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News
First Presby “In the Heart of the City, In the Heart of God”
January 2018 ● Volume 49, Number 1
Mission Statement In response to the love and grace of God, First Presbyterian Church of Wichita, Kansas, is a fellowship of
believers bound together to glorify God and to proclaim the good news
of Jesus Christ through worship, spiritual nurturing, education and
mission to all people.
525 N. Broadway Wichita, KS 67214
(316) 263-0248 [email protected] www.firstchurchwichita.org
Sunday Worship Schedule
Worship 8:30 a.m. (Chapel) Coffee Fellowship 9:15 a.m.
(The Well) Worship10:45 a.m.
(Sanctuary)
FPC Information:
First Presbyterian Church is a Stephen Ministry Congregation
Inside This Issue:
Congregational Care Page 2
Birthday List Page 2
Pastor Letter Page 3
Journeys Class Page 3
Letters from Judy Page 4
Lectionary Study Page 4
Parish Nurse News Page 5
Children’s Ministry Page 6
Youth Activities Page 7
Economy Corner Page 8
Nancy Bishop to Retire Page 8
Of Interest Page 9
Small Groups Page 10
The Ministry of Small Things Page 10
Calendar Page 11
Session Notes Page 12
Following the 10:45 a.m. service on January 7, we will be enjoying our Epiphany Lunch. Please bring soup in a crockpot or cupcakes (we need about 200.) Please bring your soup recipe
too, since we will be compiling a cookbook of these recipes. Please let Alice Price know if you plan to bring soup at 267-
6853, and what kind of soup you are bringing. For questions or more information, please contact Liz Norris.
Epiphany Soup Lunch
2 · First Presby News Volume 49, Number 1
Congregational Care
Let Us Focus Our Prayers on These Members: Liz Norris & family, David Wade, Marc Turman, Jane McHugh, Katherine and Stephen Barcus, Rebecca Blanford, Heidi Barker & family, Ryan Tanner, Liz & Robert Workman, Stephanie Penny, Margaret Wilkes.,Jacob Ediger, Susan Bentson, Addison Wegerle, Patricia Schulte, Lorraine Maxwell, Molly and Roger Lyon, Jennifer Lewis, Barbara Addison, Joann McCandless, Melody and Kyle Stanberry, Jared Kite, Pat Welker, and Carolyn and Ed Plavcan.
Sympathy: Our deepest sympathy is extended to the Blessant family on the death of Sheli’s stepfather, Dean Osborn. Please keep Sheli, Joel, Zach, and Sheli’s mother, Pat, in your prayers as they grieve this recent death. Our deepest sympathy is also extended to the Carroll Hoke family. Please keep Carroll’s family and friends in your prayers as they grieve this recent death.
1 Donn Mason 4 Ruth Collingwood Ryan Tanner 5 Gabriel Iwig 7 Jim Graves Betty Hattan Molly Lyon 9 Janice Savute 10 Rebecca Deckard 11 Margarethe Van Zandt 12 Stephanie Penny 13 David Wade 14 Tom Veatch Dylan Warner Pearl Whittit
15 Liz Norris Stacy Rucker Cassandra Swenson 18 Jane McHugh 23 Bailey Bowles Donna Hughes 25 Owen Barker Jacob Ediger Rosalie Klocke 26 Heidi Barker Judy Davis 27 Corbin Jones 29 Christal Jones Margaret Wilkes 30 Taylor Gill Jeff Van Sickle 31 Sharon Hartsel
B I RT H DAYS
Ministry Staff The Rev. Dr. Brent O. Johnston
Pastor/Head of Staff [email protected]
Judy Conners Parish Associate (Visitation)
Tom Church Parish Associate (Membership)
Joan Aldrich Parish Nurse
Geri Doll Director of Youth Ministry
Liz Norris Director of Children’s Ministry
Steve Bixler Director of Music
Mark Sweeney Organist
Gary Huffman Assoc. Organist/Archivist
Administrative Staff Nancy Bishop Office Manager
Debbie Schnelle Administrative Assistant
Roy Yarbrough Facilities Manager
Mary Burgett Economy Corner Manager
Phyllis Robertson Economy Corner Assistant Manager
Dave Duncan Whispering Winds Camp Manager [email protected]
Melinda Sears Clerk of the Session [email protected]
January 2017 First Presby News · 3
From the Pastor’s Desk
Pastor Brent’s series on Why the Reformation Matters will for three weeks, beginning January 10, 2018, from 6 to 7:15 p.m., examine the life and writings of John Calvin. As with Martin Luther, we will watch a film on the life of John Calvin before we study in detail his influence on the Reformation. For the industrious and learned, I recommend for your reading and study: Primary Sources— Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (vol. 1 & 2) Library of Christian Classics Calvin, Calvin’s Commentaries (vol. 1-22) Baker Secondary Sources:
Overall picture—Calvin for Armchair Theologians by Christopher Elwood Biography—Calvin by Bruce Gordon John Calvin’s Doctrine of the Christian Life by John H. Leith John Calvin Documents of Modern History by G.R. Potter and M. Greengrass The Cambridge Companion to John Calvin, edited by Donald K. McKim And if you were to read only one book, I recommend Calvin by Bruce Gordon. Pastor Brent
JOURNEYS CLASS ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE FOR 2018 The Journeys Sunday School Class will continue to meet at 9:30 a.m. in the West Dining Room. Classes will start February 4. There will be no classes in January. Starting Sunday, February 4, Gerry Winters will teach a class on the practical applications of Christianity to our daily lives. The thought-provoking topics that Gerry leads are always informative and practical. Come kick off the 2018 season with Gerry! From February 25 to March 11, Jeff Van Sickle will lead a study based upon Martin Thielen’s book What’s the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian? Called “clear and easy to read with punchy messag-es,” Theilen discusses what is essential to our beliefs and as well as those things we may rethink and even disregard. We will end our semester with a study of Bishop John Shelby Spong’s new book Unbelievable, based on a series of articles he wrote in 2016 and 2017. The class, led by Pat Welker, will deal with “Charting a New Reformation.” Spong says, “The Reformation of the 16th century gave us a change of form, but not a change of substance.” Join us from March 18 through May 13 as we deal with such topics as Jesus, original sin, mira-cles, atonement, ethics, prayer, and other topics. Please plan to join us! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jeff Van Sickle at [email protected], or 680-0344.
4 · First Presby News Volume 49, Number 1
Letters from Judy
Just about now is when I usually ask (no one in particular) this question: Whose idea was it to cram four of America’s best-loved holidays – Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year – all into a two-month period (62 days to be exact)? The truth is, it was no one person’s idea. It just happened – an act of con-gress, the winter solstice, a high holy day of the historic church, and a celebration of the earth finding its way, once again, around the sun over the past 365 days. This Christmas, I hope you sang carols at the top of your lungs, loved your friends and families, and gave generously to those who have so little. Now, as we enter the New Year, I hope you will always, always keep your eyes on this tiny child born to us - a child who now holds within him God’s promise to bring jus-tice, healing and salvation to all of creation. I have pretty much given up making “new” New Year’s Resolutions – I find that they are the same ones every year. I make some progress on each of them, but not enough to cross them off and say “Ah, that one’s over and done with!” And so, I share with you a list that I keep close at hand to guide me through the days ahead. Rules from God for the New Year Wake up! Decide to make it a good day. “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us be glad and rejoice in it.” Psalms 118: 24 Dress up! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. “Not as man sees does God see because man sees
the appearance, but the Lord looks into the heart.” Listen up! Say good things and learn to listen. “He who guards his mouth protects his life.” Proverbs 13:3 Stand Up! For what you believe in. “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our
harvest, if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all…” Galatians 6: 9-10. Look up! To the Lord. “ I have the strength for everything through Him who empowers me.” Phillippians 4:13 Reach Up! For something higher. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; rely not on your own
understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3: 5-6
Lift Up! Your Prayers. “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything by prayer and petition…make your re-quests known to God.” Philippians 4:6
I wish for you a happy and blessed new year!
