Issue 42 Volume 12 - Week of October 19, 2014

From Dr. Jim Weldon, Jr.

Dear FIPC Church Family,

Many people suffer from depression. Some depression is short term, some is a lifelong condition. Depression is real and affects those who suffer with it in significant ways. I ran across an article which gave 10 practical ways to help with depression and I wanted to share it with you.

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10 Practical Ways to Deal With Depression

by Jarrid Wilson

In light of the recent death of Robin Williams, I felt the need to write a post targeted toward people who deal with depression and anxiety. I remember my days of depression like they were yesterday. That cold, dark and lonely feeling that I could never seem to shake. And while I witnessed many others find help through prayer, counsel and medication, I couldn't seem to find that same relief for myself. This battle was not just mental, but spiritual.

I believe clinical depression is an epidemic that is taking the world by storm. While many individuals might overlook this disorder as something minor, the many deaths and suicide attempts that derive from it prove otherwise.

Facts About Depression:

1. 18.8 million Americans are affected by depressive disorders.

2. Depression is a mental and spiritual battle that affects one in 10 Americans.

3. Number of patients diagnosed with depression increases each year by 20 percent.

4. 121 million people around the world currently suffer from depression.

Those statistics are staggering. I can't help but think about the millions of people who currently feel alone, hopeless and as if their life has no meaning. I've battled with depression for many years, been on and off different medications, and even sought counsel from pastors who specialize in this field.

Ten Ways to Deal With Depression

1. Pray. Find solace in the promises of God (Matthew 11:28).

2. Force yourself to spend time with positive friends and family members. Create a support system.

3. Focus on the positives, your accomplishments and your goals.

4. Try and stay clear of spending too much time alone. Boredom is depression's playground ...

5. Be open, honest and let your loved ones know if you are struggling.

6. Seek professional help. No one is "too cool" to ask for help when in need.

7. Adopt a dog or cat that can be utilized as an emotional support animal.

8. Journal your thoughts and feelings on paper. Take note of your ups and downs.

9. Get outside! Don't spend all your days cooped up in your room or house.

10. Find a hobby. Engage in an activity that you can spend time enjoying.

I'm not a licensed professional, but mentioned above are the few things that helped me through some of the darkest times of my life. Although I have been depression free for the last five years, I still make sure to keep myself aware of its harm and potential to come back and haunt me.

I hope this post encourages you to realize you're not alone. You have identity and worth in Jesus, and your life truly does have purpose.

Share this information in chance of bringing light to someone who is battling depression.

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Through good days and bad days...God is good, all the time! All the time, God is good!

Grace and Peace,

Jim Weldon

Church Celebrations

It's Pastor Appreciation Month!

The FIPC staff took Pastor Jim to lunch at Mojo's Smokehouse today to celebrate Pastor Appreciation month. Jim planted this church back in 2002 and has been shepherding the FIPC flock for 12 years now. The FIPC staff would like to encourage you, before the end of the month, to think of a simple way to let him know how much you appreciate what he does for our church, our church family, your family, and you!

"Clergy Appreciation Month began in 1992 as a way to encourage congregations to show their appreciation, love and support for their pastors. This affirmation can provide new life and energy for a pastor...Pastor Appreciation Month is a great opportunity for individuals and the church, as a whole, to show love and appreciation for their pastor."

Church Announcements

Sunday, October 26

Immediately Following Worship

There will be a Congregational Meeting immediately following worship Sunday to approve and elect the new slate of Elders and Deacons.

Christmas Eve Family Service

December 24

4:00 pm

Sanctuary

Looking for Hams, Divas, and SuperStars for our Family Christmas Eve Service! We have speaking, as well as non-speaking, roles for Children, Youth, and Adults! Practices will be for one hour on Sundays after church beginning December 9th. Don't like the spotlight? We need volunteers for set decoration, costumes, and stage hands (community service hours for youth volunteers!). Contact Carissa Hogan at 449-0703 for more information.

Operation Christmas Child

Shoebox Packing Party

November 5 @ 6:30 pm

Worship Building

Join us in helping children of the world experience the joy of Christmas. Items to be placed in the shoe boxes will be collected through November 4th!

