F I R S T P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H

March 4, 2020 • Volume 25 • Issue 3

The month of March promises to be a busy and exciting time in the life of First Presbyterian Church! As we began our Lenten journey on February 26, with the celebration of Ash Wednesday, there are many opportunities for study, worship, and service as we brave the “wilderness” for the next forty days.

One such opportunity, which we encourage you to add to your spiritual practice, is daily prayer. Each member of our session has written a short prayer, which you will receive via email each weekday morning. We hope that these prayers might provide a moment for reflection and repentance as we approach the cross on

Easter morning.

During the Lenten season, we also take time to focus on the missions of the church. Specifically, One Great Hour of Sharing which you will have the opportunity to learn more about on the following pages.

I hope and pray that you will embrace this Lenten season wholeheartedly, and through it that we might grow in faith and understanding!

In Christ,

Celeste Crowe, Director of Communications

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The Season of Lent

IN THIS ISSUESession Report

- Page 2

One Great Hour of Sharing

- Page 4

Children and Youth - Page 9

Congregational Updates - Page 10

The First Press

Session Report

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Each month, the session receives individual reports from the many committees that make-up the work of the church. These range from Christian Education to Music and Worship, to Building and Grounds, and everything in-between. If there is an activity going on at FPC, you will find our wonderful staff, along with members of the congregation, and a committee of the session or the diaconate working behind the scenes. Each session meeting is always opened with prayer that the session may be guided by the Holy Spirit as they do their work.

The session approved the following during the February meeting:

• The contract for Dr. Benz to serve as our Interim Senior Minister was renewed and has been submitted to the Presbytery of Western North Carolina.

• The appointment of a task-force to assist in visioning for the future of FPC and any capital needs that may accompany their recommendations.

• As a part of the interim process, the Session approved a group of elders to review the current Mission Statement for any tweaks or adjustments that may need to be made. Their recommendations will be brought to the Session at their next meeting. Mary Layton, Beth Silvers, and Karen Simmons will be undertaking this effort.

• Additionally, the Session will be following Dr. Benz’ guidance as various documents are completed and submitted to the Pastor Nominating Committee to help them in their critical work for our church.

Safety and security are always important. During this meeting, elders were reminded of things we all need to be mindful of, including the importance of not propping doors open for evening meetings, or allowing people to depart the building alone, especially at night. This is critical to the safety of the staff and congregation. All doors must be kept locked. Our doors can be stubborn, so, please, if you close a door, double check to make sure it is latched. The Building and Grounds Committee and Rodney work diligently to keep our campus beautiful and safe. You can be a big help by simply letting the church office know if you see a light out or find one of those stubborn doors.

Dr. Benz expressed her thanks to the almost 140 members who participated in the 15 Discussion Groups. Information gathered from these discussions will be shared with the Pastor Nominating Committee, session, and congregation.

I look forward to sharing information with you each month and please let me know if there are specific committees you would like to hear from.

Blessings!

