August 2012 - First Presbyterian Church, Georgetown, Texas

FIRSTWORDAugust 2012Georgetown, TexasFirst Presbyterian ChurchInside2 Stewardship 20133 Financial ReportFlowers in WorshipHead Deacon11 August Calendar12 August CelebrationsChristian Education4 Joy’s ColumnNoah’s ArkTeachers/Bible StudiesLeaders Meeting5 LogosClass to PrepareChildren forCommunionYouth Ministry6 Team Returns fromBelizeFellowship2 ACTsPresbyterian WomenMission8 The Caring PlaceMEDICO/HabitatMission Sewing10 Pan American SchoolEmphasis on MissionFar and Near in 2012Care Ministry3 Among Our People9 Parish NurseStephen MinistryFrom the Pastor . . . . . . . .Hello, everyone! I will soon be back amongyou and in the pulpit on the first Sundayof August, the 5 th . Thank you for the verygenerous gift of this sabbaticalleave. It has beenone of the unique opportunitiesof my life to restand restore and reflect onthe calling I cherish as Pastorof First PresbyterianChurch in Georgetown.I am grateful to our entire church staffand many members who stepped forwardto make sure that our church was faithfulto Christ’s calling during my time away. Aspecial thanks to Dr. David Evans, whoanswered the call to lead our church duringthese months. I am grateful for hispreaching, worship leadership, and directionof the staff and the Session. What aspecial blessing for us that David concludedhis long and fruitful ministry hereat our church.My days during this sabbatical werespent with my family. Cindy and I enjoyedmany special times together. Our children,their significant others and our grandchildrenoften filled our home with joy andlaughter during these months. There weremany, many meals together. We were ableto travel to Chicago. We went on the rivertour of the downtown architecture, visitedthe Navy Pier and Fourth PresbyterianChurch, ate Chicago dogs and deepdish, and saw the Cubs win at WrigleyField.Much of my sabbatical was also spentin solitary pursuits. I read constantly, enjoyingtopics as diverse as World War I,Charles Dickens, the gospels, church history,problem of suffering, the Christianyear, the future of Presbyterianism, andA U G U S T W O R S H I P8:30 a.m. Sanctuary11 a.m. Worship Center -Fellowship HallDr. Michael Roberts, PreachingAugust 5: “Worthy of the Calling”The Sacrament of the Lord’s SupperScripture: Ephesians 4:1-16August 12: “Our Life Together”Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-5:2August 19: “Participating in God’s Mission”Scripture: Matthew 22:34-46, 28:16-20August 26: “Doers of the Word”Begin sermon series on the Epistle of JamesScripture: James 1:17-27Congregational meetingcalled for August 12The Session has called a congregationalmeeting for August 12 (following the 11a.m. worship service) to elect the 2012-13Church Officer Nominating Committee.Nominees who will be presented are BillMcKenna (Chair) and Courtney Root(Vice Chair), Session; Lois Stanley, Diaconate;Lenice Smithwick, PresbyterianWomen; Amy Pratt, Music Ministry; andrepresentatives to be named from Trustees,Men’s Christian Fellowship, ChurchSchool and Logos/Youth:Promotion/Rally Day:(continued on page 2)September 2

F I R S T W O R D 3Special concerns: Sam Arant; LaurenBrown, Bob and Dottie King’s granddaughter;Dennis Geiger; CatherineGlenn; Terry Hotten; Betty Hudson;Shea Norfleet; and Betty Wallace.Serving in the military: Brian Belford,Jane Belford’s grandson and BonnieBelford’s nephew; Josh Benge, Sturdy andTammy Wanamaker’s nephew; Capt.Brian Berlakovich, grandson-in-law, andMaj. Robert Kain III, grandson, of OuidaHenderson; Capt. Ronald Boyd, Chaplain;Maj. Brian Burk, Larry Burk’s son;Maj. Kyle Burrow, David Lee Hulsey’scousin; Capt. Geoff Childs, Helen Douglass’grandson-in-law; Rick Cosper; Capt.Josh Daleiden, husband of Lisa Foster;Chaplain Douglas Fenton; Pete and KellieMoore Fredsholm, Tommy and ClaraMoore’s granddaughter; Jared A. Gross,Income and Expense ReportYear to Date - June 2012General Operating FundActualAmong Our PeopleAnnualBudgetYTD %AnnualBudgetINCOMEPledges $440,610 $793,265 56%Other 55,116 92,959 59%TOTAL $495,726 $886,224 56%EXPENSESValidated Mission 30,483 57,681 53%Local/Other Mission 9,758 21,319 46%Ministry of the Word 71,031 141,232 50%Program/Support Staff 182,631 366,438 50%Christian Education 14,578 29,000 50%Music and Worship 6,681 14,000 48%Evangelism/Care 1,279 6,900 19%Property 39,629 89,900 