The Anderson Testament

In my sermon in early July where I gave updates of what God is doing in the Missions World, I shared with you news about what

is happening in Egypt concerning increasing freedom for Christians in that nation. That information came from my

missionary friend, Dan McNerney, who serves with Frontier Fellowship. In late July, I received

an article in my weekly missions email which shared about recent events where Christians in Egypt are now finally receiving permits from the

government for their churches. Here is that information about what God is doing there.

A presidential committee tasked with rectifying the status of unlicensed Christian places of worship,

chaired by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, approved on Monday (July 1) legalizing 127 churches

and service buildings that used to be operating without permits.

This brings to 1,021 the total number of unlicensed Christian places of worship and service buildings that have been granted legal status so far (since 2016). In a statement, Cabinet Spokesman Nader Saad said the committee was convened in the presence of the Ministers of Justice,

First Presbyterian Church 2019

Pastor Kevin Bausman

Antiquities and Parliamentary affairs along with representatives of the bodies concerned.

Meanwhile, the premier issued strict instructions to all governors to

take all measures necessary to ensure that the newly legalized churches and service buildings are only used for performing religious rituals.

After 160 years of tight restrictions on building churches in Egypt,

these legalizations are not only ground-breaking in legal terms but also revolutionary within a Middle Eastern Christian framework.

In the past, Egypt was notorious for their ‘structural discrimination’,

ensuring that church construction projects, unlike mosque construction projects—required a special permit from the president of the country

and long, arduous rounds of paperwork, with the process often dragging on for years.

The legalizing of churches therefore finally gives Egyptian Christians,

both Coptic and Evangelical, the freedom to build places where they can legally gather to worship and contemplate the Word of God.

This will not only impact Egypt but the region as a whole.

Source: INcontext International, July 11, 2019

Praise be to the Lord our God for all He is doing in Egypt and much of the world! Blessings!

Pastor Kevin Bausman

Page 2 The Anderson Testament

Communion will occur on the second

Sunday of the month due to Labor Day.

We invite you to join us for Communion on

Sunday, September 8. Remember to bring

canned or boxed food, which will be dispersed to

the needy in our community through the

Operation Love Food Pantry. Please also

bring granola bars for our Anderson HS food

insecure youth.

September 15 is Christian Center paper

product donation day. They also accept travel

size toiletries to give to walk-ins and families in

crisis.

COMMUNION 2019 Staff

• Senior Pastor

Kevin Bausman

• Music Coordinator

Kirby Gilliam

• Organist/Pianist

Stephen Fleck

• Director of Handbells

Barbara Bowman

• Nursery Supervisor

Lesley Henning

• Maintenance Engineer

Mike Schildmeier

• Asst. Maintenance Engineer

Jim Marvell

• Treasurer

Dan Davisson

• Asst. Treasurer

Dick Peck

• Financial Secretary

Ken Wilkinson

• Co Family Ministry Leaders

Kirby Gilliam &

Jesus Llamas

• Office Administrator

Julie Benagh

Page 3 Growing in Christ

CHURCH SECURITY UPDATE

TRUSTEES HAVE

NUMBERED OUR DOORS

Your Trustees, under advice

from the Anderson Police

Department Detectives, have

numbered the church doors.

Number 1—Main office door

Number 2—Handicapped door

Number 3—Memorial door

Number 4—SW door

Number 5—North door

Number 6—Nursery door

Number 7—Alley door

Come and join George Taylor’s Bible Study on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 AM in the Church Conference Room as they study, read, fellowship and enjoy!

A small wonderful group will resume meeting on Sunday evenings @ 5:00 at Jerry & Stephanie Crabtree’s home!

Plan to attend one or both!

BIBLE STUDIES BEGIN AGAIN!

Page 4 The Anderson Testament

The Deacons will be hosting their annual Blood Drive on

Tuesday, September 10th from 4 to 7:30 in The Upper

Room. Contact Julie Benagh if you would like to give or

log onto Donorpoint.org to sign up. As usual, delicious

homemade cookies will be served!

