December 13, 2015
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.
8:30 & 11:15 a.m. WHAT CHILD IS THIS? “Human Mind” Luke 2:40, 52 Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas The Sacrament of Baptism (8:30)
6:00 p.m. “What the Shepherds Saw” Luke 2:15 Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas A Storybook Christmas Presented by the Youth Chorus, the Junior Choir, and the Primary Choir
Sunday, December 13 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 10:50 a.m. Fellowship Time* - Jackson Hall 11:15 am. Worship Service* - Sanctuary 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. Orff Ensemble Rehearsal - T103 5:00 p.m. Church-Wide Prayer* - T303 6:00 p.m. Evening Service* - Sanctuary 7:15 p.m. Sunday Supper - Jackson Hall 7:30 p.m. High School Youth Group - T205/T208 Monday, December 14 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 12:00 p.m. Recorder Ensemble Rehearsal - P107 4:30 p.m. College & Seminary Student Ministry Committee - P Annex 101A 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Trail Life USA Banquet - Jackson Hall 5:30 p.m. Session Meeting - P402 Tuesday, December 15 7:30 a.m. Men’s Prayer - P402A 8:30 a.m. Staff Prayer - P402 9:00 a.m. Ministry Staff Meeting - P402
Wednesday, December 16 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays@First - Jackson Hall 4:00 p.m. Youth Chorus Rehearsal - P110 4:15 p.m. Cherub, Primary & Junior Choir Concert - Laurel Crest 5:30 p.m. Centerpoint Dinner - Jackson Hall 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal - P110 6:15 p.m. Centerpoint Bible Study - Jackson Hall 6:15 p.m. 6:15 p.m. Youth Bible Studies - Thornwell, 2nd and 3rd Floors 7:05 p.m. Centerpoint: Prayer - Jackson Hall Thursday, December 17 7:30 a.m. Men’s Discipleship Bible Study - Blue Marlin Friday, December 18 6:45 a.m. Men’s Bible Study - 2920 Gervais Street 7:45 a.m. Haiti Mission Trip Planning - P107 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center Saturday, December 19
*Childcare is available from birth to four years. If, at any time, you have an emergency, please call 513-7931 to contact a pastor.
Wednesdays rst Wednesday, December 16
Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. Program begins at 12:15 p.m.
Wednesday, December 16 DO NOT FEAR: FIVE LESSONS ON NOT BEING AFRAID “Angel’s Message” Dr. Mark McDowell Supper begins at 5:30 p.m. Programs begins at 6:15 p.m.
Vol. LXV, No. 50 December 13, 2015 audio streaming at www.firstprescolumbia.org [email protected] Worship Service - Broadcast WISW 1320 AM at 11:00 a.m.
Fear Not One of the memorable images of the Christmas Biblical narrative is an angel appearing before shepherds as they were busy tending their flocks. The appearance of an angel was not an everyday experience! It is reasonable to think they would have been scared and frightened. In fact, the very first words out of the angel’s mouth tell us that this is what happened - “Fear not…” he said. Fears of all kinds can be part of life. They might be simple things that are our own versions of being spooked. For example, who hasn’t walked into a room that we thought was empty only to be frightened by the presence of someone standing there! Then there are fears that creep into life from world events like terrorism. Some fears, though, can be far more significant, even to the point of disabling. Fear can creep into all levels of life. It was not, though, part of the experience of the original humans as God placed them in the Garden. Fear became one consequence of the sinful condition that is ours after Adam and Eve rebelled and were cast out of the Garden. Does the Lord know how much we are susceptible to fear? He does. One clear reflection of this is the fact that the phrase “fear not” is spoken over 30 times in the Bible by God or an agent of God (like the angel). There is a clear intention on God’s part to address his people regarding fear. It is his desire for us to know that fear doesn’t need to have the grip on us like it sometimes does. December and January are two months when we take a break from Centerpoint School of Theology. For five weeks we will still gather for study and the theme for those weeks is “Do Not Fear: Five Lessons on Not Being Afraid”. The schedule is: December 9 – “Striking a Note of Confidence” – Psalm 27:1-6 December 16 – “Angels Message” – Luke 2:8-14 December 23 – No Centerpoint December 30 – No Centerpoint January 6 – “Redirecting Our Fear” – Mark 4:35-41 January 13 – “More Valuable than Sparrows” – Matthew 10:26-33 January 20 – “Which Spirit Do We Have?” – 2 Timothy 1:3-7 January 27 – Annual Congregational Dinner and Meeting The Biblical texts for these five nights are a sampling of passages related to fear. They will create an understanding of what God says to us about our fears. Certain fears need extra help to conquer. Gratefully the Lord provides the church with those gifted and trained to help in such matters. The context, though, for conquering fear is always the Word of God and the gospel. It is understanding why God can say to us, “Fear not.” Actually, the angel’s words to the shepherds tell us why – “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
Neal Mathias Executive Minister
A Storybook Christmas
Church Family
Sunday, December 13 Service: 6:00 p.m.
