FPCO Columns - March 2009

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C O N TA C T U S407.423.3441

To aage a baptismCotact Woship x1451

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To aage a fueal o memoial sevice

Cotact Pastoal Cae x1455To aage a memoial doatio

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To donate owers for worship services

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To place a otice i the bulleti o ewsletteCotact Commuicatios x1467

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To let us kow whe you o a loved oe ae hospi-talized - Cotact Pastoal Cae x1455

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With questios egadig the budgetAdmiistatio - Cotact x1459

To reach the Security Ofce

Cotact 407-415-9793

Fo Weekday SchoolCotact 407-996-5864

To nd out about Sunday school classes

Cotact Spiitual Fomatio x1463

With questios about the FPCO Web siteo this Colums publicatio

Cotact Commuicatios x1467

To eseve meetig spaceCotact Special Sevices x1469

Hospta Cas:

Hospitals ae o loge able to otify us wheou membes ae hospitalized. If you kow

someoe who is i the hospital, please otifythe Pastoral Care ofce at x1455.

Pastoa Eegences:

Fo pastoal emegecies outside of the 8:30a.m.- 5:00 p.m. church ofce hours, please leave

a voice mail message at the mai chuch umbe.The message cete will page the miiste o

call, who will eply as soo as possible.

Need Hep?Depedecy assistace, cace suppot goup,

gief suppot, divoce cae, ifetility goup,please cotact Pastoal Cae x 1455

On TheWhen ou wee dead n ou sns, God

ade ou ae wth Chst. He ogae us

a ou sns; he took t awa, nang t to

the coss. Coossans 2:14

WITH Dr. DAVID

We are in the time o the churchs year known as Lent

but perhaps it is more easily understood as the season o th

CROSS. From Pauls words to the Colossian Christians, we se

yet again that the cross is the ulcrum o human history the

central point the dividing line or all who would come to gaze

upon it. It is the moment upon which Christian aith rises and

alls, and thereore, the predominant symbol or believers around

the world. Though oten seen, the cross is rarely understood.

pray that in this season we will consider its power and grandeur

yet again and know o its transorming power, not only or our

lives, but or our world.

To that end, our church has planned a number o opportu

nities or you to pray, reect, worship, receive instruction, andshare with others on this sacred git o our God.

TheCrossWitnesscampaign.Ifyouhavenothada

chance to get one yet, its not too late! Drop by the church

ofce and get one or your yard or porch. Become a cross

witness in your neighborhood!

ChurchLentenDevotionalsareavailabletoyouthrough

our Prayer and Spiritual Formation ofce. These will

walk you daily through the steps o Jesus.

AprayerservicewillbeofferedeachdayduringHoly

Week at noon in our Reormation Chapel.

Also,asyoumakeyourplans,wehaveplannedsix

services or Easter morning: Traditional (Sanctuary) at

8:30,9:45and11;Genesis(LeeFellowshipHall)at8:30,

9:45 and 11. Take note and take part. I know you will be

blessed!

The cross is the ground o our unity; or it is there that we

ace our common need and fnd our common salvation, oered

solely and sacrifcially in Christ. May these days and weeks o


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ECONOmy Of GOD BiBlE STUDy:

AsIpenthisupdateonTheEcon-

omy o God Bible study, we have just

completed week three and God is mov-

ing through these study groups, con-

victingusofHisWordandhowweare

to be good stewards o everything with

whichHehasblessedus!However,by

the time you read this, we will be well

on our way to concluding this great

sermon series and study on March 22.

Without a doubt, lives will be changed

because o the Sunday morning messag-

es and the commitment to studying and

applying His Word in practical ways

that will impact the way we live and

eventuallyinuenceHisKingdom!

There are 375 people participating

in this study 192 o them come each

Sunday aternoon to make up 18 dier-

ent groups meeting throughout the cam-

pus. There are an additional 183 people

takingthisstudythroughtheirexisting

small groups.

There was great excitement as we

launched into this study by hosting an

Orientation and Dessert on Sunday eve-

ning, January 11. Lee Fellowship Hall

wasstandingroomonly.However,long

beore we gathered or that event, acilita-

tors participated in training sessions and

prayed or everyone taking the study.

HAPPENiNGS & EvENTS

AT firST PrESByTEriAN

AN UPDATE!By Loi needham, Paye ad Spiitual Fomatio

Sue oengs ae unde deeopent so watch o oppotuntes to be engaged n stud

thoughout the ea!

This church is appreciative and

blessed to have so many leaders pouring

their lives, time, talents and gits so that

we may grow closer to God and under

standHisplanforeachoneofus.n

_____________________________________

WOmENS BiBlE STUDy,

THE AmAziNG COllECTiON;

THE KiNGDOm BOOKS

Womens ministry experienced a

strong enrollment or the second install

mentofTheAmazingCollectionstudy

Once again, three study sessions were

oered to accommodate busy sched

ules. Atthis writing, 210 womenare

enrolled and will work through the

nextsevenbooksoftheOldTestament

When we conclude this study season

in lateApril,manywomenwill know

much more about the frst twelve booksof theBible! OurAmazing Collection

study will pick back up in September

withthePost-ExilicBooks,1Chronicles

through Esther. n

Econo o God oentaton


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What n the wod woud akea gu n hs d-otes eenconsde gong on a tp wth dde

schoo students to the Ocaa Natona

foest o a weekend eteat? i hae

no dea, but he dd. fo the past thee

eas, i hae becoe good ends

wth and e uch encouaged b a

budd o ne, Keth Hocob. Hesgown up n ths chuch, but has e-

cent joned oces wth us hee n

the outh nst. its unn because

when we appoached hs we, Daph-

ne, we wee cautous as to just how

uch ths staght shootng, dead

honest an coud hande o kds.

So we went to the boss. Now, Daphne

tod us we shoud stat h knd o

sow; abe wth soe uppe cass-

en, so the coud hae a decent

conesaton. So what dd we do? We

dd just the opposte! We stuck h

whee the need was geatest - d-

de schoo 7th gade bos. And guess

what? Yep, it was a perfect t.

Hestartedteachingclassandhelp-

ing out at events like the Red NeckRound Up, and that was all she wrote!

Hewashooked.Keithwassohooked

that he even volunteered to go on the

middle school all retreat to Southwind.

There, he served as a cabin leader, just

got to know kids on his own terms and

theylovedhim!Attheendoftheweek -

end, Keith slipped me a note which

said, Bra (thats Spanish or bro, just

sounds unny or us to call each other

ladies apparel) dealing with middle

schoolers is like training Shetland

ponies and herding cats at the same

time! BUT AWESOME! Youth ministry

makes Corporate America seem like

Hell. I couldnt agree more. Thanks to

God or teenagers and thanks, too, or

good riends who get what our youthministry is all about, like my riend

Keith. Keith is a believer.

How about ou? Do ou want

to see n a deent tpe o

nst? T stang 100 dde

schoo students n the ace and

not ang n oe wth the ke

Keth and i hae. Thees oo

o oe. Coe On! n

SOUTHWiND

By Bowig Wood, Diecto of Studet Miisty


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A

bout ve years ago, Tracy and I were sitting

n chuch when the showed pctues o

Cap Genea. The kds and counseos a ap-

peaed to be hang a geat te. i eaned oe

to Tac and sad, That ooks ke soethng

we shoud sgn Joshua up o. She ageed,

but unde one condton; i woud hae to go

with him as a counselor for his rst year. I re-

uctant ageed. i stated eeng bette about

gong ate takng wth ens Bbe stud

goup. The encouageent een heped e

ee ke i was dong soethng good. Soe oJoshuas ends paents aso heped e to

ee good because the sad, as ong as i was

gong to be thee, the woud send the chd

wow! Then, on the rst day of camp, as par-

ents wee doppng o the kds, the stopped

to thank e and tod e what a geat thng i

was dong. i was ea eeng pett good

about se i was on a o!

