first presbyterian church of orlando magazine (january/february 2014)
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8/22/2019 First Presbyterian Church of Orlando Magazine (January/February 2014)
1/20 COLUMNS | January - February 1
COLUMNS
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ORLANDO FPCO.OR
magazine
growing in faith
seeing resultsour congregational survey
school of discipleshipa pathway forward
Seek God. Share His Love. Humbly Serv
plus When We Rise an album & a grand hope
HOW SELFDISCIPLINE CHANGES US
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Dr. Swanson on Self-Control
The Stack
Break it DownBible Study with Dr. Case Thorp
Women’s Spring Study
Estate Planning Workshop
The Marriage Retreat
FEATURESDisciplines of the Intuitive Life
Choices Critical to Growing in Faith
Rising Upan album making a difference
Time With God
Family News
SCHOLAR ON
STAY INFORMED, 6
The School of Discipleship is in session starting this
Winter. Bring your Bible and some of those pink erasers.
Our Congregational Survey results, as well as details
about the upcoming First Pres Town Hall Meetings.
16
COLUMNS CONTENTSJANUARY & FEBRUARY
PHOTOS: SHEA CHRISTINE, JASON FRAZIER
12
14
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SAVE THE DATE
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2
71423
For more upcoming events
visit fpco.org/calendar.
Young at Heart Luncheon
School of Discipleship Begins
Church offices closed, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
WE Spring Bible Study Registration Opens
Weekday School Prospective Parent Open House
january
february
The Christ School Open House
Night of Worship with Helpless Estate
Boy Scout Troop 24 - 90th Anniversary Pancake Breakfast
Town Hall 6:30pm in Lee Fellowship Hall
Town Hall 12:30pm in the Sanctuary
The Marriage Retreat
Young at Heart Luncheon
Infant Child Care Center 40th Anniversary
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ON THE WAYwith Dr. David Swanson
“Therefore, I do not
run like a man
running aimlessly;
I do no fight like a
man beating the air.
No, I beat my body
and make it my slaveso that after I have
preached to others, I
myself will not be
disqualified for the
prize.”
-1 Corinthians 9:26-27
This time of year is always filled with
remorse and resolve; remorse over the
lack of discipline we showed while eatingour way through the holidays and resolve
to show more discipline in the New Year,
setting goals we hope to achieve. And,
thinking about how we care for our
physical bodies is just one of a myriad of
ways we examine our own sense of self-
discipline.
It’s one of the great struggles we all
face, the one Paul referred to as the
battle between “flesh and the Spirit.” We
want to do what God wants us to do,
but sometimes we lack the discipline toactually make Godly choices. It’s why
Paul mentions “self-control” as one of the
fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22. When
we mature in faith, our ability to control
ourselves – discipline ourselves for His
Kingdom – increases.
Of course, we will never get there
completely this side of heaven, but
we can grow in this fruit of “self-
control.” Please recognize that I am not
suggesting this is in any way tied to our
salvation. We are saved by grace through
faith alone. Disciplining ourselves to live
righteously before God is a reflection of
a heart change that began at the time
of our conversion. Our response to the
Father’s love is to live a life pleasing to
Him, turning away from selfish desires –
in other words, self-control.
I have always been drawn to Paul’s words
above. He is one deeply in love with the
Father. He yearns to please and honor
Him. As a result, he wants to ensurethat his witness will never compromise
the message he proclaims. He wants to
discipline himself to live humbly before
God so that as others watch him, his faith
proves authentic. Here’s the reality: when
you identify yourself as a Christian, others
will watch you as well. Your manner of li fe
says something about the nature of your
faith. How you live is a measure of the
authenticity of your words. Therefore,
we don’t run aimlessly. We don’t live as
though unaware others are watching.
No, we live with Jesus as our foundation
We live with a firm belief that Jesus is the
singular hope of the world. And if that’strue, then nothing else matters more than
how we reflect His light in a very dark
world.
As 2104 begins, my prayer is that we
would remember some of our Barefoo
Church lessons. Part of living faithfully is
“restoring the right order of our persona
lives so that we then have the margin
to engage in the Kingdom work God is
calling us to.” (From sermon on Justice
October 13, 2013) That will require self
control. And part of Barefoot was creatinga systemic change in our church, living
outwardly and missionally, counteracting
a growing culture of individualism. To
accomplish systemic change takes
personal discipline. We must reorde
how we live and that may require tough
decisions. And it requires time to make
that new “change” an ingrained way o
life.
