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The newsletter of
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Sumter, South Carolina
March 25, 2015
LOOK AT
WHAT’S INSIDE
Page 1
Holy Week Schedule
Page 2
March Session Action Summary
Page 3
One Great Hour of Sharing
Wednesday Luncheon
Joys and Concerns
Page 4
New Harmony News
Church Basketball
Fifth Suday—Costa Rica
Nominating Committee
Capital Improvents
Page 5
What’s Your Perfect Fit?
Presbyterian Men
Presbyterian Women
Summer Youth Events
Finances at a Glance
Page 6
Pastoral Nominating Committee
Easter Eggs
Lapel Crosses
Last Chance for Flocking
Children’s Music
Patti Croft
Page 7
2015 April Calendar
Page 8
This Sunday
Upcoming Events
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH
www.fpcsumter.org
[email protected]
Ray Fancher
Interim Pastor
Janie McElwee-Smith
Associate Pastor
VOL. XX, No. 12
Page 2
March 25, 2015
SESSION ACTION SUMMARY
First Presbyterian Church, Sumter
Stated Meeting March 23, 2015
Moderator Reverend Ray Fancher called the Session to order at 6:05 p.m. as the Christ candle was lighted. Elder Peggy Curlovic
shared the evening devotional and offered the opening prayer. Only two of our Ruling Elders were absent and excused. Our two
Teaching Elders – Interim Pastor Ray Fancher and Associate Pastor Janie McElwee-Smith- were present along with the Treasurer,
Henry McFaddin, the Business Manager, Neil Ross, and the Moderator of the Diaconate, Glenn Woodrum. Clerk of Session
Chuck Fienning declared that a quorum was present.
The agenda for the meeting was approved with one added item from the Engage Ministry Team. Minutes of the Stated Meeting
of February 23, 2015 were approved with two minor amendments. Minutes of two Called Session Meetings, March 1, 2015 and
March 9, 2015 were approved. Minutes of the Called Congregational Meeting of March 15, 2015 were approved. The Clerk
distributed a written summary of all written correspondence received since the February Stated Session Meeting. Three letters of
transfer were approved. The Clerk then read an e-mail correspondence from a church member. The Treasurer provided a
financial report including the new summary report that highlights important aspects of the church’s financial condition. The
Moderator of the Diaconate and Business Manager gave oral reports. The Associate Pastor rendered her written reports, the
Interim Pastor shared his oral report as an appropriate conclusion/benediction to the evening. Our Presbytery of New Harmony
Commissioners, Elders J.D. Dunn and Pam George, presented a written report on the Presbytery meeting which occurred
February 28, 2015.
The Order of the Day was the examination of five young men in the 2015 Confirmation Class. Along with each elder mentor, the
five class members had the opportunity to discuss their walk of faith in Christ with three active elders. After twenty minutes of
meeting, the Moderator invited the members of the Confirmation Class and their mentors to gather around the Christ candle in
the center of the room. The Moderator congratulated the class and their mentors and gave special thanks to the Class leaders and
teachers, Elders Dr. and Mrs. DuRant (Jimmy and Caron). This segment of the meeting concluded with the traditional laying on
of hands and prayer by the Moderator.
The Capital Improvements Task Force (CITF), represented by its chair, Elder Jess Begley, accompanied by Elder John Jackson,
reported on short-term and long-term capital improvements that were recommended for approval by the Session. These are in
addition to immediate improvements that have already been approved and completed.
Elder Begley commented, “These short and long-term projects support the MISSION of our church.” After hearing the report
of the CITF, the Session entertained and unanimously approved FOUR MOTIONS from the CITF. They are:
Approval of an Action Plan for Short-Term and Long-Term Improvements. The Short-Term project is the sanctuary
renovation. Long-Term improvements are needed in the next five years.
Remove a previously-tabled recommendation on how to FUND the capital improvements in the Action Plan.
Designated the Marion Carey gift of $601,300 to fund the projects listed in the Action Plan. The Short-Term Improvements
will cost approximately $400,000. The Long-Term Improvements will also cost about $400,000 of which approximately
half will come from the Marion Carey gift. The balance will come from the Capital Improvements Fund through
contributions from church members.
Approval of a Sanctuary Renovation Implementation Plan whereby the CITF will become part of the Care and Support
Ministry Team. In this capacity, the former CITF will serve as a bid evaluation team, recommend a bid to the Session,
assist the Care and Support Team Moderator in adding additional personnel for the purpose of recommending interior
decorations, and assist the Business Manager in monitoring the contract progress and compliance.
