FPCO Columns - January 2009

2 | www.fpco.org
CONTACT US
To arrange a baptism
Contact Worship x1451
To arrange a wedding
Contact Weddings x1453
To arrange a funeral or memorial service
Contact Pastoral Care x1455
To arrange a memorial donation
Contact Finance x1479
To donate flowers for worship services
Contact Worship x1451
To place a notice in the bulletin or newsletter
Contact Communications x1467
With questions about your pledge or donation
Contact Finance x1479
With a change of address
Contact Membership x1471
To purchase a sermon tape or CD Bookstore
Contact x1438
To let us know when you or a loved one are
hospitalized - Contact Pastoral Care x1455
To join the Chancel Choir Music
Contact x1273
For child care reservations - Early Childhood
Contact x2250
With questions regarding the budget
Administration - Contact x1459
To reach the Security Office
Contact 407-415-9793
For Weekday School
Contact 407-996-5864
To find out about Sunday school classes
Contact Spiritual Formation x1463
With questions about the FPCO website or this
wonderful Columns publication
Contact Communications x1467
To reserve meeting space
Contact Special Services x1469
Hospital Calls:
The hospitals are no longer able to notify us
of our members who are hospitalized. If you
know of someone who is in the hospital, please
notify the pastoral care office at 407.423.3441,
extension 1455.
Pastoral Emergencies:
For pastoral emergencies outside of the 8:30
a.m.- 5:00 p.m. church office hours, please
leave a voice mail message at the main church
number 407.423.3441, extension 400. The
message center will page the minister on call,
who will reply as soon as possible.
Need Help?:
Dependency assistance, cancer support group,
grief support, divorce care, infertility group,
please contact Pastoral Care x 1455
ON THE
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new
creation. The old has gone, the new
has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
WITH DR. DAVID D.
J
anuary is always a season of new beginnings and fresh
starts. The calendar rolls over to another year, and
while we wonder what happened to the last year, we start
formulating how we want our lives to be different. As you
think about those things, remember that the primary dif-
ference in you has already been accomplished through Je-
sus Christ. The old is gone. The new has come. And the
“new”—the grace and love of God—is there every day—
every moment.
As our church prepares for 2009, I wanted to draw your
attention to several things:
1. This month, we begin our church-wide sermon series
and Bible study on The Economy of God. With all the
economic angst being felt right now, I hope you will take
part in this study to bring God’s truth to bear on what is
happening.
2. We will ordain and install our newly elected elders
and deacons on January 11. Please be in prayer for these
new leaders as they assume their duties.
3. Our annual Leadership Retreat will take place the last
weekend of the month with Don Cousins, co-founder of
Willow Creek Church in Chicago, as our speaker and fa-
cilitator. We will be studying the nature of spiritual lead-
ership in the church. Leaders from Heart of Mercy Church
will also be joining us.
4. A special committee has been appointed by the Session
to study the overall space usage of the entire facility. With
so many ministries needing space and desiring growth,
this will be an important process and your prayers are
appreciated as they do their work. A report and recom-
mendations will be made to the Session in March.
5. Great progress is being made on our desire to develop
a downtown Drop In Center for the homeless that would
incorporate and expand our Compassion Corner ministry.
Twelve other local churches have formed a partnership
to raise money and develop space for a Christ-centered
www.fpco.org | 3 www.fpco.org | 3
WAY
SWANSON
ministry to the homeless that would provide a place to go during
the day as well as access to all the social service agencies needed.
I have met with Mayor Buddy Dyer as well as the Regional Com-
mission on Homelessness, presenting this plan and gaining their
full support. Please be in prayer for Case Thorp and our Mission
Department as they lead our community towards this goal.
6. Our HIV/AIDS Ministry Team continues to develop new initia-
tives that will begin the latter part of this month, including be-
coming a downtown location for HIV testing. In conjunction with
the County Health Department and Help and Hope, FPCO will
provide space and volunteers to work with their staff as they con-
duct HIV testing on Wednesday evenings. In addition, we begin
our HIV/AIDS Support Group this month. For more information,
please contact my office for meeting times and location.
7. The Session will be evaluating our financial position following an
analysis of our December giving to determine any necessary adjust-
ments. A 10% reduction in program monies has already been en-
acted. As you know, this is a very challenging financial season for all
of us, and making such decisions is always painful. Please pray for
God’s collective wisdom and provision.
8. I have asked Case Thorp and our Evangelism Committee to come
up with a new strategy for outreach, extending the ministry of our
church to those who have never heard the gospel. It is my sincere
prayer that all of us would be praying for someone that does not
know the Lord, and actively engaging others in inviting them to
share in our worship and ministries. Let’s work together in develop-
ing a “culture of invitation” at First Presbyterian.
So, as you can see, much is happening as we begin the year.
May all of us seek to live faithfully and obediently as His disciples
this year, and always. With joy and thanksgiving for each of you,
I remain
In His Grip,
David
4 | www.fpco.org
Forty-five minutes later we were well outside the Central Florida we knew. Cow pastures and old
farms rolled by the car as if to plead a slower existence. We had completely calmed down and were ex-
cited over the plans for the next two days. Within the following few hours we reached a swift realization
of how profound this weekend would be for both of us…and no, we did not get stuck with double beds.
Melissa and I have what I would call a strong marriage. In the four short years we have been married,
we have grown consistently closer. We have recently been blessed with our first child, Brennen. Christ
had found His way to the center of both our lives at an early age, but we still endured shortcomings in
our Christ centered marriage. We both loved the idea
of doing the marriage retreat with First Pres but were
unsure of the expectations. We had joked about be-
ing locked in a room full of spouses who were at
each other’s throats, but either way we saw value in
completing an appraisal of our marriage, a gut check
if you will.
From Friday night to Sunday morning the les-
sons taught and the challenges put upon Melissa
and me, broke down barriers of communication we
thought we didn’t have. In those two days we al-
lowed ourselves to surrender to what God was re-
vealing to us. We began to understand the depth of
the expectation God placed upon the marriage, the
transformation we accomplished when the vows were exchanged, and the promises made to both God
and our spouse in that agreement. It was the single best gift we have done for our marriage.
In that short weekend, in a place near where Ponce DeLeon thought he had discovered the fountain
of youth, Melissa and I found something even more precious, more everlasting; something that could per-
petuate our marriage forever. We found the tools and the ability to build a marriage with the foundation
built on a Christian faith together for one purpose.
Here is what other couples have commented:
“Corbin and I were truly blessed by the entire weekend. We commented on our way home how every-
thing was perfect! We couldn’t think of a single change. Each session was the right amount of time, the
content from David and Leigh, the music, the comedy, the assignments after each session were especially
“We found the tools and the
ability to build a marriage
with the foundation built on
a Christian faith together for
one purpose.”
“H
urry up, we’re gonna be late” I said.
“I still have to pack” said Melissa.
“What do you mean you still have to pack?
You said you were gonna be packed when I
got home” I said. “I was busy. I had to run er-
rands, do four loads of laundry, feed Bren-
nen, take him to my parents and arrange for
the dogs to be kept. That’s what I mean I still
have to pack,” snapped Melissa. “Well come
on! I just don’t want to be the ones who get a
room with double beds” I said jokingly.
continue on page 6
www.fpco.org | 5
MARRIAGE
MATTERS
RETREAT REFLECTI ONS
By Terrence Hart, Member
www.fpco.org | 5
6 | www.fpco.org
helpful to immediately talk, and put into practice some
of the tools we were given. Corbin and I are already
working towards more time together and using some of
the skills of communicating more effectively. I feel that
something special happened this past weekend with
the 87 couples and would hate to see us not stay con-
nected in some way.” – Lee Ann Johnson
“My husband, John, and I both very much enjoyed
the Marriage Retreat last weekend at Mission Inn. It
was a wealth of knowledge and education, and set a
good foundation for us in our marriage (we’ve been
married for 3 years).” – Christine McCully
“That was the best weekend David and I have spent
together since we got married over 11 years ago. I don’t
know how you put such a program together and espe-
cially for the price, but it was fantastic. I don’t know
how you could improve it unless you made it longer. In
all honesty, it was perfect.” - Jan Packwood
“This was perfect. We enjoyed meeting lots of
FPCO couples whom we didn’t know and enjoyed the
alone time that was built in to the experience. All in all
it was an amazing experience that came at the perfect
time for us. The schedule was perfect! The mix of free
time, fun time, and serious time was just right. Each
was important and the mix was right. The homework
was powerful. I loved remembering the sweet times of
our courtship, talking about our challenges, and prac-
ticing listening skills. The letter was a gift we gave to
each other that I will treasure. The venue was great.
