fpco columns december 2008

8/14/2019 FPCO Columns December 2008

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GOD

e m m a n u e l

Vol 48, #12 December, 2008


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Now He has promised, Once more I will shake not only theearth but also the heavens. The words once more indicate theremoving of what can be shaken that is, created things sothat what cannot be shaken may remain. Hebrews 12:26-27

Christmas is going to be different this year. For the pasttwo months, this is the refrain that I have heard over andover again from a variety of sources. The retail industry has been proclaiming it. Sales are going to be lower than last yearand perhaps lower than they have been in quite some time.Businesses have been proclaiming it, telling their employeesnot to expect the same year-end bonuses as in years past. Somehave even said no to the traditional ofce party. It appearsthat the primary guest this holiday season is our old friend, Mr.Scrooge.

Without question, this Christmas will be different, but my prayer is that it will be different for reasons other than what were being told. Yes, we are living in an economic seasonthat has created anxiety, lost jobs, lost wages, lost tempers,and a lot of people who have lost their way. Even for the mostfaithful person, it IS stressful. Its hard. However, I believethat God will use it to bring us back to those things in life thattruly matter the things in life that make a difference thethings in life that last.

Thats what the author of Hebrews is getting at in the textprinted above. God will often take the shakable things of this

world and shake them so that only the unshakable remains.For many of us, thats how we feel. Shaken. Rattled by ourcircumstances. Even so, it is the very thing that God uses tofocus us on what matters, and perhaps this Christmas, morepeople will wander into church and actually listen instead of considering it a perfunctory, once-a-year performance. Perhapsthis year, Christmas will be different in that people will be truly seeking answers to the uncertainty they feel. Perhaps this year,Christmas will be different because people will nally grasp that

what took place in a manger 2000 years ago is the unshakableand eternal Savior of the world.

You can be a part of that, too. More than any other time inrecent memory, people are receptive to nurture and care. Pay

attention to those around you. Take note of those who seemparticularly down or anxious and invite them to be a part of our Advent season. Remember, too, that we will spend January through March digging deeper into these very issues as weembark on a church-wide sermon series and Bible study calledThe Economy of God. Make that a priority. Call the ofce andcommit to being in a small group for those ten weeks. I believethe Lord will use this study to nurture and teach us where wemost need it and where we are often most vulnerable.

I truly believe that Christmas WILL be different this yearas we open ourselves to the sufciency of His love and grace inall things. May the joy of the infant Christ ll your hearts this Advent, and I remain

Under His Mercy,

David

ON THE WAYwith Dr. David D. SwansonDear FPCO Family and Friends,


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Downtown Orlando churches unite to support men, women and children withouta home. Church leaders will train with professional dancers and compete towin Best Moves. Dance to the music of Michael Andrew and Swingerhead. Allproceeds benet the Orlando homeless community.

For more information contact Marnie Waldrop at 407-428-6265 or [email protected] Justin Ramb at 407-839-8599 or [email protected]

Who will win the title?Pastor William Andrews, Heart of Mercy Community Church of the NazareneDean Anthony Clark, Cathedral Church of Saint LukeDr. Gary Spencer, First United Methodist of OrlandoDr. David Swanson, First Presbyterian Church of OrlandoFather Scott Circe, St. James Catholic Cathedral

Enjoy a night of dancing, live music and entertainment !Benet for the homeless

Friday, February 20, 2009 6:30 pm 11 pmThe Ballroom at Church Streetwww.dancingwiththepastors.com

S a v e t h e D a t e


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WHAT DO STEPHENMINISTERS DO?

STEPHEN MINISTERS

WHO ARE:

TAMMAS SMITH AT 407.423.3441 x1455

Stephen MinistryBy Tammas Smith; Director of Pastoral Care

Every day you see people who are hurting: those who

have lost a job, lost a loved one, gone through a divorce, or

are battling a terminal illness. Stephen Ministers are Godsrepresentatives who bring His love to those who are hurting.

God is waiting to make a difference in their lives through

you!

