AN EDWARDS EPISTLE

A s we are in the beginning days of Lent, I am drawn to the vivid words of St. Luke as he began the second half of his account of

the life and ministry of Jesus.

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, Jesus set his face to go to Jerusalem. (9:51)

The Greek word for “set” is a word that conveys determination. I compare it to the way we speak about how concrete sets. It is firm, unwavering.

Jesus throughout his life was intentional in extending grace, mercy and love to the world. He came to embody the transforming work of God in human life and creation. He was filled with the Spirit and courageously lived out his identity as God’s Beloved.

Lent is a season of the church year in which we are called to examine how intentional we are in being God’s Beloved children. Are our faces set in the direction of God’s new creation? Do we consciously embody grace, mercy and love in our interactions with others and the world?

Let me suggest that during this Lenten Season we make a daily decision to grow in our lives in Christ. This may take various forms, though each will be a conscious choice. (When I lie down at night and review my day, I’ll be able to identify the action I intentionally took to grow in faith.) Here are a few ideas that may stimulate your spirit toward intentionality:

Today I celebrated being with God in prayer for 30 minutes.

Today I wrote a note of compassion to one going through a struggle.

Today I worshipped God in truth and in Spirit with others.

Today I studied The Bible seeking to hear God speaking to me.

Today I took a treat to a neighbor who lives alone.

Today I offered grace trying to lessen the stress of a relationship.

Today I did not purchase this so I could give more to the

One Great Hour of Sharing Offering.

Today I wrote my legislator seeking justice for my neighbors.

Some of these may already be part of our daily lives. During this season, let us seek to expand our experience of God’s faithful presence in, among and within us. Let us set our faces, be intentional with Jesus to embody grace, mercy and love each day in new and bold ways.

Grace and Peace!

Church Office MAIN: (405) 372-5580 FAX: (405) 372-2089

Web Address www.stillwaterfpc.org

Pastor ··················B. Gordon Edwards

Associate Pastor ···················Leah R. Hrachovec

Director of Youth & Family Ministries ························Jenna Campbell

Youth Ministry Assistant ································· Riley Kern

Older Adult Ministry Coordinator ·······························Margy Knox

University Coordinator ···························Jill Chancellor

Pastor Emeritus ······················· James Struthers

Director of Music & Chancel Choir ·······················Heather Lanners

Organist ·················Rebecca G. te Velde

Church Administrator ······················· Cathy Fairbanks

Financial Secretary ·························Misty Gonzales

Christian Education Assistant ······························ Lucy Newlin

Church Office Assistant ······················ Veronica Kadavy

Custodian ···························· Mike Flowers

Childcare Coordinator ··························Kristen Kulling

Building Supervisor ··························· Peter Thomas

Jean Ames Vivian Anderson (Shawley) Kay Baker Roger Banks (te Velde) Sarah Barr (G. Smith) Twink Barr (G. Smith) Will Barr (G. Smith) Bill Beindorf (Gumm) Caroline Bennett (Brosi) Leon Boyer Ernest & Wanda Bradley Chowning Brake (Brake) Robert Branson (Frohock) Ellis Brown (Knox) Shirley Brownlee (Henderson) Thelma Burton Keenan Carter (Kraemer) Tracy Carter Allison Christy (Breuninger) Abby Clapp (Clapp) Mike Clemens (Clemens) Janet Cole Dan Condit (Carter/Shaw) Sharon Corley (Corley) Sue Cornish (Stiegler) Rick Coutant (Olson) Mildred Crayton (Ward) Margaret Cross Pete Davis Bernadette DuBois (Gibbs) Lori Fagan Eryn Fawcett (Stone) Becky Furtado (Thedford) Robert Gibson Sandee Goetze (Visnic) Bud Gray (Breuninger) Hunter Griffin (Jones) Norma Hall Verna Hall (Edwards) Karl Harman (Schlais) Courtney Harris Dorothy Hayes (Piersall) Rick Hays (Dearinger) Nelda Hershberger (Knox) Bill Holland (Holland) Helen Hulen (Knox) Jim Huwe (Baker)

Kim Jenkins (PW Bowling) Gay Johnson June Johnson Cindy Johnston (Myers/Kelly) Lori Jo Knoles (Wilkinson) Suzi Kucko (Woods) Jim Leonard (Plaxico) June Lewis Gladys Loghides (Foster) John T. Long (Jones) Patty Manning (Cook) Marie Manning Sandy Massey (Arquitt) Ray & Helen Matoy Philip Meadows Margaret Meyer (Brake/Taylor) Melvin Miller (Miller) Laura Mitchell (Kulling) Cindy Nelson Samantha Penn (Perkins) Tom Pogue (Schlais) Bill Raun (Stiegler) Edith Rentsch (Chambers) Sherry Robinson (Krehbiel) Bob Rulifson (Frye) Phyllis Sanders Skyler Shea (Goff) Steve Shedrick (Gumm) David Smith (Cooper) Grace Smith Lois Smith Mary Lee Smith (Parsons) Virginia Spencer (Shawley) Frances Staff (Stiegler) Emily Stiegler (Stiegler) Naomi Stevenson (A. Houston) Betty Stratton Bob & Jenny Tanton (A. Houston) Mike Tripp (Baker) Dan Tripp (Baker) Petra & Martin Vinar (Henderson) Charles Walker Lucille Wickstead Mike Wieder (Jones) Nona Wilhm (PW Bowling) Tracy Wilkinson (Aresco) Jana Williams

BIRTHS March 11

Paige Noel Coulter Daughter of Brian & Megan,

sister of Annabel

March 12 Riley Francisco

Great grandson of Mary Williams

SORROW

Lisa Cook in the death of her mother, Jan Cook

The family of Max Mull, brother of Norma Roscoe and

uncle of Ritch Frohock

Linda & Everett Fansler in the death of their great-grandson

Kyton Rice-Bowman

Marilyn Bourne and family in the death of her brother,

Carl G. Swanson Jr.

