News

On The Way With Dr. David D. Swanson - January 2009

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

January is always a season of new beginnings and fresh starts. The calendar rolls over to another year, and while we wonder what happened to the last year, we start formulating how we want our lives to be different. As you think about those things, remember that the primary difference in you has already been accomplished through Jesus Christ. The old is gone. The new has come. And the "new"-the grace and love of God-is there every day-every moment.

As our church prepares for 2009, I wanted to draw your attention to several things:
1. This month, we begin our church-wide sermon series and Bible study on The Economy of God. With all the economic angst being felt right now, I hope you will take part in this study to bring God's truth to bear on what is happening.

2. We will ordain and install our newly elected elders and deacons on January 11. Please be in prayer for these new leaders as they assume their duties.

3. Our annual Leadership Retreat will take place the last weekend of the month with Don Cousins, co-founder of Willow Creek Church in Chicago, as our speaker and facilitator. We will be studying the nature of spiritual leadership in the church. Leaders from Heart of Mercy Church will also be joining us.

4. A special committee has been appointed by the Session to study the overall space usage of the entire facility. With so many ministries needing space and desiring growth, this will be an important process and your prayers are appreciated as they do their work. A report and recommendations will be made to the Session in March.

5. Great progress is being made on our desire to develop a downtown Drop In Center for the homeless that would incorporate and expand our Compassion Corner ministry. Twelve other local churches have formed a partnership to raise money and develop space for a Christ-centered ministry to the homeless that would provide a place to go during the day as well as access to all the social service agencies needed. I have met with Mayor Buddy Dyer as well as the Regional Commission on Homelessness, presenting this plan and gaining their full support. Please be in prayer for Case Thorp and our Mission Department as they lead our community towards this goal.

6. Our HIV/AIDS Ministry Team continues to develop new initiatives that will begin the latter part of this month, including becoming a downtown location for HIV testing. In conjunction with the County Health Department and Help and Hope, FPCO will provide space and volunteers to work with their staff as they conduct HIV testing on Wednesday evenings. In addition, we begin our HIV/AIDS Support Group this month. For more information, please contact my office for meeting times and location.

7. The Session will be evaluating our financial position following an analysis of our December giving to determine any necessary adjustments. A 10% reduction in program monies has already been enacted. As you know, this is a very challenging financial season for all of us, and making such decisions is always painful. Please pray for God's collective wisdom and provision.

8. I have asked Case Thorp and our Evangelism Committee to come up with a new strategy for outreach, extending the ministry of our church to those who have never heard the gospel. It is my sincere prayer that all of us would be praying for someone that does not know the Lord, and actively engaging others in inviting them to share in our worship and ministries. Let's work together in developing a "culture of invitation" at First Presbyterian.

So, as you can see, much is happening as we begin the year. May all of us seek to live faithfully and obediently as His disciples this year, and always. With joy and thanksgiving for each of you, I remain

In His Grip,
David

Young at Heart Meeting, Jan. 24

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Young at Heart January meeting will be held at the Bob Carr Auditorium on January 24, 2009! Bus transportation will be provided at 12:30pm for a backstage tour at 1pm and a private concert conversation. The show is with the Orlando Philharmonic and you will hear the music of Rosemary Clooney, Bobby Darin and Henry Mancini. The cost is $29 per person (group rate) for very good seats; center stage on the auditorium floor! Get your reservations in early!! Seats will go quickly! Call Bonnie Rhea for reservations at 407.855.8122.

Marriage Matters Retreat Reflections

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

By Terrence Hart, Member

"Hurry up, we're gonna be late" I said. "I still have to pack" said Melissa. "What do you mean you still have to pack? You said you were gonna be packed when I got home" I said. "I was busy. I had to run errands, do four loads of laundry, feed Brennen, take him to my parents and arrange for the dogs to be kept. That's what I mean I still have to pack," snapped Melissa. "Well come on! I just don't want to be the ones who get a room with double beds" I said jokingly.

Forty-five minutes later we were well outside the Central Florida we knew. Cow pastures and old farms rolled by the car as if to plead a slower existence. We had completely calmed down and were excited over the plans for the next two days. Within the following few hours we reached a swift realization of how profound this weekend would be for both of us.and no, we did not get stuck with double beds. Melissa and I have what I would call a strong marriage. In the four short years we have been married, we have grown consistently closer. We have recently been blessed with our first child, Brennen. Christ had found His way to the center of both our lives at an early age, but we still endured shortcomings in our Christ centered marriage. We both loved the idea of doing the marriage retreat with First Pres but were unsure of the expectations. We had joked about being locked in a room full of spouses who were at each other's throats, but either way we saw value in completing an appraisal of our marriage, a gut check if you will.

From Friday night to Sunday morning the lessons taught and the challenges put upon Melissa and me, broke down barriers of communication we thought we didn't have. In those two days we allowed ourselves to surrender to what God was revealing to us. We began to understand the depth of the expectation God placed upon the marriage, the transformation we accomplished when the vows were exchanged, and the promises made to both God and our spouse in that agreement. It was the single best gift we have done for our marriage. In that short weekend, in a place near where Ponce DeLeon thought he had discovered the fountain of youth, Melissa and I found something even more precious, more everlasting; something that could perpetuate our marriage forever. We found the tools and the ability to build a marriage with the foundation built on a Christian faith together for one purpose.

Here is what other couples have commented:
"Corbin and I were truly blessed by the entire weekend. We commented on our way home how everything was perfect! We couldn't think of a single change. Each session was the right amount of time, the content from David and Leigh, the music, the comedy, the assignments after each session were especially helpful to immediately talk, and put into practice some of the tools we were given. Corbin and I are already working towards more time together and using some of the skills of communicating more effectively. I feel that something special happened this past weekend with the 87 couples and would hate to see us not stay connected in some way." - Lee Ann Johnson

"My husband, John, and I both very much enjoyed the Marriage Retreat last weekend at Mission Inn. It was a wealth of knowledge and education, and set a good foundation for us in our marriage (we've been married for 3 years)." - Christine McCully

"That was the best weekend David and I have spent together since we got married over 11 years ago. I don't know how you put such a program together and especially for the price, but it was fantastic. I don't know how you could improve it unless you made it longer. In all honesty, it was perfect." - Jan Packwood

"This was perfect. We enjoyed meeting lots of FPCO couples whom we didn't know and enjoyed the alone time that was built in to the experience. All in all it was an amazing experience that came at the perfect time for us. The schedule was perfect! The mix of free time, fun time, and serious time was just right. Each was important and the mix was right. The homework was powerful. I loved remembering the sweet times of our courtship, talking about our challenges, and practicing listening skills. The letter was a gift we gave to each other that I will treasure. The venue was great. I loved the room, meeting space, grounds, and locations. The distance was far enough to be away and yet not too far. David and Leigh's leadership was powerful in its vulnerability. They lead from their weakness and it is very winsome and safe. By letting us in on their imperfect marriage and using themselves as an example of the bad stuff, they created a safe place for the rest of us to be honest." - Scott Lee

