September 21, 2014
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. STEWARDSHIP SERMON “Every Member Ministry” Romans 12:3-8 Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas Children’s Sermon (8:30) “FPC’s Got Talent!” 6:00 p.m. CHRIST ABOVE ALL “The Massive ‘He’” Colossians 1:15-23 Dr. D. Ralph Davis Children’s Sermon “There Can Be Only One”
Wednesdays@First Wednesday, September 24 Sunday, September 21 High School Fall Retreat - Bonclarken 8:30 a.m. Worship Service* - Sanctuary 10:00 a.m. Joint Sunday School Class - Family Life Center 10:00 a.m. Sunday School for Children - Thornwell 10:00 a.m. Inquirers Class - Small Dining Room 10:50 a.m. Fellowship Time* - Jackson Hall 11:15 a.m. Worship Service* - Sanctuary 4:00 p.m. Laurel Crest Service - Laurel Crest 4:30 p.m. Middle School Youth Group - Family Life Center 4:30 p.m. Cate Memorial Handbell Choir Rehearsal - P107 5:00 p.m. Church-Wide Prayer - T301 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 grades) - T213 7:15 p.m. Sunday Supper - Jackson Hall Monday, September 22 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 12:00 p.m. Recorder Ensemble - P107 6:00 p.m. American Heritage Girls - Thornwell 6:00 p.m. Open Gym Volleyball (Ages 16 & Up) - Family Life Center Tuesday, September 23 7:30 a.m. Men’s Prayer - P303 8:30 a.m. Staff Prayer - P402 9:30 a.m. Ministry Staff Meeting - P402 Family Life Center 12:00 p.m. Thanks Giving for Missions Luncheon - Jackson Hall 5:30 p.m. Congregational Outreach Committee - P102 5:30 p.m. Joint Meeting Associate Minister Search Committees - P402 5:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball (Ages 40 & Up) - Family Life Center 6:00 p.m. CE Christian Growth & Nurture Committee - P402A 7:30 p.m. Brass Ensemble Rehearsal - P110
Wednesday, September 24 7:00 a.m. Greet the Dawn Bible Study - P402 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Morning Bible Studies for Women* - T304 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays@First* - Jackson Hall 4:00 p.m. Junior Choir Rehearsal - T210 4:00 p.m. Primary Choir Rehearsal - T207 4:00 p.m. Youth Chorus Rehearsal - P110 5:15 p.m. Centerpoint: Dinner - Jackson Hall 6:00 p.m. Centerpoint Nursery (Birth -3 years) - T106, T 1 0 9 , T 112B, T112E 6:00 p.m. Centerpoint Kids - Family Life Center 6:15 p.m. Centerpoint Kids Cat echi sm Cl ub (K4 -2 nd grad e) T102, T103, T107, T214 6:15 p.m. Centerpoint Kids M i ss i on s C lu b (3rd -5th grade ) - T202 6:15 p.m. Middle School & High School Bible Study - Thornwell 6:15 p.m. Centerpoint School of Theology - Jackson Hall A Friend in Need: Counseling 101 - Thornwell Auditorium Future Leadership - T305/T306 6:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal - P110 7:05 p.m. Centerpoint: Prayer - Jackson Hall Thursday, September 25 6:45 a.m. Thursday Morning Men’s Bible Fellowship - Quail Lane 7:30 a.m. Men’s Discipleship Bible Study - Blue Marlin, Vista Room Friday, September 26 6:45 a.m. Men’s Bible Study - 2920 Gervais Street 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 5:45 p.m. Parent’s Night Out - Thornwell Saturday, September 27 * Childcare is available from birth to four years.
If, at any time, you have an emergency, please call 513-7931 to contact a pastor.
A DOZEN PROVERBS “Laziness” Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. Program begins at 12:15 p.m. Jackson Hall Wednesday, September 24 SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY “Regeneration” Jackson Hall A FRIEND IN NEED: COUNSELING 101 “Anxiety” Wardlaw Auditorium FUTURE LEADERSHIP “The Role of the Session” Thornwell 305/306 Supper begins at 5:15 p.m. Programs begin at 6:15 p.m.
