March 2014
Lenten Soup Supper & Ash Wednesday Service M r Lec i n Wednesday, March 5
Sunday, March 2 March 5, Ash Wednesday, will begin the season of Lent, Transfiguration of the Lord 40 days of introspective reflection that culminate with Exod. 24:12 18; Ps. 2 or Ps. 99 Easter Sunday that bring on a new reflection of what it 2 Peter 1:16 21; Matt. 17:1 9 means that “Christ is Risen.” First Presbyterian Church Sunday, March 9 will begin our Lenten journey with two events on Ash 1st Sunday in Lent Wednesday. We will begin with a simple meal of soup Gen. 2:15 17; 3:1 7; Ps. 32 and bread. This meal will replace our regular WOW meal. Rom. 5:12 19; Matt. 4:1 11 We will begin eating at 6:00 p.m. There will be no charge for the meal. The Sunday, March 16 soups will be homemade by members of the church, and the bread will be freshly baked by the youth group. 2nd Sunday in Lent Gen. 12:1 4a; Ps. 121; Rom. 4:1 5, 13 17; John 3:1 17 The soup dinner will be followed by the Ash Wednesday Sunday, March 23 Service at 7:00 p.m. that includes the imposition of ashes. 3rd Sunday in Lent Please come and join us in this observance of Lent. Exod. 17:1 7; Ps. 95; Rom. 5:1 11; John 4:5 42 Sunday, March 30 Pastor Nominating Committee 4th Sunday in Lent 1 Sam. 16:1 13; Ps. 23; Eph. 5:8 14; John 9:1 41 The Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) has begun meeting on a regular basis. Laura Deem has been elected chairperson of the committee. The first order of business is to continue a Mission Study of FPC Conway that the session started in late 2013. This will Youth Shrove Tuesday Dinner include small group meetings with all interested members of the congregation. A schedule Tuesday, March 4, 4:00-6:30 of meeting times will be posted within the coming weeks. We hope to hold meetings from mid-March through late April. The results of the Mission Study will allow the PNC to All tweens, Jr. High, and Sr. High develop a Ministry Information Form, a form describing our church and community. This Youth are invited to join Pastor form will then be posted by the PCUSA to elicit pastors who may be interested in a call to Howard after school on Fat Tuesday our congregation. Members of the PNC are Laura Deem (chairperson), Julie Adkisson, to bake bread for the Ash Mandy Cameron, Larry Dunn, Peg Falls-Corbitt, Randy McPherson, and Donn Vangsnes. Wednesday Meal and to eat a Shrove Tuesday We are still in the very early stages of this process, but feel free to contact members of the Pancake Dinner. This is just for you. Arrive when you PNC with any questions or concerns you may have. We thank you all for your continued can after school and we will be finished by 6:30 p.m. support and prayers as we work to fulfill God’s will throughout this process.
L n L n e S e S e
The Lenten Luncheon Series hosted by the Faulkner County Unit of Church Women United (CWU) will be hosted at churches on Thursday at noon starting on Thursday, March 13.
Date Location Co-Host March 13 ...... St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 925 Mitchell St...... Christ Temple Holiness Church March 20 ...... First Presbyterian Church, 2400 Prince St...... St. James Christian Methodist Episcopal March 27 ...... Four Winds Church, 2005 Dave Ward Dr...... First Christian April 3 ...... First United Methodist Church, 1610 Prince St...... Christ Temple Holiness April 10 ...... Wesley United Methodist Church, 2310 East Oak St...... Ebenezer United Methodist Church
Local pastors and lay persons lead the weekly devotionals with scripture, prayer, and music at noon throughout the Thursdays of Lent. The simple luncheon of soup, cornbread, drink, and dessert is provided for a suggested donation of $4 per person. Broken china jewelry will be available for purchase at the luncheons to benefit the Women’s Shelter of Central Arkansas.
Join us for a meaningful walk through the Lenten season with Christians from fellow churches in our community.
