november 2011 link newsletter

8/3/2019 November 2011 LINK Newsletter

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Pastor.........................................Andy Gans

Director of Discipleship............Amanda Osenga

Visitation Pastor (Ret.).............Tom McNeil

Executive Assistant....................Chris Muramatsu

Nursery Attendant ....................Tammy Keeslar

Proofreaders..............................Susan M. Jensen

John Stewart

Contributors...............................Members of Ft.

Assembling.................................Dorothy Decker,

Eileen Gilbert, Joyce Gauntt, Kay Dahlen,

Eleanor Hayesmore, Carol Primm, Pat Mer

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

Office: (352) 694Office: (352) 694Office: (352) 694Office: (352) 694----4121412141214121

FAX: (352) 694FAX: (352) 694FAX: (352) 694FAX: (352) 694----5226522652265226

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OCALA, FLORIDA 34470OCALA, FLORIDA 34470OCALA, FLORIDA 34470OCALA, FLORIDA 34470

www.fortwww.fortwww.fortwww.fort

fortking@earthfortking@earthfortking@earthfortking@earth

PASTOR’S LETTERGrace and Peace to you my Ft. King family,

Family can be a wonderful thing. This monthmillions of people will travel hundreds of miles to be with family for the Thanksgivingholiday. Many look forward to being withtheir family because their family welcomes,cares nurtures and supports one another. In agood family, you know your brothers and sis-ters will be there for you. You know they willlove, support, welcome, care for, and nurtureyou. You know they’ll “have your back.”

So if this is what a family does, then who isyour family? Often times we’ll immediatelythink of our biological family. For some peo-ple that’s appropriate, for others it is not. ForJesus, his family became the twelve disciples.This group became a family because of whathappened during their constant fellowshipwith each other. They grew to know and carefor the other deeply. Through this fellowship,

this relationship, these people became closeand grew in their faith together. Jesus sets theexample of a good family.

This church family is a good family. As a fam-ily in fellowship and relationship, let’s makesure we have each other’s back. Let’s makesure we support and truly care for one an-other. Let’s not be just a Sunday family, let’s

be an all day everyday family. A family that’sinvolved with each other, a family that en-courages growth, a family that holds one an-other accountable, a family that’s glad to bewith each other for more than just a fewhours. Let’s be the family Christ created us tobe!

Your brother,



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Fort King Presbyterian Church

Financials Effective 9/30/11

Monthly 2010 Delta

Budget ActualSept2011

DeltaBudget- Actual

Budget ActualJan -Sept2011

DeltaBudget -Actual

Jan-Sept

Actual

2011 YTD-2010YTD

Income

Estimateof Giving

20,842 18,873 (1.969) 223,159 225,273 2,114 223,159 2,114

MortgageReduction

200 320 120 18,155 7,105 (11,050) 18,155 (11,050)

Other Income

3 0 (3) 155 15 (139) 155 (139)

TotalIncome

21,045 19,193 (1,852) 242,468 232,393 (9,075) 242,468 (9,075)

TotalExpense

27,546 21,147 (6,399) 240,956 230,426 (10,531) 240,956 (10,531)

NetSurplus/Deficit

3,300 1,829 7,013 3,921 7,013

Year-To-Date

Endowment 0 0 0 26,057 38,396 8,339 28,057 8,339

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

For Your Health

November is Alzheimer's Awareness MonthAccording to the Alzheimer's Association "Today an estimated 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer'sDisease and the number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million."

A good resource for information, support groups and research can be found at www.alz.org or 800-272-3900.

One site for information about the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's Disease is www.alz.org/10signs.

Selected by Bonnie Schulze, Health Ministry



November Birthdays

CONGREGATIONAL CARE (continued)

To our gracious and caring friends at Fort King,

Many thanks for your sincere expressions of concern for recovery and good health. The cards, phone calls, anvisits at Mayo Clinic helped immensely to keep our spirits up. May the good Lord be with us all.

Sincerely,Dave and Marianne Fullarton

Ft. King Family Thanksgiving DinnerYou’re invited! Come join your church family for Thanksgiving dinner,Thursday, November 24th in the Fellowship Hall at 12:00 noon.

Just you? bring your loved ones, family, special friends. All are invited toour Thanksgiving feast.

Please sign up in the Narthex to let us know how many to plan for and if you like, bring a traditional Thanksgiving dish to share.

Call Pat Wood 694-2579 for details.



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CONGREGATIONAL CARE

Picnic By The Bridge

On the first Sunday of the month, beginning November 6th, our congregation will meet immediately after wor-ship for an informal picnic. This picnic is a way to bridge generations of our church family with food, fun, andfresh air on our new church playground. Please bring your favorite snack lunch and enjoy relaxing with thosewho love worshiping with you!

Perk Up

Every Wednesday, beginning on Wednesday, November 2nd at 10:00 a.m., Congregational Care will start a newform of church family enrichment. It will be called "Perk Up", as coffee & tea will be served and small programson varied subjects will be discovered. This is a place for adults to gather and share their favorite topics and ideas.Favorite topics could be: the ocean, baseball cards, art projects, folk music, classical music, trees, birds, garden-ing, car maintenance etc... Please contact Joan Woods if there are questions or ideas to make this opportunitybetter.



DISCIPLESHIPDISCIPLESHIPDISCIPLESHIPDISCIPLESHIP

Greetings!

My commute to the church travels up Fort King Street passing by First Christian Church. Foseveral weeks now their marquee has posed the question, “How, then, shall we live?” inviting al

who pass by into their study on Romans. The question is not original and can be found as thetitle to several different books. Nonetheless this question has caused me to pause each time pass. With so many competing choices as to how we can live our lives this question requires ouintentionality in answering it.

Wayne Muller in his book with the similar title, How, Then, Shall we Live, includes a reflectionon the practice of attending to what we love. He writes,

Attention is the physical manifestation of love. If I keep pushing my children awaywhen they want me to play with them, they do not feel loved. I may have love in my

heart; I may feel joy when I see them, and want only the best for them. But they willfeel my love only when I turn around and give them my undivided attention. Throughmy attention, they experience my love.

Attention is a tangible measure of love. Whatever receives our time and attention be-comes the center of gravity, the focus of our life. This is what we do with what welove: We allow it to become our center. What is at the center of your life? Carefullyexamine where you spend your attention, your time. Look at your appointment book,

your daily schedule. These things – these meetings, errands, responsibilities – this is

where you dedicate your precious days, hours, and moments. This is what receives your care and attention – and by definition, love.

What do you notice about those people and things that get your attention? Is thiswhat you wish to love? Are these the people and situations you hope will receive thegift of your life and companionship? Are these the places you would intentionallychoose to offer your love and devotion? Why or why not?

We become what we love. Whatever you are giving your time and attention to, dayafter day, this is the kind of person you will become. Is this what you want?

Wayne Muller gives us good questions. Are you paying attention to those things youlove? Are you carving out time to spend in prayer, study, and fellowship to nurture adeeper relationship with God? Be intentional to make time and to give your attentionto what is most important to you. God may move in unexpected ways!

Blessings,



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DISCIPLESHIP (continued)DISCIPLESHIP (continued)DISCIPLESHIP (continued)DISCIPLESHIP (continued)

Women' Retreat

Come and join us for the annual Women's Retreat at Montgomery Presbyterian Center November 11-13. Al-isun Donovan will be our speaker and she will guide us through our theme - LOL (Laugh Out Loud). We willbe exploring the joy of play through Scripture as we seek ways to laugh through spiritual enrichment, games,fellowship and worship.

High Tide

All elementary aged children are welcome to join us for High Tide. Typically we meet the 2nd and 4th Sundayevenings from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. This month, due to Thanksgiving we will only meet once. The program in-cludes dinner. We will be exploring rituals, connecting them to our faith and to our lives. Cheryl Gans, AmyRoberts, and Niki Tripoldi are the High Tide leaders this winter and spring.

November 13: The Ritual of Blessings




Adult Education

Sundays 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

Walking The Talk

Session Room Teacher: John Moxley Join John Moxley in a study of the book Christianity for the Rest of Us. Havinggrown tired of hearing critics describe mainline denominations as culturally irrele-vant and hopelessly confused, Diana Butler Bass went in search of “practicing con-gregations” – congregations which experienced “renewed vitality through inten-tionality and creatively embracing one or more traditional practices.” In 2002 Bass

embarked on a journey and like Joshua set off “to spy out the land and find like-minded pilgrims hoping to discover a different kind of Christianity – A Christian-ity for the rest of us. Using the book as our guide we look into such concepts ashospitality, discernment, healing, contemplation, justice, worship, reflection,beauty and inclusiveness.

But this is not a study just for an intellectual exercise. Rather, the aim is to reach conclusions which will leadto converting the “talk” into “walk”. It is hoped that our study will result in some concrete suggestions for theSession and further on, the congregation.

The study will span nine Sunday morning classes beginning on October 2nd and ending on November 27,

2011. Copies of the book will be available for purchase on Sunday’s in the library for $10.00. There will alsobe copies available in the office during the week.

Kerygma

Parables: Stories for Life in God’s World

Teachers: Donna Johnson and Amanda OsengaChristian Education Building

Jesus was the master of the parable! Deceptively simple, these timeless storieswere used by Jesus to bring new life to old ways. Join us for this seven week

study where we will explore parables of growth, parables of reversal, parables of preparedness, parables of decision, parables of treasure, and the parable of tradi-tion.

Cost: $17.00 for the Participant’s guide



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Adult Bible Studies Continues

This month we continue our round of Bible studies to encourage and strengthen your faith. We have two stud-ies offered this fall at different times and places.

♦ Embracing and Adult Faith by Marcus Borg ◊ Offered on the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 9:30 a.m. in the Session Room.◊ Author and Bible scholar Marcus Borg invites us to join him in revisiting Christianity’s most fun-

damental questions: Who is God? What does salvation mean? What place does Jesus hold in

contemporary Christian faith? The study addresses fundamental questions that adults strugglewith as faith matures. The five sessions include: God, Jesus, Salvation, Community, and Practice.

♦ The Jesus I Never Knew by Phillip Yancey◊ Offered on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at the home of Donna Johnson.◊ This study will take you on a journey that will challenge you -- and change you. A journey that

will expand -- and very likely redefine -- your understanding of the person, teachings, and life of Jesus Christ.◊ In this study, the group will press beyond familiar images of Christ to discover Jesus as you'venever known him: radical, compelling, compassionate, bold, incisive, and ultimately satisfying.

If you are interested in either of these studies please contact the church office to order your $10 participantsguide.



EVANGELISMEVANGELISMEVANGELISMEVANGELISM

Engage Your Community and Culture

Judgmental; hypocritical; homophobic; out of touch with reality; insensitive to others; old-fashioned; boring; ir-

relevant. Are these the way you would describe church today? In his book, UNChristian, author David Kinna-man interviews people outside the church and he tells us what a “new generation” thinks about church.

Our churches are struggling to engage a radically changing culture. People are searching spiritually, but thechurch is not connecting with the people we are seeking to reach. We don’t just need to do church better, weneed to understand and listen to those we want to reach and rethink the ways in which we can personally sharethe Gospel of Jesus Christ in our words and actions. Reggie McNeal, author/speaker puts it this way, “The culturearound us does not wake up each day thinking they would go to church if only there were a good one to attend.”We need to look at how the culture around us has changed and how we can build bridges and engage with thosesearching and seeking for the things that only God satisfy and answer.

In 1998, Hurricane Mitch ravaged Honduras. Many bridges weredamaged or destroyed. The most modern of all the bridges, theCholuteca Bridge, survived intact but the river moved right outfrom under it making the bridge irrelevant. Is the church becom-ing like this bridge with today’s culture running past it? Whilechurches focus on dwindling numbers and loss of influence, andfight over how they can return to the “good old days” are welooking at what God is doing right now and how we should re-spond and engage our culture and community? Bono, the leadsinger of the band U2, warned “Faith and social action must go

hand and hand; if the church doesn’t remember and reconnectwith it’s roots, and it’s call to serve others, it will be dismissed as

another social club.” Many outside the church perceive the church as having no present effect in transformingthe culture for good. In fact many see the church and religion in general as having a negative influence on soci-ety.

The younger generations have a feeling of disillusionment towards society. Science, economics, education, poli-tics, and religion have all failed to solve problems of humanity. The result is a generation left with doubt, skepti-cism and cynicism. A generation left with a belief that there is no truth, only what one experiences and how oneinterprets those experiences. What is true for one person might not be true for another. A generation that finds

difficulty in trusting others and is suspicious of those claiming to know the truth and repulsed by those they per-ceive as judgmental and exclusive.

We need to get out of our comfort zone, establish relationships and engage in conversations with those in ourcommunity who do not have a relationship with God. We need to ask God to help and inspire us to do the workhe wants us to do.

More next month.



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EVANGELISM (continued)EVANGELISM (continued)EVANGELISM (continued)EVANGELISM (continued)

November 6, 2011 – 3 PM

FORT KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

13 NE 36th

Ave. Ocala, FL

Southern Express Big Band has been performing in Central Florida for over 10 years. The band is fortunate to

have many "seasoned" musicians in its membership. Many have a musical background rooted in military service

with almost every branch of service represented. Many members were also music educators; some now retired,

others still active teachers. There are also musicians in the band who have played with the Cincinnati Symphony

and those who have recording experience in the studios of NYC



The Dinner Crew

Come join “The Dinner Crew,” Fort King’s newest fellowship group! We will be meeting at 6:00 pm at thechurch (or 6:30 at the chosen restaurant if you don't have children to drop off) on the first Saturday of everyother month starting on November 5th.

This group is open to everyone! Parents with young children? We have you covered too! The high school youth and leaders will be watching and feeding your children while you enjoy a night out with your church

family!

The first month we will dine at Outback Steakhouse and I will provide the meal for the children. If anyonewants to provide or just fund a future meal, please contact Joe Strawder at [email protected]. If youwant to attend the dinner please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex (so I can make the dinner reservations).

I would love feedback on restaurants you would like to go to in the future and maybe a cooler name than “theDinner Crew.” I really hope everyone in the church wants to have dinner together on November 5th and wetake up the whole restaurant! Joe Strawder

FELLOWSHIPFELLOWSHIPFELLOWSHIPFELLOWSHIP



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GROUP ACTIVITIESGROUP ACTIVITIESGROUP ACTIVITIESGROUP ACTIVITIES

Presbyterian Women

Circle Meetings

All women of Fort King are Presbyterian Women and are invited to participate in all the activities of Presbyterian Women. If you have not attended a Circle meeting before, come join us in November and participate ithe spiritual experience and fellowship that Circles provide. Our Bible Study this year is “Confessing the Beattudes.”

Esther Circle will meet on Monday, November 14, 2011 at the home of Joyce-Ellen Horne at 7:00 p. m. KeaForman is our Hostess and Judy Harriss will have the Lesson.

Deborah Circle will meet on Tuesday November 15, 2011 in the Session Room at 10:00 a.m. Prudence Priwill have the lesson.

Domestic Violence – Rape Crisis Center

Thank you to the congregation for all the donations you have provided for the Domestic Violence Rape CrisiCenter. Their needs are so large and Fort King Presbyterian certainly has contributed to those who come fo

help. Please continue to place your contributions in the box in the Narthex. Presbyterian Women have madindividual tote bags for the women that come into the Rape Crisis Center. They were filled with shampooconditioner, deodorant, brush and comb and many other toiletry items that may be needed. If you would likto help with this project, please contact Anne Hill at 368-2491 or talk to any member of a circle.

Craft Bazaar

A special thanks goes out to all of the Crafty Ladies that worked each week to provide crafts for our bazaar anto all of the ones that worked at home to help with our Craft Bazaar held on October 22. A round of applausalso goes out to our Fort King Cooks who brought in special delights for our bake sale. There was approxmately 1,365,829 combined calories in those wonderful treats. Our Craft Bazaar was a success and LucillRowoldt would have been proud of us!!

General Meeting

All women are invited to attend the annual General Meeting to be held in the Session Room on WednesdayNovember 9, 2011. The Council Meeting will be at 10:00 and the General Meeting will take place at approxmately 11:00. A salad lunch will be provided following the meeting. Please contact Anne Hill at 368-249with your reservation.



GROUP ACTIVITIES (continued)GROUP ACTIVITIES (continued)GROUP ACTIVITIES (continued)GROUP ACTIVITIES (continued)

Travel to Scotland & Ireland

This summer Pastor Andy will be leading a group on a Presbyterian Hertage tour of Scotland with a possible extension to beautiful countrysid

and hills of Ireland.

On this unforgettable heritage tour of bonnie Scotland you’ll visit important Scottish Reformation sites and view romantic castles and lakePossible visits include Stirling and its ancient castle…the Isle of Ion

where Scotland’s first Christian settlement was established…visit thIsle of Skye and learn the traditions of Scotland’s clans…look out fothe infamous Loch Ness Monster…visit beautiful Inverness, the Highlands capital… Balmoral Castle…visit Perth and stand in the placwhere the great reformer John Knox delivered one of his most powerfu

sermons… learn the Reformation history of St. Andrews…tour Edinburgh and its imposing castle. Those willin

to add an extension to breathtaking Ireland onto the journey may do so for an added cost (an itinerary and cost foan extension has not yet been determined).

The cost for this Heritage tour will be approximately $3,000 per person. The dates will be August 3-12. Your feincludes all transportation, taxes, fees, transfers, tips, roundtrip airfare, escorted tours, breakfast and dinner, anhotels. Hurry, a $100 deposit will hold your place for this fantastic journey. Questions can be directed to PastAndy.

Crafts Group

Please join the Crafts Group on Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Wwork on individual projects and joint projects.

The Merry Widows

All widows of the church are invited for socializing and support. The MerWidows will meet at Bob Evans on Silver Springs Blvd. on Wednesday, No

vember 16

th

at 1:00 p.m. Please come and join us.

Men’s Night Out

Men’s Night Out will meet on Monday, November 14th at 6:30 p.m. at the home of JohStewart. Please call John at 236-1557 to RSVP.



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MISSIONMISSIONMISSIONMISSION

ASP Mission Trip

This summer’s mission trip to Appalachia will be June 30-July 7 th. If you are age 14 -99 please consider joiningus this year as we head to the mountains to help repair homes, share in fellowship, walk the talk and growcloser to God. The cost for this mission trip is approximately $375. If interested please submit a $50 deposit tothe church office now.

Great News!! New Carpet?

A friend of Fort King Presbyterian Church has noticed our need to replace the original 1986 carpeting in ourSanctuary and Narthex. The person has donated $10,000 to the church for the purpose of replacing the carpetand possibly re-coloring the pews. This gift comes with a challenge to the church to raise the remainingamount needed to complete the project. The complete cost is approximately $15, 000, meaning the member-

ship needs only to raise approximately $5,000.

PROPERTYPROPERTYPROPERTYPROPERTY



SESSIONSESSIONSESSIONSESSION

Session NotesOctober 20, 2011

Motions:

1. A motion to receive an annuity gift from Lucille Rowoldt in the amount of $14,800.00.2. A motion to approve Deborah Pangrass as a member of the Worship Ministry.3. A motion to add a Christmas Eve service to be held at 4 p.m.4. A motion to hold the Christmas Day (Sunday) worship in the Fellowship Hall with breakfast served prior to

the service.5. Motion to spend up to $500.00 of the gift from Lucille Rowoldt’s son to cover the remaining cost of

purchasing The New Interpreter’s Bible series for the church library. Said monies to be taken from the amounoriginally designated to be placed into savings.

6. Motion that Lucille Rowoldt’s son’s gift of $5,000.00 be applied as follows: $1,800.00 to finish Mrs. Rowoldestimate of giving for 2011; $750.00 to the mortgage reduction pledge for 2011; $245.00 to be tithed toMission; $1,102.50 for Repair and Replacement reserve; up to $500.00 toward the purchase of The New

Interpreter’s Bible series for the church library with the remainder to be placed into savings.

Celebrations:

1. The baptism of Jackson Reed Carroll on October 9, 2011.2. The marriage of Jamie Hill to Cameron Brown on September 17, 2011.3. The presence and ministry of Emad Ramzy Philobbos, a representative of the PCUSA Peacemaking effort, o

Sunday, October 2, 2011, both in worship service and afterward in the Fellowship Hall.4. A great turnout for play tryouts – full cast in place.5. High hope for a good bazaar this weekend.6. The availability of talented organ fills.

7. The search for a new Music Director is underway.8. The Faith Leaders Retreat at Camp Montgomery last weekend was a success. Relationships are growing.9. The small group Bible studies are growing.10. High Tide had 15 attendees last week.11. Sheletha Strawder has received a promotion and is now a general manager trainee at Cody’s in The Village12. Lisa Hill has been promoted in her career.

New Elders - Statements of Faith

Statement of Faith - Rob Carroll

This is my story of how I came to believe in the Lord.When I was growing up I had a very hard life, my sister was taken away from us when I was 15. I became vedepressed and I fell apart and turned myself towards drugs. I always told myself if there was a God why would do this to our family. Then my mom and father moved to Florida and I kept falling deeper into drugs and I din’t know what to do. Then one day I called my mother and said to her, “I need help.” She told me, “you need come down here,” so I did. When I got down to Florida I was still addicted to drugs. Then one day I was sittion the porch of a friend’s house and I saw my new life in front of my eyes. I met April (now my wife) in 2005 anwe were together for one year and she brought me to Fort King and that is when I said to myself, “This is thstart of my new life.” This is finally when I thought I believed in the Lord. When I met April, it turned my laround. When I met her and came to Fort King, it helped me get away from the drugs. The Lord told me ittime to get away from it so I did and now I have been clean for 6 years to the date. That is how I came to belie

in the Lord.



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Statement of Faith - Bernice Henry

I believe in one Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, sent toearth in human form as the extension of God’s love and grace to his children. I believe that Jesus Christ is myLord and Savior and that he gave his life as the ultimate sacrifice for my sins and for the sins of all mankind. Ibelieve that I am a child of God and that he calls each of us to serve him with the talents he has bestowedupon us. I truly believe that he has called me to serve him through my ordination as an elder and to share his

teachings through ministry with children.

My Faith Journey – Bernice Henry

When I was six years old, a Mennonite couple came to our house to invite the children of the neighborhoodto Vacation Bible School. My parents allowed me to go and for eight years I went for two weeks each summer(8-12 every day) to VBS. They never forced their theology or customs on us, but I learned all the basic Biblestories during those years. At the end of 8th grade there was a graduation for anyone who had attended alleight years. Graduation consisted of one Mennonite boy and me. During this time I went with my grandpar-ents to Sunday School, VBS and church (First Christian Church of Sarasota), but I credit the Mennonites formuch of my Biblical education and understanding of the stories in the scriptures. I was baptized in the Chris-tian Church by immersion when I turned 15. (My parents felt that I had to fully understand the meaning of

the commitment and what I believed.)

My family moved to Tampa the summer before tenth grade and transportation became a problem for me toget to church. I began attending a Baptist Church with a friend and did so for about two years until the Pastordecided to preach on the evils of the Gasparilla Parade. Being a majorette, that issue became a conflict of the-ology for me and by now I could drive my own car so I went back to the Christian Church where I attendeduntil Bob and I decided to get married. Bob and his family were Presbyterians and we agreed that we wantedto be unified in our church membership and to bring our children up in one faith so I agreed to go to newmember classes and become a Presbyterian (1960).

Over the next 10 years Bob was transferred a number of times with his job and we attended several churches.I sang in the choir and taught Sunday School as we moved about. In October of 1971 we moved to OrangePark, FL. In December 1971, I had a life changing experience. Because of an incident involving one of mychildren, I made a promise to God that I would serve him in anyway he called me to serve. Over the past 40 years I have tried very hard to keep my promise. In doing so, my faith continues to grow stronger, but I some-times struggle to keep my promise. Being a strong willed person I have to discern between God’s call and myown mind. Over the past 40 years, in three churches, I have answered what I thought was his call to serveeight terms on session, 35 years of teaching Sunday School and leading youth groups (all grades and age lev-els), serving and chairing a number of committees, directing pageants and VBS, serving 15 years as clerk of session, singing in the choir and devoting time to my promise. The church is my safe haven – I am a Child ofGod.

SESSION (continued)SESSION (continued)SESSION (continued)SESSION (continued)



Steve Layendecker - Statement of Faith

I have spent most of my life trying to make God understandable to me in human terms. As a child I was totaltransfixed with Jesus Christ. In my late teenage years I began to question all the "stories" I'd been told growing as a Catholic. The priests told me that not everything could be explained and I simply must have faith. Feelibetrayed, I stopped attending services. I never stopped believing but felt the answers lay outside of organized rligion.

During this period, I graduated from college, began my career and started a family. Then my dad died andlost my job. Devastated, I stopped looking for answers regarding my faith. Moving my wife and 3 daughters froNew Jersey to Florida was frightening for them and necessary for me as the "provider". Within a month of omove, my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. She insisted we provide the girls with knowledge of God. Afthearing Ray Ruark preach at First Presbyterian, we became members.

This was a new experience for me: going to church as an adult and going to a non-Catholic church. UndRay's tutelage, I discovered that it was ok to have questions. It was ok to have doubts. When my wife died frocancer, our church family provided the girls and me with love and help the likes of which I had never before eperienced.Then came the anger. The anger at a God who would deprive three beautiful girls of their mother and lea

them with a father who, while loving them unconditionally, had no idea how to raise them.I continued to attend church services, but it was out of a sense of duty rather than a spiritual need. It was th

darkest period of my life. Then Sally came into my life. Her absolute faith in God and his grace turned my worfrom black and white back to one filled with beautiful colors.

Still the questions persisted. Eventually, Ray retired and we left first Pres. After a year or so of not attendiservices, we came to Fort King and felt the love this congregation had for, not just us, but for God and his mision here on earth. I have learned in my time at FKPC that it is not only ok to have questions but it is good f your spiritual faith to keep talking about them. Through attending Bible study classes, I have discovered that mquestions have nothing to do with my belief in God. I no longer have a need to define Jesus in human terms.

I totally believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I believe in the Apostle's Creed. I believe we must disciples of the Lord here on earth. I have lived a blessed life. Through all the setbacks, through all of my turni

my back on religion, Jesus has never left me. His Grace has given me a soul mate in Sally, three beautiful daugters, two strong minded sons, an awesome daughter-in-law, two phenomenal grandchildren and a loving churcfamily.

It is time for me to give back.Steve




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Pat Merrill’s Personal Statement of Faith –October, 2011

I believe in God, maker of heaven and earth, but would like to focus on this particular earth, the planet onwhich we live. I believe God is to be praised for the beauty and diversity of his creation. To me, the variety oplants and animals is a never ending source of amazement. I believe God is all-encompassing; present in evercell of God’s creation, even in the air we breathe. We are infused and surrounded by God.

I believe God is a loving and forgiving God. In my faith journey, I have done many things that were not loving and forgiving. I believe if I am truly sorry for my mistakes and confess those mistakes to God, God forgiveme. Then I can continue on my journey with a renewed determination to seek and follow God’s will in mlife.

I believe in Jesus Christ, the son of God (God’s gift to his human creation), who revealed a new and excitingvision of God. We tend to focus on the miracles Jesus performed and his return from the dead. But for meanother thing Jesus did is of equal importance. Rather than the vengeful and angry God so often portrayed inthe Old Testament, Jesus shows me a God who is that “loving and forgiving” God mentioned in the precedingparagraph. In his teachings and in his very life, Jesus gave us examples I can follow in my everyday life. B

walking in Christ’s footsteps, I can bring glory and honor to God and service to my fellow sojourners.

I believe in the Holy Spirit because I have had experiences that convinced me of its reality. Some of these ex

periences are too personal to be shared with others, but to me they were true examples of the work of the Hol

Spirit. These Holy Spirit experiences helped me through a 17-year family estrangement and two bouts of can

cer. My hope is to see many more Holy Spirit examples in my life as I struggle with the decline in mental and

physical capabilities that seem to come as I grow older.

Statement of Faith - Brandon PowellGrowing up, Fort King Presbyterian Church has been my home. I have attended services, gone to

youth group, and participated in functions of all types since I was a toddler. I have seen the works of Godthrough not only the people of the church, but in myself as well. I often thank God for the blessing of salva-tion and for the desire I have for my faith. When times get tough, I know I have the grace of God to lean anddepend on to get me through troubled times.

There are many strong influences at Fort King who have strengthened my faith. Fort King PresbyterianChurch is full of diversity, desire, and warm-heartedness. The welcomeness you receive when you walkthrough the door is so compelling and encouraging, you feel like you are walking into your own living room. It




is amazing to see how God has worked in so many ways through the people of our church to get our church towhere it is now. I have served on session, as well as the Pastor Nominating Committee and both were a truehonor. I learned about the aspects of the governing side of the church and what goes on behind the scenes of worship, which was a key component in my faith and love for the church. I thank Fort King PresbyterianChurch for it’s positive dynamics, because it is a major factor of who I am today.

Many opportunities that have also strongly influenced my faith are mission projects and MontreatYouth Conferences. It is amazing what a week, a day, even an hour of mission work can bring to the faith tableYou learn about the many aspects of other people’s lives and it really gives you a solid perspective on your ownlife, while assisting the needs of others. My faith grows stronger and stronger each and every day, my love andtrust for God is important in my everyday life. I live life to the fullest every day, and know that my relationshipwith God is growing constantly.2 Thessalonians 1:3: We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your

faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.

Statement of Faith October 2011 Lucy Beebe Tobias

When the Fort King Confirmands were going through their training I was asked to give a short presentation on Gratitude and I was grateful to be asked.

I have this visual thing I do every day and showed them - both hands open wide, imagine words shooting out of each finger - the words are Thank You and then something to be thankful for.

The fact that I saw the sun come up this morning means God is not finished with me yet. Thank youLord.

Charles Vowinkel calling to ask if I'd serve as an elder means I'm being called to serve again. Thank yoLord. The chance to visit my names on the pastoral care list and pray with them is an opportunity for activlistening. Thank you Lord.

I believe that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, that all who believe in Christ are welcome at the tablof the Lord and the three most important words in our lives are "Love one another."

Figuring out how to do that, how to "walk the walk" is an ongoing challenge for me. I was born andraised Roman Catholic, which means being taught to feel guilty about everything. Starvation in Iraq? Somehowit is my fault. Tidal wave in Japan? Oh dear, more guilt.

As an adult I've learned, sad to say, that I can't solve all the problems of the world. I have limited energy (thank you Lord for this energy) and must figure out the focus. For me that focus is close to home.

I'm called to cook for people, serve them healthy, tasty food, to write stories about the wonders of creation and our connections, and now I'm trying to learn something new - active listening.

I know I never walk alone and that God is with me. Fort King is my spiritual family and I am so gratefuto Fort King for opening doors for me - until I joined I had never actively read the Bible or even wondered Di Jesus Say That? (Thank you, Tom).

As an elder, more doors will open. Thank you Lord.




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Here’s Something to Think About

Welcome to a new Link column by Tom McNeil. I am often enlightened by Tom’s knowledge of scripture as wetalk on Tuesday mornings so I thought asking him to do a short article for the Link reflecting on some lection-ary text for the month would be a good idea. My hope is that his reflections on scripture will give you somethingto think about for the month ahead. May you enjoy his vast wisdom as much as I.Blessings, Andy

Psalm 100 has great depth; it belongs to a small group of Psalms (e.g. 15, 24) that are known as “Liturgies of the Gate,” that is, they provide antiphonal response as people seek to enter the Temple:

* “Make a joyful noise to the Lord…Serve the Lord…Come into his presence…”

would be recited by those present in the Temple. Then,* “Know that the Lord is God!

It is He who made us…We are his people…”

would be recited by those about to enter the Temple.“Permission to enter” is then recited by the Temple occupants:

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving…Give thanks to him, bless…”

In response the entering celebrants would proclaim:* “For the Lord is good…”

Entering the Temple of the Lord was a joyous noisy affair, the focus of which was praise to the Lord, the God of Israel. Secondly, “the Lord is good…” presents a new concept about the God of Israel: “Good” is related to the

Lord’s “steadfast love” and “faithfulness” to Israel. This understanding was developed in Israel +/- 400 BCE, i.e.during the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. And it is clearly reflected in Mark 10:18 in Jesus’ response tothe VIP.

Psalm 100 as a “Liturgy of the Gate” focuses on praise and thanksgiving in the worship of the Lord. This must bethe center of our worship as well.

Joshua 24 is a pre-Davidic-monarchy declaration of covenant –relationship with the Lord, the God of Israel. Itprobably had been repeated on many different occasions, especially as the “Israelites” moved into already settledagrarian communities in Canaan. The Covenant with Israel is always understood as a gift from the Lord, never

as a “deal” struck by man with God. The problem was and is that we humans say we’ll abide by the Covenant,and then we try to intermix the terms of Covenant (Exodus 20:2ff) with our own religious self-interests.

“Joshua’s” words are still addressed to us today:“Put away the gods which your fathers served… and serve the Lord… choose you this day whom youwill serve… as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (vv. 14-15).

When the people responded, “Joshua” said:“You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the Lord, to serve him” (v. 22).

Antiphonally, the people replied:“We are witnesses” (v. 22),

WORSHIPWORSHIPWORSHIPWORSHIP



2

WORSHIP (continued)WORSHIP (continued)WORSHIP (continued)WORSHIP (continued)

To which Joshua responded:“Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your heart to the Lord…” (v. 23).

This uncompromising language is exactly reflected in the Prophets and in Jesus of Nazareth, about whom t“voice” said:

“Listen to Him” (Mark 9:7).Until we do, we shall continue to wander.

T.W.McNeil

Dear Member of Fort King:

As you may know I have been serving as chair of the Worship Ministry for three years. During that time, I took

responsibility for coordinating ushers and we began to build a team of dedicated ushers.

It has been a joy to worship and serve with you in this ministry. I want to thank you for your willingness to wel-come people, to assist them and to reflect God’s love here at Fort King. I look forward to continuing as part of this team but I am relinquishing the leadership role so that someone else can step forward.

Those who have been here a while remember that there have been a few well-loved ladies like Dorothy Roth anHarriet Meece who made the act of welcoming everyone who came to Fort King their personal mission. Truly,this was their vocation!

The new head of the Worship ministry will need an experienced person to lead, coordinate and further developthe team of dedicated ushers to work smoothly together. Please prayerfully consider whether you are the person(or couple) who should undertake this responsibility. It would involve calling people; learning more about themand being prepared to get “yes” for an answer.

If the Lord leads you to volunteer, please inform the new head of the Worship ministry, Andy, Amanda or thechurch office. Thanks again for all you do,

Sincerely, Judith Bullen

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

The community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held again on Wednesday, November 23rd at 7:00 p.mThis year, the service will be held at First Presbyterian Church on SE 3rd St. in Ocala. Please plan on bringi your friends, family and neighbors to this very special service.




22

Flower Calendar

Please note: I am trying to “work ahead” on the flowers, so if you would like toprovide flowers to commemorate a special event/occasion/memory etc. for a spe-

cific date, please call Nancy Hall at 694-3221 as soon as possible. Please also note: It is never too early to call to select your chosen date.

As of this mailing, the following people will be providing flowers in November 2011, January 2012, February2012, and March 2012. If you can provide flowers for a date in 2012, please call Nancy Hall. Thank you.

Thank you to these people as they share in donating the flowers for the following worship services.

November 06, 2011—From Debbie and Larry Bush in celebration of our 25th wedding anniversaryNovember 13, 2011—From Joy Hunt, in memory of my beloved husband, Jim

November 20, 2011—In remembrance of Cleance Pritchett, from his daughter, Sherry

November 27, 2011 to December 25, 2011—Poinsettias

January 01, 2012—From Jim and Donna Johnson in celebration of their 27th wedding anniversary January 08, 2012—From Dennis and Joyce-Ellen Horne in memory of Joseph and Alice Fuller January 15, 2012—OPEN

January 22, 2012—OPEN

January 29, 2012—From Harold and Roselle Pringle in celebration of their 17th wedding anniversary

February 05, 2012—OPEN

February 12, 2012—In celebration of our 56th wedding anniversary on February the 11thfrom Steve and Janet Mitchell



March 04, 2012—OPEN



March 25, 2012—From Jean Brown, Hal, Douglas, Bruce, and Lynn in loving memory of husband and father,Halowell E. Brown

Choir

The choir continues its efforts to provide leadership in music as the search for anew director continues. If God is calling you to get involved, please join us bycoming to practice on Wednesday nights from 7:00 until 8:30 and for warm up at10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings.




2

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturda110:00 Prayer

Shawl

Ministry

6:00 Evangelism

Ministry

7:00 DiscipleshipMinistry - Adultand Children

210:00 Perk-up

4:00 FellowshipMinistry

6:00 - 7:45

Community

Dance (Narthex)

7:00 Choir Practice

3

1:00 Crafts

6:00 WorshipMinistry

6:00 - 8:00

Marions United

(FH)7:00 AA

Meeting (CE)

4 5

6:00 The

DinneCrew

(off-site

9:00 - 11:45 Library

9:15 Sunday School

0:00 Choir Practice0:30 Worship

:30 Picnic Lunch:30 Discipleship

Ministry -

Youth:00 FaithSojourners

3:00 SouthernExpress

Concert

:00 PageantRehearsal

5:00 PYC

00 CongregationalCare Ministry

(off-site)

77:30 Men’s Bible

Study

5:30 TOPS (FH)

6:00 Mission Ministry6:00 Property

Ministry

7:00 Adult BibleStudy (off-site)

8

6:00 FinanceMinistry

9

10:00 Perk-up10:00 PW General

Meeting

6:00 - 7:45Community Dance (Narthex)

7:00 Choir Practice

10

1:00 Crafts

7:00 Adult

BibleStudy(off-site)

7:00 AA Meeting (CE)

11

10:00 CardMaking

Ministry

Women’s

12

Retreat

3Women’s Retreat

9:15 Sunday School

0:00 Choir Practice0:30 Worship

:00 Faith Sojourn.:00 Pageant

Rehearsal

:00 PYC:00 High Tide

147:30 Men’s Bible

Study

9:30 Adult BibleStudy

5:30 TOPS (FH)6:30 Men’s Night

Out (off-site)

7:00 Ester Circle(off-site)

15

10:00 Deborah

Circle

1610:00 Perk-up

1:00 The Merry

Widows(off-site)

3:00 Pastoral CareTeam

6:00-7:45Community

Dance (Narthex) 7:00 Choir Practice

17

1:00 Crafts

6:00 Session

7:00 AA Meeting (CE)

18 19

Private

Event(FH)

0 Food4Kids and2 Cents A Meal

9:15 Sunday School

0:00 Choir Practice

0:30 Worship:00 Faith Sojourn.:00 Pageant

Rehearsal

5:00 PYC

217:30 Men’s Bible

Study

5:30 TOPS (FH)7:00 Adult Bible

Study (off-site)

22 23

10:00 Perk-up

7:00 InterfaithThanksgiving Service(First Pres.)

24

OFFICE

CLOSED

Noon -ThanksgivingDinner

25

OFFICE

CLOSED

26

72 Cents A Meal and

Food 4 Kids

9:15 Sunday School0:00 Choir Practice

0:30 Worship1:00 Faith Sojourn.3:00 Pageant

Rehearsal5:00 PYC

28

7:30 Men’s Bible

Study9:30 Adult Bible

Study

5:30 TOPS (FH)

29 30

5:30 Advent

Wednesday6:00 - 7:45

Community Dance (Narthex)

7:00 Choir Practice

Italicized items are non-FKPC activities using FKPC facilities

November 2011



FORT KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

13 N.E. 36th Avenue

Ocala, Florida 34470

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november 2011 link newsletter

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