FPCO Columns November 2009

C O N TA C T U S
407.423.3441
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 donate flowers for worship services Contact Worship x1451 With questions about your pledge, donation, or budget Contact Finance x1479 With a change of address Contact Membership x1471 To purchase a sermon CD or DVD Contact x1438 To join the Chancel Choir Contact x1273 For child care reservations - Early Childhood Contact x2250 To reach the Security Office Contact 407-415-9793 For Weekday School Contact 407-996-5864 For more information on adult Sunday school classes, contact Spiritual Formation x1463 With questions about the FPCO website or this Columns publication Contact Communications x1467 To reserve meeting space Contact Special Services x1469 Hospital Calls: Hospitals are no longer able to notify us when our members are hospitalized. If you know someone who is in the hospital, please notify the Pastoral Care office at x1455. Pastoral Emergencies: For pastoral emergencies outside of the 8:30am5pm church office hours, please leave a voice mail message at the main church number. 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 Congregational Life x1159.

On The
“How good and how pleasant it is when brothers and sisters dwell together in unity … for there the Lord bestows His blessing, even life forevermore.” Psalm 133:1, 3
difficult to believe that God truly loved me; much less that He had a unique purpose for my life. That all changed when I was invited to a senior high boys’ Bible study at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas. That invitation led to my participation in the larger youth group, and for the first time in my life, I discovered a wonderful thing called community. The adult leaders and other students accepted me, flaws and all. They loved me. They invested in me. I was transformed. Suddenly, the doubts I had about God and His plan were removed, because I experienced His true nature through His people. That experience shaped much of my understanding of what the church is all about, and since that time, I have never stopped making my own participation in community groups a priority in my life. When Leigh and I went to seminary, we were in a couples’ group. When we moved to Chattanooga, I was in a men’s group with three others that met every Thursday morning at 6:30am at the Waffle House. When I moved to Fort Myers, I started two men’s groups that met on Thursdays at First Watch. And when I came to Orlando, I immediately prayed that God would lead me to a group that I could be in here, and He was faithful to that prayer. As I look back on my life, I cannot imagine who I would be now without these influential brothers and sisters. I am often reminded of Elijah, exhausted and spent, being awakened by an angel to eat. The angel says, “The journey is too much for you …” That is one of the foundational principles of my life. The journey is too much for me. In other words, I cannot do this life by myself. As soon as I try to live my life without the love, support, prayers, encouragement, wisdom, and accountability of others, I either make a mess of things or sink into despair and utter fatigue. It is, in fact, a biblical model. This is what we are told about the early church in the book of Acts, a text we will be studying in depth in the next year. The early believers formed a community and they did life together. They ate together, studied together,

WITH Dr. DaVID D.

A

s a relatively insecure and socially awkward teenager, I struggled mightily with my sense of self-worth. I found it

www.twitter.com/fpcorlando

www.facebook.com/firstpres
2 | www.fpco.org

SWanSOn

Way
prayed together, sang together, served together, worshipped together, and played together, all in the midst of a challenging, rapidly changing culture. Consequently, I have always believed the church would function best when she was immersed in doing life together–smaller groups of people intentionally meeting together in order to live out their Christian lives. That model, grounded in our vision to seek, share, and serve, is finally ready to be fully realized in this place. Life communities are ready to be born. Through them, I believe more and more people will find a path much like I did as a disconnected teenager. I believe people will find, through community, the courage to live obediently, the grace to share honestly, the power to live faithfully, and the truth to grow deeply in Jesus Christ. It is what God has intended His people to do all along. We have just been a bit slow, and far too widely influenced by our culture. Let’s turn that around. Let’s return to the model that God has given us from the beginning. Let’s stop allowing ourselves to live disconnected, isolated lives and let’s invest in building true community in this Body. I have no doubt that this is what God is calling us to do and who God is calling us to be. With eager expectation for our coming community life together, I remain Under His Mercy,

THE 2009 AdvENT dEvOTiONAL BOOk
By: Prayer & Spiritual Formation Ministry
As we approach the season of Advent, the selected devotional booklet comes from the writings of Henri Nouwen, “Living in Hope.” Advent should, by definition, be a thoughtful time for us to prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The selected writings in this devotional offer hope in Christ and strive to deepen our appreciation of the redemption of Christ in reconciling us to God. It’s the perfect preparation to receive the gift of Christ from God! These devotions will be on sale Sunday, November 15, 22 and 29 for $2. Stop by the table outside of Lee Fellowship Hall or the table in the Grand Hall on those dates to obtain your copy. The first Sunday in Advent is November 29. n

