Vol 48, #1 January, 2008
ONwithTHE WAY
Dr. David D. Swanson
Dear FPCO Family and Friends,
As the new year unfolds, I am expectant and hopeful as
to what it holds. God has been moving and stirring us
through the fall towards a spiritual awakening, and now
we have the opportunity to continue to take steps on that
journey. I trust you have heard about our new model for
“doing” church called LIFE. A body of believers is called
to live LIFE together. In every respect, that is what we
want to do.
Many Awaken groups have transitioned into ongoing
LIFE groups. This is as we had hoped, and if you would
like to see your group continue – or even to get in one for
the first time – contact Lori Needham in the Discipleship
Office for information and direction. Part of doing LIFE
together is providing opportunities for both spiritual nur-
ture and service. The events in our church this month are
a great example of that.
First, take the time to attend the first Orlando Consortium
on HIV/AIDS on Friday and Saturday, January 11-12. I
have talked about this on a number of occasions because
I believe this is a tremendous area of importance for our
city. We are vastly undereducated and underequipped
to deal with it, and I hope this Consortium will be the
catalyst towards changing that. This is where the church
should be. This is where Jesus would be. Take a chance,
be willing to get your hands dirty, and come learn about
a way in which you can live the Gospel on behalf of those
in need.
Second, Wycliffe Hall Seminary is the theological college
at Oxford University. Through connections with First
Presbyterian Church, I had the opportunity to go there
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last summer, teaching classes, preaching in their chapel,
and preaching for a local Anglican church. That trip has
started a unique partnership with Wycliffe Hall and their
Principal (President), Richard Turnbull. Dr. Turnbull and
another New Testament Scholar, Peter Walker, will be
here on Thursday, January 17, for a one night teaching
event, “In the Steps of Jesus.” There will be two lectures
beginning at 7pm in Lee Fellowship Hall. Join us that eve-
ning and feed yourself on the Word of God.
Finally, as you are thinking about all the “new year” things,
I pray that you will make a commitment to be among the
body of Christ this year in worship. I will be preaching a
challenging and yet needed series this month on death,
dying, and heaven called “Discussing the Inevitable.” I
hope it will get our year off to a good start, and that you
will be present as we seek to serve the Lord and worship
Him together.
May God bless you
and yours in the
year ahead, and I
remain
Yours in
the Ministry
of Christ Jesus,
David
CHILDREN & PARENTS CELEBRATE
CHRISTMAS AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN
by Jennifer Knight

I think I needed the Family Christmas Celebration more

than my kids did. Sometimes for an adult it can be hard to
get into the “Christmas spirit.” Many times I find myself al-
ways trying to create the perfect Christmas moment for my
kids. You know the ones you remember as a kid? As a child
I always found Christmas so mystical. Too often I feel I can
get caught up in the memories and miss out on the great op-
portunities for new memories with my children.

The Family Christmas Celebration made one of these new

memories, and not just for me, but for my entire family. We
began by making very unique angels. Well as least ours was,
in an interesting kind of way. We decorated Styrofoam balls
and cones with an array of sequins, felt, fur and other shiny
materials. These angels reminded me of my grandmother’s
Christmas decorations. She must have made all of her own
as well, except she did not have access to CDs to use for
stands and halos.
story. This is where the mystical part of Christmas begins.
After dinner we all retired to the grand living room (the
I love to close my eyes and hear the story. I love to picture
Sanctuary) for wonderful entertainment. The Orlando
Mary at the manger holding God in her arms. I must never
Youth Theater put on a spectacular presentation of Christ-
forget the true meaning of Christmas.
mas songs and an excerpt of their upcoming performance of
“Little Women.” The children were captivated. I don’t think Thank you Carol, Jan, Stacey, Vickie, Donna and all involved
my kids have ever sat that still in church before. Most impor- in making the Christmas Cabaret a wonderful event and
tantly the evening ended with the reading of the Christmas family memory. n

