OCTOBER 2018

f i rst press A Mooresville First Presbyterian Publication

LEND A HELPING HAND IN OUR COMMUNITY

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. JOHN A. HUFFMAN JR, OUR GUEST SPEAKER

M E S S A G E F R O M D A V E

Hurricane Florence certainly threw a wrench in the Carolinas last weekend. Although the effects of the storm in Mooresville were relatively uneventful, Florence certainly caused a bit of commotion in our part of the state. In the midst of “the

storm,” my wife and I felt touched by a stay-at-home worship service put together by our children. Their theme was a reminder of the spiritual truths that keep our hearts and minds encouraged as well as our souls anchored throughout the inevitable storms of life. It was a timely message that took place in the church manse and led to a discussion accompanied by tears. Attached is their bulletin (Note: I am glad the final hymn was more figurative for the moment).

Thank God that our community made it through the storm relatively unscathed! We are currently collaborating with Bethel Presbyterian in Huntersville to pursue relief work. Moreover, even more so, we thank God for the eternal truths and perspective that help us grow through the storms of life. Amen?

May the Lord continue to bless you as we enter a new season!

In Christ,

Pastor Dave Rockness

“So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure. Because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

H A B I T A T F O R H U M A N I T Y

Earlier this year the Missions Committee, chaired by Mike Campbell, explored the topic of First Presbyterian Church not only partnering with Habitat for Humanity in building a home, but also underwriting the entire $75,000 cost. Not only did the Missions Committee vote unanimously, but the Session did as well, in both allocating the money as well as being the principal party in the actual building of the house. Christ’s gifts to us are indeed bountiful!!!

$75k is a great deal of money and the Missions Committee and Session try to be faithful stewards of the church’s resources. In order to spread out the money to reach as many different needy people as possible, the Mission Committee is asking that Church Committees, Sunday School Classes, Women’s Circles, Youth groups, Presbyterian Men, Presbyterian Women, Women’s Circles, Diaconate, Session, First Family Groups, etc. sponsor a fund raiser to help defray some of the $75k.

Raising money can take place through many different avenues and with the innovative people in this church, activities such as these and many more are possibilities: silent auctions, pancake breakfasts, volunteering to do yard work, washing cars, taking people fishing/ birdwatching, home repairs, errands for seniors, etc. Hopefully the Habitat for Humanity build will begin in May/June 2019 so it is recommended that fund raisers begin as soon as Nov/Dec of this year. The Habitat House will be built at 449 W. McLelland Avenue and when Tom Trosuk (Chairperson of Construction) and Rev. Jason Sentas (Chairperson of Volunteers) tell us it is time to sign up for the actual construction, the fundraisers will have been finished and now the recruitment of building volunteers will begin.

The Missions Committee is here to help you and will be glad to work with you on identifying, scheduling, and advertising your fundraiser.

If you have any questions please contact Mike Campbell, Rev. Jason Sentas, or Gene Vaughan.

PS: Even though sign-up sheets for volunteering with the construction are not yet printed, we have had several people contact us already saying they would be glad to help with the construction. Three of these volunteers suggested they tend to work considerably harder if crullers, bismarcks, and bear claws are supplied. The Missions Committee is taking that suggestion under advisement and field testing same.

Gene VaughanPublicity Chairperson

J A A R S

JAARS (Jungle Aviation and Radio Service) is one of our church’s mission partners. As they celebrate their 70th anniversary this year, the Missions Committee would like to encourage families of our congregation, children of all ages, to attend their open house on Saturday, October 13, 9:00 AM – 4 PM, at their headquarters in Waxhaw, NC. Experience first hand how they carry out the Great Commission goal of providing every people group on earth scripture translated into their own heart language. It is a wonderful day of experiencing their history, seeing how a community of full-time missionaries, dedicated volunteers, and a few employees work together to follow God’s will. Take a helicopter ride, a jungle vehicle ride, watch a demonstration of how they use airplanes to drop supplies to remote areas, and much, much more. Mark your calendars now!

S A I N T S A L I V E

L U N C H E O NThe monthly Saints Alive meeting has a new time format, as of September. Luncheons will still be held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, with the following time frame:

10:30 am – 10:45 am: Coffee and tea time 10:45 am – 1 1:30 am: Program and devotions 1 1:30 am – 1 2: 1 5 pm: Lunch and visiting

This month’s luncheon ($5) will be held Tuesday, October 16 at 10:30 am in the fellowship hall. Jodi Rockness will present the program, providing information about Miriam Rockness’ (Dave’s mother) research and books about the life of Lilias Trotter, an artist and devotional author who spent over 40 years serving the Arab people in Algeria.

