FPCO Columns - March/April 2013

COLUMNS | March - April 1

COLUMNS

March/april 2013 • First presbyterian church oF orlando • Fpco.org

magazine

investing in our future IN SHINE CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

holy weekpreparing to celebrate

serving togethermaking plans for ServeDay

Seek God. Share His Love. Humbly Serve.

plus leadershipelders and more

2 March - April | COLUMNS

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For more upcoming eventsvisit www.fpco.org/calendar

Dominican Republic Family Mission Trip information meeting, 12pm

secondsunday Prayer & Worship, 6pm

Holy Week begins

‘Stations of the Cross’ Prayer Walk/Worship, 6:30pm

LifeFest All-Church Retreat (April 26-28)

Young at Heart luncheon, 10:30am

Registration opens for ServeDay!

Good Friday

Family Worship, 8:30 & 11am

march

april

Taste of Compassion, 6pm

Maundy Thursday communion service, 6:30pm

Easter

Young at Heart luncheon, 10:30am

ServeDay, 8:30am

secondsunday Prayer & Worship, 6pm

Daylight Savings Time begins (roll clocks forward 1 hour)

Weekday School 2nd Annual Marketplace, 9am


Dr. David Swanson explains who “the nones” are

The Stack

Serving 101

get geared up for ServeDay

The Well reaching the world

10 Ways to Stay Informed

Features

Small Miracles at the Cross story of friendship and God’s love

Meet Your Elders whose favorite movie is Notting Hill?

Introducing Jimmy HendrixFirstPres’ new business administrator

Looking for F.A.T. Leaders

Bible Study Insightswith Dr. Case Thorp

Time With God

Family News

LITTLE PEOPLE

HOLY WEEk, 6

This year, we’re making some changes to the way we think, and living out this commitment to our little people in a big way.

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Holy Week observances, and discover what traditional Easter symbols really mean.

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coluMns CONTENTSMarch & april

photos on the cover and elsewhere: shea christine

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ON THE WAYwith Dr. David Swanson

“Let your light shine before people, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

- Matthew 5:16

the nones.

The first time I heard that term, I thought, “What is that?”

“The Nones” are a new class of people in our country who, when asked on forms or surveys for their “religious affiliation” check the box that reads “none of the above.” Because of that declaration, sociologists call them Nones. Nones may be atheists or agnostics, former Jews or Catholics, unchurched believers (people who believe in a higher power but don’t participate in organized religion), or people who simply do not care. Religion has no value to them whatsoever.

here’s what’s scary: Nones now make up 20% of the American adult population. That’s 46 million Americans, and for twenty-somethings, the number is 35%. (Boston Magazine, “Losing My Religion”, January ’13). This represents an enormous shift in American culture, and one that needs to be examined by The Church – and this church – very closely.

As we move through the Lent and Easter season, we celebrate the core of Christian faith – that God became incarnate through Jesus Christ and died an atoning death for our sins, reconciling us once more to the Father and opening the way to Eternal Life. We are the bearers of that truth in this world, but here’s the thing: the world is no longer coming to our door out of some social obligation or duty. people no longer feel inclined to go to church because it’s “the thing to do.” it’s not. therefore, if we are going to reach the nones, how are we going to do that?

answer: We have to go light our world. That’s the missional component of our vision. We make disciples of Jesus Christ, but part of being a disciple is the compelling call of God to move into our world to share and serve. The world is not coming to us, so we must go to them! It’s why we volunteer for Serve Days or Jobs Partnership, it’s why we invite people into our Life Communities or to attend a Gathering Luncheon, it’s why we take five minutes to talk to our neighbor when we see them outside or visit them in the hospital. When they see how we live and when they receive our care and when they hear our concern and when they feel our prayers, all that becomes a tool in God’s Hands.

i know the numbers sound daunting, but I believe this is an incredibly exciting time in the life of this church. The game is changing. The rules are different. Nothing works the way it used to. Thus, new models and new ideas and new methods need to be created in order to bring the LIFE of Christ to those in need – to those who believe they can actually save themselves! It begins with our own preparation. It begins when we go deeper as disciples. And then it continues as we actively engage in and serve our world. Challenge yourself in this Easter season to think about how you are connecting with and reaching the Nones so that they go from being a None to knowing the One!

With joy and expectation in Jesus,


7 days to serve as a family in the Dominican Republic.

Global mission experience for the whole family! Join other families, and spend one week of your summer with Mission Emanuel in the Dominican Republic, from June 8-14.

fpco.org/missionemanuel

Our holiday Giving Tree yielded hundreds of Christmas gifts to grateful recipients in our church and community. Multiple families from our Infant Child Care Center, Four12 and Mercy Drive ministries were blessed with gifts for Christmas. In addition, ministries including Grace Medical Home, Compassion Corner, Good News Jail and our Madagascar Initiative received stacks of items: Bibles, reading glasses, books, scarves, sweat-shirts, boxes of copy paper, stamps, medicine, socks and t-shirts, toilet-ries, backpacks, bike locks, gloves, and hats. Many thanks!

total value of gifts cards donated during the holiday season, divided between Jobs Part-nership, Apartment Life, Hosanna and the Good Samaritan Fund.

useful information, timely trivia and handy tips for

navigating life at FirstPres (and life in general)

the Columns stack

21 number of chefs who participated in Taste of Compassion last year.

Save the date for this year’s taste of compassion event on April 23 to support FPCO’s ministry to the homeless. Notable chefs and entertainers from around the city overtake the FirstPres campus to present a tasting menu for a great cause. More details and tickets available through:

www.atasteofcompassion.org

Foodies unite! spending wisely

nursing rooM

giving tree gratitude

serve as a FaMily

spring Marketplace

$2,620

Weekday School moms and friends of Weekday School will set up “shop” and show their wares at the 2nd Annual Week-day School Marketplace. We are expecting over 20 vendors with unique items to show and sell. A percentage of all sales will be donated to Weekday School by each vendor. Bring friends and support Weekday School.

