the ambassador · of child abuse in our community. the saville enter aims to lessen the trauma of...

www.stillwaterfpc.org 1

The Ambassador

2 Notices

3 Letter from Leah

6 UKirk Update

7 PYG News

8 Children & Worship

10 From the Organ Bench

12 Peacemaker Missionary Visit

15 Our Daily Bread Opens

A publication of First Presbyterian Church, Stillwater, OK What’s INSIDE

Peace and Global Witness Special

Offering Will be collected

Sunday, October 1

International Peacemaker Visit: Rev. Jerome Baris Sunday, October 8

8:30 and 11:00 am worship 9:45 am Sunday School

The October Ambassador deadline is Thursday, October 12th. Ambassador news may be sent to: [email protected]

World Communion Sunday, October 1

Worship at 8:30 am and 11:00 am

Fellowship Hall

PYG Fall Activities See page 7 for details

See page 12 for details

Fun in Faith Pumpkin Palooza

Sunday, October 8 1:30 pm

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 7 volume 59 • number 8


Communion Milestone for 3rd - 5th graders

Saturday, September 30 2:00 pm




First Presbyterian Church Staff

Pastor Leah R. Hrachovec [email protected]

Interim Associate Pastor Deborah Meinke [email protected]

Director of Children and Youth Jenna Campbell [email protected]

Church Administrator Magdalena Vinson [email protected]

Finance/Office Assistant Mary Beth Garoffolo [email protected] Church Treasurer Arletta Webster [email protected] Director of Music/Organist Rebecca te Velde [email protected] Contemporary Music Coordinator Steve Foust [email protected]

Handbell Choir Director Allison Johnston [email protected] Coordinator of Older Adult Ministry Kelly McCarley [email protected] Youth Ministry Assistants Jenna Linholm [email protected] Conner Funk [email protected] UKIRK Assistant Kay Solomon [email protected] Childcare Coordinator Sarah Priest [email protected] Preschool Director Dana Brown [email protected] Custodian Mike Flowers Building Supervisor Peter Thomas [email protected]

Announcements

The Ambassador volume 59 • number 8

Change is hard, but necessary! Deacons are changing Shopping Basket requests

All donations from the FPC shopping basket in the Narthex will now be taken to the newly-opened Our Daily Bread Food & Resource Center. After conferring with ODB Director Becky Taylor, we are asking FPC members to donate ONLY: Foods with protein Peanut Butter Canned meats (tuna, chicken, sausage, etc) Household items Single rolls of paper towels Toothpaste 2 or 3 packs of bar soap (not hotel size)

Our focused gifts of these items along with those of other churches and organizations will allow Our Daily Bread to effectively and efficiently assist Payne County residents who are food insecure.

All donations are appreciated. The Deacons are asking you to change and focus on these specific items. Many thanks for all of your past donations.

Donations may be placed in the shopping cart in the Narthex, and will be delivered regularly to Our Daily Bread.

Artisans Wanted Can you throw a pot? How about a

communion chalice or plate? FPC is in need of

two more chalices to add to our communion

service ware. If you would like to craft one

or more of these, or can recommend a local

artisan, please let the church office know.

The Worship & Music Committee would like

to thank Mary Frye for her recent donation

of a chalice and charger.


Faith Quote

“In an increasingly conflict-ridden and fragmented world, the God who grants

peace and wholeness calls Christians to understand and address the root causes of

violence and injustice so that we may share in mending the brokenness that exists

in our world. Peacemaking is the human response to God’s gift of peace giving.”1

1www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/peacemaking/international-peacemakers/

“. . . seek peace, and pursue it.” Psalm 34:14

There is no shortage of places where we may “seek peace, and pursue it” these days. In the aftermath of hurricanes and other disasters, it is a healing thing to look toward those stories of people giving their time, resources, and even risking their own safety to assist those whose lives are at risk.

Disasters often compel us to acts of comfort, help, and hope to those who are going through a time of chaos. We also know that there are other slow-moving disasters such as political conflict, civil unrest, mass migration, and even our own opioid epidemic in the U.S. that receive less attention or urgent action from well-meaning people of faith.

It is helpful for us to hear the stories of those Christians who are called into these more silent crises

of our times. Our denomination, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is helping Presbyterians around

the country connect with International Peacemakers. This fall, we are excited to welcome Rev.

Jerome Baris, the International Peacemaker who will be visiting us and other churches in

Cimarron Presbytery as he itinerates through the United States. Rev. Baris is the National

Coordinator for the Justice, Peace, and Human Rights Program of the United Church of Christ in

the Philippines (UCCP). He also serves as the Pastor of the Tondo Evangelical Church of the

UCCP. He is a highly informed advocate for justice and human rights in the Philippines and will be

our guest preacher on October 8th.

While our lives may feel safely removed from problems in the Philippines and elsewhere, we

may learn from the ways that people of faith are working for peace and justice in their own

countries. We thank God for the call to be peacemakers and to encourage one another in pursu-

ing justice and peace. One way that we support peacemaking around the world and close to home

is the Peace and Global Witness Offering, which will be taken on World Communion Sunday, Octo-

ber 1st. Please join in a joyful worship service as we celebrate our connectedness to all who gather

around Christ’s table in every place and time. Twenty-five percent of our Peace and Global Witness

Offering this year will go directly to Stillwater CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), and the

remaining amount is directed toward peacemaking and global witness support around the world in

places like the Philippines.

