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The News of the People of First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham ? A Home In The Heart of the City

April 2010

The Healing Power of Love, Prayer, and Medicine - Lynne Rogers

"Mom, are you saying you have cancer?" asked my son, Brint, incredulously, as I made vague reference to my recent diagnosis without actually saying the word. After a short pause, I answered "Yes, but they can really do a lot for cancer these days. It is not as bad as it used to be". I remember saying this in an effort to keep my son calm, not because I really believed it. But in the past year and a half I have found this is true, if you have the support and prayers of loved ones, friends, and family.

It was election night 2008 when I literally "bumped into" the grape-size lump on my right breast. One minute I was totally involved in our historical election results; the next I was feeling a little panicky as I felt and re-felt the lump. Yes, it really was a lump, even though I had had a clear mammogram just 5 months earlier. There is no way I could have predicted at that moment all that would follow on this journey with cancer.

I truly believe there was divine intervention from the very beginning but I don't think I really appreciated that fact until much later in the journey. In retrospect, my decision to have a friend with me for every chemo treatment, was clearly an inspiration from God. And learning about , a web site to communicate with everyone as the journey progressed, was a gift from somewhere. And my circle of women friends who actually raised money for me so "I would not have to be stressed about finances" ? they, and all who contributed, were gifts from God, I feel sure. The list is practically endless, with blessing after blessing after blessing ? cards, emails, letters, visits, phone calls, inspirational books and music, food, CaringBridge entries, friends with me for all doctor visits, and new connections with other people who are cancer survivors.

So, now that I have been deemed Cancer Free, that early reassurance to Brint seems like a weak statement. Medical care has progressed tremendously with many forms of cancer. It is hard to know how much of my recovery is attributed to excellent medical care and how much is the result of the positive energy that I got from those

Continued on page 4

faith first I 1

First Presbyterian Church 2100 4th Avenue North Downtown Birmingham 322-5469

Sundays Church School 9:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m.

Wednesdays Focus@First Dinner 5:30 p.m. Programs for all Ages 6:15 p.m.

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Pages 2 - 3

A Word from our Pastors: - Life and Death

Youth Page: - Youth Sunday,April 18th - Triennium - Roman Ruin

Pages 4 - 5

The Ministry Teams: - Homeless in Birmingham

Church News: - Wiggles and Whispers - New Members - The Brouwers

Pages 6 - 7

Mission, Justice, and Service: - First Light Gala - Presbyterian Women's Calendar

Calendar - April & May Calendar - April & May Birthdays/Anniversaries

2 I a word from our pastors

THE STAFF

To reach by phone, call 322-5469

Rev. Shannon Webster (ext. 201) Pastor/Head of Staff swebster@

Rev. Drew Henry (ext. 202) Associate Pastor dhenry@

Rev. Michelle Freeman Owens (ext. 203) Associate Pastor mfowens@

Mrs. Debbie Hamrick (ext. 200) Administrator dhamrick@

Dr.Timothy Thomas, Music Director

Mrs. Cathy Shelton, Organist

Mrs. Muriel Teague, Carillonneur

Mrs. Kandi Wiley (ext. 205) in the Church Kitchen

Mrs. Bernie Gregson, Bookkeeper

THE SESSION

fpsession@

Susan Holt Clerk of Session

Class of 2010 Camille Bryson Shawn Flanagan Susan Holt Shirley Narkates Sam Norris

Class of 2011 Jim Killebrew John Neiman Martha Shelton Roger Thomas Ed Senter

Class of 2012 Janell Ahnert Scott Love Dina Marble Chris Miller Emily Roberts

THE NEWSLETTER

news@

Steve Ross Editor

Shawn Flanagan Layout and Design

Submit contents for newsletter by the 10th of each month.

Life and Death

I shall die, but that is all that I shall do for Death.

?Edna St. Vincent Millay, 1931

Eighteen years ago, I visited Terezin*, a concentration camp near Prague in the Czech Republic that the Nazis ran from 1942 until the end of World War II. It was a surreal experience, a place where the sense of death and evil seemed palpable. It stays in my memory; I later learned that I was experiencing a massive heart attack while I was in the camp. That will solidify a metaphor!

The eeriest thing about Terezin was that it was built as a deception, to appear humane. At the time it fooled even the Red Cross. Some Jews went there voluntarily thinking it would be a safe place. In reality, people were shipped from there to extermination centers. The condemned included 15,000 children. Passing as a place of life, Terazin was a place of death.

The message of Easter is the central affirmation of Christian faith ? the reversal of the Terrazins in the world. With the resurrection of Christ, the place of death is turned into the place of life. The church is about life and death matters, and we have to take both seriously.

