www.stillwaterfpc.org 1

The Ambassador

2 We’re Hiring!

5 Senior Sunday

6 General Assembly 2018

7 Deacons’ Corner

9 Summer Music News

11 Looking Ahead to GiFT

A publication of First Presbyterian Church, Stillwater, OK

The June Ambassador deadline is Thursday, June 14th. Ambassador news may be sent to: magdalena.vinson@stillwaterfpc.org

M a y 2 0 1 8 volume 60 • number 5

PYG Taco Tuesdays, Summer Movie Nights,

and more!

See page 5 for details

What’s INSIDE

Pentecost is May 20, 2018 One Worship Service @ 9:30 am

No Sunday School Worship in Fellowship Hall with the

celebration of communion

Looking Ahead to the 2018 General Assembly in

St. Louis, Missouri

See page 6 for details

Summer Music News See page 9 for details

Summer Sunday Fellowship Schedule

See page 9 for details

Position Opening - Child Care Coordinator

See page 2 for details

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The Ambassador

First Presbyterian Church Staff

Pastor Leah R. Hrachovec leah.hrachovec@stillwaterfpc.org

Interim Associate Pastor Deborah Meinke deb.meinke@stillwaterfpc.org

Director of Children and Youth Jenna Campbell jenna.campbell@stillwaterfpc.org

Church Administrator Magdalena Vinson magdalena.vinson@stillwaterfpc.org

Finance/Office Assistant Mary Beth Garoffolo marybeth.garoffolo@stillwaterfpc.org

Church Treasurer Arletta Webster arletta.webster@stillwaterfpc.org

Director of Music/Organist Rebecca te Velde rebecca.tevelde@stillwaterfpc.org Contemporary Music Coordinator Steve Foust steven.foust@stillwaterfpc.org

Handbell Choir Director Allison Johnston alljo@okstate.edu Coordinator of Older Adult Ministry Kelly McCarley kelly.mccarley@stillwaterfpc.org Children’s Ministry Assistants Katharine Nipp Katharine.nipp@gmail.com Youth Ministry Assistants Jenna Linholm jlinholm@gmail.com Conner Funk funk.conner@gmail.com UKIRK Assistant Ethan Williams ukirk@stillwaterfpc.org Preschool Director Dana Brown dana@prespreschool.org

Custodian Mike Flowers

Announcements

Position Opening – Child Care Coordinator We are grateful to Sarah Priest who has served as our Child Care Coordinator for the past 1.5 years. She has done a fantastic job of ensuring that our nursery is a welcoming and safe place for children that embodies the love of Christ in caring for children. We wish Sarah well in her future job opportunities. We are currently looking for someone who can take on this part-time position. The duties involve offering a staffed, clean, and safe nursery environment for children for Sunday morning worship and other meetings/events during the week. The Child Care Coordinator is responsible for the scheduling of trained nursery workers and fills in as a child care worker when necessary. The job description is available to view at www.stillwaterfpc.org. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Jenna Campbell at

372-5580 or jenna.campbell@stillwaterfpc.org.

Jenna Campbell, Director of Children and Youth Ministry, will be out of the office May 24 - 30, and will be the chaplain at Dwight the week of June 17 - 23.

Mary Beth Garoffolo, Finance/Office Assistant, will be out of the office May 28 - June 2.

Leah Hrachovec, Pastor, is going on the Mission Trip to Goodland Academy, and will be out of the office June 2 - 9.

Deborah Meinke, Interim Associate Pastor, is one of Cimarron Presbytery’s commissioners to the General Assembly in St. Louis and will be out of the office June 15 - 23.

Rebecca te Velde, Director of Music/Organist, will attend the national convention of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) in Kansas City July 2-6. She is an invited panelist for a workshop led by the AGO’s Committee on Career Development and Support entitled “What Organ Lessons May Not Have Covered: Best Practices and Survival Skills for Organists.”

Staff Calendars

Congratulations to our 2018 High School Graduates! Mandy Blackburn Eli Johnson Kenny McCarley

These students will be recognized during worship on Sunday, May 20.

Congratulations to our 2018 OSU Graduates! Alasdair Hill Charlie Johnson Lyrica Krautter (master’s student)

These students were recognized in worship on Sunday, May 6.