The Intercom is published monthly to keep members and friends informed of FPC programs and to report news about FPC’s people. Email articles and news to [email protected] or leave them at the church office. Deadline for submissions is the 22nd of the month prior to the month of publication, unless noted. Phone 501 329 6483 ● Fax 501 450 7794 ● [email protected] ● www.fpcconway.org March 2014—p. 2
F R O M T H E I N T E R I M P A S T O R … 2014 Session
Connected by God in Covenant...and Happy Assignments
Two years ago I attended the annual gathering of the Presbyterian Historical Society of the Southwest which met at the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home in Christian Education: Denton, Texas. One of the presentations was given by Sara Moseley, daughter of Jennifer Bell...... 339-8884 John and Sara B. Moseley. Her speech was titled, “Moseley and Moseley” referring Jamie Gates ...... 514-3305 to her parents’ long partnership. John was the president of Austin College in Sherman Renée Hunter ...... 329-9837 from 1953 to 1978. He was a lawyer, not a scholar, and had started off as a plumber Congregational Life before getting his Masters in Administration and then his law degree. Sara B. Larry Dunn...... 329-4348 Moseley was elected Moderator of the PCUS General Assembly in 1978, the first Evangelism & Membership woman moderator of the PCUS, and had been moderator of Grace Presbytery where I Jim Ford ...... 514-5030 was ordained in 1984. She died at 95 last summer. While battling cancer the final years of her life she Missions & Outreach nevertheless went out many evenings to cultural events and still met people to the end. David Chance ...... 450-6388 Judy Fletcher, retired Executive Presbyter of our Synod of the Sun (Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Nominating Committee Texas) created DVD recordings of a number of former G. A. Moderators. Mrs. Moseley was recorded in Arvil Burks ...... 329-5467 an interview when she was 94, and was as bright as a 300 watt light bulb. Personnel One question she was asked was, “What would you say to Presbyterians today?” Sally Roden ...... 329-9138 “Be happy,” she responded. She went on, “…We Presbyterians used to keep up and be interested in Susan Davis ...... 517-7512 ongoing news in the connectional church, Presbytery, Synod, and General Assembly. Now our members Property mostly take note only when there is something controversial or, possibly, something that is extremely Tom Cothran ...... 328-7511 positive.” One of the blessings of our church is that members elected to serve as ministers and elders and Joe Dablock...... 336-8728 deacons are also elected to leadership in connected bodies that manifest how we are a covenantal church. Tommy Mebane ...... 499-6534 That means God chooses us—we do not choose God. And God chooses us to serve God in relationship Stewardship, Budget, & Finance with each other, even when we do not agree with each other. Sharon Lessenberry ...... 329-1671 In our Session meeting on Tuesday, February 18, we amiably discussed the meeting of Arkansas Susan Davis ...... 517-7512 Presbytery in Batesville, February 21 and 22. Ruling Elder Karen Young Vinson was our commissioner. Technology The Session will choose another commissioner for the next meeting (there are three a year). I love Jim Ford ...... 514-5030 attending Presbytery meetings, getting to hear about the challenges and progress in the mission of all the congregations in a geographic area. Eleven of us from Conway went to the recent Ferncliff celebration of Worship the completion of their $3 million capital campaign on Friday, February 7, and enjoyed meeting and Karen Young-Vinson ...... 327-5452 visiting and hearing news of the church and learning how the mission of Ferncliff reaches out with the Clerk of the Session love of Christ to so many. You are part of that. Be happy! Jane Hawk...... 327-4208
Are you happy to be Presbyterian? I certainly am, even though I don’t agree with everything that happens Assistant Clerk of the Session in any part of the church. I am also grateful to our elected leaders who care for God’s work through the Sharon Lessenberry ...... 329-1671 whole, wide Church that ties us together in God’s covenant love.
In faith and love, Diaconate Andrew White, Moderator Lea Ann Moore, Vice-Moderator Mary Mosely, Secretary
Just over a year ago, we made the plea for our congregation to Class of 2014 register with the Community Rewards Program at Kroger. Each Wesley Folds time a registered customer uses their Kroger Card to make a Henry Hawk purchase, a percentage of their sale amount is given to our Randy McPherson Children and Youth Program. 32 families register and as a result Mary Mosley we received quarterly contributions from Kroger which totaled to Susan Sexton Smith almost $1,000! This costs you nothing but the time to register and benefit our children and youth in several ways. If you are registered, thank you. If you want to Class of 2015 register, thank you. If you’re not sure if you registered here’s how to find out. Ama Aggrey-Bekoe
Go to www.kroger.com, click on the “Sign In” button at the top right of the page. You then enter Carolyn Mebane your email address and password you used to set up your account. At the top of the next page, Becky Oswalt click on “My Account” and all the information you entered will come up. You’re community Tom Sinclair rewards contribution will be at the bottom of the page. Andrew White
WHAT? You forgot your password! No worries. Click the statement “Forgot My Password” and Class of 2016 Kroger will send a link to your email to reset the password. If the system does not recognize Jason Cameron your email, chances are you are not registered. In which case, click on the “Register” button on Trudy Jordan the first page instead of the “Sign In.” The site will walk you through registration. You will be Lea Ann Moore asked for our account number which is 81233 . When ask which group you want your Sheila Parsons-Talley contributions to go to, please click First Presbyterian Church Children & Youth. Robby Thompson It’s easy, it cost you NOTHING, and we all reap the benefits! Thank you. March 2014—p. 3
Green Tips: Spring Cleaning
• Add some greenery inside your house. Plants are living air filters. Place some small or medium sized plants through out your house in rooms where you spend most of your time. • De clutter your closet. Donate clothes you don’t wear anymore. Old, stained t shirts can be used as rags for cleaning. March Birthdays & February Session Synopsis
Transitional Pastor Howard Reed moderated Session's meeting on February 18 with Anniversaries 13 elders present. Also present were Director of Christian Education, Theresa Spragins and Clerk of Session, Jane Hawk.