Judy
Adult Education – Lectionary Bible Study The Lectionary Bible Study will resume Friday, January 5th. The study is based on the Revised
Common Lectionary readings for the coming Sunday. The one-hour study begins at noon every Friday in the West Dining Room. Everyone is welcome. You may bring your own lunch and are encouraged to bring your own Bible. The readings for the first meeting are: Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11.
January 2018 First Presby News · 5
From the Parish Nurse I am the New Year
Author Unknown I am the New Year. I am an unspoiled page in your book of time. I am your next chance at the art of living. I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned during the last twelve months about life. All that you sought the past year and failed to find is hidden in me; I am waiting for you to search it out again with more determina-tion. All the good that you tried to do for others and didn’t achieve last year is mine to grant--- providing you have fewer selfish and conflicting desires. In me lies the potential of all that you have dreamed but didn’t dare to do, all that you hoped but did not perform, all you prayed for but did not yet experience. These dreams slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened by the touch of an enduring purpose. I am your opportunity to renew your allegiance to Christ, who said, “Behold, I make all things new” (Rev. 21:5) I am the New Year. *May this New Year bring unexpected blessings, opportunities for growth and maturity, times for forgiveness and reconciliation, the continual surrounding of love, and the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding.
The children preparing to sing at the
Carol Banquet.
6 · First Presby News Volume 49, Number 1
Children’s Ministry News
The first part of this school year flew by. It is hard to believe we are already into another month, let alone another year. I want to thank every single person who helps make our Wednesday nights a success. We could not do this without our dedicated staff, volunteers, parents, and youth. You are so valuable to us and our future. We are still growing and building from the ground up but the children’s team sees great things for the future of our young people. The children spent a lot of time preparing and getting ready for the December EPIC and the Carol
banquet. We are beyond proud of their hard work. We are now going into camp mode. I will be working with Tandie Clark (our new intern) to plan and prepare for summer camps. I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Welcome to our new Children’s Ministry Intern, Tandie Clark.
Carol Banquet 2017
January 2018 First Presby News · 7
Youth Activities
January 1 (Monday) – New Year’s Day January 3 (Wednesday) – No Youth Club January 5-7 (Friday-Sunday) – Young Adult Winter Retreat www.westminsterwoodscamp.com January 6 (Saturday) – Start off the New Year by volunteering at the Community Breakfast. The community breakfast is an ongoing mission of our church. We encourage you and your family to volunteer. Arrive at 7:30 a.m. January 7 (Sunday) – (2) worship services at 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Youth Sunday school is in the Youth Lounge from 9:30-10:30 am. Epiphany Lunch is right after the 10:45 a.m. worship service. Followed by Melodrama rehearsal! January 10 (Wednesday) – Youth Club-5:30-8 p.m. January 12-13 (Friday-Saturday) – Youth Council meeting at FPC Wichita. Starts at 5 p.m. on Friday and ends at 3 p.m. on Saturday. January 14 (EPIC Sunday) - (2) worship services at 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Youth Sunday school is in the Youth Lounge from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Melodrama rehearsal 12-2 p.m. January 17 (Wednesday) - Youth Club-5:30-8 p.m. January 19-21 (Friday-Sunday) – High School Winter Retreat (register by Jan. 8) www.westminsterwoodscamp.com January 21 (EPIC Sunday) – (2) worship services at 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Youth Sunday school is in the Youth Lounge from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Melodrama rehearsal 12-2 p.m. January 24 (Wednesday) – Youth Club-5:30-8 p.m. January 28 (Sunday) - (1) worship service at 10:45 a.m. followed by a congregational meeting. Youth Sunday school is in the Youth Lounge from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Melodrama rehearsal 12-2 p.m. February 2-4 (Friday-Sunday) - Middle School Winter Retreat (register by Jan. 22) www.westminsterwoodscamp.com
Questions? E-mail Geri Doll [email protected], call or text 316-737-8855. We are happy to give you a ride if needed.
