1 From the Pastor 2 From the Associate 3 Family Promise 3 Christmas Greenery 4 Church Administration Matters 5 Music Ministry 5 Women in Ministry 6 Family Movie Night 6 Ministry Fair 6 Wednesday Nights 7 Birthdays 8-9 Calendar 10 Prayer Concerns 11 News 12-13 Children’s Ministry 14 Pride for Parents 15 Youth Ministry 16 GriefShare

Inside This Issue NOVEMBER 2015

“It is not happy people“It is not happy people“It is not happy people who are thankful; who are thankful; who are thankful;

it is thankful peopleit is thankful peopleit is thankful people who are happy”who are happy”who are happy”

I read this quote recently in a devotional article and it really jumped off the page at me. We live in a culture that has more material blessings than any other in the world, yet so many people are not happy. They struggle to find purpose and meaning in their lives; their focus is so often on what they don’t have instead of what they do have; and in spite of their blessings, they always see the glass as half empty instead of half full. Why is this? The Apostle Paul encourages us to, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice” (Phil 4:4). I think the reason so many do not find happiness and struggle with an ungrateful heart is because of where they look for happiness. You have heard many sermons and have experienced this reality in your life- that our “stuff” is not the source of our happiness. In fact, many times it is the “stuff” that becomes the greatest source of tension within our lives. How do I keep what I have? How do I acquire more? These ideas are seemingly engrained in us from the time we are children. How many children do you see who willingly share with others? Our nature, even as a child, is too keep it for ourselves. Our children have to be taught generosity, but the truth is it is hard to teach something that we, as adults, have a struggle with as well. Paul tells us that our rejoicing is to be “in the Lord”, even in times of trials and tribulations. When we are able to look beyond the circumstances of our life and

realize who we are in Christ, our lives are able to take on a more profound meaning. Our worth, our value is not in our stuff, it is in our relationship with Christ. I find it a helpful exercise to periodically sit down and think seriously about the blessings God has given me and the many things I have to be thankful for. When I pass by the homeless shelter or the soup kitchen I am reminded of how fortunate I am to not have to worry about these basics of my life. But it also reminds me to seek ways to help those who are not as fortunate. Jesus said, “When you did to the least of these, you did it unto me.” I have many things to be thankful for in my life, and one of those blessings is the opportunity to serve this congregation. When I stand in the pulpit and look into your faces, I am thankful to God for the opportunity He has given me to help you grow in your relationship with Him. To walk with you and at times be a part of what the Spirit is doing in your life is both exciting and humbling. The world works very hard to try and rob us of the joy that God intends for us to have. This Thanksgiving, maybe you might want to take a little time and think deeply about God’s blessings in your life. I promise you the blessings will far out weigh the problems that seem to consume you. Remember, “It is not happy people who are thankful; it is thankful people who are happy.”

God Bless,

Commitment Sunday November 15, 2015

2 FROM THE ASSOCIATE

from the associate pastor Challenging You Toward Discipleship A Thought or Two

Gift Beyond Measure The days are passing and we have begun to plan for the days ahead back in Florence. The next time I write this article, you see us again. These days are a gift beyond measure. And we continue to be more thankful for you and your generosity. This past month began with a wedding in Wilmington as I presided over Sarah Johnson and Wilson Douglas' ceremony. We enjoyed seeing many of you as you came to celebrate with the Johnsons. The rains held off, and the sun even made an appearance for this special day. Since we were in Wilmington on Sunday morning, we decided to attend Myrtle Grove Presbyterian (EPC). It was a gift again to worship with a congregation that I have been aware of for many years. It "just so happened" that the sermon was out of 1 Corinthians which I have been studying during these days. The pastor preached on the gifts of the Spirit. We were greatly encouraged by our time at Myrtle Grove. Dottie and I departed the service to make the trek through the torrent of rain to Myrtle Beach. The week was full of reading, praying and walking together on the beach. The book, Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton was a big part of this week (and month). The overarching message of her book, as she studies the life of Moses, is that the leader must take care to feed the soul. And the best way to feed the soul is to spend time alone in solitude with the Lord. (Amen to that). This actually is essential for all of us. We capped this week off with worship at All Saints Church in Pawleys Island. We were blessed to enter worship bumping into our dear friends Ken and Kristen Lowry. This serendipitous meeting became "Lowry day", as we heard of their involvement with their new church, saw their new home and enjoyed a meal. All Saints is a church that has taken a strong turn/move toward "making disciples". The Lowrys were happy to share how they have been encouraged and challenged in their new church family. The pastor/rector of All Saints, Rob Grafe, was preaching through a series of sermons on discipleship. I corresponded with him afterward and he is happy to share with our elders how All Saints has traversed this path toward making disciples.