I will be preaching through the book o
Hebrews this winter, a series entitled “No
New; Not Improved.” Unlike everything
else, the faith we profess has no
changed one bit in 2000 years. It is the
rock on which we stand. So learning to
align our lives with that historic faith is the
key to our future hope and contentment
Let’s not run aimlessly; let’s run in such a
way as to win the prize – that we migh
honor the Lord as we lead lives of greate
discipline, reflecting the authenticity
of our faith in Him and the absolute
supremacy of Christ.
I am eager and expectant for what God
will do in this body in 2014. Please join me
in praying that we would be found faithfu
to fulfilling the call He has given to us in
this place. With joy and thanks for you,
send my
Hugs and kisses,
David
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useful information, timely trivia and handy tips
for navigating life at FirstPres (and life in general)
the Columns stack
MUSIKGARTENOur early child-hood musicprogram isenrolling forspring start-ing January 6.Classes beginJanuary 27, and
meet weeklyfor children birth through 9 years old.Each class is taught by a certifiedinstructor, and encourages parentparticipation.
Register or find out moreinformation online:fpco.org/musikgarten
HEALING AFTERDIVORCEOur next Divorce Care groupbegins February 5. Meeting eachWednesday for 13 weeks, DivorceCare provides focused sessionsand a safe place to process for bothadults and children. For more infor-mation, contact Linda McCallister atx1159.
LIFE STORY CLASS
FIRST CONNECTIONSCurious about First Pres? Recently joined thechurch? Led by our Minister of Discipleship, KentSterchi, this 7-week seminar on Sunday morningsis designed to help you learn about and experi-ence life at First Pres.
Save the Date for the Spring First Connectionsclass, starting March 2!
Want to know more about
Jesus? Learn his life storywith Dr. Case Thorp on Sun-day mornings. Through seri-ous, in-depth study we follow
the full narrative of Jesus’ lifein the four Gospels (Matthew,Mark, Luke & John). 9:45amin room 310 of the EdingtonMinistry Center.
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
We send out a weekly emailnewsletter with important an-nouncements for the comingweek. We’ll never share yourinformation, and you can un-subscribe anytime. Join nowat fpco.org/email .
FOLLOW USON TWITTER
twitter.com/fpcorlando
WDS OPEN HOUSEWeekday School is now enrolling! Prospective par-ents are invited to learn more at 6:45pm on Tues-day January 28. Tour classrooms, meet staff andhear about the school philosophy. For details, callthe Weekday School office at 407.996.5864.
FREE PANCAKES!Come hungry to worship on Sunday,February 2! Boyscout Troop 24 iscelebrating their 90th Anniversaryat First Pres by serving a deliciouspancake breakfast for their wholechurch family. Yum!
JOBS PARTNERSHIPMeet needs by servingwith Jobs Partnership andbuilding relationships. Men-tors and job counselors are
needed one night a week for12 weeks to invest in others.Anyone who has gotten andheld a job has the ability tohelp. Volunteer trainingbegins the third week inJanuary. For details, contactGreg Swartwood atgswartwood@nationlaw.com
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OUR CONGREGATIONAL
SURVEY RESULTS In the Summer of 2013, the Session (our church’s governing body) retained church consul-tants, The Goehner Group, to conduct a congregational study. The intent was to determineif a campaign to eliminate debt, pay for capital improvements, install a new roof and plant anew church might be successful. Below is their Executive Summary of the survey:
During the course o the study, 723 individualsparticipated. Tis is over 200 more participants thanthose who participated in a previous study prior to theImmeasurably More campaign five years ago.
Te participants represented a cross section o agesand length o time as members and participants in thechurch. When asked to indicate how the church hasimpacted their lives, the responses were wide and var-ied, however the ollowing were consistent responses:
• Great Biblical preaching• Spiritual growth• Ministry to children and youth• Depth of friendships/sense of community
• Opportunity to serve• The Christ School
When asked to identiy the current strengths o thechurch, the most requently mentioned strengths were:
• Biblically-based preaching• Worship• Leadership of David Swanson and staff • Location
Te most requently mentioned areas or improvementand greatest areas o need were:
• Eliminate debt• Discipleship• Giving• Volunteers• Adult Sunday School• More welcoming
Te participants also identified some issues that thechurch will ace in the next three to five years:
• Cultural issues that are contrary to biblical beliefs
• Elimination of debt• Uncertainty of the economy
In all areas o the study, the respondents indicatedthere is a well-defined current and uture ministry mis-sion and vision. In act, the percentages are extremelyhigh or similar studies.
