COLUMNS

First Presbyterian Church of Orlando Seeking, Sharing, Serving…All to the Glory of God

Wh o is?

Powe r
Pre s e nc e
K n owle dg e
H oly
Jus t
U n cha n g i n g
Tr u t h
M e rcy
S ove re ig n
Fa it hf u l

Vol 48, #9 September, 2008

 ON THE WAY
with Dr. David D. Swanson
Dear FPCO Family and Friends,
I went on a mission trip at the end of July and I never got
on a plane. It didn’t cost me anything to go other than my time.
I went to a place that was far from here, yet it only took me
thirty minutes to get there. The trip lasted only three hours, yet
I found that it changed my perspective, strengthened my faith
and gave me a powerful sense of the Lord’s presence in my life.
I went and taught a Bible study at the Seminole County Jail.
I taught. I laughed. I listened. I answered questions. I prayed.
I rejoiced. I saw inmates who were lonely, confused, depressed
and afraid. I saw inmates who had nothing. No television. No
space. No recreation. No comforts. Blue jumpsuits and purple
“shower shoes” were all they possessed. I saw inmates who were
hungry—so hungry—to be in the presence of the Lord. I saw deep
faith. I saw smiles and tears. I saw the Lord.
At the end of my 90 minutes with a group of female inmates,
normally taught by my wife, Leigh, a young woman raised her
hand and asked if she could share something. Her name was
Rose. She was from Africa, quiet, humble, with gentle eyes. She
had written a “newsletter” for all the woman on her Pod (basi-
cally, the particular cell block where this group of women lived)
called The Podcast. It was printed by the guards and handed
out to the women, each of whom seemed genuinely apprecia-
tive of Rose’s ministry. In it, she wrote:
You and I may be the only Jesus our cell-mates will ever see
because we, as Christians, are the hands and feet of Jesus. Yes,
even in jail, we are here for a purpose. According to the Word of
God, our purpose, as Christians, is to live for His glory —wher-
ever we are, whatever walk of life we are in. I believe God wants
us to live with passion. No, not just a show of emotion, but rath-
er that which comes to mind when we think of the term “the
passion of the Christ”, His passion to fulfill the will of God and
all that it took—all He went through to die on the cross.
If we are passionate about the Word of God, we shall take the
time to study it and meditate on it. Our pods present us a unique
and vast mission field. Here are some of the things we are called
to do that are so fitting in our present circumstances:
1. “…comfort yourselves together and edify one another.” 1
Thessalonians 5:11
2. “Pray without ceasing…” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
3. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see
your good deeds and glorify your Father which is in heav-
en.” Matthew 5:16
I don’t know that I can say it any better than Rose, because
in some way, we are all in bondage. We live in the self-imposed
bondage of our sin—our choices—yet God’s grace releases us.
We are freed to live and serve as Rose reminds us. We are free
to not allow our past to determine our present nor our future.
No matter what, God is with us and has a unique purpose for us
to fulfill. May each of us be challenged by the bright light of a
woman who shares Jesus with others, a woman who has found
freedom even in the midst of a jail.
If you’d like to go to this far away place, or one like it, I’m
sure Scott Lee (407-595-9431) would be happy to make it hap-
pen. He’s the Good News Jail and Prision Ministry Field Ad-
vancement Officer. May God bless you – and deliver you – even
as He has my new friend, Rose. From one once captive but now
set free, I send my
Love and prayers,
David

Whois? Sermon Series; September 7 – November 23

In this current age of growing religious pluralism, many statements are being made
about God. Many claim to know what is true in relationship to His nature, or lack
thereof. In particular, authors like Christopher Hitchens and Richard Harris say that
belief in God is intellectually untenable. So, what’s right? Who is right? Who is God?
Such questions actually do us a favor, because they help us form conversations that
make us examine what we believe. Join us this fall as we journey through current
thought and the truth of Scripture to discover who God truly is.
2 | www.fpco.org
 STUDENT MINISTRY
FALL PREVIEW By Julianne Shirek, Student Ministry Coordinator

