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TRANSCRIPT
News
First Presby “In the Heart of the City, In the Heart of God”
March 2014 ● Volume 45, Number 3
Mission Statement In response to the love and grace of
God, First Presbyterian Church of Wichita, Kansas, is a fellowship of believers bound together to glorify
God and to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ through worship, spiritual nurturing, education and
mission to all people.
525 N. Broadway Wichita, KS 67214 (316) 263-0248 [email protected] www.firstpresbywichita.org
Sunday Worship Worship 8:30 a.m. (Chapel) Coffee Hour 9:30 a.m. (Reception Room) Sunday School 9:30 a.m. (Various Locations) Coffee Hour 10:30 a.m. (East Dining Room) Worship 11:00 a.m. (Sanctuary)
FPC Information:
First Presbyterian Church is a Stephen Ministry Congregation
Inside This Issue:
Events Coming Soon Page 1
Congregational Care Page 2
Birthday List Page 2
Pastor Letter Page 3
Parish Nurse News Page 4
Children’s Ministry Page 5
Youth Activities Page 6
EDR Display Page 7
Calendar Page 11
Session Notes Page 12
(More events pg 8)
Lent, the six weeks leading up to Easter, has historically been a time that the Christian community has focused on their faith. This year, please take advantage of these upcoming Lenten studies and services.
March 5: Ash Wednesday Potluck and Service Bring a dish to share in the EDR at 6:00 p.m. An
Ash Wednesday service including the imposition of ashes will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will feature special music by the Chancel Choir.
Sunday Mornings Lenten Study The DeVore room Sunday school class (from 9:30–10:30 a.m.) will have a video and discussion class on Adam Hamil-ton’s Final Words from the Cross. (Sunday School classes for children and youth continue as well as adult Sunday School classes in the Parlor and McComb Room.)
Wednesday Evenings Lenten Study Join Pastor Brent in the Parlor on
Wednesday evenings from 6:00–7:00 p.m. as he discusses Forgiven: A Lenten Study by Marjorie Thompson (the ac-claimed author of Soul Feast). (Other Wednesday activities for youth, children, and adults also continue.)
April 13: Palm Sunday Service: The beginning of Holy Week with services including special music and processional with palms.
April 17: Maundy Thursday service: This moving evening service includes Communion and special music beginning at 7:00 p.m.
April 18: Good Friday lunch and service runs from noon to 1:00 p.m. and ushers in the Prayer Vigil.
April 20: Resurrection Sunday: Celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrec-tion.
2 · First Presby News Volume 45, Number 3
01 Norma Tucker Brent Norris Warren Carter 02 Lynne Ziegler Sheldon Sears Katie Waddell-
Ritz Evelyn Hibarger 03 David Mace 04 Donna Hellums Kathy McVey Steve Perry 05 Barbara Works Brad Cline 06 Katherine
Barcus Donna Brodin Leslie
Broadhead 07 Mary Johnson Trey Warner 09 Bailey Ellsworth 10 Mary Crouch
11 Ron Lyon Felix Briggs 12 Rogene E Glenn Silas Lynch 13 Louise Farmer Lisa McDowell 15 Leslie Swinney 16 Mary Beth
Wegerle 17 Howard Waller 18 Janet Setser Kevin
Cronkleton Jackson Mace 19 Clifford Wathne Richard Wright Julie Hansen 20 Emma McDoniel 23 Mary Hollowell 24 Daniel Kamau
25 Richard
Coldwater 26 Marilyn Lewis Teresita Saghi Mary Ann Lowry Melody Sears 28 Jim Sears Allen Hillen 29 Helen Wade Jerry Clapp 30 Carol Blumenshine 31 Nancy Perry
FPC Staff
Ministry Staff
The Rev. Dr. Brent O. Johnston Pastor/Head of Staff
The Rev. Amy J. Baumgartner Associate Pastor
Geri Doll Director of Youth Ministry
Christine Rude Children’s Resource Coordinator
Joan Aldrich Parish Nurse
Steve Bixler Director of Music
David Josefiak Senior Organist
Gary Huffman Archivist & Organist
Administrative Staff
Nancy Bishop Bookkeeper
Georgia Kaba Receptionist
Anna Willis Publications/Webmaster
Roy Yarbrough Facilities Manager
Mary Burgett Economy Corner Manager
Phyllis Robertson
Economy Corner Assistant Manager
Dave Duncan FPC Family Camp Manager
Dolores Johnson Clerk of the Session [email protected]
Congregational Care Let Us Focus Our Prayers on These Members: Tom & Gerry Winters, Forrest and Iris Weirick, Richard & Bar-