Kelly Nipp and family in the death of his mother, Sue Moore

MARRIAGE Ky Corley & Jessica Pugh

ENGAGEMENT Fauna Shaw & Sean Hurley

Continued, next page

PRAYER CONCERNS “God utters me like a word containing a partial thought of Himself.”

-Thomas Merton

Names in parentheses indicate the church family member requesting prayer for a non-member. Please notify the church office if persons may be removed from the Prayer List. Thanks!

Bettie Wilson Lynn Witzen (Stewart) Cathey Wollenberg (Ewing) John Wynn

LARGER CHURCH: Synod of Alaska-Northwest

(AK, ID, WA) Synod of the Covenant (MI, OH)

IN THE SERVICE Members & family members of our church family who have been deployed in service to our country:

SGT Anthony Gillilan (Savage) SGT William Hedrick (Savage) SPC Matt Johnson (Mulvey) MSG Steve Morwood (Morwood) SPC Erika Stormont (Stangl) SPC Joshua Taff (E. Williams) SGT Craig Wensell (Houck) CPT Mark Weber (Arquitt)

(If you also have family members who are serving, please call the office with

their names to be included in our prayer list, here and in the weekly bulletin)

Praise and Thanksgiving for the safe return from deployment:

SGT Matt Krehbiel

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™! First Presbyterian Church-

Stillwater, OK

ANNIVERSARY 50th

Allen & Sydney Reding February 18

FORMER STAFF NEWS

Chaplain (COL) Barbara Sherer has received her next duty assignment. Beginning this summer she will be the Deputy Commandant of the Army Chaplain School at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. On June 11 Rev. Sherer will graduate from the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania and head to South Carolina. (Barbara is a former FPC Associate Pastor)

I t is time to order flowers to decorate the sanctuary for Easter. If you

would like to help the Worship Committee purchase lilies, please fill

out the form below. Place the form and your check in the offering plate or

return to the church office by Monday, April 18.

1) Please PRINT below EXACTLY as you would like it to appear in the Easter bulletin:

Today’s flowers are given to the Glory of God by

_____________________________________________________ (your name(s) as you want it printed)

(choose one) ���� in memory of ���� in celebration of ���� in honor of

______________________________________________________

2) Include your payment marked “Easter Lily.”(Make checks payable to “First Presbyterian Church”)

# of lilies ________X $10 = $ _______ total enclosed

Your Name:__________________________________________________

3) Please check one:

���� I/We will take our lily/lilies home after the 11:00 Easter service April 24.

���� Please use my contribution to purchase lilies for the sanctuary that will be distributed to

members by the Deacons after Easter. I understand that any remaining money beyond what is

needed for distribution will be given to the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering.

NEW MEMBERS! Welcome these individuals to our First Church family:

Veterinarians Clay and Kendra (Rock) Breiner come to us from Manhattan, KS, and are expecting their first child in May.

Amanda Erichsen is employed by OSU Bio & Ag Engineering and comes to us from Junction City KS. She is involved in 4-H and FFA

Newlyweds David and Danielle (Majestic) Haury are active with our University Fellowship. David is pursuing a Master of Engineering at OSU, and Danielle is employed as an engineer.

Anabel Mendoza is a producer and sales rep at TV31-Stillwater. She is interested in community work, and an avid runner.

Dear Margy and all Seasoned Adults

Thank you for being the best choir that a conductor could wish for. The meeting was enjoyed by all of us, and many thanks to Margy for coordinating this very special event. The patriotic theme was “heightened” by Casey Campbell and of course your singing. Thanks again.

- Marilyn King (Marilyn played the piano and led patriotic singing at the February Seasoned Adult event. -ED)

Dear Family of FPC,

First please let me explain the protracted nature of my healing. On Dec. 3rd surgery removed my rectum and created a colostomy. Recovery in hospital did not go well. After over a week a CT scan revealed that my small intestine was twisted and completely blocked. Two emergency surgeries and 5 days in ICU meant that I also lost my guts (and my nerve too). Now I have the world’s longest belly button!

Jim and I want to extend our deepest gratitude to you for the many acts of kindness we have received from you: visits, cards, calls, gifts, communion, and especially the compassionate meals. As we say often, you have nourished our bodies, hearts and souls.

Empowered by God I am well on my way to recovery and ever so happy to be able to attend church services and some functions. With sincerest gratitude,

- Tracy Carter Dear Friends

Thank you so much for your love and the wonderful reception on Ordination Day - I hope none of you missed the Super Bowl kick off! It was a joy to see you all again and I loved every minute of it. Many thanks and much love,

- Scott & Becky Foster

Tech with Teens Thanks You!

Thanks to all who participated in the youth fundraiser, Tech with Teens. With your help, we raised $1,000 for the mission trip to Colorado! The tacos were wonderful and many people enjoyed learning about technology from our very knowledgeable youth! Thanks for your support of the mission trip!

