First Presbyterian News First Presbyterian Church of Wilmington, North Carolina

~ A Stephen Ministry Congregation ~ Volume 20 Issue 14 8/16/2015—9/2/2015

If you’ve been

traveling this

summer and have

gotten behind on

your giving to the

church, now would be a great time to

catch up. And if you’ve been faithful

in giving through the summer, I’m

grateful for your gifts, which make all

that we do here possible.

Your generosity has helped us send 25

of our High School Youth on a

mission trip to Jamaica this summer,

and 22 of our Middle School Youth to

do urban ministry in Charlotte. These

mission trips can be life changing and

are an important part of our children’s

faith journey.

Your generosity has made Beach

Reach possible this summer, a time of

fun and fellowship and significant

conversation for our young people

about things that matter.

Your gifts are making it possible for us

to hire a new full-time Director of

Youth Ministry at our church,

Elizabeth Hipp. Elizabeth will join

our youth and their families on their

journeys. She will be a source of

encouragement and instruction and

help them grow in faith and love.

Your gifts allowed us to host another

fantastic Vacation Bible School, where

children form friendships and learn

lessons that stay with them for life.

Your generosity has allowed us to host

homeless families at our church

through Interfaith Hospitality, and to

feed the hungry through our work with

Good Shepherd Ministries. Your gifts

to the Pastor’s Fund have kept families

from being evicted, and from losing

their power or water, or helped

someone get back home.

Your gifts have allowed us to provide

weekly worship all summer long, a

source of inspiration for both members

and the many guests who join us while

vacationing in the area. Your gifts

have allowed us to repair aging air

conditioning units – thanks especially

for that.

Your generosity allows us to provide

care and support for families in

challenging times, through the care of

our pastors and Stephen Ministry and

through our support of the

Presbyterian Counseling Center.

Your gifts have provided a place for us

to gather and study Scripture, and to

gather and discuss challenges faced by

the children in our community, a place

to meet and dream about where God is

leading our church.

As you make your gifts to the church

this summer, I hope you will think

about these and so many other things

which your generosity makes possible.

Your gifts are needed and appreciated

and used for God’s work in and

through our church.

Your pastor,

Ernie

FROM

THE

PASTOR

Sunday, August 16

“When We Need Some

Convincing”

Charlie Lee

Romans 8:31-39

COMING SOON:

Kick off to the Christian Education

Year and return of the normal

schedule is Sept. 13, 2015!

Bell Dedication—Ernie stands beside

John and Judy Thomas following the

dedication of the Emma Bell, the bell

in memory of their granddaughter,

Emma. It has been installed into the

bell tower. It is a G3 bell and weighs

1,323 lb. making it the second largest

bell we have. Much gratitude to the

family for this beautiful addition!

WELCOME ELIZABETH HIPP! For those of you who

don’t get the Enews,

you may have missed

the announcement

that Elizabeth Hipp,

is our new full-time

Youth Director and

will start Tuesday,

September 1!

Elizabeth comes to

First Presbyterian from St. John's United

Church of Christ in Mokena, Illinois where

she has served as Director of Youth Ministries

for six years. Elizabeth is a native North

Carolinian. Elizabeth grew up in the First

Presbyterian Church of Greensboro. She

graduated from Appalachian State University

with a Bachelor's Degree in Education and

received a Master's Degree in Education from

Elon. Elizabeth was both a teacher and an in-

school reading tutor in Guilford County

Schools for fifteen years.

Before moving to Chicago, Elizabeth was

active in the Starmount Presbyterian Church

of Greensboro where she was a leader in their

youth ministry for twenty years. Elizabeth

also served the Starmount Church as an elder,

member of the Pastor Nominating Committee,

preschool board member, chair of Christian

Education and Youth Committees, and was

named their Presbyterian Woman of the Year

in 2008.

