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First Presbyterian Church of Maumee
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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4/4 Women's Bible Study, Panera
4/4 Wild Wednesdays
4/5 5Fs Fellowship Group
4/5 Maundy Thursday Service
4/6 Good Friday Service
4/6 Cross Walk with
Maumee Churches United
4/8 Easter Sunday
4/8 Serving at St. Paul's
4/9 Jump Start Prayer Gathering
4/10 GriefShare
For more events and more details,
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Dear Friend of FPC,
During Holy Week we recognize that our Lord was a journeyman. Moving from Bethany to Jerusalem, from the Upper Room to the Garden of Gethsemane, from Pilate's presence to Golgotha and Calvary, Jesus moved with a mission! By his sacrifice Jesus would conquer sin and death inaugurating the reign of his kingdom in our world! Might Jesus' mission and movement help us to commit to experience Holy Week with a similar measure of intent? In order for us to fully exalt in the heights of the resurrection on Easter morning, we need to be willing to dwell in the depths of Christ's suffering this week. Will you slow the pace of your life in order to meditate on the Jesus' sacrifice, to worship through the opportunities listed below? Are you willing to privately own your sin before God, that the knowledge of His forgiveness will lead to exuberant worship on Sunday morning?
When we make this our practice, Easter becomes a climactic new beginning! We are invited into this inaugurated kingdom as partners helping to bring Christ's kingdom fully into this world. Indeed, this is what we pray when we offer the "Lord's Prayer" together, is it not?
For this reason, we will spend the four Sundays following Easter examining the stewardship of our lives as prepare for our stewardship campaign. This short series will be entitled "Living into the Kingdom, Living the Abundant Life." Through God's Word to us in this series, we will spend time considering our response to the Lordship of Christ demonstrated most fully on Easter morning.
May God bless us all on this journey together!
For His Kingdom,
Pastor Clint
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Holy Week @ FPC
(See many ways to engage at: http://fpcmaumee.org/#/news-events/lent-fpc)
Easter Celebration, Wednesday, April 4, 
Dinner at 5:30 pm, Program at 6 pm
All children and youth are invited to an Easter Celebration! Join us for music, crafts, stories and an Easter Egg Hunt at Union Elementary School Click here for flyer to print out and give to a friend.
Maundy Thursday Worship Service, April 5, 7 pm in the Chapel
Pastor Clint Tolbert will lead worship
Good Friday Worship Service, April 6, 1 pm in the Chapel
Pastor Steve Nelson will lead worship
 Cross Walk with Maumee Churches United, April 6, 2 pm
We will meet in front of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. The walk begins and ends here. 14 stations of the cross are divided between 6 churches and St Luke's Hospital. A prayer passage is read at each station and the cross is carried by multiple individuals from station to station. Please consider joining us for this special ecumenical remembrance of Good Friday.
Easter Sunday Worship Services, April 8,
Worship at 8 (Chapel), 9 (Fellowship Hall), and 11 am (Sanctuary)
Pastor Clint Tolbert will be preaching. Pastor Steve Nelson will serve as liturgist.
Serving at St. Paul's, Easter Sunday, April 8, 1:30 pm
St. Paul's serving time is here again! FPC is scheduled to serve lunch at St. Paul's on April 8th, Easter Sunday. We have 5 people signed up to go and serve and need 3 more people. We also need cookies for this outreach. The Bick's have graciously volunteered to shop for and cook the food. This is a great opportunity to reach out and Connect Christ and Community on one of our most holy days. The team will leave and head to St. Paul's after the Edge Service to serve food at 1:30 pm. Contact Pastor Steve if you are willing to help. God will bless both the gift and the givers.
One Great Hour of Sharing Fish Banks
One Great Hour of Sharing Fish Banks were assembled as part of the Lenten Intergenerational Event and have been available in the worship spaces throughout Lent. If you have been using one of these banks throughout Lent (or if you forgot about it until now and would still like to put some money in it and donate), please be sure to bring it back to church the week of April 1st (Holy Week). Thank you for participating in this wonderful mission of the Church. For more information on One Great Hour of Sharing, check out the page on the PC(USA) website at: http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/specialofferings/one-great-hour-sharing-offering/
Daily Devotions Available at D365.org
If you are desiring a daily devotion to take part in as part of your Lenten practices, check out the "Journey to the Cross" at D365.org. This site has daily devotions always available, but will be focusing on a "Journey to the Cross" during the season of Lent.
