Columns

Magazine

advent and christmas

a generous year
tiny birds, big change
seasons of life

WINTER 2016

FI RST PR ES BY TER I A N C H U RC H O F O R L A N DO

from david WINTER 2016

I could not be more excited about the launch of
The Collaborative for cultural and economic renewal. Through
months of study and reflection over the critical dynamics of the relationship between faith and work, we have reached a place where
we are ready to put our learning into action. Naturally, whenever you
launch something new, there can be some confusion, so let me tell
you first what The Collaborative is not:

It is NOT a physical place.

It is NOT what could be called workplace evangelism.

The Collaborative is an equipping ministry for all in our community

who want to live out Peters words in 1 Peter 4:1. When we come to
Christ we spend the rest of our time in the flesh as those who live
for the will of God. What does that mean if so much of our lives are
spent working? It means our work is understood as part of a larger
Kingdom endeavor, Gods call to create and produce a culture that
allows all human beings to flourish.
This means that economics matter. How we use the products of our
work, and the revenues created, has the power to lift people into
circumstances where they, too, can thrive. Education, job creation,
affordable housing, efficient transportation, healthcare, the justice
system these and many others all become key elements in providing all people the chance to do what God made them to do in the
world: to be creative and productive just as He was and is. Though
this place is not our true home (Jeremiah 29), we still live as
culture creators, those who influence where God has placed us by
putting down roots, raising our families, contributing economically,
all while seeking the welfare of the city.
Finally, as we move toward the season of Advent and Christmas,
we will be digging into the significance of the incarnation God in
human flesh. When you actually think about it, it is an almost inconceivable idea to consider: God became a human being. Yet, it is
the absolute core of Christian faith. Ill look at why we are certain of
its truth and what the implications are for our lives and the life of
Christs Church in our sermon series, When God Came Down.
In the meantime, may God grant you those small, yet wondrous
moments when he shows you the fruit being born by your life and
service to Him. It truly is a joy to be your pastor, and I remain

Therefore,
since Christ
has suffered in
the flesh, arm
yourselves
with the same
purpose so
as to live the
rest of time in
the flesh no
longer for the
lusts of men,
but for the
will of God.
1 Peter 4:1

Under His Mercy,

David
winter 2016

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COLUMNS Magazine

CHRISTMAS
WORSHIP
p. 11

contents WINTER 2016

events & highlights
04

WHERE TO SERVE

05

SAVE THE DATE (so you dont miss the fun)

10

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS

21

FAMILY news

22

ANNUAL REPORT SNAPSHOT

23

ARISE AND BUILD update.

featured stories
07

FINDING FREEDOM by Sallie Douglas

responding to modern-day slavery

12

SEASONS OF LIFE by Rev. Jack Peebles

discipleship in community

14

WORK, NOT TOIL by Dr. Case Thorp

a Kingdom perspective on vocation

16

START SMALL by Katherine Johnson

tiny birds lead to big transformation in Madagascar

18

FORMING A WORLDVIEW with Jill Hadlock

what shapes our outlook and beliefs?

ways to grow
06

NEW TOOLS for giving

08

CONNECT now & in the New Year

09

BEFORE THE AFTER with Dr. Dan Sharp

a GENEROUS year
DEBT FREE

January 2016

One of the core expressions

of being a family is celebrating
together. That's why, as a church
family, we celebrate the victories
and milestones of generosity
together. Because our giving
really does have an impact: in
the church, in the world, and on
our hearts.
See page 22 for a recap of our
financial reporting this year, as
well as an update on our ARISE
AND BUILD Campaign. And be
on the lookout in November and
December as we share tools to
help you prepare for end-of-year
giving, plan for the year ahead,
and learn more about God's
generous heart for you.

GIVING TREE
November 20

SERVE at church
sundays

SHINE for special needs

kids. Help children who
need a little extra help
on Sunday mornings at
9:45am. Email Alexa at
arossi@fpco.org.

advent

Light the world during

worship one Sunday
morning: read Scripture
and light the Advent
candles with your family
or friends. Email Lisa at
lbooth@fpco.org.

Dec. 24

Greet guests on Christmas Eve! Serve on our

Welcome Team before
worship and make the
season bright. (See p.10)

SEASONS
GREETINGS
December 24

save the date WINTER 2016/17

November

December

Second Sunday Coffee 11/13

Cup of Christmas Joy! with Women Engaged 12/3

First Moms Brunch 11/19

SHINE Children's Live Nativity 12/4

Giving Tree Opens 11/20

Second Sunday Coffee 12/11

Church Closed for Thanksgiving 11/24 & 11/25

Before the After, a Christmas Concert 12/18

Advent Begins 11/27

Christmas Eve Worship 12/24

Christmas Day Worship, 11am only 12/25
Church Closed for Christmas 12/26 & 12/27

January
New Year's Worship, 9:45am & 11am only 1/1
Church Closed for New Year's Holiday 1/2

sign up & learn more

fpco.org/calendar

Elder & Deacon Ordination 1/8

Young at Heart Luncheon 1/13
New Sermon Series Begins 1/15

Legend

Community

Study & Discipleship

CHRISTMAS
CONCERT
December 18

winter 2016

Serving

Worship & Prayer

JANUARY 15

new discipleship
classes begin

-5-

fpco.org

new ways to give

We invest fully in God's work here: connecting with the church
family in covenant community, becoming a disciple who lights
the world, and joyfully giving in response to Gods generosity
towards us. Here are some ways to start right where you are.

winter 2016

Giving online got easier this year.

