FIPC Newsletter

Issue 13 Volume 12  - Week of March 30, 2014

From Dr. Jim Weldon, Jr.

Dear FIPC Church Family, 

 

The last two weeks we looked at some of the facts about teens and children using alcohol, prescription drugs, and illegal drugs like Marijuana.  This week we will be looking at some of the markers or signs that they are using it.

 

I am using three resources in this article.  They can be found here:


"Yes, Your Kid is Smoking Pot" What Every Parent Needs to Know 


Signs of Pot Use in Teens, from Breath Mints to Burns 


Marijuana Use - 15 Signs Parents Need to Watch For 

 

Where there's smoke, there's fire. Chances are, if you think that your child has been using drugs, smoking pot, or using alcohol, he or she probably has. These are the signs:


* Their grades slip.
* They change their friends.  Sometimes this is gradual, sometimes suddenly.
* They stop playing sports or enjoying their hobbies. Suddenly abandoning sports, music, or clubs without replacing these activities and just "hanging out with friends" is not a good sign.
* All, most, or the majority of their friends are using drugs or alcohol.
* They stop going to church and/or youth group or they do not want to have anything to do with spiritual activities.
* Their personalities change.
* They become more negative and less approachable.
* They come home smelling like a "bonfire."  (This is the oldest trick in the book - telling their parents they had a bonfire at someone's house.  They, in fact, may have been at a bonfire, but are in reality using the smoke from the bonfire to cover up the musty smoky smell of Marijuana.)
* They appear stoned.  They may seem silly and giggly for no reason.  Or, if your teen seems confused, slow, and lethargic, they may be high or drunk.  A lot of parents tend to explain away odd behaviors with wishful thinking.
* Signs of depression or isolation from the family. Teens do crave independence and autonomy, and will go through some phases of change, but an unusual demand for isolation in the bedroom and a refusal to participate in family activities may be a cause for concern.
* They seem to be talking in code with friends in your presence.
* They have a sudden need for more money and nothing much to show for it. Using drugs or alcohol can get expensive, whether it's marijuana or something else.
* They have small burns on the thumb and forefinger - this is caused by smoking a joint (marijuana cigarette) down to the end.  It is NOT from a science experiment at school.  They may also develop very small round burns in their clothing caused by hot Marijuana seeds falling on their clothing.
* They begin using incense, perfumes, or air fresheners in their bedroom, bathroom, car, or another location.  Having a smoky smell on the clothes can be a warning sign of drug use. Incense is often used to cover up the smell of burning Marijuana.  Their pillow or other cloth object may develop a "musty bonfire smell" as they exhale smoke into it in an attempt to reduce the marijuana odor indoors or out. 
* The increased use of mints, mouthwash, and gum.  If your teen suddenly develops a concern with scent masking agents, you might want to wonder why all of a sudden this is so.
* Increased use of eye drops.  If you find eye drops in their car, bedroom, backpack or pant pockets, or the washing machine after doing the laundry, you have real cause for concern. Healthy teens don't often need eye strain medication.  Red eyed marijuana smokers and teens experimenting with alcohol use it to conceal their using.
* A case of The Munchies. There's Never Enough Food in the House.
* A collection Of "stoner movies" or "drinking movies" which glorify the use of Marijuana and/or alcohol.
* You find drug paraphernalia in their room or backpack or purse or car, including rolling papers, pipes, roach clips, and bongs. This is a clear sign that pot smoking has gone far beyond the stage of experimentation and has become a habit. Once teens acquire drug taking accessories, you can be sure they've passed the initial experimentation stage of use. Do not believe it when they tell you that they are "holding these things for friends."
* Beer cans, bottles, bottle tops, wine corks, or receipts from buying alcohol in their car.
* Alcohol related Marijuana stickers or posters. A lot of teens like to advertise their usage and do so through stickers or pins on school bags and books, or through posters in the bedroom. A marijuana poster above the bed is a pretty good sign of an unhealthy interest in the drug. The code 420 always refers to marijuana smoking and you can often see 420 stickers on teen school bags.
* They don't seem motivated to accomplish any worthwhile goals. Normal healthy teens will have interests, passions, and desires to accomplish goals. These desires may not be academic, and they may not be interests that you approve of, but most teens have interests and activities. If your teen doesn't seem to have any, they may be smoking marijuana.
* A sudden willingness to take the dog for a late night walk may be an excuse to get out of the house to smoke a joint or have a drink.


