News October 2019 firstpresathens.org

ColumNs

Save the DateWednesdays

Wed@First Dinner and Conversation

October 1Circle 3/4

October 2Heifer Ranch Presentation

Our Daily Bread

October 3Family Promise (Formerly IHNA) Volunteer Training

October 6World Communion Sunday

Peace and Global Witness Offering

Food Sunday

October 9 & 23Bookless Book Group

October 14Circle 2

October 20Choir Dedication Sunday

October 27AthHalf Pre-Race Service

and Water Station

Ryan’s ReflectionsDear friends in Christ,

When we first arrived at the care facility, there were only a handful of residents in the room. All of them were well-advanced in years, and most of them were seated in wheelchairs or had walkers stationed nearby. Dr. John Coble, Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church, arranged us in position near an upright piano, and then he introduced us to the small group of residents and caregivers. He explained that we were a group from First Presbyterian Church of Athens called “The Mellows,” and with a wink and a smile, he said, “We only practice once a year, and we’re so

good they won’t let us sing in our own church, so we came here.”

We sang hymns like “In the Garden,” and “Blessed Assurance.” We sang old popular songs like “In the Good Old Summertime.” As we sang, more and more residents and staff members began to fill the room, and with Dr. Coble’s encouragement as our “front man,” many of them began to sing along with us.

The closing set was a series of patriotic songs, and when we began sing to “God Bless America,” most of the residents who were able rose to their feet with smiles on their lips and even a few tears in their eyes. We were only in the facility for about an hour, but over the course of that hour, the Spirit began to fill that little room.

In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus says that when we visit the sick and the lonely, or even when we offer so much as a cold drink of water to one who is thirsty, we’re ministering to him.

When you give to First Presbyterian Church, you’re not just supporting an operating budget. Without your faithful gifts to First Presbyterian Church, ministries like The Mellows simply would not happen. Your gifts make it possible for First Presbyterian Church to employ people like Dr. John Coble, a world-class musician with a servant’s heart. Your gifts put gas in the church van and keep it in top running condition so The Mellows can go forth sharing the love of Christ with Athens and the world.

Thank you for your faithful generosity, and even more, thank God for you.

Peace be with you and yours,

Ryan, Senior Pastor

October 20Fellowship@First:

Church Picnic

Fellowship@First: Church Picnic, Sunday October 20Sandy Creek Park, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Young and old are invited to join us for a festive afternoon of pumpkin carving and pumpkin-themed games. Fried chicken and drinks will be provided. Bring a side or dessert to share. There is no cost for the picnic, but reservations are requested. Please sign up online, in the Atrium or by contacting the church office.

If you would like to pre-order a pumpkin ($5 each), we will take orders through Sunday, October 13. We will bring your pumpkin to the picnic, but be sure to bring your creative ideas and carving equipment with you. Come prepared to have fun, get messy, and celebrate Fall with your FPC church family.

A Heavenly Visit with the KippsOn September 12, about thirty First Presbyterians wearing red shirts were welcomed by John and Sara Kipp into their home for a musical pastoral visit. The group, led by our Director of Music John Coble, was comprised of members of The Mellows plus others from our Sunday morning choir and one off-key interloper (me). Beginning with old-time gospel hymns like “The Church in the Wildwood,” then Tin Pan Alley tunes like “Hello! Ma Baby,” followed by patriotic songs like “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” and ending with “Auld Lang Syne,” we encircled John and Sarah with a wreath of melody and friendship.

What might have been a concert was actually a sing-along. John and Sara are regulars with The Mellows. For years, they have donned their red polo shirts every Thursday and stood alongside others serenading

folks at senior centers in and around Athens. So, they knew the songs. John, who has become a man of few words since the onset of his brain cancer, sang every syllable of every song.

That evening my husband Jack remarked to me, “That was certainly a cloud of witnesses today.” (see Hebrews 12:1.) How true! We were there on behalf of the whole church testifying together in song to our faith, hope, and love. We were the communion of saints, saints marching in (as we sang so heartily) to heaven.

