C h u r c h S c h o o l : 9 : 1 5 a . m . S u n d a y W o r s h i p : 1 0 : 4 5 a . m . 110 North Adams Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301

Phone (850) 222-4504 Fax (850) 222-2215

email: office@oldfirstchurch.org w e b s i t e : w w w . o l d fi r s t c h u r c h . o r g

www.facebook.com/oldfirstchurch Pastor’s Blog: b r a n t c o p e l a n d . c o m

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: 9:00 AM—12:30 PM AND 1:30PM—5:00PM, Monday—Friday

Ministry Night

February 11, 2019

6-8 p.m.

Join our Ministry Teams for a light supper and then Team

meetings. Supper is provided – donations accepted. Child-

care is provided. Everyone is invited. You don’t have to be

part of a Team currently. Come check out a Team and see

how they assist in the work of the church.

Teams that meet include: Care and Outreach, Compassion and

Social Justice, Worship, Property, and Spiritual Formation.

Submit items for publication to:

newsletter@oldfirstchurch.org no later

than noon on the Monday of publication.

Rebekah Circle

will meet on Tuesday, February 12th at 10:00 am. Elizabeth Platt will host our meeting. We will meet in the Pub

in the Parry Building at Westminster Oaks. Greta Reed will lead our Bible study.

Dorcas Circle will meet on Tuesday, February 12, at 10:30 a.m.

in the Specialty House at Westminster Oaks. Harriet Chase will be the study leader for Lesson Six:

“God’s Promise: I Am With You,” and Jane Hughes will be the hostess.

Deborah Circle will meet at Jan Bush's home for a pot luck supper at 6 PM

on Tuesday, February 12 before bible study at 7 PM.

Blanket Offering Sunday is February 10th!

This cause, sponsored by Church World Service and

supported by Presbyterian Church USA, provides a

special mission opportunity for our congregation to

assist people in need around the world to help them

build a foundation for a viable future.

Our contributions are used to purchase blankets for

anyone in need of warmth at home or abroad, tents,

emergency supplies in the wake of a disaster, tools

and seeds for refugees returning home, wells for

families to provide safe water to drink and to irrigate

crops, literacy training and microcredits for women

struggling to feed their families, and so much more.

Gift envelopes will be available in the pews for

several weeks, and checks may be addressed to

First Presbyterian Church.

PRAYER MINISTRY

Did you know...We have two separate prayer ministries, and invite you to participate in either, or both. You are not limited to asking for prayers for yourself, but when the prayer requests involves another individual, please get permission from the person concerned before submitting his or her name.

To have a prayer concern read aloud during worship, you can call the office during the week (850-222-4504), speak to Brant before wor-ship, or speak directly to the person who will be reading prayer con-cerns on any given Sunday — just look for the person holding a clip-board. You can ask for the concern to be shared just once, or it can repeat from week to week as long as it is needed.

In addition to the weekly prayer list, we have a separate prayer chain that responds privately to specific needs at any time. Debbie Gibson (gibsond1207@gmail.com) coordinates this ministry. You are invited to contact Debbie whenever there is a specific need and de-sire for prayer. It might be for someone who is anticipating surgery or recovering from illness; it might be for someone preparing for a job interview; it might be thanksgiving for the birth of a child or an anniversary; it could be that you're simply going through a tough time. Once Debbie knows of a need, it will be relayed to the prayer chain for the volunteers in that ministry to hold up the specific con-cerns or celebrations in prayer for as long as is needed.

A request for the prayer chain can also be read aloud in worship, but we'll only add it to the Sunday morning list if you let us know that's

what you want.

Dear Church Family, This past week, I reached two major milestones for my progress to-ward ministry. First, at the Jan. 26th presbytery meeting in Ft. Wal-ton Beach, I was unanimously approved to move to the level of Can-didate. Thanks to Brant for so eloquently explaining this in last week's newsletter. Then, this past Friday, Feb. 1, I passed the Bible Content Exam that I took right here in our Education Building. Special thanks to my proctor Rev. Raymond Guterman, my presbytery liaison. I want to say thanks for all your support over these past few months of study. Though prayers, discussions, and lots of hugs, so many of you have encouraged me and strengthened my confidence. My fam-ily and I are so grateful to be a part of such a strong and loving church home. Blessings, Erin Rosica, Candidate for Ministry

Our nursery and preschool rooms are

staffed by childcare providers from the

Heavenly Helpers Agency. These childcare

professionals are background checked and

trained in infant/child first aid and CPR.

