Get Connected Through A Shepherd Group · Get Connected Through A Shepherd Group Shepherd Groups...
Transcript of Get Connected Through A Shepherd Group · Get Connected Through A Shepherd Group Shepherd Groups...
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
PRAISING GOD , MAKING D ISCIPLES , CHANGING L IVES .
JULY 2017 VOLUME 41 ISSUE 7
Get Connected
Through
A Shepherd Group
Shepherd Groups create deeper relationships within the church family. EVERY family at FPC will be assigned to
a Shepherd Group. This is what it will look like:
Our membership will be divided into groups of 5 families
Each group will be led by a volunteer “Shepherd” who will keep in touch with them on a weekly basis out-
side of church. (ie: telephone, email, text, social media, face-to-face)
Shepherd Groups may choose to get together occasionally for coffee, a meal, or an event
Shepherds will keep conversations confidential, and relay information to the pastor and prayer chain with
your permission
Being a Shepherd is a great way to serve your congregation and build relationships simply by making a few phone
calls/emails each week, then greeting your “flock” on Sunday morning. Next steps:
Sunday School classes are setting up groups within their members
Choir, Praise Band, and other small groups are doing the same
Session Members will shepherd those who are not connected through a small group
The goal is for every member to be in a Shepherd Group by Rally Day (August 13).
Training will be provided in late July for volunteer Shepherds.
For more information, or to volunteer as a Shepherd, contact Kathy at (813) 841-7374.
� Serving Through Hospitality
Do you have the gift of "Hospitality"? Sharing a welcoming "smile" will mean a lot
to those who come to worship, members and visitors alike. Sign up to be a greeter for
one of the services by stopping by the table in Mauldin Hall on Sunday or contact
Donna Bassett at [email protected] or 433-6498.
Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5
Page 2
What a blessing It has been to read Luke chapter 24
together for the last few months. I am reminded of
words I referred to months ago: “Luke 24 is a small
masterpiece, designed as the closing scene for a large-
scale work of art.” (N.T. Wright, Resurrection of the
Son of God, 647)
We have read through the biggest chunks of this won-
derful Easter text: the first resurrection appearance,
the walk to Emmaus, the funny scene where they
think Jesus is a ghost and He proves He isn’t by eat-
ing a fish sandwich (I’m still pushing that!). Now we
come to the small conclusion, Luke 24:50-53.
Jesus leads the disciples, men and women, “as far as
Bethany, and lifting up His hands, He blessed them.”
We may think of the blessings and benedictions of
various preachers throughout our life times. Maybe at
the end of worship they say “Go in peace to love and
serve the Lord.” Or the Aaronic Blessing: “May the
Lord bless you and keep you, etc.” Whatever Jesus
may have said, He raised His hands and marks the
transition for the disciples with His blessing. And
then “He withdrew from them and was carried up
into heaven.” This is called the Ascension. Jesus as-
cends, goes up into heaven. Why is this important?
What it means is this: Jesus is the Son of God. He
came from God and He will return to God. Some-
times we say that Jesus “sits at the right hand of
God,” which is another way of saying the same thing.
John’s gospel reminds us in other words, “[Jesus] and
the Father are one.” I heard a preacher say once,
“Jesus was who HE SAID He was. Jesus did what
He said He did.” That is simple and kind of perfect.
The Ascension of Jesus can remind us of that. Just as
He became a human being, a baby, He ascends to the
right hand of God the Father Almighty.
So it is fitting that the disciples, “worshipped Him,
and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they
were continually in the temple blessing God.” The
disciples were faithful and devout men and women
(remember, women have a special place in Luke’s
gospel, so it is safe to assume that women would have
been a huge part of things). But is it odd to think of
them in the temple? To think of these early Chris-
tians in the temple, does that strike you as odd? May-
be, maybe not. What is happening now is more of
that transition. The disciples are in Jerusalem and
they begin to wait for the “Promise of the Father,”
the Holy Spirit that descends on them in Acts 2
MikE’S MuSingS (Luke’s sequel!). So it isn’t too odd that the disciples,
who have gone to Temple all their life, continue to go,
and pray, and worship and thank God for the amazing
experiences they have had, EVEN as they are transition-
ing and changing in ways they can’t put into words.
