April 20, 2016 • Volume 31, No. 08

Once again, on a glor iousApril weekend, America and agrowing global audience tunedin to watch The Masters, one ofthe grandest and most glorioussporting events in the world.Augusta National Golf Club isone of earth’s most beautiful

spots and during Masters week, itis a ver itable Eden. This year’s

Masters did not disappoint, as it displayed once again whattelevision once called “the thrill of victory and the agonyof defeat.” The storyline this year was more about “theagony of defeat,” as last year’s Masters champion, twenty-two year old Jordan Speith, led from the first round untilhole number twelve on the back nine on Sunday. Whathappened on the fabled 150 yard par three twelfth holewill be remembered for decades to come.

Speith won The Masters in 2015 with a record tyingscore, and led from start to finish. This year, after he reeledoff four straight birdies on the front nine on Sunday, itappeared that he would repeat as champion. But as JohnLennon sang many years ago, “Life is what happens whenyou make other plans.” Two bogeys on holes ten and elevenshould have signaled to the millions watching thatsomething had gone wrong with Speith’s game, butnothing prepared any of us for what would transpire. Afterhitting his first ball into the water, something great golfershave done for years on Augusta’s diabolical twelfth hole,Speith then proceeded to hit his next shot, a drop from aspot he chose, right into the water. He hit his next effort,his fifth stroke, into the bunker behind the hole, and finallygot down in a quadruple bogey seven. I could feel thebottom drop out of my stomach as I watched this giftedgolfer fall apart for a few moments, and from what hasbeen written, the vast worldwide Masters audience felt the

My Dear Friends,

IN THIS ISSUEPresbyterian Women’s Rejoice in GraceA Spring Celebration

Vacation Bible School, June 20-23Join us as we Catch the Wave of God’s Amazing Love

FPC Presents From Within Counselingwith Jeremy Shapiro

National Day of PrayerThursday, May 5

Todd JonesPastor

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SUNDAYAPRIL 24, 2016

Sermon“Visions of What

Will Be”

Scripture ReadingsActs 11:1-18

Revelation 21:1-6

Todd JonesPastor

YOUTH SUNDAYMAY 1, 2016

Sermon“Just Keep Swimming”

Scripture ReadingsJoshua 1:1-9Luke 5:1-9

Winston HewettDavid Gaw

Sarah WilsonCat Baker

shock and pain of the moment as well. Failure is alwaysa part of life, an inevitable piece of what it means tolive. To enter the arena of life is to know that you willexperience failure. But rarely do people have to endurefailure on such a large public stage, as it arr ivesseemingly out of nowhere, and is as surprising as it isdevastating.

Only those who refuse to take the risk of enteringinto life avoid failure and these poor folks never learnwhat it is to live. What happened to Jordan Speith wasdramatic and shocking, and it is to his great credit thathe somehow pulled himself together and managed tobirdie two more holes before missing a close, difficultputt on the sixteenth hole. He gathered himselftogether as best he could and finished the round withhis head held high. He spoke forthrightly with thepress after the debacle, and blamed no one but himself.He even managed to keep a stiff upper lip as he put thegreen jacket on a deserving winner, Englishman DannyWillett, the son of an Anglican Vicar. I suspect thatwhile sports fans everywhere will always rememberJordan Speith’s colossal collapse at The Masters, this willnot end up being the defining moment of his life. All ofus fail, and our lives are finally defined by how werespond to our failures. Ernest Hemingway said,

“Life breaks us all, and some heal stronger in thebroken places.” I am guessing that Jordan Speithwill not only heal from the deep hurt and humiliationhe experienced, but will learn from this moment,and use these lessons to grow stronger and finer as ahuman being.

Failure, especially the public kind, humbles you, andcan make you gentler and wiser, if you remain open tothe teaching and healing of God the Holy Spirit. KingDavid modeled this after his own public failure of avery different kind than that of Jordan Speith. Davidprayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put anew and right spirit within me. Cast me not away fromthy presence and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.Restore to me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold mewith a willing spirit.”

I suspect I will become a bigger Jordan Speith fanbecause of what happened to this young man in frontof the world. God is ever and always a Redeemer Godand I will be rooting for Jordan to take this and growfrom it. Jesus showed His greatness in wearing histhorns as a crown. May we all of us learn from ourLord to do the same.

With Love and Prayers,

Come be a part of the “BLESSING”“The Bethel Series”

The Bethel Series comes back home to FPC this fall, with a teacher-trainingclass offered on Sunday mornings. Taught by Bill Akin, Becky Campbell andDonna Robers, this life-changing Bible study teaches you the history of God’sjourney with His chosen ones, through the Old and New Testaments.With that comes a confidence and scriptural knowledge base that will serveyou all your days.

