FPCO Columns October 2008

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FPCO Columns October 2008

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GOD WILL DO THE

HEAVY LIFTING
Kris and Simon Morgan
Page 6
Vol 48, #10 October, 2008

Have You Ever Read a Book that has Changed Your Life?
Would you be willing to share it? I have discovered that the men and women in our local jails do not have adequate reading material. They are desperately in need of Biblically-solid, culturally-relevant books. What I DO NOT want is for you to empty your library of the books you don’t want and bring them to church. What I DO want is for you to pick one book that was personally significant and bring it to my office at church. I will ensure that these books get into the hands of our local inmates. Thanks for taking time to do this. I know it will make a difference for many people hungering for truth and hope.

ON THE WAY
with Dr. David D. Swanson
Dear FPCO Family and Friends,
“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.” 1 Corinthians 13:11 To be honest, I have never much cared for Paul’s rather arrogant pronouncement in his letter to the Corinthians. He seems to be saying that he has mastered the whole notion of what it means to be a Godly man, and I guess I don’t think its that easy. His words are a little hard to swallow, but he’s also right. Our male pride is what often keeps us from accepting that. Godly men act like men, not like children. We just don’t want to hear it. If you spoke to my wife, she would tell you that, indeed, there are times when I am childish – when I speak like a child and act like a child and reason like a child. I have even been known to yell like a child, drive like a child and eat like a child. The reason for that is fairly simple. Men (and women), like children, tend to be rather self-driven because we are convinced the world still revolves around us. It doesn’t. I know that, at least cognitively, but I still fight against it. Since my conversion to Christ, I have tried to put away those childish things and live like King David, a man described in the Psalms as being “after God’s own heart.” Even so, David made a lot of mistakes. The reality is this: being a Christian man in today’s world is tough. That does not excuse anything, but sometimes it helps to acknowledge the difficulty. Men are famous for not asking for help, but in this situation, we’d better slow down and get some because we CANNOT do it by ourselves. This month, the men of First Presbyterian Church have a great opportunity to continue down that path away from childhood and towards Christ-like manhood. We will gather in Lee Fellowship Hall on Saturday, October 18 at 8:30 a.m. for a morning with Patrick Morley, author of The Man in the Mirror. Mr. Morley is one of the foremost lay leaders in men’s ministry today, and he has recently updated his successful book so that it addresses the current issues men face. We’ll be done before lunch and home in time for college football! This may seem like a small thing – one Saturday morning – a few hours – but I believe it is sorely needed by many men, including me. I pray that the men of our church will take the time to think about their lives – perhaps their childish ways – and come with an attitude of humility, ready to be taught. If you have not already registered, you can do so online at www.fpco.org/register. May God continue to mold and shape each one of us more closely into the image the one true Man, His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. With thanks and praise for this, His Church, I pray for His Grace and peace,

David
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In January, First Presbyterian Church will join together in a church-wide Bible study, The Economy of God. Through it, we will explore the abundance of wisdom and guidance provided by God in relationship to money and finances, not so much in what He wants from us, but what He wants for us. Dr. Swanson’s Sunday sermon message will provide the backdrop for the weekly group Bible study. Now is the time to make plans to gain God’s perspective on the economic fortunes, or misfortunes, of our time. Study participants need to register now and attend an orientation session on November 9 or 16 at 6:30pm in Lee Fellowship Hall. Come to receive your study materials, the short paperback book, “Your Money Counts”, and enjoy fellowship and desserts. The orientation session and reading are required prepartion for the Crown study which will begin January 18. Existing Bible Study/Life Group leaders will register their entire group. Individuals not currently particiating in a study group will enroll for sessions held at the church on Sundays, from 4:30 – 6:30pm. Free child care and children’s programs are available. The cost for the study is $45 per person or couple (sharing one set of materials).

Registration is one easy step; sign up for the orientation session and the Bible study all at one time. Register at www.fpco.org/register or contact Lori Needham at [email protected] or 407-423-3441. ■

BIBLE STUDY ORIENTATION & DESSERTS ON NOV 9 & 16
Join us for a great time of fellowship, delicious on o grea t eat f llowship delic u owship, lici desserts desserts and receive study materials. sser e e tudy materials. a ials Register toda Register today! www. fpco.org/register gist d ww. p o.org/registe g g e

