Pastor’s Office hours are Monday through Thursday,
9 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Secretary is available Monday through Friday
12:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M.
The church is closed on Saturdays.
Small Group Activities
Bible Study
May 15, 22, 29
Presbyterian Women
May 8, 2024 @ 6 p.m.
Handbell Choir
Practice will be every Sunday directly after church except for the 3rd Sunday, which is Fellowship. Please sign up to ring the bells at the start of worship.
Choir Practice
Practice will be every Wednesday @ 7 p.m.
Sunday School
@ 9:30 a.m.
2024 Graduates
We would like to recognize all those seniors who
will be graduating in May. We will need a photo of the graduate so we can post in the May News.
Limestone Chorale Spring Concert
The concert will take place at First Presbyterian Church on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Saturday, May 4 12-3 Cummins Nature Center for a day of nature, walking, advocation against mental health stigma. There will be snacks, door prizes, cornhole and fellowship. Rain date: May 11th.
Will be available later this week
Sermon Scripture for May 5, 2024
Pastor Jim Dougans
The Outpouring of the Spirit: Pentecost 2024
As we approach Pentecost 2024, our hearts and minds turn to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that occurred on that momentous day. It was a day that marked a turning point in the history of the church, as the disciples were empowered to proclaim the gospel to a waiting world boldly.
The story of Pentecost is recorded in the second chapter of the book of Acts. On the day of Pentecost, the disciples were gathered together in Jerusalem when suddenly, a sound like a rushing wind filled the house where they were meeting. Tongues of fire appeared over their heads, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.
The disciples were immediately transformed. They began to speak in tongues and to prophesy. They were filled with joy and boldness and no longer afraid to share the gospel with others.
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost profoundly impacted the early church. It was the catalyst for the church's rapid growth, as thousands of people came to faith in Jesus Christ. It al-so gave the disciples the power to perform miracles and to heal the sick.
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit is not just a historical figure but a living and active presence in the church today. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith, love others, and make a difference in the world.
As we celebrate Pentecost 2024 on May 19, let us pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit would fill us with power, boldness, and love. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit would use us to bring about a great awakening in our nation and the world.
Shalom,
Pastor Jim
FPC Victim of Cyber Attack
Wednesday morning, April 17, 2024, I received an email from a name I recognized. This person asked for a PDF file (electronic version) of our church directory. Without suspecting anything, I asked the church secretary to email him the file.
If I had looked closely, I would have seen that the email was very different from that of the person known to the church. The email was from russkirve@gmail.com.
That afternoon, many church members began receiving text messages with an appeal claiming to be from me. The text read: “Good afternoon _____. This is Pastor Jim Dougans. I urgently need a favor from you. Kindly text me back as Soon as you receive this message. In Christ.” If you texted back, you were asked to buy eBay or Apple gift cards for refugees totaling $500. (Notice the scammer's phone number was not local. One number was 508.310.3918. Another number was 423.383.8795)
Probably one-third of church members received these scam texts. That Wednesday afternoon, we alerted everybody via email, Facebook, text, and phone calls. As far as I know, no member lost any money.
I was wrong not to be more careful with something as sensitive as our church directory. I am very sorry to have let you down in this way. To prevent this from ever happening again, it seems prudent that we release only paper copies of the church directory, not a PDF or Word version.
I have turned this information over the the FBI and they are looking into the matter. Please continue to be alert to potential scams. Know that I will never ask you for money in this way. Call me (317.513.8229) if you have doubts about an email or text from me.
This cyber-attack is a stark reminder that no one is immune to these scams.
In Christ,
Pastor Jim
Lectionary Reading for May
May 5 - Sixth Sunday of Easter
Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98, 1 John 5:-6, John 15:9-17
May 9 - Ascension of the Lord
Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47 or Psalm 93, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53
May 12 - Seventh Sunday of Easter
Acts 1:15-17, Psalm 1, John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19
May 19 - Day of Pentecost
Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, Romans 8:22-27 or Acts 2:1-21, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
May 26 - Trinity Sunday
Isaiah 6:1-8 and Psalm 29, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17
May 31 - Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth
1 Samuel 2:1-10 and Psalm 113, Romans 12:9-16b, Luke 139:-57
A Summer Experiment - Worship at 10 A.M.
At its last meeting, the session voted to try an experiment this summer. For the months of June, July, and August, we will commence worship at 10 AM instead of 10:45 AM. In September, the session will assess whether the experiment went well and whether it should become the norm for summer worship.
Why the change? An earlier worship time will free up more time for relaxing Sabbath activities, such as going for a drive, pursuing hobbies, hiking, or visiting with family. You may also get a better spot at your favorite restaurants for lunch or dinner.
An earlier worship time may have other benefits. It allows us to take advantage of the quieter and more peaceful atmosphere in the morning, and starting worship at 10 AM may improve attendance and participation.
We understand that change can be challenging. We ask that you give this a try. Again, this is a trial run, an experiment to gauge its effects. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact a session member.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Together, let us continue to grow in faith and community.
