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Welcome to Lent, the holiest season of the Christian year, which began on Ash Wednesday and concludes with the dawning of Easter day on April 16. Lent, of course, is a forty-day period (not counting Sundays) during which we pause to reflect upon those events that lie at the very heart of our faith: the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Historically, Lent developed during the early centuries of the Christian church as a season for preparing adult converts for baptism on Easter morning. Candidates underwent many months of baptismal instruction during which they were taught the essential beliefs and practices of the faith. Their preparation culminated in an intensive forty-day period (which paralleled the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness) when they prayed, fasted, confessed their sins and prepared themselves for the radial new life they would soon take on as Christ's disciples.
Only in the past few years has our denomination begun to take seriously the Lenten season. Before, we mostly embraced the logic of the father of the Reformation, John Calvin, who was wary of the possibilities for superstition and trivial practices of self-denial disguised as Lenten "discipline." For instance, he likely would have insisted that giving up chocolate for Lent doesn't quite hold a candle to what Jesus gave up for us! Recently, though, we've become more focused upon a serious approach to Lent, something I think has helped Protestants grow more deeply in our faith experience as well as our understanding of who Christ is.
It is important, however, to approach Lent with the proper theological mindset in order to derive its richest meaning. Our focus should be not so much upon what we will give up for Christ, but upon what Christ gave up for us. The challenge is not to demonstrate to God how sorry we are for personal failures, but instead to enter with passion into God's own sorrow for the world.
Perhaps this is best done by
doing something rather than giving something up. Maybe in these weeks, you dedicate yourself to learning or service through any number of outlets here at First. Perhaps you decide to give time to a local agency that assists the poor and marginalized. Or maybe you write a long-overdue letter of thanks or apology to someone, using words which give both of you new hope and healing. To quote Dietrich Bonhoeffer: "It's not a religious act which makes a Christian what he or she is, but participation in the suffering of Christ in the world."
To be sure, Lent is more than a season of self-denial; it is a window of time to respond to Jesus' invitation to repent and believe, "for the kingdom of heaven has come near." (Matthew 4:17)
In these important days, may God help us in every way to draw nearer to the promise and peace of his son, our Lord, in a way that will bring unbridled joy on Easter morn.
Peace,
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From the Associate Pastor
A spiritual life is simply a life in which
all that we do comes from the center,
where we are all anchored in God;
a life soaked through and through
by a sense of God's reality and claim,
and self-given to the great movement of God's will.
This quote from English author and mystic Evelyn Underhill, written more than eighty years ago, showed up in my inbox last month at a time when I felt the need for an anchor. We all have times like that, and what better anchor is there than God? This month, as we gather each week for Wednesdays Together, we'll focus on a different spiritual practice: lectio divina, centering prayer, the examen and, through scripture, music, reflection, movement and silence, we will engage in listening to God. These spiritual practices are possible additions to your daily prayer life that help you feel more grounded or anchored in God. They can help with discernment of those big questions in life; they can enhance the faith practices in your family life; and they can help you to be still in God's presence even in the midst of the busy-ness of life. They don't take much time, but each one can help you be more intentional about the time you spend with God.
Various members of the church have been asked to facilitate each week's practice. Join us on Wednesday nights from March 8 through April 5 at 5:45 for dinner (note new time) and our practice. Children's activities will coincide with the adult program.
See you on Wednesdays!
One Great Hour of Sharing
April 9, 2017
The One Great Hour of Sharing offering, which is received each year during the Lenten season, helps us to care for people all around the world. Jesus' ministry was among those who were most vulnerable. He preached good news to the poor and release to the captives. One Great Hour of Sharing helps us share this same good news to those same vulnerable people in our world today: those who are hungry, who are suffering from disaster and who are dealing with oppression in society.
Every gift made to this offering will meet the needs of people. Visit the One Great Hour of Sharing website (www.presbyterianmission.org/oghs) to find out more about how your support of OGHS helps people all over the world, and then offer prayers for the projects and people who receive them.
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Summary of Stated Session Meeting
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| The Session of First Presbyterian Church held its slated monthly meeting on Monday, February 13, 2017, at 5:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. Fourteen Elders were present. Elder Christina Torbert was excused. Ministry Team Highlights: 1. Worship:
- Lenten worship will begin with Ash Wednesday, March 1, 207, at 5:30 pm, and Lent will begin for 6 weeks hence, each Sunday, culminating with Maundy Thursday, April 13, 2017, and Easter services on Sunday, April 16, 2017.
