Pastor ........................................ Andy Gans Visitation Pastor (Ret.) ............ Tom McNeil Music Director .......................... Rick Roberts Executive Assistant ................... Chris Muramatsu Nursery Attendant .................... Tammy Keeslar Proofreaders .............................. Susan M. Jensen and John Stewart

Contributors ............................... Members of Ft. King Assembling ................................. Phyllis Altonn, Bobbie

Burns, Sue Chancey, Kay Dahlen, Joyce Gauntt, Eleanor Hayesmore, Pat Merrill, Carol Primm, Roselle Pringle, Alice Reffner, Judith Simonin, Aileen Zimmerman

Bulk Mail Handling ................... John Stewart

Office: (352) 694Office: (352) 694Office: (352) 694Office: (352) 694----4121412141214121 FFFFAAAAXXXX:::: ((((333355552222)))) 666699994444----5555222222226666

13 NE 36TH AVENUE13 NE 36TH AVENUE13 NE 36TH AVENUE13 NE 36TH AVENUE OOOOCCCCAAAALLLLAAAA,,,, FFFFLLLLOOOORRRRIIIIDDDDAAAA 33334444444477770000

www.fortking.orgwww.fortking.orgwww.fortking.orgwww.fortking.org ffffoooorrrrttttkkkkiiiinnnngggg@@@@eeeeaaaarrrrtttthhhhlllliiiinnnnkkkk....nnnneeeetttt

Worship: Sundays 10:00 a.m. through August 31, 2014Worship: Sundays 10:00 a.m. through August 31, 2014Worship: Sundays 10:00 a.m. through August 31, 2014Worship: Sundays 10:00 a.m. through August 31, 2014

Greetings in Christ’s name, I write this article with bleary eyes as I have just returned from being a commissioner to our denominations 221 General Assembly in Detroit, Michigan. The denomination gath-ers every two years to discuss and vote on overtures sent by presbyteries that will even-tually set the course for the PC(USA) for the next two years and beyond. I have to say, this felt like the longest seven days of my life. This was not a conference that you go and work only a few hours and play many more. No, we were in meetings from 8:30 a.m. to 10, 11 or 12 midnight. These were long days and very tiring, but they were also very exciting and invigorating. The topics we discussed were very important and the weight of the decisions we made was immense. I could feel that weight every time I made comment or voted. The 613 commis-sioners (half pastors, half elders) also felt the weight and took our discussions very seri-ously. I felt very blessed to be part of the “process.” I was energized to be able to share my voice, and in some cases my voice changed or added to the amendments. The overtures we discussed sometimes caused great division as witnessed with the vote on divestment from three American companies. After much dis-cussion and debate the vote to divest was only separated by 7 votes! No matter which side you fall on, on which ever issue, I was amazed at how well our system of govern-ment works.

“Abound in Hope” was the theme of this General Assembly. I do abound in hope for this denomina-tion, for this church and for God’s Kingdom as we, together hand in hand, seek to live out the will of God and share the grace of God with all people. I encourage you to read the Moderator’s letter to the denomination and the overtures on marriage and divestment which are included in this newslet-ter. If you have questions about the actions of the General Assembly I encourage you to ask. We will also have a time where we can gather as a commu-nity and have these conversations. Brothers and sisters, may we live in faith, grow in love, and abound in hope, this day and forever more!

PASTOR’S LETTER

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Below is the main section on the Marriage amendment to the Book of Order. Amendment on Marriage W-4.9000

““““Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the wellMarriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the wellMarriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the wellMarriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well----being of the entire hu-being of the entire hu-being of the entire hu-being of the entire hu-man family. Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people,man family. Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people,man family. Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people,man family. Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally traditionally traditionally traditionally between a man and a womanbetween a man and a womanbetween a man and a womanbetween a man and a woman,,,, to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. The sacrificial love that unites the couple sustains them as faithful and responsible mem-The sacrificial love that unites the couple sustains them as faithful and responsible mem-The sacrificial love that unites the couple sustains them as faithful and responsible mem-The sacrificial love that unites the couple sustains them as faithful and responsible mem-bers of the church and the wider community.bers of the church and the wider community.bers of the church and the wider community.bers of the church and the wider community.

There was another item regarding marriage known as Authoritative Interpretation. Executive Presbyter, Steve Benz shares the overture.

