INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Pastor’s Corner 2

Consecration Sunday 3

Women’s Page 4

November Calendar 5

Men of the Church 6

Financial Report 7

Session/Tai Chi/Yoga 8

Building Repair 9

Save the dates 10

The View

Volume XIII Issue XI

NOVEMBER 2016

First Presbyterian Church 147 N. Main St. Cleveland, GA 30528 706-865-6499 Pastor: Rev. Andy Chambers pastor@fpccleveland.org

Office: info@fpccleveland.org Prayer Request: firstpcprayers@gmail.com

Website: www.fpccleveland.org

WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY We Join with Christians Everywhere on World Communion Sunday.

God blessed us with a beautiful Sunday for our outdoor worship and pot luck

picnic. Songs selected by those who called out a favorite and voluntary

testimonies invited by Pastor Andy made for a real break from our normal worship

service. Our communion was made more special by the fact that Christians

around the world were in "Union" as believers, despite our different

denominations. As always, the picnic that we shared together had a delicious

variety and the fellowship around the tables proved the observation that, "They

will know we are Christians by our love."

By Bruce Morgan

2

Pastor’s Corner

NOVEMBER 2016 THE VIEW from Presbyterian Hill

Find the Time to Give Thanks

Naturally, our “Find the Time” theme for 2016 brings us to “Give Thanks” in this month of

November. Thanksgiving, unfortunately, is quickly being bypassed and nearly forgotten

due to our (society's) incessant need for stuff. Retail stores can no longer wait until “Black

Friday” to hold their annual “Black Friday Sales.” Instead, we find stores opening their

doors to patrons all in the name of money.

In an age where the family system is weakening, I believe this hunger for money by retail

stores to be a grave disservice to everyone. Table fellowship, catching up with loved ones,

and breaking bread (communing), are all important to strengthening families who already

have a hard time finding the time to be together.

I am looking forward to time with extended family. Our yearly tradition includes a two

hour south down Hwy 441 to my parents home. My mother will already have her home

decorated for Christmas, but it is all for the enjoyment of her family. I will have cousins

from the Atlanta area, an uncle from Montana, more cousins from Nashville, cousins from the other side of the

lake, my brother and his family from around the corner, a great-aunt, and anyone else who may need a place on

this special day. The more the merrier has been my mother’s mantra for as long as I can remember. It is

through my family that I have always felt the love of God the most.

The psalmist writes, “O give thanks unto the Lord for he is good, his mercy endureth forever.” If you google this

entire verse you will find it is located in more than one location. Word for word, even in the Hebrew, this passage

of scripture was/is so important that it had to be said over and over again. (please see Psalm 106:1, 107:1,

118:1 & 29, 136:1, and even 1 Chronicles 16:34). It is because of God’s love (mercy--the Hebrew word “hesed”

can be translated many different ways), we are to give thanks. Above all else in this world, we give thanks

because we are loved by God our Heavenly Father.

The life of Jesus and the entire New Testament centers around this one fact. John 3:16 tells his “For God so loved

the world that he gave us his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal

life.” Love is why Jesus came. Love is how Jesus lived and died. Love is who Jesus was. This love is so great,

Paul says nothing on heaven or earth will ever be able to separate us from our God.

So, yes, I am grateful for so many things in this life--my wife who is healthy this year, my children, my home, my

church, my friends--but, what I am thankful for most above these things is the love of God which “endureth

forever”. Forever means means with an “indefinite ending” or “eternal”.

I pray you get to spend time with the people who love you the most this Thanksgiving. Hold off on the spending

frenzy for a few more days. Take advantage of the fact you are loved. Find the time to give thanks and allow

God to wrap his arms around you with every hug and every pinch of the cheek (for the kids). And don’t be

surprised if you don’t love a little more in return.

Happy November, Happy Thanksgiving.

Pastor Andy

Pastor Andy

3 NOVEMBER 2016 THE VIEW from Presbyterian Hill

What is Your Favorite Hymn?

The Worship Team wants to hear what your favorite hymn is, that is not in our

hymn book, so that it can be added to our FPC Songbook. Send your suggestions

to dwessely@bellsouth.net.