S A I N T S A L I V E T R I P S

• Tuesday, October 23 – Friday, October 26 Trip to Island Vista in Myrtle Beach, SC

• Sunday, November 18 Afternoon performance of “Scrooge” at The Green Room Community Theatre in NewtonEat lunch together after church; cost - $16

• Tuesday, December 13Afternoon trip to Darshana Hall Plantation (near Statesville); tour the plantation home, decorated for Christmas. Cost: $10

Journal Entry by Lilias Trotter

P R E S C H O O LWhat We’re Learning

Preschool Closed

Chick-Fil-A Fundraiser

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Farm Days

Autumn brings so many learning opportunities such as apple tasting, leaf hunting, looking for pumpkin attributes and seeing God’s hand in the fall foliage. Our school-wide theme for the end of month is Down on the Farm. We love learning about all the farm animals and how farmers grow food. Be on the lookout on the preschool wing, as there might be some rather large animals to greet you! MOO!

Preschool is Closed Monday, October 1st-Teacher Work Day.

Wednesday, October 10th is our First Spirit Night. Please join us at the Mooresville Chick-Fil-A from 5PM-8PM. 10% of all proceeds go toward Preschool. You can dine-in or drive thru! We hope you can join us! This year our fundraiser goal is to purchase new shelving for our classrooms. These toys shelves have seen lots of love over the years and are in need of replacement! Thank you so much for your support!

Monday, October 15 is our Parent-Teacher Conferences Day. Sign-up sheets will be sent home and your teachers will confirm a time with you. Please note, Preschool will NOT be in session that day so that we have time to discuss our students’ progress with all our parents.

During October we get “Down on the Farm.” We explore animals that live on the farm, how crops grow and what farmers do on a farm. To celebrate our learning, we will have a Farm Petting Zoo visit us on October 29th and 30th. We are looking for some fathers who would like to be our “hired hands.” Dads will help lift children on and off Frisco, the horse, for the horseback rides. We will have a cock-a-doodlely good time!

Fall Break

Preschool will be closed on October 31st through November 2nd for Fall Break. Preschool will resume on Monday, November 5th. We hope you enjoy this time to go on a leaf hunt, paint some pumpkins or go on an autumn adventure.

P Y F-PRESBYTERIAN YOUTH FELLOWSHIP-

Mark Your Calendars:

• October 3: Supper Club (HS) - Bojangles - 6:15 pm

• October 7: • Bake Sale - Noon • Acts 5

- Middle School 4:00-6:00 pm - High School 6:00-8:30 pm

• October 10: Supper Club (HS) - Moe’s - 6:15 pm

• October 12: 5th Quarter* - First Baptist Church - 10:00 pm-Midnight

• October 14: Acts 6 - Middle School 4:00-6:00 pm - High School 6:00-8:30 pm

• October 17: Supper Club (HS) - Chick-fil-a - 6:15 pm

• October 19: TBD*

• October 21: NO PYF, Adventure in Faith Event

• October 24: Supper Club (HS) - Five Guys - 6:15 pm

• October 26: 5th Quarter* - St. Mark’s Luther-an - 10:00 pm-Midnight

• October 28: PYF Harvest Gathering* Waugh Farm - 4:00-8:00 pm

• October 31: FPC Trunk or Treat* -5:00 pm

6TH - 12TH GRADE * COMBINED MIDDLE AND

HIGH SCHOOL

PYF Panthers vs Patriots Game August 2018

PYF Middle and High School Small Groups

L O G O S / M S M

O P E R A T I O N C H R I S T M A S

C H I L DThis past summer the elementary Sunday School classes used the same curriculum given to shoe box recipients through Operation Christmas Child, and discussed and learned about the opportunities we have to give special toys and supplies to needy children around the world. As the classes studied “The Greatest Journey” materials, they were reminded each week of boys and girls around the world who have received the presents, as well as the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ.

The children have already assembled 100 shoe boxes, waiting to be filled, and will be working on filling the boxes during October and early November. The children will distribute the empty shoe boxes to the congregation on Sunday, October 14, in the fellowship hall after First Praise and in the church parlor after the 11:00 am worship service. We hope that many in the congregation will take these shoe boxes and fill them with toys, school supplies, personal hygiene items, along with a personal letter. Informational brochures will be inside the shoe boxes, and filled shoe boxes should be returned to the church by Sunday, November 11.