“ … an Authoritative Interpretation of the Constitution that would allow pastors “ … an Authoritative Interpretation of the Constitution that would allow pastors “ … an Authoritative Interpretation of the Constitution that would allow pastors “ … an Authoritative Interpretation of the Constitution that would allow pastors totototo “exercise …freedom of conscience in the interpretation of scripture in the planning “exercise …freedom of conscience in the interpretation of scripture in the planning “exercise …freedom of conscience in the interpretation of scripture in the planning “exercise …freedom of conscience in the interpretation of scripture in the planning and leadership of worship.” (Gand leadership of worship.” (Gand leadership of worship.” (Gand leadership of worship.” (G----2.0105). Teaching elders would be allowed to conduct a 2.0105). Teaching elders would be allowed to conduct a 2.0105). Teaching elders would be allowed to conduct a 2.0105). Teaching elders would be allowed to conduct a service of marriage for same gender couples under the following conditions: 1) that mar-service of marriage for same gender couples under the following conditions: 1) that mar-service of marriage for same gender couples under the following conditions: 1) that mar-service of marriage for same gender couples under the following conditions: 1) that mar-riage is legal in the state where the service is to be held; 2) that the session approve of riage is legal in the state where the service is to be held; 2) that the session approve of riage is legal in the state where the service is to be held; 2) that the session approve of riage is legal in the state where the service is to be held; 2) that the session approve of the use of the church for such an event; and 3) that the teaching elder discerns that the the use of the church for such an event; and 3) that the teaching elder discerns that the the use of the church for such an event; and 3) that the teaching elder discerns that the the use of the church for such an event; and 3) that the teaching elder discerns that the couple should be married, just as in any request that comes to a pastor.couple should be married, just as in any request that comes to a pastor.couple should be married, just as in any request that comes to a pastor.couple should be married, just as in any request that comes to a pastor. It will still al-It will still al-It will still al-It will still al-ways be at the discretion of each of those entities to make that decision.ways be at the discretion of each of those entities to make that decision.ways be at the discretion of each of those entities to make that decision.ways be at the discretion of each of those entities to make that decision. It goes on to It goes on to It goes on to It goes on to say thatsay thatsay thatsay that “in no case shall any teaching elder’s conscience be bound to conduct“in no case shall any teaching elder’s conscience be bound to conduct“in no case shall any teaching elder’s conscience be bound to conduct“in no case shall any teaching elder’s conscience be bound to conduct any mar-any mar-any mar-any mar-riage servicesriage servicesriage servicesriage services for any couple except as his or herfor any couple except as his or herfor any couple except as his or herfor any couple except as his or her understanding of theunderstanding of theunderstanding of theunderstanding of the Word, and the Word, and the Word, and the Word, and the leading of the Holy Spirit.”leading of the Holy Spirit.”leading of the Holy Spirit.”leading of the Holy Spirit.” No teaching elder or certified ruling elder can be compelled No teaching elder or certified ruling elder can be compelled No teaching elder or certified ruling elder can be compelled No teaching elder or certified ruling elder can be compelled by anyone to perform any marriage, whether same gender or not, that violates his or her by anyone to perform any marriage, whether same gender or not, that violates his or her by anyone to perform any marriage, whether same gender or not, that violates his or her by anyone to perform any marriage, whether same gender or not, that violates his or her conscience.” conscience.” conscience.” conscience.”

This overture passed and takes effect immediately.” Here is the overture that was passed regarding divestment from three American companies. I encourage you to read the whole overture.

The PC(USA) has a long standing commitment to peace in Israel and Palestine. We The PC(USA) has a long standing commitment to peace in Israel and Palestine. We The PC(USA) has a long standing commitment to peace in Israel and Palestine. We The PC(USA) has a long standing commitment to peace in Israel and Palestine. We recognize the complexity of the issues, the decadesrecognize the complexity of the issues, the decadesrecognize the complexity of the issues, the decadesrecognize the complexity of the issues, the decades----long struggle, the pain suffered and long struggle, the pain suffered and long struggle, the pain suffered and long struggle, the pain suffered and inflicted by policies and practices of both the Israeli government and Palestinian entities. inflicted by policies and practices of both the Israeli government and Palestinian entities. inflicted by policies and practices of both the Israeli government and Palestinian entities. inflicted by policies and practices of both the Israeli government and Palestinian entities. We further acknowledge and confess our own complicity in both the historic and cur-We further acknowledge and confess our own complicity in both the historic and cur-We further acknowledge and confess our own complicity in both the historic and cur-We further acknowledge and confess our own complicity in both the historic and cur-rent suffering of Israeli and Palestinian yearning for justice and reconciliation, the 221st rent suffering of Israeli and Palestinian yearning for justice and reconciliation, the 221st rent suffering of Israeli and Palestinian yearning for justice and reconciliation, the 221st rent suffering of Israeli and Palestinian yearning for justice and reconciliation, the 221st General Assembly (2014) recommends the following:General Assembly (2014) recommends the following:General Assembly (2014) recommends the following:General Assembly (2014) recommends the following:

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1.1.1.1. Reaffirm Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign nation within secure and internation-Reaffirm Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign nation within secure and internation-Reaffirm Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign nation within secure and internation-Reaffirm Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign nation within secure and internation-ally recognized borders in accordance with the United Nations resolutions.ally recognized borders in accordance with the United Nations resolutions.ally recognized borders in accordance with the United Nations resolutions.ally recognized borders in accordance with the United Nations resolutions. 2. 2. 2. 2. Declare its commitment to a twoDeclare its commitment to a twoDeclare its commitment to a twoDeclare its commitment to a two----state solution in which a secure and universally state solution in which a secure and universally state solution in which a secure and universally state solution in which a secure and universally recognized State of Israel lives alongside a free, viable, and secure state for the Palestin-recognized State of Israel lives alongside a free, viable, and secure state for the Palestin-recognized State of Israel lives alongside a free, viable, and secure state for the Palestin-recognized State of Israel lives alongside a free, viable, and secure state for the Palestin-ian people.ian people.ian people.ian people. 3.3.3.3. Instruct the Presbyterian Foundation and the Board of Pensions of the PCInstruct the Presbyterian Foundation and the Board of Pensions of the PCInstruct the Presbyterian Foundation and the Board of Pensions of the PCInstruct the Presbyterian Foundation and the Board of Pensions of the PC(U.S.A.), to divest from Caterpillar, Inc., Hewlett(U.S.A.), to divest from Caterpillar, Inc., Hewlett(U.S.A.), to divest from Caterpillar, Inc., Hewlett(U.S.A.), to divest from Caterpillar, Inc., Hewlett----Packard, and Motorola Solutions, in Packard, and Motorola Solutions, in Packard, and Motorola Solutions, in Packard, and Motorola Solutions, in accord with our church’s decadesaccord with our church’s decadesaccord with our church’s decadesaccord with our church’s decades----long socially responsible investment (SRI) history, and long socially responsible investment (SRI) history, and long socially responsible investment (SRI) history, and long socially responsible investment (SRI) history, and not to reinvest in these companies until the Mission Responsibility Through Investment not to reinvest in these companies until the Mission Responsibility Through Investment not to reinvest in these companies until the Mission Responsibility Through Investment not to reinvest in these companies until the Mission Responsibility Through Investment Committee of the PC(USA) is fully satisfied that product sales and services by these Committee of the PC(USA) is fully satisfied that product sales and services by these Committee of the PC(USA) is fully satisfied that product sales and services by these Committee of the PC(USA) is fully satisfied that product sales and services by these companies are no longer in conflict with our church investment policy.companies are no longer in conflict with our church investment policy.companies are no longer in conflict with our church investment policy.companies are no longer in conflict with our church investment policy. This action on This action on This action on This action on divestment is not to be construed or represented by any organization of the PC(USA) as divestment is not to be construed or represented by any organization of the PC(USA) as divestment is not to be construed or represented by any organization of the PC(USA) as divestment is not to be construed or represented by any organization of the PC(USA) as divestment from the State of Israel, or an alignment with or endorsement of the global divestment from the State of Israel, or an alignment with or endorsement of the global divestment from the State of Israel, or an alignment with or endorsement of the global divestment from the State of Israel, or an alignment with or endorsement of the global BDS (Boycott, Divest and Sanctions) movement.BDS (Boycott, Divest and Sanctions) movement.BDS (Boycott, Divest and Sanctions) movement.BDS (Boycott, Divest and Sanctions) movement. 4. 4. 4. 4. Reaffirm PC(USA)’s commitment to interfaith dialog and partnerships with the Reaffirm PC(USA)’s commitment to interfaith dialog and partnerships with the Reaffirm PC(USA)’s commitment to interfaith dialog and partnerships with the Reaffirm PC(USA)’s commitment to interfaith dialog and partnerships with the American Jewish, Muslim friends and Palestinian Christians and call for all presbyteries American Jewish, Muslim friends and Palestinian Christians and call for all presbyteries American Jewish, Muslim friends and Palestinian Christians and call for all presbyteries American Jewish, Muslim friends and Palestinian Christians and call for all presbyteries and congregations within the PC(USA) to include interfaith dialogue and relationshipand congregations within the PC(USA) to include interfaith dialogue and relationshipand congregations within the PC(USA) to include interfaith dialogue and relationshipand congregations within the PC(USA) to include interfaith dialogue and relationship----building as part of their own engagement in working for a just peace.building as part of their own engagement in working for a just peace.building as part of their own engagement in working for a just peace.building as part of their own engagement in working for a just peace. 5.5.5.5. Call for all foreign aid given by the U.S. governmentCall for all foreign aid given by the U.S. governmentCall for all foreign aid given by the U.S. governmentCall for all foreign aid given by the U.S. government————including aid to Israel and including aid to Israel and including aid to Israel and including aid to Israel and the Palestinian Authoritythe Palestinian Authoritythe Palestinian Authoritythe Palestinian Authority————totototo be comprehensively and transparently accounted to the be comprehensively and transparently accounted to the be comprehensively and transparently accounted to the be comprehensively and transparently accounted to the American people and held to the same standards of compliance with all applicable laws.American people and held to the same standards of compliance with all applicable laws.American people and held to the same standards of compliance with all applicable laws.American people and held to the same standards of compliance with all applicable laws. 6.6.6.6. Call for church advocacy for foreignCall for church advocacy for foreignCall for church advocacy for foreignCall for church advocacy for foreign----aid accountability to be directed toward its aid accountability to be directed toward its aid accountability to be directed toward its aid accountability to be directed toward its universal adherence rather than targeted for selective application to some recipients and universal adherence rather than targeted for selective application to some recipients and universal adherence rather than targeted for selective application to some recipients and universal adherence rather than targeted for selective application to some recipients and not others.not others.not others.not others. 7.7.7.7. Encourage Presbyterians to travel to the Holy Land, and give broad support to Encourage Presbyterians to travel to the Holy Land, and give broad support to Encourage Presbyterians to travel to the Holy Land, and give broad support to Encourage Presbyterians to travel to the Holy Land, and give broad support to the Christian, Jewish, and Muslimthe Christian, Jewish, and Muslimthe Christian, Jewish, and Muslimthe Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities throughout the Middle East.communities throughout the Middle East.communities throughout the Middle East.communities throughout the Middle East. 8.8.8.8. Affirm the importance of economic measures and cooperation between Israelis Affirm the importance of economic measures and cooperation between Israelis Affirm the importance of economic measures and cooperation between Israelis Affirm the importance of economic measures and cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians that support and advance a negotiated twoand Palestinians that support and advance a negotiated twoand Palestinians that support and advance a negotiated twoand Palestinians that support and advance a negotiated two----state solution.state solution.state solution.state solution. 9.9.9.9. Urge all church institutions to give careful consideration to possible investments Urge all church institutions to give careful consideration to possible investments Urge all church institutions to give careful consideration to possible investments Urge all church institutions to give careful consideration to possible investments in Israelin Israelin Israelin Israel----Palestine that advance peace and improve the lives of Palestinians and Israelis."Palestine that advance peace and improve the lives of Palestinians and Israelis."Palestine that advance peace and improve the lives of Palestinians and Israelis."Palestine that advance peace and improve the lives of Palestinians and Israelis."

