AN EDWARDS EPISTLE Alleluia! The Lord is risen! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia! What wonderful news we experience as the Spirit continues to confirm this reality over and over to me. Whether in the daily delight of being with children, in the difficult walk with one struggling with addictions or life circumstances, in the aloneness of meditation and Sabbatical, in the swirling changes of the world around us, this affirmation is the Good News that enables me to seek to live each day joyfully and with hope. According to St. John’s Gospel account, The Risen Christ transformed the disciples into apostles – persons sent on a mission. The very mission of redeeming the world for which Jesus came was handed over to them and to us. The Risen Christ sends us into the world to transform the darkness as we share the light, to overcome the evil with good, and to heal the wounds and divisions with reconciling grace. Jesus empowered the disciples and us with the Holy Spirit. Recently a friend sent this message: "I am seeking God, but I do not find God. I am seeking myself, but I do not find me. But I do find my neighbor and the three of us go on our way together." ~written on the walls of a Spanish harbor This is the meaning of the Incarnation and the Risen Christ – God with us. Nothing, not even death, can separate us from God’s love. (cf. Romans 8:38-39) As members of the Easter people, our Easter proclamation is to become living experiences for our neighbors and ourselves. We will walk with the Risen Christ as we are faithful companions with one another on our life journeys. Every day is a new day for each of us; the Risen Christ comes to walk with us – often with a friend’s face and hand or at other times unrecognizable at first. Let us be intentional today in bearing witness to one another as the Body of Christ in the world and in our neighborhoods and in our families. Jesus had already told the disciples that they/we would do greater works than he did when the Spirit would come upon us. Don’t sell yourself short; God doesn’t. God believes in us! Live proclaiming and embodying: Alleluia! The Lord is risen! AMBASSADOR AMBASSADOR AMBASSADOR First Presbyterian Church 524 South Duncan, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74074 April 18, 2012 First Presbyterian Staff Pastor ·················· B. Gordon Edwards Associate Pastor ··················· Leah R. Hrachovec Director of Youth & Family Ministries ························ Jenna Campbell Youth Ministry Assistant ····························· Wyeth Leslie Older Adult Ministry Coordinator ······························· Margy Knox University Coordinator ··························· Jill Chancellor Director of Music & Chancel Choir ······················· Heather Lanners Organist ················· Rebecca G. te Velde Church Administrator ························ Cathy Fairbanks Financial Secretary ······· Dallas Barnes/Ben DeWalt Custodian ····························· Mike Flowers Childcare Coordinator ·························· Kristen Kulling Building Supervisor ···························· Peter Thomas Church Office Main: (405) 372-5580 Fax: (405) 372-2089 Web Address www.stillwaterfpc.org
Transcript
AN EDWARDS EPISTLE
Alleluia! The Lord is risen! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!
What wonderful news we experience as the Spirit continues to confirm this reality over and over to me. Whether in the daily delight of being with children, in the difficult walk with one struggling with addictions or life circumstances, in the aloneness of meditation and Sabbatical, in the swirling changes of the world around us, this affirmation is the Good News that enables me to seek to live each day joyfully and with hope. According to St. John’s Gospel account, The Risen Christ transformed the disciples into apostles – persons sent on a mission. The very mission of redeeming the world for which Jesus came was handed over to them and to us. The Risen Christ sends us into the world to transform the darkness as we share the light, to overcome the evil with good, and to heal the wounds and divisions with reconciling grace. Jesus empowered the disciples and us with the Holy Spirit. Recently a friend sent this message: "I am seeking God, but I do not find God. I am seeking myself, but I do not find me. But I do find my neighbor and the three of us go on our way together." ~written on the walls of a Spanish harbor This is the meaning of the Incarnation and the Risen Christ – God with us. Nothing, not even death, can separate us from God’s love. (cf. Romans 8:38-39) As members of the Easter people, our Easter proclamation is to become living experiences for our neighbors and ourselves. We will walk with the Risen Christ as we are faithful companions with one another on our life journeys. Every day is a new day for each of us; the Risen Christ comes to walk with us – often with a friend’s face and hand or at other times unrecognizable at first. Let us be intentional today in bearing witness to one another as the Body of Christ in the world and in our neighborhoods and in our families. Jesus had already told the disciples that they/we would do greater works than he did when the Spirit would come upon us. Don’t sell yourself short; God doesn’t. God believes in us! Live proclaiming and embodying:
Alleluia! The Lord is risen!