44%Stewardship/Finance 12,114 17,270 70%Other Oper Expenses 20,070 38,050 53%Debt Retirement 45,519 91,032 50%TOTAL $433,773 $872,822 50%Boldface indicates a memberof First Presbyterian Church.Robert Bedford’s nephew; Brian Hall; 2 ndLt. Daniel Hammond, Keith and Sue Renard’sgrandson-in-law; Greg Helmka,Chuck Helmka’s son; Garrett Herbst;Jeremy Hord; Brandon Keith, Phil andJeanne Smith’s son-in-law; DebraKnight; Nicholaas Leloux; David Penney;SSgt. Paul Rayburn; Rev. LouisRosa; Col. Wayne M. Shanks, George andMary Pope’s son-in-law; Maj. MargaretSharpnack, Phil and Cindy Sharpnack’sdaughter; Col. Tim Smith; Ashton Stamos,grandson of Larry and Helen Burk;and Steven T. Watson. Also serving in themilitary is Vernon Sanders, CarolynPursley’s grandson, who completed hisMarine Corps training and is now a licensedair traffic controller stationed atQuantico, Virginia.Congratulations to: John and Ruth Mc-Entire on the birth of daughter EmilyElizabeth on July 4; and to Carolyn Pursley,whose granddaughter, Destiny Saunders,graduated 10 th in her class fromColumbia High School in Huntsville, Alabama,and hopes to attend the Universityof Texas at Austin.In memoriam: Wanda Hoermann joinedthe Church Triumphant on July 2. Amemorial service was held in CorpusChristi July 5. Condolences may be sentto Leroy at 5857 Timbergate #1163, CorpusChristi, TX 78414.Our sympathy to: John and JenniferMiller on the death of John’s grandfather,Elmer Miller.Thank you: We want to thank everyoneat First Presbyterian Church for their visits,cards, and prayers during Dennis’ time inthe hospital and rehab. A special thank youto Penny, David and Jenny for their visitsand prayers.Blessing, Jan and Dennis GeigerFlowersin WorshipAugust 5:Marv & Sandy HulshizerAugust 12:George & Linette HarwellAugust 19:Dot RiddleAugust 26:Corey & Elizabeth BaileyHead Deacon8:30 service:Joan ShraderBarbara Caudle11:00 service:Suzy TaylorLois StanleyThank you:Dear First Pres churchfamily,Thank you for youroutpouring of love andsupport as we preparedfor and welcomed Lily inJune. We appreciated theshowers, cards, gifts andmeals so incrediblymuch! We know we areblessed to have such awonderful church inwhich to raise Lily, andwe thank God for youregularly. Many blessings,Sarah and DavidLee Hulsey

4 F I R S T W O R DJoy BedfordEducation Directorjoy.bedford@yahoo.comOffice Hours:Tuesday - Friday9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. “it’s for life!”Sunday Schoolteachers andLogos Biblestudy teachers:We meet August 25 from9 a.m. to 12 noon inRoom 101 to makeourselves ready for thenew year. From 9-10:30we will have coffee, juiceand donuts togetherwhile we focus on importantinformation for allteachers (even teachers ofadults). From 10:30-11,we will focus on theneeds of the teachers ofchildren and youth.From 11 to noon, you canmake your room readyfor Rally Day. I cannotwait for us all to betogether again. Don’tforget to be praying forthose who will be comingto your classes this falland for your fellowteachers.Questions? Call JoyBedford, 863-3381.C H R I S T I A N E D U C A T I O NGetting ready for fall. . .Why do we do what we do? We dowhat we do to teach the stories that willchange our very lives. The world is constantlychanging, but the love of Jesus andwhat He taught us never changes. That iswhy we provide worship and SundaySchool and extra programs for children(Logos), extra programs for youth (Biblestudies, SNL), and extra programs foradults (mid-week Bible studies, circles).We do what we do because “it’s for life!”and there is just nothing more important.As you begin to plan your fall schedules,please think about how much timeyou will spend learning and growing inyour relationship with Jesus Christ, andin your relationship with other Christiansand with your church family. It is in beingtogether and growing in our faith thatwe are better prepared for taking on theworld.“A profession of faith is not a parttimepromise; It’s a whole time / all thetime / every time way of life, And wewho say we believe in Jesus Christ aresaying now and tomorrow and forever.”