I was doing something good. I realized that this camp was

not about me. It was about the amazing things that God was

doing in the lives o these kids. Every day at Camp Geneva in-

volves a lot o un activities, but it also includes a morning as-

sembly with worship time, an aternoon Bible study and a big

evening event with worship built in. Ill let you in on a amily

secret that Im sure only pertains to our kids; sometimes Tracy

and I have a tough time dragging our kids to church or one

service each week. Yet somehow at Camp Geneva these kids are

going happily to three worship activities every day. Now, to be

air, worship at Camp Geneva doesnt include parents telling

the kids what to wear, to sit up straight, to not talk or fdget, etc

Rather, the worship is on their terms. The frst time I saw my

cabin o boys put their arms on each others shoulders and sway

back and orth as they sang and worshipped, it brought tears to

my eyes (ok, at the risk o sounding wimpy it brings tears to my

eyes every time I see it). It also made me think about one o my

avorite Bible verses, Let the children come to me and do not

hinder them or the kingdom o God belongs to such as these

Matthew 19:14. I learned that Camp Geneva was a place where

childrencouldcometoHim,andthatiswhatitisallabout!

This year will be Joshuas fnal year as a camper, but he is

already making plans to come back as a Junior Counselor. Our

CAmP GENEvA

GET UPAND GO!By Joe Losch, Elde


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daughter, Olivia, will be back or her third year. The

good news or me is that despite this being my fth

andnalyearascounselorofJoshuasgroup;next

year our son, Caleb, starts camp, and I will be able

to join his group as they grow and develop or the

nextveyears.Thenitwillbetimeforournewborn

Noah to start Camp Geneva, and I will get started all

over again!

I you are considering sending your child, I en-

courage you do that. I you are considering being a

counselor because you want to do something good

too, I encourage you to do that as well! But let me as-

sure you that you will walk away rom Camp Geneva

with much more than you could ever put into it!

This years theme will ocus on Jesus challenge

toHisdisciplestogo!takewhatyouhaveheard

andexperienced,evenifitisbrandnewtoyou,and

go and share this with others. Studies and worship

will be based on Jesus call to the disciples to frst

come and ollow, the Samaritan woman whose words

about Jesus changed her and her town, the shepherds

who let to tell what they had seen and heard, and

our own commission to go and tell.

Asusual, theactivitiesareUNbelievable!The

annual avorites include the giant waterslide, paint-

ball, wet and gooey recreation, the snack bar, the in-

sane big events, and most o all the riends.

I you have never beencome! I you have

been beorecome again! Bring your riend, your

neighbors, and your parents (we need counselors).

But most o all bring your heart because it will be

changed.

Camp Geneva is located between Leesburg and

The Villages, one hour rom downtown Orlando.

Camp dates are Sunday, June 14Thursday, June 18.

Kids who have completed 1st through 5th grades are

eligible to be campers. Junior counselors must havecompleted 7th grade. Adults are needed and are

critical to the camps success. Pray how you can be

a part o the greatest week o your lie!

Registration packets are available rom Chil-

drens Ministry. Costs are $325 or campers, $250 or

junior counselors and $100 or adults. Scholarships

are available upon request.

For questions or more inormation, contact Car-

ol Welker at [email protected] or call 407.423.3441

x1490.n

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will giv

you rest. Matthew 11:28

We wake to the morning news and the news is not good. Lie seems

little shaky, uncertain, and downright scary at times. The circumstanc

es o our lives could easily overwhelm and consume us, and we oten

wonder how to fnd peace in such a storm. Meanwhile the disciple

were in trouble ar away rom land, or a strong wind had risen and

they were fghting heavy waves.

Heavywavescouldbedenedincountlessways:grief,loneliness

sickness, unemployment, divorce, worries, ear, depression. Many

days it does seem as though we are fghting heavy waves and a

times we ear that the storms o lie might actually consume us. Wlong or peace in our storms and comort in our circumstances. W

want to quiet our minds rom the multitude o worries and fnd res

or our weary spirits.

In the midst o each o our lie storms, Jesus bids us to Come.

Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you

rest.Hisinvitationneverchanges.

When lie rages around us and we try to hang on

When we reach the end o ourselves and realize that we just cant do i

on our own

Ultimately, it comes down to the very same invitation, spoken rom th

One whose love passes all understanding,Whose compassion never ails,

Whose aithulness reaches to the heavens.

Jesus bids us Come

Come to me.come to me.and I will give you rest.

Healoneprovidestherestandthepeaceandthecomfortandthestrength

andthehopewerequiretotakethenextstepinthehardplacesoflife

Heinvitesustocome.Hestandsreadyarmsspreadwide-towel

comeandholdustoHimself.Theinvitationisclear.Theresponseis

up to us.

There is a time and a place o rest specifcally set aside each week

The Wednesday night prayer service is a respite rom the storm and

sae haven rom lies heavy waves. It is a holy place where you can

meetthePersonofJesusChristandabideinHisPresence.Prayerfully

consider responding to Jesus invitation to come, to lay your burden

atHisfeet,andtondpeaceastheMastersVoicereassuresus,Its al

right. I am here! Dont be araid.

ItisHISinvitation.pleasecome.n

The Wednesday night prayer services are held Wednesdays at 6:30pm

in the Lee Fellowship Hall. For more inormation, please contact Rev

Donna McClellan at 407.423.3441 x1488 or [email protected].

rESPiTE frOm THE STOrmON WEDNESDAy NiGHTS

By Cay Buchack, Membe


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How Puttig God Fist Made Oe Couples

Love Fo Each Othe Stoge.

By Kisti Davis

Its About

God First

| www.fpco.og


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One thing they have always agreed on is that God comes frst, their marriage second and their children third. You

cantbeparentsifyoucanthavearelationshiptogether,Courtneyexplains.Theirdaughter,Kimble,justturned17

months old in February and Courtney, a stay-at-home mom, is now pregnant with baby number two, Josephine. Chris

supports the amily fnancially through his job in commercial real estate. Relationships, even really good ones, take

work, Courtney says. Thats a lesson they learned at FPCOs weekend marriage retreat in 2008. The retreat was led

by Dr. Swanson and his wie, Leigh. Its a moving weekend, Chris says. Its about how to interact with each other

I think thats what some couples orget; that youre still married to someone when you have kids. Yeah, its about the

kids, but its about God frst, my wie second and my kids third.

The retreat also taught them how to communicate more eectively with each other and gave them insight into how

other couples interact. They talked to couples o all ages, some o who had been married or 30 years, others who had

been married only a ew weeks. It was really the frst time since Kimble was born that we took time to look at each

other and our relationship and realize, OK, maybe we should spend a little more time together, Courtney says. Maybe

lke an aed coupe, ebes Chs, 31, and Coutne Quaes, 28,dont awas agee. Take how the et o nstance. Do ou want tote the sto? Coutne asks. i et ou te ou eson and then i te

ne, Chs sas jokng. The et at the D. Phps ymCA, Coutne sas,

whee she woked at the ont desk and Chs was a g ebe. Athough

the sad h egua, t took Chs seea onths to ask he out. When he

nally invited her to go to the YMCAs Valentines dance, she told him she had

aead ade pans to go wth he dad. But when Coutnes o decdedto go to the dance too, she ound hese dateess. i tod Chs and he sad,

i aead asked ou once, i not askng ou agan. So i sad, W ou go

to the vaentnes dance wth e? Chs ecoecton o the eent s a tte

deent: She asked e out. Thats how t went down.

