Issue Number 185, November and December 2015

The First Presbyterian Church
of Fort Wayne, Indiana
Issue N um ber 185, N ovem ber and D ecember 2015
Transforming Lives Through The Love Of Jesus Christ
Dear Friends,
Weekly Services
9:00am
Chapel Service
10:00am Classes for All Ages
11:00am Traditional Service
(Sanctuary)
11:00am Korean Language
Service (Chapel)
11:15am Sunday School
Age 3 to Grade 5
Contents
Announcements, Featured Events
pages 2-5
Rev. An’s Sermon in Korean
page 6
Rev. An’s Sermon Translation and
Day School
page 7
Theater, Gallery, Music Information
page 8 – 9
Transforming Lives
page 10
New Members/Guest Preacher/PL
page 12
FPC in Pictures
page 13
Book Review
page 14
Statistical & Financial Information
page 15
Calendar
page 16
In his recent book,
The Road to
Character, David
Brooks talks about
the difference
between “résumé
virtues” and
“eulogy virtues.”
The résumé
virtues are the
ones we list on our
Rev. Jeff Lehn
résumé, the skills
and experiences we bring to the job marketplace. The
eulogy virtues are deeper. They’re the ones that get
talked about at our funeral, the ones that exist at the
core of who we are whether we’re kind, honest, brave,
generous and so on. As people of faith, we know the
eulogy virtues are more important than the résumé
virtues, but most of us have spent much of our lives
focusing on the latter than the former.
How can we recalibrate? In the Sermon on the Mount,
Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will
be also.” It’s a pretty straightforward claim. On any given
day, what are we treasuring the most? That’s where our
heart will be. But is that where we want it to be?
people around us – our family, our friends, our neighbors
and our co-workers. We long for a Christ-like character
that doesn’t just get us through a season, but gets us
through a life. We long for the fruit of the Spirit to be
tangibly expressed in our community: love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness
and self-control. We long to make a difference, to leave
our little corner of the world more loving, more hopeful,
more faithful – more like God’s dream.
I know it’s not easy. Life is complicated. We have things
coming at us so fast. But take a longer-term perspective
for a moment. A year from now, what will matter most
to you looking back on this season? I’m willing to bet
it’s the things that will build your eulogy and not your
résumé.
As your pastor, I’m committed to helping you do this. I
want nothing more than to see you (and myself!) more
fully alive to God. We can do it right now. In this very
moment. Breathing in God’s grace and exhaling our
worries and fears. Noticing the gifts of God that buoy us,
despite our challenging circumstances. Facing the day
with courage, not knowing what will come, but only that
God is leading us and his love supporting us.
You have my love and prayers this day and always as
we walk this journey together.
Gaining skills to build our résumé is a good thing. It
honors God and the gifts we’ve been given. And yet if
these things become our treasure they will invariably
disappoint. Our heart longs for something more.
With gratitude and love in Christ,
We long for deep and lasting connection with the God
who loves us. We long for joyful camaraderie with the
Rev. Jeff Lehn
Advent at A Glance
300 West Wayne Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
260-426-7421
www.firstpres-fw.org
Nov. 29 Dec. 1
Dec. 2
Dec. 7
Dec. 13
Dec. 13
Dec. 20
First Sunday of Advent
Caroling, Cookies & Cocoa with Chelsea, Smock, 1:30 p.m.
Advent by Candlelight, 7:00 p.m.
Smooth Edge 2 Christmas Concert, 6:30 p.m.
The Children’s Christmas Pageant,
10:00 a.m.
Compassionate Friends Candlelight Service, 7:00 p.m.
Handbell Choir Prelude, 10:50 a.m.
Dec. 24 Dec. 25
Dec. 31 Jan. 1
Christmas Eve
4:00 p.m. Family Christmas Eve Service
5:00 p.m. KLM Christmas Eve Celebration
9:30 p.m. Festival Prelude Music
10:00 p.m.Festival of Lessons and Carols
Merry Christmas – Building Closed
New Year’s Eve – Church Office closed
at noon
4:00 p.m. KLM New Year Celebration
Happy New Year, 2016 - Church Closed
Highlights from the Sept.
and Oct. Session Meetings
All Session meetings begin with a light supper, sharing of joys and concerns
and devotions led by the Elders of the Month.
September 8, 2015
Committee Testimony: Members of the Children’s Committee are enthusiastic about starting regular committee meetings rather than meeting by email
as was done in the past. The Congregational Life Committee members do a wonderful job planning hospitality at events and receptions. The Worship
Committee began serving communion by intinction in May. Many of our members had difficulty with this method, and we discussed ways to assist them.
The Adult Education Committee accepted an offer from Seth Kohrman at the Fort Wayne YWCA to present a program on Domestic Violence and the Bible
on October 11.
Treasurer’s Report : Total yearly income at the end of August, 2015, was $1,072,262. Total yearly expenses at the end of August, 2014, was $1,062,305.
Pastor’s Reports: Rev. Dr. An – KLM will have a church picnic at Chain of Lakes on September 20. Pastor Sherwood – Pastors will have lunch together
once a month. She reminded us that groups scheduling meetings need to submit an event request and let the staff know if an event is cancelled. Rev. Lehn
– The Pastoral Intern Committee selected committee members, and Susanne Rowe drafted a job description. Rev. Lehn hopes to have an intern here by
next August. The focus for Dr. Lehn’s fall sermons will be The Sermon on the Mount, and we were encouraged to study this topic in our morning devotions.
Commitment Sunday is October 25. He asked for our prayers as he attends Credo on September 29. The next White Water Valley Presbytery meeting will
be at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis on November 4.
October 13, 2015
Committee Testimony: Personnel reported that Alicia Leal will be preparing Session meals in the future. Lisa Yarian
has submitted her resignation. Lisa is a highly valued employee and will be sorely missed, but we will find a satisfactory
re-placement. Adult Education Committee reported on the successful TED Talk series; Dr. Achtemeier will be here and
preach the weekend of November 15. The Communication Committee reported on plans for Thanksgiving Eve. The
“Ringing of the Bells” will be at the beginning of the celebration at 5:30pm. Sarah Savage reminded Session of the
Religious Arts Committee’s offering this weekend with a new gallery show and play, His Eye Is On The Sparrow.
Treasurer’s Report: David Lundy reported that the third quarter report for the Foundation showed a $910,000 decrease.
He has no concern about the operating budget, and the lag in contributions is consistent with prior years and usually
recovers in December. Current income is $1,208,439 and expenditures are $1,269, 646. Rev. Jeff Lehn led a discussion
of the Foundation and its various funds
Pastor’s Reports: Rev. Dr. An is planning to attend a conference in Baltimore at the end of October. Rev. Sherwood
gave a report on the “Discovery Process” that she is conducting as a feature of her interim role. She has started the
Confirmation Class and Women’s Bible Study. In November she is to teach an Interim Training class at Union Seminary
in Richmond, VA. She has also been asked to teach at the Seminary in St. Louis. Rev. Jeff Lehn announced that nine
new members will join the church this coming Sunday. Rev. Lehn has completed “Credo” which is a wholistic wellness program for ministers ordained less
than ten years to reduce burn out. He will take two weeks after Commitment Sunday to engage in some writing.
Elders of the Month
The designated Elders of the Month are on call to hear the concerns of congregation members, to assist with Baptisms and to help with other worship related
events as necessary.
November
December
Elders of the Month:
Marcie Weissner: 459-2470
Dave Scott: 432-8810
Elders of the Month:
Marj Sapp: 413-2639
Sarah Savage: 482-5112
PAGE 2
Angels Among Us
Many of us have been touched
by angels: those living among us,
reaching out to us, lending a hand.
