Pastor ........................................ Andy Gans Visitation Pastor (Ret.) ............ Tom McNeil Music Director .......................... Rick Roberts Executive Assistant ................... Pat Brown Nursery Attendant .................... Tammy Keeslar Proofreaders .............................. Susan M. Jensen and John Stewart

Contributors ............................... Members of Ft. King Assembling ................................. Phyllis Altonn, Bobbie

Burns, Sue Chancey, Kay Dahlen, Joyce Gauntt, Eleanor Hayesmore, Donna Johnson, Pat Merrill, Roselle Pringle, Alice Reffner, Aileen Zimmerman

Bulk Mail Handling ................... John Stewart

Office: (352) 694Office: (352) 694Office: (352) 694Office: (352) 694----4121412141214121 FFFFAAAAXXXX:::: ((((333355552222)))) 666699994444----5555222222226666

13 NE 36TH AVENUE13 NE 36TH AVENUE13 NE 36TH AVENUE13 NE 36TH AVENUE OOOOCCCCAAAALLLLAAAA,,,, FFFFLLLLOOOORRRRIIIIDDDDAAAA 33334444444477770000

www.fortking.orgwww.fortking.orgwww.fortking.orgwww.fortking.org ffffoooorrrrttttkkkkiiiinnnngggg@@@@eeeeaaaarrrrtttthhhhlllliiiinnnnkkkk....nnnneeeetttt

Worship: Sundays 10:30 a.m. Worship: Sundays 10:30 a.m. Worship: Sundays 10:30 a.m. Worship: Sundays 10:30 a.m.

PASTORS LETTER He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

The season after Easter is such a wonderful time of year. The season brings with it a freshness, new beginnings, and new life. You can sense peoples excitement as the days get longer and warmer; we sense the coming of summer, and the earth begins to bear more and more beautiful colors as flowers begin to grow and bloom.

Following Easter Sunday our High Tide group (youth group for elementary aged children) planted new plants and flowers around the sanctuary building. I thought how fresh and welcoming they made this house of God appear. I was amazed how new plants and flowers made such a differ-ence in the way I felt about entering our worship space. Our Easter faith needs to be like these plants and flowers. These flowers are like Evangelism 101. A flowers beauti-ful colors draw people, and animals, to them to enjoy the color and nectar they provide. We may then go and tell others about how beautiful these flowers are, and they will come and see. Those people may come and bring others, and awed by their beauty they may wish to plant some of their own. Do you see how this can be seen as basic Christian evangelism?

Maybe Evangelism is too uncomfortable of a word for some, how about Welcome and Outreach? To be true Easter people, and not let the Good News of Easter pass away with the season, you and I need to be like the beautiful flower. We need to bloom and join the Connections (Welcome and Out-reach) Ministry and figure out ways to draw people to Gods church and Gods Word. A church that is celebrating 50 years of

blooming and drawing people to God by offering excellent educational opportunities, worship, mis-sion and fellowship.

By continuing to bloom others will see the beauty of Gods Word and Kingdom. They will share that Good News with others and create the most beau-tiful garden ever seen.

Come and Grow!

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ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

1st Quarter 2015 Financial Results Total Offering Income:Total Offering Income:Total Offering Income:Total Offering Income: Budget = $70,281.47 Actual = $72,091.32 Variance = $ 1,809.85 Total Expenses:Total Expenses:Total Expenses:Total Expenses: Budget = $70,355.31 Actual = $61,951.07 Variance = - $ 8,404.24 Income Income Income Income ($72,091.32) - Expenses Expenses Expenses Expenses ($61,951.07) = + $10,140.25+ $10,140.25+ $10,140.25+ $10,140.25 As of March 2015, our income has exceeded the budget by $1,809.25. Our expenses are well below budget but, as is the case every year, the costs will catch up to the budgets by year end. We are in good shape financially as of the 1st quarter of 2015. Praise the Lord! Steve Layendecker Chairperson

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

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DISCIPLESHIP

CONNECTIONS

Silver Springs Allliance Highlights Springs/Ocklawaha Connection

The connections between Silver Springs and the Silver and Ocklawaha rivers will be highlighted at the Silver Springs Alliances annual public forum, Silver Springs Res-

toration Includes a Free Ocklawaha River, 6 - 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2015, in the Fort King Presby-terian Church, 13 NE 36 Avenue, Ocala, Florida, 34470. Admission is free and everyone is invited to attend.

