May 13, 2015 • Volume 30, No. 09

Patience. All of us knowwhat a virtue patience can be.St. Augustine said, “Patience isthe companion of wisdom.”The Apostle Paul descr ibedpatience as a fruit of the Spiritin the Letter to the Galatians.St. Frances de Sales, the pictureof Godly wisdom, said, “Bepatient with everyone, but

above all with yourself. I mean, do not be disturbedbecause of your imperfections, and always rise up bravelyfrom a fall.” No one matures without learning the oftenpainful lessons that only come through patience. DagHammarskjold counseled, “Be patient toward all that isunresolved in your own heart.”

But today, I am thinking about patience as an attributeof God. As I look back over my own life, part of what Ihave to admit and admire is how very patient God hasbeen with me. I suspect that many of you might well saythe same. God grants human beings the time and spaceneeded to live into a wide array of futures that the Lordgraciously offers. None of us figure out with clarity whowe are supposed to be from the start. We often findourselves bewildered about the shape and direction of ourlives. None of us receive ourselves as finished products.Rather, we are always becoming, often through themistakes we make and the times we fail as much as fromour successes and achievements. In one sense, to be trulyhuman is to recognize that we are always becoming, andwhat we are becoming is not always clear or distinct. Thismeans that God is patient with us, working with us tobecome who and what we are supposed, or intended, tobe. Jonah was a reluctant prophet, not at all pleased with

what God was calling him to do with his life. At one point,he cr ied out, “I knew that you are a gracious andcompassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love,and ready to relent from punishing.” (Jonah 4:2) Jonah didnot make up these words about the God of Israel, theCreator of heaven and earth. He learned of them fromthose who went before him, as these formulaic wordsabout God appear in the Old Testament no less than tentimes. In other words, God is willing to work with us,precisely because the Lord is “slow to anger and aboundingin steadfast love.” More than that, Jonah says that God iswilling to change mind and heart in order to accomplishin us what is His will for us. God is a patient God.

God wants our lives to be more interesting, morepassionate, more beautiful, more adventurous andflourishing than we can imagine them to be. To this end,God waits, now, for us to make good on God’s immensepatience, expecting a future more wonderful and abundantthan we could ever bring about for ourselves. So givethanks this day that the Lord is patient, and pray that wewill grow in response to God’s loving, redeeming, patientways with us.

With Love and Prayers,

My Dear Friends,

Todd JonesPastor

First Presbyterian Church

First Editionpublished bi-weekly for the friends and members of the church

The Mission of First Presbyterian Church, NashvilleTo know Christ, to make Him known and to exhibit His love

through worship, education and service.

SympathyThe First Presbyterian Church family extends

prayers and sympathy to the following during theirtime of loss.

Sympathy to the friends and family of Henry Cobb,who died on March 25.

Mitch Israel & Alice Christian on the death of Mitch’smother, Barbara McLain Israel, who died on April 21.

Tony & Cindy Stanley on the death of their son,Michael Anthony Stanley, who died on April 23.Sympathy to Caroline & William Stanley.

If any member of the church desires the Christian support of aStephen Minister, contact Sandra Randleman (615-298-9502).

The Sacrament of BaptismIn the presence of family, the congregation of

First Presbyterian Church and God, the followingpersons claimed God’s covenant promise throu ghthe Sacrament of Baptism.

Emma Katharine Cloud, Thomas Mackenzie Lee,Liliana Claire Morrison and Emily Grace Neely werebaptized on April 26. Assisting Elder was Nathan Brandon.

Lauren & Matt Hancock presented their son,Sims Forrest Hancock, for baptism on May 3. AssistingElder was Stuart Campbell.

Dorothy & Travis Holland presented their son,Boone Curry Holland, for baptism on May 3. AssistingElder was Robert Holland.

Holy CommunionHoly Communion will be observed on Sunday,

May 17, at the 8:30 A.M., 11:00 A.M. and 5:30 P.M.worship services. Prepare your hearts to celebrate thissign of Christ’s love. KIRKIN SUNDAY

MAY 24, 2015

Sermon“I’m So Happy To Be Alive!”

Scripture ReadingsEzekiel 37:1-14

II Corinthians 5:16-17Acts 2:1-4

The Rev. Dr. William Carl IIIPresident of PittsburghTheological Seminary

YOUTH SUNDAYMAY 17, 2015

Sermon“Wors That Give Life”

Scripture ReadingsActs 1:15-26John 17:6-19

Todd JonesPastor

Women’s Summer StudyMax Lucado’s Before AmenWednesday mornings, 9:30-11:00 A.M.

in the Cheek House Living Room.June 10 - July 29

Led by Laura Coyle and Friends. For moreinformation, contact Betsy Davies at

615-377-3048. Books available atWelcome Desk or download digitally.

Please note thatthe church officeswill be closed onMonday, May 25,in observance ofMemorial Day!

Mickey Fitts Linda Tarkington Lauren Wilson

Meet the Leaders of The Grace Class: Our Grace teachers answer tough life questions that onlyfive and six year olds can ask. And they make learning funthrough art responses like making sheep masks to help thechildren remember that Jacob took care of sheep.

