June, 2013 VOLUME 8:6

FROM DAVID'S PEN . . .

June 2013

Dear Friends –

This past Sunday we celebrated Pentecost – the day God gave the Holy Spirit to the world to dwell among God's people! It was a glorious day with Scripture readings from the books of Acts and Genesis, and paraments of flaming red. It was a day that reminded us that God values diversity yet still makes us one. What a high, holy day this past Pentecost was, and what a wonderful opportunity it is to celebrate it each year!

As we move into summer and the month of June, we fi nd ourselves approaching the mid-point of the year. Our Mexico Mission Team will be leaving in a few short weeks for the border; our youth will be traveling to Montreat for their annual youth conference; people will be going on vacations; and before we know it, school will be back in session.

With all of the hustle and bustle in the world, it's far too easy to loose track of who we are as a church and as God's people. Life seems to move so quickly these days, and this takes a great toll on our spiritual selves. Nevertheless, we have the Holy Spirit as our advocate. With this being said, I am reminded of a song I learned long ago during my camp counselor days. It's called “Spirit of the Living God,” and it goes like this:

Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.

I find myself singing and praying these words on a regular basis. It's important for us to remember that we are servants of the Living God, and not vice versa. If we loose sight that the Holy Spirit is our guide in this world, then we become rigid people set in our own ways. However, if we ask God to melt our individualism away, mold us into the people we are to be, fill us with His Holy Spirit, and use us to His glory, then we become the “Pentecost People” God calls to be.

I urge you to take some time to pray and reflect upon the words from the above song. What in you needs to be melted away? In turn, how could that make it easier for God to mold you? Is your spirit empty and in need of filling? What is God calling you to do? The imagery that lies within the words of this song is powerful, and so is the Holy Spirit. Thanks be to God for the gift of the third person of the Trinity, and thanks be to God for the way the Holy Spirit moves in our lives and in our world.

Yours in Pentecost hope ─

David

Stated Supply Pastor

Treasurer’s Report for April 2013 Summary and Highlights

PLEDGED GIVING FELL SHORT OF PLEDGES PROJECTION by $11,000, UNPLEDGED GIVING WAS SHORT OF PROJECTIONS by $2,300

HOWEVER, PROJECTIONS ARE BASED ON THE AVERAGE OF THE LAST THREE YEARS AND GIVING IS TRADITIONALLY LARGER IN JANUARY.

THIS YEAR, TOTAL GIVING IS RIGHT ON A STRAIGHT LINE (SHOULD BE 33%, BUT IN ACTUALITY 32% OF ANNUAL).

SOME FAMILIES ARE AHEAD OF THEIR PLEDGES (YEA) AND SOME ARE BEHIND A TOTAL OF $14,330 (OOPS).

DON’T FORGET THE CHURCH!

EXPENDITURES ARE FOLLOWING PROJECTIONS. Respectfully submitted, Duane Counter

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SESSION NOTES:

The Session of FPC requests a Called Meeting of the Congregation to be set for Sunday, June 2, 2013 immediately following worship to place in nomination the name of Carol Copeland to finish David DeZwaan's te rm as Ruling Elder for the Class of 2014.

The Session of FPC met on Tuesday, May 17, 2013. Highlights from the meeting included:

• A motion was made by the Nominating Committee to accept the name of Carol Copeland to finish the unexpired term of David DeZwaan (Class of 2014) and to issue a Called Meeting of the Congregation on Sunday, June 2, 2013 to move on this nomination.

• A motion was made to accept the Nomination of Doug Harbin to be FPC’s Presbyterian Man of the Year for 2013.

• A request was granted to Hope Presbyterian Church in Huntsville to use FPC’s bus for a day to transport people to and from Atlanta, GA.

Respectfully submitted, Julie McNeese Stated Clerk.

Children ages 4 years through 5th Grade meet every Wednesday Night in the Kids’ Korner Class at 6:00 p.m. during the school year. They enjoy learning about our church through stories, crafts, songs, and guest speakers.

Kid’s Korner classes have ended for the summer. Classes will start back Wednesday night - September 11, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.!! Look forward to seeing everyone!

