The Ambassador · A Letter from Leah Faith Quote "Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every...

www.stillwaterfpc.org 1

The Ambassador

4 Volunteer Appreciation Brunch

5 Senior Sunday

6 Creation Care Class

8 Summer Music News

10 Kitchen Updates

11 Looking Ahead to GiFT

12 Library Film Viewing

A publication of First Presbyterian Church, Stillwater, OK

The May Ambassador deadline is Thursday, May 10th. Ambassador news may be sent to: [email protected]

A p r i l 2 0 1 8 volume 60 • number 4

Dwight Mission Summer Camp 2018 Registration now open

See page 5 for details

What’s INSIDE

Saturday, April 21, 9:00 am Please join us and bring yard tools.

(Please check Facebook for weather updates)

Butterfly Garden Workday

Now Hiring!! We are hiring a Building Supervisor

See page 2 for details

Faith, Fun, and Fitness! Sunday, April 29, 2 - 4 pm

Lake McMurtry

See pages 4 for details

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

No Sunday School Worship in Fellowship Hall


First Presbyterian Church Staff

Pastor Leah R. Hrachovec [email protected]

Interim Associate Pastor Deborah Meinke [email protected]

Director of Children and Youth Jenna Campbell [email protected]

Church Administrator Magdalena Vinson [email protected]

Finance/Office Assistant Mary Beth Garoffolo [email protected]

Church Treasurer Arletta Webster [email protected]

Director of Music/Organist Rebecca te Velde [email protected] Contemporary Music Coordinator Steve Foust [email protected]

Handbell Choir Director Allison Johnston [email protected] Coordinator of Older Adult Ministry Kelly McCarley [email protected] Children’s Ministry Assistants Katharine Nipp [email protected] Youth Ministry Assistants Jenna Linholm [email protected] Conner Funk [email protected] UKIRK Assistant Ethan Williams [email protected] Childcare Coordinator Sarah Priest [email protected] Preschool Director Dana Brown [email protected]

Custodian Mike Flowers

Announcements

volume 60 • number 4

The Ambassador

New to FPC? Have questions about being Presbyterian?

The Communications & Connecting ministry team invites you to Lunch & Learn, which will be held on Sunday, May 6th in the Hospitality Area following the 11:00AM service of worship, noon to 1:30pm.

This lunch gathering, held quarterly, is for anyone who wants to learn more about what we believe as Presbyterian Christians, our mission here at FPC, and how we are carrying out what Christ calls us to be and to do. Visitors, regular worshipers, members--all are welcome.

The focus of this Lunch & Learn will be on our particular style of worship--what we do, why we do it, what is changeable and what is essential. Come with any questions you've always wanted to ask!

Whether you are considering membership or not, or are just curious about learning more, this lunch will be a chance for us to know each other and FPC better. There is no cost for lunch.

Please email [email protected] or call the church office 405-372-5580 to RSVP; we look forward to welcoming you!

New Communion Ware The Worship & Music Committee has purchased new communion ware, crafted by local potter and

OSU student Austin Navrkal. Purchased were two chargers and

four chalices. The new communion ware was first used in

our 8:30 am Easter service.

We’re Hiring! FPC is hiring a new Building Supervisor following Peter Thomas’ retirement at the end of March. This position is responsible for

overseeing and managing use of Fellowship Hall and all equipment within in. The Building Supervisor usually works 30-40 hours/

month, and should be someone with a flexible schedule who can be available whenever Fellowship Hall is in use.

For more information including a full job description, or for application instructions, please visit our website:

www.stillwaterfpc.org/page/home/about-us/job-openings

mailto:[email protected]


“Then little children were being brought to [Jesus] in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disci-ples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’”

(Matthew 19:13-14)

I am writing this after dropping our 6-year old daughter off for school this morning. Is that an usual event? Not really; we take her to school every weekday, but today felt different after two weeks of school cancellation due to the teacher walkout. Nora’s kindergarten teacher and thousands of other teachers went to Oklahoma City every day for two weeks to make clear to our legislators the need for adequate funding for public school education and fair pay for public school educators.