The curriculum for Faith & Fellowship Spring classes was approved and the curriculum for VBS “Workshop of Wonders” by Cokesbury.
Melissa Gates will lead a morning women's Bible study for six weeks this summer. Birthdays 2 Mark Turner UKirk young adults will lead worship on March 2 and college students who are 3 Susan Heily members of their PCUSA churches, but who are not elders or deacons will serve Bud McConkie communion.
4 Henry Hawk The proposed Congregational and Corporation By-Laws were approved for a Rita Palermo first reading on Sunday, February 23, and a second reading and vote on Sunday, 6 George Doty March 30. 7 Doug Martin Jane Hawk was elected as Clerk of Session, Sharon Lessenberry as Assistant Clerk of 9 Norma Hull Session, Arvil Burks and George Doty as Receiving Treasurers and Tom Cothran as 10 Knowles Adkisson Disbursing Treasurer. David Hopkins Helen Kenny Larry Dunn, member of the Pastor Nominating Committee, reported that Laura Gwen Shell Deem was unanimously elected as chairperson of the committee. They are meeting 12 Cole Vangsnes each Monday night and currently working on the church Mission Study. 13 Layton McCoy 15 Laura Fahr Emma Gillaspy WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 16 Kenneth Hunter 17 Luke Sexton Church Women United will celebrate World Day of Prayer at Grace United Methodist 20 Joy Upham Church, 1075 Hogan Lane, on Friday, March 7, at 10:00 a.m. Co host is Wesley United 21 Lori Belote Methodist Church. The worship service was prepared jointly by the World Day of Prayer 23 Jessica Gambill (WDP) Committee of Egypt and the WDP USA Committee, and is built around the 24 James H. Johnson theme “Streams in the Desert.” Light refreshments will be served, and all are welcome and encouraged to attend. Sharon Lessenberry 25 Connie De Boer World Day of Prayer is a worldwide ecumenical celebration, with Christian women of 26 Benjamin Wiley Jr. many traditions coming together to observe a common day of prayer and action on the 27 Trey Warbritton first Friday in March. Through World Day of Prayer, women affirm that prayer and 29 Dora Cunningham action are inseparable and that both have immeasurable influence in the world. The motto Allison Suits of the World Day of Prayer is “Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action”. Each year a 30 Claire Gillaspy different country serves as the writer of the WDP worship service, lifting up issues of 31 Pat Holt mission, justice and peace that are important to them. The women who prepared this Jeannie Corbitt year's worship service highlight water justice, girls’ access to education, and the Debbie Lacy interconnected concerns of migration, poverty, and refugees. First Presbyterian member Annette Greenland will provide music for the service. Ralph Scott, Jr. Church Women United is as an ecumenical movement involving Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and other Christian women in the United States and Puerto Rico. Our
Anniversaries local Faulkner County Unit of CWU supports local charitable agencies and organizations, 11 Lyle & Sheila Rupert hosts an annual Lenten luncheon series for the community, and holds four worship 19 J.D. & Virginia Nichols celebrations around international themes each year.
22 Steve & Susan McNabb For more information, contact FPC representatives Joy Upham or Julie Adkisson, or 23 Jason & Mandy Cameron CWU President Linda Fullerton, 514 5022, [email protected]. The national 31 Henry & Jane Hawk office of Church Women United may be reached at 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 243, NY, Devon & Ellie Hobby NY 10115; 1 800 CWU 5551; www.churchwomen.org. March 2014—p. 4
MARDI GRAS LUNCH BENEFITS ASSISTANCE FUND
The recent fellowship lunch MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION benefitted the church’s benevolence fund with much-needed contributions of SERVING THIS MONTH $1,740+. We have many requests each week for help paying rent,
LITURGIST utilities, transportation, or emergency housing, and the donated funds March 2 UKirk Interns will be put to good use providing this kind of assistance. For those still March 9 Jerry Bass wishing to contribute, you may make checks payable to First March 16 Blake Thompson Presbyterian Church, with notation “Benevolence Fund.”
