1. No category

J ANUARY 2015
Inside This Issue
1 From the Pastor
2 From the Associate
2 Haiti
3 Emerts Share Africa
3 Women in Ministry
4 Church Administration Matters
5 Parenting: The Early Years
5 GriefShare
6 Wednesday Nights
7 Birthdays
8-9 Calendar
10 Prayer Concerns
11 Keenagers
11 Presbyterian Community
12-13 Children’s Ministry
14 Helping Florence Flourish
15 Youth Ministry
A New Year’s Challenge
I have shared with you before that one of
the passages of Scripture that really
convicts and challenges me is found in
Philippians 3. Paul is talking about his life
and that which is most important in his life.
The entire chapter challenges me to look
at my life and answer the hard question of
what is it that really motivates me in my
life? What is it that I consider to be most
important in my life? I know what I want it
to be, but that doesn’t mean I always do
what is necessary to make that happen.
I have found that most of us tend to make
our lives very complicated. We set
multiple goals for ourselves and then we
become discouraged when we do not
accomplish what we have set out to do.
We fill our lives with things, thinking surely
that will make me happy; only to discover
that very often it is the “things” that bring
us the most unhappiness. Well, Paul
simplified his life. Paul had a single focus
(goal) in his life and he shares that with
us. He says, “Brothers, I do not consider
myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one
thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and
straining forward to what is ahead, I press
on toward the goal to win the prize for
which God has called me heavenward in
Christ Jesus" (3:13-14).
Apostle Paul. His goal is simply to “know
Christ”, “to be like Christ” and even to “win
the prize!”
In a world that is filled with complexity,
Paul challenges us to be single-minded.
He often uses the analogy of an athlete
that fixes his eyes on the finish line and
focusing on nothing but the race. The truth
is we live in a world with constant and
competing values that will take us away
from our relationship with Jesus. We face
challenges everyday that pull us away
from our commitment to Him.
As we have the opportunity to turn a new
page on the calendar, maybe we need to
do some simplification, discarding
anything from our past that hinders our
growth in the grace and knowledge of who
I am in Christ. May we all remember that
our victory is not about what we do—it is
about our relationship with the One who
has already won the race and given us
life!
Paul challenges us to pursue Christlikeness by following his lead. What are
the goals you have for your life? What
better way to bring in the New Year than
to set our goals heavenward?
God Bless and Happy New Year!
As a follower of Christ, we need to hear
the simplicity of these words of the
“Forgetting what is behind and straining forward to
what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the
prize for which God has called me heavenward in
Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:13-14
2 FROM THE ASSOCIATE
A Thought or Two Challenging You Toward Discipleship
from the associate pastor
This month we will do some big
things! And I mean BiG!
A Wedding
On January 3, we marry off our oldest son, Will, to a
fine young local woman, Courtney Amos. Her parents
are Greg and Tamara Amos. Greg is the bishop of
the Pentecostal Holiness church in eastern South
Carolina. It's dangerous, for sure, when two pastor
kids get married. We are so proud of these two; and
look forward to what God will do in their lives going
forward!
City Wide Prayer Gathering
On January 13, at Grace Baptist church on Third
Loop at around 7pm the third City Wide Prayer
Gathering will occur. In the last few months, this
prayer movement has begun to develop, led by Anne
Chapman from Sandhurst church. First Presbyterian
hosted the November gathering. Highland Park
Methodist hosted December. Other churches are
lined up to host through the spring. The Lord is
stirring the people of God in Florence as they pray for
Him to move in our churches and community.
Women Only/Men Only Events
Then as you can see in other parts of the newsletter
we will have a wonderful opportunity before us as
both our men and women will have special speakers
on January 14th. Carman LeBerge will speak to the
women and Steve Sonderman to the men (See
details on Pg. 6). Following this special Wednesday
evening, the following Wednesdays will be a time to
spend time as women and men being challenged to
be women and men of God!
Elder Chris Scott came into my office about four
months ago and began talking about how he had a
vision for seeing our men's ministry move to the next
level. That conversation has turned into this moment.
His dream is coming true!
Helping Florence Flourish
On January 20/21, there will be a gathering, at
Cumberland United Methodist church on Coit street,
of Christian leaders, from all over Florence and this
could be the beginning of a local Gospel City
Movement. The goal is to see 100 participants at
both events. There are, according to, author and
consultant, Glenn Barth, over 300 Gospel City
Movements around the United States. The goal of
this endeavor is to bless our community in the name
of the Lord. We are working toward a visible
demonstration of the unity of the body Christ. I have
been blessed to work with a diverse group of people
from around Florence doing interviews which have
had as a goal listening for the promptings of the
Spirit. These promptings will become the work that
we will endeavor to do together. Learn more on page
14.