Save A Life - Give Blood”

SEPTEMBER BLOOD DRIVE 2019

PRESBY PRIDE KICK-OFF SATURDAY!

After a summer hiatus, all men are invited the third Saturday of each month for

breakfast and fellowship at Presby Pride men’s group. The next meeting is

Saturday, September 21st, at 9:00 a.m. We’ll be meeting at Frisch’s!

Men, also remember to meet for 9 AM breakfast each Wednesday at various

locations! Call Bill Bowman for location!

Good Fellowship and friends.

Our family friendly

bicycle ride is on

Saturday, Sept 28th.

All youth 17 and under

can ride free. We are

encouraging parents

and grandparents to

get their young ones

off their phones,

couches,

gaming, and Internet

long enough to get

some exercise and ride

in this event! The ride

includes a meal, live

music, friendly bikers,

marked routes, sag

(Support & Gear) stops,

and oh yes, the

weather is free!

The starting point for

the ride will be the

Pendleton Sports

Complex.

More info is available

at eci-ysc.org/bike tour

or call Garri or Lois

George at

765 617-0187.

YOUTH SERVING CHRIST FUNDRAISER! 2019

Page 5 Growing in Christ

Sundays, beginning September 8

9:15-9:55 AM—The S4 KIDS are continuing the march through the Old Testament with God and the Israelites. Our journey has introduced us to lots of pretty amazing people! As we read the Bible and sing, ring, and create, we find that our incredible God loves and cares for His people. And the good news is that we are all His people! Kids, come and check it out! We gather at 9:15 and finish just in time for Big Church at 9:55. You would be so WELCOME!

Love, Miss Nancy and Miss Barb

STICKS, STORIES, SIGNS & SONGS

Page 6 The Anderson Testament

WEDNESDAYS, BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 4 CALLING ALL SINGERS AND RINGERS!

Check out the following opportunities for all ages:

7:00 –7:45 Chancel Choir—

Any adults who wish to raise their voices to the Lord!

Led by Kirby Gilliam again this year!

7:50-8:45 Chancel Bell Choir-- Adults who can count and know their left hand from their right hand--

Anyone can learn to ring and would be welcome!

We have five octaves of bells to ring in praise of our God--The current

ringers are all very adept at helping new ringers and will welcome you

with open arms! Please talk to Barb Bowman or any of the current

ringers if you would like to participate in this unique musical ministry.

TIME TO START CHOIR!!!

Page 7 Growing in Christ

HELLO FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH!

After weeks of prayer and discussion, we will be reworking our

positions from Youth Leaders to Family Ministry coordinators!

This is an exciting time in our church life. Over the past few

years, we’ve heard from our congregation about the want and

need to have more activities and church life for not only our

children and youth, but our young adults, families, senior

adults, and everyone in between! We are beyond excited to

lead this position and provide opportunities for the whole

church. We already have some ideas in the works, and some

of the events that you should be on the look out for are movie

nights, bring a friend to church days, pitch-in dinners, family

bible studies, parent’s and grandparent’s night out, community

service projects, and more! We are looking forward to our new

roles, and can’t wait to begin growing our family ministry.

Kirby 765-278-2030 &

Jesus (Chuy) 765-617-3549

Here’s a calendar of events!

Sept 9th & 23rd –Pokémon @ 5:30 PM

Sept 15th—Youth & Family Cookout @

Jesus Llamas’ home, 1124 Emerson, time

TBA

Sept 29th—All City Choir Concert, FUMC

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN FAMILY MINISTRY

July Revenues $14,714 July Expenses $24,553 July Deficit ($9,839) Year to date Revenues $31,754 Year to date Expenses $45,595 Year to date Deficit ($13,841) July was a month when both budget income and expenses were below budget by just a few percentage points. Only Worship & Music exceeded their monthly budget by a significant amount. This was due to work on the sanctuary lighting effects. For the YTD, revenues were very close to forecast and expenses were 3% below budget. Income YTD one year ago was $20,000 higher than this year. Of that amount, pledge income was lower this year by $12,000. The remaining $8,000 was due to Helen Burnett’s estate. Dedicated account activity was especially light with receipts of $270 and expenses of $169. Fortunately the stock market advanced a bit and our investments appreciated by $8,411. On July 31st, 2019, our total financial assets were $1,110,883. This compares favorably with the year prior valuation of $1,105,068. A significant portion of this amount includes time and purpose restricted funds. SAVE OUR ROOF campaign had no activity in July. This is another reminder that the campaign ends in October. We have $16,753 yet to raise if we are to pay for all roof expenses. Jack Eflin, Finance Chair