The primary goal of the Silver Springs Alliance is to protect and restore Silver Springs and the Silver River, said Dr. Robert (Bob) Knight, president of the Alliance. True restoration is not possible with-out reconnecting the Silver River to the St. Johns River by removing or breaching of the Rodman Dam. A recent Memorandum of Understanding between the St. Johns Riverkeeper and the City of Jacksonville offers real hope that this Ocklawaha and Silver River restoration can finally move forward after 47 years of harm. The evenings speakers include:

Buddy MacKay, Esq.Buddy MacKay, Esq.Buddy MacKay, Esq.Buddy MacKay, Esq., former Florida and U.S. legislator, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor of Florida, will open the program with Earth StewardshipStarting at Silver Springs, remarks about the civic responsibility to protect the publics commons, the Floridian Aquifer and Silver Springs. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_MacKay)

Lisa RinamanLisa RinamanLisa RinamanLisa Rinaman, St. Johns Riverkeeper, will speak about how Water Connects Everything and provide details on the importance of the recent Memorandum of Understanding between the Riverkeeper and the City of Jacksonville and plans for Ocklawaha restoration. (http://www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/ourwork/team/)

Matt KeeneMatt KeeneMatt KeeneMatt Keene, videographer and adventurer, will present his film, River Be Dammed, that pro-vides an indepth history of the illfated Cross Florida Barge Canal and its effects on the Ock-lawaha River. (http://riverbedammed.org/mattkeene/)

Whitey MarkleWhitey MarkleWhitey MarkleWhitey Markle of the SuwanneeSt. Johns Chapter of the Sierra Club will share his long history with the wilder parts of the Ocklawaha River and his song, The Poor Old Ocklawaha. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra4uTlUvSZU).

Marion County is directly affected by the impacts of the Rodman Dam on the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers, said Heather Culp, secretary of the Silver Springs Alliance and associate director of the How-ard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute (FSI). The degradation of these rivers and springs has a signifi-cant impact on Ocalas environmental and economic wellbeing. His forum will serve as an oppor-tunity for the community to come together and learn about what restoration of our rivers and springs means for our state and for our future. Knight, an independent springs scientist who is the director of the FSI, has conducted research that shows how Silver Springs and the Silver River are seriously impaired because of declining flow, increas-ing nutrient pollution, and the ongoing presence of the Rodman Dam on the Ocklawaha River. Re-moval of the dam is needed to reestablish the historic populations of migrating fish at Silver Springs, because healthy populations of those fish are essential for a healthy springs ecosystem. For more information, call Heather Culp at 727-859-2736 or Lucinda Merritt at 386-454-0415.

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DISCIPLESHIP

Library Corner

Have you read Lena Lewin's latest story-poem The Mississippi River: Meandering and Magnificent"? Our own poet laureate has given a copy of this delightful 20-page booklet to the church library for all to enjoy. Each page is beautifully illustrated with a picture which portrays the verses on that page. Every member of our FKPC family will enjoy reading this creative and educational poem (or having it read to them). You might be so inspired that you will want to join the new Poetry Connections Ministry which meets monthly here at the church! The church library subscribes to "Christian History" magazine which is published about four times a year. The current issue (Issue 113) is devoted to seven literary sages whose lives and writings have influ-enced Christian thinking for generations. These people are: George MacDonald, G.K. Chesterton, Charles Williams, J.R.R. Tolkien, Dorothy L. Sayers, C.S. Lewis, and Owen Barfield. This issue's 51 pages are packed with fascinating information, including lists of books by and about these individuals should you want to read even more. Magazines may be checked out for two weeks at a time, just like books. The library is open on Sunday mornings; other times by request.

Sunday Adult Study Reading 1st Century Letters

with 21st Century Eyes Through May 10th

Class 9:15 A.M. Session Room

Continue studying with Tom McNeil and Ray Ruark as they help us read Pauls almost 2,000 year old per-sonal letters, especially his letter from prison to the church in Philippi, for insights on the issues we face in our world, our country, and our church here in Ocala. You are invited to join with Paul, Epaphroditus, Euodia, Syntyche, and all the old and current saints as we seek Gods wisdom together. Come join us at 9:00 a.m. for coffee and fellowship with class beginning at 9:15 a.m.