The heavenly streets of gold and gates of pearl described in Revelation don’t do much for me. But there’s lots of singing in the afterlife, according to that vision. And I’m willing to bet that at least some of the singers will be robed in red shirts.

Carol Strickland, Associate Pastor

Music NotesI’m not a big social media user compared to some, but I post things on Facebook occasionally. A few of my posts get shared by others, maybe 1 or 2 times, if at all. Imagine my surprise when an article I posted recently was shared 494 times, and it was one of my geeky church music/organist articles called “The Four Functions of a Church Choir.” I’m pleasantly surprised to find that many people enthusiastic about the topic of church choirs!

So, what are the functions of a church choir? The first and most important job is to lead and enliven congregational singing. Many people think of choirs as a groups who perform beautiful anthems and other bigger pieces of music. Choirs do that too, but it’s not the most important thing. First and foremost, we are to lead the people singing in worship, and we do rehearse hymns and congregational music too. (The same is true for organists too, by the way.)

Second, a church choir sings music the congregation cannot. There is a lot of beautiful sacred choral music that is more intricate and requires rehearsal. Choirs are made up of people who give of their time and talents to rehearse and prepare music that is an offering to God on behalf of the congregation.

Third, a choir serves as a small group within the church for faith formation. Our rehearsals are a time of fellowship as well as the work of rehearsing music. We also talk about the words that we are singing, and about why we are singing them in a particular service. It is important to understand what we are singing and why, so that we can communicate the message in music. Choirs are usually a bit like families. We share each other’s joys and sorrows, we pray, laugh, cry, talk to, and support each other.

Fourth, church choirs sing beautiful and challenging music to praise God, and also to edify the congregation. We sing to God first and foremost, but in the process, we hope to touch and move people in worship closer to God.

On Choir Dedication Sunday, October 20, we will celebrate the six wonderful choirs in our church, recognize their hard work, and have a ceremony where those choir members will pledge themselves to faithful service in the 2019-2020 season. And, of course, we will sing. Come celebrate our choirs, enjoy their musical leadership, and thank them for their hard work.

Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone Be the Glory),John Coble, Director of Music and Organist

Family Promise (Formerly IHNA)The next Family Promise (formerly IHNA) host week is October 27 - November 3. If interested in volunteering for that week, please sign up on the calendar in the atrium or contact Susan Boatwright at boatwrightsusan@gmail.com or Frank Sherrill at frankwsherrill@gmail.com for more information. All volunteers are required to attend a one-hour orientation. The next will be held on October 3 at 12:30 p.m. at the Family Promise Day Center (355 Pulaski St). Please let Susan or Frank know if you have any questions.

Bookless Book GroupOctober 9 & 23, 11:30 a.m.

A group of women meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month to enjoy lunch and conversation. We meet at a variety of restaurants and invite all women interested to join us. For more information please contact Brenda Glasscock at brendacglasscock@gmail.com. Our next meetings will be:October 9, DePalma’s, 2080 Timothy Road.October 23, Ted’s Most Best, 254 Washington St.

Our Daily BreadOctober 2

A team from FPC buys, prepares, and serves meals to our neighbors in need on the first Wednesday of each month at First Baptist Church. For details and to help, please contact Ann Dunn at anndunn8@gmail.com or Fran Lane at fjlane@uga.edu.

Calling All Gardeners!!!In celebration of our church’s 200th anniversary this spring, the Weekday School children will plant 200 bulbs early this November in our courtyard and in beds around the church! The children are SO excited to participate in this special way… BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! If you could come in the mornings of November 5, 6, and/or 7 with spade/bulb planter tool to assist, please email the WDS at wds@firstpresathens.org. We so appreciate your help!

World Communion Sunday, Peace & Global Witness Offering October 6

The Peace & Global Witness Offering is an invitation to the church to promote the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of conflict and injustice across the world. Through our gifts, we offer a healing hand to women experiencing abuse, here in this country and in places like Guatemala, even as we seek to remedy the structures that create their vulnerability. Our giving offers a word of peace to those incarcerated here and those crushed by civil war in places like the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our of-fering draws together those who were once at war, creating opportunities for veterans from this land to return to Iraq and build relationships that offer a start to healing and understanding. Our Mission & Outreach Commission has elected to designate 25% to hurricane relief through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA). Please be generous that we may offer, as the words in 2 Thessalonians say, “peace, at all times, in all ways.”