We were in Florence the second week of October as our son Will and his new bride were in town for a wedding. This was a gift to us as we continue to get to know Courtney! Again much reading (Barton, Breen, and then Bailey's study of 1 Corinthians) filled this week, as well as, some chores around the house (the leaves are falling). This week was capped off with a trip over to Darlington for worship with Rev. Hunter Jordan (a son of our congregation) at St. Matthews Church. To our amazement Daniel and Emily Jordan, as well as, mother, Karen Jordan were in attendance. It was again a special time of worship! We woke Monday to pack and leave for the mountains of Montreat! This might have been our favorite week yet. I continued to study Barton and Bailey! But, Dottie and I began reading a book together called the Diamond Marriage by Simon Vibert. This book helped us jump into good fruitful conversation about our marriage. It is a rich study of God's intention for marriage as husband and wife grow in love to God and each other. It has been a true gift. We, with some regret, left Montreat for a reunion weekend with my college roommates at Bonclarken in Flat Rock, NC. Thirty five years ago, as I started as freshman at NCState these guys (Ed, Joe and Stan) winsomely drew me into the Kingdom. What a joy it was to reconnect and hear how God was at work in their lives. Most of them attend a Presbyterian church in Cary, NC. All of them are elders in their church, one of them is the moderator of the presbytery for the EPC in this area! We prayed together on Sunday morning thanking Him for the rich relationships that He had blessed us with and that God would continue to help us be an encouragement to one another going forward! Dottie and I begin a stint in Georgetown this week continuing to press into time alone with the Lord! Thank you for all your encouragement and prayers. We feel them and are encouraged/challenged toward discipleship to Him. See you soon!

FAMILY PROMISE 3

Family Promise is December 13-19 Family Promise is an Interfaith Hospitality Network that unites religious congregations to assist homeless families. Each of the 13 host congregations will provide accommo-dations and meals for 2-3 families (14 people) one-week quarterly. Volunteers from each host church will turn specified rooms into temporary homes for these families. Providing them with shelter, safety, and sustenance with a spirit of warmth and hospitality until they can get back on their feet again.

We need volunteers to: Prepare dinners, donate food, serve as hosts, laundry, set up/take down, ac-tivities, supplies, donations, etc. I will be visiting Sunday school classes soon with more information but please call me now if you know you can help. I would love to have additional support and input during this initial planning stage. Thank you!

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you…” John 15:12 Janet Brand 843-665-6980 Contact Coordinator FPC Family Promise

Christmas Greenery

(circle one)

As we prepare to decorate our sanctuary for Advent Season, consider sponsoring our Christmas Greenery to honor loved ones or in memory of loved ones passed. The form below is needed so that an acknowledgement of your gift can be included in the church bulletin on Christmas Eve. In honor/memory of: _______________________________ Given by: _____________________________

The cost is $12 per designated name or couple and should accompany your order. Amount included $____. Return this form to the church office by Friday, December 18th.

Thank you for sharing in the season!

Acknowledgements will be printed in the Christmas Eve worship bulletins.

Tuesday, December 1st at 9:00 AM The annual Hanging of the Greens, sponsored by Women in Ministry, will take place on Tuesday, December 1. Everyone is invited to participate in this special time as we prepare the Sanctuary to celebrate the birth of our Savior. Please call Meredith Banner: 843-229-1010 or Cille Scott: 803-606-0123 to volunteer to help.

