Beloved Friends, Holy Week gives us the opportunity to encourage one another in the full expression of our Lord’s passion and resurrection – as a community! Not many weeks ago, we placed ashes upon our foreheads, and our spirits were bolstered by seeing hundreds of fellow Christ-followers expressing agreement about what it means to follow Jesus in humility. Now, let’s enter Holy Week with a heightened sense of doing so together! Observing Jesus’ cross and resurrection, as a community, will empower us to continue walking, side by side, in our faith journey. As we seek to understand what it means to Live God’s Purpose together, the events of Holy Week will call us to remember Christ’s sacrificial love and the power of His triumph over death and all the ills of human-kind. Palm Sunday will find us celebrating the entrance of King Jesus into Jerusalem — but He is a different king than many expect. He is a humble servant, who has made Himself as nothing, beginning His journey of suffering for our salvation. Maundy Thursday will feature the Sanctuary Choir, soloists and orchestra in a performance of Brahms’ A GERMAN REQUIEM. There are no adequate words to describe the beauty and power of this work. I don’t know of another piece that captures the assurance of God’s comfort, and the power of Christ’s triumph, on the level of Brahms’ Requiem. When I was a teenager, this piece changed my life — and has continued to do so ever since. Let’s experience it together! Good Friday will be First Pres’ 102nd year to host our downtown churches’ observation of the seven last words of Christ on the cross. Pastors from each of the churches will preach on the individual words from noon until 3 p.m. The services are preceded by an organ recital at 11:30 a.m. Easter Sunday is the high point of all it means to be in Christ together! We celebrate our Lord’s resurrection, and the hope that we possess! Living God’s Purpose is revealed to be our greatest joy, because Jesus is risen from the dead, and He is LORD! I can hardly wait to unite our voices together, proclaiming “He is risen! He is risen indeed!!” With love in Christ,
Jim DeJarnette Minister of Music
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april 2015 contents I Believe. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Eunice McGarrahan Sharing Christ's Love Through Song . . . 6 Maria Williams Answering the Big Questions . . . . . . . 8 Bonnie Cherry
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Leadership Lessons . . . . . . . . . . . 10 A Child Needs You . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Easter Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 4
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Contributing Writers: Bonnie Cherry, Eunice McGarrahan, Maria Williams Contributing Editors: Matthew Fox, Alison Murray Graphic Design: Beryl Glass Proofreading Team: Mary Bauman, Deb Berwick, Christine Dellacroce, Betty Haney, Daisy Jackson, Marty Kelley, Karen Kunstle, Linda Pung, Chris Sebby All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, © 2011 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. First Pres Magazine April 2015, Volume Seven, © First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs, CO. Published by First Presbyterian Church, a non-profit organization. To contact First Pres Magazine: 719-884-6175 or 219 E. Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903-1392 or magazine@first-pres.org. Printed in the U.S.A.
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I Believe... By Eunice McGarrahan
n 1953, Frankie Laine's new ballad had America singing, “I believe for every drop of rain that falls, a flower grows…I believe for everyone that goes astray, someone will come to show the way.” In a sentimental way, it was an expression of belief that “someone in the great somewhere” hears us. In the end, however, it was not really a hymn to a specific Christian hope. It was more of a vague wish that there was something more to life than what is visible. The song almost begs to know who that Someone in the great Somewhere is. In the evangelical community we often talk of believers and unbelievers, but the fact
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of the matter is that everyone is a believer. The question then is not one of belief or unbelief, but rather what one believes. Richard Longenecker says, “Our beliefs may be developed into a complete and beautiful system of religious dogma and devotion, or they may simply be the inchoate set of assumptions we have received from our parents, peers, teachers and the advertising industry.” We may be very aware of what we believe or not, but that awareness is not always a guarantee that the conduct of our lives flows out of what we say we believe. It is entirely possible that our intentionally stated beliefs
are often trumped by those “inchoate assumptions.” Thus, it would be good for us to reflect on what we say we believe. Often, our actions are more of a statement of faith than our words, so thinking about our professed beliefs would be a helpful exercise. This is especially true if we let those beliefs be a mirror in our lives. The Apostles Creed is not a shorter version of the Nicene Creed. Neither is it a checklist assuring us that if we give intellectual assent to its statements we are faithful Christians. Instead, the Apostles Creed moves us to live into the life given us by the Triune God, requiring us to act on what it says. Sometimes we find the Christian faith hard to believe but often that is not because of intellectual challenges. It is because we know that if we believe, then we must obey it…and that’s the rub. If, for example, I believe in the communion of saints and the forgiveness of sins, then I have to forgive others. The Creed moves us from a self-centered way of life into a Christcentered way of life. How can the creed help us make that move? The 1928 Prayer Book Catechism puts it this way: Question. What do you chiefly learn in these Articles of your Belief? Answer. First, I learn to believe in God the Father, who has made me, and all the world; secondly, in God the Son, who has redeemed me, and all mankind; thirdly, in God the Holy Ghost, who sanctifies me, and all the people of God. Living like you believe that can make all the difference. You can learn more about The Apostles Creed during our five-week exploration on Wednesday nights, Orthodoxy: Reflections on the Apostles Creed. There will be an early bird class at 3:45 p.m., dinner at 4:45 p.m. and an evening repeat class at 6:15 p.m. The cost is $5 for dinner. The nursery will be available and there will be a children’s program.
