First Presbyterian Church
FIRST PRESS            an online newsletter                  February, 2015

Good things are happening, even in the dead of winter...

  • I am more than just a little excited about being part of FPC's next mission trip to Haiti this month. Our traveling "cast of characters" is a great one, comprised of some first-timers like us and several veterans, among them Dr. Ernie Williams and Karen and Jay Chain. We'll be focusing upon medical treatment as well as an orphanage visit or two and ensuring that all is ready for the installation of yet another Living Waters for the World system there in Bognotte. Thanks to your financial support, this trip is possible for many of our flock to serve as the hands and feet of Christ in a place where, five years after a devastating earthquake, there is still much work needed to relieve suffering and loss. Please do pray for us; it is on the wings of your prayers that we will travel to Haiti to represent our FPC family with its trademark love and compassion.

  • Pending necessary approvals, our parking lot on the east side of the sanctuary will soon be secured by sensor-controlled gates at either end so that it will be available to you, the members who paid for it, 24 hours a day. Once installation is complete, we'll be communicating to you how you can obtain a small windshield RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) sticker for your vehicle that will automatically open the gates when you arrive and depart. The Session approved this project in light of recent metered parking changes around the Square that have caused citizens from our community to seek free parking on our lot and on the O-U Methodist lot as well. More information will be forthcoming but for now, look forward to another campus improvement at your church.

  • Speaking of church campus improvements, the Session is awaiting estimates from two additional contractors interested in managing the expansion of Fellowship Hall. Linkous Construction out of Memphis has already submitted a bid and, once the others are considered and a contractor selected, the Session will be moving forward quickly to complete the project this calendar year. Never before has our church been so crunched for space, so the addition of new meeting rooms in the hall will afford us the opportunity to grow our Sunday School offerings and other group gatherings.

  • Meanwhile, contributions to the Securing Our Future campaign, which has already funded substantial debt reduction, organ enhancements, a renovated kitchen and missional efforts, are still being received through calendar year 2015. Debt on the aforementioned property that hosts our parking lot has already been reduced from $1,500,000 to just $500,000, so please do endeavor to complete your commitment this year in order to ensure our church is one of the few in our denomination to be debt-free. As you've heard me mention in worship, we have babies upon babies still being born in our midst, and another 200 children on our rolls, so it is with their future in mind that we are laying the groundwork for a financially healthy First Presbyterian Church for years to come.

I give thanks to God for all that we are as a congregation, a people of faith brimming with so many talents and gifts. These are exciting times at FPC, and I'm so glad we're living them together.

 

Peace,  

 John's signature
Summary of the Stated Session Meeting

The Session of First Presbyterian Church held its monthly stated meeting on Monday, January 19, 2015, at 5:30 pm in the Session Room. Thirteen Elders were present. Elders David Flautt and Niles Lovelady were excused. 

Ministry team highlights:

1.  Finance:
  • The year-end accounts are in the process of being finalized. The 2014 final actual budget and the 2015 final budget will be ready for review February 16.
  • Pay-in of Capital Fund Campaign pledges prior to May will be encouraged before we are required to refinance the property east of the sanctuary.
2. Property:
  • Odis Terrell continues to paint the exterior of the church as weather permits.
  • There will be a future expense to treat the tree on the front courtyard to ensure its survival. A plan for its care is currently being evaluated.
3. Adult Christian Education:
  • The following members have agreed to serve the Adult Christian Education Ministry Team: Dorothy Lou Aldridge, Katie Goodwiller, Cheryl Hayward, Gabe Chiniche and Monte Wood.
4. Children's Christian Education:
  • A meeting will be held during the February 4 Young Adult gathering to discuss church needs for their children. The ministry team will meet with them again on March 4 to present a response.
5. Mission:
  • The mission team continues to organize medical necessities for the trip to Haiti. They have plans to check on the orphanage they have previously been involved with, to educate the people about the water treatment system and to inspect the building where the system will be placed. The actual installation of the system will take place on a future trip to Haiti by the water team.
  • After discussing the disbursement of funds from the Capital Funds Campaign for 2015 for mission, the following motion was made and, following discussion, carried unanimously:
    • Movant, Moderator - Motion that disbursements of $13,000 be made from Securing Our Future receipts earmarked for mission as follows:
Lovepacks - $5000
Campus Recovery - $2000
UKirk/Haiti Trip - $3000
Interfaith Compassion Ministry - $1000
YAV (PCUSA Young Adult Volunteer Program) - $2000