When was the last time someone really listened to you?

Were talking about that undistracted, full attention kind of

listening. Thats one of the ways Stephen Ministers care for

others. They bring distinctively Christian care to those in

need. They use both words and deeds to express Christs care

for others-listening and comforting, calling on the training

they have received and employing the tools of faith. If this

job description ts your personal goals for ministry, consider

becoming a Stephen Minister.

Stephen Ministers work alongside our pastors to care,

encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support

to people who are going through a difcult time, such as

divorce, grief, hospitalization, unemployment, terminal

illness, relocation, chronic illness, or loneliness.

Stephen Ministry is a 2 year commitment. A training

class will begin in January 2009. This 50 hour course teaches

such topics as The Art of Listening, Distinctly Christian Care,

Assertiveness, Crisis Theory, Boundaries, Condentiality

as well as How to Ministry to Those Experiencing Grief or

Depression.

If you want to nd out more about how you can be

involved in this one-to-one caregiving ministry, contact

Tammas Smith, Director of Pastoral Care at 407.423.3441

x1455 or [email protected].


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I recently asked a friend of mine from Baton Rouge, LA what the greatest need was to help them recover from the recenthurricanes they have been facing. His answer was

quick and condent. Chainsaws! he exclaimed.The ooding hasnt been the problem as muchas the uprooted trees. Theyre everywhere! hecontinued. He went on to explain how the deep rooted trees areas strong and immovableas ever, but the trees with ashallow root system wereuprooted and are allover the place.

If all of the treeshad been deeply rooted, then roads would nothave been b l o c k e dand roofs w o u l dnot have b e e nsmashed. Instead, the shallow rooted

trees created major problems and chaosensued. Isnt the same true for us asChristians? Colossians 2:7 advises usto let your roots grow down into Him,and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you weretaught. As Christians, we are called tohave deep roots that can withstandagainst the winds of sin andtemptation. If not, then we become like the shallow rooted

trees of Louisiana; easy touproot, causing many problemsand leaving our lives in chaos.

This is why the theme of this years Disciple Now isRooted. Over 300 students and100 volunteers are expectedto join us January 16-18, 2009 as we explore whatit means to let our roots grow down into Him as Colossians

2:7 describes. To be deeply rooted in Christ is to live a life of character and integrity. A life that stands strong and anchoredagainst the many swirling winds of the enemy. In this years

D Now, we want our students to evaluate who they are inthe face of temptation and how they respond when the wrong

way to go is the easy way to go. Then we want topaint a picture of what it looks like to be

deeply rooted in Christ and to haveour lives built on Him.

We fully expect thisDisciple Now to

not only be our biggest o

to date, butalso our best, a we woulove nothing

more than for you to partner

with us in pulling itoff. Hundreds of middle

school and high schoolstudents will gather

in homes all overthe Orlando area tohang out together,

break bread together,and explore the

theme Rooted together. If you would enjoy having a group of

8-12 students stay in your home for a weekend or would enjoy providing ameal for one of these groups, please

contact Rachael Aldrich in the Student

Ministry ofce by phone or by e-mail [email protected] for more details. If

not, please join us in prayer for thisincredible event.

January 16-18, 2009 issetting up to be a weekend

full of victories for ChristsKingdom. May we each aspire to be

Christians that are deeply rooted in Him.

Disciple Now: RootedBy Jonathan Christian, Student Ministry


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GODe m m a n u e l

Christmas Eve Childcare For Birth Through Pre-K Ages ONLY5:00pm Family Christmas Eve Service Childcare provided doors open at 4:15pm 1st oor of CLC8:00pm Traditional Christmas Eve Service Childcare provided doors open at 7:15pm 1st oor of CLC

No Childcare for 10:00pm service

Give The Gift of Music This Christmas Season! Emmanuel! God is With Us is the latest CD featuring the choirs, orchestra and soloists of FPCO!