Wednesday, April 179am - 2pm, King Parlor at FPCO

40% reduction in cost for producing this magazine.

Your dollars are important! In 2013, we’re utilizing in-house talent and scouring for the most cost-efficient ways to create, print and mail Columns magazine.

New and expectant mothers will be excited to hear that FirstPres now has an official nursing room (adjacent to the Prayer Room between the Sanctuary and Lee Fellowship Hall), beginning Sun-days in March.

tournaMent For the totsA great afternoon on the course at Dubsdread on April 10, bene-fiting the FPCO Infant Child Care Center. Women and men invited to compete in both the tourna-ment and special contests. Hole, individual, corporate sponsor-ship and golf foursome sponsor-ships available. Lunch begins at 11:30am with a shotgun start at 1:00pm. Registration is now open. Call 407.425.1126.


One way to celebrate Easter with our families and Life Communities is to focus on some of the illustrations of new life and relate them to the deeper Christian message of Jesus’ resurrection. This is especially helpful for young children. It is through our daily conversations that we often share the lessons of the faith. Here are a few examples to share and talk about:

Interpreting the Easter SeasonSymbols of New Life

• Easter eggs: More than 500 years old, the tradi-tion of incorporating eggs into Easter began with kings and nobility, who gave eggs as Easter gifts to represent the miracle of new life. Decorating eggs soon became an art, which led to egg games, egg contests, egg hunts and baskets of eggs.

• Easter lambs: This symbol goes back to the first Passover of the Jewish people. When their an-cestors were slaves in Egypt, Moses ordered the sacrifice of a lamb, and the blood of a lamb to be placed over the doorframes of their homes. Then the Angel of God would pass over their homes and bring them no harm. In the Hebrew religion, the lamb’s life was a sacrifice to God. To the Christian, the life of Jesus was the sacrifice. The lamb became an Easter lamb, a symbol of Jesus.

• Easter clothes: In the first few centuries after Jesus, people were baptized in water on Easter, after which they dressed in fresh white robes. Centuries passed and Easter became more of a festival. By the Middle Ages, everyone was expected to dress in fresh clothing at Easter, whether strictly “new” or simply freshly washed.

• Easter flowers: Lilies and other flowers that grow from bulbs, such as tulips, daffodils, or narcissus are symbols of the resurrection. The bulb stands for the tomb of Jesus, the blossom for His life after death.

• The cross: A memorial that Jesus died for us, and a reminder that we will live in heaven with Him forever. The early followers of Christ found many ways to interweave this memorial onto their lives, as we still do today. A former symbol of death, the use of the cross as a symbol of life is a redemption unto itself.

• Butterflies: Symbolic of the risen Christ, the but-terfly is transformed through metamorphosis. The cocoon represents the tomb, and the change from caterpillar into butterfly represents life as a new creation in Christ.

• Bunnies, chicks, baby animals: Symbolic of new life because of the miracle of new birth, we are reminded of God’s amazing plan each time we witness a newborn baby. We experience new life through our physical birth into this world and our spiritual rebirth when we follow Jesus.

by donna speer, director of weekday school

Annual Easter Egg HuntFriday, March 29 at 10:45am Bring the whole family for this year’s Easter egg hunt. Hunts for mul-tiple age groups (so 5 year-olds aren’t trampling your toddler). Bring a picnic and enjoy the day! Location TBD.



Interpreting the Easter Season

HOLY WEEK

MARCH 20 | Stations of the Cross Prayer WalkA unique guided time of prayer, meditating on the road to the cross. Meet at 6:30pm in the Edington Ministry Center Lobby.

MARCH 25 - 29 | Holy Week Daily MeditationsReflect, repent and prepare 12-12:30pm weekdays in the Reformation Chapel.

MARCH 28 | Maundy ThursdayGather as a church family in communion and worship at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary. Nursery available.

MARCH 31 | Easter SundayCelebrate together and worship the Risen Lord! A glorious day. Traditional Worship at 8:15am, 9:45am and 11:15am Genesis Worship at 9:45am & 11:15am

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April 13 8:30am-12:30pm

Get ready! Registration opens

March 17 at ourserveday.com


SERVING 101: A PRIMER

discipling by designthe big picture oF serveday

ServeDay was intentionally designed and created to reinforce our vision as a church family. here’s how:

What does “service” mean? To serve is to give our time, skills & talents and ma-

terial blessings. More than simply volunteering, serving others on behalf of God is an act of love.

Why do we serve others? First, God commands us to serve, (Galatians 5:13,

1 Peter 4: 1, Peter 4:11), so we serve as an act of obedi-ence to His leadership in our lives. Second, the Bible says that our faith, without follow-through action, is dead (James 2:14-19). Living without responding to the Gospel by serving others misses the life of abundance promised by Jesus. Third, we serve to illustrate how Christ loved us: sacrificially (John 13: 34-35). It is a public declaration that we are loved; so we serve others to celebrate our own redemption and express God’s love for other image bearers. It can also be an act of humble worship and gratitude toward God, in response to God’s generosity toward us.

Who is “in need”?Service is not just about meeting material needs, it is

also about meeting spiritual needs. If we serve without judging the “legitimacy” of a need, we’re free to serve joyfully, knowing we are being obedient to God. Serving isn’t about “our sacrifice,” but rather expressing God’s deep love for others, regardless of their relationship to Him. (Children are especially good at this.)

