WORSHIP AT FIRST LORD’S DAY JANUARY 7, 2018 MORNING WORSHIP
8:30 & 11:15 a.m. HERE I STAND “Gospel Community” Gala ans 5:26 ‐ 6:5 Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas Installa on of Church Officers
Promises, Promises This Sunday evening, we will repeat together the church’s covenant, a profound statement having its origin in something that John Wesley wrote and first heard in a church service in 1755 in London when 1,800 people were present. It is a moving tes mony that contains the lines, I am no longer my own, but yours. Put me to what you will,
EVENING WORSHIP
6:00 p.m. “Our Hope for Years to Come” Exodus 2 Dr. D. Ralph Davis Covenant Renewal Service
Wednesdays
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Vol. LXVIII, No. 1 January 7, 2018 audio streaming at www.firstprescolumbia.org
[email protected] Worship Service ‐ Broadcast WISW 1320 AM at 11:00 a.m.
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Wednesday, January 10 A PSALM A DAY KEEPS THE DEVIL AWAY: MY FAVORITE PSALMS AND WHY “The MORNING Psalm” Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas
Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. Program begins at 12:15 p.m. Jackson Hall
Wednesday, January 10 Prayer 101: A Two‐Month Workshop on Prayer “Listening to Paul Pray in Ephesians 1” Rev. Josh Squires Jackson Hall Supper begins at 5:00 p.m. Program begins at 6:15 p.m.
Place me with whom you will. Put me to doing, put me to suffering… The implica ons (for there are many) of these words, and those that follow, are staggering. And reci ng them together is a way of making a promise to God and to one another of our con nued faithfulness and loyalty to him. He has made a covenant with us and we, in turn, make a covenant with him. It is a statement affirming that God is in control of our lives, to order them as he sees fit. We rest in his providen al care and oversight, knowing that “for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Covenants involve promises. And promises can be broken. At least, promises that we make can be broken. Promises made by God, on the other hand, can never be broken. God is a promise‐making and promise‐keeping God. His word is sure. In Christ, the promises of God find their “yes” (2 Cor. 1:20), and Christ never fails. What lies in store in 2018? The Lord only knows. And that, in part, is the point of the church’s covenant. We promise to be faithful to the Lord, no ma er what happens. Just as in marriage vows, “in sickness and in health, in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow,” so also in our rela onship with the Lord, we promise to remain true and loyal to him. In 1939, Germany and Russia signed a treaty, the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact. This treaty promised that neither na on would a ack the other, and it laid out a plan for how they would divide the na ons of Eastern Europe between them. Yet in 1941, without warning or provoca on, Adolf Hitler sent his tanks across the Russian border in a sneak a ack. Hitler had no interest in keeping his word; the treaty was meant only as a temporary measure un l he could do what he wanted. Some mes our promises are like that. They are merely temporary statements to get us to where we really want to be. So, as we make our annual promise, let us also pray for the help of the Holy Spirit to assist us every step of the way. Let us also ask the Holy Spirit to aid us, to mean what we say, and say what we mean. For his glory. Derek W.H. Thomas Senior Minister
Erskine Theological Seminary invites the congrega on to a dedica on of the John R. and Jane E. de Wi Library Sunday, January 7, 2018 following the 11:15 a.m. worship service The Bridge, 2nd floor
January Circle Mee ng Times No. Date So o en we begin to ask the ques on about having a be er marriage by focusing on one another. But what if the answer to a be er marriage doesn’t lie in focusing on each other but rather on the Lord? Dr. Neil Stewart will be leading us to enrich our love for our spouses as he encourages us to enrich love for our Lord and Savior. This will be a me of deep refreshment and encouragement as we head to Bonclarken for our 2018 Marriage Retreat. Join us February 16 ‐ 17 at Bonclarken Conference Center. Cost is $95.00 per couple. Registra on is open now! Please register by January 26 at firstprescolumbia.org/marriage.
Officers' Dinner We are making plans for our annual Officers' Dinner which will be held on Friday evening, February 23, 2018. All past and present officers of the church and their spouses are cordially invited to a end. More informa on including schedule and program will be forthcoming, but please put this on your calendar so that you don't miss this special event in the life of the church.
