The Churchmouse - First Presbyterian Church Douglasville

The Churchmouse
First Presbyterian Church
September 1, 2016
Message to Us…..
...from Pastor James
For the fall kickoff, I began a new sermons adults in Vine classes than we have had in
series called, “Revived!”. It is an exploration of recent memory in its previous form as Sunday
the book of the Bible called “Philippians”. I School. You who came that day were a living
chose it because Philippians is an inspiring testimony to that sense of joy that I was seemessage to the church in Philippi, who’s joy ing in preparation for the sermon series.
inspires the same joy in Paul. Paul reflected
But, so too were the many people who made
back their joy and the source of their joy in a the kickoff possible. I don’t know if you
way that I imagine caused the committed to understood all that happened leading up to
celebrate and the observers to catch the that day, but it was a lot. To begin with, the
excitement. My hope for the series was that it
Session and staff of the church explored for
would reflect our own context as well. In my
almost two years how we should schedule
encounters with people over the
our services and what we
last year, I have consistently
needed to do to ensure
sensed an excitement about
Joy was what I saw on so
our mission drove what
the direction of the church
many faces as people
happened on Sunday
and a readiness to move
experienced community at
mornings. The hours
into that future. So many
9:30 and as they worshiped
spent in meetings and in
people in this congregation
together at all the services.
prayer were considerable.
have expressed a joy about
where we are and where we are
heading. I hope that as we move through Next, we made an investment in improving
Philippians we will be revived in celebrating our facilities. Our children’s ministry led the
the God who has already given some joy and efforts last fall when they began the
offer those without joy a chance to see Jesus redecoration of the children’s area. In
with fresh eyes and experience the joy of his January, a team worked hard to redo our
presence.
Narthex. In June, we commenced work on
The day of the fall kickoff was one of the most both the Jeffords Center and the Youth
enjoyable ones that I can recall experiencing. It Center. Both projects transformed the spaces
was special for two reasons: so many people through upgrades to both visual and technical
were there and so many people made the kick- elements. In July, another group began work
off possible. There were more people than I on redecorating the adult classrooms. All of
expected at the new Vine Ministry Fair and these projects involved incredibly dedicated
attending the worship services. Joy was what I workers. It was clear that the joy of serving
saw on so many faces as people experienced Jesus was inspiring and compelling
community at 9:30 and as they worshiped
together at all the services. There were more
(Continued on page 3)
Inside this issue:
SERVING Together
2
First Presence
2
Walk for Life
2
GROWING Together
3
Men’s Felllowship
3
First Kids
4
Children’s Choir
4
Seeds of Faith
5
Other Happenings
6
Church News
7
Birthdays
8
Youth Insert
Special points of interest:

PRC Walk-a-thon

Men’s Cornhole &
Tailgating

Children
Communion
Preparation

Kroger points for SOF

Flourish Women’s
Clothing Swap

Wednesday Night
Activities (WNA)

Boomers
……….SERVING OTHERS….…...
1st Presence Service Day
On July 31, we had our
annual day of service
where we try to mobilize
the whole church to serve
in different ways in our
community. We call this
event “First Presence” as a
way of demonstrating that
we the church at First
Presbyterian are those who
Youth Villages Crew
are sent out into the world
to share Christ’s love in word and deed.
In 2016, First Presence involved about 100 church
members at 9 different locations including: Grace
Nursing Home, Faith in Action, Youth Villages, The
Good Samaritan Center, The Douglas County Shelter,
PRC Medical, A Gift of Love, Eastside Elementary
School and The SHARE House.
Service projects varied
from painting, to landscaping to pressure
washing, to singing to
nursing home residents,
to putting up industrial
shelving for a local
Christian charity that
provides appliances and
Emily McDonald
furniture to people in
need. Great opportunities for all ages.
Along with about 20 other church members, I was
able to serve at the Faith in Action warehouse. What
we were able to
accomplish in a few
short hours was very
gratifying. Judge
Beau McLain, who is
part of the Faith In
Action team, had
sent out an email to
community partners
a few months before
advising of the need
to have shelving.
Faith In Action Site
When we arrived at
the warehouse it
was clear why. The
floor space was completely covered with bags of toys
for Operation Christmas, appliances and furniture
Page 2
items. Many things were inaccessible due to the volume of materials. Items had been stacked on pallets that had been used
to produce makeshift shelving to help deal with the quantity.
We spent the first couple of hours hauling half of the inventory
out into the parking lot. Much of it needed to be taken to the
dump. We put the racks up and then put the fridges, ovens,
beds, mattresses etc. back in an orderly manner. It was very
gratifying to know that people in our community will now be
able to have access to these much needed items once again
and that Faith In Action is now well positioned to prepare for
Operation Christmas 2016!
Thanks to everyone who served in so many different ways this
year we couldn’t have done it without you!
I also want to thank everyone for contributing toward collecting items for Eastside Elementary School. I was able to deliver
more than 5 tubs full of supplies
at the beginning of the school
year to Principal Roach and Vice
Principal Sheffield (see picture).
Please be in prayer for Principal
Roach. He is receiving regular
dialysis for his kidneys, which
are not functioning properly and
he is hoping to receive a kidney
replacement.
Grace and Peace, Pastor Andrew
School Supplies
(See 2016 SERVE brochure for opportunities to serve.)
Annual Walk for Life
Saturday, September 17
10 a.m. in O’Neal Plaza.
Join the FPCD TEAM!
Search for the First Presbyterian
team at www.partnerofprc.com and
join the team or make a donation.
Funds collected go to support
mothers with unexpected
pregnancies.
The Churchmouse
…...Growing Together…...
The Vine Ministry Hour
9:30 a.m. Classes