March 23 Karen Young-Vinson The room was festive, thanks to Pam Joslin for helping decorate and March 30 Susan Davis to Presbyterian Women for use of table coverings. Jaynette Huff added ACOLYTE to the celebration by displaying the beautiful Mardi Gras themed quilt March 2 Communion she made. Huge appreciation to Chef Robby Thompson for purchasing March 9 Mackenzie Folds the ingredients and cooking many gallons of Cajun favorites gumbo March 16 John David Grimes and red beans and rice, and to Cindy and Abby Sinclair for baking March 23 Lindsay Seme homemade king cake for 100. Congratulations to Trudy Jordan who March 30 Mary Caroline Grimes was the lucky “winner” and found the baby in her piece of cake!
CHILDREN’S MOMENT At the close of the luncheon, the church’s goodwill was carried out into March 2 Amanda Elmore (UKirk Intern) the community further as people purchased to go containers of gumbo March 9 Debbie McConkie labeled with a message of care from the church to share with March 16 Howard Reed neighbors or those in need. Pastor Howard Reed took some to March 23 Trudy Jordan welcome a new family next-door who had just moved into his March 30 Melissa Seme neighborhood.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAM Thanks to all who attended the luncheon and to those who have March 2 Bill and Julie Adkisson donated so generously to assist in this important mission of the March 9 Susan Sexton Smith church for our community. March 16 Art and Julie Gillaspy March 23 Jason and Mandy Cameron March 30 Theresa Spragins
VIDEOTAPING March John Davis
PROJECTION Ministries of Conway March Jessica Vangsnes March 2 Worship with UKirk students leading morning service at GUEST CENTER 10:00 a.m. March 2 Renée Hunter UKirk student lunch at noon. March 9 Amy Thompson March 6 Serve with UKirk at Daily Bread Ministry 5:00-6:00 p.m. March 16 Henry Hawk March 14-16 Lead with UKirk at Senior High Youth Quake March 23 Bob Kain April 4-6 Worship and study with March 30 Paula Lee UKirk students from across the region at Taize USHERS Dallas, led by the Brothers March Eleanore Damico, Nancy Davis, from Taize France. George Doty, Wesley Folds, Pam George, and Luke Sexton Fellowship with UKirk students each Tuesday from 7:00-8:00 p.m. VISITATION Second Tuesday at ZAZA, all others at March 2 John and Nancy Davis First Presbyterian Church. March 9 Caral and Betsy Williams March 16 Robby Thompson March 23 Joe and Sue Dablock March 30 Frances Hendricks
SANCTUARY SET UP Moms & Dads! March 2 Joe and Sue Dablock Sunday, March 9, 6:00-9:00 p.m. March 9 Geoff and Krista Ryken th March 16 Vicky Browning and Ann Peters Bring your children, up through 4 grade, to the March 23 Terry and Pam Reynolds church for Parents’ Night Out. The youth will have March 30 Bill Lampkin food and fun for the children of the church so that you can go out to dinner, catch a movie, or just enjoy a quiet night at home. Please sign up. March 2014—p. 5
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 MORNING FELLOWSHIP 8:45 ReFit 9:30 PWCT 8:45 ReFit 5:30 Daily Bread 10:00 World Day of 10:00 Prayer Shawl 9:00 Sunday School* 9:00 SAM to 4:00 Youth Shrove 4:15 Confirmation Class 6:00 FPC—TV Ch. 21 Prayer @ Group 10:00 Worship* Clinton Library+ Tuesday Dinner+ 6:00 Soup Dinner*+ Grace United 11:30 Worship Mtg. 3:45 Jail Ministry 6:00 Christian Ed. Mtg. 7:00 Ash Wednesday Methodist+ 11:30 Cong. Life Mtg. 4:00 Evening Prayer 6:00 Mission Mtg. Service+ 11:30 UKirk Lunch 6:00 Fitness Class 6:30 Evangelism Mtg. 4:00 Youth Handbells 7:00 UKirk+ 5:00 Youth Choir 8:00 FPC—TV Ch. 21 5:30 Youth Group Arkansas Presbytery Annual Spring Retreat+ 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 MORNING FELLOWSHIP 8:45 ReFit 9:30 Bible Study 8:45 ReFit 10:00 Circle 1** 8:45 ReFit 9:00 Property Mtg. 9:00 Sunday School* 10:00 Circle 2 6:30 Deacon Mtg. 4:15 Confirmation Class 6:00 FPC—TV Ch. 21 10:00 Worship* 3:45 Jail Ministry 7:00 UKirk @ ZAZA+ 5:30 WOW Dinner* 4:00 Youth Handbells 4:00 Evening Prayer 8:00 FPC—TV Ch. 21 6:00 Children’s Choir 5:00 Youth Choir 6:00 Fitness Class 6:30 Adult Bible Study* 6:00 Parent’s Night Out+ 6:30 Youth Class 7:15 Chancel Choir Senior High Youthquake 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 MORNING FELLOWSHIP 8:45 ReFit 9:30 Bible Study 8:45 ReFit 12:00 Lenten 8:45 ReFit
9:00 Sunday School* 3:45 Jail Ministry 6:30 Session Mtg. 4:15 Confirmation Class Luncheon+ 10:00 Worship* 4:00 Evening Prayer 7:00 UKirk+ 5:30 WOW Dinner* 5:30 Daily Bread 4:00 Youth Handbells 6:00 Fitness Class 8:00 FPC—TV Ch. 21 6:00 Children’s Choir 6:00 FPC—TV Ch. 21 5:00 Youth Choir 6:30 Adult Bible Study* 5:30 Junior High 6:30 Youth Class Youth Group 7:15 Chancel Choir
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
