November 8, 2015
Associate Reformed Synod 1324 Marion Street Columbia, South Carolina 29201 (803) 799-9062 Fax: (803) 799-9172
Periodicals Postage Paid at Columbia, SC
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. “The Parable of the Presbyterian Son” Luke 15 Dr. D. Ralph Davis Children’s Sermon (8:30) 6:00 p.m.
“Who Can Endure?” Malachi 2:17-3:5 Rev. Neal Mathias Children’s Sermon “Voluntary Service” Children’s Catechism #53 Q. What kind of death did Jesus die? A. The painful and shameful death of the cross.
Sunday, November 8 Middle School Fall Retreat - Off site 8:30 a.m. Worship Service* - Sanctuary 10:00 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages - Church Campus 10:00 a.m. College Hour - P301 10:00 a.m. Inquirers Class - Small Dining Room 10:50 a.m. Fellowship Time* - Jackson Hall 11:15 am. Worship Service* - Sanctuary 11:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Laurel Crest Service - Laurel Crest 4:30 p.m. Cate Memorial Handbell Choir Rehearsal - P107 5:00 p.m. Orff Rehearsal - T103 5:00 p.m. Prayer for Our College Ministry - T308 5:00 p.m. Church-Wide Prayer* - T303 6:00 p.m. Evening Service* - Sanctuary 6:00 p.m. Friendship Club - T201, T214 6:15 p.m. Cherub Choir Rehearsal - T102 6:15 p.m. The Club - 1st-5th Grade - T212/213 7:15 p.m. Sunday Supper - Jackson Hall 7:30 p.m. High School Youth Group - T205/208 Monday, November 9 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 12:00 p.m. Recorder Ensemble Rehearsal - P107 5:30 p.m. Trail Life USA - Thornwell, 2nd floor 6:00 p.m. American Heritage Girls - Wardlaw Auditorium Tuesday, November 10 7:30 a.m. Men’s Prayer - P402A 8:30 a.m. Staff Prayer - P402 9:00 a.m. Ministry Staff Meeting - P402 5:30 p.m. Administration Committee - P402
5:30 p.m. Worship Ensemble Rehearsal - P110 Wednesday, November 11 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - 1400 Lady St. 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays@First - Jackson Hall 4:00 p.m. Primary and Junior Choir Rehearsal T207/T201 4:00 p.m. Youth Chorus Rehearsal - P110 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: School of Theology - Jackson Hall 6:15 p.m. Centerpoint: Evangelism Training - T304 6:15 p.m. 6:15 p.m. Youth Bible Study - Thornwell, 2nd and 3rd Floors 7:05 p.m. Centerpoint: Prayer - Jackson Hall Thursday, November 12 6:45 a.m. 7:30 a.m. Men’s Discipleship Bible Study - Blue Marlin Friday, November 13 6:45 a.m. Men’s Bible Study - 2920 Gervais Street 7:45 a.m. Haiti Mission Trip Planning 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center Saturday, November 14 9:00 a.m. Encouragers Breakfast - Small Dining Room
*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, November 11 TRUTH IN A GODLESS AGE The Apostles’ Creed for Today “The Forgiveness of Sins” Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. Program begins at 12:15 p.m. Jackson Hall
Wednesday, November 11 SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY Personal Eschatology: Heaven and Hell “Heaven (1)” Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas Jackson Hall Evangelism Training Rev. David Lauten & Dr. Mark McDowell Thornwell, Room 304 Supper begins at 5:30 p.m. Programs begins at 6:15 p.m.
Vol. LXV, No. 45 November 8, 2015 audio streaming at www.firstprescolumbia.org [email protected] Worship Service - Broadcast WISW 1320 AM at 11:00 a.m.
