FIRST PRESS an online newsletter September, 2015
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Against the backdrop of summer news bulletins about western wildfires, stock market crashes and Ashley Madison, former President Jimmy Carter produced a rare moment of national unity and poignancy last month when he announced he has metastatic malignant melanoma, the least common skin cancer but also the most deadly.
Regardless of what you think of his politics, Carter is arguably the most successful "former president" we've ever had, having dedicated his 34 years since leaving the White House to social injustice and the eradication of human suffering. His and Mrs. Carter's efforts to rid the world of the water-born Guinea Worm Disease, their labors building houses all over the world and his work negotiating hostage releases (often to the chagrin of the U.S. government) have established him both as a humanitarian and as a tireless disciple of Jesus Christ.
In 2006, Cindy and I had the honor of visiting the Carters in their Plains home. Then as now, his mind was crystal clear and it was affirming to see with my own eyes his genuine kindness and authentic concern for the world and its future. The next day, we attended Carter's Sunday School class and then sat with he and his wife for worship - a weekend I will always treasure.
I write about all this because in Jimmy Carter, I see someone whose understanding of the essential tenets of the Gospel is both demonstrable and inspirational. With understated ease, he lives out his doctrinal beliefs and seeks no attention for any of it. "My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference," he once said. That's pretty much the siren call for all of us Christians.
And now, in confronting death, he teaches us even more. His combination of tenacious anticipation for treatment, illustrative of his desire to live as long as possible, and acceptance for what is inevitably coming his way, which reveals the depth of his faith in Jesus Christ, is the way I would want all of us to look at our own mortality. "I've had a wonderful life, I've had thousands of friends, and I've had an exciting and adventurous and gratifying existence," he said at his press conference. "I'm perfectly at ease with whatever comes. Now I feel that it's in the hands of God."
Are the rest of us that comfortable with the prospect of our own deaths? Perhaps now is the appropriate time to visit W. S. Merwin's classic:
Every year without knowing it I have passed the day
When the last fires will wave to me
And the silence will set out
Like the beam of a lightless star
Find myself in life as in a strange garment
And the love of one woman
And the shamelessness of men
As today writing after three days of rain
Hearing the wren sing and the falling cease
And bowing not knowing to what
(from "For the Anniversary of My Death")
In Christ, we are set free from the fear of death. With Christ, we find our constant companion throughout each day. For Christ, we live in faith that life is eternal and we belong to him.
May God's grace, healing and peace sustain President Carter and all others who face cancer's challenge.
Peace to you,
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Summary of the Stated Session Meeting
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The Session of First Presbyterian Church held its stated monthly meeting on Monday, August 10, 2015, at 5:30 pm in the Session Room. Thirteen Elders were present.
I. Ministry Team Check-In:
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As of July 31, 2015, year to date revenue was $462,738.62 and expenses were $538,118.38.
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The Finance Ministry Team will meet August 17, 2015.
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Volunteers moved the contents of the youth room to the Annex building. PYF will use this space as their meeting place during the renovation of Fellowship Hall. Also, the church will use the back of the Annex building for storage of items from the hall.
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Carter Hord Architects has submitted their completed drawings of the Fellowship Hall renovation. The church should receive a guaranteed maximum price within the next three weeks.
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The renovation of the UKirk space is in the final stages of completion.
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Repair work will be done on the gutters and roof tiles on the Education Building. The downspout on the southwest corner of the sanctuary will be repaired soon. The ministry team will also address maintenance problems with a leak in the northwest narthex room and a water discharge problem over the South 10th Street entrance to the church.
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Elder Christina Torbert brought attention to the need for maintenance on the hearing aid sets for use in the sanctuary.
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Daniel Howie will give instructions at the next Session meeting on the use of the defibrillator.
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After discussion of the use of the parking lot for a UKirk fundraiser during football season, the following motion was made, seconded, and passed unanimously:
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The Worship Ministry Team has placed the new antependiums and the new communion set in the church sanctuary.
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Beginning September 13, 2015, the church will offer regular worship services at 8:30am and 11:00am.
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The church will hold Rally Day September 13, 2015.
