First Presbyterian Church of Orlando Magazine (Fall 2015)

8/15/2019 First Presbyterian Church of Orlando Magazine (Fall 2015)

1/36 COLUMNS | Fall 2015 1

COLUMNS

FALL 2015 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ORLANDO FPCO.ORG

magazine

a year of favorFOUR12’s journey to mercy drive

ending homelessnessDr. Swanson shares the vision

A covenant community, making disciples who light the world.

and nurturing marriage practical ways to make it work


2/362 Fall 2015 | COLUMNS

the Stack

Young at Heart

Women Engaged Fall Study & Updates

Break it Down

School of Discipleship Financial Peace, Casket Empty & more

FEATURES

the Voice God Gave Us

Stephen Ministry

Noise, Hurry & Crowds

Prioritizing Your Marriage

Year of the Lord’s Favor

FOUR12’s Moves to Mercy Drive

Choosing Apps for Learning

from The Christ School

Family News

WORKING TO SOLVEHOMELESSNESS, 20

23

A great, big, generous year and a look ahead at the

one to come.

Dr. Swanson lays out the community vision to seehundreds more housed by the end of 2015.

COLUMNS CONTENTS

FALL 2015

PHOTOS: TANNER FOX, CHRIS CASLER

68

9

12

14

22

ANNUAL REPORT

1011

13

16

18



SAVE THE DATE

16

28

1

6

7

13

14

17

2

4

11

get the details at fpco.org/calendar

Church Offices Closed for Labor Day

august

School of Discipleship Begins

Registration opens for The Marriage Retreat, 12:30pm

september

Faith + Work Sermon Series begins

Young at Heart Luncheon, 10:30am

First Connections Begins

WE Beth Moore Bible Study Begins

HOLIDAY WEEKEND WORSHIP: 9:45 Genesis & 11:00am Traditional

The Marriage Dessert, 7:30pm

Rev. Jack Peebles’ Installation & Reception

Fall Musikgarten begins

Congregational Meeting, 11am

12th Annual Health & Fitness Fair

FaithServes Mission Banquet

Music Mission Kiev Concert, 4pm

october



ON THE WAYwith Dr. David Swanson

“Peace I leave with

you; my peace I give

you. I do not give

to you as the world

gives. Do not let your

hearts be troubled and

do not be afraid.”

John 14:27

Dear FPCO Family and Friends,

As I am sure most of you are aware, social media is becoming a great

er and greater influence in our culture. Some of that influence is posi

tive in allowing people to stay connected while sharing their stories

Other parts of that influence are not healthy as people find themselves

settling for “social media friends” while at the same time feeling de-

pressed that they are not being included in many of the events they

see. And I will not even get into the destruction caused by sites like

Tumblr and Tinder.

With that in mind, I try to use my Facebook account to create a posi-

tive arena for ideas, thoughts and discussion. That has evolved into

what I call “Monday Morning Musings,” a Facebook post that I put up

most Mondays with general thoughts on social issues, theology, a little

humor, and a few other odds and ends. It supplants, for me, writing a

blog. I don’t have time to write a weekly piece on one subject, but

enjoy making observations and theological connections in a shorte

form. So, for the Columns this month, I will share a bit in my norma

Facebook style:

1. Regarding social media, set some boundaries for your life and fo

your family. I am grieved every time I walk into a restaurant and see

an entire family all looking down at their phones. At meal times

put it away. Period. Parents, teach your children that incessantly

taking selfies is an exercise is narcissism. Teach them the beauty

of investing in others.

2. The 2014-15 ministry year was one of the busiest we have ever had

at FPCO, and for that reason, I am so grateful to our entire staff fo

their sacrificial efforts in making it all happen. Included in this issue

is our Annual Report which includes a summary of our mission andministry. The movement of God is palpable in so many ways, and

I am grateful for the momentum that has been building the past

few years. Our year started last fall with the ARISE AND BUILD

campaign, a time in which we focused on “building the Kingdom

of God” at our church for the next decade. As a result, we have

already paid $2.5 million on our debt, bringing the remainder to

just under $1,000,000 (from a high of $15 million) and updated ou

internal IT system. We are also positioned to begin the Center fo

Faith and Work, plant two churches, upgrade our student ministry



facilities – all while building a new recreation/community center in Cielo, Dominican Republic.

The fall led to Advent and a wonderful production of The Missing Gift. Advent quickly moved to

Lent and Easter, culminating in our Easter services at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing

Arts. More than 2,000 visitors joined us in celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, with more than

6,000 in attendance that day. We then took a deep breath and hosted the General Assembly

of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in late June with 1,200 commissioners and observers

joining us from around the world. It was a marvelous opportunity to serve our new denomina-

tional family.

3. In light of these major events, I am asking our staff to take 2015-16 and use it as a time of evalua-

tion and analysis, tightening and strengthening internal processes, upgrading organization, and

improving overall efficiencies. You won’t see the same number of events, but I believe you will

see greater excellence in the core ministries to which we have been called. (And yes, we will

be hosting Easter at the Dr. Phillips Center one more year – and it’s already been paid for by an

anonymous donor!)

4. I love the Fall because it means COLLEGE FOOTBALL!

5. I am excited to announce that the headquarters of our denomination, the Evangelical Presbyte-

rian Church, will be moving to Orlando in 2017! There are a number of transitional items to be

worked out as to exact location, but we are delighted by what this means both for Orlando and

our church.

6. Sometimes, I find that a day just calls for a fully-loaded, greasy, can’t-hardly-get-my-mouth-

around-it cheeseburger. Nothing compares. (Current favorites: Artisan’s Table, Graffiti Junction.)

7. Plug in this fall as I begin a new sermon series called Faith and Work. I’ll be examining the idea

of “work” from a Biblical perspective, one that I hope will change how you see “what you do” asless about work and more about God’s Kingdom.

Blessings and peace to you,

DAVID ON FACEBOOKFACEBOOK.COM/FIRSTPRES

D O N ’ T

M I S S

T H E A

N N U A

L R E P O

R T O N P A

G E 2 3



useful information, timely trivia and handy tips

for navigating life at FirstPres (and life in general)

the Columns stack

NEW TO FIRST PRES?

If you know someone who’dlike to get more connected atFirst Pres, tell them about ourhandy form at fpco.org/guest .They can share their info and

sign up to be on the mailinglist.

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

We send out a weekly emailnewsletter with important an-nouncements for the comingweek. We’ll never share yourinformation, and you can un-subscribe anytime. Join nowat fpco.org/email .

FOLLOW US

ON TWITTER

twitter.com/fpcorlando

FITNESS@FIRST

HEALTH & FITNESS FAIRStop by the 12th Annual Health & Fit-ness Fair on Thursday, September17 from 10:30am-2 pm, in our Clay-ton Life Center Gym. Get a flu shot,free massage and meet exhibitorsfrom around the city offering infor-mation and discounts on ways to

get healthy. fitnessatfirst.org

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE AS A CLASSROOM GUIDE

Join in the fun with us on Sunday mornings! We need12 adult volunteers to serve as Classroom Guides in ourSHINE Children’s Ministry. Classroom Guides serve ev-ery other Sunday during the school year (September 14-May 29). We will train you to work alongside teachersto share a lesson and craft with 1st - 4th grade kiddos.Call SHINE Director Sarah Savage at 407.423.3441 oremail [email protected]

FIRST CONNECTIONSBEGINS SEPT. 13

DRESS2LEARN ON SEPTEMBER 27Dress2Learn is a free Heart of Florida United Way pro-gram that provides new clothing to homeless students inOrange, Seminole and Osceola counties. As part of ourcontinued efforts to meet the needs of the homeless in ourcommunity, First Pres will take a special offering on Sun-day, September 27 for Dress2Learn. $50 includes the cost of helpingclothe one homeless student. Your generosity will make a difference.

