Merry Christmas, I have often heard people talk about miracles around the Christmas season.

First and foremost people will say Jesus birth was a miracle, or that Jesus is the miracle baby. People will say the happiness and joy that is experienced during the holidays is the miracle. Why are we hopeful for, more attuned to, or seeking miracles during this season that is supposed to bring joy into peoples hearts? Maybe its the hope of seeing a miracle take place and experiencing the anticipated joy that keeps us seeking. Just a few weeks ago I was blessed to witness one of these miracles. The miracle was the recovery of Tom McNeil. God did an amazing thing in healing Tom and I am thankful for all of the prayers that were lifted up for him, Nilsa, and the care givers. Many people were amazed he survived his ordeal and more people were amazed that he is almost fully recovered. I had one Intensive Care Unit nurse tell me in regards to Toms amazing recovery, I dont know what you all are doing, but keep it up because its working amazingly well. I told her I know what it is prayer by a lot of people and an amazing God! As I look back on what I consider a miracle, I wonder what other miracles are out there. I wonder how each one of us can be instruments of a Christmas miracle. How can we bring the gift of joy, hope, love, forgiveness, justice or peace to someone we know; or better yet someone we have never even met? This Christmas season allow God to use you as an instrument of a Christmas miracle. See how it changes you and see how it changes the world. Merry Christmas,

Sunday, December 1st 10:30 a.m. - 1st Sunday in Advent. Hanging of the Greens Wednesday, December 4th 5:30 p.m. - Advent Wednesday Dinner and Study Sunday, December 8th 10:30 a.m. - 2nd Sunday in Advent Service 5:30 p.m. - Christmas Dinner and Christmas Pageant Wednesday, December 11th 6:00 p.m. - Advent Wednesday Study and Reflection Sunday, December 15th 10:30 a.m. - 3rd Advent Service and Christmas Cantata Wednesday, December 18th 6:00 p.m. - Advent Wednesday Study and Reflection Sunday, December 22nd 10:30 a.m. - 4th Sunday in Advent Service Tuesday, December 24th 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Services
Pastor...........................Andy Gans Visitation Pastor (Ret.) Tom McNeil Music Director .............Rick Roberts Executive Assistant .....Chris Muramatsu Nursery Attendant ......Tammy Keeslar Proofreaders ..............................Susan M. Jensen and John Stewart Contributors...............................Members of Ft. King Assembling .................................Kay Dahlen, Joyce Gauntt, Eleanor Hayesmore, Pat Merrill, Carol

Worship: Sundays 10:30 a.m.

Office: (352) 694694-4121 FAX: (352) 694-5226 13 NE 36TH AVENUE OCALA, FLORIDA 34470 www.fortking.org fortking@earthlink.net

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

Fort King Presbyterian Church Financials Effective 10/31/13
Month Budget Oct 2013 Actual Oct 2013 Budget Compared to Actual Budget Jan-Oct 2013 Year-To-Date Actual Budget Actual Jan - Oct Compared Jan-Oct 2013 to 2012 Actual 2013 YTD Compared to 2012 YTD

Income Estimate of Giving Other Income Total Income Total Expense Net Surplus/ Deficit Endowment 24,639 0 24,639 24,847 -1,208 25,401 3 25,404 22,006 3,398 762 3 766 (3,841) 4,606 246,387 0 246,387 246,189 (1,802) 236,205 6,425 242,630 241,039 1,592 (10,181) 229,308 6,425 20.899 8,897 (14,474) (7,577) 40,826 (48,403)

(3,757) 250,207 (7,150) 200,213 (211) 49,995

500

500

600

600

675

(75)

CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Thank You
Dear Church Family, Dan and I would like to thank everyone for all the calls, cards, visits and prayers we have received during his illness. We feel truly blessed and humbled by the support and kindness that has been sent our way. We will continue to need your prayers as he will be undergoing intensive chemotherapy and radiation in the coming months. Thank you all and God Bless, Chris & Dan Berryhill

Thank You
Jean Stewart would like to thank everyone for their calls and cards. They are truly appreciated.