Congratulations to Ann and Francis Sandifer on the birth of their grandson, Christian Thomas Sandifer, on Wednesday, December 2. Proud parents are Kalli and Russ Sandifer. Christian sympathy is extended to: Fred Quinn on the death of his son, James
Directors Laura Nevitt and Dr. Daniel Cole, with organist Lenora Jeffcoat, and instrumentalists will lead our children and youth as we worship together this third Sunday in Advent. Dr. Derek Thomas will guide our children and congregation through the Christmas story. Please invite friends and neighbors to join us for this Advent Service.
First Presbyterian Church Capital Campaign Providing for generations to come. "One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." (Psalm 145:4) Learn more online firstprescolumbia.org/gen2gen
Operation Christmas Child We are happy to report that we collected a total of 598 shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse to distribute to needy children throughout the world. If you registered your boxes to track where they go, you will receive an e-mail from Samaritan’s Purse in the next few months to tell you where they were sent. Many children will be blessed with the Christian love that went into the preparation of these boxes!
Thank you for your participation in this valuable ministry!
Mary Addison and Carl Blackstone on the death of his father, Joseph Whitmel “Whit” Blackstone, on Friday, December 4. Mandy and Brad Martin on the death of his grandfather, Marshall Lowery Martin, on Tuesday, December 8. Items for Church Family? Contact Julie Dever: 799-9062, Ext. 244 or [email protected].
Christmas Eve Volunteers Volunteers are needed to help in the nursery Christmas Eve service. If able to minister to our families in this way, please contact Beth Grider at 799-9062, Ext. 233 or [email protected].
High School Mystery Retreat 2016 January 29-31 Cost: $100.00 Register online by January 4 www.firstprescolumbia.org/youthregistration
Children’s Programs Holiday Schedule Sunday Night Kids Club will not meet during the month of December. We will resume our normal schedule on Sunday, January 3. The Cherub Choir will not meet during the month of December. We will resume our normal schedule on Sunday, January 3. Centerpoint Kids will have their normal Wednesday night activities on December 16. There will be no activities on December 23 and 30. We will resume our normal Wednesday night schedule on January 6.
Used Cell Phones As you retire old cell phones, keep in mind that we are continuing to collect and deliver them to Sistercare, or other local charities, for their recy ing program. Simply drop them off at the receptionist desk in our office at 1420 Lady Street. If you have any questions, contact: Barbara Shealy at 799-9062, Ext. 261 or [email protected].
FPC Choirs Christmas CD The new CD from the First Presbyterian Church Choirs is Dawn On Our Darkness: Modern American Carols. CDs will be on sale for $10.00 in the Atrium on Sunday, December 20, before morning and evening services, and through the Church Library and Book Service. You can preview . All proceeds from the CD will go to support the Westminster Theological College and Seminary in Kampala, Uganda.
Erskine Class on Islam On a daily basis we see media images from overseas, but many of us also have regular contact with Muslims in our own community. Some are perhaps uncertain about the spread of Islam, while others view this as an opportunity to build relationships and share their faith. In light of these realities, during the week of January 4-8, 2016, Erskine Theological Seminary Columbia will be offering a class on Islam, taught by Dr. Carl Ellis and his wife, Professor Karen Ellis. You are invited to take advantage of this opportunity. All First Presbyterian Church members may audit this course for FREE. For more information, or to register, contact Crystal Tolbert at [email protected].