Our mobile-friendly giving allows you
to schedule your gifts via credit card
or bank draft. Create a login to give
securely online, and you'll always
be able to keep track of your giving
history or make changes. Start at
fpco.org/give.

Double your donation in 15 minutes.

Did you know? Your employer may match donations made
to eligible nonprofit organizations, including First Pres.
It's an easy way to double your
contribution! Check to see if you're
eligible at fpco.org/match.

Text to give.
Give securely on your phone
via text message. Just text an
amount to 407.449.1077.

Smile (even while holiday shopping)!

Support First Pres with every purchase you make on Amazon.com.
Learn how at fpco.org/amazon.

-6-

COLUMNS Magazine

finding freedom in the truth

one member's story of taking action to light the world, when injustice comes to light.

by SALLIE DOUGLAS

MOVE OTHERS TO FREEDOM

The movie Taken is an action thriller
film starring Liam Neeson. Neeson
plays a former CIA operative who
frantically sets about tracking down
his daughter after she is kidnapped
while traveling in France. The plot is

Contact our mission partners to find

out more about human trafficking
in Central Florida, and how you can
be involved. Florida Abolitionist at
floridaabolitionist.organd Samaritan
Village at samaritanvillage.net.

opening a mission fund with Heart

of the City foundation that would
support Christian ministries dedicated to this cause. The fund will provide
annual grants to ministries in Central
Florida whose main focus is on the

based around the idea of taking down

LEARN MORE

eradication of human trafficking and

an illegal sex trafficking operation;

ORLANDOHEARTOFTHECITY.ORG

to the rehabilitation of its victims.

This fund has been established in

Neeson's character sought to rescue

his daughter from becoming a victim
of sex slavery. While the movie was
riveting, filled with action and suspense, I was horrified at the whole
premise of human trafficking. The
idea of buying, selling, and smuggling
people into prostitution rings might
seem like the perfect plot for a highspeed action film in Hollywood, but
was certainly not in my reality! I felt
removed because, after all, it was only
a movie and they were half a world

ficking in the United States. Are you

kidding me? That response shook me
down to my core. You see, I was born
here and, to me, Orlando was the
sweetest little town in which a child
could grow up!
Unfortunately, human trafficking is
a real and present issue in our community, our country and the world
at large. People are bought and sold:

away.
Then, several years ago, I was on a

prostitution or trapped in grueling

beside me asked where I called home.

I told him I was from Orlando, and his
response was to tell me that Orlando
holds the reputation as having one of
the largest incidences of human trafwinter 2016

and Russell Douglas Freedom Fund

Jesus paid a magnificent, beautiful price for our dignity and for our
freedom from bondage. As Christs
followers we should not live removed

modern-day slaves. The victims are

flight when the gentleman sitting

memory of my parents: The Frances

often abused, beaten and forced into

labor jobs for little or no pay. It is a
horrific affront on humanity.
Last year, the Lord placed in my heart
the desire to help fight the battle
of trafficking in our community by

-7-

from the reality of this dark and often

hidden industry. Rather we should
do all we can to help the victims of
human trafficking experience healing
and the true freedom found in Christ.
I pray that each of us do everything we
can to set up Gods kingdom in every
place and in every situation where evil
reigns. 1 Peter 2:9 says, You areGods
special possession, that you may declare
the praises of him who called you out of
darkness into his wonderful light.

fpco.org

where to connect

learn and grow

First Pres is a big church family with many ways to learn more about God
and build relationships in community. Here are a few to help you get started:

WE'RE ALWAYS
THERE FOR YOU

Rejoice in the season. Our Advent sermon series, When God Came Down,
begins November 27, exploring the human and divine character of Jesus in
the flesh.

Find your joy. Our Women Engaged will host A Cup of Christmas Joy on
Saturday, December 3, celebrating the birth of Jesus and welcoming women who have recently joined the church. This is a great opportunity to invite
friends who may not have a church home. RSVP to Lori Needham at
lneedham@fpco.org.

Learn the story. Our Spring sermon series, Once Upon a Time, begins January 15, as we seek to better understand the whole Biblical story. You can also
dig even deeper with the companion 10-week study, ReFrame, to discover
practical examples of how to live out your faith in daily life.

Discover What Love Is. Dive into the letters of 1, 2, 3 John with Women Engaged, in this new study by Kelly Minter, beginning the week of January 23.
Written to encourage followers of Jesus to remain faithful to the truth, these
letters reveal both the heart of a man beloved by Jesus (John) and the heart
of Jesus himself.

