Weekly News Sunday Attendance, May 17, 2020: Zoom Sunday School = 27; Video Online Worship (vow) = 68
As promised in the May PresbyTimes newsletter, First Church now offers online giving for those faithfully making their pledge offerings and other contributions. You may use your computer or Smartphone to visit the FPC Giving Page or look for the ❤GiveNow button on our website) and begin the process of simplifying (and if you want, automating) your financial contribution to the ministry of First Church. This service is thanks to The Presbyterian Foundation’s Online Giving Program, with no monthly or annual fees. The Presbyterian Foundation uses the Vanco Payment Solutions platform, an industry leader in providing churches secure and simple giving solutions in compliance with Payment Card Industry data security standards for handling, storing and transmitting credit card information. Contact Robby Klim of Finance Committee, David Melton of Stewardship or Pastor Dave with any questions. In May during our Sunday school hour via Zoom, we will be learning about prayer. On May 3, we explored the question what is prayer. We learned about the A.C.T.S. definition of prayer and the 5-finger process for praying. Here is a link to those resources: http://www.fpcindep.org/uploads/7/3/5/4/73541817/intro_to_prayers.pdf. Beginning this Sunday, we turn to the Lord's Prayer, exploring its origin, structure and depth. Everyone is invited to join us as we delve deeper into the prayer that Jesus taught us. We are still planning on having Summer Forum June 7 - August 30, either by Zoom or face-to-face, depending on health and safety guidelines. We need people to sign-up ahead of time so all teaching slots are filled before Bonnie goes on maternity leave mid-June. The lessons are based on Kathy Lee Gifford's video travelogue The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBvFOE5ORUM) and Jim Cymbala’s video study Life Changing Prayer: Approaching the Throne of Grace (https://www.studygateway.com/watch/life-changing-prayer-approaching-the-throne-of-grace/life-changing-prayer-trailer) and will be copied for pickup in the Parlour on the credenza. Pastor Dave will take care of playing the video each week. If you would like to teach, please contact Bonnie Ratcliff (fpcindep.dce@gmail.com or 706-936-0327). The last 2 summers, we have been reading parts of the Bible, with Bonnie sending weekly questions for the passages of the week. This summer, we will be reading through the 12 Minor Prophets (Joel - Malachi). Because Bonnie is going on maternity leave, she is putting together a Devotional Book, from June 1 - August 31. Each day has a passage, short background, and questions for you to consider with a place to write your thoughts. In the back of the book there are maps and other charts to help you understand the passages you are reading. If you would like one, they will be in the Parlour on the credenza as of June 1. We can also deliver one to you if you cannot get out. For more information, contact Bonnie Ratcliff (fpcindep.dce@gmail.com or 706-936-0327). Given Jackson County’s restrictions to in-person gatherings and those of KCMO, First Church will not be returning to in-person worship in May. Please continue to monitor this weekly email, the church Facebook page and our website for the latest information. The timeframe announced in the May PresbyTimes will be delayed in accordance with the latest safety guidelines. You may contact Pastor Dave or anyone on Session with any questions or concerns. We would like to say CONGRATULATIONS to our seniors who are graduating this year. You are encouraged to share the love by sending them graduation cards. Connor Banks, son of Joe and Amy Banks, from Truman High School. Lindsey Clark, daughter of Benjamin and Kristen Clark, graduating from Blue Springs High School. She will be attending Iowa State and majoring in Computer Science. Ricky Dendish and Charlie Dendish, grandsons of Bev and Bob Stikeleather, graduating from Blue Springs South and attending Metropolitan Community College. Savannah Stewart, daughter of Brian and Natalie Stewart, graduating from Blue Springs High School. She will be attending UMKC and majoring in Computer Science. Anna Vansandt, daughter of Chris and Jennifer Vansandt. She will be attending MIssouri Valley College and majoring in Elementary Education. Parker Allen, grandson of Jim and Dora Dunnaway, graduating from Lee's Summit North. He will be attending a Jr. College and majoring in Business. Jared Roe, grandson of Jeff and Shannon Roe, graduating from Climax Spring School District. There are several resources, weekly devotionals and activities posted at http://www.fpcindep.org/resources.html. Scholarship Forms are up on the churches Weekly Announcement webpage. Please fill them out and either mail them to the church office or drop them in the mailbox. They will get picked up. Please continue to make your regular pledge offerings by mail or drop them off at the church office (please call first.) Please call the church office for any questions or concerns at 816-252-6662. Your pastor, staff, deacons and other servant leaders are available to help in whatever way they can. 2020 Per Capita - $43.04 If you have a special birthday or anniversary coming up and would like to celebrate with your church family, please contact the church office at 816-252-6662. If your address, name, email address or phone number has changed or have a wedding, or birth announcement, please contact the church office at 816-252-6662. |
In-person gatherings of 10 or more postponed at least until May 31 in keeping with local and national restrictions. Calendar listings are place-holders only.
Weekly Devotional This is a devotional for all ages while we are at home trying to make sense of all that is happening. It will be updated weekly (on Thursdays) while we are in the midst of our restrictions for COVID-19. We hope that these find you comfort and joy and a peace of mind as we are all struggling to find God in the midst of these crazy times. May God Bless you and keep you safe.
Scholarship FormsScholarship forms for all college students in the First Presbyterian Church family. Please print off and mail to church office so that it gets there no later than May 15th. If you have any questions, please contact Bonnie Ratcliff at: 706-936-0327 or fpcindep.dce@gmail.com.
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