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FROM Presbyterian Hill
THE VIEW
May 2019 Volume XVI Issue IV
Inside this Issue
Gifts of Women Service 1
A Note from the Pastor 2
Session News 3
Presbyterian Men Dinner 3
Presbyterian Women News 4
Presbyterian Women Calendar 4
Missions News 5
Things I learned in
Sunday School 5
Calendar 6
Birthdays 7
Upcoming Events 7
Help Wanted 7
Hot Dog Picnic and Egg Hunt 8
TGP Student of the Month 9
Flowers 10
April Events 10
The Journey Continues 11
Thank You to Jim Crawford 11
Church Info 12
We View Life Through the Cross
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CLEVELAND 147 N. Main Street, Cleveland, GA 30528 (706)865-6499
GIFTS OF WOMEN SERVICE
The worship service on April 28th was focused on the Gifts
of Women, and women conducted the service. Women
have been given many gifts from God, and this service was
an opportunity for them to share those gifts with the
congregation.
Jannie deWaart was the featured speaker during worship.
She spoke about her years in Holland when the Germans occupied the land
during World War II. She and her family experienced many hardships during
that time.
Later Jannie and her husband, Cees, and their five children immigrated to the
United States, fifty years ago this year. She spoke no English, and Cees was
traveling a good bit of the time. Her tales of dealing with grocery stores,
learning to speak English by listening to TV, and how strangers were obviously
angels sent to help her mesmerized the congregation.
Following the service, the Presbyterian Women served a delicious Brunch in
celebration of the PW Birthday. The offering collected at the Birthday
Brunch was used to support the choir as well as local and national missions.
By: Lindalee Walters
2
THE VIEW from Presbyterian Hill May 2019
FROM THE PASTOR...
Dear Friends:
During the impressionable years from about age eight to fourteen, I would spend
every summer – all summer – at my grandparents' home two hundred miles south of
Dallas, Texas, where I lived. I remember vividly from the earliest of those years the pain of
a child's homesickness, but there are other, stronger memories that crowd those unhappy
times out.
That was still in the age of train travel, so I remember at ten years old how grown up I felt, dressed in
a coat and tie, riding alone on the train from Dallas to North Zulch, where my grandparents would meet me
for the short drive to their home in Bryan.
My grandparents never owned a television, so each of my visiting days was filled with their company,
going where they went and doing whatever they did. Either that, or I entertained myself playing in the half-
acre yard among the huge trees that surrounded the large, three story Victorian house.
I particularly remember the year I learned to look at the ground. I had always been interested in
natural science, and over the years I had made a variety of collections: leaves, butterflies, rocks, and the like.
This particular year I decided to collect bird feathers.
I came upon that project quite unintentionally when I stumbled across a couple of colorful examples
by accident - one bright blue from a Jaybird, and the other bright red from a Cardinal male. There was a
veritable aviary around that big house, no doubt attracted by the feeders my grandmother maintained along
with ample nesting and shelter in the large trees and the shrubs under the wrap-around porch.
Those two feathers, accidentally discovered lying on the ground, began a summer of careful pacing
back and forth, head bent straight down, canvassing every square inch of the large yard. I discovered that the
area under trees was especially productive, but I also discovered far more than feathers.
In the course of that summer of searching around my feet, I came across numerous insects about
which I had read in books, but never seen. I found three baby birds that year, none of which lived despite my
grandfather's assistance in locating their nests and returning the foundlings.
Most of all, I remember discovering how intertwined life is, how much of it there is, and all going on
at the same time. I also remember realizing at that early age how nothing lives without leaving traces of itself
for others to find.
Now, so many years later, I begin to realize the theological implications of that particular inevitability
of existence. The very fact that God has endowed us with life leaves traces for others to see - traces of
ourselves, of course, but more importantly, traces of God.
When you think about it, we live and work in the church out of mere traces of the existence of the
one whose names we bear. Yet even those traces are sufficient to transform our lives and the lives of so
many we encounter.
Here, at First Presbyterian, there are traces of many people I have never known, perhaps traces of
others even you did not know. Whether we intend to or not, for better or worse, we are, even now,
forming the traces that will be detected by others when we are gone. I wonder what they will be able to
know of our lives together now by the traces we leave behind for them to discover.
(continued on next page)
By: Arch Baker
3
THE VIEW from Presbyterian Hill May 2019
SESSION NEWS
At the April meeting your session:
Approved minutes from the stated and a called meeting,
Received a thank you note from Back Pack Buddies,
Acknowledged delivery of a thank you letter to Debbie Wesseley,
Conferred the title of "Sexton" on Jim Crawford and authorized a letter to inform him of our action,
Elected three commissioners to the May Presbytery Meeting,
Heard a report from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and appointed a committee to consider
emergency procedures for our church,
Approved the financial report and the report of the financial records review,
Approved four facilities use requests,
Approved funds for a website developer and extended "Thanks" to Phil Baughman and his brother for
their work,
Authorized DeWayne Nix to look into valet parking service,
Previewed upcoming church events, and,
Prayed for pastoral and congregational concerns.
