First Presbyterian Church of Orlando December 2009

Seeking. Sharing. Serving...All to the Glory of God

ON THE WAY
WITH DR. DAVID D. SWANSON
...Remember The Gift
“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen.
He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far has the Lord helped us.”
M arkers. In life, we need markers. They help us find our way.
They keep us on God’s path. They remind us of God’s faith-
fulness. It’s why I love the text from 1 Samuel 7. Israel had been
fighting the Philistines, and it appeared they were headed for
defeat. However, the Lord intervened, turned the battle around,
and gave them a great victory.  It was a victory clearly from His
hand. So, Samuel set up a stone—an Ebenezer— to mark the
place where God had acted on their behalf. It was a marker—a
reminder—of God’s activity and faithfulness. And yes, it’s where
we get the line from the famous hymn, Come Thou Fount of
Every Blessing.
Sunday, October 25, was a day I will remember for a long
time. It was a day in which I wanted to set up a stone so that
together, we might remember it. Part of the reason I am writing
about it now is to remind you and help you remember. I suppose
this letter is my stone. I preached on James 5:16 that day, calling
us as a community to confession. It was not an easy message to
give. It was one I had prayed about and anguished over. It’s nev-
er easy to remind a group of people that they have issues and
flaws, even when you know it may lead to healing and growth.
“Confession,” I said, “is the true ground of Christian com-
munity.” It is what allows us to break down all the barriers and all
the social dividers. It is what unites us at the foot of the cross. We
all mess up and we all need Jesus.
At the end of the service, I invited people to come forward,
not to me, but to the cross, that they might confess whatever
God had laid on their hearts that morning. What happened next
could only be the work of the Holy Spirit. I have given invitations
before and meaningful moments have been shared, but this was
different. People just started coming. In all four services, it was
the same. People came. Weeping, bowing, smiling, hugging,
they came. Let me share an email I got from Barbara describing
her experience that morning:
“Dear David,
My name is Barbara and I am a sinner.
Thank you for that powerful message today. I needed that
message, desperately. What a powerful time of prayer and
sharing at the close of the service. I wanted to share with you
what may seem like an insignificant event but was really a
very powerful moment for me. As we stood at the front of the
church, my eyes filling with tears, I heard a sniffle next to me.
I reached out and put my arm around the woman that stood
next to me and she did the same.  After the prayer we stood
and held hands. I have never met this woman before, I do not
know her name but I do know that God brought us together
this morning to put an arm around each other and support
2 | COLUMNS
1 Samuel 7:12-14
each other as we admit-
ted we were sinners and
loved each other anyway. Tears are
filling my eyes again as I remember
that moment. My husband on one
side and a loving sister in Christ on
the other, while I was confessing my horrible sins, God was
showing me unconditional love. I don’t know what else to say
besides God is good.”
That moment and many others like it played out through the
morning.  It was holy, sacred ground.  I cannot ever remember
actually sobbing—heaving—in a service before, but I did that
morning as I was confronted by my own sin and the joy of the
community that stood before me as one. It was a marker moment
in the life of this church, and so I write to remind you of it yet
again—the commitments you made that day, the way in which
God drew us together as a body, the way in which he shaped our
church. 
It has been my prayer for many months that God would knock
down the walls that have kept us from true community. I have
prayed that God would allow us to be known in this community
not as the “movers and shakers” as one person said, or the “rich,
white church” as another said, but instead as a humble body of
Christ-followers, a grace-filled community united around God’s
redeeming love.   We were moving and shaking that day, but it
was the Spirit who was moving, and the walls that were shaking
and falling. What a joy it was to be there that day.
I pray that in this Advent Season, we will remember the gift
of that day, the gift of Christ coming. May we rejoice in God’s
goodness, the blessing of His coming, and His relentless grace
that constantly does abundantly more than we could ever hope
for or imagine. In thanksgiving to God, I borrow from the classic
hymn to close:
“Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.”
May God continue to bring us home, shaping us as a true com-
munity of faith. With humble thanks and praise to God, I remain
Under His Mercy,
David D. Swanson

12
4 22
4 LIFE Community
Moving from “going to church” to “being the church.”
22 Wanted: Singing Men
Real men can find fellowship and deeper meaning in an
unexpected place.
IN THIS ISSUE:
7 MUSIK4Life
8 ECM - Seeking, Sharing &
Serving
9 ECM - Wanted: Loving
Hands
10 Stephen Ministry
12 Walk With Me
15 Heart Beat
ON THE COVER:
TRUST THE SIGN:
“Therefore the Lord Himself will
give you a sign: Behold, a virgin
will be with child and bear a
son, and she will call His name
Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 NIV
This Beautiful Nativity was created
by Nancy Hannah, Marian Phalin and
Pepper Ausley and has been dis-
played in the Edington Lobby every
Christmas season since 2002. Photo
by Todd McLennan.
12 WALK WITH ME:
Following Jesus through
the Scriptures.
website or its Columns publication
16 ECM: Smith Family
18 Musik Garten FAQs
21 Christ Over Clothes:
Spiritual Fashion
21 Sick Sisters: A Ministry for
Women’s Hearts of All Ages
23 News & Notices
24 IMOG: In the Image of God
Group: First Presbyterian Church
CONTACT US
407.4 2 3 . 3 4 4 1
To arrange a baptism
Contact Worship x1451
To arrange a wedding
Contact Weddings x1453
To arrange a funeral or
memorial service
Contact Pastoral Care x1455
To donate flowers for
worship services
Contact Worship x1451
With questions about your
pledge, donation, or budget
Contact Finance x1479
With a change of address
Contact Membership x1471
To purchase a sermon CD or DVD
Contact x1438
To join the Chancel Choir
Contact x1273
For child care reservations -
Early Childhood
Contact x2250
To reach the Security Office
Contact 407.415.9793
For Weekday School
Contact 407.996.5864
To find out about Sunday
School classes
Contact Spiritual Formation
x 1463
With questions about the FPCO
Contact Communications x1467
To reserve a meeting space
Contact Special Services x1469
HOSPITAL CALLS:
Hospitals are no longer able to
notify us when our members are
hospitalized. If you know someone
who is in the hospital, please
notify the Pastoral Care office at
x1455.
PASTORAL EMERGENCIES:
For pastoral emergencies outside
of the 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. church
office hours, please leave a voice-
mail message at the main church
number. The message center will
page the minister on call, who will
reply as soon as possible.
NEED HELP?
Dependency assistance, cancer
support group, grief support,
divorce care, infertility group,
please contact Congregational
Life x 1159
www.twitter.com/fpcorlando
of Orlando
 group day
all images, Jason Frazier

