Columns August 2009

8/14/2019 Columns August 2009

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C O N TA C T U S407.423.3441

To ge bptismCotct Woship x1451

To ge weddigCotct Weddigs x1453

To ge fuel o memoil seviceCotct Pstol Ce x1455

To donate owers for worship servicesCotct Woship x1451

With questios bout you pledge,dotio, o budget

Cotct Fice x1479

With chge of ddessCotct Membeship x1471

To puchse semo CD o DVDCotct x1438

To joi the Chcel ChoiCotct x1273

Fo child ce esevtios - Ely Childhood

Cotct x2250

To reach the Security OfceCotct 407-415-9793

Fo Weekdy SchoolCotct 407-996-5864

Fo moe ifomtio o dult Sudy schoolclsses, cotct Spiitul Fomtio x1463

With questios bout the FPCO websiteo this Colums publictio

Cotct Commuictios x1467

To eseve meetig spceCotct Specil Sevices x1469

Hospita Cas:Hospitls e o loge ble to otify us wheou membes e hospitlized. If you kow

someoe who is i the hospitl, plese otifythe Pastoral Care ofce at x1455.

Pastora Emerencies:Fo pstol emegecies outside of the 8:30m-

5pm church ofce hours, please leave a voicemil messge t the mi chuch umbe. Themessge cete will pge the miiste o cll,

who will eply s soo s possible.

Nee Hep?Depedecy ssistce, cce suppot goup,

gief suppot, divoce ce, ifetility goup,plese cotct Cogegtiol Life x1159.

www.twitte.com/fpcoldo

www.facebook.com/rstpres

On The“‘For this reason a man shall leave his father

and mother and be united to his wife and

the two shall become one fesh.’ This is a

profound mystery–but I am talking about

Christ and the church.” Ephesians 5:31-32

WITH Dr. DaVID

M arriage is taking a beating these days. No matter where

you look, marriages are in trouble. From the recent ail-

ings o those holding political oce, to the constant drumbeat

in many states to allow same-sex marriages, to denominationa

battles over what “denes” marriage, to the prolieration o “a

mous” couples who are passing on marriage altogether, there is

much that is painul and conusing about the current state o mar

riage in our culture.

And yet, God’s Word is so clear to us about the git that He has

given us in marriage. He has laid out the plan and purpose o

why a man and a woman are to be joined together as one, the pri

mary reason being that we might bear witness to the love o Christ

or His bride, The Church. Our marriages are not just or us, but

they are intended to point the world, in part, to the enduring love

o God in Christ. I that’s true, then don’t you think God wants

your marriage to be incredible? You bet He does, yet so many

Christian couples are foundering these days in a pit o busyness

poor communication, and cultural stereotypes.

That is just one o the reasons why Leigh and I have such a

commitment to marriage ministry. We believe that marriage is a

critical building block or both the church and the culture, and

unless marriages are kept strong, we are going to continue re

peating our mistakes and suering the consequences. Out o tha

sense o call, Leigh and I led the FPCO Marriage Retreat a

Mission Inn last year. It was a marvelous weekend with 83

couples rom our church and community–a time to laugh

share, pray, play, and study both as couples and as a com-

munity. It was truly one o the highlights o our year.

Because it was such a blessing to us, we are going to

lead it again this year. The Marriage Retreat 2009 wil

take place at Mission Inn in Howey-in-the-Hills Novem

ber 6-8. Our theme is “So You Think You Can Dance?”

We’ll be teaching completely new lessons building on

the idea that marriage is a partnership–a dance–and

both husband and wie need to learn the steps!


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Way

Now, let me

speak to a ew

questions I al-

ways get:

1) Yes, it will be

un or the hus-

bands. For some

reason, men

think we’re go-

ing to lock you in a room and make you read and study and

pray the whole time. There is a lot o ree time on Saturday–

plenty o recreation activities–plenty o downtime–plus a lot

o laughter.

2) Yes, it’s or couples o all ages. I picked up on an inter-

esting theme last year: Some couples married 25-plus yearselt they didn’t need a marriage retreat. Interesting. No matter

how many years you’ve been married, there is still more that

God can teach you. Plus, the cross generational community

that we experienced last year was a great blessing. (We had

couples married only three weeks all the way to orty years–

and everything in between!) So, no matter how long you’ve

been married, this is or you.

3) Yes, the ood is wonderul. Really.

4) Yes, you can register online at www.pco.org/register RIGHT NOW. Even better, you can make your $100 deposit,

and then pay it o gradually each month leading up to the

retreat.

5) Yes, Danny and Franny will be back. (I can’t reveal much

about that, but we had two characters that led us into side

splitting laughter each night.) Actually, it won’t be Danny

and Franny, but two new characters sure to bring

down the house. (Hint: They’re dancers.)

6) No, you will not be put on the spot to talk about your mar

riage. The purpose o the weekend is to give you and your

spouse time to talk to each other. We create time or couples

You will not be asked to share your “marriage story” with the

group!

7) No, attendance at a marriage retreat does not mean your

marriage is in trouble! Funny–people think that i they tell

others they are going on a marriage retreat, it is the same

thing as saying, “Our marriage is on the rocks.” Just because

I go to the gym does not mean I’m near death. It just means

I’m trying to improve my condition. Same with the marriage

retreat–we can all stand to improve our current condition

Some may be more “in shape” or “out o shape,” but we all

need to be there!

In closing, we have increased our capacity to 115 couples thisyear, but there was also a waiting list last year. Take some time to

look at your calendar, make it a priority, sign up online, and do

something to make your marriage all that God intends. Leigh and

I are already working on it, and we look orward to the oppor

tunity to be with you in November. May God continue to bless

the marriages in our church that they might bear witness to His

sacricial love. With joyul expectation, I remain

In His Grip,

David

SWanSOn



RECREATION

MINISTRy SPOTlIgHTBy alice Fotuto, Diecto of recetio Miisty

| www.fpco.og



T he Recreation Ministry houses Fitness@First, Com-

munity Fitness Center, which has commercial grade

strength training and cardiovascular equipment, treadmills,

elliptical trainers, a rowing machine, and resistance ma-

chines to work every muscle in your body.

We are home to an NBA-sized gymnasium that is in con-

stant motion. We have an ongoing group

o Noontime and AM Basketball players,

some o whom have been playing togethersince we opened. We start with a prayer

and, depending on the number o play-

ers, pick teams to go either ull-court or

hal-court with two games at once. There

are men o all ages and walks o lie with

one common purpose, basketball! AM

Basketball is rom 6-7am on Mondays,

Wednesdays, and Fridays and Noontime

is rom 12-1:30pm on Mondays, Wednes-

days, and Fridays. Basketball member-

ships are available.

Group Fitness Classes

Not only does it take a village o many

minds, talents, and passions to orm a vi-

brant ministry, but it takes a calling rom

God. The Recreation Ministry has a great,

diverse pool o talents.

Blackbelts or Christ

Joe and Martha Morejon came to us three years ago and

asked i they could use our space to teach both children

and adults the physical discipline o martial arts with

the spiritual discipline o Scripture and respect that we

learn rom the Bible. They created Blackbelts or Christ. A

community member rom a downtown business who was

coming to our group tness classes said her son was having

a hard time in school and asked what Blackbelts or Christ

was all about. He started coming or classes at night and

is still taking classes. Joe hails rom the Bronx and learned

hard lessons on the street in his early days. Ater studying

and becoming a teacher, “sensei” in Japanese, he decided

that becoming strong in body, mind, and soul was what

he wanted to pass on to young people and also adults. For

more specic inormation on classes, call 407.704.7851 or

go to www.aikijitsu.com.

Personal Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

Dawn Byram – Dawn has a Ph.D. in psychology and a great

passion or tness. She currently teaches a boot camp class

on Thursdays at noon and is a personal trainer. She loves

running, training and the Lord. For more inormation, con-

tact her at 407.687.9082 or [email protected].

Kris and Simon Morgan – The two came to us by way ojoining the church and have a wealth o experience and

knowledge about the tness proession. Simon, a ormer

“Mr. Universe,” has physical expertise at its highest level,

but will also tell you that it isn’t just about the physical

training. Kris’ wealth o nutritional and natural body build-

ing techniques rom 17 years o experience coupled with

her lie coaching skills and commitment to her aith, will

get your peak perormance both physically and mentally!

