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The First NewsFirst Presbyterian ChurchFebruary 2020Dear Friends,One of the stories we’ll study and gather around this month is the story of when Jesushealed a man of blindness. It is a miracle story but I think it is also a story about agency,about Jesus giving space for us to declare what we need and desire - to voice what is onour hearts. Here’s how the story goes:The man was by the roadside when he heard a crowd. He asked what was happening andthey told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” The man shouted out to Jesus, declaringhim the Son of David, and asking for his mercy. Those who were with him sternly orderedthe man to be quiet. But.he didn’t. He shouted again, this time even more loudly. AndJesus - Jesus stood still. He ordered the man to come near and gave this stranger the agencyto declare what he wanted asking, “What do you want me to do for you?” The man replied, “Lord, let me see again.” And the man received his sight, leaving Jesus but praisinghis name hither and yon.Do you think Jesus knew what this man needed? Or could - with a quick glance and assessment - presume what ailedthis man? I do. I also think Jesus heard the man the first time asking - calling - out for mercy. And yet, Jesus, all powerful and full of compassion, stood still and waited for this man to come near, asking him what he needed rather than assuming. Rather than lording his power over this man. Rather than being impatient. Rather than rushing to a conclusion.How might we do the same this month? How might we stand still, draw near to one another, and listen rather than assume? How might we give agency to others to express what they need, desire, ache for and how might we trust thatJesus will help us care for one another?There are many ways, of course, we can do this. Just a quick read through our newsletter will reveal the myriad of wayswe are being called to serve and care and stand still in this season of our church. We have new members joining at theend of the month, a new Director of Music Ronn Alford beginning his ministry among us. There are folks on ourprayer list and folks on our hearts. We will serve in missions and gather in Sunday School and Bible Studies, preparefor Lent and worship together on Ash Wednesday. Yes, the usual of church life and yes, the opportunity to be presentto one another in all manner of things, standing still and asking - What do you need? May it be so.Peace,Pastor TaylorOur Worship services are now streaming on Google and Apple podcasts!See page 11 for information.Page 1
The First NewsSouper Job!FPC YouthRaisedMore Than 800For Rebecca’s CafeOur Worship Services arenow streaming onGoogle and ApplepodcastsIf you would like to helprecord the services orrun the soundboardcontact Matt GerigFree Lunch Offers Portrait Of ChronicPoverty In the United StatesRex Ogle, author of Free Lunch, says, “I was one ofthe poorest kids at a school for the children of thewealthy. I was on the subsidized lunch program, andmocked endlessly. This is my middle school experience, but I think it’s an important story to tell.”Free Lunch is the Book Club pick for February. It recounts Ogle’s first semesterin 6th grade and is told fromthe perspective of his 6thgrade self. Kirkus Reviews callsit, “a mighty portrait of poverty amid cruelty and optimism.”The Book Club meets at11:30 am on February 24 inthe Fielding Russell Room.Everyone is invited to comejoin in the discussionPage 2Page 2Remembering the Kirking of the tartans in days ofyore, the Scottish Heritage Society wants to assure anymember of the congregation whom we have missed withinvitations, that we are longing to see you at theBurns Night Supperon Saturday, February 8,4:30 in the gloamingat Forest Heights Country Club.Music by Ben Cook.For more information or to reserve your place, callRuth MacKinnon, 912-764-8529 or Ann Hamilton,912-481-2650The First News
