January 10, 2016
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. PRAYER: A JOURNEY TO INTIMACY WITH GOD “Why Is It So Difficult? “ Luke 18 Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas Children’s Sermon (8:30) ”I’ll Remember That!” Catechism Recognition (8:30) The Sacrament of Baptism (11:15) 6:00 p.m. JESUS IS ALWAYS FAR MORE THAN YOU BARGAINED FOR “Stirring Up More than the Waters” John 5:1-3 Dr. D. Ralph Davis Installation of Church Officers
Sunday, January 10 Wednesday, January 13 8:30 a.m. Worship Service* - Sanctuary 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 10:00 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages - Church Campus 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays@First - Jackson Hall 10:50 a.m. Fellowship Time* - Jackson Hall 4:00 p.m. Primary and Junior Choir Rehearsal - T207/T201 11:15 am. Worship Service* - Sanctuary 4:00 p.m. Youth Chorus Rehearsal - T210 4:00 p.m. Laurel Crest Service - Laurel Crest 5:30 p.m. Centerpoint Dinner - Jackson Hall 4:30 p.m. Cate Memorial Handbell Choir Rehearsal - P107 6:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. Middle School Youth Group - Family Life Center 6:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal - P110 5:00 p.m. Prayer for Our College Ministry - T308 6:15 p.m. Centerpoint Bible Study - Jackson Hall 5:00 p.m. Church-Wide Prayer* - T303 6:15 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Evening Service* - Sanctuary 6:00 p.m. Friendship Club - T201/T214 6:15 p.m. Youth Bible Studies - Thornwell, 2nd and 3rd Floors 6:15 p.m. Club (grades 1-5) - T212/T213 7:05 p.m. Centerpoint: Prayer - Jackson Hall 6:15 p.m. Cherub Choir Rehearsal - T102/T103/T107 Thursday, January 14 7:15 p.m. Sunday Supper - Jackson Hall 6:45 a.m. 7:15 p.m. High School Youth Group - T205/208 7:30 a.m. Men’s Discipleship Bible Study - Blue Marlin Monday, January 11 Friday, January 15 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 6:45 a.m. Men’s Bible Study - 2920 Gervais Street 12:00 p.m. Recorder Ensemble Rehearsal - P107 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 5:30 p.m. Trail Life USA - Thornwell, 2nd floor 6:00 p.m. American Heritage Girls - Wardlaw Auditorium Saturday, January 16 12:45 p.m. Encouragers’ Congaree Park Walk - meet on campus Tuesday, January 12 7:30 a.m. Men’s Prayer - P402A *Childcare is available from birth to four years. 8:30 a.m. Staff Prayer - P402 If, at any time, you have an emergency, please call 513-7931 to 9:00 a.m. Ministry Staff Meeting - P402 contact a pastor.
Wednesdays
rst
Wednesday, January 13 LIVING FOR CHRIST IN 2016 Having All Things or Nothing
Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. Program begins at 12:15 p.m. Jackson Hall
Wednesday, January 13 DO NOT FEAR: FIVE LESSONS ON NOT BEING AFRAID “Redirecting Our Fear” Rev. Josh Squires Supper begins at 5:30 p.m. Programs begins at 6:15 p.m.
Vol. LXVI, No. 2 January 10, 2016 audio streaming at www.firstprescolumbia.org [email protected] Worship Service - Broadcast WISW 1320 AM at 11:00 a.m.
