COLUMNS

magazine

SERVE THIS SUMMER

find your place to hang out

discipleship

meet the team & get connected

homeless Jesus
dedication May 20

faith + work

sacred space in the workplace

Seek God. Share His Love. Humbly Serve.

SUMMER 2015 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ORLANDO FPCO.ORG

COLUMNS | Summer 2015

COLUMNS CONTENTS

SUMMER 2015

On the Way with David Swanson

The Stack
Summer Reminders for the Cool Kids
Encounters with Jesus
summer sermon series

Homeless Jesus Dedication

Easter 2015
FEATURES
Celebrating Community
and the power of prayer

TEAMWORK, 6
Not serving overseas this summer? Serve on the First
Pres team and be part of incredible ministry to children,
pastors, parents and everyone in between.

School of Discipleship
get smart

Faith + Work
Dr. Case Thorp explains

ARISE AND BUILD UPDATE

Family News

DISCIPLESHIP, 16
Meet Rev. Jack Peebles and team, learn about the vision
for the future, (hint: it involves Jesus) and get the course
preview for Summer & Fall.

PHOTOS: TANNER FOX, FRAZIERFOTO

Summer 2015 | COLUMNS

4
5
8
9
10
12
14
18
19
22
23

SAVE THE DATE

may 17
may 20
may 24
may 25
may 31

Senior Sunday

Homeless Jesus Dedication

Pentecost & Memorial Day Sunday (9:45 & 11:00am Worship ONLY)

Memorial Day, Church Offices Closed

Encounters With Jesus SERMON SERIES BEGINS

june 1

june 6-12
june 10
june 15
june 22-27
june 29-july 3
july 1-13
july 3
july 3
july 8
july 20-24

The Christ School Summer in the City Begins

Dominican Republic Mission Trip
WE Summer Nights & Salads
Companys CominRally
EPC General Assembly
Camp Twain (middle and high school students)

Madagascar Mission Trip

Independence Day, Church Offices Closed

Holiday Weekend (9:45 & 11:00am Worship ONLY)

WE Summer Nights & Salads

Vacation Bible School

Upwards Basketball & Cheerleading Camp

For event details and the full calendar, visit fpco.org/calendar

COLUMNS | Summer 2015

ON THE WAY
with Dr. David Swanson
Dear FPCO Family and Friends,

Be joyful in hope,
patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer.
Contribute to the
needs of the saints
and show hospitality.
Romans 12:12-13

When we moved from Austin,

Texas to Chattanooga, Tennessee
in the summer of 1991, it was a lifechanging event. I was about to begin
my first call as an Associate Pastor
at Signal Mountain Presbyterian
Church, and together, Leigh and I
were embarking on what would be
the great adventure of our lives. We
learned many things in those eight
years, but one of the first was the
marvelous ministry of their hospitality.
We watched Jakie Dudley, the wife
of the Senior Pastor, Bill Dudley,
week after week invite people to
their home for supper after Sunday
worship. With incredible attention to
every detail, delicious meals were
served. Bodies and souls were
nourished. Relationships formed.
Wounds healed. Ideas were born.
Hospitality is indeed one of the rich
and marvelous gifts of Gods Holy
Spirit and one that we try to emulate
in our home to this day.
This May and June, we at First
Presbyterian Church have been
given the wonderful opportunity
to show this gift to our brothers
and sisters in the Evangelical
Presbyterian Church. In the same
way that our church was so warmly
and hospitably welcomed in June of
2012, we now have the chance to
nourish, encourage and bless our
body as we host The Presbytery of
Florida May 8-9 and the General
Assembly of the EPC June 22-27.
The latter is a historic event for our
church as it will be the first time we
have hosted the national gathering
of our denomination with more than
1900 people coming from all over
the country, including missionaries
from around the globe. Needless to

Summer 2015 | COLUMNS

say, it will take the hospitable gifts of

many to care for such a group.
In the same way that Aaron came
alongside of Moses to hold up his
arms as he led the Israelites, so
we will come up underneath our
denomination to hold them up, to
serve them, to pray for them, to do all
that we can to ensure that they are
both empowered and emboldened
to return to their churches filled with
the fresh strength of the Holy Spirit.
If you have signed up to serve, I
am deeply grateful for your time and
sacrifice. If youre not yet signed up,
you can do so at fpco.org/ga.
If you are a visitor to our campus,
welcome! I am delighted that you are
here, and please know that we have
been praying for you and your time
in our midst that it will be rich and
fruitful for Gods Kingdom.
If you are someone who lives in
other locales or who is unable to be
part of these great events, please
pray for us. Pray that Gods Holy Spirit
would anoint us in these weeks with
the gift of hospitality that we might
serve all those who come, faithfully
and well.
With sincere gratitude for your
servant hearts, and with joyful
expectation, I remain
Under His Mercy,

David

the Columns stack

useful information, timely trivia and handy tips
for navigating life at First Pres (and life in general)

WOMENS BIBLE STUDY: RESPONSIBILITY

Join WOMEN ENGAGED for a video series by author Andy
Stanley, on taking authentic responsibility for our lives. As
Christians, we should be examples of responsibility. But
as we see from the very first book of the Bible, it doesnt
always come naturally. This is a message we all need
to hear, so weve opened this study up for women of all
ages. Starts the week of July 6 - August 10. Register by
June 22 for $15 at fpco.org/register. For more, contact Lori
Needham at lneedham@fpco.org or 407.423.3441 x1463.

SUMMER CHOIR

UPWARD

SING this summer! No interview

necessary. You do not have to
be able to read music (though
it helps!) Come any Sunday at
7:30am for rehearsal and join in
on a week-by-week commitment.
There is no mid-week rehearsal.
Use the voice God gave you in
the joy of worship. Summer choir
begins June 28.

