1 From the Pastor 2 From the Associate 2 Palms & Easter Lilies 3 Holy Week 4 From The Administrator 4 Music Ministry 5 Presbyterian Women 5 The City 6 Men’s Lunch 6 Wednesday Night 7 Birthdays 8-9 Calendar 10 Prayer Concerns 11 Stephen Smith 11 Keenager’s 12-13 Children’s Ministry 14 News At First 15 Youth Ministry

Inside This Issue MARCH 2013

The vision of First Presbyterian Church is: Growing Upward …worshipping and praising God, Growing Inward … becoming more like Christ, Growing Outward … sharing the good news Since the beginning of this year, the focus of our worship and Wednesday night studies has been on helping us achieve this vision on a personal level. Our most recent sermon series challenged us with the question, “Are you a Fan or Follower of Jesus?” When Jesus said, “Anyone who wishes to come after me, must deny himself, take up a cross daily and follow me.” (Lk. 9:23), we acknowledged that this has been a stumbling block for many. In my final sermon in the series, one of my closing points dealt with the reality that we want God to make His “calling” in our life very clear before we decide to follow. We are not sure about denial, we want to know what does our cross entail, and we certainly want to know where are we going if we follow! In other words, “What will it cost me?” It would be much more comfortable for us if God would make it clear what we are being asked to do, so we can then count the cost and decide if we want to take a step of faith and follow! But God seldom makes His calling that clear in our lives. He asks us to step out in faith and then we are able to see the power of God at work in and through our lives. This is in fact part of the tension between being a “fan” of Jesus and being a “follower” of Jesus. In an effort to help us continue to grow into our vision, we are beginning on Feb. 27th, a new six-week Wednesday night video/small group study entitled “The Easter Experience”. As the name implies, it will

be a study of the betrayal, death and resurrection of Jesus and the implications of this event upon our lives today. The central question will be, “What if what happened then, changes everything now?” These six sessions will address the following topics:

1) My Life Has a Purpose 2) My Life Can Change 3) My Pain is Understood 4) My Life Has a Plan 5) I Have the Promise of Eternal Life 6) I Have a Hope That Never Dies

When this series is finished, Dr. Stephen Smith, author of Soul Custody, Embracing Soul Care, and The Jesus Life will return to our Church for a weekend event, April 26-28, to help us move even deeper in our personal relationship with Jesus. I hope you are able to see a recurring theme at work this year in the life of First Presbyterian. For the only way this vision will apply to our Church, is if it applies to your life. It is my desire that each of us begin to grasp more deeply the reality of this vision and what it means to say I am a “Follower” not a “Fan” of Christ, who has chosen to grow “Upward…Inward…and Outward”. May I remind you that God has a purpose for your life; and the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, is the same power that is at work in you. May we together, continue to experience God’s blessings and God’s power in our Church and in our lives as we seek to be faithful “Followers” of Jesus! God Bless,

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Easter & Holy Week, Pg. 3

2 FROM THE ASSOCIATE EASTER PALMS & LILIES

from the associate pastor Challenging You Toward Discipleship A Thought or Two

I want to encourage you to come into The CITY! First Presbyterian is using an online community that will help us to know one another,

connect to groups (like Sunday School, Choir, Small groups), keep one another in prayer, as well as encourage your own personal discipleship habits (Bible reading plans, journaling, etc). The features are beyond the scope of one or two sentences so I won’t bore you. If you have not received an invitation to join The CITY, do so by going to our homepage (www.florencefirst.org) and clicking “What is the City?” on The CITY button. Then click Request an Invite. An invitation will be sent to the email you enter and you just follow the links. Once you join, you will establish your “home page”, and you will be asked to fill in your profile. This profile is important as it will be the way people in church will be able to get to know you. Best case scenario, you will upload a picture of yourself so that people will be able to put a face with your name. You will find that once you are familiar with this web based tool, it will become helpful to you in connecting and building community in our congregation. We are moving toward using The CITY exclusively as our in house communication tool. You will be able to make reservations for events online through the CITY. Eventually we will use The CITY to check our children into their classes. We are excited about it around the office and hope you will get excited with us. Certainly, there is a learning curve, but the staff would love to help you with any thing that you find confusing! So…come on in!

