July 29, 2010
I wish that I could write a personal note and have one more visit with each of you in order to express how very grateful I am for the outpouring of love and care to my family and me in these last nine years, in the last few months since I announced my call to Presbyterian College, and particularly in the reception Wednesday a week ago and the worship service on Sunday. I write from my room at the South Carolina Home at Montreat where I am spending a few days with our Senior Highs at the Youth Conference. I spent my free time yesterday afternoon with the scrapbook Mellany Isom lovingly put together of all the letters, cards, pictures and drawings you made for us. I sat and read your remembrances and cried over each one – I was quickly forced to “lift” a box of Kleenex from the women’s restroom in order to continue. Matthew Ruffner called right in the middle of it to check on me and he got an ear-full of gratitude and love for all you have done for me and all he and I shared there. Neeley Lane called Sunday night with words of encouragement and the news that she has been officially accepted into Union Theological Seminary! Lauren Scharstein emailed from Kenya to check on us and Michael York called in to wish us all well in this time of transition. How blessed we have been with such amazing young pastoral interns and new and soon-to-be colleagues in ministry!
I leave to head back to Clinton tomorrow to a mountain of boxes and tasks before Sunday when we travel to Clover to worship with Michael and Erin on their first Sunday of ministry at the Oakdale Presbyterian Church. Our good friends and former colleagues, George and Heidi McGill retired back to Oakdale where George grew up and we’ll share lunch before heading back to get ready for my first day as the Dean of Religious Life and the Director of the Cornelson Center for the Exploration of Christian Practice. I want you to know how deeply my family and I appreciate the reception – we left Memorial Fellowship Hall exactly four hours after we arrived. You stood in a long line and spoke words of comfort and care, love and congratulations to us as we stood amidst beautiful decorations and terrific food. You are the healthiest and most active congregation I know. You have worked tirelessly to make each of our areas of ministry and programs the best in the state – not for show and not for glory and not out of pride but out of a sense of call – obedience – service and love. That’s what drew me to return to PC – the opportunity to share with that community what “church” – the Body of Christ – should look like. You are it.
I will ponder and treasure Sunday’s worship service in my heart always. I so appreciate Anna, Ronda, and the choir (and especially those former choir members who came back and some who drove several hours for extra practices) for allowing me to choose the music and sing with them one last time. Someone suggested that I join the choir at FPC, Clinton and I think I just might. Each piece of music Sunday held very special meanings for me. I wanted to tell you about the last piece, “Set Me as a Seal.” It is from Song of Solomon and I first became aware of it my freshman year at PC. Back then the college choir always sang it for the Baccalaureate Service. For me, it was a perfect bridge for my leaving home here and going home there and a strong assurance of the indestructibility of the ties that bind us in Christian love.
As you probably saw by my emotion, I was unprepared for the presentation of the scholarship and the silver tray. You could not have given a more perfect gift! I am so hopeful that there will be many FPC young people and Hartsville students who receive that scholarship to help them fund their education. I could not have gone to PC without my home church and generous donors who gave such scholarships and it touches me greatly to be a part of your generosity. The scholarship truly should be in your name rather than mine. I was honored to have The Rev. Lindy Vogado, Interim Campus Minister and Director of Volunteer Services, Dr. Jermann Disassa, Professor of Education and Director of the CHAMPS Program (Communities Helping and Mentoring Promising Students), and Jane McCord Keisler, Director of Pastoral Care and Older Adult Ministry at FPC, Aiken worshipping with us. Jermann came through the line and said, “I was so pleased to see the outpouring of love in this place – you are awash in an ocean of love.” Lindy said, “She started crying on the 5th word of the sermon and she did not have to say good-bye!” Jane said, “Everything was just perfect!” Indeed, it was perfect and I thank each of you for your presence and expressions of love. I thank the staff for being the best colleagues any one could hope for and I thank God upon every remembrance of you now and always. I pray for Lisa and the staff and those whom God will call in the days ahead to lead and guide you and to share ministry and mission alongside of you.
