First Presbyterian Church
FIRST PRESS            an online newsletter                  January, 2015

I have always loved the promise of New Year's Day - new hopes, new dreams and new possibilities await all of us. January 1st is always a day for optimism as we think about what we want to happen in 2015. For some, it will be the thrill of experiencing a child's wedding one day this summer. For others, it will mean beating cancer through weekly visits to a treatment center. For still others, it will mean receiving the ideal job offer or meeting the perfect mate or obtaining a well-deserved diploma. The next twelve months will be full of expectations. 

 

Yet, while we focus upon life in "chronos" time - measured in quantitative increments by clock and calendar - it is important to remember that God operates from "kairos" time in which the qualitative aspect of living is emphasized. Moving our focus from the former to the latter is an ongoing exercise in understanding that whatever happens in any day, week or month is penultimate to the everlasting gift of God's love for us. 

 

So, even as I consider my aspirations for this church in the year ahead - newly constructed meeting rooms and successful trips to the mission field and a copious supply of new Presbyterian babies - I pray much more for stronger levels of fellowship and broader understandings of scripture and deeper experiences of the power of the Holy Spirit - not for some of us but for all of us. It is those kinds of  "kairos" encounters with God that transform us from a mass of self-focused individuals into a loving, caring and sustaining community of faith whose reliance is solely upon the One in whom we live and move and have our being.

 

May 2015 be our best year at First Presbyterian Church, not so much because of any particular event or accomplishment but because we experienced the transformative power of a gracious and merciful God who abides with us...24/7/365.

 

Happy New Year, and peace,

 John's signature


FROM THE ASSOCIATE PASTOR


 

Throughout 2014, the Session studied Joan Gray's "Spiritual Leadership for Church Officers," reading a chapter each month and spending time discussing it at their meetings. There were lots of wonderful insights in the book, but the last chapter focused on the care and feeding of spiritual leaders. There were suggestions for pastors, congregations and the officers themselves. According to Gray, one of the ways a church can support and nurture its spiritual leaders is to celebrate and show appreciation. I've been the beneficiary of lots of caring of this nature and I'm sure John would say the same. The holidays aren't the only time you show your appreciation, and for that I am very grateful.


 

Your elders and deacons need similar encouragement and support as they do the work they have been called to do within the congregation. It isn't easy wrestling with property issues and finances or planning programs, educational opportunities and worship. The deacons spend a lot of time preparing and delivering food, visiting with members, sending cards or calling members in order to care for the congregation. A lot of officers' work is done behind the scenes.


 

I hope you will take time in the coming year to encourage and support your church officers. Be intentional about thanking them for their service. Ask them what you might do to help. Participate in their efforts by being present at church events so that you benefit from the fruit of their efforts and see them in action. God has called these individuals to serve this church with their gifts, skills and leadership, but they cannot do it alone. They need you.


 

Basketball Registration Begins


Basketball season will begin the week of January 20th for FPC. Sign up to be part of the team by calling the church office (662-234-1757) or emailing Ann Kelly ( [email protected]). You'll need to leave your name, cell phone number, email address and shirt size. Former players, if you still have your gold shirt from a previous year, please inform the office or Ann or your number in order to prevent duplicates. Sign up before January 6 in order to have a jersey.


 

New Year Begins New Opportunities


The FPC Roundtable is a new event for young adults on the first Wednesday of the month, beginning Wednesday, January 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Round Table on the Oxford Square. This is an opportunity for young adults to dine, discuss and enjoy fellowship with one another at a downtown restaurant or watering hole. Discussions may focus on the scripture text of an upcoming sermon or a theological topic. Childcare will be provided at the church for parents with young children. Check out the Facebook page at FPC Oxford Roundtable to get notices of future events.


 


 

Register for Tapestry


Tapestry, a leadership training event for the people of the Presbytery of St. Andrew, will be held Friday and Saturday, January 23-24, at First Presbyterian Church, Hernando. The cost for the full weekend is $85, which does not include lodging. Though Tapestry is a two-day event, participants may register for only a portion of the event if necessary. Pick up a brochure in the church office, elevator hallway or the Narthex for more information.


 

Friday night features a keynote address by Rev. Dr. Anna Carter Florence, noted author, preacher and professor of preaching at Columbia Theological Seminary, followed by dinner at Bonne Terre. The Saturday schedule begins with worship followed by three blocks of workshops to meet the needs of a wide variety of church members. Some courses are focused on specific needs of church officers, Presbyterian women, youth advisors, Sunday School teachers and clergy, while other courses in Bible study, Presbyterian beliefs, General Assembly issues and spirituality are more general in nature. Course leaders include friends and members of FPC such as: Greg Goodwiller, Allyson Ashmore, Ann Kelly, Howard Dudley and Wil Howie. Pick up a brochure or call Ann Kelly for more information about the weekend. There is a registration form included in the brochure which should be mailed in by January 5. After January 5, participants may register and pay at the event.