I loved the room, meeting space, grounds, and loca-
tions. The distance was far enough to be away and yet
not too far. David and Leigh’s leadership was power-
ful in its vulnerability. They lead from their weakness
and it is very winsome and safe. By letting us in on
their imperfect marriage and using themselves as an
example of the bad stuff, they created a safe place for
the rest of us to be honest.” – Scott Lee
“The marriage retreat was close to perfect. Debra
and I were so blessed and excited with the weekend, it
has made a significant difference in how we approach
each day and our relationship.” – Tim Lemons
“The marriage retreat was a wonderful experi-
ence. Our marriage/life was touched in ways I cannot
explain. The power of the Lord was felt…what a bless-
ing. I honestly don’t think I would change a thing.”
– Michelle Davis
“My husband, Bill and I were indeed very blessed
by attending the Marriage Matters retreat this past
weekend! I can truly say that the program exceeded
both of our expectations.” – Katie Herlong
“I think the marriage retreat was fantastic! The
biggest thing that I learned was the importance of
praying together with my spouse. That was the one
big thing Michael and I walked away with. Leigh and
David’s skits were so great and helped reiterate their
points.” – Marnie Waldrop
“I keep telling everyone how wonderful the week-
end was. The message, the skits, the accommodations,
the food, the bonding between me and my spouse…all
of it was perfect.” – AJ Broughton ■
www.fpco.org | 7
CHILDREN’S CHOIR
I
n Fall 2008, Children’s Music teamed up with Children’s
Ministry to create Sonday Times. This has proven to be
a wonderful partnership and continues to be just that! Our
program meets on Sunday evenings from 4:30-6:30pm.
Miss Stephanie’s group rehearses music for upcoming wor-
ship and events, and Miss Carol’s group takes the children
for recreation time and then for Bible study. Both groups
work hard to make a fun but educational environment for
the children involved in the program.
The children’s first feat was to lead in both tradi-
tional worship services on October 26. During these ser-
vices, all three choirs, including the Cherub Choir (3-4
yrs) sang “Jesus Loves Me/All Creatures of Our God and
King” as the morning hymn arranged by our very own
composer-in-residence, George Atwell. We were able to
include sign language while singing “Jesus Loves Me”
with the help of our Seraphim Singers assistant, Kel-
vin Hollerman. Celestial Choir (K-2nd grades) and Sera-
phim Singers (3rd-5th grades) sang of God’s good news
in the traditional spiritual, “Ain’-A That Good News.”
All the parents and congregants were beaming when
the children sang. As they exited the sanctuary, one girl
said, “That was fun!” It was surely an uplifting worship
experience!
Their second feat was to lead in both traditional
worship services on November 23. The children were
yet again triumphant! The Cherub Choir sang the pre-
lude, “He’s Got the Whole World,” and, of course, the
whole congregation was ooh-ing and aww-ing during
the entire song. Celestial Choir and Seraphim Singers
joined forces and sang “I Will Give Thanks” and sound-
ed great. They looked like they were having fun, and one
boy even commented afterwards, “That was so easy!”
What an amazing experience for children to have the
opportunity to lead in worship, and enjoy it!!
The children also participated in the Rejoice Concert
on December 12 and 13. This was their first major event,
and they conquered with flying colors! Their costumes,
smiles, and voices added to the Christmas spirit of the
concert. The parents were a huge help in preparing them
for such an exciting time. Also during Christmas, some of
the children assisted worship for the Christmas Eve fam-
ily service. The small ensembles, soloists, and actors did
a great job!
We are looking forward to another fun-filled semester
in the spring. If your child is interested in Sonday Times,
we will restart on Sunday, January 18 from 4:30-6:30pm.
Registration is during the first and second weeks on the
first floor of Allen Yowell Hall. All children 3 years old
to 5th grade are welcome!! There is more playing, sing-
ing, and learning ahead! We are working to educate your
child about God, sing His praises, and lead our congrega-
tion in worship to His glory.
To register for the next SONday Times to be held
from January 18-March 22 or for more information, con-
tact Stephanie Mixner at x1186 or [email protected] or
Carol Welker at x1490 or [email protected]. You may
also visit our website at www.fpco.org/sondaytimes. ■
YEAR-END REVIEW
“As they exited the sanctuary,
one girl said, “That was fun!” It
was surely an uplifting worship
experience!”
By Stephanie Mixner, Worship Arts Ministry
8 | www.fpco.org
www.fpco.org | 9
You and your family are invited to join the fun in our
early childhood music program, MusikGarten. This pro-
gram was founded in 1994, and has been successful in
growing knowledge and love of music in families all over
the world. We introduced this program last semester, and
it has proven to be a great fit for us here at First Presby-
terian Church of Orlando. We have an awesome team of
teachers prepared to inspire you and your child’s silli-
ness, and introduce to you their passion for music and
children. We hope you will join us this semester for a
fun season of singing, playing instruments, dancing, and
listening! For more information, contact Stephanie Mix-
ner at 407.423.3441 x1186 or [email protected]. Visit our
website at www.fpco.org/childrensmusic
We are happy to announce our
spring schedule of classes!
Online Registration: Jan 5 – Feb 9
Fee: $60 (includes music pack with CD, music book,
and instrument or prop)
Classes: Feb 3 (week of) – April 21 (week of)
No classes (Spring Break) March 30 – April 3
Make-up classes: April 27
MusikGarten:
Spring 2009 Schedule
Level A
(Birth-17 mos)*
Tuesday 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday 11:00 a.m.
Level B
(18-23 mos)*
Tuesday 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Level B2
(2-3 yrs)
Tuesday 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m.
Level c
(4-3 yrs)
Wednesday 4:30 p.m.
Family Class
(siblings/mixed ages)
Tuesday 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday 6:30 p.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m.
*Please note: These age ranges
have been changed from last
semester.
MUSIKGARTEN
MUSIC BRINGS CHILDREN TO LIFE
By Stephanie Mixner, Worship Arts Ministry
10 | www.fpco.org
By Susie Appleby Kemper, Member
FINDING
GOD’S PRESENCE
IN OUR TRAGEDY
10 | www.fpco.org
www.fpco.org | 11
T
his experience is being shared
now because God made an in-
tervention in my life. I have learned
through it that God is in control. He
often touches our hearts with His per-
fect timing through sermons relevant
to our lives. It is amazing how often
the sermons at FPCO have tied into
this story in my life just when I needed
them! To God be the glory…
On January 15, 1978, when I lived in a sorority house at Florida State University, Ted
Bundy entered our sorority house during the night, murdered two girls and brutally at-
tacked two others. A notorious serial killer during the 1970s, Bundy murdered at least
28 women around our country. We believe his intentions were to go through our en-
tire house that night, but God intervened as our
protector and scared him off. God does not cause
tragedies, but He gave man free will to make his
own choices, good or evil. I believe God was
there at work in the midst of this tragedy!
Throughout that night, three major events
happened. First, Bundy came into our house. He
had definitely chosen evil, but that’s when God
intervened! That night, for the first time ever, my
roommate’s mother got an unusual urge to pray
for me and did so, which I believe brought on the second event. I awakened in the night,
which in college was very unusual for me, and got up to go to the bathroom. When I
flushed the toilet, Bundy was close by and heard that someone was up. As I headed back
to bed, the third event happened. Another girl came home and slammed the back door
behind her. At that point, Bundy knew two of us were awake and decided to run. As
he headed out the door, she got a glimpse of him running out and knew something was
terribly wrong.
It was an extremely frightening time for all of us as the details unfolded. As the po-
lice and emergency vehicles arrived, my sorority sisters and I were sent to a room in the
house to wait. There, as we looked out the window and saw emergency vehicles with
their blue and red lights flashing, we prayed together and read our Bibles, searching for
comfort, understanding, protection, and just aching to feel God’s presence. Later, we
“I started making a list of all the
ways I realized God had been
there protecting us that night. It
was amazing!”
continue on page 12
12 | www.fpco.org
were told by the police not to talk about the trag-
edy because if they caught him, our testimonies
would be invalidated at a trial, if what we said
had been influenced by others. So we didn’t talk
about it much, but each of us felt very fearful. We
left campus for about a week, but then returned to
our sorority house and our college life. They hired
a security guard for us who had a big dog and a
guitar with which he would play and sing to us
at night. Our lives were still full of fear. We didn’t
see yet that God had been with us.
Later, when I found out that my roommate’s
mother had prayed for me that night, it made me
feel strongly that God had a real purpose for my
life. Even so, I continued to be fearful and felt
anger and hatred toward Bundy for years. About
10 years later, one of the ministers at this church,
Ted Pierce, preached a sermon on forgiveness and
I realized I had never forgiven Bundy. I met with
Pierce between services that day and we prayed
together. After forgiving Bundy, I felt a peace come
over me that I hadn’t known before. I no longer felt
afraid and could mention Bundy’s name without
feeling hatred. Many years went by where I didn’t
think about that part of my life very often.