bara Wright, Mike & Kristin Caradine & family, George & Linda Bair, Brandon Billington, Georgia Boone, Cynthia Brinley, Lucas & Kathy Brown, Susan Crisp, Chris Fox & SheauKang Hew and fami-ly, Doris & Elton Garrison, Jared Kite, Jennifer Lewis, Zee & Low-ell Lygrisse, Jackson Mace, Joann McCandless, Stephanie Penny, Laci Rekoske, Trudy & Ed Sims, Leslie Swinney, Jessica Thomp-son, Marsha Veesart, Alexandra & Steve Washburn, and Ray Wheeler Jr.
Sympathy: Please pray for Ray Wheeler as he grieves the death of his sis-
ter, Patricia, February 8 in California. Please pray for Kathy & Lucas Brown on the death of Kathy’s moth-
er, Evelyn Billington, on February 13.
March 2014 First Presby News · 3
We have a few different sets of Legos floating around our house. We have the big building blocks, the mid-sized Legos for 2–5-year-olds, and lots of little Legos (many of which were passed down from father to children).
I must admit that I have a love–hate relationship with Legos. When I’m trying to get something done without a little one underfoot, those little plastic building blocks can be a life- saver. However, those same plastic gems can become a frustration when I find them everywhere—under sofas, in kitchen cabinets, in my car—they seem to multiply like wire hangers. I have been known to suck up the occasional Lego with the vacuum to the consternation of the rest of the Baumgartner clan.
Legos are wonderful developmental toys. I have enjoyed watching my three kiddos go through definite stages in their Lego-playing. Stage one for us was the tower building (and destroying) phase. The next stage involved lots of boats and planes. It continually amazes me at the creativity that yields a plethora of design ideas. I often thank God for the creative genius behind Legos.
But, there is one phase in Lego development I despise—the need to link wheeled vehicles together. I realize I had blocked out of my head Obediah’s obsession with having a chain of Lego vehicles until Ezra came into his own. The rough part about being child number three is that toys sometimes just are not the same as they once were. In Lego-land (a.k.a. the Baumgartner home), the catches to link the four-wheeled vehicles together are shot. Jack drilled a few holes, and we have a stash of twist-ties to get those things to hold together. But unfortunately, little guys just
don’t always have the patience to wait while parents fumble with the twist-ties.
In the midst of Lego-linking phase, Ezra began to envision that trucks were not the only objects that should be put together. For instance, please explain to me why a truck needs to have a fence panel hooked to its end! And yet, Ezra gets insistent that the truck needs that fence panel in exactly the configuration he has in his head. Have I mentioned I have a love–hate relationship with Legos?
Recently, after trying for the umpteenth time to get two impossible Lego pieces together in the midst of a very vocal child, I exasperatedly questioned God’s hand in the Lego madness. Usually I would expect my spirit to be aware of my lack of patience; however, on this occasion, I sensed the lesson revolved around putting things together that don’t belong.
God throughout the Bible lays out a separation between different things. There are clean and unclean animals in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, lists of virtues and vices highlight a difference in character marking a follower of Christ. The last few weeks, sermon passages from 1 Corinthians have revealed a separation between things of the world and things of God. We are either controlled by the spirit of the world or the Holy Spirit. When we try to mingle both, one side loses, and typically it is the spiritual side. It is difficult to choose God’s ways—the way of humility, self-sacrifice, being conformed to the image of Christ. It is a slow, daily uphill climb to not hook the things of the world to our spiritual vehicle. Unlike twist-ties, the pull of the world seems to hook into us, often when we are not paying attention. Paul sums it up well, “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” The Christian life is not easy; it takes difficult work and diligence.
