VOLUME 6:4 April, 2011

First Presbyterian Church 112 S. Jefferson St.

Athens, AL 35611

Vision Statement:

“Worship God, Serve Others and Make Disciples”

Front Cover. . .

Front Cover. . .

Front Cover. . .

Front Cover. . .

From D

avid’s Pen

In

side . . .

Inside . . .

Inside . . .

Inside . . .

2011 Flower C

hart Sign-ups

Hap

py PM C

ircle

Session M

eeting

Presbyterian M

en’s Break

fast

Confirm

ation C

lasses

Rev

elation Bible Study

Mex

ico M

ission Fundraiser

Len

ten Services @

St. T

imothy’s

Palm Sunday, Holy W

eek, Easter

Church O

ffice Closed

Empty Bowls Project 2011 D

inner

NAP Presbyterian M

en Spring Mtg

To the Church T

riumphan

t

March

Birthdays

Than

k Y

ou

April Calen

dar

Aco

lytes, C

ommunion Servers,

Ush

ers

Women

’s H

istory M

onth: N

ell Lutz

Easter Lilies Sign-up

Holy D

ays Sch

edule

Than

k Y

ou!!

Bak

e Sale Fundraiser

Youth N

ews & H

appen

ings

One Great H

our of Sharing

FYI

Turn

in A

pril New

sletter Info

�

Contact Inform

ation

FROM DAVID'S PEN . . .

Dear Friends,

Today, after a good lunch, David Whitten and I decided to take a drive. We headed north out of town and just kept going, turning here and there on this street and that. It wasn’t too long before I was completely turned around and at the mercy of my driver as to whether or

not I’d ever find my way home.

We drove past farms and people’s homes. I noticed wild daffodils growing in open pastures and old barns in different stages of decay. The cows and mailboxes didn’t seem to mind us going past, so I took that as an affirmation that what David and I were doing was okay.

We talked about all kinds of things, some important and some not. We stopped by a little creek that David said was navigable, and he told me where it came out on the Elk River down by Don and Dianne Payne’s farm. We thought about going back to town to pick up a canoe, but the chill in the air and the hazards that would await us made us change our minds. David did get to do a little business by checking out some repairs on a house he was inspecting, but I was just along for the ride and enjoyed every minute of it.

How often do you take the opportunity to take a drive out in the country? It’s amazing what lies in store for you, especially if you invite someone who’s been around longer than you. Stories can be told, history lessons can be learned, and you can develop a better appreciation for the community in which you live or work.

Now that spring has sprung, take some time and invite a friend to go with you (or to take you) on a drive out in the country. God’s presence can be seen all around, and it’s a nice way of practicing Sabbath time. Don’t get in too much of a hurry, people will eventually be able to pass you. Just soak in the scenery and enjoy the time that you will have with God and your fellow rider/driver – you’ll all be happier persons for doing so!

Grace and peace,

─ David

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory

was not arrayed like one of these. (Matt. 6:28-29)

2 Noteworthy News Noteworthy News Noteworthy News Noteworthy News

THE 2011 FLOWER CHART is now up in the hallway behind the sanc-tuary. Please sign-up for your choice of a Sunday(s) soon.

THE PW “HAPPY PM CIRCLE” will meet on Tuesday, April 5 at 2:00 p.m. in the Rodgers Center. The PW Coordinating Team will meet one hour before (1:00 p.m.) in the Rodgers Center.

SESSION WILL MEET, Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.

PRESBYTERIAN MEN’S BREAKFAST is Sunday, April 10 at 8:00 a.m. in the Rodgers Center. All men are invited to come and enjoy a great meal and devotion time.

CONFIRMATION CLASSES will meet for their last class on Wednes-day, April 6 in the Parlor from 6-7:00 p.m. Confirmation Sunday will be April 17, Palm Sunday.

REVELATION BIBLE STUDY SERIES will meet on Wednesday, April 20 at 6:00 p.m. in the Rodgers Center.

MEXICO MISSION FUNDRAISER NEWS:MEXICO MISSION FUNDRAISER NEWS:MEXICO MISSION FUNDRAISER NEWS:MEXICO MISSION FUNDRAISER NEWS: Thank you everyone who

stayed after worship and joined us for the Mexico Mission Fundraiser Luncheon. We received $1855.00 in donations that day.

ST. TIMOTHY’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ATHENS will be holding Lenten Services each Wednesday during Lent. The service begins with a devotion at 12:00 noon and lunch follows. Pastor David Palmer will be doing the devotional on Wednesday, April 6. The last service will be April 13. The Athens Community is invited to join them for each ser-vice. St. Timothy’s is located at the corner of Washington & Beatty Streets.