Mark Your Calendars:

• Wednesday, October 3: Hawaiian Luau

• Wednesday, October 10: 80s Night

• Sunday, October 14: Middle School Handbells ring at 11:00 am Worship Service

• Wednesday, October 17: Horrible Hair Night

• Wednesday, October 24: Masquerade Madness

• Sunday, October 28: Logos Choir sings at 11:00 am Worship Service

• Wednesday, October 31: No Logos/MSM Meeting – Fall Festival at FPC

F O O D,F U N, & F E L L O W S H I P The Fun & Fellowship group will gathering on October 11th at 6:00. We will be meeting at Revival located in the old Catholic church building on the corner or N. Main St. and Park Ave.

Join us!

761 N Main St, Mooresville, NC 28115

S T E W A R D S H I P

God presented his most valuable gift to man in the Eternal Word made flesh. Once in the world, Jesus the Incarnate Son then gave himself to the Father in complete submission and to the world as the Servant from God. In his earthly existence, Jesus as a steward was charged with a divine mandate. Stewardship can be defined as the obedient management of life and all its resources under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to the glory of God and the advancement of his kingdom.

Looking at a world filled with people facing the death sentence of sin, Jesus Christ laid aside the riches of heaven and came to be Savior. As he walked the earth, he continued to give his all, managing every opportunity, every gift, every resource, for

Giving your time, your talents, and your tithes to God’s work… “ ”

JESUS…THE MASTER STEWARD

the glory of God and the building of his kingdom. Even faced with death, he gave his last treasure, his own life, to save the lives of others. He went to the cross with no regret that if he had been a better steward, he might have done more. He had done everything God wanted of him, and he became the master steward, both Savior of humanity and example to those who would follow him. John 1:1-18

Message from your Stewardship CommitteeExcerpts from NIV Stewardship Study Bible

Prayer - Thank you, Lord, for the gifts of Jesus Christ and of the Holy Spirit, who enables me to be a

steward of all you have entrusted to me. -

A D V E N T U R E S I N F A I T H S P E A K E R

Dr. John A. Huffman Jr, uncle to pastor Rockness, will be a guest preacher for both morning worship services on Sunday, October 21st, and again on Sunday evening.

John is a prominent figure within Presbyterian circles and a noteworthy leader among national and international evangelical circles. He graduated from Wheaton College (IL) and has several advanced degrees, including a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. While a student at Princeton, he was an assistant to Dr. Norman Vincent Peale at the Marble Collegiate Church in New York.

John served forty-seven years in local church ministry, including Presbyterian churches in Key Biscayne, FL, Pittsburgh, PA, and Newport Beach, CA. Upon “retirement,” he has remained active as a Minister at Large and has served as a trustee on the boards of Christianity Today (chair), Gordon -Conwell Theological Seminary (chair), and the Board of Pensions of the PCUSA.

John has ministered in a variety of capacities - denominationally, ecumenically, and secular. Noteworthy roles include two stints as moderator to his presbytery, extensive experience with radio and talk shows, publication of nine books, mass circulation of his printed sermons, pastor to President Richard Nixon, involvement in professional sports chaplaincies (Dolphins, Steelers, Senior PGA), chairman to the Board of World Vision, and he has served on four major task forces of the General Assembly (PCUSA).

John is a statesman who has travelled internationally on over 100 trips, visiting 110+ foreign countries. Highlights include leading Holy Land trips, world relief/justice efforts, ministering with Wycliff Bible Translators, and working with Dr. Billy Graham.

John is married to Anne and has three daughters (one in heaven) and three grandchildren.

If you would like to have transportation to the service please call Lorra Lee Holshouser at 704-664-2699 or contact the church office at 704-664-5275.

O C T O B E R

Preschool Closed - Fall Break1:00 pm Prayer Meeting5:30 pm Trunk or Treat & Fall Festival7:15 pm Chancel Choir

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY2 3

9 10

16 17

23 24

30

1

7 8

14 15

21 22

28 29 31

Preschool Closed 1:00 pm FPC Volunteers at Soup Kitchen5:30 pm MCM Circles7:00 pm Boy Scouts7:00 pm Vision Team Meet-ing7:15 pm Christian Education Committee

Preschool Closed6:30 pm Cub Scouts

10:00 am Women’s Affinity Groups Council1:00 pm Prayer Meeting4:30 pm Logos/MSM6:15 pm HS Supper Club at Bojangles7:15 pm Chancel Choir

1:00 pm Prayer Meeting4:30 pm Logos/MSM6:15 pm HS Supper Club7:15 pm Chancel ChoirPreschool Chick-fil-a Fundraiser

10:00 am Circle 412:00 pm Circle 56:15 pm Circle 36:30 pm Cub Scouts

2:00 pm Circle 15:30 pm MCM Circles6:30 pm Boy Scout Mtg.7:00 pm Boy Scouts7:00 pm Personnel Committee Mtg.