STUDY LEADER TRAINING SESSION ON OCT 25
Existing group leaders and those interested in xisti g gro p eade t roup ders d hose ntereste n s erested volunteering lead Sunday grou volunteering to lead Sunday groups must attend l eeri d unda oups ust atte d tend a Crown Ministry Training session on Saturday, C w i istry Tra ni s si rain Saturda t d October 25, from :30a October 25, from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Co-leaders t 0 :30p 0 o leaders ader are en o r ged 07-423-3 4 1463 are encouraged. 407-423-3441 x1463 -423 3

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By Rev. Donna McClellan Rev. onna McC e la C

Have you ever felt left out? Like everyone had been invited to the party except you? That everyone knew something and everyone was talking about it and you had no clue what they were talking about? Those feelings are not unlike what I experienced when it seemed as though EVERYONE at FPCO had been through this thing called CROWN except me…and I DO NOT like to be left out!! Oh, and I was assured that Crown was not just about money but more about lordship (a topic I do like to talk about!) and not one person said anything negative about their experience. In fact here are some of the comments I did hear: “Our Crown Ministries experience did far more than just teach us God’s view on possessions and money (although it certainly did that). It gave us teaching that strengthened our marriage, made us better parents and introduced us to people that became lifelong friends. What a blessing!” Bill and Nancy Robbinson “Crown was really our first small group experience at FPCO. We got to know others in the church and it brought us together in study over the area of money. The study brought us closer as a family and more accountable to each other…” Mike and Rebecca Bedell and Wil Brown “Michelle and I joined in a Crown Ministry study in the spring of 1991 and it radically altered the way we lived and live…away from the world’s values of debt, accumulation for self and placing our self-worth on the ‘stuff’ we have. Some of our most valued friendships today are the people that we journeyed with in that Crown study, 17 years ago. Also, resulting from our heart transformation, our family began to live under the banner of ‘as for me and my house, we are going to serve the Lord!!’ We went on to lead several other Crown groups over the years and so look forward to our church family experiencing all the freedom that Crown brings.” Kent and Michelle Sterchi Those comments and the following Scriptural truths are why I am VERY excited to join those of you who have not yet experienced LIFE together in a Crown small group.

Jesus spoke without apology about money. In 27 of the 43 parables, Jesus spoke directly about money and ownership. One researcher (I have not counted them) made these observations about Scripture: • 30 verses on baptism • 225 verses on prayer • 300 verses on faith • 700 verses on love • 2350 verses on money, finances and material possessions Apparently God knew there would be a lot of lessons His people would need to learn concerning money. It is not that money is bad or that God has something against wealthy people. Jesus was a friend to both the poor and the wealthy. And the verse often misquoted, 1 Timothy 6:10, does not speak of the evil of money but of the love of money as the root of all kinds of evil. In Matthew 6 we are warned about the danger of storing up treasures that fade away, rust or wear out…and we are encouraged to store up treasures in heaven “For where your treasure is there will your heart be also.” The truth is earthly treasures will never satisfy our souls… they will always leave us wanting more…on the other hand…we can invest in eternal things and it will change/soften/enlarge our hearts. And we will learn the joy of living for something (Someone) more than self. That is why I am excited about Crown! Not because I necessarily love talking about money. But because I am looking forward to learning with others about what God says about Lordship…over all of life…money included. ■

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MR. UNIVERSE
RELIES ON GOD FOR STRENGTH
Kris and Simon Morgan share their fitness and faith connection
By Kristin Davis