Beginning January 16 Wednesday Night Discipleship

Returns to Campus
• Campus is open for LIFE Group meetings • Children’s Choir & Club
from 6-7:30pm (nursery available) • Student Ministry VAPOR & Cross Training
• Bethel Bible Study Class for adults • Dinner available in LFH at 5pm

Call the church for more information.

www.fpco.org | 3
 WHY WAIT?
Join a LIFE Group in 2008!
By: Lori Needham, Discipleship & Spiritual Formation
A
s crazy as it sounds, as an adult I miss the illustra-
tions that adorned the pages of some of my favorite
children’s books! I don’t know about you, but read-
ing the story and studying the picture made perfect sense
and actually made the story lifelike.
Well written books that adults often read for pleasure
permit us to visualize the character, a place, an event that is
critical to the story being told.
Through the years, growing in my faith has allowed the
most precious book ever written, The Bible, to become my
book of illustrations – life’s illustrations!
Christ was the ultimate ‘illustrator’. He recognized the
need to communicate with his audience and the most effec-
tive way of doing this was through the telling of ‘parables’.
Webster’s dictionary defines the word ‘parable’ as “compari-
son; usually a short fictitious story that illustrates a moral
attitude or a religious principle.” How ingenious! Speaking
with illustrations that permit the people to clearly under-
stand the message!
I find the Bible filled with ‘illustrations’ that speak to
me clearly because I am able to visualize the message. But
that’s not the end of Christ’s storytelling abilities. He led by
example as well.
Christ was relational on many levels. If you think about
the various scriptures familiar to all of us you can visualize
Christ standing on the side of a mountain slope, thousands
gathered around him to hear him teach. Large crowds did
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not intimidate him! Then I think about the time when he
taught the seventy-two to go out in twos to the various vil-
lages – spreading the good news of what they had learned. I
love that he had a ‘small group’ or ‘LIFE group’ – the twelve
disciples. There he shared knowledge, created relationships
by building trust, he even shared his fears. Further yet, he
had his closest friends, James, John and Peter, his trans-
parency group, to share deep feelings and divine revelations
that only they could know. I also never forget that he had
that group of ‘one’ – the precious time he would use to se-
quester himself on a mountain top or a granite boulder to
have those intimate conversations with his Father.
As I reflect on those images of Christ, I translate those
examples of who He was and is to the LIFE groups I can
have. I have my church family…the crowd of thousands that
I gather weekly with to worship God and have fellowship. I
think of the yet smaller group, perhaps the Sunday school
class that energizes and affirms my need to spread the Good
News. And then I gravitate to the ‘small groups’ that I have
so enjoyed. In those settings, a level of trust and comfort is
provided that permits me to share joys, heartaches, ask for
prayer, all while growing in my knowledge and understand-
ing of the Bible. But, it doesn’t stop there. Everyone needs
that ‘transparency group’ - that small number of people
within which you go deeper still. These are people that know
you so well they can look at you and know if you are having
a good or bad day and they care! These are people you can
also share your most precious thoughts and know those con-
versations go no further than that group. Having all of those
‘groups’ in your life still does not compare to the personal
one-on-one time with your Father, God. It is clear God cre-
ated us to be in fellowship with one another and with Him.
As you contemplate your spiritual goals for 2008, we
hope the ‘groups’ described above are actively a part of your
life. However, if you lack any one group and desire to learn
how to be connected, whether through the worship process,
finding a Sunday school class, leading or becoming a part
of a LIFE Group or creating that powerful praying life, the
Discipleship and Spiritual Formation Ministry is prepared
to assist!
As Pastor Rick Warren states, Life together begins
when you truly connect with God and a part of his family.
It’s one thing to visit God on Sundays and exchange small
talk with other churchgoers. It’s another thing to connect
– to build consistent relationships in which you invest time
and develop trust. Connecting with God’s family will help
Many Groups.
One Mission: LIFE!
you establish or deepen your connections.”

Contact Rev. Donna McClellan at x1488 or dmcclellan@

fpco.org to learn more about connection groups that will
deepen your life! l
Living for Christ
The lifelong process of becoming
fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

Facilitator/leader training for

LIFE Groups Inviting to Christ

Evangelism through relationships.

