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J. Barry Dagenhart, Pastor Philip S. Bunch, Associate Pastor Robert J. Robinson, Pastor Emeritus

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Friday 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

803.327.2009 803.327.4123 fax www.firstarp.org

February 2015

First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church Rock Hill, South Carolina

9 a.m. Acoustic Service • 11 a.m. Traditional Worship Service

10 a.m. Sunday School (all ages)

FIRST CHURCH LIFE

Deacon Service Award—Jody Rankin

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. James 4:10

On Sunday, January 11, Polly Wingate presented the 2014 Deacon

Service Award to Jody Rankin. Jody has selflessly served our

congregation in numerous ways. After years as a classroom teacher, she

ended her professional career as an “English as a Second Language

Teacher”. She loved and cherished her students and made sure they

had funds to cover unexpected expenses, books to read, and gifts and

food for holiday celebrations. Now she serves as a weekly volunteer at

an area elementary school. She is a teacher of God’s word to our 4th

and 5th grade Sunday School class, and pours hours into preparation

each week. For many years, Jody has been a faithful member of our

choir and enjoys singing praises to the Lord she serves. She always

helps on Wednesday nights to prepare and serve the meal, often

cleaning up afterwards, and lovingly cares for others through the

Congregational Service Committee. With a heart for missions, she

volunteers as a prayer partner for our mission teams and is generous in

supporting fund-raising efforts. Our Just Joy ministry is another area of

faithful service for her. Jody is always attuned to needs in various areas

of church life. She gives her time and talents to Vacation Bible School

each summer and to our Preschool. Jody truly exemplifies Mark 10:45

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” as she

supports many behind the scenes projects and showers kindness and

blessings in so many places. Jody has influenced countless lives in our

community as the light of God’s love shines in and through her.

Our Christian Sympathy is extended to

Susan Barnette at the death of her father,

Melvin Barnette on January 18, 2015

and to

Joanne Mauldin at the death of her mother,

Elizabeth McWaters on January 27, 2015

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints

Psalm 116:15

Congratulations to

Jamie and Virginia McCallister

on the birth of their daughter

Lillian Jane Saturday, January 17, 2015

6 pounds, 13 ounces

Lily was welcomed home by her big brother, Jake!

Flower calendar The 2015 Flower Calendar is available in the

T-hall. Please sign up to honor or remember a loved one or celebrate a special day.

BASKETBALL

Only a few more weeks to come watch our basketball teams. Our Junior Boys team is currently

undefeated! Team schedules can be found online at yorkcountycba.blogspot.com

Mark your calendar: Athletic Banquet

Wednesday, March 11

Discipleship Group Weeks:

February 8 & 15 March 15 & 22 April 12 & 26

Catawba Presbytery Senior High Retreat— March 6-8

Catawba Presbytery Middle School Retreat—March 27-29

Our next Family Chapel will be Wednesday, February 4 at 9:00 am in the Sanctuary. Through singing, praying, and a short message, we are exposing our youngest students and their f a m i l i e s t o a w o r s h i p experience. This is a very brief service and we would LOVE to have church members attend to worship with and welcome our preschool families.

For Your Calendar:

Communicants Class—Sundays, February 8, 15 and 22

Ash Wednesday—Wednesday, February 18

Just Joy—Thursday, February 26

Women’s Retreat —February 27-March 1

Communicant/Elder Breakfast—Sunday, March 15

Membership Sunday—March 15

How is Christ using RiverCrossing Church? Here is an encouraging testimony from one of our newest members.

“For our entire married life, my wife and I have belonged to churches that served us—and served the Lord—whole-heartedly. What we sometimes

struggled with was finding ways in which we ourselves might serve. We visited RiverCrossing initially just to support our friends who do ministry there, and were immediately struck by the myriad needs of a small church plant—and the ways in which our very presence seemed like a way to serve Christ’s Church.