"The marriage retreat was close to perfect. Debra and I were so blessed and excited with the weekend, it has made a significant difference in how we approach each day and our relationship." - Tim Lemons

"The marriage retreat was a wonderful experience. Our marriage/life was touched in ways I cannot explain. The power of the Lord was felt.what a blessing. I honestly don't think I would change a thing." - Michelle Davis

"My husband, Bill and I were indeed very blessed by attending the Marriage Matters retreat this past weekend! I can truly say that the program exceeded both of our expectations." - Katie Herlong

"I think the marriage retreat was fantastic! The biggest thing that I learned was the importance of praying together with my spouse. That was the one big thing Michael and I walked away with. Leigh and David's skits were so great and helped reiterate their points." - Marnie Waldrop

"I keep telling everyone how wonderful the weekend was. The message, the skits, the accommodations, the food, the bonding between me and my spouse.all of it was perfect." - AJ Broughton

The Economy of God Orientation & Dessert, Jan. 11

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

All individuals and small groups participating in the winter study, The Economy of God, are invited to a study orientation and dessert on Sunday, January 11, 2009, at 6:30pm in the Lee Fellowship Hall. A preview of the study and materials will be highlighted. If you have not yet registered to participate in the Winter church-wide Bible study, The Economy of God or to attend the orientation and dessert, please register at www.fpco.org/register. For more information, contact Lori Needham at 407.423.3441 x1463.

Finding God's Presence In our Tragedy

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

By Susie Appleby Kemper, Member

This experience is being shared now because God made an intervention in my life. I have learned through it that God is in control. He often touches our hearts with His perfect timing through sermons relevant to our lives. It is amazing how often the sermons at FPCO have tied into this story in my life just when I needed them! To God be the glory.

On January 15, 1978, when I lived in a sorority house at Florida State University, Ted Bundy entered our sorority house during the night, murdered two girls and brutally attacked two others. A notorious serial killer during the 1970s, Bundy murdered at least 28 women around our country. We believe his intentions were to go through our entire house that night, but God intervened as our protector and scared him off. God does not cause tragedies, but He gave man free will to make his own choices, good or evil. I believe God was there at work in the midst of this tragedy!

Throughout that night, three major events happened. First, Bundy came into our house. He had definitely chosen evil, but that's when God intervened! That night, for the first time ever, my roommate's mother got an unusual urge to pray for me and did so, which I believe brought on the second event. I awakened in the night, which in college was very unusual for me, and got up to go to the bathroom. When I flushed the toilet, Bundy was close by and heard that someone was up. As I headed back to bed, the third event happened. Another girl came home and slammed the back door behind her. At that point, Bundy knew two of us were awake and decided to run. As he headed out the door, she got a glimpse of him running out and knew something was terribly wrong.

It was an extremely frightening time for all of us as the details unfolded. As the police and emergency vehicles arrived, my sorority sisters and I were sent to a room in the house to wait. There, as we looked out the window and saw emergency vehicles with their blue and red lights flashing, we prayed together and read our Bibles, searching for comfort, understanding, protection, and just aching to feel God's presence. Later, we were told by the police not to talk about the tragedy because if they caught him, our testimonies would be invalidated at a trial, if what we said had been influenced by others. So we didn't talk about it much, but each of us felt very fearful. We left campus for about a week, but then returned to our sorority house and our college life. They hired a security guard for us who had a big dog and a guitar with which he would play and sing to us� at night. Our lives were still full of fear. We didn't see yet that God had been with us.

Later, when I found out that my roommate's mother had prayed for me that night, it made me feel strongly that God had a real purpose for my life. Even so, I continued to be fearful and felt anger and hatred toward Bundy for years. About 10 years later, one of the ministers at this church, Ted Pierce, preached a sermon on forgiveness and I realized I had never forgiven Bundy. I met with Pierce between services that day and we prayed together. After forgiving Bundy, I felt a peace come over me that I hadn't known before. I no longer felt afraid and could mention Bundy's name without feeling hatred. Many years went by where I didn't think about that part of my life very often.

In a recent Bible study, I was asked to memorize Psalm 121, which mentions several times that God is our protector. The events of that night in 1978 came flooding back to me. That Scripture in Psalm stood out in my mind as being extremely comforting during those hard times.

In our Bible study, Lori Needham said that we never know what goes on up in heaven to change our circumstances here on Earth. This really had an impact on my thoughts. I started making a list of all the ways I realized God had been there protecting us that night. It was amazing!

I felt that the timing of this Bible study was also "of God" because, during this time, I received an invitation to the 100-year reunion of my sorority at Florida State University. Many of us had gotten together over the years, and had an even stronger bond because of the tragedy we went through together. But, because it was so painful for us, we were always hesitant to bring the subject back up. We had never really talked about it.

I decided to e-mail my sorority sister Jackie, whose husband was now a minister, to ask her if she had talked to people about how God had used tragedies like ours for good and told her what I had been feeling. It was as if God was bringing this up again in my mind. I explained to her how I had realized God really was in control, about the prayers for me that I felt had awakened me and helped to scare him off, and how I had forgiven Bundy and felt so much better. It had been 30 years since then. A movie had been made about that tragedy, a book was written about it, but never had anyone talked about how God was really there protecting so many of us. There may be many little incidents that never got put together that could change the way some might look at that tragic night.

The very next day I got a response from her saying: "Susan, I am in awe and stunned over your letter. You are God's Holy Spirit to my heart right now. I have sung Psalm 121. I have written a book that sits in my file drawer on exactly what you have stated and had been afraid to put the book out here." She too had been feeling like God was resurrecting this and couldn't wait to get together to talk more about God's presence that night. We were anxious to talk to our sisters at the reunion.

The Sunday before the actual reunion, David Swanson's sermon was about God being at work in the midst of our tragedies and wanting us to testify to His goodness. We have a choice in life to be resentful about circumstances or to "Dance in God's joy."

On April 4, 2008, 10 of us arrived a day early to the reunion in Tallahassee to enjoy breakfast at Jackie's house. We finally got to sit down and talk about our perspectives of what happened 30 years before on that tragic night. It had been like a puzzle in my mind over the years, with bits and pieces of what had really happened. I was amazed as many of the gaps in my memories were filled in as we shared. But, after planning to go back and find out more about how God had been present there, I ended up with laryngitis that weekend. I was so disappointed that I couldn't add more to the discussion. Why would God let me get laryngitis then? At least I could whisper kind of loudly to talk some, but fortunately Jackie knew the thoughts I wanted to share from our e-mails back and forth.

That night, a larger group of our sisters had a party to celebrate our sorority's 100-year reunion. A big circle of us from 1978 were standing around talking and the subject of Bundy came up. As they were talking, I couldn't whisper over the party group, but I realized Nita was standing there. She was the girl who had actually come home late that night, slammed the door and seen Bundy run down the stairs and out the door. Her whole life changed that night, because the police made her leave Tallahassee for her safety. Then the trial finally came and went on for a long time. She had to testify against him as our key witness. After the trial she had transferred to another college. We had never even gotten to see her again because she lived across the country.

