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Stephen Ministry Featured on PBS

The PBS "Religion and Ethics" news show recently aired an eight-minute feature on Stephen Ministry that vividly describes the life-changing ministry happening in thousands of congregations. View the Stephen Ministry feature on the PBS Web site, where you'll also find several bonus features--including a nine-minute interview with Stephen Ministries' founder and executive director, Kenneth C. Haugk.

First Presbyterian Church is a member congregation in the international movement of caring Christian ministry known as the Stephen Ministry. This ministry invites people to live up to the model of Stephen as they are trained to be caring Christian listeners who work one on one with people in times of transition. Since the early 1990's, nearly 100 members of First Presbyterian Church have been trained to serve as Stephen Ministers. Countless individuals have received care totaling nearly 20,000 hours from our Stephen Ministers. This past Sunday, April 25th, nine of our newest Stephen Ministers were commissioned to continue serving our church and community in this vital service. If you feel that God is calling you to become involved in Stephen Ministry, as a care giver or care receiver, speak with one of Stephen Ministers or Stephen Leaders or, call our referrals coordinator, Camille Howe.

Many Thanks for a Christmas Day Blessing

On December 25, 2009 at our sixth annual Christmas Day meal, over 125 hungry guests were treated to their fill of turkey, gravy, ham, green bean casserole, corn, mashed potatoes, bread and desserts. Twenty of our church families cooked turkeys or hams at home and brought them to the feast. Another dozen families made green bean casseroles at home and delivered them in time for the meal. Around 40 volunteers (church members, friends and new comers from the community), donated their time between 1:30 and 5:30 p.m. to cook, serve, entertain and host our guests. The deacons had purchased gifts for children, blankets, and McDonald’s gift certificates for all of the diners. One family in the congregation had also prepared backpacks filled with gifts that were given to the 25 children who came to eat with their families.

Thanks to all who helped us share God’s love with so many people this Christmas!

Thanks...A Ton!

...or, we could almost say - thanks a ton and a half. The response to our RICE AND BEANS drive for our friends in the Presbyterian churches in Honduras has been wonderfully overwhelming. As of Monday morning, November 23, when the first piles were boxed for transport to Tampa, we had brought in 1,660 pounds of rice, and 676 pounds of small red beans (for a total of OVER ONE TON OF FOOD). Those items were delivered to Tampa before Thanksgiving. The beans and rice that have been brought in since, will be boxed this week and they will make their way to Tampa before the container is shipped to Honduras the second week of December. Thanks for sharing so generously with our Christian brothers and sisters in need!

Festival of Christian Artisans Photos

During the month of August, Christian Artisans specializing in various disciplines shared their talents with others having a desire to learn. Take a look at the photos that were taken to see what makes First Pres such a special church!

Mission Honduras 2009

Once again, our church mission team to the country of Honduras has arrived safely back in the states with incredible stories to tell of how God is at work in our world.

The group of 29 people who traveled June 20-27 to Honduras was the sixth group of missionaries our church has sent to the Presbytery of Honduras since 1998. These men, women, and youth from our church visited Presbyterian churches in Nacaome, Moropocay, Las Crucitas and La Venta. Our missionaries joined with a Honduran physician in church based clinics. The First Presbyterain team also assisted the men of the Moropocay church in laying the foundation for a new education building, and painted the interior and exterior front of the new sanctuary of the church of Nacaome.

Recent Tower Chimes newsletters have first-person reports from the mission trip. Click here for the Tower Chimes page.

We want to thank our mission partners -- the entire congregation -- for the financial and spiritual support that made this trip, and our ministry in partnership with our Honduran brothers and sisters in Christ possible.

Mission Honduras Presentation and Dinner
October 4, 12:15 p.m.

As a thank you to all who prayed and paid for our trip, our 2009 Honduras Mission Team will be cooking and serving a congregational luncheon on Sunday, October 4 (World Communion Sunday). Please plan to join us in McLeod Hall at 12:15 p.m. for chicken and rice, tortillas, plantains, refried beans, and flan. There will be a Mission Show and Tell at each table (hosted by one of our 29 "2009 missionaries"). And the whole group will tell about our most recent Mission Honduras experience, with the help of a video and multi-media show captured and edited by mission team member Pam Baker. Mark you calendars and come and celebrate this wonderful mission partnership!

Tons of New Photos!

Check out hundreds of new photos in six brand new albums! You'll find lots to look at, including the Madrigal Feaste, Youth Talent Show, and Souper Bowl of Caring, as well as several others. Take a look and see what makes First Pres such a special place!

