National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 5, 2011 - First Presbyterian ...

Sharing the heart
of Christ with the
heart of the city
…and the world.
531 South College
Fort Collins, CO
80524
Phone:
(970) 482-6107
Web Site:
www.firstpresfc.org
Ministers
The Entire
Congregation
Senior Pastor
Rev. Rich McDermott
Associate Pastor
Rev. Cindy Frost
Associate Pastor
Rev. Jon Heeringa
In this issue
Page 2
Pastor’s corner
Page 4
Destination: Delicious
Page 9
Instruments Tuned for
Praise
Page 11
Church of Character
Page 12
Apron Strings
Page 14
Tidings of J.O.Y.
May 2011 Volume XXXI Issue 5
It’s PandaMania at First Presbyterian Church by Kerri Napoli
At PandaMania Vacation Bible School, kids ages
4–3rd grade will discover that God has a purpose
and a plan for everyone and that He crafted each of
us with His own loving hands.
Kids will meet Fez, Amanda, Boomer, Pogo and
LuLu, Bible Buddies who will lead Bible
exploration that brings Scripture to life. What's
more, kids will love the upbeat
worship music and want to listen
to year-round. (VBS CDs are
currently available in the church
office for $7.)
This year’s theme for this
week long adventure is
“PandaMania” which
will give kids the
opportunity to
explore God’s
Word in the
midst of China’s
bamboo forests.
Every year, we are blessed to have
the help of many volunteers who
make VBS and Kingdom Konnection (our 4 th and
5 th grade program) such a success. From our crew
leaders, to our station leaders, to our registration
helpers, to our decorators, to every part of VBS,
helping hands from the congregation have reached
out for this fun filled time.
If you and your children enjoy arts and crafts,
mark your calendars. Our church offers several
upcoming opportunities and ways to create and
decorate for this summer’s PandaMania VBS. We
have a team of families already building bamboo
forests, painting Chinese villages, coloring
friendly dragons, and making animals such as
pandas and snow leopards.
How can you help? You can sign up for shifts
during our work days listed here, or ask for
projects to work on at home. On these work days,
families become a large artistic community,
working together to transform the church into a
We need you again this year! VBS and Kingdom
Konnection take over 100 volunteers each year.
Look for our decorating days below that you can
attend or take one of the decorating projects home
to work on. You can also sign up to be a crew
leader who helps guide a small group of kids
around to all the stations throughout the day.
Every volunteer position is so
valuable and greatly appreciated.
Whether it’s helping prepare for
VBS or Kingdom Konnection,
behind the scenes help,
volunteering for a day or all
week, every little bit
counts and we
guarantee
you will have
just as much
fun being a
part of VBS
or Kingdom
Konnection as
the kids do!
So come join and experience PandaMania along
with us! Contact Jan Colton, (970) 482-6107 or
jan@firstpresfc.org to volunteer.
Online registration is open now for VBS and
Kingdom Konnection. Visit www.firstpresfc.org.
Join the PandaMania Decorating and Arts Team
wonderland where kids will feel the magic of
God’s Word. On May 19 and June 2, the church
will provide a group lunch for anyone who is able
to work longer shifts through the lunch hours. On
June 2, the nursery will be open from 9 a.m.–4
p.m. for your younger children. Join the fun!
Contact Jan Colton for more information,
(970) 482-6107 or jan@firstpresfc.org.
VBS Work Days
Thursday, May 19, anytime 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
(decorate third floor)
Thursday, June 2, anytime 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
(decorate Shepardson Hall)

Pastor’s Corner: MAYhem by Rev. Jon Heeringa
Around the church the month of May is
associated with mayhem, a.k.a. MAYhem.
Typically this is a result of trying to end a
program/academic year and transition to
a summer schedule which involves
juggling lots of schedules. This year we
have added to the mayhem by making
May the month in which Session adopts a
budget as we have changed our fiscal
year to run from July to June. When I
hear the word mayhem I tend to think of
the Allstate insurance commercials where
mayhem is embodied in a man who is
proving the value of insurance left and
right. The problem with this association
though is there isn’t an insurance plan
sold that covers the mayhem the church
experiences. In thinking about this I’ve
come to the conclusion that the best thing
we can do in the face of mayhem, be it in
the month of May or any other time is
turn to God.
Personally my turning to God of late has
led me to meditate on Psalm 46:
God is our refuge and strength, a very
present help in trouble. Therefore we will
not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart
of the sea; though its waters roar and
foam, though the mountains tremble with
its tumult.
There is a river whose streams make glad
the city of God, the holy habitation of the
Most High. God is in the midst of the
Notice about Amendment 10-A
In the next few weeks you may hear in the news about an
amendment to the PC(USA) Book of Order being passed by
the presbyteries. This amendment could change the
understanding of leadership standards that has guided the PC
(USA), and the Christian Church generally, throughout its
history. In anticipation of this development, our Session has
adopted a document entitled, “Biblical Standards for Christian
Leaders,” similar to one adopted by National Presbyterian
Church in Washington, D.C. This document outlines the
important standards to which pastors, elders, deacons and other
Christian leaders are called by the Lord as those standards
emerge from Scripture. The document is available in our
church office and will be posted online for those wishing to
Page 2
city; it shall not be moved; God will help
it when the morning dawns. The nations
are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he
utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord
of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is
our refuge.
“Be still, and know that I am
God! I am exalted among the
nations, I am exalted in the
earth.” Psalm 46:10
Come, behold the works of the Lord; see
what desolations he has brought on the
earth. He makes wars cease to the end of
the earth; he breaks the bow, and
shatters the spear; he burns the shields
with fire. "Be still, and know that I am
God! I am exalted among the nations, I
am exalted in the earth." The Lord of
hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our
refuge.
I’m glad this Psalm starts with an
assurance of God’s presence and nature
because the idea of the earth changing
and the mountains shaking in the heart of
the sea (does Japan come to mind for
anyone?) or the nations being in uproar
and the kingdoms tottering (Libya or
Afghanistan or even D.C. come to mind)
sounds like mayhem of the highest order.
Yet what this psalm makes so clear is that
God is with us and for us and in absolute
control. Verse 4 can throw us a bit of a
curve as the focus of stability there is
Jerusalem and the temple. We tend to
transfer that stability to the Church yet
when things feel chaotic at church this
can be doubly unsettling but the true
source of stability and hope is Jesus, the
same yesterday, today and forever. Verse
8’s use of the word desolations always
confused me but most commentaries
believe it is more a sarcastic term based
on what follows. The desolations of the
world are natural chaos and human
violence but the desolations of the Lord
are to make wars cease throughout the
earth.
The heart of this Psalm though is in verse
10, “Be still, and know that I am God! I
am exalted among the nations, I am
exalted in the earth.” In the midst of
chaos, in the midst of mayhem our job is
to stop and remember that God is in
control—to stop and remember that it
isn’t on us—and God’s will, will be
done. God will be exalted, God’s
kingdom will advance and God is both
with us and our refuge—even from May
mayhem. May we all rest in this truth this
month and beyond.
know more about our Session’s commitment to maintaining
historic, Biblical standards for Christian leaders.
Pastor Rich and others will be attending the inaugural
gathering of the new PC(USA) Fellowship in Minneapolis on
August 25–26 that will be discussing this and other matters.
Please pray that the Holy Spirit will bring much wisdom and
discernment to our leaders at this gathering. May our risen
Lord Jesus Christ be glorified in the days ahead through all that
is done.
THE MESSENGER

