Fall 2017 Heart of Palms

Fall 2017 Launch A Culture of Invitation Beginning a Journey

FALL 2017

PALMS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Heart of Palms table of contents

03 Walking with Palms 04 One Step 05 Save the Dates 06 Down to the BASICS 07 Moving Mountains 08 GLOBAL Reach 09 Feeding Children & OUR SOULS 10 Be the Hands & Feet of Jesus 11 Welcome 12 NEW Year, NEW LOOK 13 School Days 14 Financials I 15 Going more GREEN 16 Gaining Perspective 17 Worldchanging Weekend 18 Christ Followers 19 Community & CONNECTION 20 FAITH, Formation & Nurture 21 Fall 2017 Launch 22 The gift 23 Farewell

WHAT'S NEW 3410 Third Street S. , Jacksonville, Beach, FL 32250 904-246-6427 | communications@palmschurch.org www.palmschurch.org

W A L K I N G

W I T H

P A L M S

OASIS GARDEN

This morning I went through a folder of old bulletins, newsletters, campaign pieces and other miscellaneous materials that came from Dottie Olsen’s home.

Dottie was one of the longest attending disciples of Palms, always greeting everyone here with her incredible smile. There were pictures from the installation of our previous pastors Jim Tinsley and Jack Swann, the groundbreaking ceremony on our new facilities in 2005, as well as countless familiar (and some unfamiliar) faces enjoying ice cream, participating in advent worship, sharing stories and being love-in-action. This is the year we are celebrating sixty years of our Palms’ community, Dottie’s collection of memorabilia brought not only nostalgia, but more importantly a deep sense of God’s ongoing faithfulness to and ongoing call upon Palms.

Moving forward we are building on the deep and rich foundations that made Palms the incredible community of faith that it is today. Yet, our roots run deeper than sixty years, as we are part of a story that runs back to the dawn of creation and forward to God’s restoration of everything. This story of God’s inbreaking grace and love for the healing and renewal of each one of us and all creation shapes all that we do at Palms and all that each of us is called to be and do in God’s world.

We are called to live out that story here at this time, in this place, with this particular community of faith. We are bridge builders, ambassadors and servant leaders who carry this great good news in word and deed to the world.

As you turn the pages of this newsletter, I invite you to imagine someone sixty years from now looking at this newsletter and those coming in the months ahead and being touched by what God is doing among us. Imagine not a simple feeling of nostalgia, but a sense of inspiration as they read about Palms gathering around the bedrocks of the ten commandments and the Lord’s prayer, feeding hungry children in Mayport, sharing faith with people of all ages, and so much more.

Imagine a sense of inspiration as they feel part of a story that not only would go back 120 years, but back to the dawn of time.

What a privilege it is to be on this incredible journey with Palms!

Shalom, Tom

SESSION REPORT At the June and July Session meetings, the Palms Presbyterian church session: Studied and engaged Jesus's teaching in the Sermon of the Mount and Paul’s exhortation to the early Christians in Philippi.

• Approved the 2017-2018 budget (details to be provided at upcoming congregational meeting)

Called two congregational meetings September 3 during the 11 am worship service – annual congregational meeting

January 28 – between worship services – updates and nominations

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• Approved a new policy for the limited use of alcohol (wine and beer) at catered events using the Palms’ facilities • Prayed for the joys and concerns of Palms, our community and the world Heard a wonderful report from Barbara Johnson, outgoing moderator of the Deacons, who shared the impact of the deacon ministries in the previous years

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ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Join us on Sunday, September 3 for our annual congregational meeting.

On this Sunday, we will celebrate the difference that Palms has made this past year and look forward to the coming year.

We will also hear a report about the Palms’ budget and vote on changes in the terms of call for our pastors.

The meeting will be part of a special day of celebration that will include one service only at 11 am and a potluck church picnic to follow.

For the picnic, names beginning with A-M bring a main dish and N-Z a side. Cookies and drinks will be provided.

Mark your calendars and join us as we gather to celebrate all of the amazing work that Palms has and will do for God’s kingdom!