Future Travelers
On January 26, I will travel to Seattle, Washington to
participate in a second cohort gathering of Future
Travelers. Each of the three cohort gatherings is
hosted by author Alan Hirsh, along with our ECO
denominational leaders Dana Allin and John Terech.
Our ECO Future Travelers cohort is made up of
about 20 ECO pastors from around the country.
Together we are observing churches who are
imagining ministry from the point of view of being on
mission. How a congregation develops missionally
minded disciples is the end goal. I invite you to read
a book with me, that I'm reading in preparation for
this upcoming gathering, called On the Verge by Alan
Hirsh. It is a practical study on how the church in the
West needs to respond to the current cultural context
with all its challenges and opportunities.
All of the dates I place before you have a challenge
to discipleship tucked in them. You are invited to
participate in all these events! Even Future Travelers!
If you read On The Verge let me know and we can
talk about it together! It will challenge you though, so
watch out! Join me in Following Him!
Upcoming Haiti
Mission Trip
2015
February 17-25 we will
be visiting our sponsored children and
providing a special
churchwide meal for
the Haitians. If you are
interested in being a part of the team or have
questions, please contact Chris Handley.
   EMERTS - WIM
3
Emerts Share about Missions in Africa
Sunday, January 11 at 6:00 PM
Fellowship Hall
Come hear Jeremy & Courtney Emert share about their first year on
the mission field in Africa.
Women in Ministry’s Mid-Winter Gathering
Thursday, January 22, 2015 at 10:00 AM
Our Mid-Winter Gathering will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2015, at 10 a.m. in the
Fellowship Hall. We will move into the CLC to make “Colors of Faith” bracelets for our Youth
Ministry to distribute at the East Florence Mission and also for our Parking Lot Ministry as well as the
Children’s Ministry (Good News Clubs). The bracelets, along with the Plan of Salvation, will be
placed in small plastic bags for easy distribution. We will also be writing notes to our college
students.
A short business meeting will begin at 11:30 am during which we will elect two women to serve on
the Nominating Committee. Be sure the person you plan to nominate is willing to serve.
Lunch will be served in the Fellowship Hall. Our speaker will be Chris Canfield regarding “A New
Day in Zambia”.
SAVE THE DATE!
Women in Ministry Spring Celebration
Monday, April 20, 2015
6:30-8:30 PM in the Christian Life Center
Guest Speaker: Maria Owens
Please bring a salad to share and a friend—details will follow.
WiM Groups
Group 1
Group 2
Group 4
Group 5
Group 6
Group 7
Group 8
Morning Glories
Knock Out Roses
Women of Grace
Posies & Petals
Bread & Fish
Serenity
Prayer Warriors
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Jan. 13
Jan. 13
Jan. 8
Jan. 13
Jan. 10
Jan. 13
Jan. 13
10:00 AM
10:00 AM
6:30 PM
10:00 AM
9:30 PM
3:00 PM
6:30 PM
TBA
Room 100
Presbyterian Community
Lawson-Rain Chapel
Call Jan 250-5134
Lawson-Rain Chapel
Lawson-Rain Chapel
4
CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR
Church Administration Matters
New Beginnings Update – Our New Beginning
campaign covers a 2 year period beginning January
1, 2015. Some of our covenant partners are still
contributing to the first capital campaign. To avoid
confusion, and ensure that you receive proper credit
for your contributions, please indicate either “New
Beginnings” or “Capital Campaign” when making
your contribution. For those using our on-line giving,
you may choose “New Beginnings” from the drop
down menu on the Giving page. Please feel free to
contact me if you have questions about our on-line
giving option.
FINAL REMINDER about Year-end Giving - If you
are planning to make a year-end contribution please
note that checks must be dated and postmarked
no later than December 31, 2014 in order to receive
contribution credit for 2014.
Offering Envelopes – Currently, all covenant
partners of First Presbyterian receive offering
envelopes in their homes through the mail on a
monthly basis (one envelope for each week).
Recently we have noticed a trend where many
people make their contributions on a monthly basis.
Some people place their offering in one of the
envelopes found in the pew racks. Others are
choosing to take advantage of on-line giving to
make their contributions to the church. If you no
longer wish to receive the envelopes by mail, please
contact Theresa Hilton by phone or e-mail
[email protected] to have your name
removed from the envelope service mailing list. We
will continue to provide envelopes to those who wish
to receive them.