Te survey respondents were nearly unanimous intheir sense that the ministry o First PresbyterianChurch is very important to the greater Orlando area.Several people in the interviews spoke about the im-portance o being a downtown church and their strongconviction that the church has a key role in the com-munity.
When the discussion and survey questions turned tothe proposed campaign projects, the universal re-sponse was:
• Debt must be eliminated
• The roof project is good stewardship
Tere was a mixed response to the remainder o thesuggested projects ranging rom “being possibilitieswith more inormation” to a less than enthusiasticresponse. In act, debt elimination and the roo projectare seen by many participants as the primary needs.
Te respondents are open to a campaign but most like-ly with a lower goal. Interestingly, the interviewees eel
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the capacity or a $10 million campaign exists but currently passion is lacking.
Te interviewees indicated both a willingness to volunteer in a campaign as wellas commit financially. Te response rate in the survey was lower, but the lessthan enthusiastic response to a campaign was less than 15%.
When asked to identiy the range o gif they might pray about, the primaryresponses were modest but a air number o individuals identified potential com-mitments in the six figure range.
In summary the Consultants are recommending that the Session consider a cam-paign in the all o 2014 with specific recommendations regarding preparation,planning and execution.
TOWN HALL MEETINGS
QUESTIONS ABOUT NEXT STEPS?
BE THERE FOR OUR
Wednesday, January 15 at 6:30pm in Lee Fellowship Hall
or
Sunday, January 19 at 12:30pm in the Sanctuary
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Doing Good for the Sake of the Gospel
2 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doc-trine. 2 each the older men to be temperate, worthy o re-spect, sel-controlled, and sound in aith, in love and in endurance.
3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way theylive, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach
what is good. 4 Ten they can urge the younger women to love
their husbands and children, 5 to be sel-controlled and pure, to be
busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so
that no one will malign the word o God.
6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be sel-controlled. 7 In
everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your
teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness o speech
that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may beashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
9 each slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try
to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal rom
them, but to show that they can be ully trusted, so that in every
way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
11 For the grace o God has appeared that offers salvation to all
people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly
passions, and to live sel-controlled, upright and godly lives in thispresent age, 13 while we wait or the blessed hope—the appearing
o the glory o our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave
himsel or us to redeem us rom all wickedness and to puriy or
himsel a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
15 Tese, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and
rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
Titus 2
What do you look for when you study
your Bible? What is important? Dr. Case Thorp
gives us some insight into Titus.
BREAK IT DOWN
Y e s ! J e s u s w i l l r
e t u r n !
D E M OG RA P H IC P a u l o f t e n a p p l i es t h e
t e ac h i ng o f J es us to
v a r io us d e mog r a p h ics to g i v e p r ac t ic a l
a p p l ic a t io n
fo r d a i l y l i v i ng. Fo r e ac h d e mog r a p h ic, as k yo u r -s e l f, “ W h a t a bo u t t h is
g ro u p o f p eo p l e m a k es
t h e m l i k e l y to n e e d t h is a d v ic e ? ”
A y o u n g m a n w h o
w a s t h e A p o s t l e
P a u l ’ s
p r o t e g e ( 2 C o r.
2 : 1 3, 7 : 6, 1 3, 8 : 1 6 - 2
3 ). H e w a s
a G e n t i l e ( n o n - J e
w i s h ; G a l a t i a n s 2
: 3 ) l e f t
t o o v e r s e e h o u s e
- c h u r c h e s o n t h e
i s l a n d o f
C r e t e.
e d i t o r ’ s s u m m a r y
o f t h e
p a s s a g e f o r o u r
s a k e ; n o t
o r i g i n a l s c r i p t u r e
*
* fo r a g r e a t b log o n t h e s h a p e
o f t h e co n v e rs
t io n a ro u n d eg a l i t a r i a n a n d co m p l e m e n t a r i a n
ro l
fo r m e n & wo m e n, ( a t ho m e, wo r k o r i n t h e
c h u rc h ), s e e h t t p :// b i t. l y/ f pcoco l u m ns
M a n y w i nc e, r ig h tfu l l y, a t p ass ag es w h e r e P au l
a d d r ess es s l a v es a n d m as t e rs w i t hou t c a ll i ng ou t
t h e i n jus t ic e. W e mus t b e c a r efu l no t to a p p l y ou r
2 1s t c e n tu r y u n d e rs t a n d i ng of hu m a n r ig h ts to P au l.