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We will be recognizing all of our Sunday School teachers, High Tide leaders, youth leaders, and nursery helpers at a covered dish breakfast on

May 17May 17May 17May 17thththth from 9:15 from 9:15 from 9:15 from 9:15 ----10:15 A.M. in the Fellowship Hall. 10:15 A.M. in the Fellowship Hall. 10:15 A.M. in the Fellowship Hall. 10:15 A.M. in the Fellowship Hall. We are so blessed to have these Christian Servants who gave so much of their time during this past Sunday School year to help our children and adults. Please plan to show your support for them by attending and bringing your favorite breakfast dish to this event. As we enjoy our

breakfast, please keep in mind that many of our poverty- stricken children in our community go without breakfast. You can help by bringing non-perishable food items to our Sunday School

mission project, Food4Kids.

DISCIPLESHIP

Teacher Appreciation Breakfast

JUNE 28 - JULY 2

2015

More details

coming soon!

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GROUP ACTIVITIES

Crafty Ladies

Crafty Ladies meet every Thursday from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We hope to see all of you there. If you would like to join our group, come for a visit and see what we are doing and how you can help. We welcome new people and new tal-ents!

Mens Night Out

Mens Night Out will be a Dutch Treat event at Gator Joes on Monday, May 11th at 6:30 p.m. Gator Joes is located at 12431 SE 135 Ave in Ocklawaha, FL. This is the last Mens Night Out event until September so please plan to attend. For further infor-mation, please call Jim Johnson at 694-6449.

Poetry Connection

The Poetry Connection meetings are temporarily postponed until further notice.

Sassy Seniors

All widows and single ladies are welcome to join Sassy Seniors on Wednesday, May 13th at 1:00 p.m. Mays luncheon will be at Eatons Beach. For directions please call Fran York at 624-1824. Come join the fun!

Tai Chi Classes

Tai Chi classes meet on Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We hope that you can join us! ~Donna Lavery and Mary Beth Neely

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GROUP ACTIVITIES

Presbyterian Women All women of Fort King are Presbyterian Women and are invited to par-ticipate in all activities of Presbyterian Women. Circle Meetings for May: Esther Circle will meet at 7:00 p.m. on May 11, 2015, at the home of Jo Ann Parramore. Deborah Circle will meet at 10:00 a.m. on May 19, 2015, in the Session Room of the church. The Coordinating Team will meet on Wednesday, May 6, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. in the Session Room.

Church-Wide Picnic

Mark your calendars now for the annual church-wide picnic sponsored

by Presbyterian Women immediately following worship on May 3rd, at

Coehadjoe Park. Presbyterian Women will provide fried chicken and

beverages and congregation members are asked to bring a side dish such

as salads, baked beans, desserts, etc. Casual attire. A fun time is being

planned for all.

Dinners for Eight

Dinners for Eight participants are all invited to the end of the year func-tion on Saturday, May 30th at 5:30 p.m. at the home of Anne and Buddy MacKay. We will grill hamburgers and ask everyone to bring a side dish. The cost is $3.00 per person to cover the burgers, buns and sodas. Just give it to Bob or Bernice Henry and let them know what you are bringing. This will be the celebration for a great season of dinners and an opportunity to gather with everyone that participated.

Directions from Fort King to Coehadjoe Park:

Head North on NE 36th Ave toward Silver Springs Blvd. Go approximately 2.5 miles and turn right onto NE 35th Street. Go about 0.6 mile and the Park will be on the left.

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MISSION MINISTRY 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. 37 Then the righteous will answer him, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?40 The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:35-40 (NIV)

Interfaith Meals

Thank you to the Faith Leaders Group who served the Interfaith Meals during in February, the Youth Group who served the March meals and the Presbyterian Women who served the April meal. The Choir is scheduled to serve the Interfaith Meal in May.

Interfaith Emergency Services

The Letter Carriers Food Drive will take place on Saturday, May 9th. Please leave your non-perishable food donation by your mailbox on May 9th and your letter carrier will pick it up and de-liver it to Interfaith Emergency Services for distribution throughout the county. Help us help your community.