Vol. LXIV, No. 38 September 21, 2014 audio streaming at www.firstprescolumbia.org [email protected] Worship Service - Broadcast WISW 1320 AM at 11:00 a.m.
Are You a "Cloud" Watcher? There are people who love to watch clouds. They gaze skyward knowing the difference between cumulus, stratus, cirrus, and nimbus clouds. There is, though, another kind of cloud watching. It is done by those who don't particularly enjoy doing so, but can't seem to help themselves. They watch for the storm clouds of life. These are the clouds the hymn writer William Cowper gives reference to in the hymn, “God Moves in a Mysterious Way” "Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; the clouds ye so much dread…” William Cowper understood from his own experience the instinct to look for storm clouds. Watching with fear and anxiety. Fear of what they might bring. There are many reasons for watching for such clouds with dread. Often, it is the knowledge of what earlier storms have brought into life. But, is this how Christians should look upon such clouds? Several places in Scripture reflect this worrisome approach to the storms of life. Psalm 64:1 is an example. David writes, "Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; preserve my life from dread of the enemy." David's request is interesting. It is not a request to be preserved from the enemy. It is a request to be preserved from the dread of the enemy. Worry and dread have their way of creeping into ones outlook on life. It can become a greater issue than the enemy. Worry and dread can become paralyzing. Nowhere is there a promise that storms clouds and enemies will disappear. They are part of life’s experience. As we know from the Bible, this is a fallen world where sin wreaks havoc on everything. Hard things are part of life. But, the Bible also addresses what our posture should be towards future storms. For example – “…but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” (Proverbs 1:33b) “For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will be afraid until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.” (Psalm 112:6-8) The picture painted from these verses is of a person who moves through life not overcome with worry and dread regarding what the storms of life might bring. How can this become a reality? The verse from Proverbs says it is associated with really listening to the Lord and his Word. When we are in tune with the Lord in this way, we can approach life without dread of disaster. His Word gives us confidence regarding his purposes. The verses from Psalm 112 paint the picture of a person in right relationship with God. When that relationship is confident and secure we become people who are not afraid of bad news. William Cooper wrote insightfully about the dread that can be associated with cloud watching. But his Scriptural insight goes further. The whole verse says – “Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; the clouds ye so much dread are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head."
Neal Mathias Minister of Missions
A Change Eric Wenger, our Director for Recreational Ministries, has decided to devote more time to his seminary studies and prepare for future ministry in the Lord’s kingdom. He has faithfully served us since 2006 and will be greatly missed. Many at the church have had occasion, one way or another, to benefit from his gentle and efficient manner. Jessica and Eric will remain with us at First Presbyterian Church. We will have an occasion as a staff to honor him soon, but I commend him to your prayers as he makes this change. Please be sure to encourage him in his studies.
Mission to Poland A group leaves this weekend for a week in Warsaw, Poland. They are Darius Bryćko, Ken Wingate, Dave Van De Water, and Neal Mathias. They will be joined by Alex Pettett – World Witness' new director – as well as missionary Scott Andes, who will come over from Kiev, Ukraine.
Golf Tournament The fall golf tournament will be held Friday, October 10, at the Ft. Jackson Golf Club. Check-in begins at 10:00 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m., and golf during the afternoon. This is a great opportunity to invite a friend, co-worker, or neighbor to enjoy fellowship with men and women from our church. The cost is $45.00 per golfer. Please contact Robby Woodard with questions, or to register yourself and/or your foursome at 466-0902.
College Ministry Update Prayer for college students will take place from 5:15-5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24, Room 309, in Thornwell. This will be prayer for First Presbyterian Church students who have gone away to school as well as for students who have come to Columbia to study.
Breakfast provided.