A CULTURE OF INVITATION EOBO

EVERY ONE BRING ONE

SAVE THE DATE 1st Monday of month Wisdom & Wine 4th Monday of month Bible & Brews August 13 Blessing of Backpacks - All ages August 20 Youth Mission Sunday Outreach Ministry - Church Without Walls Meal Prep August 27 Rally Day - Fall 2017 Launch September 3 ONE COMMUNION SERVICE @ 11 Annual Congregational Meeting Church-wide Ice Cream Picnic September 4 - Labor Day Offices closed September 10 Fall Sunday School Kickoff – EOBO “Every One, Bring One” September 13 - LIVE WELL Healthy Living Program Kickoff

RALLY DAY Mark your calendars and join us on our 60th Diamond Anniversary year as we celebrate the cornerstones of our faith!

Come learn all about the exciting opportunities in our worship, connect, nurture and serve ministries! Discover where the Spirit is leading you and how you might be involved in the life and ministry of the church, both in giving of yourself and your talents, and also growing in your faith!

It all begins at 9:40 am in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, August 27. Coffeecake and beverages will be served and our Palms' kids will be dismissed for a special project after breakfast!

Palms grows because you and I invite others to join us in the flow of love, mercy, reconciliation, and grace that is moving around, in, and through us. Who will you invite to join you at Palms?

Friday, September 15 FAS Kickoff Concert at 7:30 pm David LaMotte in the Sanctuary Saturday, September 16 Visiting Theologian Workshop September 17 Visiting Theologian Sunday September 30 Dinner & Conversation with Pastor Dorleans from Haiti November 5 • Ministry Fair October 1 • Celebrate Globally World Communion Sunday October 7-8 • Family Retreat Camp Montgomery October 2 Blessings of the Pets Service in Oasis Garden at 5 pm October 29 • All Saints Day November 4-11 Haiti Medical Mission Trip

DOWN TO THE BASICS

BASIC ISN'T ALWAYS BORING

A few weeks ago, someone asked at Bible and Brews, “So, what do we do with the Ten Commandments now? Are they still relevant?”

The simple answer is yes. The more difficult answer is how do we live into these ten calls to God’s particular way of life.

Beginning this fall, we will look at each of the commandments in worship and how each one calls us into a deeper relationship with God and each other.

In an ever more divided world, the Ten Commandments outline a way of life that values relationships, honors life and enhances the world around us.

By Rev. Dr. Tom Walker

This will be the first in a year-long series that will look at the “basics” and will include the Ten Commandments, The Lord’s Prayer, The Apostle’s Creed and Fruit of the Spirit.

NOMADIC

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M O V I N G M O U N T A I N S ONE ROCK AT A TIME

SERVE SNIPPETS & TIDBITS

By Rev. Laurie Furr-Vancini Associate Pastor for Serve

SOCIAL JUSTICE Through dialogue and service surrounding social justice issues, ranging from environmental justice to conflict resolution, Palms' Outreach Social Justice Committee seeks to build bridges with Palms and the community. Are you interested in investigating, educating , and engaging Palms' disciples and those in our community in compassionate and prophetic peacemaking? Join us. Connect with Carol Barbour at 904-599-2920

On August 20 at 9:40 am you're invited to Patten Hall where the Outreach Ministry will lead us in preparing lunches for Church Without Walls – a worship service for homeless men and women in downtown Jacksonville.

Your Board of Deacons will have a retreat on September 8 and 9, led by Rev. Dr. Kathy McLean, who at one time was an Interim Associate Pastor at Palms!

And speaking of the Deacons, did you know that in 2016-2017 program year a total of 2,434 people either served or were served through visitations, phone calls, emails, notes, cards, cooked, prepared and delivered meals, transportation, prayers given and made, educational programs and seminars shared and health screenings conducted?

G L O B A L R E A C H WORLD COMMUNION WEEKEND AT PALMS

BREAKING BREAD WITH THE WORLD Dinner and Conversation with Pastor Leon Dorleans Founding Director, Haiti Outreach Ministries Come share the spirit of World Communion Weekend!. We are excited to host Dinner and Conversation with Pastor Leon Dorleans, Saturday, September 30 at 6:30 pm in Patten Hall. Our very own Barry Adeeb will once again be catering a delicious meal for $12 per person in advance.

