The AmbassadorSunday, January 28, 2018at 12:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. Receiving Annual Reports...

www.stillwaterfpc.org 1

The Ambassador

2 Annual Meeting

4 Back to Sunday School

5 Children and Worship news

5 Save the Date for Youth Sunday

7 Adult Classes

10 2018 January Series

12 Our Daily Bread

14 Community MLK Jr. Celebration

A publication of First Presbyterian Church, Stillwater, OK What’s INSIDE

The February Ambassador deadline is Thursday, February 1st. Ambassador news may be sent to: [email protected]

J a n u a r y 2 0 1 8 volume 60 • number 1

Community MLK Day Events January 14 and 15, 2018

See page 14 for details

Youth Sunday Sunday, February 11, 2018

8:30 and 11:00 am Worship in Fellowship Hall

2018 January Series a livestream webinar from Calvin

College, is currently underway

See page 10 for schedule


A Thoughtful Conversation About Social Media Sundays at 9:45 am

January 14 - February 11 Fellowship Hall



First Presbyterian Church Staff

Pastor Leah R. Hrachovec [email protected]

Interim Associate Pastor Deborah Meinke [email protected]

Director of Children and Youth Jenna Campbell [email protected]

Church Administrator Magdalena Vinson [email protected]

Finance/Office Assistant Mary Beth Garoffolo [email protected]

Church Treasurer Arletta Webster [email protected]

Director of Music/Organist Rebecca te Velde [email protected] Contemporary Music Coordinator Steve Foust [email protected]

Handbell Choir Director Allison Johnston [email protected] Coordinator of Older Adult Ministry Kelly McCarley [email protected] Children’s Ministry Assistants Katharine Nipp [email protected] Youth Ministry Assistants Jenna Linholm [email protected] Conner Funk [email protected] UKIRK Assistant Kay Solomon [email protected] Childcare Coordinator Sarah Priest [email protected] Preschool Director Dana Brown [email protected]

Custodian Mike Flowers

Building Supervisor Peter Thomas [email protected]

Announcements

The Church Office Will Be Closed Monday, January 15, 2018 for MLK Day

volume 60 • number 11

The Ambassador

Save the Date! Family Visioning Summit –

Sunday, February 25, 2018, 12:00-3:00 pm For families with children age 0 - 18

Ministry Architects will be here to lead an afternoon for families to set family core values and consider how to be intentional about setting a vision for ministry in the home. Children 2nd grade and up are invited to participate with their families (child care will be provided for those age 0 - 1st grade). More information to come!

Staff Information Leah Hrachovec, Pastor, will be out of the office February 2 - 5, 2018.

Deborah Meinke, Interim Associate Pastor, will be out of the office January 17 and January 24-25, 2018.

Jenna Campbell, Director of Children and Youth Ministry, will be out of the office January 17-18. She will be leading a workshop in Houston, TX for educators in New Covenant Presbytery on Connect: Equipping Families for their Role as Primary Faith Nurturers. Jenna will also be out of the office January 31 - February 3 attending the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators Annual Event in Louisville, KY.

Annual Congregational Meeting and Meeting of the Corporation

The Annual Congregational Meeting of First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater is called for Sunday, January 28, 2018 at 12:00 pm in Fellowship Hall.

For the purpose of: Receiving Annual Reports Approving Pastor Terms of Call Receiving 2018 Budget Report

Also: Annual FPC Corporation meeting Other business from the floor

The Boy Scouts will be serving lunch (donations to Boy Scouts gratefully accepted) and pies and cakes will be given away throughout the meeting!


“How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.” Psalm 36:7-9

I have never been a great swimmer, but I have always been fascinated with the deep end of the pool. Of course, it’s not the place where most people start out when learning to swim, but, especially as kids, it’s where we are drawn, either by the lure of a great big diving board, or by the fact that the older kids and good swimmers are there.

Last weekend, the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee had a half-day retreat, in part to review the great work that was done in FPC’s last round of visioning and church assessment. One of the realizations the U.S. Congregational Life Survey, the Congregational Assessment Task Force, and Ministry Architects all found is the desire, and also hesitance, of many members of our congregation to “go deeper” with faith: to increase our biblical literacy, to have a better grasp on the big ideas of the Reformed Christian tradition, and to utilize spiritual practices to enrich and deepen faith. Staff member Jenna Campbell remarked, “It’s like the song Deep and Wide. We do want a faith that goes deeper, and that spreads out into the whole of our lives, and the world.”