—Ann Weems, Searching for ShalomNoah’s ArkPre-schoolMinistry of FPCTuesdays and ThursdaysSeptember - May, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.Noah’s Ark is now enrolling for the2012-13 school year—children ages 18months - 5 years.Call 868-5971 for more info.Spread the word!The first day of school is September 4!Important Dates:You will receive a letter the first week inAugust that will include all the educationalopportunities for adults, children andyouth. But go ahead and mark your calendarwith these dates:August 14, 15, 16: Camp Blast9 a.m. - 12 noonAugust 26: Promotion Sunday, RALLYDAYWe will gather in the Sanctuary at 9:40.Singing begins as soon as 8:30 worship isover. Certificates will be given to the children,teachers will be recognized for theirservice, and new teachers will be introduced.There will be time for parents tovisit their children’s classrooms and meetteachers. Information on adult classes willbe handed out. Brunch will be served outside(unless the temperature is 100). It is agreat way to begin your year of growingup in Christ!August 26: Confirmands will receiveBibles, 11 a.m. WorshipSeptember 2:Cross Training Resumes, 9:30 a.m.Adult, Children & Youth SundaySchool classes begin, 9:40 a.m.August 26: Youth Kick-OffAugust 29: Logos RegistrationAll-Church RetreatSeptember 21-23Mo-RanchIf you haven’t registered yet, now’sthe time. It will be a great weekend ofstudy, rest and play. Call Joy Bedfordat 863-3381 if you need more information.

Logos gears up for fall, needs volunteersLogos is back, “Hook, Line and Sinker,”August 29! Our annual registration/kickofftakes place from 5:30 - 7:15 p.m. andis sure to get you “hooked” on Logos!Logos is our mid-week program forchildren in kindergarten - 6 th grade. It’snicknamed the mid-week miracle becauseit’s simply the most fun you can have on aWednesday night! Each week the childrenparticipate in a Bible study class, a worshipskills class and a family-style dinner wherewe have a kid-friendly meal followed byan activity. Logos bridges the gap fromSunday to Sunday and helps childrenform relationships with other children,adults and, most importantly, God.We are looking for new volunteersto “get hooked” on Logos! Logos’ successis dependent on awesome volunteers andthere are several ways you can serve.Weekly commitments are table parents,choir assistants and Bible study helpers.For their service, table parents get to enjoya great meal with six great childrenDear Friends,“Pronouncing a blessing puts you as close toGod as you can get. To pronounce a blessingon something is to see it from the divine perspective.”—(Barbara Brown Taylor, An Altar in theWorld: A Geography of Faith, p. 206)I will let you in on a little “pastor’s secret.”One of the most profound moments ofworship each Sunday is that moment Icome down from the chancel into themidst of you and “charge” you with theWord of God: “Go out into the world inpeace, have courage, hold on to what is good,return no one evil for evil, strengthen thefaint-hearted, support the weak, help the suffering,honor all people, love and serve theLord, rejoicing in the power of the HolySpirit.”(see I Cor. 16:1; II Tim. 2:1; Eph. 6:10; IThess. 5:13-22; I Peter 2:17)Then, after the charge, comes theblessing, usually the Trinitarian blessingand build a relationship with them overthe semester.Our cook teams also need great volunteers!Each team cooks once a monthfor these awesome children. Each teamhas a leader, who plans the meal, and fouror five team members who help preparethe meal and clean up. Cook teams are agreat way to get involved in Logos withoutdealing directly with the children.Cooks connect with other church membersand build relationships through acommon experience. Cook team membersusually participate from 4 - 7 p.m. (dependingon the meal) once a month. Thisis an excellent way to share your culinaryskills with a very appreciative bunch.These opportunities to share your timeand talents are very rewarding for boththe volunteer and the participants. Pleasefeel free to contact me with any questionsabout these opportunities.