This column is an opportunity for
individuals to recognize and show
appreciation for their angel(s) in a
detailed or anonymous way. FPC
welcomes your submissions to the ‘Angels Among Us’ column.
Please e-mail submissions to codle@firstpres-fw.org or leave a note at the
Church Office for Cindi Odle.
• Thank you to Shannon Timmons, Head of Housekeeping, for all that she
did for the Homecoming Celebration. In addition, Shannon has been dealing
with some staff changes and has stepped up to make sure everything is still
getting done. Thanks Shannon for being an Angel, your extra effort is so
appreciated. –Anonymous
• Thank you to Betsy Martiny who served as a volunteer in the Book Shop
from September of 1987 through August 2015, we honor her dedication and
service and her ever-present joyful spirit.
–First Pres Book and Gift Shop Volunteers
• Thank you to all who worked to make Homecoming Sunday so special.
A special thank you to Nan Bloodgood, Norma Christon, and Sandy Niles for
their table decorations and food service work at the Homecoming Luncheon!
–The Communications Committee
• The Hunger Relief Committee would like to recognize the unique way
Jim and Sondra Mergenthal chose to celebrate their 50th anniversary! By
requesting food items instead of gifts, they were able to joyously celebrate
their special memories and help the community at the same time! Thanks to
Jim and Sondra and the youth who sorted and boxed the food on Sunday.
• Many people and organizations help with our ongoing hunger relief efforts
and we often times forgot to say thank you. Thanks to City Wide Delivery
Services who are donating their time, labor and truck to pick up our canned
goods at Kroger’s each month. Thanks to Georgetown Kroger for providing
us with a generous discount in addition to the effort it takes to order and prep
our food order, as well as all those brown paper bags! Thanks to all of the
volunteers and staff here at FPC who provide their time, labor, food, money
and support for this vitally important mission! –Janice Roddy, Hunger Relief
Committee
Prayer Chain Requests:
please call Joan Jackson, 486-4828.
If you have a prayer request,
Audio Copies of Recent Sermons are available
on our website, www.firstpres-fw.org. Go to Media & Resources / Latest
Sermons.
Our clergy are off on Mondays, with the pastor
on call being available for emergencies. If you need immediate assistance,
please contact the Church Office, 426-7421. See the weekly bulletin for the
most up-to-date on call information.
PAGE 3
Scriptures, Anthems and Sermons
November & December 2015
November 1: Revelation 21:1-6a, Pastor Laura preaching Communion of the Saints; candle lighting remembrance
Anthem: Shine like the Sun by Karen E. Black
November 8: Mark 12:38-44, Pastor Laura preaching the Story of the Widow’s Mite
Anthem: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty by Hugo Distler
November 15: Dr. Mark Achtemeier, Guest Preacher
Anthem: Sing to the Lord of Harvest by Healey Willan
November 22: Matthew 25:14, Rev. Jeff Lehn preaching on the
parable of the talents
Anthem: Rejoice, the Lord is King by Malcolm Archer
November 29: Luke 21:25-36, Rev. Fred Hasecke, Pastor Emiritus, Trinity English Lutheran Church
Anthem: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
by Antony Baldwin
December 6:
Philippians 1:3-11 and Luke 3:1-6,
Rev. Jeff Lehn preaching
Anthem: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
by Louise Vierne
December 13: Confirmation Sunday, Pastor Laura. leading
Anthem: How Far Is It to Bethlehem?
by James McCullough
December 20: Micah 5:2-5a and Luke 1:46b-55,
Rev. Jeff Lehn preaching
Anthem: Canticle of the Turning by Anne Krentz Organ
December 24: Family Service 4:00 p.m. & Service
of lessons and carols at 10:00 p.m.
December 27: Gospel reading from Luke 2:41-52,
Rev. Jeff Lehn preaching
Printed Copies of most Sermons are available
upon request (usually by Tuesday), copies of past sermons are also
available. You may request that a copy of a recent sermon be mailed to you
by calling the Church Office, 426-7421 x100. If you wish, we will put your
name on our list to automatically receive the sermon by mail each week.
Attention Committee Chairs
Annual Committee Reports to be included at the Annual Meeting are due no
later than January 6. Sooner is better! Please submit your reports to Cindi
Odle at codle@firstpres-fw.org. Copies of last year’s Annual Report are
available for reference in the Church Office or call Cindi at 426-4721x112.
Thank you.
Hearing Assistance: Our Chapel, Sanctuary, McKay Hall
and Theater are equipped with the “Hearing Loop” system. Set your hearing
aid to the “T-coil” or “telephone” setting to access the system or ask an usher
for a loop headset.
Hospital Visitation and Clergy On Call
Schedule: Our Clergy regularly visit rehab patients as well as those
How We Know If You’re in the Hospital
in hospitals. The on call schedule for November and December is as follows:
Week of November 1
Rev. Youngsoo An
Week of November 8
Rev. Jeff Lehn
Week of November 15
Rev. Youngsoo An
Week of November 22
Rev. Youngsoo An
Week of November 29
Rev. Jeff Lehn
Week of December 6
Rev. Laura Sherwood
Week of December 13
Rev. Laura Sherwood
Week of December 20
Rev. Jeff Lehn
Week of December 27
Rev. Youngsoo An
Every weekday morning, a member of our staff calls each area hospital,
gives our special code number, and receives a list of those admitted in the
last 24 hours who have listed First Presbyterian as their church. These
names are passed on to the Pastor on call and to the Deacons, and the
patients are visited as soon as possible. Unfortunately, if a person is
admitted in an emergency situation, we do not receive this information,
even when we call the hospital. So, if your family member or friend has
been hospitalized and you’re not sure if we know about it, please call the
Church Office, 426-7421 x100, and give us the name. We would much
rather have it twice than not at all. Also, please remember to notify us when
someone is moved from a hospital to long term care or a rehab facility.
The Third Sunday of Each Month is a day of
Faith Friend Meetings
glorious generosity at First Pres. People donate to the monthly food drive,
bring the food they’ve prepared for the Rescue Mission meal and drop their
coins in the Children’s Bucket Collection. Please take a minute today to
mark all of the “third Sundays” on your calendar, so you can come prepared
to share. Thank you.
Rescue Mission Meal: The November Mission Meal
will be prepared and served on November 15 and the December Mission
Meal will be prepared and served on December 20. Watch for menu
announcements in weekly bulletins. Cooks and servers are always needed.
Please sign up in the Church Office if you are able to participate, or call
426-7421 x100.
Everyone a Neighbor Day provides food, comfort,
and hospitality to people living (some on the streets) in our downtown
neighborhood. We serve a nutritious noon meal, distribute donated clothing,
and provide a place of shelter and relaxation on the fourth Thursday of
each month. END will resume in January 2016 (due to holiday schedules.)
To find out how you can help, please call Sharon Hedeen, 483-9666. Bring
monetary and clothing donations to the Church Office.
Let Us Rejoice with You: If you would like to allow our
church family to rejoice with you about a landmark anniversary or birthday,
please send the information to Cindi Odle, 426-7421 x112 or
codle@firstpres-fw.org at least two weeks before the date of the event.
November and December Presby Day
Plans: Smock Senior Ministries Presents: “PRESBY-DAY” on the
third Thursday of each month,10:00am to 2:00pm at First Presbyterian
Church. November 19: Worship at 10 a.m., Program at 11 a.m., “Hometown
Diplomats: What We Do and Why It Matters” by Danielle Bash and Dave
& Karen Bash. Sunday, Dec. 6, The Santaland Diaries, FPC Theater, 2:00
p.m. $5.00 includes theater and dessert after performance.