In making my own book list for 2018, one of the new reads I’ve added is Cal Newport’s Deep Work, in which he makes the distinction between shallow work and deep work. Deep work is that intensely focused time and concentration that can produce thoughtful change and make new connections.

As Christians in the Reformed tradition, we have historically valued lifelong learning, understanding that a mature faith is still not a finished product to be put on a shelf. If Christ offers us that fountain of life, it is always moving, and we can experience refreshment and a deepened faith at any point in our lives. I invite you to pray about how Christ may be inviting you to “go deeper” in faith this year:

Attend one or more January Series gatherings at FPC and allow yourself a full hour to think through one of the world’s deep needs, a new opportunity in mission, or a big question of faith Have a thoughtful conversation about Social Media with others struggling with distraction and/or seeking connection in this world (see p. 7) Commit to a new mission or ministry this year that you have never tried before, perhaps as a storyteller for Children & Worship, a VBS volunteer, or join the Mission Trip Planning Team as we plan the next FPC intergenerational mission trip

As you may remember from your own childhood, the deep end can seem scary, especially when the bottom of the pool is not easy to see. Know that we wade deeper into these waters of faith with the help of God’s Spirit, the joy of Christ, and the encouragement of a faith community alongside us. May God’s call that the fountain flows “deep and wide” encourage us to go deeper in faith and reach out in Christ’s name.

Peace to you,

A Letter from Leah

Faith Quote

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

-Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


The Ambassador



The Ambassador

Youth Sunday School Middle School (grades 6-7) (Youth Suite Blue Room) re:form Ancestors of the Old Testament: Unlikely people called by God to do amazing things. Youth will see the similarities between themselves and their faith ancestors. Every re:form Ancestors session follows a three-part sequence: Encounter, Engage, and Respond. In each session, youth gather to watch a hilarious animated video, tap their creativity for activities that involve doodling, connecting, and journaling, and then share thoughts and ideas about the session’s ancestor. Teacher: Tim Krehbiel and Jenna Linholm

Junior High (grades 8-9) (Youth Suite Orange Room) The Great Commandment - Come explore what it means to Love God, Love Others, and Love Yourself. This spring, the class will be using the “These Are Our Bodies” curriculum to explore faith and sexuality as we consider what it means to faithfully love self and love others. Teachers: Casey Campbell and Kelly and Brenda Nipp

Senior (grades 10-12) (Youth Suite - Main Area) Senior High Youth will gather weekly to discuss current events, study the Bible, hear the faith stories of members of the congregation, and to relax and spend time together. Youth will be challenged to think for themselves about things going on in the world. Teacher: Scott Johnson and Mindy McCann

Faith Kid-nection Sunday School for children ages 3, 4, and 5 9:45-10:45 am Children preschool to kindergarten age are invited to join in play, games and songs as we explore God’s love, grow in faith, and learn how to share God’s love with others using the Walk with Me curriculum. This class meets in room 122 in the preschool wing, but it begins and ends with the rest of the SpiritLink children in the Worship Center at 9:45am. Teachers: Eric Savage, Dustin Charter, and Melody Reavis

SpiritLink for 1st-5th graders SpiritLink is a workshop rotation-model Sunday School in which students learn about a Bible story or theme from different perspectives throughout each unit. Lessons are told throughout the year using various ways of learning: art, science, computers, storytelling, cooking, movies, drama, and more! SpiritLink classes are grouped according to age, with some flexibility to meet each child’s needs and keep the classes balanced.

Creators: 1st/2nd/3rd grades - Shepherd: Jenny Fowler Makers: 4th/5th grades - Shepherd: Suzii Parsons

The 2017-2018 theme for SpiritLink is Providence: God’s Creating Word. Through Old and New Testament stories, children will explore their relationship with God who promises to always be with them. SpiritLink children are invited to start the Sunday school hour at 9:45am in the Worship Center. We’ll have a gathering time together and some singing with Steve Foust. Shepherds will take the kids upstairs to their rooms and bring them back to the Worship Center by 10:45 where parents can pick up their children.

This month’s unit is The Great Commission and children will be considering Jesus’ call to go, baptize, serve, and teach.