Be in prayer for our Haitian mission team this week. Janet Brand, Jeremy Emert, Chris Alexander, Chris Canfield, Allan Bash, Billy McBride and myself make up the team. By the time you read this, we will have been in Bayonnais for a couple of days. This year, our project is to continue renovating a building into library space. We will be buying $1000 worth of books, tiling floors, building shelves and refitting the building with better windows all in an effort to make good Christian literature available to students and pastors in the area. In addition, this year we are visiting the homes of over 45 children sponsored by members of our church and community. I will be preaching on Sunday and our team will be providing a fellowship meal that evening. Thank you for your prayers and for partnering with us to bless this community! Finally, I want to reflect on what we have seen happen here during these days of not a fan. It has been a blessing to watch the Spirit draw us toward a place of deeper discipleship to our Lord. Our time at the Celebration Lunch was indeed a joy! I want to thank all of you who wrote something that spoke of your desire to PURSUE Him and FOLLOW Him into the future. We will post those in the building so that you can be encouraged by others and what they have written. If you would like to submit your own paragraph describing the heart change you have felt, let me encourage you to do so! It is always, always good to publically testify to the work of God in your life! Let me say just watching you through these days that you have challenged me to a deeper discipleship to Him. Thank you!

Palms and Easter Lilies Remember or honor a loved one this Easter as we herald the remembrance of our risen Lord with a profusion of lovely palms, lilies and greenery to accompany our worship. Your gift of $10 should be turned into the church office, along with your loved one’s name and your name and phone number.

In memory/honor of :__________________________________________________ (circle one) Given by: Phone:

Please turn in by March 22, 2013

HOLY WEEK 3

Holy Week Schedule: March 24-31, 2013 Morning Prayer (Monday - Friday) The Lawson-Rain Chapel will be open all week for prayer from 6:00 - 7:00 AM

Palm Sunday March 24th Palm Sunday Re-enactment: At 10:30 AM, the children will re-enact the triumphal entry of Jesus into

Jerusalem. This will include Jesus on a donkey and plenty of palm branches. Easter Egg Hunt for the children will be at the Whitehead’s (175 W. Pocket Rd.) at 3:00 PM. Bring your

children and grandchildren for this time of fun and fellowship.

Maundy Thursday March 28th The Seven Last Words of Christ at 7:00 PM. Join us for this special service as we prepare our hearts for Easter Sunday. Communion will be served by Intinction. Childcare will be provided for infants through 5k.

Good Friday March 29th Soup/Sandwich & Devotional: Join us for a light lunch at 12:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall and then move to the Sanctuary at 12:30 PM as we hear the passion story read from Scripture. Meditate on the final hours of the life of Christ as He made His way to the Cross for you!

Easter Sunday March 31st Flowering the Cross: We encourage you and your children to participate in this wonderful Easter

tradition by bringing flowers from home to decorate the Lenten Cross on our front lawn. Worship Services: 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM

On Easter morning, March 31st, we will celebrate the joy of Jesus’ resurrection by covering the cross with flowers. We encourage you and your children to participate in this wonderful Easter tradition by bringing flowers from home to decorate the Lenten Cross on our front lawn.

from the administrator 4 ADMINISTRATOR’S CORNER MUSIC MINISTRY

Thank You Thank you for your continued gifts and contributions to First Presbyterian Church. The year is already moving forward very fast. Spring Break, then summer, and we may be right in the middle of construction this summer. Just remember, we still need your help in taking care of the facilities

we will continue to use on a daily basis. Please do not commit for the use of the facilities for any event until you have checked with the office. We will have many areas and rooms closed off and Church activities will take precedence over outside organizations. Thanking you in advance for this. Thanks

month of January and Year to Date 2012/2013 Analysis:

This year 2013 Last year 2012

Total Income January $131,982.34 $138,541.90

Total Expenses January $128,739.33 $121,438.22

Gain/Loss January $3,243.01 $17,103.68

Operational Gain/Loss Year to Date $3,243.01 $17,103.68

Music Ministry Bay Street Brassworks

March 17 at 11:00 AM Worship Concert and Lunch

Following worship there will be a concert on the lawn. Bring a quilt and picnic or enjoy fried chicken and the trimmings which will be provided for $5, $15 family max. Enjoy fellowship, lunch together

and our fabulous Bay Street friends to entertain us.

