Isaac’s Page

“God has brought laughter to me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.”...Genesis 21:6

First Presbyterian Church 1417 N. Jackson Magnolia, AR 71753

Phone 870-234-2601

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Bob & Frances Buchanan 205 Cumberland Lane Henderson, TX 75652

In a phone call last week from Randy Click, Randy said to let everyone know he says hello, he loves you, and he LOVES to hear from home—letters, cards, postcards—he always writes back! You can follow his ministry on facebook—4016 Ministries, or on the web—www.4016ministries.com. If you would like to drop our “home town missionary boy” a note, card, or letter, his address is:

Randy Click 1091 E. Bayaud Ave., #2006

Denver, CO 80209

Published monthly by First Presbyterian Church

The Presbyterian Press 1417 N. Jackson

Magnolia, AR 71753

Phone:

870-234-2601

Email:

magnoliapres@sbcglobal.net

Koenig Family (Gene, Karen, and Zach), were received by transfer of letter from First Baptist Church of Stamps. Gene works for Temple Inland at Hope, Karen for our church as Director of Youth Ministries. Zach is a student at Columbia

Christian School. We are delighted to have them with us February 2019

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

To Gather as God’s People;

To Grow in Faith, Love and Service;

And to Go into the World as Disciples

Sharing God’s Love.

Monday, February11th 2:00 p.m.

The Women’s Circle will meet Monday, January 14th, at 2:00pm in the library. All ladies are encouraged to attend.

The Men’s Fellowship will be

Tuesday, February 12th, at 6:00pm

in the fellowship hall. We will have

our annual breakfast for supper. We will have

you fed and on your way home by 7:00 p.m. All

men are invited to attend.

Dear Rev. Mike and Church Friends, Thank you for all you did to make my Christmas merry. The Prayers, phone calls, visits, Christmas carolers visit, homemade goodies, the FPC coffee mugs, the unique wooden candle holder with pine cones, greenery & red arrangement to hold the white candle and purple candles. Then more of my favorite things. I loved all of the Christmas cards and Christmas cards that were family pictures. Last but not least was the photo of SAU’s MOLLY and a special rock to add to my collection. All these things did touch my heart. THANK YOU! Love, Dorris Rateliff

Supper and Special Presentation by the Magnolia High School Chamber Choir

Wednesday, February 20th, 5:30pm

On Wednesday, 2/20, our fellowship meal will be followed in the sanctuary with a presentation by the Magnolia High School Chamber Choir. Donations will be accepted to help with the expenses for the choir to travel to New York to perform at Carnegie Hall. The MHS Chamber Choir was selected to attend the WorldStrides Festival at Carnegie Hall 2019, based on their attainment of gold ratings at previous competitions in Dallas, Texas and Washington, D.C. The event in New York will be held April 5-8. The students will perform under the direction of world-renowned conductor, Eph Ehly. Make plans to be present to show your support to our MHS Chamber Choir.

Page 2 The Presbyterian Press

MEMORIALS & HONORARIUMS

In Memory Of: By:

Carlie Hagen Todd & Joanna Smith

Carlie Hagen Dalene Baer

Carlie Hagen Susan & Johnny Dees

Mary Martin Sarah Jones

Martha Talbot Sarah Jones

Memorials & Honorariums Have Been Given To the Glory of God and

Kathy Gean Director of Youth & Family Ministries

Sharyn Ahlstrom; Jan Biggers; Nathalie

Birang; Dr. & Mrs. Robert Buchanan;

Jayci Carbajal; Bill & Joyce Dailey;

Carson Davis; Johnny Dees; Laura,

Eric & Chenlifei; Sarah Fallin; Breawana, Chloe,

Harley & Joslyn Mason; Maggie Morgan, Josh,

Andrea, Natalie, & Andrew Morgan; Alton & Georgia

Newton; Laren Owen; Elaine Pearson & Mattie; Mason

Powers; Morgan Smith; Paul Smith; Sue Smith;

