Volume LXIX, No. 29 | July 21, 2019
Worship at First
Sunday, July 21

Morning Worship
8:30 & 11:15 a.m.
"Pressure from Enemies"
Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas


Evening Worship
6:00 p.m.
"The Righteous Shall Live by Faith"
Rev. Josh Squires
Sanctuary


Bulletins will be available by noon on Fridays.

Wednesday, July 24

Wednesdays@First
"7th Year"
Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas


Centerpoint
"The Unjust Steward"
Rev. Bryan Bult





Cooperative Ministries

In 1982, First Presbyterian Church joined with four other downtown Columbia churches to form The Cooperative Ministry as a means to serve Columbia’s poor more efficiently. First Presbyterian Church wanted some way to have a unified approach and make a difference in the lives of those who knocked on your door every week.

Today – 37 years later – The Cooperative Ministry is supported by 52 Columbia-area churches and another 70 or so corporations, small businesses, and civic organizations. Support comes through much-needed dollars, leadership on our Board of Directors or our Congregational Advisory Committee, and through the work of volunteers.

The need in Columbia looms large. In Columbia, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s report, “Out of Reach 2018: South Carolina,” an individual must work 76 hours per week at minimum wage to afford a modest one-bedroom rental home at Fair Market Value. The stress on low-income workers leads Columbia to rank 8th nationally in court-ordered evictions, according to Princeton University’s Eviction Lab report. The Cooperative Ministry was able to help 531 households in 2018 with rent or utility assistance. Housing pressure leads to increased needs for food and clothing, as the funds for these expenses are used for rent. In 2018, we helped 6,025 people with food assistance and 6,259 people with free clothing for school and work. 

The Cooperative Ministry provides many services to help people get on their feet. With the help of First Church, we now offer free Christian counseling assessments on Tuesday mornings. Many of our clients suffer from depression and abusive situations.

We also serve through the Gospel. Recently, a lady suffering from multiple sclerosis came to us for assistance. We were able to help her with rent and utility assistance, and we were also able to point her to an MS support group and share the Gospel with her. She left us with tears of joy.

In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, “Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (NIV) The Cooperative Ministry is truly an extension of your ministry in Christ to the community.

Bill Taber
Director of Crisis Assistance 
Cooperative Ministries

Thornwell Lectures - Tobin Cassels

Mr. Cassels first began working at Southeastern Freight Lines, his family-owned company, as a trailer shop mechanic when he was thirteen years old. He began working full-time after graduating from Washington & Lee University. He became a Christian through the influence of his boss and mentor during his late twenties. In 2001, Tobin was made President and Chief Operating Officer of the company. Tobin is married to Pat, and together they have a daughter. The Cassels worship at Shandon Baptist Church in Columbia.
College Team to Wales

A team of 13 students and leaders leaves for a week of ministry in Wales on July 19. Please pray for them during this time. Leaders of this team are Nate Cesky, Liz Cooper, and Billy Pierce. Students serving on the trip are Ethan Jackson, Joseph Paulson, Rachael McIntosh, Laird Weaver, Rivers Clarke, Anna Price, Kacey Beckham, Morgan Siuda, Robert Cathcart, and Joseph Yi.
Save the Date - Fall Blood Drive

Our fall blood drive will take place on Wednesday, September 18, from noon to 6:00 p.m. Please put this date on your calendar so you will be eligible to donate. Thank you so much for this gift to help those who may need it!
Church Family
Congratulations to:
Carol and Bill Charlwood on the birth of their granddaughter, Beatrice Mae Gleason, on July 9. Grateful parents are Kate and Alex Gleason.
Mary and Chris Burke on the birth of their daughter, Frances MacGillivray Burke, on July 11. Grateful grandparents are Sue and David Hodges, and great-grandparents are Susan and Jack Graybill.
Christian sympathy is extended to:
Laurie and Dan Cannon on the death of her father, Dr. Robert F. Sullivan, on July 9. 
Faith and Neal Myers on the death of her mother, Olive Kay Smilie, on July 12. 

Items for Church Family or People for Prayer?
Contact Lisa Eargle at leargle@firstprescolumbia.org 
or 799-9062, Ext. 244.
July Events at First
Committee Meetings:
        23           Local Missions Committee - 4:00 p.m. in BR327
19 - 29 Wales Mission Trip
22-26 Widows Watchmen Mission Trip
23 Young Professionals Gathering - 6:30 p.m. off-site

August Events at First
3            Encouragers’ Breakfast - 9:00 a.m. in Jackson Hall
6            Pursuit of Godliness Luncheon - 12:00 p.m. in Jackson Hall
7            Rising 6th Grade Lunch - 12:00 p.m. in BR001
11         The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper - 6:00 p.m. during the evening worship service.
14 Chancel Choir Rehearsal begins - 6:00 p.m. in P110
18 Rally Day - Fall Sunday School classes begin, and all children are promoted to their new class grade.
20 WOC Board Orientation - 10:00 a.m. in BR201
21 Children’s Choirs and Youth Chorus Informational Meeting - 4:00 p.m . in the Sanctuary
21 Fall Centerpoint Kick-off - 5:00 p.m. in Jackson Hall
25 College Welcome Lunch - 12:30 p.m. in Jackson Hall


For more information on any upcoming events, please check our website at firstprescolumbia.org or our church app.
803-799-9062 | email | website | app