First Presbyterian Church of Orlando March 2010

Seeking. Sharing. Serving...All to the Glory of God

A blessing To Past, Present &

Future Generations

1 | COLUMNS
ON THE WAY
WITH DR. DAVID D. SWANSON
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all
we ask or imagine…to Him be glory in the church...”
Time flies when you’re having fun.
I must confess, the past five plus years have not always
been fun, though fun has certainly been a part of it (Danc-
ing With the Pastors? Come on….that was pure fun!) They
have, however, been tremendously enriching, satisfying,
challenging, and joy-filled, which may well be why they
have gone by so fast. Time has indeed flown.
“Ask what He is
calling you to give to
Immeasurably More...”
It seems like yesterday that many of us were standing
on the Great Lawn under an enormous tent, enjoying fel-
lowship and preparing to launch the Immeasurably More
Campaign for the future of our church. That was Palm Sun-
day in 2006. Here we are, only days away from Palm Sun-
day in 2010, and much has happened in those four years.
Church “experts” will tell you that raising money for debt is
the hardest sort of fundraising that can be done, yet in the
past four years, First Presbyterian Church has proven to be
the exception to the rule. God, through your generosity,
has done immeasurably more!
2 | COLUMNS
Ephesians 3:20
However, as you will read in these pages, we are not
done. We need to finish strong, and there is much work
still left to do. This is vitally important to our ministry and
to the future of this church, so I implore you to read this
issue. Read the information on how we will conclude the
campaign by the end of this calendar year. Digest and
prayerfully consider what we are doing, and what the Lord
has been doing among us with the additional dollars the
campaign has freed up for us.
Seek the Lord’s counsel. Pray with your spouse. Con-
sider the opportunity you have to practice generosity and
faithful stewardship. Ask what He is calling you to give to
Immeasurably More, over and above your regular giving
to First Presbyterian, and then commit to making that gift
by the end of year. You don’t need to tell anyone at the
church. Tell the Lord, and then be faithful to that promise.
God has done amazing things through this entire jour-
ney, so I am expectant for how He will conclude it. I am
looking forward to a day of celebration next October
when, together, we will give glory and thanks to the Lord
for doing immeasurably more through the saints at First
Presbyterian Church. With a joy-filled, expectant heart, I
remain
Under His Mercy,
David D. Swanson

4 ON THE COVER:
12
12 Sunday Family Tradition: Joe & Traci Ort
An up-close look at the benefits of Sunday School from one
couple’s perspective.
16 Camp Geneva
Experiencing the joy of camp with the Nivison girls.
IN THIS ISSUE:
4 Immeasurably More:
Finishing Strong
6 Immeasurably More:
Giving to Missions
8 Immeasurably More:
Taking Worship to the Next
Level
11 Heart of The City Foundation
Hames Scholarship
CONTACT US
Immeasurably More.
407.4 2 3 . 3 4 4 1
To arrange a baptism
Contact Worship x1451
We hear from three of our pastors as
they cast a vision for finishing strong. To arrange a wedding
Contact Weddings x1453
To arrange a funeral or
memorial service
Contact Pastoral Care x1455
To donate flowers for
worship services
Contact Worship x1451
With questions about your
pledge, donation, or budget
Contact Finance x1479
With a change of address
Contact Membership x1471
To purchase a sermon CD or DVD
Contact x1438
To join the Chancel Choir
Contact x1273
For child care reservations -
Early Childhood
Contact x2250
16
To reach the Security Office
Contact 407.415.9793
For Weekday School
Contact 407.996.5864
To find out about Sunday
School classes
Contact Spiritual Formation
x1463
With questions about the FPCO
website or its Columns publication
Contact Communications x1467
To reserve a meeting space
Contact Special Services x1469
HOSPITAL CALLS:
Hospitals are no longer able to
notify us when our members are
hospitalized. If you know someone
who is in the hospital, please
notify the Pastoral Care office at
x1455.
PASTORAL EMERGENCIES:
For pastoral emergencies outside
of the 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. church
office hours, please leave a voice-
mail message at the main church
18 Second Annual Chili number. The message center will
Cook-Off Recap page the minister on call, who will
reply as soon as possible.
21 Leigh Swanson to be Hon- NEED HELP?
Dependency assistance, cancer
ored for Ministry in Jails support group, grief support,
divorce care, infertility group,
22 Hey Kids! please contact Congregational
Life x1159
23 News & Notices
www.twitter.com/fpcorlando
Group: First Presbyterian Church
of Orlando