May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace;
In Christ,
Jeri
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 31 THROUGH AUGUST 7
Saturday, July 31
FPC Habitat for Humanity Work Day – Myrtle Street 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sunday, August 1
Church School 9:00 am
Worship Service – Thornwell VBS Commissioning 10:00 am
Nursery Clean-up Day 11:00 am
Confirmation Teachers Meeting – DCE Office 11:00 am
Monday, August 2
Thornwell Vacation Bible School
Staff Meeting – Pastor’s Office 9:00 am
AARP Driving Course – Memorial Fellowship Hall 9:00 am
Worship Committee – Conference Room 5:30 p m
Mission Committee – Pastor’s Office 6:30 pm
Tuesday, August 3
Thornwell Vacation Bible School
AARP Driving Course – Memorial Fellowship Hall 9:00 am
Tuesday Book Study will not meet on this date.
Congregational Care Committee Meeting – Pastor’s Office 5:30 pm
Administration Committee Meeting – Conference Room 6:00 pm
Wednesday, August 4
Thornwell Vacation Bible School
No Noon Bible Study on this date.
Thursday, August 5
Thornwell Vacation Bible School
Young Adult Subcommittee Meeting – McAlpine Room 6:00 pm
Service Committee Meeting – Conference Room 6:30 pm
Friday, August 6
Confirmation Retreat
Saturday, August 7
Confirmation Retreat
Presbytery of New Harmony Presbyterian Women Helpshops 9:00 am – early afternoon
OUR ATTENDANCE
July 25, 2010
Church School: 35
Worship Service: 299
THIS WEEK IN WORSHIP
August 1, 2010
Hymn of Praise: For the Beauty of the Earth
Old Testament Reading: Hosea 11:1-11
Hymn of Faith: There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
Sermon: “The Pain of Love”
Hymn of Dedication: God of the Sparrow
CHURCH SCHOOL
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Infant Nursery – Room 116
2K – 5K – Room 120
We Believe: Zacchaeus Is Sorry
Teachers: Jason and Angela Berdeau, Keith and Jordi Jones, Lawrence and Annette Hope
1st - 5th Grades Combined – Room 213
We Believe: The Road to Bethlehem
Teachers: Jay Davis, Jean Robison, Bob Sloan, Emma Zold
Middle School and Senior High Combined – Room 214
Devotional at Sonic
August 1: Pam and Ben Youngblood, Gray Dittenhauser
COMBINED ADULT - Room 207B
“Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt” by Ted Foote and Alex Thornburg
Teacher: Curtis Lee
The Men’s/Women’s Bible Class – Conference Room
Disciple: Invitation to John
Teacher: Betty Winslow
CHRISTIAN SERVICE
ELDER GREETER
August: Amah Riley
LAY GREETERS
August 1, 8, 15, 22: Layne and David Kipp
August 29: Jane and Wickie Wheeler
LITURGISTS FOR 10 AM WORSHIP
August 1: Von and Russ Cranford
August 8: Rita and Scott Daniel
USHERS FOR 10 AM WORSHIP
August 1: Johnny Williams/Bill Snyder
Audrey Childers/Phillip Gandy
David Segars/Sandy Auten
August 8: Susie and Preston Beattie
Paula and Steve Terry
Lisa and Steve Fagan
ACOLYTE
August 1: Marli Cranford
August 8: Mac Cranford
INFANT NURSERY (Room 116)
August 1: Graham Segars/Meg Moore
August 8: Susie and Preston Beattie
TODDLER NURSERY (Room 120)
August 1: Jordi Jones
August 8: Gladys Case
EXTENDED SESSION (Room 121)
August 1: Layne and David Kipp
August 8: Robin and Trey Gibson
OFFICE VOLUNTEERS
August 2: Annette Hope
August 3: Doris Small
August 4: Sidney Horton
August 5: Myra Richey
August 6: Betty Shepard
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
There will be a congregational meeting immediately following the 10:00 a.m. worship service on Sunday, August 8, 2010, for the purpose of voting on changes in terms of call for Dr. Jeri Parris Perkins.