Facilitators will receive information, helpful hints on

leading groups and opportunities to learn from others Fellowship in Christ
how to be effective using the leadership gifts entrusted Living and sharing Christ’s life in
to you to serve Him and others. The Discipleship & Spiri- encouraging and accountable
tual Formation Ministry invites all current small or LIFE relationships.
Group leaders, along with those who have an interest in
starting a new group. Join us for a light dinner and a time
of fellowship and support on January 9, from 6-7:30pm in
room 330 EMC. Please RSVP to Rev. Donna McClellan at
Engaged with Christ
Putting faith to work in the
dmcclellan@fpco.org or 407-423-3441 x1488.
neighborhood, the church, the
city and the world.

www.fpco.org | 5

“This experience was amazing!
I saw God all week.”
– Ginnie
“I was able to let go of many
things I’d been holding on to!”
– Adair
“Everything about Eagle Rock
calms my heart and my mind.
God spoke to me in more ways
than I could have ever hoped
for and I finally set some
things right that needed to be
set right. This trip was unfor-
gettable. I am so glad I went.”
– Clare
“Eagle Rock has always been
a place that I feel the most my-
self. Every year it allows me
to look back on the year before
and see how I‘ve grown. I love
the bonds this trip creates, it is
one of the most unique places.”
– Becca
“There is something about
Eagle Rock that grabs hold of
your faith and transforms it.”
-Hunter
“Every activity or sermon or
song has taught me a little
more about God and myself.”
– Chapman
“My experience at Eagle Rock
has made me realize that if I
want to live the life of a Chris-
tian man then I have to ask
God into my life continually.”
-Brad
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MEETING GOD
AT EAGLE ROCK
By Jonathan Christian, Student Ministry
When was the last time you had
a significant and personal encounter
with God? Do you remember where
you were?
Ask these two questions of al-
most any high school student plugged
into our church’s Student Ministry
and chances are their answers would
be one in the same. With a reminis-
cent smile painted on their face, the
vast majority of them would proudly
exclaim “EAGLE ROCK!”
What is Eagle Rock? Eagle Rock is
an experience like none other. Yes, it is
a beautiful retreat center nestled in the
mountains of Tennessee. Sure, it offers
all kinds of thrilling recreational options
like rock climbing, mountain biking and
hiking. All of these descriptions accu-
rately portray what Eagle Rock is and
present enticing reasons to visit there.
But I can guarantee you the main draw
to the 130+ who enjoyed a long Novem-
ber weekend there was something much
greater than that. To them, Eagle Rock provided an
outlet to wake up from a life of spiritual sleep-walking and to encounter Jesus in a fresh
and empowering way.
By the last night of our journey through our Awaken theme, I recall God’s
spirit falling on the room like a Smokey Mountain
fog, evoking a response from all who were open to
His presence. Hands were stretched towards the
ceiling, knees met the floor in humble submission
and tears streamed down the faces of many as God
showed up in a God-sized fashion. Restoration
was brought to the broken and clarity was
brought to the awakened.
Praise the Lord for how He moved
at Eagle Rock and moves in the lives
of you and me as we let Him. n
 OUR CORE VALUE:
STUDENT DISCIPLESHIP
Cross Training for Students
By Browning Wood, Director of Student Ministry

