1 FIRST WORD JULY 2018 Vol. 8; No. 7 ● First Presbyterian Church ● 215 East Lincoln Avenue ● Goshen 46528 ● Phone (574) 533-7845 ● August 2018 Table of Contents Pastor’s Column 1-2 Why I Am A Presbyterian First Word News 2-8 Meet our New Organist Pipe Organ Concert—Yukari Kobayshi August 3 First Fridays Invitation to Celebrate Miriam Wellington’s 100th Birthday Our Mission/Our Values New Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study Summer Psalms Cancer Support Group Mission Outreach Dinner—August 5 Positive Parenting Program August Deacon on Call Mark this Date: Sunday, September 30 August Birthdays/Anniversaries Please Keep in Your Prayers Thursday Small Group FPC Women—August Gathering at Angel’s House of Pancakes Presbyterian Disaster Assistance 31-Day Scripture Writing Challenge August Calendar 9 First Word __ Why I Am A Presbyterian Church growth gurus suggest that denominationalism is dead – and that focusing on denominational identity is a sure way to stifle congregational growth. For younger generations, this is probably true. And yet for me, being Presbyterian is still im- portant. And I believe that the Presbyterian Church has a unique role to play in 21 st century Protestant Christianity. This is why: 1. Presbyterians are both/and people, not either/or people – head and heart, faith and reason, ardor and order. We know that whenever 5 Presbyterians gather, there will be 6 opin- ions – taking the authority of scripture and mixing it with freedom of conscience and mutual forbearance. We proclaim the Gospel with certainty and conviction – but trust that the sovereignty of God and the freedom of the Holy Spirit may well prove us wrong. It is intellectually exciting to be a Pres- byterian! 2. Presbyterians are creative traditionalists. In general, Presby- terians honor the traditions of the past – liturgical structure, the great hymns of the church, classical sacred music that adds reverence and awe to worship. But within traditional forms, we are open to fresh content – biblical theology deepened by the social sciences, scripture enlivened by po- etry, music expressing a variety of moods and spiritual needs. We are able to change – without forsaking our roots. 3. For Presbyterians, the well-being of the community and the earth always takes precedence over the rights of the individual. John Calvin has given us a theology and a polity that submits the authority of the individual to the wisdom of the whole. In our form of gov- ernment, decisions are never made by individuals, but only by groups. And though our participatory process can be tedious and slow, it affirms the fact that it is only together that we fully become the Body of Christ. (continued on page 2)
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1 FIRST WORD JULY 2018
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Vol. 8; No. 7 ● First Presbyterian Church ● 215 East Lincoln Avenue ● Goshen 46528 ● Phone (574) 533-7845 ● August 2018
Table of Contents
Pastor’s Column 1-2
Why I Am A Presbyterian
First Word News 2-8
Meet our New Organist
Pipe Organ Concert—Yukari Kobayshi
August 3 First Fridays
Invitation to Celebrate Miriam
Wellington’s 100th Birthday
Our Mission/Our Values
New Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study
Summer Psalms
Cancer Support Group
Mission Outreach Dinner—August 5
Positive Parenting Program
August Deacon on Call
Mark this Date: Sunday, September 30
August Birthdays/Anniversaries
Please Keep in Your Prayers
Thursday Small Group
FPC Women—August Gathering at
Angel’s House of Pancakes
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
31-Day Scripture Writing Challenge
August Calendar 9
First Word
__
Why I Am A Presbyterian
Church growth gurus suggest that denominationalism is dead –
and that focusing on denominational identity is a sure way to
stifle congregational growth. For younger generations, this is
probably true. And yet for me, being Presbyterian is still im-
portant. And I believe that the Presbyterian Church has a unique
role to play in 21st century Protestant Christianity. This is why:
1. Presbyterians are both/and people, not either/or people –
head and heart, faith and reason, ardor and order. We know
that whenever 5 Presbyterians gather, there will be 6 opin-
ions – taking the authority of scripture and mixing it with
freedom of conscience and mutual forbearance. We proclaim
the Gospel with certainty and conviction – but trust that the
sovereignty of God and the freedom of the Holy Spirit may
well prove us wrong. It is intellectually exciting to be a Pres-
byterian!
2. Presbyterians are creative traditionalists. In general, Presby-
terians honor the traditions of the past – liturgical structure,
the great hymns of the church, classical sacred music that
adds reverence and awe to worship. But within traditional
forms, we are open to fresh content – biblical theology
deepened by the social sciences, scripture enlivened by po-
etry, music expressing a variety of moods and spiritual
needs. We are able to change – without forsaking our
roots.
