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8/14/2019 FPCO Columns - August 2008
1/24Vol 48, #8 August, 2008
page 14
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One of my professors in seminary said the key to being a
good pastor was learning to be a keen observer of life. You
have to watch what is happening and somehow interpret those
events in light of Gods revealed Word. As I was trying to dothat recently, I observed something in the Wall Street Jour-
nalthat I found telling. It was an article on the front page of the
Personal Journalsection and the title was:
More Couples Find Marriage Leaves Them Alone Together
Now, I dont know about you, but when I read that, my
rst thought was, Great! In my marriage, I am always trying
to nd balance in my life such that I can nd time with Leigh.
The headline seemed to suggest that more couples were nd-
ing that time alone with each other and, as a result, marriages
were better.
Sadly, that was not what the headline meant. It actually
meant that more and more couples are leading separate lives
even though they are together. A Penn State University study
followed 2000 couples one group in 1980 and the other in
2000. They found the likelihood of couples spending time
together doing things such as visiting friends, sharing recre-
ational activities, dining, shopping or sharing projects aroundthe house had fallen by 28% in those 20 years. In other words,
couples are together, but they do more and more things apart.
To be clear, I think couples need to have healthy lives in-
dependent of each other. We all need outside same-sex friend-
ships to support and strengthen us. However, good marriages
are found when husbands and wives partner in life together.
It is in that partnership that emotional bonds are formed. It is
how couples connect.
In the time I spend with couples, this is often a problem
It most often starts with children. Once children come along
couples tend to drift. They invest all their time in their children
but not each other, and they lose that sense of connection andpartnership. Before too long, spouses start feeling as if the oth
er does not know them or understand them. How could they?
They are leading separate lives.
I say this as a means of challenging you to think about your
marriage and to encourage you to sign up for the FPCO mar-
riage retreat this November. Leigh and I will be leading this
event, and it is our prayer that God will use it to renew and re-
store the marriages of many in our church and community. The
theme is marriage matters. I believe that it does, and if you
do, then I hope you will make that weekend a priority so tha
you can connect with your spouse even as you live in a culture
where that is happening less and less.
With joyful expectation in
the Lord, I write
Under His Mercy,
David
ON THE WAYwith Dr. David D. Swanson
Dear FPCO Family and Friends,
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A FRESH ENCOUNTER
WITH GODBy Rev. Donna McClellanWould you like to experience a fresh encounter with theliving God? Are you seeking a more intimate relationship with
God? Would you like to access more power from the Holy Spirit
in your daily life?
Several of us are meeting weekly this summer to pray and
prepare for the Prayer Ministry. You are welcome to join us any
Wednesday, from 6:30 7:30pm, in the EMC Resource Room.Together we have prayed, looked at various prayers in the Bi-
ble, and shared our own experiences in prayer, but mostlywe
have prayed. And God has met us!
I am excited to announce the start of a weekly prayer meet-
ing here at FPCO. We will meet beginning September 3 in Lee
Fellowship Hall from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Please join us for our rst
meeting as we will have a short time of worship, hear David
Swanson bring us a word on prayer and as we spend time to-
gether as a church in prayer.
Cleat Simmons, who is leading our efforts, shared some
thoughts taken from a sermon Charles Spurgeon preached in1868 on prayer citing Acts 1:14; They all joined together con-
stantly in prayer. Here is a summary of what Spurgeon sees as
the purposes of the prayer meeting from that sermon.
Purposes of the prayer meeting
1. To encourage a discouraged people. Acts 1:14
2. To serve as an appointed place to receive power
from the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:1.
3. To act as a resource for the persecuted church.
Acts 4:31
4. To be a means of personal deliverance. Acts 12:4-5
5. To serve as a means of suggesting missionary
operations. Acts 13:2-3
6. To be a rst step in a new work for Christ. Acts 16
Somehow I think that the purposes for prayer meetings in2008 are not that different from the purposes Spurgeon out-
lined in 1868. God has not changed, and our need to depend on
God and to look to Him for guidance has not changed either!
One of the things I most appreciated from his sermon was
this quote; It is a very useful thing for Christians to pray with
each other, even apart from the answer. Our desire for our
prayer ministry is not just to get answers, but to encounter God
in ways that will deepen our faith and give us strength for the
journey (both personally and as a church.).
Please keep Cleat Simmons, Barbara Francis, Cary Burchak
and myself in prayer as we (along with others) continue to prayand plan for this ministry. We know that the enemy is not at al
pleased with these new efforts on prayer and we are dependen
on God and His power to lead us and provide victory. n
WEEKLY PRAYER SERVICE
Wednesdays; 6:30 7:30pm
Lee Fellowship Hall
Beginning September 3
www.fpco.o
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The Bethel SeriesThe most purchased, yet least understood The Bible.
The Bethel Series is an intensive study of the Bible which will
assist you in developing:
a comprehensive view of the Bible
an understanding of the historical background
which shaped the biblical events
an ability to discern the major themes of
scripture which show the purposes of God for
His people
This September, a Bethel class will be offered on Sundays,
from 4:30-6:30pm. This class will require some reading and
homework and the study will be on the Old Testament team
taught by Revs. Donna McClellan and Sam Knight along with
lay leader, Kim Allen. Registration will be limited, and there is
a $25 fee to cover the cost of study materials.
FIT..Faith, Integrity & TechniqueBecome FIT (Faith, Integrity & Technique) Why should
we be healthy and t? We are told in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do
you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who
is in you, whom you have received from God?
You are not your own; you were bought at a price. There-
fore, honor God with your body. Join in with others to learnhow to be good stewards of our bodies so we may serve His
purpose. Simon and Kris Morgan, along with a nutritionist wil
complete the team to provide basic education and motivation
to be FIT! Class fee is $25 per person and child care is available
with a reservation.