Children’s Church resumesSunday morning , September 15, 2013.

Youth & Kids: NEWS & HAPPENINGS

YOUTH: MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

Montreat Youth Conference 2013, July 6-13, 2013.

Please see Jaina for more information about fundraisers and application forms.

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BACK TO SCHOOL POOL PARTY - Sunday, August 25, 2013 from 3-5:00 p.m. at the Athens City Pool. All youth & kids are invited (Moms & Dads also!!)

ANSWERS: 1) Quail; 2) Dove; 3)Hawk; 4) Vulture; 5) Rooster; 6) Eagle; 7) Owl; 8) Sparrow; 9) Pigeon; 10) Ostrich; 11) Stork; 12) Osprey; 13) Hen; 14) Heron

THANK YOU . . .

I want to thank my church family for your thoughts, prayers, flowers and food. I felt your presence in Ft. Worth holding me up during the sudden illness and death of my twin sister, Dorothy Bailey.

Love,

Doris Welch �

Friends, Well today (5/15/13) is my last day and I am finishing up last minute details. I did not want to leave without expressing how much these eleven years with North Alabama Presbytery has meant to me. You all have been wonderful to wrk for. I have enjoyed greeting, joking and working with all of you. You have seen me through a scary time with my cancer in 2004/2005 and I will always treasure the support everyone gave me through that time in my life. I appreciate all the support and opportunities that North Alabmam Presbytery has given me. I am sad to be leaving North Alabama Presbytery but also excited about the new opportunities and challenges that await me in Nashville and Middle Tennessee Presbytery. Please stay in contact and I hope that our paths will cross again. My email address is lgriffis0959@gmail.com. Thank you all.

Blessings,

Linda Griffis �

I would like to express my gratitude for the prayers, cards, food and visits I received during my most recent surgery and rehab. I am now at home and continue to improve daily. Thanks so much!

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COLLEGE NEWS : Returning to AUBURN UNIVERSITY for Graduate Studies will be: Scott Clem to start graduate studies in Entomology in the fall. Starting at UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA HUNTSVILLE: Rebecca Garrison to start her Masters in Math & Rachel McMahan has been accepted into the Nursing Program at UAH.

WORKING AT SUMMER JOBS : Working at Montreat: Emily Bentley will be working as a summer office worker. Scott Clem will be working as a Naturalist. Corey Smith will be the summer tennis pro. Simon Greg will be representing FPC-Athens Mission Team at the Aquaponics Fishery Building Class in Gadsden this June. Working for the Sheppards & Lapsley Camping Program: James Colvin and Rachel VanKirk.

Mary Redding Witt as the recipient of the 2013 Henry Richter Scholarship given by First Presbyterian, Athens and will be going to UNA this fall. Sara McMahan did a great job singing at the 2013 Athens High School Baccalaureate Service. Sara will be going off to Mississippi State to Study Biomedical Engineering this fall. Jessica Kiep graduated from Clemmons High School. Emily Bentley graduated from Auburn University with a minor in Philanthropy and Non-profit Studies. Boyd Jackson graduated from Yale University and will be going to UCLA for a Masters in Public Health. Brittany Jackson graduated from UT Chattanooga with a Masters in Counseling and is teaching with Teach for America in Los Angeles.

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LOST & FOUND . . .

A set of keys (lots of them - on three rings!) were turned in with the offering plate on Sunday, April 21, 2013. If you are missing, house, auto, office, P.O. Box keys, please call the church office to identify (256-232-0122).

