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1 FIRST WORD SEPTEMBER 2018
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Vol. 8; No. 8● First Presbyterian Church ● 215 East Lincoln Avenue ● Goshen 46528 ● Phone (574) 533-7845 ● September 2018
Table of Contents
Pastor’s Column 1-2
Speaking the Truth in Love
First Word News 2-8
Home Remedies from the Gospels
September 15th Wedding Invitation -
Cathie Cripe and David Pepple
September 7 First Fridays
Thank You
Change of Address
“Picnic for the Post”
Our Mission/Our Values
Mission Outreach Dinner—September 9
Women’s/Stitchers Bible Study
Thursday Group
FPC Women—September Gathering
Cancer Support Group
Mark this Date: Sunday, September 30
Do You Know Your Hymns?
Positive Parenting Program—Goshen
Hospital
September Deacon On Call
September Birthdays/Anniversaries
Please Keep in Your Prayers
Our Prayers of Sympathy
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
30-Day Scripture Writing Challenge
September Calendar 9
First Word News and Events of FPC
__
Speaking the Truth in Love
That’s a phrase we hear often. Speaking the truth in love. Maybe
it’s just me but whenever I hear someone say that, they almost
never (in my estimation) are truly speaking out of love. Or if it is
love, it is an abstract sort of love. “Because I love humankind, I’m
saying this…” “Because I love my country, I’m saying this….”
I’m not suggesting we can’t speak abstractly. But on the other
hand, let’s not kid ourselves about the difference between that sort
of abstract love and God’s love. We are of course very imperfect
in the ways we embody God’s love. But that doesn’t mean we
can’t have some self awareness about what we are doing, or not
doing.
If I make a pronouncement that I think is speaking the truth in
love, I need to be careful. I may be treating those to whom I am
speaking as stereotypes or caricatures and not as real people. Any-
time I start speaking about or to “the gays”, “the Republicans”,
“the Muslims”, “the Christians” or any other group, it is impossible
not to speak to stereotypes. At least for me that is the case. Addi-
tionally if I feel the need to speak the truth in love to someone
whom I have just met I am treating that person as a stereotype and
not as an actual person. And I have to ask myself, am I really
speaking out of love?
It is, I suppose, love of a sort. It is a love that says, I know better than you and because I “love” you,
I want to be sure your behavior/thoughts/actions are correct. It’s a top down sort of love. There is
judgment in that statement, whether intended or not. It is a love that often doesn’t do a very good
job is listening, truly listening, to others.
(continued on page 2)
2 FIRST WORD SEPTEMBER 2018
(continued from page 1)
It is better to speak out of a humble, self giving love, you know, more like Jesus. When Jesus speaks to
the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-31), he speaks tough words, but he speaks them out of love and he
speaks them to an individual. Jesus does speak hard words to groups of people, but they are groups he
is in ongoing dialog with.
I’m not sure that any one of us can truly speak the truth in love unless we are in an actual relationship
with the other person. My sense is that speaking the truth in love cannot be spoken by one person to
a group. Speaking the truth in love can happen within a group but not to a group. I can speak the
truth in love to my church because I know it. If I try to speak the truth in love to your church, I’d bet-
ter be careful and do some serious thinking about my motives. I may not be as loving as I think I am. I
may just want to tell people what to do and how to behave, thinking that I have the corner on truth.
Truth for Christians is not a set of behaviors. It is not a set of rules. It is not judgmental. Truth for
Christians is a person—Jesus. Before we begin to “speak the truth in love”, perhaps we ought to ask
ourselves, is it true, true like Jesus?
Grace and peace,
Alan
Home Remedies from
the Gospels
September 9 Dr. Luke’s Prescription Luke 4:18-19
September 16 Overcoming Bitterness Matthew 18:21-22
September 23 Family Values Luke 12:51
September 30 Broken Open Luke 24:30-31
Home Remedies is a metaphor for the healing power of God seen in the active and ongoing
restoration of a broken world. These gospel stories have the power to mend our spirits, strengthen
our weaknesses, and restore us to wholeness.