Our five and six year olds meet each week to explore God’s word in fun, spiritual ways. Asthey gather in their worship circle, they pray for each other and name those children who areabsent that week. Their worship cloth also names the people who have visited the class as partof their Milestone Celebration-Reaching Out Together.

This group of children loves to create and build. Blocks are often used to create Jerusalem orBethlehem. They draw stories and remember biblical stories through art.

Mission Camp AnnouncesAgencies to Serve in July

During Mission Camp, children and adults willwork side-by-side in the local community, servingthose in need in Christ’s name. Adults come alongsidethe children to guide them in ministry, showing themhow to put their faith into action and helping themas they seek to understand and response to thecomplex issues of poverty, hunger, aging and illiteracy.

Mission Camp is excited to be partnering withseveral agencies in Nashville to show God’s love tothose in need.

• A group of tweens will partner with children atPreston Taylor Ministries for fellowship, literacypractice and fun.

• A group of tweens will visit with and learn fromresidents at The Cumberland, an assisted living center.

• A group of tweens will learn about the causes ofhunger and learn the process of food production fromfield to table. They will participate in food rescue, visitSecond Harvest, help serve the Wednesday meal atDowntown Presbyterian Church and bag a ton ofrice into two-pound bags to be distributed at localfood pantries.

• A group of tweens will experience poverty andwork to bring smiles to the faces of those residentswho receive Meals on Wheels through The MarthaO’Bryan Center.

We need campers to join us for these wonderfulopportunities of service and life change. Share thedate with all the tweens you know who are enteringgrades 4, 5, and 6 so they can join us as we are thehands and feet of Jesus in the world. We welcomechildren from the community and people of all faithsto work with us. Registration Deadline is June 1, soact now and register on the church webpage.

First Friends’ May ActivitesMay 17, 12:00 p.m. Sunday Lunch

Southside Grill, Nolensville Road.RSVP by May 15.

May 21, 12:00 p.m. ThursdayLuncheon/Program

“Celebrating Our Own Captain Jerry Neal.” RSVP by May 18.Sandwich, salad bar and dessert, $6.

May’s Luncheon/Program hascome to be a special event for FirstFriends, for it is the month wecelebrate and honor one of ourown who has served our country.This year’s honoree is CaptainJerome (Jerry) B. Neal.

Jerry was born in 1920 in KansasCity, Missouri. Surviving the GreatDust Bowl and the GreatDepression, he volunteered forWWII and was trained as a pilotwith the U.S. Army Air Force. Hebecame a combat heavy bomberpilot, flying missions over Europe. His plane crashed on D-Day,some crew members were killed, but Jerry lived to tell us about it.He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medalwith five Oak Clusters. He served in the military 15 years. Uponleaving, he joined Honeywell and then formed his own business.

Jerry is married to Camilla; they have two children and threegrandchildren. Jerry and Cam are active in First Friends, as well asmany other church events.

Watch for “Traveling Tennessee’s Crossroads”We have seen them on television and wished we could visit

them, and now for the next several months, First Friends will begoing to one of the destinations. Plan to join the fun.

November 2-6: Natchez TripDon’t let this once-in-a lifetime opportunity pass you by. See

Natchez up close! $100 deposit due June 1.

Are you on Twitter? If so, thenfollow @fpcnashville!

twitter.com/FPCNashville

Are you interested in what’shappening at FPC? Followus on Facebook to find out!

Kirkin of the Tartan Sunday School Festival, May 24It’s one of the most popular worship services of the year: Kirkin of the Tartan. First

Presbyterian celebrates the Scottish roots of our church each year onMemorial Day weekend, which this year falls on May 24. And to

add to the celebration this year, all ages are invited to gatherin Courtenay Hall during the Sunday School hour for aKirkin of the Tartan Sunday School Festival!

Shona Wood and Sloan Rogers will demonstrateScottish dancing, Margaret Walker will teach a littleScottish dancing to anyone who is game, Nick Berginwill lead bagpiping, Kim Rogers will provide homemadeshortbread, and Adam DeVries and Stuart Gordon willlead silly games that include a quiz on all thingsScottish and “Is it a bagpipe?” There also will

be a thoroughly-though-not-stodgily-educational presentation by Bill Caruso on

“How the Scots Invented the Modern World.”The Kirkin of the Tartan Sunday School

Festival will be held between the worship services on Memorial Dayweekend, beginning at 9:50 A.M. in Courtenay Hall.

POOL HOURS

Monday–Friday: 4:00-7:00 P.M.Saturday: 10:00 am-4:00 P.M.Sunday: 12:00 pm-4:00 P.M.

Open Memorial Day weekend. Cost is $195 for afamily up to 6. Two guests per family allowed.

$35 for each additional person.A lifeguard is always present.

Contact (615-298-9583 or recreation@fpcnashville.org) for more information.

Dr. William Carl to Preach at theKirkin of the Tartan

First Presbyterian Church celebrates its Scottishroots at the annual Kirkin of the Tartan onSunday, May 24. The Rev. Dr. William Carl III,President of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, willbe our guest preacher at the 8:30 and 11:00 A.M.

worship services. Between services at 9:50, the congregation will enjoyScottish dancing, bagpipes, homemade shortbread and games.

