A Very Special Anniversary
WORSHIP AT FIRST APRIL 23, 2017 MORNING WORSHIP 8:30 and 11:15 a.m. STAYING TRUE TO THE GOSPEL “Glimpsing Heaven” II Corinthians 12:1-10 Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Vol. LXVII, No. 17 April 23, 2017 audio streaming at www.firstprescolumbia.org [email protected] Worship Service - Broadcast WISW 1320 AM at 11:00 a.m.
A Very Special Anniversary
Children’s Sermon (8:30) “Thorns” Introduction of New Members (11:15)
Anniversaries are very special occasions. They commemorate the beginning of something special, often a relationship, that has stayed the course over time. They recognize the commitment to a vision carried out over time. And often, anniversaries acknowledge God as the source and the sustainer of the efforts of the parties involved.
EVENING WORSHIP 6:00 p.m. FACING COVENANT DISASTER “No One to Comfort” Lamentations 1 Dr. D. Ralph Davis
I think all of these things are true of the Christian Counseling Center of First Presbyterian Church, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this month. That’s right, 20 years ago on April 1, 1997, the Christian Counseling Center began operations. That day in itself was a fulfillment of efforts by the Session and staff of this church that originated eight years prior. It is amazing what God has done through this ministry in the past 20 years. Here are a few highlights:
Children’s Sermon Children’s Catechism #111 Q. What did Christ give us to teach us about prayer? A. The Lord’s Prayer.
Wednesdays rst Wednesday, April 26 I AM Sayings of Christ “I Am the LIGHT of the World” Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. Program begins at 12:15 p.m. Family Life Center
Wednesday, April 26 SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY - THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION “Adoption” Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas Supper begins at 5:00 p.m. Program begins at 6:15 p.m. Jackson Hall
The center is the largest provider of Christian counseling services in the city, providing over 12,000 sessions per year, with hundreds of new clients seeking services each year. The center operates out of its 1500 Lady office (downtown) and at two satellite locations. There are currently 18 counselors and three administrative staff working at the center. The Christian Counseling Center is part of this church’s outreach to the community. Many who come are from outside of First Presbyterian Church and do not have access to a counseling ministry in the church they attend. Further, a third or more who come to the counseling center do not have a church home and are not regularly attending church.
It is fitting that 20 years ago, the Counseling Center began operations the day after Easter. One of the theme verses for the Christian Counseling Center is John 10:10. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Jesus came into this world to redeem his creation. It is truly amazing that he procured our salvation through his resurrection. Yet he doesn’t stop there. He works in the lives of all believers to continue that redemption process, helping us to live here as the people he created us to be. In one sense, this is what the ministry of the Christian Counseling Center is all about. Becoming a believer in Christ and surrendering your life to him doesn’t instantaneously change one’s mental and relational functioning; I often wish it were so. We work with people to be free of the sin that holds them back from living as God created them to live. We facilitate healing in them from the effects of the sins of others upon them. In a nutshell, we are a part of God’s saving and sanctifying work in this community. It is with much gratitude that the staff and the board of the Christian Counseling Center commemorate this 20th anniversary. We are grateful to (Continued on next page.)
(A Very Special Anniversary - continued from cover)
God for his faithful provision of the needs of the center. We are grateful to the church for its support over the years, and we are excited and grateful for the opportunities that lie ahead in the future. The Counseling Center has the opportunity to occupy additional space in its current home. We are working to add an additional satellite location, and we are working to add staff to accommodate an ever growing demand for services. Personally, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you this past 20 years. To God be the glory. Thomas Barbian, Ph.D. Executive Director The Christian Counseling Center of First Presbyterian Church
Congregational Meeting The Session has called a Congregational Meeting for Sunday, April 30, to begin following the 8:30 a.m. service and to be concluded after the 11:15 a.m. service, for the purpose of asking the congregation to concur with the request of the Rev. Dr. Mark McDowell to dissolve the pastoral relationship between himself and First Presbyterian Church. Dr. McDowell has accepted a call as Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology and Executive Director of Reformed Theological Seminary, Dallas, TX.
Job 19:25
Baccalaureate Sunday May 14, 2017, is Baccalaureate Sunday when we recognize our graduates for the year. If you are graduating from high school, college or university in May or June, or if you know of a student who will graduate, please contact Rebecca Milford (799-9062, Ext. 232, or [email protected]), by Monday, May 1. Please give the full name of the student, the name of the school, and the degree to be received.