The next meeting was scheduled for May 19th.
PRESBYTERIAN MEN DINNER AND MEETING
The Presbyterian Men will hold their monthly dinner and meeting on May 14th at 6:00 PM.
All men are invited to attend. Look for a signup sheet on the "Front Porch".
There are precious few traces left of my grandparents, of their lives, or their house and yard, and yet
their influence is as strong now as when they were physically present. Mere traces, of more than feathers left
behind by unknowing birds, live on in my awareness and continue to influence my life.
When we are long gone, I am convinced that God has provided for some trace of the life we have
been given to linger on. We will never know who may discover it, or be influenced by it - but God does.
If for no other reason than that one, it is worth living as God has commanded and the church has
taught. What we do matters, who we are makes a difference, because in our God-given existence we are
constantly leaving behind traces, not only of ourselves, but traces also of the God who put us here.
To paraphrase the psalmist: "Who are we that God would be mindful of us?" (Psalm 8:4) Just this: we
are the traces that God leaves behind, traces that continue to show God has been here – evidence of what
God is still doing in the world, and how.
Rev. Arch Baker, Interim Pastor
4
THE VIEW from Presbyterian Hill May 2019
PW CALENDAR
CT Meeting - May 8 - 3:30 PM
Men’s Dinner on May 14 will be prepared by
Bernice Rogers and Betty Smith.
Women's Bible Study - May 9 - 10 AM. We will be
studying Lesson 7, “God with Us as Emmanuel."
Lindalee Walters will be the Study Leader, and Jannie
deWaart will be the hostess.
Knit and Stitch - May 15 - 3:30 PM
Fun Day for NEGA PW, FPC, Gainesville - May
18 (sign up sheet in the Narthex)
Dates to save:
July 11 - Summer Luncheon at Bernie’s
August 3 - Thank Y’all BBQ
August 24 - NEGA PW Workshop, Athens
October 25-27 - SOSA PW Triennial Gathering, St.
Simons
JANNIE DEWAART RECEIVES HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP IN PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
The Presbyterian Women’s organization recognizes special women for their commitment to Christ and the
mission of the church. This tradition began in 1912, and the contributions made in a woman’s honor help
support training women for future leadership roles in the church.
Jannie deWaart has served her Church, her family, and her community all her life. She presently holds the
position of Spiritual Advisor in our local PW group. She volunteers two mornings each week at the commu-
nity thrift store, Sharing and Caring, in Cornelia. For many years she and her husband, Cees, have delivered
Meals on Wheels to the elderly in Habersham county. She is sometimes referred
to as a “Pilgrimage Junkie” because she has served on the staff for this retreat so
many times. Her laugh is contagious, and she is always ready to have a good time!
While parenting six children, Jannie worked delivering newspapers by automobile
early in the morning. We are told that the children were sometimes her helpers.
She also was employed by the Belks store in the Mall in Gainesville at one time.
Jannie is an asset to any organization to which she belongs. It was with great hon-
or and appreciation that an Honorary Life Membership in PW pin and certificate
was awarded to this deserving woman at the Gifts of Women service on April 28.
PW attended Come See Columbia Day to
celebrate 70 years of Friendship Circle at
Columbia Seminary in Decatur which provides
scholarships for seminary students
5
THE VIEW from Presbyterian Hill May 2019
MISSIONS NEWS: OUR JOURNEY
May’s Mission of the Month is Our Journey. Below is information about this worthwhile
mission and some suggestions of giving options. Any and all donations will be greatly
appreciated and make a huge difference in the lives of these families.
Our Journey's Mission
Our Journey, Inc. is a non-profit organization working to address the desperate situation of orphans and
vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS in Kenya.
Our vision is to improve the community health and well-being through community
driven, self reliant programs. We aim to empower rural women who are the caregivers
for orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. We do this by building their
capacities economically and socially as we seek to promote their livelihood strategies.
Our Journey is providing alternative ways for you to help. The needs are great - please
consider donating to one of our various projects. Below are some suggestions.
$4.00 donation will purchase a chicken for a woman to start her own small business, helping to break the
cycle of dependency
$5.00 donation = 1 pair of shoes for a child
$13.00 donation buys 1 blanket
$50.00 donation= 300 cabbages
$50.00 will also buy seeds and tools for a grandmother raising orphaned grandchildren that will enable her
to start a garden; not only providing basic foods but much needed income when any excess is sold.