The only thing that doesn’t change in life is that there is
always change. Graduates are anticipating great change
as they look toward the fall. Friends we have, moved
away. We also feel it as we age and our body changes,
usually without asking us. As we continue to experience
these transitions in life, let us remember Jesus, His
blessing upon us, His presence with us, and may we
“worship” with “great joy” as His disciples. Today. And
tomorrow. And forever.
Blessings, Mike
Looking Ahead
Aug 10 Preschool VPK begins
Aug 13 Rally Day Celebrations
Rising 2nd Graders receive their Bibles
Aug 27 Hospitality Sunday
Sept 6 Bible Study classes resume
Choir rehearsals resume
Sept 10 Retirement Reception for Joyce Allen
Mauldin Hall at 9:30am
Family Promise week begins
Sept 11 & 12 Parents’ Morning Out, 9am-noon
Sept 16 SAGE—”Being Mortal”
Sept 24 Hospitality Sunday
Hassle-Free Shopping
Every year Beth-El Ministries distributes about 500
backpacks to area children returning to school. If
you would like to participate in this effort, donate
$10 per backpack and we will do the shopping for
you. Make your check payable to the
church, earmarked “backpacks”. Dead-
line is July 23rd. For more information,
call Sherry at 654-2381.
Page 3
Parish Nurse Notes June 1— Nov 30 can be a very wearisome time for some Floridians.
Don’t you just “love it” when the weatherman says to “Hunker down”? Just
remember, if you are advised to evacuate, do so. Have a plan ready on how
you will do that, where you might go, and how you will get there. Many
people must work in emergency shelters during that time and need to be sure they have a plan in place for their
families and pets. The National Hurricane Center has several items for review in getting prepared for hurricanes.
You can go to their website for more information at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php.
The main thing to do is to prepare a basic emergency supply kit. Here are some basic recommended items:
√ Basic Items to Include in an Emergency Supply Kit
Other items to remember include medications, infant formula, diapers, pet food, important papers, cash, sleeping
bag or warm blanket, clean clothes, matches in a waterproof container, and activities for children (books, games,
puzzles). Please check the NOAA website for a complete list.
Lizette W. Reese (1909) wrote the following hymn: Glad that I live am I; That the sky is blue; Glad for the coun-
try lanes, And the fall of dew. After the sun, the rain, After the rain the sun; This is the way of life, Till the work
be done. All that we need to do, Be we low or high, Is to see that we grow, Nearer to God on high. Hopefully, we
can remember these words during our next hurricane, tornado, flood, or whatever crises we may have.
Linda LaComb-Williams, Parish Nurse
Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days, for drinking and san-
itation At least a 3-day supply of food, non-perishable items
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and
extra batteries for both Flashlights and batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air, and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter
-in-place Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Can opener (non-electronic) for food
Local maps
PETRIE,�Bob�&�Mary 2221 Sifield Greens Way Sun City Center, FL 33573 938-4249 [email protected]
WEBER,��Kevin�&�Callie* ���������Molly, Ben 4704 Fernstone Ct. Brandon, FL 33511 404-831-4460 (Callie) 404-831-0451 (Kevin) [email protected] [email protected]
* ordained, not a member of a local church
WICKER,�Kurt�&�Diana �������Dj, Desiree, Trey, Lyla 310 New London Ct Brandon, FL 33510 263-5003 (Kurt) 263-5019 (Diana) [email protected]
Welcome New Members
Page 4
Praise Team Profile by Donald Zegel
Music Notes
Join us for Summer Choir!
Come to the choir room at 10:15am, on July 2 and 30,
and we’ll learn an easy anthem to sing at the 11am ser-
vice. The music and folder will be provided. Bring
your enthusiasm and willingness to sing!
For more information, contact Tara at 313-0439 or
We’re deep in the summer season and a whole month
of summer soloists has passed. A big thanks to Trey
Bradshaw, flute; Don Zegel, trombone; Dave Royle,
trumpet; and Debi Hayden, soprano, for sharing their
talents during June.
In July, you can look forward to Pat Ogden, piano;
Mike Yasenchak, voice; Dave Royle, trumpet; a mixed
quartet from the Choir and the Summer Choir!
Tara Swartzbaugh
Director of Music Ministries
Angela is a loyal member of our Praise Team vocal section. She and her husband, Dan, along with their daughters,
Lydia and Celia have attended First Presbyterian Church of Brandon for fifteen years. She usually sits in the front
row of the praise singers and can easily be identified by her glowing smile even at 7:30 am rehearsals. Her love of
music began in elementary school and has continued to grow ever since. Growing up in Texas, she was a member
of various school choirs and sang in a church choir while residing in Oklahoma.