Spring Sunday School Class Offerings


January/February Schedule

January 14 5:00-6:30 pm PYG 21 5:00-6:30 pm PYG 28 5:00-6:30 pm PYG

February 4 5:00-9:00 pm PYG Super Bowl Party at the Loverns’ house 10 1:00-3:00 pm Youth Sunday Rehearsal 11 8:00 am-12:00 pm Youth Sunday, no evening PYG 18 5:00-6:30 pm PYG - Ask the Pastor 25 12:00-3:00 pm Family Visioning Summit, no evening PYG


The Ambassador

The Not-So-Ordinary Time of Children & Worship We are about to begin a new church season called Ordinary Time, but it is an extra-ordinary time to worship God with our children in Children & Worship! You may wonder where the children go and what they do when they follow the Children & Worship banner out of the 11:00 worship service after the Time with Children. Here's a look at Children and Worship through the eyes of MY inner child! ~Carolyn Caldwell, Children & Worship Coordinator

We Gather as God's People. We are welcomed into the worship circle, and they know my name! We sit in a

circle on the floor surrounded by Bible stories and resources made just for us! We offer blessings to each other and sing and sign songs of praise to God. We smile and wiggle! We Proclaim God's Word. We see and hear a Bible story told by the Storyteller who uses wooden figures and

sometimes sand or mountains. The stories of God are special and kind of mysterious. As the story ends, we wonder out loud about what we have just seen and heard. Sometimes, we are so involved in the story, we forget to wiggle! We Respond to God. We can work with the story we have just heard using the exact same materials the

Storyteller used or retell another story using the Desert Box full of sand! We might draw a picture, work a puzzle, or look at a book. We see the light of the Christ Candle and later think about how it changes and goes everywhere. We offer gifts to God*, pray to God (always thanking God for our family or pet), and find the story in the Bible. On Communion Sundays after the offering, we get to join our family in the Sanctuary so we can experience this sacrament with them. We go as Children of God. Before we leave we each receive a blessing, and the Storyteller says our name,

because God knows each of us and asks us be a blessing to the world. You should come with us some time to Children & Worship

*Extra-Ordinary News from Children & Worship This year we have added some new elements to our Children & Worship time and want parents and the congregation to understand the "what and why" of each.

We receive an offering each week. Our children have a weekly opportunity to give an offering of money, artwork, prayers, time & talents back to God. We invite parents to talk with their child(ren) about the generosity and love of God and how we respond to God with our own gifts to God and the world. We want to model the spiritual discipline of joyful and faithful generosity as an act of worship.

On Communion Sundays, children will leave for Children & Worship following the Time with Children, but will return to the Sanctuary following the Offertory so that they may participate in the sacrament of Communion with their families.

Youth Sunday - Sunday, February 11, 2018 8:30 am and 11:00 am

Fellowship Hall

The youth of the congregation will lead worship on February 11th on the theme of justice, their topic of study last semester. The youth have been busy crafting prayers and putting together creative worship elements for this justice-themed worship. Please make plans to attend and support the youth as they lead.


The Chancel Choir: 7:15-8:15 pm Wednesday evenings in the Choir Room (note the new earlier time!), starting January 17. Please contact Becky te Velde for more information, or to have childcare provided (405-624-2612). Anyone aged 6th grade and older is welcome! We are always looking for more singers and ringers, and yes, you can even do both if you like!!

Choir Notes

Music Staff

Director of Music/Organist Rebecca te Velde [email protected] Contemporary Music Coordinator Steve Foust [email protected]

FPC Bell Choir Bell Choir rehearsals resume on Sunday, Jan. 21 at 4:00 pm in the Sanctuary “Bell Balcony”. For more information, contact Allison Johnston ([email protected]). Anyone aged 6th grade and older is welcome–no experience necessary.

Handbell Choir Director Allison Johnston [email protected] 2017-2018 Choral Scholars Amanda Barber Alie Lory Bradley Newcomb


The Ambassador

Thank You!!! …to all of the many, many musicians who filled our Advent and Christmas

services with music: Chancel Choir, Bell Choir, Choral Scholars, soloists, instrumentalists, children, youth…each one of you blessed us all immeasurably in our Advent journey and Christmas celebration!

…to our pastors and staff and Choral Scholars who supported our music and musicians in countless ways “behind the scenes”.

…to the dear folks who fed the Chancel Choir and instrumentalists between the two services of Lessons & Carols on Dec. 10. (Such abundance and so delicious!!)

