1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

APRIL 2015
Message from the Pastor
First Press
www.fpcjacksontn.org
FIRST
PRESBYTERIA N
C HURCH
OF
JACKSON,
TN
Over the past several weeks,
our congregation has had a
lot to cope with. A lot.
We have lost several folks to
death, and have had others
with serious injuries and
illnesses. We are in the
process of losing our Director
of Music, our Organist, our
Cook, and our Children’s
Choir Director. We have had
the controversial same sex
marriage amendment to deal
with, and that has included
seeing your pastor on television and on the front page of
the Jackson Sun. It would be
easy to become distracted by
these things, and to become
discouraged…but you have
not.
In the midst of all of this, you
have managed to keep your
eyes firmly focused upon
Jesus, and I am so proud of
you for that! We begin each
worship service by singing
“Turn Your Eyes Upon
Jesus.” What a powerful
reminder that is of the fact
that, though the storm may
swirl around us in terrifying
ways, Jesus is the immovable
center, the Rock, the Foundation, the Firstborn of all
creation who will not leave us
or desert us.
In Philippians 4:8, Paul says:
“Summing it all up, friends,
I'd say you'll do best by
filling your minds and |
meditating on things true,
noble, reputable, authentic,
compelling, gracious—the
best, not the worst; the
beautiful, not the ugly; things
to praise, not things to curse."
Turn your eyes upon Him,
and hold your eyes upon
Him. God is doing amazing
things in our midst even
now. Let us celebrate the
Christ who lives among us
and welcomes us!
(Eugene Peterson translation)
How very true. And the truest
of the true, the noblest of the
noble, the most reputable and
authentic and compelling and
gracious of them all, is our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Scripture of the Month — Philippians 4:8
“Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and |meditating
on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the
worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse."
(Eugene Peterson translation)
Inside this issue:
Special points of interest:
Mission Trip to Peru
2
 Holy Week Services, Mar 30—April 3
Wednesdays at First
3
Holy Week Schedule
3
 Maundy Thursday Worship &
Communion—April 2
Presbyterian Women
4
*be still* Women’s Retreat at Pinecrest
4
 Good Friday, April 3
Church offices close at Noon
Membership Corner
5
 Bunny Breakfast and Egg Hunt—April 4
Youth Connection
6
You are Invited! McNeal/Fry Wedding
6
 Easter Sunday—April 5
One Great Hour of Sharing
7
 *be still* Women’s Retreat—April 10-11
Cornerstone Event—AARP Driving Course
Playschool News
11
Session Highlights
11
Rotation Sunday School
12
The Children’s Corner
13
Financial Update
15
Pentecost Gathering
15
 Newsletter Deadline for May issue—Apr 18
Woman of the Year 2014
15
 Children’s Sabbath—April 19
Adult/Youth Basketball Game
16
 Soup Kitchen April 6-10
 PW Spring Gathering—April 11
 AARP Drivers Course—April 30– May 1
 Session Meeting—April 12
FIRST
PRESBYTERIAN
1573 N. Highland Ave.
Jackson, TN 38301-3454
Phone: (731) 422-1591
Fax: (731) 427-2321
www.fpcjacksontn.org
STAFF
John H. White, Pastor
fpcjohn@eplus.net
Sharon Junn, Associate Pastor
Mission Trip to Peru ~ June 19-28
Why Peru?
Over a period of three months the FPC mission committee discerned where God was
leading us to participate in overseas mission work. Through prayers and discussion the
team arrived at these objectives:
1.
fostering leadership in local churches and our mission co-workers;
Dr. Ronald Boud, Organist
2.
promoting connectional church relationship;
ronboud@gmail.com
3.
supporting vision/work which will be sustained by the Peruvians.
