Touched by God at FPC

NOVEMBER 2014 F IRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

The Presbyterian

324 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101 (573) 636-2149 office@fpcjcmo.org

Mission Care

Worship

Education

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Dedication of Sabra Eagan’s “Stella Maris” Statue at the New St. Mary’s Hospital

On Friday, October 17, I had the opportunity to participate in the dedication of Sabra Eagan’s “Stella Maris” Statue at the New St. Mary’s Hospital. It was a wonderful opportunity to remember our sister in Christ, Sabra Eagan, and her gift of art that she shared with our church and the world. I was privileged to speak and offer a benediction immediately after the Papal Blessing was read by Father Hillary from Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. As I read the words of Mary from the Magnificat, “My soul doth magnify the Lord,” we sensed God’s presence at the special occasion. I would encourage you to take a little trip to see the statue at the “Stella Maris Healing Garden” at SSM Medical. It is a wonderful legacy from Sabra and testimony to God’s healing power in the world.

Pastor Rob

Touched by God

The theme for this year’s Stewardship Season is Touched by God through First Presbyterian Church. As we enter Stewardship Season, we are hearing and reading stories shared by church and community members - stories about how they have been touched by God through the missions and ministries of this church.

These missions and ministries are funded through the church’s annual budget. Pledge cards and time and talent sheets will be mailed to you the first week of November. If you have questions about the proposed budget, please ask one of the Stewardship Committee members shown below.

On Sunday, November 23 at noon in Knox Hall we will dedicate our pledges and enjoy a meal prepared by the Parish Life Committee. We will be calling you in the next few weeks, asking if you will be able to join us for this Thanksgiving meal.

Stewardship Committee: Steve Brennaman, Tim Collins, Roy Coplen, Pastor Rob Erickson, Tim Gaines, Sue Gray, Marilyn Hofmann, Karen Laves, Brian Long, Gene Reed, Marcia Reed and Bill Ruprecht

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Dear Friends in Faith at First Presbyterian Church, How have you been touched by God through the ministry and mission of Christ at First Presbyterian Church? Through the month of November and in this newsletter, we will be remembering how God has touched our lives, the lives of family members and the church community where we worship and serve God. Isaiah’s lips were touched by God and he was changed forever. “Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.” (Isaiah 6:7) The woman who touched Jesus was healed immediately (Matthew 5:28) and when Jesus touched the leper in Mark 1, he too was healed. These stories of physical and emotional and spiritual healing prompt us to think about times that we have been touched by the hand of God. I know in my life that God touched me when I heard Latrisse, a home owner for Habitat, sing about the love and grace of God at Sunday Night Live and then discovered that her daughter had been a part of our K plus class two years ago. I was touched by God when I heard Bob Morris speak for the first time in several days after he had been hooked up to oxygen in ICU. I was touched by God when I waded into the River Jordan to baptize one of our Westminster students, Josh during our pilgrimage to the Holy Land. And I felt God’s touch when we stepped out of our van in Malawi and were surrounded by children singing and welcoming us to their school. God’s touch spans the whole world and we sense God’s touch and God’s presence in the healing, helping ministries that happen around us every day at First Presbyterian Church. I invite you to read the Stewardship Devotion Guide this month and learn how God has touched your brothers and sisters in Christ here at First Presbyterian. I invite you to come to worship each Sunday as we share vignettes from Ben Morris’ video showing the healing hand of God at work in our congregation. And I invite you to share stories with each other about times you have been touched by God at First Presbyterian and come to our Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday, November 23rd as we celebrate how God has touched us, healed us and forgiven us as we dedicate of our pledged offerings to God. We have much to be thankful for at First and I am thankful that God has called me here to serve.

In Christ, Pastor Rob

A Message from the Pastor

“God’s touch spans the

whole world and we sense God’s touch and God’s

presence in the healing, helping

ministries that happen around us every day at

First Presbyterian

Church.”

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Presbyterian Women

in our congregation-delivered 21 Health Kits, 16 Layettes, and 77 School Kits, in addition to a monetary gift of $228. Thanks to all who helped! If you haven't experienced the Festival of Sharing, put it on your calendar for next October-it is something to behold! Photos (below): Our 10 boxes of kits were unloaded and ended up on the floor of the Mathewson Building with thousands of other kits; 4 rows of quilts were auctioned from the floor (and others in a silent auction).