Beyond Mammography: A Women's Breast Health program.
Special Guest Speaker: Dr. Mary Gardner
(Sponsored by your Parish Nurse Program)
For Men and Women of our Congregation

May 17, 12:00 - Lunch; 12:45 - Program

Dr. Gardner, a diagnostic radiologist and Director of Breast Imaging at USF, has extensive experience in diagnosing and preventing breast cancer. Her previous experience has been at Moffitt Cancer Center, Lakeland Regional Cancer Center, and Winter Haven Hospital. Dr. Gardner will be discussing the latest diagnostic tools available in diagnosing breast cancer in it's earliest stages. By empowering women and men with knowledge and choice, together we can help beat this disease. Don't miss this opportunity to be your own advocate.

Parish Nurse Events

• Blood Pressure Screening on the fourth Sunday each month.
• AED Training for ushers will be offered Sunday, February 15, immediately following both services in the Edinburgh Annex room.
• Informational Program: What’s it all about? February 15 at 12:15 p.m. in McLeod Hall.

Were you recently prescribed a medication by your doctor and you don’t understand why? Do you feel like you aren't getting the answers you need from your doctor's office? Have you been given a diagnosis that is troubling or confusing? Are you suffering a loss (loved one, job, family pet) and feel like you just aren't getting through the grief? Do you feel stressed or overwhelmed and need someone to talk to? Are you a caregiver for a loved one and don't understand the illness or disease process that your loved one is experiencing? Or are you wondering if it might be becoming more than you can handle? These are just some of the things that a parish nurse can help with. If you would like to get help from a parish nurse, please call the church office at 294-3121.

Farewell, Sue

After nearly thirteen years of service to God here at First Presbyterian Church, Sue Vaughan, our church secretary is retiring. Sue has been a friend to many as the person who is right inside the office door. Her warm smile, wonderful skills, and professional manner have been a blessing to our church. Sue will be moving soon after retirement to Brunswick, GA, where she will be close to her daughter's family (and two of her grandchildren!). We will miss Sue. Her last day on the job is Friday, January 30. Please let Sue know what her ministry here has meant to you.

...and Welcome, Jan

We welcome Jan Sanders to our support staff as an administrative assistant. Jan is from Lewisburg, Tennessee and now resides in Winter Haven with her husband Mark and son John. She is a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lewisburg. Come by the office and say hello to Jan.

Fall Fest Photos!

Fantastic photos from the Fall Fest! Feel free to fix your focus on these fresh photos of funny and far-out faces found at First Pres at the Fall Fest! Phenomenal flights of fancy flitted to and fro! And everyone found their fill of fun, fellowship, and flavorful food. Finally fired up for the photos? Time to finish fooling around find the photos!!!

Dr. C. Alan Harvey
Tenth Anniversary Celebration
September 21, 2008

On September 18, 1998, Dr. C. Alan Harvey joined our staff as the Associate Pastor here at First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven. To mark this special occasion, we will have a special reception in Alan’s honor in McLeod Hall following the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Please plan to drop by and show your appreciation to Alan for the first ten years he has shared with us in ministry.

Summer Mission Opportunities: Volunteers Needed

Saturday Soup Kitchen: Cooks/Helpers Needed.
Our weekly ministry of providing a hot meal in the name of Jesus Christ to the hungry in our community will not hit a summer slump. We feed an average of 60 people each Saturday night. The crews usually meet in the church kitchen around 2:00 p.m. Saturday for food prep and set-up. The serving hour at our 737 building is 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Clean up is usually done in 30 minutes, and the volunteers are out the door by 5:30 p.m. – filled with the knowledge that lots of our neighbors will not go to bed hungry that night! If you would like to be a part of this ministry of care and compassion, sign up on the bulletin board in McLeod Hall. Head cooks and helpers are needed.

Bag Lunch Ministry: Assemble Food Bags On Your Own Schedule.
For nearly 20 years, First Presbyterian Church has responded to Matthew 25 by feeding every hungry person who comes to our doors. This Bag Lunch Ministry is feeding an average of 30 people each weekday. Food items are purchased in bulk by the deacons, and volunteers are needed to assemble bag lunches. It takes about an hour or two for one person to bag 125 lunches (one week’s worth of our distribution). If you would be willing to come by, just call the church office and find out how our supply is holding out and schedule your time to help. Volunteers are welcome to come and assemble lunch bags as individuals or in one of our church groups. During the summer we seem to need more people to assemble than in the winter.