CONGREGATIONAL CARE (continued)

Thank You
Dear beloved Ft. King family, Dave and I wanted to express our heartfelt thanks for the many prayers, cards, telephone calls, emails, flowers, food, prayer shawls, and visits to each and every one of you. Your prayerful concerns have boosted Dave's spirits and given him encouragement to seek the treatment his doctor has suggested in order to live as long as God wills it. We are thankful for every day we have and believe that your continued prayers will bring peace and comfort to us. God bless you all and we are praying for you too! Marianne and Dave Fullarton

Thank You
Dear Faith Family, My family and I are overwhelmed with everyones generosity and compassion. Thank you for the prayers, cards, phone calls, visits, flowers, the delicious food, and the wonderful recliner and all the love and support. The Livingston Family

December Birthdays

CONNECTIONS

Dinners For Eight

Dinners for Eight is a fun way to get to know your church family. Each month from January through April, 4 couples (8 people) join together for dinner. Single people are welcomed and will be matched up with another participant to form a couple. Each month you and your partner meet as part of four different couples. Each month you provide a different portion of the meal as described below. Couple A - Hostprovides meat and beveragecalls others in your group to confirm date and time. Dinner is held in the home of the host (in some instances hosts may use the home of another member with more space) Couple B Provides vegetable Couple C Provides salad and bread Couple D Provides dessert A sign-up sheet can be found in the Narthex to indicate your interest in participating. A schedule will be designed to mix up the groups each month and you will be provided a schedule for the entire four months. In May, we will have a special event to include everyone that has participated. If you have any questions, or want to register by phone, please call Bernice Henry at 694-6798

DISCIPLESHIP

Annual Christmas Pageant and Dinner December 8th at 5:30 p.m.

The camel and the donkey are having a great dispute over which one of them is the bestest part of the Christmas Story. You dont want to miss this twist to the traditional story written by our own Rick Roberts and directed by Sheletha Strawder and Niki Tripodi. The cast includes the children, the choir and the congregation. As usual the members of the session will provide the turkey and stuffing and the congregation will bring your favorite side dishes and desserts. Dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, followed by the pageant to be presented in the sanctuary.

Childrens Sunday School for December

Parents and elementary children please note that the schedule for Sunday School for the month of December will not follow the usual schedule. The following represents the special schedule. December 1Communion - children will remain in the Sanctuary during worship. 1 December 8children will attend Sunday School as usual after the Childrens Sermon, teachers will be 8 Sally and Steve Layendecker. December 15children will remain in the Sanctuary during worship to hear the Christmas Cantata per15 formed by the choir. December 22Sunday School will take place at 9:15 a.m. a.m in the CE Building for the Birthday Party for Jesus. The children and youth will be making fruit baskets to be distributed to shut-ins that evening by the youth. Harvey and Kathy Bohner will direct this activity. Please note the time change. December 29No Sunday School. 29

DISCIPLESHIP (continued)

High Tide
On Sunday, December 15th High Tide will be going caroling. Plan to wear some warm clothes and come ready to sing to our home bound members. Parents are welcome to join us for this festive evening from 5- 7 p.m. Cheryl, Niki, Amy and Doris.

Library Corner
If you know anyone with autism or just want to understand more about it, then you must read The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen Thirteen-Year Year-Old Boy With

Autism.
This one-of-a-kind memoir demonstrates how an autistic mind thinks, feels, perceives, and responds in ways few of us can imagine. Parents and family members who never thought they could get inside the head of their autistic loved one at last have a way to break through to the curious, subtle, and complex life within. The author, Naoki Higashida of Kimitsu, Japan, is now 21 years old and is an advocate, motivational speaker and the author of several books of fiction and nonfiction. The book, originally written in Japanese, has been translated by David Mitchell and his wife KA Yoshida. Mitchell, a bestselling novelist, writes in his Introduction that Naokis words allowed him to feel, for the first time, as if his own autistic child were explaining what was happening in his mind. Several other new books recently added to the library are Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Aslan; The New Testament and the People of God by N.T. Wright; and My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor. Check the New Items shelves for other new books which are added as they become available, either by purchase or more often through the generous donations from church members. As the Christmas season is once again upon us, dont forget the fifty or so Christmas items in the library ranging from best-loved childrens stories to craft ideas for the whole family and even a few videos and CDs. Many of the books are beautifully illustrated. The library is open every Sunday morning. You may access the library at other times by asking Chris in the Church Office to let you in.

