and evening concerts. Somehow, in between, they manage to have a great time socializing, bonding, and being the stars of this conference of more than a thousand children, youth, and adults.

It’s making this opportunity affordable for all our kids that keeps us in a fundraising mode for much of the year. We need $12,000 to $15,000 annually to subsidize this and our other retreats and trips for children and youth. Thank you for coming to our events. Thanks also for your kind financial support. We can’t think of a more worthy cause.

Why don’t you join a choir?

With choirs for everyone ages four and older, we’ve got you covered! It’s easy to join. Just give us a call to let us know you’re coming, and we’ll get you all set up. If you’re not sure, just give us a “test drive.” Most people are surprised at how easy it is. Are you hiding your candle?

Schedule

2011 Ministry of Music and the Arts Spring & Summer

22 Activities Ministry

June 20-23 Tee Ball Camp

(morning)

June 20-23 Pee Wee Basketball Camp

(afternoon)

June 27-30 Sports Camp (morning)

grades 3-5 (rising)

July 11-14 Summer Day Camp grades 2-6 (rising)

July 18-22 Basketball Camp

grades 2-6 (rising)

July 25-28 Summer Day Camp grades 2-6 (rising)

visit FirstPresGreenville.org/activities.htm for details.

FirstPres Activities&Trips

2011

Prayer Breakfast The 34th Annual Turner Memorial Prayer Breakfast featured speaker Michael

Dean Perry, Clemson University All-American and NFL All-Pro with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday morning, February 24.

SUMMER CAMP DATES

LinDSAY GRAhAMActivities Minister

[email protected]

Grits & Groceries Thursday, April 28, 10:45am–3:45pm

Cost: $25 (transportation & lunch)

Enjoy lunch in a unique country store restaurant at the junction of SC highways 185 and 284 known to locals as Saylors Crossroads. Heidi & Joe Trull relocated from New Orleans where Joe spent a decade as pastry chef at Emeril Lagasse’s French Quarter restaurant, Nola. In addition to the regular menu of heaping servings of “real food, done real good,” Heidi and Joe offer daily specials that combine Cajun, Creole and Southern cooking traditions. The world-class homemade dessert menu changes daily. On the way home,

we’ll stop and visit a restored century old Train Depot in Belton. Grits & Groceries has been featured in Southern Living.

Highlands, NC

Thursday, May 26, 9:00am–4:00pm Cost: $25 (transportation & lunch)

Enjoy Springtime twice in one-season when we visit the beautiful mountain town of Highlands. You’ll have time for browsing the unique shops along Main Street, then enjoy lunch at BISTRO on Main.

Flat Rock Playhouse “ChiCAGo”

Thursday, June 2, 11:00am–5:30pm Cost: $35 (ticket & transportation)

Murderers become celebrities, celebrities get away with murder, and money-hungry lawyers play the press for fools. It sounds like today, but we’ve got nothing on the 1920’s Chicago. We’ll enjoy lunch at Kelsey’s (dutch treat) before the matinee.

important Reminder 2011-2012 Basketball Season

Sign-Up Dates are August 22–September 27. Don’t miss out!

Contemporary Ministries 23

At a recent meeting discussing our Sunday morning worship, we got off on a bit of a tangent. I know what you’re thinking… “You’re telling me there was a meeting that

veered from the agenda into other arenas?! That’s unheard of!” Well unfortunately, even those of us in full-time ministry are not immune to such things. But it was an interesting tangent that I thought was worth addressing.

Basically, one of the people at the meeting suggested to me that I give a lesson to the congregation on how to raise our hands in worship. I let out a hearty laugh, thinking it was a joke, but then I felt rude when I realized it was not, especially when other people chimed in thinking that it was a great idea! They literally wanted me to teach people how to do this.

So I thought I would spend this time giving a “hands raising” lesson. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to raise your hands:

1. Extend your arm at the elbow so that it is fully extended in front of your body.

2. Rotate your extended arm at the shoulder until your fingers are pointing towards the ceiling.

3. Repeat with the opposite arm. (If you are bold enough, you can try this with both arms at the same time).

4. Some other examples of this motion are a. Hailing a taxi cab b. Asking the teacher a question in class c. Picking an apple from a tree d. Waving hello to a friend e. http://www.jonacuff.com/stuffchristianslike/2008/07/345-hand-raising-

worship-the-10-styles/

Ok, so maybe I am taking the lesson on raising hands a little too literally. The Bible does mention physical ways to express worship and praise, including raising our hands (Psalm 134, Psalm 63), standing (Psalm 119:120), bowing (Psalm 95:6), clapping (Psalm 47:1), and dancing (Psalm 150). It’s not to say that there can’t be worship without such physical expressions since there is also mention of being still (Psalm 46:10). So raised hands is not a prerequisite for having a time of worship, but if it is happening as a response and reflection of surrender and submission to God, then it is a very powerful, biblical act.

For me, the true “hand raising” lesson lies within deeper challenges beyond how to physically lift your hands. First off, if you’re afraid to lift your hands, then you may find if you dig deeper that the root of your fear is personal pride, preventing you from being vulnerable before the Lord because you’re fearful of what others may think. Another consideration is, Why do you feel compelled to lift your hands in the first place? Are you trying to appear righteous before others, or even worse, trying to fool God, believing you can hide sin from Him behind postures of praise (see Genesis 3:9-10)?

