FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Monthly Newsletter
Greenwood, Mississippi June 30, 2011
Meet The Allens - Our Co-Associate Pastors-Elect
Travis Allen grew up on a ranch in the North Texas
town of Graham. He is a graduate of Texas A&M
University where he received a B.S. in Agricultural
Leadership & Development in May of 2008. Travis was
raised in the First Presbyterian Church in Graham. While
in high school, Travis was ordained an Elder and served
two years on the session. In college he served on the staff
of First Presbyterian Church in Bryan, Texas, as youth
director.
Since 2004, Travis has spent his summers working at
Mo-Ranch, a Presbyterian camp and conference center in
Hunt, Texas. While his primary responsibility at FPC in
Bryan involved teaching Sunday School, leading youth
group meetings and Wednesday night Bible studies, Travis
was also given the opportunity to lead in worship.
It was during this time that he began to experience a passion for teaching and
Travis & Sydne will preaching God’s Word to youth and their families. He enrolled in Columbia Theological
Seminary in Decatur, Georgia in the fall of 2008. During his senior year Travis was
be a great team.
selected Senior Class President. Travis graduated from Columbia this past May with a
● Sharing the title of Master of Divinity degree.
Co-Associate
Sydne Allen’s roots run deep in the Presbyterian tradition. Sydne was born, baptized
Pastor, the job
and raised in the First Presbyterian Church of Lexington, North Carolina. It was in this
responsibilities will
church family where Sydne was nurtured and shown the grace of God and where she first
be split between the
discerned a call to a life of service to and with others.
two of them, each
working 4 days a Sydne attended North Carolina State University where she graduated in 2006 with a
week, counting B.S. degree in Business Management. While in college, Sydne was a member of Anno
Sunday. Domini, an a cappella group composed of members from various colleges in North
Carolina. This student-led group shared the gospel musically and through worship and
● Travis will be
testimonies at college campuses, churches and events across North Carolina. Sydne was
working primarily in
also active with Campus Crusade for Christ through which she participated in a summer
youth ministry, but
mission trip to Santiago, Chile and also relief efforts in Pass Christian and New Orleans
will also do some
following Hurricane Katrina.
preaching, teaching,
and pastoral care. Through mission work and one-on-one discipleship, she began to feel a call to full
time ministry. Sydne enrolled at Columbia Theological Seminary in 2007. While there
● Sydne will be doing she served on the Student Coordinating Council and was a member of the nominating
primarily Christian committee. She served summer internships at churches in South Carolina and Georgia.
education work with
She was also an outreach volunteer coordinator at a women’s shelter which was a
all ages, and will
mission of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. She graduated in May of 2010 with a
also do some
Master of Divinity degree.
preaching, teaching,
and pastoral care. Travis and Sydne met while at seminary and were married on October 30, 2010 at
her home church in Lexington, North Carolina.
● August 15th is their
anticipated first day They will be examined for ordination by St. Andrew Presbytery on August 9th at
in the office. FPC Oxford. Their address for the summer is: Travis and Sydne Allen, 2229 FM1430,
Hunt, TX 78024, should you want to send them a note prior to their arrival in August.
THE LORD’S DAY
(If you are unable to serve, please find a replacement.)
BigStuf
July 3, 2011
Conference
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
July 23-27, 2011
9:45 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Worship Service Panama City, FL
Scripture: I John 5:1-5
Sermon: “On What Are You Sitting?” - Dr. Don Howie, guest preacher 7/23 Load Bus at 5:30 a.m.
Children’s Sermon ..................................................................... John Lee Depart promptly at 6:00 a.m.
Prayer of Dedication ................................................. Elder Solon Scott III
Greeters: ..................................................... Shannon and Moss Melton
7/27 Return to Greenwood at 6:30 p.m.
............................................................ Beverly and Jim Quinn A letter with full-details will be mailed soon!