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A
t the core of the Student Ministry’s vision is disci-
pling students. Disciple means learner, or pupil,
and for our purposes it is a student of the Word of
God and follower of Jesus Christ’s teachings. It is an ele-
ment of the Student Ministry which we have intentionally
postponed for two years in order to evangelize and devel-
op trusting relationships with students. Now in our third
year here as a staff together, we are embarking on the very
crux of what builds and grows student ministry and stu-
dent leadership, that is…intentional discipleship!
For the past four months two programs have been offered
to see students deepen in their faith. For High School,
Jonathan has been teaching and leading the Habitudes
series. It is a full two years worth of curriculum which
teaches students the basic spiritual disciplines of the faith.
For the Middle School, we have offered a program which I
have developed and used in every church in which I have
served. Cross Training continues to be the core disciple-
ship program for our students. Students sign-up in ad-
vance with full knowledge of the following requirements;
1) they commit to 13 weeks of study of which they are
allowed only two absences;
2) they are required to take notes at every event where
the scripture is being taught, in particular Sunday
mornings messages;
3) they are responsible for journaling their daily time
alone with God;
4) they are required to read one chapter a week out
of a particular book we go through corporately each
week and have the corresponding worksheet to that
chapter filled out;
5) they are expected to maintain a prayer journal
where they keep track of answered prayer requests:
I love watching kids loving the Lord like this.
6) they all memorize a verse a week from scripture by
topic, title, address and the verse itself which are cu-
mulative by the end of the semester; and lastly
7) they commit to a standard of conduct for the se-
mester which calls them to Holier living. Make no
mistake; this is not an easy commitment. Our motto
is many aspire and few attain, and though we had 17
begin with us we have only 11 who finished. This is a
level of consistency and discipline that many of us as
adults don’t maintain. This is my favorite part of youth
ministry. I love watching kids loving the Lord like this.
I love watching them light up when they “get it”.
This Winter and Spring we will be offering the follow
up to Cross Training, called Deep Impact. This is another
four month commitment to hands-on training and disci-
pleship. They will spend each month practicing spiritual
disciplines: Month one is prayer and fasting. We will be
going into hospitals, nursing homes, and standing out-
side of Walmart with a prayer table to pray with people
as well as going to school campuses to do prayer walks
around them. Month two is spiritual gifts month. Kids
will discover their spiritual gifts then use those to run the
Middle School Vapor outreach. Month three is serving,
in which we will adopt one service project and serve in
that for the month. Month four is evangelism training.
Students will learn to share the gospel, then we will have
a mystery trip to a city nearby where they will learn to
share their faith in a public setting with people on the
street. (Kids won’t know where we are going until we get
there, only their parents will know.) Then we hope that
some of these kids will be able to help Carol Welker with
her Camp Geneva summer children’s camp. That is dis-
cipleship. Students trained to go into the world and make
more disciples. n
www.fpco.org | 9
 20’s & 30’s MINISTRY OFFERS
NEW SUNDAY MORNING
CLASS FOR COUPLES
If you’re looking for a place to strengthen your mar-
riage, fellowship with other couples your age, and fall
more in love with Jesus, then this will be a place for
you. Rev. Case Thorp will be the primary teacher of
this new class. He is excited to help unfold God’s Word
for you and discover all that God intends for you in
marriage and life.
Beginning January 20, please join us Sunday mornings
at 10am in room 324 of the Clayton Life Center. Also,
coffee and bagels will be provided from 9:30-10 am in
the Rotunda on the CLC second floor.
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We hope you’ll be able to participate in this wonderful
opportunity of learning more about Christ, our spous-
es and one another. All you need to bring is a willing-
ness to grow and a desire to serve the body of Christ
and world around you. If you have any questions or
would like to help in any way, please contact Chad
Cahill ccahill@cahillhomes.com or Seth Wiepking
swiepking@fpco.org. We wait with great anticipation
to see all that Jesus will do in and through this exciting
new ministry!
 NEWS & NOTICES
Donate Now
For your convenience, FPCO has made provisions for you
to contribute to the church online using the church’s secure
contribution service. Look for the Online Donations link on
the church home page: www.fpco.org.
First Connections Seminar
Those considering church membership, new members, or
those who simply want to know more about our church
are invited to attend First Connections. This five week
seminar runs Sundays, January 27 – February 24. To reg-
ister, or for more information, please contact Ann Russell
at 407-423-3441 x1457.
Sympathy to:
Edna Mae Phillips on the death of her husband, John
Phillips, on November 12, 2007. Mr. Phillips was the
father of Gale Hillenmeyer.
Congratulations to:
Becky and Jeffrey Junod on the birth of twin daughters,
Piper McClain and Prescott Price, on October 5, 2007.
Stephanie and Jeff Muddell on the birth of a daughter, Car-
