The First News

The First News First Presbyterian Church

June/July, 2018

From Pastor Rebecca

My dad was a photographer, and I’ve also caught the “shutter” bug… I love

the practice of photography. In chapter 2 of her book, Eyes of the Heart:

Photography as a Christian Contemplative Practice , Christine Valters

Paintner talks about the difference between “taking” pictures and “receiving”

them: “the traditional words for photography are possessive and aggres-

sive” [“taking,” “shooting,” and even “making”] …she further notes that this

is part of the cultural milieu that we live in “Our culture emphasizes taking

time, taking what’s mine and taking a break. What we are endeavoring to do

in this process [of contemplative photography], however, is to receive (rather

than take) the gifts around us…” This requires that we change the ways that

we usually relate to the world, that we change our posture from one of being in

charge to one that is

more passive and receptive.

Whether you enjoy photography or not, summer time,

with its slower pace, warm languid days and sultry

nights is the perfect time to let go of the need to make,

take and do. In the summer we can more easily practice

a receptive posture. We can relax and be present enough

to receive the grace of God in the gifts of friends, family

and creation.

Whether you are heading out on vacation, or staying at

home this summer, I pray that you will joyfully receive

and recognize all that God sets before you.

Pastor Rebecca

The First News Page 2

FPC News

Serve . Love .

June

Bailey Gunter 6/01

Sue Murray 6/01

Mary Boyer 6/02

Samuel Broucek 6/02

Taylor Gerig 6/03

Ernie LoBue 6/03

Verdery Kennedy 6/08

Donna Burnett 6/17

Brian Feltman 6/09

Sue Hedin 6/11

Debra Pease 6/11

Carrie Feltman 6/18

Parker Newell 6/23

Carrie Bailey 6/25

Makaila Thomas 6/25

Jay Womack 6/25

Chris Benatti 6/26

Brenda Bigley 6/26

Dillon Fitzgerald 6/29

Matt Gerig 6/29

Virginia Yarber 6/29

July

Chloe Radford 7/02

Bob Scherer 7/02

Jeremy Ward 7/03

Lauren Thomas 7/07

Worth Presley 7/09

Brockman Presley 7/10

Julia Basquin 7/11

Charles (CJ) Mann 7/12

James Christy 7/14

Paige Haymons 7/17

Katrina Toth 7/17

Cooper Bailey 7/19

Phoenix Eyrich 7/21

Ruth Baker 7/25

Nan LoBue 7/26

William Broucek 7/27

Tucker Dennis 7/27

Mark Davis 7/28

Preaching Texts for Summer, 2018

June 1-July 15 - Proverbs: Seeking Wisdom

The Fear of the Lord: Prov. 1:1-7; 20-33

Two Paths &The Value of Wisdom: Prov. 2 and 4

(selections)

Wisdom’s Feast: Prov 9:1-6, 13-18

Righteousness and Justice, part 1: Prov. 19 (selections)

and 21:2-3

Righteousness and Justice, part 2: Prov. 22:1-23

The Righteous vs. the Wicked: Prov. 28, Selections

The Good Wife: Prov. 31: 10-31

July 22-Aug. 19- Job: When Bad Things Happen to

Good People

The Test: Job 1:1-22, 2:7-10

Misery Speaks: Job 3 (selections) 7:1-7

Cold Comfort: Debating the Issue: Job 2:11-13; plus

selections from the debates

God Weighs In: Job 38:1-41

Resurrection: It is Well: Job 42: 1-7; 10-17

Do you have a favorite hymn? Is it one that we

never sing?

During our summer Sunday services YOU can

pick the hymns. Let us know the hymns you want

us to sing.

e-mail the church office

call the office

leave a note

use the forms on the table in the narthex

We’ll put the requests in a hat and draw out three

to sing each week.

Email to [email protected].

Summer Music

Christian Education

Ahoy! Join The Crew For VBS

Sunday, June 10 - Wednesday, June 13

6 pm - 8:15 pm

Venture onto an uncharted island where kids survive and thrive. Anchor kids in the

truth that Jesus carries them through life's storms.

Classes for children pre-k - 5th grade

Nursery for children under age 4

THANK YOU to everyone who completed the

Christian Education Committee survey about our

Wednesday night activities.

The CE Committee appreciates your input.

Look for fall plans in the August newsletter.


