SUNDAY SCHOOL

FOR THE
WHOLE FAMILY

Vol 48, #5 May, 2008

 ON THE WAY with Dr. David D. Swanson
Dear FPCO Family and Friends,
“Whoever has my commandments and obeys me, he is
the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my
Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”
John 14:21
I had a great time in Dallas last month visiting my fam-
ily, and one of the joys of those visits is getting to spend time
with my nephews: Jack, Ben and Mark Spangler. Jack is in the
first grade while Ben and Mark have yet to start school in ear-
nest. They are 4 and 3 respectively. We had a lot of fun playing
together, but I also noticed something fascinating about the
younger ones: they walk a very fine line between obedience and
independence. All children do. Since they are not my kids, I
had a great time watching this unfold, but I doubt my sister and
brother-in-law found it so humorous. They would give them a
command – sit down, leave your brother alone, pick up that
napkin – you name it – and then I would watch the little wheels
in their mind begin to spin. They had to decide, “Am I going to
do what I have been told to do?” Most of the time they did, but
sometimes, their human nature got the best of them!
This little drama plays out in our lives as well, doesn’t it?
We walk a daily tightrope between the things that God has
commanded us to do and the things we want to do. The wheels
click along in our mind, and we think, “Am I going to do what I
want to do or what God wants me to do?” It’s a simple question
of obedience. Sadly, the concept of obedience is one foreign in
our “me” driven world.
I read a new book by John Stott entitled The Living
Church in which he wrote about this topic. Speaking about
John 14:21, he writes:
“This promise of Jesus is conditional. He reveals him-
self only to his lovers. And who are his lovers? Not
those who make loud protestations of love, and then
go out like Peter to deny Him. Not those who sing
rather sentimental songs “Jesus, I love you.” (It is all
right, I sing them too, but they do not prove anything.)
No, those who truly love the Lord Jesus are those who
obey His commandments. To sum up, the test of love
is obedience, and the reward of love is a self-manifes-
tation of Christ.”
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As I have struggled with this over the past few days, I wonder
why I am not more obedient. I love the Lord, but do I love Him
to the extent that I am willing to do what He says even if that is
contrary to my desire or the counsel of my culture? In the final
analysis, any unwillingness on my part to obey can be traced to
an issue of trust. If I do this, do I really trust that God has my
best interests in mind? And then I realize my own lunacy. I am
assuming that the Creator of the Universe may make mistakes
with me. I am thinking that I may actually know more that He
does. I am thinking I would make a better Lord of my life.
In the end, I have to step back and realize the way in which
I project my finite understandings onto the infinite God and
how that negatively affects our relationship. He has loved me
completely through His cross, and I respond to that with my
love. If I do, then I will do what He says, and as a result, I find
what I’m looking for: a deeper relationship with God. He re-
veals Himself to those who love Him and those who love Him
obey Him.
Like my little nephews, this is a day by day, moment by
moment struggle. However, if I acknowledge my own fears and
lack of trust, if I can stretch my faith enough to believe that God
is good and that from His goodness He loves me, then I am able
to walk in obedience a little bit more. I close with a prayer from
Stott’s book:
Lord Jesus, make yourself to me a living bright reality;
More present to faith’s vision
keen than any object outward
seen,
More dear, more intimately
nigh than e’en the sweetest
earthly tie.
With love from a fellow pilgrim
on the journey,
David
GET TO KNOW
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you are only attending worship services on Sunday mornings,
you are missing out. At First Presbyterian Church of Orlando,
we believe that the study of God’s word is not an option - but an
essential. We are committed to equipping Christians, through
Discipleship, to follow Christ in every aspect of life. Each Sun-
day morning the 9:45am hour is dedicated to study.
Sunday School is the term FPCO uses for this Sunday morning
hour of study. Sunday School is a lifetime opportunity to deep-
en your faith through study. We offer a wide variety of classes
for adults of all ages. Classes range in size and style with some
offerings for young adults, older adults, married couples, choir
members and new Christians just to name a few.
Adult Sunday School Highlight: Crossroads Class
Crossroads Class meets in the Clayton Life Center, Room
305. Crossroads is diverse in age and each week studies the ser-
mon Scripture and message delivered that morning in worship.
You are invited to get to know the Crossroads Sunday School
class through the words of one of its members.
John Guglielmi writes:
The Crossroads Sunday school class is an answer to
prayer. Carrie Beth and I had been nomads, wandering
from class-to-class for several years. Finally we found
ourselves hanging out under the Angel Wing along with
several other couples. Crossroads has given us the fel-
lowship opportunity we have sought and consequently
we have developed great relationships with people. Be-
ing a discussion driven class, Crossroads has given us
the opportunity to discuss God’s word with our peers
in an open and comfortable atmosphere. Several men
from the Crossroads class and I just completed a two
year spiritual journey together and I dare say that we
would have not connected to make this journey together
if it were not for the Crossroads class. Finally, I really
like the fellowship time we have before the class. Cof-
fee and snacks are provided by class members, adding
to the fellowship setting of the class. Carrie Beth and I
are very thankful for Crossroads and for anyone who
is looking for a Sunday school class that discusses the
Bible and actively promotes fellowship, we invite you
to check out Crossroads.
A listing of adult Sunday School classes is avail-
able in the Welcome Center or online at fpco.org/
discipleship. For additional information, please
contact Rev. Donna McClellan, Associate Pastor
for Discipleship by calling the church office at
407-423-3441. n
www.fpco.org | 3
 raise the roof
For Ng’ombe Presbyterian
Church & Community School A big
Zambia, Africa thank you...
for your incredible support for the
kick-off of the Children’s 2008
Mission project!
On Easter Sunday our children sold
their hand painted ceramic crosses
Kingdom Kids 2008 and collected over $3000 in
Mission Project donations to initiate the Raise the
Roof project. Special thanks to our
friends at Westminster towers and
the Questerian Sunday School class
who, as Scripture says, “became like
children” and wholeheartedly
embraced teaching the children that
we can affect the lives of people in
another place. Putting our hearts in
to action, we hope to add one more
roof to this thriving Presbyterian
community in Zambia pictured to
the left.