Know someone who is readyto join the church or learn moreabout what it means to be apart of this covenant com-munity? First Connections is a7-week class that gives newmembers and visitors an op-portunity to connect with oneanother and find out about lifein this church family. Sign uptoday fpco.org/first.

MOVE THAT BUS!We’re looking for Sunday morningheroes that aren’t afraid to take thewheel. Many of our seniors rely onour Bus MInistry to get to worshipeach week, and drivers are neededto keep things moving. To getstarted, email Rev. Becky Davis [email protected].

52%OF NEW MEMBERSARE INVITED BYFRIENDS & FAMILY

MUSIC MISSION KIEV

CONCERT

October 11, 4pm

Music Mission Kiev (MMK) hasbeen on the front line of ministry inUkraine for over 24 years, includingthese recent months of trauma and

foreign invasion. MMK has seen,touched, smelled and experiencedthe recent horrors, wounds andtears. Wes and Kim Janzen will bring42 fabulous Ukrainian musiciansfrom the Kyiv Symphony Orchestraand Chorus (KSOC) to the Sanctu-ary of First Pres to share a sacredconcert and stories of God’s grace.A love offering will be taken.



rescue

H E L P L E S S E S T A T E

a new album from

coming this fall



We look forward to catching up with you

when we start our new season on Friday,

October 2.

Young at Heart gatherings or adults 55+ are held thefirst Friday o each month (except January) and enjoyellowship, special program speakers, and a yummylunch. We start with ellowship at 10:30am, the pro-gram begins at 11:00am, and lunch is served at noon.

Come meet new riends, be encouraged by otherChristians, and share in some un and laughter.We always include a time to praise God and thank Himas we celebrate riendships, birthdays, anniversariesand other milestones.

Te Young at Heart Council has a great program or

2014-2015 and are excited about this season’s speakersrom our church amily and community. Mark your calendars & make your reservation!Te cost or lunch is $8 and a reservation is required.Call 407.423.3441 x1159. Bus transportation is provided or Westminster owers’ residents with pick uptime at 10:15am.

Don’t miss out - come join us!

YOUNG AT HEARTLUNCHEON SCHEDULE & SPEAKERS

20142015 YAH SCHEDULE

OCTOBER 2 Dr. David Swanson, Senior Pastor First Presbyterian Church

NOVEMBER 6 Carson Dodds,retired Air Force Colonel

DECEMBER 4 The Christ SchoolMusical Program

JANUARY 8 Craig Ustler, developerof The Creative Village

FEBRUARY 5 Kenny Youmans, Amazing Grace Presentation

MARCH 4 Heritage Celebration, hosted byHeart of the City Foundation

APRIL 1 Paige Ragan,Communications Director,First Presbyterian Church

MAY 6 Michael Perkins,Orange County History Center


9/36

As Women Engaged looks orward to another season

o study in September, we are grateul or the ministryo the Apostle Paul, his letters to the new churches hebirthed and his encouragement sent to them as newbelievers. We are equally grateul or Beth Moore, atrue disciple who desires nothing more than sharing

God’s Wordwith God’s girls!Her studies o-er us the sameencouragement

which willstrengthen ouraith and spiri-tual journey.

Tis study,ocused on 1 &2 Tessalonians,will offer in-depth study othe scriptures

capturing thecrisis, afflictions,

relationships, doubts, concerns and the ears o those

intended in his letters, then and now. Above all, Pauloffers encouragement and comort as he challengesthem to live a lie pleasing to God and live as goodcitizens in a sinul world. Sounds as i we could read aletter o encouragement as well!

Plan to join us, and bring a riend, co-worker, amilymember, or a neighbor. Te practical advice Paul o-ered to early Christians still applies to us, today. Treestudy sessions will be offered: Monday and Tursday

mornings (both offer child care or those making areservation or inants-Pre-K…space is limited!) Temorning sessions meet rom 9:30 – 11:30 am. Mondayevenings, join us rom 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Monday groupsbegin on September 14 and the Tursday group onSeptember 17. We will conclude this study the weekbeore the Tanksgiving holiday.

Register before September 8 at fpco.org/register.

Te cost is $30, including your study guide. Hard copyregistrations available in lobby o Edington Ministry

Center. Questions? Contact Lori Needham at x1463 oremail [email protected].

For the past two and a hal years, Women Engaged hasenjoyed the spirit-filled leadership o Nikki Ickes. Shehas led our Ministry eam in engaging ways, offering“entry points” or women o the church and surround-

ing community to be involved and connected to thechurch. Nikki will now pass her role on to anothermember o our team, Nancy Schneider. Nikki will re-main on the ministry team and continue serving FirstPres. Please thank Nikki or her vital contributions tothis ministry!

Nancy Schneider and her husband, om, are parentso two adult children, David and Ellen. She is a nativeFloridian, though she spent 13 years in the Midwest,where she first encountered the richness o God’s

Word, most notably through Bible Study Fellowship.Nancy’s ministry ocus has changed over the years –rom children’s ministry to evangelism to communityengagement. Te common link, however, has been an

emphasis on relationships. Her heart’s desire is to seewomen o all ages and backgrounds find meaningulconnections in the church amily. As Nancy said, “Wewant and need to be truly known to one another as we journey down the road o discipleship. Relationshipsare oundational.” Nancy enjoys a cup o coffee andgreat conversation, and updates rom ESPN’s SportsCenter.

Please make sure to welcome Nancy and pray or thisexciting year in Women’s Ministry at First Pres!

FALL BIBLE STUDYBEGINS SEPTEMBER 14

WOMEN ENGAGED PASSES THE LEADERSHIP BATON

by Lori Needham, Women’s Ministry



What do you look for when you study the Bible?

What’s important? Dr. Case Thorp shares insight

into this New Testament passage.

a number ofhouse-churchesrapidly growing

Romans

G r e e k n a m e o f a J e w is h m a n,

k n o w n as

a C h r is t i a n - k i l l e r. I f J es us c a l ls h i m, H e c a n c a l l a n y o n e !

Greek for “messiah”which is Hebrew for

“savior”

the Jewish , or O ldTestament, Bible

non-Jews

referencefrom Daniel

can you havepeace beforegrace?

H e fn a l ly m ak es i t

s e e A c ts 2 8:1 7- 31

P au l’s aff ec t ion is as s trong as h is th eo logy

agriculturalreference,like Jesus!

s ad ly t h e c hurc h es in Rom e con t inu ed

to r ecord t h e n am es of t h e ir m emb ers in

s ep ar a t e co lumns, ind ic a t ing if t h e ir or ig in

w er e Gr e ek or J ew is h, long in to t h e 4 t h

c en tury. P au l’s words on un i ty in C hr is t

r eg ard l ess of n a t ion a l i ty d idn’ t t ak e :(

O n e o f m y f a v o r i t e

G o s p e l s o n g s !

F i n d t h e B r o o k l y n

T a b e r n a c l e C h o i r

v e r s i o n o n Y o u T u b e. th e dening v erse for th e

Pro test an t Reforma tion, asp er Mar tin Lu th er. Kind ofa big deal.

BREAK IT DOWNLov e this?

Br eak dow n the

New T estament

ev er y w eek w ith

Dr . Case T hor p

in the Caske t

Emp t y class!


11/36 COLUMNS | Fall 2015 11

School of Discipleship courses are designed to help you grow and mature as a follower of Jesus.

All courses meet for a certain number of weeks to help you maximize your time, and cover specific top-

ics focused on Biblical study and practical application.

SCHOOL OF DISCIPLESHIPFALL SESSION I BEGINS SEPTEMBER 13

EVANGELISM, with Sam Sinns

Just a ew steps and a riendly hello may be all it takesto change someone’s lie- and eternity! Course par-ticipants will be equipped with simple, yet effective,evangelism tools.

DEEPER CONNECTIONS,

with the Discipleship Team

For recent First Connections participants and newchurch members who desire to go deeper in the theirdiscipling relationships with God and grow closer withthe First Pres amily.