$54.00 = 110 pound bag of beans
$56.00 = 198 pounds of maize flour (corn grain and a main staple in Africa)
By: Nanette Baughman
THE THINGS I LEARNED IN SUNDAY SCHOOL
Discovering Class “D”
To more clearly identify our FPC classroom, our teacher, Betty Sloop, recently
outlined the unique characteristics of our weekly 10:00 AM Sunday School class and
summed it up as follows: Daring Discoveries, Detailed Descriptions, Dramatic Deliberations
and Dismissal Departure-10:45 (lots of
choir members in attendance).
I would add Five I's to define my experience in
Betty's class… Interesting, Informative, Inspiring and
Intellectually Challenging! And, I look forward to it
every week.
Thank you, Betty.
By: Jean Kelly
6
THE VIEW from Presbyterian Hill May 2019
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4:3
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20
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26
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27
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29
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30
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31
10A
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NA
7
THE VIEW from Presbyterian Hill May 2019
APRIL BIRTHDAYS
May 4—Hannah Wall
May 4—Aubrey Free
May 9—Judy Winski
May 13—Amy Harbst
May 16—Larry Hoppock
May 21—Kim Ciriello
May 23—Tom Harbst
May 24—Betty Sloop
May 26—Jonathan Bogart
May 27—Penny Murdoch
May 28—Judy Massingale
May 31—Jim Crawford
Please accept our apologies if we missed
your birthday this month. Please notify
the church office so we will remember
next year.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
GOD BLESS YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
UPCOMING EVENTS AT FPC
Worship Committee Meeting will be May 1st at 4:30 PM.
CASA Night will be Wednesday, May 1st in place of the usual
Adult Study. Come out and learn about this influential non-profit
working for children in our community.
PW CT Meeting will be May 8th at 3:30 PM.
Presbyterian Women bible study will be May 9th at 10 AM.
Movie Night will be May 10th at 6:30 PM. The movie title is “I
Believe” about a young boy who believes in miracles.
Presbyterian Men Dinner will be May 14th at 6 PM. All men are
invited to attend. Please sign up in the Narthex.
Lunch Bunch will meet Thursday, May 16th, at 1 PM at the
Creekside Deli. Please sign up in the Narthex.
NEGA PW Fun Day will be May 18th in Gainesville.
The Stated Meeting of the Session will be May 19th following
Worship.
GA Presbyterian Pilgrimage Lunch will be Sunday, May 19th
from 12 PM to 2 PM.
The Growing Place End-of-Year Picnic will be Wednesday,
May 22nd with dinner at 5:30 PM and a celebration of the students
at 6 PM.
Last Day for The Growing Place will be May 23rd. Look for
information coming soon about our summer program! The last day
of school for White County will be Friday, May 24th.
Choir Practice on Wednesday nights will move to 6:30 PM
starting May 29th.
ROAD TRIP, ROAD TRIP
Your Membership Committee is planning
a trip
On Saturday, June 8
More information coming
Mark you calendar!
VALET PARKING—HELP WANTED We have an opportunity to serve some of our members who are having mobility issues and find it hard to
navigate the steep hill to attend Church here on Presbyterian Hill. It would be appreciated if these members
could drive their cars to the Loading Zone and then walk into the Sanctuary on level ground. To accommo-
date these people, we need volunteers to serve as Valet car parkers. These Valets would drive the cars
from the Loading Zone to a parking spot, return the car keys to the owners, and follow up after the service
to help them to their cars or to retrieve the cars for them. If you feel that you could provide this service,
please contact Dewayne Nix, or sign up in the Narthex. A schedule will be devised so that Valets will not be
expected to serve every Sunday. Thank you in advance for showing Christ’s love in action to his people.
8
THE VIEW from Presbyterian Hill May 2019
HOT DOG PICNIC AND EASTER EGG HUNT
“Remember, it’s more important to have friends than to have Easter Eggs…”
The weather was beautiful for the hot dog picnic and Easter egg hunt at FPC on Wednes-
day the 10th. This event brought together several groups at our Church that don’t always
get a chance to visit: we had our steady Wednesday Night attendees, our littles from The
Growing Place Preschool with their mamas, the elementary age children who come for
Kids 1st, and even a few extra additions that we wouldn’t usually see during the week.
Special Thanks goes to Bruce and Tony who cooked the hot dogs, to Melody for planning and organizing, and
to everyone who brought the delicious side dishes we all enjoyed.
Ms. Clair gave the children the biblical background for their egg search and some short instructions before
setting them loose on the field. The main point that could be heard was “Remember, it’s more important to
have friends than to have Easter Eggs.” What a profound statement! It applies to so much more than just
candy filled plastic, don’t you think? We can only hope that nugget of wisdom lodged somewhere in the
children’s (and adults’?) brains to pop out at them when they need it most! At any rate, the children went
home happy and full of sugar so it would seem the event was a raging success!