I Believe in God,
the Father Almighty,
Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ,
His only Son, Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into Hell; the
third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into Heaven,
and sitteth at the right hand
of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the
body and life everlasting. Amen
Eunice McGarrahan is the Supply Pastor for Discipleship.
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This year, as we explore what it means to Live God’s Purpose in our lives, we’ll hear stories and examples of people throughout our Congregation, city and world doing the same. We hope these stories will inspire you to open yourself to how God is calling you in your own walk. If you have a story to share, let us know at www.first-pres.org/stories. “Make me a servant, humble and meek Lord, let me lift up those who are weak. And may the pray’r of my heart always be: Make me a servant, make me a servant, Make me a servant today.” —Words and Music by Kelly Willard With this song of prayer, the aptly named Servant Singers begin each performance. Their audience members consist of residents at longterm care facilities across Colorado Springs. Founded five years ago, the group was the brainchild of Betty Rentschler. Having spent more than 30 years working as an activities director in long-term care, Betty had an acute understanding of the need and opportunity to minister to residents through music. She recruited then-81-year-old Sarah Ogden, now
the musical director of Servant Singers, to dust off her sheet music and come out of retirement to arrange music for the group of nearly 25. The purpose of Servant Singers is simple — to give the Gospel through song. In order to best present the Gospel, the group shares a commitment to preparation. They rehearse frequently to ready themselves for their seven performances in the spring and seven performances in the fall. Sarah’s catch phrase in rehearsal is, “It’s not quite there yet.” Betty jokingly, but deservedly, calls them “semi-professional.” The group is full of beautiful voices, and whether they perform in front of a handful or a hundred, the Servant Singers uplift their audience. Their desire to perfect their performances and share the Gospel in the most beautiful way is evident in their song selection. The lineup is intentional in drawing in the audience to prepare them for hearing the Gospel in song. After beginning with their song of prayer, the group leads off with Getting to Know You, during which they walk around the room and greet each person. Then they sing a mix of songs from familiar
Sharing Christ’s lo
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musicals like “The Music Man” and “Oklahoma.” After they have drawn the audience in, they sing Old Time Gospel Medley followed by familiar hymns such as The Old Rugged Cross and It is Well with My Soul. Their concluding numbers are triumphant versions of America the Beautiful and God Bless America. Their final song is The Lord Bless You and Keep You. On a recent Thursday afternoon, I had the opportunity to enjoy a performance. Standing together at the front of the nursing facility’s cafeteria, sharply dressed in a combination of red, white and black, the Servant Singers brought new meaning to the expression giving the gift of song. The familiar melodies brought joy to those in the room and outside of it. Residents began pulling up their wheelchairs just outside the door to listen intently. A nurse marched along the corridor waving her arm to the rhythm of Seventy-six Trombones. Residents smiled knowingly when they recognized the first few lines of a song. After pulling in the audience with the upbeat musicals, the Servant Singers began Old Time Gospel Medley and the tone of the room
changed while the residents continued to sing along softly to the familiar hymns. During a particularly moving rendition of His Eye is on the Sparrow, one woman pointed emphatically while singing the lines of the chorus, “And I know He watches me.” Certainty of God’s watchful care was clear in her eyes. Moments like this are frequent when the Servant Singers perform. God uses the power of a song to reach those whose minds and bodies are declining. Perhaps the most poignant example of this occurred when the group sang to Ken Ogden, Sarah’s husband, on November 6, 2014. He passed away the next day. Sarah likes to say that he went from hearing their choir on earth to hearing a choir of angels in heaven. The Servant Singers’ performance provided me with a powerful picture of the impact of living out God’s purpose in life. They joyfully use their time and talent to put their faith into action, but the common reflection amongst group members is, “We go to bless them, but we leave being blessed.” God’s blessings fall on those who live His purpose. Maria Williams is a member of First Pres.