Endure Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2) I had a modest career as an athlete in high school. It was limited to running – particularly cross country. This was a sport that involved investing time to be in shape. What I remember most, though, is the effort needed to endure to the end of each race. There were always points towards the end of each race where dropping out seemed like a desirable, if not sensible, decision. Why keep going when enduring seemed so painful? Short of sickness or injury, quitting never became a viable option. I had lined up to run the race. In the end, finishing was the only option. As Christian believers we are those who, at some point, have found ourselves to be participants in a race that is more important than anything else we have ever done, or ever will do in life. It is a race that began when faith in Christ made its way into our lives. It is a race run with and for the God who has made us and loved us enough to save us. This is a race that at times seems to be filled with twists and turns more than the straight path through life we thought it would be. And it certainly is a race that, at times, can be very difficult. In these well-known verses from Hebrews chapter 12, the author of Hebrews reflects just such an understanding of living the Christian life. To Christians he writes these words of instruction and encouragement. What is it he tells us? Find encouragement from examples of those who are or have already run the race – the “cloud of witnesses.” Where are these examples? They may be those who are still running the race and who are doing so in a way that sets an example for you. Or it may be examples found in Scripture, or from church history. Running the race with extra weight strapped to our bodies can only impede our progress. Make every effort (with God’s help) to throw off these impediments – the “sin which clings so closely.” This is hard work but it is part of running the race. Endure! Don’t give up! The call of Scripture to persevere is loud and clear. It is like a friend who cheers us on during the race, assuring us that we can do it. What will help us to endure? Look to Jesus. He is our ultimate example. He endured his race to the end – enduring the Cross. More than that he is the one who gives us our faith as “…the founder and perfecter of our faith.”
Neal Mathias
Executive Minister
November Circle Meeting Times No. Date 1 Mon/9
Time Location 10:00 a.m. Kaye Haimbaugh Hopes-Guignard House 200 Still Hopes Drive 2 Mon/9 10:00 a.m. Lisa Jones 1 Braddock Point, 29209 3 Mon/9 10:00 a.m. Laffitte Parlor, Jackson Hall 4 Tues/10 7:00 p.m. Young Women Anne Mathias 1308 Beltline Blvd., 29205 5 Mon/9 5:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church Palmer 107 6 Tues/10 10:00 a.m. Alice King 116 Old Mill Circle, 29206 7 Wed/11 10:00 a.m. Young Mothers Parlor, 3rd floor Thornwell Building Childcare by reservation only. Contact Beth Grider: [email protected] 8 Wed/11 10:15 a.m. Laffitte Parlor Jackson Hall 9 Tues/10 10:00 a.m. Hannah House Hannah House 10 Tues/10 10:00 a.m. Heart & Hand Palmer 107 11 Tues/10 12:00 p.m. Lunch Fellowship Small Dining Room Lunch provided 12 Tues/10 6:30 p.m. Evening Fellowship Macky Dunbar 4935 Hillside Rd., 29206 13 Tues/10 10:00 a.m. Jane Jefferson 14 Regatta Court, 29212 14 Mon/9 7:00 p.m. Grace McFadden 409 Shallow Brook Drive, 29223 15 Mon/9 10:00 a.m. Laurel Crest Living Room 16 Tues/10 9:30 a.m. Lexington Peggy Stands 913 John Fox Court, 29072
Children’s Christmas Program Sunday, December 6 10:00 a.m. Sunday School hour Family Life Center
Disaster Relief Task Force
Church Family
The Church has established a Disaster Relief Task Force to continue to assist those who have been affected by our recent storm disaster. If you need financial, practical, or spiritual help in the wake of our storms, you may email the Task Force at [email protected]. If you would like to give to the disaster relief effort, make checks to First Presbyterian Church with “Disaster Relief” on the memo line.
Congratulations to: Congratulations to Lula and Tom Ryan on the adoption of their grandson, Andrew Julian Ryan, on Saturday, October 31. Proud parents are Jessica and Benjamin Ryan. Christian sympathy is extended to: Betty Yount on the death of her
Sharing Gifts with a Child in Need Please help a child of an inmate parent this Christmas by stopping by the Angel Tree table in the Atrium or 1st floor Palmer Building on Sunday, November 8 and 15th. Take an Angel Tree tag and buy two gifts for a child in need. Return your lovingly purchased, gift-wrapped presents by November 29th to the table where you picked up your tag. Your gifts will be delivered by the deacons, along with an ageappropriate booklet of hope about Jesus, on December 12th, just in time for Christmas!
A Ministry for Singles 55 and over
Thanksgiving Lunch Jackson Hall - Sunday, November 22, at 12:30 p.m. (after the 11:15 a.m. worship service) Cost: $10.00 Please RSVP by noon Friday, November 13, to Julie Dever at 799-9062 Ext. 244 or [email protected].
Items for Church Family? Contact Julie Dever: 799-9062, Ext. 244 or [email protected].
Christmas Cheer
Call 799-3853, Ext. 119 for more information.
ICHTHUS The Book Service located in Palmer 100 and the Atrium has a selection of books and Bibles for purchase. A new best seller is Ichthus: Jesus Christ, God’s Son, the Saviour written by our beloved Sinclair B. Ferguson and Derek W.H. Thomas. Ichthus is the Greek word for a fish. Its five Greek letters form the first letters of the early Christian confession that ‘Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Saviour.’ To draw a fish sign meant: ‘I am a Christian.’ The book tells the story of the life of Christ on earth: Incarnation, Baptism, Temptation, Transfiguration, Decision, Passion, Resurrection, Ascension, and Coming.