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we arent on the same page because we arent trying to be.

They returned home rom the retreat with a new aspiration

tomake their relationship apublic example ofGods love.

Were here with God and were ocusing on our relationship

in private; we need to let that go public, too.

Courtneys parents have been an inspiration to her own

marriage. Together or more than 32 years, their relationship

hascreatedasolidfoundationforCourtney,hersister,Ash -

ley, and her brother, Charlie. When Chris came into the pic-

ture, they quickly took him under their wing as well. Chris

was spending a lot o time with my amily and to see them

joke around and have such an easy, comortable relation-

shipwashugeforme,Courtneysays.AlthoughCourtneys

parents liked Chris, her dad had a ew reservationsmostly

aboutChrisfacialhair.HiscommenttoCourtneyafterImet

him was, Im not sure about this guy goatee, spiky hair? I

dontknow,Chrisrecalls.Afterdatingforjustsixmonths,

Chris was ready to propose to Courtney, but wanted to ask her

parents permission frst. One Fourth o July weekend, when

Courtney was away on a trip with some riends, Chris went

to spend some time with her amily and asked or their bless-

ing. Over some freworks, her parents and I talked about me

asking Courtney and they approved, Chris says. The two tied

the knot on December 30, 2004.

Unlike Courtney, Chris parents divorced when he was

only 6 years old, but hes never let his past aect his uture.

I see how lonely my parents were and I dont want to be

like that, he says. With a Christ-centered lie, you begin tha

walk with someone and begin weaving something thats very

special.Asachild,Chrisremembersgoingtochurchwith

just his mom. Thats not how it works, he says. It makes it

difcult because the kids dont really understand.

Courtney and Chris say that their relationship with God

has made them stronger as a couple. They began attending

First Pres together, through the recommendation o riends

and amily. [When] we came to church here or the frst time

Courtney and I remember wanting to interact ater a sermon

that Dr. Swanson had given, Chris says. We could relate

to [it] and talk with each other about it. I think thats when

Courtneywaslike,Thisiswherewerebeingcalledto.Al

though it was their frst time at FPCO as a couple, Courtney

had been there several times as a young adult. I grew up

coming here on and o, she says. First Pres has had a pres

ence in my lie.

Beore joining the church, Chris and Courtney got in

volved in the 40 Days o Purpose Bible study, which involved

a daily reading they would discuss together. It was the frst

time that we were discussing God on a regular basis and ac-

knowledging that [it] was an important part o our relation

ship or needed to be, she says. It was about setting aside

that time or us to talk about God. Their riends were also

a part o the Bible study and they grew to become a system

o support or each other. You go to church, but to set aside

time during the week to meet with your riends to talk about

God is huge, Courtney says. Not only are you seeing these

people at church, but youre meeting them outside o church

so theres more accountability and youre more open with

your aith. From that Bible study, they became members and

went on to participate in three other Bible studies with the

same riends.

Those riends were also there or Courtney and Chris dur

ing one o their lowest points; the death o Chris best riend

Joseph. Memorial Day weekend three years ago, [he] was in a

boating accident and broke his neck and basically drowned,

Chris says. Jody (Josephs nickname) had been riends with

Chris or more than 10 years and was Chris best man in his

wedding. Chris blamed himsel or not being there with Jody

thatweekend.He alsoquestionedwhyGod had chosen to

take his best riend. I prayed about it, he says. I prayed or

him. I prayed or his amily. Its still a struggle today because

there are a lot o things that I wish he was a part o. The sup

port Chris received rom amily and riends got him through

the dark times. Friends o Chris, that had never met Jody

i not sue about ths gu

goatee, spk ha? i dont know


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drovetwohourstoBradentontoattendhisfuneralservice.Hesaysit

still bothers him that he never got to say goodbye, but hes thankul that

so many people were by his side in his time o need, especially Court-

ney. We cried a lot together, Chris says. You dont know why things

happen, but you have to trust that God has a plan, Courtney adds. I

dont think I said much. We prayed a lot, all in desperation.

AfterthelossofJody,CourtneyworriedthatChrisfaithinGod

would waver. But in the end, it only made it stronger. My ear was

thatChriswouldbelike,HowdidGodletthishappen?Imdonewith

God. [But] the way that Chris dealt with it was amazing. I think, in

turn, it has made Chris stronger and value the people in his lie more.

The tragedy gave Chris the confdence that, with Christ, he and Court-

ney could make it through whatever obstacles lie had in store. Their

secondchild,Josephine,isnamedinJodysmemory.Asanewchapter

in their lives begins with Josephine on the way, Courtney and Chris are

ready or anything. They may not always agree about everything along

the way, but one thing they are both certain o is their love or God and

their love or each other. We talk about this every day and we pray

or it every day: that our relationship becomes stronger, that we ollow

inthefootstepsofChristandmakesureHeisthecenterofourlives,

Chris says. n


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Back n 2007, a joune had begun; a joune o ath andncedbe odds. Woud t be possbe that the eeen-ta chden o ths chuch coud, on the own, wok o and

ase $6000 to put a oo on a schoo n Ngobe, zaba?

Lets back up or just a minute and be reminded o how we

even got there. During FPCOs Global Mission Conerence in the

spring o 2007, I was presented a list o missionaries that would be

visiting our campus. I was asked which one I would like to have

speak to our children. I chose Debbie Shawa rom Zambia and the

Ngombe Presbyterian Church and Community School. Little did

I know, God had really already chosen her to be with us. Debbies

visit was simply astounding. Never beore had I seen, nor have I

since seen, all o our elementary children gathered in one place at

one time, being so attentive and tuned in to what was being pre-

sented. Debbie spoke about and shared pictures o the compound

where she has built a church and then a school. She shared o

the absolute poverty and disease that is ram-

pant in the lives o the children that attend her

school. Most o them are orphans and live in

literal shacks with no electricity or water or

family.And yet, they come toschool every

day recognizing that the opportunity to go to

school is the only thing that can, or will possi-

bly change, their lives because it is more than

just a school; it is the Gospel o Christ.

In the midst o silence, a young man

raised his hand, and with complete sincer-

ity and a true desire to ulfll whatever the

answer might be, he asked, What can we do

or you?

Debbies response was somewhat hesitant, as she knew

what she was about to say was a step out and it was huge orthe audience in attendance. We could use a roo on a build-

ing or the children. They generally cost us $6000. The hush

in the room thickened. Suddenly my heart burst out in words

rom my mouth and I said We can do that, cant we, kids?

Suddenly the silence was broken as the room was flled with a

very loud cheer o Yeah! We closed in prayer and class ended.

AsIexitedtheroomIrealizedwhatIhadjustcommittedour

ministrytoandthoughtAreyoucrazy?

Suddenly, plans were being made, partners were ound in

Rick and Wendy Conant, proposals had to be approved, and the

Raise the Roo mission project began Easter o 2008. Through-

out the year, several projects were placed beore the children

and they responded with the greatest of enthusiasm.As the

year ended, books were closed and all the 2008 accounting was

tallied. We discovered that our children kept me rom being

crazy! They raised $6000; truly an amazing accomplishment by

our children and this church.

So, i you were to ask me now, Can your kids raise a roo

or $6000? My certain reply would be, You bet we can! I wen

back and talked with Brian Walsh, the young man not araid toask the question that opened the door to this blessing. Withou

his asking, God could not have answered. Our conversation was

a real blessing.