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“. . . I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and daughters shall prophecy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams . . .” Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17 I tried studying a few languages over the years when I was in school full time. While I never spent a year abroad, I was able to study for a short time in France when I was learning French, and in seminary I took a summer and studied Spanish, spending a month or so in Guatemala at a language school. I had always heard people say that you will know that you really know a language when you wake up and realize that you were dreaming in that new language. True or not, this piece of wisdom came to mind as I have been revisiting the incredible story of God’s Holy Spirit filling the crowd gathered in Jerusalem 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 2:1-21). The Spirit gives believers the ability to speak in other languages, and presumably, the ability for those who spoke those other languages to understand them. When the Apostle Peter speaks to the crowd, he attempts to make sense of what is happening. He brings up the ancient words of the prophet Joel: that there would be a time when God would “pour out the Spirit upon all flesh,” and he declares the prophet’s prediction that God’s Spirit would be with men and women, old and young, slave and free (2:17). Visions and dreams would be with everyone, so that all would know the salvation of God. Peter is bold to declare what God is doing in the present: God, as promised, is leaping over any barriers to make sure that everyone, everyone knows that God’s good news in Jesus Christ is for each of them. Pentecost speeds up that process; the people present are given unique ways to connect with people who need to hear that God is active and visible in the world, and is for them and their salvation. When we realize that our dreams for God’s world do not have to be limited by our native language, assumptions, or culture, God can push and stretch us outside the patterns we think we need to work within. Part of why I love Christ’s church so much is that this is one of the singular places to experience God’s beloved community made real among persons across those often-constraining lines of gender, age, life experience, or cultural status. This is such good news that we, with trembling, ask God’s Spirit to give us ability to continue to reach out to those who have not yet experienced God’s good news as good news for them. We show forth the good news of Pentecost in our joyful embrace of the beautiful and necessary diversity of God’s people and all creation. May God’s Spirit dwell with you this Pentecost season. With God’s help, may we dream in the language of God’s love so what we might share its beautiful message in ways that other people can hear.

Rejoicing in God’s Spirit,

A Letter from Leah

Faith Quote

"Prayer leads you to see new paths and to hear new melodies in the air. Prayer is the

breath of your life which gives you the freedom to go and to stay where you wish and to

find the many signs which point out the way to a new land. Praying is not simply some

necessary compartment in the daily schedule of a Christian or a source of support in a

time of need, nor is it restricted to Sunday mornings or mealtimes. Prayer is living.”

~ Henri J.M. Nouwen

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Dwight Mission Camp and Conference Center Register for Summer Camp! Learn more and register at www.dwightmission.org

Dwight Mission is a Presbyterian camp and conference center located in eastern Oklahoma. They offer overnight camps for children entering 3rd grade – graduated seniors (grade entering for fall 2018).

All campers from FPC Stillwater will receive a $50 scholarship if you inform the church office of the camper name and camp week attending. The church office must be notified by you in order to receive this scholarship.

Jenna Campbell, Director of Children and Youth Ministry, will be attending Dwight as the chaplain the week of June 17-23.

Write to campers this summer! Camper Name – Camp Name Dwight Mission 100995 S. 4590 Rd Vian, OK 74962

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Happy almost summer! After that super cool April, I feel like we have jumped straight to summer already!

I hope the warm temperatures continue through our mud and water fun outside next week!

Our last day of school this year will be Thursday, May 24. We have had another fabulous year! It’s always

sad to watch our time together come to a close. It’s hard to say goodbye to babies you have loved on and

nurtured for 9 whole months.

This summer we are unable to offer any summer school as we did not have the staff available to work it!

Our fall semester will begin on Thursday, August 16! We so appreciate all the donations that church members make to our

program. Sometimes I receive random checks to contribute to scholarships. Sometimes I show up and there are maracas in

my mailbox just in time for Cinco de Mayo! Sometimes we receive year-long monthly checks (which we use toward

scholarships for our students and families)! If you ever want to drop off toy donations or anything else you think we might

be able to use, please do so! We appreciate all the help we can get! If it is something we cannot use, we take it on to Wings

of Hope or somewhere else that can put it to use!

~Dana Brown, Preschool Director

Preschool Update

Thank you, Volunteers! What a year it’s been in children’s and youth ministry at

FPC! We had over 45 volunteers serving directly with the

children and youth as Sunday school teachers and

shepherds, PYG sponsors, and Children and Worship

volunteers, as well as those working behind the scenes as

Major Event Coordinators and committee members. We

simply could not offer impactful ministry without the

dedication of our volunteers. So THANK YOU to all our

children’s and youth ministry volunteers for your time

and commitment to our program, and for so graciously

sharing your gifts and your love with our children and

youth. We are so grateful.