Save the date for First Tuesdays. The 20's ministry meets the First Tuesday
of each month, in a church member's home for dinner and a time of fellowship. To learn more, call email Scarlett Stewart at sstewart@fpco.org.

@FPCO.ORG
Our website is designed
to help equip you to
follow God when you
aren't at church. Sign up
for events, catch up on
messages you missed,
schedule your giving,
or dig into a devotional
anytime.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP AT FPCO.ORG

winter 2016

-8-

COLUMNS Magazine

before the after

DEVOTIONS FOR THE ADVENT SEASON

by DR. DAN SHARP

Have you ever wondered what the

Christ and the Coming Judgment. The

Each days writing contains an Old

point of Advent was? When it began?

final two weeks turn our attention to

Testament prophecy and a New Tes-

Isnt it just a thing that liturgical

the Nativity.

tament fulfillment of that prophecy,

churches do?

with a brief discussion of the relationThe theology of the season is tre-

ship between the two and its implica-

Here is a little historical background:

mendously rich. We begin with the

tion for our daily living. We've made

Advent emerged around the late 4th,

reigning King of kings and conclude

the devotions available for free not

early 5th century in Spain or Gaul.

with the humble birth of the Incar-

only for our church, but to the world

It was not initially associated with

nate Baby. The season is about three

(people from 29 states and 7 countries

the Nativity but rather with Epiph-

comings of Christ: his birth as a baby,

subscribed last year), to help people

any on January 6. Originally, it was

his coming into the hearts of all who

establish a habit of reading and en-

a forty-day fast in preparation for

put their trust in him, and his final

countering the Lord of Scripture each

new converts baptisms on Epiphany.

coming to judge the world and estab-

day. There are also musical links,

The baptism of Christ was a central

lish his eternal kingdom. We have the

artwork, and historic prayers for each

theme of Epiphany. (Advent had the

account of God stepping out of the

day; and it simply shows up in your

same concept as Lent in this regard,

timeless dimension of eternity into

email when you subscribe. By working

as Easter was the primary time for

a fragile, fallen world measured by

in both Testaments, we are attempt-

baptisms in the Early Church.) By

hours, days, years and millennia.

ing to help all of us understand the

the 6th century this season became

Part of the celebration of Advent is in

presence of Christ throughout all of

associated with the Second Coming,

the wonder of the Incarnate God. But

Scripture. These theological devo-

the return of Christ, hence, the word

the nativity must always be seen in

tionals contribute to our endeavor as

Advent, meaning coming, from the

the context of the death, resurrection,

followers of Christ to grow in disci-

Greek parousia. It was not until the

and ascension of Christ.

pleship and maturity in our Christian

faith and walk. Join with us.

Middle Ages that Advent became associated with the birth of Christ.

As part of our observance of these

days, we have prepared a new daily

Dr. Dan Sharp is our Minister of Worship

Presently these two foci shape Advent

Advent Devotional that includes the

and teaches The Christian Year at the

as it is currently observed, the first

roughly forty days from Advent to

Robert E. Webber Institute of Worship

two weeks center on the Return of

Epiphany, entitled Before the After.

winter 2016

-9-

Studies. dsharp@fpco.org

fpco.org

Christmas Eve
DEDICATIONS
Each year we print dedications in honor or in memory
of loved ones in our Christmas Eve worship bulletin. Donations help support the purchase of the poinsettias, greens and
wreaths that fill the Sanctuary during the Advent season. Dedications
are $10 and due before December 8. Submit yours at fpco.org/flowers.

GIVING TREE Begins November 20

Meet needs in our community and bless others in this season of
generosity! Ornament tags on our Giving Tree meet specific needs
for our mission partners and individuals in our neighborhoods.
Stop by the Edington Ministry Center lobby and choose

CHRISTMAS CONCERT
December 18
4pm in the Sanctuary. Before the After is a special free
concert, narrating the Biblical story of Christmas
through image and music from a variety of styles.
Each stage of this joyful meditation illustrates an
Old Testament passage and New Testament fulfillment, with a connection to the present, featuring
our Genesis Band, Chancel and Rejoice! Children's
Choirs, our Youth Chorale, and orchestra.

SEASONS GREETINGS
December 24
Welcome your friends, hand out candles, open
the door for guests, and share the Christmas spirit
with us! Sign up to be part of our Christmas Eve
Welcome Team and serve for just a few minutes
before and after worship. Call Lori Needham at
407.423.3441 or sign up at fpco.org/elves.

your tag. Then simply return the requested gift with

the card under the tree by December 18.

Christmas Eve
2:30 PM & 4 PM Family Worship in the Sanctuary

Led by our SHINE Children's Ministry and REJOICE Children's Choirs, this service features the
nativity story told by children, and candlelighting. Designed with families in mind, all ages are welcome.

6 PM & 8 PM Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary

This service features music by our Chancel Choir, orchestra and guest musicians, as well as
communion and candlelighting. Childcare is available at 6pm only for children birth - 5 years old.

10PM Genesis Worship in the Sanctuary

This service features music by our Genesis band, as well as

communion and candlelighting as we usher in Christmas together.