Upward Basketball &

Cheerleading Camp
is July 20-24. Held at
our Fitness@First gym,
camp will be from
1-4pm daily and open
to kids K-6th grade. Register online or contact Angela Brown
at 407.206.2406 for more details.
Get moving! fpco.org/upward

FPCO.ORG/SERVENOW
Every week, we update fpco.org/servenow with fresh opportunities to
serve our city and the church. Live out Gods mission in your neighborhood,
Childrens Sunday School or with those most in need. Looking for
something to do with friends? With your kids at a particular ministry? Face
to face? Want to collect and donate needed items? Weve taken away all
the obstacles and prepared the way. Plug in today at fpco.org/servenow.

SERVE ON OUR BAPTISM TEAM

Serve on Sunday morning as a Baptism Assistant! Use
your gift of hospitality to host our baptism families during
worship and help them prepare for this special day.
Serve just prior to your regular worship service and be
part of this important ministry. Contact Pam McComb to
learn more at pmccomb@fpco.org.

UPDATE YOUR
PREFERENCES
have you moved?
changed your number?
new email address?
Tell Trish Wilson so we dont
harass the people who live there
now. Email twilson@fpco.org or
call 407.423.3441 to update your
membership record.
see your giving statement
& set up automatic giving
Create a login and our giving
portal makes this a snap. Update
your giving preferences anytime.
fpco.org/give.
manage your inbox
Choose which email updates
you receive at fpco.org/email.

NEW TO FIRST PRES?

If you know someone whod
like to get more connected at
First Pres, tell them about our
handy form at fpco.org/guest.
They can share their info and
sign up to be on the mailing
list.

DO YOU GET THE EMAIL?

We send out a weekly email
newsletter with reminders and
news you dont want to miss.
Well never share your information, and you can unsubscribe anytime. Join now at
fpco.org/email.

FOLLOW US
ON TWITTER
twitter.com/fpcorlando

COLUMNS | Summer 2015

SERVE THI
If youre not able to serve globally this summer, there are so
many ways to serve right here at home. First Pres is hosting two
giant events this summer, and you can be part of the team.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JUNE
2015

COMPANYS COMIN!
First Pres will host the Evangelical Presbyterian Churchs 35th General Assembly from
June 22-27, 2015. We expect 950+ delegates (pastors and elders) and another 1,000
missionaries, ecumenical liaisons, exhibitors, and friends from all around our nation and
world.
General Assembly will utilize our entire campus, in addition to First United Methodist
Church across Jackson Street and other area venues within walking distance. We need
your help to create a hospitable and easy experience for our guests!
Please sign up for one of the four-hour volunteering time slots available throughout the
week. For each role you choose (we recommend no more than 3), you will be asked to
attend at least one training.
YOUR COMMITMENT
Volunteering During the Conference for one (4hr) time slot
One Hour Training
Companys Comin Volunteer Rally, Monday June 15, 6:30pm-8pm
(Worship, shirt pickup & final details in the Sanctuary with Dr. Swanson)
Volunteer Commissioning, Sunday, June 21

To learn more and sign up, visit fpco.org/ga.

Summer 2015 | COLUMNS

IS SUMMER
(at home)
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

JULY
2015

THE BIG DIG

Mark your calendars, were digging up a great week of Vacation Bible School this July,
and we cant do it without the fantastic work of volunteers.
DATES: July 20-24
TIME: 9:00am-12:15pm
YOUR COMMITMENT
Volunteer half-days during the week. Even if you cant come the entire week, we have
a space for you. Choose from small group guides, or craft, recreation, music or snack
helpers! We have a place for every gift and talent, and the kids will appreciate it.

Sign up today to make a huge impact in our community

and the lives of children! Visit fpco.org/vbs.

NEXT FPCO.ORG/SERVENOW
STEP Your ongoing resource for serving needs in and around the City Beautiful.

COLUMNS | Summer 2015

SUMMERTIME
8

Summer 2015 | COLUMNS

A FEW REMINDERS
TO KEEP THINGS COOL
MM

Summer is a slow time for many businesses...but not at all for the
church! Camp Twain in Student Ministry, General Assembly, Vacation
Bible School for SHINE Childrens Ministry, KAA Camp in FOUR12, and
summer MusikGarten are just a few of the reasons we will be going
strong through the hot summer months. PLEASE PRAY God brings the
right people, keeps things organized and transforms hearts this summer through First Pres. We love your prayers, and so does God.

MM

Ministry costs as much in the summer as it does any other time of year
(and maybe more, since we have to keep the A/C running). THANK
YOU FOR STAYING FAITHFUL to your tithes and offering over the
summer. We are praying to finish the year with strong stewardship.
Update your giving preferences or give anytime at fpco.org/give.

MM

If youre traveling, you dont have to miss out on Sundays.

WORSHIP WITH YOUR CHURCH FAMILY live every week, rain or
shine, at fpco.org/live.

MM

Cant watch live? CATCH UP ON SERMONS and full worship services

anytime at fpco.org/messages.

SUMMER SERMON SERIES

BEGINNING MAY 31

COLUMNS | Summer 2015

A Place for Homeless Jesus

First Presbyterian Church of Orlando will officially
dedicate a new, permanent art installation on our campus May 20. Homeless Jesus, a bronze statue by Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz, depicts a covered figure
sleeping on a park bench with distinctly pierced feet.
Our hope is that the presence of the statue will not
only bring more attention to the cause of homelessness, but also prompt a different way of thinking about
everyone we encounter in our city on a daily basis.
Given by three anonymous donors in memory of their
loved ones, Homeless Jesus will be placed next to the
sidewalk on Jackson Street, close to the corner of Rosalind Avenue.
Though our church family gives almost $150,000 annually to the cause of homelessness, both in relief and
development, we know there is always more that can
be done to call attention to this issue.
Relief work, to care for the immediate and desperate
needs of our homeless community, is necessary and
important. Development work, to address the root
causes of homelessness and create pathways for our
homeless friends to have new opportunities, is essential.

