Adding New Chapters to an Old Story - Spring 2021 Volume 61 No. 1 We are a Stephen Ministry Congregation - First Presbyterian ...
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Adding New Chapters to an Old Story...
Spring 2021
Volume 61 No. 1
We are a Stephen Ministry Congregation
CONTENTS March, April, and May 2021 Holy Week
3 Holy Week 13
Missions
An Update from Mwandi
4 Reflections on Our 2021 Stars
6 Commitment: Serve 14 Stephen Ministry
Gardening Initiative 15 Formula for LifeTM
7 Worship
Offerings
16
Presbyterian Women
Prayer Shawl Ministry
An Update on our Playground
8 Educational Opportunities
Palm/Passion Sunday Maundy Thursday
10 A Message from Our Pastor 17 Church Officers and Committees
March 28 April 1
12 Giving Together 18
Thank You Notes
Additional Updates
8:30 & 11:00 AM; live stream at 11:00 AM
As this service opens we remember how the crowd
7:00 PM on site and live stream
Maundy comes from the Latin “mandatum”
welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem and wanted to crown meaning “commandment" and refers to the new
20 Winter Worship Calendar him as king. But as the story of the passion unfolds,
shouts of praise turn to demands for his crucifixion
commandment Jesus gives us (John 13:34-35) after
he has washed his disciples feet and shared a last
and he is given a crown of thorns and handed over supper with them before his crucifixion. In this service
PUBLICATIONS CONTACT INFORMATION to be mocked and killed. On this first day of Holy we will recall this command for our lives and share the
Week we ponder how our praise of Jesus can turn to Lord’s Supper. (Worshipers are reminded to bring their
The deadline for the June/July/August 2021 newsletter is Pastor/Head of Staff Brian Coulter betrayal and denial. communion elements with them.)
12:00 noon on Friday, May 21. We would love to hear your Pastor for Compassionate Ministries Holly Shoaf-O’Kula
story! Pastor for Connectional Community Terry Wimberley
Please send your information via email to Anna Derr at Director of Music Daniel Hamilton
annad@aikenpresbyterian.org or leave it in the
“Newsletter” box in the office hallway.
Director of Purposeful Education
Director of Operations
Andrea Paschal
Chris Jolicoeur-Smith Good Friday Tenebrae Service Easter Sunday
Watch for Weekly Updates in your email! Program Ministry Assistant/Creative Specialist Joanna Hamilton April 2 April 4
Organist/Accompanist Kathy Clark
Please follow the church: Preschool Director Mary Maddrey Service available at aikenpresbyterian.org 8:30 & 11:00 AM; live stream at 11:00 AM
Facebook - facebook.com/aikenpres Publications Coordinator Anna Derr beginning at 3:00 PM The Festival of the Resurrection of the Lord celebrates
Instagram - @aikenpres Financial Secretary Debby Dugan The word "tenebrae" comes from the Latin meaning Christ’s rising from the grave when all other
Sign up for our church app! Download "My Church by Administrative Assistant Zoë Andrews "darkness." The Tenebrae is an ancient Christian principalities and powers that seek to entomb God’s
Pushpay" from your phone or tablet's app store and enter Kitchen Coordinator (volunteer) Sandy Evans
this keyword: FPCAIKEN APP. Good Friday service that makes use of gradually will were forever defeated. As part of our celebration
Custodian Jacob Pollard
diminishing light through the extinguishing of we will share the joyful feast of our risen Lord.
If you no longer wish to receive a hard copy of the
newsletter because you read it online, please let the church 224 Barnwell Avenue NW, Aiken, SC 29801-3904 candles to symbolize the events of that week from the (Worshipers are reminded to bring their communion
office know. (803) 648-2662 triumphant Palm Sunday entry through Jesus' burial. elements with them.)
Thank you to Joanna Hamilton of JLHamilton Photography e-mail: aikenpresbyterian@aikenpresbyterian.org
for capturing many of our church photos. Website: www.aikenpresbyterian.org
3
Michael, Katie, and Ella Kucharski Anne and George Elkins
Art Discipline
When we first received our STAR word of art, we We have known our prayer partner, Charlotte Williamson, for
Reflections on our thought that this would be a hard task for us to focus on
throughout the year…what do we know about art? The
more we have considered this word, art, the more we
realized all the examples of art that we have in our lives.