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ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

FKPC Financial Status as of May 31,2014

For the second month in a row our Actual Offerings were below our expected budgeted Offerings. We missed the May budget by $4,231 (17.3%). For the year we are down $6,174 (5.0%). Summer months are often soft as peo-ple are off on vacations so I urge all of you to please stay up to date in regards to your pledges. Our expenses are $10,537 below budget. Our insurance ($1,538) and utility ($1,700) bills were not paid until after May 31st so they will reflect as overages in June. Our ministries are running approximately $1,800 below budget. However, the Property Ministry is working on some property upkeep items (sprinkler system, well repair etc.) the costs of which will be reflected in June. If we miss June's expected Total Offerings, it would be the third month in a row. That would be considered a trend. So I ask all members of Fort King Presbyterian Church to do some prayerful reflection and get us back on the right path.

Steve Layendecker Chair, Finance Ministry

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

Thank You

Dear Ft. King family, My deepest and most heartfelt thanks to you for all the prayers and love you have given me these past months. Your love and caring have been and are a great blessing in my life and in my healing. May the Lord bless you all. Love, Prudence

= $117,215

= $123,389

= -$6,174

= $113,767

= $124,304

= -$10,537

Total Offerings Actual

Total Offerings Budget

Variance

Total Expenses Actual

Total Expenses Budget

Variance

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July Birthdays

CONGREGATIONAL CARE (continued)

Thank You

Dear Fort King Family, We want to thank everyone for being so supportive of us and our Andrew during and after his battle with the ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He loved the church shawl and used it extensively. He was appreciative of the meals brought to his apartment. He was not well enough to receive many visitors but welcomed his visits from his closest friends and Reverend Gans who also shared his name. We are sure he loved the memorial service. He loved the words from his best friend and his high school bas-ketball coach, the organ music, the vocalist, the songs, the people that came to the service, the beautiful tables with delicious food, the basketball and Reverend Gans’ positive words and thoughts. He is now free from the crippling ALS Disease and is in Heaven with his Lord and Savior. Jack and Sue Harshman

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CONNECTIONS

Women’s Retreat

Calling all women of Fort King. It is time again to start planning for our annual women’s retreat. Our dates for this year at Montgomery Conference Center are October 24-26, 2014. Mark your calendars now and plan to at-tend this great weekend. Becca Gillespie will be our Spiritual Leader again this year; bringing us spiritual refresh-ment and fun filled experiences. If you would like to be a part of the planning committee for this event, please con-tact Bernice Henry. The first planning meeting will be at her home on July 21st at 7:00 p.m.

Welcome New MembersWelcome New MembersWelcome New MembersWelcome New Members

DISCIPLESHIP

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DISCIPLESHIP (continued)

Adult Class

The Adult Discipleship class is continuing its informal discussions of “The God Squad” column which appears every Saturday in the Ocala Star-Banner. The column originated as a joint effort with Monsignor Thomas Hart-man and Rabbi Marc Gellman. However, when Monsignor Hartman was stricken with Parkinson’s, Rabbi Gell-man continued as its author. Rabbi Gellman has a deep appreciation for the Christian faith and the columns are written from an ecumenical perspective. Rabbi Gellman’s book, with Monsignor Hartman, “Where Does God Live?” was awarded The Christopher Award, and they also published, “Lost and Found: A Child’s Guide to Overcoming Grief and Loss,” and “How Do You Spell God?” To give you an idea of Rabbi Gellman’s humor, he has also published “Always Wear Clean Underwear (And Other Ways Your Parents Tell You They Love You).” Join us in the Session Room at 9:00 a.m. every Sunday morning (through August 31) for a lively and informative

discussion. Copies of the column to be discussed that day are available as you enter the Session Room.

Library Corner Marcus J. Borg, described by the New York Times as "a leading figure in his generation of Jesus scholars," has a new book just published this spring which is entitled Convictions: How I Convictions: How I Convictions: How I Convictions: How I Learned What Matters Most.Learned What Matters Most.Learned What Matters Most.Learned What Matters Most. From the book is this quote: "Imagine that Christianity is about loving God. Imagine that it's not about the self and its concerns, about 'what's in it for me,' whether that be a blessed afterlife or prosperity in this life. Imagine that loving God is about being attentive to the one in whom we live and move and have our being. Imagine that it is about becoming more and more deeply centered in God. Imagine that it is about loving what God loves. How would that change our lives?"