Between step brothers and biological brothers, Angela has the distinction of being the only girl in a family of ten
children. By the time she was grown she had the ability to throw a perfect spiral in a game of backyard football.
Later, as Mom to two daughters, she found it necessary to expand her life skills in some new directions.
Angela is a natural as a church musician because, as she puts it, “I am fed by the music.” In addition to her love of
the inspirational songs she sings at church, she is a diehard Disco fan.
Thank you, Angela for serving God by sharing your voice in song.
Ready to Help
Here it is already the middle of summer, a time
to relax, regroup, and perhaps have a little
family time. Still in relaxing times things can
happen, an accident or an illness. Family get-
togethers can become a little stressful. As al-
ways, Stephen Ministers are here ready to lis-
ten, laugh, or cry with you.
Don’t forget, if you have a need, your Stephen
Ministers are always available. Contact the
church office (689-4597), to get in touch with
a Stephen Minister.
Have a blessed summer.
Page 5 Page 4 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5
Page 5
���Elders
Donna Bassett
Carmen Felts
Kathy Grant
Stephanie Hamilton
Debi Hayden
Tom LeFevre
John McIntosh
Pat Ogden—clerk
Eric Peterson
Jacob Poirson
Ian Reinke
Cheryl Rogers
Laura Ross
Jalene Royle
Diane Russell
Ervin Skovgaard
Doug Vartanian
Karen Weber
Chris Wilhelm
Jim Yockey
Angela Zane
Staff
Pastor
Michael W. McCormack
Pastor Emeritus
Earl J. Smith
Director of Music Ministries
Tara Richards Swartzbaugh
Director of Praise Music
Donald J. Zegel
Director of Youth Ministries
Larry Rush
Preschool Director
Lynn Bruner
Administrative Assistant
Joyce Allen
Financial Assistant
Luisa Guillen
Facilities Manager
Steve Benitez
Night Custodian
Jim Twente
Session Spotlight - July Session members are listed in the Happenings and telephone directory, and are always willing to talk with you about the work of our church.
Connecting You may have noticed our greeters on Sunday morning, who welcome all to worship as
they arrive. Member Care will add you to the rotation to greet people on Sunday morn-
ings! Contact Donna Bassett at [email protected]. Sunday, June 25, is
Hospitality Sunday. Invite a friend or neighbor to church and enjoy refreshments and
fellowship in Mauldin Hall
Encouraging Words Session members had many kind words for the church office staff. Particularly newer
members Luisa Guillen, Larry Rush and Barb Kemp. Although transitions are always
hard, with time, unity and a little extra effort things fall into place.
Retirement! And speaking of transitions, Joyce Allen will retire after 27 years of faithful service!
Save this date for a celebration: Sunday, September 10 at 9:30 am. Joyce will join us
for both services that day, and her last day in the office will be September 29. Joyce is a
blessing to FPCB, and her work has made a huge impact on our ministries.
VBS A huge thank you to our VBS volunteers! One Session member described them as
“amazingly talented” people. Using your gifts for mission – that’s what it’s all about.
Service The gratitude we hold for the people of FPC is great. A quote from our June meeting:
“I am overwhelmed with the service to our Lord that folks are doing.” Appreciation to
Erv Skovgaard who will fulfill the rest of David Conrad’s term as Buildings and
Grounds Elder. Also to Karen Weber who will fulfill the rest of Christina Werner’s
term on Discipleship.
Update on Shepherd Groups Our goal is to have every person at FPC in a Shepherd Group by Rally Day, Aug 13.
Groups will consist of 5 families and a Shepherd. Shepherds check in with their families
on a weekly basis, outside of church, through email, social media, telephone or visits.
Later this summer you will be contacted regarding this effort.
Children’s classes gather in Mauldin Hall. This is a great line up!
+ July 2 – Sherry Skovgaard / Are you “write” with God?
+ July 9 - Lynn Pabst / Cooking from the Bible
+ July 16 – Meghann Pabst
+ July 23 – Kathy Grant / Disney Music and God
+ July 30 – Lynn Pabst / Creation Station
+ August 6 – Kevin & Callie Weber
+ August 13 – Rally�Day
Adult Leaders: Join a class today!