almost 15 years, and we were very happy to have her as our
prayer partner! We sent her a card during the week after we got
our stars and told her about what we were doing. A couple of
days later, she called us and we talked for the longest time! We
2021 Stars
both enjoyed touching base with each other after not seeing
Our daughter, Ella, provides almost daily examples each other for a long time. We’re going to remember each other
through her love for coloring. We have even been in our prayers, and we told her to please call us if there was
able to pass along this love and art to others in the anything she needed that we could help her with. We plan to talk
community, as pictures have been gifted and decorate often, and after the virus goes away, we plan to have her over for
many of Michael’s coworkers’ offices. We have also lunch one day. And until then we plan to talk often.
passed along some of Ella’s art to our prayer partners
in hopes of sharing her joy for art with them. Our focus word on our Gold Star is the word discipline. To
ensure that our approach was in focus with the best meaning
We have also noticed more and more of God’s of the word, we consulted several sources. As you would expect,
opportunities for art in our lives. Some other examples we found that there were a variety of meanings from which to
have been through the piano lessons for Ella and Katie, choose. They ranged from discipline being a group of academic
and the beautiful music (art) that they have been courses that end in a degree, to the practice of making people
Mary Fran, Paul, CeCe, Bryant Ford, Corey and Jennifer Feraldi learning through lessons with another church member. obey various rules of behavior as in the military, to the meaning
and Mary Ellis Crook We have also noticed God’s art in nature, from a we felt would be the one to focus us in the best direction.
Servanthood Unity beautiful sunrise Michael may observe at work, to the
lovely sunsets the Kucharski family enjoys looking out
from the top of the hill upon which our house sits.
Discipline can be guidance and instructions that help one to
modify personal behavior in how one conducts one’s daily life.
Unity. What a word to ponder with all that is happening during Anne and I can receive instruction and guidance from many
Our star word is servanthood. We had a great talk the start of the new year. Whether politics or a pandemic, there The STAR word remains in a main area of our house so sources, such as Church services, Bible study, online sources,
with our kids, first asking what their definitions of have been many examples that support and push against we can see and reflect upon it often. Through reflection TV programs, books, etc. But that guidance and instruction
"servant" were, and then working up to ways that what one might think of when they consider what unity means. and prayerful consideration, we are trying to see God’s cannot force us to modify our behavior. That discipline must
we can be servants to God. Some of the excellent Definition-wise, unity speaks to oneness and harmony. For us, art in the world and share that with others throughout not be from external force. It can only be from internal force, as
ideas/comments that they came up with included: unity speaks of love, caring and a willingness to work together the year. we choose to become more disciplined. This will be our goal in
working with Vacation Bible School, filling the blessing for a common purpose. the coming year, as we look at our Gold Star on our refrigerator
boxes, collecting canned goods, and more. It was each day.
really wonderful to hear the kids come around to the We strive for unity at home, at work, at school, at church and
realization that servanthood to God, really means in the community, knowing we need the help of others to reach
servanthood to others, and then to have that be the the goals we have in these areas. It can be as simple as a note of
focus of Dr. Slaughter's sermon this week was the encouragement or volunteering to assist in the community. It is
perfect connection! taking the love God shares with us and sharing it with each other
The Biblical word on the front of the star is for your pondering throughout this year. How might your “star
every day.
word” inform your life this year? The name of the household on the back of the star are those for whom you
can pray throughout the year. You are most welcome to let them know you are praying for them. Perhaps at
Unity, a simple word on a gold star; a word to ponder and act
some point they might have a specific prayer request they’d like to share with you.
on all year.
4 5
In thanksgiving for
his ministry with us, a
love offering is being
received for Brian.
We have just entered the season of Lent, a season of drawing nearer to God, following more If you would like to
closely the way of Jesus and being open to the Holy Spirit’s leading. We will journey with Jesus participate, please
to Jerusalem. In Holy Week we will meditate on his call to servanthood, his suffering and mark ‘Brian’ in the
crucifixion, and then celebrate the wondrous love and power of God in Jesus' resurrection. memo on your check to
the church or on your
How God loves us! How grateful we are! online contribution by
March 14.
Our gratitude becomes the basis for our service within and beyond our congregation to bring
Jesus’ transforming love and justice, healing, and hope to others.
In the Easter season we have the opportunity to consider how we will serve out of our gratitude.