An Opportunity for Faith and Stewardship a letter from the Pastoral Staff and Session
Warm Easter greetings to you and yours.
As we celebrate the resurrection of our
Lord Jesus Christ, we are mindful of the
many blessings God has bestowed upon
us. We have so much for which to be
grateful: a wonderful congregation, a
terrific and caring staff, excellent
facilities, and especially many peoples’
lives being changed by the good news of
Jesus Christ. There is no greater joy than
seeing people, young and mature,
respond in faith to Jesus and turn their
lives in a thrilling new direction. For this
we praise the Lord and give thanks for
His amazing grace.
We must tell you, however, that in the
next month or so, we are facing some
of the most difficult financial
decisions we have faced in over 20
years. We have tried to be sparing in our
financial appeals in recent years, but now
we must tell our story. Over the last two
years, during a very trying economic
period, we have been greatly blessed with
two donors who have given us very
extraordinary windfall gifts that rescued
us from these tough circumstances. In
2010, one donor’s gifts amounted to 16%
of our total income. Those particular gifts
will not be available in the coming year,
and we are faced with a genuine need to
see our entire congregation grow in their
giving patterns in order to meet our
obligations.
We have done our best to keep expenses
down, and we are about $15,000 under
budgeted expenses in just three months of
2011. We have cut program budgets, left
a staff position unfilled, and we are
finding many ways to do “pay as you go”
ministry. Even with these efforts, we find
ourselves falling behind in income versus
expenses. For the first three months of
this year, our income has fallen behind
expenses by well over $20,000 per
month. Even adjusting for seasonal
giving patterns, this is a negative trend.
Our new fiscal year begins on July 1. If
there is not a significant change in this
giving pattern, by May we will have to
look at drastic measures that cut to the
heart of our ministry. Children, youth,
college students, young adults, seniors,
and even worship will be affected. These
are not areas from which we want to
retreat or reduce ministry. We want to
follow where the Lord is leading us, and
continue to be a beacon for our city in
worship and ministry to young and old.
We believe that the Lord will provide for
the ministry that He calls us to engage in.
If it is His will that we cut further into the
programs, staffing and salaries that have
served us for years, we will do so
obediently. But we also know that you,
the members and friends of our
congregation, have responded favorably
to our ministry needs in the past. We
know that when you are given good
information, and challenged to a new
level of stewardship, that you have
responded in faith with great generosity.
Now is such an opportunity.
The first thing we are asking of you is
to pray. As we have been learning in this
season of Lent, prayer is the action for
which there is no substitute, and through
prayer, the Lord changes everything. Pray
that the Lord would continue to provide
for the ministry of our church. Spend
some time alone with the Lord praying
for the needs of your own heart: for
healing, for peace, for courage, for
commitment, and for faith. Pray that the
Lord would reveal to you how you might
grow in your relationship with Jesus.
Pray for the Lord to move in the hearts of
His people to grow in their giving. Pray
that the Lord would guide us clearly in
the days ahead.
The second thing we ask of you is to
consider your own stewardship of
time, talent and financial resources.
All that we have and all that we are is a
gift from Almighty God. The Lord
expects us to glorify Him in our use of
our time, our talents and our money.
Many people in our church give
generously in all three areas. But by the
grace of God we know that we, as a
church, can improve. As you can see
from the enclosed chart, the bulk of the
financial burden of our church falls to a
smaller number of people than we would
prefer. We are mindful of Jesus’ story of
the widow’s offering (Mark 12:41-44),
reminding us that some smaller gifts are
actually more generous than some larger
gifts, and we praise God for every gift we
receive, especially from those who give
so sacrificially. Yet, we wonder if the
Lord isn’t moving in our hearts to
challenge one another to a new level of
stewardship in our lives.
The third thing we ask of you is to
grow in your giving pattern. We have
always challenged our congregation to
grow towards tithing, or giving ten
percent of income to the Lord’s work
through the church, a standard affirmed
in the Bible. In the year 2000, a survey
indicated that about 11% of our
congregation was giving at this level of
the tithe or above. By 2007, in the same
survey, that figure had grown to 17%,
indicating that we were moving in a
positive direction. It is our hope in the
coming year that we can see 20-25% or
more of our congregation giving at the
level of a tithe or above. If you have
never attempted to give at such a level,
you might consider starting smaller (4%,
6% or 8%), and increasing by 1% per
year until you get to a tithe or above. The
key is that you (and your family)
prayerfully and thoughtfully decide with
the Lord what you are able and called to
do. We know that the Lord honors those
who honor Him (I Samuel 2:30).
You have read the familiar and
encouraging passage from Malachi 3:10,
where the Lord says, “Bring the full tithe
into the storehouse, so that there may be
food in my house, and thus put me to the
test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will
not open the windows of heaven for you
and pour down for you an overflowing
blessing!” We believe that the Lord will
indeed pour down for us an overflowing
blessing, if we will but respond to Him
with faith and courage in the coming few
weeks. The need is real. The time is upon
us. Will you join your brothers and sisters
in Christ by faithfully responding in this
time of need? Let us put God to the test,
and see if we can grow in our financial
stewardship to see the windows of
heaven opened.
VOLUME XXXI ISSUE 5 Page 3