PALM SUNDAY, HOLY WEEK, EASTER SUNDAY SERVICES: Palm Sunday - April 17: A reception for the 2011 Confirmation Class will take place during Fellowship Time, the confirmands will be recognized during the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service. Holy Week: A noon devotional service with lunch following will take place each day, April 18-22. Maundy Thursday Service is being planned for April 21 (time TBA). Easter Sunday, April 24: 6:30 a.m. Sunrise Service; 7:30 a.m. breakfast in Rodgers Center, 9:30 a.m. Sunday School, 11:00 a.m. Easter Worship & Communion Service.

THE CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED, Monday, April 25.

THE “EMPTY BOWLS” PROJECT 2011 fundraiser for Limestone County Churches Involved will be Saturday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Friendship United Methodist Church (Lucas Ferry Rd.). Tickets for the dinner are available in the church office. Tickets are $20 each. All ticket sale proceeds go to support ongoing programs at LCCI.

NORTH ALABAMA PRESBYTERIAN MEN’S Spring Quarterly meeting will be Monday, April 25, 2011 at Fellowship Presbyterian Church, Huntsville. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m.

THANK YOU! Our Spring Luncheon was a very special day for Presbyte-rian Women. The weather was beautiful, food was wonderful and we enjoyed each other’s friendship.

Thanks to the food preparers and decorators. IT WAS A LOVELY SETTING. But most of all thanks to you women who attended. Your generosity al-lowed us to collect $820.00 for the BIRTHDAY OFFERING FOR 2011.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Charlotte K. Lyle Presbyterian Women’s Moderator

2 Aileen Christopher 3 Lyn Gossett 4 Matthew Pinson 7 Virginia Brooks Jennifer Noel 8 Carol Copeland 9 Melvin Clem Daniel Whitten 12 Smokey Brewer 13 Bill Wilbourn 14 Mickey Counter 15 Jack Barnes Mason McCary 16 Drew Pinson 18 Paul Clem 20 Stanley Hand Avery Paysinger Gene Quillen 22 Hoyt Toney, Jr. 24 Mika Groscost 26 Amanda Romine 29 Angie Nazaretian Myra Pinson

WILLIAM BROWN BECKHAM October 2, 1922 February 17, 2011

BOSS NEIL HILL November 30, 1922 February 19, 2011

ELAINE TRIBBLE MASSEY February 10, 1924 March 3, 2011

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April 2011 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Sanctuary &

Rodgers Center Closed all day

9 a - 7p Decorating

& Rehearsal for Wedding:

Danielle Nicole Hamm Fletcher Heath

Burgess

2 7 a Gideons (RC)

Sanctuary & Rodgers Center Closed all day

9a - 7p For wedding: 2:00 p.m.

Hamm/Burgess

2-8 p ”Cruise-In”

around the Square

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9:30 a Sunday School 10:30 a Fellowship 11:00 a Worship 12 n - 3 p on Monday

Rodgers Center Reserved:

United Way Luncheon Set-up

4 Rodgers Center

Reserved: United Way Luncheon 8a - 3p

6:30 p 4th Day

5 1p PW Officers (RC) 2p Happy PM Circle (RC) 3p Tutoring 6:30 p Committees

6 Cursillo - Jaina Out

12 noon Lenten Lunch Service at St. Timothy - Devotion by Pastor David

6 p Confirmation Class

7 p Choir

7 Cursillo - Jaina Out

3p Tutoring

8 Cursillo - Jaina Out 9 Cursillo - Jaina Out 7 a Gideons & Ladies Auxiliary (RC) 9:30 -11:30 a John Wade Keyes DAR (RC)

10 Cursillo - Jaina Out Kitchen Angels

Bake Sale Today! 10

8:00 a Men’s Breakfast 9:30 a Sunday School 10:30 a Fellowship 11:00 a Worship

11 Spring Break 6:30 p 4th Day

12 Spring Break

6:30 p Session

13 Spring Break 8 a - noon Athens Garden Club (RC)

12 noon Last Lenten Lunch Service at St. Timothy 2 p “Ministers of the Cloth (RC)

7 p Choir

14 Spring Break 7a - 10:30 a Family Res Center “Step-Up Meeting” (RC)

VIP Trip

15 Spring Break

16 7 a Gideons (RC)

17 PALM SUNDAY

9:30 a Sunday School 10:30 a Fellowship Christian Ed Reception for Confirmation Class of 2011. 11:00 a Worship Confirmation Sunday

18 Meal: Charlotte Lyle & Hazel White 6:30 p 4th Day

19 Meal: Happy PM Circle 3p Tutoring 6p ADK Teachers (RC) Newsletter Info For May Due Today!

20 Meal: Duke Family

6 p Revelation Bible Study & Light Supper 7 p Choir

21 Meal: Joyce Counter & Clara Swanson

Maundy Thursday 3p Tutoring

22 Meal: John Noel

Good Friday

23 7 a Gideons (RC)

