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The First ARP Church Newsletter April 2018

Haiti at Home By Betsy Forbes

Occasionally I feel the need to write…almost pregnant with words that the Lord will bring forth. Today is one of those times. Five days ago, we arrived back home after a wonderful week with a wonderful team in the wonderful country of Haiti. It was my second time going and prayerfully won’t be my last.

Our connection to Haiti began in 2012 when Mark made his first trip to our Haitian sister church. The Lord began a pull on KB’s heart and she knew she wanted to go when she turned 16. After making many Baked Ziti’s and Chess Squares, KB made her inaugural visit in March of 2016. I was happy and content in my role as a shopper, cook, prayer supporter, and sender.

But midway during their trip I got a telephone call from Haiti, the Jewel of the Caribbean. It was my jewel of a firstborn saying, “Mama, you got to come to Haiti. Will you come next year?” So with nervous excitement, I agreed to go and bought a pair of Chaco’s to seal the deal.

The Lord blessed me every step of the way and provided for every need. But He did immeasurably more than grant me good health and safe travels. He put Haiti in my heart. He gave me His love for His people there. He gave me the desire not only to return, but to lead the 2018 team with Mark as Annabelle and Bill Kelly stepped down after years of faithful service as the team leaders. Our God is a God of surprises as I would consider myself a most unlikely candidate for this task. But weakness and lack of experience and expertise are no problem for a strong, powerful, loving and equipping God.

Trials and tribulations would not thwart His perfect plan either. Just as the team was being formed, KB began the 58-day journey of diminishing peripheral eyesight and leaking spinal fluid. We began to wonder where she would be health-wise come February. I began to wonder if we would have to go to Haiti without her and my heart hurt a lot at that thought. Despite the unknown future, God prompted us to continue with Pasta For A Purpose – making Baked Ziti’s and baking Chess Squares to raise support for the trip. As divine providence would have it, the Lord restored KB’s vision as we were cleaning up from a day of cooking on Friday, October 28. Doubts were stilled; He confirmed the call for all three of us to go. So with the support of Wilson, our parents, family, friends and people we had never even met, we began another adventure to Haiti on February 22, 2018.

Highlights and lessons from our trip…

The cooks. Oh how they filled our bellies with amazing food! Pastor Emmanuel’s wife led the team of cooks who lovingly prepared three meals a day for us. Their presentation of food was artfully arranged as they served us family style with more food than we could eat. We feasted on pumpkin soup, goat, chicken, ham, pork, grits, potatoes, yams, pikliz, plantains, pineapple, apricots, oatmeal, cake, pizza and more. These ladies would be singing in the dark before the generators came on as they got ready for the day ahead. Praise preceded service. Do I begin my daily tasks with praise on my lips? Have mercy on me, Lord and change me.

The worship. I loved what team member Rob Parker said about the Sunday worship services – “loud, long, and like no one’s watching.” No rocks will need to cry out in praise for these people. Praise is never cut short; it is given freely and abundantly. It seems to me all Haitians sing beautifully – not sure if that’s true or not, but they do sing fully. When I contrast their singing with my own, I recognize that I often sing softly and hesitantly so as not to mess up or sound bad! But our sister church worshipers are less concerned about what others think or even what they themselves think. They are singing loudly and joyfully to God and God alone for the glory of His great name. The Sunday night evangelistic service was so lively our team described it as a “holy mosh pit!” I can think of no American equivalent as mosh pits here lend themselves to sinful revelry instead of uninhibited worship of the one true and living God. These Haitian Christians were “all in” – worshiping fully with mind, body, soul and spirit. Why would I hold back in my worship to God who is so worthy? Have mercy on me, Lord and change me.

The dancing. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the dancing. Worship is full body in Haiti and I loved it. I danced more last week than perhaps I have in a year! As Pastor Emmanuel watched us Americans try to dance, he said it brought him joy even though he had just learned of his nephew’s death. That statement has caused me to consider, does the joy of others bring me comfort during suffering? If I’m honest, I would have to answer, “not usually.” I tend to be more prone to jealousy or resentment. Have mercy on me, Lord and change me.