Routines For many, the Christmas and New Year’s holidays bring a change of pace to their life. The season becomes a time for extra visits with friends and family, along with special events and gatherings. A different pace is also experienced at the church, as we have a host of special advent and choral events leading up to our Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve services. This coincides with taking a break from certain weekly gatherings. All in all, it is a change in our routines. The change in routine can be nice but getting back to normal routines can be very welcome. Parents look forward to their children returning to school, and adults anticipate getting back to their normal work routine. The church also returns to its normal routines. This includes Wednesdays@First, where we begin the year with a three-week series entitled “Living for Christ in 2016.” The series will be a consideration of several themes found in our “Covenant Renewal” that has become part of our routine during our worship the first Sunday night of the new year. We will consider some of the Biblical background for this earnest vow and prayer many of us have made before the Lord. We also return to our Wednesday evening Centerpoint gatherings, where we will continue our brief series – “Do Not Fear: Five Lessons on Not Being Afraid.” At one level or another, fear creeps into life. It’s not surprising, therefore, that the topic is repeatedly addressed in Scripture. Come join us as we consider several of those passages. Another routine – a yearly one – is the annual congregational dinner and meeting. It will take place on Wednesday, January 27. This year it will be held in the Family Life Center as we anticipate a good crowd. Along with our usual annual business, we look forward to a presentation on plans for the 1400 Lady Street building. The beginning of the New Year not only means a return to some routines, but in many cases the start of new ones. Dr. Thomas’ new preaching series on prayer has already challenged us to consider new, or renewed, practices in prayer. This may also be the ideal time to try that Sunday School class or Bible study that you have thought a lot about, but just haven’t taken the initiative to go. Or, perhaps you have been thinking about taking that step to go to the Inquirers Class with an eye toward joining the church. Our new Inquirers Class begins January 17 in the Small Dining Room of Jackson Hall during the Sunday School hour. This year will bring a new routine for me. After many years of being part of the Inquirers Class and coordinating the new member process, I am passing the baton to the able hands of Josh Squires. Recently I was asked, “So what are you going to do now on Sunday mornings?” That brought to mind an idea that has been mentioned over the years – that of a “transitional” type class for those who have gone through the Inquirers Class but haven’t yet found a place among our multiple Sunday School options. Thus, I’ll be leading a class where such folks can find out more about the Church universal and FPC in particular. This class is being called “Church 101: Beyond Inquiring.” This onesemester class will be offered twice yearly. It will meet in Room 303 of the Palmer Building and begins this Sunday, January 10, at 10:00 a.m. Whether 2016 becomes a year filled with routines - or events that are out of the routine - it is our prayer that this will be a year we all grow and flourish in Christ.
Neal Mathias
Executive Minister
Women of the Church Circles Invitation Start the New Year off right by joining the fellowship of one of our Circles. New members are always welcomed! Please see our monthly circle listing in First Things for meeting It’s never too late to become a part of one of our Circles at First Presbyterian Church as we continue our very interesting study of Joshua.
January Circle Meeting Times No. Date Time Location 1 Mon/11 10:00 a.m. Linda Smith 196 Gregg Parkway, 29206 2 Mon/11 10:00 a.m. Laurie Cannon 20 Ashworth Lane., 29206 3 Mon/11 10:00 a.m. Laffitte Parlor Jackson Hall 4 Tues/12 7:00 p.m. Young Women Rosemary Thomas 24 Ashworth Lane., 29206 5 Mon/11 5:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church Palmer 107 6 Tues/12 10:00 a.m. Wardlaw Parlor, 3rd floor Thornwell Building 7 Wed/13 10:00 a.m. Young Mothers Wardlaw Parlor, 3rd floor Thornwell Building Childcare by reservation only. Contact Beth Grider: [email protected] 8 Wed/13 10:15 a.m. Laffitte Parlor Jackson Hall 9 Tues/12 6:00 p.m. Hannah House Hannah House 10 Tues/12 10:00 a.m. Heart & Hand Palmer 107 11 Tues/12 12:00 p.m. Lunch Fellowship
12 Tues/12
13 Tues/12 14 Mon/11 15 Mon/11 16 Tues/12
Lunch provided 6:30 p.m. Evening Fellowship Nealie Werts 6004 Moss Springs Rd., 29209 10:00 a.m. Jane Jefferson 14 Regatta Court, 29212 7:00 p.m. Marilyn Suttie 212 Peach Grove Circle, 29045 10:00 a.m. Laurel Crest Living Room 9:30 a.m. Lexington Peggy Stands 913 John Fox Court, 29072
The Lord’s Supper
Church Family
Congregational Dinner and Meeting
and 11:15 a.m. worship services, we will observe the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
Congratulations to: Kelley and Brad Anderson on the birth of their daughter, Sandra Grace Anderson, on Monday, December 28. Proud grandmother is Sandy Tribble. Happy great-grandparents are Dot and David Tribble.
The annual dinner and congregational meeting for the adoption of the 2016 budget, the election of the Nominating Committee, the election of the church treasurer, and any other matters will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, 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 congregational meeting will begin immediately following dinner.