GROUP ACTIVITIES
Presbyterian Women Circles
All women of Fort King are Presbyterian Women and are invited to participate in all the activities of Presbyterian Women. This years Bible study is An Abiding Hope: The Presence of God in Exodus and Deuteronomy. If you are interested in attending a Circle meeting, come join us in December. Deborah Circle meets at the church during the day and Esther Circle meets at night in members homes. Esther Circle will meet on Monday, December 9th, at the home of Margie Hodges at 6:30 p.m. Each member will bring a heavy hors doeuvres and a Chinese Gift Exchange present. Deborah Circle will meet on Tuesday, December 17th, at 10:00 a.m. in the Session Room. Following the meeting, Deborah Circle will have lunch at Bob Evans. Please contact the church office if you need a ride.

Presbyterian Women Slate of Officers for 2014

Coordinating Team Moderator Vice-Moderator Secretary Bernice Henry Anne Hill Judy Harriss Coordinators Spiritual Life & Worship Mission Interpreter Leadership & Resources Christian Community Action Louise Olivarez Kathy Bohner Judy Bowman Nell Blumel At Large Member Deborah Circle Leader Judith Simonin Esther Circle Leader Judy Bowman Anne Hill Onalee Mease Jo Ann Parramore Treasurer Historian Keay Forman Margy Marshall

Church Women United Contact Elena Whitaker

Annual Gathering of Presbyterian Women

The Annual Gathering of Presbyterian Women of our Presbytery will be held on January 25th, in St. Augustine at Memorial Presbyterian Church. Please contact Anne Hill at 368-2491 to receive information and a registration form.

Domestic Violence
Dont forget items for the Domestic Violence basket. Check the basket for a list of items that are needed.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Need

Prayer Shawl Ministry needs our help. They can use donations. It takes 3 skeins of the same dye lot of Lion Brand Homespun for each shawlabout $15 at Walmart.

GROUP ACTIVITIES (continued)

Mens Night Out
Mens Night Out will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, December 9th. Brian Lavery will be your host. Please call Brian at 694-8264 to RSVP.

Crafty Ladies
Crafty Ladies meet on Thursdays from 11:00-3:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Hope to see all of you there. If you would like to join our group, come for a visit some Thursday and see what we are doing and how you can help. We welcome new people and new talents!

Sassy Seniors
All widows and single ladies are welcome to join Sassy Seniors on Wednesday, December 11th at 1:00 p.m. This months luncheon will be at Boston Market at 2650 SW College Rd. (SR-200) near Burlington Coat Factory and Burger King.

MISSION

Angel Tree
Just a reminder.. Please return your unwrapped gifts to the church no later than December 8th. They may be placed under the Angel Tree or in the Church Office. Thank you once again for helping to meet the wishes of our most vulnerable children.

MISSION (continued)

Blood Drive December 8th

The Mission Ministry announces that the "Big Red Bus" will be at Fort King on Sunday December 8th from 9:00 a.m. to1:00 p.m. We need your prayers and Marion County needs blood. Regardless of what you may have heard, blood is needed. Remember, we now have a trauma center and the need for blood always spikes during the holidays.

FKPC Habitat for Humanity Work Day

Those of us that are interested in helping Habitat for Humanity should keep January 4th open as the Mission Ministry is planning a Habitat for Humanity work day. More details to follow.

PERSONNEL

Staff Gift
It is the time of the year that we have the opportunity to show Andy and the staff how much we appreciate their efforts on our behalf throughout the year. Their hours are many and their effort is tireless. We are asking for donations for staff Christmas bonuses. If you would like to contribute, please note Staff Gift on your check and put it in the offering plate or deliver to the Church Office. We would like to present the staff Christmas bonuses on December 23rd. Thank you in advance.