The Geneva College Choir Friday, March 8 at 7:00 PM The Geneva College Choir from Beaver Falls, PA will be in concert in our Sanctuary on Friday night, March 8 at 7:00 PM. This outstanding choir has performed across the United States, Canada and Europe. We are pleased to have this group as part of our church and community. Don’t miss this event.

The Seven Last Words of Christ by Theodore Dubois

Thursday, March 28 7:00 PM

Join our Chancel Choir, guest musicians and chamber orchestra to ponder The Last Words of Christ in this moving and dramatic work. Thursday, March 28 at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary. This service with Holy Communion will highlight Holy Week. Childcare provided.

Spring Handbell Concert: Wednesday evening, April 17 featuring our dedicated Chancel Handbell Choir: Meredith Banner, Curt Boswell, Donna Grubb, Margaret Hobson, Anna Grace Hubbs, Susan Ingram, Lisa Jernigan, Margaret Jones, Kristin Kiely, Lee Nunn, Lalla Saleeby, Genia Tyson, Mary Lynn van Witzenburg.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN THE CITY 5

Have You Joined The City? The City will help everyone in our church stay engaged in daily life and ministry. It's a group-oriented social network that's all about helping our

church build deeper community and extend the love of Christ to the world. Who Are You? Remember to add your Profile Photo Where Do You Fit in? Find and join groups by clicking on Groups in the left column, then click Search for groups. A list of every group in the church will be shown. Click on one you are interested in and ask to join! Too Much Email? If you don’t want to get an email every time something happens in a group, change your group settings to Daily Digest for every group you are a part of. To do this– go to your group, click on the envelope icon and select the circle below Daily Digest.

Presbyterian Women’s Circles Circle 1 Monthly Mar. 12 10:00 AM Mary Kirkpatrick 1005 Greenway Dr. Circle 2 Monthly Mar. 12 10:00 AM Margaret Jones 824 Mohawk Dr. Circle 4 Monthly Mar. 12 12:00 PM Grace & Truth Room Circle 5 Monthly Mar. 12 10:00 AM Presbyterian Comm. Circle 6 Monthly Mar. 16 12:00 PM Clay Pot Circle 7 Monthly Mar. 12 3:00 PM Grace & Truth Room Circle 8 Monthly Mar. 12 6:30 PM Grace & Truth Room

Presbyterian Women’s Spring Celebration Thursday, April 11, 6:30-8:30 PM

Christian Life Center

Guest Speaker, Carol Crom, missionary You will not want to miss this fun evening! Please bring a salad to share and a friend.

Nursery will be provided with RSVP to church office.

6 MEN’S LUNCH WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

March 20th

Team Leaders Dottie Handley

Ziti Salad

Garlic Bread Dessert

March 27th

No Meal

Family Dinner

Supper begins at 5:30 PM in the Christian Life Center (CLC)

Adults $5 Youth $5 Children (under 12) $3 Family Max $15

March 13th

Team Leader Vaught, Vassy

Greek Chicken Hearty Green Salad

Green Beans Rolls

Strawberry Pudding

March 6th

Lighthouse Fundraiser $8 Donation

Schoolhouse BBQ Rice & Red Gravy Sweet Potatoes

Cole Slaw Bread

The Easter Experience

5 Wednesday Nights (February 27-March 27) at 6:30 PM no meal on March 27

1 Sunday Morning, March 31, Easter Sunday at 9:45 AM

Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to dwell on what God has done for us through his Son. Starting Feb. 27th, for the five Wednesdays that precede Easter, we will have another great program developed by the same folks that created Not A Fan. This cinematic presentation and the teaching injected by Kyle Idelmann will challenge us in our thoughts about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Sign up in the Fellowship Hall or by RSVP’ing in The City.