FESTIVAL OF SHARING

The Festival of Sharing, an interfaith, state-wide gathering event, is held on the third Saturday in October each year at the State Fairgrounds in Sedalia. This date was chosen because it is usually the Saturday closest to World Food Day. The Festival promotes and supports ecumenical projects and programs by providing funding and resource goods. On October 18, Anne Schneider, Jeanette Weller, Brenda Waters and Margi Woods witnessed a sea of yellow t-shirts worn by church youth alongside adults as they unpacked the collected boxes of supplies and kits and reassembled them for shipment to people in need. We browsed information booths to learn about community and other charitable services, and shopped at fair trade vendors. We also "oohed and awed" over the many dozens of handmade quilts on display which were later auctioned off with the proceeds benefiting the Church World Service Blankets+ program. We worshipped with several hundred other Christians representing at least 30 denominations, and gave an offering to address hunger needs in Missouri. We ended our day with bean soup and fair trade coffee prepared by area churches. Our own Presbyterian Women-with the help of others

PW Calendar Saturday, Nov. 1 - Coordinating Team Meeting - 9:30 am in the church Library

Wednesday, Nov. 5 - Bible Study in the McAfee Room at 10:30 am with Pastor Dave Henry, followed by the Gathered Meeting - Luncheon at 12:00 noon, followed by the program “Highlighting Lincoln University.”

Friday, Nov. 7 - World Community Day - 11:00 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, hosted by Church Women United. Will include an ecumenical worship service followed by a light luncheon and fellowship.

Wednesday, November 19 - Kaffee Klatsch - 10:30 am at BK Bakery on Missouri Blvd.

The November Kaffee Klatsch will be on November 19th (the 4th Wednesday) at 10:30 at the BK Bakery. (Kaffee Klatsch is an informal social

gathering of women). There will not be a Kaffee Klatsch meeting in December.

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Mark Your Calendar!

The youth’s “Parent’s Night Out” fundraiser will be Saturday, December 13, from 6-9pm. The money raised will support the many trips and activities our youth will take this summer. Watch for more details and information on how to RSVP your child(ren) later this month!

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Christian Education: Elder Slevin presented several information items on Christian Education at the Church. Youth Ministry Team: Elder Wilson presented information about the committee’s work, including the annual Youth Garage Sale on November 1st, and a planning meeting on youth activities.

Pastor Dave offered a prayer for children and youth ministry.

Stewardship: Elder Laves presented the financial reports for September. These were approved. Elder Laves handed out the 2015 Challenge Budget and the proposed Time & Talent Sheet, asking for Elders to provide input on the latter. She also discussed plans for the Stewardship Campaign, with Pledge Dedication Sunday set for November 23.

September Year to Date % of Budget Revenues $57,906 $542,852 67% Expenses $64,187 $571,410 71%

Worship: Elder Haviland moved for approval for a reader’s theater production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Church on December 20, 2014 with proceeds to go to the community ministry program. This was approved. Facilities: Elder Holloway asked for ideas for assigning volunteers to lock up after the 10:45 am service. He said that the gym floor ventilation fan had been donated by Jerry Luebbert. He also reported that the new LED Christmas lights for the Church were being installed. Missions: Elder Dodson reported on presentations which have been or will be made on mission programs during Mission Month in October. He also said that the committee is working with the Stewardship Committee, Deacons and Pastors to better coordinate our total mission and outreach program.

Pastor Rob offered a prayer for ministry and missions at First Presbyterian Church.

Family Life: Elder Busby presented information on the committee’s work. Parish Life: Elder Chilcutt reported on planning for meals for the College of Elders and Thanksgiving. Communication: Elder Long presented information on yard signs for Advent and the installation of wi-fi at the Church. Personnel/Administration: Elder Busch presented the committee’s report.

Pastor Zac offered a prayer for the Community.

Old Business Pastor Rob reported that Megan Weber would be added as the sixth member of the Strategic Planning Committee. He also presented the committee’s proposed mission statement and received modifications from the Session.

Continued on Page 8 - See Summary of Session Minutes. Also on Page 8 - Minutes from the Congregational Meeting on October 19th.

A Summary of October 14, 2014 Session Meeting Minutes

A regular meeting of the Session of the First Presbyterian Church was called to order at 6:30 pm by Rev. Dr. Robert C. Erickson.

