Vision Statement 2015
Click here for the complete statement.
Vision 2015 - Revisited
A four page questionnaire outlined the four sections of the vision, updated the progress in each area, mentioned some things that still need attention and then asked a series of questions for response. The answers to these questions will inform the Session on how to move forward in working on the remainder of the Vision goals. The Pastor Nominating Committee will also use the information to help them form a vision for an incoming pastor. As you can see, the more information that can be gathered, the more help it will be in moving forward.
If you are interested in completing the questionnaire you may find a copy by following the link provided. There will be boxes at the entrances to the sanctuary where you can turn them in. Click here for the Vision Questionnaire.
Lectionary Bible Study
Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. - noon in the Church Parlor
The Lectionary Bible Study is held weekly in the church library.
Spring Salad Luncheon
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - Litten Fellowship Hall
The annual Spring Salad Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, May 16. Workers are needed for Tuesday, May 15 in the morning, as well as on Wednesday. Donations of salads and cookies are also needed. If you would like to help with this FUNdraiser, you are always welcome! Bring your friends and come down for a wonderful lunch!
Graduation Sunday
Sunday, May 20, 2012, 10:00 a.m. - Sanctuary
May 20th is Graduation Sunday here at First Church, when we honor those who have successfully completed some phase of their educational careers. We give thanks to God for blessing our church family with these gifted people.
Pentecost Offering
Sunday, May 27, 2012, 10:00 a.m. - Sanctuary
Each year on Pentecost Sunday, we still celebrate the coming of the Spirit who empowers followers of Jesus Christ to proclaim the transforming, redeeming love of God that makes the impossible possible. When you give to the Pentecost Offering, you help bring that love to children at risk, guide and nurture young people's growing faith and provide opportunities for young adults to become spiritual leaders - all in the name of Jesus Christ. Forty percent of the offering will be used to help youth at risk in our neighborhood.
Covenant Gathering 2012
Sunday, July 1 - Friday, 6, 2012 - Michindoh Conference Center
Covenant Gathering is a little bit conference, a little bit vacation, and a little bit church camp with facilities for all abilities!
Your day at Covenant Gathering will be rich in worship, study, mission and time to enjoy the community of Christians. Covenant Gathering will give you about 6 hours of class time per course, depending on what classes you choose. You're able to take two different classes if you’d like — select one for yourself, and one to take back to your church! Most regular classes — with some exceptions — will meet in the morning. Shorter term learning activities may be part of optional afternoon and evening programming, depending on the gifts and interests brought by members of the community each year!
For more information check out: Covenant Gathering and Michindoh Conference
Vacation Bible School
Sunday, August 5 - Wednesday, August 8, 2012, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
A simple dinner will be provided each night from 6:00-6:30 p.m. This year's VBS, another intergenerational offering for toddlers, children, youth and adults, will be having "Adventures of Promise Island!" VBS fun for toddlers, children and youth, and a great Bible study for adults! Put these dates on your calendar now so you don't miss it.
Adult Mission Trip to Israel
January 24-February 2, 2013
An adult mission trip is being planned. An itinerary and additional information for the trip will be available soon in the form of a brochure. An experienced traveler and group leader, Pastor Anne is organizing the pilgrimage along with Carol Wallace, chair of the Mission Committee. Friends and family are welcome.
LOCAL MISSIONS AND MINISTRIES
Mission Committee - Servants and Service Program
The Mission Committee is starting a new venture to serve members and others in the community. A table, during coffee hour, will be staffed with Mission Committee members and supply information about local, national and international mission opportunities. We will be looking for interested people who would like to serve in some capacity, through the church and to the local, national and international communities.
The hope is to link projects and learning opportunities to people who are interested in information and/or serving.
Another opportunity includes people from our own congregation who need a little help now and then. Remember the song lyrics…”I get by with a little help from my friends…?” Well, we intend to be that help and be those friends! At the new Mission Table, we will keep a listing of “community-based projects.” These projects will come from within our own community and be available for small groups and/or individuals to serve by meeting those needs.
Two-Cents-A-Meal or Cents-ability
Cents-ability is a step against hunger and poverty. Contribute two cents per person per meal as an expression of thanksgiving. One hundred persons in a congregation would raise $180 a month and $2,160 a year for food bank and hunger programs.
Fair Trade Coffee
The Presbyterian Coffee Project helps small-scale farmers in Latin America, Africa, Asia and the U.S. as they build a better future for themselves and their families. Through the project, farmers earn a fair price for their products, have access to affordable credit, and gain a long-term trading partner they can trust - a Fair Trade Organization called Equal Exchange. With your support, these communities invest in education, health care, and agricultural improvements. Fair Trade coffee is served at all church functions.
Card Ministry
Postage Stamps Needed!
(This ministry supports our friends in Christ unable to attend worship.) Our faithful “Card Lady” needs some assistance. She has plenty of cards but could use donations of first class postage stamps to mail cards to members of the church family who are mostly home-bound. If you can spare some stamps, please bring them to the church office, marked “Card Lady.” Thank you!
Food Bank Special Needs:
Stovetop Stuffing mix, Jello (pudding or gelatin), 15-oz. cans of peas, beets and carrots, large cans or bottles of orange, apple, grape and berry juices, regular size brown paper bags - drop off at West entrance in marked bins. Cash and checks are also appreciated. Make checks out to First Presbyterian Church with the notation, "Food Bank."
Labels for Education
Collect the wrappers or caps of Campbell products and drop in the receptacles at the West entrance.
Empties-4-Cash
This program earns money from recycling printer cartridges to support youth mission trips. Receptacles are at the West entrance.
PC(USA) Website for Children - Kids 4 Kids
Did you know that the PC(USA) has a website designed specifically for young children? The ministry of Child Advocacy has just launched a new design of Kids 4 Kids. This colorful, interactive and educational site is suitable for ages 8 to 12 and is designed to empower children on behalf of other children. The site features stories, games and a tool kit where children can learn about other ministries of the PC(USA). To visit the site: Kids 4 Kids.Holiday Baskets
Christmas and Thanksgiving Food Baskets
First Church provided 100 Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets for local familis.
Heifer Project
You can support this program by providing opportunities for your child to earn money around the house that they can donate to this very worthy cause. Thank you!
Visioning 2015
Education
Hospitality and Inclusiveness
Caring for Members
Supporting Mission
Four key ministry areas have been identified which have developed into four workgroups for study and recommendation to the congregation. The four Visioning Teams are Education, Hospitality and Inclusiveness, Member Care and Supporting Mission. Details to follow.