Bible Studies for Women Wednesdays, beginning January 20 “The Parables of Jesus” by James Montgomery Boice Greet the Dawn 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. in Palmer 302 Mid-Morning Bible Study Nursery and preschool care available by reservation only. Contact: Beth Grider at [email protected] 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. in Thornwell 301 For more information, please contact Emily Woodard at [email protected].
WOC - Prayer Emphasis Day Wednesday, January 27, 8:30 a.m - 5:30 p.m. Smith Chapel The Chapel will be open all day for prayer. Please enter the Chapel through the hallway door in Thornwell.
Church 101: Beyond Inquiring First class meeting: Sunday, January 10 at 10:00 a.m. in Palmer 303. See cover article for details!
Katie and Reid Tribble, Jr., on the birth of their daughter, Mary Thomas Tribble, on Sunday, January 3. Proud grandparents are Mary and Reid Tribble. Happy greatgrandparents are Dot and David Tribble. Ann Forrest and Wyman Bowers on the birth of their son, Wyman Ford Bowers, Jr., on Tuesday, January 5. Items for Church Family? Contact Laurie McGill: 799-9062, Ext. 244 or [email protected].
New Inquirers Class A new seven-week Inquirers Class will begin Sunday, January 17 for those wanting 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 of Jackson Hall. For more information, contact Josh Squires at [email protected] or 799-9062, Ext. 501.
The Corporation of the First Presbyterian Church will meet immediately following the congregational meeting to elect officers and act on any other business that may come before the congregation. Nurseries for infants through K4 will be available beginning at 6:00 p.m. A children’s program (K5 through 5th grade) will be offered beginning at 6:15 p.m. in Thornwell 102. Parents, please feed your children prior to the nursery and/or children’s program.
Wednesday Evening Youth Bible Studies Youth will not meet on the evening of the Congregational Dinner and Meeting, January 27.
High School Mystery Retreat 2016 January 29-31 Cost: $100.00 Register online by January 11 www.firstprescolumbia.org/youthregistration
Upcoming Erskine Classes Erskine Theological Seminary is offering the following classes in Columbia during January and February. January 11 – 15: “Church Planting and Renewal” taught by Dr. Alan Avera February 1 – 5: “The Book of Jonah” taught by Rev. Leon Brown.
A Ministry for Singles 50 and over
Congaree Park Walk Saturday, January 16 Walk in Congaree National Park and enjoy a meal afterwards. Meet to carpool at Palmer parking lot, 12:45 p.m. The park is free and it's Dutch treat at Palmetto Pig, 530 Devine Street, at 5:00 p.m. Please tell Laura if you are willing to drive when you RSVP. If we have inclement weather, we'll visit the Cayce Historical Museum instead; cost $1.00. Reservations needed by noon Tuesday, January 12. To RSVP, contact Laurie McGill at [email protected] or 799-9062, Ext. 244.
In Memoriam
Have You Heard? Julie Dever, who has been the administrative assistant to the Pastoral Care staff for more than 16 years, is retiring this month. She will be greatly missed by the staff, church family and all who call with heavy hearts and need an ear to listen. We are blessed to have Laurie McGill to step into this position. Laurie has been working with the college and sports directors, and we are very excited to have her fill this very important position here at First Presbyterian Church. Laurie can be reached at 799-9062, Ext. 244 or [email protected].
College Ministry Prayer Please join us this Sunday, January 10, for a time of prayer for our college ministry. We will meet monthly in Thornwell, Room 308, at 5:00 p.m.
All First Presbyterian Church members may audit classes for FREE. For more information, or to register, contact Crystal Tolbert at 771-6180 or [email protected]
Freezer Ministry Help Needed There are two freezers that contain home-cooked foods for our congregation to share with folks who are ill, etc. Freezer # 1 contains meals for families of one to four. Freezer #2 contains food for families of six or more. For the first time in years, our freezers are bare. We were blessed with being able to provide food for so many of our families and friends affected by the floods. However, the freezers now need to be restocked, especially freezer # 2. If you are a cook and are able to provide casseroles, desserts, meats, or soups to this important ministry, please either contact Jean Berry at 782-0424 or Joy Pidgeon at 782-6487. Home-cooked meals only. Thank you.
