First ARP Church of Rock Hill Newsletter

Inspired by the love of Christ, and enabled by the Holy Spirit, we serve God through worship,

education and fellowship that we may proclaim His grace and share His love in the world.

First Church Life

Pastor’s Message J. Barry Dagenhart, Senior Pastor

In This Issue

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BIRTHS MEMBER BIRTHDAYS CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES YOUTH NEWS

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES LADIES’ BOOK CLUB DOROTHY DAY

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CHURCH-WIDE ANNOUNCEMENTS (Retreat, All American Athletes, Family Promise, Elders, Kirking O’ the Tartans)

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At the end of Galatians 3, we can see Paul’s famous words: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus…” We can see many things in those words, but especially an end to racial barriers and social distinctions. It is true that there are many different cultures and languages in the world, but those in Christ find that they are unified in Him.

It is hard to show that truth to the world when we have ‘black’ churches and ‘white’ churches on Sunday mornings. One way we have been trying to combat this somewhat distorted picture of the Body of Christ is to join with our brothers and sisters in worship from the Mt. Prospect Baptist Church. We have already benefitted from and enjoyed two joint worship services with them in past months, and we have another such joint worship service planned at Mt. Prospect’s sanctuary on Sunday evening, October 9th at 6:00 p.m. I have been given the privilege to preach that evening, and some of our choir members will be joining with their choir to lead in worship through music.

As I write this article, there is great unrest and several protests have already taken place in Charlotte. It is obvious that there is great mistrust and a lack of communication between various cultures in that city. There are many reasons why differing cultural groups do not understand one another in our society today. While I could give many of those, let me just say that my hope is that eventually these joint worship services between our two congregations will ultimately lead to joint ministry opportunities in the community. But even if that does not happen, surely they provide an opportunity for many of us to get to know people who love and serve Jesus Christ that we wouldn’t otherwise know in our area.

I know that we are not accustomed to Sunday evening services – nor is Mt. Prospect for that matter. However, I encourage you to come and worship at Mt. Prospect on October 9 at 6:00 p.m. Be expectant in prayer for this service – anticipating what the Holy Spirit might do in our midst, and the example that God will show to our community as we come together in the bonds of love for His praise. I hope to see you there…Barry

Celebrating New Life Congratulations to

Matt and Ann Eaves on the birth of their son

William Lawton August 6, 2016

Proud grandparents are

Buist and Susan Eaves Congratulations to

Jamey and Tiffany Dagenhart on the birth of their son

Caleb Preston September 11, 2016

Proud big brother is

Parker Proud grandparents are

Barry and Sarah Dagenhart

Carol Smith at the death of his brother

F. Douglas “Doug” Smith September 4, 2016

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.-Psalm 116:15

Christian Sympathy is extended to...

O C T O B E R

B I R T H D A Y S

1 Adele Robinson Sydney Sloop 2 Randy Laney 3 Buddy Cassels Janie Cauthen Jan Stephenson 4 Mary Hendrick 5 Anne Oates 6 Brady Nowicki 7 Jake McCallister 8 Elizabeth Turner Aggie Powell 9 Emma Harper 10 Will Smith 11 Riley Norman 12 Chase Dillingham Jacob Gilleland Greg Harbin 13 Thomas Gettys Eric Madsen 14 Jenny Nowicki Zaylee Talley

15 Patti Brakefield 16 Steve Cashion Ben Harper Carol Roper 17 Shirley Hendry 18 Beth Gault Robert Wilkerson 19 Spencer Anderson Mary Campbell Kellett Joe Robinson 21 Miles Robinson April Crawford Jennifer McAfee 23 Paul Gettys 24 Carey Harper Beth Simpson 25 Susan Eaves Theresa Smith 26 Sharon Neely Ashley Scott 29 Roe Roach Chad Smith Graham Tuttle 31 Trip Donahue Lois Kirkpatrick Neal Powell

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Congratulations to

Charles and Jill Fitzhenry on the birth of their sons

Charles Michael, III and Thomas Maxwell

September 16, 2016

Proud grandmother is

Jane Fleischer

Congratulations to

Key Barkley and Abby Pascutti who were united in marriage on September 10th

In Charleston, SC.