Learn about both o their journeys and reap the benets o

their knowledge. They are also teaching a Sunday class se-

ries, Become Fit, in the all. For more inormation, contactKris at 407.756.7468 or [email protected].

Stephanie Brady – Stephanie is an FPCO church mem-

ber who started working out here a ew years ago, is now a

mother o two young children, and is sharing her passion or

tness as a personal trainer and as a group tness instruc-

tor. She volunteers, teaching three classes a week, while

balancing her duties as a wie and mother. We have been

incredibly blessed with her talents and passion! For more

inormation, contact her at 407.721.3208 or steebrady@

hotmail.com.

Thomas Sapp – Thomas started as a Noontime Basketball

player and has continued with his passion or personal

training and basketball as a coach, reeree, coordinator, and

mentor. We have enjoyed his enthusiasm, aithulness, and

expertise or 12 years! For more inormation, contact him at

407.758.6202 or [email protected].

We are incredibly blessed with the gits and talents o

our greatest resource: Our people! n

www.fpco.o



‘yOUR bOdy IS A TEMPlE of The holy SpiriT’By Kisti Dvis, Stff Wite

A s a business executive in the healthcare industry, member

David Heine understood the benets o exercising and eat-

ing healthy. But, between pulling long hours at work and main-

taining a hectic personal lie, he was always able to nd a good

excuse to skip the gym and hit the couch. “We’ve all heard or

read about the supposed physical, mental, and spiritual benets

o staying t,” David says. “Having a well-conditioned body was

something to be desired, but was not a priority with all the other

demands in my lie.” But, ater being diagnosed with degenera-

tive arthritis in his right hip and borderline Adult-Onset Diabe-

tes, his priorities—and attitude about health—began to change.

His doctor told him to stay o o his eet as much as pos-

sible, and that a hip replacement might be necessary i the pain

became too intense. “He suggested that I try bicycle riding to

strengthen the hip muscles, and that marked the beginning o

my training eorts,” David says. In addition to bike riding, Da-

vid began working out several times a week at Fitness@First,

FPCO’s Community Fitness Center, where then personal trainer

Deborah Gartner helped him develop a workout program that ca-

tered to his specic needs. Ater several months o maintaining

a regular workout regime and healthier eating habits, he started

to notice a change in his physical appearance, along with drastic

improvements to his overall health.

“My blood sugar returned to normal, my cholesterol dropped

rom 200 to 150, and my blood pressure went down,” he says.

He adds that by making small liestyle changes, he was able to

achieve big results. Three times a week, he paired cardio work-

outs with strength training and began eating leaner meats, such

as chicken and sh. He started to notice a decrease in the pain in

his right hip, along with a decrease in weight. Ater eight years

at the Center, he has lost a total o 25 pounds.

Now 72, David still trains at Fitness@First three days a week

with the help o personal trainer and ormer Mr. Universe title

winner, Simon Morgan. “Simon is a very knowledgeable traine

and a very good example, both o physical tness and spiritual

ity,” he says. David is still an avid bike rider and could probably

pedal circles around most people his age. But, more importantly

he can play with his 12 grandchildren again, without being in

pain. “I you’re healthier, you’ll be happier and have a better

mental attitude,” David says. “When you’re eeling on track you

eel closer to God.”

For more inormation about how you can take advantage o

the acilities or program oerings at Fitness@First, please cal

407.206.2406 or visit www.pco.org/ftness. n

WHAT dOES IT COST?

WHERE CAN I FINd THE

ClASS SCHEdUlE?

“if you’re healThier,

you’ll be happier and

HAvE A bETTER MENTAl

aTTiTude. When you’re

FEElINg ON TRACk yOU

FEEl ClOSER TO gOd.”

dAvId HEINE USES THE FITNESS CENTER TO MAINTAIN HIS PHySICAl ANd SPIRITUAl HEAlTH.

WHAT dOES IT COST? FPCO Members: $225 per year

Community: $325.00 per year

Corporate: $265 per year

Basketball: $225.00 per year

Classes only: $225 per year

WHERE CAN I FINd THE

ClASS SCHEdUlE?

For more inormation about the classes oered or

the current schedule at Fitness@First, please call

407.206.2406 or visit www.pco.org/tness.

| www.fpco.og



FOOd FOR THOUgHFOOd FOR THOUgHTEating right is just as important as exerci

when it comes to getting t. Here’s one o

our avorite recipes to help you get starte

on the path to good health.

Roasted Herb SalmonIngredients

4 5-ounce salmon llets, about 1 1/2inches thick

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons resh lemon juice

1 tablespoon minced resh thyme (or 1teaspoon dried)

1 tablespoon minced resh rosemary (o1 teaspoon dried)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Cooking spray

1 small yellow onion, thinly-sliced

2 tomatoes, thinly-sliced

Directions

Make three to our 2-inch-long, 1/4-inc

deep, evenly-spaced slits along the top

o each salmon llet.

In a shallow dish, whisk together

mustard, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary

oregano, salt and pepper. Add salmon

and turn to coat both sides. Cover withplastic wrap and rerigerate 15 minute

(I you are using a whole sh, do the

same. The marinade will seep into the

slits.)

Reserve marinade.

Preheat oven to 450° F. Coat a shallow

baking pan with cooking spray. Arrang

onion and tomato slices in the bottom

the prepared pan. Place salmon on top

onion and tomato. Pour remaining mar

nade over salmon. Roast 10-15 minute

until sh is ork-tender.

Note: You may substitute thick llets o

cod or founder, or whole snapper or trou

or the salmon i desired. Round out the

meal with steamed spinach and cooked

quinoa.

*This recipe was ound at www.shape.com.

WHAT TyPE OF ClASSES dOESFITNESS AT FIRST OFFER?

WHAT TyPE OF ClASSES dOESFITNESS AT FIRST OFFER?

Class Descriptions:

Body Pump:

strength training moves are combined with simple cardio exer-

cises to give you a ull body workout

Cardio Kickboxing:

high energy or all levels; bounce, punch, kick, and have a great

time working out muscles you never thought you had

Chisel & Sculpt:

total body workout to improve muscular strength; high intensity

H.I.T. Boot Camp:

ones and twos with high intensity training

Hard Core:

circuit workout o athletic drills, strength training, and Plyomet-

rics; high intensity with some impact

Indoor Cycling:

great cross-training benet or all tness levels; high intensity/

low impact

Latin Cardio Dance:

low-impact interval and core workout incorporating Latin dance

moves rom Salsa, Cha Cha, Bachata, and Merengue

Sajility:

strength, speed, endurance, stamina, and fexibitlity

Yoga:

stretching, core strengthening, overall body toning and aware-

ness; low impact

YogaFit:

overcomes the mystery o yoga; a practical, user riendly style,

accessible, understandable, and doable by individuals at any

level o tness.

Yogalates:

a mixture o yoga and pilates-stretching, strength, and abdominal

work

Zumba:

a usion o Latin and International music-dance themes or a

dynamic, exciting, and un workout

Community Class Description:

Akijitsu:

all ages to learn sel deense, improve discipline, strength, ocus,

and sel condence

For more inormation about the classes oered or the current

schedule at Fitness@First, please call 407.206.2406 or visit www.

pco.org/ftness.

www.fpco.o



SEEkINg gOdON SUNdAy EvENINgSBy rev. Do McClell, associte Psto of Pye d Spiitul Fomtio

T he vision o First Presbyterian Church o Orlando is to

empower a diverse body o conessing believers to seek

to know and worship God, share His eternal love, and humbly

serve a broken world.

Two things immediately come to my mind when I think o the

phrase in our vision statement “seek to know God” (the primary

ocus o the Prayer and Spiritual Formation department).

The rst thing that comes to mind is that no matter where we

are in our search or God, God is already seeking us. He sought us

out (and continues to seek us) beore we ever gave Him a thought

and He loved us beore we ever knew Him. Isn’t that AMAZING?In the words o Henri Nouwen, “God is always wanting to visit

us, but we are oten not at home.”

The second thing that comes to mind is the childhood game

Hide & Seek. I loved nding those great hiding places but then I

could not wait to be ound! I would make noises or stick my oot

out because I really did not want to be alone and hidden.