Children and Worship – Summer Schedule June 24 and July 29

Children are encouraged to remain in worship on the other Sundays this summer to experience a

full worship service with their families. Use the children’s worship bags (located on the worship bag tree as you enter the Sanctuary) to

help engage your child in worship.

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Summer Schedule

May 20 5:00 - 6:30 pm Tears and Cheers - Senior Celebration and Welcome 5th Graders to PYG Night 27 NO PYG

June 5 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Taco Tuesday @ Fuzzy’s 6 TBA Movie Night 12 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Taco Tuesday @ Old School Bagel 19 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Taco Tuesday @ Qdoba 26 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Taco Tuesday @ Thai Loco

July 3 No Taco Tuesday 8 3:30 - 5:30 pm Swim Party @ the Leffingwell’s 10 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Taco Tuesday @ Pie Five 16-19 5:30 - 8:00 pm Summer GiFT 17 No Taco Tuesday 24 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Taco Tuesday @ Fuzzy’s 25 TBA Movie Night 31 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Taco Tuesday @ Thai Loco

August 7 7:00 - 8:00 pm Fro-Yo Fun Night @ Orange Leaf 19 5:00 - 7:00 pm PYG Fall Kickoff @ the Ferrell’s 23 7:00 - 8:00 pm PYG Parent Gathering - Location TBA

Tears and Cheers! Welcome 5th Graders/Congrats to HS Grads Sunday, May 20 – 5:00-6:30 pm Incoming 6th graders (fall 2018) and graduating high school seniors are invited to be the guests of honor at PYG. We’ll welcome incoming 6th graders and celebrate our graduates together with a dinner at the church with the rest of the youth!

Senior Celebration We’ll celebrate our high school seniors on Sunday, May 20, 2018 (this is Pentecost Sunday - we will move to a single service at 9:30 am). This celebration will begin in worship during Time with Children, continue with Sunday brunch following the 9:30 am service, and end with PYG in the afternoon. Dinner, to be held in the Hospitality area, will be catered. As we recognize our seniors moving on, we will be welcoming 5th graders as they begin their journey with PYG. So join us as we celebrate our high school seniors on Sunday, May 20th.

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Miles Edward Lewis was born to Lara (Mullen) Lewis and Brandon Lewis and

older brother Cooper on February 15, 2018

Grandparents Bonny & Paul Mullen

********************* Emersyn Christine Dearinger was born to

Amy Jo and Camaron Dearinger on May 11, 2018

Grandparents Rick & Sue Dearinger

Special thanks to the wonderful ladies of Second Mile Sewing for making reusable shopping bags for the Spring Fun in Faith event. Each child got a handmade bag to decorate and keep as part of the Earth Day celebration. The kids had a great time decorating them along with several other activities organized by the Earth Care Team and Children’s Ministry. What a blessing to be part of such a talented, dedicated church family.

Tami Krehbiel

The Earth Day Celebration attendees with their decorated reusable

shopping bags.

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Seasoned Adults At our May 21st meeting, we will have Dr. Alex Bishop (Human Development and Family Science Department, OSU) and Dr. Sheng (Electrical and Computer Engineering School at OSU), who will give us a presentation on how the use of robotics can help keep older adults in their home longer. Please sign up by Friday, May 18th. Dinner is $10 per person and will be catered by PurdyQ. Looking forward to the summer, there is no Seasoned Adults meeting in June. In July, we will be participating in Summer GIFT (Generations in Faith Together). See the GIFT article in this Ambassador for more information. If you have any questions, please email me at kelly.mccarley@stillwaterfpc.org. I am looking forward to seeing you all soon.

2018 General Assembly in St. Louis

“But strive first for the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Matthew 6:33

Your commissioners from Cimarron Presbytery are Deb Meinke, Stillwater, Mike Dvorak, Perry, and Samantha Avila, our YAAD from Guthrie. We will be gathering with 536 other commissioners, many advisory delegates, and all sorts of observers to participate in “Kingdom Building for the 21st Century”

Fourteen committees have been assigned business to discuss and recommend to the 223rd assembly plenary – reports from Task Forces and agencies of the PCUSA, overtures from presbyteries and synods, and commissioner’s resolutions, topics ranging from the church’s response to climate change to racism to family leave policies, and much more!

