When I was a boy, one of my favorite things to do was roam the neighborhood, the woods, and the magical “Farmer’s Land” behind my house. My mother’s parenting philosophy was free-range and a loud voice. When it was time to come home, she would simply shout out the front door, “Daaaaaviiiid! Yooooo hooooo! Supper’s ready!!!!” I would come running! Not much has changed over the years; those words still get my attention. 

This is one-third of the reason I am so excited about reigniting our Men’s Wild Game Supper after a year off. From duck to deer burgers to catfish stew and an assortment of other items, the menu will be delicious. What is more, in a time when rivalry, disunity, discontentment, and the like rage in our land and even our churches, the fellowship of this night reminds us of those words from Psalm 133, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” We also hope the night will be an opportunity for you to bring a friend or family member who might not know Jesus or perhaps is wandering in a far-off land just now. We pray that they might see and hear something of the love of God and the beauty and wonder of the gospel. 

The supper will be held on Thursday, February 10, at 6:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center. The cost is $5.00, and you can RSVP on the church app or website by February 1. Our speaker this year is Dr. Harry Reeder, Senior Minister at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama. If you heard him during our Summer Lecture Series and in the pulpit in July, then you know you are in for a treat. Please sign up today and pray about bringing someone who needs to taste the love of Christ and the fellowship of the saints. 

David Henderson 

Minister of Discipleship 

The annual dinner and congregational meeting for the adoption of the 2022 budget, election of the 2022 Church Officers Nominating Committee, election of the church treasurer, and any other matters will be held on Wednesday, January 26, in the Family Life Center. There is no charge for the dinner which starts at 5:15 p.m. The congregational meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m.

The Corporation of The First Presbyterian Church will meet immediately following the congregational meeting to elect officers and act on any other business that may come before The Corporation.

Nurseries for infants through three years old will be available beginning at 5:45 p.m. Children’s activities for K4 – 5th grade will be offered beginning at 6:00 p.m. Parents, please feed your children prior to the nursery and/or children’s program.

Next Step is a class for students interested in joining the church. Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings beginning January 26 from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m. If your student is interested in participating in the class or if you would like more information, please contact Matt McFarling at [email protected].

The 4th annual Spaghetti Soiree will be held Tuesday, February 15, at 6:00 p.m. in Jackson Hall. This is a special dinner hosted by our Youth Ministry and Seniors Ministry. Mr. Norman Kent will be the speaker. Please sign up on the church website or app by February 8. 

A lunch for college students will be held on Sunday, January 23, in Jackson Hall following the 11:15 a.m. service. We invite church members to attend and build relationships with our college students. This is a wonderful way to interact with our College Ministry and help connect them to the greater church body. You do not need to bring anything but yourself!

For our First Presbyterian Church families, we are offering a Parents’ Night Out for children who are birth - 5th grade. You may register on our church website or app by Tuesday, January 25.

Join us in The Bridge, room 201, for training and lunch. Cost is $5.00. To register, visit firstprescolumbia.org/careteams or the app. For more information, please contact Barbara Diller at [email protected].

Please mark your calendar for the 2022 Parenting Conference which will take place on Friday, March 18, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:15p.m.! More details and registration will be available soon. 

Thomas Andrew and Jenni Arthur on the death of his father, Thomas Edward Arthur, on January 10.

Sally Kitchens and Cliff Kitchens, Sr. and family on the death of her husband and his father, James (Jim) Kitchens, who died on January 14.  

Caroline and Grayson Hill on the birth of their son, Charles Eston Hill, on January 13. Grateful grandparents are Nancy and Greg Harris. Grateful great-grandmother is Caroline Marchant.

Items for Church Family

Contact Lisa Eargle at [email protected].