God made us with a desire to be ound by Him. He made us

or relationship and the most essential relationship we will ever

have is our relationship with Him. That is why we continue to

try to provide opportunities or the people o FPCO to know God

more ully. It is why we encourage all o our adults to come to

Sunday School…and it is why we will once again oer classes

on Sunday evenings.

Classes will begin September 13 running 10 consecutive weeks

through November 15 rom 4:30–6:30pm. Child care is provided

and we have children’s programs so this can be a amily eventCheck out the oerings below and think and pray about which

class might best meet your need to seek to know God. Let’s do

it together! n

Women’S

MINISTRyHAS AbOOk ClUb!By Loi needhm, Wome’s Miisty

I

you didn’t already know, take note! Chapter and Verse, a

women’s book reading club, meets on the third Tuesday o each month, rom 7-8:30 pm in the Edington Ministry Center in

room 300. When they gather, there is great ellowship and the

opportunity to get to know other women through discussion o

the selected book.

Everyone is welcome to join and you can check the website

or a list o the current book selections. They take a break or

the month o July but will resume again on August 18, 2009. At

that time, they will discuss The Hawk and the Dove by Penelope

Wilcock. It is a large book so the extra reading month o July will

help you complete this reading. On the website, under Prayer

& Spiritual Formation, go to Women’s Ministry. There you will

nd a menu tab specically or Chapter and Verse.Recently, Margee Richardson joined this group and here’s

what she had to say:

“I was new to the church and love[d] to read. I walked into

Chapter and Verse that rst night to discuss The Shack. The

women were very welcoming and lots o un. The discussion

was lively, and sincere aith in Christ was evident. It was very

easy to eel at home with these great women. Come join us.”

I you have questions or need additional inormation, contac

Zonetta Glenn and 407.699.0059 or zlee950009@embarqmail

com. n



AdUlT EdUCATION

OFFERINgSAmazing Glaze Ceramics Studio: We provide all the materials

and a vibrant, energetic atmosphere to inspire your imagination!

You provide the creativity to design your unique, handmade

masterpiece. Prices vary, but include use o all materials, unlim-

ited paint choices, clear glazing, and ring.

The Bethel Series: This is a continuation o the Bethel class par-

ticipants who have completed the Old Testament series. This

all, this group will begin the study on The New Testament.

Become FIT: This 10-week class will oer three topics eachweek:

1. Nutrition 101–How does your body burn what you con-

sume? What are the best oods to be consuming?

2. Exercise 101–We will explore the three components to op-

timal health, and take a hands-on approach to the most e-

cient and eective resistance training exercises.

3. The obstacles that keep us rom being good stewards o the

body which the Lord has given to us and what Scripture says

about it all. Dress comortably. All ages and tness levels are

welcome to come and have un! Hosted by Kris and Simon

Morgan. Cost is $25 or materials.

Crown Ministry: Journey to true nancial reedom! Join others

in this small group study as you learn to apply God’s nancial

principles to your lie; topics include earning, giving, saving,

spending, investing, getting out o debt, and training children to

handle money. Pre-study is required with attendance at a Crown

Ministry Orientation on Sunday, August 30. Single study kit is

$45 and Couple study kit is $55. Registration deadline is August

30!

Evangelism 101: The Biblical Model and a 21st Century

Model:

Part A–Paul’s Missionary Journeys (ve weeks)

Part B–Just Walk Across the Room (ve weeks)

In preparation or Dr. Swanson’s 2010 sermon series through the

book o Acts, join Dr. Thorp or the rst ve weeks o this series

as he provides an overview to Paul’s missionary journeys us-

ing the Biblical text, observing ancient methods or starting and

growing the church, and creating an understanding o the time-

line o Paul’s ascinating lie.

The second ve weeks will be spent applying the latest evan

gelism approaches to today’s context utilizing the Willowcreek

curriculum by Bill Hybels called, “Just Walk Across the Room.”

This series is a natural and empowering approach to evangelism

modeled ater Jesus Himsel. This dynamic ve week experience

will equip and inspire you to ollow His lead by taking simple

walks across the room to extend care, compassion, and inclu-

siveness to people who might need a touch o God’s love today

Class ee is $10 to support cost o materials.

LIFE 101: A class designed to clearly and comprehensively present (in an open discussion ormat) the Biblical oundation o a

LIFE Community and to motivate, challenge, and inspire all to

participate in a LIFE Community in 2010. The class will be led

by Kent Sterchi, Director o LIFE Community, and supported

and taught by other leaders as the subject dictates.

All class oerings require registration and can be done at www

pco.org/register or stop by the lobby o the Edington Ministry

Center to complete a class registration orm.

Child care will be oered or inants through age 4. Older chil-

dren may participate in the Children’s/Music Ministry oer

ings.

For additional inormation or i you have questions, contact Rev

Donna McClellan at extension 1488 or [email protected] or

Lori Needham at extension 1463 or [email protected]. Unless

noted above, registration deadline or all class oerings will be

Wednesday, September 9. This will help us prepare or your par

ticipation and to make sure the appropriate study materials are

ordered. n

SUNdAy EvENINgSSEPTEMbER 13 –november 15, 20094:30-6:30PM


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HEARTbEATTHE HEART OF THE

CITy FOUNdATIONHONORS IRENE MIllER

By Do Bow d amy Bishop,Het of the City Foudtio, Ic.

I rene Miller would have considered

hersel “just an ordinary person.”

And by almost every worldly measure,

she was just that. She lived in an ordi-

nary house, maintained a very low prole,

was never ront-stage at any great social

unctions. She taught school, attended

church, and in all visible ways, lived the

lie o “just an ordinary person.”

Yet, those people ortunate enough to

have been close to Irene Miller would

never think o using the word “ordinary”

to describe her. Those people would re-

act negatively to any use o that word to

portray anything about her; they would

tell you that everything about her was ex-

traordinary.

By any account,

Irene Miller was a

highly trained and

highly proessional

educator. But Irene

Miller did not teach

school to support her-

sel. She taught school

to give hersel to those

she taught. She cared

supremely about each and every student,

wanting or each o them the nest edu-

cational result. She believed in the “great

mind” and did all she could to keep her

mind continually updated so that she

could use it or the benet o those she

educated. She was among the most disci-

plined o individuals, and she expected

her students to be disciplined. Some o

her students would coness that they did

not possess her sel-discipline, but they

will tell you that they were always disci-

plined in her presence. Irene Miller’s de-

meanor demanded discipline.

Irene Miller attended church. That is an

understatement! Her attendance at church

was as natural or her as taking nourish-

ment. The church was integral to her lie

and values. She had a great and truly re-

markable love or Jesus Christ. Everything

she was emanated rom the Christ who

lived within her. Because Christ was the

center o her lie, His church was the cen-

ter o her living, as well as the center o

her giving.

Each o us maintains

a calendar and a check-

book. When all o our

lie is complete, those

two documents tell an

important story about

each o us. I you were

to examine the calendar

and the checkbook o

Irene Miller, you would

discover the incarnation o Christ in her

everyday lie: All that she was and all that

she had was ocused upon the Author o

lie and love, Jesus Christ. It is no sur-

prise, thereore, that the legacy Irene Mill-

er let is the legacy o her lielong minis-

try to others and her diligent stewardship

o the resources God entrusted to her. In

death, as was true or all o her lie, Irene

Miller continues to build the Kingdom o

God by making her substantial resources

perpetually available or the Lord’s work

through the ministry o the Heart o the

City Foundation o First Presbyterian

Church o Orlando.

Irene was generous on every occasion

and transormed a tiny mustard seed into

an enormous blessing. When Irene died

our Church was stunned to learn her es

tate was valued in the millions o dollars

and she gave it all to establish an endow-

ment so her passion or excellence in edu

cation and missions would continue or

years to come. HOCF awarded more rom

her endowments on this year’s Scholar

ship Sunday than she ever earned in a ul

year o teaching.

Irene’s generosity has made it possible

or HOCF to award scholarships to more

than 35 students this year in spite o the

current economy. Each o these recipients

share three o Irene’s most dening quali-

ties: discipline, the value o education

and a deep love or the Lord.

