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THE Link The First ARP Church Newsletter February 2018 Filled with All Fullness By Pastor Matt Kuiken As I recall, the U.S. Army once had a marketing campaign using the slogan, “Be all you can be.” The challenge was to reject mediocrity and to fully realize one’s potential. This slogan perhaps has slight value to those living within the prison of fallen human nature, but its usefulness expands astronomically for those united to Christ by faith. As Christians, we have been adopted into God’s family. We have been filled with His Spirit. Our past is forgiven, our future secure, and our present purposeful. As recipients of the grace of the Gospel, our potential for growth and glory has increased immeasurably. Now when we hear, “Be all you can be,” we complete the phrase with, “Be all you can be – in Christ.” When we consider the slogan this way our potential is unlimited. At First ARP Church, 2018 will be a year where we grow towards our potential in Christ. We have a major building expansion right around the corner. This project will help us fulfill our potential by improving our parking and accessibility and expanding our ministry capacity on the campus. These campus additions and improvements however, are not an end in themselves. They are a small part of the larger spiritual picture of what God is doing at First ARP. What is He doing? He is teaching us. He is answering the prayer of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 3. In Ephesians 3:14-19 we find this prayer for the church. “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith – that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” By God’s grace this will be a year where we learn again about the love of Jesus. We will learn again that the saving love of Jesus is something we never outgrow or leave behind. We will find that it goes deeper and reaches wider than we thought before. For those who know the love of Christ, we will find that it surpasses our knowledge and there is still more to learn. God is teaching us this year that there is still more of Him to explore and experience – but it all comes back to the love of Jesus. God is stretching us as well. Growth is change and change is hard. In Christ however, change is always purposeful and redemptive. As we rest and rely on Him this year we will, “be filled with all the fullness of God.” This reminds us that we have not arrived yet. There is still more work to be done. And this work will be done by God himself. All we can do is want it and wait for it and welcome it with prayer and praise. Do we want to be filled with all the fullness of God? There are several reasons why we must. It honors those who have come before us. There have been so many faithful men and women who have laid a strong foundation of faith for us. By building on that foundation, we honor them. It honors those who will come after us. God has blessed us and entrusted us with children and families. By allowing God to fulfill his work in us today, we make possible even greater work in the future through those who come behind us. It also honors those around us. As God works in us He also works through us. He works through us to share His grace and glory in all sorts of tangible and intangible ways. Finally, being filled with the fullness of God honors God for who He is and enables Him to receive the glory that He is rightfully due in this world and in our lives. Our greatest good is found in God receiving the greatest glory. 2018 is an exciting year for First ARP Church. This year we will, “Be all we can be – in Christ.” Each of us has a role to play in this as we allow God to work in us and through us. We don’t know all the details but we know what God is doing. He is teaching us and stretching us so that we, “may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

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Page 1: THE Link - First ARP Church, GastoniaTHE Link The First ARP Church Newsletter February 2018 Filled with All Fullness By Pastor Matt Kuiken As I recall, the U.S. Army once had a marketing

THE

Link

The First ARP Church Newsletter February 2018

Filled with All Fullness By Pastor Matt Kuiken

As I recall, the U.S. Army once had a marketing campaign using the slogan, “Be all you can be.” The challenge

was to reject mediocrity and to fully realize one’s potential. This slogan perhaps has slight value to those living

within the prison of fallen human nature, but its usefulness expands astronomically for those united to Christ by

faith. As Christians, we have been adopted into God’s family. We have been filled with His Spirit. Our past is

forgiven, our future secure, and our present purposeful. As recipients of the grace of the Gospel, our potential for

growth and glory has increased immeasurably. Now when we hear, “Be all you can be,” we complete the phrase

with, “Be all you can be – in Christ.” When we consider the slogan this way our potential is unlimited.

At First ARP Church, 2018 will be a year where we grow towards our potential in Christ. We have a major building

expansion right around the corner. This project will help us fulfill our potential by improving our parking and

accessibility and expanding our ministry capacity on the campus. These campus additions and improvements

however, are not an end in themselves. They are a small part of the larger spiritual picture of what God is doing at

First ARP.