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| Announcements
Kathleen Sheets is Moving On
It has been a delight to serve with you over this past year as I prepare for a permanent call to ordained ministry.
As I have been engaged in this search process, it has become apparent that I need to be more equipped to serve different types of churches. While the majority of my experience working with church has been with churches similar to ours (mid-sized suburban congregations) many of the churches who are looking for a first call pastor are smaller and in more remote areas. So, with this in mind, I will be moving to Massachusetts to assist with a smaller congregation. My last day working at the church will be May 3rd.
I am grateful for the support you have given throughout my time in the life of our church, as a young child growing up in Sunday School, as a member of the youth group, throughout seminary and college, and particularly, over this past year. You have blessed me in countless ways. Thank you.
 Congregational Core Beliefs Survey
Recognizing that we live in a diverse political and cultural climate, the Session has felt called to develop a set of core beliefs for our church in the hopes that these statements may be a rallying point for our congregation as we seek to live out the mission of Jesus Christ together. The Session is hopeful that a statement about our core beliefs will assist in unifying this congregation even when we have varying opinions on other matters.
The Session studied what our Book of Confessions teaches and then presented the findings to the Rev. Dr. Hoyt Byrum of the consulting firm, Vital Churches Institute, which specializes in helping churches live into the mission of Christ. Dr. Byrum and the Session developed the eight-question survey through which the congregation may speak to each of these areas. All survey results will go directly to Dr. Byrum. Session members and the pastors will not see the individual survey responses.
The survey is available by clicking here:
Note: your survey must be submitted by Sunday 8pm on April 15th to be included.
New FPC Bike Club Forming Now!
 Whenever I see an adult on a bicycle, I have hope for the human race. H.G. Wells
Do you like riding a bike? Do you like being outside in the fresh air? Do you need to get more exercise?
First Presbyterian Church is forming a bike club! Rides will be planned on local bike trails (flat ones!). Riders of all ages and levels of fitness are welcome. We will meet at a predetermined location, and riders can complete any or all of the planned ride. Group rides will take place twice a month, beginning in May, on Sundays. Riders are encouraged to go at their own pace-but please note-this is not a race.
Riders are asked to have the capability of transporting their bike to the ride's starting point, and providing their own water and snacks. A snack break will be part of each ride.
The first ride will take place on Sunday, May 6, beginning at 4:00 p.m., on the Wabash Cannonball Bike Trail. We will access the trail at Monclova Elementary School, which is located about 2 and a half miles west of St. Luke's Hospital, at the corner of Monclova and Waterville-Monclova Road. There is plenty of parking there. Be ready to ride at 4 p.m. The trail to Oak Openings is paced, and most of the bike trail in the park is paved as well.
Perhaps you're a seasoned biker - or perhaps you have a bike collecting dust in your garage and you've been meaning to get back on it someday Perhaps you're looking for a way to invite an unchurched family member, friend, or neighbor to join you in a church activity. This is your chance!
Interested? Please send the following information to Karen Calderone (by dropping it in Jim Calderone's church mailbox). Contact information is critical - a ride may need to be canceled due to weather conditions - so please indicate a method of contact (text or e-mail preferably).
Name (s)___________________________________________________________
Text message me at : _________________________________________________
E-mail me at: _______________________________________________________
Phone number: _____________________________________________________
For a flyer you may print out and give to a friend, or use to provide your information to Karen Calderone, click here.
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Upcoming Events (For full schedule of events, please see our website)
Save these Dates!
It may be hard to believe, but summer is on it's way! Mark your calendars for these exciting church events:
Contact Jason Armstrong for registration forms at jarmstrong@fpcmaumee.org . Registration forms and payment are due to Jason Armstrong by Sunday, May 6th The cost of the trip is $100.00 per student. Please make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church
Contact Jason Armstrong for registration forms at jarmstrong@fpcmaumee.org. Registration forms and payment are due to Jason Armstrong by Sunday, April 15. The cost of the trip is $100.00 per student. Please make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church.
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GriefShare
A new session of GriefShare begins Tuesday, April 10th with the thirteen week session concluding on July 3rd. We meet Tuesdays 6-8 pm and share in a meal (provided by church members) at 6 pm. We meet in the cafeteria at Union Elementary School. We understand that grief does not operate on anyone's schedule, so please feel free to join us at any time. Please let us know that you will be attending by calling the church office at (419) 893-0223 or email staff@fpcmaumee.org. See the church website or our page on the GriefShare website for additional information.