David D. Swanson

www.fpco.org | 3

THE GENErAL W.E. “JOE” POTTEr, rUTH T. POTTEr SCHOLArSHiP
By Jo ann P. Heine, Member, and Suzan P. Schull, Honolulu, Hawaii

T

he General W.E. “Joe” Potter and Ruth T. Potter Scholarship has been awarded to out-

standing students from First Presbyterian Church since 1989. The family would like the recipients to know something about the two special people for whom the scholarship is named. General Potter died in 1988 and Mrs. Potter in 1995. They had both been worshipers at this church for many years. They were always grateful for the education they received: our father from the United States Military Academy at West Point, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the National War College, and our mother from West Virginia University and Duke University. They would also recommend the education received from the “College of Life.” Wherever they traveled, whomever they met, they felt they always learned something from the experience. They were most emphatic that you could not complain about anything if you were not willing to be part of the solution and do something about it. They raised their two daughters this way and passed along this belief to their grandchildren. Our father served 33 years in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Major General. His service culminated with his appointment by President Eisenhower to be the Governor of the Canal Zone. After his retirement from the army he was appointed by Robert Moses to become the Executive Vice President of New York’s World Fair. There, he met Walt Disney and was asked to head up the planning and building of Walt Disney World. He became the Senior Vice President of Walt Disney World Co. and President of the board of supervisors of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. The city of Orlando became his home in 1966. He was very active in the community and served on various civic boards. Several were very near and dear to his heart. For 15 years he was a member of the board of “Orange Memorial Hospital” as Orlando Regional was then known. Governor Bob Graham and Mayor Carl Langford appointed him to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority which he was proud to be a part of. General Potter saw the numbers of young people in the church grow by leaps and bounds and wanted them to have every possible opportunity for a higher education. He wanted them to be the future leaders of our community and our nation. With this in mind, he requested that his family set up the scholarship for college bound seniors and those already in college who were active in our church and exhibited leadership potential within our community. He also wanted them to maintain a high grade point average. Many former recipients have already achieved outstanding careers in a variety of fields. When Mrs. Potter died, the family added her name to the scholarship as she shared all of her husband’s beliefs and hope for the young members of our church. Two very wonderful honors have been awarded to General Potter posthumously. In October of 1996, Roy Disney named General Potter a Disney Legend, the only West Point graduate to ever receive such an honor. A bronze plaque was placed in the walkway at the Disney Studios in Burbank, Ca. Here at Walt Disney World one of the ferryboats that carry visitors from the parking lot to the Magic Kingdom is named the “Gen. W.E. ‘Joe’ Potter.” Remember the wonderful legacy that the Potters have left as you enjoy your ride into the park. n

4 | www.fpco.org

iCCC GrANdmAS
By Sue Pollock, Director of Infant Child Care Center

“B

eing so close to God makes it a privilege to serve those so new from God,” was one of the comments overheard

compliance is the provision of breakfast and lunch being offered at no additional charge to all children and the Foster Grandmothers in the Infant Child Care Center. When asked the reason for volunteering, Grandma Annatolia Torres-Villafane responded “It gives us purpose.” In September, the ICCC staff joined together to honor these ladies at a Foster Grandmother’s Breakfast. The role senior volunteers play in the life of children and families should never be underestimated. The ICCC clearly understands that this is a winwin situation where young, old, and in-between ages all benefit deeply. The stipend is provided to empower seniors so they suffer no personal hardships. The Grandmas shared that it is so much more valuable than the stipend and other things provided. “My babies are the reason to rise in the morning,” Rosa Hartsfield says. Girlesa Bohorquez rose to her feet and exclaimed, “We freely give of ourselves and in return we feel so loved by the children, teachers, staff and the parents.” The newest grandmother, Anacelli Castillo, who joined the Foster Grandparent Program in August, cried as she explained that she had no family here in Central Florida and was very lonely. Since getting involved in the program at the ICCC she says, “These children and other grandmas have become my family.” At the Infant Child Care Center, the Foster Grandparents cannot be placed in a position of responsibility. They cannot be counted to achieve appropriate child care ratios either. Their only agenda at the ICCC is to love and respond to special opportunities to hold, nurture, hug, play and read to the children. Grandma Carmen Bermedez stated, “I was transferred to a center closer to my home, but after two weeks I cried to go back to the ICCC. Today, I make the long trip each day knowing smiles will be waiting for me when I arrive, and I’ll have special stories of the children to share with my neighbors when I return home.” At the breakfast, as the grandmas were presented with special handmade tokens of appreciation from the children they so lovingly serve, Annie Rae May, 87, whispered, “You make us feel so worthy: worthy as elderly ladies, worthy to share God’s love.” n