I asked Brian what he thought Mrs. Shawas response

mighthavebeenwhenheaskedwhatcanwedo.Herespond

ed by saying he thought she would ask us or prayer or or a

collection o school supplies or perhaps some money or a

couple o kids. Yet when he heard her re-

sponse o a roo that would cost $6000, he

said he suddenly thought, Can I take back

myquestion?Headdedthatheneverex

pected such a response because in his lie

certainly all buildings have a roo. Thats

just the way they are and how in the world

couldI,akid,getheraroof?Hesaidhe

realized that one person really does make a

difference.Iaskedhowsthat?Hewent

ontoexplainthatifonekiddidntdowhat

they did then, as a group, we would not

have reached our goal. It took every eor

by every kid to make the whole. Our dis

cussion ended with me asking Brian i he elt he had learned

anything rom this whole thing that he would take on in liewith him.His true andhonest answertouchedme deeply

Hesimplysaid,Yeah,IknowthatGodwillprovide,andH

will move in peoples hearts and spirits to make the things

happenthatHewantstohappen.

Its hard to fnd words with which to fnish, but I know

that as $6000 is being delivered to Debbie Shawa and her chil

dren, their lives will be changed. I know or certain o at leas

two lives here that have been changed as well; all because o

one question. Dont be araid to ask that question. God has the

answerwaitingforus,andifweneverask,Hecanneveran

swer! Thank you, God, or your answers!n

rAiSE THE rOOf!...

yOU BET WE CAN!By Caol Welke, Diecto of Childes Miisty



On Ap 27, 2008, i wote a edifcult email to the volunteerso the Copasson Cone, a poton

o whch ead as oows:

Friends o Compassion Corner-

This past Friday was a quiet, but im-

portant day that I know was not lost on

many o you. Compassion Corner closed

its door ater seven aithul years o ser-

vice to the homeless o Orlando in the

name o Christ.

Over the years, tears have been shed,

souls have been saved, fghts have been

reconciled, amily members have reunited,

and new commitments have been attempt-

ed. You and others have aithully served

in that small, but holy, space serving as thevery hands and arms o Jesus Christ.

And yet, I have hope. Im hope-

ul that we can transition to (another

location) or a season o good ministry.

Im hopeul we can fnd a partnership

with St. Georges Orthodox Church (the

Homeless Services Center on Wall Street)

that will enable us to look back and won-

der how we ever got by on a ew hundred

square eet. You will always know how it

was able to happen. Greatness is surely

not measured in square ootage, but lives

touched, and many, many over the years

were blessed because o your aithul-

ness. Thank you and may Gods blessing

be upon our transition or His glory.Be well, Case

Little did I know how long and hard

it would be to negotiate with a variety

o churches or a new home, to struggle

to keep the vision alive in the absence

ofday-to-dayministry.However, God is

aithul and the leadership o the Com-

passion Corner, led by Dawn Ne, is pas-

sionate enough to conquer any obstacle. In

late January, the new Compassion Corner-

Magnolia site was dedicated by over 130joy flled visitors and the homeless started

being served on February 9. Yet, getting to

this point o success was no easy eat.

After negotiations with several

churches, but two in particular that went

very deep, the perect sized space became

available at 425 N. Magnolia, opposite

the Orange County Courthouse. Trin-

ity Evangelical Lutheran Church, which

aces Livingston, owned this adjacent

property having bought it over ten years

ago with the hopes o one day using it or

outreach.Amortgageandaveryfaithfu

tenant kept the church rom using it as

such until the Compassion Corner need

ed a new home, the mortgage was almos

paid o, and the tenant moved out! The

men o Central Care Mission, the Naza

rene mens recovery ministry that partners with us each Sunday morning to

conduct the Good News Breakast in the

LeeFellowshipHall,cameandworked

diligently putting in a new tile oor

closet space, resh paint, and a hanging

ceiling. Without their partnership and

assistance, such a resh and welcoming

home would not have been possible.

Ayearlostinministrymightdoom

your normal initiative; but not First Pres

byterians ministry to the homeless. Dur

ing the transition, the Compassion Cor

ner volunteers and resources were reed

up, providentially some eel, to launch

the IDignity initiative which is a month-

ly push to secure IDs or hundreds o

poor and homeless (www.idignity.org)

The relationships ormed through this

eort, mostly among the fve downtown

churches, has been the seed-bed rom

whichthelargerHomelessServicesCen

ter on Wall Street may come about.

The Compassion Corner-Magnoliasite is the temporary home o the minis

try until we hope to make a fnal move to

the15,000squarefootHomelessServic

es Center (ormerly Drop In Center) on

Wall Street. Until that day, however, the

homeless o Orlando will have a place to

call home, a place where strangers mee

to hear the Gospel, to fnd reerrals and

help or their suering and to build com

munity. To God be the glory! n

__________________________________

TO SErVE Or LEArn MOrE

Compassio Coe-Magolia:

Daw neff at [email protected]

IDigity: Michael Dippy at

[email protected] o www.idigity.og

Homeless Sevices Cete o Wall Steet

Case Thop at [email protected]

AfTEr TEN mONTHS,

THE COmPASSiON COrNErHAS A NEW HOmE!rev. Case Thop, Associate Pasto fo Missio & Evagelism


15/28www.fpco.o

About a ea ago, re. Sa Knghtand a sa tea stated theTeecae mnst. We ae sa but

dedcated and, ee second Tues-

da o each onth, we eet and

ca chuch ebes to sa heo

and end the that we ae thnk-

ng about the, and the hae an

pae needs, the chuch a

can be o hep to the. Soetes

ou cas ast ess than a nute and

soetes onge because

wee caed on the e da

the peson needed ou ca

the ost. One o ou tea

ebes gae a geat e-

panaton o what we do and

how we enjo eachng out

to ou chuch ebes:

Being on the Telecare Team

has provided me an opportunity

to interact with many members

o the congregation with whom I

might not have had the chance to

visit with otherwise. It has been

encouraging to see how grateul

people are to have someone con-

tact them personally just to check

in on them. As is typical in min-

istry, we are the ones who eel

blessed by having given our time

in service or someone else.

We do provide a training workshop,

but once you make your frst ew calls,

you realize that its all very natural.

We call a ellow church member to say

hello and how have you been, and

because the call is coming rom their

church, they welcome a riendly voice.

In our training, we are reminded how Je-

sus commanded Peter to take care o my

sheep (John 21:15-17) and Peter then

turned to the Elders and said be shep-

herds o Gods ock that is under your

care. (1 Peter 5:1-4)

We are inviting each o you to take

a ew moments and ask God i this min-

istry might be a way or you to serve at

FirstPresbyterianChurch.AsDr.Swan-

son said in his sermon, Full, Round and

Packed, God never allows us to sit on

thesidelines,andheexpectsustohelp

eed others. When we show our love or

others, we are not only eeding

them,butwearealso fed. Asdeacons,weknowexactlyhow

it eels to show our love and

compassion or others.

Well be praying or each

o you and look orward to lots

o phone calls telling us you

would like to join us. Please call or email

one o us soon:

Sam Knight at 407.423.3441 1159 [email protected]

TammasSmithat407.423.3441x1455

or [email protected]

Linda McCallister at 352.243.7345

ater 6pm n

TElECArE iNviTE

TO DEACONSB mage Ba, Deacon

We ca a eow chuch

ebe to sa heo and

how hae ou been,


16/28


17/28www.fpco.o

enlightening, debatable, strengthening, and connecting. All

levels of spiritualjourneyarewelcome. Happy hour (coffee

and bagels) begins at 9:30 a.m. Sunday mornings in room 304

o the Clayton Lie Center with other young adult classes. Class

ollows at 9:50 a.m. in the same room!