3 FIRST WORD SEPTEMBER 2018
CATHIE (Cripe)
and DAVID (Pepple)
Are being married, and
They invite Members and Friends Of the 1st Presbyterian Church Family
To their Wedding.
Saturday, September 15th, 2018 At 3:33 pm
At First Presbyterian Church 215 East Lincoln Avenue
Goshen, IN.
Reception to follow ceremony in Westminster. Your presence in our lives is your gift.
RSVP: (574) 536-5783 (David cell)
September 7 First Fridays
5:30 pm — 9:00 pm
Free Hot Dogs and Fixin’s
“Herbie, the Love Bug” Movies
4 FIRST WORD SEPTEMBER 2018
A big THANK YOU to this kind and loving church for a wonderfully good birthday celebra-
tion – 100 years! It was special. I loved it. I am enjoying the many cards including one
made by a three-year boy. May God continue to bless all of us abundantly.
Miriam Wellington
Change of Address: Cathie Cripe & David Pepple
1434 Hampton Circle
Goshen, IN 46526
Cathie cell: 202-6171
David cell: 536-5783
The Post will be holding its "Picnic for the Post" on Sunday evening, September 9, at
6 p.m. It will be held at the home of Sue Neeb and Galen Miller, 125 Woodlawn Drive, Go-
shen. This is a relaxed evening outside that features good picnic fare and even the chance to
make s'mores! The donation is $35 per person You could also be a table sponsor, filling a ta-
ble of eight for various price levels.
The Post is a faith-based youth center in downtown Goshen where the staff and volun-
teers work to build relationships with teens to help them lead a fulfilling life and to help
them get to know the love of Christ. Contact Sue Neeb, 533-1576, for reservations or more
information.
Our Mission
At First Presbyterian Church we live our commitment to God and one another by:
Reaching UP > to worship God
Reaching IN > to seek abundant life through Jesus Christ
Reaching OUT > to share God’s love with all people
Our Values
We Value the Application of Scripture
We Value Prayer
We Value Worship
We Value Service
We Value Excellence
We Value People’s Giftedness
We Value People’s Differences
We Value People’s Time
We Value Continual Learning
We Value Growth
We Value Commitment
5 FIRST WORD SEPTEMBER 2018
Mission Outreach Dinner Free Community Spaghetti Dinner
Sunday, September 9, Serving from 6:00-7:00 pm
The next Mission Dinner will be Sunday, September 9, from 6-7 pm. Thanks
for your donations to our supply of spaghetti and sauce. Monetary donations
are appreciated to help offset the cost of the garlic bread, lettuce, dressing, and
other supplies. We will also need desserts the day of the meal. A big thanks to
all who have helped make this monthly endeavor a growing success. We continue to see new faces at the
dinners, and we are hearing and seeing the positive effect this outreach program is creating. We hope to see
you and a friend on September 9.
New Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study Guide is entitled “The Promise” and according to author Amy
Poling Sutherlun, uses “scriptures to claim the promises” (of the Word). She presents lessons to aid in our
discovering what is meant in certain passages. The study book is available in the office for $10.
Sutherlun uses scriptures, for example, where Jesus stated, “I will be with you”; “I will never leave
you”. Scriptures range from Genesis, Exodus, Judges, Joshua, Psalms, Isaiah, to the New Testament of Mat-
thew and John.
Please plan to join us on Wednesday, September 12th. We will continue meeting at Evergreen
Place (Greencroft) on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 2nd floor at 2:00 pm for an hour (or slightly
more). If you have any questions, please contact me—Donna Palacios, 533-3529.
Thursday Small Group: This group meets once a month on the 2nd Thursday, usually at 6:00 or 6:15 pm.
Meeting sites may be homes, coffee shops, or restaurants, at the option of the group members. The next
gathering will take place on Thursday, September 13, 6:00 pm. Contact is Julia Stauffer.
Our Cancer Support Group is now meeting twice a month, on the 2nd and
4th Thursdays. We are currently exploring Mind-Body medicine. The Sup-
port Group offers a safe place for people at all stages of the cancer journey to
share their experiences and find help. Anyone with a cancer diagnosis is wel-
come to attend; participants do not need to be church members. If you are at-
tending this support group meeting for the first time, we recommend that you
call ahead of time to confirm that no changes in the schedule have been made.