We do not need to feel helpless in the face of the world’s conflicts and trouble. We are called by a

peace-giving God to “seek peace, and pursue it.” Let us be peacemakers, encouraging one another

and living our faith in Christ, the Prince of Peace.

A Letter from Leah



Deborah Meinke, Interim Associate Pastor, will be out of the office September 27-30, October 9-10, and October 13-17. Jenna Campbell, Director of Children and Youth Ministry, will be out of the office October 15-18 attending the South Central Region of the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators board meeting and participating in the “Know Your Number” Enneagram conference at Austin Seminary in Austin, TX.

Staff Information


Out-to-Lunch Bunch - Join Us! Want to get to know your fellow FPC members a little better? Fellowship and food is the best combination. We’re going to try different places, order off the menu, and enjoy the great fellowship of each other. Please join us for a Sunday lunch of fellowship and friends. Just tell them that you are with FPC and we will see you there. 10/22 - Hideaway Pizza 11/19 - IHOP, 611 N. Main

Thank you so much for preparing the wonderful meal for our family at Dad/Dave’s memorial service. The meal was not only delicious, it provided us a comforting place to gather as a family. Your kindness is appreciated. The Harnly/Wolters Family

Dear Friends Thank you so much for the “Welcome Baby Basket.” I am so very grateful for everyone’s prayers and support. With love, Ali Aresco

From the Mailbox

Dear Deacons, Troop 20 would like to thank the First Presbyterian Church for the $200.00. It will be used for many activities including the Batfish campout in August, Sea base in 2018, and the purchase of camp stoves. Sincerely, the Scouts of Troop 20

Hi! We would like to thank-you for your great contribution towards our next house! Your care and generosity are so appreciated! Thank-you & have a Groovy Day! Melody (a volunteer of Habitat for Humanity)

Dear First Presbyterian Church Thank you for donating the $150 for Project Graduation this year. We appreciate your continuous support for our schools. Thank you! Chance Cain, Senior 2017

Thank you to the Board of Deacons for your thoughtfulness and generosity. What a blessing it is to serve. We appreciate this gift that allows us to continue doing so. Blessings Doug Gable, Cowboys with Compassion

To our friends at First Presbyterian Church Thank you so much for your donation of $300 to the Saville Center for Child Advocacy. We greatly appreciate you!

As you know, each year hundreds of children suffer the devastating effects of child abuse in our community. The Saville Center aims to lessen the trauma of abused children by providing forensic interviews, medical evaluations, counseling services and victim advocacy in child-friendly, home-like environment. This work would not be possible without the generosity of donors like you, who choose to make a difference.

On behalf of the children and families we serve, thank you. Kelsey Proctor, Executive Director The Saville Center


On Wednesday, September 13, the women gathered in the Hospitality Area for coffee, fellowship, bible study and lunch. Rev. Deb Meinke led the women in the Horizons Bible Study, “Who is Jesus? What a Difference a Lens makes”.

The next meeting will be held Wednesday, October 11. We will gather at 9:45 a.m. in the Hospitality Area for coffee, followed by bible study at 10:00. At 11:30 a light lunch prepared and catered by the Stillwater Medical Center will be served. There is no charge for the meal as the cost will be covered by funds which have accrued from the Allene Brown Foundation donation to PW. Also, you do not need to make a reservation for the lunch. All women of First Presbyterian Church are invited and encouraged to attend.

Second Mile Sewing meets, the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesday of every month at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. All who love to sew and chat are welcome to join the group. For more information call Jane Durham, 747-5166.

Church Women United will hold their Dedication Day program at First Christian Church, 411 West Matthews, September 22, at 1:30 p.m. All women are invited.

If you have any questions about PW/Circle, please contact Mary McKinley, moderator, at 377-4367.

PW NEWS

Tammy Wasson and Mary Emmet

Married at First Presbyterian on August 26, 2017


Volunteers Needed

Stillwater’s new food and resource center Our Daily Bread can use your help. Payne county residents in need of food and resource assistance have the opportunity to shop monthly at Our Daily Bread on the following schedule: Monday 1 – 4 PM Wednesday 11 AM – 2 PM Thursday 3 – 6 PM Friday 9 AM – Noon Saturday (3rd of the month) 9 AM – Noon

Volunteers are needed to assist each shopping session. Jobs are split into two categories: front of the house and back of the house. The front of the house jobs include registering guests (some computer skills needed) and personal shopping (accompanying guests through the shopping area and assisting them to their vehicles). The back of the house jobs include restocking shelves and receiving/sorting donated and retail recovery food items.

To volunteer contact Becky Taylor, Director ([email protected]), or Kathy Sandefur, Volunteer Coordinator ([email protected]), at405 533-2555. Our Daily Bread is located at 701 E. 12th. For more information visit the ODB web site atwww.ourdailybreadfrc.org.

Please consider donating your time and energy to this worthy organization. One third of Payne County residents live below the poverty level and 18% are food insecure.

Sewing Machine Needed 2nd Mile Sewing has experienced the demise of one of our sewing machines. We would welcome the donation of a sewing machine (at least zig-zag capability), if someone has an extra machine or no longer needs one. Please contact Jane Durham at 405-372-7096. Thanks!

mailto:[email protected]

tel:(405)%20533-2555

http://www.ourdailybreadfrc.org/


New this year! Youth Sunday school will begin at 9:45 am all together in the Youth Suite for a gathering and connection time (with snacks of course!) and music led by Steve Foust before splitting up into age groups for more focused discussion and study.