Join one of FPC’s 18 active Care Teams Register Today: Chris Kneisley, RN, BSN Congregational Nurse 799-9062, Ext. 230 or [email protected]
Operation Christmas Child
This will be an opportunity to see firsthand the ministry setting for Bryćko's future ministry. The timing of the visit overlaps with a conference being held at the University of Warsaw, at which Darius will be a presenter. Part of the group will travel on to Vilnuis, Lithuania for the weekend (September 26-28) to visit another site of future World Witness ministry. Pray for God's hand upon this team.
A big Thank You to all who have taken empty shoeboxes from the Atrium! A smiling child who takes Jesus from this simple gift will be forever in your debt, and his!
Youth Basketball Registration for youth basketball (2nd through 12th grade) is underway! Stop by the registration table in the Atrium on Sunday mornings or download a form from the church website. Questions? Call Robby Woodard at 466-0902, or email [email protected].
OCC Background
Church Family
In 20 years since 1993, OCC has delivered over 113 million shoeboxes to kids who often have very little and smile with joy at a free gift! 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! We are asking for your help again in 2014. Our hope is to give at least 1,000 this year as well. 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.
Items for Church Family? Contact Julie Dever at 799-9062, Ext. 244; [email protected].
Reminder: Thanks Giving for Missions Luncheon Joint Sunday School Class
Tuesday, September 23 12 noon in Jackson Hall Cost: $8.00 Guest Speaker: Rhonda Conroy, Wycliff Missionary to the Philippines
In Memoriam
A lunch for College students will be held on Sunday, September 28, in the Family Life Center following the 11:15 a.m. service. Please contact Betsy Easterby at [email protected], or 727-3867, if you would like to help with this event.
Middle and High School Sunday school classes meet with adults in the Family Life Center this Sunday, September 21.
High School Youth Reminder There will be no High School Youth Group this Sunday, September 21.
Parents’ Night Out Friday, September 26 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Birth to Fifth Grade Reservations deadline: Tuesday, September 23 Contact Beth Grider at [email protected] or 799-9062 Ext. 233.
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. STEWARDSHIP SERMON “Every Member Ministry” Romans 12:3-8 Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas Children’s Sermon (8:30) “FPC’s Got Talent!” 6:00 p.m. CHRIST ABOVE ALL “The Massive ‘He’” Colossians 1:15-23 Dr. D. Ralph Davis Children’s Sermon “There Can Be Only One”
Wednesdays@First Wednesday, September 24 Sunday, September 21 High School Fall Retreat - Bonclarken 8:30 a.m. Worship Service* - Sanctuary 10:00 a.m. Joint Sunday School Class - Family Life Center 10:00 a.m. Sunday School for Children - Thornwell 10:00 a.m. Inquirers Class - Small Dining Room 10:50 a.m. Fellowship Time* - Jackson Hall 11:15 a.m. Worship Service* - Sanctuary 4:00 p.m. Laurel Crest Service - Laurel Crest 4:30 p.m. Middle School Youth Group - Family Life Center 4:30 p.m. Cate Memorial Handbell Choir Rehearsal - P107 5:00 p.m. Church-Wide Prayer - T301 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 grades) - T213 7:15 p.m. Sunday Supper - Jackson Hall Monday, September 22 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 12:00 p.m. Recorder Ensemble - P107 6:00 p.m. American Heritage Girls - Thornwell 6:00 p.m. Open Gym Volleyball (Ages 16 & Up) - Family Life Center Tuesday, September 23 7:30 a.m. Men’s Prayer - P303 8:30 a.m. Staff Prayer - P402 9:30 a.m. Ministry Staff Meeting - P402 Family Life Center 12:00 p.m. Thanks Giving for Missions Luncheon - Jackson Hall 5:30 p.m. Congregational Outreach Committee - P102 5:30 p.m. Joint Meeting Associate Minister Search Committees - P402 5:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball (Ages 40 & Up) - Family Life Center 6:00 p.m. CE Christian Growth & Nurture Committee - P402A 7:30 p.m. Brass Ensemble Rehearsal - P110