FALL SESSION II PREVIEW

For room numbers and registration, visit fpco.org/smart

CASKET EMPTY: A NEW TESTAMENT STORY

Join Dr. Case Torp or this 2015-2016 course to learnand remember the story o God’s redemption in theNew estament. Using curriculum created by Gordon-Conwell Teological Seminary, participants studythe ull scope o the New estament’s chronological,geographical, historical, cultural and literary context.Sundays, 9:45am.

FIRST CONNECTIONS

Did you recently join the church? Are you consider-ing membership in our First Pres amily? First Con-nections is the place to learn about the church, getto know others and discover your place in the largerchurch amily. Led by Elders Leigh Swanson and LanceFair, this 7-week course is the best place to get startedi you’re new or reconnecting to church. Sundays,9:45am.

PRAYER 101Jesus’ example teaches us that prayer is essential to ol-lowing God. Our ongoing conversation with God theFather is the first place we share our joys, concerns andsorrows. Join Rev. Becky Davis and the Prayer eamor a variety o weekly teachings on prayer. Sundays,9:45am.

DAVE RAMSEY’S

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY

We all need a plan or our money. Financial PeaceUniversity (FPU) is that plan! It teaches God’s ways ohandling money. Trough video teaching, class discus-sions and interactive small group activities, FPU pres-ents biblical, practical steps to get rom where you areto where you’ve dreamed you could be. Get rid o debt,manage your money, spend and save wisely, and plan

or the uture. Facilitated by Jim and Jill Adkinson andSteve Cahill, this 9 week course will take place Sundayafernoons. Pricing and registration online atpco.org/smart

AN EXPLORATION

OF THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY

Come or this 10-week study with Reormed Teo-logical Seminary Proessor Dr. Mark Futato and learnabout this book at the heart o the Old estament.

Quoted by Jesus more than any other book, Deuter-onomy is where we study the central text o the Oldestament, the Shema. Learn to use this book in yourlie, as Jesus did. Course will be Mondays at 12:30pm.$100 and scholarships are available. Online registrationrequired at pco.org/smart



by Dr. Dan Sharp

In the early part o the last century, the ather oAmerican composer Charles Ives was asked: “Mr. Ives,how can you stand to hear John Bell bellow off-key theway he does at camp meetings?”

Ives’ response? “Old John is a supreme musician. Lookinto his ace and hear the music o the ages. Don’t paytoo much attention to the sounds. I you do, you maymiss the music.”

Without a doubt the human voice is the most versatileand beautiul instrument o worship. When was thelast time you heard heartelt singing in worship? Andto be truthul, we have people who are uncomortablein hearing their own singing voice or who have beentold by some unthinking person not to sing. Let’s hear

the voice God gave us.

Te human voice is capable o great beauty. Next timewe pray the Lord’s Prayer or coness a creed, listen tothe human sound. God made the voice or the purposeo hearing humans express their hearts. From what Iread in Scripture, God apparently enjoys hearing ussing! Worship is a place or beautiul, human musi-cal sound that draws us to reverence and mystery, to aplace o holy, breathless wonder. Be listening or onebeautiul sound each week, be it an awe-inspiring hushor a robust declaration. Lend your voice to worship.Let’s hear the voice God gave us.

So what are some unique contributions our voicesbring to worship? First o all, there is simply beauti-ul sound. More than any other aspect o worship, thehuman voice brings this quality. Beauty is God’s idea.He has made humans with the capacity to rearrangehis invention o sound and music to make somethingbeautiul. Our sung music, whether by congregation,

choir, or band, is an aural painting o devotion and ad-oration offered in the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christto God the Father. Let’s hear the voice God gave us.

Te human voice, like no other instrument in worship,

has a supremely emotive quality. Tere are qualitieso timbre, inflection, volume, tone, resonance, pitch,transparency, humility, and many more aspects o the voice that are personal and intimate. It expresses theheart. Combining beautiul musical vocal sound, em-powered by the Holy Spirit, can be useul in helping allo us become aware o the presence o God. Let’s hearthe voice God gave us.

Ten there is the corporate value o the voice as God’speople come together. We read o times o great an-

tiphonal response by the Israelites where they con-firmed covenants and oaths beore each other in thepresence o Yahweh. (Joshua 8) We speak o the “Bodyo Christ” or the community o aith. It is a magnificensound when all God’s people joyously declare with one voice. Let’s hear the voice God gave us.

One final time, let’s hear the voice God gave us.

Dr. Dan Sharp is the Minister of Worship and a great

fan of participation whenever the church gathers to wor-ship together. He leads our Chancel Choir each Sundaymorning and would love to help you find your [email protected]

HE VOICE

GOD GAVE US


13/36

Last January, I had the privilege o attending the Ste-phen Ministry Leadership raining Course. Close to400 people gathered or extensive training on the work-ings o this ministry. While I have heard about StephenMinistry since high school, attending this conerencegave me an even greater appreciation and understand-ing o this incredible ministry. An added bonus wasthat my mom attended with me as she has joined theStephen Ministry Leadership eam at her church.

It’s hard to put into words all I learned that week and

how this training has impacted my ministry, except tosay I am a big an o Stephen Ministry. I want to spreadthe word about this lie changing ministry, and ask youto pray about becoming a Stephen Minister. What is Stephen Ministry?Te mission statement is “Christ caring or people,through people.”Essentially, it’s a ministry o caring orothers. Each Stephen Minister is careully trained andprepared to do this in their own church amily.

Stephen Ministers are people like you, who have beenequipped to offer care to individuals going through di-ficult seasons in lie. Tese seasons range rom grievingthe death o a loved one, to acing an illness, to evenadjusting to having a newborn baby at home or transi-tioning into retirement. o be a Stephen Minister, youdon’t have to have all the answers, a counseling de-gree, or be an expert in problem solving. All you needis a desire to sit with another person, to listen and beChrist’s instrument o care.

Here is what some o our First Pres Stephen Ministersare saying about their experience:

“Stephen Ministry is a wonderful opportunity to ‘giveback’. It is a great feeling to know that I have helpedsomeone in their time of need.”

“Stephen Ministry has given me the opportunity to bethe hands of Christ when I reach out to touch someonein need, His smile when I offer encouragement, and Hislove when I sit still and listen.”

“Being a Stephen Minister means being blessed with theopportunity to encounter God in a truly unique way.Walking beside another in the name of Christ, I believeis as enriching to the Stephen Minister as it is to thoseserved by Stephen Ministry.”

Stephen Ministry is a 2-year commitment, and ournext training class begins January 2016. Tis 50-hourcourse teaches such topics as Te Art o Listening,Distinctly Christian Care, Assertiveness, Crisis Teory,

Boundaries, and Confidentiality, as well as how tominister to those experiencing grie or depression.

I you want to find out more about how you can beinvolved in this one-to-one caregiving ministry, con-tact ammas Smith at 407.423.3441 x1455 or [email protected].

Sharing God’s Love

by Rev. Becky Davis

Becoming a Stephen Minister



Jim Elliot, a martyr or his aith in Christ, said,“I think the devil has made it his business to monopolizeon three elements: noise, hurry, and crowds…Satan isquite aware of the power of silence.”

I used this quote in a class I recently taught on thespiritual discipline o solitude and silence. Te quoteis a reerence to three things that Satan uses to distractus rom our relationship with God. Ten it occurredto me that Satan also uses noise, hurry (busyness), and

crowds to distract us rom our relationship with ourspouse.

Tink about your average day. Te alarm clock (noise)goes off because we need to get out o bed or whateverthe first thing on our ‘to-do list’ is (busyness). We getin our car, turn on the radio (noise) and check ourGoogle maps to find out the traffic (crowds) or themorning because we are in a (hurry) and need to getsomewhere on time. And it goes on and on and on likethis all day, 24/7. And then you add children, sports

practices, dance lessons, church meetings, working out(with our ear buds in), social gatherings...and this ishow we live.