Rather than telling us all to start raising our hands in worship, I am challenging us to seek His voice through the Word and prayer, and ask Him for the strength to conquer our pride and surrender every bit of our being (inward and outward) to Him. Whether the result is more raised hands on Sunday mornings is not the issue, but preferably the result would be a compulsion to continually strive to be a body of believers who submit every moment of our lives to honor and glorify our Master.

GRAYDon ToMLinSonContemporary Worship [email protected]

Raising Your Hands To Worship

Praise the Lord,

all you servants of the Lord…

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary

and praise the Lord. Psalm 134:1-2

Save the date!

PASSion 2012January 2-4

Atlanta, GA, Georgia Dome Go to 268generation.com to register

Passion desires to see spiritual awakening come to the college campuses of the nation and the world. More than an organization, the Passion movement calls the next generation to make Jesus a focal point in their lives and to share Him with others. The vision is to see a generation of students living to carry Jesus’ name wherever they go… in all they do.

24 Contemporary Ministries

WeeklyGatheringsTuesdays, 7:00pm May 17–August 2

Greg and Emily Sanders’ Home 221 Chapman Road, Greenville 29605

College Send off Dinner Sunday, August 7, 7:00pm

Senior high Youth Room, #352

College ReadyFor 2011 high school graduates preparing for college

Wednesday evenings, 6:30pm June 15–July 27 (will not meet July 6)

Chuck and Beth Simmons’ home 11 West Hillcrest Drive, Greenville 29609

Dinner Provided

Just getting into college isn’t enough. The real question is...

What are you there for? Get ready to make the most of your college years as we help navigate the college maze. We will discuss empowering friendships, excelling academically, dating right, having fun, and growing spiritually. You will be encouraged to craft you own plan and personal vision to make the most of your college experience.

College can and should be one of the best experiences of your life—a launch pad to your future. Join with other graduating seniors this summer as you prepare to start college right and finish well.

visit LifeReady.com/collegeready for details.

PhiL hARGRovE Contemporary Ministries Pastor

672.1847 [email protected]

F R O M P H I LWhat are you doing after exams are over? When you are in Greenville, come be a part of what we’re doing this summer. I know you will be doing some traveling, working, maybe taking summer classes. Whatever you’re doing, wherever you find yourself, you will be welcomed. I look forward to seeing you and listening to your story as God continues to write it.

CollegeDo we know hoW to find you?

Don’t be that guy or girl without an exam goodie box from First Presbyterian. The bad news is we cannot text the packages. We need actual mailing addresses!Please send student’s current college address, email address, and cell phone number to [email protected] so you won’t be left empty-handed.


Monday Nights 6:30-8:00 at The Block 302 West Washington Street (the corner of Academy and

West Washington)

Summer Schedule: We will meet in homes for Bible study as well as social

activities throughout the summer, see lifefpc.org for details

SavetheDate:

Fall Retreat november 4-6

Montreat, NC

SpringRetreatApril 29, 30, May 1

old Greer house, Banner Elk, nC

There’s just something special about getting away to the mountains with a group of awesome people, getting close to each other and close to God, even for a little while. They don’t call it a “mountain top” experience for nothing. Regardless of whether you retreated with us last spring or fall or if you’ve never retreated with us before, I hope you’ll jump on the train, find a seat next to some people you don’t know very well... yet... and see where the journey takes you. You’ve heard it said the “JOY” is in the journey, and it definitely will be as Phil helps us to discover all we ever wanted to know, and maybe some stuff we didn’t even realize we wanted to know, about this delightful fruit of the Spirit. So mark your calendars and sign up at Life on Monday or email Phil Hargrove.

9:40am and 11:00am inRoom 317

We engage in a variety of Bible, Christian life, and relationship studies. We have time for teaching by class members and discussion on Scripture as it takes root in our lives. We seek to be an encouraging, caring community that is growing closer to God and each other. Led by Contemporary Worship Director Graydon Tomlinson and Phil Hargrove.

J ennifer Parlett jammed the shifter on her 2007 Nissan Altima into park and

tumbled out onto the sweltering black asphalt of Brighton Park Apartments off Congaree Road on June 8, 2009. Her 6’7” dad, younger sister, and 20-pound Mini Pinscher Alfie soon followed after the 15-hour trek from Dallas. Jennifer, hired by Earle Architects, knew no one in Greenville.

“The thing that I was really looking for was a community of young adults who are dealing with the same issues and are able to support one another and at the same time grow in our faith.” She found it among First Presbyterian’s 20-somethings community called Life.

“Over the last year and a half, we’ve grown into a community, really a family. I know I can call and say, ‘I need help with this.’ When I’ve done this, someone has always been there—whether it was putting together furniture or dealing with a crisis.”

Jennifer had to lean on her new friendships when she learned that her father had lung cancer last May. The next day, she left for Life’s spring retreat in Montreat, NC. Rocking on the front porch at the Glen Rock Inn that night, she related her news. “Had I not been in that environment with people that loved me in my pain, it would have been

A home Away from

Home Texas Transplant Finds

Connection in Life Young Adult Community

26 Contemporary Ministries

Young Adults

LifeFPC.org

even more difficult… I was meant to be there.”

Jennifer’s dad died a month later. “I couldn’t have gotten through that experience without the people at Life. It was not just the emotional grief but also the day-to-day stuff. That was huge to me.”

Josh and Alexander Barham shuttled Jennifer to the airport and provided a home for Alfie while she was in Texas. Chris Haines and Kevin Jenko reached out to her as they had also experienced the early death of a father. Life community friends filled an Excel spreadsheet with a food schedule.

