Rev. Sarah Bird Kneff Pastor sarah@1stprescolumbia.org Susie Baxter Director of
rfosterfpc@gmail.com Carroll Kilgore Business Administrator ckilgorefpc@gmail.com
Winter Sermon Series: Life of David
Asweenterthisnewyearofministrytogether,Iamexcitedtobeginourlatestsermonseriesthatwill takeusonajourneythroughoneofthemostfascinatinglivesinallofScripture:thelifeofDavid. FromhumblebeginningsasashepherdboytobecomingIsrael’sgreatestking,David’sstoryisoneof triumphandfailure,joyandsorrow,faithandstruggle.HeisdescribedintheBibleasamanafter God’sownheart(1Samuel13:14),yethislifeisanythingbutperfect.InDavid,weseeahumanbeing whoisdeeplyflawed,yetdeeplyfaithful apersonwhoselifemirrorssomuchofourownjourneys withGod.
David’sstoryissomuchmorethanahistoricalaccount ItisareflectionofGod’sgraceandfaithfulness tous,evenwhenwestumble.ItremindsusthatGodcallsordinarypeopletodoextraordinarythings andthateveninourbrokenness,wecanstillpursueaheartafterGod.
JoinusaswedivedeeperintothelifeofDavidanddiscoverhowhisstorycaninspireandchallengeus inourownwalkwithChrist Whetheryou’vereadDavid’sstorymanytimesorit’snewtoyou,Iknow theHolySpiritwilluseittospeaktoyou!
AswewalkthroughDavid’slifetogether,myprayeristhatwewillnotonlygrowinourunderstanding ofScripturebutalsogrowinourdesiretofollowGodwithourwholehearts.LikeDavid,weare imperfectpeoplefollowingaperfectGodwhoisfullofgrace,mercy,andsteadfastlove. IlookforwardtoexploringthisstorywithyouandseeinghowGodwilluseittoshapeandinspireusas acommunityoffaith.
Withanticipationandjoy,
SarahBirdKneff Pastor
Pastor Sarah Is Expecting!
As most of you know, Pastor Sarah is expecting her second child this spring. She, Michael and Grace are all very excited, though Grace doesn’t really know what she’s in for yet! I suppose neither do Michael and Sarah!
Babies are unpredictable, but we are doing everything we can to have a solid plan in place for Sarah’s absence while she is on maternity leave Session voted to grant Sarah 12 weeks of paid maternity leave. So for those 12 weeks, there will be a several different folks helping to keep the trains running on time here at FPC.
Pastoral Care visits and emergencies will be covered by the Rev. Dr. Paul Bauer, a good friend of this congregation. He will have office hours on Tuesdays from 10am-12pm and on Thursdays from 1pm-3pm each week and will touch base with those who are sick or homebound while Sarah is away. If you would like to get in touch with him, his phone number is 301-991-5862, and his email is brrevdoc2@aol.com.
Preaching will be covered by guest pastors (many of whom have been at FPC before). This is a wonderful opportunity for us to hear different voices proclaim the same Good News! To make this a bit easier on our staff and visiting pastors, we will worship all together as a church family in one service at 10:30am.
Easter Sunday we will have two services (8:15 and 10:30) and former pastor, Rev. Dr. Bill Williamson, will be leading us in worship on that joyful Sunday!
Wonderful Wednesday programming will continue throughout the spring as the Discipleship Committee is working hard to coordinate compelling and thoughtful speakers to lead the Adult Education portion of the evening.
Finally, our own Carroll Kilgore, business administrator, will act as interim head of staff for any pressing administrative needs that arise while Pastor Sarah is away. Carroll has executed this role before during pastoral transitions and she and the staff are fully capable of holding down the fort while Sarah is away! After all, the head of the church is not Pastor Sarah but Jesus Christ our Lord, and he is the one who holds our congregation in the palm of his hand.
So please support our church during this unique season with worship attendance, volunteering where there is need, and praying for Sarah and her family as they too navigate new joys and challenges as a family of 4!
