Rev. Sarah Bird Kneff Pastor sarah@1stprescolumbia.org Susie Baxter Director of
rfosterfpc@gmail.com Carroll Kilgore Business Administrator ckilgorefpc@gmail.com
Rev. Sarah Bird Kneff Pastor sarah@1stprescolumbia.org Susie Baxter Director of
rfosterfpc@gmail.com Carroll Kilgore Business Administrator ckilgorefpc@gmail.com
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. You hold in your hands our first “Heard on High” Quarterly Newsletter! Each quarter we will have a publication like this one for you to see what we have been up to as a church family and what fun events and activities are coming up on the calendar. We are indebted to our new Communications Assistant, Ashton Garman Prince, who has jumped into her role with both feet, full of energy and enthusiasm, and has brought this newsletter to life with her unique gifts and skills.
Our goal with a newsletter like this is to tell the story of our church. Through pictures and articles (submitted by you, the congregation), we will weave together a tapestry that gives insight into who we are as God’s people in this time and place. So sit back, relax, and be inspired by all the Holy Spirit is doing in and through us at FPC!
Over the summer, a special task force elected from the session met together many times to discuss and reimagine our staffing structure in light of Susie Baxter’s retirement in the summer of 2025. This team consisted of Matt Campbell, Lorie Fisher, John Hill and Tonjia Potts. They interviewed current staff members and folks from each of the church committees They intentionally and prayerfully considered other staffing models and came to session in August with a proposal. The proposal was approved unanimously, and a hiring team was assembled to begin the work of filling the position descriptions that have been created. That team is comprised of Melissa Downing, Andrew Hickman, Leigh Jones, Greg Martin and Alissa Perry.
The part-time position of Communications Assistant was filled quickly and we contracted with Ashton Garman Prince to address website development, social media, design and the quarterly newsletter.
Two other part-time positions have been created and those job descriptions, once approved by the session, will be posted at the church and in the community.
The first is for a part-time children’s ministry coordinator to take on the tasks of children’s programming on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings as well as special events including Vacation Bible School.
The part-time youth ministry coordinator will have the same responsibilities for youth –Sunday morning and Wednesday night activities as well as special events and fellowship gatherings.
We are confident that as this hiring team does its work and seeks the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, God will bring us the right folks to fill these roles to disciple and love the rising generation.
Please pray for them as they begin this important work. If you have any questions, feedback or concerns, you can reach out to the committee chair, Leigh Jones (leigh@jkmousetravel.com).
Although the “Church” is a collection of people, the Property Committee concerns ourselves with the church building. We enjoy great fellowship while maintaining the physical church. Our scope of responsibilities include but are not limited to: building improvements (kitchen rehab, painting, 7th Street entrance door), periodic maintenance (carpet cleaning, HVAC schedule, churchwide Spring Clean-up), insurance coverage, security and more We have 3 subcommittees which are Grounds, Gifts, and Church Security Team Our meetings are on the first Tuesday of every month and are open to the congregation
Stewardship has many faces: being present, participating in opportunities, sharing responsibilities, setting good examples, mentoring, listening, supporting, and of course financial commitment. All of these are crucial for the future of our church.
We want you involved. We need you involved. If you are presently looking for more ways to be connected and involved, take a look at our Stewardship Campaign brochure! Your participation will support our church in many ways.
The Stewardship Committee is asking you again to prayerfully consider your commitment for the upcoming year Budget planning and committee budget requests are submitted in November The Session will be approving a budget in December for the 2025 fiscal year
The church has always been deeply involved in helping those in need The mission committee’s job is to identify needs and opportunities, local and around the world, and involve the congregation in mission outreach
Some of our church’s recent projects: Providing volunteers for a Habitat for Humanity build and raising funds for building materials; collecting non-prescription medications for the Outreach Foundation to deliver to a clinic in Syria; supporting the Holy Smokers in raising funds for a cooker to use for mission and fellowship activities; supporting the Middle Tennessee Presbytery’s efforts to provide tuition for middle school students from our sister churches in Guatemala by funding several scholarships; providing volunteers to staff the Warming Center for homeless people at the Family Center during a cold snap last winter; and sending a mission team to Bluefield, West Virginia this summer. We are currently planning for our Habitat build on October 26th. Volunteers are needed!