MORNING FELLOWSHIP 9:00 ReFit 9:30 Bible Study 9:00 ReFit 9:00 SAM Breakfast+ 9:00 Sunday School* 3:45 Jail Ministry 6:00 Technology Mtg. 6:00 FPC—TV Ch. 21 10:00 Worship* 4:00 Evening Prayer 7:00 UKirk+ 6:00 Fitness Class 8:00 FPC—TV Ch. 21
Preschool, Kids’ Day Out, Cradle Care, and Conway Public Schools Closed
30 31
MORNING FELLOWSHIP 8:45 ReFit * Childcare available. Preschool Hours (M-F): Kid’s Day Out Hours (T & Th): 9:00 Sunday School* 3:45 Jail Ministry ** At Debbie McConkie’s Early Care: 7:45 8:30 a.m. Early Care: 7:45 8:30 a.m. 10:00 Worship* 4:00 Evening Prayer House, 2955 Ashley Dr. 11:30 Fellowship Dinner 6:00 Fitness Class Preschool 3 & 4: 8:30 11:30 a.m. Kid’s Day Out: 8:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. 4:00 Youth Handbells + See Article Extended Care: 11:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. After Care: 2:30 4:30 p.m. 5:00 Youth Choir After Care: 2:30 4:30 p.m. 5:30 Youth Group March 2014—p. 6
“…I was in prison and you came to me.” New FPC Congregational and Corporate By-Laws Matthew 25:36 Recent history: The by-laws printed below began life in An open letter to Doug Corbitt and Matt Jeffery: January 2011, at which time a committee of Art Gillaspy, Dear Doug and Matt, Ken Hunter, Joe Pruett, and the Rev. Drew Travis, as
The congregation of First Presbyterian Church wishes to thank moderator, was formed to review by-laws of the you for your long-standing work with the young people of the congregation. On August 16, 2011, the session adopted Faulkner County Juvenile Detention Center on the church’s the 2010-2011 Book of Order as its Manual of Operation behalf. Holding devotionals, offering a caring ear, and sharing for all matters not addressed in the new Form of prayers on Monday afternoons for the past 13 years has Government (2011) until new by-laws would be provided a powerful and abiding witness at a crucial and presented and adopted by the congregation. By-Laws confusing time in the young lives of the many you have served. were to be presented by the session at the annual We also appreciate your working alongside Tom Sinclair, Joe meeting in January, 2012. The session approved Brown, Lori Isom, Vicky Phares, Liz Phares, Renee Hunter, and congregational and corporation by-laws on January 21, tutors Betty Ellis and Clif Ford and others at various times and 2012, and on January 29 the same year they were understand that you were all an encouragement to each other. presented for a first reading (but no subsequent We know the faithfulness you have shown and the relationships consideration by the congregation). In a session meeting you have established will follow them, even if we cannot know June 18, 2013, the by-laws were referred once more to all the ways your positive influence will manifest itself in their committee due to a question needing further lives over years to come. Your presence has offered hope and consideration. help to those who so desperately need it, and we appreciate so much your dedication to the task. In the session meeting on February 8, 2014, the document
God bless you in your work to live out scripture’s call to was taken up again, and in our stated meeting, February “Remember those who are in prison…” Our prayers will 18, the by-laws were approved unanimously for adoption continue for this special ministry you do in Jesus’ name. by the congregation. In a duly called congregational meeting on February 23, they were presented for their first In Christ’s love, reading by the congregation, and the Session has called The members of First Presbyterian Church another congregational meeting for March 30, following worship, for final consideration and adoption. The most Deadline for Presbytery Trip Deposits is NOW notable change may be found in item 15 where a new
congregational Nominating Committee is elected annually with just one Ruling Elder active on Session for Jr. High Jubilee, July 5-11, $100 the year, who is to be the moderator, one deacon from Sr. High Montreat, July 13-19, $100 that year’s diaconate, three congregational members
Sr. High MO Ranch, June 21-27, $100 elected at-large during the annual congregational meeting in January, and the pastor to serve ex officio , Check your Camp and Conference meaning with voice but not vote. Packet for details. If you received this issue of the Intercom in the mail, the new by-laws are inserted. If you received the Intercom in your email, the by-laws are separately March 14–16—Camp Yorktown attached to your email. Extra copies can also be found in the church office. Please pray for our Senior High Youth, the Youth Leadership Team, S n B e i M r 24 28. and the Camp Cooks, i.e. FPC Men P es ho n Cra C of the Church. lo e . T r fi n m , 8:30 . . 5: 0 . . T n Y u ac i e For traveling mercies, hearts open S nd ef S n B e , to learning, and fun! M r 23.