This past summer was awesome. And

by awesome, I mean that God left me in
wondrous awe. Students encountered our
almighty Lord and lives were CHANGED.
I love it when I am given the gift of watch-
ing that happen. And it’s amazing that
God doesn’t stop there. The summer may
be over, but God continues. With fall
right around the corner, I am waiting ex-
pectantly to see what He will do next.
Our Student Ministry is blessed to
be able to put on events that God uses
to continue transforming lives. Some are
simply fun-filled, enabling students to
experience fellowship. Others go deeper,
where God really invades and captures
their hearts. Both middle school and
high school students will be given these
opportunities throughout the fall.
For high school, every Wednesday
from 6-7:30pm, we provide a program called Haze. This is a of these events provide a fun way for our students to engage in
time for high school students to get together, play some games, fellowship. In December, our middle school ministry heads to
and hear a message about things they may be dealing with in Southwind Camp near Ocala. This retreat is a favorite among
their everyday lives, and what God says about those issues. The the students. There is a pool with a huge water slide, canoe-
Donut and Ice cream Olympics is a collection of 10 events, all in- ing, a game room, a ropes course, and a high rope swing. We
volving donuts and ice cream. The freshman, sophomore, junior bring in a band and a speaker, along with funny skits, and God
and senior classes all compete against each other. It is messy and touches the hearts of the students there. It is an unforgettable
awesome! On November 21, they will set off for our annual high retreat!
school trip, Eagle Rock. This retreat is in Maryville, TN, and our Every Sunday evening, a group of middle school students
students wouldn’t miss it for the world. We go rock climbing, will participate in Cross Training. This is a time for our stu-
canoeing, bike riding and hiking. But the best part is that God dents to go deeper by memorizing scripture, taking sermon
changes lives. notes, keeping track of their time with God each day, and en-
For our middle school students, we provide a program gaging in Bible study. This time is intense, but definitely worth
called Vapor every Wednesday from 5:30-8pm. Students gather it to the students involved.
to play games, hear a message, and enjoy some open gym time. Our Student Ministry is waiting expectantly for God to
The Middle School Redneck Round-up event is September 28. continue His work in a huge way this fall. It is an honor and
It involves a mechanical bull, barbeque, and crazy games like blessing to be a part of what He is doing in the lives of our
a sack race, toilet seat toss, and line dancing! On October 26, students. We invite you to come along side us as we pray for all
we will have the Great Pumpkin Chase scavenger hunt. Both that God has in store for the students in our ministry. n