Destination: Delicious Benefits the Peanut Butter House
Our Peanut Butter House needs you!
Help us raise awareness and support for
this very special mission of First
Presbyterian Church. Plan to join us on
Wednesday, May 4, at
6 p.m. for a fabulous
international dinner,
silent auction and
awareness benefit
called “Destination:
Delicious” then read on
to learn more and find
out additional ways to
help.
The “Peanut Butter
House” was built on
the lawn of First
Presbyterian Church in
2008 by a passionate
and caring group of
FPC members and
partners. Remarkably,
this team then ushered
this structure across the
globe, reconstructing it
in its permanent home in Monrovia,
Liberia.
With your help, one day soon it will
provide life-giving fortified peanut butter
to malnourished children and many others
in need. It will also provide a much-needed
sustainable business for the local
community whose country has been
devastated by years of violence and civil
war.
We’ve come so far, but we’re not at the
finish line yet, and your help is critical,
with direct impact on people’s lives!
What are the next steps?
A small team from FPC will travel to
Liberia this June to oversee governmentrequired
site improvements and the
creation of a local project team. With these
crucial steps, the Peanut Butter House will
soon be ready to produce life-giving,
locally-produced food!
How You Can Help:
● Join us for the “Destination:
Delicious” Dinner, Silent Auction &
Awareness Benefit at First
Page 4
Presbyterian Church, Wednesday,
May 4, at 6 p.m. Tickets: $15 per
person/$25 per couple/$150 corporate
table.
● Pray for all involved and God’s
grace, for success as we move
toward production so that the
Peanut Butter House may begin
providing critical nourishment to
starving Liberians and a
sustainable business for the
region.
● Plan to attend the May 4
awareness event: Gather a group
of your friends and colleagues to
attend with you!
● Participate in the silent auction by
bidding on an item or service
(Note: items will be on display at
church starting Wednesday
evening, April 27.)
● Are you a business owner?
Consider purchasing a
“corporate” table of 8 people.
Promote the May 4 event in your
place of business and display the
promotional brochure.
● Volunteer to set-up or clean-up for
the Destination Delicious event.
● Become a “Take a Tag” sponsor.
Select from a variety of tags that
identify specific items you can
provide to help make the Peanut
Butter House
operational. The
tags will be on
display at the May 4
dinner and ongoing
at FPC.
● Sponsor the
project with a direct
monetary, taxdeductible
donation.
Many thanks for
prayerfully
considering how
you can support the
needs of this Fort
Collins Mission!
For more
information or to
volunteer, please
contact Anna Harper at (970) 430-6318 or
peanutbutterhouse@gmail.com.
THE MESSENGER

FPC Men Build Bunks for Chinle by John Nick
FPC men have been hard at work constructing five bunk beds
for Trinity Presbyterian Church in Chinle, AZ. Using a design
developed by Larry Edwards and an indoor work area provided
by Jack Miller, the group met on two Saturdays in April to
measure and cut the lumber, assemble the head and foot
sections, and apply a sealing preservative.
The seed inspiring this project came from a conversation
between Cleon Kimberling and the Rev. Constance McIntosh of
Trinity when the two were discussing FPC's winter clothing
drive for the Navajo Nation. Cleon then recruited workers,
produced a brochure, and proceeded to secure donors. Other
FPC members constructing the bunk beds are Jim Nutt, Tom
Van Transportation
Coordinator – John Mitchell
If you have questions regarding
Sunday van service, contact John
Mitchell, (970) 484-4442.
Thanks to the following drivers for this
month: Al Strating, Bill Schaffter,
Thomas Frazier, Phil Teague, John
Mitchell, Dave Pleacher, Bill See,
Kent Spangler, Bob Goodhart
NOTE: If you are hesitant to come
to church because you use a walker,
please note that we are able to
accommodate most walkers in the
vans and the Sanctuary.
May 1, 12 p.m.
Woody’s Pizza, 518 West Laurel
Singles: join us for lunch and
fellowship with other single
adults. All lunches out are on the
first Sunday of the month at noon.
For more info, contact Penne
Howell, (970) 223-4544.
Christen, Mark and Alex Egeland, Don Meyer, John Nick, Jim
Norrgard, Joe Ritter, and Dave Randall.
Cleon plans to lead a group to Chinle the first weekend in June
(see article in the April edition of The Messenger) to deliver and
assemble the bund beds, which will provide sleeping
accommodation for visiting volunteers from mission partner
churches.
One of the completed beds is on display in the Grand Hall.
Contact Cleon Kimberling if you'd like to accompany the group
to Chinle or donate funds in support of this project.
BUILDING BUNKS—(L–R) Alex and Mark Egelund, Al Habenicht, and Jim Norrgard drill dowel holes. Dave Randall and
Jim Nutt assemble a head board. Don Meyer and Larry Edwards put together bunks.
Mothers of School-aged Kids:
For great discussions, yummy snacks
and time with other moms of schoolaged
kids, join us May 2 at 6:30 p.m.
at FPC as we discuss Conflict
Resolution/Bullying. (No Child care is
available.)
Don’t forget to bring your friends.
At our May meeting, we will have a
“Growing MOMSnext” drawing. Your
name will be entered if you bring a
new friend. Win a one-night stay at the
Homewood Suites and including both
dinner and breakfast buffets!
For more information, contact
Adrienne Yates, (970) 217-6055.
VOLUME XXXI ISSUE 5 Page 5