People for Prayer Mr. Brian Aughtry Ms. Lynn Aughtry Mrs. Susi Bagrow Mrs. Lisa Bailey Mrs. Vera Bajenski Mrs. Emma Boyd Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Brown Miss Reese Burdette Mr. Michael Cassells Miss Martha Childress Mr. John Collins Mr. Michael Connelly Mrs. Michale Connelly Mr. Frank Cureton Mr. Jim Davidson The Jonathan Dick Family Mr. Summers Duffie Mrs. Margaret Durham Mrs. Jeanie Dynarski Mrs. Gelene Ellsworth Mr. Jon Evans Master Gabriel Fleming Mr. Elmer Frick
Ms. Natalie Gibson Mrs. Carolyn Gilden Ms. Mary Green Mrs. Melody Harvey Mr. Jack Haynes Mr. & Mrs. Kirk Henry Mrs. Holly Herro Mr. & Mrs. Craig Hewitt Mrs. Shannon Hopper Mrs. Zina Kaplan Master Landon Kitchen Mrs. Mickey Litchfield Mrs. Debbie Maner Mrs. Genie Martin Mrs. Molly Mathews Mrs. Ann McDowell Mr. Britt McDowell Mr. Jack McDowell Mr. Cal McMeekin Miss Debbie Mielke Mr. Bryan Miller
Master A.J. Monte Mrs. Bonnie O’Connor Mrs. Betty Petty Miss Anna Holden Price Mrs. Mary Russell Mr. & Mrs. Art Phillips Mr. Tom Pitts Mrs. Ursula Slimp Mrs. Mary Ann Smarr Mrs. E a Smith Mrs. Sylvia Stacy Miss Emily Thomas Mr. & Mrs. David Tidwell Mr. Carl "Billy" Watson Mr. Bob Weaver Mr. Eric Wenger Mr. & Mrs. Richard West Mrs. Sharon Wickstrom Mr. Burns Windley Mrs. Barbara Wulfing * Italics = Non-member
For additions, deletions, or corrections, please contact Julie Dever in the Pastoral Care office: 799-9062, Ext. 244; [email protected].
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.
8:30 & 11:15 a.m. WHAT CHILD IS THIS? “Human Mind” Luke 2:40, 52 Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas The Sacrament of Baptism (8:30)
6:00 p.m. “What the Shepherds Saw” Luke 2:15 Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas A Storybook Christmas Presented by the Youth Chorus, the Junior Choir, and the Primary Choir
Sunday, December 13 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 10:50 a.m. Fellowship Time* - Jackson Hall 11:15 am. Worship Service* - Sanctuary 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. Orff Ensemble Rehearsal - T103 5:00 p.m. Church-Wide Prayer* - T303 6:00 p.m. Evening Service* - Sanctuary 7:15 p.m. Sunday Supper - Jackson Hall 7:30 p.m. High School Youth Group - T205/T208 Monday, December 14 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 12:00 p.m. Recorder Ensemble Rehearsal - P107 4:30 p.m. College & Seminary Student Ministry Committee - P Annex 101A 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Trail Life USA Banquet - Jackson Hall 5:30 p.m. Session Meeting - P402 Tuesday, December 15 7:30 a.m. Men’s Prayer - P402A 8:30 a.m. Staff Prayer - P402 9:00 a.m. Ministry Staff Meeting - P402
Wednesday, December 16 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays@First - Jackson Hall 4:00 p.m. Youth Chorus Rehearsal - P110 4:15 p.m. Cherub, Primary & Junior Choir Concert - Laurel Crest 5:30 p.m. Centerpoint Dinner - Jackson Hall 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal - P110 6:15 p.m. Centerpoint Bible Study - Jackson Hall 6:15 p.m. 6:15 p.m. Youth Bible Studies - Thornwell, 2nd and 3rd Floors 7:05 p.m. Centerpoint: Prayer - Jackson Hall Thursday, December 17 7:30 a.m. Men’s Discipleship Bible Study - Blue Marlin Friday, December 18 6:45 a.m. Men’s Bible Study - 2920 Gervais Street 7:45 a.m. Haiti Mission Trip Planning - P107 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center Saturday, December 19
*Childcare is available from birth to four years. If, at any time, you have an emergency, please call 513-7931 to contact a pastor.