at the breakfast to honor the Foster Grandmothers of the First Presbyterian Church of Orlando’s William E. Alexander Infant Child Care Center. A mission of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, the William E. Alexander Infant Child Care Center qualifies for the Foster Grandparents Program by providing partial tuition scholarships for the need-based families attending the Center. For more than 3o years the Advisory Board has been motivated to raise scholar-

ship funds, embracing the belief that struggling families deserve a quality Christian environment for their young children. Contributions to the ICCC from dedicated donors help greatly to accomplish this difficult task. The Foster Grandparent Program began nationally in 1965 as a cooperative effort between the Office of Economic Welfare and The Department of Health Education and Welfare. Developed by Sergeant Shriver, it is a component of President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty. Since its Central Florida inception in 1972, the Foster Grandparent Program has strived to recruit, and train limited-income seniors, ages 60 and older, to provide 20 hours per week of one-on-one special attention to children. Today, more than 300 Foster Grandparents volunteer in Central Florida. Thirteen Foster Grandmothers fill a valuable need by serving the children of the ICCC each morning or afternoon on a daily basis. In exchange, they receive a small, non-taxable stipend, transportation assistance, supplemental accident and liability insurance, frequent physicals, recognition for their dedication, and meals provided by the center. A major component for ICCC

www.fpco.org | 5

THE CHriST SCHOOL’S PriNCiPAL HEArS GOd’S CALL iN HOUSTON
By nicole Millard, The Christ School
but their journey started much earlier. Last fall, as part of The Christ School’s plan for growth and development, Head of School, Dr. Jason Powell, made the decision to conduct a national search for a principal. The focus of the search was to find the individual God had planned for this important position. In an independent, private school, the principal is responsible for the day-to-day focus, to ensure that the education of each student is of the highest quality. According to Dr. Powell, “God clearly orchestrated His will in leading Dr. Deveau to The Christ School, and it has been my privilege to watch God’s plan unfold as He continues to bless our school.” Dr. Deveau began his career in education, developed his Christian walk, and learned to lead at an independent Christian school in Houston, Texas. He met his wife, Ruthie, in the school’s sanctuary, and they were married less than one year later. The community celebrated its first teacher marriage and grieved with them as Todd tragically lost both of his parents to cancer two months later. His faith in God and the embrace of a loving Christian school community established an iron-clad assurance that independent Christian school education would forever be his career and passion. After completing his doctoral work, Todd began hearing God in a way that he never had before. He felt challenged to expand his circumstances and look elsewhere to further God’s kingdom. In a national publication, Todd learned that a Christian independent school in Orlando was searching for a K-8 principal to further its mission of Christ-centered education at The Christ School. While its name and mission intrigued him, the fact that his wife had attended Rollins College solidified his desire to pursue the position. Todd believes that God began His amazing work in Houston. God orchestrated His will by arranging for a consultant, who had been working with The Christ School, to be visiting Houston at the same time Todd inquired about the Principal position. After a meeting, God clarified that Todd needed to get to Orlando. The other positions for which he was a finalist drifted to the periphery as he visited The Christ School and listened to His clear and unambiguous call to relocate his family. He recalls that he and Head of School, Dr. Jason Powell, smiled confidently after a full day and a half of interviews led them to pray together. After more divinely-inspired events, the Deveau family left the comfort of the Houston school family and home as they listened and responded to His call and relocated
6 | www.fpco.org