W h i l e h e m a y no t h a v e issu e d a c a l l fo r f r e e do m
l ik e M L K J r., o r G a n d h i, o r M a n d e l a, a t l e as t P au l
a d voc a t es C h r is t-c e n t e r e d, lo v ing r es p ec t b e tw e e n
m as t e r a n d s l a v e (s e e P h i l e mo n ). W e s hou ld, how-
e v e r, r e j ec t t h e vo ic es of ou r ow n t r a d i t io n w ho
us e d p ass ag es suc h as t h es e to p ro p u p s l a v e r y i n
t h e 1 9 t h C e n tu r y.
t h a n k g o o d n e s s J
e s u s c o v e r s w h a
t w e a r e n ’ t
a b l e t o c o n t r o l.
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WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A
“WOMAN ENGAGED IN PRAYER”?
Cynthia Heald writes in her Bible study entitled Be-
coming a Woman of Prayer , “Te underlying principleo prayer, which overwhelmed me, is that God desiresto be intimate with me, and He wants this relationshipso much that He invites, encourages and helps me topray. With such an incredible invitation rom our Fa-ther extended to me, I realized that I would be unwiseto reuse such an offer o ellowship and participationin His plans. I invite you to join me, but more impor-tantly GOD invites YOU to join Him.”
WOMEN ENGAGED,JOIN US THIS SPRING
AS WE DIVE INTO
A DEEP STUDY OF
PRAYER
TOGETHER. Tis 7-week study willbe three-old, with oneportion being a trulyengaging Bible study byCynthia Heald, reerenced
above. Second, our FirstPres Prayer eam will be
intricately involved in helping women learn applica-tion o prayer that will be practical and meaningul intheir daily lives. And third, prayerul women withinour congregation will speak to our women each weekabout the tough questions and concepts that arisewhen attempting to understand and actually transormyour lie in prayer.
AT THE CONCLUSION OF OUR STUDY, A
MORNING PRAYER RETREAT WILL TAKE PLACE
where women can gather together in ellowship, praise,
worship and most importantly, the practice o privateand corporate prayer together . A message, worship,actual time spent in solitary prayer, and luncheon toollow will conclude this season o study in a powerul,practical, and meaningul way.
THE BECOMING A WOMAN OF PRAYER STUDY
WILL BEGIN ON MONDAY, JANUARY 27TH (morning & evening groups) and Tursday, Janu-ary 30th (morning only). Childcare is included withregistration, as well as your study book and a personalprayer journal to use throughout the study. Tis studywill run through the week o March 10th-14th, withthe Prayer Retreat to take place on Saturday, March15 rom 9am-12pm. (Tis study will conclude beoreOrange County Spring Break.) Registration on-line iscurrently available. You may also pick up a hard copyregistration orm in the lobby o the Edington MinistryCenter.
ransorm your relationship with God through one o
the most crucial means we have to communicate withHim: prayer. As Cynthia Heald writes, “God bless yourichly as you study. I pray that your lie will never bethe same because o your desire to become a woman oprayer.”
“C m I swr y y g usrcl tis y d nkn.” Jea 33:3
by Nikki Ickes, Women’s Ministry Council Chair
Sa v t De WE PRA YE
R RE TREA T
Sa turda y, March 15
9am - 12pm
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10/2010 January - February | COLUMNS
SUNDAY, MARCH 9TH | 5:006:30PMTAUGHT BY LARRY HAMES Sterchi Conference Room of the Edington Ministry Center
• Learn the trajectory of estate planning and tax law so
you can make wise financial and personal decisions
going forward.
• Learn how to leave a legacy that will bless your family,
church and community.
• Learn how to continue giving in the present while plan-
ning for future giving.
• Available to all: young parents, retirees, newly married
or any interested adults can benefit.
• And we’ll have cookies.
For more information, contact Brad Staton of the Heart of theCity Foundation at 407.423.3441 x1484 or bstaton@fpco.org
MAKE a PLANHAVING AN ESTATE PLAN MATTERS, AT ANY STAGE OF LIFE
LARRY HAMES (Laurence C.Hames, Esq., P.A.) has been aleading estate planning at-
torney for 34 years. He hasserved as an Elder at FirstPresbyterian Church of Or-lando and on the Board of theHeart of the City Foundation.He also served on the Execu-tive Council of the Tax Sectionof The Florida Bar Associationand as chairman of the TaxSection of the Orange CountyBar Association.
