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

May 6, 2020 • Volume 25 • Issue 5

Dear First Presbyterian Church family,

Wow. Doesn’t it feel like a million years since the last newsletter???

It has only been a month since it came out, but for many of us, it feels like an eternity. News has been coming at us fast and furiously with information about business closings, and more recently, business openings, and recommendations to maintain health and safety. More than once it has been described as a “fire hose.” While we have gone to great lengths to keep ourselves safe, those of us who are still working have also had to figure out new and creative ways to do that work, which includes

physical distancing, masks, gloves, and whatever it takes to keep both ourselves and those we come into contact with protected. For those reading this edition of the First Press you will know that this “different way of doing things” also includes how we worship together. With that challenge in mind, let me just go ahead and confess: Ohhhhhhhhh, how I miss being with you and seeing you in person for Sunday morning worship!

As far as I’m concerned, one of the most heartbreaking consequences of this pandemic is the lack of community, a hallmark of our Reformed tradition. Interestingly, the

1

PEACE I GIVE TO YOU, MY PEACE I LEAVE WITH YOU

IN THIS ISSUEMissions Update

- Page 4

Easter Lily Honoraries

and Memorials - Page 6

Faith Formation - Page 8

Congregational Updates - Page 10

The First Press

Continued on page 2

2

words community and communion have the same Latin root, which is communis. For us, in regards to both community and communion, it is a gathering (of God’s people!) sharing participation and fellowship. This is something we have sorely missed in the last couple of months … this is especially true for us extroverts! I even read an article in The Presbyterian Outlook magazine about a pastor who is not a “hugger,” but how desperately she misses those hugs now! It is becoming clear that our health suffers in some ways when there is a lack of physical touch; people who live alone have known this for a long time. One of my fervent prayers these days is that each of our precious members is getting whatever is necessary to have your needs met. Even as we are grieving what we have lost in terms of community, I hope you are staying in touch with each other by phone, or videochat, or email … or by whatever means you have at your disposal.

As we continue in this completely peculiar journey, my pondering keeps taking me back to the first Easter and the mysteries of it. Weeks following the resurrection, the word was getting around that Jesus had been raised from the dead, a completely mysterious act that was likely hard to get one’s head around. I can’t even make something up to compare it to! But, it was joyous and life-giving in an untold numbers of ways. And, what I think I’m figuring out, as I probe the universe for silver linings during this global crisis, is that our blessings are, indeed, present (as always), we just have to be open to seeing them, to recognizing them. When we’re so consumed by what we’ve lost, sometimes we fail

to appreciate what we’ve received. I’ve also found it helpful to try and keep our current circumstances in perspective by recognizing that much of what I consider a loss or a challenge is really a First World problem. That perspective has proven to be invaluable.

In the coming days, and for however long this takes, I invite you to be kind and patient with yourselves, allowing yourself to be frustrated or grief-stricken if that is what you are feeling. For, it is in those broken places that God’s Spirit finds her way in to soothe and console us, remembering …

“… the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name,

will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” (John 14:26-27)

Thanks be to God! God be with you ‘til we meet (in person) again!

Your sister in Christ,

Cindy

3

Congregational CaresMay Birthdays

Condolences to:Rose and John Stanley upon the death of Rose’s brother, Dr. Robert (Bob) Duke, April 6, 2020.Mollie Trosper upon the death of her nephew, Charles Nikos Baldwin, April 18, 2020.The family and friends of Mrs. Bobbie Chambers Cashatt upon her death, April 22, 2020.

Our Joy is with:Susan and Luther Blair upon the birth of their granddaughter, Britton Blair Green, March 20, 2020.Ralph Kendrick on the birth of his Great Grandson, Liam Alexander Benton, March 20, 2020Dr. Raul and Jo Anne de la Vega upon the birth of their granddaughter, Caroline Loren de la Vega, April 7, 2020.Hayley and Lee Nester upon the birth of their daughter, Evelynne (Evie) Jane Nester, April 27, 2020.