Welcome to new Youth Ministry Assistant Conner Funk!

We are excited to welcome Conner Funk to the FPC staff as Youth Ministry Assistant! A former Dwight Mission counselor, Conner is from Bethany and is a student at OSU majoring in Elementary Education. Welcome to the youth ministry team, Conner!

UKIRK: "U" is for "university" and "kirk" is the old Scottish Presbyterian word for "church." At UKIRK we concentrate on four areas of emphasis: worship, Bible study, fellowship, and service. Our number one goal is for university students (undergraduate and graduate) to participate fully in the life of the congregation. In addition to participation in our congregation-wide activities, we also have UKIRK-specific gatherings, which will meet Wednesday evenings at 8:30 pm in the Fall of 2017. Being college students we will always accept food and, more importantly, your company! We would love the get to know you and your families outside of the sanctuary. We are also looking for some service projects to work on this fall, so if you have any ideas please let Leah or me (Kay Solomon) know! The students of UKIRK are looking forward to working and growing with you.

Meet UKIRK Assistant Kay Solomon! My name is Kay Solomon. I am a junior here at Oklahoma State, majoring in International Business and minoring in Chinese. I grew up in Athens, Texas and was very involved at First Presbyterian Church, Athens. During my time in Athens I went to many Presbyterian camps and conferences including: Montreat, Mo-Ranch, Camp Gilmont, SHYC, and ETYC. I was ordained as a ruling elder my sophomore year of high school. It has been an honor to continue my faith walk with First Presbyterian, Stillwater. I am thrilled to be serving as the UKIRK Assistant for this semester!

Fall Class Offerings for Adults

Feasting on the Word - August 27 - May 13, 2018. Led by Denise Rex, this classic study challenges us to live our lives more fully. Meets Sunday mornings in the Library.

The Protestant Reformation: 500 Years Later - September 24 - November 5. Led by Revs. Leah Hrachovec and Deborah Meinke, this class will focus on the continuing consequences of the Protestant Reformation 500 years on and its impacts on our lives. Meets Sunday mornings in Fellowship Hall.

A January Series Review: Selected Programs from Calvin College’s Popular January Series - November 12 - November 26. Led by Kent Olson, this series will offer a brief reprise of the 2017 January Series programs. Meets Sunday mornings in the Multipurpose Room.


September/October Schedule September

24 4:00 - 5:00 pm Handbell Choir

5:00 - 6:30 pm PYG

October


5:00 - 6:30 pm PYG


5:00 - 6:30 pm PYG


5:00 - 6:30 pm PYG


5:00 - 6:30 pm PYG Game Night

PYG (Presbyterian Youth Group) For ALL 6th-12th graders

Sundays, 5:00-6:30 p.m. in the Youth Suite Come to youth group for ping pong, pool, music, snacks, games, Bible study, and prayer. Retreats

and service opportunities are also offered throughout the year.


PYG Dives Deep into Justice Our theme for the fall at PYG is “Justice.” The youth will be looking closely at questions like: What is justice? How is justice different from service? Why are we called to justice and who calls us to do justice (Micah 6:8 gives us the answer!)? In addition to these introductory questions, we’ll dive in deep to these questions:

Who exactly are my neighbors and why do I have to help them? Luke 10: 25-37

Why do I have to help people who aren’t willing to help themselves? (and is this really the question to be asking?) Matthew 25:34-45

Does God really expect us to stand up for things when doing so could put us in danger? Acts 6:8-8:1

God wants us to help people, but couldn’t God just do it on God’s own? (Amos 5:15,18-24)

Special Guests to Offer Their Thoughts on Justice Work at PYG

September 24 – Ethan Rex, a Stillwater FPC PYG alum, will chat with the youth group about his job working with people who experience homelessness in Tulsa. He’ll help us understand some of the complex issues surrounding homelessness and ask some questions about solutions to homelessness from a justice perspective.

October 8 – Presbyterian Peacemaker Jerome Baris will speak to the youth about his work as the National Program Coordinator of the UCCP Justice, Peace, and Human Rights Program in the Philippines.

PYG Sponsors for 2017-2018 Kim Leffingwell Everett Miller

Rusty Rex Tim Riley Wyeth Leslie

PYG Service Weekend – November 18 and 19

For youth grades 6-12 and their families As PYG looks in depth at justice issues this fall, we’ll spend a weekend working together at Our Daily Bread Food and Resource Center, offering our assistance to them and learning more about how hunger impacts Payne County and steps our community is taking to assist those in need.


Children’s Ministry


Children and Worship We invite children ages 3 through 3rd grade to participate each Sunday in Children and Worship during 11:00 a.m. worship following Time with Children. The children can follow the worship banner out of the sanctuary and be met by volunteers who will lead them to the Westminster Room for a time of age-appropriate worship and activities. Parents may pick up their children in the Westminster Room at the conclusion of worship, except on days when Communion is offered (on Communion Sundays, parents may go to the back of the sanctuary during the singing of the Doxology after the Offering to meet their children and escort them back to their seats for the remainder of the service).