In a recent Bible study, I was asked to memo-
rize Psalm 121, which mentions several times that
God is our protector. The events of that night in
1978 came flooding back to me. That Scripture in
Psalm stood out in my mind as being extremely
comforting during those hard times.
In our Bible study, Lori Needham said that we
never know what goes on up in heaven to change
our circumstances here on Earth. This really had
an impact on my thoughts. I started making a list
of all the ways I realized God had been there pro-
tecting us that night. It was amazing!
I felt that the timing of this Bible study was
also “of God” because, during this time, I received
an invitation to the 100-year reunion of my soror-
ity at Florida State University. Many of us had got-
ten together over the years, and had an even stron-
ger bond because of the tragedy we went through
together. But, because it was so painful for us, we
were always hesitant to bring the subject back up.
We had never really talked about it.
I decided to e-mail my sorority sister Jackie,
whose husband was now a minister, to ask her if
she had talked to people about how God had used
tragedies like ours for good and told her what I had
been feeling. It was as if God was bringing this up
again in my mind. I explained to her how I had re-
alized God really was in control, about the prayers
for me that I felt had awakened me and helped
to scare him off, and how I had forgiven Bundy
and felt so much better. It had been 30 years since
then. A movie had been made about that tragedy,
a book was written about it, but never had anyone
talked about how God was really there protecting
so many of us. There may be many little incidents
that never got put together that could change the
way some might look at that tragic night.
The very next day I got a response from her
saying: “Susan, I am in awe and stunned over your
letter. You are God’s Holy Spirit to my heart right
now. I have sung Psalm 121. I have written a book
that sits in my file drawer on exactly what you
have stated and had been afraid to put the book
out there.” She too had been feeling like God was
resurrecting this and couldn’t wait to get together
to talk more about God’s presence that night. We
were anxious to talk to our sisters at the reunion.
The Sunday before the actual reunion, David
Swanson’s sermon was about God being at work
“I know God is sovereign…even
in the midst of tragedies. He is in
control.”
www.fpco.org | 13
in the midst of our tragedies and wanting us to
testify to His goodness. We have a choice in life
to be resentful about circumstances or to “Dance
in God’s joy.”
On April 4, 2008, 10 of us arrived a day early
to the reunion in Tallahassee to enjoy breakfast
at Jackie’s house. We finally got to sit down and
talk about our perspectives of what happened 30
years before on that tragic night. It had been like
a puzzle in my mind over the years, with bits and
pieces of what had really happened. I was amazed
as many of the gaps in my memories were filled in
as we shared. But, after planning to go back and
find out more about how God had been present
there, I ended up with laryngitis that weekend. I
was so disappointed that I couldn’t add more to
the discussion. Why would God let me get laryn-
gitis then? At least I could whisper kind of loud-
ly to talk some, but fortunately Jackie knew the
thoughts I wanted to share from our e-mails back
and forth.
That night, a larger group of our sisters had a
party to celebrate our sorority’s 100-year reunion.
A big circle of us from 1978 were standing around
talking and the subject of Bundy came up. As they
were talking, I couldn’t whisper over the party
group, but I realized Nita was standing there. She
was the girl who had actually come home late
that night, slammed the door and seen Bundy run
down the stairs and out the door. Her whole life
changed that night, because the police made her
leave Tallahassee for her safety. Then the trial fi-
nally came and went on for a long time. She had
to testify against him as our key witness. After the
trial she had transferred to another college. We
had never even gotten to see her again because
she lived across the country.
I was concerned about her as the group was
talking about this subject, not knowing how she
had handled the situation over the years, so I
pulled her aside and asked her in my whisper
voice if she was all right. Then I told her how I
was trying to find out more about how God was
present during the tragedy. That’s when she told
me something that gave me chills all over and has
increased my faith amazingly. She said, “I don’t
usually tell people this because they think I am
crazy, but that night when I came into the house,
as I started to walk into the foyer, I felt a hand on
my shoulder that held me back. There was no hu-
man there. It made me hesitate in the foyer just
long enough to keep me from meeting Bundy face
to face on the stairs carrying a club. I got a good
look at his face as he ran out the door.” She was an
art major and was able to sit down with the police
sketch artist later that same night and draw his
picture. Her artistic eye was what helped tremen-
dously later when she had to pick him out in the
line-up and in the trial. I insisted that she come
back to our hotel room afterward and tell Jackie
and the others in our room about that experience.
I knew that hand on her shoulder was an angel
of God! If I hadn’t gotten laryngitis, I wonder if I
would have had the chance to bring that up with
her one on one, and if she would have ever gotten
up the courage to tell the whole group. I know
God is sovereign…even in the midst of tragedies.
He is in control.
The next Sunday, back in church, David Swan-
son preached about how so often things are going
on right in front of us, but we let circumstances
cloud our vision and don’t notice. He said that
when the disciples really looked and listened,
they were able to witness to thousands that Jesus
is alive! There is so much darkness inhabiting our
culture today, but we are God’s witnesses to the
world! Now that I had looked back and listened,
I felt a strong need to share this story with others.
Although we don’t always understand why things
happen, in God’s perfect timing we may under-
stand better as we see Him use it somehow for
good in His master plan. ■
STEPS
tow
For many months a team of
faithful leaders have searched for a
new location for First Presbyterian’s ministry to the home-
less, Compassion Corner. The team came close with two
other sites, but the negotiations fell through. Thanks be to
God, however, an ideal space was made available! The
Session approved in November the request of the Compas-
sion Corner Transition Taskforce to reopen the ministry this
January in a new, but temporary site, located at Trinity Evan-
gelical Lutheran Church.
A substantially larger vision and ministry for the Com-
passion Corner is seen one day in the form of a Drop In
Center for the Homeless (see information below). Yet, the
mission leadership felt the need to meet the immediate
needs of the homeless as best we can. Trinity Evangelical
Lutheran Church has offered a small office space on North
Magnolia Avenue where the Compassion Corner can
continue its daily operations for the next ten months to a
year while the Drop In Center comes in to being.
By having the Compassion Corner Ministry in opera-
tion, we will be able to continue to minister to our homeless
neighbors during this very difficult time. Additionally, we
will have a ministry model to show potential financial
supporters, partner churches, and volunteers how the minis-
try works by honoring the imago Dei (image of God) in all
God’s children, especially the homeless. Finally, we will be
able to capitalize on the excitement and interest generated
from IDignity events by offering a place for individuals from
many different churches to come and serve the homeless.
This new space met the criteria hoped for by the Transi-
tion Taskforce. A space was desired that was on church
property, east of I-4, and within close proximity of the down-
town churches. Close proximity allows for immediate refer-
rals for the homeless requests all downtown churches
receive on a daily basis. Most importantly, close proximity
will allow church members to walk to the site in order to
serve. Finally, a space was needed that can feel warm,
welcoming and hospitable. While many homeless services
can feel clinical or corporate, the new site at 425 North
Magnolia Avenue is being prepared such that the homeless
can feel welcomed and reconnect with their Christian
family.
TWO WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE REOPENING!
Compassion Corner
Open House Coming in
late January!
On January 29 from 4-6pm, all
are invited to the Compassion
Corner Open House at the Trinity
Lutheran Facility at 425 North
Magnolia Avenue, for light refreshments and tea to see the
facility and learn more about the ministry.
Bring Your Heart to Church
During the Sundays in
January, First Presbyte-
rian Church will be
collecting socks, hotel-
sized toiletries, and
blankets to celebrate
the reopening of the Compassion Corner Ministry. Please bring
your items to worship on Sundays and deposit them in the
white bins located in the EMC Lobby and Angel Wing area.
The Compassion Corner Transition Taskforce consists
of the following: Rev. Case Thorp, Carol Hafer, Dawn Neff,
Jack Walston, Buz Ausley, Tim Lemons, Chris King, and
Sarah Holcomb. For more information, email Carol at
[email protected].
COMPASSION CORNER REOPENING
By Carol Hafer, Director of Mission
1
center
wards a
3
The homeless problem continues to grow in Orlando.
To respond to the many complex issues around homeless-
ness, last year the City of Orlando and other regional
governments launched the Regional Commission on
Homelessness to develop a coordinated region-wide
response. Their 10 Years To End Homelessness report
(http://www.orangecountyfl.net/cms/CommissionOnHome
lessness/default.htm) suggests a variety of means to curb the
growing issue of homelessness. One proposal in the report
includes a series of Drop In Centers strategically placed
around the region that can help provide a holistic and acces-
sible avenue for the homeless to regain sustainability. First
Presbyterian Church hopes to lead the Christian community
towards such a vision, seeing it become a reality.
