APRIL 27-MAY 3, 2008 First News - First Presbyterian Church

APRIL 27-MAY 3, 2008
WORSHIP
APRIL 27
OFFICER ORDINATION
AND INSTALLATION
8:45 and 11:00am
“By What Authority?”
Dr. David A. Renwick
Holy Scripture
Matthew 7:24-28; 8:5-13
Matthew 21:23-27
8:45am Music
“Thou Art Gone Up
on High”
Paul MacPhail
11:00am Music
“Crown Him King of Glory”
Chancel Choir
Preparation for Worship
Let us lift up our hearts and
voices and worship God!
The 8:45 and 11:00am services are
broadcast over our Internet site by
clicking on “Radio and Web Cast”.
The 11:00am service is broadcast
over radio station WOLT 103.3-FM.
INSIDE THIS WEEK...
Bill’s Book Club ......................3
Day of Prayer ........................2
Members in the Military .......6
Men’s Breakfast ....................4
VBS Registration Form ..........5
First News
First Presbyterian Church
393 East Main Street * Spartanburg, SC 29302-1917
(864) 583-4531 * www.fpcspartanburg.org
A FESTIVAL OF PSALMS
Dear Friends,
This Sunday evening at 7:00 in the chapel the Madrigal Singers will present our spring
concert, titled A Festival of Psalms. We plan to squeeze quite a bit into one hour’s worth
of music: portions (at least) of fifteen different Psalms, eight soloists, organ, piano, harp
and percussion. We’ll be keeping ourselves very busy, and, we hope, you very engaged.
This is as it should be, considering the subject. Martin Luther wrote that the Psalms
“might well be called a little Bible. In this book is comprehended most beautifully and
briefly everything that is in the entire Bible.” John Calvin stated definitively that “in the
Psalter there is nothing wanting which relates to the knowledge of salvation.” Contemporary
scholar Gary Chamberlain put it poignantly: “The Psalms provide the one place
in the Bible where God speaks both to us and for us.”
While we won’t pretend in one concert to access the entire depth and breadth of this
wonderful book, we hope both through the cross-section of Psalms represented and
the variety of musical styles to which they are set offers a taste of the richness of the
Psalter. Here are a few examples:
J. S. Bach’s tour-de-force motet Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied (Sing to the Lord a new
Song), a masterpiece of musical architecture for double chorus that uses parts of Psalms
149 and 150 to celebrate the arrival of a new year.
Emotionally rich settings of Psalms 39 and 42 by English composers Maurcie Greene and
Herbert Howells that speak of a keen awareness of human mortality and frailty, coupled
with a deep longing for God.
Leonard Bernstein’s stunning Chichester Psalms, which use all of Psalms 100, 23, and 131,
as well as portions of Psalms 108, 2, and 133. If any one piece of music captures the
Psalter’s vision of God as both King and shepherd, and the fullness of the human condition
from despair to exaltation, this does. Listen carefully in the second movement and see
if you can pick out the striking section where the men of the chorus chant “Why do the
nations rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?” (Psalm 2) while the ladies gently sing
“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies,” (Psalm 23).
The choir will sing in German, Latin, Hebrew and English. Translations are provided
for the pieces sung in “other tongues”. For those sung in English, you are welcome to
open a pew Bible if you wish and turn to the appropriate Psalm.
There are no bad seats in the chapel for music, but to sit in the nave you might wish to
arrive a little early. A nursery will be provided.
