Sunday Worship
8:45 am - Chapel
11:00 am - Sanctuary
Childcare available for both services
Sunday School
10:00 am * Adult, Children and Youth Classes
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 &
Marcus Thomas,
Directors of Children's Choirs
Mark West,
Facilities Manager
(Ministry Support Team)
Nikki Hale,
Office Support Specialist
Terese Pierskalla,
Church Administrator
LeTicia Preacely,
Communications Specialist
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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OUR CHILDREN ARE LEADING US TO THE FUTURE
February 5th is Youth Sunday and we are celebrating the excellent work of our teenagers who are leading us in worship.
They are part of a large group of future leaders being nurtured in our Church School and Youth programs. On LOGOS Wednesdays during the school year, 100 or more children and adults make FPC a fabulous, loving, place to learn, play, and eat. In the last year, more than 150 volunteers shared their time and LOGOS is truly a grand example how we adults show our support. Some of you are often seated with them at the LOGOS table. Our hope is that they will discern the role they have in building a brighter future for themselves, the congregation and our Lexington community.
The small cost for a family to participate in LOGOS allows as many people as possible to enjoy the benefits. Consider for just a moment the hidden costs of this positive experience for youth and families. Some of those include heat, light, water and maintenance. You may recall that we invested more than $135,000 to remodel our Education Building last year. Our ministerial, youth, educational, music and support staff all invest countless hours to carefully plan and provide each program. This staff cost isn't directly expressed as part of the cost of LOGOS in our financial reports. Yet, without the team, we would struggle to provide the quality programming that serves so many at FPC.
As we enter 2017, please consider your investment in the shared life of our church. Your financial commitment enables First Presbyterian Church to minister through worship, youth ministry, children's education, LOGOS and vocal and instrumental music that glorify God. We still need to raise another $170,000 to reach our goal of $800,000 in pledges to cover the cost of these programs. Your support is needed to reach that goal. We still have a number of families who have not renewed their 2017 pledge. Please let us hear from you.
With your support all things are possible.
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Prior to the new year, the Campus Design Committee made a request for qualifications from four Kentucky Architecture firms with extensive ecumenical work experience: After further review, the committee chose to short list two firms and interviewed K. Norman Berry and Omni Architects on January 19th. After much thought and reflection, on January 24th, the committee unanimously chose to hire K. Norman Berry Architects to perform the master plan. Both teams were excellent, however the committee overwhelmingly felt that K. Norman Berry was the team for us. K. Norman Berry is a design firm of 18, founded in 1971, with offices in Louisville and Lexington. Their work includes commercial, ecumenical, residential and educational work consisting of new construction as well as complex historic renovations and restorations.
In the coming weeks, we will be presenting more information regarding the team that will be working with us, but below are several items that stood out to our committee from the interview that guided our decision.
- The firm's presented body of work is very similar to our historic urban campus.
- The firm has extensive historic preservation work, much of that with churches.
- The body of work shown, seemed to the committee, to be able to meld various types of aesthetics. It was relayed that if any tangible elements were to come from the master plan, that a "light touch" would be the method used in integrating the campus from a design standpoint.
- The team showed a focus on "mix of edge" conditions for our unique urban campus - concepts of interior and exterior boundaries, where to be open (to the community) and where to be closed, were relayed
- The team came to the interview with a wealth of knowledge about where we were already as far as both facilities and congregational input and referenced that in their process description.
- Everyone on the committee felt comfortable with the team members and their work synergy.
- The team gave a presentation that had no pre-conceived ideas and came with a larger overall view of our spaces and needs.
We look forward to continuing to share with you our progress as we begin to undertake this masterplan.
Sincerely,
The First Presbyterian Church Campus Design Committee
Ellen Chapman, Susan Combs, Jeff Jefferson, Susan Keegan, Lance Poston, Darren Taylor
Advisory: Mark Davis, Caitlin Foehse, Terese Pierskalla, Holly Wiedeman
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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.
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Let us keep one another lifted in prayer.
Mary White, who has entered hospice care (please limit your affections to cards and phone calls),
Bill Marshall,
who had knee replacement surgery,
Nell Line,
who had foot surgery,
Sally Bradford and family,
upon the death of her great grandson, Leo Travers,
Janna Hensinger and family,
upon the death of her father, Joseph T. Sefcik, on January 18th,
Matt Deffendall, whose grandfather, Ray Baio, died January 4th,
Dean White, whose father, Norman E. White, died on December 30th,
and
Our Confirmands:
Ella Abraham, Smith Brewer, Caitlin Deffendall, Mary-Walker Dunn, Elisabeth Hundley, Corinne Leach,
Lucy Nunnelley, Mary Gardner Rice.