The children. Oh those sweet faces! As part of our ministry to our sister church, 100+ children are now sponsored to attend school. Since there is no public education in Haiti and the average annual income is $300-$500, this is a huge blessing. (continued on last page)

Financial Update (General Operating Fund)

As of 2/28/18 Revenues $ 266,321.50 Expenses 230,442.32 Net Surplus (deficit) $ 35,879.18

Sunday Worship Attendance

8:30 11:00 Total February 25 255 252 507 March 4 227 269 496 March 11 203 218 421 March 18 229 272 501

Pastors’ Prayer Partners

The next meeting of the Pastors’ Prayer Partners will be on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 7:30am in the Fellowship Hall. All men are invited to come and help us lift up our pastors in prayer.

Sunday Morning Coffee Servers April 1: Betsy Smith

April 8: TBA

April 15: Sarah Wallace

April 22: TBA

April 29: Debbie McCall

Sunday Morning Ushers for April

8:30: Rick Hodges, Chip Ferguson, Russ McCallister, Butch Boyd

10:55: David Jennings, Dan Willis

Sunday Morning Greeters

April (8:30): TBA

April 1 & 8 (10:55): Linda Blue and Helen Conrad

April 15 & 22 (10:55): The Craig Curtis Family

April 29 (10:55): Paula Dixon

Russ McAllister—4/1

Mark Dewalt—4/2

Emma Gallagher—4/2

Alyson Gray—4/2

Duane McCallister—4/2

Trey Taylor—4/2

Bella Wysor—4/2

Daniel Friday—4/3

Nick King—4/3

Milette Oden—4/3

Nancy Peeler—4/3

Tom Balsom—4/4

Jonquarius Leach—4/5

Kristen Hedrick—4/5

Patricia Dukes—4/7

Mary Arney—4/9

Dianne Barber—4/9

Hannah Ratchford—4/9

Rick Craig—4/10

Kristen Rouse—4/10

David Smith—4/10

Dana Haley—4/11

Mikell Jarratt—4/11

Greg Mocanu—4/11

Jeff Morrison—4/12

Abigail Morrison—4/12

Amelia Pritchett—4/12

Joel Anderson—4/13

Lilianna Hinson—4/14

Rob Parker—4/15

Eve Schaap—4/15

Kate Bomgaars—4/16

Gayle Miele—4/17

Trey Cherry—4/18

Betsy Forbes—4/18

David Jansen—4/18

Jack Wharton—4/18

Skylar Abromaitis—4/19

Ron Ewing—4/19

Holly Hunt 4/19

Randy Mumford—4/19

Allie Cherry—4/20

Dominique Weddle—4/20

Sydna Rhodes—4/20

Erica Fretz—4/21

Gayle Goodrich—4/21

Eli Kiem—4/21

Sam Painter—4/21

Paxton Hinson—4/22

Samantha McCurry—4/22

Thomas Summer—4/22

Lorelei Garrett—4/23

Anna-Paige Widener—4/23

Chip Ferguson—4/24

Jim Stewart—4/24

Avery Clark—4/26

Kelly Davidson—4/26

Mac Kelly—4/26

Kathy Connor—4/27

Paige Ramsey—4/27

Kim Taylor—4/27

Jenny Morrow—4/28

Jonathan Dockery—4/29

Levi Hjemvick—4/29

Tracee Pearson—4/29

Dot Carson—4/30

Vespers Service

Come join us on the last Sunday night of every month beginning at 6:00pm for our Vespers Service. This service is similar to a hymn-sing.

Coffee Makers Needed

Are you willing to help brew coffee for The Gathering a few times a year? It would take about half an hour of time on Sunday mornings and would certainly benefit this ministry! Please contact Jamee Webb at 980-329-0484 or jpmundo@hotmail.com to volunteer! Thanks!