What is He doing? He is teaching us. He is answering the prayer of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 3. In Ephesians

3:14-19 we find this prayer for the church. “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every

family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be

strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith

– that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the

breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be

filled with all the fullness of God.” By God’s grace this will be a year where we learn again about the love of Jesus.

We will learn again that the saving love of Jesus is something we never outgrow or leave behind. We will find that

it goes deeper and reaches wider than we thought before. For those who know the love of Christ, we will find that it

surpasses our knowledge and there is still more to learn. God is teaching us this year that there is still more of Him

to explore and experience – but it all comes back to the love of Jesus.

God is stretching us as well. Growth is change and change is hard. In Christ however, change is always purposeful

and redemptive. As we rest and rely on Him this year we will, “be filled with all the fullness of God.” This reminds

us that we have not arrived yet. There is still more work to be done. And this work will be done by God himself.

All we can do is want it and wait for it and welcome it with prayer and praise. Do we want to be filled with all the

fullness of God? There are several reasons why we must. It honors those who have come before us. There have been

so many faithful men and women who have laid a strong foundation of faith for us. By building on that foundation,

we honor them. It honors those who will come after us. God has blessed us and entrusted us with children and

families. By allowing God to fulfill his work in us today, we make possible even greater work in the future through

those who come behind us. It also honors those around us. As God works in us He also works through us. He works

through us to share His grace and glory in all sorts of tangible and intangible ways. Finally, being filled with the

fullness of God honors God for who He is and enables Him to receive the glory that He is rightfully due in this

world and in our lives. Our greatest good is found in God receiving the greatest glory.

2018 is an exciting year for First ARP Church. This year we will, “Be all we can be – in Christ.” Each of us has a

role to play in this as we allow God to work in us and through us. We don’t know all the details but we know what

God is doing. He is teaching us and stretching us so that we, “may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

Page 2: THE Link - First ARP Church, GastoniaTHE Link The First ARP Church Newsletter February 2018 Filled with All Fullness By Pastor Matt Kuiken As I recall, the U.S. Army once had a marketing

Financial Update (General Operating Fund)

As of 12/31/17

Revenues $1,488,385.69

Expenses 1,403,865.31

Net Surplus (deficit) $ 84,520.38

Sunday Worship Attendance

8:30 11:00 Total

January 7 221 278 499

January 14 236 245 481

January 21 251 287 538

Pastors’ Prayer Partners

The next meeting of the Pastors’ Prayer Partners will be on

Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 7:30am in the Fellowship

Hall. All men are invited to come and help us lift up our

pastors in prayer.

Seeds for Eternity Campaign

First ARP has received $5,415,714.22 toward our goal of

$6,000,000. Thank you for your generous support of our

Capital Campaign.