Meals on Wheels: Summer Drivers Needed
Each weekday, over one hundred residents of our area depend on the drivers from Meals on Wheels to deliver the hot, nutritious lunch and personal contact that helps them stay in their own homes. During the summer months, when many regular Meals on Wheels volunteers are away at their alternate addresses, Meals desperately needs fill-in drivers. It takes a couple of hours around lunch-time to deliver the meals on a route. If you could help one or more days a week, or even one or two days this summer, it would be a God- send. Meals on Wheels is located on Sixth Street, NW, directly across from our church. Call their office at 299-1616 or drop by to find out where you are needed.

New Photo Album Additions!

Want to see what happened at VBS and the Veterans Picnic? This is the place. Hundreds of new photos have been added to our online Photo Album. Take a look!

Children's Spring Musical
Wednesday, May 7 at 5:30

Please don't miss the Children's Spring Musical, "Journey of Praise". The program will be followed by dinner in McLeod Hall. Please reserve your spot for dinner by signing up on the announcement sheet tear-off, in McLeod Hall, or call the church office. The menu will be spaghetti, breadsticks, salad, dessert, and iced tea or lemonade. Reservations are needed by Monday, May 5 at noon.

Easter Photos!

Pictures from our Easter church-wide breakfast and children's egg hunt can now be viewed in our online Photo Album. Please take a look and see why First Presbyterian Church is known for fellowship and fun!

Presbyterian Women’s Garden Party Luncheon
April 21 at 12:00

All women of the church are invited to come to McLeod Hall on April 21, 12 o’clock for fellowship and a program by Dr. Negley. Bring a covered dish and invite a friend. There is a sign-up sheet in McLeod Hall on the PW bulletin board. The Birthday Offering envelopes will be available and the offering received congregation wide on April 27.

Talent Show & Spaghetti Supper
Sunday, April 27 at 5:30

There will be nothing store bought about our sauce, meatballs, bread, or desserts. We have the pleasure to announce that we have a special group of volunteers cooking our spaghetti dinner from scratch. We will start with a wonderful salad with many toppings to choose from. We want to satisfy everyone’s appetite so we added a no meat sauce in addition to having a meat sauce. You will not leave hungry! Fresh bread and butter will soak up all the sauce and then you will finish off with dessert options that will melt in your mouth.

This year the church talents reaches from little ones singing songs, dancing and telling jokes to our older ones playing piano, singing and playing different instruments. Robert Volpe has volunteered to come back as a FPC youth alumni and MC our event. We are excited to have Robert and we are also excited to announce that Jimmy Hankin will be performing! We have missed him over the past years and are very proud to have him back on our stage.

Come out and join with our church family for a wonderful night.

Choral Concert
Sunday, March 16, 4:00 P.M.

On March 16, at 4:00 pm, the choir of First Presbyterian, joined by a number of singers from the community, will present the Fauré "Requiem" at First Presbyterian Church in the sanctuary. Patty Muller, organist at Beymer United Methodist Church, will be the organist. Our soloists will be Mike Harris, Baritone, and Joanne Rasmussen, Soprano.

The program will include an organ solo by Johann Sebastian Bach, based on the familiar hymn "All Glory, Laud, and Honor." Along with the Fauré "Requiem", the fifty voice choir will sing "Blessed Jesu, Fount of Mercy" by Dvorak and "Go, My Children, with My Blessing" by Pelz; based on the familiar Welsh tune "All Through the Night".

There will be a reception after the concert where we will celebrate the end of a very successful Concert Series! Admission is free and an offering will be taken to help defray the expenses of the concert series.

Second Annual Bell Festival
February 23, 4:00 p.m.

On February 23 at 4:00 p.m., the Festival of Music Series will present the Second Annual Bell Festival Concert. A number of bell choirs will gather at First Presbyterian Church to rehearse together for several hours prior to the afternoon concert.

Valerie Stephenson, accomplished vocal and instrumental teacher, handbell composer, arranger, author, conductor and clinician will be directing. A resident of Jacksonville, Ms. Stephenson directs and rings with the Southside Handbell Ensemble and is a member of the First Coast Ringers. Ms. Stephenson will conduct the group numbers, all of which are her own compositions. Each bell choir will also present a special number on their own. The First Presbyterian bell choir will present a spiritual arranged by Ms. Stephenson that will feature Mike Harris on saxophone. You will want to be there, as you’ve never heard a piece like this before! The concert will last about 45 minutes and will feature some exciting music.

This will be the last Bell Festival hosted by First Presbyterian before being passed to the American Guild of Handbell Ringers and a new regional venue, so you won’t want to miss it!

Car Show Luncheon
Monday, February 25, 2007 - 11:30 a.m.

