Sunday Worship
8:45 am - Chapel
11:00 am - Sanctuary
Childcare available for both services
Sunday School
10:00 am * Adult Formation
10:30 am * Fellowship
Nursery
The Nursery is available for children up to 3 years old during both services
Assisted Listening Devices and Large Print Hymns are available for our worship service on Sunday morning.
Please request them from the ushers.
Mission Statement...
We glorify God by engaging in worship, pursuing justice, and nurturing all
who enter our doors.
Ministers
The Congregation
Staff
Kelly Abraham,
Director of Youth & Their Families
Kelly Nicol,
Director of Children's Ministry
Marlon Hurst,
Director of Music & Arts
Tina Wagoner,
Organist
Kathi Fleming,
Director of Children's Choirs
Mark West,
Facilities Manager
(Ministry Support Team)
Pastoral Staff
Mark T. Davis, Pastor
Caitlin Foehse, Associate Pastor
Sanctuary/Chapel Entrance:
174 North Mill Street
Office Entrance:
171 Market Street
Office hours:
M-F, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Phone: 859.252.1919
Fax: 859.281.6864
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Circle 6 invites the congregation to share
your good wishes with Jim and Nancy Booth, as they prepare for their retirement adventure in South Carolina, this Sunday, June 5th at a reception following the
11:00 am
service.
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Hello Friends... Caitlin Foehse, Associate Pastor
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Dear Friends,
As the leadership of First Presbyterian works through the practice of Appreciative Inquiry and its potential benefits for our congregation, I would like to keep much of my reflection from previous months before you.
While reading the other books, I've been engaged in reading on Appreciative Inquiry, which has provided an overarching harmony between the readings and the life of FPC. I began pursuing this along with some members of the session and leadership of FPC. As for many, Appreciative Inquiry is new to me. I did not know what to expect when I began this reading, but I am finding it life-giving. Clearly, it has stated ideas that I recognized intuitively from the life of ministry.
At its core, Appreciative Inquiry is an approach to seeing and interpreting what is around us and then innovating. In relation to ministry, it can be used to help discover identify and imagine future possibilities.
It begins with the assumption that
what we focus on becomes our reality
. When our energy and focus is directed primarily towards our shortcomings or failings, we can tend to get caught in an eddy. Yet, when our focus is directed towards what is life-giving, what is successful and productive, there is a natural flow and energy. The momentum of energy, or even the Spirit, carries us forward to new life-giving possibilities.
The approach of Appreciative Inquiry is to begin with wondering--what is going really well? What has been life-giving? Where is there positive energy now? --and then, when these are identified, to imagine where those strengths might lead us in contributing to the work of Jesus in the world.
In a sense, this is a fundamental shift in seeing life. It closely recalls the advice of Paul to the Church in Philippi,
"
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."
At FPC, this text is often read at memorial services, upon the occasion of death, when we remember someone. It can be used in times of conflict or discord in congregations, to begin to pave a path for healing. When a congregation is healthy and vibrant, as I believe FPC is, it offers a way of seeing life and seeking possibilities.
This approach has led me to reflect this Lent on where I invest my energy and where I find a sense of the Spirit moving. I began taking a few minutes at the start of my day, before I get out of bed, to wonder, "
What am I grateful for today already
?" I am finding that beginning with this focus is shifting how I see my day entirely. It is life-giving.
I believe that this approach can help direct us towards what is life-giving on a larger scale as well. And that when we invest our energy and focus on inquiring what has contributed to this community being a place of life for us and for others, we will discover that we already have what we need to move forward. We already have an abundance of life-giving gifts. Already, the soil is rich for God to continue the good things that he has begun in us. To me, the present and the future here are very exciting. And that work has begun already.
Learning is expanded and shared when done in community. Most of my reading has been in Mark Lou Branson's book
Memories, Hopes and Conversations: Appreciative Inquiry and Congregational Change. I am happy to give a copy to you if you would like to join in the conversation.
Sincerely,
Caitlin
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As you prepare to come to worship, here are the scripture texts that will make up the Sunday services this month.
June 5th: 1 Kings 17:17-24; Psalm 30;
Galatians 1:11-24; Luke 7:11-17
June 12th:
2 Samuel 11:26-12:10, 13-15; Psalm 32;
Galatians 2:15-21; Luke 7:36-8:3
June 19th:
Isaiah 65:1-9; Psalm 22:19-28;
Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 8:26-39
June 26th:
1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21; Psalm 16;
Galatians 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62
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Our sympathy and prayers to...