Above, the scholars are pictured at a

celebration held in King Parlor on Schol

arship Sunday. This gathering included

the students and their amilies, the HOCF

board, and donor amilies. As these stu

dents leave or college ater summer

break, we pray they will use their experi

ences and knowledge to draw closer to the

Lord, and that the scholarships awarded

will enable them to honor the legacy o

Irene Miller. n



All ON THE SAME PAgEBy Ket Stechi, Diecto of LIFE Commuity

A cts 2:42 ”They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teach-

ing…”

On a Sunday morning in early 2010, Mr. and Mrs. First Pres (a

typical amily o our church) along with their daughter, Grace, a3rd grader involved in the children’s ministry and Peter, a 9th

grader and active participant o the Student ministry, are riding

home rom church and have the ollowing discussion:

Dad: Ater we read through Acts 1 and 2 in our daily devo-

tions this week, what did you all learn in your Sunday School

that helped you learn more rom our church-wide Bible read-

ing plan?

Mom: Yeah, in our adult class we were taught rom Acts 2: 42-

47, and learned o the daily practices o the ollowers o Jesus

in the rst century and how they worshiped, prayed, cared orand served together as we are seeking to do in our LIFE Com-

munity.

Grace: My class leader had us read the same passages you

did, Mom and Dad, and then we talked about what the word

“ellowship” really means, because I thought it was just the

name o the building we eat dinner in at the church…but it re-

ally means what you and your LIFE Community practice each

week when you share your lives together and care or each

other’s needs and the needs o others in our neighborhood.

Peter: Well, Browning had us do a really cool thing where

we learned how some students and their amilies have been

aected by the recession and what their specic needs are

and we prayed or them. And next weekend we are holding a

weekend long car wash to raise money to help these amilies

out, by giving the money away to provide or next week’s gro-

ceries. I am so excited about putting my aith into practice and

helping meet real needs o those within our church amily!

Mom and Dad: I love the act that we are all on the same page

and are growing together, as a church amily, in the reading,preaching, teaching, and practice o our aith, through the

Church-wide Bible reading plan!

What is the Church-wide Bible Reading Plan?

The church sta has been studying the book, Simple Churchthis quarter and have been praying and planning ways to bring

simplicity, ocus, and alignment (with the children, student, and

adult discipleship initiatives all on the same page) to the dis

cipleship process. In an eort to move us towards a simpler pro

cess o making disciples, we will introduce a Church-wide Bible

reading plan in 2010, where our church amily will be encour-

aged to be engaged in daily devotions, while reading through

Acts and Paul’s Letters (Epistles) to the churches he helped plan

through his missionary journeys. The plan will be integrated into

the abric o the entire church in the ollowing ways:

1. The website will detail the daily readings rom Acts and theEpistles and provide a daily devotional that will be e-mailed

to all, refecting on the Bible reading or each day (ve days a

week).

2. Every Sunday, Dr. Swanson and the pastors will preach

through the same Bible texts that each o us is reading through

in our daily devotions.

3. The Children, Student, and Adult Sunday School classes

will teach through some other portion o the week’s Bible read

ings, so we grow in depth o our understanding o the Bible.

4. As LIFE Communities grow and multiply in the year(s

ahead, each LIFE Community will refect more deeply on theBible readings or each week and live out, or put into prac-

tice the Biblical truths that are taking root in their hearts and

minds.

In the coming months, we will be developing website suppor

and recruiting daily devotional writers, so on January 1, 2010

we will begin the exciting adventure o growing in our aith to-

gether as we are all on the same page! I you would like to write

a devotional (we have an online template to guide you in the

process), please contact Reagan Perkins at [email protected], or

call her at 407.423.3441 x1497 and she will assign you a passage

and guide you to the devotional template. n



THE blESSINg OF COMMUNITyBy Cy Buchk, Membe

D oing lie together. It’s one o lie’s greatest privileges. It’s

what God-ordained community and love are really about.

As God knits our lives together, He is the connector; the One Who

orms the sweet bond o divine love. As we invest in another, we

are indeed laying up “treasure in heaven.”

God designed us to need each other. Lie is so much richer

i we share it with others. Relationships are built as time is

invested, hearts are touched, and stories are shared. Community

is based on caring, praying, loving, and learning what it means to

walk with Jesus together. And as we grow together in Jesus, welearn to love as Jesus loved.

When my daughter, Kelsey, was baptized at FPCO as an

inant in 1992, there were many in the church who promised to

support, teach, nurture, and guide her. Now, as I see my daughter

entering her senior year o high school, I can look back over the

past 17 years and see evidence o the community o Christ as it

has tangibly touched her lie.

My daughter has been blessed with a multi-generational

wealth o individuals who are living out what it means to love

Jesus by loving each other. God brought Kelsey into their sphere

o infuence purposely to ulll His perect plan or her. Theseare individuals who have poured into Kelsey’s lie to help her

become the young woman God created her to be.

Beth Nolen was my daughter’s rst-grade teacher at The Christ

School. She is an individual who knows what it is to invest in

another. More than a teacher, she has been an avid encourager,

a devoted mentor, and a lie-long riend. She has aithully

demonstrated the law o the harvest, sowing into the lie o my

daughter persistently, careully, intentionally, and lovingly.

Rachael Aldrich, involved in the youth department at First

Presbyterian, stepped up as a mentor and small group leader

when Kelsey was in the 6th grade. She so diligently and lovingly

guided a small group o girls through the sometimes-turbulent

years o middle school, and to this day, is still involved with

each o their lives. She has taught them the value o riendship

and accountability and living a lie that refects Christ. I am

eternally grateul or the git she has given my daughter.

And the small group o girls that began meeting as 6th graders

is still together, looking ahead to their senior year o high school

They have a commitment to hold each other accountable. God

has absolutely been the One Who binds them together. Theyshare “highs and lows” and delight in their time together. These

are true riendships–riendships that have been hard-won over

years o time and talk, prayer and purpose, laughter and love.

Recently the big picture o what it looks like to “do lie

together” came ull circle. Beth Nolen, ever encouraging and

supporting, made her interior design store available or Kelsey

to have her rst art show. Friends and amily were invited

Community gathered. And o course, Rachael Aldrich and the

small group o girls who have grown, and continue to grow so

beautiully in the Lord, were all there to support and celebrate

their riend’s accomplishment. Now that’s community. That’scaring. That’s Christ!

“Lie is a steep climb, and it is always encouraging to have

those ahead o us ‘call back’ and cheerully summon us to higher

ground. We all climb together, so we should help one another

The mountain climbing o lie is serious, but glorious, business

it takes strength and steadiness to reach the summit. And as

our view becomes better as we gain altitude, and as we discover

things o importance, we should ‘call back’ our encouragement

to others.” - Streams in the Desert n



FINdINg yOUR WAyBy Hyley Ludquist, Membe

O ne Sunday morning in the all o 2006, I

sat eating a bowl o cereal with no intent

to leave the couch or hours. While fipping

through the channels, I ound mysel watch-ing a sermon rather than the “Law & Order”

marathon that had already started. I can’t say

that I remember what the sermon was about,

but it grabbed my attention. About hal-way

through I noticed the bottom corner o the

screen: First Presbyterian Church o Orlando.

I had heard enough. I let my couch or my

computer where I looked up the directions

and service times, jumped in the shower and

made it to their 11am Genesis service.

About 10 minutes into Dr. Swanson’s ser-mon, he made a reerence to Popeye and Olive

Oyl to demonstrate his point. At the time, I was

e m p l o y e d

at Univer-

sal and cast

in the role

o Olive Oyl

at Islands o

Adventure.

As I heard

him tell thecartoon story,

I looked all

around me;

did anyone

else hear

him? How

did he know that’s what I do every day? The

expressions on the aces o the congregants

seated around me were unknowing. It elt like

your birthday when you go to the store and

you eel like everyone there should know it’syour birthday just by looking at you. But no

one here knew me, or anything about my lie;

at this moment, they were not involved. It was

my time to listen and hear.

Ater the service I made my way to the ront

o the Sanctuary and waited my turn to talk to

the preacher. I introduced mysel and couldn’t

stop the tears as I told him how I had seen the

service on TV just that morning. I told him

that I had been “church shopping” because

ater a breakup not only do you eel like cer-

tain romantic places are sacred but somehow

stepping into the doors o the church that

you shared becomes too much to handle. Itold him o the reerence in his sermon that

I elt had been just or me, a little wink rom

God saying, “You’re supposed to be here now,

Hayley.” He smiled with listening eyes.

