The Prayer Shawl Ministry, Part 2

Our Prayer Shawl Ministry has 12 ladies who knit and crochet.  They just sent to Luke Air Force Base's Airman's Attic and to Hospice in Peoria a total of 159 beautifully handcrafted items. These are photos from the packing session.  Thanks to all who have helped with donations of yarn, coupons, and money to buy yarn.  They have just received a nice donation outside of the church for yarn, but still need more yarn, coupons, and/or money to buy yarn.

For more information about the Prayer Shawl Ministry, please see this post from August, or call the church office.  We are very proud of these ladies and their good work!

International Peacemaking

The conflicts in the Middle East have certainly been in the news a lot recently. Secretary of State John Kerry has made headlines by working to again bring the Israeli and Palestinians to the peace negotiating table. In the face of these negotiations, an announcement has been made of the approval of an additional 3000 new homes in Jewish settlements within the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

What is the real situation “on the ground” in Israel and Palestine? We have several opportunities to increase our understanding of the complexities of matters in the Holy Land.

An International Peacemaker is coming to Arizona to share her first-hand knowledge and experience with us. The Peace and Justice Network of the Presbytery of Grand Canyon is pleased to sponsor the visitor, Nora Kort, a Palestinian Christian and International Peacemaker. Arrangements for her to visit Presby-terian churches in our area were made through the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program of the PCUSA. Ms. Kort was born and raised in Jerusalem.

Nora Kort will be speaking at University Presbyterian Church in Tempe on Saturday, October 19th at 10:00 a.m. Nora was one of the co-authors of the Kairos Palestine document – a Moment of Truth. This document is the Christian Palestinian’s word to the world about what is happening in Palestine. She will be speaking about Kairos Palestine also at University Church on Saturday, October 19th at 1:00 p.m.

Faith Presbyterian Church in Sun City has invited Ms. Kort to present the message at the 10:00 a.m. worship service on Sunday, October 20th. Another opportunity to hear her will be at Desert Palms Presbyterian Church in Sun City West at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 20th.

Don't miss one of these opportunities to hear Ms. Kort speak!

Celebrating Our Veterans

Veterans Day is November 11, during the period of our Season of Celebration, and we would like to celebrate the veterans in our congregation. If you are a veteran, send us a photo taken of you in your uniform and we will share it as part of our Veterans Day observance. All physical photos will be returned—or, if you’ve scanned your pictures, email us a digital copy and we’ll print it out. If you send us your story, too, we’ll share it on our Anniversary Blog. Let us celebrate YOU!

Presbyterian Women - October

September PW Gathering
Speaker Donna Yordy, PW Presbytery Moderator,
shared her mission experiences in Appalachia.

Fall has arrived!  We are resuming our activities and it is good to be together.  I hope you had a good summer and are ready to enjoy the fellowship which Presbyterian Women can provide.

Telling the Story
 
The theme of the programs at our Gatherings this year will be “Let’s Get Acquainted.”  We will have speakers from our own congregation!  They will speak on their life experiences and you are guaranteed to be entertained.

Our first program speaker will be Carol Maxwell.  Her program is “Growing Pains.”  She will be featured at our October 23^rd Gathering which will be a Salad Luncheon at 11:30 a.m.  Make plans to attend.  A sign-up sheet will be available in October.

Presbyterian Women donated $875 dollars to Agua Fria Food Bank for 25 school uniforms for children unable to purchase them.  We appreciate your support which gives us this opportunity.

We recognize those who have birthdays each month.  There are two ladies that decorate a table at Swain Hall.  This happens the second Sunday of the month at coffee following church service.  If you have any special “goodies” (cake, cookies) you would like to donate let Billie Lewis know.

Circles are meeting now.  If you have not attended one, please visit.  All women of the church are invited.  You can look forward to a Bible Study, friendship, and fellowship with other women in an intimate setting.  The Bible Study this year is the “Presence of God in Exodus and Deuteronomy.”