Six items on the Session’s Consent Agenda were unanimously approved. They are:
Move worship to the McLeod Fellowship Hall for the period June 15 – August 15, 2015.
Approved renewal of the Disaster Agreement with Covenant Place.
Approved New Harmony Executive Presbyter, Rev. Bruce Ford, to preach on May 3, 2015, the Sunday on which we will
celebrate Rev. Ray J. Fancher’s retirement.
Appointed a four-member Interim Pastor Task Force: Suzanne Begley, Les Carpenter, Scott Williams, and Personnel
Committee Chair, Elder Will Holmes (ex-officio).
Designated our Good Friday Offering for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Fund.
Approved the purchase of 4 pewter chalices and bread tray in memory of Vicky Shaw.
The Session deferred reviewing the Action Plans of the four ministry and diaconate committees until the next Stated Meeting on
April 27, 2015. The Action Plans support the three Congregational Priorities for 2015: (1) LOVE, CARE; (2) SERVE; and (3)
CELEBRATE.
To conclude the meeting, Moderator Fancher invited all those present to gather around the Christ candle in the center of the
room for a closing meditation and benediction at 8:00 p.m.
Focus
WHAT
DIFFERENCE
DOES ONE GIFT
MAKE ANYWAY?
How one
offering counts
again and again.
by Tric ia M c Re y nolds
Each year, One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) gives us the
opportunity to support disaster relief, hunger initiatives, and
self-development of people. Even if you’ve given to this
Offering in the past, you may have wondered: Does my
individual gift make much difference?
The problems OGHS seeks to address are daunting. Millions
displaced by disaster or political upheaval. Whole
communities without enough food to eat. Entire generations
without access to education and opportunity. In Galatians 6,
Paul writes, “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let
us work for the good of all” (v. 10). Through God and the
work OGHS supports, meeting even these vast challenges is
possible.
When you give to OGHS, it’s
about more than what you put in
the collection envelope. Your gift
is added to the gift of the person
in the pew beside you, and the
congregation across town. It is
multiplied by the volunteers
helping God’s children around
the world, as they turn a handful
of dollars into a tableful of meals,
a single check into gallons of
clean water. And your gift is amplified by those who are
ultimately helped. When their stomachs are full, their
schools are open, and they have a safe place to sleep, they
are free to turn their attention to more than survival: to raise
a healthy family, to finish school, to serve others, to grow
with God. In each good act—weeks, months, and years
from now—your gift is making a difference.
So, if you have given before, but always wondered if it
mattered: know that it does. If you have never given because
you didn’t think you could make an impact: know that you
can. If you want to give, First Presbyterian will receive the
One Great Hour of Sharing Offering during Palm Sunday
Worship, March 29. All designated gifts and loose offerings
will go to OGHS. Two other ways to give:
1) Text OGHSD to 20222 to give $10
2) Give online at www.presbyterianmission.org/give-oghs.
Page 3
WEDNESDAY LUNCHEON HOSTS
PRESBYTERIAN COMMUNITITIES
Our final Wednesday Luncheon of the year is scheduled
April 15, at 12:30 p.m. We will host residents of the
Presbyterian Communities from Florence, Columbia, and
Summerville.
Bill Segars of Hartsville is our speaker. Bill is a builder,
history buff, and photographer who travels the
backroads of South Carolina researching and
photographing pre-Civil War era churches. His program
is a fascinating look back into
the history and architecture of
the buildings and stories of
the congregations who built
and supported them. If you
heard Bill the last time he
spoke at First Presbyterian,
you will enjoy this updated
presentation even more. He
has over 700 files in his
For further information on Bill Segars visit
collection.!
www.sciway.net/sc-photos/bill-segars.html
Join us as we welcome Bill Segars, and our friends from
our Presbyterian retirement communities.
For
reservations or information, contact Becky Owens (803983-6596 or [email protected]) or Debbie Jackson
(803-775-4814 or [email protected].)
Reservation deadline is April 8!
JOYS AND CONCERNS
Morningside: Mary Kay Hurt
Covenant Place: Louise Brabham
(John Brabham’s mother), Joe and
Kay Williams (Kay Smith’s
Parents), Claire Richards, John and
Tumpy Creech, Camilla Wright
In St. Louis: Jane McElwee, 11 York Hills Drive, St.