oline Grace, on October 13, 2007.
Karen and Wes Wankelmanon the birth of a son, Wesley
William “Will”, on October 29, 2007
Barbra and James Speer on the birth of a son,
Sam Noah, on November 12, 2007. Grandpar-
ents are Donna and John Speer.
Kathryn Elizabeth Voorhees and Miguel An-
gel Rivera who were married October 6, 2007.
Kathryn is the daughter of Gregory & Sue Voor-
hees.
Kristi Marlene Sorger and David George Gamb-
lin who were married November 10, 2007.
Meals for New Moms Volunteers Needed!
We are seeking people who would like to be part
of a ministry that provides home cooked meals
for families with new babies. If you feel God
leading you to minister to our young families in this way,
please call Susie Taylor at 321-297-0573.
What Meals For New
Moms Meant For Me
By Julie Eastwood
My husband, Tom, our infant
son, Cole, and I thank the Lord
each day for bringing us into the
community at First Presbyterian
Church. We couldn’t believe the outpouring of support we
received after my back surgery (even in the hospital). The
Early Childhood Ministry organized a hot home-cooked
meal to be delivered to us each week day for over a month!
This was an amazing blessing for our whole family. Tom
didn’t have to worry about cooking after working all day
and then coming home to care for me and our son. It was a
blessing knowing that my family was being cared for when
I couldn’t do it myself. Meeting a new family each day was
the highlight of my day during recovery. We will be forever
grateful for the love and support and look forward to being
able to provide the same to a family in need.
November ‘07 Giving Snapshot
General Operating Contributions Budgeted Surplus/(Deficit)
November 2007 $466,262 $588,472 $(122,210)
Year-to-date $5,602,370 $5,603,218 $(848)
Cash in Bank $138,524 Line of Credit $300,000
Immeasurably More Outstanding Balance $8,156,660
November 2007 Collections $166,619
Year-to-date Collections $832,386
Contact Dr. Keith Wright for a full revenue & expense summary.
www.fpco.org | 11
 KAY WARREN COMING TO
FPCO ON JANUARY 11-12
F PCO is delighted to host national ministry leader and
author Kay Warren as part of the Orlando Consortium
on HIV/AIDS Conference. Kay will be the conference key-
note speaker.
In 2002, Warren became, in her words, “seriously dis-
turbed” by the suffering of the millions infected with or af-
fected by HIV/AIDS. Now she is challenging the worldwide
Church to take on not just AIDS, but the global giants of
spiritual darkness, lack of servant leaders, poverty, disease,
and ignorance through the P.E.A.C.E. Plan.
Warren frequently travels around the globe to engage
with HIV+ men, women, and vulnerable children, and today
she is a powerful advocate on their behalf. In 2004, she
began the HIV/AIDS Initiative at Saddleback Church and
serves as its executive director.
In 2005, she was instrumental in presenting Saddle-
back Church’s first HIV/AIDS conference; the Global Sum-
mit on AIDS and the Church is now an annual event. Warren
launched the HIV/AIDS Caring Community at PurposeDriv-
en.com/HIV in 2006. The online community offers resources
and inspiration for churches involved in HIV/AIDS ministry.
As a two-time cancer survivor, Warren knows
firsthand how a life-threatening diagnosis alters
one’s daily life. Her own bouts with suffering
have motivated her to serve others who are
sick. She has come face to face
with the hurting as a volun-
teer in her own commu-
nity; at Mother Teresa’s
Home for the Dying in
12 | www.fpco.org
Kolkata, India; at the leper colony and AIDS hospice in Ma-
nila, Philippines; and with World Vision and International
Justice Mission in Thailand and Cambodia. In Africa, she’s
ministered to those living with HIV/AIDS through several
organizations, as well as through Saddleback Church’s part-
nership with churches and government leaders in Rwanda.
She has become a student of AIDS and attended the XVI
International AIDS Conference in Toronto, and the XV In-
ternational AIDS Conference in Bangkok, Thailand.
As a speaker, Warren has been a voice for suffering in-
dividuals. In addition to being featured at various Purpose
Driven church growth conferences, Warren has addressed
many government, church, and professional groups, includ-
ing the Government Women Leaders of Rwanda, the Man-
agement Association of the Philippines, and the Learning
Community of Willowcreek Church. Recognized for her
passion and influence, Warren has spoken to The Global
Coalition on Women and AIDS (UNAIDS) and at the ecu-
menical pre-conference of the XVI International AIDS Con-
ference in Toronto.
An accomplished writer, Warren contributed to The
aWake Project – Uniting Against The African AIDS Crisis.
Her doctrinal study, Foundations, co-authored with Tom Hol-
laday, won a Gold Medallion Award in 2004. Her new book,
Dangerous Surrender will be available at the conference.
In 1980 Warren helped her husband, Rick, begin Sad-
dleback Church in their condo living room. Now the second
largest church in America, Saddleback Church has given
Warren a platform for influencing Christians and other
leaders worldwide. n
FPCO Hosts
Conference on
January 11-12
We need laborers in the field. Currently, there are too
few organizations in Orlando, faith-based or secular,
which offer any assistance or support to those with
HIV/AIDS.
The purpose of The Orlando Consortium on HIV/
AIDS is to educate, equip and inspire.
If achieved, we will provide inspiration and resources
to help faith communities create ministries that ad-
dress the needs of AIDS/HIV sufferers and their fami-
lies, including connection with and access to public
health systems