They are present in both rooms from 9:00

a.m. – Noon each Sunday.

Main Floor Nursery: Our nursery is for in-

fants and toddlers up to two years old. Par-

ents can drop children off beginning at 9:00

a.m. and children will be cared for through

the worship hour. There is a sign in sheet

for parents to list who will be picking their

child up, an emergency phone number and

any particular needs the child may have

while in the church’s care. Children should

come with a bottle or sippy cup, preferred

snack and diapers. Diaper wipes and addi-

tional snacks are available.

Preschool Care: Beginning at age two, chil-

dren go to the third floor preschool room.

Drop-off begins at 9:00 a.m. and children

are cared for through the worship hour.

There is a sign in sheet for parents. Snacks

are provided.

Lectionary Readings

February 10, 2019 5th Sunday after Epiphany

Isaiah 6:1-13 Psalm 138

1st Corinthians 15:1-11 Luke 5:1-11

February 10, 2019 9:15 a.m.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES

Adult Bible Study Class Calvin Room

(across from the church office)

We will continue our study of the Book of Romans with chapters 4 and 5. Each Sunday we read selections from the Bible and discuss their meaning for our lives today.

Visitors are welcome to join us!

Hearing the Word Room 205

This class meets to discuss articles, books, and essays of

the class members’ choosing that relate to faith experi-

ences and serving in the world.

Inquirers’ Class Westminster Room 208

The Inquirers are exploring what has been done and what remains to be done in the wake of Hurricane Mi-

chael. This week, James Vance and Ben Powell will de-scribe the storm's impact on Dogwood Acres and other Presbytery properties, where we are with recovery, and

what members of our congregation can do to help.

February Mid-Week Adult Enrichment

Climate Church-Climate World

How People of Faith Must Work for Change

Wednesdays, February 13, 20 & 27

5:45 p.m. Dinner begins

6:30 p.m. Program begins

Climate Church, Climate World argues that climate change is the greatest moral challenge hu-manity has ever faced; it multiplies all forms of global social injustice: hunger, refugees, poverty, inequality, deadly viruses, war. Environmental leader Reverend Jim Antal presents a compelling case that it's time for the church to meet this moral challenge, just as the church addressed previous moral challenges.

February 13

Overview of the Book and an Update on Climate Change

-Pam McVety, Creation Care Enabler for Florida Presbytery

February 20

How People of Faith Must Work for Change

-Brant Copeland, FPC Pastor & Christy Williams, FPC educator

February 27 Proposals and Recommendations for

FPC to Address Climate Change

Dinner is catered by St. John’s Lively Café Dinner is $6.50 per person with a $15 family cap.

Children under 12 eat free.

Childcare is available if requested by the Monday before the event.

RSVPs required for Dinner RSVP by Noon on the Monday before the event.

Follow the link to SignUp Genius:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E45ACA623A2F49-february OR Email : christy@oldfirstchurch.org

COPIES OF THE BOOK ARE AVAILABLE FOR $20. SEE CHRISTY WILLIAMS IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE ONE.

Saturday, March 23, 2019

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CDT

Dogwood Acres Summer Camp and Retreat Center

Vernon, FL

A COMING-TOGETHER OF ALL PRESBYTERY of FLORIDA CONGREGATIONS

DiscipleFest offers worship, music, fellowship, and workshops as we celebrate our oneness in Christ.

Preaching: Rev. Carol Wood

For information or questions, contact the Presbytery of Florida at (850)535-2335 or office@presbyteryofflorida.com

Workshops to be offered

(Select 1st choice and an alternate for morning and 1st choice and an alternate for afternoon)

Morning Workshops

1. Book of Confessions: Although it is Part I of our church’s constitution, the Book of Confessions is often overlooked as a resource for elder training and spiritual growth. This workshop will explore the range of confessions that constitute the foundation of our polity, and involve participants in drawing on the richness of the confessions’ theological insights. Presenter: Rev. Dr. Joan Wooten