fpcsharon@eplus.net
Margaret Harrison, Director of Music
fpcmargaret@eplus.net
Ceil Cowles, Dir. of Congregational Life
fpcceil@eplus.net
Libby Smith, Dir. of Children’s Ministries
fpclibby@eplus.net
Ginna Houston, Dir. of Children’s Choir
vcherry1@k12tn.net
Vicki Pope, Financial/Education Secretary
fpcvicki@eplus.net
Nelda Rhodes, Church Secretary
fpcnelda@eplus.net
Sharyn Thompson, Website and Internet
Coordinator
sharyn.thompson10@gmail.com
Ernie Wilson, Facility Maintenance
ewilson1@eplus.net
Tamara Haynes, Housekeeper
Jennifer Geraghty, Playschool Director
fpcjennifer@eplus.net
SESSION
Class of 2015
Dixie Berryman
Benita Brown
Jim Campbell
Jeff Chambers
Robert Reeves
Heath Thompson
These objectives became our guidance as we sorted
out different options and led us to Peru. Moreover,
Sara Armstrong and Rusty Edmondson, the mission
co-workers sent by PC(USA) to serve in Peru,
happened to be visiting Westminster Presbyterian
Church in Nashville. Several members of the
missionary team went to visit with them in the home of
Westminster members who have an ongoing mission
project in Peru, led by Sara and Rusty. The philosophy
and work of Sara and Rusty was the model that matched
our objectives. They would be the bridge to connect us
to a Peruvian church community we would work together
with to accomplish the goals the Peruvians have set.
Rev. Sara Armstrong &
Rusty Edmondson
Where in Peru?
While the FPC mission committee was praying for God’s guidance,
in the other continent there were other people who were seeking
God’s help. The Peruvian pastor Leopoldo asked Sara and Rusty
for a U.S. church to partner with to build a Bible school to train lay
pastors and church leaders for the rapidly growing church in the
remote jungle. In the letter from Sara and Rusty, Two Continents
Bonded, “...So in answer to your question, Pastor Leopoldo, there is
a PC(USA) church that will be a partner in this journey”.
Yes, prayers certainly brought two continents together! We are
Class of 2017
Lynn East
Barbara Fowler
Twyla Morgan
Steve Spurlin
Richard Swaim
Don Thomson
Class of 2016
Steve Bowers
Mark Harris
Randy Jones
John Ross
Chuck Thompson
Brenda Welling
OUR VISION
First Presbyterian Church is called to be a
faithful and inclusive congregation which
enthusiastically glorifies God in our
worship, education, nurture and service
through the love and grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
Pastor Leopoldo Aguilar
(continued page 14)
Lectionary Readings for April 2015
April 5 ~ Easter Sunday) Acts 10:34-43; Isaiah 25:6-9; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24;
I Corinthians 15:1-11; John 20:1-18; Mark 16:1-8
April 12 ~ Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 133; I John 1:1-2:2; John 20:19-31
April 19 ~ Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4; I John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48
April 26 ~ Acts 4:5-12; Psalm 23; I John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18
Page 2
FIRST PRESS
Wednesdays at First @ 5:15 PM
Our regular schedule is dinner at 5:15 PM followed at 6:00 PM with BLAST!, Launch Pad Kids,
Youth Group, and Small Group study. Join us for wonderful food, fellowship, fun and study.
See schedule and menus below for month of April.
April 2—
Maundy Thursday (Note date change!!)
MENU: Spaghetti and Meatballs, Green Beans, Garlic Bread, Italian Salad, and
Brownies and Ice Cream for dessert.
PROGRAM: Maundy Thursday Worship and Communion.
April 8—
MENU: Chicken Alfredo, with Penne Pasta, Caesar Salad, Normandy Vegetables, Antipasto Platter,
and Lemon Pound Cake for dessert.
PROGRAM: Small groups and age-related activities.
April 15—
MENU: Smoked Chicken, Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Garden Salad, Rolls,
and Pineapple Cake for dessert.
PROGRAM: Small groups and age-related activities.
April 22—
MENU: Baked Pork Chops, Wild Rice, Sauteed Squash and Onions, Salad, Rolls, and
Chess Pie for dessert.
PROGRAM: Small groups and age-related activities.
April 29—
MENU: Fried and Baked Chicken, Potato Casserole, Lima Beans, Baked Apples, Rolls, Salad,
and Pecan Pie for dessert.
PROGRAM: Small Groups (last meeting! - next Wednesday is Talent Show)
Children will be doing a talent show rehearsal.
