Growing up in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, I was a first-hand witness to one of the most beautiful expressions of God’s creation – acres and acres of mountains and forestry that inspired you to cry out in praise like the psalmist does in Psalm 19: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” However, especially in recent years, the beauty of God’s creation has been decimated by wildfires that have stripped the land of the lush green that once adorned the landscape and replaced it with charred wood and ash. It is a devastating sight to see. Looking at such a sight causes great sorrow and mourning of the beauty that has been lost – and rightfully so. However, if you look close enough, not long after the devastation has passed, you begin to see small shoots of new life sprout up across the landscape. Over time, these small shoots begin to multiply and fill the earth once again with the beauty of new life, especially if it is properly cultivated and nurtured. It is a beautiful picture of the pattern we see in scripture of creation, fall, and redemption. But we can miss the beauty of new life when we focus only on the devastating effects of the destruction that has occurred.

Recently, we commissioned our first short-term mission team in more than two years. To some, this may seem a small thing, especially given the numerous mission teams that used to be sent out from this church to every part of the world until the COVID crisis brought that to a screeching halt. While it is appropriate to mourn the loss that has occurred, we don’t want to miss the beauty of new life that God is raising up among us. This short-term trip to Spain is the first of what we hope will be many. On the horizon, we have opportunities to go to Germany and Peru, individuals planning to go to Africa and Europe, the Appalachian Mission Trip for youth, and, we hope, many more to follow.

So let us rejoice in the signs of new life that are sprouting among us, let us look upon the horizon by faith, let us cultivate and nurture these signs of new life, and let us go, trusting in the Lord’s promise that “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” (Habakkuk 2:14)

Sean Henderson

The First Presbyterian Church office and campus will be closed Monday, May 30, in observance of Memorial Day. The office will re-open Tuesday, May 31. In addition, there will be no Sunday Supper on Sunday evening, May 29.

Our 2022 Summer Lecture Series will begin on Sunday, June 5, at 10:00 a.m. in the Family Life Center. This summer, the lecture series will focus on “The Church Member’s Role In…” continuing the theme of our 225+2 anniversary celebration. View more details on our website.

The Children’s Ministry is on the hunt for adult and youth volunteers for the Children’s Sunday schools for this summer (June-August 14) and for the fall school year starting August 21. As a substitute or helper, you can volunteer weekly or once a month. If you are interested in getting involved, visit the Children’s Ministry page on the website!

Starting on Sunday, June 5, as the Chancel Choir takes their summer break, we will begin our Summer Choir. Rehearsals start at 5:00 p.m. on Sundays, and we will sing during the 6:00 p.m. worship service during the months of June and July.

This is a great opportunity to sing if you have sung in choirs in the past or have always wanted to sing in a choir. We will sing hymns, hymn arrangements, and learn a thing or two about the background and history of each hymn. This is a fun, low-to-no pressure choir for all ages!

If you would like to participate, please contact Daniel Cole at dcole@firstprescolumbia.org, or (803) 799-9062, Ext. 254.

Our summer American Red Cross blood drive will take place on Wednesday, June 15, in The Bridge, Room 125, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. To sign up online, please go to www.redcrossblood.org, and use sponsor code: FirstPresColumbia. Thank you for your faithful giving; please bring a friend!

Each month during the summer, we gather for a meal and to hear one of our women tell her story of God’s faithfulness. On Tuesday, June 14, from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., Stephanie Yarborough will speak. All registrations must be completed online or in the app, by Friday, June 10 at noon. If childcare for birth through 5th grade is needed in order to attend this event, register your children online by noon on Friday, June 10th.

The church needs ushers to help out at our morning services, to greet members and visitors alike, and help them to find open seats throughout the Sanctuary. We are all called to serve the church in some capacity, and this is one great way to get started. We ask for a commitment of two months a year at either the 8:30 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. services, but you get benefits, too, such as reserving seats for your family during those months and a name tag (deacons and elders don't have these). Please email Chris Robnett, chair of the diaconate's worship support committee at chrisrobnettdmd@gmail.com with your name and the service time when you would prefer to assist.

Choral Anthems CD “All Shall Be Well – 225+2 Years · A Beginning” from First Presbyterian Church are available on CD with a payment envelope for $10.00 from the Book Service locations. Please contact the church library at library@firstprescolumbia.org to purchase large quantities.

The ARP Family Bible Conference will be July 25-28 at Bonclarken Conference Center. This year's theme is "Following the Lamb into a Better City," looking at the book of Revelation. Dr. Mark McDowell and Rev. Neil Stewart will be the keynote speakers. We invite you, your family, and your friends to join us for this joyful week of growth, rest, and fellowship. Details and registration are available at arpcem.org/fbc.

The cost is $8 per meal which you can pay at the door with cash, check or card OR you may pay on the Church App and website beginning on June 1 by selecting "Seniors Ministry Payment". Click or tap here to make a reservation for the Patriotic Gathering.

Jameson Barnes on the death of this grandfather, Hugh Parker, who died on Friday, May 13.

Kat Salley and family on the death of her daughter-in-law, Anne Richie Salley, who died on Tuesday, May 17.

Grange and Jeni Jumper on the death of his mother, Sarah Jumper, who died on Thursday, May 19.

Jennifer Cooper on the death of her father, Ted Cooper, who died on Friday, May 20.

Joanne Willis on the death of her brother, Wayne Willis, who died on Saturday, May 21.

Jane Spencer Ruschky and Eric Glen Kirkland who were married on Friday, May 13.

Allie Little Langley and Jonathan Trent Pannell who were married on Saturday, May 14.

Culver and Mardy Choate on their 50th wedding anniversary Friday, June 3.

 Items for Church Family

Contact Lisa Eargle at leargle@firstprescolumbia.org.