2. Adult Christian Education:
- The ministry team has planned for a Pancake Supper to be held the evening of Fat Tuesday, February 28, 2017, in Fellowship Hall. The Lenten series for Wednesdays Together will be held March 8 - April 5, 2017, with a soup/salad meal prior to worship.
3. Children's Christian Education:
- A program for children is planned during the Lenten series of Wednesdays Together.
- After discussion of Rally Day 2017, the following motion was made, seconded and approved unanimously:
Movant, Moderator - Motion to stage Rally Day on Sunday, August 6, 2017, at 9:45 am, followed by Sunday School at 9:45 am each week thereafter, and worship at 11:00 am only, August 6 - September 3, 2017. 4. Mission:
- Sherry Williams Jenkins, director of Doors of Hope, will discuss their most critical needs at the ministry team's meeting in March.
- The ministry team had a gathering at Dr. Greg Patton's home for people interested in the Haiti mission and Clean Water U.
- With the largest budget for missions in the history of First Presbyterian Church, the ministry team plans to be very transparent in how they use their funds.
5. Membership and Hospitality:
- The ministry team reported on some of their goals for the year. They plan to coordinate the June summer lunches and Cookies and Lemonade in July and help with the fall Wednesdays Together kick-off event.
6. Property:
- An outside security camera will be installed on the west side of the office building so that the church staff can see who would like to enter the building.
- The ministry team reported that signage for Fellowship Hall will be installed soon and a coat rack will be installed in the hallway to the restrooms. They are addressing the need of light fixtures in the entrance hall.
- The ministry team is in the process of researching the possibility of installing a video feed from the the church service to Fellowship Hall.
- The Moderator reported that the front doors of the education building will be changed to glass, and the punch list for Fellowship Hall will be finished so that John Abernathy can be paid.
- Appreciation was expressed to Mac Aldridge for installation of the parking lot lighting.
7. Finance:
- The ministry team presented the proposed budget for 2017. It was noted that the 2017 pledges totaled $1,036,760.00 with a total of 194 giving units. After discussion, the following motion was made, seconded, and passed unanimously:
Movant, Moderator - Motion to approve the 2017 budges as submitted. The Session recited The Lord's Prayer and adjourned at 7:09 pm.
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| Ash Wednesday Service of Worship March 1 at 5:30 pm in the Sanctuary Regular Worship Services
8:30 am - Worship with communion weekly
9:45 am - Sunday School
11:00 am - Worship with communion each first Sunday
Nursery Weekly: 8:15 am-12:15 pm
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Lectionary Texts for March
March 5 - Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Psalm 32; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11
March 12 - Genesis 12:1-4a; Psalm 121; Romans 4:1-5, 13-17; John 3:1-17
March
19 - Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-11; John 4:5-42
March 26 - 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41
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Sanctuary flower dates are available...
April 30, May 7, 14, 21, June 11, 18 and 25
If you would like to provide flowers
in
honor or memory
of a loved one, please contact
Susan Joiner at [email protected] or 662-808-3240. |
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What Happened in Haiti?
During the second week of January this year, 10 members from FPC returned for the to Bongnotte, Haiti. Over six years visiting Haiti (four in Bongnotte), our relationship with our Haitian brothers and sisters has continued to deepen. Thanx God! In the coming months, comments from each of those who traveled to Haiti will be shared here. Please continue to keep our Haitian family in your prayers.
"Having gone to Haiti since 2011, I continue to stand in amazement as to the continued, steady steps of progress that are underway in the Bongnotte village and the central Haiti region at large. As we have renewed and intensified our efforts in Bongnotte (and the surrounding service area of roughly 10,000 people), it is with such pride that I have gotten to watch and experience the strengthening of relationships, the implementation of sustainable water purification for the area, significant growth in the local school, and the witnessing of plans for a new, permanent, full-time medical clinic which will allow the school to expand into the existing clinic building. Education continues to be a priority if current customs, false misunderstandings and ways are to be changed. I was pleased this trip to see the early signs of educational efforts taking root. The impact of access to clean water and basic medical care upon the quality of a person's life are enormous, and are blessings to these folks that we, of means and comfort, all too often take for granted. Poverty and suffering have been present from the earliest of days, and most likely will persist until the end of times, but if we can continue to bring a focused effort of love, hope, education, clean water and basic necessities to this small region, then I believe we are providing sustainable improvements to a long-forgotten area, while fulfilling Christ's command to care for 'the least of these.'"