Faithfully,

SUNDAY SCHOOL
FOR APRIL 27
NURSERY AND PRESCHOOL
INFANTS, TODDLERS, TWOS - C108, 103, 106
3K, 4K, 5K - Rooms C111, C110, C112
PATHWAY 2 TRUTH
DANIEL IN THE LIONS’ DEN
1 ST GRADE - Cooking / Yellow Door
2 ND GRADE - Games / Blue Door
3 RD GRADE - Science / Green Door
4 TH GRADE - Storytelling / Purple Door
5 TH GRADE - Computer / Blue Star Door
YOUTH
6 TH -7 TH - Jr. High Room (F207)
Hardship - Karen Keith
8 TH -9 TH - 9th Grade Room (F205)
Old Testament - Nick Wildrick
10 TH -12 TH - Sr. High Room (F202)
Spice Rack - Sanders Lee
ADULT
AGNUS DEI - Room 2210
Daniel’s Prayer for the People - Bill Burns
CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVES - Room C212
Converse Students and International
Issues - Joe Dunn and Students
COLLEGE / CAREER - Fogartie Hall
Jesus on the Firing Line
FAITH BUILDERS - Room C210
Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt -
Lynn Edwards
FAITH PRACTITIONERS - Room C214
Not Meeting this Week
FELLOWSHIP CLASS - Room 2212
Judas: The Man and His Motive(s) - Tom
McDaniel
HORIZONS - Room 2207
Isaiah - Stan Lummus
LADIES’ CHAPEL CLASS - Chapel
Daniel’s Prayer for the People - Barbara
Bylund
MEN’S BIBLE CLASS - Purnell Room
Daniel’s Prayer for the People - De Calvert
OPEN CLASS - Room 2216
Barack Obama’s Audacity of Hope -
Denise Stevens and Kamran Popkin
SPIRITUAL LIFE CLASS - Room 2201
Luke 20 - Allison Wilson
TRUTH SEEKERS - Room 2208
1 Peter: Guide for Living - Art McQueen
2
WELCOME CLASS - Social Hall
Christian Living at First Presbyterian
- David Renwick
WEDNESDAYS AT FIRST . . . APRIL 30
W ednesdays
A t
F irst
FOOD, FELLOWSHIP, AND FAITH
FOR THE WHOLE CHURCH FAMILY
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
3:40-5:15pm Youth to Park Hills Elementary meet in FLC
5:00-6:20pm Dinner Serving Line Open Fogartie Hall
5:15-6:00pm Contemplative Prayer Chapel
6:30-7:15pm Youth Talent Show Social Hall
Nursery Care (age 0-3) Gym Nursery/Playroom
7:30-9:30pm Chancel Choir Choir Room
DINNER (5:00-6:20PM)
Menu: Chicken Fingers with a Variety of Dipping Sauces,
Tossed Salad, Fresh Fruit,
Hot Bread with Butter, Dessert
The cost for dinner is $5 for adults and youth, $4 for seniors (60 and older), $3 for
children (regular menu), or $2 for a Kids’ PBJ or Hot Dog meal with a limit of $15 per a
four-member family.
Make dinner reservations by calling the church office (583-4531)
or registering online (www.fpcspartanburg.org)
prior to noon on Monday.
TONIGHT’S PROGRAM (6:30-7:15PM)
YOUTH TALENT SHOW (Social Hall)
All members and friends are invited to support our very
talented youth in our Grand Finale of the Wednesdays at
First programs for the year. The Talent Show will begin at
6:30pm and will be held in the Social Hall.
DAY OF PRAYER - THURSDAY, MAY 1
First Presbyterian Church will observe the National Day of
Prayer on Thursday, May 1. The Chapel will be open from
8:00am until 6:00pm for those who wish to come for a time of
prayer.

MISSION
For more information about these and other mission projects, contact Shannon Stewart in the
Missions office (208-2132/sstewart@fpcspartanburg.org).
LOCAL MISSIONS
Safe Homes/Rape Crisis Coalition has awarded our church the 2007 Community
Service Award of the Year for outstanding service to victims of domestic violence.
Many thanks to all who give time and resources to
this critical local mission of our church, from everyone
who staffed our Church Bazaar to board members,
legal and law enforcement professionals, and
volunteers at Safe Homes/Rape Crisis. Thank you!