Just outside the Edington Ministry Center, I wait for members Simon Morgan, two-time Mr. Universe, and his wife, Kris. I look around for a guy with melonsized biceps, prominently displayed under some tootight T-shirt. Instead, I find Simon, dressed casually in a loose-fit, white-collared shirt and dress pants. Moments later, Kris arrives, looking just as fit as her husband, with son Charlie, 6, and daughter Ellie, 5, in tow. Ellie is wearing a princess crown and a plastic jeweled necklace while Charlie sports a Boston Red Sox baseball cap, a necessity when your mom is a Boston native. Kris apologizes for the two unexpected guests, but explains that the family does just about everything together nowadays. That includes leading a new ministry that started in September called Become FIT (Faith, Integrity and Technique). Become FIT is an eightweek program which teaches participants the importance of exercise, nutrition and establishing a personal relationship with Christ. “At the end of the eight weeks, you’ll have a blueprint of [how to get to] where you want to be,” Kris says. “It’s not about judgment; our goal is to get you healthy.” Each week, the couple leads a one-hour class to provide participants with the knowledge and tools they need for a healthier lifestyle. During this time, Simon and Kris share tips on subjects such as how to eat right and how to exercise effectively. They also share insight as to what the Bible says about taking care of one’s body. “The body is a temple of the Lord,” Simon says, referencing 1 Corinthians 6:19. “Your body is not your own; and it’s the greatest gift you’ll ever get.” Although Simon is new to Christianity—he was baptized in July 2007—his passion for fitness has been a lifelong affair. Growing up in London, he played popular sports such as rugby and soccer. After breaking his ankle during a soccer game in his early 20s, he went to physical rehabilitation and got turned on to lifting weights. “I started [building]
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my legs, then it became a whole body thing and it all started from there,” he says. To take his training to the next level, Simon began entering body building competitions and fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening his own gym in 1997. It was called Castle Gym, as it was located near the Windsor Castle. “The queen was my neighbor,” he says. “You could hit [the castle] with a baseball from the gym.” It was there he met the other love of his life, Kris. In March 1999, Kris was on business in London from Boston, where she worked for a software company. She traveled for work often and, a gym rat herself, always looked for a place nearby to work out. Simon still remembers the first time she walked into his gym: “She had a baseball cap on; all I could see was her smile.” After going out, the two realized they shared many of the same interests. Kris also enjoyed body building, even competing in the Eastern States Championships in the early 90s. Several dates and three weeks later, Kris decided to extend her stay in Europe … indefinitely. She asked her company to relocate her there. When she flew back to Boston to get her things from home, Kris got another unexpected surprise: Simon proposed. “I always joke that I couldn’t understand what he was saying [with his accent],” she says. “I just thought, ‘You’re cute, I don’t know what you’re saying, but sure.’” The couple married in July 2001 and had their first child, Charlie, in 2002. Ellie followed just one year later. As Simon’s family grew bigger, so did his bodybuilding career. He was training two hours a day, six days a week, to prepare for one of his biggest body building competitions yet: Mr. Universe. His hard work paid off; he won the title in 2002. Simon’s life was beginning to feel complete with his career success and the new additions to his family. But after he won the Mr. Universe title a second time in 2004, he says things took a turn for the worst. A bad crowd began to circulate around him and his gym. “As Mr. Universe, I lead a selfish life and it was all about me,” he says. “I was idolized and I idolized my body. Along with this came the social trappings of alcohol, drugs and adultery.” Deciding it was time for a change, Kris and Simon moved to Orlando to be closer to Kris’ parents, who retired there. Simon sold Castle Gym and packed his bags, ready to start fresh and leave his troubles behind. But it wasn’t that easy. He began to stray down the same bad path he was on in London, over-partying and hanging out with all the wrong people, he says. He and Kris separated as a result, and Simon turned to alcohol to avoid his problems. He started to realize it was going to take someone much stronger than himself to get through this. “I worked on my relationship with the Lord,” he says. Recognizing his need for support, Simon searched for a church that he could call home. Friend John Cash invited him to a community Bible study, and his son, John Cash III, extended the Morgan’s an invitation to attend a church service at FPCO. After listening to Dr. Swanson’s sermon, they say they both knew they had come to the right place. “We just thought, ‘Wow, this is where we want

to be,’” Kris says. After joining the church, Simon and Kris slowly began to repair the damage that had been done to their relationship. Many times prior to that, Kris says she thought about filing the divorce papers. But something kept telling her to wait. “Faith was the only thing that saved our marriage,” she says. “The Lord wasn’t present in our marriage. He had to break it down to build it back up.” They started to get more involved in the church, attending the 8:30am worship service and participating in Bible studies such as the “Awaken” series, where they say they learned how to become more conscious Christians. Kris and Simon soon found that God had an even bigger plan for their lives than even they were aware of. Simon and Kris had always discussed starting a training business together to help others get fit, but, after joining the church, they decided their expertise could also be used for a greater purpose: starting a ministry at FPCO to get members in shape physically and spiritually. “It was always my goal to help others in a physical aspect, and now, it’s in a spiritual aspect as well,” Simon says. Through Become FIT, Kris and Simon hope to be a resource for those that want help, but are too afraid to ask. “We welcome anybody and everybody,” Kris says. “There are no levels; it’s just about being healthy.” Kris and Simon help participants set attainable goals, but they stress that each individual must do the work to reach them. “We want to teach them to do this,” Kris says. “We want to get them started, but the journey is all their own.” As the conversation draws to a close, Ellie climbs onto her dad’s lap, takes off her plastic jeweled necklace and places it around Simon’s neck. Not exactly an accessory one would normally find on a Mr. Universe, but Simon isn’t fazed. These days, he takes himself a little less seriously, and his relationship with God a little more so. “[This program] is not about you,” he says. “It’s about honoring what God’s given you.” ■

