The First Newsfpcstatesboro.org/uploads/3/5/0/9/35091628/may2018newsletter.pdf · The First News First Presbyterian Church May, 2018 From Your Pastor It’s hard to believe, but another

Page 1

The First News First Presbyterian Church

May, 2018

From Your Pastor

It’s hard to believe, but another school year is drawing to a close and summer is

approaching. Many in our church family will be celebrating graduations, wed-

dings and other transitions.

Co-mingled with all of the celebrations is a bit of wistfulness… each celebration

acknowledges the successful completion of one chapter, and as such, there is a

bit of loss involved. Graduates will often be leaving home to go to college, start

a new life, or a new job. Brides and grooms will be starting their own families

that are connected to us, yet distinct in their own right. Transitions like these

mean that everyone’s roles change a bit, and that can be frightening.

But be of good courage: Life is a journey, and Jesus reminds us that “behold, I am with you…” He goes before us

to prepare the way, and as our Good Shepherd, will find us and bring us back when we have gone astray.

I pray that all of us who are facing significant times of transition will allow ourselves to feel the joy, the sadness

and the anxiety that changes bring, AND that we can rest in the comfort of God’s presence in all, through all and

beyond all that life can throw at us.

Shalom,

Pastor Rebecca

VBS Looking For “Shipwrecked” Decorations

We need some decorations to make VBS special for our children. Do you have any

of the items below that we could borrow? If so, drop off to Susan anytime between

now and May 11. Label any items with your name so we can make sure they are returned.

*wooden crates/ “cargo look” boxes *greenery, artificial or live, ferns, palms, etc.

*tiki torches *raffia

*ship’s wheel *fish nets

*other “shipwrecked” decor

Page 2 The First News Page 2

Christian Education

Serve . Love .

Get “Shipwrecked” VBS 2018

It’s not Gilligan’s Island. It’s not Tom Hanks talking to a

volleyball. It’s not Robinson Crusoe. It’s Shipwrecked,

Reccued by Jesus, Vacation Bible School, June 10-13,

6-8 pm.

Registration is going on now for children from pre-k to 5th

grade. A nursery will be provided for children under age

4.

As always, volunteers are what makes VBS a success.

Children from 6th grade up and adults are always needed.

Registration forms are available at the church office.

ummer

unday

chool

abbatical

Starting May 27th, the children’s Sunday School classes,

nursery and Rooted Sunday School class will take a summer

sabbatical.

May 20th will be the last day for these classes until classes

resume on Sept. 9.

“With so many people out of town or travelling during the

summer we hope this gives everyone a chance to relax, and

come back in September with renewed energy,” said CE

Director Susan Parrish

Adult Sunday School classes will continue to meet at 10:00 am on Sunday mornings through the summer.

May Book Club Read Inspired By True WWII Story

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is the May read for the Book Club for All Seasons.

It tells the story of two sisters during World War II, and their struggle to survive and

resist the German occupation of France. It was inspired by the story of a Belgian woman,

Andrée de Jongh, who helped downed Allied pilots to escape Nazi territory. The book

sold well, earned places on several bestseller lists, and was optioned for a screen adapta-

tion by TriStar Pictures.

The Book Club will meet Monday, May 21 at 11:30 am in the Fielding Russell Room.

Patti Moore will lead the discussion. Everyone is invited to join in.

Page 3

Christian Education

High School Graduates

Alyssa Allen, daughter of Andrew & Yvette Allen, will graduate with honors from Bulloch Academy. Alyssa

is a member of the National Honor Society. She has participated in Drama; Robotics Club; CLP & CLP Band

(Christian Learning Program); FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes); Beta Club; Tennis; GISA One Act

Play Competition and GISA Literary Competition. Alyssa will attend the University of Georgia in the fall.

John Desiderio, son of Jennifer Stocking and Francis Desiderio, will graduate with honors from Statesboro

High School. John will attend the University of Georgia this fall.

Clark Henderson, son of Allen and Ann Henderson, will graduate with honors from Statesboro High

School. Clark served as President of the freshman and sophomore classes and treasurer of the senior class. He

is a member of Beta Club and the National Honor Society. He ran cross country and was a member of the

swim and tennis teams. The SHS Tennis Team was region champs for 2017 and 2018 and in 2017 made it

to the Elite Eight in the state playoffs. Clark is also an Eagle Scout. He will attend the University of Georgia

this fall, majoring in Political Science.

Javier Molina, son of Virna Troillo, will graduate with honors from Statesboro High School. Javier was a

member of the cross country and tennis teams for two years and he still enjoys pursuing these activities. Javier

will be spending some time in New Zealand after graduation for both work and travel.

