March 12, 2015
The Seekers Sunday school class is just finishing up a series titled “The Great Ends
of the Church”. They found it informative and formative and wanted to share with
everyone. Here is a summary by Dottie Gough and Joyce Blocker.
Grace and Peace,
Mary
WHAT ARE THE GREAT ENDS OF THE CHURCH
By Dottie Gough and Joyce Blocker
For the past several weeks, the Seekers Sunday School class has been studying The Great Ends of the
Church by Joseph D. Small. The reason for this study was to help us understand what the Great Ends of
the Church are and how to apply them to our personal and communal faith.
Organizations develop mission statements to communicate their purposes. The Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.) and Fellowship Presbyterian Church are no exception. For more than a half century, the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has included its mission statement (The Great Ends Of The Church) into the
Book of Order (F-1.0304).
The great ends of the church are not a typical mission statement. Instead of setting out an idealized
description of who we are, it challenges us by telling us who we are to be. The great ends set before us
six purposes of the church that express who and what the church is called to be and how the church is
called to act. They are not included in the Book of Order as taken-for-granted assumptions about
ourselves, but as the calling of each congregation, every presbytery and the whole General Assembly and
all its agencies.
The great ends of the church are:






the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind;
the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God;
the maintenance of divine worship;
the preservation of the truth;
the promotion of social righteousness; and
the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world.
One of the things the class did was to discuss how the mission statement of Fellowship Presbyterian
Church reflected the great ends of the church. For those of you unfamiliar with this mission statement, it
is found in the bulletin each Sunday and is as follows: “The mission of Fellowship Presbyterian Church is
to glorify God, make disciples and serve our neighbors.” The consensus of the class was that while the
mission statement is not reflective of all six great ends, the church as a whole embodies the great ends in
many ways including:
Continued p.2
1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Biblically-based and Christ-centered worship
Celebration of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper that bring us closer to Christ
Inspiring music that glorifies God
A welcoming church for visitors
Programs and activities that support adults and youth within the congregation
Mission projects, including monetary support, that reach out to the entire community
This list is not inclusive of everything that Fellowship Presbyterian Church is but it provides an overview
of how this church interconnects with the great ends of the church. This doesn’t mean that Fellowship
should settle for the status quo. The great ends of the church offer a comprehensive check-up and a way
of analyzing the church’s faith and life honestly. They also set out fundamental commitments for which
the church exists and toward which it should strive.
The great ends of the church present us with a unified vision of the church’s purpose, and each of the six
aims presents us with a sharp challenge concerning the ways we shape church life:

“Proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind” has no room for glib, generalized references to the gospel. This great end specifies that the gospel of Christ’s life, death and resurrection is
good news about the salvation of humankind. Furthermore, we are challenged to proclaim this gospel,
not merely believe it.

“Shelter, nurture and spiritual fellowship of the children of God” goes beyond comfortable congregational life to encompass all of God’s children. Some need shelter from the dangers of violence or unemployment, most need nurture in the faith, and all need fellowship in the Spirit far beyond Sunday
coffee hours.

“Maintenance of divine worship” takes us beyond debates over worship styles—“traditional” or
“contemporary”—to the realization that worship is not about us, but about our praise of the one God—
Father, Son and Holy Spirit—and our obedience to God’s Word.

“Preservation of the truth” means we are not at liberty to believe whatever we wish to believe, but the
truth about God and ourselves must be taught, believed, lived and sustained.

“Promotion of social righteousness” makes clear that engaging God’s justice in both church and society is not an optional feature of Christian faith and life, much less an unwelcome intrusion into
“spiritual” religion.

“Exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world” compels us to examine the character of our individual and corporate Christian life. When the world looks at us, what does it see? Does what it see
reflect God’s new Way in the world, or does it simply mirror the way things already are in the world?
Dr. Small sums up this study with the following: “Our task…is to imagine ways the church—
especially this congregation—can move toward a deeper, more comprehensive fulfillment of its
reason for being. Another task before us is to see ourselves, active participants in God’s
purposes, sharing life together in the congregation, the presbytery and the denomination. Our
ultimate task is to persevere in working toward each of the great ends rather than abandoning
them as we move on to another topic.”
2
Dear Friends,
Presbyterian Research Services is inviting you to join a list of potential Presbyterian Panelists! Since 1973, church
leaders have turned to the Presbyterian Panel to learn more about the beliefs and practices of Presbyterians. By
joining this list, you will be added to a group of people who are willing to fill out occasional surveys that help
Presbyterian entities, congregations, and others make informed decisions and reach their goals. All surveys will
be available in English, Spanish, and Korean.
It is important that the group of panelists we select represents Presbyterians as a whole. If you are interested in
serving on the Presbyterian Panel, please answer the following demographic questions to help Research Services
select a representative sample of Presbyterians:
Click here
If you are selected to become a Presbyterian Panelist, we will send you a welcome letter with further details. If
you are not selected right away, we'll keep you on our list of potential Panelists for the future. You can
unsubscribe from this list at any time.
If you have any questions, please contact Research Services at (800) 728-7228 ext. 2040, or email us at
[email protected].
Blessings,
Joelle Kopacz
Panel Administrator
Presbyterian Research Services
3
The Challenges of Everest
Psst…..Get your climbing gear ready….
…...Mt. Everest is in our future!
Yes, VBS is scheduled for July 13-17. It’s not too soon to put it on your
calendar and decide where you would like to help!
Registration forms will be available in March!
Lent, Holy Week and Easter
Wednesdays in Lent: Dinner and program 6:15-7:00 PM
Maundy Thursday, April 2nd 6:00 PM
Good Friday, April 3rd 6:00 PM
Easter, April 5th: 7:00 AM and 10:30 AM
Wednesday nights in Lent have been a blessing to all who have participated. We enjoy a
light supper and fellowship time, then discuss a Lenten hymn with the choir section leaders
singing the hymn for us (first)! Sign up for supper in the fellowship hall and plan now to join
us! This week’s hymn is “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” (#223). JOIN US! 6:15-700
Gentle Hatha Yoga Class
March 17th at 5:30
March 19th at 10am
Monday * Wednesday * Friday
at 10:00 am
March 16th * 18th * 20th
Beginner’s Pilates Class
PW’sAnnual Gathering is at Faith Presbyterian
Church this Saturday, March 14 at 10am.
All women of our church are invited .
March 19th at 1:30
4
J A N U A R Y
YO U T H
Important Dates:
NO YOUTH
3/
15
MOVIE
NIGHT
(5PM)
3/
YOUTH
(5PM)
3/
NO YOUTH
(EASTER)
4/
YOUTH
4/
(5PM)
12
YOUTH
4/
(5PM)
19
NO YOUTH
4/
22
29
5
26
2 0 1 5
N E W S
Breaking Ground
This weekend the
youth and I began
considering one of
the most fun tasks
we’ve been given as a
group: creating a
space (or two) in this
church that is designed with youth in
mind. We toured the
old youth room,
where the new
youth room will be,
and the attached
outdoor area. We
took inventory of
what equipment we’d tributing something
like to keep, what
to the new youth
needs to be replaced, room.
and talked about
things that need to
be new additions.
The youth have
some great ideas and
can’t wait to get
started! Soon we will
be putting together
an Amazon wishlist
that will be posted
“Sow for yourselves righteousto the church webness; reap steadfast love;
site for anyone who break up your fallow ground;
for it is time to seek the
is interested in con- Lord.” Hosea 10:12
Food For Thought:

Isaiah 43: 18-19

Forget the former
things; do not
dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a
new thing! Now it
springs up; do you
not perceive it? I
am making a way
in the wilderness
and streams in the
wasteland.
Calling all Volunteers!
Anyone who is interested in volunteering with
our youth programs is
welcomed and encouraged to do so. Currently
our biggest needs are
folks to provide snack
suppers and volunteers
5
to be the other adult on
the premises during Sunday night youth activites.
Sign up sheets for both
are posted in the fellowship hall. Keep an eye on
this section for any upcoming volunteer op-
portunities.
Justin’s email:
[email protected]
MARCH
USHERS
Ken Wilson Captain
Glenda Wilson
Rodney Weisman
Donna Weisman
POWER POINT
3/1 Jerry Smith
3/8 Heather Kidd
3/15 Jerry Smith
3/22 Cathy Wacksman
3/29 Jim Crona
WORSHIP LEADER
3/1 Frank McGoogan
3/8 Beth Burr
3/15 Dottie Gough
3/22 Jay Novak
3/29 Bill Donalson
1 Betty Shackelford
4 Hilary Passo
6 Ora May Keys
10 Donnie Stover
11 Lorrie Pippel
17 Pat Keough
17 Billy Groff
19 Sue Steward
March 15
March 1
Rita Sockman
Dottie Gough
March 8
Hoffmann
McGoogan
COMMUNION
PREP
Jay & Cecelia Novak
SERVERS
Dottie Gough
Jan Morphew
Zana Raybon
Sally Smith
March 15
Jan Morphew
Pat Keough
March 22
PW Reception
COUNTERS
Cecelia Novak
Linda Davis
March 29
Crona
Wilson
Happy Birthday!!
Lectionary Readings:
Numbers 21:4-9
Psalm 107:1-22
Ephesians 2:1-10
John 3:14-21
23 Tom Burr
24 Paige Keating
25 Elaine Wilbur
26 Roger Sockman
28 Mike Bodin
31 Pat St. Angelo
31 Brynn Hall
March 22
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Psalm 51:1-12
Psalm 119:9-16
Hebrews 5:5-10
John 12:20-33
6
Remember These in Prayer
Church Family in Need of Prayer
Don Powers
Ruby Benoit
Betty Shackelford
Dal Hancock
Friends of Family in Need of Prayer
Virginia Panico, Nyomi and Family, Christopher
Freeman
Suzie Faulk
(Joyce Blocker)
Eugene Majors, Angel Majors, Don
Pumphrey
(The Burr family)
Craig Pippel
(Dick & Lorrie Pippel)
(Kay Majors)
Bill Whichard, The Zimmerman Family,
Vernon Metcalf, Alyssa Williams
Althea
(Dawn Martz)
PFC William Dean
(Bill Donalson)
(Doc Dean)
Beverly Yerg
The Dunlap Family
(Jay & Cecelia Novak)
(Beth Hall)
Ken Howe, Jeannie Hunnewell
Jean McLees
(Jane Fletcher)
(Donna Weisman)
Dean & Hollis Vail
Charlene Paulk
(Marcia Petford)
(Ann Burris)
Trish, Virginia Stephens
Virginia Pilcher
(Betty Sprouse McCoy)
(Rita Sockman)
Agatha Kinney
Kathi Bess
(Cliff & Melanie Jordan)
Jermaine Hall Family, Inglese Family,
deKloet Family
Fellowship’s YMA Renovation Teams
Robert Gamble and This Child Here
All Military & Their Families
Domestic Violence Victims and
Their Families
(Becca Burr)
Several Family Members, Jayce Britt, Penny
McGinnis
(Patty Domico)
Barb Home
(Dottie Gough)
If you have a prayer concern or celebration, or are interested in becoming a part of this rewarding
ministry, please call Jane Fletcher at 668-0976 or send an email to [email protected]
Fellowship Staff
Pastor …………………………...… Mary Vance E-mail: [email protected]
Dir. of Christian Education ….…. Jeannie Dixon E-mail: [email protected]
Financial Secretary …………...……. Sally Smith E-mail: [email protected]
Music Director…………………..….. Matt Jarvis E-mail: [email protected]
Youth Director……….……………….Justin Carr E-mail: [email protected]
Organist/Pianist………...........…….Karey Fowler
Treasurer ……………….………..Marcia Petford
Fellowship Presbyterian Church, USA
3158 Shamrock St. South
Tallahassee FL 32309-3325
Phone- 850-893-0617
Fax 850-668-0326
Pastor’s Cell: 850-933-5061
Church Website-www.fellowshippc.org
7
March 2015
Sun
19:15-PB Prac
Mon
2 10amZumba
9:30am-SS
10:00am-Choir Prac
10:30am-Worship
11:45-Bell Choir
Tue
3
No Youth Group
6:30 -St.Andrews
Boy Scouts 6:45-8:45
8 9:00-PB Prac
9 10am-Zumba
10
9:30am-SS
10:00am-Choir Prac
10:30am-Worship
11:30am-Deacon Mtg
11:45-Bell Choir
10am-Joy
Circle
Youth Group
15 9:00-PB Prac
4 10am-Zumba
3:00pm-Pilates
NO Hatha Yoga
6:30 -St.Andrews
Potluck supper
5:00-7:00
Wed
Boy Scouts 6:45-8:45
Girl Scouts 6:00-8:00
5:30-Hatha Yoga
16 10am-Zumba 17
Boy Scouts 6:45-8:45
22 9:00-PB Prac
6:00 PB Practice
6:15-Soup Supper&Study
7:00pm-Choir Practice
6:30pm Cub Scouts
11
12
10am-Zumba
23 10am-Zumba 24
Sat
7
10:00am-PWCT
CHURCH
OFFICE CLOSED
7:00-Capital Twirlers
1-3pm Cub Pack
Meeting
Time
Change
13 10am-Zumba 14
PW Gathering at
Faith
CHURCH
OFFICE CLOSED
6:00 PB Practice
6:15-Soup Supper&Study
7:00 Choir Practice
6:30pm Cub Scouts
6:30pm Bridge
Group
18 10am-Zumba
19
20 10am-Zumba 21
5:30-Hatha Yoga
6:00 PB Practice
6:15-Soup Supper&Study
7:00 Choir Practice
25 10am-Zumba
6pm-Discovery
Square
7:00pm-Fidelity
Square
CHURCH
OFFICE CLOSED
7:00-Capital Twirlers
26
27 10am-Zumba 28
10am-Hatha Yoga
1:30pm-Pilates
7pm-Session Mtg.
Boy Scouts 6:45-8:45
Girl Scouts 6:00-8:00
5:30-Hatha Yoga
6:00 PB Practice
6:15-Soup Supper&Study
7:00 Choir Practice
3010am-Zumba 31
9:30am-SS
10:00am-Choir Prac
10:30am-Worship
11:45-Bell Choir
5:00-7:00
6 10am-Zumba
10am-Hatha Yoga
1:30pm-Pilates
9:30am-SS
10:00am-Choir Prac
10:30am-Worship
11:45-Bell Choir
Youth Group
Passover Seder
10amStitchers
Fri
10am-Hatha Yoga
1:30pm-Pilates
No Youth Group
29 9:00-PB Prac
5
10am-Hatha Yoga
1:30pm-Pilates
9:30am-SS
10:00am-Choir Prac
10:30am-Worship
11:45-Bell Choir
Youth Group
5:00-7:00
Movie Night
Thu
Boy Scouts 6:45-8:45
Girl Scouts 6:00-8:00
EPC-6:00
5:30-Hatha Yoga
8
CHURCH
OFFICE CLOSED
7:00-Capital Twirlers
1-3pm Cub Pack
Meeting