5. Children's Christian Education:
6. Adult Christian Education:
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Wednesday's Together will begin September 9, 2015, and will conclude September 30, 2015. Allyson Ashmore will lead a program on experiential prayer in the sanctuary at 6:30pm. A dinner buffet will be held at The Round Table restaurant from 5:15pm - 6:15pm each Wednesday evening. The children will have their dinner and program at the church from 5pm - 7pm.
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Let's Get Together, a church fellowship opportunity for groups of 8 people, will begin this fall. Each group, under the guidance of a facilitator, will meet once for an activity in October, November, and January. The ministry team will randomly assign groups each month.
7. Membership and Hospitality:
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After having previously supported the Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) with two separate donations, the ministry team donated another $1000 to this organization to help with the challenges they face.
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Plans are underway for the next mission trips to Haiti in 2016. A generous donation of $7000 was received with the stipulation that it be used for a second water purification system in the Bognotte/Leogane area. The donor also requested that any leftover monies must fund positions at Living Waters University or Solar Under the Sun. The donation was accepted.
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Elder Ernie Williams thanked Martha Kelley for the excellent job she did in organizing volunteers for The Pantry in June.
The next Stated Session meeting will be held Monday, September 14, 2015, at 5:30pm, in the Session Room.
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Secure Our Future - Capital Campaign
June, 2015
Total Pledges: $ 2,149,933.00
Total Contributions Received: $ 2,016,784.00
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Summer Worship Hours
Our summer worship schedule continues through September 6.
10:00 am - Worship with communion
No Sunday School
Nursery Weekly: 9:45 am - 11:15 am
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Regular Worship Hours
Begin September 13
8:30 am - Worship with communion
11:00 am - Worship
Nursery Weekly
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Lectionary Texts for September
September 6 - 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a; Psalm 51:1-12; Ephesians 4:1-16; John 6:24-35
September 13 - 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33; Psalm 130; Ephesians 4:25-5:2: John 6:35
September 20 - 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14; Psalm 111; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58
September 27 - 1 Kings 8(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43; Psalm 84; Ephesians 6:10-20
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Sanctuary flower dates are available
September 27, October 4, 18, 25,
If you would like to provide flowers in honor or
memory of a loved one, please contact Margaret Fancher at
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Song is a response which engages the whole self in prayer. Song unites the faithful in common prayer wherever they gather for worship. To lead the congregation in the singing of prayer is a primary role of the choir and other musicians. They also may pray on behalf of the congregation with introits, responses, and other musical forms. Instrumental music may be a form of prayer since words are not essential to prayer. Music as prayer is to be a worthy offering to God on behalf of the people. The Word is also proclaimed through song in anthems and solos based on scriptural texts, in cantatas and oratorios which tell the biblical story, in psalms and canticles, and in hymns, spirituals, and spiritual songs which present the truth of the biblical faith. -PCUSA Book of Order -
Chapel Choir resumes on September 13. Ages Pre-K through 2nd grade will join director Nancy Maria Balach during the 11:00 worship service as directed.
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Bibles are needed for Haven House!
Please bring new or used Bibles to the church office
to be distributed to Haven House residents.
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As we start a new Sunday School year, mark your calendars for Sunday, September 13th for our annual Rally Day celebration. Rally Day kicks off the new Sunday School year with a celebration of our children and teachers. Children will meet their new Sunday School teachers in their age-appropriate rooms at 10:00 am that Sunday morning. There will be guides outside on the courtyard to help you find your classroom. Then, we'll celebrate with games, snacks and fellowship on the front lawn after you have met your new teachers. It will be a fun day for all!
NOTE: Your Children's Education Ministry Team needs two more Sunday School teachers willing to tag-team teach. It is simple, fun and rewarding to share your time and energy with our youngest members. Contact Kathy Neff by email at [email protected] to learn more about how you can help!