Louis, MO 63144 (Janie McElwee-Smith’s Mother)
In Melbourne, FL: Bobbie Cantrell (Marcè Musser’s
Mother)
At Home: Beth Stevenson, Rudy Newman, Johnny
Jackson, Marie Mills, Marion Young
Sympathy of the pastors and
congregation are extended to
the family of Marian Pope
Rettke, who died March 20, at
her home.
Page 4
March 25, 2015
SHOOT THE HOOPS!
Saturday, April 18
NEW HARMONY NEWS
Power Up
Planning for your children,
grandchildren, nieces, and
nephews to attend Camp Pee
Dee Retreat Center this
summer are well under way.
This year’s theme: "Powered Up! Living by the
Spirit!" is based on Galatians 5:22-23 (CEV).
Bible lessons, games, crafts, worship, canoeing, swimming,
hiking and so much more await campers this summer. For a
full description of camping opportunities and to download
the brochure, visit the Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center
website (www.camppeedee.org).
A group of children from First Presbyterian Church are
attending camp July 5-11. The church will pay half of the
camp registration! See the summer events brochure on the
resource table across from the Church Office or contact
J a ni e M c E l w e e - S mi t h f o r f u r t he r d e t a i l s
([email protected]).
Camp Pee Dee Summer Staff
Come and work with some of the
most dedicated and creative people
on the planet while making friendships that will last a
lifetime at Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center, a year-round,
Christian facility that provides faith based camping
programs for children, youth, adults and families.
Applications are now being accepted for summer workers.
Call Program Director, Kelly Boone Sloan at 843-479-3051,
or visit www.camppeedee.org for additional information.
Stated Presbytery Meeting
The Rev. Dr. Steve
Wilkins, outg oi ng
moderator of the
Presbytery of New
Harmony preached a
sermon at the EightySecond Stated Meeting
of the Presbytery
entitled, "We are the
Church Together." The complete sermon, minutes, and
proposed amendments of the February 28 meeting are
available on the Presbytery of New Harmony website
(www.newharmonypres.org).
Sumter YMCA (Upper Gymnasium)
Practice time: 9:00 a.m. – 9:55 a.m.
Game Time: 10:00 a.m.
Lunch to follow at Pizza Lane
Two teams, unlimited players of ALL ages
Players, cheerleaders, and fans are encouraged to attend!
Come enjoy a fun family day of fellowship!
Deadline for player sign up is Sunday, April 12. For more
information, please contact Kimberly White (803-468-7781
or [email protected]). To sign up, please contact
Janie McElwee Smith ([email protected]).
FIFTH SUNDAY
On Sunday, March 29, all adult
Sunday School classes are invited to
come to the Chapel to hear from our
mission team who traveled to Costa
Rica earlier this year. They will reflect
on their experiences as well as share
their plans for the upcoming trip this
summer. Gather in the Chapel at
9:30 a.m. on Palm Sunday.
CONC WANTS YOUR INPUT
The Church Officer Nominating Committee (CONC)
invites you to recommend names of those you would like
them to consider as possible elders, deacons, and/or
trustees. Forms are available in the pew racks, and on the
Resource Table across from the kitchen.
CONC Orientation and Training
is scheduled Thursday, March 26,
from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Please pray for this group and its
work in the months ahead.
PARDON THE INCONVENIENCE
Session-approved major capital
improvements will begin this
summer. As a result, the
Sanctuary will not be available
from June 15-August 15, 2015.
Services and events tht would
usually be scheduled in the
Sanctuary will take place in the
Fellowship Hall.
Focus
Page 5
PRESBYTERIAN MEN
Presbyterian Men will meet Monday, April
6, at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. FPC
member and State Senator Thomas
McElveen is the guest speaker All men of
the church are invited to attend for food,
fellowship and fun.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
APRIL MEETINGS
WHAT’S YOUR PERFECT FIT?
What skills would you offer to another person in need? Can
you cook? Clean? Paint? Saw and nail? Rake or dig? Maybe
you could provide companionship at mealtime? Bring drinks
to workers? What other skills might you offer for a one-day
venture? Tell us how you’d like to help, and we’ll find a spot
for you to care for the “least of these” on Saturday, April 25.
On that day we will team up with United Ministries to help
several individuals and families in need of services they
cannot afford. Jobs may include those listed above, as well as
perhaps stocking pantries or freezers with basic food items,
and other details of life that many of us take for granted every
day.
Presbyterian Women’s Council Monday,
March 30, 10:00 a.m., McLaurin Room
Circle 1: Tuesday, April 7, 12:30 p.m.,
McLaurin Room, Hostesses: Caron DuRant,
Mollie Poffenberger, and Janice Stavrou
Circle 2: Tuesday, April 7, 10:00 a.m.