L.C.C.I., Inc. Limestone County Churches Involved, Inc

201 N. Jefferson Street P.O. Box 168

Athens, AL 35612

LCCI Executive Board: Donald Stone – Director Elkmont United Methodist Tere Richardson - President St. Paul Catholic Church Gray Wynn - Vice President The Grove Church Penley Rees - Secretary St. Timothy Episcopal Doug Logan - Treasurer First United Methodist, Athens Pastor Advisors: Jaina Anderson, Assistant Pastor First Presbyterian Church of Athens Greg Patrick, Pastor Blackburn Road Baptist Church Bill Perkins, Pastor Central Church of Christ Phone: (256) 262-0671 Fax: (256) 206-9146 lcci@knology.net

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May 16, 2013 To Member Churches of LCCI: LCCI is a food bank which provides emergency food for approximately 100 families each week. We take pride in the fact that we are the only food bank in North Alabama which gives a nutritional balance in the groceries provided. We give three or four large bags of food to each family, estimated dollar value of $60. At LCCI we also help with utility and water bills. We provide gas vouchers for out of town doctor’s visits. We also provide one night stay at local motels for transients and workers who can find no other accommodations. We work in conjunction with other agencies in Limestone County providing needs for the poor of Limestone County. We do all of the above and more on a budget of $10,000 per month. LCCI needs approximately 50 volunteers every week. I am proud of every volunteer. We could not open the doors without our volunteers. WE NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS! WE ARE HAVING A TRAINING SESSION FOR OUR VOLUNTEERS JUNE 8, 2013 FROM 10 AM UNTIL NOON. WE NEED YOU! In His Service, Don Stone Director Limestone County Churches Involved, Inc.

June�2013�Sunday� Monday� Tuesday� Wednesday� Thursday� Friday� Saturday�

1 7 a Gideons(RC)

2-8:00 p.m. “Cruise-In” around the Square

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

Mexico Missionary Commissioning

Service 11:55 a Called Congregational Meeting

3 Organ Tuner this afternoon!! 6:30 p 4th Day meets @ Paynes

4 2p Happy PM Circle(RC) 6p Congregational Care Team Mtg 6:30 p.m. Committees

5 7p Choir

6 10a 4th Day @ Copeland

7 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

8 Mexico

Mission Group

Leaves! 7:00 a Gideons (RC)& Ladies Auxiliary

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

10 Jaina @ Louisville 9:30 a-2p Friendship Quilter’s (RC)

11 Jaina @ Louisville 6:30 p Session

12 Jaina @ Louisville 7 p Choir

13Jaina @ Louisville

14 Jaina @ Louisville CHURCH OFFICE

CLOSED

15 7:00 a Gideons (RC)

16 Father’s Day

8:00 a Men’s Breakfast

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

17 Sandra Out Today 6:30 p 4th Day meets @ Paynes

18 Newsletter Info For June Due Today

19 7 p Choir

20 10a 4th Day @ Copeland

21 CHURCH OFFICE

CLOSED

22 7:00 a Gideons (RC)

23 9:30 a Sunday School 10:30 a Fellowship 11 a Worship 12 p Summer Salad/Ice Cream Social after worship

24 Sandra Vacation 6:30 p 4th Day meets @ Paynes

25 Sandra Vacation 26 Sandra Vacation 7p Choir

27 Sandra Vacation David Vacation

28 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

David Vacation Van Borrowed by Hope Presbyterian

29 David Vacation Van Borrowed by Hope Presbyterian

30 David Vacation Van Borrowed by Hope Presbyterian

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!

ALTAR FLOWERS:

2 Carol Copeland __ 9 _Joyce Counter___ 16 ________________ 23 __________________ 30 __________________

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COMMING IN JULY: Reverend David Palmer will be on vacation June 27-July 4; The Church Office will be closed July 4 - Independence Day Hol iday ; Youth will be at Montreat July 6-13, Reverend David Palmer and Reverend Jaina Anderson will be at Montreat with the Youth; July 14 - Youth will share their Montreat experiences during the worship service; NAP Summer Meeting on July 16; Alabama/Mississippi Women’s Conference July 17-19; Reverend Jaina Anderson will be on vacation July 21 - August 3.

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Please turn in your information for the July Calendar and Grapevine Newsletter by Tuesday, June 18, 2013. You can bring with you or call the church office (256-232-0122), or email to: fpcathens@fpcathens.org.