Ernie Williams, MD
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Planning for Haiti 2018
The time to plan for FPC's next mission trip to Haiti is NOW! If you have had any interest at all in participating in one of these trips, but haven't had the time or your circumstances haven't been just right, begin prayerfully considering whether 2018 is your time to go. Dates and travel plans have not been decided, but this will be done in the coming month to allow for adequate preparation for travel.
Also, anyone interested in participating in the water team should consider attending one of the Clean Water U training events at Camp Hopewell this spring or fall. There are three different courses to choose from - CWU 101 focuses on system management, water surveys, team building and partnerships to give participants the tools and skills needed to pull together all the components of the water related mission trip; CWU 102 focuses on health, hygiene and spiritual education related to water; CWU 103 is for those who want to learn to build and maintain the water system. Dates for those upcoming CWU events are:
April 26-30, 2017
September 13-17, 2017
October 18-22, 2017
Scholarships are available through the Mission Ministry Team at FPC, so call Ann Kelly if you are interested in attending one of these events.
Whether part of a water team, working with children in the Bongnotte school or helping in the mobile medical clinics, participation in a Haiti mission trip is a transformative experience. Don't miss it in 2018!
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Donate to Lovepacks!
Don't forget to continue donating to Lovepacks to help fight hunger in our local schools. Children who are placed on the Lovepacks list are those who've been identified by school counselors and others as those most likely to be without adequate food on weekends when they are not receiving breakfast and lunch at school. Items needed include: 16 oz. jars of peanut butter, granola and protein bars, pop-top soups and pastas, non-refrigerated pudding, peanut butter crackers.
Thank you for all of your generous donations throughout the year! Please keep them coming in 2017.
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Adult Sunday School Classes Continue
The following classes are available:
The Wired Word
-- Discussion revolves around a current news event and its implications for the life of faith. The class meets with Rev. Semmes in Fellowship Hall, Rooms 1&2.
Young Adult Class -- Young adults meet in the library of the Education Building to discuss the lives and stories of familiar and not-so-familiar characters in the Bible and how their stories are relevant in our lives. Matthew and Melissa Hall, along with Rev. Ann Kelly, facilitate the discussion.
Men's Bible Class - Meets in the Session Room for theological study with Hale Freeland as moderator.
Men's II Bible Class -- Members of the class rotate leadership of this Bible study class which meets in Room 102 of the Sanctuary building. They are currently studying the Book of Matthew.
Women of Faith -- Women of various ages meet in Room 4 of Fellowship Hall to share in a group study.
The Alton Bryant Sunday School Class
-- This co-ed Bible study class, under the leadership of Nolan Waller, uses The Present Word curriculum and meets in Conference Room 101 in the church office building.
f
vailable:
ations for the life
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Wednesday Morning Bible Study Upcoming
A new class begins March 22 at 10:00 am in the Session Room with a study of Adam Hamilton's
Half Truths. We will be examining common sayings such as, "Everything happens for a reason" that
sound Christian but miss the point in important ways. Join us as we compare such common sayings with the wisdom found in Scripture. Call the church office before March 15 to save your spot at the table and to let us know if we need to order the book for you.
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Save the dates!
 FPC's 2017 Vacation Bible School will be held June 26-30.
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PYF News
This past month, we attended the annual PYC Retreat at Camp Hopewell with our Jr. High youth, pictured below. Throughout the weekend, we spent time in worship, recreation and fellowship with other youth from all over our presbytery. The theme for the retreat was, "Here We Go Again" and focused on the story of Jonah. We explored this classic story in a modern context and how it can teach us to act as prophets in this day and age. We'd like to give a big thanks to Gracyn Ashmore, Miller Elliott, Daniel Kelly and Davis McCool, who all served on PYC this year and worked hard for many months to prepare this wonderful weekend for all of us.
--Recently, members of PYF had the privilege of spending the afternoon volunteering at the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society. Our youth spent the afternoon cleaning cages and food dishes and entertaining our new furry friends.