Christian Education

lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

Where In The World Will You Take Jesus? “Flat Jesus” was created from the basis of a children’s book called Flat Stanley, (written by

Jeff Brown). In the book, a boy named Stanley becomes flattened and is able to be mailed to

different places, having all kinds of exciting adventures.

“Flat Jesus” is a way to keep our church family connected as we enter into the summer traveling season. Color “Flat

Jesus” and take him with you as you travel…or to whatever you do this summer. Take a picture of him doing lots of

different things: going out to dinner, having fun at the beach or the mountains, hanging out with friends or cousins,

or whatever you are doing! It will be an amazing adventure!

HOW TO CREATE YOUR VERY OWN “FLAT JESUS”:

1. Take a printed “Flat Jesus” from the narthex or the office.

2. Decorate your “Flat Jesus.” Be creative! You can make one for yourself and one for a

friend!

3. Take him with you everywhere you go. Take a picture of him doing different things

(going out to dinner, vacationing, camping, and being with friends/family).

SHARE HOW JESUS IS ON THE MOVE! When you have taken photos of “Flat Jesus,” you can share your “Flat Jesus” pictures:

1. By emailing photos to [email protected]

2. By uploading your picture directly to the church's Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/First-Presbyterian-Church-Statesboro-379236202130574/

Add the hashtags:

#flatjesus

#flatjesusfpcstatesboro

#fpcstatesboro

It will be so exciting to see where Jesus is on the move this

summer as you share your adventures!

It is a great way to remember that Jesus is always with us

wherever we go. And it just might start up a conversation

with someone about what you are doing and why.

mailto:[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/First-Presbyterian-Church-Statesboro-379236202130574/

FPC News

New Banner Has Personal Ties To FPC Members

First Presbyterian Church has a new banner, hand woven on a floor loom by members of

the congregation.

The colors used in the weaving follow the Presbyterian Liturgical calendar.

The purples, pink, and gold at the bottom of the weaving represent Advent, the time of

preparation for Jesus' birth and the beginning of the church year. The white represents the

holiness of the Christmas season.

The next section begins with green, the Liturgical color for Ordinary Time on the calendar.

The use of green is associated with life, reminding us God is present breathing life into us

and our church. Woven in this colorful part of the banner are various fibers and items con-

tributed. They include hand spun natural wool from an Australian sheep ranch visited by

Marti Schriver; a scarf of Mildred Pierce, Ann Henderson' s grandmother; a scarf which

belonged to Sue Hedin's husband's maternal grandmother; a scarf purchased by Betty

Franklin in 1973 at a garage sale funding the NOW chapter in Rome, GA working for GA's

vote on the ERA; various yarns from a neighbor of Durell Tuggle; a tee-shirt designed by

the youth; a tie of Mr. RJ Kennedy, Mike Kennedy's father; a PW Life Time Membership

pin awarded to Beverly Presley; strips of wool material from a kilt weaving room in Scot-

land, Betty and Marshall Womack visited and yarn Verdery Kennedy used to knit a baby blanket.

The next part of the weaving represents Lent. Purple colored yarn is used as Lent is a season of preparation for

the coming of Easter. There are palm branches woven into the Lenten season representing Palm Sunday.

The small area of gray brown yarn is for Maundy Thursday.

The black ribbon stands for Good Friday.

The season of Easter is woven with white to symbolize purity and hope.

The top of the weaving represents Pentecost. This last season of the Liturgical calendar celebrates the Holy

Spirit and the birth of the church. Red is used as a symbol of blood and fire.

The very top of the weaving celebrates the Trinity with the color gold.

Other items to look for in the weaving are a book mark given to Beverly Presley by Dot Odum; Chrismons de-

signed by the Presbyterian Women, the cross used on Palm Sunday; 3 gold medallions, representing the Father,

Son and Holy Spirit.

List of weavers: Verdery Kennedy, Jay Broucek, Betty Womack, Joe Franklin, Beverly Presley, Marti Parrish,

