1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

First Day !
Weekly News and Opportunities at
The First Presbyterian Church of Howard County
October 12, 2014
TODAY
Please join us downstairs in Lyle Buck Hall for coffee fellowship
following the 8:00 a.m. service (from 9:00 – 9:30 a.m.) and
following the Contemporary Service (from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.)
If you can help with this ministry please contact
[email protected]
LITURGISTS: Nancy (8:00); Janet (11:00)
USHERS & GREETERS: Ron, M.J. (8:00); John (9:30); Margot (11:00); Jonathan
(Tech Crew)
AT THE WELCOME DESK FOLLOWING WORSHIP: Angela (8:00); Brett (9:30);
Ginny (11:00)
FLOWERS THIS WEEK are given to the glory of God by Elaine in memory of
Marjorie.
Flower arranger is Nancy.
TODAY WE WELCOME The Rev. T. Webster Brenner, one of First Church’s
“Parish Associates,” which simply means clergy not currently installed as
church pastors. A graduate of Princeton Seminary, Web has served churches
in Baltimore, Chicago, and Evanston, IL. He is an Assistant Attorney General of
Maryland, and teaches ethics and law at UMBC.
CHILDREN’S WORSHIP: All worship begins in the Sanctuary.
At 8:00 a.m.: After Welcoming One Another: Children ages 4-7 may go with
Ms. Kathy Moore to Godly Play. Parents can pick up their children following
worship in rooms 110 & 113.
At 11:00 a.m.: After the Children’s Prayer and Lord’s Prayer: Children ages 4-7
may go with Ms. Kathy Moore to Godly Play. Parents can pick up their children
following worship in rooms 110 & 113.
Older children, grades 2-5, may go with Ms. Virginia Callegary to The Worship
Bridge. They will return to the sanctuary later in the worship service.
BLOOD PRESSURE TESTING TODAY: Stay healthy and come have your blood
pressure tested by Jim Bellor in Lyle Buck Hall from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
If you have any questions please contact the church office.
GUIDE
TO
PRAYER
FOR THE
WEEK
OF
OCTOBER 12
Please pray for:
Jeff, Joan, Carol & Woody, Barb, Richard, Pat,
Andy & Carolyn, Alice, Dorothy, Tom, Rob & Dorothy, Gertrude, Bob,
Vivian & Robert, Daniel, Ken, Kim, Bob, Cliff, Becky, Stan, Al
Hospitalized: Mil
Upcoming Surgery: Ed
Recovering from Surgery: Burta, Phil, Blessing, Paul, Anna
Deaths: May the peace of Christ be with Agnes, in the death of her Aunt,
Frances on October 5, 2014.
PCUSA Mission Coworkers: Jeff and Christi Boyd in Congo; Amanda Craft and
Omar Chan in Guatemala.
Please contact the church office, 410-730-3545,
or Parish Visitor Ruth Bell, 443-668-1804
with the prayers and concerns that you would like to share.

PEOPLE ON THE WAY
Luke, the Evangelist. Luke is identified by tradition as the author of both the
Gospel of Luke and Acts. Luke is careful to place the events of Jesus’ life in
both their social and religious contexts. Some of the most loved parables,
including the Good Samaritan and the prodigal son, are found only in this
gospel. Luke’s gospel has also given the church some of its most beautiful
songs: the Benedictus (1:68-79) sung at morning prayer the Magnificat (1:4655) sung at evening prayer, and the Nunc dimittis (2:29-32) sung at the close
of the day. These songs are powerful witnesses to the message of Jesus
Christ. They also give us a glimpse into the community worship and personal
faith of the first generation of Christian people.
THE ECUMENICAL PRAYER CYCLE focuses the prayers of Christians week by
week, so that over the year all the countries of the world are prayed for.
This week: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal
Pray for:
 A lessening of political unrest and terrorism;
 Women, that they be respected and have dignity in their work;
 Those affected by frequent flooding, landslides, tropical storms and
earthquakes.
For more information about the Prayer Cycle, visit the website of the World
Council of Churches: www.oikoumene.org
OUR MISSION PARTNERSHIP PRAYER CYCLE FOR 2014
We pray for the churches and pastors of Baltimore Presbytery, by church
CHURCHES OF THE PRESBYTERY OF BALTIMORE:
 Madison Avenue Church in Baltimore City – John Thomas, Pastor
 Maryland Church in Towson – Mary Gaut, Pastor
 Mt. Hebron Church in Ellicott City – Adrian Pratt, Pastor
 Mt. Paran Church in Randallstown – Ed Terry, Commissioned Ruling Elder
ADULT EDUCATION & SPIRITUAL GROWTH
ADULT CHURCH SCHOOL
Bible in Depth
Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the Clark Parlor
“Bible stories you didn’t learn in Sunday School.”
a Bible study, led by Carl
We are still making our way through the Old Testament. Last year we
ended with King Saul, so this year we will begin with King David and
then go from there
FIRST FORUM – Adult Bible Study & Discussion
Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in Room258
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Today Sunday, October 12th
NAMI program and service offerings and other mental health
community resources.
with Beverley Francis-Gibson, Executive Director of NAMI HC
Next Sunday, October 19th
Telling our story – from the perspective of a family member or friend.
with Steve Gray, Vice President, NAMI HC Board
and member of our Faith Outreach Committee
WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
Water and Spirit in the Gospel of John
Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. in the Parlor
Walt Peters, our Pastor-in-Residence, will lead this lively conversation. He’ll
be our guide as we chase the theme of “Water and Spirit” through John’s
really interesting gospel.