Hi Carol,
Congrats for such a wonderful job. $3000 already raised! That's
got to be the most exciting news that I have received this year! I
am also very excited about it and can already see three finished,
well roofed classrooms. God's divine favour is surely upon you and
us through you.
We are just planning to start digging the foundation now that
the rains are over. "Raise the Roof" help couldn't come at a
better time. Praise be to God for his love and faithfulness. On
behalf of the school's building committee, I send our sincere
thanks to you and the kids for your concerted effort in raising
the roof.
Finally one of our kids, Ms Abbigil Zulu received a letter from
Mackenzie Grzesik last Monday, April 7. The school postal
address the kids and the teacher used is the correct one. In
fact the school has been using it since inception. It is my
family private box number because the school doesn't have their
own postal box yet, and residential addresses are not used here. I
don't understand this long delay, unless the letters are coming via
surface mail (by sea) instead of airmail.

Affectionately, Debbie Shawa

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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN
MAKES A DIFFERENCE
IN THE LARGER CHURCH
By Dr. Paige McRight, Executive Presbyter

There are many ways in which members and pastors at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando are ac-
tively serving in the larger church through their involvement in the presbytery. Indeed, I’m quite sure we
would be hard pressed to find a congregation with more leaders involved at the presbytery level. Since I
have been in this presbytery, I have come to know many wonderful First Presbyterian members because of
their involvement in the life of the presbytery as commissioners to presbytery and as members of presbytery
committees. Here is the list I know of those currently serving on presbytery committees and task forces:

David Swanson Evangelism

Case Thorp Compassion Ministries (chair)
Keith Wright Endowment (chair)
Sam Knight Committee on Ministry
Donna McClellan Educational Ministries (events)
Bill Alexander (retired) Administration and Personnel
Rebecca Bedell Theology and Worship
Dawn Neff Council
Carolyn Ragans Administration and Personnel
Bud Amos Committee on Ministry
Murray Garbrick Strategic Planning Task Force