www.fpco.org | 3
 OUR PURPOSE
IS TO SERVE
Amy and I lived in Nashville for the first four years of our
marriage. We were the benefactors of countless early blessings
in our marriage including career successes, our health and a
small network of close friends. However, throughout all of this
we had not found a church to call home and this concerned us.
Amy and I started on a whirlwind church tour of the greater
Nashville area. We searched tirelessly for the “perfect church.”
Looking back, we unfortunately had a functional view of
the church. What does the choir offer us? What kind of drive
was it? What does it offer us in terms of classes and programs?
Are the service times convenient? It was a healthy list of re-
quirements we had for a church to offer us for sure; so it is
little wonder why we never found one which met them all. We
did finally join a church and although we were very fond of it,
we never “plugged in” to the church community as a whole.
The reasons and explanations why are probably too numerous
to mention here, but I think it is noteworthy that whatever we
were missing there, we found in FPCO.
Upon arriving in Orlando, Amy and I started attend-
ing the First Connections class. I was expecting the usual
fare for such an introductory class: coffee, donuts, some
small talk followed by a menu
of church offerings that may
or may not meet all or most
of our expectations. Instead
what we experienced in First
Connections was not what the
church could offer us, but a
healthy understanding of what
the church needed, what the
Orlando community needed
from the Christian commu-
nity, and how we could play a
role in meeting those needs.
In other words, FPCO by way
of the First Connections class
4 | www.fpco.org
By Wes Bishop
was offering us a chance to worship by serving the Lord.
For two people who had been served so much, this was a
welcome concept and it excited us. For the next few weeks, we
were introduced to various church and ministry leaders who
not only carried this same message, but gave specifics on ex-
actly what could be done in service to God, who to contact, and
how these ministries had impacted the lives of so many. Along
the way we were given clear, concise doctrinal information and
came to understand a brief history of the church and the roles of
its leadership. Lastly, we were introduced to others in the con-
gregation who made us feel not only welcome, but needed here.
Finally, I truly believe that as clearly as the spirit of FPCO
was articulated in the class, it is even more evident in the day
to day work of the church and its members. I see it every time I
am there. I know the people there are praying for me and each
other. I know the leaders of the church know me by name and
I know I want to continue to get to know them.
The First Connections class was such a critical first step
for Amy and I because the message taught there affirmed what
God has been trying to tell us all along. That, like Jesus’ exam-
ple, we are here to serve and not be served. Amy and I feel that
we have found a body of believ-
ers at FPCO that teach and live
according to this principle.
Where we could serve at
First Presbyterian was never
in question. When Amy and I
moved to Orlando in January
2008 we immediately began
making plans for an infertility
support group at FPCO, which
I am pleased to announce, will
come to fruition this fall.
My wife and I were under-
standably shocked when our
doctor told us we had less than
 a 2% chance of natural conception and would
need to seek alternative means to conceive or
possibly adopt.
We drove home from the doctor that day
with a million questions as to how and why this
happened to us, how we would tell our friends
and families, and most importantly what our
next steps were. Presently in America, roughly
1 person in 44 of reproductive age has an infer-
tility condition present with male and female
factor infertility divided evenly. Yet, despite a
fairly large circle of friends and acquaintances
of similar age and station in life, we knew of no
one affected by infertility. Needless to say, Amy
and I felt confused, angry, scared, worried and,
worst of all, alone in our suffering. This just
wasn’t supposed to happen. Our careers were
going well, we had chosen a house and com-
munity to live in based on the eventual pres-
“Like Jesus’ example, we are here
ence of children, and most importantly we had
placed God squarely in the center of our lives
to serve and not be served.”
and committed ourselves to His will for us. So
and who understood the suffering that comes with infertility.
the questions remained…why us? What now? If we are not sup-
Something very interesting happened over the next few weeks
posed to have children, what did God want from us?
as we dealt with this problem. Amy and I started talking to ev-
As it turned out, we weren’t alone at all. Amy had found an
eryone about infertility. I mean everyone. We learned about in-
infertility support group at our church and suggested we meet
vitro-fertlization and as that was our decided course of action,
with them. I instinctively pushed back as a result of a bruised
we discussed it openly. Suddenly, people began to reach out to
ego that had developed since we learned of our situation. I en-
Amy and me with questions. These were co-workers, friends,
visioned a support group as a collection of people circled up
acquaintances, some we knew well and some we didn’t know at
in the basement of the church in folding chairs, complaining
all. Some had infertility issues in the past and some were just
over their plight with no real solutions offered. As a man, I was
going through it and like us, had no one to talk to about it.
already wrought with inadequacy and the last thing I thought
Ultimately, Amy and I were successful in our first attempt
I needed was to share this publicly with others. After a day or
at invitro fertilization and in September of 2007 we gave birth to
two, I reluctantly agreed and we met the group at a nearby res-
two beautiful boys. This was, in my mind, a miracle in and of it-
taurant. Surprisingly to me, this was not the solemn group I
self. But I am equally amazed at how God chose to use this collec-
had imagined. Rather, we met several couples who had all dealt
tion of people previously unknown to each other to share stories
with infertility.
of hope, encouragement and love as we dealt with infertility.
The stories we heard that night ranged from couples who
With the assistance of Dr. Swanson and several other
had adopted, tried invitro and failed, tried invitro and succeed-
members of the church who have dealt with this issue, we hope
ed, adopted then naturally conceived. There were male factor
to provide a place where others can hear stories of hope and
issues, female issues, multiple miscarriages and every combi-
encouragement, receive relevant information and resources on
nation in between. There were stories that broke our hearts
infertility and adoption, and most importantly be surrounded
and stories that lifted our spirits, but more than anything we
by a body of Christians to aid them as they wrestle with this all
had found a group of Christians who we could talk to, pray with
too common problem. n

FIRST CONNECTIONS Infertility Support Group Forming

Oct 12 - Nov 9 • Sundays, 9:30-10:45am
For those considering church membership, who have
recently joined FPCO or who simply want to know more.
Register online at www.fpco.org/register or call 407-423-3441
If you would like to take part in an
Infertility Support Group, please contact the
church’s Congregational Care office at
407-423-3441. www.fpco.org | 5
 MERCY CORRIDOR
INITIATIVE By Carol Hafer, Director of Mission