DoingLifeTogetherCommonplace in the community is the spontaneous text for folks to get together. The destination might be a Greenville Drive game, the Peace Center for the Performing Arts, the Lazy Goat, Fall for Greenville, Connolly’s Pub for trivia, or Coffee Underground. Hiking, bowling, Contra dancing, and simply getting together in homes are regular happenings. These activities provide a natural space and environment for engaging in meaningful conversation.

“The Life community is a place to debrief about the push and pull of our careers, social events, and spiritual lives,” Jennifer reflects, “and in finding


friendships and relationships, these areas are discussed.”

The Arc of FaithJennifer grew up in a Presbyterian church. However, as an undergraduate architecture major at Texas A&M, she was not involved in a specific community of faith. Moving to Dallas after graduation, she continued to seek spiritually. “You have those moments in your life where you run toward your faith or away from it. I had years in my life where I believed in God, I prayed, but was not involved in a church.”

After graduation and working in Dallas, she had a pull “to go back.” Jennifer explored Catholicism as she groped for a spiritual home. In the midst of this searching, she lost her job. Now with a Masters in Architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington, she suddenly felt lost. “I didn’t know what to do. My identity was so wrapped up in my career. I had a hard time figuring out who I was.”

She found herself at Highland Park Presbyterian Church and began to recommit to the church. The eight months she was out of work gave her time to volunteer in a hospital. She has continued to serve after coming to Greenville, organizing a learning tour for the group with Triune Mercy Center as well as helping lead the community’s local mission weekend in February.

Jennifer has also explored other areas of First Presbyterian. She chases 18-month-olds as a volunteer with the Children’s Ministry, and has taken the First Look, Spiritual Gifts, and Alpha classes. An 11-year classical voice student, she also has participated in the adult choir.

FindingLifeAn online job posting for Earl Architects in Greenville, SC, captured her attention because it specialized in health care design. After a phone interview, and a

two-day interview in Greenville, she was offered a job here. Online again, she found First Presbyterian’s new young adult ministry.

The Life Community meets at 6:30 on Monday nights during the school year at the former Centre Stage Theater (now called The Block), corner of Academy and West Washington. Food, conversation, study of God’s Word, and monthly worship gatherings are part of the meetings.

“I feel weird if I miss a Monday night,” she says. “I feel like I am missing something—the friendships, the conversations we have about our faith. Monday nights are a compass for me, a grounding place.”

At most meetings, there is time for small groups. The 20-somethings discuss everything from careers, singleness, and home ownership to questions like “How do you know when you are really an adult?” There is also time for talking about the Bible and God’s working in lives.

The community is similar in age (20s to early 30s) but diverse in season of life. There are those who are single, dating, engaged, married, pregnant, and married with young children. Jennifer observes, “I like that you can be any of those and everyone can still relate. It’s a good way to exchange ideas and experiences.”

LifeAheadEighteen months removed from her arrival in Greenville, Jennifer has made friends that are an essential part of her life. “We’ve become so close,” she says. “We celebrate things like birthdays and marriages. We are also there for each other when something is wrong.”

As the community continues to grow closer to God and each other, you are invited to come and join as we seek to “take hold of the life that is truly life” (I Timothy 6:19).

RoBBiE KRoPiWniCKiSenior High Coordinator

[email protected]

Sunday School:

9:40am grades 6-12 combined

11:00am Junior High (6-8) and

Senior High (9-12) separated

Sunday night house Groups by grade

Wednesday nights on the Youth Floor:

Junior High 6:00-7:30pm Senior High 7:30-9:00pm

Spring 2011

28 Student Ministries

have you ever heard the expression,

“It’s all in the name”? Last fall we decided to rename our

student ministry “Roots.” We believe that this name has incredible biblical significance and encourages us to remember why we are here. This name has also helped develop a philosophy and vision for our ministry. We desire that every student in our program

KNOW Jesus,

GROW in Discipleship, and

GO and make disciples as Jesus has commissioned us.

Consider all the agricultural examples that Jesus used to teach us: The parable of the sower and seed, the tree and its fruit, the lilies of the field, the mustard seed, the parable of the fig tree, plowing in the field, the parable of the servant and the vineyard, the true vine, storehouses and barns, and the list goes on.

As you read about the different areas of our ministry, you’ll notice that everything we do has its “roots” in our vision. If your young people are not already a part of our student ministry, we invite them to join us in one or all of these programs.

KnowSunday School—It is clear that God is honored by the hearing and teaching of His Word. We go through books of the Bible, learning a myriad of truths that help us know Jesus.

“Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

Wednesday Night—We take time each Wednesday night to read God’s Word from a more topical approach. We address current issues and apply scripture to our daily lives.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching, and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and

spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16

GrowHouse Groups—During this special time on Sunday nights, Student Ministry Leaders meet with students in their homes to discuss issues on a more personal and intimate level. In contrast with the large Sunday School and Wednesday night groups, these small groups give students an opportunity to interact with the Word among their peers and to address


specific issues with which they may be struggling. Students confide in their group and receive instruction as well as encouragement from their House Group leaders and peers.

Retreats—Each year’s winter and fall retreats enable students to separate themselves from their usual surroundings and unplug so they can grow closer to Jesus and develop strong bonds with their brothers and sisters in Christ. This winter we went to Teen Valley Ranch for a snow-tubing trip, and we look forward to our Fall Retreat later this year.