Arkansas Presbyterian Annual Spring Retreat March 6-8, Thursday-Saturday Launching New Ministries in an Ever Changing World At Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center
The Annual Spring Retreat is from March 6-8. The keynotes for the retreat are Rev. Philip Lotspeich, Coordinator of Church Growth for Presbyterian Mission Agency, and Rev. Shannon Kiser, Director of the Presbyterian Center for New Church Innovation, East Thank You! Coast, and field staff for the PCUSA Office of Church Growth. $385 given to Daily Bread Ministry
There is a copy of the brochure in the church office with the schedule attached if you are and 49 cans of food delivered to interested. The retreat starts on Thursday, March 6, at 1:00 p.m. Soul Food Café March 2014—p. 7
Dear First Presbyterian Church, New Members
Because of you and your various ministries, the Conway High We welcomed new members School Musical Department was able to raise over $2,500 and on Sunday, February 2: the donations are still coming in. I cannot express my gratitude Lois Giorgis and Matthew & and great thanks enough for letting us use your Fellowship Hall and kitchen on Thursday evening, February 13, for our spaghetti Heather Martens and their supper fundraiser. twins, Aldous and Ivy. They are pictured with Interim I want to also thank the following for their various amazing help and donations: Pastor, Howard Reed, and Parish Associate for Worship • The women of Circle One for the delightful desserts and Spirtuality, Michael Vinson. • Church members who supported the event by serving, attending, and also donating desserts and live auction items Lois Giorgis • Interim Pastor, Howard Reed, for attending 890 Heather Circle • The Men’s Breakfast Group for training and follow-up Conway, AR 72034 • Tidy Tina’s service to set up the room to accommodate 225 attendees Matthew & Heather Martens • Randy McPherson for hooking up the sound system so that Aldous, Ivy the students performing could be heard beautifully s331 Hubbard Road
• Donations and services from members of the First Conway, AR 72034
Presbyterian Christian Education Ministries 907-942-7401 • Teresa Crosson, FPCEM Director, for letting us store some [email protected] supplies in her office and for letting us undo the Preschool Valentine part setup for our event. Look for bios on these new members in the April Intercom .
When members of the community, such as you, join together to benefit he young people in our public schools, it is such a blessing.
I want to invite you to attend the spring music, Peter Pan , this April 24-26 at 7:00 p.m. and also on at 1:00 p.m. on April 26 in S n F w r ! the James H. Clark high school auditorium. S nd , M r 9 Thank you for your generosity help. God bless you.
Sincerely, D ’ f r e t e y A.J. Spiridigliozzi lo k ea Sa rd Drama/Oral Communications i h , M r 8. Musical Director Conway Public Schools
Senior Adult Ministry Spring 2014 Outings
Clinton Presidential Library Garvan Gardens Crystal Bridges Museum March 3, 9-4 April 7, 9-5 2:00 p.m. May 1– 5:00 p.m. May 2
Ready to shake off some of that cabin fever? Make plans to travel with the SAM group to these great venues this Spring. Cost for each trip will be $10 to the van fund, admission fee, and the purchase of your meals.
The Clinton Presidential Center and Library will be our first outing destination. Located in Little Rock, this great museum houses both permanent and traveling exhibits of interest. Forty Two is a wonderful restaurant located on site where we will enjoy lunch together. Admission is $7 per person. A list of exhibits and menu from the restaurant are posted on the bulletin board alongside the sign-up sheet.
In April, we will travel to Hot Springs for the Garvan Woodland Gardens Tulip Festival. Dogwoods, Kurume and species azaleas, tulips, tree peonies, wildflowers, and camellias are all on the bloom calendar for this outing. An on sight sandwich shop is available for our lunch or you may bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in this beautiful setting. Admission to the park is $10 per person.
