PASTORAL PONDERINGS I was travelling through Wyoming and at one of the historical museums got pointed to a book of writings by Wyoming women. My favorite article was a story called “Cowgirl up, Cupcake.” I can’t remember who the author was but she was writing about how she and her sister had to live with their grandmother who was a tough pioneer kind of gal. The grandmother was committed to cleaning the church as her part of stewardship since money was in short supply. The granddaughters were expected to help. Whenever the author complained about having to clean the church or not having new outfits or not having dessert with dinner, her grandmother would say to her, “Time to cowgirl up, Cupcake.” That advice stayed with me in some pretty tough times when I started to grouse about how things were going. “Time to cowgirl up, Cupcake.” The Hebrew people had some pretty tough times as they travelled the Wilderness for 40 years. There was a more direct path to the Promised Land but they weren’t ready for the challenges of settling a new land, creating a new government, becoming responsible for themselves. Years of slavery had taken a toll on their spirit. Their bodies were strong, but their self-reliance was low. They were use to taking orders and being provided housing and food. They had seen friends and family members killed when they couldn’t or wouldn’t follow orders no matter how ridiculous the expectation. They had a ruler who had ordered the death of the male babies. But all of that was being forgotten in an environment that didn’t have food, water and supplies readily available. People complained. They looked back and romanticized their slave state remembering more abundant food and water but at the price of no freedom, no justice, no mercy. The 40-year wandering was meant to help them grow up and get ready for the next challenge: being their own people. A time to “Cowgirl up.” Covid 19 put us all in a different kind of Wilderness experience. We experienced less supplies in the stores, less freedom to do what we use to do, more time in our homes, less interaction with friends and church members. Hardest of all was not being to gather for in person worship without risking infecting ourselves or others, especially our more vulnerable members. It has been a wilderness time for our church. It seemed like the lessons of the Wilderness found in Exodus and Numbers might have some relevance to us as we contemplate our stewardship time. We will start that journey October 4 and continue through November 8 which will be our Commitment Sunday. We will have our own Ark of the Covenant (Travelling worship place) built into which, we will place our pledges of time, talent, and money. We are brainstorming on how to do an alternative celebration in this time. We are looking for testimonials on a variety areas. Sadie Strawder will be putting a sign-up list online for topics like serving a meal at Interfaith, how you have been fed by a program at Ft King, what you learned about being an elder, what difference in giving to God through this church has done in your life. Tough times create tough people who can weather it all. In our Stewardship Season, we will seek to remember the good times of our past, deal with the challenges of the present, and create the community we want to be for our future.

FORT KINGPRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

LINK LITEOctober 2020

SERMONS AND SCRIPTURES

October 4: Manna and Quail: Feeding the Hungry Peacemaking Offering Exodus 16: 11-18, 31-35; John 6:25-35October 11: Water on the Way Exodus 17:1-7; John 4: 1-15October 18: Leaders Help the Process Congregational Meeting Exodus 18: 5-6, 13-26; Acts 6: 1-7October 25: Call to Do Justice Exodus 23: 1-9, 13; Micah 6:6-8November 1 Sacred Time at Mount Sinai Service of Remembrance Exodus 19: 10-25; Numbers 26November 8: A Sacred Space to Maintain Commitment Sunday Exodus 25: 1-22; Exodus 31: 1-11

Session has called a Congregational Meeting for October 18 for the purpose of election of Elders for the Class of 2023. Meeting will be on Zoom at the conclusion of worship

REMINDER: TURN BACK CLOCKS ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31ST DAY LIGHT SAVINGS ENDS

I would like to thank all the wonderful people and friends at Fort King for the many prayers, cards, and callsI received during my recent surgery. The power of prayer is so meaningful. Also thank you to my secretangel that sent me a beautiful blue blanket with my name on it. It was my best friend during my isolationdays in rehab. Thank you again to all my wonderful Fort King family. Judy O’Hern

Crossroads II ClassProgram for October, 2020

Matthew 25 Initiative: Dismantling Structural Racism

(continuing)

The Adult Discipleship Ministry invites you and all of your friends to join the Crossroads II class each Sunday morning at 9:15 via Zoom.