4 CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR

Church Administration Matters

“God has blessed us so that we might bless others”, has been a recurring theme in session meetings, our worship services and in conversations that I have had with individual covenant partners. God has truly blessed and continues to bless First Presbyterian Church. It is up to us to continually look for ways that we can bless others (our covenant partners, our community and the world). As we move into the final quarter of 2015, our staff and ministry leaders have begun the planning process for the 2016 Operating Budget. During the month of November, we will be emphasizing Stewardship as it pertains to annual giving to support the ongoing ministry of First Presbyterian Church. Over the next few weeks, all covenant partners will receive a letter highlighting the importance of continued, faithful financial support of the mission and ministry of First Presbyterian Church. You will also receive a pledge card that will allow you to estimate your giving to the general operating fund. Additionally, there will be an on-line pledge card on the church website www.florencefirst.org. Your pledge is important to the planning process for the coming year. Commitment Sunday will be Sunday, November 15 when all covenant partners will be encouraged to turn in pledge cards as part of our morning worship service. I invite and encourage each of you to consider your stewardship of time, talent and treasure as it relates to the ministries of First Presbyterian Church. Thank you for your faithful support.

“I didn’t know that our church does that!” First Presbyterian Church is a very active church in the Florence area as well as globally. Many of our covenant partners volunteer with community helping agencies. Others participate in mission trips to Haiti, India and other areas. Additionally, our church budgets monthly financial support to local agencies and also to missionaries serving around the world. As we continue to add covenant partners, it is important that we remind

everyone of these opportunities. On Wednesday, November 18 we will present a Ministry Fair that will highlight our existing ministries and also promote new opportunities for involvement (Family Promise, etc). You will be able to see pictures of these activities and hear first-hand reports from some of our covenant partners involved in these ministries. We want to change the “I didn’t know our church does that“, comment to a “Did you know that our church does…?” question that will educate and encourage covenant partners to become involved in life changing ministry through First Presbyterian Church. The Ministry Fair will begin with dinner at 5:30 p.m. with booths and exhibits and program at 6:30 p.m.

Commitment Sunday November 15, 2015

MUSIC 5

Florence Youth Symphony November 10 at 7:00 PM in our Sanctuary The Youth Symphony, under the direction of

Dr. Terry Roberts, will present their fall concert. Come and support the youth of our community.

Men’s Choral Society Thursday, November 19 at 7:30 PM in our Sanctuary

The Men’s Choral Society will present their fall concert. This community concert will be under the direction of Julian Young and accompanied by Betsy Johnson. Come and

support our Men’s Chorus.

The Elementary Children’s choir will sing on Sunday, November 8 during our 11:00 AM worship service. Come support our children.

Read the Lines & Spaces

Tuesdays in November at 4:00 PM Grades 2 and up

Children come learn more about the lines and spaces, Tuesdays at 4:00 PM during the month of November.

2015 Pride for Parents Christmas Toy Store We will be hosting the 2015 Pride for Parents Christmas Toy Store on November 5 and 7

How can you help? We need many volunteers and donations to make this store a great experience for all who come. We need your skills and gifts for small and larger tasks like

baking, wrapping, greeting and organizing, etc.). Contact Teresa Stewart at tstewart@florencefirst.org.

Thursdays through December 17 6:30-8:30 PM in Room 104

6 WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

Nov. 18th

Team Leader Mary Caroline Vaught/Ed

Turner

Country Style Steak Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Butter Beans Corn

Peach Cobbler

Nov. 25th

No Wednesday Night Activities

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday Family Dinner

Supper begins at 5:30 PM in the Christian Life Center (CLC)

Adults $5 Youth $5 Children (under 12) $3 Family Max $15

Nov. 11th

Team Leader Philip Baugh

Hot Dogs/

Hamburgers

Nov. 4th

Team Leader Parking Lot Ministry

Pancakes

Bacon Fruit

Upcoming Wednesday Nights November 25: No Wednesday Night

December 2: Handbell Concert December 9: Living Nativity

December 16: Caroling

Family Movie Night Wednesday, Nov. 11th

Dinner 5:15 PM Movie 5:30 PM

We will enjoy a cookout and movie on the lawn. Bring your lawn chairs, beach chairs, and blankets and enjoy hamburg-ers and hotdogs from the grill as we watch C.S. Lewis' The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Dinner will start at 5:15 and the movie will start promptly at 5:30. All children 5th grade and under must be accompanied by an adult. Nursery provided for infants and toddlers.

Ministry Fair Wednesday, November 18

Did you Know Our Church Did That…?

Find out exactly where First Presbyterian serves in our local community as well as abroad and find where you fit in! Existing ministries will be highlight and new opportunities for involvement presented.