Wednesday Fall Programs 2019September 18 - November 13

3:00 – 5:30 p.m. Bridge, Room 3024:30 – 5:15 p.m. Chair Yoga, Room 310

4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Shakespeare Henry VIII, Room 308 5:00 – 5:30 p.m. Prayers for Healing, Sanctuary 5:00 – 5:40 p.m. St. Andrews Choir, Room 202 5:00 – 5:40 p.m. Ukulele Class, Children’s Ministry Suite 5:45 – 6:30 p.m. Dinner, Fellowship Hall* 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Making Sense of Scripture with Dr. Baer, Moses Waddel Room*6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Room 202 *Childcare Provided

I “WONDER” what Godly Play is doing for our children?We begin Godly Play every Sunday morning with the children building a circle and getting ready to hear and experience a story from the Bible. After the story, the storyteller wonders out loud with the children - “I wonder what part of the story you liked best, I wonder what is the most important part of the story, I wonder where you see yourself in the story, I wonder if there are any parts of the story which we could leave out and still have everything we need?” This “wondering time” is an important part of the Godly Play routine. It provides an opportunity for children to safely explore the story further and to think out loud in a supportive circle of friends about what the story might personally mean to them.

As we begin our third full year of Godly Play, you may be wondering what Godly Play is doing or has done for our children. I would like to share with you a couple of very sweet moments that have happened in Children’s Ministry because of Godly Play…

Holy BaptismIt was a special Sunday morning in worship, a baby was being baptized. The children were invited to sit up front so that they could see and meet the newest member of the church. After the baptism, we gathered together in the Children’s Chapel and got ready for the Godly Play Holy Baptism story. The children listened intently and watched in wonder as the story began.

“We baptize people in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit … The Holy Spirit goes where it will. It flies on the invisible wind like the dove. The Holy Spirit comes to us when we need comfort and power. It is invisible, like the scent in this oil. It is invisible, but it is there.” (Godly Play Story, Holy Baptism)

To better understand this part of the story - the Holy Spirit being with us even though we cannot see it - the children pass a little jar of oil around the circle taking turns smelling the invisible scent. On this particular Sunday morning as the oil was being passed around, it stopped at one very curious five-year-old. He took a deep breath in of the oil and looked up in amazement with his big brown eyes and exclaimed “it’s in there, it’s in there!” In that moment, it was obvious that this child had made a meaningful connection to the Holy Spirit.

The Good Shepherd and World CommunionOn another Sunday morning, the children watched and listened as the storyteller brought all the people of the world to the table …

“This is the table of the Good Shepherd. Here is the bread and the juice of the Good Shepherd. Sometimes it seems like we need to have a little statue or something on the table to remind us that this is the table of the Good Shepherd, but the Good Shepherd is in the bread and the juice, so we don’t really need anything to remind us. Sometimes someone comes to read the very words of the Good Shepherd, and to give us the bread and the juice. Sometimes the people of the world come to this table, and even the children come.” (Godly Play Story, The Good Shepherd and World Communion)

After Godly Play, a little girl walked with her mother to the sanctuary. As she got ready for worship, she looked around and noticed the trays of bread and juice on the table just like she had seen in the Godly Play story earlier that morning. She leaned over to her mother with a great big smile and said, “This is my favorite part! My favorite part of worship is the BREAD!” Now we all know that children and even us adults don’t mind a little snack during worship especially when we are getting hungry for lunch. However, in that moment this child knew she was invited to the same table, the Lord’s Table that her parents were also invited to. This feast we call Communion and the gift of life that God gave us was for her, a child just as much as it was for the adults.

Godly Play doesn’t just tell stories of the Bible or explain the Holy Sacraments through words. Godly Play invites children to truly experience, to see and feel, to smell and taste, and to personally connect to the sacred stories of the Bible. Thank you, First Presbyterian, for giving the gift of Godly Play to our children.

