This Week at FPC

 
FREE SUMMER CONCERT

The Sounds of Harry James & The Andrews Sisters

Saturday, August 9 • 7:00 PM • Sanctuary
This blockbuster tribute immortalizes Harry James as the most famous trumpet player of the big band era. Charley Raymond makes the trumpet sing as he masterfully reincarnates the distinctive style and virtuoso technique that made Harry James a big band legend. Raymond and his band are joined by the Apple Blossoms, three gals who recreate the look, style and distinctive harmonies of the incomparable Andrews Sisters.
No tickets needed; a free will offering will be taken.

SINGLE DIRECTION JANUARY CRUISE

January 17–24, 2009
Think ahead and plan to lose your "after Christmas blues" on a relaxing 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise sponsored by our 50+ fellowship. Visit Cayo Levantado, Philipsburg, St. Marten, St. John's and Nassau. Prices begin at $699 per person! For brochures and more info, stop by the Single Direction table in McClure Hall on Sunday, or contact Clarkey Holden (992-3088) or Connie Duquin (695-1744).

ADULT SUNDAY MORNING CLASSES

One Holy Passion: The Consuming Thirst to Know God

9:00–9:50 AM in Price Chapel • through July 27
"Loving a holy God is beyond our moral power. The only kind of God we can love by our sinful nature is an unholy god, an idol made by our own hands. Unless we are born of the Spirit of God, unless God sheds His holy love in our hearts, unless He stoops in His grace to change our hearts, we will not love Him... To love a holy God requires grace, grace strong enough to pierce our hardened hearts and awaken our moribund souls." (R.C. Sproul)
 
Based on the book of the same name by R.C. Sproul, this video study series will be led by our pastoral staff: Pastors Doug Pratt, Paul Fahnestock and Steven Grant. It is based on the believer's quest to know God the Father by studying God's biblically revealed attributes and characteristics.

SUMMER READING DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box
Our Summer Reading Challenge this year was the latest John Ortberg book, When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box. An excellent discussion was held here at First Church in mid-June, with many of our members and friends who had recently read the book. If you weren't able to attend the discussion, but have read or are currently reading the book, these Discussion Questions may be of interest to you as you reflect on its message.

WOMEN'S MINISTRY

Treasures of Our Hope in Christ

Thursday, August 7 • McClure Hall This is an opportunity to bring your burdens to the Lord and lay them in our "Hope Chest." Registration is at 6:00 PM with the program starting at 6:15 PM. Sign up with a friend and come together to enjoy hors d'oeuvres, music and inspirational speakers. Sign up at the Women's Ministry table during "First Stop" on Sundays, or contact Cindy Arnold at 498-2176.

Working Women's Fellowship

Tuesdays • 7:00 PM • Price Hall Parlor
The Working Women's Fellowship is currently reading and discussing the book, Having a Mary Spirit by Joanna Weaver.

Sign up Sundays in McClure Hall at the Women's Ministry table. Books are available for purchase ($11).

Summer Sisterhood

Wednesdays • 9:30 AM • Price Hall Parlor
Women of all ages are invited to participate in our summer study program called Summer Sisterhood. Beginning June 4 and continuing through July 30, we will gather on Wednesday mornings, 9:30-11:00 AM, to discuss the book A Modern Girl's Guide to Bible Study: A Refreshingly Unique Look at God's Word by Jen Hatmaker. Get ready for "a whole new view of the Bible."

Sign up on Sunday mornings at the Women's Ministry table in McClure Hall. Books are available for purchase ($9). Child care is available with reservations.

KATRINA MISSION TRIP

September 26 – October 4, 2008
Our church is plannings its 12th mission trip to the Mississippi coast devastated by Hurricane Katrina. FPC member Paul Spinka, veteran of many of our previous mission trips, will be leading the team as volunteer coordinator. Work will focus on the continued needs of local hurricane victims, such as painting, putting up sheetrock, installing flooring, etc. Experience in these areas is not needed; volunteers will receive on-the-job training. The work also does not necessarily involve heavy lifting or strenuous activity. There will be something for everyone to do!

If you are interested in joining this Katrina Relief Mission Team, please contact at 239-992-3233.