Circles meet as follows:

• Circle #1—Second Tuesday of the month at 1:00 p.m. in Annex 2
• Circle #2 Rachel Circle—Second Tuesday of the month at 2:30 p.m. in Annex 2
• Circle #3—Second Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. in Annex 2

Reminders:

• Saturday, October 5, is Presbytery Women Workshop at our church, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Bring kitchen and bath shower items for those who lost homes in Yarnell.
• Deadline for registration for the Synod of the Southwest Gathering in Albuquerque is October 4.  Contact Diane Nestlebush for a registration form or information.
• Next CT Meeting is Wednesday, October 2, at 9 a.m. in Annex 2.

Blessings to all of you.  I hope to see you soon at one of our gatherings.

~Diane Nestlebush, Moderator

The Party Girls are Back!

Last month we posted photos and a spoof newspaper from Rev. Clarke's retirement party.  The party, which is still talked about by everyone who attended, was planned by the “Party Girls.”  The Party Girls are Wanda Morrill and Gitta Opatz, and they’ve agreed to be the co-chairs of the 50th Anniversary Planning Committee.

With the Party Girls at the helm, we can be sure that the 50th anniversary celebrations will be fun and memorable—and include free ice cream!  Watch this blog for further details!

Coming in October

Part of our Season of Celebration!

Come walk down memory lane with the Stone Soup Troupe at our October 16 Fellowship Dinner.  We will have brats and burgers at 5:30 p.m. followed by the program at 6:00.

More about the Stone Soup Troupe:

In May 1998 the idea for a Readers' Theater Group was conceived.  Thanks to the encouragement of some members of All Saints of the Desert Episcopal Church of Sun City, Nancy Esty, the wife of a retired United Methodist minister, decided to use her gifts to organize a group.  The group would consist of persons interested in reading brief selections of short stories and poetry from classic and contemporary literature woven around a theme.  The presentations would be divided into sections with musical interludes which would offer time for reflection.  Presentations would be around 55 minutes.

The organizational meeting was held in September 1998 at the home of Nancy and Marshall Esty.  Eleven persons were present.  From this group came a pianist, production manager, eight readers and director.  Nancy Esty became the director of the group newly named "The Stone Soup Troupe."  The membership of the group continued to change slightly from year to year as some members left and new members entered.  In the beginning the Troupe was housed in a single church but in the year 2008 expanded its Ecumenical focus with members from several congregations.  It is now based at Church of the Palms in Sun City.

The butter fly is a Christian symbol.  The Stone Soup Troupe decided to wear a butterfly pin to proclaim that from the "old and familiar" readings and music arise new growth, insight and relevance for our life today.  The Stone Soup Troupe's name is derived from an old folktale which tells of a traveler who arrives in a community one day and seeks a bowl of soup to appease his hunger.  Being given a stone instead of bread, the traveler borrows a pot, draws water and puts the stone on to boil.  As community residents come over to the boiling pot and ask to taste the soup, they each have some item they are sure will make the soup even better.  As they add to the soup, the aroma attracts others who add still more items.  Eventually, all the participants are nourished by the "stone soup" to which they have contributed and helped to prepare.  The traveler packs up the stone and moves on.

The purpose of the Stone Soup Troupe continues to be to uplift the spirits of all and to encourage the reading of good literature.  The Troupe hope to nourish all those who will feast on the readings they offer.  The group has performed and will continue to perform for various clubs, Life Care Centers, churches and temples, libraries, the Art Museum of the Northwest Valley, country clubs and retirement complexes.

For the year of 2013-2014, the Stone Soup Troupe will read poems and short stories around these themes:

• October and November - "Memories Grow in Value."  Making memories, sharing memories, and acting on your memories.
• December - "The Holiday Season 2013."  Celebrating the holidays with friends, the spirit of Santa Claus, and the giving and receiving of gifts.
• February, March, and April - "Finding Your Hero."  Heroes in the past, heroes in recent times and unnoticed heroes.