I was concerned about her as the group was talking about this subject, not knowing how she had handled the situation over the years, so I pulled her aside and asked her in my whisper voice if she was all right. Then I told her how I was trying to find out more about how God was present during the tragedy. That's when she told me something that gave me chills all over and has increased my faith amazingly. She said, "I don't usually tell people this because they think I am crazy, but that night when I came into the house, as I started to walk into the foyer, I felt a hand on my shoulder that held me back. There was no human there. It made me hesitate in the foyer just long enough to keep me from meeting Bundy face to face on the stairs carrying a club. I got a good look at his face as he ran out the door." She was an art major and was able to sit down with the police sketch artist later that same night and draw his picture. Her artistic eye was what helped tremendously later when she had to pick him out in the line-up and in the trial. I insisted that she come back to our hotel room afterward and tell Jackie and the others in our room about that experience. I knew that hand on her shoulder was an angel of God! If I hadn't gotten laryngitis, I wonder if I would have had the chance to bring that up with her one on one, and if she would have ever gotten up the courage to tell the whole group. I know God is sovereign.even in the midst of tragedies. He is in control.

The next Sunday, back in church, David Swanson preached about how so often things are going on right in front of us, but we let circumstances cloud our vision and don't notice. He said that when the disciples really looked and listened, they were able to witness to thousands that Jesus is alive! There is so much darkness inhabiting our culture today, but we are God's witnesses to the world! Now that I had looked back and listened, I felt a strong need to share this story with others. Although we don't always understand why things happen, in God's perfect timing we may understand better as we see Him use it somehow for good in His master plan.

IMOG - Walking In The Image Of God

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

By Donna Grzesik, Member

"Please know how much our son loved IMOG! He especially enjoyed learning more about the history and foundation of our Presbyterian Church, and he loved Rebecca's Sunday time with them! It was a sweet experience to rewrite the Lord's Prayer with him and talk about what Jesus was showing us about talking to God. Michael enjoyed talking in depth about what it meant to give Jesus his life and just what "faith" is all about...he said, "Mom I already have asked Jesus into my heart so I know He's there!" As parents, there could be no greater joy or assurance than to know your child understands and chooses to follow Jesus with His life, even at the tender age of eight! How precious our children are...and even more sweet is the experience of watching their little lives grow in the knowledge of Jesus. So, thank you for providing such an amazing opportunity for our children and their families... what blessings God truly poured out through this ministry!" - Beth Pattillo, Mother of Michael, IMOG Student

When Carol asked me this summer to teach IMOG I was a bit nervous. IMOG is a class on faith basics that teaches children to more closely walk in the image of God. Although I was a teacher in a former life (before children) I felt uneasy about teaching this particular class. I don't consider myself a Bible scholar and I wasn't sure that I could pass along all of the information that the children needed in a consistent and cohesive manner. Needless to say I did not get much sleep the night before IMOG began and then I arrived at church about an hour early to prepare on that first Sunday morning.

As the children began entering the room, I said several silent prayers to God to please be with me as I taught the children and for Him to show me how to share the information with the children so that they were excited and interested in learning more about Him. Wow did those prayers get answered. I can now say that teaching IMOG was one of the most rewarding things that I have done in the seven years that I have been volunteering in Children's Ministry. The children who were in the class were so ready to receive the information that I had for them. They amazed me every week with their questions and their eagerness to learn more about their God. They memorized scripture, learned two books of the Bible and had written homework assignments they had to complete every week to reinforce what we were learning.

The seven weeks that we spent down in that basement classroom showed me the ways in which God works in the lives of young children. I believe I learned from them as much as they learned from me. We invited families to join us during our last class to watch our "Jeopardy" game where the children showcased all that they have learned. I think that I can honestly say that the parents and families were impressed with the children and the knowledge that they had. One family member, who happens to be a member of the Session, stated that it would be interesting to use the meditation time at the beginning of the Session meetings to see how many of the questions that group of church leaders could answer. I believe that is a testament to how early we must begin to shape our children into people who truly know their God and strive to be more like Him.

We in Children's Ministry can now proudly say that there are nine eager young children in our midst who are truly walking in the image of God. Spencer, Katie, Trip, Olivia, Alexis, Rebecca, Maddie, Michael and Zoanna; I am so proud of you. You are fine young ladies and gentlemen and it was my honor to walk with you on your journey during the seven weeks of our class. Congratulations on a job well done and I can't wait until next year when I will have the opportunity once again to share this class with another group of children.

New Ministry Brings Jesus' Command to Life

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

By Kristin Davis

Jesus to His people: "Love each other as I have loved you." (John 15:12)

Walking into church on Sunday morning, you recognize several people in the pews before you. Some look wearied, eager for an uplifting word, while others smile brightly as they trade stories from the past weekend. One of the faces you recognize belongs to an 18-year-old girl, who held your hand as you told your Bible study group last year that you were diagnosed with cancer. Another is a father, beaming proudly at his newborn daughter pressed close to his chest. You remember visiting them at the hospital when she was only three days old. All of them were once strangers, but have now become such a big part of your life that you can't imagine it without them.

What would it be like to belong to a church like this, whose congregation's love for each other extends far beyond the church walls, into their neighborhoods, homes and hearts? That's a question First Pres staff members Kent Sterchi and Reagan Perkins hope to answer with the launch of LIFE Communities, a new ministry that encourages people to live and walk the Christian life together. As director and assistant to LIFE, Kent and Reagan are working with First Presbyterian to develop the ministry that they define not as a program, but as a movement. They recently took some time to talk to us about LIFE Communities, and invite our congregation to join them on the journey.

First Pres: Who developed the idea of a LIFE Community and what is the vision behind it?
Kent: God developed the idea of LIFE Communities (which stands for Living in Christ, Inviting to Christ, Fellowship in Christ, and Engaged with Christ to extend his Kingdom. It is a theme throughout the Scriptures. It's rooted in who He is in the trinity. When He called a people, Israel, He built them in community to witness to the world that He is real and alive. In Acts, we read about the early church, where people cared for each other, loved one another in Christ, and shared His message in word and in deed. It's not a new idea; it's reclaiming what's been lost by our busy lives and packed schedules.

The development of LIFE Communities at First Pres started in November 2006 with a small task force. About nine of us went to Willow Creek, a community church in Chicago, Ill., to participate in an advanced small group training. The training made all of us realize that we didn't want to be a church that just has small groups, but one that is made up entirely of small groups. What would that look like?

We came back and met with Dr. Swanson and the staff to share the dream that we would be a church where everyone had a group of people that cared about them. We realized a pastor can't do it alone; we needed to develop a ministry to empower the congregation to love and to serve.

FP: What does a LIFE Community do and how is it different from a small group?
Kent: The church has identified three areas of ministry that we want to focus on: Prayer, worship and community. This new focus on community has led to the development of the LIFE Community initiative.

A LIFE Community is a group of people that love, encourage, pray, care for and bear one another's burdens, among other things. Small groups are formed around a curriculum that begins and ends, whereas a LIFE Community is continuous and ongoing. The idea is that, someday, everyone at First Pres will belong to a LIFE Community.