Sunday, January 24, 2010!

4 | COLUMNS
moving from “going to church”
to “being the church”
I
was recently reading an excerpt by Sam Neal of small-
group.com about the early church that caught my at-
tention and speaks to the “essence” of what the devel-
opment of LIFE Community groups is about. In observing
the practices of the early church, the historian noted that,
“small groups of Christians met regularly for worship, en-
couragement, instruction, and prayer from the early de-
cades of Christianity: but it’s not quite accurate to call them
“small groups” in the contemporary sense. These groups
did not think of themselves as the more personal, relational
aspect of a larger church, as many small groups do now—
they were the only church that these Jesus followers knew.”
As we consider the early days of the church, it helps us
to view a LIFE Community as much more than the “what
is missing, help people connect, add one more thing to
my schedule” component of the church. LIFE Community
has clearly defined reasons for being relational and mis-
sional. Therefore, is it possible for all relational, purposeful
gatherings of Christ-followers, whether large (our Sunday
morning worship gatherings) or small (a LIFE Community
or other small group), to be simply looked at as just “being
the church”?
If we could begin to see church not as something we “do,”
so much as something we are, then the LIFE Commu-
nity gatherings around the city, become just a natural ex-
pression of us “being the church”. And with that becoming
our vision and purpose, our LIFE Community is not an
“add-on” to what we now think of as “church.” Rather,
our LIFE Community becomes an expression of the over-
all organism of the Body of Christ. Then we can gain
freedom from the purpose of “going to church” and
replace it with the purpose of “being the church.”
By Kent Sterchi, Director of LIFE Community
You will have an opportunity to sign-up for active
participation in a LIFE Community on Sunday, January, 24,
under the Angel Wing, following each worship service. In
the worship services on January 24, we will pray over and
commission all of the LIFE Community shepherds, who will
be charged with leading the new LIFE Communities that
will form that Sunday. These LIFE Community shepherds
have been in “experiential training” for the past 8 months
and will be under the Angel Wing following each service to
help you sign up for a group.
At the close of each worship gathering, the church
family (YOU!) will be challenged and encouraged to go to
one of the 4 stations under the angel wing. These 4 sta-
tions represent the 4 quadrants of our city (NE,NW,SE,SW);
and you will find your zip code displayed on a sign at each
station. Once you locate your area of city you will fill out
a LIFE Community information sheet that will be used in
placing you in your LIFE Community in the area of the city
where you live. The next week, your LIFE Community shep-
herd will contact you with specific next steps in the forma-
tion of your LIFE Community group.
If you desire more information on LIFE Communities, or
want to put your name on the list NOW, please contact
Sarah Mattheus, LIFE Community Assistant at smattheus@
fpco.org, 407.423.3441 x1497 or Kent Sterchi, Director of
LIFE Community at ksterchi@fpco.org, or x1458. We are
excited about all God is going to do in and through us as we
become the church here at 106 E. Church St., throughout the
city, and in your neighborhood and mine!
COLUMNS | 5
 Are you expecting?
Then we’re expecting you!
Hungarian music educator, Zoltan Kodály, was asked, “When is the best time to
begin a child’s music education?” He replied, “Nine months before the birth of
the mother!”
As part of MusikGarten, the early childhood music program, Musik4Life, is the pre-
cursor class for expecting moms to equip themselves and expose their baby to
music as soon as they develop the ability to hear (9-16 weeks). This prenatal music
class will give moms tools to continue musical exposure throughout their daily
routine. During class, we will sit on yoga balls and sing songs, do move-
ment activities, play instruments, and listen to different sounds. Studies
have shown that experiencing music early in life can increase brain func-
tion, as well as accelerate a child’s learning in all areas of life. This includes
math, language, large and fine motor skills, and more. Help your child get
an early start in their learning experience by exposing them to music now!
An added bonus is that you get to meet expecting moms just like you! We of-
fer 8-week sessions throughout the year. For further information, visit our web-
site www.fpco.org/childrensmusic or contact Stephanie Mixner at 407.423.3441
x1186 or smixner@fpco.org.