Summer Youth Conferences Quest Conference June 12-17 Grades 6th - 8th
Horizon Conference June 19-24 Grades 9th - 12th Cost: $175 Registration deadline: May 1 with non-refundable $50.00 deposit Register online at firstprescolumbia.org/youthregistration.
Churchyard Tour
Summer Youth Interns
Sunday, April 23, at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome! Please join Tom Gottshall for the Men’s Bible Class tour of the Churchyard, this Sunday. Visit the graves of early members active in church and civil life. For more information, contact
The Youth Ministry is seeking housing for our summer interns. We will have two male interns and one female intern who need a place to stay from May 27 to August 10. Please contact Brad Anderson ([email protected]; 799‐9062, Ext. 301) if you can help.
Parents' Night Out
World Witness Dinner Friday, April 28
Friday, May 5 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Birth - 5th Grade To make reservations, please contact Beth Grider at [email protected] or 799-9062, Ext. 233, by Tuesday, May 2.
Church Family
Jackson Hall is the location for a World Witness update dinner (registration at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7:15 p.m.). The featured presenter will be our own Mark Witte with an update on ministry in Spain. This event is an excellent way to get an update on our denomination’s work around the world. To register, go to worldwitness.org/columbia or call 864-233-5226.
Items for Church Family? Contact Lisa Eargle at 799-9062, Ext. 244, or [email protected].
Churchyard Columbarium Spaces are available in the columbarium located in our churchyard. Please contact Barbara Shealy at 799-9062, Ext. 261, or [email protected] for an information packet, or you may pick one up in the entry of Thornwell.
We are GEARING UP for Maker Fun Factory VBS June 12-16 VBS registration is now open for children 4 years-old through rising 6th grade. Registration forms can be found at the VBS display table in the Atrium. Come be a part of VBS this summer as a volunteer! Help our kids discover that they are created by God and built for a purpose. Sign up today at the VBS table in the Atrium or by contacting Hannah Lampman at hlampman@firstprescolumbia or 799-9062, Ext. 237. See a preview of Maker Fun Factory VBS at: www.firstprescolumbia.org/cm-vbs.
Summer Mission with ARPConnect Interested in a Ministry to Muslims Mission Trip this summer (July 11-17)? Contact Ali Mitchell ([email protected]) or go to arpconnect.org/for-christians/missiontrip.
A Ministry for Singles 50 and over
Encouragers’ Breakfast Saturday, May 6, Laurel Crest at 9:00 a.m. Cost is $5.00. Please make reservations by noon, Monday, May 1, by calling the Encouragers’ reservation line, 799-9062, Ext. 455, or by emailing Lisa Eargle, [email protected].
Mark your calendar! On Tuesday, May 2, the community will have the opportunity to support local nonprofits through Midlands Gives - a one-day online giving event. Many non-profits will have matching funds available to make your donation have twice the impact. The following ministries that are supported by the FPC Congregational Outreach Committee are participating: A Moment of Hope Child Evangelism Fellowship Daybreak Pregnancy Center The Cooperative Ministry New this year: Donations for the May 2nd giving day may be scheduled in advance in case you will be busy or out of town. Go to www.midlandsgives.org anytime between now and Tuesday, May 2 to donate.
The First Presbyterian Church
Periodicals Postage Paid at Columbia, SC
Associate Reformed Synod 1324 Marion Street Columbia, South Carolina 29201 (803) 799-9062 Fax: (803) 799-9172 First Things (USPS 198-100): Published each week except Christmas week by First Presbyterian Church. Periodical postage paid at Columbia, SC. Postmaster: Send address changes to First Things, First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion Street, Columbia, SC, 29201.