Christmas Day Worship

11 AM Lessons & Carols in the Sanctuary
No SHINE or childcare for children.

New Year's Day Worship

9:45 AM Genesis Worship in the Sanctuary

11 AM Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
Regular SHINE and childcare for children.

winter 2016

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fpco.org

features

seasons of life
by REV. JACK PEEBLES

Pointing to his disciples, he said, Here are my mother and my

brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven
is my brother and sister and mother. Matthew 12:49-50
The journey of discipleship takes us through many

Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are uniquely blessed. When

seasons of our lives. Among my most favorite, is the season

you say, yes to God, you also say, yes to the covenantal

in which we are about to embark - the holidays!

community - Gods family! That means you never have to

be alone.

I love the holidays for a variety of reasons. I love the cold

weather - I can dream, cant I? I love the food - although

As our family has been called to different congregations

I confess I have reached the age where losing the holiday

located in different parts of the country, typically those

weight can no longer be accomplished by simply skipping

calls have led us away from members of our immediate

my evening peanut butter and jelly sandwich! I love dec-

family. As we have celebrated Thanksgiving and Christ-

orations you can call me Clark W. Griswold. And, more

mas, and even birthdays and anniversaries, we have never

than anything, I love the extended time with family.

felt alone. Sure, we have missed being with members of

our immediate family, but our church family has always

For some, the holidays are a joyous occasion in which time

surrounded us with love and support. As our family has

spent with family is a reminder of the rich blessings in

journeyed with Jesus through our various seasons and lo-

their lives. For others, the holidays are filled with sadness

cations, we know we are never alone. The same is true for

as they serve as a reminder of the loss of loved ones and

you. Not only are you not alone in your journey, but you are

the void that loss has left. For those who profess faith in

part of all of our journeys as well!

winter 2016

- 12 -

COLUMNS Magazine

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Journey Assessment & Course Catalog

FPCO.ORG/JOURNEY

So how do you get connected to the family? One very im-

The various opportunities are potential connecting points

portant way is to connect to the JOURNEY of discipleship.

to help facilitate relationships within the church. More

A few months ago, we unveiled several tools to help you.

than anything, we want you to have a relationship with

Jesus.

The first is our Journey Assessment. The Journey Assessment is our trail map. It will give you an opportunity to

Additionally, we want you to have relationships with

self-assess and reveal to you that You are here, and will

others in the church family. This holiday season is the

provide a starting point along the map of your journey.

perfect time to start!

Second, we have created a Journey Catalog. The catalog

Rev. Jack Peebles is our Associate Pastor of Discipleship and here

presents various opportunities to help facilitate your spir-

to help you find your way on the journey of getting to know Jesus.

itual growth and development. From in-depth studies of

If you're ever out on the West Orange Trail, you might need to

the Bible, to classes that challenge you to think about how

your faith fits into your work, to how to raise your children

help Jack find his way while he trains for his first full marathon.
jpeebles@fpco.org

as Christians, the catalog includes all opportunities within

the church including, but not limited to, Small Groups,
Sunday School, School of Discipleship, The Collaborative
Orlando, and Congregational Care Ministries.
winter 2016

- 13 -

fpco.org

features

work, not toil

by DR. CASE THORP

The Collaborative is a new initiative of First Pres, developed to

help people connect the dots between work and faith. Our goal
is to equip people to think beyond the paycheck and find deeper
meaning in the place they spend most of their waking hours and
energy: their work.

How was your understanding of work formed?

Many of us base our understanding of work on a theological
misconception. Anyone who has tuned in to the Biblical echo in
Western culture remembers something about the ground being
cursed, and the labor of Adam along with it. (Continued on next
page.)

winter 2016

- 14 -

COLUMNS Magazine

"Imagine if the fall hadn't

happened. humanity would
still work."

True, it is. In Genesis 3:17, God says to Adam

Cursed is the ground because of you;
through painful toil you will eat food from it
all the days of your life.
Yet, few recognize that before the Fall (aka the Curse), God
had created Adam and Eve for the very purpose of tilling
the ground. God, the Creator, had done all this amazing
work (Genesis 2:5-7) and set in motion this fantastic Creation. Creation was teeming with life and carried within
it the ability to produce fruits and vegetables. God then

Study Notes & Questions

1.

Read Genesis 2:4-5; 3:17-19; Isaiah 55:2.

2. How does your work feed your ego in an unhealthy

way? If you were laid off for six months, how would it

created mini-creators, (you and me), to take the raw ma-

change your sense of self?

terial of Creation and set the materials of this world soil,

water, sunlight in a fruitful direction.

3. The work we exert to take care of a home, a yard,

children or a family is more readily identifiable as

Imagine if the Fall hadnt happened. Humanity would still

redemptive work since these are good and beautiful

work. God intended and designed us for work. True, our

ends. Yet, how does your income-generating work

work would be without thorns and thistles; imagine your

also serve good and beautiful ends? (If you can't pos-

workplace without conflict, gossip, decisions motivated by

sibly think of any, ask a trusted friend.)

fear, or anxiety-producing deadlines.

