Sept. 2016

First On Third News

In this Issue:

Pastor’s Posts Welcome Back Educational Offerings

2

Refugee Family Update Forgiveness by PCC

3

Presbyterian Churches Unite in Habitat Build

4

Opportunities in China Gary News

5

Choir Season Music At First Presents Field Duo

6

News Briefs 7

Service Opportunities 8

Welcome All! This Sunday, September 11, will be a busy Sunday at First Presbyterian Church of Wilmington. The morning kicks off with worship at 8:45 in Kenan Chapel. During 9:00 New Life Worship all in attendance will be blessed by a special worship service filled with music and personal faith stories. Members of the Confirmation Class and their mentors will share as well as members of the New Life Band. At 10:00 everyone is invited to a joint breakfast and celebration for the Christian Education hour. Preschoolers through adults can all join in the fellowship and learning in Gilmour Hall. Come learn about a new class for adults, continuing classes, new small groups, special mission events this fall, and great Sunday morning offerings for all ages. Then, during 11:00 worship, we will confirm the 16 members of the 2016 Confirmation Class and celebrate this milestone in their faith journeys. Also at 11:00 that morning we will kick off our new Worship Tools for children eight years old and older, who remain in worship for the entire worship service. Instead of a Children's Bulletin, each older child will be handed a worship sheet to help him listen for certain elements of worship and to respond in creative ways. After 11:00 worship everyone is invited to Cookies in the Courtyard and a time to greet and congratulate the Confirmation Class members. And, if that is not enough to fill your Sunday, First Presbyterian Church will also be hosting an evening fellowship hour and vespers service at Camp Kirkwood in Watha, NC. Camp Kirkwood, for many years, was the Presbytery camp. It is now run jointly by the Friends of Camp Kirkwood and the Wilmington YMCA. I will be leading worship with a few of our elders and hope that many of you will join us for a lovely evening out in God's beautiful creation. I look forward to worshipping, celebrating, and learning with you on Sunday morning. Kathy Beach Interim Associate Pastor for Education and Discipleship

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Three services at traditional worship times at 8:45, 9:00 and 11:00am

2016-2017 Education Offerings! Preschool Sunday School, Early Elementary Sunday school (k-2) Dig In, a new online curriculum whose curriculum we use for Bible school and have for other classes in the past.

Top Dogs Sunday School (3rd-5th grade) Connect curriculum

Middle School Sunday School Half-Truths by Adam Hamilton, youth edition, and Bullying curriculum

Adult Curriculum: Chapel Class: The Present Word Forum Class: Micky Efird videos on Acts, lessons by Rev. Dr. Bob Bankhead Foundations: Half-Truths study above and Bullying study above, Faith Seeking Understanding: lessons on Matthew by Rev. Bob Snell, Journey: Embracing the Prophets in Contemporary Culture by Walter Brueggeman

Adult Small Group Studies: America’s Original Sin: Racism and White Privilege by Jim Wallis (ongoing study with Chestnut St. Presbyterian) Everyday Simplicity: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Growth, Robert J. Wicks (Companions in Christ) Sacred Secrets, Beth Moore video and book study (new Connecting Women group) Gideon, Priscilla Shirer video and book study (Connecting Women night group) Men’s Bible study Reflection on daily or weekly lectionary Scripture,Connecting Women

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Centerpoint—Presbyterian Counseling Center By Doug Edwards, Counselor FORGIVENESS “Refusing to forgive is like taking poison and hoping that the person who has harmed us will die” (source unknown). Our society equates forgiveness with weakness. The thinking is that forgiveness means we must allow the wrongdoer repeated opportunities to harm us. If that were the case forgiveness would be an impossible option. We would inevitably hang on to our resentments. As a result those angers would eventually leave us bitter and even make us emotionally and physically ill. True forgiveness is very different from the popular conception. It involves two challenging and life-giving benefits. As we genuinely forgive, we choose to no longer be angry with the perpetrator because: 1) it enhances our emotional health, and 2) in repentance, he or she asks for our forgiveness. The first is a gift to us. The second is a gift to the other person. Neither action requires that we allow the person who has harmed us with an opportunity to hurt us again. Forgiveness is not pretending we are no longer hurt or angry. It is healing deep hurts with patient insight and concern. It may well involve the supportive assistance offered by the caring staff of the Presbyterian Counseling Center. Call 452-7370, and visit the Center: www.presbyteriancounselingcenter.org Doug Edwards, Counselor

Refugee Progress Made Each Day! By Bruce Gibson

Our refugee family is doing great things and achieving more each day in the journey to full resettlement. Imagine if

you had to leave your home, were taken to a country in Africa where everyone spoke a language you did not understand, no one spoke English and you had to find a job and support your family. Sounds daunting doesn’t it? Well this is what our family is facing. And they are doing very well. Four of Mukashyaka’s six children are enrolled in public schools. For the children of our congregation, keep your eyes open for Dusabe at Forest Hills, Uwase and Vestine at Williston Middle School and

Chantal and Fred at New Hanover High School. Introduce yourself if you see them and offer a welcome from our church. The family has been attending the New Life worship service with us and are appreciative of this opportunity.

