December 2013 FIRST PRESS NEWSFIRST PRESS...
Transcript of December 2013 FIRST PRESS NEWSFIRST PRESS...
FIRST PRESS NEWSFIRST PRESS NEWS
December 2013
Fi rs t Presbyter ian Church 153 N. Church Street
Rocky Mount , NC 27804 www.fpcrm.org
From our pastor . . . I've already heard it a few times in our house: "I can't wait until Christmas! I wish Christmas was
tomorrow!" Kids love to count the days until it comes by pulling numbers off of wall-mounted cal-
endars, opening little cardboard doors to uncover the chocolate prizes behind them, and lighting can-
dles of purple on wreaths of evergreen. Sometimes the whole exercise seems to boil down to one big
countdown, digitally tracked by those Hallmark ornaments that tick off the seconds until midnight
on December 24th.
I'm in no position to criticize. When I was younger, I did the same thing. Once the tree was up, I
was in a mad dash to December 25th. Christmas just couldn't get here fast enough. Even then, how-
ever, something caused me to slow down a bit on Christmas Eve. There was something about that
day that made me want to pause, linger, inhale deeply, and savor the moment. I especially loved our
annual drive to the Christmas Eve service. As our family car made its way through the deepening
dusk, the roads in our neighborhood would be lined with white, candle-lit luminaries that flickered
on every curb. Evenly spaced, softly glowing, these lights showed us the way. At the end of that
path of light, we knew we would hear again that old, old story of a world being taxed, people in
darkness, inns being full, and the Savior of the world being born anyway. To this day, a Christmas
Eve worship service, and the family meal that follows, is the highlight of my Christmas season. I
can honestly say I enjoy the prelude just as much as the finale.
As I write this, my prayer is that each of you will have a moment this month -- at least one blessed
moment -- when the "almost" of Advent takes hold of you... when you realize that the anticipation
of glory has a glory unto itself... when you receive the deep and abiding joy that can be found in the
moment before the Moment. A much better writer and thinker once described such moments like
this ...
“The house lights go off and the footlights come on. Even the chattiest stop chattering as they wait in
darkness for the curtain to rise. In the orchestra pit, the violin bows are poised. The conductor has
raised his baton. In the silence of a midwinter dusk, there is far off in the deeps of it somewhere a
sound so faint that for all you can tell it may be only the sound of the silence itself. You hold your
breath to listen. ... You are aware of the beating of your heart… The extraordinary thing that is
about to happen is matched only by the extraordinary moment just before it happens. Advent is the
name of that moment.” Frederick Buechner, Whistling in the Dark
May the peace of Christ be with you in this holy season of light.
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Our Heritage, Our Mission
Capital Campaign Update
On November 9, the staff began its move back into our newly renovated Education
Building. With the help of some extremely helpful and dedicated volunteers from our membership, and under the excellent guidance of our Property Committee, we are now
very settled back into our various homes. At a recent staff meeting, we took some time to be intention-
ally thankful about the blessings of "coming home." I want to share with you some of the observations we made:
(1)Air Comfort! Last year at this time, most of us on the staff had our windows open as we tried
in vain to regulate the temperature in our offices. On most days, we were either way too cold or
way too hot. Now, thanks to the new mini-split units, we are all able to find our own zones of comfort. The air is also much cleaner and drier, and that old musty smell is gone. As a staff, we
feel much healthier and happier in our environments.
(2)Bright and Clean Spaces. We love the new lighting! I don't think we realized how dark our
passageways had become. Now, new lights shine in the former darkness. Hallways, classrooms and closets are being painted. The new flooring in the office lobby, library, Edgemont Hallway
and Ladies' Parlor turned out beautifully. All of our downstairs spaces have an airier, fresher feel.