All folks 55 and older in our congregation (and your friends!) will not want to miss our February Prime Timers Luncheon. The program will stir your memories of CARS FROM THE PAST. Steve Negley will be leading a little drive down memory lane, with the help of many friends who are bringing their classic cars. Plan to enjoy the fellowship around the table as we eat a nice lunch and tell a few stories of cars from each of our pasts. Then take some time to linger in our automotive time capsule outside. For lunch reservations and transportation call Dick and Doris Hill at 292-9762.

New Photos!

Check out all the new pictures of recent events at First Presbyterian Church! We've posted photos from the Fall Festival, Madrigal Nights, and Handel's Messiah concert.

First Presbyterian Presents "Messiah"
December 9, 4:00 p.m.

We are pleased to announce that the Festival Music Series will present the Christmas section of "Messiah" by Handel on December 9, at 4:00 p.m. in our sanctuary. "Messiah" is one of the most favorite of all choral works. For over fifty years this composition has been part of our Winter Haven Christmas celebration and now we are partnering with other local musicians to make it happen again. The choir has been formed from the combination of our Chancel Choir and other singers who have sung "Messiah" for years as well as other interested singers. We are expecting a choir of sixty voices and an orchestra of twelve players. The orchestra will be led by our own K. C. Davidson as Concert Mistress. The vocal soloists are Dr. Eugenia Garrity, soprano; Dawn Bernhardt-Spicer, contralto; Nick Brata, tenor; and Ron Hatley, bass. Kim Reisinger and Patty Muller from Beymer United Methodist Church will play organ and harpsichord respectively while Keith Rasmussen will conduct. There is no admission charge but a freewill offering will be taken to assist with the expenses of the concert. A reception will be held in McLeod Hall immediately after the program. We plan on a packed church for this exciting and meaningful event. Mark this on your calendar and come EARLY for a good seat.

New Online Calendar!

First Pres Online is pleased to announce a new and improved calendar page. The calendar has a sharp new look and several new features. With the new calendar you can…

• navigate more easily
• view a month at a time, one week, or just one day
• print the calendar in portrait (tall) or landscape (wide) layouts
• use a powerful search tool to find events
• see events for only the group of your interest (“music”, for example)
• have it send you an e-mail reminder before an event occurs
• have it invite a friend to an event via e-mail

Your Piece In Our Puzzle

During the month of October, the 1000 pieces of our church puzzle have been mailed to the women, men, youth, and children who together are First Presbyterian Church. The invitation with each piece has been "please bring your puzzle piece with you as we make First Pres. the most wonderfully complete church it can be." We know that some of our puzzle pieces have been delivered to people who are not physically able to attend church at this time. Elders and pastors of the church will be dropping by to visit these members in the next few weeks, and will be glad to bring your piece of the puzzle back to church from that visit. We know that some of our puzzle pieces have been mailed to college students (as we have tried to secure current addresses). We hope to see you in worship over the holidays. Please bring your puzzle piece and drop it in the collection plate when you are with us at Thanksgiving or Christmas. We know that the rest of the puzzle pieces are in the hands of those of us who are here in the greater Winter Haven area. We hope that you will come for worship soon, and when you do, please drop you puzzle piece in the collection plate. We are reassembling the puzzle each week ---- Come to the narthex before or after worship to see how it all fits together!

Organ Recital
October 28

Keith Rasmussen will present his first organ recital in Winter Haven at the first Presbyterian Church, 637 6th St. N.W., on October 28 at 4:00 pm. Keith has been the Director of Music at the church for two years.

There will be three major works presented. The first is the ever popular "Toccata and Fugue in d minor" by J. S. Bach. Even though this work was originally composed for the violin, it has become Bach’s best-known organ work. Mr. Rasmussen will also present the "Pedal Variations on a theme by Paganini" which are written for the pedals except for the last variation. The work uses various pedaling techniques; including single notes, chords, and slides. The last piece on the program will be the "Passacaglia in G" by Leo Sowerby. This is one of the most epic American works for the organ of the 20th century and is very listenable.

The concert will be in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian. There is no admission charge and a reception will follow. A retiring offering will be received to help cover the cost of the Festival of Music Series.

Ray Vaughn Barber

August 8, 1947 – September 27, 2007

Our Custodian and Friend
Since December, 1986

Honduras Mission in Photos

Members of First Presbyterian Church recently returned from their mission trip to Honduras. They brought back with them hundreds of photographs of their experiences, which you can now view in the Photo Album section of our web site.

The following is a brief excerpt from the July 15th Tower Chimes newsletter describing part of the trip. You can read more about the trip in the most recent issues of The Tower Chimes.