Volunteer Opportunity (Substitute Receptionist)
– First Presbyterian Church is blessed with a faithful
group of volunteer receptionists (Carol Banner,
Linda Westbrook, Pam Hoogenboom, Wendell
Holland, Maggie Reece, Gwen Misurella, Glenda
Myatt, Diane Rouse.) Each week, these folks
volunteer their time to answer the phones, greet
guests who come to the church, and assist with our
staff with clerical tasks (stuffing envelopes, data
entry, etc.) They play a vital role in the ministry of
First Presbyterian Church and we greatly appreciate
their faithfulness. From time to time “life
happens” (illness, vacations, prior commitments,
etc.) and our volunteers are unable to be present.
We are working to develop a pool of substitutes
willing to fill in when one of our regular volunteers
needs to be away. If you are interested in getting
involved as a substitute receptionist, please contact
me or Teresa Stewart at [email protected]
Food for Thought on a New Year – I came across
the following quotes that I believe are applicable to
each of us as individuals and collectively as the
body of Christ known as First Presbyterian Church.
What do you think?
“Maybe this year, we ought to walk through the
rooms of our lives not looking for flaws, but
looking for potential.” —Ellen Goodman
“The object of a new year is not that we should
have a new year, but rather that we should have
a new soul.” —G.K. Chesterton
If you have not had a chance to turn in your Commitment for Stewardship 2015
or New Beginnings, you may Pledge at any time online at:
http://florencefirst.org/annual-stewardship-2015-commitment/
http://florencefirst.org/new-beginnings-commitment/
BASKETBALL-PARENTING
5
Youth Basketball League
Games have begun! All games are played at
Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Practice Times
8 & Under: Tuesdays 4:30 PM
10 & Under: Mondays 5:00 PM/Fridays 5:00 PM
12 & Under: Mondays 6:00 PM
14 & Under: Thursdays 6:30 PM
17 & Under: Sundays 2:45 PM/Wed. 7:45 PM
Parenting: The Early
Years
If you are the parent of young children, we invite
you to join us for a six week parenting class designed by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrot. “Parenting:
The Early Years” is a 20 minute video lesson
and then a discussion of the workbook materials
facilitated by Barry and Susan Jenkins. The Parrott’s say, “Your child aspires to be like you—is
that a good thing?” Instead of focusing on how
to “get your child to do what you want”, they say
parenting starts with who “you are” and they
share ten qualities for your life, that will help
shape the character of your children.
Mondays starting January 26th,
6:30-8:30 PM in Room 104
GriefShare is for people grieving the death of a family
member or friend. We will meet for 13 weeks. You are
welcome to begin attending the GriefShare group at any
session. Each is “self-contained,” so you do not have to
attend in sequence. You will find encouragement and
help whenever you begin.
Join us for six Sunday
evening classes beginning
January 18, 2015
5:00—6:30 pm
(Fellowship Hall—child care provided)
RSVP by January 12
to the church office.
The City is Our Church
Online
The City is a reflection of our church online and it is helping members in our church stay engaged
in daily life and ministry. It is becoming the place to find someone. It is our online pictorial
directory. It's a group-oriented network that's all about helping our church build deeper community
and extend the love of Christ to the world.
6
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
Family Dinner
January 7rd
Team Leader
Philip Baugh
Baked Chicken
Brown Rice
Green Beans
January 14th
January 21st
January 28th
Team Leader
Men’s/Women’s Ministry
Team Leader
Linda Westbrook
Team Leader
Joyce Dalsbo
Chicken Bog
Sweet Potato Souffle
Green Beans
Slaw
Rolls
Chili
Baked Potato
BBQ Chicken
Mixed Vegetables
Sweet Potatoes
Supper begins at 5:30 PM in the Christian Life Center (CLC)
Adults $5
Youth $5
Children (under 12) $3
Family Max $15
Wednesday, January 14 Speakers
Steve Sonderman
God’s Model
for Manhood
Steve is the President & Founder of “No Regrets” Men’s Ministries, Associate Pastor of
Adult Discipleship at Elmbrook Church and the
chaplain for the Milwaukee Brewers.
Carmen
Fowler LaBerge
Biblical
Womanhood
Carmen is the President
and Executive Editor of the
Presbyterian Lay Committee, chairs the Common Ground Christian Network and co-convenes the LOVE2020 Apologetics group for Mission America Coalition.