Hosted by:
First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, University of
Central Florida, City of Orlando, Orange County
Government, Northland: A Church Distributed,
Orlando Regional Healthcare System, First Baptist
Church of Orlando, Walt Disney World, Haven of
Hope, Heart of Mercy Community Church, Abbott
Virology, Servant Investments, OneByOne, and the
African American Christian Clergy Council.
Kay Warren’s battle with cancer and fight against the AIDS
pandemic destroyed her perfect little world. She soon
realized the only way to win in life is to surrender. Her
new book Dangerous Surrender offers a firsthand glimpse
of the challenges and victories she faced when surren-
dering her life to God. She’ll take you places you never
wanted to go, but once you get there, you’ll never want to
leave. Learn more about Dangerous Surrender at kaywar-
ren.com, or pick up a copy at the Summit Bookstore and
prepare to surrender.

To attend, please register at www.fpco.org/HIVAIDS

www.fpco.org | 13
 Dr. Swanson’s January Sermon Series:
DISCUSSING THE INEVITABLE

January 13
DISCUSSING THE INEVITABLE 1: Death/Dying
1 Cor. 15:51-57
Facing our fears about death and understanding
God’s promise of life will help us – live.
January 27
DISCUSSING THE INEVITABLE 3: Living Through Loss
John 20:19, 26
Loss and the pain of grief are inevitable experiences in life.
The disciples were wracked by the loss of Jesus, yet it was
the resurrection which transformed their grief.

January 20
DISCUSSING THE INEVITABLE 2: Grief February 3
John 14:1-6 DISCUSSING THE INEVITABLE 4: Eternity Awaits
Not only do we face death, but those around us do as well, Revelation 21:1-4, 10-21
and we encounter people either preparing for it, grieving
because of it, or living with it. How do we understand
grief as Christians?