Presbyterians in the U.S. have long been supporters of public education and of providing the means for every person to secure an education. In the 1950s, U.S. public support of education began to decline as court systems began to desegregate school systems. Responding to this trend, the 1953 General Assembly of the PCUSA decried the “zealous individuals and groups seeking to undermine or destroy public education.”1 In the 1970s, our denomination advocated for the extension of social services to all who needed them in the course of public education, understanding that children who are hungry, homeless, or underclothed often have difficulty being ready to learn and develop.

In 1987, the General Assembly of the PCUSA issued a “Call to Church Involvement in the Renewal of Public Education.” This Assembly called its fellow Presbyterians to encourage their communities:

“-to provide public schools that will secure for all children an education that develops their capacities to serve as creative and responsible persons in the common life, and -to mobilize the resources available in each community—home, church, community organizations (both public and private)—that will support public schools and share in achieving the necessary education of children and youth.”

This call to action also encouraged Presbyterians to “work to gain public acceptance and legislative action on funding policies that provide a tax support of public schools which utilizes the range of local, state, and federal sources necessary to ensure that funds for equal educational opportunities are available to all students without reference to resources in their place of residence.”2

The teacher walkout brought to my attention this call to be engaged Christians, living an active faith in the world. Just because the walkout is over, there are ample opportunities for us to advocate for the vulnerable and to speak as disciples of Jesus, who saw all children as human beings worthy of recognition, blessing, and nurture. Let us follow his example.

A Letter from Leah

Faith Quote

"Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every

minute a chance to change the world."

~ Dolores Huerta, organizer, winner of the Presidential Medal of Freedom


The Ambassador

1 PCUSA, 1953, p. 185. 2 PCUSA, 1987, pp.479-486.



The Ambassador

Kendall Harvey (Carter/Shaw) Nelda Hershberger (Knox) Bob Hert (Beckstrom) Charla Hilger (Roscoe) Carolynne Hopkins Joyce Hufford (Carter/Shaw) Lee Ann Hulet (Osborn) Robert Hungerford (McCarley) Sandy Ives 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) Alyssa Matal (Krehbiel) Philip Meadows Tresa Miller (Miller) Kendra Moreland (Fowler) Pam Normile (Meinke) Charlotte Nowakowski (Cohlmia) Kathy Para (Holland) Christine Parson (Rex) Jean Potts (Bills) Walker Reese (Melancon) Ken and Gloria Sandvold Don Savage (Savage) David Schmidly (Shaw) Bradley Schutt (Schlais) 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) Tasha Camacho (Osborn) 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 Marcie Dennison (Fairbanks) Matthew Durham (Shawley) Lori Fagan Linda & Everett Fansler Ruby Flowers (Flowers) Peggy Frese (Stiegler) Ed Gallegos (Wilkinson) Glenda Garrigus (Rex) Dorothy Gibbons (Holland) Susie Glasscock family Benjamin Gray (Gray) Myrtle Groom (te Velde) Sam Hamilton Bob Harding Douglas Harrel (Preston) Ben Harris (Wilkinson/Frohock)

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 Anne Zinn

Larger Church: Synod of the Trinity Synod of Alaska - Northwest 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)

[email protected]

Major Luke Hagen Air Force (DeHoogh)

LT Eric Murphy Army (Fairbanks)

Garrett Walters Marines (Williams)

Bryn Williams Army (Williams)


Faith Kid-nection Sunday School for children ages 3, 4, and 5 9:45-10:45 am Children preschool to kindergarten age are invited to join in play, games and songs as we explore God’s love, grow in faith, and learn how to share God’s love with others. This class meets in room 122 in the preschool wing, but it begins and ends with the rest of the SpiritLink children in the Worship Center at 9:45 am.

SpiritLink for 1st-5th graders SpiritLink children are invited to start the Sunday school hour at 9:45 am in the Worship Center. We’ll have a gathering time together and some singing with Steve Foust. Shepherds will take the kids upstairs to their rooms and bring them back to the Worship Center by 10:45 where parents can pick up their children.

April’s unit is The Women at the Tomb: a study on the

women who were the first to experience the good news that

Jesus is risen!