A

national search brought Todd Deveau, Ed.D and his family to Orlando and The Christ School this past summer,

to Orlando in June. Todd says that his family has been blessed with a smooth transition, as The Christ School community has welcomed them with prayer and open arms. Todd and Ruthie have a son, Timmy, in kindergarten and a daughter, Haven, in third grade at The Christ School. He adds, “Our attendance at FPCO’s Genesis service has been an additional blessing for our family, as the transition from First Presbyterian Church in Houston was one of relative ease.” The development and evaluation of all K-8 curricula is a primary responsibility of Dr. Deveau’s position. He says, “It is my goal to help The Christ School become a premiere independent Christian school with a rigorous curriculum and exceptional instruction.” Another primary goal is to establish strong partnerships between all constituents of The Christ School community. Todd works closely with parents to establish relationships that best encourage student learning and success. He also seeks to enhance student culture through intentional instruction in Christian character development, leadership skills, and community building. The elementary school will continue to provide a developmentally appropriate, nurturing environment in which each student’s gifts and talents are identified and celebrated. The middle school program includes an advisory model in which each teacher leads a group of students through the identity-forming years of adolescence with explicit and intentional character education, fostering strong relationships, and acting as a primary contact between the school and families. Dr. Deveau expressed his appreciation for his new role: “It is my sincere pleasure and honor to respond to God’s calling and join this fabulous Christian community of The Christ School!” n

equip themselves and expose their babies to music as soon as they develop the ability to hear (9-16 weeks). This prenatal music class will give moms tools to continue the exposure to music throughout their daily routine. During class, we will sit on yoga balls and sing songs, do movement activities, play instruments, and listen to different sounds. Studies have shown that experiencing music early in life can increase brain function, as well as accelerate a child’s learning in all areas of life including math,

A

s part of the early childhood music program MusikGarten, Musik4Life is the precursor class for expecting moms to

language, large and fine motor skills, and more. Help your child get an early start in their learning experience by exposing them to music now! An added bonus is that you get to meet expecting moms just like yourself! We offer eight-week sessions throughout the year, and our schedule is on our website. For further information, visit our website www.fpco.org/childrensmusic or contact Stephanie Mixner at 407.423.3441 x1186 or smixner@ fpco.org n

WANTEd: LOviNG HEArTS TO miNiSTEr

iN EArLy CHiLdHOOd miNiSTry
Kathy Mangascle, Director of Early Childhood Ministry
four? Would you consider committing to work one shift, one Sunday a month, as a volunteer in the Early Childhood Ministry? Morning Glories, the volunteer team of the Early Childhood Ministry, is currently recruiting volunteers and we need your help! Volunteers choose to work either the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Sunday for one shift, 1st shift (8:15-9:45), 2nd shift (9:45-11) or 3rd shift (10:55-12:25). Volunteers assist the ECM staff by helping greet parents, reading to and playing with children, and assisting in the Sunday morning curriculum. This is a wonderful opportunity to minister to children and their parents and we are in critical need of help as we have only had 53 of 90 volunteers sign up for this year. We don’t want to have to close nursery rooms! If you are interested, please contact Kristen King at [email protected] or 407.432.8400, or Roberta Brandenburg at 407.658.0191 or [email protected]. n

A

re you looking for a place to serve? Do you enjoy sharing your love for Christ with children ages birth to

www.fpco.org | 7

Be ParT Of The real STOry
By Carol Hafer, Director of Mission Ministry
8 | www.fpco.org

I

n the summer of 2000, while the other television networks were trotting out their usual fare of reruns and spin-offs,

the ones giving and the ones receiving. We can’t be passive bystanders. We can’t sit on the couch. We’ve got to get in the game. It’s what we were made for. And this story isn’t about success in the music industry, a better body, or a bigger house. No, the prize is much more valuable than that. It’s a prize that no one can take away. As Paul says, “They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.” We run for a prize that doesn’t just make people successful or better looking but transforms lives. For this is a story that transforms the entire course of history, and makes all things new. It is a story of freedom, hope, and healing. It is a story of redemption. God is working and He’s invited us to be a part. God’s desire is for you to fit into the great purpose He has for all humankind, so that you become involved in what He is doing. Reality is that all the stuff we have will pass away. Reality is that all our gifts, time, and material possessions belong to God and are on loan to us to use for His eternal purposes. God is at work. November 22 will be Reality Sunday. We will be sharing real stories about real people. Come and see what God is doing through our five FPCO urban ministries, focused on being a blessing to those in need in our city. They include: After School Outreach Ministry (ASOM), Compassion Corner Ministry, the Infant Child Care Center (ICCC), Jobs Partnership-A Mercy Drive Initiative, and the FPCO Jail Initiative. These ministries were birthed by First Presbyterian Church of Orlando members and have grown and continued through the gifts, time, and resources of our church members. These ministries report to the session through our mission structure. Each of these ministries has a leadership team where FPCO members