Volunteers are needed to help with deliveries Monday, November 30. Pick up time is 8:30 -10:30 a.m. in the Family Life Center. Deliveries for times other than November 30 may be arranged. Contact: Robbie Reading at [email protected] or 782-2659 Home, 530-9006 Cell
College Students’ Luncheon
Prayer for Our College Ministry Please help one of our own. Have an extra car? Consider donating it to the Cooperative Ministries for their Auto for Opportunities program. When you donate, you qualify for a tax write-off and pick up is FREE. To donate a vehicle all you need is your title.
Each year, these shoeboxes reach those smiling faces by plane, boat, train, truck, helicopter, dogsled, donkey – even camel and yak! First Presbyterian Church has given to OCC’s evangelistic outreach ministry more than 12,000 shoeboxes over the past 12 years, averaging 1,000 per year! It is not “just” the many small gifts hidden in each shoebox: it is also the gift of a Savior to these precious children. Good Tidings of Great Joy (Luke 2:10) are found in the Gospel messages read by and taught to the children in follow-up discipleship. We know that our great God works miracles from the tiniest things: a mustard seed, a grain of sand, a box of crayons, a Teddy bear. up, fill, and return
Each year First Presbyterian Church gives poinsettias to those who live in nursing home, retirement homes, and to others who are unable to come to church. Those who cannot receive live plants will be given Christmas pillows.
Sunday, November 15 after the 11:15 a.m. Worship Service in the Family Life Center.
Autos Needed
Operation Christmas Child
Please join us this Sunday, November 8, for a time of prayer for our college ministry. We meet bi-monthly in Thornwell, Room 308, at 5:00 p.m.
Christmas Poinsettias This year we will again have two poinsettia trees in Jackson Hall. If you would like to place a poinsettia in Jackson Hall for the Advent season, please complete this form, attach your check made payable to First Presbyterian Church in the amount of $11.00 (per plant), and mail to the church office, Attention: Laurie Price. Please mark your check “Christmas Poinsettias.” Deadline: Thursday, November 20 Given By: Daytime Phone: In Honor Of and/or In Memory Of
No. of Plants:
Periodicals Postage Paid at Columbia, SC
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. “The Parable of the Presbyterian Son” Luke 15 Dr. D. Ralph Davis Children’s Sermon (8:30) 6:00 p.m.
“Who Can Endure?” Malachi 2:17-3:5 Rev. Neal Mathias Children’s Sermon “Voluntary Service” Children’s Catechism #53 Q. What kind of death did Jesus die? A. The painful and shameful death of the cross.
Sunday, November 8 Middle School Fall Retreat - Off site 8:30 a.m. Worship Service* - Sanctuary 10:00 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages - Church Campus 10:00 a.m. College Hour - P301 10:00 a.m. Inquirers Class - Small Dining Room 10:50 a.m. Fellowship Time* - Jackson Hall 11:15 am. Worship Service* - Sanctuary 11:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Laurel Crest Service - Laurel Crest 4:30 p.m. Cate Memorial Handbell Choir Rehearsal - P107 5:00 p.m. Orff Rehearsal - T103 5:00 p.m. Prayer for Our College Ministry - T308 5:00 p.m. Church-Wide Prayer* - T303 6:00 p.m. Evening Service* - Sanctuary 6:00 p.m. Friendship Club - T201, T214 6:15 p.m. Cherub Choir Rehearsal - T102 6:15 p.m. The Club - 1st-5th Grade - T212/213 7:15 p.m. Sunday Supper - Jackson Hall 7:30 p.m. High School Youth Group - T205/208 Monday, November 9 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 12:00 p.m. Recorder Ensemble Rehearsal - P107 5:30 p.m. Trail Life USA - Thornwell, 2nd floor 6:00 p.m. American Heritage Girls - Wardlaw Auditorium Tuesday, November 10 7:30 a.m. Men’s Prayer - P402A 8:30 a.m. Staff Prayer - P402 9:00 a.m. Ministry Staff Meeting - P402 5:30 p.m. Administration Committee - P402
5:30 p.m. Worship Ensemble Rehearsal - P110 Wednesday, November 11 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - 1400 Lady St. 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays@First - Jackson Hall 4:00 p.m. Primary and Junior Choir Rehearsal T207/T201 4:00 p.m. Youth Chorus Rehearsal - P110 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: School of Theology - Jackson Hall 6:15 p.m. Centerpoint: Evangelism Training - T304 6:15 p.m. 6:15 p.m. Youth Bible Study - Thornwell, 2nd and 3rd Floors 7:05 p.m. Centerpoint: Prayer - Jackson Hall Thursday, November 12 6:45 a.m. 7:30 a.m. Men’s Discipleship Bible Study - Blue Marlin Friday, November 13 6:45 a.m. Men’s Bible Study - 2920 Gervais Street 7:45 a.m. Haiti Mission Trip Planning 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center Saturday, November 14 9:00 a.m. Encouragers Breakfast - Small Dining Room
*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, November 11 TRUTH IN A GODLESS AGE The Apostles’ Creed for Today “The Forgiveness of Sins” Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. Program begins at 12:15 p.m. Jackson Hall
Wednesday, November 11 SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY Personal Eschatology: Heaven and Hell “Heaven (1)” Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas Jackson Hall Evangelism Training Rev. David Lauten & Dr. Mark McDowell Thornwell, Room 304 Supper begins at 5:30 p.m. Programs begins at 6:15 p.m.