Natalie Bishop, Director of Children’s Ministries

Children’s Ministry Update

Children’s Ministry in OctoberGodly Play for Parents and Adults, Sunday, October 6, 9:45 a.m.* If you are new to Godly Play or would just like to be reminded of what Godly Play looks like and feels like, please plan to join Natalie Bishop for the story of The Good Shepherd and World Communion and a feast in the “big room” of the Children’s Ministry Suite. The children will go to their Godly Play Rooms and continue to follow their normal Godly Play routine during this same time. The story will begin at 9:50 a.m. for everyone.

World Communion Sunday, October 6, 11:00 a.m. Worship Service * Children in 2ⁿd Grade are invited to serve as Communion Helpers during the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service. 2ⁿd Graders and their parents will meet Mrs. Natalie at 10:35 a.m. in the CM Suite to review the children’s Communion Helper responsibilities before heading to the sanctuary.

Trick or Treat for UNICEF, Sunday, October 27 * Children are invited to wear “church friendly” costumes as we “Trick or Treat for UNICEF” before and after the 11 a.m. Worship Service in the Atrium.

Youth Ministry

Our mission is to draw youth into a journey of faith, prepare them for lifelong discipleship,and inspire them to carry the love of Christ to Athens and the world.

What’s the deal with “The PIT”?

Until this summer, I thought that “The PIT” stood for Presbyterians In Training. On one hand it made sense to me – middle and high school students meet down there to talk about God and how they can live out their faith. On the other hand, it felt wrong - like it was discounting what youth have to offer to the church today by saying they are in training. I tried to think of clever new names for the youth space on the basement level, but nothing fit. Then I learned the real story behind “The

PIT.” Ten years ago when our church undertook a massive renovation and expansion project to build Fellowship Hall and Weekday School classrooms we also transformed what was literally a pit into an incredible youth space. The time, resources, and attention to detail that went into creating a space connected to our mission is truly remarkable. Here are just a few of the highlights of our now lovingly called “PIT”. Stop by and see for yourself next time you’re in the neighborhood!

On Sunday morning and Sunday nights, youth come together for friendly competitions of pool, foosball, and air hockey. A few of our talented musicians play piano (thank you Kitty Donnan) while others hang out on the couches

talking about their weeks. There is even a small kitchen for us to keep juice that we can enjoy before Sunday School with donuts!

There are thirteen 8th and 9th graders in this year’s confirmation class, representing nine different schools! Questions about God will be posted on the bulletin board for us to explore during the year,

recognizing that some things don’t have an easy answer and rely on faith. While a chalk board wall will be filled those things we know for sure – God loves me. We have two other similar rooms each dedicated to middle school and high school youth group.

We love our youth space, but happily move out 3 or 4 times every year so that volunteers can transform the space into a home for Family Promise guests. Classrooms become bedrooms. A corner of the game room is filled with children’s toys and books while round tables with tablecloths and flower arrangements create a family dining room. And did you know that we have showers

downstairs in the bathrooms? FPC goes above and beyond to make our host week a special time, and the space is the cherry on top.

The newest addition to the PIT is a donation center that was organized by our youth this August. We have labeled bins to collect a number of things including supplies for Athens Nurses Clinic (socks, toothbrushes, washcloths are current needs), Care

Bags for homeless visitors and plastic grocery bags for Girl Scouts*. Thank you for your donations!

* “Got Plastic to Recycle? If so, bring it to the PIT. Isabelle Seward and her Girl Scout Troop #12196 are participating in a challenge to collect 500 lbs. of plastic (grocery bags, product wrap, etc.) between October-March, so they can earn a buddy bench made out of recycled plastic lumber from Trex.

