The First News First Presbyterian Church

May, 2018

From Your Pastor

It’s hard to believe, but another school year is drawing to a close and summer is approaching. Many in our church family will be celebrating graduations, wed- dings and other transitions.

Co-mingled with all of the celebrations is a bit of wistfulness… each celebration acknowledges the successful completion of one chapter, and as such, there is a bit of loss involved. Graduates will often be leaving home to go to college, start a new life, or a new job. Brides and grooms will be starting their own families that are connected to us, yet distinct in their own right. Transitions like these mean that everyone’s roles change a bit, and that can be frightening.

But be of good courage: Life is a journey, and Jesus reminds us that “behold, I am with you…” He goes before us to prepare the way, and as our Good Shepherd, will find us and bring us back when we have gone astray.

I pray that all of us who are facing significant times of transition will allow ourselves to feel the joy, the sadness and the anxiety that changes bring, AND that we can rest in the comfort of God’s presence in all, through all and beyond all that life can throw at us.

Shalom,

Pastor Rebecca

VBS Looking For “Shipwrecked” Decorations

We need some decorations to make VBS special for our children. Do you have any of the items below that we could borrow? If so, drop off to Susan anytime between now and May 11. Label any items with your name so we can make sure they are returned.

*wooden crates/ “cargo look” boxes *greenery, artificial or live, ferns, palms, etc. *tiki torches *raffia *ship’s wheel *fish nets *other “shipwrecked” decor

Page 1 Christian Education

Get “Shipwrecked” VBS 2018

It’s not Gilligan’s Island. It’s not Tom Hanks talking to a volleyball. It’s not Robinson Crusoe. It’s Shipwrecked, Serve . Love . Reccued by Jesus, Vacation Bible School, June 10-13, 6-8 pm.

Registration is going on now for children from pre-k to 5th grade. A nursery will be provided for children under age 4.

As always, volunteers are what makes VBS a success. Children from 6th grade up and adults are always needed.

Registration forms are available at the church office.

Starting May 27th, the children’s Sunday School classes, ummer nursery and Rooted Sunday School class will take a summer sabbatical. unday May 20th will be the last day for these classes until classes resume on Sept. 9. chool “With so many people out of town or travelling during the summer we hope this gives everyone a chance to relax, and come back in September with renewed energy,” said CE abbatical Director Susan Parrish

Adult Sunday School classes will continue to meet at 10:00 am on Sunday mornings through the summer.

May Book Club Read Inspired By True WWII Story

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is the May read for the Book Club for All Seasons.

It tells the story of two sisters during World War II, and their struggle to survive and resist the German occupation of France. It was inspired by the story of a Belgian woman, Andrée de Jongh, who helped downed Allied pilots to escape Nazi territory. The book sold well, earned places on several bestseller lists, and was optioned for a screen adapta- tion by TriStar Pictures.

The Book Club will meet Monday, May 21 at 11:30 am in the Fielding Russell Room. Patti Moore will lead the discussion. Everyone is invited to join in.

Page 2 2 The First News Christian Education

Class of 2018 High School Graduates

Alyssa Allen, daughter of Andrew & Yvette Allen, will graduate with honors from Bulloch Academy. Alyssa is a member of the National Honor Society. She has participated in Drama; Robotics Club; CLP & CLP Band (Christian Learning Program); FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes); Beta Club; Tennis; GISA One Act Play Competition and GISA Literary Competition. Alyssa will attend the University of Georgia in the fall.

John Desiderio, son of Jennifer Stocking and Francis Desiderio, will graduate with honors from Statesboro High School. John will attend the University of Georgia this fall.

Clark Henderson, son of Allen and Ann Henderson, will graduate with honors from Statesboro High School. Clark served as President of the freshman and sophomore classes and treasurer of the senior class. He is a member of Beta Club and the National Honor Society. He ran cross country and was a member of the swim and tennis teams. The SHS Tennis Team was region champs for 2017 and 2018 and in 2017 made it to the Elite Eight in the state playoffs. Clark is also an Eagle Scout. He will attend the University of Georgia this fall, majoring in Political Science.

Javier Molina, son of Virna Troillo, will graduate with honors from Statesboro High School. Javier was a member of the cross country and tennis teams for two years and he still enjoys pursuing these activities. Javier will be spending some time in New Zealand after graduation for both work and travel.