Pastor Leon will update us on the latest developments, progress, and visions for the future of Palms' long-time mission partner, Haiti Outreach Ministries in Port Au Prince.

Pastor Leon will also be our guest speaker at both services on World Communion Sunday, October 1.

Please join us, all are welcome.

RSVP to Sallie Gipson at sallie.gipson@palmschurch.org or 904-246-6427 by Wednesday, September 28. Payment must be received before September 28.

Bondye ap Travay (God is Working)

By the grace of Jesus Christ, we are called to worship God: to connect in community, to nurture in love, and to serve in the world.

F E E D I N G C H I L D R E N & O U R S O U L S

WITH GOD'S LOVE

IT IS IN GIVING THAT WE RECEIVE Palms Presbyterian has begun a new partnership with Mayport Elementary and BEAM (Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry).

Mayport Elementary is a school at the northern end of our beaches community. It is comprised of children in grades K-5 and 94% of those children are on free or reduced lunch. At least 25% of the children are from military families. This local school is in a “food desert” meaning there is no grocery store in the area. On every early release Wednesday during the school year, Palms will provide a team of disciples to pick up food through BEAM at the 7North food collection location. This food will be transported on the BEAM refrigerated truck to Mayport Elementary, where families and children can fill a bag of groceries at the market.

To be part of these exciting opportunities to feed God’s children and build relationships within our community, connect with Pastor Laurie at laurie.furr-vancini@palmschurch.org / (904) 2460594 x 223.

Photos Rev. Laurie Furr-Vancini, Associate Pastor of Serve, Palms Presbyterian Church Palms' Mayport Market Volunteer Team Amy Cline, Mayport Elementary Principal, Martha McNulty, Palms Presbyterian Volunteer Coordinator and Rachel McCandless, BEAM Nutritionist

S E R V E

ONE DISCIPLE AT A TIME

IMMEDIATE NEEDS Love to Talk?

Congregational Care Callers Congregational need a few conversationalists. What do we do?

We call Palms’ disciples who have not been in worship to share our concern and see if they have any needs the church can meet. This is a great volunteer opportunity for someone who is unable to make home or hospital visits, but wants to share care and compassion with their church family. Connect with Sandi Belt at (904) 372-9237.

BEAM Food Pantry at Mayport Subs Substitutes are needed for stocking: 1-2 individuals who are able and willing to lift up to 25 pounds, and move in and out of the freezer and stocking area on either Wednesday mornings or afternoons, as needed. Connect with Elaine Mann at (904) 333-7318 / 6509mann@gmail.com.

Shepherds Five or more individuals (or couples) who will maintain contact with families of the Palms congregation, providing both care and information. Connect with Melodee Dixon at (904) 222-1747 / meldjax2@gmail.com.

Front Desk Volunteer Team Share your smile and voice at Palms! Volunteers are needed to cover the front desk reception area during the week. Contact Doreen Boyd in the church office at (904) 246-0594 x 229 if you’d like to share your time and talent.

Godly Play Volunteers Experience the wonder of worship through the eyes of Palms’ children! Connect with Pastor Jenn if you would like to learn more about shepherding and/or sharing the stories of God during our special Godly Play program on Sunday mornings.

Flower Deliverers Two to three flower arrangements are lovingly created from our Sunday sanctuary flowers and delivered after 11 am on Mondays each week. The Palms' Flower Ministry deliverers come to the church office, pick up the flowers (with cards and maps attached) and deliver the flowers to share the love from disciple to disciple. If you have a vehicle and about 1.5 hours once a month to dedicate to this ministry, this is the volunteer job for you! Come share God's love with others. If you love beautiful flowers and making someone’s day, even better!

Connect with Jill Whitaker at jill_whitaker@yahoo.com or call the church office at (904) 246-6427.

Food For the Soul Meal Preparers With a joyful heart, Food for the Soul volunteers prepare and deliver meals when someone is ill, a new baby is born, etc. If you enjoy cooking and helping disciples of the congregation, this is for you. Connect with Laura Kusumoto at (904) 316-2061 / flkusumoto@comcast.net.