Susan Lewis, Elizabeth Lewis, Jeffery Lewis, Brady Basquin, Carter Copeland, Marti Schriver, Ann Hender-

son, Amie Bautista, Abby Brooks, 2017 FPS Youth Group


June

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

10am - 2 pm

Silver Lining

Club

3

11 am Worship &

Communion

Youth Leave for

Montreat

4 5 6 7 8 9

10am - 2 pm

Silver Lining

Club

Youth return

from Montreat

10

11 am Worship

6-8 pm VBS

11

6-8 pm VBS

12

11:00 Rebecca’s

Café

6-8 pm VBS

13

6-8 pm VBS

14 15 16

10am - 2 pm

Silver Lining

Club

17

Father’s Day

11 am Worship

18 19 20 21 22 23

10am - 2 pm

Silver Lining

Club

24

11 am Worship

25 26 27 28

29 30

10am - 2 pm

Silver Lining

Club

Open/Close Elder: Nan LoBue

Liturgist: Nan LoBue

July

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

11 am Worship

and Communion

2 3 4

Independence

Day

Church Office

Closed

5 6 7

8

11 am Worship

9 10

11 am

Rebecca’s Cafe

11 12 13 14

10am - 2 pm

Silver Lining

Club

15

11 am Worship

16

11:30 am

Book Club for

All Seasons

17 18 19 20 21

10am - 2 pm

Silver Lining

Club

22

11 am Worship

1:30 pm Session

Meeting

23 24 25 26 27 28

10am - 2 pm

Silver Lining

Club

29

11 am Worship

30 31

Open/Close Elder: Andrew Allen

Liturgist: Lois Roberts


Session Highlights

Session Highlights

May 6, 2018

CONSENT AGENDA - Session approved the Minutes from the April 8, 2018 Stated Meeting.

ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – This 9-page document was approved as presented. It is a review of the work of

church leaders and members throughout 2017 -- a transitional year in the life of Statesboro First Presbyterian

Church.

APRIL 2018 BUDGET REPORT TO SESSION – 2018 Budgeted Amount needed each month is $20,400. The

amount received (pledges and collection) in April was $26,600. Year to date amount received is slightly more

($577) than the budgeted amount. However, it was noted that giving often declines in the summer. Everyone is en-

couraged to remember the church in the months ahead.

AUTHORIZED TRADERS APPOINTED - Treasurer Linda Kimsey, Assistant Treasurer Mike Kennedy and

Elder William Smith were approved as authorized traders on behalf of Statesboro Presbyterian Church’s Synovus

Securities Account.

SPRING STATED MEETING OF THE SAVANNAH PRESBYTERY – will be held Tuesday, May 22 from

9:00 – 3:00 at Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church. Nan LoBue will be our Elder Commissioner and accompany

Interim Pastor, Rev. Rebecca Blackwell, to the meeting.

CARING HANDS FUND – Session approved a $100.00 donation from our church to Presbyterian Homes of

Georgia.

HOME COMMUNION TRAINING FOR ELDERS – Session approved Guidelines for Home Communion to be

used by Congregational Care Committee and all elders in providing the Lord’s Supper to those unable to participate

in worship.

ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING (Run-Hide-Fight) – Session members agreed to arrange a time in the fall for the

Statesboro Police Department to present this program to interested church members.

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY – A preliminary draft of this required policy was presented to Session and

will be adapted, revised and reviewed in the weeks ahead. It is expected to be approved at July Session meeting.

REVIEW OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP ROLL – Session approved Membership Roll Review which provides

specific guidelines for conducting a review of the membership roll as required by f the Constitution of the Presbyte-

rian Church (U.S.A.) Book of Order (G – 3.0204a).

COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY DONATION – Session gratefully noted the receipt of $935 in appreciation for

the use of our facilities for planning purposes in 2017-18.

FPC News

Presbyterian Women Celebrate

Birthday By Giving To Others

On May 7th, Presbyterian Women had their annual

birthday celebration with a dinner meeting in Carlton

Hall.

At the meeting the following officers were were elected

for 2018- 2019: Verdery Kennedy, Moderator; Marti

Schriver, Secretary/treasurer; Carolyn Broucek, Local

Service Projects; Annette Smith, Special Projects;

Jeanne Cauley, Coordinator Joy Circle and Marti Par-

rish, Coordinator Pond House Circle.

A special offering was taken in support of 3 mission

projects. The projects include Cottage Village, a tiny

house community for low income individuals or fami-

lies in Cottage Grove , Oregon; Village of Grace Center

offering hospitality for retreats and mission teams in

Tegucigalpa, Honduras; and the Dwelling Place, offer-

ing transitional housing and support services for women

and children seeking safety from abusive partners.

Book Club Takes A Break, Returns With “Fun” Read For July

The Book Club for All Seasons will take a summer break in June, but return in July with

a “fun” summer read.