CHURCH-AT-LARGE MISSIONS
Our Gifts to Presbytery: The quality of counselors and staff can make summer
camp an experience of a lifetime for a young person. The Camping Ministries Team
of Foothills Presbytery has budgeted $50,500 in 2008 in Unified Benevolences and
income from fees to provide quality summer staff for Camp Buc.
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS
Costa Rica Mission Trip (July 12-19):
Join us for this construction mission as we develop
the Presbyterian church in Costa Rica.
What: Construction Mission Trip to Costa Rica
Where: Guanacaste Province, the poorest area of
Costa Rica
Cost: $1,650. Scholarships are available to help cover
trip costs.
Deadline for $300 deposit is May 1. Balance is due May 15.
Join us for a Rainforest Adventure where we
explore the world of the treetops and discover
what it means to be a follower of Jesus!
"Every tree in the forest will sing joyful
songs to the Lord." - 1 Chronicles 16:33
June 16-20, 9:00am-12:15pm
We have so many children who are eager to experience a Rainforest Adventure! In
order to meet their needs and faithfully share the good news of being a disciple of
Jesus with them, we will need: 40+ group guides (build relationships with children
and help introduce the day’s Bible stories), 20+ station leaders (lead games, crafts, or
science experiments), and lots of other help with daily registration, check-in, &
traffic directors. We’re also working hard on decorations and lots more “behind-thescenes”
work! We need your help!
To volunteer or register a child, go to www.fpcspartanburg.org and click on the banner
link for VBS. You may also register on paper using the form on page 5 (we prefer web
registration as it saves paper and time!) Contact Zola Griffin or Jodi Strehl for more
information.
FINANCIAL NEWS
2008 Total Budget: $3,012,727
Budget YTD: $887,073
Received YTD: $836,279
BILL’S BOOK CLUB
IS BACK
Are you interested in getting
some new ideas, thinking fresh
thoughts, and delving into some
great discussions with brilliant
minds? If so, you need to consider
becoming a member of
First Presbyterian Church’s new
book group which will be led by
Dr. Bill Arthur. A brief thirty
minute initial discussion of
the group will be held in the
Large Private Dining Room on
Wednesday, April 30, at 5:00pm
(If you are having dinner at WAF,
please go through the line first
and enjoy your dinner while you
join us for our first dicussion.
And be sure to stay for the Youth
Talent Show!).
Plans will be developed for some
good summer reading (that special
book you might take to the
beach or mountains) as well as
launching the group (likely a
once-a-month event, either
morning or evening, or both).
If you are interested, but simply
cannot be present on April 30,
please convey your interest to Dr.
Arthur (583-4531 x167 or
barthur@fpcspartanburg.org).
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MEN’S BREAKFAST
Sunday, May 4
7:30-8:30am Fogartie Hall
“A Way of Prayer”
Dr. Kirk Neely,
Senior Pastor,
Morningside Baptist Church
RSVP by contacting the church
office (mwells@fpcspartanburg.org
/ 583-4531).
Breakfast is available for a donation
of $3.00.
WOMEN’S LUNCHEON
Tuesday, May 20
12:00-1:30pm Fogartie Hall
Speaker: Debbie Sobeski
Read next week’s
First News for more details.
4
YOUTH
JR .HIGHS
SR .HIGHS
We will be going to Park Hills Wednesday, April 30 to
work with the Boys and Girls Club kids! Arrive at the church
by 3:40pm and we will return to the church at 5:00pm.
This will be our last trip to Park Hills this school year.
Mission Trip to Charlotte, July 13-18! Spend a week serving God in the inner
city of Charlotte. Your $100 deposit and forms are past due, but some spaces are
still available! Sign up today!
Great Escape, June 22-27: Spend an amazing week in Tennessee playing crazy
recreation games, challenging other church groups in tournaments, spending
time in small groups, and growing in your faith through amazing worship meetings.
Registration Forms and $100 deposit now PAST DUE! Send it in today!
