August 2013 LINK Newsletter

7/22/2019 August 2013 LINK Newsletter

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Pastor ........... ............ ............ ..... Andy Gans

Visitation Pastor (Ret.) ........... . Tom McNeil

Music Director ............ ............ ... Rick Roberts

Executive Assistant ............ ....... Chris Muramatsu

Nursery Attendant ........... ......... Tammy Keeslar

Proofreaders ........... ............ ....... Susan M. Jensen and

John Stewart

Contributors ...............................Members of Ft.

Assembling .................................Phyllis Altonn, K

Dahlen, Dorothy Decker, Joyce Gauntt, Elea

Hayesmore, Pat Merrill, Carol Primm, Rose

Pringle, Judith Simonin, Aileen Zimmerman

Bulk Mail Handling ............ ....... John Stewart

Office: (352) 694Office: (352) 694Office: (352) 694Office: (352) 694----4121412141214121

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PASTORS LETTER

Worship: Sundays 10:30 a.m.Worship: Sundays 10:30 a.m.Worship: Sundays 10:30 a.m.Worship: Sundays 10:30 a.m.

lessings upon you,

st a couple of weeks ago I returned fromhe Jamaican Ecumenical Mutual Missionouth Exchange. This exchange and missionas incredible! I joined 13 other Floridians

nd 10 Jamaicans for 14 days of sharingods love and building the Kingdom of God.

his year the JEMM- SAMM (St. AugustineMutual Mission) celebrates thirty years ofartnership and the largest youth exchange

its history. I was amazed, although I know Ihouldnt have been, at how God worked in

many ways. God brought together these

outh and adult leaders across geographicalnd cultural divides, and formed a team thatached out to the homeless, the elderly, theck, and the marginalized. This group ofouth was amazing in how they bonded souickly and became lifelong friends on a mis-on to love their neighbors as themselves. Ias impressed that even while doing some of

he most menial tasks, such as folding baby

bs, the team had fun and found meaning inhat they were doing. These youth under-ood that we are all called to do Gods workdifferent ways. One youth told me, Some

e called to prepare the ground, some are toant the seeds, some are to nurture and fer-lize the seeds, and some are to harvest theeds of love. Our calling is not always to do

he fun stuff of planting or harvesting, but

hat doesnt make it any less of a loving act.o true!

thought what a wonderful world this woulde if we all found joy and love in even theost menial of tasks. The Kingdom of Godeeds us all to work the field of souls to fullying in the Kingdom of God.

lessings mon


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Fort King Presbyterian Church

Financials Effective 6/30/13

Month

BudgetJune2013

ActualJune2013

BudgetCompared

toActual

BudgetJan-Jun

2013

ActualJanJun

2013

BudgetCompared

toActual

ActualJan-Jun

2012

2013 YTDCompared

to2012 YTD

Income

Estimateof Giving

24,639 23,531 (1,107) 147,832 143,129 (4,703) 143.801 (672)

MortgageReduction

0 0 0 0 75 75 1050 (975)

OtherIncome

0 6,406 [1] 6,406 0 287 287 158.781 (13,290)

TotalIncome

24,639 29,937 5,299 147,832 143,491 (4,341) 156,781 (13,290)

TotalExpense

26,393 19,418 (6,975) 150,202 131,628 (18,573) 124,638 6,990

NetSurplus/Deficit

(1,754) 10,520 12,274 (2,370) 11,863 9.493 32,143 (20,280)

Year-To-Date

Endowment 0 0 0 0 0 0 200 (200)

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

[1] Adjustment made to move Memorial Garden Expense from 2013 to 2012.

Church Photo Directory

The Church Photo Directory is here. If you had your picture taken for the diretory, see Joe Strawder to pick up your copy of the directory.


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CONGREGATIONAL CARE (continued)

Thank You

Many thanks to our friends at Fort King for your prayers, calls, cards, and food during our lingering illnesses. though we are not up to par yet, we believe were both on the mend. A special thank you to the Prayer ShMinistry for giving us comforting shawls made in prayer and in love.

Dick and Margy Marshall

Thank You

To my wonderful nursery helpers,

A note of thanks to all of you for helping Tammy in the nursery. It was a pleasure talking to each of you

working on the nursery schedule.