I n the fall of 2004, First Presbyterian Church carried a debt
of just under $15 million. Paying more than $1 million in
interest that year, it became clear that we could not move
forward with God’s plan for our future until that issue was
addressed. Thus, the Immeasurably More Campaign was
launched, and now, through the generosity of many, our
debt rests at $3 million.
When the campaign theme was chosen, it was chosen for
a specific reason. Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that God can
do “immeasurably more” through His power at work in us,
even more than we could imagine. It has no doubt come
to pass. In just four years, $1 million dollars has been freed
for the ministry of Christ and slightly more than $900,000
has been given to mission causes in Orlando and around
the world. That alone would be a huge success.
Even so, we’re not done. Since 2006, when the campaign
was launched, we have had 1371 new members join our
church. Our youth and children’s ministries have exploded.
The needs in our community have multiplied. God has put
our church in a unique position of influence, and we need
to be faithful to the ministry He has entrusted to us. We
believe He wants to do immeasurably more through First
Presbyterian Church, not just in the past four years, but
continuing forward into the future.
“In just four years,
$1 million dollars has
been freed for the
ministry of Christ.”
Thus, we need to pay off the last portion of this debt. We
need to finish strong! In doing so, we accomplish several
key priorities:
The debt, while financial, is also a spiritual issue. It has
4 | COLUMNS
Finishing Strong in 2010
By Dr. David Swanson, Senior Pastor
become instructive for us over the years, teaching us about
God’s faithfulness and provision while reminding us of His
call to be wise stewards of what He has entrusted to us. It
is only as we have grown in this area, through Crown Min-
istry and others like it, that we have been able to reduce
the debt. Even so, we need to continue that growth. We
made a commitment, and we need to honor it.
With local and global mission agencies facing massive
cuts, we need to continue giving 10% of our IM funds to
these causes. If we were able to continue this giving for
one more year, it could sustain ministries that otherwise
may not survive. This is the key component in God doing
“immeasurably more.”
Completing the campaign and paying off our note (due
October 31, 2010) would be a huge victory for our church;
one that would free us to consider what needs to happen in
the future. We have not made any needed capital expen-
ditures because the debt has been our priority. However,
with the debt gone, and if God were to do immeasurably
more in these next few months, we could start to address
three glaring needs:
A need for updated youth and children’s ministry spaces.
These two ministries are the fastest growing areas of the
church’s life. They are exploding, yet their rooms are sub-
standard and not nearly large enough to accommodate
the hundreds of students who are coming to our campus
each week.
A need for new video equipment. Our current equipment
is fifteen years old and analog. You may have heard that
our entire world has gone digital. That means that each
Sunday, we are patching together equipment that we often
cannot get parts for, and that makes even the most basic
adjustments impossible. Further, we need equipment that
will allow us to work back and forth between the Sanctuary
and Fellowship Hall. Right now, that equipment only works
in one direction.
A need for a stronger cash reserve. We want to be fiscal-
ly responsible, and it would help us immensely if we built
a cash reserve to see us through the summer the months,
instead of our normal practice of going to the bank for a
 Dear God,
Thank you
so much fo
blessings th r all the
at you pou
on me. r out
line of credit. There are costs and fees in such a line that
are unnecessary expenses.
Therefore, believing that God has a great plan to use
FPCO in this community and around the world, we are go-
ing to extend the Immeasurably More Campaign through
2010 with a four-tiered strategy that is already happening:
Prayer. Before we ever put pencil to paper to create the
IM campaign, Steve Cahill led us to spend three months
in prayer. We need to do the same thing now. Prayer is
essential, and Donna McClellan will be leading our Prayer
Team and our Stewardship Committee as we pray each day
for the conclusion of IM. Please join us in prayer!
We are inviting the 1371 members new to our church
since the campaign to prayerfully consider an Immeasur-
ably More gift to the Lord and to His future work in our
church.
We are inviting everyone who completed their four year
pledge to prayerfully consider extending that pledge one
more year, essentially turning a four-year campaign into a
five-year campaign. Giving 25% of one’s total pledge in
2010 would get us well down the road towards this goal.
We are inviting those who have not fulfilled their pledge,
many of whom having had crushing financial changes in the
past four years, to discard their pledge and simply give what
they are capable of giving in this calendar year.
We are hopeful and expectant for what God will do,
and ask that you join us, prayerfully and financially, as we
conclude the Immeasurably More Campaign this year. If
you have further questions, or would like to sit down with
someone and talk directly about your gift or pledge, feel
free to contact:
John Watts, Church Business Administrator
jwatts@fpco.org
Chris Stowers, Chair, Stewardship Committee
Chris.Stowers@orlandohealth.com
David Swanson, Senior Pastor
dswanson@fpco.org
Ralph Veerman, Executive Director,
Heart of the City Foundation
Ralph@veermanandassociates.com
May God be glorified as we move towards the conclusion
of our Immeasurably More Campaign!
COLUMNS | 5

