FIRST CHURCH WELCOMES ANNE JOHNSON

First Church is basking in the joy of welcoming The Reverend Anne Johnson as Associate Minister of Christian Education.
Anne has gifts for ministry and expertise in Christian Education. As the weeks unfold let us draw together to strengthen ministry at First Church. The gifts and talents of the congregation are strong and varied. Together we move into the next 150 years of ministry a strong and committed faith community, equipping disciples to share the good news of God's love in Jesus Christ.

Nancy (left) presenting Bob and Anne with new books for the church library following the July 11th worship service. To view additional photos, click here.



ACT 2004
September 24 & 25
Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church
Richardson, Texas

WHAT IS ACT? ACT is Grace Presbytery's annual educational and leadership development event. ACT provides courses on a wide range of topics including teacher training, faith development, Bible study, and issues facing the Presbyterian Church. ACT is not just for Church School Teachers. You're sure to find many courses of interest to you. ACT 2004 will take place September 24 & 25 at Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church, Richardson. Early Registration is $20 per person. Later registration (after Sept. 1st) is $25.00 per person. Childcare and meals are offered with advance registration.
Meals: $7 for Friday dinner, $6 for Saturday lunch
Kid's Meal: $4 for Friday dinner or Saturday meals
Grace Kids and Child Care $10 per child

ACT II Returns
JUST FOR 7th-12th GRADERS
This event is high energy and loaded with food for the mind and the soul. The youth will be led by some of the very best youth leaders in the country: Jonathan Ogelsbee (theme speaker), Rob Alexander (music), and Steve Price (originator of the Energizer).

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

All Ages Wanted!!
What's happening with Sunday School during August?

Have you wondered why the offering comes after the sermon? How do the hymns get chosen? Why are there so many different kinds of prayer? Who needs worship?

If you cannot answer these questions very quickly or with confidence, we invite you to join us for three weeks of fun-filled discussion and activities about worship!

August 15 - "What is Worship Anyway?"
August 22 - "What in the World is LITURGY?"
August 29 - "Are We Just Christmas and Easter Christians?"

Intergenerational Sunday School begins Sunday, August 15th with brunch at
9:45 AM. The theme this summer is "Come Worship With Me!" For three Sundays, we will explore together the purpose of Christian worship, the structure of Presbyterian and Reformed worship and the ecumenical church seasons.
We become a stronger community of faith when we do the work of worship with both our hearts and our minds. The colors, sounds, sights, textures and smells of our worship space help us experience the mysteries of our faith. Let's be conscious worshippers with open hearts and open minds! Sign up sheets will be in Fellowship Hall beginning August 1st. Join us!


Inquirer's Class to begin in September!

What is a Presbyterian? Do I have any spiritual gifts? What is prayer? What does it mean to be part of a community of faith? What opportunities are there for helping others in Jesus' name?

If you have these or other questions about faith, joining the church, or just getting more involved at First Presbyterian, then you are invited to an Inquirer's Class. This four to five week adult class will begin on Sunday, September 12th at 9:45 AM in the sanctuary. For an hour each of those Sundays, Bob and Anne will lead discussions beginning with our faith in and common worship of God through Jesus Christ. We will touch on such topics as: Presbyterian History, stewardship, spiritual gifts and disciplines, and how to get involved at First Presbyterian. Please sign up by September 5th on the sheet in fellowship hall so that we have enough materials for everyone. Just to warn you, there will be some reading involved! This class will prepare those who want to join First Presbyterian and will challenge those who are already members. Hope to see you there!

MUSINGS

Wow! What a beginning! I've met so many new people and am already
getting invitations to play tennis and go water skiing! The youth group has
welcomed my daughter, Jessica, and I with well-targeted water balloons
(a COOL reminder of baptism!).

Now for the fun stuff! I've met with two committees, getting fall plans lined up. My calendar is beginning to fill with church retreats, teacher training, Presbytery events (ACT-Sept 24-25) and preaching Sundays (Bob gave me two for August!!). Bob already has me representing the church in an ecumenical Service of Blessing and Worship for Rockwall area teachers, staff and administrators on Sunday, August 22nd at 4:00 PM at First United Methodist (a gentle invitation to join other community members in getting the school year off to a good start). I hope that many of you will join us during the Christian Education hour for Intergenerational Sunday School beginning August 15th.

