First Presbyterian Church of Orlando Magazine (November/December 2013)

COLUMNS | November - December 1

COLUMNS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 • FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ORLANDO • FPCO.ORG

magazine

gratitude & generosity

what’s next?new life after barefoot church

hear the light a Christmas musical story

Seek God. Share His Love. Humbly Serve.

plus Advent Worship celebrating the incarnation

A SEASON OF JOYFUL GIVING

2 November - December | COLUMNS

What is Dr. David Swanson Grateful For?

Giving Thanks Together

The Stack

Commitment Cards This Fall

Giving Tree

Hear the Light a Christmas musical story

Why Show Up?

The Spelling List: A Testimony

FEATURESWomen Engaged

fall, spring and the red chair brigade

Singing Along teaching children how to worship

God Sightings

Become a Stephen Minister

Time With God

Family News

ADVENT

CELEBRATE, 8

Entering a season of preparation for the Incarnation as we reflect on Jesus’ arrival.

How God has answered prayers during Barefoot Church, next steps and what’s happening November 10.

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COLUMNS CONTENTSNOVEMBER & DECEMBER

PHOTOS: SHEA CHRISTINE, JASON FRAZIER

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For more upcoming eventsvisit www.fpco.org/calendar

Daylight Savings Time Ends (set clocks back 1 hour)

Barefoot Church Celebration & Family Worship

Last day to register for Upward Basketball

Young at Heart luncheon, 10:30amCommunion Sunday

Weekday School Fun Fair & Silent Auction

november

december

Commitment Cards Returned in Worship

Church Closed for Thanksgiving Holidays

Deadline for Congregational Survey

Hear the Light Concert, 4pm & 7pm

Christmas Eve Worship

WE Experiencing Christmas, 7pm

Lessons & Carols Worship, 11am only

Deadline to Return Gifts for Giving Tree

Church Closed for Christmas Holiday

First Sunday in Advent

Young at Heart luncheon, 10:30am


ON THE WAYwith Dr. David Swanson

“For God so loved the world, that He gave...”

-John 3:16

FPCO ADOPTS LIBERAL AGENDA

Wouldn’t that be a funny headline if you picked it up and read it? And what would it actually mean? We are so label-conscious in this country that sometimes the words get used without much understanding as to their meaning. For many, FPCO would be labeled as a theologically conservative church because we uphold the historical orthodoxy of Christianity centered in the authority of God’s Word and the Lordship of Jesus Christ in our salvation. But over the past few months, we have been doing things in ministry normally associated with “liberals.” We have used words like social justice, community action, and personal engagement. We have focused on the needs of our community and how to meet them without agenda or condition.

For a variety of reasons that I do not have the time to go into here, conservative churches have been identified with things like discipleship and personal spiritual growth while liberal churches have been identified with social justice and community activism. I find that sad because, as Tim Keller said, “A truly Biblical church is one that should defy labels.” The reality is that Jesus was involved in both of these endeavors. Jesus called the disciples to be with Him (discipleship) so that He might send them out (social action / community engagement / service). Jesus was deeply invested in the personal spiritual growth of His disciples while at the same time engaging in the social justice issues of His time, things like gender and racial equality, hunger, poverty, orphans, lepers, and other social outcasts. It was never one or the other for Jesus. It was both.

And it should never be one or the other for the Church of Jesus Christ. It is both. This is the systemic shift we are making in our ministry as we focus on the vision God has given us. The vision of First Presbyterian Church, Orlando, is to be a covenant community that makes disciples who light the world. Community. Discipleship. Mission. Those three words embody where we want to move in the future, and Barefoot Church helped to give us a stronger grasp of what that third component means. It’s the mission of life, being the seeds of God’s Kingdom wherever He plants us.

In this coming season of Thanksgiving and Christmas, let us be mindful of how each points us to the reality of our calling in Jesus. We are grateful for all that God has poured out for us through Christ, and so we give. “For God so loved the world that He gave…” Giving – sacrifice – and grateful response – is the core of the Christian gospel. It has been the heart of what we have learned this fall, and I pray that we will continue to grow up as a church such that we defy labels as God grows His Kingdom through us.

With a grateful, joyous heart, I send my

Warmest personal regards,


• I am thankful for the growing spiritual maturity of this church, that we took on the challenge of Barefoot Church and learned to live with a greater Kingdom focus. May God continue to take us deeper on this journey of discipleship as we learn to die to ourselves that His Kingdom may come through us.