Where do we serve?I have a friend who likes to say, “Go until God says

stop” - meaning, we’ve already been given the instruc-

tion to serve, but that we sometimes overthink the details and stall out. Just start: serve locally, and commit to serving globally at some point, so you can see the full picture of how God is at work in the world. And know that serving can take place even in our homes, by pray-ing for those in need. Prayer is often a “last resort” but it can easily be our first response to the need and suffering we see. It is also a way for children to participate, not only feeling they are helping, but truly making a spiri-tual impact.

When do we serve?Probably the biggest challenge to serving is finding

and making time to do it. To serve requires deliberate changes and choices in our every day habits and build-ing it into our lives. We hope you will sign up to serve with a friend, your family or your Life Community for this Serve Day. It will be an unforgettable experience!

FOLLOWUP QUESTIONS to CONSIDER:

1) What are some barriers you might have to serving? (For example schedule challenges, lack of interest, fear, the belief we can’t make an impact, or lack of conviction.)

What does the Bible say about these things?

2) How many hours can you realistically commit to serving, outside your home and work?

Sarah Savage is FPCO’s Director of SHINE Children’s Ministry and is ready to help your family serve. For more ways to serve in our community right now, visit fpco.org/servenow

by sarah savage

• It is only a half-day commitment on a Saturday, and is built to include family and group-friendly projects, so you can easily serve together.

• It is a great volunteering experience to invite friends, and a casual way to intro-duce them to our covenant community.

• It is an opportunity to model our respect and care for all “image bearers” of God.

• It is an expression of joyful generosity, beyond our regular giving.

• It is one of the ways we, as FirstPres, love and nurture our Orlando community.


WHAT IS THE WELL? Since the fall of 2009, Dr. Swanson has presented a weekly television program titled The Well. The vision for The Well is to teach Biblical truths to a hurting world in a real and relevant way.

The format is unique in the landscape of television ministries: it is not a rebroadcast of a worship service, but a less formal, conversational-style presentation of God’s Word. Each thirty-minute segment also features a personal testimony offered by an individual, relating to that week’s particular message.

The Well began airing in 2009 in four markets – Or-lando, Dallas, Ft. Myers and Chattanooga. Today, the program reaches millions in local, national, interna-tional and web broadcasts.

HOW IS IT FINANCED? The Well is a separate 501(c)(3) non-profit organiza-tion, not governed or financially supported by First Presbyterian Church, though members of The Well Board of Directors include FPCO members Robert Wolgemuth, Dianna Morgan, Mark Oldham, Tom Hutchison, Leigh Swanson and Case Thorp, along with Bruce Zeiser of Chattanooga, and Claudia Cowart of Ft. Myers. The Well does remain in partnership with FPCO’s Session via the Evangelism team.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE RESPONSE? The Well is a vibrant, effective tool for sharing the mes-sage of Jesus, reaching those that may be reluctant to visit a church but are thirsty for something that replen-

ishes and restores. Through The Well, our viewers are introduced to Jesus as the Living Water as witnessed in this note from a viewer:

“After hearing your message, your words about comfort gave a purpose for our pain. We are encouraged to see how even tragedy can be used for God’s glory.”

We hope you will tune in. We frequently hear from visitors to FirstPres that they heard Dr. Swanson on The Well , prompting their visit.

The Well also offers short videos at fpco.org/thewell, topical clips to share on social media with friends and family. Many of the videos address tough questions and can be a helpful tool when looking for ways to share hope with others.

WHERE CAN I WATCH?

HOW WE ARE REACHING PEOPLE ACROSS THE GLOBEdrink FroM the well

NATIONALTBN | Mondays, 1:30am ESTChurch Channel | Mondays, 9:30am EST

LOCALTV45 | Sundays, 12:00pm ESTWHLV Channel 22 | Mondays, 1:30am EST

ONLINEdrinkfromthewell.com


Columns Magazine Online This bimonthly magazine, designed to help equip and encourage our church family in discipleship is available online at fpco.org/columns.

Sunday Worship Bulletin A weekly order of worship for Traditional worship, exercises and meditation notes for Genesis worship, and news about events tak-ing place this week and the next. Available in print & online at fpco.org/bulletin.

Live Worship Broadcast: Web, iPhone & iPad Worship online with our live broadcast from the 8:30am & 11:00am Traditional services and the 9:45am Genesis service. Visit fpco.org/live to connect you to the online broadcast, which includes special links for iPad & iPhone streams.

Worship & Sermon Archive Catch up on an entire service you missed or share a great message with a friend through our media center, available at fpco.org/media.

Give Online Particpate in the offering anytime throughout the week by giving online at fpco.org/give. You can give one time or schedule a recur-ring gift with a quick registration process.

Weekly Email Receive news and reminders about events coming up through our weekly email. To sign up, go to fpco.org/email or scan the code below with your smartphone:

10 Ways to Stay INFORMED

Be our Friend on Facebook & Follow FPCO on Twitter Connect with others in our FirstPres family, be encouraged and hear about upcoming events by becoming our friend on Face-book through facebook.com/firstpres or following us on Twitter at twitter.com/fpcorlando. FPCO Events Calendar A really handy way to keep up with big events, starting classes or registration deadlines, our Google Calendar is view-able on fpco.org/events and the home page. You can also download events and add them to your calendar.

Podcast Weekly messages from the worship ser-vices can upload automatically to your iTunes account for free, so you can listen online or via a device. To connect, visit fpco.org/podcast.

Genesis Spotify Playlist Listen to new worship songs played in Genesis, or learn a few of the lyrics before Sunday. Subscribe to the Genesis playlist on Spotify, a free online music provider at fpco.org/music.

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The Building BlocksFulFulling our covenant with our whole church FaMilyby sarah savage

“We will.”From the moment a child is baptized into the covenant community of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, a commitment is made. First, the family is asked cov-enant questions, to understand what will be expected of them as parents to a child who is beginning their journey toward becoming a follower of Jesus. Then, the pastor turns to the larger church family, gathered in worship and asks:

Do you, the members of this congregation, in the name of the whole church of Christ, undertake with these parents the Christian nurture of this child, so that in due time she might confess faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? Will you endeavor your example and fellowship to strengthen her family ties with the household of God?