In addition, one of the presbytery’s attorneys, Christy Wilson, is a member at First Orlando,
and the presbytery’s attorney for many years, Jim Robinson is also a member. Rob Bullock has
served the last three years on the Presbytery’s Stewardship committee and has just left to join
the staff of the General Assembly Council in Louisville, KY.
The children’s summer camp (Camp Geneva) which First Orlando hosts each year along
with First Maitland and First DeLand has invited children from the other churches of the
presbytery to share in that camp experience for several years now.
The Youth Ministry Program at First Orlando has invited youth from other church-
es in the presbytery to share in a major event this fall.
The church has been gracious to host a meeting of the presbytery, a major presby-
tery event, a Presbyterian Women’s Gathering and a presbytery staff Christmas lunch
in the past four years.
FPCO members Retha Underwood and Joyce Rabe each volunteer 1 ½ hours one
afternoon a week as hostess and phone receptionists. We could not practice gracious
hospitality nearly so well without them.
Some at First Church may not know the church’s rich heritage as a leader in the
presbytery in planting new churches or of its leadership in the denomination across
the years supplying elders and pastors for service on General Assembly committees
and on the General Assembly Council as well as providing the former PCUS with three
moderators.
I’m grateful for the ways in which that rich heritage continues today in the leader-
ship of pastors and members in the life and work of the presbytery. n
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6 | www.fpco.org
 “Look What We Get to Be Part of…”
Compassion International is life-changing for FPCO member – and ‘her kids’
God values children. He loves them passionately. God
gives to each child the promise of a hope and a future. I
know of only one source that can put the light of hope into
the eyes of a child like Yoseph – the love of Jesus. It breaks
the heart of God to see even one child suffering but then,
that’s the enemy’s agenda and nothing pleases him more
that to break God’s heart. But it doesn’t have to happen. We
have the privilege of reaching out to a child in poverty, to
help build God’s kingdom one child at a time. You change a
child and you change a family. You change a family and you
change a community. You change enough communities you
have changed a nation. Look what we get to be a part of. It
doesn’t get any better that that.
- Jean Severance
It’s written all over his face. The joy. The hope. The love
of Christ. You can see it so clearly. When you look at the pic-
ture today next to the picture from a year before, you know you
are looking at a life that has changed. And that’s all it took to
convince Jean Severance that the money she was sending was
having an incredible impact.
It started in 2006 when Compassion International’s presi-
dent, Wess Stafford, visited FPCO. Jean listened to his min-
ute for mission, and stopped by one of the tables where child
sponsorship packets were on display. She picked out two boys,
Yoseph in Ethiopia and Israel in Bolivia, and started sending a
check each month. Jean admits she did the minimum at first –
just writing checks. But that changed a year later when she got
Yoseph’s new photo in the mail. She could see the difference.
The finance director at a local nonprofit, Jean saw it as re-
turn on investment. “I can see the results. I don’t have to worry
about market fluctuation. Where else could I get that kind of
return?” she said with a smile.
Suddenly, she was hooked. She began writing letters to the
boys. And praying for them each day. She put their photos on
her mantle. And she began sponsoring more kids. A little girl.
And then another. And then another. At five sponsor kids, she
thought she had hit a good number. One child for each of her
grandchildren. “I think of how blessed my grandkids are,” Jean
says. “I wanted to share the blessing.”
Wess Stafford says, “The opposite of poor is not rich. The op-
posite of poverty is not wealth. The opposite of poor is enough.”
That’s a sentiment Jean takes to heart. She talks about Compas-
sion’s Child Survival Program which assists children under five
and their mothers. “For $20 each month, I can save lives,” Jean
says. “Buy a blouse or save a life – it’s not a hard choice.”
Jean hopes everyone will see the same value. This year,
Jean signed up to be the church’s advocate for the children in
Compassion’s program. She organized FPCO’s Compassion
by Rob Bullock
Sunday on April 13 to recruit sponsors for children in need.
She praised God for each child sponsored, and gets choked up
about those still in need.
“It’s so simple,” she says. “There are no disposable children
in God’s economy.” She notes that 80-85% of Christians make
their decision to follow Christ before age 15. Compassion’s pro-
gram offers a great way to reach the children who may grow up
to be their countries’ leaders.
It turns out five was not the perfect number. Over the last
year, Jean has taken on more children.
There’s Brylle in the Phillipines, who writes his letters in
English and who dreams of building airplanes one day. Eka, in
Indonesia, who introduced her family in her first letter saying