Finance Report 2019

Page 8 The Anderson Testament

ALL CITY CHOIR CONCERT SEPT 29TH @

First United Methodist Church

Four downtown churches will be

coming together on Sunday,

September 29th, for an All City

Choir Concert!

First Presbyterian, First United Methodist, Central Christian and St. Mary’s

will join together in a fund raising Concert on Sunday, September 29th.

There will be a silent auction throughout the event. Each church is

responsible for providing 4 baskets or services to donate to the event.

We are asking the congregation to donate items that they believe represent

their relationship to the church. Please bring in any items by September 8th.

This event will be held in lieu of the annual St. Vincent de Paul walk-a thon.

PLAN ON ATTENDING AND SUPPORTING THIS

FUNDRAISER!!!!! FIRST PRES CHOIR WILL

BE SINGING SOLO AND ALSO IN THE

GROUP CHOIR!

Page 9 Growing in Christ

Julia Beeler, Lauren Benagh, Hailey Bischoff, Ryker Davisson, Simon Fleck, Breanna Llamas & Taylor Ohlheiser have all begun or returned to college classes! Colleges include Earlham, Indiana State University, Anderson University & Ivy Tech!

They would love to hear from their church family, or words of encouragement if they’re local!

Simon Fleck Julia Beeler 801 National Rd. West 1100 East 5th Street Richmond, In 47374 Anderson, IN 46012 Drawer #888

Breanna Llamas Ryker Davisson

1124 Emerson 1804 Woodview Lane Anderson, IN 46013 Anderson, In 46011 Anderson, IN 46011

Taylor Ohlheiser Lauren Benagh 2815 Roundtable Drive Pickerl Hall 519-A Anderson, IN 46011 220 N. 6th St.

Terre Haute, IN 47809 Hailey Bischoff 1100 East 5th St Anderson, In 46012

COLLEGE STUDENTS

Page 10 The Anderson Testament

PASTORAL CARE 2019

Page 11 Growing in Christ

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power

to do what pleases Him. ” Philippians 2:13

The Apostle Paul wrote this to the church in Philippi while he was still in prison. He told them to continue doing what, through God’s grace, they had been taught.

How many of us walk through life thinking that we don’t have what it takes to do what God wants us to do? And just what would it be that He wants me to do anyway? Is there any among you that might say to themselves, “God didn’t give me a talent to work with, like so-and-so has (you furnish the name),” and “I don’t see the gift in me that I see in him/her at church. They have abilities to do wonderful work for God, and I fail to see anything like that in me.”

Reread the verse above and believe: He is working in you, giving to you the desire and power to do what pleases Him! How can we not do His Will, when we just need to listen and obey.

Your sister in Christ, Caroli Wolfe

Michael Gray went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 21st. Graveside services were held on Monday, August 26th, at Memorial Park Cemetery officiated by Pastor Donna Madewell.

Michael was sight and hearing impaired, and Pastors Carol Scott & Donna Madewell helped him greatly during his life. He loved this church.

SYMPATHY

Page 12 The Anderson Testament

MURDER MYSTERY/DINNER IN NOVEMBER!

CHURCH SOFTBALL UPDATE 2019

Mark your calendars for

Friday, November 8th, for

another fun filled Murder

Mystery/Dinner here

at First Pres!

Many Presbyterians will be in this play— Plan to come!

Our church softball team finished the season with 5

wins and 11 losses. Our batting title went to Ron

Groves with an on-base percentage of .714

(minimum of 10 at bats).

Also participating were John Etchison (coach), Sam Snideman,

Jeff Clayton, Pat Manship, Scott McLintock, Braydon Myers, Kevin

Claxton, Gavin Patrick, Steven Strole, Asher Strole, Trace Knox and

Sandy Allen.