 

Donate to Lovepacks


 The Lovepacks Food-of-the-Month for January is pop-top vegetable soup. Bring your donation to the church office or leave it in the bins in the Narthex or in Fellowship Hall. Thank you for helping fight hunger among the children in the Oxford-Lafayette County area!


 

FPC Hosts Hispanic Dinners in March


 March is First Presbyterian's month to host the Hispanic Ministry meals at St. Peter's Episcopal Church on Sunday nights. Volunteers are needed to help prepare food and serve for these meals. Please call or email Ann Kelly if you or an individual or your family, PW circle, Sunday school class or other group would like to host one of the meals. Dates for those Sunday nights are March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. Your help will be greatly appreciated.


 

Summary of the Stated Session Meeting
The Session of First Presbyterian Church met on Monday, December 8, 2014, at 5:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. Twelve Elders were present. 

Ministry Team reports are as follows: 

1. Diaconate: 
  • Tony Mize presented an overview of the Diaconate's 2014 activities and 2015 goals.
2. Finance:
  • As of November 30, 2014, year to date revenue was $707,717.31 and expenses were $845,329.48.
  • Members are encouraged to return their 2015 pledge cards.
3. Property:
  • Otis Terrell has begun painting the exterior of the church.
  • The church bus has been repaired at a total cost of $6,689.58, which will be filed against Michelin for reimbursement.
  • The boiler pump, which heats the sanctuary, is being repaired at a cost of $2,149.89.
  • 4. Mission:
  • UKirk raised approximately $5,000 through its parking lot fundraiser. The funds will be used for the Spring 2015 Haiti mission trip.
  • Martha Kelley will serve as the church's Pantry volunteer.

5. Adult Christian Education:

  • Plans are being made for "FPC Roundtable", which will meet on the first Wednesday of each month, beginning January 2015.
6. Worship:
  • The Children's Christmas musical will be held December 17, 2014, at 6:00 pm and Advent Wholeness and Healing services will continue on December 9 and December 16, 2014, at 5:30 pm.
7. Membership and Hospitality:
  • The next new member class will be held January 18, 2015, from 3:00 to 6:00 pm.
8. Personnel:
  • The ministry team completed staff evaluations and has sent the staff Christmas gift letter to the congregation.
9. Capital Funds Campaign:
  • Carter Hord of Hord Architects presented updated drawings and plans for the renovation and addition of Fellowship Hall. Perry Miller of Linkous Construction distributed a cost/conceptual estimate. The costs are expected to decrease as sub-contractors bid on the project. More detailed drawings and cost estimates from other bidders will be forthcoming.
The following motions passed unanimously:
  • Motion to sustain officer examinations and that the elected Elders and Deacons be installed and/or ordained on Sunday, January 4, 2015. Those approved for Deacon were Kevin Christian, Catie Hester, Laura Montgomery, Diane Scruggs and Cliff Smith. Those approved for Elder were Tom Meredith, Walter Nance, David Shaw, Christina Torbert and Mary Glynn Wright. Unanimously approved.
  • Motion that First Presbyterian Church enter into a contractual agreement with Access Control Group of Jackson, Mississippi to provide controlled access to the Annex parking lot at a cost of $19,553.10 plus a yearly hosting fee of $1,188, in addition to bollards and concrete work by independent contractors at a price to be determined. The funds for the initial cost will come from the Nabors Fund and the annual maintenance costs will be paid from the operating budget. Unanimously approved.
  • Motion to elect the following officers for 2015, approved by acclamation:
Moderator Pro Tem - David Flautt
Financial Secretary - Maggie Abernathy
Clerk - Mary Glynn Wright
Treasurer - Tom Meredith

The Officer Retreat will be held January 17, 2015, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.

The next Stated Session meeting will be January 19, 2015, at 5:30 pm in the Session Room.
Commitment 2015 Update

The Finance Ministry Team is still joyfully and gratefully accepting any pledge commitments for 2015. Your pledge will allow the Session to budget more accurately for the wonderful programming planned for 2015. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminds us that, "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Please prayerfully regard the treasures with which you have been blessed and commit a portion to God's kingdom for 2015.   