Contact:[email protected]

at [email protected]

BASiCS ClASS:LFH:BASICSstandsforBrothersAndSisters

in Christs Service. Various Biblical topics are taught by rotating

gited teachers in a large, lecture style class.

Contact: Larry Kreider at [email protected]

BErEANS: 300-EMC: Intense Bible study with lively

discussions!

Contact: Carolyn Ragan at [email protected]

COUPlES ClASS: Young Adults: 312-CLC: The Couples

Class,underthecareofthe20sand30sministry,existtobring

couples together or ellowship, scripture based teaching and

local and global outreach.

Contact: Chad Cahill at [email protected]

CrOSSrOADS:305-CLC:Agroupdiscussionbasedonthe

sermon scripture and how to put eet to the scripture in our

dailylives.Alivelysmallgroupformatthatstrivestobuild

community.

Contact: John Guglielmi at [email protected]

fOrUm ClASS:310A-EMC:Weareamultigenerationalclass

established in the early 1980s with the goal o providing an

open orum or discussion on Christs lie as it relates to the

Bible, the community, and to the church.

Contact: Margaret Fail at [email protected]

fOUNDATiONS ClASS: 240-EMC: I you are looking or an

energetic class with lots o class participation and discussion,

taught by lay teachers just like you, then the Foundations class

is or you!

Contact: Jack Prevost at 407.422.6430

GrOWiNG ClOSEr:YoungAdults308-CLC:Togrowcloserto

God, to church, to amily, and to the community.

Contact: Kyle Taylor at [email protected]

PASS the WOrD:241-YowellHall:Weareaclassmadeupo

people who love studying the Bible, book by book, chapter by

chapter.Aclassthatisseriousaboutindividualandcorporate

Bible study that is willing to invest itsel in the lives o those

in the class, is mission minded, reaching beyond the class to

embrace others and to help meet the needs o those we come in

contact with.

Contact: Cleatous Simmons at [email protected]

QUESTEriAN ClASS:340-EMC: Our class name is our mis

sion statement we are on a quest to ortiy ourselves to serve

Christ.

Contact: Joe Stine at [email protected]

SErvANTS n the SON: 330-B EMC: The members believe

strongly in the Word and each lesson is wrapped in prayer. The

class strives to live up to their name and serve in many minis-

tries within our church and the community.

Contact:AlWilliamsat407.275.8756

UNiTy:330-AEMC:Biblestudy,historicalperspectiveandlife

applications. Contact: Tony Frilingos at [email protected]

yOWEll:Reormation Chapel: Led by various teachers, with

ellowship and traditional hymns.

Contact: Jack Sneed at [email protected]

EMC Edington Ministry Center

CLC Clayton Lie Center



Ae ou seous? Two tenthgade gs ecaed. youwant us to ake ou ha ook ke

oots? How ae we gong to do

that? What oowed noed bottes

o ge, ha spa, ha teasng, we

hanges, wa, and two goups tng

to tun a head o ha nto the eabo-

ate oot sste o a tee. Ate the

te t, both teas hed the o-

untees upsde down n a handstandposton to bette dspa the as-

tepece and the weekend was ooted

nto pace.

From this hilarious race to turn locks

into roots, the Disciple Now 2009 week-

end unolded into a deeply impacting

time o discovering how true character

can only be ound rooted in the Lord. I

spent the weekend staying in a house to

lead twelve 10th grade girls. Little did

I know, they would end up leading me

in many ways. There is truly something

about being real with yoursel, with God,

and with others that orever changes

you. For three days, I sat amazed among

15 and 16 year old women who had the

strength, bravery, and aith to be so hon-

estandvulnerable.Asweallloungedin

a circle discussing both the darkness and

the light within our hearts, I watched the

Lords graceul hand move among those

girls and work in their hearts and lives.

Illneverforgettheexperienceofwatch-

ing the roots o their hearts grow deeper

intoHimandwitnessingtheirfacesbe-

ginning to take on a distinct shine.

That was just what happened with

the 12 root systems under my care!

That weekend more than 250 students

were scattered in over 30 other homes

around the greater Orlando area and di-

vided among more than 40 other leaders

rom all over the country. It is so easy to

get absorbed in the events o the weekend

that pertained to my group alone but, as

withmostworksofGod,therealityofHi

big picture is astounding. Saturday nigh

took my breath away as close to 300 o uslledLeeFellowshipHallforaworship

service. It was one o those beautiul mo

ments to see seniors in high school orge

how old they are and 6th graders orget

how young they are. The only thing they

worried about that night was liting their

hands high enough and raising their voic-

es loud enough; not because o what peo-

ple might think, but or the simple need

to lay it all out or their Lord whod been

cultivating their hearts all weekend.

The weekend came ull circle or me

at the end o the worship service, when

all o the leaders went up ront to give

the students an opportunity to approach

their leaders for prayer. As I stoodup

there with my teaching partner, Courtney

Williams, I cant tell you how humbled

I was to have our girls come to us with

some o the most tender and personal

prayerrequests.Asweheldeachgirlin

our arms, it was as i they handed their

hearts to us to lit up to the Lord on their

behalf.Atonepointduringthispraye

time, I looked to my let and to my right

and saw the other leaders holding their

students in prayer just as we held ours

It was then that I realized how precious

that weekend was or our 10th grade girls

group and or everyone else involved.

Then it hit me. While God was using

the leaders to help cultivate individuatreeswithHisgreaterpurpose,Hewa

actually cultivating an entire orest o

rooted ollowers. Isaiah 61 states, they

may be called oaks o righteousness, the

plantingoftheLord,thatHemaybeglo

ried,andthatisexactlywhatGoddid

duringDiscipleNowasHestrengthened

and grew the roots o an entire orest

incredible! n

A PlANTiNGOf THE lOrDBy Katy Becke; Semiay Studet Volutee


19/28www.fpco.o

EASTErEGG HUNTBy Kiste Welke, Membe

Theeoe, anone s n Chst, he s a new ceaton;

the od has gone, the new has coe!

2 Conthans 5:17

by Dr. Swanson as he prayed with everyone beore the start o

the estivities. Then it was time or the children to release the

butteriesthathadbeenanxiouslywaitingintheirboxes.The

children shrieked with delight as they watched their buttery

enterthisbeautifulworldthatGodhasblesseduswith.After

the release, it was time or the Easter egg hunt. What a sight see

ing all the little ones, dressed in their spring best, running and

searching or their treasures. The delight on their aces when

they discovered the treats hidden inside each egg was some

thing to cherish. Once the hunt was over, many children and

parents settled down on blankets in the shade to enjoy a picnic

lunch.Aslunchwasnished,thechildrenplayedinthepark

while amily and riends took time to visit.

Personally, I ound this event to be a wonderul opportu-

nitytoinvitefriendstocomeandexperienceFirstPresbyterian

Church. What a great ministry this simple Easter egg hunt ha

provided to people seeking a church home. It has given them

a way to meet other amilies in a un and casual atmosphere. I

is a perect way or people seeking a church home to see wha

we are all about!

SoinviteafriendandjoinusattheEasterEggHuntand

Buttery Release. This year it will be held at Phelps Park on

April10beginningpreciselyat10:00am.Thedaywillbegin

with Dr. Swanson leading us in prayer. Be sure to bring a blan

ket and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy ater the estivities. I you

have any questions regarding this event, please contact Kathy

Mangascle at [email protected]. n

Ee ea, Ea Chdhood mnst ceebates Chstsesuecton b hostng an Easte Egg Hunt and But-tery Release. What a perfect way for our children to cel-

ebate Chsts pose o eeastng oe!