Welcome Baby Ministry
We at First Pres are excited to welcome new babies into this wonderful
world and our Church Family. If you are pregnant or adopting, please
contact Jennifer Shaw, 426-7421 x127 or jshaw@firstpres-fw.org. We look
forward to providing the families of new babies with home-cooked meals,
support from other moms and small gifts from the church.
Faith Friends of Buckingham and Georgetown 46815 will
now meet on the second Monday at Hall’s Triangle Park at 6:00 p.m. The
next dates are November 9; and December 14.
Faith Friends 46804 and 46814 – meet on the second Sunday of
each month at Hall’s Tavern at Coventry at 5:30 p.m. The next two meeting
dates are November 8 and December 13.
Spotlight on Missions
The Parkers, our mission partners in the Middle East, have recently begun
a new ministry to tell the stories of families who have been displaced from
their homes in Syria and Iraq due to the advances of the Islamic State.
The violent extremism of the Islamic State is driving millions of people
from their homes.
The FPC Missions Team authorized support for this project, called Find
A World, and we are excited to present this opportunity to engage with
the people of the Middle East. The project’s website at www.findaworld.
org will share the stories of beauty, struggle, culture, and above all Christ’s
activity in the region. On the site, people will be able to follow the Parker’s
journey with a daily devotion centered on what it means to be part of Christ’s
mission. For two weeks in October, Scott will be spending time with the
refugees in Northern Iraq writing out their stories. The posts on findaworld.
org can be shared on social media.
The purpose is to inspire the church to step in with donations to assist
these families who need help but may be slipping through the cracks in
a part of the world with so many who need assistance. Please go on to
findaworld.org and follow along with Scott’s journey! –Ben Knoop
First Presbyterian Church Suicide Grief
Support Group, First Hope
If you’ve lost a family member, friend, or acquaintance to suicide, this group
is a place where you can find comfort and support; a safe place to share
your experiences with others who understand. Please feel free to join us on
the second Sunday of each month, 1:00pm, third floor prayer room. Family
and friends are always invited.
Led by Lea Ann Powers, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Facilitator, and co-facilitated by FPC members. Please contact Lea Ann
Powers with comments, questions, or concerns at 260-484-0141, or
lpowers@firstpres-fw.org
PAGE 4
Featured Events
2015 Angel Tree
The Christmas Season will be upon us before
we know it and First Presbyterian Church will
once again be sponsoring our annual Angel
Tree. This year we will have approximately 150
Angels available for your selection; ages newborn
through age 12. Eligible Angels come to us from
the East Wayne Street Center, Amistad Cristiana,
Wellspring Social Services and Boys & Girls Club.
Angels will be available for selection in the Small
Dining Room beginning on Sunday, November
15th. Individual Angels or families of Angels are
available. Angel cards will indicate if the child is an
individual or part of a larger family. You can select
an individual Angel, one or more members of a
family or an entire family.
As in previous years, a sign up board will be
available next to the Angel Tree for selections
done during the week; however, if you do take an
Angel during the week, please be sure to include
the Angel’s number, your name and phone number
in the appropriate areas on the sign-up sheets on
the board. This is our only way of knowing which
angels you have selected. If you are planning to
select an angel or family of angels for your place
of business, please let us know so that we can
coordinate the distribution of multiple gifts.
If you would rather make a monetary contribution
and have Angel Tree committee members do the
shopping and wrapping, you can drop off your
contribution at the Angel Tree table in the Small
Dining room on Sunday mornings November 15
through December 6 or you can include it with your
offering during church services. Please make sure
that you place your contribution in an envelope and
designate it for the 2015 Angel Tree.
We would like to provide each Angel with a
sweater, blouse or shirt, slacks and at least one
toy. Additional items requested are also welcomed.
Gifts should be new, unused items and wrapped. If
you select an Angel but are not able to provide all
of the requested items, please let the committee
member know when you return your gift so that we
can purchase the items you are not able to provide.
If you are not able to wrap your gifts, please let us
know so that the committee can assist you with
that effort. All gifts need to be returned no later
than Sunday, December 6.
It is prayerfully hoped that all of our Angels will
be selected by the congregation this season as
the need is always there. If you have questions
or would like to help with the Angel Tree, please
contact Janice Roddy at 493-2511 or
Beth Marks at 434-1227.
Advent by Candlelight
An evening of prayer, music, scripture, and reflection
on the meaning of the season.
December 2, 2015, 7:00-8:30pm
McKay Hall
Join us for the annual Advent By Candlelight evening as we celebrate the
beginning of Advent. All women (and girls) are invited!
As we anticipate the birth of Jesus through Advent, we will gather for an
evening of fellowship, learning, music, creativity, and, of course, desserts!
We begin with social time and dessert. Our program this year will focus on
“preparation” and how it is meaningful to us. We might just take you on a
historical journey of traditions around the world, how we add new traditions,
and how we do this through ornaments! We all have those special ornaments
we bring out each year, enjoy, and help us relive special memories. We also
add new ones to our collections, which will continue to bring joy to our family
during the holidays. Join us as we learn and share about the symbols of
Christmas as expressed through ornaments.
To share in this special evening, sign up in the church office, or e-mail Lynn
Rebman. We would appreciate early sign ups, but no later than Nov 25.
Host a Table
Please consider being a
table host or co-host…
and invite your friends,
daughters, mothers,
grandmothers, and
aunts. With seven to
each table, the host
provides a dessert and
decorates her table. If
you have a co-host, you can split the fun…one bring the dessert, the other the
table decorations. Some opt to bring their own holiday dishes, or if you want
to keep it simple, just let us know and we can provide table service for you to
use. We provide the beverages, tablecloths, music, candles, etc. For more
info or to get a copy of table host guidelines, contact Lynn (260) 637-8462 or
e-mail lynn@rebmanconsulting.com.
Empty Bowls Fundraiser
KLM Thanksgiving Dinner
On Sunday morning November 15 First Presbyterian church will be
partnering with art students from St. Francis to raise funds for homeless
families who are being provided with temporary housing at Just Neighbors.
The students have created and donated pottery bowls that we will have for
sale in the Small Dining Room that morning. The money we raise goes to
feeding and housing our neighbors who are facing struggles in their lives.
So please shop for birthdays gifts, Christmas gifts, yourself, but mostly
shop for a good cause! Stop by the Small Dining Room on your way to Lisa
Yarian’s farewell reception!
The Annual Korean Thanksgiving Dinner will be held on Nov. 22 in McKay
Hall following the 11:00am Worship Service. This dinner is to show gratitude
to the veterans who fought for South Korea in the Korean War. In addition
to the dinner, there will be special music by Rev. An and a piano trio by
Hamilton Tescarollo, David Rezits and Dessie Arnold. Mr. Tescarollo is a
professor at IPFW and Mr. Rezits and Ms. Arnold are the members of the Ft.
Wayne Philharmonic. The Trio will play Beethoven’s “Andante Cantabile’”
before dinner. The meal is free and everyone is welcome. Please sign up in
the Church Office by November 18 if you plan to attend.
PAGE 5
Korean Language Ministry (KLM)
꿈을 이루어 주시는 하나님
대학시절 저는 무척 소심한 청년이었습니다.
소심한 성격에 불만을 가졌던 제가 택했던 방법은
대학 연극반에 등록하는 것이었습니다. 어느 오후
저는 대학 극장 뒤쪽에 있는 대학 연극반 사무실을
찾아갔습니다. 조명이 어두컴컴한 연극반 사무실
앞에서 얼마나 망설였는지 모릅니다. 그리고는 그
줄은 생각하기 못했습니다. 우리 하나님은 정말
아이디어가 많으신 분이 분명합니다. (참고로
말씀드리면 제가 준비하고 있는 무대는 연극
무대는 아니고 노래를 하는 무대입니다. 미국의
유명한 뮤지컬 곡과 한국 가곡 그리고 찬송가를
부를 계획입니다. 공연날짜는 10 월 11 일 주일
저녁입니다)
문을 두드려 보지도 못하고 돌아와 버렸습니다.