AMBASSADORAMBASSADORAMBASSADOR
First Presbyterian Church 524 South Duncan, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74074
April 18, 2012
First Presbyterian Staff
Pastor
·················· B. Gordon Edwards
Associate Pastor
··················· Leah R. Hrachovec
Director of Youth & Family Ministries
························ Jenna Campbell
Youth Ministry Assistant
····························· Wyeth Leslie
Older Adult Ministry Coordinator
······························· Margy Knox
University Coordinator
··························· Jill Chancellor
Director of Music & Chancel Choir
······················· Heather Lanners
Organist
················· Rebecca G. te Velde
Church Administrator
························ Cathy Fairbanks
Financial Secretary
······· Dallas Barnes/Ben DeWalt
Custodian
····························· Mike Flowers
Childcare Coordinator
·························· Kristen Kulling
Building Supervisor
···························· Peter Thomas
Church Office Main: (405) 372-5580 Fax: (405) 372-2089
Web Address www.stillwaterfpc.org
The Ambassador 2 First Presbyterian Church
SORROW
Ava Osborn and family in the death of her father, Ray Henry Kendra Rock Breiner and family in the death of her mother, Sue Rock The family and friends of Karl Harman The family of Jim Burley (son of Alice & Ray Burley) Dottie Kraemer in the death of her sister, Mary Krisher
PRAYER CONCERNS “Prayer is essentially God’s work. Our part is to give time, do our best to keep attention, surrender ourselves as best we can. Then we can be sure that God works.” – Ruth Burrows
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!
Bruce Abbey (Baker) Jean Ames Kay Baker Lisa Baldwin (Boyer) Biff Barnard (Wilkinson) Steve Bender (Arquitt) LeNell Bowen (Myers) Wanda Bradley Chowning Brake (Brake) Thurman Brake (Brake) Robert Branson (Frohock) April Buchanan (Sumpter) Cliff Burton Shannon Cape (Shaw) Keenan Carter (Kraemer) Lanna Carter (Boyer) J. B. Christian (Parsons) Allison Christy (Breuninger) Abby Clapp (Clapp) Mike Clemens (Clemens) Lisa Cook Don and Dona Cooper Sharon Corley (Corley) Sue Cornish (Stiegler) Rick Coutant (Olson) Mildred Crayton (Ward) Anita Davis (Kelly/Myers) Pete Davis Marvin Duell Bill Eason Lori Fagan Linda Fansler David Fincher (Clark) Floyd Flowers Ralph Fox (McKinley) Dean Gaden (Rex) Marty Gallup Alice Giacobbe (Parsons) Robert Gibson Al Goodbary (Olson) Ted Goodno (C. Campbell) Bud Gray (Breuninger) Hunter Griffin (Jones) Norma Hall Bob Harding Toya & Terry Harris(A. Houston) Dorothy Hayes (Piersall) Nelda Hershberger (Knox) Winfrey Houston Keith Humphrey (Good) Jim Huwe (Baker) Kim Jenkins (PW Bowling) Cindy Johnston (Myers/Kelly)
D. J. Judd (McNickle) Tom Koehn (Good) Tom Kunz (Carter/Shaw) Emily Lampe (Knox) Leone List Kaylee Lovern Todd Lowry (Anaya/Boyer) Tom Lutjens (Beckstrom) A. J. Mason (Wilkinson) Ray Matoy Bob McGaw (McGaw) Philip Meadows Elisa Mendoza (Mendoza) Tony Mendoza (Mendoza) Laura Mitchell (Kulling) Bill Morwood (Morwood) David Mullen (Mullen) Bob Neal (B. Phillips) Cindy Nelson Joan Parsons (Parsons) Gwen Piersall Wayne Prater (Good) Bill Raun (Stiegler) Pat Razook Jim Rex (Rex) Paul Roach (Brosi) Leslie Roark (Frohock) Vicky Rockey (Alspach) Marilyn Roth (Knox) Dorothy Mae Rumsey (Jones) Steve Shedrick (Gumm) David Smith (Cooper) Grace Smith Sidney Smith (Stone) Ophellia Steptoe (Fairbanks) Naomi Stevenson (A. Houston) Merril Stott (Stott) Gerald Stotts Betty Stratton Gayle Thomas John te Velde Dan Tripp (Baker) Don Tripp (Baker) Walkeen Wahwassuck (A. Houston) Charles Walker John Warren (Sumpter) Lucille Wickstead Nona Wilhm (PW Bowling) Tracy Wilkinson (Aresco) Natalie Wilson (Wilkinson) Lynn Witzen (Stewart)
LARGER CHURCH: Synod of the Covenant Synod of Lakes and Prairies
Eleanor Ruth Cooper
Daughter of Leah Hrachovec & Nat Cooper April 15, 2012
In the Service
Members & family members of our church family who have been deployed in service to our country:
LTC Shannon Jordan (SPD)
MAJ Lee North (Savage) Robert Pevler (DeHoogh)
(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:
MG Tod Wolters (Wolters)
The Ambassador 3 First Presbyterian Church
Welcome New Staff Member Ben DeWalt has been employed and began training on April 16. We were looking to fill two part-time positions: church financial secretary and office assistant. Ben applied for the office assistant position unaware of the second position; Cathy noticed on his resume that he was an accounting major. When he was contacted and interviewed, he was interested and available to accept both positions. So, Ben will be filling two areas of responsibilities with us. Ben is a junior at OSU who is from Montclair, NJ. He is affiliated with St. Luke’s Episcopal Church there. Plan to stop in and welcome Ben to our staff and our community. He is planning to continue for his master’s degree and be with us through May 2014.