When the Compassion Corner was closed on FPCO’s
campus in 2008, many feared the worst in that our church
had lost its heart for the homeless. God, however, had
already begun to work as a vision began to coalesce in the
hearts of some city leadership, namely Christian Service
Center Executive Director and City Councilman Robert
Stuart, and members of our church to see the Compassion
Corner on steroids. This phrase has taken on new meaning
as a property on Wall Street owned and sitting behind the
St. George Orthodox Church has been identified to hold
such a ministry.
What is a Drop In Center?
A Drop In Center is a space where people in need of
assistance can come during business hours to find commu-
nity, resources, and rest. The Drop In Center model is
utilized all over the county for various demographic
groups such as youth, homeless, AIDS/HIV carriers and
their families, homeless veterans, mentally ill, and others.
There are a variety of models that are funded privately or
publically. Most often public funds through local, state,
and federal programs operate a Drop In Center for various
demographics (the mentally ill, youth, homeless). Our
initiative will be a private venture developed and
supported by the Christian community. While there may
be ways to utilize grants and public monies for certain
THE WALL STREET DROP IN CENTER
FOR THE HOMELESS
Affectionately Known as Compassion Corner on Steroids!
By Rev. Case Thorp, Associate Pastor of Mission & Evangelism
f o r t h e
h o me l e s s
The Christian community in
downtown Orlando is uniting to
address the critical issue of home-
lessness by establishing a Downtown
Drop-in Center designed to serve the
homeless members of our community and their specific
needs. While at the center, the homeless will have access to
restrooms, a shower and a phone. Case workers from regional
social service agencies will have space to provide the holistic
help to the homeless that is so desperately needed. Most
importantly, the center will be a place where a homeless
individual can come to have not only their physical, but also
their spiritual and emotional needs met through the ministry
of church members from local congregations.
As a part of our fundraising efforts for this worthy case,
an exciting event modeled after TV’s “Dancing with the Stars”
is scheduled for February 20, 2009. Pastors from five down-
town churches will be lacing up their dancing shoes to
compete in Orlando’s Dancing with the Pastors. See our very
own Dr. Swanson compete against four other worthy competi-
tors including Pastor William Andrews. The goal of this event
is to raise significant funds that will go towards the renova-
tion of a property in downtown Orlando for the Homeless
Drop-in Center. You will not want to miss this exciting event!
Make plans now to gather your friends and family for a night
of fun, fellowship, dancing to the music of Michael Andrew
and Swingerhead, food, and, most importantly, fundraising to
benefit the homeless in our community. For more information
on tickets, table sponsorships, and donation and volunteer
opportunities, go to www.dancingwiththepastors.com.
2
DANCING FOR THE HOMELESS COMMUNITY
February 20, 2009
The Ballroom at
Church Street
6:30 – 11:00pm
Tickets on sale now:
dancingwiththepastors.com
programs, the Wall Street Drop In Center will be an expres-
sion of Christ’s ministry guided and supported primarily by
the downtown churches. For this project we must consider
the capital costs of renovating the building owned by St.
George Antiochian Orthodox Church as well as the
on-going operational costs.
Mutually Shared Interests
St. George Orthodox Church has long held a vision to
create a Multi-Cultural Ethnic Center in their building (137
Wall Street) located directly behind their Sanctuary build-
ing. Their congregation is an immigrant community for the
most part, with many second generation Americans that first
landed in New York or Chicago before settling here. As Arab
Christians seeking to live faithfully in a post-911 American
context, Father John Hamatie and his leadership see educa-
tion and dialogue as tools for living together and making
Orlando a stronger community. They need the assistance to
renovate the building such that it is usable. They have long
desired to create space where various people groups can
come together for fellowship and dialogue. The envision
children, youth, and other members of the community
coming to learn about the many different people groups now
living in Orlando through interactive displays, exhibits, and
demonstrations such as a cultural food festival.
The Downtown Churches and greater Christian
community has long used First Presbyterian Church’s Com-
passion Corner as a mini-Drop In Center to meet the needs
of the homeless in the name of Christ. However, for seven
years the limited space, funds, and coalition of participa-
tion meant that only 50-75 homeless could be serviced in
any one day. Our vision is to create a place where the
homeless can come during business hours to be in a
welcoming environment out of the elements, for access to
social service agency resources, to meet with counselors,
social workers and Christian lay ministers so that provision
may be offered to get one’s life back to holistic sustainabil-
ity, to gather as a Christian community to seek, share, and
serve to the glory of God.
137 Wall Street is a 16,000 square foot building
(approximately) behind the St. George sanctuary building.
It faces Wall Street looking at the loading bay of the Orlando
Public Library. To the west sits the AT&T switch building
that seems to contain few staff and much equipment. 137
Wall Street has been an apartment building and office
building through the years. The church purchased the
building about 10 years ago hoping to find the resources to
expand its ministry. This did not happen before Hurricane
Charlie ripped off the roof and flooded the facility. Insur-
ance stripped the facility of sheet-rock, treated for mold,
and added a new roof. It has remained empty every since.
Numerous condo developers have approached Father
Hamati with large checks, but he has remained firmed in
his commitment to Christ’s work and community develop-
ment through his two buildings.
The property at 137 Wall Street is ideal for each vision
because:
- Il Is Lasl oI I-4
- Il Is nol In llo Paiamoui HoiIlago DIsliIcl vloio a
moratorium on social services currently is enforced
- Il Is vIllIn cIosoIv ¡ioxImIlv oI llo uovnlovn cluiclos
seeking to provide immediate assistance in the name of
Christ
- Il Is oII oI Lalo LoIa vloio manv lomoIoss galloi anu
has been a constant source of anxiety to area neighbors
and city leadership
- Il Is vIllIn vaIlIng uIslanco oI llo uovnlovn
churches enabling their lay leadership easy and safe access
for service opportunities
- Il Is Iocalou on cluicl ¡io¡oilv vlIcl aIIovs Il moio
freedom to provide services as it pertains to zoning issues
- Il Is vIllIn cIoso ¡ioxImIlv oI Sl. Gooigo Cluicl Ioi
their ministry operations
- Tlo huIIuIng anu Ianu aio ¡aIu Ioi In IuII vIll suhslan-
tial infrastructure already established
Over the last few months Dr. Swanson and I have met
with leaders of over twelve churches that wish to be part of
the vision. Dr. Swanson has met with the mayor, leaders of
the downtown business development district, and presented
to the Regional Commission on Homelessness. The Spirit is
at work and the excitement is strong for the vision to be
fulfilled. Your prayers and support are requested as we go
forth with this vision in hopes that it blesses the homeless in
a tremendous way while uniting the Christian community in
God’s mission to the world.
TASTE OF COMPASSION
Mark your calendars for April 21, 2009 to attend the sixth
annual Taste of Compassion. It will be a night of superb
dining with Orlando’s top chefs preparing a scrumptious
feast combined with street performers, a jazz band, and
all of the entertainment of a downtown street party. In
addition there will be both a live and silent auction
featuring several large items including overnight stays at
popular resorts, restaurant gift certificates, and more.
This event raises funds for the annual operating budget
for the Compassion Corner ministry.
W
alking into church on Sunday morning, you recog-
nize several people in the pews before you. Some
look wearied, eager for an uplifting word, while
others smile brightly as they trade stories from
the past weekend. One of the faces you recog-
nize belongs to an 18-year-old girl, who held
your hand as you told your Bible study group
last year that you were diagnosed with can-
cer. Another is a father, beaming proudly
at his newborn daughter pressed close
to his chest. You remember visiting
them at the hospital when she
was only three days old. All
of them were once strang-
ers, but have now become
such a big part of your life
that you can’t imagine it
without them.
What would it
be like to belong to a
church like this, whose
congregation’s love
for each other extends
far beyond the church
walls, into their neigh-
borhoods, homes and
hearts? That’s a question
Jesus to His people: “Love each other as I have
loved you.” (John 15:12)
N E W M I N I S T R Y B R I N G S
j
esus
’
COMMAND TO LI FE
alking g into church on
nize several people i
look wearied, eager
others smile bright
the past weekend
nize belongs to a
your hand as yo
last year that y
cer. Another i
at his newb
to his ch
the
w
By Kristin Davis
First Pres staff members Kent Sterchi and Reagan Per-
kins hope to answer with the launch of LIFE Com-
munities, a new ministry that encourages people to
live and walk the Christian life together. As director
and assistant to LIFE, Kent and Reagan are working
with First Presbyterian to develop the ministry that
they define not as a program, but as a movement. They
recently took some time to talk to us about LIFE Com-
munities, and invite our congregation to join them on
the journey.
First Pres: Who developed the idea of a LIFE Community
and what is the vision behind it?