FP: Practically speaking, how many people are in each LIFE Community group, how often do they meet and what do they study?
Kent: Ideally, each group will have eight to 12 people in it and will be multi-generational. Groups will be organized by zip code so that every member will live near one another. We will study the Bible, but the structure of the gatherings will be flexible, so that members can talk about the issues going on in their own lives.

Every LIFE community will not be the same, as the needs of each group will be unique. But every LIFE Community will be built around the same seven values and goals. The first is spiritual formation, with the Scripture as our central focus. The second is evangelism, encouraging groups to have an empty chair and inviting others to join. The third is allowing your group to grow and multiply to create new groups. The fourth and fifth is to care for one another and participate in volunteering as a group by giving back to the church and fulfilling its needs. The sixth is to engage in Christ's mission by praying and caring for a missionary or a mission organization that is involved in advancing the Kingdom of God. Lastly, we want each LIFE Community to extend compassion to others in our community by caring for the "widow" and the "orphan."

FP: Why is it a crucial ministry for FPCO to have?
Kent: It's come out of a personal longing as much as anything else. The evangelical Christian world has become, over time, more focused on developing programs rather than developing the individual as a disciple of Christ. We've grown to be so knowledge-based that it has become more about gaining knowledge and moving on to the next study than caring for the people that are hurting and feeling unloved. James said, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" (James 1:22). The idea behind meeting in neighborhoods is allowing people to slow down and begin to live as missionaries to the city of Orlando.

FP: What role do you and Reagan play in developing the idea of a LIFE Community and launching the concept at First Pres?
Kent: We'll brainstorm ideas, develop a plan to make it happen and prayerfully grow, guard and guide LIFE Communities at First Pres. We can come up with ideas, but we need people to make it happen. The task force I mentioned earlier made the recommendation to hire a point person on staff, someone who wakes up every morning excited about this ministry. I was hired for the position in September 2008.

Reagan: Kent is focused on the vision and I'm focused on how we're going to get there. I feel passionate about showing people that community is possible and biblical. Community survives beyond the church's four walls. We sit in the middle of a city and sometimes tune out the things around us. It's about getting outside of the constructs we've made.

FP: Who are the leaders within a LIFE Community?
Reagan: Kent and I put together a LIFE team of people from all walks of life who share our passion for community. We met on Nov. 30, 2008, to begin the process of getting from where we are now to the launch of the ministry churchwide in January 2010.

Each LIFE Community will be lead by a shepherd. We use the word "shepherd" instead of leader because they're really nurturing people to discover their own gifts. In a LIFE Community, each person will be empowered to grow together, to serve each other and to expand God's Kingdom.

Kent: The shepherd will also have an apprentice. An apprentice is someone in the group that could shepherd another group as the ministry grows. It will be an ongoing training process. There will be a regular time for all shepherds and apprentices to get together to be trained and equipped in their role as spiritual leaders.

Reagan: Jesus was the ultimate shepherd. He knew his 12 disciples and how to bring out the best in them, but also how to send them out to fulfill that great commission as well. He taught them, and then released them out into the world.

FP: How are shepherds chosen and what qualities must they have?
Kent: Shepherds must have past group leadership experience and the gift of shepherding, teaching, mercy or encouragement. Initially, we have identified a group of approximately 180 people who have recently participated as leaders of the "Awaken" or "Purpose Driven Life" groups that First Pres offered in past years. We hope to challenge and train these leaders, as well as other similarly gifted members, to shepherd LIFE communities in the future. We believe shepherds of LIFE Communities need to have a vital, ongoing relationship with Christ. They must be self-fed, faithful, available, teachable and willing to embrace this lifelong journey.

FP: What are the plans for making the dream of LIFE Communities a reality for our church?
Kent: We've got a lot to do before we're ready to launch LIFE Communities churchwide. The vitality of a LIFE Community will rise and fall on the development, training and releasing of passionate shepherd leaders. Additionally, we believe that we need to be inspired about community life through the preaching of God's Word. In the fall of 2009, Dr. Swanson will preach a series about biblical community that will inspire and challenge us to embrace and live as God's family in LIFE communities. The year 2009 will be a time for the LIFE team to prepare and train leaders to inspire the congregation to carry out this dream. Our hope is that each member of our family will be given the opportunity to be shepherd led in a LIFE Community in the early months of 2010.

FP: Why should someone join a LIFE Community?
Kent: Every human heart longs to know others and be known, to love others and be loved. Living in community will help each individual to grow spiritually, to be developed as a disciple and be engaged in the abundant life and mission that Christ has invited us all to be a part of. Living together as the family of God in LIFE Communities will enable us to be faithful to Christ's command to love one another (John 15:12).

FP: What will people learn about themselves and the FPCO church by getting involved?
Kent: LIFE Communities will be a place to fall more in love with Jesus and one another. Many people have come to think that you have to be a part of the church staff to minister to others. By inviting people into community, all will discover the fact that God can use them.

Reagan: People's lives will be changed. They'll be involved in each other's lives 24/7, celebrating and struggling together. It's about slowing your life down and looking around at who is near you and living life with those people. The Christian life, to be fully experienced, must be lived in deep relationships, not through programs! For many, this is a much needed paradigm shift.

FP: What will this ministry teach people about God?
Kent: Hopefully, a lot of things. But one of the main discoveries we hope people encounter is that God has invited us into a partnership with Him to bring heaven to earth and He chooses to use ordinary people to accomplish His purpose and plan.

We hope it will spark a growing hunger and thirst for knowing and loving Him more through His word. God is revealed through His word.

FP: Where do you need help most and what kind of help do you need?
Kent: We need prayer. We need people willing to journey with us as shepherds.

Reagan: We need people passionate about being a part of LIFE Community and about living life with each other.

Kent: Knowing this is quite a paradigm shift for many, we need people to walk by faith in believing that God has called us to deeper levels of community and to be willing to trust Him in using us in greater ways in the neighborhoods of the city of Orlando.

Steps Towards a Center for the Homeless

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

1.� Compassion Corner Reopening
By Carol Hafer, Director of Mission

For many months a team of faithful leaders have searched for a new location for First Presbyterian's ministry to the homeless, Compassion Corner. The team came close with two other sites, but the negotiations fell through. Thanks be to God, however, an ideal space was made available! The Session approved in November the request of the Compassion Corner Transition Taskforce to reopen the ministry this January in a new, but temporary site, located at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church.

A substantially larger vision and ministry for the Compassion Corner is seen one day in the form of a Drop In Center for the Homeless (see information below). Yet, the mission leadership felt the need to meet the immediate needs of the homeless as best we can. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church has offered a small office space on North Magnolia Avenue where the Compassion Corner can continue its daily operations for the next ten months to a year while the Drop In Center comes in to being.

By having the Compassion Corner Ministry in operation, we will be able to continue to minister to our homeless neighbors during this very difficult time. Additionally, we will have a ministry model to show potential financial supporters, partner churches, and volunteers how the ministry works by honoring the imago Dei (image of God) in all God's children, especially the homeless. Finally, we will be able to capitalize on the excitement and interest generated from IDignity events by offering a place for individuals from many different churches to come and serve the homeless.