Staff News
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, It is with both sadness and a sense of gratitude that I write this letter. Casey has accepted a job with Chesapeake Energy in Oklahoma City and we will soon be moving to Edmond. We are so grateful for all of the prayers and love and support you have shown to us as we have struggled with what the future holds. We have spent much time in prayer about this decision, as it is so difficult to leave such a wonderful town and most of all, such an amazing congregation. This congregation has nurtured me from a young age. It was the place where I first heard the call into education ministry as I participated in the life of the congregation as a youth. You surrounded me as I proclaimed my faith and became a member of the church. You laid your hands on me when I was ordained an elder and a deacon. You were the ones who called me back after seminary to serve this congregation as my first call. I could not have asked for a better congregation in which to learn and grow as an educator. FPC is such a healthy congregation, full of committed disciples who are faithful, inspiring, and generous. It has been an absolute joy to serve with you in ministry. I give thanks for the abundance of God’s grace and love evident in this community of faith and for the privilege to journey with you in faith. In all that we have done together:
exploring scripture, discerning together how to be the persons and congregation God is calling us to be, enjoying immense laughter and joy as well as walking alongside through tears and pain, worshiping together, learning together, serving together, praying together…
It has been a joy to experience and celebrate God’s presence among us and to witness God at work. Not only was FPC a place where I worked, but it is also a home to our family. You have become our family. Reese and Emerson were born into your loving arms. You stood and made promises to Reese in her baptism and welcomed her into the family of faith (and soon will to Emerson). Alleluia! The Lord is risen! We live as Easter people and I look to the future with hope and expectation, trusting the Spirit to lead. While this will be a good move for our family and will allow us to spend more time together, I will forever be grateful to this congregation. You will always hold a special place in my heart. We are glad to not be moving too far away so we can keep in touch with everyone easily. I cherish the experiences of being the body of Christ together with you. What an honor and a blessing it has been to serve with you. Thanks be to God! Peace be with you, Jenna Campbell (Jenna informed the Session of her resignation at the April 10 meeting though an ending date for employment at FPC has not been set.)
The Ambassador 4 First Presbyterian Church
Columbarium Update
The Columbarium Committee met on April 13 and voted to proceed with the construction of the Columbarium. The unit will be delivered in 10-12 weeks but other parts of the project will start sooner. Watch for progress in the near future in the space under the organ pipes in the Sanctuary.
Office Adjustments The Church Office is open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Due to staffing changes this spring there might be times you call or stop by that Cathy is out to lunch or has left her desk to attend to matters in Fellowship Hall or another part of the building. Please be patient, leave a message, or slide a note under the door. Remember that this is a time of transition and adjustment for all of us. We encourage you to be very intentional about meeting deadlines, planning ahead, and not waiting until the last minute to ask for office assistance. Thank you!!!
Two bracelets were turned into the office after Easter services. If you have misplaced a bracelet, please contact the Church Office at 372-5580.
Picture Directory Update The proof book has been received, checked and returned to LifeTouch. We expect to receive the new directories in May and will distribute them through the Church Office as quickly as possible. If you did not purchase extra photos, LifeTouch sent your free 8x10 to the Church Office. Those will be distributed with your copy of the directory. Thank you for your patience and your assistance in making this a successful directory. Watch for a table in the Narthex for directory distribution. Each family unit whose photo is included in the directory will receive a free copy of the directory (this includes those whose photos were submitted through the Office but not taken by LifeTouch.)
Do you need a chair? The Church has about 30 surplus folding chairs for sale. You can take one or two or ten. Make a donation to
the church and take some home. Contact the Church Office with questions or to schedule pick up (372-5580). It is important that you check with the Church Office FIRST before removing chairs to ensure removal from the correct location.
Reminder about 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 Cathy at [email protected] if you want to try receiving the Ambassador electronically. If it doesn’t work for you, you can always change back.
Nick Smith joined by letter of transfer from Southminster Presbyterian Church, Tulsa. Nick is a multimedia designer employed by Kappa Kappa Psi/Tau Beta Sigma. George Waller joined by reaffirmation of faith. George is a retired OSU Biochemistry professor and a former member of First Presbyterian Church.
WELCOME
.....NEW MEMBERS.....
Organ Recital
Saturday May 19 at 7:30p.m. Rebecca te Velde will present the concert at First Presbyterian Church that she is taking to Germany for four performances in June. Aside from the opening number, the hour-long program consists of music for the liturgical year from Advent to Pentecost. Some pieces are free-style, some are hymn-based. Composers include Buxtehude, Phillips, J.S. Bach, Vierne, L.H. Groom, Bedford, Schroeder, and Duruflé.