Rebekah Dixon 5/1 Delaney Frye 5/12 Ben Carmichael 5/22

Brooke Maxwell 5/1 Becca Shiflet 5/12 Susanne Current 5/22

Jennifer Gibson 5/2 Bo Abernethy 5/13 Jack Frye, IV 5/22

Priscilla Quinn 5/2 Baity Ferguson 5/13 Ryan Howe 5/22

Tucker Doyne 5/3 Wayne Finley 5/13 Becky Adams 5/23

Morgan Finley 5/3 Betty Wren 5/13 Bob Blake 5/23

Archer Price 5/3 Kelly Hovis 5/14 Bryan Farris 5/23

Bill Current 5/4 Emily Seawell 5/14 Kay Moss 5/24

Patty Everhardus 5/4 Gretchen Akers 5/15 Barron O'Shields 5/24

Sally Kennington 5/4 Wade Coffey 5/15 Daniel Vaughn 5/25

Mary Houston Coker 5/4 Alison Cookson 5/15 Sam Schroeder 5/26

Dan Mikszan 5/4 Margaret Craig 5/15 Katie Sumner 5/26

Greg Sellers 5/5 Dakota Shook 5/15 Robin Lewallen 5/27

William Vanacore 5/5 Amy Spencer 5/15 Margaret Smith 5/27

George Current 5/6 Sonya Spencer 5/15 Liz Sumner 5/27

Robert Rutherford 5/6 Scott Digby 5/16 Tim Farris 5/28

Gena Craig 5/7 Bob Sims 5/16 Jim Ratchford 5/28

Robbie Lineberger 5/7 Farris Smith 5/17 John Garrett 5/29

Jonathan Murphrey 5/7 Tom Wallace, Jr. 5/17 Scotty Pierce 5/29

Megan Euliss 5/8 Buck Glenn 5/18 Teddie Falls 5/30

Lance Brenner 5/9 Joyce LaFar 5/18 Nancy Garrett 5/30

Julia Shovelin 5/9 Matthew Poag 5/19 Barbara Hite 5/30

Robert Sumner 5/9 Sharon Lanier 5/20 Meredith Wallace 5/30

Nancy Paschall 5/10 Ben Matthews 5/20 Alice Wood 5/30

Dee Upchurch 5/10 Lee DuBois 5/21 Kyle Holland 5/31

Susan Challenger 5/11 Hayley Nester 5/21 Alice Thompson 5/31

Wilson Dunn 5/11 Geoff Wallwork 5/21

Don Barringer 5/12 Bill Aycock, Jr. 5/22

Romans 12:15 declares, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” In this season of our lives there are many in our community who are weeping for lack of work or food. Even though we aren’t gathering face-to-face, the Missions Ministry and the Committee Chairs under the Diaconate umbrella continue to meet virtually via Zoom to help care for the needs of people in Gaston County.

Meals on Wheels Toiletry Bags

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Meals on Wheels toiletry bag collection. 320 bags were received and delivered to Meals on Wheels clients the week of April 20. The church received several phone calls from clients thanking the church for our remembrance of them. Some of the messages of gratitude we received were:

“I thank you for the love you sent to me in the care bag. They are wonderful gifts. I sure do appreciate it. God bless you.”

“I definitely needed the big bottle of lotion! I appreciate the care package from the bottom of my heart!”

“The bag and everything in it was totally what I needed, especially the toilet paper and lotion. It was just so great to get that bag! My health has been bad, but the Lord has been good to me.”

Gaston County Virus Relief Fund

Additionally, the Missions Ministry sent $6,750 to the Gaston County Virus Relief Fund. This fund is being managed by the Gaston Community Foundation and the United Way of Gaston County. The partnership says it best: “The Gaston County Virus Relief Fund’s goal is to rapidly deploy resources to nonprofits impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. Funding

FPC’s Missions Ministry and Diaconate Initiatives During the Covid-19 Crisis

4

320 bags of toiletry items were delivered to Meals on Wheels Recipients

5

is restricted to organizations offering programming and services for Gaston County residents.”