Spring Sunday School Class Offerings

SpiritLink Dates to Note:

May 6 Music Sunday in the Worship Center @ 9:45 am

May 13 SpiritLink Singers will sing during the 11:00 am worship service

Spring Fun in Faith Event – Earth Day Celebration For K-5th graders Sunday, April 22, 12:00-2:30 pm Multipurpose Room The Children’s Ministry committee and the Earth Care Team have partnered up to offer an afternoon of fun, learning about God’s call to care for the earth through a variety of cool projects. Projects and activities will include: creating wind turbines, making bird feeders, herb seed planting, decorating reusable shopping bags, and more! A light lunch will be served! Please RSVP.


The Ambassador

Faith, Fun, and Fitness!

April 29th from 2 - 4 pm at Lake McMurtry.

Join the Fellowship and Family Committee for an afternoon of outdoor fun. We’ll make binoculars with the kids, do some bird watching, play nature games, explore the trails,

and make trail mix. We’ll meet at the West Side Pavilion (directions can be found at www.mcmurtry.com), and entry cost is $6/car. Lake McMurtry also offers fishing and

kayaking (for an additional fee, and availability depends on water temperature).

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BRUNCH Sunday, May 13 @ 9:45

Fellowship Hall

All Children’s and Youth ministry volunteers – Spirit Link teachers and shepherds, youth Sunday school teachers, PYG sponsors, Children’s Committee members,

Youth Committee members, and VBS coordinators …

Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 13, when you will be honored at a brunch for the time and love you have

invested in our children and youth.

We love our volunteers!

Thank you, volunteers! Many thanks to the volunteers who

supported families during the teacher walkout. Our congregation provided child care for the children of our Presbyterian

Preschool teachers the week of April 9-13. Thank you to Becky Bair, Carolyn Caldwell,

Susie Causley, Alecia Gray, Cassidy McCann, Karsen Riley, and Carol Trapp.


April/May Schedule

April 22 5:00 - 6:30 pm PYG 29 2:00 - 4:00 pm Faith, Fun, and Fitness Day

at Lake McMurtry

May 6 5:00 - 6:30 pm PYG 13 NO PYG - Happy Mother’s Day! 20 5:00 - 6:30 pm Tears and Cheers - Senior Celebration and Welcome 5th Graders PYG Night 27 NO PYG

Youth Sunday School

Middle School (grades 6-7) (Youth Suite Blue Room)

Junior High (grades 8-9) (Youth Suite Orange Room)

Senior (grades 10-12) (Youth Suite - Main Area)

Save the Date! 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!


The Ambassador

Thomas Henry Eastman was born to Nicole & Travis Eastman on

March 15, 2018 8lbs, 15oz

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.

Dwight Mission Camp and Conference Center Summer Camp Registration is OPEN!

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 prior to the week your camper(s) attend. The church office must be notified by you prior to their attendance at camp 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.

May 25 – 28 Family Camp The ultimate family vacation for kids from 0-102! This vacation includes time for your family to grow closer to God through Bible Study, experiencing God’s creation, and through fellowship with other believers. Families can chose to participate in one of our many traditional camp activities including canoeing, swimming, archery, arts and crafts, and many more. Families will be housed in private rooms and all food is included. Participants ages 8 years and older $140, children 7 years and younger are free. Household Family Max is $440.

http://www.dwightmission.org


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.

Stillwater Mobile Meals

Stillwater Mobile Meals was founded by a First Presbyterian Church study group in 1972. The group found that there were people in our community that were hungry even though poverty was not necessarily the cause. Many times, physical inability to cook and prepare adequate meals was the problem. Mobile Meals delivers more than a hot, nutritious meal. It provides companionship on a daily basis. Clients are charged on their ability to pay for the meals. Last year Mobile Meals provided 27,354 delivered meals to 209 individual clients with over 4,680 volunteered hours of work. Nutrition programs, such as Mobile Meals, help maintain an individual’s well being, allowing them to stay at home. First Presbyterian Board of Deacon’s supports Mobile Meals with a $300.00 contribution this year.