Family Christmas Celebration

To Be Held December 13
Join us for Family Christmas Celebration, our annual event for families of all ages, a dinner
theatre, held on December 13, from 5-7pm. We will have a family friendly buffet with some
kid-friendly crafts followed by a presentation of Seussical Jr. performed by the Orlando
Reparatory Theatre’s youth theatre group. Register online at www.fpco.org/register.com.
For information, call Stacey Kirk at 407.423.3441 or skirk@fpco.org.
 In Early Childhood Ministry
discipleship
I n Early Childhood Ministry, we have been called to wel-
come our youngest to their first experience with church!
Their experience is truly one that is based on what they
receive from us and the environment we have created for
them here. To some, our area of ministry (birth – pre-k)
may be considered babysitting (“nursery”), but experts in
children’s development agree that a young child’s capacity
for learning about God has been greatly underestimated.
There is a window of opportunity in a child’s youngest years
to instill in them a knowledge of God, His love, and Jesus
as a friend forever.
Our goal in Early Childhood Ministry is to lay a firm spiritual
foundation in the hearts and minds of our youngest, that
will be the first layer upon which a strong faith and walk
with the Lord are built. That includes providing a happy
experience at church and spiritual training experiences: in-
teractive Bible lessons and praise and worship experiences
(SEEK), time with friends (SHARE), and opportunities to
give to God through mission/outreach projects (SERVE).
Here are things about God young children are ready to
learn by age 4:
• Knowing who God is
• Knowing what God has done
• You can have a relationship with God
• You can be all God wants you to be
all images, Jason Frazier
8 | COLUMNS
By Kathy Mangascle, Director of Early Childhood Ministry
The spiritual component of a
child’s development is so impor-
tant!
George Barna says, “…human
development is a complex mix
of growth in five core areas: the
moral, spiritual, physical, emo-
tional, and intellectual dimen-
sions of life…the basis of each
of these areas is one’s spiritual foundation.” (Transforming
Children into Spiritual Champions, pg.53)
Our purpose is to interlock what we do in Early Childhood
Ministry with what Children’s Ministry does, by providing
children with a good first step in a foundation of faith that
prepares our children for the next step of spiritual growth in
Children’s Ministry.
December Activities
Take home parent-child activities:
Advent Wreath in a Cup and Worship Book - Parents and
children assemble a simple advent wreath and use the
accompanying booklet to prepare their hearts for the birth
of Christ.
“Journey to Jesus” - Parents and children enjoy taking Sandy
the camel on a journey to Bethlehem, reading scripture
along the way.
Christmas Eve childcare available for the:
3pm and 5pm Family Services and 8pm Traditional Service
NO childcare at 10pm Service
Doors will open 1 hour before services.
mustard seed club
“The words Jesus speaks into your heart are like a tiny
mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of
all seeds, but becomes the largest of plants….”
~Matthew 13:31
A fun part of our curriculum for our 3-year-olds and pre-k
children is to help them memorize scripture. They love
it! The scriptures we choose each quarter are taken from
our curriculum and children practice learning the scriptures
each Sunday in their classrooms. At the end of each quar-
ter, children are given small prizes for their efforts. Parents
are encouraged to learn the scriptures too, and to help
their children work on their memory verses at home. Par-
ents provide wonderful modeling for their children when
they memorize the verses along with their children. This
is another way in which you help lay a foundation of faith
in your child’s heart – to teach them early in life that God’s
Word is precious!

early childhood
Ministry
“Make a Splash with Jesus!”
A Mission Project for children ages 3 to Pre-k
O n Sunday, Nov. 1,
our children had
a visit from “Dwight
our Mission Dino” who
assisted Miss Kathy
talk about helping our
friends in Madagascar
get clean water. There
are some children there
who only have dirty water to use. They can’t take baths to
get clean from playing outside, they don’t have bathrooms,
WANTED: Loving Hands & Hearts
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and
become like little children, you will never enter the king-
dom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like
this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And
whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name wel-
comes me”
~Matthew 18:3-5
E ach Sunday morning, hundreds of families fill the Clay-
ton Life Center as they check their little ones into Early
Childhood Ministry. While parents, grandparents, and care-
givers worship or attend Sunday School, the children ages
birth through pre-kindergarten share in their own time of
worship, fellowship, and play. Kathy Mangascle and her
talented staff work diligently to have age appropriate les-
sons, snacks, worship music, and lots of books, toys, and
games. To open any of the doors in the Clayton Life Center
is to get a glimpse of Christ’s love in action. These youngest
and they can get sick from
drinking the dirty water.
Our church has come to
help them! Our boys and
girls got to see a picture of
a town for whom our church
provided clean water. They
saw how happy this has
made the people (even the
children!). They learned
that God wants us to love
others (John 13:34) and
show God’s love (SHARE)
by helping others (SERVE).
We helped the children of
Madagascar get some clean
water!
Dwight - Mission Dino
to Minister in Early Childhood Ministry!
By Kristen King, Member
members of our church family are loved, rocked, cared for,
sung over, read to, and taught about the life and love of
our Savior, Jesus Christ.
In addition to the staff members who work in each room,
the Early Childhood Ministry relies heavily on its teams of
volunteers, called “Morning Glories.” Morning Glories are
men and women who are parents, grandparents, aunts,
uncles, and friends that are willing to serve one Sunday a
month (either 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th) for one shift (1st 8:15-
9:45, 2nd 9:40-11:00, or 3rd 10:55-12:25). These volunteers
are invaluable due to the high volume of children in our in-
fant – pre-k rooms. Without our teams of volunteers, rooms
must be closed in order to maintain a safe ratio of adults to
children. Volunteers come alongside the paid staff to pro-
vide an extra set of loving hands to welcome and care for
our children.
Are you looking for a place to SERVE? Do you enjoy sharing
your love for Christ with children? Do you have a child/chil-
dren involved in Early Childhood Ministry? Morning Glo-
ries needs your help! Please prayerfully consider being a
part of this vital ministry. We are in particular need of volun-
teers as we only have 53 of 90 volunteers signed up! There
are openings available in most shifts. If you are interested,
please contact Kristen King at kristenking7@gmail.com or
407.432.8400 or Roberta Brandenburg at roberta127@
mac.com or 407.658.0191. We will do our best to work
around your schedule!
There are hundreds of children each Sunday awaiting
your loving care. Please be a part of the team that wel-
comes them in the name of Jesus Christ!
COLUMNS | 9
 People Don’t Care
What You Know Until
They Know
YOU CARE
By Linda McCallister, Member & Stephen Minister

twice monthly in peer supervision groups. The initial com-

mitment is for two years of service, but many recommit to
serve additional years, once they have experienced the
blessings of this caring ministry. This is a ministry of pres-
ence…we just have to show up and care.