Committee Highlights
Property
As we find ourselves rolling in to the new year 2025, it is the job of the church's property committee to maintain and secure all the physical aspect of our beautiful church. As many of you know our church's original structure dates back to the early 1900's. At times it can be a challenging task keeping up with the demands of the building improvements and general maintenance given its age The church property committee from past to present has always strived to make our wonderful facility on 801 S High Street, the most welcoming, comfortable and safe place for fellowship and worship We welcome and encourage any recommendations and or ideas from our fellow church members Our meetings will remain on the first Tuesday of every month at 1:30pmThese meetings are open to the congregation.
Discipleship
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
As we continue to grow together in faith, we are excited to nurture the next generation through our Sunday School program. To help fulfill this vital mission, we are seeking dedicated volunteers to serve as teachers for our Sunday School classes. This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our children and youth by sharing the love of Christ and helping them grow in their understanding of the Scriptures. Please remember the important vow we make as a congregation to these children during their baptisms: to help raise them in the church and show them the way of the Lord! We invite you to consider volunteering your time and talents to teach Whether you feel called to work with younger children or older youth, there are various age groups and teaching opportunities available No prior teaching experience is necessary just a willingness to serve and a heart for sharing God’s word Contact the church office to volunteer.
Worship
Therehasbeenaneedidentifiedatourchurch,to whichmanychurchesreferasaFuneralor BereavementMinistry.Whenafuneralormemorial servicetakesplaceatourchurch,aperson(ortwo) fromthisministrywouldbepresentatthechurch andfuneralasaliaisonforthefamily,staff,funeral home,andothers.Theseperson(s)wouldbe responsibleforlogisticsassociatedwiththefuneral ormemorialservice,suchascommunicatingwiththe WorshipandCongregationalLifecommitteesof needsfromthosecommittees,ensuringthatthe churchisunlocked/lockedattheappropriatetimes, ensuringthatthelightsareoff,candlesextinguished, reservingpewsforthefamily,etc.Communication withthefamilywouldstillprimarilybebyPastor Sarah.
FPCwouldliketoorganizesuchaministryatour church.Ifyouhaveaheartforthisvitalservicetoour congregationandwouldliketojointhisministry,or wouldlikeadditionalinformationaboutthe responsibilities,pleasecontactPastorSarahorany oneoftheWorshipCommitteemembers(JeffBaxter, MarkorPatBridges,LeeMaddox,BethPatton,Nancy Reiser).
Planned Giving Seminar
Wonderful Wednesday Special Speaker February 12 at 6pm Dinner at 5:30pm
The FPC Stewardship Team invites you to join us for this special informative evening as we think about the future of our beloved church and the ways God can use us to provide for generations to come. A few things we will learn from our speaker, Billy Ray Caldwell Jr.:
· Understanding Planned Giving: An overview of what planned giving is and how it allows individuals to make charitable donations through various methods, often as part of their overall estate plan.
· Types of Planned Giving: Discussion of different planned giving vehicles, such as charitable bequests, charitable remainder trusts, donor-advised funds, and life insurance policies.
· Tax Benefits: Explanation of the potential tax advantages of planned giving, including charitable deductions, reducing estate taxes, and potentially creating income for the donor or their beneficiaries.
· Aligning Charitable Goals with Financial Objectives: How to balance philanthropic desires with the need to secure financial well-being for oneself and loved ones
· Long-Term Impact: Emphasis on how planned giving can leave a lasting legacy and support causes important to the donor, ensuring a philanthropic impact that extends beyond their lifetime.
· Case Studies and Examples: Real-world scenarios of successful planned giving strategies and how they can be customized based on individual financial situations.
More about Billy Ray Caldwell, Jr.
Caldwell Advisors, LLC, founder Billy Ray Caldwell, Jr., has been helping clients pursue their financial goals since 1991. Mr. Caldwell’s focus has been providing highly personalized advice and wealth management services, primarily for individuals, families and small businesses. He is a graduate of Vanderbilt University with a bachelor’s degree in economics and obtained a law degree from Duke University School of Law. Billy Ray is actively involved in local charitable organizations, having previously served on the Board of Directors of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, The Faith Family Medical Clinic and the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust.