I am very sad with the decision to hand this over to someone else. I have some health issues and must take c

of this old gal!

My love and gratitude to each of you.

My love and thanks, Gouley

The Ft. King Presbyterian Family is the Best

I am so touched to have so many people keep me in their prayers, send me cards, bring me flowers, call, a

visit me while I was in the hospital. I am so grateful as it certainly got me through my hip replacement and k

my spirits up during my recovery.

An extra special thank you to those who volunteered to and those who covered the office and opened a

closed the office for me. Thank you ever so much!

Gods blessing, Chris Muramatsu


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CONGREGATIONAL CARE (continued)

Congregational Care

The Prayer Shawl Ministry is a major activity of the Congrega-tional Care team. Begun the summer of 2010 under the lead-

ership of Onalee Mease and Amanda Osenga, the group hasnow completed 100 shawls and baby blankets (40 of theseblessed this year alone)! Just think - 100 individuals havebeen blessed by receiving a shawl. Most of the shawls havegone to those who are experiencing lifes difficulties. The re-cipients may not go as far as Linus in the Peanuts cartoon whocarries his blanket with him everywhere, but they use theshawls as a comfort and place of refuge, content in the knowl-edge that other people care.

The shawls are knitted by a dedicated group of ladies who meet the first Tuesday of each month from 9:30

a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Session Room. In addition to Onalee, the group currently includes Helen Brown,Kathy Bohner, Roberta Burns, Sue Chancey, Chris Hare, Colleen Livingston, Judy OHern, Helen Reed,Louise Scott, and Ruth Sibley. Each shawl is knitted with prayer and the completed shawls are blessed byPastor Andy, usually during a Sunday morning service.

If you know of someone who could benefit from receiving a prayer-blessed shawl, if you would like to become

a knitter of shawls, or if you would like to make a donation to this ministry, please speak to Onalee (687-

3160) or to any of the Prayer Shawl knitters.

Adult Discipleship Ministry

Recently the adult class has been reviewing Ethics in the Drone Age. After a study of the various forms ofethics and particularly of Christian ethics, the class on August 4th will return to the issue of the use of dronesby the government and others. The final class on August 11th will provide an opportunity for class members

to discuss what, if anything, the Christian response to current events should be.

August 18th is Rally Day for all Christian educational classes. Following a delicious potluck breakfast, repre-sentatives from each aspect of Fort Kings educational program will present their plans for the fall. After this,the group will break into their respective classes. The adult section will feature guest speaker Dr. RichardKirk from the College of Central Floridas Department of Religion.

August 25th will see the beginning of a four-part series on the concept of religious freedom, one of the uniquefoundations in the creation of our country as it was seen by Americas founding fathers.

DISCIPLESHIP


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DISCIPLESHIP (continued)

New BeginningsRally Day 2013

Yes, it is time once again to begin a new year of Sunday School classesall ages. On Sunday, August 18th we will celebrate our annual R

Day with a covered dish breakfast in the Fellowship Hall at 9:15 aAfter sharing breakfast we will meet the new teachers for this fall and habout class offerings for the upcoming season. After breakfast, the mentary children will meet in the classroom with their teachers. Pareare invited to join them. Youth may also meet with their teachers in thclassroom. Adults will remain in the Fellowship Hall to hear a guspeaker. Please mark your calendars for this date, bring your favobreakfast dish and come to celebrate a new beginning for 2013!

A Service Focused on Celebrating Your GiftsAugust 25, 10:30 a.m.

Two years ago, Amanda Osenga, Buddy MacKay and Mary Beth Neely initiated our churchs first Faith Leaders pgram. A small group of dedicated church members spent 26 weekly sessions and two retreats focusing on spiritual sdiscovery, spiritual practices, discernment and a personal plan for service in the church and community. The proctook participants through their inward journey and outward journey. Joanne Ohlman and Margaret Spontak fatated a second group this past year. The sessions included topics such as biblical models of leadership, discoveryour spiritual gifts, prayer practice, and scriptures to guide both personal and congregational ministry. Participant

both graduating classes developed personal plans for ministry and strengthened their existing spiritual practicSusan Jensen, Becky Wolf, and Judith Bullen have agreed to facilitate this years class.