SESSION

Session November 19, 2013

Celebrations: Church Family Celebrations Tom McNeil is recovering after a near death heart incident. Cleanup Day was a great success with 25 plus participants. Thanks to all who helped. The Chili Cook-off was a hot item and the many who attended thoroughly enjoyed it! 32 women of the church attended the womens retreat at Camp Montgomery and all women should look forward to attending next Octobers. The Crop Walk raised some $4000 for Interfaith Food Services. The youth groups can or treat collected a narthex full of food. Boy Scout Troop 196 began to prepare to move here by cleaning up the Youth House on the inside during our Cleanup Day. Twyla Carolynn Martin, daughter of Catherine and Michael Martin, was born October 24, 2013. Motions and Other Session ItemsItemsElection of Clerk of Session and Associate Clerk of Session: Upon motion, duly made and seconded, Robert Schlegel and Kathy Kuhns, respectively, were elected Clerk and Associate Clerk. Inquirer Melanie Marsh Baum: Upon motion, duly made and seconded, the Session unanimously recommends to the Presbytery that she be advanced to the status of candidate for ordination as a Teaching Elder in the PCUSA. Finances: The Treasurers report shows Income: YTD Actual as: $ 243,230 versus YTD budgeted of: $ 246,350 and Expenses as YTD Actual of $241,038 versus budgeted $248,188. The end-of year totals look likely to be about even. The committee reported that the budgeting process for 2014 is well underway and they asked the various church committees to look at reducing their estimate to reflect the expected giving levels and increase in fixed expenses for 2014. The revisions to each ministrys budget are due at the office NLT December 10th. It was moved and duly seconded and the Session voted to receive the Treasurers report. Other actions/Reports: Upon motion, duly made and seconded, Doris and Stephen Charleston were added to the mission ministry. Upon motion, duly made and seconded, the Session approved a Scout Sunday service on February 9, 2014.
.

10

WORSHIP (continued)

Advent Wednesdays
What is the meaning of Gods coming into the world? Take a little time for reflection during the Christmas season. Cheryl Gans will be leading us in study and preparation on three Wednesday evenings during Advent: December 4th, December 11th, and December 18th. She will help each of us prepare for the journey of Advent by using our senses to engage in Gods incarnation. On December 4th we will see Gods presence in ourselves and in others. On December 11th we will hear Gods presence in the ordinary experiences of our lives. On December 18th we will seek to discern Gods touch in our unconscious minds. On the first evening, December 4th, the study time will be preceded by dinner together at 5:30 p.m. No need to contribute anything! It will be provided by the Worship Ministry. On the succeeding Wednesdays, December 11th and 18th, come at 6:00 p.m. for reflection together.

Poinsettias in the Sanctuary during the Christmas Season

One beautiful expression of our joy at Christmas is to have the sanctuary decorated with poinsettias. We invite you to help with this. Please consider ordering a poinsettia in honor of someone or in memory of someone to be displayed during the Christmas season in our sanctuary. After worship on December 29th, you can then take the poinsettia home and enjoy it there. Each poinsettia is $10.00. The order form is on the reverse. You can place your order in the offering plate on a Sunday, or drop it off in the Church Office. All checks should be made payable to Fort King Presbyterian Church with poinsettia written on the notation line. Thank you!

Poinsettia Order
(Please Print) _______ Number of poinsettias @ $10.00/each $_______________

given by____________________________________________________________________________________

in honor/memory of: __________________________________________________________________________ circle one (Please place order and payment in the offering plate or turn into the Church Office.)

11

WORSHIP (continued)

Worship Calendar for December

Make your Christmas season one of worship, reflection, and deep joy. Join us for worship throughout the month of December. Sunday, December 1 ~ 10:30 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary The First Sunday of Advent Liturgical Hanging of the Greens Communion will be celebrated. Guest Minister The Rev. Glenn Dixon

Wednesday, December 4 ~ Time of Study and Reflection in 5:30 p.m. Fellowship Hall 5:30 Supper 6:00 Study and Reflection, led by Cheryl Gans She will help us see Gods presence in ourselves and in others. Sunday, December 8 ~ 10:30 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary The Second Sunday of Advent The Rev. Andy Gans, preaching Christmas Dinner Organized and cooked by Bob and Bernice Henry Turkey, provided by Session Bring your favorite side dish to share. Christmas Pageant in Fellowship Hall Written by Rick Roberts and Directed by Sheletha Strawder and Nikki Tripodi.

5:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

12

WORSHIP (continued)

Wednesday, December 11 ~ Time of study and reflection in the Fellowship Hall Cheryl Gans will guide us to hear Gods presence 6:00 p.m. in the ordinary experiences of our lives. Sunday, December 15 ~ 10:30 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary The Third Sunday of Advent Christmas Cantata, Behold the Star, presented by the Choir under the direction of Music Director, Rick Roberts

Wednesday, December 18 ~ Time of Study and Reflection in Fellowship Hall 6:00 p.m. Cheryl Gans will help us to discern Gods touch in our unconscious minds. Sunday, December 22 ~ 10:30 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary The Fourth Sunday of Advent The Rev. Andy Gans, preaching Three Worship Services in the Sanctuary Christmas Eve At all three services: Carol singing, Communion Celebration, The Rev. Andy Gans will preach. At only the 7 and 11 Services: Candle Lighting Worship in the Sanctuary Guest Minister, The Rev. Terry Robertson

Tuesday, December 24 ~ 4 p.m., 7 p.m., 11 p.m.

Sunday, December 29 ~ 10:30 a.m.

13

WORSHIP (continued)
Something To Think About
II

Love Your Enemies

Matthew 5:44a//Luke 6:27a Yes, , only Jesus of Nazareth said these words. words The Jewish scholar, David Flusser, Flusser observed:

The commandment to love ones enemies is so much his (i.e. Jesus) definitive characteristic that his are the only lips from which we hear the commandment in the whole of the New Testament (David Flusser 1969 Jesus 70); and, This was no sentimental doctrine (op cit. 74). The Jesus Seminar agrees because It cuts against the social grain and constitutes a paradox: those who love their enemies have no enemies (R. Funk et al. 1993 The Five Gospels 147). This certainly needs to be thought about.
Professor Flussers observation is on target: * Early Christian writings changed the commandment to Pray for * It is not until +/- 250 CE that the Apostolic Constitutions VII, 1 refers to love enemies, without commentary! Nowhere else may Jesus saying be found. In the NT, the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:20 quotes Proverbs 25:21-22:

If the enemy is hungry, feed him, thirsts, give him to drink. You will heap burning coals upon his head! It is quite obvious that Love your enemies was not a priority for the early church!
Matthew/Luke prefaced Jesus commandment: * The use of the verb to hear/Shema (used in different ways). * The hearing/Shema of first century CE Judaism was this: Hear, O Israel, the Lord your God is one (Deuteronomy 6:4). * When Jesus announced for the hearing of the people: Love your enemies, he is setting forth a new Shema for Israel. Jesus, by his commandment, is releasing his disciples from the political associations of the

Old Israel. From now on there can be no more wars of faith! The only way to overcome our enemy is by loving him (Dietrich Bonhffer 1995 The Cost of Discipleship 147, my emphasis). Did anybody hear/listen then? Do we listen today to Jesus of Nazareth, Lord and Christ (Acts
2:36)? Jesus Shema needs specific clarification. A. A commandment (whether in Moses, Deuteronomy, Leviticus, or Jesus of Nazareth) cannot be transformed into a morality, a dogma, a religious belief or behavioral expectation. To do so is to make it automatic and mechanical, a habit, not a choice. A commandment cannot fit into a scheme, a program, nor does it have an agenda. Because, B. Any biblical commandment is oriented to a specific concrete human, person-to-person relationship, which means this: I must decide in each human encounter how I will respond to my enemy! The response of love is without illusion or sentimentality (G. Quell and E. Stauffer 1951 Love in Bible Key Words 44). Jesus added: without expectation, i.e. reward! C. To love ones enemy is to announce that a new order in human relationships has begun. Jesus made this absolutely clear: The kingdom of God is in your midst (Luke 17:21)!