• I am thankful for my wife, Leigh. After 25 years of marriage and raising 3 children up and out of our house into college, she is still my best friend, my Ezer Warrior, the joy in my journey.

• I am thankful for the humble, faithful service of Rich Magee who daily teaches and shapes our students at The Christ School, serves as the Clerk of our Session, and then for good measure, helps produce and execute the Genesis service each Sunday morning.

• I am thankful for the little bounce you get in your step after the first cold front of the season when you can finally walk outside and not feel like you are in a steam bath…

• I am thankful for people like Jeff and Karen Revels who so consistently embody all that we learned in Barefoot Church, people who saw the needs of the hungry in our community and started collecting food (Conway Cares) with their Life Community in Conway.

• I am thankful for the young woman who runs the drive thru at Chick-fil-A on Colonial Drive. Not only does she always ask how I’m doing, but she seems genuinely interested in the answer.

• I am thankful for the incredible team God has put together in Student Ministry - Kevin Sheehan, Patricia Gray, Emily Irvine, Steve Eastwood, Chris Rossi, and Tanner Fox. That ministry rocks!

• I am thankful for Lisa Shaw, a quiet prayer warrior who heeded God’s call to use her educational skills to lead The Achiever’s Club after-school children’s ministry on Mercy Drive.

• I am thankful for Sunday afternoon naps, big break-fasts, college football, and good books…

• I am thankful for Julie Washburn, a woman of faith, goodness and gentleness who even in losing her beloved Bud, has continued to bear witness to God’s love.

• I’m thankful for babies that are so often born in our church, like Kate Witter, McKinley Hart, Graham McMullan, Charlie Elerick, Benton Brewer, Elena Harris, Hampton Gaylord, and Reese Brackins.

• I’m thankful for bacon. I know. It’s bad for you. But is there any food that is not improved by bacon? In heaven, bacon will have the same nutritional value as broccoli.

• I’m thankful for Barnabas, whoever you are, for your generosity and love for this church and our staff…

• And I’m thankful for the great privilege of pastoring this church, one that has loved me and my family, prayed for us, supported us, and allowed us to be a part of you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

In ThanksgivingDAVID’S REFLECTIONS ON 2013

Each year at this time, I am grateful that our nation turns to the idea of “thanksgiving.” Cultivating a heart of gratitude is one of the great antidotes to the challenges and pains we face in life, and the very act of thanksgiving provides us the opportunity to acknowledge the hand of God at work in our lives. “Give thanks to God in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thes-salonians 5:18). It is God’s command, and by doing so, we fulfill His will for our lives. He DESIRES that we have thankful hearts, so with that in mind, here are some of my reflections this year:


GOD’S GLORIOUS CREATION...

1. ________________________________

2. ________________________________

3. ________________________________

4. ________________________________

5. ________________________________

GOD’S PROVISION IN OUR LIVES...

1. ________________________________

2. ________________________________

3. ________________________________

4. ________________________________

5. ________________________________

TRUSTING GOD & HIS WILL...

1. ________________________________

2. ________________________________

3. ________________________________

4. ________________________________

5. ________________________________

THANKSGIVING TOGETHER“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalms 100:4 (NIV)

Use this sheet to write out what you’re thankful for, by yourself or with your family. As we continue our walk in the Barefoot lifestyle, let us be more aware and more intentional in our thankfulness and love for God and others. Try to incorporate these thoughts and prayers into your everyday life as we enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.

GOD’S GRACE & MERCY...

1. ________________________________

2. ________________________________

3. ________________________________

4. ________________________________

5. ________________________________

OUR WITNESS TO THOSE SEARCHING...

1. ________________________________

2. ________________________________

3. ________________________________

4. ________________________________

5. ________________________________

FOR LOVED ONES...

1. ________________________________

2. ________________________________

3. ________________________________

4. ________________________________

5. ________________________________


useful information, timely trivia and handy tips for navigating life at FirstPres (and life in general)

the Columns stack

POINSETTIASIt’s that time of year again! We print dedications each year in honor or in memory of someone special in our Christmas Eve bulletin. Your donations help support the purchase of poinset-tias, greens and wreaths that fill the Sanctuary during the Advent season.

Dedications are $10 and due Thursday, December 5. Submit your dedication online at fpco.org/flowers or pick up a form at the church in November.