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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PW Council Meeting
The next council meeting will be
held Tuesday, March 7th at 5:30 pm in the FPC Dining Room.
Program: Radio Eye
A service for those who are unable
to access the printed word
Tuesday, February 14th
Arlington Christian Church
1206 N Limestone / Lexington
10:00 am
Snacks and Fellowship at 9:30
Circle Meetings
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Circle
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Date & Time
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Hostess
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Address
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| Circle 2 |
No Meeting |
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Circle 3
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No Meeting
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Circle 4
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February 9
th, 6:30 pm
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Jan Marshall |
1021 Andover Forest
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Circle 5
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February
21st, 4:00 pm
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Diana Kirtley |
1212 Eldemere Road |
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Circle 6
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February
20th, 6:30 pm
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Susan Milward |
1973 Hart Road
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Music & Arts News
Marlon Hurst, Director of Music & Arts
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In the Gallery: the Plein Air paintings of Helen Powell
Helen Powell Artist Statement:
My association with landscapes began when I was a child. I tagged along with my father on hikes in the rugged northwest Georgia ridge and valley country. Whether we were bird watching in the floodplain of the Etowah River or climbing up cliffs to observe rock formations, I felt very at home in the outdoors. That time in the woods and fields had a major impact on me. My interests in ecology and history merged when I became a landscape architect. My career was spent as the owner and principal of a small consulting which focused upon the interplay of nature and human history.
Now, as an artist and avid plein air painter, I'm once again drawn to the wild places and rougher terrain. I gravitate to the palisades and rocky tributaries of the Kentucky River, the cliffs of the Red River Gorge, and the twists and turns of the Elkhorn. I feel most alive watching and interpreting the seasonal effects of light on the landscape.
* * *
Ms. Powell's exhibit will be in the gallery through February.
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More ASE by Popular Demand...
The American Spiritual Ensemble will present
two concerts
at First Presbyterian Church in February. On Monday, February 13 at 7:30 pm, the ASE will present their annual Music for Mission concert. There are no more tickets for this event. If anyone has tickets that are no longer needed, please return them to the church office as we now have a waiting list. This concert is benefitting "Clothe a Child," an outreach of the Lexington Women's Club.
Click here for Flyer
Because of the popularity of this free concert, an additional concert has been added for Sunday, February 12.
Sunday, February 12
American Spiritual Ensemble
with Dr. Everett McCorvey
6:00 pm
$25 - General Admission; $10 - Students
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Friday, April 28, 2017
From Baroque to Broadway
with Elizabeth Arnold, Angelique Clay
& Andrea Jones
7:30 pm
Benefitting: Sweet Blessings
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Youth Ministry News
Kelly Abraham, Director of Youth & Their Families
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Last month, I had to take a break from Mark DeVries' book,
Family-Based Youth Ministry,
due to a rather important holiday.
After diving back in this month, my thoughts have been reinforced with the knowledge that while our community is hugely responsible for surrounding our youth and children when we are at church, it is really the parents who shape a young person's relationship with church. I bet you may have thought I was going to say the youth director...but, for example, during my marital counseling, my priest didn't ask me how I was like or unlike my youth minister. He asked Kirk and me about our parents' relationships. Parents, whether we like it or not, leave an indelible impression that radically affects how receptive their children will be to the gospel. And truthfully, it was my mother, aunt & uncle, and grandmother who had the largest impact on my relationship with Christ.
Churches are finally figuring this out too. Families, whether we want to or not, exert unparalleled influence on the development of their children's lives and character. A
USA Weekend
survey of more than 250,000 teenagers indicated that 70% of them identified parents as the
most important
influence in their lives. Comparatively, only 21% of them rated peers in this way.
1
DeVries also points out several studies that found the strong correlation between healthy family ties and positive social behavior in teenagers.