photography, Jason Frazier We encourage you to take time to pray and listen to
where God may be calling you to serve your church family.
Or, you may be in the midst of a crisis or struggle in your

S tephen Ministers have caring hearts and sympathetic

ears. Our role is not to “fix” the problem…we are the
care-givers, not the cure-givers. God is the cure-giver and
life and would like to have a Stephen Minister walking with
you. No one should suffer alone. You are not alone…

through thoughtful conversations and prayer, God will pro- For more information,
vide His guidance. contact Tammas Smith
in the Pastoral Care office
Stephen Ministers are the “After People.” They come at 407.423.3441 x1455.
alongside the hurting person… The new Stephen Ministry
…after a loved one has died, training class will begin in
…after the divorce papers have been served, January 2010.
…after the layoff or forced retirement,
…after the cancer diagnosis is given.

As you struggle with difficult situations, you can be com-

forted in knowing that our church family has Stephen Min-
isters who are willing and well prepared to walk alongside
you in your crisis. There are over 500,000 people trained as
Stephen Ministers in the United States and other countries,
and Florida is ranked #4 as having the highest number of
congregations enrolled in the Stephen Series.

Three of the spiritual gifts that emerge as the most valu-

able to Stephen Ministers are: Faith, Mercy, and Encour-
agement. Many of us are caregivers every day of our lives:
for our children, our parents, our family, our friends…we
listen and we care.

Stephen Ministers are provided with 50 hours of train-

ing in Christian caregiving. So they are equipped to meet
with their care-receivers as a compassionate friend, a good
listener, a firm believer in God, and always keeping the
shared information confidential.

Stephen Ministers meet with their care-receivers weekly

for about one hour. To encourage each other and have
continuing education for the Stephen Ministers, we meet
10 | COLUMNS
 By Kent Sterchi, Director of LIFE Community

Read All About IT:

The First Pres family digs into the Bible together in 2010! Walk With Me….
Following Jesus Through the Scriptures together as a church family in 2010

12 | COLUMNS
T he Apostle Paul wrote to his young “son in the faith”, Timothy, “All
scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, cor-
recting and training in righteousness, so that the man (and woman) of
God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16,
17). If you are like me, I long to spend more time reading, studying and
applying God’s Word, but often do not have a plan or regular account-
ability and encouragement to persevere in my pursuit of Truth.

Paul reminds us that the Scriptures are the very Word of God and
through our exploration of them, we will be trained in “right living” and
completely equipped to love and serve Him wherever we are. A huge
part of the spiritual transformation of our hearts will come through our
active pursuit of studying God’s Word individually and together in com-
munity.

Starting January 1st, 2010, each member of the church family will
be challenged and encouraged to join together in the daily reading
of Acts and Paul’s letters. Throughout this fall, members of the church
have been prewriting daily devotionals (on the daily reading of Acts
and Paul’s letters) that will correspond to a daily devotional in 2010.
These daily devotions will be sent to you via e-mail, or available on the
church website, www.fpco.org, by clicking on the “Walk With Me” (the
“title”/invitation to engage in daily Bible reading) button on the home
page.

Additionally, Dr. Swanson and the pastoral staff will be preaching

through the same portion of Scripture that will correspond to our daily
readings. The Children’s and Student ministry will also be studying Acts
and Paul’s letters, so we can all be on the same page together. Many
adult Sunday School classes are choosing to study this same Scripture
and all new LIFE Community groups will journey together in the study
and application of the weekly readings.

It is our humble desire and vision to create a gospel community that

develops a love for the Word of God and therefore is inspired to be
agents of Christ’s love to one another and the world around us. Join us,
as we begin the journey together and are drawn to Jesus in His invita-
tion to “Walk With Me!”

NOTE: We are still in need of people that would write one of the daily
devotionals. The process is easy as we will supply the passage and tem-
plate to guide you in the writings. Please contact Sarah Mattheus at
407.423.3441 x1497 or by email at smattheus@fpco.org to indicate
your interest and receive further directions. Thanks!

COLUMNS | 13
 HEART BEAT

Heart of the City Foundation Honors

Robert A. Robertson

R obert A. Robertson, better

known as Bob or Robbie
to his family and friends, had a
long and distinguished history
in the Central Florida area and
in particular with The First Pres-
byterian Church of Orlando.
He was generous to both with
regard to his time and money.
Born into a family of Pres-
byterian ministers, he became
active in the church at a young
age, becoming a deacon at
twenty-five and an elder in
later years. The finance committee was among the many
committees that he chaired for several years, helping to
raise money for the sanctuary, Allen Hall and Lee Fellow-
ship Hall. He also served as President of the Trustees. In
all, he served the church in many capacities, beyond his
faithful membership, for fifty-eight years.
Robert A. Robertson Memorial Scholarship was established
in the Heart of the City Foundation to further his legacy in
this area. Currently, 3 scholarships are awarded from this
endowment annually, supporting a child at the Infant Child-
care Center, the Weekday School, and The Christ School.
He would be pleased to know that his money is continuing
to be used to educate people in need today.
Robert is survived by his wife, Julia, who married him in
1949. She remembers Robert for his honest integrity and
strong morals and recalls the high importance that he al-
ways placed on tithing. She and Robert both shared in
their gift of service. Julia taught Sunday school for 14 years,
had a woman’s circle, and started the first Girl Scout troop.
Julia currently resides in Winter Park Towers and joyfully
lives a busy and full life.
Robert A. Robertson has left a legacy of service, integrity,
and education, and the scholarship endowment will con-
tinue to give and impact the lives of children as he now
walks with the Lord.