Thankfully, Christ died for our sins to cure the noetic
effects1 of the Fall, and thus secures our salvation. It is,

Glossary Terms

Fall, but yet still able to discern some truth. This concept

likewise true that Christs sacrificial death and resur-

helps Christians understand how non-Christians are able

rection was for the whole of Creation. Through Christ all

to pursue that which is true, beautiful, and good.

Creation is restored to the idyllic bliss of Eden. Through

Christ even our work is restored, and we will once again
work without toil, thorns, or the aspects of our job that

Noetic effects of sin: Human reason is affected by the

Inaugurated eschatology: (from Theopedia) a term used

to describe the belief that the end times (or latter days)

bring stress and depression.

were inaugurated at the life, death, and resurrection of

Jesus. In other words, Jesus' bringing of the Kingdom of God

But not yet. Christians live in the tension between the

has both a present and future aspects. Sometimes described

already, but not yet; otherwise known as inaugurated es-

as the "already and not yet"

chatology 2. Christ has already conquered death for all and

reigns supreme in heaven. But, He has not yet returned

New Jerusalem: the Biblical name for heaven as described by the Apostle John in Revelation 21:2.

and established His kingdom on earth. (Called the New Jerusalem3 in the Bible.) The church is called to live in this
in-between state: the time between the empty tomb and
Christs triumphant return.

The Big Picture

This is an adapted excerpt from The Collaborative's 5 Day

The good

news is, in this already-but-not-yet-tension

our work is both fallen, and directed towards redemptive

purposes. So as co-laborers with God (1 Corinthians 3:9),
we are called and able to get our work to look more like

Devotional Study, #workNotToil by Dr. Case Thorp. If you

want to know more about the redemptive purpose behind
your work, subscribe to get the full study delivered to your
email inbox. Sign up at collaborativeorlando.com/study.

it would have in the Garden of Eden, or will in the New

Case Thorp is the Senior Associate Pastor for Mission and Evange-

Jerusalem. Until then, join us, help us as we connect the

lism, and leading our efforts in seeing faith, work and economics

dots between faith & work which, in turn, renews culture.

transformed through The Collaborative. cthorp@fpco.org

winter 2016

- 15 -

fpco.org

START SMALL AND TRUST IN HIM

by KATHERINE JOHNSON

In Madagascar, 47% of children

under five suffer from chronic
malnutrition1 and 68% of employed people live in extreme
poverty2. As in many developing nations, there is an enormous need to increase access to
more nutritious food.

the Nehemiah International Business

Plan Competition, the final event for
Biblical Entrepreneurship students as
they reveal their kingdom business
plans to the public. Mbola represented
Madagascar, one of only six countries
to make it this far in the competition.
It was an exciting visit for these four
amazing women, and the first week of

Mbola Ralidera, felt called to find a

their trip was spent preparing for the

solution to this problem. A student

competition. Malala, who won the in-

of the Biblical Entrepreneurship (BE)

ternational competition last year, had

program in Madagascar, Mbola has

the opportunity to present this year at

been

an Investors Forum at the conference.

challenged

and

encouraged

They asked and

he brought them
quail
Psalm 105:40
While the process to complete her
BE business plan was not easy, she

by what shes learned. Biblical Entrepreneurship is a comprehensive

And, for the second year in a row, the

trusted in the Lord. God told me to

Christian business training and dis-

winning business plan came from

start small and trust Him. God pro-

cipleship curriculum for Christian

Madagascar! Mbolas plan for farming

vided people to help me. Her hope for

business owners, and part of the work

quail to provide Malagasy people

the future is that O! Cailles princi-

supported by our First Pres partner-

with food of higher nutritional value,

ples will influence others in business

ship in Madagascar.

and an income source to those who

on how to impact the community.

learn to farm quail, will have a direct

Psalm 105:40 says They asked and he

impact and will help improve the lives

Mbola is convinced that the purpose

brought them quail, and so her quail

of those living in her community.

[of business] is to expand the Kingdom

in a practical way. Her business is

farming business, O! Caille (which

directly translates to O! Quail in

I had the privilege of working with

doing just that, and challenges us to

English), was born. Mbola says, God

Mbola before the competition, and

do the same.

calls people and He equips those that

she taught me that through BE [she]

He calls. Mbola was called to farm

learned how to live biblical principles

quail, and she felt Gods hands in

through

every detail. She explains that she

explained, Im not an owner but a

had a deep conviction saying I should

steward of Gods property. Being

do it.

a steward of a business entity, as

entrepreneurship.