FROM THE MAIL BOX:

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”

FPC MISSION TRIP TO COLORADO July 10-16, 2011 For adults and youth age 14 and up (12 and 13 year olds who are interested may sign up, but we are still working on worksite possibilities for younger youth)

The mission team will work in Edwards, Colorado (just west of Vail) doing home construction with Habitat for Humanity. Come and be a part of an intergenerational community as we reflect on the height and depth of God’s love for the world (Ain’t no mountain high enough that can keep God from gettin’ to us!) and serve along side each other and new friends in Colorado. We will work on house construction Monday-Thursday. All skill levels are needed! Friday will be a tourist day with an opportunity to go whitewater rafting or other fun activity near Colorado Springs. We will return to Stillwater by Saturday afternoon.

Registration forms will be available soon on-line at www.stillwaterfpc.org and in the Narthex at the Information Center.

Registration DEADLINE: Registration form and $50 deposit are due Monday, May 9. $50 is non-refundable after Monday, May 30.

SEASONED ADULTS We had a wonderful time at our

President’s Day Seasoned Adults Gathering. There was a large crowd to hear Casey Campbell tell us about his tour of duty in Iraq and then Marilyn King led us in singing patriotic songs. It was neat to honor our vets!

Our next Gathering is Monday, March 21 in Fellowship Hall from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The Celtic Singers are the program. I do hope you will put us on your calendar and make reservations by March 18. Our Gatherings make for such a nice evening with friends.

Our Monday, April 15 Gathering will also be in Fellowship Hall. Claudia Mornhinweg and Melanie Williams will play piano duets for us! They are absolutely excellent!!

It does not seem possible that Lent is here again. It’s a wonderful season and there are so many activities planned. Please join us for this Lenten Season.

Blessings, Margy

Cimarron Presbytery Website www.cimarronpresbytery.org

SESSION SUMMARY The Session met March 8 in its Stated Meeting and conducted

the following business:

▪ Received 6 people into our membership (see article, pg 3)

▪ Approved Second Mile knitting class (see article, pg. 11),

the city’s request for use of parking lot by Big Truck Taco on March 24, and October wedding date for Joshua Grantham and Kelly Litherland

▪ Discussed Parish Paper “Does a Congregation’s Location Influence Its Effectiveness?”

▪ Authorized Presbyterian Preschool to contact alumni families for contributions for playground improvements and to hold a garage sale April 29-30

▪ Celebrated the “Connect: A Series for Families with

Young Children” and suggested a similar series for “Connect: Families with Teens”

▪ Learned Jill Chancellor is the new University Assistant replacing Tina Dicks who has gone to Costa Rica with the Peace Corps

▪ Granted permission for the Menja family to seek support for

their Kenya Mission work on April 10

▪ Accepted the revised position description for the

Congregational Music Resource Specialist

▪ Heard an update report on the Community Saturday

Brunch Ministry from Deacon Terry Henley

▪ Rejoiced at the Universal Love Campaign’s results from the congregation and approved a letter of gratitude to and opportunities for partnership with the Faye Allen Rife Brown Foundation

▪ Informed that the Finance Committee is discussing

renovation cash flow options which will require a loan since work is to be completed prior to pledges being fulfilled

▪ Discussed a proposed Session Resolution regarding

Oklahoma Legislation on the presence of concealed weapons in educational settings (see article, this page)

DEACON’S CORNER Food Offering During these difficult economic times, your gifts of non-perishable food items to the shopping cart in the Narthex are more valuable and more appreciated than ever. The food is distributed to local agencies who help those in need. Suggested items to bring include canned meats, fruits, vegetables, soups, mac & cheese, peanut butter, powdered milk, pasta, baby food. Let’s strive to fill the cart each week to assist our neighbors.

Love Feast - Next Date: April 20 Help! Can you cook spaghetti, heat sauce and a vegetable or mix up some chili? Then you are qualified to be a

Love Feast cook. Deacon Quinn Baldwin needs volunteers to do those tasks the afternoon of the 3rd Wednesday of the month. The supplies will be in the kitchen to accomplish the task. Then other volunteers arrive after 5:00 p.m. to pick up the meal, take to Southern Heights, and serve. Please consider sharing an hour or two of your time next month. Sign up on the bulletin board near the Information Center or contact Quinn (714-8662).

ARE YOU PAYING ATTENTION?

This was a question raised as the Session discussed a proposed resolution to our State Legislators regarding the presence of concealed weapons on educational campuses. Though the Session was in general agreement in prohibiting the presence of concealed weapons on any campus, it decided not make a formal statement to the legislators as a body.

“Are you paying attention?” is a question addressed to members of the congregation. The Session believes that, as citizens of our State and Nation, we need to be communicating with our legislators as disciples of Christ on numerous issues: education, health, poverty, hunger, armaments, international issues, et al.

It has been said, “All it takes for evil to triumph is for enough good people to do nothing.” Are we paying attention and seeking to create a more just, peaceable State, Nation, and World?

EVERY WEEK ~ EVERYBODY! 11:00 a.m. - Fellowship Hall Come Dine or Visit or Help!

PYG CALENDAR

March 20 4:00-5:00 Youth Sunday Leadership Team 5:00-6:30 PYG 23 5:30-7:00 Jr. High Small Group (6th-8th gr.) @ 5116 W. 8th Ave 24 11:30 a.m. Ramen Noodle Day 7:00-9:00 Sr. High Small Group @ 2807 S. Sangre Rd 27 5:00-6:30 PYG 28 Junior High Lunch 31 7:00-9:00 Sr. High Small Group @ 2807 S. Sangre Rd

April 3 5:00-6:30 PYG 6 5:30-7:30 Wednesday at the Well -Lenten Spirituality Center 8-10 4:30p Youth Quake, Hinton, OK 10 No PYG 11 Middle School Lunch 13 5:30-7:00 Jr. High Small Group (6th-8th gr.) @ 5116 W. 8th Ave 14 Ramen Noodle Day 17 5:00-6:30 PYG 18 Junior High Lunch 21 Ramen Noodle Day 3:00-5:00 Youth Sunday planning 5:00 Maundy Thursday practice 7:00 Maundy Thursday service 24 No PYG Easter 30 afternoon Youth Sunday rehearsal

May 1 8:30/11:00 Youth Sunday No PYG

YOUTHQUAKE

Retreat for 6th-12th graders April 8-10 Canyon Camp - Hinton, OK

Those who are registered for the Youth Quake retreat will leave from the church parking lot on Friday, April 8 at 4:30 p.m. and will return by 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 10.