Anna Renfro, Clerk of Session

Meredith Craig 3/1 Bill Brown 3/13 Evan Roberts 3/20

Susie Taylor 3/1 Emma Conner 3/13 Drew Johnson 3/20

Isabella Thornburg 3/1 Rebecca Roberts 3/13 Robert Tompkins 3/20

Kevin Eads 3/2 Kathryn Sturges 3/13 Jewel Brown 3/21

John Stanley 3/2 Dolph Sumner 3/13 Lillian Osei-Boateng 3/21

Larry Wilson 3/2 Marshall Witherell 3/13 Courtney Skidmore 3/21

Polly Jasmin 3/3 Pres Adams 3/14 Don Thrower 3/21

Gwin Hilton 3/4 Riley Jones Grubb 3/14 Cliff Carver 3/22

Katie Matthews 3/4 Hannah Newcombe 3/14 Mollie Trosper 3/22

Suzanne McLean 3/4 Allison Greene Simmons 3/14 Lynne Hathcock 3/24

Joseph Morris 3/4 Ben Digby 3/15 Bailey Bullock 3/26

Louisa Sloan 3/4 Stuart Euliss 3/15 Ashe Carver 3/27

Michael Lipscomb 3/4 Jackson Farris 3/15 Dottie LaFar 3/27

Janet Greene 3/5 Will Longbine 3/15 Leslie Lewis 3/27

Rick Page 3/5 Vann Matthews 3/15 Cindy Wilson 3/27

Jason Shiflet 3/6 Susan Elkins 3/16 Betsy Burleson 3/28

Laura Costas 3/7 Kathy Skidmore 3/16 Jim Camp, III 3/28

Madeline Letts 3/7 Rebecca Bounous 3/16 Sherry Cloninger 3/28

Caroline Roberts 3/7 Tony Curella 3/17 Ashleigh Rockett 3/28

Ring Stafford 3/7 Patty Ratchford 3/17 Beverly Waters 3/29

Gail Eads 3/8 Fred Upchurch 3/17 Gene Williams 3/29

Rob Bridgeman 3/10 Jay Falls, Jr. 3/18 Anna Renfro 3/30

Martha Greene 3/10 Rick Jones 3/18 Kimberly Witherell 3/30

Rees Gibbons 3/11 Karl Osei-Boateng 3/18 Lil Lanier 3/31

Ken Stuart 3/11 Anderson Gibbons 3/19 Dottie Scher 3/31

Heather Carver 3/12 Judy Planer 3/19 Leanna Vaughn 3/31

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Congregational CaresMarch Birthdays

Condolences to:William R. Kelly, III upon the death of his grandmother, Margaret Kelly, January 31, 2020.

The family and friends of Jane Anne Klauminzer Molen upon her death, February 1, 2020.

Dr. and Mrs. John Garrett upon the death of John’s mother, Mrs. Nancy Garrett, February 12,2020.

Becky Adams upon the death of her mother, Jane Lee Froneberger, February 19, 2020.

Our joy is with:Cathy and Donald Parrott upon the birth of their granddaughter, June Olivia Eaker, February 6, 2020.

Megan and Stuart Euliss upon the birth of their son, Banks McGinnis Euliss, February 18, 2020.

Before a hunger emergency struck Somalia, Hawo Abdi and her husband were successful herders near their country’s border with Kenya.

However, two years of intensive drought parched the land to the point that they could no longer raise the camels, cattle, sheep and goats that supported them. As her family faced economic ruin, Abdi’s husband died. She was two months pregnant with the couple’s fifth child.

Desperate to feed her children, Abdi felt she had no choice but to make the two-day journey to a camp for internally displaced persons to ensure the safety of her four young children and unborn child. Against the background of Somalia’s civil war, the journey was fraught with danger, including the possibility of attack from armed groups and assault.

“We had nothing to take with us, and we had to beg for water,” she says.

Abdi’s mission to bring her children to a safe refuge was successful. Now she and her children receive a monthly allocation of rice, beans, cooking oil and sugar that One Great Hour of Sharing gifts help provide.

While their day-to-day life remains difficult, Abdi and her children, including her new baby, are safe and nourished. “The food aid has improved the living conditions of my family,” she says. “I was able to feed my starving children.”

Sadly, Abdi’s story is not unique. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 5.4 million people in Somalia are food insecure, and another 2.6 million people are displaced. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) partners with Kaalmo Relief and Development to provide food aid to people in the camp. “We are very grateful for your contribution,” says Mohamed Ahmed Iriri, Kaalmo’s director. “It will help us a lot in fighting the hunger and poverty affecting our people in Somalia.”

One Great Hour of Sharing gifts are helping to address famine and extreme hunger through PC(USA) partners in other countries, including Northern Nigeria, South Sudan and Yemen. These partners help with emergency food assistance and address the underlying causes of hunger and homelessness for the millions of people struggling to maintain their very existence.

In Isaiah 58, the prophet calls us to be “repairers of the breach, restorers of streets to live in,” to care for the hungry, the weak and the vulnerable. Through One Great Hour of Sharing, we extend shelter to those who have no place to stay, food to those who are hungry and compassion to those who have pain—be it physical, emotional or spiritual. Together, we become the household of God; and all are welcome. Won’t you join us with a gift to One Great Hour of Sharing? Because when we all do a little, it adds up to a lot.

One Great Hour or SharingTogether, We Become the Household of God

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from the Presbyterian Special Offerings: One Great Hour of Sharing

One Great Hour of Sharing is the single, largest way that Presbyterians join together to share God’s love worldwide. Each gift helps to improve the lives of people in challenging situations through three impactful programs: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Presbyterian Hunger Program, and the Self-Development of People.

Rebuilding Hope -Presbyterian Disaster

Assistance

Growing Food Security -Presbyterian Hunger

Program

Partnering is Progress - Self-Development of People

Works alongside communities as they recover and find hope

after the devastation of natural or human-caused disasters.