Mbola

opposed to the owner, was a shift in

For two weeks in September, First Pres

her thinking that has opened many

hosted our Malagasy friends attending

doors for she and her family.

winter 2016

- 16 -

Katherine Johnson joins First Pres as our

new Missions Coordinator. To learn more
about our work in Madagascar, contact
Katherine at kjohnson@fpco.org or Carol
Hafer at chafer@fpco.org.
1 Unicef-Rsum executif, Aot 2014, P.5
2 Instat ENSMD 2012-2013, P.11

COLUMNS Magazine

MALANTO

MBOLA

MALALA

MIRIAM

photos TANNER FOX

winter 2016

- 17 -

fpco.org

forming a worldview
by JILL HADLOCK

winter 2016

- 18 -

COLUMNS Magazine

As a mother of a school-aged child, I go

lieve about the world that are not direct-

to many parks scattered throughout Or-

ly found in Scripture, such as the law of

lando. The kids play on the swings, run

gravity.

to a bush while playing hide and seek,

and try their strength at crossing the

Worldview at play

monkey bars. The harmony of play is a

Here at First Pres, Beth Hewitt, our Di-

sweetness of the soul until someone

rector of the Weekday School is asking

throws a stick at another child, or push-

the question, How does a Christian pre-

es a new friend out of the way to go first

school weave a Christian worldview into

down the slide, or wont share a swing. A

the fabric of its curriculum? We want to

parent usually intervenes. How the adult

be intentional about instilling a Chris-

intervenes says a lot about the person. Is

tian worldview where the Christian

there a gentle statement spoken in his

part isnt simply a Bible story add-on,

ear, a raised voice from the park bench,

but is a fluid and natural part of every-

or a matter-of-fact approach to the in-

thing we do as a school.

tervention?
How important is a Christian worldview
Dont worry - theres no judgment since

at a preschool level? Think of it like this:

every situation and child is unique. But

If a 3-year-old really believes God loves

what is clear is that a parent or guardian

him or her, do you think it would make

takes care of their children from their

a difference when that child is 12? Or

point of view, or their worldview.

16? Or 23? Or 40? Young children are ab-

Worldview matters

"Your
worldview
represents
your most
fundamental
beliefs and
assumptions
about the
universe you
inhabit"

sorbing their world and experiences at

a phenomenal rate which impacts them

What is a worldview? A worldview is,

for the rest of their lives. As a society,

simply, a view of the world. Its not a

we readily accept this; educational toys

physical view, but a philosophical view

can be bought for babies 0-6 months old.

about everything that exists and is im-

Research supports this intuitive drive

portant to us. Your worldview rep-

of parents to help their young children

resents your most fundamental beliefs

learn as much as they can through play

and assumptions about the universe you

and new experiences. How much more

inhabit, says Dr. James N. Anderson,

then, should we the Church also be

associate professor of theology and phi-

purposeful about the worldview a 2 to 4

losophy at Reformed Theological Semi-

year old is forming?

nary in Charlotte, NC.

At the Weekday School, we wrestled with
Your worldview answers the big life

that spiritual question and boiled down

questions like, Is there a God? If there

what we believe are the basic truths a 2

is, is God one or many? Is God personal?

to 4 year old needs to know and under-

What happens after someone dies? Is it

stand. There are five basic truths, which

wrong to lie about little things? What is

we accompany with hand motions to

truth and can I know truth? How did the

make these intangible concepts a little

universe get here? Is there really a fu-

more concrete.

ture or are we part of a circular existence

that just repeats itself? How you answer

God made me. (Point up on God;

these questions reveals your view of the

point with thumbs toward yourself on

world. Everyone has a worldview.

made me)

Foundationally, a Christian worldview

God loves me.

is the view of the world comprised from

hug yourself and sway back and forth on

what the Bible says about God, people

loves me)

and history. At the same time, there

are many things most Christians bewinter 2016

(Point up on God;

Jesus is Gods Son.

- 19 -

(Use sign lan-

fpco.org

guage for Jesus; fold arms together as if rocking a baby

on Gods Son)

Test your knowledge of worldviews!

Jesus helps me. (Use sign language for Jesus;

put forearms in a cross for helps me)

1. All truth is subjective

The Bible is Gods special book. (Put

2. Truth is unknowable

palms and fingers together on The Bible and open

them like a book on Gods special book)

3. Good and bad are

suhbjective

Because these little phrases are packed full of the-

4. There are several valid

religions

C. Atheistic Idealism

5. God exists

D. Quasi-Theism

ology for all ages, we knew we were on the right

track. For growing Christians, the truths may
sound almost too basic. But in our post-Christian
culture, these truths lay a foundation for a person
to know where they come from, that God is personal and powerful, how God feels about them, that Jesus lived on earth and is Gods Son who helps us*
by being in trouble for us by dying on the cross and
then came back to life. And how do we know these
things? The Bible, Gods special book, tells us.

Your worldview
So, how about you? Whats your worldview? We are
influenced daily by new information, new experiences, and changes in relationships. As grownups our worldview can become more complex, but
a Christian worldview has certain points for every
Christian who has ever lived. Dr. Andersons book,
Whats Your Worldview? is a concise, interactive 100page explanation in understandable language about
20 common worldviews and their pitfalls. Understanding the Christian worldview and the contrast
it has to other worldviews can help in knowing how
to talk with friends, family, and colleagues about
God. Knowing your own Christian worldview gives
you a filter for the daily deluge of new information. The Christian worldview filter is not static,
but organic. Our worldview starts small and grows
as we are nutured by God's Word and His Spirit. At
the Weekday School, we believe the seeds of Gods
truth can settle into young childrens hearts, take
root and grow the rest of their lives.