—Kathleen WenzelMessage from our acting pastor, David Evansfrom II Corinthians 13:13: “The grace ofthe Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, andthe communion of the Holy Spirit be withyou all.”Over the 40 years of my ministry, incongregations in Annapolis, Maryland andin the Washington, D.C. suburbs, in Austinand Corpus Christi, Texas, and recentlyin Boerne and Marble Falls and nowGeorgetown, Sunday after Sunday I havepronounced this blessing, this benediction,over the congregations I have servedand over the people I have come to knowand love. It is a powerful moment and aholy moment for me. A moment that Icherish and one that I never take forgranted.Now, by the time you receive this Augustepistle, I will have preached my lastsermon and given my last charge and pronouncedmy last blessing to you. I amhumbled that God has used this “treasurein an earthen vessel” over the past 40 years.I am thankful that this active part of my(continued on page 8)F I R S T W O R D 5Class prepareschildren forCommunionDr. Michael Roberts willteach a class August 19at 9:40 a.m. on preparingchildren for Communion.The class is forboth children andparents and will meet inthe Conference Room.Our Directory ofWorship provides that,when a baptized childbegins to express a desireto receive the Sacramentof the Lord’s Supper, theSession should take noteof this and provide anoccasion for recognitionand welcome.Children who participatein this orientationwill be welcomed to theCommunion Table onSunday, September 2.Call the church office(863-3381) to indicateyour interest in attendingthis class.FPC “On the Road”Don’t forgetto send us your“on the road”pictures for thebulletin board!

6 F I R S T W O R DYouthAugustCalendarJuly 26 - August 9:DL & Sarah on vacationAugust 12:Stockholders BanquetAugust 22:Parent Meeting, 6 p.m.Youth Bible StudyLeaders Training, 7 p.m.August 26:Youth Kick-Off5 - 8 p.m.August 29:First Youth Bible StudyWhat a wonderful summer this has been!As we look forward to August, we wantto celebrate the work God has donethrough us during our mission trip toBelize in July. It was my first time everleading an international mission trip, andI was so fortunate to go with a team thatwas up for any challenge, rolled with thepunches, and did it all with a smile on theirfaces and Christ in their hearts.We began with Sunday worship at LifeMinistries Church in San Ignacio, Belize,where we were surprised to find out thatwe were leading worship. After recoveringfrom the panic, we led with somesongs and prayers and we made it throughwith God’s help. The church family wasvery excited to have us with them, andthe Sunday night and Tuesday night worshipservices went with a little more easeas our team led in singing, praying, a solo,a trio, sharing our stories, two sermons,and even a chalk drawing.Our Vacation Bible School was a hugesuccess. Since First Presbyterian has a highstandard of excellence for our VBS’s backY O U T H M I N I S T R YTeam returns from Belize mission triphome, we wanted to maintain that excellenceabroad. Even with a limited facility(only as big as the Conference Room atour church), we began with 12 kids andended with 50 kids who will remain inour hearts forever. We had fun singing anddancing, making crafts, listening to Biblestories, and playing games. The childrendidn’t want us to leave, and it was VERYhard to say good-bye.On the last full day we traveled to abeautiful island to have our final teammeeting, enjoy local restaurants, swim withsharks and rays, and enjoy the beauty ofBelize before heading home. All in all, weaccomplished our main goal of sharing thelove of Christ with those we met, and Ifirmly believe that the trip had (and willcontinue to have) a profound impact inthe lives of our team. We pray that thisexperience will not be the last, and thatwe would continue to be transformed bythe mercy of Christ and further God’skingdom in our own lives as well as wholeearth. Amen and thanks.—David Lee & the Belize TeamFirst PresbyterianChurchweb page:www.fpcgeorgetown.org

F I R S T W O R D 7Thank You, Church FamilyDear Church Family,I have just returned from the trip of alifetime to Belize. I got to eat the bestfood I have ever tasted, see Howlermonkeys, and pet sharks andsting rays. But none of thosethings made it the trip of a lifetime.Being witness to God’snever-ending blessings and lovemade it the trip of a lifetime. I sawit in the pastor when he preached in hislittle church on Sunday. I saw it in the eyesof the women who made every single mealfor us from scratch. I saw it in David Leeand Tristan when they led the message onTuesday night. I saw it in the children’seyes when singing and dancing for Jesusduring VBS. And I saw it in each and everyperson who went with this church toBelize. God was there, blessing us everysingle second of every day and made thetrip truly life-changing.This trip changed lives! It movedpeople’s hearts! It fed people’s