2. Clerks of Session: Basic Roles and Responsibilities (Offered again in afternoon): You’ve been elected clerk of session. Now what? Learn the basic role and responsibilities of the clerk of session. Find some of the many resources available to you in this ministry. For new and returning clerks. Presenter: Jeannie Dixon

3. Communities of Transformation: How to Avoid Toxic Charity and Do Local Mission Collaboratively: Ever wonder if your efforts to help

those in need are truly helping? Wish you had a model for helping families move from living paycheck-to-paycheck to really thriving? Wish you could do more mission in partnership with other churches and service providers? Then you need to hear more about Commu-nities of Transformation, a collaborative poverty alleviation effort up and running in nine sites in Alabama, and soon to be started in Walton County, Florida. Presenter: Rev. Emily Proctor

4. Doing Justice: The prophet directs us to “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.” What does the Bible mean by “justice”? Can the church be faithful without doing justice? What are some pressing justice issues facing us today? How might congregations “do jus-tice” in their unique settings? Presenter: Rev. Brant Copeland

WORKSHOPS TO BE OFFERED

5. How to Understand Scripture: We Presbyterians believe in the Bible as the inspired Word of God. But what does that mean exactly? And how can peo-

ple look at the same passage of scripture and see very different messages contained there? This workshop will offer time-tested tools for use in interpreting

scripture that can open the door to deeper and clearer understanding of what scripture has to say to us. Presenter: Rev. Dr. Roy Martin

6. Personality Types and Conflict Resolution Styles: Have you ever butted heads with someone at a committee or Session meeting? Do you know why?

It can be partly a personality conflict as well as differences in seeking resolution. This workshop will help you understand your personality type and conflict

resolution styles. (Great for at-home “discussions,” too.) Presenter: Rev. Mark Broadhea

7. Stewardship Basics: Faithful Response to God’s Amazing Generosity: The church’s “chief end” is to “glorify God and enjoy him forev-

er” (Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q.1). However, it’s hard to “glorify and enjoy” when we’re worrying about how to pay the church bills. This workshop will focus on tried-and-true practices of financial stewardship that are culled from years of ministry with many congregations. We’ll focus on missional budg-

eting, stewardship as worship, living generously, generational differences in giving, and how not to rob Peter to pay Paul. Lots of take-home materials. Pre-senter: Rev. Lisa Martin

Afternoon Workshops

8. Clerks of Session: Basic Roles and Responsibilities (Repeat of morning workshop): You’ve been elected clerk of session. Now what? Learn the basic role and responsibilities of the clerk of session. Find some of the many resources available to you in this ministry. For new and re-turning clerks. Presenter: Jeannie Dixon

9. Climate Change, Presbyterians and Justice: Change happens. How do we faithfully discern where God is leading us next, and how do we help make and navigate change in our congregations and communities? Presenter: Pam McVety

10. Faith and Politics: If our politics have become so divisive, why should we bother to engage our disagreements at all? This workshop will establish the theological relationship between faith and politics in our Reformed tradition, and will involve participants in identifying ways in which they can initiate peacemaking conversations in their own communities of faith. Presenter: Rev. Dr. Joan Wooten

11. Music in Worship: Challenges in Smaller Congregations (some larger ones, too!): Music is an important part of our liturgy, worship traditions, and personal experiences in church; but not everyone has access to someone who can lead hymns from the piano/organ or to direct or sing in a choir. We’ll discuss options to put music solidly back into your congregation’s church service or bring variety to your current music ministry. Presenter: Linda Lovins

12. Prayer and Spiritual Formation: Why is it okay for people to talk to God, but when God speaks to a person, he or she is considered unbal-anced? The truth is, God speaks every day. The question is, do you have ears to listen? This workshop will help you open your ears, heart and mind to listen for God’s still, small voice, and deepen your spiritual journey . Presenter: Rev. Mark Broadhead

13. Presbyterian Polity: Have you come from a different denominational background and wondered why we Presbyterians do things the way we do them? Maybe you are a life-long Presbyterian and wondered the same thing! Elders, Deacons, and members of congregations are invited to discover how our practice is informed by our theology, history, and experience. Presenter: Rev. Dr. Roy Martin

14. Revitalization Basics: Getting Your Congregation’s Ox Out of the Ditch: “All we need to grow our church is more young families with children!” Have you ever thought that? If so, this workshop just might be for you! We’ll explore some basics of congregational revitalization that allow us to breath in the possibilities and power of the Holy Spirit so that we engage with others in a more winsome way. Ready for your congregation to grow? Let’s talk! Presenter: Rev. Lisa Martin

15. Worship and Sacraments: Where did the sacraments come from? How do they fit into the Reformed/Presbyterian Tradition? How do they shape

Christians? We’ll probe these and others issues as we learn together. Presenter: Rev. Brant Copeland

DISCIPLEFEST SCHEDULE (All times CDT)

Registration/ Morning Refreshments: 9:00 a.m.