Reminiscing on last years events, I have ond memories

o seeing adorable children walking up to the park holding

their giantbasketswith the lookof excitementandanticipa-

tion on their aces. The children and amilies were greeted

Friday, April 10, 2009

10:00 a.m.

Phelps Park

Free EventChildren birth 5 years old

Contact Kathy Mangascle at 407.423.3441

x2250 or [email protected]



Gaatans 5:22 sas, But the uto the Spt s oe, jo, peace,patence, kndness, goodness, ath-

uness, genteness and se-con-

to. Ths ese s a speca one to

e and one that i hope to ode o

thee chden, Ea, Hason,

and Conno. m pae s to teach

the these potant tats so that

the w soeda know and deon-

state The fut o the Spt the-

sees. As the sa, it takes a -

age, and i hae ound a geat pace

to hep husband and i n ou eot

to ase God chden-The Weekda

Schoo at fst Pesbtean Chuch

o Oando.

LOVE is ound everywhere at Week-

day School. Teachers love their students

and students love their teachers - making

it easy to love going to school. JOY is on

the ace o each child as they master new

skills, make new riends, and climb into

their car every aternoon, eager to share

the news o their school day. PEACE is

the eeling you have leaving your child in

the hands o such caring teachers know-

ing that, no matter what, they are going

to have an excellent day. PATIENCE

overows rom all o the teachers at

Weekday School, even when

our sweet little angels arent

being so angelic! KIND-

NESS, GOODNESS, and

SELF-CONTROL are encour-

aged and modeled when they

teach The Golden Rule.

GENTLENESS is abundant at

Weekday Schoolin the way they take

your childs little hand and lead them to

a welcoming and loving classroom each

morning, in that cozy and comortable

eeling you get upon entering the school

and especially in the way everyone there

genuinely loves our children, making

their saety and well-being a priority.

Recently, we have witnessed the

FAITHFULNESS o with the Weekday

School sta and many o its amilies

Our daughter Emma, who is currently

a our-day student at Weekday School

was born with a severe heart deect

She had her frst surgery when she was

nine weeks old and is scheduled or her

second surgery on February 19. Upon

hearing the news o Emmas surgery

our Weekday School amily has ooded

us with love. They have lited us up in

prayer and given us amazing

Words o encouragement, reminding

us o Gods love and lightening the heavy

burden that is upon our shoulders.

Over the last several years, I have

come to love this precious little pre

school. I have learned that it is a

special place where love, joy, peace

patience, kindness, goodness, aithul

ness, gentleness, and sel-control are

THE frUiTOf THE SPiriTArE PrESENT ATWEEKDAy SCHOOl

By Ei Summe, Membe

lOvE s ound eewhee

at Weekda Schoo.


21/28www.fpco.og

abundant. The Fruit o the Spirit are

easy to ind at Weekday School and

my amily and I are blessed to be a part

o it!

_____________________________________

Weekday Schools mission is to provide

a loving, Christ-centered environment

or Gods precious young children as

well as help parents come to know the

school as a partner in guiding their chil-

dren and in maintaining their Christian

homes. One o the ways we do this is to

provide events that enhance a parents

knowledgeandexperienceinparenting

with Christ-centered ideals. Each year,

we see transormation in the lives o

moms and dads; our parents tell us how

they themselves have grown spiritually

both rom the materials and events that

Weekday School provides. During the

months ofMarch and April, we have

scheduled two special days, each de-

signed just or moms or dads.

mOTHErS BrUNCH:A delightful morning spent with

other Weekday School mothers, grand-

mothers and riends. Bruch will be

served and our moms will receive a

take-home treasure created by their

children as well as time spent view-

ing our childrens artwork. Our guest

speaker is Mrs. Leigh Swanson; her

topic is titled: Why I Dont Want to

RaiseHappyKids!Thebrunchisfun

or all. Please plan to attend on

Wednesday, March 25, 2009 rom

9:3011:30am. There is a charge o

$15.00 to cover each persons meal

Please contact the Weekday SchooOfce i you would like to make a

reservation: 407.996.5864 or e-mai

[email protected].

DADDy ANDmE DAy:

This is a special day

or our Three and Four

Day children and a spe

cial dad in their lie. OnWednesday, April 15

2009 rom 9:3010:30 am

the dads come to spend

time with their children

at Weekday School. Dur

ing this time they wil

enjoy a snack, share worship time, read

a story and join in some outdoor games

with their dad.

Each dad will receive a special keep

sake rom this un morning spent with

their child. Dad can be dad, granddad

a riend o the amily or another Week

day School dad, so dont worry i it hap-

pens to all on a day when dad cannot be

there. n



Thee ae usua two tpes o

testones that cone how

God ound us and caed us nto

a ath eatonshp. Thee s the,

Hose who gew up n the coa

wok o God o the Wd staon

bought n o the pans sto-

ne that can be oe sensatona.

God cea woks sow and subt

bngng peope to ath n the sae

wa that a hose gowng up on a

a knows hs owne we and s

cootabe n the connes o the

coa. God soetes oes e

cea and daatca and we can

oten nae the te and pace t oc-

cued. Ths s akn to that wd sta-

on that coes nto the coa sud-

den and oe te eans the was

o the a. Ethe wa s egtate

and ethe wa s undestandabe.

Some corral horses are jealous o

the stories oered by wild stallions

because they are more sensational and

exciting.However, thewild stallions

often long for the experiences of the

corral horse because that path is o-

ten less bumpy and painul. The cor

ral horses need to know their journey

with God is valid and wild stallions

need to share the parts o their stories

that help others draw closer to the Lord

rather than seek undue attention.

PrEPAriNGA

ND

GiviNGyOUr TESTimONy

By rev. Case Thop, Associate Pasto fo Missio ad Evagelism

sactify Chist as Lod i you heat, always beig

eady to make a defese to eveyoe who asks you to

give a accout fo the hope that is i you

1 Pete 3:15

2 | www.fpco.og


23/28www.fpco.og

One structure or raming your per-

sonal testimony is as ollows:

3sentencesdescribing,Mylife

beore Christ

3sentencesdescribing,My

encounter with Christ

3sentencesdescribing,My

lie since being in relationship

with Christ

As an exercise, write these 9 sen-

tences out, and boom, you have an artic-

ulated testimony that others can under-

stand and appreciate.

Key points to remember:

Keepyourregulartestimony

no more than 5-7 minutes.

Preparea3minuteversionfor

those with short attention spans.

Chooseyourwordscarefully,sothat

they reect Reormed Theology.

JesusdidHissavingwork

2000 years ago on the cross.

Rather than using the phrase

when I was saved, say,

When God opened my eyes

andearstoHissavinggraceand

I responded... Notice the

action in the latter sentence

rests with God as does our

salvation. You didnt fnd

Jesus.God/Jesus/theHoly

Spirit fnds you.

Ratherthansaying,Attheage

o 10 I asked Jesus into my

heart, since it implies you are

the active agent, rephrase the

sentencetosay,Attheageof

10GodrevealedHisloveand

grace to me.

Mentionandsummarizesinful

encounters and mistakes along the

way.However,makesuretheyadd

to the power o Christs presence

now in your lie rather than acting

as sensational attention grabbers.

Strong doses o authenticity and

brokenness are oten appreciated

by others who can identiy, or we

are all broken, sinul people.

Havetwopeoplereviewyour

testimony or ow, clarity, and

theological appropriateness.

I would be honored to review and

comment on your testimony i you

email them to me at [email protected]

Practice,practice,practice.Good

verbal communication only

happens with intense preparation

and repeated perormance. Get

your testimony to the point that

it ows naturally rom your heart

rather than a rehearsed paragraph.