Missions Spotlight
Guatemalan Middle School Students
Our church is proud to sponsor four middle school students from Guatemala through Basico scholarships as their school year begins in January. These students—Leslia Siomara Pop Quib, Deylin Magali Perez Chavez, Dany Anderson Arcanio Pop Giron, and Yeslin Gariela Pop Quib—attend Presbyterian churches that partner with the Middle Tennessee Presbytery and have been recommended by their pastors. Your support helps provide them with the opportunity to continue their education and build a brighter future. Please join us in praying for these students as they embark on another year of learning and growth. Below are photos of each student, and a translation of the letter from each of them.
Hello and a cordial greeting to each of you brothers and sisters of Middle Tennessee. I hope that all is well with you. The purpose of my letter is to thank you for your great support that you offered me in 2023. Thanks to God and to you, I was able to accomplish another stage in my second level of middle school. Also I want to thank you for supporting me in this year 2024 by giving me continued support that will help me greatly in my third year of middle school because then I can continue with my further goals. As well, I also want to thank Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, desiring for you many blessings and successes.
Cordially, Leslia Pop Quib
Hello, I send cordial greetings to each one of you in Middle Tennessee. Thank you for the support that you have given me to be able to advance with my studies and to be able to have a better future. Thanks to you I can continue advancing with my studies from middle school. One of my goals was to finish it, and because of your help I did that in 2023. With this same help I want to finish 2024 in order to be a triumphant person in the future. Thank you for all the support you have offered and I hope this finds you in good health. Desiring many blessings for all of you and hoping that you will return to see us in this year. Thank you! Ebenezer Presbyterian Church San Juan Acul Sayaxche Petén Dany Anderson Arcanio Pop Girón
Beloved brothers and sisters of Middle Tennessee I greet you in the name of our Lord, hoping that you are in good health. With this letter, I am expressing my gratitude for your help that enabled me to complete goals and to continue my studies. I thank God and you that you have given me such unconditional support.
God bless you!
Ebenezer Presbyterian Church Hamlet of San Juan Acúl Sayaxche Petén
Deylin Magaly Perez Chavez
Hello, cordial greetings! The purpose of this letter is to thank you brothers and sisters of Middle Tennessee for the support that you have given me in 2023. It was a great help to add another year more to my many achievements. I thank God for the support that you are continuing to give in 2024 since it is a blessing to be able to continue having another year of studies. Thank you for the support that you are giving me because it is a great help for me. As well, I thank Ebenezer Presbyterian Church. San Juan Acul Sayaxche Petén Desiring that God always blesses and cares for you and that you find yourselves filled with joy and health.
Cordially, Yeslin Gabriela pop Quib Dany Yeslin
Leslia
Deylin
Meet our New Officers!
New
Elders
JeanMacBall
C has been Jean Mac’s Church home from the time she was 8 years old. She was tured in this church as she participated in Sunday School, Youth choir, VBS, Youth up and NaCoMe. Her three children were also raised in this church, and they have ssedJeanMacwithsixpreciousgrandchildren.
n Mac is retired from MCPS, having worked over 20 years as an Elementary School unseloratCulleoka,McDowellandBakerSchools.
ough the years she taught Sunday School, helped with VBS, and served on the WorshipandChristianEd.committees.ThiswillherthirdtimetoserveontheSession. Jean Mac said “yes” to the call to serve this time because of her love for FPCC and her church family. And… well, who can say “no” to Argie Satterwhite?
Jeff Driskill
Jeff married the love of his life Terri in 2015, and they moved from Virginia to Columbia n 2023. Their greatest joy is spending time with their five grandchildren. They both work from home and are blessed to have the freedom to take little adventures together to sporting events, particularly Alabama football games, antique shopping, and hiking about Jeff enjoys powerlifting, volunteering and serving our community in delivering Meals on Wheels and Team Rubicon Jeff wants to continue partnering with our county to enhance emergency preparedness and also enable our church to serve those in need Jeff and Terri very much enjoy worshipping together and growing as a couple in Christ.
