CHURCH CURRENTS First Presbyterian Church 210 S. Wayne Street

Milledgeville, GA 31061

phone: 478-452-9394

fpchurch@windstream.net

www.fpchurch.org “like” us on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/First.Presbyterian.Church.Milledgeville.GA

We seek to glorify God through:

Inspiring worship in Word and music, Inquiring study for adults and youth,

Inclusive hospitality locally and globally, Industrious outreach for social justice

and environmental stewardship.

October 2017

We are on the radio Our worship service is broadcast on WKZR

(102.3 FM.) every Sunday morning at 11:00AM

ONLINE GIVING

www.fpchurch.org

JOIN US FOR WORSHIP & FELLOWSHIP

Sunday School 9:45am

Worship Service 11:00am

Friday October 27 ~ Sunday October 29 Let’s ceLebrate the 500th anniversary of the reformation! on october 31, 1517 Martin Luther famously nailed his 95 Theses to the church door. This weekend will entail a series of talks and meals to learn about the Reformation from

Luther to Wesley! More information will follow.

Coord. of Children &

Youth Ministries:

Gloria Burns

Issue No. 257 October 2017

First Presbyterian Church

Organists:

Kate Phillips

Jenny Moore

Director of Music:

Dr. Jennifer Flory

Admin. Asst.:

Amy Snowden

Child Care Providers: Sarah Patrick Sarah Clegg

Pastor:

Rev. Susan

Balfour

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Grace and peace to you, in the name of our Lord Christ! Each day I marvel at the faithfulness of this church family, and give thanks for the hearts, heads, hands, and souls that make us a part of the Body of Christ.

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther famously nailed a copy of his 95 Theses to the door of All Saints’ Church in Wittenberg, Germany. Well…maybe he did, maybe he didn’t. But he did present these Theses – or academic conversation-starters—to the Bishop of Mainz. This academic document, otherwise known as Disputations on the Power of Indulgences, sparked off something Luther had not anticipated, and which changed the face of the church.

It is easy to lose sight of the fact that Luther had no intention of founding a new church, any more than Jesus did! Both were reformers, challenging the status quo of their respective times in an effort to clear away the human-cultivated brambles that had choked the vine.

The Roman Church gave a great deal of resistance to this conversation Luther had started, which led to his excommunication and, eventually, to the founding of the Lutheran Church. But along the way, others joined the conversation: John Calvin, Huldrych Zwingli, John Knox, Menno Simons, and many others with less well-known names. Out of the Lutheran schism came the Reformed Confessional tradition, of which the Presbyterian Church (USA) is a part. This tradition holds tightly to the profession, “Reformed and Always Being Reformed,” meaning that we never believe we have achieved the apex of the Christian faith. We have reformed the faith, but we don’t stop there, always seeking God’s will via the Holy Spirit.

This process of continual reformation relies first and foremost on the Holy Spirit, but that Spirit must move through human vehicles. A great diversity is required for this process to be truly successful—traditionalists and progressives, young and less young, conservative and liberal, of all races and ethnicities, of all genders, across the socio-economic spectrum.

This year, we mark 500 years of the Protestant Reformation, hearing again the witness of those who sought to live faithfully with all of the resources available to them. We will host a Minter Weekend October 27 -29 to observe that rich and wonderful history, led by myself, Dr. Rosemary Begemann, Rev. John Lamsma, and Dr. Bob Wilson. We look forward to a weekend filled with fellowship, learning, laughter, and worship—you won’t want to miss this!

May joy and nothing less follow you on this journey,

Rev. Susan

2017 2018 2019 Elders: Jan Hoffmann Dave Baarda Nancy Miller, Clerk of Session

Lee Gillis Holley Cowan Bill Werts

Doris Moody Faye Heal Bob Wilson Deacons: Joel Burns Mary Baker Millie Murphy,

Margie Dodd Donna Gautier Moderator

Irene Tchamna Barbara Rowe

JOIN US FOR WORSHIP & FELLOWSHIP

JOIN US FOR STUDY & WORSHIP

Sunday School 9:45AM Potluck Wednesday 6:30PM

Sunday Morning Worship 11:00AM Bible Study 7:15PM

NURSERY SCHEDULE: October 1 Margie Dodd October 8 Gloria Burns October 15 Elizabeth Baarda October 22 Jackie Northington October 29 Anne Smart Thanks to our faithful nursery workers and volunteers! Anne Smart (asmart@johnmilledge.com).