Alpha class: Parlor—Co-ed group studying The Lord’s Prayer.

Thirstquenchers: Chapel—Co-ed group studying the Book of
Daniel, with rich discussions.

Theophili: Room 203—Co-ed group is studying the Book of
Daniel.

Shepherd’s Flock: Conference Room—Co-ed multi-age group
studying the Books, I and II Kings.

Dive Deep Into the Word: Room 201—Co-ed multi-age
group studying the Book of Ephesians.

Women in the Word: Room 202—Women Bible study group
studying the book, “Wonderstruck”.

Finding the Way: Library—Co-ed, multiage group studying the book, “Workplace
Grace”.

Christianity 101: Room 206, Basic Christianity beliefs.





WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY GROUPS
Morning Circle Bible Study: Parlor, 10 a.m.
1st Tuesday of each month—This group will be
continuing their study in the Book of Luke.
Evening Circle Bible Study: Parlor, 6 p.m., 1st
Tuesday of each month. This group will be
studying “Twelve Extraordinary Women”.
Thursday Women’s Bible Study: 9:45 a.m.
Please join us as we begin our study of
Romans. Call church office to reserve your spot
and book: 770-942-0710.
Friday Women’s Bible Study: Conference Room,
1st and 3rd Fridays of the month,
10:00-11:30 a.m., studying “Forces of Aging”.
Young Mom’s Bible Study: Room 207,
1st and 3rd Fridays of each month, 9:30-11:30
a.m., studying “One Thousand Gifts”.
(See Fall, 2016 GROW brochure for details)
(Continued from page 1)...their tireless efforts to revive our church’s commitment to our mission.
It is clear to me that the joy of following Jesus is welling up within this body of Christ. Have you caught it? Do you experience
that joy? It’s contagious so stick around and see what God is doing among us. I think you may suddenly realize one day that
the joy of Christ has taken up residence in you. It will be a good day.
Blessings James
Wednesday Night Activities (WNA)
Schedule begins September 7
WNA will begin with a “Bring Your Own Dinner” time
where the Jeffords Center will be open at 5:30 p.m. for
small groups and families to come and enjoy a time of
fellowship.
5:30-7:00 p.m.
6:15-6:55 p.m.
6:30-8:00 p.m.
7:00-8:00 p.m.
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Jeffords Center open for “Bring Dinner”
Children’s Choir Rehearsal
Youth O4G Activities
Adult and Children’s Activities
Adult Choir Rehearsal
Adult Studies

The Divine Conspiracy, James Harper & Andrew
Dickinson, Conference Room; Co-ed group