9:00 am First Praise w/Communion10:00 am Church School11:00 am Worship w/Communion12:00 pm PYF Bake Sale4:00 pm MS PYF6:00 pm HS PYF

Preschool Closed (Parent/Teacher Conferences)5:30 pm MCM Circles7:00 pm Boy Scouts7:00 pm Vision Team Mtg.

Newsletter Articles Due

10:30 am Saints Alive Luncheon6:30 pm Cub Scouts6:30 pm Men’s Dinner

1:00 pm Prayer Meeting4:30 pm Logos/MSM6:15 pm HS Supper Club at Panera Bread7:30 pm Chancel Choir

Saints Alive Beach Trip1:00 pm Prayer Meeting4:30 pm Logos/MSM6:15 pm HS Supper Club7:15 pm Chancel Choir

Saints Alive Beach Trip6:30 pm Cub Scouts

10:30 am Adventures in Faith Q&A5:30 pm MCM Circles7:00 pm Boy Scouts

Preschool Farm Days5:30 pm MCM Circles7:00 pm Boy Scouts

Preschool Farm Days 6:30 pm Cub Scouts

9:00 am First Praise10:00 am Church School11:00 am Worship3:00 pm Prayer Shawl Group4:00 pm MS PYF5:30 pm Deacons Meeting6:00 pm HS PYF7:00 pm Committee Mtgs.

9:00 am First Praise10:00 am Church School11:00 am Adventures in Faith11:00 am Worship4:00 pm HS PYF5:30 pm Adventures in Faith, Dinner & Service

9:00 am First Praise w/Communion10:00 am Church School11:00 am Worship w/Communion4:00 pm Combined PYF6:30 pm Stated Session Meeting

C A L E N D A R4 5

11 12

18

25 26

THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY6

13

20

27

10/1 Fred Coates Harding Rogers Angie Toma 10/2 Paul Manning Paige Rider Teresa Trimble 10/4 Luz Heilman Daniel Moore Judy Roach Beth Sink 10/6 Hans Pluer Liz Rader10/7 Debbie Lackey10/9 Scott Knutsen Dick Nelson10/10 Mark Childers Beth Hall 10/11 PJ Decastro Beth Riefner10/12 Olivia Sentas10/14 Liam Campbell Don Copeland Carson Schaen 10/15 Tina Brooks Tony Ervin Austin Russell 10/16 Richard Hall Shannon McIntosh Bill Morrow 10/17 Cadence Culbreth Ellie Junkins Thomas McMillan10/18 Matthew Hutto10/19 Brad Chappell 10/20 Diane Crymes Stoney Culler 10/23 Trenton Newell 10/24 Donovan Fair Liza Jordan 10/25 Rusty LaBarre Kristen McMillan 10/26 Audry Harris Michael Zwolinski 10/27 Jae Teeter 10/30 Natalie Meehan 10/31 Carolyn Holhouser Tracey Prochaska Mike Toma

BIRTHDAYS in October

19

7:00 pm Praise BandRehearsal

10:00 pm 5th Quarter (Off Campus)

PYF 5th Quarter 6:00 pm Fun and Fellowship7:00 pm Praise Band Rehearsal

1:30 am Ladies Who Lunch6:30 pm Scan: Candelight Vigil/Child Abuse Prevention7:00 pm Praise Band Rehearsal

Saints Alive Beach Trip Return DayPYF 5th Quarter

Saints Alive Beach Trip7:00 pm Praise Band Rehearsal

L O O K I N G F O R W A R D

HAPPENINGS NEXT MONTH:November

• Office is closed for Thanksgiving Holiday November 21-23

• Tuesday, November 20th - Saints Alive group joins the preschool for Thanksgiving Program & Feast

• Sunday, November 11th - Church lunch honoring Veterans

First Presbyterian Church

249 West McLelland Ave.Mooresville, NC 28115

Telephone: 704-664-5275Fax: 704-664-7526

Preschool: 704 664-7201

Website: www.mooresvillefpc.org Email: office@mooresvillefpc.org

mooresvilllefpc@groups.facebook.com

If you would like to be added to or deleted fromour mailing list, please send an email to

office@mooresvillefpc.org or call 704-664-5275

9:00 am First Praise10:00 am Church School

11:00 am Morning Worship

October 2018

Loving God, Loving People,

Making Disciples