Kent: God developed the idea of LIFE Communities (which
stands for Living in Christ, Inviting to Christ, Fellowship
in Christ, and Engaged with Christ to extend his King-
dom. It is a theme throughout the Scriptures. It’s rooted
in who He is in the trinity. When He called a people, Is-
rael, He built them in community to witness to the world
that He is real and alive. In Acts, we read about the early
church, where people cared for each other, loved one an-
other in Christ, and shared His message in word and in
deed. It’s not a new idea; it’s reclaiming what’s been lost
by our busy lives and packed schedules.
The development of LIFE Communities at First Pres
started in November 2006 with a small task force. About
nine of us went to Willow Creek, a community church in
Chicago, Ill., to participate in an advanced small group
training. The training made all of us realize that we didn’t
want to be a church that just has small groups, but one
that is made up entirely of small groups. What would that
look like?
We came back and met with Dr. Swanson and the staff to
share the dream that we would be a church where everyone
had a group of people that cared about them. We realized a
pastor can’t do it alone; we needed to develop a ministry to
empower the congregation to love and to serve.
FP: What does a LIFE Community do and how is it different
from a small group?
Kent: The church has identified three areas of ministry
that we want to focus on: Prayer, worship and commu-
nity. This new focus on community has led to the devel-
opment of the LIFE Community initiative.
A LIFE Community is a group of people that love, encour-
age, pray, care for and bear one another’s burdens, among
other things. Small groups are formed around a curricu-
lum that begins and ends, whereas a LIFE Community is
continuous and ongoing. The idea is that, someday, every-
one at First Pres will belong to a LIFE Community.
FP: Practically speaking, how many people are in each
LIFE Community group, how often do they meet and what
do they study?
Kent: Ideally, each group will have eight to 12 people in it
and will be multi-generational. Groups will be organized
by zip code so that every member will live near one an-
other. We will study the Bible, but the structure of the
gatherings will be flexible, so that members can talk about
the issues going on in their own lives.
Every LIFE community will not be the same, as the needs
of each group will be unique. But every LIFE Community
will be built around the same seven values and goals. The
first is spiritual formation, with the Scripture as our cen-
tral focus. The second is evangelism, encouraging groups
to have an empty chair and inviting others to join. The
third is allowing your group to grow and multiply to cre-
ate new groups. The fourth and fifth is to care for one an-
other and participate in volunteering as a group by giving
back to the church and fulfilling its needs. The sixth is
to engage in Christ’s mission by praying and caring for
a missionary or a mission organization that is involved
in advancing the Kingdom of God. Lastly, we want each
LIFE Community to extend compassion to others in our
community by caring for the “widow” and the “orphan.”
FP: Why is it a crucial ministry for FPCO to have?
Kent: It’s come out of a personal longing as much as any-
thing else. The evangelical Christian world has become,
over time, more focused on developing programs rather
than developing the individual as a disciple of Christ.
We’ve grown to be so knowledge-based that it has become
more about gaining knowledge and moving on to the next
study than caring for the people that are hurting and feel-
ing unloved. James said, “Do not merely listen to the word,
and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22).
The idea behind meeting in neighborhoods is allowing
people to slow down and begin to live as missionaries to
the city of Orlando.
FP: What role do you and Reagan play in developing the
idea of a LIFE Community and launching the concept at
First Pres?
Kent: We’ll brainstorm ideas, develop a plan to make it
happen and prayerfully grow, guard and guide LIFE Com-
munities at First Pres. We can come up with ideas, but
we need people to make it happen. The task force I men-
tioned earlier made the recommendation to hire a point
person on staff, someone who wakes up every morning
excited about this ministry. I was hired for the position in
September 2008.
Reagan: Kent is focused on the vision and I’m focused
on how we’re going to get there. I feel passionate about
showing people that community is possible and biblical.
Community survives beyond the church’s four walls. We
sit in the middle of a city and sometimes tune out the
things around us. It’s about getting outside of the con-
structs we’ve made.
FP: Who are the leaders within a LIFE Community?
Reagan: Kent and I put together a LIFE team of people
from all walks of life who share our passion for commu-
nity. We met on Nov. 30, 2008, to begin the process of get-
ting from where we are now to the launch of the ministry
churchwide in January 2010.
Each LIFE Community will be lead by a shepherd. We use
the word “shepherd” instead of leader because they’re re-
ally nurturing people to discover their own gifts. In a LIFE
Community, each person will be empowered to grow to-
gether, to serve each other and to expand God’s Kingdom.
Kent: The shepherd will also have an apprentice. An ap-
prentice is someone in the group that could shepherd an-
other group as the ministry grows. It will be an ongoing
training process. There will be a regular time for all shep-
herds and apprentices to get together to be trained and
equipped in their role as spiritual leaders.
Reagan: Jesus was the ultimate shepherd. He knew his 12
disciples and how to bring out the best in them, but also
how to send them out to fulfill that great commission as
well. He taught them, and then released them out into
the world.
FP: How are shepherds chosen and what qualities must
they have?
Kent: Shepherds must have past group leadership experi-
ence and the gift of shepherding, teaching, mercy or en-
couragement. Initially, we have identified a group of ap-
proximately 180 people who have recently participated as
leaders of the “Awaken” or “Purpose Driven Life” groups
that First Pres offered in past years. We hope to challenge
and train these leaders, as well as other similarly gifted
members, to shepherd LIFE communities in the future.
We believe shepherds of LIFE Communities need to have
a vital, ongoing relationship with Christ. They must be
self-fed, faithful, available, teachable and willing to em-
brace this lifelong journey.
FP: What are the plans for making the dream of LIFE Com-
munities a reality for our church?
Kent: We’ve got a lot to do before we’re ready to launch
LIFE Communities churchwide. The vitality of a LIFE
Community will rise and fall on the development, train-
ing and releasing of passionate shepherd leaders. Ad-
ditionally, we believe that we need to be inspired about
community life through the preaching of God’s Word. In
the fall of 2009, Dr. Swanson will preach a series about
biblical community that will inspire and challenge us to
embrace and live as God’s family in LIFE communities.
The year 2009 will be a time for the LIFE team to prepare
and train leaders to inspire the congregation to carry out
this dream. Our hope is that each member of our family
will be given the opportunity to be shepherd led in a LIFE
Community in the early months of 2010.
FP: Why should someone join a LIFE Community?
Kent: Every human heart longs to know others and be
known, to love others and be loved. Living in community
will help each individual to grow spiritually, to be devel-
oped as a disciple and be engaged in the abundant life and
mission that Christ has invited us all to be a part of.
Living together as the family of God in LIFE Communities
will enable us to be faithful to Christ’s command to love
one another (John 15:12).
FP: What will people learn about themselves and the
FPCO church by getting involved?
Kent: LIFE Communities will be a place to fall more in love
with Jesus and one another. Many people have come to
think that you have to be a part of the church staff to min-
ister to others. By inviting people into community, all will
discover the fact that God can use them.
Reagan: People’s lives will be changed. They’ll be in-
volved in each other’s lives 24/7, celebrating and strug-
gling together. It’s about slowing your life down and look-
ing around at who is near you and living life with those
people. The Christian life, to be fully experienced, must
be lived in deep relationships, not through programs! For
many, this is a much needed paradigm shift.
FP: What will this ministry teach people about God?
Kent: Hopefully, a lot of things. But one of the main dis-
coveries we hope people encounter is that God has invit-
ed us into a partnership with Him to bring heaven to earth
and He chooses to use ordinary people to accomplish His
purpose and plan.
We hope it will spark a growing hunger and thirst for
knowing and loving Him more through His word. God is
revealed through His word.
FP: Where do you need help most and what kind of help
do you need?
Kent: We need prayer. We need people willing to jour-
ney with us as shepherds.
Reagan: We need people passionate about being a part of
LIFE Community and about living life with each other.
Kent: Knowing this is quite a paradigm shift for many,
we need people to walk by faith in believing that God has
called us to deeper levels of community and to be willing
to trust Him in using us in greater ways in the neighbor-
hoods of the city of Orlando. ■
“A pastor can’t do it alone;
you have to empower the
congregation.”
–Kent Sterchi
18 | www.fpco.org
TO GAY FRIENDS & FAMILY MEMBERS
By Kristin J. Tremba , OneByOne
R
E
A
C
H
I
N
G
O
U
T
Ten years ago, I asked these questions about my
own struggle with same-sex attraction. At the time, I
debated whether I was going to “come out” and live
with a woman, and I was in turmoil over this decision
because I was a Christian. I loved Jesus Christ, and I
studied the Bible. I grew up in a Christian family, the
daughter and granddaughter of Presbyterian ministers.
However, even though I knew that the Scriptures for-
bade homosexuality in the Old and New Testaments
without exception, I still thought that if God loved me
he would let me have love even if it was unconven-
tional. Perhaps God had evolved? If two people love
each other, then what is the problem, I thought?