SUNDAY DISCIPLESHIP OFFERINGS
BEGIN SEPTEMBER 14Our fall programming is moving from Wednesday nights to Sunday afternoons beginning September 14 through
November 15. Please plan to join our time of study and community from 4:30 6:30pm. Adult classes require reg
istration, which can be done online at www.fpco.org/register.
For registration assistance, contact Lori Needham at 407-423-3441 x1463 or [email protected]. For general ques-
tions, contact Donna McClellan, Associate Pastor for Discipleship and Spiritual Formation at 407-423-3441 x 1488.
No trafc, plenty of parking, relaxed weekend schedulesPlan to spend you Sunday afternoons with the Son.
| www.fpco.org
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Focus on the Family Program:How to Drug Proof Your Kids
Its easy to think, not my kid. Just know that seventy
percent of not my kid used alcohol last year! Perceptions are
dangerous. In todays culture, the only true defense is educa-
tion and open communication with your child. This program is
for parents of children ages 8 through 13.
How to Drug Proof Your Kids is a small-group study pro-
gram. Together with other parents, youll go through one of the
best drug prevention curricula around. Youll learn why kids
use drugs, strategies for communication, how to identify warn-
ing signs, tools to help your kids respond to peer pressure, how
to deal with current drug use and more. Most importantly,
youll learn how to strengthen relationships with your kids that
act as a constant preventative against drug use.
Classes begin Sunday, September 14, from 4:30 6:30pm,
and conclude November 16. Registration is limited to 20 par-
ticipants, and the cost for the study materials is $30 per per-
son. Questions about the program should be directed to lay
leader, Ellie Kiesling at 407-694-7364. Payment for materials
will be collected at the rst session on September 14.
Sonday Times for ChildrenSonday Times is a time for children, Kindergarten thru 5th
grade, to come together for incredible sound and music expe-
riences, fun and crazy recreation and relational and engaging
Bible study. A joint effort by the Worship Arts and Childrens
Ministries, your kid couldnt get a better way to spend Sunday
afternoons and time with the Son.
Programming will take place between 4:30 6:30pm, from
September 14 through November 16. Between 4:30-5:30pm.
kids will be experiencing music in ways in which they have
never dreamed. Song, drums, bells, and who knows what else
will come resounding from the rooms as kids learn and partici-
pate in music in creative, fun and interactive ways. At 5pm they
will transit to be with our Childrens Ministry staff for some
energy-lled games that will not be forgotten. To be followed
by Bible study that will bring practical help from God into thekids daily lives.
Life Group Meeting SpaceFor existing Life Communities, Discipleship & Spiritual
Formation will provide appropriate meeting space for your
group to gather on Sunday afternoons. There are many great
studies available for check-out. If youd like to review the study
offerings in the Resource Center or reserve meeting space, con-
tact Lori Needham at 407-423-3441 or [email protected]
Cross Training for StudentsThis program is for middle and high school students look-
ing for an intense discipleship experience.
Requirements include: Parent approval, one Scripture
memory verse a week, read and answer questions from one
chapter of assigned reading a week, keep a prayer log, journal
of your TAG (time alone with God), take notes at all Bible Studies, sit on one of the front two rows in worship services, submi
to a Code of Conduct for the semester, sign a covenant of com
mitment, and attend at least 10 of 12 meetings. A fee of $45
covers materials, class will meet from 5-6pm and registration
closes after the 2nd meeting. For more information, contact
Rachael at [email protected] or 407-423-3441 x2350.
Child Care and Family DinnersWhile parents are engaged in study, child care will be pro-
vided by reservation for children through Pre-Kindergarten. To
make a child care reservation, please call the Early Childhood
Ministry ofce at 407-423-3441 x2250 or email mvilar@fpco
org. Family style meals will also be available to enjoy in Lee
Fellowship Hall or grab to go and enjoy at home. Menus will be
available on September 14 and you may pay at the door.
SAVE THE DATE!
October 8, 2008 9am 1pm
Lee Fellowship Hall
www.fpco.o
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College Group meets once a week on Thursday nights in the
homes of different families within the church. It is a time where
college-age students can come together for fellowship and to
really dive deeper into the heart of God. Were really learning
and experiencing together who God is, and how we can live the
life God has called us to on our different campuses around thecountry. I know that for me, and many other students who are
involved in campus ministries at our schools, its tough to be
back home for the summer and not really plugged in to a com-
munity. It truly is refreshing to be around people my age and
talk about things that matter to God.
We have been going through a Louie Giglio video series
calledIndescribable, which in all honesty has been blowing my
mind. Louie is an extremely passionate speaker who will ignite
in you a passion to really seek after the heart of God. He has a
love for astrology, and Louie presents the magnicence of God
by examining creation. After watching only a few minutes of his
videos, you will come to the incredible and overwhelming con
clusion that we as humans are pretty small in the grand scheme
of creation. To try and comprehend just how big and how great
the universe as we know it really is, leaves me with a headache
and in complete awe of how big God must be to have created iall. Its also comforting at the same time to know that as minus
cule as we are, the God of the entire universe chooses to have a
relationship with us.