The Cultivate Project—This is our summer internship. We believe that for growth to occur, cultivation must take place. Each summer we hire Summer Interns who are interested in learning about student ministry and investing in our youth.

GoMission Trips—Our mission trips consist of serving areas of poverty to build and rebuild, to meet basic needs of food, water and clothing, and most importantly to share the gospel of Jesus. These trips have tremendous benefit both for those we serve and for our own faith.

This year’s domestic mission trip for both Junior High and Senior High students will be in the Appalachia region of Tennessee July 17-22. We have also recently partnered with a sister Presbyterian Church in Freeport, Grand Bahamas, to serve outside the country as well.

Local Mission—A desire to serve propels us into monthly and quarterly local mission opportunities around Greenville. We partner with Neighborhood Focus for two projects each year, a back-to-school project and a Christmas Project, providing supplies for less fortunate families in Greenville. Other projects involve homebound members of our church and any other needs that arise.

Grafting—Grafting, a new ministry within Roots to focus on discipleship, will launch in the near future. We desire to see students learn how to follow Jesus from older friends, but we also encourage them to reciprocate this to younger people, so that they too will make disciples. Just as some plants, in order to produce fruit, must be grafted into a stronger root, we desire to invest our lives into others in the hope they will produce fruit and grow into strong followers of Christ.

Please keep our students in your prayers as we get ready for the busy summertime. In the various weekly activities here at the church, summer mission trips, and local service, pray that we grow in our relationships with God and each other.

With thanks for your love and support,


Junior & Senior high Mission Trip

Students completing 7th–12th grades Appalachian area

of TennesseeJuly 17–July 22

With Adventures in Missions (AIM), see Adventures.org

The economy of Appalachia traditionally rested on agriculture, mining, timber, and manufacturing, but the loss of jobs to mechanization in these industries has left much of central and southern Appalachia

unemployed and poverty-stricken. We will have a chance to serve in multiple communities and minister to the needs of these friendly, yet hurting, people.

Student Summer 2011

This summer we will be offering several mission trip opportunities for our youth. Please share this information with your students and prayerfully

consider whether they will be able to participate this summer.

F R O M R O B B I E

During the summer when things start to settle down for most our Student Ministry is at its most active time of the year. During the summer we invite students to be as involved as they can be here at First Pres. We try and create activities for students to participate in that offer both fun and a safe environments. Some of the activities that we will be participating in include Swimming parties, Open Gym, Movies, Bible Studies and much more.

We will be providing more details via the church email and mail to let you know about the fun!

The junior high students will be meeting every Tuesday to participate in these different summer activities and we will also having our regularly scheduled Momentum on Wednesday nights from 6:00-7:30.

The senior high students will be meeting every Wednesday from 12:00-2:00 for lunch and Student Bible Study. Throughout the summer our different games, sports, activities and fun will be every Thursday.

Thank you for your investment in our program as we invest in your students through the love of Jesus.

God Bless,


if you have questions or would like additional information, contact:

Robbie Kropiwnicki, Senior High Coordinator 864.254.8202 [email protected]

Katie Graham, Administrative Assistant 864.672.1757 [email protected]

6th Grade Local

Mission ProjectGreenville area

July–dates TBD (2 days, 1 night)

Students completing 6th grade this year will have the opportunity to participate in local mission work projects and will stay overnight at FPC during this project. Details and registration information will be distributed later in the Spring.

12th Grade Mission Trip

Freeport, BahamasJuly 2–July 10

This trip is for graduating high

school seniors only. Watch for

more information.

MinistryMission Trips

BoB h. JonESMarriage & Family

Ministry Pastor672.0340

[email protected]

A Conversationwith Rev. Bob Jones

Interim Minister of Marriage and Family

Editor: WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF THE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY MINISTRY?

Bob Jones: To move the Marriage and the Family Ministry and Men’s Ministry to the ‘NEXT LEVEL.’ What that means is to have more people become aware and committed to the opportunities, and then take advantage of those courses and activities.

Editor: WHAT SORT OF THINGS ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

Bob Jones: First, we have made a movie that Gill Robison has written and directed, and Michael Gibbons and the Department of Communication at North Greenville University have helped us produce. It tells the story of a couple, with children, who drift apart and end up in divorce court. All of the cast members are members of the church. We call it SHOCK AND AWE and it will have an internet interactive piece to go with it.

Editor: WHAT ELSE ARE YOU DOING TO TAKE THE MINISTRY TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

Bob Jones: Our Valentine Men’s Conference featured a dinner and dance, as well as a speaker, on February 12th at the Embassy Suites. Men came and heard Dan Seaborn from 9:00 until noon talk about the role of men’s leadership in our homes and then brought their wives to the dinner-dance from 6:30 to 10:30 that evening. Dan spoke again for half an hour and The Flashbacks band played for the rest of the evening.

Editor: WHAT IS FAMILY UNIVERSITY AND WHEN DOES IT MEET?

Bob Jones: FAMILY U. is Sunday morning training for adults on issues within marriage, family, and life. It meets in the Chapel at both 9:40 and 11:00am each Sunday. This semester, we will discuss issues like the ‘ups and downs’ of marriage and how to cope. We will also spend these four weeks on what happens at retirement, beyond the financial concerns in relationships. Dr. Roger Rhoades will spend a month on choices and then we will have some couples talk about their marriages.