Because the teaching was solid and the worship was Christ-honoring, and because we saw ways in which we might be challenged to use our gifts for God’s purposes, we felt like there was frankly no excuse for us not to join RiverCrossing! We continue to delight in seeing God honored through the often painstaking work of church planting.” —Josh

Prayer requests:

1. We have several new families and Winthrop students attending! 2. Our daughter Katelyn is engaged! Her fiancé is serving with Trans

World Radio in Guam for a year. 3. We're thankful to David Ledbetter for agreeing to serve on our

Provisional Session. 4. Pray for our intern, Zach Simmons, as he begins a new semester at RTS in Charlotte.

5. Pray for the men that serve as coaches at the Pregnancy Center and the men we are privileged to encourage each week.

Thanks for your continued support!—— David Stover

We are now 1/24 of the way through the Bible!! Keep up the solid work. Also, if you're like me . . . don't you love having built in catch-up days! (J.30-31). I certainly needed them. Over the next 23 months, we'll read through all of God's Word, and Psalms and Proverbs four times!! I know this is a hard habit to keep up. There are some parts of Scripture that are harder than others. There are some days harder than others. My tip for you this February is to stay in contact with others who are also reading through the Bi-ble in the same way. Talk to them about God's Word. This will provide encouragement and further wisdom.

Also, make sure that you keep a close eye on the devotionals. I'm writing them specifically to key on the Scriptures that we're reading. ~ Philip

Our annual Ash Wednesday service will be Wednesday, February 18 at 6:30 pm in the sanctuary for all adults and children (age 6 & older). This brief, but reflective time of worship ushers in the season of Lent. Lent is a time of preparation and spiritual discipline, with a view to Christ’s suffering and death, and ultimately the celebration of His resurrection on Easter.

During the six Sundays of Lent, Barry and Philip will be preaching a sermon series entitled “Teach us to Number our Days” which will discuss Life and all aspects of that subject in the walk of the Christian. Daily devotional booklets will also be available for individuals and families as we prepare our hearts and minds to become more like Christ.

Men’s Fellowship Breakfast Saturday, February 7 7:00 am

$2/suggested donation

FIRST ARP COOKBOOK Over 200 recipes have been submitted, but we still want more!! Thank you to all who have shared your delicious

recipes; feel free to share more! Our suggested categories are Appetizers; Breakfast & Brunch; Soups, Salads & Sandwiches; Side Dishes; Entrees; Breads; Jams, Jellies, Pickles, & Condiments; Sweets; Healthy Options and Children’s Recipes. Submit your recipes by e-mail (hewj@comporium.net), drop them in the recipe box in the connector, or snail mail them to Ellen Hamilton, Cookbook Chair.

Lots of volunteers are needed to make this a success! If you are interested in serving on the Cookbook Committee, contact Ellen at 328-9393 or hewj@comporium.net

Over 21 ladies are signed up for the

upcoming Women’s Retreat February 27-March 1.

at Bonclarken

The First ARP “Baby Boom” has begun! With five infants and three more on the way, God is giving us a special opportunity to love and care for these sweet blessings. Consider serving in one of our three nurseries (Infants, Toddlers and 2’s and Older 2’s and 3’s) offered during both worship services and Sunday school. You may sign up for a Sunday each month or just one Sunday at a time.

Volunteers are especially needed: at 9:00 on 2nd and 3rd Sundays (infants

& toddlers) at 11:00 on 5th Sunday (infants) at 10:00 on 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays

(one volunteer-infants)

Contact Michele Harbin, Nursery Coordinator, at 517-3343 or harbinfamily@comporium.net, to volunteer.

2 John Hamilton 3 Grady Scott Russell Hubbs 4 Virginia McCallister 5 Bob Robinson Larissa Smith Mary Landstreet 9 Kitty Barrett Samuel Smith 11 Lisa Duggins Lydia Ghent 12 William Smith 13 Scott Fischesser 14 Archie Barrett 15 Elli Barnette Virginia Hallman Paula Williamson 16 Sam Cable Debbie Turner 17 Sandra Canupp 18 Kirk Clayton Devon McManus Mary Weisz

The ARP Magazine has introduced a NEW, FREE digital edition!