There will also be an Intergenerational Mission Trip to Rapid City, South Dakota from July 13th-19th The cost is $699 00, but fundraisers will be planned to offset this cost ALL are welcome!
Antonio Rodriguez
Here is Julio’s letter to us, translated to English:
“Hello, and good day. Brothers and sisters of Middle Tennessee, I hope you are well. The reason I am writing is to thank you for the great support you offered me in 2023. Thanks to this support, I was able to complete one of my many goals. I completed middle school I also want to thank you for not abandoning me in 2024 and offering me this great support that will be very helpful in my present level of studies, a career that is another of my dreams that I which to complete and God will help me complete this along with the help that you are offering in 2024.
Ebenezer Presbyterian Church San Juan Acúl Sayaxche Petén
Cordially, Julio Antonio Rodriguez”
If you did not know, our church, along with other churches in the Middle Tennessee Presbytery, financially support Guatemalan middle school students. The students, who were nominated by their pastors, are members of the rural Presbyterian Churches that are mission partners with our presbytery Last year 36 scholarships were requested, significantly more than in previous years Thanks to donations from churches and individuals throughout the presbytery all 36 students received full scholarships, and some funds are set aside for the next school year, which begins in January.
This year we received multiple thank you notes from the students we supported Here is one from Julio Antonio Rodriguez
Note
Linda & Keith Legenzoff have lived in Spring Hill, TN for twenty years where they were long-time members of FPC Franklin. They are friends with Laura & Steve Lewis, who encouraged them to check out FPC Columbia. Linda watched our services online for about a year, and eventually decided to attend services in-person. Keith & Linda are retired, and enjoy walks and loving on their cats They have family all over the country (Arizona to Vermont), including siblings, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren
Plucinik. Alina joined our staff in September as a contract Special Needs Assistant, she will provide support to students with special needs during the Sunday school and worship hours under the direction of Susie Baxter and the Discipleship committee
Alina volunteered to work with our special needs students during the week of VBS and we were so impressed with her abilities we asked her if she would like to become a part of our staff. She is a senior at Columbia Central High School and is active in the Best Buddies program.
We are excited to introduce our staff member, Ashton Garman Prince, who officially joined the FPCC team at the beginning of September in a parttime communications role She manages website development, social media, design and the quarterly newsletter
Ashton is a graduate of UT Martin, where she earned her undergraduate degree, and she married her college sweetheart, John Davis, just two years ago Together they have two dogs, Stella and Birdie, who bring them much love and joy. With her deep roots in the church and her passion for our community, Ashton is a wonderful addition to our staff.
Those words are from a motet I sang in college Thought-filled quiet is an amazing source of energy! Just look at how it is at work in worship and music at FPC: we can only appreciate silence because we know what sound is If you'd like to be part of music here its sounds and its silences - I'm here Sundays through Thursdays and want to know your interests and questions Together we will find what best fits your schedule and your spirit
Choristers:
Wednesdays 6-6:30 p.m. (no rehearsal Nov 27, Dec 25)
Sundays be here 10 a.m. to sing in church October 13, Nov 3, Dec 22
Handbells :
Mondays 5:30-6:30 p.m. (no rehearsal Nov 11, Dec 16, Dec 23, Dec 30)
Play in church Nov 10, Dec 22
Chancel Choir:
Wednesdays 7-8 p.m. (no rehearsal Nov 27, Dec 25)
Sundays 10 a.m. for 10:30 service
Reformation Sunday is October 27, the Sunday closest to the date (Oct 31) when Martin Luther posted 95 theses in Wittenburg, Germany in 1517 Churches worldwide commemorate Luther's bold proclamation that salvation to all is because of who God is, not because of what we do A piper will be at the 10:30 service, honoring the Scottish roots of the Presbyterian denomination.