Crystal Bridges Museum is a treasure nestled in the NWA city of Bentonville. This wonderful museum is home to a rich, private collection of art and hosts several traveling exhibits each year. In addition to the artwork inside, there are hiking trails on the grounds and many outdoor sculptures for visitors to enjoy. The restaurant Eleven is open for lunch and dinner with a variety of choices for your dining. Admission to the museum is free. However, in order for us to have adequate time to taken in all that is available at the museum, this will be an overnight outing. Hotel accommodations will be $60 per person for a double occupancy room. Those traveling alone will have the option of staying with a roommate or reserving a single room at the rate of $120 per night. La Quinta of Bentonville will be our shelter for the night.
Sign-up sheets are located on the east narthex bulletin board and next to the kitchen. A minimum of six participants will be needed to make each of these trips. March 2014—p. 8
Senior Adult Ministry Fellowship Hall Thursday, March 27
“Be ’ r n n 9:00 a.m. s l C is .” Come enjoy the fellowship and ~ G la i n 6:2 share some great food. OUR MEMBERS: Jim Hays, death of aunt, Donnie Hays A reminder to all Presbyterian Women that our Spring Bill Johnson Gathering and Vera Lloyd Red Hat Day will be held jointly Trey Lightfoot, grandson of Herman and Betty Ellis Saturday, April 26, on the Vera Lloyd Campus in Monticello. Carolyn Mebane Paschal family, death of Meredith Paschal Our church van is reserved for the trip and we can take Louise Tidwell additional cars if necessary. More details will be available at OUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS: your March circle meetings. Make your reservation with your Jeffrey DuBose, grandson of Maureen Leverett circle leader or call Bettye Balmaz at 327-5998 or 336-7333. Willie Haggerty, son of Barbara Haggerty James Hays, father of Jim Hays The Red Hat Day is done each year by the Vera Lloyd Ann Moss, mother of Debbie McConkie Presbyterian Home honoring all Presbyterian Women and Jean Parrack, College Square resident they really go all out to show us how appreciated we are by LeAnn Skinner, friend of Debbie Shannon them. Dress is casual. Decorate a hat and expect to have Cherryl Sullivan, sister of Jody Bass some fun. Ladies you don’t have to be in a circle to be THOSE SERVING IN OUR ARMED FORCES: included. Come see the campus and see how important our Chad Brown, son of Joe and Sharon Brown contributions are in the lives of over 400 children a year. Jonathan Dalke, nephew of Bud and Debbie McConkie Jeffrey DuBose, grandson of Maureen Leverett John Robert Gaunt, great nephew of David Chance UKirk Trip to Dallas—April 4-6 John Griffin, son of Ken and Karen Griffin, stationed in El Paso The Interim Pastor, Howard Reed, invites UKirk university Cameron Hueston, friend of congregation students from Conway, Batesville, Clarksville, and Fayetteville, Steve Jensen, son of Barbara Watkins to travel to the Taize gathering of young people in Dallas, Shawn Keeter, friend of Debbie Shannon Ethan McCullough, grandson of Jack and Jackie Bridgman “Pilgrimage of Trust,” April 4-6. A grant to underwrite the cost Tim O’Connell, son-in-law of Pattie Howse of registration has been secured so that the only cost to Bryan Overton, son of Debbie Shannon students will be meals en route to and from Dallas. The Jack Smith, grandson of Paula Lee, assigned to conference, meals and lodging in Dallas are all covered by the Afghanistan grant for up to ten students, and the church will provide Drew Stephens, friend of the McConkie family Jordan Thrasher, grandson of Jimmy and Nancy Higgins transportation in our van. Contact Howard Reed, Theresa Seth Tribett, son of Toni Edsall, Air Force, Saudi Arabia Spragins, or visit www.taize.fr/texas for more information.
PRAYER REQUEST FROM THE KAIROS PRISON MINISTRY
We received the following prayer request from Gail Kirkland, who is a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and a member of a Kairos Prison Ministry team. If you can commit to praying for 30 minutes during the time of the ministry’s retreat with participants at the Tucker Men’s Unit on March 9, please email Gail at her email address below. Thanks to Gail for offering us this opportunity, and thank you for offering prayers as you feel led.
The letter from Gail Kirkland:
Dear Friends,
Kairos is an ecumenical prison ministry which allows participants to witness Christ’s love as modeled by a team of volunteers. The participants are encouraged to accept God’s call to love and serve one another in their institution and after their release. They are taught how to establish prayer and share groups with others in the prison and encouraged to bond in Christian communities.
