Youth Group Does It Again!

Great job youth group! You raised $500.00 for the Helping Hands Food Pantry and collected a truckoad of food. Another SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY SUCCESS AT FPC!

A Weekly Newsletter of Saint Marys First Presbyterian Church January 29, 2012

Stewardship Dedication… Today we will dedicate our estimates of giving for the fiscal year 2012-2013 at both worship services. If you have forgotten your pledge card, you will find extras located in the pews. Please do not place your card in the offering plate. Instead, we ask that during the singing of the last hymn today, Today We Are Called to be Disciples, you bring your pledge card offering to the communion table as a symbol of your own discipleship and call from God to be a good and faithful steward of the resources that God has entrusted to you. And remember last week’s message on proportionate giving rendered by Elder Jim Conner, “We can never out give God!”

Congregational Meeting, Supper and Music! An exciting evening is being planned for this evening as we gather to elect church officers, enjoy a wonderful covered dish meal, and celebrate today’s act of stewardship with the music of Tim and Annie Akins! Our good friends Tim and Annie from Saint Simons Presbyterian Church have been here many times and will once again provide a most enjoyable concert.

Learning, Loving and Living the WORD! This Lenten season which begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd will be one to remember here at FPC as we dig deeper into God’s Word than ever before! Weekly small group gatherings will highlight the 40 day journey, along with daily commitments, and ideas of how can give of ourselves this Lent as opposed to “giving something up.” We will also be invited to take the 40 Day Challenge: “…to act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

Bonhoeffer Study Continues… The Wednesday Night Live Adult Study this past week featured the first 30 minutes of the 2000 film Agent of Grace starring Ulrich Tukur as Deitrich Bonhoeffer. We will view the rest of the film this Wednesday, February 1. The group is viewing the film in tandem with Bonhoeffer’s Life Together, a classic exploration of Christian faith in community. This week’s assignment: finish reading chapter 2 which articulates an argument for common worship among Christians, praying the Psalms, and singing together. He also writes about fellowship at the Lord’s Table, a healthy work ethic, and the importance of intercessory prayer. Come and join others in this most interesting account of Christian fellowship identified by Bonhoeffer as not merely a human idea, but rather a “divine spiritual reality.”

Food Pantry Needs… The Helping Hands Food Pantry at Saint Marys United Methodist Church needs YOU! Food donations are down once more and the yet the needs of our community continue to grow. Dry cereal, canned meats, peanut butter, pasta, spaghetti sauce are always welcomed items and disappear from the shelves very quickly. DID YOU KNOW THIS? Saint Marys First Presbyterian Church contributed one third of all of the food donated to the pantry in 2011. Thanks for being caring Presbyterians!

FPC to Host Officer Training Event… Your church will host the District III Officer Training Event on Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Jekyll Community Presbyterian Church, Altama Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church Waycross, and First Presbyterian Church Saint Marys will participate. A highlight of this event will be a webinar hosted by Presbyterian Outlook magazine which will discuss the requirement of our new form of government to develop a policy manual for sessions of each congregation within the Presbyterian Church (USA). The group will enjoy lunch at the Spencer House Bed and Breakfast Inn.

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING FEBRUARY 5TH...A simple prayer: "Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat" is inspiring a youth-led movement to help hungry and hurting people around the world.This prayer, delivered by Brad Smith, then a seminary intern serving at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC, gave birth to an idea. Why not use Super Bowl weekend, a time when people come together for football and fun, to also unify the nation for a higher good: collecting dollars and canned food for the needy? Youth could collect donations at their schools and churches in soup pots, and then send every dollar DIRECTLY to a local charity of THEIR choice. In the weeks leading up to or on Super Bowl Sunday, young people take up a collection (many use a soup pot), asking for one dollar or one item of food for people in need. They give 100% of their donation directly to the local hunger-relief charity of their choice.In 2011, more than 260,000 youth participated in Souper Bowl of Caring, collecting more than $9.5 million in dollars and food for local hunger-relief charities. That's a total of more than $81 million collected since the movement began in 1990! This year's goal is to empower 275,000 young people to collect $11 million for charities in their communities. Help us grow this movement and tackle hunger in America!

New Adult Study on Wednesday Nights!

After his martyrdom at the hands of the Gestapo in 1945, Dietrich Bonhoeffer continued his witness in the hearts of Christians around the world. His Letters and Papers from Prison became a prized testimony to Christian faith and courage, read by thousands. Now in Life Together we have Pastor Bonhoeffer's experience of Christian community. This story of a unique fellowship in an underground seminary during the Nazi years reads like one of Paul's letters. It gives practical advice on how life together in Christ can be sustained in families and groups. The role of personal prayer, worship in common, everyday work and Christian service is treated in simple, almost biblical, words. Life Together is bread for all who are hungry for the real life of Christian fellowship. Our study of this classic begins TONIGHT after supper at 6:15 p.m.