(3)Less Clutter. One of the benefits of moving our stuff around is learning what kind of stuff we
have. Closets that hadn't been touched in a long time have been cleared out. When we found
outdated, dysfunctional items, we did not return them to their prior locations. While I cannot call what we are doing a "purge," we are certainly letting go of some things that we no longer
need and will never use. We also have some great new closet spaces in the choir and session rooms that will help us stay organized.
(4)New Ceilings. Most of our asbestos abatement took place on the first floor ceilings. After the
hazardous materials were removed, the ceilings were covered with sheet rock and received a
fresh coat of paint. The surfaces are now smooth and clean, and the acoustics are much better in all of these spaces.
(5)The History Room. When the renovations started, we did not intend to remove the western
wall in the History Room. However, when electrical problems were discovered in it, removal was clearly the best solution. The result is a wonderful new space for housing and displaying our historical artifacts. This room has been transformed from a musty closet into a bright, pleasant
and usable space. It is, in our opinion, one of the unforeseen blessings of our work.
Once again, thanks to everyone who contributed time, talent and money to this renovation. Please note that on January 19, 2014, we will hold a special worship service to thank our contractors, celebrate the
progress we have made, and dedicate this entire project to the glory of God. We hope you will join us for this happy day in the life of our congregation.
Total Pledges to date:
$1,158,866.11
Funds Received to date:
$525, 278.69
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MAKES CENT$ - ”There’s no place like home” I can hear Dorothy tapping her ruby slippers now, “There’s no place like home”. It is
good to be back in our offices. This wouldn’t be possible without your generosity, so many thanks for your gifts to the Our Heritage, Our Mission campaign.
Jeanne Shannon [email protected]
JOY GIFT PROGRAM A Presbyterian tradition for almost 70 years, the Christmas Joy Offering is one of the
four special offerings designated by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church
(USA) to provide congregations direct ways of supporting specific causes that help
those in need. Fifty percent of the receipts to the Christmas Joy Offering are distributed
to the Board of Pensions for assistance programs that provide support to retired and
active church workers and their spouses and families. The other fifty percent supports
Presbyterian-related racial ethnic education through the General Assembly Council.
On Sunday, December 15th at 4:00 p.m. the music groups at First Presbyterian will present a program
of sacred music. The Cherub Choir, Alleluia Singers, Handbell Choir, and Chancel Choir will all partici-
pate in this musical offering to the church and to the Rocky Mount community. The Chancel Choir will
sing a number of Christmas selections accompanied by harp and stringed instruments. The program will
also include scripture readings and the singing of carols, in addition to the collection of the Joy Gift offer-
ing which will also be collected on Sunday, December 22nd.
Please mark your calendars to attend this special event in our church’s celebration of the Christmas sea-
son, and please invite your friends to join you.
LLUUNNCCHH BBUUNNCCHH
The Lunch Bunch will The Lunch Bunch will
gather “back home” in gather “back home” in
the Session Room on the Session Room on
Monday, December Monday, December
16th at noon for a 16th at noon for a
Christmas Brunch. We Christmas Brunch. We
look forward to seeing look forward to seeing
you. Please let the you. Please let the
church office know if church office know if
you plan to attend.you plan to attend.
MEALS ON WHEELS
Meals on Wheels will deliver
meals on Monday, December
23rd. There will be no delivery on
Tuesday, December 24th.
Left: Ann Dill and Arthur
Fountain catch up at the
All-Church Christmas Party
held on December 3rd at
Benvenue Country Club.
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BEFORE AFTER
KID
S
CO
RN
ER
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOXES 30 shoeboxes were lovingly dedicated during worship on 11/17/13 and sent on their journey to
make a child’s Christmas happier. Our prayer is that each of these boxes will carry a message of God’s love!
CHILDREN’S GARDEN – We are happily making progress after months of construction related neglect…
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHING SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER We had an absolute blast at our Game Day / End of the Quarter Celebration on 11/24/13. We celebrated Elizabeth Chesnutt’s
superior attendance, decorated beautiful angel ornaments for our Angel Tree, made Advent Wreaths that can be reused each
year, played silly minute-to-win-it games in order to win prizes, and last but not least gobbled down lots of yummy refreshments!