Sunday Morning Coffee Servers

February 4: Gus & Miriam Connor

February 11: Fred & Vicki Caldwell

February 18: Jack & Sally Green

February 25: Sue Ellington

Sunday Morning Ushers for February

8:30: Gene Barber, Andy Dyksterhouse, Martin McKinley

11:00: Fred Caldwell, Tom Balsom, Artie Cooper, Ron

Kirkpatrick

Sunday Morning Greeters

February (8:30): TBA

February 4 & 11 (11:00): Max & Brenda Garretson

February 18 & 25 (11:00): Bob & Jo Ann Sytz

Charity Davidson—2/1

Brittany Lear—2/1

George Belk—2/2

Tabatha Drawdy—2/2

Jack Green—2/2

Ethan Shell—2/2

Evan Friday—2/4

Sherry Huss—2/4

Vicki Marsh—2/4

Alex Wylie—2/4

Timothy McPeters—2/5

Austin Moss—2/5

Pascal Vance—2/5

Tyler Long—2/6

Shirley Nolen—2/6

Aimee Oliphant—2/8

Peggy Starr—2/8

Elizabeth Maney—2/9

Ann Medley—2/10

Luke Gallagher—2/11

John Loughridge—2/11

Grace Kucera—2/12

Graham Kucera—2/12

Olivia Hedrick—2/13

Jeff Friday—2/14

Carolyn Bomgaars—2/15

Jim Todd—2/15

Cristian Toro—2/16

Joe West—2/16

Russ McKay—2/18

Sandy Merrell—2/18

Julia Lee Payne—2/18

Annie Anthony—2/19

Jack Lear—2/19

Anne McAllister—2/19

Sharron McPeters—2/19

Kathryn Painter—2/19

Martha Cox—2/20

Caris McKeown—2/20

Caroline Moore—2/20

Mary Lisa Sherrill—2/20

Che Hooks—2/21

Zack Stroupe—2/21

James Bostick—2/22

Connor Cherry—2/22

J’Shawn Leach—2/22

Cathy Foster—2/23

Lauren Haubert—2/23

Ashley Fretz—2/24

Sharon Huffstetler—2/24

Morris Keeter—2/24

Debra Starnes—2/25

Dirk Widener—2/25

Will Henry—2/27

Jerry Miller—2/27

Cheryl Belk—2/28

Ben Cherry—2/28

Walter Payne—2/28

Mike Craig—2/29

Katelyn Smith—2/29

Online Giving Link

Online giving is once again up and running. Check it out at

www.firstarpchurch.org.

Attention: Important Notice

Please do not paint, move furniture, change or hang pictures, or

make any other significant changes in the buildings without

talking to Wade Huss and Jean Stewart. Posters must be

attached to our bulletin boards located throughout the buildings.

Do not tape anything to the walls or doors of the church. It will

be removed. Thank you.

Family Promise (IHN) Volunteers

First ARP will be supporting Family Promise (IHN) guests off

campus during 2018. We will not need volunteers until our new

facility is complete. Thank you for your faithfulness to this

ministry.

Leonard & Marlene Walls 2/07/76 42 years

Mike & Judy Daniels 2/10/74 44 years

Steve & Lisa Buchanan 2/14/87 31 years

Dan & Pat McCurry 2/14/59 59 years

Bob & Jo Ann Sytz 2/15/58 60 years

Cristian & Hilda Toro 2/15/08 10 years

Don & Gloria Wilson 2/18/62 56 years

Brad & Claire Wilson 2/19/94 24 years

Ray & Carolyn Jones 2/21/70 48 years

Joe & Debbie Erwin 2/22/14 4 years

Joe & Patsy Boyles 2/23/63 55 years

Fred & Vicki Caldwell 2/23/68 50 years

New Vespers Service Come join us on the last Sunday night of every month

beginning February 25 at 6pm for our new Vespers Service.

This service will be like a hymn-sing. If you love to sing

hymns, you will like this service.

Page 3: THE Link - First ARP Church, GastoniaTHE Link The First ARP Church Newsletter February 2018 Filled with All Fullness By Pastor Matt Kuiken As I recall, the U.S. Army once had a marketing

CHILI COOKOFF! Wednesday, February 21

CALLING ALL CHILI COOKERS!!! If you are willing to provide a pot of chili for the Chili Cookoff on February 21

st at 5:30pm, please

contact Josh Starnes or Josh Hjemvick in the church office (704-864-3468). All funds raised will go to the YOUTH mission trip this summer. Chili cookers will be judged by 3 enthusiastic chili lovers on the best chili and the winner will receive a great prize!

JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF FUN!

Wednesday Nights 2018! Wednesday Nights ministries began on a different note this year

with our Annual Talent Show on January 10 and Large Group

Teaching Time with Pastors Matt and Jeff on January 17, 24,

and 31. Following supper on February 7, we will have a Special

ARPConnect Missions Presentation at 6:30pm.

Adult Elective Classes will begin February 14 at 6:30pm.

Listed below are the classes being offered. Use Sunday’s

bulletin insert to sign up for a class and drop it in the offering

plate.

• Samson Society – Mark Forbes leading men in deepening

their love for Christ and His Church

• Men’s Journey Group – Micah Bomgaars and Randy

Mumford leading a men’s discipleship time

• Women’s Journey Group – A time for ladies’ building

real community with Sabrina Kuiken and Annabelle Kelly

• Knit One – Pray One – A time of community prayer for

any and all who want to participate!

• Pillars of Faith – A study with Pastor Matt of significant

historical figures and how God used them to impact the

Church

• The Book of Nehemiah – A Bible study with Pastor Jeff

looking into lessons learned during one of the great

building programs of God’s people

Wednesday Night Supper Menus

Fellowship Hall - 5:30pm

($4.00 per person or $12.00 per family)

February 7 chicken tenders, french fries, baked beans, tossed salad, dessert

February 14 barbecue, tossed salad, french fries, baked beans, dessert

February 21 Chili Cook-off for Youth Mission Trips!