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Summer 2015 | COLUMNS

However, we believe we can do more than simply

provide immediate assistance to people in the homeless community each week through our Compassion
Corner ministry. We can do more than partner with
the City of Orlando and other ministries on development initiatives offering long-term solutions for the
homeless. We know art has incredible power to impact
culture and challenge norms, and that change has to
take place on every side of an issue to have a lasting
effect.
For thousands of years, the church has been the steward of compelling art, designed to prompt curiosity,
questions, reverence and honest dialogue about the
state of human affairs and Gods divine nature. We
recognize, like our partners with Rethink Homelessness, that we must change our mind-set, and we hope
the presence of Homeless Jesus will motivate others to
do the same: to think differently about the homeless,
and see them as image-bearers of God and worthy of
respect and care, regardless of their circumstance.

Dedication of
Homeless

Jesus

10:00AM ON MAY 20
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ORLANDO
FPCO.ORG/HOMELESSJESUS

CARING FOR THE HOMELESS

COMMUNITY IN ORLANDO
How can you make a difference? Be an ambassador of grace and humility to our friends in the
homeless community by pouring a cup of coffee, offering a welcoming smile, walking someone through a confusing process or picking up an extra pair of socks.

GOOD NEWS BREAKFAST

We began the Good News Breakfast in 2001, a weekly
worship service and hot breakfast on our campus that
is open to all. Since then, with our partners at Central
Care Mission, we have served approximately 150,000
total meals. Each year we serve between 7,500 - 8,000
individual breakfasts. 20-25 volunteers cook and serve
every week, for a total of over 3,000 volunteer hours
each year.
HOW YOU CAN SERVE:
Show up at 6:15AM on a Sunday morning in Lee Fellowship Hall, ready to pour coffee and serve food.
(Donations to cover food costs are always welcome.)

COMPASSION CORNER MINISTRIES

Compassion Corner Ministry was founded in 2001 by a
group of compassionate lay and pastoral members of
First Pres.
Located at 425 N. Magnolia Ave. behind the Orange
County Courthouse building, Compassion Corner
opens its doors to our homeless neighbors four days a
week for a total of 24 hours. Each day we welcome 7580 men and women for bible study, coffee, fellowship,
prayer, and a needed respite from the streets. Our goal
is to provide a safe place where trusting relationships
can be built, and through those relationships, restoration and transformation can take place. The corner is
dry when it is wet, cool when it is hot, and warm when it
is cold.
We have five coaches providing over 10,000 hours of
Case Management per year. These coaches help each
person take their next best step, referring them to the
services they need.
Toiletries and other necessities are distributed as
needed, adding up to over 600 personal hygiene products a week, alone. Compassion Corner also provides
socks, reading glasses, and work boots; helps pay for
prescriptions; and $20,000 worth of bus passes for job
interviews, medical appointments, VA visits, and other
needed services annually.

HOW YOU CAN SERVE:

Donate toiletries, bring baked goods, offer a listening ear during morning coffee time, or be trained to
become a coach, to help our friends take that next
best step.

IDIGNITY
IDignity helps the chronic homeless maintain their
identification so they can utilize shelters, social services,
and apply for employment. First Pres supports IDignity
through a mission grant, and many First Pres members
volunteer their time each month. On Fridays, IDignity
uses the Compassion Corner facility to follow-up with
those who are in the process of securing their identification documents.
HOW YOU CAN SERVE:
Volunteer for the next IDignity Orlando event on
Thursday, May 21st at the Orlando Union Rescue Mission. Register online by Friday, May 15th, at
IDignity.org or contact the IDignity Orlando Volunteer
Coordinator, Julie, at julie@idignity.org

GET THE FACTS

Dr. Swanson serves on the Executive Committee of the
Central Florida Regional Commission on Homelessness,
with a special focus as Chair of the Chronic Homelessness Subcommittee. In his words, We are working on
a new model called housing first that will house 100
homeless people in the next 100 days while surrounding them with the necessary support services to keep
them housed. As a city-center church, I am engaged in
this as a means of actively serving our city. Learn more
at rethinkhomelessness.org.
Learn more about ministries like Compassion Corner,
mission partners and mission mindset at
fpco.org/mission.
Learn more about our partner organization Central
Care Mission, a long-term residential drug and alcohol
program structured to help men through the process of
recovery while living in a therapeutic Christian community at centralcaremission.org.
Find a way to serve anytime at fpco.org/servenow.

COLUMNS | Summer 2015

11

an
EASTER
celebration
THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS FOR HELPING MAKE
IT SUCH A BEAUTIFUL DAY OF WORSHIP.
See more at fpco.org/easterphotos.

12

Summer 2015 | COLUMNS

COLUMNS | Summer 2015

13

Celebrating Community
by Gretchen Miller Basso

The Christ School (TCS) and First

Presbyterian Church of Orlando enjoy a strong partnership, enhanced
by a deeply-rooted community of
people who celebrate and support
one another in both good and challenging times.

ty for guidance. When we were considering school options for Jennifer,

we looked at public schools in our
area. They just didnt seem to line up
with our walk with Christ and what
we were looking to have for our children, Tami says. Our neighbor,
Vicki Rutledge, whose son attended
TCS, told us great things about the
school. We toured TCS and couldnt
have been more pleased. Jim and
I both attended public schools and
never would have imagined our
children in private school. We had
many questions. How will we afford
it? This school sounds too good to
be true is it? How can we make
this work?

