The Review
May 19-June 1, 2013
Pentecost Offering

Sunday, May 19, is Pentecost Sunday!

On the Day of Pentecost, just a few short weeks after Jesus had been resurrected from the dead, the Holy Spirit he had promised came suddenly from heaven to fill his followers. As we approach this Pentecost Sunday (May 19th), recall some of the signs and wonders that happened at that time:  "All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.  Day by day, as they spent much time together...they broke bread...and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the good will of all the people. And day by day, the Lord added to their number..." (Acts 2:44-47).

 

By God's grace, the generous giving of God's people produces more, not less!  Pentecost Sunday is a time to celebrate that God's Spirit has lit a fire within Christ's followers that will never be extinguished.  Here's one way we can participate in the ongoing signs and wonders:

 

The Session has set aside Pentecost Sunday, May 19th, to receive one of four 2013 "special offerings". The Pentecost Offering aims to make an impact in the lives of young people within our communities by addressing the needs of at-risk children, youth, and young adults.  40% of the special offering will go to a local mission partner (as selected by our Missions Committee) working directly to benefit at-risk children or youth.  (Past recipients have included the Ozark Family Resource Center, which houses children prior to placement in foster homes or being reunited with their families, and C.A.S.A., which trains and recruits volunteer special advocates to help protect the legal interests of abused and neglected children).  60% through our national Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).  The P.C.(U.S.A.) portion of the Pentecost Offering helps support Young Adult Volunteers, Ministries for Youth and Child Advocacy.  Please pray that God will use this offering to meet a great need in our community and in our country.

 

In Him, Greg
Sunday School Class Schedule
 
Adults
  • Branches/014
    • We Are Church: Communion/Mary Coulter [5/19]
  • March Fellowship/015
    • Yearly Wrap-Up & Summer Electives Review/Leadership Team [5/19]
  • Crossways/016
    • Yearly Wrap-Up & Summer Electives Review/Leadership Team [5/19]
  • Little-Bacon/020
    • Yearly Wrap-Up & Summer Electives Review/Dave Muegge [5/19]
  • McClung/026
    • Yearly Wrap-Up & Summer Electives Review [5/19]
  • Practices/114
    • The Critical Questions: What Am I Worth to Him? What Changed Because He Lives?/Brenda Williams [5/19]
  • Forty-Niners/115
    • The Apocalypse of John/Harvey Cooper [5/19]
  • Hardin/116
    • Hope Through Stewardship/Neil Stenger [5/19]
Children
  • May 19 "Paul Describes Living by God's Spirit" When we live by God's Spirit, God changes us. [Romans 8:9-17]
  • May 26  "Paul Describes Genuine Love" God teaches us how to love. [1 Corinthians 13:1-13]
"New Connections" Class
Sunday, May 19

tree

Learn about becoming a Presbyterian and a member of First & Calvary Presbyterian Church.

 

Please call the church office to register if you would like to come and have not already done so.

 

Get Acquainted with one another

in room 021 from 9:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m.

 

Lunch and conversational information

begins at 12:15 p.m. until 3 p.m. in room 020.

 

A great opportunity to meet First & Calvary staff members!
Joint Adult Sunday School Class on May 26
Fellowship Hall
 
Jenni Horton (intrepid member) and Greg Ellis (Associate Pastor) recently joined eighteen other travelers on Rainbow Network's First Annual GO & SEE Trip, to see first-hand the work of this long-standing First & Calvary mission partner in rural Nicaragua. The week-long trip included the dedication of twenty-five new homes in the rural Nicaraguan community of Hilapo Dos. Come and hear Greg and Jenni report back on what God and God's people are doing in Nicaragua.

Go and See
Pastor's Notes May 19 & 26 Sermon Schedule 
  • May 19: You Feel the Spirit! (Pentecost Sunday) Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, John 14:8-17
  • May 26: You're Fully Equipped! (Trinity Sunday) Romans 5:1-5, Psalm 8, John 16:12-15

 

Lucia Oerter and Greg Ellis will preach in the Contemporary Service:

  • May 19: When The Spirit takes Hold [Lucia Oerter] (Acts 2:1-21)
  • May 26: I Have Much More to say to You [Lucia Oerter] (John 16:12-15)
 EVERY SUNDAY - CHAPEL AT 8:00 AM

Communion, music, prayer, and a brief message are elements

of this 30-minute service of worship (Lucia Oerter).

 

Dr. Gary Stratman to Preach Installation!

 

Rev. Dr. Gary Stratman will preach at the installation service 
for Rev. Dr. Chaney on Sunday afternoon, May 26, at 3:00pm.
Reception to follow.

 

The service of John Calvin Presbytery will be held in the sanctuary and will be a time of great joy and celebration for all. This is a great opportunity to invite those who remember Dr. Stratman's wonderful ministry at First & Calvary as we begin a new time of ministry with Dr. Chaney.

 

Ultimate Hospitality!

 

One of the blessings of being new is being welcomed into your homes. Springfield hospitality is out of this world!  A nice meal, hors d'oeuvres, refreshments, and lively conversation make me feel so welcome. And that is the goal of hospitality, isn't it?  Being hospitable means making someone feel welcome and comfortable, but how does that hospitality translate into church life?  The evangelism committee has been discussing this topic, and in the next few months they will present a hospitality plan for us to follow.  I cannot wait for their results!  We will be blessed! 