Late this spring I joined a First Connec-

tions class. Ater over two years o attendance

I was considering membership. Not growing

up Presbyterian, I wanted to learn what the

denomination was dened by, where it came

rom and what it had to oer me. At the same

time, I wanted to know those things about FirstPresbyterian Church. I there was a class being

oered to provide all o these answers then I

wanted to be included. As a girl who rarely

got picked rst or any kind o team sports, I

was excited to see the pre-assigned tables in

the room on the rst day. My appreciation or

organization had me delighted with the class

notebooks, structured and divided to create a

six-week lesson schedule. The rst Sunday we

talked about lie with Jesus and what it means

to have a relationship with Him. Dr. Swansonled the class lesson but then we got an oppor-

tunity to discuss the topic at our tables too. It

was nice to know that in these moments, other

people were involved and it was not just me,

alone. Together we would learn not only rom

Dr. Swanson but rom each other. I let with a

First Presbyterian coee mug in my hand and

eager or next Sunday.

Throughout the next ew weeks, all o my

questions were answered. Although now I

had new questions: Where do I t in? How

can I be a unctioning part o this body o

Christ? Thankully, someone rom every min-

istry group came to our class to share their

mission and personally invite each o us to

join them. Now, whether it’s singing His glory

in the Genesis service or going to South Amer-

ica to share His love, I know I have a place, a

purpose, and an opportunity or these things

as a member o First Presbyterian Church o

Orlando.n

Feel the

Connectio

to God’s

Love,

Christ’s

Church,Your Faith

August 23

October 49:30am – 10:45am

320-EMC

Register online:

www.fpco.org/registe

For more information co

tact Amy Heck

407.423.3441 x1474

[email protected]

or visit www.fpco.org/fir

connections



Women’S CanCerSUPPORT gROUP

Women’S miniSTry inviTeSyOU TO A FAll bIblE STUdy

T he Women’s Cancer Support Group meets every month and

we invite you to join us in a comorting place or women

to come and share, compare notes, and get the inormation andhelp that they need while dealing with cancer. Each meeting is

planned to educate and encourage women o all ages and stages

o cancer. Guest speakers are brought in rom the church and

community to share their knowledge and experience.

Our group is acilitated by Laurie Cook, a survivor o lympho-

ma; Diana Larsen, a survivor o a rare breast cancer; and Judy

Albert, a breast-cancer survivor. We want to honor your courage,

give love and support, and share your journey with hope, heal-

ing, and God’s power.

We meet on the 3rd Wednesday o the month in EMC-340 Ster

chi room rom noon until 1pm. Lunch will be served—salad

rolls, and beverages. (No charge or the lunch, but donationsare appreciated!) Come join us or a light lunch, a great speaker

sharing, ellowship, and encouragement. We look orward to see

ing you! Parking is available in the Parking Garage at the corne

o Rosalind and Jackson.

For more inormation, please contact Linda McCallister/Con

gregational Lie Ministry at 407.423. 3441 x1159 or e-mail lmc-

[email protected]

C oncerned you haven’t participated in The Amazing Collec-

tion study thus ar—or perhaps only attended one study

installment?

Not to worry! That’s why the Women’s Ministry Council loves

this study series. The studies are divided so you do not have to

rely on attending the previous oering to gain benet rom the

current oering!

I you haven’t joined us yet or The Amazing

Collection, consider participating in September

when we study The Post-Exilic Books. Here’s a

preview o this study…

By the end o 2 Kings, both the northern and

southern kingdoms had been conquered. Isra-

el, the northern kingdom, was conquered and

scattered by Assyria while 150 years later,

the Babylonians destroyed Judah, the south-

ern kingdom. Those who survived were ex-

iled to Babylonia. The temple lay in ruins,

the land was desolate, and it appeared that

all hope was lost or the exiled remnant.

As they struggled to survive as aliens in a

strange culture and still maintain their Jewish iden-

tity, God was working behind the scenes in unimaginable ways.

He had promised that Judah would be exiled or 70 years. But He

had also promised to bring His people back to the land. In these

books you will see that God keeps His promises!

The Post-Exilic Books were written ater the Exile, to and abou

this group o God’s chosen people. First and second Chronicles

were written to the people to encourage them in the land ater

they returned to Jerusalem, reminding them o their identity and

heritage. Ezra and Nehemiah continue the history o the Jews

rom where it let o in 2 Kings. Esther is a beautiul story o

the providential hand o God moving to protect His

people.

We’ve enhanced the study even more by

oering our gited teachers time to engage

us in each book an extra week–delivering

messages that are relevant and applicable

to us while sharing their aith stories in a

transparent way! Kelly Ballard and Barbara

Francis continue to encourage us in this nex

installment.

Come…spend time with other women in

His Word and be amazed! Register now at

www.pco.org/register or pick up a registra

tion orm in the lobby o the Edington Ministry

Center. This 10-week study begins Thursday

morning, September 10, or Monday morning

Se pt em be r 14, 9:30-11:30am or Monday night, 6:30-8:30pm

Registration is $20 and includes the study guide and materials.

I you have questions or need additional inormation, contac

Lori Needham at 407.423.3441 x1463 or [email protected]. n



STEPHEN MINISTRy COMMISSIONSNEW MINISTERS

ANd lEAdERSBy Tmms Smith, Diecto of Pstol Ce

O n Sunday, June 7, 2009, our congregation commissioned

ve new Stephen Ministers at the 11am service. Through-

out history, when God has called people to special ministry,

members o their community have commissioned them or the

important new work they are taking on. This commissioning ser-

vice oered an opportunity to show our support or this ministry.

The new Stephen Ministers are Beverly Burijon, Frank Cawthon,

David Heine, Vicky Mixson, and Elaine O’Neal.

Our Stephen Minis-

ters will be depending

on our support in the

time ahead as they as-

sume the duties o their

care-giving ministry.

How can we help?

First o all, we can

pray or our Stephen

Leaders, our Stephen

Ministers, and their new

care receivers. This min-istry calls or both time

and eort. At times they

may eel tired, discour-

aged, or convinced that

they are not accomplish-

ing anything. The assurance o our prayers and appreciation will

help them keep moving orward.

We can also arm and show our appreciation or this valuable

ministry. We can tell them how much their hard work means to

us, tell others how much we value our Stephen Ministry, and o-

cus attention on our Stephen Ministers to bless and arm themin special ways—as we do with our commissioning services.

We can become involved in this ministry in many ways. Some

o us may recognize a call to use our special gits in this minis-

try and may apply to be a Stephen Minister or Stephen Leader.

Others may accept the care o a Stephen Minister. We can be

ministers o reerral, watching or people in need and suggest-

ing a Stephen Minister’s care. We all can give our enthusiastic

support by keeping Stephen Ministry always beore us and by

praying and arming those who have answered God’s call to

serve in this way.

As we commission our newly trained Stephen Ministers, let

us thank God or all that they will bring to this congregation

in providing care to others, and let us promise them our daily

prayer and support as we send them out to minister among us.

New Stephen Ministry Leaders, Linda McCallister and Rob

ert Smith, attended the Stephen Ministry Leadership Training

Course in June. The course is run by Stephen Ministry St. Lou-

is and equips laity or leadership in this care-giving ministry

Robert says o his experience, “

eel that the training we received

this past week has empowered

me with so much knowledge that

I will be able to use in the sup-

port o this caring ministry and

eel that I can work alongside my

ellow Stephen Ministers giving

them support.”

I you are interested in having a

Stephen Minster or learning more

about the ministry, please calTammas Smith at 407.423.3441

x1455.

“As a Christian, I think all o us search or

ways to use our Spiritual Gits and to serve

our Lord in our daily lives. The answer to my

search came with an invitation [more than] 10

years ago to become a Stephen Minister and

more recently, to serve as a Stephen Leader.

The 50 hours o training was a lie-changing

experience as we learned how to listen with

compassion, comort, and encourage those

who are hurting in so many ways, pray with

them, and walk with them to help bear their

pain. No one should suer alone. I am hum-

bled and honored to serve our church amily

and community.”