See Page 6

Takes action to alleviate hunger and the systematic causes of

poverty so all may be fed.See Page 7

Invests in communities responding to their experiences of racism,

oppression, poverty, and injustice and educates Presbyterians about

the impact of these social ills.See Page 8

On the following pages, read about how our congregation is making an impact through these, or similar programs.. Learn how you can make an impact in our community, or

worldwide, by supporting One Great Hour of Sharing and our church missions.

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Rebuilding Hope

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance - New Bern

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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance works to help rebuild communities after they have been devastated by natural or human disaster. The Presbytery of Western North Carolina works directly with PDA, sponsoring a number of local mission trips, and providing help and hope to those in the wake of disaster. Local mission trips typically focus on providing home repair and maintenance to homes damaged by hurricanes and subsequent flooding.

An upcoming mission trip is planned for the week of March 22-28, with a group traveling to New Bern, N.C. Church members are invited to join this team for a week of fellowship, connection, and fulfilling work. Participants do not need to possess construction skills, but curiosity and willingness to learn are a plus. It is possible that work will include removing damaged walls, ceilings, and floors, preparing homes for reconstruction, installing insulation and sheet-rock, drywall mudding, flooring, and painting.

During the trip, the Fuller Center for Housing will accommodate the mission team. Meals will also be provided by the Fuller Center.

We hope that you will consider sharing in this wonderful experience as we serve those in need! Cost for participants is $100. Registration form can be found online at https://presbyterywnc.org/uploads/media/2020/new-bern-registration-form-2020-01-22.pdf

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is directly supported by One Great Hour of Sharing.

GAP Volunteers work on a Habitat for Humanity house in Belmont, N.C.

Rise Against Hunger

Growing Food Security

Nickel-A-Meal Offering

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Can you spare a Nickel-A-Meal to feed the hungry? The Nickel-A-Meal offering supports both international and regional hunger programs as a way to show compassion and do justice for those in need. This program provides an avenue for outreach and ministry that allows every member of presbytery to participate equally. Large or small, every gift can make a difference.

Please remember to bring your coins, “green”…or even your checkbook, to fill our red buckets that help feed hungry folks in our area.

Our next collection will be Sunday, March 8. Let your coins jingle as the red buckets pass your way!

Nickel-A-Meal is directly supported by Presbyterian Hunger Program and One Great Hour of Sharing.

As part of our commitment to meaningful mission, First Presbyterian Church will again be participating in a Rise Against Hunger event. They may look like simple bags of rice and soy, but Rise Against Hunger meals represent the hopes and dreams of people worldwide. Volunteers are the heart of this mission to end hunger by 2030. More than 40% of the prepared meals are distributed to school feeding programs. For many students, this is their only meal of the day.

We will be hosting this event in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, March 29, immediately after the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Our goal is 30,024 meals, which will

mean we need about 150 volunteers. Please volunteer to help! There will be registration tables after both Thrive and traditional worship on March 8, 15, and 22. We encourage you to register online at the following link:

http://bit.ly/riseagainsthungerfpc2020

See you on March 29 with your ball cap, sensible shoes, and no dangling jewelry. Child care will be provided.

Rise Against Hunger is not supported by One Great Hour of Sharing, but shares a similar vision and mission to end hunger insecurity.

Partnering in Progress

Guatemala Microloan Project By Margaret Mackie

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I have just returned from traveling to Guatemala with a wonderful Microloan Delegation team organized by the Presbyterian Women of the Western Presbytery. I joined twelve others from different parts of the country – Western NC, Portland OR, Palo Alto CA and Pittsburgh PA - none of whom I knew. We had a desire to meet, share, and celebrate with the Guatemalan women currently participating in the Microloan Project in the Presbyteries of Suchitepequez and Sur Occidente. They all expressed their thanks to God for the leadership of our managing group and for the Microloan Project giving them opportunities to better their lives and those of their children. After several graduation celebrations, we had the chance to visit numerous Microloan businesses- from raising chickens, pigs, getting corn kernels and making tortillas, to sewing soccer uniforms.

While there, we presented a Presbyterian Women banner to the women of Sur Occidente, our Sister Presbytery

in Guatemala. The women of this group had requested a banner so they could remember the women of our Presbytery at their gatherings. Many, many thanks to Sarah Wentz and Pat Schultz for creating this beautiful banner, and to Gloria Hickson who facilitated the project.