PraythatGodwouldgiveyou

opportunities to share your

testimony, that God would send

HisHolySpirittopreparethe

hearts o your hearers and that

your aith would be nurtured by

seeing the ruit o your testimony.

AN ExAmPlE frOm my lifE:

3 sentences descbng, m e

beoe Chst

My lie beore Christ was rooted in

a church-going home, but one without a

true relationship with God. My parents

elt it was the proper thing or the chil-

dren to be in church to receive a moral

foundation. Also,wewent because it

was the appropriate social thing to do in

Southern culture.

[Main message here: I was a cor-

ralled horse who had to be awakened to

the Spirits presence. Just because one

attends church unctions doesnt mean

they are in relationship with Christ]

3 sentences descbng, m

encounte wth Chst

It was through the riendship and

inuence o our Director o Christian Ed

ucation that Gods love and message o

grace began to emerge in our amily. I en

countered Christ during Vacation Bible

School at the age o ten and I opened my

hearttothepresenceoftheHolySpirit

thus securing the salvation Christ oers

me rom the cross. While I didnt ee

anything physically and there weren

any major fre works in that classroom

God began a good work in the young lie

o a child who honestly clung to the Gos

pels message o hope.

[Main message here: I encountered

the message o salvation through a dis

cipleship type relationship. My entire

amily was aected by the DCEs disci

pleship. Accepting Christ as ones Lord

and Savior is not necessarily a physica

encounter, although it may be.]

3 sentences descbng, m e

snce beng n eatonshp wth

Chst

Since being in relationship with

Christ at such an early age I was able to

avoid many o the pitalls that teenagers

and college students encounter. Sure,

wasnt perect, but I eel as i my motive

to keep my relationship with God good

and pure allowed me to avoid a great

deal o sin and urther dedicate my gits

andtimetoHisservice.Hecalledmeinto ministry during my college years

Seeing my lies work as a reection o

Hisglorygivesmesuchjoy,peace,and

ulfllment.

[Main message here: relationship

with God allows or purity rom relation

ship and ulfllment (joy, peace, hope)

rom service] n


24/28

The Aaon re and suound-ng junge s a pace that hodsuch ste o the est o the

wod. man ae n awe wth the sta-

tstcs concenng ths pace. fteen

thousand tributaries; owing water

at 1.5 es pe hou eoct, eght

ton gaons o wate pe da

epted nto the Atantc (60 tes

oe than the Ne and 11 tes

oe than the msssspp); 300 eet

deep n pats; 117 speces o tees.

Besidesthenaturalwonder,theAma-

zon basin is home to over 20 million peo-

ple that include over 400 people groups.

Six and a halfmillion of thesepeople

live in rural areas and about 300,000 are

considered indigenous. Quite a ew o

them have never even been discovered

by the outside world, much less heard

the Gospel o Christ.

The rural, indigenous people o the

Amazonlivemostlyoffthelandforev-

erything: housing, clothing, ood, and

medical care. You can imagine that such

subsistence living can be reeing rom our

modern ways o lie, but can also carry

with it many o the unnecessary suer-

ings that modern medicine has helped to

alleviate.

World Hope Missions Ministry, a

long time mission partner with First

Presbyterian Church and a ministry

ounded within our own congregation

has grown in impact over the years by

taking people rom around our country

toblessthepeopleoftheAmazonwith

medical care and the Gospel. World

Hopetook10medicalmissiontripsin

4 | www.fpco.og

WiTH THEBANNEr Of CHriST!TO THE AmAzON


25/28

2008withatotalof153Americanvol-

unteer missionaries.

In partnership with the Presbyterian

Church o Manaus, in a two million per-

soncity,intheheartoftheAmazonrain

forest,WorldHopetakesaroundeighteen

short-term missionaries on seven-day

trips o mercy to these orgotten people

in remote villages. Doctors, nurses, den-

tists and other proessionals donate their

time and talent. These missionaries

show Gods love by ministering to the

physical and spiritual needs o people

ar rom the main stream

o society.

During the day, vil-

lagers are examined,

prescriptions are flled

and teeth are pulled. By

night, the Word o Christ

is spread. Non-medical

missionaries paint hous-

es, teach village children

about Christ through crats and songs,

distribute clothing and toys, soccer balls

and Bibles.

Boats owned and maintained by the

Presbyterian Church o Manaus are spe-

ciallyequippedwithexaminingrooms,

a pharmacy and a dental ofce. Stops

at small villages along the river are

not random. The Manaus Presbyterian

Church makes preparation in advance.

The youth o the church volunteer

their time to go along as interpreters.

Cooks on board the boat provide reshly

cooked meals throughout the day; state-

rooms and the dining salon are air-con-

ditioned. Each day begins with a short,

encouraging Bible lesson rom Pastor

Jonathas Moreira, ounder and ormer

pastor at our church. Missionaries have

time or reection and meditation as

theboattravelsdownthewideAmazon

River. Beautiul sunrises and a canopy

o jeweled stars at night create unorget

tablememories.Andmostimportantly

medical care and the saving Gospel are

delivered to people in need or which

God gets all the glory and the partici

pants get a big dose o love, love, love.JoinRev.ThorpAugust1-10,2009

as he joins Dr. Moreira in leading 18

peoplefromFPCOuptheAmazonforan

excitingadventureinministry.Formor

inormation, please attend an Inorma

tional Dessert on March 11 at 7:30 pm

in the King Parlor or details and costs

More inormation can be ound at www

amazon-mission.org. n

www.fpco.og



in June o 2007, i went on a e-changng adentue wth e3 pat-nes to pant chuches n Santa Cu,

Boa. i had been attendng fPCO

o thee eas and hadnt et a ca-

ng towads ssons, but a ento

o ne asked i woud consde

gong. i dd what i noa do when

akng ea potant decsons -

act on the and then thnk about the

consequences at a ate te!

While in Bolivia, I met a 12-year

old girl named Natalie, who was dying

rom kidney ailure and could no longer

walkonherown.Herfamilyofsixwel-

comed us into their home, a one-room

apartment. They truly greeted us with

open minds and hearts. After sharing

the Evangecube and the story o the Gos-

pel, Natalie and her mother both prayed

with us to receive Christ into their hearts

and lives. That same week, we even pur-

chased Natalie a wheelchair so that she

would be able to attend church.

Three months ater I let Bolivia, I re-

ceived word that Natalie had passed away.

Instead o being sad, I was overcome and

awestruckbyGodsplanandHisabilityto

provide a dying girl with the promise o

spendingeternitywithHim.Atthebegin-

ning o the trip, would I have been able

to believe that I was capable o delivering

this critical message? No!

Last year as I was preparing to go on

my second trip to Bolivia, I was asked at

a large gathering how long I had been a

Christian. I answered, three years. (Pri-

or to coming to FPCO, I was a Christmas

& Easter Christian in the Roman Catholic

tradition). The question, posed in ront o

this large group was, Well in those three

years beore going on this trip, how many

people had you shared the Gospel with?

None I sheepishly answered.

And how many people did you

share the gospel with during the nine

days you were in Bolivia?

Seventy fve, I answered.

And how many of those

people accepted Christ into their

hearts?