6. Worship:
  • During the Haiti mission trip, preachers will be Rev. Margaret Burnett on February 8, and the Rev. Dr. Greg Goodwiller on February 15. Providing pastoral care with Rev. Dr. Goodwiller during this trip's duration will be Rev. Dr. Doug Sullivan-Gonzalez, Rev. Howard Dudley, and Revs. Michele and Wil Howie.
  • The Ash Wednesday service will be held February 18 at 5:30 pm.
  • Lenten services will he held February 25, March 4, March 18 and March 25 at 6:15 pm.
  • The Maundy Thursday service will be held April 2 at 7:30 pm.
  • Easter services will be held April 5, 2015, at 8:30 and 11:00 am.
7. Membership/Hospitality:
  • The team reported that 5 people joined the church this month. The new member class includes Rose Paris, Monte and Marianna Ochs, Hannah Mayo and Dick Scruggs.

 

Financial Summary


"Securing Our Future" Capital Campaign Update

December, 2014

 

Total Pledges                                    $ 2,149,933.00

Total Contributions Received            1,594,571.02

Worship 

Regular Worship Schedule

 

8:30 am - Worship with weekly communion

9:45 am - Sunday School for all ages

11:00 am - Worship with communion each first Sunday

A Service of worship for Ash Wednesday, including the imposition of ashes, 

will be held in the Sanctuary Wednesday, February 18 at 5:30 pm.

A nursery will be available.


The O-U Methodist Lenten Luncheon series begins

Wednesday, February 25 and continues through March 25

at noon in the church activity center.

(details to follow)

Lectionary Texts for February

 

February 1 - Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Mark 1:21-28

February 8 - Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-11, 20c; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39

February 15 - 2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9

February 22 - Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15
Sanctuary flower dates are available
February 15 and April 12, 19 and 26
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].

Wednesdays Together...

Begins February 25 and continues March 4, 18 and 25.

Details will follow in the coming weeks.

Music


 

 

Mission 

 

Mission Team Heads for Haiti This Month 

The FPC Haiti Mission Team will leave in the wee hours of February 7th and return late on February 14th. Plans for the week include four mobile medical clinics, several meetings with our Living Waters for the World partners to prepare for the installation of a water system, a visit and work project at Operation Love the Children of Haiti, worship with several Haitian congregations, and much more. Please pray for the mission team and our Haitian partners that we will grow in our understanding and appreciation of each other as we serve God and our neighbors together.


Members of the team include: John and Cindy Semmes, Darren and Allyson Ashmore, Jay and Karen Chain, Brett and Ann Person, Jon Crawford, Jennifer Hitt, Niles Lovelady, Ernie Williams, Mindy Jo Byrd and Ann Kelly.


Give to Lovepacks

The Lovepacks Food-of-the-Month for February is peanut butter crackers. Donation bins are located in the church office, the narthex and in Fellowship Hall. This is something all of us can do to help provide food for school children in our area who might go hungry on weekends and holidays. Every little bit helps!

More Than a Meal Coming Up


It's a new year with new opportunities for the FPC More Than a Meal team to provide meaningful service to our community. Our next chance to host will be on Tuesday, February 24. Please also mark your calendars for our next date on Tuesday, March 24. There are myriad ways to volunteer and make a true impact with MTaM. For more information about ways to participate or contribute, please e-mail coordinator Tricia Barrios Showalter at [email protected]

FPC to Provide Hispanic Ministry Meals in March

 

March is FPC's month to provide meals for the Hispanic ministry at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Each week, we're committed to providing a meal for 25 to 30 people following the Hispanic service at St. Peter's. Food must arrive at St. Peter's kitchen by 7:30 pm and be set out for the meal, which begins at 8:00 pm. The church staff does most of the cleanup. Meals can be as simple as pizza, a salad and dessert, but good home-cooking is always the best. Drinks are provided by St. Peter's. Sign up to participate by calling the church office and adding your name to the list. Invite some friends, another family or members of your Bible study group to help you and enjoy fellowship with other church members while getting to know and serving others in the Oxford/Lafayette County area.