“It was wonderful to be a part of

the love and sense of pride that the
students had as they finished one part
of their journey and were beginning
another. We truly had a diverse body
of believers celebrating the work and
presence of the Holy Spirit.” –FPCO
volunteer Mable Rose
Mabel’s words describe the first
Mercy Corridor Jobs Partnership class
graduation ceremony held in May. Our
sanctuary was filled with praise and
worship, tears, shouts of joy, and lots
of hugs as friends, family, and volun-
teers celebrated with the 42 students
who completed the course.
The Mercy Corridor Initiative is
a unique collaboration between First
Presbyterian Church, Heart of Mercy
Church and The Jobs Partnership of
Florida. This 12 week Life & Work job
the job search process. One of
readiness process for those unemployed
these transformed students,
or underemployed is taught by local pas-
Nicole Stevenson (pictured in
tors and business leaders, and supported
the middle in the photo to the
through the many volunteers who develop
left) has started attending our
supportive relationships with the students.
church after being invited by
Over 100 FPCO volunteers served these
her mentor, Jari Peters, and
students through teaching, providing food
also has been employed by a church member.
and hospitality, giving their time and love, transporting them,
We will launch a new class in a few weeks as interest grows
clothing them, helping them develop a resume, and providing
in the Mercy Drive Community. Pastor William Andrews of
job opportunities making an eternal impact on each one. These
Heart of Mercy Church and his team are spreading the word.
were not the same individuals we met three months prior; nei-
If you would like to be a part of touching lives and trans-
ther were any of the volunteers.
forming the Mercy Drive Corridor (Isaiah 61:1-4), join us for
Since that time, seven students now have transportation in
our next 12 week class, September 9– December 4. n
the form of used cars as a result of a donation from an FPCO
member and a partnership with 1-800 Charity Cars. Eleven
To find out the many ways you can serve, please
students have computers in their homes thanks to a collabo-
ration with Missionary Computer Fellowship. Many relation-
contact Allison Beck:
ships with mentors and job counselors have continued as stu- acbeck@earthlink.net
dents begin to apply the principles they learned in new jobs or 407.489.3422 | www.jobspartnershipfl.org
6 | www.fpco.org
VACATION
BIBLE SCHOOL
BIG HIT By Kara Pastis

I sent my oldest daughter, Emma Kate (4 1/2), to Vaca-

tion Bible School for purely selfish reasons initially. I had a
3-week-old baby (and a 2-year-old for that matter) at home
and desperately needed to find fun, age-appropriate things for
her to do. We are First Pres members, but because Emma is
only entering Pre-K had never been involved with VBS or any-
thing else with Children’s Ministry. She was nervous entering
the classroom on that first day, but afterwards Emma came
home singing and telling the stories of what she’d learned, I
knew I’d done the right thing. She also proudly declared she
had made new friends, but I think she was most enamored by
the “big kid helpers.”
The week went by and she loved sharing the Bible stories
she learned daily. My favorite was when, during dinner, she
was trying to explain a story and ran to her room to get 10
stuff animals. She lined them all up, and asked for little
stickers to put on them (to make them “sick”). I knew
right away she was mimicking a story she’d seen, but the
amazing thing was she re-told it perfectly.
I will tell you that while at home and in the car we
play the “church music” CD and song #2 (the song they
sang “on stage!”) is requested over and over. Even our
2-year-old, Zoey, knows the words, and they literally run
around the house singing (yelling?) CHOOSE JESUS!
So, thank you so much for a wonderful week for Emma
Kate at VBS. Hopefully you will be able to pass along thanks to
those who helped make the week so enjoyable. Francis Arm-
strong, Jennifer Knight and Donna McClellan were the teach-
ers in her classroom. Bless you! n