JUNE COMMUNION: Communion Preparation: Julie McNeese Communion Servers: Julie McNeese; Diane Payne; Carrie Powless; Ted Smith; Hazel White; David Whitten, Adam Lauderdale

Marlee Averitt - May 8, 2013 - Daughter of Ross & Elena (Gossett) Averitt. Big brother Macklyn Averitt. Proud Grandparents: Lyn Gossett, Jane Gossett. Henry Harris Brock - May 14, 2013 - Son of Rev. John & Ruth (Whitten) Brock. Big brother Wesley Brock. Proud grandparents: David & Ruth Whitten. Elijah Stanley Hand - May 19, 2013 - Son of Stanley & Erica Hand. Proud grandparents: Tom & Sharon Hand. Proud great-grand parents: Duane & Joyce Counter & Mary Hand.

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3 Carson Greenhaw 5 Savannah Foster Brandon Noel 7 Kate Aday Jane Boyd 10 Matt Colvin Mike Holdren 11 Pearl Nugent 12 Sara Aday Pete Kiep 13 Reid Lauderdale 15 Sara McMahan Jake Moore 18 Lee Patterson Jan Ruth

19 Kay Burlinggame Avery Foster 21 Witt Black Vickie Kellogg 22 Jamie Poole 24 Kayo Pinson 26 Joyce Counter 29 Caleb Counter Eleanore Guthrie Mason Lauderdale

June 2013

2 Sara Aday Sean Miller 9 Calyn Campbell Ella Romine 16 James Clem Joseph Davis 23 Dustin McGlothin Victor Miller 30 Ellis Gossett Emily Gossett

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)

We're getting married! Sandy Caudle & David deZwaan invite you to join in the celebration of

OUR MARRIAGE

June 8, 2013

3:00 p.m.

First United Methodist Church Don’t get too dressed up because friends are hosting a Village Pizza style celebration from 3:30-5:30 p.m . at the home

of Linda & Jimmy Beasley just a block from the church. Just follow us there; we’ll walk!

Grant Aday and Charles Williams, regulars at Village Pizza, are providing the music and pizza from the Village

is on the menu (along with a few other things). We would love to share this special occasion with you!

No gifts necessary. . .time spent celebrating with friends and family is the best gift of all!

Noteworthy News SESSION MEETS, Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.

PRESBYTERIAN MEN’S BREAKFAST is Sunday, June 9, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. in the Rodgers Center.

MISSING FROM KITCHEN . . . one of the large electric griddles used by the Presbyterian Men for their monthly breakfasts is missing. If you have borrowed it, please return as soon as possible. No questions will be asked!!

THE PW “HAPPY PM CIRCLE” will meet Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in the Rodgers Center.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE COMMITTEE will meet on Tuesday, June 4 at 6:00 p.m.

MEXICO MISSION MISSIONARIES will be Commissioned during the 11:00 a.m. worship service on Sunday, June 2.

ATHENA LEAGUE ANNOUNCES NEW MEMBERS: Lori Aday (FPC, Art on the Square, Sipping Cider an d Grease Fest), Penny Boyett (2013 Hospital Gala Chair), Anna McDaniel Clem (Youth Minister at FUMC), Amanda Wiggington Speegle (Central CoC), and Jennifer Williamson (President of Chamber of Commerce)! What a fantastic group of ladies! We are excited to have them. 2013 Daughters are: Katie Anderson, Paige Duncan and Caroline Scherff. Hard to believe these ladies are 25! Time flies! (Submitted by Betsy Hyman)

THE ALABAMA/MISSISSIPPI WOMEN’S CONFERENCE is July 17-19, 2013. If you are interested in attending, please see Jaina Anderson or Carol Copeland.

PRESBYTERIAN HOME MISSION TRIP is scheduled for June 18-21. For information and instructions please talk with Jennifer Quillen.

From the Editor . . .

Please let the church office know what informa�on you would like to see in

the newsle�er The Grapevine is your newsle�er! 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

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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”

Inside this issue . . .

Page 2: Session Notes, Treasurer’s Report

Page 3: Youth & Kid’s Page

Page 4: Thank You!

College News!

Lost & Found

Page 5: A message from LCCI

Page 6: June Calendar

Page 7: You’re Invited

June Communion

Look What’s New!

June Acolytes

July Newsleer Deadline

June Birthdays

Page 8: Noteworthy News

Contact Informa�on