BIRTHDAYS 7

Did we miss your birthday? Please contact Teresa Stewart at 662-2583 or tstewart@florencefirst.org so we can correct our records.

OCTOBER 11 STIRLING THOMAS TEMPLE

BORN JULY 7, 2014 SON OF TALLON AND MEG TEMPLE

Staff Birthdays 22 Sidney Ruff 25 Alexis Morris 27 Don Hebert 29 Taiter Garrett

01 Cathy Bazen 07 Nancy Moore 14 Paige Alexander 22 Curt Boswell

02 Marian Howard 07 Emily Jackson 14 Joe Jenkins 24 Maggie McNeil

02 Lalla Saleeby 08 Billy Houck 14 Luke Childress 24 Connie Stewart

02 Lisa Jernigan 08 Brandon Hylton 15 Fran Curtis 24 Matthew Braswell

03 Wendy Paul 08 Landon Watkins 16 Jane Shurman 25 Alexis Morris

03 Sue Shin 09 Ansley Sanderson 16 Brooke Alvey 25 Ann Cash

03 Barron Ervin 09 Cheryl DeGraw 16 Lisa Westmoreland 25 Mary Ann Nash

03 Alan Thomas 09 Joe Blanton 17 Doug Smith 25 Amy McKay

03 Natalie Monjarrez 10 Jane Matthews 17 Ella Rawlinson 25 Kate Stokes

04 Margaret Baroody 10 Gresham Hindman 18 Brian Kim 27 Walt Johnson

04 Rhett Hughes 10 Ivan Morris 18 Margaret Baroody 28 Anna Spivey

04 Wesley Snow 11 Janie Ray 18 Carrigan Spearman 28 Tom Pantos

05 Carolyn Holland 11 Michael Hawkins 18 Wesley Player 29 Maymie Lou Spearman

05 Patrick Hunt 11 Wells McBride 18 Clara Leach 30 Ruth Montgomery

05 Pat Hunt 11 Cameryn Brand 20 Duncan Tyson 30 Macy Turner

05 Henley Thompson 12 Wes McCall 20 Rick Hoefer 30 Jane Slagle

06 Stephen Christian 12 Mary Frances Moore 21 Charlie Bazen 30 Drew Knudsen

06 Delores Galloway 12 Pat Patton 22 Rainey Josey 30 Chris Scott

06 Rocky Pearce 13 Paul Welch 22 Sheila Cockfield

06 Liam Brand 14 Dave Banner 22 Hannah King

New Members Class Sunday, November 8 at 10:00 AM.

If you are interested in joining First Presbyterian or would like additional information about the minis-tries of our church, please join us for this informal time of fellowship. **Meet in Room 107 in office hallway.

8 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sunday, November 8, 2015 8:30 AM Contemporary Worship Service 9:45 AM Adult Sunday School 10:00 AM New Member’s Class: Rm 107 11:00 AM Traditional Worship Service 3:30 PM Festival Around the Fountain 4:30 PM Volleyball: CLC 5:00 PM MOVE (Youth) 5:30 PM Living Nativity Rehearsal: 6th Grd Monday, November 9, 2015 10:00 AM Women’s Bible Study/Prayer Group 7:00 PM Boy Scouts: Scout Rm Tuesday, November 10, 2015 6:00 AM Men’s Bible Study: LR Chapel 7:00 AM Men’s Breakfast: FH 9:30 AM Women’s Prayer Group 10:00 AM WiM: Sonflowers:Rm S102 10:00 AM WiM: Knockout Roses:336 Country Club blvd 10:00 AM WiM: Morning Glories: TBA 10:00 AM WiM: Posies & Petals: Presbyterian Community 12:00 PM WiM: Soul Sisters: Rm 201 12:00 PM Just for Women’s Ministries: CLC 1:30 PM Ladies’ Ensemble: Choir Rm 3:00 PM WiM: Serenity: LR 3:00 PM Girls Scouts: Scout Rm. 4:00 PM Girl’s Ensemble 4:00 PM Youth Serve at EFM 4:00 PM Lines & Spaces: Choir Rm 6:30 PM WiM: Prayer Warriors:LR 7:00 PM Just for Women’s Ministries: CLC 7:00 PM Youth Symphony: Sanctuary Wednesday, November 11, 2015 11:00 AM Roller Skate Play Date 4:30 PM Griefshare Leader’s Mtg: Book Rm 5:00 PM Adult Handbells 5:15 PM Family Dinner: CLC 5:30 PM Family Movie Night– Front Lawn 6:30 PM Praise Team Rehearsal 7:30 PM Chancel Choir Practice Thursday, November 12, 2015 7:15 AM Men’s Breakfast: Pres. Community 7:15 AM Youth P3BC 10:00 AM Women’s Only Small Group: Rm 201 6:30 PM Griefshare: Rm 104 6:30 PM WiM: Women of Grace: 442 Thomas Rd. 6:30 PM Florence Track Club Banquet: CLC Friday, November 13, 2015 Saturday, November 14, 2015 6:00 AM Parking Lot Mission: Hope Health Parking Lot 9:30 AM WiM: Bread & Fish: TBA