Twenty fve, I answered and

this was coming rom someone who

never thought she had the capabil

ity o sharing the Gospel. Its quite

amazing how God uses those who

are inadequate on their own._______________________________

Emily Brown is part o FPCOs

20s & 30s community, part o the

2009 Latin America Mission Team

and is really excited to be living

out her calling to share Gods mis

sion to the world. In 2007, Em

ily joined a translator and a member o

the local church in the neighborhoods

around Santa Cruz, to share with others

what God had done or her and could do

or them. She returned to Bolivia on her

second trip last year and is looking or

ward to going on her third trip in July.

e3 is one o FPCOs newest mission

partners, working worldwide to buil

and strengthen local churches. Church

members rom around the world team upwith local church members and transla

tors to share in neighborhoods and intro

duce people to a particular church. A

relationship is ormed; a connection is

made between the local church and their

community, and the transormationa

message o Jesus Christ is shared with

each person._____________________________________

You can join e3 on their next trip

Because they believe in the work being

done and want to build up local church

es everywhere, e3 is oering ull scholar

ships to any FPCO members who would

like to go on uture trips. For more in

ormation, contact Emily Brown at emi

[email protected]

For more, visit www.pco.org/mis

sion and www.e3partners.org n

SHAriNG THE GOSPEliN BOliviABy Emily Bow, Membe


27/28

neWs & nOTicesBng you Heat to Chuch o the Chstan Sece

Cente Dung mach

BringYourHearttoChurchforMarchinvolvespantryitems

or the Christian Service Center. The increased demand upon

thefoodpantryduetotheeconomyiscreatingextremestress

on supplies. Please bring canned items such as canned meats,

rice and pasta, and other non-perishable items. Collection

binswillbelocatedintheEMCLobbyandAngelWingeach

Sunday during March.

Attend Aaon msson Tp Desset

Join Rev. Case Thorp and others as we hear Jonathas Moreira,

ofWorldHopeMissionMinistry,FPCOmember,andformer

FPCO pastor, present the vision and plans or a short-term

missiontripuptheAmazonRiversetforAugust1-10,2009.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009, 7:30 p.m., King Parlor. For more

inormation go to www.amazon-lie.org or by contacting Case

Thorp at [email protected]

Sae the Date o the iCCC Go Tounaent o the Tots to

be Hed on Ap 8

MarkyourcalendarsforApril8,2009andcomejoinusfor

an aternoon o gol, rereshments, un and ellowship to ben-

etFPCOsWilliamE.AlexanderInfantChildCareCenters

Scholarship Fund at Dubsdread Gol Course. For more inor-

mation please contact Sue Fulord at 407.859.01968.

Hoeess mnst Seeks vountees o mach 26

On Thursday, March 26, volunteers are needed to help withthe IDignity event at the Orlando Rescue Mission. The IDignity

program helps the homeless obtain birth certifcates, IDs, legal

counsel and other documents. To serve, contact Dawn Ne at

407.617.3370 or [email protected]. www.idignity.org

Econo o God Seon Sees Aaabe on CD and DvD

The Economy o God Sermon Series CD and DVD sets are

available or purchase. Volume 1 CD and DVD sets con-

tain sermons 1-5 and are currently available. Volume 2

CD and DVD sets contain sermons 6-10 and will be avail-

able March 29. Sets may be purchased immediately ol-

lowing both services or by contacting Aaron Rupp at407.423.3441x1438.

Congatuatons to:

Elizabeth and Brian Coates on the birth o their son, James

Brian Coates, Jr. The proud grandparents are Nancy and

BruceMcAllister.ThegreatgrandparentsarethelateRuth

andDonMcAllister.

MargaretAshlynDominickand JonathanTateCooper,mar-

ried on January 17, 2009 in the Sanctuary. Ashlyn is the

daughter o Deborah and Jay Dominick.

Spath to:

Linda and KevinHunsicker on the death of his mother,

MarthaHunsicker,onDecember24,2008.Mrs.Hunsicker

wasthegrandmotherofMargaret,Emma,AubreyandDinah

Hunsicker.

Maria Kaemper on the death o her mother, Marilyn Stock,

on December 30, 2008.

The riends and amily o Jeanne Seybert, who died January

9, 2009.

Pam and Mark Oldham on the death o their niece, Linnea

Oldham, on January 15, 2009.

The amily and riends o Kathy French, who died January

17, 2009.

The amily and riends o Mary Bailey, who died January 21,

2009.

The amily and riends o Iris Wrenn, who died January 25,

2009.

Karen and Sam Oswald, on the death o her ather, Dr. J.O.

McCullough, on January 25, 2009. Dr. McCullough was the

grandfatherofEmily,SamHillandClaire.

The amily and riends o Dr. Charlotte Little, who died

January 27, 2009.

Lori and Dan Needham on the death o his step-mother, Shirley

Needham, on January 29, 2009.

Thefriends and familyof Dr. JohnAnderson,whodied

January31,2009.DrAndersonwastheministerofFPCO

rom 1958-1965.

January 09 Giving Snapshot

General Contributions Budgeted Surplus/

Operating (Defcit)

January Gits $ 483,512 $ 743,416 $(259,904)

Fiscal Year-

to-date Gits $4,203,301 $4,622,93 $(419,638)

Line o Credit $0

Immeasurably More Outstanding Balance $4,909,649

IM December Gits $51,031

IM Fiscal Year-to-date Gits $1,282,873

(net o 10% tithe to Missions)

ContactFinanceforafullrevenue&expensesummary.

www.fpco.og


28/28

fst Pesbtean Chuch o Oando106 E. Chuch St., Oando, fl 32801

The Fist Pesbyteia Colums (USPS 604-040) is publishedoce pe moth, except fo twice i Mach, by the FistPesbyteia Chuch. Ciculatio: 4750. (3750 by US Mail, 1000by o campus distibutio). Peiodicals postage paid at Olado,

Floida. POSTMASTEr: Sed addess chages to COLUMnS,106 E. Chuch St. Olado, FL 32801-3390.2008 Fist Pesbyteia Chuch of Olado COLUMnS.

POSTmASTEr: Te Senste mateaPease Dee b febua 27, 2009

PErIODICALS rAUS POSTAGE PA

OrLAnDO, FL

106 East Chuch SteetOlado, Floida 32801

407.423.3441 | www.fpco.og

Taditioal Sevices: Sudays, 8:30 &11 a.m. i the Sactuay

lENT 2009SAvE THE DATEBy rebecca Bedell; Miiste of Woship ad Cultue

In our society, not only do we get invitations and announce-

ments to important events, now we get a card telling us that the

invitation is on the way! The card asks us to Save the Date,

because our presence is requested. Friends, you are requested to

attend Lent. You are important to us and we want to share this im-

portant season with you. We hope that you will save some dates

to pull away and draw near to Christ. Being an active participant

in the Lenten season will be a blessing to your soul and help you

to prepare or the wonder o Easter!

DuringworshipontheSundaysofLent,wewillbeextin -

guishing candles to symbolize the increased darkness o our sinand the darkness that came with the impending death o the Light

o the World. We will let owers die beore our eyes to symbolize

the death and decay that comes with sin.

DuringHolyWeek,wewillhavenoondayworshipservic-

esthemedAWalkwithJesusthatwilltakeusthoughthelast

week o Jesus lie.

On Maundy Thursday, we will remember the last supper

throughworshipandahand-washingexperience.

On Good Friday, the night o Jesus death, we will celebrate the

Tenebrae (service o darkness or shadows) worship service, with

themagnicentRequiemofGabrielFaur.AsasymbolofChristsultimatesacrice,thenalLentencandlewillbeextinguished.

OnHolySaturday,challengeyourselftoadayofsilenceas

you remember Christs time in the grave. n

SAvE THE

DATES &JOiN US

SUNDAy WOrSH

Mach 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29; 8:30 & 11a

Sactuay & L

PAlm SUND

Apil 5; 8:30 & 11aSactuay & L

HOly WEEK NO

Apil 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10; no

refomatio Cha

mAUNDy THUrSD

Apil 9; 6:30

Sactu

TENEBrAE WOrSHApil 10; 7:00p

Sactu

Documents

FPCO Columns - March 2009