--PYF continues to meet throughout the season of Lent on Wednesday nights, beginning with dinner in Fellowship Hall at 5:45 pm (note new time) and followed by Bible study and recreation in the PYF Lodge until 7:00 pm. NOTE: There will be no PYF on Sunday, March 12 due to spring break.
--REMINDER: The organizational meeting for this year's Confirmation Class and their parents will be held Sunday, March 5 at 3:00 pm in Fellowship Hall.
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Summer Camp Season is Right Around the Corner! In gearing up for camp, you are invited to join the staff at Hopewell for their Open House on Sunday, March 26 from 2:00 pm-5:00 pm. All are invited, so feel free to bring the whole family, meet some of the staff and get a tour of the grounds. We hope to see you there! |
Wednesdays Together in Lent
Wednesdays Together begins on Wednesday, March 8 and continues through Wednesday, April 5 as we take on new spiritual practices of prayer and Bible study for the season of Lent. A simple supper of soup, salad and bread will be served each week beginning at 5:45 pm (note new time). Following supper, adults will remain in Fellowship Hall for their program while children move to the Education Building for a time of Bible study, crafts and play. The cost of the meal is $6 per person and $3 for children 5 and under with a maximum cost per family of $20.
Here's the menu for the coming weeks:
The Kids' Menu will alternate each week between cheeseburger sliders and chicken nuggets, fruit, chips & juice boxes.
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New Member Contact Information
BOATENG,
Francis, Nana
2998 Old Taylor Road, #1513
Oxford, MS 38655
Francis: 804/836/0416
Nana: 509/339/4464
FUDGE,
Daniel
Oxford, MS 38655
Cell: 479/747/7550
OLSON,
Daniel, Diane
617 Centerpointe Cove
Oxford, MS 38655
Daniel: 214/620/5454
Diane: 601/573/9164
PAYNE,
Daniel
845 Collierville Arlington Road
Collierville, TN 38017
Cell: 901/316/6491
Welcome to all!
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| An Important Sunday Parking Reminder
Bridge Properties, 1000 Tyler Avenue at 10th St., has advised the church it will tow all unauthorized vehicles on its parking lot, including Sundays, effective immediately. Please do not park on the Bridge Properties lot to attend worship or other church events!
Ride the Bus to Church!
Make plans now to park at the Blake and ride the bus to church each Sunday so that you won't have to worry about parking downtown. Time of departure from the Blake is weekly at 10:30 am. The bus returns immediately after 11:00 am worship. Thanks to all our volunteer drivers who make this service possible!
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Alma Shaw Circle will meet at 9:45 am, Tuesday, March 21, Sandra Webb, 680 Hwy. 6 West.
Carroll Barr Circle will meet at 6:30 pm, Tuesday, March 21, Lynn Sloan, 117 Cedar Hills Drive.
Esther Ethridge Circle will meet at 4:30 pm, Sunday, March 19, Conference Room 101.
Gerry Duvall Circle will meet at 12:00 pm, Tuesday, March 21, Fellowship Hall.
Lula Gregory Circle will meet at 9:45 am, Tuesday March 21, Nila Williams, 535 N. Lamar Blvd.
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Sign Up for FPC Men's Softball
Sign up now to play on FPC's men's softball team. This team is part of the Oxford Park Commission's softball league and the season starting date is April 10. Games will be played until mid-June on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday evenings. The coach/manager for the FPC team is Paul Hester. You can sign up to play by emailing Ann Kelly with your name, cell number, jersey size and preferred number. If you already have a grey shirt with blue numbers from last year, there is no need to add shirt size but do add the number so there won't be any duplicates. Softball is a fun way to get to know others in the congregation. It's a family friendly event, too, so sign up today. Let's play ball!
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VIPs Engage in Fellowship and Service in March
VIPs, FPC's 55+ members and friends, have a busy schedule in March. Check out the activities listed below and call the church office to sign up for one or more of them.
March 14 - VIP Lunch in Fellowship Hall. The meal is catered and donations are appreciated to help cover the cost. Come learn more about the St. John's Bible, the first handwritten and illuminated Bible commissioned by a Benedictine abbey since the invention of the printing press.
March 21 - Tour of St. Jude's Hospital and a service project at Target House. The only cost for the trip is lunch at The Tea Shop. The maximum number is 20 participants.
March 30 - VIP Dutch treat dinner at Oby's at 5:45 pm
Come join the fun and get to know some Very Important Presbyterians at one or more of these events!