The Stone Soup Troupe enters its 16th season entertaining audiences with readings that are humorous as well as though-provoking - a veritable feast for the mind and soul.

The 2013-2014 Music Season is Here!

Three reasons why it's easy to take part in our music program:

• You don't have to audition.
• You don't have to retire when you're 60.
• We will welcome you enthusiastically!

Choir performances resume on Sunday, October 6, with the congregation's return to the Sanctuary for worship services.  Rehearsals start this Wednesday, September 25, at 6:30 p.m. in the choir (Westminster) Room.  Come meet our new director, Bill Gleason, and our pianist, Kelsey McKee.

If you can't sing - or even if you can - consider joining our new handbell group.  Our leader, Sherrill Tyacke, is enthusiastic and experienced.  You don't need to be able to read music; if you can count to six, you can ring.  Practices will be 1:00 - 2:30 on Wednesday afternoons in Annex 1, starting October 2.

Join us in making a joyful noise to the Lord.  We want YOU for our music program!

Rekindling the Fire

Rev. Harrell Davis

"I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided..." Luke 12: 49-52

Sometimes Jesus resorted to hyperbole to make a point. The Prince of Peace did not literally imply that discipleship would cause animosity and chaos. What he meant was simply that some people would catch the vision of transformation and possibility that began when he was born. And others would reject the Good News.

James A. Parente is the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota. He describes innovation as a function of "disruptive thinking." "Such disruption often provides a critical advantage that enables a new process or technology to thrive … To think disruptively is to challenge accepted ways of thinking, explore new paths, learn from failure, and, ultimately, devise solutions to vexing problems." Parente, Disruptive Thinking, Reach: College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota, Winter 2012.

I understand disruptive thinking as a concept, but I would suggest that the objective be more salutary than simply solving problems. Albert Einstein said, "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." In other words, we need more; we need innovation.

In the ancient world, family was the glue that held society together. Family structure, typically patriarchal, defined the boundaries of society. When Jesus said, "from now on five in one household will be divided...," he recognized that change and transformation will be seen by some as a challenge to tradition. But where some see challenge others see opportunity.

Elsewhere in this blog you'll read about an inquiry into what we appreciate about this congregation. This Appreciative Inquiry will enable a planning group to create a celebration worthy of our fifty year anniversary.

I encourage you to be part of that inquiry. I encourage you to get involved so that we can celebrate our history, and move forward creatively and innovatively into the future. We have fifty years of blessings to share and with God's help, new pathways, opportunities, and possibilities to explore. Let's rekindle the fire! Thanks be to God!

~Harrell

Celebrating Former Pastors

One of the elements to be included in this year's anniversary celebration is an acknowledgement of our former pastors and their wives. Here is a photo of some of them from a previous anniversary party:

 

Photos from "Appreciating Our Anniversary"

This week First Presbyterian Church of Sun City held an Appreciative Inquiry summit on "Appreciating Our Anniversary," where we discussed what we want to include in our anniversary celebrations this year.  Among the most popular ideas were a catered dinner, inviting the church's neighbors to join the celebrations, honoring past leadership, Bible study, and finding a new focus for mission.  Here are a few photos from the event:

A Season of Celebration

Telling the Story: Rev. Nascimento

Beneficiary Deed

 

Volunteers at Rev. Nascimento's home

I, Lemuel C. Nascimento, a single man, Grantor, hereby convey to FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 12225 No. 103rd Avenue, Sun City, Arizona 85351-3501, Grantee, effective on my death, the following-described real property situated in Maricopa County ...

With this brief directive, Rev. Lemuel "Lem" C. Nascimento made a final act of generosity and support for the ministry and mission of the Presbyterian Church. Rev. Nascimento was a retired Presbyterian minister who, with the help and support of Elder Roy Pruett, purchased a Niche in our church's Columbarium on October 2, 2002. This act of kindness by Roy has now been carried forward by Rev Nascimento with this gift of his Gemini home and a certificate of deposit of $50,127.70.