Welcome Khuram Anthani We are so excited to reintroduce Khuram Anthani to you! Khuram has been with First Presbyterian before, and now he is back as a Youth Ministry Intern to serve again. Khuram is from Gujranwala, Pakistan. He has two sisters and a brother, along with his father and grandmother. In Pakistan, Khuram works with Community Development, a Christian outreach group. He does speaking engagements all over the country, distributing Bibles, and translating. He will be volunteering his time as a Youth Intern for several weeks here at FPC, so if you seem him, stop and say hi!
Liz Norris, Khuram Anthani, & Geri Doll
8 · First Presby News Volume 49, Number 1
November’s total sales were $10,954.60. FPC’s share was $10,093.71 and Grace’s was $960.89. There was an increase of $460.93 in sales over November 2016. We filled 262 vouchers for basic clothing necessities which were equivalent to $3,454.38. This is the second highest number of vouchers filled in the last four years. FPC’s portion of the vouchers equaled $3,056.88 and Grace’s was $397.50. During the year we are fortunate to have brand new items donated which are suitable to give as gifts. These items are stored all year until December when they are made available for purchase as Christmas gifts. We also continue to provide new coats, gloves, hats, hoodies, and winter wear for voucher users or sale. We still have some coats and other winter wear left for distribution as the weather continues to get colder. Thank you for your continued generous donations of goods and time that help us as-sist so many in need. We are so blessed to be able fulfill our Mission of meeting the daily needs of our urban community.
Nancy Bishop to Retire Economy Corner
Nancy Bishop has informed personnel com-mittee of her desire to re-tire effective January 31, 2018. Nancy has worked for the church for twelve years. When she began her work with the church, she was in charge of recording contributions and memori-als to the church. Over time, Nancy assumed more
responsibilities. She currently holds the titles of Office Manager and Finance Director. Due to reductions in staff over the past few years, Nancy also assists in many ways, supporting committee work, assisting with publications, and generally sharing her knowledge and expertise to benefit the church. She will be missed. We wish her many healthy and happy years in her retirement. A reception to honor Nancy will be held on Sunday, January 21, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. in The Well. In an effort to continue to reduce administra-tive costs, the personnel committee has retitled Nan-cy’s position as bookkeeper with a new job descrip-tion. The number of hours assigned to this position is 20 hours weekly, a reduction of 10 hours per week. This saves us money for the up-coming budget, but also means that as a congregation we need to continue to rely less on staff and more on vol-unteers for completion of church work. This is just an-other step in moving us for-ward as a smaller church. The personnel committee has also completed the task of hiring a replacement for Nancy. Susan Waters will join the church staff in January, working alongside Nancy for several weeks. Susan comes to us with significant accounting experience, having worked in other church environments. She has even served as a full-time pastor in the Nazarene Church. We look forward to introducing her to the congrega-tion.
January 2017 First Presby News · 9
Thank You
Thanks to the Staff and many friends for your support and love expressed to David and me during his illness and passing. The music played by the Bell Choir was angelic.
Caroline Reitz
The confirmation retreat was held at Whispering Winds Camp in December. Led by Pastor Brent Johnston, Youth Director Geri Doll, and Youth Intern Khuram Anthani, the retreat was meaningful and educational. We had eight participants, and spent time looking at what the Bible says and where these youth are in their faith journey. The youth enjoyed their studies in front of a warm fire and they made Stone Soup for lunch!