Page 13 Growing in Christ

YOUTH BIBLE

On Sunday, Sept. 15th the Christian

Ministries Committee will be

distributing a Bible to our third grader,

Noland Curtis Groves.

Noland is the son of Ron and April Groves and the

grandson of Greg and Ann Noland. BLESSINGS TO NOLAND!

QUILT/CRAFT DAY FIRST SATURDAY!

The Craft/Quilt/Needlepoint/Whatever You

Want To Work On day continues on Saturday, September 7th,

10 AM to 3 PM in Fellowship Hall.

Bring a lunch and your work! All invited.

Member Marian Betts has written her second book, Cataclysm—and will have a book signing event here at First Pres on Sunday, Sept 8th, during coffee Hour and

also after church in The Upper Room. Come and support her!

CATACLYSM BOOK SIGNING SUNDAY,SEPT 8TH

Dennis & Payton Sanchez, 4 years, 9/11

Carey and Karen Mountcastle, 28 years, 9/15

Ken & Jane Wilkinson, 48 years, 9/18

We wish for you all many more happy years!

First Pres will be sponsoring a Holiday Gift Fair on Friday, November 1st,

from 4 to 8 PM.

THERE WILL BE FOOD, FUN, CRAFTS, VENDORS,

AND MUSIC!

PLAN TO COME AND ENJOY AND

DO SOME CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!

ANNIVERSARIES 2019

HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR COMING IN NOVEMBER!

Page 14 The Anderson Testament

UPCOMING ALL CHURCH POTLUCK

On Sunday, October 6th (World Communion

Sunday), First Pres will be having an

All Church Pitch-in Potluck dinner.

First Presbyterian will supply the main entrée,

tableware, and drinks and members are asked to bring sides.

Come at 11 AM to The Upper Room for delicious food and

good fellowship!

9/2 Robin Noland Renderos

9/4 Amanda Benagh Vinson

9/5 Greg James

9/7 George Bischoff, Malcolm Noland

9/10 Marcia Schrenker

9/14 Caroli Wolfe

9/15 Barbara Ehrlich, Linda Hayes, Mike

Walsh, Mikayla Bostic

9/16 Dave Brogdon

9/21 Kirby Gilliam

9/22 Yasmeen Ahmed (Judy Kimmer’s

granddaughter!)

9/24 George Taylor

9/25 Lauren Benagh

9/26 Karen Mountcastle, John Schieve

9/30 Payton Cinco Sanchez

Birthdays 2019

Page 15 Growing in Christ

The anniversaries

and birthdays

listed are from

our database. If

your special day

does not appear,

please call the

church office at

642-0219 and let us

know so we may

correct our

records and

celebrate with

you!

On September 2nd the Church Office will be closed in observance

of Labor Day. Thank you for

your understanding!

Church Office Closed

Serving communion on September 8th at 10 AM

are Pastor Kevin Bausman, Julie Benagh,

Marcia Schrenker & Christine Nealis.

Your September Head Ushers are

Steve & Julie Benagh, and Julie Jacobs & Linda Hayes.

10:00 Coffee Time Hosts will be Your Deacons.

Dates to Remember:

9/2 - Office Closed,

Labor Day

9/4 George Taylor’s Bible Study resumes!

9/7 Quilt/Craft Day in Fellowship Hall

9/8 - Communion

9/10 - Blood Drive, 4-8 in the Upper

Room

9/15 Third Grade Bible presented

9/21- Presby Pride @ Frisch’s

9/28 YSC’s Bicycle Tour

9/29 All City Choir Concert @ FUMC

10/6 World Communion Sunday/All

Church Pitch-In

11/1 Holiday Gift Fair

230 West 9th Street

Anderson, Indiana 46016

First Presbyterian Church

Phone: 765-642-0219 Fax: 765-642-4568 Email: 1stPres@1stPresAnderson.org Web-site: www.1stPresAnderson.org Facebook: First Presbyterian Church Anderson

Growing in Christ

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