Dave Teeples—Rm 102
Amy Fleming and John McIntosh—Rm 103
Jackie Williams—Rm 104
Summer
Sunday
School
9:45 to 10:45am
� ������August�Birthdays 1 Alex Barlow
2 Jerry Iwerks, Jonathan Patrick, Tom Nicholson
4 Phil Coldwell, Allison Elrod, Sue Lee, Jackson Thoms
5 Mark Mann, Becky Thoms
6 Andy Staley
7 Jean Goss, Cody Mann, Cate Wilhelm
8 Barbara Butler, Dale Hogg, Eric Peterson
9 Lynn Pabst
10 Chrissie Harper
11 Deborah Hundley
12 Karen Conrad
15 Stan McClelland, Dennis Woodall
16 Carolyn McClelland
17 Reed Grable, Mike Miles, Tara Swartzbaugh
18 Barbara Tudek
19 Lynn Lianzo, Christina Werner
21 Eric Werner
22 Karyn Peterson
23 Brenda Nolte, Kurt Wicker
24 Jerome Grable, Tom LeFevre, Mary Petrie
25 Matthew King
26 Gary Lindow
27 Earl Smith
28 Tessa Monroe
29 Sandy LeFevre
30 Jim McNeil
31 Raegan Nolte
�August�Anniversaries
1 Paul & Priscilla Babas
David & Sue Teeples
2 Jon & Karla Scobie
4 Gene & Connie Whitacre
7 Bill and Sandy Penrose
11 Bob & Sue Ellen Lee
15 Tommy & Sandy LeFevre
16 Dean & Barb Warner
17 Pat & Jim Robinson
18 Jerry & Karen Cohen
Ted & Betsy Polakiewicz
21 Peter and Jean Emery
22 Allen & Tonya Liberato
23 John & Margaret Barlow
26 Ervin and Sherry Skovgaard
30 Joe & Christine Karow
Robert & Linda Williams
Page 6 � �����July�Opportunities
2 Communion
Summer Choir: 10:15am
4 Church Office Closed
11 Health Ministry Team: 1pm
12 Nominating Committee: 7pm
16 3 Cents A Meal Offering
Blood Pressures Taken
20 Coordinating Council: 6:30pm
Session: 7pm
26 Nominating Committee: 7pm
30 Name Tag and Hospitality Sunday Summer Choir: 10:15am
Weekly�Activities Sundays:
7:30am: Praise Ensemble
8:30am: Praise Service
9:45am: Sunday School
11am: Worship Service
Tuesdays: 7am: Sunrisers
7pm: Fullness of Faith Class
Wednesdays:
8:30am: Meals on Wheels
Thursdays:��
7pm: Family Promise Coordinators (3rd week)
7pm: Stephen Ministry (2nd week)
Other�Groups�Using�The�Facilities:
AA����Mon, Tues, & Sat: 7 & 8:15pm
Thurs: 7:15pm Fri: 7 & 7:30pm
NA Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri: 7pm
Hospice�Training Tues: 6pm
Hospice�Counseling As needed
Nar�Anon Thurs: 7pm
Alanon Mon: 8:15pm
CODA Sat: 10:30am
Stitchers Fridays: 7pm
TOPS Tuesdays: 6:15pm
CPM Thursdays (3rd week): 9:30am
MINISTRY OF PRAYER: Friends of the Congregation
Please incorporate these loved ones into your daily prayers.
The Covenant of Prayer list for church members can be found in the weekly bulletin.