THIS WEEK AT FPC SAINT MARYS!

Sunday, December 18, 2011
8:45 a.m. Worship
10:00 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Worship
5:30 p.m. Youth Group Christmas Party

THIS WEEK AT FPC

Camden County Schools are on break until January - Breakfast Clubs will resume on January 10

Tuesday, December 20
6:30 p.m. Stephen Ministry Supervision Group Meeting - if needed (please call Cathy Douylliez - 882-1209)

Friday, December 23
Church Office will be closed in observance of the Christmas holidays

Saturday, December 24
7:00 p.m. Service of Lessons and Carols
11:30 p.m. The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Doing Christmas Differently

Pastor Rick Douylliez has introduced the Advent Conspiracy to friends for the last few years and the stories are now accumulating of how Christmas is now very different in the lives of many who wanted for so very long to "unravel" the trappings of consumerism but just didn't know where to start. Check it out! Google it and find out for yourself how Christmas can be so very different for you and your family this year and at the same time, really radically change the lives of others for the better!
http://ac.wcrossing.org/

Saint Marys Lights Up the Town!

The first Tuesday after Thanksgiving brings thousands to the streets of historic Saint Marys Georgia to ring in the Christmas season. This year, on Tuesday, November 29 the crowds were as large as ever as our town became once again a glistening wonderland! Saint Marys First Presbyterian Church, a year-round focal point for many photographers across the southeast is a shining beacon throughout the holidays.

2011 Advent and Christmas Calendar

Sunday November 27 - Advent Festival 4:00 p.m. – Fellowship Hall

Hanging of the Greens – 6:30 p.m. - Sanctuary



Tuesday November 29 – Saint Marys Lights up the Town – Parade – 6:00 p.m.



Saturday December 3 – Christmas in the Park – Howard Gilman Memorial Park



Sunday December 4 – Chancel Choir Christmas Cantata – 8:45 and 11:00 a.m.



Monday December 5 – PW Christmas Party – 6:00 p.m. – Hosts: Anne Herring and Julie Banks



Wednesday December 7 – FPC Kingdom Players present: CHRIS-MYTH BUSTERS – 6:00 p.m. - Sanctuary



Saturday December 10 – Saint Marys Tour of Homes – 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.



Tuesday December 13 – Live Nativity – 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Orange Hall



Friday December 16 – Annual Christmas Banquet – 6:00 p.m.



Saturday December 24 – Lessons and Carols – 7:00 p.m. Communion – 11:30 p.m.



Sunday December 25 – Christmas Day Worship – 10:30 a.m.



Sunday January 1 – New Years Day Worship and Communion – 10:30 a.m.



Please note that we will have ONE WORSHIP SERVICE ONLY on Sunday December 25th and Sunday January 1 and the time worship is 10:30 a.m.



Please note also that we will CANCEL Sunday School on Dec 25 and Jan 1

The Weekly Newsletter of Saint Marys FPC - October 30-November 5

Congregational Meeting and Supper… This afternoon, at 5:30 p.m. a congregational meeting has been called to elect two members to the Nominating Committee and to establish a quorum for all subsequent meetings pursuant to the new form of government which went into effect on July 11, 2011. We will also enjoy our last monthly covered dish supper for 2011. Bring a dish (or two) to share and help bring our two worshiping congregations together for fellowship and important business.

In Loving Memory

Former pastor, The Reverend Donald Stiens passed away on Thursday, October 20, 2011 following a brief illness. He served the congregation here in Saint Marys from 1986-1994. Don recently retired from the Charleston-Atlantic Presbytery after serving the Kingston Presbyterian Church in Conway, South Carolina. A memorial service will be held next Sunday, November 6th at 3:00 p.m. here at First Presbyterian Church with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall.

FPC Youth Group to Sponsor Outreach Program!

This annual outreach involves thousands and provides more than a million children world-wide with a personal gift at Christmas time. It is also an opportunity to share the light of Christ. In the next few weeks we will be reminded how a simple shoe box can make a big difference in the life of a child of God in a poverty stricken region of our world.

Youth Lead the Way! In the midst of all of the Florida-Georgia festivities, our youth traveled yesterday to the Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless and prepared a delicious meal for hundreds of residents and non-residents. First Presbyterian Church has been a partner in ministry with the homeless since the Sulzbacher Center opened its doors in September 1996.