All meals include Bread, Beverages (tea, lemonade, coffee or water), and “Kids’ Foods”. Children’s menu will vary weekly, but will
be kid-friendly foods. Juice boxes and milk provided. Peanut butter, jelly and bread is always available for our more selective eaters.
Reservations required in church office by Monday at 4 PM (422-1591). Cost: $6 for adults, including children over age 12, $4 for
children ages 3-12, with an $18 max per family.
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Changes on Wednesday Night
Saying Goodbye….and Saying Hello!
Patricia Fields is retiring after 10 years of cooking delicious
Wednesday dinners for us. Please join us in thanking her.
A "love offering" is being collected for those interested in
contributing. Please bring it to the church office or put in
the offering plate marked "Patricia-Love Offering." It will
be presented to her on Wednesday April 8th, her final night
to cook for us.
Gloria Dupree will be joining us beginning on March 18. Gloria is retired
from the food services department of
the city school system and has cooked
Wednesday dinners for Aldersgate
Methodist Church, First Baptist
Church and Highland
Park Baptist Church.
Please welcome her!
Sunday, March 29—Palm Sunday worship @ 9:30 AM,
Palm Processional at 9:15 AM
Monday, March 30—Holy Week Service at 6 PM,
Skyline Church of Christ; Speaker: Pastor Don Thrasher
Tuesday, March 31— Holy Week Service at Noon,
First Presbyterian Church; Speaker: Father Wes Gristy
Wednesday, April 1— Holy Week Service at Noon,
St. Mary’s Catholic Church; Speaker: Pastor John White
Thursday, April 2—Holy Week Service at Noon,
Light of Life Ministries; Speaker: Dr. Logan Hampton
Thursday, April 2— Maundy Thursday Dinner (5:15 PM)
Worship & Communion (6:00 PM)
Friday, April 3—Good Friday, office closes at noon
Friday, April 3—Holy Week Service at Noon,
First United Methodist Church;
Speaker: Pastor Jeff Brown
Saturday, April 4—Bunny Breakfast
& Egg Hunt @ 9:30 AM
Sunday, April 5—Easter Sunday
“Jesus Christ is Risen!
A P R I L 20 1 5
Page 3
Presbyterian Women
PW Calendar:
Service Opportunities:
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
Soup Kitchen—April 1—Baara;
May 1—Claudia
CT Meeting: Monday, April 6
@ 9 AM
Circle meetings: Monday, April 13
Morning Circles: 10 AM
Abigail Circle—will meet with
Marilynn Ames, 28 Belle Trace Cove,
664-8948
Baara Circle—will meet with Sharon
Hill, 28 Bruce St., 668-2015
Claudia Circle - will meet with
Eleanor Cahill, 108 Barrett Pl.,
731-217-5609
PB&J Ministry—April—Deborah;
May—Abigail
PW SPRING GATHERING:
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2015
Time: 9:30 AM with lunch at Noon
Place: Parkway Gardens United
Presbyterian Church
Keynote Speaker: Judge Loyce L. Ryan
Theme:
“Yes, We Are Our Sisters’ Keepers”
Cost: $15 (to defray cost of lunch)
● be
still ●
presbytery women’s retreat
at pinecrest
april 10-11
linda hensley
●
leader
Start: Friday at 4:30 pm—9 pm
Saturday: 7:30 am
(morning prayer & breakfast)
Evening Circle: 6:30 PM (note time!)
Deborah Circle - will meet with Nora
Alexander, 1723 N. Highland Ave.,
424-2380 for a Salad Supper; Please
bring your favorite salad.
Regular session: 9 am– 3 pm
See insert in bulletin for more!
April 12 at 11:45 AM
Easter Lilies
POTTED MEMORIAL
EASTER LILIES will be used
to decorate the sanctuary on
Easter Sunday. You may contribute to the fund between now and the deadline, which
is Tuesday, March 31. Please make your check
payable to FPC with “Memorial Lilies” on the memo
line. You may use the form in your bulletin or call the
church office ASAP. Please include the name(s) being
remembered/honored as well as the contributor as you
would like them to be listed. Names will be listed in the
Easter bulletin April 5, 2015. Please note that you are
not actually purchasing a potted lily with your donation –
you are helping to purchase the lilies that will decorate
the sanctuary Easter morning. Money in excess of what
is needed for the lilies will be used for the Flower Fund,
which is used to purchase flowers for other worship
services throughout the year.