The group is led by Rhonda Griffin, a Certified Oncology Nurse, and Alan
Griffin, pastor. Alan can be reached at [email protected]; Rhonda
can be reached at [email protected].
Mark this Date: Sunday, September 30: After Church Fellowship Meal (every 5th Sunday). Bring a
dish/carry-in to share at lunch. Everyone welcome.
For all women at FPC, come join a group for a time of greeting and
conversation — a time to get to know one another in a casual setting.
We will meet on Thursday, September 27, 11:30 am, at Angel’s
House of Pancakes. Looking forward to seeing you.
Judi Sorg, Jackie Kramer and Donna Palacios
6 FIRST WORD SEPTEMBER 2018
Positive Parenting Program Goshen Hospital The Triple P - Positive Parenting Program is one of the world's most effective parenting
programs, used in over 25 countries. It is one of the only parenting programs based on evi-
dence from ongoing scientific research. Triple P is designed to give parents the skills they
need to raise confident, healthy children and to build stronger family relationships.
Triple P Discussion Group Dealing With Disobedience is for parents of children 12
years old and younger. Classes are free but space is limited. Childcare is not provided. For
questions on this discussion group, please call (877) 566-4660.
Dealing with Discipline was discussed on August 16. The three remaining topics are
Managing Fighting and Aggression September 18 6-8 pm
Developing Good Bedtime Routines October 18 6-8 pm
Hassle-free Shopping with Children November 15 6-8 pm
September Deacon on Call: Gretchen Wise, 574/238-1322
7 FIRST WORD SEPTEMBER 2018
9/1 Brenda Huff 9/7 Eliot Tracz 9/9 Kara Minter 9/10 Janice Caton 9/10 Don Myers 9/11 Cathy Wray 9/13 Jay Morris 9/14 Jennifer Albert 9/19 Frances Carr 9/19 Donna Schrock 9/20 Merry Dee Snyder
9/20 Margaret Steele * 9/22 Christopher Griffin 9/24 Marilyn Hay 9/25 Elijah-David Jones 9/26 Scott Cole 9/29 Jessica Wilson 9/30 Jennifer Jenkins 9/30 Barbara King * Margaret Steele turns 90 on the 20th. Cards and greetings may be sent to her at Courtyard Health Care—339, 2400 College Avenue, Goshen 46528
9/2 James and Jane Stewart (18th) 9/3 Joshua and Ashley Ganger (13th) 9/16 Al and Mary Hoogenboom (68th) 9/17 Don and Helen Myers (64th) 9/18 Dennis and Brenda Huff (26th)
September Birthdays
Please keep in your prayers: Our armed forces and their families; Dawna Hole; Dennis
Huff; Amy Cole; Don Griffin in Oklahoma (Alan’s father); Tom Kintigh; Toddy Bowser; Mike
Kastro, Melissa Martinez (friend of Cathie Cripe); Marcia Griffin (Alan’s sister); Phil Albert
(Jenny’s son); Don Griffin in Oklahoma (Alan’s father); Bob Schlobohm; Ernie Jenkins and
son Grant (Jenny Jenkins’ son and grandson in OH); Cathie Cripe; Al Hoogenboom; Mary
Hoogenboom; Evelyn Johnson (mother of Sandy Kurtz); Martha Hepler; Tomi Griesenauer
(Jenny Paetsch’s mother); Florence Verhulst (Gretchen Wise’s sister in Griffin IN); Don Myers
(Helen’s husband); Sarah Miller (David Pepple’s sister); Bob Main; Brad Gilmore (Jenny Al-
bert’s brother); Julie McCally; Tina Cork (David Pepple’s niece)
Our prayers of sympathy are with
The family and friends of Margaret “Peggy” Herring, who died Friday, August 10, in
Fairfax, VA.