FPC Book Club Cumberland Island, Georgia, is a rare treasure in our rapidly changing world - a protected national seashore and an island of great natural beauty with no bridge access. We are blessed to have Cumberland located in the far south-eastern corner of our state. We learned in our September discussion of Untamed - The Wildest Woman in America and the Fight for Cumberland Island that development still threatens the island and that we must be diligent if we hope to maintain the island in its largely natural state.

Our own Marion Robinson met with us and shared her experiences on Cumberland as a National Park Service employee and, more recently, as a volunteer on Cumberland. Marion knew Carol Ruckdeschel, the woman referred to in the book title, and told of Carol's crusade to save the island from Hilton Head-type development. The "untamed" Carol has done extensive research on sea turtles and is also known for her unusual lifestyle on the island. Some of the group had never been to the island and expressed an interest in visiting to see the natural wonders firsthand.

Another Milledgeville resident, retired teacher Sandra Worsham will visit our book club on October 12 to discuss her recently published book, Going to Wings, a memoir. Some of the group attended a September book signing and reading from her book at Allied Arts. The Kirkuk Review said of the book, "...A palpable and invigorating book, mapping one woman's lifelong efforts to discover her own sexual identity through Christianity and friend-ship". Several in our group have known Sandra Worsham for many years and know how highly she is regarded by many former students and community members. We look forward to learning more about her personal journey.

The book group has selected Last Child in the Woods - Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder to read for the November 9 discussion. The book brings together the growing body of evidence linking the lack of nature in children' lives and the rise in obesity, attention disorders, and depression. Book reviews claim that Louv's book will change the way we think about our future and the future of our children.

The book club group reads books that are entertaining, challenging, and sometimes puzzling. If you like to read and think you would enjoy lively discussions about books, join us on the second Thursday of each month at 2 p.m. in the church parlor.

If you have questions or comments, please contact Millie Murphy at mmurphy1611@yahoo.com or Alice Tenold at alicetenold@gmail.com.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

We are studying The Community of Christ in Hebrews. Our Sunday group meets on the 2nd Sunday of each month (Oct. 8) at 5:00 in the parlor. Tuesday group

meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month (Oct. 10) at 11:00 in the parlor, followed by a catered lunch.

Rosemary Begemann will lead the discussions. We pray that our study of community in Hebrews will help us

strengthen our own communities!

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Puppets

Lots of thanks to Marion Robinson for her work on our

Burning Bush to begin our Moses Series for September.

What a talent!

Students That Always Rejoice and Serve

Our S.T.A.R.S. have begun work on learning music for our

Joy Gift Program in December. It is not too late to be a part of this

Christmas tradition this year! Join us on Sunday afternoons

3:00~5:00pm. We continue to learn about different ways to Pray

and care for others.

Wednesday Night Study Group

Being Reformed: Faith Seeking Understanding

Reformed and Presbyterian Christians are people of faith who are seeking understanding.

From the beginnings of our Reformed tradition, Presbyterians have realized God calls us to

explore ways the Christian faith can be more fully known and expressed. This vision has driven

concerns for the education of people of all ages. Presbyterians have been big on providing

resources to help us delve more deeply into Christian faith and the theology that gives our

living tradition its distinctive heritage.

This Being Reformed curriculum for adults is one expression of the desire to

open up what it means to be Presbyterian Christians in the world today. Our purpose is to

enhance, enrich, and expand our insights. We want Presbyterians to grow in understandings

of elements that are foundational and significant for their faith. Encounters with theology,

church, worship, spirituality/discipleship, and social righteousness will guide our ways.

These studies engage our whole selves. We will find our minds moved by new ideas, our

emotions stirred with responses of gratitude, and calls for action that can lead us in different

life directions. Heads, hearts, and hands will be drawn into the joys of discovering what new

things God is calling us toward.

We invite you to join in this journey of faith seeking understanding. Celebrate the

blessings of our Reformed and Presbyterian tradition of faith. Be stimulated and challenged by

fresh insights that will deepen your understandings. Find a stronger commitment to the God

who has loved us in Jesus Christ.

Please contact Margie Dodd (404) 273-0597, if you are interested

in the after school program at Flipper Chapel. This program will

give the children a safe environment for homework assistance,

physical activities, and a hearty meal. Thank you!