Have a blessed Easter Weekend!
Adult Education
Planning Meeting
On April 12, a meeting will be held immediately
following Sunday School in the church Library
to start planning for Adult Christian Education.
Over a light lunch, we will be discussing ideas
for a Summer Sunday School series, new ideas
for small groups in the fall, as well as some
special programs
If you have ideas for programs that will help
lead our members to develop a stronger relationship with God; if you are a
new member looking for a way to get more involved; if you would like to
hear about new program ideas, please come—your input is needed! Please
let us know if you are coming, so we can plan lunch, by contacting Twyla
Morgan—by email twyla91355@aol.com or text message to 731-2258962. Hope to see you there!
BABY SHOWER
SUNDAY, APRIL 12 FROM 1—3 pm
Memorial Hall
Hosted by: Connections Sunday School Class
Please join us!
Honoring: Katy Justice, Linsey Pickens,
Marlie Richardson and Melody White
Save the date! For more info, check out your bulletin & emails!
Page 4
FIRST PRESS
Membership Corner
“In Christ, we who are many form one body, and
each member belongs to all the others.”
Romans 12:5
IF YOU WOULD LIKE
TO BECOME PART OF THE FIRST
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
FAMILY PLEASE CONTACT
CEIL COWLES OR JOHN WHITE
AT CHURCH OFFICE
422-1591
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
SUMMER DATES
FOR YOUR CALENDAR!
June 8—11
Vacation Bible School
“The Wacky World
of Water”
July 31-August 2
Family Camp at NaCoMe
Mark your calendars for this
annual summer tradition.
Plans are already being made
for another fantastic weekend!
Check out “Photos Tab” on
website for fun memories from
our previous Vacation Bible
Schools and NaCoMe trips!
Ruffin and Jenny Craig
joined
March 22, 2015
64 Stonehaven Circle
Jackson, TN 38305
Chesley and Jenny Dennison
and Sophie
joined
March 29, 2015
August 22
Starlight Symphony
on FPC front lawn!
18 Doral Cove
Jackson, TN 38305
PB & J MINISTRY!
On Monday afternoons at 3:30 PM we meet at
Allenton Heights at the Boys and Girls Club building, where we tutor those who need a little extra
help with homework, and deliver meals of PB&J
sandwiches, applesauce cups, granola bars, and
water to the children in the housing project.
We assemble the sandwiches on Sunday right after Sunday School at 11:45
AM. We could always use some extra hands! Donations are also welcomed!
For more information, please call Ceil Cowles at 422-1591 or 394-2234, or
Jim McKissack at 574-7777.
Watch for upcoming events!
A P R I L 20 1 5
Supplies needed: Applesauce cups, Granola bars, Peanut butter Crackers,
Peanut Butter and Jelly.
Page 5
APRIL CALENDAR….
YOUTH CONNECTION:
Easter Sunday—No Youth Connection
April 12—Noon—Day by Day
April 19—Youth Connection
April 26—Youth Connection
No Youth Group Wednesday, April 1.
Moved to April 2 for Maundy Thursday
Service at 6:00 PM.
Deadline for
May 2015
issue is
April 18!
SOUP
KITCHEN
DATES
2015
April 6—April 10
Dec 7—Dec 12
UPCOMING DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR:
May 3—Baccalaureate Sunday and Luncheon
May 17—Youth Pool Party
June 8—Vacation Bible School
July 19—Montreat Youth Conference
APRIL DATES ARE
COMING UP QUICKLY!
SIGN UP SHEET IS IN THE
FELLOWSHIP HALL!
Your Help is Needed!!
Thank you!!
You are invited to Carly and Jake’s wedding! If you plan
to attend the wedding and reception, please RSVP to
Lesa McNeal at lesamcneal@eplus.net or 731-217-4690 .