14 | www.fpco.org
 WHERE WILL
PRAYER TAKE YOU? By Rev. Sam Knight, Associate Pastor for Congregational Care
Entering into a series of rooms just off the main Sanc-
tuary, you discover a place of peace and presence. Sunday
mornings the Prayer Room has elders and pastors waiting to
intercede before the throne of grace for worshippers seeking
resolve, peace, strength, or offering praise. People praying for
the proclamation of God’s word asking that God’s word not
return to him void. It is a place where answers are sought and
comfort is offered.
There is however so much more to this space. Each of
the three rooms offers different prayer experiences. As I en-
ter into the first area I am immediately struck by the large
map of the world. It reminds me that I am part of something
that goes beyond borders and boundaries. Invited to pray for
the many mission partners associated with this congregation,
I become overwhelmed by the enormity of the task before
Christ’s church today. But as I look at the map I realize I am
partnered with people in just about every region of the world.
Rising from the kneeling bench, I turn and see the door to a
space where comfortable sofas invite you to rest in the pres-
ence of God. Even the doorway into this space has been uti-
lized as a prayer experience. Entering “The Gates of Praise;”
I see names and situations for which many have proclaimed
praise and thanksgiving, I add my own. At the other end of the
room I find a contrasting perspective. At “The Wailing Wall”
I am invited to write my prayer of lament. The names already
posted represent pain, disease heartache and strife. “Lord
sustain, strengthen and help them,” I pray.
Entering the third room I was struck by the image of the
wooden cross. There are pieces of paper nailed to the struc-
ture, outpourings of repentant souls desiring to know the
peace of forgiveness. I kneel, I weep, I face my own darkness
and imagine Jesus looking down from the cross at me. My
face is hidden with shame yet I hear the still small voice re-
minding me that I am called child, beloved, forgiven, friend. I
take my piece of paper and with the nail and hammer provid-
ed I leave my sin at the cross asking for the strength of God’s
Spirit to help live out my repentant desire. The bowl of rocks
draws my attention, the scripture is the retelling of a father’s
desire for his son to be healed. His confession was centered on
doubt. I pick up a rock. Holding it I admit that I too need God
to help my unbelief. I know I am a child of God, I know I am
forgiven but am I really worthy? The intensity of the moment
is a strange experience; I just acknowledged my forgiveness
now I am struggling to believe it. I release the rock letting it
fall into the pile; it becomes lost amongst the others, I release
my doubt to Christ for him to help me.
I have always loved playing in sand, making castles and
moats on the beach, burying great treasures for discovery in
some distant time. Now my hands are in sand again this time
taking a handful to represent my plans. I can’t keep it from
sifting out through my fingers. There goes my dream of being
a helicopter pilot in the navy, this time I see my million dol-
lars disappearing into the thousands of grains of unrealized
hopes and dreams. I take a breath; I focus on what God has
done as I have lived out his plans for my life so far, my wife,
and my children, my ministry, none of which would have hap-
pened if I were in charge. I glance at my watch—the world
awaits but there are other experiences still to be explored. I
need to return but I will do so with expectancy.
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place. n
www.fpco.org | 15
 Heart of the City Foundation Scholarship
Applications Now Available
The Heart of the City Foundation officially kicks-off its
2008 Scholarship program in January. High School Seniors
from our church, as well as College Students who have re-
ceived awards in prior years, will receive a packet of materi-
als in the mail this month. This packet includes a listing of
all available scholarships, the requirements to qualify, and
an application. These materials are also available online
at www.fpco.org/pages/987.asp. The application deadline
is March 30. A reception for scholarship recipients will be
held on May 18, 2008, and winners will be recognized in the
11:00 Traditional Worship Service on that day.

Norman Benzing Youth Scholarship Fund Established

The family of Norman Benzing has established a Youth
Scholarship Fund with the Heart of the City Foundation in
his memory. Following Norman’s death in October, 2007,
many friends and FPCO members made memorial gifts to
help support the youth ministry of our church. For several
years, Norm led bicycle trips for the youth group, pedal-
ing to Jeckel Island, GA, for “Fun in the Son”. Most of the
young people who participated in these trips remember
their experience as “life changing”. Norm heard the same
feedback when he chaperoned short-term mission trips
with the youth ministry as well. Knowing that trips, re-
treats, and short-term mission projects can be pivotal in the
faith development of teenagers, Norman Benzing’s family
has directed that proceeds from this fund be used to provide
scholarships to students who would not otherwise be able
to afford to participate in these types of experiences. This
fund will remain open for future donations, for those who
want to share in Norm’s passion of investing in the lives of
teenagers.

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www.fpco.org

Traditional Services: 8:30am & 11am

Genesis Service: 11:15am
Sunday School: 9:45am