Engagement in St. Louis on issues of race, poverty, and justice is a high priority for this assembly. Commissioners will experience life in St. Louis through the Hands and Feet Initiative.

Can’t travel to St. Louis? Please join us VIRTUALLY for this General Assembly.

Here are some suggestions for Staying Connected 1) Bookmark the 223rd General Assembly Homepage: https://ga-pcusa.org/. You can sign up for the GA223 digital newspaper and livestream worship and plenary sessions. 2) Follow the Spirit of GA Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/spiritofga/ 3) Read The Presbyterian Outlook for a balanced perspective on GA happenings: https://presoutlook.org/

KEEP YOUR MIND LIVELY THIS SUMMER with a weekly Bible Study. Invitation to John – Disciple Bible Study Summer Experience – meets Weds. 3:30-5:30 pm in the Hospitality Area, led by Rev. Leah Hrachovec and Andrea Arquitt. Class will begin on Wednesday May 30th and run through August 22nd. Gone off and on during the summer? – Don’t let that stop you from signing up to participate. Please RSVP to the church office by May 21st so that we may order enough books.

Summer Bible Study

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Deacons’ News

During the next few months the Board of Deacons will be highlighting organizations in Payne County and the Stillwater community which they support. This month we’re focusing on Operations Christmas and Cowboy Country AMBUCS:

Operation Christmas sponsored by the Junior Service League works closely with Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency (COCAA) to provide income-eligible families from Payne County with Christmas gifts for each of their children from newborn through 18 years of age. Each child will receive a gift of $10-$20-$30-$50 value from Operation Christmas. JSL also provides a package of socks and underwear for each child along with wrapping paper for the gifts. In addition, each family receives a box of food from Harvest II. JSL Operation Christmas helps between 75 and 100 families a year. Your Board of Deacons supports Operation Christmas with a $200.00 contribution.

The Deacons also support Cowboy Country AMBUCS in Stillwater. Their mission is to create mobility and

independence for people with disabilities. This is accomplished through the Amtryke program, building ramps,

giving scholarships to therapists, and by giving our time. They are continually fundraising to complete these goals.

The local nonprofit has given dozens of modified tricycles away since it was founded in 2011. They have gifted

tricycles to both children and adults. So many kids who have motor issues can’t play or ride a bike but with Amtryke

they can participate and feel included. Our most recent donation purchased an Amtryke. We can also volunteer to

help build ramps. Your Board of Deacons supports AMBUCS with a $250.00 contribution which can purchase a

tricycle for a child.

Stay tuned for next month’s spotlight on more community agencies supported and served by the Deacons.

FPC Deacons organize Our Daily Bread VOLUNTEER Day Saturday, May 19th 8:45 am – 12 pm

We need approximately 20 enthusiastic workers to stock, sort, help shoppers, etc. If you have not been a volunteer before, arrive at Our Daily Bread site (701 E. 12th St. Stillwater) at 8:45 AM for a

short training. Sign up using this link: https://stillwaterfpc.breezechms.com/form/302ac5.

Children and youth are welcome to serve with their families! Don’t miss this fun and rewarding opportunity to help our neighbors!

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The Reavis Family (Melody, baby Cade, Dustin, and big sister Charlotte) with their baby basket delivered by Deacon Denise Rex. Baby baskets are one of the many ministries of the Deacons here at FPC.

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Bob Hert (Beckstrom) Charla Hilger (Roscoe) Carolynne Hopkins Lee Ann Hulet (Osborn) Sandy Ives Whitney Jackson (Schlais) Patty Jacobs Brenda Johns (Taylor) Ted Joy (Irwin) Debbie K. (Hrachovec) Nelma Karnes (Jones) Vickie Karns (Houston) Mary Jane Kirchenbauer (Breuninger) Pauline Kopecky Dottie Kraemer Karen Krehbiel (Breuninger) Tom Kunz (Shaw) Hank Lett (Irwin) Miles Edward Lewis James Light (McPherson) Wendy Long (Burgoon) Charlene Longdon (Jacobs) Tom Lutjens (Beckstrom) Henry Martin & family (Houston) Alyssa Matal (Krehbiel) Philip Meadows Tresa Miller (Miller) Pam Normile (Meinke) Charlotte Nowakowski (Cohlmia) Kathy Para (Holland) Christine Parson (Rex) Gary Peters (Jones) Jean Potts (Bills) Lisa Reavis (Stewart) Walker Reese (Melancon) Ken and Gloria Sandvold Don Savage (Savage) David Schmidly (Shaw) Bradley Schutt (Schlais) Frances Seiler (Fairbanks) Addi Shamburg (Stiegler) Karen Shippey (Swim) Brylee Shullanberg (Stiegler) Jeffrey Silver (Silver) Carrie & Robert Smith family (Ballenger) David Smith (Cooper) Titus Smith (Irwin) Jamie Stephens (Burgoon) Blaire Stevison Jen Tapley (Ainsworth) Lorna te Velde (te Velde) Bryan Tiffany (Visnic) Matt Tiffany (Visnic) Kourtney Turner (Titus)