Making Connections with Concerned Larimer by Greg Ketchum
The results would be shocking if I
connected the ends of two ½-inch PVC
lines if one ran 110 volts of electricity
and the other plumbing from the hot
water heater. Coupling those connections
would be a hair-raising experience.
However, most times when connections
are made they have similar instead of
cross purposes. The large, new substation
across Trilby from our home would
literally fry our breaker board in the
garage if it came directly into our
electrical system. But when those same
connections are “transformed,” I can take
for granted that the lamp I plug into the
wall will provide enough light for these
tired old eyes to read through the next
page of my book.
Making proper connections, connections
that promote similar values, is engaging
and enjoyable. Most of us are pleased
with the outcomes and benefit from the
results. Concerned Larimer is about
making connections!
By now perhaps you have heard of
Concerned Larimer and may know some
of the trained Connectors here at First
Presbyterian Church or even from other
local churches. What and why are they
trained?
Here is our mission statement: “The
Mission of Concerned Larimer (CL) is to
mobilize the faith-based community to
actively engage in addressing the needs of
people in our community through
collaboration with non-profit charitable
organizations and community and
governmental agencies providing human
services.”
These are our goals:
1. The role of Connectors is to:
encourage, educate, and support their
faith-based organization to help those
in need throughout the community in
concert with the efforts and resources
of non-profit, governmental, and
community agencies.
2. CL will develop and implement a
plan to identify, obtain, and maintain
adequate financial resources to
support Concerned Larimer’s
initiatives.
Page 6
3. CL will establish a Coordinator
position to a) support efforts by
Connectors to mobilize their faithbased
organizations, b) serve as
liaison among the faith-based
community, non-profit charitable
organizations, and governmental
social service agencies, c) articulate
the vision and mission of Concerned
Larimer to a community-wide
audience, and seek financial
resources to implement and maintain
the network’s initiatives.
4. CL will develop, maintain, and
disseminate a current catalog of
resources found within the faithbased
community that can be utilized
by the Concerned Larimer network
to provide assistance to individuals
in need.”
Within our Fort Collins and Larimer
County community are thousands of
individuals, children, families and seniors
whose needs are not being met. Needs
range from getting help paying a utility
bill to childcare; a ride to the store or
access to the Larimer County Food Bank;
keeping a teen from “couch-surfing” to
assisting grandparents raising
grandchildren. Fortunately there are over
800 such resources to meet these and
many other needs. Unfortunately, many
people in need never know about or
access these resources.
A trained Connector learns three essential
things.
1. Based on the work of Devol &
Payne, mental models of poverty are
challenged as relationships with
those in need are encouraged.
2. Within the safety and rapport of a
relationship to people in need, a
Connector directs them to enter the
system of information and resources
through United Way’s 2-1-1
network.
3. The trained Connector works as a
liaison within their respective faithbased
group to help focus their
specific resources to be shared with
the broader community and networks
with other trained Connectors.
The Connector Network now includes
over 75 trained Connectors among 23
area churches, four agencies and several
unaffiliated/independent Connectors. As
Concerned Larimer Co-founder, Dale
Lake has often said, our initiative is
simply attempting to operationalize what
Jesus called us to do in Matthew 25:34–
40.
“Then the King will say to those on his
right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my
Father; take your inheritance, the
kingdom prepared for you since the
creation of the world. For I was hungry
and you gave me something to eat, I was
thirsty and you gave me something to
drink, I was a stranger and you invited
me in, I needed clothes and you clothed
me, I was sick and you looked after me, I
was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him,
‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and
feed you, or thirsty and give you
something to drink? When did we see you
a stranger and invite you in, or needing
clothes and clothe you? When did we see
you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you,
whatever you did for one of the least of
these brothers and sisters of mine, you
did for me.’”
The next Connector Training date will be
Sunday May 15, from 4–8:30 p.m. with a
light meal provided. Check
www.ConcernedLarimer.org for details.
If you would like to sign up for this
training or get more information you may
contact Mollie Bartholomew,
mbartholomew@firstpresfc.org or
(970) 482-6107.
THE MESSENGER

FPC Hosts National Prayer Covenant Group May 9–11
Pastor Rich McDermott has been part of the National Church Growth Pastors Prayer Covenant Group for 18 years. This
year, 37 pastors are traveling from across the country to gather in Fort Collins from May 9–11 at the Hilton Hotel. These
predominantly Presbyterian pastors meet annually for three days, two or three weeks after Easter, to pray for one another,
for their churches and ministries, and for the larger Body of Christ. They share “best practices,” and encourage one another
in the difficult tasks of serving Christ in multi-staff churches and large ministries. Elaine and Phil Parker, Karen and Bill
Schaffter, Faith and Cy Letzelter, Mark and Barb Egeland and Diane Nutt are part of a host team to help provide a great
experience for these clergy. (More drivers are needed for airport runs and other local transportation needs: please contact
Mark Egeland at (970) 221-9134.)
A brief 30-minute worship service will take place Monday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m. in our sanctuary with a fellowship time
afterwards for people wanting to greet these pastors, including those who have been praying for them. Anyone wishing to
come is welcome. Thanks for being great hosts!
Pastors attending include:
Greg Anderson Hong Kong, China
Jack Baca Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Bill Bowers Omaha, NE
Woody Brown Overland Park, KS
Chuck Denison Jensen Beach, FL
John Gable Indianapolis, IN
Paul Gaug St. Joseph, MO
Rolfe Granath Roseville, CA
Jack Haberer Richmond, VA
Steve Hein Wilmington, NC
Bob Henley Ketchum, ID
Bob Hinman Lenoir, NC
Jeff Hosmer Cincinnati, OH
Doug Hucke Peoria, IL
Ed Hurley Birmingham, AL
Keith Koch Wichita, KS
Alan Landes West Chester, OH
Rick Lemberg Oakhurst, CA
Steven Marsh Edmond, OK
Rich McDermott Fort Collins, CO
Glenn McDonald Zionsville, IN
Ron Naylor Muncie, IN
Hal Oakley Huntsville, AL
Mark Patterson Ventura, CA
Ted Pierce Overland Park, KS
Roger Rabey Lancaster, PA
Jeff Ritchie Franklin, TN
Steve Shive Casper, WY
Patrick Smith Zionsville, IN
Tom Sweets Cincinnati, OH
Chris Taylor Pittsburgh, PA
Don Waite Wichita, KS
Paul Watermulder San Mateo, CA
Rob Weingartner Brentwood, TN
Greg Wiest Cranberry, PA
Jeff Winter Edgartown, MA
Stan Wood Roswell, GA
Those unable to attend:
George Cladis Shrewbury, MA
Dennis Falasco Idaho Falls, ID
Bob Heppenstall Mendham, NJ
Arnold Lovell Knoxville, TN
David Miller Peachtree City, GA
Cal Reynolds San Antonio, TX
Dave VanDyke Williamsburg, VA
National Day of Prayer
Thursday, May 5, 2011
7–8:15 p.m.
United to Pray:
an evening of prayer
and worship led by
Fort Collins pastors
Faith Evangelical Free
Church, 3920 South
Shields
VOLUME XXXI ISSUE 5 Page 7