CBS quietly debuted a program that would change the face of television as we know it. Survivor was a show about 16 real life people marooned on a tropical island for 39 days, struggling to survive the elements and each other for the prize of one million dollars and the title, “Ultimate Survivor.” The series experienced astronomical growth in popularity over its 13 episodes, culminating in a finale that drew nearly 52 million viewers. Its producer, Mark Burnett, had birthed a new era of television shows–reality TV. There are many reasons why others jump through hoops to be on one of the various shows. Be honest, have you ever thought about what it might be like to be part of reality TV? Or ever considered applying for a show, even if only for a brief moment? I admit, I once talked to my childhood friend, Heidi Pullen, about going on the “Amazing Race” so we could share an adventure and see the world. It was actually right after my dad died and I was looking for an escape from the pain in my life. There are other times that I’ve contemplated what it would be like to be on one of those makeover shows, so that I could somehow get back to my 25-year-old body and finally climb The Nose on Yosemite’s El Capitan. Reality is, I’d be happy to just be able to run a 5K for one of our mission partners. There is a real draw to watch or be a part of reality TV. However, in those few and far between quiet moments, there is a greater reality that draws me in; a bigger story. A still, small voice invites me to be part of God’s real story. A story that is both ancient and timeless. A story that is incredibly relevant to our lives today. A story that allows us to be part of the greatest adventure we’ll ever experience. This story involves real people, in real situations, with real needs. There’s plenty of drama … ups and downs, hurt and pain, longing and love, good and evil, heroes and enemies. And we know the participants. We live with them, work with them, pass them on the streets, and go to church with them. In God’s story we don’t just get to sit, watch, and vote. We get to be a part of the story. In fact, to participate in this grand story is the very thing we were designed for. We are both the ones

WE CAN’T SiT ON THE COUCH. WE’vE GOT TO GET iN THE GAmE. iT’S WHAT WE WErE mAdE fOr.
transforming and the ones being transformed, at the same time. We are the ones bringing hope and the ones receiving hope;

have

the

opportunity

to

provide oversight, planning, and ongoing vision. We are excited to share what God is doing and give you some specific ways you can play a role and be a part of the real story. We will highlight one project per ministry

that we can accomplish together. For more information, contact Amy Heck at 407.423.3441 x1474 or [email protected]. n
www.fpco.org | 9

Why DO I
By rev. Sam Knight; associate Pastor for Congregational Life
worship God. I sit quietly trying my best not to reveal what is really going on within my soul. I am really struggling. I just can’t seem to get excited about worship today. My mind is swimming; the constant churning of my worries is overwhelming. Why is it so hard to concentrate? The words of the songs are just not connecting with me today. I wonder if they know, if they see
10 | www.fpco.org

feel SO alOne?
“W
hy do I feel so alone? I am sitting here in the midst of hundreds of people who, like me, have come to the anguish in my face though I have been trying so hard to hide it? Do they realize what I am going through? No one really asks how I am. They just smile or politely ask, “How are you?”, without waiting for my truthful response. I sit here each Sunday surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ, yet I still feel so alone!” Many within the congregation feel this way. Many do not have the opportunity to express how they really feel. For some

it is because of embarrassment or shame, or a fear that no one will really care. Stephen Ministry helps address these types of issues. At FPCO women and men have stepped forward to be trained and equipped as Stephen Ministers to walk with people through difficult situations. Through the empowering of the Holy Spirit and effective training, many now share the light and love of Christ to those that had previously felt alone. Those that have been served through Stephen Ministry testify to the depth and warmth of Christ’s love expressed to them through encouraging words, meaningful times of prayer and the assurance of presence. For those that have served as Stephen Ministers it has been clearly understood as a true blessing of Christian service.

