Our Mission – Changing Lives…Making Disciples

 

 

 

 

When the calendar turns to November, my mind turns to Thanksgiving. As a child, most of my Thanksgiving memories are full of family (e.g., playing outside with my cousins), South Carolina BBQ, and Granny’s mashed potatoes. (Yes, BBQ was our meat of choice, not turkey, and I eagerly volunteered to help pick it up in South Carolina so I could eat some of it on the ride home!) As an adult, the holiday is more and more an occasion to pause and express gratitude to God for His many blessings in my life—to be thank-full.

This Thanksgiving, Kate, Mary, Eddie, Bob and Mary Bullock (Kate’s parents), and I are especially thank-full for the call to First Presbyterian Church and Hilton Head Island—for this opportunity to worship and serve the Lord with you and to join this special community. We’re excited to see you and meet you—our new family of faith—and to give thanks together with you on Sunday, November 10!

 

That Sunday will also commemorate 62 years of life and mission at First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head  Island. Our hearts will be full of gratitude to God for the cornucopia of programs, events and ministries that have overflowed in blessings, fruitfulness and love to people and communities—near and far—over the years and to this day.  As we begin year 63, my family and I are set to join you in FPCHHI’s mission of Changing Lives…Making Disciples.

 

Thank-full for God’s work at and through FPCHHI and for His many blessings in our lives and committed to the church’s mission, let us give freely, generously and joyfully to our “God’s Gift…Our Hands” stewardship campaign. We’ll dedicate our tithes and pledges in worship on November 10 (see the next page). Particularly at this time of year, let us “give thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!”

 

In Christ,

Pastor Will Robinson

 

 

 

On Sunday, September 15, the congregation unanimously agreed with the Pastor Nominating Committee’s (PNC’S) recommendation that Rev. Dr. Will Robinson become the new pastor and head of staff for First Presbyterian Church (FPC). His record and reputation as a pastor, most recently in Salem, VA, and the evident indwelling of the Spirit in his life and work, all are answers to our prayers for God’s hand in calling our new pastor.

 

Dr. Rev. Robinson is committed to making disciples of the Lord and to helping people know Him and experience His love. He is a graduate of the UNC-Chapel Hill, Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Union Presbyterian Seminary (Ph.D.). For the past 10 years he has been pastor and head of staff at Salem Presbyterian Church in Salem, VA.

 

Prior to serving in Salem, Rev. Dr. Robinson was an Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Tulsa, a congregation of 2700 members. There he had leadership responsibility for a staff of seven. Before that, he was a Resident in Parish Ministry at Second Presbyterian in Indianapolis, a congregation of 3,750 members. So, he is familiar with the special possibilities and challenges of larger congregations.

 

In addition to being a powerful preacher, Rev. Dr. Robinson feels called to be engaged in the community. In Salem, he served on the board of the West End Center (a ministry for disadvantaged children) and the board of Family Promise of Greater Roanoke; ministered to students at Roanoke College; and has been a spiritual director at the Roanoke Rescue Mission. He looks forward to pursuing that same passion for community in the Lowcountry.

 

Rev. Dr. Robinson’s wife, Kate, is a speech pathologist who also has a gift for inviting people to be drawn together “in the Spirit’s tether.” The Robinsons have two children, Mary (15) and Eddie (10). In addition to his passion for ministry, Rev. Dr. Robinson enjoys time with family, traveling, reading and writing, the arts and music (from classical to the 80s!), and exercise and sports.

 

Rev. Dr. Robinson and his family will join us for the first time on Sunday, November 10. He will preach at one service that day to be held at 10:00 a.m.

 

In sharing about his decision to come to FPC Rev. Dr. Robinson said:

 

In my call to First Presbyterian Church, I listened to the Lord keenly. Like Samuel, many Eli’s helped me hear God’s call. Through the call process, I and my family walked by faith and not by sight, ‘leaning on the everlasting arms.’ God reminded us (in hymn’s lyrics) that often ‘faith begins by letting go, giving up what had seemed sure, taking risks and pressing on, though the way feels less secure: pilgrimage both right and odd, trusting all our life to God.’ Led by the Spirit, I answered the call with gratitude and joy. Now, with God and God’s people at FPC, I’m excited and eager to write the next chapter in FPC’s life and mission, as we love God and neighbor and witness together to the Gospel of our Lord and Savior. Soli Deo Gloria!

 

  is back!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Presbyterian Church

540 William Hilton Parkway

Hilton Head Island, SC  29928

843-681-3696

info@fpchhi.org