Will we?

Nearly every week, we reaffirm our promise to teach, give generously, pray and encourage these children and their families as they become part of what we call

“covenant community” – a group of believers who are deeply committed to one another. And yet, many of us do not have children. Many in our church family have already raised children. So why do we all make the vows together?

Anyone who is baptized into the covenant becomes part of the body of Jesus Christ: the church. Adults and children alike need consistent support, thought-ful teaching, mentoring, prayers and time to become faithful followers of God. We make the vows together because we have all become part of something larger than ourselves, a timeless family with a rich heritage that spans generations and cultures. We also make a covenant because someone once made those very commitments to each of us, when many of us were still a long way from God. So offering our time, energy and prayers to the larger church family is an investment in not only our future covenant commu-nity, but in eternity.


Changing the way we think. This year, we’re changing the way we think about and live out ministry to our church’s children. SHINE Children’s Ministry is not only a vibrant and growing ministry in the life of the church, it is an entry point and first experience for many visitors to our church.

So we’re inviting our church family to take an active role in SHINE Children’s Ministry for 4 hours a year. (That’s it.) And the amazing thing is, your easy, 4 hour offering of time can make a huge impact.

Serve 4 hours a year, 1 hour at a time, during the hour opposite your regular worship time. Pretty simple, right?

This is an intentional move to change the way we nurture, teach and invest in our children; not because caretakers are needed, but because we believe in the covenants made by this church community.

Parents, too.In addition to the larger church family, we are asking parents of children in our Wee SHINE and SHINE Sunday programming to take an active role in disci-pling their children at church by committing to the same 4 hours a year, one hour at a time.

So, how are you qualified?Can you welcome visitors? Can you redirect a child who might wander in the hallways on the way to the restroom? Can you keep one kid from biting another? Truly, discipleship starts pretty small; we all need to get the basics down, first.

Sarah Savage is FirstPres’ Director of Children’s Ministry. Sarah and her husband, Jim, have four children of their own and are still learning the basics together, one covenant step at a time. [email protected]

NEXT STEPPray about how your 4 hours can be invested in

the future of this covenant community. There is a

unique place for your skills in the life of this church.

To sign up and learn morevisit fpco.org/shine

Available Spots forVolunteerswee shine/shine greeter (8:30/9:45/11:00)Arrive 20 minutes before worship to greet families as they enter the building, help with check-in, finding classrooms and answer questions.

shine stairwell Monitor (8:30/9:45/11:00)Arrive 20 minutes before worship to greet, give direction to visitors and make every child is wearing a nametag.

shine Live! worship assistant (8:30/11:00)Help leaders, participate in Worship with K-5th grade kids and monitor entry points as needed.

shine club classroom assistant (9:45)Welcome children K-5th grade, help give direction, and do a fun craft together.

wee shine Live! worship assistant (8:30/11:00) Help caregivers in bringing children 2 years-PreK to Wee Shine Live! worship, to the playground, and to the class-room. Participate in worship together.

wee shine club classroom assistant (9:45)Welcome children 2 years-PreK, help give direction, and do a fun craft together.


When Dr. David Swanson preached in September and challenged the congregation to do two things each day: pray & read the Bible, Chuck Price made the commitment to do it. He and his wife, Melissa, both mem-bers of FirstPres, never dreamed what God might have in store over the next three months.

Two years ago, Chuck befriended Joe, a local brick mason, through his own remodeling business. After Joe worked on the Price’s own home, Chuck continued to recommend him to others, and over the next two years, the men built a casual friend-ship through their work.

Months later, Chuck recommended Joe for a remodeling project, only to discover Joe had gone out of busi-ness. Curious, Chuck called Joe. And that’s when Joe told him why he wasn’t taking on new projects: he had been diagnosed with liver can-cer and had been given only three weeks to live.

Chuck was shocked. A sixty-year-old man in great physical shape, Joe sounded so broken on the phone that Chuck knew he had to go see him in person.

That same day, Chuck had been on the First Presbyterian Church cam-pus working on preparations for a fabricated metal cross. The piece had been commissioned by the Ses-sion as an “ebenezer” for the church to remember God’s faithfulness during the transition to FirstPres’

new denominational family, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Chuck had agreed to oversee the project with landscape architect, Rick Conant. Chuck welded the cross, dug the hole, and poured the concrete himself.

The next night Chuck had a dream. In the dream, Chuck brought Joe to the cross, where they buried Joe’s mason’s trowel that he had used for 40 years, to create a memorial for Joe. The next day, Chuck told Melis-sa he felt the Lord speaking to him in his dream and that he really need-ed to follow through to see if Joe was willing to make it a reality.

A couple of days later, on a Friday, Chuck made the 45-minute drive to Joe’s house, not knowing what he would say to Joe. From all that he knew, Joe was not a believer. Was he about to share the Gospel with someone who was about to die? Whatever happened, Chuck knew that he wanted to love Joe and be an encouragement to him.

When Chuck arrived, he hardly rec-ognized Joe; the illness had taken its toll. At first they simply talked about Joe’s life and reminisced over his jobs and his service in the Vietnam War. Eventually the conversation shifted, and Chuck was able to ask, “What are you going to do when you die?”

After responding with a couple of jokes about how his wife was go-ing to get all his money and his

by kim allen

small miraclesat the cross

a story of sharing the Gospel, no matter the outcome

grown kids were going to take over his house, Joe basically ignored the question.

Again, Chuck prompted him: “Have you thought about eternal life?”

Joe replied, “Don’t start talking to me about that stuff.” Refusing to discuss it further, Joe agreed to let Chuck come back in a few days to take him somewhere, just to get out of the house.