February 28 spaghetti, tossed salad, garlic bread, dessert

Church Book Clubs! February Reads!

Morning Club

Monday, February 26—10:00 a.m.—Church Campus

“Pilgrim’s Progress” by John Bunyan

Evening Club

Monday, February 26 – 7:00 p.m. Home of Rebecca Maney, 2701 Steeplechase Road, 28056

“The Lady and the Lionheart” by Joann Bischof

Church Library We always have new books! Books and movies may be checked out for 3 weeks. Please be courteous and return items on time.

Facilities Coordinator at First ARP

We are still searching for a permanent Facilities Coordinator

which is a 20 hour per week position. If you are interested in a

full time job description or submitting a resume, contact Mike

Foster at the church office.

The Blood Drive Was Here!

On January 16 (the day and night before the BIG SNOW) we held the First ARP Blood Drive, in spite of the weather to come.

Although many of our usual donors were sick and the raising of the hemoglobin requirement for men to 13.0, we collected 37 pints.

Thank you donors and table volunteers! Save the date for our next blood drive on May 22nd, that’s 126 days from this one! Hope to

see you there! Vicki Marsh

Page 4: THE Link - First ARP Church, GastoniaTHE Link The First ARP Church Newsletter February 2018 Filled with All Fullness By Pastor Matt Kuiken As I recall, the U.S. Army once had a marketing

Children’s Ministry Updates

Big Hug Sunday!

Sunday, February 11

Bring $5.00 for Haiti Smile Banks!

Operation Artic!

Exploring the Coolest Book on the Planet!

Wednesday Nights! K-Fifth Grade!

“Therefore Go!” . . .and make disciples of all nations.

Join Us for a Spotlight on Missions! Reaching Wide, Rooting Deep!

Saturday, February 10 following the Missions Meal!

Childcare provided for ages 4 and under.

Age-Graded Programming for K-Fifth Grade.

Reservations: [email protected], [email protected]

Teacher Orientation!

Spring Quarter SS Teachers!

Sunday, February 18

Choice of Times:

12:15 p.m., 5:00 p.m.

Conference Room, First Floor Due to the introduction of new policies and

procedures, please consider this

orientation mandatory.

Celebrate Winter Birthdays at West Gastonia!

Friday, February 23, 4:00-5:00 p. m.

Join us as a Volunteer; contact Rebecca Maney.

Team Timothy Continues! February Verses!

February 4—Luke 10:27 February 11—John 13:34

February 18– I Corinthians 10:31 February 25—I Samuel 16:7

Communicants Class to Begin! Grades 3-6!

February 18– May 6, 2018 During the SS hour

The group will meet in a designated room on the Third Floor.

This class is for students whose parents feel they are ready to make a public profession of faith and become

Communicant members of First A. R. P. Church.

Contact Jon Oliphant, Pastoral Intern. [email protected]

Can You Think About Summer Yet? We Can! Save the Dates!

Adventure Camp, Jr.—June 25-28 Summer Adventure Camp—July 23-26

Page 5: THE Link - First ARP Church, GastoniaTHE Link The First ARP Church Newsletter February 2018 Filled with All Fullness By Pastor Matt Kuiken As I recall, the U.S. Army once had a marketing

Berlin Mission Trip 2018

She was in Berlin but her home was Russia. At 13, she already knew she wanted an education so she needed to improve her

English. That’s how she came to be at our 2017 Berlin English Camp. As we got to know her, we heard more about her home life,

her 13-year-old dreams and the sense of hopelessness that hung in the background of her life. Finally, when the adult leader could no

longer ignore the impulse she asked the girl, “Can I pray for you, talk to God for you?” The girl’s puzzled look and curious response

broke my heart: “What does that mean?”

That, in a nutshell, is the opportunity we have in serving in Berlin in July of 2018. As we draw closer to the spring, we need to

finalize the membership of this team. The clock is ticking! If God is stirring your heart to explore this amazing opportunity, please

connect with Mike Foster (704-460-5324) or Jeff Morrison (704-804-1921) ASAP!