As we hustle and bustle rom one thing to the next, wecan so easily neglect our second most important rela-tionship, our spouse. Te truth is, it takes intentionalityto fight against the noise, busyness and crowds and tocreate space or our marriage to grow and be strong,healthy, and alive. It’s very much like our most impor-

tant relationship- with Jesus. As Christians, many ous spend very little time just being with Him, talking,listening, praying, resting in Him. Tus our relation-ship with the One who loves us more than anyone elseis stagnant. We are distracted.

In the same way, many o us are married, but spend very little time talking, truly listening, praying togetherplaying together, or just being with each other. We havedistracted marriages. So what is the solution to ourproblem?

by Bret Allen

NOISE, HURRY & CROWDSMAKING TIME TO MAKE A MARRIAGE


15/36 COLUMNS | Fall 2015 15

Create space. Pay attention.Tese two concepts will go a long way toward main-taining a healthy marriage over the long haul. But, it’sincreasingly difficult in the midst o noise, hurry, andcrowds. So here are a ew practical steps or creatingspace together:

• ‘COUCH TIME’

ake 15 minutes, or more, each day when you justsit together without distraction. No V, silenceyour phone, etc. I you have children at home,explain this to them. Tis is not selfish on your partor neglecting your children; it’s actually model-ing the top priority relationship in the home, thehusband-wie relationship! It may be helpul to usean egg timer so your children know when they canhave your attention. alk, listen and PAY AEN-ION to each other.

• ‘WALK TIME’ ake a walk around the block with your spouse oron a nearby trail. As you walk, hold hands and tryto walk slower than normal. Tere is no hurry. alkand listen and PAY AENION to each other.

• ‘DATE NIGHT’ Tis takes planning, so put it on the calendar. Andas an idea, what about picking up something ‘togo’ and find a park or somewhere away rom the

crowd and have dinner together? Have a “destina-tion date”: take a drive together and talk in the car.Listen well and PAY AENION to each other.(Movies don’t count--you’re paying attention, but not to

one another!)

• ‘READING’

Pick a book to read together and set aside timeto discuss. im Keller’s Te Meaning of Marriage would be a great place to start. Or even read aloud;then talk and listen and PAY AENION to eachother.

• ‘SEXUAL INTIMACY’

Plan a romantic evening. PAY AENION.Enough said.

Our marriages need time away rom the noise, hurryand crowds o our everyday lie. Tis will take effort.Be open and available to your spouse. Invest time andenergy in the relationship. You will begin to see the

blessing o creating space and paying attention in yourrelationship.

Bret Allen is the Minister of Family Life and a big fanof marriage, as is Kim, his wife of 25 years. An encour-ager of couples at all stages of marriage, he’s here to helpstrengthen yours. [email protected]

THE MARRIAGE ARCHIVE

Explore a specially-curated playlist of our bestsermons on marriage in recent and not-so-recent history.

THE MARRIAGE DESSERT

Join the conversation on marriage as some ofour own First Pres couples share their insightsand experience. Q&A, sweets and a deliciousevening with your spouse. Bring a dessertto share and bring friends. Friday, August 28from 7:30pm-9:30pm in Lee Fellowship Hall.

THE MARRIAGE RETREAT

Make your plans now to nurture your mar-riage this Spring - the Marriage Retreat will fillup fast! Join David & Leigh Swanson at theMission Inn for a restful and romantic week-end with your spouse, February 12-14, 2016.Registration opens August 16 at 12:30pm.The first 30 couples to register get $50 off.

KEEP INVESTING

IN YOUR MARRIAGE

fpco.org/marriage



Te Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because theLord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the

day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow onthem a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joyinstead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of aspirit of despair. Tey will be called oaks of righteousness,a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. Tey will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places longdevastated; they will renew the ruined cities that havebeen devastated for generations. Isaiah 61:1-4 (emphasis added)

Tis summer, we celebrate FOUR12’s 20th year. For 20years, First Pres has been mentoring urban youth in ourcity, sharing the love o God and helping students breakthe cycle o poverty. And this year, we are truly celebrat-ing the Lord’s avor. We have attended a record numbero high school graduations and have awarded a recordnumber o college scholarships. We also have a recordnumber o ormer students serving as leaders in ourministry. Tey are restoring the places long devastated.Tey are renewing the ruined cities. Tey truly are oakso righteousness or the display o His splendor!

Over the last 20 years, the ministry has gone throughmany changes. What was once called “ASOM” (short orAfer School Outreach Ministry) is now called FOUR12(rom 1 imothy 4:12). What was once a 6-8th gradeprogram is now a 6-12th grade program, and even

includes an emerging college ministry. And, what wasonce located at First Presbyterian Church will now belocated at the Northwest Community Center in theMercy Drive Community. Tere have been many sig-nificant changes over the years, but there has been oneconstant: meeting the needs o urban youth.

Te story o this ministry has always been one o meet-ing needs. It began in 1995 to meet a need at HowardMiddle School. Ten, when it became apparent thatimpacting students in middle school wasn’t enough, theprogram expanded to meet the needs o high school stu-dents. When 100% o those students went off to college,it expanded once again to meet the need o its students(all first in their amilies to go to college)! Now, there isanother urgent need that God has called us to meet andwe couldn’t be more excited.

o meet that need, we have moved our operations tothe Northwest Community Center in the Mercy DriveCommunity, through an amazing partnership with the

by Jenny Arrison

OUR MENTORING MINISTRY’S REMARKABLE JOURNEY TO MERCY DRIVE

YEAR OF THELORD’S FAVOR


17/36 COLUMNS | Fall 2015 17

city. We are now located in the neighborhoodthat God has called us to serve, which solvesa myriad o transportation issues and acces-sibility issues.We will be able to serve morestudents and amilies, have better and moreregular contact with parents, offer communi-ty-wide events, and give our students access toa state-o-the-art acility in their own neigh-borhood. We are truly celebrating God’s avor! Te Northwest Community Center is thehidden gem o Mercy Drive. It is outfittedwith… are you ready or this?... an Olympic-sized swimming pool, ootball field, outdoorbasketball courts, indoor basketball gym,computer lab, game room, kitchen, class-rooms, and a brand new recording studio.We could not be more grateul to God, and our partnersin our community: Commissioner Regina Hill, AnthonyGrant, Jaimee DeShay, and the City o Orlando. And, ocourse, we are incredibly grateul to this church amily– our volunteers and supporters — who have kept thisministry going and thriving or 20 years!

As we’ve been preparing or this big move, we’ve en-countered many questions. So here are the answers torequently asked questions about our move:

Why are you moving? When the ministry began in 1995to meet the needs o Howard Middle School and theParramore community, our city was in a very differentplace. Over the last two decades, the City o Orlando haspoured a lot o resources into the Parramore Commu-nity. Students in Parramore now have more options andsae places to go afer school. Howard Middle Schoolhas also changed. With the addition o its Fine ArtsMagnet Program and the city’s Afer School All Stars onits campus, there is not a great need or our program. Incontrast, however, the Mercy Drive Community has not

been given the same amount o attention or resources.And, according to recent studies, it has higher poverty,crime, and dropout rates than not only Parramore, butmost o the state and country. God has called us to meetthe greater need.

We have long-standing relationships starting with Hearto Mercy Church, and new relationships in that commu-nity. Tis gives us the incredible opportunity to add ourpiece to the “continuum o care puzzle”- kindergarten tocollege, and beyond!

What happens to the students from Howard MiddleSchool? We began this transition at the start o the 2014-15 school year and inormed all o our Howard MiddleSchool students that the move was coming. We alsostopped recruiting and accepting new students romHoward. Our high school students have always beengiven bus passes in order to attend our program so, nowthat all o our Howard students have progressed to highschool, they have the option and ability to attend ourprogram at the Northwest Community Center.