College Students Learn Empathy for Those in Need by Jenn Underwood
The college students took a unique
approach to our Lenten focus of prayer.
With the understanding that we pray
more fervently for those we understand,
we engaged in three experiences to help
us understand the needs of others just a
little better.
The first experience was
part of our mission trip to
Kentucky. We spent a
good potion of time
ministering to the
homeless population.
During the nine nights of
our mission trip, we
stayed in eight different
locations. This was an
effort to empathize (in a
small way) with the
difficulty the transient
population faces. Every
morning we got up,
rolled up our sleeping
bags, and packed up our
things. Some mornings
this meant getting up
long before the sun.
Our second opportunity
to develop empathy was on April 5. We
joined with several hundred thousand
students nationwide for One Day Without
Shoes. This is a movement to raise
Page 8
awareness of the difficulties children in
developing nations face without shoes.
We spent the day walking to class, to
work, and to the church…BAREFOOT.
Many of our students thought this would
be easy. We didn’t realize how much we
take for granted.
NO SHOES, NO SERVICE—On April 5, University students went
without shoes to understand a little about the difficulties children in
developing nations might face.
Our final experience occurred April 12–
18, and we saved the toughest for last.
We challenged our students to gather all
of the water they used for cooking,
bathing, and drinking from the “well” at
First Presbyterian Church. We wanted
our students to understand the how time
consuming and tiring it is for women and
children to gather water every day.
Although we learned tangible ways to
address these needs, our
primary goal was to
develop empathy for
these people. As we
went through these
uncomfortable scenarios,
we were reminded of the
burdens of others in a
powerful way. Jesus
came to earth, to live as
one of us so that we
might know that he truly
understands our needs. If
Jesus modeled this kind
of sacrifice, we knew we
needed to make an effort
to better understand the
needs of others. These
experiences changed the
way we look at people in
need. We now have a
small understanding of
what life feels like in
their shoes (or without them). And that
knowledge enables us to pray for them
more effectively.
To the Mommies and Grandmas, Mentors and Teachers, Aunties and Friends…
To the ones who kiss “owies” and snuggle frowns away...
To the ones who love unconditionally...
Happy Mother’s Day.
If you are a mother of a preschooler (infant–K), join us
this summer at the park. It’s free and fun, so bring a
friend. We will meet from 9–11:30 a.m. on the second
and fourth Mondays of the month. Bring a picnic and
sunscreen and get to know some other moms of young
kids. Check the church
web site for details. Look
for the MOPS sign and
friendly faces! Park dates
start June 13.
THE MESSENGER

It Was After Easter by Monty Knobel
It was after Easter. The Resurrection had occurred. It was
confirmed, multiple times, to His disciples. “Jesus is Alive!”
And life went on “as usual” for many – But not for all!
The angel at the tomb had said to the women “Come and see …
Go and tell …” (Matthew 28:6–7) They were changed!
Jesus walked on the road to Emmaus, joined two disciples,
opened the message of the Scriptures to their minds, and in the
breaking of the bread, revealed His Identity to their hearts.
(Luke 24:13–35) They were changed!
Jesus came to His gathered followers and said, “Peace …,”
“Look at (me)…,” It is I…,” “Touch me…”, “Everything must
be fulfilled that is written about me….”
“You are witnesses of these things….” (Luke 24:36–48) They
were changed!
Then Jesus met them on a mountain and said, “All authority in
heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and
make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them
to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am
with you always, to the very end of the age.”
And life went on “as usual” for many – But not for all! The
“changed” were “charged!”
The music and Arts Ministry is pleased to announce the 4 th ANNUAL
PSALMS, HYMNS and SPITURAL SONGS: A CONCERT OF
WORSHIP will take place in the Sanctuary on Friday, May 20, at 7 p.m.
Once again, the Sanctuary Choir and the FPC Orchestra will unite to become
instruments tuned for praise
Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs: A Concert of Worship will be an
evening of scripture, punctuated with music by the Sanctuary Choir, FPC
Orchestra, and congregation. Together, we will unite as the church
triumphant, the body of Christ in robust praise, as we sing some of the best
loved and majestic hymns of the church. HALLELUJAH!
I extend a personal invitation to everyone and encourage FPC to let your
light shine, using your gifts to make a joyful noise unto the LORD, giving
praise to God and admonishing one another with the singing of PSALMS,
HYMNS and SPIRTUAL SONGS on FRIDAY, May 20, at 7 p.m. in the
Sanctuary.
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing
and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to
God the father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ
(Ephesians 5:19–21, NIV).
It is after Easter. “Jesus is Alive!” How is life for you? “As
usual?” or “Changed and Charged?”
“Changes” and “Charges” happened when Jesus came into the
midst of small groups of followers who were seeking Him and
His Truth for their lives.
“Changes” and “Charges” still happen because Jesus still comes
into the midst of small groups of followers who are seeking Him
and His Truth for their lives.
As our schedules change for the spring season, let’s consider
two encouragements from the Scriptures:
1. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on
toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up
meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but
let us encourage one another – and all the more as you
see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24–25)
2. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and
forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
Those of us in small groups may want to consider continuing to
meet together, and individuals may want to consider gathering a
group of followers and starting to meet together for Fellowship,
Study, and Service; and thus discover the “changes” and
“charges” that Jesus may have for us in this coming season.
Instruments Tuned for Praise by Marvin Crawford
VOLUME XXXI ISSUE 5 Page 9

Deacon Highlight
The Presbyterian Church (USA)
Book of Order defines the Office of
Deacon as a person who “ministers
to those who are in need, to the sick,
to the friendless, and to any who
may be in distress both within and
beyond the community of faith.” As
it is written in the scriptures this
person is one of “sympathy, witness,
and service after the example of
Jesus Christ.” First Presbyterian has
a group of 12 serving Deacons.
There are two Deacons for each
ministry, a lead Deacon and an
apprentice Deacon. The terms are
two years, allowing the apprentice
Deacon to move into the lead
Deacon position after completing
their apprentice year. These serving
hearts work in six areas: Deacon
Equipping, Outreach Communion,
Outreach Visitation, Hospital
Visitation, Care Calls/Cards, and
Emergency Outreach.
Last year in The Messenger, we
highlighted all of our Deacons, so
we will not repeat the information
about the current Lead Deacons.
However, we will highlight one
Apprentice Deacon each month, so
you can get to know a little bit more
about them. This month we will be
highlighting the Apprentice Deacon
Role of Care Calls/Cards.
Jan McClain
Ministry area: Care Calls/Cards
Page 10
Member of the church since:
Other church involvement: PW
Circles, Red Wagon, Adult Sunday
School, Substitute teacher for
Children’s Sunday School, outreach
communion, caller to those in care
centers, van ministry, word for young
disciples, The Mission, Mission
committee, Hospitality committee,
nominating committees, prayer chain,
worship committee, and last and
definitely the least helpful: Writer of
VSS (Very Stupid Skits).
Current involvement:
Choir and music ministry, outreach
communion, Agape Circle
What are your passions for
serving?
My husband used to say “I am saved
so I serve.” That fits me as well. We
have been so very blessed how could
we not want to serve! The little book
of James speaks loudly to me about
“my work.”
Why did you feel called to be a
deacon?
It is a good fit for me. Being a deacon
addresses my interests and my heart.
Why would you encourage others
to serve as a deacon?
“Encourage” is the key word here! We
cannot encourage each other enough
and I would like for all to know that
by serving as a deacon, one gets to
witness the Body of Christ in action,
in creativity of ideas, in reaching out
to others, in moving God's purpose
forward. To see the church at
work...alive and active and
accomplishing...is awesome!
Tell us about your family:
Ken, husband, left me to carry on here
while he serves now in heaven. Our
daughter and son-in-law live in Parker
and their adult children are working as
an engineer in Washington and a third
year med student at CU. Our son and
daughter-in-law recently gave up
roaming the world to settle down in
Hill Country, Texas. Their children
are working in England and finishing
a degree in Computer Science. And
through the church we have “adopted”
other children in the past and have
found those relationships to be so
rewarding, too.
Robin Leaf is the Lead Care
Calls/Card. If you are interested in
serving with the Outreach
Communion
Team, contact
Robin Leaf,
(970) 482-9006.
THE MESSENGER