"On Monday, we loaded our six truck convoy and headed north to our first worksite, Agalteca. Over the next four days, our medical professionals John Eycleshimer, Lia Gray, and Gale Waters, and our support team, worked alongside Honduran physician Dr. Moreno offering medical clinics at the churches in Agalteca, Guiamaca, Guatemalita, and Puenta Jalan. We treated a total of 900 patients in our clinics! A smaller contingent of our group traveled back each day to work alongside the pastor and two members of the church in Agalteca on construction of their manse. On Friday, we broke camp and journeyed back to Tegucigalpa where we visited the hospital and university with two of our Honduran hosts."

The New Deck Is Complete!

The area under the oak tree between our student center and playground has been graced with a marvelous new deck. The dream of having a place for picnics, musical gatherings with youth, and great Christian fellowship became a reality through the hard work and generosity of our members. The money for the project was given in memory of Mary Gray, by her friends and family. The construction of this incredible area was completed under the supervision of Warren Glenn, Ross Kosmensky, and Sam Bryant. Special thanks also to those who labored along side our supervisory crew: Rich Dobler, Alec Kosmensky, Mike Legaspi, and Steve Negley.

Come celebrate Mary’s memory as you join with our church family under the tree.

Vacation Bible School – Avalanche Ranch
July 22-26, 2007
6:15 – 8:30 p.m.

You better come along: everybody’s going on a wild ride through God’s word. We’re following our leader. All our friends will be there, and we better hang on tight cause it’s a wild ride! Cowboys and cowgirls register now for a toe tapping good time year at VBS! The round-up has begun and we are counting on you all to attend. All cowboys and cowgirls should meet in the Mess Hall (McLeod Hall) at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 22. Our Chuck Wagon Chow for that night will be hot dogs, tater tots, grapes, baked beans, chocolate chip cookies, and drinks. All cowboys, cowgirls, and their families are invited to come “chow down.” Parents, adults, and youth volunteers who would like to join in the fun as Ranch Hands are welcomes to attend. Please contact in order to complete the necessary training for the week.

New Photos of Christ Kids in Action!

New photos of the most recent Christ Kids bowling trip can now be viewed in our online Photo Album. Please take a look and see why kids are having a really fun time at First Presbyterian Church!

Recognition of Our High School Seniors

On Sunday, May 20, at the 11:00 a.m. worship service, our church will honor our graduating high school seniors Grace Blankenship, Lana Groetsch, Michael Lyons, Morgan Schreiber, James Bruce, Shea Irvin, Chalsey Martin, Bud Shinn, Alex Girouard, Will Jax, Jeffrey Powell, Taylor Snively, Thomas Griffis, Lindsay Larson, Adam Roe and Sarah Strang. We will honor them with a special gift and our prayers for the new chapter in their lives. Please join us for worship, and then plan to gather with our seniors in McLeod Hall following the service at a reception to be held in their honor.

Congratulations Rev. Alan Harvey!

On May 24, our Rev. Alan Harvey will become The Reverend Doctor C. Alan Harvey, as he receives his Doctor of Ministry degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. The Session of our church wants us to celebrate this wonderful event with A RECEPTION AND A GIFT

The Reception – On Sunday, May 6, you are invited to a reception honoring “Dr.” Harvey in McLeod Hall immediately following the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Please plan to come and congratulate Alan before he heads off to Pittsburgh for the graduation service.

The Gift – The Session has already authorized the purchase of a new pulpit robe for Alan (complete with doctoral bars). This will be funded from the wills and bequests area of our church’s restricted funds. They are also inviting members of the congregation to contribute to a love offering for Alan to use in celebrating his accomplishment. If you would like to give towards this love gift, send your gift to the church with the memo, “Alan’s Love Gift.”

Boy Scout House Open House
February 11, 2007

Please plan to join us on Sunday, February 11, for an OPEN HOUSE at the Boy Scout House in the T. Oakley Andrews Scouting Center. For well over a year, dedicated volunteers have worked to transform this decades old meeting place into a safe, attractive and modern home for Boy Scout Troop 121. Join us after the 11:00 a.m. service for some refreshments and the celebration of a job done well!

Soup Kitchen Christmas Dinner

Not wind, nor rain, nor Christmas Day storms could dampen the spirits of those who served or dined at our Soup Kitchen Christmas Day dinner. Dozens of volunteers prepared or served the wonderful feast of ham, turkey, pork loin, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli, spiced apple rings and Christmas cookies, to our 75 hungry and appreciative guests. The day featured live Christmas music, a superb meal, and gifts for all the children and adults who journeyed out to our soup kitchen for this Christmas dinner.