God used those Legos to lead me in a time of self-reflection. May you take some time to consider where in your life you are mixing matters of the spirit with those of the world. And ask your Father to unhook that which does not belong, and resolve yourself to move forward unhindered. For God’s glory. Amen.
From the Associate Pastor’s Desk
4 · First Presby News Volume 45, Number 3
From the Parish Nurse
One of the most important decisions for sen-iors is their choice of housing. Whether their search for senior housing is prompted by declin-ing health or a desire for a lifestyle change, find-ing the right place can be challenging and stress-ful for the whole family. However, the earlier an assessment is made of current needs and how these needs may evolve over time, the more choices and control the senior will have. Fortu-nately, an array of housing options and living ar-rangements are available to meet the older adult’s needs to ensure their future content-ment, comfort, and safety. The key to making the best choice is to match the senior’s housing with their lifestyle, health, and financial needs. This may mean modifying their home to make it safer and more comfortable, or it could mean moving to a retirement community with more support and social options available on site. It could also involve hiring caregivers to assist with physical needs, including activities of daily living (personal hygiene, meal preparation, cleaning, shopping, and transportation), or placement in the nursing home for more intensive care.
There are many resources, programs, and services available to assist older adults with planning their future housing needs. Contact these local organizations for assistance: Central Area Agency on Aging (CPAAA) 650-5120, www.cpaaa.org, Senior Services of Wichita, Inc. 267-0302, www.seniorservicesofwichita.org, and
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Ser-vices, www.kdad.ks.gov.
Recently, I had the opportunity to learn about another valuable service to help seniors with housing options and care. Assisted Transition— Senior Living & Care Finders is a franchise com-pany owned by Brian Stemple, Elder Care Advi-sor, specializing in senior living placement, refer-ral, and advisory services. Brian is dedicated and committed to help seniors understand care op-tions, including independent living, assisted liv-ing communities, memory care, continuing care retirement communities, skilled nursing homes, and home care services. He will meet with the older adult and/or family members to conduct a personal assessment to understand the senior’s social, financial, physical, emotional, and geo-graphic preferences and needs. He will educate the senior/family about living and care options available today and refer legal, financial, and so-cial resources as needed. Brian will recommend senior living options that match the senior’s cli-ent profile, schedule and accompany them on visits to selected senior living communities, and develop a transition plan. He is also involved in facilitating communications and sharing of re-quired documents between communities and health care providers to ensure a smooth transi-tion process. All these services, including guided tours, are provided at no cost to the senior/family client. You can call Brian at 854-5266 or email him at: [email protected] for more information or to set up an appoint-ment.
Please know that I am also available to help in navigating through the options for senior liv-ing and care. Call or email me with questions or concerns. I, too, will advocate for the best care options for you!
Joan Aldrich
Senior Living and Care Options
March 2014 First Presby News · 5
Contact: Amy Baumgartner, Associate Pastor at 263-0248 or [email protected] Children’s Ministry News
Memorial Scholarship Fund Accepting Applications The Memorial Scholarship Fund again has scholarships available for post–high school education.
The amount of the award will not exceed the annual cost of books, tuition, and fees. The student may apply or reapply annually until his or her educational program is completed. Scholarship recipi-ents must be members of First Presbyterian Church and admitted to an accredited college or training program which will meet the goals of the student. Applicants will be evaluated on their character, am-bition, ability, financial need, and level of church involvement. Application forms for the school year 2013–2014 are available in the church office and on the literature table outside the office. The com-pleted application form must be submitted to the higher education committee chair by April 1. Recip-ients will be notified of the committee’s decision by April 24. Money will be given to the school the recipient plans to attend upon presentation of proof of acceptance in the proposed program.