David Olson, son of Katie and Dave Olson, will graduate with honors from Statesboro High School. David

placed first for the 2017-2018 season with the Ogeechee River Scholastic Chess Association where he was un-

defeated. David is also an Eagle Scout. He will attend Georgia Southern University this fall, majoring in either

Logistics or Computer Engineering.

Haley Parrish, daughter of Leo & Susan Parrish and granddaughter of Charles & Suzanne Dunn and Leo &

Marti Parrish, will graduate with honors from Southeast Bulloch High School. Haley is graduating as Valedic-

torian of her class. She has served as the President of FCCLA for the past two years and Student Council

Treasurer for three years. Haley is a member of the Beta Club, the National Society of High School Scholars

and she is graduate of Youth Leadership Bulloch. Haley has trained in classical ballet, tap and jazz for the past

14 years at Statesboro School of Dance. Haley will attend the University of Georgia this fall, majoring in Ex-

ercise Science with plans to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy.

(more graduates on page 4)

Class of 2018


Christian Education

Still Time

To

Register

Savannah Presbytery

Summer Camp

June 17-23

Camp New Ebenezer, Rincon, GA

New This Year!

Overnight @ Ebenezer– A Family

Experience

Brochures and registration forms available on

line at SavannahPresbytery.org

Early Bird Registration Ends

May 11

Chandler Wynn Presley, son of Edwin and Traci Presley and grandson of Del and Beverly Presley, will graduate

from Statesboro High School. He is a member of the SHS Marching band as a percussionist. He is a member of the

Statesboro Steel Drums and the Bulloch Blues Marching Band. He also is a part of Young Life Christian Ministry of

Statesboro. He has been accepted to University of Massachusetts Boston, majoring in Biology with a minor in Chem-

istry to study Forensic Science.

Will Presley, son of Worth & Lori Presley and grandson of Del & Beverly Presley, will graduate from Portal High

School. Will was a member of the Portal High football team where he was named offensive player of the year in his

senior year. Will is also a member of FFA. He will attend Ogeechee Technical College this fall and major in Logis-

tics.

Katherine Tuggle, daughter of Jon and Mary Ann Tuggle and

granddaughter of Durelle Tuggle, will graduate with honors from

Johns Creek High School in Alpharetta. Katherine will attend

Samford University in the fall.

College Graduates

Brandi Hawkins will graduate from Georgia Southern Univer-

sity with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a minor in Psy-

chology. She will soon take her NCLEX to become a registered

nurse. She hope to get a job pediatrics as her interest is pediatric

oncology. At GSU Brandi was a part of the University Honors

Program and completed a research project looking at mental

health stigma on the college campus.

Caroline Henderson, graduated from the University of Michi-

gan on April 28 with a Master of Social Work degree. During

her two years in Michigan she has been active is social justice

causes and most recently worked with the Prison Creative Arts

Project in Michigan. She has a BA in English and Human

Rights from Barnard College and worked in New York City

prior to entering graduate school. She hopes to return to the

South and work in the social work field.

(more graduates on page 5)

Class of 2018

Page 5

Stewardship Update

Revenue Budget OVER

Budget

Expenses Budget UNDER

Budget

$26,741.00

(est)

$20,400.00 $6,441.00 $19,685.98 $19,728.66 -$42.68

For April, we were $6,441.00 Over Budget for Revenue. This is a favorable difference. Expenses were

$42.68 Under Budget. Overall, for the month of April, we brought in $7,055.14 more than we spent.

Monthly Stewardship Update, April 2018

Revenue Budget OVER

Budget

Expenses Budget OVER

Budget

$82,318.44

(est)

$81,600.00 $718.44 $103,957.22 $88,914.72 $15,042.50

April 30, 2018 Year to Date

Year To Date we are $718.44 Over Budget for Revenue. This is a favorable difference. We are $15,042.50

Over Budget for Expenses. Year To Date we have spent $21638.78 more than we have brought in. This

puts us $14,324.06 behind Year To Date budget. Anyone seeking more information or more detailed informa-

tion may contact me at [email protected]

Elizabeth Henderson graduated from Georgia Tech December 2017, with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial

Design. During her years at Georgia Tech she had internships at Gulfstream and Proctor and Gamble and re-

cently moved to Boston where she is an industrial designer for NoBull, a footwear, apparel and accessory brand.