Questions? Contact Glenda Morgan at [email protected], 407.423.3441 x1272.

FUN FAIR & SILENT AUCTIONHelp support the Weekday School!

Join the festivities on Saturday, November 9, 10am-2pm at First Pres. Tickets are on sale now (children under 2 are free). The Silent Auction opens Friday, November 8, 9am in the King Parlor.

Find out more at fpco.org/funfair.

FPCO.ORG STATS

THE MARRIAGE RETREATJoin us February 14-16 at the Mission Inn Re-sort & Club (Howey-in-the-Hills, FL) for The Marriage Retreat, hosted by David & Leigh Swanson. $450 per couple, includes lodging and meals. Registration is open now.

fpco.org/marriage

Did you know? Hundreds of viewers watch our online wor-ship services each week, on their computers, tablets and mobile phones.

Our website has drawn people from 95 countries around the world, including Brasil, Canada, United Kingdom, India, Mada-gascar, and China.

And, over 40% of our online visitors are new to the site. A great outreach tool to share the good news!

20,681UNIQUE USERS VISITED OUR WEBSITE SINCE WE RELAUNCHED IN MAY

ONWARD & UPWARDGet your kids moving! Registration for the Upward Basketball & Cheer-leading Winter League is now open (through November 15).

Practices start December 2 with games held January 11 - March 1, 2014.

Find out more information at Fitness@First’s new website:

fitnessatfirst.com

NEW TO FIRST PRES?

If you know someone who’d like to get more connected at First Pres, tell them about our handy form at fpco.org/guest. They can share their info and sign up to be on the mailing list.

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

We send out a weekly email newsletter with important an-nouncements for the coming week. We’ll never share your information, and you can un-subscribe anytime. Join now at fpco.org/email.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

twitter.com/fpcorlando


Gratitude to God In CJ Mahaney’s book, Humility, True Greatness, one of the things he suggests to practice in cultivating a humble spirit is to express gratitude to God each morning and throughout your day. It was said of the great Bible commentarian Matthew Henry, “he was an alert and faithful observer of answered prayer” and as a result, he was a humble and grateful man. In reflecting on the many ways God has answered our prayers around the Barefoot Church experience, our hearts burst with gratitude. Here are some examples of God’s gracious movement amongst us during the past year:

REFLECTIONS OF ANSWERED PRAYER DURING BAREFOOT CHURCH

by Kent Sterchi

Over 100 called and passionate Barefoot Church group leaders have committed to making disciples of Jesus, as in shepherding their groups. 1 Peter 5:2-4

The church family has responded to God’s invi-tation and challenge (with over 600 in Barefoot Church groups) to walk more closely with Jesus and to be His Kingdom representatives in our city. Ephesians 4:16

Our Father nurturing deeper relationships and among us as we grow in our understanding of what it means to be a covenant community! John 17:20-21

Father, we pray that we would be a people who would remain completely dependent upon You, cultivating hearts of gratitude as we walk humbly into the future that You have for us. Amen.

Kent Sterchi is FPCO’s Minister of Discipleship and has helped lead our efforts to show us more of God’s invita-tion and challenge through Barefoot Church. He is com-mitted to teaching the beauty of God’s discipleship plan, each day.

How we are becoming students of our city and discovering ways we can partner with others in bringing the light and love of Jesus to people in need! Matthew 5:16 The ways that God is breaking our hearts for the things that break His heart, including widows, orphans, the poor, and the oppressed. Micah 6:8 How we are reaching out to friends who are not part of our church family, inviting them into our homes and into our lives, in the hopes that they will become followers of Jesus! 1 Peter 3:15 God receiving the glory throughout it all. 2 Corinthians 10:31


WHAT ARE THE CRUCIAL NEXT STEPS in our personal Barefoot Church experience? How will we continue to follow God’s commands to care for those in need, even when we reach the end of the Primer?

KEEP MEETING. While schedules through the holi-day season can be full, some groups might find that continuing to meet (even occasionally) is a great way to stay connected and accountable.

GROW IN YOUR AWARENESS. The Christmas season can be a time of self-obsession and material-ism, or selflessness and grand generosity. Remember the Barefoot journey - and choose a God-honoring lifestyle. KEEP SERVING. Different seasons of life allow for different capacity to meet the needs of others, but it’s easy to slip back into a self-focused life. Continue to meet needs (big or small) in your community as God leads.