New this year – Offering during Children & Worship. Because children are not in the sanctuary for the time of Offering and because we want children to grow up knowing that their gifts to the church are impactful and that giving generously is an act of worship, we are beginning to take up an offering each Sunday during Children & Worship. Children are invited to bring their offering to C&W each Sunday (meaning they will need to bring it with them to the Time with Children since they leave the sanctuary directly following that). We will receive their Offering during the Response Time in C&W – both money they have brought and any artwork they have made or prayers they have drawn during Response Time.

Faith Kid-nection Sunday School for children ages 3, 4, and 5 9:45-10:45 am Children preschool to kindergarten age are invited to join in play, games and songs as we explore God’s love, grow in faith, and learn how to share God’s love with others using the Walk with Me curriculum. This class meets in room 122 in the preschool wing. The class will begin at 9:45 in the Worship Center for gathering and song before dismissing to their classroom. Parents may pick up children in the Worship Center at 10:45 am. Teachers: Eric Savage, Dustin Charter, and Melody Reavis

SpiritLink for 1st-5th graders SpiritLink is a workshop rotation-model Sunday School in which students learn about a Bible story or theme from different perspectives throughout each unit. Lessons are told throughout the year using various ways of learning: art, science, computers, storytelling, cooking, movies, drama, and more! Creators: 1st/2nd/3rd grades - Shepherd: Jenny Fowler Makers: 4th/5th grades - Shepherd: Suzii Parsons The 2017-2018 theme for SpiritLink is Providence: God’s Creating Word. Our October theme will be Feeding 5,000 and children will explore how they can be a part of God’s work in the world. Parents – SpiritLink begins at 9:45 a.m. in the Worship Center with a gathering time filled with songs led by Steve Foust, prayer, and a time to recall the theme for the month. SpiritLink ends at 10:45 a.m. in the Worship Center. Please be prompt at picking up your children so our volunteers can get ready for 11:00 worship.


Fall begins in just a few days and it’s a rainy morning! I love to listen to the rain. Tonight is our school wide picnic in the courtyard. This is a fun opportunity for children and their families to come together, eat and get to know each other. Parenting can sometimes feel very isolated and we want to offer chances for families to get to know one another. We want each family to have a support system in place if they would need one. We have had a great first month back to school. The children are almost all settled in and the teachers love having students upon which to shower the love of God. Thank you to the Deacons for their continued support of our scholarship fund. We were able to award 7 families a total of over $500/month to allow their students to come to school at our preschool. We always welcome donations! Thanks to the many congregation members that have made donations to our scholarship fund in the past. One thing our school does to create funds is that we collect Box Tops for Education. You might see these pink

squares on products you routinely buy at the store. They are sometimes found on Kleenex, muffin or brownie

mixes, and sometimes on large packages of toilet paper. Each Box Top we send in is 10 cents for us. If you collect

these and want to let us send them in, we would greatly appreciate it. We submit them twice a year – the end of

October and the end of March.

Preschool Update

Save the Date! Come to the Table: Breadmaking and

Communion Milestone In Fellowship Hall

Saturday, September 30 2:00 - 4:30 pm

For all 3rd - 5th graders 3rd-5th graders are invited to experience breadmaking, grape stomping, and more as we explore together what Communion is all about. Many thanks to Jacqui Savage for lending her breadmaking talents with us for this event!


Pumpkin Palooza – a Fun in Faith Event Sunday, October 8 @ 1:30 Children 5th grade and under and their families are invited for a time of fellowship at Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch in Arcadia, OK (little less than an hour’s drive from Stillwater). We’ll meet in the church parking lot at 1:30 pm and caravan together down to the pumpkin patch. Enjoy:

Hayrides Corn maze Petting zoo Fun fort Hotdogs and s’mores around a fire pit Pony rides (for an additional $6)

It’s free to attend. Each family will leave with a small pumpkin and the opportunity to purchase more. Those who wish can make a stop by Pops on the way home for some unique soft drinks! It will be a great day for fellowship with other families – please invite your friends!


Bench Potatoes

Anyone 7 years or older is invited to sit up at the organ console during worship. Repeat visitors are always welcome, and there is no upper age limit! Contact Becky te Velde if you and/or your child would like to be a Bench Potato. “Two’s Company” on the organ bench!

“Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.” (Ps. 100:2) Chancel Choir rehearsals have resumed on Wednesday evenings, 7:30-8:30 pm, in the Westminster (choir) room. We are always eager to welcome new members, so if you enjoy singing, or think you might, consider adding your voice to ours! If you worry that you might not be “good enough”, don’t!! No experience is necessary—we train on the job. Visitors are also welcome to come and observe rehearsals anytime. Please see Jim Showalter’s “View from the Choir Loft”, as well as other such testimonies from preceding issues of The Ambassador. The choir sings weekly at the 11:00 a.m. service. In addition to our weekly anthems, we are working on some special things for World Communion Sunday (Oct. 1–also at 11:00 SpiritLink Singers and a piano duet by Joel and Heather Lanners) and for Reformation Sunday (Oct. 29). Our musical celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation will include an outdoor bagpipe “greeting” (honoring our Presbyterian reformed heritage), Reformation hymns, trumpet, a collaboration of choir and congregation, and festive organ settings of Luther’s great hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” for prelude and postlude.