The Vais family are beloved members of this community. Many of

you know Jim and Tami Vais as
members of First Pres; Jim for 18
years, and Tami for 15 years. Others may know them as parents of
Jennifer, 2nd grade student at TCS,
and 3-year-old James, who attends
the Weekday School (WDS). You
may see Tami every Sunday serving
as the Coordinator of SHINE Childrens Ministry for nursery and tod- We prayed, Tami continues. We
dlers.
asked God to walk us through this
decision and, if it is the right choice,
Jim and Tamis journey together
to help us make the choice. We talkbegan at FPCO. Tami explains,
ed with our families, who live out of
When Jim and I met, he introduced
state. We met with Dr. Jason Powme to his church. Our first date was
ell, Head of School for TCS, and he
Christmas Eve at First Pres, and
prayed with us. After that, we knew
we listened to Dr. Howard Edingwe were going to take the step. We
ton preach. Wow! What a first date!
took the leap of faith; one of the
They both had me with Hello!
greatest choices we have ever made!
When it was time for their daughter The faculty and staff at The Christ
Jennifer to attend kindergarten, Jim School are a part of our family now.
and Tami looked to their communi- It is also great that as members of
14
Summer 2015 | COLUMNS

First Pres, our church family is an

extension of our childrens educational family.
We love The Christ School! We
cant think of a better way to start
the day than attending morning
Chapel. The joy and energy we experience every time we go makes
Jim and I wish we could start every day at Chapel. Even Jennifers
brother, James, loves going to chapel
before he heads off to WDS. One of
our favorite parts of the day is when
Jennifer gets home from school. We
ask her how her day was, and she is
so full of joy.
13 years ago, we took our wedding photo on the spiral steps in
Allen Hall, taking that leap of faith
and learning about Jesus together
as a married couple. Who would
have thought our children would be
walking up and down those stairs
every day, learning about our Lord
and Savior, says Tami.
Recently, the Vais family experienced significant health challenges.
In September 2013, Jim was admitted to the hospital with a high fever
and fatigue for 7 days. He was tested
for over 200 different diagnoses.

Our FPCO, TCS, WDS and Bible

study families surrounded us with
prayers and love, says Tami. We
still dont know what he had, but it
is gone. Praise be to God!

members were there with us when

she finally woke up, says Tami.
That was a moment we all shared
and felt God with us, holding our
hands! It is awesome, the power of
prayer. Jennifer has been seizureThen, in February 2014, Jim and
free for over a year now.
Tamis lives were shaken yet again.
Tami received a call from TCS cli- We are so blessed to be surroundnician, Donna MacNichol, to let her ed by great friends and family, our
know that Jennifer wasnt feeling Bible study, The Christ School, the
well; that she had a stomachache.
Weekday School, The Magnolia
School staff and community, our
I went back to school and picked
First Pres church family, the staff at
up my sweet girl. She seemed fine,
Arnold Palmer Hospital, and many
says Tami. We started for home,
more. TCS parents we didnt know
and suddenly she
before Jennifers
began to have
That was a
incident introseizures in the
duce themselves
back of my car! moment we all
to us (even toI turned the car shared and felt
day) to say that
around and drove
they were, and
to Arnold Palmer God with us,
are, continuing to
Hospital for Chil- holding our hands!
pray for us, says
dren, praying and
Tami.
It
is
awesome,
the
crying the whole
power of prayer.
time. But, from
Jim and I have
the second we arbeen attending
rived at the hospital I felt that God a Bible study since we got married
was with us and was guiding all the at FPCO, and we continue to learn
staff - from the security guard that more about God and learn to lean
helped me get out of the car to the on Him more, says Tami. After
last nurse that checked us out. We getting shaken by Jennifers seistayed in ICU for 3 days.
zures, we learned even more that
God is in control and that the power
Their community surrounded them
of prayer truly is amazing! We feel
with prayers, hospital visits, mesblessed that we are able to strengthsages, and support. Dr. Jason Powen our faith, not only at First Pres,
ell and Dr. Case Thorp, Senior Asbut through learning with our chilsociate Pastor at First Pres, were
dren with Bible study, the Weekday
there within the hour. Many TCS
School, and The Christ School.
and First Pres families came to see
them throughout their stay to pray
with them, offer support, and even The Christ School, located on the
bring food for the family. Dr. Swan- First Pres campus, serves traditional
son, First Pres Senior Pastor, asked kindergarten through 8th grade. Find
them to watch the Sunday service out more at thechristschool.org.
on video. There, he asked the congregation to pray for Jennifer. They
even received a video message from
Jennifers class at school. Teachers
from The Christ School and FPCO

JIM & TAMI VAIS

JAMES VAIS & JEAN GUEVENEL

JENNIFER VAIS

THE VAIS FAMILY

COLUMNS | Summer 2015

15

MEET THE TEAM

Hundreds of dedicated staff members and volunteers work behind the scenes to keep things
running smoothly at First Pres every day. As the church family, theyre all on your team. We feature
a team in each issue of the Columns, to help you learn about the church, and maybe even find a
new place to serve. This month, were featuring our newly-minted Discipleship Team, who are a
pretty impressive bunch.
WHAT WE DO
The Discipleship Team is responsible for helping every
member of the FPCO family grow in their relationship
with God through following Jesus in their everyday
living. We work with the Discipleship Ministry Team,
Sunday School and School of Discipleship teachers,
and small group leaders to equip and empower the
people of the church in their journey with Jesus.
WHO WE ARE
Scarlett Stewart (pictured at left) is the most seasoned
member of our discipleship team, having joined the
staff in July 2014. She is no stranger to First Pres; Scarlett began attending as a wee tot in 1980. She assists
Jack in planning discipleship initiatives, like School of
Discipleship and small groups, and leads our 20s Ministry. (So if you were born in the late 80s/early 90s, you
should call her). Scarlett is passionate about encourag-