YOUTH SUNDAY PLANNING DATES Youth - Youth Sunday planning has begun! Using the

Beatitudes as our guide, the theme of the service is “The Kingdom Experiment.” Our Leadership Team has already met once (Ashley Nipp, Justin Fowler, Isaac Johnson, and Marc Major). Please note the following dates for Youth Sunday planning:

▪ March 27 @ PYG, 5:00-6:30 p.m.

▪ April 17 @ PYG, 5:00-6:30 p.m.

▪ April 21, 3:00-5:00 p.m.

▪ April 30, late afternoon is Youth Sunday rehearsal

MAUNDY THURSDAY INFORMATION 5:00 p.m. - Rehearsal and dinner 7:00 p.m. - Service begins

The youth are once again assisting in worship leadership for the Maundy Thursday service on Thursday, April 21. We need a LOT of people to help! Maundy Thursday is such a special service and the youth are needed to make it happen! On April 21, we’ll meet at 5:00 p.m. for practice in the sanctuary followed by a quick dinner in the Hospitality Area. The service begins at 7:00 p.m. Come join us for this special service. (and come early for Youth Sunday planning from 3:00-5:00 p.m.!)

RELAY FOR LIFE TEAM PYG - THE RETURN

The Presbyterian Youth Group is once again forming a team for the Relay for Life, an event which raises money for the American Cancer Society. Team PYG is inspired by and in memory of Charles Anaya. Help us remember Charles through this important work of raising money for the American Cancer Society.

Mary Woods will chair the Relay for Life team and we have four youth serving as team captains: Jenna Fowler, Bo Frohock, Austin Major, and Katharine Nipp. We’ll begin team sign up soon!

Mark your calendar for Relay for Life:

Friday, August 19

Youth Sunday ~ May 1 ~ 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. ~ Fellowship Hall The youth are busy writing liturgy for Youth Sunday. Make plans to join them in worship!

THE RED BACKPACK IS BACK! DWIGHT REGISTRATION FORMS ARE HERE! Dwight Mission Summer programs for 2011 are coming soon, and the brochures and registration forms are in the red backpack in the information area of the Narthex. (Registration may also be made on the website. Be sure to give us a copy of your on-line registration so that we can get your scholarship to the camp - see below.)

Summer Camp Dates Grades Cost Elementary Camp 1 June 12-18 3rd-5th $375

Junior High Camp 1 June 12-18 6th-9th $375

Sr. Hi. Ozark Ad-venture Camp

June 12-18 9th-Grad $450

Leader in Training June 19-July 2 10th-12th $615

Day Camp June 20-24 1st-4th $195

Tiger Camp June 26-29 3rd-4th $195

Discover Camp June 26-July 2 3rd-4th $375

Explorer Camp June 26-July 2 5th-6th $375

Jr. Hi. Ozark Ad-venture Camp

June 26-July2 7th-9th $450

Elementary Camp 2 July 10-16 3rd-5th $375

Junior High Camp 2 July 10-16 6th-9th $375

Counselor in Train-ing

July 12-18 12th-Grad $450

Junior High Camp 3 July 17-23 9th-10th $375

Night Owl Camp July 24-29 6th-10th $375

Summer Serve July 24-29 10th-Grad $170

Scholarships are available for EVERYONE for a one-time Dwight Mission Summer program: $25 from First Presby-

terian & $25 from Cimarron Presbytery. Financial needs beyond $50? Discuss with Jenna Camp-bell (372-5580). Don’t let lack of funds keep you from at-

tending Dwight!

FAMILY CAMP @ DWIGHT MISSION May 27-30

Dwight Mission would like to invite you and your family to come share a weekend with our camp family. Camp is not just for kids - it is a place for the whole family! There will be programming for every age group as well as child care so all you parents can have time to relax as your children are enjoying camp.

A variety of fun activities are planned to provide you and your family with time together and an understanding of life in Christian community with others. Play games, hike, swim, canoe, experience nature, create crafts, worship together, and participate in Bible study - even enjoy a hayride and cookout!

Family Camp is a great opportunity to start or continue a tradition with your family on this holiday weekend. Campers arrive on Friday night from 7:00-8:00 p.m. and depart on Monday at 11:00 a.m. The value is a bargain, too! Age 11-adults: $125; age 4-10: $75; age 0-3:Free; $400 - maximum cost for a family . This camp fills up every year, so it is suggested that you reserve your spot by the first of April. Go to www.dwightmission.org to register.

QUILTING AND CRAFTING RETREAT March 23-27 Dwight Mission Camp and Conference Center Vian, OK

Has that quilt, sewing, or scrapbooking project been staring at you from the corner for months but there just isn’t any time to get it done? Dwight Mission has put together a worry-free time for you to complete that special project. Meals, lodging, and lots of space are provided as you sew, quilt, or scrapbook within the fellowship of others.

For more information or to register, call 918-775-2018 or e-mail Elizabeth@dwightmission.org

And, speaking of Summer...