The FPC Flamingoes were undefeated in the regular season, and then
lost in the 2nd round of tournament play. Our high school girls had a
great year in church league basketball! We are so very proud of:
Team: Sierra Benson, Moira Brown, Megan Buehler, Allie Cowles,
Rebecca Hurt, Jackie Isaacs, Maddy McKissack, Abby McNeal,
Samantha Morgan, Mari Morgan, Alexis Murphey and Brittney Tran
Coaches: Jay Benson, Ty Cowles, and Carly McNeal
Page 6
F I R S T PR E S S
Cornerstone Event ~ AARP Driving Course
AARP DRIVING COURSE:
Take the classroom refresher course especially designed for drivers age 50 and over.
Join us on April 30-May 1 (Thursday and Friday) for two four-hour sessions in the Fellowship Hall
of First Presbyterian Church.
On April 30, Registration is at 8 AM, with class from 8:30 AM- 12:30 PM. On May 1, class is from 8:30 AM-12:30 PM. You must
complete both days.
COST: AARP members only $15; all others $20.
BENEFITS: Taking the course will help you brush up on your driving skills, and you may qualify for a reduction in your auto
insurance. You will have to check with your insurer to see what they offer. Some insurers offer great discounts. This certification
lasts for three (3) years.
CONTACT: Nora Alexander at 731-424-2380 to register or for more information. A sign-up sheet is in the Fellowship Hall.
Happy Birthday!
Birthday blessings to the following members who celebrate their special day this month!
04/01 Ty Cowles
Rhett Smith
Sharyn Thompson
04/02 Teresa Ide
04/18
King Kolakowski
Tricia Mathis
04/19
Lily Byrd
04/20
Susie Alexander
Anabelle Thomson
04/21
Lisa Spurlin
David McClune
04/22
Jody Pickens
04/05 Mona Campbell
04/23
Gavin Grobmyer
Ben Norwood
Ginger Fiorvanti
04/06 James Shaw
Isabella Norwood
04/08 Jimmy White
Will Norwood
04/24
Allison Kew
Jean Winterbottom
Katie Dunnavant
04/14 Sandy Singleton
04/25
Gail Marple
04/15 Mark Harris
04/26
Jeff Halter
04/16 Chloe Hudson
04/27
Margaret Harrison
04/17 Elizabeth Jerge
Samantha Morgan
Martha Hanserd
Lark Taylor
Happy Anniversary!
Nhan Nguyen
04/03 Jessica Donnell
04/10 Chris Alexander
04/29
04/05
04/06
Libby and Nick Reynolds
Kenedie and Gary Kreutzer
04/09
04/12
04/15
04/16
04/23
04/24
04/28
Emily and Nathan Smith
Addie and Ben Molpus
Martha and Jerry Kizer
Susan and Tom Blackmon
Patty and Bill Lawrence
Gail and Jim Marple
Allison and Rex Climer
Ranse Houston
04/28
Luke Thompson
Sarah-Tucker Pickens
Please let the church office know your birthday and anniversary! If your April birthday or anniversary is not listed, we don’t have it on
record in the church office. We don’t wish to miss anyone and would appreciate you calling the office (422-1591).
A P R I L 20 1 5
Page 7
Prayer Concerns
PRAYER PROGRAM
Each week we randomly select individuals or families for whom we encourage everyone
to pray. During the coming weeks, please pray for:
April 5 ~ Chase and Madaline Ames, Luke and Trice Mullens; Sharon, John and Sam Junn; Carol Sue Keathley
April 12 ~ Carlene March; Rex, Allison, Trey and Crystal Climer; Ellen Henry
April 19 ~ John Hill; Don and Kathleen Huneycutt; Jim and Gail Marple
April 26 ~ Paula Mathews; Scherry Priddy; Ray and Kakky Tanner
Please minister through prayer, cards, calls and visits.
IN CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY: Andrea Parker & family upon death of mother, Merita Upton, on March 24, 2015;
John Singleton & family upon the death of his wife, Sandy Singleton, on March 22, 2015; Susannah White & family upon the death of
her mother, Bonnie Gordon, on March 21, 2015; Betty Mastick and family upon the death of her husband, Ford Mastick, on March 18,
2015; Harry & Dixie Berryman and family upon the death of their son, Harry Scott Berryman, on March 1, 2015;
Vivian Pauley & family upon the recent death of her nephew, Woody Woodson.
