FROM DAVID’S PEN . . . Dear Friends – It is so good to be back home after serving as the Teaching Elder Commissioner for North Alabama Presbytery to the 221st gathering of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Detroit, Michigan! My week in the Motor City was a good one, albeit long, as each of my eight days there were packed with worship, meetings, fellowship, and sundry other gatherings! The Assembly, which was anchored in the theme "Abound in Hope," was a resounding confirmation that the PC(USA) is alive, well, and fully engaged in being faithful to God and God's people.It would be an understatement to say that tough issues were tackled and challenging decisions were made at this year's Assembly. These actions, however, were not performed lightly, for each commissioner and advisory delegate carefully and prayerfully worked in committee and plenary sessions to do the work of the church. Guidance from the Holy Spirit was sought throughout the week, and now, over the next two years, that same guidance will continue to be sought as members of the 221st General Assembly and other leaders in the church will be about the work of interpreting and guiding the congregations of our denomination through the decisions that were made. In that vein, it is the hope of the entire Assembly that you, too, will be “ambassadors” for the Assembly's work, as we offer ourselves and our colleagues as resources for interpretation.There's not enough room in this edition of The Grapevine to go over each piece of business the Assembly considered, but here are a few highlights from the week.Relating to the world:

The Assembly approved a measure to divest from three corporations (Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard, and Motorola Solutions) it believes are not in compliance with the church’s policy on socially responsible investing. The decision to do so was a significant step in the denomination’s policy that says it should not profit from “non-peaceful pursuits;” however, it does not constitute divestment from Israel, as the church maintains significant investments in companies that do business in Israel.

Relating to our communities: For nearly 200 years, the Presbyterian church has served as one of the greatest forces for mission in the

world. In that spirit, the Assembly endorsed an initiative to encourage Presbyterians to go beyond the walls of their own congregations and increase their engagement in service to their communities and the world. By “living missionally,” we are intentionally joining in God’s transformations of societal injustices by following Christ’s example of service through faith, hope, love, and witness.

Relating to each other: The Assembly approved a recommendation to allow teaching elders pastoral discretion to perform “any

such marriage they believe the Holy Spirit calls them to perform,” where legal by state law. The body also passed a recommendation to change language in the Book of Order to indicate that “marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman.” The denomination's prayer is that together, through our covenant with one another, the PC(USA) can move forward on this issue in love and with respect.

As you can obviously tell, we were quite busy at GA this year, and I feel blessed to have been a part of the work and discernment that went on there. Consequently, I am eager to share with you my observations and interpretations of what I experienced during my week in Detroit. So please feel free to give me a call or drop by the church office should you (or anyone you know) have any questions about the issues we discussed and topics our presbyteries will be voting on in the near future.

Yours in Christ's ministry,

David

JULY 2014 VOLUME 9:07

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“Stuff the Bus” 2014 is the United Way of Athens Limestone County’s effort to encourage our local community to reach out to all the children of our county by donating new and gently used books. By providing school aged children (Pre-K through 12th) with additional books, we are helping them be more successful in their school careers and ultimately we are helping our community to be more successful. Fact: Children need to read so that they may be able to understand the world around them, to succeed in school, to succeed in the workforce and to be effective citizens. Fact: Children are learning to read in the early elementary years: by 4th grade they are reading to learn. We are once again asking First Presbyterian Church to be a site where individuals could drop off books for this initiative. United Way will provide a container for the books and will also pick-up all donated books during the six week initiative. First Presbyterian will be listed as a drop-off site on all the United Way promotions and information items. “Stuff the Bus” will begin on August 1, 2014 and will culminate at the Day of Caring celebration Friday, September 12th at First Baptist Church - Athens with a luncheon at noon. We would like to have anyone who has participated with this effort to be our guest. Our vision at the United Way of Athens-Limestone Co. is to be a leader in our community where all individual and families achieve their potential through education which leads to financial stability and healthier lifestyles. Our mission is to secure resources to include financial support, volunteers and in kind donations of goods and services. We accomplish this by providing high quality community services through collaborations and partnerships aligned with our vision. We hope that you are willing to help us with this effort as we believe that these donated books can make a difference for our community’s students. If you have any questions or concerns you may contact me at: 256-233-2323 or unitedway44@unitedwayalc.com. Sincerely,

Kaye Young McFarlen Executive Director United Way of Athens – Limestone County

“STUFF THE BUS” READING LIST and SUGGESTED TITLES (Ages 4-12)

First Presbyterian family members who would like to donate books can see a copy of the “Reading List and Suggested Titles” which will be posted on the wall near the church office. If you would like a printed copy of the list, copies will be available in the church office and on the library counter in the Rodgers Center.