Men’s Lunch Tuesday, March 12th Noon

Men, step away from your work week and join us in the Lawson Rain Chapel for a light sandwich lunch ($5) and guest speaker. Don’t forget to invite a co-worker!

BIRTHDAYS 7

Sunday, February 10, 2013, 11:00 a.m. EDEN ELISABETH SEVERANCE

born June 17, 2012 daughter of Stacey & Lia Severance

Sunday, February 24, 2013, 11:00 a.m.

JAMES WHITACRE LOWRY (WHIT) born October 4, 2012

son of Kent & Ashley Lowry

Did we miss your birthday? Please contact Teresa Stewart at 662-2583 or tstewart@florencefirst.org so we can correct our records.

Staff Birthdays 2 Theresa Hilton 22 Stacey Severance

LEIF WELDON MURPHY BORN FEBRUARY 1, 2013

SON OF SCOTT AND MINNEMIE MURPHY

01 John Benton, III 09 Philip Leach 17 Wilson Josey 25 David Chapman

02 Lucy Thomas 09 Amelia Abernathy 19 Joyce Dalsbo 25 Dan Abernathy

02 Jan Green 11 Sloan Bankson 19 Steve Halus 25 Jean Lavespere

02 Michael Coker 12 Martha Tyson 20 Cannon Coker 25 Barrett Gentry

02 Sullivan Johnson 12 Hal Campbell 21 Malcolm Rogers 25 Jeremy Williams

03 Karen Silver 12 Sarah Daniels 21 Ronald Hayes 25 Noah Johnson

04 Chris Baker 12 Daniel Hubbs 21 Randolph Tiller 26 Jack Banner

04 Rita McInville 12 Anna Watt 21 Ashley Harris 27 Bob Olsen

04 Sarah Parks 12 Madison Hindman 21 Anne Evans Scott 27 Jane Heath

05 Ed Sprenger 13 Marguerite Worsham 22 Stacey Severance 28 Judy Henegar

05 Billy McBride 13 Mike Nunn 23 Matt Purvis 28 Kathy Crawford

05 Laurel Barrett 13 Anna Caudle 24 Susan Bankson 28 Mary Ervin

05 Boyd Moree, III 13 Julianne Newton 24 Jim Stanley 28 Katie Touchberry

06 Denise Alvey 13 Grace Munn 24 Ann Spearman 29 Berta Allen

06 Frankie Anderson 14 Marcia McNeil 24 Ashleigh Bulliner 29 Kaleb Griffin

06 Mary Wallis Vaught 15 Weave Whitehead 24 Griffin Lee 30 Eileen Parker

08 Karen Johnson 16 Glenda Myatt 25 Linnie Myers 31 Warren Montgomery

08 Victoria Fischer 16 Bankston Wallace

Thursday, March 7, 2013 7:15 AM Men’s Breakfast: Pres. Community 9:00 AM Beth Moore Bible Study: Grace & Truth Rm 5:00 PM Basketball Practice: CLC FCA Banquet

Friday, March 8, 2013 3:15 PM Basketball Practice: 10A Team: CLC 5:00 PM Basketball Practice: CLC 7:00 PM Genevan College Choir Concert Saturday, March 9, 2013 6:00 AM Parking Lot Mission: Hope Health Parking Lot 10:00 AM 10B & U Basketball Game: Ebenezer Baptist 11:00 AM 10A & U Basketball Game: Ebenezer Baptist Sunday, March 10, 2013 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME 8:30 AM Contemporary Worship Service 9:30 AM New Member Brunch: FH 9:45 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Worship Service 2:00 PM Basketball Practice: CLC 4:30 PM Volleyball: CLC 6:15 PM MOVE (Youth) Monday, March 11, 2013 2:30 PM Power Hour (5k-5th) CLC 7:00 PM Boy Scouts: Scout Rm