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Sunday School

What's so important about Sunday School?

1. Sunday school provides intentional, consistent, age appropriate teaching of God’s Word. A systematic teaching of the Scriptures – not just preaching (Acts 5:42) needs to occur through all age levels. Children, youth, and adults need opportunities for discovery, review, and interaction as they study God’s principles. A wiggly four-year-old can discover great Biblical truth by acting out a Bible story, completing dot-to-dot pictures, singing fun songs, and obeying parents. During the same hour, adults may discuss whether their relationship with their spouse or responses to daily crises reflect their trust in God. Both age groups leave Sunday school with specific applications of the Gospel for their lives.

2. Sunday school is discipleship! By creating small groups that focus on relationships with each other while studying God's Word, everyone "grows in the grace and knowledge of the Lord."

3. Sunday School encourages "praying for one another." Preschoolers through adults share prayer requests that are directed toward the specific needs of the class members. Often the class not only prays, but has an opportunity to respond to specific needs. Fellowship and informal conversations flow easily in small groups where care is expressed and people know your name and your needs.

4. Sunday school focuses on outreach to peers and friends. In a small group setting, where warmth and love flow and topics are non-threatening, class members are encouraged to invite coworkers or friends from school. Class socials and activities can focus on community outreach through social or ministry events.

We are blessed with wonderful teachers and classes for all ages and stages.

Make Sunday School a renewed priority for your family!

Catawba Presbytery Children's Retreat

Saturday, October 8th, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Neely's Creek ARP Church

“The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands..” Psalm 19:1

This is the theme verse for this year’s Catawba Presbytery Children’s Retreat. Kids will learn about God’s glory and creative work as revealed in nature, specifically sky and

space.

There will be hands-on space science experiments, fun songs that carry out the theme and teach Scripture, games and a bounce house, plus hands-on prayer stations and times of

reflection.

Cost is $5 (lunch included)

To register, contact Connie by Sunday, October 2

SAVE THE DATE WHAT? Fall Family Festival/Carnival

and Preschool Family Night WHEN? Wednesday, October 26th,

5:30-7:00 p.m.

Join us for a kid-friendly dinner, games for all ages, bouncy slide, costume contest, fellowship and fun.

Volunteers are needed to help with the evening, Contact Virginia McCallister for serving opportunities

(preschooldirector@firstarp.org)

Middle School Fall Retreat

October 28-30

Be on the lookout for registration information!

We are still looking for adult chaperones for this trip. Contact

Luke for more information. (youthdirector@firstarp.org)

High School Retreat

The Ghent Family accompanied MeiRose

Barnette, Shelby Brooks, Shelley Harper, and Sarah Velkovich to Bonclarken

September 23rd-25th for a retreat. The theme was Jesus as Prophet, Priest and King.

The group enjoyed a trip downtown, great seminars, and lots of fun was had.

Thank you to the Ghent Family for chaperoning this trip!

YOUTH NEWS

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Women’s Ministries

Ladies’ Book Club

All ladies are welcome to join in for a time of fellowship and discussion on the book

Through the Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot

MARK YOUR CALENDARS October 8, 2016 @ Bonclarken– ARP Women’s

Ministries 102 annual meeting. This is a one day event and the guest speaker is Delaine Blackwell. Live stream will be available on your computer or mobile device. To view, visit: http://

www.sermonaudio.com/playwebcast.asp?SourceID=fpcccolumbia October 23rd @ 6:30 p.m.- WM Board Meeting

@First ARP Rock Hill November 12th @ First ARP Columbia– One day

retreat and Annual Meeting of Catawba Women’s Ministries… more details to come!

November 19th WM will be holding a Wreath-Making Workshop. Stay tuned for more details.

WOMAN OF THE YEAR Nominations are now being accepted for 2016 Woman of the Year. Candidates for Woman of the Year should meet the following guideline: Any woman active in First ARP Women’s Ministries who has

uniquely and/or diligently impacted WM and our church through her faithful service to God.