One of the keys is to look at what is happening to your child's relationships. People focus on bloodshot eyes, but focus on how drugs affect kids' values: their love of family, self-respect, and the respect they get from others.  These are the issues that people don't talk about.

 

These are just some of the behaviors children and youth can exhibit when they are using drugs and/or alcohol.  Next week we will look at what we can do if your child/teen is using.

 

God is GOOD!  ALL the time!  Your pastor and friend... Jim Weldon


Church Celebrations
 

Communion Class

The following children completed our 2014 Communion Class and will be recognized during worship Sunday:

 

James Buikema
Nick Cafcules
Hennessey Clifton
Alexa Cooler
Philip Haynes
Jayden Santiago
Chris Sophrey
Hamira Sophrey
Paris Sophrey


Church Announcements

Palm Sunday, April 13

2:00 pm

Fleming Island Presbyterian Church

Front Lawn

 

The following donations are needed:  plastic eggs filled with candy or toys (no chocolate) and cookies (homemade or purchased).  Help is needed on the day of the hunt with:  setup, cleanup, parking, hiding eggs, supervision of games, and serving cookies and lemonade.


Food Pantry of
Green Cove Springs
Presents Caring & Sharing
 

 

Please help us serve the hungry in our community by donating the following specific items during each week of the food drive:

 

 

  

 

March 9 - Macaroni & Cheese

March 16 - Canned Fruit

March 23 - Canned Vegetables

March 30 - Canned or Dry Beans

April 6 - Canned or Boxed Pasta

April 13 - Canned Meats

 

 "For I was hungry and you gave me food...."

Matthew 25:35


Clay County Cruzers
Rev It Up Car Show

 

 

Saturday, April 26

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Fleming Island Presbyterian Church

 

Don't miss out on this annual event.  Stop by and gaze at all the classic cars you can dream about.  Proceeds for this event are split between the church and the Yellow Ribbon Fund, Inc. (benefiting injured service members when they return home).  Please contact Elder Arlene Bowling, if you have any questions.


FIPC's 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament

 

 

Saturday, May 3

11:30 am

The Golf Club at Fleming Island

Cost $75

 

 

For more information about the tournament, contact Oz May, Rick Trecida, Tim Hobson, or David DrewRegister online now!


Adult Ministries

 

 

Women's Evening Bible Study
Thursday Evenings, 6:30 pm
Classroom 2

 

Join Lisa Harper as she journeys with women through this bridge between the Old and New Testaments to get to the heart of the matter: Jesus is our accessible King.  Visit our web site for a more detailed description of Hebrews:  The Nearness of King Jesus or watch the You Tube trailer.  Feel free to contact Shon Brewer for more information.


Great Banquet

 

Great Banquet

Women's Weekend:

April 3-6

 

Men's Weekend:

April 24-27

 

Don't miss out on this exciting and spiritually moving 72 hour retreat. The retreat is held at Mandarin Presbyterian Church (just over the bridge), and runs from Thursday evening until Sunday afternoon. You will be fed and blessed in over abundance! The Great Banquet seeks to bring people to a deeper and closer connection with Christ through prayer, reflection, and fellowship with others. If you have any questions, please contact Elder Iris Cruice.


Christian Growth Classes
Christian Growth Classes
April 27, 1:00 pm
Worship Building

 

We would love for you to join the church and continue your discipleship journey by partaking in one of these classes.  If you are interested in joining the church or attending one of the classes, please contact Director of Membership Sara Dryden. 


Adult Bible Study
Sunday mornings, 8:30 am
Classroom 2
Refer to our web site for a more detailed description of Moving on with Mark.  Feel free to contact Ann Roos for more information.