It’s easy to put off the details and discussions of “after” until “later.”
But knowing how your choices can impact others in the future will make a difference
in the legacy you leave behind.
OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP BY
Estate Planning Workshop
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DISCIPLINES
Te Intuitive Lie: our choices, motives, decisions nowled by the Holy Spirit. A Spirit-empowered lifestyle guid-ed by a capacity to sense and respond to God’s direction.
As a church amily, we have pushed through the eye-opening Bareoot Church experience, survived the joy-ul chaos o the holidays, and entered into a brand newyear. Whether you always make a New Year’s Reso-lution or have never done so, start your New Year’sresolutions with these questions:
What must I say ‘No’ to and say
‘Yes’ to in order to live on missionwithin the context of community?
What new disciplines does theLord want to see incorporatedinto my life for the purpose ofliving on mission with Him and
with our covenant community?
by Hailey Domeck
We hope that i you remember anything rom our journey through Bareoot Church, it is that servingmust become a part o our natural rhythms o lie. Tisonly happens when we train our hearts to listen to theHoly Spirit and create enough margin and time to beobedient to what we hear. Tis is what we mean by liv-ing the intuitive lie.
Yet, what disciplines or practices must we begin inorder to experience this “intuitive lie?” I we are goingto learn to express God’s mercy and justice in our dailylives, we have to be willing to make the personal deci-sions which lead to change. One way to start is to iden-
tiy the distractions present in our lives and resolve tomake some essential changes.
MarginMargin is that space in your lie between “all the timein the world” and “the stuff I have to do.” Te lack omargin in our lives is one o the great enemies to com-munity and mission. Are there distractions in yourdaily lie that eat up your margin and keep you romnoticing [and responding to] the needs around you?
of the intuitive life
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may seeyour good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:16
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What comes to mind and what can you do to createmargin in your lie?
PresenceIn an era o email, voicemail, Facebook, and text mes-saging, we sometimes orget the power o being physi-cally present in people’s lives. It takes commitment and
time to “be there,” and it is a powerul way to com-municate God’s love. What areas o your lie are mostimpacted by the lack o your physical presence? Yourmarriage? Your amily? Your work relationships? Liv-ing on mission in community?
PriorityWe set priorities and make decisions based on themevery day. Unless being Good News becomes a truepriority in our lives, we won’t make the decisions nec-essary to create margin or commit to presence. Are youwilling to meet in community and add engaging needinto the “stuff I have to do” category? Why or why not?What are your struggles that keep you rom makingthis commitment? Spend some time today talking toGod about it.
When we reset our priorities to sync up with God’s vision or our lives, we are able to see the Kingdom oGod break through and His Holy Hand restore whatwas broken. When we lean on the Holy Spirit to guide
and lead us, we are tapping into the strength thatcomes through aith in Christ. So, while most NewYear’s resolutions don’t make it 6 months, we can moveinto a more intuitive liestyle because we “can do allthings through Christ who strengthens us!”
How does that sound or a New Year’s resolution?
Adapted from the Barefoot Church Primer, Brandon
Hatmaker, Missio Publishing, 2008.
Hailey Domeck is FPCO’s Coordinator of Family Lifeand Discipleship and is herself learning how to live outGod’s mysterious intuitive life. She and her husband, Justin, are committed to helping others find their way onour journey of living on mission.
FOR GROUP LIFEIf your group wants to continue exploring thethemes raised in Barefoot Church - justice,mercy, “learning to do right,” and making God’s
mission your priority - these video series areavailable to your group leader through Right-Now Media:
When the Game is Over, It All Goes Back inthe Box by John Ortberg. 6 video sessionsfocused on learning how to play for theKingdom of God.
24/6 by Matthew Sleeth. 4 video sessionson remembering the Sabbath day and keep-
ing it holy. (Mandated margin!)
A Place at the Table by Chris Seay. 6 videosessions leading in 40 days of solidarity withthe poor.
No Plan B by Todd Phillips. 4 video sessionson God’s role for us, His rescue team.
Faithserves Info SessionSunday, January 12, 12:15-12:45pmLearn about the ways you can serve in our com-
munity and meet our mission partners, includingMercy Achiever’s Club, FOUR12 after schoolprogram, Compassion Corner Homeless Minis-try and Jobs Partnership.
Spring Serve DaySaturday, March 1, 8:30am- 12:30pmHelp others experience serving for the firsttime, or bring your Barefoot group to continueserving together.