*Children’s Church — Room 102 .................................. Nursery Workers
July 10, 2011
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
9:45 a.m. Sunday School To view the proofs, please do the following:
11:00 a.m. Worship Service
1. Go to www.seemyprints.com
Rev. Randy Weeks, guest preacher
2. Enter First Presbyterian Church in search field
3. Click on First Presbyterian Church, Greenwood
Children’s Sermon ...................................................... Elder Jeff Lambdin
Prayer of Dedication .............................................. Elder Henry Flautt, Jr. 4. Enter firstpres@bellsouth.net
Greeters: .................................................... Kathryn and John Pittman 5. Scroll through pictures to find yours and select one
.................................................... Lizzie and Heston Powers picture to be included in the Pictorial Directory
*Children’s Church — Room 102 ................................. Nursery Workers
6. Email the number (on top of picture) to
July 17, 2011 firstpres@bellsouth.net or call the office, 453-4680
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time/Communion 7. If you don’t have access to a computer, you may come
9:45 a.m. Sunday School to the church office and the staff will assist you with
11:00 a.m. Worship Service your selection.
Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20
Sermon: “The Trouble with the Church Is…” Dr. Rusty Douglas
Children’s Sermon ..............................................................Betty Douglas ALLENS TO BE EXAMINED
Prayer of Dedication ...............................................Elder George Jarman
Greeters ............................................. Ruby Cole and Katherine Cole BY ST. ANDREW PRESBYTERY
.................................................. Robert Cole and Lina Elfert
*Children’s Church — Room 102 .................................. Nursery Workers Travis and Sydne Allen will be examined for ordination
July 24, 2011 by St. Andrew Presbytery at a special called meeting on
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Tuesday, August 9th, 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian
9:45 a.m. Sunday School
Church, Oxford.
11:00 a.m. Worship Service They will make a statement of their personal faith, both
preach a sermon, and be examined in terms of their
Children’s Sermon .................................................... Elder Richard Smith theology, knowledge of the sacraments, and our church
Prayer of Dedication ............................................... Elder Cathy Jennings government. You are welcomed and encouraged to attend!
Greeters ..................................................... Rhea and Larry Crawford
.......................................................Allison and Reese Pillow
*Children’s Church — Room 102 .................................. Nursery Workers
July 31, 2011
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY
9:45 a.m. Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Worship Service The Christian sympathy of our congregation
is expressed to the families of these members
Children’s Sermon .................................................................. Susan Gregory who recently entered the Church Triumphant.
Prayer of Dedication ........................................................ Deacon Jim Bowen
Greeters ....................................................... Sara Nell and Clifton Thach Claudia Bishop, June 12, 2011
.......................................................... Leslie and Mark Singleton
*Children’s Church — Room 102 ........................................ Nursery Workers
Dot Post, June 22, 2011
*Nursery available for infants — 2 yr. olds.
Pauline Shuler, June 23, 2011
Session Highlights for June
1. Approved 5 sets of minutes.
2. Called for an informal “informational meeting” to
be held with the elders and deacons to discuss
recent changes in the ordination standards of the
PCUSA.
3. Approved Heston Powers, Jimmy Lott, and Timmy
Lott as members of the Building and Grounds
Committee, Class of 2014.
4. Approved funds for Harold Floyd Heating and Air
for air conditioning repairs in the sanctuary, and for
new air conditioner pumps in the Education
Building. (A $6,000 check from our insurance
helped pay for these charges.)
BAPTISM 5. Approved $3,500 from the Buildings and Grounds
Restricted Fund for repairs and painting in the
Celebrating the baptism of Helen Parker Smith on church office area.
June 19, 2011, are parents, Scott and Mary Lindsey 6. Approved some $22,000 of monies from the Parish
Smith, and sister Addison. Parker’s great uncle, Jack Youth Fund Restricted Account for renovations in
Johnson III, was the assisting elder. the Shed.
7. Approved Allison Pillow, Joann Branham, Mary
Holly Lott, and Airston Small as members of the
CONGRATULATIONS! Youth Committee, Class of 2014.
We rejoice with Wade and Meagan 8. Elected Todd Fincher as Assistant Clerk of the
Litton over the birth of their son, Wade Session, and added him as a signatory on the
Kennan Litton, Jr., born June 15th, church bank account.
9. Approved Jimmy Lott as a member of the
weighing 8lbs. 6oz., and 21 inches long. Denominational Relations Task Force.
Proud grandparents are Bill and Ann 10. Elected Richard Oakes as commissioner to the
Litton. called meeting of St. Andrew Presbytery on August
9, 2011 at FPC, Oxford, when Travis and Sydne
Allen will be examined for ordination.