Youth Ministries

 

Sr. High Youth

Student Life at the Beach Camp

July 14-18

Cost $350*

 

Give your youth the gift of a week with God at the beach and you will see them take the next step in their spiritual growth-whether that's the very first step in faith or their next step in Christian maturity.  Worship will be led by Louie Giglio and Chris Tomlin-this truly is a phenomenal experience!

 

Initial Deposit: $170.00 (due April 27)
Cost Includes: Lodging, travel, and food for the week
Lodging Location: Hilton Daytona Beach 

 

*pending meeting fundraising goals

 

Parent's Meeting

April 22 @ 7:00 pm

Sanctuary

 

 Online registration opens soon.  Spots are limited!


Children's Ministries

2 New Summer Camp Opportunities!

 

Sports Camp for K-6

 

July 21-25

9:00 am-12 noon

Cost $50

(for early registration)

 

This awesome summer camp will offer various sports activities, such as soccer, basketball, cheerleading, and flag football.  Children will experience team work, while learning about the good news of Jesus Christ.

 

We need volunteers!

If you are interested in helping out with this camp, please contact Carissa Hogan. 

 


Cub Camp for 3, 4, & 5 Year Olds

 

 

 

Mark Your Calendars! 

June 23-27

9:00-11:30 am

Cost $50

 

 

 

Children will enjoy crafts, games, and snacks.

 

We need volunteers!

If you are interested in helping out with this camp and love to work with Pre-K children, please contact Sandy May


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In This Issue
Church Celebrations
Church Announcements
Adult Ministries
Youth Ministries
Children's Ministries
A Record of Our Faithfulness
Thanks and Prayer Requests
This Week's Funny
This Week's Devotional
FIPC Calendar
Calendar

Link 

A Record of Our Faithfulness

FIPC is a member supported church.

We do not receive any outside funding.  Everything we do is made possible through your faithful giving.

 

Attendance:  

3/30/14 = 129

 

Ministry & Buliding Fund Offerings: 

03/30/14 = $7,586.14

(2014 weekly need = $10,048)

 

 

Offering envelopes are  available in the church bulletin for cash offerings. The envelopes are not necessary for checks.  If you ever have any questions about FIPC finances, please contact our CFO & Church Administrator, Dawn Vanderpool, at the church office at (904) 269-2412 ext. 701.

Sunday Worship
sunday service
Worship Service is held every Sunday morning
10:00 AM

Attire is casual. It is an uplifting, come as you are service.
 
Small Groups

God never intended for us to go it alone!

 

We want to help you find the Small Group where you can you grow in your faith and have some fun doing it!

Link 

ChristLife - Senior High Youth
Link  
Fuel - Jr. High Youth Group
Link
ROCK / Children
THE ROCK LOGO
Link
 Childrens Ministries
Link 
Thank You Notes
Thank You

   

Thanks to:

 

The Hospitality Team for Sunday morning refreshments!  

 

The counting team for your continued service to your church!

 

Our Awesome Worship Band!

 

Those who helped usher/greet last Sunday!

 

Our Children's Ministry Volunteers!

 

Our Youth Ministry Team!

 

Announcements

Announcements for the e-newsletter, power point slide show during worship, and web site should be emailed to Dawn Vanderpool by 9 am on Mondays.

 

Announcements for the bulletin should be emailed to Sara Dryden by 10 am on Tuesdays.

Christian Counseling Center
Christian Counseling Center

A ministry of Fleming Island Presbyterian Church, The Christian Counseling Center of FIPC is an outreach of the church to our community. 

Link
Church Staff
If you would like to contact a church staff member please go to our website.

 

Facebook

FacebookCheck out our Facebook page! It's a great way to add photos of events and stay in contact with your church.
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List


Thanks and Prayer Requests
Paryer Requests
Praise / Thanks:

  • To God for all the new families He is bringing to us.
  • To God for blessing us abundantly.
  • To God for His Word revealed to us in the Bible.
  • To God for all those who work so hard behind the scenes.
  • To God for our Hospitality Ministry.     
  • To God for our Sunday School Team.
  • To God for our Youth Group Leaders.
  • To God for our Great Worship Band and AV Team.
  • To God for all those folks who pray each day for FIPC.