6. Everything is one
7. E
 verything real is material
in nature
8. Everything real is mental
in nature
9. God is not personal

MATCH WITH:
A . Pluralism
B. Monism

E . Pantheism
F. Panentheism
G. Relativism
H. Theism

10. The universe is God

I. Materialism

11. The universe is within God

J. Skepticism

12. God isnt perfect

13. There is more than one God
14. God hasnt communicated
with humans
15. G
 od hasnt communicated
openly to humans
16. J esus of Nazareth did not
rise from the dead
17. Moses is a true prophet
of God
18. M
 ohammed is a true
prophet of God
19. J esus of Nazareth rose
from the dead, but isnt
divine

K . Finite Theism
L . Nihilism
M. Islam
N. Polytheism
O. Judaism
P. Unitarianism
Q. Deism
R. Pelagianism
S. Mysticism
T. Non-Christian Theist

20. Good people go to heaven

and bad people go to hell

Jill Hadlock is a member of First Pres. Along with her hus-

Now that you think you have a match, are the

band, Jim, she helps shape the worldview of her daughter,

previous statements Christian? True or False.

Hannah. To learn more about the Weekday School, visit

weekdayschoolorlando.com.
MATCH KEY: 1. G, 2. J, 3. L, 4. A, 5. H, 6. B, 7. I, 8. C, 9. D, 10. E,
11. F, 12. K, 13. N, 14. Q, 15. S, 16. T, 17. O, 18. M, 19. P, 20. R
T/F KEY: 1. F, 2. F, 3. T, 4. F, 5. T, 6. F, 7. F, 8. F, 9. F, 10. F, 11. F, 12. F,
13. F, 14. F, 15. F, 16. F, 17. T, 18. F, 19. F, 20. F
* Since salvation is a complex concept, we chose the word "help"
because preschoolers understand they need help.

winter 2016

Match Game from What's Your Worldview? by Dr. James N. Anderson

- 20 -

COLUMNS Magazine

family news WINTER 2016

congratulations to...
Brianna Bree Klee has a son,
Grayson Joseph Strausbaugh, born
July 15, 2016. The proud grandparents
are Wally, II and Mandy Klee, and the
proud great-grandparents are Wally,
Sr. and Linda Klee.
Ameisha E. Lee and Robin Botero
have a daughter, Zyla Maria Botero,
born July 27, 2016. The proud
grandmother is Almetta Lee.

Ryan and Colleen Scordato have

a son, Lucas Ryan Scordato, born
October 21, 2016.
Will and Meghan Nash have a son,
Jackson "Jack" Clark Nash, born
October 21, 2016.

our sympathy to...

Mike and Teri Sanborn DAmelio
on several deaths; his grandfather,
Raymond Cardinale, June 13, 2016 and
both of Teris grandmothers, Phyllis
Sanborn, July 22, 2016, and Yvonne
Klaskow, August 6, 2016.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael (Chandy) Kelley

have a son, Michael Blackshire Kelley,
born August 3, 2016.

The family and friends of Ann Hughes,

who died August 8, 2016.

Brendan and Melody Lynch have

a son, Samuel Dennis Lynch, born
August 6, 2016.

The family and friends of Felix Satikas,

who died August 31, 2016.

Kevin and Lauren Sheehan have a

son, Mason Patrick Sheehan, born
August 19, 2016.

Dante and Lana Marchitelli on the

death of his brother, David Christian
Sanborn, August 31, 2016.

Wil and Natalie Brown, II have a son,

Rucker William Wilder Brown, born
August 21, 2016.

Lorie and Rich Hosie on the death of

her father, Gary Sprague, September
3, 2016.

Adam and Erika Neusaenger have

a daughter, Elle Olivia Neusaenger,
born August 31, 2016. The proud
grandparents are John and Mary Jane,
and the proud great-grandmother is
Dede Neusaenger.
Ted and Caroline McHugh have a
daughter, Margaret "Maggie" Susan
McHugh, born September 20, 2016,
and the proud grandparents are Bruce
and SuSu Gordy.

The family and friends of Doyle Crose,

who died September 26, 2016.
Wayne Scott on the death of his
brother, Albert Clark, September 30,
2016. Wayne is on staff at First Pres.
Virginia McDaniel on the death of her
mother, Ossie Best, October 4, 2016.
Mrs. McDaniel is on staff at First Pres.
Patricia and Eric Gray on the death of
her mother, Nydia Brinkman, October
7, 2016.
Mike Fitzgerald on the death of his
mother, Delores Fitzgerald, October
7, 2016.
Ann and Bob Russell on the death of
her mother, Catherine Cunningham,
October 9, 2016.
Day and Laura Dantzler on the death
of his mother, Beverly Dantzler,
October 9, 2016. Mrs. Danztler was
the grandmother of Lauren Ashe
(Jason) Haydu.