Breakfast Club, Monday, April 28, 7:03am, Large Private Dining Room:
Come by the church for breakfast, fun prizes and a short devotion to start your
week off right. See you there and don’t forget you can bring a friend! This will
be our last breakfast for the school year!
Breakfast Club (west): Monday, April 28, 7:25-7:55am. Meet at the Hardee’s
by Dorman.
Baccalaureate Sunday, May 18: As a part of this
special Sunday, we need a photo of your child when
he/she was a baby as well as a contemporary or senior
photo for the slide show presentation that will
be shown during the Baccalaureate Breakfast, Sunday,
May 18, 9:45-10:45am in Fogartie Hall. To help
us prepare for this special show, please bring your photos
to the youth office no later than Monday, May 5.
COLLEGE AND YOUNG PROFESSIONALS LUNCH
All young adults in college and in your twenties, please join us
for a free lunch after the 11:00am worship service this Sunday,
April 27.
We will meet in the Large Private Dining Room of Fogartie Hall.
Join us! No reservations required!

Vacation Bible School
Monday-Friday June 16-20
9:00am-12:15pm
For children completing 3-year old class through 5th grade.
Fifth graders may participate in the program as assistant guides.
Registration Form
Name: __________________________________________________ Age: _______
Street Address: __________________________________________________________
City: _____________________________________ State: _____ Zip: _____________
Home Telephone: (_____) ____________________
Date of Birth: _________________ School Grade Completing Spring 2008: _______
Home Church: __________________________________________________________
Family/Parent Email Address:_______________________________________________
Mother’s Name: ________________________ Mother’s Cell/Work Phone: __________
Father’s Name: ________________________ Father’s Cell/Work Phone: __________
In case of emergency, contact: _____________________________________________
Persons authorized to pick up child: _________________________________________
Allergies or other medical condition: _________________________________________
Name of a special friend your child might like to be with: _________________________
T-Shirt Size: YS YM YL AS AM AL
You may register online at fpcspartanburg.org (preferred)
or by completing this form for each child.
Please send your $25 check, made payable to “First Presbyterian Church”,
to Zola Griffin or Jodi Strehl in the Church Office by Sunday, June 1.
Your registration fee includes: Friday’s closing meal, daily take-home items, a Bible book, the
official VBS t-shirt, and a VBS music CD.
Financial assistance is available if needed. Contact Zola or Jodi.
You will receive a confirmation letter with details about Opening Day, Monday, June 16.
For Office Use:
__________________________________ __________________________________
__________________________________ __________________________________
First Presbyterian Church 393 E Main St Spartanburg SC 29302 864-583-4531
5

HANDICAP PARKING
AND CROSSINGS
6
The Facilities Committee
has added additional
permanent
handicap parking
around our church
campus and at the
Mary Black Foundation building
on Sundays only. Thank you for
leaving these spaces open for
our handicapped and senior
citizens. We also ask that you observe
the permanent handicap
crossings for wheeled walkers
and wheelchairs. Some members
have been blocking these access
ways from the sidewalk to
the street. Thank you for your cooperation.
HAVE YOU NOTICED?
The wooden urns, used for flower
arrangements in the Sanctuary,
have been repaired and refinished.
This handsome work was
done by David Shults of
Rickinghall Antiques as a gift to
our church.
MEMBERS IN THE
MILITARY
Please remember to pray for our
members who are in the military.
A complete list of our members
who are currently serving can be
found on the church website at
www.fpcspartanburg.org. If you
have updated information for any
of our servicemen, please contact
ShellyJo Cook (208-2144 or
sjcook@fpcspartanburg.org).
CHURCHWIDE APPRECIATION
PROGRAM AND DINNER FOR VETERANS - MAY 21
The Older Adult Committee invites the congregation of First Presbyterian Church to
join in celebration on Wednesday, May 21, 5:00-7:00pm as we recognize church members
who have served in the Armed Forces! The night will begin with a program and
slide show presentation, followed by a dinner to honor those members who have served
our great nation.