Class of 2018


MAY Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

May Day

3:30 pm Ladies Bible Study

2 3 4 5

10 am - 2 pm Silver Lining Club

6

10 am Sunday School

11 am Worship– Youth Sunday

Noon Graduation Lunch

1:30 pm Session Meeting

7 8

11:30 Rebecca’s Café


9

7:30 pm Chancel Choir

10

7 am Men’s 2x4 Bible Study

11 12


13

Mother’s Day

10 am Sunday School

11 am Worship

14

9:30 am Joy Circle

15


16


17

18 19


Field trip to Sapelo Island

20

10 am Sunday School

11 am Worship and Communion

4 pm Youth Group– Beach

Trip to Tybee

21 22

Savannah Presbytery Stated Meeting

FPC Richmond Hill


23 24


25 26

27

Sunday School Sabbatical Starts

11 am Worship

28

Memorial Day

Church Office

Closed

29


30 31

Page 7

Open/Close Elder: Brian Feltman

Liturgist: Annette Smith

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

May Day


2 3 4 5


6

10 am Sunday School

11 am Worship– Youth Sunday

Noon Graduation Lunch

1:30 pm Session Meeting

7 8

11:30 Rebecca’s Café


9


10


11 12


13

Mother’s Day

10 am Sunday School

11 am Worship

14

9:30 am Joy Circle

15


16


17

18 19


Field trip to Sapelo Island

20

10 am Sunday School

11 am Worship and Communion

4 pm Youth Group– Beach

Trip to Tybee

21 22

Savannah Presbytery Stated Meeting

FPC Richmond Hill


23 24


25 26

27

Sunday School Sabbatical Starts

11 am Worship

28

Memorial Day

Church Office

Closed

29


30 31


FPC News

MonTREATS Needed

For June Roadtrip

Youth leave June 3 for the Montreat

Youth Conference (June 3-9). Help is

needed to make the trip sweeter with

baked goods for the road.

“We’re looking for donations of baked goods such as muf-

fins, brownies, cookies or cake,” said Susan Parrish.

“These would be very much appreciated and enjoyed by

all of the Savannah Presbytery Youth.” Individual bags of

chips would also be welcomed.

Please have all items in disposable

containers or containers you don't

need returned. Baked items do not

need to be individually wrapped.

Please have items to the church

kitchen by 8 am on June 3.

Update from PNC The PNC has currently considered 89 individuals and

held 16 meetings while still receiving new referrals,

listening to dozens of sermons, and reflecting on PIFs

(Personal Information Forms). Please continue to

keep the members of the PNC and our work in your

prayers as we move forward in discerning God’s call

of our next pastor.

Youth Sunday Puts Young People Front And Center

Youth Sunday, May 6, will offer young people a chance to see what leading worship

is all about and offer church members the opportunity to see the youngest members of

the church in action.

The Youth will be responsible for all of the worship elements of the service including

Call to Confession, sermon and music.

After the service, everyone is invited to a potluck lunch to honor our high school and

college graduates (see the list of graduates on pages 3, 4 and 5). Please bring a dish or

two to share as we honor our graduates.

Backpack Buddies Shopping List

small jars of peanut butter, fruit cups, Chef Boyardee meals, soups, individual packages of grits and

oatmeal, small boxes of cereal, cereal bars, cups of applesauce, easy macaroni n’ cheese, noodle

packs, Vienna sausages, 100% juice boxes, packs of sandwich crackers, healthy snacks (raisins, fruit

roll-ups, fruit snacks, trail mix, pudding cups, etc.)

Page 9

Session Highlights

Session Highlights

April 8, 2018

Session approved the following from the Consent Agenda:

Approval of the minutes of the March 11, 2018 Stated Meeting of the Session

Approval of the minutes of the March 25, 2018 Called Meeting of the Session

From Mission - approval to further investigate feasibility of pursuing the following missions:

a. Thornwell Mission

b. Little Free Pantry/ Little Free Library

c. Voter registration

d. Transportation assistance to polls

e. Laundry Love

From Mission - approval for the inclusion of information sheets about existing mission activities in church

bulletin and a survey of interest on proposed missions to be included in church bulletin on April 15,

2018.

From Mission - approval to designate the last two Sundays in April (22 and 29) for collection of canned

food goods to contribute to ACTS.

From Rev. Blackwell – approval of Study Leave from September 10-23, 2018. Participation in John

Philip Newell’s pilgrimage to Iona.

MARCH 2018 BUDGET REPORT TO SESSION – 2018 Budgeted Amount needed each month is $20,400. The

amount received (pledges and collection) in March was $21,915.23 or 107.43% of budget. YTD (year to date):

amounts received net of expenses for first quarter 2018 were $6,702.21, which is approximately 10% below budget.