ove through song
By Maria Williams
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I love a good conversation. I also love a good challenge. For Christmas several years ago, I received Stephen Miller’s book Conversation: A History of a Declining Art. It’s a fascinating survey of conversation through the years and the factors leading to its decline. An advertisement in the New Yorker asks: “Isn’t there more to talk about than how many carbs you ate today? …Yet it is hard to avoid saccharine politeness when the alternative is often the angry venting of opinions. Judith Martin says that “she would be only too happy to welcome the return of substantive conversation at dinner parties; goodness knows she is weary of hearing people talk about the food. But conversation requires listening respectfully to others and engaging in polite give-and-take, rather than making speeches and impugning others’ motives and judgment.” It seems there are fewer topics that bring out “angry venting of opinions” than religion and politics. As the list of taboo topics grows, the chances for substantive conversation declines. In 18th Century England, the coffee 8 | www.first-pres.org 4/15
houses, more so than the pubs, were a significant place of conversation. “It is wine and strong drinks [that] make tumults increase; Choc’late, tea, and coffee are liquors of peace. … the emergence of the coffee-house transformed the social organization of the city, bringing with it a new principle of convivial sociability based on conversation and discussion. … The rich and the poor meet together, as also do the learned and unlearned: it [the coffee-house] improves arts, merchandise, and all other knowledge.” Though coffee houses were not the only location for conversation, and not all authors agreed whether what took place in them was good or bad, the coffee shop was a unique place. When the opportunity debuted last winter to discuss questions about God at a coffee shop, I knew it was the place for me. Questions, objections and honest struggles about God, the Bible and faith are substantive conversations. In the course of my day as a full-time mom, these topics rarely come up. At God Questions I have an opportunity to share a reason for the hope that I have (1 Peter 3:15).
By Bonnie Cherry
observe that you are very religious in all respects. For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, … having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. (Acts 17:22-27) I believe that God is using my desire for good, substantive and even challenging conversation in the context of the God Questions ministry for His purposes. Bonnie Cherry is a member of the God Questions Core Team
In the coffee house of Café 225, topics that polite conversation avoid are discussed with gentleness and respect. I don’t have easy answers to every question raised, and I’ve heard a lot of challenging questions. I share the love and hope I’ve experienced from a life with Christ, and the wisdom I’ve learned from people much smarter and wiser than me. I have learned the value of asking good questions and relying on God to work in the hearts of those asking the questions. Regardless of how loud and angry the questioner is asking, I want them to keep coming and asking. One Wednesday evening several years ago I strolled my son around the downtown blocks north of First Pres, just to kill time before GTW dinner started. What struck me on that particular route was the large number of buildings dedicated to physical and/or spiritual healing. Churches (of multiple denominations), psychic readings, natural healers, chiropractors, yoga studios and green crosses. I found myself in an unexpected prayer walk for the city of Colorado Springs, asking “What is my place?” So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I
is an informal gathering to discuss matters of life, faith and spirituality. Our gathering is designed for seekers but all are welcome. Our goal is to invite curiosity, build relationships and point to Jesus. We meet Tuesdays in April at 6:30 p.m. in Café 225. Nursery is available (up to age 5). April 7 Why do Christian insist Jesus rose from the dead? Why would it matter? April 14 Why is the world so broken? April 21 Is the Christian God loving or angry? April 28 Is there any hope for the future?
How can you be involved? • Pray for us • Invite people to GQ • Join the Core Team
Contact Katie Fowler for more info kfowler@first-pres.org
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n April, five Elders rotate off Session — Cindy Sparks, Dorothy Alvarez, Ralph Gates, George Lenz and Warren Gerig. Four of those elders — Cindy, Dorothy, Ralph and George — served two terms, six years in all. During the past six years, members of Session have seen that body change, the Congregation change and First Pres change. Session changed from an informing body to the strategic leader of our community. They were instrumental in the formation of ECO, our denomination, and led as we moved into ECO. Session crafted a new vision statement — Preparing All Generations to Impact Lives For Christ — and new strategic priorities during that period. It was a busy, packed and impactful six years.