Are you still a part of First Pres? YES! Te FPCO Sessionand pastoral staff are ull partners in the transition. Onlyour location has changed. We will run the afer schoolprogram out o the Northwest Community Centerand be in our church offices once a week. Our und-ing structure has not changed either, so we need yoursupport now more than ever! FOUR12 is purposeullystructured to rely heavily on donors to help kids breakthe cycle o poverty.

How can I get involved? Volunteer as a tutor. Be a spiri-

tual mentor to a teen. Donate school supplies. Mentora first generation college student. Invest in our Heart othe City scholarship und. Help out in the office. Put ona party! Just jump in with us and we’ll find a great wayor you to change lives.

Jenny Arrison is the Director of FOUR12, serving thisministry for seven years. She is excited about seeingtransformation take place in neighborhoods and especiallyin hearts. [email protected]. You can follow FOUR12 onsocial media @myFOUR12

JENNY ARRISON & NATHAN SHAW (AT LEFT) WITH CIT

COMISSIONER REGINA HILL (CENTER) AND OUR AWE-

SOME FOUR12 STUDENTS.



Websites and apps can be great tools or learning.Many claim to be educational, but how do you knowwhich ones are truly worthwhile or your child’s par-ticular learning needs?

At Te Christ School, teachers use a variety o apps andwebsites to enhance lessons in math, reading, writing,science, social studies, and more. Rich Magee, echnol-ogy Specialist at Te Christ School (CS) and lielongFirst Pres member, has used different types o media inhis classroom or years, and helps to advise CS acultyon integrating technology resources into their lessons.But what about technology at home? For parents, thearray o choices can be daunting. Rich offers sound advice that can be helpul or choosing apps and websitesto enhance learning at home.

Q: What is the best way to choose a website or app toenhance my child’s learning?

Rich Magee: “Te best thing I can suggest is to do alittle bit o research. When I am looking into any typeo media to introduce to our students, there are twoorganizations I consult or guidance. Te first is TeCenter or Parent -Youth Understanding (cpyu.org),a Christian organization that evaluates all aspects o

media in a child’s lie – V, movies, websites, music,apps – all o the ways we experience our modern cul-ture. CPYU takes a balanced look at any given orm oentertainment, and asks questions including – Whatabout this is godly? What is worldly? What about this is

ediying? What is not healthy?

“Te other is Common Sense Media (commonsen-semedia.org). Teir in-house reviewers and certifiedreviewer-educators reflect thoughtully and deliberatelyon each piece o media. What does it do? For whatages is it most appropriate? What are some specificsabout the app? With Common Sense Media, you won’thave the Christian lens, but it is a worthy resource orexploring any type o media.

“Both organizations spend the time that most o usdon’t have to review each piece o media. Tey arelooking at these apps through a trained educationalperspective. Another good resource when I am lookingor something or a specific age or grade isgraphite.org, run by Common Sense Media. Websitesand apps can be filtered by subject, age/grade level,platorm, and price. Read the reviews or a variety oapps to determine i a particular app is good or learn-ing, how the teachers use it, etc. Graphite.org has done

by Gretchen Miller Basso

Choosing Websites

& Apps for Learning


19/36 COLUMNS | Fall 2015 19

a lot o the research making it much aster to filterdown to the most successul aspects they recommend.

“It is important to remember that I use these two orga-nizations as first filters to help me make better deci-sions about apps that I choose or learning. I can tellby the reviews i the piece o media is worth exploringurther. Ten it is up to me to review the app or web-

site urther to see i it is appropriate, educational, andwill be a benefit to our students’ learning. I hope thatevery parent will try an app first beore letting theirchild play it. Although many apps might sound good atfirst, sometimes ads pop up that may not be appropri-ate.”

Q: What are your favorite types of learning websites andapps?

RM: “For any type o media, I like tools that promote

critical thinking and reasoning skills. A couple o thegames that I use currently with our kindergarten andfirst grade students are on the PBS Kids website(pbskids.org). Fidget is a un puzzle that requires solv-ing a problem (alling “fidgets”) by using tools in 25unique settings. String Ting lets you create your ownmusic with a variety o musical instruments.

“As a teacher, I want websites and apps to reach arange o abilities. Children should have a place to landwhether they are just starting or are close to mastering

a concept. Most parents are looking or resources ortheir particular child that address particular strengthsand needs. A good app should have multiple entrypoints and ability levels that will continue to challengea child as they begin to master the game or task.”

Q: What is the best way for parents to find a good educa-tional app for their child?

RM: “When choosing an app or your child, have his/her specific needs in mind. For example, i your child

is struggling with reading, research the app to see iit is helpul in enhancing their reading skills or i itis merely entertaining. Te websites I suggested aregreat places to start. Remember, always be sure to try ityoursel first.

“Children need to have balance in their lives. Althoughcomputers are an important tool or learning, I believethat running around outside and climbing trees is evenmore important.”

he Christ School serves children from transitional kin-dergarten through 8th Grade, and is located on the FirstPresbyterian Church of Orlando campus. Learn more atthechristschool.org

RICH MAGEE AND THE CHRIST SCHOOL

STUDENTS GETTING HANDS ON WITH

COMPUTER HARDWARE.

FAVORITE TEACHING APPS AND SITESOF THE CHRIST SCHOOL FACULTY:

Mrs. Lewis, Kindergarten: Teach Me Kindergarten (iOS).

Mrs. Schwalk, 1st grade: Mathopolis (iOS).

Mrs. Wigle, 2nd grade: Mathopolis, Math Bingo,Splash Math, and Sushi Monster (all iOS).

Miss Forbes, 5th grade: Quizlet (iOS) - Create yourown or use pre-made flashcards at home or at school to

prepare for quizzes and tests.

Mr. Ross, middle school Algebra: Google slides,and Desmos, a graphing calculator (both websites).

Mrs. Davis, Spanish: Duolingo (web) .

Mrs. Gibbs, Compass:

TK – K – Timmy’s Kindergarten Adventure (iOS).1st grade and up: Spelling City (web & Android).



Over the past eighteen months, I have become increas-ingly involved in our region’s effort to reduce home-lessness while also providing the necessary physicaland mental care or those involved. I serve on theboard o the Central Florida Commission on Home-

lessness, chair the Chronic Homelessness sub-commit-tee, and serve on Project DO (Downtown Orlando)which created a ten-year vision plan or downtown,part o which was how to address the needs o themost vulnerable among us.

First, some definitions:

1. Chronic Homelessness: to be considered “chronically homeless,” you mustbe either mentally or physically disabled, period.

Tus, any comment such as “homeless people justneed to get out and work” is one which displaysignorance. A chronically homeless person does nothave the capacity to work. Tey are the most vul-nerable among us because they lack the resourcesor ability to help themselves.

2. Family or Episodic Homelessness: this orm o homelessness is when people findthemselves suddenly out o job or they have a

job, but it does not pay enough to provide hous-ing AND ood. Many wind up living in extendedstay hotels, camps, or cars. Most o the time, thesepeople are able to work, but lack o affordablehousing, transportation, education, childcare and a

host o other things make these impossible. Fam-ily homelessness is more complex, as the needs aremore systemic.

3. Ending Homelessness:

when we say we are going to “end homelessness,”we do not mean that no one will ever be homelessagain. What we mean is that such moments will berare, brie, or one time.

4. Permanent Supportive Housing:

this is the solution to homelessness that is impact-ing cities across the nation (Phoenix, Houston, SaltLake City, Miami, Dallas, San Antonio). A home-less person is provided a home (normally a one-bedroom efficiency) and then surrounded with“support services” that will help them stay in thathome successully. Each will have a case manager(one case manager per twelve clients) who willconnect them to the needed resources, includingmental health resources. While initially counter-

by Dr. David Swanson

WORKINGTO SOLVE

HOMELESSNESS


21/36 COLUMNS | Fall 2015 21

intuitive (giving a homeless person a home with noconditions on behavioral change), the data provesits effectiveness. It costs the taxpayer $30,000 perperson i they live on the street, but only $10,000per year i they are housing and provided services.And the recidivism rate is only 8%, ar lower than

the transitional housing model.