The family and friends of:
Mary Anne Hollingsworth
whose mother, Anne Horton, died on May 22
nd
.
Let us keep one another lifted in prayer.
Allen Smith,
as he receives treatment for a recently diagnosed illness.
Keitha Ames,
as she continues to recover from surgery.
If you would like to be included among the Care and Concerns, please contact Karen Mossman at
karenferromossman@gmail.com or 859.382.9713.
Intercessory Prayer Network...
This network is maintained by members who offer intercessory prayer for anyone in need. Prayer requests can be made by calling Hazel Farley at (859) 273-4415 or the church office at (859) 252-1919.
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Music & Arts News
Marlon Hurst, Director of Music & Arts
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SUMMER CHOIR is for EVERYONE!
In Summer Choir, all who are interested in singing in the choir gather in the choir area at 10 a.m. on Sundays to rehearse a simple anthem to be presented in the service that follows. Summer Choir is designed to provide an opportunity for those who would like to give choir a try, or who simply cannot make the commitment to weekly rehearsals and regular Sunday participation during the September-May season. Come for a single service, or join us for all! Summer Choir will be in session for all Sundays in June and August. The choir is completely off in July.
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In the Gallery:
Through June
What Makes Art Sacred?
is an exhibit of original paintings by English-born, and Louisvill-based artist Theresa Beaumont. The paintings in the exhibit are interspersed with and interpreted by poems of the artist's choosing.
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MUSIC FOR MISSION: Season Wrap-up
The 2016-2017 Music for Mission Season brought 975 people to the Sanctuary for four outstanding concerts. Concert-goers contributed $9,512 to benefit the work of GleanKY, Sweet Blessings, Arbor Youth and the NoLi MusicWorks outreach of the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra.
Thank you to all of our donors who made possible this series that has, through seven seasons, raised $78,450 to benefit local mission and relief organizations.
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Youth Ministry News
Kelly Abraham, Director of Youth & Their Families
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Below are the names of our graduating seniors, the name of their high school and their future college. We will celebrate them this Sunday, June 5th at the 11:00 am service. Join us!
Clay Brewer
- Henry Clay High School, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
Emma Calhoun
- Lexington Catholic High School, University of Tampa, Tampa, Florida
Emily Cashman
- Henry Clay High School, Sewanee: The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee
Colin Fleming
- Tates Creek High School, University of Kentucky
Isabel Green
- Sayre School, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
Kathryn Hurst
- Sayre School, Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa, North Carolina
Eliza Jane Schaeffer
- Henry Clay High School, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire
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Children's Ministry News
Kelly Nicol, Director of Children's Ministry
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Music & Arts Camp
This year
we will be performing a tale of a whale
with a whale of a tale:
OH, JONAH!
June 6-10, 2016
12:30 - 4:00 pm
Registration is still open!
It's more than just the story about a whale swallowing a human. It's a story about us. It's a tale involving responsibility, repentance, listening for the word of God in our lives, accepting other people who are different from us, and believing that there is mercy and compassion for all who turn towards God. Serious thoughts, but the story is told with a sense of humor and we will have fun learning this tale together through music, art, drama and games. We can't wait!
All children from age 3 (potty-trained, please) through exiting 5th grade are invited to attend. The week is full of fun for children, youth and adults alike! If you have questions, or if you are interested in becoming part of this exciting week, please call, 859.252.1919, or e-mail
Kelly Nicol.
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Sunday School
9:45 am
3 year old-Pre-K: Room 301
Kindergarten-5th grade: Room 302
Children's Classes will resume in August. Have a safe Summer Break!
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ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS REMINDER
We are excited to share with you that starting this month we are transitioning to a new communications schedule!
Each week, you will receive two e-blasts, one on Tuesday and one on Friday. The Tuesday e-blast typically contains information about the life of our congregation, Good News, and
a link to the monthly Newsletter, which is housed on our website. The Friday e-blast typically contains The View devotional and
a link to the upcoming Sunday's Bulletin, which is also housed on our website.
Periodically, e-blasts may go out on other days as deemed necessary. (Hard copies of the Newsletter will continue to be mailed to those who have requested it.)
We hope you will grow to find this new schedule of standard electronic correspondence helpful and efficient.
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Adult Forum
Sundays at 10:00 am
Breckinridge Room (210)
Beginning
Sunday June 5th, re:formed class attendees are invited to join the Forum Class for a lively discussion of the Wired Word - a weekly email highlighting a recent news story and offering scripture and questions for reflection. If you have not signed up for the Wired Word yet, please contact Bianca Beach in the office (
bbeach@fpclex.org), and she will be happy to register you.