October 4 – Discuss the book How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

Leader: Susan PetersOctober 11 – Issues of systemic racism in Ocala

Panel: Francine Julius Edwards, Jerome Gamble, Antoinette October 18 – Paint Pals: Children’s Art for Peace in the World

Leader: Linden LonginoOctober 25 – Should We Keep or Change Our National Anthem?

Leader: Ray RuarkNovember 1 – Reflections on Race, Voting and the National Election

Leader: Barbara Fitos

 

If you did not get a chance to see the Phil Vischer video, “Holy Post: Race in America,” and would like to see it, here is the You Tube link:

https://youtu.be/AGUwcs9qJXY

Read: Genesis 1:1-31 see also Psalm 104

We are all part of God’s intricate and amazing creation. We did not bring ourselves into being, rather we receive our existence as a gift from God. Our lives are interwoven with all of creation, including the stars, planets, oceans, animals, trees, and plants around us. We are all part of creation that God has made and declared good.

God created all the cosmos in an intricate interwoven system of life. When humanity elevates one group over another, or falsely declares particular groups less good than others, we usurp God’s place as creator of all that is. We deny our interrelation and proclaim our judgment more powerful than God’s.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

Congregational Care is in the process of exploring a digital church directory for our church. This formOf directory would offer lots of advantages for Ft. King, including……• No more photo calls andpressure to buy picture packages. You would share the picture or pictures you would like to be used.New grandchild or great new picture of you and your spouse? No problem. Each congregant canupdate their picture whenever they like. Photos can be sent via email or cell phone. No computer or smart phone? No problem. We will have volunteers ready to visit you and take your picture. • Newphone number or address? Easy. All active members of our church can submit updates as needed,making our directory always up to date. • You can access the directory from almost any device 24/7. •Virtually unlimited space for information, so we can include as many pages as we would like- anniversaries, birthdays, committees, special events, memorial pages, historical info, etc. • For thosewho would like a hard copy, you can print one out at home or office. Copies could also be available atthe church office.• Multiple layers of security- the church decides who has access to the informationand all changes submitted must be cleared by the designated administrators. We are still exploringvarious companies and options, but we hope to get started on this project before year’s end. So,start looking through pictures so you will be ready to share your favorite photos with your churchfamily! We will share more details soon!

MISSION:

MISSION CURRENT EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES1) Thank you to John Moxley for your continuing support of the Migrant Children’s backpack and

supplies campaign. We appreciate your efforts on behalf of FKPC and mission outreach.2) We would like to extend thanks to all of the people who donated gift cards and cash to our Fort

King teachers. You are always wonderful to help our children.3) Sept 22nd: Delivered fresh foods to Domestic Violence.4) Sept 23rd: Presbyterian Women’s Council members provided funds for the Interfaith Meal this

month. 5) OCTOBER 4TH: Blood Drive in our parking lot from 9:00 until noon. Please come.6) OCTOBER 5TH: Fair Trade items for sale in the hallway past the Church office from 9-noon.7) Oct 25th – Nov 22nd: A BOOK TREE will be up outside of the Church front door with

opportunities for Ward-Highlands and Wyomina Park Elementary Schools. WATCH for more details as they develop!! If Food4Kids is “Active” at that point, we may be able to collect some extra food for back packs (during holidays), as well.

MISSION IS JUST THE FRAMEWORK. FORT KING FAMILIES AND FRIENDS ARE THE PROVIDERS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED GENEROUS SUPPORT.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY October Birthdays

10/6 - Mary Jo Bernier 10/20 – Carol McCammon10/10 - Joan Promin 10/22 - Marianne Niesen10/11 - Jean Winkler 10/23 - Margy Marshall10/12 - Lenore Phillips 10/24 - Twyla Martin10/14 - Anne Kinsland 10/27 - Harvey Bohner10/20 - Susan Creedon 10/29 - Melba Moore

ZOOM OPPORTUNITIES: We can’t meet together in a building, but we are meeting in many places via Zoom, an app that you downloadand then use to connect for Worship, Session, Tai Chi. Some committees are meeting via Zoom. Please check with your chair for those links. Here are the times and links or contacts for our programs.