Chancel Choir Notes View From the Choir Loft By Jim Showalter

In any choir a minor miracle occurs. At rehearsal there is much talking and laughing, clumps of people enjoying each other, but there are also those who sit alone, looking at music or just breathing after a long day. Then Becky says, "Take out Tallis and turn to page 5, measure 64." The talk continues accompanied by the rustling of sheet music pages. "Now, when you sing this, make sure you project your words clearly ... and no 'r's', no 'r's'!"

And then the miracle occurs.

She sits at the piano and looks at us and at the music, hits our first notes, and then, with a nod of Becky's head, twenty are one. Individuals dissolve into one sound. You sing, you blend, and you listen to others to fit your part with the whole. Some of us read music, some don't. Some of us have solo voices, most are choir voices. Some of us are older, some younger. All those differences disappear. We all love music, we all love to sing. And as the song rises it sometimes seems ....

"Stop there! That sounded Wonderful! Oh, you ought to hear it! But let’s look at that phrase in measure 72...."

I don't know that the sound is as "wonderful" as Becky claims, bless her heart. But that joining of many into one truly is a wonder, a miracle.


Director of Music/Organist Rebecca te Velde [email protected] Contemporary Music Coordinator Steve Foust [email protected]

Handbell Choir Director Allison Johnston [email protected] 2017-2018 Choral Scholars Breanna Bunney Amanda Barber

Music Staff

FPC Handbell Choir Our new intergenerational Bell Choir met for the first time on Sept. 10 with Handbell Scholar Allison Johnston and 11 ringers! Rehearsals are Sunday afternoons 4:00-5:00 pm in the “Bell Balcony” of the sanctuary, the north balcony across from the organ pipes. This ensemble is open to anyone 6th grade and up, no experience necessary. There are lots of bells to go around, so come and “try your hand” at bell ringing! The Bell Choir will ring in worship several times during the fall semester.



Meet the New Musical Staff!

Breanna Bunney, soprano, continues with us in her second year as a Choral Scholar in the Chancel Choir, and as Music Assistant for SpiritLink Music Sundays. She will be joined in the same roles this year by Amanda Barber. Allison Johnston, who is a volunteer singer with Chancel Choir, has become our first Handbell Scholar, directing our newly-formed FPC Bell Choir.

Greetings to my church family! My name is Breanna Bunney. My hometown is Blackwell, Oklahoma. I am currently attending Oklahoma State University in pursuit of an Instrumental Music Education degree. I'm excited to return to First Presbyterian this year as an active choir member as well as a leader for children's music on Music Sunday. This year will surely be exciting and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with an amazing congregation!

Amanda Barber is a freshman vocal music education major at Oklahoma State University. She is in Concert Chorale and is taking voice lessons with professor April Golliver. Amanda is from Fort Worth, Texas and hopes to one day direct a Texas All State choir.

Allison Johnston is a junior studying music at Oklahoma State. She has been playing violin since she was three and teaching privately since she was fifteen. She enjoys sewing, getting ice cream with her friends, pretending to be every character in a Broadway musical at once, and singing with the FPC choir. Allison played in a handbell choir in her hometown of Springfield, Missouri for six years and can't wait to get started with the FPC Bell Choir.

I love change. It's what keeps life fresh and worth living. As many of you know we have moved forward from the Rejoice! Gathering to a more contemporary presence in the worship services. This is working very well. I enjoy playing in the Sunday morning services in addition to leading the SpiritLink gathering before Sunday school at 9:45 am. They wore me out last Sunday as we did all of the motions to "Father Abraham". Then it's up to the youth suite to sing a couple of contemporary worship songs while playing my guitar. We always end with the Love Canon: “Love, love, love, love, Christians this is your call To love your neighbor as yourself For God loves us all”

Keep on singing! Steve Foust

Where have you traveled recently? Did you bring back a

suitcase full of souvenirs? Would you like to share them

with our congregation? If so, the Worship & Music

committee invites you to help decorate a table in

Fellowship Hall when we celebrate World Communion

on October 1. As we have in the past, we will provide the

tables if you’ll provide the decorations. Anything is

welcome — maps, statues, placemats, books, anything

that represents to you a place in our world that is

separate from Stillwater, Oklahoma. We would like to fill

our Hall with reminders of our neighbors all over the

world. If you are interested, please let Linda Good

(405-742-6565, [email protected]) or Dustin Reavis know

(405-880-5621, [email protected]).

Calling All Travelers!

A Word From Steve


Peacemaker Missionary Visit: October 4 - 11, 2017

Rev. Baris, a renowned International Peacemaker, will be hosted by the Cimarron Presbytery and FPC from October 4 -11, 2017. He will be preaching at both services here at FPC on Sunday, October 8th, and will present his peacemaking efforts in Fellowship Hall between services. Regularly scheduled adult classes will be canceled to facilitate attendance at Rev. Baris’ presentation.

Rev. Baris is an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), where he has served for 28 years. He is currently the National Coordinator of the Justice, Peace, and Human Rights Program of the UCCP, a position he has held since June 2013. It is his view that, “social injustice is the biggest challenge to the Filipino peoples’ struggle for justice and lasting peace in their country. Rampant violations occur against people’s political and civil rights as well as cultural, social, and economic rights, and widespread corruption in the state’s bureaucracy. The Church, as the moral conscience for social change and transformation, is challenged to steadfastly uphold the sanctity of life by bringing about the spirituality of building just and lasting peace!”