The God of all creation knows us and cares about us more
than we could ever imagine. I have enjoyed the college group so
much, and really look forward to what God is going to do within
our small community that will have a lasting impact on the dif-
ferent campuses represented there. If youd like to be a part of
our Thursday Summer College Group, contact Rachael Aldrich
at [email protected]. n
INDESCRIBABLE SUMMER EXPERIENCE
FOR COLLEGE-AGE STUDENTSBy Tyler Zieba
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seminarwithChapClark
bridgingthe gap betweenteens &the adults intheir lives
Do you ever wonder what it would be like to go back to high school? Chap
Clark did. He spent one year at Crescenta Valley High School in Southern
California observing and participating in the lives of teenagers. What he discov-
ered led him to draw some conclusions that radically altered assumptions about
how this age group develops. He recorded his findings in a riveting book called
Hurt: Inside the World of Todays Teenagers.Chap will share his conclusions and solutions with Central Floridians
September 9, 10 and 11. Chap is an associate professor of youth, family and culture
and director of youth ministry programs at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasa-
dena, California. As well as being a two-degree seminary graduate, Chap holds a
Ph.D. from Denver University in Human Communication specializing in relation-
ships, teams, and organizational and family systems. He will bring his expertise to
all who will listen, most notably high school faculty, parents, and those that voluntarily work with young
people. He will speak at a local public school on Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon, First Presbyterian
Church on Wednesday evening and Lake Highland Preparatory School on Thursday morning.
There needs to be a movement that changes the way in which we motivate and encourage teenagers,
says Steve Schneeberger, the Executive Director of the Youth Ministry Institute, one of the sponsoringorganizations that is spearheading this effort. We think we are supporting students while, in actuality, we
have created a culture that devalues them. The Youth Ministry Institute offers a two-year training program
for youth ministers from across Florida.
In addition to the Youth Ministry Institute and the partnered venues, Parents Make a Difference is a
major supporter of this event. This underscores the great importance of parents in initiating healthy change.
They are the primary role models in the lives of their children. First United Methodist Church of Orlando and
The Episcopal Cathedral of St. Luke have also joined together in sponsoring this effort.
First Presbyterian Church will host Chap on Wednesday, September 10, 7-8:30pm in Lee Fellowship
Hall. The event is open to the community, welcoming all parents, teens and those who work with teens.
BySteveSchneeberger,FirstUnitedMethodistChurch
www.fpco.o
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I dont think I want to go to Madagascar! were the words
I used to my wife in the same sentence as telling her I had been
invited to go by Don Brown. The idea of going on an overseas
trip was exciting, the thought of spending time in the southern
hemisphere was exciting, the possibility of seeing real dancing
lemurs was also exciting, but I just did not want to take the time
to go. Overseas mission is not an area of ministry that I was
passionate about. I know it is important, I believe the church is
called to be involved in the proclamation of the gospel across the
world, but I also know that other people were called to do that
and not me. As the discussions and prayers continued, both
Jennifer and I felt that if I was supposed to go then the Lord
would reveal that in a clear way. As I made further inquires I
discovered that my passport (British of course) had expired. Iwould need to have a new one, and the timing as such would
become my excuse not to go. Everyone knows how long it takes
to get a passport, and the fact that I could only deal with the
British embassy in D.C., well that would only add to the delay. I
shared with Don Brown that next Sunday the problems with my
passport. The application had been sent and my expectations
were very low. Don said we should pay for it to be expedited and
pray. I was not very hopeful. The next morning Jennifer calls
saying that a package had just been delivered and it was my
passport. From the day I sent off my application to the return
of my new passport was ten days. I knew that
God was taking away my excuse. God was do-
ing amazing things and I had not even arrived
in Madagascar yet. This was just the beginning.
The group of thirteen Presbyterians arrived
in Antananarivo the capital of Madagascar with
great expectancy. Nine of our group were from
Central Florida, one from Washington State,
one a PCUSA missionary in South Africa and
two from Alaska. We were greeted by Dan and
Elizabeth Turk, a PCUSA missionary couple, who FPCO sup-
port in Madagascar as they partner with the denomination
The Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM). After what
seemed to be a brief rest we were on the move again. Our rststop was Ivato Theological College. The students and faculty
gathered in their chapel to worship and greet the overseas visi
tors. With the help of interpreters each member of the group
was introduced. Each member of the team shared where they
were from, their role in the church and our excitement of see-
ing Gods work in Madagascar over the next couple of weeks
Still struggling with being there, I stood to share that I was
from Orlando, FL but originally from Wales. Immediately Rev
Jean DElinivo, the former head of the evangelism departmen
for the FJKM, shared that the rst missionaries to Madagas
I dont think I want to go to
Mdgascr!By Rev. Sam Knight
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car were from Wales. In 1818 David Jones and Thomas Bevan
of the London Missionary Society began sharing the gospel to
the people of the island nation. At that point I stopped arguing
with God and accepted that I was in the right place at the right
time. Everywhere I went I began to meet people who had been
in Wales though various partner ministries.
The FJKM is a fast growing denomination that nds it ori-
gins in a merger of three Christian groups; French Reformed
Church, London Missionary Society and Quakers. The church
reported around four million members last year, but now esti-
mates a number closer to ve million. Fifty-two new church de-
velopments have been initiated since 2007, and the evangelistic
outreach efforts are seeing thousands come to faith in Christ.
The church has several departments, each with a practical vi-
sion for sharing Christ to the people of Madagascar. Dan and
Elizabeth Turk minister within the Development department
using their knowledge, gifts and experience to help both prac-
tically and spiritual, in the development of the island. During
our time the group was exposed to the varied aspects of min-
istry that Dan and Elizabeth are involved in. Tree nurseries;
tree grafting; citrus cultivation projects; HIV/AIDS awareness;family planning; clean water projects; Peer Education teams;
to name but a few of the areas of practical help the Turks are
undertaking as part of their
ministry to the people. Each
of the projects are in conjunc-
tion with opportunities for
sharing a saving knowledge of
Christ.