Nominations, along with why you think this woman should be voted Woman of the Year, can be turned in to any WM Board member or the front office.

FALL BIBLE STUDY Fall Bible Studies kicked off in early September with a study on The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer. Groups meet Tuesday mornings @10:00 or Thursday’s @ 12:00. Email or call Susan Barron (sgbarron@comporium.net or 803-230-4924) with any questions.

A Thank You From Women’s Ministries

Many thanks to all who donated items for the yard sale and to those who volunteered their time to make the yard sale happen. The sale was a great success with $3,138.00

being raised. These funds will be used to support our Preschool scholarships, the Spain 2017 Mission Trip and

other projects of Women’s Ministries.

GIVE THE GIFT OF WONDERFUL RECIPES

Christmas is less than 90 days away…

Copies of Taste and See Cookbook from First ARP Women’s Ministries

are available in the front office for just $25.

Containing favorite recipes for Appetizers, Beverages, Breakfasts, Brunches, Main Dishes, Side Dishes, Breads, Sweets, Jams/Jellies and even Children’s

Recipes this cookbook has something for everyone!

Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen

The third Thursday of each month First ARP has the opportunity to prepare and serve at the

Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen.

On Thursday, September 15th Susan Gardner, Fran Hancock, Linda Neely, Gail Stafford and Donna

Ziegler served more than 45 people Jambalaya with pork, seasoned pinto beans, garlic bread, coleslaw,

fruit and cupcakes.

The next opportunity to serve is:

Thursday, October 20th Contact Susan Gardner (803-327-6551) to volunteer

Where?

Home of Ruth Todd

122 Wylie Cove Lane Rock Hill, SC 29732

When?

Monday, October 17th @ 7:00 p.m.

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Family Promise Highlights Many thanks to everyone who contributed time, talents and resources toward making our Family Promise host week a success. We started the week with 4 adults and 9 children. After one of the families secured housing and moved, we hosted 3 adults and 4 children for the last few days of the week. Please look at the Family Promise sign-up board in the connecting hall to read some of the comments made by our guests when we asked for feedback.

Family Promise committee: Philip Bunch, George Coxhead, Beth and David Gault, Fran Hancock, Connie Kiser, Nora and Eric Madsen, Timmy Marshall, Jan Phillips, Ginger and David Smith, Marsha and Bill Vogel, Polly and Wayne Wingate Overnight Hosts: Marsha and Bill Vogel, Jeanie Alexander, Wayne Wingate. Philip and Courtney Bunch, Kelley Tuttle, Michelle and Greg Harbin, George Coxhead, Ginger Smith, Lisa Duggins, Kara Duggins, Timmy Marshall, Eric, Nora and Taylor Madsen Other Volunteers: Jeanie and Robert Alexander, Mary Joyce Wright, Erin McManus, Kristen and Drayton Kappel, Francis Horton and others who served selflessly behind the scenes. Sunday School Classes (provided meals): Spiritual Development, Christian Life, Grace Changes Everything, Covenant Life, Fellowship, Growing in Faith, (and the Wed. night meal)

Our next host week is December 11-18 “Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good work and give glory to your Father in Heaven.”-

Matthew 5:16

Church-Wide Retreat

October 14-16

October 2nd is the final day to sign up for the Church-Wide Bonclarken retreat. Deposit is $50

and can be paid at the T-Hall on Sunday morning. The retreat will be a wonderful time of fellowship

for the whole family including a Bonfire, family movie time, games and Worship. Don’t miss this wonderful event!

ELDER NOMINATIONS

Thank you to our newly elected Elders who will serve as the Class

of 2021:

John Gettys, Jr.

Walter Revell

Tom Roper

Bill Vogel

All American Athletes

We have had a wonderful fall season enjoying Kickball at All American

Athletes.

The last Sunday for the season is October 9th at Tirzah ARP

If you have questions, would like to register to serve, or would like more information, please

contact Jamey Dagenhart at justjoy@firstarp.org or 803.517.4893 or vist allamericanathletes.org.

