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The Chimes

2016 Volume 47, Issue 6

“A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.” --Mahatma Gandhi

As Angie Dilmore says later in this newsletter, it has been a ‘quiet’ summer. And that’s not all bad. For it is good to take some time off to ‘be still.’ As I came to appreciate in our camping trip to the Shenandoah Valley in July, one needs to better appreciate all of the blessings in our lives… which usually requires some time away to gain a refreshed perspective on life. Summer can be that time of quiet refreshment… like a ‘lull before the storm.’ In looking over the schedule for the month of August, there is a veritable ‘storm’ of activities for you to be involved with. In particular, there are opportunities to be involved in the mission of the church. To go out into the community and make a difference in people’s lives. Outreach that can also be facilitated within the ‘friendly confines’ of our church body. You likely have heard mention of the SWLA Workforce Scholarship Program that is in need of mentors. Taking a little time out of your day to help someone better their position in life. Much like the type of mentoring that we continue to be blessed by at Oak Park Elementary. Both pretty simple ways to make a difference for the Gospel. ‘Mentor.’ ‘Mission.’ Synonymous. There are other ways that this ‘small body of determined spirits’ can be ‘fired up’ by an ‘unquenchable faith in their mission’… ways more ‘close to home.’ Continue to bring in those box tops for OPES… keep making those donations of food and funds to our Oak Park Food Pantry… participate in fellowship opportunities like the upcoming Family Night Supper (preceded by the Prayer and Healing Service) and the Men’s Breakfast (which will likely have Chief Deputy Stitch Guillory as the speaker). In speaking of those fellowship events, whose focus will be on our students… and prayer… and law enforcement… there is a community event in the works that I want to encourage your participation and support. Out of a recent meeting of pastoral leaders of churches from ‘both sides of the track,’ so to speak, there was consensus support of an ecumenical prayer service that would draw us together as a community to build better relationships with law enforcement, and to lift up our students as they returned to school. The best time to do this was agreed on as Sunday August 14, at 6:00 pm, at the Civic Center. I know that this comes up pretty quick, but many of you remember how impactful the prayer service was that was held here shortly after the Charleston shootings. It is our hope that this event can be just as meaningful, especially at a time when reconciliation is most needed. As you, in the quiet of your own personal ‘prayer closet,’ consider all of the gifts that God has given you to share with His people, may all of us in this ‘small body of determined spirits’ consider how we are each called to “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. (Ps. 96:3, 1 Chr. 16:24) May we all resonate with some words I came across by that gifted author Maya Angelou: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

‘Stylishly’ yours, in Christ,

Chan

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IN THIS ISSUE

Message from the Pastor 1

In This Issue 2 Sermon Titles 2

In Touch with Outreach 3

Mission Opportunities 4

FPC News and Announcements 5

Family Night Supper 5 Prayer Service 5 Men’s Breakfast 5 Women’s Bible Study 5

Birthdays/Anniversaries 6

Prayer List 7

Calendar 8

First Presbyterian Church P.O. Box 4665 Lake Charles, LA 70606-4665

Office: 337-433-4667

Wendy Dees, Publisher Email: secretary@1stpreslc.com Website: www.firstpres-lc.org

August 2016 SERMON SCHEDULE

August 7 – Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-11

“Hebrews – More Than a Punchline: Led by Faith” Communion

You may be familiar with a popular joke amongst Christians that links this book with coffee. If not, you soon will be. Regardless, there are subjects raised by the unknown author of the book of Hebrews that are certainly no laughing matter. As we seek answers to the ‘riddles’ of life, we will first consider how we are “Led by Faith”...

August 14 – Hebrews 11:29-12:2 – “Hebrews – More Than a Punchline: Looking to Leaders”

Our Reformed heritage upholds as one of its guiding principles “the Priesthood of All Believers.” That all who follow Christ are in turn to be a leader… a ‘priest,’ consecrated by God for a holy calling. Just how does that play out in our daily lives? In a time when there can be such a void in leadership, both secular and religious, what does it mean to us to be actively “Looking to Leaders?”