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DIANE BISH
IN CONCERT
ON FPCO’S TAYLOR ORGAN
By Dr. Rebecca Bedell, Worship & Culture
Diane Bish is the most visible and influential classical organist performing today. Concert and recording artist, composer, conductor, and international television personality, Diane Bish has displayed her dazzling virtuosity and unique showmanship the world over to international acclaim. Her performances have been hailed by critics as “stunning”, “virtuoso”, “fiery”, and “astonishing”. Miss Bish’s television program The Joy of Music is broadcast to over 300 million people around the world each week. The show combines exhilarating organ and ensemble performances with an informative, inspirational narrative and exciting world travel. After twenty-five years of continuous broadcast, The Joy of Music is one of the longest running television programs still in production with new programs taped, edited and broadcast each year. The Joy of Music library boasts over 500 episodes featuring famous cathedrals, concert halls, churches and organs. Ms. Bish will present a concert of music for the organ in the FPCO Sanctuary on Sunday, October 12, 2008; sponsored by the American Guild of Organists and FPCO. Tickets are $10 and are open seating. Purchase tickets at the door or by mailing a check for $10 to Central Florida AGO at 2515 Woods Edge Circle/Orlando, Fl 32817/Attn: Diane Bish Concert Tickets. About the Taylor Organ The Taylor Organ was made possible by a gift in 2000 from Jane and Tom Taylor to the members of FPCO and the community at large. The pipe organ is one of the oldest musical instruments, representing the longest and largest continuous literature of any instrument. Indeed Mozart named it “the King of Instruments!” This new organ at FPCO is a unique combination of ancient organ building techniques and modern, digital technology. Patterned after the French Symphonic and American Classic styles, this instrument will be capable of playing the most demanding literature from the softest service music to the glorious concert repertoire. Equally at home in worship, solo, choral accompaniment, or to a complement full orchestra,
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the organ at FPCO dates from 1955, originally built by the Moller Company of Hagerstown, Maryland. We have used many of its best pipes and wind chests and have added new pipes from Northern Ireland, Czechoslovakia, as well as new pipes and chests from the Jim Lauck workshop in Michigan, who restored and installed the organ to its present state. There are 36 ranks of pipes numbering 2,196 individual pipes. This is supplemented by a vast array of digital voices which are sampled pipe stops from many of the finest organs in the world, including 3 ranks of Arp Schnitzger diapasons dating from the time of J.S. Bach. This entire apparatus is controlled by a new 4 Manual Custom Allen Renaissance™ console. Added together, the organ speaks with the equivalent of 163 ranks of pipes, making it one of the largest instruments in Florida! An unusual feature of this organ is the “floating” string division, which is playable from any manual and pedals. Patterned after the famed Skinner string sections in many of their larger installations, it speaks from either the front or rear of the church. Dedicated in January, 2000, by renowned organist, Alan Morrison, the instrument stands as a testament to the majesty and beauty of God’s creation. The Taylor organ has and will continue to offer praise in worship, weddings, memorial services, concerts, and other special events that touch the lives of all who enter our sanctuary. J.S. Bach inscribed many of his compositions with the dedication “Soli Deo Gloria”…to God alone be the Glory. It is within this spirit that we strive to provide a suitable offering of excellence and adoration in the use of this magnificent instrument under the brilliant hands and feet of Diane Bish, one of the most visible and influential organists in America today. ■

Enough Men to Fill the Choir Loft! Men’s Choir Sunday on October 19
That’s right men – we need you! NO experience required! On October 19 VoiceMale will sing, and we want to fill the choir loft! We will be singing an energetic, fun Gospel anthem as well as other music for the service. Rehearsal tapes will be available so you can practice in the car, the shower or wherever! Several rehearsals will be offered—come to all or as many as you can. Sunday October 5 10:00 – 10:30am Sanctuary Thursday October 9 6:30 – 7:30pm Sanctuary Sunday October 12 10:00 – 10:30am Sanctuary Thursday October 16 6:30 – 8:30pm Sanctuary Sunday October 19 7:30am call Sanctuary RSVP to Lucy Edgerton at x1273 or Jim Stowers at jstowersjr@cfl.rr.com

WANTED:

JOIN THE CHRISTMAS CHOIR
2008 Christmas Concert: Rejoice! ... God With Us
Have you wanted to sing with the choir, but don’t feel that you can make the commitment to sing all year? Here’s your chance! Beginning on Thursday night September 25, the choir will begin preparing the music for this year’s Christmas concert. The concert will be presented on December 12 and 13, so for Christmas Choir singers, it is only a 12-week commitment. We would love to have you join us!! Rehearsals for Christmas music will be on Thursday evenings from 7pm – 8pm in the Sanctuary. Child care is available with a reservation. Please RSVP your interest in singing in the Christmas Choir to Lucy Edgerton at 407-423-3441 x1273.
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Weekda
WEEKDAY SCHOOL……
MORE THAN A PRESCHOOL!
By Donna Speer, Director of Weekday School
Hallelujah! Let the children come……oh, what a joy it is to see precious young children in the halls and classrooms here at First Presbyterian Church. The spirit of God’s love and excitement fills Allen and Yowell Halls again this year. I keep hearing that “Weekday School is more than a preschool; it is a ministry for the whole family.” I now believe this to be true and here is why: Weekday School is blessed by God; there is no doubt that God is at work in this place! We see His handiwork everywhere we look. First and foremost, we pray. We pray for God’s protection, His wisdom, and His guidance in everything we do and for each individual. Secondly, we see transformation in the lives of all who participate in this ministry, and we know that our Lord is in the business of transforming lives. God’s work begins with the growth and change we witness in the lives of children. Each child comes with a unique personality, temperament, learning style, and set of behaviors. We love them all and desire to help each one to grow up to reach his or her Godgiven potential. As the year progresses, we will see the quiet child become more outgoing, the disruptive child gain self-control, the unsure child grow more confident, and all children grow academically by leaps and bounds! We see transformation in the lives of moms and dads. Every year parents tell us how they themselves have grown spiritually both from the materials and events Weekday School provides, as well as trying to answer children’s deep theological questions such as, “Does God have friends, or is He alone” or “What does God look like?” Families come to know Weekday School as a partner in guiding and maintaining their Christian homes. We provide Women’s Devotional Studies, Thanksgiving Worship, Cup of Christmas Tea, Mother’s Brunch, Daddy and Me Day, Chapel, Faith and Family Newsletter, Advent and Lent Devotionals for this purpose. Lives are changed by the involvement of our volunteers; we have an incredible amount of talent on our Advisory Board, Fun Fair and Silent Auction Committees, Room-mothers and classroom volunteers. We welcome new ideas, and see God at work through the many gifts and talents of those that give tirelessly to benefit this ministry. Many parents have shared that they have made “friends for life” from their involvement here. Last, but not least, God is at work in the midst of our staff. We are a group of 48 women who love each other, have a big heart for children, and are growing in our faith as well. The dedication of these women never fails to amaze me with their desire to provide the very best for the sake of young children. Yes, there is no doubt that God continues to bless Weekday School; it truly is more than a preschool, and it is an honor to be associated with this great ministry. ■

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ay School
FINDING A NEW PATH
By Kim Hawkins, Weekday School Mom
“So, where will Connor be going to Preschool?” asked several friends. “Preschool?” I thought to myself, “What’s preschool? Isn’t kindergarten preschool?” My husband and I didn’t attend preschool, and we think we turned out okay. But as my conversations continued, I realized that in today’s educational environment, where kids are pushed at an earlier age, preschool was not only an option but a necessity. Now, where should he go? Enter the Weekday School. Through the recommendation of our friends, Dawn & Chip Herron, we investigated the Weekday School and found the tender, loving environment that would be perfect for our oldest son, Connor. At that point in our lives I can honestly say that a Christ-centered education was not a priority for us. But I truly believe that we were being gently pushed toward the Weekday School from above; He knew that we, as a family, needed more in our lives. Connor entered a “4-day” class in August 2004; a year that had already seen a few challenges for our family and that had left me, personally, a little lost. Earlier in the year my husband, Andy, had a brain tumor removed, which thankfully was benign. Then I was laid off from my job, and one month later we had our second child, Jack. I was not prepared to be a stay-at-home mom; I was ready to resume work after a short maternity leave. After much discussion we decided it would be best for our family if I stayed home. Now I was no longer a working mother, I was a homemaker (a word that made me cringe). And I was lost. I can clearly remember our New Parent Orientation. Not only did I learn all about lunch bunch, the Fun Fair and those important carpool rules; I was introduced to the concept of Women’s Devotional Studies. I recall Beth Emsley stating that if you wanted to meet other mothers, Women’s Devotional Studies was the place to be. I had never been involved in a Bible study; I was raised Catholic, we didn’t really read the Bible. But as I entered the room that first day, I was overwhelmed by the welcoming nature of all the women involved. Again, a gentle push from above; He knew what I would need. During the spring of 2005, I suffered a miscarriage. It was a devastating blow to our family. If not for the love and support of my Women’s Devotional Studies group, lead by Lou Ann King, and other families from Connor’s class, I truly do not know if I could have handled it. Connor felt the loss as well, and was comforted by his teachers during that time. My family has weathered a few more difficulties and one very joyous event, all with the help of the precious women in the group. I have learned more about myself and my Creator through these studies than I thought possible. The question of “Preschool? What’s preschool?” never entered our minds with our second child, Jack; he was signed up before he was one year old. He loves the Weekday School. And Maggie, our 10 month old, her enrollment forms were pretty much sent from the hospital! The Weekday School gave our son a solid foundation for his future; both academic and spiritual. But it also provided me with an avenue to find a new path for my life; one that continues to delight and amaze me everyday. ■