“my father is a farmer in the fields and my mother is a servant
in God’s field.” Arissa is 16 and lives and teaches Sunday school
in Thailand. “That’s the same age I was when I first taught Sun-
day School,” Jean notes.
Today Jean sponsors 12 children in 9 countries. She enjoys
seeing their letters, written in different languages, some with
different alphabets. She writes to each of them monthly, and
keeps folders of correspondence to keep track of the conversa-
tions. It may seem complicated, but for Jean life actually seems
much simpler. “I do a lot less shopping now. My life is so much
simpler. I look at [the pictures of] my kids in the morning and
smile. What could be more fun?”
For those who missed Compassion Sunday, Jean is quick
to point out that you can sponsor a child any time – just go
to the Compassion International website at www.compassion.
com. You can browse through the ranks of children needing
sponsors by age, gender, or country. Jean says it’s a great ac-
tivity for parents to do with their kids – introducing them to
the joy of giving and connecting them with a child in another
country, another culture. n
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 The Easter season continues for fifty days through Pentecost Sunday, and our
desire grows to understand the gift of His only Son.
LOOK AT HIM NOW
Look at him now, as he hangs from the cruel beams stained
with the blood of previous victims. Look at him now, who when
born had been laid upon a bed of straw in the feeding trough
from which the animals of the field fed during the cool of the
winter months. Then peaceful, content, surrounded by those
who loved him; now surrounded by Roman guards gambling
at the foot of his cross for the few belongings he could call his
own.
Look at him now, as he struggles to lift the weight of his
body high enough for him to be able to manage even the shal-
lowest of breaths. With each breath his flesh tears wider, deep-
er. Look at him now who had once breathed softly and deeply
as he slept while shepherds came to see for themselves the
child of whom they were told by the host of angels in the still-
ness of the night?
Look at him now, as his mouth loses moisture as each min-
ute passes. Hear him call out, “I am thirsty,” that same mouth
that cried out as an infant for the nourishment of his mother’s
breast now yearning for even the smallest amount of moisture.
He remembers when in Samaria he had been thirsty near the
well where the woman shamed by her own decisions had heard
him say “whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.
Indeed, the water I give will become a spring of water welling
up to eternal life.”
Look at him now, as he looks upon his mother, the woman
whose own body had writhed with pain as she brought forth
her child. Her face expressing her acknowledgment of the ful-
fillment of the promise God had given the first woman and her
enemy; “And I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head,
and you will strike his heel,” these ancient words now being
accomplished.
Look at him now, looking heavenward in desperate hope;
he once looked with compassion upon the sick and the faces of
friends as they broke through the roof of the home where Jesus
was teaching seeking the master to heal their companion. Eyes
looking with love and forgiveness at the woman caught in sin
and those same eyes that look at her accusers walking away in
shame? Eyes filling with tears at the news of a friend’s death,
now burning with the heat of the midday sun.
Look at him now, whose voice had stilled the storm; healed
the sick; commanded the demons. The voice that had spoken of
8 | www.fpco.org
peace and blessing, faith and joy and the voice that
spoke life into the dead man’s tomb crying; “Lazarus
come out”? And now from his tree of execution his
voice cries out “Father, forgive them for they know not
what they do!”
Look at him now, as his head once wrapped in warm
cloth resting upon the hay of the manger now crowned with
thorns blood dripping over his forehead. His bloodied face that
had once frowned with heartache expressing disappointment
with a young ruler unable to give up his wealth. With each drop
of blood flowing down his cheek the new covenant is sealed
with God.
Look at him now whose feet once wrapped in warm swad-
dling cloth had walked mile upon mile to bring the good news
of the kingdom to those that will listen. Those feet once anoint-
ed with costly perfume and wiped with the hair of a devoted
disciple not realizing the significance of that action to come?
Look at his feet now soiled with dust of the lonely road up the
hill of Calvary mixed with his own blood and sweat.
Look at him now, those once tiny hands how they had
curled at the gentle touch of his mother? Those same hands
curling at the cruel piercing of the sin-filled nails. Look at his
hands that had once mixed mud and saliva placing the unusual
balm upon the eyes of the blind; hands that had reached out
risking infection for the flesh of the lepers, of whom only one
returned to offer thanksgiving; hands once clasped in prayer
for the same people now looking at the iron torn palms bloody
and broken.
Look at him, listening to the taunts of his accusers; “if you
are the Messiah come down from that cross, save yourself and
the others!” Look at him now; it is as if he is once again hear-