Whether you have never studied the Bible or whether you have studied it most of your life, this class will helpyou learn and discern God’s word in a whole new way. The Bible is your only textbook. Large, color symbolicpictures, alongside thoughtful theological texts and concepts, cement the story in your heart and mind for all time.

Amazing community happens along the way. Each week is pivotal to the story; therefore, Bethel is not a drop-inclass. We are looking for 25-30 committed members who seek to greatly enhance their spiritual and day-to-daylives. Come join us! For questions or to join our email list as we grow, call:

Bill Akin: (h) 615-385-0312 (c) 615-397-8440Becky Campbell: (h) 615-297-1827 (c) 615-414-7735Donna Robers: (h) 615-665-3322 (c) 615-477-3322

Continued from cover

This year, our confirmands shared their musical abilities. The class

sang a hymn that the congregation was invited to join. In addition,

some of the sixth graders joined together to create a band that

played the closing voluntary.

They played a round of “Getting to Know You Jenga”

where questions are answered each time you pull a

piece from the tower.

Following the time of worship our confirmands, their

leaders and officer friends gathered to share prayer

concerns so they could be praying for each other.

The game led to lots of laughs

and lots of concentration.

Each year the Confirmation Class creates and leads an evening worship service. This worship service is attended by

families and the deacons and elders of our church who are confirmation friends.

You may purchase tickets at fpcnashville.org or fromthe Hospitality Center during business hours.

The Mission of First Presbyterian Church, NashvilleTo know Christ, to make Him known and to exhibit His love

through worship, education and service.

SympathyThe First Presbyterian Church family extends

prayers and sympathy to the following during theirtime of loss.

Glenn & Karen Grove on the death of Glenn’s brother,Edward Morgan ‘Ned’ Grove, who died on March 12.Sympathy to Anna Glenn & Sam Grove.

Graham & Andrea Swafford on the death of Graham’sgrandmother, Claude Galbreath Swafford, who died onMarch 25. Sympathy to Kennedy & Graham Swafford, IV.

Martha Ann Caldwell on the death of her husband,Harold Pendleton ‘Buddy’ Caldwell, Jr., who died onApril 3. Sympathy to Edward & Paige Caldwell, Casey &Sara Kennon Caldwell.

Dick Miller on the death of his wife, Betty Ruth Miller,who died on April 4. Sympathy to Claire & Mike Robbins,Ellen & Hugh Tanner, and grandchildren Taylor & JenningsRagan, Caldwell & Susanna Tanner, Hayes Ragan, CarolineTanner, Elizabeth Ragan, Bill Tanner, Katie & Edward Trainesand Tyler Robbins.

If any member of the church desires the Christian support of aStephen Minister, contact Sandra Randleman (615-298-9502).

The Sacrament of BaptismIn the presence of family, the congregation of

First Presbyterian Church and God, the followingpersons claimed God’s covenant promise throu ghthe Sacrament of Baptism.

Anna Margaret & Dillon Brackman presented theirdaughter, Margaret Lee Brackman, for baptismon April 10. Assisting Elder was Charlotte Ann & JoeMichael Edwards.

Lisa & Kevin Kimbrough presented their children,George Birchard & Henry Gannon Kimbrough, forbaptism on April 10. Assisting Elder was Marbut Gaston.

Sunday Evening Worship at FPCThe Gathering Place @ 5:3O p.m.

Spring Bible Studies at LunchtimeIs Ecclesiastes really “the strangest book in the Bible”?

It ponders frailty and death, friendship and heroism, joyand the hiddenness of God. Does it really mean it when itsays, “All is vanity”?

For eight weeks in April and May, Stuart Gordon willlead lunchtime studies of Ecclesiastes. You’re invited totake part, either on Wednesdays at the Freeman-WebbBuilding in Green Hills or Fridays at the Fifth/ThirdBuilding, 22nd floor.

To be included in the email list to receive reminders,contact gbarber@fpcnashville.org. The study begins theweek of April 3.

National Day of Prayer,Thursday, May 5 “Pray for America”

The National Day of Prayer tradition predates thefounding of the United States of America, evidenced bythe Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 settingaside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established anannual day of prayer and in 1988, that law was amended,designating the National Day of Prayer as the firstThursday in May.

As our nation struggles with continued economicinsecurity, vast healthcare reform and countless challengesto our constitutional rights, citizens of the United Statesare preparing to exercise their freedom to gather, worship,and pray. Millions will answer the call in observance ofthe 65th annual National Day of Prayer, on May 5.Organized events will be held in thousands of publicvenues where intercession will be made for America andits leadership.

The First Presbyterian Church Stanford Chapel will beopened for a time of private prayer on from 7:00 A.M. -5:00 P.M. Prayer guides will be available for your use.