souls! Andin addition to the amazing grace ofGod, there are many reasons the tripwas possible and went so very well.You! We could not have pulled this offwithout you, church family. Yourprayers and your support were absolutelykey to the success of thistrip. It was encouraging to know thatwe had so many faithful and caring membersthinking about us and blessing ourjourney. You have changed our lives andmany others back in Belize because ofyour support.We thank you from the bottom of ourhearts for your dedication to us and devotionto God, for it is through Him that allthings are possible and lives are changed.In Christ’s love,Katy BedfordScenes from Belize Mission Trip

8 F I R S T W O R DM I S S I O NToday’s needs:• Personal care andtoiletry items such asshampoo, soap anddeodorant (you can buythese along with toothpasteand toothbrushesat the Dollar Tree for $1each)• TOILET PAPER(always a huge need)• Feminine products• Size 4 and 5 diapersMission Sewingmeets August 10Mission Sewing will meetFriday, August 10, at 10a.m. in Room 111 to cutand tie a fleece blanket.Please bring your scissors.Check our bulletinboard for new picturesand recent correspondence.Thank you to the individual(s)who donatednumerous craft books.We appreciate yourthoughtfulness andgenerosity.Needs continue in summer at The Caring PlaceThis month I must say a huge thank youyet again to the kids at Vacation Bible Schoolfor their huge collection of food for TheCaring Place. The need is even greater inthe summer months partly because the kidswho usually get school lunches do not getthem and partly because our usual donorsare on vacation. A huge thank you goes toKathleen Wenzel, Randa Toungate and theirstaff, and to the parents of the kids.The needs continue, however. This issummer vacation time so, please, if you arestaying in a hotel, pick up the little bottlesof shampoo, conditoner and body lotionand put them in one of our barrels. You arepaying for these items, and if you don’t usethem, they are just left for the hotel.The next need, which remains huge, isfor fans. Can you imagine living in a homewithout air conditioning in our summerheat? You can bring fans to the church orMEDICO &Habitat partnerto build clinic inHondurasMessage from David M. Evans(continued from page 5)take them directly to The Caring Place at2000 Railroad St.Are you a member of the Good Neighbors’Fund? This fund was created byGeorgetown Utilities and allows us to add$1 or more to our utility bill each month tobe donated to The Caring Place, which helpswith utility bills to the tune of some $8,000to $15,000 per month (2009 figures). Thinkabout it. It’s so easy, and if you pay yourbills on line the utility comany will add $1if you ask them to do it just one time. I wastalking to my spouse about it recently andhe said it was a good idea. He had no ideahe had been doing it for the better part of14 years. How easy is that!Last but not least, I would like to extenda big thank you to Jay McNemar forwriting The Caring Place article for Julywhile I was out of town. That’s it, folks.—Jenny CarswellMEDICO is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to builda small medical clinic in one of its Adopt-A-Village Initiativesites in Honduras. The MEDICO/Habitat volunteer teamthat will be on the building site October 7-19 is looking formore volunteers to participate in this humanitarian serviceinitiative. For more information, contact Joyce Joiner, MissionCommittee, 864-0575.ministry ends here in Georgetown. And Iam a little bit awed by the prospect of retirementand, frankly, a little unsure aboutwhat the future holds. I do know that I amnot “quitting” ministry, but simply reframingmy ministry. I will continue toserve God. And I hope I continue to “bless”others. It is what I will miss most. For thefact that “we are willing to bless one another ismiracle enough to stagger the very stars.” (AnAltar in the World, p. 209)On August 1, Mike will return to FirstChurch. We have spent time together in thepast week and he is eager to get settled backinto his office, become re-engaged in hisministry at First Church, and become reconnectedto you, the flock he treasures andloves and wants to serve.His sabbatical has been a “blessing.” Heis ready to be a blessing and to pronouncethe blessing over you. And I know that youare ready to welcome him back into yourmidst, to see him refreshed and renewed andfull of creativity and passion for your lifetogether, devoted to worshipping and servingour Lord Jesus Christ, and to be a blessingto Him and for the healing of the world.Be gentle with Mike and be gentle with oneanother in his first weeks back. And Godwilling, we will cross paths often in theyears to come.In Christ’s love, David M. Evans,Acting/Summer Pastor