16

Summer 2015 | COLUMNS

ing people to grow in their personal relationships with

the Lord. She is a fan of flip flops, candy and sunshine.
On a team of newbies, Lori Tipping (pictured far right)
is the newest newbie transferring from Worship Arts
as the Administrative Assistant on the team. Discipleship has been in her bones since college, where her
involvement began with Cru and her life was changed
by one-on-one discipleship. It is her job to do whatever
it takes to keep the Discipleship effort moving forward,
and she considers it a privilege. She and her husband
(Coy) heard there was a fellow Texan in the pulpit way
back in 2004 and joined FPCO shortly after. You can
always find a smile, and a jar of chocolate for sharing,
at her desk.
Jack Peebles (at center) is Associate Pastor for Discipleship and has oversight over the discipling ministries of

the congregation. Part of Jacks responsibilities include

developing strategies for implementing a discipleship
culture in the life of the church, supervising the discipleship staff, helping to lead the Discipleship Ministry
Team (a committee under Session), and serving as the
pastoral support to the Sunday School, School of Discipleship, and small group ministry. Jack loves teaching
and writing and looks forward to sharing these passions with the greater church family in the future.
Read on to learn more about his vision for the future
of discipleship at our church...

COME LEARN FROM JACK

Flip to page 18 for the details on Jacks summer class, Means of Grace: An Exploration
of Spiritual Disciplines as well as a Fall preview. Our School of Discipleship courses are
designed to last a specific number of weeks
so that you can plan them into your schedule
and know what your commitment will be.

FROM JACK

BEGINNING THE DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY TOGETHER

Dear Friends,
I wanted to take this opportunity and introduce myself.
My name is Jack Peebles, and I am the new Associate Pastor for Discipleship. I am humbled and honored
to be stepping into this new call, and the entire Peebles
family (my wife, Margaret, and our two kids, Annabelle
and David) is looking forward to this next season of our
lives. What a joy it is to be a part of the First Presbyterian
Church of Orlando family!
One of the questions I have been asked on multiple occasions already is, What is your vision for discipleship at
First Pres? That is a great question and one that is easily
answered by Scripture. As Jesus calls his first disciples, Peter and Andrew, He is clear and direct: Come, follow me
and I will send you out to fish for people. (Matthew 4:19,
NIV). Thus, Peter and Andrew (and shortly after, James
and John) began a pursuit that challenged and convicted,
but ultimately empowered and equipped them to participate in Gods mission to the world. Out of that and simply put, my vision is that every member of the First Pres
family would grow in their relationship with God through
following Jesus in their everyday living and, within the
context of community, invite others to follow as well.
I often liken discipleship to a journey. Every journey has
a beginning and an end. For the disciple of Jesus, that journey begins when one responds to the invitation of Jesus.
It ends (or at least enters a new phase!) when the disciple
goes to glory. Unfortunately, some disciples get lost or simply do not progress in their journey: they stay at the trail-

head or starting line and move very little toward growth

and maturity. Thus, the challenge for church leadership is
to encourage progress and growth in that journey.
I, like many pastors, am a fan of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R.
Tolkien. In the movie version of Tolkiens The Hobbit, there
is a wonderful conversation that unfolds as Bilbo, the protagonist, is trying to determine whether or not to embark
on the journey ahead. He is being counseled by the wise
wizard, Gandalf the Grey.
Gandalf: Youll have a tale or two to tell

when you come back.
Bilbo: You can promise that Ill come back?
Gandalf: No. And if you do, you will not be the same.
I love it! As you consider embarking on or progressing in
the journey of discipleship, I can promise two things. First,
its definitely not an easy excursion and God is going to
challenge and convict you, while He empowers and equips
you. Second, you will be changed. Growth and transformation should be expected.
I look forward to the journey ahead. May God grant us all
a growing sense of His transforming presence as we seek
to follow Him in our daily living!
Living and loving for Him,

Pastor Jack Peebles

COLUMNS | Summer 2015

17

SCHOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP
Designed to help you grow and mature as a disciple of Jesus, School of Discipleship
courses take place over a set number of weeks of Biblical study.

SUMMER COURSE
MEANS OF GRACE: AN EXPLORATION OF SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES
EXCLUSIVE SUMMER SCHOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP COURSE WITH REV. JACK PEEBLES
JUNE 7 - AUGUST 9 (EXCEPT JULY 5) 9:45AM TO 10:45AM, EMC 310
TEACHER: REV. JACK PEEBLES, ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP
An 8-week course for those who want to make themselves more available to God and go deeper in their discipleship. (Thats
you.) More than an informational class, this one is transformational. We study inner, outer and corporate disciplines - topics
like prayer, confession, meditation, service, study and more, and then practice and experience them together in class. Plus,
each class is a stand-alone lesson, so if you miss a week you can jump back in the next week or just come for a few classes.
fpco.org/smart
QUESTIONS? Contact Lori Tipping at ltipping@fpco.org or call 407.423.3441.