11. Transferred Lee Sturdivant Carby to First
UPDATES TO PW YEARBOOK Presbyterian Church, Natchez.
12. Approved Taylor Calhoun, Pann Powers, and Toni
The 2011-2012 yearbook for
Powers to serve a second term as members of the
Presbyterian Women is in the process of Witness Committee, Class of 2014.
being compiled. If you desire to switch to a 13. Approved Taylor Calhoun (Usher Chairman), Rhea
different circle, email Cheryl Ewing via Crawford (Flower Guild), and Toni Powers as
firspres@bellsouth.net or by telephone at members of the Worship and Music Committee,
453-4680. Class of 2014.
14. Approved Jim Quinn and Morgan Gulledge
(second term), as members of the Stewardship and
Finance Committee, Class of 2014.
SEND ANY CHANGES IN YOUR CONTACT 15. Reviewed the monthly financial statements, noting
INFORMATION TO THE CHURCH OFFICE! that we are right on target with income and
expenses to date.
16. Approved Beth Tackett (second term), and Johnny
Henson as members of the Staff Support
Summer Sunday School Schedule — July 2011 Committee, Class of 2014.
17. Approved Barbara Gragson’s last week of work as
July 3rd Nancy Walker (1) & Susan Beckham (2) DCE (August 15-19) to help Sydne Allen make her
July 10th Nancy Tollison (1) & Trish Rodgers (2) transition into the Christian education work;
July 17th Romney Brock (1) & Jamie James (2) approved compensation for the DCE following the
July 24th Romney Brock (1) & Rebecca Small (2) ending of her employment.
July 31st Charlene James (1) & Lizzie Powers (2)
(1) 4 and 5 year olds in Room 102 VBS T-SHIRTS
(2) 1st through 5th grades in Room 202
Subs: Elizabeth Burgess, Joanne Branham, Available in the church office for $10.00 each:
Phyllis Hardin, Portia Lary
(2) Childs XS (2) Childs S
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
P. O. Box 485 Non Profit Org.
GREENWOOD, MS 38930 US Postage
PAID
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Greenwood, MS
Permit #204
CHURCH DIRECTORY
300 Main Street/P. O. Box 485
Phone (662) 453-4680
YOUTH BIBLE STUDY Fax (662) 453-4699
Wednesday Nights
www.firstpresgwd.org
Jr. High’s Sr. High’s
6-7:00 p.m 7-8:00 p.m. Email Addresses
Church - firstpres@bellsouth.net
July 6 The Shed Dr. Douglas - rusdoug@aol.com
July 13 The James’ 401 E. Park Ave. R. Smithee - fpcmusic@bellsouth.net
July 20 The Smithee’s 605 E. Barton Ave. B. Gragson - fpcdce@bellsouth.net
Z. Becker - beckettz9@gmail.com
July 27 No Bible Study, youth at BigStuf Conference C. Ewing - firstpres@bellsouth.net
C. Ewing - fpcbooks@bellsouth.net
PYF SCHEDULE FOR JULY L. Crawford - fpcbg@bellsouth.net
July 3 NO PYF Pastor .............................................. Dr. Rusty Douglas
July 10 Regular Schedule Director of Music ............................. Rev. Ray Smithee
July 17 Combined Director of Christian Education ......... Barbara Gragson
July 24 NO PYF Youth Director .......................................... Zack Becker
July 31 TBA Kindergarten Director .......................... Nancy Tollison
Office Manager ....................................... Cheryl Ewing
Financial Secretary ................................. Cheryl Ewing
Bldg. & Grounds Supervisor ................ Larry Crawford
Custodian ........................................ Charles Covington
Clerk of Session ....................................Cathy Jennings
Board of Deacons.................................. Beverly Quinn
Church Treasurer .........................................Steve Lary
Presbyterian Women ....................................Lina Elfert
Endowment Committee ................ Mike Sturdivant, Jr.
Pastor Emeritus .............................. Dr. David Freeman
Missionaries .................................Dr. Peter Lim, China
Rev. Amos Yam, Campeche, Mexico
Rev. Ben Mathes, Rivers of the World
St. Andrew Synod of
Presbytery Living Waters
Youth Trip to Geyser Falls
June 11th