In addition to numerous bookshelves of theology books, Lem left behind binders with articles and sermons, his Statement of Faith and religious experience. These documents reach out to us now and help us understand his decision to make this very generous gift to our church.

Lem writes:

I know that through all the passing minutes I live by God's grace, love, and forgiveness in Jesus Christ our Lord. The power of God's Spirit is what keeps me ongoing and alive. God's grace has been the strength of my life.

The Church's words and works, its whole life of mission, are to be a witness to what God has done, is doing and will do in Christ. But this word 'witness' cannot possibly mean that the Church stands against the world, detached from it and regarding it from a position of superior self-righteousness. Christians are God's people in the world.

By the spirit we are enabled to press forward as ambassadors of Christ and also to anticipate with sure confidence for the final victory of God's love, for the resurrection of our bodies and for the life everlasting, of which God has given us most sure promises.

Rev. Nascimento's writings and gifts are celebrations of God's love and grace. His witness is a reminder to us of God's abundance and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thanks be to God.

Telling the Story: Max Littlejohn

I want to tell you a story about my congregation, the First Presbyterian Church. I became a member of this church, along with my wife, Gretchen, in 1995.

For over 50 years the people of First Presbyterian Church have provided witness to God's amazing love right here in Sun City, Arizona. The people have lived God's love, shared God's love and declared God's love in ministry and mission both in our community and throughout the world.

Many of you have learned what I've learned in my years of involvement in our congregation; individuals may come and go, but the mission and witness of the church continues. I am part of this church because of the mission of this church. Stewardship is the way our congregation supports the ministry and mission of our church.

Your pledge, along with mine, continues the work of Telling the Story, today and tomorrow. Your pledge provides the resources needed to:

• Grow in our faith and celebrate together through worship, fellowship, ministry to those in our community in time of need, caring for and sharing our love with others.
• Support mission locally, nationally and internationally through outreach to communities and people around the globe.
• Bear witness to God by caring for our church campus and being a visible presence of God's love.

Please join me in prayerfully considering your pledge for the ministry and mission of our church as we plan for the coming year. By making your pledge today you help the Session make wise decisions for how to continue Telling the Story of God's love, through the ministry and mission of First Presbyterian Church.

Sincerely,
Elder Max Littlejohn

October's University of Life Schedule

University of Life returns to First Presbyterian on Friday, October 4^th, with our 8:30AM Continental Breakfast to enjoy with friends. Guests are always welcome at these informal gatherings that are of interest to aware Christians. Please bring a friend and join us in Swain Hall; the class begins promptly at 9AM and runs for a short hour.

On October 4^th the award-winning DVD of the Seven Parables of Jesus will be shown in its entirety. This DVD is fifty-eight minutes long so please be sure your coffee cup is filled before it starts; you won’t want to miss a minute of this exquisite film.

Friday, October 11 will be a totally scientific film titled The Privileged Planet which describes the location and atmosphere that make our planet capable of supporting habitation. You will be amazed by the finely tuned factors that make earth suitable for complex life and will wonder if this was really only a coincidence or originated with a much deeper intelligence from within our cosmos.

October 18 brings our first guest speaker of the season. Rod Beale will share with us his testimony and life’s journey with God in The Plan. You will get to know Rod through his experiences and faith; his is a wonderful story to share.

Friday, October 25^th, will be a short DVD titled Lord, I’m Yours, Billy Graham. Ninety-four-year -old Evangelist Billy Graham was lovingly known as the “World’s Preacher;” he has ministered to more live audiences than any one else in history. Rev. Graham was the confidante of presidents and common people alike as his messages spread throughout the world.

Women's Ministry

Summer Season is coming to a close and soon we will be returning to our regular activities. Our church PW will be having some great programs this fall and winter and we hope that you will plan to be a part of our fellowship!

Planning with Purpose

 

Presbyterian Women Presbytery (Grand Canyon which we are a part of) Coordinating Committee will be holding a workshop at our church on Saturday, October 5, 2013 from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. Our Presbyterian Women (PW) group is hosting this workshop and PW Leaders past, future and present are invited. There will be workshops available, and opportunities to share program and mission ideas. Rob Fohr from PCUSA will be speaking to us. Lunch will be provided.