We are excited about what God is doing in their lives and about how God has led us into this time of service for them.

Refugee Welcoming Team

Can You Help?

Know of a four bed-room house to rent

at an affordable price in the city?

Contact Bruce Gibson or

Charlie Lee Your prayerful

consideration is greatly appreciated.

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positive and successful transition to home ownership.

Barbara shared that owning a home will give her more opportunities to serve the Lord. She feels becoming a homeowner will make a huge impact on her life, and she looks forward to experiencing the freedom from the challenges that come with renting. She wants to begin saving for her child’s college education, as well as future emergencies. These are dreams Barbara pulled within her reach by making the decision to partner with Cape Fear Habitat and following through with plenty of hard work and determination.

Barbara’s motivation is inspiring to those around her. Her gratitude for all those involved in her journey towards homeownership has been evident and unwavering from the very beginning. It will give all of us a day to look forward to when Barbara gets her own set of keys and realizes this dream of home ownership.

For the last 3 years FPC has participated in Habitat for Humanity Ecumenical Builds. Chris Hayden, our FPC liaison and Community Service Committee member said, “We have partnered with several other churches of various denominations in providing financial and volunteer assistance in constructing a modest home for a hardworking and deserving family. This will be the first time in recent history we will partner with other Presbyterian Churches.”

Want to Help? First Pres has committed to providing: · 15 volunteers for the Wall

Raising on Saturday Oct. 15th (age 16+)

· 15 volunteers for the Vinyl Siding on Saturday Nov. 5th (age 16+)

“From having volunteered nearly weekly with Habitat over the past five years, I can assure you that Wall Raising and Vinyl Siding are two of the most gratifying tasks in building a home,” Chris said. “So we heartily encourage you to put your faith into action and sign up for what will unquestionably be a richly rewarding experience.”

Other opportunities will be available as the build progresses, such as providing lunches to the work crews. Find out more about this build and REGISTER to be part of this team by going to Habitat’s Presbyterian Build website at www.capefearhabitat.org/presbyterian-build/. You may also contact Chris Hayden at 910-228-5580/609-605-4955 OR Tim Synan, Habitat’s Volunteer Coordinator at his email or 910 762-4744 X105.

Build a Home and Build Your Faith! First Presbyterian will partner with about a half-dozen other Presbyterian Churches to build a Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity (CFH) house for Barbara and her daughter off Gordon Road, a short 14 minutes drive from our church. Groundbreaking is scheduled for September 24th.

Barbara has already helped build six other Partner Families’ houses. She is now able to work with her family and friends on her own home, with the help of parishioners from our church and other Presbyterian Congregations

Barbara worked in the construction flooring business for many years before switching careers. She received a degree in Early Childhood Education in 2013, and now teaches in a local school. She has a child who loves photography and plans to create a photo collage poster for the Habitat office to give others a glimpse of the Family’s experience from beginning to end.

She has assisted in educating the community about CFH’s mission at the Star News Conscience Fair, as well as Habitat’s annual fundraisers, the Turkey Trot and UpScale ReSale. She’s offered much support to Habitat’s ReStores. It is especially impressive she has already completed over 80% of her 250 required Sweat Equity hours before the summer began; and she’s successfully completed the “Steps to Success” class series held by Cape Fear which prepares Partner Families for a

Presbyterian Congregations Unite to Build Barbara’s Home

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Opportunities in China The China Ministry of First Presbyterian Church continues and here is information on short-term and long-term service opportunities in China: The Outreach Foundation, (www.theoutreachfoundation.org) leads annual mission and informational trips to China and can provide general information on service opportunities in China. The Amity Foundation (www.amityfoundation.org) is a large Chinese non-governmental organization with Christian roots that serves many needs in China. Although best-known for their bible production, they also have social service and English language training programs.

Education Resources and Referrals China(www.errc@errchina.com) is a California-based Christian group that provides both short-term and long-term positions for teachers in a number of fields. Volunteers for China (www.volunteersforchina.org) is an organization that sends volunteers principally for teaching, but also other areas as need and opportunity arise. For anyone interested in a possible service opportunity in China, the websites of these groups will provide considerable information which can then be followed up appropriately. —Walt Conser

Youth Lock-In a big hit! The 6th and 7th grade Lock-In was a blast. Bowling, Denny's, movies and great fellowship! Thanks to all for participating and to Brooks Lamm for the fantastic Rooster Cookie Cake. Thank you to all the parents who provided food, rides and who spent the night!