2018 Scripture Memorization Plan!

Committing God’s Word to memory is a spiritual discipline that pays great dividends for our walk of faith and helps guard against

temptation, anxiety, and discouragement. This new plan will provide you with a verse to memorize each week of 2018. If you

participate, you will have memorized 52 verses at the end of the year! The weekly verse will be printed in your Sunday worship

bulletin and will be included in the weekly email blast. See January’s verses below. If you are a seasoned veteran at Scripture

memorization, or a total newbie, here is an opportunity to, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” (Col. 3:16)

Week 5 (February 4) Romans 4:16

“That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to

the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.”

Week 6 (February 11) Romans 5:1

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Week 7 (February 18) Romans 5:8

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Week 8 (February 25) Romans 6:23

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Tour the Holy Land—October 2018

A guided tour is the best way to discover the Holy Land and understand the Gospels, reading passages at some of the sacred sites that

you would visit. So much of Jesus’ ministry is centered on the Sea of Galilee and the surrounding communities, where He performed

so many miracles and called and taught his 12 apostles. In this area, you will:

1. Cross the Sea of Galilee

2. Tour Capernaum, Tabgha, and other sites

3. See the Mount of Beatitudes

If you have ever had the desire to visit Jerusalem and Israel, now is a great time by going with Pastor Matt, his parents Richard and

Margaret, and groups from our church and Richard’s church. Reserve your space now as the tour is filling up. Contact Mike Foster at

704-460-5324.

View of the Sea of Galilee and surrounding land Synagogue in Capernaum

Page 6: THE Link - First ARP Church, GastoniaTHE Link The First ARP Church Newsletter February 2018 Filled with All Fullness By Pastor Matt Kuiken As I recall, the U.S. Army once had a marketing

2018 Haiti Mission Team Prayer Itinerary

Thank you in advance for your prayers on our behalf! Below is a tentative itinerary so you can see what a typical trip

includes and pray accordingly. Please follow our Facebook page (First ARP Haiti Mission Team) for daily updates and

prayer requests during the trip.

Friday, February 23 - please pray for a long day of travel - we leave Charlotte at 6 a.m., land in Port-au-Prince about 1

p.m., and then travel by bus for about 4 hours to RMI’s Zanglais Ministry Center.

Saturday, February 24 - Following orientation and lunch, we will travel to Source Baptisté and thanks to you we will be

delivering 150 solar lights! Please pray for us as we travel, settle in to our rooms at the school and greet our brothers and

sisters in Christ.

Sunday, February 25 - Please join us in praying for the Source Baptisté worship service - all of us will be giving

greetings and Pastor Matt will be preaching. Pray for our Children's Event in the afternoon and the community Outdoor

Evangelistic Service in the evening. Mark will be preaching; KB and Dean are sharing testimonies.

Monday, February 26 - Today the men will do some painting and hang blackboards at the school and the ladies will

host the much-anticipated Ladies Tea in the afternoon. In the evening we will meet with the Source Baptisté deacons.

Tuesday, February 27 - Please pray for God's blessing as we visit one of the satellite churches in the morning with

Truscott sharing a devotion, host youth meetings in the afternoon with Mark and Betsy teaching, and share in the Evening

Farewell Service where Pastor Matt will be preaching.

Wednesday, February 28 - Today we will make home visits, enjoy lunch at Source Baptisté, and then say our goodbyes

to our brothers and sisters in Christ. We will return to the Zanglais Ministry Center for dinner and debriefing.

Thursday, March 1 - Today we'll have some free time, travel to Les Cayes to have lunch at the home of one of the RMI

missionaries, tour RMI's facilities and do some shopping.

Friday, March 2 - Pray for us as we come home today! We're leaving Zanglais bright and early and depart from Port-au-

Prince about 2 p.m., arriving in Charlotte around 9:30 pm.

“Surely, LORD, You bless the righteous;

You surround them with Your favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:12

Page 7: THE Link - First ARP Church, GastoniaTHE Link The First ARP Church Newsletter February 2018 Filled with All Fullness By Pastor Matt Kuiken As I recall, the U.S. Army once had a marketing

2018 Missions Conference - February 4, 7, 10 & 11

Wednesday, February 7th - ARPConnect Missionaries

During the Mission Conference week, two of our ARPConnect missionaries, Ken and Ali, will be speaking on Wednesday night,

February 7 at 6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Both have served many years as missionaries and will be sharing their testimonies and

some of their missionary experiences.