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| Save the Date!
Saturday, April 22
Don't forget! FPC's 5th annual Jerry Warner Memorial Gold Tournament will be held Saturday, April 22.
More details will be forthcoming.
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Memorials and Honoraria
~ With gratitude for contributions to First Presbyterian Church ~
In Memory Of:
Julia Hull Davidson
J. J. Jones
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| Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries |
March Birthdays:
1 - Joe Garrison
5 - Harper Harris, Scott Burton
7 - Max Williams, Brett Person
8 - Trey Cobb, Danny Kelly, Tommy Patrick
9 - Ed Perry, Adalene Pettis
10 - Cal Montgomery
11 - Winn Hutchcraft, Phillip Embry
12 - Lenore Hobbs, Ashley Wilkinson
13 - Jason Freeland, Emily Whalen
14 - Brooks Williams, Ann Person
15 - Ella McIntosh, Tommy Cribbs, Jr., Neil Eads
16 - Susan Joiner, Griffin Tanner
17 - Elizabeth Coon
18 - Leighton McCool,Captain Alexander, Ann Douglas Tanner, Mary Charles Matthews, Wes Estes
19 - Hayden Alexander, Alexis Longsdorf, Brynn Ashmore, Lucia Brandt
20 - Kim Ling, Molly Neff, Becky Dykes, Doug Alexander, David McPhail, Samuel Logan
21 - Ava Manning, Harry Embry, Greer Smith,
Amy Sherman
22 - Hampton Hardin
23 - Clinette Conlee, Erin Alexander, Frances Saralvarez, Jim Deloach
24 - Renee Sullivan-Gonzalez, Nan Davis, Belle Monteith
25 - Sophie Semmes
26 - Josh Gibbs
27 - Joe Burnett, Frances Abernathy, Jess, Edge
29 - Spears Alexander
30 - Fran Sam, Sterlin Smith
31 - Greg Patton, Elizabeth Monteith, Kim Funderburk
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March Anniversaries:
3 - Meg & Mike Bartlett, Cindy & Eric Snellgrove
10 - Sarah Brooke & Jonathan Bishop
15 - Angela & Scott Manley
30 - Jenny & David McPhail
31 - Nan & Tom Davis
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First Dates
The Men of the Church meet each Tuesday at 6:30 am at the Beacon Restaurant
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The Worship Ministry Team will meet
Monday, March 6
at 5:00 pm in Room 101.
The Diaconate will meet Tuesday, March 7 at 5:30 pm in the Session Room.
The Property Ministry Team will meet
Tuesday, March 7 at 5:30 pm in Room 101.
The Membership & Hospitality Ministry Team will meet
Thursday, March 9 at 5:30 pm.
The Finance Ministry Team will meet
Wednesday, March 8 at 12:00 pm in Room 102.
Piecemakers meet each Thursday at 9:00 am in Fellowship Hall and Saturday, March 11at 10:30 am at St. Andrews Methodist Church.
The Session will meet Monday, March 13 at 5:30 pm in the Session Room.
The Book Club will meet Tuesday, March 14 at 1:30 pm in Conference Room 101. This month's book is "Glory Over Everything," by Kathleen Grissom.
The Dewey Hickman Grief Support Group will meet Tuesday, March 28 at 10:00 am at the home of Fannie Elliott.
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| Reminder: The April deadline for submissions to First Press is Wednesday, March 15.
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Daylight Saving Time begins March 12
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The Session
CLASS of 2017
Tom Meredith, David Shaw, Griffin Tanner,
Christina Torbert, Mary Glynn Wright (Clerk)
CLASS of 2018
Darren Ashmore, Dorothy Lou Aldridge,
Jane Lyle Byars, Paul Chiniche, Kathryn Hill
CLASS of 2019
Trey Cobb, Jon Crawford, Margie McLeod,
Karen Stockton, Dana Williams
The Diaconate
CLASS OF 2017
Kevin Christian, Catie Hester,
Laura Montgomery, Diane Scruggs, Cliff Smith
CLASS OF 2018
Whitney Bolen, Julie Chadwick, James Day,
Teresa Flautt, JoAnne Oliver
CLASS of 2019
Lee Borden, Kristina Carlson, Dean Chow,
Lele Gillespie, Pick Scruggs
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