Linda McCallister






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kIdSACROSS

AMERICABy Jey aiso, Diecto of afte School Outech Mii

K ids Across America is not just any summer camp. Kids Across America is a Christi

sports camp (or “Kamp”) specically designed or urban youth. It is an escape rom

inner city—a sae place, nestled in the middle o God’s majestic Ozark Mountains where k

continued on the next pa

www.fpco.o



can be kids, be loved, and learn about the Lord. It is a place

that challenges the physical and spiritual limits o all who

attend. “Kampers” are taught to overcome emotional and

spiritual obstacles through sports, challenge courses, and

the “Tree Tops”—a high ropes challenge course “Where

Turkeys Soar Like Eagles.” It is a place where “Kounselors”

love their Kampers with the love o Christ, even through dis

cipline. They run a tight ship where there are consequence

or every action—rom push-ups to three-mile runs at 7am

But, in the sacricial example o Christ, the Kounselor does

the discipline along with their kamper and, more oten than

not, discipline is where real ministry takes place. At KAA

every moment is a teaching moment. Scriptures such as

Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Christ who

strengthens me” are taught in wrestling and ootball classes

Chants, cheers, and hard core hip-hop music all sing o the

glory o God.

Many Kampers do not want to leave KAA ater their

“mountain-top” experience with God. But we must remem

ber that KAA is not a magical place, it is simply a Chris

tian place. It seems magical because it is set apart rom the

world, inhabited and run by strong, loving Christians and

unortunately, our world is not so. We are blessed to nd a

ew Christians in our own world, but we are surrounded by

darkness. At home, we must choose to ollow Christ daily


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/columns-august-2009 21/28www.fpco.og

hourly, even minute by minute—especially when our world

is polluted with drugs, prostitution, abandonment and abuse.

Ephesians 5:8 says, “For you were once darkness, but now you

are light in the Lord. Live as children o light.” KAA teaches

children that there is another way. The way is Christ. In Him, we

are a new creation. And, with Christ, we can walk as the light

o God no matter where we are. But don’t take my word or it…

below are some powerul words rom some really Kool Kampers,

who were only able to attend through the generous contributions

o FPCO members and others in the community;

I Come rom Parramore

A Poem by Sasha Mills, ASOM Student

I come rom a place ull o black people so I identiy mysel as

the majority.

I come rom a place where your amily is very close, a place

where your heart comes rst, and you must dream or hope.

I come rom a place where you have to have the heart o a lion

to be at the top o the ood chain, where dying is not a surprise,

but we still care or each other.

I come rom a place where we see the police more than our

own amilies, where temptation can live on your doorstep.

I come rom a place where money is not easy to nd, but love

is still shared, a place where kids are hungry or success, but

where going to college is like winning the lottery.

I come rom a place where people are cold-hearted because

they think kindness is a weakness, a place where i you can’

fy you can’t reach the sky.

I come rom a place called the bottom so I have no other des

tination but the top.

I come rom a place called Parramore.

I Come From God

By Sasha Mills, ASOM Student

From all the things that I have written in my poem, I do know

that I don’t always have to think as the majority and that some

day in my lie I won’t have to have the heart o a lion to be at the

top o the ood chain because I have ound God.

The Ater School Outreach Ministry is where I was rst intro-

duced to Christ, where I started reading the Bible, learning the

Ten Commandments and about who God really is.

I became even closer with God at Kids Across America when

really came to understand who He is and that He died on the

cross or my sins. That is where I realized that it wasn’t too late

or me to give my lie to Christ. Each year, as I keep going to

KAA, I get more encouraged by my Kounselors and Kaleos,

get stronger in my aith, am reminded to keep reading my Bible

and stay involved in activities at First Pres. I also know that jus

because I grow up in Parramore does not mean I have to become

Parramore or the rest o my lie. I no longer come rom Par-

kAA TEACHES CHIldREN THAT THERE IS ANOTHER WAy.The Way iS ChriST. in him, We are a neW CreaTion.and, WiTh ChriST, We Can Walk aS The lighT of godNO MATTER WHERE WE ARE.



ramore. I come rom God and God lives in me. My destination is

to be at the top with God.

Lie Lessons rom Kids Across America

By David Deme, ASOM Student

I learned something at Kids Across America and it is something

that is really important and I don’t want to keep it or mysel. I

want to spread the news. I want everyone to know about it. I like

to share what I know and what I believe. I learned about God.I learned that what we have we should share with the poor or

anyone. An example is i you have some money, don’t keep it

or yoursel, share it with the poor and you will have treasure in

heaven. The treasure is not gold or money, it is going to heaven

and living happily ever ater.

I learned some more stu and more things at KAA. At KAA, they

help you stay out o trouble. I you do bad things, you have con-

sequences. And when you go home, you have to remember to

think beore you do bad things because even though other people

might not see you or hear you, God always does. I also learned

that you should not make un o people just because you have better shoes or better things.

KAA is a nice place that has some nice things like the pool, a high

ropes course, and shing. I you don’t know God and you go to

KAA, you are going to change completely. I you know some stu

about God, you are going to learn some new things about Him. I

learned that God can do anything. For example, He can move a

mountain with His pinky. I learned that when you accept Christ,

you should take it seriously. You might know all the verses in

the Bible and all the stories, but i you don’t ollow or believe in

God in your heart, you will not go to heaven. The theme o KA

this year was “Walk It Out” rom Ephesians 5:8. You can read th

Bible, ollow what it says, walk it out and believe that God ca

do anything!

I Brought Home Faith

By Cristal Cooper, ASOM Student

I learned more about God through my counselors and the speak

ers at Kids Across America. My relationship with God grew lot because KAA showed me how to walk it out, to have aith i

everything I do, and to trust in God. I am a lot dierent now.

don’t get angry as quickly, I read my Bible more and I learned

lot more about mysel. I brought home aith and trust and a lo

more … like a KAA hat, T-shirt, and a lot o dirty clothes!

God Saved Me at Camp

By Nathan Robinson, ASOM Student

I got saved at camp because my counselors, Mike and Ralph, tol

me so much stu about God and Jesus so I thought I should giv

my soul to Him. They told me how He sacriced His lie or m because He loves me. He paid the cost or our sins so we can liv

eternally. What I brought home with me rom camp is God. He i

inside me now and orever.

To fnd out how you can volunteer to serve our ASOM studen

or to sponsor a student or camp next year, please take a look a

our Volunteer Opportunities or contact Jenny Arrison, Director o

ASOM at 407.423.3441 x2306 or [email protected]

2 | www.fpco.og





AN ExCERPT FROM dR. CASEThorp’S diSSerTaTion

POSTMOdERNITy UNdERSTOOd

D

avid Bosch describes postmodernity as a paradigm shit in

philosophy produced by the break up o Enlightenment-era thought and perspective on the human condition.[15] The

Enlightenment began when Descartes, Bacon and Newton devel-

oped rational methods or discerning truth in the geosciences

and biology. The Enlightenment’s infuence expanded when

theological and humanities scholars adopted similar rationalistic

methods in their elds o study. Philosophers began to question

the promises o the Enlightenment ollowing the two world wars

o their era. To understand these Enlightenment promises and

shortcomings, seven key characteristics o the modern world-

view are shown to have broken down in today’s world and, par-

ticularly, in relation to Christian theology and praxis.[16]First, a alse hope, according to Bosch, emerges during the

modern era. Enlightenment scholars predicted rational thought

and the scientic method could discern all truth and subse-

quently guide behavior. This approach would eectively replace

one’s reliance upon religion with reliance upon reason, logic,

and truth as discerned through the scientic method. Many

predicted religion would ade away as the Enlightenment pro-

gressed.

Bosch points out, ironically, that the twentieth century saw a

resurgence in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam and the devel-

opment o Christian Pentecostalism, which eventually came toexceed the combined membership o the Lutheran, Reormed,

and Anglican Communions.[17] The promise o modernity, that

rational thought would replace religious experience and adher-

ence, ailed to deliver. Religion actually grew in spite o the ra-

tional shape o the Enlightenment. Berger concurs with Bosch’s

observation acknowledging “the reappearance o the religious

legitimation o the amily” among the American middle class

[18] Bosch acknowledges the diculty o adequately explainingthis resurgence o global religious renewal. He ties its resurgence

to the shortcomings o rational thought; its inability to answer

the human condition or explain all that is observed and expe

rienced.