Mother’s Day Men’s ChoirAttention all men of FPC: The Mother’s Day Men’s

Choir will begin rehearsing on Sunday, April 17 at 9:45A.M. Please meet Raphael Bundage in the choir room. Wewill sing at the 11:00 A.M. service on Mother’s Day, May8. Call Daphne Garey (615-298-9517) for information.

Vacation Bible School 2016Join us as we Catch the Wave of God’sAmazing Love June 20-23

Children who will be 4½ in June 2016 upthrough those entering third grade this fall areinvited to join us at VBS this year. Our beachtheme will get everyone excited as we hear manyof the water stories in the Bible. We’ll float the Nilewith baby Moses, witness Jesus’ baptism, ridethrough a stormy boat ride with Jesus and hisdisciples and have breakfast on the beach with theresurrected Jesus.

Children won’t want to miss working withfriends as we create bubbles inside bubbles or makekid-friendly exploding toothpaste. And the musicwill have us groovin’ and surfing to scripture set tofun tunes. Register today on the church website.

Is This How We Relate toMuslims? The Story of Peterand Cornelius

Beginning May 1, the Logos Sunday School classwill spend eight weeks in Acts 10, which tells of theencounter between Peter and Cornelius, an Italiancenturion. Scene by scene, we’ll read the biblicalstory of the Apostle’s summons to the “devout”man, and seek to glean from it lessons on howChristians might be summoned to Muslims in ourmidst, as well as other persons who do not confessJesus as Messiah.

The class meets in Stanford Chapel on Sundays10:00 to 10:40 A.M., and is led by Associate PastorStuart Gordon.

Introducing From Within CounselingWhoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.By this he meant the Spirit…(John 7:38 NIV)

As a ministry of First Presbyterian Church, FromWithin Counseling, led by our very own church member,Jeremy Shapiro, will be offering child, adolescent, family,

adult and couples counseling, as well as, parent consultation. Anyone that feels like they are atthe end of their rope can use these trained professionals to find peace and personal growththough support and guidance in a comfortable, nurturing environment. As a benefit to ourchurch members, there will be a 20% discounted rate for any church member receivingcounseling services. Visit the FPC website under the Ministries tab for more informationabout From Within Counseling.

NONPROFIT ORGU S POSTAGE

P A I DNASHVILLE, TNPERMIT NO. 27

Dated church materialPlease deliver by April 23, 2016

First Presbyterian Church4815 Franklin PikeNashville, Tennessee 37220615-383-1815www.fpcnashville.orgfacebook.com/fpcnashville

PastorsTodd JonesPastor

Sam CooperExecutive Pastor

Adam DeVriesAssociate Pastor to Youth& Their Families

Mark DeVriesAssociate Pastor forNew Ministries

Stuart GordonAssociate Pastor for Discipleship

Keith GunterAssociate Pastor for NewChurch Development

Sandra RandlemanAssociate Pastor forCongregational Care & Missions

Program StaffRaphael BundageDirector of Music

Mike CroutMissions Coordinator

Brenda GeiseOlder Adult MinistryCoordinator

Letitia GreenDirector of Recreation

Ashley HigginsDirector of Young Adult &High School Ministries

Susan KirbyWorship Coordinator

Deb O’BrienDirector of Children’s Ministry

Joshua RodriguezDirector of Young Adult &High School Outreach

Laura RouseDirector of Communications

AdministrationGinny BarberAdministrative Assistant

Cindy BozmanFinance Manager

Lynn ElliottExecutive Assistant

Karen FittsNursery Coordinator

Kim RogersFood Service

SchoolsJennifer HinoteHead of School, Oak Hill School

Brenda LutzDirector, FPC Early Preschool

Sunday School, April 24: Grades 7-12 will meetin The Gathering Place at 9:40 A.M. and thenmeet for Sunday School as grade level groups.

Sunday School, May 1, Youth Sunday: Seniorslead worship at 8:30 A.M., 11:00 A.M. and5:30 P.M. services. All youth participate inanthem. Brunch in Courtenay Hall during theSS hour. Grade level pictures will be taken.

Youth Sunday Practice, April 30: Seniors arriveat 1:00 P.M. in Sanctuary. Grades 7-11 arrive at2:00 P.M. to practice anthem.

Graduating Senior Sunday School:Apostoloswith Adam DeVries will meet at 9:45 A.M.during SS today, April 24 and May 8. Watch formore information.

The youth staff would also like to support andencourage your youth in their activities andinterests. Please let us know about upcominggames, performances, recitals, shows, or otherarenas where we can be cheering on your youth!

Questions or changes to your contact information,contact Ginger, Erika or Miller at 615-298-9570or youth@fpcnashville.org.

Youth Happenings

4815 Franklin Pike ■ Nashville, TN 37220