Ali and his wife and children lived in

South Asia as missionaries from 1993

to 2001. Now living in the Columbia,

SC area, Ali and his wife draw on their

experiences gained from living in

South Asia in reaching out in

friendship to Muslims in America. Ali

is on staff with ARPConnect, an ARP denominational

ministry to Muslims in America, that encourages greater

involvement by Christians in outreach to Muslims. He also

serves as ESL program coordinator for their church, Arsenal

Hill Presbyterian Church.

Ken and his wife, Jerri began their

service with World Witness in 1981,

serving among the Muslim Vai tribe in

West Africa from 1983-1991 and in the

ARP Church in South Asia from 1993-

1999. Since 2009, Ken has been part of

the ARPConnect team. From 2004 to

2017, Ken has also coordinated the annual 16 week

“Perspectives on the World Christian Movement” courses in

the Charlotte area and is now helping World Witness launch

the “PAK7” initiative.

Sunday, February 11th - Heiko speaking at 8:30 & 11am and

Josh & Vonia Thomas during Joint Adult Sunday School

Heiko Burkllin has served within the ARP denomination for over 30 years. Heiko

is currently serving as the Mission Developer at World Witness, which is the

missions arm of our denomination. As Missions Developer, his responsibilities

encompass:

• Member Care—ensuring that our missionaries are cared for

• Mobilization/Recruitment and guiding potential new missionaries through the

candidate process

• Church Relationships—interacting with our ARP churches to encourage them

in their missions involvement, resourcing them speaking and teaching, etc.

Previously, Heiko served as the senior Pastor at Neely’s Creek ARP Church in

Rock Hill for 6 years, as the team leader for a youth church planting team in East

Berlin for 11 years, and as the Minister of Youth and Christian Education at the

First Presbyterian Church in Lake Wales, FL for 9 years. While in East Berlin as

missionaries, he and his wife, Kay worked together with a German church in

planting a youth church in the far eastern district of Marzahn. While in East

Berlin, their team was involved in 5-6 church plants.

Heiko and his wife, Kay have 3 grown sons, and Kay is currently serving as the

refugee liaison for Mission to the World (PCA mission arm). Heiko has a B. A.

History and has a Master of Divinity and a Doctorate of Ministry from Gordon-

Conwell Theological Seminary.

Joshua and Vonia Thomas have served in Turkey for 8 1/2 years. They served in

Izmir for 5 years before being called to lead a team to plant a church in another

provincial capital. They were privileged to see the Lord bless their work in Aydin

by establishing a small body of believers. Joshua and Vonia are now preparing to

serve the Lord through outreach to Muslims in Germany. They have five children;

Isaiah (16), Krystyna (14), Ella (11), Isaac (8), and Samuel (2).

Sunday, February 4 - Update from Four Local Agencies - Joint Adult Sunday School

On February 4, 2018 during the Sunday School hour, we would like all adults to meet in the Fellowship Hall to hear what some of

our local ministries are doing. We will listen to updates from the following organizations:

• Boys and Girls Club of Greater Gaston County - Chad Melvin, Executive Director

Chad graduated from UNC-Greensboro and has been with the Boys and Girls Club since 2006.

• Gaston County Young Life - Ken Barkley, Area Director

Young Life touches hundreds of high school students throughout Gaston County.

• Crisis Pregnancy Center of Gaston County, Inc. - Ancil Overby, Executive Director

Ancil has been with this ministry for 30 years. Crisis Pregnancy Center is a non-profit organization of committed Christians,

volunteers and staff, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and actively helping women, men and families in crisis pregnancy

situations.

• Fellowship of Christian Athletics (FCA) - Lincoln Lawing, Director

FCA works with hundreds of middle school and high school students in Gaston County.

If you have any questions, please call Pat Morrow, 704-616-8403.