"Monday Mother's Morning" is a fun new group of parents (dads are welcome, too!) that meets every Monday morning in the Education Building from 9:00 am-12:00 pm. It's a great way for new and young families to meet others in the church and help your child become familiar with the FPC nursery and grounds. All young children are welcome; we ask that they be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. For more information, please contact Emma Flautt by email at [email protected] |
Presbyterian Youth Fellowship kicked things off this year with a party in our new/temporary youth space next to the Ukirk building. If you haven't seen it yet, feel free to come over and peek at it when you have some free time; it's a great new home! We welcomed a new class of 7th graders and, if you weren't there to join us, don't worry because youth is back in full swing! A big thank you to Sam and Mary Haskell for once again hosting our beginning-of-the-year pool party. It's always a highlight of our year to swim, laugh and play at the Haskell's home. We'll have our annual Fall retreat at Camp Hopewell Friday, September 18-Sunday, September 20th so parents, please be on the lookout for the retreat mailer and sign up your youth for this amazing weekend.
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The following Adult Sunday School classes will again be available beginning in September:
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.
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.
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 - Corrine Cullen leads a study of 1st and 2nd Samuel 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.
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The Prayer Shawl Ministry
will next meet Monday, October 5 at 1:00 pm in Room 101.
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Please join PW leadership for the Presbyterian Woman Kick-off Meeting
Please join us on Tuesday, September 8 at 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary. We'll welcome the newcomers to our church and remember those beautiful ladies we have loved and lost: Chris Cobb, Betty Coon, Janellen Day, Dewey Hickman, Martha Hudspeth and Lolly Pilkington. After the introduction of our new members and this year's circle chairpersons, we will have a brief overview of our circle study book, "Come to the Waters."
Dessert, coffee and lemonade will be served as we enjoy good fellowship on the courtyard.
We are looking forward to a wonderful year and hope to see all Presbyterian women on September 8 to begin our circle fellowship.
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Vice-Moderator - Becki Felts - [email protected]
Secretary - Julie Field - [email protected]
Treasurer - Margaret Fancher - [email protected]
Historian - Pat Lowe - [email protected]
Ex-Moderator - Mary Edith Walker - [email protected]
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WEDNESDAYS TOGETHER
September 2015
5:15 - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesdays Together at FPC will look a little different this fall due to construction on Fellowship Hall. Our Wednesday programs will begin on September 9 and continue through September 30. Participants of all ages will be focusing on prayer and experiencing new ways of approaching prayer. Here are some of the things you'll need to know:
Dinner for adults will be offered buffet style at a local restaurant near the church beginning at 5:15 p.m. Children and youth will have simple meals such as pizza, chicken, macaroni and cheese and fruit at the church.
After dinner, our toddlers and babies will continue in nursery care while older children and youth attend age-appropriate sessions on prayer. Ann Kelly, Kathy Neff and others will lead children ages 5 and up and Daniel Howie will facilitate the youth. Adults will return to the Sanctuary between 6:15 and 6:30 for their program. The adult study is based on Allyson Ashmore's 2015 Tapestry course entitled, "Praying with the Senses" which received rave reviews from participants. See the September newsletter for more details.
Opportunities to sign up for these Wednesday Night programs will be available beginning August 30, before and after the 10:00 am worship service. Individuals and families can sign up each week or can sign up for the whole month. There will also be opportunities to pay in advance to make Wednesdays run more smoothly for everyone concerned. Join us for Wednesdays Together in September!
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LET'S GET TOGETHER!
A new opportunity is born to meet and get to know
adults of all ages in our church while
the Fellowship Hall is under construction.
Fellowship for members of FPC will be difficult during the next months while Fellowship Hall is under construction. The Adult Education Ministry Team invites you to meet that challenge head-on with LET'S GET TOGETHER! Here's how it will work:
Sign-up opportunities have begun. Once you sign up, you will be assigned to a group and the group facilitator will contact you by the end of September to make plans for the October meeting.
It will be a fun way to get to know some members of the FPC family!
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News from the Pews
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We extend sympathy to:
Joanne and Rev. Jonathan Scanlon upon the death of Joanne's brother, Darryl Waldrup, on July 23, 2015 in San Antonio, TX.
The family of Martha Hudspeth, who died August 13, 2015 in Jackson, MS.
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New Membership Directory Planned
The Membership and Hospitality Ministry Team is planning a new membership directory. Photos will be updated from October 25 to November 1 with follow-up photos on November 4 and 11 for those who are not able to make it that first week. Sign-up will begin on the front courtyard of the church on October 4 after worship. The goal is to have new photos of each member, so please sign up!