But I was not content to just wonder. I needed to
know. So one day I got on my knees and I prayed this
prayer: “Lord, you know I love you, but I don’t know
what to do about this area of my life and this relation-
ship with this woman. More than anything, though,
Lord, I want your will to be done in my life. No mat-
D
o you have family members and
friends who identify themselves as
homosexual or who struggle with same-
sex attraction? As a Christian who loves
your friend or family member, do you find
it difficult to know how to respond? Per-
haps you are gay-identified or you strug-
gle with same-sex attraction? Do you find
it difficult being a Christian and trusting
your sexuality to God in this area? Do
you wonder if you are living according to
God’s will for your life and if the Bible re-
ally says homosexual behavior is a sin?
www.fpco.org | 19
T
ter what, let your will be done in my life.” I
stood up and went about my business, not mak-
ing any decision to end or continue the rela-
tionship. A week later, I received a phone call
from the woman who professed to love me and
planned to move in with me, saying that she
wasn’t coming. I never saw her again. I knew
God had answered my prayer and had ended
this relationship, but instead of being grateful
to him, I was angry. I rationalized that follow-
ing Christ meant that I would be alone and un-
loved. I mistakenly believed that serving God
meant living a joyless existence of deprivation
and suffering. How wrong I was.
It was during this time of anger and confu-
sion that God revealed an amazing truth to me
about what it means to follow Jesus. One day
I was driving my car, oblivious to the fact that
the stop light had turned red. I ran the light and
a truck ploughed into my car, totaling it. I was
fine physically, but, emotionally, I was in criti-
cal condition. In God’s mercy, He had me crash
in front of an apartment where I had opened up
and prayed with Christians about my same-sex
attraction. The girls with whom I had prayed
came out of the house and into the street. One
girl put her arms around me and held me as a
cried. I had remembered that the first time I felt
sexual feelings for another woman was when
I was comforting her as she cried in my arms.
In light of this memory, I pulled my arm away
from hers so as not to give her the wrong im-
pression; after all, she knew about my “issue”.
However, as I pulled my arm away, she took
my arm and pulled it back around her. In that
gesture, God spoke to my heart and said to me,
“My dear Kristin, I did not come to deprive you
of love but to give it to you – in my way. Trust
me to provide for you and follow me.” Initial-
ly, my anger turned to fear, and then gradually
my fear turned to trust, and then finally trust
turned into joy because God came through. His
word is true; God provided for me. Was it easy?
No. Was it quick? No. Did God allow Satan to
provide opportunities for me to turn back and
lose hope? Yes. But God never gave up on me.
He always protected, always trusted, always
hoped and persevered. His love never failed.
The Psalmist’s prayer is true of my life: “I
waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me
and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy
pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on
a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He
put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise
to our God. Many will see and fear and put
their trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man who
makes the Lord his trust, who does not look
to the proud, to those who turn aside to false
gods. Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders
you have done. The things you planned for us
no one can recount to you; were I to speak and
tell of them, they would be too many to de-
clare” (Psalm 40:105). Following Jesus meant
that I trusted Him to provide for me at all costs
– no matter how long it took and no matter
how confusing and difficult my circumstanc-
es. During this time, God revealed Himself to
me deeply and personally as I trusted Him. He
became my Father and friend. He loved me as
“My dear Kristin, I did not come to
deprive you of love but to give it
to you – in my way. Trust me to
provide for you and follow me.”
continue on page 20
20 | www.fpco.org
a good husband loves His wife, as a good father loves His daughter. He
began to change my mindset and to heal my heart. He taught me why He
set boundaries for us, not to keep us from joy but to give it to us. I came
to realize that my same-sex attraction stemmed from a deep need to have
emotional intimacy with the same sex, a healthy intimacy that had been
short-circuited as a child and adolescent. I learned that only God, our
perfect parent, can fully meet our emotional needs. When I went to others
to meet all my emotional needs – to a woman in a sexual relationship or
to a man in a sexual relationship outside of marriage, I was making peo-
ple my idol – I worshiped them above God – and trusted them to give me
what I thought God had deprived me from having. These relationships
always ended in disappointment because only God can fully provide;
people fall short.
Today I’m married to a loving and devoted Christian man, and though
I have only been married a very short time, I am learning that even in mar-
riage, I still need to go to God first to meet my core needs for love, security,
and identity before I go to my husband for these things. Only God is worthy
of our worship because only God can fully meet the deepest needs of our
hearts. C.S. Lewis was right when he said that we are like children, content
to play with mud pies in a slum because we have never seen or experienced
a day at the ocean. Had I believed the world, well-meaning but misguided
Christians, and a Church that is increasingly advocating gay marriage and
celebrating homosexuality, I would never have experienced the joy of living
in obedience to God’s commands and the blessings that have come from it.
So what do you tell your gay friends or family members? Tell them my
story. Tell them about Jesus. Love them enough to tell them the truth about
their sin, as Jesus did to the woman caught in adultery, not to condemn them
but so that they may be freed to live the abundant life that God has intended
for them to live. If we don’t tell them, who will?
Kristin is a member of FPCO and the Executive Director for OneByOne,
a national Presbyterian Renewal Ministry, housed at FPCO on the second
floor of the Edington Ministry Center. To contact her, call the church at
407.423.3441 x1489 or email her at kjohnson@ fpco.org. ■
“These relationships always ended in
disappointment because only God can
fully provide; people fall short.”
www.fpco.org | 21
I M O G
“P
lease know how much our son loved IMOG ! He es-
pecially enjoyed learning more about the history
and foundation of our Presbyterian Church, and he loved
Rebecca’s Sunday time with them! It was a sweet experi-
ence to rewrite the Lord’s Prayer with him and talk about
what Jesus was showing us about talking to God. Michael
enjoyed talking in depth about what it meant to give Jesus
his life and just what “faith” is all about...he said, “Mom
I already have asked Jesus into my heart so I know He’s
there!” As parents, there could be no greater joy or assur-
ance than to know your child understands and chooses to
follow Jesus with His life, even at the tender age of eight!
How precious our children are...and even more sweet is
the experience of watching their little lives grow in the
knowledge of Jesus. So, thank you for providing such an
amazing opportunity for our children and their families...
what blessings God truly poured out through this minis-
try!” - Beth Pattillo, Mother of Michael, IMOG Student
When Carol asked me this summer to teach IMOG I
was a bit nervous. IMOG is a class on faith basics that
teaches children to more closely walk in the image of God.
Although I was a teacher in a former life (before children)
I felt uneasy about teaching this particular class. I don’t
consider myself a Bible scholar and I wasn’t sure that I
could pass along all of the information that the children
needed in a consistent and cohesive manner. Needless to
say I did not get much sleep the night before IMOG began
and then I arrived at church about an hour early to pre-
pare on that first Sunday morning.
As the children began entering the room, I said sev-
eral silent prayers to God to please be with me as I taught
the children and for Him to show me how to share the
information with the children so that they were excited
and interested in learning more about Him. Wow did
those prayers get answered. I can now say that teaching
IMOG was one of the most rewarding things that I have
done in the seven years that I have been volunteering in
Children’s Ministry. The children who were in the class
were so ready to receive the information that I had for
them. They amazed me every week with their questions
and their eagerness to learn more about their God. They
memorized scripture, learned two books of the Bible and
had written homework assignments they had to complete
every week to reinforce what we were learning.
The seven weeks that we spent down in that basement
classroom showed me the ways in which God works in
the lives of young children. I believe I learned from them
as much as they learned from me. We invited families
to join us during our last class to watch our “Jeopardy”
game where the children showcased all that they have
learned. I think that I can honestly say that the parents
and families were impressed with the children and the
knowledge that they had. One family member, who hap-
pens to be a member of the Session, stated that it would
be interesting to use the meditation time at the beginning
of the Session meetings to see how many of the questions
that group of church leaders could answer. I believe that
is a testament to how early we must begin to shape our
children into people who truly know their God and strive
to be more like Him.
We in Children’s Ministry can now proudly say that
there are nine eager young children in our midst who are
truly walking in the image of God. Spencer, Katie, Trip,
Olivia, Alexis, Rebecca, Maddie, Michael and Zoanna; I
am so proud of you. You are fine young ladies and gentle-
men and it was my honor to walk with you on your jour-
ney during the seven weeks of our class. Congratulations
on a job well done and I can’t wait until next year when
I will have the opportunity once again to share this class
with another group of children. ■
By Donna Grzesik, Member
WALKING IN THE IMAGE OF GOD
22 | www.fpco.org
By Lou Anne King, Member
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?