We still need facilitators for some Sundays - if you're willing to lead discussion one Sunday, please contact Sean Gladding at
sean.gladding@gmail.com.
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You Are Invited to an Organ Recital
Jeremiah Martin, MD
Sunday, June 5th
3:00-4:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church, Sanctuary
Admission: Free
Featuring works by Hollins, Bach and Widor
Although his 'day job' is that of a thoracic surgeon, Jeremiah has long had a passion for the arts. Born in 1979 in Galway, Ireland, he began his musical career at a young age with violin, and later piano. Much of his advanced training was under the direction of Frances Moore at the Limerick Municipal School of Music. Jerry has performed regularly through his medical training: In 2000 and 2001, he performed in recital series in Germany and Poland. Here in the United States, Jerry has both been available as a substitute organist, and given recitals in New Haven, Lexington, Durham and Chapel Hill.
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You Are Invited
Please join us for Cocktails
on the Patio of our new FPC Apartments
(160 North Mill, Lexington 40507)
to recognize Charter Members of
The Society of 1784
and hear how our Legacy Funds impact
First Presbyterian Church
Friday, June 10th at 6:00 pm
RSVP to Carol Raitz
(859)420-1943
carolraitz@gmail.com
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Our Born Learning partnership with Arlington Elementary in the fall of 2015 was a great success. Volunteers from the Cornerstone Commission provided and served dinner to families attending. In order to alleviate winter weather concerns, the series of lessons was condensed into six sessions held every other week. This format seemed to work much better than spreading the program out over the course of the school year, as had occurred in years past.
This year, FPC will again partner with Arlington Elementary to provide dinner and possibly assist Arlington teachers in working with the children while their parents are in class. In addition, the need exists to partner with another school if our volunteer numbers could support it. If you are interested in volunteering with us this fall, please email Susan Keegan at
susanskeegan@aol.com
or call her at (859) 221-0933. Pam McGee is also available at
lobbyistjenkins@gmail.com
or (859) 227-2598.
We tru
ly appreciate the continued enthusiasm with which the
congregation embraces this important partnership. Please do not hesitate to contact a Cornerstone Commission Member for more information.
Thanks,
Pam McGee, Rebecca Mueller, Mike Staats, Debbie West
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Continuing Connections Ministry Team
The Continuing Connections Ministry Team has just finished their first year of existence. Our focus is to regularly visit and communicate with First Pres. members who are unable to attend church services. I have always had a special love for these members, because it makes me realize how much I would miss First Pres. if I was unable to regularly attend. It has been a privilege to serve on this team of nurturing souls and forge new relationships with church members I barely know.
During my year's service on this committee, I have discovered how much members love First Pres. Some have pictures of First Pres. on their bedside table. They love receiving Sunday bulletins and recordings, as well as Chancel Choir CDs. They want to know what is going on currently at their church.
Imagine not being able to attend First Pres. on Sunday mornings. The Continuing Connections Ministry team helps ALL members stay connected to First Pres. It is important that they know First Pres. has not forgotten them. I certainly get the sense that this ministry is appreciated by those we visit. But be sure, we on the committee receive
much or
more from these saints. Come join us and be blessed. For more information, contact me, Tina Wagoner, at
twagoner@fpclex.org or (859) 333-2210.
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Are you looking for a way to meet the needs of our youth that are in college, boarding school or military service? Then perhaps you would be interested in Heartstrings Discipleship! I am looking for someone to work with Kelly Abraham in keeping this GREAT Discipleship going!! You compile address changes or new addresses, confirm your monthly groups who have volunteered that month. Then print out labels & distribute mailing envelopes. That's it!! I would hate for this Discipleship to become nonexistent because our youth love getting snail mail from their HOME church family! If interested please notify Nancy Booth @ n_ booth@yahoo.com.
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Quite a few items have accumulated in our Lost and Found closet. If anyone is missing something in your family, stop by the church office and check it out!
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Created by Christ to Make a Difference
2016 Stewardship Campaign
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Even though our scholarship support is only one way that we partner with Haiti, the impact in this area alone is huge! The morale of the students is higher and they have a sense that there is a community of folks who care about them and their future.
Avelyne, one of our Haiti partners, has shared just how much of a difference these scholarships are making with the kids. Because she has to take the funds to the students' secondary school to pay their tuition, she has become an adult the school communicates with about the students. The teachers call her with questions and concerns about the kids. Avelyne also sees the secondary students a lot more than she normally would because she requires them to bring her their report cards. In general, they visit her in her office at the primary school and she asks them questions about school. There is definitely a sense of accountability with the kids. We are making quite an impact and I'm thrilled. Thanks for making a difference!!! In Christ, Kelly A.