A Church of Character
The character quality for May 2011 is HUMILITY
(versus pride). Humility can be defined as:
“Recognizing and acknowledging my total
dependence upon the Lord and seeking His will for
every decision.” It can also be defined as:
“Acknowledging that my achievements are the result
of the investment of others in my life.” Humility
involves recognizing my abilities and my limitations.
Pride is so subtle. It can creep into our lives and
before we know it, pride poisons us with attitudes of
entitlement and self-importance. Oh, to truly see that
all that I am is a gift from God as well as a result of
the contributions of others, and to see that I can
contribute to their success as well! What a joy it is to
contribute to the success of a “team”, whether at
home or at work or at church! Humility makes one
useful and more enjoyable to be around. And
because people enjoy being around the truly humble,
the impact of a humble person is broadened. Who are
the people you know who you consider to be truly
humble, and what are your feelings about being
around them? Consider what their impact is on all
the people with whom they interact.
The church is a community where we as Christians
can practice true humility. It is a workshop where we
can collectively labor together to the glory of God to
accomplish His purposes. However, all too often we
don't see that in the church. The church community
often becomes a place where individuals desire
praise for their contributions, participation, and
achievements, scrambling for the spotlight or for
popular positions of recognition. Sadly, their reward
is only the approval of men.… not the blessings or
even approval for their actions from our Lord.
Humility is the path to greatness in God’s kingdom.
It lets God be God alone, it honors other people, and
it creates a spirit of gratitude and cooperation in us. It
is this spirit that God will bless and use to reach our
communities for Christ.
“Humility is building life around God
and others rather than around
myself.’”
– The Power of True Success:
How to Build Character in Your Life
Snack Items Needed for VBS
We especially appreciate all of you who have so graciously
donated the snack items we served the children at VBS in
the past. Donations like these help us keep costs low. Please
look over this year’s snack list and see what you might be
able to provide. We are now accepting non-perishables.
You do not have to purchase the entire amount of any one
item, just as much as you wish. Donations can be dropped
off at the church office. Please label bags or boxes “VBS
SNACK” Thank you!
6 bags mini pretzels
6 bags mini marshmallows
3 boxes Cheerios
3 large cartons Goldfish crackers
8 bags gummy bears
5 tubs raisins
6 boxes graham crackers
6 bags shredded cheese
4 bags red/yellow/orange jelly beans
12 cans white frosting
12 bags mini rice cakes
4 boxes triangle chips/crackers
12 cans spray can cheese
10 lbs. seedless grapes
10 bags pretzel rods
4 containers ice cream sprinkles
20 bricks cream cheese
10 heads celery
10 lbs. hot dogs
20 packages refrigerated crescent rolls
12 lbs. apples
16 gallons milk
16 gallons apple juice
Sunday, May 15
VOLUME XXXI ISSUE 5 Page 11

Hamlet’s
Blackberry: A
Practical
Philosophy for
Building a good
Life in the Digital Age, by William
Powers sees our lives are being hedged in
by computers and other digital
instruments which constantly demand our
attention. The author says that one or
another of these instruments is going
Tap, Tap, Tap, i.e., constantly tapping us
on the shoulder to get our attention. He
worries that we do not take time to step
back from the rat-race that results from
email, Facebook, or other digital
conversations to reflect on what we are
doing or what has been said. He says it is
this stepping back or disconnect for
reflection that can give depth to our lives,
and control over them. The current
Twitter fad is merely an extreme example
of the problem.
The engaging title of the book was
inspired by Hamlet’s statements “Yea,
from the table of my memory I’ll wipe
away all trivial fond records,” and “My
Page 12
Friday, May 6, 6:30 p.m.
Women of all ages are invited to attend the annual
Daughters in Christ "Apron Strings" banquet. Bring your
daughters, granddaughters, mothers, grandmothers,
sisters, aunts, and friends!
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children for a threecourse
meal and the program. Tickets will be available in
Shepardson Hall on Sundays and in the church office
during the week.
MEN: We need your help, too! The smiling servers make
our ladies feel special. Sign up to help on the easel by the
church office, or contact Ken Anderle, (970) 266-1306.
Hamlet’s Blackberry by Wayne Clegern
tables–meet it is I set it down.” The
references are not to a four-legged piece
of furniture, but to the technology of that
time. The “table” was a reusable
(erasable) note-taking device that could
be carried in one’s pocket. The author
describes the table and its wide-spread
use in detail (pp. 143-155), saying it was
“the period equivalent of our
Blackberries and iPhones.”
Powers examines the way philosophers
and other busy people in the past have
handled the problem of getting
disconnected when they needed to. Plato
took a walk with a friend to get away
from the crowd; Seneca the Stoic wrote
letters to a friend to escape the noise and
bustle around him; Gutenberg invented
the printing press to print Bibles because
individuals needed their own copy to
study in private; a 20-year-old Benjamin
Franklin realized he was a very sociable
being who needed discipline and so wrote
down on a table 13 desirable virtues with
behavioral guidelines to attain each (then
began to grade himself on elaborate
charts). In his autobiography Franklin
said “this little Artifice” was responsible
for all his accomplishments. Powers
notes how the home as refuge has been
digitally infiltrated and suggests how
Henry David Thoreau at Walden Pond a
century and a half ago gave us the answer
for home as refuge. He did not really go
into the wilderness–the Pond was only a
mile and a quarter from Concord, Mass.,
where his family and friends lived. The
solitude he concocted there was to
provide him time to think and reflect. He
had visitors often, and he was very
concerned about the encroaching
technology of his day–the railroad and
telegraph. Finally, Marshall McLuhan
writing at mid-century coined two
catchphrases of astonishingly good
prophecy: “the global village” and “the
medium is the message.” Like several
other writers of his time, such as David
Riesman, The Lonely Crowd, McLuhan
was concerned that people were
becoming less “inner directed” and more
“other directed” in how they saw the
world. Powers says that has again
become a problem and must be
addressed. Take time for reflection!
THE MESSENGER