Meals on Wheels Coordinator and Deliverers Palms is part of a rotation team of deliverers for the Beaches Meals on Wheels. Five times a year, Palms is assigned a week to deliver two routes of Meals on Wheels. We have a great group of volunteers, but need a coordinator who will schedule our volunteers on the days and routes. This is a great position for someone who works and perhaps cannot deliver themselves, but wants to serve. Most of the scheduling is done online. In addition, we can always use a few more drivers for Meals on Wheels.

Connect with Pastor Laurie at (904) 246-6427 or laurie.furr-vancini@palmschurch.org.

Bridging Kids to Christ Palms 4th and 5th graders need YOU! Please prayerfully consider joining a leadership team who will take them on a journey through the Old Testament during Sunday School from 9:40-10:40 am.To share your time and talents bridging our younger disciples to Christ, connect with our Director of Faith Formation & Nurture, Jennifer McDowell at jenn.mcdowell@palmschurch.org.

WELCOME

LAUREN LEE Director, Palms Preschool & Childcare Center

F

or the past 10 years, Lauren Lee has been navigating the world of elementary and early childhood education as a teacher, student, administrator and mom.

After leaving the financial sector in 2006, she followed her heart's true calling: education. Several wonderful years in the classroom teaching kindergarten and pre-kindergarten inspired her to go back to school to become an even stronger instructor.

In 2010, she graduated from the University of North Florida with her M.Ed. in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Literacy.

Still not satisfied, she went on to complete her Ed. S. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Florida, with a focus on Language Arts and Children’s Literature. During her studies, she taught undergraduate pre-service teachers and loved the experience. The ability to influence classroom instruction and help both children and their teachers flourish inspired her to go into administration.

Lauren and her husband, Thomas, have three young children: Kate, age 4; Ben, 3; and Charlotte, 20 months. Watching her own children grow and develop has deepened Lauren’s sense of responsibility to the field of early childhood education and reinforced her belief in the power that early childhood educators hold.

Most recently, Lauren served as Director for The Salvation Army Child Development center in Jacksonville.

She sits on the Duval Early Learning Directors Network Board, is an author of numerous articles and a nationally recognized presenter on early childhood literacy. Her interests include children's literature, language arts, social justice and using literature across the curriculum.

We are delighted to welcome Lauren and her family to our Palms' family! Lauren will begin her work with us on Monday, August 14. Please drop in to greet her and grab a cup of coffee and a donut hole on Wednesday, August 16 from 7 – 9 am.

NEW SCHOOL YEAR, NEW LOOK We can barely contain our excitement...Palms Preschool & Childcare Center has a NEW logo just in time for the start of school! Be on the lookout for more exciting Palms Preschool news. Visit us online at www.palmschurch.org to find out all that God is doing in and through Palms' littlest disciples!

VBS 2017 MEMORIES

by Meredith Tousey Matthews, "Leighton's mom" At three, this was Leighton’s first Vacation Bible School experience, and since she’s in the “2s” class at preschool, she was the only one in her class to walk over to the sanctuary each morning. We knew this may be a little intimidating, so I walked with her to greet everyone on day one. Wow! We walked through an airport security check-in, giggling, then to our eyes’ delight, we saw that the sanctuary was transformed into an airplane! The cheerful faces everywhere led us to our row of seats and two “big girls” wrote Leighton’s name on her t-shirt before she happily put it on. I left a smiling, eager, curious kid! Once she was returned to her class later that day, her teacher reported that Leighton told her, “We learned about peace! I want to do it every day!!” The rest of the week, she would eagerly tell us about the various projects they did, snacks they made, and places they “traveled” to. She also spent every night of that week, and many thereafter, singing “Let There Be Peace On Earth” as she lay in bed, with her prayer box, made in VBS, on her bedside table. I truly believe this experience initiated a long-term VBS participant, peaceful citizen of God’s kingdom, and even future choir member.

TEACHER SPOTLIGHT Cathy Wildes has been an integral part of Palms Preschool since 1995. Over these 22 years, she has shared freely of her time and talent, nurturing, loving and teaching our littlest disciples. Over the years, Cathy has worn many hats...she could be found in the classroom or even at the front office, serving as the Assistant Director for many years.