Youth & Kids: NEWS & HAPPENINGS YOUTH: (6th - 12 Grade) : MARK YOUR CALENDARS

MONTREAT WEEK! - JULY 5-12, 2014 Bus will load on Saturday, July 5 at 8:00 a.m. and depart as soon as everyone is present and

your bags have been loaded! �

! CONGRATULATIONS ! BENTON WITT BLACK

The Trustees are pleased to announce the selection of Witt Black for the Harry Richter Education Scholarship for 2014. We are proud of his accomplishments and wish to offer our hearty endorsement for this honor. Tom Clem, Chairman, First Presbyterian Trustees.

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All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. ~ John 1:3

CREATION WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Circle the words listed below as you find them in the apple.

Noteworthy News COMMUNION WILL BE OBSERVED, Sunday, July 6, 2014 at the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service. Doug Harbin is in charge of preparation for the month of June. Servers will be: John Noel (choir & Nursery), Diane Payne and Kay Sims (south), David Whitten and Price Boyd (middle), Carol Copeland and Jerry Duke (north). PRESBYTERIAN MEN’s Breakfast will be July 13, 2014. Breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m. in the Rodgers Center. THE PW “HAPPY PM CIRCLE” will meet Tuesday, July 1 at 2:00 p.m. This month’s meeting will be in the Rodgers Center. Hostesses are Lynn Brewer and Sandi Colvin. Joyce Counter will be doing the program (Lesson 9). Kathleen Thornton will do the devotional. JULY COMMITTEE MEETINGS. Please contact the chairman of your committee to find out if your committee is meeting. SESSION WILL NOT MEET IN JULY. INFORMATION FOR THE AUGUST 2014 ISSUE OF THE GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER is due in the church office Tuesday, July 15, 2014 by 3:00 p.m. 2014 MONTREAT YOUTH TRIP will be July 5-12, 2014. If you’d like to help contribute to this years trip, the youth have some very nice pottery pieces they have made for sale in the Rodgers Center. A donation basket is on the counter with the items. There are angels, crosses of various sizes, buttons, tiny furniture, casserole dishes and other assorted pieces. All donations are accepted with very thankful hearts! CHURCH FELLOWSHIP EVENT, Sunday, July 20. Salad and Ice-Cream Social immediately following worship. Everyone is asked to bring your favorite salad (or two) to share with everyone. If you can make home-made ice-cream, please bring that also!!

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3 Doris Welch 4 Carol Quillen 5 Laura Black 7 Jonathan Dunwoody Mary Steele

9 Jac Catlett John Emberton 10 Diane Copeland Kelly Ford 12 Danny Gregg 16 Doc Thompson 18 Jaina Anderson 20 Sue Vice 23 Brad Greene 27 Josh Andrews 29 Jonathan Powless 31 Mary Patterson

SPECIAL THANKS for a great team effort in getting the new commercial cooler into place in the Rodgers Center Kitchen and in the removal of the broken cooler and of the pick-up of the donated white side by side unit. The “Team” consisted of: David Whitten, Buzz Estes, Richard Christensen, Winston Spencer, Herby Greenhaw, Fred Mitchell, Jaina Anderson, Sandra Mitchell, Carol Copeland and Charlotte Lyle.

July 4, 2014 The Church Office will be closed Friday, July 4, for America’s

Independence Day Holiday.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014 PLEASE MAKE THE FOLLOWING CORRECTION IN

YOUR COPY OF THE NEW NAME & ADDRESS DIRECTORY:

ADAM & ROBBIE LAUDERDALE Reid & Mason

14690 Waterview Lane Athens, AL 35613

Even with 14 proof readers and myself I am still finding typo’s, etc in the most recent directory update. I apologize most sincerely and take credit for all errors! Sandra Mitchell

You are cordially invited to our “Welcome back to Choir Dinner”ON WEDNESDAY, August 6, 2014 starting at 6:00 p.m. in the Rodgers Center Fellowship Hall. Current choir members are invited to bring your spouse or a friend . New prospective members are

always welcome (you may also bring your spouse or friend). Hope to see you soon!

Pat & Gwen Bacon “God does not call the equipped, He equips the called!”

Choir will be taking their annual “break” the first 3 weeks of July. Rehearsals resume on Wednesday, July 30 at 7:00 p.m.