Over that weekend, Chuck’s family and friends prayed unceasingly. Me-lissa’s Bible study gathered together around the hole that Chuck had dug for the cross to pray for Joe.

On Tuesday, Chuck picked up his friend for the long drive back into Orlando. On the way, Joe shared more about his life, including the loss of two children when they were very young. Arriving at the church, Chuck brought Joe to the hole in the lawn of the Clayton Life Cen-ter, showing him the concrete pad that would anchor the cross under-ground, where he had already sten-ciled “remembering my friend Joe” in black paint.

Seeing it, Joe smiled, saying, “Well, how about that?”

Chuck shared his dream with Joe, and so they began their final job together. They mixed the mortar; Joe giving instructions and stop-ping to rest several times during the process. Chuck enjoyed watch-


ing his friend take such pride in his work, just like every other job they had worked on together. Finally they buried the trowel, realizing the mortar bucket was empty. Both men agreed it was unusual to have mixed the exact amount of mortar needed —to Chuck, another small sign of God’s presence that day.

Pulling out a piece of paper on which he had written the words to an old hymn, Chuck read:

At the Cross, at the Cross where I first saw the LightAnd the burden of my heart rolled away,It was there by faith I received my sightAnd now I am happy all the day!

They talked some more about God. Joe admitted he never attended church, feeling unworthy because of past choices. Chuck shared the story of another good friend, and God’s grace in his life. Joe responded, “Well, I guess it’s never too late.”

Days later, after failed attempts to reach him through calls and visits, Chuck finally resolved to send some

photographs from their project and write to Joe. In the letter, he remind-ed Joe that no sin is too great to be forgiven, even including John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” He mailed the letter on a Thursday.

On Saturday, he tried to call again and didn’t get an answer. Three days later, he made plans to stop by Joe’s house when driving through the area. He got a call from Joe’s phone that same day.

It was Linda, Joe’s wife, calling to thank him for the pictures and the letter. Joe read it as soon as he re-ceived it on Saturday morning, she said; he had died that afternoon.

Chuck’s heart sank as he called Me-lissa to tell her the news. Later, they discussed the chain of events, know-ing that God had called them to do what they did, but not knowing this side of heaven whether Joe prayed to receive Christ as his Savior. They do believe that the road blocks near the

end of Joe’s life served as a catalyst for Chuck to write the letter, which spelled out the concepts of sin, re-pentance, forgiveness and grace—things Chuck probably could not have communicated as clearly face-to-face.

The couple has written their story down—so as not to forget all the small miracles along the way. And knowing perhaps the biggest mir-acle began with the simple willing-ness on their part to answer the call of daily discipleship, opening their eyes to the possibilities, and God’s love for a dying brick mason.

Chuck and Melissa Price are part of the FPCO family, along with their four children. Kim Al-len faithfully reported their story here, and was blessed in the process, being reminded that every person she meets has significant value in God’s eyes. If you would like to be better equipped to share the Gospel with others, we recommend reading Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hy-bels and talk about it with your family and Life Community.


light-hearted Facts about current Fpco elders

Meet Your EldersBarbara Francis (2015)Prayer Team, Women’s MinistryA dairy allergy means desserts are not her friend. Finds the gospel of grace in every scene of Les Mis.

Ed Brakmann (2015)FaithServes, Leadership, NominatingFavorite movie is Caddyshack. Ask him about eating road kill in France. Hates the phrase ‘shut up.’

Jeff Muddell (2013)FaithServesWants to remind you that ‘heighth’ is not an actual word. Escaped New Jersey without an accent.

Jim Fly (2013)Discipleship & Spiritual FormationYouth ping pong tournament champ for Orange County recreation league. Likes a good hot fudge sundae.

John Guglielmi (2015)Young Adult and FamiliesFormer licensed EMT who loves ba-nanas foster. Doesn’t trust you when you start a sentence with ‘honestly.’

Kevin Taylor (2013)Support, Nominating, HOCFCaught this big fish. Loves to cook, but buys Häagen-Dazs Coffee Ice Cream whenever possible.

Dan Kirby (2013)Leadership, Young Adult & FamiliesGive him carrot cake, but hold the

raisins. Shaken hands with every president since George H.W. Bush.

Gregory McNeill (2015)Governance, Personnel

Direct descendant of Roderick the 8th, who was either a warrior king or

bog farmer. Loves Apocalypse Now.

Jeremiah Jenkins (2014)Discipleship & Spiritual FormationFormer Hawaiian. Loves red velvet

cake. Doesn’t like unnecessary or confusing abbrevs.

Joey Clayton (2013)Evangelism

Loves brownie sundaes. Has a love/hate relationship with

coffee, asparagus, and reading.

John Hillenmeyer (2014)Support

Enjoys a good Kentucky Derby chocolate pie every Derby Day.

Doesn’t like the phrase ‘maybe but.’

Christy Wilson (2013)Personnel

He hates purple gift wrap. Seen Wil-son Phillips in concert 7 times, and

makes amazing salted caramels.


What is an ‘Elder’?The Presbyterian church is governed according to the pattern of elders seen in the Old and New Testaments. The word ‘presbyter’ is Greek for ‘elder.’ The office of elder is a distinctive mark of Presbyterianism: specially ordained non-clergy who take part in local pastoral care and decision making

at all levels. These Biblically-qualified elders are recognized through congregational election and, along with ministers, rule the church corporately. At FirstPres, elders make up the governing body, called the Session. Each serves a three-year term, with one third of the elders rotating off the Session at the end of each year, known as their “class” (indicated after their name, followed by their committee).

Lance Fair (2015)Worship, StewardshipLikes to waterski without the skis. Can’t get enough of Notting Hill and brownies à la mode.