NEW MEMBER BIO
Hello everyone. My name is Ken Hughes. I was born and raised in New Jersey, but have been gradually moving south. I've done a little bit of everything, from pumping gas and washing cars to organic polymer research. I came to Hartsville 25 years ago to work for Sonoco, and retired from there six years ago. After retirement, I started my own business doing website design, which I have really enjoyed. Maybe someday I will actually “retire”! I enjoy community involvement, and have been active with Kiwanis, United Way, Carolina Pines volunteers, Community Players, Community Concerts, RenoFest, the library and the Free Clinic. I am single (divorced) and have three grown children (all boys), seven grandchildren (4 boys and 3 girls) AND a great-grandson. I am an old coot!! I know I will never be a "native," but after 25 years I consider Hartsville my home. It is the best place I've ever lived, and I love the town and the people. Although I was raised Episcopalian (yes, I’m another of Jeri’s converts), I feel very much at home at FPC, and I love you all. I did not realize how much I have missed the church until I returned. As I have told a few of you, I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of caring and concern that the entire congregation has extended to me, and it is one of the primary reasons I have decided to join First Presbyterian. Thank you for making me feel at home. I’m looking forward to becoming more involved.
OFFICE NEWS
Kelly Boone Sloan, the Director of Christian Education, will be out of the office on Wednesday, July 28 through Saturday, July 31, as she will join FPC’s Senior Highs at Montreat for the Montreat Youth Conference. On Monday, August 2 through Thursday, August 5, she will be at Thornwell with FPC’s group leading Vacation Bible School and on Friday, August 6 and Saturday, August 7, she will be with the rising 6th graders at their Confirmation Retreat. If you need assistance during her absence, please contact the church office at 332-3622.
HABITAT NEWS
FPC's Habitat for Humanity team will have a workday Saturday, July 31, at the house on Myrtle Street starting at 8:00 a.m. We will install "nailers" for the sheet rock in the ceiling, install hurricane straps on the rafters and move a door in the bathroom. We plan to finish by noon; so no lunch is planned. If you can, please bring a fan, a step ladder, saw horses and a hammer. Please sign up at the church office or respond to this email. If you have questions, call Jay Davis at 307-2715 or Steve Klausmeier at 335-5749. Thanks.
SOUP KITCHEN REMINDER
First Presbyterian Church will serve meals at the Hartsville Soup Kitchen on Thursday, July 29 and Friday, July 30. Volunteers are needed to serve and greet. Please consider lending a hand (or two). Thank you.
RALLY DAY
Can you believe how fast the summer is flying by? It won’t be long before we kick off a new church school year with Rally Day. Plans are underway and we are moving full steam ahead. Therefore, we want you to be sure to MARK YOUR CALENDARS! This year’s Rally Day will be on Sunday, August 15, beginning at 9:45 am with breakfast provided. During this wonderful celebration, the Christian Education Committee will recognize all rising 3rd and 4th grade children and present them with a Bible. We will recognize this year’s confirmation class. The Vacation Bible School children will sing praises to God as we sing Galactic Blast and Revolution. The Middle School and Senior High youth will give a brief presentation about their time at Montreat, and much more. We hope everyone will make plans to be a part of this joyous occasion in the life of FPC! If you have any questions, please feel free to call Kelly Sloan at 332-3622.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUPPER KICKOFF CARNIVAL
AUGUST 25, 2010
Be sure to mark your calendars! You don’t want to miss out on the Wednesday Night Kickoff Carnival, August 25! Festivities will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will end at 7:30 p.m. There will be activities for all ages including inflatables, face painting, corn hole, cookie walk, basketball free throw, hamburgers, corn dogs, funnel cakes and much, much more!