Lost and Found
The Ambassador 5 First Presbyterian Church
Fair Trade Store The Fair Trade Store is open each Sunday from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and is stocked with new merchandise and all of your favorites: coffee, chocolate, and olive oil. Check out the fabulous wire animals from South Africa made from recycled pop cans in shapes of starfish, giraffe, gecko, seahorse, chameleon; there are also bi-planes. Other recycled animals include small frogs and turtles out of banana fiber from Kenya, a chicken made out of colorful plastic bags, and paper magnets from Thailand in shapes of a dragonfly, grasshopper, lobster, pig, spider, elephant bug, and a hedgehog made from natural and dyed newsprint. Thanks you for your loyal support!
EVERY WEEK ~ EVERYBODY! 11:00 a.m. - Fellowship Hall Come Dine or Visit or Help!
Nursery Volunteers Needed Calling all members who will be guided by Christian principles and play with our children 4 years and younger once a month! Due to budget cuts we are moving from a paid nursery worker system to all volunteers. A big thank you to those who have already volunteered! Please consider spending a little over an hour a month in our nursery. Contact Kristen Kulling at [email protected] to sign up.
Child Protection Policy Training Sunday, May 20 @ 2:00pm Fellowship Hall Our Child Protection Policy requires that any adult who volunteers with children or youth in the church (or is an adult participant on the mission trip) must submit a Volunteer Level 2 packet and attend a policy training every three years. If your volunteer approval expires soon, or if you have not completed the approval process before, please come to this training. The timing is perfect for mission trip participants, new nursery volunteers, and VBS volunteers. Volunteer Level 2 packets can be found online at www.stillwaterfpc.org/resources/forms or in the Teacher Resource Room on the second floor.
Cimarron Presbytery Website News The website's address is:
www.cimarronpresbytery.org
Reception for Preschool Director
Holly Hartman
After over thirty years of service as the Director of Presbyterian Preschool, Holly Hartman is retiring. In honor of her many gifts and our appreciation for her outstanding leadership through three decades of early childhood learning and development, the church and Preschool staff will be hosting a reception for Holly on Sunday, April 22 (which is also Earth Day and begins the Week of The Young Child, how appropriate!) There will be a box for cards and notes. Any gifts in honor of Holly will go to the Preschool scholarship fund. There will be an opportunity to tape a video message as a memory for Holly, and pictures from past classes of the Preschool will be on view. Come wish Holly all the best and share Preschool memories together!
Sunday, April 22 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
in the Hospitality Area
The Ambassador 6 First Presbyterian Church
Important Deadline approaching for the Dwight Mission Capital Campaign Preserving our Heritage… In case you haven’t heard…Dwight Mission has begun fundraising for a $4 million renovation of its campus in eastern Oklahoma. Two phases are involved: First, to restore the Administration Building (now the Heritage Center) into conference rooms, staff offices, museum space (yes there’s a LOT of historic items pertaining to Dwight in storage) and to bring the third floor 200-seat auditorium into the 21st Century. The Walton Family Foundation has offered Dwight $500,000 a year for two years as a matching grant. The first year ends June 30, 2012 and we have raised $265,000. Any contribution, large or small, will be matched dollar for dollar by this grant. Naming opportunities are available for rooms in the building and for the building itself. Second, is phase two which targets building a brand new lodging facility with motel-style rooms and adjoining baths. A new drive, parking and maintenance and repair endowment are included in the cost. For more information: Johnna Thurston, Campaign Chair [email protected], 918-697-5505 Donations can be made on the website www.dwightmission.org and monthly pledges can be set up by calling the camp: 918-775-2018. You can also mail a contribution to the address below: Dwight Mission Camp & Retreat Center
C/O Legacy Capital Campaign 100995 South 4590 Road Vian, OK 74962 Thank you so much for your care in supporting Dwight Mission! Johnna Thurston,Chair Dwight Mission Legacy Capital Campaign
Intergenerational Mission Trip to Dwight Mission For 1st-5th Graders, Youth, and Adults (Note: Children 1st-5th grade must be accompanied by a parent) 3 options (choose the best option for you!)
May 28-June 2 (Monday-Saturday), Child/Youth: $125, Adult $150
May 28-May 30 (Monday-Wednesday), Child/Youth: $65, Adult: $75
May 30-June 2 (Wednesday-Saturday), Child/Youth: $65, Adult: $75
The Work Projects for every age and skill level include roofing, re-doing a sand volleyball court, repairing benches, clearing trails, and other projects that will help get Dwight working and looking great for summer camp. There is also a need for a few people who will work with our 1st-5th graders and help with laundry. Learn new skills as you serve alongside others and glimpse God at work.
About Dwight Mission
Dwight Mission Camp and Conference Center is a Presbyterian camp located in beautiful eastern Oklahoma. Dwight is about a 3 hour drive from Stillwater.
Join the Team!
Turn in the completed registration form with $50 non-refundable deposit to the Church Office by Monday, May 7. Registration forms are available in the Information Center, Youth Suite Desk, or register on-line at www.stillwaterfpc.org/serve/register.