Prayer Concerns Amanda (Hrachovec) Landon Allen (Olson) Nick Amidon (Garoffolo) Denise Anderson (Meinke) Shea Arnett (N. Thomas) Roger Banks (te Velde) Hadley Barker (Garoffolo) Betty Bays Mariana & Isaac Becerra (Arquitt) Mandy Blackburn Dawn Blair (Burgoon) Terry Bobo (Bobo) Ken & Rita Breuninger Bill Brewer Helen Britton Belinda Bruner Blake Buck Thelma Burton Ashley Butler (Arquitt) Bob Campbell (Caldwell) Gerry Carnahan (Hrachovec) Wayne Cartwright (Koeppe) Susie Causley Nancy Chapa (Fagan) Lynette Frye Chapman (Frye) Marilyn Choike (Bruce) Betty Christian (Parsons) Allison Christy (Breuninger) Abby Clapp (Clapp) Darlene Collyar (Silver) Andee and Kannon Cooper (Hrachovec) Dona Cooper Steven Cornelius (Fairbanks) Dick Croom (Knox) Heather Davidson (Roach) Anita Davis (Kelly) John Dearinger Matthew Durham (Shawley) Lori Fagan Linda Fansler Ruby Flowers (Flowers) Peggy Frese (Stiegler) Julia Gaden (Rex) Ed Gallegos (Wilkinson) Dorothy Gibbons (Holland) Susie Glasscock family Benjamin Gray (Gray) Myrtle Groom (te Velde) Sam Hamilton Bob Harding Douglas Harrel (Preston) Ben Harris (Wilkinson/Frohock) Kendall Harvey (Carter/Shaw) Nelda Hershberger (Knox)

Upendo Kids (Shawley) Nettie Vick Barbara Ware (Fansler) Darrell Warren (Silver) Linda Wasson (Wasson/Emmett) Arvilla West Nona Wilhm (PW Bowling) Jim & Lynda Williams Mary Williams Jim Wise Sandy Young

Larger Church: Africa

Names in parentheses indicate the church family member requesting prayer for a non-member. Please notify the Church Office if persons may be removed from the Prayer List. Thank you!

Military Members Members & family members of our church family who have been deployed in service to our country:

Jordan Buterbaugh Marines (Case)

Aaron Cobb Army (Brewer Walker/Walker)

Captain Joseph DeHoogh Navy (DeHoogh)

Commander Molly Jenkins DeHoogh

Navy (DeHoogh)

Justin Fowler Navy (Fowler)

fowlerjd@jacksonville.navy.mil

Major Luke Hagen Air Force (DeHoogh)

Garrett Walters Marines (Williams)

Bryn Williams Army (Williams)

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Your

Sunday

May 27

June 3

June 10

June 17

June 24

July 1

July 8

July 15

July 22

July 29

August 5

August 12

Your

Birthday Month

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Join Us for Summer Sunday

Fellowship Time!

Once again this summer, we invite all church members and friends to be part of our Summer Sunday Fellowship Time. Everyone has been assigned a Sunday to bring something, based on your birthday month. It doesn’t have to be something big or elaborate: fruit, cheese and crackers, veggies, or some bagels---whatever you enjoy.

The schedule is to the right, and your birthday month is assigned to one Sunday. If you have a March birthday, for example, you would bring something to share on Sunday, June 10.

Parents, your children have a birthday month, too—they might like to prepare something to share with their church family that Sunday.

If you will be out of town on your Sunday, please try to trade with someone or pick a Sunday and bring something to share.