The music on Emmanuel! is a beautiful mixture of classical Christmas arrangements which includesthe powerful Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence , several Christmas vocal jazz pieces including a settingof O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella, two incredible works by our Composer in Residence George Atwell: Fly! and In the Bleak Midwinter which features DavidMcCutcheon, and the ever popular O Holy Night performed by Jossie Perez. This is a Christmas CDthat is sure to help make your Christmas season beautiful. CDs are available at www.fpco.org/recordingsand at the 2008 Rejoice! concerts on December 12 and 13. For more information, please contact GlendaMorgan at 407.423.3441 x1272.

O!s

sda


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Rejoice!

Dinner Craft

Family Christmas Celebration on Sale NowJoin Childrens Ministry as they celebrate Christmas with the annual Family Christmas Celebration. This year they will partner with the Worship Arts Ministry and the Rejoice! concert. Families will come together and enjoy dinner and craft in the Lee Fellowship Hall onDecember 13 at 5:45pm, and will then attend the Rejoice! concert, with premium seating. Tickets have been reduced to $15 per personand include a concert ticket, dinner and the keepsake craft. Purchase tickets online at www.fpco.org/register or call Stacey Kirk for more

information at 407.423.3441 x1480.


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GODe m m a n u e l

RejoRejoice! Tickets on Sale Now

On Friday and Saturday December 12 & 13, you are all invited to bring your family and friends to Rejoice! Emmanuel God is With Us .This is a wonderful celebration of the birth of Jesus! Tickets are $15 each and are now available for purchase at www.fpco.org/register.

For more information, please contact Glenda Morgan, in the Worship Arts ofce at 407.423.3441 x1272.


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WAYS TO GIVE AT YEAR-EN

Save The Date:

Sunday School Chili Cook-Off Sunday, January 18, 20092 - 4pmUnder the Angel Wing

This event is sponsored by the Adult Education Sunday morning classes and they will competefor the best chili, with the pastoral staff judging. Come sample the chili offerings and enjoybeverages, cornbread and brownies provided by Lackmann Culinary Services

Tithes Tithes can be given as part of Sunday morning worship, or by mail to our Finance Ofce.

OfferingsDesignate a special offering to any ministry at FirstPresbyterian Church of Orlando.

Immeasurably More CampaignChoose to pay off the churchs long-term debt,tithe 10% of all campaign funds to selected missionpartners, or to pursue 10 key vision initiatives, orcontribute to the Immeasurably More campaign.

eGivingSet up automatic payments each month from either your bank account or credit card. http://www.fpco.org/InsideFPCO/Giving

Memorial GiftsMake a gift to the church in lieu of owers, or tohonor the memory of a loved one.

Heart of the City FoundationEstablish an endowment within the Heart of the City Foundation for college or seminary scholarships, building maintenance, on-campusmissions, and special mission projects.

Estate Planning ResourcesMake a signicant gift and Include First PresbyterianChurch of Orlando or the heart of the City Foundation in estate planning.

To give go to: www.fpco.org/ InsideFPCO/GivingTo nd out more about how you can contribute, contact Dr.

Keith Wright, Executive Pastor at 407.423.3441 x 1459


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CONNECTING FAMILIES!By Stephanie Mixner, Worship Arts Ministry

Connecting families to music, to each other, and to the FPCO church community.

FPCOs MusikGarten program serves as an outreachministry of Worship Arts. We offer weekly parent/child classesto the community (members and non-members alike) duringFall, Spring, and Summer semesters. We also provide musicclass for both the Infant Child Care Center and Little School,two of three FPCO on-campus preschools.

Worship Arts has provided music class for ICCC andLittle School for the past 4 years, and it has been a wonderfulexperience to partner with the leaders and teachers of thoseschools! We have bridged the gap and created invaluablerelationships between classroom teachers and music teachers,as well as between music teachers and children.