The group was so inspired and motivated that they wanted to share their experience with the congregation. A speFaith Leaders Service is scheduled for August 25th at 10:30 with special music, introspective prayer, and a sermonSusan Jensen. Prior to the service, coffee and pastries will be served in the Narthex and the covered walkway leadinto the church.

We hope you plan to attend and leave inspired about your personal gifts. If you are interested in participating in years Faith Leaders Class, a very brief informational session will be held right on the 25th after the service in Sanctuary.


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Crafty Ladies

Crafty Ladies meet on Thursdays from 11:00-3:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Hope to see all of

you there. If you would like to join our group, come for a visit some Thursday and see what we

are doing and how you can help. We welcome new people and new talents!

Card Making Ministry

Card Making Ministry is taking the summer off. Come join us again in September on the2nd Friday of every month at 10:00 a.m. until about Noon. We will meet off-site. Pleasecontact Prudence Pritz if you are interested in joining this group.

Sassy Seniors

All widows and single ladies are welcome to join Sassy Seniors on Wednesday, Au-gust 14th at 1:00 p.m. This months luncheon will be at Blue Highway on SilverSprings Blvd across from Wolfys.

Mens Night Out

Mens Night Out will take a break for the rest of the summer. See you in September.

DISCIPLESHIP (continued)

GROUP ACTIVITIES

Good News For Womens Retreat

Montgomery Conference Center has reduced their retreat costs for the Womens Retreat this year! Our an-nual Womens retreat will take place November 1-3, 2013. It may seem a little early to make plans for attend-ing this great event, but the inn rooms will fill up very quickly. Our facilitator will again be Becca Gillespie,Pastor of The First Presbyterian Church in Middleburg, FL. The cost for the entire weekend in the inn will be$130, entire weekend in a cabin will be $110. There are other options for partial attendance with lower costs.You may call Bernice Henry or Anne Hill to reserve a space. A deposit of $25 will be due by September 15,2013. We are looking forward to a great retreat!


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MISSION

Equal Exchange Items for Sale

In 1986, Equal Exchange was founded to challenge the existing trade model, which favors largplantations, agri-business, and multi-national corporations; support small farmers; and connec

consumers and producers through information, education, and the exchange of products in thmarketplace. With our founding, we joined a growing movement of small farmers, alternativtraders (ATOs), religious organizations, and non-profits throughout the world with like-mindeprinciples and objectives. Underlying our work is the belief that only through organization, casmall farmers survive and thrive.

Items we have for sale:Regular coffee is $7; Decaf is $8; Tea is $3; Chocolate Bar is $3; Olive Oil is $11. Items for saare under the mailboxes in the Church Office.

Habitat for Humanity Work Day

The Mission Ministry would like to thank the people that turned out to help on the Habitat for Humanity home. We had nine volunteers. Thank you: Lorraine, George, Kaitlyn, and Jacob FulleCarole and Wesley De Lucian, Nancy Stephenson, Andy Gans and Bill Reed. The people in chargof the program were impressed with our ability to pitch in and help.

Blood Drive

Mission Ministry wants to remind the congregation that there will be a blood drive on August 25th. There will beMinistry member in the Narthex after worship on August 12th and August19th to sign up people for donationPlease help us meet the need for blood.


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MISSION (continued)

PencilsErasersPensWhite copy paperColored copy paperColored pencilsGlue sticks

Liquid GlueCrayola Water ColorsStudent scissorsTissues- (Lots of Tissues)Antibiotic WipesHand/Face WipesPost-itsDustless regular chalk for chalk boardsConstruction paperScotch tape

Scotch tape refillsDry erase markersIndex CardsNotebook paper (College Ruled)Black Sharpie MarkersStaples, standard sizeBandaids

Composition notebooks (Wide Ruled)16 count crayonsMagic MarkersFolders with prongsFolders without prongsInk cartridge HP92Money for books for classroom library and specific bookBig wish- 2-Good Electric Pencil SharpenersAmazon Gift Cards for dance music

Thank You Teachers: Stewards of our Future

Lorraine Fuller, Sally Layendecker, Cate Martin, Traci Orme, Donna Lavery, Craig Lipscomb, Courtney LipscombMichele Danley, Beverly Scott and recently retired Anthony and Nell Clegorne

Did you know there is a $29 million shortfall in the school board budget for the school year 2013-2014? Consequently, teachers classroom budgets will be cut back, leaving a void in funds for necessary supplies for their stu

dents. 67% of children in Marion County live in families whose income is below the poverty level. In some of ouschools this is even higher. Studies indicate that teachers will spend at least $150 dollars buying supplies for theclassrooms to help these children.

