Jesus once observed a widow drop two small copper coins in the temple offering box and drew a lesson: “For they (rich folk) all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on” (Luke 21:4). His point was to underline the woman’s selfless generosity. 

The COVID-19 season has brought both trials and blessings. Among the latter are folk who have turned on our streaming service because their circumstances have not enabled them to attend their own churches. During the lockdown period back in April and May of last year, the numbers were far greater than they are now. Most have now returned to their own churches, which is a good thing. Currently, around 1,500 view our services (and many views are couples, so the total number who watch and participate could almost be doubled). 

Many have written to me over the last year. The letters come from all across the United States. And some have written to me from other countries (Britain, Spain, and Singapore, to mention just a few). They invariably contain expressions of gratitude for all the church staff has done—sermons, podcasts, devotionals and, of course, the amusing Fun Friday episodes. And many have sent a check to the church (which I have personally acknowledged by way of a handwritten letter). Some, I think, were expressions of the widow’s mite.

A few of these letters have been read at Session meetings to demonstrate to the church officers the growing outreach of the ministry of First Presbyterian Church. All correspondences express deep-seated, genuine gratitude for how the church has helped them feel a part of our community. 

There are many pluses and minuses about live-streaming, but these letters demonstrate that lives have been touched in meaningful ways during a very difficult season. 

Derek W.H. Thomas

Just a reminder! The Church Nominating Committee needs to receive nominations for elder and deacon candidates no later than Sunday, March 7. Additional ballot forms have been placed next to the ballot boxes located in the Narthex, Jackson Hall, the Family Life Center, and just inside the door of the first floor of the Ministry Building. The Officer Nomination insert is also included in this week’s First Things and is available on the church website and app.

We are most grateful for your prayers and for your participation in this very important work in our church.

Your Nominating Committee:

Jimmy Herlong, Chairman, Frank Cason, Matt Bogan, Wyman Bowers, Rhoda Paschal, Susan Powell, and Will McMaster

Sunday, March 7, during our morning services, we will observe the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. The week ahead of us is one in which we prepare for a joyful gathering at the table of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We are pleased to offer a new hybrid class that will begin on Sunday, March 21. This class will be held in our World Missions Center each Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. Because this class will be offered two ways, via zoom and in person, registration will be required. If you plan to attend, please register on the church app or website under firstprescolumbia.org/events. Please email Lisa Eargle at leargle@firstprescolumbia.org if you have any questions.

As we resume coffee service and in the interest of health and protocol, it will be necessary for the Green Apron volunteers to serve coffee in Jackson Hall and on the third floor of the Ministry Building from 9:30-9:55 a.m. Please sign up on the church app or website at firstprescolumbia.org/serve. You can also contact Emily Lumpkin at eslumpkin@gmail.com or (803) 920-2442. 

Our spring blood drive will take place on Wednesday, March 3, from noon to 6:00 p.m. in The Bridge Room 125 (College room). You may sign up online at www.redcrossblood.org (use Sponsor Code: FirstPresColumbia). Thank you for your faithful giving!

In the Sanctuary and on Livestream

Thomas Russell plays works of J.S. Bach in observance of Bach’s birthday month.

You are invited to the ordination and installation service for Russell B. Harless as pastor of Sherwood Forest ARP Church. The service will be held on Sunday, March 7, at 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church. Participating in the service are Rev. David Lauten and Dr. Mark Ross, along with other elders and pastors from the community. Please wear a mask to the service.

Cory and Anna Stuart on the birth of their son, McFaddin Thomas “Mack” Stuart, on February 19.

Jeff and Janell Kull on the death of his father, Leonard L. Kull, Sr., on February 17.

Marshall and Wayne Ridgeway on the death of her mother, Kitty Clay, on February 18.

Items for Church Family?

Contact Lisa Eargle at leargle@firstprescolumbia.org.