Sunday, April 23 8:30 a.m. Worship Service* - Sanctuary 10:00 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages* - Church Campus 10:00 a.m. Inquirers Class - Small Dining Room 10:00 a.m. Men’s Bible Class Churchyard Tour - Churchyard 10:50 a.m. Fellowship - Jackson Hall 11:15 a.m. Worship Service* - Sanctuary 12:30 p.m. Next Step Lunch - Jackson Hall 1:30 p.m. Next Step Worship Service - P402 The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper 4:00 p.m. Laurel Crest Service - Laurel Crest 4:30 p.m. Cate Memorial Handbell Choir Rehearsal - P107 4:30 p.m. Middle School Youth Group - Family Life Center 5:00 p.m. Church-Wide Prayer* - T301 6:00 p.m. Evening Service* - Sanctuary 6:00 p.m. Friendship Club - T201/T202 6:15 p.m. Cherub Choir - T103/T107 6:15 p.m. Club (1st-5th grades) - T213 7:15 p.m. Sunday Supper - Jackson Hall 7:30 p.m. High School Youth Group - BR001 Monday, April 24 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 12:00 p.m. Recorder Ensemble Rehearsal - P107 5:00 p.m. Trail Life USA Banquet - Jackson Hall 6:00 p.m. American Heritage Girls Leaders’ Meeting - BR201 Tuesday, April 25 6:45 a.m. 7:30 a.m. Men’s Prayer - P402A 8:30 a.m. Staff Prayer - BR201 9:00 a.m. Ministry Staff Meeting - BR201 5:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball (Ages 40 & up) - Family Life Center 5:30 p.m. Congregational Outreach Committee - BR327
Wednesday, April 26 7:00 a.m. Greet the Dawn Bible Study - BR201 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 10:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study* - T301 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays@First* - Jackson Hall 4:00 p.m. Junior Children’s Choir Rehearsal - T201/T203 4:00 p.m. Primary Children’s Choir Rehearsal - T207/T210 4:00 p.m. Youth Chorus Rehearsal - P110 5:00 p.m. Centerpoint Dinner - Jackson Hall 6:00 p.m. Centerpoint Nursery (Birth-3 years) - T108/T109/T112 6:00 p.m. Centerpoint Kids: Catechism Club - T102/T103/T107 6:00 p.m. Centerpoint Kids: Mission Club - T203 6:00 p.m. Chamber Choir Rehearsal - P105/P110 6:00 p.m. Middle School Bible Study - Thornwell, 2nd floor 6:00 p.m. High School Bible Study - BR001 6:00 p.m. College Senior Banquet - BR125 6:15 p.m. Centerpoint: School of Theology - Jackson Hall 6:15 p.m. Centerpoint Small Groups - Thornwell, 3rd floor 6:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal - P110 7:05 p.m. Centerpoint Prayer - Jackson Hall Thursday, April 27 6:45 a.m. 7:30 a.m. 8:20 a.m. Strategic Planning Committee - P402A 5:30 p.m. Nominating Committee - BR327 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 28 6:45 a.m. Men’s Bible Study - 2920 Gervais Street 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 11:30 a.m. Spring Golf Tournament - Ft. Jackson Golf Club 6:30 p.m. World Witness Dinner - Jackson Hall Saturday, April 29
*Childcare is available from birth to four years. If, at any time, you have an emergency, please call 513-7931 to contact a pastor.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Vol. LXVII, No. 17 April 23, 2017 audio streaming at www.firstprescolumbia.org [email protected] Worship Service - Broadcast WISW 1320 AM at 11:00 a.m.
A Very Special Anniversary
Children’s Sermon (8:30) “Thorns” Introduction of New Members (11:15)
Anniversaries are very special occasions. They commemorate the beginning of something special, often a relationship, that has stayed the course over time. They recognize the commitment to a vision carried out over time. And often, anniversaries acknowledge God as the source and the sustainer of the efforts of the parties involved.
EVENING WORSHIP 6:00 p.m. FACING COVENANT DISASTER “No One to Comfort” Lamentations 1 Dr. D. Ralph Davis
I think all of these things are true of the Christian Counseling Center of First Presbyterian Church, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this month. That’s right, 20 years ago on April 1, 1997, the Christian Counseling Center began operations. That day in itself was a fulfillment of efforts by the Session and staff of this church that originated eight years prior. It is amazing what God has done through this ministry in the past 20 years. Here are a few highlights:
Children’s Sermon Children’s Catechism #111 Q. What did Christ give us to teach us about prayer? A. The Lord’s Prayer.
Wednesdays rst Wednesday, April 26 I AM Sayings of Christ “I Am the LIGHT of the World” Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. Program begins at 12:15 p.m. Family Life Center
Wednesday, April 26 SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY - THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION “Adoption” Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas Supper begins at 5:00 p.m. Program begins at 6:15 p.m. Jackson Hall
The center is the largest provider of Christian counseling services in the city, providing over 12,000 sessions per year, with hundreds of new clients seeking services each year. The center operates out of its 1500 Lady office (downtown) and at two satellite locations. There are currently 18 counselors and three administrative staff working at the center. The Christian Counseling Center is part of this church’s outreach to the community. Many who come are from outside of First Presbyterian Church and do not have access to a counseling ministry in the church they attend. Further, a third or more who come to the counseling center do not have a church home and are not regularly attending church.