Editor: HAVE THERE BEEN OTHER ATTEMPTS TO MOVE TO A NEW LEVEL OF AWARNESS?

Bob Jones: Yes, we have started a singles group called CSI:GREENVILLE (Christian Singles Interacting). They meet monthly for small group activities like breakfast together, hikes, movies, and athletic events. We also have a large luncheon on four Sundays a year during which guest speakers talk about issues facing singles.

Editor: ANYTHING ELSE?

Bob Jones: We have a bi-weekly retirement group that meets for lunch on Thursdays at The Coffee Underground; we’ve had a couple of small groups of grandparents gather for six weeks to talk about our role as Grandparents; and in April we will have our first weekend seminar for couples getting married at First Pres. All along we have several classes meeting on Wednesday evenings for men, singles, and couples. I think that covers it!

Marriage & Family Ministry32

CSi:GREEnviLLE Singles MinistryCSI: Greenville seeks to provide a connection to singles so that all may grow and serve as Christ followers through learning, sharing, experiencing, and becoming “family” in Christ.

The organization holds quarterly Sunday luncheons after church to introduce people to the idea of connecting and interacting as Christian Singles at FPC. During the week many small group opportunities are held that include eating together, community outreach, going to movies, attending concerts, and other events that build friendships. Visit the CSI: Greenville web page, FirstPresGreenville.org/singlesministry.htm, for a schedule of events and activities. CSI is also on Facebook at Facebook.com/csigreenville.

33 Marriage & Family Ministry

DIDYoUKNOW…?DiD YoU KnoW that our Marriage and Family Ministry was instrumental in bringing to Greenville a RETIREMENT CONFERENCE in which six Greenville churches were involved? On a Saturday in November over 90 people gathered at Buncombe Street United Methodist Church to hear authors Jack Hansen and Jerry Haas speak about their book, Shaping a Life of Significance for Retirement. The book centers on maintaining and building relationships and a strong spiritual life after completing an active working life.

DiD YoU KnoW that FAMILY UNIVERSITY will continue to meet twice each Sunday morning in the Chapel through May 15th? The times are 9:40 and 11:00am.

DiD YoU KnoW that a group from First Pres plans to begin an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting on Wednesday mornings at the Church? True! If you’re interested in more information, call Bob Jones at 673.0349.

DiD YoU KnoW that there is a great deal of information about Marriage and Family activities and programs on the First Presbyterian Church website, FirstPresGreenville.org?

DiD YoU KnoW that a short film has been produced by the Marriage and Family Ministry of First Pres? Called “SHOCK AND AWE,” it was written by Gill Robison and produced by Michael Gibbons, son of Dr. Richard Gibbons, and the North Greenville University Communications Department. Cast members include Anna, Jay, and Ainsley Hewitt, Denison Jones, Gill Robison, Mack Ward, Elizabeth Teel, Shane Bowling, Legette Shirley, and Chuck Simmons, as well as several crowd players.

“Shock and Awe” depicts the status of too many families, even Christian families, in our country today. The end of the film offers an opportunity for couples or individuals to request assistance from trained mentors. Those who desire such help will take a computer inventory, and will then be connected with mentors to help them analyze their particular situations.

The Marriage and Family Ministry is seeking individuals and couples who would like to be trained to serve as mentors. For more information on the mentor training process, call Bob Jones at 672.0349. Please respond by the end of April.

Left center: Mike Johnson

leads the Flashbacks

Band

Right: couples attending the

dinner

Valentine’s Dinner Dance

The goal of Family U. is to “equip and challenge Christian individuals and families to learn and apply biblical principles and

the teachings of Jesus to our contemporary lives.” Family

U. provides biblical assistance to families at First Presbyterian in their lifelong work of raising

Christ-like families.

viSiT:FirstPresGreenville.org/marriageandfamily.htm

FAMILYUNIVERSITY

Women’s Ministry34

Women’s Ministry We’re off to a Great Start!This past fall, a new era began for the Women’s

Ministry of First Presbyterian Church. All the church’s women have come together in a cross-generational bond that enables the ministry to be stronger than ever. The

women of our church have always been a vital part of the church’s spiritual growth and ministry in the community, and continue to contribute to our congregation with the same passion and devotion. Our goal is to minister to all the women of our church through various avenues, including Weekly Bible Studies, Monthly Bible Studies/Circles, an annual retreat, several special events, and many volunteer opportunities. Here are a few highlights of our year so far.

In September, we launched our year with our annual Kick-Off Luncheon, where Reverend Tracie Stewart spoke to us on “Pioneering Our Future in Christ.” Tracie took us through the history of women’s commitment to Christ and the church in the Upstate, from the beginning of the state’s history to the present involvement in our own church. It was truly fascinating, and we were all challenged to consider what God is calling us to do for First Presbyterian Church and the Greenville community.

While enjoying a delicious and elegant luncheon, we were privileged in October to have Mrs. Debbe Mays speak to us on the topic of Extreme Makeover: Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be. Mrs. Mays, Christian counselor to Women and Families at Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church, addressed how to deal with fear, anxiety, and disappointment in our daily lives, allowing God to do the good work in us that He’s planned all along.

From the RetreatOnce again the women of First Presbyterian headed to the beautiful Cove Training Center in Asheville, NC for our annual retreat, January 27-28. The excellent teaching by speaker Cheryl Cannon was enjoyed by 130 women who heard spiritual truths that demonstrate how God calls each of us by name for His Kingdom’s sake and prepares us for the roles to which He has called us. Other highlights included

small group discussions, the mission project (praying for and sending notes of encouragement to congregation members living in retirement homes or serving in the military), inspiring praise and worship music, and our famous Presbyterian Pajama Party!