SHIFT YOUR THINKING. Barefoot Church was never intended to last only 9 weeks. We chose it as the beginning of an intentional path for our whole church to learn a new way of living and serving others, to honor God’s commands.

REMEMBER YOUR RESOURCES. We will con-tinue to share needs and ways to serve at fpco.org/servenow. Keep an eye out for needs from our Mission Partners, and be fearless - reach out in your commu-nity and ask!

BAREFOOT CHURCH WORSHIP CELEBRATION & FAMILY SUNDAY

NOVEMBER 10

8:30am & 11:00am Worship in the Sanctuary

Genesis and Traditional services will combine for an extended time of celebration and testimony together.

Special stations will be set up under the Angel Wing (between the Sanctuary and Allen Hall) where you can write your word or phrase about this experience.

Mark your calendar and sit together with your group as we share what God is do-ing in our church family!


THIS FALL Make the CommitmentCommitment Cards will be offered to you in worship on November 17.Unlike a Pledge Card, a Commitment Card will give each of us a special opportunity to reflect on God’s generosity in our own lives, and prayerfully consider our ongoing financial commitment to Him. We’ll bring the cards forward as an offering, during worship the following Sunday, November 24.

The cards will be collected, but the church will never open them.The commitment you make is truly between you, your family, and the Lord. So we will simply store them securely. In the coming year, we’ll mail it back to you as a prayerful reminder of that moment and your own declaration of trust in God.

This is an exercise in trusting God to provide.We serve a loving, generous God. As we grow in our faith, we are invited into His abundance and to share it with others. Who might be transformed by your financial gifts? How might He transform us through the discipline of an ongoing commitment or growing to a full tithe? What could change in our city if we responded to needs from our own abundance?

Look for a card in church on Sunday, November 17!



A CHRISTMAS MUSICAL STORY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

DECEMBER 15, 4PM & 7PM SHOWTIMESADULTS $10, CHILDREN 10 & UNDER $6A PORTION OF TICKET SALES SUPPORTS

PICK YOUR SEAT EARLY AT FPCO.ORG/LIGHT


The possibilities opened up by technology are truly as-tounding. With an Internet connection, nothing is out of reach: from driving directions, to scholarly research, recipes, and diagnoses for car problems. Technology’s influence even extends into spiritual life. One can find a plethora of worship offerings online for Christians of every denomination. The Bible is available in hun-dreds of versions and languages. Prayer requests can be submitted via e-mail, and one can interact with other churchgoers via text or Facebook. All this raises the question - why bother to be a physical part of a church? Why spend time and energy to make an ap-pearance in person when so much can be done from the comfort of one’s own home?

Abundant research suggests that, despite the ease of communication it enables, technology is allowing people to become more isolated than ever before. We can connect to the entire world on a superficial level, while ignoring the possibility of deeper personal con-nections with those around us. How many of us have seen a room full of people - all intently looking at their phones? How many of us have heard the latest studies talking about how loneliness and narcissism are more prevalent with each passing year? Modern technology, while it offers amazing possibilities, cannot replace the warmth of personal interaction.

Thankfully, we worship a God who deems us worthy of His care on a very personal level. This God “so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The message of salvation was not announced via e-mail blast or Facebook status update; Christ came to proclaim it in person. He healed the sick and ministered to the poor. He invested time and energy in developing relationships with His followers, and encouraged them to do the same with others.

We are approaching the time of year where we cel-ebrate Christ’s presence among us in the flesh. This can serve as a great reminder that showing up is the best opportunity to show Christ’s love to those around us. Church is so much more than a Facebook “like” or a streamed video. Church is where two or three (or more!) are gathered together in Christ’s name. What better way to give thanks to God than to join our voices together to the praise and glory of His grace!

Josiah Armes is Assistant Director of Music in the First Pres Worship Arts department, and shows up weekly for worship in the Traditional service, in his role as Organist extraordinaire.

SHOWING UPby Josiah Armes

the power of


At Achievers’ Club each afternoon, the children usu-ally have a task to complete with their spelling word list. Sometimes they write a sentence with each word, some-times they put them in alphabetical order.

One afternoon, I was helping Carty and her task was to copy each word three times. I thought we’d liven things up a bit by letting her write each word with a different colored marker.

After she finished, she handed her completed work to me -- as a gift -- and told me it was mine to keep. The next morning over breakfast, I was thinking about Car-ty and reached for her spelling list.