Women’s Circles
Presbyterian
Women meet all
over the world for
fellowship, prayer
support, Bible
study, spiritual
growth, mission
giving, and
community
outreach.
Our fellowship and study groups are
called Circles. Each circle decides
what book or Bible study they will
pursue for the year.
Our circles are involved in mission
and outreach projects which support
local, national, and worldwide
missions. In addition, some circles
choose to volunteer in the community
and/or help when and where needed at
the church. Join us for one of our
Circles.
Agape
May 3 and 10, at 9 a.m., Rm. 206
Early Evening
May 12 and 26, at 5:15 p.m., Parlor
Evening Circle
May 16, at 7 p.m. in Rm. 207
Humble Bees
May 12, 9 a.m.– 3 p.m. in Rm. 103
Lydia-Ruth
May 26, at 1:30 p.m. in the Parlor
Mary-Martha
May 24, at 1:30 p.m. in the Parlor
Sarah
May 26, at 9:30 a.m. in the Parlor
WINGS
May 5 and 19, at 9 a.m. in Rm. 103
Mission and Outreach Tidbits
● Highlands Presbyterian Camp
Spring Work Day! Saturday, May
14, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Come
volunteer to help at this majestic
mountain site! For more
information, please contact John
Nick at (970) 282-1054.
● Concerned Larimer is cosponsoring
a two-day workshop on
May 5 and 6, led by co-author of
Bridges out of Poverty: Strategies
for Professionals and Communities,
Terie Dreussi Smith, who will
provide attendees with an
introduction to the Bridges model
for addressing poverty and creating
sustainable communities, and will
cover numerous skills and strategies
for developing stronger, more
effective relationships between your
organization and families in poverty
You can register at
www.bohemianfoundation.org/
bridges, or contact Tom Christen at
(970) 225-2131 for more
information.
● 10 th Annual Realities Ride, May
27–29, to benefit abused and at-risk
children in Northern Colorado.
Don’t have a motorcycle? No
problem! In addition to the ride,
there will be a concert, fireworks, a
pre-ride rally, and a free after-ride
community celebration in Old
Town Fort Collins. Come join the
fun and the fight against child
abuse. For more information,
contact Craig Secher at
(970) 484-9090 or
info@realitiesforchildren.com.
● The Fort Collins Area Interfaith
Council – This month’s business
meeting takes place on Thursday,
May 5, 9–11 a.m. at Trinity
Lutheran Church, 301 E. Stuart.
This month’s program meeting
takes place on Thursday, May 19,
9–11 a.m. at Care Housing, 1303
W. Swallow Rd., #11. The program
meeting topic is “Mentoring the
Homeless.” All are invited and
encouraged to attend. For questions,
please call Mary Garcia,
(970) 493-2400.
Mission & Outreach Tentpoles
The goal of MOC’s ‘Tentpoles’ is to
focus our congregational resources on
a group of mission partners in order
to develop and grow relationships
that involve our congregation
spiritually, physically, and
financially.
Criteria include:
Partnering over a period of years;
Involvement opportunities; Mutual
transformation; and FPC leaders and
teams to champion our involvement
MOC’s 2011 Tentpoles are:
Realities for Children, Catholic
Charities Northern, Habitat for
Humanity, Faith Alive Clinic in
Nigeria, Food Bank of Larimer
County, Highlands Retreat Center
A week of fun and service for
kids in 4th and 5th grades.
June 6–10, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Register now at
www.firstpresfc.org
VOLUME XXXI ISSUE 5 Page 13

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Thanks to all
of you who either came and helped us with dinner and crafts, or
took crafts into your home to prepare them for the Easter
Celebration. It is always a joy to have you support these events.
My thanks too to those of you who helped us set up and take
down the M&M luncheon in March. You all are so wonderful to
volunteer and make someone else’s load lighter! I appreciate you
all – you are indeed a joy for me to work with.
We want to honor those of you who have turned 90, or who are
already 90 and lighting more candles on your cake! The
celebration will take place Sunday, May 22, 8:30–9:30 am. If
you attend the first service, join us in Shep after the service for
birthday cake . If you attend the second service, join us in Shep
before the service for birthday cake. Those of you tuning 90, (or
who have already turned 90) will receive letters in the mail with
more details about this celebration. Those of you who have NOT
turned 90, please join us in Shepardson Hall to honor your
friends. We will also list the names of our honorees in our
bulletin that Sunday. If you do not want your name listed, call
the office and leave a message for Marge.
On Sunday, July 17, from 8:30–9:30 a.m. in Shepardson Hall we
will honor people in our congregation who have been members
for 50 years or more. We will list their names in the bulletin that
Sunday. Please save the date to celebrate with us!
Marge is looking for eight volunteers to help ONE morning –
Tuesday, June 7, 9–11 a.m. – at Vacation Bible School. We
will help with crafts. All the crafts will be organized and ready to
go – come enjoy a morning of all generations working together.
AND – get a free sandwich lunch afterwards! If you could, or
would do this, please call Marge at the church and leave your
name. Thank you ahead of time!
Tidings of J.O.Y.
(just older youth)
Vital Information for Boomers and Beyond
Thanks to Senior Volunteers Summer Day Trips: Mark Your Calendar
90+ Birthday Celebration
Celebrating 50+ Years of Membership
Help! ...again
Page 14
We are getting our calendar set for our summer day trips, and are
encouraging you to mark the dates down, so you may join us! As
The Messenger only comes out once a month, continue to watch
your weekly bulletin for any changes that might come up.
Luncheon Buffet at the Baldpate Inn – Thursday, June 16,
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Baldpate Inn, a classic mountain getaway
offering Bed and Breakfast lodging, a specialty restaurant,
unparalleled collections and a spectacular view, is located seven
miles south of Estes Park. The buffet consists of a wonderful
fresh salad bar, hot homemade soup, homemade breads, a variety
of cheeses and fresh pie! Call the office for reservations, and a
van pick up. Reservations must be made by June 6. Cost $20.
Horsetooth Boat Ride – We do not have a specific date on this
yet, but it will be in July. This was a big hit last year, and we had
a wonderful morning out on Horsetooth Reservoir. Please watch
closely for date and cost details (cost includes a picnic lunch on
the boat) as those will come out soon in the church bulletin.
Tip Top Ranch Wagon Ride – Thursday, August 25. We
leave the church at 2:30 p.m. and return around 8 p.m. Tip Top
Guest Ranch, located at the top of Rist Canyon, is a familyowned
and operated Guest Ranch. We will be enjoying a wagon
ride around the ranch and will end up with a campfire that will
produce our dinner. We had a great time last year, we didn’t get
rained on, and we had room for one more in our wagon! Please
consider joining us. More information will be in the bulletin as
time draws closer – so be sure and watch your church bulletins
for that information. Cost will be $25.
Bear Lake Color Trip, and YMCA for lunch – September 23.
We’ll leave church at 8:30 a.m. You may wish to hike around the
lake, or choose to sit and enjoy the scenery! From there we will
go to YMCA for lunch and plan to be home by 3 p.m. We went
at this time last year and the colors were just right – and
beautiful! Cost: $18.
Watch the bulletin and summer Messengers for upcoming events.
Marge is always open for suggestions for our day trips! If the
cost prohibits you from going on any of our day trips, please
speak confidentially to Marge and we can help make it work. We
want everyone be able to join us.
THE MESSENGER