Here are several studies that DeVries' used to spell it out:
- The National Merit Scholars organization completed a study in which they sought to identify the factors that influence these teenagers' high achievement. The vast majority found one factor in common: they eat dinner with their families as much as possible.2
- An extensive study done by Laurence Steinberg, professor of child and family studies at the University of Wisconsin, found that parents who developed close ties to the schools were the parents of children with the strongest academic records. 3
- Parents who simply talk about faith in the house and who involve their children in serving alongside them can actually double and sometimes triple their children's chances of living out their faith as adults. 4
- The Search's Institute's National Study of Protestant Congregations indicated that the first predictor of adolescent faith maturity was the level of "family religiousness." The particular family experiences most tied to greater faith maturity were the frequency with which an adolescent talked with their parents about faith, the frequency of family devotions and the frequency with which the parents and children together were involved in efforts, formal or informal, to help other people. So, it should be no surprise that the Search's first recommendation was to equip parents to play a more active role in the religious education of their children, by means of a conversation, family devotions and helping projects.5
So, what's the take away this month? I agree with Mark DeVries on this one...doing youth ministry without parents is like driving a car without the engine. Parents play a role only second to that of the Holy Spirit in building the spiritual foundation of their children's lives.
Therefore, I invite you to come two-by-two and teach a youth Sunday school class. I don't think they expect you to have all of the answers, but they would LOVE to dig into the questions with you. Mentor them on a mission trip. There is nothing better than being able to share their mission trip experience than with a parent. Join in on a recreation activity or worship skills art during LOGOS. I am a huge believer of meet them where they are and walk alongside WITH them. As a family, make sack lunches for Room in the Inn, decorate the Assembly room for a LOGOS theme, or serve together at Just Lunch. I hope you'll join me.
See you in church,
Kelly
Source: DeVries, Mark,
Family-Based Youth Ministry, p. 59-69.
1"Teens and Self-Image,"
USA Weekend, May 1-3, 1998, P. 18.
2
Parents of Teenagers, December/Januar7 1990, p. 4.
3Andrée Aelion Brooks,
Children of Fast-Track Parents (New York: Viking Penguin, 1989), p. 88.
4Merton, Strommen, Karen E. Jones and Dave Rahn,
Youth Ministry That Transforms (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2001), p. 130.
5 Peter L. Benson and Carolyn H. Elkin, Effective Christian Education: A National Study of Protestant Congregations: A Summary Report on Faith, Loyalty and Congregational Life (Minneapolis: Search, 1990), p. 38.
February Calendar
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Saturday, February 4, 9:00-noon
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Youth Sunday dress rehearsal
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LOL/YC*
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Sunday, February 5, 8:00-noon
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Youth Sunday &
Souper Bowl of Caring (collection, & food drive)
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LOL/YC*
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Friday, February 17, 5pm -
Saturday, January 18, 7pm
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Youth Ski Trip (Drury Inn & Perfect North)
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LOL/YC*
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Sunday, February 26, 5-7:30
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Mentor/Confirmand Dinner
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Confirmands & Adult Mentors
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Children's Ministry News
Kelly Nicol, Director of Children's Ministry
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4:30-7:30 pm
February Themes
February 1: Bingo & Bacon
February 8: Harry Potter
February 15: Crazy T-Shirt Day
February 22: Night at the Oscars
Registration is OPEN! Click the link below.
LOGOS is a mid-week, intergenerational & relational, after school program that provides opportunities for Christian education, worship and fellowship for children and youth through 12th grade. As a comprehensive program, it provides an excellent opportunity for deep Christian formation.
And, its lots of fun!
The success of LOGOS depends on adult participation. Our LOGOS leadership team has been hard at work planning another great year! A HUGE thank you to this great team:
Bettina Moorish & John Bowes, co-directors
Ann-Phillips Mayfield, kitchen coordinator
Tracy Mullins, family time coordinator
Griggs Powell & Mark Aubry, dinner deans
Vicki Gaver, Joe & Linsey Albert, recreation coordinators
Kathi Fleming & Sarah Aubry, worship skills coordinators
Matthew Deffendall, transportation coordinator
If you have questions, or would like more information on LOGOS, you can contact
me
directly.
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Sunday School
9:45 am
3 year old-Pre-K: Room 201
Kindergarten-5th grade: Room 202
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Sunday, February 19th after the 11:00 am service
To approve terms of call
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13th Annual Church-Wide Trivia Competition
&
Chili Cook Off
Sunday - March 5, 2017
Doors open at 5:30 pm Trivia starts at 6:00 pm
Proceeds benefit:
The Youth Mission programs including 2017 trips to Asheville, NC & Maryville, TN
Chili Cook-Off Registration
online
(or use entry form in the Sunday worship bulletin)
Make 8 cups of chili in one of three categories:
traditional meat, white chili, or vegetarian
Trivia Night participants will blind taste test all entries and vote to determine the winners.