There will also be a kitchen and bath shower for those who lost homes in Yarnell. Bring items that you would use in your kitchen or bath. This is an opportunity to help those who suffered from that tragedy.

Registration: $4.00 Make checks payable to PW Women of the Presbytery. Leave your name and $4.00 at the office for Diane Nestlebush, Moderator, before September 27th.

Coming Up

 

Our September Gathering will be Wednesday, September 25th at 9:30 am in Swain Hall. It will be a Continental Breakfast. Our speaker will be Donna Yordy, PW Presbytery Moderator. She will be sharing her mission experience in Appalachia with us. You won't want to miss this! All ladies of the church are welcome. There will be a sign-up sheet in Swain Hall in September.

Also keep in mind that the deadline to register for the trip to Albuquerque N.M. Synod of the Southwest Gathering the weekend of November 8-10, 2013, is October 4, 2013. Contact Diane Nestlebush for information and registration forms.

Looking forward to a time of Bible study and fellowship with you all.

~Diane Nestlebush, Moderator

Monthly Fellowship Dinners

First Presbyterian sponsors at least one Fellowship Dinner a month where our members and friends can gather to enjoy food, fellowship, and entertainment.  Our dinners are usually held on the third Wednesday of the month in Swain Hall, but we also have special holiday celebrations such as our recent July 4 and Labor Day cookouts.

Here are the Fellowship Dinner events scheduled for this fall:

September 18
Subway sandwiches with all the toppings
Musical entertainment - Kelsey McKee, pianist

October 16
Brats and burgers cookout
Readers Theatre - Stone Soup Group

November 13
Our 50th anniversary celebration - details to be announced

Share Your Memories With Us!

As part of our anniversary celebration, we would like to put together a video that includes historic photos of our church and church events, and short interviews of members' memories of First Presbyterian.  If you have stories or photos you would be willing to share, please contact the church office.  Physical photos will be scanned and returned to you, or you can email digital photos.  If possible, please tell us when the pictures were taken and who is in them.  If you have stories to share instead, let us know whether you would prefer to have them in written or video form, and we will arrange to have someone interview or film you.

2013 Mollen Flu Shot Clinic

Come to our September Fellowship Dinner!

Call the church office to make your reservation; we want to be sure we have enough food!

Appreciating Our Anniversary

Join the Handbell Ringers!

It's Fall - It's Time for Choir Practice!

Stephen Ministers

"Stephen Ministries is a not-for-profit Christian education organization founded in 1975 that produces training and resources known for their excellence, practicality, psychological integrity, and theological depth. These resources cover topics such as caring ministry, assertive relating, spiritual gifts discovery, grief support, spiritual growth, and more.

"Congregations and other organizations use these resources to strengthen and expand ministry. Individuals use them to improve their ability to relate to and care for others, grow in faith, and journey through life crises."

~http://www.stephenministries.org/

First Presbyterian Church of Sun City is a Stephen Ministries congregation.  Our Stephen Ministers are available to those suffering bereavement, illness, or other personal crises for prayer and support. To arrange for a visit from a Stephen Minister, call the church office at 623-974-3605.

One of First Presbyterian's Stephen Ministers is prepared to spend some time with you!

If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, contact Gene Downing (623-933-0642) or another Stephen Minister at church.

What We Were Doing in 2003

The FPC Travelers of January 2003 traveled to Luke Air Force Base and the World Wildlife Zoo.
On February 11th the Men’s Fellowship Breakfast entertained all women of the church at the first annual Valentine’s Day Breakfast. Dr. Douglas Wright discussed the “minor prophets” at University of Life while the monthly trip for the FPC Travelers was to Rockin’ R. Ranch.