One of Bob’s strong beliefs was that education was a vital
key to equal opportunity and contributed to the making of
a better community and world, enabling those with little to
raise them to a higher level. In addition to sending his own
children to college, he also provided funds for the college
education of several others. Upon his death in 1995, The
The Heart of the City Foundation exists to further the min-
istry and mission of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. If
you are interested in learning more about the foundation
or giving to its Mission, Scholarship, Facility, or Seed Fund
Endowment, contact Amy Bishop at abishop@fpco.org or
407.423.3441 x1484.

Robert’s Favorite song was “Just a Closer Walk With Thee”

Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea.
JUST Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
a closer walk
I am weak, but Thou art strong
with THEE Jesus, keep me from all wrong.
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee
In this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who but Thee my burden shares?
None but Thee, oh Lord, none but Thee.
When my feeble life is o’er
Time for me will be no more
Guide me gently, safely over
To Thy kingdom shore to Thy shore

COLUMNS | 15
 With Grateful Hearts
By The Smith Family (Tad, Trista, Tate, Sage, and Sawyer), Members

W e have been attending FPCO for nearly a decade. We got

married here and started all three of our children in Early
Childhood Ministry at 12 weeks of age. We believe in this pro-
gram and what it has taught our children. They read from the
Bible, sing songs, color and do crafts pertaining to the scrip-
ture and lesson every Sunday. They started the Mustard Seed
Club which got the children learning to memorize scripture.
The first scripture my children memorized was perfect for an
issue I was having at the house: Colossians 3:9, “Do not lie to
one another.” I use it to this day, asking them, “What does
God say about lying?”

It brings comfort knowing it will be the same teacher from

one Sunday to the next. That has given our family the chance to
really know the teachers. We have to stop by and give hugs to some that we had in
years past. The kids look forward to church because of the environment and the love they feel from the Early
Childhood Ministry staff. My husband and I feel strongly about this ministry and support it through volunteering monthly.
This opportunity gives us a chance to see what it is like in the classroom, gain a friendship with the teachers, and learn
more about some of the other children at our church.

The experience as parents and volunteers has made us ever grateful for this church and all the godly servants that help
make it possible!

Our Senior Pastor

Practicing to be a Parking Attendant!
 Tony Campolo Red Letter Christian
F irst Presbyterian Church of Orlando welcomes Tony Campolo, speaker, au-
thor, sociologist, pastor, social activist, and passionate follower of Jesus.
Tony has boldly challenged millions of people all over the world to respond
to God’s boundless love by combining personal discipleship, evangelism, and
social justice.

We invite you to join us as we hear his powerful message of hope.

When: January 16, 2010, 7-8:30pm

Where: Sanctuary - Open to the Public

Cost: $10

Contact: Amy Heck at 407.423.3441 x1474 or aheck@fpco.org

Register at www.fpco.org/register

Tony Campolo is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Eastern University in St.

Davids, Pennsylvania. He previously served for ten years on the faculty of the
University of Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Eastern College and earned a Ph.D. from Temple University.

Founder and President of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education (EAPE), Dr. Campolo has worked
to create, nurture and support programs for “at-risk” children in cities across North America, and has helped establish
schools and universities in several developing countries.

Dr. Campolo is a media commentator on religious, social and political matters, having guested on television programs
like The Colbert Report, Nightline, Crossfire, Politically Incorrect, The Charlie Rose Show, Larry King Live, CNN Dayside,
CNN News and MSNBC News. He co-hosted his own television series, Hashing It Out, on the Odyssey Network, and pres-
ently hosts Across The Pond, a weekly program on the Premier Christian Radio Network in England. He is also a highly
respected and sought after guest on radio stations across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and
New Zealand.

He is the author of 35 books, with the latest releases in February 2008, Red Letter Christians, A Citizen’s Guide to Faith
and Politics (Regal), and July 2007, The God of Intimacy and Action (Jossey-Bass). His other recent titles are Letters to
a Young Evangelical (Basic Books), Speaking My Mind, Which Jesus (W Publishing Group), Everybody Wants to Change
the World, Practical Ideas for Social Justice (Co-authored by Gordon Aeschliman, Regal), Adventures in Missing the Point
(Co-authored by Brian McLaren, Zondervan), The Church Enslaved (Co-authored by Michael Battle, Fortress Press), Let Me
Tell You a Story: Life Lessons From Unexpected Places and Unlikely People (W Publishing Group), The Survival Guide for
Christians on Campus (Co-authored by Will Willimon, Howard), Revolutions and Renewal (Westminster John Knox Press),
Following Jesus Without Embarrassing God (W Publishing Group) just to name a few.

Dr. Campolo is an ordained minister, has served American Baptist Churches in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and is pres-
ently recognized as an associate pastor of the Mount Carmel Baptist Church in West Philadelphia. Dr. Campolo and his
wife, Peggy, live in the Philadelphia area and have two grown children and four grandchildren.