우리 하나님은 우리의 작은 소원도 기억하시는
사무실에 찾아가는 것에는 성공하였지만, 마지막
하나님입니다. 시편 106 편 44 절과 45 절에서는
문을 열고 들어가는 용기가 부족했었던 것이지요.
이렇게 말합니다.
별로 오래 산 인생은 아니지만, 지금도 여전히
“ 그러나 여호와께서 그들의 부르짖음을 들으실
소심한 제 성격을 볼 때마다 그 때 연극반 사무실
때에 그들의 고통을 돌보시며 그들을 위하여 그의
앞에서 돌아왔던 그 순간이 후회가 됩니다. “그 때
언약을 기억하시고 그 크신 인자하심을 따라 뜻을
내가 용기를 내어서 무대 위에 서는 사람이
돌이키시니”
되었다면 나는 어떤 사람이 되었을까?” 하며
말입니다. 그래서 그런지 저는 늘 무대에 서는
사람을 동경했습니다. 그들의 용기와 담대함이
부러웠습니다.
심지어 하나님은 우리가 잊고 있었던 우리의
마음의 소원까지도 기억하셨다가 하나님의 가장
적당한 때에 들어 주시는 분입니다. 저는 제가
만난 이런 하나님을 여러분에게도 소개하고
그런데 저에게 기회가 찾아왔습니다. 연초에 우리
싶습니다. 혹시 잊고 있었던 꿈이 있나요? 그 꿈에
교회 극장 디렉터인 Thom 이 저에게 교회 극장을
다시 한번 더 도전해 보는 가을이 되면 어떨까요?
위한 이벤트를 위해서 무대에 서 줄 수 있겠느냐는
혹시 생각하는 것보다 빨리 꿈이 이루어지지 않아
제안을 한 것입니다. 목회를 병행하면서 한국말도
조급해 하는 분이 계신가요? 하나님은 가장
아닌 영어를 가지고 무대에 오른다는 것이 쉽지
적절한 때를 찾고 계십니다. 그 믿음을 놓치지
않은 일임을 잘 알면서도 저는 그 제안을 기쁘게
마세요. 우리에게 필요한 것은 하나님에 대한
받아들였습니다. 제 마음 속에 오래 전부터
신뢰를 놓치지 않는 것입니다. 다가오는 가을에는
남아있었던 바람 때문이지요. 그리고 그 바람을
이와 같은 신뢰에 기반하여 우리의 소원을
기억하시고 저의 소원을 들어 주신 하나님
들어주시는 하나님을 만나는 계절이 되기를
때문이었습니다. 무엇보다도 저를 기쁘게 했던
손모아 기도합니다.
것은 저의 꿈을 이루어 주시는 하나님의 방법
때문이었습니다. 제 소원을 들으시는 줄은 알고
있었지만, 이런 식으로 저의 꿈을 이루어 주실
행복한 목사 안영수 드림
PAGE 6
Psalms, Chapter One
Rev. An’s Letter – Translated
God Who Brings Our Dreams To Realization
Translation by Antoinette Lee
I was a very quiet and timid college student. I felt
if I joined the drama club I might be able to shed
the introverted personality which bothered me to no
end. One afternoon, I mustered all of my courage
Rev. Dr. Youngsoo An
and went to the Drama Club office. The lights were
dim inside the office, and I stayed there hesitating for a long time. I turned
around and left without even knocking on the door. I succeeded in going to
the office, but I lacked the courage to open the door and actually go inside.
I am still a youngster in my 40’s, but every time I feel I am too timid,
I remember that incident and regret leaving the Drama Club office. I
sometimes wonder, “Would I have been a different person if I had been
strong enough to open that door and pursue my dream?” Perhaps that is
why, but I always wonder what it would be like to perform on the stage. I
envy actors’ daring boldness.
And then, an opportunity that I never expected knocked on my door.
Earlier this year, Thom, the Managing Artistic Director, asked me if I would
like to perform on stage for a fundraising event for our church theater. I
Day School News
The Day School has
had a busy fall hiring
a new teacher and
enrolling new children
and their families.
We welcomed Mrs.
Jill Leal to the staff
as a PreK teacher
and 14 new families
(16 new children) to
our program. Eight
of our new children
and families come to
us through the new On My Way PreK program which the state rolled out
this past year. This state funded venture targets at-risk four-year-olds and
provides funds to enroll them in high quality prekindergarten programs. Our
day school has been accepted as a high quality program and we are happy
to have these children and their families with us.
Little Free Library
Thank you to everyone for your support of the Little Free Library that has
been installed by the north entrance of the church. We have plenty of
children’s books to keep the library supplied for a while. We are still looking
for young adult and adult books to keep the contents balanced. Please feel
free to add to the library or drop books off to Marj Sapp in the Day School
office. Remember the Little Free Library is open to everyone so don’t forget
to peek inside and see if there is a ‘good read’ waiting for you!
Johnny Appleseed Festival
The Cookie Booth at the Johnny Appleseed Festival was a big success
again this year. Many volunteers from the church helped to scoop, bake and
pack over 12,000 cookies. After all expenses were accounted for the net
profit from the festival was almost $4,100.00 which was split with the Youth
of the church who worked hard in the kitchen and at the booth. Thanks to all
who helped! Your time and talents are most appreciated.
PAGE 7
accepted the suggestion whole heartedly even though I knew learning all
the songs in English, which is still not familiar to me, while ministering the
Korean congregation all by myself would be quite a challenge. I felt it was
an answer to my longing that I have kept in my heart for a long time. But
it was because of my God who finally brought my dream of long ago into
reality. I was amazed at how He made my wish come true. I know He listens
to my prayers and wishes, but I never dreamed that He would bring it to
fruition in such a way that left me totally awestruck. My, I knew our God had
so many ideas, but this!
Our God remembers even the smallest wishes we request. In Psalms
106: 44-45, it says, “But he took note of their distress when he heard their
cry; for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he
relented.”
He even remembers the wishes long after we forgot and makes them
come true at the right time. I would like to introduce you to the God I met on
this particular journey. Do you have a dream that you have had for a long
time and forgot? Would you like to try again in this Advent season? Are you
anxious because you feel it is taking too long? God is looking for the perfect
timing. Do not lose faith in Him. What we need is that faith in God. I pray
you will have the opportunity to meet God based on the strong faith that He
will listen and turn your dreams into reality.
–Your Happy Minister, Youngsoo
Cookie Dough Sale
Orders for the cookie
dough sale have been
collected and will be
delivered on Tuesday
November 10. If you
have placed an order
please plan on picking
it up at the church after
noon. Thanks for your
support!
Holiday Season
The children are preparing for the holiday season by preparing songs for
Thanksgiving which they hope to share at Presby Day. Be sure to check
out the turkeys that each family will decorate together for the Thanksgiving
season. The classes will also be learning special songs and fingerplays to
share with parents and families for Christmas. It is a wonderful, exciting,
busy time of year that we love to share with the young ones. Please feel
free to visit the hallways on the first and second floors to see the wonderful
happenings that go on all the time in The Day School.
Theater
Just in time for the holidays!
Purchase your season ticket today!
The Santaland Diaries
Dec 3-19
by David Sedaris, adapted by Joe Mantello
directed by Thom Hofrichter
December 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 18, 19, 2015
subversive tale—just the antidote if the holidays have
overwhelmed you. Kevin Torwelle plays Crumpet, the elf.