In preparation for the program we are asking congregants who
have served or know of someone who has or is currently serving
at this time to assist with gathering needed information.
We are asking you to provide the following information:
• Veteran’s Name, Rank, Branch of Service
• Dates Served
• War(s) Served In (If Applicable)
• If Available, a Picture of the Veteran In Uniform
Contact Shelly Jo Cook (208-2144 / sjcook@fpcspartanburg.org) or Sandra Parker (573-
8716) with this information. Email pictures or bring them to ShellyJo Cook at the church
offices to be scanned. We ask that all information is turned in no later than
Friday, May 2. Thank you in advance for your participation in making this celebration
a success.
RECREATION NEWS
R.E.A.L. SELF-DEFENSE AND KUBOTAN CLASS
The Recreation Department of First Presbyterian Church will be offering an
efficient, effective, and easy to learn self-defense course utilizing a Realistic-
Effective-Accurate-Learning model and the Kubotan (a self-defense key chain).
This course is for men and women of all ages who want to learn realistic personal
protection techniques. This course relies on instructor lead attack scenarios
to provide the student with practical training. The Kubotan is a simple,
legal, and effective tool easily used for self-defense, because it is a key chain
which is always close and easily accessible. The class will be taught by Mr. John
Wyndham. Mr. Wyndham has more than 23 years of experience in self-defense
training and the martial arts.
The class will be offered on
Thursday, May 15, 9:00-10:30am and
Saturday, May 17, 2:00-3:30pm.
Classes will be held in the Gymnasium of the Family Life Center. The cost is
$25 per person. Sign-Ups are until Friday, May 9. Contact Robert Bannan to
reserve your spot at either class (208-2152 / rbannan@fpcspartanbur.org).
CONGRATULATIONS, ROBERT!
Congratulations to Robert Bannon, our Director of Recreation, who finished
the Boston Marathon with a great time of 3:08. Robert was 2,098 out of 25,285
runners.

CALENDAR OF THE WEEK
Sunday, April 27
8:45am Worship
9:45am Sunday School
9:45am Welcome Class
10:00am Sacraments Class
10:45am Called Session
11:00am Worship
Officer Ordination/Installation
Congregational Meeting
12:00pm College Lunch
2:00pm Presbytery Meeting
(Fourth Presbyterian, Greenville)
4:30pm Welcome Class
4:30pm Youth Talent Show Rehearsal
5:30pm Psalm Bible Study
7:00pm Madrigal Singers’ Concert
Monday, April 28
7:03am Jr. High Breakfast Club
7:25am Sr. High Breakfast Club (west)
8:15am Aerobics
12:00pm Officers’ Prayer Lunch
4:30pm Facilities Committee
5:00pm P.A.C.E. Committee
5:15pm Fellowship Committee
5:30pm Internal Communications Comm.
6:30pm Boy Scouts
6:30pm Stephen Ministers (New Class)
7:00pm Flower-Arranging Class
7:00pm Health Committee
Tuesday, April 29
8:15am Aerobics
9:15am Church Staff
9:30am Flower-Arranging Class
10:00am Library Committee
6:00pm Recreation Committee
6:00pm Handbells
Wednesday, April 30
8:00am Contemplative Prayer
9:00am On-Going Journey Brunch
3:40pm Youth to Park Hills Elementary
5:00pm Bill’s Book Club Initial Meeting
5:00pm Wednesdays at First
(see schedule page 2)
7:30pm Chancel Choir
Thursday, May 1
National Day of Prayer
8:15am Aerobics
9:30am Discovering the Bible
12:00pm Church Prayer Time
4:30pm Personnel Committee
Friday, May 2
8:00am Weight-Lifting Power Group
Saturday, May 3
9:00am Baptism Orientation
Sunday, May 4
Communion
7:30am Men’s Breakfast
8:45am Worship
9:45am Sunday School
9:45am Welcome Class
11:00am Worship
12:00pm College Lunch
12:00pm Welcome Class Luncheon with
Called Session Meeting
2:00pm Presbytery Meeting
4:30pm Youth Mission Committee
6:30pm Scotland Choir
A Stephen Series Congregation
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
CHURCH PICNIC
SUNDAY, MAY 25
12:00PM
FRONT LAWN
DETAILS COMING SOON!