littling and manipulation, and to avoid passive behaviors such as withdrawing and relinquishing rights. By learning to behave assertively, Stephen Ministers become more aware of God’s will for their lives and more aware of the needs of others. Reason #5: Stephen Ministers are caregivers, not curegivers Stephen Ministers are not therapists or problem solvers; they are caregivers. Only God can bring about healing, forgiveness, and hope. Stephen Ministers are trained to listen and pray, to be reliable and non-judgmental, and to help care receivers express their feelings. Focusing on caring and not on curing means Stephen Ministers never pressure a care receiver to “get better.” Stephen Ministers are there for as long as the process takes, and trust that God works in His own time to provide wholeness. Reason #4: Stephen Ministers feel needed (Because they are!) Stephen Ministry was created by a minister named Kenneth Haugk, who realized that there are not enough pastors available to provide patient, long-term care to people in crisis. By training lay ministers in his congregation, he was able to ensure that the newly widowed, those going through divorce, people with chronic or terminal illness, and many, many others were able to meet regularly with a compassionate listener. Stephen Ministry benefits our pastors, our congregation, and our community. Reason #3: Stephen Ministry skills apply in other relationships Stephen Ministers are trained to listen, to recognize, accept and express feelings, to behave assertively, and to depend on God for healing and change. They often find themselves using these skills in dealing with spouses, children, coworkers, clients, and in-laws. Imagine how a workplace could be transformed by a single person who has learned to listen without judgment! Reason #2: Stephen Ministry is a life changing experience Have you ever avoided approaching a person who was hurting because you “didn’t know what to say?” We all have. But Stephen Ministers know what to say and how to act. They are trained to respond compassionately and respectfully when others need them, and they feel confident in their caregiving skills. Stephen Ministers are the first to respond when neighbors, family members, and coworkers need someone to talk to. Reason #1: Jesus commanded it “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12).We are called to “bear one another’s burdens,” and to “accept one another.” Jesus wanted us to be doers of the Word, not just hearers. Stephen Ministers are in the trenches every day, caring for those who are hurting, bringing warmth and kindness to those who feel alone, creating an atmosphere where trust and respect can lead to wholeness. Stephen Ministers answer the call of Jesus. We are all called to care! Stephen Ministry classes start in January. If you would like to know more about being trained as a Stephen Minister, please contact Tammas Smith at 407.423.3441 x1455 or [email protected]
www.fpco.org | 11

Top Ten reasons Why yOU Should Become a Stephen minister:
Reason #10: You will learn to turn danger into opportunity The Chinese word for crisis is made from a combination of two other characters: danger and opportunity. Every crisis, whether it is a divorce, the loss of a spouse, sudden unemployment or even a much-desired pregnancy provides both an opportunity for growth as well as a danger of choosing destructive solutions. The care of a dedicated, trained, Christ-centered Stephen Minister can help a person in crisis find equilibrium and wholeness. Reason #9: Stephen Ministers are skilled caregivers Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of training before they are commissioned and assigned to care receivers. They learn skills such as listening, identifying and expressing feelings, setting boundaries, and being assertive. They also learn about specific challenges such as hospitalization, divorce, grief, and depression. Stephen Ministers feel well prepared to walk alongside people in crisis, whether it is with an assigned care receiver, or in their own relationships with family, friends and coworkers. Reason #8: Stephen Ministers experience the joy of fellowship with one another Stephen Ministers meet about an hour a week with their carereceivers, but they also meet twice a month in small groups with other Stephen Ministers. Here, in a confidential manner, they share the joys and challenges of their caring relationships, pray for one another, offer encouragement and practical help, and relate to one another in a deep and spiritual way. The bonds of friendship and commitment are strong and positive. Reason #7: Stephen Ministers learn to listen Most people think of listening as a simple, natural, and passive activity: but it is actually a powerful caregiving tool. Using Jesus as our model, Stephen Ministers learn the skill of active listening, which involves commitment, patience, and attention to body language. Stephen Ministers learn to listen for more than just words. They seek true understanding and empathy. Reason #6: Stephen Ministers are assertive caregivers Stephen Ministers are trained to “Speak the truth in love.” Christian assertiveness is a positive and constructive way of relating that respects others and ourselves. Stephen Ministers learn to recognize and avoid aggressive behaviors such as be-