Crisis Assistance Ministry Food Drive

In May, the Missions Ministry will manage a food drive for Crisis Assistance Ministry as their pantry shelves are getting increasingly low. Kim Wheeler, CAM’s Executive Director, expects a large surge of need for food in late-May and early-June. As you are able, please support this effort as we stock CAM’s shelves to feed people in Gastonia during these uncertain times.

Family Promise

The Missions sub-committee of the Diaconate has responded to needs related to Covid-19. Since we are unable to host Family Promise guests in our church at this time, the family currently being housed is living at the Ford House at First Presbyterian Church in Belmont. Partnering churches like ours are providing meals and grocery gift cards to Family Promise during this time. The Diaconate provided $200 in grocery gift cards last month; the needs are expected to increase as time goes by.

Boys and Girls Club

Further, for years, a regular monthly mission of the Diaconate has been to serve a meal to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Gaston once a month, feeding about 180 children each month. In lieu of the meals that won’t be served this spring, the Diaconate is exploring ways to continue to collaborate with the BGC. Stay tuned for these details as they unfold.

Stay tuned for more initiatives, led by the Missions Ministry and the Diaconate, in the coming weeks and months. As the needs grow, we seek to participate with other churches and non-profits to have a broader reach. We also recognize that our neighbors in other countries, including our mission co-workers, may need our support as well. Thank you for your support!

Family Promise Guests are currently hosted at the Ford House

Easter Lily and One Great Hour of Sharing Honoraries and Memorials

6

Bobbie & Ed BaldwinGiven by Lynne & Claude Hathcock

Dick BeltonGiven by Dianne Belton

W. Scott BryantGiven by Annonymous

William L. Craig, Jr.Given by His Family

Sandra C. DigbyGiven by Dr. Ron Digby and Family

Leslie Carrie DixonGiven by Linda & Roger Dixon and Family

Dora & Hoyle EfirdGiven by Anne & Tom Efird

John EverhardusGiven by Patty Everhardus

Coy FerrisGiven by His Children

Pat Grigg FountainGiven by Kay & Jim Brown

Mr. & Mrs. Alfred F. GriggGiven by Kay & Jim Brown

Bert HicksonGiven by Gloria & Hub Hickson and

Family

Lena & Grady McCarterGiven by Gloria & Hub Hickson and

Family

Kitty MackieGiven by Cookie & Lance Brenner

Madge & Robert McLeanGiven by Cookie & Lance Brenner

Mr. Robert E. McLean, Jr.Given by Cookie & Lance Brenner

Kenny MitchellGiven by Dianne Belton

Mary Ann & Neale PatrickGiven by Ibby and Danny Page

Bennie & John PedenGiven by Linda & Roger Dixon and Family

Ruth & Mart ReidGiven by Lil Lanier

John SeawellGiven by Sylvia, Emily and Jay

Joe E. StoweGiven by His Family

Ann R. WyattGiven by Lil Lanier

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARINGPresented to the Glory of the Risen Christ in Loving Memory of

Elizabeth & Matthew BrownGiven by Suzanne & Les McLean

Elizabeth W. & Tripp McLeanGiven by Suzanne & Les McLean

Will & Jack McLeanGiven by GiGi & PawPaw

Will, James, and Jeff VanacoreGiven by Lauren Vanacore

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARINGPresented to the Glory of the Risen Christ in Loving Honor of