FOR PERSONAL REFLECTIONCrazy Busy: A (Mercifully) Short Book
on a (Really) Big Problem
by Kevin DeYoungIn 10 short chapters, this book offers the Biblicaltools we need to get to the source of the issue(“I’m too busy!”) and pull the problem out by theroots. You can even download the free studyguide at www.crazybusybook.com!
Next Steps
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See and hear the story behind the album online atfpco.org/helplessestate
RIS ING UPA MUSICAL JOURNEY WITH A MISSION
For hundreds o years, the Church has been patrono the arts, supporting the efforts o painters, writers,composers, sculptors and other creators sharing theirgifs and God’s redemptive story with the world.
As we stand upon this heritage, using our creative gifsin the lie o the church, we not only look or ways tocelebrate God’s generosity, we also look or ways tohelp “light the world” or others.
Tis winter, Director o Genesis worship Wil Brown,came together with some o our Genesis musicians toorm the band Helpless Estate. Inspired to create resharrangements o the classic hymns o the church, they-recorded and released the album When We Rise.
More than looking to the church to support the arts,they saw an opportunity to use the arts to support thework o the church. Working with Dr. Case Torp andour FaithServes mission team, Helpless Estate soughtto use proceeds rom the album sales to benefit one oour mission partners across the globe.
First Pres has been partnering with the Church oJesus Christ in Madagascar (Fiangonan’i Jesoa Kristyeto Madagasikara or FJKM) or over 7 years, comingalongside this denomination in their own ministriesand learning about the needs and the people o Mada-gascar. One o their ministries, the opaza Orphanage,
is located in the capital city o Antananarivo, and pro- vides a home or approximately 42 children and youth,ages 4 weeks to 20 years o age.
In July o 2012, a cyclone caused the complete col-lapse o one o two dormitory buildings in which thechildren live. Since that time, 42 orphans and the staffsleep in one large room in the remaining building,enduring sub-par dining, bathing and studying condi-
tions. While they have started construction on a newdormitory, the structure has yet to be completed (seebelow). Here was a significant opportunity or FirstPresbyterian Church o Orlando to change the lives ochildren in Madagascar.
With this vision in mind, the Heart o the City Foun-dation stepped in, offering a gif with exponential po-tential: to support the expense o making the HelplessEstate album so the proceeds rom the album could beully dedicated to the work o God in rebuilding theorphanage at opaza.
And there’s more to come: a concert in January to wor-ship together, celebrate and share the news o God’sgenerosity in this endeavor. Save the date and be parto this special night as we rise together.
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WHEN WE RISE albums are
now available for sale by do-
nation. 100% of the proceeds
benefit the Topaza Orphan-
age in Madagascar.
Upon release of the album
in December, an anony-
mous donor came forward tomatch initial sales of the al-
bum, up to $10,000. So with
each donation to purchase
an album, your generosity is
doubled.
A HYMNS CONCERT FEATURING THE MUSIC OF HELPLESS ESTATE
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24 7PM IN LEE FELLOWSHIP HALL
NIGHT OF WORSHIP
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16/2016 January - February | COLUMNS
SIX WEEKS, JANUARY 26 MARCH 2REGISTER ONLINE FOR THIS SEMESTER ATFPCO.ORG/REGISTER
School ofDiscipleship
Beginning this Winter, First Pres will offer the first of our new School of Discipleship courses. Designed to help you grow and mature as a follower of Jesus, the materiaincludes great “next steps” for new believers, Barefoot Church participants and thowho have already been growing in their discipleship for many years.
Each course is 6 weeks of Biblical study; some have an academic emphasis andsome are focused on application. All are held here on the church campus, and
typically cover 1 - 1 ½ hours of classroom time.
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GIFTED TO SERVE,9:30AM SUNDAY
Teacher: Carol Hafer, Director of Mission& Lori Needham, Director of Hospitality
Uncover how God has uniquely designed you to serve Him. Discover how yourunique set of God-given spiritual gifts,natural abilities, personality, and passionscan be incorporated into your experiencesthat will help fulfill His purposes for yourlife.
DIGNITY SERVES,11:00AM SUNDAY
Teacher: Phil Hissom of the Polis Institute
Have you ever wondered if your effortsto give to the poor are actually helpful?The perfect followup to Barefoot Church,Dignity Serves teaches how serving oth-ers can be more relational, dignified andimpactful. The training is grounded inBiblical principles and delivered throughexperiential exercises and lively discus-sion, resulting in a better understandingof how to help others.