Hostess: Carol Reese, 25 Loring Rd., Sumter, SC
Circle 3: Tuesday, April 7, 10:00 a.m.
Hostess: Margaret Plowden, 930 Burnt Gin Rd.,
Wedgefield, SC
Circle 4: Tuesday, April 7, 10:00 a.m., McLaurin Room
Hostesses: Anne Bell and Lois Moore
Circle 6: Tuesday, April 7, 7:00 p.m.
Home of: Anna Moorman, 18 Swan lake Dr., Sumter, SC
Hostesses: Anna Moorman and Bronwyn McElveen
Circle 8: Wednesday, April 8, 3:00 p.m., Covenant Pl.
Co-Chairs: Winnie Gee, Fran Kay
Circle 9: Tuesday, April 7, 7:00 p.m.
Hostess: Sibbie McFaddin, 422 Haynsworth St., Sumter
HAVE YOU PICKED UP YOUR
SUMMER YOUTH SPECIAL?
There are three ways you can sign up:
1) Sign-up sheets have been placed in the adult and youth
Sunday school classes. (Kids can help too!).
2) Sign-up sheets are on the table across from the Church
Office.
3) Contact Mary Ellen Blanding, Inasmuch Chair
(803-773-7176 or [email protected]) or Embrace
Ministry Team Moderator Peggy Curlovic
(803-773-6509 or [email protected])
A brochure with activities for children and
youth is available on the Resource Table
across from the Kitchen, and in the West
Youth Center. It’s packed full of details,
including dates, events, permissions, and registration
information. Pick one up today and make sure your
youngster is included in this special summer!
Operation Inasmuch is a nation-wide, multi-church effort to
move churchgoers “out of the sanctuary seats and into the
streets to serve the neediest in
their communities.”
Last year
over 1600 churches in 21 states
participated.
Received Week Beginning 3/15/2015 .................... $14,212.85
Pledges and Offerings .............................................. $13,599.00
Other Income ................................................................. $613.85
(Presbyterian Women Offering $573.00)
Needed Each Week .................................................. $18,186.32
Received Year-to-Date ...........................................$183,761.84
Pledges & Offerings ...............................................$171,827.26
Other Income ............................................................ $11,934.58
Expenses Year-to-Date ..........................................$221,724.56
Budget Year-to-Date ..............................................$213,365.83
How can YOU serve? Please let
us know by March 31.
FINANCES AT A GLANCE
Page 6
March 25, 2015
WHAT IS A PNC?
You will hear much in coming months about the PNC.
Some of you are quite familiar with the PNC. For those of
you who are not, PNC stands for Pastoral Nominating
Committeee. According to the Book of Order (PCUSA) , “The
session shall call a congregational meeting to elect a pastor
nominating committee that shall be representative of the
whole congregation. The committee’s duty shall be
to nominate a pastor for election by the congregation.”
First Presbyterian’s PNC was elected
at the March 15, 2015
Congregational Meeting, and have
already begun meeting together to
begin their process. At its first
meeting John Jackson was elected
PNC Chair.
Updates on the PNC’s process and
progress will be posted periodically
in the Focus.
WOW! That’s a lot of “P’s!” But it emphasizes the fact that
you need to keep the PNC in your prayers as they begin this
important, and sometimes complicated and stressful process
LET’S GO TO THE HOP
It’s time to gather candy-filled eggs for our
annual Easter Egg Hunt Sunday, April 4. Please
bring your donations (no chocolate, please) to
the box outside the Church Office. Your help is
greatly appreciated!
LAPEL CROSSES
Crosses for you to wear, display, or use will
be handed out Sunday during hospitality
time and available at the Sanctuary
entrances. Lovingly made by a group of
FPC women, these palm crosses are ideal
for using during this Lenten season.
FLOCK TO YOUR LAST CHANCE!
It’s your last chance to join in on the fun of having your (or
someone else’s) yard flocked with flamingoes to support our
youth. Flamingoes may be placed in yards
for three days for $25. To have the flock
removed from your yard before the three
days are up will cost you $50; but you may
purchase insurance to keep your yard from
being flocked for $75. To participate,
please contact Janie McElwee Smith
([email protected]) by Thursday, March 26, to get in on
the last flocking (Palm Sunday, March 29).
NOTES FROM
THE MUSIC
DEPARTMENT
Your children soon will be sharing some of the songs they
are learning in Sunday School. Please mark your calendars
with these special offerings!