All Saints' Day is November 1 (every year!), which we also observe on the following Sunday. When that Sunday is not Nov 1, it is called All Saints' Sunday.
• Friday November 1: All Saints' Day, brief Chapel service 12:00 p.m.; details published separately
• Sunday, November 3: All Saints' Sunday, services 8:15/10:30 with reading of the necrology
Advent 2024 begins Sunday, December 1.
• Thursday, December 12: Light in the Darkness Service in the Chapel 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 22: Festival Service of Lessons and Carols 10:30 a.m., one service on this day
Peace to you.
When Rooks Fly Homeward by Irish poet Joseph Campbell (1879-1944):
When rooks fly homeward and shadows fall, When roses fold on the hay-yard wall, When blind moths flutter by door and tree, Then comes the quiet of Christ to me.
When stars look out on the Children's Path, And grey mists gather on carn and rath, When night is one with the brooding sea, Then comes the quiet of Christ to me.
August 11th, 2024
On August 11, we kicked off the start of the school year by blessing the backpacks of our students, administrators and teachers. This celebration serves as a spiritual sendoff for the school year, ensuring our children feel supported by our faith community. The Blessing of the Backpacks also strengthens the bonds within our church community. It reminds all-students, parents, educators and the congregation-that they are part of a supportive network that values education and spiritual growth.
In addition to the blessing of the backpacks, we also started off the new school year with Prayer Partners. We placed the names of all our students, educators and administrators on a bulletin board and encouraged members of the congregation to choose a prayer partner for the school year.
One of the most beautiful aspects of the Prayer Partner program is the connection it fosters between different generations. Adults, especially older church members, find joy in encouraging younger generations. In return, students feel more connected to our faith community, gaining wisdom and spiritual support from someone who cares for their success.
Thank you to all of you that are participating in this wonderful program. By focusing on prayer, prayer partners encourage a culture of spiritual support. When people take the time to consistently lift someone up in prayer, they invite God’s guidance, protection, and peace into their prayer partners life.
Peace, SusieBaxter Director of Christian Education
August 25th, 2024
On Sunday, August 25, our church family gathered to celebrate our fall kickoff with a potluck breakfast and a competitive game of trivia led by Jack Baxter Thank you to everyone who brought food, helped set up, and participated in making this event a success! We are so grateful for the way God is working in our church and look forward to all that He has in store for us in the months ahead
September 8th, 2024
During the 10:30 service on Sunday, August 25, the congregation gathered to commission and bless two vital groups in our church, Sunday school teachers and choir members. We recognized our dedicated Sunday school teachers who will be guiding and nurturing the spiritual growth of our children, youth, and adults. Our teachers play a crucial role in the life of the church, shaping not just minds, but hearts for Christ. We are grateful for their willingness to serve and are excited to see how God will work through them this year.
Our handbell choir, choristers, and chancel choir also received a special commissioning as they prepare to lead us in worship this season. Week after week, they dedicate their time and talent to ensure that our services are filled with beautiful, spirit-lifting music.
At FPCC, we believe that each person’s gifts contribute to the flourishing of the whole church body. Our teachers and choir members exemplify this truth by stepping forward to serve with passion and dedication.
September 29th, 2024
At the end of September, our Men’s Fellowship members came together for a fantastic cookout that was full of good food and great company As you can see in the pictures above, the men took charge of the grill and spent the afternoon enjoying fellowship A special thank you to Carrie and Ed Lancaster for graciously hosting this event Their hospitality made the day even more memorable and enjoyable for everyone involved
The cookout was not just about food; it was a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, strengthening friendships and forging new connections among the men in our church community. Be on the lookout for announcements in the church bulletin regarding our next Men’s Fellowship event. We hope to see even more faces at our future gatherings as we continue to build relationships and grow together in faith.
September 27th & 28th
The 2024 Women's Retreat, held September 27th–28th, was a transformative weekend that took place in downtown Columbia after weather forced a venue change from NaCoMe. Thanks to Carey Powers, who coordinated the new meeting spaces, the event ran smoothly and was a huge success.