Wednesdays rst Wednesday, December 16
Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. Program begins at 12:15 p.m.
Wednesday, December 16 DO NOT FEAR: FIVE LESSONS ON NOT BEING AFRAID “Angel’s Message” Dr. Mark McDowell Supper begins at 5:30 p.m. Programs begins at 6:15 p.m.
Vol. LXV, No. 50 December 13, 2015 audio streaming at www.firstprescolumbia.org [email protected] Worship Service - Broadcast WISW 1320 AM at 11:00 a.m.
Fear Not One of the memorable images of the Christmas Biblical narrative is an angel appearing before shepherds as they were busy tending their flocks. The appearance of an angel was not an everyday experience! It is reasonable to think they would have been scared and frightened. In fact, the very first words out of the angel’s mouth tell us that this is what happened - “Fear not…” he said. Fears of all kinds can be part of life. They might be simple things that are our own versions of being spooked. For example, who hasn’t walked into a room that we thought was empty only to be frightened by the presence of someone standing there! Then there are fears that creep into life from world events like terrorism. Some fears, though, can be far more significant, even to the point of disabling. Fear can creep into all levels of life. It was not, though, part of the experience of the original humans as God placed them in the Garden. Fear became one consequence of the sinful condition that is ours after Adam and Eve rebelled and were cast out of the Garden. Does the Lord know how much we are susceptible to fear? He does. One clear reflection of this is the fact that the phrase “fear not” is spoken over 30 times in the Bible by God or an agent of God (like the angel). There is a clear intention on God’s part to address his people regarding fear. It is his desire for us to know that fear doesn’t need to have the grip on us like it sometimes does. December and January are two months when we take a break from Centerpoint School of Theology. For five weeks we will still gather for study and the theme for those weeks is “Do Not Fear: Five Lessons on Not Being Afraid”. The schedule is: December 9 – “Striking a Note of Confidence” – Psalm 27:1-6 December 16 – “Angels Message” – Luke 2:8-14 December 23 – No Centerpoint December 30 – No Centerpoint January 6 – “Redirecting Our Fear” – Mark 4:35-41 January 13 – “More Valuable than Sparrows” – Matthew 10:26-33 January 20 – “Which Spirit Do We Have?” – 2 Timothy 1:3-7 January 27 – Annual Congregational Dinner and Meeting The Biblical texts for these five nights are a sampling of passages related to fear. They will create an understanding of what God says to us about our fears. Certain fears need extra help to conquer. Gratefully the Lord provides the church with those gifted and trained to help in such matters. The context, though, for conquering fear is always the Word of God and the gospel. It is understanding why God can say to us, “Fear not.” Actually, the angel’s words to the shepherds tell us why – “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
Neal Mathias Executive Minister
A Storybook Christmas
Church Family
Sunday, December 13 Service: 6:00 p.m.
Congratulations to Ann and Francis Sandifer on the birth of their grandson, Christian Thomas Sandifer, on Wednesday, December 2. Proud parents are Kalli and Russ Sandifer. Christian sympathy is extended to: Fred Quinn on the death of his son, James
Directors Laura Nevitt and Dr. Daniel Cole, with organist Lenora Jeffcoat, and instrumentalists will lead our children and youth as we worship together this third Sunday in Advent. Dr. Derek Thomas will guide our children and congregation through the Christmas story. Please invite friends and neighbors to join us for this Advent Service.
First Presbyterian Church Capital Campaign Providing for generations to come. "One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." (Psalm 145:4) Learn more online firstprescolumbia.org/gen2gen
Operation Christmas Child We are happy to report that we collected a total of 598 shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse to distribute to needy children throughout the world. If you registered your boxes to track where they go, you will receive an e-mail from Samaritan’s Purse in the next few months to tell you where they were sent. Many children will be blessed with the Christian love that went into the preparation of these boxes!
Thank you for your participation in this valuable ministry!
Mary Addison and Carl Blackstone on the death of his father, Joseph Whitmel “Whit” Blackstone, on Friday, December 4. Mandy and Brad Martin on the death of his grandfather, Marshall Lowery Martin, on Tuesday, December 8. Items for Church Family? Contact Julie Dever: 799-9062, Ext. 244 or [email protected].