Tuesday, March 12, 2013 6:00 AM Men’s Bible Study: Price CR 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study Breakfast: Grace & Truth Rm 9:30 AM Women’s Prayer Group in Parlor 10:00 AM PW Circle #1: 1005 Greenway Dr. 10:00 AM PW Circle #2: 824 Mohawk Dr. 10:00 AM PW Circle #5: Pres. Comm. 10:15 AM Manna House Lunch Crew 11:00 AM Just for Women’s Ministries:CLC 12:00 PM PW Circle #4: Grace & Truth Rm 12:00 PM Men’s Lunch: LR 1:00 PM Ladies’ Ensemble 3:00 PM PW Circle #7: Grace & Truth Rm 3:00 PM Girl Scouts: Scout Rm 4:00 PM Girls’ Ensemble 6:00 PM Just for Women’s Ministries:CLC 6:30 PM PW Circle #8: Grace & Truth Rm. Wednesday, March 13, 2013 4:00 PM Youth Handbell Practice 5:00 PM Adult Handbell Practice 5:30 PM Family Supper 5:30 PM Elementary Choir Practice 6:20 PM Children’s Program 6:30 PM Adult Electives 6:30 PM 4:12 (Youth) 6:30 PM Praise Team Rehearsal

8 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Friday, March 1, 2013 WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 3:15 PM Basketball Practice: 10A Team: CLC 5:00 PM Basketball Practice: CLC

Saturday, March 2, 2013 10:00 AM 8 & U Basketball Game: Ebenezer Baptist 1:00 PM 10B & U Basketball Game: Ebenezer Baptist 2:00 PM 10A & U Basketball Game: Ebenezer Baptist 4:00 PM Parent’s Night Out Sunday, March 3, 2013 COMMUNION & MANNA HOUSE SUNDAY 8:30 AM Contemporary Worship Service 9:45 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Worship Service 2:00 PM Basketball Practice: CLC 4:30 PM Volleyball: CLC 6:15 PM MOVE (Youth) Monday, March 4, 2013 7:00 PM Boy Scouts: Scout Rm

Tuesday, March 5, 2013 6:00 AM Men’s Bible Study: Price CR 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study Breakfast: Grace & Truth Rm 9:30 AM PW Coordinating Team: Grace & Truth Rm 9:30 AM Women’s Prayer Group in Parlor 10:15 AM Manna House Lunch Crew 11:00 AM PW Bible Moderators: Price CR 11:00 AM Just for Women’s Ministries:CLC 12:00 PM Keenagers Luncheon: FH 1:00 PM Ladies’ Ensemble 4:00 PM Girls’ Ensemble 6:00 PM Just for Women’s Ministries:CLC 7:00 PM 10A & U Basketball Game: Ebenezer Baptist 7:00 PM 10B & U Basketball Game: Ebenezer Baptist Wednesday, March 6, 2013 4:00 PM Youth Handbell Practice 5:00 PM Adult Handbell Practice 5:30 PM Family Supper 5:30 PM Elementary Choir Practice 6:20 PM Children’s Program 6:30 PM Adult Electives 6:30 PM 4:12 (Youth) 6:30 PM Praise Team Rehearsal 7:30 PM Chancel Choir Practice 7:30 PM Basketball Practice: CLC

