FIRST PRESS€¦ · 12/12/2018 · the 11 a.m. service, Room 210. HOT CHOCOLATE SALE – The youth...
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FIRST PRESS The Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville Volume 30, Issue 25 December 23, 2018 Here’s the one Christmas card you’ll never receive: At this festive season remember: The axe is already at the root of the tree, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. (Matt. 3:10) Have a Merry Christmas, John the Baptist If we were ever tempted to send such a card we should remember the cautionary words of Linus Van Pelt (“A Charlie Brown Christmas”) to his friend: I don’t know, Charlie Brown. Remember what Lucy said? This doesn’t seem to fit the modern spirit. There is a gravity and severity to John the Bap- tist that doesn’t seem to fit our desire for Christmas joy and peace. Yet John is the biblical gatekeeper to the birth of Christ, in Scripture forever as a reminder of the staggering implications of the com- ing of Jesus into the world. If we could nominate new characters to include in the manger scene I’d put John at the top of the list. Maybe he would be standing a few paces away from the scene around Jesus as a reminder that the joyful birth is just the first chapter of a long and challenging story. Christmas is God’s promise, wrapped in infant flesh, that the world is about to turn. At times it is a beautiful and sentimental promise of the peace we seek from sin, fear, and death. At times – in keeping with John the Baptist – it is a reminder that the defeat of sin, fear, and death was and is a costly thing. Sometimes we need peace from the battle and sometimes strength for it. Jesus comes promis- ing both. May God bless you this Christmas with strength and peace, in just the proportion you need, that you can follow Jesus from the manger into the world in the coming days. God’s richest blessing to you and yours, Mike From The Pastor John e Baptist’s Sobering Reminder Monday, December 24, 2018 Christmas Eve Services Noon: Communion service in the Chapel Dr. Garrett’s sermon is “Glory to God” from the second chapter of Luke. Men of God and the Revelation Ringers, soloist, duet. 5:30 PM: A family friendly candelight communion service in the Sanctuary The Millennial Ringers, the Celebration Choir, the First Presbyterian Women’s Ensemble, and others, while the children join the service in the program, “The World Is about to Turn!” Your family, your Home & Hearth Church family, is planning a potluck dinner on December 25th, and you’re invited! The church will provide the main course meat and drinks. Everyone who participates will fill in with sides, salads, and desserts. The meal will begin at 1 p.m., either in the Activity Room or the Fellowship Hall, depending on the number of participants. Food should arrive at 12:45 p.m. To make a reservaon, just sign up online, or email Kellie Perkins at [email protected] by Sunday, December 23, at 3 p.m. Home & Hearth Holiday Fellowship Christmas Day Dinner • 1 PM
Transcript of FIRST PRESS€¦ · 12/12/2018 · the 11 a.m. service, Room 210. HOT CHOCOLATE SALE – The youth...
FIRST PRESSThe Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville
Volume 30, Issue 25 December 23, 2018
Here’s the one Christmas card you’ll never receive:
At this festive season remember:The axe is already at the root of the tree, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. (Matt. 3:10)Have a Merry Christmas,John the Baptist
If we were ever tempted to send such a card we should remember the cautionary words of Linus Van Pelt (“A Charlie Brown Christmas”) to his friend: I don’t know, Charlie Brown. Remember what Lucy said? This doesn’t seem to fit the modern spirit.
There is a gravity and severity to John the Bap-tist that doesn’t seem to fit our desire for Christmas joy and peace. Yet John is the biblical gatekeeper to the birth of Christ, in Scripture forever as a reminder of the staggering implications of the com-ing of Jesus into the world. If we could nominate new characters to include in the manger scene I’d put John at the top of the list. Maybe he would be standing a few paces away from the scene around Jesus as a reminder that the joyful birth is just the first chapter of a long and challenging story.
Christmas is God’s promise, wrapped in infant flesh, that the world is about to turn. At times it is a beautiful and sentimental promise of the peace we seek from sin, fear, and death. At times – in keeping with John the Baptist – it is a reminder that the defeat of sin, fear, and death was and is a costly thing. Sometimes we need peace from the battle and sometimes strength for it. Jesus comes promis-ing both.