Fort Collins Interfaith Council Makes History
In October, 1979, Frank Holland,
representing Catholic Community
Services in Northern Colorado, began a
conversation with clergy from the Fort
Collins area about the possibility of
starting an interfaith group. This group
would address social concerns and other
issues in the Fort Collins Area.
The Not-for-Profit Articles of
Incorporation were signed on May 25,
1983, by Rev. Walter Royal Jones, Jr. At
first the group consisted only of male
clergy from Christian churches. Then it
was expanded to laity, including women,
in order to better address the issues.
Through the years new faith communities
were invited to join. Then, non-profit and
government agencies were invited to join
as affiliate members, thereby serving as a
bridge to the faith communities.
After a few years of attempting to serve a
wide variety of community needs,
Interfaith reorganized under an umbrella
of four basic mission services: food,
housing, health, and social concerns.
Subsequently, several of our
community’s current service
organizations originated as initiatives of
the Interfaith Council, such as Food Bank
of Larimer County, The Children’s
Clinic, Education and Life Training
Center (ELTC) and the Homelessness
Prevention Initiative.
In the early days, IFC worked with the
Housing Authority of Fort Collins,
Neighbor to Neighbor and Salvation
Army to obtain several apartments for
migrants and homeless persons. It helped
obtain the donation of a house, which
was moved to John XXIII property, and
was called Transition House.
One of IFC’s biggest projects was the
relocation of over 100 Pioneer Park
residents, a mobile home park at
Harmony and College. The Flood of
1997 resulted in many trailer homes
being destroyed. At the time of the flood,
IFC collected about $250,000, which was
used to help those who were displaced.
The Housing continuum was pivotal in
combating the NIMBY (Not In My
Backyard) attitude. IFC sponsored a
“Tour of Affordable Homes,” where it
brought in media, and local officials as
well as neighborhoods opposing Care
Housing and other developments at the
time. A bus tour took participants to
observe existing affordable housing
developments. The response was
positive, the press covered the story, and
many of those who had opposed the
developments became supporters. IFC
was the non-profit pass-through for
individuals and companies, providing the
501c3 status, for Habitat for Humanity
when it first came to Fort Collins.
IFC has been noted for developing
partnerships. It has teamed with the
Multi-Faith Coalition of Northern
Colorado in sponsoring the annual
Thanksgiving Community-Wide
Celebration. In cooperation with other
religious and civic organizations, it has
been a co-sponsor of the annual Hour for
Peace held simultaneously around the
world (5 a.m. locally) on December 31.
Most recently, in conjunction with the
United Way of Larimer County, it has
participated in Make A Difference Day.
Today this interfaith body encompasses
22 religious bodies, with 27 community
service groups as affiliated members.
Major mission accomplishments in recent
years include:
● food for the hungry
● assistance with housing provisions
for low-income families,
● health services for needy families
and individuals
● contact with local and state
lawmakers
● assistance to families uprooted by
the flood in Fort Collins
● and a wide variety of community
social concerns that need to be
addressed
Fort Collins Area Interfaith Council
serves as a pass-through organization for
funds contributed by the faith
communities to the service agencies
according to the recommendations of an
IFC Grants Committee. In 2010, a total
of $12,000 was distributed to 22
agencies. For questions about IFC or
attending their regular monthly meetings,
please call Mary Garcia, (970) 493-2400.
Vacation Bible School
June 6–10, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. daily
Register
today at
www.firstpresfc.org!
VOLUME XXXI ISSUE 5 Page 15

“Next year, let’s buy two carnations
for the oldest mother.”
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USPS No. 562110
‘THE MESSENGER’ (U.S.P.S. 563-11-) is published monthly by First Presbyterian Church, 531 South College Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80524. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Collins, CO. POSTMASTER: Send address
changes to ‘THE MESSENGER’, First Presbyterian Church, 531 South College Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80524. The publisher of this periodical reserve the right to edit all material submitted.
MAY 1—Single Adult Lunch, 12 p.m.
MAY 2— MOMSNext, 6:30 p.m.
MAY 4—Destination Delicious, 6 p.m.
MAY 6—Daughters in Christ, 6:30 p.m.
MAY 8—Mother’s Day
MOPS Flower Sale, between services
MAY 9—MOPS, 9 a.m.
MAY 19—VBS Work Day, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
MAY 20—Psalms, Hymns, & Spiritual Songs, 7 p.m.
MAY 22—90+ Birthday Celebration, 8:30 a.m.
Mothers Day is Sunday May 8.
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) are here to help!
Visit Shepardson Hall in between the morning services
on Mothers Day for a flower sale. Choose a beautiful,
hand-painted pot planted with flowers for the special
mom, grandma, or friend in your life. At the same time,
you’ll support Mothers of Preschoolers at FPC.