Stillwater Domestic Violence Center (Wings of Hope)

Wings of Hope provides safe, confidential shelter to victims seeking refuge from violence. At Wings of Hope, clients have a temporary place to recuperate and receive basic necessities. Victims find a caring team of advocates ready to help them through the emotional devastation left after domestic violence. Weekly counseling and support services are offered as well as empowerment services designed to help victims get back on their feet and make plans for the future. Wings of Hope’s team of advocates helps victims by providing crisis intervention, assistance in filing emergency protective orders, court advocacy, and other immediate needs. The Board of Deacon’s authorized $250.00 to help support this agency.

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

Walk, Bike, or Carpool to church on EARTH DAY, SUNDAY, APRIL 22nd!!


The Ambassador

Creation Care Class continues at 9:45 AM in Fellowship Hall

April 22nd: Wind Power and Industry in Oklahoma, presented by Jarrod Beckstrom

April 29th: Urban Nature “The Streams Below Our Streets” and “The Intricate Ecology of Vacant Lots”

May 6th: Food Production using Regenerative Agriculture “Unbroken Ground” and “A Fence and An Owner”

May 13th: Water, Our Scarcest Resource “This Land is Our Land,” “The Story of Bottled Water,” “Our Water, Our Future,” “A Tale of Two Cities”

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.

Don’t miss this fun and rewarding opportunity to help our neighbors!

https://stillwaterfpc.breezechms.com/form/302ac5


Jane Durham

Joined First Presbyterian Church October 6, 1957

Entered the Church Triumphant

March 18, 2018

In Memoriam

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

From the Mailbox


The Ambassador

Phyllis Leaghty

Joined First Presbyterian Church April 26, 1973

Entered the Church Triumphant

March 28, 2018

In Memoriam

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

Dear First Presbyterian Church, He is risen! He is risen indeed! Christ broke the chains of sin and death when he was raised to life on Easter and because He lives we can have new life! Because of God’s love for us, He had great mercy for all people and sent His Son to die for us. By his grace we are saved, and have the promise of eternal life with Jesus. Let us live the life we are given with great expectation and hope! Thank you for the glorious lily in memory of my dad, Bob! I will be reminded of my dad each time I see the trumpeting blooms. Thanks to Ann Houston for volunteering her time to brighten my days! Thanks to Leah for her comforting words! I am praying that each of you will know the love and forgiveness of Jesus; that you will receive His peace and promises now and forever! Praise be to God the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ! Joy to you, Erika West

I just wanted to thank Betsy Showalter for bringing the glorious Easter lily to our home and visiting with us. She is an example of what God wants us to do! We love and appreciate Betsy, and are thankful for First Presbyterian Church. With love, Arvilla West

Dear Leah, Thank you for your sweet note and the beautiful lily. Thank you Steve (Fairbanks) for bringing the beautiful lily to my home. I will enjoy it inside, then I will plant it in Brentwood’s gardens to enjoy many years of beauty. The church was so beautiful Easter Sunday, the music and sermon all stayed in my heart and mind. God is good! Judy Jones

“Knowing the Will of God” An Opportunity for Guided Reflection at the Cimarron

Presbytery Spring meeting on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 in Newkirk, OK, 9 am -3 pm.

Rev. Dr. Cynthia Rigby of Austin Seminary will lead us through this opportunity to ‘think theologically’ and to connect our faith with our daily lives. All are welcome

to join the members of Cimarron Presbytery at this event. If you would like to attend, let Deb Meinke know

and we will make sure that you are included in our lunch reservation and any transportation plans.

Presbytery News

THANK YOU from the 2018 Mission Trip Team The Fundraiser lunch and Silent Auction was a big

success, raising about $3300 for mission trip expenses and scholarship.

THANK YOU to all who provided creative baskets and items for purchase.

THANK YOU for direct donations. THANK YOU everyone who purchased items –

enjoy your goodies and your experiences!


The Chancel Choir: 7:15-8:15 pm Wednesday evenings in the Choir Room. Please contact Becky te Velde for more information, or to have childcare provided (405-624-2612). Anyone aged 6th grade and older is welcome! We are always looking for more singers and ringers, and yes, you can even do both if you like!!