A big shout out to all of the CE committee members and parents who assisted with this busy yet productive morning!
12/1/13 Prophecy & Hope (Lacy Hall) Dionne Seale Winnie Gaynor
12/8/13 Gingerbread House Workshop – Bethlehem & Love (Lacy Hall)
Dionne Seale Stephanie Bynum
12/15/13 Shepherds & Joy (Lacy Hall) Dionne Seale Kate Tharin
12/22/13 Angels and Peace (Lacy Hall) Dionne Seale Annie Daughtridge
12/29/13 “New Year – New Room” Party! Kids and teachers can spruce up their classroom in order to get
ready to Grow, Proclaim, and Serve in 2014!
GAME DAY/ADVENT & ANGEL ORNAMENT WORKSHOP
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The Presbyterian Women’s Coordinating Team will meet on Monday,
December 2, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. in the church narthex.
The Circle of JOY will not meet this month.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN COOKBOOKSPRESBYTERIAN WOMEN COOKBOOKS——REDUCED TO $5.00REDUCED TO $5.00 Just in time for Christmas!Just in time for Christmas!
HANDCRAFT MINISTRY
The Handcraft Ministry will meet Wednesday, December 11th from 10:00—11:00 a.m. here at
the church. All who are interested in learning
about this ministry (and all those who are already
involved) are invited to come.
By: Frances Guerry
Monday, December 9, 2013
11:00—1:00 p.m.
At the home of
Hassell and Bobbi Weeks
301 Southern Boulevard
All Women of the Church are invited!
POINSETTIAS TO
DECORATE OUR
SANCTUARY We are once again decorating
our vestibule, narthex and sanctuary with lovely red and
white poinsettias and other flowers and greenery. These flowers are given each year by you, mem-
bers of the congregation, in loving memory or in honor of friends and loved ones. There will be a poinsettia envelope in the bulletin each Sunday
from now until Christmas. If you would like to make a donation to our poinsettia fund in mem-
ory or honor of someone special in your life, please use the envelope included in the bulletin or
call the church office at 446-9121. The cost of each plant is $18.00.
TAR RIVER ACADEMY TAR RIVER ACADEMY
CHRISTMAS BAGSCHRISTMAS BAGS Christmas Bags for Tar River Academy will be
assembled Tuesday, December 10th at 10:00
a.m. in the session room.
All help is appreciated!
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ELDERS — CLASS OF 2016
Amy Wheeler Hunt Husband: Richard 3 Children—Caroline (20), Richard (19), Charlotte (17) Grew up in Vero Beach, Florida. Attended First Baptist Church and was active in the
youth group. Attended dental school at UNC Has shared a dental practice with Richard for the past 23 years FPC experiences—Youth Sunday school teacher, Youth Group advisor, Deacon,
Mission trip to Mexico (2 years), playground renovation, Architectural Advisory Sub-committee, Vacation Bible School Coordinator, Gatekeepers
Hobbies—cooking, travel, spending time with family
Charles Taylor Phillips “I was a Floridian of 40 years before moving my family to Rocky Mount six years ago. We have enjoyed every minute of our life here, particularly the true small town feel that
Rocky Mount has to offer. I am a Physician Assistant and specialize in ENT. I graduated from the University of Florida with a Masters degree in Physician Assistant studies. My wife Sydney and I were very much involved in our former church in St. Petersburg, Maximo Presbyterian. While there I served on the session, led the Mission Team and chaired the Pastoral Search Committee. My current role in NC finds me very involved with the youth, specifically, the Youth Council of New Hope Presbytery. Currently, I am coordinating the Presbytery High School retreat in March, 2014, and I have been asked to moderate the Youth Council. I have been happily married for 21 years to the love of my life, Sydney. We have two (2) awesome boys, Wyatt 15 and Samuel 12. I am blessed to have been called to serve on the Session of FPC here in Rocky Mount. I look forward to doing God’s work with you.”