William Sloan Coffin, wrote before his death,: "No church should ever dismiss, demean, or in any way deny the awesomeness of death, nor the fear of it that eats away at the heart of each of us... death is inevitable and death is awesome, but it is the fear of death that is its sting. Remove that fear and there's not one of us that cannot say with Paul, `O grave, where is thy victory?' What

could better symbolize the defeat of death than those tombs God caused to open up even before Christ was laid in his own!" (Credo, p. 172)

That is our calling. Where evil and death masquerade as good, our work is to tell truth and realize the Resurrection in every way we can. We can raise our young in the ways of Jesus, and assure those at the other end of life of the promise that death is not the end. We can help those on the street find resurrected lives, and organize with other faith communities to make our city, and all our public places, arenas of life, and not death. Christ is risen! That changes everything.

Rev. J. Shannon Webster

*Terezin -- Originally a fortress town, also known as Theresianstadt, was built in the 1800s for Austrian Empress Maria Theresa. The Nazis realized the high stone walls that surrounded the city made it an ideal site to imprison Jews from Czechoslovakia and other eastern European countries.

youth page I 3

Youth Sund ay, A pril 18th

Every year FPC has a worship service led entirely by our youth. The Jr. and Sr. high youth lead every part of the service, and our graduating seniors preach God's word. This year's theme is centered on "The Way We Live." The youth have had many discussions over the last year about current events and the state of the world. The economic crisis, extreme political partisanship, fighting among Christians who can't seem to just talk to one another ? these things and more weigh heavily on them. So this year, they are exploring biblical mandates on how we should live in community, and love one another. Please come for this special worship service and support our youth as we worship Jesus Christ together!

P re s byte rian Youth Trie nnium ? For Such a Time as This

The Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Cumberland Presbyterian Churches are the denominational hosts of Triennium, a 4,000+ youth conference that happens every three years at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. This year's event will be July 20-24. The focus is on the life, teaching, and worship of God as lived by Jesus Christ. This includes the daily invitation to pray, serve, and "Go into the world!" Young people spend dedicated time examining what these invitations mean, and how they are carried on in daily life. Triennium leaders seek to inspire the youth to connect their daily lives with their faith. Young people are the prime carriers of the hope Christians are called to possess, and the Triennium is the perfect place to generate substantial energy and action on behalf of our Lord, Jesus Christ! This year First Presbyterian Church is sending Sean Bryson, Daniel Ryan, Elizabeth Gauntt, Emily Burt, Ian Shackleford, Bianca Gauntt and Cameron Westbrook. This year's theme is "For Such a Time as This" ? from the book of Esther (4:14). It is a call to courage, faithfulness, and to respond with the energy of youth to a world in need of Jesus' story and the gospel message. Keep these young people in prayer as they go on this life- and faith-changing journey!

Roman Ruin ? April 21st

There are line items in the church budget for youth activities, but there is simply not enough to pay for trips such as Presbyterian Youth Triennium, Montreat Middle School Conference, or a mission trip ? so we need YOUR help! Having youth participate by saving funds at home, and helping to raise funds at church also gives them a sense of ownership in the trip, and of the effort it takes to make an experience like Triennium happen. On Wednesday, April 21st, the youth of First Presbyterian Church invite you to an elegant Italian dinner with a show in Matthews Hall, beginning at 5:30pm. We are also seeking talented individuals in the church to play, sing, act ? or whatever ? for our talent show. If you can help, please see or call Assistant Pastor Michelle Freeman Owens (contact info, page 2). Over the years this event has helped offset the costs of these trips for our youth and their families. So, we THANK-YOU, for all that you've done, and do!

Vacation Bible School 2010

Join us June 13-16th for our Galactic Blast.Your space cadets will voyage into outer space praising God.Through daily missions, your kids will see space like never before, gain a new perspective on our planet Earth, and learn easy "green" earth tips they can practice at home.This cosmic combination of faith and fun will have your cadets developing a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Want to be a part of all this fun?

Kids, look for registration in the coming weeks.

VOLUNTEERS: please contact Cam Earnhardt or Leslie Stephenson.

Mother's Day Breakfast 2010

The Men's Breakfast and Bible Study group invites all the women of First Presbyterian Church and their guests to be our guests for a Mothers Day Breakfast at 8:45 am, Sunday, May 9, 2010, in Matthews Hall.Watch the Opportunity Sheet in your Sunday bulletin for the chance to RSVP. We want to be sure to prepare enough for all our guests.The men will be serving grits, bacon, sausage, biscuits, pancakes, various fruits, coffee, and orange juice

4 I the ministry teams

Homeless in Birmingham in the Twenty-first Century - "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep"

MINISTRY TEAM LEADERS

Administration and Finance Team Leader: John Earnhardt Elders: Chris Miller*, and Janell Ahnert

Congregational Care Team Leader: Stephen Pounders Elders: Shawn Flanagan* and Shirley Narkates