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An interview with out-going First Pres elders
First Pres Magazine asked the Elders rotating off Session to share what they learned during this time of growth, introspection, vision casting and change. First Pres Magazine (FPM): What did you learn from your time serving on Session?
Dorothy Alvarez: Mainly what I have learned is that our Session is comprised of an amazing set of people — people with different experiences, different perspectives and different skills, but each with a deep love of our Savior and our congregation. I learned that even when we have opinions that vary, we have a common commitment to hearing from the Lord.
of a vision statement to lead us forward into the future and many other things. In the midst of all that, you learn a lot about God’s faithfulness to our church, God’s desire for us to be faithful to being His called people, God’s call for us to worship Him as a multigenerational body of believers and how we can partner with other bodies of Believers to accomplish God’s plan for the world. I think that boils down to say that I’m learning that it’s really all about God and not about me.
Warren Gerig: This is a Session that, I think, worked together more than any I’ve seen in the past. We jelled really well, had the ability to talk openly and share, and I think that is very healthy for such a large group. Continued ☛ Ralph Gates: Being on Session for six years has been a great experience for me. We have seen pastoral transitions, a denomination change, development
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agreement regarding our strategic priorities and defining the processes to accomplish those. Lots of time and hard work are spent in deliberate, deep and thoughtful discussion/prayer/ discernment and we are focused monthly on defining outcomes and being held accountable to them.
Cindy Sparks: This is one of the most spiritually deep, prayerful, thoughtful, fully engaged bunch of people I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. They love the Lord and this church like none other, and they are so committed to making sure they are clearly hearing the Lord and working things out together, yet doing so in a productive way that gets decisions made and action taken and that encourages and responds to feedback from all areas of the church throughout the process. FPM: How has Session and its role changed over the last six years? Cindy: I came back on Session as Jim Singleton was implementing a reduction of Session. Additionally, Session was beginning to understand in a new way its role and responsibility in leading the church. The last six years have seen significant change. This has become a very active Elder Board. Internally we have been reorganized to make sure that we are addressing ministry and functionality together, we are spending much time in prayer and reflection and working together through retreats to discuss and come to
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Ralph: I came on Session while it was in the process of going from 48 Ruling Elders to 21 Ruling Elders. That change has enabled Session to be much more involved in the strategic planning for First Pres, along with the Teaching Elders, and I think that is the greatest change. Dorothy: My first year on Session was the last year with a class of 16 elders. As a result of growing smaller, we have become much more of a discerning, discussion-based body. We are a community. We eat together, pray together, read the Word together and talk together. FPM: How has First Pres changed over the last six years? Dorothy: We’ve changed denominations. We opened a satellite campus in the north and closed it. We’ve changed Senior Pastors. We have adopted a vision statement that beautifully describes who we are as a church: “Preparing all generations to impact lives for Christ.” But our focus on Christ, as revealed in the Scriptures, our love of worship and the way we care for our community have not changed. Cindy: When I first came back on Session six years ago, the notion of there being issues with PC(USA) that would cause us to consider leaving was barely mentioned, much less a
discussion matter. The journey that took us from that time to all that has happened since, and the incredible hand of God in all of it, could only have happened because this wonderful body of Christ fully engaged, connected with Session, spent time giving us feedback and clearly spent much time in prayer and discernment, too. Partnering together, hearing the heart of our Congregation, working harder to communicate better and more continuously and hearing their input through those processes has been a gift to me on Session! FPM: What are you excited about moving forward? Dorothy: I am excited about increased relationships with other congregations in our community, and God continuing to use us as a place to reveal His glory and provide healing for a hurting world. I am full of curiosity about who the next lead pastor will be, and I am eager to see who in our Congregation God will be calling into ministry. Ralph: I’m excited that First Pres has a firm foundation on which it is building for the future. We have a great staff that is gifted and desirous of helping us as a Body of Believers grow in our knowledge and service to Jesus Christ. We have a committed and empowered
group of lay people — the Deacons and Elders alone represent more than 170 people and there are so many more involved at other levels — who are stepping up to the challenge of moving First Pres into the future. Most important of all is that we serve a God who loves us and is at work in us to accomplish His good pleasure, building His Church. Warren: I am very happy with the way things are going. I think we’re moving in the right direction. I just hope that we can get the whole Congregation on board with our new lead pastor and push the past behind us. I’m looking forward to moving forward in Christ’s name. Cindy: I am confident that God continues to have incredible plans for furthering His Kingdom through this church and teaching all of us a whole lot along the way. We have an incredible Senior Leadership team, pastoral staff, church staff and lay leaders. We are a courageous congregation and I look forward to the next “risk-taking adventure” for the Kingdom that He calls us to. We are a church on the move and I can’t wait to find out where He wants us to go next!