Clerk’s Report A motion to reluctantly approve the resignation of Jim Chilcutt as a Ruling Elder, effective at the end of the year, was approved. Baptisms: Monroe Renee Howland, daughter of Kelly & Jeff Howland and granddaughter of John & Debby Howland; and Isabelle Epema, daughter of Dustin & Lisa Epema and granddaughter of Dave & Pat Epema were baptized by Pastor Rob on October 12, 2014.

Pastor’s Report Pastor Rob performed the wedding of Michael Henry

and Carole Johnston on September 20, 2014 in the Church Parlor.

He reported on plans for the combined worship service at Second Baptist Church on November 2, 2014.

Pastor Rob also reported on a Boundary Training seminar he attended on September 27th.

Associate Pastors’ Report - Pastor Dave Henry Pastor Dave conducted the wedding of Emily Van

Zandt and Chad Day at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Columbia on October 4, 2014.

He reported that Libby Dodson has resigned from the Deacons, effective at the end of the year, because she is now away at university. This was approved with regret.

Pastor Dave reported on the results of the CROP Walk and on a number of local and international mission activities, and will be taking October 20-26 for continuing education and vacation.

Associate Pastors’ Report - Pastor Zac Wolfe Pastor Zac thanked the Church for prayers and support

during the health decline & following the death of his mother-in-law.

He reported on his trip on October 2-5 for the National Youth Workers Convention in Sacramento, California as part of his continuing education.

Pastor Zac presented information about Sunday Night Live @5 services and about Youth Ministry activities, including that he will be facilitating the MUP Mid High Retreat at Camp Covenant Point on October 24-25.

Pastor Zac is also meeting with Rev. John Nelson about ministering to the students of Lincoln University.

Committee Reports

Nominating: Elder Laves reported on the persons who will be nominated for positions as Ruling Elders, Deacons and members of the next Nominating Committee at a meeting of the Congregation. Approval was received for a Congregational Meeting on October 19, 2014 at 10:15 am. Children’s Weekly Ministry: Elder Ahrens reported that the number of preschool enrollees has increased.

Reports from Session

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SALVATION ARMY Our church family continues to serve 6 meals per month at Salvation Army Center of Hope. We are in need of additional volunteers to work with the team on the Third Monday of

each month. If you would like information on becoming a member of this team, or any of our teams, please contact Deacons Christa Johnston or Debbie Wilson.

FPC FOOD PANTRY Jesus said, You give them something to eat”. Each day those who are hungry in our community come to our church for food. In response to this growing need,

we are encouraged to bring canned goods and other non-perishable food items for our Food Pantry. Items can be brought at any time. Monetary donations can also be given and our Deacons will purchase items needed in the Food Pantry. For more information see Deacons Gene Reed or Jay Bosch.

OUR SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY TEAM will meet on Monday, November 3rd at 6:30 pm in the Parlor. Come join us as we seek to be faithful in fulfilling Christ’s call to work for justice in our community and beyond. Contact Elder Sharon Busch or Pastor Dave for more information.

THE BOARD OF DEACONS will meet on Tuesday, November 4th. We will begin with Dinner and a time of Fellowship in Knox Hall at 6:00 pm. Committees will meet over dinner (as needed) and the Board will meet at 7:00 pm

ANNUAL SHOE DRIVE We will be collecting shoes in Knox Hall November 30th. The shoes will go to the Shoeman Project to be distributed to those in need – or recycled and the money received used to provide life-sustaining

water throughout the world. See Carol Scott or Pastor Dave for more information.

ANNUAL COAT DRIVE We will collect coats and other cold weather clothing in Knox Hall now through December. Items donated will be distributed to Salvation Army Center of Hope and the Samaritan Center.

MENORING IS FUN AND REWARDING!

Mentors are needed in our Elementary, Middle and Highs schools – and it just

takes ONE hour a week! Contact Pastor Dave or Kurt Hafley for more information. Volunteer to be a positive influence in the life of a child in our community!

COLLECTION OF ALUMINUM CAN POP-TOPS for Ronald McDonald Charities – if you have pop-tops you are willing to donate, please

place them in the container outside Pastor Dave’s office.