Elizabeth has two children, Stafford who will

be starting his junior year at Columbia

College in Chicago where he is majoring in

Live and Installed Sound with the intention of

becoming a sound engineer. McClaren will

begin this August at Elon University with

hopes of studying biology and Spanish and

becoming a medical doctor. Elizabeth enjoys

cooking, gardening, reading, exercising, and

spending time with her children and her

Weimeraner, Riley. Elizabeth is very excited

to be returning to North Carolina and

beginning her ministry with the youth,

families, and congregation of First

Presbyterian.

STEPHEN MINISTRY VERSE God is our refuge and our strength, an

ever-present help in trouble. —Psalm 46:1

When you feel depressed, down and out, it

helps if you can talk about it to someone in

confidence. Stephen Ministers have been

trained to listen with an open heart. Call the

church at 762-6688, or Ann Combs at 762-

4776 if you want more information.

APPRECIATION FOR THE SERVICE OF THE INTERIM DIRECTOR

OF YOUTH & ASSISTANT YOUTH DIRECTOR

Thank you to Jane Hawthorne, our Inter im Director of Youth Mission and

Involvement. Since January of this year, Jane has faithfully led our

Confirmation Class, our efforts to involve Youth in mission within the church

and in the community, led our middle school mission trip to Charlotte, and

Beach Reach. The youth, parents, staff and congregation give thanks to God for

Jane coming to be among us during this interim time. We are grateful for her

witness and her service. Please join in thanking Jane for her wonderful service!

Youth and Parents, come celebrate Jessie Scofield' s ministry among us on

Monday, August 17 at 3:00 p.m. at the TCBY on Oleandar by Whole

Foods. Come share some time with Jessie and thank her for her 17 months as

our Assistant Youth Director. If you can stay out and play, meet up after this at

Jungle Rapids at 4:00 p.m. for some final youth summer fun before we have to

head back to school. Meet Jessie in the lobby and be sure to send her an email at

Jessie@firstonthird.org, so she knows to be looking out for you. Jessie's time

with First Presbyterian officially comes to a close at the end of August but we

hope she won't be a stranger! Thank you Jessie for all you have shared with us

and given to our youth! The First Presbyterian Church gives thanks to God for

Jessie and her ministry here! The congregation will thank Jane and Jessie in

worship on Sunday, August 16 at 10:00 a.m.

WEDNESDAYS@FIRST RETURNING SOON____________________

9/09 Come get Irie, Mon—Celebrate Jamaica Youth Mission Wear your favorite Caribbean attire, enjoy a Jamaican-themed meal,

and then hear a report from Senior High Mission team.

9/16 Come Join the Choir Have you ever dreamed of singing in our Chancel Choir? Come join

their rehearsal. Everyone, of all ages and singing abilities can feel like

a beautiful singer tonight!

9/23 Come Get Connected with First Pres Family, Part 1 Meet our newest members, hear some of their stories, and share your

own.

9/30 Come Get Connected with the First Pres Family Part 2

Meet two First Pres members who are in the dessert business: Sallie Price

and Suzanne Coleman. Bring your own favorite dessert for our “best

dessert contest.” All children will enjoy decorating their own cupcake

tonight too!

The rest of the schedule and more information is available soon at www.

firstonthird.org

MUSIC AT FIRST RETURNS FOR ITS 2015—2016 SEASON

Another enriching season of MAF is almost here! More details will be coming

out soon, but here are the Fall dates to jot on your calendar for now!

Cape Fear Brassworks Chris Ackerman & John Lacognatta, trumpets;

Steve Skillman, horn; Chad Horsley, trombone; Dan Johnson, tuba-

Sunday, Sept. 20

Mary Jo White, flute; Elizabeth Loparits, piano; & Helena Spencer,

bassoon- Sunday, Oct. 18

Faure´ Requiem with the Chancel Choir and Hoggard High School

Voyagers-Sunday, Nov. 1 during the 11:00 a.m. worship service

Danijela Zezelj-Gualdi, violin, Paolo Andre' Gualdi, piano-Sunday,

Nov. 15

Organ Recitals for the Season of Advent with Organists Dr. William

Weisser, Jordan Prescott and Justin Smith-Tuesdays, Dec. 1, 8, & 15

at 12:10 - 12:40 p.m. (reservations required for lunch)

John T. Hoggard High School Holiday Choral Concert-Sun., Dec. 13

Time and place is 5:00 p.m. at the sanctuary of First Presbyterian unless noted.