Note: Two Friday performances are at 10 p.m. Tickets
available by calling the Box Office, 426-7421, ext. 103 or
firstpresbyteriantheater.com
This is one man’s account of working as an elf at Macy’s
Santaland in New York during the holiday crunch. From one
of our funniest contemporary American humorists, with a
satirical style reminiscent of Mark Twain, comes this merrily
Stratford 2016 Reservations are now being accepted.
Shows to include: A Chorus Line and A Little Night Music.
For questions or more information, contact
Thom Hofichter at thofrichter@firstpres-fw.org.
A special THANK YOU to all who supported
FPT Benefit: Rev An Live onstage. It was a
wonderful night of fellowship and fabulous
entertainment. We raised $11,000
for the theater.
Box Office Hours: Noon to 5:00pm, Wednesdays,
Thursdays and Fridays and one hour prior to
performance at the theater. Festival seating
(first come, first served) House opens 30 minutes
before curtain*Sunday Matinee curtain at 2:00pm
** Preview performance ***Special late night
10:00pm show
Smooth Edge 2
TICKET PRICES
General Admission-$20
Seniors (over 65)-$18
Full-time Students-free (with reservations)
Thursday previews-$10
Group rates-20 or more $15
Tickets are available online at:
firstpresbyteriantheater.com
FREE TICKETS FOR STUDENTS
Tomorrow’s Audiences Today is a program to
encourage students to see theater. Thirty free
tickets for every performance are available
to full-time students (grade school, high
school, and university). Free tickets must be
reserved through the box office, or our website
firstpresbyteriantheater.com
Music
December 7, 7:00 p.m.
McKay Hall
6:30, Pre-Concert Jazz Piano
by Dr. Chelsea Vaught
Smooth Edge 2 is returning to
First Presbyterian Church after
performances in December
2014 and July 2015. They
are an a cappella vocal jazz
group from Fort Wayne and
will be singing vocal jazz
arrangements and a number
of Christmas favorites plus a surprise or two along the way. You will want to have this
concert as part of your holiday season! New this year is pre-concert jazz piano by Dr.
Chelsea Vaught which will feature Christmas favorites such as “Winter Wonderland,”
“O Holy Night,” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” This is a great family event
to get everyone in the Christmas spirit!
Christmas Eve Donations
As you may know, the music at the 10:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Service is enhanced by a 15 piece
chamber orchestra consisting of musicians from the
Fort Wayne Philharmonic and Fort Wayne area. This
is made possible through generous donations from
church members. You are invited to consider making a
contribution in memory or honor of a loved one. You may
leave your contribution in the offering plate on Sunday
morning or drop it off at the Financial Office during
the week. If you are giving the contribution in honor
or memory of a loved one, please be sure to include
that information with the donation. Please have your
contribution in by December 20 in order to be listed in the
Christmas Eve bulletin. Thank you in advance
for your generosity!
PAGE 8
firstpres-fw.org/the_arts/gallery
Gallery
November–January 2015–16 Exhibition Schedule
October 16 – November 29, 2015
Kathy Palmiter–”Small Comforts,” Fiber Art
Nancy Miller– “Nature’s Bounty Redefined,” Gourd Sculpture,
Stone Paperweights
Kathy Palmiter: After graduating from Indiana University South Bend, Kathy
worked in her father’s hobby shop and later in his art gallery/frame shop for many
years. Her interest in quilting was helped along by her quilter/grandmother. She
comments, “I love creating beauty from simple supplies and found objects. I love
sharing my talents and linking the past to the future. . . .”
Nancy Miller: A graduate of DePauw University with a major in fine art, Nancy’s aesthetic sensibilities were impacted by the quiet simplicity of Japanese culture.
Her work evolved with a concentration on the pure sculptural qualities of gourds, as truly amazing plants. Most of her enhancements are natural plant and animal
materials and tiny pebbles. Nancy is renowned in gourd art circles for her refined polished surfaces.
December 4, 2015–January 10, 2016
Public Reception: Friday, December 11, 4:30 – 6:15 p.m.
Congregational Reception: Sunday, Dec. 13, 12:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Sarah Thompson–”Porcelain in Bloom”, Ceramics
Carol Mitchell Popp Bennett–Watercolor, acrylic paintings, “Corkie” the
puppet, co-star of “Carol and Corkie”
Sarah is mostly self-taught and uses a variety of techniques utilizing her own glazes and handmade stamps. As an artist, she feels every piece she creates is a work
of art (even a lowly spoon rest or coffee mug) and therefore it deserves the utmost care and attention to detail. She strives for “uniquely functional” pieces that will
elevate your everyday routines.
Carol: This remarkable woman’s journey includes puppeteer, cartoonist, first runner-up to Miss America, teacher, illustrator, TV commercial producer, interior
designer, plus offers to join road shows, and a movie contract, which she turned down. She originated “Carol and Corkie,” the first children’s TV show that aired in
Fort Wayne in 1954. Carol continues to create delightful watercolors and acrylics along with greeting cards and stationery.
Smock Program
Handbell Choir Prelude:
Seniors are invited to come
and learn little known facts
and stories about their favorite
Christmas carols. We will sing
the carols after hearing stories about them and maybe even play some
Christmas carols on handbells. No music experience is required, just a love
and appreciation for music. Come and join us and learn some little-known
facts about Christmas carols.
On Sunday, December 20,
First Pres’ Handbell Choir will
be playing a special prelude
beginning at approximately 10:50
a.m. consisting of Christmas
Music. We will be playing “Angel
Glory” which consists of “Hark,
the Herald Angels Sing,” “While
Shepherd Watched Their Flocks,”
“It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”
and “Angels We Have Heard on
High;” “Winter” from Vivaldi’s Four
Seasons, “In the Bleak Midwinter;”
and “Fum, Fum, Fum.”
Caroling, Cocoa and
Cookies with Chelsea
Presented in conjunction
with SMOCK senior ministries
December 1, 1:30 p.m.
McKay Hall
PAGE 9
FPC: Transforming Lives....
Shirley Sona: A Story of Transformation
Each newsletter we will be featuring stories of transformation. These stories are about individuals who have experienced transformation through the love of
Jesus Christ through programs, mission work or any experiences through the church. If you have a story to share, please email codle@firstpres-fw.org. Our
first story of Transformation features a newer member, Shirley Sona, and how finding First Pres has transformed her life!
First Presbyterian is about “Transforming Lives” and it sure has transformed
mine! When my husband suddenly died several years ago, as a caregiver I
had been isolated and alone with no family here, no friend connections, no
church. When I was given a church bulletin one day and went to visit for the
first time I knew I was home at last, even though I had grown up Lutheran.
First Pres has embraced me as a new member, this year as a new Deacon,
and given me opportunities to serve beyond what I could have ever imagined.
I first started with the 3-B exercise program (MWF 1:30-2:30) through
the SMOCK Senior Ministries (for those over the age of 50). It is really an
isometric and movement program aimed at preventing aging disabilities. It is
not “the gym or a work out” but focuses on joints, flexibility, and balance using
a chair if needed. We also work the brain. Pastor Bill Haworth, who leads the
program, always had an inspirational message, incorporated humor, and had
an infectious smile. It helped a lot! As of November, I will now be teaching the
class on a regular basis. Another opportunity to serve and be healthy as I age.
There is no charge for this class, as it is funded by the SMOCK Foundation.
So please join us.
I have also gotten involved in other committees: Box Office, Mentorship, Table
Talk book club, Connections, and Deacon (Memorial and Matthew 25), and,
as Deacon, will chair the Jubilee Celebration, the Hospitality Committee and
Extended (home) Communion. It keeps me busy, but I love it all.