“Sonworld Adventure was this year’s VBS theme. We all had a blast! Thank you to all my
volunteers, adults and students, who blessed our children with your time and talents. “
– Carol Welker, Children’s Ministry Director
www.fpco.org | 7
 Summer Focuses on
FAMILY, FRIENDS &
When we made the very important decision to have our
children attend The Christ School, we were promised a few im-
portant things:
• Our children would be challenged and grow with
excellent academics
• Our children would grow spiritually
• Our children would grow physically with sports and activities
• Our children would be cared for by Christ-centered
education professionals
Over the past six years tese promises have come to life in our
children. As parents, we strive to build upon the foundation The
Christ School has provided with opportunities for our children
to stretch themselves intellectually, spiritually and physically.
Our visits to the Dominican Republic over the past four years
have been a life changing way to continue this growth for our
entire family!
As each school year comes to completion our girls, Madi-
son and Delaney, begin the ritual of counting down the days
until school is recessed for the summer. The last few days of the
school year are filled with the excitement of year-end parties,
moving-on celebrations and “so longs” for a summer break. As
a family we really enjoy the break in routine and many adven-
tures that summer provides. For the past four years as soon as
the final class ends a new sense of excitement begins to brew
within our family. We set our hearts and minds on traveling to
the Dominican Republic for a family mission trip sponsored by
The Gathering. Our girls will tell you these trips to the villages
of Cielo and Nasaret within the DR have been the best vaca-
tions they have ever taken, and that says a lot! I personally view
this mission trip as an extension to the educational experience
they receive at The Christ School.
This summer a group of seventy-five friends, old and new,
formed the team that traveled on the mission trip to visit Mis-
sion Emanuel. Mission Emanuel is an ongoing Dominican Re-
public outreach ministry of The Gathering/USA to improve the
lives of the Dominican people by providing health care, edu-
cation, better living conditions and spreading the Good News
of Jesus Christ. In fifteen years, short-term mission trip par-
ticipants have constructed a church, two schools, two medical
clinics, a dental clinic, a water purification system and homes
in the communities of Nazaret and Cielo near Santo Domingo.
8 | www.fpco.org
By Mike Zizmer, The Christ School
Over 400 students attend the schools. Many of these students
are sponsored by caring individuals who are making a differ-
ence, one student at a time. I am honored with the opportunity
to share a few highlights of our 2008 DR trip from the eyes of a
few students, teachers, parents and a board member of TCS.
Imagine for a moment coming to church one Sunday
morning and the service was in Spanish lasted two hours, was
held under the Angel Wing in the hot month of July. Would you
come back for more? The church services at the Mission Eman-
uel are so alive with the spirit that the two hours go by like two
minutes, the heat is not a an issue and the language becomes
universal, LOVE of Christ. Avery Sproles, a rising third grader
at the Christ School, recently told me that the best part of her
summer mission trip was attending the church services in the
DR. This statement by her communicates how powerful and
pure the worship experience is at this outside church with a
bamboo roof! Another very meaningful way we worshiped was
through the gift of music and dance displayed by our youth.
My daughter Madison, Haily Anderton and friends performed
a choreographed dance to He’s Got the Whole World in His
Hands. The dance was performed to over 1,000 of our Domini-
can friends and ministered to them with a message of love and
hope. It also allowed our children to use their gifts to glorify
God and communicate our love.
Our entire week in the DR was surrounded by random acts
of kindness and service projects. The Mission Emanuel staff is
serving us, our team is serving each other, and we are serving
the residents of Cielo and Nazaret. During the week there were
many tired bodies carrying out countless service projects with
one thing missing, egos. It is truly amazing how much gets ac-
complished in one week as the body of Christ uses their collec-
tive gifts too serve the hungry, sick and needy.
A testimony to this is a special service carried out by Mr.
Bosscher and Ms. Forbes, teachers at the Christ School. They
organized an effort to create a relationship with their second
and fifth grade classes with Mission Emanuel second and fifth
grade classes. The idea was to create a long-term relationship
through awareness, prayer, letters and sending shoes. They
appropriately named in it “Walking in Their Shoes.” The stu-
dents of TCS donated their shoes and wrote notes of encourage-
ment. The idea was that the students at the Mission Emanuel
GOD
would be walking in our stu-
dents’ shoes this next school
year and know that they were
being prayed for by our stu-
dents. Perhaps each day as
they put on their new shoes
they would be uplifted. Our
long-term plan is for many of
these students to perhaps visit
Mission Emmanuel and meet
their new prayer buddies. Ms.
Forbes joined us on this year’s
trip and was able to experience
some extraordinary moments.
She patiently waited three days
with bags full of shoes and notes
(22 in all) to meet the Mission
Emanuel second grade class.
After Wednesday’s lunch she
was told that the class and the
teacher were waiting for her. It was a very special connection an extension of our family and Annie calls Kelle her American
between the teachers from two different countries. As, we laid Mom. This relationship and many more like it are the essence
out shoes and notes we began to count and there was an exact of why this trip is so special and we cannot resist returning year
match twenty-two students and twenty-two pair of shoes. after year.
The service projects may have initially inspired [some] to So as a father of Christ School students and a Board
commit to joining our first DR mission trip, but it is the deep- Member, I ask myself why return again and again to Mission
rooted long-term relationships with the people of the DR that Emanuel? The answer is simple…it is the best week of my year!
will bring us back. Kerry Sproles, who attended for the first It provides my family an opportunity for seven straight days
time this summer, commented; “I was surprised and amazed to focus on God with worship, service and relationships. We
at how much I bonded with the entire team from Orlando. I stretch our minds with daily devotionals and learn praise mu-
now have seventy-five new friends!” Lisa Anderton said, “I sic. We learn to work as a team on service projects with our
was surprised by how deep the friendships my children cre- friends. We stretch ourselves physically as we build buildings,
ated. My son David is still thinking about his Dominican dig ditches and paint walls. We care for the sick and love on the
friends. Two months after the trip he is still talking about his elderly. We form deep relationships with our mission team and
new friend Juan and praying for him daily.” My wife Kelle has friends that live in the DR as we have fun and celebrate God.
had a similar experience as have had most visitors to Mission I return from these trips each year with a better under-
Emanuel. In 2005, she visited the DR for the first time and standing of our spiritual gifts and how to passionately live fully
a friendship was formed with a ten-year-old Dominican girl for Christ, at least for a week. I also return with sense of peace,
named Annie. Their relationship has grown very deep over the love and joy. I know my children do too, because they are al-
past four years with three visits, letters and countless prayers. ready setting their sights on next year’s trip. We encourage you
Their relationship is so meaningful that Kelle regards her as to join us! n