PERU MISSION TRIP 2015 – We will again send a Peru Crew to the Amazon Rainforest of Peru in the summer of 2015 to continue our construction projects, lead a Bible School for the children, work with the Special Needs children, provide medicines and medical care, distribute water bucket filtration systems, worship and fellowship with our friends and build relationships. Pastor Dave is beginning to put together this Peru Crew - with the option of going for one or two weeks: Week I July 12-20 Week II July 19-27 TWO WEEKS July 12-27 There will be an Informational Meeting about this trip on Sunday, November 9 at 6:00 pm in the Parlor. If you would like more information before then, or are interested but cannot attend this meeting, please see Pastor Dave.

THE AGAPE HOUSE Board is in the midst of discussions concerning “re-purposing” the house. One option being considered is the housing of homeless teenage girls in a safe, clean environment, and providing life skills training. Please be in prayer for God’s wisdom as they seek to discern God’s will for this ministry.

COMMON GROUND We are in need of additional volunteers to help this Ecumenical Ministry on Friday mornings from 9:00 am - 12:00 noon. If you are interested, contact Pastor Dave.

Missions

THE SECOND ANNUAL TURKEY JAM – an ecumenical evening of music and fellowship at First United Methodist Church will be held on Friday, November 21 at 7:00 pm. Several musical groups

will perform – and the pastors of the churches will sing a special “written for the event” song. A Free Will Offering will be received for the Samaritan Center to be used for their Thanksgiving Baskets to those in need in our community. Mark your calendars and plan to come!

8TH GRADE CONFIRMANDS will meet with Pastor Dave on Sunday, November 2 at 3:30 pm in the McAfee Room to prepare the scripture readings and prayers for the Lighting of the Advent Candles during Advent, 2014.

This is a way for our 8th grade Confirmands to lead us in the worship of God and focus our attention on the Light of Jesus Christ coming into our world. All 8th graders are urged to be present!

EVERY SUNDAY 8:30 am - Services of Worship 9:40 am - Sunday School for All Ages 10:45 am– Services of Worship 11:45 am– Coffee Fellowship/Knox Hall 3:30 pm - Presbyterian Children’s Fellowship 5:00 pm– Sunday Night Live @ Five in the Chapel 5:45 pm - Shared Meal in Knox Hall

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Saturday, November 1 6:00 am Youth Garage Sale Fundraiser 9:30 am Presbyterian Women Coordinating Team Meeting Sunday, November 2

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS 9:40 am New Officer Training 2:00 pm Communion at Westphalia 3:30 pm 8th Grade Confirmands Meeting - McAfee 5:00 pm SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE @ SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH Monday, November 3 5:30 pm Stewardship Committee Meets 6:00 pm Cub Scouts - Pack 316 6:30 pm Social Justice Ministry Team Meets 6:30 pm Stephen Ministers Meets Tuesday, November 4

ELECTION DAY No Volleyball 6:00 pm Deacons Dinner 7:00 pm Board of Deacons Wednesday, November 5 10:30 am Presbyterian Women (PW) Bible Study 12:00 pm Presbyterian Women Gathered Luncheon 5:00 pm SWAG (Mid High) Parents’ Night 7:00 pm EPIC (Senior High) Parents’ Night Thursday, November 6

PRESBYTERY MEETING - SEDALIA 5:30 pm Worship Committee Friday, November 7 11:00 am Church Women United - World Community Day - Immaculate Conception Church 6:30 pm Loaves & Fishes at the Corley Home 6:30 pm Loaves & Fishes at the Chitwood Home Saturday, November 8 11:30 am Serve Lunch at Ken Locke Apartments Sunday, November 9 9:40 am New Officer Training 6:00 pm Peru Mission Information Meeting - Parlor Monday, November 10 4:30 pm Serve Supper at Salvation Army 6:00 pm Family Life Committee Meets Tuesday, November 11

VETERANS DAY No Volleyball - BYE Week 1:30 pm Faith Circle Meets at Heisinger 6:30 pm Session Meets