A parent/child class involves the parent(s) or caregiver(s)attending music class with their child. It sounds simple, butthe process results in each family connecting to music in aneducational but fun way, connecting family members to eachother, and connecting families to the FPCO church community.Our classes also incorporate Scripture and prayer time intomusic class! Most recently, 63% of our Fall 2008 weekly parent/

child classes were made of families who were not members,nor attended FPCO. Our hope is that each family involved inMusikGarten will feel welcome to join our church family andnd another way to plug into the FPCO community.

What are the parents saying?...

I cant say enough good things about Mr. Wil [Brown] instructing Musikgarten class. My 2 year old son, Hudson, asks every day if it is time to go to his

class because it is his favorite part of our week. Mr.Wil does an amazing job of relating to the children& making music fun. Im not looking forward tothe end of the term when I have to try to rationallyexplain to Hudson that his music class has ended! Heidi Hurst, son Hudson 2 yrs old ~ member

(Hudsons rst music class. Heidis daughter, Hope 4 yrsold, participated for 3 semesters when she was younger.)

My daughter is very active, so at her age, its abit of a challenge to get her to pay attention. Becauseof this, I was a little hesitant to sign up. I can honestlysay that my daughter truly enjoys it, and Im so glad that we decided to join! Miss Dottie [Clendenin] isabsolutely wonderful- so energetic and positive.What an asset to MusikGarten! Our only concern is


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that we cant take her with us once the class comes toan end... We will miss it. Chris Reed, daughter Kaila23 months ~ non-member

(Kailas rst semester here, but also had one semester at aGymboree music class when she was 1 yrs old.)

We of course love Wil [Brown] as our teacher. Heis always energized, and aware of the children and their needs. You can tell he modies things based onthe children and how they are doing. He is respectful to the moms and just so much fun to be around.

Charles has been participating in music classessince he was 6 weeks old. He thoroughly enjoys themusic and instruments. I think this is one of the best programs yet. We are happy to be a part of it! JodiThorp, son Charles 2 yrs old ~ member

(Charles fth semester of music class here at FPCO.)

Glory and I are both enjoying the class. Asshe gets more comfortable (and more mobile) sheventures out more. I can tell that her condencehas increased. Glory just loves music and danceswhenever she hears it.

Ms. Dina [Hernandez] is wonderful. [She is] very sweet and knowledgeable. I love getting tipson how music helps with our childs development. I didnt realize before how important it is to pat yourchild to the beat of the music so that they can develop

rhythm. Rebecca Kirchberg, daughter Glory 13months old ~ non-member

(Glorys rst semester in MusikGarten, but she had one

session of Kindermusik during the summer.)

The semester so far has been great! John hasreally enjoyed each week! I do have to say that DottieClendenin has been a wonderful teacher/leader. I feel really lucky to have been in her class. Amy Mims,son John 18 months old ~ member

(Johns second semester, Amys older daughter, Megan,participated for 3 semesters.)

Whenever we get into the car my daughter asksif she can listen to her new music, and when we driveby the horses, we have to listen to the see the ponygallop song. I think that it makes a big differencethat you take the time to have instructors that are so free spirited and really enjoy teaching the children. Mr. Wil [Brown] has been great. He loves to interact with the children and make each child feel special during the class. Its also pretty neat that he plays

the guitar and is always down at the childrens level when singing (unless of course when we are jumpingor dancing around).

FPCO is doing a great job with their music program. In the hard times that the world is goingthrough now, its nice that there is an affordableoutlet for the parents and children can go to and have fun and is a great learning experience. Thankyou and keep up the good work. We look forward toanother semester with you. Debbie Rich, daughter

Sydney 3 yrs old ~ non-member(Sydney participated in 3 music classes outside of FPCO,

and this is her sixth semester of music class at FPCO!)


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On January 11, 2009the FPCO congregationis in for a treat! BruceJohnson will speak in ourSunday morning servicesabout how we can bettermanage our moneyfor the glory of God.Bruce is the presidentof Make It Remarkable Consulting , and has an

undergraduate degreein accounting from the Universityof Wisconsin and a masters degreefrom Trinity Evangelical Seminary.