Children's and PYF News



 


 

Sr. High PYC Retreat

February 20-22 (grades 9-12)


 

The Jr High retreat was a huge success. We had a great weekend, so please don't wait...sign up for the Sr High retreat today! To register your child for the retreat, you need to submit $60 and fill out a release form. The church pays the remainder of the fee. You should have already received registration forms by mail, but there are additional copies in the church office.


 

PYC stands for "Presbyterian Youth Council."  You can expect worship, Bible studies, a challenge course, 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.

Confirmation Class Underway


The confirmation process has begun for our class of 7 eighth grade students. As they and their mentors continue this journey of faith, we ask that you please keep these class members in your prayers: Jess Edge. Anna Claire Franklin, Olivia Estes, Meredith Goza, Catherine Field, Kate Byars and Lucy Chiniche.  

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.

Save the Date!

 

The next Roundtable gathering for FPC Young Adults will be held Wednesday, February 4th from 5:30-7:30 pm at The Round Table. The buffet style meal is Dutch treat and will cost approximately $10 per person. Childcare will be available at the church. To help offset the cost of childcare and food for the children, each family is asked to contribute $3 for one child or $5 for two or more children.

 

Please help spread the word to FPC young adult members (or visitors who may be interested in joining FPC) by adding them to the Facebook group: FPC Oxford Roundtable. Also, make sure you reserve your spot using the Facebook page so we'll know what size group to expect. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the next gathering!

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

In Memory of:

Dewey Hickman

Patsy & Jay Eads

Jean Tatum

Suzanne & Andy Garrott

Nila & Max Williams

Betty & Wallace Guess

Janice & William Ketchum

Kay & Larry Tyler

Brown Insurance Agency

Sue Treas

Laura & Jim Jackson

Mary Sims

Triple L Sunday School Class

Carlisle & Billy Wood

Louise & Morris Sneed

Michael Blackburn & Christine Blackburn

Gerald Smith

Mary Glynn Wright

 

Lolly Pilkington

Kay & Larry Tyler

Suzanne & Andy Garrott

Nila & Max Williams

Pat Tatum

Mary Lou & Harry Owens

Jean Tatum

Melba & Bill Bowlin

 

Bentley Crawford

Shelloy Crawford

 

Jerry Warner

Shelloy Crawford

 

Rev. Dr. David R. Freeman

Gwen Johnson

 

Robert Alexander

Mr. & Mrs. John McCurdy


 
Charles Treas

Mary Sims

Betty & George Abdo

Lila & Tom Bailey

Mary Kay & Les McDowell

Michael Blackburn

Dr. Martha Hitch

Janet Barnes

Barbara & Robert Shaw

Dorris Murry

Nila & Max Williams

Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Epperson

Joyce Sidorfsky

Nancy & Bill Rogers

Patsy & Jay Eads

Sally Booke

Rebecca Evershed & Family

Louise & Morris Sneed

Shelloy Crawford

Carlisle & Billy Wood

Emily & Don Newcomb

Melba & Bill Bowlin

Louise & Nolan Waller

Miller & James Delgadillo

Robbie & Charlie Schuchard

Mrs. Bazile Lanneau

Ruth Galloway

Anne & Robert Gowdy

Laura & Walton Gresham

Kay & Larry Tyler

Mary Glynn Wright


 

In Honor of:

 

Sharron & Harry Alexander

Mr. & Mrs. John McCurdy

 

Jay Chain

Anonymous

The Prayer Shawl Ministry

will meet Monday, February 2 at 1:00 pm in Room 101.

Presbyterian Women Logo

 

CIRCLE DATES

 

Alma Shaw Circle will meet at 9:45 am, Tuesday, February 17, Scottye Boone,

603 Hwy. 30

Barbara Conlee Mize Circle will meet at 6:00 pm, Tuesday, February 10,

High Point Coffee.

Carroll Barr Circle will meet at 7:00 pm, Tuesday, February 17, Carmille Hovious, 112 L'Acadian, #13.

Esther Ethridge Circle will meet at 12:00 pm, Tuesday, February 10, Gabrielle Chiniche, 212 Sivley.

Gerry Duvall Circle will meet at 12:00 pm, Tuesday, February 17, Fellowship Hall.

Lula Gregory Circle will meet at 9:45 am, Tuesday, February 17, Betty Abdo,

410 Northpointe Lake Drive.

Marjorie Lewis Circle will meet at 2:30 pm, Monday, February 16, Room 101.