Session meets the third Tuesday of the month. If you’re interested in attending a monthly meeting, which is open to the public, please call 884-6100 so we can set a place for you.
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or years First Pres has partnered with Compassion International in helping support children in need around the globe. At present, First Pres members sponsor more than 1,000 children through Compassion International. In April, First Pres will partner with Compassion International in a new way. “Change the Story” is the theme for our Compassion Sunday weekend, April 17 to 20. On Sunday, April 19, packets about children from Compassion International child development centers around the world who are in need of sponsorship will be available in the plaza and narthex. You can join many others at First Pres who sponsor children and share the love of Jesus by corresponding with and encouraging them. In addition, First Pres will host the Compassion Mobile Experience, “Change the Story,” beginning on Friday, April 17 and running through Monday, April 20. This special interactive experience will be onsite in the First Pres parking lot for four days. Through entering the life stories and experiences of two different children,we can better understand what it means to live in poverty, to be short on hope and to have someone intervene. The “Change the Story” display is contained 14 | www.first-pres.org 4/15
in a semi truck and adjoining tent. Each story takes about 20 minutes to experience. Parents wanting their children to understand more about poverty, or who want to nurture their compassion for others, will find this practical and child-friendly opportunity helpful. Visit www.compassion.com/change/about-theexperience-video.htm to see a short video about the Compassion Mobile Experience. Reservations are not required, but making a reservation gives priority when entering. Change the Story will be open on Friday, April 17 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, April 19 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Monday, April 20 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The display is free and open to the public. Please invite your family, friends, colleagues, team or classroom to join you! There are many volunteers needed for this weekend and we would be most grateful for your participation. For a listing of all the ways you can be part of Compassion Sunday visit www.first-pres.org/compassion To volunteer, go to www.first-pres.org/volunteer, contact Nancy at 512-293-1780 or rickandnancye@yahoo.com or Lydia Van Dyk at 884-6233 or lvandyk@first-pres.org.
Easter 2015 Join First Pres for a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday. This will be a day of worship and celebration. Here’s the lineup of services this Easter: Sunrise Service
6 a.m. on Weber Street Lawn
Traditional Services
7, 8:30, 10, and 11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Contemporary Services 9 and 10:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
Holy Week Schedule
First Pres offers opportunities to engage in worship each day during Holy Week.
Check out the complete listing below. Monday, March 30
Sanctuary open for quiet reflection and prayer at Noon.
Tuesday, March 31
Sanctuary open for quiet reflection and prayer at Noon. Join people of First Pres for a time of Prayer for the Suffering from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Cafe 225. This time will begin with a short video presentation sharing the story of First Pres member Rhonda Wootton. This will be followed by a time of guided prayer for those near and far who suffer. This event is not child-friendly.
Wednesday, April 1
Sanctuary open for quiet reflection and prayer at Noon.
Maundy Thursday, April 2
Join members of First Pres for a time of prayer focused on our church and community at 10 a.m. in the Community Living Room. Join us for a special concert, as First Pres hosts A German Requiem by Johannes Brahms at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary. This special concert event will feature the Sanctuary Choir, soloists Annamarie Zmolek and Steve Taylor and a full orchestra. Tickets are available at Congregational Support. The suggested donation is $10.
Good Friday, April 3
Join the Downtown Churches from Noon to 3 p.m. in the Sanctuary as we remember our Lord’s sacrifice on the cross. This service centers on the seven last words of Jesus Christ. An organ meditation by Dr. Joseph Galema precedes the service at 11:30 a.m.
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