Faith Formation Team Leader: Leslie Stephenson Elders: Emily Roberts*

Invitation and Integration Team Leader: Evelyn Elliott Elders: Shirley Narkates*

Mission, Service and Justice Team Leader: Camille Bryson Camille Bryson*

Property Team Leader: Jim Killebrew* Elders: Jim Killebrew* and Sam Norris

Stewardship Team Leader: Mark Aldridge and John Neiman*

Worship, Music and the Arts Team Leader: Bob Woolverton Ed Senter*, Shawn Flanagan

Email: teamleaders@

*Denotes Reporting Elder

Homelessness is becoming a defining problem of American society in the twenty-first century. Birmingham has a plan in place to prevent and end chronic homelessness within ten years, but what will it take to make that happen?

Have you ever wondered . . .

? Why people become homeless?

? What is it like living on the streets of Birmingham?

? What is it like to live in a shelter, from the perspective of a homeless person?

? Does anyone actually want to be homeless?

the plan forward. We'll explore the facts and myths around the issue, and to better understand its realities, some of Birmingham's homeless will interact with seminar participants during one of the sessions.

The seminar will be led by the Reverend Dr. Lawton Higgs, Pastor Emeritus of Church of the Reconciler in downtown Birmingham. Dr. Higgs is a long-time advocate for Birmingham's homeless. The seminar will be held on Thursdays starting May 6 and ending on June 3. Look for details of time, place, and weekly agenda on the First Presbyterian web site, and in fliers around the Church. For more information, contact Al McCullough or Ed Senter.

? Why might someone choose to live on the streets rather than a shelter?

? What does it take for a homeless person to get off the streets?

? Why do the ranks of the homeless continue to grow?

? Can Homelessness Be Ended in Birmingham?

First Presbyterian is hosting a seminar, Homeless in Birmingham in the Twenty-First Century, that will engage participants in discussions on the realities of homelessness, the biblical perspective on the homeless, Birmingham's plan, and actions we can take to move

Fatith First ...continued from page 1

around me. But, I do know that my life has been tremendously enriched by this experience. I appreciate each day more fully. I want to give back to others all that has been given to me. I have learned that we don't know how much we are loved until everyone is given good reason to express their feelings. Maybe we all need to relate to one another imagining that we might have limited time. Would this not make for a more loving, God-filled world?

church news I 5

Wiggles and Whispers

Worshippers on March 7th saw the graduation of our second- and thirdgraders from Extended Session to "full-time" worship. What I hope was also apparent was the seriousness with which these young people are joining in full worship with the congregation. "This is important, Pastor Michelle!" one student said to me when I asked why we worship God. Indeed, it is. Scripture tells us that God is pleased when we worship Him. And so we gather to sing, pray, and be with one another, to hear God's word spoken and proclaimed. And now, these wonderful, insightful, funny and smart children will join with us adults to do the same. They bring a fresh perspective on the process, probably in the form of whispers: "Guess how many choir members are here, mom, GUESS!" "Why does Pastor Shannon carry the Bible?" And they bring some of their wiggles, too (rarely have I seen an adult sit still through worship, either)! It is a joy to have these young ones worshipping with us, and as they learn how to worship, to engage in the service, I ask for your patience, understanding, and support for the parents and adults guiding them on the way. For these gracious parents are also learning to worship in new ways. As you catch sight of our new young worshippers, I pray you will see worship through their eyes, and come to know Jesus Christ in new ways, as we worship together as the faith family.

Welcome New Members ? Jason,Ashley, and Walker Brouwer

Jason and Ashley Brouwer moved to Birmingham from Chicago in 2007. They have lived in numerous states, having moved on average every five years throughout their lives. They have one son, Walker, who is four years old, loves making mischief, and playing the violin. Jason is a systems analyst, but loves working on music into the wee morning hours every night. Ashley is a former sports writer who now works from home as a grant writer for non-profit organizations. They found First Presbyterian after visiting nearly a dozen churches in this area. They appreciate the church's commitment to community, the church's love of children, and the congregation's kind spirit.

3/31 Seder Meal

4/7 Easter Vespers

4/14 Adult VBS Preview ? Greening Your Congregation Bill Peters from Montevallo Presbyterian Church will be here to tell us how Montevallo "greened" their church and why. This is a preview of one of the Adult Vacation Bible School offerings ? a workshop on how First Presbyterian Church can engage in Green Stewardship for the future!

4/21 Roman Ruin ? Annual Youth Group Fundraiser (see more info on page 7)

4/28 Adult VBS Preview ? Our other Adult offering

5/5 Choral Concert with First Presbyterian Church's choir and members of the Alabama Symphony

**Final FOCUS@First of the year will be held on May 26th with an Ice Cream Social**

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