The Reverend Dr. Jeri Parris Perkins

   May 8, 2008   

I am very grateful to be able to share with you that I have been chosen by the Presbytery of New Harmony to serve as a commissioner to the 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) June 20-28 in San Jose, California. The General Assembly is the highest governing body of the church and is representative of the unity of the synods, presbyteries, sessions, and congregations of the church. The General Assembly meets biennially and consists of equal numbers of elders and ministers from each presbytery based on the number of members in the presbyteries. The Presbytery of New Harmony will send two ministers, two elders, and 1 youth advisory delegate to the Assembly. Commissioners will consider the work of the denomination including the election of a new moderator and stated clerk, acting on the report of a task force to simplify and reform our form of government (The Book of Order), commission missionaries, consider overtures from presbyteries, strengthen the church’s ecumenical and interfaith relations, and act upon matters of church education, peacemaking, and social justice. 

Commissioners, presbytery and synod staff members, General Assembly Council members and interested observers will worship and work together, pray and debate, agree and disagree as commissioners and advisory delegates seek to discern what each believes God wills for this denomination in the next two years of ministry and mission. The week of the Assembly you will no doubt read about our work in the newspapers. I will caution you that often the press has difficulty understanding the language and process of church government and therefore, misrepresents matters. I would ask you to check the FPC web-site and the link to the denomination’s web-site for accurate news. I will look forward to speaking both to our presbytery and to you about my experience and understanding of what happened at the Assembly when we return. This will be my fifth opportunity to attend a GA and my second to serve as a commissioner. Some pastors serve their entire careers without having such opportunities so I am very grateful for this privilege. Needless to say I love the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and am proud to serve the church here in Hartsville and at the GA.

In Christ,

Jeri


CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 11 – MAY 17
Sunday, May 11
Worship Service 8:45 am
Church School 9:45 am
Worship Service - Baptism of Caroline Ann Guy 11:00 am 

Monday, May 12
Staff Meeting 9:00 am
Kindergarten Board Meeting – Conference room 5:30 pm
CE Committee Meeting – Neeley’s office 6:30 pm
PW Circle #2 – Home of Issie Morphis (1002 14th Street) 7:00 pm

Tuesday, May 13
Jeri – Presbytery of New Harmony Commissioner’s Meeting - Kingstree
Cooking Circle #1 – Memorial Fellowship Hall 9:30 am
PW Circle #3 10:00 am
Bible Study “When God Whispers Your Name” by Max Lucado – Conf Room 10:30 am
Administration Committee Meeting – Conference room 5:00 pm
Property Committee Meeting – Conference room 6:00 pm
First Presbyterian Kindergarten Graduation – Sanctuary 6:30 pm
First Presbyterian Kindergarten Reception – Memorial Fellowship Hall following graduation
Finance Committee Meeting – Conference room 7:00 pm

Wednesday, May 14
Youth Prayer Breakfast – Memorial Fellowship Hall 7:00 am
Staff Planning Session 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Last Kindergarten Chapel for school year – Narthex 9:30 am
Celebration Ringers – Music wing 10:00 am
No Bible Study due to Youth Sunday
2008 – 2009 Church School Teacher Training – Memorial Fellowship Hall 5:30 pm
Youth Sunday practice - Sanctuary 5:30 pm
Christian Doctrine – Chapter 6 – Conference room 6:00 pm
Chancel Choir 7:00 pm

Thursday, May 15
Soup Kitchen 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
Piano Recital - Sanctuary 6:30 pm

Friday, May 16
Soup Kitchen 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
Luncheon Concert Lunch – Memorial Fellowship Hall 12:15 pm
Luncheon Concert – Memorial Fellowship Hall 1:00 pm
Last day of school for First Presbyterian Kindergarten

Saturday, May 17
Memorial Fellowship Hall Kitchen Clean Up Day 8:00 am - noon

OUR ATTENDANCE
May 4, 2008
Church School: 99
Worship Service (8:45 am): 48
Worship Service (11:00 am): 230
Total 278