May God bless you this Christmas with strength and peace, in just the proportion you need, that you can follow Jesus from the manger into the world in the coming days.
God’s richest blessing to you and yours,
Mike
From The Pastor
John The Baptist’s Sobering Reminder
Monday, December 24, 2018
Christmas Eve ServicesNoon: Communion service in the ChapelDr. Garrett’s sermon is “Glory to God” from the second chapter of Luke. Men of God and the Revelation Ringers, soloist, duet.
5:30 PM: A family friendly candelight communion service in the SanctuaryThe Millennial Ringers, the Celebration Choir, the First Presbyterian Women’s Ensemble, and others, while the children join the service in the program, “The World Is about to Turn!”
Your family, your Home & Hearth Church family, is planning a potluck dinner on December 25th, and you’re invited! The church will provide the main course meat and drinks. Everyone who participates will fill in with sides, salads, and desserts. The meal will
begin at 1 p.m., either in the Activity Room or the Fellowship Hall, depending on the number of participants. Food should arrive at 12:45 p.m.
To make a reservation, just sign up online, or email Kellie Perkins at [email protected] by Sunday, December 23, at 3 p.m.
Home & Hearth Holiday FellowshipChristmas Day Dinner • 1 PM
NEWS FIRST@and other special events
first things first
Information & DirectoryWorship Services
Services are held at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel and at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
EntrancesThe main business entrance to the church is now through the double doors under the porte cochere. Other church entrances will be open for Sunday services and other events.
FellowshipEller Hall will be the gathering place for fel-lowship after each service.
CHILD CAREChild care is available Sundays for infants, toddlers, twos, and threes during Sunday Services, Wednesday evening ministries, and other occasions as needed. Child care at First Presbyterian is always nurturing. Children explore the truths of God’s Word.
CongREgAtIonAL CAREBe reminded that Prayer Request Cards are available in the pews. If you, a family member, or a friend has a special need to be remembered in prayer, fill out this request card and drop it in the offering plate. Many things are wrought through prayer, and your church wants to help.
EmERgEnCy PAstoRAL ConCERns
If you’re hospitalized, seriously ill or having surgery... please notify the church office at 483-0121. Your pastors want to minister to you whenever you are ill, and they can do that only if you inform us.
PRAyER tEAmsFour prayer teams are committed to praying for the concerns of members and friends of First Pres-byterian Church – three e-mail prayer chains and one phone chain. If you would like to be a part of this ministry, contact Joy Keys at 483-0121 or e-mail [email protected].
CoLumbARIumFirst Church is blessed to have a Columbarium, an area reserved for the inurnment of a deceased’s cremated remains. Set in the dignified and beautiful surroundings of a garden near the Historical Room, the columbarium is also a place for quiet meditation and prayer. Adjacent to the Columbarium is the church’s “Memorial Wall.” For information about purchasing a niche in the Columbarium or about the “Memorial Wall,” contact the Operations Director (483-0121 or [email protected]).
FLoWERsThe Advent arrangement in the Santuary on Sunday, December 16, 2018, was given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Thomas Earl Stewart by his family.
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JANUARY MEETINGS AdultsQuesters - Dr. Garrett ....................Room 203
The class considers the sermon of the day.G.I.F.T. Class ..........................Activity Room
Studying the Bible in detail.The Wired Word - Bill McFadyen ...Room 405Covenant Class .............................Room 416Calvin Class ........................Rankin BuildingYouthMiddle & High School ................Room 228 Applying Christian values to real life. Begins in Room 228, separates by age.
ChildrenToddlers .......................................Room 129Two-year-olds ...............................Room 104Three- and Four-year-olds ............Room 118Kindergarten-Fifth Grade .............Room 208
Children start in Room 208 and then break up into smaller groups.
NurseryFor infants .....................................Room 128
Fall Sunday School(9:45-10:45 a.m.)
PW December Project: Second Harvest Food Bank
The Second Harvest Food Bank provides nutritious food to those at risk of hunger. Donations include peanut butter, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, rice, pasta, fruit and pudding cups, canned soups, stews and meats. Bring donations to the volunteer desk or to the upstairs bin near the elevator
WINTER/SPRING C.E. BOOKLETThe newest installment of these twice-yearly guides
is being assembled for publication. Information about your program or event
should be sent to Jim Blaine in Publications at [email protected]. as soon as possible for inclusion.