Sponsored by Heart of the City Founda-tion.
LIFE HAPPENS,11:00AM SUNDAY Teacher: Lindsey Staton, Coordinator of20s & 30s Ministry
Have you ever had your life turned upsidedown? If you haven’t yet, you will. In this
series, we will study the book of Ruth, awoman whose plan got all messed up bythe stuff of life. God met her in her pain,gave her courage to keep going, andhanded her a new dream for His glory.
UNDERSTANDING WHAT WE SAY:UNPACKING THE APOSTLES’ CREED,11:00AM SUNDAY
Teacher: Dr. Rebecca Bedell, Master ofChristian Thought (in progess) Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; Past Min-ister of Worship First Presbyterian ChurchOrlando.
The Apostles’ Creed starts with twopowerful words “I believe....” - We regu-larly proclaim the truths of the Creed as acommunity and as individual Christians as
the core of our faith - but have we reallyspent time digging in and studying whatwe say we believe? We explore the his-tory, theology and modern application ofthis ancient statement of faith.
JONAH: FINDING THE HEART OF GOD,
12:00PM THURSDAY
Teacher: Dr. Mark Futato of RTS
Is the book of Jonah a whale of a taleor an invitation to personal reflection?How big is God’s heart of compassion?How big is yours? What is God’s attitudetoward the city? What is yours? Dare todig deeply into one of the most profoundbooks in the Bible.
*Begins February 6
$50 course fee
SPRING 2014 COURSES
Questions?Call Hailey Domeck at407.423.3441 x1497or email hdomeck@fpco.org
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Let’s ace it…the topic o discipline is not one thatmany find enjoyable. Our growth as disciples o Je-sus can be stunted without thought toward our sel-discipline. Much has been written in Scripture aboutthe topic, and most o these nuggets o wisdom werepenned by the Apostle Paul.
Te Greek word translated “discipline” (enkrateia)comes rom the root krat , which designates power orlordship. However, we are sinul by nature; so how arewe to be spiritually disciplined? Can we exercise powerover one’s sel – have sel-mastery over one’s innerdesires, thoughts, actions and words? Sel-disciplinemeans exactly that; power over one’s sel. It is the abil-ity to keep one’s sel under control – it is what Chris-tians are called to do.
Our spiritual lives can quickly get out o balance whenwe practice no spiritual disciplines. Such neglect pro-longs spiritual immaturity, rustrating our efforts toresist temptations and sin. Essentially, working againstourselves.
Paul’s writings to most o the early churches stressedthe importance o sel-control. He also emphasized theimportance o living a lie like Christ, and pursuingholiness. Let’s be clear here…i there is no discipline,
there is no discipleship. One cannot claim the virtueso godliness. Tose virtues or “ruit o the Spirit” arenever sel-generated; rather, it is a work o grace withinus, offered by the Holy Spirit who must be active inour lie.
In Galatians 5:22 we learn o the nine aspects o theruit o the Spirit. It just so happens that sel-disciplineappears last in this list, and not by coincidence! By
making spiritual disciplines a daily habit
TIME WITH GOD
Start with small changes. Pray and ask God toreveal one choice you can make today thatwill draw you closer to Him. Then tomorrow,see if you can do it again.
Next Step
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant,
but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who
have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11
occupying this final position, sel-discipline assumesa place o strategic importance. It is the summation othe previous eight qualities the Spirit produces. Tework o the Spirit reaches its consummation in sel-control – enabling us to realize every other aspect ospiritual ruit.
Christ maintains “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.”John 15:5 and the Apostle Paul affirms “I can do allthings through Christ who strengthens me” in Philippi-ans 4:13.
So…are you in training? Are you pursuing holinessthrough Biblical preaching and teaching, participatingin corporate worship, the Lord’s Supper, Bible study,meditation, prayer and in ellowship with believers? Iwe are to exercise sel-control, we must give up lord-ship and relinquish the control o our lives to JesusChrist. Te Apostle Paul later claims in the Galatians 5 verses, “Tose who belong to Christ Jesus have crucifiedthe sinful nature with its passions and desires.” Perhapsthat is when we can claim the “peaceul ruit o righ-teousness” because o the Holy Spirit’s training in ourlie!
It’s a New Year and a new opportunity…experiencegrace by building a oundation in spiritual disciplines.
Seek out healthy, lie changing daily habits and you’llfind eternal benefits!
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FAMILY NEWS
Sympathy to...