Alzheimer’s Respite Care Program… The first orientation meeting for volunteers of the Share the Care program will be held this Thursday, November 3rd at 1:30 p.m. in the church library. For more information concerning this new outreach ministry of First Presbyterian Church please call Dianne Torgersen at 576-2134.

$tewardship Reminder… Is your annual financial commitment to the church up-to-date? Our community of faith here at First Presbyterian depends on your faithful stewardship to provide funding for a very wide spectrum of ministries. Thank you for being good stewards!

Deck the Halls… Beautiful Christmas holiday evergreens can be ordered TODAY following both worship services. In the spirit of the season, please give your support to Presbyterian Women in their only fundraiser of the year.

Connect Worship and Education at the Holy Grounds Café

The biblical lectionary text that is explored and proclaimed each Lord’s Day is also what is being served up each Sunday morning during the Sunday School hour. Come and join us over a cup of coffee! The group meets in the living room at the manse at 10:00 a.m. Come and join us!

Presbytery News…FPC Waycross pulled out all the stops on Tuesday, October 25th and provided a memorable day of hospitality, great food, live music, and PLAID...lots of plaid as we celebrated our Scottish heritage.

HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR MEETING: Our beloved governing body grappled with the results of the recent presbytery-wide survey where 201 participants shared honestly and openly their feelings and aspirations for the future of Savannah Presbytery. This was done in small group settings where we discussed the current societal trends that affect the life of the church, how we might enhance member involvement in the work of the presbytery, and what it might look like to truly latch on to the goal of helping some of our smaller congregations feel alive and vibrant once again! Rev Andy Chambers - Frederica PC Saint Simons, in his sermon, challenged all of us to be more attentive to the presence of the Holy Spirit who can be found in the most unexpected places - and unexpected people! For all the Saints...who from their labors rest... we remembered the following in worship: The Reverend Donald R. Stiens - former pastor of Saint Marys FPC Elder Dick Heller - Saint Simons PC, Elder Mildred Jane - Jekyll Community PC, Elder Jackie Kite - Saint Simons PC, Elder Daniel Troha - Allenhurst PC. The Reverend Mark George was welcomed as the new pastor of Henry Memorial PC in Dublin. Candidate Rachel Butler was welcomed as the new Chaplain at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, GA. Candidate Anne Gibbons was commissioned as a Commissioned Lay Pastor for Eastman FPC. Egret's Roost was a approved as validated ministry of the presbytery. We were reminded once again the importance of supporting such institutions as the Thornwell Home for Children in Clinton, South Carolina - where the "eyes of God" were discovered recently in an eleven year old in aisles of a Wal Mart store. The presbytery warmly welcomed Thornwell’s new president Rev. Elliot Smith.

THANKS BE TO GOD FOR THE LIFE AND MISSION OF SAVANNAH PRESBYTERY!

Savannah Presbytery Fall Meeting Highlights

FPC Waycross pulled out all the stops on Tuesday, October 25th and provided a memorable day of hospitality, great food, live music, and PLAID...lots of plaid as we celebrated our Scottish heritage.



HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR MEETING:



Our beloved governing body grappled with the results of the recent presbytery-wide survey where 201 participants shared honestly and openly their feelings and aspirations for the future of Savannah Presbytery. This was done in small group settings where we discussed the current societal trends that affect the life of the church, how we might enhance member involvement in the work of the presbytery, and what it might look like to truly latch on to the goal of helping some of our smaller congregations feel alive and vibrant once again!

Rev Andy Chambers - Frederica PC Saint Simons, in his sermon, challenged all of us to be more attentive to the presence of the Holy Spirit who can be found in the most unexpected places - and unexpected people!

For all the Saints...who from their labors rest... we remembered the following in worship:

The Reverend Donald R. Stiens - former pastor of Saint Marys FPC

Elder Dick Heller - Saint Simons PC

Elder Mildred Jane - Jekyll Community PC

Elder Jackie Kite - Saint Simons PC

Elder Daniel Troha - Allenhurst PC



The Reverend Mark George was welcomed as the new pastor of Henry Memorial PC in Dublin

Candidate Rachel Butler was welcomed as the new Chaplain at Memorial Hospital in Savannah

Candidate Anne Gibbons was commissioned as a Commissioned Lay Pastor for Eastman FPC

Egret's Roost was a approved as validated ministry of the presbytery.

We were reminded once again the importance of supporting such institutions as the Thornwell Home for Children in Clinton, South Carolina - where the "eyes of God" were discovered recently in an eleven year old in aisles of a Wal Mart store.

THANKS BE TO GOD FOR THE LIFE AND MISSION OF SAVANNAH PRESBYTERY!