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.


As part of the Presbyterian Women mission effort, Esther Ethridge and Barbara Conlee Mize Circles, along with other members, collected supplies in support of the TLC program, "To Love a Child." TLC helps teen mothers develop life-long goals and provides the vital assistance necessary to help them become successful, loving, responsible parents. Young mothers-to-be participated in parenting classes to learn about nutrition, child care and safety with Meg Hayden, a registered nurse. The supplies that were collected were presented upon the completion of the program. We hope to continue an association with future support of TLC. 

Pews2 News from the Pews

Sympathy of the congregation is extended to:

Sue Treas and Lynn Noto Treas, who husband and father, Charles Treas, died December 24, 2014 in Oxford, MS.


 

The family of Lolly Pilkington, who died December 29, 2014, in Oxford, MS.


 

The family of Dewey Hickman, who died January 11, 2015, in Oxford, MS.


 

Robert Cooper, whose father, Robert F. Cooper, Jr., died January 12, 2015 in Memphis, TN.


 

Jean Blackston, whose brother, Dr. T. F. Parkinson, died January 18, 2015 in Charlottesville, VA.


We extend congratulations to:

Ann Gowdy, who has been named The Food Pantry Volunteer of the Year. For nine years, Anne has written personal acknowledgements for in-kind donations to The Pantry, sending out hundreds upon hundreds of letters to those who have donated food, organized food drives, and supported The Pantry in other ways. We commend her for her dedicated service!


 

Ferriday and Charly McClatchy, whose son, Charles Robert McClatchy III, was born January 27, 2015. 


 

Molly and Griffin Tanner, whose son, Henderson "Henry" Sinclair Tanner, was born January 27, 2015.

February Birthdays & Anniversaries

Birthdays    

1 - Jimmy Trealor

2 - Wil Matthews, Jr.

3 - Gail Hercules

4 - William Elliott, Tommy Smith, Annie Grace White, Kate Embry

6 - Michael Abraham, Joan Westmoreland, Elizabeth Sherman

7 - Cynthia Freeland, Ann Dickins, John Callery, Jeb Bishop

8 - Trey Byars, Roy Selvidge, Sr., Jim Jetton

9 - Carolyn Hopkins, Keith Mansel

10 - Bob Pekala, Hayden Williams

11 - Spencer Huggins, Donna Ruth Roberts, Margaret Blake Embry

12 - Darren Ashmore

13 - Michael Blackburn, Kylea Boutwell, Vicki Stevens, Lucy Chiniche

16 - Mary Carter Hitt

17 - Tad Wilkes, Caldwell Embry

18 - Catherine Field, Leslie Orrell, Aubrey Wigginton

19 - Shirley Crawford, Jennifer Parker, Angela Manley

20 - Will Lewis

21 - Sarah Smith

22 - Max Hill, Kendyl Barrett

24 - Sallie Abernathy, Bryan McCartney, Anne Rogers

25 - Katherine Estes, Ralph White, Mary Williams, Edward Duke

26 - Riley Mullen, Charles Cascio

27 - Barry Rose

28 - Sean McCurdy, Bramlett Sherman

Anniversaries

4 - Kathy & John Neff

5 - Susan & Tom Meredith

15 - Gale & Richard Gurner

17 - Patsy & Jay Eads

20 - Debbie & Ken Boutwell

First Dates

 

The Men of the Church meet for breakfast each Tuesday at 6:45 am in Fellowship Hall except on the last Tuesday of each month, when they meet at the Beacon Restaurant.

Piecemakers meet the first Tuesday at 9:30 am, each Wednesday at 9:00 am and Saturday, February 14 at 10:30 am in Fellowship Hall.

The Property Ministry Team will meet Tuesday, February 3 at 5:30 pm in Room 101.

The Session will meet Monday, February 16 at 5:30 pm in the Session Room.

The Mission Ministry Team will meet Thursday, February 5 at 5:30 pm.

The Book Club will meet Tuesday, February 10 at 1:30 pm in Room 101. This month's book will be "Wolf Hall," by Hilary Mantel.

The Grief Support Group will meet Tuesday, February 24 at 10:00 am at the home of

Fannie Elliott.

Reminder: The March deadline for submissions to First Press is Monday, February 16.

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 (clerk)


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