Lu Langston (2014)Congregational Life, LeadershipDid some can-can dancing before ty-ing the knot. Loves dark chocolate or nuts, preferrably together.

Rich Magee (2013)Church GovernanceUnlike Lu, hates nuts in dessert. He’d absolutely sign up for the French For-eign Legion if Ingrid Bergman asked.

Scott Lee (2013)FaithServesHas sweet tooth for vanilla ice cream, hot fudge and redskin peanuts. Spent 6 years playing Michigan hockey.

Steve Cahill (2014)StewardshipDoesn’t like people to say “no prob-lem” in place of “you’re welcome.” Loves wife’s cast-iron apple pie.

Tad Smith (2013)FaithServesHe’s spoken to Mr. T about Jesus, and perhaps the other way around. Loves key lime pie and Parental Guidance.

Larry McLean (2013)Worship Arts

Has a hard time picking a favorite movie, but enjoys Grease and Black

Hawk Down. Loves pecan pie.

Michael Waldrop (2014)Congregational Life

Favorite dessert: Blackberry cobblerFavorite movie: We Were Soldiers

Least-favorite word: Can’t

Scarlett Stewart (2013)Evangelism, Nominating

Loves liquor in cake, and Waiting for Guffman. Ask her to reenact her

starring role as a singing donkey.

Sean Murphy (2015)Congregational Life

Was a combat medic for 8 years in the Florida National Guard. Loves

his wife’s banana pudding.

Sue Fulford (2013)Worship

She goes for chocolate cake and Sense & Sensibility. Loves history

and teenagers, but hates regret.

Next Step Pray for our elders as they serve God as leaders in this church; that God will guide and bless them in their service.


talented and gifted people who have an incredible passion for what they do,” says Jimmy. “I love learning about how they serve our community locally, nationally and internationally. The hardest part is saying ‘no’ to good things (and dedicated people) that serve the Kingdom when not in our budget priorities.”

In the words of another FirstPres staff member,

“Jimmy wants to understand the life and mission of this church. He truly has a heart for God’s work being done here—and not just the financial side. He wants to gain an understanding for the heart of each area of ministry and equip us with the resources for the greatest advantage.”

It certainly seems like a great match: years of professional money-management experience, combined with a heart for kingdom-building in God’s economy. Too bad he doesn’t play the electric guitar.

After the slight chuckle when an introduction is made, Jimmy Hendrix makes quite an impression. He’s a former college soccer-player-turned-pro who still loves to coach his children in athletic pursuits. He’s a triathlete and an avid golfer. One of his favorite places to be is the family cookout and the fire pit.

And in his new post at FPCO as the Church Business Administrator, in addition to his famous moniker, he brings a heart for “mission and margin.”

James brings years of experience in the investment world, as a financial steward of other people’s money; helpful preparation in managing the church’s annual budget of more than $8 million.

The Miami native and Wake Forest graduate, who goes by “James” professionally, received an MBA from the Crummer School of Management at Rollins College. Jimmy and his wife, Allison, live east of Orlando with their daughter and two sons.

Throughout his career in the for-profit world, James sought out mission in everything he did. In time, he decided to pursue work in a mission environment and employ his professional skills to the glory of God.

The best part of his new job? “Working with extremely

by kim allen

Fpco’s new church business adMinistrator,

jaMes hendrix

Jimmy would be happy to share how you can be a part of God’s story at FPCO: investing fully in His work, connecting with the church family in covenant community, becoming a disciple who lights the world, and joyfully giving in response to God’s generosity toward us. [email protected]

Kingdom Buildingin God’s Economy


SERVING UP TASTY COMMUNITY

Leaders are called by God to invest in others, facilitate their growth and lead by example in obedience and char-acter. In February, we celebrated and honored the LIFE Community Group Leaders of FirstPres, who have spent countless hours investing in their group. While there are many ways to be a leader, we want to highlight three quali-ties that good leaders often share:

LEADERS ARE FAITHFULIn Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus applauds the two “good and faithful” servants who made an investment with what they had been given (no matter the amount); while the third servant was labeled “wicked” and “lazy,” because he did nothing with what had been entrusted to him. Good lead-ers realize their effectiveness in leading others is depen-dent on their own faithful pursuit of Jesus. They persevere in continued preparation for group time - whether that’s brushing up on the Biblical background of the night’s reading or rearranging furniture week after week.

“BEING PART OF A LIFE COMMUNITY IS NOT ALWAYS EASY; it’s a commitment. Even though we are often pressed for time, it is important to be faithful to the commitment and to encourage others to do so. Those times we are most tempted to skip actually become the most meaningful and are a true gift from God.” - Jan & David Packwood

LEADERS ARE AVAILABLEIn Mark 10:46-52, many in the crowd rebuked the blind man, Bartimaeus, for crying out to Jesus as he passed through Jericho. But Jesus stopped and made Himself available, because saving people was His mission. Effective leaders realize the importance of being available to people both during designated meeting times and at other times, seeking to cultivate strong relationships.

“MY ExPERIENCE AS A LCG LEADER HAS GROWN MY PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST. The sense of accountability I feel toward my group has spurred my personal relationship with Christ. My expe-rience as a LCG leader has also made me feel more connected to my larger church community through ServeDay, Sunday school, and seeing my LCG mem-bers at church on Sundays.” - Sarah Elerick

by kent sterchi & hailey domeck, life community

LEADERS ARE TEACHABLEIn Luke 11:1-4, the disciples plead with Jesus to teach them how to pray! Leaders realize the need for a spirit of humil-ity, because a disciple is “one who is permanently enrolled in the school of becoming like Jesus.” This quality becomes infectious to those they lead.