Morning Worship: 9:30 a.m.

Workshop One: 10:00 a.m.

Lunch: 12:00 noon

Workshop Two: 1:00 p.m.

Closing Celebration: 2:30 p.m.

Workshop Registration:

Morning: 1st Choice # ______ Alternate # Afternoon: 1st Choice # _______ Alternate #

Fee is $15 per person (Includes lunch).

Lodging not included. Please contact Dogwood Acres Camp & Conference Center at ben@dogwoodacres.org for overnight accommodations before or

after the event.

Send completed registration form with your check made payable to Presbytery of Florida to: Presbytery of Florida DiscipleFest

P. O. Box 7, Chipley, FL 32428 NOTE: Be sure to complete both sides of this registration form.

Registration deadline: Friday, March 8, 2019 EVERYONE please REGISTER

(DiscipleFest committee members, workshop leaders, pastors, musicians, attendees and children.)

Registration by March 8 is required

Please Print Legibly: Name _

First Last

On-site child care provided FREE

Name(s) of Child(ren) for child care (first and last name)

Age _ ____________________________________________________________ Age _

Age Age

Address

Phone

Home _ Cell Email ____________

Home Church _

Are you attending the DiscipleFest for the first time? YES NO

SPECIAL NEEDS (physical, dietary, etc.) On-site transportation will be available if needed.

Workshop Presenters

Rev. Mark Broadhead, Presbytery of Florida Committee on Ministry Chair and 1st, Crestview, and Laurel Hill Pastor

Rev. Brant Copeland, Presbytery of Florida Parliamentarian, and 1st, Tallahassee, Pastor

Jeannie Dixon, Presbytery of Florida Stated Clerk and Fellowship, Tallahassee, Ruling Elder

Linda Lovins, Presbytery of Florida Committee on Dogwood Acres Chair, Christ, Tallahassee, Minister of Music and Music with a Mission Director

Rev. Lisa Martin, Presbytery of Florida Committee on Congregational Revitalization Vice Chair and 1st, Lynn Haven Pastor

The Rev. Dr. Roy Martin, Presbytery of Florida, General Presbyter

Pam McVety ,Presbytery of Florida Caring for Creation Enabler

Rev. Emily Proctor, Presbytery of Florida Committee on Preparation for Ministry Vice Chair, Red Bay, Stated Supply and SoWal Community Chaplain

The Rev. Dr. Joan Wooten, 1st Pensacola, Parish Associate

First Presbyterian Church Calendar for February 2019

Date Time Event Location Comments

Sunday

Schedule 9:00 AM Nursery Opens

Education Bldg.

Care for children last through the worship hour

10:45 AM Lord's Day Service Sanctuary All are welcome

Wednesdays 7:30 PM Choir Practice FPC Choir Room The Adult Choir meets each

Wednesday

Sunday, 10th PW Blanket Offering Sanctuary

12:15 P.M. Audrey Rivers

Dedication

Downtown

Chain of Parks

Monday, 11th 6:00 P.M. Ministry Night Ed. Bldg.

Westminster Rm.

Please join for Dinner &

Ministry Team Meetings

Wednesday, 13th 5:45 P.M.

Mid-Week

Program Westminster

Room

You can sign-up here! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E45AC

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Sunday, 17th 3:00 P.M. Ian Quinn

Organ Recital Sanctuary

Childcare Provided

Reception Follows

Wednesday, 20th 5:45 P.M.

Mid-Week

Program Westminster

Room

You can sign-up here! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E45AC

A623A2F49-february

Sunday, 24th Noon PW

Winter Gathering Westminster

Room

Wednesday, 27th 5:45 P.M.

Mid-Week

Program Westminster

Room

You can sign-up here! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E45AC

A623A2F49-february