Wednesday, January 21 - Join a 6 week Small Group Study
Men’s Study
A Few Good Men by Richard Coekin
10 positive role models from the
Bible. These character sketches
combine dramatic story-telling
and examine the struggles and
temptations of these biblical men
who face the same struggles that
men still face today.
Women’s Study
Rebuild: A Study in Nehemiah by Kathleen
Nielson
This study of Nehemiah helps
us understand our history as
believers in Jesus Christ. It
helps us learn to walk in faith
according to God's Word, even
in times of weakness and rebuilding.
  BIRTHDAYS 7
01 Cora Long
08 Bryan Spearman
17 Jayce Newton
24 Chuck Dennis
02 Mike Morgan
09 Rhett Spencer
18 Larry Brice
25 Judy Fuller
02 Jude Emert
09 Lylli Player
18 Josh Osterhout
25 Jess Nance
02 Meg Lewis
11 Joe Eason
19 Dorothy Harris
25 Brad Campbell
03 Allison McElveen
12 Ginger Sullivan
19 Scott Collins
26 Jake Lewis
03 Joyce Fincannon
12 Brown Johnson
19 Stephen Handley
26 Nancy Bostian
03 Tom Lewis
12 Hanna Shin
20 Susie Miles
26 Karen McBride
03 Beth McCall
13 David Crockett
20 Lucy Moore
26 Chris Handley
04 Larry Grubb
15 Dewitt Fincannon
22 Leigh Copeland
27 Joe McLean
04 Joe Carter
15 Stephanie Rawlinson
22 Dottie Handley
27 Claire Goodstein
05 Mike Watts
16 Jeremy Lane
23 Kathy Hayes
27 Fritz Murphy
05 Kathie Carter
16 Joe Mclean
23 Jay Pearson
27 Linda Lawson
05 Grady Moore
17 Ansley Kate Ramirez
23 Munford Scott
29 Weaver Whitehead
06 Grace Singletary
17 Butch Carroll
23 Ed Turner
30 Sims Rufus Bratton
06 Beah Carter
17 Rachel Odom
23 Mills Nunn
30 Lori Stokes
06 Samuel Stokes
17 Hannah Sprenger
24 Martha Chastain
30 Letty Hall
07 Genie Lee
17 Zack Wheeler
24 Richie Wilhoit
31 Alva Whitehead
Staff Birthdays
13 Stephanie Jones
23 Ron Echols
26 Chris Handley
Did we miss your birthday? Please contact Teresa Stewart at 662-2583 or [email protected] so we can correct our records.
DECEMBER 21 AT 11:00 AM
GRAHAM HAMILTON EMERSON
MASTERS WHERREN EMERSON
BORN MAY 28, 2014
SONS OF GARY AND MARY ALLYSON EMERSON
8 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Thursday, January 1, 2014 NEW YEAR’S DAY
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
6:30 PM Basketball Practice: 14&U
Friday, January 2, 2014
BUS: Handley’s
5:00 PM Basketball Practice: 10&U
Saturday, January 3, 2014
Sunday, January 4, 2014
COMMUNION SUNDAY
8:30 AM Contemporary Worship Service
9:45 AM Sunday School
11:00 AM Traditional Worship Service
2:45 PM Basketball Practice: 17&U
4:30 PM Volleyball: CLC
5:00 PM MOVE (Youth)
Monday, January 5, 2014
10:00 AM Women’s Bible Study/Prayer Group
5:00 PM Basketball Practice: 10&U
6:00 PM Basketball Practice: 12&U
7:00 PM Boy Scouts: Scout Room
Tuesday, January 6, 2014
6:00 AM Men’s Bible Study: LR Chapel
7:00 AM Men’s Breakfast: FH
9:30 AM Women’s Prayer Group
9:45 AM WiM Ct Meeting: LR
11:00 AM WiM Bible Moderators: LR Kitch.
12:00 PM Keenagers’ Luncheon: FH
1:30 PM Ladies’ Ensemble: Choir Rm
4:00 PM Girls’ Ensemble: Choir Rm
4:30 PM Basketball Practice: 8&U
Wednesday, January 7, 2014
6:30 PM Praise Team Rehearsal
7:30 PM Chancel Choir Practice
7:45 PM Basketball Practice: 17&U
Thursday, January 8, 2014
7:15 AM Men’s Breakfast: Pres. Community
9:00 AM Women’s Thursday Bible Study: FH
10:00 AM Women’s Only Small Group: Rm 201
6:30 PM Basketball Practice: 14&U
6:30 PM WiM4: Women of Grace: Pres. Comm.