Please mark your calendar for your Sunday this summer

Invite a Friend to Church

The Communications and Connecting Committee would like for everyone to take advantage of an outreach we have available. We have cute coffee mugs with our church logo and a brief information card for you to give to new neighbors, friends, co-workers—anyone you would like to invite to share in the amazing experience that is First Presbyterian Church, Stillwater. If you have someone in mind, pick up a mug and a card from Magdalena or Mary Beth in the office (fill the mug with Chocolate Kisses for an added treat) and pass them along!

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Bench Potatoes

Anyone 7 years or older is invited to sit up at the organ console during worship. Trade your usual pew seat for a spot on the organ bench! Contact Becky te Velde to make arrangements for yourself, your child or grandchild. A child may also choose to stay

at the console just until “Time with Children”, if desired. “Two’s Company” on the organ bench!

Everett Fansler

Joined First Presbyterian Church May 14, 2002

Entered the Church Triumphant

April 19, 2018

In Memoriam

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me shall never die.”

Tom Thedford

Joined First Presbyterian Church May 25, 1967

Entered the Church Triumphant

April 19, 2018

In Memoriam

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me shall never die.”

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On May 9, the women gathered in the Hospitality Area for coffee, celebration of the 2018 BIRTHDAY OFFERING of Presbyterian Women, and a special lunch catered by the Good Little Eater. Lynda Tyrl gave a presentation on the history of the BIRTHDAY OFFERING and the 2018 recipients. One of the recipients is the Village of Grace Center for Physical and Spiritual Health, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. This Birthday Offering grant will make it possible for the Presbytery of Honduras to purchase the Village of Grace Center for Physical and Spiritual Health near Tegucigalpa. Originally established by Presbyterian mission co-workers, the retreat center will be managed by Presbyterian women in Honduras. It will offer international hospitality for retreats, workshops and mission teams from the PC(USA), Solar Under the Sun and Living Waters for the World.

On Wednesday, July 11, at 2:00 p.m. the women will gather at Golden Oaks Village where they will have as their special guests the women from the church who reside at the Village. The time will be spent renewing friendships and enjoying fellowship and refreshments. PW/Circle will not meet in June and August. Regularly scheduled meetings will resume in September.

The Cimarron PW Fall Gathering will be held in Stillwater, Saturday, August 25. The 2018-2019 PW/Horizons Bible Study, God’s Promise: I Am With You, by Amy Poling Sutherland, will be reviewed by Rev. Linda Sherry, pastor at First Presbyterian, Guymon.

Second Mile Sewing will continue to meet the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays of the month throughout the summer at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. All who love to sew and chat are welcome to join the group. For more information call Barbara Henderson, 377-6391, or Rosetta Silver, 269-6708.

If you have any questions about PW/Circle please contact Mary McKinley, moderator, 377-4367.

PW NEWS

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The Chancel Choir and Bell Choir are on summer hiatus until August. We thank all of these musicians for their dedication and music ministry! Regular Weds. Chancel Choir rehearsals will resume Aug. 22 in the Choir Room, 7:15–8:15 pm. Bell Choir rehearsals will resume Sunday afternoon Aug. 26 in the Bell Balcony (sanctuary) 4:00-5:00 pm.

From the Organ Bench

Save the Date! Heather Lanners in Recital! Friday, August 24th, 7:30 pm in the

FPC Fellowship Hall. Free admission, reception following.

Music Staff

Director of Music/Organist Rebecca te Velde rebecca.tevelde@stillwaterfpc.org Contemporary Music Coordinator Steve Foust steven.foust@stillwaterfpc.org

Handbell Choir Director Allison Johnston alljo@okstate.edu 2017-2018 Choral Scholars Amanda Barber Alie Lory Bradley Newcomb

A Little Summer Music... While our ensembles are on hiatus for

the summer months, we will be looking for other musical offerings for our

worship services. If you would like to play an instrument, sing a solo, or sing

or play with others, please contact Becky te Velde

(rebecca.tevelde@stillwaterfpc.org, 405-624-2612).

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We thank the following musicians for offering special music over the past month: The OSU Singers, Dr. Christopher Haygood, director; Lyrica Krautter, harp; Kim Leffingwell, flute; Trey Bartlett, clarinet; Brad Newcomb, organ; Sarah Bartlett, flute (with Chancel Choir); Allison Johnston, violin. On Pentecost Sunday (9:30 am in Fellowship Hall), there will be a special music offering by Karsen Riley (flute), Ella Parsons (violin), Josie Leffingwell (cello), and Mabrie Baldwin (ukulele).