August 21 – Hebrews 12:18-19 – “Hebrews – More Than a Punchline: A Consuming Fire”

“Darkness, gloom, and storm… trumpet blast… stoned… trembling… shaken.” This passage is filled with very intimidating words concerning the fate of those who are awaiting the coming of the “New Jerusalem.” As those who are to be mindful of the ‘old covenant’ as we live under the ‘terms’ of the new covenant, just how do we reconcile our loving God as one who is also “A Consuming Fire?”

August 28 – Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 - “Hebrews – More Than a Punchline: Sacrifice of Praise“

In the civic, secular organizations we can belong to… in the activities that take up our day, both in work and play… we can often ask ourselves ‘what am I getting out of this group, this association?’ ‘What’s in it for ME?’ That same attitude can pervade our attitude toward church as well. Today we consider not how much we are ‘getting,’ but rather, how much we are ‘giving’… the ways that God calls us to make a “Sacrifice of Praise.” (Pulpit exchange – see page 8)

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In Touch with Outreach It’s been rather quiet at church so far this summer. But I want to tell you (and likely, you’ve

already heard from Sara Judson) about an incredible opportunity to make a positive difference

in people’s lives. The Community Foundation of SWLA is sponsoring/supporting a Workforce

Scholarship Program by providing mentors to these people being trained for jobs. Below are

the details. Sara can arrange an informational meeting/training session if you were not able to

attend a meeting in July. There is still time to volunteer! Contact Sara for more information.

Volunteer Mentors Needed!

What: The Workforce Scholarship program focuses on unemployed or underemployed residents of

SWLA who want to pursue certifications to work in area industry. The program includes the student’s

tuition, a volunteer mentor and a career counselor. Students will be either in a 15-week welding

program at SOWELA or a 12-week heavy equipment operator program at ABC School.

Who: Volunteers are needed to mentor these adult students and provide encouragement to them

during their training. Mentors do not have to be experienced in industry. The only requirement is a

sincere desire to help others improve their life and job skills. You will be responsible for

communicating with them in person, by phone or text a couple of times a week during their training.

Participation in a one-hour information session is required for mentors. Contact Sara Judson to

schedule.

For more information visit: www.foundationswla.org or call 337-491-6688

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August Mission Opportunity

Essie Le Bleu is hosting a Garage Sale at her home, 1213 17th

St., on August 12-13 with the

proceeds to benefit a needy family she knows, especially a 13 year old girl who lives in

deplorable conditions. The family needs furnishings and building materials to repair their

mobile home, ie water heater repair or replacement, some flooring, and air conditioning. Essie

is collecting items to sell in the garage sale. Monetary donations would also be appreciated.

Thank you, Essie, for your kind caring heart and thank you everyone for helping Essie to be the

hands and feet of Jesus.

OAK PARK FOOD PANTRY update TOTAL families served in June 2016 —125 families with 86 children. Of the 125 families served in June, 4 families were new. Total served in first 6 months of 2016 — 868 families with 638 children. The food pantry gave out 125 bags of groceries in June, and has given out a total of 868 of groceries this year. Since 1988 First Presbyterian Church has contributed $91,132.95 In 2016 we have contributed $ 560.20

The Food Pantry depends on our help to serve the

community. Please continue to bring canned goods and non-perishable items to support this important

community outreach program.

Collecting Box Tops & Community Coffee UPC Labels For Oak Park Elementary

Look for drop boxes in the sanctuary and centennial room. Tutoring & Lunch Buddies will resume in the Fall

—watch for information to sign up.

SUGGESTED ITEMS:

Dried or Canned Beans

and Rice

Canned or Packaged

Soups

Crackers

Canned Fruit &

Vegetables

Kool-Aid

Please use this list as a

guideline, but know that

all items are accepted and

appreciated. - Thank you

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Back to School Family Night Supper

Wednesday, August 10th at 6:30pm

Prayer Service

preceding Family Night

at 6 pm in Sanctuary It’s hard to believe but Calcasieu Parish schools begin Friday, August 12th! Please bring your

favorite covered dish to share and enjoy a Family Night Supper and hear about what the

students in our church family will be doing this year. There will be a special prayer time at

6pm in the sanctuary focused on praying for our students and for peace in our world.