This new space met the criteria hoped for by the Transition Taskforce. A space was desired that was on church property, east of I-4, and within close proximity of the downtown churches. Close proximity allows for immediate referrals for the homeless requests all downtown churches receive on a daily basis. Most importantly, close proximity will allow church members to walk to the site in order to serve. Finally, a space was needed that can feel warm, welcoming and hospitable. While many homeless services can feel clinical or corporate, the new site at 425 North Magnolia Avenue is being prepared such that the homeless can feel welcomed and reconnect with their Christian family.

TWO WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE REOPENING!
Compassion Corner Open House Coming in late January!

On January 29 from 4-6pm, all are invited to the Compassion Corner Open House at the Trinity Lutheran Facility at 425 North Magnolia Avenue, for light refreshments and tea to see the facility and learn more about the ministry.

Bring Your Heart to Church During the Sundays in January, First Presbyterian Church will be collecting socks, hotelsized toiletries, and blankets to celebrate the reopening of the Compassion Corner Ministry. Please bring your items to worship on Sundays and deposit them in the white bins located in the EMC Lobby and Angel Wing area.

The Compassion Corner Transition Taskforce consists of the following: Rev. Case Thorp, Carol Hafer, Dawn Neff, Jack Walston, Buz Ausley, Tim Lemons, Chris King, and Sarah Holcomb. For more information, email Carol at chafer@fpco.org.

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2. Dancing for the Homeless Community
The Christian community in downtown Orlando is uniting to address the critical issue of homelessness by establishing a Downtown Drop-in Center designed to serve the homeless members of our community and their specific needs. While at the center, the homeless will have access to restrooms, a shower and a phone. Case workers from regional social service agencies will have space to provide the holistic help to the homeless that is so desperately needed. Most importantly, the center will be a place where a homeless individual can come to have not only their physical, but also their spiritual and emotional needs met through the ministry of church members from local congregations.

As a part of our fundraising efforts for this worthy case, an exciting event modeled after TV's "Dancing with the Stars" is scheduled for February 20, 2009. Pastors from five downtown churches will be lacing up their dancing shoes to compete in Orlando's Dancing with the Pastors. See our very own Dr. Swanson compete against four other worthy competitors including Pastor William Andrews. The goal of this event is to raise significant funds that will go towards the renovation of a property in downtown Orlando for the Homeless Drop-in Center. You will not want to miss this exciting event! Make plans now to gather your friends and family for a night of fun, fellowship, dancing to the music of Michael Andrew and Swingerhead, food, and, most importantly, fundraising to benefit the homeless in our community. For more information on tickets, table sponsorships, and donation and volunteer opportunities, go to www.dancingwiththepastors.com.

February 20, 2009
The Ballroom at Church Street
6:30 - 11:00pm
Tickets on sale now:� www.dancingwiththepastors.com

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3. The Wall Street Drop In Center for the Homeless
Affectionately Known as Compassion Corner on Steroids!
By Rev. Case Thorp, Associate Pastor of Mission & Evangelism

The homeless problem continues to grow in Orlando. To respond to the many complex issues around homelessness, last year the City of Orlando and other regional governments launched the Regional Commission on Homelessness to develop a coordinated region-wide response. Their 10 Years To End Homelessness report (http://www.orangecountyfl.net/cms/CommissionOnHomelessness/default.htm) suggests a variety of means to curb the growing issue of homelessness. One proposal in the report includes a series of Drop In Centers strategically placed around the region that can help provide a holistic and accessible avenue for the homeless to regain sustainability. First Presbyterian Church hopes to lead the Christian community towards such a vision, seeing it become a reality.

When the Compassion Corner was closed on FPCO's campus in 2008, many feared the worst in that our church had lost its heart for the homeless. God, however, had already begun to work as a vision began to coalesce in the hearts of some city leadership, namely Christian Service Center Executive Director and City Councilman Robert Stuart, and members of our church to see the Compassion Corner on steroids. This phrase has taken on new meaning as a property on Wall Street owned and sitting behind the St. George Orthodox Church has been identified to hold such a ministry.

What is a Drop In Center?
A Drop In Center is a space where people in need of assistance can come during business hours to find community, resources, and rest. The Drop In Center model is utilized all over the county for various demographic groups such as youth, homeless, AIDS/HIV carriers and their families, homeless veterans, mentally ill, and others. There are a variety of models that are funded privately or publically. Most often public funds through local, state, and federal programs operate a Drop In Center for various demographics (the mentally ill, youth, homeless). Our initiative will be a private venture developed and supported by the Christian community. While there may be ways to utilize grants and public monies for certain will be an expression of Christ's ministry guided and supported primarily by the downtown churches. For this project we must consider the capital costs of renovating the building owned by St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church as well as the on-going operational costs.

Mutually Shared Interests
St. George Orthodox Church has long held a vision to create a Multi-Cultural Ethnic Center in their building (137 Wall Street) located directly behind their Sanctuary building. Their congregation is an immigrant community for the most part, with many second generation Americans that first landed in New York or Chicago before settling here. As Arab Christians seeking to live faithfully in a post-911 American context, Father John Hamatie and his leadership see education and dialogue as tools for living together and making Orlando a stronger community. They need the assistance to renovate the building such that it is usable. They have long desired to create space where various people groups can come together for fellowship and dialogue. The envision children, youth, and other members of the community coming to learn about the many different people groups now living in Orlando through interactive displays, exhibits, and demonstrations such as a cultural food festival.

The Downtown Churches and greater Christian community has long used First Presbyterian Church's Compassion Corner as a mini-Drop In Center to meet the needs of the homeless in the name of Christ. However, for seven years the limited space, funds, and coalition of participation meant that only 50-75 homeless could be serviced in any one day. Our vision is to create a place where the homeless can come during business hours to be in a welcoming environment out of the elements, for access to social service agency resources, to meet with counselors, social workers and Christian lay ministers so that provision may be offered to get one's life back to holistic sustainability, to gather as a Christian community to seek, share, and serve to the glory of God.

137 Wall Street is a 16,000 square foot building (approximately) behind the St. George sanctuary building. It faces Wall Street looking at the loading bay of the Orlando Public Library. To the west sits the AT&T switch building that seems to contain few staff and much equipment. 137 Wall Street has been an apartment building and office building through the years. The church purchased the building about 10 years ago hoping to find the resources to expand its ministry. This did not happen before Hurricane Charlie ripped off the roof and flooded the facility. Insurance stripped the facility of sheet-rock, treated for mold, and added a new roof. It has remained empty every since. Numerous condo developers have approached Father Hamati with large checks, but he has remained firmed in his commitment to Christ's work and community development through his two buildings.

