Church guide

PASTOR NOMINATING COMMITTEE " We are on fire. We are Inspired. That which unites us, ignites us." With this phrase, the Spirit Squad kicked off our journey with you, the congregation. One year ago, you commissioned us to be your Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC). We spent September learning our role and getting acquainted with each other. It was during this time that we named ourselves the Spirit Squad, using the symbolism of the Holy Spirit to identify ourselves. We began our work with you, the congregation, with a Town Hall meeting in October followed by 13 small group meetings and ending in December with another Town Hall meeting. We spent December and January compiling and condensing what we heard from all of you, creating the Mission Information Form (MIF). As you remember this is the online form that Pastors seeking a call can read about First Presbyterian Church Joplin. February began our receiving and reviewing the Personal Information Forms (PIFs) of those pastors seeking a call. We have reviewed 101 of these forms. As I have shared with you in the past, each Spirit Squad member reviews each PIF, checking for a match with us, listening/watching sermons, discerning answers to the questions, before reviewing each candidate again as a committee. For those we think are possibilities we find out whether they are still seeking a call, and would they consider First Presbyterian Church of Joplin? The next step becomes a Google Duo interview. Through this process we invited two Pastors to Joplin. One was not a fit for us and the other accepted a call to a larger church. Thus, we continue our search believing even more strongly in the Holy Spirit's guidance. This awesome committee in the past year has provided 48 worship guide messages and 11 Newsletter articles. There have been 20 Moment for Mission presentations in our effort to assure you, the congregation, are well informed of our activities. We have also had 40 weekly meetings to do our work. The Spirit's fire still burns within us and we are more united than ever. With this in mind, I ask you to join me in recognizing this amazing team called the Spirit Squad; Bill Elliot, Jennifer James, Rebecca Kanan, Lisa Knutzen, and Jody Williams. Be assured we continue to seek the right Pastor for First Presbyterian Church Joplin. We in turn recognize you the congregation for your faithful support and ongoing prayers. Thank you!

Household Prayer: Evening Here at the end of the day, O Lord, help me to entrust my cares to you. Grant me grace for my failings and rest for my weary soul, that I may be strengthened to do your will and share your love when a new day dawns. Amen.

O Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His steadfast love endures forever. Let us worship God.

We will be hosting our Traveling Day Camp this week July 22-26. The Camp will run from 9:00am to 3:00pm daily. Remember to bring a sack lunch daily. We will be providing snacks. There is no charge to attend. It is going to be a great week.

Household Prayer: Morning Dear God, as I begin this day I renew my commitment to live as an agent of your reconciling love. Keep my actions holy, my thoughts blameless, and my intentions irreproachable. Let me be firm in the hope promised by the gospel, that my life may bear witness to Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. Household Prayer: Evening Lord Jesus, the labors of the day are over and the evening rest begins. If I have been busy with too many things, return my thoughts to what is needful. At last, let me know the better part you have promised will not be taken away, that I may sleep in your peace and awaken with renewed attentiveness to your presence. Amen.

The Latest Issue of These Days is available now in the Sanctuary and John Knox Hall.

First Tuesday Luncheon at First Presbyterian, April 2nd from 11:30 to 1:00. Hope to see everyone Tuesday.

Today is First Tuesday, Hope to see everyone for lunch.

The First Tuesday Luncheon March 5th, 2019

Here is just a sample of the beautiful cantata yesterday presented by our combined choirs and an orchestra. Thanks to choir director, Terry Dolanc!

We had a visit from Jack the Bible Donkey as our special guest at Rally Day today! "If you're happy and you know it....."

Captain Shield gives his final advice to VBS today

Here is an excerpt from this mornings children's program!