Christian Tompkins & Charlie; Franck Tjom; Chris &

Margo Weiser; Klaire White; Deb & Tom Writes

Thanks to all the parents who attended the first Kid’s Club parents’ meeting last month! It was a productive meeting, and new rules are being implemented and weekly volunteers in place for extra eyes on Wednesdays. Thanks this month to volunteers Joanna Smith, Olivia Smith, Katherine Phillips, Susan Dees, Maggie Murphy, Katie Caldwell, and Lea West! With their help, we are able to break into 3 “small groups” to have discussion after the “big group” Bible lesson, pray, and have more input from the children. Dads are always welcome, too! I completed the digital course at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary on “Theology and Principles of Dynamic Youth Ministry” and found it very helpful and enlightening. The 7 online students including myself were included in class discussion on the side of the computer screen, so we were able to participate much more than I’d imagined we would. Much focus was on the challenges teens face in the digital world that is a change from that of any other previous generation. Sunday night Youth Group is going very well. We prepare a simple meal together, discuss the book “Battlefield of the Mind”, a book of lessons on making right choices. I’ve enjoyed having a quiet time to enjoy the students and get to know them better. It was a good move from Wednesdays! We’ll be serving a “Hunger Lunch” on January 27 immediately following worship. Then on Sunday, February 3, the Youth will be in the Narthex with soup pots as you exit church to collect donations for “Souper Bowl of Caring”. Proceeds for both will go to local food banks.

Lucas Andruk, Mike Blair, Mary Bounds, Marcus & Jessica Brookes, Robert & Frances Buchanan, Edna Byrd, Tracy Card, Chad Carter, Paul Chandler, Neil Cheatham, Mary Chu, Teresa Clanton, Randy Click, Katherine Connelly, Rosie Cotter, Gene Cotter, Luke Cottrell, Dennis Coy, David Craig, Mamie Crane, Steve Crane, Landon Darden, Verta Darrett, Doug Dickson, Barbara Fronabarger, Benny Grant, Vance Groce, Ashley Hagaman, Bradley Harris, Kathleen Highnight, Debbie Johnson, Lisa Johnson, Charlie Kendrick, Jessica Lee, David Lewis, Reyna Luke-Muniz, Janice McKinney, Ellie McLane, Clayton McWilliams, Delana Moore, Sarah Munstermann, Summer Murphy, Kurt Odom, Mary Lou Oliver, Mildred Owens, Andy Paladino, Nick Paladino, Dana Phillips, Karen Pierce, Ann Polk, Mary Powell, Mike Powell, Allie Price, Sharon Price, Dorris Rateliff, Dr. John Rateliff, Jimmy Rice, Sissy Rich, Jason Riddle, Frank Root, Phyllis Skinner, Jackson Stephens, Charlie Tanner, Brenda Thompson, Logan Thompson, Helen Turner, Frances Vaughan, Tonya Watson, Blake White, Zachary Williamson, Lonnie Wilson, Tess Wolthuis, Meredith Womack, Lauren Wood.

The First Presbyterian Church family wishes to

express our Christian love and sympathy to the

family of Carlie Hagen who passed from this life to

the Church Triumphant on January 5, 2019.

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The First Presbyterian Church family wishes to

express our Christian love and sympathy to Renee

Connelly whose father, J.C. Knight, passed away

peacefully into the Church Triumphant on Sunday,

January 27, 2019, in Ruston, LA.

Page 7 February 2019

Communion Preparers for December 24th – (Intinction) – 1) Rochelle McMahen 2) Chris White Communion Preparers for December 31

st – (Intinction) 1) Mike Morgan 2) Debbie Morgan

Communion Preparers for January 6th

– (Traditional) 1) Jessica Arnold 2) Jimmy Arnold Communion Servers for December 24

th – (Intinction) 1) Chris White 2) Todd Smith 3) Trish DuPriest 4) Kay Whitehead

Communion Servers for December 31st

– (Intinction) 1) Pierre Boumtje 2) Martine Boumtje Communion Servers for January 6

th – (Traditional) New Officers

Liturgists: December 16th- Debbie Arnold, December 23rd - David DeSeguirant; December 30th -Todd Smith; January 6th -Lea West; January 13th- Chris White; January 20th - Mike McNeill; January 27th - Steve Crane A/V Techs: December 16th - Grey Murphy; December 23rd - Mike McNeill; December 24th - Mike McNeill; December 30th - Debbie Morgan; January 6th - Ted Bounds; January 13th - Debbie Morgan; January 20th - Grey Murphy; January 27th - Mike McNeill Old Business: The church office will be closed on December 31st & January 1

st; no Wednesday activities on January 2

nd;

committees meet on Wednesday January 9th.