“JUST BECAUSE I’M LEADING A LIFE COMMUNITY GROUP, DOESN’T MEAN I KNOW EVERYTHING! I think it’s important to study and prepare for group ahead of time to have some impact as a leader. For example, I like to lay the groundwork for the topic we’re going to discuss on any given week - set the scene of the Scripture, give any other references, talk about the characters, etc. Well, I have to study up on those things in order to share them with the group!” - Rob Madigan

looking For F.a.t. leaders

how F.a.t. are you?As we seek to live in a covenant community empowering disciples to light their world, we are called to measure just how F.A.T. each of us really are.

F - Are you being faithful in your walk with Jesus and His call for you as a disciple, investing in the lives of others?

A - How available are you to place the needs of others above your own, a mark of a true disciple of Jesus?

T - What is your appetite like when it comes to learning about the ways of Jesus? How teachable are you?

the growth of future liFe community groups and leaders in the life of the church is dependent upon a F.a.t. church family! life community offers online training for leaders, enabling us to share helpful lessons, receive feedback, and equip leaders with a busy schedule. if you are F.a.t. (or you want to be), contact hailey domeck ([email protected]) to learn more.


17 You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you.18 When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers.19 You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit.20 You sit and testify against your brother and slander your own mother’s son.21 When you did these things and I kept silent, you thought I was exactly like you.But I now arraign you and set my accusations before you.22 “Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you:23 Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me, and to the blameless I will show my salvation.”

Psalm 50

court musician w

ho wrote many

of the Psalms. H

e is referenced

in 1 Chronicles 1

6:5, 2 Kings 18:18

a.k.a. Jerusalem

Hebrew is Yhwh, or as we

would write: Yahweh. Jews

felt God’s name was so

sacred they would neither

say the name, or fully spell

it out, so they ommitted the

vowels. Editors honor this

tradition in English by using

all caps: LORD.

Hebrew poetry often says the

same thing twice in a row us-

ing various synonyms for people

or places involved. This is called

parallelism.

What do you look for when you study your Bible? What is important? Dr. Case Thorp gives us some insight into one of the Psalms.

break it down

irony! be sure to read this with an incredulous tone as God might intend

ah! the psalmist

sets up a court

scene w/ God as

judge and jury,

earth & heaven

as audience, and

the people as

defendant.

now God is also

the witness!

famous phrase from

Christian hymns

reference to the

animals burned in the

Temple yard with

the idea that God

was moved when he

smelled the burnt

flesh

of which of thes

e

sins am I guilty?

common sin

of pride that

we all do(parallelism)

summary lesson

*

*

A psalm of Asaph.

1 The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth

from the rising of the sun to where it sets.2 From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.3 Our God comes and will not be silent;a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages.4 He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people:5 “Gather to me this consecrated people, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”6 And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for he is a God of justice.7 “Listen, my people, and I will speak; I will testify against you, Israel: I am God, your God.8 I bring no charges against you concerning your sacrifices or concerning your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.9 I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens,10 for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.11 I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine.12 If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?14 “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High,15 and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”16 But to the wicked person, God says:“What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips?


17 You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you.18 When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers.19 You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit.20 You sit and testify against your brother and slander your own mother’s son.21 When you did these things and I kept silent, you thought I was exactly like you.But I now arraign you and set my accusations before you.22 “Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you:23 Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me, and to the blameless I will show my salvation.”

Translation Translations are marked on the spine of all Bibles with a series of initials. You may find the KJV, NIV, NASB, NRSV, or ESV... and it really does sound like a list of Federal agencies. But each set of initials actually repre-sents a different kind of Bible translation. A committee of Bible scholars may spend 10-20 years laying out a series of translation principles and using them to translate the Bible from ancient Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. Look for a 2-3 page introduction in every Bible on what translation principles were used, which scholars participated, and their university affiliations.

God’s Word is not malleable to the point of becoming merely a committee’s work, but we know that language evolves over time and fresh verbiage is sometimes needed to understand the texts. We don’t live in King James’ England, hence the use of “Thy” and “Thou” in the King James Version can seem cumbersome to us. The scholarship for each of these translation commit-tees is quite responsible and vigorous and we know the Holy Spirit to be the true revelation that takes mere words and transforms them to the Word.

Dr. Swanson preaches from the NIV (New Internation-al Version) which is a wide-spread translation used the last 25 years in evangelical, English-speaking Protes-tant churches. The language is contemporary and easy to understand, and the translation principles come from trusted, Godly scholars.

Editorial PackagingBibles are bestsellers, so most every publishing house has several Bibles available in print. This is helpful because we get Bibles that are formatted and chock-full of tools to help us understand them, no matter our age or stage. For instance, Student Bibles come with extra commentary notes and character studies that are geared toward students’ interests. The Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible came together with the help of our own Luder Whitlock, and teaches Reformed theol-

what to consider when buying a bible

Not just for newbies, the Pure Bible class on Sunday morning is a great place to break in a new Bible and start making notes. A new cycle starts every 6 weeks, teaching a book or passage by using essential tools for study, and April 7 begins a new series on Revelation. Join in, 9:45am in room 310 of the Edington Ministry Center.

next step

by dr. case thorp

ogy alongside Scripture. Likewise, FPCO’s own Bobbie Wolgemuth has published The Mom’s Bible: God’s Wis-dom for Mothers. The editorial packaging options are many (the Justice Bible and EcoBible, to name a few), but the key is to know your needs and find a match. Spend some time perusing the Bible aisle at a Christian book store and exploring your options.

My recommendation for new Bible students is the Life Application Study Bible, NIV. It is compiled by Billy Graham’s ministry and includes great commentary notes, maps, charts, and character studies.

Handy Hints:get a bible with tabs. Indentions down the right side of a Bible to help you quickly find a particular book.

leather or hardcover? Your Bible will hopefully see some wear over time: will you study at home, carry to church, or both?

Mark a milestone. Print your child’s name on the front of a Bible and present it to them on the occasion of their confession of faith in Christ. Do the same for a new believer, or member of your Life Community.

buy extra fabric bookmarks to save the place of mul-tiple passages.