Do you have a student of any age in your family? If so, please plan to bring them to participate

in special prayer and recognition of their coming school year.

SATURDAY August 20th 8:00 a.m.

Come to Men’s Breakfast at Greater St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church

1801 2nd Avenue Fellowship Hall

Guest Speaker: Chief Deputy Stitch Guillory

The next meeting of the Women’s Bible study group

will be held at the church on

Thursday, AUGUST 18th at 1:30 PM

All women are invited to attend. At this meeting we will

preview the new book – See the description on Page 6 and

discuss meeting times and place for future meetings.

Please call the church office 433-4667 and leave a message

if you plan to attend.

Thank you!

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August 1 Amy Shattuck

August 1 Fran Plauche

August 3 Cissie McLeod

August 3 David Washburn

August 5 Lenn Knapp

August 5 Sarah Hood Todd

August 8 Steu Read

August 10 Don Chavanne

August 11 Lindsey Jones

August 14 Brennen Taylor

August 17 Paul Adams

August 19 Lara LaCombe

August 19 Duncan Sharp

August 20 Daniel Seay

August 20 Jared Garber

August 21 Ariel Cooley

August 21 Michael Washburn

August 22 Carolyn Sharp

August 23 Charles Bettinger

August 29 Alastair White

August 31 Mary Ann Booth

August 31 Alice Adams

August 7 David & Laura Landreneau

August 8 Mark & Sara Judson

August 19 Joe & Maura Mize

August 24 Lenn & Ann Knapp

August 31 Terry & Jo Ann Read

Happy Anniversary

Women’s Horizon’s Bible Study 2016-2017

Who Is Jesus? What a Difference a Lens Makes

By Judy Yates Siker

Author Judy Yates Siker invites us to join her on “a journey to expand our understanding of who Jesus was and is—a journey of our hearts and our minds, a journey that we will take together. I invite you to be good conversation partners along the way, sharing with one another how you see and experience the various lenses and how these different perspectives impact your understanding of who Jesus is.”

Each of the study’s nine lessons explores the question “Who is Jesus?” through a particular theological lens. Who is Jesus . . .

Lesson 1 . . . . according to Mark? Jesus is God’s son.

Lesson 2. . . . according to Matthew? Jesus is the long-awaited Jewish messiah whose teachings open the kingdom of heaven to us here and now.

Lesson 3. . . . according to Luke? Rejected by his own—Jesus, prophet of God, turns the world upside down with his teachings.

Lesson 4. . . . according to John? Jesus and God are one.

Lesson 5. . . . according to Paul? Paul stresses the centrality of the cross of Christ in understanding true discipleship.

Lesson 6. . . . according to Hebrews? Believers are to hold fast to their faith in times of adversity, and remain firm in their commitment to Jesus who has run this race before them and now reigns in glory with God.

Lesson 7. . . . according to the noncanonical gospels? Early Christians held diverse views of who Jesus was.

Lesson 8. . . . according to the other Abrahamic faiths? Judaism, Christianity, and Islam understand

Jesus in very different ways.

Lesson 9. . . . according to contemporary cultural interpretations? Each of us who reads the New Testament is an interpreter of the text; how we interpret depends in part on who we are.

Happy Birthday

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PRAYERS & CONCERNS:

MEMBERS:

Phillip Caddy (health concerns), Harold & Joyce Carr; Margaret Edwards;

Margaret Fontenot; Lois Ferguson; JoAnn Fish; Annabella Gorham;

Inci Glover & family; Evalyn Fuller, Cleary Hinton; Tommy & Lori Kerr;

K.B. Lake and Betty Lake; Cissie McLeod; Gerald Pullin; Sally Rodgers;

Louise & Jack Simpson; George & Pat Swift; William Wadsack;

family of Sammie Ward; Christine and Carl Wellington; Barrie Willis.