The Serve Forms will be sent out the week of April 12, and on Sunday, April 25, you will be
invited to turn in your form at the conclusion of worship. You will also be able to complete it on
our church website, mail it, or bring it to the church office during the week. The forms will allow
our committees and staff know of your interests to contact you. We want to help find your place One Great Hour of Sharing is the single, largest way
or service within the church, locally, and around the world. that Presbyterians come together every year to work for
a better world — sharing God’s love with our neighbors-
2021 Gardening Initiative
with
Celebrating the in-need around the world by providing relief from natural
disasters, food for the hungry, and support for the poor
and oppressed. Each gift helps to improve the lives of
Stand at the Crossroads Ministries Baptism of people in challenging situations through three impactful
programs: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Presbyterian
This year our Mustard Seed Garden Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People.
Team will be supporting numerous
gardening activities with this ministry
Sloane Nicholson The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering will be received
on Easter Sunday, April 4. Thank you for prayerfully
Buchanan
and would welcome additional
volunteers to assist with these efforts. considering your contribution to this life-giving offering.
This is a great opportunity for our Contributions can be made to First Presbyterian Church
high school students to learn and help Daughter of Franklin & Kendall Buchanan with the notation: OGHS.
make a difference. Ben Dugan has and Granddaughter of Brenda Buchanan
already committed to work with us. You can also read more about One Great Hour of
January 10, 2021 Sharing at specialofferings.pcusa.org/oghs.
For more information on work
schedules, specific planting activities, On Sunday, May 9, we will receive the Mother’s Day offering to support Presbyterian
etc., please reach out to Denny Communities of South Carolina (PCSC). Mother’s Day is a time we set aside to remember
McGurer at (803) 648-0856. and thank the mothers who have given so much to us. Associated with Mother’s Day, South
Carolina Presbyterians have a long tradition of generously supporting the PCSC Mother’s Day
Debbie Lamb, Executive Director of Offering. This offering has been a special way of remembering and caring for older adults
Stand at the Crossroads Ministries Members of our FPCA since 1954. The monies received from the Mother’s Day Offering are used exclusively for those
Mustard Seed Garden Team > residents who, through no fault of their own, have outlived their financial resources and need
assistance to remain in Presbyterian Communities.
6 7
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
AFTER EASTER
YOUTH AND CHILDREN Short Stories by Jesus:
Camp Fellowship Summer Camp Registration opens The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi
March 1 for Kindergarten – 12th grade. April 11 – May 16 10:00 a.m.
Fellowship Hall or via Zoom
https://www.campfellowship.org/summer2021
Jesus was a skilled storyteller and perceptive
Enjoy meeting new friends while living in God’s Creation participating in arts & teacher who used parables from everyday
crafts, Bible study, hiking, canoeing, fishing, large group games, and worship. life to effectively convey his message and
Exploring the Bible is fun!
Many weeks are available. Specialty camps like Wind & Water, Night Owl, and meaning. Life in first-century Palestine was
Games, crossword puzzles,
Base Camp Adventures are available for 6th – 12th graders. Leaders in Training (LIT) very different from our world today, and
reading plans, devotions, maps,
opportunities are open for 9th – 12th graders to begin shadowing and learning how many traditional interpretations of Jesus’
Bible illustrations, and a space
to be a Camp Counselor. stories ignore this disparity and have often
for parents, all can be found
allowed anti-Semitism and misogyny to color
at adventurebible.com. Spend
SUMMER YOUTH TRIPS their perspectives. Amy-Jill Levine, Professor
of New Testament and Jewish Studies at
time exploring together and
spark your child’s imagination
Vanderbilt University, offers a fresh, timely
and kindle their love for God!
reinterpretation of Jesus’ narratives.
Did you know? There’s an app for that!
Devotionals 365 days a year Daily Prayer PC(USA) provides brief
provides devotions written by services for daily prayer based on the
ministers, professors, students, Presbyterian Book of Common Worship,
teachers, missionaries, including psalms for the day, readings
denominational leaders, and from the daily lectionary, and prayers
Cross Middle School Mission Conference Montreat Youth Conference others who work with and of thanksgiving and intercession. The
June 13-19, 2021 July 18-24, 2021 care for students. Typically, app provides liturgies Morning, Midday,
Rising 6th grade through completed 8th grade Rising 9th grade through graduated high school seniors an author writes on a single Evening, and Close of Day Prayer. The
College students are welcome to attend theme for one week. In these devotions, you will read calendar tool allows users to find psalms, readings, and prayers
and participate in Work Crew honest struggles and questions, all in the context of for other dates. Use the clock icon to select Morning, Midday,
real faith. The app can be found in Google Play Store Evening, or Close of Day Prayer, overriding current time of day. The
Register by April 15! and Apple App Store (search for "d365") or you may “advanced features” menu allows users to toggle on/off various
Contact Andrea Paschal for more information and to register for these summer trips. visit d365.org in your browser. d365 is a cooperative options and select between two versions of the Lord’s Prayer.