Worship: Sundays at 10:30 AM - Contact Sheri, she will send the worship links every Friday.Adult Discipleship Ministry Meeting: 1st Thursday, October 1st, at 1:30 PM, Contact is Mary Beth NeelyYouth: Contact is Cadance for day and link. Tai Chi: Thursdays at 3:00 PM Contact is Mary Beth NeelyMission Ministry: October 6th at 4:30 PM. Contact is Sue ThomasPW Council meeting October 7th at 2:30 PM Zoom Team 4. Contact is Heidi LawsonCongregational Care: Second Tuesday at 2:00 PM, October 13th, Contact is Gina Camilleri.Choir Practice on Thursday’s on (Zoom) at 4:00 PM, Contact Rick RobertsWorship Ministry: next meeting is October 4th at 1:00 PM, Contact is Joan Woods/Judith BullenFinance Ministry, October 8th at 1:00 PM. Contact is Steve LayendeckerEsther Circle, October 12th at 7:00 PM. Contact is Heidi Lawson/Sheena SchlegelSession: Third Wednesdays at 4:30 PM, October 21st. Contact is Mary Beth Neeley or Church Office

YAK MINISTRY TEAM MEETING

The Yak Ministry Team will meet Monday, October 5th at 6:30 P.M. in front of the church. We will be outside socially distancing and wearing masks because of our COVID-19 guidelines.

ART-4-ALL

Curbside Art-4-All is the 3rd Sunday of the month. Next pickup date will be October 18th (3-5pm) weather permitting

DONATIONS We need one more wheelchair, crutches and a shower chair for our medical closet. I check these items out at the church. If you have any of these items and are not using them, please donate today. Thank you. Sheri

We have some very enthusiastic participants! Stop by and get in touch with your artistic side.

PEACE AND GLOBAL WITNESS SPECIAL OFFERING – PEACEMAKING AND RECONCILIATIONSUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020

On World Communion Sunday, October 4, we celebrate: that Christ’s peace extends throughout all creation that we are all together at the table in God’s house that we are offered what we need to continue the work of building the household of God with active

peacemakers here at home and around the world.

Christ invites us all – despite our differences, experiences, and pasts – to come to the table as one body and to make peace through reconciliation and advocating for God’s justice. We celebrate the truth found in 2nd

Thessalonians, “May the God of peace give you peace at all times in all ways.”Through the Peace and Global Witness Offering, we offer healing, peace, and reconciliation. In joining the

Offering, we serve God’s people in Cameroon, where violence and conflict threaten, in the USA with ministries of reconciliation inside prison walls, and in Malawi, where peacemakers seek to eradicate diseases like HIV-AIDS and their impacts on the most vulnerable.

Thank you for your participation in the Peace & Global Witness Offering. 25% of this offering stays with our congregation to support peacemaking and reconciliation in our own

community. 25% will go to our mid council, joining with other congregations in our area to support peacemaking

work in our region. And 50% of this Offering supports the work for peace and reconciliation being done by Presbyterians

across the globe.

May the God of Peace inspire us to be peacemakers in every word and deed as we celebrate World Communion Sunday on October 4 and give generously to the Peace & Global Witness Offering.

PEACE IS ACTIVE, NOT PASSIVE. PEACE IS DOING, NOT WAITING

NEWS FROM PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

The Esther Circle meeting is doing their Bible study by ZOOM. They will be meeting the second Monday of the month at 7 P.M. This month the date will be October 12th. Heidi Lawson has graciously agreed to be the ZOOM host. If any member of the Deborah circle would like to join this meeting, please contact circle leader Sheena Schlegel. Please stay safe and well.

WORSHIP MINISTRY:

The Worship Ministry meets on October 4th at 1:00 pm to continue to plan for Advent and Christmas. In this holy season of joy, a Living Nativity with lights and taped music will revive our spirits. We are hoping to have Christmas Eve Service outdoors, in front of the entrance to the Sanctuary. There will be special luminaries and other decorations to brighten the grounds. " O Come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!"

God bless you all,Joan Woods & Judith BullenCo-Chairmen of Worship

PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE

We are happy to pray for anyone who is in need. Concerns will stay on this list for a monthunless we hear otherwise. Please keep us updated.