There is also about $13,000 in the graduate loan fund, which is available for students pursuing post-graduate work. Interest accrual and repayment terms are listed in the Higher Education pam-phlet on the table outside the office. If you have questions, you may direct them to Alice Price.
This year, our summer camps for children will be June 2–20. You can get involved in many different ways: 1. Invite your children, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends to attend. You should have received your
summer camp brochures. If you need extras to invite other friends, grab one from the table outside the office. With the launch of the new website (hopefully in April), you can pay online.
2. Pray for the children that they might learn about God and grow in their faith through the summer camp program. Also, please pray for the volunteers who will interact with the children.
3. Volunteer! Our VBS week (June 9–13) will be held in the church building. We need loving volunteers to work with the children in a variety of capacities. If you are interested in finding out more, please see Michelle Murray-Cline or Amy Baumgartner.
4. Take an animal track. Keeping with the VBS theme of Weird Animals and similar to the past couple of years, we will hang up items we need on animal track shapes on the bulletin board outside the nursery. Take a shape and return the item requested on it to the church office. This really helps us keep summer camp costs affordable for all parents.
If you have any questions about summer camps, please ask Amy Baumgartner.
Thanks for your continued support for our Summer Camps.
March Children’s Activities Wednesday Fun (dinner from 5:15–6:00 p.m. and education and choir from 6:00–7:30 p.m.) will be
March 12 and 26. We will not have regular Wednesday Fun on March 5 because of Ash Wednesday or March 19 during Spring Break.
Sunday School (from 9:30–10:30 a.m. in C204); the nursery is available during Sunday School, and there are even classes for your parents.
Children Singing in Church on March 30. Due to Daylight-Saving Time change, the children’s day to sing has been moved back to March 30! Please change your calendars!
6 · First Presby News Volume 45, Number 3
Youth Activities
Melodrama Ad FAQs: I don’t have a business so I can’t advertise anything. That’s okay, you can simply say, “Good luck!” or any-
thing you want, and we will make it look nice! I can’t afford $25.
We take donations in any amount if you’re not inter-ested in an ad. Any amount will help.
When do you need the ad by? We would need it by March 21.
How do I pay for it? You can mail or drop off a check at the church. Or
you can put a check in the offering plate on Sunday. Make it out to FPC with “melodrama ad” in the memo and send it to Geri Doll’s attention. Or Geri will mail you a bill after the melodrama and you can send the
money then. Who should I e-mail my ad information to?
[email protected] or [email protected]
Thank you very much for supporting our youth group!
Mark your calendar for the Youth Melodrama, April 4 & 6!
March 1 (Saturday): The community breakfast is an ongoing mission of our church. The youth have been asked to come and help with clean up in March. You need to be there by 9:00 a.m. We encourage you and your family to volunteer. Anyone who would like to volunteer should contact Stephanie Hutchison at 409-4529 or e-mail her at [email protected]; or you can contact Geri. March 2 (Sunday): Youth Sunday school 9:30–10:30 a.m.; Melodrama/PYC 6–8 p.m. March 4 (Tuesday): Youth Committee Meeting 6–7 p.m. March 5 (Ash Wednesday): Potluck dinner followed by Ash Wednesday worship service. No choir/no small groups; meal starts at 5:15 p.m. March 7–9 (Friday–Sunday): Sleepless in Sterling; Daylight-Saving Time begins; No Youth Sunday school; Melodrama/PYC 6-8 p.m.*optional for those who attend SLS March 12 (Wednesday): All-church dinner and True Blue; meal starts at 5:15 p.m. March 16 (Sunday): Youth Sunday school 9:30–10:30 a.m.; Melodrama/PYC 6–8 p.m. March 17–21: SPRING BREAK! March 19 (Wednesday): Volunteering at the Kansas Food Bank 10:00–11:45 a.m.; No All-church dinner or True Blue March 21 (Friday): Deadline for melodrama ad sales March 23 (Sunday): Youth Sunday school 9:30–10:30 a.m.; Melodrama/PYC 6–8 p.m. March 26 (Wednesday): All-church dinner and True Blue; meal starts at 5:15 p.m. March 30 (Sunday): Youth Sunday school 9:30–10:30 a.m.; Melodrama/PYC 6–8 p.m. March 31 (Monday): Melodrama rehearsal 6–8 p.m. (begin Tech Week with rehearsal every night) As you can see, in March there are lots of ways each and every youth can participate and come together to show our love and Christian faith. Questions? E-mail Geri Doll [email protected], call or text 316-737-8855. We are happy to give you a ride if needed.