I encountered Elizabeth
Turk (pictured right) at her
most passionate while visiting
a water project in the remote
villages of Tsaramikatra. She
spoke with conviction of the
need for clean water and sani-
tary living conditions. I visibly
saw the differences between
villagers where there was no
clean water supply. Every op-
portunity Elizabeth had, she shared with men and women re-
garding the problems of large families with little time between
each new mouth to feed and the shortages of food. We met a
mother of nine who had been the rst in the village to undergoa tubaligation. Dan was in his element amidst the trees of the
Moramanga nursery project. The group was shown examples of
grafting, citrus trees being developed for optimal fruit produc-
tion and educational projects for farmers all through the minis-
try of the FJKM and in the name of Christ.
A great deal of the extensive ministries of the FJKM that
we were privileged to experience and witness were related to
the devastating poverty that the island nation experiences. This
poverty certainly impacts the church and her ability to minister
in ways that we in the west would. This, however, does not seem
to impede the willingness and ability of those called to serve
The many pastors that we met each shared the joy of serving
Christ in the communities they were ministering, even despite
many congregations being unable to support them nancially
We visited three childrens homes, one of which cared for chil-
dren with disabilities. Another home, Akany Avoko, was working to help children who had come from some of the most dis-
turbing backgrounds. The home was partnering with various
ministries including Habit for Humanity to help them estab-
lish a new life for themselves. Dan Turk shared with me that
if Malagasy people are given event he smallest of opportunity
they will use it to better themselves and their community. There
were many different experiences that I was able to be part o
including visiting with the national AIDS committee and mem
bers of the Theological Training committee charged with train-
ing ministers of the gospel. We witnessed a feeding ministry to
children in the center of the capitol run by Pastor Helivao. Overthree hundred children are provided a meal of rice and beans. It
was here that I experienced the greatest of heartache and one of
the most poignant moments of the visit. The team began hand
ing out the metal bowls with children reaching out hands held
high trying to get a bowl of food. At rst I was dismayed by
some of the older children pushing to get a bowl overshadow-
ing smaller children at their feet. I resisted giving those a bow
believing them to be almost rude and aggressive. But as one
took hold of a bowl his immediate reaction was to sit and begin
feeding his little brother. I was ashamed at my judging spirit
and my western assumptions of greed. Under the conviction of
the spirit I realized this was an image of what the kingdom ofGod should be. How desperate are we to push toward the giver
of life that we may feed others with the rich nourishment of the
saving grace of Jesus Christ.
The trip to Madagascar gave me an insight into the wider
scope of Gods kingdom, a greater appreciation for overseas
missions and a greater understanding of what God calls each
of us to do in community in which we live. Sharing the good
news of Jesus Christ is not that hard to do. We so often over
complicate something that is a simple as telling someone else
that Jesus loves them. n
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Victor Randriamanivo is a dedicated Christian farmer at Ambatosa
foina near Andramasina about 50 km to the SE of Antananarivo, the capi
tal of Madagascar. Like many in his area, he works hard and grows rice
some manioc, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and vegetables. Most of wha
Victor and his wife produce goes to feed their family of six children. They
try to sell enough to have money for clothes, medicines, and school fees
Every year, from October through March or April, there is not enough
rice to eat. People, like Victor and his family, reduce the number of meals
they eat to two or less a day, relying on starchy manioc for calories.Since 2007, Victor has been taking part in a Presbyterian Church
(USA)-sponsored fruit program partly funded by the Presbyterian An-
swer to Hunger (PATH) of Central Florida Presbytery. The fruit pro
gram is designed to introduce good varieties of fruit trees, good orchard
practices, and fruit tree propagation techniques.
Many of the varieties used were developed in Florida, such as
Flordaprince peach and Sunraycer nectarine. Both of these are low-chil
varieties, meaning that they need less cold to produce good crops o
fruits compared with standard varieties. Through a collaboration with
ECHO at N. Ft. Myers FL, my colleagues and I have introduced over a
hundred varieties of fruit trees to Madagascar. Many will be distributed
to farmers like Victor after they have been evaluated and propagated.This program is simple: provide a limited number of highly moti-
vated farmers at several locations with good varieties of fruit trees, lots
of training and frequent follow-up. The trainings focus on orchard es
tablishment and management, and how to propagate fruit trees in fam
ily tree nurseries. A technician visits each of the 9 participating farmer
in the Andramasina area each month to see how the trees are growing
and to provide technical advice and encouragement. The trainees
do not receive a lot of trees or a lot of equipment. The training wil
enable them to produce their own grafted trees. A few will likely
set up their own tree nurseries to provide grafted trees and advice
to other farmers in the area. The income the farmers receive from
their fruits and from the sale of grafted fruit trees will help pro
vide added income to their families. The fruits will also help their
families with extra nutrition. The hope is that in the future these
families and others will not have periods when they go hungry.
Victors enthusiasm became evident after the rst training. At
that training, each participant received 12 grafted fruit trees (citrus
peaches, nectarines, and apples). The training covered generalities
of grafting so that they would know what was special about graft-
ed trees and how to take care of them. Victor took home cuttings
from an apple tree at the training site and grafted root sprouts of
an apple tree at his home. We knew when we saw the successfully
grafted tree that Victor would go far with grafting, especially after
getting hands-on grafting experience at the second training. Now
Victor has a tree nursery with peach and citrus rootstocks. He i
beginning to graft his own trees.
Recently the participants decided to form their own fruit as
sociation in order to spearhead the promotion of fruit trees in
their area. Many other farmers in the area have requested that the
church include them in the program. The challenge in the coming
year will be to provide Victor and the other participants with the
technical assistance, especially through focused trainings, to en-
able them to realize their own goals and dreams in the fruit tree
domain and to help their neighbors. n
FRUIT TREEEXTENSION INMADAGASCAR
By Dan Turk, Missionary
lder Don Brown looks on as Dan Turk explains the plants growing inhe FJKM nursery that are soon to be distributed across the country.