F I R S T W O R D 9C A R E M I N I S T R YPoints from Parish Nurse PennyHave you ever wondered whether you’dbe helpful in an emergency that involveda heart attack? Del Burkett sent me thisgreat interactive website where you canpractice over and over with a very real situation.The graphics are great! http://www.heartrescuenow.com/If you know Gladys Brooking, you knowshe is one of those people who makes adifference in the world every day! She doesso many things “behind the scenes” andone of those is being a Stephen Ministerever since 2000! Gladys is retiring frombeing an active Stephen Minister after 12years of meeting confidentially with hercare receiver every week and participatingin the twice-monthly continuing educationand supervision meetings. Gladyswas a student in the very first class ofStephen Ministers that FPC trained andshe has been a faithful and active memberever since! You are invited to a receptionfor Gladys on Monday night, August6, from 7 - 7:30 p.m. in Room 101 to recognizeher dedication and leadership.Thank you, Gladys!Wanna make a difference in the world?This may be your opportunity: A classstarts in September to train new StephenMinisters! If you think you’d be interestedPLEASE call me at 966-8139 or one ofthese women: Melissa Pilcher (864-2787),Jenny Carswell (864-3559) or Karen Rayburn(868-8690). We’d love to tell you allabout it!Does prayer make a difference? YOU BET!There is compelling scientific evidence thatprayers are not just “healthful” for the personbeing prayed for but also for the personwho is praying. If you’d like to be apart of the Prayer Chain, please join themembers of the Prayer Chain at a meetingon Monday, August 13, from noon -1p.m. in Room 101. Drinks and dessert willbe provided so bring your lunch and cometo listen to a devotional/teaching bySturdy Wanamaker, meet the other members,and get organized for the next yearof praying.Stephen Ministers: Caring for persons who hurtFirst Presbyterian Church has 23 StephenMinisters who are an integral part of ourcare team. The foundation of this ministryis Christian care-giving to persons inour community experiencing a roughpatch in their lives.The ministers have received 50 hoursof study and training before being commissionedto serve. They serve anyone inour community with problems, not justFPC members. The problems are asdiverse as the loss of a loved one, unemployment,divorce, terminal illness, incarceration,interfamily problems and manyother situations that cause life challenges.This ministry requires total confidentialityas Stephen Ministers work with thevery personal lives of individuals whoseprivacy must not be violated. The confidentialityis the same as that required ofpastors, doctors and lawyers. In otherwords, the identity of those receiving careis never revealed.If you or anyone you know is havingdifficulties, call the church office or talkto a Stephen Minister.Galatians 6:2 says “Bear one another’sburdens, and in this way you will fulfillthe law of Christ.” If you believe this scripturespeaks to you, and you would like toexplore becoming a Stephen Minister,contact a Stephen Minister or call thechurch office and be directed to one.Penny LeoneParish Nursepnurse5@aol.comOffice Hours:Mondays &Fridays—all dayTuesday morningsOther hoursby appointmentA StephenMinister’scommitmentA Stephen Minister’scommitment is to care forall people who are inneed. They follow Jesus’examples and rely on Hishealing power to comfortand heal. A clear expressionof this Christianresponsibility is in Matthew25: 35-36: “For Iwas hungry and yougave me food, I wasthirsty and you gave medrink, I was a strangerand you welcomed me, Iwas naked and youclothed me, I was sickand you visited me. I wasin prison and you cameto me.”A Stephen Minister’smission is clearly setforth in Luke 10:27,which we are all familiarwith: “Love the Lordyour God with all yourheart, with all your soul,with all your strengthand with all your mind:and your neighbor asyourself.”