They enjoy Sunday fellowship and embracing the scriptures at a deeper personal level They both look forward to getting more involved in youth ministry and committee work Jeff enjoys working with his fellow Property Committee members to ensure we have great facilities for now and future generations Jeff strives to be a servant leader during his government service career, and balanced outcomes with pleasing our Lord in his actions As it is nicely said in the book of Micah (6:8); Jeff wants to serve justly, love all with mercy and kindness, and humbly walk the path laid out by God's will When asked to be an elder, Jeff said yes because he knew in his heart this was His path for me, and he wanted to become a more active church family member
nice English
ce has been a lifelong resident of Columbia and has wonderful friends and family visit her at Tin Cottage!
ce is humbled to serve as an Elder of this amazing church
New Elders
Jim Mayfield
Jim grew up in a small town in the mountains of North Carolina and then went off to the University of North Carolin in Chapel Hill He met his wife, Linda, a couple of years after graduating and they just celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary last November. He went to work for Michelin Tire Corp. in 1981 and will retire at the end of February after 44 years in the tire industry. Jim and Linda made fourteen moves round the country during his tire career and have been members of a dozen churches of various denominations. They have two children, Andrea and Jay. Andrea lives in Frisco, TX, where she works for Toyota at their HQ in Plano and serves in the Air National Guard. Jay and his wife Faith live in Brentwood where they take care of our grandchildren, Palmer and James. Jay works for Mars on their financial team and Faith is a pharmaceutical rep. Jim and Linda want Columbia to be their final home, and they looked for a church where we can serve. Moving so frequently, it was hard for Jim to accept opportunities to serve in other churches When offered the opportunity at FPC Columbia, he was happy to accept He wants to spend the rest of his time serving our community and our church Retirement will allow him to spend more of his time doing both
Jenny Sloan
Jenny Sloan has been a member of First Presbyterian Church for 11 years She grew up in Iowa and met her husband, James, there on a blind date. She moved to Tennessee in 2013, and she and James were married in 2015 at First Presbyterian Church. They welcomed their daughter, Katherine, in 2021 and she was baptized here at FPC. They have a rescue cat, Sassy. Jenny is a teacher at Joseph Brown Elementary School. Their family loves cheering on the Vols and Iowa Hawkeyes and are proud to call Muletown home. This church has become like family to Jenny, and she cares about our church and the people of the church. She looks forward to coming to church, Sunday School, and Wonderful Wednesday She and James chose to get married in this church (rather than in Iowa) because they knew this was going to be the church where they one day were going to raise their child She wants this church to have a strong continuation, not only for all members, but for new and yet-to-join members and especially for the children and youth of this church. She served 2 three-year terms as deacon with one of those being chair during a pastoral transition. She currently serves on the Christian Education/Discipleship Committee. Jenny is honored to be asked to serve as an elder and she looks forward to serving the church in this role.
Terri Thompson
Terri Thompson moved to Columbia from Nashville after starting a business here and joined First Presbyterian Church (FPC) in 2005. Her first service opportunity was on the Congregational Life Committee, and she has since been humbled to serve as both a deacon and an elder. A regular at the Early service, Terri’s favorite worship service of the year is Ash Wednesday. She is currently reading The Narrow Path by Rich Villodas.
Terri does not believe one is ever "qualified" or "ready" to serve as an elder It's certainly not an office you earn or can ever deserve
In light of this belief and the fact that she has been away from active church life for a while, her "yes" was not immediate God had to do some nudging She still does not understand the reason or the timing of this call, but she must trust that God does
New Deacons
Frank Dale
Frank Dale was born in Columbia in 1955 and is a lifelong member of First Presbyterian He practiced law in Columbia from 1980 through 1923
Now semi-retired, he is enjoying family and travel. He has been married to Gloria Dale since 1982, has three children, four grandchildren, and one boxer puppy.