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. PRAYER: A JOURNEY TO INTIMACY WITH GOD “Why Is It So Difficult? “ Luke 18 Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas Children’s Sermon (8:30) ”I’ll Remember That!” Catechism Recognition (8:30) The Sacrament of Baptism (11:15) 6:00 p.m. JESUS IS ALWAYS FAR MORE THAN YOU BARGAINED FOR “Stirring Up More than the Waters” John 5:1-3 Dr. D. Ralph Davis Installation of Church Officers
Sunday, January 10 Wednesday, January 13 8:30 a.m. Worship Service* - Sanctuary 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 10:00 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages - Church Campus 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays@First - Jackson Hall 10:50 a.m. Fellowship Time* - Jackson Hall 4:00 p.m. Primary and Junior Choir Rehearsal - T207/T201 11:15 am. Worship Service* - Sanctuary 4:00 p.m. Youth Chorus Rehearsal - T210 4:00 p.m. Laurel Crest Service - Laurel Crest 5:30 p.m. Centerpoint Dinner - Jackson Hall 4:30 p.m. Cate Memorial Handbell Choir Rehearsal - P107 6:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. Middle School Youth Group - Family Life Center 6:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal - P110 5:00 p.m. Prayer for Our College Ministry - T308 6:15 p.m. Centerpoint Bible Study - Jackson Hall 5:00 p.m. Church-Wide Prayer* - T303 6:15 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Evening Service* - Sanctuary 6:00 p.m. Friendship Club - T201/T214 6:15 p.m. Youth Bible Studies - Thornwell, 2nd and 3rd Floors 6:15 p.m. Club (grades 1-5) - T212/T213 7:05 p.m. Centerpoint: Prayer - Jackson Hall 6:15 p.m. Cherub Choir Rehearsal - T102/T103/T107 Thursday, January 14 7:15 p.m. Sunday Supper - Jackson Hall 6:45 a.m. 7:15 p.m. High School Youth Group - T205/208 7:30 a.m. Men’s Discipleship Bible Study - Blue Marlin Monday, January 11 Friday, January 15 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 6:45 a.m. Men’s Bible Study - 2920 Gervais Street 12:00 p.m. Recorder Ensemble Rehearsal - P107 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 5:30 p.m. Trail Life USA - Thornwell, 2nd floor 6:00 p.m. American Heritage Girls - Wardlaw Auditorium Saturday, January 16 12:45 p.m. Encouragers’ Congaree Park Walk - meet on campus Tuesday, January 12 7:30 a.m. Men’s Prayer - P402A *Childcare is available from birth to four years. 8:30 a.m. Staff Prayer - P402 If, at any time, you have an emergency, please call 513-7931 to 9:00 a.m. Ministry Staff Meeting - P402 contact a pastor.
Wednesdays
rst
Wednesday, January 13 LIVING FOR CHRIST IN 2016 Having All Things or Nothing
Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. Program begins at 12:15 p.m. Jackson Hall
Wednesday, January 13 DO NOT FEAR: FIVE LESSONS ON NOT BEING AFRAID “Redirecting Our Fear” Rev. Josh Squires Supper begins at 5:30 p.m. Programs begins at 6:15 p.m.
Vol. LXVI, No. 2 January 10, 2016 audio streaming at www.firstprescolumbia.org [email protected] Worship Service - Broadcast WISW 1320 AM at 11:00 a.m.