Wednesday, November 12 4:30 pm Serve Supper at Salvation Army 7:00 pm EPIC (Senior High) Meets Thursday, November 13 12:45 pm Afternoon Circle Meets Friday, November 14 10:15 am Meals on Wheels Saturday, November 15 9:00 am Homeless Task Force at Wesley United Methodist Church Monday, November 17 7:00 am Men’s Prayer Breakfast at Downtown Diner 4:30 pm Serve Supper at Salvation Army 5:30 pm Communications Committee Meets 6:00 pm Cub Scouts - Pack 316 6:30 pm Faith Voices at Quinn Chapel 6:30 pm Stephen Ministers Meets Tuesday, November 18 6:00 pm Volleyball at Southridge Baptist 6:30 pm Coral Circle at Cynthia Quetsch’s Home Wednesday, November 19 8:00 am EPIC (Sr. High) Faith Breakfast 10:30 am Ladies Kaffee Klatsch at BK Bakery 7:00 pm Boy Scouts - Troop 2 - McAfee Room 7:00 pm EPIC (Sr. High) Meets Thursday, November 20 10:30 am Retired Adults Fellowship in Knox Hall 4:30 pm Serve Supper at Salvation Army Friday, November 21 6:30 pm Loaves & Fishes at the Bailey Home 6:30 pm MUP Senior High Retreat - Broadway Presbyterian Church, Sedalia 7:00 pm 2nd Annual Turkey Jam at 1st United Methodist Church Saturday, November 22 11:30 am Serve Lunch at Ken Locke Apartments Sunday, November 23

CHURCH-WIDE THANKSGIVING LUNCH Tuesday, November 25 4:30 pm Serve Supper at Salvation Army TBD SWAG/EPIC Event 6:00 pm Volleyball at Southridge Baptist 6:30 pm Christian Education Committee Meets Wednesday, November 26 4:30 pm Serve Supper at Salvation Army Thursday, November 27

THANKSGIVING DAY Friday, November 28

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED Sunday, November 30

FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT

EVERY WEEK 7:00 pm Monday– Boy Scouts - Troop 2 9:30 am Tuesday - Bible Study in McAfee Room 1:30 pm Tuesday - Staff Meeting 5:00 pm Wednesday - SWAG (Mid-Highs) 7:00 pm Wednesday Choir Practice 6:30 pm Thursday - Praise Team Practice

November 2014

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

1- Reese Andrews 1- Blake Rizner 4 - Charlie Gue 5 - Neal Hubbard 5 - Ann Burnett 6 - Jim Carder 7 - Sheryl Bowles 9 - Harold Kanagawa 9 - Chad Rizner 9 - Jennifer Schildmeyer 10 - Karen Brickey 11 - Kendall Moore 12 - Meredith Manda 13 - Martha Ann Claiborne 13 - Guy Krause 13 - Garth Haugen 13 - Valerie Holt 14 - Rex Hardman 14 - Bob Rogers 15 - Kayla Myers 17 - Bev Morff 17 - Jack Shinkle 18 - Susie Perkins

18 - Margaret Tyler 19 - Marvin Jones 19 - Jerrold Scarlett 19 - Jim Chilcutt 21 - George Shelley 21 - Adam Belcher 21 - Carly Owens 22 - Christine Carr 22 - Nina Coy 22 - Corey Burkhardt 22 - Jared Daly 23 - Karen Gibbs 24 - Bob Weber 24 - Joan Erickson 24 - Kristin Daly 24 - Macklin Reinhard 26 - Emily Henry 27 - Jackson Lamb 29 - Scott Jansen 29 - Craig Holloway 30 - Polly Morris 30 - Mary Nyberg-Snider 30 - Larry Seneker

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MEN’S BREAKFAST at Downtown Diner on High Street is Monday, November 17 at 7:00 am (and the third Monday of each month). Come join us for food, fellowship, prayer and lively conversation!

Congratulations Welcome to Mackenzie Lorraine Brewer,

daughter of Dan & Jessica Brewer, born on October 1, 2014. Mackenzie is Morris &

Eleanor Trout’s FIRST Great Grandchild!

I want to thank everyone for the prayers, cards, notes, food, visits and calls during my recent hospitalization. Special thanks to Pastors Rob and Dave for their visits and prayers.

Eleanor Trout

CALLING ALL ACTORS & STAGE MANAGERS!

Laura Morris will be directing a Readers Theatre version of “It’s a Wonderful Life” on December 20th at

First Presbyterian. Please call Laura (573-680-0661) to share in this seasonal classic.

It's time for the children to begin working on their Christmas pageant. Parts will be given out November 2. If your child would like to participate, but can't attend PCF on that night, please let Kellen Carder or Marilyn Hofmann know, so that a part can be saved. The pageant is very clever and yet child-friendly. We would like ALL our children to be part of this experience. The pageant will be on Dec. 14 at 9:40. We will practice our lines at Sunday School as well as PCF. Come join us for THE

CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES!