Linda Salzgeber on the death of her

husband, Tom Salzgeber, September
9, 2016.
Jenny and Haley Bronson on
the death of her mother, Crussie
Woodward, September 9, 2016.
Scott and Abby Fosgate and Beth and
Jamie Brown on the death of their
father, Joe Fosgate, September 22,
2016.

were here to help

407.423.3441

schedule a baptism x1451

request a hospital visit x1455
plan a wedding x1272
arrange a memorial service x1455

winter 2016

gift flowers for worship x1272

ask giving questions x1479
change your address x1471
reach security 407.466.3497

- 21 -

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fpco.org

OUR BALANCE SHEET

2016 (6/30/16)

ASSETS

2015 (6/30/15)

CASH & INVENTORY

$3,388,482 $2,807,579
INVESTMENTS $33,544 $34,211
RECEIVABLES $30,593 $18,870
PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT
$20,378,984 $20,943,146
OTHER ASSETS
$869,651 $142,547
TOTAL ASSETS

$24,701,254 $23,946,353

CURRENT LIABILITIES
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE & OTHER
UNEARNED REVENUE

$513,770
$542,663
$195,837 $86,022

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

$709,607 $628,685

LONG TERM LIABILITIES

MORTGAGE LOAN
HOCF INTERFUND LOAN

$345,360
$554,941

TOTAL LONG TERM LIABILITIES

$900,301

$709,607

$1,528,986

TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET ASSETS
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
DESIGNATED FUNDS
RESTRICTED FUNDS

$20,623,310 $19,388,538
$1,751,475 $1,679,570
$1,616,862 $1,349,259

TOTAL NET ASSETS

$23,991,647 $22,417,367

TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS

$24,701,254 $23,946,353

RESERVES
OPERATING RESERVES
CAPITAL RESERVES

$1,019,156 $875,721
$628,700 $650,736

TOTAL RESERVES

$1,649,872 $1,528,472

NOTE: Preliminary 1516 results are presented here prior to final audited statements.
If you have questions about your annual giving or end-of-year giving, call our finance team at 407.423.3441.

FUNDS GIVEN

$4.5 MILLION

REMAINING TO GIVE

$3.2 MILLION

winter 2016

- 22 -

COLUMNS Magazine

OUR REVENUES & EXPENSES

1516 BUDGET

1516 ACTUAL

1617 BUDGET

REVENUES
MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS $6,225,821 $6,476,233 $6,700,000
SPECIAL MINISTRIES REVENUES
WORSHIP & CULTURE
$79,000 $72,003 $77,815
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
$5,000 $2,590 $2,100
YOUNG ADULTS & FAMILIES
$258,750 $226,136 $193,150
EVANGELISM & OUTREACH
$718,575 $748,725 $789,130
MISSIONS $1,231,892 $1,186,332 $1,261,239
DISCIPLESHIP $21,050 $19,285 $65,285
SERVICES $251,800 $226,105 $245,404
TOTAL SPECIAL MINISTRIES REVENUES

$2,566,067 $2,481,176 $2,634,122

OTHER REVENUE
INTEREST INCOME
MEMORIAL GARDEN

$700
$2,175
$1,800
$8,000 $12,550 $9,000

TOTAL OTHER REVENUES

$8,700 $14,725 $10,800

TOTAL REVENUES

$8,800,588 $8,972,134 $9,344,922

EXPENSES
MINISTRIES EXPENSES
WORSHIP & CULTURE
$1,309,129 $1,300,888 $1,280,209
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
$271,526 $267,468 $362,902
YOUNG ADULTS & FAMILIES
$1,008,369 $1,000,007 $906,279
EVANGELISM & OUTREACH
$1,123,360 $1,142,499 $1,268,220
MISSIONS $1,664,645 $1,678,217 $1,752,770
DISCIPLESHIP $395,809 $389,275 $450,527
SERVICES $2,902,638 $2,857,815 $3,044,015
TOTAL SPECIAL MINISTRIES EXPENSES

$8,675,476 $8,636,169 $9,064,922

OTHER EXPENSES/TRANSFERS
INTEREST EXPENSE
RESERVE TRANSFERS

$5,112 $633
$120,000 $120,000 $120,000

TOTAL OTHER EXPENSES/TRANSFERS

$125,112

TOTAL EXPENSES & TRANSFERS

$120,633

$120,000

$8,800,588 $8,756,802 $9,184,922

NET

$215,332 $160,000

TITHED TO MISSION

$447,900

n

Dr. Case Thorp and Carol Hafer traveled to Madagascar in October to participate in the ribbon cutting

for Ivato Seminary. $100,000 will be going to support the construction project.
n

We've given $155,000 towards church plants in Scotland and Florida, and in supporting other church

planting initiatives through gifts to Redeemer and the EPC. We've supported the planting of Esk Valley
Church, a church plant of St Columba's, a Free Church of Scotland congregation in Edinburgh.
n

We continue work on the Student Ministry renovation the completion date is Summer 2017.

winter 2016

- 23 -

fpco.org

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