CONGREGATIONAL FAMILY DAY AT CAMP PEE DEE
On August 29, 2010, the congregation is invited to Camp Pee Dee for a congregational family day and an opportunity to enjoy fun and fellowship in the midst of God’s beautiful creation. We will gather at camp immediately following the 11:00 a.m. worship service for a cookout at the canoe lake. After lunch, you can kayak, canoe, swim, ride horses, enjoy the high ropes course, hang out or just “chillax” under the pines. If you are interested in riding horses or enjoying the high ropes course, there is a fee for each of these opportunities. It’s $15 for the high ropes course and $15 for horseback riding. Please bring your payment by the church office by Sunday, August 22. We need to make arrangements with Camp Pee Dee a week before we arrive so they will know how many people will be participating. Everyone is asked to bring a lounge chair, swimming attire, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and your ball glove. We hope to have enough people to play a game of softball in the big field.
NURSERY CLEAN UP DAY
A nursery “clean up” day has been scheduled for this Sunday, August 1 immediately following the 10:00 a.m. worship service. During this time, we will clean out the infant nursery closet, sanitize toys, launder fabric toys and seats, check batteries and disinfect large play toys. If you would like to help, please sign up in the church office.
KINDERGARTEN NEWS
Spaces are filling up fast! A few are still available. If you are interested, please call the kindergarten office at 332-8601 for an application. Monthly tuition is as follows: 2K (5 days) - $135.00, 2K (2 days) - $80.00, 2K (3 days) - $100.00, 3K (5 days) - $135.00, 4K (5 days) - $ 135.00, 5K (5 days) - $155.00. School hours are from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Early bird service starts at 7:45 a.m. (additional fees apply).
TERRIFIC TUESDAYS
Water Games and Fishing at the Beatties’ (Rising 3K, 4K & 5K)
On Tuesday, August 10, the Terrific Tuesday children will enjoy water games and fishing from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the home of Susie and Preston Beattie (2211 Segars Mill Pond Road). Everyone will need to wear their bathing suits, bring a life jacket, sunscreen, towels and bug spray. During our time together we will enjoy water games, sundaes, a Bible story and more. Should you have any questions, please contact the church office.
WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS AND THUNDERING THURSDAYS
End of the Summer Pool Party!
On Thursday, August 12, the Wonderful Wednesday and Thundering Thursday groups will meet at the home of Vicki and Andy Eaddy (321 Lyndale Drive) from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. for a pool party and sundaes. Please be sure to wear your bathing suit and bring a towel and sunscreen. Should you have any questions, please contact the church office at 332-3622.
CONFIRMATION RETREAT AT CAMP PEE DEE - August 6 – 7, 2010
Be sure to mark your calendars! FPC’s rising sixth graders will join Susie and Bert Guerry, Brenda and Dick Porter and Kelly Sloan for a confirmation kickoff at Camp Pee Dee. We will depart Friday, August 6, around 3:30 p.m. and will return Saturday, August 7, around 3:30 – 4:00 p.m. Please contact Kelly Sloan via email at fpdce@bellsouth.net if you have any questions.
YOUTH PRAYER BREAKFAST
Begins August 18 at 7:00 a.m.
Memorial Fellowship Hall
AARP SAFE DRIVING COURSE
An AARP safe driving course will be offered here at First Presbyterian Church in the conference room on Monday, August 2, and Tuesday, August 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please check with your individual insurance company to see if they offer a discount for completion of this course. The cost of the course is $12.00 for members of AARP and $14.00 for non-members. Only a check or money order can be accepted for the cost, no cash please. A signup sheet is available in the church office and you may call the office at 332-3622 to have your name added.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN HELPSHOPS
Presbyterian Women Helpshops of the Presbytery of New Harmony will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Hartsville on Saturday, August 7, 2010, with registration starting at 9:00 a.m. The Reverend Ella Busby will be giving the overview of the Horizon Bible Study. There will be many interesting helpshops for everyone. It is only three hours of meeting time and you should be home by early afternoon.