IN CARE CENTERS: Margy and Dick Marshall: Brookdale at Pinecastle, Margy is on Hospice at home. Aileen Zimmerman: Harbor House, Dunnellon Bob Rile: The Bridge Caroline Sperring: Timber Ridge Nursing and Rehab Fred Stewart: Oakhurst

FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Those battling cancer: Lyle Hamilton, David McChesney, Bob Lamont, Diane (Georgia Butler’s Daughter) is doing better, continued prayers and hopes to be home in 2 weeks, Dick Marshall, John Wolf started second round of chemo, prayers for good appetite and tolerance of food, Bobbie Ward, David Lee, Pastor of Highlands Presbyterian of Jacksonville and Charles Vowinkel whose surgery was postponed.

FOR THOSE AT HOME WITH HEALTH ISSUES: Jane Garrett, Mary Jo Bernier, Judy Simonin, Maria Madigan, Nell Blumel, Melvin Winkler, Judy O’Hern, Nilsa McNeil, Janet Mitchell, Jeannie Tyler, Bobbie Burns, Midge Barrett, Shirley Orme, Ginny Spring’s grandson, Derek, Nancy Copeland’s sister, Kay has COPD and is home in CA with Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy, Jean Winkler’s Aunt in Assisted Living and Rebecca Bishop’s cousin, Geneva, has a brain tumor. Bob Henry’s surgery on 9/21/2020 went well. Charlanne Brown’s mother, Delores Sedlack is at home. FOR THOSE SERVING IN AT RISK JOBS: (Please inform of others. We know we are missing some) Military: Jessica F Raker, Dick and Nancy Haydon’s granddaughter serving in Air Force in Anchorage, Alaska. In hospitals or Health Care Centers: Afriyie Dankyi, Georgia Butler’s son, Ray and Moseley’s daughter, Marla, is a psychologist in a hospital out west that has COVID cases, Shelly Dyson (Jo Anne’s sister in law), Allison and Greyson Thomas, Steve and Sally Layendecker’s daughter, Janine Layendecker. Sally’s niece, Andrea Day had COVID, and she is better and back to work. Jenny McChesney, ER Nurse at ORMC and Kathleen Polston’s sister, ICU nurse, Anne Wheat.

OTHER: Dick and Nancy Haydon’s Aunt, Flo Pinkston, is in Care Center. Families in relational stress A family member in jail Folks looking for work. Melanie Baum’s church was vandalized. Appears to be due to racism. Ann Dyson – breathing issues and congestive heart failure.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died on Friday, September 18, 2020.

Firefighters and Hurricane victims.

Louise Scott’s long-time neighbors Joe died from Covid, his wife, Georgia has Covid and is home now. Georgia will be traveling up north for the funeral.

All people in Care Centers are restricted from visitors at this time. Why notsend a card to them?

October2020Sunday

  

Monday

  

Tuesday  Wednesday

 Thursday

 Friday

 Saturday

 

 

1 1:30 Adult Discipleship (Zoom)

3:00pm Tai Chi (Zoom)

4:00pm Choir (Zoom)

2 

3

4 Blood One 9-12 9:00am Drive in Worship (communion)

Peace & GlobalWitness Offering

10:30am Worship (Zoom)(Communion) 1:00pm Worship Ministry Meeting (Zoom)

5 Sheri – Out of Office Oct. 5-9

6:30 pm YAK Ministry Meet outside church

9-12 Selling Equal Exchange Products 

6 9:30am Fall Stated Presbytery Meeting (Zoom)

4:30pm Mission (SR) (Zoom)

7 2:30pm PW Council (Zoom)

  

81:00pm Finance (Zoom)

3:00pm Tai Chi (Zoom)

4:00pm Choir (Zoom)

9

10

11 9:00am Drive in Worship

10:30am Worship (Zoom) 

12

7:00pm Esther Circle (Zoom)

13

2:00pm Congregational Care (Zoom)

14

15

3:00pm Tai Chi (Zoom)

4:00pm Choir (Zoom)

16

17

18 9:00am Drive in Worship

10:30am Worship (Zoom) Art-4-All, 3-5pm Curbside

19

 

 

20   

21 4:30 Session (SR) (Zoom)

22

3:00pm Tai Chi (Zoom) 4:00pm Choir (Zoom)

23  

 

24 

25 9:00am Drive in Worship

10:30am Worship (Zoom)

26

27 28 Interfaith Meal at 5:00pm Hosted byMission Ministry

29 3:00pm Tai Chi (Zoom)

4:00pm Choir (Zoom)

30 31