The Spiritual Formation Committee I am on has a variety of programs, as
well as one I am forming. The 3-S
for Ones is for active widowers/
widowers, or anyone alone who
could benefit from ”Socialization,
Support, and Spiritual Growth.”
Our activities will be based on
the needs of the group, so please
call or email me (747-6562 or
sasona13@gmail.com) or sign
up in the Church Office for more
information. Please help get this
new ministry off the ground.
I also like to read a lot of
inspirational books and poetry. I like to write poetry when the inspiration of life
events hits me. I was honored to have my poetry hung in the Church Gallery
on exhibit this year.
After being here, I feel a personal connection to God. If you are open to
the transforming presence of Jesus Christ you will be amazed at what can
happen. Transforming Lives is not just a statement, it is God at work and
something that I have experienced personally since getting involved at First
Pres. Thank you everyone at FPC - Pastors and congregation! I feel truly
blessed! –Shirley Sona
Venderly Scholarship Winners
Kids Against Hunger
The Venderly Scholarship Fund was established by a gift from the
Venderly family for educational assistance for post-high school studies.
We are pleased to announce the many receipients of the funds for the
upcoming year:
Many thanks to all who
participated in and supported
the Kids Against Hunger project
on October 14th. Once again
over 130 FPC and Garrett
Presbyterian volunteers gave
of their time to create 25,000
meals for hungry children.
Meals will be shipped to
International Care Ministries
for distribution to children in
the Philippines. Due to the
great turn-out, we were able
to complete meal-making
and packing in under two hours during an evening of great fellowship and
commitment to
this wonderful
hands-on
Mission project.
Volunteers from
elementary
school children
to 90-year olds
contributed
to make a
difference!
–Mission Team BALL STATE
Sarah Foster
Lindsey Ferks
Dave Gumbert
COLLEGE FOR CREATIVE
STUDIES
Mariah Ribby
CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Alexis Rudd
SOUTHERN INDIANA
Hannah Venderley
ST. FRANCIS
Alexandra Coker
Brooke Conrad
Sarah Yarnelle
IPFW
Madison Bell
Brooke Bishir
Michael Calder
Caitlyn Delong
Jacob Groninger
Shelby Hurley
Somer Johnson
Brittany Kattau
Jacob Machuki
Rachele Mertz
Courtney Ogle
Kelsie Patnoude
Jose Rodriguez
Brandon Soat
Samuel Stephen
WESTERN MICHIGAN
Ruby Sturdevant
PAGE 10
...Through the Love of Jesus Christ
Rising Stars@FPC, Opportunities to Make a Difference in a Child’s Life
First Presbyterian is paired with South Wayne Elementary this year for the
Rising Stars program. The following are some opportunities to make a
difference for children:
Study Connection Tutoring
This program pairs students and mentors for weekly tutoring sessions, which
will take place on Mondays (3:10 to 4:15 p.m.) at First Presbyterian and on
Tuesdays (3:00 to 4:00 p.m.) at South Wayne Elementary. These children
need help with reading, homework, and other grade-level skills. Full-time and
substitute tutors are needed.
Life Skills Classes at South Wayne Elementary
Volunteers are needed to teach after-school life skills classes at South Wayne
Elementary. These could include any of the following:
Cooking: making bread, cookies, candy, etc.
Woodworking: making bird houses, small treasure chests, etc.
Crocheting: Making scarves, etc
Other: Art, crafts, or other classes of your choice
The Life Skill classes can be tailored to fit your schedule.
Q&A with Lisa Yarian, Outgoing
Financial Manager
Lisa, our financial manager of 27 years, is leaving
FPC for the next phase of her life. Prior to her leaving,
we asked her to answer a few questions and share
some insights from her time at First Pres.
Q. What first brought you to First Pres?
Lisa: In 9th grade, a friend, Crystal Crumbly, and her
family, brought me to a play that our English teacher,
Donette Harold, was performing in; it was amazing to me that a church could
have a theater in it and not just a gym! A few years later in high school, two
new friends of mine, Kim Bates and Sue Cook, invited me to a party. The
First Pres youth group members and their parents were there; it was a wild
and wacky bunch of people!
Q. What have you enjoyed most about working at First Pres?
Lisa: Just about everything—the noise from the day school, the staff
members (especially, Jo Furr), the daily activity and folks coming in and out of
the building, the delicious smells coming from the kitchen, the daily interaction
with the committee chairs and church members, and the amazing generosity
of the congregation!
Q. What will you miss the most?
Lisa: Everyone and everything, everyday!
Q. What are you future plans?
Lisa: Cleaning, organizing, shredding old documents, and updating our home
with the possibility of eventually downsizing.
Q. What changes have you seen while at FPC?
Lisa: Lots of changes with technology (the church’s first enhancement was
an answering machine, and then voicemail, email and security was added)
and building enhancements/updates, along with many, many changes to the
downtown landscape and topography that surrounds the church. In spite of
the changes, or because of them, the congregation remains steadfast in its
mission to carry out Christ’s mission and ministry.
Q: What else would you like to share with members of FPC?
Lisa: I am so thankful for the wonderful opportunities I have been given at
300 W. Wayne Street, and for being able to serve with and among all of you at
First Pres. This is truly my 2nd church family and home!
PAGE 11
Child Care
This Fall, Associated Churches will conduct one parenting class in the evening
and will need volunteers to provide child care during the class time. A South
Wayne administrator will help
with this.
Questions about opportunities at South Wayne, call Pat Kohart,
433-0584; questions about Study Connection, call Kathy Adair, 672.9155.
”The Case Manager at school asked if I would bake cookies with a
small group that had worked hard all year keeping the school beautiful.
These boys loved rolling out cookies. They used every little bit of
dough I had. It didn’t matter the cookies would be hard with so much
flour. They were making something. What pride they had taking home
their plate of cookies. They have already asked when that lady will
come to bake cookies again.” –Pat Kohart
Church and Society Distinguished
Service Award
The Church and Society Distinguished Service Award in memory of Elaine
I. Wareham is awarded annually. Elaine demonstrated that the witness of a
Christian should extend beyond the local church and be a compelling force
in daily life. We are seeking nominations, submitted in confidence, to the
committee. Nomination forms are available in the Church Office. Submit your
nomination by placing it in the box in the church office or you may email it to
jjung@firstpres-fw.org The deadline is November 23, 2015.
Objective: To encourage and recognize effective Christian witness as
a volunteer layperson in First Presbyterian Church and the Fort Wayne
community.
Scope: Awarded annually to an individual who best represents Christian
leadership and service both in the church and in the community.
Criteria:
1. Recipient must be a member of The First Presbyterian Church of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
2. Service activities must have been accomplished as a volunteer.
3. Candidates’ names and resumes should be submitted in confidence and may be submitted by any
person or group (without the nominee’s knowledge)
Guidelines: Any nomination which is submitted should include the following:
1. List participation with Session, Trustees, Deacons, Foundation, Church School, Music Program, youth work, women’s or men’s organizations,
special Committee or Department work, Presbytery or Synod work, Theater or any other witness to or service in the church.
2. Give examples of community activities such as United Way, agency boards, Red Cross, Mental Health, Nutrition, Cancer Society, Hospice, AIDS Task Force, Literacy, or other activities that serve to meet the needs of our society.
3. Special emphasis should be given to the initiation of new programs or innovations and additions to existing programs which have been developed to meet the most urgent and timely needs of our church and society.