24 COMMUNION EASTER SUNDAY

6:30 a Sunrise Service 7:30 a Breakfast 9:30 a Sunday School 10:30 a Fellowship 11:00 a Worship

25

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

TODAY! 6:30 p 4th Day 6:30 p NAP Men’s Mtg @ Fellowship

26 3 p Tutoring 6p Limestone Historical Society (RC)

27 Jaina@Seminary 2 p “Ministers of the Cloth (RC) 7 p Choir

28 Jaina@Seminary 3 p Tutoring 6:30p Yoga (RC)

29 Jaina@Seminary 30 Jaina & David @Clergy Retreat 7 a Gideons (RC) “Empty Bowls” Dinner for LCCI @ Friendship Methodist

ALTAR FLOWERS :

3 _Carol & Steve Copeland_ 10 ______________________ 17 _Flower Committee______ 24 _Flower committee______

April 2011

3 Emily Eddy Claire Patterson 10 Dustin McGlothin Sean Miller 17 Ellis Gossett Jon Lewis Kiep 24 James Clem Emily Gossett

COMMUNION SERVERS - April 24, 2011

North Section: James Colvin, Carol Copeland Center Section: Shari Duke, Doris Estes South Section: Regina Greene, Doug Harbin Choir & Nursery: Stanley Hand

APRIL USHERS Carol & Charles Creech

Price Boyd _____________________

Nell Stapleton Smith ─ born November 29, 1921 in Dothan, Alabama. She grew up in Marianna, Florida and graduated from Jackson County High School in 1939. She attended and graduated from FSCW, now Florida State University, in 1943.

She was sworn into the Naval Reserve on July 12, 1943 in Jacksonville, Florida and reported for duty on July 31, 1943 at the U.S. Naval Reserve Midshipman School, Northampton, Maine. She served as an ap-prentice seaman until August 27, 1943, when she was sworn in as a midshipman. She became an ensign on September 21, 1943 and was appointed assistant paymaster with the rank of ensign. Ensign Smith re-ported for duty at Supply and Accounts school at Cambridge, Maine on October 1, 1943.

Upon completion of supply School, she was sent to Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Virginia reporting there on January 21, 1944. She was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant (JG) SC (W) on January 9, 1945. She served as assistant disbursing officer at the U.S. Naval Air Station at Glynco, Georgia. There she served as disbursing officer until November 29, 1945 when she was released from active duty. During her tenure in the WAVES she also met and married Frank Brobson Lutz on August, 1945.

Nell and Frank lived in Millville, New Jersey until 1952 when they moved to Athens, Alabama to raise their three (3) children: Brobson, Tom, and Ruth. Frank worked at Chemstrand Corporation in Decatur and Nell immediately became involved in community, church, and school activities. When not tending to children she spent her time cooking, fishing, sewing, and substitute teaching. She was also involved in several clubs, bridge, circles, and study club, and enjoyed some other hobbies. After Frank retired they enjoyed doing some traveling, spending time with the grandchildren, and the spent a lot of time at their camp on the Elk River.

Nell received the DAR Community Service Award for her community service and in 2009 she participated in the Honor Flight. She and Frank participated in the veterans Parade in November 2010 when he served as the Honorary Grand Marshal and was honored as being the oldest living WW II Veteran in Limestone County.

Nell continues to enjoy cooking, fishing, reading, attending Bible Study and church activi-ties. She keeps up with her many friends all over the world via email. She received her first computer as a 50th anniversary gift in 1995 and now keeps two operating at all times.

(Copied from program: Alabama Veterans Museum Celebrates National Women’s History Month, March 26, 2011 - Special Guest of Honor: Mrs. Nell Lutz, U.S. Navy, WWII )

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Presbyterian Women’s

SPRING

April 10, 2011

Put on your apron, get out your kitchen tools and be ready to make your best rec-ipe for our PW Bake Sale on Sunday, April 10, 2011. If you want to bring your items early, we will receive them in the Rodgers Center on Satur-day, April 9th from 2-4:00 p.m. On April 10th come early and plan on viewing the goodies and buying between Sunday School and Worship (10:30 - 11:00 a.m.). There may be a surprise or two!!!

Please label your baked goods with its’ identity, (i.e. lemon pound, pecan danish, chocolate chip, etc.). We would like your name as the preparer, it you so desire. What is only a week away from the bake sale? PALM SUNDAY & HOLY WEEK! You can enjoy a scrumptious dessert and not even have to prepare it. So plan on buying some homemade goodies to help your “Kitchen Angels” re-supply our kitchen.

Charlotte K. Lyle, PW Moderator

THANK YOU! The family of William Beckham would like to express our gratitude for the generous outpouring of love and support we have received at the death of our husband and father, father-in-law, grand-father. The flowers, cards, food, visits, phone calls, and prayers have truly helped during this difficult time. Thank you so much.