Next, the Enlightenment’s objectication o nature and subjec

tion o the physical world to human achievement ails to convince

the postmodern worldview. Bosch claims this objectication has

enslaved humanity to machines, production, and an ecological

crisis rather than liberated humans. Postmodernity is an age tha

“think(s) holistically, rather than analytically, emphasiz(ing) to-

getherness rather than distance, break(ing) through the dualismo mind and body, subject and object, and emphasize ‘symbio-

sis.’”[19] The expression o Christianity that thrived throughou

modernity, as we will see, prevents the authentic nature o com

munity so desired by postmodern audiences.

Third, Bosch describes the benet o logical, cause-and-eec

thinking among the privileged classes o the West. Westerners

utilized it to build complex societies, conquer medical myster-

ies, and shape thriving economies. They hoped rational though

would better society and uncover the mysteries o lie and the

world. In many ways it did.

Peter Berger argues that the “capitalistic-industrial complex”is supported by modern religious institutions.[20] Since the ra-

tional worldview becomes objective reality, Berger argues, “re-

ligion maniests itsel in its peculiarly modern orm, that is, as

a legitimating complex voluntarily adopted by an uncoerced

clientele.”[21] The private, voluntary nature o religion in in-

dustrial societies undermines the construct o a “common world

Postmodern, postmodernism, postmodernity … these terms are appearing more requently in the media, in sermons, and in mov

ies. Yet, the actual meaning o the term is quite conusing. When leaders use the term in church, some become concerned that it

means the church and/or her leadership have embraced the popularly understood notions concerning postmodernity, namely tha

all truth is relative. However, a deeper understanding o the term helps us to understand its application in society and thought so

that the church can respond with the Gospel in a way that contradicts postmodernity’s erroneous truth claims, but also strategi-

cally ministers to those that do embrace a postmodern perspective. Below Dr. Case Thorp sheds some light on the subject with an

excerpt rom his recently published dissertation entitled, “Developing Missional Leaders or the Central Florida Presbytery Through

Theatre.”

[15] David Bosch, Transorming Mission: Paradigm Shits in Theology o Mission (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1991), 349-362.

[16] Ibid. [17] Ibid., 352. [18] Peter L. Berger, The Sacred Canopy: Elements o a Sociological Theory o Religion, (New York:

Doubleday, 1967), 133. [19] Bosch, Transorming Mission, 355. [20] Berger, The Sacred Canopy, 132. [21] Ibid., 133.



within which all o social lie receives ultimate meaning binding

on everyone.”[22] Berger insists this was the “traditional task o

religion” in pre-industrial settings.[23]

However, Berger’s prophetic prediction o the postmodern

epistemological reality ails to adequately view religion’s classi-

cal task. He sees the uture where “the world-building potency

o religion is thus restricted to the construction o sub-worlds,

o ragmented universes o meaning, the plausibility structure

o which may in some cases be no larger than the nuclear am-ily.”[24] What Berger ails to realize is that religious worldviews

have always unctioned as competing universes o meaning. He

is analyzing the history o civilizations and religious expression

using the very monolithic metanarrative that modernity sup-

ports supposing the ocially sanctioned theology or practice

was the adopted worldview o all its adherents. He ails to rec-

ognize modernity’s description o the past and its construct o

reality whereas a postmodern view sees the monolithic metanar-

rative as an exertion o manipulative power uniying and con-

structing reality, and the story or acts about that reality. Rather,

a postmodern view seeks the sub-universes o meaning and theirclaims as binding on others whether or not others acknowledge

them.

In reaction to the Enlightenment’s move away rom a clear

causality with meaning readily identiable with the human

experience, theology shited during the modern era towards a

deeply eschatological view. I reason and logic could produce

no denable hope or uture or the Christian, the predictions o

the prophets would be resurrected to shape the eschaton. Bosch

writes:

The notion o repentance and conversion, o vision, o re-

sponsibility, o revision o earlier realities and positions,

long submerged by the suocating logic o rigid cause and

eect thinking, have suraced again and are inspiring people

who have long lost all hope, at the same time giving a new

relevance to the Christian mission.[25]

Fourth, Enlightenment thinking shited the church’s ocus

rom Christian charity to societal development among Western

missionaries, and likeminded NGOs and non-prots. It proved

unsuccessul. Missionaries began to discover in the late modern

era that a transer o power rom Western hands to indigenous

leadership was necessary and rare. This, according to Bosch,

challenged the modern era’s hope that all problems would be

solved through progress thinking by those with break-through

insights, power, and resources. Although the powerul, smart

and able rushed to the more primitive cultures to “Christianize”

them, which became a euphemism or “modernization,” mod-

erate successes ailed to build the Kingdom o God so touted

by theologies o the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Bosch

writes, “The problem was not the relationship between back-

wardness and modernity, as those steeped in the thinking o the

Enlightenment had thought, but the relationship between de-

pendency and liberation.”[26]

Fith, acts and values can no longer remain separate catego-

ries or consideration by postmodern thinkers. “It has been dis-

covered that it is not possible to observe reality without, in a

sense, altering what one sees. Every act o knowing, says Poly-

ani, includes an appraisal.”[27] Rational, modern thinking sepa-

rated acts and values, and it led to the great ideologies o the

twentieth century, and the two worst wars the world has everknown. Bosch writes that Marxism, capitalism, ascism, and Na-

tional Socialism are utilitarian systems that sought to operate

in a world o acts independent o values, ethics, and morality

For the postmodern person, acts and values become intertwined

and are dicult to distinguish even when needed.

Sixth, the rational age succumbed to the reality that not all

problems are solvable. Optimism is chastened when evil is rec-

ognized and hope becomes a guiding principle, particularly or

Christians. And, seventh, the radical individualism o the ratio-

nal age contrasts with the recognized interdependence o society

embraced by postmodern thinkers. Bosch calls or humanity ina postmodern age to reject the “spurious doctrine o autonomy”

and rearm commitment and interdependence.[28] Bosch re-

ports that scholars are unable to discern exactly what the current

era will mean philosophically or epistemologically; meanwhile

they use the term postmodern to describe this time o transi-

tion.

In summary, a postmodern epistemology is a reaction to the

rationality o modernity and the assumptions o the Enlighten-

ment. Postmodern advocates, such as Bosch and Polyani, assert

that rational thought and logic are insucient, and meta-narra-

tives provided rom a mechanistic worldview are highly suspect

and subject to reinterpretation by radically autonomous individ-

uals. In reaction, postmodern individuals desire community and

a symbiosis o environments, agendas, and truth claims.

While Bosch paints the grand picture o the church’s mission

rom the modern age to the postmodern era, Barna measures

thriving churches during this time o transition rom one age

to the next. Reacting against modernity’s truth claims and the

mechanistic drive or a corporate eciency, postmodern Chris-

tians desire choice and uniqueness. This drive causes “boutique

churches” and megachurches to meet the desires o the “reli-

gious marketplace.”[29] Churches are working to provide expe-

riences along with truth proclamation. Their leadership knows

that or the postmodern individual the existential experience

matters as much as the logic o truth, i not more. Barna notes

that smaller, contextualized ellowships will make up more o

the church in the uture. Non-traditional models will bring peo-

ple together, like small groups, as a basis rom which growth in

God and service to the community begins. Smaller communities

allow or greater authenticity and trust is more easily given in

[22] Ibid., 134. [23] Ibid. [24] Ibid. [25] Bosch, Transorming Mission, 356. [26] Ibid., 358. [27] Ibid. [28] Ibid., 362. [29]

Barna, Revolution, 63.



close relationships. This shit is in response to postmodern indi-

viduals’ suspicion o the meta-narratives condently claimed by

the mainline denominational expression o church.[30]

The impact o postmodernity upon the church, especially in

the Central Florida Presbytery, is substantial. Barna notes that

postmodernity provides a new view on absolute truth. Postmod-

ern thinkers suspect singular truths do not exist, or at least are

not discernable. In response, the existential nature o relation-

ships become the primary context or discerning truth, sharinginsights, and building, what is dened to the postmodern per-

son, as a good lie. While these actors have become positive

building blocks or churches thriving in the emerging context,

postmodern ideas are problematic due to Christianity’s truth

claims and conessional paradigm.

