January 2020 Volume 21 Issue 1 Last year, our Christmas Eve lesson recalled that fiy years prior, Apollo 8 astronauts orbing the moon read secons of the book of Genesis in a broadcast heard by millions of enraptured listeners on December 24 th , 1968. Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders were the first human beings to witness the planet earth from a totally different perspecve: an “Earth rise” above the cratered surface of the moon. They took turns reading from the Bible, and were able to say at the conclusion of their broadcast, “Good night, good luck, a merry Christmas and God bless all of you, all of you on the good Earth.” What a blessing! I am trying to think what would happen if NASA astronauts tried to do that today. Would the broadcast go through, or would it be censored because it seemed to endorse a brand of religion? Apollo 8’s scripture reading did not go without dispute. Madeline Murry O’Hair, noted atheist acvist sued the federally-funded NASA program for aempng to establish a bond between state and church. That didn’t stop the astronauts. Incredibly, only seven months aer Apollo 8’s flyby, Apollo 11 actually landed on the moon. Because of the previous law suite, it was largely unpublicized that Buzz Aldrin, an Elder at his Presbyterian church near Houston, had taken consecrated bread and wine with him. Aer landing, he and Neil Armstrong had some me to recover before they stepped foot on the lunar surface. Aldrin, warned about potenal legal difficules, asked the rapt audience on television and radio for a me of silence and reflecon. During that me, he performed the rite of Communion, the first me it had been celebrated outside of planet Earth. Besides the profundity of that act of unity with God, it also reminds us that we all bring our own faith with us wherever we go. Whether following a star, landing on the moon or baling through the aer-Christmas sales, we will always be accompanied by our faith. Some choose the “faith” of a life without God. Their faith is in the world only. Some choose the faith of selfishness. Or self-righteousness. Or hate or deceit. I choose to follow the faith of Jesus Christ and his message of love, reconciliaon and redempon. I hope that all who see we who believe can find those messages in our every acon and word. You don’t have to go to the moon to explore your faith. You can do it when you are right here, down to Earth. Good night, good luck, a merry Christmas and God bless all of you, all of you on the good Earth. Pastor Paul NEWS First Presbyterian
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January 2020 Volume 21 Issue 1
Last year, our Christmas Eve lesson recalled that fi�y years prior, Apollo 8 astronauts orbi�ng the moon read sec�ons of the book of Genesis in a broadcast heard by millions of enraptured listeners on December 24th, 1968. Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders were the first human beings to witness the planet earth from a totally different perspec�ve: an “Earth rise” above the cratered surface of the moon. They took turns reading from the Bible, and were able to say at the conclusion of their broadcast, “Good night, good luck, a merry Christmas and God bless all of you, all of you on the good Earth.” What a blessing! I am trying to think what would happen if NASA astronauts tried to do that today. Would the broadcast go through, or would it be censored because it
seemed to endorse a brand of religion? Apollo 8’s scripture reading did not go without dispute. Madeline Murry O’Hair, noted atheist ac�vist sued the federally-funded NASA program for a�emp�ng to establish a bond between state and church. That didn’t stop the astronauts. Incredibly, only seven months a�er Apollo 8’s flyby, Apollo 11 actually landed on the moon. Because of the previous law suite, it was largely unpublicized that Buzz Aldrin, an Elder at his Presbyterian church near Houston, had taken consecrated bread and wine with him. A�er landing, he and Neil Armstrong had some �me to recover before they stepped foot on the lunar surface. Aldrin, warned about poten�al legal difficul�es, asked the rapt audience on television and radio for a �me of silence and reflec�on. During that �me, he performed the rite of Communion, the first �me it had been celebrated outside of planet Earth. Besides the profundity of that act of unity with God, it also reminds us that we all bring our own faith with us wherever we go. Whether following a star, landing on the moon or ba�ling through the a�er-Christmas sales, we will always be accompanied by our faith. Some choose the “faith” of a life without God. Their faith is in the world only. Some choose the faith of selfishness. Or self-righteousness. Or hate or deceit. I choose to follow the faith of Jesus Christ and his message of love, reconcilia�on and redemp�on. I hope that all who see we who believe can find those messages in our every ac�on and word. You don’t have to go to the moon to explore your faith. You can do it when you are right here, down to Earth. Good night, good luck, a merry Christmas and God bless all of you, all of you on the good Earth. Pastor Paul
NEWS First Presbyterian
January Anniversaries January Birthdays
Our Chris�an sympathy is extended to the family and friends of MaryAnn Schmadeke who passed away on
November 28.