Tears came to my eyes as I realized that most of the words on the list reminded me of God’s work in our lives: even though we are small, we are sought, bought, and taught by God.

He calls us into relationship with Him. We walk with Him and He is always with us. I realized too that Carty is a daughter of the King, just like me. It was a poignant moment when God revealed to me that He is at work on Mercy Drive to call His children to Himself.

SMALL GIFTS REMIND US OF GOD’S GOOD WORK

by Kim Allen

THE SPELLING LIST

NEXT STEPS

Forty children ages 4-10 need the pres-ence of people who simply care.

To be involved with what God is doing at Mercy Drive Achiever’s Club, contact Lisa Shaw at 407.466.3911 or [email protected].

Kim Allen is a First Pres member and regular volunteer at the Mercy Drive Achiever’s Club, a ministry of our sis-ter church, Heart of Mercy. Kim and her husband, Bret, have four children of their own that they like a lot, too.

ABOVE: KIM AND CARTY AT MERCY DRIVE ACHIEVER’S CLUB


ENCOUNTERS WITH THE

INCARNATIONSunday Morning Worship in Advent

Traditional Worship at 8:30am & 11:00amGenesis Worship at 9:45am & 11:00am

Christmas Eve WorshipTuesday, December 24

3:00pm & 4:30pm Family Worship in the Sanctuary7:30pm Genesis Worship in Lee Fellowship Hall

8:00pm & 10:00pm Traditional Candlelight Worship in the Sanctuary

Sunday, December 29 11:00am Lessons & Carols in the Sanctuary


WE LAUNCH EVENT IN AUGUSTWomen Engaged ministry was blessed, thankful and energized to have so many women join us for our Launch on August 22nd! It was truly a Spirit-filled night with 170 women representing all generations. We worshiped together, sang songs of praise, learned more about the Experiencing God Bible study, and enjoyed fellowship and some fabulous goodies. What a start!

EXPERIENCING GOD & BAREFOOT CHURCHWe are currently engaged in Henry Blackaby’s Expe-riencing God study. WE focused on “doing one thing well,” rather than over-programming this Fall, in order to allow women in the congregation to also become involved in the Barefoot Church experience…and wow, God is truly transforming lives and speaking deeply to our women through this study! As Blackaby says, “Everything in your Christian life, everything about knowing Him and experiencing Him, everything about knowing His will depends on the quality of your love relationship with God.”

WHAT IS NEXT? The Engaged Leadership Team feels very strongly that our God desires not only for us to “experience Him” more in our daily lives, but that He would have us deepen our relationship with Him through prayer. Martin Smith, in his book The Word is Very Near You, asks

“…what if God does not demand prayer as much as gives prayer? What if God wants prayer in order to satisfy us? What if prayer is a means of God nour-ishing, restoring, healing, converting us? Suppose prayer is primarily allowing ourselves to be loved, addressed and claimed by God. What if praying means opening ourselves to the gift of God’s own self and presence? What if our part in prayer is pri-

marily letting God be giver? Suppose prayer is not a duty but the opportunity to experience healing and transforming love.”

SPRING STUDY ON PRAYEROur vision is to engage women in learning how to pray. Be on the lookout for details of our Spring study on prayer soon, which will conclude with a morning-through-lunchtime Prayer Retreat to put our studies and practices into action. We will also launch the “Red Chair Brigade,” a group of Prayer Mentors, who will tackle the difficult burdens and petitions of our women as we grow in relationship.

FIND YOUR PLACE TO ENGAGEWe are very excited about the incredible potential of WE. We’re in the midst of planning fun fellowship events as well as “Transformed Seminars” on real and practical topics. Our prayer is that women of all ages might serve in areas that they are especially passionate about. The Bible says in Romans 12:6,

“We all have different gifts, each of which came because of the grace God gave us.” We would love to give you a place to use your gifts and passions on one of our Engagement Teams, and are looking for women with an interest in hospitality, event planning, prayer, Bible study curriculum, mis-sion & evangelism, and ministry to mothers, to name a few. Would you prayerfully consider joining one of these teams? We hope you will allow God to use you in mighty ways for the women of our church family.