The property at 137 Wall Street is ideal for each vision because:

It is East of I-4
It is not in the Paramour Heritage District where amoratorium on social services currently is enforced
It is within closely proximity of the downtown churches seeking to provide immediate assistance in the name of Christ
It is off of Lake Eola where many homeless gather and has been a constant source of anxiety to area neighbors and city leadership
It is within walking distance of the downtownchurches enabling their lay leadership easy and safe access for service opportunities
It is located on church property which allows it more freedom to provide services as it pertains to zoning issues
It is within close proximity of St. George Church for their ministry operations
The building and land are paid for in full with substan-tial infrastructure already established

Over the last few months Dr. Swanson and I have met with leaders of over twelve churches that wish to be part of the vision. Dr. Swanson has met with the mayor, leaders of the downtown business development district, and presented to the Regional Commission on Homelessness. The Spirit is at work and the excitement is strong for the vision to be fulfilled. Your prayers and support are requested as we go forth with this vision in hopes that it blesses the homeless in a tremendous way while uniting the Christian community in God's mission to the world.

Taste of Compassion
Mark your calendars for April 21, 2009 to attend the sixth annual Taste of Compassion. It will be a night of superb dining with Orlando's top chefs preparing a scrumptious feast combined with street performers, a jazz band, and all of the entertainment of a downtown street party. In addition there will be both a live and silent auction featuring several large items including overnight stays at popular resorts, restaurant gift certificates, and more. This event raises funds for the annual operating budget for the Compassion Corner ministry.

The Heart to the City Foundation Luncheon, Jan. 12

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Heart of the City Foundation is proudly hosting a luncheon at the Citrus Club featuring guest speaker Dr. Paul Schervish on January 12 at 12pm. Dr. Schervish will be presenting "The Ministry of Biographical Conversations", and the discussion will be tailored specifically to financial advisors and estate planning attorneys. Dr. Paul Schervish is the professor of Sociology and Director of the Center on Wealth and Philanthropy at Boston College. For three consecutive years, he has been included in the Nonprofit Times' "Power and Influence Top 50", a list which acknowledges big influencers in the nonprofit world. He has published in the areas of philanthropy, the sociology of money, the sociology of wealth, labor markets, unemployment, biographical narrative, and the sociology of religion. To attend this event, contact Amy Bishop at 407.423.3441 x1484 or abishop@fpco.org.

Reaching Out to Gay Friends & Family Members

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

By Kristin J. Tremba , OneByOne

Do you have family members and friends who identify themselves as homosexual or who struggle with samesex attraction? As a Christian who loves your friend or family member, do you find it difficult to know how to respond? Perhaps you are gay-identified or you struggle with same-sex attraction? Do you find it difficult being a Christian and trusting your sexuality to God in this area? Do you wonder if you are living according to God's will for your life and if the Bible really says homosexual behavior is a sin?

Ten years ago, I asked these questions about my own struggle with same-sex attraction. At the time, I debated whether I was going to "come out" and live with a woman, and I was in turmoil over this decision because I was a Christian. I loved Jesus Christ, and I studied the Bible. I grew up in a Christian family, the daughter and granddaughter of Presbyterian ministers. However, even though I knew that the Scriptures forbade homosexuality in the Old and New Testaments without exception, I still thought that if God loved me he would let me have love even if it was unconventional. Perhaps God had evolved? If two people love each other, then what is the problem, I thought?

But I was not content to just wonder. I needed to know. So one day I got on my knees and I prayed this prayer: "Lord, you know I love you, but I don't know what to do about this area of my life and this relationship with this woman. More than anything, though, Lord, I want your will to be done in my life. No mat-ter what, let your will be done in my life." I stood up and went about my business, not making any decision to end or continue the relationship. A week later, I received a phone call from the woman who professed to love me and planned to move in with me, saying that she wasn't coming. I never saw her again. I knew God had answered my prayer and had ended this relationship, but instead of being grateful to him, I was angry. I rationalized that following Christ meant that I would be alone and unloved. I mistakenly believed that serving God meant living a joyless existence of deprivation and suffering. How wrong I was.

It was during this time of anger and confusion that God revealed an amazing truth to me about what it means to follow Jesus. One day I was driving my car, oblivious to the fact that the stop light had turned red. I ran the light and a truck ploughed into my car, totaling it. I was fine physically, but, emotionally, I was in critical condition. In God's mercy, He had me crash in front of an apartment where I had opened up and prayed with Christians about my same-sex attraction. The girls with whom I had prayed came out of the house and into the street. One girl put her arms around me and held me as a cried. I had remembered that the first time I felt sexual feelings for another woman was when I was comforting her as she cried in my arms. In light of this memory, I pulled my arm away from hers so as not to give her the wrong impression; after all, she knew about my "issue". However, as I pulled my arm away, she took my arm and pulled it back around her. In that gesture, God spoke to my heart and said to me, "My dear Kristin, I did not come to deprive you of love but to give it to you - in my way. Trust me to provide for you and follow me." Initially, my anger turned to fear, and then gradually my fear turned to trust, and then finally trust turned into joy because God came through. His word is true; God provided for me. Was it easy? No. Was it quick? No. Did God allow Satan to provide opportunities for me to turn back and lose hope? Yes. But God never gave up on me. He always protected, always trusted, always hoped and persevered. His love never failed.

The Psalmist's prayer is true of my life: "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare" (Psalm 40:105). Following Jesus meant that I trusted Him to provide for me at all costs - no matter how long it took and no matter how confusing and difficult my circumstances. During this time, God revealed Himself to me deeply and personally as I trusted Him. He became my Father and friend. He loved me as a good husband loves His wife, as a good father loves His daughter. He began to change my mindset and to heal my heart. He taught me why He set boundaries for us, not to keep us from joy but to give it to us. I came to realize that my same-sex attraction stemmed from a deep need to have emotional intimacy with the same sex, a healthy intimacy that had been short-circuited as a child and adolescent. I learned that only God, our perfect parent, can fully meet our emotional needs. When I went to others to meet all my emotional needs - to a woman in a sexual relationship or to a man in a sexual relationship outside of marriage, I was making people my idol - I worshiped them above God - and trusted them to give me what I thought God had deprived me from having. These� relationships always ended in disappointment because only God can fully provide; people fall short.

Today I'm married to a loving and devoted Christian man, and though I have only been married a very short time, I am learning that even in marriage, I still need to go to God first to meet my core needs for love, security, and identity before I go to my husband for these things. Only God is worthy of our worship because only God can fully meet the deepest needs of our hearts. C.S. Lewis was right when he said that we are like children, content to play with mud pies in a slum because we have never seen or experienced a day at the ocean. Had I believed the world, well-meaning but misguided Christians, and a Church that is increasingly advocating gay marriage and celebrating homosexuality, I would never have experienced the joy of living in obedience to God's commands and the blessings that have come from it.

So what do you tell your gay friends or family members? Tell them my story. Tell them about Jesus. Love them enough to tell them the truth about their sin, as Jesus did to the woman caught in adultery, not to condemn them but so that they may be freed to live the abundant life that God has intended for them to live. If we don't tell them, who will?