C O N F I R M A T I O N 2 0 0 9
I
n Matthew 16:13-17, we find Jesus Christ quizzing his
disciples, asking them what people were saying about
Him. They answered based upon the current word on the
street. Then Jesus responded; “But what about you?” He
asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter responded to the Sav-
ior: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus
blessed Peter for his statement of faith, “as this was not
revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.”
In the life of every Christian, the moment comes
when we answer that question as well. We step out
alone in the spotlight to look Christ in the face and
give him the answer, not based upon what other peo-
ple tell us, but what God has revealed to us. That is
the defining goal of the Confirmation Program at First
Presbyterian Church of Orlando. Our next program
begins in January.
WHAT IS CONFIRMATION?
To become a member of First Presbyterian Church of
Orlando our Book of Order requires a public profession
of faith in Jesus as Lord and Baptism as visible signs
of entrance into the active membership of the church.
At this church, we believe that church membership is
to be taken seriously and therefore a child must be ad-
equately prepared to take that step. Our Confirmation
program is a twelve week journey designed to prepare
a young person to publicly profess their faith in Jesus
and become a member of this church. When a child
successfully completes the Confirmation program he or
she will be invited into church membership. The 12
lessons of the Confirmation curriculum are designed to
educate our children in the areas of church doctrine, the-
ology, history and tradition found in the Presbyterian or
reformed tradition. All lessons are taught in accordance
with Reformed theology and on the content as found in
the Westminster Standards and The Study Catechism
of the PC-USA which was approved by the 210th Gen-
eral Assembly. The lessons are visually enhanced with
multi-media presentations and followed up with on-
line communication. This program is not only designed
to be educational, but fun for all participants.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD IS READY
FOR CONFIRMATION?
You will find that Confirmation programs may vary
from church to church, sometimes in length (some pro-
grams span an entire year!) and in ages of children al-
lowed in the program. Because children come to believe
in Jesus Christ at different ages, we believe that allow-
ing them to go through Confirmation close to the time
of that decision is more meaningful than following a
“We step out alone in the spotlight
to look Christ in the face and give
him the answer, not based upon
what other people tell us, but what
God has revealed to us.”
www.fpco.org | 23
prescribed age. Therefore Confirmation is available not
only to Middle School children, but younger children
in Elementary School who are deemed to be spiritu-
ally mature as well as older students who are ready at
a later age. Again, the Book of Order affirms that the
age at which our children come into church member-
ship is “…not precisely fixed, but left to the prudence
of the session to judge after careful examination, the
readiness of those who apply for active membership.”
When family and church are obedient to God’s plan,
we trust that God in His faithfulness and timing will
draw the child to Himself in Jesus Christ. As a parent,
your observations about your child’s spiritual maturity
are the key to determining your child’s readiness for
this program. We would advise consulting a pastor,
minister or close friend who may be able to help you
make the determination. The program is offered every
year, therefore if you have serious doubts about your
child’s readiness, we would advise you to wait for the
next time the program is offered. This is a challenging
curriculum and requires a serious commitment to the
program. The requirements for attendance and par-
ticipation are intentionally designed to challenge your
child so that the experience will be meaningful and
hopefully a memorable hallmark in their lives.
ABOUT CONFIRMATION 2009
New this year to Confirmation is that we are offer-
ing one program to both the Student and Children’s
ministry. All Confirmands will attend a one-hour ses-
sion which will consist of a classroom lesson followed
by an age appropriate group breakout session for dis-
cussion. This year, our Confirmation instructors will
be Lou Anne King and Amy Heck. Lou Anne holds
a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and
another in Graphic Design. She is currently work-
ing on a Master of Arts degree in Theological stud-
ies at Reformed Theological Seminary in Oviedo.
Amy Heck has earned a Bachelors degree in So-
ciology and recently completed a Master of Arts
degree in Christian Thought at Reformed Theolog-
ical Seminary. Children will also be shepherded
by members of the FPCO Congregation including
Elders and Deacons. Active involvement and sup-
port will also come from Carol Welker, Director of
Children’s Ministry and Browning Wood, Director of
Student Ministry, Susie Dunlap and Rachael Aldrich.
Rhonda Simmons will serve as class coordinator.
The requirements for completion of the 2009 pro-
gram including attendance requirements are detailed
in the enrollment forms required for registration.
REGISTRATION
Registration for the 2009 Confirmation class is now
open. You may pick up an information packet in both
the Student Ministry and Children’s ministry offices.
The enrollment form is also available on-line. There will
be a $25 materials fee to cover the cost of printing and
teaching materials. If this presents a problem for you for
any reason, please let us know. Also, a mandatory par-
ent’s meeting will take place January 18 at 6:30pm in
the Warehouse Theatre. Questions? Please call Browning
Wood or Carol Welker at 407.423.3441. ■
CONFIRMATION CALENDAR
Sundays 9:40-10:50 am Jan. 25-Mar. 22 Lessons 1-9
Sundays Mar. 29 & Apr. 12 No Class:
Easter &
Spring Break
Sundays 9:40-10:50 am Apr. 5-26 Lessons 10-11
Tuesday 5:00 pm Apr. 28 Session Dinner & Exam
Sunday 8:00 am May 3rd Confirmation Service
in Sanctuary
Preceded by Reception
www.fpco.org | 23
MAKE A FRIEND,
BE A FRIEND,
BRING A FRIEND
TO CHRIST
I
returned from vacation to find some Jehovah’s Wit-
ness’ literature in my tall stack of unopened mail. At
first glance I am a shocked by their claims concerning
the last judgment, the beast of Revelation as seen in
today’s world leaders, and the ways technology is the
work of the devil. Besides the bad theology, the deliv-
ery method is just so…cold. It is so easy to throw it away
as I did. Yet, those JWs keep trying when they knock on
my door just before dinner time. Perhaps you have had
a visit by these very persistent people who seemingly
care deeply about their faith, your damnation, and the
way to escape the doom of it all? The door to door cam-
paigning and random literature in my mail box must
work, I surmise, because they keep doing it again and
again. Surely the JWs would not keep employing meth-
ods that have no return? There must be some people
out there who respond to strangers at the door and bad
theological literature in the mailbox?
Rev. Case Thorp,
Mission and Evangelism Ministry
24 | www.fpco.org
www.fpco.org | 25
Now hear me, I, too, stand with the doctrines
of our faith that contain elements of damnation
and doom apart from Jesus Christ. It also contains
amazing grace, deep relational love, and life call-
ing that provides purpose and meaning. The dif-
ference, I think, is in
the delivery. For far
too long, Presbyteri-
ans have measured
up to the stereotype
that we are the ‘fro-
zen chosen’. Many
of us chuckle at the
‘frozen’ part and take
smug pleasure in our
social graces that keep the S/spirit under control.
The result? A denomination in decline and a Gos-
pel being held captive by the culture, a concept
developed more fully by Princeton Seminary aca-
demic dean Darrell Guder. If we allow our middle
class sensibilities lead to a polite avoidance of all
things to do with politics and religion, we capti-
vate the Gospel because our social mores prevent
us from being the contagious members of a Jesus
movement.
The median age of Presbyterian Church USA
churches is much higher than the general popu-
lation. Presbyterian Research Services indicates
the following:
Prior to 2005, the median age of mem-
bers had not changed significantly in more
than 15 years; it was 54 years in 1987 and
55 years in 2002. But it increased to 58 years
in 2005. (It was 47 years in 1973.) Among
elders, the median age has shown a similar
progression, rising from 49 years in 1973 to
55 in both 1990 and 2002 before increasing
to 58 years in 2005. Among ministers, me-
dian age has gradually risen, from 46 years
in 1973 to 52 years at present for pastors,
and from 50 years in 1979 to 55 years cur-
rently for specialized clergy.
From 1994 to 2004, our denomination lost
12% of membership matching the trend among all
other mainline denominations in the United States
such as the Disciples of Christ (-21%), Lutheran-
ELCA (-4%), United Church of Christ (-15%), and
the United Methodist
(-5%). George Barna,
statistician and author
of Revolution (Carol
Stream, IL: Tyndale
House, 2005), reports
the sad state of af-
fairs among American
Christians and their
participation in church
life. Barna’s research shows, “The typical churched
believer will die without leading a single person
to a lifesaving knowledge of and relationship with
Jesus Christ.” This is a tragedy and a sad comment
on our purported method for doing and being the
church.
See, Presbyterians are quite evangelical; we
just do not display it for the entire world to see
and replicate. Our method of evangelism is intrin-
sically linked to our ecclesiological conviction that
discipleship without relationship is like a digital
camera without a memory card; it may click, but
there isn’t much ‘there’ there. The method I’ve fol-
lowed is to make a friend, be a friend, and bring a
friend to Christ. This mantra is nothing new and
perhaps adopted by many reading this article. Yet,
if I am not careful, if we become lazy together fur-
ther reinforcing our collective entropy, we may get
to a point where we have enough friends, we are
friends to those we already like, and we rarely end
up bringing a friend to Christ.