David Olson, son of Katie and Dave Olson, will graduate with honors from Statesboro High School. David placed first for the 2017-2018 season with the Ogeechee River Scholastic Chess Association where he was un- defeated. David is also an Eagle Scout. He will attend Georgia Southern University this fall, majoring in either Logistics or Computer Engineering.

Haley Parrish, daughter of Leo & Susan Parrish and granddaughter of Charles & Suzanne Dunn and Leo & Marti Parrish, will graduate with honors from Southeast Bulloch High School. Haley is graduating as Valedic- torian of her class. She has served as the President of FCCLA for the past two years and Student Council Treasurer for three years. Haley is a member of the Beta Club, the National Society of High School Scholars and she is graduate of Youth Leadership Bulloch. Haley has trained in classical ballet, tap and jazz for the past 14 years at Statesboro School of Dance. Haley will attend the University of Georgia this fall, majoring in Ex- ercise Science with plans to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy.

(more graduates on page 4)

Page 3 Christian Education

Class of 2018

Chandler Wynn Presley, son of Edwin and Traci Presley and grandson of Del and Beverly Presley, will graduate from Statesboro High School. He is a member of the SHS Marching band as a percussionist. He is a member of the Statesboro Steel Drums and the Bulloch Blues Marching Band. He also is a part of Young Life Christian Ministry of Statesboro. He has been accepted to University of Massachusetts Boston, majoring in Biology with a minor in Chem- istry to study Forensic Science.

Will Presley, son of Worth & Lori Presley and grandson of Del & Beverly Presley, will graduate from Portal High School. Will was a member of the Portal High football team where he was named offensive player of the year in his senior year. Will is also a member of FFA. He will attend Ogeechee Technical College this fall and major in Logis- tics.

Katherine Tuggle, daughter of Jon and Mary Ann Tuggle and Still Time granddaughter of Durelle Tuggle, will graduate with honors from Johns Creek High School in Alpharetta. Katherine will attend To Samford University in the fall. Register College Graduates

Brandi Hawkins will graduate from Georgia Southern Univer- Savannah Presbytery sity with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a minor in Psy- Summer Camp chology. She will soon take her NCLEX to become a registered nurse. She hope to get a job pediatrics as her interest is pediatric June 17-23 oncology. At GSU Brandi was a part of the University Honors Program and completed a research project looking at mental Camp New Ebenezer, Rincon, GA health stigma on the college campus. New This Year! Caroline Henderson, graduated from the University of Michi- gan on April 28 with a Master of Social Work degree. During Overnight @ Ebenezer– A Family her two years in Michigan she has been active is social justice causes and most recently worked with the Prison Creative Arts Experience Project in Michigan. She has a BA in English and Human Brochures and registration forms available on Rights from Barnard College and worked in New York City line at SavannahPresbytery.org prior to entering graduate school. She hopes to return to the South and work in the social work field. Early Bird Registration Ends (more graduates on page 5) May 11

Page 4 4 The First News Stewardship Update

Monthly Stewardship Update, April 2018

Revenue Budget OVER Expenses Budget UNDER Budget Budget

$26,741.00 $20,400.00 $6,441.00 $19,685.98 $19,728.66 -$42.68 (est)

For April, we were $6,441.00 Over Budget for Revenue. This is a favorable difference. Expenses were $42.68 Under Budget. Overall, for the month of April, we brought in $7,055.14 more than we spent.

April 30, 2018 Year to Date

Revenue Budget OVER Expenses Budget OVER Budget Budget

$82,318.44 $81,600.00 $718.44 $103,957.22 $88,914.72 $15,042.50 (est)

Year To Date we are $718.44 Over Budget for Revenue. This is a favorable difference. We are $15,042.50 Over Budget for Expenses. Year To Date we have spent $21638.78 more than we have brought in. This puts us $14,324.06 behind Year To Date budget. Anyone seeking more information or more detailed information may contact me at [email protected]

Class of 2018

Elizabeth Henderson graduated from Georgia Tech December 2017, with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design. During her years at Georgia Tech she had internships at Gulfstream and Proctor and Gamble and recently moved to Boston where she is an industrial designer for NoBull, a footwear, apparel and accessory brand.