This year, Cathy will be stepping back into a familiar and muchloved role in the classroom as a Lead VPK (Volunteer Prekindergarten) teacher. Cathy said, "I am excited to teach and run a classroom again".

If you can’t find Cathy at work, chances are you can't find her...only because she's snorkeling in the Caribbean! She and her husband, Don love cruises and new adventures. She enjoys riding bikes, reading, watching tennis, figure skating and gymnastics. She and her husband have been married for 38 years and have two adult sons. A disciple here at Palms Presbyterian Church, Cathy is an integral part of our program at Palms Preschool, beloved by students, parents, and teachers alike.

A NOTE FROM CATHY As Summer camp comes to an end, many fun times were had and priceless memories were made. Thank you for letting us be a special part of your children's summer.

Extended Day Program registration is open for children in grades K-5. Registration is limited, be sure to call 904-247-0983 to reserve your spot!

FINANCIALS

"Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

- 2 Corinthians 9:7

June 30, 2017 marked the official end of our fiscal year at Palms. We thank you very much for your continued dedication and financial support to our efforts at Palms.

2016/2017 Pledge Updates Pledges promised for the 2016/2017 fiscal year were $1,489,348 and the actual amount received as of July 14, 2017 is $1,459,452 leaving Palms with a shortfall of $29,896.

2017/2018 Pledges The pledge promise thus far for the 2017/2018 fiscal year is $1,360,914. Our minimum goal was 1.5M with our hope at a 10% increase beyond this figure (1.65M). Many thanks to those of you who have responded and returned your pledge commitment to Palms. If you have not done so, we would encourage you to consider supporting this endeavor so we can adequately make determinations regarding the missions and outreach we serve through your generosity.

2016/2017 Year End Reporting After a challenging previous year that ended in the red, Palms has ended the 2016/2017 fiscal year in the black offsetting in part the prior year deficit. Due to the generosity of members contributing specifically to things such as the Connection position and the Choral Interns, we have met the budget goal of a positive figure which allows us to begin to restore financial stability. We still have work to do but we are confident we are moving forward in the right direction with a dedicated and fiscally responsible team.

FINANCIALS

"Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

- 2 Corinthians 9:7

Overhead Expenses We are happy to report we came in under budget on operating expenses and we continue to look for cost saving measures.

However, as we face the reality of our campus aging, our overhead expenses are directly affected and we continue to face the need for funds to support operations.

Endowment Funds We cannot thank each of you enough for your generosity in relation to our 3-year Capital Campaign. We are half way to our goal one year into our campaign!

2017/2018 Financial Goals • Increase revenues through stewardship and new membership growth • Increase efficiency while continuing to keep operating expenses well controlled • Reach a break even point at the Preschool • Ensure a minimum of three months operating reserves as cash in the bank

As we look ahead to calendar year end and 2018, we are diligently focused on further refining our procedures within Palms financial area.

We are hopeful that you, our disciples, will assist the success of Palms and its ability to support those in need through your continued stewardship in Christ’s name.

We look with anticipation as we continue our reach within the community and beyond to welcome new disciples who will assist us in growing the life and breadth of Palms.

GOING MORE GREEN In an effort to reduce our footprint and save even more money, we are redesigning our bulletin. Be on the lookout soon!

Have a question? Connect with Tina Warner by emailing communications@palmschurch.org.

GAINING PERSPECTIVE BEGINNING A JOURNEY

BY PALMS' DISCIPLE, MEGAN KEENE

The summer before the 6th grade was a very exciting summer. That summer was so exciting because I could finally join the Palms Youth Group, and more importantly go on mission trips. I was always a little jealous of my brother who was FIVE grades ahead of me; he was always going on incredible trips and playing crazy games at Youth Group, I couldn't wait to be a part of it. When the time came for me to go on that first trip to Charlotte, North Carolina I was not sure what I was getting into, I just expected it to be fun. Not only was the trip fun, but it was also when I realized how important service was to me. I saw God in action in so many ways that week, whether it was serving lunch at a homeless shelter for men or organizing food at the food bank. It felt incredible to be a part of something that was making such a difference in people's lives. From that point on, I knew I would never want to miss a mission trip.