Sunday, November 1, 2015 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME COMMUNION SUNDAY 8:30 AM Contemporary Worship Service 9:45 AM Adult Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Worship Service 4:30 PM Volleyball: CLC 5:00 PM MOVE (Youth) Monday, November 2, 2015 10:00 AM Women’s Bible Study/Prayer Group 7:00 PM Boy Scouts: Scout Rm Tuesday, November 3, 2015 6:00 AM Men’s Bible Study: LR Chapel 7:00 AM Men’s Breakfast: FH 9:30 AM Women’s Prayer Group 9:30 AM WiM Coordinating Team Mtg: LR 11:00 AM WiM Bible Moderators Mtg: Rm 104 12:00 PM Keenagers Luncheon: FH 12:00 PM Just for Women’s Ministries: CLC 1:30 PM Ladies’ Ensemble: Choir Rm 4:00 PM Girl’s Ensemble: Choir Rm 4:00 PM Lines & Spaces: Choir Rm 4:00 PM Youth Serve at EFM 7:00 PM Just for Women’s Ministries: CLC Wednesday, November 4, 2015 4:30 PM Griefshare Leader’s Mtg: Book Rm 5:00 PM Adult Handbells 5:30 PM Family Dinner: CLC 6:00 PM Elementary Program 6:30 PM Preschool Program 6:30 PM Youth Program 6:30 PM Adult Electives 6:30 PM Praise Team Rehearsal 7:30 PM Chancel Choir Practice 7:30 PM Pride for Parents Set up:CLC Thursday, November 5, 2015 7:15 AM Men’s Breakfast: Pres. Community 7:15 AM Youth P3BC 10:00 AM Women’s Only Small Group: Rm 201 4:00 PM Pride for Parents: CLC 6:30 PM Griefshare: Rm 104 Friday, November 6, 2015 Saturday, November 7, 2015 8:30 AM Pride for Parents: CLC 9:00 AM Session Retreat: FH

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 9

Sunday, November 22, 2015 8:30 AM Contemporary Worship Service 9:45 AM Adult Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Worship Service 4:00 PM Living Nativity Rehearsal: 6th Grd 4:30 PM Volleyball: CLC Monday, November 23, 2015 10:00 AM Women’s Bible Study/Prayer Group 7:00 PM Boys Scouts: Scout Room Tuesday, November 24, 2015 6:00 AM Men’s Bible Study: LR Chapel 7:00 AM Men’s Breakfast: FH 9:30 AM Women’s Prayer Group 1:30 PM Ladies’ Ensemble: Choir Rm 4:00 PM Girl’s Ensemble 4:00 PM Youth Serve at EFM 4:00 PM Lines & Spaces: Choir Rm 7:00 PM Session: LR 7:00 PM Boy Scout District Committee:Scout Rm Wednesday, November 25, 2015 4:30 PM Griefshare Leader’s Mtg: Book Rm 5:00 PM Adult Handbells 6:30 PM Praise Team Rehearsal 7:30 PM Chancel Choir Practice Thursday, November 26, 2015 THANKSGIVING DAY CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED Friday, November 27, 2015 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED Saturday, November 28, 2015 Sunday, November 29, 2015 8:30 AM Contemporary Worship Service 9:45 AM Adult Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Worship Service 4:30 PM Volleyball: CLC Monday, November 30, 2015 10:00 AM Women’s Bible Study/Prayer Group 7:00 PM Boys Scouts: Scout Room