ing the noise of the stable creatures piercing the cold winter’s
night. See he is listening again to the still small voice of God
stirring him into the wilderness. In recent days he has heard
the crowds declare, “Hosanna blessed is he who comes in the
name of the Lord” and then the same people crying out with
vengeance, wrath and hate “crucify him, crucify him.”
Look at him now, as his head turns to the thief next to him.
The thief struggling for breath calls out; “Jesus remember me
when you come into your kingdom!” Listen to his compassion-
ate response, “today you will be with me in paradise.”
Look at him now as death draws its last few moments
 WALK TO THE CROSS WITH CHRIST
from his writhing,
agonized body. Hear
him as he cries out to
his father: “Why have you
abandoned me.” Crying out,
“Into thy hands I commit my
spirit.” Hear him cry, “It is fin-
ished!”
Look at him now, as they take
his still lifeless body down from his
cruel cross. See how darkness covers
the mid-afternoon sky. Friends carry
him to a borrowed tomb. We cannot look,
we dare not look. His pain breaks the cru-
cible of tears, hope is shattered despair over-
whelms us, all is lost.
Hear the voice of the solitary centurion wit-
nessing this sacred scene. “Surely this man was
the son of God.”
That is right, though there is nothing about
him to which we are attracted, no beauty that
turns our eye no splendor that heralds trump.
But we do look upon the son of God, the Pascal
lamb sacrificed for us to pay the costly blood of-
fering demand by a just and holy God. All the
beauty, majesty and power of heaven now en-
cased in this lifeless body being laid in the dark-
ened tomb.
Just a little while longer now and we
shall look at him again and henceforth shall
we look upon his glory, majesty splendor and
power as the risen Son, the Lamb of God who
comes to take away the sins of the world. Look
at him now! n
On Friday March 21, 2008, a group of 50 middle
school and high school students gathered to experience
and remember Good Friday like never before. Twenty-five
stations were set up in rooms on the 3rd floor of Allen Hall. Each
station included a different element of the crucifixion, like the crown
of thorns, huge nails, and a cat o’ nine tails. As students visited each
station, they were able to reflect and think about what Christ did for
them. After visiting each station, everyone gathered for a time of con-
tinued reflection and worship, at the cross. Students were able to re-
ally grasp and understand exactly what Christ went through, and the
sacrifice that He made. While it was different and admittedly difficult,
students recognized the weight and significance of Good Friday, many
for the very first time. Experiencing the heaviness of what occurred
on Good Friday allowed for more celebration on Easter Sunday. Jesus
reigns, and because He conquered the grave, we are given freedom,
redemption and LIFE. All for His glory.
Students were able to write out a prayer to God in response to
what He had been doing in their lives through the experience of A
Walk to the Cross with Christ. It is obvious that God moved in the
hearts of students in a huge way.
“God, there is no way that we can pay the price that you paid on
the cross for us. It’s impossible! You are amazing. I want to be a fol-
lower of yours in so many ways: at school, at home, with friends and
with family! Please Lord lead me down the path of righteousness! I
love you!”
“Lord I want to know you more. Show me more. Give me eyes
to see and ears to hear. My heart longs for more. I love you! Help
me love you more. Help me love others more. I need you! You
are Abba. You are my father. You are my life, my light, my shield
from darkness. Lord, you satisfy. Amen.”
“God, I can never understand why you love me so much. De-
spite the fact that I’m disobedient and all about me, you’re still
willing to take me back. Help me start listening. There’s no telling
what I’m missing out on because I simply don’t listen. I know you
have plans to prosper me and give me a future, but I can’t wrap my
brain around that. Help me to trust you more. I’ve been trying to run
the show and it’s not working. Fill me up. Please.”
“God, I still cannot believe you would do all of this for me. Not
just for me, but for everybody. Life with you in my heart is unexplain-
able! I am so thankful for everything you do in my life. You are there
for me when no one else is. I love you with all my heart.”
“God I deserve all the suffering that you had. I am a sinner and
that will never change. I should spend my life praising you. But I get
caught up in materialistic things. I try to impress my friends but I’m
just making my sin worse. The weight gets heavier and heavier. Thank
you for loving me and caring for me. I am thankful for all you do. But
I will never forget the weight you took for me. I love you.”
“Lord, you are so Holy and deserve everything but being crucified.
I cannot imagine being through what you went through. You show me
the way every day and I ignore it. I owe you so much more than going
to church and Bible Study. You are so deserving. You are the Way and
most days I just don’t seem to follow it. Just help me Lord to be more
like you.” n
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 Jobs Partnership Prepares to
GRADUATE