FALL COURSE PREVIEW

CASKET EMPTY: A NEW TESTAMENT STORY
SEPTEMBER 13 - DECEMBER 13 9:45AM TO 10:45AM, EMC 310
TEACHER: DR. CASE THORP, SENIOR ASSOCIATE PASTOR
A 14-week course to learn and remember the story of Gods redemption as it appears throughout the New Testament. Using
curriculum created by professors at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, participants study the full scope of the New Testaments chronologocal, geographical, historical, cultural and literary context. fpco.org/casketempty

FIRST CONNECTIONS
SEPTEMBER 13 - OCTOBER 18 9:45AM TO 10:45AM
TEACHERS: LEIGH SWANSON & LANCE FAIR, FIRST PRES ELDERS
Did you recently join the church? Are you considering membership in our First Pres community? First Connections is the place
to discover what First Pres offers and get connected to others. fpco.org/first

PRAYER 101
SEPTEMBER 13 - OCTOBER 25 9:45AM TO 10:45AM (subject to change)
TEACHERS: REV. BECKY DAVIS, ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Jesus example teaches us that prayer is essential to following God. Our ongoing conversation with God the Father is the first
place we share our joys, concerns and sorrows. Join Rev. Becky Davis and the Prayer Team for a variety of weekly teachings
on prayer. fpco.org/smart

DAVE RAMSEYS FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY

SEPTEMBER 13 - NOVEMBER 8 MORE DETAILS COMING SOON! fpco.org/smart

18

Summer 2015 | COLUMNS

FAITH + WORK
CLOSING THE DISTANCE BETWEEN SACRED AND SECULAR

by Dr. Case Thorp

Our church family has expressed a great deal of interest, excitement, curiosity, and a little confusion
over a new ministry forming at First Pres called The
Center for Faith & Work. This is a unique and innovative ministry, operating in a different vein than weve
traditionally known. 21st century ministry shaped to
meet 21st century needs will inevitably take some time
to understand and produce fruit. However, a firm and
clear theological basis must guide any ministry in any
age. To that end, allow me to explain more.
Creating a Center for Faith & Work (CFW) is rooted in
two theological convictions: Gods redemptive work of
sanctification and missional evangelism.
THEOLOGICAL ROOTS: GODS REDEMPTIVE
PURPOSES
First, we believe that God is in the process of redeeming all creation, and within that, we are being made
more holy (sanctification). Consider this: if God is on
a redemptive mission through his Creation, covenants,

work of Christ on the cross, and the mission of the

Church in all cultures and places, should He only limit
His work to your personal soul? Too often in church
history, the Church has narrowed its view of Gods redemptive work to ones avoidance of hell, solely thinking and acting in terms of an individuals personal
salvation, and the institutional survival of the Church.
A Center for Faith and Work would reclaim a Biblical witness that shows God extending His covenant of
grace from Eden to the ends of the earth. We recognize
God calls forth a New Jerusalem in which:
The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them. (Is. 11:6)
Gods redemptive work is certainly for our souls to
live in eternity with Him, but it is also so much more.
Scripture points us toward a new heaven and new
earth, where we see every cultural sphere redeemed
COLUMNS | Summer 2015
19

and in service to our God. In Gods greater plan, the

arts, government, education, and even the marketplace
are redeemed, so why not work toward those ends
now? If your life is more in order, blessed and fruitful
when you are in Gods will, why wouldnt your business, career, or product development be the same?
One third of the hours in our day,
if not more in todays busy world,
are given to our jobs, our work, to
seeing that bread is put on the table
and we provide for our families.
Why, then, would we segment our
spiritual lives to our morality, or
our marriages, or our personal
Bible study without an application
of our faith to our vocations and
daily business decisions?

One third of the

hours in our day,
if not more in todays busy world,
are given to our
jobs, our work, to
seeing that bread
is put on the table
and we provide for
our families.

Marketplace ministries have historically done a fine job focusing

on workplace evangelism, personal morality, business ethics, and
Christian leadership development.
All these are good things, and we
will continue as a church to support these kinds of
ministries.

The Center for Faith & Work will lean into a deeper
evangelistic purpose, which is best articulated by Tom
Olson, a pastor in the Chicago area, who says, The
workplace will become a platform for evangelism when
work becomes more than a platform for evangelism.
A CFW will focus on bringing deeper meaning to our
work, and clearly tying it to Gods work of redemption.
Tim Keller, pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in
New York City, a church that pioneered the model for
The Center for Faith & Work, writes:
...work, and lots of it, is an indispensable component in a meaningful human life. It is a supreme gift from God and one of the main things
that gives our lives purpose. But it must play its
proper role, subservient to God. It must regularly
give way not just to work stoppage for bodily
repair but also joyful reception to the world and
of ordinary life.*
How can a Biblically-rooted understanding of our
creation, the impact of sin, and the possibilities of
redemption lead one to engineer differently, or per20

Summer 2015 | COLUMNS

form at Disney uniquely, close commercial real estate

deals with the kingdom of God squarely in aim (even
for property not intended for a church or non-profit!),
lend money with Gods beauty, or wait on a customer
with divine distinction? What might we discover if we
can begin to close the distance between the sacred and
secular in our work?
A Center for Faith & Work will be a
place to help followers of Christ, and
those curious about Christ, to see
their work lives squarely in the redemptive purposes of God. Just think
of the difference such motivational
perspective and rooted conviction
can bring to Wall Street, Madison
Avenue, Silicon Valley, Hollywood,
and Orlando. Whole industries financial services, banks, real estate
firms, educational institutions and
more -- pushing for Gods agenda
rather than their own? Theocracy?
No. Christ-centered businesses?
Not necessarily. Yet, surely Christcentered workers experiencing their
faith and vocation in seamless fashion bears witness to
our God.
MISSIONAL EVANGELISM IN A 21ST CENTURY
WORLD
A CFW will build trust, the glue of our society, benefiting everyone in our community. Trust matters because
it is a fundamental component to our economy. But, let
me explain what I mean when I say economy.
The word economy is a combination of the Greek
words: oikos and nomos. Oikos means house and nomos means manage. So essentially, the word economy
means: house management. To manage our personal
house, or our societal house (the city, a nation, our
culture), there has to be management, and that management requires humans interacting with humans.
Dr. Greg Forester, PhD from Yale and Program Director at the Kern Family Foundation, teaches us that
economic exchanges are more than giving money for
a product. Philosophically, economic activity is any
human exchange, especially those that do not involve
money. For example, I talk with a friend about the
weather, and this is an economic exchange. I offer my
child to doctors for life-threatening surgery; that is an