Contact Nikki Ickes at [email protected] to sign up and find out more.

by Nikki Ickes, Women’s Ministry Council Chair

Save the Date WE EXPERIENCING CHRISTMAS Monday, December 2 7:00-8:30pm, SanctuaryRSVP for yourself and friends fpco.org/register


A View from the Red ChairIt has been my privilege to be a part of the Women’s Bible Study Ministry at First Presbyte-rian for the past several years and more recent-ly, serving on the Women Engaged Leadership Team. Because of new health difficulties this fall, I am unable to attend Bible study or come to most meetings at church. I wasn’t sure what God had in mind in setting me aside for this season, and wondered how I could stay con-nected to the women I’ve grown to love as dear friends and daughters in Jesus.

Not eager to give up being a part of the amaz-ing team of women who are serving Jesus and loving others, I wondered how, like Henry Blackaby says, I could “seek to find where God is at work and join Him.”

Then came the thought, “Hey, I have a big red chair where I now spend hours a day. My prayers can travel where I cannot go. Prayer can carry anyone to the very mercy seat of heaven, at any time. I can do that.”

God’s timing is always perfect and I’m actu-ally energized to become a prayer partner for daughters or sisters in Jesus, young or old, who could be strengthened by a Word from Scripture. And from the red chair, it’s possible to send a note of encouragement to say “This verse is for you this week.”

Perhaps there are other women of faith who would like to join the “Red Chair Brigade” and

become a prayer warrior for the women who are group leaders and those who are attending Bible Study.

There will be a Red Prayer Box set out during Bible study for specific prayer requests, or to write “unspoken request” on a card and slip it into the box. God knows our hearts and our needs. As much or as little detail can be given. It will be a privilege to lift up each name and pray over every request.

As we continue to spend time with Jesus and His Word together—as we ask, seek and knock—He will instruct and teach us in the way that we should go.

I’ll be on my red chair waiting to pray, taking my marching orders on your behalf.

Blessings and Smiles, Bobbie Wolgemuth & the “Red Chair Brigade”


SINGING ALONGENGAGING IN WORSHIP MUSIC WITH YOUR FAMILY

by Stephanie Rivera

Week-in and week-out, we attend worship and some-times forget to explain what is actually happening on a Sunday morning. Children learn what to focus on and how to participate in worship by watching those around them. Below are some simple ways to help your family follow along together.

1. Before worship begins, point out the music listed in the bulletin – hymns, anthems, etc. Bookmark the pages in the hymnal so they are easy to find. After a few weeks, encourage your children to bookmark the hymns themselves. That is a great way for them to prepare their heart for worship.

2. Read through the text of the verses you will sing during worship. Find the difficult words and dis-cuss their meaning with your family. When you sing the hymn, your children will better under-stand what they are singing.

3. Point out the different components of a hymn sheet: hymn number, title, hymn tune, composer, etc. Not sure of the different components? Visit fpco.org/music for a handy cheat sheet.

4. During the hymns, hold the hymnal so both you and your children can see it. Use your index finger to help them navigate the verses. As they become familiar with using a hymnal, they can hold it and track the verses themselves, which will give them another way to participate.

5. Does your family attend Genesis? Before Sunday, visit our Spotify page to listen to upcoming music. The more they listen to the music, the more suc-cessful your child (and your whole family) will be in their participation in worship.

6. Worship music can have many combinations of in-struments. In Traditional worship, there is a piano, an organ, a choir or vocalists, and sometimes guest instrumentalists playing a violin, flute, orches-tra, etc. In Genesis, there is a band with vocalists, guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, piano, etc. Take a moment to discuss the different musical elements you see each morning.

Children gain many benefits by participating in mu-sic, including musical, physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth. Contact Stephanie Rivera at 407.423.3441 x1186 or [email protected] for more information.

Stephanie Rivera is the children’s music coordinator at First Pres. She leads our MusikGarten classes, as well as our Rejoice! Children’s Choirs who participate in worship on Christmas and other special Sundays.

3 WAYS TO HELP YOUR KIDS LEARN TO WORSHIP MUSICALLY

iTunes Radio or Spotify. Did you know you have free access to millions of songs on-line? Just link up to one of these services, and create fun, kid-friendly radio stations. Hours of fun! Check out our Spotify playl-ist of Genesis music at fpco.org/music.

Dance Party! Start a dance party in your living room. Throw some music on the stereo, move the furniture and get mov-ing!

Sing together. Have your kids heard you sing? Sing out strong in the car, in the shower, at church...your kids will follow by example.