While the service aspects of that trip were very important to me, so were the relationships I made with my fellow youth group members. It was these relationships that brought me to youth group almost every Sunday night from middle school all the way through high school. I loved hanging with my church family at youth group. There was nothing better than eating dinner together and playing a silly game but also talking and learning about God and connecting about the things we were going through. Youth Group gave me the opportunity to center myself on Sunday nights and get ready for the week ahead. My favorite part was always when we got in a big circle and offered prayer requests and then prayed together as a family. Whatever was worrying me never seemed as heavy after that many people prayed about it. I believe it is Youth Group that made me feel that it is important to gather and worship as a community to really feel close to God. I plan to find a new church family to gather and connect with as soon as I get to school in the fall.

I am very excited to start the next chapter in my life at the University of South Carolina. I planned to spend this last summer at home going to the beach and relaxing. I had decided that I was not going to go on a mission trip this year, none of my friends had signed up and I felt like I had been on enough over the years (eight in total). But apparently, I did not make this clear to my Mom because she signed me up for ASP anyway. I had been to the Appalachian Service Project before and I knew it was a fun and rewarding trip but I just was not looking forward to it the way I always had in the past. When we finally arrived in Rutherfordton, North Carolina I started to feel a little bit on that excitement. We spent the week working in the Powell Family's home. Our job was to replace the sub-floor and put down new laminate. It was hard, sometimes confusing work, but our group did well. It was easy to do this work for the Powells. They were incredibly nice and grateful and willing to give a hand anywhere they could. Everyday Mrs. Sherry had an ice pop waiting for us when we needed a little break. When Friday rolled around we stayed until six o'clock working to finish their new floors. When it was time for us to go the Powell's gave us big hugs and told us that they loved us, and I know that they meant it. I was glad I went on one more mission trip, it turned out to be the most rewarding of them all.

WORLDCHANGING WEEKEND WITH VISITING THEOLOGIAN, DAVID LAMOTTE Visiting Theologian Worldchanging Weekend with David LaMotte – September 15-17 “You’re changing the world whether you like it or not.”

David LaMotte is a performing singer/songwriter and guitarist, with 11 CDs and 2,500 concerts on 4 continents and in 48 states to his credit. He also has a long-running passion for peace and “worldchanging” work, leading him to found and direct a non-profit that supports education in Guatemala, chair the American Friends Service Committee Nobel Peace Prize Nominating Committee, and travel to conflict zones and sites of extreme poverty (India, Bosnia, Thailand, Northern Ireland, Israel and Palestine, among others) to learn and teach.

David holds a Master’s degree in International Relations, Peace, and Conflict Resolution from the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, where he studied as a Rotary World Peace Fellow. David has published three books, including two illustrated children’s books. The first based on his award-winning children’s song SS Bathtub and the second, White Flour, tells the true story of a creative and whimsical response to a Ku Klux Klan march in Knoxville, Tennessee by a group called the Coup Clutz Clowns. His most recent book, WorldChanging 101: Challenging the Myth of Powerlessness, is used as a textbook in several colleges and universities.

LaMotte’s newest album, The Other Way Around, features musicians from every continent, and guest appearances from Ed King of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Nicky Sanders and Graham Sharp of the Steep Canyon Rangers, and Tim O’Brien, among a large cast of musicians. It was released in September of 2016, and debuted at #8 on the Folk-DJ chart. David LaMotte makes his home in Black Mountain, North Carolina, with his wife Deanna and son Mason.

David will be with us on Friday evening, September 15 at 7 pm for our Fine Arts Kickoff Concert, Saturday, September 16 for a WorldChanging 101 Workshop and Sunday, September 17, sharing his music for worship.

You won’t want to miss this WorldChanging Weekend – an opportunity to look at important questions about how large-scale social change happens, to examine our capacity to have significant impact on the world around us, and gain valuable insights on how to be effective agents for change and transformation.

Friday, September 15, 7 pm, Sanctuary - Fine Arts Series Kickoff Concert featuring David LaMotte Saturday, September 16, 9 am, Patten Hall - WorldChanging 101 Workshop with David LaMotte Sunday, September 17, 8:30 and 11 am, Visiting Theologian Sunday at Palms featuring the worship music David LaMotte

COMMUNITY OF FAITH If you are seeking to connect to the life and ministries of Palms, here are some upcoming opportunities to learn more and get involved.