A delivery of new trees from the Turks nursery makes itsway to an outlying clinic where fruit trees will soon dotthe landscape.
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Upon arrival at the First Presbyterian campus for TCS we
were greeted by Joanne Fleming, the current Director of De-
velopment, and one of the most genuine people I have ever
met. I can honestly say that it was her direct answers to some
tough questions from me that turned me from skeptic, to be-
liever, to founding member of the school. I learned that day
and many days since that if you hear it from Joanne, you can
take it to the bank.
But this story is not just about how our family came to the
school, but more about what happened after we enrolled. The
answer, for our kids and for us, is that we all embarked on a
successful journey that has literally established the foundations
for a lifetime of success and learning, anchored by the Christian
principles that are at the core of the schools mission.
My oldest son, Tyler, now a 20 year old junior at FSU, be-
gan TCS as a third grader back in 1996 as one of 52 students inthe schools rst year of operation. Back then the school was
small enough where all the parents knew one another and we
all shared the joy of the schools successes. Then, as now, one of
the important fund-raising events for the school was The Mane
Event golf tournament and auction. While I had known Tyler
was learning and doing well, I remember very specically when
I knew TCS was something special.
In his second year, weeks before The Mane Event, Tyler
made a special request for the auction. He wanted us to bid on
a movie and dinner night with one of his teachers, Mrs. SusanSorrow. While this may seem a small thing, the mere fact that
my son would want to spend time with any of his teachers out-
side the classroom was an eye-opener for me and totally unex-
pected. It certainly wasnt the kind of teacher-child relationship
I experienced.
But the real eye-opener came when so many other parents
experienced the same kind of requests from their own kids.
Whether it was dinner and a movie, being read a bed-time story
or experiencing a cooking adventure, opportunities for our chil-
dren to spend time with their teachers outside of school were
in high demand. To this day, Tyler cherishes the memory of his
dinner and movie with Mrs. Sorrow as one of the highlights of
his years at TCS.
My daughter, Morgan, a freshman at FSU, was also enam-
ored with her teachers at TCS. But it was her spiritual growth at
TCS that left the biggest impression on me. Morgan has always
been a great student, but it was her play with the girls basket-
ball team, which went undefeated for two straight years under
Coach Mark Lansing, and her involvement with Fellowship of
Christian Athletes, that helped her overcome her shyness and
blossom into a young woman who can and does comfortably
share her faith with others. She went on to involvement with
Student Venture and FCA in high school, lettering in three var-
sity sports and serving as her student government chaplain.
Spencer, my most recent TCS grad, is now a tenth grader at
Lake Highland. While he hasnt had the benet of years upon
which to reect back on his TCS experience, he was quick with
an answer to my question about what he liked most. The eld
trips, he said without hesitation and with a big smile. Bu
then, without additional prompting, he added, it really helped
me get ready for high school. And so it has, as he is carrying an
honors GPA into his sophomore year.
With all three of our children, TCS was both a foundation
and a stepping stone. All entered Lake Highland upon gradu
ation, all have ourished academically, spiritually and personally, and all have made us extremely proud parents. But
without fail, when they talk about their educations, as they did
recently while we were out boating over the fourth of July holi-
day, the talk always comes back to their teachers at TCS. Names
like Miller, Sorrow, Burchak, Crimmins, Leadbitter, Allen and
Marvin are regulars around our house even years after they
taught our children. That they are is a testament to both their
own personal excellence and the leadership at TCS that brought
them to the school.
Tyler is now a DJ at WVSF in Tallahassee and will be pursuing a degree in broadcasting. Morgan is following a similar
path with a double major in communications and business, and
Spencer is pursuing a path that could lead to a career in music
But the TCS inuence is not limited to my children.
Now, after all my children have graduated TCS and
moved on, I myself am serving on the schools board of di-
rectors. It is my hope to give back to the school that gave so
much to my kids and to see to it that the tradition of excel-
lence continues. It is a tradition worth preserving for genera-
tions to come and if I had it to do all over with my own kids,
Id do it again! n
www.fpco.org
www.thechristschool.org/admission
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Sitting in the lobby of the Edington Ministry Center, Nettie
Mosley doesnt appear to have a worry in the world. She sweeps
her short, wiry brown curls out of her face with her hand and
smiles brightly. Tiny lines form around her eyes and mouth.
These lines and the wise look behind her eyes are the only indi-
cation of her age of 67. Everything else about her appears to be
as youthful as ever, down to the hearty chuckle that engulfs her
entire body every time she laughs.
As carefree as Nettie is, no one would ever know that she
is the woman in charge of preparing all 209,000 square feet
of the First Presbyterian Church of Orlandos facilities for the
thousands of Bible studies, events, meetings and programs held
there each year. But as supervisor of Special Services at FPCO,
thats exactly what she doesand has done joyfully every day
for the past 33 years.
We work behind the scenes, Nettie says with a South-
ern drawl shes held on to since moving from Dothan, Ala.,
to Orlando as a teenager. Its just another part of the charm
she brings with her to work every day. Nettie sets up for every
event, whether a wedding, funeral or a Bible study, and makes
sure everything is spotless, from the kitchen to the bathrooms.She also stays long after the last guest leaves to get things back
into working order.
Although her co-workers say that her role is arguably one of
the most important at the church, its not always the most glam-
orous, or recognized. But she doesnt do it for the recognition. I
dont care if its a homeless person or a church member [walking
through these doors], I want them to come here and feel a sense
of love and care. FPCO is not Netties church homeshe attends
Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church every Sundaybut she still
considers it home. To me, they are family, she says.