GARY NEWS "Are you an expiring painter? Do you dream of nothing but your next paint project? Do you carry a paint brush with you all the time just waiting for the next opportunity to put your personal stroke on something? Well seek help. Or, call me. There are several painting projects here at the church just waiting for you. You can do an outdoor scene;

all the black hand railings need paint. Or you can do a full wall mural, all one color, but still. And after that wall, the other walls in the room. The paint carts are ready and waiting. Bring a friend, make it a family activity. All the rooms in the penthouse (hospitality suite), where the Interfaith families and mission groups stay need paint; do one, do all. Call 520-2293 to start your painting adventure." —Gary Southerland, Facilities Manager

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Bell Choir Come ring handbells beginning Thursday, September 15 at 6:00pm in the Choir Room. Sr. High and up. You must know how to read music. Bells have traditionally called people into times of prayer and worship. We have a three-octave set of bells from C 4 - C 7. Last spring we had enough people to ring two octaves of bells. It would be nice to use the entire set of bells. This will require an additional four people. Please email John Tabler if you are interested or would like some more information. Our goal will be to play once a month for worship. New Sr. High Choir If you are interested in an opportunity to sing as an ensemble, come to an organizational gathering on Sept. 18 at 9:45 am – 10: 25 am in the Choir Room. Come enjoy a Krispy Kreme donut and sing!

Children's Choirs The Children's Choirs return Wednesday, September 14 at 4:45pm followed by a pizza party in Gilmour Hall. The programs will continue each Wednesday this fall through November 16th. Sandy Errante will have some scheduled parent observation times for parents of 3s and 4s. This experience will help parents see what the children are learning as they discover the joy of music making. Children ages Kindergarten and up will prepare several anthems to lead in various services throughout the fall and spring. These various choirs will be divided into three age appropriate choirs and led by directors: Hannah Lomas, Nicki Richmond and John Tabler: Kirk Choir - Kindergarten Alleluia Choir - 1st and 2nd grade Celebration Choir - 3rd grade and up.

All three choirs will share in leading a Wednesday evening worship service designed and led by these choristers once a month in the Sanctuary or Chapel.

Please see the web for more specific information pertaining to each choir. You can sign up your children online at the church website music page for this fun musical experience in coordination with educational and spiritual discovery. Help your children discover the joy of music while serving Christ's Church.

Choir Season is here! MUSIC AT FIRST

2016-17 Concert Series

September 18, 5:00 p.m. Elizabeth Field, soprano Stephen Field, piano Another exciting concert season of Music at First be-gins September 18, 5:00 p.m. Featuring the Field duo: Elizabeth McKay Field, soprano Stephen Field, piano Performing: Serenades of Brahms, Schubert, Strauss and Schumann French Lieder of Camille Saint-Saens Selections from Canciones Clasicas Espanolas by Fernando Obradors Three Dickinson Songs by Andre Previn Then the next MAF is October 16, at 5:00 p.m. featuring Rocky Mount Chamber Singers James Smith, Conductor

If you would like be a supporter or subscribe to our email list, please contact John Tabler at: John@firstonthird.org

YOUTH ACTIVITIES! Sunday, Sept. 11 Confirmation Class will join at 11:00 worship. September 18-25 Small groups can sign up to prepare a meal for Interfaith September 24 Small groups can sign up to help take Interfaith kids to Children's Museum (10am) September 25 Parent Information Meeting & Covered dish - noon Mission trip possibilities, sign-ups, calendars October 1-2 DNOW Retreat October 2 Stop Hunger Now - 10am and noon Phoenix Hometown Hires would love to have two youth every Wednesday to help with kids activities. Contact Terry Smith

Be the Light – Help Hunger at Halloween at WUMC (4 Live Oak Dr., Wrightsville Beach) 5-7pm Open Arms You may have heard Roland in a sermon recently mention a group that has formed called Open Arms. Open Arms is an effort by the Christian Community here and elsewhere to wrap the LGBTQ+ community into the warm embrace of God’s grace and love. This is through an intentional ministry of welcome and hospitality, nurture and support, inspiration and encouragement. An open house open to all interested will be held in Gilmour Hall on the evening of Oct. 26.

First Presbyterian Worship Tools - Tools for Leading Our Families to Faith at Church and at Home New this fall! Are you looking for new ways to talk about God at home or engage your children during worship? The first Worship Tool that we are sharing is a set of conversation starters that can be used at home during meals, in the car, before bedtime, etc. Please pick up your Conversation Tool Box, stickers to decorate it, and the first set of questions located on the table inside the Orange Street entrance. Ten new questions will be shared each month so you can add them to your Conversation Tool Box. Watch for new worship opportunities for you and your families as we go along through the year! Calling all TOP DOGS! October 2 we’ll participate in Stop Hunger Now. This is a fun church-wide event that starts right after church. We help pack 10,000 packs of rice and beans to send off to those in need and then we share lunch together. If you want to receive email reminders about Top Dogs events, please also email Maggie Bennington at her email: benningtonmaggie@gmail.com Montreat Church-wide Retreat will be November 4-6, 2016! Sign up is now live at our website! Or, bring your $100 deposit into the church office.