Note: Per the FPC Child Protection Policy, adults on the trip must go through our screening process. If you have not been approved as an FPC volunteer in the past three years, you must submit a Volunteer Level 2 packet. Pick up a packet in the Church Office or download a packet at www.stillwaterfpc.org/resources/forms and plan to attend the Child Protection Training on May 20 at 2:00 p.m. (see article on page 5)
Important Dates
May 7 Registration Deadline (Registration form and $50 due)
May 20 Meeting for all mission trip participants (youth must bring a parent to this meeting), Noon in the Fellowship Hall
The Ambassador 7 First Presbyterian Church
SpiritLink News - Celebration Success! Many thanks to our SpiritLink Shepherds Susie Causley, Jenny Fowler, and Mary Morrison, plus parents and friends who joined in the Celebration Sundays in March and April. We had three in a row, starting with a wrap-up celebration of our “Scrapping Through Holy Week” unit. Thank you to teachers Rusty Rex, Shannan Frohock, Brenda Nipp, Kim Leffingwell, and Mindy McCann for your leadership in the “Scrapping Through Holy Week.”
The Palm Sunday Celebration included children making cards for some Easter lily recipients, walking the labyrinth in prayer to God, and preparing for the Palm Sunday parade. The Easter Celebration was led in part by our youth—thank you! We learned new songs, heard the Easter story, make Easter ornaments, decorated Easter cookies and went on the Egg Hunt in the courtyard.
Join us in “Soaring with the Holy Spirit!” April 15-May 20 Come soar with us as we discover the ways God’s Spirit has worked in the past and is at work today! Jesus sends us the Holy Spirit so we can SOAR in God’s way. As we fold and soar “Holy Spirit Paper Airplanes” in Modern Magi, we learn that the Holy Spirit will teach us what is true and guide us in living in God’s way. In Thou Art we work with “outcast” materials and ingredients as we hear the stories of three outcasts in the Bible – the leper, Zacchaeus, and the Samaritan woman at the well. Dancing in Burning Bush, we learn through the Zacchaeus story that we can live differently when we receive the Holy Spirit that Jesus sends us. We will dance the Virginia Reel to a country western Zacchaeus song. What a hoot! Link-Up begins at 9:30am in the Westminster Room; workshops begin upstairs at 9:45am. Church members and friends are invited to the SpiritLink wrap-up Celebration Sunday on Sunday, May 20th in the Multipurpose Room, 9:30am-10:45am. Students will share what they have made, learned, and discovered through “Soaring with the Holy Spirit.”
Dwight Mission Summer Camp Schedule Don’t miss all the fun and growth that summer camp brings! Regular summer camp opportunities are for those entering 3rd grade through graduated seniors. Or entire families can come together (all ages!) to Family Camp (see below). Find the summer schedule and registration information at www.dwightmission.org.
Family Camp Dwight Mission May 25-28 Camp is not just for kids but it is a place for the whole family. There will be programming for every age group (from babies and toddlers, to grade schoolers, to youth and adults!) 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 studies—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. Grandparents are welcome too! Campers arrive on Friday night from 7-8pm and depart on Monday at 11am. This camp fills up every year, so it is suggested that you reserve your spot early. Go to www.dwightmission.org to register. Our mission trip for children, youth, and adults begins at Dwight on May 28th—so sign up for the mission trip and continue your experience at Dwight Mission!
We give a $50 scholarship to all Stillwater FPC campers. You just have to inform the church office which week you are signed up for.
The Ambassador 8 First Presbyterian Church
FROM THE MAIL BOX
Dear Friends, By the time you read this, I will have been at my new job at Cimarron Correctional Facility just over a month. My coworkers are good people, and I enjoy working with them. Words are completely inadequate to express my gratitude to you for the love you have expressed to me as individuals and as a body of believers. The reception was lovely, and I thank you for the donations to help me in transition. You are ever in my heart. -Lucy Newlin
* * * *
Dear FPC family, Thank you for sharing the lovely Easter lily with our family and for each visit, card, and prayer during Dad’s illness and death. We are blessed by your love and support. In God’s love, Ava and Lynn Osborn
* * * * Thank you for the Easter lily and all of the prayers. Sincerely Gerald and Nevalyn Stotts
* * * * Thank you for the glorious Easter lily - and the love you continue to surround all of our family with – your support means so much to each of us. Thank you – Peace – Sydney Reding and family.