CONSECRATION SUNDAY - NOVEMBER 13 Mark your calendars - Nov. 13 is Consecration Sunday! Please plan to attend

this very special worship service, where we will not only praise our Lord and

God, but also honor Him with our pledges for the upcoming year. As we have

done in past years, each of us will be given a pledge card during worship

service, where we will mark down what we plan to give. Then we will place our “giving cards” on the

alter in a symbolic statement of thanks to our heavenly Father.

2 CORINTHIANS 9: 6-7

WHOEVER SOWS SPARINGLY WILL ALSO REAP SPARINGLY AND WHOEVER SOWS GENEROUSLY WILL

ALSO REAP GENEROUSLY. EACH MAN SHOULD GIVE WHAT HE HAS DECIDED IN HIS HEART TO

GIVE, NOT RELUCTANTLY OR UNDER COMPULSION, FOR GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

GOD BLESS YOU

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

November 2 - Hugh Johnson

November 5 - Jim Hiers

November 5 - Dave Rades

November 16 - Howard Miller

November 16 - Charles Massingale

November 17 - David Ciriello

November 19 - Wes Clonts

November 22 - Ross DeMeritt

November 24 - Mildred Estrella

November 25 - Dennis Pardue

November 25 - Sally Kaltenbach

November 26 - Gary Nellis

November 29 - Cees deWaart

Please accept our apologies if we

missed your birthday this month.

Please notify the church office so we

will remember next year. Thank You

4 THE VIEW from Presbyterian Hill NOVEMBER 2016

October Remembered: On October 6, ten

of us shopped our way through Northeast Georgia

and enjoyed a wonderful lunch and great fellowship.

As this is being written Lindalee Walters, Betty

Smith, Bernice Rogers, Rachel Romfo and Judy

Winski are packing to attend the 10th Triennial

Gathering of Presbyterian Women in the South

Atlantic Synod on St. Simons.

November Calendar:

November 2 – 2:00 CT meeting

November 10 – 10:00 - Bible Study. All women are

invited to join us as we continue our study “who is

Jesus.” We encourage you to invite a friend to join

us. Leader Sally Kaltenbach; Hostess Lindalee

Walters

November 16 – 6:30 – Annual Service of Thanks. Be sure to sign up for dinner.

Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study

Why do Presbyterian Women come together for

Bible Study? Well, faith at its best is a group

possession. Many of us tend to go it alone. We

like our special beliefs, our way of doing thing, our

religious likes. But, being members of a church

family, we have taken a step toward ensuring our

faith is a group possession and process. We step

into worship believing that our shared faith is a

first point of connection. Being part of a Women’s

Bible study is one more step.

We are women of faith who come together to

nurture our faith and share God’s love with the

world. Paul certainly recognized the importance of

community. “For I am longing to see you so that I

may share with you some spiritual gifts to

strengthen you – or, rather, so that we may be

mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both

yours and mine.” (Roman’s 1:11-12). Being a

community of women reminds us of the great

diversity of God’s creation, of the joys and

struggles others experience; it broadens our

perspectives. We draw inspiration and courage

from others’ stories and find things in common

with those we never imagined we were like.

Our Presbyterian Women’s Purpose starts with a

commitment to nurture our faith through prayer

and Bible study. PW has a tradition of more than a

century of Bible study. We mutually encourage

others’ faith by studying the same passages.

There is also the equally important commitment of

lifting up women’s voices and perspectives. We

share our joys and concerns.

Many of us have a story to tell about how we were

introduced to Women’s Bible study by a beloved

relative or friend. Personally, here at FPC, I was

drawn in by Kayre Hines who invited me every

month until I started attending. On separate

evaluations, group members commented “I love

hearing other’s thoughts!” “It brought out a lot of

discussion.” “It was good to hear varied points of

view.” “I enjoyed the discussion time with other

members.”

If you have not already been invited to attend FPC

– PW Bible study on the 2nd Thursday of the

month, please consider this an invitation to come

and experience growing your faith in a community

of Presbyterian sisters.

THANKS

SERVICE AND

DINNER

NOVEMBER

16TH AT 6:30

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6 THE VIEW from Presbyterian Hill NOVEMBER 2016

by Bruce Morgan

PRESBYTERIAN MEN

By Bruce Morgan

The Presbyterian Men will have their monthly dinner meeting at 6:00pm on Tuesday,

November 8th. We will be enjoying our meal and fellowship as well as looking at plans for the coming

months. As always, we welcome all the adult men and older youth to join the Presbyterian

Men.....satisfaction guaranteed.