FPC Presbyterian Women need members of our church to help with registration, refreshments, and women to act as hostesses. If you are able to help, please call Eloise Renck at 332-7865.
SIX-WEEK LADIES BIBLE STUDY
Real Faith, Real Life: Healthy Living
Beginning Tuesday, August 31, a six-week Bible study will begin for women who are interested in healthy living, fellowship and prayer. The group will meet every other Tuesday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The schedule is as follows: August 31, September 14 & 28, October 12 & 26, November 9. On November 23, the study group will plan a dinner outing to reflect and give thanks for their time together. This group will begin meeting at the home of Kelly Sloan (113 Barefoot Street) on August 31. Should you have questions, please contact Kelly.
OUR TROOPS
Please remember in prayer our troops as they serve our country: Captain Bennett Gore (nephew of Johnny and Anna Williams), Justin Hall (grandson of Julia and Phil Hart), Lance Corporal Chuck Lance Gardner (friend of Dubose, Morgan, Tiffani and Tyler Terry), Mark Phillip Barnes, II (son of Michele Pennington), Mitchell Register (cousin of Brandi Wheeler), Lt. Col. Will Zemp, Major Jimmy Liddle (husband of Katie McKorell Liddle), Melissa Holden Miller, Sgt. Kevin Capazzi (son of Joann and Ted Wurzbacher), Lt. Mary Katy Hays (niece of Bob and Ginny Hays), James Graham (son of Ernest McDonald), Gordon Brown (nephew of Cecelia and Tom Brown), Steven Turnbach (son-in-law of Bob and Anne Kearns), David Padgett (friend of Rose Collins), Bruce Jones (nephew of Sam Tomlinson), Steven Finn (grandson of Carol Fatig).
PLEASE KEEP IN PRAYER
Kaicy Gandy, the family of Sam Tomlinson, the family of Helen Burns, Kayla Carey (great niece of Sherri Goode), Jason Hamrick (son-in-law of Miriam and Charles Dixon), the family of Carol Coggeshall, the family of Baylor Teal, the family of Ernestine Barry (grandmother of Annisa Sheffield), the family of James Jones, Jr. (father of Ken Jones), Jason Dawkins, Vanessa Carter (friend of Theresa Truett), the family of Phil Olauson, Don Cuppett (brother of Cathy Cuppett), Susan Freeman at Cleve’s death (friend of Phil Perkins), Linda Haenchen, the family of Jennie Caldwell Walker (mother of John Walker), the family of Guy Matthews Tarrant, Jr. (grandfather of Neeley Rentz Lane), Danielle Davis (friend of Lisa and Steve Fagan), Ralph Carnes (father of Karen Segars), Joe Hoffman (friend of Madge and Sid Zemp), the family of Dr. N. B. Baroody (father of Lisa Culpepper), Susie Beattie, Dick Fagan (father of Steve Fagan), Mariea Elizabeth Terry (daughter of Tyler Terry and granddaughter of Louanne Smith), James Menius, Tradd Shepard (cousin of Norma Shepard), Marlee Hart (granddaughter of Phil and Julia Hart), Betsy O’Connor (daughter of Jane & Kirk Dunlap), Mark Sheffield, Gay Morrison, Trent Hill, Jane Marie (niece of Lisa Fagan), Patsy Bowers, Deb Dunlap, and our Residents at the Presbyterian Community.
Congregational Weekend:
Save February 4 - 6, 2011, for a weekend with Dr. Rodger Nishioka.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
August
1st Andy Gardner, Rita Daniel
Harris DeLoach, III
3rd Caroline Clark, William Miller Harris
4th Tanner Thompson
5th Nancy Money, Marie Punches
6th Roxy Mosteller, Steve Townsend, Matthew Zold
7th Harris DeLoach, Jr., Macon Hunter, Jeff Stacy