Dr. Case Thorp is FPCO’s pastor of Mission & Evangelism and kind of a theology nerd. He and his wife, Jodi, have three really cute kids and a heart for downtown Orlando.


As we shared in the January issue of Columns, spiritual disciplines are not always major lifestyle changes. They are often subtle changes in implement-ing habits and practices that lead to an intimacy with God and an awareness of the activity of the Holy Spirit in our life.

Some of these disciplines are worship, devo-tional reading, prayer, Sabbath keeping, works of compassion or service, fellowship, confession, submission, celebration, stewardship and journ-aling.

As we continue to explore these practices, the first dis-cipline we’re focused on developing is journaling. How well have you done with journaling in the past? Even if it isn’t a habit yet, with perseverance it can be the best tool you have to reflect on God’s presence in your life.

Jim Wilson, author of Soul Shaping, says, “Spiritual transformation doesn’t take place in workbooks; it takes place in rhythms, structures and routines.” He explains this in three ways: The Rhythms of Life: each day is new and fresh to us and God is present – in everything; the unforeseen, the unplanned, in the emotions, and even the decisions we make. Life happens and God uses the rhythms of life to help us grow.

The Structures of Life: God uses planned events and intentional relationships to help us grow. These may include worship services, Bible studies, and mentor-ing relationships. It may also be a daily quiet time with Him that reinforces your spiritual growth. The Routines of Life: as creatures of habit, we all have our ‘routines’! Many, however, are shaped by the rhythms of life. The focus of a true disciple of Christ is not doing what Jesus would, but on living as Jesus lived. Our routines are the spiritual disciplines that will lead us to intimacy with God.

Here’s your next journaling assignment:1. Identify some life events that God has used to

change you and shape you.

2. Do you tend to rebel against structures or find them helpful?

3. What has consistently fed you spiritually? Why do you think it works for you?

4. It won’t be long before your journal will begin to reflect your ‘appointments’ with God! Happy encounters!

To learn more about what shapes our souls and become better equipped in your spiritual disciplines, contact Lori Needham, who is part of the Discipleship and Spiritual Formation Team at x1463 or [email protected].

making spiritual disciplines a daily habitTIME WITH GOD

Helpful Resources

Journaling as a Spiritual Practice: Encountering God Through Attentive Writing by Helen Cepero. Designed to help you go below the surface of your life with God. It is not about the art of writing, but about how journaling can form us spiritually.

Journal Keeping: Writing for Spiritual Growth by Luann Budd. Offers ways to begin this process, fresh ideas and cites examples and inspiration from the lives of great men and women throughout history who have kept journals.

Both of these can be ordered at christianbook.com



FaMily news

Sympathy to...

Delores (Bruce) Starling and Ellen Cooper, on the death of their father, Leon Loll, December 10, 2012. Colonel Loll was the grandfather of Alison Starling Alexander and Jinna Cooper.

Susan & Mike Zwer, on the death of her mother, Wanda Broomall, December 13, 2012.

Carolyn & Paul Tavel, on the death of her sister, Joanne Rea, December 15, 2012.

Betty Magee on the death of her husband, Dick Magee, December 16, 2012. Mr. Magee was the father of Rich Magee.

To the family and friends of Ida Greene, who died December 16, 2012.

To the family and friends of Tommy Singleton, who died December 18, 2012.

Margaret Hill, on the death of her husband, Kenny Hill, December 20, 2012.

To the friends and family of Clara Barnett, who died December 21, 2012.

Dusty Sutton and Missy & Matt Craig, on the death of their father, Cliff Sutton, December 25, 2012. Mr. Sutton was the grandfather of Cary & Chloe Craig and Casey Cummings.

Scott and Pam Greenwood, on the death of his father, Homer Greenwood, December 29, 2012. Mr. Greenwood was the grandfather of James, Caroline and Emily Greenwood.

- schedule a baptism x1451- request a hospital visit x1455- plan a wedding x1453- arrange a memorial service x1455- donate flowers for worship x1272- ask donation & giving questions x1479- change your address x1471- purchase a sermon CD or DVD x1438- join the choir x1272- reserve childcare x2227- reach the security office 407.415.9793- contact the Weekday School 407.996.5864- reserve a meeting space x1459- learn more about Columns x1467- learn more about support groups x1159- to serve the community x1474

Call FPCO at 407.423.3441 to

For pastoral eMergencies after the hours of 8:30am-5:00pm, please leave a voicemail message at the main church number, which will page the minister on call.

Congratulations to...

Luke Samuel Bailey and Melissa Anne Harvard were married December 28, 2012, in the Reformation Chapel. Melissa is the daughter of Joe & Mary Harvard.

Josh & Stephanie Rivera on the birth of their son, Pedro Joshua Rivera, January 6, 2013.

Wil & Natalie Brown on the birth of their daughter, Winnie Caroline Brown, January 8, 2013. The proud grandparents are Mike & Rebecca Bedell.

Christopher Charles Miller and Allison Joy Ferber were married January 19, 2013 in the Sanctuary. Allison is the daughter of Jim and Debbie Ferber.

First Presbyterian Church of Orlando106 E. Church St., Orlando, FL 32801

The First Presbyterian Columns (USPS 604-040) is published bimonthly by the First Presbyterian Church. Circulation: 2,500. (2,000 by US Mail, 500 by on-campus distribution). Periodicals postage paid at Orlando, Florida. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to COLUMNS, 106 E. Church St. Orlando, FL 32801-3390.©2013 First Presbyterian Church of Orlando COLUMNS.

POSTMASTER: Time Sensitive MaterialPlease Deliver by March 1, 2013

106 East Church Street | Orlando, FL 32801

407.423.3441 | www.fpco.org

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