By Will DeLair
Tom Hanks is often famously quoted in his 1994 role as Forest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” These are such true words that come from the title character. In my experience, this quote is often used as a poor antidote when difficult situations arise. That use of the quote, however, misses the splendor of it.

We all lead uniquely wonderful lives. We never do know what we’re “gonna get,” but that is what allows us to be pioneers into new lands with God as our guide. It is this mystery of life that takes us to new and unexpected places with God’s comforting spirit giving us calm and perspective through it all.
Just as every individual life is different, so is the life of each congregation. The weekly programming and needs of a small town Presbyterian Church will be far different from what you will find at big city Presbyterian Church.

It is with this belief that we are exploring new program ideas that are unique to the needs of FPCJ. Borrowing from a college, Rev. Riggle and I have framed an idea that we are tentatively calling Holy Play. Holy Play will be a time of fellowship for our adult population. It will provide times for laughter, exploration, and enjoyment for those who join us in the new ministry.

Please join us in our first event: a discussion on our spirituality through the means of a workshop in the ceramics studio at Calvin Center. It is scheduled for Tuesday, December 8th, with shuttles leaving the church at 1:00pm (arriving at Calvin Center around 1:30pm). Folks will be returned to the church at 4:00pm. Please contact Will DeLair if you wish to join the fun or if there are any questions about the program, after all, you never know what you’re “gonna get.”

by Will DeLair

It is hard to believe that I have been living in Georgia as long as I have. It did not take long for “y’all” to enter my vocabulary and for grits to appear the first time at breakfast. It is not uncommon for a Northerner to head south and return with stories of Southern Hospitality. I can happily report that I have had the same encounter.

From my first day at First Presbyterian Church of Jonesboro I have felt very welcomed into the community. I have been warmly welcomed to join tables as we share meals together. I have been warmly welcomed into Tuesday night Bible Study where we share thoughts and feelings on difficult texts. I have been warmly welcomed into Sunday school classes, even when I do not quite fit the age requirements. Most importantly, I have been warmly welcomed to worship as a community.

Having a particular focus on our youth and young adult population, it is with great enthusiasm that I meet with Rev. Sue looking to the future, setting goals, and making plans. Our calendars are scribbled with plans of adventures at Calvin Center, mission projects, ideas about stewardship of our artistic gifts, and perhaps partnering with the Presbyterian Men and other church organizations.

As we make these plans and watch them develop into reality, it is my chance to return the hospitality that I have experienced here. Please know you are warmly welcomed in the development of our youth and young adult programming. Whether it is sharing your talents, passions, and/or gifts, you are warmly welcomed. If you feel called to be present as a chaperone and a listening ear on our youth outings, you are warmly welcomed. We warmly welcome you to share your visions and great ideas. More than any others, we warmly welcome you to pray for the development of our youth & young adult programming. “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6