PASTORAL CONCERNS
(Prepared April 23)
Christian sympathy is extended
to Joyce Crescenzi on the death
of her father, Benjamin Franklin
Shue and to Laura Hollar on the
death of her father, Ray Plowden.
* * * * *
The Sacrament of Baptism was
administered to Nicholson
Wrenn Deese, son of Mary Kay
and Andrew Deese and to Finley
Sophia Sloan, daughter of
Christy and Kevin Sloan, on Sunday,
April 20 and as such their
names have been enrolled in the
records of our church.
* * * * *
Congratulations to Mr. and
Mrs. John Marvin Murdaugh
(Elizabeth Anne Arnett) who
were married on Saturday, March
29 and to Mr. and Mrs. Perry
McSwain Judy, III (Brianne
Lea Dunn) who were married on
Saturday, April 19.
* * * * *
On Call: If you are in need of
pastoral care outside of church
office hours, please contact either
Susan Moorefield Newton
(c: 580-1555 / h: 573-9995),
Julie Thompson (497-0468),
Beth Cecil (641-8772), or Scott
Neely (590-8260).
For pastoral needs for our youth,
contact Jeff Smith (909-0715) or
Carrie Williamson (809-9470).
* * * * *
Please help us by contacting the
church (583-4531) or your
P.A.C.E. Ministry Leader if a
member of your family is admitted
to the hospital.
7

First Presbyterian Church
393 East Main Street
Spartanburg, SC 29302-1917
Address Service Requested
OFFICER ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION
THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday, April 27, during the 11:00am Worship Service, we will be Ordaining
and Installing our new officers. Join us to celebrate the leadership of this
class of officers.
Our New Officers are:
Elders: David Beacham, Jennifer Biber, Grier Bomar, Ken Frick, Suzanne
Keim, Craig Kocisko, Bubba Littlejohn, Hunter Mahon, Joe Mattison, Beth
Neidenbach, George Nixon, Jane Ovenden, Betty Williams, Claude
Woollen, Susan Young
Deacons: Doug Baker, Ali Beeson, Dick Burgess, Melissa France, Frank
Lee, Sanders Lee, Mimi McKinney, Eric Nease, Susan Oldham, Michael
Pack, John Reagan, Cathy Scott, Ginger Shuler, Jimmy Trout, Linda West,
Jimmy Edwards (nominated to class of 2009 to fill unexpired term)
And our sincere appreciation is extended to the following outgoing officers,
who will continue to serve for a month-long transition period:
Elders: Jay Bearden, De Calvert, Sally Foster, Susan Kunkler, Don McClure,
Leonard Orders, Dwight Pemberton, Sylvia Spears, Tommy Young
Deacons: Gil Agnew, Julia Manello, Robin New, Kamran Popkin, Carter
Smith, Ron Smith, Donna Thornton, John Verreault
8
Nonprofit Organization
U.S. Postage PAID
Permit No. 15
Spartanburg, SC 29301
CONGREGATIONAL
MEETING
The Session has called a meeting of
the congregation following the
11:00am worship service this Sunday,
April 27. The purpose of this meeting is
to concur with the request of the associate
pastor, Julie Thompson, that her pastoral
relationship with First Presbyterian
Church be dissolved by Foothills Presbytery,
effective June 30, 2008, and (concurrent
with conditions of dissolution as recommended
by the Session and approved
by the Committee on Ministry of Foothills
Presbytery) that her terms of call be
extended to December 31, 2008. (Note:
Julie’s last Sunday will be May 18, with
vacation and continuing education to follow.)