HAITI HEALTH KIT DAYSaturday, January 12
9 AM-NoonJoin us in the Fellowship Hall to
assemble and pack health kits for the mission to Haiti later in the month.
Jobs are available for all ages.
More meetings will be added to the calendar as committees firm up their schedules for the new year.
The calendar below is an effort to keep you informed of the events at First Presbyterian Church. For a complete listing of activities, refer to our website at www.firstprez.com.SuNDAy, DECEMBER 23 8:30a Worship - Chapel 9:45a Sunday School 10:45a Session meeting - Parlor 11:00a Worship - Sanctuary 3:00p Basketball practice - Fellowship HallMONDAy, DECEMBER 24, CHRISTMAS EVE 12:00p Worship and communion - Chapel 5:30p Worship and communion - SanctuaryTuESDAy, DECEMBER 25, CHRISTMAS DAyThe church office is closed. It reopens Dec. 26 1:00p H3H Christmas Day dinner - TBD
JANuARy 6 11:00a Officer ordination/installation - Sanctuary
JANuARy 15 4:30p VBS meeting - Room 207 5:15p Children’s Ministry - Room 207 6:00p Deacons meeting - Activity Room
JANuARy 17 5:30p Music Vision Team meeting - Chris’ Steak House
JANuARy 22 6:00p Session meeting - Activity Room
Bring appetizers and desserts. Childcare begins at 3:45 PM at the
church.
Young Adults & Families Fellowship
January 5 • 4 PMHome of the Sparzaks
Football-Themed Dinner Party
Sign up at www.firstprez.
com.In Memory of Jean Maxwell by Ann and Buzz Loyd.In Memory of Jennene Cain Springle by Hannah Circle.In Memory of Robert Streib by Suzanne S. Heflin.In Memory of Nancy Streib by Suzanne S. Heflin.In Memory of Donald Streib by Suzanne S. Heflin.
mEmoRIALs & HonoRARIums
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Children’s Corner
YOUTH NEWS
•CHILDREN’S CHuRCH is for kin-dergarten and first graders during the 11 a.m. service. The teacher will stand in front of the Sanctuary to escort the chil-dren to Room 116 after the “Time for Children” part of the service.
•CLuB 543 will meet January 13th after the 11 a.m. service, Room 210.
HOT CHOCOLATE SALE – The youth are selling hot chocolate mix to fund their ski trip. Jars are $10. PLASTIC BAGS are being collected by the youth as a mission project. Place plas-tic garbage bages in the bin in Eller Hall.CRAVE – Youth fellowship on Sundays will resume January 13th. SKI TRIP – The youth ski trip to Sugar Mountain is January 19-21, 2019. Sign up now at www.firstprez.com. Time is running out.THE SOUPER BOWL OF CARING food drive will be January 27 through Febru-ary 3rd. Make plans to donate canned goods and nonperishable food items in the weeks leading up to the actual drive.SUMMER MISSION TRIP – The youth will be going to Louisville, Kentucky from June 8-15. The mission trip is open to both middle and high school students and will cost $300 per person, but there will be scholarships and fundraising op-portunities available so that no one will miss out. Applications will be available after the first of the year and the deadline will be March 1.
All pledge payments and gifts that you wish to count as contributions for 2018 should be dated and received in the church office no later than 9 a.m. on Thursday, December 27, 2018. Contributions should be mailed to the church early enough so that they arrive by that date. If you wish to give stock, it is important to initiate the transfer as soon as possible. For information, call the church office at 483-0121.
End of YEar GivinG
Wednesday Together Meal
Crazy Hat Contest
The church will provide Brant Brock’s signature BBQ chicken. You provide the sides and desserts. Find a simple signup sheet at www.firstprez.com.