Pam & Dave McComb on the deatho her ather, Robert “Bob” Rivers,October 8, 2013. Mr. Rivers was the
grandather o Colby & Dyar (Emily)McComb.
Don & Sandi Huxley on the death ohis mom, Marie Huxley, October 12,2013.
Randy & Marcia Johnson on thedeath o his mother, Esther Johnson,October 16, 2013.
Joe Guernsey on the death o hisson, Joseph W. “Jody” Guernsey,October 18, 2013. Mr. Guernseywas the brother o Mary & PriscillaGuernsey.
ricia & Bruce Berger on the deatho her mother, Flora Garza, October22, 2013. Mrs. Garza was thegrandmother o Sarah & MeaganBerger.
Te amily and riends o JohnDicine, who died October 24, 2012. Dottie Drane on the death o herbrother, Joseph Lewis, October 26,2013. Mr. Lewis was the uncle oSusan (Jack) Somerville & SarahAnne (Kenney) Hanks.
Te riends and amily o Joyce
Stallings, who died November 1,2013.
Clint & MK Beaty on the death ohis ather, Larry Beaty, November 4,2013. Mr. Beaty was the grandathero Conner & Cooper Beaty.
Chad & Jennier Rawls on the deatho his ather, Charles Lamar Rawls,
November 4, 2013. Mr. Rawls wasthe grandather o Lawson & AbbyRawls.
Will & Amy Mims on the death ohis grandmother, Gwen Zipprer,November 4, 2013. Mrs. Mims wasthe great grandmother o Megan &John Mims.
Walter & Marilyn Sunderlin on thedeath o his mother, Opal Sunderlin,November 4, 2013.
Sarah Ann & Kenney Hanks andSusan & Jack Somerville on thedeath o their ather, Jim Drane,November 14, 2013. Mr Drane wasthe grandather o Hunter, Jordan &Katie Grace Hanks and Hayden &Colton Somerville.
Evelyn Cooksey on the death oher husband, Grady Cooksey Sr.,November 21, 2013. Mr. Cooksey
was the ather o Grady (Judy)Cooksey, Jr. and grandather oAshley (Scott) Batterson.
Lacey & ony Gray, on the deatho her mother, Marie Louise Walz.Mrs. Walz was the grandmother oAshley (Ross) Johnston and great-grandmother o Eloise, Bennett &Stowe Johnston.
Case & Jodi Torp on the death ohis grandmother, Mary CatherineLeach Torp. Mrs. Torp was thegreat-grandmother o Alexandra,Charles and Brooks Torp.
Kay Feldmeyer on the death o herhusband, William “Bill” Feldmeyer,November 26, 2013.
Call FPCO at
407.423.3441 to
FOR PASTORAL EMERGENCIES after the hours of 8:30am-5:00pm, please leave a voicemailmessage on the main churchnumber to page the minister oncall.
Congratulations to...
Mark Tomas Riccaboni was marriedto Brittany Leigh Tomas, October26, 2013, at the Magnolia House in
Groveland, FL. Mark is the son oDavid & Mary Beth Riccaboni.
Chad & Bridgette Cahill on thebirth o their son, Stephen FletcherCahill, born November, 1, 2013. Teproud grandparents are Steve & RoseCahill.
John & Labri Wright on the birth otheir daughter, Arvey Eloise Wright,
born November 14, 2013. Te proudgrandparents are Freddie and LuLangston.
Jerome Lee Heins and Sarah Claire
Jakobson were married December7, 2013 in the Reormation Chapel.
- schedule a baptism x1451
- request a hospital visit x1455
- plan a wedding x1272
- arrange a memorial service x1455
- donate flowers for worship x1272
- ask giving questions x1479
- change your address x1471
- purchase a sermon DVD x2201
- reserve childcare x1480
- reach security 407.466.3497- reserve a meeting space x1272
- ask about this magazine x1467
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8/22/2019 First Presbyterian Church of Orlando Magazine (January/February 2014)
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First Presbyterian Church of Orlando106 E. Church St., Orlando, FL 32801
The First Presbyterian Columns (USPS 604-040) is publishedbimonthly by the First Presbyterian Church. Circulation: 2,500.(2,000 by US Mail, 500 by on-campus distribution).Periodicals postage paid at Orlando, Florida.POSTMASTER:Send address changes toCOLUMNS, 106 E. Church St. Orlando, FL 32801-3390.©2014 First Presbyterian Church of Orlando COLUMNS.
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