Sunday, March 29-Palm Sunday
Processional with the palms and special song
Practice at 9:30 in the sanctuary
Sunday, May 10, Mother’s Day
Song during children’s time
VACATION BIBLE
SCHOOL
This year’s Vacation Bible School, “G-Force: God’s love
in action” is scheduled June 7-11, from 5:00-7:30 p.m.
Each evening we will meet to break bread, learn, and
grow together. Don’t miss out on the special “early
registration” price of $15.00 (before May 1). Registration
forms are available on the Resource Table across from
the kitchen. Return your form with payment to the
Church Office today to reserve your child’s spot!
Don’t Forget: we need your help! If you
would like to help out with VBS this year,
please contact Robin Thames
( [email protected] ) , Kimberly White
([email protected]), or Janie McElweeSmith ([email protected]) as soon as possible.
CONGRATULATIONS, PATTI CROFT!
For more than two decades, Sumter Volunteers has
recognized local women who
h a v e m a d e ou t s t a nd i n g
contributions to the history and
culture of Sumter County. This
year, as Sumter Volunteers
prepared to add deserving
candidates to the Honor Roll of
Sumter County Women, our own
Patti Croft was chosen.
Patti, a Sumter native, counts an outstanding professional
career in music and music education, as well as many
volunteer accomplishments among her achievements. From
teaching to directing to playing to serving in professional
organizations to volunteering to raising a family, Patti is an
example to us all of a “woman of true character who serves
God with all her talents.”
Congratulations, Patti! We are all so proud of you!
Focus
Page 7
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
9 West Calhoun Street
Sumter, SC 29150
Non-Profit
US Postage Paid
Sumter, SC
Permit #22
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
SUNDAY, MARCH 29
UPCOMING EVENTS
“Care and Prayer” ~ 9:00 a.m. (Parlor)
Elders’ Prayer Meeting ~ 9:15 a.m. (Parlor)
Easter on the Lawn ~ 9:30 a.m.
Time of Hospitality ~ 10:10 a.m.
MORNING WORSHIP ~ 10:30 a.m. (Sanctuary)
“Street Theater”
MONDAY, MARCH 30
9:00 a.m. Counters........................................................ Parlor
10:30 a.m. PW Council............................................. McLaurin
11:00 a.m. We Care......................................................... Parlor
TUESDAY, MARCH 31
7:00 a.m. Middle School Prayer Breakfast .............. Murray’s
10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting ................................................ Parlor
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1
7:00 a.m. High School Prayer Breakfast ............. Chick-fil-A
9:00 am. Preschool Music ..................................... McLaurin
5:45 p.m. Joy Ringers .................................... Fellowship Hall
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir........................................Sanctuary
THURSDAY, APRIL 2
6:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday ....................... Fellowship Hall
FRIDAY, APRIL 3 (Chuch Office and Preschool Closed)
7:00 p.m. Good Friday Service of Shadows .......Sanctuary
SUNDAY, APRIL 5
9:00 a.m. Care and Prayer ............................................ Parlor
9:15 a.m. Elders’ Prayer Meeting................................. Parlor
9:30 a.m. Easter on the Lawn .............................. West Lawn
(in case of inclement weather meet in Fellowship Hall)
10:30 a.m. Easter Worship....................................... Sanctuary
MONDAY, APRIL 6 (Church Office Closed)
6:00 p.m. Presbyterian Men ......................... Fellowship Hall
MONDAY-FRIDAY, APRIL 6-10
Preschool Closed for Spring Break
(Mark 11:1-11
Philippians 2:5-11)
Song of Praise: I Am a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N
by the Children of the Church, Grades K-5
Offertory Anthem: Here, O My Lord, I See You
by the Chancel Choir and Lauren Decker, Violin
ELDERS GREETING AT WORSHIP: John (JD) Dunn,
Julian Moore, John Jackson
ELDER LEADING SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER:
Frank Moses
WORSHIP AT HOME (April 6-12): Gloria Coker, Becky
Owens, Tripp Brogdon
ELDERS VISITING (April 5-11): Will Holmes, Margy
Carpenter
USHERS: Cooper Hill, John James
Junior Ushers: Sarah Margaret Branham, Brice Leasure
TELLER DUTY: Kay Smith, Robin Thames
STEPHEN MINISTER: Terry Hill
CHURCH HOUR EXTENDED
CARE VOLUNTEERS
Comm. Member: Natalie Coker
Nursery: Mae Barnes
2-5 Year Olds: Michael and Nancyhunter Blanding