NURSING HOMES
Maplewood Health Care Center
Willa Mae Greene
Regency Retirement Village
Martha Stockard
CONTINUING PRAYER
CONCERNS
Scott Haff
Mac Thomson
Jimmy Gordon
Pat Sims
Bill Pauley
Margaret Suttle
Imogene Tisdale
Barry Fowler
Carter Cox
Edith Spaulding
Brenda DePriest
Chase Mobley
Paul McAfee
Nancy McAfee
Susie Webb
Gordon and Dorothy Gartrell
Ginger Fiorvanti
Lynn Turnage
Anne and Bill Dellastatious
Mike Silver
Jackson Woodruff
Marsha Woodruff
Joshlin Woodruff
Camille Jimerson Clampitt
Clay Band and family
Kevin Stumpenhorst
Sonny Taylor
Page 10
Glen Welling
Becky Tedder
Judy Melton
Reagan Parker
Carmen and Mike Bell
Kali and Jacob Leonard & family
Polly Hatch
Jerri Taylor
Nancy Staggs
Navie Jean Roach
Jean Caldwell Goad (Lesa McNeal’s aunt)
Bill Puckett, Jim Marple’s son-in-law
Martha Hanserd
John Ross, Sr.
Charles Huffman
Judi Wilson
Walter Coleman
Ellen Henry
Richard Odle
Christie Thomson
Harry Berryman
Janice Patterson
Jim Cahill
Betty J. Carr (Sherry Taylor’s mom)
Penny Hill and family
Francye Burling
Scott Davenport
Henrietta McCutcheon
Nancy Strawn
Norwood Jones
Eleanor Cahill
Howard Hamilton
Woody Forbes
Clif Moyers
Carl Vesper
Mo Pledger
The Walton Family
The Fullington Family
The family of Virginia Dorris
Bank of Jackson employees
Day by Day
Hunter Gray (mission trip to Kosovo)
The Gartrell’s (missionaries to Brazil)
Our Mission Team to Peru
FPC Youth and their activities
FPC Children and their activities
Teachers and Students
FPC Staff
PBJ Ministry Children at Allenton Heights
The Worldwide Body of Christ
Violence in the world
National and Local Church
Our men and women in the military
Unspoken and unpublished
PRAYING FOR EACH OTHER
IN THE PRESBYTERY
During the month of April,
please pray for the following churches and
congregations in our Presbytery:
Cordova Church, Cordova, TN
First Church, Dyer, TN
Germantown Church, Germantown, TN
Oak Street Church, Union City, TN
PRAYER LIST POLICY: We will be glad
to keep anyone on the list as long as
needed. However, due to the ever expanding
list, and a lack of information about current
needs, we will begin dropping names after 8
weeks, unless we hear updates and the need to
keep them on the list.
FIRST PRESS
Playschool News
There is a wonderful transformation occurring in our students at this
time of year. The teachers have taken note of the change in the children.
For months now the children come to school to see their friends and play
together. We know that play is the best way for them to learn at this time
in their development. Now as the world around us is awakening from
winter, our children are transforming into individuals that have discovered
the joy in purposefully learning. “Miss” Mary Beth has noticed them
racing into the classroom in the morning to be the first one to sit and
complete their math PEP; before taking time to build with the blocks or sand. “Miss”
Toni’s students come into school wanting to know what they can learn to read that day.
Playdough and puzzles now come second on their to-do lists.
We are so excited and proud to see this love of learning emerging in our students. When
it is time for them to move on we miss them terribly, but we are very proud of them and
know they are ready for “big kid” school. To paraphrase Dr. Seuss, we can only imagine
the places they will go!
SAVE THE DATE!! FAMILY CAMP AT
NACOME ~ July 31 – August 2, 2015
Guest Speaker: Rev. Walter Lockhart
More info later. Make your plans now to join us!
Session Highlights
At the March 8, 2015 regularly scheduled meeting, the Session conducted its
normal business.