For each trip, there is a $50 deposit due with registration, effort of PCUSA, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and
and forms are available at aikenpresbyterian.org/youth.html. The Episcopal Church. A brief tutorial provides information about the practice of Daily
Prayer and instruction on using the app. Available in both Google
Play Store and Apple App Store.
Youth Families – Let’s set up a method for communicating. The
Purposeful Education Committee would like to set up a GroupMe chat
for the middle and high school youth. This app would allow us to share The Purposeful Education Committee has decided not to host the annual Pine straw Fundraiser for the Youth
information, prayers, celebrations, and worship items with the youth. this year. The families worked hard last year to complete the delivery of pine straw and appreciate your support
Please help us by contacting Andrea or Joanna to learn more. of this fundraiser. Due to Covid-19, all trips for youth were canceled and thus we still have funds to use for the
coming summer. Thank you for supporting our efforts for FPCA Youth.
8 9
To the beloved saints of First Presbyterian Aiken,
It is hard to say goodbye. It is emotionally draining and spiritually exhausting. I will miss you. I will miss you
more than you realize. I have gotten to tell many of you this in some way, shape, for form — but I know that I will
be unable to share it with all of you personally before I go. So simply know this … I will carry the kindness and
compassion you showed toward me and my family in my heart for the rest of my days. Thank you!
But rather than saying a long and drawn-out goodbye again in this article, I thought I would share something
else with you. Not many of you know this, but the Session granted me a sabbatical that was supposed to happen
this year. I was supposed to take it this upcoming summer and I was to be gone for 13-weeks.
In some of my paperwork for this sabbatical and in applying for grants to help us in this effort, I had to write one
section that simply reflected my most recent experience of ministry and some of the successes we’ve had recently.
I wanted to share with you what I wrote because it surprised me as I wrote it:
Over the past seven years, we have written a great deal of our story together. Our church has grown in size and
deepened in discipleship in almost every way. In the past two years, we have gained 41 new members for a total of
639 active members. Our average numbers in worship attendance, Sunday School, and children’s programming
have all continued to increase as well. In 2018, we began a new small group ministry initiative with an in-home
in-depth Bible study curriculum. We had 113 registered participants split into 12 different groups the first year. Then
in 2019, we had to expand and create even more groups for more participants to join. Our income has also grown
significantly with our annual budgeted income breaking through the one-million-dollar barrier for the first time in
2019 and then to almost $1.1 million in 2020.
This past year we threw a Jubilee celebration. It was the 50th anniversary of our congregation being in its current
location on the corner of Barnwell Avenue and Laurens Street (we moved here into our third sanctuary in 1969).
As a part of that celebration, we challenged the congregation to give $67,000 to pay off the debt of a local
nonprofit just a few blocks away from us. Children’s Place nonprofit is an agency that we have had a long history
of supporting and their mission is “to protect, heal, and strengthen children and families from the impact of trauma
in their lives through education, treatment, and prevention services.” We brought in directors from the Children’s
Place board to talk about what they hoped to do in the future, counselors who shared some of their success stories
in the past, and even the executive director talk about how their debt was preventing them from offering additional
services that were needed now. Within seven weeks, we raised far more than the initial goal and were able to write
Children’s Place a check for over $131,000. They have now paid off their debt entirely and are busy writing the next
chapter in their story.
I share this with you not as a humble-brag on ourselves. But I share this with you as a “WOW” to what God has
done in our midst! I have truly enjoyed writing this most recent chapter with you in this story but the story isn’t
over! Keep writing. Keep dreaming. Keep following the Spirit. And know that I look forward to reading the next
chapter you write from my new office.
Grace and Peace,
10 11
Do you have a special work
project you would like to
Dear Church Family,
do in our community?