Mavis Beckham; Kay, Bob, Mac & Clint Baugher; Carol, Gene, Myra and Jon Quillen

THANK YOU! A very special THANK YOU! with XOX0 (hugs & kisses) are sent to Mike Holdren and his special work crew that worked so hard and did such a fantastic job in the recent remodeling of the church nursery. Special thanks to Jan Holdren for the fabulous jog on the new window curtains. Everyone needs to stop by and see all our new improvements!

Hazel White and The Nursery Committee

THANK YOU! Thank you for all the ways you’ve loved us and up-held us in these trying months since Carol’s accident. Words can never express how grateful we are to have all of you in our lives. We love you very much! The Lord guide you and keep you!

All our love, Van & Carol Eddington

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This Easter, we will place Easter Lilies in our Sanctuary for “the Glory of God” or to honor our loved ones or in their memory. Those who wish to purchase an Easter Lily (or more than one) for placement in the sanctuary may drop this form in the offering plate or call the church office. Cost for each Lily ordered will be $9.00. Please make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church.

Please fill out the form below and mail or bring to the church office, or drop it in the offering plate, along with $9.60 per Lily ordered, by Monday, April 11, 2011 . Thank you.

Your Name _________________________________________________________

# of Lilies ordered ____________ Total amount enclosed ($9.00/Lily) ____________

In Honor of ________________________________________ In Honor of __________________________________________ In Memory of ______________________________________ In Memory of _________________________________________

�

Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011 Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011 Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011 Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011 9:30 a.m. Sunday School; 11:00 a.m. Worship Service

Confirmation Sunday

Holy Week Holy Week Holy Week Holy Week April 18April 18April 18April 18----22, 201122, 201122, 201122, 2011

12:00 Noon Devotional Service each day. Lunch will follow worship. . . .

Maundy Thursday, April 21, 2011Maundy Thursday, April 21, 2011Maundy Thursday, April 21, 2011Maundy Thursday, April 21, 2011

Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011 6:30 a Community Sunrise Service

7:30 a.m. Fellowship Breakfast (Rodgers Center) 9:30 a.m. Sunday School

11:00 a.m. Worship

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

112 S. JEFFERSON ST.

ATHENS, ALABAMA 35611

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Youth: Youth: Youth: Youth: NEWS & HAPPENINGSNEWS & HAPPENINGSNEWS & HAPPENINGSNEWS & HAPPENINGS

6

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Montreat Youth Conference 2011,

July 9-16, 2011. Please see Jaina for more information and applica-tion forms.

THE CONFIRMATION RETREAT was a great weekend. Everyone had a great time. Our children and children from two sister churches worked very hard. Please continue to pray for us in the coming weeks as we finish our study in preparation for Confirmation on Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011. LOST & FOUND:

A red long sleeve Timberland© and cross craft project were found on the bus. Please come by the church office to claim.

From the Editor . . .From the Editor . . .From the Editor . . .From the Editor . . . Please let the church office know what information you would like to see in the Please let the church office know what information you would like to see in the Please let the church office know what information you would like to see in the Please let the church office know what information you would like to see in the newsletter The Grapevine is your newsletter! We look forward to hearing from you!!newsletter The Grapevine is your newsletter! We look forward to hearing from you!!newsletter The Grapevine is your newsletter! We look forward to hearing from you!!newsletter The Grapevine is your newsletter! We look forward to hearing from you!!

To receive an email edition, submit information, or to make address

corrections please contact the church office at:

112 S. Jefferson Street Office Hours: Monday - Friday

Athens, Alabama 35611 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Phone: 256-232-0122 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Email: fpcathens@fpcathens.org. Website: www.fpcathens.org

Information for the newsletter is due by 2:00 p.m.

on the third Tuesday of each month.

CHURCH STAFF: Rev. David Palmer, Stated Supply Pastor Rev. Jaina Anderson, Associate Pastor

Niles Patrick Bacon, Music Director Duane Counter, Treasurer

Sandra Mitchell, Administrative Assistant

Please turn in your information for the May Calendar and Grapevine

Newsletter by Tuesday, April 19. You can bring or call the church

office (256-232-0122),or you can email to fpcathens@fpcathens.org.

2011 THEME “Sharing Brings Joy” (II Corinthians 9:6-9)

Please take advantage of this opportunity to share with others on Easter Sunday, April 24, during our morning worship service.

Offering Distribution: 36% Presbyterian Hunger Program 32% Presbyterian Disaster Assistance 32% Self-Development of People

Make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church and note “One Great Hour of Sharing” on the memo/for line of your check. Thank You!

FYI...Plans are in motion to produce our own pictorial directory! Watch

and listen for more information in the coming weeks!!