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You’re Invited!

FUN FAIR
Saturday, November 15 • 10am-2pm Silent Auction in the King Parlor Fun Fair on the Great Lawn, in Lee Fellowship Hall, and under the Angel Wing

Weekday School’s

&

SILENT AUCTION

$15 per p

TICKET S erson

(child 24 monren under ths FRE E)

Tickets on Sale Now in the Weekday School Office
Includes: Admission to Silent Auction, lunch and lots of fun activities like pony & train rides, bounce house, giant slides; story time, music, games, clowns and face painting!

Silent Auction Program will be available online November 8 www.fpco.org/funfair

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Christian Care is Never Outdated
Stephen Ministry January Training Class Accepting Applications
By Tammas Smith, Director of Pastoral Care

ACCESS CONTROL TO FPCO BUILDINGS GOES INTO EFFECT
By Dr. Keith Wright, Executive Pastor
In our desire to better protect our children, as well as our employees, FPCO will be implementing access control to its buildings this month. As a church, we have a unique dynamic that we hold in tension. On the one hand, we are called to be Christ’s witnesses in the place where God has planted us—downtown Orlando. That means that we need to be open and accessible to all who have needs, and all who seek spiritual growth and care. On the other hand, we have over 700 children on campus each day in one of our 4 schools (The Christ School, Weekday School, Little School, and the Infant Childcare Center…for those of you trying to figure that out). As we have studied the best ways to address this tension, one recommendation has been to secure the exterior doors to areas where children are present. That means, during the day, several doors across campus will be locked. Employees and screened volunteers will be issued a photo identification badge that will also provide them access to the areas they need to go. Guests to the church will need to check in with the receptionist in each of our buildings to obtain a visitor badge. There may be times that you come on campus and try to open a door, go to an office, or try to walk to a ministry area where you have gone for years…and you will discover a locked door. Please keep the following thoughts in mind before you get too frustrated: • Try to remember why we are doing this—to keep kids safe. • Know that we are also trying to be good stewards of the property (real and personal) that God has entrusted to us. • Understand that there will be kinks in the system. We ask for you patience as we implement these new controls, and work through whatever issues will arise. • Be friendly with our receptionists who are here to welcome, assist, and serve. • See the new photo identification badges as a way to put faces and names together. When you see someone without a badge, use that a an opportunity to greet and welcome them. ■
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God’s command that we love one another is the same now as it was thousands of years ago. How are you showing God’s love to others? Stephen Ministry is one way you can do that. Every day you see people who are hurting: those who have lost a job, lost a loved one, gone through a divorce, or are battling a terminal illness. Stephen Ministers are God’s representatives who bring His love to those who are hurting. God is waiting to make a difference in their lives through you! Spiritual gifts are gifts to give away. God gives them to us, and we use them to serve others. How are you using your gifts right now? Are you looking for a new way to use them? If your spiritual gifts include one or more of the following--faith, mercy, teaching the faith, encouragement, or knowing-consider Stephen Ministry, our congregation’s one-to-one care giving ministry. This may be just what you’ve been looking for! “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Find out about this important ministry of our congregation and how you can get involved by contacting Tammas Smith at [email protected] or 407.423.3441 x1455. ■