Dear First Presbyterian Church, I am excited to tell you that, while coordinating the Christmas Store this If so, the Mission Committee
year, I have found out what Santa’s elves really look like. They do not have would like to partner with you
Thank you for the many ways that you green tights and pointy hats and ears. In fact, they really look a lot like the and help support your work
partner with ACTS. The Reverse Advent people who go to our church and live in our community. In fact, they really efforts.
food drive that members supported during ARE the people who go to our church and live in our community!!!!
the month of December will supplement our The Mission Committee has not been able to plan a church wide service day as
Food Pantry and enable us to serve families They are Will Callicott, Rob and Amy Gray, and Earl Beckham who we have in the past. We know that there are small groups and individuals that
who are food insecure. bought and delivered 42 bicycles. They are Mary Maddrey and her work with agencies or places in the community on their own and spend time
preschoolers and their parents who collected gifts for their Christmas helping them with certain needs they have. There are plenty of opportunities
We celebrate the ACTS Christmas Store project. They are Kathy Kent and Rachel D’Entremont who cleaned and out there that have need for some hands-on service projects. In partnering
which served a record number of children stocked the store. They are Tommy and Melissa Patterson, Linda McGurer, with the mission committee, you can help with your time and we can help cover
during this year of Covid. Even during the Jean Schwalbert and granddaughter McCall, Jean Covington, Carol A crew of our church recently replaced fencing for
Stand at the Crossroads Ministries. some costs of materials you might need. Please allow us the opportunity to
most difficult of circumstances, 166 children Palmer, Kaye Cauthen, Sheila Krist, Debby and Lindsey Dugan, Kathy partner with you and to share the story of what Presbyterians are doing in our
received Christmas gifts that their parents Kent, Cindy and Jerry Fuller, and several ladies from the Church of Jesus community. Let us know what your project is and how we might be able to help.
were able to hand select. The commitment Christ of Latter-day Saints who were clerks during the 27 hours that the
of Beth Beckham and other members who
support this initiative with financial gifts and
store was open. They are Zoë Andrews and Jacob Pollard who helped
with the gifts and sign-ups. They are personnel from ACTS, including
our own Suzanne Jackson, who signed up clients and donated gifts and
An Update from Mwandi by Bruce Eberhard
volunteer manpower allowed us to serve
Covid, Covid, Covid! I’m getting sick of hearing about it! The American Board this year will probably have to
families in need with dignity and grace. cheered the most. They are a law firm in Aiken that sent two cartloads of
Zambia is experiencing a second wave of infections and as supplement the income the Simba guest house that would
toy donations and Dollar General in Beech Island that collected toys in a
a result the water and solar projects at Mwandi are now normally be used to pay housekeeping staff. The board
2020 has presented challenges to all of us box during the Christmas season. They are a neighborhood in Woodside
in limbo. All the material for the water project is on hand has already sent money to the hospital to supplement their
as we have faced living with the impacts of 30 families under the guidance of Darrell Finney who collected toys
and awaiting installation. Contract workers are reluctant personal protective equipment.
of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is hard to and donated hundreds of dollars. They are Pitter Patter which donated
to go there because of potential exposure. Mwandi now
anticipate when these challenges will be toys and stocking stuffers. They are the Kisner Foundation that provided
has 7 cases, 6 of them staff including our project manager
behind us. However, we do know that money for athletic equipment. They are YOU – those who donated clothes
Lawrence Kamba and his wife. Fortunately for the hospital
because of the ongoing commitment of First and toys and thousands of dollars to the store. And, they are the very
they were in the process of converting the TB Ward to a Covid
Presbyterian Church, ACTS will continue proud parents who purchased gifts and left with gratefulness and dignity.
Ward and the conversion was completed before these cases
to serve many in our community who are
appeared. Zambia, as of January 30, had 1,029 cases with 18
struggling during this trying times. We call this program Giving Together. What an appropriate name for an
deaths and 369 recoveries (How reliable these numbers are is
effort that uses so many people and gives so much. Because of you, little
anyone’s guess but is at least a minimum).
Please know that your contribution brings elves, we were able to provide Christmas for 166 children from 58 families.
hope and compassion to those who need a Because of you, we were able to sell (for $3/each) 42 bicycles – many for
The United Church of Zambia (UCZ) has asked Keith
hand up. children who had never had a bike. Your generosity and enthusiasm and
and Ida, the Scottish missionaries, to remain in their posts
prayers were the reason for this success.
in Lusaka until August. The UCZ is experiencing a 40% This is the TB ward being refurbished. It is far better looking
With Gratitude,
decrease in offerings and the money crunch is preventing the now than when Jim Kelley and I had to crawl around on the
One more Giver, Jesus – the Ultimate Giver, the Reason for the Season,
hiring of replacements at this time. Apparently, the transfer rickety roof and repair leaks, plug up the holes that were
Suzanne K. Jackson and in whose name we dedicate this project.
to Mwandi to assume their job as Mission Support for Health allowing bats to get in between the ceiling and roof, and then
Executive Director
and Special Needs will not take place until August or later. to tear down the ceiling tile so as to remove the accumulated
Many Thanks,
Presently they are dividing their time between Mwandi and guano. That was to make the building suitable for TB
their present UCZ responsibilities which takes them to all patients. Ahh! Fond memories.