Floyd & Gloria Rhyne 4/4/58 60 years

Marcus & Beth Wingate 4/10/99 19 years

James & Kathy Parks 4/11/87 31 years

Vincent & Tammy Cherry 4/12/03 15 years

John & Gwynne Wharton 4/12/08 10 years

Kenny & Wanda Henderson 4/18/09 9 years

Martin & April McKinley 4/20/02 16 years

Jim & Pam Alley 4/24/70 48 years

Richie & Ashley Fretz 4/24/99 19 years

Ben & Cathryn Beasley 4/25/92 26 years

Mark & Betsy Forbes 4/29/95 23 years

Wednesday Night Supper Menus Fellowship Hall - 5:30pm

($4.00 per person or $12.00 per family)

April 4 No Meal

April 11 chicken tenders, barbecued baked beans, french fries, slaw, tossed salad, dessert

April 18 baked potato bar, salad bar and trimmings, peanut butter

and jelly sandwiches, dessert

April 25 chicken tenders, barbecued baked beans, french fries, slaw,

tossed salad, dessert

See you next Fall!!!

Benevolence

Many of our church members do not realize that we have a benevolence policy in place. We have a committee that the deacons oversee that reviews all requests for help. Applicants must fill out a form at the church office and be interviewed by Jean Stewart. The committee will decide on the request. The IRS requires documentation on the request. If anyone asks for help, tell them they must come to the church office between 9:00am and 5:00pm on weekdays. Please do not give them money or pay for motel rooms. You may give them food from the food cabinet at any time. The church recognizes that assisting persons in financial need is a continuing mission of the church. It is always our plan to help those in true need.

Jim Kelly, Danny Wilson, Jean Stewart

Church Book Clubs! April Reads!

Morning Club

Monday, April 23—10:00 a.m.—Church Campus

“Christy” by Catherine Marshall

Evening Club

Monday, April 23– 7:00 p.m. Home of Julia Greeson, 2707 Steeplechase Road, 28056

“Time to Stand” by Robert Whitlow

Church Library Please return overdue books!

Books and movies may be checked out for 3 weeks.

WOMEN’S SPRING FELLOWSHIP

Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at 6:30p.m.

Covered Dish Salad Supper

Featured Speaker: Vonia Thomas (World Witness)

“Encouragement and Reflections from the Mission Field -

To a Church in a Mission”

SALE! SALE! SALE!

We have pictures, lamps, furniture, kitchen utensils, accessories, etc. for sale in the Scout Hut. See Jean Stewart or Wade Huss on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 2:00-4:00pm to shop! Light fixtures, bathroom fixtures, blinds, etc. are in the Mission House for sale! See Wade Huss.

Groundbreaking Ceremony on March 11, 2018

Photos by Johnny Holland.

Watch for photos by Jim Poag in the May issue of The Link.

A BIG THANK-YOU to the following people for making our Groundbreaking Ceremony and reception such a wonderful

event: John Connor, Matt Kuiken, Rebecca Maney, John McGill, Jean Stewart, our youth, and those families who had the vision of First ARP expanding. A big shout-out to our ceremonial groundbreakers: John Connor, Charles (Speed) Ferguson, Wade Huss, Bill Kelly, Matt Kuiken, Pamela Mumford, and Tete Pearson; and our photographers, Jim Poag and Johnny Holland; and our videographer, Robert Heussy. Thanks also to the Reception Committee: Jan Adams (co-chair), Artie & Sabrina Cooper, John & Kathy Connor, Sue Ellington, Gayle Goodrich, Brice & Rebecca Maney, Joyce Miller, Jenny Morrow, Jo Anne Parker, Walter & Julia Lee Payne, William & Julie Ratchford (co-chair), and Betsy Smith.

Dear Church Family,

I have been so blessed from all of you who

have sent cards, called and prayed for our

family during the loss of my father, Gene Spangler. I am so grateful to be a

member of such a loving church.

Rita McCurry

Satisfying our Souls with a Soul Satisfying Book

By Tari Williamson

One of the reasons I read is to fall more and more in love with God. I imagine you agree that He is indeed inexhaustible, so I am always in search of books that show Him in ways that I’ve not yet thought about. I love to see how others love God well, and how God loves them, and reveals himself in new and fresh ways as they grow in His grace. One such treasure for me is Satisfy Your Soul by Bruce Demarest.