economic exchange. A man and a woman decide to

marry and live together, a human exchange and thus
an ordering and management of our society: economy.
Using this expanded version of eco-nomos, Forester
goes on to recognize that the modern economy is a
vast web of relationships that create flourishing human
society. If one were to chart (and many scholars have),
the economic activity of human society for the last six
thousand years, the rate of exchange in every economic
category is fairly flat, but skyrockets from the early
1800s to now. Why is this?
Prior to the 1800s, most of humanity never ventured
more than a few hundred miles from their place of
birth. Communication was slow and spotty. Transportation options were few and expensive. However, the
technological advancements coupled with democratic
principles established during the European Renaissance laid a foundation to unleash human flourishing.
It was in 18th century London and Amsterdam that
sociologists identify a dramatically accelerated rate of
human exchange. These exchanges lead to a boom in
population, industry, communications, transportation,
and even the alleviation of severe poverty, never before
seen in human history.
But why then, and why particularly in London and
Amsterdam, which is where scholars have traced these
specific, exponentially accelerated economic activities?

have to trust my boss will pay me and that hell get paid
when a customer buys that car. Take away trust and
money has no value; trust is essential to human exchange, to economic activity.
We take trust for granted, but the millions of men
and women who inhabited earth prior to the modern
age would not have known such trust with others or
institutions. It was a cultural embrace of trust in 18th
century London and Amsterdam that had not existed
in previously successful societies like China, Persia, or
Egypt. Those cultures thrived in their era with architectural advancements, the arts, notable religious ideas
and scientific invention. However, these, and other,
societies had not established inherent trust between its
citizens on such a scale. These societies still operated
within a severely hierarchical power structure which
squashed trust. The human exchange undergirding
those ancient societies was an exchange based on fear
and protection: the king protects me from outside
invaders, and Ill serve his interests. Societies and cultures that made a mark in history may have had their
unique contributions to the whole of human history,
but they produced limited and few advancements in
poverty, health, the arts and education for the masses.
Often only the elites benefited because they were at the
top of the hierarchical system.

Rather, 18th century London and Amsterdam incorporated a unique and rare mix that unleashed never
before seen human flourishing. Trust, supplied by the
Unique to London and Amsterdam, scholars point to
Church through her gospel witness and discipleship of
the Christian, particularly Protestant, brand of dissociety, coupled with governing and technological adcipleship. It was this particular brand of discipleship
vances increased the economic activity exponentially.
that paired the transformative truths of Scripture to the The Industrial Revolution radically altered the standard
everyday activities of life and human exchange. Beof living and human to human encounters. And todays
neath the discipleship methodology was a unique and
technological revolution is flattening the world even
innovative emphasis upon trust. Trust, Forester notes,
more, giving access to resources and education like
allowed for, an odd openness that had not previously never before.
existed in any culture in human history. Trust released
human capital as faithful men and women trusted one Today, however, trust in our government, economy,
and society is trending downward. Congressional
another with their goods, their ideas, their inventions
entrenchment causes few to look to Washington for
and advancements, and more. Add to this flourishinspiration and leadership. The financial crisis of 2007
ing trust the advent of private property and contracts
introduced us to new concepts like too big to fail. Sosupported by the rule of law, and the entrepreneurial
cietally, we are seeing cracks in marriage, cracks in the
economy was born.
family, and myriad sexual identities. This leads to fear
Trust, Forester says, is an essential, foundational com- and makes us wonder, What is next? Trust is threatponent to economic activity. If I am going to trust a
ened, and when trust is threatened, human exchanges
doctor with my childs life, I have to have some basic
become fewer, coarser, and more selfish.
level of trust in their expertise. To make you a car, I

COLUMNS | Summer 2015

21

The Center for Faith & Work will be one more way
the church seeks to restore trust, stability, common
civic values, and human flourishing. The Church
created the trust space, and so too, shall we reclaim
it. We educate, disciple, convene, challenge, advocate, prophetically confront, confess, and seek to restore aspects of the human condition which restores
trust.
If we hope to maintain and grow the human flourishing of the last two centuries for millennia to
come, and not see it turn into a coarse, utilitarian
future in which might-makes-right, we must carry
the Gospel of Christ into the marketplace, the arts,
the government, the family, and every sphere of human culture.
Gods redemptive purposes are meant for every
sphere of society. Our sanctification is incomplete
and disjointed if we do not understand the image of
God in each of us: its corruption, and its redemption
through the very vocations we embrace. Missionally,
the evangelistic push of the Church demands she
share the Gospel with every person in every sphere
of society, especially if we wish to see the entrepreneurial release of the last two hundred years continue.
As a church family, we have already begun to think
and pray about how a Center for Faith & Work can
be implemented in our context. Were exploring
ways to integrate it in the life of our church, and in
ways unique to the City Beautiful. I invite you to
join me - pray that God would reveal His purposes
for your work, and make it a sacred space. Think
about your spheres of influence and relationships
of trust. Our Fall sermon series will be specifically
focused on vocation, and learning more about what
God says about work.
Sign me up.
Case Thorp is the Senior Associate Pastor of Mission
& Evangelism, and knows well the challenges of living
out a vocation of calling. Hes excited about helping
our church family find the divine spark that leads to
life-giving work, and in turn, seeing it lead to redemption in our city. He loves answering questions at
cthorp@fpco.org.
*Every Good Endeavor by Tim Keller with Katherine Leary
Alsdorf p. 42