In the coming weeks, the youth will begin making phone calls to sell melodra-ma ads. The money that the youth group raises is used towards a mission trip in the summer. This summer, the senior high youth will be participating in BAM, Burnam-wood Appalachian Ministry in Kentucky, and the middle school youth will be doing SOS, Service Over Self, in Memphis, Ten-nessee. Please help the youth by purchas-ing an ad in our melodrama program. You can get a ¼ page for $25, ½ page for $35, or a full page for $50.
March 2014 First Presby News · 7
Volunteer Wanted! Ever wondered how the bulletin comes into being? What makes the Presby News tick? Now you can know! Publica-tions is looking for one or two volunteers to learn the basics to allow for Anna’s sick and vacation leave.
No age requirement. Knowledge of Word and/or Publisher a plus. Email [email protected] or call 263-0248 for more info.
Comic’s Corner
East Dining Room Display
March EDR Display: Dolls from around the World
by Gary Huffman
It is always appropriate for Father to bring home gifts to the family who stay behind. That was the case with this month’s dis-play. Catherine Johnston’s father traveled extensively and he brought home dolls from nearly every country he visited.
Most of the dolls were col-lected when the family lived in
Italy. Keith McLusky bought dolls representing the folk heritage of countries he visited, and he brought them home to Catherine and her sister. Catherine says that she wasn’t permitted to play with them when she was a little girl. Perhaps that is the reason they are in such excellent condi-tion.
The dolls were recently en-trusted to Catherine’s care since her parents are downsizing their living arrangements. It was time to pass them on to the next gen-eration.
The oldest one is of Slavic tradition, perhaps from Hungary or Yugoslavia. The exact origin remains a mystery. Most of the rest of the collection have been identified and documented in an album prepared by Diana McLusky, Catherine’s mother. The collection represents about 20 countries.
Beside the dolls there are some Belgian puppets that are now missing the strings that make them move.
Be sure to stop by the display in the East Dining Room during the month of March. Perhaps Catherine will be able to tell you a few more stories about the dolls and you will get better ac-quainted with the “First Lady” of First Presbyterian Church.
Catherine Johnston with her dolls.
Earliest doll, of unknown origin.
8 · First Presby News Volume 45, Number 3
Ghost Ranch Trip Planned “Family Group to Ghost Ranch” trip for July
7–13, 2014: FPC Families are invited to caravan out west this summer to spend Week 1 of the Festival of the Arts at Ghost Ranch. Adults can sign up for a variety of activities from Ghost Ranch Chorale, a variety of art workshops, His-tory and Culture of the Southwest, to Rest and Recreation. Questions? Michelle Murray-Cline, Joanna Ediger, or Kristen Ivy.
Free dental services for children ages 3–12 who do not have dental insurance in Sedgwick Coun-ty. To schedule an appointment, please call: English: 573-2266; Spanish: 573-6229. Visit our Facebook page for online registration!
Wichita Sedgwick County Oral Health Coalition presents:
Saturday, March 8 7:30 a.m.
to 3:30 p.m.
GraceMed Clinic 1122 N. Topeka
Wichita, KS 67214
Come—Help Feed the Children! Wednesday, March 19, Presbyterian Women,
and any member of FPC that is interested, will meet at the Kansas Food Bank, 1919 E. Douglas to fill backpacks of food that school children take home on weekends. In January, 6,656 chil-dren in the 58 counties served by the KFB re-ceived the backpacks. The need is great.