12 | www.fpco.org

COUNSELiNG miNiSTriES
Support Groups
Men on Masculinity A group of men gather to share questions and answers to questions such as: where does my significance come from? Do I have what it takes to be a real man of God? Questions of freedom and self reliance often get asked and comprehending that freedom can be difficult. Understanding that is an incremental process that happens inside relationships with Jesus and others. This support group will help men deal with the need for a quick fix, a solution that does not feel too risky, and one they can do without anyone’s help. This explains why there are many places in our lives where men get stuck. In order to work through their “stuff,” this group is learning to venture outside of their comfort zone to find the strength and courage God created men for. It is a difficult journey, but one full of goodness and healing. Contact Dan Miller [email protected] Divorce Care for Parents, Kids The divorce recovery ministry provides a structured support program to help you and your children learn to cope with the changes taking place in your life and heal the hurt caused by divorce and separation. Divorce Care is a weekly support group and seminar conducted by people who understand what you are experiencing. You will find encouragement and wise counsel as you seek healing and balance in your own life. Contact Pam Finne [email protected] Women’s Sexual Abuse Recovery Women’s Cancer A comforting place for women to come and share, compare notes, and get the information and help that they need while dealing with cancer. Each meeting is planned to educate and encourage women of all ages and stages of cancer. Speakers are brought in from the church and A journey of healing is offered to women affected by sexual abuse. A place of safety and security, support and study, and prayer and encouragement as women face the atrocity of childhood sexual abuse together. Contact Elaine Coleman [email protected] Infertility Support The group seeks to provide a place where others can hear stories of hope and encouragement; receive relevant information and resources on infertility and adoption; and most importantly be surrounded by a body of Christians to listen and support them as they wrestle with this all too common problem. Contact Amy Bishop [email protected] Other Support Other support and care ministries include Stephen Ministry, TeleCare, Deacon Bereavement Care and the Intercessory Prayer Team. Visit www.fpco.org/ counseling for further details, meeting times and locations, or call Linda McCallister 407.423.3441 x1159. n Walking the Mourner’s Path Walking the Mourner’s Path is a Christcentered, eight-week, non-denominational grief program. The classes will consist of a series of lessons built on the stages of grieving from denial to acceptance. A member of the clergy is present at all sessions, which are led by two trained bereavement facilitators. The purpose of the support group and program is to transform grief into joyful living. Walking the Mourner’s Path offers the outstretched hand of Christ: inviting those who have felt the intensity of grief to come into our Lord’s loving presence and experience the abundance of His tender mercies. Contact Tammas Smith [email protected] Vocation and Career Forum A gathering designed to discuss vocation and career related issues including employment, vocational transitions, disappointments, challenges, celebration and encouragement within the frame work of God’s Word to us. Contact Andy Burchak [email protected] Unwanted Same Sex Attraction Life changing transformation comes through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ. If you struggle with un-wanted same sex attraction, we seek to offer help, support, ment. Contact Dan Miller [email protected] counseling, and encouragecommunity to share their knowledge and experience. The group offers a safe place to honor your courage, give love and support, and share your journey with hope, healing, and God’s power. Contact Laurie Cook [email protected] Abortion Recovery There are many factors which may influence the decision to abort a child; it is a painful and even shattering decision. The wounds of the heart may not have healed yet. Abortion Recovery seeks to encourage those affected by abortion related issues by offering Bible study, support, hope, love, and forgiveness. Contact Amy Sinns [email protected]

SHOE BOX

Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. PRAY for the child who will receive your special gift.
BOY OR GIRL?

How to Pack a Shoe Box Gift

Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label shown below. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.
FILL WITH GIFTS

Gift Ideas:
TOYS

Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child.

small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc. pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc. toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc. Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries) In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)

Use the Gift Ideas List
INCLUDE YOUR DONATION

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online, or you can write a * check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation. It’s easy and convenient to give online. Go to www.samaritanspurse.org/occ.
DROP OFF

HYGIENE ITEMS

OTHER

A PERSONAL NOTE

Place a rubber band around each shoe box and lid and drop off at the Collection Center nearest you in mid-November. For locations and dates, call 1-800-353-5949, or visit www.samaritanspurse.org/occ. You can also send your shoe box gift to: Samaritan’s Purse/Operation Christmas Child, 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, NC 28607

Do Not Include:
Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans

shipping * The suggested donation has increased due to higherthe projectcosts and expanded evangelistic outreach. This is the first increase since began 13 years ago.

Mark the correct age category:

2-4 Years Old

Shoe Box Labels

5-9 Years Old 10-14 Years Old
Mark the correct age category:

2-4 Years Old 5-9 Years Old 10-14 Years Old

14 | www.fpco.org

neWS & nOTIceS
“Operation Christmas Child” Shoebox donation Please join us in bringing eternal hope to millions of children in desperate situations around the world. You can bring God’s love to them by filling a shoebox with personal items, school supplies, and toys. The boxes are accompanied by evangelistic brochure materials and follow-up discipleship programs so the shoebox is only the beginning. These brochures are available in the Angel Wing, Allen Hall and the Welcome Center. Actual shoebox drop off will be from Sunday, November 8-22. Boxes may be dropped off under the Angel Wing on Sundays and in the Welcome Center lobby during the week. For more information, contact Carol Welker at 407.423.3441 x1490 or [email protected]. Wanted: 20 Singing men If you have a love for singing and a desire to have fun and be part of a great ministry within the church–then the Chancel Choir is for you! We need at least 10 more tenors and 10 more basses for the choir. There is NO AUDITON to be part of the chancel choir. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings from 6:15–8pm. The Chancel Choir leads in worship at the 11am Traditional Worship service. For more information, please contact Stephanie Mixner at [email protected] or 407.423.3441 x1186.. register Now for Southwind middle School retreat Middle School students will be going to Southwind Young Life Camp, located in the Ocala National Forest, from December 11-13. Students will enjoy plenty of fun activities while enriching their faith. Register online at www.fpco.org/register or contact Rachael Aldrich at 407.423.3441 x2350 or raldrich@ fpco.org. The cost is $160 if registered by December 7. The Usher ministry Needs yOU! Our church is working hard on becoming the community that God wants us to be, and part of that is our ability to welcome others in a warm and gracious manner. This is the ministry of our ushers. Ushers are often the first contact that a person has with our church on Sunday morning, and thus a vital part of ministry. If you have a heart for others and a desire to make our church a warm and welcoming place, please consider becoming an usher. To volunteer, contact Jane and Larry McLean at [email protected]. Congratulations to: Susan and Jack Somerville, on the birth of their son, Colton Matthew Somerville, born September 2, 2009. His proud brother is Hayden Somerville and the proud grandparents are Dottie and Jim Drane. Holly and Fred Van Houten, on the birth of their daughter, Ansley Grace Van Houten, born September 22, 2009. The proud grandparents are Cynthia and Joe Brackett, and Mrs. Jane Pharr. Rachel Nicole Hansford and Lance Richard Gartrell, married September 26, 2009 in the Sanctuary. Rachel is the daughter of Becky Hansford. Missy and Charlie Sternberg, on the birth of their daughter, Sienna Briles Sternberg, born October 1, 2009. The proud grandparents are Marilyn and Jeff Sternberg. Sympathy to: Letha Grubbs, on the death of her husband, Oliver, on September 13, 2009. The family and friends of Laurens “Buck” Handy, who died
www.fpco.org | 15

September 14, 2009.

The family and friends of Nancy Halbig, who died September 16, 2009. Jacquie and Dr. John “Lucky” Meisenheimer on the death of his mother, Alice May Meisenheimer, on September 16, 2009. Mrs. Meisenheimer was the grandmother of John, Max, and Jake Meisenheimer. Diane Buchanan on the death of her brother and Heather Buchanan on the death of her uncle, Doug Wilson, on September 24, 2009. Freddie and Lu Langston on the death of his father, Fred Langston, Sr. on September 29, 2009. Kathryn and Tom Miller on the death of his son, Terry R. Miller, on September 29, 2009. Mr. Miller was the brother of Kaite and Scott Miller. Connie and Steve Chaney, on the death of his mother, Anne Chaney, on October 3, 2009. Mrs. Chaney was the grandmother of Natalie and Ryan Priemer. Iris Scott, on the death of her mother, Delean Able, on October 3, 2009. Mrs. Able was the grandmother of Dr. Bill Scott, Lisa Furth, and Lori Burton. Tonya and Robert Culton, on the death of her father, Bob Wilson, on October 10, 2009.. September ’09 Giving Snapshot General Operating Sept. Gifts Fiscal Yearto-date Gifts Contributions $370,490 $1,233,141 Budgeted $515,800 $1,366,400 Surplus/ (Deficit) $(145,310) $(133,259)

Line of Credit $ 275,000 Immeasurably More Outstanding Balance IM Sept. Gifts IM Fiscal Year-to-date Gifts (net of 10% tithe to Missions) $58,408 $ 166,338 $4,128,446

Contact Finance for a full revenue & expense summary.

first Presbyterian Church of Orlando
106 E. Church St., Orlando, fL 32801
The First Presbyterian Columns (USPS 604-040) is published once per month, 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. ©2009 First Presbyterian Church of Orlando COLUMnS.

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 & 11am in the Sanctuary Genesis Services: Sundays, 8:30 & 11am in Lee Fellowship Hall Live Online Worship: Sundays, 11am www.fpco.org/live

POSTmASTEr: Time Sensitive material Please deliver by November 18, 2009

As we prepare a slide show for our celebration we welcome WDS photos from the past. Please send photos you would like to share by email to [email protected] (subject: 60th Anniversary). If you are unable to send the photo digitally, please forward a copy to the Weekday School office in an envelope marked 60th Anniversary.