Our family rst got to knowBruce when he was pastoring a start-up church just around the cornerfrom our house in Maryland. UnderBruces leadership, this church grewfrom 2 families to over 2000 peopleover 15 years. Once we heard Bruce

preach, we knew why so many peoplewere ocking to this congregationhe has an uncanny ability to unpackbiblical truth and make it immediatelyapplicable in everyday life.

Each year, Bruce would do anancial seminar over four Sundaymornings. We have never seenanything quite like this! As we entered,we received a syllabus that took us

through several passages of Scripture,mixed in some best practicesfrom the eld of nancial planning,and told a bunch of inspirationalstories ... stories of people getting out

of debt ... stories of people being ableto buy a house or send their kids tocollege ... stories of people doublingor tripling their income ... stories ofpeople who were nally able to tithe,and who in the next year were able togive still more ... we were inspired!

Every week, we were sent outwith homework! Karen and I werechallenged to go home, put pencil to

paper, and make decisions to bringour nances more in-line with Godsteaching. We did so, and almostimmediately, saw positive results inour familys nances. We felt freer to

give, more engaged in what God isdoing in the world, and experiencedmonetary and spiritual blessings likenever before.

One outcome from this sermonseries each year was that giving to thechurch Bruce pastored surged. Otherpastors started to take notice of hisunique approach and started to bookBruce to speak in their churches as

GUEST SPEAKER TO LAUNCH

WINTER 09 SERMON SERIES


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well. Bruce would be the rst to tell youthat his primary goal is to help folks geta handle on their nances so that theymight be free to do whatever God callsthem to do. In fact, when I signed thecontract to bring him to FPCO, therewas a requirement that he insistedupon ... that we take the offering beforehe preaches. He doesnt want to comeacross manipulative at all. He saysthis grows out of a deep conviction

he has about his teaching. He wantsto be about what God wants for you,not from you, in the area of Biblicalstewardship.

We encourage you to be sure toattend on January 11 and prepare tobe inspired. Bruces message will kick-off a series called The Economy of God. For the following ten weeks, Dr.Swanson will be preaching on variousaspects of money management from

a Biblical perspective. We will also bepromoting a church-wide Bible studyin homes across the community. Thesesmall group studies will use materialsfrom Crown Ministries that will enableyou to learn more about what Goddesires in your life, as you bringyour nances under the Lordship ofJesus Christ.

The human heart has a very hard time distinguishing between

God and money. One meets all our needs yet is not quite visible, the

other can meet many of our needs but is visible everywhere we look. I

believe thats why Jesus and the scriptures speak so much about the

topic ... until we clearly make money our servant we are in constant

danger of letting it become our master. Craig Poore, Member

REGISTER FOR THE ECONOMY OF GOD CHURCH-

WIDE BIBLE STUDYRegistration is now under way for the winter church-wide Bible study, The Economy

of God. Individual registration is available for those desiring to be a part of this study on

Sunday evenings on the church campus, or existing groups can register to participate

in this study. Sermon series and Bible study begin January 18, 2009! Register at www.

fpco.org/register or go to the Prayer & Spiritual Formation page of our web site for

complete details. Registration tables will be under the Angel Wing December 7, 14,

21 and 28.

REGISTER TO ATTEND THE ECONOMY OF GOD ORIENTATION AND DESSERT HELD ON

JANUARY 11Participating in the winter study, The Economy of God ? Register now to attend the

study orientation and dessert on Sunday night, January 11, 2009 at 6:30pm in Lee

Fellowship Hall. A preview of the study and materials will be highlighted a must if

you will be involved in the study! Register at www.fpco.org/register or go to the Prayer

and Spiritual Formation page of our website for more information.


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NEWS & NOTICESCo-founder of Crown Ministries to Speak DuringSunday School on January 4 All the adult Sunday School classes will meet in the Sanctuary on January 4 to hear Howard Dayton, co-founder of CrownMinistries. Howard founded Crown Ministries in 1985 anddeveloped a remarkably effective small group nancial study.Crown Ministries merged with Larry Burketts ChristianFinancial Concepts in September 2000 to form Crown FinancialMinistries, the worlds largest nancial ministry.