It’s been a decade or more since I first read it, but I recall even the introduction exploding my heart and mind as I read. While I didn’t resonate with every single chapter (especially toward the end), I came away from that book wanting the kind of all consuming relationship with Jesus that Dr. Demarest talked about.

Here’s one of my favorite quotes from the book: “Grace, we must learn, is opposed to earning, not opposed to effort.”

All too often, I think we expect this grace we’ve received to lie dormant in our souls until we die. But Dr. Demarest showed me that it was because of our glorious union with Christ, we NOW get to participate in Kingdom work! And, all too often that comes with great effort and even struggle. I think we can never be reminded enough that this unearned grace, is to have great effect! Paul says it best, in 1 Corinthians 15:10, “but his grace to me has not been without effect.”

I hope you will consider reading this treasure, and I pray if you do, that it will impact your lives in ways that you’ve not yet thought about. I leave you with one final favorite quote from the book (without the lengthy explanation!): “God doesn’t have favorites, but he does have intimates.” May that be our prayer this day, “Lord, prepare me to be an intimate of yours!”

Parking During Construction

The following parking lots will be available during our building construction.

• Old Carothers Funeral Home - Second Ave.

• Mullen, Holland & Cooper - Second Ave.

• Morrow & Britton, Attorneys at Law – S. Chester St. (across from church)

• Lot on and behind the corner of Third Ave.

• Anthony Medical Practice - Third Ave.

• Rachel Pickard, Attorney at Law - York St. and corner of Third Ave.

We plan to use the church van or bus to transport those who need help from the Carothers lot only.

Volunteers are needed to help with parking and to assist our members in need. (Contact Jacquelene Israel, 704-898-6109)

Children’s Ministry Updates!

“The Good Samaritan” - Preschool Style! We Love Wednesday Nights!

Parent Protocols! During our Child Protection Policy transition phase:

• Pick up and activate your assigned pagers if you have a pre-school child.

• No one but a parent is authorized to pick up a child of any age.

• Sign-outs should be legible.

• During Sunday School, elementary visitors and their parents will receive matching identification bands.

Club 23 Sunday, April 15

Second and Third Graders! 12 noon—2:00 p.m.

Bring a Bag Lunch! Details to Come! Lots of Fun!

Summer Camp Dates!

Adventure Camp, Jr.—Ages Two-First Grade June 25-28, 2018

Summer Adventure Camp—Second-Fifth Grades July 23-26, 2018

YCMS CAREER DAY!

YC SUNDAY!

If you would like more information on

how you can reach wide in the

neighborhood, contact Court.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by

the renewal of your mind, that by testing, you may discern

what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and

perfect.” Romans 12:2

Reception for Pastor Josh following his Ordination and Installation on February 18, 2018

Rev. Josh Hjemvick, Kim & Levi

Discover the Holy Land In 2018 WHO: Rev. Matt Kuiken and Rev. Richard Kuiken WHAT: Visit the Holy Land WHEN: October 1, 2018 WHY: Discover the Holy Land and understand the Gospels better. Stroll through the Garden of Gethsemane and walk the Via Dolorosa passing by and/or visiting the 14 stations. The above picture of the 5th Station is commemorated by a Franciscan chapel, which is dedicated to the Cyrenian Simon, helping Jesus carry the Cross – Luke 23:26. Reserve your space now as the tour continues to fill up.

The Fifth Station located on the Via Dolorosa Garden of Gethsemane

Music Ministry Update Praise God in His Sanctuary!

Praise and honor to the Father, praise and honor to the Son, Praise and honor to the Spirit, ever Three and ever One;

One in might and one in glory while eternal ages run. “Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle”

Venantius Honorius Fortunatus, 600AD ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Coming Soon

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

York Chester Middle School Day Special guests from York Chester Middle School will be with us in the 8:30 worship service on April 29. Be there to welcome them.

Ashbrook Chorus Leading Us in Worship Don’t miss the Ashbrook Chorus on April 29 as they lead the 10:55am congregation in worship.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Unity Choir is Back! Join us in the Choir Room at 6:30pm on Wednesdays. Everyone is welcome. Music reading ability is not required.