Friday, January 9, 2014
5:00 PM Basketball Practice: 10&U
6:00 PM Youth Bonfire
8:30 PM Children’s Ministry Lock-In: CLC/FH
Saturday, January 10, 2014
6:00 AM Parking Lot Mission: Hope Health Parking Lot
9:30 AM WiM6 Bread & Fish: TBA
Sunday, January 11, 2014
8:30 AM Contemporary Worship Service
9:45 AM Sunday School
11:00 AM Traditional Worship Service
2:30 PM Girl Scouts: Cadet, Senior & Ambassador Mtg: Scout Rm
2:45 PM Basketball Practice: 17&U
4:30 PM Volleyball: CLC
5:00 PM MOVE (Youth)
6:00 PM Emerts Share Africa: Fellowship Hall
Monday, January 12, 2014
10:00 AM Women’s Bible Study/Prayer Group
5:00 PM Basketball Practice: 10&U
6:00 PM Basketball Practice: 12&U
7:00 PM Boy Scouts: Scout Room
Tuesday, January 13, 2014
6:00 AM Men’s Bible Study: LR Chapel
7:00 AM Men’s Breakfast: FH
9:30 AM Women’s Prayer Group
10:00 AM WiM1:Morning Glories:TBA
10:00 AM WiM2:Knockout Roses:Room 100
10:00 AM WiM5:Posies & Petals:LR
12:00 PM Just for Women Ministries: CLC
1:30 PM Ladies’ Ensemble: Choir Rm
3:00 PM WiM7: Serenity: LR Chapel
3:00 PM Girl Scouts: Daisy, Brownie and Juniors: Scout Rm
4:00 PM Girls’ Ensemble: Choir Rm
4:30 PM Basketball Practice: 8&U
6:00 PM Just for Women Ministries: CLC
6:30 PM WiM8: Prayer Warriors: LR
7:00 PM City Wide Prayer Gathering at Grace Baptist
Wednesday, January 14, 2014
4:00 PM Children’s Handbell Practice
5:00 PM Adult Handbell Practice
5:30 PM Family Dinner: CLC & FH
6:00 PM Elementary Program (1st-5th)
6:30 PM Preschool Program
6:30 PM 6th Grade Catechism
6:30 PM Youth Program
6:30 PM Guest Speakers: Men’s & Women’s: CLC
6:30 PM Praise Team Rehearsal
7:30 PM Chancel Choir Practice
7:45 PM Basketball Practice: 17&U
Thursday, January 15, 2014
7:15 AM Men’s Breakfast: Pres. Community
9:00 AM Women’s Thursday Bible Study: FH
10:00 AM Women’s Only Small Group: Rm 201
6:30 PM Basketball Practice: 14&U
Friday, January 16, 2014
5:00 PM Basketball Practice: 10&U
Saturday, January 17, 2014
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 9
Sunday, January 18, 2014
8:30 AM Contemporary Worship Service
9:45 AM Sunday School
11:00 AM Traditional Worship Service
2:45 PM Basketball Practice: 17&U
4:30 PM Volleyball: CLC
5:00 PM MOVE (Youth)
5:00 PM Parenting: The Early Years Study: FH
Monday, January 19, 2014 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
10:00 AM Women’s Bible Study/Prayer Group
5:00 PM Basketball Practice: 10&U
6:00 PM Basketball Practice: 12&U
7:00 PM Boy Scouts: Scout Room
Tuesday, January 20, 2014
6:00 AM Men’s Bible Study: LR Chapel
7:00 AM Men’s Breakfast: FH
9:30 AM Women’s Prayer Group
12:00 PM Just for Women Ministries: CLC
12:00 PM Men’s Lunch: FH
1:30 PM Ladies’ Ensemble: Choir Rm
4:00 PM Girls’ Ensemble: Choir Rm
4:30 PM Basketball Practice: 8&U
5:00 PM Youth: East Florence Mission
6:00 PM Just for Women Ministries: CLC
6:30 PM Board of Deacon: LR
Wednesday, January 21, 2014
4:00 PM Children’s Handbell Practice
5:00 PM Adult Handbell Practice
5:30 PM Family Dinner: CLC & FH
6:00 PM Elementary Program (1st-5th)
6:30 PM Preschool Program
6:30 PM 6th Grade Catechism
6:30 PM Youth Program
6:30 PM Adult Electives
6:30 PM Praise Team Rehearsal
7:30 PM Chancel Choir Practice
7:45 PM Basketball Practice: 17&U
Thursday, January 22, 2014
7:15 AM Men’s Breakfast: Pres. Community
9:00 AM Women’s Thursday Bible Study: FH
10:00 AM Women’s Only Small Group: Rm 201
10:00 AM WiM’s Mid-Winter Gathering: CLC & FH
6:30 PM Basketball Practice: 14&U
Friday, January 23, 2014 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
5:00 PM Basketball Practice: 10&U
Saturday, January 24, 2014
Sunday, January 25, 2014