14

WORSHIP (continued)
Precisely what did the biblical writers and Jesus of Nazareth mean by love? Love Entails A. Going beyond ones own selfself-interest, what I can get for me, what s/he can do for me; and, B. Going beyond functional social relationships in which my social role and my social relationships are defined by institutional functions and expectations. Love Means precisely this: To affirm the life of the other: my life, your life, the life of creation, the life of my enemy. It is a choice I must make in each concrete situation as the world of the other confronts me and I engage it. What Love Does is this: A. Love for the other declares the end of past debts, i.e. forgiveness (See the Lords Prayer!). What our relationship in the past was, the offenses of the past, all that is forgiven. The past is dead, not the person. WE, the enemy and I, are both liberated from the past. B. Love opens a future in which our relationships are defined in terms of human-person rather than social-function or role; that future is open, not programmed or controlled. Recent studies from the neurosciences are showing that research does not suggest that brain mechanisms underlie the relationships that exist in a social structure (Michael Gazzaniga 2005 The Ethical Brain [Dana Press] 89). And, Brains are

automatic, rule-governed, determined devices, while people are personally responsible agents, free to make their own decisions (Ibid.), a point Noam Chomsky makes in his Language and the Mind (3rd Ed. 2006).
To Love ones enemies, to affirm his/her life, is a choice I must make in each concrete specific human encounter. I must make the decision to use, to retaliate, to hate, or to affirm the life of the other, to love. There are three important points: A. Jesus made it perfectly clear that we are not to expect anything in return (Luke 6:35), because the relationship is not based on whats in it for me! B. It is only in loving ones enemies that we become the Body of Christ, because we are going beyond the parameters of a social role and function to encounter the other in terms of lifeaffirmation, rather than death. C. Dietrich Bonhffer, in 1937 (The Cost of Discipleship 152), said this:

The fatal mistake of the false Protestant ethic diluted Christian love into patriotism, loyalty to friends and industriousness, which in short, perverted the better righteousness into justicia civilis civilis.
This is precisely what happened in the German Evangelical Church in 1933, which required the response of the Barmen Confession of 1934. And, America in 2013? While so much of what is said here may seem to be abstract and over-my-head, it is absolutely essential that we do think about this. This is a choice we must make because Jesus of Nazareth lived and he died doing what he said: loving the enemy that crucified him. He did not play word games. Something we need to think about, because our choice will say who we really are in the world and in this community. Shalom, Tom

15

WORSHIP (continued)

Bath Abbey Stained Glass Window

The Lace Ceiling of Bath Abbey

Sailing in the Great Sea of Life

While in England in 2007, we visited Bath Abbey. There are many outstanding features of the Abbey. The architecture, stained glass windows, the lace ceiling throughout the Abbey and, of course, the magnificent Klaus Organ. One of the stained glass windows that caught my attention was a depiction of Jesus and the Disciples at the Sea of Galilee. Another item of interest was the number of notable sea-faring individuals who were members of Bath Abbey, among them Admiral Horatio Nelson. I could not help but think of the great hymn Eternal Father, Strong to Save. The words were written by William Whiting in 1860. Interestingly, he wrote the lyrics as a poem for a student about to sail for America. William Whiting (1825-1878) was born in Kensington, England, and educated at Chapham and Winchester. Because of his musical ability, he became master of Winchester College Choristers' School. While best known for Eternal Father, Whiting also published two poetry collections: Rural Thoughts, and Edgar Thorpe, or the Warfare of Life. He died at Winchester The tune was written by John B. Dykes in 1861. Dykes fittingly named the tune after a locale associated with a Biblical shipwreck. Melita was the island the Apostle Paul reached after his ship went down (Acts 28:1); today we know it as the isle of Malta. John Bacchus Dykes (1823-1876) was born in Hull, England, and by age 10 was the assistant organist at St. John's Church, Hull, where his grandfather was vicar. He studied at Wakefield and St. Catherine's College, earning a B.A. in Classics in 1847. He cofounded the Cambridge University Musical Society. He was ordained as curate of Malton in 1847. For a short time, he was canon of Durham Cathedral, then precentor (18491862). In 1862 he became vicar of St. Oswald's, Durham. He published sermons and articles on religion but is best known for over 300 hymn tunes he composed. John Bacchus Dykes was born in Hull, Yorkshire, in 1823. His father was a bank manager. His grandfather was the well known old-school evangelical priest, the Rev'd. Thomas Dykes. The musical talents of the young John Dykes came out early. He could play by ear even before he received any instruction in music. He played the organ in his grandfather's church at the age of ten. John