The Girl Scouts are building a Sensory Garden for the Special Needs Courtyard at Malcom Bridge Middle School. They have already built a wheelchair accessible raised bed garden and swing frame, and hope to include musical elements as well as a new bench in their but-terfly garden.” Isabelle Seward

Kim Ness, Director of Youth Ministries

Main Room

Family Promise

Confirmation Room

Donation Center

Isabelle’s Girl Scout Troop

Flower Dedications The following dates are available to dedicate flowers for Sunday worship: October 20, 27, and November 3. The cost for two arrangements is $100. Please contact Lucy Bell Johnson, lbell@firstpresathens.org or (706) 543-4338 to schedule a date.

October 27Trick or Treat for UNICEF

October 27-November 3Family Promise of Athens

(formerly IHNA) Host Week

Looking Ahead

August FinancialInformation

Total August Revenue $83,722Budgeted August Revenue $91,285Total Revenue YTD $823,023

Total August Expenses $126,549Budgeted August Expenses $105,560Total Expenses YTD $913,565

Seeking AthHalf Water Station VolunteersFPC will staff the last water station on the AthHalf race on October 27, as is our tradition. Helpers of all ages are needed to pour and hand out water and Gatorade. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Emmaline Michael, our Outreach Waddel Fellow, at emmalinepm@gmail.com.

PTPs to Tour Boutier Winery, October 15What better way to celebrate autumn than by joining the Prime Time Presbyterians on their first fall event - visiting the beautiful, rustic Boutier Winery & Inn in Danielsville, Georgia. Victor, the owner, will host a guided tour of the winery and their recently purchased charming Bed and Breakfast Inn. A wine tasting of six of their premium wines will follow, and then we will enjoy lunch on site. The 5 star winery is a lovely, quaint site for outdoor weddings and other celebrations. The expansive rural property also boasts horseback riding as an activity. Anyone interested?! So, mark your calendar for Tues-day, October 15. We will meet at Kohl’s parking lot at 10:00

a.m. if you would like to ride the church van, or caravan in your own car. Cost for the tour, wine-tasting and lunch is $17.50 per person. Lunch will consist of a variety of sandwiches, sides and a drink. Please email or call Phyllis Crowell to make your reservation by October 11: crowellpm@aol.com, 706-543-9561.

Daily “SOAP” BibleReadings* for

October

Our Church FamilyCongratulations to:

Ron and Svea Bogue on the birth of their grandson, Jacob “Jake” Hans Bogue, on September 15, 2019. Parents are Cameron and Sharon Bogue.

Bobbie and Lee Epting on the birth of their granddaughter, Cora Diane Epting, on September 15, 2019. Parents are Daniel and Melanie Epting.

Terry Nestor on the birth of her grandson, Frederick Monroe Lee, on September 17, 2019. Parents are Allen and Lucy Lee.

Christian Sympathy to:

Jolene Maxwell and family on the death of her husband,Dr. Harold Erastus Maxwell

Oct 1 Zech 10-12; Psalms 126; Luke 14Oct 2 Zech 13-14; Psalms 147; Luke 15 Oct 3 Ezra 5-6; Psalms 138; Luke 16Oct 4 Esth 1-2; Psalms 150; Luke 17Oct 5 Esth 3-8; Luke 18Oct 6 Esth 29-10; Luke 19 Oct 7 Ezra 7-8; Luke 20 Oct 8 Ezra 9-10; Psalms 131; Luke 21Oct 9 Neh 1- 2; Psalms 133; Luke 22Oct 10 Neh 3-4; Luke 23Oct 11 Neh 5-6; Psalms 146; Luke 24Oct 12 Neh 7-8; Acts 1Oct 13 Neh 9-10; Acts 2Oct 14 Neh 11-12; Psalms 1; Acts 3Oct 15 Neh 13; Mal 1, 2; Acts 4 Oct 16 Mal 3-4; Psalms 148; Acts 5Oct 17 Job 1-2; Acts 6-7Oct 18 Job 3-4; Acts 8-9Oct 19 Job 5; Psalms 108; Acts 10-11Oct 20 Job 6-8; Acts 12Oct 21 Job 9-10; Acts 13-14Oct 22 Job 11-12; Acts 15-16 Oct 23 Job 13-14; Acts 17-18Oct 24 Job 15; Acts 19-20Oct 25 Job 16; Acts 21-23Oct 26 Job 17; Acts 24-26Oct 27 Job 18; Psalms 114; Acts 27-28Oct 28 Job 19; Mark 1-2Oct 29 Job 20; Mark 3-4Oct 30 Job 2l; Mark 5-6Oct 31 Job 22; Mark 7-8