I would like to thank the First Presbyterian Church for the beautiful lily given in memory of Jim Struthers. I appreciated Kay Keys delivering it (with a delicious cupcake). Jim would have appreciated the Easter lily from the church he loved. Blessings, Gladeen Allred Struthers
* * * * Thank you to everyone who donated to the special collection during Holy Week to benefit the Stillwater Community Health Center. We are very grateful to be the recipient of such a wonderful gift. We really appreciate everyone’s generosity. Debbie Traugott, Directory Stillwater Community Health Center
* * * * Dear Church Family, Your many messages and lovely flower bouquet have meant so much to me at the sad time of Darius’ death. Sometimes you think ‘words’ are just that but then you read and read them and they go right ‘”to your heart” Love, Peggy Murphy
* * * * Thank your for thinking of John and I at Easter. Such a gorgeous lily that we are enjoying and that reminds us of our good Lord’s conquering of death on the cross. Bless you, Mary Lou & John Wynn
They are coming back!!! The New Life Singrs, from Grand Canyon University are returning to First Presbyterian Church to perform in concert again. Last summer they filled Fellowship Hall with music one evening before continuing south to Texas on their tour. (A member of Connie & Jim Stiegler's family was in the band) New Life Singers is a premier traveling vocal ensemble performing a wide variety of choral music. This talented group focuses mainly on modern worship music in their spirited performances. The New Life Singers consists of 16 vocalists accompanied by a 5 member band from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Come enjoy their uplifting music in Fellowship Hall. Bring your friends and neighbors. (We will be serving them
dinner before the concert. If you can provide a dessert or side dish, please contact the Church Office (372-5580)
Concert Friday, May 11, 7:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall
The Ambassador 9 First Presbyterian Church
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SEASONED ADULTS Our Seasoned Adults Gathering on April 16 was such fun – it was wonderful for us to see Riley and Emily Kern again. They are wonderful entertainers and tremendous Christian Disciples. We also enjoyed our Mexican food from Palominos.
Next month Lucy Newlin and Bobby Summa will return to entertain us. I am hoping Bobby will play a few piano pieces for us. Lucy has not been gone long, but we already miss her – it will be good to see her smiling face and hear her beautiful voice!! Don’t forget - the M-Power bingo box is located on the south side of the Narthex. They love all kinds of fun items, i.e. stickers, cartoons, playing cards, etc. Their eyes light up when they see me delivering the prizes!! We will definitely be continuing our Seasoned Adult Gatherings through December 2012. We will not meet in June or August, but will have our movie night in July. If you have suggestions for programs or for the “good of the group”, please let me know at [email protected] or 707-0808. Also, let me know if anyone needs assistance. I will not know unless you tell me!! In Christ, Margy Knox
NEWS ABOUT PW March and April have been exciting months leading up to Easter Sunday. March 25th Lucy Newlin was honored for the 12 years of service she has
given to the church. She has accepted a new position and our PW Members honored her with a gift certificate for a shopping spree as a love gift for all she has done for the PW over the years. April 1st the church celebrated with a Seder Dinner. Thanks to Cynthia Shawley and all of the people that helped her with dinner. The Easter Sunday music presented by members of the Choir lead by Music Director, Heather Lanners and Organist, Rebecca te Velde was very inspiring. Thank you to the soloist Jamie May, flute played by Jonathan Knopfel, and trombone by Isaac Johnson. At the April 11th Luncheon Carol Headrick presented a book review on Emily Post. The May Luncheon (9th) will feature an Organ Concert “Especially for Us” by Rebecca te Velde and the Birthday Offering will be received. Our luncheons are the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Cost is $4.00 for the lunch and we welcome all women to join our fellowship.
Upcoming Circle Meetings Circle 1 – April 25 9:15 a.m. in the Hospitality Area Circle 2 – April 25 9:15 a.m. in the Small Dining
Room of Fellowship Hall Nellie Stallard Circle – April 26, 7:00 p.m. at Connie
Stiegler’s, 1005 S Shumard. Ohana Circle meets next on Sundays, May 6 and May
16 at 5:00 p.m. in the Church Library.
Second Mile Sewing meets the 1
st, 3
rd, and 5
th Wednesdays each month,
9:15 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.
Reminder: To all women in the church family. ALL
of us are Presbyterian Women. When PW hosts an event, it includes every woman in our church family.
The Ambassador 10 First Presbyterian Church
PRESBYTERIAN YOUTH GROUP (PYG) For all Youth grades 6-12 Youth Suite (2nd floor) Sundays, 5:00-6:30 p.m.
PYG is a time for youth to explore faith in community together. At PYG, youth can expect music, snacks, games, group building activities, hanging-out time (relaxed discussion), Bible study, and prayer. Service and mission, retreats, and trips are also offered throughout the year.
Youth Ministry Staff Jenna Campbell, Director of Youth & Family Ministry Wyeth Leslie, Youth Ministry Assistant
Youth Sponsors Thad and Kim Leffingwell, Lisa McGaw and
John Gelder, Kelly Nipp, Rusty Rex
Small Group Bible Study Mid High Small Group (6th-8th grades): 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at K. & Sandy Cohlmia’s (2807 S. Sangre Rd.) Sr. High Small Group (9th-12th grades): Dates/Times: TBA (scheduled according to youth schedules) at the Johnson’s (1501 N. Skyline)
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Youth Sunday scheduled for May 6 The youth are busy writing liturgy for Youth Sunday, to be held Sunday, May 6 at both the 8:30 and 11:00a.m. services in the Fellowship Hall. Make plans to join them in worship!