Conference at First Presbyterian Church, Ferguson on October 18th

I attended a conference on October 18th “From Hurt to Beloved Community” at First Presbyterian Church in Ferguson Missouri. The conference was sponsored by the Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery in St. Louis and featured Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson from our national office and a panel of police and local civil rights activist grappling with the issues surrounding this tragedy and how we might learn and grow from this into a community that more accurately reflects the love and justice and reconciliation of Jesus Christ. Karen Laves and Vickie Schildmeyer went with me to the conference. The people of Ferguson were impressed that we travelled to be with them in this gathering and that we have been praying for them through the whole ordeal.

Pastor Rob

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 324 MADISON STREET JEFFERSON CITY, MO 65101

return service requested

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT NO. 145 JEFFERSON CITY, MO 65101

On the web at www.fpcjcmo.org Also follow us on:

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others to attend. It may even spark a conversation, allowing you to personally extend an invitation to “Come Home to First Presbyterian Church.”

Advent starts Sunday, Nov. 30, and lasts through Christmas. If you still have your yard sign, please put it in your yard on Nov. 30. If you need a sign, they will be available near the Welcome/Visitor podium in Knox Hall starting in November. You may make a $5.00 donation in your contribution envelope or in the collection bags during services, if you so choose – simply mark your check “Advent Sign.”

"Come Home” for Advent Signs

It's time to dust off the "Come Home to First Presbyterian Church" yard sign that you "adopted" last spring and put it in your yard for Advent.

Advent is a time when many people consider returning to church, but may feel intimidated about attending a new church for the first time. Most people would feel more comfortable visiting a church if they already knew someone who attended. This simple sign makes a bold statement indicating that you are proud of your church...enough to invite

Daylight Savings Time Ends on November 2nd.

Time to “Fall Back.”

CROP HUNGER WALK 2014

The 2014 Crop Hunger Walk sponsored by Church World Services, and locally by Lincoln University, was a success. Last year members of First Presbyterian raised $1420. Our goal this year was $1500, which we exceeded by collecting a total of $1845. We had 31 walkers in the crowd that left Lincoln University for the stroll around downtown Jefferson City. The purpose of the annual walk is to raise funds to fight hunger around the world as well as here in our community, and to raise awareness of the issue of food insecurity abroad and at home. Twenty-five percent of the total funds raised will go toward the Buddy Pack Program at the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri. Thanks to the members of the congregation who sought donations, to those who generously gave, and to those who walked in support of eliminating world hunger.

First Presbyterian Church Social Justice Ministry Team Fall Report, 2014

In 1933 a Lutheran pastor, Martin Niemöller, became critical of the Nazi government that he’d previously supported with some zeal. He organized the Pastor’s Emergency League to protect Lutheran pastors from the police and, in 1934, he was one of the leading organizers at the Barmen Synod, which denounced the abuses of the Nazi dictatorship in the famous "Six Articles of Barmen." His activities led to his arrest on July 1, 1937 followed by a 7-year incarceration in concentration camps. In the decades that followed the war, he spoke frequently about the cowardice of German intellectuals and of the complicity of the church (including his own) in failing to react to the Nazi’s rise to power and purging of targeted groups. Below is one of several versions of a poem attributed to him:

When Hitler attacked the Jews I was not a Jew, therefore I was not concerned.

And when Hitler attacked the Catholics, I was not a Catholic, and therefore, I was not concerned.

And when Hitler attacked the unions and the industrialists, I was not a member of the unions and I was not concerned.

Then Hitler attacked me and the Protestant church -- and there was nobody left to be concerned."

Address to the United States Congress Congressional Record, October 14, 1968, page 31636.

Martin Luther King summed up the need to be concerned when others may appear to be the only ones impacted. He wrote that “[i]njustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Letter from the Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963.

Over the past 10 months, our Social Justice Ministry Team has been discussing the concerns and challenges facing our local community and what response our witness for Jesus Christ should compel, even though we might not be personally impacted by those challenges. Here are some of the things we’ve been talking about and working on:

Assisting with local voter registration and encouraging greater civic engagement; Advocating for an improved JeffTran community busing service, especially meeting the needs of those

without alternative transportation; Supporting efforts to assist women and men re-entering the community after completion of prison terms or

treatment programs; Learning more about the impact of poverty in Jefferson City, including its impact on children’s health and

education; Studying the potential impact on people – especially the less well-off – of various proposed ballot

measures and government policies; Discussing homelessness and appropriate responses, and Monitoring statewide advocacy efforts regarding access to affordable health care, reasonable protections

against gun violence, and more just policies on lending.