In ConvictionsConvictionsConvictionsConvictions, , , , Borg reflects on his life and how he developed his most basic convictions and why they matter. With each chapter embodying a distinct conviction, he writes compellingly on the beliefs that can deeply ground us and guide us. The result is a manifesto for all progressive Christians who seek the best path for following Jesus today. Other books by Marcus Borg in the Church Library include Reading the Bible Again for the First TimeReading the Bible Again for the First TimeReading the Bible Again for the First TimeReading the Bible Again for the First Time; ; ; ; Meeting Meeting Meeting Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time;Jesus Again for the First Time;Jesus Again for the First Time;Jesus Again for the First Time; The God We Never KnewThe God We Never KnewThe God We Never KnewThe God We Never Knew; ; ; ; The Heart of ChristianityThe Heart of ChristianityThe Heart of ChristianityThe Heart of Christianity; ; ; ; and Speaking ChristianSpeaking ChristianSpeaking ChristianSpeaking Christian.... Summer Library hours are 9:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. every Sunday. Church members may access the Library at other times by requesting the key from the Church Office. Don't forget to sign the check-out cards and place them in the small gray box on the table if you take things out of the Library. Enjoy some good reads this summer!

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Sassy Seniors All widows and single ladies are welcome to join Sassy Seniors on Wednesday, July 9th

at 1:00 p.m. July’s luncheon will take place at Applebee’s, 2615 SW 19th Ave. Road,

Ocala.

Card Making Ministry

Card Making Ministry meets on the 2nd Friday of every month at 10:00 a.m. until about Noon. We will meet off-site. Please contact Prudence Pritz if you are interested in joining this group.

Crafty Ladies

Crafty Ladies meet on Thursdays from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We hope to see

all of you there. If you would like to join our group, come for a visit some Thursday and see

what we are doing and how you can help. We welcome new people and new talents!

Men’s Night Out Men’s Night Out will be taking the summer off. There will be no meetings June, July, and August. The next Men’s Night Out will be on Monday, September 8th at 6:30 p.m. Your host will be an-nounced in the September Link.

Presbyterian Women Circles

All women of Fort King are Presbyterian Women and are invited to participate in all activities of Presbyterian Women. The Presbyterian Women’s Coordinating Team as well as the Circles will be taking the summer months off. Join us in September. You are cordially invited to attend one of the Circle meetings. Deborah Deborah Deborah Deborah Circle Circle Circle Circle meets at the church, in the Session Room, on the third Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. The meet-ing in September will be September 16th. Esther CircleEsther CircleEsther CircleEsther Circle meets on the second Monday of each month in the evening at member’s homes. The meeting in September will be September 8th. The location will be an-nounced in the September Link.

Domestic Violence The Presbyterian Women will continue to collect items left in the white basket in the Narthex for the Domes-tic Violence Center. Please remember to continue this effort during the summer months. Check the basket in the Narthex for a list of needed items.

GROUP ACTIVITY

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MISSION

Habitat For Humanity The mission ministry wishes to announce that on Saturday, July 19th, volunteers from Fort King will be working with Habitat For Humanity. More information will follow as soon as it is avail-able. Please consider volunteering.

Copy Paper Spiral notebooks (college ruled) Pencils Primary pencils (fat Ticonderoga) Crayons 16 or 24 count Water color paint set (crayola or prang)

Glue Sticks Prong folders Pocket folders Pink Erasers Index cards (3X5) no lined Post-it notes Tissues

Dry Erase markers Dry Erasers Liquid Glue Fiskers Sissors (child size) Hand Wipes Plastic Sleeves Printer Cartridges # HP92

Florida Guardian ad Litem Program Speaking up for Florida’s Abused and Neglected Children

There are about 1,500 children in the Marion, Hernando, Lake, Sumpter and Citrus counties, who have been removed from their homes for alleged abuse, abandonment or neglect, who are now part of a depend-ency court proceeding. These children need someone who will speak up for them.

A GAL is a volunteer appointed by the court to advocate for a child. The volunteer works as part of a team with a volunteer supervisor and program attorney. He/she becomes familiar with the child and the child’s case and makes recommendations to the court to help ensure a safe, caring, stable and permanent environment for that child. Am I eligible to be a GAL? Eligible volunteers must be 32 years of age and older, successfully complete the pre-service training program, provide favorable references, and be cleared of any serious criminal history via a level II criminal background check. A GAL must successfully complete 30 hours of pre-service training. How much time must I commit as a Volunteer Guardian ad Litem? After the pre-service training, on average, volunteers spend 5-10 hours a month on a case. Most cases last 10 months. How do I get started? Call Sarah Jay at (352) 274-5231 or e-mail her at sarah_jay@gal.fl.gov. For more infor-mation and an application, visit our website at www.guardianadlitem.org.

Tools for Teachers The Mission Ministry is sponsoring its 2nd annual “Tools for Teachers” drive! We would like to show support for our teachers by collecting supplies they need for their students. Due to a lack of funding, the Marion County School District has reduced school budgets, which consequently cut into teachers’ classroom budgets. Below is a list of items our teachers use to manage and teach in their classrooms. Thank you for your support!