16

WORSHIP (continued)
Dykes received his education at Wakefield Proprietary School and Cambridge University. He graduated with Mathematical Honours in 1847 the same year that he was made Deacon. He was priested the following year. He served his curacy at Malton in Yorkshire and in 1849 he became at once Minor Canon and Precentor of Durham Cathedral as well as gaining a Doctorate in Music in the University of Durham. He married Susan Kingston in 1850 and together they had two sons and four daughters. Dr. Dykes Precentorship ended in 1862 when he accepted the Vicarage of St. Oswald's in Durham. His musical ability and loving character had strongly influenced the Cathedral both musically and morally. His time at St. Oswald's led to a remarkable raising of the standards in the presentation of services. His preaching drew people from all over the city. Sadly, after some 12 years he came into conflict with his Bishop. These were the years when 'ritualism' was strongly resisted by many bishops. Dr. Dykes struggles to maintain this great parish, now of course with no assistance from curates, led to a breakdown of both physical and mental health. He was finally laid to rest in his own churchyard of St. Oswald's on January 28th 1876. His music is not found only in Anglican hymnals both Presbyterian and Congregational books contain some of his work. Among others are ones which we frequently use in our own worship: Lead Kindly Light, Praise to the Holiest in the Height; The King of Love My Shepherd Is; Jesus, Lover of My Soul; Our Blest Redeemer; Holy, Holy, Holy, and Eternal Father, Strong to Save. Our worship would be much the poorer without these powerful messages of hope and love. He died in Sussex at age 53. The first verse refers to God the Father's forbidding the waters to flood the earth as described in Psalm 104 (Psalm 104:5-9). The second verse refers to Jesus miracles of stilling a storm and walking on the waters of the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 8:23-27, Matthew 14:22-33). The third verse references the Holy Spirits role in the creation of the earth in the Book of Genesis (Genesis 1:1), while the final verse is a reference to Psalm 107 (Psalm 107:1, 23-29) O give thanks to the Lord for his mercy endureth forever (vs.1) and They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the Lord, and his wonder in the deep. For He commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind which lifteth up the wave thereof. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits end. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. (vs. 23-29) In America, "Eternal Father" is often called the "Navy Hymn," because it is sung at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. It is also sung on ships of the British Royal Navy and has been translated into French. It was the favorite hymn of U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt and was sung at his funeral in Hyde Park, New York, in April 1945. The Navy Band played it in 1963 as U.S. President John Kennedy's body was carried up the steps of the U.S. Capitol to lie in state. Roosevelt served as Secretary of the Navy, and Kennedy was a PT boat commander in World War II. The hymn was played by the Navy Band and the Coast Guard Band during the funeral of U.S. former President Ronald Reagan. The hymn was also played at the Memorial Ceremony in Norfolk, VA for the USS Cole (DDG-67) after the bombing of the ship in October 2000. It was performed by the U.S. Navy Sea Chanters at the State Funeral of U.S. former President Gerald R. Ford, who had served in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater. As I travel through this wonderful life I, like you, encounter storms that cause my sailing to falter, instill doubt and fear of the future and its outcome, concerns of health and aging, and my ability to continue to serve our Father in music ministry. During those times, I often contemplate this beautiful hymn and its reassuring words. My soul is calmed just by the Fathers whisper, Peace, be still. With a song in my heart, Rick