Youth Calendar April 22 5:00-6:30 PYG 23 11:00 Ramen Noodle Day 25 5:30-7:00 Mid High Small Group @ the Youth Suite (note location change) 29 5:00-6:30 PYG 30 11:00 Junior High Lunch
May 5 1:00-3:00 Youth Sunday Rehearsal 6 8:30 & 11:00 Youth Sunday 7 11:00 Middle School Lunch Mission Trip Registration Deadline 9 5:30-7:00 Mid High Small Group 11 7:00-11:00 Friday Night Live 13 No PYG 14 11:00 Ramen Noodle Day 20 5:00-6:30 Honor the Seniors Dinner @ Mexico Joe’s 27 No PYG
Youth Sunday Rehearsal Saturday, May 5, 1:00-3:00 All youth who are involved in Youth Sunday need to be at the rehearsal. We will run through the service, practice speaking parts, and practice music (so if you are playing an instrument Youth Sunday, bring it to the rehearsal!).
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE Friday, May 11, 7:00-11:00pm
Bring your friends and a snack to share and we’ll have an evening of fun and games! Enjoy Dodgeball, board games, a game of Sardines, and much more!
Senior Dinner @ Mexico Joe’s Sunday, May 20, 5:00-6:30pm All youth are invited to honor the high school graduates at Mexico Joe’s on May 20th. Meet in the back room! Let’s send off our high school graduates with love and blessings and celebrate their accomplishments. Seniors-your dinner is on us! All other youth, please bring money for your meal.
The Ambassador 11 First Presbyterian Church
Adult Sunday Morning Classes 9:45-10:45 a.m.
You are welcome to join any classes at any time! Ongoing class: ▪ Abiding Bible Study, led by Dan Grischkowsky
Meets in the Library.
▪ Seasons of the Spirit, led by Denise Rex, is joining Pastor Edwards’ class (see below) through the 20th.
Seasonal Class: Join a Short-Term Class (April 15-May 20) The Book of Revelation Join Pastors Gordon and Leah as we explore Revelation, the book in the Bible that may be the most intimidating to many of us. Full of symbols and visions, what does it tell us about God and how does it inform our Christian life? Dr. Brian K Blount, president of Union Presbyterian Seminary, offers a DVD series on Revelation that will serve as the springboard for our discussions. Those who were part of Presbyterian Women’s study of Revelation last year may have especially insightful contributions. Please join us! Meets in the South Fellowship Hall.
FELLOWSHIP
University Outreach Opportunity The University Outreach Committee is putting together finals packets on April 28. These packets include treats, wholesome foods and prayers to help students during their finals week, which begins April 30th. We would love your help with homemade cookies to include in these packets! Please bring cookies to the Hospitality Area before noon on Friday, April 27th marked ‘University’ and we will divide them up for the packets. Any extra cookies will be shared with Love Feast and Saturday Brunch. Thank you for help in caring for students among us.
Vacation Bible School Explore the depths of God’s Word at VBS 2012 with Operation Overboard – Dare To Go Deep With God! Dive in and discover God’s underwater universe June 25-28! In this action-packed adventure, kids will swim with humpback whales and sea horses, scuba through a vibrant coral reef, and take a personal submarine to the ocean floor, where eels and octopi play. Through interactive lessons that are easy for kids to apply to their lives today, they will “go deep” into God’s Word, exploring Bible stories of people who revealed deep faith by knowing how to: Depend on God, Dare to care, Claim Jesus, Choose to follow, and Change the world. If you would like to join in the adventure as a volunteer, please contact Kristen Kulling or Leslie Baldwin. VBS Registration Information Volunteers AND kids can register for VBS online this year! Registration is now open. Go to the church website www.stillwaterfpc.org and click on the “GROW” tab. Registration is under VBS.
University Graduates
Dallas Barnes B.A. in Business from OSU
Jill Chancellor B.A. in History from OSU
Tyler Eckert B.S. - Mathematics from OSU
Bill Good B.S. in Computer Science from OSU
Chris Long - B.A. in Political Science from OSU
University Fellowship - End of the Year Party! Our end-of-year Grill Party is Tuesday, April 24th, at the home of Nat and Leah, co-hosted by the University Outreach Committee. All university students are invited for a grill feast and sharing of summer and graduation plans. Graduating seniors will receive a Bible from the Church. Starts at 7:00pm.
Final Packets University students are invited to pick up a Finals Packet in the Narthex after worshp Sunday, April 29.
The Ambassador 12 First Presbyterian Church
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 an area, please contact one of the elders assigned to that ministry and volunteer. Do not be be shy. As Presbyterians, we believe that the synergism of the Spirit increases with greater involvement and more people.