Deadline for Registering Your Chili
: Thursday, March 2.
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SAVE THE DATE: SUNDAY FEBRUARY 12
TH
after the 11:00 am Worship Service
New in the life of FPC and all are welcome!
At FPC, we love to share the love, so why don't you join us for a "Love Lunch" immediately following the 11:00 am worship service on Sunday, February 12th. Luscious lasagna (catered) is on the menu with yummy desserts like only Presbyterians can bake. The suggested donation is $5 per person, $20 max per family. While you dine, you will be treated to an update by Adam Edelen on the Fall Financial Campaign.
Please RSVP by text to Karen Mossman, 859-382-9713, or call the church office, 859-252-1919, with your name and number of people dining by Friday, February 10th. If you love to bake and want to help throw this party, text Karen too and let her know you'll volunteer to help. Come share the love!
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It's that time again. In February, Circle 6 is presenting the third edition of Soup's On, featuring delectable homemade soups and stews made by the loving hands of our members. What's more comforting on a cold winter day than a bowl of steaming soup, guaranteed to give you that warm feeling in the pit of your stomach? It's like love, only more delicious.
Choose from more than 10 different offerings such as Buffalo White Chicken Chili, Chunky Tomato Soup, Barley and Mushroom Soup. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available. Soups will be available in 3-cup quantities for $8. We will also offer Nancy's honey whole wheat bread and two kinds of corn muffins.
Watch for sales flyers on February 5th and February 12th and order before February 15th. Soups will be available for pick up on Sunday, February 19th - just in time for your Academy Award Viewing Party!
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re: formed
Sundays at 10:00 am
Breckinridge Room (210)
Sean Gladding continutes to facilitate a series on Hospitality from Epiphany through Trinity Sunday. The class is exploring the nature of hospitality during three seasons of the church year:
Epiphany - hospitality in light of the Incarnation,
Lent - hospitality in the shadows of Sin, and
Easter - hospitality in light of the New Creation.
All are invited to join the discussion of what it might mean to become more hospitable in the spaces in which we live our lives.
We hope you will join us.
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Bible Study
Wednesdays at 12:00 pm
Dining Room
Sean Gladding has facilitated an informal bible study for the past three years which will now meet regularly at First Presbyterian Church. A new season - reading the prophet Micah together - is about to begin. All are welcome - for more information, contact Sean at
sean.gladding@gmail.com
or (859) 806-7763.
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Lexington Recycling Challenge
The city of Lexington is challenging residents and businesses near three downtown elementary schools to increase recycling in their districts. First Presbyterian is in Harrison Elementary's district and we have been asked to participate with them. If the school district is successful in increasing the rate of recycling by 50% over the course of the school year, Harrison Elementary will receive $12,000, which they sorely need. Members of FPC can help by making sure we recycle our bulletins, cans, bottles and other appropriate items. If you are uncertain what can be recycled, there are posters near most of the recycling bins at the church. Please Pitch In to help Harrison.
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The pattern of the early church was to gather for worship and a meal. The "offering" of bread brought for the meal also included food given to the needy. For John Calvin, the Word is brought most fully to life when pulpit and table are unified in worship, an understanding that has for many years guided the liturgical practice of our 8:45 am service of worship.
As we consider the relationship between pulpit and table in our 11:00 am services, communion will be served beginning in Advent on November 27th through the celebration of the "Trinity Sunday" on June 11, 2017. This decision of the Discipleship Commission of the Session, is an outgrowth the work of several former committees that had long and meaningful discussions about what First Presbyterian should consider for the current church year and the reflections of Discipleship Commission.
During these weeks, we invite you to think more deeply about the relationship between pulpit and table. Books that may be of particular interest in your reflections are: Pulpit and Table by Howard Hageman andCome and See: Presbyterian Congregations Celebrating Weekly Communion by Ronald P. Byars and John D. Witvliet.
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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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Spread the Love
2017 Financial Campaign
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DID YOU KNOW...
You can sign up for the Presbytery Newsletter at the link below. Stay abreast of Presbytery news!
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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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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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Treasurer's Report
Financial Summary December 2016
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STRATEGIC OVERVIEW
Pledge receipts were up in December as expected, but not by as much as we have seen in past years. We close 2016 with a $207K deficit. Our pledges for next year stand at $629K, down from $699K in 2016. The 2017 budget will require careful thought and prayer.