Blood Drive

Save the Date: On May 17th, the Big Red Bus will be parked in our driveway. Bill Reed will have the sign-up sheet available on May 10th. As always, walk-ins are accepted.

Pentecost Offering

This PC(USA)-wide collection enables the church to support a diverse range of youth pro-grams: helping children at risk, providing opportunities for Young Adult Volunteers to serve around the world, sharing the gospel and making connections through youth ministry, and cre-ating bright futures through advocacy for and education of children. The Pentecost Offering is your chance to give the positive influence of our faith to a young person who needs it today. Look for envelopes in the May 24th bulletin to share in this Special Offering for Pentecost.

Mission Sunday

The Mission Ministry would like to expand on Mission Sunday when as a church we support 2 Cents a Meal and Food 4 Kids by offering items from Fair Trade. Additional items are now available. Please support artisans around the world as they seek to improve their living conditions.

Guatemalan Honey $6.00 each Extra-Virgin Olive Oil $11.00 each Organic Hot Cocoa $7.50 each Organic Hot Spicy Cocoa $7.50 each Organic Tea $3.00 /box Organic Regular Coffee $7.00 /bag Chocolate Bars $4.00 each Organic Decaf Coffee $8.00 /bag Organic Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips $4.50 /bag Dark Chocolate Winter Minis $6.00 /bag Organic Bittersweet Chocolate Chips $4.50 /bag Organic Chocolate Winter Minis $6.00 /bag

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PROPERTY MINISTRY

SESSION

At its April 21, 2015 meeting, the Session approved /heard from:

Elder Marshall was elected as Commissioner to the May 5th Presbytery meeting at Montgomery Conference Center with Elder Schlegel as alternate.

The Belhar Confession, under vote by the Presbyteries across the USA and to be voted on at our May 5th Presbytery meeting was discussed. The consensus was that the PCUSA should adopt it.

Voted to hold a special congregational meeting on May 17th at 10:30 a.m., immediately before the start of the worship service solely to receive the report of the 2015 Nominating Committee and to elect one elder to fill the unexpired term of Jim Copeland.

May 7th will be celebrated as Sunday School Teacher Appreciation DaySunday School Teacher Appreciation DaySunday School Teacher Appreciation DaySunday School Teacher Appreciation Day. The adult VBS will be related to Martin Luther King Jrs: Letter from a Birmingham Jail. A motion was made and approved to establish a capital campaign committee to plan for a cam-

paign, including items, priorities, specific goals, etc.- all in conjunction with the churchs 50th An-niversary.

The conduct of the May 17th worship service by Ray Ruark and the adult discipleship class was approved.

It was also noted with thanks and appreciation that Troop 196 earned a Gold Award under the BSAs Journey to Excellence (JTE) program, the highest level.

Church Spring Clean-Up May 16th 8:00 a.m. to Noon

Come and help clean up the church - inside and out. Put on your grubbies (i.e. old clothes) and join the fun. There will be a sign up sheet in the Narthex.

WORSHIP

Sunday Worship Time Changes for the Summer The Session voted to change Sunday Worship to 10:00 a.m. for the summer months.

This change begins June 7th and continues through August 26st. The hope is that the

earlier worship time will encourage you to linger a while after worship to visit with

members of your Church family. There will be no Adult Bible Classes during this time.

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WORSHIP (continued)

HUH?HUH?HUH?HUH?

I think May is one of the best months of the year. I look forward to the coming of May because it is the month when flowers begin to bloom and fill our yards and lives with beauty at the creation that was made by the Lord God Himself. Remember the words from that song though April showers may come our way, they bring the flowers that bloom in May? And then there is Memorial Day. I am a fervent patriot. I love my country. And I appreciate all that our ser-vice men and women have done and will do so that I, and you, can enjoy to the fullest the freedom they have provided for us. I pray for them and our country often and ask for Gods Almighty hand to protect them.

Ah, but Mothers Day is special, very special. Even though my Mom went to her heavenly home nearly 3 years ago, there is not a day that goes by that I dont think of her. I recall all the things she did for me. I laugh at some of the conversations we had or things we did. I cry when I recall how she tenderly cared for me when I was ill. I honor her for my education in regards to how I should treat those around me. I give joyful praise for her telling me about Jesus all my life. I believe she was the epitome of the scripture we find in Proverbs 31:21-25:

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.praises her: Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.praises her: Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.praises her: Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.