We are making GREA progress. With generous dona-tions rom Florida Hospital, the City o Orlando andOrange County, the Chronic Homelessness Committeehas prepared, unded and begun implementation o aplan to house 240 homeless people by the end o 2015.We have engaged with the Veteran’s Administrationto identiy every homeless veteran in our region andhouse them by the end o the year. We are engagingthe aith community to provide needed clothing andurniture to those entering homes. We are launching

a program called Open able, which allows a churchto surround a amily as they navigate their way out ohomelessness. And, we are beginning to delve moredeeply into how domestic violence and human traffick-ing are connected to homelessness.

In particular, the response to our Homeless Jesus sculp-ture has been tremendous. Most days, I see multiplepeople stop and look and linger. Many times, smalltrinkets and gifs are lef which we collect and distrib-ute to those organizations that can use them. Even

better, we have had people come to our ront deskand write checks in support o our Compassion Cor-ner homeless ministry as a means o expressing theirgratitude.

It has been an encouraging time or our communityas we are finally making headway to serve so many inneed. It would not have been possible without the part-nerships between city/county government, the privatesector, and the aith community. When those three

come together, there is nothing that we cannot achieve.Tis is a prime example o what I mean when I say Iwant First Pres to be a “city-center” church. We partnerwith our community to identiy needs and then we rollup our sleeves and figure out how to get it done!

Dr. David Swanson is the Senior Pastor here at thechurch, and has seen the impact our church family canhave on our community when we work together to servethe least among us.

o learn more about the Chronic Homelessness plan,and how you can get involved, visit rethinkhomelessness.org.

If you’d like to help get an apartment move-in ready forsomeone (shopping, decorating and making it into ahome), or you’d like to start building a relationship witha local homeless veteran as they transition into perma-

nent housing, call Carol Hafer at 407.423.3441 x1460.

HOMELESSNESSIN OUR COMMUNITYEstimated number of homeless individuals inOrange County, FL in 2011: 6,583.

THE COST OF BEING HOMELESS

The average annual cost to be homeless in Cen-tral Florida is $31,065 per person.

If nothing changes in Central Florida’s approachto homelessness, the projected cost of home-lessness to our community over 10 years will be$4,898,950,500. (Yes, billions.) And, these sameindividuals would still be homeless.

HOMELESSNESS & FAMILIES

It is estimated that Central Florida has 3,920 families doubled-up and living in hotels andmotels.* 55.5% of Florida’s homeless people infamilies are unsheltered.

In 2011, there were approximately 3,000 home-less children attending Orange County PublicSchools, up from 1,463 in 2008.

The U.S. Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment reports homelessness amongstfamilies with children as the fastest growing

homeless population in Florida.

Sources: Rethink Homelessness/Central Florida Regional Commission onHomelessness’ Economic Impact Report: The Cost of Long TermHomelessness in Central Florida report, 2014. rethinkhomelessness.org.2012-2013 Florida Department of Education Report.2014 Florida Department of Children & Families Council on Home-lessness Report. 2012 National Health Care for the Homeless Coun-cil Report, Orlando. Orange County, Point-in-Time Count 2011.Homeless But Finding Sanctuary at School, 2011, New York Times.


22/3622 2014-2015 | ANNUAL REPORT

FAMILY NEWSCongratulations to...

Ryan and Sondra Parsons on the birth otheir son, imothy Burkett “Burke” Par-sons, born April 30, 2015.

Chris and Ginny Leavy, on the birth otheir daughter, Ann Rebecca Leavy, bornMay 22, 2015. Te proud grandparent isDale Leavy.

Steven Lewis Candeto, II and LindseyBrooke Caldwell, who were married May30, 2015 in the Sanctuary. Lindsey is thedaughter o Jeff and Donna Caldwell.

Dock David reece and Kiah KathleenBarrette, who were married May 30, 2015in the Reormation Chapel. Kiah is thedaughter o Richard and Linda Barrette.

Brad and Cassie Bateman on the birth otwin daughters, Gwena Claire Batemanand Sydney Kay Bateman, born June 5,2015.

Jonathan and Courtney Christian on thebirth o their son, Jackson William Chris-tian, born June 14, 2015.

Andrew Jonathan Pekoe and CrystalBrooke Yates, who were married June 6,2015 in the Sanctuary.

Ryan Boone Simpson and Grace MarieMei-Pin Chong, who were married June13, 2015 in the Reormation Chapel. Ryanis the son o Mark and Robin Simpson.

Chris and Allison Miller on the birth otheir daughter, Antoinette “Annie” JoyMiller, born July 19, 2015. Te proudgrandparents are Jim and Debbie Ferber.

John and Caroline Goodner on the birtho their son, John Tomas Goodner, III.,born July 21, 2015.

Sympathy to...

Te amily and riends o Ken Kraf whodied April 16, 2015.

Chris and Kristin Creegan on the deatho his mother, oni Creegan, on April 23,2015.

John Loudermilk on the death o his wie,Dorothy Loudermilk, on May 1, 2015.

Rob and Monica Madigan on the death ohis mother, Shirley Madigan Wismann,who died May 3. 2015. Mrs Wismann wasthe grandmother o Amanda MadiganVaughan and Molly & Emily Madigan.

Peter & Lisa Steinhoff on the death o hisbrother, Wayne Paul Steinhoff, on May8. Mr Steinhoff was the uncle o JennierSteinhoff.

Lynne and Ralph Veerman on the death oher mother, Frances Pope, on May 9. 2015.

Pam & Mark Oldham on the death o hermother, Ima Jean Cook, who died May 11,2015. Mrs Cook was the grandmother oMorgan Leigh & rey Oldham.

Nancy Hughes on the death o her sister,Janice Stetson, on May 21, 2015.

Mike and Chandy Kelley on the death ohis ather, James Michael Kelley on May29, 2105.

rice and Mike Abuaris on the death oher ather, Patrick Stover on May 30, 2015.Mr. Kelley was the grandather o Char-lotte Kelley.

Meredith & Brett Hollowell on the deatho her grandmother, Lurlee Fellers, on June4, 2015.

Donna and John Speer on the death o herather, Bob Dosh, on June 7, 2015.

Kim & Susie Kemper on the death o hismother, JoAnn Kemper, on June 8, 2015.

Lance & Karen Fair on the death o hismother, Diane Fair on June 19, 2015.Mrs. Fair was the grandmother o Lauren,Courtney and Fletcher Fair.

Te amily and riends o Mike Spurgeon,who died June 23, 2015.

Te amily and riends o Virginia (Ginny)Comort King who died June 30, 2015.Mrs. Comort King was the grandmothero aylor Ariko and Griff & ElizabethAriko. She was the great grandmother oRandy and Ava Ariko.

Karen & Bill Rump on the death o hermother, Mary Belle Mark on July 1, 2105.

Call FPCO at

407.423.3441 to

FOR PASTORAL EMERGENCIES after the hours of 8:30am-5:00pm, please leave a voicemailmessage on the main churchnumber to page the minister oncall.

Carla and Marvin Hardy on the death oher mother, Helene Schulz on July 8, 2105.Mrs. Schulz was the grandmother o Will,Helen and Sutton Hardy.

Mark and Robin Simpson on the deatho his ather, Harold Simpson on July 11,

2105.

Gerard and Betsy Buckreis on the deatho his mother, Edna Buckreis on July 12,2015. Mrs Buckreis was the grandmothero Lindsey Buckreis.