Worship & Music
Jim Morwood, Gary Franklin, David Silver
Stewardship
Ted Smith
Finance
Dewey Clapp, Dennis Ferrell
Margie Keener, Lynn Wenig
Children’s Ministry
Mary Morrison, Margie Alspach
Youth Ministry
Brenda Johnson, Marc Major
Adult Ministry
Kent Olson, Margy Knox
Family Ministry Council
Sydney Reding, Connie Stiegler
University Ministry
Jim Trapp, Jim Showalter
Evangelism, Membership, & Fellowship
Cynthia Shawley, Kevin Shelton, Matt Waits
World Mission & Denominational Affairs
Brenda Phillips, Mike Woods
Trustee Liaison
Casey Campbell
Endowment Liaison
Tim Krehbiel
Clerk of Session
John Gelder
Personnel
Edwin Koeppe, Jim Trapp
Nominating Committee
Casey Campbell, Margy Knox
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SESSION SUMMARY The Session held its Stated Meeting on Tuesday, April
10, and conducted the following business:
Received two new members into our community:
Nick Smith and George Waller (see article on page 4).
New adult church school class on The Revelation to
St. John will be led by the pastors during Eastertide.
Approved the use of Designated Funds for Seasoned
Adult Ministry to extend the ministry of Margy Knox on staff through 2012.
Designated the Saville Center to receive the 40%
portion of the Pentecost Offering to be used locally for children at risk
Raised the possibility of separating the tasks of
Evangelism, Membership and Fellowship Committee into two committees; a recommendation is to be made at the May meeting.
Accepted the March 31 Membership Report indicating
our membership at 538.
Reported 54 Easter Lilies were delivered to members
of the congregation.
Discussion with the City of Stillwater regarding utility charges with our geothermal system continue through the Trustees.
Discussed the low percentage of our Operating Budget designated for benevolences and the use of undesignated 2012 income; requested the 2012 Budget Task Force to present a recommendation in May on a process of future allocations in light of the priorities resulting from the poll of Session members.
Heard several reflections regarding the parish paper,
“How Is Your Congregation’s Health?”
Learned that Jenna Campbell, Director of Youth and Family Ministries, will be resigning from the staff later this Spring (see article on page 3).
A task force will negotiate with Iglesia de Dios Pentecostes additional times and use of our facilities;
Brenda Phillips will be a participant.
A proposal from the American Red Cross to
designate our Fellowship Hall as a disaster relief site has been received and will be reviewed.
The Ambassador 13 First Presbyterian Church
DEACONS’ CORNER
Help lower energy bills and transform lives by giving area homes an Energy Makeover. This program is designed to make a difference in the lives of people struggling to pay their utility bills. Teams of 4 to 5 volunteers (13+ years old) are needed to perform simple
weatherization improvements such as caulking, weather stripping and changing light bulbs. Contact Deacon Gerald Stangl (377-3400) to sign up. New volunteers must attend a training class. Secondly, homes to be worked on must be identified. Homes can be from the community at large or within the congregation. Homeowners can contact Deacon Gerald Stangl (377-3400).
Food Offering – “Think OUTSIDE the Box” Think about personal items you use (toothbrush, shaver, laundry detergents, etc.) and then about staples in your pantry for ease in preparing meals. Now, picture yourself without these items because you had to choose between these items and keeping the utilities on or paying for a prescription, etc. Your gifts of non-perishable food and personal 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. Food Needs: It’s easy to shop for these; just keep in mind...Simple prep ~ Shelf stable. Also, some people have special dietary needs. - don’t rule out low-sodium, sugar-free, or other special foods: Canned Meats (Beef, Chicken, Tuna), Mac & Cheese, Hamburger Helper, etc., Ready to eat entrées, side dishes, desserts, Breakfast Foods (cereals, instant breakfast), Peanut Butter & Jelly and other spreads, Canned/Bottled Juices (fruit/veg), Dry or Canned Milk, Dry or Canned Pasta/Pasta Sauces, Crackers, Cookies, Condiments, Pickles, olives, etc., Dry or Canned Soup, Dried or Canned Fruits/Vegetables, Dry or Jar Baby Foods Non-Food Needs: these can also be in short supply. Here are suggested personal items that people often need: Baby Diapers, Wipes, Powder, Paper Products (towels, napkins, bathroom, facial tissue), Laundry detergent, and related products, Household cleaners, Soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, Toothbrush, paste, mouthwash, floss, Shaving items: disposable razors, shaving cream or gel, Feminine hygiene (pads, tampons), Adult hygiene products (personal & bed pads). Providing these simple, inexpensive things can really help out your “neighbor.”
Love Feast Our church serves Love Feast on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6:00-6:30 p.m. at the south campus of First United Methodist Church, 2823 S Husband. If you are interested in helping serve or cook, please email Cynthia Gedra at [email protected].
MONTHLY INCOME REPORT:
March 2012 Year to
Date
Giving: $ 56,985 $ 153,807
Other Inc: $ 3,619 $ 7,750
Total Inc: $ 60,604 $ 161,557
Expend.: ($ 47,297) ($130,493)
Net Income: $ 13,307 $ 31,064
First quarter giving statements will be available for pick up in the Narthex soon. If you have any questions regarding your giving statement contact the Church Financial Secretary at 372-5580.
Reminder about 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 Cathy at [email protected] if you want to try receiving the Ambassador electronically. If it doesn’t work for you, you can always change back.