It is fitting that 20 years ago, the Counseling Center began operations the day after Easter. One of the theme verses for the Christian Counseling Center is John 10:10. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Jesus came into this world to redeem his creation. It is truly amazing that he procured our salvation through his resurrection. Yet he doesn’t stop there. He works in the lives of all believers to continue that redemption process, helping us to live here as the people he created us to be. In one sense, this is what the ministry of the Christian Counseling Center is all about. Becoming a believer in Christ and surrendering your life to him doesn’t instantaneously change one’s mental and relational functioning; I often wish it were so. We work with people to be free of the sin that holds them back from living as God created them to live. We facilitate healing in them from the effects of the sins of others upon them. In a nutshell, we are a part of God’s saving and sanctifying work in this community. It is with much gratitude that the staff and the board of the Christian Counseling Center commemorate this 20th anniversary. We are grateful to (Continued on next page.)
(A Very Special Anniversary - continued from cover)
God for his faithful provision of the needs of the center. We are grateful to the church for its support over the years, and we are excited and grateful for the opportunities that lie ahead in the future. The Counseling Center has the opportunity to occupy additional space in its current home. We are working to add an additional satellite location, and we are working to add staff to accommodate an ever growing demand for services. Personally, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you this past 20 years. To God be the glory. Thomas Barbian, Ph.D. Executive Director The Christian Counseling Center of First Presbyterian Church
Congregational Meeting The Session has called a Congregational Meeting for Sunday, April 30, to begin following the 8:30 a.m. service and to be concluded after the 11:15 a.m. service, for the purpose of asking the congregation to concur with the request of the Rev. Dr. Mark McDowell to dissolve the pastoral relationship between himself and First Presbyterian Church. Dr. McDowell has accepted a call as Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology and Executive Director of Reformed Theological Seminary, Dallas, TX.
Job 19:25
Baccalaureate Sunday May 14, 2017, is Baccalaureate Sunday when we recognize our graduates for the year. If you are graduating from high school, college or university in May or June, or if you know of a student who will graduate, please contact Rebecca Milford (799-9062, Ext. 232, or [email protected]), by Monday, May 1. Please give the full name of the student, the name of the school, and the degree to be received.
Summer Youth Conferences Quest Conference June 12-17 Grades 6th - 8th
Horizon Conference June 19-24 Grades 9th - 12th Cost: $175 Registration deadline: May 1 with non-refundable $50.00 deposit Register online at firstprescolumbia.org/youthregistration.
Churchyard Tour
Summer Youth Interns
Sunday, April 23, at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome! Please join Tom Gottshall for the Men’s Bible Class tour of the Churchyard, this Sunday. Visit the graves of early members active in church and civil life. For more information, contact
The Youth Ministry is seeking housing for our summer interns. We will have two male interns and one female intern who need a place to stay from May 27 to August 10. Please contact Brad Anderson ([email protected]; 799‐9062, Ext. 301) if you can help.
Parents' Night Out
World Witness Dinner Friday, April 28
Friday, May 5 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Birth - 5th Grade To make reservations, please contact Beth Grider at [email protected] or 799-9062, Ext. 233, by Tuesday, May 2.
Church Family
Jackson Hall is the location for a World Witness update dinner (registration at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7:15 p.m.). The featured presenter will be our own Mark Witte with an update on ministry in Spain. This event is an excellent way to get an update on our denomination’s work around the world. To register, go to worldwitness.org/columbia or call 864-233-5226.
Items for Church Family? Contact Lisa Eargle at 799-9062, Ext. 244, or [email protected].
Churchyard Columbarium Spaces are available in the columbarium located in our churchyard. Please contact Barbara Shealy at 799-9062, Ext. 261, or [email protected] for an information packet, or you may pick one up in the entry of Thornwell.
We are GEARING UP for Maker Fun Factory VBS June 12-16 VBS registration is now open for children 4 years-old through rising 6th grade. Registration forms can be found at the VBS display table in the Atrium. Come be a part of VBS this summer as a volunteer! Help our kids discover that they are created by God and built for a purpose. Sign up today at the VBS table in the Atrium or by contacting Hannah Lampman at hlampman@firstprescolumbia or 799-9062, Ext. 237. See a preview of Maker Fun Factory VBS at: www.firstprescolumbia.org/cm-vbs.
Summer Mission with ARPConnect Interested in a Ministry to Muslims Mission Trip this summer (July 11-17)? Contact Ali Mitchell ([email protected]) or go to arpconnect.org/for-christians/missiontrip.
A Ministry for Singles 50 and over
Encouragers’ Breakfast Saturday, May 6, Laurel Crest at 9:00 a.m. Cost is $5.00. Please make reservations by noon, Monday, May 1, by calling the Encouragers’ reservation line, 799-9062, Ext. 455, or by emailing Lisa Eargle, [email protected].