Page 8: THE Link - First ARP Church, GastoniaTHE Link The First ARP Church Newsletter February 2018 Filled with All Fullness By Pastor Matt Kuiken As I recall, the U.S. Army once had a marketing
Page 9: THE Link - First ARP Church, GastoniaTHE Link The First ARP Church Newsletter February 2018 Filled with All Fullness By Pastor Matt Kuiken As I recall, the U.S. Army once had a marketing

Music Ministry Update Praise God in his Sanctuary

Oh love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure, the

saints and angels’ strong “The Love of God” by Frederick Lehman, 1917

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Why do I sing?

“It is important to sing in church because you use your gift to share the gospel story.” Jack Hayes, age 11

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Mark your calendars for special musical guests!

Gaston County Choral Ensemble

Leading us in worship at the 11:00 service on February 18

The Wingate University Singers on tour

February 20 at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you to our Talent Show participants!

It was a great evening celebrating the gifts God has given to our church family in visual art, musical performance, technological savvy, comedic delivery, and athletic strength.

Same time next year!

Dear Church Family,

I want to thank my church family for the acts of kindness during my recent open heart surgery.

Kami, Paisley, and I are very grateful for the support we received during this very challenging

health emergency. Thanks for the cards, hospital visits, calls, and prepared food. My family and I

are very appreciative. Your continued prayers are appreciated.

In Christ,

Chris, Kami, and Paisley McKay

Dear Friends,

Thank you all for the many acts of kindness and concern shown to me during the time of preparation for and during

the week of my recent eye surgery. Your telephone calls, mailing sweet cards of encouragement to me, and your many

prayers have been most appreciated. I am doing very well and in God’s grace am blessed.

In Christ’s Love,

Nancy I. Wilson

Dear Church Family,

Thank you so much for your prayers and support during this last season in our family’s life, including my

unemployment and my broken foot. Words truly cannot express how thankful our family is to be a part of our church

and for the many ways you have encouraged us over the last few months with your prayers, calls, visits, meals, and

cards. We are so thankful!

Sincerely,

Jaime, Lily, Nora, and Carol Ann

Page 10: THE Link - First ARP Church, GastoniaTHE Link The First ARP Church Newsletter February 2018 Filled with All Fullness By Pastor Matt Kuiken As I recall, the U.S. Army once had a marketing
Page 11: THE Link - First ARP Church, GastoniaTHE Link The First ARP Church Newsletter February 2018 Filled with All Fullness By Pastor Matt Kuiken As I recall, the U.S. Army once had a marketing

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28

Page 12: THE Link - First ARP Church, GastoniaTHE Link The First ARP Church Newsletter February 2018 Filled with All Fullness By Pastor Matt Kuiken As I recall, the U.S. Army once had a marketing

In God We Trust

First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 317 S. Chester Street, Gastonia, NC 28052

Phone: 704-864-3468, Fax: 704-864-2416

Church email: [email protected]

Rev. Matt Kuiken: [email protected]

Rev. Dr. Jeff Morrison: [email protected]

www.firstarpchurch.org

Return Service Requested

Non-Profit

Organization

U. S. Postage Paid

Gastonia, NC

Permit No. 196

Have You Found A Sunday School Community?

Here’s some opportunities for you to explore!

• Grier Bible Class (Men Only) - Connecting Around God’s Word is facilitated by John Williams and meets in Room

201.

• Reid-McDill Mustard Seed Class - Taught by multiple teachers, this class uses the Bible-in-Life Quarterly for

discussion around God’s Word. Meets in Room 202.

• Elective Class - Walking through the Book of Revelation, Walt Windley brings an exposition and explanation of this

fascinating book to the class. Meets in the Chapel.

• Ladies Only Class - Eve Schaap leads a discussion and study of Priscilla Shirer’s book, The Armor of God. Meets in

313.

• New Life Class - A verse-by-verse study of the book of Acts led by Gary Miller and various teachers. Meets in 304.

• Young Adult Class - Led by Jon Oliphant, this class for early to mid-20s will be exploring the book of James. Meets

in 306.

• Generations Class - In What Makes Us Tick? Jeff Morrison leads a conversation on how sin has affected every

aspect of our lives, especially our relationships. Meets in 305.

• Cross Trainers Class - Taught by multiple teachers, this class of 30 somethings will be studying church history

followed by Tim Keller’s Counterfeit Gods. Meets in 309.

• Inquirer’s Class - Interested in exploring what it means to be a part of the First ARP family? This class walks you

through the basics of faith and First ARP!