Frank was baptized at First Presbyterian, was married there, and has served as a deacon, elder, and Sunday School teacher several times over the last forty years.
Frank enjoys the work deacons do to visit the sick, serve communion to our shut-in members, and help with local charities. He looks forward to another term as a deacon.
Terri Driskill
Terri is a country girl at heart who has traveled to many places, and she is grateful for those experiences Her heart is so full to have met and married her life partner, Jeff Driskill It has been truly joyful for her to live and work in the same state, finding their home here in Columbia Terri and Jeff are a team that enjoys experiencing life together
Terri loves old trucks, antiques, day-trips, just about anything outdoors, and sports (watching that is, her participation is limited to being a fan assistant at Jeff's powerlifting events). She is known to say "My Daddy didn't raise any girls" - meaning she was raised to be a strong intellectually and physically capable woman. she is equally happy to no longer have to carry water to the hayhands or chop ice on the pond.
She and Jeff have a full house with three granddaughters and two grandsons who are extra special blessings, not to mention great entertainment Life is Good The rhythm and structure of our church instantly takes her back to childhood memories which truly touch her soul She cannot imagine anything more soothing than being a member of our church family and growing in Christ together This is especially important as with many things having older eyes, ears, and heart she is a better student on her journey in Christ She and Jeff truly enjoy experiencing this together. Belonging is a truly wonderful experience, and First Presbyterian Church has welcomed them with open arms.
Having played a great deal of fast pitch softball (high school & college), the importance of team effort is critical to Terri She felt it important to be a participating member of our team Plus, families are so very special and there is very little most of us would not do for family Terri feels similarly about her church family and wanted to be a servant leader to the best of her ability
New Deacons
Dawn High
Dawn is so happy and blessed to be at this place in her life She has the joy of being a wife, a mother, and a grandmother Dawn’s career of choice was teaching in many different capacities
Over the years she has enjoyed expressing herself through different avenues of art, spending time reading and writing, and being in nature
God has blessed her with opportunities to grow through Bible Studies, mission and outreach experiences, leading worship through music, and singing in the choir
Now she is happy to say the Lord has led her to the role of deacon. She greatly looks forward to serving Him, our church community, and the larger community around us in the coming years.
Clement Ledbetter
Clement Ledbetter has lived in Columbia most all of his life and has been a member of irst Presbyterian Church most of his life. He is an insurance agent at Battle Page nsurance. He has been married to his absolutely gorgeous wife, Katie, for thirteen ears and have two wonderful children Hayes and Mac. Clement is also an avid UT an...Go Vols!!! Clement enjoys serving our church through helping run the Holy Smokers cooking team. Clement said “yes" to the call of serving as an officer to ontinue his work on the mission committee and the holy smokers. Service is mportant to him, and he feels this will continue that passion.
Ashton Prince
Ashton Prince is a lifelong resident of Columbia and a proud daughter of First Presbyterian Church Columbia. After graduating from Columbia Academy, she earned a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Tennessee at Martin, where she also served as President of her sorority.
It was there that she met her college sweetheart, John Davis, and the two were married in June 2022 at FPC Columbia. They have two dogs, Stella and Birdie, who are the joy of their lives. Ashton currently works as the Communications Assistant at FPC Columbia.
Growing up active in the church since a young age, Ashton is excited to give back to the place that helped shape her into who she is today. She said "yes" to serving as a deacon because she hopes to see FPC thrive for generations to come and considers it a true honor to serve her church community.
FPC MUSIC
Thank you, Choirs and Congregation!
The 2024 Advent and Christmas Seasons and the weeks surrounding them were so fulfilling; FPC prayed, planned, and practiced. We will keep doing that.
FPC Choirs spend a lot of unseen/unheard time working on music for our services — and they have fun doing it. I hope you will thank them and consider joining them. It is not a lifelong commitment, it is not scary, but it is important and something you will be so very glad you are doing.