We need the following items:

Toothbrushes/toothpaste
Coloring books/crayons
Hair brushes/combs/hair clips
Pencils/pens/sharpeners
Writing pads
Socks
Sunglasses
Ball caps
Toy jewelry
Small stuffed animals (new)
Small toys (new): cars, dolls, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, slinkies, etc.

Please no war related items, food, liquids/lotions, medications/vitamins, or breakable items.

Bring your items to church and drop them in one of the collection bins, or bring them by the church office. Contact Sara Dryden or Mike Horst for more details.

5th Quarter Finale!

October 24

9:30-11:30 pm

Join us for this season's 5th Quarter Finale on Friday, October 24. We plan to have fireworks, a video game party truck, and a mechanical bull. Food will be provided by O'Brother's Irish Pub.

How can you help with our largest event yet?

Donate homemade cookies, brownies, and desserts.
Donate $ Online!
Sign up to volunteer by contacting Laura Hersperger or writing it on your yellow welcome card during worship.

Blackboard writings A good example is the best sermon

Upcoming Messages

Don't miss out on the important messages that FIPC has planned:

October 26 - Pastor Jim - Daniel Series, Part 3: There Is A God In Heaven.

Daniel 2:24-49

November 2 - Pastor Jim - Daniel Series, Part 4: Going Through The Fire. Daniel 3:1-30

November 9 - Pastor Jim - Daniel Series, Part 5: Am I Crazy? Daniel 4

November 16 - Pastor Jim - Daniel Series, Part 6: The Writing On The Wall. Daniel 5:1-31

November 23 - Pastor Jim - Daniel Series, Part 7: In The Lions' Den. Daniel 6

Pastor Jim invites conversation on the topics before the scheduled Sunday. Dates and topics are subject to change.

Adult Ministries

Raising Kingdom Kids

New Small Group

1st & 3rd Sundays @ 11:15 am

Worship Building Room #2

"It is far easier to shape a child

than repair an adult"

Who: Parents with Small Children

What: New Small Group

When: 1st and 3rd Sundays right after church, 11:15 am to 12:15 am-ish.

Where: FIPC's Worship Building. The children will meet in the Nursery and the adults will meet in Room #2.

Other: Child care will be provided! All who want to use the child care will pitch in to help cover the cost. (Suggested paying between $3 to $5 per child per meeting.)

Food/Snacks: On your own.

Will be reading and discussing the book "Raising Kingdom Kids" by Tony Evans. This group is OPEN to anyone who would like to attend. You can drop in any time and do not have to be at all the meetings. For more information, contact Jim Weldon at 543-8893.

Great Banquet

Mandarin Presbyterian Church

Women's

November 6-9

Men's

November 20-23

72 hour spiritual retreat held at Mandarin Presbyterian Church. Sign up on your yellow welcome card during worship or contact Elder Iris Cruice.

Christian Growth Classes

November 2 @ 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. 1st Base, please sign up ahead of time in order to receive information to be discussed at the meeting.

Youth & Children's Ministries

Lecrae Concert

November 13 @ 7:00 pm

Times-Union Center

This is for all youth (7th-12th grade), and an event you sure don't want to miss! Spots are limited to enjoy this awesome concert. E-mail Mike Horst and drop off a check at church on Sunday or at the church office during the week to secure your spot. Cost of the concert is $35.00 and is due by Sunday, October 26.

ROCK Wednesday Nights

5:30-7:00 pm

ROCK Room

ROCK stands for "Reaching Out for Christ's Kingdom" and is a youth group for 5th and 6th graders. Check out the fun that is planned this Fall:

October 22: Cheese pizza & garden salad--Heaven is For Real, the movie (Part 2), complete with movie theater candy!

October 29: Sub sandwiches & fun Fall inspired treats--pumpkin carving, fellowship, and games!

November 5: Dinner TBA--Study: What is in Heaven?

November 12: Dinner TBA--Study: Who is in Heaven?

November 19: Dinner TBA--Study: Who is the God of Heaven?

November 26: Thanksgiving holiday--No ROCK.

In This Issue

Church Celebrations

Church Announcements

Adult Ministries

Youth & Children Ministries

Thank You

Thanks and Prayer Requests

This Week's Funny

This Week's Devotional

FIPC Calendar

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.

New Members This Year: 21

Attendance:

10/19/14 = 144

Ministry & Building Fund Offerings:

10/19/14 = $7,848.28

(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

Worship Service is held every Sunday morning
10:00 AM

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

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!