“Summer Choir”, a chance for anyone to join the choir for the day, will likely occur on Sunday, Aug. 12. We will meet in the choir loft at 8:45 am and rehearse an anthem to sing during the 9:30 am worship service. Anyone 6th grade and older is welcome to join. No obligations, no robes–just a fun opportunity to join our voices in praise!

From Bell Choir Director Allison Johnston Thank you to my ringers for a wonderful first year of Bell Choir! It was a joy to work with you all and I'll see you (and hopefully some new faces) in the fall! Over the summer we will be getting some of the bells repaired so that we can use all of them as much as possible. Thank you for all the support from the congregation this year and we look forward to playing for you in the fall!

Contemporary music is alive and vibrant at First Presbyterian, Stillwater. The inclusion of contemporary music with guitar and percussion in the Sunday morning services makes a joyful noise that is beautiful and sincere. The sound of guitar and young people singing that comes from the Worship Center as the SpiritLink gathering begins is always energetic and fun. The Youth group begins their Sunday lesson with a worship song or two accompanied by guitar. We embrace the many contemporary worship songs in the Glory to God hymnal and are always listening for new and exciting music to praise God with. As Dwight Mission Camp draws near, it will be exciting to learn the new camp songs as well as singing the old ones.

Lots of good music; and your participation is always appreciated!! Steve Foust, Contemporary Music Coordinator

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Monthly Income / Expense Report

April 2018 Year

to Date % of

Budget

Giving $ 60,102.03 $ 201,207.13 34.39

Other Income

$ 2,914.63

$ 16,772.74

50.19

Total Income $ 63,016.66 $ 217.979.87 35.25

Expenditures $ 49,102.18 $ 227,539.77 31.68

Net $ 13,914.48 $ (9,559.90)

Session Organization The Session is organized into the following areas of responsibility. Members of the congregation join them in the work. If you have an interest in serving in a certain area, please contact one of the elders assigned to that ministry and volunteer. Do not be shy. As Presbyterians, we believe that the fruit of the Spirit increases with greater involvement and more people.

Clerk: John Gelder

Children’s Ministry: Sydney Reding

Youth Ministry: Scott Johnson (chair) Rick Dearinger Cassidy McCann

Adult Ministry: Kent Olson (chair) Ken McCarley

Fellowship & Family: Becky Walker (chair) Marilyn Waters-Seig

UKirk (University): Jim Trapp (chair) Susie Causley Tami Krehbiel

Worship and Music: Linda Good (co-chair) Phyllis Taylor (co-chair)

Stewardship & Finance: Tammy Wasson (chair) Arletta Webster Becky Schlais

World Mission and Denominational Concerns: John Steinbrink (chair) Gerrit Cuperus Dick Shawley

Communications & Connecting: Kathy Thomas (chair) Bill Henley

Trustee Liaison: Cathy Fairbanks

Personnel: David Silver (chair) Linda Good

Endowment Liaison: Kent Olson

Session Summary The Session of First Presbyterian Church, Stillwater, OK met in its Stated Meeting on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Scott Johnson opened the Session meeting with a thought and prayer. Highlights of Session action: Received new members Ted Kniering (by confession of faith

and baptism, to be scheduled) and Becca Wing (by reaffirmation of faith)

Approved request from Rita Breuninger and Oklahoma Home, Community, Education group’s “Sister to Sister” project, collecting feminine hygiene products and new and gently used bras for 6 weeks in summer

Approved request from Kim Leffingwell to use Fellowship Hall (with facility use fees waived) for “A Night to Shine” gathering for parents/caregivers of adults with special needs on Friday, February 8, 2019

Heard an update from Treasurer regarding pledge increases by church leadership since a special request was made at last Session meeting; so far an additional $9330 has been pledged

Discussed Parish Paper “How to Balance Hospitality and Church Security”

Approved World Mission and Denominational Concerns’ recommendation that the 40% local portion of the Pentecost Special offering be given to the Saville Center this year

Approved the celebration of the Lord’s Supper on Sunday, August 5 at the 9:30 am worship service

Received April 30, 2018 membership report indicating 502 members

Celebrated with Youth Ministry Committee that all needed volunteers have been recruited for the 2018-2019 ministry year

Heard from Interim Associate Pastor Deb Meinke that 19 mission volunteers are registered for the intergenerational summer mission trip to Goodland Academy

Received a report on the May 8 Cimarron Presbytery meeting in Newkirk from our elder commissioners. Dr. Cynthia Rigby, professor of biblical studies at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, was the day’s presenter

Reviewed the 2018-2019 FPC Program Calendar. This calendar is intended to be more intentional about events that are scheduled throughout the year and to facilitate planning.