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Click on the links below to see how else we make a difference.
Diaconate Story - Rebekah Combs
Just Lunch Story - Rod Brotherton
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"Calling" all Tech Savy Members
We are in the process of soliciting information to replace our phone system. Our current system is out of date and replacement parts are no longer being made. In addition we need to make improvements to our door intercoms as well as be mindful of a system that will also work with our alarms. The Property Committee is seeking someone with telecommunications skills, interest, background that may be able to help us short term as we evaluate what system will be most efficient and cost effective for our staff, members and visitors. If anyone is interested please contact Ann-Phillips Mayfield at
apmayfield@yahoo.com.
Thank you!
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Pastor Relief & Benevolence Support
Thank you! When we receive donations for benevolence support, these gifts make a big difference! When someone comes in from the parking lot or off of the street, or when you direct someone in need to a pastor or the main office, we use gifts given to the Pastor's Relief to help those in need-with new boots, a bus ticket, or even on occasion a room for the night. The gifts of Kroger cards and Subway cards that we receive offer groceries or access to a healthy meal within walking distance. Keeping these in the office helps us do our best to give to people responsibly and identify those we see repeatedly, who may have deeper needs.
There are several ways to help: consider giving to the Pastor's Relief, bringing gifts cards for Kroger or Subway to the office, or when someone approaches you in the parking lot or near FPC-directing people to the office where we can meet with them and hear their needs.
A big thank you to the people who are helping make this office a place of caring!
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Want to Learn More about Just Lunch...
FPC's very own Judy Higgins, inspired by her participation in the Just Lunch ministry, has created a blog where she shares the stories of different attendees. It is usually updated with a new story weekly.
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DID YOU KNOW
The Work Order can be completed online electronically or in the office via hard copy.
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DID YOU KNOW
Sunday's bulletin is uploaded beforehand on Friday.
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FOR SCHEDULING NEEDS:
If you need to schedule a meeting, event, or gathering of any sort in our beautiful facility, please remember to contact the office in order to confirm space availability and officially get it onto the church's calendar.
Thank you for your assistance in advance!!!
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Treasurer's Report
Financial Summary April 2016
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REVENUES & EXPENSES
Summary of Revenues
April pledges received were $59,596, down slightly from $60,813 last month. Please note that the monthly budget for pledges is $78,623. This is the fourth consecutive month that pledges were below budget. For 2016 so far, pledges are running $69,852 or 22% behind budget.
The timely receipt of pledges is critical to the cash flow management. As a result, we will communicate to the congregation on the FPC budget and the need for regular payments on pledges. This includes follow-up calls to members. It is likely that the line of credit will be needed for short-term cash management unless this trend changes dramatically.
Other Income was $15,446, compared to a budget of $8,815. For the year to date, other income has totaled $84,826 or $49,567 more than budget. This is due to the in-kind gift of $39,000 received for purchase of 160 North Mill Street.
Total revenues fell to $75,250 for the month. For the year so far, total revenues have been $342,287 on a budget of $361,018.
Summary of Expenses
Expenses were $139,173 for April compared to the budget of $93,731. For the year to date expenses have totaled $436,712 on a budget of $374,923 and that is $61,789 over budget. For more details please see the summary of expenses by Commission below.
The cost of staff was $50,768 for the month and $274, 255 for the year. The cost is slightly ahead of budget due to the timing of payments based on the number of pay periods.
DISCIPLESHIP (Worship, Outreach, Children's Ministry, Youth Ministry, Other Ministry)
Total Discipleship expenses were $4,392 for the month, on a budget of $11,000. Worship was over budget slightly due to the timing of payments to choir section leaders. Other categories were under budget. Most of the variance occurred because Outreach has not funded any mission activities thus far, a difference of $2,917 for the month and $11,667 for the year. For 2016 total Discipleship spending has been $16,268 on a budget of $44,000.
RESOURCES (Administration, Building & Equipment)
Total Resources expenses were $83,536 on a budget of $27,856. Building & Maintenance continues to run ahead of budget for expenses related to repairs on the Education wing. For the year, Property & maintenance expenses have been $105,830 on a budget of $26,667. Education wing remodeling will have a total projected cost of $100,000 for the top floor. Remodeling cost for the basement and first floor are still being developed, as the committee works to determine the exact nature of the future usage for those rooms.