1 Dick Whi�ngton & Bev Helming 15. Larry & Evelyn Rucas 24. Ron & Jan Poe 26. Jim & Bobbie Antholz
1. Edwin Burne�, Marge Jantz 2. Travis Bo� 3. Louise Fairbanks 5. Virginia Bender, Lydia Glenn, Carl Heinle,
Karen Heinle 6. Elizabeth Elgin, Bill Stanick, Ida Storey 7. Sue Jahns, Kris Kasper 11. Darlene Antrobus, Chan S�les, Pete Vogel 13. Nancy Powell 17. Lydia Tate, Natalia Tate 18. Melissa Williams 19. Nathaniel A�ba-Davies, Ray Delgado 20. Mark Braybrooks 23. Janice Poe, Dean Waibel 24. Bibble Antholz, Khloe Freeman 25. Richard White 26. Nancy Sliver 31. Nancy Hancock, Sandra Morin
Next Newsle�er Deadline: January 15
Please submit typewri�en ar�cles to the church
office or to [email protected].
Church Family News
Deacon Ministries—Guest Services
Evelyn Rucas
Evelyn was born and educated in Wichita, Kansas. In 1960, she married
Larry Rucas and they raised three children there as well. They now have
two married grandchildren and two great grandchildren. In 2005, they
sold their Kansas home and moved to Alaska where they had previously
spend five summers in their RV and, because they enjoyed it so much, they
eventually bought a condo. Winter�me des�na�ons included Wellton,
Maricopa, and now Casa Grande. Evelyn enjoys reading, doing cross s�tch,
and most any kind of cra� work. Evelyn and Larry s�ll love to travel this
beau�ful country and enjoy cooking dinner for friends as well.
This Deacon team, comprised of Ken & Judy Davenport and John & Marlene Grentzer, arranges volunteers to distribute
informa�on about the church on Sunday mornings. They also coordinate Connect Cards, maintain guest services
informa�on, and keep a schedule of volunteers for the Informa�on Kiosk. This year, they are also working to update
various church-related brochures.
Deacon Spotlight
Worship I believe we can all agree the ringing of the new Church Bell is an awesome way to begin our tradi�onal worship service in the sanctuary. The mood changes from all the busyness of gree�ng each other and catching up on the weeks ac�vi�es to a solemn, peaceful quietness. It’s �me to worship our King. “O Worship the King” is one of my favorite hymns, from the first verse……O worship the King, all glorious above, And gratefully sing his wonderful love; our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days, Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise…to the last verse….All hail to the King! In splendor enthroned; Glad praises we bring, Thy wonders made known. Returning victorious, great conqueror of sin, King Jesus, all glorious, our victory will win. Psalm 104:1 says “Praise the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, you are great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty.” Happy New Year and Blessings to you all. Travis
As 2019 ends, it is a blessing to look back and remember your love and how you responded to our many requests.
You gave and kept on giving.
We filled 93 shoeboxes with gi�s for children overseas. We provided gi�s for 50 Angel Tree children. Two families
will celebrate Christmas because of you.
Get ready for 2020 because we will even ask for the shoes off your feet!
Thank you for your love and your support.