…to the parents of children and youth who facilitated their musical leadership on Dec. 17 and 24. …to Marilyn King and Jim Showalter for leading our festive Carol Sing-Along. …to Roger Banks and Larry Johnson for putting our organ and pianos in shape for a December

workout. …to this loving and supportive faith community for faithfully and generously supporting our music

ministry, and …to God for the gift of our Lord and Savior, and for the gift of music to worship Him always.

“Ideo gloria in excelsis Deo!”

Bench Potatoes

Anyone 7 years or older is invited to sit up at the organ console during worship. Repeat visitors are always welcome, and there is no upper age limit! Contact Becky te Velde if you and/or your child would like to be a Bench Potato. “Two’s Company” on the organ bench!

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! The Worship & Music Committee wants to thank all of you who helped us worship in 2017. Literally over a hundred of you served in one way or another, whether it was ushering, serving as a liturgist, working the sound system, singing in the choir, serving communion, baking communion bread, preparing communion, or helping to decorate our worship space. Your service is very much appreciated and needed! Worship is a vital ministry at FPC Stillwater and you have helped fulfill that ministry.

mailto:[email protected])


Starting January 14, 2018 A Thoughtful Conversation about Social Media – This is an intergenerational class, all are welcome. Please bring your tablet or phone to class! Facilitated by Rev. Leah Hrachovec, this class meets at 9:45 am on Sunday mornings in Fellowship Hall, January 14 - February 11. Feasting on the Word is an adult Bible class that follows the Revised Common Lectionary and features a multi-media format. Each session begins with a “gathering thought”. Then there is an exploration of a specific text from the Bible and a response to that text. This class normally meets in the church library on Sunday mornings from 9:45-10:45 am. It does not meet when there is only one Sunday service. Leaders: Denise Rex and Bill Segall

Adult Ministry - Winter Classes


The Ambassador

Thank you friends and church members for the beautiful poinsettia plants. This was a very challenging Holiday season. We have a large support system which has helped so much in this new journey of life without Mike. Thank you for brightening our day with gorgeous flowers!!!

With Love,

Maxine Mulvey Chris Mulvey Stephanie Mulvey

Dear FPC Family We want to thank our special church family for the beautiful poinsettias we received. We continue to enjoy the color they bring to our home and we think of our supportive church when we look at them. You are each appreciated very much. Cathy & Steve Fairbanks

FPC Family We want to thank you all for the support, prayers, visits, offers of assistance, prayer shawl, book from Stephen Ministry, etc. We have been overwhelmed by the support and love as we have walked this journey. Thank you so much! You have strengthened us more than words can express. Team Steven Cornelius

Dear First Presbyterian Church, We wanted to thank you for thinking of us with the Christmas poinsettia. It was gorgeous. We so appreciated the willing heart of Jason White, who delivered the gift to our house. It brightened our days. May the good Lord continue to bless each of us as we extend our thanksgiving of Him for all of you, our church family. “Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!” Psalm 98:4 Grace and peace, Arvilla West and family

From the Mailbox

“Forget Al Gore: The Five Things You Really Need to Know About Climate Change”

by John. D. Sutter, award-winning investigative reporter for CNN. Thursday, January 25, 2018, 6:00 - 8:00 pm Oklahoma History Center in OKC Cost: $50/person ($25 student) Hosted by the Kirbas Institute and supported by the Kirkpatrick Foundation

To purchase tickets: http://www.kirbasinstitute.com/the-kirbas-institute-dinner-program

Please contact Interim Associate Pastor Deb Meinke if you would like to travel together by car.