I look around the congregation on Sunday mornings from my vantage point and see many mothers who also mirror this scripture. I see the joy of the faces of moms and grandmothers beam when Andy shows pictures on the screen of the newborns who have come into our church family. I watch their facial expressions and laugh-ter when a child says something funny during Andys time with the children. And you cant fool me. I see your hearts swell with pride at the accomplishments of the children and young people when they return from a mission trip, or play a character in the Christmas pageant or the activities of Vacation Bible School. But there is one thing that gives me a reason to say HUH? Always thinking about music in the coming Sundays ahead, I looked for a hymn that would be appropriate to suggest to Andy that we might sing on Mothers Day. I looked for a hymn that would allow us to express thru song the joy of Mom. I searched everywhere. I could not find anything in the Presbyterian Hymnal. I found nothing in our new Hymnal Glory to God. I even researched other hymnals to see what I could find. Noth-ing there either. How can this be? Why, not even the Baptist hymnal had a hymn about mothers. Then, thru the miracle of the internet, I found words that might be fitting. I think they exemplify the charac-ter of mothers and their relationship with our great God and their relationship with their family. It was written by Mary Ryman in 2004. It is set to the music of John Zundel called Beecher. More familiar to us as the mu-sic to the hymn Love Divine, All Loves Excelling. Quite a fitting tune. Hum that tune to yourself as you read the words.

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WORSHIP (continued) Come, sing praises to our MothersCome, sing praises to our MothersCome, sing praises to our MothersCome, sing praises to our Mothers who have tuned our hearts to You.who have tuned our hearts to You.who have tuned our hearts to You.who have tuned our hearts to You. You share praises with no others You share praises with no others You share praises with no others You share praises with no others ---- but these ones whose love is true.but these ones whose love is true.but these ones whose love is true.but these ones whose love is true. They must hear our truest feelingsThey must hear our truest feelingsThey must hear our truest feelingsThey must hear our truest feelings if they would know how we're blessedif they would know how we're blessedif they would know how we're blessedif they would know how we're blessed by unwearied, careful teachingsby unwearied, careful teachingsby unwearied, careful teachingsby unwearied, careful teachings given without thought of rest. given without thought of rest. given without thought of rest. given without thought of rest.

We raise up our grateful voicesWe raise up our grateful voicesWe raise up our grateful voicesWe raise up our grateful voices for the patient love of Moms,for the patient love of Moms,for the patient love of Moms,for the patient love of Moms, who have listened to the noiseswho have listened to the noiseswho have listened to the noiseswho have listened to the noises of their screaming, childish throngs.of their screaming, childish throngs.of their screaming, childish throngs.of their screaming, childish throngs. Hear us now cry thanks to God forHear us now cry thanks to God forHear us now cry thanks to God forHear us now cry thanks to God for giving us the homes we need.giving us the homes we need.giving us the homes we need.giving us the homes we need. We will never leave your shelterWe will never leave your shelterWe will never leave your shelterWe will never leave your shelter 'til we all find Home indeed. 'til we all find Home indeed. 'til we all find Home indeed. 'til we all find Home indeed.

There we hope to find you, Mother,There we hope to find you, Mother,There we hope to find you, Mother,There we hope to find you, Mother, at the right hand of our Lord.at the right hand of our Lord.at the right hand of our Lord.at the right hand of our Lord. How could there be any otherHow could there be any otherHow could there be any otherHow could there be any other nurturing the Living Word?nurturing the Living Word?nurturing the Living Word?nurturing the Living Word? Then forever we will worshipThen forever we will worshipThen forever we will worshipThen forever we will worship as you taught us when so young;as you taught us when so young;as you taught us when so young;as you taught us when so young; for the Lord alone is worthyfor the Lord alone is worthyfor the Lord alone is worthyfor the Lord alone is worthy of these praises we have sung.of these praises we have sung.of these praises we have sung.of these praises we have sung.

Well, what do you think? I am going to suggest to Andy that we sing this on Mothers Day. In closing, another scripture comes to mind that I feel is appropriate that Moms all over the world must have read. It is found in the Love chapter of Corinthians, chapter 13, versus 14 thru 17:

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

I wish all of you moms a Happy Mothers Day and thank God for my mom and for all of you.

With a song in my heart,

Rick

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WORSHIP (continued)

STOP BEING SCHEMATIZED TO THIS AGE,STOP BEING SCHEMATIZED TO THIS AGE,STOP BEING SCHEMATIZED TO THIS AGE,STOP BEING SCHEMATIZED TO THIS AGE, BUT CONSTANTLY BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF THE MIND BUT CONSTANTLY BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF THE MIND BUT CONSTANTLY BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF THE MIND BUT CONSTANTLY BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF THE MIND Romans 12:2Romans 12:2Romans 12:2Romans 12:2 (My translation of the Greek text)

This is an incredible statement by the Apostle Paul +/- 57 CE/AD, one that is worth the effort to understand in terms of his historical time and then in terms of ours. Indeed! Read on, please. Nero Nero Nero Nero was Emperor of Rome from 54 to 68 CE/AD, i.e. Paul wrote some of his epistles/letters to different con-gregations during the reign of and was beheaded by Nero in 64 CE in Rome the year Rome burned! Tacitus, a Roman historian, wrote: slavish obedience was the way to succeed (AnnalsAnnalsAnnalsAnnals I, 2I, 2I, 2I, 2), especially if one wanted to benefit from life in/under the empire. In order to get cooperation from the common peoples other than by the military power of the legions, propaganda was employed by:

* Roman coinageRoman coinageRoman coinageRoman coinage, with the image of the Caesar thereon. By imitating the image on the coin, I am rein-forcing, consciously or unconsciously, the power of imperial Rome in my own life as also in my community. The imageimageimageimage of the Emperor becomes the focal point of my consciousness, my mind. To wit: I am, in the process, losing my own self-identity as a person because I am fitting in with Caesars view of life, into his schemeschemeschemescheme of things. * Roman mythsRoman mythsRoman mythsRoman myths portrayed what the elite class of that society thought should be permanent values for society and for life. They served one primary purpose: to have models to select from and to emulate (M. Grant 1971 Roman Myths 224).

The point is this: to be conformed means to fit into the schematizations of life as set forth by the coins and the myths, to imitateimitateimitateimitate the Emperor, to pattern ones life after that of another person, one in supreme politico-military and religious power. For Roman society, there was no place for personal religion or purely private con-cerns (Grant op cit. 228), only a view of life that would benefit the Empire and those in power! The coup de grce is this: the process of Roman myth-making was not unconscious but fully con-not unconscious but fully con-not unconscious but fully con-not unconscious but fully con-sciousscioussciousscious (Grant op cit. 227), with the specific intention that the propaganda and myths would serve as a charter a charter a charter a charter for social actionfor social actionfor social actionfor social action (Grant op cit. 228), again, to benefit the empire and those in power! Thus, Pauls challenge to the Romans: Stop being schematizedschematizedschematizedschematized by/to the epoch/eonepoch/eonepoch/eonepoch/eon in which weve been socially conditioned, to conform to the attitudes and behavior patterns that are current in society. NO! NO! NO! NO! Be metamorphizedmetamorphizedmetamorphizedmetamorphized by the renewing renewing renewing renewing of the mindmindmindmind!

- MetamorphosisMetamorphosisMetamorphosisMetamorphosis: The same verb-form was used in the so-called transfiguration story of Jesus (See Mark 9:2-8//Matthew 17:1-8; Note that Lukes version omits the verb: Luke 9:28-36). Paul knew exactly what he was saying and what he meant.

How do I transfigure, transform, metamorphize myself? Pauls response:

- By renewing/restoring/rebirthing, the mindthe mindthe mindthe mind by which he meant, to rebirth your attitude toward life, your way of thinking about life, the way you live, the sum total of your mental and moral conscious-ness and awareness of being a person! This says unequivocally that I have the power if I so chooseif I so chooseif I so chooseif I so choose to live by an entirely different perspective on life, on mymymymy life, on ourourourour life, than the one in which Ive/weve been socially conditioned to fit into, i.e. the way I was brought up. This is something I do fully This is something I do fully This is something I do fully This is something I do fully consciouslyconsciouslyconsciouslyconsciously, not by more brain-washing! Paul had set before the Romans to whom he is writing an al-ternative they had not thought of before: to choose who I shall beto choose who I shall beto choose who I shall beto choose who I shall be and how I shall live.

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WORSHIP (continued)

Three observations are appropriate: A. It is only when I choose my mental attitudes and behaviors that I can create a new future for myself!

This insight comes from B. Rosenblum and F. Kuttner 2006 Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters Consciousness 123! They are physicists at the University of California in Santa Cruz who teach and research quantum mechanics! Their comment: Somewhere something incredible is waiting to hap-pen! (p. 124); and, as soon as I change my mindI change my mindI change my mindI change my mind (the meaning of metanoia,metanoia,metanoia,metanoia, which has been translated repentance), a new history is born!

B. Only human beings are fully intentional creatures Only persons can deliberate and can deter-mine their conduct by practical reason. So said Stephen J. Morse, J.D. and Ph.D. who teaches both law and psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania Schools of Law and Medicine (his article: New Neuroscience, Old Problems in Walter Glannon 2007 Defining Right and Wrong in Brain Science 196).

C. Jeffrey M. Schwartz, M.D., a research professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine, dis-covered that OCD-patients (OOOObsessive-CCCCompulsive-DDDDisorder), by focusing their mind on new be-havior and thought patterns, can change the brains habitualhabitualhabitualhabitual neural pathways, i.e., to rewire brain habits. As he put it: The brain may determine the content of our experience, but mind chooses which aspect of that experience receives attention (J.M. Schwartz and Sharon Begley 2003 The Mind and the Brain 370). Our physical brain does not shape our destiny (op cit. 373), an insight that William James stated over one hundred years ago! Awesome!

Jesus of Nazareth intended precisely what the Apostle Paul said: Go, sell what you have and give it to the poor (Mark 10:21//Matt. 19:21//Luke 18:22). Make a choice to change your view of life and the meaning of life. For neither Jesus nor Paul was fence-sitting an option. Pauls challengePauls challengePauls challengePauls challenge: Go beyond the religious and sociopolitical togetherness that has been designed to channel our life-energies for the benefit of the social designers and managers. As Arnold Toynbee said: be a creative minority in a con-trolled society---an awesome responsibility! Constantly be transfigured by the renewing of the mind. And the reason/purpose for doing this? In In In In order to demonstrate what is the will of Godorder to demonstrate what is the will of Godorder to demonstrate what is the will of Godorder to demonstrate what is the will of God! Uh huh! Thats what Paul said!!! Plenty to think about. Shalom, Tom

14

Flower CalendarFlower CalendarFlower CalendarFlower Calendar

Thank you to these people as they share in donating flowers for the following worship services: May 3, 2015 From Nancy Stephenson in loving memory of her parents, Ted and Violet Wikary.

May 10, 2015 From Sherry Pritchett in loving memory of my mother, Edna Hanson.

May 17, 2015 From John and Jean Stewart in celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary.

May 24, 2015 In loving memory of Andy from the Harshman family.

May 31, 2015 In celebration of our 60th anniversary from Pat and Jerry Merrill.

June 7, 2015 In memory of our parents, Aleta, Max, and Robert, from the Repp family.

June 14, 2015 From Bernice and Bob Henry in celebration of their 55th wedding anniversary.

June 21, 2015 In celebration for three June anniversaries and four June birthdays in our family, and in celebration of the life of my father, Gwynn Skelton, from Grynn and Cash Pealer.

June 28, 2015 In honor of our 53rd wedding anniversary from Charles and Mary Ellen Vowinkel.

July 5, 2015 God Bless America and a special Thank You to all those men and women who serve or have served our country in any capacity! from Pat Brown

July 12, 2015 OPEN

July 19, 2015 OPEN

July 26, 2015 Praise the Lord for 50 years of marriage from Rhea and Keay Forman.

August 2, 2015 OPEN

August 9, 2015 From Jim and Donna Johnson

August 16, 2015 With love to my two daughters, Judith Bullen and Pam Lewin, from Lena Lewin.

August 23, 2015 From Marianne Fullarton, in loving memory of Dave on the anniversary of their wedding.

August 30, 2015 OPEN

Please Note: If you would like to commemorate a special event/occasion/memory etc. for a specific date, please call me as soon as possible. It is never too early to select your chosen date. Please dont hesitate to call me if there is a Sunday you would like to commemorate by sharing with the church some type of flow-ers or plant of your choice. The flowers or plant could be from your yard, a supermarket, a florist, or etc. Thank you.

Nancy Hall 694-3221

WORSHIP (continued)

15

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

3

9:00-11:45 Library 9:15 Adult Ed & Youth

10:00 Choir Practice 10:30 Worship

11:30 Church Picnic at Coehadjoe Park

4:00 Small Group

Study (off-site) 5:00 PYC

4

7:30 Mens Bible Study

5:00 TOPS (FH)

5:30 Mission Ministry 6:00-8:00 Marions United (CE)

5

10:00 Prayer Shawl Ministry

5:00 Property Ministry

5:30 Connections Ministry

6:00-9:00 Silver Springs Alliance 7:00 Boy Scouts

6

10:00 PW Coordinating

Team

7 National Day of Prayer 7:30-9:00 BNI (FH) 11:00 Discipleship

Adult Ministry 1:00 Crafts 3:00 Tai Chi

7:00 Choir Practice 7:00 AA (FH)

8

9

10 Mothers Day 9:00-11:45 Library

9:15 Adult Ed & Youth 10:00 Choir Practice

10:30 Worship

4:00 Small Group Study (off-site)

11

7:30 Mens Bible Study

5:00 TOPS (FH) 6:00-8:00 Marions United (CE) 6:30 Discipleship Children's Ministry

6:30 Mens Night Out (off-site)

7:00 Esther Circle (off-site)

12

6:00 Finance Ministry

7:00 Boy Scouts

13

1:00 Sassy

Seniors (off-site)

14

7:30-9:00 BNI (FH)

1:00 Crafts

3:00 Tai Chi

7:00 Choir Practice

7:00 AA (FH)

15

16 Armed

Forces Day

8:00-12:00 FKPC Spring

Clean-Up

17

9:00-1:00 Blood Drive 9:00-11:45 Library

9:15 Teacher Appreciation

Breakfast 10:00 Choir Practice

10:30 Congregational Meeting/ Worship

1:30-5:30 Faith Leader Reunion

4:00 Small Group Study (off-site)

5:00 PYC

18

7:30 Mens Bible

Study

5:00 TOPS (FH) 6:00-8:00 Marions United (CE)

19

10:00 Deborah Circle

6:00 Session

7:00 Boy Scouts

20

21

7:30-9:00 BNI (FH) 1:00 Crafts

3:00 Tai Chi

7:00 Choir Practice 7:00 AA (FH)

22

23

24 Pentecost

2 Cents-A-Meal Food 4Kids

Equal Exchange 9:00-11:45 Library

9:15 Adult Ed & Youth 10:00 Choir Practice

10:30 Worship 4:00 Small Group

Study (off-site)

25 Memorial Day

OFFICE CLOSED

5:00 TOPS (FH) 6:00-8:00 Marions United (CE)

26

7:00 Boy Scouts

27

28

7:30-9:00 BNI (FH)

1:00 Crafts 3:00 Tai Chi

7:00 AA (FH)

29

30

31

9:00-11:45 Library 9:15 Adult Ed & Youth

10:00 Choir Practice 10:30 Worship

4:00 Small Group Study (off-site)

5:00 PYC

1 9:30 Church Women United

(First Pres Ocala)

2

4:00-5:30 Presbyterian

Pilgrimage

MAY 2015 Italicized items are non-FKPC activities using FKPC facilities

FORT KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

13 NE 36th Avenue

Ocala, Florida 34470

Non-Profit

Organization

US Postage Paid

Ocala, FL 34478

Permit #100

RETURNED SERVICE REQUESTED

Label

Boy Scout Fundraiser

Ft. Kings Boy Scout Troop #196 is selling meat sticks as a fundraiser for their various scouting activities. The meat sticks are made at Ocala based Country Meats, an FDA certified facility. The sticks sell for $1.00 each. If interested, contact Bob Barton 425-8500. See a sample on the church bulletin board.