This Week at FPC

 

BACK TO SCHOOL SALE

At First Thrift Shop
First Thrift is collecting gently used children's clothing, school uniforms, shoes and backpacks for our annual Back to School Sale. Your donations would be greatly appreciated. With many area families in the midst of financial difficulty, we hope our upcoming sale will help them out. Please bring your donations to the shop during business hours: Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Saturday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Questions? Contact shop manager Mimi Holly at 992-0285.

SINGLE DIRECTION JANUARY CRUISE

January 17–24, 2009
Think ahead and plan to lose your "after Christmas blues" on a relaxing 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise sponsored by our 50+ fellowship. Visit Cayo Levantado, Philipsburg, St. Marten, St. John's and Nassau. Prices begin at $699 per person! For brochures and more info, stop by the Single Direction table in McClure Hall on Sunday, or contact Clarkey Holden (992-3088) or Connie Duquin (695-1744).

WOMEN'S MINISTRY

Working Women's Fellowship

Tuesdays • 7:00 PM • Price Hall Parlor
The Working Women's Fellowship is currently reading and discussing the book, Having a Mary Spirit by Joanna Weaver.

Sign up Sundays in McClure Hall at the Women's Ministry table. Books are available for purchase ($11).

KATRINA MISSION TRIP

September 26 – October 4, 2008
Our church is plannings its 12th mission trip to the Mississippi coast devastated by Hurricane Katrina. FPC member Paul Spinka, veteran of many of our previous mission trips, will be leading the team as volunteer coordinator. Work will focus on the continued needs of local hurricane victims, such as painting, putting up sheetrock, installing flooring, etc. Experience in these areas is not needed; volunteers will receive on-the-job training. The work also does not necessarily involve heavy lifting or strenuous activity. There will be something for everyone to do!

If you are interested in joining this Katrina Relief Mission Team, please contact at 239-992-3233.

PARISH NURSE ONGOING PROGRAMS

GriefShare

Tuesdays • 1:30–3:00 PM • Price Parlor
GriefShare meets weekly.

Caregiver Support Group

Second Tuesday of the month • 1:30–2:30 PM • Price Chapel
Next meeting: August 12

Diabetic Focus Group

Second Monday of the month • 1:30–3:30 PM • Price Chapel
Next meeting: August 11

If you have questions about any of these programs, please contact Parish Nurse at 992-3233 X296.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT FIRST CHURCH

First Thrift Shop
Volunteers are needed for all positions, including inside shop workers, cashiers, sorters, pricers and donor greeters. If you are looking for an opportunity to serve our church and would like to be part of this active ministry and fellowship, please call Manager Mimi Holly at 992-0285.

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box
Our Summer Reading Challenge this year was the latest John Ortberg book, When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box. An excellent discussion was held here at First Church in mid-June, with many of our members and friends who had recently read the book. If you weren't able to attend the discussion, but have read or are currently reading the book, these Discussion Questions may be of interest to you as you reflect on its message.

GREAT BANQUET

Save the Dates!
The dates have been set for the 2009 Great Banquet. The Men's Weekend is scheduled for February 19–22, 2009 and the Women's Weekend will be February 26–March 1, 2009. Mark your calendars and make plans now to participate in this amazing 72-hour Christian retreat experience.

JOURNEY "IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL"
October 1–15, 2008 • Turkey, Greece & Italy

Unfortunately, this trip has been CANCELLED.

IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS

Please remember the following in your prayers this week.

In Need of Special Prayers
Donzy Brinkert Diane Garland Norm Gunter Shirley Hershey Bob Lorenz Bill Neuder Ian Smith	John Springston Peggy Stephenson Don Strafford Nancy Webster Helen Wilson Mary Lou Wood

THOSE SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES

Special prayers are requested for loved ones currently serving in our country's armed forces:

• Major Steve Adams, grandson of Jim & Jane Elder, US Army serving in Iraq
• Alexis Alvarado, US Navy in Cherry Point (NC), preparing to go to Iraq
• Steven Bourdon, US Army serving in Iraq
• Theodore Cartwright, DIA serving in Iraq
• M/Sgt Amy Nesbitt Copeland and M/Sgt Steven Copeland, daughter & son-in-law of Jim & Elsie Nesbitt, Robins AFB (Georgia)
• SSgt Andy Dalton, US Army serving in Iraq
• LTC Brian Eifler, son of Ray & Henriette Eifler, US Army serving in Iraq
• Stephen Fox, son of Glen & Carol Fox, US Army serving at Fort Polk, LA
• Army Sgt. Michael Heath, son-in-law of Glenn & Kathy Moffett, US Army serving his third tour in Iraq
• Travis Hilgers, serving in Iraq
• Jarrett Hon, US Army serving in Iraq
• Col. Michael Kim, son-in-law of George & Kathy Gilliland, USAF serving in Qatar
• SGT Dave Landymore, grand-nephew of Ginny Bernstorf, USMC serving in Iraq
• Marine Sgt. Lee Moffett, son of Glenn & Kathy Moffett, USMC in San Diego, CA
• Timothy Petty, US Army
• LTC Mark Potter, son-in-law of Bob & Joyce Hewitt, US Army/Coalition forces in Afghanistan
• Ensign Evan Scott, US Navy in Pensacola, FL
• PVT Sean Scott, US Army serving in Africa
• YN2 Thayne Stahlacker, US Navy recruiting
• Aaron Wasliewski, serving in Iraq
• Brian Wilson, son of Chuck & Debbie Wilson, US Navy (pilot) in Norfolk, VA
• Lt. Kyle York, US Army in Fort Bragg, NC

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY

We express our Christian sympathy to:

• The family of John (Jack) Saunders, who died August 4.
• Carl Bals and family, on the death of his wife, Mary, on July 14
• Chris & Terri Youngblood and family, on the death of his father, Robert I. Youngblood, on July 13 in Lakeland, FL
• Chuck & Debbie Wilson and Nancy Keefer, on the death of Debbie's and Nancy's mother, Shirley Pruden, on June 28 in Painted Post, NY
• Dick Knotts and family, on the death of his wife, Eleanor, on June 25 in Kalamazoo, MI
• The family of Francis Matthews, Sr., who died June 24
• Sarah & Ken Blyth, on the death of Sarah's sister, Margo Gordon, on June 20 in Calgary, Alberta
• Ron & Kay Brown, on the death of Kay's father on June 5
• John & Kay Springston, on the death of John's father (age 93) on June 2 in Tully, NY