I am a member of a team that will be holding a Kairos weekend at Tucker Men’s Prison near England, AR in March. I need people to pray every half hour from midnight until noon on Sunday morning, March 9. If you would, please pray for the inmates, the team, and the prison staff that we will all share Christ’s love and forgiveness and strive to establish or strengthen our commitment to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
Please let me know if you will be praying and what time. These names and times are written on slips of paper and a prayer chain is created that stretches around the room. It is a powerful visual example that brings many of the inmates to tears knowing that complete strangers are praying for them around the clock.
Blessings, Gail Kirkland [email protected] March 2014—p. 9
Communion for Homebound Members
Whenever First Presbyterian Church celebrates the Lord's Supper, or Holy Communion, it is desirable that all the members of the church should be able to participate in that sacrament. When members are prevented from doing so by their health or physical condition we encourage those persons to request that a service of communion be provided at their home or place of residence (such as a retirement center, a nursing home, or hospital). If you would miss the sacrament under these conditions in the future, you may communicate your desire to your deacon. (Alternatively, you may call Rev. Ken Upham, 329-2575 and he will coordinate for you.) The deacon will arrange for such support, which ordinarily will include a minister and a deacon or elder to represent the rest of the congregation. The service may be scheduled at a time close to the time the rest of the church celebrated, ordinarily within a week of the original service.
Obviously for this to be possible those who cannot attend church will need to know when the sacrament is being observed in the regular worship. Communion will be served on the following dates in the near future:
March 2, Transfiguration Sunday April 17, Maundy Thursday April 20, Easter Sunday at both services
Please know that your church wants you to be able to participate in communion even when you cannot attend the regular service. Please help us manage this for us all.
- Ken Upham, Parish Associate for Pastoral Care and Evangelism
Lent is to get you ready for death and resurrection, the decisive events in Jesus’ life that create a “new” religion. All major religious movements feature high morality, miracles, healing, active discipline and a commitment to peace and justice, joy and kindness, love and humility.
Christianity is different because instead of mythological and symbolic stores of dying and rebirth, it has a real person, Jesus, who has undergone the transformation of death and new life, and offered us the same experience, the same new reality. We can live the resurrected life while in an earthly body and moving among the not-yet-dead and/or reborn members of the human race.
The resurrected life has some requirements for achievement and sustainability. For the most part these requirements are spiritual and result in a whole and balanced life. Whole because the spiritual life is understood as the principal engine of life, and the major integrator of energy sources. Balance, because when the bulk of energy is drawn from the spiritual power plant, the body, emotions and mind function most effectively and harmoniously.
Lent is the season we take the time to refresh the principal power plant of our life, check what is working and what is not, what needs to be cleaned, what needs to be refurbished, what hasn’t been working at top efficiency due to neglect or overwork. What are the main things we need to look for in our quest for the life Jesus gave us, the resurrected life powered by the spirit? For 21 st Century folks of the Global North, several items surface immediately.
1. Rest. We have lost the ability to rest, and this is bad for the engine. A good Lent discipline would be taking regular time to rest each day until this essential discipline reintegrates itself into our system. 2. Be Present. In most cases we don’t have a daily discipline that encourages our being present to and listening to God and Jesus. You can’t have much of a relationship with someone if you don’t show up and listen in person to him or her. You can’t get by on “figuring” what Jesus is saying: You have to show up and listen to him. He knows how to be present to you and he knows how to talk. In your language. The engine runs on your active presence with each other. 3. Commit. As long as taking care of the main source of your energy and power—your spiritual engine—is optional, it will never function properly. You don’t have to get it right all the time or get everything done at once. You do have to be intentional about the relationship with Jesus being primary in your life.
Rest. Be Present. Commit. Learn the resurrected life. And it’s more fun by far than 40 days without chocolate or the fine sayings of another religious book.
by Jane Lee Wolfe, Director, Bog Chapel, Woodstock Vermont
M f M r W Me l
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First Presbyterian Church 2400 Prince Street Conway, AR 72034
Interim Pastor: Howard Reed H e y u ! Director of Education: Theresa Spragins Director of Music/Organist: Lyle Rupert P ea i t : Pianist: Clara Martin Church Administrator: Suzie Puckett March 2, 9, 16, 30 Communications Specialist: Sarah Hays April 6, 13, 27 Sexton: Tina Brown May 4, 18
Children’s Ministries Preschool/Kid’s Day Out Director: Sign-up sheets are posted by the kitchen and on the east Teresa Crosson ...... 513 9881 narthex information board. Conway Cradle Care Director: Diana Byrd ...... 730 0017 Nursery Director: Kelsey Powell ...... 499 0417