I Samuel, Scott McLain, Room 206; Men’s group

Soul Keeping, , Linnea Osborne, Room 207;
Women’s group
The Churchmouse
Grow Together Through
Fellowship
Men’s Cornhole
Tournament
& Tailgating BBQ
Saturday, September 17
Come join the men of the
Church and invite a friend
for this fun evening. There
will be a corn hole
tournament starting at 5:45 p.m., BBQ, and 7 p.m.,
and a big screen football featuring Texas A & M vs.
Auburn.
It will be a great night to play corn hole and other
yard games, and get to know other men in the
Church. Bring a camp chair for the football game!
Page 3
Children and Worship
Sundays, 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
We’ve seen a greater presence of children during the worship hour in
recent weeks and are delighted to see your tremendous response to
making that happen. The church and home are partners together for
faith instruction, and we want to help our families as they nurture an
understanding of God’s love in their children.
Having children here on Sunday for worship is a great first step in that partnership. Using some
of the tools available for kids (worship busy bags or worksheets), engaging kids by sitting closer
to the “action” and discussing behavior expectations will make the experience even more
valuable.
Our First Kids Ministry is also reflecting the commitment you’ve made by including a specific
hour (9:30 to 10:30 a.m.) of Bible instruction for your children. Thank you for the opportunity
to walk with you in helping kids to live as Christ followers.
Jesus said, “Let the children
come to me and do not
hinder them, for to such
belongs the kingdom
of heaven.”
As parents and children live faith together on an everyday basis, Christian development will
continue to be cultivated. The intentionality of making your home a place where children are
nurtured in Christ’s love through actions and normal conversation established on God’s
principles provides a natural environment for faith formation.
When joining this church as a new member, I was asked to relate my faith
walk that had brought me to that particular time in life. As I considered the
question, I knew there was not any single event or revelation that stood out
from my childhood or teen years that had brought me to a relationship with
Christ. I was baptized as an infant into the faith community and provided
guidance and instruction along the way by those who loved Jesus and loved
me. My parents lived their Christian faith by setting an example as Christ
followers in all they did and in the best way they knew how, and God
honored that. There has never been a time when I did not know Jesus and his love; not an
earth shaking testimony but a beautiful love story that I’ve had the privilege to experience.
Hold your children fast in prayer before God. Teach Jesus’ love as you weave spiritual insight
into normal everyday life through conversation, and set an example for them to follow for holy
living doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly with God. Parents are the primary
influence in the life of a child, and as such your child is observing and imitating that which is
displayed and found important to you.
Children’s Choir
Wednesday, September 7
Time: 6:15-6:55 p.m.
Kid’s come join the fun!!!
Communion Preparation Class
3:00-4:30 p.m. on
Sunday, September 18 and September 25
Through age appropriate activities and instruction during this
fall training session, baptized children will discover a greater
understanding of what the sacred Sacrament of Communion and
closely related Sacrament of Baptism mean for Christians and
why we observe them during worship.
Attending participants for the class sessions are expected to be present for both lessons
with one or both parents/guardians from 3:00-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 18 and 25.
If your child is ready to participate in the Sacrament of Communion with a deeper level of
understanding, please contact Judy Derringer to register for this class.
Page 4
The Churchmouse
First Presbyterian Church
Seeds of Faith
Preschool Mission
The mission of First Presbyterian Church Seeds of Faith
Preschool is to provide children with the opportunity for physical,
social, intellectual, and spiritual development within a safe, loving,
and developmentally appropriate Christian environment.
Slots Open for Fall 2016
Four’s= 6 spots
MMO Wednesdays by Reservation
Seeds of Faith Preschool
2016-2017 Classes and Tuition
Class
Monthly Tuition