F rom the inception of the IM Campaign it has been the pri-
ority of the Session to see the first-fruits of the campaign
returned to the Lord in the form of mission work. The first 10%
of each dollar that is received towards the campaign is placed
in a separate Money Market account. Once that fund reaches
$250,000, after $2.5 million in funds are received, distribu-
tions are made to nine pre-approved projects. These projects
were carefully considered using the following guidelines:
What work will interface and support the direction of our
growing Mission Department?
What projects will provide a healthy balance between educa-
tion, relief, and community development?
What projects will provide a balance between local youth
ministries, urban concerns, and global work?
What projects will allow our people to be involved and trans-
formed by doing mutual mission together in Christ’s name?
“Thank you for sacrificing…
We are truly making a
difference for Christ…
To God be the glory!”
Three global projects, five local youth ministries, and a new
church development project were selected prior to the cam-
paign and we have remained deeply committedto making an
impact for God. To date, the gifts to the Immeasurably More
Campaign have given out almost one million dollars!
$240,000 invested in Global Discipleship to Overseas Council
International for investment in seminary education.
$240,000 invested in Global Mercy to Compassion Interna-
tional’s AIDS/HIV initiative.
$240,000 invested in community development with Mission
Emanuel.
$25,000 invested in a Downtown Evangelism initiative with
Apartment Life.
6 | COLUMNS
Immeasurably More Gives
Almost $1 Million Dollars to
Mission Ministries
By Dr. Case Thorp
$240,000 invested in Local Youth, split evenly among the fol-
lowing five youth ministries: Frontline Outreach, Fellowship
of Christian Athletes, House of Hope, Campus Crusade for
Christ’s Student Venture, and Young Life.
An ‘extra blessing’ of $1,500 was allocated to the five youth
ministries listed above, which are in need during these tough
economic times, and a $1,500 gift for Haitian relief was of-
fered to the Mission Emanuel.
Total:  $994,000!
Thank you for sacrificing over the past few years for this effort.
We are truly doing “immeasurably more” for Christ through
the work of these mission partners. To God be the glory!
Global Mission as a Two-Way Street:
A priority of the FPCO Mission Ministry is for mission to be
a two-way street. The Immeasurably More campaign allowed
this to happen in a tremendous fashion, helping us meet a
Mission Department goal of cultivating global citizenship. We
don’t just go ‘over there’ to see the work of God in a foreign
context, but we bring our brothers and sisters of the global
church here to be a positive influence on our congregation.
Since the inception of the IM Campaign, the following ex-
changes have occurred:
Teams of FPCO men and families have continued to serve
with Mission Emanuel in the Dominican Republic
Javier and Rosie de la Cruz of Mission Emanuel have given
testimony in FPCO’s worship services.
Jack Larsen, Lindsay and Elliot Drake: Mission Emanuel staff,
are regularly with the FPCO community.
A team of five from FPCO visited the work of Compassion
International in Ethiopia.
Wes Stafford, Compassion International President, preached in
FPCO’s worship services.
Compassion International Sponsorship Sundays resulted in
hundreds sponsored by FPCO members.
Dr. Oleg Turlac of the College of Theology and Education,
Chisinau, Moldova, has given testimony in FPCO’s worship
services.
 I have pr
ayerfully s
your guida ought out
nce in my
this year. giving for
Dr. Riad Kassis of Overseas Council led a conversation about
ministry in the Middle East.
In Focus: FPCO’s Stans Project:
The Immeasurably More Mission Tithe gift to Overseas
Council is targeted to make an impact for Christ in the Mus-
lim world. OC (www.overseas.org) is an organization that as-
sists Western donors and churches with evaluating, training,
and monitoring support for third-world seminaries who are
training indigenous leadership for the local church. $100,000
of the $240,000 gift given to Overseas Council is going to
the College of Theology and Education (CTE) in Moldova, a
former republic of the Soviet Union, to deepen their training
in the Muslim countries of Central Asia.
CTE has a campus in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, where
approximately 180 (120 full time; 60 part time) students study.
In addition, approximately 145 students, many of whom are
Muslim converts, are studying in CTE’s extension centers in
Kazahkstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. Students are from
Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, Caucasus, and Central Asia and
represent 30 nationalities.
Throughout the year, students are involved in social work/
compassionate care projects, including work at orphanages,
retirement facilities, and hospitals where they lead Bible stud-
ies, counsel, and provide humanitarian aid to families. CTE
recently began a joint program with Peter Deyneka Jr.’s or-
ganization of Russian Ministries, called School without Walls,
which provides a two-year curriculum for training ministers at
the grass-roots level in three regions in Moldova. Taught by
CTE faculty, the program emphasizes missions, youth minis-
try, and church planting.
In Focus: Young Life:
By Bret Allen, FPCO Member and Area Director for Young
Life Heart of Orlando
In September of 2009 Young Life at Jones High School had
its first club meeting. Jones Young Life meets every Tues-
day night in Parramore near the Amway Arena. Average at-
tendance is between 20-30 students. This has been a much
needed and prayed for ministry. It allows Young Life to con-
tinue our ministry with students from Howard Middle School
who move into Jones and to reach new students at the high
school level.
Also, in November of 2009, the first ever Young Life Caper-
naum club was held. Capernaum is the name given to Young
Life’s ministry to kids with disabilities. Capernaum will have
monthly meetings in the winter\spring and take kids to a
week of camp in the summer of 2010.
Both of these ministries are examples of God’s leading and
Young Life’s commitment to reaching ALL kinds of kids with
the gospel.
COLUMNS | 7