Red Mountain, by Boo Walker is the story of four lives intertwined like the vines of the

vineyards of the titular mountain. Otis Till, the area's visionary winemaker, has been

known to howl at the moon--fully nude. Single mother Margot Pierce moved across the

country to build an inn. High school senior Emilia Forester is the daughter of celebrity

parents struggling to build her own life outside of their shadow. And Brooks Baker is a

man haunted by his past spent living on the streets as an orphan.

Walker is better known as a writer of mystery-thrillers. He says this is the one book he

always wanted to write. “Red Mountain in Washington State is one of the most magical

places on earth, from the wines and food to the scenery and most importantly, the people.

I hope this book can give you a little taste of what it's like until you make it here in person. “

The Book Club will meet on Monday, July 16, at 11:30 am in the Fielding Russell Room. All interested readers are

invited to attend and join in the discussion.

PNC Listening, Talking,

Seeking New Pastor

After receiving numerous referrals, listening to many

sermons and reflecting on over 100 Personal Infor-

mation Forms (PIFs) we are continuing to try to dis-

cern how to narrow down the field.

As we enter this phase of discernment, we ask for

your steadfast prayers for openness and mindfulness

so that we may clearly hear who God is calling to be

our next pastor.


FPC News

Flowers Speak Without Words

Placing flowers in worship is a wonderful way

to celebrate special occasions and to honor or

remember loved ones.

If you would like to reserve a

Sunday, you may do so by sign-

ing up on the flower chart lo-

cated outside the church office,

or call (912) 681-2053. The cost of

flowers is $50. Please make

checks payable to ’First Presbyte-

rian Church’ and note ’flowers’

Available Sundays: 6/10, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15,

7/22 and 7/29.

A Standing Date To Feed The Hungry

Hunger doesn’t take a vacation. In fact, with school

not in session, many children who rely on school

lunch may go hungry.

Rebecca’s Café, with the help of the local faith com-

munity, feeds lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays to

anyone in need of a meal.

FPC has taken on preparing, and serving a meal and

cleaning up on the second Tuesday of each month.

Contact Ann Henderson if you want to join in this

joyful and fulfilling mission of the church.

Yvette Allen, Bill

Barnes, Sara Ben-

nett, Gayle Gunter,

Susan Gunter,

Harriet Hair,

Sandy Newell,

Margie Pevey-

Shuman’s daughter Sonja Deaton on her recovery

from an infection, Del Presley, Pat Shelburne, Valerie

Thomas, Brownee Walton, Genie Ward, Service men

& women.

Backpack

Buddies Year

End Summary

Thanks to everyone who

contributed to another year

of providing weekend food

for our friends at Mill Creek Elementary School.

We provided 10 food items each week for 36 weeks

for 35 children. Do the math! It adds up to 126,000

food items for the year at an approximate cost of

$6000.

Over the summer we will continue to collect nonper-

ishable items, so we will have a head start when school

begins in August. Please continue to place your dona-

tions in the basket in the hallway in the education

building. Monetary donations are also welcomed.

Church Staff

Interim Pastor: Rebecca Blackwell

Christian Education Director: Susan Parrish

Music Director: Allen Henderson

Organists: Duke Miles & Glenn Haynes

Office Administrator: June Bryant-Hackle

2018 Ruling Elders

Clerk of Session: Lois Roberts (18)

Administration Committee: Brett Curry (19) & Andrew Allen (20)

Christian Education Committee: Stacey Basquin (20)

Facilities Committee: Brian Feltman (18)

Mission Committee: Gordon Smith (18) & Lynda Webb (20)

Pastoral Care Committee: Frank McDonald (19) & Charlotte Wynn (20)

Worship Committee: Nan LoBue (18) & Ann Henderson (19)

Service Committee: Annette Smith (19)

Presbyterian Women

Moderator: Verdery Kennedy

Secretary/Treasurer/Historian: Marti Schriver

Special Projects: Annette Smith

FPC Staff & Leadership


First Presbyterian Church 1215 Fair Road

Statesboro, Georgia 30458

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First Presbyterian Church

1215 Fair Road

Statesboro, Georgia 30458

Phone: 912-681-2053 ~ Fax: 912-681-2399

[email protected] ~ www.fpcstatesboro.org

Mission Statement

The mission of the First Presbyterian Church of Statesboro, Georgia

is to be a Christ-centered family of believers called and committed to worship-

ping, growing spiritually, and sharing God’s love and grace.

The First News

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