ChristLife - Senior High Youth

Fuel - Jr. High Youth Group

ROCK / Children

Thank You Notes

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

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

Church Staff

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

Facebook

Check out our Facebook page! It's a great way to add photos of events and stay in contact with your church.

Quick Links

Register Now

News

Related Topics

More On Us

Thanks and Prayer 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.

Praise from the Welcome Cards:

Kaitlin for her beautiful voice.
Thank you for strength through God.
Celebrating 28 year anniversary with Donna.
Jim M. recovering enough to be in church Sunday.
Praise God for the Bible Study "Stronger". It is so conflicting and yet strengthening. Thank you Lord.
Church family; Lifers; Women's Eve Bible Study; Great Banquets coming up; special times with the Lord.
Thank you God for beautiful weather.
Mom's IV-Pic taken out; home from hospital. Karen, niece, doing well, counseling and growth.
5th Quarter Team, last one! Been a great season.

Prayer Requests:

For our community.
For our church's growth in spirit, connections, and number.
For those who do not know Christ.
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.
Martha Williams, health.
Faircloth family.
Sydney Ward.
Betty Gedrottis

Prayers from the Welcome Cards:

Ambur, recovering minor injuries from car accident. Pray for the family of the man killed in accident.
My mother-in-law, Sara, bypass surgery. My friend, Charlene, cancer. Hold their hand God and comfort them.
Pray for Karen, niece, healing; prayer for my mom, infections from surgery, pray it heals completely and doesn't return.
Please work out issues with house and family.
Please pray for God to return my ability to clear thinking.
Continued help with: 1) goal of completely living on cash. 2) eliminating clutter. 3) desire to work around the house. 4) 2nd half of life, serving Jesus and what He wants us both to do.
Safe and enlightening journey for Harry and his sister driving from Chicago to here. May God open their hearts.
All who are sick and suffering.
Our country; Gregson family; family and friends; upcoming Great Banquet.
Uncle Chuck, 2nd cancer findings. Lexy, may she heal successfully from surgery.
For our country as it goes through it's trials and tribulations.
Great grandmother with health issues.
Healing for Gayle; the Swan family whose father was murdered at work.
That Jan will make right decisions as to health and cancer.
For Sydney with her struggle with MS. Also for my grandparents and grandmother.
Carolyn, safe travel home; church and gov't leaders.

This Week's Funny

This Week's Devotional

"You Need A Battle Buddy"

by Rick Warren

PurposeDriven.com

This Week's Devotional

"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so God can heal you. When a believing person prays, great things happen."

(James 5:16 NCV)

People don't go to war by themselves. It would be a suicide mission. Someone has to have your back.

You need a battle buddy.

The same is true in the spiritual battles we all face. You can't go to war against lustful thoughts, dishonesty, addictions, and fear by yourself. You'll be doomed to fail.

If all you want is to be forgiven, admit your sin and brokenness to God. If you want to make a change, admit it to someone else.

Revealing your sin is the beginning of healing. You don't have to admit your sin to everyone. But you need to admit it to someone. You need one person who'll love you unconditionally, accept you completely, and pray for you constantly. You need someone of the same gender to be open and honest with.

The Bible says in James 5:16 "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so God can heal you. When a believing person prays, great things happen" (NCV).

When you confess your sins to someone else, you open the relief valve and take the pressure off. Suddenly, the boogieman isn't so big.

Often sin is a cycle. You start out humbly asking God for help, so he gives you the power to make it. After about six months of success, you start getting prideful. Then, you fall. And, in humility again, you ask God for help. If you could stay in that spirit of humility, you'd be good. But pride always returns.

You can't kick that kind of cycle without friends who'll pray for you, care for you, encourage you, and keep you on track. When success comes, they'll help you keep your perspective so your humility stays in check.

That's why local churches are so important. But you can attend many churches for years and never put yourself in a situation where you know others and are known by others. Make the effort to find a small group of believers in a local church with whom you can be open and honest.

To think you can quit a bad habit without being honest about it with others is simply a cop out. It never works. You guarantee failure when you do that.

Fleming Island Presbyterian Church 1743 County Road 220 Fleming Island, FL 32003 904-269-2412 www.myfipc.org Directions