Requested�by,
� ��Pray for:
Heidi�Adams Douglas, brother-in-law
Priscilla�Babas � ��Cali Moody, friend
Ken�and�Beverly�Cartee
� ��Wes, Cheryl, and Rachel Martin
Carol�Coldwell
� ��Walton Errikson, brother
David�&�Sondra�Cone John Cone, son
Linda Pettis, cousin
Elizabeth�Crawford
Pansy Hankins, sister
JoAnn�Crawford Ed Stockley, friend
Jeanne�Currie Carol Burns, friend
Robin�Davis
� ��Darius Henly, friend
� ��Linda & Dj, friends���
Patricia White, friend
Lillian�Del�Vecchio � ��Casey Cronin, great nephew
Fran�Gregos� ��Michael Beddow, grandson
Jean�Hayhurst
� ��Michael “Andy” Hammer, nephew
Brian�Heinicke
� ��Jerry Heinicke, father
Laura�Hogg
� ��Bob & Jane Hutton, parents
Paula Hutton, sister-in-law
Sharalyn Hogan, sister
Cory Hutton, brother
Bob Hogg, Dales’ father
Phoebe�Irby
� ��Terrell Biddle, friend
Rick Ploor, friend
Tom�LeFevre
� �Tom & Chris LeFevre, parents
Mark�Mann
� ��Patty Halula, sister-in-law
Heather�McClellan� �Robin, sister
Ethel�McNeil
Walter Graham, brother Pat�Ogden � �David & Pat Green, friends
Janice�Poindexter
� � Gerald Spakes, brother-in-law
James Rankin, brother
Norma�Rush � ��Dawn & Lora Rush, daughters
Perry�&�Diane�Searcy� ��Emerson Wilson, missionary
Teresa Searcy, daughter-in-law
Sherry�Skovgaard � ��Mark Welch
Rob Kilkenny
Chris�Sofarelli � ��Pete Sofarelli, father
Corinne�Stuart
Lila Purifoy, friend
Tara�Swartzbaugh
Dolly Richards, mother
Bob�Taliaferro
Beverly & Jack Colletti, friend
Jenny�Vartanian
Bernice Edwards, aunt�
Rae�Vinson Barbara Vinson, mother-in-law
Karen�Weber
� ��Reina Lopez, friend
Ashley Parsons, friend
Elizabeth�Woodall � �Marilyn Patton, friend
Mike�Yasenchak
� ��Eleanor Yasenchak, sister-in-law
Harold & Nancy Anderson, friends
Don�&�Gay�Zegel Mark Hendricks, friend
Seminary�Student
Bruce McVey
Military�Serving�Away�from�Home Lauren Hogg (Hawaii)
Charlie Bell (Germany)
Corey Robinson (Syria)
Jeff Taliaferro (Colorado)
Mallory Wasik (Washington, DC)
Our�Nation’s�Leaders
Stewardship Report
Where We Are Financially
as of 5/31/17
May Revenue $ 39,610
May Expenses $ 38,632
YTD Actual Revenue $ 232,373
YTD Actual Expenses $ 196,546
We are a Hearing Loop facility.
To receive the signal, hearing
aids or implants must contain a
manual Telecoil (T-coil), also
known as a manual telephone
setting.
We love to take pictures and videos!
View our Privacy Policy at
http://fpcbrandon.org/media/fpcb-privacy-
policy
Opt-out forms are available online or in the
church office.
Surveillance�Cameras
Several cameras have been installed in the
office and preschool hallway for security
reasons to make a safer place for all.
Page 7
Directory Update
Please�make�these�changes�in�your�
telephone�directory.
CONRAD,�David�&�Karen
2172 State Route 268
Chicora, PA 16025
724-445-7053
First�Presbyterian�Church�of�Brandon
121�Carver�Avenue
Brandon,�FL�33510
WORSHIP:��������������
9:45am - Sunday School for all ages
8:30 & 11:00am - Worship Services
Church�Office�Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8:30am - 1:00pm
Ph:�813-689-4597
Fax:�813-685-8419
Email:��[email protected]
Web:�fpcbrandon.org
“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are
God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are
heirs…heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed
we share in His sufferings in order that we may also
share in His glory.” Romans 8:17
Heirs to the Kingdom
Thank You ...… for the prayers, calls, cards, food and the other acts
of kindness expressed to me during my recent illness.
It is wonderful to be a part of such a loving and caring
church. — Sondra Cone
… for the calls, cards and prayers. It means a lot to
know so many people care about me. — Mary Fearn
… for all the calls, prayers, cards and acts of concern
for me during my recent surgery and recuperation.
— Billie Piché
Henri Georges Akiki was born June 12, 2017, to par-
ents Georges & Traci of Santa Fe, NM. He weighed
7 lbs 7 oz. The joyful grandparents are Keith &
Sandy Reynolds.
AND
Eli Jackson Sakimura was born June 14, 2017, to
parents Noah & Johannah of Berkeley Heights, NJ.
He weighed 9 lbs and measured 22 inches. The joy-
ful grandparents are Peter and Dawn McLean.
Hospitality Sunday July 30
Invite your friends, neighbors and family to join us
for fellowship, fresh hot cinnamon buns and coffee in
Mauldin Hall following the first service. On the last Sunday of the month we will celebrate “Hospitality
Sunday”.