17

WORSHIP (continued)
Flower Calendar
Please note: I am trying to work ahead on the flowers, so if you would like to provide flowers to commemorate a special event/occasion/memory etc. for a specific date, please call me as soon as possible. Thank you. Please also note: It is never too early to call me to select your chosen date. Dates in 2014 are already being selected, so please dont hesitate to call me if there is a Sunday you would like to commemorate by sharing with the church some type of flowers or plant of your choice. ( It could be fresh, silk, dried, etc. from your yard, a supermarket, a florist, etc.) As of this mailing, the following people will be providing flowers in January, February, and March 2014. If you would like to provide flowers on a date of your choice, please call Nancy Hall at 694-3221. Thank you. Thank you to these people as they share in donating the flowers for the following worship services: December 1 - 29, 2013---Poinsettias in the Sanctuary January 5, 2014---From Jim and Donna Johnson in celebration of their 29th wedding anniversary January 12, 2014---OPEN January 19, 2014---OPEN January 26, 2014---From Harold and Roselle Pringle in celebration of their 19th wedding anniversary February 2, 2014---From Buddy and Anne MacKay February 9, 2014---In celebration of our 58th wedding anniversary on February the 11th from Steve and Janet Mitchell February 16, 2014---OPEN February 23, 2014---In celebration of Nan Andrews 92nd birthday from Bruce, Gouley, Cody, Tom and Linda March 2, 2014---OPEN March 9, 2014---OPEN March 16, 2014---OPEN March 23, 2014---From Jean Brown, Hal, Douglas, Bruce, and Lynn in loving memory of husband and father, Halowell E. Brown April 6, 2014---In memory of my dear friend, Peggy Wiechens from Mary Ellen Vowinkel April 13, 2014---OPEN April 20, 2014---Easter (Easter lilies in the Sanctuary) April 27, 2014---OPEN

18

December 2013
Italicized items are non-FKPC activities using FKPC facilities

Sunday
1 2

Monday
3

Tuesday

Wednesday
4 10:00 PW Council

Thursday

Friday Saturday
7

6 5 11:00 Disciple9:00 - 11:45 Library 7:30 Mens Bible 9:30 Prayer ship Adults 9:15 Adult Ed. & Study Shawl Ministry Ministry 11:00 Crafts Youth 6:00 Worship 10:00 Choir Practice 5:30 Advent Ministry 10:30 Worship 6:00 - 8:00 11:30 Discipleship Wednesday Marions United Youth Ministry 5:00 TOPS (FH) 5:30 Connections 5:00 PYC 5:30 Mission Ministry Ministry 7:00 Choir Practice (FH) 12 13 11 9 10 8 9:00 - 10:15 Blood Drive 7:30 Mens Bible 11:00 Crafts Study 9:00 - 11:45 Library 9:15 Adult Ed. & 1:00 Sassy Seniors Youth (off-site) 10:00 Choir Practice 10:30 Worship 6:00 Finance 5:00 TOPS (FH) 11:30 CongregaMinistry tional Care Ministry 6:30 Mens Night Out 7:00 Discipleship 11:30 - 1:00 Blood 6:00 Advent Ministry (off-site) Drive Wednesday Children 12:00 Faith Leaders 6:30 Esther Circle (off-site) 5:30 Christmas 7:00 Choir Practice Dinner & Pageant 17 16 15 20 19 18 9:00 - 11:45 Library 7:30 Mens Bible 10:00 Deborah Study 9:15 Adult Ed. & Circle Youth 3:00 Pastoral Care Deborah Circle 10:00 Choir Practice 11:00 Crafts Team Lunch (off-site) 10:30 Worship 12:00 Faith Leaders 6:00 Advent 5:00 PYC & High Wednesday 5:00 TOPS (FH) 6:00 Session Tide 7:00 Choir Practice 23 22 2 Cents A Meal & 7:30 Mens Bible Study Food4Kids Christmas Joy Offering 9:00 - 11:45 Library 9:15 Adult Ed. & Youth 10:00 Choir Practice 5:00 TOPS (FH) 10:30 Worship 5:00 PYC 30 29 9:00 - 11:45 Library 7:30 Mens Bible Study 9:15 Adult Ed. & Youth 10:00 Choir Practice 5:00 TOPS (FH) 10:30 Worship 5:00 PYC 24 OFFICE CLOSED NOON 25 OFFICE CLOSED 11:00 Crafts 4:00 Christmas Service 7:00 Christmas Service 11:00 Christmas Service 31 26 27

Set-up for Christmas Dinner (Fellowship Hall) 14

21

28

19

FORT KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 13 N.E. 36th Avenue Ocala, Florida 34470

Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid Ocala, FL 34478 Permit #100

RETURNED SERVICE REQUESTED

Label