Murray’s denition o postmodernity aligns with Bosch and

Barna. Additionally Murray notes a deep suspicion and de-

construction o all things, most especially Christianity, occurs

within postmodern pessimism. He suggests a “hermeneutics o

skepticism” is a guiding method or interpreting the world. Yet,

Murray does identiy the hopeulness some Christian postmod-ernists have ound due to a postmodernist’s “critique o the pre-

tensions o modernism…oering resh possibilities or telling

the Christian story.” [31]

POSTMODERNITY DEFINED

• Truth is learned through experience and logic, which for

everyone may be dierent.

• Nature is one part of a complex system within an interre

lated whole.

• Unique worldviews have a variety of ways to leading to

“smart decision.”

• Religions offer several of many narratives about human ori

gin, truth, and the uture o the world.

• Facts are inuenced by values; values are inuenced by

acts.• Some problems can and never will be solved because the

world is evil.

• The community matters most.

MODERNITY DEFINED

• Truth is discovered only through rational thought and the

scientic method sidelining religious experience.

• Nature is an object to be understood, manipulated, and con

trolled or human ends.

• Logical thinking leads to smarter decisions.

• Religion is best utilized in solving social problems as it is the“heart” o society.

• Facts are best understood independent of values.

• All problems can be solved with the right logic and rational

ity.

• The individual matters most. n

[30] Ibid., 65. [31] Stuart Murray, Post-Christendom: Church and Mission in a Strange New World (Bucks, UK: Paternoster, 2004), 1



neWs & nOTicesbETA TesterWant to get a sneak peek at what’s new on www.pco.org? Be-come a BETA tester or the new FPCO website to be unveiledthis coming September. Although it might sound a little tech-nical, you don’t have to be a computer whiz to help. We justneed 12 volunteers who are willing to provide honest, thor-ough eedback or new online applications. Please contact An-

drea Dianni at [email protected] i you are interested.

Q&A With dr. Swanson To be Hoste on Auust 23 an 25You’ve got questions; they’ve got answers. Dr. Swanson andthe associate pastors will be hosting a Q&A session on Sunday,August 23 in the Lee Fellowship Hall ollowing the 11am ser-vices. There will also be an online meeting held on Tuesday,August 25 rom 7:30-8:30pm. Check out www.pco.org/live towatch Dr. Swanson live and post your questions on the Inter-net or him to answer.

Intereste in worin with chiren or music?Children’s Music is looking or volunteers that either play pi-ano or enjoy singing to assist during Children’s Choir rehears-als. Children’s Choirs meet during the Sonday Times programon Sunday evenings rom 4:30-5:30pm, and each session runsapproximately 10 weeks during the all and spring. The Ce-lestial Choir and Seraphim Singers assist in leading worshiptwice a session and the Cherub Choir (4-5 years) assists onceduring the spring. I your talents lie elsewhere, we can alwaysuse your help preparing or special events or even just to havean extra adult in the room during rehearsals! There are alsoseasonal needs like costumes that need repair and events thatneed extra set up. A background check is required and pro-vided by Worship Arts. I you are interested in volunteering inthis ministry, please contact Stephanie Mixner at 407.423.3441x1186 or [email protected]. For urther inormation about ourministry, visit our website www.pco.org/childrensmusic.

Conratuations to:Lindsay and Elliott Drake, on the birth o their daughter, AveryElizabeth Drake, born June 4, 2009. The proud grandparentsare Michelle and Kent Sterchi, and the proud great grandmoth-er is Happy Sterchi.

Smpath to:The riends and amily o Peggy Redding, who died June 4,2009.

Carol Welker on the death o her sister, Linda Carey, on June7, 2009.

Sonie Braun on the death o her husband, Joe Braun, on June11, 2009.

Patty and Bill N. Laubach, on the death o his ather, WilliamLaubach, on June 15, 2009. Mr. Laubach was the grandathero Bill R. Laubach.

Lynne and Jim McKnight, on the death o her brother, JohnMorton, on June 20, 2009.

The amily and riends o Kay Gillespie, who died June 22,2009.

Sydney Patterson on the death o his wie, Mildred “Millie”Patterson, on June 24, 2009.

The amily and riends o Margaret Beery, who died June 27,2009.

Yvonne and Brant Clayton, on the death o her brother-in-law,Mike Grady, on June 28, 2009.

Wilbur Sikes, on the death o his wie, Audrey Sikes, on June

29, 2009. Mrs. Sikes was the mother o Gayle Johnson.

Marcia Van Zyl, on the death o her son, Kurt Van Zyl, on June30, 2009.

Catie and Dr. Tom Cook, on the death o his brother, Jim Cook,on July 2, 2009.

Allison and David Reed, on the death o his ather, David Reed,on July 7, 2009.

The amily and riends o Annie Bell Johnson, who died July7, 2009.

June ’09 Giving Snapshot

General Contributions Budgeted Surplus/

Operating (Defcit)

June Gits $486,419 $564,198 $(77,780)

Fiscal Year-

to-date Gits $6,775,982 $7,384,379 $(608,397)

Line o Credit $0

Immeasurably More Outstanding Balance $4,336,446

IM June Gits $33,224

IM Fiscal Year-to-date Gits $1,816,553(net o 10 percent tithe to Missions)

Contact Finance or a ull revenue & expense summary.

Summer Photo Contest Winner!

Catch o the Day

“My 3-year-old son, Luke, and

I went fshing on Lake Silver in

College Park just behind a late a-

ternoon rainstorm,” Scott Ander-

ton says. “I gave him a toy fshing

rod to keep him occupied with a

hook and purple worm on it whileI fshed o the back o the boat.

I hooked up with about a three-

pound bass and was reeling [it]

in when Luke yelled, “Fish on.” I

looked up and sure enough he had casted and hooked this

seven-pound bass. He ought it all the way to the boat, then

looked at me and said, “Daddy, where is your little fsh?”

Scott Anderton

www.fpco.og



First Presterian Church of Orano106 e. Cc St., o, fl 32801

The Fist Pesbytei Colums (USPS 604-040) is publishedoce pe moth, by the Fist Pesbytei Chuch. Cicultio:4750. (3750 by US Mil, 1000 by o cmpus distibutio).Peiodicls postge pid t Oldo, Floid. POSTMaSTEr:Sed ddess chges to COLUMnS,106 E. Chuch St. Oldo, FL 32801-3390.©2009 Fist Pesbytei Chuch of Oldo COLUMnS.

POSTMASTER: Time Sensitie Materia

ps d ast 8, 2009

PErIODICaLS US POSTaGE

OrLanDO,

106 Est Chuch SteetOldo, Floid 32801

407.423.3441 | www.fpco.og

Tditiol Sevices: Sudys, 8:30 &11m i the Sctuy

Geesis Sevices: Sudy, 8:30 &11m i Lee Fellowship Hll

IMMERSEd INgod’S graCe

By D. Dvid Swso, Seio Psto

Over the past ve years, First Presbyterian Church has enjoyed a

growing relationship with the Heart o Mercy Community Church

and their pastor, William Andrews. Pastor Andrews, at one timehomeless and sleeping under our Angel Wing, has led a strong re-

newal on the Mercy Drive corridor that our church has been blessed

to be part o. Through shared ministries like Jobs Partnership and

the HIV/AIDS Consortium, many o the manmade barriers that have

oten separated us have come down—things like race and class and

economics and worship orm. Part o the vision or our church is

to be a “diverse body o conessing believers,” and this partnership

has truly led us in that direction.

For that reason, it was particularly powerul on June 27 when our

churches hosted an outdoor service o baptism ollowing HOM’s

weeklong vacation Bible school. From 10am to 1pm that day, anyonewho wanted to be baptized by immersion could come and receive

that sacrament. With a large portable pool lled by a truck rom the

Orlando Fire Department, twenty-two people came, including two

rom First Presbyterian Church. As the pictures attest, there was

nothing ormal about it—just the honest, heartelt declarations o

God’s grace and love, leading people to descend beneath the waters

in death, and rise rom those cleansing waters to everlasting lie in

Jesus Christ. What a day!

Documents

Columns August 2009