Also, remember that the Congregation is the church's main Choir (a truth we are reminded of in the Book of Order). This does not in any way diminish our organised Choirs, who are central to the leadership of the church. But - I love this it emphasizes the definition of liturgical worship. We do it together, all of it, throughout the service. All of it. When we are not speaking, we are all listening, together. When we are not praying aloud, we are praying, together. When we are not (ourselves) singing, we are listening, together. We are the Congregation, with God at the center.
Sometimes my father would cry during the Creed (be it Nicene or Apostles'), at the power of the whole room speaking as one. I never asked him about it, but then one day at a church meeting I heard him say, "I get a tremendous charge out of corporate worship." That's it. Never forget the power of what we do together.
Peacetoyou, NancyGReiser DirectorofMusicMinistry
If God were small enough to be understood, He would not be big enough to be worshipped.
- Evelyn Underhill
Christmas Parade & FPC Christmas Program
The2024Christmasseasonwasfilledwithjoy,fellowship,andtheloveofJesusat FirstPresbyterian.Hereisalookbackatthehighlightsfromthisspecialtimeof year:
Ourparticipationinthisyear’sChristmasparadebeganwithourchildren,youth,and adultsgatheringintheFellowshipHalltodecoratecookiestobegivenoutduringthe parade.Whilethechildrenweredecoratingcookies(andeatingafew),ouryouthwere busycompetingtoseewhocouldcreatethebestgingerbreadhouse.Weallenjoyed pizzafordinnerprovidedbytheCongregationalLifecommittee.Thoseinthecommunity whoenjoyedourcookiesandhotchocolatewereverythankfulforourcontributionto theparade.
OnthelastWonderfulWednesdayoftheyear,ourchildren,youth,andadultspresented abeautifulexpressionoftheChristmasstorythroughmusic,drama,andscripture.The sanctuarywasfilledwithworshipandaweaswereflectedon God’sgreatestgift.
Wearesothankfulforeveryonewhoparticipatedandsupportedtheseevents.Whether youhelpedorganize,volunteeredyourtime,orsimplycametojoininthecelebration, yourpresencemadethisseasonextraspecial.
Aswemoveintothenewyear,letuscarrythejoyandhopeofChristmasinour heartsandcontinuetoshineChrist’slightinourcommunity.
Peace, SusieBaxter Director of Christian Education
CHRISTMAS CAROLING 2024
On December 15th enthusiastic carolers gathered at the church before splitting into two groups. Each group set out on a heartwarming mission to visit the shut-ins of our church and spread Christmas cheer to those who couldn’t join us for worship in person.
The air was filled with beautiful melodies as we sang beloved Christmas carols, sharing joy and love with our fellow church members. It was a special time of fellowship, not just through song, but through meaningful visits that allowed us to connect with our homebound members and their families.
In addition to the caroling, each person received a poinsettia, a symbol of our love and care during the holiday season. These small gifts, along with our time spent visiting, brought warmth and holiday cheer to their homes, making the season brighter for everyone involved.
We look forward to continuing this wonderful tradition for years to come, spreading the love and light of Christ to all.
A Note from FPC Library
Devotions and Meditations
by Cathy McDonald
Sometimes searching on the internet can result in too much information, leaving us more confused than we were when we started. That is exactly what happened when I searched for definitions of biblical devotions and meditations. The simplest definitions that I could find were devotions are an act of prayer or private worship, and mediations are the calling to mind some biblical truth, reflecting upon it and relating it to our lives. No matter how you define them, both are key elements for Christian growth.
Our Church library has resources to help you with your devotions and meditations. You might like “A Year with Jesus: Daily Readings and mediations” by Eugene Peterson or “Traveling Light: Releasing the Burdens You Were Never Meant to Bear” by Max Lucado or “Beauty in Your Own Backyard” by Marjorie Holmes. More focused books include “Finding Calm in the Chaos: Christian Devotions for Busy Women” by Kathleen Bostrom, “One Small Circle: A Book of Family Devotions” by Lucille Heim, and “Two Minutes with God” by Paul Hoh (devotions for children). To find more titles, search “Your Books” using the tags Devotions and Meditations in the 1st Pres collection on librarything.com. Both directions for the online catalog and a print catalog are in our Library.