Thanks go out to the host of volunteers – Melissa Rowker, Lenny Hollister, Claire Parks, Jackie Pinckney and her daughter, Carol, Mike Legaspi, Dick Saxon, Judy Suprina, Susan Pittsley, Pat Miller, Bruce & Sally Whitney, Retha Wright, Ted Threadgill, Linda Dinger, Ray Kazmark, Laura Hoch, Claire McAdams, Lauren and Tina Huston and her mother, Jean, Polly Wilson, Betty Stephens, Dianne Repass, Stephany Alexander, Judy Wagy, Marie Wilson, Lynn Baker, Tina Groetsch, Lee & Pam Wilkinson, Adam, Amy and Dale Smith, Don Dinger, Sylvia Chambers, Teresa, Steve, Thomas and Stewart Negley, Jill, Ross and Megan Kosmensky, Punkin, Sarah Claire and Squire Smith, Lyn Swart, Jean, Dave, Kristin and Lindsay Tannahill, Barbara & Joel Smith, and Joyce Hostler – who cooked, served, cleaned, sang and welcomed our soup kitchen friends in celebration of the birth of Christ.

New Photos!

Pictures from the dedication of the Memorial Garden at First Presbyterian Church and this year's Madrigal Feaste are now online. Please click on the thumbnails above, or visit our Photo Album page to see some of the exciting things that are happening at First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven!

Amy Smith, New Church Educator

Welcome, Amy Smith, our new Church Educator! Amy began her ministry with us on Wednesday, November 8. Part of her morning was spent getting acquainted with our church staff. On her first afternoon on the job, Miss Amy greeted the children in our Christ Kids program and their parents. She has hit the ground running, and you will be seeing her smiling face all around our church. If you happen by the church office, please stop in and introduce yourself, and welcome Amy to our little part of the body of Christ.

Memorial Garden Dedication
Wednesday, November 1, 6:30 p.m.

You are invited to the dedication of the Memorial Garden of First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven.

After years of planning, and nearly a year of construction, the Memorial Garden at First Presbyterian Church is a reality. Please plan to join us for the dedication of this wonderful area on Wednesday night, November 1 (All Saints’ Day). Supper will be served in McLeod Hall from 5:30-6:20 p.m. At 6:30, we will share some reflections of the Memorial Garden project, and celebrate the careful oversight given to move our vision forward. At 7:00 p.m. we will gather outside in the new Memorial Garden at First Presbyterian Church for our service of dedication.

TOP TEN

...and now, from our home office in Winter Haven, Florida...The Top Ten Reasons to Visit First Presbyterian Church on Sunday!!! (Please click on the "Top 10" link in the left pane).

Easter Photos!

Pictures from our Easter church-wide breakfast and children's egg hunt can now be viewed in our online Photo Album. Please take a look and see why First Presbyterian Church is known for fellowship and fun!

The Angel Van

A less publicized ministry of this church that has been ongoing since 1994 is our Angel Van Ministry. Volunteers, recruited by and among our deacons, provide transportation to the 11:00 a.m. worship service on Sundays. Those needing a ride call the church office by noon on Fridays. Our church secretary then notifies the designated driver for that Sunday, of the person or persons who will be his or her passengers. Often the driver will then call the persons on Saturday to verify that a ride is still needed and to confirm the time for pick up. On Sunday the passengers will be picked up at the designated time and transported to the church for the service. The driver will also give instructions about a meeting place and pick up following the service for the ride home. This is a great service for those who need a ride. So if you need one, call us and we’ll be happy to see you get to the church on time.

Lenten Cantata

Our chancel choir will present the well-known "Seven Last Words of Christ" by Théodore Dubois on Sunday, April 2. The work will be presented at both services, with a reception for the choir after the second service. The Cantata takes about forty minutes to perform and deals with the traditional seven last sayings of Christ on the cross. The composition finishes with the earthquake after the death of Christ and then a choral hymn that points us forward to the resurrection and the affirmation of our salvation. K. C. Davidson, Tom Mulrooney, and Mike Harris will sing the three solo parts and will be accompanied by Director Keith Rasmussen at the organ.

Plan on attending either of these special services and bring your friends. This is one of the best known Lenten compositions and is very easy to listen to as well as very compelling. You won't want to miss this special service!

Youth Retreats and Camps - Not Just a Week of Vacation!

“The best week of your life!” This means more than just a good time or a good option for now or a mediocre experience. It refers to a life changing segment of time that has long lasting, even eternal consequences. Here are the 2006 opportunities (To learn much more, see page 5-6 of the Mar. 12 Tower Chimes):

• Montreat, June 4-10, 2006 - Join over 1200 young people from all around the country for a great tradition. First Presbyterian Church youth stay in a private home and enjoy community meals along with "Life Stories."
• Senior High Skipalooza! This year we traveled to Boone, North Carolina for two days of skiing and a day of tubing. We created a theme of "Light of the World - He Is and You Are."
• Middle School Great Escape, July 14-17 - The days are filled with non-stop fun and adventure. Bring a friend and ignite a faith and friendship in Christ that will last lifetime.
• Honduras is a mission trip experience that focuses on serving others and challenging our global understanding of following Christ. We schedule this trip on alternate years.