8:30 AM Contemporary Worship Service
9:45 AM Sunday School
11:00 AM Traditional Worship Service
2:30 PM Girl Scouts: Cadet, Senior & Ambassador Mtg: Scout Rm
2:45 PM Basketball Practice: 17&U
4:30 PM Volleyball: CLC
5:00 PM MOVE (Youth)
5:00 PM Parenting: The Early Years Study: FH
Monday, January 26, 2014
10:00 AM Women’s Bible Study/Prayer Group
5:00 PM Basketball Practice: 10&U
6:00 PM Basketball Practice: 12&U
6:30 PM GriefShare Rm 104
7:00 PM Boy Scouts: Scout Room
Tuesday, January 27, 2014
6:00 AM Men’s Bible Study: LR Chapel
7:00 AM Men’s Breakfast: FH
9:30 AM Women’s Prayer Group
12:00 PM Just for Women Ministries: CLC
1:30 PM Ladies’ Ensemble: Choir Rm
3:00 PM Girl Scouts: Daisy, Brownie and Juniors: Scout Rm
4:00 PM Girls’ Ensemble: Choir Rm
4:30 PM Basketball Practice: 8&U
6:00 PM Just for Women Ministries: CLC
7:00 PM Session: LR Chapel
Wednesday, January 28, 2014
4:00 PM Children’s Handbell Practice
5:00 PM Adult Handbell Practice
5:30 PM Family Dinner: CLC & FH
6:00 PM Elementary Program (1st-5th)
6:30 PM Preschool Program
6:30 PM 6th Grade Catechism
6:30 PM Youth Program
6:30 PM Adult Electives
6:30 PM Praise Team Rehearsal
7:30 PM Chancel Choir Practice
7:45 PM Basketball Practice: 17&U
Thursday, January 29, 2014
7:15 AM Men’s Breakfast: Pres. Community
9:00 AM Women’s Thursday Bible Study: FH
10:00 AM Women’s Only Small Group: Rm 201
6:30 PM Basketball Practice: 14&U
Friday, January 30, 2014
5:00 PM Basketball Practice: 10&U
Saturday, January 31, 2014
10
PRAYER CONCERNS
Hospitals
Extended Care
MCLEOD
Rich Thomas
Mitzy Leach
ELMCROFT
Alfred Hopkins
PRESBYTERIAN
COMMUNITY
Lucy Thomas
Sadie Brockington
Shirley Cruickshank
Hannah Barringer
*Due to confidentiality rules,
our pastors do not receive
information regarding a
patient’s hospitalization.
Please call the church office
if you or a fellow member is
admitted to the hospital.
Homebound
REGENCY RETIREMENT
VILLAGE
Charlotte, NC
Bob & Pat Carroll
Heritage Home
Adelaide Moss
Malcolm Rogers
LAUREL GARDENS
Joy Tedder
Cora Long
Recovering/Sick
Beth Player
Brooks Barringer
David Hicks
Larry Brice
Linda Foxworth
Pam Hoogenboom
Rainey Josey
Susan Hofler
Special Requests
Alice Nickles
Bob Barrett
Genie Lee
Sarah Wheeler
George Richardson
Remember In Prayer This Month
ELDERS
Mike Nunn/John Bankson
DEACONS
Cathy Frederick/Ryon Watkins
MISSIONARIES
Dr. Roger & Joy Gulick
Wick & Cindy Jackson
WOMEN IN MINISTRY
Janet Brand/Susan Snow
HOUSEHOLDS
Dr. & Mrs. Carey & Jill Hindman, Gresham & Madison
Mrs. Harriett Hindman
Mr. & Mrs. Chris & Margaret Hobson
Mr. & Mrs. Frank & Emily Hodges
Mr. & Mrs. Rick & Tamara Hoefer, Jessica & Joseph
Mr. & Mrs. John & Susan Hofler, Kate
Mr. & Mrs. Jack & Laura Anne Hofler, John
Mr. & Mrs. Evans & Mary Jane Holland
FAMILIES EXPECTING
James & Erin Johnson: March
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS
Jim Dameron
Robert Moore
STAFF
Theresa Hilton
Stephanie Jones
Honorariums
Joyce Dalsbo, Piano Fund
Marguerite Worsham
Rich & Lucy Thomas – Piano Fund
Memorials
Al Myatt
Daniel Snow
Betsy Josey
Jack Maffett
Evelyn & John Rhem
Lida Mae Ackerman
Jackie Johnston
Pamela Farmer
Ron Makowski
Dexter Miles
Sympathy
Glenda Myatt - loss of son
Janet Brand - loss of father
Rainey Josey - loss of mother
Robert Miles– loss of father
Do you have a relative or friend whom you would like to honor? Maybe a birthday or anniversary! It is time to sign
up to place memorial flowers in the sanctuary! All dates after September 28 are open! Please contact Genia Tyson
([email protected] OR 665-0295) or Melba Whitesides (669-8209). Please leave your name, phone #, and the
date you wish to reserve.