The Session of First Presbyterian Church, Maysville
PRAYER LIST
Licking Valley Senior Center
Carol Heflin Larry Kenny Agatha Russell Joyce Truesdell
Penny Sellers Analee Gilbert Carol Brunell Phyllis Rice
Sheila Murphy Betty Clark Daryl Bussell Larry Risdon
Wilma Day Donna Curtis Judy Hunter
Maysville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
All Residents
Francis Honescheck Zora Myers Margaret Vance Steve Hafer
Dana Matthews Terry Reed Joanne Clinger Anita Wilson
Pearl Dunningan Sandra Brown Judith Greene Michael Richey
Don Lanthorn Adrian Truesdell George Burns Sr. Rob Skidmore
Carl Berry Robin Brunette Kenneth Werline
Jane Diana Cobb
Family(ies) of
Anna Phillips Robert Smith
Groups
CASA Children
Limestone Ministerial Assoc. and CCMA
Our military
People of Ukraine, Russia, & Middle East
Maysville Police Department Officers
R E M E M B E R I N P R A Y E R
Added in February
David Combs
Bill Shugars
Ann Stivers
Wesley Chapel Church of Christ in Christian Union, Winchester, OH
Peggy Clark
Added in March
Chad Current
Virginia Doyle
Mike Franklin
Linda Helton
Jan & Dewy Applegate
Jim Fant
Pat Webb
Raylyn Poe
Carl Berry
Randy Ginn
Angie Spencer
Terri Sue Adkins
Added in April
Dan Crum
Peg Crum
Kirby Wright
Sarah Hicks & Family
Jackie Cluxton
Sparky McDowell
Maggie Denham
Gaylen Roades
First Christian Church
Congratulations to Our 2024 Graduate Walker Wood
Walker Wood will graduate from Miami University on May 18, 2024. He will graduate from the Honors Program, as well as, receiv-ing a Bachelor's of Science in Accounting and Finance. Walker has accepted a position as an Auditor with Forvis. Forvis is ranked among the largest accounting firms in the United States. Walker will be working out of the Bowling Green, Kentucky office, starting in October 2024.
Walker is the son of Andrew and Beth Wood and the grandson of the late Woodson T. and Betty B. Wood.
Rhonda Purdon: A Dedicated Church Secretary
Rhonda Purdon has been the church secretary at First Presbyterian Church (FPC) for one year. She is dedicated and hard-working and always willing to go the extra mile to help.
Rhonda's duties as church secretary include answering phones, greeting visitors, scheduling ap-pointments, and maintaining the church's records. She also pays bills, produces financial reports, and interacts comfortably with church members and visitors.
Rhonda is a kind and compassionate person who is always willing to listen to people's concerns. She is also a great problem solver who finds a way to get things done, even if there are obstacles.
Personal Life
Rhonda has two children, Allyssa and Brittany, and two grandchildren, Deacon and Stella. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, hiking, and gardening.
Education and Experience
Rhonda graduated from high school in 1984 and earned a degree in organizational management from Midway College in 2008. She also works part-time as the Fiscal Officer for the Village of Aberdeen.
Rhonda has deep roots in Maysville. Prior to that, she worked for Federal-Mogul for 18 years as the Human Resources Manager and TechnoTrim as a Human Resources Administrator for 9 years.
Rhonda's Impact on the Church
Rhonda has made a significant impact on FPC. With a warm smile and a listening ear, she greets each member of our congregation with genuine care. Her kindness and empathy create a wel-coming atmosphere, helping to make our church a place where everyone feels valued and loved.
Rhonda is a valuable asset to FPC and a shining example of what it means to be a Christian servant.
TO PRINT
FPC Seeks "Activity Director"
The session has created the new position of Activity Director. This is a part-time position with a primary responsibility to plan, organize, and implement a regular schedule of activities such as meals, trips, and seminars. Contact the church office to obtain the position description. Pastor Jim would be happy to answer any questions.
“The Tie That Binds”
The Role of Per Capita in the Presbyterian Church (USA)
What is “per capita?”. In a nutshell, “per capita is a set amount of money per member that congregations pay to the larger Presbyterian Church (USA)”. You can think of per capita as a Presbyterian Community Fund, whereby Presbyterians share in the expenses of our system of government. Since every Presbyterian benefits, every Presbyterian should share in the cost. You might call it the “tie that binds.”
In 2024 per capita has been set at $39.29 per member. This is the amount each member is expected to pay each year.
Per capita provides for the cost of bringing together:
commissioners and advisory delegates to the General Assembly.
church leaders from presbyteries and synods for training events.
necessary tools to develop and administer ordination exams to seminarians preparing to be-come pastors.
Per capita also funds:
The Presbyterian Historical Society, assuring our witness to the gospel today will be preserved for future generations. Approximately 60% of the Society’s budget is funded through per capita.
The production in multiple languages and distribution of the Book of Order, the Book of Confessions and other General Assembly publications.
A Presbyterian presence at ecumenical groups and gatherings in this country and worldwide.
While you can pay per capita anytime during the year, it may slip your mind if you wait. Why not pay it this month? When writing out your check write "per capita" on the memo line.
CLICK ON CALENDAR TO PRINT
What happens if I am in the hospital?
It is important to note that due to HIPPA laws, hospitals will not inform the church of your hospitalization or share any relevant details. We rely on you to let us know when you or a loved one is hospitalized. Know that we will always respect your desire for privacy and confidentiality. Perhaps you want Pastor Jim to know of your hospitalization but do not want to appear on the prayer list--that's okay! Others might prefer to have their hospitalization noted in the Sunday bulletin, inviting the prayers of the congregation. Please do not hesitate to inform the office (606.564.3639) of your wishes, whatever they might be. As the body of Christ, we rejoice in the opportunity to care for one another.
Carl & Liz Berry
Maysville Nursing & Rehab
620 Parker Rd
Maysville, KY 41056
Pat Webb
1455 Kenton Pointe Way
Maysville, KY 41056
Gwen Tuel
5013 Parry Lane
Maysville, KY 40156
If you would like a copy of the church's wedding policy please
email the office at firstpres@maysvilleky.net or click on
wedding button on the left to take you directly to email.