Page 2 www.firstonthird.org August 16, 2015

Elizabeth and McClaren

August 16, 2015 www.firstonthird.org Page 3

DID YOU KNOW?

PULPIT AND LECTERN HISTORY The Pulpit was given in memory of

Mr. And Mrs. William Gilchrist. It is

decorated with sculpted roses

representing the Old Testament “Rose

of Sharon,” symbolic of Christ.

The Lectern is the desk from which

scripture lessons are read. The pulpit

and lectern were given in memory of

William Gilchrist and Ella Frances Lilly

Gilchrist, by their daughters, Eleanor

Gilchrist Wright and Jennie Gilchrist

Hill.

The Bible

here is the

1855 Bible

which was

printed in

London.

This Bible was not destroyed in the

1925 fire because it was in Kansas at

the time. It had been used regularly in

the worship services until the Civil War.

It was stolen by a young Union soldier,

who in turn sold it to Lt. Sidney Cooke.

The sale took place in 1865 for $16. The

Cooke family kept the Bible at their

home until 1928, when Thurston Cooke

returned it to the lectern of the newly

completed sanctuary.

—History Committee

PENNIES FROM HEAVEN—A BEACH REACH STORY_____________

“Everytime it rains, it rains

Pennies from heaven.

Don’t you know that each cloud contains Pennies from heaven.”—Bing Crosby

Most folks don’t consider pennies to be valuable these days, but this year’s Beach

Reach gave me cause to consider their worth. During my preparations, I ran across

an article about the meaning behind the old saying, “pennies from heaven.” The

story goes that angels will throw pennies down from heaven as signs of favor and

blessing. Hmmm…

Beach Reach, our annual gathering for middle school

youth, met at the Wrightsville Beach home of Becky

and Ferrell Shuford and Beach Access #38 for games,

fellowship, music, dinner and to discuss our theme,

“Something of Value,” Several young adults—Jennifer

Mueske, April and John Query, Danielle and Joseph

Taylor, Jessie Scofield and Lesslie Overton Duncan—

served as mentors for our small group discussions. We

also welcomed several new speakers: Evie Nicklas, head of the Grandparents

Support Network; Whitney Fauntleroy, pastor of Chestnut Street Presbyterian

Church; Jarrett Shearin, a Stephen Minister and former baseball

star; and Lindsey Luther, church member and district court

judge. Our new music leader, Alex Hall, aka “Big Al,” brought

bluegrass banjo, guitar and gospel music for the week.

As I was preparing, I prayed that things would go well, that the

youth would come out, and most of all, that it would not rain!

On the first day of Beach Reach, it not only rained—it poured!!

Thunder, lightning! Folks wanted to know if I would call it off!

About an hour before the start, the skies cleared and we had one

of the most beautiful evenings on the beach you could imagine.

A cool breeze was blowing, dozens of surfer’s were riding the waves, and our

Coleman lanterns warmed our hearts as we took in the beautiful sunset glowing

behind the last of the storm clouds. That night, I found my first penny on the beach.

For three more nights, clouds and rain threatened. And for three more nights, the

skies cleared so that we could enjoy awesome fellowship and meaningful

discussion. Each speaker revealed

something of value in their own

Christian walk of faith—community,

family and friends, persistence, servant-

leadership, humility, kindness and

serving others. And on each of the next

three nights, I found another penny.

The Holy Spirit works in many

mysterious ways. God blessed our youth as well as our young adult leaders during

this wonderful time of sharing. Thanks be to God for Beach Reach 2015! Thanks be

to God for pennies from heaven!