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SESSION

No Session Meeting There was no Session Meeting in June. Next Session Meeting will be July 22nd.

WORSHIP

Rain, Rain, Rain!Rain!Rain!Rain! Okay, I will admit and confess that the abundance of rain we have been having is probably my fault. Now, I’m not saying I have an “in” with our Mighty Creator, but I did pray for rain. You see, every Good Friday I plant my tomatoes. My grandfather told me to always plant my tomatoes on Good Friday and they will always be fruitful. Like an obedient grandson, I obeyed his instructions. He was right! I have planted my tomatoes every Good Friday for the past 50 years. This year I thought “If Good Friday is good for tomatoes, it has to be good for bell peppers and eggplant as well.” So they got planted too. Then I prayed for rain. Have you ever noticed you can water your plants and use Miracle Grow but nothing makes the plants happier than heavenly water? Mine have really thrived and have grown and now are producing bountiful fruit. There’s nothing better than a good ole tomato sandwich! But along with the growing vegetables, my grass is growing necessitating frequent mowing, my hedges con-stantly need trimming, I’ve lowered the water in the pool several times and I’ve even got wet on occasion. But I love it. All God’s creation is beautiful to behold. Thank You for the rain. My thoughts turn to that won-derful hymn “There Shall Be Showers of Blessing.” What a beautiful song Daniel Whittle penned! The words bring hope and encourage the Christian to seek after God. Daniel W. Whittle was born on No-vember 22, 1840, and died on March 4, 1901. Whittle served as a Major in the Civil War, where he lost his right arm, and was known thereafter as Major Whittle. It was during the Civil War that he was saved. He was asked to pray with a dying young soldier because he had been seen reading a Bible. He obeyed the request and it was at this young man’s bedside that he asked God for forgiveness. Major Whittle then prayed with the young soldier and the soldier found Christ before passing away. The Lord used this situation to draw Major Whittle and the young dying soldier to Him. What a blessed story this was to read! After the War, Major Whittle became treasurer of a watch company. It was in this company’s quiet vault that he committed his life to the Gospel.

There shall be showers of blessing: This is the promise of love;

There shall be seasons refreshing, Sent from the Savior above.

There shall be showers of blessing,

Precious reviving again; Over the hills and the valleys, Sound of abundance of rain.

There shall be showers of blessing; Send them upon us, O Lord; Grant to us now a refreshing,

Come, and now honor Thy Word.

There shall be showers of blessing: Oh, that today they might fall, Now as to God we’re confessing, Now as on Jesus we call!

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WORSHIP (continued)

What powerful words! The Bible tells us in Ezekiel 34:26 what God will do: “And I will make them and the “And I will make them and the “And I will make them and the “And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.”showers of blessing.”showers of blessing.”showers of blessing.” I am also reminded of how the rain cleanses, refreshes, and nourishes the earth. In 2 Timothy, chapter 2, verses 19 thru 21, it says “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a knoweth them that are his. And, let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a knoweth them that are his. And, let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a knoweth them that are his. And, let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sancti-and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sancti-and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sancti-and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sancti-fied, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” fied, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” fied, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” fied, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” It is at this point in our spiritual walk that we can fully receive the showers of blessings that God wants to shower upon us. When we fully lean on Him and trust Him with all areas of our lives, we receive that peace which passeth all understanding. How do you view the blessings of God in your life? “A drought”“A drought”“A drought”“A drought” – This is the place where you feel like God has forgotten you. Maybe you are in a spiritual drought, and your life is dry and parched. “Scattered showers”“Scattered showers”“Scattered showers”“Scattered showers” – This is the place where you occasionally see and feel scattered showers of blessing. Not enough to water the dry ground. Not enough to cool and refresh you. “Steady downpour”“Steady downpour”“Steady downpour”“Steady downpour” – This is the kind of life where God showers blessings on you. You recognize the big bless-ings – life, health, salvation, the Bible, family and Church. You also recognize the small blessings. The singing of a bird. The smile from your child or grandchildren. An old hymn from the past. It is life flooded with the blessings of God. I pray for you to have a “rainy” forecast for showers of blessings in your life. Get out your umbrellaGet out your umbrellaGet out your umbrellaGet out your umbrella!!!! There shall be showers of blessing. Chance of rain – 100%. With a song in my heart, Rick

There shall be showers of blessing, If we but trust and obey;

There shall be seasons refreshing, If we let God have His way.

Showers of blessing, Showers of blessing we need; Mercy-drops round us are falling, But for the showers we plead.

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WORSHIP (continued)

Something To Think About Abraham, the Model for Faith

Genesis 15:1-6 From a religious point of view, Seyyed Hossein Nasr (Harvard and Tehran) has presented a case for IslamIslamIslamIslam as both the the the the “primordial” religion and thethethethe “last religion” (1972 Ideals and Realities of IslamIdeals and Realities of IslamIdeals and Realities of IslamIdeals and Realities of Islam 35). Judaism,Judaism,Judaism,Judaism, he said, empha-sizes Torah,Torah,Torah,Torah, “Divine Law,” the “Talmudic Law,” as the basis for religion. Christianity Christianity Christianity Christianity presents “the esoteric as-pect of the Abrahamic tradition… a spiritual way rather than a law,” with an emphasis on “love.” And IslamIslamIslamIslam is a “return to Abraham,” in whom Shariah, Shariah, Shariah, Shariah, law, and Tariqah,Tariqah,Tariqah,Tariqah, the “way,” are embodied. AbrahamAbrahamAbrahamAbraham is the keystone upon which the three Semitic religions are founded.