The Mission Ministry is trying to help the teachers in our congregation by collecting items commonly used by themin their classrooms. These are items that our teachers buy, out of their own pockets, for needy children. These selless stewards of our future can really use your help. Look for lists of these items in your August bulletins. Let's shothem that we really appreciate who they are and what they do. FYI School Supply Specials last throughout August with Tax Free Days August 2-4, 2013.

The Mission Committee would like to thank everyone that was able to join us for the Ice Cream Social where w

acknowledged the teachers in our congregation. Werent able to make it for ice cream? No problem. Bins will bavailable in the Narthex for you to drop off supplies throughout the year.


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MISSION (continued)

Jamaica Mission - Day 1 - Wednesday, July 10th

Our journey has begun in Jamaica! Our Florida group made it down here without incident and we met up with

our Jamaica brothers and sisters with whom we will be spending the next two weeks. These are some great peo-ple and all are excited about getting to know each other and serving God where ever we are planted each day.

I am excited to see how these 22 youth have already become friends and are looking for ways to engage eachother and the culture.

Tomorrow, pending possible rain from Chantal, we will be painting a house that has been built by the MutualMission program. We have paint brushes and we are ready!

Jamaica Mission - Day 2 - Thursday, July 11th

Today was a day of adjustments. Tropical storm Chantal came through last night with bright lightning , loudthunder, and on and off downpours throughout the day. Due to the rain we had to change our plans to paint ahouse previously built by JEMM, so today was our sightseeing day around Kingston as well as visiting an assistedliving home. Eve Rowland from Kanapaha church shares her experience of todays events.

Today we had a great time at the local assisted living home, the Moravian Golden Age Home, here in King-ston. We had the privilege of meeting many of the residents who shared stories and spent time with us playingsome games of Bingo. This was a new experience for me, personally, because I had never been to any seniorhomes in Florida, but I learned a lot. I learned first that it doesnt require much of us to do Gods work and totouch peoples lives. Many of the residents couldnt communicate or were apprehensive to talk to us. We wereable to make their day by simply sharing time and lots of smiles. I also learned that no matter what age we are,we are all equal in Gods eyes and it is important to share even the simple things in life. We also had a greattime touring the local historical home called Devon House. This was a fun trip because we were able to learnsome of Jamaicas history and see many beautiful pieces of art and furniture preserved by the people who takecare of the house. Today was finished by taking a trip to the Emancipation Park where we played games likeping pong, hop scotch, and checkers. I feel like we were able to grow closer together today and we were alsoblessed by meeting the new people who we visited today.

Our pictures today are: Things we did to pass time before we got our schedule straight. We are passing a coco-nut. Moravian Golden Age Home, Devon House, Ice Cream, Emancipation Park


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MISSION (continued)


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MISSION (continued)

Jamaica Day 3 - Friday, July 12

Today was an emotional day for many as some of our activities had us encountering some of God's childrenwho have been marginalized. Although this was difficult it was also rewarding being with these wonderful peo-

ple. Today was also wonderful day because we welcomed our other adult leader, Rev. Dawn Conti, into ourmidst.Below Kate Conti writes about her experiences of the day.Hi, it's Kate!Today, we started off visiting some great kids who were unfortunately impacted by disease, specifically H.I.V. Imay not be able to personally relate to that part of their lives, but I bonded through some of the children withthe help of Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, and other musicians we shared a common interest in.When I asked some of the girls what field they wanted to work in once out of school, I was told they wantedto be in the field of cosmetology specializing in hair braiding. Many of us found out firsthand how talented thegirls were as they first disappeared into their rooms only to reappear with a brush, hair ties, and pins.After some of us endured the pain of getting cornrows for the first time (luckily, I didn't have to), we loaded