New Business: Rev. Morgan will go to half-time on May 1st.Half time will consist of worship preparation and leadership; all day Sundays in Magnolia with visitation on Sunday afternoons; moderating Session meetings; conducting weddings, funerals, and other pastoral essentials. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned with prayer by Rev. Morgan at 7:30 pm. Respectfully submitted: Paula Boaz, Clerk

*************************************** First Presbyterian Church

Magnolia, Arkansas Congregational Meeting, December 16, 2018

The Reverend Mike Morgan called the meeting to order at 11:40 AM, declared there was a Quorum present and opened the meeting with prayer. Rev Morgan stated the order of business as follows:

Nominating Committee Report and election of Elders and Deacons for the Class of 2021 Presentation of the Proposed Budget for 2019 Consideration for a Resolution for the Church to begin a search for a Co-Pastor Election of a Pastor Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee Chairman, Todd Smith. Submitted the following names for the offices of Elders for the Class of 2021: Mike McNeill, James Reddell and Lea West and for the office of Deacon Class of 2021: Alice Bartushock and David DeSeguirant. Rev. Morgan called for nominees from the floor. There being none, he then asked for a Motion which was made by Babe Knowles and seconded by Benny Grant, to elect these nominees by acclamation. It was passed without dissent. Next, Todd Connelly, from the Administration Committee, presented the proposed 2019 Budget and Call for the Pastor. Todd stated that the 2019 budget, which includes a small increase over the 2018 budget, had been presented to the Session and approved. The new Budget was presented to the congregation via email and hard copies were available that day. Elder Connelly asked for discussion or questions and there being none, he then asked for a motion which was made by Ricky Murphy and seconded by Todd Smith. The vote was taken, and the 2019 Budget was unanimously approved. The next item on the agenda was the Resolution from the Session for the Church to begin a search for a Co-Pastor. A second was not required. There being no discussion, a vote was taken and passed unanimously. The following persons were submitted to be on the Co-Pastor Search Committee: Katherine Phillips, James Reddell, Jessica Arnold, TG Connelly, Kathy Gean, David DeSeguirant, and Olivia Smith. There were no other nominees from the floor, so it was moved, seconded, and passed that they be elected by acclamation. There being no further business, Rev Morgan closed the meeting with the Benediction at 11:47 am. Respectfully submitted: Dr. Paula H Boaz, Clerk

******************************************** First Presbyterian Church of Magnolia, Arkansas The Minutes for the Called Meeting of the Session

Sunday, December 30th

, 2018, 12:00 Noon The Session of First Presbyterian Church of Magnolia, Arkansas met for a called meeting on Sunday, December

30th, 2018 for the purpose of examination of the new officers-elect. The following elders were present: Moderator Rev. Mike

Morgan, Jodi Arnold, Dalene Baer, Sue Joyce, Rochelle McMahen, Todd Smith, Chris White, and Kay Whitehead. The following officers-elect were also present: Mike McNeill, James Redell, Lea West, Alice Bartushock, and David DeSeguirant.

Rev. Morgan declared a quorum present and called the meeting to order with prayer at 12:00 Noon. Rev. Morgan explained that each new officer would be asked the following two questions individually: “How did Jesus Christ come to be the Lord of my life?” and “What difference has it made?” Each person then gave their personal testimony and shared their personal faith journey. All of the officers elect were sustained in their examination and were approved for installation on January 6th by the Session.

