Volume LXX, No. 4 | January 26, 2020
Worship at First
Sunday, January 26

Morning Worship
8:30 & 11:15 a.m.
"When Grace Squeaks Through the Cracks of our Trouble"
Dr. D. Ralph Davis


Evening Worship
6:00 p.m.
"Return and Rejoice"
Rev. David Lauten
Sanctuary

Bulletins will be available by noon on Fridays.

Wednesday, January 29

Wednesdays@First
Wednesdays at Noon
Jackson Hall
Rated ''M" for Mature: A Study in Christian Maturity
"Loving"
Rev. Josh Squires


Centerpoint
Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.
Jackson Hall
"Love"
Rev. David Lauten




2020 World Missions Conference

Where in the world is the Christian church growing fastest? Some report it is in Iran and among Persians. This year’s World Missions Conference – “God’s Work in Unexpected Places: Eyewitness to the Iranian ‘Great Awakening’” – will feature retired World Witness missionary, Tat Stewart, who, along with his wife, Patty, have spent over forty years ministering among the Persian-speaking world. Tat will open the Scriptures and convey firsthand accounts of what God has been doing among Iranians.

The Stewarts grew up in Iran in the homes of medical missionaries. Their own service in Iran was short-lived due to the 1979 Iranian Embassy hostage crisis, but they have spent the major portion of their ministry years serving Iranians. This includes over twenty years as missionaries with World Witness and currently as World Witness volunteers. Tat is also a major contributor to satellite and internet ministry with the goal of bringing theological and pastoral guidance to the growing Iranian church.

The conference will be March 4 – 8. Building on the success of last year’s Columbia area-wide ARP conference, the conference will begin on Wednesday, March 4, at First Presbyterian Church and conclude here Sunday evening, March 8. The conference will take place at other churches Thursday through Saturday.

There will also be a Children’s Mission Conference that will run concurrent to the adult gatherings. Hannah Lampman and her staff are preparing an exciting program for the children K4-5th grade with childcare available for birth–three years old.

Scriptures, particularly the Psalms, call us to remember and consider the works of the Lord. For example, Psalm 77:12 says, “I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.” The upcoming missions conference will give us an opportunity to ponder and meditate upon the work and mighty deeds of the Lord around the world, particularly among Iranians. Be watching for the brochure that will explain all the who, when, and wheres of the conference.

Neal Mathias 
Director of World Missions

Sunday School Class Change

Beginning this Sunday, January 26, the Gateway Class will meet in the Family Life Center during the Sunday School hour. 
Next Step 2020

Next Step, a class for students who want to join the church, begins Wednesday, February 5, in Smith Chapel. The class meets Wednesdays 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Please contact Rebecca Milford at rmilford@firstprescolumbia.org for more information. 
Seniors Parking and Transportation Letter

Your Seniors Ministry Committee is committed to maximizing the use of the preferred parking spaces available to our senior members and to assisting other senior members with transportation to church events. To these ends, a brief survey is being mailed this week in both regular and email formats to our members 65+. Thank you in advance for your responses, as they will help guide our decision-making. 
Children’s Sunday School Teachers Needed

Have you ever considered being a Sunday School teacher? We are looking for substitute Sunday School teachers in our children’s ministry. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Hannah Lampman at hlampman@firstprescolumbia.org or 799-9062, Ext 237.
First Fridays Organ Concert

On Friday, February 7, enjoy lunch and an organ concert featuring music by J.S. Bach with Thomas Russell on the organ. Lunch will be at 12:00 p.m. in Jackson Hall, followed by an organ concert at 12:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Lunch is $5.00.

January Events at First
Committee meetings:
            27           Joint Session and Diaconate Meeting - 5:30 p.m. in Jackson Hall. Followed by a Diaconate meeting in BR201 and a Session meeting in P402.
26         College Lunch - 12:30 p.m. in Jackson Hall
29         Women’s Bible Study begins - 6:00 p.m. in T301
 

February Events at First
2            Souper Bowl of Caring - Students will be collecting donations after each worship service to support local ministries. There will also be a box in the Atrium to collect non-perishable goods to be donated to Harvest Hope Food Bank.
4            WOC Board Meeting - 10:00 a.m. in BR201
5            Next Step Class Begins - 6:00 p.m. in T304
6 Men’s Wild Game Supper - 6:00 p.m. at Carolina Haven (807 Bluff Road, 29201) Cost: $10.00. Registration and payment is now available on the church app and website.
7 First Fridays Organ Concert - Lunch in Jackson Hall at 12:00 p.m. followed by an organ concert at 12:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. This month will feature the music of J.S. Bach. Lunch cost is $5.00.
8 Encouragers Breakfast - 9:00 a.m. in Jackson Hall (Date Change)
10-12 WOC Circles Week
20 Spaghetti Soiree - 6:00 p.m. in Jackson Hall. Date Change. Our Encouragers (singles 50+) and AIA (married couples 50+) enjoy an evening of intergenerational fellowship with our middle school and high school youth.
 

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