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Young at Heart plans "Space Trip"
Before leaving for Arizona, Janet Russ-Jones helped plan a trip for the Young at Heart group and friends. On Tuesday April 24, those interested will drive to the Lourdes University campus in Sylvania to visit the Appold Planetarium. There the group will experience a show called, "Dawn of the Space Age." This computer-animated odyssey puts viewers in the cockpits of the first manned space missions and on the lunar surface with the Apollo astronauts. Viewers will travel through time fro the launch of the first artificial satellite Sputnik to the state of the art International Space Station.
After the planetarium show, the group will enjoy lunch in the cafeteria on campus before heading back to Maumee. Costs involved include $5 per person for the planetarium show and approximately $6-7 for lunch.
Those wanting to carpool can meet in the front parking lot of Union School (off E. Broadway St.) at 10 a.m. We will try to leave the school at 10:15 a.m.
You are welcome to invite friends who might enjoy this outing. The planetarium seats 50 persons. Reservations can be made by calling Norm and Nancy Rasmusson (874-7115) or Dot Otis (866-1680)
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Session: Session Highlights from March 26, 2012*
*Because the official session minutes have not yet been approved from this meeting, these are highlights only and are subject to change. After approval, full session minutes will be available in the church office.
Consent Agenda- Motion to approve the Clerk's Report of March 26, 2012
- Motion to approve Session minutes from February 27, 2012 meeting.
- To accept and enter into the minutes the report that on March 3, 2012, session records and minutes were approved by Maumee Valley Presbytery without exception.
- Motion to approve Barbara Foote hosting a Piano Recital, May 21, 2012
Deacon's Report: Deacon Marty Schnetzler
The agape meal was a success. The coat collection has concluded for this year. Care cards continue to be sent and deacons should be notified if anyone knows of members who are in need of contact.
Commission Reports
 Praise!: Elder Shannon Weimerskirch
Shannon thanked those who helped serve at the agape meal.
MO: Elder Crawford Strunk
A small group, consisting of Crawford Strunk, Steve Nelson, Wendy Price-Kiser and Jill Bick will be traveling to Arizona to scout out the needs and opportunities available at that site. They will travel in late September/early October and we can look forward to a church mission trip to Kayenta, Arizona in the late spring of 2013.
Elder Strunk then gave a brief explanation of the purpose of the newly designed Mission Assistance Form. It will serve to standardize requests in a simple format and will act as a resource for future requests in that the wheel will not need to be reinvented with each subsequent request. It will be the primary tool for determining whether the mission fits the criteria of the church. Approved Mission Assistance Form to be included in Mission Policy
Fellowship Commission: Elders Judy Harbaugh and Doug Parrish
A brief discussion concerning the timing of the annual picnic in the park and a possible open house for the new construction was held. Further discussion on the wisdom of combining the two events versus leaving them separate will be held once we are closer to knowing when we will be ready for the open house.
Discipleship Commission:  Elders Kristen Wacha and Marc Savage
Vacation Bible School will be held at Union School from June 10-14 with the proposed curriculum being "Clean Water for All God's Children". Stephanie McClellan will be the Program Director this year.
 Frontline (Evangelism Commission): Elder Jack Hemple
Jump start continues to continue along with the core group of attendees. New sessions of GriefShare as well as a new group for those who have been through divorce (DivorceCare) are being planned right now.
Financial Report: Elder Mary Siefke
Pledges were below budget by $11,534 for February but Mary reports that that is not uncommon in February. Total income was behind budget by $21,071 for the month but only by $7222 for the year to date and it is actually well ahead of last year's pace at this point in the year. Expenses were right on budget for the month and for the year they are $44,155 better than budget in great part due to reduced heating costs due to the mild winter and the construction. This savings more than covers the increases in the facilities line item which are due to rental of the Union School building which was an unbudgeted expense. Endowments grew by almost $154,000 in February due to the good stock market performance and our checking and savings accounts and operating funds are looking healthy.
Communication Committee: Andy Woodard
The Maumee Mirror has interviewed Pastor Clint about the renovations and will print an article soon. The Toledo Blade Religion Page person, David Younke has expressed interest in writing a story about our renovations as well.