Beth Beckham
regions of the country.
12 13
An Important Update from
Questions to Ponder
Janine Ushe, M.Div. Pastoral Staff with Stephen Ministries Formula for Life TM
Children ask lots of questions. When my kids were a little younger, I fielded dozens of “why” questions a day:
“Why do I have to take a nap?” “Why aren’t there dinosaurs anymore?” “Why can’t I cut my sister’s hair?” On a visit to Mwandi, Zambia in late 2008, a mission team from FPC saw the need
for infant formula for babies who were born HIV negative, but the mothers were HIV
Lately, though, they’re asking more “when” questions—questions I’ve found harder to answer: positive. Also, these mothers were often very malnourished and could not nurse their
• “When will we go back to school?” babies. In early 2009, Catherine Vandegrift started the Formula for Life™ (FFL)
• “When can we travel again to see Pop Pop?” project to raise money for this purpose. We hoped that we could raise a few thousand
• “When will things go back to normal?” dollars. Also, we hoped that a HIV vaccine could be developed and this disease would
All of us, adults included, probably have our own “when” questions right now. As I’ve been telling my children, be conquered. Now, 12 years later the FFL project is still raising money because no HIV
we may not know the answers—but we do know God loves us. And we can pray for confidence in God’s vaccine has been developed, and one is not expected in the foreseeable future. So, the
goodness and mercy. need for infant formula will continue.
In the midst of uncertainty, I’ve found comfort in the book Cries of Faith, Songs of Hope. Author John Gugel We send $1,500/month to Ida Waddell, who is a Scottish missionary and trained nurse
draws on his experience as a pastor and his struggles with chronic illness to address many deep, heartfelt at Mwandi. She buys the infant formula and works with the local hospital to distribute
needs through a collection of prayers, reflections, stories, and more. it. Our money buys enough formula to feed 40-60 babies at a time, depending on the
price of the formula. Ida says that the FFL project has saved the lives of more than 500
One prayer from the book, a response to Psalm 118, really connected with me recently, so I wanted to share it babies. To date, all of the money sent to Mwandi has been raised by the FFL team by
with you. selling necklaces, etc., and from donations. None has come from the church budget.
READING PRAYER
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; What does the future hold, Lord? What Because of the Covid virus restrictions, we participated in only one show in 2020. Our 2020 show sales were only about 10%
His steadfast love endures forever!... will become of me? Why do I find more of 2019 show sales. Our walk-in sales were nil. We have our necklaces listed on Etsy, a popular website for arts and crafts. Sales
The Lord is my strength and my might; questions than answers? Where are you, on Etsy have not been good. We are currently trying to expand the reach of our mission story and customer base by “boosting”
He has become my salvation... Lord? Do you care? Send me your Spirit. our Formula for Life™ Facebook page. An anonymous donor is paying for this.
I shall not die, but I shall live, Give me confidence in your great promises
And recount the deeds of the Lord... and unwavering hope in your lavish mercy. Another anonymous donor is offering to match all donations to Formula for Life™ up to a total match of $5,000. If you would
Open to me the gates of righteousness, Let me feel your tender compassion. Be like to also match donations by others, please contact Debby Dugan.
That I may enter through them with me, Lord. Lead me into the future
And give thanks to the Lord. where you are. Grant me a living faith and, Please donate generously to this very important mission project. Thank you.
Psalm 118:1, 14, 17, and 19 (NRSV) by the strength of your arm, lighten my
load. Cheer my heart, sustain me by your P.S. Catherine Vandegrift, age 97,
mighty power, and lead me in the paths of is still making and selling necklaces
your own choosing. where she lives at Shadow Oaks.
From Cries of Faith, Songs of Hope: Prayers for the Times of Our Life by John Gugel
When I shared this prayer with my kids one morning, my daughter said, “I’m glad God is with me in the ups
and downs and side-to-sides.” I feel that way too—even if I’m not able to answer all the “when” questions yet.
Your Stephen Ministry here at First Presbyterian prays that you also experience God’s faithfulness through all X Mwandi
of life’s ups, downs, and side-to-sides during this difficult pandemic time.