Nettie leads a team of nine men to create this same com-
fortable environment for members and guests. Even as the only
woman on the team, she says shes never felt outnumbered. I
tell the guys, You dont intimidate me, Ive been working with
guys all my days. The guys she refers to are her four sons andgrandson, who she and her husband Clifford raised as their
own. It was a challenge, she says. I had to be rm as the only
girl gure.
This strong sense of self, along with her faith, has gotten
her through many rough patches in life, including the loss of
her eldest son and 25-year-old grandson to cancer. They passed
away just two years apart from one another. Although Net-
tie struggled with the loss, she says it strengthened the bond
between the other family members, and brought them all to a
deeper sense of faith. I trust God, she says rmly. I know
LEADING BY
EXAMPLEHow FPCOs Nettie Mosley Overcame Adversity to Lead a Life Thats Inspired a Congregation
By Kristin Davis
continue on page 16
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God dont make no mistakes.
He had a better plan. Ive
learned to accept the things I
cannot change.
That wasnt the rst
time Nettie was faced with
a problem beyond her con-
trol. When she moved with
her parents and siblings
from Alabama to Orlando
as a teen, she was met
with segregation and ra-
cial discrimination. On
the corner of Orange and
Church [Street], some of
the water fountains had
colored and white la-
beled on them, she says.[And at] some stores, you
had to go out back to or-
der. She also remembers
walking several miles to school, while other children rode by
her on a bus for whites-only. But Nettie never let it get to her,
although she never understood why she was being treated like
a second-class citizen.
I dont see color, she says. I have a love for God andbe-
cause of thatI have a love for people. I felt sorry for the people
that called [black] people names as if they werent human. But the
Bible says to pray for those people because you cant change them.
She adapted this positive outlook from her parents, who she says
taught her to be grateful for what she had rather than envious of
what she didnt. Her father was a sharecropper while her mother
took odd jobs doing housework for others. Nettie is the seventh
of ten children who grew up together in the same household. The
four boys shared one room and the six girls shared another. It was
a good childhood, she says. We were all so close.
The family would work together to raise their own veg-
etables and meat. For entertainment, they would play games
together after church such as jump rope or hide-and-seek. They
would also gather around the radio at night, listening to differ-
ent popular and soul music. At Christmastime, she says
they couldnt afford Christmas ornaments so they would
make their own out of brown paper bags and newspa-
pers. Despite her humble beginnings, she says she al
ways had everything she needed: We didnt have televi-
sion; we just had each other and a lot of church.
Now, with a family of her own, her priorities still re-
main the same: God, family and friends. Her children
now grown, live nearby and visit often. Nettie spends
much of her free time with her husband, who she de
scribes as the love of her life. That wasnt always the case
though: I didnt like him right away, she admits. Hed try to
talk to me and I just wasnt interested. Determined, Clifford
found out where Nettie lived and befriended her sister. After
some convincing from her family, Nettie gradually began tospend more time with him. Not long afterward, he told Nettie
he planned to ask her parents for her hand in marriage: I said
You have to ask me rst.
The two have been married for 48 years and Nettie has
become more than just a wife to Clifford. She is also a caregiver
After a medical condition caused Cliffords right side to become
paralyzed, Nettie began performing daily tasks, such as cook-
ing, for him. Every morning, Nettie wakes up at 3:15 am to
pray for an hour before cooking him breakfast. After work ev-
ery day, she cooks him dinner as well. Although shes happy to
help, she says that Clifford works hard to do things for himsel
and has never let his paralysis keep him from living a norma
life. But normal is hardly a word anyone would use to describe
the lives of either Clifford or Nettie. On any given day, Nettie
can be found strolling through the halls at FPCO, coordinating
several big events simultaneously and smiling for no particula
reason at all.
Most people can tell if Im not feeling good because Im
always joyful and bubbly, she says. Its not a put-on; its just
the way I am. She can be spotted by the walkie-talkie fastened
to her belt, with its constant stream of voices asking her ques-
tions, for help or panicking about a child that had gotten sick on
the playground. She turns the volume down whenever anyoneapproaches to speak to her, so that they know they have her ful
attention, and that she cares about what they have to say.
Her love and respect for others comes from a lifetime o
Christianityshe was baptized at age 8and a desire to nd
ways, great or small, to serve the Lord, she says. She ministers
to the church staff, her friends and family every day. Many of
the church staff even joke that if Senior Pastor Dr. David Swan-
son ever missed a church service, Nettie could step in and de-
liver a sermon to blow the roof off.
The job here is not so much [about] what I do, [but that] I
do it to glorify God, she says. n
The job here is not so much
what I do, I do it to glorify God,
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WhoisWhois?
Power
Presence
Knowledge
Holy
Just
Unchanging
Truth
Mercy
Sovereign
Faithful
www.fpco.org/sermons
First Presbyterian Church of OrlandoFall Sermon SeriesDr. David Swanson
Traditional: 8:30 & 11am in SanctuaryGenesis: 8:30 & 1 1am in Fellowship Hall
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Weekday School has had the privilege of attending early
childhood educational conferences to gain knowledge of the
most recent and up to date advances in the eld. During the
conference that was held in November, 2006, one of the work-
shops provided information on the area of sun protection for
children. Shades like these will protect children from 98% of
the suns harmful rays, skin that is unprotected can be damaged
by the suns UV rays in as little as 15 minutes.
Our school has a playground for our classes, which is locat-
ed between Allen and Yowell Halls in the courtyard which faces
Church Street. We decided that we would apply for a grant from
the Dr. Phillips Foundation to install a shade structure over this
area. This was done in the Fall of 2007, contacting companies
under the guidelines of the Foundation to receive bids for the
structure. Approval from the Foundation was obtained in De-
cember, 2007. We then started the process of securing approval
from the City of Orlando, which has rm restrictions on color
use in the downtown area. Approval was obtained and the con-
struction began in March.