There will be two shifts for workers: 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It is imperative that volunteers sign up to work by noon on Wednesday, March 12 (one week in advance), with the church office (263-0248). The KFB needs to know how many are coming so they can be properly prepared. You can work first shift, second shift, or both shifts. If you would like to enjoy a sub sandwich lunch on site ($5.00 payable at the door), make that known at the church office too. Questions? Contact Mary Knecht, [email protected] or 942-8068.
The Food4Kids program started on a small scale in 2004 after teachers and social workers determined that some children were showing up at school on Monday morning having eaten little or nothing since their school lunch on Friday. More and more children in Wichita and Kansas are food insecure. Our assistance with time and treasure is needed. Brian Walker, director of the KFB, reports that every $1 donated will provide four meals. PW will take with them a check for $255 (money for 1,020 meals), the proceeds from their December bake sale.
Couples, mark your calendars for April 4–5 for a Marriage Retreat planned with members from Grace Presbyterian Church.
Are You Connected
to the Church? If you have email, and do not now receive
weekly updates from the church, and would like to receive them, please contact Anna Willis or send your email to [email protected] so we may add your email address to the “FPC member” group email list. “FPC member” emails are sent out as a “blind copy,” so they are not shared with others.
Camp Work Day Mark your calendars for the next camp work
day, which will be on Saturday, April 19, be-tween 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
March 2014 First Presby News · 9
What were you doing on March 13, 1870? If you lived in the new town called Wichita you might have been a part of the small group that was planning to organize a new church.
Home missionary Timothy Hill had visited Wichita and decided that it might be a good place to plant a new Presbyterian church. He di-rected the Rev. Wilberforce K. Boggs to come down to Wichita from Emporia and see what could be done. Boggs arrived in Wichita in the late fall of 1869 and began preaching and con-ducting a Sunday school.
During the winter of 1869–1870, the group met in an abandoned military dugout near the corner of 12th and Jackson (one block west of Waco). William Finn had been asked to start a school and so he located the only property that was available and ready to use. He taught a sub-scription school during the week and met with the Presbyterians on Sunday. Finn described the dugout as “commodious” with dormer windows letting in light. He joined the group as part of the 13 charter members, who on Sunday, March 13, 1870, established what was to become First Presbyterian Church of Wichita.
Only one of the charter members lived within a few blocks of the dugout. Most lived several miles away on new land claims where they in-tended to build permanent places to live.
As soon as winter was over, the congregation longed to find a better place to worship. After meeting in upstairs rooms of newly finished store buildings, including a livery, the congrega-tion made plans to construct a church building in which to worship. Because finances were
tight, the congregation sought assistance from the Board of Church Erection. Finally a small grant was made, but the local congregation had to bear the major load of responsibility.
Land was acquired, but by the time construc-tion could begin, the location was no longer suit-able because the center of the town had shifted from North Waco to Main and Douglas. Eli Water-man made land available at 2nd and Wichita and that is where the church was built.
After only two years, the small church build-ing was no longer large enough and plans were made to build a new church in a new location. The old church was sold to the Catholics for about $500.00 and moved east to 2nd and St. Francis.
As is often said, the rest is history. If you are interested in further details, you may want to se-cure a church history (This is Who We Are) from the Archives. See Gary Huffman if you are inter-ested. This hardback volume is a well-written account of the first 125 years of First Presbyteri-an Church and was produced as part of the 125th Anniversary celebration. Every church fam-ily should have a copy.
On Thursday, March 13, take time to reflect on our great heritage. Give thanks to God for our past and ask for God’s continued blessing on our present and future. Wichita’s oldest congre-gation continues to share God’s message in the heart of the city.
by Gary Huffman
Stephen Ministers are the After People.