SPRING STATED MEETING OF THE SAVANNAH PRESBYTERY – will be held Tuesday, May 22 from

9:00 – 3:00 at Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church, 12965 Highway 144 East, Richmond Hill, GA. Nan LoBue and/

or Lynda Webb have agreed to attend as Elder Commissioner along with Rev. Blackwell.

ENGAGE FPC in MAY - will feature Elder Brett Curry describing the newly approved Legacy Endowment policy

that establishes a Planned Giving Program for our church which will be administered by the Session.

INQUIRER/NEW MEMBER CLASS – Rev. Blackwell is willing to organize a class for anyone inquiring about

the Christian faith and an interest in the Presbyterian Church.

HOME COMMUNION TRAINING FOR ELDERS – ALL interested elders (once an elder -- always an elder) are

invited to learn how to administer Home Communion from Rev. Blackwell. This is an important caring ministry for

those who are unable to attend worship.

2017 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CHURCH – is being prepared by the Session. It is expected to be finalized at

the May 6th meeting.


FPC News

ACTS Shopping List

cereal

dry milk

cans of meat (no fish)

peanut butter

cans of soup, chili

cans of fruit, vegetables

easy open ready meals

Flowers Speak Without Words

Placing flowers in worship is a wonderful way

to celebrate special occasions and to honor or

remember loved ones.

If you would like to reserve

a Sunday, you may do so by

signing up on the flower

chart located outside the

church office, or call (912)

681-2053. The cost of flow-

ers is $50. Please make

checks payable to ’First

Presbyterian Church’ and note ’flowers’

Traci Presley 5/01

Jamie Copeland 5/03

Beverly Presley 5/05

Beverly Womack 5/05

Alyssa Allen 5/07

Lois Roberts 5/07

Dick Burnett 5/08

Landrey Copeland 5/08

Katie Bigley 5/09

Durelle Tuggle 5/09

Nancy Brown 5/10

Annette Smith 5/12

Edward Dennis III 5/13

Jill Gerig 5/13

Eleanor Hutchinson 5/13

Matthew Humphrey 5/14

Del Presley 5/16

Haley Parrish 5/17

Charlotte Wynn 5/17

Chris Connell 5/20

Jean Burnett 5/26

Jamie Nevil III 5/26

Steve Cauley 5/28

Charlene Mann 5/28

Rachel Nevil 5/29

Bill Barnes, Sara Bennett, Gayle Gunter, Susan Gunter, Harriet Hair, Diane Herndon on

the death of her mother Ahmetta Deloach Harville, Sandy Newell, Margie Pevey-

Shuman, Margie Pevey-Shuman’s daughter Sonja Deaton on her recovery from an in-

fection and the death of her husband Glenn Deaton, Del Presley, Sammy Rodriguez, Pat

Shelburne, Valerie Thomas, Genie Ward, Service men & women.

Page 11

Church Staff

Interim Pastor: Rebecca Blackwell

Christian Education Director: Susan Parrish

Youth Director: Jamie Copeland

Music Director: Allen Henderson

Organists: Duke Miles & Glenn Haynes

Office Administrator: June Bryant-Hackle

2018 Ruling Elders

Clerk of Session: Lois Roberts (18)

Administration Committee: Brett Curry (19) & Andrew Allen (20)

Christian Education Committee: Stacey Basquin (20)

Facilities Committee: Brian Feltman (18)

Mission Committee: Gordon Smith (18) & Lynda Webb (20)

Pastoral Care Committee: Frank McDonald (19) & Charlotte Wynn (20)

Worship Committee: Nan LoBue (18) & Ann Henderson (19)

Presbyterian Women

Moderator: Annette Smith

Secretary & Treasurer: Debi Franklin

Special Projects: Katie Olson

FPC Staff & Leadership


First Presbyterian Church 1215 Fair Road

Statesboro, Georgia 30458

Find us on facebook!

First Presbyterian Church

1215 Fair Road

Statesboro, Georgia 30458

Phone: 912-681-2053 ~ Fax: 912-681-2399

[email protected] ~ www.fpcstatesboro.org

Mission Statement

The mission of the First Presbyterian Church of Statesboro, Georgia

is to be a Christ-centered family of believers called and committed to worship-

ping, growing spiritually, and sharing God’s love and grace.

Documents

The First Newsfpcstatesboro.org/uploads/3/5/0/9/35091628/may2018newsletter.pdf · The First News First Presbyterian Church May, 2018 From Your Pastor It’s hard to believe, but another