Presbyterian Mens Outing on Lake Burton

The Presbyterian Men enjoyed a beautiful fall day on Lake Burton as the crew of Hugh Walters' boat. We

"sailed" from the dam to the mouth of the Tallulah River and heard a detailed narrative about the lake and

some of the wonderful homes along the shore. We certainly cherish our time together as a Christian

brotherhood. Our men's group enjoys a variety of activities and day trips as well as monthly dinner and

fellowship with a bible based discussion period.

Did somebody loose a hat????

By Bruce Morgan

7 THE VIEW from Presbyterian Hill NOVEMBER 2016

Mission Team News

FINANCIAL CORNER

September, 2016 Financial synopsis

Income for Operating Expenses: $15,755.40

Operating Expenses: $15,906.85

Net Income for the month: $- 151.45

Checking Account balance (for operating expenses): $38,094.58

Money Market Fund (Savings Account for Designated Funds): $19,393.38

Savings Account (CD): $61,537.34

In September our giving was below what is needed per month to meet the budget requirements (we need $19,250/month to meet our $231,000 annual budget) – but our expenses for September were also down – and we almost broke even for the month!. That’s good news. The bad news is we are facing some rather large expenses in October as we fix the grease trap in the kitchen, roof in sanctuary, and either repair or replace one of our HVAC units. October is going to be a very expensive month!

A complete listing of the church’s September financial documents is posted on the church office glass wall (by the office door). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. Tom Harbst

NOVEMBER 9TH AT 5:30PM

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

It's that's wonderful Operation Christmas Child time of the year already!

Once again FPC will be participating in one of our favorite activities,

packing shoeboxes for underprivileged children in other countries. The

packing party will take place Wednesday night November 9, 2016. We will

eat pizza at 5:30 then pack. You can pack your own shoebox ahead of

time or you can bring items to share with the group. We will have boxes

for you to use or you can use your own and wrap it in Christmas paper.

Here are some items you can be buying as you find them. Buy several of

an item if they are a good price. Everything must fit inside a shoe box, so

nothing very large.

A WOW item: something to delight a child: stuffed animal, toys, puppets, truck, doll, musical instrument, outfit,

shoes.

Toys: cars, yo-yos, jump ropes, balls, toys that light up;

School supplies: pens, pencils, crayons, markers, sharpeners, solar calculators;

Non liquid Hygiene items- toothbrushes, bar soap, combs, washcloths;

Accessories: shirts, socks, hats, sunglasses, jewelry, flashlights;

Candy: hard candy, gummy bears, caramels, taffy and gum;

A personal note with your photo. Include address and name and they may write back.

If you would like to read more about this ministry of Samaritans Purse, check out Samaritainspurse.org. There are some awesome videos of children receiving shoeboxes that always inspire. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a blessing and be blessed!

By Melody Thomason

8 THE VIEW from Presbyterian Hill NOVEMBER 2016

Your session met on October 16th and took for following actions:

Received "thank you notes" from Back Pack Buddies, Caring Hands Clinic and the sponsor of our summer youth mission trip;

Previewed upcoming activities at church;

Heard an update on the preschool;

Received a report from the Columbarium Task Force;

Thanked Judy Winski for her service during Linda Watkins' absence;

Approved the financial reports;

Approved transfer of a fund to apply to building maintenance issues, and

Approved a priority ranking for three building repairs;

Authorized Pastor Andy to call a special Presbytery meeting at our church;

Elected two elders to attend the next Presbytery meeting in Gainesville;

Heard a report from the Nominating Committee;

Reviewed plans for Consecration Sunday on November 13th;

Approved church use requests for a wedding and a cocaine addition group;

Scheduled the next meeting for Monday, November 14th. Pray for our church and its leadership to be in God's Will

ALL SAINTS SERVICE Our All Saints Service will be held on November 6th during worship. Names will

be read of those that have died in the past year. We need your help by providing

the names of family and friends you would like included in this service.