PARISH NURSE ONGOING PROGRAMS

GriefShare

Tuesdays • 1:30–3:00 PM • Price Parlor
GriefShare meets weekly.

Caregiver Support Group

Second Tuesday of the month • 1:30–2:30 PM • Price Chapel
Next meeting: August 12

Diabetic Focus Group

Second Monday of the month • 1:30–3:30 PM • Price Chapel
Next meeting: August 11

If you have questions about any of these programs, please contact Parish Nurse at 992-3233 X296.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT FIRST CHURCH

First Thrift Shop
Volunteers are needed for all positions, including inside shop workers, cashiers, sorters, pricers and donor greeters. If you are looking for an opportunity to serve our church and would like to be part of this active ministry and fellowship, please call Manager Mimi Holly at 992-0285.

GREAT BANQUET

Save the Dates!
The dates have been set for the 2009 Great Banquet. The Men's Weekend is scheduled for February 19–22, 2009 and the Women's Weekend will be February 26–March 1, 2009. Mark your calendars and make plans now to participate in this amazing 72-hour Christian retreat experience.

JOURNEY "IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL"
October 1–15, 2008 • Turkey, Greece & Italy

Unfortunately, this trip has been CANCELLED.

IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS

Please remember the following in your prayers this week.

In Need of Special Prayers
Beatrice Ambery Dick Knotts William "Babe" Miller Dick Plowman	Elke Poorbaugh Margaret Sanders Nancy Webster

THOSE SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES

Special prayers are requested for loved ones currently serving in our country's armed forces:

• Major Steve Adams, grandson of Jim & Jane Elder, US Army serving in Iraq
• Alexis Alvarado, US Navy in Cherry Point (NC), preparing to go to Iraq
• Steven Bourdon, US Army serving in Iraq
• Theodore Cartwright, DIA serving in Iraq
• M/Sgt Amy Nesbitt Copeland and M/Sgt Steven Copeland, daughter & son-in-law of Jim & Elsie Nesbitt, Robins AFB (Georgia)
• SSgt Andy Dalton, US Army serving in Iraq
• LTC Brian Eifler, son of Ray & Henriette Eifler, US Army serving in Iraq
• Stephen Fox, son of Glen & Carol Fox, US Army serving at Fort Polk, LA
• Army Sgt. Michael Heath, son-in-law of Glenn & Kathy Moffett, US Army serving his third tour in Iraq
• Travis Hilgers, serving in Iraq
• Jarrett Hon, US Army serving in Iraq
• Col. Michael Kim, son-in-law of George & Kathy Gilliland, USAF serving in Qatar
• SGT Dave Landymore, grand-nephew of Ginny Bernstorf, USMC serving in Iraq
• Marine Sgt. Lee Moffett, son of Glenn & Kathy Moffett, USMC in San Diego, CA
• Timothy Petty, US Army
• LTC Mark Potter, son-in-law of Bob & Joyce Hewitt, US Army/Coalition forces in Afghanistan
• Ensign Evan Scott, US Navy in Pensacola, FL
• PVT Sean Scott, US Army serving in Africa
• YN2 Thayne Stahlacker, US Navy recruiting
• Aaron Wasliewski, serving in Iraq
• Brian Wilson, son of Chuck & Debbie Wilson, US Navy (pilot) in Norfolk, VA
• Lt. Kyle York, US Army in Fort Bragg, NC

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY

We express our Christian sympathy to:

• Carl Bals and family, on the death of his wife, Mary, on July 14
• Chris & Terri Youngblood and family, on the death of his father, Robert I. Youngblood, on July 13 in Lakeland, FL
• Chuck & Debbie Wilson and Nancy Keefer, on the death of Debbie's and Nancy's mother, Shirley Pruden, on June 28 in Painted Post, NY
• Dick Knotts and family, on the death of his wife, Eleanor, on June 25 in Kalamazoo, MI
• The family of Francis Matthews, Sr., who died June 24
• Sarah & Ken Blyth, on the death of Sarah's sister, Margo Gordon, on June 20 in Calgary, Alberta
• Ron & Kay Brown, on the death of Kay's father on June 5
• John & Kay Springston, on the death of John's father (age 93) on June 2 in Tully, NY