- Indeed, in Judaism Abraham was referred to as the rockrockrockrock on which God built and established the world (Isaiah 51:1, compare Matt 16 where Peter is referred to as the “Rock” on which the Church is built). Abraham possessed both worlds: this one and the world to come. He “is sufficient to atone” for the wrong that Israel has done in the world. The Exodus was done for the sake of Abraham, as was the giving of the Torah to Israel (Psalm 68:19; G.F. Moore 1954 Judaism IJudaism IJudaism IJudaism I 538). Abraham’s faithfaithfaithfaith is not creedal/confessional belief, but an active trust/confidence in God. For first century CE Jews, to refer to “Abraham as our father” (See John the Baptist’s retort, Mat-thew 3:9), to be a son of Abraham, was thought to be a pledge of safety, from whom “merits” of the father were available. - For the Apostle Paul, Abraham was the model for faith in Romans 4Romans 4Romans 4Romans 4. Paul declared we no longer have to depend on Torah or circumcision to belong to the people of God; all we need to do is to “believe in him that raised from the dead Jesus our Lord” (Romans 4:24) and to have faith in Christ (Galatians 3:29). - The perspective of the Qur’anQur’anQur’anQur’an is clear: * “The Torah and the Gospel were sent down after him” (i.e. Abraham) (Qur’anQur’anQur’anQur’anImran3:65).

* “Neither was Abraham a Jew or a Christian, but upright and obedient, and not an idola-ter” (Qur’anQur’anQur’anQur’an Imran3:67; see also Cow 2:140). * “Abraham was certainly a model of faith, obedient to God and upright.”

(­Qur’an­Qur’an­Qur’an­Qur’anBees 120); “So we command you to follow the way of Abraham the upright” (QQQQur’anur’anur’anur’anBees 123).

How was Abraham a model of faith? Because he was obedient to God by submission to God’s will. This is precisely a choice a man must make; biological progeny does not count in faith. For Judaism, “Abraham is the great exemplar of faith” (G.F. Moore, Judaism IIJudaism IIJudaism IIJudaism II 237); and this was the point the Apostle Paul was making in Romans 4 as well. However, just what was Abraham’s historical lifehistorical lifehistorical lifehistorical life----situationsituationsituationsituation? What exactly did that mean? And what does “faith” mean in that historical contexthistorical contexthistorical contexthistorical context, apart from religious interpretations?

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WORSHIP (continued)

The historical era within which Abraham lived was one in which socio-political and religious turmoil was the way of life. Babylonia was being invaded from every corner, east and west; the raiders would demand subordination to their point of view, to their way of life, subjugation to tribute payments, and subjection to the divinities of their tribal-societies and religions. Rivalries between warring factions left a “political vacuum” as different leaders tried to dominate foreign areas. As G. Leick (2003 The Babylonians)The Babylonians)The Babylonians)The Babylonians) observed:

“They (leaders) had to be quick-witted, decisive, patient, obdurate and charismatic, dissimulating and ruth-less. A tough physique and a talent for military strategy also helped” (33).

Sound familiar? Without question, rulers claimed their authority both as something “bestowed by the gods” (36) and/or by a claim to be a divinity. Abraham and Jacob may have been small nomadic tribal groups (Johs. Petersen 1954 IsraelIsraelIsraelIsrael I, II 12-13), not only caught in the crossfire of warring parties, but also caught with “no legal status” because they had separated them-selves from an established religio-political community. In fact, anyone who had done this was regarded as a “wandering fugitive” (see Deut. 26:5); as such, both an individual and/or a tribal group were regarded as “stateless” (G. Mendenhall 1973 The Tenth GenerationThe Tenth GenerationThe Tenth GenerationThe Tenth Generation 137). Thus, a person and/or a tribal group had a choice: assimilate into and be subject to the socio-political and religious order and its institutions, or “withdraw from allallallall obligation and relationship to it” and suffer the consequences (Ibid.; his emphasis). Abraham made up his mind: “he believed the Lord” (Gen. 15:6), i.e. he “trusted” God, God, God, God, had confidence in God,confidence in God,confidence in God,confidence in God, meaning precisely this: he chose to trust Godtrust Godtrust Godtrust God for his own future rather than trust other human beings who claimed they represented the divine will, either by their “commandments” or by their persons. Abraham’s “future” had been interpreted as biological progeny; in Paul by spiritual progeny; and in Islam by legal and prescribed behaviors that demonstrate one’s submission to Allah. The “faith” of Abraham in Godin Godin Godin God means pre-cisely that he chose to trust Godtrust Godtrust Godtrust God for his future, rather than use biological or socio-political and/or religious mecha-nisms; to trust God rather than to submit to any form of human leadership and direction for his and his family’s future. If this historical understanding is close to understanding Abraham’s act of faith/trust (note: FaithFaithFaithFaith has nothing at all to do with Belief!), then we each are every day confronted by the “powers that be” that require our compliance and submission to maintain their power. And, each day, we must “choose whom we will serve” (Joshua 24:15), in whom we will place our faith/trust. For Abraham, faith/confidence/trust in God had nothing to do with religious acts, feeling or belief, or with being subject to another human being. His alternative was: either trust/have faith in human leadership which involves subjection to that leadership for our future, or, trust/have faith in God for our human future. There are serious im-plications to these. Just how risky is Abrahamic faith in God for us? Which do we have: comforting beliefs about God,beliefs about God,beliefs about God,beliefs about God, or Abrahamic faith in God? faith in God? faith in God? faith in God? Something to think about. Shalom, Tom