 

There is a story about hospitality in Mark 2.  Some friends lowered their paralyzed friend through the roof to get to Jesus.  This paralyzed man was welcomed into the presence of God's grace.  That is what the church is all about.  We lead each other into God's presence because we are all paralyzed by sin.  We are paralyzed by loss, guilt, regret, by fear, by indecision, or by injustice.  Sometimes life can feel as if someone hit the "pause" button and we're not able to go forward or backward. Thank goodness we have the church to press play again. 

 

Do you ever worry about those people that do not have a church?  We are supposed to try creative ways to bring them into the presence of Christ, much like the friends who lowered their friend from a hole in the roof.  Jesus Christ, whose hospitality breaks what paralyzes us, calls us to welcome others with not just the same kind of hospitality we show at home, but an even deeper hospitality.  What makes it deeper? When we bring people into the presence of Christ we are part of God's hospitality.  At our family table we practice hospitality, we give nourishment and comfort in the here and now.  At our communion table...we participate in God's hospitality, bringing others to Jesus who gives eternal nourishment.  Think about it.  That is the ultimate hospitable act!

In Christ, Andrew
The Reason for God
Summer Electives
Summer Sunday School
for all ages
June 2-August 18!

 

Summer Electives provide a break from our normal church school curriculum, as well as an inter-generational experience and a way to meet members of other classes. Classes are taught by members of our congregation, the community or faculty from nearby universities. Read more...

  

June Elective Series

  • There Can't Be Just One True Religion [Kevin Pybas] [6/2]  Many Faiths ... One God? [Lora Hobbs] [6/9, 16, 23, 30]
  • * Family Sunday School Fun [Various Teachers] 

July Elective Series

  • Christian Faith in Contemporary America [Kevin Pybas/Sheri Austin] [7/7, 14, 21]
  • * Family Sunday School Fun [Various Teachers]

July 28/August Elective Series

  • An Early Christmas for First & Calvary: Unwrapping the Nine Gifts of the Spirit in the Church [Cal LeMon] [7/28; 8/4, 11, 18]
  • * Family Sunday School Fun [Various Teachers]

* Family Sunday School Fun -  Interactive! Inter-generational! Inclusive!

 

This is a class study where children, youth, and adults learn with and from each other. All ages of children, youth and adults are welcome to come with their parents or grandparents to engage in activities and discussion about the Fruit of the Spirit and the Armor of God. This class will meet every Sunday from June 2 through August 18 and is an option for all age groups from Kindergarten through adult.

 

Preschool FaithWeaver Sunday school will continue throughout the summer.
First & Calvary would like to extend our most enthusiastic "Congratulations!" and "Yays!" to these in our family who are graduating from college this spring!

 

Lauren Burwell, Natalie Butler, Chelsea Dunn, Will Evans, Andrew Lipscomb, Kevin Madsen, Ana Price, Joe Price, Mary Price, Wacey Rivale, Laura Shaw and James Pettit

(law school).

 

If you'd like more information on these graduates, or have an addition to the list for congrats, please contact our College Ministry Director, Heather Blair.
Art Songs & Arias

 

Lee Chappell, Soprano, will present a voice recital at 3pm on Saturday, May 18th in the North Atrium at First & Calvary. Everyone is invited to attend. Lee will soon complete her sophomore year at Texas Christian University and is a graduate of the F&C Choir program.
Have YOU Been Counted?
Stand Up and Be Counted

 

The Stand Up and Be Counted campaign to update our membership records is drawing to a close.  The campaign has made every attempt to contact all members of the church.  If you have not been contacted or completed an affirmation of membership card, please call the church office to update and affirm your membership right away. Thank You!
Binnie Clements Luncheon
May 20th at Noon

Come, join us and bring a friend for good food, fellowship and to hear about our latest fundraiser for children's charities!

 

This month we will be bringing healthy snacks for kids helped by the Well of Life. This food is used during the months when school is out.   Toothpaste, toothbrushes and floss is needed for the Ronald McDonald House.  Thank You!
The Door
First & Calvary Youth Choir:
"The Door" 

A contemporary musical full of entrances, exits, skits, scripture, dialogue, and music. 

 

Sunday, May 26th

11:00 am in the Multi-Purpose Room

 

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,
I will come in to him and eat with him,

and he with me." Revelation 3:20
THANK YOU From the Youth Choir!

 

Our First & Calvary Youth Choir would like to extend their warmest appreciation for the support shown to them at their Annual Car Wash & Cook Out on April 28th.  Thanks to all of you, our Youth Choir raised over $3500 to be used toward their Carolina trip in late May and toward scholarships. We are blessed to have such a supportive church family!

 

Going to Carolina...

 

Please pray for our First & Calvary Youth Choir as they depart for North and South Carolina on Sunday, May 26th.