The Session voted to:

approve the hiring of Patricia Gooch to complete the 2014 audit;

approve the Property Committee’s recommendation to include Memorial
Hall, the Church Sanctuary, and the Education Building in the application
to place First Presbyterian Church on the National Register of Historic
Sites;

approve three fundraisers with proceeds going toward the upcoming
mission trip to Peru: March 22 concessions, April 19 lunch, and FPC t-shirt
sales;

approve a Minute for Missions skit to be presented at Worship Service to
educate the congregation on how to respond to indigent requests for
assistance;

approve One Great Hour of Sharing Offering to be received on Easter
Sunday, April 5, 2015.
NEXT SESSION MEETING
April 12, 2015 @ 5:00 PM
A P R I L 20 1 5
THANKS!
To my dear church family,
Words cannot fully express the love and appreciation I have for you. You have been supportive,
patient, and kind to me through several times of
physical stress and discomfort. I am moving toward the point to where I will be back to whatever
activity percentage a man my age can become.
Your cards, calls, visits and prayers have been a
real boost. Thank you all so much.
With much love,
Richard Swaim
My family and I would like to thank our church
family for all the loving kindness shown to us by
so many of you during Butch's illness and passing.
You were so caring throughout his long and courageous battle with MS. We will never forget that.
Thank you for your prayers, staff visits, cards,
food, calls, texts, memorials, and loving concern
shown to Butch and us for so many years. Our
church family is the best.
The Butch Evans familyNelda, Cory, Traci, Trey, and Grandkids
Page 11
Rotation Sunday School
Page 12
F I R S T PR E S S
The Children’s Corner
Grow, Proclaim, Serve!
Growing our Faith by Leaps and Bounds!
Children Are
A Gift From God!
Acolytes are an important part of worship!
Children’s Upcoming Events



Monday, June 8—Thursday, June 11

If you have any questions feel free to contact us:
Ginna Houston vcherry1@k12tn.net;
Libby Smith fpclibby@eplus.net,
and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook under:
“First Presbyterian Church”.
A P R I L 20 1 5
Wed. April 1st- NO ACTIVITIES
Thurs. April 2nd - Maundy Thursday Worship Service- BLAST
children will begin preparation for Children's Sabbath from 6 to
7 PM in the Education Building. Every child will have the opportunity to participate.
Sunday, April 19th - Children's Sabbath. It will be a meaningful
and rewarding way for our children to lead the entire worship
service. We will practice in the sanctuary on Wed. April 8th and
Wed. April 15th during regular BLAST time from 6-7 PM.
Wed. night- May 6th -Talent Show in Fellowship Hall.
Final night for all Wednesday night activities
Bunny
Breakfast and
Easter Egg
Hunt!
April 4, 2015 @ 9:30 AM
B.L.A.S.T.!
Because you will….
Laugh, learn, listen!....
Always…..
Singing, serving and sharing
Together!!!!!
Page 13
Mission Trip to Peru ~ June 19-28 (continued)
going to a new hillside community of Villa el Sol. This is on the outskirts
of Cusco consisting of migrants from Andean peasant communities who are
in extreme poverty
What is the Project?
The seventeen (17) members of the FPC mission team will be:
1. building tables and chairs for children and students to worship and learn,
so they don’t have to stand or sit on the floor;
2. teaching Sunday School to children;
3. establishing a Christian School for Women to help educate
and train women to lead others to Christ;
4. visiting women in the villages and leading Bible studies.
The beautiful Quillabamba Valley
from the Theological Institute.
YOU as a member of FPC will have the opportunity to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
support the 17 member (listed below) visiting team with your prayers;
support the team with the following fundraisers:
- come to the luncheon on 4/19; (Tickets will be sold in advance and
childcare will be provided)
- buy a FPC t-shirt, with profits going towards the Peru mission trip;
volunteer to take the team to the airport (6/19) or pick up the team from the
airport (6/28);
donate materials needed to take to Peru (stay tuned for more details).
This is an exciting beginning of two continents bonded to carry out the work
and mission of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
**To be continued with more exciting stories.**
FPC Team Members to Peru
Abbott, Eden
Abbott, Greg
Buchanan, Tammy
Butler, Linda
Cowles, Allie
Cowles, Ceil
Cowles, Ty
Harris, James
Herron, Bruce
Hurt, Rebecca
Junn, John
Junn, Sharon
Morgan, Samantha
Welling, Brenda
White, Forrest
White, Kathelene
White, Susannah
The new hillside community of Villa el Sol
on the outskirts of Cusco
Fundraiser Information
Luncheon on April 19
We will have a formal lunch on Sunday, April 19th,
immediately following Sunday School. Tickets will be
sold in advance and childcare will be provided. Please
watch for additional details about how to make reservations and purchase your tickets.
