Due to the winter weather conditions, the “Reformed” 8:50am worship service has been moved to 11:15am tomorrow morning. There will be no youth Sunday School, Confirmation, Adult Education, or Second Service praise team. All choir and bells musicians participating in the morning’s service are asked to arrive for warm ups at 10:30am. Any additional cancellations will be announced no later than 10:00am Sunday morning.

We hope to see you for worship tomorrow morning at 11:15am!

Once again, we are starting our annual quest to find a few good men and women who feel called by God to serve as leaders in this congregation. Nominations are being taken for 2019’s new class of Elders and Deacons. To learn more about the nominations process or to nominate someone, go to our website Nominated persons should be people of obvious faith, vision, sound judgment, good leadership, compassion and personal integrity. Nominated persons will be prayerfully considered during the nominating committee process and those felt to be called at this particular time will be recommended to the congregation for election in January. As you consider persons who you think would serve this church well, please keep in mind the following guidelines…

1. Church officers should be active members/regular participants in the church’s life.
2. Church officers should be people who exhibit a genuine faith in Jesus Christ.
3. Church officers should be willing to serve and be people who can be counted on.
4. Church officers should be people who embody the joy and love of Jesus Christ.
5. Church officers should be servant leaders who lead by example.

Also keep in mind that God gives each of us a unique blend of gifts and talents and no one can do everything equally well. Different tasks demand various gifts, and the offices of Elder and Deacon are no exception.

The office of Elder in the Presbyterian Church is one of decision making and “governing”. Elders are asked to seek discernment and make decisions on behalf of the congregation that affect the church’s life regarding, staff, budget, worship, programs, planning, etc. The authority of the office is granted by the church and is to be used in faithful dedication to the work and purpose of Jesus Christ.
The office of Deacon is one of ministering care and compassion to the congregation. Deacons are called to empathize, minister, serve, and pay particular attention to those among us who are hurting, lonely, or in need of special care. Deacons must be people of mercy and compassion who have a heart for all in need.  In both cases, serving as an officer in the Presbyterian church is a high calling and one that should not be taken lightly. All of the church’s officers should be dedicated to serving Christ through their particular calling and using their particular gifts. It is our belief that God is already calling individuals within our church to serve in these offices – the nominating process is simply the way that we seek to discern God’s intentions. Please give prayerful consideration to nominating someone that you feel would serve faithfully and effectively.

Nominations should be turned into the church office by October 14th and include the name of the person being nominated and whether you feel they should serve as an Elder or a Deacon. Both terms are three years in length. Nominations will be considered by the Nominating Committee and the election will be held at a congregational meeting which has been called for November 11th following the Reformed Service (1st).

Thank you for your time and your support of First Presbyterian Church.
Officer Nominating Committee 2018:
-Sherryl Jones     -Keith Marra     -Jen Watts     -Dave Butterworth
2 Session Representatives:  -Erin Davelaar     -Brett Johnson
2 Deacon Representatives:  -Lori Vicker     -Jay Anderson     -Clint Loveall—ex officio

Everyone in our congregation is invited to join us at 10:00am on Sunday, September 16th for our annual Sunday School kickoff and a “continental breakfast potluck.” Whether you attend the first or second service, we are asking church members to bring your favorite cold finger food breakfast items to share (muffins, scones, bagels, fruit, donuts, cinnamon rolls, etc) and we will combine our breakfast favorites for a new twist of an old fashioned church potluck!
Please join us for a scrumptious breakfast, a great time of fellowship, and an opportunity to hear about the many opportunities available for you to plug into the life of our congregation in the coming year. We will share about our upcoming Recharge and Sunday School adult classes and Bible studies, the different programs available for our students, as well as learn of the variety of ministry groups that serve within the congregation.