Page 5 MAY

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5

May Day 10 am - 2 pm Silver Lining Club

3:30 pm Ladies Bible Study

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

10 am Sunday School 11:30 Rebecca’s Café 7:30 pm Chancel Choir 7 am Men’s 2x4 Bible Study 10 am - 2 pm Silver Lining Club 11 am Worship– Youth Sunday 3:30 pm Ladies Bible Study Noon Graduation Lunch 1:30 pm Session Meeting

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Mother’s Day 9:30 am Joy Circle 10 am - 2 pm Silver Lining Club 7:30 pm Chancel Choir 10 am Sunday School 3:30 pm Ladies Bible Study Field trip to Sapelo Island 11 am Worship

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Savannah Presbytery Stated Meeting 10 am Sunday School FPC Richmond Hill 7 am Men’s 2x4 Bible Study 11 am Worship and Communion

4 pm Youth Group– Beach 3:30 pm Ladies Bible Study Trip to Tybee

27 28 29 30 31 Memorial Day Sunday School Sabbatical Starts 11 am Worship Church Office 3:30 pm Ladies Bible Study Closed

Page 6 6 The First News

Open/Close Elder: Brian Feltman Liturgist: Annette Smith

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5

May Day 10 am - 2 pm Silver Lining Club

3:30 pm Ladies Bible Study

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Mother’s Day 9:30 am Joy Circle 10 am - 2 pm Silver Lining Club 7:30 pm Chancel Choir 10 am Sunday School 3:30 pm Ladies Bible Study Field trip to Sapelo Island 11 am Worship

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Savannah Presbytery Stated Meeting 10 am Sunday School FPC Richmond Hill 7 am Men’s 2x4 Bible Study 11 am Worship and Communion

4 pm Youth Group– Beach 3:30 pm Ladies Bible Study Trip to Tybee

27 28 29 30 31 Memorial Day Sunday School Sabbatical Starts 11 am Worship Church Office 3:30 pm Ladies Bible Study Closed

Page 7 FPC News MonTREATS Needed Update from PNC For June Roadtrip The PNC has currently considered 89 individuals and held 16 meetings while still receiving new referrals, Youth leave June 3 for the Montreat listening to dozens of sermons, and reflecting on PIFs (Personal Information Forms). Please continue to Youth Conference (June 3-9). Help is keep the members of the PNC and our work in your needed to make the trip sweeter with prayers as we move forward in discerning God’s call baked goods for the road. of our next pastor. “We’re looking for donations of baked goods such as muf- fins, brownies, cookies or cake,” said Susan Parrish. “These would be very much appreciated and enjoyed by all of the Savannah Presbytery Youth.” Individual bags of chips would also be welcomed.

Please have all items in disposable containers or containers you don't need returned. Baked items do not need to be individually wrapped. Please have items to the church kitchen by 8 am on June 3.

Backpack Buddies Shopping List

small jars of peanut butter, fruit cups, Chef Boyardee meals, soups, individual packages of grits and oatmeal, small boxes of cereal, cereal bars, cups of applesauce, easy macaroni n’ cheese, noodle packs, Vienna sausages, 100% juice boxes, packs of sandwich crackers, healthy snacks (raisins, fruit roll-ups, fruit snacks, trail mix, pudding cups, etc.) Youth Sunday Puts Young People Front And Center

Youth Sunday, May 6, will offer young people a chance to see what leading worship is all about and offer church members the opportunity to see the youngest members of the church in action.

The Youth will be responsible for all of the worship elements of the service including Call to Confession, sermon and music.

After the service, everyone is invited to a potluck lunch to honor our high school and college graduates (see the list of graduates on pages 3, 4 and 5). Please bring a dish or two to share as we honor our graduates.

Page 8 8 The First News Session Highlights

Session Highlights

April 8, 2018 Session approved the following from the Consent Agenda: Approval of the minutes of the March 11, 2018 Stated Meeting of the Session Approval of the minutes of the March 25, 2018 Called Meeting of the Session From Mission - approval to further investigate feasibility of pursuing the following missions: a. Thornwell Mission b. Little Free Pantry/ Little Free Library c. Voter registration d. Transportation assistance to polls e. Laundry Love From Mission - approval for the inclusion of information sheets about existing mission activities in church bulletin and a survey of interest on proposed missions to be included in church bulletin on April 15, 2018.

From Mission - approval to designate the last two Sundays in April (22 and 29) for collection of canned food goods to contribute to ACTS.

From Rev. Blackwell – approval of Study Leave from September 10-23, 2018. Participation in John Philip Newell’s pilgrimage to Iona. MARCH 2018 BUDGET REPORT TO SESSION – 2018 Budgeted Amount needed each month is $20,400. The amount received (pledges and collection) in March was $21,915.23 or 107.43% of budget. YTD (year to date): amounts received net of expenses for first quarter 2018 were $6,702.21, which is approximately 10% below budget.