How very good and pleasant it is when Christians dwell together in unity.

Make plans to join us for our Annual Marriage Conference!

April 20-21 2018 Did you know that studies have shown that simply attending one marriage conference a year increases the satisfaction in marriage? Come and treat yourself to a weekend of fun and learning as we celebrate and invest in our marriages together! We are privileged to have Rev. Steve Nicolletti as our guest speaker and our own Josh Hjemvick leading worship. The conference is on campus, there will be a delicious catered dinner, worship, and great times of fellowship and learning. The cost is $40 a couple. Please contact Nancy Peeler in the church office to register, npeeler@firstarpchurch.org. The registration deadline is April 16.

2018 Scripture Memorization Plan

Week 13—April 1 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. - Romans 8:28-29 Week 14—April 8 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. - Romans 9:18 Week 15—April 15 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. - Romans 10:9 Week 16—April 22 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. - Romans 10:17 Week 17—April 29 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. - Romans 11:33-36

April 4: No Junior Choir rehearsal April 15: 10:55am, Celebration Ringers lead in worship April 29: 8:30am, York Chester Middle School Day April 29: 10:55am, Ashbrook Chorus leading in worship

May 2: 6:30pm, Children’s Choir Sharing Service in Chapel May 6: 10:55am, Junior Choir leads in worship

Faith Promise Mission Ministry

The church has just concluded a successful Mission Conference and Faith Promise pledge campaign. During the Mission Conference, we heard updates and inspiring messages from both local agencies and local/international missionaries. The Lord is continuing to do amazing things through these various agencies and missionaries. Thank you for your continual prayer and financial support for the agencies and missionaries within the church’s Faith Promise ministry. Based on the Lord’s provisions and your pledges for the 2018-2019 financial year for Faith Promise, the Mission Committee and the Session have approved a yearly budget for Faith Promise of $245,500. If you are not currently supporting Faith Promise, please prayerfully consider supporting this mission ministry. Copies of the Faith Promise budget are in the narthex, and notable additions to the budget are:

• Muslim in Europe mission field relocation expenses. With this new mission field established by World Witness, at least 4 missionary families will be relocating to Europe.

• Hot food program for children in Haiti, operated by RMI. Will feed 700 children during the school year at our sister church’s school.

• Firemen’s Faith Ministry, whose vision is to unite firemen brotherhoods through fire and faith and is operated by our own Robert Heussy.

African Student Coming to the USA

John & Sarah Ellen Carson March 10, 2018 Prayer Letter First ARP Church in Gastonia contacted me about the possibility of bringing one of my students to the USA to speak at their church and also attend Synod and World Focus. I immediately thought of Francis Ocen for several reasons. On the more practical side, I knew that Francis had traveled internationally and had a passport. On the more dynamic side, Francis had shared with me his experience on his international trip where he represented Uganda at a meeting on “Tolerance” which attracted delegates from a number of different countries. At this meeting he encountered a number of delegates with a wide variety of deviant views on culture and conduct. Francis went on to describe his interaction with these delegates and how through questions and responses he directed them to the logical outcome of their views. As I listened, I could not help from concluding that Francis was the most natural Christian apologist (defender of the faith) I had ever encountered. He has no formal training in apologetics; however since this meeting he has begun to read widely in that area.

Francis has applied for a Visa and is ready to travel to the USA. If you are in Gastonia on the first Sunday in June, it would be worthwhile for you and some of your family and friends to hear Francis at their Sunday services (contact the church about specific times). Francis will also be at Synod and World Focus the following week and looks forward to interacting with delegates and visitors at these meetings. The following Sunday he will also be at Pinecrest Presbyterian Church for Sunday School and Reformation Presbyterian Church for worship. What a joy to encounter a talented young African man who has the heart and the talent for defending and promoting the cause of Christ! In Christ, John Carson

PRAISE: 1. We are near the halfway point of the semester at ABU and I have enjoyed interacting with students in my 3 courses: Church History, Preaching and Christology. 2. Friday Pizza nights at our home – with food, friendship and sharing – have been fun and spiritually enriching. We have had all of the Church History students over in small groups and have now begun having the Preaching students over. 3. Great times of friendship and spiritual encouragement at the weekly Wednesday night Faculty Prayer meetings. 4. Opportunities to preach at Chapel and local churches.