Friday, March 22, 2013 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 3:15 PM Basketball Practice: 10A Team: CLC 5:00 PM Basketball Practice: CLC Saturday, March 23, 2013 4:00 PM Girl Scout Dance Sunday, March 24, 2013 PALM SUNDAY 8:30 AM Contemporary Worship Service 9:45 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Palm Sunday Re-enactment 11:00 AM Traditional Worship Service 2:00 PM Basketball Practice: CLC 3:00 PM Easter Egg Hunt at Whitehead’s 175 W. Pocket 4:30 PM Volleyball: CLC 6:15 PM MOVE (Youth) Monday, March 25, 2013 6:00 AM Morning Prayer: LR Chapel 7:00 PM Boy Scouts: Scout Rm Tuesday, March 26, 2013 6:00 AM Morning Prayer: LR Chapel 6:00 AM Men’s Bible Study: Price CR 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study Breakfast: Grace & Truth Rm 9:30 AM Women’s Prayer Group in Parlor 10:15 AM Manna House Lunch Crew 11:00 AM Just for Women’s Ministries:CLC 1:00 PM Ladies’ Ensemble 3:00 PM Girl Scouts: Scout Rm 4:00 PM Girls’ Ensemble 6:00 PM Just for Women’s Ministries:CLC 7:00 PM Session Meeting: LR Wednesday, March 27, 2013 No Wednesday Meal 6:00 AM Morning Prayer: LR Chapel 6:30 PM Adult Electives: Easter Experience DVD 6:30 PM 4:12 (Youth) 6:30 PM Praise Team Rehearsal 7:30 PM Chancel Choir Practice Thursday, March 28, 2013 NEWSLETTER CREW 6:00 AM Morning Prayer: LR Chapel 7:15 AM Men’s Breakfast: Pres. Community 8:30 AM Newsletter Crew 9:00 AM Women’s Beth Moore Study: Grace & Truth Rm 7:00 PM The Seven Last Words of Christ: Sanctuary Friday, March 29, 2013 GOOD FRIDAY 6:00 AM Morning Prayer: LR Chapel 12:00 PM Good Friday Lunch & Devotion: FH & Sanctuary Saturday, March 30, 2013 Sunday, March 31, 2013 EASTER SUNDAY Flowering the Cross 8:30 AM Contemporary Worship Service 9:45 AM Sunday School 9:45 AM The Easter Experience Final Lesson 11:00 AM Traditional Worship Service 4:30 PM Volleyball: CLC

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 9

Thursday, March 14, 2013 7:15 AM Men’s Breakfast: Pres. Community 9:00 AM Women’s Beth Moore Study: Grace & Truth Rm

Friday, March 15, 2013 3:15 PM Basketball Practice: 10A Team: CLC 5:00 PM Basketball Practice: CLC Saturday, March 16, 2013 9:00 AM Erskine Seminary: Price CR 12:00 PM PW Circle #6: Clay Pot Sunday, March 17, 2013 ST PATRICK’S DAY 8:30 AM Contemporary Worship Service 9:45 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Worship Service 12:00 PM Bay Street Brassworks Concert & Picnic on Lawn 2:00 PM Basketball Practice: CLC 4:30 PM Volleyball: CLC Monday, March 18, 2013 7:00 PM Boy Scouts: Scout Rm

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 6:00 AM Men’s Bible Study: Price CR 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study Breakfast: Grace & Truth Rm 9:30 AM Women’s Prayer Group in Parlor 10:15 AM Manna House Lunch Crew 11:00 AM Just for Women’s Ministries:CLC 1:00 PM Ladies’ Ensemble 4:00 PM Girls’ Ensemble 6:00 PM Just for Women’s Ministries:CLC 6:30 PM Board of Deacon’s:LR Wednesday, March 20, 2013 SPRING BEGINS 4:00 PM Youth Handbell Practice 5:00 PM Adult Handbell Practice 5:30 PM Family Supper 5:30 PM Elementary Choir Practice 6:20 PM Children’s Program BUS 6:30 PM Adult Electives 6:30 PM 4:12 (Youth) 6:30 PM Praise Team Rehearsal 7:30 PM Chancel Choir Practice 7:30 PM Basketball Practice: CLC Thursday, March 21, 2013 7:15 AM Men’s Breakfast: Pres. Community 9:00 AM Women’s Beth Moore Study: Grace & Truth Rm 5:00 PM Basketball Practice: CLC