FPC Welcomes New Members
On October 18, 2015 First Pres welcomed nine new members: Steve
Decker, Diane Haffner, John and Misook Kim, Paula, Russ, and Mary
Neuman, Lolita Riley, and Dan Serban. The next new member class will be
in the Spring! Please contact Beth Grueb, bgrueb@firstpres-fw.org., for
more information about dates and times.
Welcome Dr. Mark Achtmeier: Author of The Bible’s Yes to Same-Sex Marriage, Sunday, November 15
Dr. Mark Achtemeier will be preaching on Sunday
November 15 at the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
services. In addition, the Adult Ed committee is
hosting a Q & A at the 10:00 a.m. adult ed hour.
Check out the bulletin and e-news for more details.
Mark is a Presbyterian writer, minister and
theologian living in Dubuque, Iowa. After
starting out as a conservative church activist, he
has played a prominent role in recent years in
encouraging the Presbyterian Church (USA) to
become more accepting toward LGBT Christians.
He is author of “The Bible’s Yes to Same-Sex
Marriage: An Evangelical’s Change of Heart.”
(which our own Session studied as we discerned
the question of same gender marriage at FPC).
Dr. Achtemeier taught Theology and Ethics for
fifteen years on the faculty of the University of
Dubuque
Theological
Seminary,
and has
served
churches in
Wilmington
North
Carolina, and
Dubuque,
Iowa. He was
invited to testify before the US Senate Judiciary
Committee in support of the Matthew Shepard
Hate Crimes Prevention Act. He served on the
PC(USA)’s Theological Task Force on the Peace,
Unity and Purity of the Church. He has been an
official representative of the Presbyterian Church
(USA) in both ecumenical and interfaith dialogues.
He is currently working on a theological
commentary on the Letter to the Colossians for
Westminster John Knox Press. Dr. Achtemeier
holds degrees from Harvard College, Union
Presbyterian Seminary, and Duke University. A
native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, he is married
to the Rev. Katherine Morton Achtemeier,
pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Dubuque.
Together they have three grown children and two
grandchildren. We are excited to welcome Dr.
Achtemeier to the pulpit and for his additional
presentation.
On the Road of Discovery – Interim
Remember Family and Friends this
Associate, Pastor Laura Sherwood (“PL”) Holiday Season
We are well on the road of
“Transitional Discovery” during
my Interim time with you. In
these first months, I have been
attending as many committee and
group meetings as possible and
absorbing the many, many facets
of life, ministry and mission here
at First Presbyterian.
My first impressions are that
this is a busy place with varied
interests, deeply passionate people, a great heart for mission and service,
avid interest in the arts and a sincere desire to discern and follow God’s
vision for a vibrant future.
I have also discovered how hard-working Rev. Lehn and Rev. An are
alongside a dedicated staff and scores of volunteers. There is already so
much here that is exciting and filled with purpose. I am also starting to
hear from folks about where they might like to explore new or expanded
possibilities for ministry and organization. I hope that everyone here knows
that each voice is important and valued in this process which is continuing
to unfold.
Please do not hesitate to be a part of this conversation and the various
new types of initiatives we will plan this year in worship and ministry. My
email is lsherwood@firstpres-fw.org and I look forward to all that is ahead
as we work toward ultimately defining the best model for your next installed
Associate Pastor.
Thought the four
weeks of Advent, our
Sanctuary and Chapel
are enhanced with
beautiful Christmas
decorations made
possible through
generous financial
gifts given in loving
memory of family
and friends. Those
commemorated will
be listed in both
Christmas Eve
worship bulletins.
Please use the
Chancel Guild
envelope in your box
of envelopes or an
envelope available in
the pew. Deadline for
submission is Friday,
December 20.
PAGE 12
FPC in Pictures
FPC Dayschool sponsors a Little Free Library
Celebrating World Communion Sunday
The Feast of St. Francis, Blessing of the Animals
Theater Fundraising Dinner
Homecoming Sunday
Installation of Deacons
Gallery Season Opening
PAGE 13
Book Review
by William Kern
The Cadmus Project: Innovation is Deadly, a novel by Robert A.
Burton, (2012) 360 pages.(2014)
Warning: This book should not be picked up on any evening in which
you expect to be handling important business on the next morning.
The location of the action here is mainly on the southeast corner of the
United States, on the (Atlantic) side of Florida.
The plain fact of the matter is that the Lafayette, Indiana Police were
never interested in looking into the facts that Evan Roberts was able to
tell them about a Purdue professor’s murder. They immediately assumed
that the murder was carried out by a student whose examination paper
had got him a failure mark that would preclude him from pursuing his
plan to become an engineer. Nation-wide, this sort of thing happens from
time to time. This was what the police repeatedly told Roberts when he
inquired about what they had learned.
They would, they said, be unlikely to find him among the 33.000
students at Purdue. They also doubted that he would still be on campus
or even enrolled there.
The situation, then, was this: a number of small and a few very
large corporations are working on the development of vehicles which
would operate at a speed of up to 75 miles per hour and on a single
charge of electricity for 300 or more miles. None of these models were
yet ready for a market yet, but a couple of them are within the solving
range of one or two remaining problems.
This possibility raised grave concerns in the upper board rooms
that their company might not be the first, fifth or twentieth to get such a
vehicle rolling.
Some of these companies were more ethical than others. The
competition might already have reached the murder level and the use
of spies remaining posted on their competitors was likely to grow. Some
would be hired to aid and encourage the project’s development. Others
would be happy to see that such vehicles would never see any such
market.
One such concerned figure was Frank Johnson, a brilliant engineer
who had founded one small company which was largely an electronics
manufacturer. Without getting much in the way of hard evidence, he had
come to the virtual conclusion that his company was being spied upon
and that plans and designs were being copied and sent to others and
that at least one of his employees, Professor Underwood, his battery
expert, had been murdered.
To try to deal with this situation, Johnson called on his life-long
friend, Evan Roberts, an ex-CIA analyst turned spy novelist to look into
whatever it was that was going on in his corporation. These two, Roberts
and Johnson, were perfectly matched as their acquaintance reached
back to high school days and on to a university where they had taken
degrees in engineering. Later, their paths became
somewhat different but their friendship became
truly fixed due to an accident when Evans was
driving and his wife was killed. After the death
of his wife, Johnson helped him through a very
difficult period.
Roberts immediately responded to Johnson’s
request for help by flying to
Lafayette and beginning a search for the killer
along with a detailed investigation of the test vehicles. Johnson’s time
was short because he was rapidly running out of money on which to
fund the company.
In a desperate attempt to find a cost reduction for the battery
system, they moved the battery team to Roberts home in the Hilton
Head Island away from the prying eyes in Lafayette for a last desperate
effort.
Essentially there were two sides forming. On one side was Johnson
and Roberts and those who hoped they would prevail.
They might have failed as the person they befriended was a beautiful
blond writer of children’s books who was actually working for the other
side. (They didn’t know this at the time. ) And Roberts might not have
been the only other male who became seriously compromised if the final
clash had not come so quickly.
The final clash occurred on a fantastically opulent boat that the
owner thought could be used to kill every member of the Roberts group.
His plan did not work out at all. Every member of the conspiracy was
killed during the final shoot-out. That group had included the blond
whom Roberts had fallen for so badly.
Robert Burton has written two books and is developing another one.
He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Mechanical
Engineering Degree and a Commission in the US Army Ordnance Corps. He
lives with his wife in Fort Wayne, Indiana and has two grown daughters.
Bob Burton signing his book The Cadmus Project during the FPC Parish
Art Exhibit reception.
PAGE 14
Statistics
Stories & Photos
for the January/February/March 2016 issue of
First News are due December 7, 2015 by 5:00 p.m.