Christmas Eve Volunteers Volunteers are needed to help in the nursery Christmas Eve service. If able to minister to our families in this way, please contact Beth Grider at 799-9062, Ext. 233 or [email protected].
High School Mystery Retreat 2016 January 29-31 Cost: $100.00 Register online by January 4 www.firstprescolumbia.org/youthregistration
Children’s Programs Holiday Schedule Sunday Night Kids Club will not meet during the month of December. We will resume our normal schedule on Sunday, January 3. The Cherub Choir will not meet during the month of December. We will resume our normal schedule on Sunday, January 3. Centerpoint Kids will have their normal Wednesday night activities on December 16. There will be no activities on December 23 and 30. We will resume our normal Wednesday night schedule on January 6.
Used Cell Phones As you retire old cell phones, keep in mind that we are continuing to collect and deliver them to Sistercare, or other local charities, for their recy ing program. Simply drop them off at the receptionist desk in our office at 1420 Lady Street. If you have any questions, contact: Barbara Shealy at 799-9062, Ext. 261 or [email protected].
FPC Choirs Christmas CD The new CD from the First Presbyterian Church Choirs is Dawn On Our Darkness: Modern American Carols. CDs will be on sale for $10.00 in the Atrium on Sunday, December 20, before morning and evening services, and through the Church Library and Book Service. You can preview . All proceeds from the CD will go to support the Westminster Theological College and Seminary in Kampala, Uganda.
Erskine Class on Islam On a daily basis we see media images from overseas, but many of us also have regular contact with Muslims in our own community. Some are perhaps uncertain about the spread of Islam, while others view this as an opportunity to build relationships and share their faith. In light of these realities, during the week of January 4-8, 2016, Erskine Theological Seminary Columbia will be offering a class on Islam, taught by Dr. Carl Ellis and his wife, Professor Karen Ellis. You are invited to take advantage of this opportunity. All First Presbyterian Church members may audit this course for FREE. For more information, or to register, contact Crystal Tolbert at [email protected].
People for Prayer Mr. Brian Aughtry Ms. Lynn Aughtry Mrs. Susi Bagrow Mrs. Lisa Bailey Mrs. Vera Bajenski Mrs. Emma Boyd Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Brown Miss Reese Burdette Mr. Michael Cassells Miss Martha Childress Mr. John Collins Mr. Michael Connelly Mrs. Michale Connelly Mr. Frank Cureton Mr. Jim Davidson The Jonathan Dick Family Mr. Summers Duffie Mrs. Margaret Durham Mrs. Jeanie Dynarski Mrs. Gelene Ellsworth Mr. Jon Evans Master Gabriel Fleming Mr. Elmer Frick
Ms. Natalie Gibson Mrs. Carolyn Gilden Ms. Mary Green Mrs. Melody Harvey Mr. Jack Haynes Mr. & Mrs. Kirk Henry Mrs. Holly Herro Mr. & Mrs. Craig Hewitt Mrs. Shannon Hopper Mrs. Zina Kaplan Master Landon Kitchen Mrs. Mickey Litchfield Mrs. Debbie Maner Mrs. Genie Martin Mrs. Molly Mathews Mrs. Ann McDowell Mr. Britt McDowell Mr. Jack McDowell Mr. Cal McMeekin Miss Debbie Mielke Mr. Bryan Miller
Master A.J. Monte Mrs. Bonnie O’Connor Mrs. Betty Petty Miss Anna Holden Price Mrs. Mary Russell Mr. & Mrs. Art Phillips Mr. Tom Pitts Mrs. Ursula Slimp Mrs. Mary Ann Smarr Mrs. E a Smith Mrs. Sylvia Stacy Miss Emily Thomas Mr. & Mrs. David Tidwell Mr. Carl "Billy" Watson Mr. Bob Weaver Mr. Eric Wenger Mr. & Mrs. Richard West Mrs. Sharon Wickstrom Mr. Burns Windley Mrs. Barbara Wulfing * Italics = Non-member
For additions, deletions, or corrections, please contact Julie Dever in the Pastoral Care office: 799-9062, Ext. 244; [email protected].