—Jane Hawthorne

FRIENDS AT FIRST-THE WIDOW SPY MARTI SHOGI PRESENTS!_____

Wilmington author and former spy will be the guest speaker for Friends at First on Sept. 10 at 1:30 p.m. in Gilmour Hall. Marti Shogi Peterson in her book, The

Widow Spy, takes us from the jungles of Laos to the notorious Lubyanka Prison in

Moscow and to the day she tells her children what their mother actually does for a

living! All are welcome! The program will be in Gilmour Hall and cost is only

$2.00. Light refreshments will be served. Signup information coming soon online!

2015-2016 CHOIR SEASON Children/Youth runs

September 2—March 16

Ending with the Musical

“100% Chance of Rain”

Practice Wednesdays, 4:45—5:45 p.m.

Signup online!

“It is my vision and hope for our church

to be able to continually offer a positive

and enriching musical experience in the

lives of our children from the very

earliest of age into adulthood.”

—John Tabler

www.firstonthird.org

Phone: 762-6688 Fax: 762-7471

Pastor On Call - 762-9622

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August 16, 2015—August 30, 2015

Sunday, August 16 8:45 AM Worship, Chapel 9:00 AM Adult Bible Study- R305 9:00 AM Worship - Gilmour Hall 10:00 AM Worship - Sanctuary 11:00 AM Cookies in the Courtyard-Orange St. entrance

Monday, August 17 7:00 PM Men's Basketball, gym

Tuesday, August 18 9:30 AM Staff Mtg - All -R305 5:30 PM Global Missions - R305 7:30 PM Men's Basketball - Gym

Wednesday, August 19 5:30 PM ONC - SR 7:30 PM Deacons Meeting (Full), Boney Hall

Thursday, August 20 7:30 PM New LIFE Band Rehearsal -GH 8:00 PM Basketball - Gym

Friday, August 21 6:00 PM Jamaica Trip Reunion - Airlie Gardens

Saturday, August 22 8:00 AM Men's Bible Study -Carriage House

Sunday, August 23 BACKPACK BLESSING 9 & 10 8:45 AM Worship, Chapel 9:00 AM Adult Bible Study- R305 9:00 AM Grey Kitchen in use 9:00 AM Worship - Gilmour Hall 10:00 AM Meet our new Youth Director - Boney Hall

10:00 AM Worship - Sanctuary 11:00 AM Cookies in the Courtyard-Orange St. entrance

Monday, August 24

7:00 PM Men's Basketball, gym

Tuesday, August 25

9:00 AM Staff Mtg - All -R305

7:30 PM Men's Basketball - Gym

Wednesday, August 26 5:30 PM ONC - SR 5:30 PM Preschool Parents' Night - sanctuary

Thursday, August 27 12:00 PM Admin-Finance - SR 7:30 PM New LIFE Band Rehearsal -GH 8:00 PM Basketball - Gym

Friday, August 28

Saturday, August 29

8:00 AM Men's Bible Study -Carriage House

9:00 AM Worship & Wonder training - R208

Sunday, August 30 8:45 AM Worship, Chapel 9:00 AM Adult Bible Study- R305 9:00 AM Youth present mission trip exp. - Boney Hall

9:00 AM Worship - Gilmour Hall

10:00 AM Baptism - Stone twins

10:00 AM Worship - sanctuary

11:00 AM Cookies in the Courtyard-Orange St.

Entrance

ALSO COMING UP

-The second annual Family Retreat held on

September 26 -September 27. Watch for details!

See more events and the most up to date listings at www.firstonthird.org (Click on the calendar graphic).

BACKPACK BLESSING will be

Sunday, August 23 at the 9 a.m. and 10

a.m. worship services. Children are invited

to wear their backpacks for a special time

during the services. We hope you will

bring a donation of school supplies or

make a financial donation to support

children in need. Suggested items for

donation:

backpacks

Crayola markers

Crayola crayons

glue sticks

construction paper

notebook paper

marble notebooks

Ticonderoga pencils

pens,

pencil sharpeners

coloring books

art activities

games-(Mancala

Uno, Checkers,

Chess, Sorry,

Connect Four

playing cards).