First Steps: An opportunity to ask questions, find out more information, get connected with the ministries of Palms and inquire about becoming a part of our Palms' family of faith.

Sunday, August 20 @ 9:40 am, RM126 Sunday, October 15 @ 9:40 am, RM 126 You can always connect with Pastor Holly Inglis at holly.inglis@palmschurch.org to find out more about all the ways to connect and get involved in the life of Palms. Be sure to check out our new website at www.palmschurch,org!

Christ followers New Disciple Orientation is for those who are ready to live out their discipleship at Palms and formally affiliate with our faith family.

New Disciple Orientation Sunday, September 10 @ 12:15-2:45 pm, RM 122

The journey of a lifetime begins with a single step...

Finding a home at Palms "My wife and I have visited Palms Presbyterian the last two Sundays and have thoroughly enjoyed the service and the friendly people at the church. I grew up in the Episcopal church and she grew up in the United Methodist church. We have moved around a great deal with my employment and it has been difficult to be established in a church home. We plan on visiting again this coming Sunday at the 11 am service. Thank you for the warm welcome and wonderful worship!" - G. Howe

So Blessed to be a greeter this morning at church. - Stacie Lynn

COMMUNITY & CONNECTION Family Weekend at Montgomery Presbyterian Center Saturday, October 7 – Sunday, October 8 Take some time to relax, refocus, recharge and have fun with your family at Palms Family Weekend at Montgomery Presbyterian Center. One day and overnight options are available enabling everyone to take advantage of the outdoor recreation, family worship, challenge course, water activities, campfire and more. Registration opens on August 27.

Blessing of the Animals – Sunday, October 22 – 5 pm – Oasis Garden Let the animals come - the dogs and cats, birds and rabbits, chickens and fish! Invite your neighbors and friends to join you for the Blessing of the Animals - a celebration of the love we share with our pets and a blessing in celebration of St. Francis. St. Francis of Assisi is known as the patron saint of animals and the environment, and October is a popular time for pets to be blessed. All types of pets are welcome to participate. We request all dogs to be on a leash and all cats to be in carriers to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Those who may have lost a pet are invited to bring a photo of your pet. All two-legged and four-legged friends are welcome!

Community & Connection Ministry Updates by Rev. Dr. Holly Inglis Can you feel it, the undercurrent of energy and enthusiasm that’s flowing through Palms? I’ve felt it: • At the June Wisdom & Wine gathering where we discussed the role of doubt in our lives

• At the Jumbo Shrimp game, where 77 Palms disciples and friends gathered despite the threat of rain • As 27 Palms disciples and friends gathered at Pieology in Nocatee to meet one another and explore how Palms might extend our hospitality to the Nocatee community • In the New Disciple classes, where people share how they have found not only a spiritual home here, but a place that engages them in service and connects them to others As I share the vision for Palms where a culture of invitation pervades everything we do...Palms grows because you and I invite others to join us in the flow of love, mercy, reconciliation, and grace that is moving around, in, and through us.

Who will you invite to join you at Palms?

Beginning September 10

Faith Formation & Nurture Kids Oasis Kick off the school year with us at Palms! Please join us for Blessing of the Backpacks August 13 during both worship services!

Workshop Rotation returns September 10 kicking off a year of learning the basics! Rotations include Seasons of the Church Year, Books of the Bible, The Old Testament, Advent and Christmas, The New Testament, Baptism, Holy Week and Easter, Communion, and the Greatest Commandment. Please sign your children in at the top of the grand staircase in the education building before walking them down to the drama room.

Palms Kids Worship Whether in the nursery, in the sanctuary, or in room 214 Palms Kids worship! Children 3 years old and younger are invited to praise and love God in our nursery located on the first floor of the education building.

““Let the Children Come” will be held August 26 from 10 am - 12 pm in the sanctuary. This is an opportunity for families of fourth, fifth and sixth graders to learn how to worship together. Participating children will receive Bibles in worship the following Sunday.