Mark your calendar! On Tuesday, May 2, the community will have the opportunity to support local nonprofits through Midlands Gives - a one-day online giving event. Many non-profits will have matching funds available to make your donation have twice the impact. The following ministries that are supported by the FPC Congregational Outreach Committee are participating: A Moment of Hope Child Evangelism Fellowship Daybreak Pregnancy Center The Cooperative Ministry New this year: Donations for the May 2nd giving day may be scheduled in advance in case you will be busy or out of town. Go to www.midlandsgives.org anytime between now and Tuesday, May 2 to donate.
The First Presbyterian Church
Periodicals Postage Paid at Columbia, SC
Associate Reformed Synod 1324 Marion Street Columbia, South Carolina 29201 (803) 799-9062 Fax: (803) 799-9172 First Things (USPS 198-100): Published each week except Christmas week by First Presbyterian Church. Periodical postage paid at Columbia, SC. Postmaster: Send address changes to First Things, First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion Street, Columbia, SC, 29201.
Sunday, April 23 8:30 a.m. Worship Service* - Sanctuary 10:00 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages* - Church Campus 10:00 a.m. Inquirers Class - Small Dining Room 10:00 a.m. Men’s Bible Class Churchyard Tour - Churchyard 10:50 a.m. Fellowship - Jackson Hall 11:15 a.m. Worship Service* - Sanctuary 12:30 p.m. Next Step Lunch - Jackson Hall 1:30 p.m. Next Step Worship Service - P402 The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper 4:00 p.m. Laurel Crest Service - Laurel Crest 4:30 p.m. Cate Memorial Handbell Choir Rehearsal - P107 4:30 p.m. Middle School Youth Group - Family Life Center 5:00 p.m. Church-Wide Prayer* - T301 6:00 p.m. Evening Service* - Sanctuary 6:00 p.m. Friendship Club - T201/T202 6:15 p.m. Cherub Choir - T103/T107 6:15 p.m. Club (1st-5th grades) - T213 7:15 p.m. Sunday Supper - Jackson Hall 7:30 p.m. High School Youth Group - BR001 Monday, April 24 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 12:00 p.m. Recorder Ensemble Rehearsal - P107 5:00 p.m. Trail Life USA Banquet - Jackson Hall 6:00 p.m. American Heritage Girls Leaders’ Meeting - BR201 Tuesday, April 25 6:45 a.m. 7:30 a.m. Men’s Prayer - P402A 8:30 a.m. Staff Prayer - BR201 9:00 a.m. Ministry Staff Meeting - BR201 5:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball (Ages 40 & up) - Family Life Center 5:30 p.m. Congregational Outreach Committee - BR327
Wednesday, April 26 7:00 a.m. Greet the Dawn Bible Study - BR201 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 10:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study* - T301 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays@First* - Jackson Hall 4:00 p.m. Junior Children’s Choir Rehearsal - T201/T203 4:00 p.m. Primary Children’s Choir Rehearsal - T207/T210 4:00 p.m. Youth Chorus Rehearsal - P110 5:00 p.m. Centerpoint Dinner - Jackson Hall 6:00 p.m. Centerpoint Nursery (Birth-3 years) - T108/T109/T112 6:00 p.m. Centerpoint Kids: Catechism Club - T102/T103/T107 6:00 p.m. Centerpoint Kids: Mission Club - T203 6:00 p.m. Chamber Choir Rehearsal - P105/P110 6:00 p.m. Middle School Bible Study - Thornwell, 2nd floor 6:00 p.m. High School Bible Study - BR001 6:00 p.m. College Senior Banquet - BR125 6:15 p.m. Centerpoint: School of Theology - Jackson Hall 6:15 p.m. Centerpoint Small Groups - Thornwell, 3rd floor 6:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal - P110 7:05 p.m. Centerpoint Prayer - Jackson Hall Thursday, April 27 6:45 a.m. 7:30 a.m. 8:20 a.m. Strategic Planning Committee - P402A 5:30 p.m. Nominating Committee - BR327 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 28 6:45 a.m. Men’s Bible Study - 2920 Gervais Street 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 11:30 a.m. Spring Golf Tournament - Ft. Jackson Golf Club 6:30 p.m. World Witness Dinner - Jackson Hall Saturday, April 29
*Childcare is available from birth to four years. If, at any time, you have an emergency, please call 513-7931 to contact a pastor.