THIS WEEK IN WORSHIP- May 11
Hymn of Praise: Come, O Spirit
Epistle Reading: Acts 2:1-21
Sermon: “The Holy Spirit: God Alongside Us”
Hymn of Faith: Wind Who Makes All Winds That Blow
Hymn of Dedication: Come, O Spirit, Dwell Among Us

CHURCH SCHOOL
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
2’s and 3’s – Room 120
Bible Quest - Teachers: Sandy Auten, Barbie Lyles, Mary Lathan Steele, Meg Moore

4’s and 5K – Room 121
Bible Quest - Teachers: Evelyn Saleeby, Ginny Lyles, Beth Morphis, Valerie Gardner

1st and 2nd grade – Room 215
Bible Quest - Teachers: Glenda Quick, Heather Norwood, Jennifer Waldrop, Olive Timberlake

3rd – 5th grade – Room 219
Bible Quest -Teachers: Mary Ann Holden, Patsy Matthews, Anne Kearns

6th grade – 220A
We Believe – Confirmation -Teachers: Helen Fuller, Barbara and Curtis Lee

7th and 8th grade – Room 220B
Seasons of the Spirit -Teachers: Sylvia Coker, Pam Youngblood, Tyson Miller

Sr. High – Room 214
Seasons of the Spirit -Teachers: Betsy Kraus, Rita Daniel, Debby and Alan Norwood

ADULT
Busy Adults – Room 207A
May 11 – Chapter 9 – “If You Want to Walk on Water…” – Larry Renck

Seekers - 207B
May – “Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt” – Bill Miller

Koinonia Adult Fellowship – Room 212
May – “The Mayberry Bible Study”- Alan Coskrey

Men’s Bible Class – McAlpine Room
“The Present Word”

Women’s Bible Class– Conference Room
“Disciple” Teacher: Betty Winslow

CHRISTIAN SERVICE
ELDER GREETER
May: Meg Garges
LAY GREETERS
May 11: Dawn Fraser
David and Bobbi Nutt
May 18: Mary Knight Stuckey
Cameron Owen
Rebecca Rogers/Daniel Zold
USHERS
May 11: Keith Jones/David Segars
Paula and Steve Terry
Nancy Money/Larry Renck
May 18: Josh Stuckey /Renee Matthews
Meredith Johnson/Renee Barnes
Caroline Clark/Matthew Lee
ACOLYTE
May 11: Emily Childers
May 18: Zach Askins
INFANT/TODDLER NURSERY
May 11: Meg and Robert Moore
May 18: Sarah and Eric Tew
EXTENDED SESSION CHURCH SCHOOL (Room 121)
May 11: Graham Segars
May 18: Jennifer and Lann Waldrop
OFFICE VOLUNTEERS
May 12: Annette Hope/Frank Winslow
May 13: Jan Castleberry/Carol Fatig
May 14: Barbara Lee/Sidney Horton
May 15: Harry Hill/Ann Gettys
May 16: Betty Shepard

PERFECT ATTENDANCE
Caroline Lee had perfect attendance in 3rd – 5th grade church school. Way to go Caroline!

REFRESHMENTS
On May 11, the Seekers class will be providing breakfast refreshments in the narthex after the 8:45 a.m. worship service and before the start of church school. Please join us for this time of fellowship among friends.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
The Session has called a congregational meeting immediately following the 11:00 a.m. worship service on June 1 for the purpose of electing the Officer Nominating Committee for the Class of 2011.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
The VBS Team and CE Committee would like to thank all who have volunteered to help with VBS! Please join us on Monday, May 19 at 5:30 p.m. in the church conference room for a volunteer meeting. We WELCOME anyone who hasn’t signed up that would like to participate as well. See you there!

Vacation Bible School at First Presbyterian Church presents…Power Lab, where kids discover Jesus’ miraculous power! Get ready for an exciting adventure, following Jesus as he heals, helps, and gives power to all!

DATES
June 15 6:00pm-7:00pm
June 16-June 19
5:30-7:30pm

Power Lab is fizzing with fun for kids, teenagers, and adults. Everyone involved in this VBS will explore God’s Word and share in God’s love for each one of us! As kids experience amazing Bible adventures, they’ll take part in Daily Challenges that encourage them to apply Bible truths to everyday life.