J.O.Y. Fellowship Highlights
Highlights of J.O.Y. Fellowship this past fall included Sydney McClain’s beautiful glass artistry. Many of Sydney’s pieces made their way into homes for the holidays. For December, J.O.Y. planned a Christmas excursion to the magnificent Belmont Mansion. If you haven’t been on one of the J.O.Y. trips, it is especially fun. The Belmont Mansion was amazing and full of history. Fun Fact: Sarah Polk and the mistress of Belmont, Adelicia Acklen, were best friends and shared the same pew at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Nashville.
J.O.Y. Fellowship’s next event is on February 7th and will include a presentation from war historian and battle reenactor, Whit Barr. Whit is a Columbia native and became interested in reenactments at a very young age. He has reenacted in numerous wars as early as the War of 1812. Others include the Second Seminole War, American Civil War, Spanish American War, The Filipino Insurrection, WW I, WW II, and the Vietnam War. Whit will also showcase his fine collection of uniforms. Lunch will be provided.
Church Christmas Programs of the Past
OurChurchHistoryGroupiscontinuingitsdedicatedeffortstopreserveandsharethecherishedmemoriesand treasuresfromourchurch’spast.Duringourmostrecentmeeting,wehadtheprivilegeofuncoveringspecialitems fromChristmasprogramsofyearsgoneby.
Amongthefindswereoldphotographsdatingbacktothe1950s,whichcapturedthewarmthandspiritofthepast Christmasseason,showcasingthevibrantlifeofourchurchcommunity.Alongsidethese,wealsodiscovereda programfromthe1940s
Itwasheartwarmingtoseehowourchurch'straditionshaveremainedacornerstoneoftheholidayseason,with belovedhymnsandcarolsthatwestillsingtoday Perhapsthemostdelightfuldiscoverywasrecognizingfamiliar namesfromtheprogram someoftheparticipantswerechurchmemberswhoarestillwithustoday,continuingto serveinthecongregationandenrichourcommunity.
Aswecontinueourworkofpreservingandshowcasingthesetreasuresfromthepast,wehopethatyouwillenjoy theseglimpsesintothehistoryofourchurch.Theseoldpictures,programs,andstoriesofferawonderfulconnection totherichtraditionsthathaveshapedourcongregationoverthedecades.It’sourhopethatbysharingthese belovedartifacts,wecancontinuetohonorthelegacyofthosewhocamebeforeus,whileinspiringfuture generationstocarryforwardthespiritoffaithandcommunitythathasdefinedourchurchforsomanyyears StaytunedformoreupdatesfromourChurchHistoryGroupaswecontinuetouncoverandcelebratetherich historyofourchurch!
www.columbiafirstpres.org
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new website, columbiafirstpres.org! It’s fresh, easy to navigate, and packed with everything you need to stay connected with our church family.
A heartfelt thank you to church member, Melissa Pearson, for her incredible work in building the site. She and her family moved to Arkansas last year, but she made it a point to create this beautiful template before they left Columbia. We are so grateful for her time and effort!
We invite you to visit columbiafirstpres.org today and explore all the great features we’ve added. We look forward to seeing you online!
If you have any questions or need help navigating the new pages, reach out to our Communications Coordinator, Ashton Prince (communications@1stprescolumbia.org)
Important Announcements
Feb.7:J.O.Y.Luncheon
Feb.9:SouperBowlofCaringOffering
Feb.9:MissionTripMeeting
Feb.9:LostLoveDinner
Feb.12:W.W.GuestSpeakerBillyRayCaldwellJr.
Feb.16:BabyShowerforPastorSarah
Feb.17:ChurchOfficeClosed(President’sDay)
Feb.19:W.W.GuestSpeakerMelissaWebb
Feb.28-March2:NaCoMeYouthRetreat
March5:AshWednesdayService(NoW.W.)