back into the bus for real Jamaican Jerk food at Island Grill.So. Good.Once we ate our food, we then traveled to downtown Kingston to pass out meals to those who weren't able tobuy from Island Grill.To end our day, our group drove to Covenant Moravian church for youth fellowship where we sang, read fromthe Bible and discussed with their members challenges that Christians and Non-Christians face today.Near the end of our time at the church, I received a gift myself when my mom, Pastor (now Auntie) Dawn,arrived. I hadn't seen her in nearly three weeks, so needless to say I was very happy to see her.And now, I'm writing from the Springburn House where we are staying in Kingston, and I'm hungry so Im go-ing to stop writing now and finish my pizza. Bye!


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MISSION (continued)

Jamaica Mission - Day 4 - Saturday, July 13

Greetings from sunny, hot Jamaica,Today we ventured out to our mission project that was postponed last week due to tropical storm Chantal. Oumission project was to: paint a house that a JEMM team had built on a previous trip and the other was to pain

the exterior of a Methodist pre-school. The day was filled with team work, determination and fun. Bridget Foste(Kanapaha Pres.) shares her thoughts below.After breakfast everyone loaded on the bus to travel to Dover in Saint Marys. The trip over was a 2 1/2 hour ridcurving up and down the mountains. The mountains were extremely steep and greenery covered every inch. Awe came closer to Dover we passed banana and pineapple farms and stopped by a bay for pictures. Once in Dovour group split up into two teams. Each team was assigned a painting project one on a house and the other on small primary school. Today was scorching. However, despite the hard work and temperature, I think everyonhad fun. I was assigned to the primary school and at the end of the day I was proud of the work we had done. believe that tonight will be another night of games and fellowship as we look forward to the coming days togetheBridget


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MISSION (continued)

Jamaica Mission - Day 6 Monday, July 15th

Greetings all,Today was our last day in Jamaica and we head to Jacksonville tomorrow (Tuesday) for the second leg of our mis-

sion work. Our last day here couldnt be better as we went to one of the most beautiful places on this island,Dunn River Falls. These falls magnificently cascade down a mountain and into the ocean. The whole idea of thisglorious creation of God and now human tourist attraction is to gradually, and carefully climbed them. Goodnews! We all climb them and we all survived without incident. The two hour drive over huge mountains, for aFloridian, and through steep river gorges was well worth it once we reached our destination. Below ColeMacNeill from First Presbyterian Perry shares his thoughts on todays activities.Blessings to you all.

Dear parents,Today was such a good and ecstatic day. We went to Dunn River Falls and climbed a water fall. I happened to slipon the algae covered rocks and bruised my back side several times. I feel very blessed that the Lord has chosen me

and the rest of these amazing people I have met on this wonderful journey. Today was the last day in Jamaica, sotomorrow we all head to North Florida for the rest of our mission work.

-Cole MacNeill


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MISSION (continued)

JEMM - Florida Day 1 July 16th

Greetings all,We have all made it to Jacksonville safely and are excited

about our projects in the Jacksonville area!To say our journey from Jamaica to Jacksonville was un-eventful would not be a full truth. Our flights were quitebumpy with a lot of turbulence which had some people on edgebut others enjoying the ride. The good news is we all landedsafely. On our drive up to Jacksonville we introduced our Ja-maican brothers and sisters to one of our fast food staplesChick-fil-A. It was a nice welcome home treat along with sweettea! We got back on the road and headed north. Somewhereon I-95, near Ormond Beach, our bus blew a front tire. Verynerve racking moments but God was truly with us!!! We safely

maneuvered the bus to the side of the road and called a repairservice. Again God was ever present as the repairman answered the phone at 8:00PM and was at our side within15 minutes. We also want to thank God for smartphones as it allowed us the ability to find a repair service. Aftethe excitement we were back on the road and at Woodlawn Presbyterian and in bed by 1:00AM.