F PCO is on the cusp of being able to take worship to the
next level. You might be asking yourself “Worship? What
more can be done in worship?”, “The worship at FPCO is fine
just the way it is – why change?” or “What in the world is the
next level?”
At FPCO we are blessed to have both Traditional and Con-
temporary worship experiences that are excellent in their con-
tent and realization each and every week. The caveat to that
statement is “within the current parameters and reality for our
church”. But what happens when our reality and parameters
are different? Paying off the IM debt will indeed bring us into
that new reality, which will enlarge our ability to dream, create,
serve, and worship our God! We need to be ready to move
into that new reality – to dream and discern how God would
have us Seek, Share, and Serve within our new boundaries.
In worship, it will mean being able to expand the quality of
our experiences and our opportunities for service by our laity
within those services.
“...dream with us about
the beautiful and
engaging worship of
our future.”
In a paper by Zac Hicks of Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church
(Englewood, CO) I recently read, he clearly states the justifica-
tion for having multiple worship expressions.
“…So as we think about the content of worship, we are per-
fectly comfortable with seeing that substance (the content of
the worship service) thoughtfully clothed in what would be
our culture’s natural expression of thanks and praise to its Cre-
ator. So after asking about the kind of worship that is pleasing
to God, we can then ask how our culture would express his-
torically-based, Christian worship unto God. The way people
in our day and age might most naturally express their worship
unto God is…one’s “cultural heart expression.”
8 | COLUMNS
Taking Worship to
the Next Level
By Dr. Rebecca Bedell, Minister of Worship
Having Traditional Worship and Genesis meets those “cul-
tural heart expression” in their most basic forms. The two
primary differences in the services are musical style and formality.
However, those two things alone will not allow, as Hicks states,
“people in our day and age” to fully use their cultural heart
expression in worship. People in our day and age. No matter
what your age, socio-economic strata, or education level, we
are all people of this “day and age.”
What does that mean for the church and specifically for wor-
ship? It means that we do not engage with our world in the
same way even the last generation did – yet, many churches
are still engaging in worship in the way we did generations
ago, particularly in Traditional Worship. The majority of people
today don’t use encyclopedias or dictionaries – we look it up
online. Many do not have “land lines” anymore – cell phones
and texting fill those needs. Letters are not the only means
of communication – email is considered standard protocol.
People of “our day and age,” i.e. you and me – are a tech-
nological people – and we are highly visual. Many churches
still offer worship experiences that are primarily aural/vocal in
nature. You sit and listen. Sometimes you speak or sing. But
the engagement of your “person” is predominately accessed
in those ways.
Current forms of presentation can enhance the experience
or draw in people who would not ordinarily be interested in
something. Let me briefly share three examples. The circus is
an event – La Nouba is a circus experience. Andrew Rieu has
brought millions to a new love and appreciation of Classical
music by taking music from being an auditory experience in
the form of a concert to a multi-sensory experience. (www.an-
drerieu.com/site/) Groups like Celtic Women and River Dance
have reinvigorated Celtic folk music. What do all these things
have in common? They utilize the visual and other art forms
– they “converge” a visual world with a world that used to be
only aural. People are intrigued and interested again.
You might think of those examples as “performance” – and
worship is definitely not that, nor do I want it to be, but God
is the first and foremost creator. He has given us a full palette
of paints in many colors – but in worship, many churches stick
to one or two colors while the rest go unused. Our dream
and desire to move forward in worship at FPCO is to use more
colors. How do we do that? We begin by thinking differently
about the arts, including the Technical Arts, in worship. We
work to fuse everything we have at our disposal so that we
can most fully express our heart to God. Doing this will also
 I pledg
e, in o
to give bedienc
of my e to y
first fru ou,
its.
In Your
Eternal
Grasp,
Your Faithfu
l Steward
allow us to engage ourselves in worship in new and fuller
ways. Zac Hicks uses the word convergent to describe this
merging – although he specifically targets that term regard-
ing contemporary worship experiences. I really like the term
convergent, but I see applications for all types of worship. All
of the people who attend worship at FPCO live in this “day
and age” – and even if internet, email, and cell phones are
not used, the typical U.S. home has at least one television.
Thus, the current age of visual image is something we all have
in common.
The first step in this process for worship is to bring a long-
needed visual upgrade to both the Sanctuary and Lee Fellow-
ship Hall. We need to move those two rooms into the 21st
century - without making any structural changes. Enhance-
ments are needed in LFH to bring the visual/image capac-
ity to where it needs to be. The Sanctuary proves to be the
more challenging space. One only gets a true representation
of what can be done in our Sanctuary for worship at an eve-
ning event. The Christmas Rejoice Concerts and the IM kick-
off event are both great examples of the stunning visual pos-
sibilities that room holds. On Sunday mornings, a different
scenario unfolds. At both services, but particularly at 11am,
the screens are very light due to the influx of light from the
windows. Using images on existing screens is virtually useless
due to the light washing them out. Different lighting instru-
ments are needed in order to have a truly “artistically conver-
gent” service on Sunday mornings. A way to manage the light
is also being considered. The following link offers a peek into
the “what can be.”: www.visualworshipper.com
The second portion of the visual upgrade deals with cameras
and video equipment. The federal government’s mandate
to move all television signals to High Definition (HD) Format
rendered all of our cameras and other equipment antiquated.
With the upgrade to HD cameras and supporting equipment
we will be able to broadcast with the required format. Our
current state of equipment only allows us to simulcast the ser-
mon from the Sanctuary into LFH. Our technology will not
allow us to broadcast in the opposite direction. The visual
upgrade will provide the cameras necessary to simulcast from
either room into the other. Increased equipment and possi-
bilities also brings increased opportunities for service.
This has already been the case as we have developed our
Technical Arts area over the last year. We have already in-
creased the opportunities for volunteers (laity) to serve on
Sunday mornings. Many people think that the only way you
can “serve” in worship is if you are musical. Not true. There
are many opportunities to serve in worship – and the current
and future Technical Arts area has many opportunities.
I hope that you will take the time to visit some of the web-
sites that are in this article and begin to dream with us about
the beautiful and engaging worship of our future. Dream of
how we can make an even more excellent offering of worship
to our creator God, worship more fully, and draw in a world,
so that they may have the opportunity to fully experience His
love and redeeming power.
COLUMNS | 9
Photos by Jason Frazier