Live Nativity Coming Soon!

Follow the brilliant starlight’s beam which will be seen for miles away to YOUR church! Come and see the stable underneath the trees of the grassy parking lot. If you’re coming from 6th Street, turn left onto Avenue H NW and then take the 2nd LEFT driveway into our church’s rear parking lot to park and view the scene. Bring your friends and neighbors! Come and see your brothers and sisters portraying the Holy Family, Angels, Shepherds and Wise Men! Come and see a donkey and sheep and sense the earthiness of the stable! Come and listen to The Story told in the Scriptures! Come and hear and join in the singing of beloved Christmas carols! Come and enjoy some light seasonal refreshments of hot cocoa, apple cider, home baked cookies and snacks! Invite your friends and neighbors while they are here to tour our church sanctuary when it is at its loveliest! This is First Presbyterian Church’s Live Nativity Scene and like the CH__CH, it just will not be the same if _UR_ missing from the cast, the crew or the spectators of these presentations of our Savior’s birth!

Madrigal Nights

Hear ye, hear ye! Announcing First Presbyterian's 7th Annual Madrigal Nights! For the first time ever, there will be TWO nights of feasting, frivolity and fellowship. Friday evening, December 2 at 7:00 p.m. will feature a light fare of wassail, cheese and bread, and dessert. Saturday evening, December 3 at 5:00 p.m. will feature a full fare of wassail, nuts, fruits, cheese and bread, soup, pork loin, and dessert. Donations of $10 for Friday evening and $25 for Saturday evening are required in advance. Child care will be provided for both nights. Tickets will be sold in the church narthex after Sunday services through November 27.

Welcome, Keith Rasmussen!

The Session is pleased to announce that we have called our new Director of Music Ministries. Upon the unanimous recommendation of the Music Director Search Committee, the Session has extended a call to Mr. Keith Rasmussen to join our staff as Director of Music Ministries/Organist. Keith was born in Wisconsin, and has spent much of his professional career in music ministry in Canada. He holds a Bachelors degree in Organ and Piano Performance and Choral Techniques and a Masters degree in Music in Organ Performance, both from Andrews University. He has also been involved in post-graduate work in Musical Arts.

Keith will be coming to us from Statesville, North Carolina, where he has served for the past five years as the Director of Music Ministries at First Presbyterian Church. His ministry there has included all the duties of organist for an active Presbyterian congregation, and with vocal and handbell choirs with adults, youth, and children. Keith has also been active with a church concert series and community musical activities.

Keith and his daughter, Joni, a recent graduate of Appalachian State University, will be moving to Florida in mid-October. He plans to begin his ministry with us on October 24.

New Children's Library Now Open!

Be sure to drop by our new Children's Library now located in Room 205 on the second floor of the CE building. You will find a warm, welcoming, kid-friendly environment filled with excellent reading opportunities for all ages of children. Bethany Owen, creator of this special space, will have this area open before and after worship each Sunday morning. Bring your kids and keep checking out books for take-home reading.

Honduras Extra!

"For the past nine years, the Presbytery of Tampa Bay has maintained a mission relationship with the Presbytery of Honduras. For seven of the past nine years, our congregation has sent mission teams for ministry in this field. Our fourth mission team has just returned from a weeklong project in Honduras..."

If you have not read about the most recent mission to Honduras, have we got a treat for you! Click here to read a special Tower Chimes supplement that details the trip in word and picture.

In addition, the first set of photos from the Mission Trip are now available for viewing in our Photo Album. Take a look!

Building on a Dream

Our congregation has begun a great mission adventure with brothers and sisters in Christ throughout our community – BUILDING ON A DREAM. Members of the Winter Haven Interfaith Ministerial Alliance (an alliance of the pastors of the historically black congregations in our city) and the Winter Haven Ministerial Association (an association of the pastors of the historically white congregations in our city) have, under the guidance of Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County, launched the "Building on a Dream" project. The governing boards of fifteen area churches have joined together as sponsors of this build. They have committed the necessary financial resources and pledged to encourage their members to join together in building a home for a family of God’s children in our city. The walls on the home for Quentin “Q” and Chenita Hilton and their family were begun on July 9. Come by any Saturday you can as we BUILD ON THE DREAM together at 721 Avenue R, NE. Bring your hammers and work gloves. Our summer build days will begin at 8:00 a.m. We will break at 10:00 for a bounteous snack and wrap up around noon.