A 7 X 7 X 6 hole was dug, and a reinforced steel and con
crete base was poured for the foundation of a new 25 foot center
pole of the structure. Brackets were bolted to the three walls o
the buildings, ranging from 10 to 30 feet high to hold the cables
of the colorful shade sails. The sails were ordered and made
in Australia and shipped back to Orlando to be installed. The
structure was completed in May.
We, at Weekday School, are very blessed to have had this
opportunity to be able to provide much needed protection to
our children. It not only provides protection from the sun, bu
also a colorful and fun area in which our children can learn and
play. We are grateful to the Dr. Phillips Foundation for thei
support and assistance with this project.
Weekday School also has other sources of support, such a
the Magruder Foundation, which has supplied funds to assist our
families with scholarships for tuition assistance for over 20 years
Weekday School would not be the school that we are today without
these foundations and others who continue to support the work
we do to teach, nurture and show Christs love to our children. n
WEEKDAY SCHOOL CHILDRENNOW ENJOY PLAYINGSAFELY IN THE SHADE
By Pam McComb, Assistant Director Weekday School
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The Womens Ministry Council is excited to announce a
new study offering to all women of the church that will be in-
teresting, informative, and designed for all students in all walks
of life and levels of spiritual maturity! Beginning in September,
we will start this sixty-six book journey with the rst ve books,
or The Pentateuch, Genesis through Deuteronomy.
How will The Amazing Collection help you?
It will cause you to know and understand the bigpicture of Gods Word.
It will acquaint you with the entire Word of
God, not just bits and pieces.
It will make every other Bible study you do
more meaningful.
It will give you condence in the truth of
Gods Word so you wont be deceived.
It will open your eyes to Gods work through-
out history and in your life today.
It will lay a spiritual foundation that will
benet you for life!
This will be a study that we will support through the
book of Revelation. We hope you will make a commitment
to join other women as we learn the purpose, theme, history
and spiritual application of each book of the Bible.
The study is offered Thursday mornings beginning Sep-
tember 11, from 9:30 11:30am with child care offered by
reservation. Or, you may attend on Monday evenings begin-
ning September 15, from 6:30 8:30pm.
We are also excited to announce a special Amazing Col-
lection Premier on Saturday, September 6, from 10am tonoon. Come and learn about this wonderful study as we host
one of the authors, Patsy Harley. She will share details about
this study and how God is using it in places beyond our imagi-
nation! Following her presentation in the Sanctuary, we will
conclude our time together with a reception in Lee Fellowship
Hall where you will have a chance to pick up your materials if
you pre-registered or it will be an opportunity to register and
receive the materials that day. Invite your friends, neighbors,
co-workers and family to join you in authentic Bible study that
will make a difference in your life.
Register at www.fpco.org/register or pick up a registrationform in the Welcome Center. Dont delay! Mark your calendar
now and plan to attend the commencement and reception with
the Bible study the following week. n
For more information:
Rev. Donna McClellan at [email protected] or
407-423-3441 x1488
Lori Needham at [email protected] or
407-423-3441 x 1463
THE AMAZING COLLECTION:The Bible, Book by Book
By Lori Needham, Womens Ministry
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NEWS & NOTICES
Congratulations to:
Lynda and Josh Tomlinson on the birth of their son, Cody
Joshua Tomlinson, on May 8, 2008 in Los Angeles, CA.
Proud grandparents are Donna and Jesse Garcia.
Mary and Richard Solik on the birth of their son, Jona-
than Alex Solik, on May 12, 2008.
Susie and Kyle Taylor on the birth of their daughter, Ad-
dison Leigh Taylor, on June 10, 2008.
Cindy and Taylor Bodine on the birth of their son, Luke
Benjamin Bodine, on June 20, 2008. Proud grandpar-
ents are Linda and Richard McCree.
Bridget and John Skinner on the birth of their daughter,
Lauren Marie Skinner, on June 26, 2008.
Endsley and Thomas Hewitt on the birth of their son,
Pierson Clark Hewitt, on April 11, 2008. Proud grandpar-
ents are Caren and Bob Hewitt.
Julia Bailey and Daniel Hendrickson who were married
June 21, 2008. Julia is the daughter of Mike and Linda
Bailey.
Sympathy to:
Mary Damon and Malcolm Clayton on the death of her
sister, Hallie Quinn, on June 14, 2008.
Dawn and Guy Neff on the death of her father, Dan
Thompson, on June 17, 2008. Mr. Thompson was the
grandfather of Courtney (Chad) Milam.
Rhonda and Cleat Simmons and Lou Anne and Phillip
King on the death of Jim Glenn on June 19, 2008. Mr.
Glenn was the grandfather of Nathan & Emma Simmons
and Turner and Alexandra King.
Carole Foote on the death of her mother, Viola Helzer, on
June 19, 2008.
Jennifer and Nate Hutchins on the death of his grandfa-
ther, Gardner Hutchins, on June 26, 2008.
Online Member Community
MyFPCO.org is a community where you can connect with
other FPCO members outside of Sunday morning. Con-
nect with other FPCO members through blogs, participate
in forums and group discussions and have the opportu-
nity to upload photos and videos to share with other com-
munity members. Please feel free to log on, look aroundand join our social community. Here are some topics be-
ing discussed:
How do we know when we are being obedient to God?
Are fertility treatments, including IVF, Biblically al-
lowed and okay with God?
How does your faith intersect with your politics? Do they?
Should they?