Following a brief discussion on possible dates for the Officer’s Training, Rev. Morgan closed with prayer at 12:20 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Paula Boaz, Clerk of Session

The Presbyterian Press February 2019

First Presbyterian Church of Magnolia, Arkansas The Minutes for the Stated Meeting of the Session

Tuesday, December 11th

, 2018, 6:00 p.m. The Session of First Presbyterian Church of Magnolia, Arkansas met for its stated meeting on Tuesday, December 11

th,

2018. The following members were present: Moderator Rev. Mike Morgan, Jodi Arnold, Dalene Baer, Todd Connelly, Sue Joyce, Rochelle McMahen, Katherine Phillips, Todd Smith, Chris White, Kay Whitehead, and Kathy Gean. Excused Absences: Trish DuPriest Call to order: The Rev. Morgan called the meeting to order, declared a quorum present, and opened the meeting with prayer at 6:00 p.m. Treasurer’s report: Kathy Gean presented the financial report and it was accepted as information. A request from Kathy to participate in a digital education course was approved by the Session. Approval of the minutes: The minutes of the

November 2018 Stated Session Meeting were approved.

Correspondence and requests: There were three pieces of correspondence brought forward: An offer from First Baptist to participate in the CHurch Security Conference, which was referred to the Administration

Committee. A brochure about the online Youth Ministry Conference from Gordon Conwell, which was approved for Kathy Gean’s

participation A request from the Banner News to purchase an ad in their special Christmas Story section on December 21st. It was

decided to purchase a half page ad and the content was referred to Cindy Groce. Pastor’s Report: Illnesses: Rev. Morgan reported on the health status of several members including Carlie Hagen, Ray Uhrich, Dorris

Rateliff, Katherine Connelly, Anne Trexler, and Verda Darrett. 2) Administrative: Examination of New Officers will be Sunday, December 30, immediately following the Sunday service. An AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) has been purchased and Grey Murphy will train the church officers and any

interested church members in its use. 3) Dates to remember

Angel Tree Presents due back Monday, December 17th by 10am

Office closed on December 24th and 25

th

Christmas Eve service at 5pm on Monday, December 24th

Office closed on December 31st and January 1

st.

New Year’s Eve games & snacks at 5pm; Session approved a Watchnight Communion service at 8pm January 6

th – Epiphany and the Ordination/Installation of Officers

Committee Reports: Nominating Committee……The nominating committee, consisting of Todd Smith, Chairman, Jodi Arnold, Chad West, Babe Knowles, Susan Dees, Kathy Cole, Blake Pierce and Mike Morgan, places in nomination for the office of Elder Class of 2021: Mike McNeill, Lea West and James Reddell. For the office of Deacon Class of 2021, the Committee nominates Alice Bartushock and David DeSeguirant. After reading the motion from the Session calling for the formation of a Pastor Nominating Committee to search for and call a Co-Pastor for First Presbyterian Church of Magnolia, and the congregation voting to pass that motion, the Committee places in nomination the names of Katherine Phillips, James Reddell, David DeSeguirant, T. G. Connelly, Kathy Gean, Jessica Arnold and Olivia Smith as members of the Pastor Nominating Committee. Mission and Evangelism……. Katherine reported that the committee sent $750 to the Vera Lloyd home to help with additional Christmas gifts. The committee will feed the homeless shelter residents on Tuesday, December 18

th and

distribute Christmas gifts to the residents at that time. Discipleship………. Jodi reported that the committee worked on its budget to bring it in line with present giving levels. They were able to reduce their budget from $77,500 down to $68,500, a reduction of $9,000. Administration……. Todd Connelly presented the 2019 budget to the Session. Following a thorough review of the proposed budget, the Session unanimously approved the proposed Budget. Copies of the budget will be available for the Congregational meeting Sunday, December 16

th.