Stephen Ministers are there:
after the divorce,
after the funeral,
after the doctor says “I’m sorry,”
after the baby arrives
If you have questions or need to talk, please con-
tact Lynn Buchanan or Louise Farmer at 263-
0248 or
From the Archives
10 · First Presby News Volume 45, Number 3
Through the Dillons “Neighborhood Reward Program” we have the opportunity to sell Dillons gift cards to members, family, and friends, and each purchaser helps Whispering Winds Camp without having to spend a penny more than they normally would when shopping at the local Dillons Grocery Stores/Marketplace, Fred Meyer Jewelers, or Kwik Shop. So this is a win-win!
Here’s how it works: You can purchase a Dillons gift card for $5 on Sunday morning or during normal business hours in the church office or call/e-mail Al or Janet Staab at 729-8009 or [email protected]. You now have $5 on that card to spend on groceries, gas, gifts, etc. From that time on, every time you place additional money on your gift card (reloading up to the maximum of $500 on the card), 5% of that money goes directly to Whispering Winds Camp! You may place additional money on your card at the Dillons Customer Service desk at any time. Your continued use of Dillons gift cards provides a renewable source of revenue for the camp. This revenue helps to pay for programing and camp upgrades such as the new playground equipment and repairs to the children’s pool.
And remember… the more cards you purchase (think gifts for family and friends), the more income is generated for Whispering Winds Camp! The Camp Committee thanks you for your continued support as we strive to revitalize our beloved camp.
Has Your Address Changed? Please remember to inform the church office if
your home address, telephone number or e-mail
address changes. Thanks for your help!
Communication Corner
Church is all about relationships. Better com-munication will help us grow spiritually, be up-lifted, feel a part of the church community, be active in the life of the church and make in-formed decisions. We have the greatest story of all to tell, and in this digital, multimedia world, we have more options and challenges than ever before.
In response to this challenge, the Communi-cation Task Force and the Session are launching our first initiative: a new and improved web site. It is our hope that it will:
Attract Visitors & Seekers Our web site will be a brochure for those
wanting to find out more about our ministry. Whether finding service times and directions, trying to understand more about your church, or the experience of your message and communi-ty, our web site will be the first place they look!
Energize Our Congregation We expect our congregation will be able to
serve and grow by making it easier for you to stay in touch with the community. Our web site will make it easier for us all to do such things as connect with a small group, find dates and times of events, listen to a sermon and much, much more.
Spread Our Message First Church Cares! This is our mantra mov-
ing forward in 2014. Our web site will tell that story through stories, pictures, videos and events.
Watch for it!
March: New Website to Launch Soon
Gerry Winters
March 2014 First Presby News · 11 First Presbyterian
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VIN
G
TIM
E B
EG
INS
8:3
0 &
11:0
0 W
ors
hip
9:3
0 &
10:3
0 C
offe
e H
ou
r
9:3
0 S
und
ay S
chool (N
o Y
outh
) 1
0:3
0 C
hoir R
ehe
ars
al
12:1
5 W
ors
hip
& M
usic
C
om
mitte
e
6:0
0 M
elo
dra
ma/P
YC
10
11
1
0:0
0 S
taff M
eetin
g
5:3
0 F
ina
nce &
Adm
in.