Honorariums Joe Koenig

Sympathy Family of Graham Porter

Phillip Baugh, loss of mother

10 PRAYER CONCERNS

Remember In Prayer This Month

Special Requests Amanda Herndon Barbara Maffett Diane Kimbell Eileen Parker Grady Greer Kit Fulmer

Recovering/Sick Chris Baker

Elinor Richardson Larry Brice

Linda Foxworth Shirley Cruickshank Verida Marchette

Jay Reece Susan Jenkins

ELDERS Yong Shin/Alice Caldwell DEACONS Butch Turner/Amy Williams MISSIONARIES Dr. Bill & Ann Moore, Japan Rev. Dr. Cody & Tululah Watson PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN Melba Sprague/Marie Jordan SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS Ellen Pearson/Emily McLean STAFF Taiter Garrett/Theresa Hilton

HOUSEHOLDS Mrs. Hannah Barringer Mrs. & Mrs. Charlie & Cathy Bazen Mr. & Mrs. Glenn & Betty Bell Mr. John Benton, III Mr. & Mrs. Marshall & Dawn Benton Mr. & Mrs. George & Jeannie Beshere Mr. & Mrs. Bob & Sheila Bett

If you would like to place memorial flowers in the sanctuary, please contact Betty Bell at 662-1330.

Extended Care Residents Hospitals

*Due to confidentiality rules, our pastors do not receive

information regarding a patient’s hospitalization.

Please call the church office if you or a fellow

member is admitted to the hospital.

PRESBYTERIAN COMMUNITY Mary Booth

Adelaide Moss Lucy Thomas

LAUREL GARDENS

Joy Tedder

ELMCROFT Alfred Hopkins

Extended Care refers to church members who are residing in a skilled

nursing or assisted living facility.

FAMILY MEMBERS SERVING IN THE MIDDLE EAST Adam Eason Chapman (Afghanistan) - Diane & David Chapman’s nephew

Memorials John Banks Millie Baugh

Nancy Bratton Brad Courtney

Richard Dusenbury Madeline Huggins

Karel Jordann Daniel Snow Sam West

Peggy Baker Georgia Eloise Emerson

STEPHEN SMITH PACING FOR PIECES RACE 11

KeenAger's Luncheon Tuesday, March 5th

Come to Keenagers to learn Something that ALL Seniors need to know about! It is something you can use for the rest of your life. Join us for a warm and delicious lunch and fellowship. Don’t forget to bring your donation for the House of Hope.

Pacing for Pieces Music Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk The first annual Pacing for Pieces Music Half Marathon & 5k run/walk is coming up the morning of Saturday March 9th to celebrate all the families that have been affected by Autism. The proceeds of the race will go toward helping families receive financial help with treatments and therapies that are not covered by insurance. A nonprofit organization, Vital Interventions Accessible (VIA) was formed to help make these therapies and treatments more accessible. If you want to race that would be great! If you aren't up for racing but would be able to volunteer that would be helpful as well. The race will start and finish at The Palmetto Peddler winding through beautiful neighborhoods and The Rail Trail. Enjoy the bands, food, and fun for all, along with supporting a great cause! Contact Amy Pennington at 616-2550 or Charissa Canfield 621-0940 for more information.

Despite our honest efforts, many of us have come up empty, defeated, and exhausted. Finally there is a book that offers the way back to the life Jesus lived. The Jesus Life defines the abundant life for everyday people; it is an everyman’s guide to living the life Jesus promised.

Mark Your Calendars!

For God So Loved the World...

12 CHILDREN

The Power Hour March 11 2:30— 3:30

5k– 5th grade are invited to an energizing hour of fun, snack &

lightning bolt of God’s Word.

One parent needs to stay! March 24th at 3:00 PM Weave & Emily Whitehead’s home

175 Pocket Road Join us for a fun afternoon of fellowship and faith. Children ages 2 through 4th grade are welcome to hunt eggs. Older children are asked to 'help' the youngest ones.

If you love to dye eggs, then please do a dozen or two for the egg hunt. Eggs can be dropped off anytime and placed in the refrigerator. On Palm Sunday, place them in the coolers next to the kitchen. Thank you!