BELONGING (Fellowship, Membership, Picnic, Life Events)
Total Belonging expenses were $1,533 for the year, on a budget of $2,300.
Revenues/Expenses
Net revenues for April were -$63,923 compared to the budget of -$6,274. For the year, net revenues have been $-94,424 on a budget of -$13,904. We want to watch this trend very carefully in case certain spending items need to be reduced or eliminated. Pledges have yet to reach budgeted levels in any month, while remodeling of the Education wing has continued.
Note that revenues and expenses for the 160 North Mill apartments will be maintained separately, as will capital funds that are received to pay for the acquisition.
As of May 13, the Finance Committee and Session Quorum have approved a motion to stop all discretionary spending until pledges return to normal levels. While this does not affect salary & benefit items or the remaining costs for Education Wing remodeling, it will limit all other expense categories. We regret the need to limit spending but our budget deficit is currently $94,424 and pledges have not met the budget at any time this year. We anticipate that the line of credit will be needed for pay for certain short-term budget items.
PERMANENTLY RESTRICTED FUNDS SUMMARY
These funds are invested with the Presbyterian Foundation and its subsidiary, the New Covenant Trust Company, using the PCUSA's guidelines on socially responsible investments. If you would like to learn more, the Church Office has a copy of the most recent annual review of the funds and their performance. The Session established an income distribution for property expenses from the 174 Legacy Fund equal to 5% of the 12-quarter moving average balance. The Faith in Action Fund provides quarterly revenue that supports the general revenue budget equal to 4% of the 12-quarter moving average balance.
Steve Kelly
Treasurer
May 24, 2016
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FPC Operating Budget
Through April 2016
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REVENUES / EXPENSES
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ACTUAL
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ANNUAL BUDGET
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Pledge Revenues
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$ 202,106
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801,000
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Other Revenues
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$ 140,180
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326,108
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TOTAL REVENUES
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$ 342,286
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1,127,108
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TOTAL EXPENSES
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$ 436,712
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1,125,490
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NET REVENUES / (EXPENSES)
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1,618
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INVESTMENT ACCOUNT BALANCES
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FPC Faith in Action Fund
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$1,220,066
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FPC 174 Legacy Fund
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$ 804,244
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FPC Bowman Cornerstone Fund
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$ 177,248
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FPC Scholarship Fund
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$ 65,890
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FPC Garden Memorial Fund
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$ 98,253
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CASH ACCOUNT BALANCES
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| Operating Account |
$ 37,896
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Money Market Account (Reserves)
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$ 96,994
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TGIP Parking Lot Maintenance
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$ 22,062
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Payroll
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$ 3,017
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Fresh Stop
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$ 1,423
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| 160 N. Mill Operating Account |
$ 22 |
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| 160 N. Mill Deposits |
$ 1,834
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Sun
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Mon
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Tue
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Wed
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Thu
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Fri
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Sat
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1
Pastor's
Bible
Study, 6:30 pm
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2
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3
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4
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5
Worship,
8:45 & 11:00
Sunday School,
9:45
(Check Bulletin for Meetings List)
Booth Reception,
12:00 pm
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6
Music & Arts Camp,
12:30 pm
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7
Pastor's
Bible
Study, 8:00 am
Morning Prayer,
9:00
Music & Arts Camp,
12:30 pm
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8
Pastor's
Bible
Study, 6:30 pm
Music & Arts Camp,
12:30 pm
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9
Music & Arts Camp,
12:30 pm
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10
Music & Arts Camp,
12:30 pm
Music & Arts Program,
4:30 pm
1784 Gathering,
6:00 pm
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11
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12
Worship,
8:45 & 11:00
Sunday School,
9:45
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13
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14
Pastor's
Bible
Study, 8:00 am
Morning Prayer,
9:00
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15
Pastor's
Bible
Study, 5:30 pm
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16
Continuing Connections
,
10:30 am
VIPs
, 12:00 pm
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17
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18
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19
Worship,
8:45 & 11:00
Sunday School,
9:45
Mueller Reception,
12:00 pm
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20
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21
Pastor's
Bible
Study, 8:00 am
Morning Prayer,
9:00
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22
Pastor's
Bible
Study, 5:30 pm
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23
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24
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25
Just Lunch,
11:30 - 1:00 pm
(Volunteers)
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26
Worship,
8:45 & 11:00
Sunday School,
9:45
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27
Diaconate
,
6:30pm
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28
Pastor's
Bible
Study, 8:00 am
Morning Prayer,
9:00
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29
Pastor's
Bible
Study, 5:30 pm
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30
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