Ministry News

Check here for ongoing and future programs, organized according to Ministry area (Congregational Care, Fellowship, Family, Music & Arts, Spiritual Growth, Missions & Outreach).

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.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

Diabetic Focus Group
Second Monday of the month • 1:30–3:30 PM in Price Hall Parlor
Topics include recipes, stress relief exercises and complication prevention tips.

GriefShare
Tuesdays • 1:30–3:00 PM in Price Hall Parlor
GriefShare (grief support ministry) meets weekly on Tuesdays. Each meeting is a self-contained session that begins with a brief video and is followed by an informal discussion. You can attend any or all sessions.
Facilitators: Pastor Steven Grant, Parish Nurse Stephanie Stec, and Marietta Bala, MSW/Therapist.

Caregiver Support Group
Now on the second Tuesday of the month • 1:30–2:30 PM in Price Chapel
Next meeting: August 12

Monthly Service of Healing & Wholeness
Sunday, August 3, 2008 • 4:00 PM in Price Chapel
This unique service offers an opportunity for emotional and spiritual wellness, quiet reflection, and the healing effects of Holy Communion and anointing with oil.

Special Time for Healing Prayers
Sunday, August 17, 2008 • 11:00 AM in Price Chapel
Prayer teams comprised of members of the Order of St. Luke will be ready to pray for those who ask for healing — in mind, body or spirit. If you know of someone who is asking for healing, we encourage you to come with them to the Chapel and pray with us.

FAMILY MINISTRIES

Feel free to contact (239-992-3233 X222) or (239-992-3233 X248) for the latest Family Ministries news.

FELLOWSHIP

Christmas Pageant Bus Trip
The Fellowship Committee is organizing a bus trip to the Christmas Pageant in Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday, December 6, 2008, leaving our church parking lot at 10:15 AM and returning around 9:00 PM. Cost is $82, which includes one ticket to the pageant, bus fare, and dinner at Tropical Acres Restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale, with a choice of prime rib, salmon or chicken. You may sign up at the Fellowship table in McClure Hall on Sunday, or contact Sandy Randall (498-8182).

MISSIONS & OUTREACH

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.

Myanmar Disaster Relief
If you would like to send financial aid to the area devastated by Cylone Nargis, our Mission Ministry suggests going through World Vision International—a Christian relief and advocacy organization that has been in Burma since 1962. Before the cyclone, 580 World Vision staff members were already in Myanmar handing out water, gasoline for water pumps, and blankets. They estimate over 2 million of the already-poor have been hit hard. The cyclone has impacted World Vision's own work there, with about 9,650 of their registered children living in the devastated delta area. To find out more, visit the World Vision website.

Compassion International
Compassion International is a ministry whose mission is to release children froom their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty. For $32 a month, sponsors support the child in the Compassion Program, pray for their child and write letters of support. A sponsored child has the opportunity to hear about Jesus, receive educational opportunities, health care, hygiene training and supplemental food. This all happens through a Compassion Project which is headed by full-time Compassion employees, working with a local church which provides personal attention, guidance and love. There are 55,000 children still waiting for sponsors. They are the most vulnerable, in the poorest countries of the world. They are the future parents and village leaders.

Sponsor a child today! For more information, contact Roy Tipton (498-1243).

Journey "In the Footsteps of Paul"
This trip has been cancelled.

MUSIC & ARTS

Sacred Arts Ensembles Welcome You
There are so many great opportunities for you to become part of our Sacred Arts ministry and use your talents to the glory of God. We have a number of choirs open to individuals of all skill and experience levels. Take a look at our list of opportunities below. If you have questions or would like more information, contact Jeff Faux at 992-3233 X 288 or .

Chancel Choir
The Chancel Choir leads our congregation each Sunday during worship. They also provide anthems and other special music to enhance our worship of God. The Chancel Choir prepares a variety of styles of music, from classical to Gospel. Rehearsals are on Wednesday nights, starting at 7:30 PM in the Choir Room.
Note: The Chancel Choir is on break during the month of August, and will resume Wednesday evening rehearsals on September 3.

Angelus Bell Choir
The bell choir rehearses weekly on Mondays, 5:00 PM in the Sanctuary. It is helpful if you can read music. Contact Jeff Faux if interested.
Note: The bell choir is currently on break and will resume its regularly scheduled rehearsals in October.

Tuesday Singers
This group performs a wide range of music, from familiar hymns to Broadway show tunes, as they bless those in our local assisted living facilities with music & fellowship. Tuesday Singers rehearse — you guessed it — Tuesdays, 1:30 PM, in the Choir Room.
Note: The Tuesday Singers are currently on break and will resume their regularly scheduled rehearsals in October.

Men's Choir
The Men's Choir has a great time learning a variety of music for worship services. Rehearsals are held weekly on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM in Price Chapel.
Note: The Men's Choir is currently on break and will resume its regularly scheduled rehearsals in October.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Adult Sunday Morning Class: One Holy Passion
9:00–9:50 AM in Price Chapel, through July 27
This six-session video series studies God's biblically revealed attributes and characteristics, and is based on the book by R.C. Sproul, One Holy Passion: The Consuming Thirst to Know God. Classes will be led by Pastors Doug Pratt, Paul Fahnestock and Steven Grant.

Summer Reading Challenge Discussion Questions
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.

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

ONGOING STUDIES

Working Women's Fellowship (WWF)
Tuesdays, 7:00–8:30 PM in Price Hall Parlor
WWF begins a new study June 3: Having a Mary Spirit, by Joanna Weaver.
Facilitator: Jeanne Pratt

Manna for Monday
Mondays, 1:30–3:30 PM, Price Hall Parlor
ON BREAK

Grace for Moms
Tuesdays, 9:15–10:45 AM in Price Hall Study
ON BREAK

The Rebekah Study Group
The second Tuesday of the month
This group meets in the homes of members.
Contact: Doris Gillenwaters

The Word on Wednesday
Wednesdays, 10:00–11:45 AM, Price Hall Parlor
ON BREAK