22

Summer 2015 | COLUMNS

ARISE AND BUILD

UPDATE
God continues to bless the ARISE AND BUILD
Campaign through the generosity of this church
family.
To date, we have paid

off $2,055,585

of our debt!
We have made another $400,000 payment on
our building mortgage, cutting our mortgage
debt in half for the second time this year. That
will leave us with only $1,010,465.46 total debt
remaining in our mortgage and additional loans.
We are excited to share that within six months we
anticipate paying off our entire mortgage. That is
something to celebrate!
As of the end of March, weve committed
$229,000 in our Mission Tithe, from which we
have already given $75,000 to Mission Emanuel
in the Dominican Republic for construction of a
community center & gymnasium, seen below.
Thank you for this incredible gift for the glory of
God. Learn more and give at ariseandbuild.org.

FAMILY NEWS
Sympathy to...
Margaret Foster on the death of her
mother, Louise Poland, December 24.
Mrs. Poland was the grandmother of
Sue (Alex) Hartley.
Richard & Alyce Henderson on the
death of their son, Bo Henderson,
January 15.
Richard & Gerda Stewart on the death
of his brother, James Stewart, January
15.
William Maguire on the death of his
mother, Faye Agoes, January 15.
Lauren & Bo Morgan on the death of
her mother, Paula Schneider, January
16.
Jean & Brad Porter on the death of her
brother, Matthew Schultz, January 24.
The friends and family of Juliet
Milligan, who died January 25.
Susan & Larry Kreider on the death of
her father, Ernie Ward, January 28.
Greg & Wendy McNeill on the death
of his father, Harold Gene McNeill,
February 2.

Sonia Cates on the death of her

husband, Harold Cates, on March 9.
Bill Kennedy on the death of his
wife, Agnes Kennedy, March 10. Mrs.
Kennedy was the mother of Ann
(Doug) Woodman and grandmother
of Joey & JB Woodman.
Paul & Virginia Scheck on the death
of his brother, Steve Scheck, March 10.
Mr. Scheck was the uncle of Rebecca,
Peter & Joseph Scheck.
Joe & Eugenia Sefcik on the death of
his brother, Munro Sefcik, March 12.
Mr. Sefcik was the uncle of Thomas,
Sarah & Andrew Sefcik.
Kathy & Richard Lee on the death of
her brother, Herbert Sully, March 14.
Pam & Gary Kranston on the death of
her mother, Kathryn Harvey, March
31. Mrs. Harvey was the grandmother
of Chase and Chloe Kranston.
Tami & Jim Kaiser on the death of
her sister, Teresa Jefford, April 3. Ms.
Jefford was the aunt of Jen Kaiser and
the daughter of Dibby Jefford.

Congratulations to...

Jason & Vanessa Brewer on the death of Duane Dean DeBoer & Amanda Jan
her mother, Jean Welch, February 3 and Brouwer were married January 24,
his grandmother, Sallie Belle Brewer,
2015 in the Reformation Chapel.
February 12.
Denver & Rebecca Martin have a son,
Sallie Douglas on the death of her
Aiden Sebastian Martin, born January
uncle, Dr. Bill Douglas, on February 5. 29, 2015
Michele & Bill Fluke on the death of
her grandfather, Gerard Lefreuniere,
February 22. Mr Lefreuniere was the
great grandfather of Matthew & Parker
Fluke.
Helen & Bob Cairns on the death of
her mother, Mary Elizabeth Harrison,
March 2.

Lance & Rachel Gartrell have a

daughter, Caitlin Elizabeth Gartrell,
born February 2, 2015.
Taylor Seaton Lane & Jeannette Marie
Cox were married February 7, 2015
in the Sanctuary. Jeannette is the
daughter of Reid & Jan Cox.

Pete & Heather Gill have a son, Blake

Su Graham on the death of her nephew, Austin Gill, born February 10, 2015.
Greg Wurster, March 9.
The proud grandparents are Chuck &
Carol Ickes.

Scott & Lani Sampsel have a son,

Wyatt Charles Sampsel, born February
3, 2015. The proud grandparents are
Jim & Gloria Sampsel.
Chris & Christy Elder have a daughter,
Charlotte Anne Elder, born February
11, 2015.
Jason & Lauren Ashe Haydu have a son
and Ryder Haydu has a new brother,
Ashe Day Haydu, born December 5,
2014. The proud grandparents are Day
& Laura Dantzler.
Hamilton Drew Rogers & Andrea
Genevieve Chiklakis were married
March 7, 2015 in the Reformation
Chapel. Drew is the son of Buddy and
Anne Rogers.
Bo and Lauren Morgan have a
daughter, Caroline Kay Morgan,
born March 26, 2015. The proud
grandparents are Chris and Dianna
Morgan.

Call FPCO at
407.423.3441 to
- schedule a baptism x1451
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after the hours of 8:30am5:00pm, please leave a voicemail

message on the main church
number to page the minister on
call.
COLUMNS | Summer 2015

23

First Presbyterian Church of Orlando

106 E. Church St., Orlando, FL 32801

106 East Church Street, Downtown

407.423.3441

| fpco.org

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2015 First Presbyterian Church of Orlando COLUMNS.

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