10 | COLUMNS
 Hear t of the Cit y Foundation Scholarships Build Bridges
Bet ween Pa st and Present Generation s
Hear t of The Cit y Foundation
Hames Scholarship
H eart of the City Foundation has awarded over 900
scholarships to students, and these scholarships not
only assist in financing education, but they also inspire
by providing stories of the lives of those who have made
these scholarships possible. Many students are provided
with biographies of those who established the scholarship
endowments, and these life stories build bridges between
the qualities and legacys of those who have come before
us and current generations. Erin Fish was a 2009 recipient
of the Hames Scholarship, and she has been inspired by
the life and legacy of Clifford Hames.
What have you learned while attending college this year?
Erin Fish: This year of college has been one of growth and
learning, as a student and as a Christian. The classes I took
last semester and presently are really interesting and chal-
lenge me to open my views and see the greater context
of the world. I am gaining a better understanding of the
Bible, Christianity, and the historical context of the time,
through my religion courses.
How has the Hames Scholarship helped you to achieve
your goals?
EF: This scholarship has allowed me to affordably attend
the college of my choice, even though it is a private insti-
tution. Growing up in a single-parent household has, at
times, been a struggle financially, but I am thankful that
with scholarships such as this one, my education has not
been hindered. The environment in which I work, study,
and live, is one that nurtures and challenges me. I could
not find it anywhere else than at Presbyterian College.
What are you currently studying?
EF: I am currently double-majoring in English and German
and minoring in Religion.
What are your career goals?
EF: I do not know exactly what I want to do with my degree,
but I would like to do some sort of writing work, possibly
with a mission organization. I began working in PC’s Writing
Center last fall, which has helped me become a better writer
and given me the opportunity to help my fellow students.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
EF: I am particularly fond of Psalm 28:7 – “The Lord is my
strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am
helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him
in song.” This verse speaks to me about how much God
will guide me when I let Him, and how full my life is when
I entrust it to Him. In return for God’s love, it is impossible
to keep quiet; singing to God is one of my favorite ways to
praise Him (maybe that is why I chose a verse from Psalm)
and I often find myself singing a hymn or praise song.
If you could have met Clifford Hames, what would you
have asked him?
EF: I would have asked Mr. Hames about his life, how he
achieved his goals, and how God worked in his life to point
him in new directions. I find other people’s stories fasci-
nating and I hope to one day be able to share my life and
my knowledge with someone like Mr. Hames shared his
with his community.
How do you identify with Clifford Hames? How does he
inspire you?
EF: I identify with Mr. Hames’ pride in public schools. I re-
ceived a wonderful education growing up in public schools.
My public school experience exposed me to a broader
spectrum of people and life in downtown Orlando. Mr.
Hames’ commitment to furthering his education, despite
the political climate at the time, is inspirational. His life
shows that dedication to God and perseverance through
the world is rewarding.
Erin is an exceptional student with a heart for the Lord,
and she has fully embraced opportunities to grow intellec-
tually, spiritually, and socially. The Heart of the City Foun-
dation is honored to be a part in supporting her continued
education and in sharing the legacy of Clifford Hames to pro-
vide a new source of inspiration as she pursues her goals.
If you are interested in applying for a scholarship this year,
please visit www.orlandoheartofthecity.org to apply online.
Scholarship applications are due April 2, and late applications
will not be accepted. To learn more about the Heart of the City
Foundation, legacy gifts, or how to become involved, con-
tact Amy Bishop at 407.423.3441 or abishop@fpco.org.
COLUMNS | 11
 Sunday Family Tradition:
Joe & Traci Ort Interview by Todd McLennan
“It’s definitely been one of the best things in our marriage and in our lives.”
- Traci Ort
O ur Sunday School Classes at First Pres offer a wealth of
teaching and relational opportunities to those who in-
vest the time. I recently met with Joe & Traci Ort to discuss
how God used our Sunday School Classes to repeat His bless-
ings in their lives , the same way He did in Traci’s parents lives:
TM: Can you rewind in your minds to the first time you con-
sidered going to Sunday School here at First Pres, and what
was the process of finding a class?
Traci: I think we were both a little hesitant about going: we
were happy coming to the services, and we didn’t know if we
would be able to find a Sunday School class that would fit us.
“It takes you to a whole new level of
understanding for scripture.”
- Joe Ort
TM: How long had you been attending the services?
Traci: Maybe six months; we started coming here in February
of 2008 and we started going to Sunday School here some-
where around October.
Joe: In my mind-set you couldn’t convince me to go to a
couples’ class 3 years ago, because the first thing a typical
guy is thinking, “oh a bunch of couples sitting around sharing
feelings-yeah I’d rather watch football or poke my eyes out.”
But when we got married, her dad gave me only one piece of
advice, “find a Sunday School class and go to it”. I’ve been
to their Sunday School class: they’ve had the same class for
35 years, they’ve all had kids together, now they’re having
grand- kids together.
TM: The conversation sounds like it was very important to
you…like this was a big moment with your future father in-
12 | COLUMNS
photo by Todd McLennan
law…not like you were just playing golf and “oh by the way,
go to Sunday School”
Joe: Yeah…we were actually playing golf! When I met Traci’s
family I was struck at how strong her parents’ relationship was,
so just the fact that out of everything else he could have told
me that’s what he told me…it was enough for me to get over
the initial barrier. Then when I got there it was very differ-
ent than what I thought it would be. It wasn’t just a bunch
of couples sitting around talking about their feelings singing