Our shortfall for 2016 remains dominated by non-recurring expenses, including $134K of post-water-damage renovation in the Education wing, and $40K of operating loss and $22K of mortgage principle relative to the strategic acquisition of the N. Mill property. But regular recurring revenue and expense items in 2016 still show an $11K loss and 2017 revenue is projected to be less than 2016.
REVENUES & EXPENSES
Revenue Summary
December pledges received were $92K, above the monthly budget of $78. For 2016, pledges received totaled $672K, 14% below our pledges of $777K.
Expense Summary
OVERVIEW
Expenses were over budget at $135K for December, against a budget of $94K. For 2016, expenses have totaled $1,351K on a budget of $1,128K.
PERSONNEL
Personnel expenses remain on budget.
DISCIPLESHIP (Worship, Outreach, Children's Ministry, Youth Ministry, Other Ministry)
Discipleship expenses remain under budget.
RESOURCES (Administration, Building & Equipment)
Resources expenses were $61K on a budget of $26K (including $25K in in-kind expenses).
BELONGING (Fellowship, Membership, Picnic, Life Events)
Belonging expenses remain under budget.
Net Revenues/Expenses
Net revenues for December were $14K compared to the budget of -$10K. For the year, net revenues have been $-207K on a budget of $-1K.
N. Mill apartment operating expenses YTD have been 72K against a revenue of 32K, plus we have paid down the outstanding debt on this property by over $22K this year. We continue to work toward our goal of break even for operations with the apartments.
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 & benefits items, it will limit all other expense categories. We regret the need to limit spending but our budget deficit is currently $222K. We regret the need to limit spending but our annual deficit has been $207K.
As a bright spot, contributions to the legacy funds have been strong, helping us toward a more financially strong future.
Line of Credit Balance .............................$431,636
Eben Hollingsworth, Treasurer
January 15
, 2017
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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
LOGOS,
4:30 - 7:30 pm
Pastor's
Bible
Study,
4:30 pm
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2
Personnel
,
5:00 pm
Campus Design
,
6:00 pm
Chancel
Choir,
7 - 8:30 pm
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3
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4
Youth Dress Rehearsal,
9 - 12:00 pm
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5
Worship
(Youth Sunday)
,
8:45 & 11:00
Sunday School,
9:45
AI Leadership Mtg,
12:15 pm
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6
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7
Pastor's
Bible
Study,
8:00 am
Morning
Prayer,
9
:00
Bach
Choir,
7 - 8:30 pm
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8
Bach
Choir
Board Mtg,
9 - 10:30 am
LOGOS,
4:30 - 7:30 pm
Pastor's
Bible
Study,
4:30 pm
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9
PW Circle 4,
6:30 pm (Offsite)
Chancel
Choir,
7 - 8:30 pm
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10
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11
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12
Worship,
8:45 & 11:00
Sunday
School, 9:45
Love Lunch,
12:15 pm
RITI, 5pm-8:00am
ASE Concert,
6:00 pm
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13
Music for Mission:
ASE Concert,
7:30 pm
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14
Pastor's
Bible
Study,
8:00 am
Morning
Prayer,
9:00
Bach
Choir,
7 - 8:30 pm
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15
LOGOS,
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Pastor's
Bible
Study,
4:30 pm
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16
Continuing Connections,
10:30 am
VIPs
, 12:00 pm
Chancel
Choir,
7 - 8:30 pm
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17
Youth Ski Trip,
5:00 pm (Depart)
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18
Youth Ski Trip,
7:00 pm (Return)
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19
Worship,
8:45 & 11:00
Sunday School,
9:45
Congregational Meeting, 12:15 pm
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20
Diaconate Meeting,
5:30 - 7:00 pm
PW Circle 6,
6:30 pm (Offsite)
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21
Pastor's
Bible
Study,
8:00 am
Morning
Prayer,
9:00
PW Circle 5,
4:00 pm (Offsite)
Bach C
hoir,
7 - 8:30 pm
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22
LOGOS,
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Pastor's
Bible
Study,
6:30 pm
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23
Chancel
Choir,
7 - 8:30 pm
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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
Legacy Committee Mtg,12:15 pm
Confirmand Dinner,
5:00 pm
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27
Session Mtg,
5:30 pm
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28
Pastor's
Bible
Study,
8:00 am
Morning
Prayer,
9:00
Bach
Choir,
7 - 8:30 pm
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