From the Welcome Cards:
  • Opportunities; for health; being blessed with beautiful grandchildren.
  • Beautiful singing by all!
  • Beautiful music!
  • To all who helped and work to have the church inviting.
  • God's blessings; God's grace and mercy; Great Banquet.
  • For life.
  • Excited to attend the Great Banquet.
  • Good sermon Jim!       
 Prayer Requests:
  • For our community.
  • For our church's growth in spirit, connections, and number.  
  • For those who do not know Christ.
  • For our Church's Pastor and Staff.
  • The grace to live out our faith.
  • For our FIPC Pastor, Staff, Elders, Deacons and their families.
  • For families and individuals who are hurting.
  • For the PCUSA and FIPC's response to the changes. For our Denominational Relations Committee.
  • Jason Hersperger, deployed to El Salvador.
  • Martha and James Williams, health.
  • Faircloth family, health.
  • Sydney Ward.

From the Welcome Cards:
  • Son gets his promotion; to get the idea that it is not about me.
  • Carolyn to get well; Chris and Evan living in Orlando; church and gov't leaders.
  • Betty Petron, Jennifer's mom, as she goes into heart surgery on Tuesday, April 1.
  • Rebecca S., Matt W., Nicholas S.
  • Family; our church (continued healing); Helen V. and loss of their grandson; Great Banquet.
  • Kristen for strength, wisdom and peace to listen for God's word and God to empower her.
  • For my Grandma without my Grandpa and my friend Sydney who has MS.
  • Julie H.'s grandfather; Suzanne S., health issues; Don S. and his children.
  • Hannah's job search; for the spirit of peace at work; to know and follow God's will.
  • Gus V.III.
  • Jeff V. as he has surgery on his hand this Thursday, April 3.
This Week's Funny

 

 

Ten Quotes To Share On April Fool's Day 

 

"Mix a little foolishness with your prudence: It's good to be silly at the right moment." -- Horace

 

"The trouble with practical jokes is that very often they get elected."  -- Will Rogers

 

"I have great faith in fools - self-confidence, my friends call it." -- Edgar Allan Poe

 

"Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me." -- Chinese Proverb

 

"The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes."-- Sir Winston Churchill

 

"A mother takes 20 years to make a man of her boy, and another woman makes a fool of him in 20 minutes." --Robert Frost

 

"Wise men don't need advice. Fools won't take it." --Benjamin Franklin

 

"When in doubt, make a fool of yourself." --Cynthia Heimel

 

"The haste of a fool is the slowest thing in the world." --Thomas Shadwell

 

"It is the ability to take a joke, not make one, that proves you have a sense of humor." --Max Eastman

 

This Week's Devotional

  

This Week's Devotional  "Anybody Need a Fresh Start?"

by Rick Warren 

 PurposeDriven.com 

  

"Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven."

 (1 Peter 1:3-4 MSG) 

 

Once I typed the phrase "fresh start" into Google, and it brought up 485,000 links! Evidently, a lot of people would like to have a fresh start in life. They think, "I've blown it, I've messed up, I've really made a mess of things in my life. I'd like a fresh start."

 

Jesus is in the business of giving people a fresh start. The apostle Peter says, "Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven" (1 Peter 1:3-4 MSG).

 

Several things happen once you give your life to Christ:


* You open up your life to God and get to know him.


* You're given a brand new life, which gives you everything to live for.


* You get a future in Heaven.

 

You can say it this way: You get your past forgiven, a purpose for livin', and a home in Heaven. What a deal! Your past, present, and future are taken care of as you put your trust in Jesus.

 

"Everything that we have - right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start - comes from God by way of Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 1:30). 

Fleming Island Presbyterian Church
1743 County Road 220
Fleming Island, FL 32003