You may respond by listing their names on the sheet on the table in the Narthex.

By Bruce Morgan

9 NOVEMBER 2016 THE VIEW from Presbyterian Hill

BUILDING REPAIR UPDATE

On behalf of all the members of our church family, we certainly appreciate the time and effort that 13 of our members put in on our Saturday work day. Jim Crawford reports that everything on our "to do" list was accomplished. The work did not end on Saturday as Penny and Kim have begun to put a fresh coat of paint on the ladies' and men's rest rooms. John Rogers got a head start on the work by painting the repairs to the inside front wall of Fellowship Hall. (by Bruce Morgan)

#1 The grease pit stoppage: Back in the late 70s, early 80s when the restaurant was built they had a grease pit installed. The restaurant went under shortly afterwards. The Presbytery bought the building and the land and therefore the First Presbyterian Church of Cleveland was established. We were unaware that there was a grease pit. Therefore after approximately 20 to 30 years of use it finally stopped up. That brings us to the present update on the re-pairs. The present tank, if ok'd by the city health department, can be rebuilt at a cost of $2,000.00 (which includ-ed the pumping). If the health department says no and we need a new one, the cost would be $3,000.00 (includes pumping). Since the kitchen was built for commercial purposes a grease trap was required. This re-quirement applies to all restaurants and other facilities such as churches. Whatever the outcome, the work will start the week of October 24.

#2 the leak in the Sanctuary: There is a leak in the sanctuary roof right above the choir and the organ. It hasn't been a problem lately because of a lack of rain. Ron Cantrel Construction Company plans to start repairs, the week of October 24. The cost for repairs if no severe problems are encountered, will be $3,700.00. This cost includes the renting of a large crane from Gainesville.

#3 the Sanctuary A/C: One of the four A/C units in the Sanctuary has become inoperative and needs to be replaced. Bids have gone out for cost. Verbal returns have cost at approximately $6,000.00 to $7,000.00. Hopefully a lot less. No repairs will start until Session approval on lowest creditable bid.

On a positive note. The trees in the parking lot have been trimmed and canopied and look fantastic.

The spruce up of the grounds and inside of the Church was an outstanding success. Thanks to those who worked.

The women's bathroom has been painted and looks fantastic. Thanks to those (PW) who painted it.

The Church is now compliant with building requirements for Pre School activities.

Future Church plans A committee has been set up to explore a Columbarium addition to our building. Cost, location, styles and approval are being studied.

Cost and placement of maple trees are being considered around the playground.

The PM will be painting the outside of the fellowship hall, the week of October 24. As you can tell, we are a very busy and caring Church.

More to come.

Any questions on repairs, please call me. In Christian fellowship Jim Crawford 770-530-5392

A big "Thank You" to all who participated.

10

First Presbyterian Church 147 N. Main Street

Cleveland, GA 30528 Phone: 706-865-6499

Fax: 706-865-5362 E-mail: info@fpccleveland.org

Website: www.fpccleveland.org Prayer chain:

firstpcprayers@gmail.com

Chairperson & Editor

Bruce Morgan

Publisher

Cookie Mathis

Committee Members

Mil Clyburn

Jan Hopkins

Judy Winski

NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

DEADLINE NOVEMBER 16TH

SAVE THE DATES

White County Food Pantry Concert Fundraiser on November 5 at FPC

All Saints Day on November 6

Presbyterian Men Meeting on November 8

Shoe Box Packing Party on November 9

Presbyterian Women Bible Study on November 10

Consecration Sunday on November 13

Community Thanksgiving Service at the Episcopal Church on November 13

Thanks Service and Dinner on November 16

Christ the King Sunday will be the liturgical year service on November 20

Chrismon Service, first Sunday of Advent on November 27

Truitt McConnell College Concert on November 29

HELP NEED The decorating team is working on new decorations for Advent this year. Anyone who

can help "hang the greens" would be greatly appreciated. We will begin after Sunday Worship on Nov.

20 and continue on Monday, Nov. 21, 9:00 am. The more people we have, the faster it goes and it's

also more fun!

TIME CHANGE

NOVEMBER 6TH

Desserts are needed for the Wednesday Night Meal

Wednesday Night Fellowship Supper 5:30 PM

Bible Study to follow