7

EASTER LILIESPresented to the Glory of the Risen Christ in Loving Honor of

EASTER LILLIESPresented to the Glory of the Risen Christ in Loving Memory of

Lucille & Carl Butler Given by The Les McLean Family

W. Scott BryantGiven by Mary Lewis & Hugh Bryant

Sandra C. DigbyGiven by Dr. Ron Digby and Family

Mrs. Lillian EdwardsGiven by Frances & Bill Henry

John EverhardusGiven by Patty Everhardus

Family Members who have joined the Church Triumphant

Given by Cindy & Steve Benz

Jo GarlandGiven by W.D. Lawrence

Ella & Bill GlennGiven by Pat & Buck Glenn

Mary & Richard HendersonGiven by Their Family

Mr. & Mrs. George F. Henry, Jr.Given by Frances, William, Charles

and Bill Henry

Mr. James Heyward HenryGiven by Frances, William, Charles

and Bill Henry

Esther Hunnicutt, Jane Molen, Ann Roberts

Given by PW Circle #2

Kathleen G. LawrenceGiven by W.D. Lawrence

Sara M. LawrenceGiven by W.D. Lawrence

Anne W. & Paul H. MaiersGiven by Pat & Buck Glenn

Thelma & L.L. McLeanGiven by The Les McLean Family

James M. MossGiven by His Family

Robert T. MossGiven by His Family

Bob NelsonGiven by The Nelson Family

Anne & Dane Samuel Rhyne, Jr.Given by Debbie Rhyne & Candace Rhyne

Schmidt

Mrs. Dane Samuel (Tessie) Rhyne, Sr.Given by Debbie Rhyne & Candace Rhyne

Schmidt

Dr. David Hooten SimpsonGiven by Emily, Emmie and Loren

Mr. & Mrs. Harold T. SumnerGiven by Mr. & Mrs. H. Randolph Sumner

Nell C. & Boyd W. TathamGiven by Nova & Tom Watson

Jennie Craig WatsonGiven by Nova & Tom Watson;

Ann Watson Lineberger

Kitty & Craig WatsonGiven by Nova & Tom Watson;

Ann Watson Lineberger

Jenny & Knox WingetGiven by The Winget, Williams

and Holden Families

Page CarverGiven by Jim Thompson

The Lewis Efird FamilyGiven by Anne & Tom Efird

The Tim Efird FamilyGiven by Anne & Tom Eifrd

First Presbyterian Church memberGiven by Joyce & Hugh Wilds

First Presbyterian Church StaffGiven by Cindy & Steve Benz

First Presbyterian Church StaffGiven by Esther Nelson

Sally McGinnisGiven by Jim Thompson

Members of the Planned Giving MinistryGiven by Liz Sumner

Susie TaylorGiven by Jim Thompson

My Loving Wife, Alice ThompsonGiven by Jim Thompson

Thank you to everyone who made donations to One Great Hour of Sharing or purchased an Easter lily in memory or honor of a loved one.

Faith Formation

8

While we practice physical distancing, youth group will continue to meet on Sunday nights via Zoom. We will follow our normal schedule (Mid. Highs from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and Sr. Highs from 7:00-8:00 p.m.) Watch for links in the Youth E-Blast!

Sunday Night Youth Group OnlineJoin us every Wednesday for Wednesday Night Alive on Zoom! We will gather at 6:00 p.m. to catch up, play games, read Bible Stories, and be reminded that we are still part of one body of Christ even though we’re at home. A Zoom link will be sent out each week in the Children’s E-Blast.

Children’s Virtual Wednesday Night Alive

Join us this summer for A GREAT BIG, BEAUTIFUL WORLD as we explore God’s magnificent creation! Your child will experience Bible Stories about God’s amazing world and discover the ways God cares for every part of creation. Your child will make new friends, sing fun songs, watch dramatic presentations of the Bible stories, play active games, go on a nature scavenger hunt, do art projects and science explorations, and dig into the Bible.

A Great Big, Beautiful World

YOU’RE INVITED TO VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL!