PRESBYTERIAN COMMUNITY
Keenagers
Luncheon
11
The Presbyterian
Community Report
January 6th
Noon in the Fellowship Hall
Singspiration
Old fashioned songs from the past!
Come and hear songs that you love but never
hear on the radio anymore! Enjoy a warm meal,
great fellowship and golden oldies. We look forward to seeing you there!
Keenagers is a luncheon gathering of retired men
and women that meets on the first Tuesday of every
month in the Fellowship Hall to enjoy a $7 lunch and
program.
Scouting Ministry Update
Sugarloaf mountain recreation area in the Sand Hills
State Forest is our January camping destination.
Star gazing from the top of Sugarloaf is always
amazing. Our scouts are already looking forward to
our snow skiing, boarding and tubing trip to Boone,
N.C. in February.
Parking Lot Ministry
Saturday, January 10th
First Presbyterian will be serving the Parking Lot
Ministry Breakfast the 2nd Saturday of each
month. If you would like to help, please contact
Donnie Wheeler at [email protected].
Men’s Lunch
Tuesday, January 20th
Join us for a light sandwich lunch ($5) and a
different speaker each month. Invite a friend or
someone at your work. Monthly, on the 3rd
Tuesday in the Fellowship Hall.
It is difficult at times to bypass all of the social and
material blessings that we have and we still would
like to get more. Our residents enjoy both material
and spiritual blessings. Included in part, are our
Sunday vespers, Sunday school (Wednesday),
Thursday morning men’s prayer breakfast, Saturday
morning singing and many others. Without
exception, each emphasizes the celebration of the
birth of God’s only begotten Son, Jesus. In addition,
many churches add to the right reason for the
season by visiting us and singing and bringing gifts
to several who do not have close family
connections.
On the other side is the joy and entertainment
provided by such as our women of the church who
really put on a real shindig party on December 17.
Years ago many of us could not be found at home
because of Christmas social events. Today, the only
time most of us get to enjoy a Christmas party is on
campus. However, one blessing we do enjoy is to
hear 80 plus year olds tell of Christmases past. They
remember when Christmas was celebrated with no
electricity, stockings that had holes in them, cut your
own fir- shedding tree and countless other things.
Today, great grans only talk about iPads, electric
toys and all kinds of other electric gadgets. What a
shame!
However, Ineeda Mann stood too close to the
eggnog bowl for too long at our elaborate and prizewinning buffet line at our annual Christmas party.
She was last seen using the wall handrail going
back to her room and singing Grandma Got Run
Over By a Reindeer.
-Tom Kellam, Foreign Correspondent
12
CHILDREN
Kids @ 1st Grades 4th-6th
January 9th– 10th 8:30 pm– 8:00 am
Swimming at the YMCA, Play time at Firs Pres & Serving at the Parking Lot Mission
 Costis$10.MeetintheCLCat8:30pm.
 Bringtowel,pooltoys,changeofclothes,sleepingbag&pillow,toothbrush….
 Wewillbeservingbreakfastinthemorningattheparkinglotmission–it’soutside–bringacoat!
 Please



bring personal hygiene items that we can distribute in the morning.
If you last name begins with A-F bring toothbrushes/ toothpaste/ chapstick
If your last names begins with G-M bring bar soap/ wash clothes/ toilet paper
If you last name begins with N-Z bring shampoo/ lotion/ brush
1momand2dadsareneededtospendthenight.
SignuponTheCity,emailAlexisorcalltheof ice(662‐2583)bySunday,January4th.
Children in Worship
3K-1st Grade Parent Volunteer Sheet
 All parents of children who come to Children
in Worship are asked to be in the room on a
rotating basis.