“This is now coupled with challenging effects under the presumptuous, ambivalent and controversial governance of President Duterte’s administration, coupled with anti-criminality, anticorruption and the anti-illegal drug trade campaign proliferating rampant extra-judicial killings and culture of impunity, which generates reactions from all corners in the Philippines and around the globe.”

Rev. Baris is “bringing a prophetic voice of judgement to social injustice and hope of peace based on justice to the Philippines.” Please join us on Sunday, October 8th, at 9:45 am in Fellowship Hall for Rev. Baris’ presentation on his work.


“For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” John 6:33

On the first Sunday in October, October 1 in 2017, here in Stillwater, Oklahoma

we will celebrate World Communion Sunday along with our Christian sisters

and brothers around the world. World Communion Sunday was first celebrated in 1933 at Shadyside

Presbyterian Church, Pittsburg, PA. It was adopted as a denominational practice in the Presbyterian Church

(US) in 1936. Churches in other denominations were invited to celebrate from the beginning, but it wasn’t

until 1940 when the Council of Churches (predecessor to the National Council of Churches) promoted

extending the celebration to a number of churches around the world and that the practice became

widespread. Today, World Communion Sunday is celebrated around the world and emphasizes that we are all

one in the Spirit and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (from http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/

worship/ special-days-and-emphases/world-communion-sunday/)

Here at Stillwater FPC, we will celebrate at both the 8:30 am and 11 am worship services October 1st in the

Fellowship Hall. Communion will be served by intinction at both services and worshipers will be seated at

round tables decorated with items from around the world. Some of the communion bread will be baked by

our 3rd - 5th graders who participated in the Communion Milestone on September 30th. Please join us as we

celebrate our global connection to Christians all over the world.

World Communion Sunday

http://www.presbyterianmission.org/


Patty Jacobs Randy Jobe (Irwin) Ted Joy (Irwin) Debbie K. (Hrachovec) Nelma Karnes (Jones) Vickie Karns (Houston) Kay Keys Mary Jane Kirchenbauer (Breuninger) Pauline Kopecky Dottie Kraemer Karen Krehbiel (Breuninger) Tom Kunz (Shaw) Phyllis Leaghty Hank Lett (Irwin) James Light (McPherson) Wendy Long (Burgoon) Charlene Longdon (Jacobs) Lloyd Lutjens (Beckstrom) Tom Lutjens (Beckstrom) Lyndall Maddox (Gumm) David Marstellar (Botts) Alyssa Matal (Krehbiel) Bernie McNickle (McNickle) Philip Meadows Paul Meriwether (Meriwether) Micah Miller (Fairbanks) Tresa Miller (Miller) Kenny Minshew (Mullen) Kendra Moreland (Fowler) Peggy Murphy Diane Newlin Pam Normile (Meinke) Charlotte Nowakowski (Cohlmia) Kathy Para (Holland) Christine Parson (Rex) Jean Potts (Bills) Aaron Ray (Houston) Sally Ray (Houston) Walker Reese (Melancon) Jerry Sager (Vinson) Ken and Gloria Sandvold Bradley Schutt (Schlais) Addi Shamburg (Stiegler) Karen Shippey (Swim) Brylee Shullanberg (Stiegler) Jeffrey Silver (Silver) Anne Simmons (Mullen) Laura Simmons (Meinke) Carrie & Robert Smith family (Ballenger) David Smith (Cooper) Harvey Smith Raylene Smith (Breuninger) Titus Smith (Irwin) Linda Stangl Jamie Stephens (Burgoon) Blaire Stevison

Prayer Concerns Amanda (Hrachovec) Dan (Gumm) Erica Addison (Visnic) Nick Amidon (Garoffolo) Charlie Anaya Sr (Anaya) Shea Arnett (N. Thomas) Roger Banks (te Velde) Hadley Barker (Garoffolo) Mariana & Isaac Becerra (Arquitt) Lily Beckstrom (Beckstrom) Allison Bills-Eustis (Bills) Mandy Blackburn Dawn Blair (Burgoon) Ken & Rita Breuninger Bill Brewer Helen Britton Belinda Bruner Blake Buck Ted Burgoon (Burgoon) Vivian Burgoon (Burgoon) Bob Campbell (Caldwell) Tracy Carter Wayne Cartwright (Koeppe) Susie Causley Nancy Chapa (Fagan) Marilyn Choike (Bruce) Betty Christian (Parsons) Allison Christy (Breuninger) Abby Clapp (Clapp) Darlene Collyar (Silver) Andee and Kannon Cooper (Hrachovec) Dona Cooper Dick Croom (Knox) Heather Davidson (Roach) Anita Davis (Kelly) Pat Dawson (Gumm) Marcie Dennison (Fairbanks) Matthew Durham (Shawley) Lori Fagan Ruby Flowers (Flowers) Ed Gallegos (Wilkinson) Glenda Garrigus (Rex) Dorothy Gibbons (Holland) Sam Hamilton Gwen Hanson (Olson) Ben Harris (Wilkinson/Frohock) Kendall Harvey (Carter/Shaw) Sue Henderson (Beckstrom) Nelda Hershberger (Knox) Bob Hert (Beckstrom) Charla Hilger (Roscoe) Carolynne Hopkins Joyce Hufford (Carter/Shaw) Lee Ann Hulet (Osborn) Robert Hungerford (McCarley) Sandy Ives