Willing Servants Needed to UsherOne of the most dedicated and consistent ministry teams inservice at our church is the usher team. Some from our grouphave served for over 25 years! Many times our ushers are therst people that a guest arriving on our campus meets, andsometimes, the only person they meet.

With four different services, and two distinct styles of service,our numbers are thin! We want to improve that by adding moresmiling faces. We have a tremendous opportunity to expandthe hospitality that we can offer, but we need more willingservants to do so.

Members of our usher teams serve every other month. They

serve either at the 8:30am service or at the 11:00am service,arriving 30 minutes prior to the service to get their placeassignments and badges. The most important thing they dois making people feel good about being at FPCO. A trainingclass will be offered this fall. Please consider joining us to putmore smiling faces at the doors of FPCO. Call Walt Parks, headusher, at 407.782.2365, or Sharon Brandenburg at FPCO at407.423.3441 x1159 to get more details.

Annual Poinsettia Sale To Be Held on December7 & 14Poinsettias are great holiday gifts for ofce parties, teachersand friends. Help support the William E. Alexander InfantChild Care Center by making a purchase during our AnnualPoinsettia Sale on December 7 and 14 in front of the ClaytonLife Center. Assorted prices and sizes will be available. Foradditional information please contact the Infant Child CareCenter at 407.425.1126.

The Amazing Collection Continues this Winter The Womens Ministry is Excited to offer the continuation

of the Bible study, The Amazing collection. In January, thenext installment, The Kingdom Books, will offer three classsessions. Register now at www.fpco.org/register or go to thePrayer and Spiritual Formation section of the website formore details.

The Christ School Open House Will Be Held onJanuary 13 You are invited to The Christ School Open House, Tuesday,January 13, 2009 at 7 pm. Join us in the Reformation Chapelfor a welcome presentation followed by a campus tour andclassroom visitation. Meet our teachers and staff. Hear

testimonies from current students, alumni and parents.The Christ School serves students in K-8 grades from alldenominations and backgrounds. We are now enrolling for2009. To RSVP and receive additional information, pleasecontact Sharon Darin, Admission Coordinator at 407.849.1665or [email protected].

Stephen Ministry is Recruiting: Give the Very BestPeople are precious, and when they hurt or suffer, they deserve the very best care and support we can offer. Thats why our congregation has Stephen Ministers. Their training,commitment, and service make them the best at providing carefor people who need it. Give your best to God and to others.For more information, contact Tammas Smith in the PastoralCare ofce at 407.423.3441 x1455. The new Stephen Ministry training class will begin in January 2009.

Homeless Ministry Seeks Volunteers forDecember 18On Thursday, December 18, volunteers are needed to help withthe last IDignity event of the year held at the Orlando RescueMission. The IDignity program helps the homeless obtain birthcerticates, IDs, legal counsel and other documents. To serve,

contact Dawn Neff at 407.617.3370 or [email protected].

Womens Cancer Support Group Monthly LunchGatheringsThe Womens Cancer Support Group meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every month in room #340-Edington Ministry Center. A light lunch will be served. In a comfortable andsupportive environment, we will share experiences, pray andcreate friendships. RSVP to Sharon at 407.423.3441 x1159 [email protected]. www.fpco.org/womenscancersupport


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Congratulations to:Erin and Kevin Summer on the birth of their son, Connor DavidSummer, on May 29, 2008.

Melissa and Chuck Price on the birth of their son, CharlieHunter Price, on August 19, 2008.

Kathy and Rick Beuttenmuller on the birth of their daughter,Sarah Kate Beuttenmuller, on October 13, 2008. The proudgrandparents are Louise and Tim Theabo.

Courtney and Robert Milam on the birth of their daughter,Reagan Lavelle Milam, on October 24, 2008. The proudgrandparents are Dawn and Guy Neff.