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Vacation Bible School will take on a different form

this year due to our much anticipated and awesome construct ion projects. We are looking at many different options for an alternative VBS. It is exciting to explore the different opportunities available to share Christ with children this summer.

Be sure to look in the next Ambassador for ways to volunteer and support our VBS.

Kristen Kulling & Leslie Baldwin

REMINDER ABOUT AMBASSADOR BY E-MAIL

To help control office expenses we invite you to consider receiving your Ambassador by e-mail. Each month you will receive an e-mail with the link for the new issue. You can view or print which saves printing and mailing costs for the Church. E-mail Cathy at fpchurch1889@swbell.net if you want to try receiving the Ambassador electronically. If it doesn’t work for you, you can always change back.

UPENDO KIDS Upendo Kids, founded by past

FPC members Eunice and Robert Menja, helps people in their home country of Kenya. In addition to assistance from our congregation, Upendo Kids works with Brenda Phillips and Solar Under the Sun, plus other organizations and churches including “Water is Life” and FPC, Edmond. They are planning their fourth Mission Trip to Kenya this May. They appreciate our past support and will appreciate our support again in 2011.

Sunday, April 10, Robert and Eunice, along with their daughters Yvonne and Rita, will be in Stillwater for a fundraiser. The Menjas will again have their wonderful African jewelry and new T-shirts for sale. They are also collecting the following for Upendo Kids:

▪ over-the-counter analgesics and bandages

▪ female sanitary pads

▪ school supplies (e.g. pencils, pens, erasers, sharpeners, etc.)

▪ cash donations for scholarships for children, purchasing food, “Water is Life” straws, clothing, etc. Checks may be written payable to “First Presbyterian Church Stillwater, OK” AND note "KENYA" in the memo blank.

If you or your group would like to host a jewelry party contact Eunice Menja at eunicemenja@yahoo.com. If you have further questions about the Kenya trip fundraiser, contact Cynthia Shawley at 377-2034.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT FELLOWSHIP HALL (AND ITS EQUIPMENT)

As we continue to be blessed with a wonderful Fellowship Hall which has hosted many events since its opening, the staff asks for your assistance in maintaining the building and its equipment. Please note these important building use guidelines:

▪ The two room dividers are to be opened

and closed by trained personnel ONLY. If you need a wall moved, please contact Peter Thomas or Mike Flowers. Do not attempt to move the wall yourself. Moving the wall without proper training could result in permanent damage to the wall mechanism (or to your fingers if they get caught in the doors!).

▪ Chairs are stored in the south storage room (aka Peter’s office). A cart for moving chairs is in the storage area.

▪ Tables are stored on carts in the north mechanical room. Please use the carts to move tables to prevent damage to table edges and flooring (do not roll or drag them)

▪ Red beverages are banned from the building. If you are planning an event, please do not use drinks with red food coloring.

▪ The use of candles is restricted to enclosed flames. The flame must be at least one inch from the top of the container or floating in water.

▪ No decorations, signs, displays, banners can be attached to walls or folding doors. Consult with FPC staff concerning decoration policies.

A complete building use policy is available in the Church Office.

LENT IN BRIEF A detailed brochure on Lenten and Easter

activities is available at the church or on the website. Also, individual activities are given more detail in this month’s and the April issues of Ambassador. Below is a brief list of Lenten events through Palm Sunday:

▪ Learning Forgiveness: Lenten Study for Adults, Sundays through April 17, 9:45 a.m. (see article, pg. 10)

▪ SpiritLink: Delivered by God: Sundays through April 17, 9:45 a.m. (see article, pg. 8)

▪ Lenten Spirituality Center at the Well ~ Wednesday, April 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (see article, pg. 7)

▪ Palm Sunday Services ~ Sunday, April 17, 8:30/11:00 a.m. (more info in April)

▪ All-Church Smorgasbord Dinner, Sunday, April 17, 6:00 p.m., in Fellowship Hall. (more info in April)

Save the Date!

FAMILY TRIP TO KALEIDOSCOPE: TULSA’S CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Saturday, April 9 Admission: $6/person (ages 2 and under free) Free pizza for lunch! Leave FPC parking lot at 8:30 a.m.

Families with children 5th grade and under (young children too!) are invited for a fun day of play and fellowship at Kaleidoscope: Tulsa’s Children’s Museum. Kaleidoscope is a fun place full of adventure and imagination.

The Children's Museum features a Kid’s City where children can: be a cashier at a grocery store, sort mail at the post office, work in the Kid’s Café, go for a check up at the doctor’s office, be a hero at the fire station, give a haircut at the salon, and be a chef in the kitchen! The museum also includes an amphitheater stage where your child is the star, a 3-level play structure, a multi-sensory black light room), 2 story life-sized play house, and a detective’s lab. There are also rock walls to climb (for an extra fee). Lots of fun things to explore and experience together as a family.

Those interested in carpooling or a caravan, meet in the FPC parking lot at 8:30 a.m. For those who wish to meet the group in Tulsa, the museum opens at 10:00 a.m.

Kaleidoscope Children’s Museum 6202 South Sheridan Road, Tulsa www.kaleidoscopecm.com

CONNECT: A SERIES FOR FAMILIES

Our first Connect was a success! The three-week series brought in 9 families (6 not previously associated with our church). The families enjoyed a wonderful meal each night (thanks to Cynthia Shawley and all who donated/cooked!) and a program on Transitions and Milestones from a child and faith development perspective (presented by Holly Hartman and Jenna Campbell). Families enjoyed Nancy Simpson’s fun storytelling to end the night. Participants are excited for us to continue this ministry! Thanks to all who helped make the series such a success.