Wear your craziest hat for the kickoff of Wednesday
Together. Prizes provided for the top three craziest hats. This is the kickoff for Wednesday
Wednesday Together Returns
January 9th – 5 PM
JANUARY biRTHDAYS!1 Kelly Harrison1 Mona McFadyen1 Tommy Myers2 Baker Alderman2 Cornelia Holmes2 Krista Hunter3 Lana VanStory4 Nicole Brown4 Warren Stewart5 Lynn Leath5 Rebecca McAlister5 Daniel Revels6 Barbara Meek6 Paul Regensburger6 Grace Zimmer7 Harold Godwin
7 Sophia Pridgen8 Julia Dwyer8 Max Richter8 Sue Stevens9 Scott Tolbert10 Paul DeSessa11 Will Battles11 Terry Ciccone12 Joan Daughtry12 Ella Beal Navejas13 Christian Barkman13 Ainsley Plyler14 Crystal Helmke14 Jennifer Plyler14 Matthew Pritchett14 Ben Taylor
14 Steven Wauford14 Nancy Willetts15 Jim Hankins, Jr.15 Sarena Myers16 Rob Hasty, Jr.16 Buck Jordan16 Ainsley Mihacsi16 Tommy Spencer 17 Marian Boyette17 Carrie Hall18 Bonnie Blue18 Ashlee Cleveland18 Flora McRae18 Theodore Schwamm19 Claire Hill20 Charles Baker, Jr.
20 Reid Furman20 Jerry Teele21 Jenny MacKethan21 ClaraMoffitt Moorman21 Stacy Pritchett21 Sammy Short23 Sue Cain24 Timothy Davidson24 Matt Plyler24 Fran Primeaux24 Owen Smith24 Charlotte Spivey25 Lea Ann Morris26 Abigail Jolly26 Laurie McRainey
27 Betty Lewis28 Paul Sparzak28 Lilly VanStory29 Hector Davis29 Bill Deaton, Jr.29 Margarette Dunn29 Cameron MacKethan 29 Britany Spivey29 Emmalee Wauford30 Michael Petti30 Diane Regensburger30 Madison Spencer31 Maude Bledsoe
MORE NEWSTHE CHURCH OFFICE will be closed on Tuesday, Dember 25th, and on Tuesday, Janu-ary 1st.COMMUNION will be offered at both services on Christmas Eve, December 24th, and at both services on Sunday, January 13th.DR. GARRETT will speak on Christian leader-ship with a series of sermons scheduled for the first three Sundays in January.THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION is offering a free education program at the Maiden Lane library on January 17, 10 a.m. Registration at alz.org/CRF is suggested.
TAPESTRY on Thursdays will resume January 17th with the Priscilla Shirer study, “Discerning the Voice of God.”FREE CAREGIVERS WORKSHOP – A series of six classes designed to provide tools for family
caregivers of older adults. Series runs from January 8 to February 12, noon to 1:30 p.m., at the Kiwanis Recreation Center, 352 Devers Street. Register by January 4 by calling Bar-bara White (ext. 28) or Carla Smith (ext. 23) at 910-323-4191. Seating is limited.
THE STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN continues. If you have not yet made a pledge for 2019, pledge cards can be found around the church. You can also make your pledge by email at [email protected]. FOLLOW THE BLOG – Dr. Donna Fowler-Marchant is continuing to write her blog that she started last summer and everyone is invited to sign up and receive the posts via email. Go to travelswithwesley.blogspot.com, and you can submit your email address.MEALS THAT MATTER – Teams prepare and deliver meals to church family members in need. Please contact Debbie Williams ([email protected] or 910-988-0974).BREAKFAST – The next SALT breakfast will be January 8, 8:30 a.m., at JK’s Deli.A WEEKLY PRAYER GROUP meets on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. Call Leslie DeSessa at 910-
578-0230.THE HISTORY of First Pres-byterian Church – “Fling Wide the Gates” – is avail-able from the church office for $30. It makes a great last-minute Christmas gift.
