Greetings from Pastor Wain

The Blessing of Transition
Hello First Presbyterian family. What a gift of God’s grace the month of October is. With it comes cooler weather, a transition of the seasons, and many wonderful ministries at church. We kick-off the month with World Wide Communion Sunday on October 7 th that will include a “Communion Blitz” by church officers throughout the day to take the Sacrament of our Lord’s Supper to homebound members. On October 14 th we host a fall Inquirers’ Class for visitors from 9:45-10:45 am in the fellowship hall. October 21 st is Children’s Sabbath, and the children’s choir will be singing at 11 am. October 28 th is Reformation Sunday. The Presbybells will play in worship, and we will install a new class of Presbyterian Women Officers. 

We are in the midst of staff transition at church in the wake of Doris Davis’ retirement. Thanks be to God for all who helped give her a wonderful send-off! Ours is such a loving and caring community of Christ. It is with great joy that I share with you the news that the Personnel Committee unanimously recommended to the Session, and the Session unanimously approved the idea to hire as our new Interim Director of Christian Education and Community Life, Jerie Lukefahr! 
Jerie knows our church so well, has a deep well of Christian Education experience and wisdom, and brings so many gifts of the Spirit to our community. She is a Ruling Elder on Session and has completed training in our denomination as a Commissioned Lay Pastor/Ruling Elder. Please join me in welcoming her on board during this season of transition. She will work thirty-two hours a week and keep the many aspects of our children’s ministry running smoothly as she works with the all the teachers, parents, and volunteers who make excellent ministry happen. Having Jerie both provides immediate continuity and allows us time to discern our needs for the permanent position over the coming months. Jerie will work closely with staff and with the Personnel Committee as we assess our needs and move forward. 

Some people say that the only people who like change are babies with wet bottoms! Seasons of transition in the church can be the wonderful places where we as God’s people encounter the blessings and wonders of God’s Spirit. My hope is that you will choose to welcome this season in our common life as one of those times. As surely as God brought us Doris Davis who served so faithfully and joyfully these past twelve years, God brings us to the very talented Jerie Lukefahr! We trust that God will continue to provide and will lead us to the right people to serve at the right time. Thanks be to God for Jerie Lukefahr who will begin her Interim role Sunday, October 7th. Pray for her. Lend her your help. Trust God. Let’s make this season of transition that blessing it can be.

Remember these timeless words that the Lord speaks through the prophet: “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19).
Sincerely,

 Pastor Wain


Upcoming Events

New Bible Study
The next Covenant Bible Study led by Pastor Julie is Monday, October 8 and there is still room for you. Join us Monday at 6:00 pm in the Compass Conference room. If you have questions, speak with Pastor Julie.
 
Courageous Conversations
Join us Monday, October 15th from 6-7:30 pm in JTH as speaker Katrina Robinson Wheeler presents about Mental Health. What are common mental illnesses? What are treatment options? How do we find the resources we need when we need them? Light dinner will be served. Everyone who is interested in Mental Health is welcome to attend—you did not need to be at the first conversation.

Church Work Day
The Building & Grounds Committee invites all to participate in a work day Saturday morning, October 20, 2018 at 8:30 AM. The work scheduled includes weeding, mulching, replacement plantings and sprinkler head repairs/replacement. Additional work projects are being formulated in preparation for our 160th.



Don't forget - if we know, we go! If you or a loved one are having surgery, or are in the hospital and would like a pastoral visit or pre-surgery prayer, please contact Pastor Julie, Pastor Wain, or the church office. Pastor Julie truly enjoys these visits, and is happy to travel to Jacksonville when needed - the distance is not an imposition!

Fall Festival
We are a month away from our Fall Festival with the Methodist Church. The date has been moved away from the Florida-Georgia Weekend to November 3rd from 10a.m.-1p.m. in the street between our two churches. Look for the sign up sheets in JTH through out October. If you do not have a Fall Festival Tshirt, please indicate the size you need. Don’t miss the fun and fellowship as we welcome the community to this free celebration of God’s glorious bounty! Come on y’all! It’s fall!
 



For information about Presbyterian Women Circles, please see information at the Welcome Center

Did you know that October is Pastor Appreciation Month? Your pastors love and appreciate this congregation for the ways you care for and nurture us every day. Thank you for making this a joyful place to serve God and God's people.


Click here for your
 October 2018 Calendar
Spinnaker Men's Ministry Breakfast

All men of the church (and friends) are invited to the monthly breakfast at the Beach Diner on October 18th at 7:30 a.m. for food and fellowship.

‌
First Presbyterian Church, Fernandina Beach FL 904-261-3837
www.first-presbyterian-church-32034.org
STAY CONNECTED
Facebook ‌ Twitter ‌