Richard Jeptha Rose Jep Rose is a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, where he has served as a member of the diaconate and the session, including several teams as clerk thereof. He was a listless student while enduring a long and expansive education at schools he was lucky to get into, and he has been a practicing attorney in Rocky Mount since 1973. He is married to Elizabeth Rose and they are the parents of two (2) daughters, Mary Ash-ley and Lucy.
Timothy Carl Smith Wife: Mary Sue
2 children—Tim Smith, Jr. (33), Rebecca (33) Tim practices Internal Medicine at Boice Willis Clinic. He attended medical school at
the Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed his residency at Duke University Medical Center. Tim has also done some clinical teaching at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.
Tim has been a member of First Presbyterian church for 17 years, and has been an or-dained elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for 12 years.
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DEACONS — CLASS OF 2016
Diane Lovelace Dixon “I am the older daughter of Jack and Daphne Lovelace and grew up in this great First Presbyterian Church of ours. For some reason my mother thought I should join the choir during my younger years and like a good girl, I followed her advice. I loved wearing the choir attire with the big bow ties, but I’m sure Larry Gupton wished that I would try lip
syncing. After graduating from Meredith College, I passionately followed my calling and taught high school math for 35 years. Not ready to completely retire, I found another passion and opened Patios In Bloom, an outdoor accessory shop on Dortches Boulevard, with Gina Allen. I am married to Phil Dixon and we are blessed with two sons and their wives, Philip and Sarah Dixon, John and Amy Dixon, and two grandsons, Philip and Cameron.”
Stephen Redfern Chesnutt Wife, Martha Children, Mary Powell (6), Elizabeth (4) Stephen received his undergraduate degree from Hampden-Sydney and a MBA from
East Carolina University. He is currently self-employed as a general contractor. Stephen joined First Presbyterian eight (8) years ago by letter of transfer from First
Presbyterian Church in Henderson, NC .
Thomas Anthony Honey Tommy and his wife Kate joined First Presbyterian on November 13, 2011. He is cur-rently employed with Hunter & Associates, a property management and brokerage firm in Raleigh. Tommy has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He and Kate have two children: Shelton (9) and Thomas (6). Tommy has coached youth soccer here in Rocky Mount, and he enjoys participating in organized sports leagues, primarily basketball and tennis.
Georgia Bracy Mixon Georgia has been a member of First Presbyterian for 62 years, joining in December of 1950. She has been and remains a very active member. She is largely responsible for our Prom Closet each spring. Georgia is also a member and officer of Presbyterian Women and a member of our Circle of J.O.Y. She is very happy to have been given the opportunity to serve as a deacon.
Ann Claire Roberson Ann Claire became a confirmed member of First Presbyterian on April 19, 2009. She has grown up in this church, being baptized here on November 16, 1997. She has been a member of our Middle School Youth Group and is now a member of our Senior High Youth Group. She participates in most all of our Senior High Youth Group activities; ringing bells for the Salvation Army, working with Gatekeepers each summer, and many other church and youth group functions. She attends Rocky Mount Academy.
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CAN YOU GUESS THESE ‘PARAPHASED” YULETIDE TITLES? 1. Quadruped with crimson proboscis