Jen Tapley (Ainsworth) Lorna te Velde (te Velde) Tom Thedford Bryan Tiffany (Visnic) Kathleen Turney (Gumm) Upendo Kids (Shawley) Nettie Vick Barbara Ware (Fansler) Darrell Warren (Silver) Linda Wasson (Wasson/Emmett) Lynn Wenig Arvilla West Nona Wilhm (PW Bowling) Doyle Williams (Stone) Emily Williams Jim Williams Mary Williams Jim Wise George Young Anne Zinn (Breuninger)

Larger Church: Asia and the Pacific Synod of Mid-America Synod of the Mid-Atlantic

Names in parentheses indicate the church family member requesting prayer for a non-member. Please notify the Church Office if persons may be removed from the Prayer List. Thank you!

Military Members Members & family members of our church family who have been deployed in service to our country:

Jordan Buterbaugh Marines (Case)

Captain Joseph DeHoogh Navy (DeHoogh)

Commander Molly Jenkins DeHoogh

Navy (DeHoogh)

Justin Fowler Navy (Fowler)

[email protected]

Major Luke Hagen Air Force (DeHoogh)

CSM Steven Morwood Army (Morwood)

LT Eric Murphy Army (Fairbanks)

Garrett Walters Marines (Williams)

Bryn Williams Army (Williams)



Need the Support of Someone Who Cares?

That's why we're here in Stephen Ministry.

There are times when everyone of us experiences difficulties: loss of a loved one job loss spiritual crisis divorce infertility illness loneliness

God knows the importance of having someone with whom to share an experience. God placed us in community and has brought us together as a congregation, and that's why we have Stephen Ministry. Trained Stephen Ministers are available to meet with you--privately and confidentially--to listen, encourage, pray with and reflect God's love in your life.

If you would like to learn more about Stephen Ministry for yourself or someone you know, contact a pastor or Carolyn Caldwell, Referrals Coordinator [email protected]

Faith on Tap Returns!

New Day, New Location

Conversation with FPC friends on how our faith influences our engagement with cultural issues.

Wednesdays: October 25, November 15, and December 20 6:00 - 8:00 pm Zannotti’s Wine Bar 113 W. 7th, Stillwater

Order from Zannotti’s menus of small plates/appetizers, and drinks. Childcare provided at the church (sign up through the church office by the Monday prior.)


Marty Gallup

Joined First Presbyterian Church November 14, 1995

Entered the Church Triumphant

August 22, 2017

In Memoriam

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me shall never die.”

Bob West

Husband of Arvilla West

Entered the Church Triumphant August 24, 2017

SEASONED ADULTS

Seasoned Adults

Our September meeting featured Kathy Sandefur and Becky Taylor from Our Daily Bread (new Food & Resource Center in Stillwater). They gave an excellent presentation on the grand opening of the center, as well as discussing the services they provide and a vision forward. We were able to pass the donation plate and collected over $200 for their program.

Looking forward to our October 16th meeting, Dave Brown from OSU Landscape Services will present a program on the landscape department as OSU. At our November 20th meeting, Gary and Nancy Simpson will be joining us and presenting another wonderful program. Mark your calendar early for these dates!

If you have any questions, please email me at [email protected]. I am looking forward to seeing you all in October.




DEACON’S

CORNER

Home Communion If you or someone you know would like to have Communion provided at home, please contact the Church Office (372-5580) to make a

request. It is an honor and a privilege to provide this service.

Hospital and Homebound Visitation If you know of any of our Church members who are in the hospital or homebound, please notify the Church Office (405-372-5580). A Deacon would enjoy visiting to brighten their day.

Love Feast Our church serves Love Feast on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the south campus of First United Methodist Church, 2823 S Husband St. If you are interested in helping cook and/or serve, please contact Deacon Nicole Eastman at [email protected].

Bingo Prizes Needed for MPower If you have anything that you would like to donate to MPower for bingo prizes, please drop it off at the donation box located downstairs. If you have any questions, please contact Margy Knox at [email protected].

Saturday Brunch The Saturday Brunch ministry continues to provide meals for the community every Saturday at 11:00 a.m. If you are interested in volunteering once, twice, or joining a regular Saturday team, please let us know. You can contact Magdalena in the church office at (405) 372-5580 or [email protected].


Reminder: Ambassador by Email

We invite you to consider receiving your Ambassador by email. Each month you receive an email with the link for the new issue. You can view

or print while saving printing and mailing costs for the Church. Email Magdalena at [email protected] if you want to try receiving the Ambassador electronically.

On Wednesday August 9th, 25 Presbyterians met at Our Daily Bread to do some volunteer painting. Dennis and Judy Farrell, Denise Rex, Iris McPherson, Edwin Koeppe, Ken McKinley, Bob and Barb Henderson, Larry Caldwell, and Cathy and Steve Fairbanks made up the morning crew. Dennis and Judy Farrell, Steve Fairbanks, Ron and Lynda Tyrl, Rosetta and Jeff Silver, and Kay Stewart made up the afternoon crew. The evening crew consisted of Dennis and Judy Farrell, Magdalena Vinson, Leah Hrachovec, Kelly Nipp, Tim Krehbiel, Eric Savage, Andrew Jones, Mary Beth and Chris Garoffolo, Christina Miller, and Cathy and Steve Fairbanks. Activities of these people included painting the teaching kitchen, numerous window sills, hallways, side and back doors of the building, installing the base board in the director’s office, and moving material in the warehouse so the perimeter line could be painted. Our efforts contributed to the preparing of the building for the ribbon cutting ceremony on August 31st. Our Daily Bread opened to the community on September 6th. Volunteers are always appreciated. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Kathy Sandefur at (608) 698-1951 or [email protected].