Lee Ann Hulet (Osborn) Robert Hungerford (McCarley) Sandy Ives Patty Jacobs Randy Jobe (Irwin) Ted Joy (Irwin) Debbie K. (Hrachovec) Nelma Karnes (Jones) Vickie Karns (Houston) Mary Jane Kirchenbauer (Breuninger) Pauline Kopecky Dottie Kraemer Karen Krehbiel (Breuninger) Tom Kunz (Shaw) Phyllis Leaghty Hank Lett (Irwin) James Light (McPherson) Wendy Long (Burgoon) Charlene Longdon (Jacobs) Lloyd Lutjens (Beckstrom) Tom Lutjens (Beckstrom) David Marstellar (Botts) Alyssa Matal (Krehbiel) Bernie McNickle (McNickle) Philip Meadows Paul Meriwether (Meriwether) Tresa Miller (Miller) Kenny Minshew (Mullen) Kendra Moreland (Fowler) Pam Normile (Meinke) Charlotte Nowakowski (Cohlmia) Kathy Para (Holland) Christine Parson (Rex) Gwen Piersall Jean Potts (Bills) Walker Reese (Melancon) Jerry Sager (Vinson) Ken and Gloria Sandvold Bradley Schutt (Schlais) Addi Shamburg (Stiegler) Karen Shippey (Swim) Brylee Shullanberg (Stiegler) Jeffrey Silver (Silver) Anne Simmons (Mullen) Laura Simmons (Meinke) Carrie & Robert Smith family (Ballenger) David Smith (Cooper) Titus Smith (Irwin) Linda Stangl Jamie Stephens (Burgoon) Blaire Stevison Jen Tapley (Ainsworth) Lorna te Velde (te Velde) Bryan Tiffany (Visnic) Kourtney Turner (Titus) Upendo Kids (Shawley)

Prayer Concerns Amanda (Hrachovec) Nick Amidon (Garoffolo) Charlie Anaya Sr (Anaya) Shea Arnett (N. Thomas) Roger Banks (te Velde) Hadley Barker (Garoffolo) Mariana & Isaac Becerra (Arquitt) Leola Beckstrom (Beckstrom) Karen Bell (Jaynes) Mandy Blackburn Dawn Blair (Burgoon) Ken & Rita Breuninger Bill Brewer Helen Britton Belinda Bruner Blake Buck Ted Burgoon (Burgoon) Vivian Burgoon (Burgoon) Ashley Butler (Arquitt) Bob Campbell (Caldwell) Gerry Carnahan (Hrachovec) Wayne Cartwright (Koeppe) Susie Causley Nancy Chapa (Fagan) Lynette Frye Chapman (Frye) Marilyn Choike (Bruce) Betty Christian (Parsons) Allison Christy (Breuninger) Abby Clapp (Clapp) Darlene Collyar (Silver) Andee and Kannon Cooper (Hrachovec) Dona Cooper Steven Cornelius (Fairbanks) Dick Croom (Knox) Heather Davidson (Roach) Anita Davis (Kelly) John Dearinger Marcie Dennison (Fairbanks) Matthew Durham (Shawley) Norman Durham Lori Fagan Ruby Flowers (Flowers) Peggy Frese (Stiegler) Ed Gallegos (Wilkinson) Glenda Garrigus (Rex) Dorothy Gibbons (Holland) Benjamin Gray (Gray) Dan Grischkowsky Sam Hamilton Ben Harris (Wilkinson/Frohock) Kendall Harvey (Carter/Shaw) Nelda Hershberger (Knox) Bob Hert (Beckstrom) Charla Hilger (Roscoe) Carolynne Hopkins Joyce Hufford (Carter/Shaw)

Nettie Vick Barbara Ware (Fansler) Darrell Warren (Silver) Linda Wasson (Wasson/Emmett) Arvilla West Laura Tyrl Wever (Tyrl) Nona Wilhm (PW Bowling) Emily Williams Jim & Lynda Williams Mary Williams Jim Wise George Young Sandy Young

Larger Church: Synod of the Rocky Mountains Synod of South Atlantic Synod of Southern California and Hawaii Latin America and the Caribbean

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. Thank you!

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

Jordan Buterbaugh Marines (Case)

Aaron Cobb Army (Brewer Walker/Walker)

Captain Joseph DeHoogh Navy (DeHoogh)

Commander Molly Jenkins DeHoogh

Navy (DeHoogh)

Justin Fowler Navy (Fowler)

[email protected]

Major Luke Hagen Air Force (DeHoogh)

CSM Steven Morwood Army (Morwood)

LT Eric Murphy Army (Fairbanks)

Garrett Walters Marines (Williams)

Bryn Williams Army (Williams)


The Ambassador


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THE JANUARY SERIES 2018 Streamed live in the Fellowship Hall

11:30 AM-12:30 PM

It’s not too late to catch some of the 31st edition of this award-winning program. Admission is free. Simply be there by 11:30 on the days you choose. Bring an inquisitive mind. Bring a friend. Bring your lunch if you like. The presentations will stretch your mind, expand your horizons, and often touch your heart.