The First NewsFPC Welcomes Ronn AlfordRonn Alford has officially joined the staff at FPC as Directorof Music.Ronn teaches 1st through 8th grade Chorus and General Musicat Hesse K-8 School. With over 14 years of full time ministryin Church Music in Savannah alone, he holds degrees in SacredMusic from Florida Southern College and Christian TheologicalSeminary as well as additional study at Butler University (M.M.) and Florida State University (towards a Ph.D. in ChoralMusic Education)."I am absolutely thrilled to join you here in service at FirstPresbyterian Church of Statesboro. Having enjoyed the firstfull rehearsal with the choir last Wednesday, I am excited forthe potential of our ministry here together with Pastor Taylor. Soli Deo Gloria -- to God alone be the glory!"First Friends Wraps-Up Month Of Missions On February 12thFirst Friends, a month-long mission project, wraps upon Wednesday, Feb. 12 with a pot-luck supper and timefor sharing.The project began in mid-January with opportunitiesfor people to commit to one or more mission projectsin a four-week period. Some of these projects, such asRebecca’s Café, are already familiar to FPC members.Other are less well-known such as Laundry Love, Valentine Baskets for residents of Swainsboro Apartments,and some were new ideas such as baking and carryingcookies to our home-centered members or visitingBethany Lodge.Above: Delicious fresh-baked cookies were delivered to some of our home-centered members lastmonthRight: January 20 was a day on for these volunteers who helped give the Rebecca’s Café buildingsome TLC.Page 3
The First NewsFPC College Students Join With Others At MontreatCollege Conference To “Remember Sabbath”by Jim LoBueNan and I attended this year’s CollegeConference at Montreat in Montreat,North Carolina as chaperones for members of the Georgia Southern UKIRKgroup represented by Elizabeth Sevierand Jansen Killian. We were joined bymore than 900 attendees nearly fillingthe Anderson Auditorium numeroustimes during the four day conference.We were pastored at the meeting by TheReverend Mary Ann McKibben Dana,minister to a Washington, D. C. areaPresbyterian church and a widely published author. She anchored daily worship with exceptional sermons andprayers. Music was organized and presented by Daniel Heath, a broadly educated musician and theologian who provided a rich musical selection at eachmajor Anderson Auditorium assemblyJim LoBue, Nan LoBue, Jansen Killian and Elizabeth Sevierdelivered by solo, ensemble, and choralgroups, and always inviting participation by the congregation. Each worship experience was deeply spiritual, and reflected thoughtful preparation and devotion by our leadership team.There were keynote addresses given on Friday morning by Dr. Lauren Winner, and Saturday evening by The ReverendJimmy Hawkins providing us with thought-provoking and energizing presentations. Dr. Winner is a widely publishedauthor and commentator and serves as vicar to the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Louisburg, North Carolina. She drewfrom her background growing up a conservative Jew and described for us the process of conversion that led her toChristianity. Reverend Hawkins is director of the PCUSA Office of Public Witness in Washington, D. C. In addition tohis 20 years as pastor of a Durham, North Carolina church he has been involved in leadership for several organizationswhose missions can be described generally as peacemaking. He is a charismatic speaker and gave our youth an optimistic and inspiring message convincing them of their potential for making the world a better place.We were separated twice during the conference into three large groups for what were called Critical Conversations.Continued on Page 8Page 4Page 4The First News
The First NewsStewardship Report - December, 2019December, 2019OVERRevenue 25,028.27Budget 20,499.98UNDERBudgetExpensesBudgetBudget 4,528.29 22,948.17 25,815.92 (2,867.75)For this month we collected MORE money than planned. Expenses were LESS than planned.The net income for the month wasThis loss was Higher than budgeted for by 2,080.10 7,396.042019 Year To DateOVERUNDERRevenueBudgetBudgetExpensesBudget 259,000.65 246,000.00 13,000.65 255,005.79 261,057.50Budget( 6,051.71)Thus far in 2019, we have collected slightly MORE money than expected. We have also had FEWER expensesthan expected.Year to date, we have a net income of 3,994.86This loss is higher than budgeted for by 19,052.36Pilgrims and Prodigals balanceBackpack Buddies balanceMen’s 2x4 balance 1,503.28 1,903.81 664.50Our recently established Legacy Funds are now officially working for us. At the end of 2018, three funds were established for Capital Facilities, Ministries, and Mission/Benevolence. The goal of these funds is to prepare forFPC’s future. Monies will not be used until the balance of the three funds reaches 100,000. (recent donations are notyet reflected)FacilitiesMinistriesMissionJan 1, 2019 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00December 31, 2019 2,231.18 2,231.18 2,231.18If you haven’t updated your email address, or haven’t provided one previously, I would welcome your update. (Providing quarterly contribution statements by email saves the church postage fees!)Linda Kimsey, TreasurerPage 5