Our Daily Bread Opens

tel:%28405%20372-5580


Session Organization The Session is organized into the following areas of responsibility. Members of the congregation join them in the work. If you have an interest in serving in a certain area, please contact one of the elders assigned to that ministry and volunteer. Do not be shy. As Presbyterians, we believe that the synergism of the Spirit increases with greater involvement and more people.

Clerk: John Gelder

Children’s Ministry: Susie Causley Sydney Reding

Youth Ministry: Scott Johnson Katharine Nipp

Adult Ministry: Bill Segall Jenny Bobo Kent Olson

Fellowship & Family: Becky Walker (chair) Marilyn Waters-Seig

UKirk (University): Gary Holland (chair) Rick Dearinger

Worship and Music: Linda Good, (chair) David Silver Phyllis Taylor

Stewardship & Finance: Tammy Wasson (chair) Arletta Webster Norm Durham

World Mission and Denominational Concerns: John Steinbrink (chair)Dan Grischkowsky Gerrit Cuperus

Communications & Connecting: Paula Kendrick, (chair) Kathy Thomas

Trustee Liaison: Dick Shawley

Personnel: Thad Leffingwell (chair) David Silver

Endowment Liaison: Bill Segall

Monthly Income / Expense Report

August

2017 Year

to Date % of

Budget

Giving $ 42,346.65 $ 377,467.16 60.06

Other Income

$ 2,574.07

$ 41,412.11 69.82

Total Income

$ 44,920.72 $ 406,379.58 60.67

Expenditures $ 53,224.73 $ 404,894.26 56.92

Net $ (8,304.01) $ 1,485.32


Session Summary The Session of First Presbyterian Church, Stillwater, OK met in its Stated Meeting on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. A quorum was present. Lisa McGaw, Deacon representative, offered the opening thought and prayer. Highlights:

Received new members: Jim and Teresa Ansley (by Letter of Transfer) and Joyce Chivunga (by Letter of Transfer), Casey and Justin Billingsley (by Reaffirmation of Faith)

Approved the collection of an offering for Our Daily Bread at Seasoned Adults gathering in September

Heard an update from the Nominating Committee that work on officer nominations and nominations to the APNC (Associate Pastor Nominating Committee) are in progress

Discussed Parish Paper – “Equipping Volunteers Builds a Strong Church Community”

Received action from Commission on Ministry of Cimarron Presbytery that our Session’s request to call a congregational meeting to elect an APNC has been approved, and Elder Mike Dvorak, from Perry, will be the liaison between COM and the APNC

Heard from Children’s Ministry of new effort to incorporate monetary offering into Children & Worship to teach about giving and stewardship

Approved World Mission and Denominational Concern Committee’s recommendation that the local 25% of the Peace and Global Witness Offering on World Communion Sunday (Oct 1) will be given to Stillwater CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)

Approved changes to accounts (combining and eliminating unnecessary line items for 2018) as recommended by Stewardship & Finance

Elected Kathy Thomas to serve as one of FPC’s Elder Commissioners to the October Cimarron Presbytery meeting. A second Elder will be elected before the meeting October 6-7 in Guymon, OK

Collected $21 for Love Feast

Session adjourned at 7:07 pm with prayer. The next stated meeting is Tuesday, October 10 at 5:30 pm in the Multipurpose Room


First Std U.S. Postage

PAID City, ST

Permit # 000

The Ambassador First Presbyterian Church

524 S. Duncan Stillwater, OK 74074 405-372-5580 www.stillwaterfpcorg

Sunday Worship Schedule Worship - 8:30 and 11:00 am

Sunday School - 9:45 am

Midweek Communion 12:10 pm

Wednesdays Worship Center

Worship at First Presbyterian

Upcoming Worship

Schedule

October 1: World Communion Sunday, both services in Fellowship Hall. Communion will be served at both services

October 29: Reformation Sunday November 5: All Saints’ Day,

communion will be served at both services

November 26: Reign of Christ Sunday, communion will be served at both services

December 3: First Sunday in Advent December 10: Service of Lessons and

Carols, both services are identical


On World Communion Sunday, October 1st, the Peace and Global Witness offering will be collected during worship. This church-wide special offering is designated for a variety of peacemaking efforts at global, national and local levels. Your World Missions and Denominational Concerns committee chose the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program in Payne County to receive 25% of the collection. CASA is highly regarded for their well-trained volunteers who act as friends of the Court to bring peace

and order into the lives of children and youth under Juvenile Court oversight. Our presbytery receives 25% and will make a gift that promotes peace and the remaining 50% goes to the peacemaking and reconciliation ministries of the Presbyterian Church (USA), helping with services for refugees and promoting peaceful efforts in war-torn countries like South Sudan. As we light our peacemaking candle each Sunday in worship, we are reminded of the great need for peace around the world. Thank you for your generous gifts.

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