We are thankful for Gods guidance and grace as we seek to do Gods will.Blessings to all

JEMM Florida Day 2 July 17th

Greetings all,

After an eventful day yesterday with air turbulence and a blown tire (see photo below) and only a few hours o

sleep last night we were on our way to start our first Florida mission projects. Ashley Gans from Fort King shareher thoughts on the days events.

Blessings

Although the week in Jamaica has drawn to a close, the excitement of coming to the States for both Jamaicansand Americans blinded the depression of leaving Jamaica. After a full day of travel we were still in the mood toplay a few rounds of Knock-Out at around 12:00 AM. This morning, after waking up at 5:30 AM, everyone wasanxious to serve the Lord and have fun while doing it. The 24 of us were split into two teams: the Red team andthe Blue team. The Red team would be serving at an organization called Dignity U Wear, while the Blue teamwould be serving at a day camp/care known as The Sanctuary. Being part of the Red team, I, along with the otherRed team members, headed to Dignity U Wear. This organization receives clothing from companies all across the

US and then distributes them to those who do not have the privilege and luxury of a new outfit. This programdistributes the clothing to many different outreach agencies and charities. Every 90 days these underprivilegedpeople are allowed an entire set of NEW clothing depending on the needs of the person. We, however, wereworking in the warehouse that receives, folds, and packages the donations. Most every person working in thewarehouse is a volunteer. From 9:15 to 3:00 we helped by folding and boxing over 2,000 baby bibs and ove1,000 shirts. After a long day of folding clothes, we decided to introduce the Jamaicans to Walmart. We shoppedfor over two hours, and the registers were jammed with school supplies, clothing, and electronics. We then introduced the Jamaicans to Five Guys fries, and then headed back to Woodlawn Pres. for dinner, devotions andmore fun and games. Tomorrow, the two groups will switch places and the Red team will be helping out at a daycare. I, along with everyone else, am excited for the upcoming week of having fun and serving God! I am excitedfor the Floridian side of our two week Mutual Mission trip!Ashley Gans


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MISSION (continued)


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WORSHIP

Oxford, Bath, Wells, and The Tower of London

Some of you may know I spent a lot of time in England on a month-long vacation in 2007. The purpose of the

trip was to rediscover my roots since both sides of my family are from the United Kingdom. I saw my grand-mothers name inscribed in the Baptism Book of St. Georges Church in east London, Rosina Elizabeth Kend-all. I stood in the ruins of the Cundiff ancestral home in Wycoller, England. I climbed the rock quarries inNorthern Wales where my ancestors, the Roberts, worked. Best of all I visited cathedrals all over this beauti-ful country. I even had the opportunity to play the organ in many of those cathedrals. WOW!

But this writing is about faith, intrigue, suspense and standing your ground. It is about Thomas Ken whpenned a hymn we sing every Sunday as do a multitude of churches around the world. The Doxology.

The word doxology comes from two Greek words, doxa, which means glory, and logos, which means word. Sodoxology is literally "a word of glory." We sing doxologies to give glory or praise to God.

The doxology under consideration here is only four lines:Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise him, all creatures here below;

Praise him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.But these four lines just might be sung more frequently than any other Christian music.

This doxology was written by Thomas Ken, an Anglican clergyman. Ken was born in 1637, and was orphaneat an early age. He then went to live with his half-sister, Anne, and her husband Izaak Walton. You migh

recognize Izaak Walton's name, because he was the author of The Compleat Angler, a book on fishing thquickly established itself as a standard work and ultimately became a classic. It was first published in 1653, anyou can still buy a copy of it on Amazon.com today.

When Ken was fourteen years old, he entered Winchester College, and four years later began studies at Oxford. He later returned to Winchester College as the chaplain to the bishop. While there, he wrote his Manuof Prayers for the use of the Scholars of Winchester College, which he first published in 1674. It was a book prayers for all occasions, and included (among many others) a Morning Prayer, an Evening Prayer, a prayer tuse after committing a sin, a prayer for use when tempted, a prayer entitled "Acts of Shame" and another enttled "Acts of Abhorrence."


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WORSHIP (continued)WORSHIP (continued)WORSHIP (continued)WORSHIP (continued)Ken also wrote hymns for the students to use to mark the passages of their days, including Morning Hymn, Eve-ning Hymn, and Midnight Hymn. Both the Morning Hymn and Evening Hymn end with the doxology that be-gins, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow." That was the origin of this doxology.