Kirking O’ the Tartans Join us Sunday, October 30th at the 11:00 a.m. Worship

Service, for our annual Kirking O’ the Tartans service, which incorporates bagpipes and tartan flags. God

enabled our Scottish forbearers in the faith to stand firm in their time of persecution, and empowered them to

look to the future as they worshipped Him as the supreme ruler instead of the monarch of the day. On this

day, we celebrate our legacy of faith through God, and God’s faithfulness throughout the generations.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month

“We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish

you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their

work. Be at peace among yourselves.”

-1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

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OCTOBER Calendar of Events JOIN US

Every Sunday 9:00 a.m. Acoustic Worship

10:00 a.m. Sunday School

11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship

Foundations for the Family Every Wednesday

5:30 p.m. Meal in Robinson Hall

6:00 p.m. Children’s Choir 6:30 p.m. Adult Study

7:15 p.m. Adult Choir Practice

Preschool 9 a.m.– 1 p.m. Monday-Friday

Just Joy every 4th Thursday

6:30 p.m. Worship Service

geared toward special needs friends and families, but all are welcome to come and participate!

MONDAY, October 17

Joint Diaconate/Session Meeting 7:00 p.m. Ladies’ Book Club 7:00 p.m.

THURSDAY, October 20

Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Women’s Bible Study 12:00 p.m. (Faith Room)

SUNDAY, October 23

CSC Movie 3:00 p.m. (RH) WM Board Meeting 3:00 p.m. (RH)

WEDNESDAY, October 26

Fall Festival & Carnival Night 5:30 p.m. (Gym)

FRIDAY-SATURDAY October 28-30

Middle School Retreat Bonclarken

SUNDAY, October 30

Congregational Meeting to elect Deacons

Following 9:00 & 11:00 Worship Service Kirking O’ the Tartans 11:00 Worship Service

TUESDAY, October 18

Women’s Bible Study 10:00 a.m. (Faith Room)

TUESDAY, October 25

Women’s Bible Study 12:00 p.m. (Faith Room)

THURSDAY, October 27

Women’s Bible Study 12:00 p.m. (Faith Room) Just Joy 6:30 p.m. (RH)

SUNDAY, October 2

Communion Sunday Deacon Recommendations Due All American Athletes 3:45 p.m.-5:00 p.m. (Tirzah ARP)

TUESDAY, October 4

Women’s Bible Study 10:00 a.m. (Faith Room) CE Committee 7:00p.m. (Parlor)

WEDNESDAY, October 5

Preschool Family Chapel 9:00 a.m. (Sanctuary)

THURSDAY, October 6

Circle #2 10:00 a.m. Circle #1 7:00 p.m.

TUESDAY, October 11

Women’s Bible Study 10:00 a.m. (Faith Room) Diaconate 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, October 14-16

Church-Wide Retreat Bonclarken

SATURDAY, October 1

Men’s Fellowship Breakfast 7:00 a.m. (RH)

THURSDAY, October 13

Women’s Bible Study 12:00 p.m. (Faith Room)

SUNDAY, October 9

All American Athletes 3:45 p.m.-5:00 p.m. (Tirzah ARP) Joint Worship Service 6:00 p.m. (Mt. Prospect Baptist Church)

MONDAY, October 3

Circle #3 7:00 a.m.

First A.R.P. Church

201 East White Street

Rock Hill, SC 29730

Contact Our Staff

Dr. J. Barry Dagenhart, Senior Pastor: seniorpastor@firstarp.org

Rev. Philip Bunch, Associate Pastor: associatepastor@firstarp.org

Luke Grigsby, Director of Youth Ministries: youthpastor@firstarp.org

Connie Kiser, Director of Christian Education: christianeducationdirector@firstarp.org

Virginia McCallister, Director of Preschool: preschooldirector@firstarp.org

J. Patrick Robinson, Director of Music: musicdirector@firstarp.org

Elizabeth Manus, Office Coordinator: officecoordinator@firstarp.org

Danni Jo Fuller, Administrative Assistant: administrativeassistant@firstarp.org

Telephone: 803-327-2009

Fax: 803-327-4123

Visit us online at www.firstarp.org or like us on Facebook!