The First NewsFebruarySun210 am10 am11 amNoonSunday SchoolNew Members ClassWorship and CommunionCongregational MeetingSouper Bowl of CaringMonW43—Mission Monday8:15 amTuePastor’s Bible Study3:30 pm5Ladies Bible Study5:15 am7 pmMissioHank Hartman910 am10 am11 am10Sunday SchoolNew Members ClassWorship8:15 am2 pm11Pastor’s Bible StudyJoy CircleJim Bigley, Oliver Taylor1617Sunday SchoolWorshipSession Meeting8:1518Pastor’s Bible StudyBlair Hartman2310 am11 amSunday SchoolWorshipWelcome New MembersNoonYouth Bible StudyNoonLabyrinth Dedication3 pmLaundry LoveDon Connell, Al TothPage 6Page 6Ladies Bible Study5:30 pmFirst Fr7 pmValerie Thomas10 am11 am12:15 pm3:30 pm12248:15 am11:30 amPastor’s Bible StudyBook ClubBurke Basquin, Sarah Beasley3:30 pm19Ladies Bible Study7 pmMaura CopelandBud Mitchell2526 Ash Wednesday3:30 pmLadies Bible Study11am –1pm GSU6 pmAsh W6:30 pm7 pmAbigayle GunterThe First News
The First NewsOpen/Close Elder: Andrew AllenLiturgist: Jamie CopelandUshers: Maura and Jamie Copeland, Carter, Landrey and TylerBirthdays are listed in italicsWedThuFriSat1Valerie Thompson67 Stated Meeting of the Savannah Presbytery8EJ OkoroStacey Basquin, Jolee Boyer1314Youth Ski Trip (through 17th)15Brett CurryNorah TaylorTy Boyer, Alan Davis202122on visit to BethanyChancel Choirriends Potluck andWrap-upChancel Choir8 amMen’s 2x4 Bible Study10 am –2pmRebecca’s CafeChancel ChoirAshes on CampusWednesday ServiceSupperChancel ChoirTroy Thomas278 amBill Smith, TJ Thomas2829Men’s 2x4 Bible StudyCcecily WillertonGeorge ChappellPage 7
The First NewsMontreat College Conference “Remembers the Sabbath”Continued from Page 4Critical Conversations. Each group was moderated by one of three professional teachers: Gail Henderson-Belsito,Alonzo Johnson, and David LaMotte. Gail is Director of Care and Worship at Caldwell Presbyterian Church, Charlotte.Alonzo is a Presbyterian pastor and educator based in Louisville, Kentucky. David is a musician and author who hasfound a calling as an educator and is based in Montreat, North Carolina. These “conversations,” combinations of smallgroup brain-storming mixed with large group sharing, provided valuable reflection on the other components of theconference.In addition, we had the opportunity to choose a few workshops from among 16 available to us. The four of us attended worship together and most meals, and one workshop. Nan and I were separated for the Critical Conversations,although Jansen and Elizabeth were together. There was ample time inserted in between sessions and between sessionsand meals throughout the conference which allowed reflection, interaction with other attendees, and removed the stressof trying to get to the next session or meal “on time.”We learned that Sabbath is a gift that too many of us ignore. It is also a valuable connection to the almighty, shouldinvolve what delights us, and must be something we do deliberatelywhether it occupies a continuous 24 hourperiod or is scattered throughout the week.Finally, Sabbath is about resistance, a concept we are still trying to wrap our headsaround. Maybe it has to do with the Christian runner in the 1924 Olympics, highlighted in the movie Chariots of Fire, whorefused to run on a Sunday when the finalfor one of the races, a race he would havewon, was to be held. Montreat is a specialplace. It is lovingly cared for by people whoreally are in touch with the Spirit. It is difficult to attend a Montreat conference in earnest and not be changed. We are grateful forthe opportunity to attend.Montreat is full of old friends: Jim and Nan ranup on Clark Henderson and Katherine Beeler.Page 8Page 8The First News
The First NewsLooking Ahead To LentAsh Wednesday, February 26Ashes To Go, 11 am-1 pm, GSU RotundaAsh Wednesday Service, 6 pmSupper, 6:30 pmLabyrinth DedicationFebruary 23, noonin the pavilionMarch 1March 4March 8March 11March 15March 18March 22March 25March 29April 1April 5April 6-10April 7April 9First Sunday of LentLenten Vespers 6 pm; Dinner 6:30 pmSecond Sunday of LentLenten Vespers 6 pm; Dinner 6:30 pmThird Sunday of LentLenten Vespers 6 pm; Dinner 6:30 pmFourth Sunday of LentLenten Vespers 6 pm; Dinner 6:30 pmFifth Sunday of LentLenten Vespers 6 pm; Dinner 6:30 pmPalm SundayCovered Dish Lunchand Easter Egg HuntHoly WeekMinisterial Association will hold noonservices each day.FPC hosts Holy Week Noon ServiceMaundy Thursday Service 6 pmApril 12Easter Sunday7 amSunrise Service7:30 amPotluck BreakfastNo Sunday School11 amWorshipPage 9