Sunday, November 15, 2015 COMMITMENT SUNDAY 8:30 AM Contemporary Worship Service 9:45 AM Adult Sunday School 11:00 AM Traditional Worship Service 4:00 PM Living Nativity Rehearsal: 6th Grd 4:30 PM Volleyball: CLC 5:00 PM MOVE (Youth) Monday, November 16, 2015 10:00 AM Women’s Bible Study/Prayer Group 7:00 PM Boys Scouts: Scout Room Tuesday, November 17, 2015 6:00 AM Men’s Bible Study: LR Chapel 7:00 AM Men’s Breakfast: FH 9:30 AM Women’s Prayer Group 12:00 PM Just for Women’s Ministries: CLC 12:00 PM Men’s Lunch: FH 1:30 PM Ladies’ Ensemble: Choir Rm 4:00 PM Girl’s Ensemble 4:00 PM Youth Serve at EFM 4:00 PM Lines & Spaces: Choir Rm 6:30 PM Board of Deacons: LR 7:00 PM Just for Women’s Ministries: CLC Wednesday, November 18, 2015 4:30 PM Griefshare Leader’s Mtg: Book Rm 5:00 PM Adult Handbells 5:30 PM Family Dinner: CLC 6:00 PM Ministry Fair 6:30 PM Praise Team Rehearsal 7:30 PM Chancel Choir Practice Thursday, November 19, 2015 7:15 AM Men’s Breakfast: Pres. Community 7:15 AM Youth P3BC 10:00 AM Women’s Only Small Group: Rm 201 6:30 PM GriefShare: Rm 104 7:30 PM Men’s Choral Society Friday, November 20, 2015 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE YOUTH Fall Retreat Saturday, November 21, 2015

Wholeness and Healing Service Sunday, December 6 at 5:00 PM in the Sanctuary

This special service is an opportunity to gather for healing prayer and Communion. Anyone who would like to come forward for private prayer is invited to receive anointing with oil and the laying on of hands with the pastors and elders.

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20.

Honarium Joyce Dalsbo

ELDERS Joe McLean Richie Wilhoit DEACONS George Beshere Jammie Harris MISSIONARIES Actionnel Fleurisma Wick & Cindy Jackson WOMEN IN MINISTRY Jane Moss Patti Hubbs SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS Karen Jordan Ida Whitehead STAFF Ann Rodgers Chandler Alexis Morris

10 PRAYER CONCERNS

Remember In Prayer This Month

Heritage Home Adelaide Moss

Malcolm Rogers Marguerite Worsham

LAUREL GARDENS

Joy Tedder

ELMCROFT Betty Greer

PRESBYTERIAN

COMMUNITY Sadie Brockington

Shirley Cruickshank Hannah Barringer

Julian Price Joe Jenkins

Recovering Jay Reece

George Cruickshank Shirley Cruickshank

Extended Care Special Requests Pam Hoogenboom

Homebound Cora Long

Linda Foxworth Brooks Barringer

HOUSEHOLDS Mrs. Amy McKay, Caden, Jake and Joy Mr. & Mrs. Joe & Elizabeth McLean, Will, David and Joe Mr. & Mrs. Bob & Emily McLean Mr. & Mrs. Joey & Lila McMillan, Will, Carson & Ross Ms. Marcia McNeil, Maggie Mr. & Mrs. Tony & Barbara Meeks Drs. Ryan Meyer & Becky Floyd Mr. & Mrs. Robert & Susie Miles Ms. Gwen Misurella

Do you have a relative or friend whom you would like to honor? Sign up to place memorial flowers in the sanctuary! Please contact Genia Tyson (genia_tyson@hotmail.com OR 665-0295) or Melba Whitesides (669-8209). Please leave your name, phone #, and the date you wish to reserve.

EXPECTING Melanie and Derek Hemmingsen: December.

Memorials Dr. Edward M. Lee Wilma Mills Barker

Sympathy Family of Dr. Ed Lee

Joyce Dalsbo, Loss of sister Anna Gregg, Loss of sister

Robin Stoupenos, Loss of mother Richard & Maryann Nash,

Loss of sister-in-law

NEWS 11

Parking Lot Ministry Saturday, November 14th

First Presbyterian will be serving the Parking Lot Ministry Breakfast the 2nd Saturday of each month. If you would like to help, please contact Donnie Wheeler at jwheeler007@sc.rr.com.