Time
1 Tues/9 10‐11:30 am
3 Mon/8 10‐11:30 am 4 Tues/9 7‐8:30 pm
Young Women The Bridge Rm 201
5 Mon/8 5:30‐7:00 pm 6 Tues/9 10‐11:30 am
The Bridge Rm 201 Elisabeth Lanious 9 Springsdans Lane, 29229
7 Wed/10 10‐11:30 am
Young Mothers 3rd floor Thornwell ‐ Parlor behind Wardlaw Auditorium
Childcare by reserva on only. Contact Beth Grider:
[email protected] Laffi e Parlor 8 Wed/10 10:15‐11:30 am Jackson Hall Laurie Cannon 20 Ashworth Ln., 29206
11 Tues/9 12‐1:00 pm Lunch provided, $7.00
Heart & Hand The Bridge 201 Lunch Fellowship Jackson Hall, Small Dining Room
12 Tues/9 6:30‐8:00 pm Dinner
Evening Fellowship Nealie Werts 6004 Moss Springs Rd., 29209
10 Tues/9 10‐11:30 am
Tuesday, January 30, at 6:00 p.m. In Jackson Hall With Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas Cost is $8.00 per person. Reserva ons can be made online at firstprescolumbia.org/ wocprayer2018, on our church app, or by calling the church office at 799‐9062, Ext. 295. If childcare from birth through 5th grade is needed in order to a end the event, please make reserva ons by contac ng Beth Grider by Tuesday, January 23 at 799‐9062, Ext. 233 or
[email protected]. We will be unable to accept any childcare reserva ons a er the deadline.
Laffi e Parlor Jackson Hall Caroline Borucki 181 Aspen Trail, 29206 Laffi e Parlor Jackson Hall
2 Mon/8 10‐11:00 am
9 Tues/9 10‐11:30 am
WOC Presents the Ladies’ Prayer Dinner Coping with Unanswered Prayer
Loca on
13 Tues/9 10‐11:30 am Lunch
15 Mon/8 10‐11:30 am
Dixie Robne 268 Shuler Rd., 29212 Marilyn Su e 212 Peach Grove Cr. Elgin 29045 Laurel Crest Living Room
16 Tues/16 9:30‐11:30 am
Lexington Peggy Stands 913 John Fox Ct., 29072
14 Mon/8 7:00‐8:15 pm
The Lord’s Supper Sunday, January 14, during our morning worship services, we will observe the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. The week ahead of us, therefore, is one in which we prepare for a joyful gathering at the table of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Toy Drive The nursery is taking dona ons of gently used toys and books. Drop off will be at the nursery desk (Thornwell 112). For more informa on, please contact Beth Grider at
[email protected] or 799‐9062, Ext. 233.
Church Family Congratula ons to: Whitney and Paul Bowers, Jr. on the birth of their daughter, Palmer Louise Bowers, Thursday, December 21. Grateful grandparents are Mary Wells and Ransey Bowers. Liz and Tom Stonecypher on the birth of their grandson, Thomas Edward Stonecypher Miller, Thursday, December 21. Grateful parents are Anna and Mark Miller. Sarah and Joel Bowers on the birth of their daughter, Margaret Woodside Bowers, Monday, December 25. Grateful grandparents are Polly and Det Bowers. Cathy and Ken Wingate on the birth of their granddaughter, Janie Norris Wingate, Thursday, December 28. Grateful parents are Jeane e and Bryan Wingate. Miller and Sam Copeland on the birth of their daughter, Cadi Fayssoux Copeland, Thursday, December 28. Grateful grandparents are Macky and Russell Dunbar. Andrea Rudy and Mark Nussbaum who were married Saturday, December 30. Kathy and Randy Folks on the birth of their grandson, O o Karl Folks, Tuesday, January 2. Grateful parents are Katrina and Will Folks. Chris an sympathy is extended to: Ava Allen on the death of her mother, Zoie Spitzer, Tuesday, December 19.
Items for Church Family? Contact Lisa Eargle at 799‐9062, Ext. 244, or
[email protected].
In Memoriam Jerome Baughman October 11, 1928 — December 29, 2017
Congrega onal Dinner and Mee ng The annual dinner and congrega onal mee ng for the adop on of the 2018 budget, the elec on of the Nomina ng Commi ee, the elec on of the church treasurer, and any other ma ers will be held on Wednesday, January 24, in the Family Life Center. There is no charge for the dinner, which will begin at 5:30 p.m. The serving line will open at 5:15 p.m., and the congrega onal mee ng will begin immediately following dinner. The Corpora on of the First Presbyterian Church will meet immediately following the congrega onal mee ng to elect officers and act on any other business that may come before the congrega on. Nurseries for infants through three years old will be available beginning at 6:00 p.m. Children ac vi es for K4‐5th grade will be offered beginning at 6:15 p.m. Parents, please feed your children prior to the nursery and/or children’s program.
Encouragers Lunch Small Dining Room Thursday, January 18 at 1:00 p.m. A Ministry for Singles 50 and Chef Rich is preparing us soup, sandwich, and over salad. Cost is $5.00. Make reserva ons by Monday, January 15 at 799‐9062, Ext 455 or email Lisa Eargle at
[email protected].