The First NewsSession Retreats To Plan For The Coming YearOn Saturday January 18, the Session met for their regular Stated Meeting and New Year Retreat.They met at Trinity Episcopal Church. Following the Session meeting, they spent the afternoon together in retreat tovision and plan for the upcoming church year.Prior to the retreat, Session members read the book “Neighborhood Church”. Their afternoon meetings included discussion about how to apply what they read in the book to the work of the church. The Session has been reading abouthow our church can most effectively be the hands, feet, eyes and ears of Christ for our neighbors. We are in the discernment process of how answer the call to actively engage in the world around us, so that our faith comes alive. Wewill be using a Lenten Devotion as our beginning.Other Session Highlights:A Funeral Planning guide for FPC members was approvedA Winter and Spring Wednesday Night Supper Schedule was approvedMany exciting and much needed work and repairs will be completed on our buildingsTax Preparation Assistance Available Through GSU Accounting Dept.The School of Accountancy at Georgia Southern University’s ParkerCollege of Business and the IRS have partnered to bring the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) to the local community.This is an annual partnership to provide free individual income taxpreparation and e-file services to taxpayers. All tax returns are prepared and reviewed by accounting students and faculty who are IRScertified.The service is available to taxpayers with household income of 60,000 or less.Where: City Campus in downtown Statesboro, 58 East Main St.,Suite D, Statesboro, GA 30458 (look for the VITA signs)When: The service is available starting Wednesday, January 29,2020, through Monday, April 6, 2020.Tax Prep Sessions:Mondays 1:00 – 4:00 PMWednesdays 3:00 – 6:00 PMFive Saturday sessions* 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM(*February 8 & 22, March 7 & 28, and April 4)*Note: There are no sessions during the week of Spring Break, March 16-20.Page 10Page 10The First News
Church StaffMinisters: All Members of the ChurchPastor: Taylor Lewis Guthrie HartmanChristian Education Director: Susan ParrishMusic Director: Ronn AlfordOrganists: Duke Miles & Glenn HaynesOffice Administrator: June Bryant-HackleYouth Director: Alex GilbertRuling EldersClerk of Session: Eileen BayensAdministration Committee: Andrew Allen (20) & Ann Henderson (22)Christian Education Committee: Stacey Basquin (20) & Doty Dunn (21)Facilities Committee: Carlita Slatky (21) and Matt Gerig (22)Mission Committee: Patti Moore (21) & Mike Herndon (22)Pastoral Care Committee: Charlotte Wynn (20) & Lynda Webb (20)Worship Committee: Bill Mase (21) & Jim LoBue (22)Service Committee: Doty Dunn (21) and Stacey Basquin (20)Let’s Stay ConnectedOn the web: www.fpcstatesboro.orgFacebook:Instagram:First Presbyterian Church StatesboroUKirk Georgia SouthernSubscribe To Our Podcastbit.ly/fpcspodcastor find us onGoogle and Apple podcastsFirst Presbyterian ChurchUKirk Georgia SouthernFPC Statesboro YouthPage 11
First Presbyterian Church1215 Fair RoadStatesboro, Georgia 30458Our Shared MissionThe mission of the First Presbyterian Church of Statesboro, Georgia, is tobe a Christ-centered family of believers called and committed to worshipping, growing spiritually, and sharing God’s love and grace. Included withinthis mission is to be witnesses to the new thing God is doing in the world in Christ: breakingdown barriers of every kind, bringing forth life in the face of death, reconciling the world toGod and people to each other. As we work toward attaining these goals we worship together insong and prayer, study the scriptures, serve our neighbors, and grow in the Spirit of unity andpeace.Page 12Page 12The First News
He asked what was happening and they told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.", The man shouted out to Jesus, declaring him the Son of David, and asking for his mercy. Those who were with him sternly ordered the man to be quiet. But.he didn't. He shouted again, this time even more loudly. And Jesus - Jesus stood still.