Prison Family Ministry

On Friday September 15 we learned that even Hurricane Irma could not deter a couple of dozen family members from the Atlanta area from coming to visit the next day! We hastily put together a soup and sandwich meal and served all who actually made it here,

along with a blessed number of FPC volunteers! Thanks to all who came through on such short notice! On October 21 we will serve BBQ and Brunswick Stew, coleslaw and desserts. We will need volunteers and desserts from the congregation. Please contact Donna Gautier at 478-453-2154 (leave a message) or donna.gautier@charter.net......Thanks in advance!!

COMMUNITY OUTREACH Food Pantry~Tuesday’s 9:30-10:30am

We bring canned goods for FPC food pantry on the first

Sunday of each month; the same day we celebrate the

Lord’s Supper. Items needed are canned meats, tuna,

fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, soups,

macaroni & cheese, rice, pasta, and spaghetti sauce. We

also make lunch/snack bags for the lost and

homeless. These bags contain Bumble Bee

tuna or chicken salad, Vienna sausages or

sardines, pack of toastee crackers, fruit cup,

granola bar, and a bottled water. Each week

our volunteers distribute food to many

families in our community; last month we helped 51 fami-

lies and handed out around 30 lunch bags! Your donations

enable the Food Pantry Ministry and this community to

thrive, not just survive! Gratefully Thankful!!

Samaritan Ministry

Every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 9:30am, when funds

are blessed, we offer utility assistance to a few of our

neighbors in our community. We all are in need of a

burden lifted from time to time, it can ease our walk on

the Right Path and lead us not astray! Thank you for

your contributions to this selfless ministry!

Help for the Helpless, Hope for the Hopeless,

and Rest for the Weary...

TREASURER'S CORNER "Money is like fertilizer, its only good if its spread around." This old adage has been told in my family for

generations. Another one we used was "you can't take it with you". Our church has been blessed by generosity of its

members over the years and the gifts of the saints who are no longer with us have been used to fund our current

expenses. We have spread our money around in support of our ministries that impact the lives of thousands of people

both near and far.

We have supported an orphanage in Kenya for the children left without parents by AIDS. We have helped to

make our local Boys and Girls Club one of the best in the Southeastern United States. We have hosted some of the most

thought provoking gatherings of Christians ever held in Middle Georgia. We have been so active that our congregation

received the Elinor Curry Award for our Outreach and Social Concern.

Our heritage is great, but the present is more challenging. We have lost membership and our outreach has been

reduced. A number of our ministries have suffered. Our support for Boys and Girls Club was eliminated last year. All of

our committees have been told to reduce spending. We currently have issues with our facilities that have not been

addressed.

Here are the basic facts: In the period from January through August 31st of this year, we have cut expenses dra-

matically but we have received $15,545.68 less than we spent. We have dipped into reserves to fund current operations.

We have frozen all non-essential expenditures.

We do not want to just survive. We want to be the church that is the shining light on the corner of Greene and

Wayne. In this stewardship season, please make sure that we can be that light. ~ Joel D. Burns July August 2017 YTD

Contributions $16,683 $12,669 $115,949

Other Income 120 123 3,681

Total Income $16,803 $12,792 $119,630

Budgeted Expenses $15,655 14,762 144,507

Net (Loss) $1,773 ($1,345) ($19,877)

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY

VIPS LOOK AT GOOD DAYS AND BAD DAYS

The VIP Support Group celebrates the good days and works together to

cope with the bad ones. At the September meeting we celebrated some

good days- the birthdays of three members- Maredith Griffith, Frances

Rewis and Jane Moses- with birthday cake, punch and well wishes.

