Things that make you go hmmm!
With God (sm)All Things are Possible
,even a NEW SMALL GROUP!
For the last couple of years our Session has been studying how things have been changing in our society, and how the church will need to change in order to grow, and be a vital force in this new and different culture. We are ready to begin planning, and implementing that growth.
One of our first steps is going to be the creation of more small groups in our congregation In the book of Acts; the early church was characterized as having “sincere hearts”. Sincere hearts is about being honest about our joys and struggles, faith and doubts. The gospel says that each of us is fully known by God, who invites us to come as we are, so that we can deal with our struggles together. Someone has said that “Life changes happen in circles not in rows”. In smaller groups we can know each other in deeper ways and share our real lives much more easily. So the Session is planning to help our congregation create more and better venues for people to give and receive support, prayer, acceptance, and love.
The good news is that small groups can be formed around almost any interest or activity, or shared situation. Some of the ideas that have come up include: “A microbrew fellowship that will meet for a beer after work, at prearranged times and places…. Small groups for mothers or couples with young children, and/or teenagers….Groups that want to learn together by reading books or watching teaching videos….Groups that want to meet geographically… Groups that want to play or do an activity together (like UFO). It can even be a group like the current “Cheers Small Group” whose only agenda is to ask, “What’s on your mind today?” The "FYE" (for your enlightenment) small group. It is for college age people to enjoy being young and talk about the challenges and excitement of being an independent college student and how it relates to being a Christian. If you would like to host, or lead a small group, please contact pastor Ed, Elaine Heimers – Cook, or Troy Hengst from the Outreach team.
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SCRIP PROGRAM
***Reminder***
Please take a moment to look at the order form and see where you might spend your money, and how you can help raise a little money for our church. Don’t forget, gift cards make great and easy gifts for any occasion! If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Burns at 773-2842.
A New Schedule for publishing the Gazette has begun! This year we will publish three dual issues so that the gazette will not be published during the months containing Holy Week, Christmas Week and VBS. This will lessen the work load for our volunteers who prepare the gazette as well as reduce our annual postage costs. This year the dual issues will be April/May, July/August and December/January.
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Looking for new uses for our kitchens: Our building team is looking to remodel the church's main kitchen in fellowship hall and is studying what uses the kitchen will be given. Please contact Pete Maertin if you have any thoughts at firetrains@yahoo.com .
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Court Yard Bench Fund
What nicer a place to reminisce about our past or dream of our future than in the setting of the Memorial Garden. It has been noted that many folks have a fondness for relaxing in the court yard, chatting with friends and greeting a passerby while enjoying the flora that surrounds them. However there aren't many places to sit.
So with that in mind a donation was made in memory of Barbara Wescott with the stipulation that it be used to add a park bench to the Memorial Garden Court Yard. Barb, as much as anyone, enjoyed this cozy niche at First Presbyterian Church.
Other donations have been received for this bench but we are far from meeting our preliminary estimate on the cost of this project. The bench, concrete pad to put it on, and the rerouting of the sprinkler system lines will be approximately $2000.00.
If you would like to make a donation towards this project please indicate “Court Yard Bench Fund” on the check or envelope.
Thank You!
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Operation Clean Sweep! One of the most enjoyable aspects to being part of First Presbyterian is that we have a great time together! It is amazing to listen to the banter when our VBS crew is busy building another “new world” in our sanctuary. It’s wonderful to listen to the conversations around the tables when we have a potluck dinner or a picnic. All of our special events are so well done, and a good time is had by all! In the future, when we schedule a special event, please make sure that a cleanup crew is part of the planning! This will help to keep our ongoing activities running smoothly. Thank you so much! 
Recommend – Ed’s Reading
Welcome to a new monthly column in our newsletter, that will feature brief reviews of good books about faith and life. At this time, the books that are reviewed will be available to borrow from the glass bookcase located in the parlor. Our CE team is in the process of creating a more comprehensive and accessible church library for the use of our members and friends. Stay tuned!
“The Walk” by Michael Card This short book is a chronicle of the conversations Michael Card had with his friend and mentor, Professor, Bill Lane, in the months before Bill’s death from cancer. It is full of real life lessons, deep insights about mentoring people in Christian faith, and the teachings of Jesus for daily life. It also speaks about death and illness. In the words of Bill Lane to Michael Card, “I want to show you how a Christian man dies.” This book will inspire and challenge us towards a more authentic discipleship.
“The Ten Commandments” by Joan Chittister. This book explores the question, “Are the ten commandments a set of rules or a way of life?” Joan explores the idea that they are laws of the heart meant to change us from within, so that we can be moral and holy persons in this society. This book begins with a concise description of the historical meaning of the commandments, but then explores how they can be applied today. Throughout her book the main focus is how the commandments can shape and transform our lives, as disciples of Christ.
“Blue Like Jazz” by Donald Miller This is the first book he wrote, and it is an intensely honest and helpful autobiography about living as a Christian in real life. He talks candidly about how you and I really feel and the thoughts we really think about – but seldom admit – even to ourselves. He does this with off guard humor, biting insights and right to the point relevancy for growing up as a follower of Christ. This is a thought provoking book that makes following Jesus real, hopeful, and reachable.
A New ministry has arrived! As you know, members from the Deacons and Outreach Team have met, to organize a ministry that will match member’s needs with those who have the time, skill and/or energy to meet them We have a receptacle in the church called the JOB BANK where you can submit information about your skills, or your needs. This is a brand new opportunity for us to serve each other in this Church Family. Please fill out the forms located in the narthex, and let’s serve one another in Christ’s name.
Homes are where God’s heart is!
Our Church is continuing it’s active support of Habitat for Humanity by scheduling a series of workdays throughout the year. We are now planning to have a Habitat Workday on the first Saturday of each month! The Habitat programs are so designed that anyone, with any skill level, can participate! Participants will meet at 8 am in the Church parking lot to form carpools. Come and experience the fellowship, cooperation and feeling of accomplishment that one receives working with Habitat! Come, and bring a friend who’s looking to make a difference in the world!
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