Godly Play, a Montessori- based worship experience for children, will be offered for children four years old through third grade during BOTH worship services (except the first Sunday of each month and High Holy Days) starting September 10 in room 214!

Bridge This year fourth and fifth graders travel through the Old Testament with the Israelites, across the Red Sea and into the desert wilderness. God promised the Hebrew people they would be guided and cared for throughout their journey and they would be given a new land – the Promised Land of Canaan. Our wilderness adventures will begin September 10 at 9:40 am in front of the Education building's grand staircase .

Be sure to mark your calendars! Bridge Fellowship events will be held on the Final Friday each month (except Nov. when it’s the 3rd Friday) at 6:30 pm in room 412 (youth room)!

Beginning September 10

Middle School Sundays @ 9:40 am, RM414 All new this year our sixth, seventh, and eighth graders will explore the Bible and discover meaning and identity using ECHO the Story.

Confirmation Coming soon: Ninth graders are invited to participate in an all new confirmation program incorporating education, relationship building, service, and worship.

More details coming soon!

Youth Group Sundays @ 6 - 8 pm, RM412 Sixth through twelfth graders will gather together in fellowship every Sunday night. Each Sunday night will include dinner, discussion and fun! Volunteers are needed to provide dinner from 6 - 6:30 pm. Connect with Rev. Jenn at jenn.mcdowell@palmschurch.org if you would like to help!

MINISTRY FAIR

Want to know what’s happening at Palms and how you can get plugged in? Join us on Nov. 5 for our Ministry Fair! Every Ministry will be available to share with you what they are doing and how you can be a part of it! More details coming soon.

ALL NEW Adult Educational Offerings Pastor’s Forum @ 9:40 am, Hess Chapel Have you ever wanted to know more about a sermon topic? Would you like to dive deeper into the biblical texts that shape our worship time? Does a sermon ever provoke within you questions for further discussion? Join us for our NEW Pastor’s Forum each week in the chapel during the education hour. The preacher of the day will be leading a conversation around the biblical basis of the sermon and deeper delve into the implications of the sermon for the world. All are welcome.

A Spiritual Gifts Inventory Sundays @ 9:40 am, RM203 During this eight-week Spiritual Gifts Inventory class, we invite you to come find out what your spiritual gifts are and how to use them for God’s glory in our church family and in the world!

In Search of Christian Origins Sundays @ 9:40 am, RM202 Join us Sunday mornings as Janice Wiesner leads us “In Search of Christian Origins.” This 10-week class will explore where and how Christianity came to be.

Parent’s Place Sundays @ 9:40 am, RM204 Parent’s Place is a place to connect with other parents, share the joys and challenges of parenting, support one another, and learn and grow together. Grandparents and parents in any stage of life are welcome! Come and join in fellowship while exploring topics pertinent to today’s parents.

Legacy NOUN LEG·A·CY \ ˈ LE-G Ə -SĒ\ a gift by will something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past

As we continue celebrating our 60th “diamond” anniversary, we remember all those who have been a part of our Palms’ legacy.

We are the beneficiaries of the time, talent and treasure of so many that have gone before us. One of the ways we can continue the legacy of God’s incredible work through Palms is to remember Palms in your estate planning. The Palms’ Oasis Society is made up of all Palms’ disciples who have included our church in their estate planning.

If you have included Palms, please let us know so that we can add your name to the Oasis Society. If you would like to know more or discuss including Palms in your estate, please contact Rev. Dr. Tom Walker at tom.walker@palmschurch.org or our Director of Finance and Operations, Kendra Scaz at kendra.scaz@palmschurch.org.

A FAREWELL TO PALMS' CHORAL INTERN On August 6 Palms will say goodbye to Matheus Coura. Matheus has been accepted to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music to pursue a Masters of Music degree in voice performance as a student of Jane Randolph. During the last year Matheus has been transitioning from tenor to countertenor, a voice-type which became celebrated in Western Europe during the Renaissance and Baroque periods when men performed all voice roles. The countertenor range is similar to that of a soprano. It is a voice type utilized today in historically-informed performances of music from the Renaissance, Baroque and early Classical period. Over the past two years he has become part of our Palms' family. We wish him well as he continues his studies!Â

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