Kristin is a member of FPCO and the Executive Director for OneByOne, a national Presbyterian Renewal Ministry, housed at FPCO on the second floor of the Edington Ministry Center. To contact her, call the church at 407.423.3441 x1489 or email her at kjohnson@fpco.org.

Make a Friend, Be a Friend, Bring a Friend to Christ

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Rev. Case Thorp,
Mission and Evangelism Ministry

I returned from vacation to find some Jehovah's Witness' literature in my tall stack of unopened mail. At first glance I am a shocked by their claims concerning the last judgment, the beast of Revelation as seen in today's world leaders, and the ways technology is the work of the devil. Besides the bad theology, the delivery method is just so.cold. It is so easy to throw it away as I did. Yet, those JWs keep trying when they knock on my door just before dinner time. Perhaps you have had a visit by these very persistent people who seemingly care deeply about their faith, your damnation, and the way to escape the doom of it all? The door to door campaigning and random literature in my mail box must work, I surmise, because they keep doing it again and again. Surely the JWs would not keep employing methods that have no return? There must be some people out there who respond to strangers at the door and bad theological literature in the mailbox?

Now hear me, I, too, stand with the doctrines of our faith that contain elements of damnation and doom apart from Jesus Christ. It also contains amazing grace, deep relational love, and life calling that provides purpose and meaning. The difference, I think, is in the delivery. For far too long, Presbyterians have measured up to the stereotype that we are the 'frozen chosen'. Many of us chuckle at the 'frozen' part and take smug pleasure in our social graces that keep the S/spirit under control. The result? A denomination in decline and a Gospel being held captive by the culture, a concept developed more fully by Princeton Seminary academic dean Darrell Guder. If we allow our middle class sensibilities lead to a polite avoidance of all things to do with politics and religion, we captivate the Gospel because our social mores prevent us from being the contagious members of a Jesus movement.

The median age of Presbyterian Church USA churches is much higher than the general population. Presbyterian Research Services indicates the following:
Prior to 2005, the median age of members had not changed significantly in more than 15 years; it was 54 years in 1987 and 55 years in 2002. But it increased to 58 years in 2005. (It was 47 years in 1973.) Among elders, the median age has shown a similar progression, rising from 49 years in 1973 to 55 in both 1990 and 2002 before increasing to 58 years in 2005. Among ministers, median age has gradually risen, from 46 years in 1973 to 52 years at present for pastors, and from 50 years in 1979 to 55 years currently for specialized clergy.

From 1994 to 2004, our denomination lost 12% of membership matching the trend among all other mainline denominations in the United States such as the Disciples of Christ (-21%), Lutheran- ELCA (-4%), United Church of Christ (-15%), and the United Methodist (-5%). George Barna, statistician and author of Revolution (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House, 2005), reports the sad state of affairs among American Christians and their participation in church life. Barna's research shows, "The typical� churched believer will die without leading a single person to a lifesaving knowledge of and relationship with Jesus Christ." This is a tragedy and a sad comment on our purported method for doing and being the church.

See, Presbyterians are quite evangelical; we just do not display it for the entire world to see and replicate. Our method of evangelism is intrinsically linked to our ecclesiological conviction that discipleship without relationship is like a digital camera without a memory card; it may click, but there isn't much 'there' there. The method I've followed is to make a friend, be a friend, and bring a friend to Christ. This mantra is nothing new and perhaps adopted by many reading this article. Yet, if I am not careful, if we become lazy together further reinforcing our collective entropy, we may get to a point where we have enough friends, we are friends to those we already like, and we rarely end up bringing a friend to Christ.

When saw-dust is ignited, it flares up into a flame that no solid piece of matter could emulate. The surface area of a solid log is only so big and can only burn so quickly, but saw-dust has exponential surface area on which the flames can burn.

List five people for whom you will pray regularly that they may come to Christ:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

Who will you invite to worship this Sunday? Or maybe there is someone you know that would be best invited first to a small group, local mission opportunity, or church function. Who might they be and what is the best venue for them?

If asked today about why you are a Christian, what would you say?

Likewise, I do not for a moment think that specialized evangelism programs and Evangelism Committee budget monies can compare with our more than 4700 members being the front-line of evangelism by being the face of Jesus who cares for a friend, carries the burdens of others, and shares their testimony in a way that proves the freeing message of the Gospel. Thinking that it's the church's responsibility to do the evangelism is like burning that sole log. But when all our members are engaged as the frontline of evangelism, we have 4700+ areas of surface. Or, rather, we have that many faces, hands, testimonies and hearts impacting those around them."

Be intentional about making new friends if you have plenty, or rather be intentional about identifying the non-Christian friends you may already know. Pray for them on a daily basis and pray for an opportunity both to serve them unselfishly and for an opportunity to share your testimony about what Christ has done for you. These can be casual, normal means of interaction, but we must be willing to share, open up, call the question by honestly sharing our faith. Rarely do staged moments work, and entrapping someone so you can share the Gospel can only distance friends. However, living life with coworkers, neighbors, and newly made friends at the coffee shop can be transforming given that we are willing to push beyond our social graces and share the impact of Christ on our lives.

Musikgarten - Music Brings Children to Life

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

By Stephanie Mixner, Worship Arts Ministry

You and your family are invited to join the fun in our early childhood music program, MusikGarten. This program was founded in 1994, and has been successful in growing knowledge and love of music in families all over the world. We introduced this program last semester, and it has proven to be a great fit for us here at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. We have an awesome team of teachers prepared to inspire you and your child's silliness, and introduce to you their passion for music and children. We hope you will join us this semester for a fun season of singing, playing instruments, dancing, and listening! For more information, contact Stephanie Mixner at 407.423.3441 x1186 or smixner@fpco.org. Visit our website at www.fpco.org/childrensmusic

We are happy to announce our spring schedule of classes!
Online Registration: Jan 5 - Feb 9
Fee: $60 (includes music pack with CD, music book, and instrument or prop)
Classes: Feb 3 (week of) - April 21 (week of)
No classes (Spring Break) March 30 - April 3
Make-up classes: April 27

MusikGarten: Spring 2009 Schedule

Level A: (Birth-17 mos)*
Tuesday 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday 11:00 a.m.

Level B: (18-23 mos)*
Tuesday 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Level B2: (2-3 yrs)
Tuesday 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m.

Level c: (4-3 yrs)
Wednesday 4:30 p.m.

Family Class: (siblings/mixed ages)
Tuesday 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday 6:30 p.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m.

*Please note: These age ranges have been changed from last semester.

What About You? Who Do You Say I Am?

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Confirmation 2009

By Lou Anne King, Member

In Matthew 16:13-17, we find Jesus Christ quizzing his disciples, asking them what people were saying about Him. They answered based upon the current word on the street. Then Jesus responded; "But what about you?" He asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter responded to the Savior: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus blessed Peter for his statement of faith, "as this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven."

In the life of every Christian, the moment comes when we answer that question as well. We step out alone in the spotlight to look Christ in the face and give him the answer, not based upon what other people tell us, but what God has revealed to us. That is the defining goal of the Confirmation Program at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. Our next program begins in January.