Young Mothers Bible Study

On Thursday mornings, a fun-loving and caring group of young mothers, whose children range from infants to high school students, meets at the church 9:30–11:00am for Bible study, encouragement, and camaraderie. Last fall the women studied Every Woman’s Marriage. In January they began a study of the book Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl, which encourages taking one’s knowledge of biblical principles into daily, practical living. The group enjoys serious discussion of the study material as well as fun, light-hearted times of fellowship. What a great way to grow in grace while making life-long friends! They welcome new members. If you’re interested in joining or want more information, please contact Tina Jones at 672.0347 or [email protected].

Circle Spotlight: Circle #14

Over 25 years ago, a group of First Pres women got together to form the first “Working Women’s Circle”—Circle #14. These career women knew how important Christian fellowship and Bible study were. Membership comes from various

generations and backgrounds. After a time of fellowship each month, the group

moves into the business portion of their meeting, followed by prayer, Bible study lesson, and prayer list. Longtime member A. B. Stewart says, “Although the women come from all different walks of life, the heart of the group is the close, intimate relationship we have with each other. We really care about and support one another.” Circle #14 meets on the second Thursday of the month, 7:15–8:30pm. If you are interested in becoming a part of this or any other circle, contact Evelyn Smith, 244.7045 or [email protected].

Be sure to visit our website at FirstPresGreenville.org/womensministries.com for more

information about Women’s Ministry. Look for our monthly Newsletter in the church’s literature racks, the Women’s Ministry room

(Room 212), and on the web page.

35 Women’s Ministry

We would love to hear

from you!Contact Information

Women’s Ministry Web Page: FirstPresGreenville.org/womensministries.htm

Women’s Ministry Email: [email protected]

Women’s Ministry Chair: Jean Nickell (297.9355 or [email protected])

“WhenLifeHits You Head-On”Sometimes life hits you head-on. When it does, do you find yourself drowning in despair? Or living in fear of the day that “bad news” will come? God has not promised to change our circumstances, but He has promised to use us IN our circumstances.

Kathy Sheppard, author of I Lost My Husband, Not My Mind! will be sharing firsthand her experiences of when life hit her head-on. Join us as Kathy, one of our own congregational members, motivates and inspires us by her honesty, courage, and humor. This event is for women of all ages and stages in life. Come and be encouraged to trust God and experience His joy in ALL your circumstances. Visit ILostMyHusbandNotMyMind.com for more details.

DESSERT&CoFFEE FellowshipTuesday, April 26

6:30–8:00pm

Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church “When Life Hits You Head-On”

Speaker Kathy Sheppard

To register, contact Beverly Alberson at [email protected] or 672.1754.

There is no charge for this event.

Reservations are appreciated; contact Beverley at [email protected] or 672.1754.

Reservations are required for free childcare (infant–5 years); contact Evelyn at [email protected] or 672.1843.

omen’s MinistryFirst Presbyterian Church

omen’s Ministry

Women’s Ministry36

The Dessert will feature

cakes from Brick Street

Café and Bakery.

37 Summary Calendar

April 1 .....................EntreLeadership SimulcastApril 3 .....................CommunionApril 3 .....................Congregational MeetingApril 5 .....................ElderberriesApril 5 .....................The Academy Open House

(grades 1-4)April 8 .....................Father-Daughter

Sweetheart BallApril 8-9 ..................Wedding ConferenceApril 10 ...................Music & Arts Dessert

Theater, Art Show and SaleApril 13 ...................Wednesday Advantage ends April 16 ...................Glory Ridge Work DayApril 17 ...................Palm Sunday April 18-25..............Easter Holidays:

The Academy closedApril 21 ...................Maundy Thursday

Communion ServiceApril 22 ...................Good Friday ServiceApril 24 ...................Easter SundayApril 25 ...................Easter Monday Holiday:

Church Office closedApril 26 ...................Women’s Dessert and

Coffee Fellowship April 27 ...................Summer Luncheon Bible

Study beginsApril 28 ...................Activities Trip:

Grits & Groceries April 29-30..............FPC Habitat Host daysMay 1 ......................Foothills Presbytery MeetingMay 1 ......................Children’s Musical:

Are We There Yet?May 3 ......................ElderberriesMay 5 ......................Adopt a Child in Prayer DayMay 5 ......................National Day of Prayer May 10 ....................mom.2.mom eventMay 11–August 6 ....College Weekly GatheringsMay 15 ....................Youth Sunday:

Resonate! presents Robert Ray’s Gospel Mass

May 15, 22, 29 ........First Look ClassMay 19-22 ..............SC Presbyterian PilgrimageMay 26 ....................Activities Trip:

Highlands, NCMay 29 ....................New Member LuncheonMay 30 ....................Memorial Day Holiday:

Church Office closedJune 2 .....................Activities Trip:

Flat Rock Playhouse

notesEvents are subject to change. Please watch the weekly Grape-Vine newsletter, website, and other published information for specific details as events draw closer and for ongoing weekly events such as youth group, circle meetings, Bible studies, etc.