The Power of a Shoebox: Operation Christmas Child
By Carol Welker
Millions of children around the world live in circumstances we could not even imagine. Often all they long for is to know they are loved. You can bring God’s love to them in the simplest of gifts…a shoe box. By filling it with personal items, school supplies and toys you can tangibly give love to a child desperately in need of hope. The boxes are accompanied by evangelistic materials and follow-up discipleship programs so the shoe box is only the beginning. In fact, the Bible story book that goes in each box is now written in over 70 languages. Because of Operation Christmas Child many children and their families have come to know Jesus Christ as Lord. Listen to what some children who have received a box say: “I believe Jesus loves me and poverty is not a hindrance to my dreams.” (Philippines) “Learning more about Him encouraged me to keep going and not to worry about the things that I don’t have.” (Paraguay) “Thanks for the opportunity to give my life to Jesus.” (Pakistan) Please join us in bringing eternal hope to the children of this world. And, as you pack your box pray for the child who will receive it. Get involved and be amazed to see how God can use a small gift –your gift – to touch a child’s heart. Each box must be accompanied by a brochure. These will be available in the Angel Wing, in Allen Hall, and in the Welcome Center starting Sunday, October 19. Drop off your shoe boxes Sundays, November 9-23 under the Angel Wing or in the Welcome Center during the week. For information or questions contact Carol Welker at [email protected] or 407-423-3441 x1490. ■

NEWS & NOTICES
Mission Partner Amani ya Juu Sankofa Fashion Narrative Show on October 4
Amani is a self-sustaining, sewing-marketing-training project for the marginalized women in Africa. The women modeling at this fashion show will be wearing clothes that they have made and learned to make while working together through faith in God to provide a higher peace. Purchase tickets at www.fpco.org/sankofa or call the church Mission office for more information. help you experience and connect with life at FPCO. It’s a great way to make some friends, learn some basics about faith and be exposed to the life changing ministries of FPCO. The fall session will be held October 12 - November 9 on Sundays , 9:3010:45am, in Room 320 of the Edington Ministry Center. Please register at www.fpco.org/register or call 407-423-3441.

Infertility Support Group Forming
Church members Amy and Wes Bishop are helping to form a new support group for those dealing with infertility. If you would like to take part, please call Sharon in the church’s Congregational Life office at 407-423-3441.

Register Now for Upward Basketball League Which Begins October 13
Children, Kindergarten-6th grade, will have fun learning while experiencing good sportsmanship and spiritual growth. Pick up a registration form at the Recreation Ministry Office or call 407.206.2406. www.fpco.org/upward

Jobs Partnership, A Mercy Corridor Initiative Needs Volunteers
This is a great local mission opportunity to help lift up our brothers and sisters who are seeking to equip themselves to better provide for their families through this job readiness program. Sessions run through December 4 and there are a variety of needs for light snacks, transportation and other one time service opportunities. To volunteer, please contact Allison Beck at [email protected] or 407-489-3422.

Attend Health and Fitness Fair on November 6
Our Recreation Ministry invites you to stop and explore the many ways you can be fit and healthy…and have fun while doing it! Chair massages, flu shots, and a variety of vendors will be present. Open to the public, so invite a friend to join you Thursday, November 6, from 10:30am-2:30pm in the CLC Fitness Center & Gym.

Whois? Sermon Series Continues
Power, presence, knowledge, holy, just, unchanging, truth, mercy, sovereign and faithful. These are the vital and Biblicaltruths we are exploring through Dr. Swanson’s sermon series entitled “Who is?”. We will journey through current pop culture thought and the truth of Scripture to discover who God truly is. Sermon copies are available immediately following the worship services. A series collection will also become available.

Eagle Rock High School Fall Retreat
Our Student Ministry will take a group of high school students to the Smoky Mountains for a spiritual retreat on November 21. The cost is $399, and a $100 non refundable deposit reserves your space. Sign up now at www.fpco.org/register or call the Student Ministry office for more information.

Middle School Great Pumpkin Chase
All middle school students and friends are invited to the beloved annual scavenger hunt and great pumpkin chase on Sunday, October 26; 5:30-7:30pm. The cost is $5 per person and the church bus will leave at 5pm to head off to the Rose Isle Neighborhood. Register: www.fpco.org/register or call 407.423.3441 x2350.

Cancer Support Group Meets 3rd Wednesday of each Month
Beginning Wednesday, October 15 join the Women’s Cancer Support Group in the Rotunda on the 2nd floor of the Clayton Life Center at 12pm. A light lunch will be served. In a comfortable and supportive environment we will share experiences, pray and create friendships. RSVP to Sharon at 407.423.3441 x1159 or [email protected]. www.fpco. org/care/cancersupportgroup.