From the Organ Bench FPC Bell Choir Bell Choir rehearsals are Sundays at 4:00 pm in the Sanctuary “Bell Balcony”. For more information, contact Allison Johnston ([email protected]). Anyone aged 6th grade and older is welcome – no experience necessary.

Bench Potatoes

Anyone 7 years or older is invited to sit up at the organ console during worship. Repeat visitors are always welcome, and there is no upper age limit! Contact Becky te Velde if you and/or your child would like to be a Bench Potato. “Two’s Company” on the organ bench!

May 13 (Mother’s Day) As we conclude our ensemble

season, the SpiritLink Singers, Bell Choir and Chancel Choir will all

participate in worship on May 13!

Music News and Thanks:

Over the eight days of Holy Week, the Chancel Choir sang five services and four rehearsals, arriving before 8am for the long mornings on Palm Sunday and Easter! And the Bell Choir rehearsed at 7:30am on Easter before playing for both services! We are so very grateful to these dedicated musicians for their hard work, and for their music that enriches, enlivens, and inspires our worship and discipleship. Soli Deo Gloria!

We also thank Steffi Tetzloff (trumpet), Magdalena Vinson (violin), Breanna Bunney (flute), David Silver (soloist), Steve Foust (guitar), and Lyrica Krautter (harp) for their special musical offerings over these past several weeks.

Upcoming Recitals: Sat., Apr. 21, 7:30pm: Allison Johnson Violin Recital (our Bell Choir Director and OSU music major!). Willard Hall on the OSU campus. Free admission.

Tues., May 8, 12:05-12:35pm: Rebecca te Velde Organ Recital, Trinity Episcopal Church, 501 S Cincinnati Ave, Tulsa, OK. Free admission.

Fri., Aug. 24, 7:30pm: Heather Lanners Piano Recital, FPC Fellowship Hall. Free admission.

Music Staff

Director of Music/Organist Rebecca te Velde [email protected] Contemporary Music Coordinator Steve Foust [email protected]

Handbell Choir Director Allison Johnston [email protected] 2017-2018 Choral Scholars Amanda Barber Alie Lory Bradley Newcomb


The Ambassador

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

([email protected], 405-624-2612).

mailto:[email protected])



On April 11, the women gathered in the Sanctuary to hear Carol Headrick’s wonderful review of the life of Mary Roberts Rinehart found in her autobiography My Story. Following the review the women adjourned to the Hospitality Area for lunch and a brief meeting.

The May meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 9, at 9:45 a.m. in the Hospitality Area. Lynda Tyrl will share information about the 2018 BIRTHDAY OFFERING of Presbyterian Women – Welcome to This Place – Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need -- Hebrews 4:16. At this time you may make your contribution to the BIRTHDAY OFFERING to help with Presbyterian Women’s long tradition of caring for others and helping those in need. A special lunch in celebration of the BIRTHDAY OFFERING will be served. There is no charge for the lunch and reservations are not needed.

The Cimarron PW annual Spring Gathering will be held at First United Presbyterian Church in Guthrie on Saturday, April 28, 9:30 a.m. Keynote speaker will be Janet Theus speaking about “Out of Darkness…Into the Light”. If you would like to attend, please let Mary McKinley know by April 25. The cost for lunch is $8.00.

Second Mile Sewing meets the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays of every month 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

Seasoned Adults At our April meeting, we had a very informative presentation by Jennifer Bozarth of Vision Farms in Guthrie. Their mission is to promote local food sovereignty and local food security. In addition, Deb Meinke provided us an update on our church’s Earth Care program.

At our May 21st meeting, we will have Dr. Alex Bishop and Dr. Weihau Sheng of OSU, who will give us a presentation on robotic-aided technology for aging-in-place. The presentation will provide recent findings from interdisciplinary research conducted by the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and College of Human Sciences at OSU. This will be highlighted by a live demonstration of an eldercare companion robot prototype. 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 [email protected]. I am looking forward to seeing

you all soon.


The Ambassador

The Fairlawn Cemetery Association will hold its Annual Meeting in the

First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall on Tuesday, April 24,

beginning with a potluck at 6 pm. All are invited, especially lot owners

and folks interested in honoring veterans, Stillwater or OSU history,

landscaping, fundraising, genealogy, civic involvement, or good

fellowship with a great group of friends. Come and bring friends!