When saw-dust is ignited, it flares up into a
flame that no solid piece of matter could emulate.
The surface area of a solid log is only so big and
can only burn so quickly, but saw-dust has expo-
nential surface area on which the flames can burn.
“See, Presbyterians are quite
evangelical; we just do not
display it for the entire world
to see and replicate.”
continue on page 26
26 | www.fpco.org
List five people for whom you will
pray regularly that they may come
to Christ:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Who will you invite to worship
this Sunday? Or maybe there is
someone you know that would be
best invited first to a small group,
local mission opportunity, or
church function. Who might they
be and what is the best venue for
them?
If asked today about why you are a
Christian, what would you say?
Likewise, I do not for a moment think that special-
ized evangelism programs and Evangelism Commit-
tee budget monies can compare with our more than
4700 members being the front-line of evangelism by
being the face of Jesus who cares for a friend, car-
ries the burdens of others, and shares their testimony
in a way that proves the freeing message of the Gos-
pel. Thinking that it’s the church’s responsibility to
do the evangelism is like burning that sole log. But
when all our members are engaged as the frontline
of evangelism, we have 4700+ areas of surface. Or,
rather, we have that many faces, hands, testimonies
and hearts impacting those around them.”
Be intentional about making new friends if you
have plenty, or rather be intentional about identify-
ing the non-Christian friends you may already know.
Pray for them on a daily basis and pray for an op-
portunity both to serve them unselfishly and for an
opportunity to share your testimony about what
Christ has done for you. These can be casual, nor-
mal means of interaction, but we must be willing to
share, open up, call the question by honestly shar-
ing our faith. Rarely do staged moments work, and
entrapping someone so you can share the Gospel can
only distance friends. However, living life with co-
workers, neighbors, and newly made friends at the
coffee shop can be transforming given that we are
willing to push beyond our social graces and share
the impact of Christ on our lives. ■
“Be intentional about making
new friends if you have plenty,
or rather be intentional about
identifying the non-Christian
friends you may already know.”
NEWS & NOTICES
Preview The Economy of God Study Series, Jan. 4
On Sunday, January 4, 2009 at 9:45am, all adult Sunday
school classes will come together in the Sanctuary to
hear a message from guest speaker, Howard Dayton, co-
founder of Crown Financial Ministries. In preparation
for The Economy of God, Mr. Dayton will share an inspi-
rational message of how the Crown Ministry study can
impact your life in ways beyond financial stewardship.
All adult Sunday School Classrooms will not be set for
use that morning. Join us in the Sanctuary.
The Economy of God Orientation & Dessert, Jan. 11
All individuals and small groups participating in the
winter study, The Economy of God, are invited to a study
orientation and dessert on Sunday, January 11, 2009, at
6:30pm in the Lee Fellowship Hall. A preview of the
study and materials will be highlighted. If you have not
yet registered to participate in the Winter church-wide
Bible study, The Economy of God or to attend the ori-
entation and dessert, please register at www.fpco.org/
register. For more information, contact Lori Needham at
407.423.3441 x1463.
Sunday School Chili Cook-Off, Jan. 18
Plan to attend a Chili Cook Off on Sunday afternoon, Jan-
uary 18, from 2-4pm under the Angel Wing. This event
is sponsored by the Adult Education Sunday Morning
Classes. They will compete for the best chili prepared
with the pastoral staff judging. Come sample the chili
offerings and enjoy beverages, cornbread and brownies
provided by Lackmann Culinary Services.
The Heart to the City Foundation Luncheon, Jan. 12
The Heart of the City Foundation is proudly hosting a
luncheon at the Citrus Club featuring guest speaker Dr.
Paul Schervish on January 12 at 12pm. Dr. Schervish will
be presenting “The Ministry of Biographical Conversa-
tions”, and the discussion will be tailored specifically
to financial advisors and estate planning attorneys. Dr.
Paul Schervish is the professor of Sociology and Director
of the Center on Wealth and Philanthropy at Boston Col-
lege. For three consecutive years, he has been included
in the Nonprofit Times’ “Power and Influence Top 50”, a
list which acknowledges big influencers in the nonprofit
world. He has published in the areas of philanthropy,
the sociology of money, the sociology of wealth, labor
markets, unemployment, biographical narrative, and the
sociology of religion. To attend this event, contact Amy
Bishop at 407.423.3441 x1484 or [email protected].
Young at Heart Meeting, Jan. 24
The Young at Heart January meeting will be held at the
Bob Carr Auditorium on January 24, 2009! Bus trans-
portation will be provided at 12:30pm for a backstage
tour at 1pm and a private concert conversation. The
show is with the Orlando Philharmonic and you will
hear the music of Rosemary Clooney, Bobby Darin and
Henry Mancini. The cost is $29 per person (group rate)
for very good seats; center stage on the auditorium floor!
Get your reservations in early!! Seats will go quickly!
Call Bonnie Rhea for reservations at 407.855.8122.
Congratulations to:
Maureen McGuire and William Arwood, on the birth of
their son, William Patrick Arwood, born October 30, 2008.
The proud grandparents are Rebecca and David Mitchell.
JJ and Rob Mackle, on the birth of their son, Hayden
Robert Mackle, born July 3, 2008.
Kristie and Corey Yarger, on the birth of their daugh-
ter, Keirson Ansley Yarger, born October 26, 2008. The
proud grandparents are Kaye and Peyton Keaton.
Sympathy to:
Punky and John Tolson, on the death of his mother,
Cleta Hughes, on October 21, 2008.
Betty Sue and Sevier Sabin, on the death of their son,
Tripp Sabin, on October 25, 2008.
Jill and Bill Cain, on the death of his mother, Mary Cain,
on October 28, 2008. Mrs. Cain was the grandmother of
Suzanne Cain and Stephen Cain.
Mary and Wayne Windham, on the death of her father,
Elwood S. “Duke” Windham, on October 29, 2008.
Grandchildren are Lindsey and Lauren Windham.
David and Beth Wigle, on the death of his father, Bruce
Wigle II, on November 2, 2008.
Linda and Burt Thorpe, on the death of her sister, Gail
Bates, on November 4, 2008.
Donna Whelchel and Craig and Gwen Dorris, on the
death of their mother, Wilma Dorris, on November 5,
2008.
The family and friends of Phyllis Turner, who died
November 6, 2008.
Linda and Mike Bailey, on the death of his father,
Al Bailey, on November 6, 2008. Mr. Bailey was the
grandfather of Julianne Hendrickson & David Bailey.
Sara and Allen Holcomb, on the death of his brother,
Edgar Holcomb, Jr, on November 7, 2008.
Tracy Goodson, on the death of her mother, Minnie
Goodson, on November 10, 2008.
Debbie and Micky Blackton, on the death of his brother,
Chuck Blackton, on November 14, 2008.
Julie and John Rutledge, on the death of his mother, Mary
Lou Rutledge, on November 16, 2008. Mrs. Rutledge was
the grandmother of Beth Ann and Thomas Rutledge.
The family and friends of Peggy Moran, who died
November 19, 2008.
Bridgette and Chad Cahill, on the death of her father,
Jonathan Barres, on November 21, 2008.
Joyce Layton, on the death of her husband, Gene Layton,
on November 21, 2008.
www.fpco.org | 27
Guided by Faith. Educated for Life.
RSVP: 407-849-1665 | [email protected]
106 E. Church Street, Orlando, FL 32801
You are Invited to
The Christ School’s Open House on
Tuesday, January 13, 2009, 7:00 p.m.
Join us Tuesday evening in the Reformation Chapel for a welcome
presentation followed by campus tour and classroom visitation.
NOW ENROLLING FOR 2009
SERVING GRADES K-8
First Presbyterian Church of Orlando
106 E. Church St., Orlando, FL 32801
The First Presbyterian Columns (USPS 604-040) is published
once per month, except for twice in March, by the First
Presbyterian Church. Circulation: 4750. (3750 by US Mail, 1000
by on campus distribution). Periodicals postage paid at Orlando,
Florida. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to COLUMNS,
106 E. Church St. Orlando, FL 32801-3390.
©2008 First Presbyterian Church of Orlando COLUMNS.
POSTMASTER: Time Sensitive Material
Please Deliver by December 29, 2008
PERIODICALS RATE
US POSTAGE PAID
ORLANDO, FL
106 East Church Street
Orlando, Florida 32801
407.423.3441 | www.fpco.org
Traditional Services: Sundays, 8:30 &
11 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Genesis Services: Sunday, 8:30 &
11 a.m. in Lee Fellowship Hall