2. Nocturnal period without noise
3. Hey you, miniscule hamlet in the Near East!
4. My maternal parent osculated a saint in my line of vision
5. Ancient, benevolent Czech monarch
6. Adorn the vestibule
7. Chilly homo-sapiens of crystallized vapor
8. Exuberance directed at the planet
9. Listen as the aerial chorus announces musically
10. A trio of monarchs describing themselves
11. Yonder in a feed trough
12. One dozen 24-hour Yuletide periods
13. Hey, a sanctified post meridian
14. Seraphim making perceptible noise aloft
15. Christmas list: a pair of incisors
16. Hey believers, get over here
17. My mental imaging of a Caucasian Yuletide
18. Musical clangs on precious metal
19. Arrival of a neutral pronoun on a cloudless witching hour
20. Perambulating in a dreamy snowscape
ANSWERS 1. Rudolph, the Red Nosed
Reindeer
2. Silent Night
3. O, Little Town of Bethlehem
4. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa
Claus
5. Good King Wenceslas
6. Deck the Halls
7. Frosty the Snowman
8. Joy to the World
9. Hark, the Herald Angels Sing
10. We Three Kings
11. Away in a Manger
12. Twelve Days of Christmas
13. O, Holy Night
14. Angels We Have Heard on
High
15. All I Want for Christmas is my
Two Front Teeth
16. O Come All Ye Faithful
17. I’m Dreaming of a White
Christmas
18. Silver Bells
19. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
20. Walking in a Winter Wonder-
land
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ARE YOU SCHEDULED? USHERS, GREETERS, WELCOME USHERS,
LITURGISTS, CHILDREN’S SERMONS
December 1 and 8
Head Usher—Randy Thomas
Ushers—Randy Thomas
Bobbi Lambeth Tim Smith
Mary Sue Smith
Myra Thomas Welcome Usher—Myra Thomas
Greeters—Doug & Catherine Billups
Liturgist— 1st Ellen Poland
8th Mary Perry
Acolytes— 1st
8th Lauren & Megan Seale
Children’s Sermon—
1st Dee Whitley
8th Jim Lilley
Nursery— 1st Christie Sondergard
Christie Outlaw Kim Sutton
8th John & Cindy Feagans
December 15 & 22
Head Usher—Dee Whitley
Ushers—Dee Whitley
Darin Scott Elizabeth Scott
Georgia Mixon
Kevin Schrimper Welcome Usher—Kevin Schrimper
Greeter—Bobbi Lambeth
Liturgist—15th David Farris
22nd Randy Adams
Acolytes 15th
22nd
Children’s Sermon
15th Randy Adams
22nd Dionne Seale
Nursery— 15th
Kate & James Tharin 22nd
Lynn & Andy Warner
December 29
Head Usher—David Farris
Ushers—David Farris
David Dudley John Gessaman
Verna Gessaman
Laura Dudley Welcome Usher—Laura Dudley
Greeter—Marianne Farris
Liturgist—Partha Daughtridge Children’s Sermon—Pastor
Nursery—Kate and Tommy Honey
December 24th—Christmas Eve
TBA
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My heartfelt thanks to those wonderful youth and youthful adults who were so kind to rake the leaves in my yard. I am so fortunate to belong to such a caring
church. Love, Evelyn Reese
More praise and thanks to the members of the Hand-craft Ministry! Just had to tell you how proud L. M. is of his own special afghan. Believe me, he has put it to
good use since his surgery and it goes with him from room to room. Not only is the afghan useful, it is beau-tiful, lovely handwork. Many thanks from both of us. See you at church,
Margaret Barnes
Dear Church Family, I have been overwhelmed with the many cards, calls, etc. from my church family. I have received flowers
delivered by Laura Dudley, an afghan delivered by Frances Guerry, food from Georgia Mixon and Sylvia Phillips and so many cards and prayers. I even had a visit from Mrs. Pumpkin (BC) who offered best wishes
from the choir along with lots of candy! Prayers got off to an early start when, to my surprise, I was met as I got out of the car at the hospital by our Pastor, Peter Bynum! All of you mean so much to Margaret and
me. I am progressing well and hope to return to the choir ASAP. Lots of love to you all, L. M.
To our church family, Thank you all for the love and support you have shown our daughter, Vivian! She loves to sing, and for
her to have an opportunity to sing in front of a large group of people that cares so deeply for her is one of the
greatest blessings anyone could have. Thank you dearly!