Ken established an excellent reputation at Winchester, and was eventually appointed chaplain to King Charles

II. When the king decided to visit Winchester, he sent word to Ken that Nell Gwynne, the king's mistress, wasto be lodged at Ken's house. Ken not only mounted loud objections, but also hired workmen to remove the roofto his house so that the king could not enforce Nell's lodgment there. In that time and place, an act of rebel-lion against the king could cost a person his head, but King Charles was impressed with Ken's courage. Not onlydid he allow Ken to live, but he even appointed him sometime later to be the Bishop of Bath and Wells.

Some years later, Ken was one of seven bishops who refused to sign King James' Declaration of Indulgence. Forthis act of rebellion, he was arrested and imprisoned in the Tower of London but he was later tried and ac-quitted. He died of natural causes in 1711.

It just so happens I had the privilege of playing the organs at Bath Abbey and Wells Cathedral. Bet you knowone of the selections I played ? The Doxology. Every Sunday, when we sing The Doxology, I fondly rememberthose wonderful days and Praise God From Whom All Blessing Flow. He surely has blessed me.

With a song in my heart,

Rick

Something to Think About

I believe, and you?

We argue for/against religious beliefs which ones are right, i.e., orthodox, andwhich ones are wrong, i.e., heresy, and we think that if we believe in the rightones, well be saved; of course, those who believe in heretical teachings will notbe. This same perspective permeates our socio-economic and political beliefs, as ifany one of us has a corner on the truth of any aspect of life and/or death. What arewe doing to ourselves and to one another? Are we not putting ourselves and othersinto boxes of beliefs? If you believe in the items in box X, well be friends, col-leagues, etc.; the opposite for those who believe in boxY.

We seem to have forgotten:For he is our peace who has made us both one and has broken down the wall of hostility (Ephesians 2:14).Yet we keep on building new walls to separate us from one another. Religious beliefs are not the same as faithin God to which Jesus called us.

We seem to have forgotten:

For he (God/ABBA) makes his sun rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the just and the un-

just (Matt. 5:45).Whatever social differences are between us are made by us, not God; Jesus called us to work out our differenceswith each other: Leave your gift there before the altar and go: first be reconciled to your brother, and then come andoffer your gift. (Matt. 5:23-24).


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WORSHIP (continued)WORSHIP (continued)WORSHIP (continued)WORSHIP (continued)

We seem to have forgotten Isaiahs Word of the Lord to the remnants of Israel in captivity:For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

Neither are your ways my ways,

says the Lord (YAHWEH).

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways,and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55)

We are too quick to think that as long as my beliefs are intact and secure, then the connection betweethe Lord and me is intact and secure. If we take the prophet seriously, then we have to understand that wcannot use God, the Lord, to justify and/or support our own will to power. This is precisely what the hitory of Israel is all about: we may not think/believe that the way we bring in the kingdom by our power what God has intended or authorized.Jesus made this point insistently.

We seem to have forgotten the nature of human language:

Words strain,

Crack and sometimes break, under the burden,

Under the tension, slip, slide, perish

Decay with imprecision, will not stay in place,

Will not stay still. Shrieking voices

Scolding , mocking, or merely chattering,

Always assail them.

(T. S. Eliot Burnt Norton V 149-155 in The Four Quartets 1943).

Do we really have the outrageous arrogance to play God with one another? (See Isaiah 55:11!). And, why d

we gloss over the prophets words: My house shall be a house of prayer for all nations? (Isaiah 56:7 and Mar11:17; compare Jeremiahs Temple Sermon in Jeremiah 7).

Do we not hear Jesus words in the parable ofThe Pharisee and the Publican (= toll collector; Luke 18:1014): God, be merciful to me a sinner! For Jesus, Gods acceptance of the publican meant that the Templemap had changed: it is no longer the self-righteous who are accepted and have a place in the Temple; it now those who recognize they are sinners who need mercy.

What would it mean for our worship and service together in this congregation to pray and act in terms of Godmercy to us rather than in terms of our self-made orthodoxies and religious beliefs that divide?