Vol. LXV, No. 45 November 8, 2015 audio streaming at www.firstprescolumbia.org [email protected] Worship Service - Broadcast WISW 1320 AM at 11:00 a.m.
Endure Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2) I had a modest career as an athlete in high school. It was limited to running – particularly cross country. This was a sport that involved investing time to be in shape. What I remember most, though, is the effort needed to endure to the end of each race. There were always points towards the end of each race where dropping out seemed like a desirable, if not sensible, decision. Why keep going when enduring seemed so painful? Short of sickness or injury, quitting never became a viable option. I had lined up to run the race. In the end, finishing was the only option. As Christian believers we are those who, at some point, have found ourselves to be participants in a race that is more important than anything else we have ever done, or ever will do in life. It is a race that began when faith in Christ made its way into our lives. It is a race run with and for the God who has made us and loved us enough to save us. This is a race that at times seems to be filled with twists and turns more than the straight path through life we thought it would be. And it certainly is a race that, at times, can be very difficult. In these well-known verses from Hebrews chapter 12, the author of Hebrews reflects just such an understanding of living the Christian life. To Christians he writes these words of instruction and encouragement. What is it he tells us? Find encouragement from examples of those who are or have already run the race – the “cloud of witnesses.” Where are these examples? They may be those who are still running the race and who are doing so in a way that sets an example for you. Or it may be examples found in Scripture, or from church history. Running the race with extra weight strapped to our bodies can only impede our progress. Make every effort (with God’s help) to throw off these impediments – the “sin which clings so closely.” This is hard work but it is part of running the race. Endure! Don’t give up! The call of Scripture to persevere is loud and clear. It is like a friend who cheers us on during the race, assuring us that we can do it. What will help us to endure? Look to Jesus. He is our ultimate example. He endured his race to the end – enduring the Cross. More than that he is the one who gives us our faith as “…the founder and perfecter of our faith.”
Neal Mathias
Executive Minister
November Circle Meeting Times No. Date 1 Mon/9
Time Location 10:00 a.m. Kaye Haimbaugh Hopes-Guignard House 200 Still Hopes Drive 2 Mon/9 10:00 a.m. Lisa Jones 1 Braddock Point, 29209 3 Mon/9 10:00 a.m. Laffitte Parlor, Jackson Hall 4 Tues/10 7:00 p.m. Young Women Anne Mathias 1308 Beltline Blvd., 29205 5 Mon/9 5:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church Palmer 107 6 Tues/10 10:00 a.m. Alice King 116 Old Mill Circle, 29206 7 Wed/11 10:00 a.m. Young Mothers Parlor, 3rd floor Thornwell Building Childcare by reservation only. Contact Beth Grider: [email protected] 8 Wed/11 10:15 a.m. Laffitte Parlor Jackson Hall 9 Tues/10 10:00 a.m. Hannah House Hannah House 10 Tues/10 10:00 a.m. Heart & Hand Palmer 107 11 Tues/10 12:00 p.m. Lunch Fellowship Small Dining Room Lunch provided 12 Tues/10 6:30 p.m. Evening Fellowship Macky Dunbar 4935 Hillside Rd., 29206 13 Tues/10 10:00 a.m. Jane Jefferson 14 Regatta Court, 29212 14 Mon/9 7:00 p.m. Grace McFadden 409 Shallow Brook Drive, 29223 15 Mon/9 10:00 a.m. Laurel Crest Living Room 16 Tues/10 9:30 a.m. Lexington Peggy Stands 913 John Fox Court, 29072
Children’s Christmas Program Sunday, December 6 10:00 a.m. Sunday School hour Family Life Center
Disaster Relief Task Force
Church Family
The Church has established a Disaster Relief Task Force to continue to assist those who have been affected by our recent storm disaster. If you need financial, practical, or spiritual help in the wake of our storms, you may email the Task Force at [email protected]. If you would like to give to the disaster relief effort, make checks to First Presbyterian Church with “Disaster Relief” on the memo line.