The Presbyterian Community Report

“Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink” (quote unknown). We had the H2O like everyone else in Florence. However, nothing outdoors is required for us on bad days. Our tag football and soccer practices are called off. You don’t have to hang out the washin’, go to the grocery store to get food and then cook it or if you do have to go somewhere, our complimentary Mercedes passenger car along with a driver takes you and picks you up. The newspaper is at your front door, and even the postman fills your inside mailbox with junk mail. Rainy days, according to a recent survey by our wonderful staff, are conclusive that the 1.5 hour length of our afternoon naps lasts an extra hour. Our beautiful fishing pond did rise 4 feet. However, as usual Ineeda Mann created a problem. Our front campus has about 2 acres of beautiful grass with a well landscaped ditch about 4 ft deep that has, in the past, handled our rainwater. But not this time. A lake was created covering all the grass. Ineeda Mann decided she wanted to go swimming. At daylight Sunday morning she slipped into a bikini and got out in the ditch and was practicing her backstroke. An 18 wheeler truck driver on hwy 52 saw her and thought she went down 3 times so he called 911. The fire truck arrived in a few minutes and a well built young fireman ran out in knee deep water and gathered her up in his arms. A large crowd had gathered along the highway to watch. After he got her back to the road, she wouldn’t let him loose. Her reason she said, “It’s been 45 years since I’ve had my arms around a hunk like this.” Two days later our staff psychiatrist is still counseling her. -Tom Kellam, Foreign Correspondent

Keenagers Luncheon November 3rd

Noon in the Fellowship Hall

CPR & Lifesaving Techniques Join us as Florence County EMS Director, Ry-on Watkins instructs us on CPR, AED ma-chines, stroke warnings and more. We have great programs planned this season so please invite a guest! Keenagers is a luncheon gathering of retired men and women that meets on the first Tuesday of every month in the Fellowship Hall to enjoy a $6 lunch and program.

Men’s Lunch November 17

All men are encouraged to invite a friend or co-worker to join us for lunch and a guest speaker

The Men’s Lunch is held monthly on the third Tuesday in

the Fellowship Hall. Lunch is $5.

Youth Basketball League

Sign up NOW! All Practices are held at First Presbyterian Church in the CLC. All games are played at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Practices begin in November. Games will begin the week of December 6. $35 per player due before the first game. Teams: 8 & Under, 10 & Under , 12 & Under 14 & Under, 17 & Under

New this year

12 CHILDREN

Children in Worship 3K-1st Grade Parent Volunteer Sheet

All parents of children who come to Children in Worship are asked to be in the room on a rotating basis.

Families are listed by last name. If you cannot be there on your assigned

day, please switch with some one else.

Kids   1st  @

Interested in serving the Lord as a family? Then pick up a list of opportunity from the Welcome

Center or look on the children’s ministry section of the website.

November 8th from 3:30– 5 pm Mark this date on your calendar! It will be a fun afternoon with balloons, games, crafts and food.

Invite a family to come with you.

Family Tug of War Challenge

Nov. 1 Watkins Banner

Nov. 8 Alexander Blanton

Nov. 15 Babb/ Carter Bratton

Nov. 22 Brand Burch

Nov. 29 Grimsley Coker

Dec. 6 Hughes Cotran

Dec. 13 Hylton Dozier

Dec. 20 Lewis Frost

Dec. 27 ONE SERVICE Alexis

Parent’s Morning Out Children’s Gift Making

Workshop (Ages 3K– 5th grade)

Saturday, December 5th 10am– 1pm

PLEASE register your child/ children on the City or by calling the office. We want to have enough material without being wasteful.

Lunch Provided

Shepherds are needed to move children from one craft station to another. Please let Alexis know if you are

available.

CHILDREN 13

Living Nativity Rehearsals 6TH GRADE ONLY Sunday Nov. 8th at 5:30 pm Sunday Nov. 15th at 4pm Sunday Nov 22nd at 4pm Wednesday Dec. 2nd at 5:30pm ALL CHILDREN Sunday Dec. 6 at 3:30pm Cast Only 4:00 pm Angel Choir

The Catechism Clan. These 6th graders

as they study the catechism. Interested in what they are learning? Go to www.NewCityCatechism and be stretched too.