The St. Patrick’s toast, in The SPIRE, for March was: “May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been, the foresight to know where you’re going and the insight to know when you’ve gone too far”. The FPC Travelers visited the Art Museum that month. ;)During April, University of Life focused on the “process of aging” which included fraud protection, humor and graciousness.

In May a group continued helping at the Westside Food Bank. The FPC Travelers toured the Culinary Institute in Scottsdale and the featured soloist at the Fellowship Potluck was Eric Manuelito, a Native American Flute player. Our wonderful cook book was in its beginning stages and the first bus trip to Algodones for prescription drugs took place.

In June 2003 our church became a partner in the “Coalition for Habitat for Humanity” and welcomed all member help.  In July Elder Don Steinhardt held Friday Morning Movies, one of which was “Marty.” September 14th was “Grandparent’s Day” with hot dogs, face painting and balloons for the kids!  In October the FPC Travelers visited Zion and Bryce National Parks for an “overnighter.”

On November 2nd a catered luncheon was held to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church. Guests at the Potluck on the 18th were entertained with “Dinner Theater,” an “Old Fashioned Soap Opera” by church members. December 2003 ended with a new “sound and loop system” in the Sanctuary, donated by a group of very generous church members.  The year 2003 closed with a 5PM Christmas Eve service followed by a catered Christmas Dinner.

Max and Norma Clark, Lorelei Macrow, Barbara Anderson, Dale and Lillian Mabee, Craig and Mary Lou Mc Coy and Dora Munger became FPC members in 2003.

~Donna Roth

 

The Early 2000's (continued)

In January of 2002, Presbyterians, world wide, opened their pockets to donate more than 1.2 million in support of the World Trade Center bombing of September 11, 2001.  The February 3rd Souper Bowl raised $825.00.  Carol Arseth, R.N., began a “Weigh Down Worship, Inc.” program for weight control.  On April 1, Dr. David Glen Walker and wife, Shirley, left for New Zealand on a month long International Pastor Exchange with Rev. Ralph Penno and his wife, Ruth. Dr. Wright returned to University of Life for the month of May, speaking about the book of Genesis. In October the FPC Travelers took a train ride thru the Verde Canyon, enjoying a noon box lunch and dinner at Castle Rock Café. Norma Mack accepted the position of Front Office Administration Assistant/Financial Secretary in the church office. A “Fall Academy” was begun with classes ranging from Native American spirituality to computer E mails. Lila Miller and Jane Leef Hundley became First Church members in 2002.

Rev. Dr. Barklind

On September 15, Rev. Dr. John Barklind was presented as candidate for Senior Pastor by the PNC. On December 15 Grand Canyon Presbytery installed Rev. Barklind as Senior Pastor at the First Presbyterian Church of Sun City. Rev. Barklind, a Minnesota native, had served the First Presbyterian Church of Independence, MO, for nine years before being called to Sun City. The Barklinds have three daughters and six grandchildren. As a couple he and wife, Rosemary, shared their ministry of God and enjoyed many hobbies together, from traveling to cooking. They are now retired and living in Little Rock, AR.

~Donna Roth

The Early 2000's

Whew! Our computer clocks survived the move into a new century!

By January of 2000 the new Annex, which had been completed in December of 1999, was in use Sunday mornings with Bible Study led by Dr. David Glenn Walker. Rev. Clarke’s first four sermons in January were based on the TV series All in the Family! Rev. Otto Wedul had begun a group to call on church visitors in their homes. The Zabriskies took a group to the Holy Land in February as Wanda Morrell and Gitta Cryder Opatz planned a Valentine’s Day Party for church members. In March of 2000 Dr. David Steele spoke at University of Life telling “The Story of Moses”. In October the FPC Travelers visited the Kartchner Caverns and Tucson for 2 days. The Associate P.N.C. nominated Rev. Gary L. Kush to fill the position vacated by Rev. Rick Meyers. The year 2000 closed with a catered dinner for church members following the 5 PM Christmas Eve service. Among those joining the church in December were Max and Shirley McVicker, Iva Delle Filipi and Mary Lou and George Hall.