Congratulations to: Congratulations to Lula and Tom Ryan on the adoption of their grandson, Andrew Julian Ryan, on Saturday, October 31. Proud parents are Jessica and Benjamin Ryan. Christian sympathy is extended to: Betty Yount on the death of her
Sharing Gifts with a Child in Need Please help a child of an inmate parent this Christmas by stopping by the Angel Tree table in the Atrium or 1st floor Palmer Building on Sunday, November 8 and 15th. Take an Angel Tree tag and buy two gifts for a child in need. Return your lovingly purchased, gift-wrapped presents by November 29th to the table where you picked up your tag. Your gifts will be delivered by the deacons, along with an ageappropriate booklet of hope about Jesus, on December 12th, just in time for Christmas!
A Ministry for Singles 55 and over
Thanksgiving Lunch Jackson Hall - Sunday, November 22, at 12:30 p.m. (after the 11:15 a.m. worship service) Cost: $10.00 Please RSVP by noon Friday, November 13, to Julie Dever at 799-9062 Ext. 244 or [email protected].
Items for Church Family? Contact Julie Dever: 799-9062, Ext. 244 or [email protected].
Christmas Cheer
Call 799-3853, Ext. 119 for more information.
ICHTHUS The Book Service located in Palmer 100 and the Atrium has a selection of books and Bibles for purchase. A new best seller is Ichthus: Jesus Christ, God’s Son, the Saviour written by our beloved Sinclair B. Ferguson and Derek W.H. Thomas. Ichthus is the Greek word for a fish. Its five Greek letters form the first letters of the early Christian confession that ‘Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Saviour.’ To draw a fish sign meant: ‘I am a Christian.’ The book tells the story of the life of Christ on earth: Incarnation, Baptism, Temptation, Transfiguration, Decision, Passion, Resurrection, Ascension, and Coming.
Volunteers are needed to help with deliveries Monday, November 30. Pick up time is 8:30 -10:30 a.m. in the Family Life Center. Deliveries for times other than November 30 may be arranged. Contact: Robbie Reading at [email protected] or 782-2659 Home, 530-9006 Cell
College Students’ Luncheon
Prayer for Our College Ministry Please help one of our own. Have an extra car? Consider donating it to the Cooperative Ministries for their Auto for Opportunities program. When you donate, you qualify for a tax write-off and pick up is FREE. To donate a vehicle all you need is your title.
Each year, these shoeboxes reach those smiling faces by plane, boat, train, truck, helicopter, dogsled, donkey – even camel and yak! First Presbyterian Church has given to OCC’s evangelistic outreach ministry more than 12,000 shoeboxes over the past 12 years, averaging 1,000 per year! It is not “just” the many small gifts hidden in each shoebox: it is also the gift of a Savior to these precious children. Good Tidings of Great Joy (Luke 2:10) are found in the Gospel messages read by and taught to the children in follow-up discipleship. We know that our great God works miracles from the tiniest things: a mustard seed, a grain of sand, a box of crayons, a Teddy bear. up, fill, and return
Each year First Presbyterian Church gives poinsettias to those who live in nursing home, retirement homes, and to others who are unable to come to church. Those who cannot receive live plants will be given Christmas pillows.
Sunday, November 15 after the 11:15 a.m. Worship Service in the Family Life Center.
Autos Needed
Operation Christmas Child
Please join us this Sunday, November 8, for a time of prayer for our college ministry. We meet bi-monthly in Thornwell, Room 308, at 5:00 p.m.
Christmas Poinsettias This year we will again have two poinsettia trees in Jackson Hall. If you would like to place a poinsettia in Jackson Hall for the Advent season, please complete this form, attach your check made payable to First Presbyterian Church in the amount of $11.00 (per plant), and mail to the church office, Attention: Laurie Price. Please mark your check “Christmas Poinsettias.” Deadline: Thursday, November 20 Given By: Daytime Phone: In Honor Of and/or In Memory Of
No. of Plants:
