november 2013 link newsletter

7/27/2019 November 2013 LINK Newsletter

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

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

Music Director ............ ............ ... Rick Roberts

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

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

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

John Stewart

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

Assembling .................................Kay Dahlen, Joyc

Gauntt, Eleanor Hayesmore, Pat Merrill, Ca

Primm, Roselle Pringle, Judith Simonin, Aile

Zimmerman

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

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

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www.fortkwww.fortkwww.fortkwww.fortk

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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 LETTERGreetings family,

Thankfulness is usually the theme of Novem-ber newsletter articles and thats a goodthing. Thanksgiving is a great time for us tolook back and remind ourselves how blessedwe are and how thankful we should be.

Even in the toughest times we are blessed.We are blessed with a God who reminds us tonever fear, a God who promises to walk be-side us, carry us and never leave our side. Weare also fortunate here at Fort King that we

are blessed with wonderful church familymembers! Often times I hear people say, Idont know howd I make it if it werent formy church family.

We are blessed with a wonderful church fam-ily who cares for people. As I look out fromthe chancel on Sunday mornings I see a vastarray of members who find ways to reach out

and be a blessing in the community. We havemultiple members who don volunteer vests atthe hospitals as they share a ministry of com-fort and support. There are several among usthat take time each week to teach and tutoryoung school children. One such teacher,Lorraine Fuller, was just named Teacher ofthe Year for her incredible work at WyominaPark Elementary. We have members who

volunteer their time and bless the commu-nity at Hospice of Marion County, the Sher-riffs department, Interfaith, Habitat and somany other places of hope.

I am also thankful for all of you and how youhave blessed the ministry of this church byparticipating in and helping others throughThe Big Give worship service, Prayer Shawl

Ministry, Presbyterian Women, CROP Walk, Sherry Shuttle, meals provided and the visits to oat home members, and I am thankful for the bleing of this years Stewardship campaign and yo

estimates of giving for the year.

Our church is overflowing with people who allthemselves to be used by God to be a blessing in community and the Kingdom. Today and alwathis is what I am thankful for.

With thankfulness,


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Note From The Treasurer

As we head toward the end of the year, I am hoping all ourfaithful givers are going to fulfill their commitments. Recentlya member requested assistance in fulfilling his commitmenthrough a stock donation. It got me thinking that maybe iwould be helpful to explain this process to everyone.

Heres the way it works. And, if you can follow these steps, it is possible toget more tax benefit that just making a cash donation. When you donate anappreciated asset, say shares of stock that are valued now higher than you

purchase price, you get a tax deduction for the current value regardless of what you paid (assuming you haveowned the stock more than one year). So, you donate the shares of stock to fulfill your commitment and obtain thesame tax deduction as if it were paid in cash. Easy to understand, right?

Now, the icing on the cake. What you also get is an avoidance of tax on the gain in value of the shares of stock. Iyou had sold the shares to convert to cash, there would be tax due on the difference between the cost of the share

Fort King Presbyterian Church

Financials Effective 9/30/13

Month Year-To-Date

BudgetSept2013

ActualSept2013

BudgetCompared

toActual

BudgetJan-Sept

2013

ActualJanSept

2013

BudgetCompared

toActual

ActualJan-Sept

2012

2013 YTDCompared

to2012 YTD

Income

Estimateof Giving

24,639 22,311 (2,328) 221,748 210,805 (10,943) 206,499 (625

OtherIncome

0 5,819 5,819 0 6,521 6,521 21,574 (15,053

TotalIncome

24,639 28,130 3,491 221,748 217,326 (4,422) 228,073 (10,747

TotalExpense

24,047 27,673 3,673 222,342 219,032 (3,309) 200,213 18,81

NetSurplus/Deficit

592 456 (136) (594) (1,707) (1,113) 27,860 (26,154

Endowment 0 0 0 0 100 100 675 (575

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE


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November Birthdays

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (continued)and the sale amount (thegain). Instead, with a gift of the appreciated stock, you can use that gain, pre-tax,towards the fulfillment of your commitment to the church, getting more tax benefit than a cash donationwould provide. This applies to donation of any appreciated asset, not just shares of stock.

The Finance Ministry has established a brokerage account in the name of Ft. King Presbyterian Church and is

ready to assist in completing such a gift if you are interested.

David MacKay, Treasurer

CONGREGATIONAL CARE


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CONGREGATIONAL CARE (continued)

Congregational Care Ministry

The Prayer Shawl Ministry was begun August 2010 by Amanda Osenga and Onalee Mease, who felt a need

to communicate God's love to our church family members who are ill, convalescing, in nursing homes, orhave other needs. Shawls have been knitted for:

the newest members of our church upon baptism,expectant mothers,those who have on-going concerns or illnessesgifts for relatives birthdays or other concerns of our church family membersfriends suffering from terminal illness

The original knitters were a small group made up of Helen Brown, Kathy Bohner, Cheryl Gans,Onalee Mease, Amanda Osenga, Lucille Rowoldt, Louise Scott, and Ruth Sibley. Since then we have addedRoberta Burns, Sue Chancey, Chris Hare, Joyce-Ellen Horne, Colleen Livingston,

Judy OHern, Helen Reed, and Ginny Sietsma (who has since moved out of state) for a current ministry of12.

Our first shawl was given to long-time member, Peg Lindholm who was residing at Avante. When HelenBrown and Onalee presented that first shawl to Peg, we knew that this ministry would become a success,judging by the way Peg accepted it. She said she was so cold and after we put the shawl over her shouldersshe smiled and commented that she was now nice and warm. It was apparent that Gods love was wrappedaround her.

To date 120 shawls have been completed, blessed, and given out. The Ministry thanks those who have so

generously donated yarn and/or money to keep this ministry going.

As we begin knitting we bless our hands, needles, and yarn and knit prayers into each shawl. It is a task nottaken lightly and the knitters feel blessed that we have been called to this wonderful ministry.

Because of the great number of requests for shawls, shawls will first be given to church members before fillingother requests.


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Therapy Dogs

On the front page of the September Link, Pastor Andy introduced you to FKPCs two therapy dogs, Mr. PeeWee, a Norfolk terrier/Pekinese mix now under the care of Jean Winkler; and Missy, a golden retriever/poodle mix now residing at the home of Charles and Mary Ellen Vowinkel. In order to become therapydogs, the dogs must undergo extensive training which is already under way. The expense of getting andtraining the dogs is covered under a one-time grant provided to FKPC by the Morningstar Foundation.

This is a good time to bring you up-to-date on where the dogs now stand in their rigorous training. The

dogs are in the third course on their way to being certified. When that is completed, they will next be mov-ing into the American Kennel Clubs (AKC) Good Citizen award. The AKCs Canine Good Citizen Pro-gram is designed to recognize dogs that have good manners at home and in the community. This rapidlygrowing nationally recognized program stresses responsible dog ownership for owners and basic training andgood manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the l0 step test may receive a certificate from the American Ken-nel Club.

In addition to the AKC training, the area hospitals and nursing homes may have additional requirements tobe met before the dogs can be allowed on the premises.

As you can see, this is a heavy commitment of time and energy for the dogs owners. We thank CharlesVowinkel and Jean Winkler for their dedication in accepting this responsibility. We look forward to theday when all requirements have been met and Missy and Mr. Pee Wee can begin to provide smiles andcomfort to our shut-ins and others in need.


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A Senior Moment

Pat Merrill would like to thank the individual who gave her the card with the equivalent of the Golden Rule in avariety of religions, but she can't remember who it was. She asks that the person call her at 964-8228 so she canexpress her appreciation.

The Greening of Fort King is Proceeding Along at Presbyterian Speed!

Since climate change is a concern for all of us, and caring for God's creation continues to be a calling, reducing ourcarbon footprint is an important consideration. In response, the Property Ministry has replaced all the Exit signswith LED bulbs, and has also switched all thermostats to digital. This reduces our electric consumption from 63.4to 3.2 KWH per month. Congratulations to Property for their diligent response!The Greens (EarthCare )


FKPC Family Thanksgiving Dinner

Plan to join your Church Family for Thanksgiving Dinner

Thursday, November 28th at 12:00 noon

Bring your favorite traditional Thanksgiving food to share

Enjoy stories of Thanksgivings past with your church familyand friends on this special day of giving thanks

Sign up in the Narthex


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High Tide

Our November High Tide topics will remind us of God's gift of Thanksgiving. On Nov. 10th we will exploreFriendship with God and on Nov. 24th envision God's gift of peacemaking in our lives and the communities inwhich we live. Of course we will use art to create friendship bracelets and a peace pole. If anyone has any papertowel rolls please drop these by the office marked for High Tide. We meet for dinner at 5:00 p.m. and concludewith prayer at 7pm. Cheryl, Niki, Amy and Doris.

Chili Cook-off

Come and join us for an intergenerational event, full of fun, fellowshipand a little bit of competition.

Do you have The Best Chili around? We will be the judge of that!

You provide your special recipe for Chili,we will supply all the fixings, desserts, and drinks

Prizes for the 3 best tasting chili dishes!Sign up to enter your Chili in the Narthex

When: Sunday, November 10th at 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

Where: Fort King Presbyterian Fellowship Hall

Bring your dollar bills and participate in Karaoke.Our own famous Brian Lavery and Jim Johnson will be our DJs.

Donations will go to the Connections Ministry and Youth Ministry

CONNECTIONS (EVANGELISM & FELLOWSHIP)

DISCIPLESHIP


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DISCIPLESHIP (continued)

Adult DiscipleshipDid You Know?

That our 19th President, Rutherford B Hayes, wrote in his diary on May 17, 1890, the follow-ing: I am not a subscriber to any creed. I belong to no church. But in a sense, satisfactory to meand believed by me to be important, I try to be a Christian, or rather I want to be a Christian and to

help do Christian work.

That our 20th President, James A Garfield, in early adulthood preached and held revival meet-ings as a representative of the Disciples of Christ.

These and many other interesting facts about the history of the men who led this country can be found in theAdult Discipleship classes held each Sunday in the Session Room at 9:15 am. Anthony Clegorne is leading a fas-cinating study of past Presidents and will continue until we reach the current President. Coffee (both regularand decaf) is available at 9:00 a.m. Come join us and learn information that you never knew before about our

countrys leaders. All are welcome.

Library Corner

In your church library are a number of Great Courses from The Teaching Company. Some are on DVD, someon CD, and even a few on VHS tape and audio cassette. The courses are presented in 30-minute lectures with12 to 24 lectures per course. A guidebook accompanies each course. The presenters are all popular, award-winning professors from universities across our country. You would have to pay a large sum of money to enroll inone of these courses at a university but you can check out any of the courses from the church library for free.Whats better than free?


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DISCIPLESHIP (continued)

There are seven Great Courses currently in the FKPC Library:

Comparative Religion with Charles Kimball; 24 lectures on DVD. Great Figures of the New Testament with Amy-Jill Levine; 24 lectures on CD. The New Testament with Bart Ehrman; 24 lectures on CD. The Lives of Great Christians with William Cook; 24 lectures on CD. The Apostle Paul with Luke Timothy Johnson; 12 lectures on CD. Lost Christianities: Christian Scriptures and the Battles Over Authentication with Bart Ehr-

man; 24 lectures on Audio Cassette. Understanding The Universe with Alex Filippenko; 16 lectures on VHS Tape.

The library is open every Sunday morning as well as other times by request --- just ask Chris in the office tolet you in.

Womens Retreat

Womens Retreat will be November 1-3 with 30 plus women attending. The theme this year is MAD-making a difference. All activities will be directed toward making a difference in the lives of others.


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GROUP ACTIVITIES

Craft Fair and Bake Sale a Great Success

Presbyterian Womens Council wishes to extend thanks to ALL who in some way participated in the fall CraftFair and Bake Sale. Your gifts of time, talent, and support certainly made for a great day. The baked goods

were delicious and bountiful; the crafts were creative, beautifully made, and of course the friendship of thosearound us made all our guests feel welcome. But, of course, what else but the best ever comes from FKPC!Thanks again.

Presbyterian WomenCircles

All women of Fort King are Presbyterian Women and are invited to participate in all the activities of Presbyte-rian Women. This years Bible study is An Abiding Hope: The Presence of God in Exodus and Deuteronomy .

If you are interested in attending a Circle meeting, come join us in November. Deborah Circle meets at thechurch during the day and Esther Circle meets at night in members homes. Esther Circle will meet on Mon-

day, November 11th at the home of Joyce-Ellen Horne. Deborah Circle will meet on Tuesday, November19th, at 10:00 a.m. in the Session Room. Please contact the church office if you need a ride.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Need

Prayer Shawl Ministry needs our help. They can use donations. It takes 3 skeins of the same dye lot of LionBrand Homespun for each shawlabout $15 at Walmart.

General Meeting, November 6, 11:00 a.m.

All women of Fort King are invited to attend the General Meeting on November 6 in the Fellowship Hall.Our new slate of officers for 2014 will be presented. A salad lunch will follow. Please RSVP to Anne Hill at368-2491 or the church office.

Domestic Violence

Dont forget items for the Domestic Violence basket. Check the basket for a list of items that are needed.


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GROUP ACTIVITIES (continued)

Mens Night Out

Mens Night Out will not meet in November. They will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, December9th.

Crafty Ladies

Crafty Ladies meet on Thursdays from 11:00-3:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Hope to see all of you

there. If you would like to join our group, come for a visit some Thursday and see what we are do-

ing and how you can help. We welcome new people and new talents!

Card Making Ministry

Card Making Ministry meets on the 2nd Friday of every month at 10:00 a.m. until about Noon.We will meet off-site. Please contact Prudence Pritz if you are interested in joining this group.

Sassy Seniors

All widows and single ladies are welcome to join Sassy Seniors on Wednesday, Novem-ber 13th at 1:00 p.m. This months luncheon will be at Bob Evans on the boulevard.

MISSION

The Big Give

On behalf of the Worship and Mission Ministries thank you for everyones support during the Big Give. What awonderful opportunity for everyone to worship as One, go out shopping as One , then return as One to break

bread, drink from the cup and offer hope to the needy in our community.

Supplies were distributed to the Marion County Homeless Children Project, Interfaith replenished emptyshelves, and the Methodist Outreach Program will be distributing undergarments and socks to the homeless.

I saw God on that Sunday in October, in the kind and generous souls of my family here at FKPC. My prayer isthis: God, let us begin each day thankful for all that we have and keep us mindful of all we can give to thoseless fortunate than ourselves. Amen.

Carole DeLucian, Mission Ministry Chair


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MISSION (continued)

You are invited to our 4th Annual Alternative Christmas FairNovember 24th

This is an opportunity for meaningful giving: Help those in need in Marion County and around the world andthe same time, do your Christmas shopping!

There will be gift items from Ten Thousand Villages and SERRV, two organizations that supports craftsmen awomen from all over the world. Can't always make it on the Sunday of the Alternative Christmas Fair? Noproblem. This year we will be offering catalog sales from SERRV. Order forms will be available in the church offor presale orders.

You can also purchase Heifer Gifts, Fair Trade coffee, tea, olive oil and chocolate. Also, please bring your gen

used T-shirts and sweatshirts to be distributed to homeless here in Marion County.

PROPERTY

Saturday, November 16th8:00 a.m. - Noon

Sign up in the Narthex for tasks you can perform before Saturday, November 16th or onNovember 16th.


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SESSION

Session NotesOctober 17th

Celebrations:

Colleen is out of the hospital and recuperating at home! Crop Walk was featured in a newspaper article this week. Becky Wolf is feeling better! Thank you to all retiring Elders. Youth Sunday was presented at Marion Oaks with enthusiasm. The Big Give testified to the generosity of this congregation. Presbyterian Women raised $1,700 at the Fall Bazaar. Lorraine Fuller is the Teacher of the Year! Pat Wood has agreed to co-ordinate the Congregation Thanksgiving dinner again. Bernice Henry is brace less!

Motions:

Motion was made and seconded to accept all of the Elder-Elects as Elders for the Class of 2016. Approved Motion that Session continue to sponsor the Congregational Christmas Dinner. Seconded and approved. Motion to add Steven and Doris Charleston as members of the Property Ministry. Approved. Motion to remove Jacquelyn and Victoria Sexton from membership at Ft. King Presbyterian Church. Sec

onded and approved.

Faith Statement Liesha Herron

Being raised in the Catholic Church and ticking off the weekly box of catechism class and church was ingrainin my belief habit. Married in the church, both children baptized in the church was a continuation of ticking tboxes. I knew that I was a believer and was fulfilling all of the right religious obligations. Life was tracking rigalong according to my plan. Marriage, career, children, loving family living close by, all was going according to plan. In the mid 90s my life as I knew it was to come crashing down around me and my belief was rocked to tcore as my true unwavering faith emerged.

Brycelyn was born a beautiful, pink, whopping 911 baby girl. Kaci had the little sister she always wanted aplanned to show the ropes of life to!! I had my two girls, which was going according to the life plan. All was clicing along for the first year of our family of four. Then out of the blue Brycelyn stopped self-feeding, holding her owbottle, crawling and could not say the few words that had once been in her baby babble vocabulary. All of theabilities stopped within one weeks time. As parents watching all this happen and not showing signs of stopping tpanic started to set in. Running to the doctor who just looked at her with a huge question mark over his head teing us he had no idea what is going on with our beautiful baby girl the panic turned into frenzy. With a tearfbarely able to make sense phone call to a child neurologist appointment desk a rushed appointment in the emegency room was set up for us to see Dr. Edward Goldstein. After examining Brycelyn for 30 minutes he confirm


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SESSION (continued)

our concern that things were not going according to the life development plan. Numerous invasive tests followein the next few months with no conclusive answers. We were living in limbo praying for the day that I would gBrycelyn out of bed and my babbling, speed lighting crawling baby girl would be back and my life plan would bback on track. Months into this process a phone call came from my sister-in-laws sister. She was in her residenc

in Kansas and asked me if Dr. Goldstein had ever mentioned Rett Syndrome. She had found it as a sub-sub-claon the autistic spectrum. I had no idea what the syndrome was but something told me deep inside that a nejourney was getting ready to start. I called Dr. Goldstein and asked him if he thought it could be Retts and hsaid that he had never considered it and needed her infant records to research which later gave us the positivclinical diagnosis of Retts. In the mid 90s personal computers were not available so we had a friend who workeat the newspaper pull the internet info on Retts. I remember as if it was last night Trent and me sitting in oubed reading the 7 pages of the most horrible monster that had our daughter in its grasp. I lived in a complete fofor two days as it hit me that all of the dreams and life plans and expectations for Brycelyn were gone. On dathree I specifically remember waking up with a start at 2 am with the realization and conviction that Brycleyn walways be my our daughter and was going to need me to be her feet, hands, spokesperson, protector, care giveand most importantly her mom for all of our time on earth.

The first Sunday after my awakening something very strong pulled me to church. On this Sunday I picked thPresbyterian Church that I had been visiting with my sister-in-law. I went by myself (which I had not done sinccollege) and I remember exactly where I sat that Sunday and the incredible feeling that Lane had written the semon with my entire current life situation for his research. I do not remember the specific scripture reading thSunday but the sermon message hit me like a mac truck. God doesnt create pain to punish us but gives us thstrength to go forward with his plan and to question his plan will force us to miss the true purpose and glory thplan intends. To this day I have not experienced the warmth and light that I felt embracing me. I walked outhat day moved to my very core. I can trace it back to that specific Sunday in my life that my true inner faith wfound and started to grow. With the realization that this Rett monster had entered our lives and not going an

where I accepted and acknowledge and most of all took comfort in the fact I was not alone on this path. As yeahave gone by my belief in my faith has allowed me to know and feel that the Lord is beside me at all times.

Faith that he will allow me to trip but not to fall.Faith that he has the master plan and will never leave my side.Faith that my idea of perfect life is not always the right idea.Faith that I have the strength to walk this earth carrying someone who keeps my internal light glowing brightly.

Faith that the life that Brycelyn has been dealt is the right life.Faith that I can be a mom, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, granddaughter and friend without being bitter about thmonster that has taken so many things from my daughters life.

Faith that the Lord has given me and will continue to give me the people to help me on this journey.

Looking back on my journey so far I know my faith is stronger than ever as I have so many examples that the Lorhas his hand firmly in life. I now know that the master plan of the right life is not mine to make but having faitthat I am living the right life. I know simple ticking off the boxes in believing has evolved into a solid base belief in faith.


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SESSION(continued)

Statement of Faith Emily Merriam

I believe in God the father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.I believe in the holy trinity.

I believe God sent His own son to Earth to be crucified for the forgiveness of our sins.I believe God loves me and anything is possible with the help of my brothers and sisters in Christ.I believe He has called me to do great things for the church through my commitment as an elder. He has a planfor me. I trust in him to help me teach about His great love.Nothing can compare to the feeling of connecting with God. Any time spent with God is the best time. Histiming is perfect. His love is immeasurable.And through this my faith has been constructed and grown. Now I'm ready to spread the joy of His creation toall.

Statement of FaithRobert F. Schlegel Jr. October 10, 2013

I believe in a magnificent, indescribable God. He is, as he himself told Moses: Yahweh or the I am (I am thaI am)(Exodus 3:13-15). That topic alone could fill volumes. God, for me, is at once magnificent, holy, all-powerful, all-knowing and on and on and, apparently, not a being that God himself could describe to Moses interms that Moses would understand, due to Moses human nature.

I believe that God sent Jesus, His son, in human form, to die for all our sins -- placing only a belief in God(Jesus/ the Holy Spirit) as the sole requirement for salvation. I truly believe that we are saved by grace alone. Ibelieve the words of theApostlesCreed.

I accept the confessions of the Presbyterian Church as described in the Book of Confessions of the PC(USA)and the various translations and iterations of the Holy Bible as the God- inspired work of humans attemptingto describe and record events and spoken words as best they could -- under less than optimal circumstances.

I believe that our lives must be principled on following the two great commandments that Jesus taught us: tolove God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and to love your neighbor as your-self (Matthew 22).

I believe that the Holy Spirit is amongst us and moves us in ways we cannot begin to fathom.The more I know about the great I am, the more I know that there is more I do not know. But I keep learn-ing. As a scientist/engineer by formal training, I am amazed at the complex yet well-organized makeup of allthat surrounds us. Surely there must be a master builder/planner/grand architect of the universe who envi-sioned and organized it all!

The longer I live, the more I know that I must be, as in Mark 9:35, the servant of all.


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SESSION (continued)

Faith Statement Kathy Kuhns

I was born in Ocala but I was raised in the Baptist Church in Hialeah, Florida, after my parents divorced whenwas 2. I learned all of the bible stories and sang all of the hymns. I thought of God as a big man in the cloudwith a beard who I should be afraid of lest I go to Hell. While I felt his Spirit within me as a child, I never fethe call to join the Baptist faith. My step-father died when I was 12, leaving my mom with four children und12 and no means of support. The food-stamp and welfare thing didnt work for her so she went to work for uand I had to grow up overnight. I still felt blessed, however, with a loving family. But we fell away from thchurch. I dont think my mom ever forgave God.

When I met Thom we decided that we needed to join a church. We visited some Baptist churches and a fe

other protestant churches and then found a Presbyterian church in Miami Lakes. Pastor Don Davis was a bman with a big voice and he gave us the astounding idea that we could ask questions and have doubts and still bChristians. We started our family there and when our girls were 2 and 2 months we had the opportunity to comto Ocala. It just took one visit to First Presbyterian and Reverend Albright was knocking on our door askinwhen we were going to join.

We were pretty regular attendees but we never really got involved until Ray Ruark became the pastor. Thenjoined Presbyterian Women. Ray was a true teacher and the more answers he gave the more questions I haMy mother died in a fire when she was 61 years old and my church held me up through the darkest time of mlife. Somehow I came back stronger and my faith grew into something that I wanted to use to serve. I was calleto become an Elder of the church. It was an amazing, frustrating, fun, humbling, difficult yet rewarding time i

my life. After my term, Thom was also called to be an Elder. The Session faced many huge decisions when thBaptist church burned down next door. We struggled to come up with a plan for the future of the churcThen, Ray retired.

Our girls left for college and Thom and I soldiered on while many interim pastors came and went. The churcbecame much divided. We tried to stick it out but we simply didnt connect any more when the new pastocame. We left, and began 5 years without a church. Thom had a major heart attack and I found myself prayinto the God that I had put on a shelf for too long.

Our daughter, Amy, started attending Ft. King. So, we began to visit. We found a warm, involved, welcominand hard-working congregation and a lively and caring pastor. We felt called to join the church. Once againjoined Presbyterian Women and immediately found a caring group of women to share my joys and sorrows withPastor Andy encouraged us to get involved and I am ready to serve this congregation with all of my heart anwith the gifts that I have been given. Thank you for this privilege.

I believe that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I believe that the bible is a book of stories, inspired by God. I cannobelieve in an angry and vengeful God and struggle to understand how people can hurt each other in the name oreligion. I have many questions and much to learn but in the autumn of my life I also have much to teach anmuch to give. I hope that this class of Elders will be remembered as movers and shakers in this journey that ware on together.


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SESSION (continued)

Statement of Faith by Becky Wolf

My faith is in the one God who is infinite, unchangeable, and eternal in being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice,love, goodness and truth. I also believe in the power of the Holy Spirit and in the forgiveness of sins for everyonethrough belief in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Each time I participate in theCommunion Sacrament my faith is renewed and I feel the love of God surrounding all of us at the table!

I believe that I am led by the Holy Spirit who fills me, corrects me and helps me to forgive and to pray withmeaning and love. As the world has battered me, so God has used each force to mold me so that I have becomemore and more aware of and thankful for Gods gifts, love and plans for my life.

I also believe in Gods use of the Holy Scriptures to speak to each of us and help us to follow the will of God sothat we may live in peace and love with one another. Finally, I believe that God leads each of us on our ownunique and blessed path and it is imperative that we each show respect and honor the path of our neighbors!

Advent Wednesdays

What is the meaning of Gods coming into the world? Take a little time for reflection during the Christmasseason. Cheryl Gans will be leading us in study and preparation on three Wednesday evenings during Advent:

December 4th, December 11th, and December 18th.

She will help each of us prepare for the journey of Advent by using our senses to engage in Gods incarnation. On December 4th we will see Gods presence in ourselves and in others. On December 11th we will hear Gods presence in the ordinary experiences of our lives. On December 18th we will seek to discern Gods touch in our unconscious minds.

On the first evening, December 4th, the study time will be preceded by dinner together at 5:00 p.m. No need tocontribute anything! It will be provided by the Worship Ministry.

On the succeeding Wednesdays, December 11th and 18th, come at 6:00 p.m. for reflection together.

WORSHIP


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WORSHIP (continued)

When I visited England in 2007, I had the opportunity to attend many Evensongs at various cathedrals. The mmemorable was attending a Christmas rehearsal at Winchester Cathedral. The music was phenomenal, uplifting, eciting. There were adults, young adults, children all enjoying singing. They were looking forward with great anticiption of sharing their work with the congregation. I thought to myself how blessed this church was to have suchdedicated group of individuals who wanted to spread the gospel thru music. My thoughts also turned to contempling about just what is a choir. Id like to share those thoughts with you.

Church Choir: A church within a church, made up of many of the church's finest leaders ... the most likely plawhere a majority will bond together in friendship and unity, as they bond with the Lord. In strengthening its mebers, the entire church is strengthened. And, as they become one in heart, soul, and purpose ... God has promisHis Spirit indwelling.The entire direction of a church can be changed through its' choir.

I want to write to you about the special abilities the Holy Spirit gives to each Choir member, for I don't want any munderstanding about them.

You will remember that before you became choir members, you stayed at home during choir practice (watchiTV). Not one of you were singing a single note. But now you are a meeting people who claim to sing messages frothe Spirit of God. How can you know whether they are singing for God or whether they are fakes? Here is the teno one singing by the power of the Spirit of God can curse Jesus, and no one can sing, "Jesus is Lord," and really meit, unless the Holy Spirit is helping him.

Me? In The Choir?

Choir Rehearsal at Winchester Cathedral


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WORSHIP (continued)

Now God gives us many kinds of special abilities, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them alThere are different kinds of service to God, but it is the same Lord we are serving. There are many ways iwhich God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work in and through all of us who arHis. The Holy Spirit displays God's power through each of us as a means of helping the entire choir.

To some the Spirit gives the ability to sing soprano; others may be especially good at second or alto, and this His gift from the same Spirit. To some God gives a special solo talent, and to others the power to harmonizGod gives powers for singing tenor, and to others the power to sing bass. God gives someone else the power select and direct our music - that it is really the Spirit of God who is singing. Still another person is able to opeate our sound system, while others are given the gift of playing musical instruments. It is the same and only HoSpirit who gives us all these gifts and powers, deciding which each one of us should have.

The choir has many parts, but the many parts make up only one choir when they are all put together. So it

with the "choir" of Christ. Each of us is part of the one choir of Christ. Some of us are sopranos or seconds, somare altos, some are tenors and some are bass. But the Holy Spirit has fitted us all together into one choir. Whave been chosen into Christ's choir by the one Spirit, and have all been given the same Holy Spirit.

Yes, the choir has many parts, not just one part. If the alto says, "I am not a part of the choir because I am notsoloist," that does not make her any less a part of the choir. And what would you think if you heard a youth sa"I am not a part of the choir because the choir loft is running out of room?" Would that make him any less a paof the choir? Suppose the whole choir was a director, then who would sing? Or if the whole choir just sang, whwould play the instruments?

But that isn't the way God made us. God has many parts for the choir and has put each part just where Go

wants it. What a strange thing it would be if it only had one part! So God has made many parts, but still there one choir.

The alto can never say to the soprano, "I don't need you." The choir can never say to the director, "I don't neeyou." And some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary. If one pasuffers, all parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

When I look out at our congregation on Sunday mornings, I see some that used to be a part of our choir. I hesome that would be a wonderful addition to our choir. We have some young adults that Ive heard singing in thhallways of our beautiful church and I know they would be a blessing to sing in our choir.

Now here is what I'm trying to say: all of you together are one choir of Christ and each one of you is a separatand necessary part of it. Wont you prayerfully consider joining in this Band of Angels? Your life will be richblessed.

With a song in my heart,Rick


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20

WORSHIP (continued)

Something To Think AboutLove Your Neighbor as You Love Yourself(Leviticus 19:18 and 34 // Mark 12:29:31)

Leviticus 19:18 is an anomaly because the entire document reinforces the idea of distinction and differencee.g. plants, animals, clothing, holy vs. secular. In relations with ones fellow human beings, one is commanded insteadto equate them to ones self and to one another. Making distinctions in ones love of humankind is an of-

fence (R.E. Friedman 2001 Torah 382-383). Ones neighbor = a companion, a peer, one who is not subservient or a slave; that is, there is no social distinction between people in the Temple-oriented community.

Leviticus 19:34 comes as a surprise: The alien who resides with you shall be to you like a citizen of yours (i.e. yourequal), and you shall love him as yourself. So, in Israel, an alien (not an Israelite!) was to be loved in the same wayas ones fellow-Israelite. Before God, we say, we are all one humanity.

Rabbi Moses ben Nachman, known as Nachmanides (1194-1270 CE, Spain), a contemporary ofMaimonide(1135 1204 CE), regarded the language as rhetorical exaggeration, and added that our nature is such that we can

not love others as much as ourselves. Indeed, we are not taught in Jewish writings to sacrifice our lives for others (G. Plaut 2005 Torah 810).And, finally, Mishnah Pirke Aboth 1:12 is clear about what love means:

Love is to have no narrower limits than the human race. There is to be no national or sectarian barrier to uni-

versal good will (R. Travers Hereford 1964 Pirke Aboth: The Ethics of the Talmud 33).

Curious, isnt it, that Lev. 19:18 and 34 are set forth as commandments, which must be performed. Does thimean that we can be held accountable and responsible for doing/not doing the commandments? Are thesemandates learnable, teachable? How would we set up a morality ofLove your neighbor alien so children andadults could be taught how to do the commandments? What happens to those mandates if we regard them arhetorical exaggerations? And what impact does it have on our religion if we do them? (See Micah 6:8)

Well, while were at it then, lets just junk the whole thing, because:- Love is an intoxication that affects muscular strength, the entire nervous system; it is a vibration and glittering of all the magic mirrors of Circe (a goddess who used magic to turn humans into snorting

pigs in the Odyssey). Love is only a biological, physiological response youll get over it! (FriedrichNietzsche The Will to Power articles 807, 808, 809 +/- 1888). Its all hormones!And,- Quite frankly, people are concerned for others and their welfare as long as theres something in ifor me (Matthew Melko 1969 The Nature of Civilization 76). When a morality of a society begins tochange due to both internal and external pressures some people will become cynical and ruthless; ithis lies at the root of political action, then, one intends to get what I want by any means at any cost(Melko op cit. 88-90).And,- Love and affection are potentially destructive, in that they blind you to the often self-serving interestof those who you least suspect of playing the power-game (Robert Green 2000 The 48 Laws of Power XX)Point: dont trust anyone you think you love, because they cant be trusted.And,


21/24

WORSHIP (continued)

- It was Machiavelli in his The Prince, written in 1514 for Lorenzo de Medici, who said withoutequivocation: it is better to be feared than loved, especially if you cannot do both (Chap XVII). Point:dont trust a leader who claims he loves you; he only wants to use you!And,

- Finally, this: there is a growing body of evidence that all aspects of human life are ultimately productsof the interaction of environment and genetics This is patently obvious in human behavior over the spanof history that we have access to. If conflicts between people and groups occur, well, that is exactlywhat is to be expected, given the parameters within which we live and our own self-centeredness andthe narcissistic character of the leaders of any society (G. Lenski 2005 Ecological-Evolutionary Theory:Principles and Applications 229; see also his 1984 Power and Privilege: A Theory of Social Stratification 56).

Well, this pretty much says it all, by those who are long-time observers of human attitudes and behaviors.None of this leaves much room for love except as a self-centered spontaneous feeling gushing forth on occa-sion, which could as well be the expression of hate.So much for obeying the commandment to Love.

Oh! Youre perfectly right: Ive not said precisely what love means for the biblical writers and community. And,Ok! If the Love your neighbor alien is a rhetorical exaggeration, just think of the possibilities for the word ofJesus of Nazareth: Love your enemies (Matthew 5:44//Luke6:27)!

Well continue this next month.

Shalom,

Tom


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22

Flower Calendar

Please note: I am trying to work ahead on the flowers, so if you would like to provide flowers to commemoraa special event/occasion/memory etc. for a specific date, please call me as soon as possible. Thank you.

Please also note: It is never too early to call me to select your chosen date. Dates in 2014 are already being lected, so please dont hesitate to call me if there is a Sunday you would like to commemorate by sharing with tchurch some type of flowers or plant of your choice. ( It could be fresh, silk, dried, etc. from your yard, a supmarket, a florist, etc.)

As of this mailing, the following people will be providing flowers in October, and November 2013 and Januaryand February 2014. If you would like to provide flowers on a date of your choice, please call Nancy Hall at 694-3221. Thank you.

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

November 3, 2013---From Larry and Debbie Bush in celebration of our 27th wedding anniversaryNovember 10, 2013---In memory of Cleance Pritchett from his daughter, SherryNovember 17, 2013---From Joy Hunt in memory of my beloved husband, JimNovember 24, 2013---From Jane Garrett in memory of Roy. We were married on this date, November 24, 1949

December 1 - 29, 2013---Poinsettias in the Sanctuary

January 5, 2014---From Jim and Donna Johnson in celebration of their 29th wedding anniversaryJanuary 12, 2014---OPENJanuary 19, 2014---OPEN

January 26, 2014---From Harold and Roselle Pringle in celebration of their 19th wedding anniversary

February 2, 2014---OPENFebruary 9, 2014---In celebration of our 58th wedding anniversary on February the 11th from

Steve and Janet MitchellFebruary 16, 2014---OPENFebruary 23, 2014---In celebration of Nan Andrews 92nd birthday from Bruce, Gouley,

Cody, Tom and Linda

WORSHIP (continued)


23/24

Italicized items are non-FKPC activities using FKPC facilities

November 2013

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturd

1

Womens

2

Retreat

3-6 Crusi

(Sanctua

9:00 - 11:45 Library

9:15 Adult Ed. &

Youth

0:00 Choir Practice

0:30 Worship

1:30 Discipleship

Youth Ministry

2:00 Faith Leaders

:00 PYC

Womens Retreat

4

7:30 Mens Bible

Study

9:30 Small Group

Study

11:30 Faith Leaders

5:15 TOPS (FH)

5:30 Mission Ministry

5

9:30 Prayer

Shawl

Ministry

5:30 Connections

Ministry

610:00 PW Council

and Luncheon

6:00 Worship

Ministry

7:00 Choir Practice

711:00 Disciple-

ship Adults

Ministry

11:00 Crafts

6:00 - 8:00

Marions United

(FH)

8

10:00 Card

Making

Ministry

(off-site)

9

0

9:00 - 11:45 Library

9:15 Adult Ed. &

Youth

0:00 Choir Practice

0:30 Worship

1:30 Congrega-

ional Care Ministry

2:00 Faith Leaders

5:00 Chili Cook-off

5:00 High Tide

11

7:30 Mens Bible

Study

11:30 Faith Leaders

5:15 TOPS (FH)

6:30 Mens Night Out

(off-site)

7:00 Esther Circle

(off-site)

12

6:00 Finance

Ministry

7:00 Discipleship

Ministry

Children

13

1:00 Sassy Seniors

(off-site)

7:00 Choir Practice

14

11:00 Crafts

7:00 Small

Group Study

(off-site)

15

Enrichment

Montgomery

16

8:00 Fall

Clean-up

Conf. Ct

7:00 - 9:0

Private

Event (FH

7

9:00 - 11:45 Library

9:15 Adult Ed. &

Youth

0:00 Choir Practice

0:30 Worship

2:00 Faith Leaders5:00 PYC

18

7:30 Mens BibleStudy

9:30 Small Group

Study

11:30 Faith Leaders

5:15 TOPS (FH)

19

10:00 Deborah

Circle

6:00 Session

20

3:00 Pastoral Care

Team

7:00 Choir Practice

21 22 23

9:00-3:0

Turning

Point

(Fellowsh

Hall)

24

2 Cents A Meal &

Food4Kids

Alternative

Christmas Fair

9:00 - 11:45 Library

9:15 Adult Ed. &

Youth

0:00 Choir Practice

0:30 Worship

2:00 Faith Leaders

5:00 PYC

5:00 High Tide

25

7:30 Mens Bible

Study

11:30 Faith Leaders

5:15 TOPS (FH)

7:00 Small Group

(off-site)

26 27

7:00 Interfaith

Thanksgiving

Service

7:00 Choir Practice

28

OFFICE

CLOSED

12:00 Thanks-

Giving Dinner

29

OFFICE

CLOSED

30


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FORT KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

13 N.E. 36th Avenue

Ocala, Florida 34470

Non-Profit

Organization

US Postage Paid

Ocala, FL 34478

Permit #100

RETURNED SERVICE REQUESTED

Label

Interfaith Thanksgiving Worship

Join Marion Counties faith communities as we all come together to give thanks for themany blessings bestowed upon us this year. This Community Interfaith Thanksgiving wor-ship service will be held Wednesday, November 27th here at 7:00PM at Fort King. The mes-sage will be delivered by Imam Zafer Sabawi of Ocalas Islamic Center. As you know therewill be plenty of free parking and refreshments served following worship.

november 2013 link newsletter

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