You may complete a commitment card and return to one of two secure drop boxes at the church or pledge online at www.fpcoxford.net using the confidential "Pledge Form" icon on the right side of the homepage. 

Thank you for your continued support in contributing to the success of our church!

Financial Summary

"Securing Our Future" Capital Campaign Update

November, 2014

 

Total Pledges                                    $ 2,149,933.00

Total Contributions Received           1,382,927.78

Worship 

Our Regular Worship Schedule Resumes January 11, 2015

8:30 am - Worship with weekly communion

11:00 am - Worship with communion each first Sunday

January 4: The Installation and Ordination of Officers

Worship with communion at 10:00 am, one service only

No Sunday School classes

Lectionary Texts for January
January 4 - Jeremiah 31:7-14; Psalm 147:12-20; Ephesians 1:3-14; John 1:(1-9) 10-18
January 11 - Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11
January 18 - 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20); Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20;      John 1:43-51
January 25 - Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:5-12; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20
Sanctuary flower dates are available
January 11, 18 and 25.
If you would like to provide flowers in honor or memory of a loved one, please contact Susan Joiner at 662-808-3240 or [email protected].

Music

Thanks to all who have supported the music ministry events this year, the most significant being the rededication of our organ with international concert organist Ra�l Prieto Ramirez in November. Folks still stop me on the street to tell me how amazing he was.


Many contributed to the success of our musical offerings this season. Our Grace Notes Advent Recital Series gave us three concerts and the opportunity to reflect  on God's beauty and grace. In the midst of these recitals, our Chancel Choir presented their eighth annual Festival of Lessons and Carols on December 7 to a full Sanctuary. A varied program with music by Philip Ledger, Abbie Betinis, Paul Manz, David Willcocks and others offered a unique and spirited selection of carols. In the tradition set-forth by Kings College, Cambridge, the service began with "Once in Royal David's City" and ended with "O Come, All Ye Faithful."


 
We are very blessed to have such talent in our church and community. The collage below reflects a sampling of those who participated in our concerts this year. Thanks to all the participants and to each of you for your support. I hope these concerts and services have made the season more meaningful for each of you who attended.


 

Sincerely,

JoeSignature

Children's and PYF News

A huge Thank You goes out to all the families and friends who purchased a beautiful Fraser Fir from the youth this Christmas! Our 7th annual fundraiser was once again a sell out! Thanks to all the parents who fed us, the Ashmores and Williams' for helping run the lot, and especially to the youth, who came to sell, deliver and work the lot. Nothing puts you in the Christmas spirit like walking around the front yard of First Pres, full of trees with music and laughter filling all the spaces between the them. Thank you all!


Confirmation Class Begins Soon


If you are an enrolled 8th grader, be on the lookout for a letter during the first week of January with all the important dates for the 2015 confirmation class. The first class will be held Sunday, January 11th at 3:00 pm in Fellowship Hall.


PYC Retreat, "Unexpected Journey," Will Focus on Jeremiah 1:8


Jr High Retreat - January 30- February 1 (grades 6-8)

Sr High Retreat - February 20-22 (grades 9-12)


To register your child for the retreat, you need to submit $60 and complete a release form. The church pays the remainder of the fee for each participant. Forms will be sent out to all youth families in January, and extra copies will be available in the church office.


PYC stands for "Presbyterian Youth Council." You can expect worship, Bible studies, challenge courses, games and, of course, great Hopewell food! Our very own Robert Hall and Harriman Abernathy serve on the council. If you have any questions about the retreat, please contact Daniel Howie at the church office.
 


Christian Education  

The following Adult Sunday School classes are available:

 

The Wired Word - Discussion revolves around a current news event and its implications for the life of faith. The class meets with Rev. John Semmes in Fellowship Hall.


2, 3, 4 Class - Young adults meet in the Library to discuss Making Sense of Scripture, a video curriculum featuring Dr. David Lose. Matthew and Melissa Hall, along with Rev. Ann Kelly, facilitate the discussion.


Adult Bible Study - Hale Freeland leads a co-ed Bible study in Room 101 of the Sanctuary building based on a book of the Bible or a book about the Bible.


Men's Bible Class I - Led by Ed Croom, meets in the Session Room (upstairs in the Sanctuary building) - currently studying the Wisdom Literature of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs using the Westminster Bible Companion Series.


Men's Bible Class II - Members of the class rotate leadership of this Bible study class which meets in Room 102 of the Sanctuary building.


Women of Faith - Corinne Cullen leads a study of Colossians through Jude with women of varied ages in the annex building.


The Alton Bryant Sunday School Class - This co-ed Bible study class under the leadership of Nolan Waller uses The Present Word curriculum.