“kumbaya”. I guess every Sunday School class is different,
but ours is led by Case Thorp, and Case has his doctorate
and knows so much about the Scripture that it’s a class. He
teaches a class. He has an agenda, a criteria, and I think it’s
amazing because we’ll get a piece of scripture that I’ve read
before, but then Case will teach on it and he’ll tie in other
portions of scripture. It takes you to a whole new level of un-
derstanding for scripture.
TM: So that aspect is not to do with the social environment:
he’s challenging the development of your faith, your doc-
trine, and your personal beliefs.
Joe: Absolutely.
TM: How did you choose that class?
Joe: I think we were just about to get married and we thought
it might be a good idea to go to that…it was targeted to-
wards couples in their twenties and thirties: So that was us.
Traci: I think we received some kind of postcard, or we saw
something in the bulletin about a couples’ class just starting.
We felt very welcomed when we went in there. Chad and
Bridget came straight up to us and said “Hi I’m Chad…I’m
Bridget…thanks for coming to the class”…so they were just
extremely welcoming.
TM: Aside from the academic part of it…what happened
with the other couples?
Traci: I feel like socially we were keyed in pretty quickly: we
met so many different couples in the class and they were all
in similar stages of life as we were, either recently married,
or about to start a family…a positive group of people with
Christian values.
Joe: There are a lot of outside Sunday School activities: like
when Case has a party at his house every year. Or a couple of
times a year we do this thing called “Widow Project” where
we go and help a widow with projects around the house.
Once you become friends with people other things begin to
open up; you start going to dinner and hanging out together.
“They were just extremely
welcoming.”
- Traci Ort
TM: How long have you been in this class?
Traci: Since October 2008
TM: And how about for you Traci: has that been cool to see
that you’re repeating the blessing that you had in your fam-
ily?
Traci: Yes, and just being there for a little over a year, I see how
the friendships have developed and how close we’re getting
with other families. We have a lot of friends that have new ba-
bies or little children and we’re pregnant right now expecting
our first, so it’s really exciting to see all of the babies that our
kids are going to grow up with. We’ve already been through
so much with them in just a year’s time. So, it’s definitely been
one of the best things in our marriage and in our lives.
TM: What would you say if you had a chance for a minute to
talk to people who are in your previous situation now: may-
be they’re new to the church, or for whatever reason they
haven’t decided to try a Sunday School class?
Joe: I’d say “you have no idea what’s in store for you. Try it!”
I would say that church experience without getting plugged
into the community has got to be just so different than when
you actually have people who can support you and that you
can spend time with and go through life together. David is an
amazing preacher, but I think part of what drives us to con-
tinue in our faith and come to church is the fact that we have
friends here and people who hold us accountable.
It’ll probably be awkward the first time you go…but, that’s the
same way it was when you started the first day of school, or
your job, and pretty quickly those barriers start to fall.
TM: Have you seen any impact on your appetite or ability
to talk to other non-believers about your faith…has this em-
boldened you at all?
Traci: Yes, we have some friends who say they are Christians
and believers, but they don’t go to church and they don’t have
a Christian group of friends they hang out with; but we spend
a lot of time with them and we’ve gotten into a few discus-
sions where they’re just kinda playing devil’s advocate to get
some answers and figure out why we are so passionate about
it. We have told them about our experience with the relation-
ships we’ve developed in our Sunday School class and the
impact we get out of David’s sermons, and the Crown financial
ministry that we went through. They ask, “ why are you tell-
ing us all of this?”, we tell them, “because it’s been so good
for us and ya’ll are good friends of ours and we want you to
experience it also.”
TM: In other words you care enough that you need to share
with them?
Traci: We want them to experience all the growth that we’ve
experienced because I feel like they want that, but they are
hesitant to take that first step maybe because of previous ex-
periences growing up in the church that have not been so
positive.
Joe: I think our close friends that don’t go to church see how
often we hang out with our church friends and I think at least
on one occasion that’s led one of my friends to say, “hey
what’s this thing that you’re always doing, like who are these
people you’re always hanging out with?” We shake each oth-
er’s hands in the regular service, but that’s like 30 seconds…
I’ve been doing that since I got here and I don’t think I’ve
walked away with a friend just from doing that. So, I can see
how you could come here for 2 or 3 years and if you don’t take
any steps to get plugged in, you could come here and not
recognize or know any of the people here by name-which is
pretty sad…(with our friends) there’s kind of a net that catches
you and brings you back into the fold.
“We have friends here and people who
hold us accountable.”
- Joe Ort
TM: Now…flashing forward to…let’s just say you’re having a
daughter…and it’s time for you to give her advice when she’s
getting married…what would you say to your daughter and
her future husband?
Joe: I’d definitely convey the same message as Traci’s dad,
because you’re giving so much advice in that one small sen-
tence. when you go to Sunday School , when you spend time
studying God’s blueprint for marriage, that’s what builds a
healthy marriage. Leigh Swanson came in and taught a class
about parenting and how to raise children and I’d never heard
of some of the stuff that she had said: I’m so glad I heard
it. Traci’s dad could have sat me down and lectured me on
parenting and how to treat Traci and…he could have sat me
down and tried to teach me every lesson, but instead he said
“go get a good teacher” which is a Sunday School class in and
of itself. It’s like that old phrase…don’t give a hungry person
food, teach him how to fish.
COLUMNS | 13
 Mom’s Bible
God’s Wisdom for Mothers
Notes By Bobbie Wolgemuth