Alexis Danielle Smith and Carter Pharr Brackett who weremarried October 17, 2008 aboard the Sovereign of the Seas,out of Port Canaveral, Florida. Carter is the son of Cynthia andJoe Brackett, and the grandson of Janet and Walter Pharr.

Mary Louise Garbrick and Jerry Lee Choate who were marriedon November 8, 2008 in Burmingham, Alabama. Mary Louiseis the daughter of Sarah Lou and Murray Garbrick.

David Robert McKinney and Lindsay Erin Opsahl were marriedNovember 1, 2008 in the Sanctuary. Lindsay is the daughter of Theresa and Bart Opsahl.

Sympathy to:Mary Ann and Lowrie Brown on the death of her father, WilliamBill Mount, who died on September 29, 2008. Mr. Mount wasthe grandfather of John (Jennifer) Brown.

The family and friends of Carolyn Porter, who died October 2,2008.

Claire and Luther Shakarji, on the death of his mother, Rosa

Shakarji, who died on October 10, 2008. Anne and Scott Knapp and their children Grace, Jackson andHilary, on the death of Scotts grandmother, Martha B. Knapp, who died on October 8, 2008.

Janet and John Darnaby, on the death of her father, RussellKlein, who died on October 19, 2008. Mr. Klein was thegrandfather of Christy and Cory Broadaway.

Let us all become refugees.Let us leave our native land, our comfortableand sacred placesOur terra rma twice-tamed and twice removed.Our well-worn maps and boulevards carveddeep into accustomed soil.

And let us follow Jesus into the wilderness of

love,Mapless and untouchedLet us become servants to a people and to a land

weve never known.

But we say:The cost is too high. We deserve the Best inlife.Red carpet treatment. Gated communities andgated churches.

Just think who we are.

We are a chosen people, a holy nation,a royal priesthood, a people belonging toGod.

But for a reason beyond ourselves, that we may declare the praises of theOne

who called us out of darkness and into loves

marvelous light!For once, we were no people, but now we areGods people.Once we had not received mercy, but now wehave receivedmercy.

Let us,like Jesus,set aside our crowns; let us leave our status and

comfort behind.Let us pour ourselves out and live as refugees inthisnew, uncharted land.

What Wondrous Love!

Sally Morgenthaler, Exploring Off the MapSubmitted by Donna McClellan

October 08 Giving Snapshot

General Operating Contributions Budgeted Surplus(Decit)October Gifts $379,432 $456,990 $(77,557)Year-to-date Gifts $1,691,222 $2,128,813 $(437,591)

Line of Credit $300,000

Immeasurably More Outstanding Balance $5,714,649

IM August Gifts $60,908IM Year-to-date Gifts $762,381(net of 10% tithe to Missions)

Contact Dr. Keith Wright for a full revenue &expense summary


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First Presbyterian Church of Orlando106 E. Church St., Orlando, FL 32801The First Presbyterian Columns (USPS 604-040) is published onceper month, except for twice in March, by the First PresbyterianChurch. Circulation: 4750. (3750 by US Mail, 1000 by oncampus distribution). Periodicals postage paid at Orlando,Florida. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to COLUMNS,106 E. Church St. Orlando, FL 32801-3390.2008 First Presbyterian Church of Orlando COLUMNS.

POSTMASTER: Time Sensitive MaterialPlease Deliver by December 1, 2008

PERIODICALSUS POSTAGE

ORLANDO,

106 East Church StreetOrlando, FL 32801

FPCO Main Ofce: ( 407-423-3441www.fpco.org

Traditional Services: 8:30am & 11amGenesis Services: 8:30am & 11am

Sunday School: 9:45am

Fresh: (adj.)From Merriam-Webster Dictionary

having its original qualities unimpaired: as (1): full of or renewed in vigor : refreshed (2): not stale, sour, or decayed (3): not faded (4): worn or rumpled b: not altered by processing

Te Prayer Ministrys weekly prayer meetings will conclude 2008 on December 10

and will resume on January 7, 2009

fpco columns december 2008

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