Routines For many, the Christmas and New Year’s holidays bring a change of pace to their life. The season becomes a time for extra visits with friends and family, along with special events and gatherings. A different pace is also experienced at the church, as we have a host of special advent and choral events leading up to our Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve services. This coincides with taking a break from certain weekly gatherings. All in all, it is a change in our routines. The change in routine can be nice but getting back to normal routines can be very welcome. Parents look forward to their children returning to school, and adults anticipate getting back to their normal work routine. The church also returns to its normal routines. This includes Wednesdays@First, where we begin the year with a three-week series entitled “Living for Christ in 2016.” The series will be a consideration of several themes found in our “Covenant Renewal” that has become part of our routine during our worship the first Sunday night of the new year. We will consider some of the Biblical background for this earnest vow and prayer many of us have made before the Lord. We also return to our Wednesday evening Centerpoint gatherings, where we will continue our brief series – “Do Not Fear: Five Lessons on Not Being Afraid.” At one level or another, fear creeps into life. It’s not surprising, therefore, that the topic is repeatedly addressed in Scripture. Come join us as we consider several of those passages. Another routine – a yearly one – is the annual congregational dinner and meeting. It will take place on Wednesday, January 27. This year it will be held in the Family Life Center as we anticipate a good crowd. Along with our usual annual business, we look forward to a presentation on plans for the 1400 Lady Street building. The beginning of the New Year not only means a return to some routines, but in many cases the start of new ones. Dr. Thomas’ new preaching series on prayer has already challenged us to consider new, or renewed, practices in prayer. This may also be the ideal time to try that Sunday School class or Bible study that you have thought a lot about, but just haven’t taken the initiative to go. Or, perhaps you have been thinking about taking that step to go to the Inquirers Class with an eye toward joining the church. Our new Inquirers Class begins January 17 in the Small Dining Room of Jackson Hall during the Sunday School hour. This year will bring a new routine for me. After many years of being part of the Inquirers Class and coordinating the new member process, I am passing the baton to the able hands of Josh Squires. Recently I was asked, “So what are you going to do now on Sunday mornings?” That brought to mind an idea that has been mentioned over the years – that of a “transitional” type class for those who have gone through the Inquirers Class but haven’t yet found a place among our multiple Sunday School options. Thus, I’ll be leading a class where such folks can find out more about the Church universal and FPC in particular. This class is being called “Church 101: Beyond Inquiring.” This onesemester class will be offered twice yearly. It will meet in Room 303 of the Palmer Building and begins this Sunday, January 10, at 10:00 a.m. Whether 2016 becomes a year filled with routines - or events that are out of the routine - it is our prayer that this will be a year we all grow and flourish in Christ.
Neal Mathias
Executive Minister
Women of the Church Circles Invitation Start the New Year off right by joining the fellowship of one of our Circles. New members are always welcomed! Please see our monthly circle listing in First Things for meeting It’s never too late to become a part of one of our Circles at First Presbyterian Church as we continue our very interesting study of Joshua.
January Circle Meeting Times No. Date Time Location 1 Mon/11 10:00 a.m. Linda Smith 196 Gregg Parkway, 29206 2 Mon/11 10:00 a.m. Laurie Cannon 20 Ashworth Lane., 29206 3 Mon/11 10:00 a.m. Laffitte Parlor Jackson Hall 4 Tues/12 7:00 p.m. Young Women Rosemary Thomas 24 Ashworth Lane., 29206 5 Mon/11 5:30 p.m. First Presbyterian Church Palmer 107 6 Tues/12 10:00 a.m. Wardlaw Parlor, 3rd floor Thornwell Building 7 Wed/13 10:00 a.m. Young Mothers Wardlaw Parlor, 3rd floor Thornwell Building Childcare by reservation only. Contact Beth Grider: [email protected] 8 Wed/13 10:15 a.m. Laffitte Parlor Jackson Hall 9 Tues/12 6:00 p.m. Hannah House Hannah House 10 Tues/12 10:00 a.m. Heart & Hand Palmer 107 11 Tues/12 12:00 p.m. Lunch Fellowship
12 Tues/12
13 Tues/12 14 Mon/11 15 Mon/11 16 Tues/12
Lunch provided 6:30 p.m. Evening Fellowship Nealie Werts 6004 Moss Springs Rd., 29209 10:00 a.m. Jane Jefferson 14 Regatta Court, 29212 7:00 p.m. Marilyn Suttie 212 Peach Grove Circle, 29045 10:00 a.m. Laurel Crest Living Room 9:30 a.m. Lexington Peggy Stands 913 John Fox Court, 29072
The Lord’s Supper
Church Family
Congregational Dinner and Meeting
and 11:15 a.m. worship services, we will observe the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
Congratulations to: Kelley and Brad Anderson on the birth of their daughter, Sandra Grace Anderson, on Monday, December 28. Proud grandmother is Sandy Tribble. Happy great-grandparents are Dot and David Tribble.
The annual dinner and congregational meeting for the adoption of the 2016 budget, the election of the Nominating Committee, the election of the church treasurer, and any other matters will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, 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 congregational meeting will begin immediately following dinner.