Then we looked at ways to cope with situations like the recent

tropical storm. The first recommendation was to make sure we stayed

informed of the weather, whether thru television, cell phone apps or

thru networking with friends or relatives to make sure everyone is in-

formed of emergency situations. Having a battery or hand cranked ra-

dio or weather radio is really helpful. Another good suggestion was to

have an Emergency kit already prepared. This kit should contain: 1. Water ( 1 gal/per person/per

day) if at home a 2 wk supply, if evacuating a 3 day supply) 2. Dry food- canned, dried or something like

protein- non perishable ( food from a refrigerator with no current should be good for 4 hours, from a

freezer, for 2 days.) 3. At least one flashlight with extra batteries and extra bulb 4. Battery powered

radio or hand cranked one ( again extra batteries) 5. First aid kit, include your current medications

6. Multipurpose tool such as Swiss army knife ( can opener capability for sure ) 7. Whistle you can hang

around your neck 8. Matches or butane lighter 9. Basic personal hygiene items 10. Copies of important

documents in zip lock bags ( deeds, insurance, drivers license, medications and medical conditions list,

etc.) These may be put in the dishwasher for safety in situations like a flood or tornado or kept in wallet

or purse. In general, it is good to have this last info taped on the refrigerator or by the front door for first

responder use in case of health emergency. 11. Mobile phone with batteries& charger ( remember they

may be charged with car battery) 12. Home generator is ideal if feasible for you 13. Emergency contact

information ( see item #10) 14. Extra cash- ATM’s need electricity to work 15. Blanket 16. Map of area

so you can tell people how to get to you.

Close doors and windows

Leave the porch or front door lights on to let crews know the electricity is on.

Turn off unnecessary electrical equipment to prevent power surges that could destroy appliances or start

fires.

Have a plan for where to evacuate and where to meet with relatives/friends after leaving.

The VIP’s will meet next on October 18th at 10:30 am; Mike Martenson from Visual Enhancements

Inc will demonstrate new visual aid devices and answer questions about what is available to enhance

vision. Interested persons are invited to join us.

Session Highlights from September 19, 2017

The new ice maker has been installed in kitchen. Personnel had three motions needing approval.

1) requesting approval for Music Director to take off 1-2 weeks per month from September 2017 through May 2018, she

will receive her paid leave until used up and then only paid $275 for Thursday and Sunday’s each week she is here. The

conductor substitute is well qualified and will fill in during her absence and be paid $200 each week she fills in.

2) Needed our confirming vote to hire Sara Clegg (GCSU student) as a child care worker. She has been vetted.

3) Request the need to show Pastor’s Housing allowance separate from her salary in Budget.

All three requests approved by voice vote. As we look for cost savings, Property has been working on quotes for phone

service at church. Also working on securing quotes for termite damage in sanctuary and water intrusion issues recently

found. Session has approved Joel Burns and David Baarda as Co-Treasurer’s. Administrative assistant, Faye Heal and

Nancy Miller to continue their assigned financial jobs.

An

niv

ersa

ries

Those with Limited Mobility: Mrs. Gerry Califf

Mary Carlton

Martha Chappell

Helen Danuser

Bob & Eloise Lamb

Jo Ann Manley

Polly Morrison

Charlotte Owens

Gloria Smith

Ruth Treptow

Church Family: Harry Beck, chemotherapy

Bryan Dempster, Green Acres

Tom Lucik, bone cancer, under hospice care

Peter Piro, cancer, chemotherapy

John Sallstrom, prostate cancer

Ruth Treptow, recovering at home Extended Family: Hayden Adams, Don & Terri Glover’s 13 yr old granddaughter, large cell leukemia, New York

Murphy Davis, Open Door Community, cancer, multiple health concerns

Judy deGrandcourt, Sandra Balfour’s sister, advanced MS

Kyle Dennis, Anne’s husband, Multiple Myeloma, kidney issues

Russell & Kathleen Edwards, Marianne’s parents, numerous health problems

Carolyn Erickson, health concerns

Jeremy Erickson, Carolyn Erickson’s son, liver issues

Marty Flory, Jennifer’s mother-in-law, ongoing health issues

Dr. Tina Holmes-Davis, Jennifer Flory’s friend, recovering at home following a stroke in December

Leigh Humphrey, Will & Becky Humphrey’s son, kidney transplant, recovering

Arthur & Julie Montemayor, Becky Henderson’s parents, ongoing health concerns

Larry Moore, Jenny Moore’s husband, recovering back surgery

Tom Murphy, Kathy Carroll’s brother, colon cancer

Chris Pearson, Sunda Coleman’s son, under heart specialist care

Roy & Runette Pound, Sunda Coleman’s parents, at home recovering, multiple health issues

Braydon Smith, John & Louise Sallstrom’s grandson, 10 yrs old, scoliosis, multiple ailments

Suzy Smith, Lois Callender’s mother, prayers for improved physical & mental health