Fellowship….no report Worship……Sue Joyce reported on details for the Watchnight Communion Service. Potluck snacks and games will start at 6pm Assignments for January 2019 (4 Sundays and 5 Wednesdays Deacon of the month for January: Jessica Arnold Head Usher: December 16

th – Todd Connelly; December 23

rd – Jodie Arnold; December 24

th – Chris White; December 30

th

– Kay Whitehead; December 31st. – Martine Boumtje; January 6

th – Jodie Arnold; January 13

th – Todd Smith; January 20

th –

Chris White; January 27th – Ryan Phillips

Head Greeter: December 16th – Trish DuPriest; December 23

rd – Todd Connelly; December 24

th – Kay Whitehead;

December 30th – Katherine Phillips; December 31

st – Martine Boumtje; January 6

th – Paula Boaz; January 13

th – Rochelle

McMahen; January 20th – Todd Connelly; January 27

th – Katherine Phillips

Wednesday meals for January: Discipleship Committee (begins on January 8th)

FEBRUARY WORSHIP LEADERS

Meals & Meetings

Wednesday Night Meals The Administration Committee is responsible for

Wednesday fellowship meals this month.

Committee Meetings Wednesday, February 6th, 6:10pm

Deacons’ Meeting Wednesday, February 13th, 6:10pm

Dinner & Devotion at SCM Tuesday, February 19th, 6:00 pm

Session Meeting Tuesday, February 26th, 6:00 pm

Deacon of the Month—Jessica Arnold, 904-0192 cell

Head Ushers: Liturgists: Greeters:

Feb. 3 Sue Joyce Feb. 3 Pierre Boumtje Feb. 3 Chris White

Feb. 10 James Reddell Feb. 10 Ryan Phillips Feb. 10 Todd Smith

Feb. 17 Lea West Feb. 17 Keith DuPriest Feb. 17 Todd Smith

Feb. 24 Chris White Feb. 24 Jessica Arnold Feb. 24 Lea West

Mar. 3 Mike McNeill Mar. 3 Doug Green Mar. 3 Paula Boaz

AV Tech: Feb. 3—Ted Bounds; Feb. 10—Debbie Morgan; Feb. 17—Grey Murphy;

Feb. 24—Mike McNeill; Mar. 3—Ted Bounds

Communion Preparers: February 3—(Traditional) Todd Connelly, Renee Connelly

March 3—(Traditional) Sue Joyce, Rochelle McMahen

Communion Servers: February 3—(Traditional) Chris White, Lea West, Todd Smith, James Reddell

March 3—(Traditional) Sue Joyce, Paula Boaz, Chris White, Mike McNeill

February 2019 Page 3

Sunday School Lessons for February

February 3 - Question 27. Are all people, just as they were lost through Adam, saved through Christ?

Question 28. What happens after death to those not united to Christ by faith? Question 29. How can we be

saved? Question 30. What is faith in Jesus Christ?

February 10 - Question 31. What do we believe by true faith?

February 17 - Question 32. What do justification and sanctification mean? Question 33. Should those who

have faith in Christ seek their salvation through their own works, or anywhere else? Question 34. Since we are

redeemed by grace alone, through Christ alone, must we still do good works and obey God’s Word? Question

35. Since we are redeemed by grace alone, through faith alone, where does this faith come from?

February 24 -

March 3 - Question 36. What do we believe about the Holy Spirit? Question 37. How does the Holy Spirit help

us? Question 42. How is the Word of God to be read and heard? Question 48. What is the church?

Cook’s Night Out

February 7 Flying Burger

February 14 Smoking Bull

February 21 Backyard BBQ

February 28 Dairy Queen

At their annual January Men’s Fellowship and

White Elephant Gift Exchange, the men shared a

time of great food, fellowship, and fun.

Chloe Mason, left, and Jocelyn Mason, right, were recently honored at

Emerson Elementary School for exhibiting Pirate Pride for their classes.

Leighton Smith is all smiles at her

recent Upward Basketball game.

Above: Kathy Gean shares a sermon

with the children during a recent wor-

ship service.

Right: The Kid’s Club, accompanied by

Dr. David DeSeguirant, presented the

special music, “Let There Be Peace On

Earth”, during the worship service on

Sunday, January 13th.

Eric and Laura Lu’s

parents presented 2

cases of imported,

fine quality pears to

the congregation as

an expression of

their gratitude for

welcoming and

loving their children.