Monthly Income / Expense Report

March 2018 Year

to Date % of

Budget

Giving $ 56,201.78 $ 141,105.10 22.50

Other Income

$ 5,474.40

$ 13,858.11

41.47

Total Income $ 61,675.93 $ 154,963.21 23.46

Expenditures $ 69,578.71 $ 178,437.59 24.84

Net $ (7,902.78) $ (23,474.38)

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 Tami Krehbiel (chair)

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

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, April 10th, at 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Kent Olson opened the Session meeting with a thought and prayer. Highlights from Session action:

Received an update from Associate Pastor Nominating Committee chair Tim Krehbiel. The APNC is currently reviewing candidate applications, listening to sermons, checking references

Approved changing the budget for Identified Non-Pledge Giving to $36,809.00 to reflect more accurately the anticipated amount that will be received in 2018. Motion passed unanimously, upon recommendation from the Treasurer. Pledge increase packets were distributed to Session members and staff in an effort to encourage a trend in deeper giving throughout the congregation

Discussed Parish Paper on “Church Energy Use: Can We Harness Hope?”

Approved request from Worship & Music to celebrate the Lord’s Supper at 9:30am worship on Sunday, July 1st

Received Membership Report for March 31, 2018, indicating 504 members

Discussed the need for at least $100,000 in additional annual pledges in order to sustain the planned ministries, outreach, staff, and facilities of the congregation $23 was collected for Saturday Brunch

The meeting adjourned with prayer. Next stated meeting is Tuesday, May 8th at 5:30pm in the Fellowship Hall.


The Ambassador

Some Recent Kitchen Additions!

We are grateful for the challenge gift from our Presbyterian Women (PW) which allowed us to purchase

a new dishwasher for our Fellowship Hall kitchen and two coffee machines, one for Fellowship Hall and one for

the hospitality kitchen. The old dishwasher that has served us for over 25 years in both the Fellowship Hall

kitchen and the old kitchen in the main building has been retired and replaced by a beautiful new Hobart

dishwasher that will guarantee sparkling clean dish ware and pots and pans. It was recently used for the first time

at our weekly brunch and passed with flying colors. Come by and see it and stop for a cup of coffee.



The Ambassador

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 on July 16-19 from 5:30 to 8:00 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 [email protected] 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

April is here and I have heard lots of jokes about winter finally getting here now. I love that Oklahoma weather changes so often so we are not stuck in the cold for long periods of time ever. Saturday we had snow and an earthquake and by afternoon, bright sunshine! This past week our school was closed in support of the Oklahoma Teacher Walk-out! Our

teachers felt strongly about showing support for what we see as such an important issue! My prayers are that

the whole issue can be resolved quickly and in the way that most benefits everyone involved. Thank you to the

church and the PPAB for supporting us in our decision to close. Thank you also for supporting us with volunteers

to provide childcare for my teachers’ school aged kids. It is a huge blessing to them to have care provided.

Thanks Jenna, Sarah, Leah and everyone involved in the process. We really appreciate it and we feel the love!

~Dana Brown, Preschool Director

Preschool Update

https://stillwaterfpc.breezechms.com/form/ebaeb2



Std U.S. Postage

PAID Permit # 143

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

Sunday Worship Schedule Worship - 8:30 and 11:00 am

Sunday School - 9:45 am

Midweek Communion 12:10 pm

Wednesdays Worship Center

Worship at First Presbyterian

Upcoming Worship Highlights

April 22, Earth Day, worship in the Fellowship Hall at 8:30 and 11 am.

May 20, Pentecost, 9:30 am worship in the Fellowship Hall. Communion served. Also Senior Recognition Sunday. This begins our summer worship schedule of a 9:30 am service only.

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

July 1, 9:30 am worship in the Sanctuary, communion served.

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

August 5, 9:30 am worship in the Sanctuary, communion served.


The Ambassador

The Ambassador · A Letter from Leah Faith Quote "Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every...

Documents

Transcript of The Ambassador · A Letter from Leah Faith Quote "Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every...