Ida and Keith Waddell, Mission Partners in Mwandi
14 15
Presbyterian Women Church Officers and Committees
2021-2022
Presbyterian Women are continuing to meet monthly for this year’s Bible study, Into the Light:
Finding Hope Through Prayers of Lament. Members of Circles 1 and 2 are meeting at 10:00
a.m. on the second Monday of each month in the Fellowship Hall, following the guidelines
adopted by our task force; several members are Zooming from home. Leaders for the
remaining lessons are Marti Healy, Terry Wimberly, and Paul Ebel. Our studies will continue
through May, and all women of the church are invited to attend. Please contact the church if
you would like to attend or participate through Zoom.
We are grateful for your contributions in November which enabled us to raise $820 for
the Thank Offering, one of two yearly PW offerings. This offering benefits projects both
nationally and internationally, and over 40% of them are health related.
Session Diaconate
Prayer Shawl Ministry Welcome Newborn Babies! Clerk: Susan Budney
Committee Ruling Elders Committee Deacon
Our Prayer Shawl Ministry started in the fall of 2007, and so far we Please be sure to let us know if you are expecting a new baby,
have made over 813 prayer shawls, and over 765 have been given grandbaby, or great-grandbaby in your family! Some of our Commitment Bobby Calfee, Chair Card Ministry Lestine Bush
away. We continue to pray for all those who have received a prayer Presbyterian Women have made beautiful knit baby items which Endowment Terry Montgomery, Chair Jean Covington
shawl. Prayer shawls are available to give to anyone -- church we’d like to share with you for your new family member! Let us know Andrew Guerry Care Giver Respite Bob Hinds
members and those who are not members of our church. Please before the arrival time, so you'll have the gift ready to deliver at
let us know of someone who might enjoy receiving this special gift your convenience! Finance Terry Montgomery, Chair Congregational Outreach Bob Hinds
from our church. Andrew Guerry Extended Communion Jean Covington
Please contact Robbie Knox to ask about getting baby items or Memorial Kim Abney, Chair
Please contact Robbie Knox or the church office to ask about with your questions and suggestions. Flower Delivery Jeana Carter
getting a prayer shawl or to see how you can help! Nominating Ashby Reynolds, Chair Memorial Service Receptions Janice Cadwallader
Personnel Andy Ploeger, Chair Liz Cox
Mary Helen Simons Meal Delivery Burt Starks
Safety First! Congregational Life Ashby Reynolds, Chair
Hugh Verenes
Medical Equipment Chick Warner
Minor Home Repair Chick Warner
Everyone will be noticing a huge void at the end of the Preschool Playground. The large Educational/Youth Ministries Lindsay Tucker, Chair
Paula Luther Transportation Corey Feraldi
tree in the corner of Henderson Lane and Newberry Street was removed on Presidents'
Day. It was almost completely dead and posed a significant danger of dropping large Mission Vic Sowers, Chair
limbs on to the playground and surrounding area. The decision was made to take it down Mike Loftus
safely and efficiently using the services of Quality Tree Service of Aiken. Additionally, the
dead trees along Henderson Lane and one dead limb on the very old New Member/Hospitality Brenda Guerry, Chair Trustees
longleaf pine in the playground were removed. The remaining stumps Presbyterian Women Barb Magrath
along Henderson Lane and in the office parking lot will be ground up in Becky Reynolds Dave Muhlbaier Doug Cook
Preschool Frank Townsend
the very near future. Together with the City of Aiken it was determined
that this was the best course of action to protect our children, teachers, Worship Phyllis Britt, Chair
church property, and our surrounding neighbors as well as those who Bailey Shafer
park in that area.
Thank you for your many contributions so far this year. Here are the upcoming
Special thanks to Denny McGurer and Chick Warner for keeping vigil items. Please leave your contributions in the baskets in the narthex wings.
while the work was being done. As you can see from the pictures Denny
and Chick took, the tree was very rotten inside, and it was just a matter of March April May
time before it proved to be even more dangerous.
Soap (dish, bath, or laundry) Peanut Butter Pasta Sauce
16 17
Dear Members of First Presbyterian, Thank you for all of the thoughts and prayers I received
Thank You Notes
Thank you so very much for the dinner you provided to us. from First Presbyterian. The moment I put on the beautiful
The food was delicious and after the stress of the last month prayer shawl, I felt the healing warmth of God's love.
it was a complete relief to have food ready for family coming I am blessed to have you all in my life.
in for the service. Mom's in heaven now and joined Dad there Sincerely,
on his birthday, so God's plan is as it should be. Thank you for Judy Loftus
your support.