First Connections Seminar Offers Opportunity to Get Plugged In at FPCO
Considering church membership or simply want to know more about FPCO? First Connections is a five week class designed to

14 | www.fpco.org

Congratulations to:
Alene and Julian Foley on the birth of their daughter, Christina Marie Foley, on August 16, 2008. Proud grandparents are Julianne and Ken Foley. Jen and Nat Hutchins on the birth of their daughter, Emma Katherine Hutchins, on August 27, 2008 Nikki and David Brown on the birth of their daughter, Emery Elizabeth Brown, on August 28, 2008. Proud grandparents are Becky and Don Brown. Blakely and Zack Callaham on the birth of their daughter, Wylie Elizabeth Callaham, on August 27, 2008. Proud grandparents are Sally and Gratten White.

Sympathy to:
Kathy and Curtis Grace on the death of his mother, June Grace, on August 7, 2008. Mrs. Grace was the grandmother of Sarah Grace and Katie Grace Miller. Sharon Twitchell on the death of her mother, Alma Twitchell, on August 7, 2008. Sarah McCutcheon on the death of her husband, Dave McCutcheon, on August 13, 2008. Mr. McCutcheon was the son of Carole McCutcheon and father of Rachel McCutcheon. Anne Banta on the death of her brother, Richard Greer, on August 15, 2008. Doyle Crose on the death of his son, Randy Crose, on August 17, 2008. Tiffany and John Bultema, on the death of his father, John Bultema II, on August 19, 2008. Martha Tucker on the death of her mother, Betty Ann Tucker, on August 22, 2008. Mrs. Tucker was the grandmother of Megan Balingit. Ed and Polly Brandon on the death of his sister, Mary Ann Correll, on September 2, 2008.

August ‘08 Giving Snapshot
General Operating Contributions August Gifts Year-to-date Gifts $420,618 $937,731 Surplus (Deficit) $534,539 $(113,921) $1,067,627 $(129,896) Budgeted

Cash in Bank $244,461

Line of Credit $200,000

Immeasurably More Outstanding Balance $6,114,649 IM August Gifts $52,896 IM Year-to-date Gifts $94,880 (net of 10% tithe to Missions) Contact Dr. Keith Wright for a full revenue & expense summary
www.fpco.org | 15

THE MAN IN THE MIRROR EXPERIENCE
Saturday, October 18 • 8- 11:45 am • Lee Fellowship Hall $35 per person/ $250 per table of 8 • www.fpco.org/register

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to kick back, examine your life more deeply, get your spiritual life in sync, and spend time with Pat Morley and other likeminded men. The “experiences” Pat will cover include… • • • • • • • Becoming a Cycle Breaker Reconciliation With Dad The Born Again Experience The Experience of Full Surrender Building a Shakable Kingdom An Angry Spirit Realizing How Much I Love and Need My Spouse Patrick Morley. Ph.D. “The ministry of Man in the Mirror exists,” says Pat Morley, “in answer to the prayers of all those wives, mothers, and grandmothers who have for decades been praying for the men in their lives.” After spending the first part of his career in the highly competitive world of real estate development, Pat has been used throughout the world to help men think

more deeply about their lives. In 1989 he wrote The Man in the Mirror, a landmark book that poured from his own search for meaning, purpose, and a deeper relationship with God. With over 3,000,000 copies, this best-selling book has captured the imaginations of hundreds of thousands of men worldwide, and was selected as one of the 100 most influential Christian books of the twentieth century. Five of his 15 books have received critical acclaim. Through Pat’s speaking and writing he is a tireless advocate for men, encouraging and inspiring them to change their lives in Christ. Every Friday morning since 1986, Patrick teaches a Bible study to 150 businessmen in Orlando which is webcast throughout the United States. Patr Morley graduated with honors from the University of Central Florida, which selected him to receive its Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1984. He has earned a Ph.D. in Management and completed post-graduate studies at the Harvard Business School and Oxford University, and graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary. For sport he races a 1974 Porsche 911. He lives in Winter Park, FL with his wife, Patsy. They have two grown children and two granddaughters. ■

www.maninthemirror.org
PERIODICALS RATE US POSTAGE PAID ORLANDO, FL

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.

106 East Church Street Orlando, FL 32801 FPCO Main Office: ( 407-423-3441 www.fpco.org Traditional Services: 8:30am & 11am Genesis Services: 8:30am & 11am Sunday School: 9:45am
Join our online community: www.myfpco.org

POSTMASTER: Time Sensitive Material Please Deliver by September 29, 2008

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