Women of different ages connected, shared stories, and deepened bonds, making for a welcoming atmosphere. Many expressed how much they enjoyed the time spent simply visiting and getting to know one another.
The retreat’s guest speaker, Ashley Cleveland, inspired everyone with her powerful story, particularly when she shared how her journey through Alcoholics Anonymous shaped her life. Attendees appreciated how she used personal challenges to illustrate resilience, leaving many with a renewed sense of hope and strength.
September 20th, 2024
Our J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) Fellowship members enjoyed a wonderful start to their fall semester in September with a lovely luncheon held in the Fellowship Hall The event was filled with delicious food and fellowship, as participants gathered to reconnect and enjoy each other’s company
The J O Y Fellowship meets on a monthly basis, and each gathering is filled with fun activities and meaningful connections We’re excited to announce that in November, the group will hear from Sidney McClain, a talented stained glass artist, who will share her expertise and passion for the art form In December, the group is planning a festive outing to the Belmont Mansion Christmas Tour, a holiday tradition that promises to be full of joy and seasonal cheer
Be on the lookout for more details in the church bulletin, and if you haven’t yet joined the J.O.Y. Fellowship, we encourage you to do so! It’s a great way to enjoy friendship, fun, and enriching experiences with others in our church family.
On October 1st, our newly formed Church History Group gathered for its first meeting, marking the beginning of an exciting journey to preserve and share the rich history of our church Members of the group had the unique opportunity to sift through hundreds of old church photographs, documents, and memorabilia some dating all the way back to the 1800s
It was a special time as we uncovered treasures from the past, offering a window into the life of our church community throughout the years From early photographs capturing the first church services to handwritten records documenting key milestones, the materials serve as a testament to the faith and dedication that has shaped our congregation over generations
The main goal of the group is to carefully go through all these valuable records spanning from the 1800s to present day and organize them for display. We aim to make this history accessible and meaningful for all of our church members, helping us celebrate and learn from the legacy that has been passed down. We invite anyone interested in being part of this exciting project to get involved! Whether you have an eye for organization, an interest in history, or simply want to help us bring these stories to life, your participation would be greatly appreciated. If you’re looking for ways to contribute, please contact the church office for more information on how you can join the efforts.
By Rev. Sarah Bird Kneff
One of many treasures we discovered as a group of church folks sifted through old photos, programs, and session minutes from First Presbyterian Church’s history, was an article written by W.S. Fleming in September of 1916. This article was to be placed inside the pulpit Bible which made it through the fire in the original church building in December of 1915. Though the church structure was destroyed by the flames, the Bible remained intact. And so it was decided that the pulpit Bible would be placed in the cornerstone of the new church building – the place we currently meet to worship on the corner of S High St and West 7th St
In learning of this special feature of our foundation, I was reminded of these words from Ephesians 2:1922,"So then, you are … members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone; in him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God ”
Jesus Christ and His Word are literally our cornerstone. A cornerstone is the first stone laid to set the trajectory of the entire structure. So let us renew our commitment to keeping our cornerstone, our guide, our Lord Jesus as the One in whom we are all joined together and the One to whom we continue to look as we consider not only our past, but our bright, hopeful future!
W.S. Fleming
We’re excited to invite you to participate in our annual Habitat for Humanity Home Build on October 26th, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM This is a fantastic opportunity to serve God and help build a home for a local family in need. Whether you're skilled in construction or just eager to lend a hand, all are welcome to join in this rewarding day of service. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact the church office or reach out directly to Dan Garman via email at dgarman@fastmail.fm
Our annual Fall Festival will be held on Sunday, October 27th, at 4pm at the Rotary Shelter in Woodland Park There will be a costume contest for adults and children, Trunk or Treat, chili cookoff, and inflatables Hot dogs and an ice cream bar will be provided, and it is optional to bring a side to share. Come join the fun and invite your friends! Please register in advance for the chili cookoff by calling the church office. No RSVP needed to attend the festival.