FirstPresGreenville.orgphone 864.235.0496

fax 864.235.0698

Prayer Room hoursSunday: 8:00am–12:00pmMonday: 9:00am–11:00am

2:30pm–5:00pm Tuesday: 1:00pm–4:00pmWednesday: 2:00pm–7:00pmThursday: 3:00pm–5:00pmFriday: 11:00am–5:00pm

The vineyard Bookstore hoursSunday: 9:00am–12:30pmMonday: 9:00am–1:00pmTuesday: 9:00am–1:00pmWednesday: 9:00am–1:00pm

6:00pm–8:00pmThursday: 9:00am–1:00pm

hipp Library hoursSunday: 9:00am–noonMonday: 9:00am–noonWednesday: 9:00am–noon

5:30pm–8:00pmFriday: 9:00am–noon

For other access, please request a key from the church receptionist.

Spring-Summer 2011 Summary Calendar

June 5 .....................Vacation Bible School Volunteer Training

June 9-16 ................Scotland TripJune 10-11 ..............FPC Habitat Host daysJune 12 ...................Vacation Bible School

“Pandas and Praise” Kick-Off Ice Cream Party

June 13-16 ..............Vacation Bible SchoolJune 14 ...................Women’s Summer Bible

StudyJune 15–August 3 ...College Ready StudyJune 18-25 ..............Montreat Worship & Music

ConferenceJune 20-23 ..............Tee Ball CampJune 20-23 ..............Pee Wee Basketball Camp June 26 ...................CommunionJune 27-30 ..............Sports CampJune 28 ...................Route 56 Kick-off Pool

PartyJuly 2-10 .................12th Grade Mission Trip:

Freeport, BahamasJuly 3 ......................Patriotic ServiceJuly 4 ......................Independence Day Holiday:

Church Office closedJuly 10, 17, 24 ........First Look ClassJuly 11-14 ...............Summer Day Camp Week 1July 12 ....................Women’s Summer Bible

StudyJuly 13 ....................Route 56 at Eden FarmsJuly 17-22 ...............Youth Mission Trip:

Appalachian area, TNJuly 18-22 ...............Basketball CampJuly 24 ....................New Member LuncheonJuly 25-28 ...............Summer Day Camp Week 2July TBD .................6th Grade Mission ProjectAugust 1-4 ..............Family Local Mission WeekAugust 9 .................Route 56 End of Summer

Pool PartyAugust 9 .................Women’s Summer Bible

StudyAugust 16 ...............Foothills Presbytery MeetingAugust 18-21 ..........GA Presbyterian PilgrimageAugust 21 ...............Promotion SundayAugust 22–Sept 27 ..Youth Basketball

RegistrationSeptember 7 ............Wednesday Advantage

Kick-off

Christian Education38

Education News March–August 2011 and beyond...

First Presbyterian Church is committed to Jesus’ command to teach His disciples all He has commanded. This is our part of the vision of our Church,

Growing Faithful Christians. We want to equip people with the tools to build up their ability to reflect the glory of God through the knowledge of the truth. Francis Schaeffer said,

True Christian education is not a negative thing; it is not a matter of isolating the student from the full scope of knowledge. Isolating the student from large sections of human knowledge is not the basis of a Christian education. Rather it is giving him or her the framework for total truth, rooted in the Creator’s existence and in the Bible’s teaching, so that in each step of the formal learning process the student will understand what is true and what is false and why it is true or false. It is not isolating students from human knowledge. It is giving the tools in opening the doors to all human knowledge, in the Christian framework so they will know what is truth and what is untruth, so they can keep learning as long as they live, and they can enjoy, they can really enjoy, the whole wrestling through field after field of knowledge. That is what an educated person is.

The most important source for our Christian lives is God’s Word. The Apostle Paul instructed one of his sons in the faith, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

We have God’s revelation of Himself in the Bible. The one who knows how to handle it correctly will have the wisdom and knowledge for living before the face of God. Our desire for each member of First Presbyterian Church is to be assisting him to “handle” God’s Word correctly. The Education Ministry is here to help equip disciples of the Lord Jesus so they will be able to glorify God in everything they do and to enjoy Him in all of life. We all are called to “do our best” for the glory of God, who has given us eternal life.

Join us in learning from God’s Word so that we all might be “approved workmen and workwomen.”

–Tim Leslie

Wednesday AdvantageThe current Wednesday Advantage semester will end April 13, just before “Holy week” and Easter. Please be in prayer for our Education Ministry as we consider ideas for future learning opportunities and formulate plans to enhance our ability to help you know the Lord our God and His marvelous Scriptures.

“Do your best to

present yourself to

God as one approved,

a workman who

does not need to be

ashamed and who

correctly handles the

word of truth”

2 Timothy 2:15

Christian Education 39

Summer 2011There will be many opportunities for continuing study during the summer. Look for articles in the weekly GrapeVine newsletter and in brochures in the information racks around the Church.

TheTruthProjectThe Truth Project is a DVD-based small group curriculum comprised of lessons

taught by Dr. Del Tackett. This study is the starting point for looking at life from a biblical perspective. Each lesson discusses in great detail the relevance

and importance of living the Christian worldview in daily life. Look for announcements concerning The Truth Project classes in the fall.

Looking ahead to Fall 2011…Fall Wednesday Advantage Semester

Wednesday Advantage Kick-off: Wednesday, September 7

Keynote Speaker: Doug Greenwold, Teaching Fellow from “Preserving Bible Times” in Gaithersburg, MD

Fall Semester Classes: September 14–November 16

Courses: Bible Study, Theology classes, Women’s classes, Men’s classes, Parenting classes, and more! Look for brochures mid-August.