Bible Studies for Women Wednesdays, beginning January 20 “The Parables of Jesus” by James Montgomery Boice Greet the Dawn 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. in Palmer 302 Mid-Morning Bible Study Nursery and preschool care available by reservation only. Contact: Beth Grider at [email protected] 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. in Thornwell 301 For more information, please contact Emily Woodard at [email protected].
WOC - Prayer Emphasis Day Wednesday, January 27, 8:30 a.m - 5:30 p.m. Smith Chapel The Chapel will be open all day for prayer. Please enter the Chapel through the hallway door in Thornwell.
Church 101: Beyond Inquiring First class meeting: Sunday, January 10 at 10:00 a.m. in Palmer 303. See cover article for details!
Katie and Reid Tribble, Jr., on the birth of their daughter, Mary Thomas Tribble, on Sunday, January 3. Proud grandparents are Mary and Reid Tribble. Happy greatgrandparents are Dot and David Tribble. Ann Forrest and Wyman Bowers on the birth of their son, Wyman Ford Bowers, Jr., on Tuesday, January 5. Items for Church Family? Contact Laurie McGill: 799-9062, Ext. 244 or [email protected].
New Inquirers Class A new seven-week Inquirers Class will begin Sunday, January 17 for those wanting 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 of Jackson Hall. For more information, contact Josh Squires at [email protected] or 799-9062, Ext. 501.
The Corporation of the First Presbyterian Church will meet immediately following the congregational meeting to elect officers and act on any other business that may come before the congregation. Nurseries for infants through K4 will be available beginning at 6:00 p.m. A children’s program (K5 through 5th grade) will be offered beginning at 6:15 p.m. in Thornwell 102. Parents, please feed your children prior to the nursery and/or children’s program.
Wednesday Evening Youth Bible Studies Youth will not meet on the evening of the Congregational Dinner and Meeting, January 27.
High School Mystery Retreat 2016 January 29-31 Cost: $100.00 Register online by January 11 www.firstprescolumbia.org/youthregistration
Upcoming Erskine Classes Erskine Theological Seminary is offering the following classes in Columbia during January and February. January 11 – 15: “Church Planting and Renewal” taught by Dr. Alan Avera February 1 – 5: “The Book of Jonah” taught by Rev. Leon Brown.
A Ministry for Singles 50 and over
Congaree Park Walk Saturday, January 16 Walk in Congaree National Park and enjoy a meal afterwards. Meet to carpool at Palmer parking lot, 12:45 p.m. The park is free and it's Dutch treat at Palmetto Pig, 530 Devine Street, at 5:00 p.m. Please tell Laura if you are willing to drive when you RSVP. If we have inclement weather, we'll visit the Cayce Historical Museum instead; cost $1.00. Reservations needed by noon Tuesday, January 12. To RSVP, contact Laurie McGill at [email protected] or 799-9062, Ext. 244.
In Memoriam
Have You Heard? Julie Dever, who has been the administrative assistant to the Pastoral Care staff for more than 16 years, is retiring this month. She will be greatly missed by the staff, church family and all who call with heavy hearts and need an ear to listen. We are blessed to have Laurie McGill to step into this position. Laurie has been working with the college and sports directors, and we are very excited to have her fill this very important position here at First Presbyterian Church. Laurie can be reached at 799-9062, Ext. 244 or [email protected].
College Ministry Prayer Please join us this Sunday, January 10, for a time of prayer for our college ministry. We will meet monthly in Thornwell, Room 308, at 5:00 p.m.
All First Presbyterian Church members may audit classes for FREE. For more information, or to register, contact Crystal Tolbert at 771-6180 or [email protected]
Freezer Ministry Help Needed There are two freezers that contain home-cooked foods for our congregation to share with folks who are ill, etc. Freezer # 1 contains meals for families of one to four. Freezer #2 contains food for families of six or more. For the first time in years, our freezers are bare. We were blessed with being able to provide food for so many of our families and friends affected by the floods. However, the freezers now need to be restocked, especially freezer # 2. If you are a cook and are able to provide casseroles, desserts, meats, or soups to this important ministry, please either contact Jean Berry at 782-0424 or Joy Pidgeon at 782-6487. Home-cooked meals only. Thank you.
