First Presbyterian Church of Amarillo


Dan Crow	Jim Bankhead	Ross Clopton	Hugh Hagen	Mary Ann Osborn

In the fall of 2007, with a recommendation from the Strategic Planning Committee, the Session contracted with the Auxano Group to help us develop the Lord's map for our future.

As part of that process, the church formed a Vision Path Team to work closely with Auxano.

In a three-part series, we'll introduce you to the Vision Path Team members and share their expectations for the Vision to Grow process.

Dan Crow Member at Large

Dan has been a member at FPC for 6 years. He is single and has a son, Danny Crow II, 24.

Expectations about being a VPT member: I believe God is at work in our church in a great way. I pray that we will discover what is God's plan for us and what role I might play.

Ross Clopton Officer

Ross has been a member FPC for 7 years. He is married to Donna and has two grown children — Brad, 43, and Stacy, 41. They also have a 12-year old grandson, Choice

Expectations about being a VPT member: I undertake this task humbly. It will be a lot about learning, listening, and communicating. It is my hope and expectation that the results of all of this will be a product that reflects the best that every member of First Presbyterian brings to the table. I further hope and pray that the level of participation in this process will be so high that the finished product really does belong to each and all of us.

Jim Bankhead Staff

As senior pastor, Jim has been a member of FPC for 7 years. He is married to Cissy, and they have five children — Steven, 37, Carolyn, 35, Jonathan, 33, Michael, 28, and Catherine, 22.

Expectations about being a VPT member: I am charged up about being stretched, challenged, and plowed up by the Lord through my teammates and by Rich Kannwischer (of Auxano) and this process.

Hugh Hagen Member at Large

Hugh has been a member of FPC for 40 years. He is married to Susan, and their children are Clint Hagen, Elizabeth Smith, Timothy Hagen, Mary Margaret Hagen & Ted Hagen.

Expectations about being a VPT member: I hope that as a result of this process needed changes will be implemented to secure the future of FPC

Mary Ann Osborn Officer

Mary Ann has been a member of FPC for 17 years. She is married to Bill and has two children, Sarah, 21, and Sean, 17.

Expectations about being a VPT member: One word excited. Excited about what God has in store for us as a congregation as we begin this odyssey. Our first meeting with Auxano was refreshing, informative, and allowed me to see the potential for this process. I feel so blessed to be a part of this team and look forward to contributing to the process and keeping our congregation informed as we discover our path together!

Around the church

Composite photo by Gerry Yock

New NUFF officers

Newly elected officers for the NUFF organization were recently installed by the Rev. Mary Rogers-Ellsworth. Secretary Marty Smith and Vice President Cal Smith were on hand for the installation. Treasurer Leonard Gerhardt and President Peggy Smith were added to the photo later.

Volunteer needed to pick up boxes for Manna Ministries

The Manna Ministries team is looking for someone who can pick up boxes at Wendy's.

We use the boxes to distribute the food, and all you need to do is pick up the boxes on a regular basis and get them to the church for storage.

Contact Jerry Hermesmeyer, , 352-0652, for more information.

Make sure to return books

We have really enjoyed our library time with the children. We hope you have enjoyed reading the books they have checked out. We would just like to remind you to return your library books when done, so others may enjoy them as well.

You are invited to Palo Duro Presbyterian Cursillo No. 21 — A Short Course in Christianity from April 10-13 at Ceta Canyon Camp in Happy.

Gain a personal, living awareness of the joys and responsibilities that faith brings.

Applications are available at the church office or from cooke@abilene.com.

Cookies, brownies, goodies needed for youth mission trip!

Our youth group will be making their annual trip to Juarez, Mexico, to build a home for a family in need over spring break.

The group will be in Mexico from March 17-21. We always love to provide a wonderful homemade dessert for the kids each evening after a hard day's work.

We are asking the congregation to pull out the cookie sheets and mixing bowls and bake up some goodies for the kids to enjoy! Please deliver them to the church office or the youth office on March 14 or March 16.

Please mark that they are for the youth mission trip so no one eats them in the process! Thanks for all of your help!

Retreat to delve into fatherhood

FPC's Second Annual Men's Retreat will be Feb. 29 to March 2 at Ceta Canyon Lodge.

The special guest speakers will be Don Lane Sr., this year's Globe-News Man of the Year, and his son, Don Lane Jr. Both are pastors at City Church.

Don and and his son will speak on three aspects of Fatherhood:

Our relationship with our earthly fathers
Our relationship with our heavenly Father
Our role as fathers

All this along with manly games, Dexter Spalding BBQ, bad boy bonfires and big time worship!

Look for a sign-up table soon with details.

Deadline for sign up will be Feb. 15 and the cost will be $79 per person.

Please call Charlotte, 373-4242, in the church office to reserve your spot!

If you have questions, please call Cole Camp, 676-8221, or Murray Gossett, 373-4242.

FPC to show volunteers the love

All Children's Ministry Volunteers are invited to celebrate from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Sundays in February in the Children's Commons (1st floor of the C.E. Building).

New Arrivals

Congratulations to Scott and Nancee Gilmour in the Feb. 10 birth of their granddaughter, Ellen Irene Norvell. Parents are Roby and Hanna Norvell of Houston. Uncle and aunt are Wood and April Norvell.

Congratulations to Patrick and Megan Kemp in the Feb. 15 birth of their daughter, Katherine Elizabeth Kemp.

Gifts

In memory of Carol Harrell, given by:

• Mrs. Elena Byers

• Mr. and Mrs. Frank Saucier

• Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Shelby

• Ms. Carol Voiles

• Mrs. Joy Nicholson

• Mrs. Pattilou Dawkins

• Mr. and Mrs. Ed Fancher

• Mr. and Mrs. R.D. Fisher

• Ms. Barbara F. Linke

• Mrs. Betty J. Palmer

• Mr. and Mrs. John Maynard

In memory of Charles Rittenberry, given by Mr. and Mrs. Jim Currie.

In memory of Tom Fotheringham, given by Mr. and Mrs. Jim Currie.

In memory of Katherine “Kay" Barnard, given by Mr. and Mrs. Jim Currie.