All Ground is Holy When you Follow Jesus
The Womens Retreat on
June 6 8 offered ninety
women a respite from
hectic schedules and to
be part of a transforming
weekend of Walking with
Jesus. The topics of sur-
render, suffering, silence
and surprise permitted
each participant a time
to evaluate our walk with
Him. All ages and gen-
erations were represent-
ed from young adult to great grandmothers! Three
generations of Gods girls in one family traveled this
weekend to be together and for some, it was a first ex-
perience at a retreat! Retreat leaders, Donna McClellan
and Leigh Swanson, provided solid biblical messages
with something for everyone to glean. The women who
shared personal testimonies affirmed God is with us at
all times. The weekend may be gone, but the God mo-
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Childrens Music is excited about our latest additionan early
childhood music program called MusikGarten. Registration is now
open online at fpco.org/register
MusikGarten is the preeminent early childhood music educa-
tion program in which the curricula cover children from birth to age
nine; offering parents a complete nine-year developmental plan
The curricula include: Family Music, The Cycle of Seasons, Music
Makers, which includes piano introduction, as well as specialty pro
grams like Nature Trail and Gods Children Sing. Each class is age-
specic and will include a CD, music book, and some will include an
instrument pack for the child to take home. We chose this program
because we wanted an educationally sound music curriculum with
a spiritual component that could be a part of every class. The pro-
gram is based on meeting the developmental needs of children as
they grow. Throughout the curriculum, favorite songs, stories, and
dances are revisitedbuilding on what the child needs to help them
grow and develop into successful students. We want to invite you
and your children to join us for MusikGarten classes. Children learn best through moving and listening, and MusikGarten classes wil
help them grow and develop into successful students.
MusikGarten classes are structured by age groupings. We are of-
fering several sections of each level. We are happy to announce tha
all children enrolled in ICCC and Little School will participate in this
renowned program as an integral part of their school day!
The registration deadline is August 15. Classes will start Septem-
ber 2 and end November 22. There is a registration fee of $60 per
child, and each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
If you have questions, please contact Stephanie Mixner a
407-423-3441 x1186 or [email protected] n
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW!By Dr. Rebecca Bedell
MusikGarten Fall Schedule 2008
Level A: Tues 10am AYH 211 Babies- Wed 10am AYH 215
11 months Thurs 10am AYH 215
Level B1: Tues 10am AYH 213
12-23 mo Wed 10am AYH 217
Wed 4:30pm AYH 211
Level B2: Tues 11am AYH 211
2-3 years Wed 11am AYH 215
Sat 10am CLC 324
Level C: Wed 6:30pm AYH 211
4 & 5 years Sat 11am CLC 324
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If back in 1997 you would have told me
that today, in 2008, I would be nishing my
12th year of camp, I probably would have told
you that you were crazy. And yet that is exact-
ly where I nd myself. Now you must totally
understand what camp involves. Not only isit nearly 200 elementary school age kids plus
a plethora of junior and adult counselors
away from home for a week, it is all the plan-
ning and writing and creating and detailing
in order to even make it to the actual week.
For 12 years, themes have come that have
been relevant, teachings and worship writ-
ings have been inspired, afternoon devotions
have opened hearts, friends have been made
and Gods spirit has moved.
If that is not unbelievable enough,think about this. Kids that came 12
years ago are now in college, 85% of
our junior counselors came as camp-
ers, some adults have actually been
back 8, 9 even 10 years, kids from
Fort Myers, Atlanta, and all over Cen-
tral Florida come to campand God
has been welcomed into hundreds of
kids lives.
As I look back, I am absolutely
blown away by Gods faithfulness.Every year, yes, there have been in-
credible challenges; yet God has con-
sistently seen us through each challenge with grace. Every year
the question of how or why puzzles us; yet consistently God
has answered those questions with wisdom. Every year you ask
yourself, can I really do all of this again; and yet God consis-
tently provides the strength and creativity to reveal Himself.
Camp is so much more than a summer activity or a week
away, it truly is Holy Ground. My life has been and will forev-
er be different because of camp and with Gods backing I will
keep doing camp as long as I
am physically able. Who knowsmaybe heaven is a lot like camp
A community of folks together
living out their faith daily in joy, praise, and worship to God
Okay, so its probably got better air conditioning and the food
is probably better and its most likely not so smelly after a few
days! But in theory they are both Holy Ground.
Twelve years of the seeming unbelievable, and yet it is
documented truth. Seen, experienced, and life altering. Isnt so
much of God that way? So believe in a God who has done and
will continue to do the unbelievable. n
A MILESTONE:Believe the Unbelievable
By Carol Welker, Director of Childrens Ministry
www.fpco.or
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First Presbyterian Church of Orlando106 E. Church St., Orlando, FL 32801
The First Presbyterian Columns (USPS 604-040) is published onceper month, except for twice in March, by the First PresbyterianChurch. Circulation: 4750. (3750 by US Mail, 1000 by oncampus distribution). Periodicals postage paid at Orlando,Florida. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to COLUMNS,106 E. Church St. Orlando, FL 32801-3390.2008 First Presbyterian Church of Orlando COLUMNS.
POSTMASTER: Time Sensitive MaterialPlease Deliver by July 28, 2008
PERIODICALSUS POSTAGE
ORLANDO
106 East Church StreetOrlando, FL 32801
FPCO Main Ofce:( 407-423-3441www.fpco.org
Traditional Services: 8:30am & 11amGenesis Services: 8:30am & 11am
PRAYER
WORSHIP
COMMUNITYThese are the essential elements of our Christian life through which First
Presbyterian embraces all who join us in committing our lives to seek,
share and serveall to the glory of God. We extend to you Christs love
and invitation to bear witness in His name. Our church offers opportu-
nities and encouragement to bring light into your life, our communityand Gods kingdom.