The family and friends of Georgia Webster, who died Wednesday, August 22. Survivors
include three children – Dave (Debbie) Webster, Elizabeth “Libby” (Richard) Ringel, and
Dr. Daniel Webster, a sister, Patricia Phillips, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
(son) Dave (Debbie) Webster, 19 Pacific Avenue, Sharpsburg, GA 30277
(daughter) Elizabeth “Libby” (Richard) Ringel, 2 Primrose Court, Norwalk, CT 06854
(son) Dr. Daniel Webster, 6713 3rd Street, Lubbock, TX 79416
(sister) Patricia Phillips, 802 South Victor, Champaign, IL 61802
Kirby Eysol, upon the death of his uncle, Larry Eysol, who died Friday, August 24.
(119 East Lincoln, Goshen 46528)
September Anniversaries
PC(USA) - Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA)
website: http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda/
8 FIRST WORD SEPTEMBER 2018
Sept. 1 Nehemiah 1:11
Sept. 2 Genesis 50:20
Sept. 3 Psalm 5:12
Sept. 4 Psalm 128:1-2
Sept. 5 Matthew 6:26-27
Sept. 6 Revelation 7:17
Sept. 7 Exodus 34:21
Sept. 8 Ecclesiastes 5:18
Sept. 9 Psalm 127:1
Sept. 10 Colossians 3:23
Sept. 11 1 Thessalonians 1:3
Sept. 12 Psalm 128:2
Sept. 13 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Sept. 14 Jude 1:21
Sept. 15 1 John 5:13-14
Sept. 16 Romans 6:23
Sept. 17 Matthew 19:25-26
Sept. 18 Ephesians 2:8
Sept. 19 Ezekiel 18:32
Sept. 20 Psalm 16:11
Sept. 21 James 4:7
Sept. 22 Acts 26:28-29
Sept. 23 Lamentations 3:25-26
Sept. 24 Habakkuk 2:3
Sept. 25 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Sept. 26 2 Peter 3:9
Sept. 27 Esther 4:14
Sept. 28 1 Peter 4:8
Sept. 29 Proverbs 12:25
Sept. 30 1 John 4:18-19
Come back next month for a new Scripture writing challenge!
I believe.com
September
30-Day Scripture Writing Challenge: God speaks to us through His Word, so take some time
each day this month to write down the following Scripture. If you have time, you might want to
also write a prayer that the Scripture leads you to pray, or your reflections as you write.
9 FIRST WORD SEPTEMBER 2018
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10 FIRST WORD SEPTEMBER 2018
Church Website: www.discoverfirstchurch.org www.facebook.com/discoverfirst
Pastor: [email protected] Secretary: [email protected] Treasurer: [email protected]
Phone: (574) 533-7845; fax (574) 533-4864
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am-12:00 noon Monday & Wednesday afternoon: By appointment Tuesday & Thursday afternoon: 1:00-4:00 pm Closed Friday
Church Staff: Pastor: Alan Griffin Secretary: Jeannie Hickman Director of Music: Marcia Yost Organist: Marilyn Mason Organist Emeritus: Dennis Huff Treasurer: Wayne Kramer Usher Emeritus: Miriam Wellington Custodian: Betty Barber
First Word
A publication of
First Presbyterian Church 215 East Lincoln Avenue, Goshen, IN 46528-3347
SUNDAY WORSHIP Discover First Worship: 10:20 am
Fellowship before and after Discover First Worship Free Community Spaghetti Dinner (1st Sunday
after 1st Fridays); 6:00-7:00 pm TUESDAY
Foundation (2nd); 6:00 pm WEDNESDAY
Stitchers Bible Study (2nd); 2:00 pm Chancel Choir; 6:30 pm
Worship Planning Team; 7:30 pm THURSDAY
Thursday Group (2nd) 6:00 pm Cancer Support Group (2nd and 4th); 7:00 pm; Library
Session (3rd): 7:00 pm FPC Ladies of the Church (4th); 11:30 am
FRIDAY First Fridays (1st): 5:30-9:00 pm
First Word (September 2018)
First Presbyterian Church
215 East Lincoln Avenue
Goshen, IN 46528