Coming In September Mark your calendars now!

Friday evening through Saturday noon, September 9-10

Bible Alive ConferenceDid you ever wonder if there’s something more you could be getting out of your Bible study? Could your time in the Word use a jump start? Then our Bible Alive conference is for you! This exciting, multimedia experience provides a wonderfully transforming way to approach God’s Word in its original context that will stir and soothe your soul. Bible Alive is an equipping weekend, not just an informative weekend, and is visually exciting as the speaker draws upon preserving Bible time’s extensive libraries of aerial video flyovers of biblical sites. Participants will be provided tools, frameworks, and resources that will change the way they read and understand the Bible. Participants report that Bible Alive is a weekend that “connects the head with the heart.”

Community Bible Study Fall 2011

Men and Women will be embarking on a new 30-week in-depth study of God’s Word in September. Look for announcements in the weekly GrapeVine newsletter and in the information racks around the campus.

REv. TiM LESLiEEducational Ministries [email protected]

MiChAEL EvERhARTThe Academy Headmaster

[email protected]

40 The Academy at First Pres

Education Means to Parents We send our boys to the Academy at First Presbyterian Church because we want them to be challenged academically in a loving, Christian environment. We love the fact that the teachers recognize the boys’ different personalities and treat and love them individually. They truly care about our kids’ well being. Besides the rigorous curriculum that grows their intellect, our boys are achieving spiritual preparedness through prayer, scripture memorization, and service to others. Not only are our two sons receiving what we believe is the top education locally, but I (Amy) have been able to directly watch our boys learn and grow by being personally involved in the various opportunities available to parents: volunteering and impacting the future of the Academy. This has given us the chance to be united on decisions as a family; we have a voice at the Academy that is not only heard but respected. As parents, what greater comfort is there than knowing your children are in the hands of those who care and take time to listen and communicate?

William & Amy McCauley parents of Kindergarten and Second Grade students

For more information about enrollment (K5 through 4th Grade) contact Headmaster Michael Everhart at [email protected].

Elementary students

giving presentations

What anArt class

Music class

The Academy at First Pres 41

MARTY GARRiSonThe Academy Preschool [email protected]

Shout to the Lord What great FUN we are having this year in the Preschool! We eagerly greet each day with joy and laughter, anxiously awaiting all that God has in store for us! We truly believe God has placed each child and family here in our school for a reason, and it is our job to share His love and grace with them! We have found that not only do our children grow in God’s love, but so do the parents!

Each child enters our doors as an individual wonderfully made. With each child come a unique personality, mannerisms, and learning style. We love each one and

help them all to reach their God-given potential. The children are constantly challenged, whether in chapel time, circle time, reading time, art, music, or physical education. We see much progress from September to May as the children change and grow before our eyes. The disruptive child learns self-control, the unsure child gains confidence, and the quiet child becomes more outgoing. God works here! It is no wonder that our Preschool has such an outstanding reputation for excellence in education.

We invite you to come and take a peek at our preschool! Call or stop by for a tour at your convenience. If you would like more information about the Preschool, please visit our website, FirstPresbyterianAcademy.org.

important dates:

April 15 Grandparents and

Special Friends Day

April 18-25 Easter Break (No School)

May 2-6 Teacher Appreciation Week

May 30 Memorial Day (No School)

May 31 Last school day for Tuesday/

Thursday students (noon dismissal)

June 1 Last day of school (noon dismissal)

August 22 Meet the Teacher for Parents

(5:30-8:00pm)

August 23 Meet the Teacher for Students

(9:00-11:00am)

August 24 First Day of Classes for all Students K2-4th Grades

Did you know that some parents put their children on our waiting list as early as the day they are born? It is never too early to get on our 2K, 3K, and 4K waiting lists. To place your child on our Preschool Waiting List, visit our website (FirstPresbyterianAcademy.org), download the form, and send it in to us!

First Presbyterian ChurCh200 West Washington StreetGreenville, SC 29601864.235.0496fax 864.235.0698FirstPresGreenville.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 443Greenville, SC

Miss a Sunday?

Visit FirstPresGreenville.org to view previous television broadcasts or to listen

to sermons. Archives go back several years.

Links to both media players are located on the home page of the website. Audio CDs are also available for purchase in the

Vineyard bookstore.

RadioSunday on the Rock

TelevisionWHNS-TV Fox Carolina(one or two week delayed)

Broadcast Ministry—Sundays at 10:30amFirst and Foremost is a weekly broadcast featuring the preaching of Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons. Each week Dr. Gibbons explores various biblical topics and how we can apply God’s Word to our daily lives. We ask you pray for our broadcast ministry and share this information with friends and neighbors who do not or cannot attend church.

First Presbyterian Church…Where Change Begins

ThE Vineyard BooKSToRE

Come by The Vineyard Bookstore in the Christian Life Center, sit a spell, and brush up on what’s new in Christian literature. The bookstore offers resource materials relating to Wednesday Advantage classes and other items such as devotional books, Bibles, gifts, children’s books, books on parenting and the family, grief, and much more. For more information, call Manager Emily Fowler at 672.1846.

Regular Seasonal hoursSunday

9:00am-11:00am12:00-12:30pm

Monday–Thursday9:00am-1:00pm

Wednesday evening5:30-8:00pm

Spring 2011 First Glance

Documents

Transcript of Spring 2011 First Glance