And the Word [LOGOS] became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). Gods Word became a human bing isnt this part of the Churchs confessions? Indeed. The Church is The Body of Christ. So, we then incarnateJesus, the Logos of God, in our lives! And how do we do this? By Belief? Or, by the way we live witone another?

Something to think about.

Shalom,

Tom


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WORSHIP (continued)WORSHIP (continued)WORSHIP (continued)WORSHIP (continued)

Flower Calendar

Please note: I am trying to work ahead on the flowers, so if you would like to provide flowers to commemoratea special event/occasion/memory etc. for a specific date, please call me as soon as possible. Thank you.Please also note: It is never too early to call me to select your chosen date.As of this mailing, the following people will be providing flowers in August, September, October, and November2013. If you would like to provide flowers on a date of your choice, please call Nancy Hall at 694-3221. Thankyou.

Thank you to these people as they share in donating the flowers for the following worship services:

August 4, 2013---In loving memory of Wilbur E. Hall from his daughter, Doris, and herhusband, Steven Charleston

August 11, 2013---In celebration of loving Michael for 36 years from Jan Stone

August 18, 2013---From the Clegornes in honor of the Clegorne family birthdays--sons,Nicholas and Patrick, and Anthonys mother and father

August 25, 2013---In celebration to God on our anniversary from Dave andMarianne Fullarton

September 1, 2013---In loving memory of Julien from Kay Dahlen

September 8, 2013---From Jack and Sue Harshman in honor of our 61st wedding anniversary

September 15, 2013---In celebration of our 66th wedding anniversary from Glendon and

Mildred ShankSeptember 22, 2013---In loving memory of Kenny Orme from Shirley

September 29, 2013---From Dorothy Roth in loving memory of Merl on their wedding date

October 6, 2013---OPEN

October 13, 2013---OPEN

October 20, 2013---From David and Martha MacKay in celebration of their 28th wedding anniversary

October 27, 2013---In celebration of our 60th wedding anniversary from Dick and Margy Marshall

November 3, 2013---OPEN

November 10, 2013---OPEN

November 17, 2013---From Joy Hunt in memory of my beloved husband, Jim

November 24, 2013---From Jane Garrett


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August 2013

Italicized items are non-FKPC activities using FKPC facilities

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturda

111:00 Adult

Discipleship

Ministry

11:00 Crafts

6:00 - 8:00

Marions United

(FH)

2 3

9:00 - 11:45 Library

9:15 Adult Ed. &

Youth

0:00 Choir Practice

0:30 Worship:30 Discipleship

Youth Ministry

00 PYC

5

7:30 Mens Bible

Study

6:00 FinanceMinistry

5:15 TOPS (FH)

5:30 Mission Ministry

6

9:30 Prayer

Shawl

Ministry

5:30 Connection

Ministry

7

5:00 Congrega-

tional Care Ministry

6:00 WorshipMinistry

6:00 FL Forestry (FH)

8

11:00 Crafts

9 10

9:00 - 11:45 Library

9:15 Adult Ed. &

Youth

0:00 Choir Practice

0:30 Worship

4:00 Property

Ministry5:00 PYC

12

7:30 Mens Bible

Study

5:15 TOPS (FH)

13

7:00 Discipleship

Ministry

Children

14

1:00 Sassy Seniors

(off-site)

15

11:00 Crafts

6:00 Session

16 17

8

2 Cents A Meal

9:00 - 11:45 Library9:15 Rally Day

0:00 Choir Practice

0:30 Worship

5:00 PYC

19

7:30 Mens Bible

Study

5:15 TOPS (FH)

20 21

3:00 Pastoral Care

Team

22

11:00 Crafts

23 24

59:00 - 10:15 Blood

Drive

9:00 - 11:45 Library

9:15 Adult Ed. &

Youth0:00 Choir Practice

0:30 Worship

:30 Stewardship

Meeting

:30 - 1:00 Blood

Drive

267:30 Mens Bible

Study

5:15 TOPS (FH)

27 28 29

11:00 Crafts

30 31

August 2013 LINK Newsletter

Documents

Transcript of August 2013 LINK Newsletter