Simply go to www.arpmagazine.org to read the newest issue.

You may also sign up to receive each issue via email. The ARP

Magazine provides communication, growth and unity within our

denomination, connecting us with our sister churches and fellow

believers. The January/February 2015 issue is available now and

features an article by Kristen Shoger, wife of former Youth Director

Andrew, on their adoption of Sadie from Bulgaria.

Print copies are still available by subscription ($20/one year;

$38/two years; $54/three years); contact The ARP Magazine,

1 Cleveland Street, Greenville, SC 29601-3696

20 Madeline Cox 21 Daniel Canupp Erin McManus Bill Vogel 22 Nora Madsen Beverly Simpson 23 Tom Scott Bob Thompson Matt Turner 25 George Barron III Charles Robbins Angela Woods Harper Woods 26 Philip Bunch Ken Gasque Carolyn Rogers Norma White Julia Wilkerson 28 Tristan McManus Sara Simpson

“A child with special needs will inspire you to be a special kind of person."

On January 24 our gym was packed with special people who enjoyed a glorious day of celebration at our 4th annual Just Joy Dance! The "Son" did shine on that "Tropical Escape" and music, love, kindness, laughter....along with lots of singing, hugging, dancing, eating.... filled our gym with the fragrance of Jesus as we served our special friends. The joy was contagious! Our First ARP Church volunteers were greatly encouraged by the outpouring of support from Ebenezer, Edgemoor, and Tirzah. These hard working folks were in 'awe and amazed at all that happened' and want to partner with us in the years to come. Such an added bonus and delight to see families working hand in hand in ministry! From start to finish the host of volunteers faithfully served our beloved special friends....what a beautiful display of the gospel and grace of Jesus Christ!

Heartfelt gratitude is extended to a former member and her husband who gave a very generous donation which enabled us to purchase decorations that will be used in years to come. Additionally, we have sufficient funds on hand for future dances.

Four years ago we had our first dance for 'special friends with special needs.' It is certainly evident that the Holy Spirit has tendered the hearts of our church family to this ministry. Currently, under the leadership of our Just Joy Board, we provide a monthly worship service, AAA Athletes, a dinner for special education teachers, a mentoring program....all to the glory of God!

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in

Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever amen." Ephesians 3: 20-21

With joy, Jeanie Alexander

Thank you to our Just Joy Dance Committee: Jamey Dagenhart, Bob Elliott (Tirzah/

Edgemoor), Amber Graham, Michele Harbin, Dottie Gettys, Amy Kulbok, Barbara Lesslie,

Jeff Lesslie, Melissa Lyon, Tim Marshall, Joanne Mauldin, Jenny Nowicki, Jan Phillips,

James Robbins (Ebenezer), Jacob Tedder (Neely's Creek), Kelley Tuttle & Ginger Smith

Next Worship Service

Thursday, February 26 6:30 p.m.

Thanks to Susan Gardner, Gail Stafford, Wayne

Wingate and Donna Zeigler for serving over 60 people

at the Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen on January 15.

Would you like to serve?? Our church is committed to

serving on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Our next serving day is

February 19. Contact Susan Gardner to volunteer.

It’s not too late to join All American Athletes and support these special children and their families. The Winter Basketball season continues through February 15. Playing time is from 4:00-5:00pm Questions? contact Jamey Dagenhart (justjoy@firstarp.org) or 517.4893.