Decided to tentatively cancel the July stated meeting Expressed thanks to Scott Johnson for his service on Session;

the Johnson family will be moving this summer Collected $22 for Saturday Brunch

Adjourned with prayer. The next stated meeting is Tuesday, June 12th at 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

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July 16-19, 2018 - Summer GIFT: Generations in Faith Together “All God’s Creatures”

Mark your calendars to join in the fun at this summer’s Generations in Faith Together (GiFT). The program, All God’s Creatures, will be held July 16-19 from 5:30 to 8:00 pm each evening. Dinner is included.

This intergenerational vacation Bible school is designed to strengthen individual family ties as well as the greater church family ties. There will be engaging skits, great music, amazing decorations, fun crafts and games, and faith-filled conversations and activities to enjoy together!

Our theme for the week, All God's Creatures, is inspired by the work of Heifer International. We’ll have large and small group activities focused on God’s care and love for all of creation and how we are called to make a difference in the world. For example, one evening we’ll spend time in a hands-on activity exploring the Bible story of the feeding of the 5,000, make fish scales with our fingerprints, learn about Heifer’s work in the Philippines, and decide what each of us can do to make the world a better place – and why each of us is necessary to this goal.

A nursery will be provided for our friends who are three years old and younger. They will enjoy age-appropriate activities that go along with what the other event participants have been learning.

To register online: https://stillwaterfpc.breezechms.com/form/ebaeb2 (Be sure to know each person’s t-shirt size in your family when registering) Registration Deadline: Sunday, July 8

For more information or to help with GiFT by donating your time or supplies (or money), contact Jenna Campbell at jenna.campbell@stillwaterfpc.org or 405-372-5580.

Special thanks to our GiFT planning team: Alecia Gray – Co-Director Kristi Riley – Co-Director Leslie Baldwin Billy McCollom Jimmy Oliver Melody Reavis Carol Trapp Brandi White

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GiFT – What’s in a Name? Names matter. We’ve chosen the name GiFT for our new alternative style of VBS. GiFT stands for “Generations in Faith Together.” The word GiFT is both a noun and a verb.

As a noun, a gift is something welcomed, wonderful, wonder-filled, surprising, and usually appreciated. It involves joy, love, anticipation, and curiosity. It might involve talents, as in “she has a gift.” It might involve personal generosity, as in “he is a gift.”

As a verb, gifting is a tangible action of loving, sharing, giving, and grace.

This new GiFT model of VBS will combine all these wonderful themes during our GiFT week together. We’ll place the child, the parent, the youth, the young adult, the empty nesters, and older adults all together in an intentional and creative space and we’ll see wonderful gifts flow in multiple directions.

We think this new model will be a “gift” to all generations!

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Std U.S. Postage

PAID Permit # 143

The May Ambassador First Presbyterian Church 524 S. Duncan Stillwater, OK 74074 405-372-5580 www.stillwaterfpcorg

Summer Sunday Worship Schedule Worship - 9:30 am

Summer Fellowship Time - 10:30 am

Midweek Communion 12:10 pm

Wednesdays Worship Center

Worship at First Presbyterian

Upcoming Worship Highlights

May 20, Pentecost, 9:30 am worship in Fellowship Hall. Celebration of communion. Also Senior Recognition Sunday. This begins our summer worship schedule of one service at 9:30 am.

June 10, 9:30 am worship in Fellowship Hall led by our returning Mission Team.

July 1, 9:30 am worship in the Sanctuary, communion will be celebrated.

July 22, 9:30 am worship in Fellowship Hall celebrating GIFT: Generations in Faith Together.

August 5, 9:30 am worship in Fellowship Hall, communion will be celebrated.

August 19, return to two worship services at 8:30 am and 11:00 am.

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Pentecost is Sunday May 20 Each year on Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate the

gift of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of the church.

Our celebration this year will begin at 9:30 am on

May 20 in the Fellowship Hall. All are encouraged to

wear the colors of Pentecost fire—red, yellow, and

orange. Communion will be served by intinction.

Worshipers will have an opportunity to participate

in this special service in other ways as well.

Afterwards all are invited to stay for birthday cake

and celebration of our high school graduates.