Cynthia and Richard Harris and Gregand Sue Voorhees on the death o theirather, Don Voorhees on July 14, 2015. MrVoorhees was the grandather o GeoffVoorhees, Brian Harris (Maggie), GaryVoorhees (Elle), Lisa Moudgill (Neil),

Kathryn Rivera (Miguel) and Laura Demateis (Josh).

Russ and Janice Divine on the death ohis ather, Larry Divine, on July 20, 2015.Mr. Divine was the grandather o Rachel(Gabe) De Jesus and Becca Davis (Bud).

- schedule a baptism x1451

- request a hospital visit x1455

- plan a wedding x1453

- arrange a memorial service x1455

- gift flowers for worship x1272

- ask giving questions x1479

- change your address x1471

- purchase a sermon DVD x1438

- reserve childcare x2227

- reach security 407.466.3497- reserve a meeting space x1459

- ask about this magazine x1467


23/36 ANNUAL REPORT | 2014-2015 23

2 0 1 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T

A LOOK AHEAD


24/36


25/36 ANNUAL REPORT | 2014-2015 25

H O M E L E S S J E S U SThis unique sculpture, dedicated May 20, is a profound

reminder to our city and our church family to serve “the leastand the lost” among us.

G E N E R A L A S S E M B LYIn June, First Pres hosted 1,200+ pastors, missionaries, exhibi-tors and family for the 2015 General Assembly for the Evan-

gelical Presbyterian Church. Hosted by 375 amazing First Presvolunteers, attendees came from 45 states and 12 nations,commissioning 7 missionaries, and celebrating God’s good-ness in over 8 hours of corporate worship.

Fun Fact: In 2009, the EPC had 7 church plants nationwide.Today there are 27.


26/3626 2014-2015 | ANNUAL REPORT

D O M I N I C A N R E P U B L I CRelationships continue to ourish in the D.R., including a FamilyMission Trip with Student Ministry this year, and a new gym forMission Emanuel through ARISE AND BUILD.

VA C A T I O N B I B L E S C H O O LIn 2015, Our SHINE Children’s Ministry Team hosted VBS for

340 children from our church and community, with the help of70 adult and 95 youth volunteers.


27/36 ANNUAL REPORT | 2014-2015 27

M A D A G A S C A RAfter 9 years, we have deeply-rooted relationships in “Mada.” BiblicalEntrepreneurship leaders opened a credit union this summer, the To-paza Orphanage was rebuilt with help from Helpless Estate’s album,

and over the last 2 years, over 100 girls have commited their lives toChrist through our Mission Team’s retreats at Behorika Girl’s School.

MADAGASCAR MISSION TEAM: Thomas Sefcik,Andrew Sefcik, Quinn Roberts, Michelle Sterchi,

Kent Sterchi, Ansley Scrimscher, and Katie Hancock.


28/3628 2014-2015 | ANNUAL REPORT

C O V E N A N T C O M M U N I T Y

3,622TOTAL MEMBERSHIPAS OF JUNE 30, 2015

151 NEW MEMBERS

8 PROFESSION O FFAITH OR BAPTISM

PASTORAL CARE

MEMBERSHIP

679PRAYER REQUE STS

1,248HOURS OF ST EPHENMINISTRY CARE

895HOSPITAL VISITS

1,080VISITS TO HOME-BOUND MEMBERS

29FUNERALS

701CALLS TOMEMBERSAT HOM E

$59,187.37CURRENT BALANCE OF GOOD S AMARITAN FUND

HOW NEW MEMBERSHEARD ABOUT US

4,115CHRISTMAS EVE 201

6,136EASTER 201

HOLIDAY

ATTENDANCE

80 FIRSTCONNECTIONS

JULY ‘14 - JUN E ‘15

JULY ‘14 - JUNE ‘15

25 REAFFIRMATION

28 STUDENTS VIACONFIRMATION


29/36 ANNUAL REPORT | 2014-2015 29

M A K I N G D I S C I P L E S

56CAMPE RS AT CAMP TWAIN

STUDENT MINISTRY

20s MINISTRYOur 20s initiative began just last year, but hashad a huge impact already.

SHINECHILDREN’SMINISTRY

70

97

231

AVERAGE WEEKLYATTENDANCE

(PRE-K - 5TH GRADE)

196PARTICIPANTS

12MONTHLYGATHERINGS

80BACKPACKS FORMADAGASCAR

6BIBLE STUDY GROUPS

WOMEN ENGAGEDRegular WE events includedseasonal Bi ble Stud y, PrayerRetreat, Summer Nights &Salads, and Brown Bag Series.

504WE BIBLE STUDYPARTICIPANTS

$1,000RAISED FOR BEHORIKA GIRL S’SCHOOL IN MADAGASCAR

1,000+WE EVENT PARTICIPANTS

270PARTICIPATING STUDENTS

2TEENSBAPTIZED

178WILDLIFE SHIRTS WORN(CATS/GOATS/MONKEYS)

SCHOOL OF DISCIPLESHI P& SUNDAY SCHOO L

120

250

AVERAGE WEEKLYATTENDANCE

COMBIN ED A DULTSUNDAY SCHOOL & S.O.D.



JULY ‘14 - JUN E ‘15


30/3630 2014-2015 | ANNUAL REPORT

L I G H T T H E W O R L D

1,512

2,032

PEOPLE CONNECTEDON FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK.COM/FPCORLANDO

FIRST PRES ONLINE

114

174

238

AVERAGE WEEKLYONLINE WORSHIPPERS

FPCO.ORG/LIVE

$273,687TOTAL MISSION GRANTS GIVENFROM OPERATING BUDGET

MISSION JULY ‘14 - JUNE ‘15

TO FIRST PRES MISSION MINISTRIES

- COMPASSION CORNER

- FOUR12

- JAIL & PRISON INITI ATIVE

- MADAGASCAR INIT IATIVE

- THE MAGNOLIA PRESCHOOL

- MERCY DRIVE INITIATIVE

TO OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS

TO INDIVIDUAL MISSIONARIES

DID YOU KNOW?

Celebrating 20 years of ministry, Compassion Corner welcomes 75-80 men andwomen daily for bible stu dy, coffee, fellowship, an d prayer. Coaches provide 10,000hours of case management per year, and the center provides $20,000 of bus passes

for interviews, appointments and needed services. Read Dr. Swanson’s article onhow we’re working to solve homelessness (p.18).

Over the last 10 years, over 300 urban youth from Orlando have attended KidsAcross America Camp (or KAA) in Branson, MO each summer, which has led to 120first time decisio ns for Christ and over 150 who have rededicated their lives to Christ


31/36 ANNUAL REPORT | 2014-2015 31

Started in November 2014, ARISE AND BUILD is a 5-year capitalfunds campaign to free our church from debt, and fund newministry critical to our God-given vision.

$7,700,000CAMPAIGN GOAL

AS OF JUNE 30, 2015

$750,979NEEDED TO COMPLETE CAMPAIGN

includes pledges plus

unpledged contributions90%TOTAL COMMITMENTS & CONTRIBUTIONS

$2,668,105CASH COLLECTED

$266,81110% MISSION TITHE

CURRENT PAYMENTS & ALLOCATIONS

- FOUR12 ($55,000)

- MADAGASCAR INITIATIVE ($59,562)

- MISSION EMMANUEL ($145,000)

$2,055,586DEBT PAYDOWN

PAYMENTS MAD E TO REDUCE OU R DEBT

- SEPARATION AGREEMENT ($655,529)

- VIDEO LINE OF CRE DITW ($87,925)

- MORTGAGE PAYDOWN ($1,312,075)

Aleady maing a diffeence

MISSION EMMANUEL: The roof beinginstalled on the new Community Center andGym in the Dominican Republic.

unpledged amount needed to

complete the campaign goal

Campaign Update


32/3632 2014-2015 | ANNUAL REPORT

For more than 35 yearsHeart of the City Foundation

has been supporting theministries of First Pres, aswell as other like-minded

partners throughout thecity and around the globe

By encouraging generosity

among God’s people, HOCFis committed to seamlessly

balancing vital resourceswith ministry needs – all fo

the glory of God

orlandoheartofthecity.org

$60,225DISCIPLESHIPProjects funded include First PresSchool of Discipleship/RTS Partnership,

Bibles for Conrmation, 3DM Learning.