October 15: Text: John 5:1-18, Wade in the Water…
God’s gonna trouble the water
STUDENT MINISTRIES
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR STUDENT MINISTRY
Daily through Friday, October 31st
Pumpkin Patch
Sunday-Saturday, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 16th
Confirmation Class, 6:45-8:30 p.m. Room 258
Sunday, October 19th
Corn Maze Trip
Mid-Highs & Senior Highs
Meet at church at 3:00 p.m. promptly
Return to church by 7:30 p.m.
Bring $11.00 for admission plus money for concessions
Dress appropriately for the weather
Bring signed permission postcard
Thursday, October 23rd
Confirmation Class, 6:45-8:30 p.m. Room 258
OPPORTUNITIES
FOR
SERVICE
ORGANIZERS NEEDED! We’re looking for someone who is interested in helping
organize the Alternative Gift Fair. We especially need someone to help spread
the word about the fair. If that sounds like YOU please contact the church
office for more information.
RUTH CIRCLE’S MISSION PROJECT will be sending Care Packages to our
students in college and anyone serving in the military. Addresses and $13.00 to
cover cost of shipping is due to the church office by Tuesday,
October 21st. Packages will be prepared for shipping on Sunday, October 26th.
For details and a list of items, please pick up a flyer at the Welcome Center.
JUST ONE CAN in OCTOBER! – The Backpack Project
The Board of Deacons’ campaign in October focuses on donations for the 38
children in the Head Start program here at First Pres! The Backpack Project
provides six meals to each student every weekend during the school year.
Recommended items are: 100% juice boxes, instant oatmeal packets,
cans or packs of tuna, cans or cups of soup, boxes of uncooked pasta, protein
bars/granola bars/cereal bars, fruit snacks, pasta meals (such as spaghetti-O’s
or cups of ravioli). Please leave your donations in the “Just One Can” wooden
cart across from the Welcome Center in the Upper Commons. Thank you on
behalf on the Deacons and the Mission Committee.
BLOOD DRIVE is Saturday, November 15th, from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Sign-up in the Lower Commons or contact the church office.
MISSION NEWS
THE GUATEMALA SCHOLARSHIP FUND DRIVE has three weeks to go and we
have received contributions to fund 51.5 scholarships. Last year we were able
to award scholarships to a record-breaking 68 Guatemalan young people,
which is our goal again this year. Before we partnered with the United Maya
Quiché Boca Costa Presbytery, attending middle or high school was a hopeless
dream, given the high tuition and other costs of post-elementary education in
their country. The young people are so grateful for the hope we have given
them. Your contribution of $440 will fund a scholarship for one student, but
contributions of any amount are most welcome. All donors are requested to
fill out the gold donor card available at the Welcome Center or contact the
church office. Many thanks to those who have already made a donation; your
generosity is deeply appreciated.
DEACONS HOLIDAY MISSION PROJECTS are beginning! Please see the inserts
in today’s bulletin with details about the Thanksgiving Baskets and Christmas
Stockings.
CONCERT
CONCERT – “JIMMY & FRIENDS” – Sunday, November 2 at 5:00 p.m. in the
sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church of Howard County. Bring your friends to
a wonderful concert of songs!
GENERAL INFORMATION
EARTH FORUM OF HOWARD COUNTY
presents “The Election and the Environment”
Next Sunday, October 19 at 2:00 p.m.
at First Presbyterian Church
The Forum will feature the State Senators who
will determine the vitality of the environment and
its resources in our community and in Maryland.
Hear the candidates explain their plans, ideas and
vision for caring for our environment as you
prepare to vote on November 4.
Contact:
www.earthforumhc.org,
e-mail
[email protected].
The Earth Forum is free and open to all interested people.
THE LUNCH BUNCH is having its next gathering at Outback Steakhouse in Long
Gate Shopping Center on Tuesday, October 28th at 11:30 a.m. Retirees and
empty nesters are invited to enjoy some time out with friends and help pick
the next time and location! Sign up in the Lower Commons or email
[email protected].
AN INVITATION TO REMEMBER:
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY IS NOVEMBER 2nd
In our morning worship services we will celebrate all the
people—saints—of God who walked the way of faith with
courage, devotion and love. As we gather at the Lord’s
Table together, we will remember the members of our
household of faith whose journeys entered the church
triumphant since last All Saints.