For more information about Dr. Campolo himself, visit EAPE web site at www.tonycampolo.org.
 s
d Q u es tion
e
q u e ntly Ask kgarten.org
Fre www.m
usi
f ro m

Q: Why should I pursue early childhood music

education for my child?
A: Music awakens and stimulates neural pathways in the brain that are
associated with higher forms of intelligence, such as abstract thinking, empathy,
mathematics, and science. Music’s melodic and rhythmic patterns provide
exercise for the brain and help develop memory. Remember singing the ABC
song to learn your ABCs? Studying music helps children establish good listening
habits, which are essential for achievement in school. Overall, music activities are
perfect for child development. Music immerses the child in language, evokes
movement, stimulates the brain, and fosters physical coordination – all in a
group setting that builds community – a holistic experience.

Q: What does it mean when you say MusikGarten

has a 9-year developmental plan for my child?
A: Only MusikGarten has a program that addresses the unique develop-
mental needs of children at each age. [All] of the classes are interrelated, as
they were written for children to grow up with MusikGarten. This sequential
planning also makes it easier for the students to grow in their musical compe-
tence and graduate to instrument playing [if they choose to do so].

Q: Should Parents attend and participate in the

all images, Jason Frazier
classes?
A: Parents are an integral part of class in the younger years. As students
get older, they participate by themselves, but parents take part in the classes
towards the end of each lesson. For all classes, parents are asked to include
active music making in their child’s life. Sing along with the CD. Play echo games,
making up patterns, as we do in class. Put the picture cards or notation games
on your refrigerator and play identification games with them as you get ready
for dinner. More structured practice is required when the children get to Music
Makers: At the Keyboard.

Q: Why do the students get [Family] Materials? Are we

supposed to practice at home?
A: Children and parents can have so much fun at home and in the car with MusikGarten
songs and dances. In class, you learn the songs, but at home is where you really have fun
with the songs and dances. It’s a great family bonding time. Try it and you won’t have to
ask this question ever again!
18 | COLUMNS
Q: As my child gets older, there seem
to be more and more activities for
him/her to do. Why should I continue
with music and movement training?
A: After being in the program for a while, you can see the
benefits your child is getting from class. It is our view that
the singing, dancing, and playing (in class and at home) is
the best for your child’s holistic development: Language,
movement, math skills, and physical coordination – all in a
group setting that builds community. While other activities
can be fun too, the primary building block of your child’s
developmental time should be spent with MusikGarten.

Q: Do you have a class that would

allow me to bring several of my
children of different ages to class
at the same time? finger plays, and bouncing. Parents are more active in ex-
A: Yes! We offer a Family Class for siblings and mixed ages posing their baby to the music than if the child were older
for those families that have multiple children of different and more able to move themselves, thus your child learns
ages as well as a family with one child that restricts them through the parent(s). It’s a very rewarding moment to see
from registering for any of the age-specific classes. your baby react to music for the first time!

Q: Why are the classes separated Q: Why do you incorporate faith-

by ages as opposed to offering all based songs into music class?
mixed ages classes? A: It’s been proven that children retain Bible verses and
A: All early childhood music programs share a common stories through music. We believe that Bible songs and
goal of exposing children to music, however they each have hymns are just as important as learning folk songs of our
a different approach. MusikGarten’s curricula are separated and other cultures.
by age because each age group develops different skills
at different stages of their lives. For each age grouping, Q: My child will not sit still for 45
minutes. Is it still appropriate to
there are specific activities presented in music class that are
developmentally appropriate.
enroll my child into a program like
Q: How much training has each teacher this?
had to be MusikGarten certified? A: Absolutely! We appreciate extroverts and introverts
alike! Children learn in different ways: some children learn
A: Each MusikGarten curriculum requires 2 – 3 days of jam- by observing, and others learn by doing. As long as your
packed, intense training. We learn about age-appropriate child is not hurting themselves or anyone else, they are
activities, learn how listening is just as important as singing more than welcome to “move about the cabin.” If they’re
and playing instruments, observe a demo class of each age in the room, they’re still learning and experiencing the mu-
grouping, as well as many other aspects of the program. sic! You won’t know it until your child surprises you outside
of class by singing a song or doing a motion or movement
Q: I have a baby that isn’t walking acted out during class.
and can’t hold an instrument. Should
I wait to enroll my child in music MusikGarten will be starting again in January 2010! On-

class?
A: The sooner you expose your child to music, the better.
Babies curriculum teachers are trained to approach music
in a different way which allows babies to experience music
at their developmental level! Babies gain more from seeing
and feeling music, such as patting the beat on your child,
line registration opens Jan. 11 and classes begin Jan. 26.
Mark your calendar and come see what MusikGarten is all
about! If you’d like to know more about MusikGarten at
FPCO, visit our website www.fpco.org/childrensmusic. For
further questions and to be put on our email list, contact
Stephanie Mixner at 407.423.3441 x1186 or smixner@
fpco.org.
COLUMNS | 19
Christ Over Clothes:
Spiritual Fashion
By Julianne Shirek, Student Ministry Coordinator

B ack in August, Katy Becker and I sat down and decided

that we wanted to create ways to specifically minister to the
young women in the Student Ministry. We have noticed that the
world expects these girls to be women long before they seem ready,
and we want to come alongside them, helping them to become young
women of God. So, we put our heads together and began brainstorming.
In the end, two events were born.

On September 18, we held our first event, Christ Over Clothes. We challenged the middle
and high school girls to go through their closets and collect clothes that they don’t wear anymore. They brought those
clothes with them, and we had a clothing drive for a homeless shelter downtown. It was great to see so many piles of
clothes! When we dropped the clothes off at the shelter, they seemed amazed that we had collected so much. It was such
a fun and selfless experience.