www.fpco.org | 9
 NEWS & NOTICES
Q&A Session with Dr. Swanson critics as stunning, virtuoso, fiery, and astonishing. Miss Bish’s
You are invited to join Dr. Swanson in Lee Fellowship Hall television program The Joy of Music is broadcast weekly to over
immediately following the 11am worship service on Sunday, 300 million people. This concert is presented by the American
September 21. This informal gathering welcomes theological Guild of Organists and First Presbyterian Church of Orlando.
questions, sermon thoughts, ministry ideas and more.
Grief Support Offered
The purpose of the program is to transform grief into joyful liv-
Open Call to Join the Men’s Choir for Oct. 19
ing. Walking the Mourner’s Path offers the outstretched hand
That’s right men – we need you! On October 19, VoiceMale will
of Christ, inviting those who have felt the intensity of grief to
be singing an energetic, fun Gospel anthem as well as other
come into our Lord’s loving presence and experience the abun-
music for the service. Rehearsal tapes will be available so you
dance of His tender mercies. A new session is being offered on
can practice in the car, the shower or wherever! To sign up and
Wednesday nights, September 17- November 5. For more in-
for more information, contact Lucy Edgerton at 407-423-3441
formation or to register, please call or email the Pastoral Care
x1273 or Jim Stowers at jstowersjr@cfl.rr.com
Office, 407-423-3441 or tsmith@fpco.org.

One Day Service to Help Homeless Ministry

Celtic Healing Service to be Held on Sept. 24
IDignity event volunteers are needed to process paperwork,
We offer this deeply moving service which taps into our an-
manage the flow of people, assist with researching and provid-
cient Celtic roots to all who seek physical, emotional and spir-
ing identification and more! Volunteers are needed on Septem-
itual healing. “Spirit of the living God flow into your beloved
ber 25, October 23, November 20 and December 18. Call Sandy
child, heal in you everything that harms you, strengthen ev-
McCall at 407-426-9225 to serve.
erything that is weak and lift your heart to reflect His glory.”
Please join Rev. Sam Knight at 7pm in Lee Fellowship Hall on
An Invitation to Join the Christmas Concert Choir September 24.
Have you wanted to sing with the choir, but don’t feel that
you can make the commitment to sing all year? Joining the
Men’s Ministry Hosts Man in the Mirror Conference
Christmas Choir singers is only a 12-week commitment!
National speaker and author, Pat Morley will speak on Sat-
Beginning on Thursday night, September 25, the choir will
urday morning, October 18, in Lee Fellowship Hall. This will
rehearsal from 7pm – 8pm in the Sanctuary. Child care is
be an exciting and dynamic morning, and you will be home in
available by reservation. The concert will be presented on De-
time to watch afternoon football! For more information or to
cember 12 and 13. We would love to have you join us! Please
purchase a ticket, please contact the Congregational Care office
RSVP your interest to Lucy Edgerton at ledgerton@fpco.org
at 407-423-3441 or sbrandenburg@fpco.org.
or 407-423-3441 x 1273.

