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July 8, 2006
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First
Presbyterian Church |
Newsletter "First Things": July 2007Contents...
From the Pastor's PenDear Members and Friends of First Presbyterian Church,
Being a follower of Jesus brings with it a cost. Maybe we don't think of it in those terms, but it does. Jesus said to His disciples in Luke 9"23-24, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it." The question I need to ask myself is, am I willing to count the cost? At the age of 32, Scottish biologist, Henry Drummond, went on an exploratory venture into Africa. He visited the grave of Mrs. David Livingstone, he spent time with missionaries who are battling tropical diseases, and he himself became ill with a high fever that lasted for a month. He returned to his native land with a greater depth of character, a deep compassion for those who did not know Christ, and a new fervor to give himself to the service of Christ. It was the result of Drummond's reflection on the suffering of Jesus Christ and witnessing first hand the sacrifice of those servants of Christ in Africa that helped him become a dedicated follower of Christ. I believe we can be motivated like Drummond when we think about the price that was paid for us and for our redemption by Jesus Christ and when we think about those who serve Christ faithfully in His service. It was the great reformer, Martin Luther who said, "A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing, is worth nothing. At the end of our lives how will the question be answered, "How much have you loved and served?" Join me this summer as we consider in worship what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. I hope to see U in CH_RCH. Yours in Christ, Mark From the Pulpit
Church NewsFord's FocusSometimes in the whirlwind of life we forget where we have been because we are so busy getting to another destination. There is a tendency for all of us to either rest in the accomplishments of yesterday or reach for the next goal of tomorrow and miss the power of the present. Experience teaches us the wisdom of stopping in the present to celebrate the victories of today without camping there forever. Message: There is much to celebrate here at Akron First Presbyterian Church. We have just concluded a successful Concert in the Lot that was enjoyed by many of our neighbors who left saying "someone cares." The health fair, the music by Divine Soldiers, and the great meal spoke words beyond nouns and verbs. Jesus was present in the hundreds of "cups of cold water" given in His name. Great Job 1st Pres. Rita Vincent shared with me we served 694 families in January through our food bank ministry. In February 526, March 619, April 576 and in May 521 families. Add on to those numbers approximately 200 people at two walk in meals each month. Great Job 1st Presbyterian. You wonderful people are amazing!! Direction: Summer's Best Two Weeks is here. Here is some more great news. We had an unexpected gift given through a foundation from another state to help fund this great day camp. Through the generosity of the Ohio Egg Artists Guild, led by our own Suzanne Gibson and special gifts by others in this great church more children were given for scholarships. Once again this year the Paul and Thora Mills Foundation was gracious with this great outreach to children. Great Job First Pres.!!!! Focus: We are clearly focused on our mission and strategy. Loving and serving people are our focused mission. Summers Best Two Weeks, The Concert in the Lot, the health fair and the scholarships are all a means to an end. WEJD is the acronym for What Would Jesus Do? He would do what we are attempting to do in His name and for His Glory. He would love Akron, one person at a time. Great Job, Akron First Presbyterian. I am proud to be one of us. Mark Church PicnicCome one, come all to the All Church Picnic on August 11th (rain or shine) at Turkeyfoot Recreation Area anytime after noon. There are areas for Swimming, Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball and Tennis. There is also a playground for children. Children's games will begin at 4:00pm. If your children are going to participate in the games, you may want to bring an extra set of clothing. Other things to bring --- table service, beverages for yourself and your family, meat to grill and a dish to share. We'll plan to eat about 5pm. There will be an informal worship after we eat. Food PantryThe Deacon's Food Pantry served 521 families in the month of May. A total of 1,979 people were served. We also served about 138 people at the mid-month Walk-In-Meal. Thank you for your generous contributions that make this possible. Congratulations Graduates!College Graduates
Highschool Graduates
SonRise Cafe
BaptismWe are pleased to announce the baptism of Emily Thi Tran on June 17, 2007. Emily is the daughter of Peggy and Minh Tran. Emily is a little sister ot Kimberly and a big sister to Natalie. Emily's proud grandparents are Nancy Smith and Ken Smith. Chicago Mission TripOn July 8th, some of our Senior High Youth will go to the "Windy City" of Chicago for their summer mission trip. Please pray for them as they share God's good news to the people they interact with. Project ShineOn July 15th, some of our Junior High Youth will be going to Kenmore, Ohio to participate in Project Shine. Project Shine is a one week clean-up and home improvement project that takes place locally. Please pray for the following people as they work and share God's love to the people of Kenmore Ohio. Campus/Youth/ChildrenWide World of YouthWe are heading into Gigantic July! Read all about it on the Youth page. Fellowship/Study GroupsTuesday ClubThe Tuesday Club will meet at 1:00pm on July 17th at Pufferbelly, 152 Franklin Ave. Kent. Contact the church office for more information. Morning CircleMorning circle will meet on July 9th at 10:00am in the church parlor. Discussion will be on Lesson 4 from the PW study book on Jonah and Ruth. Please note the change of date to the second Monday in July, WNGsThey that hope in the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles..." Isaiah 40:31 Women of the church are invited to participate in the Wednesday Night Intergenerational Caring Group at 7:00 pm. Upcoming gatherings include: July 4th- no meeting Evening CircleEvening Circle will resume in the fall. See you then! First Faithful FriendsFIRST FAITHFUL FRIENDS will not meet during the summer months. See you in the Fall. Men's Bible StudyThere are two men's bible study groups at First Presbyterian Church.
Contact the church office for more information. Session News Session Highlights
And MoreNewsletter DeadlinesThe deadline for the August issues of First Things is July 8, 2007. Plain EnglishSin wouldn't be so enticing if the wages were paid in full immediately.
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I
read something the other day that caught my attention. It was
the questions that made me sit up and take notice. Let me
share them with you. At the close of life, the questions will
not be, "How much have you gotten?" but "How much have you given?"
Not "How much have you won?" but "How much have you done?" Not "How
much have you saved?" but "How much have you sacrificed?" It will be
"How much have you loved and served? not "How much were you
honored?"
Come meet someone you know or someone new at the SonRise Cafe. The cafe will open on Sunday mornings
beginning June 10th through September 2nd in our church Parlor. The cafe hours are 8:45-9:45 am. We will have free coffee, tea, and conversation. A continental breakfast will be offered for nominal fee. You'll also find it a place for small group sharing, prayer and fun! So, see you at our cafe where hopefully everyone will know or get to know your name. 