*W.W. WonderfulWednesday
March16:BeginOneServiceat10:30am
March26:W.W.GuestSpeakerTomPrice
April2:NoWonderfulWednesday
April9:W.W.GuestSpeakerfromAbe’sGarden
April13:PalmSunday
April17:MaundyThursdayServiceat6pm
April18:GoodFriday
April20:EasterSunday-TwoServices
April23:W.W.GuestSpeakersEdieSutter andTerriFlynn
LookingAhead:
May4:Susie’sRetirementParty
June16-19:VBS
Upcoming Events
TheFPCStewardshipTeaminvitesyoutojoinusonFebruary 12that6pmforthisspecialinformativeeveningaswethink aboutthefutureofourbelovedchurchandthewaysGodcanuse ustoprovideforgenerationstocome.
Formoreinformation,pleasecontactSteveLewisat (615)414-0047oremailhimatstevelewis41752@gmail.com.
Join us for a churchwide baby shower celebrating baby boy Kneff! Join us following worship in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, February 16. You can go to Babylist.com to shop Sarah’s baby registry. If you wish to contribute to a larger gift, you may send a check to the church office and put “baby shower” in the memo line.
Upcoming Events
Don’tmisstheNaCoMeSpring2025YouthRetreat,happening February28th–March2nd!Registrationformsareavailableon thetableoutsidetheGatheringSpace.Deadlinetoregisteris February12th!
We’re excited to welcome a special speaker from Abe’s Garden on Wednesday, April 9th, at 6:00pm! We invite you to come and learn about The Club at Abe’s Garden, which is opening soon right here in Columbia. This adult day program offers a safe and supportive environment for individuals living with dementia, focusing on research-based engagement and innovative care. Columbia is truly blessed to have this wonderful resource in our community, and we encourage you to come hear more about it!
Acolytes, Liturgists & Ushers Schedules
Acolytes:
Date Assigned
2/2/2025
2/9/2025
2/16/2025
2/23/2025
3/2/2025
3/9/2025
3/16/2025
3/23/2025
3/30/2025
4/6/2025
4/13/2025
Acolyte
Belle Gray Hayes McKay Maddux Finley Vivian Addy Maddux Crozier
MaryEverette McKay
AnnRussell Harrison Hayes Mac Knox Oaklee
Maddux Finely
Belle Gray
Date February
Captain
February 2nd
February 9th
February 16th
February 23rd
Liturgists:
Date
February 2nd
February 9th
February 16th
February 23rd
March 2nd
March 9th
March 16th
March 23rd
March 30th
April 6th
April 13th
April 20th
April 27th
May 4th
May 11th
May 18th
May 25th
June 1st
June 8th
June 15th
June 22nd
June 29th
Ushers:
8:15 A.M. Ushers
Early Service
Ellen Ludwig
Dan Garman
Jack Baxter
Gloria Dale
Jeff Baxter
Ed Lancaster
N/A - One Service
N/A - One Service
N/A - One Service
N/A - One Service
N/A - One Service
Gloria Dale
N/A - One Service
N/A - One Service
N/A - One Service
N/A - One Service
N/A - One Service
N/A - One Service
N/A - One Service
N/A - One Service
N/A - One Service
N/A - One Service
Late Service
Lee Maddox
Matt Campbell
Jim Ross
Steve Lewis
Jim Mayfield
Jenny Sloan
Terry Hendrickson
Leigh Jones
Pat Bridges
Janice English
Lee Maddox
Dan Garman
Matt Campbell
Jack Baxter
Steve Lewis
Ellen Ludwig
Ed Lancaster
Jeff Baxter
Jim Mayfield
Jim Ross
Jenny Sloan
Jack Baxter 10:30 Ushers
Terri Thompson
Ed Lancaster
Alan Phillips
Ron Neal
Joe Graham
Jim Mayfield
Terry Hendrickson, Andrew Hickman, Steve Lewis, Frank Dale
Bill Cook, Jean Mac Ball, Jim Ross
Bo Holloway, Mike McAlister, Janice English, Terri Driskill