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WORSHIP (continued)

Flower Calendar As of this mailing, the following people will be providing flowers for the remainder of 2014. If you would like to provide flowers on an open date or during 2015, please call Nancy Hall at 694-3221. Thank you. PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to commemorate a special event/occasion/memory etc. for a specific date, please call me as soon as possible. It is never too early to select your chosen date. Please don’t hesitate to call me if there is a Sunday you would like to commemorate by sharing with the church some type of flowers or plant of your choice. (It could be fresh, silk, dried, etc. from your yard, a supermarket, a florist, etc.) Thank you. Thank you to these people as they share in donating the flowers for the following worship services: July 6, 2014---In loving memory of my mother, Ann Patnode, and my brother, Edward, from Kay Dahlen July 13, 2014---In loving memory of my husband, John, from Carol Primm July 20, 2014---In honor of Doris Charleston’s birthday from her husband, Steve July 27, 2014---In honor of our 40th wedding anniversary from Thom and Kathy Kuhns August 3, 2014---from the Ruarks August 10, 2014---In celebration of 50 years of marriage from Anna and David McChesney August 17, 2014---In honor of my mother Ruth’s 94th birthday today from Cash and Gwynn Pealer August 24, 2014---From the Clegornes in honor of the Clegorne family birthdays, sons Nicholas and Patrick, and Anthony’s mother and father August 31, 2014---In celebration of our 35th wedding anniversary from Frank and Heidi Lawson September 7, 2014---In celebration of our 35th wedding anniversary from Bruce and Gouley Andrews September 14, 2014---In celebration of our 67th wedding anniversary from Glendon and Mildred Shank September 21, 2014---In loving memory of my husband, Bruce, and other loved ones from Prudence Pritz September 28, 2014---From Dorothy Roth in loving memory of Merl on their wedding date October 5, 2014---From Jack and Sue Harshman in honor of our 62nd wedding anniversary October 12, 2014---In loving memory of Julien from Kay Dahlen October 19, 2014---From David and Martha MacKay in celebration of their 29th wedding anniversary October 26, 2014---In memory of Daisy Rowland, my grandmother, from Rosemary and Peter Messmore November 2, 2014---From Debbie and Larry Bush in celebration of our 28th wedding anniversary November 9, 2014---OPEN November 16, 2014---From Joy Hunt in memory of my beloved husband, Jim November 23, 2014---From Buddy and Anne MacKay November 30, 2014 through December 28, 2014---Poinsettias in the Sanctuary

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July 2014

Italicized items are non-FKPC activities using FKPC facilities

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 10:00 Prayer Shawl Ministry 5:30 Connections Ministry 7:00 Boy Scouts (YH)

2

3

11:00 Adult Discipleship Ministry 11:00 Crafts 7:00 AA (FH)

4 OFFICE CLOSED

5

6 9:00 - 11:15 Library 9:00 Adult Ed. & Youth 9:30 Choir Practice 10:00 Worship 11:00 Discipleship Youth Ministry 5:00 PYC

7 5:00 TOPS (FH) 5:30 Mission Ministry 6:00 - 8:00 Marions United (CE)

8 6:00 Finance Ministry 7:00 Discipleship Ministry Children 7:00 Boy Scouts (YH)

9 1:00 Sassy Seniors (off-site)

10 11:00 Crafts 7:00 AA (FH)

11 10:00 Card Making Ministry (off-site)

12

13 9:00 - 11:15 Library 9:00 Adult Ed. & Youth 9:30 Choir Practice 10:00 Worship 11:00 Congrega-tional Care Ministry Youth Mission

14 9:30 Small Group 5:00 TOPS (FH) 6:00 - 8:00 Marions United (CE)

15 7:00 Boy Scouts (YH)

16 3:00 Pastoral Care Team

17 11:00 Crafts 7:00 AA (FH)

18

19 Habitat Work Day

20 9:00 - 11:15 Library 9:00 Adult Ed. & Youth 9:30 Choir Practice 10:00 Worship 5:00 PYC

21 5:00 TOPS (FH) 6:00 - 8:00 Marions United (CE)

22 6:00 Session 7:00 Boy Scouts (YH)

23

24 11:00 Crafts 7:00 AA (FH)

25

Turning Point Set-up (FH)

26 9-3 Turning Point (FH)

27 2 Cents A Meal

9:00 - 11:15 Library 9:00 Adult Ed. & Youth 9:30 Choir Practice 10:00 Worship 5:00 PYC

28 9:30 Small Group 5:00 TOPS (FH) 6:00 - 8:00 Marions United (CE)

29 7:00 Boy Scouts (YH)

30