Friday Caroline Webb January 12 “How to Have a Good Day: Using Behavioral Science to Improve Everyday Life”

Caroline Webb is a management consultant, economist and renowned leadership coach. She will show how people can transform their life and work by applying insights from the behavioral sciences: behavioral economics, psychology and neuroscience.

Monday Beverly Daniel Tatum in celebration of MLK day January 15 “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations on

Race” Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum is a psychologist, administrator, and educator who will explain how and why there is still a deep racial divide in America in spite of all our efforts to eliminate it.

Tuesday Katherine Boo January 16 “Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity” A Pulitzer Prize writer for The New Yorker, Katherine Boo has spent the last twenty years reporting

from within poor communities. Here she shares stories that should inspire us all – stories of how hope, faith, and optimism can make a difference in the lives of some of the world’s poorest people.

Wednesday Kevin Olusola in Concert & Conversation January 17 Kevin “K.O.” Olusola has re-imagined the cello to critical acclaim, mashing together cello and the

urban art of beatboxing into a new musical genre called cello-boxing: the sound of the concert hall meeting the street. Come listen and see why it’s such a widely-acclaimed musical genre.

Thursday Jeremy McCarter January 18 “Hamilton, Hope and Change” Jeremy McCarter is the co-author of Hamilton: The Revolution with Lin-Manuel Miranda. He will

share the story of the Broadway show Hamilton’s journey from concept to cultural phenomenon as witnessed by someone who has been in all of the rooms where it happened – even the White House.

Friday R. David Edelman January 19 “Cybersecurity & Geopolitics” Edelman, a member of MIT’s Internet Policy team, is an expert on some of the most pressing

challenges facing the world today - from cybersecurity and privacy threats to artificial intelligence and automation. He will share the story of how his and others’ insights have helped shape national and international policy at the highest levels.

Monday Kevin Palau January 22 “Unlikely: Exploring Partnership between Churches and Cities” Under Kevin Palau’s leadership, the Luis Palau Association has produced some of the largest

Christian events ever staged. He will explain new models for citywide outreach that integrate major community service initiatives with open-air evangelistic gatherings.

Tuesday John Swinton January 23 “Becoming Friends of Time: Disability, Timefulness, and Gentle Discipleship” John Swinton is a Scottish theologian and a major figure in the development of disability theology.

Hear him tell how disabled people should be seen as conduits for God’s grace and service rather than products of a broken creation in need of “fixing.”

The January Series is broadcast live from Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

You may visit <calvin.edu/january> for more details on the presenters and topics.

If you have any questions about the Stillwater showing, contact Kent Olson @ [email protected]


The Ambassador


On January 10, the women gathered in the Hospitality Area for coffee, fellowship, bible study and

lunch. Rev. Deb Meinke led the women in the final lesson of the Horizons Bible Study, “Who is

Jesus? What a Difference a Lens Makes”.

The February meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 14, at 9:45 a.m. in the Hospitality Area.

February 14 is special this year as it is Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday. Our program for the

day will be a presentation by Deb and/or Leah on Ash Wednesday and Lent. Following the

presentation, we will have a light lunch and time for fellowship. There is no charge for the lunch and

reservations are not needed.

Second Mile Sewing continues to meet the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays of every month at 9:30 a.m.

in Fellowship Hall. All who love to sew and chat are welcome to join the group. The new year is a

great time to join and make some new friends or renew some old friendships. For more information

call Jane Durham, 747-5166.

If you have any questions about PW/Circle, please contact Mary McKinley, moderator, at 377-4367.

PW NEWS

Home Communion If you or someone you know would like to have Communion provided at home, please contact the Church Office (372-5580) to make

a request. It is an honor and a privilege to extend this Sacrament.

Hospital and Homebound Visitation If you know of any of our Church members who are in the hospital or homebound, please notify the Church Office (405-372-5580). A Deacon would

enjoy visiting to brighten their day.

Bingo Prizes Needed for MPower If you have anything that you would like to donate to MPower for bingo prizes, please drop it off at the donation box located downstairs. If you have any questions, please contact Margy Knox at [email protected].

Saturday Brunch The Saturday Brunch ministry continues to provide meals for the community every Saturday at 11:00 a.m. If you are interested in volunteering once, twice, or joining a regular Saturday team, please let us know. You can contact Magdalena in the church office at (405) 372-5580 or [email protected].