Sue York, cancer treatment

In Assisted Living: Marguerite Owens, Gloria Burns’ mother, Savannah Court

October 1 ~ Bob Smart

October 4 ~ Linda Bradley

Jimmy Jordan

Greg York

October 8 ~ Holley Cowan

October 9 ~ Millie Murphy

October 10 ~ Laura Baarda

October 12 ~ Bill Flory

Donald Steward

October 21 ~ Bo Sibilsky

October 23 ~ Rob Grimes

Tammi Ritchie

October 4 ~ Don & Jane Braxley

October 8 ~ Craig & Dianna

Hendricks

October 25 ~ Don & Diana Steward

October 31 - Lonnie & Vera Bales

Bir

thd

ays

Communion for the Infirm and Homebound

Our FPC Worship Committee would like to make Communion available to those members of our congregation who are unable to attend our church worship services. They will do so by bringing the

communion elements to homes, hospital rooms, and nursing facilities. To request this service, please call the church office at (478) 452-9394 and leave your contact information.

‘For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.’ 1 Corinthians 11:26

When Life Gets Too Hard To Stand......KNEEL

October 24 ~ Mary Baker

Becky Henderson

October 28 ~ Allen Gee

October 30 ~ Doris Moody

1

9:45 Sunday School

10:00 Puppets

11:00 Worship Service

w/Communion & Food

Offering Received

12:00 Autumn

Luncheon

3:00 ~ 5:00 S.T.A.R.S.

2

5:30 Christian

Education

Committee

6:30 Game Night

3

9:30 ~ 10:30 Food

Pantry

12:00 Kiwanis Club

Luncheon

4

6:30 Potluck

Dinner

7:15 Bible Study ~

Being Reformed

5

10:00 ~ 12:00

Bridge Lessons

6:30 ~ 8:00

Middle Georgia

Progressive Women

7:00 Choir

6 7

8

9:45 Sunday School

10:00 Puppets

11:00 Worship Service

Congregational meet-

ing immediately after

3:00 DEACONS

3:00 ~ 5:00 S.T.A.R.S.

5:00 Presbyterian

Women Study

9

5:30 Stewardship &

Finance Committee

10

9:30 ~ 10:30 Food

Pantry

11:00 Presbyterian

Women Study

12:00 Kiwanis Club

Luncheon

2:00 Mourning

After Group

11

5:15 Long Range

Planning

6:30 Potluck

Dinner

7:15 Bible Study ~

Being Reformed

12

10:00 ~ 12:00

Bridge Lessons

2:00 FPC Book

Club

7:00 Choir

13 14

15

9:45 Sunday School

10:00 Puppets

11:00 Worship

Service

3:00 ~ 5:00 Students

That Always Rejoice

& Serve

16

2:30 ~ 4:30

Baldwin County

Retired Educators

Association

17

9:30 ~ 10:30

Food Pantry

9:30 Samaritan’s

Ministry

5:30 SESSION

Meeting

18

10:30 ~ 11:30

Visually Impaired

Person’s Group

6:30 Potluck

Dinner

7:15 Bible Study ~

Being Reformed

19

2:00 Learning in

Retirement Reading

3:00 Learning in

Retirement Writing

7:00 Choir

20

9:30 ~ 11:30

Setup for Prison

Family Lunch in

kitchen & fellow-

ship hall

21

11:00 ~ 1:00

Prison Family

Luncheon

96th Stated

Meeting of

Presbytery 9-3pm

in Cornelia

22

9:45 Sunday School

10:00 Puppets

11:00 Worship Service

3:00 ~ 5:00 S.T.A.R.S.

23

6:00 ~ 8:00 Girl

Scout Leaders

24

9:30 ~ 10:30

Food Pantry

12:00 Kiwanis Club

Luncheon

5:15 Kiwanis Club

Board Meeting

6:30 Bridge

25

6:30 Potluck

Dinner

7:15 Bible Study ~

Being Reformed

26

7:00 Choir

27

Minter

Weekend

“Reffy 500”

28

Minter Weekend

“Reffy 500”

29 Fifth Sunday ~

Loose Offerings ~

Samaritan’s Ministry

9:45 Sunday School

11:00 Worship Service

Minter Weekend

“Reffy 500”

30 31

9:30 ~ 10:30

Food Pantry

12:00 Kiwanis Club

Luncheon

October