Nominating Committee: Jack Hemple and Charlie Sheets
Elder Hemple reported that they have a full slate for elders and they are currently working on filling deacon positions. They anticipate having full slates within two weeks. The next task will be the APNC but they have been keeping that in mind while filling out the other slates so they do have people in mind. If at all possible they want deacon and elder representation on the APNC so if you are interested please let the nominating committee know as soon as possible.
Vision Team: Judy Harbaugh
Elder Harbaugh thanked the session for their work on establishing our core beliefs. Rev. Hoyt Byrum has put together a survey from those beliefs which will be available on the web for two weeks starting the first Saturday in April. Paper versions will be available as well. The intent of having these core beliefs enumerated is to have something we can show people when they think the church is going the wrong direction. We can point the big things we can easily agree upon rather than the smaller things that divide us.
Project Team: Elder Jim Calderone The project continues to move along well. The new windows are pretty much in and demolition is almost complete. The areas are pretty much defined at this point. The team meets again on Tuesday with the builders and architects. The project is still within budget and on time. Pastor's Report: Clint Tolbert
Pastor Clint gave a brief update on the CREDO Conference he recently attended. It focused on pastoral wellness to prevent pastor burnout. He said it was a good conference helping him realize that he needs to take better care of himself and his family; physically and emotionally. He also realized that he is internalizing the stress from church conflict more than he realized and it is taking a toll on his family. He is working to take practical steps to wellness as a result of the time away.
New Business
Elder Kristen Wacha expressed appreciation for the success of the New Stage production which will enable any youth that wants to participate in work camp to avail themselves of the opportunity.
Elder Gary Brown expressed a desire to have more prayer time in the vein of the Jump Start program available other times during the week.
Elder Jack Hemple expressed a deep concern over the longtime members who have left or are contemplating leaving this church lately. He explained that we work very hard to get new members but then we have let them walk out the back door with no contact, no "exit interview" and no expression of the church's care and concern for those people who have been part of our church family. A lengthy discussion ensued wherein much concern was expressed about those leaving. As a short term action, Elders who were scheduled to speak at each of the services will add a statement (to be composed by Elders Hemple and Woodard) stating the availability of any active elder for discussion of issues that are of concern to those that worship with us. We cannot act unless we know and therefore all active elders will have their names and contact information published in the bulletin next week and in the weeks to come with the hope that people will come to us rather than have "parking lot discussions" that have no benefit. |
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Joys and Concerns
Prayer Concerns
Bill Bonser Home
Judy Campbell Manor of Perrysburg
Darlene Gromes Home
Jim Hyland Home
Bonnie Richards Swanton Health Care
Our collegiates of the week are Craig Blasiman and Robbie Cole. Members may send a card or note to Craig at 317 N. Enterprise Street, Bowling Green, OH 43402. Craig's e-mail address is cblasiman@bgsu.edu. Members may send a card or note to Robbie at Miami University, 159 Morris Hall, 651 S. Maple Avenue, Oxford, OH 45056. Robbie's e-mail address is colej3@muohio.edu. Please keep them in your prayers.
Our home centered member of the week is Barbara Gunther. Members may send a card or note to her at Swan Creek Health Care Center, 1650 Swan Creek Lane, #213-B, Toledo, OH 43614. Please keep Barbara in your prayers.
From Jim Hyland
I'm on the mend and would like to thank everyone who said a prayer for me, the many who sent a "get-well" card and thanks to Kairos for getting friends to bring us delicious food. Thanks also to Pastors Steve and Clint for prayers and visit. It's nice to know that Church Family is truly Family.
Birthdays
3rd Matthew Gromes, Alice McColl, Matthew Smigelski
4th Craig Blasiman, Asa Strunk
5th Lauren Noble
6th Catherine Clark, Robbie Cole
9th Sara Vogel
10th Heather Cole, Fiona Parrish
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In Worship this Week: Sunday, April 8, Easter Sunday
8:00 a.m. in our Chapel Service. Pastor Clint Tolbert is preaching. Pastor Steve Nelson is Liturgist.
9:00 a.m. at the Edge Service in Fellowship Hall. Pastor Clint Tolbert is preaching. Elder Bryce Harbaugh leads us in Spiritual Song.
11:00 a.m. in our Sanctuary Service. Pastor Clint Tolbert is preaching. Pastor Steve Nelson is Liturgist. The Chancel Choir sings "The Day of Resurrection" by T. Matthews.
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Sunday Worship Schedule
8:00 am Chapel Service 9:00 am The Edge Service10:20 am Children of God Bible Time 11:00 am Sanctuary Service
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