Etcetera...

Gratitude


Your FPC staff thanks all who contributed to this year's Christmas staff gift. Your generous outpouring of love and support is deeply appreciated. We each look forward to serving you with gladness in 2015!

First New Member Class of 2015 Upcoming


A new member class will be held Sunday, January 18 from 3:00-6:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. If you know of someone who may benefit from the class, or who seeks a new church home, please share the date and time with them. More information is available from the church office. Childcare is available upon request.

Greening Thanks


 

The Worship Ministry Team wishes to thank our members who helped green the sanctuary week after week during the Advent and Christmas seasons: Nila Williams, Kay Tyler, Betsy Holcomb and Carmille Hovious. Also, thanks go to Nolan Waller for the holly, Dewey Hickman for the magnolia and Syd Shaw for the pine and cedar. Also, thanks go to those members who purchased poinsettias for the beautification of the sanctuary. It was a good season and we are most appreciative.


Margaret Fancher and Louise Sneed, Greening Committee Chairs

Gratitude of the Season


Thanks to all who made the 2014 Advent and Christmastide season at First Presbyterian so special: ushers, sanctuary and grounds decorators, Chrismon tree installers, musicians and singers, scripture readers, Advent candle liturgists, tree lot workers and support crew, communion preparers and servers, Advent luncheon servers, children's music directors, the church staff and all others who contributed in any way. It was a great team effort!

Reminder: FPC MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SET UP

THEIR PERSONAL ONLINE ACCESS

The church office has been working hard to assure that member information in the new ACS system is updated and current. But we need your help! First, it is our hope that each member will enroll and review his/her personal information to assure accuracy and completeness. Specifically, the following information needs your attention: correct spelling of full names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and, most importantly, full birth dates of all family members, baptism dates (if available), and anniversary dates. Most of the basic information is in place; however, you may find that there are some blanks that need to be filled in. This is where each individual family can help in our effort. The accuracy of this information is important for future church mailings as well as the program's ability to print updated membership rosters and various reports and lists relating to age groups, etc.

 

Secondly, accessing the ACS system provides FPC members the ability to review their pledge/giving amounts online at any given time.

 

Won't you please help by taking the time to enroll today?   

 

The link to access your information, along with instructions on how to setup your online account, is located on the church's home page at fpcoxford.net.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry
will meet Monday, January 5 at 1:00 pm in Room 101.
Presbyterian Women Logo

 

CIRCLE DATES

 

Alma Shaw Circle will meet at 9:45 am, Tuesday, January 20, Glynna McKendree, 112 Quail Creek Drive.

Barbara Conlee Mize Circle will meet at 6:00 pm, Tuesday, January 13, High Pointe Coffee.

Carroll Barr Circle will meet at 6:00 pm, Tuesday, January 20, Sharron Alexander,

400 Thomas Drive

Esther Ethridge Circle will meet at 6:00 pm, Thursday, January 15, Fellowship Hall.

Gerry Duvall Circle will meet at 12:00 pm, Tuesday, January 20, Fellowship Hall.

Lula Gregory Circle will meet at 9:45 am, Tuesday, January 20, Bobbie Shaw, 238 CR 102.

Marjorie Lewis Circle will meet at 2:30 pm, Monday, January 19, Room 101. 

Alma Shaw Circle members helping at the Rotary Christmas Store

Pictured: Glynna McKendree, Grace Feller, Scottye Boone, Beckie Felts,

Anne Gowdy, Mary Kate Duke, Grace Feller

Pews2 News from the Pews

Sympathy of the Congregation is extended to:

John Neff, whose mother, Pat Neff, died December 5, 2014 in Riverside, CA.
The family of Charles Treas, who died December 24, 2014 in Oxford.
The family of Lolly Pilkington, who died December 29, 2014 in Oxford.

We extend congratulations to:

Lauren and Denson Hollis on the birth of their daugher, Marion Chambers Hollis, born October 26, 2014.

Emma and David Flautt on the birth of their daughter, Elizabeth Louise Flautt, born November 17, 2014.

Robin and Justin Geurin on the birth of their daughters, Robin Elizabeth and Lillian Jane, born December 3, 2014.

Elizabeth and Lee Miers on the birth of their daughter, Mary Elizabeth Miers, born December 15, 2014.

Demi Laney, granddaughter of Sally Booke, who graduated from Binghamton University in Binghamton, NY on December 14, 2014.