The Diaconate is gathering supplies to have for those who come to the church for assistance. They will be collecting gently used or new towels and wash cloths; travel size toiletries (hotel samples are fine); non-perishable food items (Vienna sausages, Lance crackers, bottled water, granola bars, beef jerky, fruit packs, etc); hats, gloves, warm socks, and coats. These supplies will be used not only by the front office, but by our deacons on Sunday mornings, to assist visitors in need.

mailto:justjoy@firstarp.org

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

1 9:00 am Acoustic Worship 10:00 am Sunday School 11:00 am Traditional Worship 11:00 am John Gettys Prayer Team 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm All American Athletes Basketball

2 9:00 am–1:00 pm Preschool 5:45 pm CE Committee Meeting 7:00 pm Circle #3

3 9:00 am–1:00 pm Preschool 10:00 am - 11:30 am WM Bible Study 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm WM Bible Study

4 9:00 am Family Chapel9:00 amPreschool 5:30 pm the Family Dinner6:00 pm Choir 6:15 pm 6:30 pm 7:15 pm

8 9:00 am Acoustic Worship 10:00 am Sunday School 11:00 am Traditional Worship 11:00 am—3:00 pm Berlin Mission Team Training Session (Faith Room) 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm All American Athletes Basketball

9 9:00 am–1:00 pm Preschool 9:30 am Jeanie Alexander Prayer Team

10 9:00 am–1:00 pm Preschool 10:00 am - 11:30 am WM Bible Study 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm WM Bible Study 7:00 pm Deacon Meeting

11 9:00 amPreschool 5:30 pm the Family Dinner6:00 pm Choir 6:15 pm 6:30 pm 7:15 pm

15 9:00 am Acoustic Worship 10:00 am Sunday School 12:00 pm Robert Lesslie Prayer Team 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm All American Athletes Basketball

16 No Preschool 7:00 pm Session Meeting 7:00 pm Tom Simpson Prayer Team

17 9:00 am–1:00 pm Preschool 10:00 am - 11:30 am WM Bible Study 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm WM Bible Study

18 9:00 am Chapel 9:00 amPreschool 5:30 pm the Family Dinner6:30 pm Service

22 9:00 am Acoustic Worship 10:00 am Sunday School 11:00 am Traditional Worship 5:30 pm Sarah Harper Prayer Team

23 9:00 am–1:00 pm Preschool

6:00 pm WM Board Meeting

24 9:00 am–1:00 pm Preschool 10:00 am - 11:30 am WM Bible Study 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm WM Bible Study 7:00 pm Kay McKinney Prayer Team

25 9:00 amPreschool 5:30 pm the Family Dinner6:00 pm Choir 6:15 pm 6:30 pm 7:15 pm

Please submit information for the next newsletter by February 24th

To schedule an event, please contact the church office.

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

9:00 am Preschool Family Chapel 9:00 am–1:00 pm Preschool

5:30 pm Foundations for the Family Dinner 6:00 pm Elementary Choir 6:15 pm Preschool Music 6:30 pm Adult Program 7:15 pm Adult Choir

5 8:00 am Barry Dagenhart Prayer Team 9:00 am–1:00 pm Preschool 10:00 am Circle #2 7:00 pm Circle #1

6 9:00 am–1:00 pm Preschool

7 7:00 am Men ’s Fellowship Breakfast

9:00 am–1:00 pm Preschool

5:30 pm Foundations for the Family Dinner 6:00 pm Elementary Choir 6:15 pm Preschool Music 6:30 pm Adult Program 7:15 pm Adult Choir

12 9:00 am–1:00 pm Preschool 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm WM Bible Study

13 9:00 am–1:00 pm Preschool

14

9:00 am Preschool Chapel 9:00 am–1:00 pm Preschool

5:30 pm Foundations for the Family Dinner 6:30 pm Ash Wednesday Service

19 9:00 am–1:00 pm Preschool 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm WM Bible Study

Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen

20 9:00 am–1:00 pm Preschool

21 Honduras Mission Team Training (time TBA)

9:00 am–1:00 pm Preschool

5:30 pm Foundations for the Family Dinner 6:00 pm Elementary Choir 6:15 pm Preschool Music 6:30 pm Adult Program 7:15 pm Adult Choir

26 9:00 am–1:00 pm Preschool 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm WM Bible Study 6:30 pm JUST JOY

27 9:00 am–1:00 pm Preschool

28

To schedule an event, please contact the church office.

Women’s Retreat March 1st

Additional information about these events may be found within the newsletter.