FIRST CLASS by Paige Ragan, Mission Coordinator

Congratulations to the forty-two dedicated students of What FPCO Members say about Jobs Partnership
the Jobs Partnership Program, graduating June 1! They have I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and help oth-
worked very hard and we are praying for their continued suc- ers. During a Sunday Service, I discovered the need for job
cess and growth in their relationship with God! counselors and jumped at the idea. The JP program was an
Thank you to the over one hundred FPCO members who easy avenue to pass on career counseling experience that
gave of their time and hearts as mentors, job counselors, inter- I have gained in my profession. The challenge for me was
view coaches, preparing meals, coordinating classes, helping to let go and commit myself to serve. Reach out. You have
the students dress for success, and especially in prayer. This is more to offer than you think.
truly an example of our church connecting with our commu- - Chris Parent
nity and making an eternal impact in people’s lives.
I got involved in Jobs
Partnership after a presen-
tation in my Sunday School
class. At the time I was looking
for candidates for a company
that I am affiliated with. I am
thrilled to be able to do mis-
sion work right here in town.
- Holly Cooper
I serve because Jesus
served us first...this experi-
ence has opened my eyes to
how tough it is to get a job af-
ter you get arrested. And...to
help those in need. It is tough
after a long day at work to re-
energize and find the energy to
mentor at night for two hours.
But once we open in prayer
you realize this is a different
experience than our cultural
world. God is with us.
The Jobs Partnership program is a 12-week class for peo- - Charlie Sternberg
ple struggling to find lasting employment at a livable wage. The I have seen how society will negatively affect a person
idea was to start a partnership between churches, the county by labeling them as a homeless welfare mom. But like Job,
and businesses in the Mercy Corridor, have local pastors and no matter what they are going through they refuse to quit,
business leaders teach how to write resumes, interact with co- they refuse to turn their back on God. And they realize that
workers, discover what the Bible says about work, and practice God loves them but is allowing them to go through diffi-
interview etiquette. And God is definitely working through the cult times for a greater purpose. Their prayers are, “Please
students and volunteers – to help transform families and the Lord Grant me the patience to endure and to open my heart
community on Mercy Drive. and mind to what it is that you want me to learn.” To wit-
You can be a part of this transformational experience and ness such faith is beyond description.
serve next fall - watch for details in your upcoming Columns - Faye Commodorio
and at www.fpco.org/mission There are a variety of ways to get
involved and use your gifts to serve God! To read more, go to fpco.org/mission
10 | www.fpco.org
 CELTIC HEALING SERVICE
on Wednesday, May 14 at 7pm
Monthly Healing & Wholeness Service Taps
into Ancient Roots for Special Offering