Blessings, Winslow and Laura Rogers
What a grand group you are! First I go to the hospital, Pat gets jealous of the attention I am getting so she ups and has a “mild heart attack”. We both get lovely
warm lap robes from the nice crocheting ladies. Then I have a birthday and here comes a beautiful and very creative cake from Hannah Diedrick. It is undoubtedly delicious but it is enshrined for at least the holidays,
also a sweet birthday card from the children. Pat and I are sincerely grateful and proud to be with such a fine and loving group. THANK YOU!
Jim and Pat Blanchard
Dear Church Friends: The birthday cake was so delicious. My family en-joyed it as much as I did. Thank you so much.
Fondly, Mildred Johnson
Dear FPC, Thank you so much for the flowers we found on our doorstep upon arriving home from New York. After a
hard week mourning the loss of Kyle’s mom, they were a sweet surprise. We so appreciate the love and support from this wonderful church. Sincerely,
Kyle and Nancy Stetz
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ABBOTTSWOOOD AT IRVING PARK
Greensboro Peggy Harrison—mother of Laura Dudley
THE FOUNTAINS AT THE ALBEMARLE
Tarboro Janice Mayberry
BREKENRIDGE, Rocky Mount Mable Sloan Mildred Weeks
Bill Goodwyn
THE COTTAGE AT SPRING ARBOR
Rocky Mount Mardy Callaway, mother of Joe Callaway
THE COMMONS AT BRIGHTMORE
Wilmington Janie Lassiter
AT HOME, LIMITED MOBILITY Mildred Johnson, Thelma Lundy, Blanche Robinson
Pat Blanchard Bill and Ida Stanley
John Dudley Jean and Frank Edge
Margaret Edwards Anne Etheredge
Benjy Glover Anna Gold (broken ankle) Barbara Griggs
Russell Guerry (Charles and Frances Guerry’s son) — heart attack
Mae Joyner, sister of Anne Parkerson Robert Littrell
Henrietta MacIntyre, mother of Russ MacIntyre Dorathy (Dot) Meares, Mary Scott’s
mom Susie Park, Fred Park’s mother
Johnny Phillips Anne Podesta
Katy Keel Sozzi (granddaughter of the late Paige and Betty Keel, niece of Wardlaw Lamar) — brain tumor
CHRISTMAS EVE
COMMUNION Preparers—Partha Daughtridge
Servers
Partha Daughtridge Marianne Farris
David Farris Mike Gaynor
John Etheredge Janice Smith Anne Mosley
Becky Parks
John Turnage
Winslow Rogers Jay Gardner
CONGRATULATIONS! to Abby and Collin Neblett on the birth of their new daughter,
Lillian Brittain Neblett, born Tuesday, December 3, 2013 in
Dallas, Texas. Proud grand-parents are Bill and Suzanne Buchanan and great grandfa-
ther, Herman Ferguson. Lily weighed 8 pounds 1 ounce and was 21 inches
long.
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Pastor: Peter Bynum Associate Pastor for Congregational Life: Mary Kathleen Duncan
Assistant for Children’s Ministries: Dionne Seale Church Secretary: Catherine Billups Financial Secretary: Jeanne Shannon
Director of Music: Jim Smith Organist: Virginia Vance Housekeeper: Charity Lodge Sexton: J. J. Jeffries
Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Permit No. 193
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
First Presbyterian Church 153 N. Church Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27804 www.fpcrm.org
Pastor: Peter Bynum Associate Pastor for Congregational Life: Mary Kathleen Duncan
Assistant for Children’s Ministries: Dionne Seale Church Secretary: Catherine Billups Financial Secretary: Jeanne Shannon
Director of Music: Jim Smith Organist: Virginia Vance Housekeeper: Charity Lodge Sexton: J. J. Jeffries
Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Permit No. 193
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
First Presbyterian Church 153 N. Church Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
PeterPeterPeter Mary Kathleen
Mary Kathleen
Catherine
Catherine
JeanneJeanne
DionneDionne J. J.J. J. JimJim
JennieJennie
Bill B.
Bill B.
Mary H.