ON THE CHILDREN’S BOOK CARREL

Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss - Commas really DO matter! A children’s version of the popular adult book by the same name. Illustrated by Bonnie Timmons (illustrator for TV show Caroline in the City). Thanks to Linda Good for this book donation!

Good King Wenceslas, illustrated by Christopher Manson. This is a setting of the well-known Christmas song by John Mason Neale, based on the reputation of Wenceslas, Duke of Bohemia. Beautiful wood-cut illustrations frame an “olde style” text. Includes the tune best known with the song (Tempus adest floridum), plus brief biographies of Wenceslas and Neale.

April 6 - Lenten Spirituality Center 5:30-7:30 p.m. ~ Fellowship Hall

We continue with our theme for the year “Living Well at the Well: Christian Practices for Everyday Life.” Participate in the Lenten season with intentional prayer and reflection at the Spirituality Center.

The Spirituality Center is a place set apart to experience and experiment with ancient spiritual practices and contemporary resources for spiritual exploration and encounter with God. It is multi-sensory, multi-generational, experiential and self-directed (though parts of it this year will be experienced in a group). Engage all the senses as you walk a labyrinth, sit by the fountain, meditate through music, gaze at a piece of art, create art of your own, or use many of the handouts and other resources for prayer and meditation. We’ll also have a children’s center. Through a variety of self-directed tools, come rest your body and feed your soul in a place of prayer, meditation, and reflection. All ages are welcome at the Spirituality Center. There will be opportunities at each station for people of all ages to enter into time with God.

Dinner is at 5:30. Dinner is $4.00/person (maximum of $16/family). Reservations are due in the Church Office the Tuesday before the Wednesday meal.

HIGHCHAIR DONATIONS NEEDED

Do you have a highchair at your home you are no longer using? The Church is in need of one or two more chairs to be used during Church events. Call the Church Office with questions?

SPIRITLINK HAPPENINGS

“Delivered by God: Passover to Communion” (through April 10)

Essential to Christians’ understanding of Jesus’ Passion is God’s deliverance of

Moses and the Israelites. In this new unit of SpiritLink Delivered by God, we learn of Moses’ life, his reluctant leadership, and the deliverance to new life of God’s chosen people. This unit focuses on Moses from his birth through the Passover, and Jesus’ deliverance of us today.

Deliverance is promised to us today through God’s Son Jesus. God delivers us from any form of slavery and promises us a new way of life with God. Children learn why people celebrate Passover and Communion with the new computers in Scrolls & Scribes. We also learn how Moses and Jesus’ actions affected people back then as well as today by playing the game “Race to Deliverance.” In Burning Bush, we will use puppets to play out how God used ordinary people to help Moses in his mission to bring the people of God to freedom!

On Palm Sunday, we will have a Celebration Sunday in the Multipurpose Room to wrap up Delivered by God and prepare for our Parade of Palms into the 11:00 a.m. worship service. All children, parents, younger siblings, and friends are invited to meet in the Multipurpose Room at 9:30 a.m. for Celebration Sunday. At 10:45 we will prepare for the Parade.

On Easter Sunday, children and their families are invited to the Multipurpose Room for a Special Easter Celebration Sunday at 9:30 a.m. We will sing songs, talk about the Easter story, decorate cookies, and have an Easter egg hunt in the courtyard (weather permitting.) Invite your friends to join us for this day of Celebrating our Risen Lord Jesus!

STEPHEN MINISTRY Invitation to Commissioning of Stephen Ministers Sunday, April 10 ~ 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. worship services

We invite you to be a part of commissioning those who have responded to God's call to be a part of our congregation's Stephen Ministry. We will commission our newest Stephen Ministers at both worship services on April 10. Please pray for Shelly Anaya, Betty Bays, and Jackie Dahlgren as they complete their training and prepare to enter into caring ministry among us. This commissioning service offers an opportunity to show our support for this ministry. How can you help?

Pray for our Stephen Ministers and Leaders and their care receivers

Affirm and show your appreciation for this valuable ministry.

Become involved in Stephen Ministry.

Consider a call to use your special gifts in this ministry as a Stephen Minister or Leader. Be a minister of referral, watching for people in need and suggesting a Stephen Minister’s care.

Accept the care of a Stephen Minister in your time of need.

As we commission our newly trained Stephen Ministers, let us thank God for all that they will bring to this congregation and community in providing care to others in Christ's name. Stephen Ministers Care...

If you are experiencing a painful or difficult time in your life, a Stephen Minister can help you to know that you are not alone. This help comes through regular visits with a Stephen Minister who will listen to you, pray with you and care with confidentiality.

If you or someone you know would appreciate the help of a Stephen Minister, contact Referrals Coordinator Carolyn Caldwell (372-8208, carcaldwell@sbcglobal.net), or our pastors.

LANDSCAPE CLEANUP AT CHURCH Saturday, April 9, 9:00 a.m.-Noon Rain date: Saturday, April 16

The Trustees are requesting your help for the annual spring clean up and planting of flowers to beautify the church grounds. Workers should meet on the southwest side of Fellowship Hall. Bring hoes, leaf blowers, shovels, and work gloves. If it is raining on the 9th, work day will be rescheduled to the 16th. Please mark you calendar and plan to help.

If you have questions, contact Trustee Maxine Mulvey (624-6586).

SOLAR UNDER THE SUN UPDATE Solar under the Sun team members gave their first

talk and demonstration of the Solar Under the Sun trailer to the Stillwater Noon Lions Club meeting on February 17. Speaking were Tim Schlais, Njoki Mwarumba, and Kevin Johnson. The trailer is now available for speaking demonstrations for your civic group or organization. Contact Brenda Phillips for scheduling.