Vacation Bible School Pics!

193 brand new photos from our Serengeti Trek Vacation Bible School are on the web! Click here or on the picture (left) to see the pictures.

Soup Kitchen Help Needed

"Too many cooks spoil the broth" is a frequently heard adage. This will not necessarily happen, provided there is a head cook, who can direct and oversee the cooking and serving responsibilities. Please check the sign up list in McLeod Hall to see when head cooks for our Soup Kitchen ministry are needed with your availability. Don't know what the head cook does? Then please check the manual in the church office for answers to any unanswered questions you may have. Sometimes we have many volunteers to assist, but no one to serve as head cook. This could be your time to say, "I think it needs a little more salt." "The soup or casserole is my favorite and a family specialty." "We can stretch it by adding some more water." Please consider this as an opportunity for you to minister to others by feeding them in Christ's name! Thank you!

The Soup Kitchen also distributes personal care items to those who need them. So what can we use? Small bars of soap, bottles of shampoo, tubes of toothpaste, spray or stick deodorant, toothbrushes, combs, and disposable razors are great. Your contributions of these items will be greatly appreciated. You may place your donations in the pink and blue plastic barrels located in McLeod Hall, next to the decorated grocery cart which collects dry and canned goods for Family Emergency Services. Thanks for your help!

Souper Bowl Results!

The air was charged with anticipation and sweat poured from the gridiron gladiators as the ball sailed from one end of the field to the arms of a fleet footed, end zone hunter. The Souper Bowl of Caring was well attended and a big success. Who won? You may ask. While many youth and adults enjoyed playing the game, the big winners were our friends at Spring Lake Nursing Center and the many homeless who visit our Soup kitchen. The friendship and visitation that took place there is memorable. The generous contribution from our church to the Soup Kitchen was $867 along with two large barrels of canned goods. Thanks to the many of you who participated. See you again next year! The total raised for 2005 was $2,658,897 from 7,739 churches and non-profits. Click here to see the pictures!

Live Nativity Scene Photos

If you didn't get to attend First Presbyterian's Live Christmas Nativity Scene on December 18 and 19, take a look at the pictures that Christian Educator Mike Gillespie took of this very special presentation.

Securing Our Future

The Securing Our Future campaign for First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven is officially underway. This program hopes to keep our church on a solid foundation by helping us provide the facilities needed to nurture the next generations of disciples of Jesus Christ. Members and friends of our congregation should have received an information packet introducing Securing Our Future in the mail. The packet contains our campaign video on DVD. If you did not receive your packet, or if you would prefer a video in VHS format, please call Lillian Harden at the church office (294-3121), and we will deliver the appropriate materials.

To watch the campaign video now via streaming media, click on one of the links below:

• Click here if you have a modem (56k/28k/16k)
• Click here if you have a broadband connection (DSL/Cable at 150k)

(If you cannot play the video above, you may need to download Real Player. To download the free version, click here.)

After Hurricane Charley passed through...

We had worship on Sunday morning, August 15, 2004, under the porte cochere, because we had no electricity and so there were no lights, air conditioning and amplification. Click here to view some pictures of this historic service.

But even before that activity our Saturday Soup Kitchen was open less than 24 hours after the storm blew through Polk County. Hunger does not take a holiday nor does it subside after experiencing a storm! This is a gentle reminder of our commitment to this ministry — that is, that we will provide a Saturday evening meal for those who are hungry. Are you interested in helping with this important ministry? Then please sign up on the sheets posted on the bulletin board in McLeod Hall or contact Linda or Andy Stavres, coordinators, at 325-0974.

Our Purpose

Each week if you turn to the back of the Sunday Worship Bulletin or the Tower Chimes newsletter, you will notice a statement entitled "Our Purpose." It is a declaration of the ways in which the congregation of First Presbyterian Church pledges to "show God's kingdom in the world." This statement is now a permanent part of First Presbyterian Online.

Click here to read "Our Purpose."

Christmas is coming!
(“Christmas in August”, that is)

We will have “Christmas In August” on Wednesday evenings, August 18 and 25, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. What Is “Christmas In August?” It is a time when people will come together for making or repairing Chrismons. It is a time when those with sewing skills can make costumes for the Madrigal Feast or the live nativity scene. It is a time when the ark will be dismantled and a stable will be constructed. It is a time when Christmas carols will be sung, Christmas cookies will be munched and cider will be sipped. We are not trying to rush the seasons by having “Christmas in August”, we are just trying to be ready when it comes! So, adults come join us for “Christmas in August” — a time for getting together, making preparations and having fun!