10 F I R S T W O R DAustin dinner,silent auctionwill benefitPan Am SchoolYou won’t want to missthis event as 11 Presbyterianchurches, includingour own congregation,welcome PresbyterianPan American School toAustin for a dinner andsilent auction. For 100years Pan American hasprepared young Christianleaders for theglobal community.On September 15, at5:30 p.m., plan to join usat University PresbyterianChurch. You willhave the opportunity tovisit with some of thestudents, listen to aperformance by theirMorris Chapel Choir,meet the school’s newpresident, and more.Since the meal is beingprovided by the churches,there will be no chargefor the dinner, and allproceeds will benefit theschool’s scholarship fund.To contribute an itemto the silent auction (dueby August 24) callCathy Ramsey (461-7151).To make reservations,contact Jay McNemar(868-6802, ajmcnemar@aol.com).• Hundreds of congregations, mid-councils,mission workers, and partnerchurches join efforts in 40 internationalmission networks.• Forty percent of PC(USA) congregationsuse curriculum from Congregational MinistriesPublishing, including We Believe,Being Reformed and Feasting on the Word.• Cross-Cultural and Racial Ethnic CongregationalSupport ministries supportChrist’s mission in 1,277 racial ethnic congregations,96 new church developmentsand 239 fellowships and other communitiesof faith.• The Presbyterian Hunger Program provided150 tons of indigenous seeds for useby 10,000 families in Haiti, helping to feednearly 70% of Haitians who permanentlyrelocated from Port-au-Prince after the2010 earthquake.These are just a few of the ways thatthe General Assembly Mission Council(GAMC) is growing Christ’s church deepand wide in the areas of Evangelism, Discipleship,Servanthood and Diversity.The GAMC is inspiring, equipping andconnecting Presbyterians formission through ministries of:• Compassion, Peace andJustice• Evangelism and ChurchGrowth• Racial Ethnic and Women’sMinistries/PresbyterianWomen• Stewardship• Theology, Worship andEducation• Vocation• World MissionEmphasis on MissionFar and Near in 2012Source: 2012 Presbyterian Mission Yearbookfor Prayer and StudyGeneral Assembly Mission CouncilStaff members within these ministriesequip church leaders to make disciples;develop Presbyterian communities offaith that reflect the rich diversity of oursociety; and help shape leaders of everyrace and gender.The GAMC offers a visible witness toJesus Christ in collaboration with partnersin more than 100 countries. It extends“servanthood” by responding to those inneed following disasters. And it addressesinjustice in all areas of life by advocatingfor peaceful solutions to conflict in theUnited States and beyond.Let us pray:Gracious God, whose love is so encompassingthat it can heal a world in pain, pleasemark the path as we walk together to growChrist’s church. Lead us to hearts that needto know your love and help us to demonstratein our lives the hope you offer us all. Guideour hands as we reach out to those who aresuffering so we can ease their pain as youhave eased ours. Amen.

3FRIDAY1010:00am MissionSewing17Staff Planning -Church OfficeClosed243141118SATURDAY259:00am SundaySchoolTeacherTraining1F I R S T W O R D 11A U G U S T 2 0 1 2SUNDAYMONDAYTUESDAYWEDNESDAYTHURSDAY29Dr. David Evans Preaching8:30am Worship-Sanctuary11:00am Worship-WCFH303110:30am Pastoral Care11:00am Staff Meeting1Michael Roberts returns fromsabbatical12:00pm Ladies Lunch Bible Study25Dr. Michael Roberts PreachingCommunion8:30am Worship-Sanctuary11:00am Worship-WCFH6Monica Koenig on studyleave til 8/1310:30am PW Board710:30am Pastoral Care11:00am Staff Meeting812:00pm Ladies Lunch Bible Study9Cindee Molenda onvacation til 8/1312Dr. Michael Roberts Preaching8:30am Worship-Sanctuary11:00am Worship-WCFH12:00pm Congregational Meeting7:00pm Youth Stockholders Event1312:00pm Prayer ChainMeeting1410:30am Pastoral Care11:00am Staff Meeting5:30pm Nominating Comm6:45pm Executive Comm7:30pm Committees1512:00pm Ladies Lunch Bible Study2:00pm Administrative Committee1619Dr. Michael Roberts