FELLOWSHIP Want to dig a little deeper into the words of Jesus?

University Bible Study meets on Tuesday evenings, 8:15-9:15 p.m. at the OSU Library Café. This semester, we are using The Kingdom Experiment to explore how we might live out Jesus' beatitudes in everyday life. All university students are welcome, and the drinks and desserts are on us.

Coming Up: April Movie Night! Tuesday, April 5 is our next Movie Night! Join with

other students at Nat and Leah's house for homemade dinner at 7:00 p.m., and a film at 8:00 p.m. Come for any part of the evening, and feel free to bring a friend.

For more information on these and other programs, e-mail Leah (Lhrachovec@swbell.net), or visit the University Fellowship page on our website:

www.stillwaterfpc.org/#/grow/university

CZECH YOUR CALENDARS! Are you available July 14 to 27? Would you like

to spend ten days with people from the Czech Republic? Can you have fun in a Bible school atmosphere? Do you admire the innocent enthusiasm of school children? There is plenty of room for more to join the mission to the Czech Republic. The American Camp will have a “movie” theme comparing film stories with the real stories. The Czech people are ready for us to visit again renewing the relationship of church to church.

The $1950 cost of the trip will cover all but airport meals and souvenirs. (Some scholarships are available.) Unless you come along this will be the fewest people ever traveling to Policka. Please call Bob and Barb Henderson 405 377 6391 if you are interested. We will start the airline ticket process next month.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN INVITE YOU TO THEIR SPRING POTLUCK! April 13, 6:00 p.m., in Fellowship Hall

Presbyterian Women are hosting a potluck dinner and a visual presentation set to music, “Churches and Cathedrals of Europe” by Gary Simpson. The congregation and guests are invited. Meat (chicken and brisket), bread, and beverages will be provided at no charge. Attendees are asked to bring a salad, vegetable, or dessert. Reservations are due to the church office by Noon on Monday, April 11, so we know how many to prepare for.

SILENT AUCTION APRIL 3-15

Do you need another set of shelves? An unusual coffee table? As part of the upcoming renovation of children and youth ministry areas of the church, the staff, Youth Committee, and Children’s CE Committee members would like to find new homes for usable items that are no longer needed in the classrooms and youth suites.

Beginning April 3, a silent auction for these pieces will start. Photos and descriptions will be provided, and church members may bid on the items. The bidding sheets will be in the Vestibule (north of the Sanctuary), and persons must be present to place their bids (no bidding by phone or email.) On April 15 at 5:00 p.m., bidding will close, and the highest bidders win their items! The highest bidders are responsible for moving their items by May 22.

Photos of the items will be available on the church Facebook page: First Presbyterian Church-Stillwater. Proceeds will help provide additional materials and program support to Youth and Children’s ministries.

ETF CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS The Embracing the Future (ETF) team is issuing a

call for volunteers to help move furniture and equipment from the spaces in the church to be renovated this coming summer. Those spaces are the pre-school and most of the second floor including all the Sunday school rooms and the youth lounge at the north end.

Exact dates will be announced later but it is anticipated as of this writing that the second floor “move” will take place on the weekend of May 21-22 and the pre-school May 28-29.

If you would like to participate in this effort preparatory to the summer renovation project which will begin May 31 (Tuesday after Memorial Day), please contact the church office: 372-5580 or fpchurch1889@swbell.net. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

ADULT SUNDAY MORNING CLASSES

Abiding Bible Study, Seasons of the Spirit, and the Offerings Fellowship continue meeting in their regular locations

LENTEN CLASS FOR ADULTS ON FORGIVENESS 9:45-10:45 a.m. South Fellowship Hall

The new discussion group Learning Forgiveness: A Lenten Series began March 13 and continues through April 17.

In this study, we consider the various aspects of forgiveness, a concept central to our Christian faith. Some urge forgiveness as a Christian duty under all circumstances, while others argue that certain conditions must be met before forgiveness can be meaningful or effective. How do we sort through such competing claims and interpretations? And how do we get past some of our emotional barriers to real forgiveness? These are the kinds of the questions we will explore together in this study of a theme particularly well-suited to the season of Lent, but fit for any season of our lives. Led by Pastors Edwards and Hrachovec

MONTHLY INCOME REPORT:

February 2011| Year to Date|

Giving: $037,354) $081,143)

Other Income: $002,401) $005,228)

Expenditures: ($046,057) ($091,534)

Income Less Expenditures: ($006,302) ($005,163)

Total Income: $039,755) $086,371)

WHAT IS STEWARDSHIP? “A generous man will prosper…he who refreshes others

will himself be refreshed.” - Proverbs 11:25, 28

Jesus recognizes giving as an action of the heart, and as a measure of the heart. People tend to look at the size of the gift or the nobility of the cause, but Jesus looks at the heart of the giver.

Money most easily flows through your hands to those things that matter most to you. When you look at what you do with money, you will see where your treasure lies and where your heart stands. You will know what generosity means to you.

Ask yourself these questions. What is my formula for stewardship? How do I determine what my obligation should be? Are special offering opportunities really “special” to me? What kind of sacrifices must I make? In the last analysis the answers to these questions are always the same. Look to your heart!

Since 1949, Presbyterians have joined with millions of other Christians through One Great Hour of sharing to share God’s love with people experiencing need. Our gifts support ministries of disaster response, refugee assistance and resettlement, and community development that help people find safe refuge, start new lives and work together to strengthen their families and communities.