Reflecting back on my experience there, I think about the beauty of the country and seeing firsthand the pride of these women and their accomplishments of helping their families. However, I still feel the extreme poverty, the social injustices, and oppression of their government. Seeing the positive impact of this program on the lives/families of these women has made me appreciate the support of our Church’s Missions Committee and our Presbyterian Women.

The Guatemala Microloan Program is not supported by One Great Hour of Sharing, but shares its mission and vision to assist communities in self-development.

A recipient of a Microloan explains how the program allowed her to purchase a refrigerator which she now uses in her restaurant.

We encourage you to support the Missions Ministry through One Great Hour of Sharing, or by volunteering with the one of programs highlighted

here. Your financial gifts as well as gifts of your time can make a huge impact on the lives of those

both near and far. Thank you for your support!

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Children and Youth

Many thanks to the following people

for providing youth dinners and helping to

chaperone!

Trey and Sabrina Robinson

Mandy and Wade CoffeySusanne Current and

Amy Spencer

Calling all Middle School Youth! Join us for four unforgettable days at the Massanetta Springs Middle School Conference in Harrisonburg, Virginia!

This year’s theme: In the Potter’s Hands

“Next summer we are going to explore what it means to be ‘in the potter’s hands.’ Through this familiar metaphor,

God teaches us so much about grace and hope. It’s OK and normal to make mistakes. Don’t be afraid of them. Oftentimes the cracks and mistakes are what make us who we are! We are each made to be unique vessels, which can be reshaped and reworked all our lives. We are made with a plan and purpose and are all held in God’s hands.”

When: Tuesday, June 23 - Friday, June 26Where: Massanetta Springs Camp & Conference Center

Cost: $130Deposit Deadline: $70 due by March 11

Massanetta Springs Middle School Conference

Mark your calendars for the afternoons of Sunday, March 22 and Sunday, April 19! All elementary aged children are invited to participate in our two part Communion class this spring. In the first class, we will ponder the meaning and significance of the Lord’s Supper and become familiar with the elements. The second class will give our children a chance to make their own cup out of clay.

As Presbyterians, we don’t believe that reaching a “magic age” will provide the maturity needed to partake in this sacrament. We understand that each child is a unique

and precious gift from God, and each child will mature emotionally, physically, and spiritually at different rates. Each family may decide when those who have been baptized into the body of Christ and who are being nurtured and instructed on the significance of this invitation are ready to partake in the bread and cup.

We hope these classes will begin or continue to foster family conversations about the incredible gifts we receive at the table of our Lord and the welcome that greets our young disciples there.

Communion Class

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Updates

Planned Giving Ministry

The mission of the Planned Giving Ministry is to educate and encourage our members to consider remembering our church in their estate planning.

It is not a stewardship program.

It is not a capital campaign.

Planned Giving is an expression of thanksgiving for the ministry of our church. Bequests help assure the work of our congregation for years after we are gone. As a first step, we ask that you please take a moment to fill out and return the Planned Giving survey you received a few weeks ago. If you have any questions about that survey, or the mission of the Planned Giving Ministry, feel free to reach out to any member pictured above.

Navigating the Path to Emotional Wellness

Community members and professionals are invited to attend an informative seminar about mental health and emotional wellness, on May 13, 2020, at First Presbyterian Church. This seminar is free to attend and registration is open to all. Breakfast and lunch are included with registration. All professionals will receive continuing education credit for their attendance. Participants may choose which sessions to attend based on their interest. Our speakers have been chosen due to their expertise in the field of mental health, and for their varied background as counselors.

Register online at www.fpcgastonia.org/emotionalwellness

Ladies’ Night Out

On Thursday, March 12, 6:00-8:00 p.m., in the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, the women of First Presbyterian and First United Methodist Churches are invited to join us for dinner, doorprizes, and to hear Speaker Cindy H. Ray, Regional Director of CareNet Counseling. Her talk, “How to be a Crock Pot Woman in a Microwave World,” is a conversation about how to slow down in our fast-paced world by allowing yourself to pause and unplug. The dinner is free to attend and will offer free childcare.

Please register by March 5, at https://bit.ly/35ZnvPV

Pictured: (Top left) Cindy Clark, Lee DuBois, David McFadden, Anne Efird, Elizabeth Sumner (Bottom left) Spurgeon Mackie, Sarah Sumner, and Tom Efird.