Dr. Carl, the seminary’s fifth president, is also professor ofhomiletics. He served as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Dallas,Texas, a position he held for 22 years. Carl earned a bachelor’s degreefrom the University of Tulsa, an M.Div. from Louisville PresbyterianTheological Seminary where he was a Patterson Fellow in NewTestament Greek, and a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh. Hewas ordained in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in 1973. Dr. Carl isan ethics consultant to major corporations as well as Duke UniversityMedical Center and Organ Transport Systems, a position he has heldfor 15 years.

Dr. Carl has published eight books (two of which have beentranslated into Korean) and more than 75 scholarly articles andreviews. He also lectures on the brain at medical schools andconferences. Carl is married to Jane.

Join the congregation of First Presbyterian Church as we welcomeWilliam Carl to the pulpit and celebrate the vivid sights, rich soundsand sacred worship of the Kirkin.

Name: Email:

Address:

Phone Number: Voice Part (if known):

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5: 19-20)

Circle One Ladies Give Hope and Receive AwardOn Friday, April 17, Presbyterian Women’s Circle One was presented a “Nashville Rescue Mission Volunteer Hero Award.”

In a letter from Glenn Cranfield, President/CEO of the Nashville Rescue Mission stated, “Your dedication serving theMission for over five years has not gone unnoticed, especially in the library areas. Congratulations on such a great honor! Oneof the Mission’s Core Values is creating a Culture of Honor.”

Circle One ladies have faithfully organized, purchased and filed donated books for the central library at the Hope Centerfor Women. In fact, the circle and the center accumulated so many books, that three more libraries were opened in thebuilding. The women of the circle catalogue,organize and file all of the books in the fourlibraries. Various members volunteer in the librariesabout every six weeks, plus host a Bingo party anda Sing-A-Long twice a year. The circle’s libraryactivities at the Hope Center are provided underthe direction of circle member Judy Eichman, aformer public school librarian who is also amember of Circle One.

Faithful members of Circle One who were notable to attend the Award’s Luncheon are NancyAlexander, Betsy Davies, Dolores Dennard, CamilleFohl, Helen Gallimore, Joan Johnson, MarjorieMiller, Ellie Pelaez, Pam Shampain, Dee Stone,Alix Stricklin and Susan Wall.

Ten of the Circle One members were able to attend —Back Row: Felicia Gates, Diane Becker, Judy Eichman,Judy Fincannon, Dawn Wylie, Virginia, Vicki Sells.Front Row: Diane English, Nancy Eason, Bekah.

FPC Music Ministry invites you to sing inone of the following choirs:Sanctuary Choir — Sings for 11:00 A.M. worship service.

Sanctuary Chorale — Sings for the 8:30 A.M. worship service.

Parish Choir — Sings a few times a year with limited rehearsal time.

Young Adult Choir — “New” for this year. They will sing a few times a year withlimited rehearsal time.

Raphael Bundage, Director of Music • Nicholas Bergin, OrganistPlease fill out the form below and return to Daphne Garey in the Music Departmentor contact her (615-298-9517 or dgarey@fpcnashville.org) for more information.

NONPROFIT ORGU S POSTAGE

P A I DNASHVILLE, TNPERMIT NO. 27

Dated church materialPlease deliver by May 16, 2015

4815 Franklin Pike ■ Nashville, TN 37220

First Presbyterian Church4815 Franklin PikeNashville, Tennessee 37220www.fpcnashville.orgfacebook.com/fpcnashville

PastorsTodd JonesPastor

Sam CooperExecutive Pastor

Adam DeVriesAssociate Pastor to Youth& Their Families

Mark DeVriesAssociate Pastor forNew Ministries

Stuart GordonAssociate Pastor for Discipleship

Keith GunterAssociate Pastor for NewChurch Development

Sandra RandlemanAssociate Pastor forCongregational Care & Missions

Program StaffRaphael BundageDirector of Music

Brenda GeiseOlder Adult MinistryCoordinator

Letitia GreenDirector of Recreation

Patricia HeimMissions Coordinator

Ashley HigginsDirector of Young Adult &High School Ministries

Susan KirbyWorship Coordinator

Michelle MangumDirector of Communications

Deb O’BrienDirector of Children’s Ministry

AdministrationGinny BarberAdministrative Assistant

Cindy BozmanFinance Manager

Lynn ElliottExecutive Assistant

Karen FittsNursery Coordinator

Zonia NunleyProperty Manager

Kim RogersFood Service

SchoolsJennifer HinoteHead of School, Oak Hill School

Brenda LutzDirector, FPC Early Preschool

Youth HappeningsSunday School, May 17 & 24: Grades 7-12

will meet in The Gathering Place at 9:40 andthen meet for Sunday School as grade levelgroups.

For Summer Missions and Trips and YouthSummer Camps, see our full page spreadinside this newsletter.

Questions or changes to your contact information,contact Ginger, Erika or Miller (615-298-9570 oryouth@fpcnashville.org).

sunday evening worship at fpcThe Gathering Place @ 5:3O p.m.