 Families are listed by last name.
 If you cannot be there on your assigned day,
please switch with some one else.
8:30 Service
11:00 Service
Jan. 4
Watkins
Coker
Jan. 11
Thompson
Banner
Wednesday Night Activities begin again
on January 14th.
Jan 18
Alexander
Blanton
Dinner at 5:30.
Jan. 25
Grimsley
Burch
Feb. 1
Hughes
Campbell
Feb.8
McCall
Babb
Feb. 15
McElveen
Cotran
Feb. 22
McInville
Dozier
March 1 Newton
Frost

Elementary Program starts at 6 pm with
1st-2nd at the lesson. 3rd– 5th have
recreation and 6th grade resumes
catechism.
 Preschool Program begins at 6:30. 2K3K meet at the In The Beginning Pod. 4k
-5K in Covenant Kids Pod.
 Childcare is available at 5:45– 7:30 pm.
CHILDREN
13
Standing: Sarah Porter, Seth Crawford, RJ Lee, Guy Thompson, Maddie Duncan, Mary Catherine Rawlinson, Lilly Williams, Jack
Banner, Sara Goodstein. Sitting: Jordan Page, Amelia Whitehead, Devan Murphy, Lylli Player, Pearce Scott, Thomas Davis
James Whitehead and the donkey.
Angel Gabriel (RJ Lee) talks with Mary.
Jordan Page
Amelia Whitehead
Ella Naylor
Lylli Player
Lilly Williams
Holly and Mary Lachlan Campbell
14 HELPING FLORENCE FLOURISH
Helping Florence Flourish (formerly known as Florence Good City Project) is a group of Christians from
many different churches in the Florence, SC area that hopes to be a visible demonstration of the unity of the
body of Christ to bless Florence.
Over the past 8 months, this group set out on the first stage (the Exploration Stage) of the of the Gospel City Movements which are Stages of Development for Organizations Serving City Movements. After conducting 68 interviews with Christian leaders in Florence, a report has now been generated that highlights the
areas that leaders think need to be addressed in Florence, SC.
Do you want to be part of the solution? This report will be presented on January 20 at 6:30 PM or
January 21 at 11:30 AM at Cumberland United Methodist Church. Space is limited so please RSVP directly to the church at (843) 662-2904. This presentation will mark the end of the first stage of our city movement– The Exploration Stage. During this meeting and working session, they will determine the next steps
by engaging participants in determining ways to increase the positive impact of Christians in the community
along the lines of Jeremiah 29:7 “seek the peace and prosperity of the city…” The invited leaders will help
remove barriers, make decisions and build the commitment necessary to successfully help Florence flourish.
The next stages in this city movement are as follows:
Formation: Visionary– Communication, Facilitating, Management and Creative Thinking.
Operation: Management– Decision Making, People Building, Motivational
Breakthrough: Prayer-Doing the right things at the right times.
Transformation: Disciplining-Presence-based prayer
Replication: Teaching-Training and Coaching skills
If you cannot be an active participant in the these working sessions and process, please help by
praying that God will continue to move His body together toward the goal of helping those in need
and bringing glory to Him.
A City Wide Prayer Gathering
is planned for
Tuesday, January 13
7:00 PM
Grace Baptist Church on Third Loop
Pray for Florence
YOUTH
15
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
700 PARK AVENUE, FLORENCE, SC 29501
PHONE: 843-662-2583/FAX: 843-662-1726
CHURCH STAFF
Senior Pastor ---------------------------- Dr. Barry L. Jenkins
Associate Pastor------------------------ Rev. Chris Handley
Director of Music/Organist- Mrs. Ann Rodgers Chandler
Praise Team Leader --------------------- Mr. Tyler Edwards
Director of Youth Ministry-------------------Mr. Brock Page
Youth Ministry Assistant -- Ms. Christina “Taiter” Garrett
Director of Children’s Ministry --------- Mrs. Alexis Morris
The Tabernacle Experience --------------- Mr. Joe Koenig
Business Administrator---------------------- Mr. Don Hebert
Administrative Assistant ----------- Mrs. Stephanie Jones
Church Secretary ----------------------- Ms. Teresa Stewart
Financial Secretary -------------------- Mrs. Theresa Hilton
Head Custodian------------------------------- Mr. Ron Echols
Asst. Custodian ------------------------ Mr. Roderick Becote
Housekeeping --------------------------- Ms. Wanda LaSane
www.florencefirst.org
Facebook.com/FirstPresbyterianChurchFlorence