November 11 Roller Skate Play Date

5K-6th grade Parents can drop off children @ Skateland at 11:00 am. Pick up your children by 1:30 pm. Cost is $8.50 & includes pizza/ drink lunch. Younger children are welcome to come with parents. Any parents who can chaperone, please let Alexis know.

What day of creation did god make fish and birds? The 2s and 3s know– they learned it during their Wednesday night lesson!

Answer: Day 5 Genesis 1

14 PRIDE FOR PARENTS

Haiti Comes to Florence! December 3-15

From December 3-15, Wallace Manasse, one of the agronomists from the ministry of Offensive Force for Christ in Bayonnias (OFCB) Haiti, will be with us! He is coming to learn from our com-munity what he can for his community in the area of agronomy! We are excited about his trip so that he can glean from our farmers and agronomists. Jake Stokes and Jim Frederick have already offered their expertise to Wallace. Others are welcome to join the fun! If you would like to host him for some of his stay please let Stephanie Jones know-sjones@florencefirst.org. Be aware that Wal-lace is learning English as you consider hosting.

Haiti Mission Trip 2016 February 23-March 2 If you are interested in being a part of the next trip to Haiti it is not too early to put your name on the list. The trip this year will be February 23-March 2. The cost of the trip is approximately $1100 which includes air-fare! Let Stephanie Jones know of your interest as soon as possible– sjones@florencefirst.org.

WiM Groups Morning Glories Monthly Nov. 10 10:00 AM TBA Knock Out Roses Monthly Nov. 10 10:00 AM 336 Country Club Blvd Women of Grace Monthly Nov. 12 6:30 PM TBA Posies & Petals Monthly Nov. 10 10:00 AM Presbyterian Home Bread & Fish Monthly Nov. 14 9:30 AM Call Jan Green: 250-5134

Serenity Monthly Nov. 10 3:00 PM Lawson-Rain Chapel Prayer Warriors Monthly Nov. 10 6:30 PM Lawson-Rain Chapel Sonflowers Monthly Nov. 10 10:00 AM Room S102 Soul Sisters Monthly Nov. 10 12:00 PM Women’s Only SS Room (Room 201)

Women in Ministry Monthly Groups Come and join us for a wonderful time of Christian fellowship and this

year’s Bible Study: The Apostle’s Creed Please call Emily McLean: 669-0907, if you are not already in a

Ladies- Save the Date! Mother-Daughter Tea

Sunday, January 31, 2016 at 3:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall All ladies and daughters (kindergarten age and older as mother’s deter-

mine age appropriate) are cordially invited to attend. Bring your daughter, bring your mother or bring a friend. A wonderful way

to begin the New year with fellowship and fun. Childcare provided for younger children. More exciting details to follow.

YOUTH 15

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 700 PARK AVENUE, FLORENCE, SC 29501 PHONE: 843-662-2583/FAX: 843-662-1726

Senior Pastor ---------------------------- Dr. Barry L. Jenkins Associate Pastor ------------------------ Rev. Chris Handley Director of Music/Organist - Mrs. Ann Rodgers Chandler Praise Team Leader ------------------------- Mr. Glenn Ham Director of Youth Ministry ------------------- Mr. Brock Page Youth Ministry Assistant -- Ms. Christina “Taiter” Garrett Director of Children’s Ministry --------- Mrs. Alexis Morris The Tabernacle Experience --------------- Mr. Joe Koenig Church Administrator ------------------------ Mr. Don Hebert Administrative Assistant ----------- Mrs. Stephanie Jones Church Secretary ----------------------- Ms. Teresa Stewart Financial Secretary --------------------- Mrs. Gwen DuRant Head Custodian ------------------------------- Mr. Ron Echols Asst. Custodian ------------------------------- Mr. Sidney Ruff Housekeeping --------------------------- Ms. Wanda LaSane

www.florencefirst.org

CHURCH STAFF

Facebook.com/FirstPresbyterianChurchFlorence

Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday, November 1st

Don’t Forget to Set Your Clocks Back an Hour before You Go to Bed on Saturday!