Do you know what our children did with $160? They purchased chicks, rabbit, honeybees, ducks & geese for Heifer International. Heifer provides livestock and training in environmentally sound agriculture to those with genuine need. Recipients also agree to Pass on the Gift of one or more of their animal’s offspring and training to others in need, creating an ever– widening circle of hope.

Tag Gandy & Cooper Wallace, Mentor & Confirmand

Our 2 year old Sunday School class

CHILDREN 13

Congratulations to the following students for accomplishing their special

learning goal:

Catherine Canfield: The Lord’s Prayer Amelia Whitehead: The Apostle’s Creed

Palm Sunday Re-enactment

Jesus’ Triumphal Entry At 10:30 AM, elementary and preschool Sunday school classes will gather outside to watch the re-enactment of Jesus’ triumphal entry. Parents of preschoolers should meet with their children outside. Wave Palm Branches at 11:00 AM All children are encouraged to wave palm branches at the beginning of the 11:00 AM service. Please gather on the porch of the sanctuary at the end of the parade.

Mission Camp 2013

5k– 5th grade completed

July 9-12, 2013

VBS June 17th-20th

In the beginning

God…

Rylie Hughes, Farrah Hughes, Josie Severance, Ann Marie McCall

Amelia Whitehead, Grace Munn, Carly Lewis, Susan Jenkins, Erik Kim, Seth Crawford

Carson Munn and Billy McBride, Confirmand & Mentor

14 NEWS

Scout Sunday Update "Be Prepared" has been the scout's motto for 103 years. We have 20 scouts and leaders preparing for our July 25 - August 4, 2013 fifty mile canoe trip in Canada's Algonquin Provincial Park and two crews preparing for a June 2014 Philmont Scout Ranch trip to New Mexico.

Talent Show Got Talent? We want you!

Our annual talent show is scheduled for Wednesday night, April 24th! It will come fast, so mark your calendars and if you want to get involved, start thinking about your act now. Sign up by calling the church office as soon as possible.

Parking Lot Ministry Saturday, March 9th

First Presbyterian will be serving the Parking Lot Ministry Breakfast the 2nd Saturday of each month. If you would like to help, please contact Marcia McNeil at feetnotes@aol.com.

Cherub Choir: Catherine Canfield, Emily Touchberry, Rylie Hughes, Ryan McCall, Wells McBride, Jude Emert, Kate Stokes

YOUTH 15

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 700 PARK AVENUE, FLORENCE, SC 29501 PHONE: 843-662-2583/FAX: 843-662-1726

Non-Profit Organization US POSTAGE

P A I D Florence, SC

PERMIT NO. 13

Mission Statement First Presbyterian Church is a Christ-centered church committed to proclaiming the gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ

so that people may come to a personal faith in Him through the power of the Holy Spirit, discipling one another in that faith, and reaching out with God’s love to all.

Senior Pastor ---------------------------- Dr. Barry L. Jenkins Associate Pastor ------------------------ Rev. Chris Handley Director of Music/Organist - Mrs. Ann Rodgers Chandler Praise Team Leader -------------------------- Mr. Rick Watts Director of Youth Ministry ---------- Mr. Stacey Severance Youth Intern ------------------ Ms. Christina “Taiter” Garrett Director of Children’s Ministry --------- Mrs. Alexis Morris The Tabernacle Experience --------------- Mr. Joe Koenig Business Administrator------------------------ Mr. Rudy Lee Administrative Assistant ----------- Mrs. Stephanie Jones Church Secretary ----------------------- Ms. Teresa Stewart Financial Secretary -------------------- Mrs. Theresa Hilton Custodian ----------------------------------- Mr. John McCants Custodian ----------------------------------- Mr. Ansel Oglesby Housekeeping --------------------------- Ms. Wanda LaSane

www.florencefirst.org

CHURCH STAFF

Facebook.com/FirstPresbyterianChurchFlorence

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Don’t Forget to Spring Forward