Enough about schedules! My practice has been to use this "Musings" space to share thoughts about faith and the Christian life. That's the plan for future "Musings." I also love to have dialogue about faith, so come in and talk with me sometime! My children, Jessica and Ryan think all of you are great, especially Bob! I can't wait for you to meet the older two, Shawn and Jason. I pray daily for all of you as we get to know each other and work together in Jesus' name.

Shalom,
Anne

CHURCH-WIDE RETREAT AT MO-RANCH

October 1, 2, & 3

Sign up sheet is in the fellowship hall. Total cost for the weekend including food is approximately $225 per family or couple and must be paid by September 15th. Checks payable to First Presbyterian Church (marked for Mo-Ranch).

YOUTH GROUP NEWS

MISSION TRIP: Angus would like to thank Erin Adams and David Dutsch
for their time and support during the Youth Mission trip to Goodland Presbyterian
Children's Home in Hugo OK, and Bob Reeves for his help with transportation.
A big thank you is also extended to the Presbyterian Women and Jo Eshelman for their financial contributions.
A movie about the mission trip is forthcoming!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Sunday August 15th, Church Wide Pot Luck Dinner 5:00 PM
Committees meet at 6:00 PM. Child care provided.

Saturday, August 21st, Day Retreat 9:00-3:00 PM
For all committees and perspective members at the church. Lunch provided.


SESSION MEETING: The regular stated meeting of the Session
will be Tuesday, August 24th at 7:30 PM in the conference room
(note change for August only from 3rd to 4th Tuesday)

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The Nominating Committee nominates church officers by receiving suggested names of members from the Congregation, prayerfully preparing a slate (of church officer nominees), and presenting the slate at the Annual Congregational meeting in October for election by the congregation.

The Congregation is asked to submit suggested names of members to serve as church officers to the Nominating Committee. You may do this by filling out the following form and leave it in the church office or give to a member of the nominating Committee.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE:
Carol Poole (Moderator)
Joanie Mehl
Bob Cotti


CHURCH OFFICER NOMINATION


NAME___________________________________________________


Signature (optional)________________________________________


WORSHIP COMMITTEE:
Large print Bibles are available for your use. The are located on the table in the
back of the sanctuary.

Elders are asked to sign up to serve communion. There is a sign up sheet on the counter in Fellowship Hall.

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

Immediately following morning worship August 15th, we'll gather in fellowship hall to celebrate all our August "Babies" birthdays. They are:

Kelly Case           Jason Mehl
John Crutchfield     Janet Reeves
Will Crutchfield     Chris Rinner
Gene Cuny            Brian Rinner
Lee Curtis           Wayne Rogers
Joy Ferguson         Andrea Roland
Dolores Gaertner     Ann Ruland
Elizabeth Gascoigne  Jeremy Sinclair
Katie Geiger         Annette Slackney
Jack Gordon          Jamie Smith-Barkley
Aimee Herring        Rodney Smith
Mary Kirk            Jack Woodliff

If you have an August birthday and your name is not on the list, please contact the church office.



OUR PRAYERS FOR:
Mildred McSwain
Frances Campbell
Tom Sproull
Dorothy Pullen (Rowlett Nursing Home)
Virginia Black (Rowlett Nursing Home)

CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Tim and Jill Culmo on the birth of Connor Joel Culmo. Connor was born Tuesday, July 27th.

Laura Slackney and Michael Fought who were married in the church on Wednesday, July 21st.

Amanda Brooks and Don Hightower who were married in the church on Saturday, July 24th.

YTD FINANCIAL REPORT

Budgeted Pledge Receipts January-June:       $126,208
Actual Pledge Receipts received January-June: 122,300

Budgeted Plate Income January-June:            14,637
Actual Plate Income received January-June:      9,527