SINGING ALONG

MusikGarten an early childhood music program at First Pres.

Classes begin January 27.

Want to continue to engage with your child musically? Bring them to MusikGarten! We offer weekly classes during the Fall, Spring, and Summer for children birth through 9 years old, taught by certified instructors.

Registration for our next session opens January 6. Contact Stephanie Rivera at 407.423.3441 x1186 or [email protected].

Register or find out more information online: fpco.org/musikgarten


GOD SIGHTINGS by Cary Burchak, The Christ School

One year ago, God caused a renewed stirring of His Spirit in my life and in the lives of the middle school students I teach at The Christ School.

It began as a simple prayer in our Bible class, asking God to give us “eyes to see,” “ears to hear,” and a heart to know Him deeper still. God’s promise in Jeremiah, “When you seek me, you will find me, when you seek me with all your heart” became a wake up call to us all. God began to open our eyes in a fresh way to the won-der of who He is and we found ourselves intentionally looking for evidences of our God.

What started with one or two pictures of what we now call “God Sightings,” became an entire classroom filled with beautiful photographs - tangible evidences of His invisible Hands. Students, as well as their par-ents, looked for Him in new ways, with fresh eyes, and renewed expectation. The pictures continued to accu-mulate, but more importantly, our love for our Creator

God – our gratefulness for the Wonder of Who He is – began to fill our hearts in the most unexpected ways. We asked to see Him, and He began to reveal Himself in ways we could never have imagined.

This led us to self-publish a book of God Sightings, an amazing collection of photographs and personal testimonies straight from the hearts of middle school students.

So much of education is measured with tests and grades; God is doing a work in the hearts of His children that is immeasurable by earthly terms, but enormously abun-dant in His Hands. The roots of His truth reaching deep into the hearts of middle school students will last for all eternity. How can we be anything but grateful?

COLLECTION OF IMAGES FROM ‘GOD SIGHTINGS’

Cary Burchak is a middle school teacher at The Christ School, a school located on the First Pres campus, edu-cating kindergarten through 8th grade students.

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are

filled with joy.” Psalm 126:3


Do you want to do more? Is the Holy Spirit nudging you to find a way you can provide care for others and meet their needs? Have you been reluctant to step forward because somehow you feel unqualified or unprepared to respond to such a calling?

If so, perhaps Stephen Ministry can help. An inter-national organization, Stephen Ministry has been a presence at First Pres for more than twenty years. Stephen Ministers have provided over 1,300 hours of direct contact with people in just the last year, covering a variety of personal challenges including divorce, ill-ness, job loss, the death of a loved one, relocation, and depression.

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ - Galatians 6:2 (NRSV)

Since its beginning in 1975, over 600,000 men and women have become Stephen Ministers in every state in the US and in 24 foreign countries representing 160 Christian denominations. Currently, there are 37 active Stephen Ministers at First Pres.

Stephen Ministry leaders from various Orlando churches provide weekly training to applicants be-

Stephen Ministry Training Begins in January

If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, or if you would like to apply for the upcoming training program, please contact Tammas Smith, Director of Pastoral Care, at 407.423.3441 x1455.

MEETING NEEDSTHROUGH STEPHEN MINISTRY

tween January and June each year. There is no cost for the training and materials are provided to church members accepted for the program. At the conclusion of the 50-hour training, new Stephen Ministers are formally commissioned by the church and are as-signed, as needed, to a care receiver with whom they meet for about an hour a week in a caring relationship. Men are paired with men, and women with women. If a care receiver’s needs exceed what a Stephen Min-ister can provide, the Stephen Ministry team makes a referral to an appropriate mental health professional or other community resource.

Twice a month, Stephen Ministers gather with their Stephen Leaders for supervision and continuing edu-cation. A key element of the program is maintaining strict standards of confidentiality and respect for care receivers. Continuing education is provided by church and community experts with resources on such top-ics as depression, cancer, counseling, suicide, prayer, alcoholism, death, and others.

If you’re looking to build relationships with those in need, but don’t yet feel equipped, Stephen Ministry can give you the tools to care for others, including training on boundaries, listening, and conflict reso-lution. Learn to care for people and help bear their burdens in a healthy way, while seeking true healing from God.

NEXT STEP


Celebration! - Yes…celebration is a spiritual discipline! We are about to enter a season of ‘celebration’ – Thanksgiving – a time to give thanks for the bounty God provides, Christmas – celebrating the birth of the incar-nate God, the greatest gift of all!