Wednesday, September 24 7:00 a.m. Greet the Dawn Bible Study - P402 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Morning Bible Studies for Women* - T304 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays@First* - Jackson Hall 4:00 p.m. Junior Choir Rehearsal - T210 4:00 p.m. Primary Choir Rehearsal - T207 4:00 p.m. Youth Chorus Rehearsal - P110 5:15 p.m. Centerpoint: Dinner - Jackson Hall 6:00 p.m. Centerpoint Nursery (Birth -3 years) - T106, T 1 0 9 , T 112B, T112E 6:00 p.m. Centerpoint Kids - Family Life Center 6:15 p.m. Centerpoint Kids Cat echi sm Cl ub (K4 -2 nd grad e) T102, T103, T107, T214 6:15 p.m. Centerpoint Kids M i ss i on s C lu b (3rd -5th grade ) - T202 6:15 p.m. Middle School & High School Bible Study - Thornwell 6:15 p.m. Centerpoint School of Theology - Jackson Hall A Friend in Need: Counseling 101 - Thornwell Auditorium Future Leadership - T305/T306 6:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal - P110 7:05 p.m. Centerpoint: Prayer - Jackson Hall Thursday, September 25 6:45 a.m. Thursday Morning Men’s Bible Fellowship - Quail Lane 7:30 a.m. Men’s Discipleship Bible Study - Blue Marlin, Vista Room Friday, September 26 6:45 a.m. Men’s Bible Study - 2920 Gervais Street 9:00 a.m. Aerobics@First - Family Life Center 5:45 p.m. Parent’s Night Out - Thornwell Saturday, September 27 * Childcare is available from birth to four years.
If, at any time, you have an emergency, please call 513-7931 to contact a pastor.
A DOZEN PROVERBS “Laziness” Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. Program begins at 12:15 p.m. Jackson Hall Wednesday, September 24 SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY “Regeneration” Jackson Hall A FRIEND IN NEED: COUNSELING 101 “Anxiety” Wardlaw Auditorium FUTURE LEADERSHIP “The Role of the Session” Thornwell 305/306 Supper begins at 5:15 p.m. Programs begin at 6:15 p.m.
Vol. LXIV, No. 38 September 21, 2014 audio streaming at www.firstprescolumbia.org [email protected] Worship Service - Broadcast WISW 1320 AM at 11:00 a.m.
Are You a "Cloud" Watcher? There are people who love to watch clouds. They gaze skyward knowing the difference between cumulus, stratus, cirrus, and nimbus clouds. There is, though, another kind of cloud watching. It is done by those who don't particularly enjoy doing so, but can't seem to help themselves. They watch for the storm clouds of life. These are the clouds the hymn writer William Cowper gives reference to in the hymn, “God Moves in a Mysterious Way” "Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; the clouds ye so much dread…” William Cowper understood from his own experience the instinct to look for storm clouds. Watching with fear and anxiety. Fear of what they might bring. There are many reasons for watching for such clouds with dread. Often, it is the knowledge of what earlier storms have brought into life. But, is this how Christians should look upon such clouds? Several places in Scripture reflect this worrisome approach to the storms of life. Psalm 64:1 is an example. David writes, "Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; preserve my life from dread of the enemy." David's request is interesting. It is not a request to be preserved from the enemy. It is a request to be preserved from the dread of the enemy. Worry and dread have their way of creeping into ones outlook on life. It can become a greater issue than the enemy. Worry and dread can become paralyzing. Nowhere is there a promise that storms clouds and enemies will disappear. They are part of life’s experience. As we know from the Bible, this is a fallen world where sin wreaks havoc on everything. Hard things are part of life. But, the Bible also addresses what our posture should be towards future storms. For example – “…but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” (Proverbs 1:33b) “For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will be afraid until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.” (Psalm 112:6-8) The picture painted from these verses is of a person who moves through life not overcome with worry and dread regarding what the storms of life might bring. How can this become a reality? The verse from Proverbs says it is associated with really listening to the Lord and his Word. When we are in tune with the Lord in this way, we can approach life without dread of disaster. His Word gives us confidence regarding his purposes. The verses from Psalm 112 paint the picture of a person in right relationship with God. When that relationship is confident and secure we become people who are not afraid of bad news. William Cooper wrote insightfully about the dread that can be associated with cloud watching. But his Scriptural insight goes further. The whole verse says – “Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; the clouds ye so much dread are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head."