YOUTH PRAYER BREAKFAST
Youth Prayer Breakfast will continue on Wednesdays through May with our last one on May 28. 17 youth attended this week on May 7! We’d like to thank our youth and sponsors for making the request to continue this important ministry through the rest of the school year.

YOUTH SUNDAY
"Worship means that God is getting the things he most deserves- worship, praise, love, respect and so much more," says Alexandra, 10. www.kidstalkaboutGod.org

On Sunday, May 18, 2008, our youth will be leading us in worship at the 8:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services. Please join us as we worship God through the eyes of our young people.

Youth Sunday Worship Leaders: Youth Sunday Practice will be held on Wednesday, May 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Also, please remember to be ready to practice at 8:00 a.m., Sunday, May 18, and to wear black and white attire.

SPECIAL MUSIC
The Hartsville High School Jazz Band will perform for our next luncheon concert in Memorial Fellowship Hall on Friday, May 16. Lunch ($8.00) is served at 12:15 p.m. and the concert begins at 1 p.m. Call the church office for reservations.

SOUP KITCHEN
Our next Soup Kitchen dates are Thursday, May 15 and Friday, May 16. We need volunteers from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or any time in between. Please call the church office if you can volunteer!

CONGREGATIONAL LUNCH FOR MEXICO – MAY 18
After the 11:00 a.m. worship service on May 18, join us for a congregational lunch to celebrate and support the Mexico mission trip. The Mission Committee will prepare and serve chicken bog, coleslaw and other side dishes. There is no fixed price, but all contributions will help fund this year’s mission trip. The Mexico mission team will also be introduced during the meal. After the Youth Service on May 18, plan to stay for a delicious meal that will support a worthwhile cause.

KITCHEN CLEAN UP DAY
Saturday, May 17
Our Wednesday night suppers are over and it is now Time to Clean the Kitchen. The Property Committee is asking for volunteers to help clean the Memorial Fellowship Hall kitchen from 8 a.m. until noon. Please call the church office to volunteer.

ADULT ADVENTURE
BIG’S RESTAURANT AT MCLEOD FARMS – McBee, SC
Bring your appetite because we’re heading to lunch on May 27! Please meet up at the church at 11:00 a.m. and we will return at approximately 1:30 p.m. Call the church office by May 21 to make your reservation.

TRAVELING ‘TABERNACLE’
First Presbyterian Church of Florence
“A life-size replica of the Old Testament Tabernacle titled “The Tabernacle Experience” will be located on the grounds of First Presbyterian Church today through May 11. Florence is the first location in the Southeast for the Tabernacle, which is traveling from California. Admission is free.
The Tabernacle Experience contains seven stations: The White Linen Garment, Altar of Burnt Offering, The Lamb stand, Table and the Bread, the Holy Place, Altar of Incense and Atonement Cover. The person of Jesus Christ is revealed in every aspect of the Old Testament Tabernacle as people journey through the stations of the exhibit.
Further information is available by calling 843-669-9846 ex. 175. The Web site is www.churchatflorence.org. First Presbyterian Church of Florence is located at 700 Park Avenue, on the corner of Park Avenue and Cherokee Road.” Florence Morning News

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN NEWS
The Third Thursday Circle will not meet on May 15 but will celebrate on May 20 along with all Presbyterian women at the Birthday Celebration.

You are invited to celebrate 86 years of mission giving by women of the Presbyterian Church. Your gifts will improve the lives of at least 700,000 people in the Congo and in New Orleans; your gifts rebuild, equip and supply materials for the Lakeview Presbyterian Church Weekday School destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Our gifts will make a big difference! 

The night will be filled with activities beginning at 6:30 p.m. with dinner and followed with an awards ceremony recognizing several Presbyterian women. Our very own, Dr. Kathryn Gettys, wellness educator and health coach, will present the highlight of the evening. She will be teaching us how to live life to the fullest!
Make your reservation by calling the church office and come to the Memorial Fellowship Hall, Tuesday, May 20th at 6:30 p.m. Bring your gift and enjoy good food and great fellowship.