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Music Ministry

You are invited to prayerfully consider participating in our Music Ministry during its spring session. You are immediately qualified if you...

• “Used to be” a musician or singer

• Like to sing (notice it doesn’t say “the best”)

• Like to ring handbells

• Would like to serve the church in a new way, while having fun at the same time

• Believe music is an essential part of worship

Please reach out to Bethany Jennings if you are interested or would like additional information at bjennings@fpcgastonia.org.

Scholarships Applications Now Available

The church business office is now accepting applications for scholarships intended to provide financial assistance to church members pursuing a secondary education.

Awards are based upon financial need; however, merit, academics, Christian character, and the record of service within the church are taken into consideration during the review of applications. Previous award recipients must re-apply and are not automatically eligible for continuance of the scholarship.

Those interested in applying may receive an application through the church business office. Applications must be completed and returned by May 1, 2020, in order to be considered.

Presbyterian Women: Honorary Lifetime Membership Award

Presbyterian Women are accepting proposals for the Honorary Life Membership awarded to individuals in recognition of faithful service in areas of the church’s work and the work of Presbyterian Women.

Nomination forms are available at the receptionist desk or from Circle Moderators. Forms must be returned by March 27, 2020. If you have questions, please contact Barbara Yarbrough, Past Moderator 704-867-0887 or email byarbrough03@gmail.com

Les Miserables Movie Showing

The Lenten Series, “The Grace of Les Miserables,” has proved so successful that many have asked if we could view the movie. Your every wish being our command, the Adult Ministries Committee is sponsoring Movie Night on Thursday, April 2, at 6:00 p.m., in the parlor to view the 1998 film starring Liam Neeson as Jean Valjean and Uma Thurman as Fantine!

Please bring a bag dinner. Adults Ministries will provide popcorn and sweet and unsweet tea.

Also bring lots of tissues - this story is a tear jerker!!

But it will also bring to life the characters we are studying in our Wednesday Night Lenten Series.

No reservations needed.

Nominations for Church Officers

The Church Officer Nominating Committee is excited to begin its work in selecting church officers for the class of 2023 and at-large members of the Nominating Committee of 2021. We need your prayers and your recommendations of qualified candidates.

The form for recommendations is available in the church bulletin, on the church website, and at the Reception Desk, and may be returned by placing it in the box at the Reception Desk, or by mailing to the church. Submissions are due by March 15.

Presbyterian Women’s News

Monday March 9:Circle 1 10:00 Church Parlor Hostesses: Beth Collier, Pat SchultzCircle 2 10:30 Covenant Village Living Room Hostesses: Jewel Brown, Geraldine JohnstonCircle 3 1:00 Arbor Living Room, Covenant Village No HostessCircle 5 TBA Circle 6 6:30 Church Parlor Hostesses: Sylvia Seawell, Lenise Melton

Tuesday March 10:

Circle 4 10:00 PAD Hostesses: Sonya Spencer, Sharon Lanier, Barbara Yarbrough

Casserole Care: March Circle 1 April Circle 4 May Circle 5

Circle Responsibilities

Blanket Sunday

THANK YOU to all who contributed to Blanket Sunday. We raised $2,800! That will go a long way in helping people in a crucial time of need.

Sewing Ministry

Remember the Sewing Ministry when doing your spring cleaning. They are in need of fabric, yarn and ALL COTTON, colored pillow cases. No white pillow cases please.

Updates

Roadrunner’s Trip

The Roadrunners’ Ministry invites you to join in on a fun filled day on March 19, to The Presidential Culinary Museum in Grover, SC, lunch at Bridges Barbecue, and a little shopping if anyone is interested. We will be leaving the church at 9:00 a.m., and be home around 3:00 p.m. This promises to be not only a fun trip, but also an educational one.

Please see Donna at the Reception Desk to sign up.

Faith and Fiction

Faith and Fiction will change the time of their meeting beginning in April since Daylight Savings Time will be in effect. Faith and Fiction will meet on Sunday, April 5, at Covenant Village at 5:00 p.m. They will discuss The Ballad of Gussie & Clyde by Aaron Latham. The hostesses will be Bev Bryant, Geraldine Johnston, and Dorothy McKenzie.