New Member Class Prospective new members are invited to learn about all that our Church family has to offer. Spread the word! Classes will begin this Sunday, Sept. 11 and will run through Oct. 2. (four Sundays) in the Brides' Room (204) at 9:45am. Oct. 2 will be the day those completing the class (who wish to join) will join. There will also be a social for the new members on Oct. 9 at 10am in Gilmour Hall after the 9am service. All are welcome to attend and greet the new members. Stephen Ministry Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 Stephen Ministers are caregivers. Consider allowing one to walk with you on your journey to wholeness. Call Janice Clark, 228-8584 or the church office, 762-6688 Bells arrived! Three shiny new bells have arrived recently from the Bell Foundry in France. They are on display in the Welcome Center/Parlor. One is in honor of Ernie Thompson and his family given by the congregation. The other two are Memorials to the Allings, June Alling Wingebach and Ann Bench Alling and given by Bam Alling. Stop by and view them up close.

News Briefs Circle Meetings Circle 1 & 5 will meet Tuesday, Sept. 13th at the Seaside Club. 5:00 cocktails on the porch, 6:00 dinner inside. Reservations required for dinner only!!! Circle 2 will meet Monday, Sept. 12, Monday, 7:00pm, at the home of Betty Fulenwider, 7919 Blue Heron, West #301. Circle 3 will meet Monday, Sept. 12 at 10:30am in the Brides' Room. Circle 4 will meet Monday, Sept. 12th at 10:30am in the Carriage House Circle 8 will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 10:00am in the Carriage House. Circle 9 will meet on Monday, Sept. 12 at 10:00am at the home of Sally Scott, 426 White Columns Way, Wilmington Circle 10 will meet Tuesday, Sept 20th at 7:00pm. at the home of Maggie Miller on 102 S Channel Dr., Wright. Bch. Interfaith Hospitality Our hosting week is a week away, September 18-25th. Wesley Memorial UMC and Shiloh Baptist join us as support churches. We will enjoy this partnership as we look to help hosting homeless families with children. How can you help? Sign up Information is located on our website or email Lisa Sherrill or Clancy Thompson.

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WE’RE ON THE WEB: WWW.FIRSTONTHIRD.ORG

www.firstonthird.org

First On Third News 125 South Third Street Wilmington, North Carolina 28401

Phone: 762-6688 Fax: 762-7471

Pastor On Call - 762-9622

Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Wilmington, North Carolina Permit No. 295

Return Service Requested

Transportation Ministry The Congregational Care Committee, is seeking volunteers who can offer a ride on an as-needed basis. At least two volunteers in eleven geographical areas are needed. Please contact Kathy at Kathy@firstonthird.org or Nicki Kurosu at 910-777-1832. Your willingness to meet our congregational needs is greatly appreciated. Emergency Care Ministry The Congregational Care Committee, through its Emergency Care Team, keeps a list of those members in our area who would benefit from a timely call and direct assistance from a member of our church before, during and/or after any significant event that would disrupt needed services and/cause serious issues. Members who could benefit most from this ministry of would be the elderly, those residing alone, those with

impaired mobility, and/or those who do not have family members nearby. There are several members currently who are on our contact list. If you would like to be a recipient or a provider of this helpful ministry please contact a co-chair of the committee, Salena Warlick at (h) 681-0246, (cell) 795-5099 or Joan Ruden (h) 350-2981, (cell) 228-3516. You may also call the church office at 762-6688. Grandparents Support Network is a support group for grandparents and older adults who are the head of household to one or more grandchildren. Volunteers (including high school youth) are needed to be mentors for children who participate in the Grandparents Network program. Please contact Evie Nicklas for how to help.

Phoenix Hometown Hires An increase in the number of children whose parents are participating in the new session of Life Skills Training makes for a great opportunity for FPC youth and adults to volunteer to provide childcare on their own church campus. The 2.5-3 hours once a week can be spread among our youth so that a commitment of “one Wednesday a month” that is easily manageable in the schedules of the volunteers, but at the same time provide a very meaningful service experience. Contact Briana at cell - 919-262-4914 or Terry Smith for more information. Come join in dinner and fellowship and learn all about Phoenix/Hometown Hires on Wednesday, September 21, at “Who’s My Neighbor” beginning at 5:45 in Gilmour Hall. A limited amount of seating is available for dinner. Sign up online at www.firstonthird.org/wednesdayprogram/

News Briefs—More Service Opportunities!