Available in the New Century Version and drawing

on solid Bible teaching, it encourages women at
every stage of life to strengthen their relationship
with God.

Includes these special

sections:
• Book Introductions: historical, emo-
tional, and spiritual context for each
Bible book
• Walking In: Ways that are pleasing to
God
• Our God Is: Discovering who God is
and what He does, based on His
words and actions
• Godly Character: exhibiting godly
qualities in daily living
• Passing It On: creating a legacy of
faith to inspire the next generation
• Moms in the Bible: lessons from
some of the Bible’s most famous
mothers
• Insights: short, practical thoughts on
Bible passages from a mom’s perspective
• Wonderful Counselor: issues facing
moms from the perspective of a Chris-
tian therapist
• Questions Kids Ask: answering the
tough questions about God, the
Bible, and Christian life
• First Touch Verses: verses to mull
over throughout the day
• Topical Index
 By Carol Welker, Director of Children’s Ministry
“Both my daughters grew in their faith and as
individuals.” -Elizabeth Nivison
Y es. It is that time again. Time to talk about
camp. Well this year I’m going to let
someone else do the talking! The Nivison’s
were a new family this past summer and they
have much to say to encourage you to come
to camp with them this year. Below are their
testimonies about their experiences at Camp
Geneva.
Elizabeth Nivison – Mom
Initially I was comfortable with sending my
girls to camp. I prayed about it and thought
what a great experience it would be. There
was some worry for my youngest to be with-
out mom and dad for four straight days, but I
knew both girls were in good hands.
I signed up to volunteer one day at camp
and was assigned to crafts. My youngest, So-
phia, happened to have crafts that day with
me. I realized she was totally happy when she
didn’t ask to go home.
I feel every child should experience Camp
Geneva even if it is just once. The last day
when my husband and I went to pick up the
girls, Sophia actually started crying before
leaving. Both she and Samantha made strong
connections with their counselors and espe-
cially their Jr. Counselors. It was a fun way
to learn more about God and experience so
many different activities. Both my daughters
grew in their faith and as individuals. All I hear
about is how they want to go back. Samantha
already has plans on being a Jr. Counselor.
They talked about prayer time and the friend-
ships they made, as well as the songs they
sang and the wonderful time they had.
Samantha Nivison - 10 years old
My favorite thing about Camp Geneva
was going to the lake and playing with my
16 | COLUMNS
Jr. Counselors and friends jumping off the dock. We played all kinds of fun
games and we talked a lot.
I learned that you shouldn’t sit around all day and be lazy and do nothing.
You should get up and go outside and go do something for God.
At camp you do nothing that is not fun. You get to play a lot and you won’t
get sad. You learn new things and make new friends.
I would definitely encourage other kids to go. At first I was really nervous, but
after a while I just had fun. The counselors are super nice and learning about
God makes you feel good. You know you are someone special in his eyes.
“... you will make lots of new friends,
you’ll learn a lot about God, and you’ll
have lots of fun.”
Sophia Nivison – 8 years old
My favorite part of camp was the mud pit! I remember learning to get up
and go and to always be with God.
If you’re a kid I would tell you that you will make lots of new friends, you’ll
learn a lot about God, and you’ll have lots of fun.
I would say you need to go to Camp Geneva because you will learn about
God in a very fun way and you get to make lots of new friends and there are
lots of fun activities.
This year at Camp Geneva, we will be studying James 1:2, “Consider it all
joy, my brother, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know
that the testing of your faith brings perseverance.” In the last couple of years
that have been difficult for everyone, including our children, how do you find
joy? And what’s the difference between joy and happiness? We will look at
how to live lives of joy, filled with God’s spirit, that overflows to others. And
of course all the fun craziness that makes camp.
So don’t take it from me. Take it from these folks; Camp Geneva is not
something to miss! Come and join the experience that changes lives!
all photos by Don Tutt
 Second Annual
Chili Cook-Off
a Fun Event for All!
By Lori Needham, Programming/Special Events all photos by Todd McLennan

S aturday afternoon, January 23, the Angel Wing was properly decorated for a fiesta! The annual competition between
the adult Sunday school classes offered eleven different chili recipes to sample, elaborate table decorations, great
cornbread, brownies, and beverages. Add all of that to the mingling and fellowship, and fun was had by all! Contribut-
ing to the enhancement of the chili tasting experience were great hot dogs and canned sodas.

The discerning palates of the judges, our esteemed pastoral staff, enjoyed chili prepared by each class and individu-
ally scored each entry. The combined scoring revealed a new winner for 2010. The Servants in the Son Sunday school
class will enjoy the coveted chili pepper hat as the trophy for best chili. However, the People’s Choice Award for favorite
chili rated the Pass the Word Sunday school class as winner.

This year, in partnership with Congregational Life and Children’s Ministry, families
enjoyed the event with children’s games and activities on the Great Lawn. Well
over 300 mingled, ate their way through the Angel Wing, and perhaps col-
lapsed on the Great Lawn watching children enjoy playing and frolicking on
giant inflated obstacle courses.

I need not say more! Take a look at some of the fun and if you missed
the event, there’s always next year!
For more photos, visit www.facebook.com/firstpres

18 | COLUMNS
COLUMNS | 19
 Leigh Swanson to Be Honored for Ministry in Jails
By
By Scott
Scott Lee,
Lee, Good
Good News
News Jail
Jail &
& Prison
Prison Ministry
Ministry

P lease mark your calendars to attend the annual banquet for the Orange County chapter of
Good News Jail & Prison Ministry on April 15, from 7-9 pm at First Baptist Church of Orlando. 
Come out to support our own Leigh Swanson, who will receive the Ray D. McCleese Award.  Each
year the community honors a recipient who has made a significant impact on the lives of inmates,
staff, and family members of all affiliated with the incarcerated of Central Florida.
The award is named after Ray D. McCleese, who as director of the Orange County Corrections
Department, was an ardent supporter of faith-based initiatives in the jail as a means of increasing
public safety.  As a committed Christian and deacon at his church, he seamlessly and tirelessly ad-
vocated for Christians to fulfill Christ’s calling to minister to those behind bars.  Upon his death a
few years ago, the chaplains suggested presenting this award to a local individual or group whose
advocacy in the community and/or service behind bars were of a similar nature to those of Mr. Mc-
Cleese. Past award recipients include:
2004: Joel Hunter, Pastor of Northland, a Church Distributed
2005: Jim Henry, Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church of Orlando
2006: John Crossman, Crossman & Co. and past chair of the President’s Council
2007: Ken & Nona Odom, Former Senior Chaplain for Orange County and his wife
2008:  Richard T. Crotty, Mayor of Orange County
2009:  Bill Austin, Chaplain, Orange County

The speaker for the banquet will be Pastor William Andrews of Heart of Mercy Church, who will tell the story of how God
reached him as an inmate.  Complimentary tickets are available by contacting Kathy Ikonomidis at 407.423.3441 or kikonomi-
dis@fpco.org. Table sponsorships ($500) are also available for those who wish to reserve group seating. Please contact Chaplain
Jim Schrader at 407.836.3625 or jim.schrader@goodnewsjail.org to sponsor a table.