Engaging Islam Taught by Dr. Daniel Janosik Today, Islam dominates the news. Europe is being overrun by refugees from Middle Eastern crises. The threat of terrorism exists all over the world, and we in the United States experience great confusion about our role poli cally. Here in America, there are many Muslims; there are many Muslims even here in Columbia. How do we respond to them as individuals and as a church? First, we have to be informed. In this class, we will study the historical and theological roots of Islam, sharia law and its poten al impact in Europe and the United States, and the radical differences between Islam and Chris anity. Join us so that you can learn about these issues and about reaching out to Muslims lovingly, fearlessly, and with confidence in the supremacy of Jesus Christ.
New Inquirers Class A new seven‐week Inquirers Class will begin Sunday, January 21, for those wan ng to find out more about First Presbyterian Church or desiring to join. The class meets during the Sunday School hour (10:00 ‐ 10:50 a.m.) in the Small Dining Room in Jackson Hall. For more informa on, contact Lisa Eargle at 799‐9062, Ext. 244, or email at
[email protected].
Sinclair B. Ferguson Dr. Ferguson’s new book, Some Pastors and Teachers: Reflec ng a Biblical Vision of What Every Minister Is Called to Be is available from the Book Service located in The Bridge of 1400 Lady Street and the Thornwell Atrium. Dr. Ferguson writes on pastor‐teachers whose life and work have le an indelible mark on his own life. He writes a series of chapters on the teaching of John Calvin, John Owen, and the Puritans. He writes on studies of Scripture, the ministry of the Spirit, the nature of Biblical Theology, the work of Christ, adop on, and the nature of the Chris an life. The final sec on discusses preaching, including preaching Christ from the Old Testament, the importance of theology, reaching the heart, and concludes with a Decalogue for preachers. The book includes a payment envelope for $30.00.
The First Presbyterian Church
Associate Reformed Synod 1324 Marion Street Columbia, South Carolina 29201 (803) 799‐9062 January 7, 2018
Periodicals Postage Paid at Columbia, SC
F T (USPS 198‐100): Published each week except Christmas week by First Presbyterian Church. Periodical postage paid at Columbia, SC. P : Send address changes to First Things, First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion Street, Columbia, SC, 29201.
Sunday, January 7 The Installation and Ordination of Church Officers 8:30 a.m. Worship Service* ‐ Sanctuary 10:00 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages* ‐ Church Campus 10:50 a.m. Fellowship ‐ Jackson Hall 11:15 a.m. Worship Service* ‐ Sanctuary 12:00 p.m. Erskine ‐ Dedication of John R. and Jane E. de Witt Library ‐ The Bridge 2nd floor 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 ‐ FLC 5:00 p.m. Church‐Wide Prayer * ‐ Laffi e Parlor 6:00 p.m. Evening Service* ‐ Sanctuary Covenant Renewal Service 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, January 8 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First ‐ Family Life Center 12:00 p.m. Recorder Ensemble Rehearsal ‐ P107 5:30 p.m. American Heritage Girls ‐ Thornwell 6:00 p.m. Trail Life USA ‐ Thornwell Second Floor
Wednesday, January 10 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First ‐ Family Life Center 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays@First ‐ Jackson Hall 1:15 p.m. Encouragers’ Steering Commi ee Mee ng ‐ BR327 4:00 p.m. Junior & Primary Children’s Choir Rehearsal ‐ T203/T207 5:00 p.m. Centerpoint Dinner ‐ Jackson Hall 6:00 p.m. Centerpoint Nursery ‐ T106/T109/T112 6:00 p.m. Centerpoint Youth ‐ BR001, T206/T209 6:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal ‐ P110 6:15 p.m. Centerpoint: Prayer 101 ‐ Jackson Hall 6:15 p.m. Centerpoint Kids: Catechism ‐ T102/T103/T107/T214 6:15 p.m. Centerpoint Kids: Mission Club ‐ T202 Thursday, January 11 6:45 a.m. Thursday Morning Men’s Bible Fellowship ‐ Happy Café 7:15 a.m. Men’s Discipleship Bible Study ‐ Blue Marlin ‐ Vista Room Friday, January 12 6:45 a.m. Men’s Bible Study ‐ 2920 Gervais St 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First ‐ Family Life Center Saturday, January 13
Tuesday, January 9 7:30 a.m. Men’s Prayer ‐ P402A 8:30 a.m. Staff Prayer ‐ BR201 9:00 a.m. Ministry Staff Mee ng ‐ BR201 5:30 p.m. Pastoral Care Commi ee ‐ P402A
*Childcare is available from birth to four years. If, at any me, you have an emergency, please call 513‐7931 to contact a pastor.