3. For Presbyterians, the well-being of the community and the earth always takes precedence
over the rights of the individual. John Calvin has given us a theology and a polity that
submits the authority of the individual to the wisdom of the whole. In our form of gov-
ernment, decisions are never made by individuals, but only by groups. And though our
participatory process can be tedious and slow, it affirms the fact that it is only together
that we fully become the Body of Christ.
(continued on page 2)
2 FIRST WORD JULY 2018
(continued from page 1)
4. Presbyterians assertively and joyfully engage the world. We are called by our tradition to be
both public and private Christians – living our faith in all corners of our lives – as citizens, as
workers, as neighbors, as parents, as friends. Preaching about love is meaningless, until we
practice love in our daily activities, in our social witness policy, in our politics, in our com-
munity volunteer activities, in our compassionate service to those in need. To be a private
Presbyterian is an oxymoron.
5. Presbyterians are ecumenical, global, and interfaith partners. We proclaim our deep faith in
Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, but know that other faith traditions and theological stories
can teach us much about God. We know that our God is always bigger and more mysteri-
ous than any name we can utter.
Friends, I LOVE being Presbyterian. And during my 60 years in this great denomination, I have
seen proud, passionate Presbyterians change the world.
In the 501st year of the Protestant Reformation, I invite First Church to march proudly in the Presbyter-
ian parade – adding your unique intelligence, energy, and love to a spiritually hungry world.
Grace and peace,
Alan
Meet our New Organist
We are pleased to announce that on Sunday, August 19, the music ministry of Marilyn Mason as our
new church organist will begin.
Marilyn is a music educator at Goshen Middle School. In that position she directs all aspects of the
choral music program for middle school and directs musical theater production.
Marilyn has also been a church musician since 1982. Most recently she served the Zion Lutheran
Church in North Manchester as their organist/choir director. Marilyn has served Lutheran, Brethren,
Methodist, United Church of Christ, nd Disciples of Christ churches previously. Before coming to Go-
shen she served as a music educator in North Manchester at the Manchester Junior Senior High school.
She also worked at Manchester College at the College Organist/Organ – Harpsichord Instructor.
3 FIRST WORD JULY 2018
Pipe Organ Concert Featuring
Yukari Kobayashi
Sunday, July 29th 2:30 pm First Presbyterian Church
215 E. Lincoln Ave Goshen, IN 46526
August 3 First Fridays
5:30 pm — 9:00 pm
Free Corn on the Cob
4 FIRST WORD JULY 2018
Our Mission
At First Presbyterian Church we live our commitment to God and one another by:
Reaching UP > to worship God
Reaching IN > to seek abundant life through Jesus Christ
Reaching OUT > to share God’s love with all people
Our Values
We Value the Application of Scripture
We Value Prayer
We Value Worship
We Value Service
We Value Excellence
We Value People’s Giftedness
We Value People’s Differences
We Value People’s Time
We Value Continual Learning
We Value Growth
We Value Commitment
The Wellington Family
invites you to
Celebrate the 100th Birthday
of
Miriam Wellington
on
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Immediately after Worship.
Cards and congratulations only.
5 FIRST WORD JULY 2018
New Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study Guide is entitled “The Promise” and according
to author Amy Poling Sutherlun, uses “scriptures to claim the promises” (of the Word). She
presents lessons to aid in our discovering what is meant in certain passages.
Sutherlun uses scriptures, for example, where Jesus stated, “I will be with you”; “I will never
leave you”. Scriptures range from Genesis, Exodus, Judges, Joshua, Psalms, Isaiah, to the
New Testament of Matthew and John.
Please plan to join us on Wednesday, September 12th. We will continue meeting at Ev-
ergreen Place (Greencroft) on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 2nd floor at 2:00 pm for an
hour (or slightly more). If you have any questions, please contact me—Donna Palacios, 533-
3529.
This summer, our worship themes and messages will be based primarily on the Psalms. If you
have a Psalm you would like the pastor to preach about please call the church (533-7845) or
The next Mission Dinner will be Sunday, August 5, from 6-7 pm.
Thanks for your donations to our supply of spaghetti and sauce.
Monetary donations are appreciated to help offset the cost of the gar-
lic bread, lettuce, dressing, and other supplies. We will also need desserts the day of the meal.
A big thanks to all who have helped make this monthly endeavor a growing success. We con-
tinue to see new faces at the dinners, and we are hearing and seeing the positive effect this out-
reach program is creating. We hope to see you and a friend on August 5.
Positive Parenting Program Goshen Hospital The Triple P - Positive Parenting Program is one of the world's most effective parenting pro-
grams, used in over 25 countries. It is one of the only parenting programs based on evidence
from ongoing scientific research. Triple P is designed to give parents the skills they need to
raise confident, healthy children and to build stronger family relationships.
Triple P Discussion Group Dealing With Disobedience is for parents of children 12 years old
and younger. Classes are free but space is limited. Childcare is not provided. For questions
on this discussion group, please call (877) 566-4660.
The four topics are
Dealing with Discipline August 16 6-8 pm
Managing Fighting and Aggression September 18 6-8 pm
Developing Good Bedtime Routines October 18 6-8 pm
Hassle-free Shopping with Children November 15 6-8 pm
August Deacon on Call: Jean Wallace, 333-9354
Mark this Date: Sunday, September 30: After Church Fellowship Meal (every 5th
Sunday). Bring a dish/carry-in to share at lunch. Everyone welcome.
7 FIRST WORD JULY 2018
8/1 Marilyn Morris 8/ 2 Susie Hooley 8/ 4 Marcia Yost 8/ 6 Susan Long 8/ 7 Mark Hay 8/ 9 Wayne Kramer 8/11 Georgia Webster 8/13 Annabelle Hooley
8/14 Herb Apel 8/16 Tom Stout 8/21 Al Hoogenboom 8/21 Renee Miller 8/23 Deanne Wilson 8/24 Mary Hoogenboom
8/1 Steve and Susie Hooley 8/7 Chris and Dawna Hole 8/9 Alan and Rhonda Griffin 8/11 Terry and Shirley Snyder (55) 8/12 Bob and Jenny Paetsch 8/16 John and Carole Ulmer (50) 8/24 Dave and Jean Wallace 8/27 John and Linda Sorg (52) 8/30 Maurice and Sandra McCally (65)
August Birthdays
Please keep in your prayers: Our armed forces and their families; Dawna Hole; Dennis
Huff; Amy Cole; Don Griffin in Oklahoma (Alan’s father); Tom Kintigh; Toddy Bowser; Mike
Kastro, Melissa Martinez (friend of Cathie Cripe); Marcia Griffin (Alan’s sister); Phil Albert
(Jenny’s son); Don Griffin in Oklahoma (Alan’s father); Bob Schlobohm; Ernie Jenkins and son
Grant (Jenny Jenkins’ son and grandson in OH); Cathie Cripe; Al Hoogenboom; Mary Hoogen-
boom; Evelyn Johnson (mother of Sandy Kurtz); Martha Hepler; Tomi Griesenauer (Jenny
Paetsch’s mother); Florence Verhulst (Gretchen Wise’s sister in Griffin IN); Don Myers (Helen’s
husband); Sarah Miller (David Pepple’s sister); Bob Main; Brad Gilmore (Jenny Albert’s broth-
er); Julie McCally; Tina Cork (David Pepple’s niece)
Thursday Small Group: This group meets once a month on the 2nd Thursday, usually at 6:00 or 6:15 pm.
Meeting sites may be homes, coffee shops, or restaurants, at the option of the group members. The next
gathering will take place on Thursday, August 9, 6:00 pm. Contact is Julia Stauffer.
Come back next month for a new Scripture writing challenge!
31-Day Scripture Writing Challenge: God speaks to us through His Word, so take some time each day this month to write down the following Scripture. If you have time, you might want to also write a prayer that the Scripture leads you to pray, or your reflections as you write.
9 FIRST WORD JULY 2018
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Church Website: www.discoverfirstchurch.org www.facebook.com/discoverfirst
Church Staff: Pastor: Alan Griffin Secretary: Jeannie Hickman Director of Music: Marcia Yost Organist: Marilyn Mason Organist Emeritus: Dennis Huff Treasurer: Wayne Kramer Custodian: Betty Barber
First Word
A publication of
First Presbyterian Church 215 East Lincoln Avenue, Goshen, IN 46528-3347
SUNDAY WORSHIP Discover First Worship: 10:20 am
Fellowship before and after Discover First Worship Free Community Spaghetti Dinner (1st Sunday
after 1st Fridays); 6:00-7:00 pm TUESDAY
Foundation (2nd); 6:00 pm WEDNESDAY
Worship Planning Team; 6:30 pm THURSDAY
Thursday Group (2nd) 6:00 pm Session (3rd): 7:00 pm
FPC Ladies of the Church (4th); 11:30 am Cancer Support Group (4th); 7:00 pm; Library