Dear First Presbyterian Church Family, Dear Church Family,
Robin & Deno Verenes
I want to thank you for the kindness and caring you have Thank you so much for the meals that were sent home to
shown me as my hip heals. our family during Maci's outpatient surgery. She loved the
The prayer shawl is soft and warm, and I feel so much beautiful prayer shawl and the meals were delicious! What a
love and comfort as I wear it. blessing to not worry about meal planning while caring for a
We enjoyed the friendship meal very much. The food was little one who is not feeling well. Thank you for praying over
Recently we’ve received numerous donations of
delicious and enjoyed by all of us. us and her while she healed!
flower vases in all shapes and sizes. Thank you for
I feel blessed to have such a wonderful church family. The Anderson Family
your donations. We’ve restocked the shelves for
I send love and prayers to all,
the team members who deliver flowers on Sunday.
Norma Bauer Dear Friends,
If you have extra vases at home, please deliver
I appreciate your thinking of me at Trinity. I wish I could
them to one of the local organizations for resale
My Dear Church Family, still come with Cam to church, but those days are gone. I
or to a florist. When we need to replenish our
Thank you so much for all your prayers and for reaching can hear the church bells when I am outside, and it is such a
stock, we’ll notify you through the newsletter.
out to Maureen and me during our second go round with soothing sound.
Covid. I am positive it helped us get through the last month. Love to all, We welcome Chris Jolicoeur-Smith
Your friendship means so much to us. Barbara Scott
Thank you again!
as our new Director of Operations!
Chick Warner Dear First Presbyterian Church Family, You may reach Chris via email at
I want to thank you for the flowers you gave me from operations@aikenpresbyterian.org.
Dear FPCA Family, the church service. They are beautiful, and I'm still enjoying
Our most sincere thanks for your prayers, thoughts, them.
cards, and inquiries about my recovery from surgery and the It is nice that my church family members are so caring
ensuing complications. I'm on the mend...although a slow and keep in touch with me as I get better each day.
one. With God's grace I'll continue to do so. We can't tell you With love and prayers, Updated
how much it means to Pam and I to know our church family is
so strong and always with us. You're a special group...I know
Norma Bauer Contact Information
God is "well pleased" with our congregation! Dear Church Family, Dick Keeler
Thanks again and God bless, Thank you for the prayer shawl, prayers, and support 8511 Chesham
Vic Sowers given to us on the death of my brother. Each and every one San Antonio, TX 78254
was greatly appreciated. Email: jtkrak@charter.net
Dear Prayer Group, Yours in gratitude, Cell number: 210-243-4296
Thank you for your card remembering my birthday. Wayne Rickman
It was a day to be remembered for a long time with many Fred Hoefle
calls, cards (over 100), cakes, and other goodies. Dear Church Family, 104 Marissa Lane We are missing some of the insulated First
We are still living with restrictions on our activities, soon Terry and I would like to thank you for the cards and Lexington, SC 29072 Presbyterian bags used for delivering meals. If you
to be lifted (maybe!). flowers we received. Even though we are apart now we Email: frederick.hoefle@gmail.com have one of the blue, insulated bags, please return it
Live every day. deeply appreciate how connected we feel with everyone. to the church office so they can be used to take meals
Jean and John King
Laugh a lot. Blessings and love, to more people. If you are hesitant about bringing
11330 Countryway Blvd.
Love without limits! Terry & Barbara Montgomery them by the church, please contact the church office,
Apt 332
Ben Rouse and someone will be happy to pick it up. Thank you!
Tampa, FL 33626
18 19Spring Worship Calendar
March April May
7 3rd Sunday in Lent 1 Maundy Thursday 2 5th Sunday of Easter
Communion Communion Communion
14 4th Sunday in Lent 2 Good Friday 9 6th Sunday of Easter
Mother's Day Offering
21 5th Sunday in Lent 4 Easter Sunday
Communion 16 7th Sunday of Easter
28 Palm/Passion Sunday One Great Hour of Sharing Offering
23 Day of Pentecost
11 2 Sunday of Easter
nd
30 Trinity Sunday
18 3 Sunday of Easter
rd
25 4th Sunday of Easter
First Presbyterian News
The First Presbyterian News (USPS-328-770) is published quarterly by First Presbyterian Church, 224 Barnwell Avenue NW, Aiken, SC 29801. Periodicals
postage paid at Augusta, GA, and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: The First Presbyterian News, 224 Barnwell Avenue NW, Aiken, SC 29801You can also read