Meghan McGehee is a sophomore theatre major at Newman University. She has been involved in com-munity theatre in Wichita since she was in fourth grade. Before attending Newman, Meghan was very active in the theatre department at Goddard High School. Some of her previous acting credits in-
clude Ms. Blacklock in A Murder is Announced; Rosalind in As You Like It; and Wendy Jo in Footloose. Meghan's past directing experience includes Small Actors (Goddard High School), The Double Date (Newman University), and a short play she wrote titled Hate the Player (Newman Universi-ty). Meghan is very excited for the opportunity to direct Stop the Presses! here at First Presbyterian Church, and she can't wait to get started on rehearsals!
Welcome Meghan
The Annual/Congregational Meeting will be held on January 28, 2018, immediately following the 10:45 a.m. Worship Service. The meeting will be held in the Sanctuary. One service only this day.
10 · First Presby News Volume 49, Number 1
The Ministry of Small Things
Small Groups The Ministry of Small Things #2
All of us need reminders from time to time lest we forget. Last month we were reminded of our church’s outreach through the sale of delicious, antioxidant, mood modifying Don Justo coffee. This month we highlight another outreach, the special card ministry of Mary Jo McCormack. On the third Sunday of each month between our two worship services she places a large metal stand of hand- made decorative cards in The Well. Undoubtedly in the last few years you have noticed how Hallmark and other major card makers have created cards with layered and textured 3-D features. We have our own creative card maker in our congregation. What’s more, a portion of each card sold goes to the support of First Presbyterian’s parish nurse program. So think ahead. Who may need a word of encouragement, care, sympathy or thanks? Be sure to stop in The Well on the third Sunday of each month. By the way, the title of this series comes from the thought that small is not insignificant. As Piet Hein wrote years ago, “When greatness whose greatness is destined to fall, then stoop and discover the great in the small.” There are many small yet great ministries in the life of our congregation.
My New Year's Resolution
+ Make new friends at First Presbyterian Church
+ Get to know more people in my church
+ Attend a lunch or supper with my FPC group
+ Meet together in homes or restaurants
+ Plan to meet monthly four times in Spring, 2018
+ Begin third week of January, 2018
Name(s):__________________________________
_________________________________________
Address:__________________________________
_________________________________________ Phone number: _________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________
I am interested in: _____lunch group ____supper group
(Please complete before December 31, so groups might be formed. Put card in box in The Well
or the offering plate during services)
COMING IN THE NEW YEAR
BUILDING COMMUNITY IN SMALL GROUPS
SIGN UP IN THE WELL
AND ENJOY MONTHLY LUNCH OR DINNER
WITH YOUR GROUP OF 7
DETAILS: It begins the third week of January, 2018, and will meet each month for 4 months in homes or restaurants for fellowship
January 2018 First Presby News · 11
Monday, January 1 Happy New Year
Office Closed Economy Corner Closed
Tuesday, January 2 2:00 Blood Pressure Check (EC) 5:30 All Committee Meetings
Wednesday, January 3 9:00 Dorcas (C105) 6:15 James Ringers (Sanctuary) 7:00 Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, January 4 8:30 Sr. Men’s Breakfast (WDR)
Friday, January 5 12:00 Lectionary Bible Study (WDR) 7:00 Kell First Friday (Teresa Lang’s)
Saturday, January 6 8:00 Community Breakfast (EDR,
WDR, KIT) 8:00 Guadalupe Clinic (EDR)
Sunday, January 7 Communion
8:30 Worship (Chapel) 9:15 Coffee Fellowship (The Well) 9:30 Sunday School & Luccock Class
(Parlor) 10:15 Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room) 10:45 Worship (Sanctuary) 10:45 Refugee Worship (C204/C201) 12:00 Epiphany Luncheon (EDR) 1:00 Melodrama Practice (YL)
Monday, January 8 4:30 Personnel Meeting (Hobbs)
Tuesday, January 9 1:00 Staff Mtg. (Hobbs) 5:30 Finance & Admin. Com. Mtg.