Neal Mathias Minister of Missions
A Change Eric Wenger, our Director for Recreational Ministries, has decided to devote more time to his seminary studies and prepare for future ministry in the Lord’s kingdom. He has faithfully served us since 2006 and will be greatly missed. Many at the church have had occasion, one way or another, to benefit from his gentle and efficient manner. Jessica and Eric will remain with us at First Presbyterian Church. We will have an occasion as a staff to honor him soon, but I commend him to your prayers as he makes this change. Please be sure to encourage him in his studies.
Mission to Poland A group leaves this weekend for a week in Warsaw, Poland. They are Darius Bryćko, Ken Wingate, Dave Van De Water, and Neal Mathias. They will be joined by Alex Pettett – World Witness' new director – as well as missionary Scott Andes, who will come over from Kiev, Ukraine.
Golf Tournament The fall golf tournament will be held Friday, October 10, at the Ft. Jackson Golf Club. Check-in begins at 10:00 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m., and golf during the afternoon. This is a great opportunity to invite a friend, co-worker, or neighbor to enjoy fellowship with men and women from our church. The cost is $45.00 per golfer. Please contact Robby Woodard with questions, or to register yourself and/or your foursome at 466-0902.
College Ministry Update Prayer for college students will take place from 5:15-5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24, Room 309, in Thornwell. This will be prayer for First Presbyterian Church students who have gone away to school as well as for students who have come to Columbia to study.
Breakfast provided.
Join one of FPC’s 18 active Care Teams Register Today: Chris Kneisley, RN, BSN Congregational Nurse 799-9062, Ext. 230 or [email protected]
Operation Christmas Child
This will be an opportunity to see firsthand the ministry setting for Bryćko's future ministry. The timing of the visit overlaps with a conference being held at the University of Warsaw, at which Darius will be a presenter. Part of the group will travel on to Vilnuis, Lithuania for the weekend (September 26-28) to visit another site of future World Witness ministry. Pray for God's hand upon this team.
A big Thank You to all who have taken empty shoeboxes from the Atrium! A smiling child who takes Jesus from this simple gift will be forever in your debt, and his!
Youth Basketball Registration for youth basketball (2nd through 12th grade) is underway! Stop by the registration table in the Atrium on Sunday mornings or download a form from the church website. Questions? Call Robby Woodard at 466-0902, or email [email protected].
OCC Background
Church Family
In 20 years since 1993, OCC has delivered over 113 million shoeboxes to kids who often have very little and smile with joy at a free gift! 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! We are asking for your help again in 2014. Our hope is to give at least 1,000 this year as well. 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.
Items for Church Family? Contact Julie Dever at 799-9062, Ext. 244; [email protected].
Reminder: Thanks Giving for Missions Luncheon Joint Sunday School Class
Tuesday, September 23 12 noon in Jackson Hall Cost: $8.00 Guest Speaker: Rhonda Conroy, Wycliff Missionary to the Philippines
In Memoriam
A lunch for College students will be held on Sunday, September 28, in the Family Life Center following the 11:15 a.m. service. Please contact Betsy Easterby at [email protected], or 727-3867, if you would like to help with this event.
Middle and High School Sunday school classes meet with adults in the Family Life Center this Sunday, September 21.
High School Youth Reminder There will be no High School Youth Group this Sunday, September 21.
Parents’ Night Out Friday, September 26 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Birth to Fifth Grade Reservations deadline: Tuesday, September 23 Contact Beth Grider at [email protected] or 799-9062 Ext. 233.