Please e-mail contributions to
Cindi Odle, codle@firstpres-fw.org
or mail or deliver them to the Church Office.
If you have comments, suggestions, would like to recognize an
“angel among us” or submit an article I’d like to hear from you.
Each month we will feature “transformation stories” – please
submit any ideas you might have.
First News is published several times a year. If you’d like a weekly
update of current and upcoming events, please subscribe to the
weekly electronic newsletter, First Pres Weekly News by providing
your email address to Jiin Jung at jjun@firstpres-fw.org, or
phone her at: 426-7421 x102.
2015 Income and Expense through September
Actual
Contributions
Annual Budget
$517,031$624,750
Transfers from Foundation
321,493
301,039
User Fees
312,698
293,008
Other Income
19,311
17,250
Special Offerings
11,294
22,500
Capital Exp. Gift-Com Fdn FW
26,613
19,500
Total Income
1,208,439
1,278,046
Total Expense &
Capital Expenditures
1,269,646
1,326,596
Trfr to/(wdrl from)
MEPF/MGJ EPF
$(61,206)
$ (48,550)
2015 Publication Schedule
Issue
DeadlineMail date
January/February/March Dec. 7Dec. 26
April/May/June
March 9March 26
Parish Life Update for August and September 2015
August and September Worship Attendance:
Aug 2
233
Sept. 6
235
Aug 9
200
Sept. 13
349
Aug 16
244
Sept. 20
256
Aug 23
284
Sept. 27
280
Aug 30
284
23 first time visitors, 113 resident visitors, 25 non-resident visitors
August & September Member Deaths
Ruth E Holzworth Bowser
Phyllis Nora (Burton)Hill
Richard Edward Block
Joseph H. Barta, Jr.
Summary of Active Membership
Oct. 1 Membership
PAGE 15
August 23, 2015
September 7, 2015
September 19, 2015
September 24, 2015
FPC Website Viewing Activity and Comparison
Jun-Sep 2014
Jun-Sep 2015 Users
4,405
4,293
Sessions6,4796,369
Average duration per visit 2 min 11 sec
2 min 01 sec Total page views17,808
17,162
Further Detail for Jun-Sep 2015
Of the 6,369 sessions, 3,897 were from Indiana, including 2,897 from Fort
Wayne and Allen County, followed by Indianapolis (256). Other originations
included Detroit (295), and Chicago (119). Foreign origins included Brazil
(46), Philippines (36), and South Korea (27). 59% of the contacts came from
desktop users, 31% mobile phones, and 10% tablets.
FPC Facebook Activity
267 Total Page Likes, June 2015
815
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Calendar
NOVEMBER
1 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS “fall back”
All Saints Day
9:00am
Worship / Communion, Chapel
9:45am
Nursery Open
10:00am
Adult Ed Classes & Youth
Sunday School
10:00am
Children’s Christmas Program
Rehearsal
10:00am
KLM Choir Rehearsal
10:30am Book & Gift Shop open
11:00am
Worship / Communion, Sanctuary
KLM Worship / Communion, Chapel
KLM Sunday School
11:15am Children’s Sunday School
12:15pm Confirmation Class & Lunch
12:30pm KLM Fellowship
1:30pm KLM Choir Practice
2 1:00pm Connections Group Meeting (weekly)
1:30pm 3BExercise Class (M,W,F, weekly)
3:00pm Rising Stars, 3:15 pm (weekly)
6:30pm Angel Tree Preparations
3 9:30am
MOPS Meeting (1st and 3rd Tuesdays)
12:30pm Women’s Bible Study (weekly)
5:30pm Personnel Committee
5:30pm Worship Committee
410:00am
Table Talk 1 (weekly)
2:30pm Table Talk 2 (weekly)
5:30pm Handbell Choir Rehearsal (weekly)
7:00pm KLM Wednesday Worship Service (weekly)
59:30am
KLM Thursday Bible Study (weekly)
11:00am
Book and Gift Shop Open (weekly)
7:00pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal (weekly)
8 Worship Schedule, see Nov. 1
1:00pmFirst Hope Suicide Bereavement
Support (2nd Sundays)
1010:00am
The Day School Cookie Dough Delivery
4:00pm Spiritual Formation Committee
6:00pm Session Dinner and Meeting
1410:00am
Angel Tree Decorating
15 Worship Schedule, see Nov. 1
Featuring Guest Preacher,
Dr. Mark Achtmeier
Hungry Bowls Fundraiser
Lisa Yarian Reception
4:15pm Rescue Mission Meal
1910:00am
Smock Presby Day
22 Christ the King Sunday
Sunday Worship Schedule, see Nov. 1
12:00pm KLM Thanksgiving Dinner
2410:00am
Book & Gift Shop Staff Meeting
4:00pm Buildings & Grounds Committee
255:30pm Night of Lights, Ringing of the Bells
26 Happy Thanksgiving, Building Closed
27 Building Closed
29 First Sunday of Advent; Worship Schedule,
see Nov. 1
DECEMBER
11:30pm Caroling, Cookies &Cocoa with
Chelsea, Smock
4:30pm Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell –
Family Ministries
27:00pm Advent by Candlelight
37:30pm“The Santaland Diaries” Performance
47:30pm“The Santaland Diaries” Performance
5
New Gallery Exhibit
Carol Popp Bennett, Current Acrylic Paintings and Nostalgia from the
“Carol and Corky” TV show from the ‘50s and ‘60s
Sarah Thompson, Sarahmics, —Pottery
7:30pm“The Santaland Diaries” Performance
6 Second Sunday of Advent; Worship with Communion, see Nov. 1
2:00pm“The Santaland Diaries” Performance
77:00pm Finance Team Meeting
6:30pm Smooth Edge 2 Christmas Concert
84:00pm Spiritual Formation Committee
6:00pm Session Dinner and Meeting
114:30pm Gallery Public Reception
7:30pm “The Santaland Diaries” Performance
122:00pm Youtheatre – Holidaze Peformance (FPT Theater)
7:30pm “The Santaland Diaries” Performance
13 Third Sunday of Advent; Worship Schedule,
see Nov. 1
10:00am
Children’s Christmas Pagaent
12:15pm Congregational Gallery Reception
2:00pm Youtheatre – Holidaze Peformance (FPT Theater)
7:00pm Compassionate Friends Candlelight Service
149:00am
Angel Tree Gift Deliveries
12:00pm Matthew 25 Committee
155:30pm Communications Committee
187:00pm Youtheatre – Holidaze Peformance (FPT Theater)
10:00pm“The Santaland Diaries” Performance
192:00pm Youtheatre – Holidaze Peformance (FPT Theater
7:30pm“The Santaland Diaries” Performance
20 Fourth Sunday of Advent; Worship Schedule,
see Nov. 1
10:00am
Cookbook Sales
10:45am
Handbell Choir Prelude
12:00pm Parents Day Out
12:15pm Tour Your Church
2:00pm Youtheatre – Holidaze Peformance (FPT Theater)
4:15pm Rescue Mission Meal
24 CHRISTMAS EVE
Day School Closed – All Day
9:30am
KLM Bible Study
12:00pm Church Offices closed
4:00pm Family Christmas Eve Service
KLM Christmas Eve Celebration
9:30pm Festival Prelude Music
10:00pm Festival of Lessons & Carols
25 MERRY CHRISTMAS, Building closed
27 Worship Schedule, see Nov. 1
31 NEW YEAR’S EVE
12:00pm Church Offices Closed
4:00pm KLM New Year Celebration
*See pages 8 & 9 for detailed Music, Gallery & Theater
information. Please consult your weekly bulletins or check
on line at www.firstpres-fw.org for a more detailed list of
calendar events and committee meetings.