Spirit of the living God

Flow into your beloved child
Heal in you everything that harms you
Strengthen everything that is weak
And lift your heart to reflect his glory. Amen

A TESTIMONY OF HEALING
by Joe Aebischer

After three years of health problems, loss of my father, car
wreck, my wife’s job loss, and possible civil law suit, I was very
depressed. I decided that my wife and I needed to become more
active in FPCO and turn to God for help. I started to attend the
monthly healing service where I was able to receive nearly a
dedicated service to me and prayers offered up by Sam Knight
and 2-3 elders. Sam also made every attempt to keep informed
about my problems with numerous phone calls and cards. The
Holy Stitches, FPCO’s knitting group, also made a shawl for me
which was blessed by Sam Knight for my recovery. We have
been attending the Healing Service and Answers for Living
Sunday School class which has enriched our lives and brought
us closer to God.
At the last Healing Service we were introduced to I Kings
19:4-13, in which Elijah is complaining to God and had given
up. God answers him by saying “What are you doing here, Eli-
jah? Instead of serving the Lord, he wanted the Lord to take his
life and was not willing to move forward. Like so many of us
do, Elijah was complaining to the Lord, which is selfish and un-
productive. We felt like we had been complaining to the Lord
and given an undue amount of hardships to endure. We had
wondered “Why us?”
After hearing about Elijah and being blessed at the Heal-
ing Service, we are progressing onward and making career and
personal changes in our thoughts and attitude. We are thankful
for all the prayers and support from FPCO, the Healing Service,
Answers for Living, and blessing of the prayer shawl from the
Holy Stitches. We are indeed grateful for everyone’s love that
we found at the Church. The Church has provided us with the
most individual attention that we have ever had. We encourage
everyone to attend the monthly Healing Service for individual
prayers and healing. Everyone needs prayer to help them with
physical, mental, and everyday life stress.
I feel the attention and prayers given me and my wife by
the FPCO staff and elders has been invaluable in deepening
my faith in God and realizing that I have many blessings to be
grateful for and that these trials and tribulations given me over
the last 3 years were God’s way of trying to grow my religious
roots deep and strong. n

www.fpco.org | 11
 NEWS & NOTICES
Sympathy to:
Grady Cooksey, Sr., on the death of his wife, Jean Cooksey,
on March 4, 2008. Mrs. Cooksey was the mother of Grady
Cooksey, Jr. (Judy) and grandmother of Cara Batterson.
Jeanette McClellan on the death of her husband, William
“Bill” McClellan on March 12, 2008.
The friends and family of Grady Wease, who died March 27,
2008.
Rick and Jill Dye on the death of his father, Roy Titus Dye,
on April 1, 2008. Mr Dye was the grandfather of Lindsey,
Chandler, Lisl, Annys, Olivia and Hunter.
C. Jeffrey Arnold on the death of his mother, Evelyn Arnold,
on March 14, 2008.
Congratulations to:
Emily and Dyar McComb on the birth of their son, Carter
Thomas McComb, on December 31, 2007. Proud grandpar-
ents are Pam and Dave McComb and Aunt Colby McComb.
Morgan Marie Swanson and Matthew Jackson Allen who
were married on February 2, 2008. Morgan is the daughter
of E. Daniel and Ella S. Swanson.
Holly and Seth Swanson on the birth of their daughter,
Mackenzie Smith Swanson, on February 28, 2008. The
proud grandparents are E. Daniel and Ella S. Swanson
Anne Lanier Stewart and Eric Matthew Bartels who were
married March 15, 2008 in the Sanctuary.
Young at Heart Gathers on May 7
All older adults are invited to join us at 10:30am in Lee Fel-
lowship Hall for a program and lunch. Our guest speaker
will be Leigh Swanson. Cost is $8 per person and reserva-
tions are required. Please call Sharon to RSVP Today at
407-423-3441 x1159!
Telecare Ministry Offers Training
What is telecare? Join us May 6, from 6:30-8:30pm, in the
Sterchi Conference Room. Come and find out what happens
when we make our phone calls, how we do it (very easy!!),
what we say (also very easy!) and why we can’t wait ‘til the
next month! Come and be an integral part of this vital minis-
try! For more information, contact Rev. Sam Knight.
12 | www.fpco.org
FPCO Website Improvements Coming
• Mobile version of popular pages of FPCO.org for viewing
on a cell phone. Pages such as Preaching Schedule
will be available on your cell phone - if your phone has
internet capabilities.
• Better search capabilities. Search will be more intuitive.
• Easier to use main navigation including a menu listing
that will appear when a section is highlighted for quicker
navigating.
• Increased website width for a larger viewing area. This
means less scrolling to find the items you are looking for.
• The online sermon section will have an area where you
can type in notes while watching a sermon and then
email them to yourself or print them out.
• Low bandwidth option for viewing sermons online for
users with a slower internet connection such as dial-up.
A Special Dedication
The FPCO Communication Team dedicates this issue to our
friend and colleague, Rob Bullock, who for many years served
the FPCO Communications Ministry and as editor of this news-
letter. We wish Rob well in his new role as the Director of Mis-
sion Communications for the PC(USA) in Louisville, KY.
May 4 Brings a Second Genesis Service at 8:30am
A second Genesis service begins at 8:30am with Dr. Swanson
preaching. This will alleviate the 11am service overcrowding
and provide room for more guests. Sunday mornings now offer
four outstanding worship opportunities. See you Sunday!
March ‘08 Giving Snapshot
General Operating Contributions Budgeted Surplus
(Deficit)
March Gifts $486,041 $481,489 $(4,552)
Year-to-date Gifts $1,902,019 $1,775,132 $123,887
Cash In Bank $1,301,917 Line of Credit $0
Immeasurably More Outstanding Balance $6,564,649
March Gifts $84,169
Year-to-date Gifts $470,066
Contact Dr. Keith Wright for a full revenue & expense summary
 FAREWELL RECEPTION FOR