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MINISTRy Dr. Michael Garrett, Senior Pastor [email protected] The Rev. Jonathan West, Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adult Ministry – [email protected] Dr. Donna Fowler-Marchant, Minister of Pastoral Care – [email protected] PROGRAM STAFF Dr. Marcia Heirman Mervin, Director of Music Ministry/Organist – [email protected] Sarah Szopinski, Associate Director of Music for Children and Youth – [email protected] Britany Spivey, Director of Children’s Ministry – [email protected] Wanda ussery, Nursery Supervisor [email protected] ADMINISTRATION Joan Daughtry, Operations Director [email protected] Joy Keys, Administrative Assistant [email protected] Connie Burry, Program Secretary [email protected] Jim Blaine, Publications Coordinator [email protected] Julie MacRae, First School Director [email protected] MISSIONARIESLeon & Jacky Dorleans: HaitiCharles & Diane Wonnenberg:
Native Americans (South Dakota)George & Gail McBane: PakistanBill & Nancy Warlick: At-LargeTed & Sue Wright: Southern AfricaDon & Marta Wehmeyer: Merida, MexicoAlan & Ellen Smith: Russia
First Presbyterian staFF
CONTACT uS:Phone: 910-483-0121 • FirstSchool: 910-483-0146
Website: www.firstprez.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/1stprez
Twitter: @fayettevillefpcInstagram: firstprezfayetteville
You’re Gifted! How to Know and Use Your Spiritual GiftsInstructor: Dr. Mike GarrettA four-week class on knowing and using your spiritual gifts and talents. The class will include a spiritual gifts assessement and a review of the results. Room 405.
Nutrition and SpiritualityInstructor: Renee BeringerThese three classes will start you on the way to learning everything you always wanted to know about nutrition and promoting wellness for a lifetime. Activity Room.
Christianity’s Family TreeInstructor: Dr. Donna Fowler-Marchant
Are you interested in what other Christian denomina-tions believe and why? If so, join us for Christian-
ity’s Family Tree, a book-and-video study by the Rev. Adam Hamilton. In this study, we are introduced to 8 different Christian groups: Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Lutheranism, Presby-terianism, Anglicanism, Baptists, Pentecostalism, and Method-ism. Sessions end February 27, to be followed by a Lenten study, “Power and Passion: Six Characters in Search of Resurrection.” Room 416.
Tapestry 2.0: “David – Seeking a Heart Like His”Instructor: Kelly SherrillGod will never give up on you. Explore how David’s life proves this promise to be true in this updated edition of Beth Moore’s bestselling study of David. In this examination of the “man after God’s own heart,” David will delight and disappoint you. If you’ve ever experienced doubts, temptations, losses, family problems, or personal inconsistencies, this study is for you! Room 413.
A Lenten Prayer Journal in ColorInstructor: Leslie DeSessaThe class will focus on Lenten words, personal feelings, creating prayers, and increasing your inspiration and creativitity through art. Activity Room.
Wednesday Together Adult ClassesMeal – 5:00 p.m. • Classes – 6:00 p.m.
CLASSES STARTiNG JANUARY 9TH
Note: Room assignment are still tentative.
STARTiNG JANUARY 30TH
Ordination & Installation of OfficersSunday, January 6, 2019
During the 11 a.m. worship service in the Sanctuary
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND DEADLINES December 23 Church services at 8:30 and 11 a.m. Deadline to sign up for H3H Christmas Day potluck dinner December 24 Church services at noon and 5:30 p.m. December 25 H3H Christmas Day dinner at 1 p.m. Church office is closed December 30 Church services at 8:30 and 11 a.m. January 1 Church office is closed January 5 Young Adult/Families Fellowship dinner party at the Sparzaks at 4 p.m. January 6 Church services at 8:30 and 11 a.m. Officer ordination/installation at the 11 a.m. service. Most choirs and ensembles resume their rehearsal schedule
January 9 SALT Reading Group resumes at 1:45 p.m. Wednesday Together meal and classes resume January 12 Haiti Health Kit Day at the Fellowship Hall, 9 a.m. January 13 Worship and communion at both services, 8:30 and 11 a.m. Deadline to sign up for January 16th Wednesday meal January 17 Tapestry resumes at 9:30 a.m., Activity Room January 19 Youth leave on Sugar Mountain ski trip January 20 Church services at 8:30 and 11 a.m. Deadline to sign up for January 23rd Wednesday meal January 21 Youth return from ski trip Church office closed for MLK holiday.