David Allen Easter November 19, 1933 June 19, 2014

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JULY 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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2 p “Happy PM” Circle(RC)

6:30 p.m. Committees

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3-5p Potter’s Hand (Open)

3ALMA

5-6:30 p Brownie Troup # 468 meets in Basement

4 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

5 (David & Jaina Out) 7a Gideons (RC) 8a Youth Depart for Montreat today

2-8 p “Cruise-In” Around the Square

6 COMMUNION (David & Jaina Out)

9:30a Sunday School 10:30a Fellowship 11:00a Worship

7 (David & Jaina Out)

6:30 p 4th Day meets @ Payne's

8 (David & Jaina Out) 9 (David & Jaina Out)

3-5p Potter’s Hand

10 (David & Jaina Out)

12 VIP “Picnic” Lunch (RC)

11 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

(David & Jaina Out)

12 (David & Jaina Out)7 a Gideons (RC) & Ladies Auxiliary

Montreat Campers return this afternoon.

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8:30a Men’s Breakfast 9:30a Sunday School 10:30a Fellowship 11:00a Worship

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9:30 a Friendship Quilt Guild (RC)

6:30 p 4th Day meets @ Payne's

15 August Newsletter Info

Due Today!

6-8p Historical Society (RC)

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3-5p Potter’s Hand

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5-6:30 p Brownie Troup # 468 meets in Basement

18CHURCH OFFICE

CLOSED

19 7a Gideons (RC)

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9:30a Sunday School 10:30a Fellowship 11:00a Worship/Baptism: Bristol Dunwoody 12:00 noon Church Fellowship - Salad & Ice Cream Social!

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6:30 p 4thDay meets @ Payne's

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3-5p Potter’s Hand

24 25CHURCH OFFICE

CLOSED

267:00 a Gideons (RC)

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9:30a Sunday School 10:30a Fellowship 11:00a Worship

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6:30 p 4thDay meets @ Payne's

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3-5p Potter’s Hand

7p. “Welcome Back” Choir Rehearsal

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5-6:30 p Brownie Troup # 468 meets in Basement

Just a note from the Worship Committee: When you provide floral arrangements for a Sunday service, please remember to remove them following the service. If you wish to leave the flowers, please call the Church Office (232-0122) the following Monday so we can have the Sexton remove them. Thank You!

Sunday, July 6 Preparation:Doug Harbin Servers:

John Noel, Choir; Diane Payne & Kay Sims, South; David Whitten & Price Boyd, Middle; Carol Copeland & Jerry Duke, North

NOTICE! NOTICE! If your group or organization uses the Rodgers Center or any church buildings for a meeting, please be sure that ALL DOORS ARE LOCKED when you leave. Thank you!

From the Editor . . . Please let the church office know what information you would like to see in the newsletter. The Grapevine is your newsletter! We look forward to hearing from you!! To receive the email edition, submit information, or to make address or other corrections please contact the church office by phone (256-232-0122 or email).

Email: fpcathens@fpcathens.org. Website: www.fpcathens.org

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday (Office is closed on Friday)

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon ─ 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Information for the newsletter is due

by 2:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month.

CHURCH STAFF: Rev. David Palmer, Stated Supply Pastor Rev. Jaina Anderson, Associate Pastor

Niles Patrick Bacon, Music Director Duane Counter, Treasurer

Sandra Mitchell, Administrative Assistant Cynthia Daniel, Sexton

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Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage Paid Permit #118

Athens, AL 35611

First Presbyterian Church 112 S. Jefferson Street

Athens, AL 35611 www.fpcathens.org

Email: fpcathens@fpcathens.org Pastor Email: williamdavidpalmer@comcast.net

Associate Pastor Email: jainaanderson@fpcathens.org

Vision Statement: “Worship God, Serve

Others and Make Disciples”

FRONT PAGE . . . From David’s Pen . . .

INSIDE THIS ISSUE . . . Page 2: “Stuff the Bus” 2014 Page 3: Youth News: Montreat, Congrats to Witt Black! & Kid’s Activity Page 4: Noteworthy News Address Correction July Birthdays Office Closed - July 4 Thank You Choir! Special Thanks! To The Church Triumphant Page 5: July Calendar & Communion Notice Notice: Please Lock Doors Page 6: Inside this Issue. . . June Acolytes Potter’s Hand July Acolytes Contact Information

6 Sara Aday Layton Romine 13 Calyn Campbell Avery Paysinger 20 Kate Aday Reid Lauderdale 27 James Clem Ella Romine

If you CANNOT fulfill your responsibility on your assigned date. PLEASE find a replacement! If you are unable to get a replacement please contact Lori Aday (256-233-2369) or (westlosa@yahoo.com).

July 2014

POTTER’S HAND Pottery Studio News . . .

The Potter’s Hand Pottery Studio is open each Wednesday in the old kitchen area of the basement from 3-5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays for you to work on your own projects. The kiln is still located at Jaina Anderson’s home. Please come join the us as we play in

the mud and enjoy the fellowship with us!!