DR. CAIN

With mixed emotions, we wish Dr. Bill Cain godspeed as he leaves

FPCO to pursue God’s call at Bethel Presbyterian Church near Char-
lotte, North Carolina. We are sad for the loss of his gifts and person-
ality here, but excited for the calling God has placed on his heart
to serve as a senior pastor in a new setting. It has been just a few
years since Bill joined the ministry staff here, and in that time he
has touched countless lives through the Alpha Class, First Connec-
tions classes, Bethel Bible Studies, his preaching and teaching, and
numerous other ministry initiatives. We are so grateful for his time
here and for the caring, compassionate ministry he has offered.

Please join us on Sunday, May 25, to wish

Bill and his wife Jill farewell. A reception
will be held in King Parlor following the
11:00 services.

www.fpco.org | 13

of Their Testimony
It takes a lot of courage to stand up in front of a group of
your peers at church and confess to struggling with sexual
addiction, same-sex attraction, and the effects of sexual
abuse. However, that is exactly what happened for four
weeks in a row in Altared, FPCO’s Young Adult Sunday
school class.
Listen to the words of one young man who, with much trepi-
dation, agreed to speak in front of the class:
I remember the conversation I had with God when
he asked me to share my story in the Altared class.
It went something like this:
GOD: I need you to share your story and struggles
with sex addiction in the Altared Class next
month.
ME: Um, what?
GOD: You heard me.
ME: Come on man, are you serious??
GOD: I am God, of course I am serious.
ME: God, there is no way I can tell a room full of
14 | www.fpco.org
By the Word
– the Ministry of
by Kristin Johnson
Bible-reading, Jesus-loving, Jolly-Joe
Christians that I am addicted to sex,
pornography, objectification of women,
and promiscuity. They will never understand.
GOD: Look, just have faith in me and I will get you
through it. Your story, and more importantly,
your rigorous honesty, will help people in
that room. You may never know who it will
help or how it well help them, but I need
you to do this.
This young man shared how for many years he had lived
a double life, always hiding his sexual addiction, until two
years ago he went to a 12 – step group and began to be hon-
est with God, himself, and with other men and women in the
group. However, he said that even though he was in recov-
ery, he still felt like he was living a double life. He explains:
I could share my struggle with those in my 12-Step
group, but I still had to keep it hidden from my
brothers and sisters in Christ. “Surely this is not
what Christianity is about!” I often thought.
 This man discovered that when he stepped out in
faith in obedience to God and shared his testimony,
he was accepted with compassion and gratitude. Each
week the class heard from men and women who had
the courage to share their struggles - not only sexual
addiction but with unwanted same-sex attraction and
the effects of sexual abuse.
A young man who attended the classes responded:
The testimonies were incredibly honest and
sometimes painful to hear. We don’t like to talk
about sexual addiction or sin, unless it refers
to “someone else.” By having several members
from the class openly share their own struggles,
it brought the message home in a real and pow-
erful way.
A young woman in the class shared:
It is very encouraging to hear how others have
found healing through Christ. This has given me
hope that I, too, can be healed from poor sexual
decisions and that God wants to accompany me
on that journey. He has not turned His back on
me. He wants to free me from the shame.
John writes in Revelation 12:11 that they “overcame
by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of their tes-
timony.” Honesty creates intimacy, and being hon-
est with one another, especially with our children, is
important in preventing them from struggling with
sexual brokenness in their own lives.
For the second year, Jonathan Christian has asked me to
come and speak about homosexuality to our church’s high
school students. I shared my own testimony of struggling
with unwanted same-sex attraction, and I showed a video
of young man and woman who talked about how they found
healing from homosexuality. This DVD is called Truth
and Tolerance and is distributed by Exodus Internation-
al (www.exodus.to), an FPCO mission partner along with
OneByOne. Jonathan shared with me:
Not only have the students had their eyes opened,
but I have as well. Kristin’s message provided me
with more insight into a subject that has always been
a bit of an enigma to me. Now, I can confidently and
lovingly speak into the topic of homosexuality and
better help individuals dealing with this struggle.
Along with teaching, I have been privileged to speak one-
on-one with parents who have children who experience
same-sex attraction. Here is an excerpt from an email:
Hi Kristin, I just had to drop you a line...I had a
heart to heart with [my daughter], and to tell you
the truth as we were driving along I kept putting the
talk off. I kept saying to the Lord, “How about the
next light Lord?” The Holy Spirit said, “Do it now,
do it now,” and I could not put it off any longer. I
talked with [my daughter] and I am glad I did. We
talked about [her struggle with homosexuality and
the things we had been reading from Exodus Inter-
national and OneByOne] and how it impacted each
of our lives and my wife’s, opening our eyes wider
than I thought they could open. [My daughter]
agreed that it did her as well. My wife and I are in
continuous prayer for [our daughter] as well as all of
our kids, and we are praying for the many kids that
are struggling with same-sex attraction. God Bless
and I will definitely keep in touch.
There is much that we can do as parents and as a church
body to prevent ourselves and our children from struggling
with sexual brokenness. The first step is to be honest with
one another and share our stories.
Some helpful resources and
upcoming events are:
1) A Parent’s Guide to Preventing
Homosexuality by Joseph Nicolosi
and Linda Ames Nicolosi.
2) NARTH www.narth.com (Great articles
on healing homosexuality)
3) Love Won Out Conference coming
to FPCO June 7, 2008.
(See www.lovewonout.org for more
details or call the church.)
4) Exodus International has a website
for youth and resources for parents:
www.exodusyouth.net
5) OneByOne’s office is on the second
floor of the Edington Ministry Center.
My email is kjohnson@fpco.org. Our
website has a “ministry partners” page
with links to ministries that address
sexual addiction and the effects of
sexual abuse. www.oneby1.org.
6) Our church and ministry can refer
you to counselors who understand
issues of sexual brokenness and can
provide help.
www.fpco.org | 15
 Women’s Ministry Council
Looking at LIFE
The Women’s Ministry Council has a strong desire to en- June 2. Rev. Donna Mc-
gage as many women as possible in ministry and service. We Clellan will facilitate this
hope you will prayerfully consider opportunities to serve on six-week study. Another
project/event committees as we seek many women to share Beth Moore study, Believ-
their talents and gifts with the body of believers. The friend- ing God, will be held on
ships we create while extending the love of Christ to others Monday evenings beginning June 2. This eleven-week study
as well as the fellowship we enjoy nurtures our faith journey will be facilitated by Lori Needham. Registration forms are
which results in a desire to be engaged with Christ – to serve available on our website at fpco.org/register or in the EMC
others in our church, neighborhood and the world. Welcome Center.

Bible Study Women’s Retreat

Walk
ing with
Realizing all women have different life circumstanc- Sometimes, you need to get away from the daily routine
Jesus Walking with
Jesus Walking with es and seasons of life, connecting with other believers and purposefully engage in nurturing your own faith journey.
Jesus Walking with Jesus
Walking with Jesus Walking with
Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with
through Bible study opportunities provides ways Take a weekend, a journey of discovery of the God who is ever
esus Walking with Jesus Walking with
sus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus to develop a life of following Christ. Please con- present, revealed in all the works around us but too seldom
lking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking
h Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus sider attending one of the two studies being
king with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus
recognized because we are too busy to see. Join other women
offered at the church. Living Free, Beth
king with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus
king with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus as our retreat speaker, Rev. Donna McClellan, guides us on a
lking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking
Moore study, will be held on Thurs-
th Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus
alking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking
path of connection to the One who adores us and beckons us to
day mornings at 9:30am beginning
with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus
Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with follow Him! Register on-line at www.fpco.org/register.
Jesus Walking w ith Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with
Jesus Walking w ith Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with
Jesus Walking w ith Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with
Jesus Walking w ith Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking
with Jesus W alking with Jesus Walking with Jesus
Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with
Jesus Walking w ith Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with
Jesus W alking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with
Jesus W
Jesus W
alking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with
alking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking
For more information about the retreat or Women’s
with Jesus W
Jesus W
Walking
alking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with
alking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus
with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with
Ministry, please contact any of the council members
Jesus W
Walking
alking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus
with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with
or Lori Needham at the church.
Jesus W alking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus
Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking
with Jesus W alking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus Walking with Jesus

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POSTMASTER: Time Sensitive Material
FPCO Main Office: ( 407-423-3441 Please Deliver by April 26, 2008
www.fpco.org

Traditional Services: 8:30am & 11am

Genesis Service: 8:30am & 11am
Sunday School: 9:45am