November is our month to serve at the People’s Table at First United Methodist Church, and we’re looking for volunteers to help make this ministry a success! We need a team to assist in coordinating cooks for each Friday of the month except for November 19th. This ministry is a vital part of our community, providing hot meals and a sense of connection to those in need. Volunteers will help ensure that meals are prepared and served each week, helping to keep this important work running smoothly.
If you're able to lend a hand in November, please reach out to Renea at rfosterfpc@gmail.com.
The J O Y (Just Older Youth) Fellowship is a group that meets once a month to enjoy fun activities and create meaningful connections While their October meeting is cancelled, they are excited to announce that November’s gathering will be one to remember. In November, they’ll be joined by Sidney McClain, a talented stained-glass artist, who will share her expertise and passion for this beautiful art form. This promises to be an inspiring and creative experience for all attendees. Stay tuned for more details about upcoming events, and we look forward to seeing you in November!
Nov. 1
All Saints Day Prayer Service at 12pm
Dec. 18 Christmas Program at 6pm
Dec. 7 Christmas Parade at 6pm
Dec. 12 Light in the Darkness Service at 6pm
Dec. 22 Lessons and Carols Service at 10:30am
Join us for an Intergenerational Mission Trip to Rapid City, South Dakota from July 13th-19th! We’ll serve the community and build relationships across generations. The cost is $699, with fundraising opportunities available to help offset the price.
All ages are welcome to participate! Look for more information coming soon!
Date Assigned
10/20/2024
10/27/2024
11/3/2024
11/10/2024
11/17/2024
11/24/2024
12/1/2024
12/8/2024
12/15/2024
12/22/2024
12/24/2024
12/29/2024
Acolyte
Maddux
Lewis
Vivian
Addy Gray Crozier
Maddux
McKay
Ann Russell
Harrison
Hayes
Mac Knox
Oaklee
Vivian
May
Belle Gray
Harrison Crozier
Hayes
Ann Russell
Maddux
Finley
Date
October 20th
October 27th
November 3rd
November 10th
November 17th
November 24th
December 1st
December 8th
December 15th
December 22nd
December 24th
December 29th
Date
October Captain
October20th
October27th
November
November3rd
November10th
November17th
November24th
December Captain
December1st
December8th
December15th
December22nd
December29th
8:15 A M Service
Jeff Baxter
Jack Baxter
Gloria Dale
Dan Garman
Jack Baxter
Ellen Ludwig
Jeff Baxter
Ed Lancaster
Gloria Dale
N/A - One Service
N/A - One Service
N/A - One Service
8:15 A M Ushers
Moore Landers
TeresaSmith
EdHarlan
JeffBaxter
RudyGregory
EllenLudwig
FrankDale
TeresaSmith
JackBaxter
KenBrinkley
MooreLanders
LesterMeehleder
10:30 A M Service
Terri Flynn
Pat Bridges
Janice English
Lee Maddox
Matt Campbell
Steve Lewis
Jim Ross
Jim Mayfield
Dwight Fox
TBD
Jenny Sloan
Terry Hendrickson
10:30 Ushers
Bill Handy BoHolloway,AndyCrichton, JeanMacBall,JimRoss
JoeGraham,WillDale,Dawn andAnnaGraceTaylor
John Hill
MattCampbell,DonCrichton, BrooksJones,MikeMcAlister JohnDavisPrince,Dan Garman,JaniceEnglish,Argie Satterwhite
JimMayfield,AndrewHickman, DwightandCindyFox
SteveLewis,TerryHendrickson, JimRoss,JeanMacBall
TBD
JoeGraham,DawnandAnna GraceTaylor,MattCampbell
BoHolloway,WillDale,Mike McAlister,BrooksJones
BillHandy,ArgieSatterwhite, JaniceEnglish,DonCrichton
DanGarman,JohnDavis Prince,DwightandCindyFox
LeeMaddox,AndrewHickman, TerryHendrickson,JimMayfield