H E A R T O F T H E C I T YF O U N D A T I O N

$53,575MISSIONSFunds divided between these missionsand ministries: Overseas Council, GraceMedical Home, The Gathering, CentralCare Missions, The Christ School, CentralFlorida Commission on Homelessness,Mercy Drive Ministries, Madagascar Ini-tiative, Samaritan Village.

$49,250CAPITAL PROJECTS/FACILITIESProjects include TV/Visual upgradesfor the Edington Ministry Center,

ARISE AND BUILD Kickoff Celebration,Magruder Chapel Powder Room reno-vation, and King Parlor renovation.

$35,350OTHER GRANTSAdditional grants awarded.

$70,000SCHOLARSHIPSScholarships awarded, recognizing 55college, seminary, graduate school andChristian school students.


33/36 ANNUAL REPORT | 2014-2015 33

Y O U R G E N E R O S I T Y

D E B T S U M M A R YMORTGAGE NOTE

HOCF LOAN

LOC SEPARATION AGMT

LOC VIDEO UPGRADE

WORKING CAPITAL

OUC LIGHTING UPGRADE

5,000,000

4,000,000

3,000,000

2,000,000

1,000,000

0

9,000,000

8,000,000

7,000,000

6,000,000

5,000,000

4,000,000

3,000,000

2,000,000

1,000,000

0

MONTHLY CUMULATIVE GIVINGTITHE/OFFERING PLUS ARISE AND BUILD

GIVING PARTICIPATIONJULY ‘14 - JUNE ‘15


U P D AT$ 3 4 5 ,3 6m o r t g a g e np a i d o f f J u l yH o o r a y !

ARISE AND BUILD

TITHE/OFFERING


34/3634 2014-2015 | ANNUAL REPORT

B A L A N C E S H E E T

ASSETS 2015 2014

CASH & INVENTORY $2,807,578 $2,243,934INVESTMENTS $34,211 $36,398RECEIVABLES $18,870 $24,159PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT $20,943,146 $21,751,534

OTHER ASSETS $142,549 $102,872TOTAL ASSETS $23,946,353 $24,158,898

CURRENT LIABILITIES

LINE OF CREDIT $0 $112,425UNEARNED REVENUE $86,022 $75,286OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES $542,663 $329,879

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES $628,685 $517,590

LONG TERM LIABILITIES

MORTGAGE LOAN $345,360* $1,664,186HOCF INTERFUND LOAN $554,941 $554,941LOC SEPARATION AGREEMENT $0 $692,111

TOTAL LONG TERM LIABILITIES $900,301 $2,911,237 TOTAL LIABILITIES $1,528,986 $3,428,827

NET ASSETS

UNRESTRICTED FUNDS $1,349,486 $970,573DESIGNATED FUNDS $1,764,976 $1,441,979UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS $19,302,904 $18,317,520

TOTAL NET ASSETS $22,417,367 $20,730,071 TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS $23,946,353 $24,158,898

F I R S T P R E S R E S E R V E S

500,000

400,000

300,000

200,000

100,000

0

1,000,000

900,000

800,000

700,000

600,000

OPERATING RESERVES

CAPITAL RESERVES

$ 2 4 0

, 6 2 7

$ 5 4 9 , 9 9 3

$ 3 2 7 , 6 7 1

$ 2 4 1 , 9 1 5

$ 3 8 8 , 9 0

6

$ 2 5 8 , 8 2 5

$ 8 4 2 , 2 6 3

$ 4 4 6 , 1 9 8

$ 8 7 5 , 7 2 1

$ 5 6 1 , 2 4 5

NOTE: FY14-15 results are preliminary as reported, final auditedresults will include certain adjustments for GAAP.

*Paid off 7/15/15


35/36 ANNUAL REPORT | 2014-2015 35

REVENUES 14–15 BUDGET 14–15 ACTUAL 15–16 BUDGEMEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS $6,503,189 $6,096,865 $6,150,717GENERAL OFFERINGS $83,681 $77,934 $75,104TRUSTS & WILLS $0 $5,000 $0CHARITABLE FOUNDATION $0 $0 $0

TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS $6,586,870 $6,179,799 $6,225,821

SPECIAL MINISTRIES REVENUES

WORSHIP & CULTURE $67,784 $129,396 $79,000CONGREGATIONAL CARE $5,316 $7,747 $5,000YOUNG ADULTS & FAMILIES $323,532 $206,816 $258,750EVANGELISM & OUTREACH $637,895 $700,622 $718,575MISSIONS $1,293,231 $1,153,549 $1,231,892DISCIPLESHIP $18,800 $22,119 $21,050SERVICES $288,300 $429,258 $251,800

TOTAL SPECIAL MINISTRIES REVENUES $2,634,859 $2,649,508 $2,566,067

OTHER REVENUEGENEROSITY $50,000 $61,336 $0IM REVENUE $0 $0 $0NET INVESTMENT INCOME $0 -$6,330 $0INTEREST INCOME $1,000 $698 $700MISCELLANEOUS REVENUES $0 $0 $0MEMORIAL GARDEN $6,100 $10,150 $8,000

TOTAL OTHER REVENUES $57,100 $65,854 $8,700

TOTAL REVENUES $9,278,829 $8,895,161 $8,800,587

EXPENSES

MINISTRIES EXPENSESWORSHIP & CULTURE $1,384,042 $1,401,821 $1,309,129CONGREGATIONAL CARE $299,974 $271,057 $271,526YOUNG ADULTS & FAMILIES $1,082,901 $939,412 $1,008,369EVANGELISM & OUTREACH $1,054,557 $1,045,388 $1,123,360MISSIONS $1,751,697 $1,626,472 $1,664,645DISCIPLESHIP $293,173 $254,990 $395,809SERVICES $3,050,879 $3,056,547 $2,902,638

TOTAL SPECIAL MINISTRIES EXPENSES $8,917,224 $8,595,688 $8,675,475

OTHER EXPENSES

PRINCIPAL & INTEREST $236,605 $111,469 $5,112

RESERVES $125,000 $176,760 $120,000TOTAL OTHER EXPENSES $361,605 $288,228 $125,112

TOTAL EXPENSES $9,278,829 $8,883,916 $8,800,587

NET-BEFORE CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS $0 $11,244 $0

CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONSCAPITAL RESERVE $5,622OPERATING RESERVE $5,622

TOTAL CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS $11,244

NET-AFTER CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS $0

R E V E N U E S & E X P E N S E S


36/36

First Presbyterian Church of Orlando106 E. Church St., Orlando, FL 32801

The First Presbyterian Columns (USPS 604-040) is publishedbimonthly by the First Presbyterian Church. Circulation: 3,000.(2,500 by US Mail, 500 by on-campus distribution).Periodicals postage paid at Orlando, Florida.POSTMASTER:Send address changes toCOLUMNS, 106 E. Church St. Orlando, FL 32801-3390.©2015 First Presbyterian Church of Orlando COLUMNS.

POSTMASTER: Time Sensitive Material

Please Deliver by AUGUST 20, 2015

106 East Church Street, Downtown

407.423.3441 | fpco.org

TRADITIONAL WORSHIP:

Sundays, 8:30 & 11:00amin the Sanctuary

GENESIS WORSHIP: Sundays, 9:45 & 11:00am

in Lee Fellowship Hall

LIVE ONLINE WORSHIP: Sundays, 8:30, 9:45 & 11:00am

fpco.org/live

PERIODICALS RA

US POSTAGE PA

ORLANDO, FL

Documents

First Presbyterian Church of Orlando Magazine (Fall 2015)