MMO day rate
$15
2 days weekly
$110
3 days weekly
$130
5 days weekly
$180
Kroger
Community
Rewards
Kroger Community Rewards program requires
customers and associates to re-enroll in the program
annually.
This is a great way to give to our SOF ministry each
time you swipe your Kroger Plus card.
Go to www.Kroger.com/communityrewards to identify
SOF as your ministry to benefit from your shopping at
Kroger. This will not effect Kroger gas points.
Celebrating 10 years of ministry here at
First Presbyterian Church!
PRESCHOOL—2016-17
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
September 1 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Open House. Drop by to meet
your child’s teacher and see their
classroom.
Seeds of Faith Preschool * 770-942-9334
sofpreschooldouglasville@gmail.com
September 6 First Day of School!
Registration forms can be found on
the website.
If you have questions, please feel
free to contact Angie Johns at
770-942-9334.
The Churchmouse
Planting seeds of faith . . .
Growing in God's love.
Page 5
Other Happenings...
FLOURISH
WOMEN’S
MINISTRY
KICKOFF EVENT
SUNDAY
SEPTEMBER 25
6:30 P.M.—9:00 P.M.
JEFFORDS CENTER
We will enjoy coffee and desserts, have a time of
worship together led by Andrew Huggins, hear
from Susan Schreer Davis (daughter of Paula and
Bob Snelling,) and then participate in a big
clothing swap!
We will begin collecting clothing on racks in the
hallway that leads to the Jeffords Center from the
Narthex on Sunday, September 11.
Take a few minutes to go through your closets and
find any clothes and accessories that are in really
good shape that you no longer want, and drop
them off at the church.
Please make sure your clothes are clean, and if
they can be hung on a hanger, it would be great to
do that for us. Our Flourish team will set up a
store and everyone will have the chance to “shop”
for free for a couple of new pieces for the fall!
Please invite friends for this fun night together.
S A V E the D A T E…….
Flourish Women’s
BUNCO Night
Saturday, October 22
at 7 p.m. in Various Homes
WoW!
What a great launch
we saw on August
14th! The energy
among the church
body was extratangible and the joy
was contagious. The
new Vine classes, worship services and schedule will be
something we adjust to, but hopefully see fruits born of
their planting. The road ahead for FPC Douglasville is one
we are praying is paved by God and His faithfulness and
provision.
On behalf of the entire church family, I would like to
extend a massive heartfelt THANK YOU to several people,
for their sacrifices and donations of time, strength, and
resources made during the transition and renovations:
Jerry Kibler (hours and hours of labor), Rhonda and Kevin
Kelley (organization, administration, labor), Brad Ascar,
David Rigdon, Darian Cornish (audio, video, lighting), and
Benny Llamazales (painting of Jeffords Center, JC Stage,
and CE). Additionally, there were many other volunteers
who gave of their time and talents, and for that we know
the Kingdom is blessed from your gifts! Praise be to God
for His moving on hearts to pour in to this family and
community!
If you haven’t yet noticed, we are also transitioning to a
newly designed website. We hope this will continue to be
a place to facilitate information you need for upcoming
events, online giving, and various other forms of
communication (also see our social media sites on
Facebook and Instagram). www.fpcdouglasville.org
As we Worship, Serve, and Grow, let’s INVITE someone to
come and be with us at a Sunday service, or an upcoming
event (i.e., Men’s Tailgate, Healing Service, Flourish
Women’s Worship & Clothing
Swap), to experience the loving
kindness of a church family, and
help point others to the saving
knowledge and transforming
power of Christ. Remember that
when Jesus called Simon,
Andrew, James, and John, it was
a personal invitation. Let’s follow in his steps and do the
same. I look forward to seeing you and a friend soon!
In the Light, Andrew Huggins
Page 6
The Churchmouse
Church News….
Check out the Fall, 2016 Brochures
for information about how to
GROW, WORSHIP & SERVE
here at FPC
Thank you from Barefoot
Scholarship recipients:
Kayley Barker writes...I am able
to finish college with no loans
thanks to your prayers and
financial support.
Madeline Gibbs writes...It was
truly a blessing to receive this
financial support, as it’s helping
me to study abroad in Rome,
Italy Spring semester.
Our church family extends our
sympathies to:

The family & friends of
Nancy Wright.
 Paula Snelling in the passing
of her father and mother, Gladys & Merrill
Hughes in June and August, respectively.

The family & friends of Nan Gordon.
Thanks to all who donated old glasses and cases. We
sent 181 items to the Faith Medical Mission in
Chickasaw, OK.
Thank you….from Grace Assisted
Living...
I wanted to take a minute to say “THANK
YOU” for coming into our home to sing &
entertain our residents. We all truly enjoyed it.
If you all want to come more often, WE
WOULD LOVE THAT!
BOOMER’S ON
THE GO!
Thursday
September 15
What a great testimony you give your church
when you sing! Thank you, Karen Cabral, Executive Director
Stephen Ministry…
Stephen Ministry will be recruiting for a new class
beginning in January.
Leave Church at 3 p.m.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Chihuly In the Garden — at Night
Dinner at Ponce Market
STEPHEN LEADERS:

Nancy Williams
770.942.5866
Lessie Smith
770.947.1524
Linnea Osborne
678.838.1360
We will be joining the First Methodist Church in

this training. This is a 50-hour
class which will meet once a

week for about 2 hours. The
class will train you to walk
alongside another person who
is going through a life struggle. You will learn how to listen
and to be a Christian presence for that person. If you would
like more information about the class, please contact one of
our Stephen Leaders listed above.
Cost: $23
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
MON.-THUR., 7:30
FRIDAY, 7:30
AM–5:00 PM
AM-1:00 PM
Articles for the OCTOBER
“Churchmouse” are due
Wednesday, Sept. 21, Noon
CHURCH OFFICE
CLOSED
MONDAY, SEPT. 5
Volunteer Play Specialists
DATE
Infants (Rm 102)
9/4
Mindy McDonald
September 12
9/11
Brenda Fangman
Session
9/18
Valli Robinson
9/25
Sophia Snodgrass
Committee/Division
September 26
The Churchmouse
Toddlers (Rm 103)
Grace Ascar
Gretchen &
Maddy Rakestraw
Catherine & Phil
Westbrook
Amy & Brad
Dobbs
2-Year Olds (Rm 97)
3-Year Olds (Rm 98)
Audrey Rogers
Tim & Bryce Rogers
Joe & Joan Cheak
Jason & Adam
Rakestraw
Heather & Faith Guger
Mercy Adzotor
Kirsten Lee
Kathy Simmons
Page 7
Auto
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit No. 14
Douglasville, GA 30134
Address Service Requested
First Presbyterian Church
9190 Campbellton Road
Douglasville, Georgia 30134
http://www.fpcdouglasville,.org
Phone: 770-942-0710
Fax: 770-949-3481
E-mail: office@fpcdouglasville.org
This is a Stephen Ministry Church
Place Mailing Label Here
Website:
www.fpcdouglasville.org
...SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS, 2016…
Drue
Lynn
1
Holly
Natalie
C. J.
Christi
Madeline
Maggie
Shane
Jonathan
Sondra
Ed
Allen
Garrett
DerCola
Harper
Owen
Revelle
Morgan
Griffin
Harbin
Hoel
Stavran
Burroughs
Heatherton
Little
McPherson
2
2
2
2
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
Pat
Moir
5
Tom
Allison
Jack
Simmons
Wittwer
8
8
Oz
Armour
9
Herb
Arnold
9
Brian
Cleaveland
9
Ben
Fangman
9
John
Hurkmans
10
Geri
Armstrong
11
Eloise
Cornell
11
Dawn
Pike
11
Holly
Bradley
12
Jessica
Owen
12
Scott
Patman
12
Jeff
Quinn
12
Justin
Bryson
16
Bree
Johnson
24
David
Carpenter
16
Kendra
Robinson
24
Howard
Corso
16
Jeff
Stephens
24
Mat
Johnson
16
Virginia
Baxter
25
Reba
Haynes
17
Sandra
Crumpton
25
Larry
Toney
17
Karal
Dailey
18
Bob
Karr
25
Tammy
Kone
18
Faith
Guger
26
Will
Patman
18
Betty
Hardeman
26
Joan
Hicks
19
Sarah
Bookout
20
Sydney
Johnson
20
Amber
Budwash
21
Parker
Dobbs
21
Lucie
Morris
21
Luke
Turner
21
Jack
Sutton
5
Danny
Belyeu
13
Abby
Brooks
Vaughan
Fraker
5
6
Todd
Cook
13
Kerry
Harbin
13
Helen
Bell
Eli
Rowell
6
Alyce
Furr
14
Mae
Brenda
Damerow
7
Leon
Jeffords
14
Lindsey
Everest
Ethelind
Huggins
Lindsey
7
7
Luke
McCann
14
Scott
Ebbie
Simmons
14
Tonya
Beverly
Lynn
Butler
Kaufman
8
8
Luke
Whitcomb
14
Judy
Kevin
Bonner
15
Gloria
Clarence Hobbs
26
Niki
Carpenter
27
Melissa
Cordle
27
Audrey
Preston
27
Dick
Smith
27
Bree
Revelle
28
Marcia
Belyeu
29
22
Theodore Crews, IV
29
Harrell
22
Blakelee Isbill
29
Mercer
22
Ginny
Rosebrook
29
York
22
Frank
Jeffers
30
Annis
23
Amanda Maddox
30
Lovern
23
Dale
Michaelson
30
Hobbs
24
Mikki
Moxley
30