We would also like to remember other family members, friends, mentors and
leaders who died in the past year (November 2013-present). If you have a
family member or friend, who died in the past year, whose name you would
like to be included in this great day of memory, hope and celebration, please
contact Caroline Smith at 410-730-3545 x10 or email [email protected]
by Monday, October 27th.
THANKS TO A GENEROUS GRANT FROM THE LILLY ENDOWMENT,
Pastor Sue is on sabbatical this fall. Pastor Morton is accompanying her for the
first part.
OUR PASTOR-IN-RESIDENCE, The Rev. Walt Peters will ordinarily be in the
office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and will always be present on Sunday
mornings. You may reach him via email at [email protected] or through
the church phone number. Either the office staff or Clerk of Session Catherine
Blacka will be able to reach him in case of pastoral emergencies.
For more events throughout the week at First Presbyterian Church, please check the calendar on our
website at www.firstpreshc.org, the current issue of Tidings, or call the church office 410-730-3545.
A Weekly Email is sent every Friday, if you would like to receive it please contact the church office.
To submit news or events for the weekly bulletin First Day! please email to: [email protected]
by Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.
To submit articles for Tidings, our monthly newsletter, please send articles by email to:
[email protected] by Thursday, October 16, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. for the November 2014 Issue #10.
Weekly Calendar
Every Sunday
8:00 & 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
9:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship
Infant & Toddler Care is available all morning
Godly Play (age 4 – grade 1) during 8:00 & 11:00 a.m. services
The Worship Bridge (grades 2 – 5) during 11:00 a.m. service
9:30 a.m. Church School for all ages & First Forum 
Sunday, October 12th
TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
HANDBELLS | MOVEABLE FEAST
BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING – 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
PUMPKIN PATCH – 11:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M.
9:30 a.m. Sunday School (all ages)
2:00 p.m. Vantage House Worship
3:00 p.m. Knitting Ministry
Monday, October 13th
PUMPKIN PATCH – 11:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M.
Tuesday, October 14th
PUMPKIN PATCH – 11:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M.
SUPER TUESDAY
7:00 p.m. Christian Education Meeting
Discipleship & Caring Ministries Meeting
Mission Meeting
Strengthening the Church Meeting
Wednesday, October 15th
BULLETIN ARTICLES DUE
PUMPKIN PATCH – 11:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M.
9:30 a.m. Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Mary-Martha Circle
1:00 p.m. Knitting Fellowship
2:00 p.m. Staff Meeting
7:30 p.m. Christmas Pageant Planning Meeting
Thursday, October 16th
PUMPKIN PATCH – 11:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M.
TIDINGS ARTICLES DUE
6:15 p.m.
The Spirit Project
6:45 p.m. Confirmation Class
7:00 p.m. Stephen Ministry
7:15 p.m.
Chancel Choir
Friday, October 17th
PUMPKIN PATCH – 11:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M.
1:00 p.m. Bulletins Folded
Saturday, October 18th
PUMPKIN PATCH – 11:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M.
8:00 a.m. Men’s Prayer Breakfast
Walking Group at Centennial Park
9:00 a.m. Church Work Day
Lydia Circle
Sunday, October 19th
TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
ANNUAL RESPONSE PROGRAM KICK-OFF
THANKSGIVING BASKETS COLLECTION THROUGH NOVEMBER 16
PUMPKIN PATCH – 11:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M.
9:30 a.m. Sunday School (all ages)
2:00 p.m. Earth Forum of Howard County
3:00 p.m. Student Ministry – Corn Maze Trip
6:30 p.m. Ruth Circle
First Presbyterian Church of Howard County
Thanksgiving Food Drive 2014
The Deacons Thanksgiving Food Collection Project
Sunday, October 19 to Wednesday, November 19, 2014
We are collecting food items to provide food baskets to
Bridges to Housing Stability and other church families.
Your generous support and donations to this project are
greatly appreciated. The collection point for food will be
the Just One Can bin located in the Upper Commons
(near the Tech Center).
Suggested non-perishable food items
for the baskets:
Canned Fruit
Canned Vegetables
Evaporated milk
Canned pie fillings
Cranberry sauce
Yams
Boxes of stuffing mix
Rice
Instant potatoes
Coffee
Pasta
Gravy Packets
Jell-O
Fruit Juices
Biscuit mix
Cornbread mix
Brownie mix
Cookie mix
Cake mix
Flour
Sugar
Thank you for supporting First Presbyterian Church’s
Thanksgiving Project!
Christmas Stockings
Share the spirit and joy of Christmas with families in need
in our community through FIRN, The Salvation Army and
Head Start. The Deacons will provide Christmas
Stockings or Christmas Gift Bags for children.
Stockings and Gift Bags will be distributed in the Lower
Commons starting Sunday, November 23rd and continue
through Sunday, December 7th.
Stockings for the Salvation Army must be returned by
Sunday, December 7th; all others must be returned by
Sunday, December 14th.
If you would like further information, please contact the
church office, [email protected].
Thank you for sharing the Spirit of Christmas
by providing Christmas Stockings
for these families.