WHAT IS CONFIRMATION?
To become a member of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando our Book of Order requires a public profession of faith in Jesus as Lord and Baptism as visible signs of entrance into the active membership of the church. At this church, we believe that church membership is to be taken seriously and therefore a child must be adequately prepared to take that step. Our Confirmation program is a twelve week journey designed to prepare a young person to publicly profess their faith in Jesus and become a member of this church. When a child successfully completes the Confirmation program he or she will be invited into church membership. The 12 lessons of the Confirmation curriculum are designed to educate our children in the areas of church doctrine, theology, history and tradition found in the Presbyterian or reformed tradition. All lessons are taught in accordance with Reformed theology and on the content as found in the Westminster Standards and The Study Catechism of the PC-USA which was approved by the 210th General Assembly. The lessons are visually enhanced with multi-media presentations and followed up with online communication. This program is not only designed to be educational, but fun for all participants.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD IS READY FOR CONFIRMATION?
You will find that Confirmation programs may vary from church to church, sometimes in length (some programs span an entire year!) and in ages of children allowed in the program. Because children come to believe in Jesus Christ at different ages, we believe that allowing them to go through Confirmation close to the time of that decision is more meaningful than following a prescribed age. Therefore Confirmation is available not only to Middle School children, but younger children in Elementary School who are deemed to be spiritually mature as well as older students who are ready at a later age. Again, the Book of Order affirms that the age at which our children come into church membership is ".not precisely fixed, but left to the prudence of the session to judge after careful examination, the readiness of those who apply for active membership." When family and church are obedient to God's plan, we trust that God in His faithfulness and timing will draw the child to Himself in Jesus Christ. As a parent, your observations about your child's spiritual maturity are the key to determining your child's readiness for this program. We would advise consulting a pastor, minister or close friend who may be able to help you make the determination. The program is offered every year, therefore if you have serious doubts about your child's readiness, we would advise you to wait for the next time the program is offered. This is a challenging curriculum and requires a serious� commitment to the program. The requirements for attendance and participation are intentionally designed to challenge your child so that the experience will be meaningful and hopefully a memorable hallmark in their lives.

ABOUT CONFIRMATION 2009
New this year to Confirmation is that we are offering one program to both the Student and Children's ministry. All Confirmands will attend a one-hour session which will consist of a classroom lesson followed by an age appropriate group breakout session for discussion. This year, our Confirmation instructors will be Lou Anne King and Amy Heck. Lou Anne holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and another in Graphic Design. She is currently working on a Master of Arts degree in Theological studies at Reformed Theological Seminary in Oviedo. Amy Heck has earned a Bachelors degree in Sociology and recently completed a Master of Arts degree in Christian Thought at Reformed Theological Seminary. Children will also be shepherded by members of the FPCO Congregation including Elders and Deacons. Active involvement and support will also come from Carol Welker, Director of Children's Ministry and Browning Wood, Director of Student Ministry, Susie Dunlap and Rachael Aldrich. Rhonda Simmons will serve as class coordinator.

The requirements for completion of the 2009 program including attendance requirements are detailed in the enrollment forms required for registration.

REGISTRATION
Registration for the 2009 Confirmation class is now open. You may pick up an information packet in both the Student Ministry and Children's ministry offices. The enrollment form is also available on-line. There will be a $25 materials fee to cover the cost of printing and teaching materials. If this presents a problem for you for any reason, please let us know. Also, a mandatory parent's meeting will take place January 18 at 6:30pm in the Warehouse Theatre. Questions? Please call Browning Wood or Carol Welker at 407.423.3441.

CONFIRMATION CALENDAR
Sundays 9:40-10:50 am�� Jan. 25-Mar. 22�� Lessons 1-9
Sundays�� Mar. 29 & Apr. 12� No Class:� Easter & Spring Break
Sundays 9:40-10:50 am�� Apr. 5-26�� Lessons 10-11
Tuesday 5:00 pm�� Apr. 28�� Session Dinner & Exam
Sunday 8:00 am�� May 3rd�� Confirmation Service in Sanctuary
��Preceded by Reception

Sunday School Chili Cook-Off, Jan. 18

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Plan to attend a Chili Cook Off on Sunday afternoon, January 18, from 2-4pm under the Angel Wing. This event is sponsored by the Adult Education Sunday Morning Classes. They will compete for the best chili prepared with the pastoral staff judging. Come sample the chili offerings and enjoy beverages, cornbread and brownies provided by Lackmann Culinary Services.

Children's Choir Year-End Review

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

By Stephanie Mixner, Worship Arts Ministry

In Fall 2008, Children's Music teamed up with Children's Ministry to create Sonday Times. This has proven to be a wonderful partnership and continues to be just that! Our program meets on Sunday evenings from 4:30-6:30pm. Miss Stephanie's group rehearses music for upcoming worship and events, and Miss Carol's group takes the children for recreation time and then for Bible study. Both groups work hard to make a fun but educational environment for the children involved in the program.

The children's first feat was to lead in both traditional worship services on October 26. During these services, all three choirs, including the Cherub Choir (3-4 yrs) sang "Jesus Loves Me/All Creatures of Our God and King" as the morning hymn arranged by our very own composer-in-residence, George Atwell. We were able to include sign language while singing "Jesus Loves Me" with the help of our Seraphim Singers assistant, Kelvin Hollerman. Celestial Choir (K-2nd grades) and Seraphim Singers (3rd-5th grades) sang of God's good news in the traditional spiritual, "Ain'-A That Good News." All the parents and congregants were beaming when the children sang. As they exited the sanctuary, one girl said, "That was fun!" It was surely an uplifting worship experience!

Their second feat was to lead in both traditional worship services on November 23. The children were yet again triumphant! The Cherub Choir sang the prelude, "He's Got the Whole World," and, of course, the whole congregation was ooh-ing and aww-ing during the entire song. Celestial Choir and Seraphim Singers joined forces and sang "I Will Give Thanks" and sounded great. They looked like they were having fun, and one boy even commented afterwards, "That was so easy!" What an amazing experience for children to have the opportunity to lead in worship, and enjoy it!!

The children also participated in the Rejoice Concert on December 12 and 13. This was their first major event, and they conquered with flying colors! Their costumes, smiles, and voices added to the Christmas spirit of the concert. The parents were a huge help in preparing them for such an exciting time. Also during Christmas, some of the children assisted worship for the Christmas Eve family service. The small ensembles, soloists, and actors did a great job!

We are looking forward to another fun-filled semester in the spring. If your child is interested in Sonday Times, we will restart on Sunday, January 18 from 4:30-6:30pm. Registration is during the first and second weeks on the first floor of Allen Yowell Hall. All children 3 years old to 5th grade are welcome!! There is more playing, singing, and learning ahead! We are working to educate your child about God, sing His praises, and lead our congregation in worship to His glory.

To register for the next SONday Times to be held from January 18-March 22 or for more information, contact Stephanie Mixner at x1186 or smixner@fpco.org or Carol Welker at x1490 or cwelker@fpco.org. You may also visit our website at www.fpco.org/sondaytimes.