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1 Women’s and Girl Scout SundayCommunion10:00 a.m. Sunday School11:00 a.m. Worship4:00 p.m. Faith and Fiction5:30 p.m. Youth Ministry

211:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study1:00 p.m. Pastoral Care Meeting

39:30 a.m. Staff Meeting6:00 p.m. Worship & Music Ministry Meeting

47:00 a.m. Men’s Fellowship Breakfast10:00 a.m. Sewing Ministry12:00 p.m. Lenten Lunch7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Choir

58:30 a.m. Yoga7:00 p.m. Thrive Rehearsal

6PWNC High School Mission Retreat (All Day)

7 PWNC High School Mission Retreat (All Day)

8 Nickel-A-MealDaylight Savings Time Begins8:55 a.m. Thrive10:00 a.m. Sunday School11:00 a.m. Worship12:15 p.m. Children’s Ministry Meeting5:30 p.m. Youth Ministry5:30 p.m. Myers-Briggs (Youth)5:30 p.m. Diaconate Meeting

910:00 a.m. Circle 111:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study6:30 p.m. Circle 6

109:30 a.m. Staff Meeting11:30 a.m. Circle 45:30 p.m. Missions Ministry Meeting5:30 p.m. Building & Grounds Ministry Meeting6:30 p.m. Thrive Team Meeting

117:00 a.m. Men’s Fellowship Breakfast10:00 a.m. Sewing Ministry5:00 p.m. Personnel Ministry Meeting5:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Alive7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Choir

1210:00 a.m. Small Group Prayer Beads6:00 p.m. Ladies’ Night Out Event7:00 p.m. Thrive Rehearsal

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158:55 a.m. Thrive10:00 a.m. Sunday School10:00 a.m. Seekers SS Breakfast11:00 a.m. Worship5:30 p.m. Youth Ministry

1611:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study

179:30 a.m. Staff Meeting4:15 p.m. Communications/Membership Development Ministry Meeting6:00 p.m. Youth Ministry Meeting6:30 p.m. Adult Ministries Meeting

187:00 a.m. Men’s Fellowship Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Roadrunner Ministry Meeting10:00 a.m. Sewing Ministry5:35 p.m. Sanctuary Ringers7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Choir

197:30 a.m. Finance Ministry Meeting8:30 a.m. Yoga9:00 a.m. Roadrunner Trip7:00 p.m. Thrive Rehearsal

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228:55 a.m. Thrive10:00 a.m. Sunday School11:00 a.m. Worship1:30 p.m. Children’s Sunday Fun Day5:30 p.m. Youth Ministry6:00 p.m. Session Meeting

239:00 a.m. Bible Moderators10:00 a.m. Presbyterian Women’s Council11:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study

249:30 a.m. Staff Meeting

257:00 a.m. Men’s Fellowship Breakfast 10:00 a.m. Sewing Ministry5:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Alive5:35 p.m. Sanctuary Ringers7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Choir

268:30 a.m. Yoga4:00 p.m. Planned Giving Ministry Meeting7:00 p.m. Thrive Rehearsal

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298:55 a.m. Thrive10:00 a.m. Sunday School11:00 a.m. Worship12:15 Rise Against Hunger

3011:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study

319:30 a.m. Staff Meeting

17:00 a.m. Men’s Fellowship Breakfast9:30 a.m. Pastoral Care Planning Meeting10:00 a.m. Sewing Ministry5:35 p.m. Sanctuary Ringers7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Choir

28:30 a.m. Yoga7:00 p.m. Thrive Rehearsal

MARCH 2020Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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PERIODICALS US POSTAGE PAID

Gastonia, NCFirst Presbyterian Church

1621 E. Garrison Blvd.Gastonia, N.C. 28054

Return Service Requested

Date Thrive 11:00 a.m. Livestream

February 2 110 130 76

February 9 100 123 94

February 16 99 122 74

February 23 114 142 79

Serving Our Community with Kindness in Springwood (S.O.C.K.S.)We are collecting donations of canned goods and food pantry staples for S.O.C.K.S between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. Monetary donations will also be accepted.

S.O.C.K.S. is located between Belmont and McAdenville. This crisis ministry serves one of the most impoverished areas in our county.

Dr. Bob Barringer established a relationship with S.O.C.K.S. many years, ago, before he retired due to health concerns. He requested that this organization be included in our mission contributions and prayers, and that we help stock the food pantry.

Donations can be placed in the baskets by the Reception Desk, or in the Narthex.

The First Press

Attendance Figures