Preaching8:30am Worship-Sanctuary9:40am Class to Prepare Childrenfor Communion11:00am PW Installation11:00am Worship-WCFH202110:30am Pastoral Care11:00am Staff Meeting4:30pm Newsletter Deadline7:00pm Deacons2212:00pm Ladies Lunch Bible Study6:00pm Sanctuary Choir6:00pm Youth/Parent Meeting7:00pm Youth Leader Training7:15pm Chancel Choir237:00pm NominatingCommittee26Dr. Michael Roberts Preaching8:30am Worship-Sanctuary9:40am Promotion Sunday11:00am Bibles to ConfirmationClass11:00am Teachers’ Commissioning11:00am Worship-WCFH4:00pm CROP Walk RecruitersMeeting5:00pm Youth Kick-off271st Day of School-GISD28Noah’s Ark Teacher Work Day10:30am Pastoral Care11:00am Staff Meeting7:00pm Session29Noah’s Ark Teacher Work Day12:00pm Ladies Lunch Bible Study5:30pm Logos Registration6:00pm Sanctuary Choir6:00pm Youth Bible Studies Begin7:15pm Chancel Choir30Noah’s Ark TeacherWork Day6:00pm Noah’s ArkOpen House7:00pm JubilationRingers

12 F I R S T W O R DMealsonWheelsIt’s peanut butter and jelly time again!Meals on Wheels has asked our church to bring 100 more jars of peanut butter and jellyto the Center by September 1. In June, Vacation Bible School children generouslybrought almost 100 jars of each as part of their mission project, and we are so gratefulfor their (and their parents’) caring spirit. Now, those of us who did not participate inthat collection have an opportunity to bring a few jars to church on Sunday, August 19,or Sunday, August 26. There will be receptacles in the narthex and foyer before andafter each service. The peanut butter and jelly are distributed monthly to the meal recipientsso they will have something to munch on over weekends. Thanks, as always,for being so helpful.—Lolly Buikema, for all the M.O.W. volunteers at FPCPancakes and much moreMeals on Wheels is hosting a fundraiser breakfast atApplebee’s on IH-35 on Saturday, August 25, from 8to 10 a.m. This year, in addition to the traditional pancakesand sausages, the menu will include eggsbenedict, scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit, juice and coffee.The price is $10. Meals on Wheels will receive $5from each ticket sold. Look for a ticket seller after the8:30 services, and in the foyer, before and after the 11o’clock services on August 12 and 19, or call 868-1733and we will deliver the tickets to you. You may wish toask your neighbors to join you for breakfast!Birthdays and AnniversariesANNIVERSARIESBIRTHDAYS1 Bob & Mary Jean Thorp4 Sam & Terry Arant6 Robert & Amy BrittLarry & Ann NybergBill & Lois Stanley7 Marv & Sandy Hulshizer8 Larry & Helen BurkDennis & Jan GeigerMichael & Cathy ShouseDavid & Roxanne Syler9 Howard & Eleanor BondGeorge & Linette Harwell11 Jim & Kaye Bishop13 Conley & Cathy LelouxJeff & Yvonne Seiders14 Keith & Carol KussmaulJohn & Sue Rose15 Guy & Cynthia Guidici16 Terry & Evelyn Hotten19 David & Pamela McCallumBill & Betty Anne PoeHubert & Evelyn Syler20 Rick & Shirley GallowayJim & Courtney Root23 Kent & Lolly BuikemaGreg & Amy Hunt24 Jim & Betsy Mueller25 Mark & Ruth DeRuyter27 Keith & Sue Renard28 Harold & Janet ByramJohn & Elizabeth Decker30 Fred & Martha CowenDave & Alison Harrison31 Michael & Kathleen Wenzel1 Barbara CaudleMarietta Mugford2 Jim Briggs3 Jim French4 Susan BellLinda Stephenson6 Miriam CockroftBill McKennaChris Odom7 Chuck Helmka8 Aubrey HerzikWinston SpencerJack Stephenson9 Dayle AldrichGuy GuidiciHerb Wilkins10 Carol AckermanJonathan Penney11 Thomas IsenhourTaylor ShaverMaya Spruiell12 Dawn BookertAmanda Jones13 Catherine CosperLisa DaleidenRichard Dorr14 Paul GipsonMatthew Jones15 Cassie Creech16 Larry FentonPaul GronemanSue RenardBonnie Stump17 Katie BradfordLee Carbrey18 Faith BaechtelJennifer MillerMarjorie Von Rosenberg19 Emily Littleton20 Helen BurkAnn NybergYvonne Seiders21 Carolyn HendriexWade Todd22 Jacob PilcherGeorge Shell23 Brian Hall24 Genifer HowardAlex Wagner25 Donna BerryGarrett Herbst26 Dora Henry27 Lloyd CrabbJulie CulverEric FarberLloyd LaasRoy Yantis28 Kailyn BaileyCharlotte HarperDick Miller29 Jim CaskeyBetty Wallace31 Bill CaudleLinda JohnsonNina Syler