We are aware of needs enough to stock our food pantry, give our used clothing to Goodwill and support other “relief” efforts. But we cannot stop there: To the extent God has given us the power to improve societal policies that negatively impact the lives of many people we are called to do so. We’ve heard the comparison between giving a man fish to eat and giving him a fishing pole. But what if he lacks transportation to a lake? What if the water is contaminated? There’s a traditional Latin American prayer that says, “Lord, to those who hunger, give bread. And to those who have bread, give the hunger for justice.” When we have our bread, we should be doing all we can to ensure others do as well.

If you have a hunger for justice, we invite you to join the Social Justice Ministry Team. You are also invited to join the Assembly at Faith Voices for Jefferson City.

Anne Schneider

Social Justice

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S Social Justice

FAITH VOICES FOR JEFFERSON CITY will meet on Monday, November 17 at 6:30 pm at Quinn Chapel. We will be making plans for a Celebration in January marking the anniversary of our Founding Convention, and we will be continuing our work to make Jefferson City a place where all people are treated with dignity and respect. Come join us. For more information see Pastor Dave or any member of our Social Justice Ministry Team. In September, the Board and Assembly of Faith Voices for Jefferson City approved the following Mission Statement and Vision Statement: MISSION STATEMENT: Faith Voices for Jefferson City is a grassroots interfaith movement committed to working for and advancing economic dignity, racial equality and social justice for all people in our community. VISION STATEMENT: Compelled by faith, we seek to transform our community by confronting the systemic barriers that limit access to opportunities for all people. We will work toward this vision through prophetic voice, community collaboration, leadership development and training, issue education and collective action.

Summary of Session Minutes - continued from Page 7

New Business The interim report of the Safety & Security Task Force was presented to the Session. A final draft for Session review is to be presented before the next meeting.

The meeting of the Session adjourned at 8:15 pm following a closing prayer by Pastor Rob.

The next regular meeting of the Session is at 6:30 pm on November 11, 2014.

Summary of the Minutes of the Congregational Meeting

October 19, 2014

A called meeting of the Congregation of the First Presbyterian Church was called to order at 10:20 am by Rev. Dr. Robert C. Erickson. Pastor Rob opened the meeting with prayer.

Report of the Nominating Committee Elder Laves thanked the members of the 2014 Nominating Committee.

She presented the following nominations for Elders: Class of 2017 - Ruthie Caplinger, Tom Carr, Jodi Hardman, Tom Hickman, Scott Johnston and Carol Sanders.

Class of 2015 - Jerry Vander Tuig No additional nominations were made, and on unanimous voice vote, the nominees were elected.

Elder Laves presented the following nominations for Deacons: Class of 2017 - George Burson, Rich Denning, Libby Hafley, Barbara Hall, Kim Thornburg (Lehmen), Amy

Naaman, Mary Newquist, Nathan Nicklaus, Bob Rogers, Megan Weber and Gerald Wood.

Class of 2016 - Cole Ahrens

Class of 2015 - Kellen Carder

No additional nominations were made and on unanimous voice vote, the nominees were elected.

Elder Laves presented the following nominees for the Nominating Committee for 2015: Lou Brydon, Karen Myers, Anne Schneider and Don Shinkle.

No additional nominations were made, and on unanimous voice vote, the nominees were elected.

The motion was made and passed that the Nominating Committee of 2014 be discharged.

The meeting of the Congregation was concluded at 10:35 am with a prayer by Pastor Rob.

LIVING WINDOWS will be held on Friday, December 5 from 6:00-9:00 pm and we will be participating with a Live Nativity, our display of Nativity Scenes/Crèches, Cookies and Hot Cider, Fair Trade/Mission Sales and more. We will need lots of volunteers for folks to play the parts of Mary, Joseph, Shepherds and Wisepeople in the Nativity, Angels, Greeters and more. Please sign up on the sheets in Knox Hall or the Library – or call the Church Office or Pastor Dave to volunteer. This is a great opportunity to welcome folks to our church!