Katy and I also took the opportunity to challenge the girls when it comes to materialism and modesty. They realized
how blessed they are, and that they really do have more than they need. Some girls even felt challenged to go on a mis-
sion trip this summer, to help those that are less-fortunate, and to learn what it means to be a servant! We talked to them
about how they represent Christ with what they wear, and why modesty is important. All in all, they learned that wearing
the love of Christ should be more important than the clothes in their closets. God really showed up that afternoon, and
blessed our first Young Women’s Ministry event!

Sick Sisters
A Ministry For Women’s Hearts of All Ages
By Katy Becker, Student Ministry Coordinator

The sitting room walls held up both childhood pictures from long ago and
great-grandchildren learning to walk. A lifetime of collected treasures adorned
tables along with that day’s newspaper. I sat in an embroidered chair sur-
rounded by high school girls, as we visited with a great-grandmother and talk-
ed about times before we were born and the Florida Gators. We sat in several
sitting rooms that day, each one as unique as the stories we were told.
On Saturday October 25, Julianne Shirek and I took a group of middle and high
school girls to visit with women at the Westminster Towers who are members at FPCO.
At the beginning of the school year we wanted to create ways to minister to our girls’
hearts and in so doing, teach them to minister to others’ hearts; Sick
Sisters was born.
The girls made friendship bracelets for each woman
we visited. We prayed over them before we left, weaving, along with the vibrant strands
of string, the prayers of young women for the hearts and lives of those wiser and lon-
ger lived than us. Like prayer shawls, the bracelets were given as a tangible symbol
of the prayers we wrapped around each woman before we visited them. But the
joy found that Saturday morning went far beyond bracelets; friendships were
formed. As we left the Towers, the girls were asking when we could go back,
and if we could go all the time. Hearts of women were nurtured that day, no
matter if just over a decade old or almost a century.