FRIENDS: Scott Allen & family (Prayers for HOPE and help at a difficult time), son of Lori Kerr; Mason Broussard & his

family (6 year old grandson of Jill Zachary—healing); Keith Bertrand (colon cancer), Johnnie LaCombe’s cousin;

Kathleen Boellert, serious illness (friend of Jim & Nancy Hanchey); Judy Bunch, health concerns and Dr. John Hubble,

lung cancer (Judy’s good friend); (both are friends of Nancy Hanchey); Marvin Breaux, recently diagnosed with

esophageal cancer; Dr. Frances Bride, serious lung infection (friend of Virginia Gayle); Jeanie & Frank Catania, (Lori

Kerr’s sister), living in Italy in prison ministry; Marsha Chapman (sister of Willie Mount) - Breast cancer; Jimmy Chance

(cancer); Carolyn Domingue, undergoing treatment for breast cancer (Johnnie Lacombe’s Aunt); Nancy Draughn,

kidney failure (friend of Virginia Gayle); Sarah Emanuel (serious illness), daughter-in-law of Christi & Bob Emanuel;

Louis Fontenot, JOY- cancer free, follow-up every 6 months at MD Anderson, (Margaret Fontenot’s son); Kathy M.

Fontenot, pain from Lupus and RA (Margaret Fontenot’s daughter-in-law); Patina Guidry & family (friends of the LeBlanc

family); Barbara Hall & family, recent death of her husband, Todd Allen Hall (son-in-law of Lois Ferguson);

Margie Heard, inoperable pancreatic cancer, (friend of Sara Dennison); Rose Timpa Holland & family, inoperable brain

tumor (daughter of Camile Timpa, friend of Caroline Garrett); Barbara Karkalits, (lung cancer), neighbor of Billie

Morris; Dr. Anatole Karpovs (JOY- recently received a good report on his cancer treatment), friend of Maura Mize;

Mrs. Marilyn Kudla, friend of Virginia Gayle; Roger LeBlanc (fighting multiple myeloma); Linda Palombo, stomach cancer

(friend of Carla Washburn); Eve Metoyer, daughter of Ed Metoyer (Brain tumor); Wilda Moon (kidney failure), friend of

Billie Morris; Larry & Sue Parker (Sue continues on dialysis and other health issues); Dr. Hugh Raetzsch (successful

surgery), friend of the Fenet family; Mark Schram, (cancer) friend of the Taylor Family; Fred Seay family, upon the recent

death of Fred’s mother; David Self & family (treatment in Houston), friend of Ann & Lenn Knapp; Ann G. Sim (stroke)

Kay Gilliland’s sister; Marvin Thompson (stroke), Carla Washburn’s father; Kathy Simpson (Jack Simpson’s mother),

diabetes and foot pain; Family of Tommy Stoker upon his death – uncle of Sara Harmon, Ben, John and Michael

Stoker; Bridget Williams (heart attack), friend of Annabella Gorham; Marie Young on the recent loss of her grandson

Jeremy Kerr; Tamberly Kerr Conway on the recent loss of her brother, Jeremy Kerr. Please pray for all those who are

grieving over the loss of loved ones. Please pray for the safety of all of our armed forces, wherever they serve, at

home or overseas and for their families as they endure separations from their loved ones, as a part of that service.

Please also continue to pray for the ‘state of our nation,’ and the need for peace and reconciliation in our

land… Prayers that could start in our sister city of Baton Rouge…

Please contact the Church Office if you have any updates or changes for our prayer list.

We would like to keep the list current. Thank you !

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2016

Ecumenical Prayer Service - Sunday August 14, at 6:00 pm, at the Civic Center.

(see Chan’s letter on page 1) AUGUST 28th Pulpit Exchange - Pastor Nanette Cagney, CRE, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church

In an effort to increase our 'connectionalism' across the Presbytery of South Louisiana, its member churches have been asked to participate in at least one pulpit exchange by the end of the year.

To this end, Pastor Willis will be preaching at Westminster, the Mansells at St. Andrew, and Nanette at First. Please pray for these, and all of our ministers, as they seek to be faithful both to the Word and to God's people...

Pulpit Exchange

Ecumenical Prayer Service