Missions
Seeds of Hope Thank you to everyone for your financial support and in volunteering at our many different programs. As we close the year there is another way you can support us and get an Arizona Tax Credit for yourselves! You can reduce the amount of tax owed to the state of AZ dollar for dollar. The maximum amount con�nues to be $400 for an individual and $800 if you are filing jointly. A win, win for everyone!! We hope you are able to join us for our 5K walk / run on Saturday January 4th 2020 at Dave White park. It’s a great way to start the off the year ge�ng you going on your individual exercise plan. Save the date for our annual dinner on Saturday February 15th 2020. This years event will be back in Casa Grande at the Property Conference Center. Tickets are $50 each or $450 for a table of 10. We are working on a speaker from the Fellowship of Chris�an Athletes (FCA) to be our key note mo�va�onal speaker. Thank you to everyone for their con�nued support. You are truly the hands and feet of Jesus in our community. It is such a blessing represen�ng you in all we do. For more details please contact us at 836-6335 or visit our website at www.seedso�opeaz.com. Blessings Mark Vanderheyden
Congrega�onal Life The Grace Groups annual giving thanks luncheon was well a�ended by all the grace groups along with some poten�al members. This event with great food, fellowship and sharing was held on November 22 in Room 17. Women’s Ministry – A bus load of FPC women travelled to Sco�sdale on Saturday, December 7th to enjoy a Christmas bazaar, lunch and the long-an�cipated book signing and presenta�on by the well-known author, Liz Cur�s Higgs. Senior Ministry, under the direc�on of the enthusias�c Elizabeth Elgin, represented FPC with a float in the Electric Light Parade on December 7th for the second year. Deacons Mee�ng: At the December 12th mee�ng the Deacons were told by Denny Honodel they would be no�fied a�er the December 15 no�fica�on deadline if any members in their parish have been taken off the membership list. It appears that the two Deacon openings will soon be filled by Ann Collis and Jim & Karen Morphew. To remove some of the guesswork out of serving communion, Denny Honodel gave a presenta�on on how to work with your partner to avoid confusion. Maybe he will present this to the Elders, as well, at our December Session mee�ng. Women’s Ministry held their annual Single Ladies Brunch on Saturday, December 14. It was a fes�ve event that included the “Stretched Cords” quartet, Bible Bingo and everyone went home with handmade gi�s. Elder/Deacon Dinner was hosted at the Honodels on Saturday, December 14th. Great food, great hosts and great fellowship! Marge Jantz
Beginning January 8 at 10:00 am in Room 17, Women’s Bible Study will be studying 31 Proverbs to Lighten Your Path
by Liz Cur�s Higgs. Contact Donita Godwin to purchase the book. The cost will be $7.00.
Women’s Bible Study
January 2020 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
2 8:00 Men’s Fellowship 1:00 Adamavich Grace Group
3 6:45 Al-Anon 10:00 AA
4 6:45 AA 7:30 Traffic School 6:30 Al-Anon 6:30 AA
5 8:30 Worship 9:45 Adult Sunday School 10:00 Worship 11:11 Children’s Sunday School 11:11 Worship
6 1:00 Senior Ministry Games 6:00 Cub Scouts
7 10:15 Music Rehearsal 3:30 Praise Team
8 10:00 Women’s Bible Study 5:00 Bell Choir
9 8:00 Men’s Fellowship 1:00 Put Away Christmas Decora�ons 4:15 pm Deacons