6:0
0 D
eacons
7:0
0 C
hild
ren’s
Co
mm
ittee
12
9:0
0 D
orc
as C
ircle
9:3
0 M
ary
Circ
le (W
DR
)
1:3
0 M
arth
a &
Pris
cilla
Circ
les
(McC
om
b)
5:0
0 C
am
p C
om
mitte
e
5:1
5 A
ll-Ch
urc
h M
eal
6:0
0 W
ednesda
y F
un, T
rue
Blu
e, L
ente
n S
tud
y,
Dis
cip
le C
lass
6:0
0 Jam
es R
inge
rs
7:0
0 C
hoir R
ehe
ars
al
13
8:0
0 S
r. Men’s
Bre
akfa
st
4:3
0 S
teph
en
Min
istry
Tra
inin
g
5:3
0 D
iscip
leship
M
ee
ting (R
R)
14
12:0
0 E
OF
Bib
le S
tud
y
15
16
D
ea
dlin
e fo
r Ap
ril Pre
sb
y N
ew
s
Su
bm
issio
ns (M
idn
igh
t)
8:3
0 &
11:0
0 W
ors
hip
9:3
0 &
10:3
0 C
offe
e H
ou
r & B
lood
Pre
ssure
Ch
eck
9:3
0 S
und
ay S
chool
10:3
0 C
hoir R
ehe
ars
al
6:0
0 M
elo
dra
ma/P
YC
(ED
R)
17
5:3
0 S
tew
ard
ship
(O
ff-Site
)
18
1
0: 0
0 S
taff M
eetin
g
1:0
0 B
lood P
ressure
C
heck (E
conom
y
Co
rner)
5:3
0 S
essio
n
19
9:0
0 D
orc
as C
ircle
6:0
0 Jam
es R
inge
rs
7:0
0 C
hoir R
ehe
ars
al
20
8:0
0 S
r. Men’s
Bre
akfa
st
11:4
5 T
heolo
gic
al T
hem
es
in L
itera
ture
(RR
)
21
22
23
8:3
0 &
11:0
0 W
ors
hip
9:3
0 &
10:3
0 C
offe
e H
ou
r
9:3
0 S
und
ay S
chool
10:3
0 C
hoir R
ehe
ars
al
6:0
0 M
elo
dra
ma/P
YC
(ED
R)
24
25
1
0: 0
0 S
taff M
eetin
g
6:0
0 S
teph
en
Min
istry
26
9:0
0 D
orc
as C
ircle
5:1
5 A
ll-Ch
urc
h M
eal
6:0
0 W
ednesda
y F
un, T
rue
Blu
e, L
ente
n S
tud
y,
Dis
cip
le C
lass, J
am
es
Rin
ge
rs
7:0
0 C
hoir R
ehe
ars
al
27
8:0
0 S
r. Men’s
Bre
akfa
st
4:0
0 P
ers
onn
el M
ee
ting
4:3
0 S
teph
en
Min
istry
T
rain
ing
28
1
2:0
0 E
OF
Bib
le S
tud
y
30
YE
LLO
W B
AG
SU
ND
AY
8:3
0 &
11:0
0 W
ors
hip
9:3
0 &
10:3
0 C
offe
e H
ou
r
9:3
0 S
und
ay S
chool
10:3
0 C
hoir R
ehe
ars
al
6:0
0 M
elo
dra
ma/P
YC
(ED
R)
31
6:0
0 M
elo
dra
ma P
ractic
e
First Presbyterian Church 525 N. Broadway Wichita, KS 67214-3503
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid
Permit 719 Wichita, KS
First Presbyterian Church 525 N. Broadway Wichita, KS 67214-3503
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid
Permit 719 Wichita, KS
Session Notes Items from the February 18, 2014 Session
Meeting: Dr. Brent Johnson previewed the book,
Built to Last, which will be used for study at the Session retreat February 28—March 1.
The Camp Committee is developing plans to increase the usage of our camp “Whispering Winds,” so that groups outside of FPC know that they are also welcome.
Stewardship reports that FPC has received 203 pledges for 2014 for $538,500.
Christian Education continues planning for spring and summer activities for FPC members and others: church classes, fun activities, sum-mer camp, trip to Ghost Ranch and others.
Youth are preparing for the Melodrama. Communications Team action message:
First Church Cares. Mission Committee is reviewing our mission
commitments, including possible changes for our mission to El Salvador.
The Presbytery of Southern Kansas newslet-ter, “On the Wind,” may be picked up from the table across the office.
The Clerk reports no changes in member-ship from the February report. Membership as of February 18, 2014 is 528.
Dolores Johnson Clerk of Session
The April Presby
News Deadline is
Sunday, March 16,
at MIDNIGHT.
The editor reserves the right to edit submitted information for content and space availability. Questions? Contact Anna Willis at 263-0248, ext. 128, or e-mail publications@ firstpresbywichita.org