FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

2160 Delmar Avenue

Granite City, Illinois 62040

FROM THE PASTOR,

August is upon us, and kids will be starting back to school. It still is summer, however, and there is time to do some summer reading. I would like to suggest a new book by a popular Christian author, Brian D. McLaren, entitled A New Kind of Christianity: Ten Questions That Are Transforming the Faith.

One of McLaren’s ten questions he calls "The Authority Question." Under this question, he asks how the Bible should be understood in one chapter. Then, he suggests a refreshing change in a second chapter, "From Legal Constitution to Community Library," and in a third chapter, "Revelation Through Conversation."

Another interesting question is "The Jesus Question." In a chapter, McLaren asks, "Who Is Jesus and Why Is He Important?" Then he discusses "Jesus Outside the Lines" in a second chapter.

A third question addresses something that is a concern to many Christians today. It is "The Church Question." McLaren addresses the church question in a chapter entitled "What Do We Do About the Church?" Drawing on the apostle Paul, McLaren says simply that the church "must be above all a school of love." The way we teach love is by enabling people to engage in spiritual formation intentionally. Therefore, he concludes that one main purpose of the church today is the "spiritual formation of Christ-like people who follow the way of love."

All ten of McLaren’s questions are interesting and important for understanding Christianity today by placing fresh and creative perspectives before us that make us stop and think about what and why we believe. Take the opportunity to do your summer reading and enter the theological dialogue!

In the peace of Christ,

Pastor Fowler

Note: Rev. Fowler will be on vacation July 19-August 1 and August 23-29.

Study leave is August 16-22.

JULY 2010 Session Summary

July Session Summary – No meeting was held in July.

Next meeting will be Monday, August 9 at 6:30 p.m.

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     Jesus Loves the Little Children Moment:

August 1 Amy Lybarger

August 8 Regina Bright

August 15 Sandy Kozyak and Puppets

August 22 Regina Bright

August 29 Jack Jenkins & Marti Chenault

                    Deacon Teams:

August 1 August 8

Shirley DeCourcy Matt Kozyak

Sam Brown Jeff Frost

Alyssa Upshaw Marti Chenault

Laura Guenther Scott Chenault

August 15 August 22

Betty Miles-Smith Matt Kozyak

Norma Macios Laura Guenther

Pat Gantt Marti Chenault

Alyssa Upshaw Scott Chenault

August 29

Jeff Frost

Sam Brown

Pat Gantt

Susan Morgan

August 8 TBA

August 15 TBA

August 22 TBA

August 29 TBA

The VBS committee is asking for donations of applesauce (individual cups), pudding cups, teddy grams, and fruit snacks for the children’s lunch bags.  Donations will be accepted at the church through Sunday, August 1, 2010. Thank you for your support.

V.B.S. Mission: Youth/children to bring household/hygiene items.

Collection will go to our local Community Care Food Pantry.

Closing Program: Friday, August 6 at 11 a.m.

We appreciate your prayers for our Vacation Bible School. Please ask God to bring children to our program so they can know and grow in Jesus, who makes all things new! Please pray for our adult teachers, teacher helpers, teen helpers and other adult helpers during this important mission.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

The SEAFARERS will hold a RUMMAGE SALE in the Fellowship Hall on Friday and Saturday, August 27 and August 28. We hope that you will contribute something you no longer use or need. The following items would be appreciated:

Clothing that is clean and slightly used.

Household items such as dishes and linens; toys and electrical appliances in good working order; books, jewelry, knick-knacks, and SMALL pieces of furniture. PLEASE NO OLD COMPUTERS.

We ask that you wait and bring items to the church after

Vacation Bible School ends, August 6.

There will be a Bake Sale in connection with the Rummage Sale.

Contributions to the sale will be greatly appreciated.

So mark your calendar – Friday & Saturday, August 27 & 28.

Come and shop at the Seafarers’ Sale.

CALENDAR FOR AUGUST 2010

9:45 a.m. Worship Service

9:55 a.m. Nursery and Sunday School

9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School

9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School

9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School

7:00 p.m. Mission Study Team Meeting

9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School

9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School

11:00 a.m. VBS – Closing Program

9:45 a.m. Worship Service - Communion

9:55 a.m. Nursery and Sunday School

6:30 p.m. Session Meeting

7:00 p.m. Mission Study Team Meeting

9:45 a.m. Worship Service

9:45 a.m. Worship Service

9:55 a.m. Nursery and Sunday School

TBA – Seafarers’ Rummage Sale

TBA – Seafarers’ Rummage Sale

9:45 a.m. Worship Service

9:55 a.m. Nursery and Sunday School

2:15 p.m. Morning Glory – Granite Nursing & Rehab Center’s birthday party

Don’t forget Vacation Bible School.

First Presbyterian Church First Press is published for members and friends of the church to promote its program and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

STAFF WORSHIP

Rev. Gene Fowler, Interim Minister Sunday 9:45 a.m.

Diane Wheeler, Clerk of Session

Jack Jenkins, Director of Music/Organist DEADLINES

Beverley Scroggins, Choir Director Sunday Bulletins – Noon Wednesday First Press – August 2010 Newsletter

Jennifer George, Nursery Supervisor due July 22, 2010

Nancy Kuehnl, Secretary

Edie Terziovski, Financial Secretary OFFICE INFORMATION