SPRING STATED MEETING OF THE SAVANNAH PRESBYTERY – will be held Tuesday, May 22 from 9:00 – 3:00 at Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church, 12965 Highway 144 East, Richmond Hill, GA. Nan LoBue and/ or Lynda Webb have agreed to attend as Elder Commissioner along with Rev. Blackwell.

ENGAGE FPC in MAY - will feature Elder Brett Curry describing the newly approved Legacy Endowment policy that establishes a Planned Giving Program for our church which will be administered by the Session.

INQUIRER/NEW MEMBER CLASS – Rev. Blackwell is willing to organize a class for anyone inquiring about the Christian faith and an interest in the Presbyterian Church.

HOME COMMUNION TRAINING FOR ELDERS – ALL interested elders (once an elder -- always an elder) are invited to learn how to administer Home Communion from Rev. Blackwell. This is an important caring ministry for those who are unable to attend worship.

2017 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CHURCH – is being prepared by the Session. It is expected to be finalized at the May 6th meeting.

Page 9 FPC News

Lois Roberts 5/07 Matthew Humphrey 5/14

Dick Burnett 5/08 Del Presley 5/16

Landrey Copeland 5/08 Haley Parrish 5/17

Katie Bigley 5/09 Charlotte Wynn 5/17

Durelle Tuggle 5/09 Chris Connell 5/20

Traci Presley 5/01 Nancy Brown 5/10 Jean Burnett 5/26

Jamie Copeland 5/03 Annette Smith 5/12 Jamie Nevil III 5/26

Beverly Presley 5/05 Edward Dennis III 5/13 Steve Cauley 5/28

Beverly Womack 5/05 Jill Gerig 5/13 Charlene Mann 5/28

Alyssa Allen 5/07 Eleanor Hutchinson 5/13 Rachel Nevil 5/29

Bill Barnes, Sara Bennett, Gayle Gunter, Susan Gunter, Harriet Hair, Diane Herndon on the death of her mother Ahmetta Deloach Harville, Sandy Newell, Margie Pevey- ACTS Shopping List Shuman, Margie Pevey-Shuman’s daughter Sonja Deaton on her recovery from an in- fection and the death of her husband Glenn Deaton, Del Presley, Sammy Rodriguez, Pat  cereal Shelburne, Valerie Thomas, Genie Ward, Service men & women.  dry milk

 cans of meat (no fish) Flowers Speak Without Words

 peanut butter Placing flowers in worship is a wonderful way to celebrate special occasions and to honor or  cans of soup, chili remember loved ones.  cans of fruit, vegetables If you would like to reserve  easy open ready meals a Sunday, you may do so by signing up on the flower chart located outside the church office, or call (912) 681-2053. The cost of flowers is $50. Please make checks payable to ’First Presbyterian Church’ and note ’flowers’

Page 10 10 The First News FPC Staff & Leadership Church Staff

Interim Pastor: Rebecca Blackwell

Christian Education Director: Susan Parrish

Youth Director: Jamie Copeland

Music Director: Allen Henderson

Organists: Duke Miles & Glenn Haynes

Office Administrator: June Bryant-Hackle 2018 Ruling Elders

Clerk of Session: Lois Roberts (18)

Administration Committee: Brett Curry (19) & Andrew Allen (20)

Christian Education Committee: Stacey Basquin (20)

Facilities Committee: Brian Feltman (18)

Mission Committee: Gordon Smith (18) & Lynda Webb (20)

Pastoral Care Committee: Frank McDonald (19) & Charlotte Wynn (20)

Worship Committee: Nan LoBue (18) & Ann Henderson (19) Presbyterian Women

Moderator: Annette Smith

Secretary & Treasurer: Debi Franklin

Special Projects: Katie Olson

Page 11 First Presbyterian Church 1215 Fair Road Statesboro, Georgia 30458

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First Presbyterian Church 1215 Fair Road Statesboro, Georgia 30458

Phone: 912-681-2053 ~ Fax: 912-681-2399 [email protected] ~ www.fpcstatesboro.org

Mission Statement The mission of the First Presbyterian Church of Statesboro, Georgia is to be a Christ-centered family of believers called and committed to worship- ping, growing spiritually, and sharing God’s love and grace. Page 12 12 The First News