Daily Bible Readings*The scripture readings follow the Life Journal daily Bible reading plan and are available on the YouVersion Bible app and in downloadable PDF form. They will take us through the Bible in one year. You are invited to join me in a daily Scripture reading and journaling discipline called SOAP: how the scripture spoke to you, observation, application, and prayer. Learn more on our website at firstpresathens.org/soap.Ryan Baer, Senior Pastor

Oct 1 Sarah Bennewitz, Mac Corry, Knox Huff, Jr., Wendy Humphries, Lillian Jones

Oct 2 Charles Cantrell, Laura ClarkOct 3 Carol Ashmore, Pat MarshallOct 4 Charley Burch, Jr., Lynn WestOct 5 Joan Duffett, Owen GuestOct 6 Carol Brown, Patti Burch,

Mike Farley, Nancy Gilleland, Susan Noakes

Oct 7 Kendall Kookogey, Hal Hodgson III, Carol Robinson

Oct 9 Laura Bennewitz, Tom Granum, Carly Hunt

Oct 10 Cheryl Gazlay, Mary HopperOct 11 Finn Betzel, Katie Jean

Griffeth, Sloane Turner, Bill Wilfong, Jr., Jean Martin-Williams

Oct 12 Meghan Bawcum, Becky Hartman, Jonathan Lu, Dave Lunde, Adam McLean, Sissy McRae

Oct 13 Ashton Blount, V, Lindsay Griffeth, Pam Royster

Oct 14 Bill Bushnell, Bobby Heath, Glenda LaBoon

Oct 15 Alexander Cassell, John KippOct 16 Mark Carter, Leita Cobb,

Townes Pittman

Oct 17 Melanie Bradford, Grace Lu, Jackson Parker

Oct 18 Leigh Crosby, Linda Ritter, Susanna Trier

Oct 19 Mia Nobbie, Bob SanksOct 20 Sandy Boyles, Jerris Hayes,

Alison NeufeldOct 21 Nan BartonOct 22 Judy Burch, John Coble,

Cardee Kilpatrick, Bruce Miller, Luke Parker

Oct 23 Amber Bush, Elizabeth Childs, Allen King, Jr., Jordan Osborne, Turner Trapnell

Oct 24 Terry Caven, Will Cowsert III, Mary Jane Holloway, Johnny Hyers, Tommy Jackson, Sr., Renee Middleton

Oct 25 Carl Bergmann, Kinsey Clark, Karen Gilmore, Julie Hayes, Fran Lane, Jane Magrino

Oct 26 Bob Bostrom, Brady Padgett, Chris Pope

Oct 27 Cathi Lancaster, Addie Middleton, Steve West

Oct 28 Mary Havick, Sandy Jordan, Bruce Travis

Oct 29 A.J. CarrOct 30 Sylvia Jensen, Barbara Scott,

Jane TravisOct 31 DeeAnn Cox, Del Dunn

185 E. Hancock Avenue • Athens, GA 30601(706) 543-4338

Return Service Requested

Sundays at First Presbyterian Church

Sunday, October 6Hear O Israel

Dr. Ryan Baer PreachingWorld Communion Sunday, Food Sunday

Sunday, October 13Ruth

Dr. Ryan Baer Preaching

Sunday, October 20David

Dr. Ryan Baer Preaching

Sunday, October 276:30 a.m. AthHalf Pre-Race Service

Dr. Ryan Baer preaching

11:00 a.m. A Crisis of LeadershipDr. Ryan Baer Preaching

Worship Schedule 8:45 & 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School for All Ages9:45 a.m.

Children’s ChurchChildren Pre-K through Grade 2 may leave with Natalie Bishop, Director of Children’s Ministries,

during the 11:00 a.m. service for Children’s Church held in the Children’s Ministry Suite.