Church Logo T-Shirts on Sale!
Church logo t-shirts have been designed and will be for
sale in the near future, with profits going toward the
Peru Mission Trip. Watch for pre-order information.
All proceeds will go to offset the cost of the mission
trip for the participants.
Page 14
F I R S T PR E S S
Financial Update
Save the Date!
FINANCIAL UPDATE – February Year-to-date 2015
Actual
This Year
Budget
2015
Actual
Last Year
2015 Pledges
$137,298
$ 86,171
$ 131,671
Total Contributions
$149,355
$ 102,005
$ 144,022
Total Income
$160,467
$ 130,760
$ 176,313
Total Expenses
$ 103,021
$ 130,760
$ 113,714
Net Income
$ 57,446
$ ---
$ 62,599
Pledges can now be paid using ACH bank drafts on a weekly or monthly
basis. If you are interested, please contact Vicki Pope at 422-1591.
For questions or more details on the financial report, contact Jim Campbell
(Finance Chair) at 668-9399, Carol Green (Treasurer) at 664-9449, or Vicki
Pope (Financial Secretary) at 422-1591.
Congratulations Virginia Conger!
VIRGINIA CONGER
2014 Woman of the Year
On Monday night, March 16, 2015, Virginia Conger was named the Altrusa
Club’s 63rd Woman of the Year for 2014 at Union University. Virginia was
not aware she was the honoree until they announced that the honoree had
been married to the mayor of Jackson. Until that moment, Virginia believed
that she was there to support her friend, Barbara Fowler. The award came as
a complete surprise! This 63rd year for the Altrusa’s Woman of the Year
award coincided with what would have been Virginia and Bob Conger’s 63rd
wedding anniversary, which she acknowledged in her remarks.
In accepting the award, Virginia said, “I believe God put us here to help
people, and that’s what we’re supposed to do. I appreciate the friends I have
in the room and I appreciate all of you being here.” Several members of her
family, members of First Presbyterian Church, and many other friends were
in attendance in support of her receiving the much deserved award.
“It’s the greatest honor I’ve ever had,” Virginia said.
A GATHERING OF THE PRESBYTERY
OF THE MID-SOUTH
SUNDAY, MAY 31
RHODES COLLEGE, MEMPHIS
Join fellow congregations from across our
Presbytery to worship and work together. We
will celebrate the season of Pentecost. We will
join our voices in a mass choir. We will be
inspired and challenged by renowned speaker
and teacher, Dr. Rodger Nishioka. We will
share a meal, then we will make a stand
against hunger as we pack 10,000 meals for
distribution to 50+ countries through Stop
Hunger Now.
Watch for further information and details!
MEN’S COFFEE GROUP
1ST SUNDAY
OF EACH MONTH
8:30 AM
In April we will meet on
April 5 at 8:30 AM
in the Fellowship Hall.
Please join us!
Dates in April
April 7 ~ Connections Class
April 21 ~ Fellowship Class
A P R I L 20 1 5
Page 15
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Jackson, TN
Permit No. 693
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF
J A C K S ON , T N
1573 N. Highland Ave.
Jackson, TN 38301-3454
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
731.422.1591
www.fpcjacksontn.org
OUR MISSION:
First Presbyterian Church
seeks to provide opportunities
for people to encounter the life changing
presence of Christ through:
preaching, the study of scripture,
engagement in worship, faithful stewardship
and service to others
in the church and community.
If you have an article for the newsletter, please
send it to Nelda Rhodes, Church Secretary at:
fpcnelda@eplus.net. Articles will be used as
space permits and may be edited for length.
Deadline for submissions are the 18th of each
month.
Adult/Youth Basketball Game
The Adult
versus Youth
basketball game
was a big hit!
Great turnout,
great fellowship,
and great food!
The score was
42-41, a very
close competitive
game, with the
adults winning
by 1 point!!