ANNISA’S ADDITION
I continue to be amazed by our young people. Children are a borrowed gift from God and they teach us many things in their lifetime and ours. It is a beautiful privilege to watch our own children as well as our members’ children grow and serve God. Confirmation Sunday was an inspirational day and I hope all of you had a chance to witness these new members dedicate themselves to God, his church and his believers. This year’s Confirmation Class has bonded through youth ministry, their shared companionship at school and friendships that will unite them in the future. I hope that all of us will see God again through the eyes of our children. Let the joy, zest for life and promise of pure love for God shown by our children help you rededicate your life to being God’s child. Blessings, Annisa

OUR TROOPS
Please remember in prayer our troops as they serve our country: Justin Miller (friend of Linda and Louis Yount), Mitchell Register (cousin of Brandi Wheeler), Lt. Col. Will Zemp, Capt. James Liddle (husband of Katie Liddle, father of Mac Liddle, and son-in-law of Bob and Peribeth McKorell), Melissa Holden Miller, Kevin Capazzi (son of Joann 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).

KEEP IN PRAYER
Sam Tomlinson, Carol Coggeshall, the family of Sue Smith (friend of the community), the family of Pauline Jenkins, the family of Clarence Clodfelter (grandfather of Pam Youngblood), Laicy Mogay (cousin of Leigh Grantham), the family of Bill Dawkins (friend of Marsha and Frank Oates), Steve Garland (brother of Patricia Wilkes), Bose Liddle (son of Katie and Jimmy Liddle), Poppee Miller (father of Sandy Traylor’s daughter-in-law), Mendel Lyles, Trent Hill, the family of George Odell Barham (uncle of Rose Roseveare), the family of Rory Graham, Betsy O’Connor (daughter of Kirk and Jane Dunlap), the family of Hope Griffin, Mary Ruth Austin (friend of Carolyn Johnson), the family of Tessie Segars (grandmother of Kathy Moore, great grandmother of Dean Hall, Janie Byrd, Robert Moore), Frank Hill (father of Trent Hill), the family of Julian and Mary Alice King, Courtney Biro (daughter of Gail Vance), Jane Marie (niece of Lisa Fagan), the family of Mary Jordan (friend of Carolyn Johnson), the family of Theo “Polly” Robinson (mother of Mary Lathan Steele), Helen Page Selby, Rue Denny, Peter Coggeshall, Tom Tucker (uncle of Rose Roseveare), Carol Holt (mother of Michael Holt), Marlee Hart, brothers Jim and Duncan (children of Frank and Moe Hart and grandchildren of Julia Hart), the family of Shirley Sawyer (mother of George Sawyer), the family of Claud Foster (father of Mike Foster), the family of Reese Page (father of Ouida Page Valdez), the family of Mildred Robison (mother of Ron Robison), Barbara Townsend, Joan Tew (mother of Eric Tew), Maggie Milbee (former secretary), Larry Gandy (friend of CareSouth Carolina team member), Frances Fernold (cousin of Cecilia Brown), Lon Courtney (father of Harriett Lemke), Mickey Radford, (friend of Jane Truett), Patsy Bowers, Deb Dunlap, and our Residents at the Presbyterian Community.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - MAY
8th Jack Bethea
9th Julia Hart
Curtis Guy, Jr.
10th Charles Coker
11th Sidney Horton
Karen Segars
Reagan Cannon
12th Christian Prescott
13th Joann Wurzbacher
Carole Hope
14th Jane Dunlap
15th Allen McCutchen
Andy Eaddy
16th Bernice McBride
17th Jean Robison
Tripp Lyles
Law Hope
18th Layne Kipp
19th Tommy Morrison
Gay Morrison
Harriett Lemke
Kevin Renck
George Sawyer
20th Sara K Wilds
Jim Money
Sandy Traylor
23rd Paula Davis
Ginny Hays
25th Anna Kearns
Alex Waldrop
26th Scott Daniel
27th Louanne Smith
28th Henry Lawton
29th Phil Hart
Jona Timberlake
30th Eva Felkel
Issie Morphis
Dylan Schock
31st Rock Corley
Eileen Jones
McLain Hood