In the Image of God Class Now Registering
IMOG is a faith basics class for 2nd or 3rd graders who are
ready to deepen their own personal faith journey. In this
7-week class lessons will cover the Bible, the church, worship,
prayer, time alone with God and stewardship. Classes will be
held during the Sunday School hour from October 5 - Novem-
ber 16. To register, contact Susie Dunlap at 407-423-3441
x1482 or sdunlap@fpco.org. There is a $15 materials fee.
Diane Bish in Concert on Sunday Afternoon, Oct. 12
Concert and recording artist, composer, conductor, and inter-
national television personality Diane Bish has displayed her
dazzling virtuosity and unique showmanship the world over to
international acclaim. Her performances have been hailed by
Congratulations:
Betsy Allyson Steele and Michael Sage Hirschy who were
married July 26, 2008. Betsy is the daughter of Sally and
David Steele.
Piper and Paul Martin on the birth of their daughter, Emelia Rose
Martin, on July 8, 2008. Proud grandmother is Toasy Martin.
Katherine Lee Kemper and Joshua Andrew Stuart who were
married July 19, 2008. Katie Lee is the daughter of Susie and
Kim Kemper, and granddaughter of Grace Appleby.
Jennifer and Joaquin Martinez on the birth of their daughter,
Mallory Glenn Martinez, on July 13, 2008. Proud grandpar-
ents are Caren and Bob Aubrey.
Dawn and Chip Herron on the birth of their daughter, Chapel
Lynn Herron, on July 11, 2008.

10 | www.fpco.org
Erin Carissa McKee and Whitner Stewart Davis who were
married July 12, 2008. Whitner is the son of Katherine and
Bob Davis.
Robyn and Trey Barnes on the birth of their son, Carter McCa-
uley Barnes, on April 8, 2008. Proud grandparents are Nancy
and Dale Bellows and Marlene and Mac Barnes.
Susie and Kyle Taylor on the birth of their daughter, Addison
Leigh Taylor, on June 10, 2008.
Jessica and David Burden on the birth of their son, Henry Luck
Burden, on June 23, 2008. The proud grandparents are Alice
and Randy Burden.
Heather Dawn Wilson and Jose Albernice Rosado who were
married on July 5, 2008. Heather is the daughter of Jane and
Bobby Marr.

Sympathy to:
Beverly and Lee Tavel on the death of her father, Dr. Ted
Bayshore, on June 8, 2008.
The family and friends of Winnie Triplett, who died June 23,
2008.
Laurin and John Cash, III on the death of his grandmother,
Martha Cash Smith, on July 4, 2008.
Christa and Mickey Grindstaff on the death of his father, Paul
Grindstaff, on July 7, 2008.
Marjorie and Linnea York on the death husband and father,
William “Bill” York, on July 8, 2008.
DeDe Neusaenger on the death of her husband, Jack Neu-
saenger, on July 9, 2008. Mr. Neusaenger was the father of
John (Mary Jane) Neusaenger and grandfather of Michael,
Adam, Morzan, Chloe and Lily.
The family and friends of Jean Dickinson, who died July 13,
2008.
The family and friends of Col. Greg Skinner, who died July 14,
2008.
Lisa and Bob Dukes on the death of her father, Robert Wall,
on July 29, 2008. Mr. Wall was the grandfather of Ryan and
Melissa Dukes.
The friends and family of Dottie Hill, who died, July 30, 2008.
The friends and family of Jennie Jewell, who died July 31,
2008.
Jane Roney on the death of her brother, Dr. James Fales, on
August 3, 2008.

July ‘08 Giving Snapshot

General Operating Contributions Budgeted Surplus
(Deficit)
July Gifts $476,729 $533,089 $(56,359)
Immeasurably More Outstanding Balance $6,114,649
IM July Gifts $41,000
(net of 10% tithe to Missions)
Contact Dr. Keith Wright for a full revenue &
expense summary

www.fpco.org | 11

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Please Deliver by August 28, 2008