Recognizing that the hope we have in Christ is lived out in our hope for one another, we respond with gifts that help our sisters and brothers around the world find the hope for a brighter future.

▪ Where does the money go? The Presbyterian Hunger Program receives 36

percent of undesignated One Great Hour of Sharing gifts, while the Self-Development of People and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance each receive 32%.

▪ When is the offering received? We will be receiving this offering on Palm Sunday

(April 17) and on Easter Sunday (April 24). When all of us give what we can, god transforms us all beyond the roles of giver and receiver into a circle of sharing and love. Let us celebrate that miracle by giving as generously as we know how.

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHONE GREAT HOUR OF SHONE GREAT HOUR OF SHONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARINGARINGARINGARING:::: SHARING RESOURCES - CHANGING LIVES

NEWS ABOUT PW The next PW gathering will be an All Church Potluck Dinner, April 13, 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.

Circle Meeting Information: Reminder: Bring “Labels for Education”

and Betty Crocker points to the Hospitality Area Kitchen and your offerings of Least Coin and 2nd Mile Giving to meetings.

Circle 1 – March 23, 9:15 a.m., Hospitality Area Circle 2 – March 23, 9:15 a.m., Small Dining Room Nellie Stallard – March 24, 7:00 p.m., 723 Cheyenne Ohana Circle – March 27, 5:00 p.m., Church Library

Bud vases are needed. Bring them to your Circle meeting or put them in the Fellowship Hall kitchen.

Dates to Remember: April 9, Spring Gathering, First Presbyterian, Cushing April 13, 6:00 p.m. - Spring Potluck in Fellowship Hall -

“Churches & Cathedrals of Europe” by Gary Simpson April 29, 12:00 p.m. - CWU Spring Luncheon - First

Presbyterian Church

NO-IRON FABRIC NAPKINS NEEDED If you have some no-iron fabric napkins (any color)

that you no longer use and would like to donate, PW would like to have them to use at monthly luncheons. Bring them to your Circle or put them in the Second Mile Sewing box which is located in the Narthex.

SECOND MILE SEWING Meets the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays, 9:15 a.m.

in Fellowship Hall. A donation box is in the Narthex for your sewing and ‘crafty’ items. If we can’t use an item, we will find it a new home.

Our current needs for donations (as you clean out your closets and drawers): Sewing thread, yarn, cotton yarn; Calendars – nature, food, etc.; Stickers – suitable for children; Double Knit fabric; Sheets – to be used as interfacing in lap robes; Fabric scraps with unusual textures or colors (requested by Head Start)

Knitting classes are available, 9:30-11:00 a.m. on Second Mile days, taught by Claudia Roach.

Bring knitting needles (size 7 or 8); yarn is provided. Cost per session is a $10 donation to Second Mile

Sewing. Call Claudia with questions or to register: 913-205-7252

“In the Sanctuary of Women”“In the Sanctuary of Women”“In the Sanctuary of Women”“In the Sanctuary of Women” Spring Women’s Retreat ~ April 2-3, 2011(Sat-Sun)

St. Crispin’s Episcopal Center, Wewoka, OK

All women of the church are invited to join in a weekend for rest, new friendships, and spiritual exploration. We will be at the beautiful and newly renovated St. Crispin’s Episcopal Retreat Center in Wewoka. The retreat theme follows Methodist pastor Jan L. Richardson’s meditations and prayers in her new book In the Sanctuary of Women and spiritual disciplines from author Lauren Winner's Mudhouse Sabbath.

We will leave at 7:30 a.m. from the church on Saturday morning, returning Sunday afternoon. Retreat cost includes overnight stay, program and meals. $85 for double-occupancy room, $105 for a single-occupancy (private). Each room has its own bathroom, and bed/bath linens are provided.

Register now! Please return registration and payment to the church office as soon as possible. Registration deadline is March 21. Make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church, Memo: Women's Retreat

Feel free to invite a friend!

I will attend the Women’s Retreat, April 2-3!

Name: ___________________________________

Preferred Phone #: ________________________

E-mail: __________________________________

Special Accommodation/Dietary needs:

_________________________________________

Check all that apply:

� I would like a SINGLE room ($105)

� I would like a DOUBLE room ($85)

� I would like to room with:________________

___________________________________

� I have no roommate preference

� I can drive my car & take ___ passengers

� I need a ride to the retreat.

Cash/Check # ____ Amt.____

Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Stillwater, Oklahoma

Permit No. 143

Deadline for Next issue: Friday, April 8, 2011

Visit us on the web at www.stillwaterfpc.org

B. Gordon Edwards ......................bge41340@swbell.net Leah Hrachovec ................... Lhrachovec@swbell.net Jenna Campbell ..............youthandfamily@swbell.net Riley Kern .......................riley.kern@gmail.com Margy Knox .................... mhknox@sbcglobal.net Church Office & Cathy Fairbanks ................ fpchurch1889@swbell.net Lucy Newlin ........................cefpcstw@swbell.net Misty Gonzales ................. fpaccountant@swbell.net Veronica Kadavy ........... officeassistant88@swbell.net Heather Lanners .......... heather.lanners@okstate.edu Peter Thomas ... admin@childrensbookmarket.com

Morning Prayers - 8:45 a.m.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Church Library

Midweek Communion Service - 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday - Church Library

Sunday Morning Worship

8:30 & 11:00 a.m

Sunday Church School 9:45 a.m.

If you wish to make a donation to help with relief efforts in Japan due to the 2011 Sendai earthquake, with resulting destruction tsunamis, and nuclear power failures, contributions may be made through our church. We will forward these donations to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

Make checks payable to: First Presbyterian Church

MEMO: Japan Relief