(Hobbs)
Wednesday, January 10 9:00 Dorcas Circle (C105) 10:00 PW Study Circle (Parlor) 5:30 Awana & Youth Club 6:00 Wednesday Night Bible Study
(Parlor) 6:15 James Ringers (Sanctuary) 7:00 Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
Thursday, January 11 11:00 Economy Corner Board Meeting
(WDR) 4:30 Promote the Growth (The Well) 5:15 Mission Com. Mtg. (Hobbs)
Friday, January 12 12:00 Lectionary Bible Study (WDR)
Saturday, January 13 9:00 Gardens & Grounds 9:30 Transportation Mtg. (C109)
Sunday, January 14 8:30 Worship (Chapel) 9:15 Coffee Fellowship (The Well) 9:30 Stephen Ministry Supervision
(C103) 9:30 Sunday School & Luccock Class
(Parlor) 10:15 Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room) 10:45 Worship (Sanctuary) 10:45 Refugee Worship (C204/C201) 11:45 Worship & Music Com. Mtg.
(McComb) 12:00 Melodrama Practice (YL)
Tuesday, January 16 1:00 Staff Meeting (Hobbs) 2:00 Blood Pressure Check (EC) 5:30 Session (Parlor)
Wednesday, January 17 9:00 Dorcas (C105) 5:30 Awana & Youth Club (The Well)
6:00 Wednesday Night Bible Study 6:15 James Ringers (Sanctuary) 7:00 Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
Thursday, January 18 8:30 Sr. Men’s Breakfast (WDR) 11:45 Theological Themes in Lit. (RR)
Friday, January 19 12:00 Lectionary Bible Study (WDR)
Sunday, January 21 Prayers of the People
8:30 Worship (Chapel) 9:15 Coffee Fellowship (The Well) 9:30 Sunday School & Luccock Class
(Parlor) 10:00 Blood Pressure Check & Dillon’s
Rewards Enroll (The Well) 10:15 Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room) 10:45 Worship (Sanctuary) 10:45 Refugee Worship (C204/C201) 12:00 Melodrama Practice (YL)
Tuesday, January 23 1:00 Staff Meeting (Hobbs)
Wednesday, January 24 9:00 Dorcas (C105) 5:30 Awana & Youth Club 6:00 Wednesday Night Bible Study (Parlor) 6:15 James Ringers (Sanctuary) 7:00 Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
Friday, January 26 12:00 Lectionary Bible Study (WDR)
Sunday, January 28 Yellow Bag Sunday
9:15 Coffee Fellowship (The Well) 9:30 Sunday School & Luccock Class
(Parlor) 10:15 Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
First Presbyterian Church 525 N. Broadway Wichita, KS 67214-3503
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid
Permit 719 Wichita, KS
Session Notes (Calendar-contd.)
10:45 Worship (Sanctuary) 10:45 Refugee Worship
(C204/C201) 12:00 Annual Congregational
Meeting (Sanctuary) 12:00 Melodrama Practice (YL)
Tuesday, January 30 1:00 Staff Meeting (Hobbs) 2:00 Blood Pressure Check (EC) 5:30 Calendar Mtg. (Hobbs)
Wednesday, January 31 9:00 Dorcas (C105) 5:30 Awana & Youth Club 6:00 Wednesday Night Bible
Study (Parlor) 6:15 James Ringers (Sanctuary) 7:00 Choir Rehearsal (Choir
Room)
The Annual/Congregational Meeting will be 01/28/2018 immediately following the 10:45 Worship Service. The meeting will be held in the Sanctuary.
Session approved the 2018 working budget. The budget will be presented at the January 28, 2018 Congregational Meeting.
The 2017 Nominating Committee has begun to recruit 2018 Nominating Committee members.
The Session approved Personnel Committee’s
request to begin the process of hiring a bookkeeper to replace Nancy Bishop. Nancy is retiring at the end of January 2018.
The Session approved a request from the Office of the General Assembly of PCUSA to participate in the Presbyterian Panel.
The current membership of FPC is 414 members
The next Session Meeting 01/16/2018
Melinda Sears,
Clerk of Session