PRAYER: 1. The financial and other challenges that our graduates face in establishing ministries which reach into the heart of Africa. 2. Sarah Ellen's continued improvement in her physical health. 3. Energy and wisdom in the classroom as I interact with students. 4. Students and graduates to use what they have learned for the glory of God and the building up of the church in Africa.

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In God We Trust

First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 317 S. Chester Street, Gastonia, NC 28052 Phone: 704-864-3468, Fax: 704-864-2416

Church email: whenderson@firstarpchurch.org Rev. Matt Kuiken: mkuiken@firstarpchurch.org

Rev. Dr. Jeff Morrison: jmorrison@firstarpchurch.org Rev. Josh Hjemvick: jhjemvick@firstarpchurch.org

www.firstarpchurch.org

Return Service Requested

(continued from first page)

The lives of the children, their families, along with the church and the community are being transformed. As I talked with Emé, the mother of our sponsored child Chaidine, I asked her how I could pray. She told me to pray for Chaidine as she is sick a lot and to pray all of her children would desire to know and love the Lord more. Seems to me that the heart of a mother’s prayers is universal regardless of the culture. Emé also wanted me to know that whenever she is in a Bible study or prayer group, she always requests prayer for my family. What a humbling thought. I pray regularly for Chaidine in my personal prayer time, but rarely request others to pray for her and her family. Emé’s gratitude spilled over into intercession. Have mercy on me, Lord and change me.

The shut-ins. What a sweet privilege and highlight to visit elderly folks who are no longer able to attend church. We got to deliver to them a solar light, food box and goodie bag and then we would pray with them. Time and again, the prayer request would include healing but more importantly, to continue to walk with and serve the Lord. It was clear they wanted to finish well. Another refrain we heard was “Si bondye vlé” – what God wills. This kind of prayer reflects a deep and abiding trust that the God of all the earth will do what is right and what is good and it will be done for His glory. How often do I pray “my will be done”? Maybe not that overtly, but I know I’ve given God plenty of suggestions. Have mercy on me, Lord and change me.

The RMI staff. What a team! Week after week they serve and yet they have the knack and gift of making you feel like you’re their favorite! Their enthusiasm is contagious and they have strengthened my faith. As I got off the plane in Charlotte, I thanked the pilot who responded with, “you’re welcome.” But as I got out of the car in Port-au-Prince and thanked Perguens for driving us safely, he said, “All praise to God.” The RMI staff is quick to give God the glory and acknowledge Him as the source of all blessings. What a witness. Have mercy on me, Lord and change me.

The farewell. Last year, I must admit that I was ready to leave the village of our sister church to have some down time at Zanglais before returning home. This year though, I was sad to go. Relationships had more history and my love for our sister church had grown. And because I don’t know what God’s will is, I don’t know if or when I will see these precious people again.

So how do I have Haiti at Home?

Surrendering to Jesus. “Si bondye vlé.” God’s will, God’s way, God’s time. He can be trusted. He is forever faithful. He will never forsake His own. In all things, He will work for my good.

Singing to Jesus. My Haitian brothers and sisters offered praise to God willingly, cheerfully, and frequently. Praise is a powerful weapon of our warfare as it glorifies the Lord and rightly directs our focus.

Suffering for Jesus. In America, we’re always looking to alleviate pain and suffering. I’m not saying that’s wrong, but there are lessons we cannot learn apart from suffering. There is a rich and intimate nearness of Jesus that comes only when our go-to supports are removed.

Serving with Jesus. I can be on mission with the Lord regardless of my location. That He would declare me to be His ambassador and invite me to go on adventure with Him is an unbelievable reality and a beautiful invitation. Haiti at Home? I’d like that. Have mercy on me, Lord and change me.

Easter Sunday Worship!

Sunrise Service - 6:30am in the Courtyard The Gathering - 9:45am in the Fellowship Hall

No Sunday School Worship Services - 8:30 & 10:55am in the Sanctuary