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September Birthdays & Anniversaries
Birthdays
1 -Tom Davis 2 - Goodloe Lewis, Robert Gage 3 - Parker McPhail 5 - Sparky Luster, McCay Luster 6 - Isabella Moak, Mary Frances DeVoe, Sierra Johnson 7 - Drew Mauldin, Conner Eifling, Luke Wigginton 9 - Cooper McIntosh 10 - Gina Matthews, Scotty Jimenez 11 - Hassell Wilkinson, Sr., Kelli Brisco, Judy Rose, Billy Wood 12 - Sarah-Elisabeth Davis 13 - Mike Lewis, Moni Simpson 14 - Karen Chain, Paige Spencer 15 - Carole Haney, Joe Chambers, Sarah Winsor Secrest 16 - Meg Bartlett, Dick Hercules 17 - Mack Aldridge, Holly Grissinger, Cary Lee Cluck 18 - Anna Ruth Kesler, Taylor McGraw 19 - Helen Rousseau 20 - Susan Shaw 21 - Sam Morrison, Conner McCartney, Ann Luckett Montgomery, Virginia Stricklin 22 - Catherine Rosser, Pete Boone 23 - Deanna Walker, Sherry Styers 24 - Steve Mullen 25 - Mac Monteith, Niles Lovelady, III, Avery Tucker, Ryan Tucker, Billy Staines 26 - Shelley Cribbs 27 - Lydia Moak 28 - Ray Hill, Mike Morrison 29 - Nolan Waller 30 - Patrick Bolen
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Anniversaries
1 - Judy & Barry Rose 8 - Bette & Jeff Butler 12 - Leslie & Shae Orrell, Tricia Barrios & Marc Showalter 16 - Allisa Davis & Jeffrey Stricklin 20 - Sarah & Michael McLellan 21 - Ann & Lee Borden 24 - Ann & Danny Kelly 25 - Elizabeth & Mac Monteith, Amy & Slade Lewis 27 - Shelby & Lewis Smith 28 - Nancy & Bill Rogers 29 - Kate & Case Embry, Melissa & Brad Logan, Jenna & Tyler Lovelace
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New Member Class Upcoming
A New Member Class will be held Sunday, September 20 from 3:00-6:00 pm. Please contact the church office to register if you have not yet spoken to one of our pastors about attending. Childcare is available upon request.
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Memorials and Honoraria
~ with gratitude for contributions to First Presbyterian Church ~
Janellen Day
Dr. Jesse M. Thomas
Mary Lou & Woody Dabbs
Mary K. Mills
Helen & George Cantrell
Evelyn & Don Perry
Dixie & B. J. Jordan
Sandra & Willard Rutledge
Lucinda Sloan
Katherine & Frank Batson
Sherry & Forrest Conley
Peggy & Charlton Lyons
Martha Hudspeth
Rita & James Hickman
Kay & Larry Tyler
William Summerlin
Bobbie & Johnny Walton
J. C. Browne
J. J. Jones
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First Dates
The Men of the Church resume meeting for breakfast Tuesday, September 8 at 6:45 am at the Beacon. The Diaconate will meet Tuesday, September 1 at 5:30 pm in the Session Room. The Mission Ministry Team will meet Thursday, September 3 at 5:30 pm. Piecemakers meet the first Tuesday at 9:30 am, each Wednesday at 9:00 am and Saturday, September 12 at 10:30 am at a location TBD. The Session will meet Monday, September 14 at 5:30 pm in the Session Room The Book Club will meet Tuesday, September 8 at 1:30 pm in Room 101. This month's book is, "Learning to Walk in the Dark," by Barbara Brown Taylor. The Dewey Hickman Grief Support Group will meet Tuesday, September 22 at 10:00 am at the home of Fannie Elliott.
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Reminder: The October deadline for submissions to First Press is
Tuesday, September 15.
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The church office will be closed Monday September 7 in observance of Labor Day.
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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
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Your Church Staff
The Congregation Ministers Ext.
924 Van Buren Avenue * Oxford, Mississippi 38655 * 662-234-1757 * fpcoxford.net
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