Seasoned Adults At our January 15th meeting, Dr. Belinda Bruner will be presenting a program in honor of Martin Luther King Day. She will discuss American art forms invented by African Americans with special attention to the controversies of The Harlem Renaissance, and major figures in the development of blues, ragtime, and jazz. Dinner will be catered by Purdy-Q.

Looking forward to February 19, we will be honoring Presidents Day, and our very own Marilyn King will be leading us in a Patriotic Sing-along as well as a celebration of the men and women who have served our country in the military. With the exception of last year, Marilyn has presented our program for President's Day since the beginning of Seasoned Adults and we appreciate her very much. Please mark your calendars early for this wonderful program!

~Kelly McCarley, Older Adult Ministry Coordinator


The Ambassador

Deacons Corner

tel:%28405%20372-5580


Lynn Wenig

Joined First Presbyterian Church February 12, 2008

Entered the Church Triumphant

December 6, 2017

In Memoriam

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me shall never die.”


The Ambassador

Change is hard, but necessary! Deacons have changed Shopping Basket requests.

All donations from the First Presbyterian Church shopping basket will now be taken to the community food and resource center Our Daily Bread.

After conferring with Director Becky Taylor, we are asking FPC members to donate ONLY: foods with protein peanut butter canned meats (tuna, chicken, sausage, etc) household items single rolls of paper towels toothpaste two or three packs of bar soap (not hotel size)

Our focused gifts of these items along with those of other churches and organizations will allow Our Daily Bread to effectively and efficiently assist Payne County residents, a third of whom live below the poverty line and 18% of whom are food insecure.

All donations are appreciated. The Deacons are asking you to change and focus on these specific items. Many thanks for all of your past gifts.

Items can be placed in the shopping cart in the Narthex and will regularly be delivered to Our Daily Bread.

Volunteers Needed

Stillwater’s food and resource center Our Daily Bread can use your help. Payne county residents in need of food and resource assistance have the opportunity to shop monthly at Our Daily Bread on the following schedule: Monday 1 – 4 PM Wednesday 11 AM – 2 PM Thursday 3 – 6 PM Friday 9 AM – Noon Saturday (3rd of the month) 9 AM – Noon

Volunteers are needed to assist each shopping session. Jobs are split into two categories: front of the house and back of the house. The front of the house jobs include registering guests (some computer skills needed) and personal shopping (accompanying guests through the shopping area and assisting them to their vehicles). The back of the house jobs include restocking shelves and receiving/sorting donated and retail recovery food items.

To volunteer contact Becky Taylor, Director ([email protected]), or Kathy Sandefur, Volunteer Coordinator ([email protected]), at 405 533-2555. Our Daily Bread is located at 701 E. 12th. For more information visit the ODB web site - www.ourdailybreadfrc.org.

Out-to-Lunch Bunch – JOIN US!

Want to get to know your fellow FPC members a little better? Fellowship and food is the best combination. We are going to try different places, order off the menu, and enjoy the great fellowship of each other. Please join us for a Sunday lunch of fellowship and friends. Just tell them that you are with FPC and we will see you there.

1/14 – KFC, 715 W 6th St. 2/4 – Mazzios’s, 624 W 6th St.

Community News

Ernest Junior Enow Tako

3 December 2017

mailto:[email protected]

tel:(405)%20533-2555

http://www.ourdailybreadfrc.org/


Monthly Income / Expense Report

December

2017 Year

to Date % of

Budget

Giving $ 53,500.54 $ 581,236.57 92.49

Other Income

$ 13,501.26

$ 78,903.49

190.53

Total Income $ 67,001.80 $ 660,140.06 98.55

Expenditures $ 54,545.93 $ 626,876.03 88.13

Net $ 12,455.87 $ 33,264.03

Reminder: Ambassador by Email

We invite you to consider receiving your Ambassador by email. Each month you receive an email with the link for the new issue. You can view

or print while saving printing and mailing costs for the Church. Email Magdalena at [email protected] if you want to try receiving the Ambassador electronically.

Session Organization The Session is organized into the following areas of responsibility. Members of the congregation join them in the work. If you have an interest in serving in a certain area, please contact one of the elders assigned to that ministry and volunteer. Do not be shy. As Presbyterians, we believe that the fruit of the Spirit increases with greater involvement and more people.