There are many pieces of Scripture that speak of celebration and many times, food, fellowship, and music were included. Celebrating offers the opportunity to rejoice and gives thanks to God for the bounty of His pro-vision. Scripture also speaks of an attitude we should have – gratitude in our hearts.

Today, living in a consumer society we are perpetually bombarded by messages that tell us we can’t be happy without... fill in the blank. Instead, as Christians, we should focus on experiencing the joy of all the life that God has given us, reflect on the goodness of God’s creation, and our adoptions into God’s family.

This season, as we gather around tables with family and friends to cel-ebrate and give thanks, reflect upon this beautiful prayer penned by Matthias Claudias (1740–1815), at right.

making spiritual disciplines a daily habitTIME WITH GOD

Schedule specific time this week (at least 15 minutes) when you can be alone and reflect on the past year. What has God given you that is worth celebrating? Why do you think He gave it to you? How can you respond?

Next Step

You only are the makerOf all things near and far;You paint the wayside flower,You light the evening star.The winds and waves obey You,By You the birds are fed;Much more to us Your children, You give our daily bread.We thank You then, Creator,For all things bright and good,The seed time and the harvest,Our life, our health, our food. Amen.

“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 3:12 & 13 (NIV)


FAMILY NEWS

Sympathy to...Harold and Jean Coe on the death of his brother, E.O. Coe, August 13, 2013.

The family and friends of Marie Hartlieb, who died August 16, 2013.

Charles and Amy Cook on the death of his mother, Patricia Lynch Cook, August 24, 2013.

To the friends and family of Martha Staples, who died August 28, 2013.

To the family and friends of Janet Sigwald, who died September 2, 2013.

Rich and Lori Hosie on the death of his mother, Sara Hosie Jerome, September 5, 2013.

Dennis and Anne Michels on the death of his mother, Laura Michels, September 7, 2013. Julie and Ray Spencer on the death of her father, Dwight Mathews, September 8, 2013. Mr. Mathews was the grandfather of Cole Spencer.

Rhissa and Trip Parker on the death of her father, Richard Lee Hoffmeyer, September 11, 2013. Mr. Hoffmeyer was the grandfather of JP, Eva Laine, Ellis, and Lee Parker.

Esther Myers on the death of her sister, Jean van Wart, September 12, 2013.

Rusty and Cheryl Woodall on the death of his step-mother, Helen Woodall, September 18, 2013.

Jim and Jennifer Bobbitt on the death of his mother, Nancy Bobbitt, September 19, 2013. Mrs. Bobbitt was the grandmother of Elizabeth and Ava Gray Bobbitt.

Will Keitzman on the death of his father, Jeremy Keitzman, September 24, 2013.

Gwyn and Craig Dorris on the death of her mother, Irene Wills, September 25, 2013.

George and Gail Billings on the death of his father, George Billings, Sr., September 28, 2013. Mr Billings, Sr., was the grandfather of Ashley Billings and Shana Del Castillo.

Lisa and Peter Steinhoff on the death of her father, Tom Messemer, September 30, 2013. Mr Messemer was the grandfather of Jen Steinhoff.

Todd and Terri Lazarus on the death of his father, David Lazarus, October 1, 2013. Mr. Lazarus was the grandfather of Stephanie & Brandi Lazarus.

Call FPCO at 407.423.3441 to

FOR PASTORAL EMERGENCIES after the hours of 8:30am-5:00pm, please leave a voicemail message on the main church number to page the minister on call.

Congratulations to...David and Katie Witter on the birth of their daughter, Katherine Ann Witter, born August 29, 2013.

Jonathan and Heather Mills on the birth of their daughter, Joanna Helen Mills, born September 19, 2013. Big sister is Abby and the proud grandparents are Tom and Karen Mills.

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

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TRADITIONAL WORSHIP: Sundays, 8:30 & 11:00am

in the Sanctuary

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

in Lee Fellowship Hall

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

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ADVENT MEDITATION BOOKBY DR. DAN SHARP

Pick up your copy under the Angel Wing (between the Sanctuary & Allen Hall) or Grand Hall on Sundays beginning November 17.

$4.00 per printed copy, and ebook available online for $3.50.

FPCO.ORG/ADVENT

Documents

First Presbyterian Church of Orlando Magazine (November/December 2013)