Rev. Dennis Clarke retired in Feb. of 2001 and Dr. David Glenn Walker stepped in as Interim Senior Pastor. Thirty-seven couples were celebrated at a 50th Anniversary Party in March. Nancy and Harry Wilson were honored by Grand Canyon Presbytery in April for “outstanding voluntary service to church and community.” For several years the Wilsons had collected Christmas money, toys and clothing for Agua Prieta, a mission on the border near Douglas, Az. On April 18th a large group left for Branson, Mo. for six days. A retirement party, planned by the “Party Girls,” was held on May 2nd for Rev. Dennis and Eileen Clark at Sundial Recreation Center. On July 1 Harvey and Joan Moore left on a six month pastoral mission tour to Maui. In October, University of Life discussed the proposed amnesty for illegal aliens. Educational seminars were held during the year on computer skills, financial issues, and HIV, and Jan Brewer spoke at a potluck about the current situation in the United States. Wayne Parker donated a piece of walnut wood for the creation of our currant Joash box. The carvings were done by Ken Lipp and the lining by Beryl Weylau. Rev. Kush offered a seminar on “Unplugging the Christmas Tree,” methods for coping with Christmas stress. The PNC would continue its search for a Senior Pastor as 2001 closed with a 5PM Christmas Eve Service and catered dinner.

~Donna Roth

Swain Hall

Swain Hall is First Presbyterian's fellowship hall.  Present since the church was first built, the hall has been constantly improved and upgraded over the years, and was renamed Swain Hall in honor of Rev. G. Christie Swain, our second Senior Pastor, who served the church from November 2, 1969 through February 28, 1974. 

The original Fellowship Hall was formally dedicated on October 19, 1966, three days after the dedication of the church itself.  The dedication of the hall was celebrated with a catered dinner featuring swiss steak, ice cream, and cookies.

Swain Hall seats 180 people, and both round and rectangular tables are available.  The front of the hall contains a stage with projection screen, a lectern, and a grand piano.  Restrooms and a kitchen and serving area with pass-through adjoin the hall.  This year all the upholstered chairs there have been professionally cleaned in anticipation of our 50th anniversary celebration.  For information about renting Swain Hall for meetings or receptions, please contact the church office at 623-974-3605.

First Presbyterian and AI

"Appreciative Inquiry is a collaborative, strength-based approach to both personal and organizational development that is proving to be highly effective in thousands of organizations and communities in hundreds of countries around the world. It is a way of bringing about change that shares leadership and learning - fully engaging everyone in the organization.

"By focusing on the organizations strengths, you can evolve into a true 'center of excellence'. Rather than focusing on problems, Appreciative Inquiry elicits solutions."

~http://centerforappreciativeinquiry.net/

Early in 2013, First Presbyterian Church of Sun City held its first Appreciative Inquiry (AI) Summit Meeting.  Involving as many of the members, associate members, and frequent attendees as possible, the summit identified our strengths (ministry, mission, and fellowship) and enabled our AI Task Force to create and distribute new brochures that better explain the benefits of belonging to our church.

Now it's time to Appreciate Our Anniversary.  This month we're holding an AI summit to kick the planning for our 50th anniversary celebration into high gear.  If you are one of our congregants, or interested in becoming one, we invite you to join us in Swain Hall from 3:00 to 5:00 pm on Wednesday, September 18, to share your ideas. Remember—two heads are better than one, and sometimes six or seven or 50 are even better!

The September Fellowship Dinner will follow at 5:30 with turkey and ham sandwiches and chips. Sign up for both events in Swain Hall after worship, or call the church office to RSVP.

Men's Breakfast Fellowship

For many years the men of our church have been getting together to enjoy breakfast and fellowship.  During the summer (June-September), the group meets at 7:00 am each Tuesday at the Royal Cafe, 10793 Grand Avenue in Sun City.  During the remainder of the year, they meet at 7:30 am on Tuesday at the church in Swain Hall.  All men are welcome - stop by and join us for breakfast and a good time!