Clerk: John Gelder

Children’s Ministry: Sydney Reding Tami Krehbiel (chair)

Youth Ministry: Scott Johnson (chair) Rick Dearinger Cassidy McCann

Adult Ministry: Kent Olson (chair) Ken McCarley

Fellowship & Family: Becky Walker (chair) Marilyn Waters-Seig

UKirk (University): Jim Trapp (chair) Susie Causley

Worship and Music: Linda Good (co-chair) Phyllis Taylor (co-chair)

Stewardship & Finance: Tammy Wasson (chair) Arletta Webster Becky Schlais

World Mission and Denominational Concerns: John Steinbrink (chair) Gerrit Cuperus Dick Shawley

Communications & Connecting: Kathy Thomas (chair) Bill Henley

Trustee Liaison: Cathy Fairbanks

Personnel: David Silver (chair) Linda Good

Endowment Liaison: Kent Olson

Session Summary The Session of First Presbyterian Church, Stillwater, OK met in its Stated Meeting on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Arletta Webster opened the Session meeting with a thought and prayer. Highlights of Session: Examined most incoming church officers for ordination/

installation (remaining were examined before Jan 7 worship service) and approved their readiness to be ordained/installed.

Directed a memorial gift in memory of Kelsey Shelton made by Brett and Terri Carver to be used for new Bibles in Youth Suite and Christian Education areas.

Received a report from Deacons that Giving Tree donations were distributed to five agencies in Stillwater, assisting 30-35 individuals per agency.

Approved with discussion of several changes to the Ministry Information Form with the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee chair Tim Krehbiel.

Discussed Parish Paper - “Does Our Pastor Need a Job Description?”

Received November 2017 membership report indicating 529 members.

Approved the 2018 operating budget, including pastor Terms of Call to present to Congregation in Annual Meeting

Elected Arletta Webster as Treasurer and John Gelder as Clerk of Session for 2018.

Thanked outgoing Session members: Jenny Bobo, Norm Durham, Dan Grischkowsky, Gary Holland, Paula Kendrick, Thad Leffingwell, Bill Segall, and Katharine Nipp.

Set Annual Congregational Meeting for January 28, 2018 at 12:00 pm

$40 collected for Love Feast

The meeting adjourned at 8:43 pm with prayer. Next stated meeting is Tuesday, January 9th at 5:30 pm in the Multipurpose Room.


The Ambassador


First Std U.S. Postage

PAID City, ST

Permit # 000

The Ambassador First Presbyterian Church

524 S. Duncan Stillwater, OK 74074 405-372-5580 www.stillwaterfpcorg

Sunday Worship Schedule Worship - 8:30 and 11:00 am

Sunday School - 9:45 am

Midweek Communion 12:10 pm

Wednesdays Worship Center

Worship at First Presbyterian

Upcoming Worship Highlights for 2018

February 11: Youth Sunday, both worship services in

Fellowship Hall.

February 14 (Wednesday): Ash Wednesday service at

6:00 pm in the Sanctuary. Communion and the

imposition of ashes.

February 18: First Sunday in Lent. Communion will be

served at both services, and Verne Arens, FPC

affiliate member and retired UCC pastor, will be

preaching.

March 25: Palm Sunday. Services at 8:30 and 11:00 am,

communion celebrated at both.

March 29 (Thursday): Maundy Thursday service at 7:00 pm in

the Sanctuary.

April 1: Easter Sunday. Services at 8:30 and 11:00 am,

communion celebrated at both.

May 20: Pentecost. One service at 9:30 am in Fellowship Hall.


The Ambassador

Community MLK Celebration The 2018 Martin Luther King celebration is scheduled for Monday, January 15th. The march will depart from the Stillwater Public Library at 6:30 pm and will end at the Stillwater Community Center. The community program begins at 7 pm and will end with refreshments and time to share conversation with our neighbors.

“Loving” Viewing Watch “Loving” (2016) on Sunday, January 14th, 2 pm at the Stillwater Public Library as part of your MLK Jr Weekend. The story of Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple, who became the plaintiffs in the 1967 U.S. Supreme Court decision Loving v. Virginia, which invalidated state laws prohibiting interracial marriage.

The AmbassadorSunday, January 28, 2018at 12:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. Receiving Annual Reports...

Documents

Transcript of The AmbassadorSunday, January 28, 2018at 12:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. Receiving Annual Reports...