10 6:45 Al-Anon 10:00 AA 6:00 Talent Show 6:30 Godwin Grace Group
11 6:45 AA 7:30 Traffic School 8:30 Montlure Board 6:30 Al-Anon 6:30 AA
12 8:30 Worship 9:45 Adult Sunday School 10:00 Worship 11:11 Children’s Sunday School 11:11 Worship
13 1:00 Senior Ministry Games 6:00 Cub Scouts
14 10:15 Music Rehearsal 3:30 Praise Team
15 10:00 Women’s Bible Study 5:00 Bell Choir 5:45 Fellowship 6:15 Adult Bible Study
16 8:00 Men’s Fellowship 1:00 Adamavich Grace Group 3:00 Memorial Commi�ee
17 6:45 Al-Anon 10:00 AA
18 6:45 AA 7:30 Traffic School 9:30 Kairos 6:30 Al-Anon 6:30 AA
19 8:30 Worship 9:45 Adult Sunday School 10:00 Worship 11:11 Children’s Sunday School 11:11 Worship
20 1:00 Senior Ministry Games 5:00 Missions
21 10:00 Women’s Ministry 10:15 Music Rehearsal 3:30 Praise Team
22 10:00 Women’s Bible Study 5:00 Bell Choir 5:45 Fellowship 6:15 Adult Bible Study
23 8:00 Men’s Fellowship 3:00 Early Bird Dinner Buffet (Golden Corral) 5:30 Session
24 6:45 Al-Anon 10:00 AA Joint Presbytery Mee�ng 6:30 Godwin Grace Group
25 6:45 AA 7:30 Traffic School Joint Presbytery Mee�ng 6:30 Al-Anon 6:30 AA
26 8:30 Worship 9:45 Adult Sunday School 10:00 Worship 11:11 Children’s Sunday School 11:11 Worship
27 1:00 Senior Ministry Games 6:00 Cub Scouts
28 10:15 Music Rehearsal 3:30 Praise Team
29 10:00 Women’s Bible Study 5:45 Fellowship 6:15 Bible Study
30 8:00 Men’s Fellowship
31 5:00 Spaghe� Dinner
Ministry Connec�on
Bell Choir Kim Freyermuth, Susan Quintanar Chancel Choir June Graber Choir Accompanist Kim Freyermuth Custodian Harold Lovell Nursery A�endants Jasmin Diaz Alison Gomez Office Manager Heather McNu� Organist Jane Ethington Pastor Rev. Paul Elgin Pastor of Caring Min. Bill Heinle Seeds of Hope Mark Vanderheyden Sexton Pete Vogel Special Event Coord. Renee Lovell Stephen Ministry Bill Heinle Trad’l Worship Music Roberta Doerges Women’s Bible Study Donita Godwin Women’s Ministry Renee Lovell
Phone: (520) 836-5981 Office Hours: Monday-Thursday
7:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. (closed for lunch 12:30-1:30)
E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
www.firstpresbyteriancasagrande.com h�ps://www.facebook.com/
firstpresbyterianCG
How To Reach Us
Session
Jim Antholz (Proper�es) [email protected] Eric Bertness (Finance) [email protected] Travis Bo� (Worship) [email protected] Vicki Cooper (Missions) [email protected] Ronny Douglass (Personnel) [email protected] Jean Gomez (Chris�an Educa�on) [email protected] Dean Haug (Proper�es) [email protected] Lester Hehr (Finance) [email protected] Marge Jantz (Congrega�onal Life) [email protected] Bruce Nyman (Proper�es) [email protected] Larry Rucas (Finance) [email protected] Reg Wax (Missions) [email protected] Treasurer: Gary Ellis Clerk of Session: Kay Svedjan
Deacon Parish Assignments
Jackie Shinn Moderator Diane Goodman (Funerals) A-Bo Renee Lovell Br-Bu DeeLane Heinle C-Coo Evelyn Rucas (Meals) Cop-Et Ev-Gre Ken & Judy Davenport (Guest Services) Gri-Jac Cathleen Rafferty (Cathleen Rafferty) Jah-La Ki�y Bertness (Funerals) Le-Mod Marcey Honodel (Meals) Moe-Pic DeeLane Heinle Pl-Sch Renee Lovell (Awareness) Scl-Thu John & Marlene Grentzer (Guest Services) Tow-Z
Vision Statement: Belong to God and to each other
Believe God’s word Be more like Christ
Build a be�er community
Annual Report Deadline is Thursday, January 16. All ministry leaders
please have typed reports to Heather in the church office by this date.
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