 

They will be singing in the following locations:

 

Sunday, May 26th

  • 11:00am First & Calvary Presbyterian Church, Contemporary Worship

Tuesday, May 28th

  • 1:30pm Presbyterian Home in Clinton, South Carolina
  • 6:30pm The Piedmont School in Clinton, South Carolina 

Wednesday, May 29th

  • 7:00am First Presbyterian Church, Clinton, South Carolina
  • 7:00pm Southport Presbyterian Church, Southport, North Carolina
Legacy
Inviting All Women!

YOU are encouraged to join with women of all ages as we come together to share our joyful noise in the "Legacy Women's Chorus"! Bring a "legacy" with you to our rehearsal...a grandmother, mother, daughter, cousin, aunt or friend!

 

Mark your calendar:

  • Pick up music-Wednesday, May 22nd in the choir room 
  • Rehearsal-Wednesday, June 12th at 7:15pm in the choir room 
  • Worship-Sunday, June 16th at 8:30 and 11am (8:00am rehearsal) 

We hope to see YOU on June 12th.

 

Contact Sheila Grisham Pippin or 862-5068
if you have questions or need additional information.
Mission Matters! 

Mission Matters    

The Crosslines Food Challenge concluded with a lively CAN-struction last Sunday in the atrium. Sunday School Classes from pre-school through fifth grade joined the fun. Each child that participated received a blue ribbon from our honorary guests Neil and Juanita Cannon who have served as our fish day organizers for twenty two years.

 

Our church and community are so blessed by these children and the Cannons by their efforts to help change hunger.

 

We successfully collected 2496 pounds of food, that's over a ton, we also collected $1587.00 in cash donations for Crosslines.

 

The Mission Committee thanks you for all of your support and help. We are all blessed to be a blessing.

 

On Monday, April 29th, Greg Ellis, Etljen Flikkema, Terri Raaphorst and Claudia Hartner helped staff the Mobile Food Truck at Robberson School. Forty five families were served, one hundred sixty five individuals.

 

Want to join a service team? Sign up sheets for dates in July, August and September are in the church office for the Mobile Food truck and Saturday Food Pantry.

 

Springfield Our local mission emphasis will continue to focus on hunger in our community during July, August and September.

 

We will be funding and staffing the Saturday Food Pantry at Crosslines on the 4th Saturday of each month.

 

We will also be sponsoring the Mobile Food Truck and will need folks to help deliver food with the truck the 2nd Saturday in July and August.

 

Sign-up sheets are available in your adult Sunday school classes and in the church office. 

 

Don't miss this opportunity to help feed the hungry by showing God's love through your actions.
VBS Everywhere Fun Fair:
Where God's World Comes Together...
Vacation Bible School [July 15-19]
For children ages 3 (by July 1 and diaper free) through Grade 5

 

This interactive, energizing, Bible-based program that gives children a chance to discover God's welcoming love. At this exciting global fair, children will experience the love of Jesus, meet welcoming neighbors from the Bible, and explore the everyday lives of neighbors from Japan, Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Mexico. Children will learn that God's love welcomes everyone as they learn how to love and serve God and be a neighbor to the world.

 

Would you like to be a VBS Volunteer?

The Children's Ministry Committee is in need of "Faith Guides" to guide children as they learn the word of God during VBS 2013. Would you like to spend a week guiding children and helping children grow deeper in their faith?
We need Pringles or tennis ball cans to use for crafts at VBS! 
Please bring them to the church office or leave them outside Erika's door.

Smoke on the Mountain
55 and Over
"Smoke on the Mountain"
Branson Show & Dessert
Tuesday, July 16

Join your friends as we enjoy a

NIGHT OUT in Branson!

 

We'll depart from the church at 6:30 p.m. upon a luxury tour bus for a short trip to Branson.  Upon our arrival at the Branson IMAX shopping mall, you can enjoy a variety of desserts (have your dinner BEFORE our trip), or just browse the shops for a few minutes prior to our 8:00 p.m. showing of the live musical, "Smoke on the Mountain" at the Little Opry Theatre.  We'll return to the church around 11:00 .p.m.
  • There are only 56 seats available on our Cavallo tour bus!
  • The cost is $30 per person-covers  transportation/gratuity/show.
  • (Shopping &/or dessert are on your own.)
Contact Sheila Grisham Pippin for more information!

First & Calvary is actively seeking a Director of Administration

 

The job description is posted on First & Calvary website. This is a senior level staff position.  The Church is hoping to find someone with strong qualifications and experience in the areas of responsibility outlined within the job description.  If you think of someone you feel is well qualified for the position, please encourage that person to apply for the position. Thank You.
The Building & Grounds Committee 
would like to thank everyone
who helped out at the Spring Workday on April 20th!
Box top logo
Thank You!
Erika O'Bryant

COLLECT BOX TOPS FOR
SPRINGFIELD SCHOOLS!

If you do not already collect box tops for your child or grandchild's school, please consider collecting for students at area Springfield Schools. If you use any of the products listed here, simply cut out the box top logo when you are finished with the product and drop the logo in the jars on the tables in the South Atrium or on the 2nd floor. Springfield School students will benefit from this easy project!

Clip Box Tops from hundreds of your favorite products.
Each Box Top is worth $.10 and that adds up fast!