“Making Sense of God: An Invitation to the …

1 Welcome to first presbyterian church of Bonita Springs! Whether you re a resident of Southwest florida or just visiting, we invite you to participate in any of the following worship, study, mission or fellowship opportunities available at first church . So, as you plan your week, be sure to put first things first ! ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 18, 2018 first presbyterian church | BONITA SPRINGS And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever the Spirit of truth. John 14:16-17 (NIV) FEBRUARY MEMORY VERSE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY Sunday Morning Classes | 10:10-10:50 AM : The Via Dolorosa Starts today | Great Room During Lent, our focus is on the Via Dolorosa (Latin for Way of Suffering ) as we journey with Je-sus from His trial to the ultimate place of His crucifixion and death.

2 The foundation of each session will be Gospel accounts and Bibli-cal references for each part of Christ s Passion. Celebration of Discipline with Dr. Al Barrow Through April | Price Chapel Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard Foster is hailed by many as the best modern book on Christian spirituality. Exploring the classic dis-ciplines of our faith, it looks at each spiritual practice and what Scripture has to say about it. Dr. Al Barrow is leading this class as we consider how to deepen our Christian faith and walk. Book available for purchase in the BookCenter. Please note: Due to the Women s Great Banquet weekend taking place on campus, Sunday morning CE classes will not be held next Sunday, February 25. Monday Pastor s Study: Our Nation s African American Founding Fathers February 19 | 7 PM | CenterPoint Richard Allen and Absalom Jones were both former slaves.

3 Despite this and the many insults and struggles they endured at the hands of the white pop-ulation, Allen and Jones mobilized their respective congregations in one of the most selfless acts of Christian service in our nation s early history. During the yellow fever epidemic which hit the city of Philadelphia in the summer of 1793, many people including the President and others in national government fled the city. Even though African Ameri-cans succumbed to the disease at the same rate as whites, they courageously entered the homes of white people and nursed them. Theirs was a testimony of two men who had embraced their Sav-ior Jesus as the Lord of their lives. Learn more about Allen and Jones in this class led by Pastor Steven Grant. CE news continued on next page PAGE 2 first THINGS first _____ Dimitrie Todorov European Christian Mission International (ECMI) BULGARIA Dimitrie is the national director for New Hope Bulgaria which is a part of ECMI.

4 New Hope Bulgaria serves to mobilize, equip and enable the local churches in Bulgaria to reach people from all walks of life and make disciples of Jesus Christ. The ministry exists to encourage believers to practically share the love of Christ and His Gospel and thus fulfill the Great Commission in our own genera-tion. New Hope Bulgaria is a field-driven ministry that invests energy, talent, and funds to raise a new generation of Chris-tian workers in Bulgaria. New Hope is also involved with providing spiritual and physical needs to the many Syrian and Iraqi refugees in Bulgaria. Visit for more information. Dimitrie and his wife Maria are serving at the Men s and Women s Great Ban-quets again this year and will be at the Missions kiosk in McClure Hall after ser-vices today.

5 Please stop by and say hel-lo, receive an update, and let them know you are praying for them. Around the Corner, Around the World CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY CONTINUED Pastor s Evening Bible Study: Stories from the Road Every other week through March Next session: Tuesday, February 27 6:30 PM | CenterPoint Join Pastor Allen Walworth s study of the parables unique to the Gospel of Luke, as told by Jesus on his final journey to Jerusalem. Ses-sions begin with fellowship and light refreshments, fol-lowed by the study at 7 PM. Each class is stand-alone and features a new parable, so feel free to join us at any point during the study. CLASS SCHEDULE: Feb. 27: The Barren Fig Tree (Luke 13:1-9) Mar. 13: The Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-32) Mar. 27: The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) That Weird and Wonderful Book: Introduction to the Book of Revelation Thursdays in February | 4 PM | Student Min.

6 Ctr. Join Pastor Steven Grant as he offers an overview of this book, which has been a source of inspiration for poets, hymn writers, composers and artists. For centuries, because of the Apostle John s creative lan-guage, the Book of Revelation has caused confusion and bewil-derment. Many sincere believers avoid this splendid part of God s Word out of fear that it will make little Sense . But this book has served as a fount of blessing and encouragement for believers through the ages. Pastor Grant will help us to under-stand its purpose, literary style and how to search its treasures of meaning so that you will be able to em-brace this tremendous gift of the Holy Spirit. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is writ-ten in it, because the time is near.

7 Revelation 1:3 CE news continued on page 5 first THINGS first PAGE 3 _____ IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS Our Prayer Chain continues to pray for all who have asked for prayer. Even though an individual s name may appear once in this section, be assured that our prayer warriors are persistent in their work and continue to pray for all who have requested prayer. To be added or removed from the Prayer Chain, call Sherri Feeley (239-992-2726), or place a written request in our prayer box at the Welcome Desk. Special Prayers Please remember Lynn Blake, Chuck Gilmore, Bob Graham, Trish King, Betty Tepsic. Our Christian sympathy goes out to: Maxine Saul on the death of her husband, Terry Saul, August 26; and Jack Keaton on the death of his wife, Fancheon (Fan) Keaton, on February 12.

8 A memorial service will be held for Fan Keaton on Friday, March 2 at 2 PM in the Chapel. Pastoral Care The Pastors, Parish Nurses, Deacons and Visitation Team are available as needs arise. If you or some-one you know has been hospitalized, requests a visit or needs prayer, let us know. Please contact the Parish Nurse office (239-992-3233 ext. 296). PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Our prayer shawls are made by volunteers and blessed by one of our pastors before they are given to those facing difficult times. Anyone willing to knit or crochet a shawl according to our easy instructions is welcome to join us. For more information, visit the Prayer Shawl kiosk today or contact Polly Grafton (239-949-4632). PARISH NURSE MINISTRY & PREPAREDNESS MINISTRY Health & Wellness Event: Let Food Be Thy Medicine!

9 Part 1: Tuesday, Feb. 27 | 3:30-5 PM A Model for Healthy Living Part 2: Wednesday, Feb. 28 | 2-4 PM Removing the Confusion Both meet in the Great Room first church is blessed to host this two-part series on the importance of good nutrition on overall health and wellness. Dr. Terri Sackl (daughter of FPC mem-bers John & Connie Sackl) is a retired pediatrician who currently practices pre-ventative medicine. Using scientifically proven methods, she coaches individuals on how to take charge of their health with good nutrition. Dr. Sackl will share her personal success with the holistic ap-proach when challenged with her own health issues in 2010. Kate Rittase will be joining Terri to dis-cuss the relationship between health and finances. Her journey to better health began while working at one of the most exclusive restaurants in Pebble Beach.

10 She wants to help motivate us to achieve a healthy lifestyle so we can help others. For more information, visit the Deacons kiosk this morning during first Stop. You may also contact the Parish Nurse Office or 239-992-3233 ext. 296). All are invited to join us for coffee & refreshments, fellowship time, and sign-up opportunities in McClure Hall after worship. TODAY S KIOSKS Men s Ministry | Missions | Prayer Shawl Ministry | Single Direction Ministry | Tickets PAGE 4 first THINGS first _____ Saturdays at 5:30 PM Modern worship music and traditional hymns led by Randy & Lori Thomas Pastor s Message (same as on Sunday) Casual atmosphere The first service of the weekend join us!