COLUMNS | 21
 Real Men Do Sing!
By Dr. Rebecca Bedell, Minister of Worship
A s we continue on our quest for more
men to join the Chancel Choir at
FPCO, I wanted to give you an oppor-
tunity to hear from a couple of men who
currently sing with us. Norm Pricher and
Franklin Jennings have both agreed to
share – Norm is a long time member of
FPCO and Franklin is new to our church.
I hope that reading their stories will in-
spire you to join us!
Franklin Jennings
Why is there a band director singing in
the choir? My students and colleagues
are often confused and perplexed when
they discover me in the choir loft on Sun-
day mornings and hustling out of school
on Thursday nights for rehearsal. I am
in the midst of my tenth year teaching
instrumental music in the public school
system. Currently, I am the Director of
Bands at Freedom High School in the
Hunter’s Creek community of southwest
Orange County. I have earned a Mas-
ter’s Degree in Conducting while learn-
ing lessons in bus travel, middle school
girl hormones, and the illusory superior-
ity of high school boys. I am responsible
for creating music in six classes a day,
plus nine hours after school each week,
countless football games, concerts, and
community engagements. In my free
time, I sing in the First Presbyterian
Church Chancel Choir!
I first came to singing in my high school
men’s choir. Now that I’m involved in the
choir at FPCO, I truly have found a new
home inside an amazing church.
Singing in the choir IS NOT:
• Pretty anthems during the offering
• Sitting up straight for the cameras
when Dr. Swanson goes for a walk
around the front platform.
• Endless hours of rehearsal and
stress.
22 | COLUMNS
Singing in the choir IS:
• Creating a worship atmo-
sphere that allows the word
of the Lord to be its most
effective.
• Putting aside worries about
sitting in the “right” seat
and thermostat settings.
• Illuminating the Christian
journey by adding inspired
settings for amazing text.
After my initial visit with
the choir, I found it simple
to commit myself to the re-
hearsal schedule. I found that they usually mean they can not sing
my week was incomplete without the fel- as well as somebody famous, they find
lowship of Thursday nights and Sunday some notes difficult to reach, or they
mornings. The first reason is musical. can’t read music. What we THINK we
Some music is very simple and I am able sound like and what ACTUALLY sound
to sing it at sight. Some is quite difficult like are often quite different. We have
and requires me to actually go home all had the experience of hearing our
and do some work. Some requires me recorded voice for the first time and
to sing notes and pronounce texts that realizing that it sounds nothing like the
are quite foreign to me. Through the voice we have in our head. We have the
simplicity and great effort comes great internal perception of how our voice
reward. Every Sunday, I participate in sounds and we don’t believe that it pos-
leading the church to illuminate deeper sibly could be acceptable in any formal
meanings of the day’s message beyond musical setting. This voice dysmorphia
the outline in the bulletin. leads to fear of joining the choir. I call to
all gentlemen, FEAR NOT! You have a
The second reason is the amazing
singing voice that will fit in the choir. Dr.
people who are affiliated with Worship
Bedell is well-trained in helping you find
Arts. I have connected with a commu-
it. Come on a Thursday night and watch
nity of young adults who are close to my
age and who are in similar spots in their her work her magic!
spiritual journey. I am able to network Norm Pricher
and communicate with them to help
It’s hard to describe what singing in
me in my journey. I also have a gained
the Chancel Choir means to me. I have
new group of mentors who have a more
a music background, but  I don’t have
“seasoned” view of the spiritual journey
any vocal training.  We have some great
and the wisdom of their age helps me to
professional singers and they are so will-
know the amazing payoffs of this some-
ing to help you ...that is what makes it
times frustrating journey.
so fun.  The best part is working with the
Many men come to singing with a best teacher in the world, Rebecca Be-
huge number of preconceptions. When dell. She really enjoys bringing the music
men say that they can not sing at all, together. So give us a try, it’s fun.
 News & Notices
Family Christmas Celebration on December 13
Join us for Family Christmas Celebration: our annual event
for families of all ages, which will be a dinner theatre held
on December 13, from 5-7pm. We will have a family friendly
buffet with some kid-friendly crafts, followed by a presenta-
tion of Seussical Jr. performed by the Orlando Reparatory
Theatre’s youth theatre group. Register online at www.fpoc.
org/register.com. For more information, contact Stacey Kirk
at 407.423.3441 x1480 or skirk@fpco.org.
Annual Poinsettia Sale To Be Held on December 13
The William E. Alexander Infant Child Care Center Annual
Poinsettia Sale will take place December 6 and 13. We know
you can buy poinsettias anywhere, but there is only one place
you can buy beautiful poinsettias and make a difference in
the life of a child. The blooms will fill the driveway in front of
the Clayton Life Center before, during, and after each service.
The proceeds from all sales will benefit the children of the
ICCC. For more information, please contact the Infant Child
Care Center office at 407. 425.1126.
December HOPE Packing and Distribution on December 20
Join the Student Ministry this Christmas season in their annual
service project: December HOPE (Helping Our People Eat)
by donating a box of food to a needy family in the Orlando
area.  The Student Ministry will provide and pack the food and
give the box to a family in need.  The box contains food for
Christmas dinner along with other needs for the family. Join us
in helping with the packing and distribution of the boxes on
Sunday, December 20.  Sue and Greg Voorhees on the death of her father, William
FPCO Welcomes Tony Campolo on January 16
FPCO welcomes Tony Campolo to a community-wide event
as he speaks on his new book, Red Letter Christians, January
16, 2010 at 7pm.  Seating is limited, so register online today,
at www.fpco.org/register. This community outreach event is a
perfect opportunity to invite a friend or neighbor to hear one
of the foremost voices in American Christianity and politics.
Urban Ministry Conference to be Held on January 15
Be a part of FPCO’s Urban Ministry Conference on Friday,
January 15, 2010 featuring Tony Campolo and Ruby Payne’s
“Bridges Out Of Poverty” workshop. Join us for a day of Insight,
Inspiration, and Ideas. Visit us at www.fpco.org/urbanconference
and register today!  Early registration ends December 20.
Register Now for The Amazing Collection-The Poetical Books
Women’s Bible Study
Register now for the Winter/Spring women’s bible study – The
Poetical Books. We will continue the Amazing Collection series
with another ten-week study beginning January 21. Three
study sessions will be offered. For more information and to
register, visit www.fpco.org/womensfallbiblestudy.aspx. Reg-
istration forms will also be available in lobby of Edington Min-
istry Center.
Congratulations to:
Kelly Brooke Walters and James Wallace Dixon, who were
married October 9, 2009 in the Reformation Chapel.  James
“Jay” is the son of Mrs. and Mr.  James “Chip” (Edith) Dixon.
Marianna Mello and Steven Daryl Paone were married October 10,
2009 in the Sanctuary.  Marianna is the daughter of Dr. and
Mrs. Jonathas (Lilian) Moreira
Bridgette and Chad Cahill, on the birth of their son, Colton
Marshall Cahill, born October 14, 2009.  The proud grandpar-
ents are Steve and Rose Cahill.
Traci Dalton Jacobs and David Vaughn Hayes, who were married
October 17, 2009 in the Reformation Chapel.
Emily and Dyar McComb, on the birth of their son, Chase
Andrew McComb, born on November 11, 2009. The proud
grandparents are Pam and Dave McComb.
Sympathy to:
Amy Sinns on the death of her father, Tony Thomas, on Sep-
tember 19, 2009.
Lisa and Don Bliss on the death of her father, Richard Smith,
on September 30, 2009.
Trish Wilson and Lynda Strickler on the death of their mother,
Mary Bowles Strott, on October 12, 2009.
Tina Harbold on the death of her grandmother, Verna Harbold,
on October 18, 2009
Potter, Sr, on October 19, 2009.
The family and friends of Erin Voorhees, who died October
22, 2009.
October ’09 Giving Snapshot
General Operating Contributions Budgeted Surplus/
(Deficit)
Oct. Gifts $357,502 $515,800 $(158,298)
Fiscal Year-
to-date Gifts $1,591,438 $1,882,200 $(290,762)
Line of Credit $310,000
Immeasurably More Outstanding Balance $
4,093,446
IM Oct. Gifts $77,212
IM Fiscal Year-to-date Gifts $237,709
(net of 10% tithe to Missions)
Contact Finance for a full revenue and expense summary.
COLUMNS | 23
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TRADITIONAL SERVICES:
Sundays, 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.
in the Sanctuary

GENESIS SERVICES:
Sundays, 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.
in Lee Fellowship Hall

IMOG: In the Image of God

By Rhonda Simons, Member

C ongratulations to the thirteen 2nd and 3rd graders who completed the Image of God class on November 15.  This
class, being the first step towards confirmation, taught the children the basics of their faith, such as the reliability of
prayer and the Bible. It also covered the importance of bible study, worship, stewardship, and church participation. A
highlight for the children was learning a
bit about the history of First Presbyterian
Church of Orlando. The children were
also required to do at home assignments
and memorize certain verses from the
bible.

It has been a joy for me to be a part

of the IMOG class for the last few years.
It all starts when the children arrive
for class wondering what they have
gotten themselves into. During
the next seven weeks I marvel at
the way they get excited learn-
ing about their church. At the
end of the class I watch them at
their graduation ceremony, smil-
ing and holding their certificate
knowing that they have been
taught well and encouraged to be
the best they can be to serve God.