By: Lindsey McGrath
9
THE VIEW from Presbyterian Hill May 2019
THE GROWING PLACE PRESCHOOL STUDENT OF THE MONTH
The Growing Place End of Year Picnic
will be Wednesday, May 22nd with dinner at
5:30 PM and a celebration of our students at
6 PM. We hope everyone can attend and
meet all the sweet children you’ve been
reading about all year!
If you’d like to contribute to the picnic, there
will be a sign up sheet for food in the
Narthex. Additionally, the following items
would be very much appreciated:
Brightly colored streamers—green, blue,
yellow, and red
Balloons
9 Round tablecloths
5 rectangular tablecloths
(Our theme will be primary colors so if you
can match this on all donations that would be
awesome!)
The Growing Place is in
need of the following
items:
Apple Juice
Graham Crackers
Berries, Bananas, Grapes
Cheese-Its
13 gallon Trash Bags
THANK YOU!!!
10
THE VIEW from Presbyterian Hill May 2019
April Lunch Bunch at Danny’s in
Dahlonega
If you place flowers in the sanctuary and you would like them to go to one of our home-bound members, please see Dewayne Nix.
Thanks to Bill Hines, Jim Crawford
and Gary Nellis for repairing the leak
at the front entrance!
Pastor Arch Baker
accompanied the choral
anthem on his cello
during the Palm Sunday
Service.
5TH SUNDAY LUNCH Back by Popular Demand and Well Worth the Wait!
Fifth Sunday Lunch, March 31st, was a delicious array of good
things to eat, ranging from appetizers to desserts, and an
opportunity for great fellowship after worship service.
Thanks to all who contributed!
These beautiful flower
arrangements were on
display during worship in
April. Please sign up in the Narthex to provide
flowers for upcoming
Sunday services.
The beautiful Cross on Easter morning
11
THE VIEW from Presbyterian Hill May 2019
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
Another banner. Still more work to be done but
you may now be able to see children. Three
children. All with different responses. We all
come to God in our own way. While I drew
random people in my initial sketch, God made
them children, for we should all
come to God as children.
(Matthew 18:3-4)
I started my Lenten journey with
the prayer that my sharing would
somehow enhance the journey
for others. What I have found is support and encouragement from my
church family. Thank you for your comments and prayers. Thank you for
sharing your interpretations. Thank you for adding to my Lenten
Experience.
As we near the end of our journey with Christ to the Cross, maybe we
have identified some parts of ourselves that we’d rather cut away. We’ve
asked for forgiveness. Through God’s Grace, we’ve been forgiven.
Perhaps we have prepared ourselves for the Resurrection.
By: Clair Arvold
LETTER OF APPRECIATION TO JIM CRAWFORD
On behalf of the Session and Congregation of First Presbyterian Church, we extend our appreciation to Jim
Crawford for his many years of service as Building and Grounds Elder. His service began 18 years ago and
continues today. He has dedicated his time and energy to the maintenance of this “old” and “new” church
building.
Jim is honored, he is blessed and he is loved. As he continues to serve the Lord
and this congregation and, as one who is assisting the current Buildings and
Grounds Elder, the Session has bestowed upon him the title of Sexton of First
Presbyterian Church. A Sexton is someone who takes care of the church proper-
ty and performs related duties. It is because of Jim’s dedicated service that we are
welcomed each Sunday morning with a building ready to worship the Lord. We
thank you, Jim, for your continued service to First Presbyterian Church, Cleveland,
Georgia.
Members of the Session
FPC Cleveland
First Presbyterian Church 147 N. Main Street
Cleveland, GA 30528
Phone: 706-865-6499
Fax: 706-865-5362
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.fpccleveland.org
THE SESSION Bruce Morgan, Clerk of Session
Rev. Arch Baker, Moderator Jim Hiers, Clerk of Session—Emeritus
Class of 2019 Class of 2020 Class of 2021
Melody Thomason Nanette Baughman Dick Frost Education Missions Building & Grounds
Lindalee Walters Becky Clark Jean Kelly Membership Worship Communications
Judy Winski DeWayne Nix Administration & Finance Congregational Care
THE DIACONATE
Betty Smith, Moderator DeWayne Nix, Session Liaison
Class of 2019 Class of 2020 Class of 2021 Betty Royds Walter Bogart Linda Leslie Betty Smith Kim Ciriello Rachel Romfo Hugh Walters Tony Clark
Chairperson & Editor Jean Kelly
Publisher Lindsey McGrath
Committee Members Bruce Morgan Kim Ciriello Bonnie Frost Dick Frost
Elaine Wiegert
@fpccleveland.org