Memorials and Honoraria
~ with gratitude for contributions to First Presbyterian Church ~

In Memory of:

Martha Lou Jackson
Adalene & Ben Pettis

Jerry Warner
Adalene & Ben Pettis

Martha Elkins
Adalene & Ben Pettis

Lila Wild Rife
Adalene & Ben Pettis

In Honor of:


 
Carmille Hovious
Patty & Mike Robbins

Nila & Max Williams
Dian & Tom Leeper

January Birthdays & Anniversaries

Birthdays    

1 - Frances Crawford, Anne Percy, Edna Wright

2 - Kathryn Hill, Steve Mauldin, Aaron Barrett, Jody Scruggs, Kerry Wiggington

3 - Eli Manning, Stacy Cascio

5 - Barbara Davis

6 - Nancy Giles

7 - Maribel Sullivan-Gonzalez, Chuck Sherman, Lynn Treas

9 - Ney Williams

10 - LuAnn Smith

11 - Marleah Hobbs

12 - Guy Gillespie, Pat Bittman, Don Felts

13 - Melba Bowlin, Samuel Cribbs

15 - Caroline McIntosh, Andrew Yurkow

16 - Debbie McElreath, Sherrie Rikard, Hal Haney

17 - Ann O'Dell, Brian Shannon

18 - Sally Hines, Haney Harris, Catherine Servati

19 - Becky Murphey

20 - Suzy Phillips, Peter Kondos, Matthew Chow, Nolan Franklin

21 - Jon Crawford, Avery Atkinson, Ed Holcomb, Shelby Goza, Carl Davis

23 - Chuck Sherman

24 - Walter Cleland, Jr., Alli Hayward, David Coon, Emory Barrios, Pick Scruggs

25 - Calvin Mutchler, Pat Lowe, Jay Chain

26 - Patsy Eads, Jeffrey Hollis, Graham Staines, Mark Atkinson

27 - Mary Edith Walker, Monroe Alexander

28 - Thelma Curry, Amy Wilkes

30 - Wade Simpson, Rob Howell

31 - Catherine Threlkeld, Pratt Wilkinson

Anniversaries

10 - Melinda & Daniel Thompson

16 - Dana & Ney Williams

22 - Sarah & Cliff Smith

30 - Allyson & Darren Ashmore 

First Dates

 

The Men of the Church will meet for breakfast each Tuesday, beginning January 6 at 6:45 am in Fellowship Hall.

Piecemakers meet the first Tuesday at 9:30 am, each Wednesday at 9:00 am and Saturday, January 10 at 10:30 am in Fellowship Hall.

The Session will meet Monday, January 19 at 5:30 pm in the Session Room.

The Mission Ministry Team will meet January 8 at 5:30 pm.

The Book Club will meet Tuesday, January 13 at 1:30 pm in Room 101. This month's book will be "Ordinary Grace," by William Kent Krueger.

The Grief Support Group will meet Tuesday, January 27 at 10:00 am at the home of

Fannie Elliott.

Reminder: February deadline for submissions to First Press is Thursday, January 15.

The Session

 

Class of 2015

David Flautt, Carole Haney, Niles Lovelady, Kathy Neff, Jennifer Williams

 

Class of 2016

Maggie Abernathy, Bill Bowlin, Bette Butler, Melissa Hall, Ernie Williams

 

Class of 2017

Tom Meredith, Walter Nance, David Shaw, Christina Torbert, Mary Glynn Wright 

 


The Diaconate

 

Class of 2015

Carmille Hovious, Margie McLeod, Lee Mullen, Shae Orrell, Chuck Sherman

 

Class of 2016

Betty Abdo, Sarah Brooke Bishop, Anna Ruth Kesler, Tony Mize


 
Class of 2017

Kevin Christian, Catie Hester, Laura Montgomery, Diane Scruggs, Cliff Smith

Your Church Staff

 

The Congregation       Ministers                                                              Ext.                  

John M. Semmes....... Pastor............................. [email protected]       15

Ann H. Kelly............. Interim Associate Pastor. [email protected]           12

Joseph W. Garrison... Dir. of Music/Organist.... [email protected]       17

Claire Taylor............. Dir. of Elementary [email protected]

Daniel S. Howie........ Dir. of Children's Ed....... [email protected]        18

Howard Dudley..........College [email protected]

Frances Saralvarez....  Office Administrator ....... [email protected]    10

Suzan S. Clark........... Secretary......................... [email protected]          11

Carnice L. Woods..... [email protected]            11

Wade Simpson.......... Property Manager.......... [email protected]

Diane W. Lindley...... Nursery Coordinator....... [email protected]

 

924 Van Buren Avenue * Oxford, Mississippi 38655 * 662-234-1757 * fpcoxford.net