kaléo
05 02 10

COLUMNS | 21
 22 | COLUMNS
1.) The yellow strip on the bouncer is now orange. 2.) The boy in the front now has a green shirt instead of blue. 3.) The girl in the front row to the left now
has a pink bow instead of white. 4.) One of the pink sandals on the blue mat is now blue. 5.) A boy in the front row now has solid blue socks. 6.) A boy in
the front center now has a purple shirt instead of orange. 7.) At the right of the photo, the patches on a boy’s orange shirt are gone. 8.) At the right of the
photo, the stripes on a boy’s red shirt are now gone. 9.) At the top row, the skull on a boy’s black shirt is now gone. 10.) The FPCO steeple has disappeared.
(Turn page
(Turn upside down
page upside for the
down for answers).
the answers).
top photo and the bottom photo?
each other. Can you circle the ten differences between the
God made each of His Children special and different from
find by checking off these boxes.)
(Keep count of the differences you
Hey Kids!
 News & Notices
FPCO’s Response to the Haitian Crisis
Our Mission Ministry is continuing to work with mission part-
ners on their efforts to provide financial support, food, medi-
cal personnel and medical supplies. For updates from Mis-
sion Emmanuel and Clean the World, and to see how you can
help, please visit www.fpco.org/haiti
Donate to Mission Aviation Fellowship at www.maf.org to
help them as they become a logistics point for aid organiza-
tions bringing food, water, medicines, and other relief sup-
plies into Haiti.
Donate to Mission Emmanuel at www.missionemmanuel.org
to help them send trucks of purified water from the Cielo Wa-
ter Treatment Plant that many of our own folks have helped
build.
Donate to Clean the World at www.cleantheworld.org
Volunteer Opportunities for Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School will be held July 12-16 from 9 am–
12noon. There are opportunities to volunteer to become
members of the Planning Team in charge of crafts. These vol-
unteers will be required to attend monthly meetings, organize
the crafts, and give craft directions to the teachers as well as
make craft samples. Volunteer teachers and assistant teach-
ers are also needed for the week of Vacation Bible School.
To volunteer, contact Susie Dunlap at 407.423.3441 x1482 or
sdunlap@fpco.org.
Easter Flower Dedications
If you would like to make a dedication in memory or in honor
of someone special this Easter season, please go to www.
fpco.org/flowers. A $10 donation is requested for each
dedication, which will be printed in our Sunday Easter Bul-
letin. The funds are used to purchase flowers that are placed
throughout the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday. The deadline to
submit your dedication is March 15. For more information,
contact Glenda Morgan at 407.423.3441 x1272 or gmorgan@
fpco.org.
Join Us for Walk With Me
Join us in our church-wide Bible reading plan “Walk With Me”
as we follow Jesus through the Scriptures with daily readings
through Acts and Paul’s letters. Dr. Swanson and the pastoral
team will be preaching through the same passages we are
reading together throughout the week. To participate daily,
visit www.walkwithmedaily.com. If you have any questions or
would like to write a devotion, please contact Sarah Mattheus
at 407.423.3441 x1497 or smattheus@fpco.org.
Congratulations to:
William Christopher (Wil) Brown, II and Natalie Grace Patton
were married January 29, 2010 in the Reformation Chapel. 
Wil is the son of Rebecca and Mike Bedell of FPCO, and Chris
and Cheryl Brown of Navarre, FL. Natalie is the daughter of
Tom and Dianna Patton of Longwood.
Jesse Noyes Stein and Jennifer Lynn Estes were married Janu-
ary 30, 2010 in the Sanctuary.
Sympathy to:
Kaye and Peyton Keaton, on the death of his mother, Avis Ke-
aton on January 5, 2010. Mrs. Keaton was the grandmother
of Kristie Keaton Yarger and Peyton Keaton IV.
Marjory Linton, on the death of her husband, Dwight Linton,
on January 11, 2010. The Lintons were former missionaries.
Earl K. Wood, on the death of his wife, Mary Louise Wood, on
January 16, 2010.
Dedra Jenkins, on the death of her mother, Christine McClen-
don, on January 23, 2010. Mrs McClendon was the grand-
mother of Gaius, Jeremiah, Enoch, Benjamin and Nathaniel.
Wes and Amy Bishop, on the death of his grandmother, Cath-
erine Smith-Warden, on January 22, 2010.
The family and friends of Margaret Snyder, who died January
26, 2010.
The family and friends of Lora Dunlap, who died January 27,
2010.
Heather Comer, on the death of her husband, Troy Comer on
January 29, 2010. Mr. Comer was the father of Brett Comer.
January 2010 Giving Snapshot
Gen. Operating Received Budgeted Surplus/
(Deficit)
January Gifts $419,262 $537,000 $(117,738)
Estate Gifts $2,541 $800 $1,741
YTD Operating
Contributions $4,005,558 $4,362,500 ($356,942)
YTD Estate Gifts $365,227 $5,600 $359,627
Line of Credit $0
Immeasurably More Outstanding Balance $3,752,446
IM Jan. Gifts $15,554
IM Fiscal Year-to-date Gifts $575,302
(net of 10% tithe to Missions)
Contact Finance for a full revenue and expense summary.
COLUMNS | 23
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TRADITIONAL SERVICES:
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in the Sanctuary

GENESIS (CONTEMPORARY)
SERVICES:
Sundays, 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.
in Lee Fellowship Hall

JOIN US FOR WORSHIP DURING

THIS SEASON OF LENT
Lent is a season of repentance and contrition.
Our hearts cry to be cleaned and our only hope
for that is in the cross and Jesus Christ.

Holy Week
March 29-April 2
Meditative Services
12 noon • Chapel
April 1
Maundy Thursday Service
6:30 pm • Sanctuary
April 4
Easter Sunday Services
8:30, 9:45 and 11 am
Sanctuary & Lee Fellowship Hall