Location: First Presbyterian Church Gastonia, North CarolinaDates: August 3 - 6, 2020Time: 5:30 PM - 8:15 PM

Ages: 3 Yrs. - Rising 6th Grade

We need volunteers to make VBS a success! There are many tasks to do before, during, and after VBS. Prayerfully consider how you can support the children of this congregation and the local community as they explore God’s creation. This year’s co-directors are Isaiah Cornelius, Claude Hathcock, and Susannh Bryant. Please contact Susannah by email/phone at bryant@fpcgastonia.org if you are interested in volunteering. Let us know which roles you’re interested in and we will provide you with more information. Thank you!

Call for Volunteers!

9

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, videos, resources and more!

Drastic change, such as what we’re experiencing now, can bring about stress, anxiety, and even grief. Luckily, many tools exist to help address these feelings. Since one method won’t work for everyone, try to keep your toolbox open for new ideas. Parents, take some time to gather and help your child gather tools for slowing down, focusing in, and processing emotions. Tools like this can be helpful for all ages!

Methods for Mindfulness

10

Updates

Nickel-A-Meal

During this critical time, please don’t forget your Nickel-A-Meal Offering. 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 save your coins or green to help provide a meal for those in need.

Our next collection will be Sunday, May 10. Donations can be made at www.fpcgastonia.org/giving (select the Nickle-A-Meal fund) or by mailing a check to the church.

Announcing the New Director of Presbyterian Weekday School!

We are pleased to welcome Becky Rowland as our new Director of Presbyterian Weekday School. Becky is originally from Charlotte but has lived in the Gastonia area for the past 30 years. She graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science, in Social and Behavioral Science.

After graduation, Becky worked for the Family Support Center in Charlotte as a Family Care Worker for the Arosa House, a home for abused children. She then spent many years after in the Property Management field.

For the past 14 years Becky has had the wonderful opportunity to work directly with children. She spent 10 years, here, at First Presbyterian Church of Gastonia, as a Preschool Teacher.

Becky then taught at Covenant Presbyterian in Charlotte for 3 years and for the past year was the Assistant Director at First Presbyterian Weekday School in Belmont.

Becky is honored to be back at First Presbyterian where both of her children attended, and where she taught for so many years. Becky says, “My heart is here and I know what a special and wonderful place ‘PWS’ is.”

Planned Giving Ministry

Martin Luther said, “Even if I knew that the world would go to pieces. I would still plant my apple tree.” A legacy gift from your estate is a sure way to plant a seed for the future of your church. Would you consider such a gift? Working together, even the smallest gift can grow. Plant your apple tree.

Contact a member of the Planned Giving Ministry to help plant your seed.

New playgrounds are in the process of being installed on the church campus

11

You are invited! Navigating the Path to Emotional Wellness is an online webinar presented by the Gastonia Parish Nurse Ministry. Due to concerns regarding COVID-19, we have decided to move this event online to allow participants to attend virtually. Each Session will be available for viewing online via Livestream at www.fpcgastonia.org and on Facebook and YouTube.

Sessions are led by health professionals chosen for their expertise in their respective field, and will cover a wide range of topics relating to mental and emotional wellness. You are invited to tune in to as many sessions as you like, based on interest in the topic and availability.

Masks for Ministry

A group of volunteers that includes Betsy Keith, Barbara Yarborough, and Ibby Page from First Presbyterian Church, along with others from First Methodist Church, have been working with the Gastonia Parish Nurse Ministry to sew face masks for those in need in our community. This group has already donated over 500 masks, including 200 masks for the homeless population in the area, and continues to receive requests from other agencies, facilities, and individuals who have a great need. We are seeking additional volunteers to help sew two-ply cloth face masks for this purpose. If you like to sew, we would love for you to share your talents with this ministry at a time when protective equipment can be hard to find.

If you are in need of a face mask, pick up/drop off can be arranged.

Contact Lisa Marisiddaiah at nurse@fpcgastonia.org to volunteer or for more information regarding this ministry.

We hope you will join us for this informative webinar!Register online at www.fpcgastonia.org/emotionalwellness

PERIODICALS US POSTAGE PAID

Gastonia, NCFirst Presbyterian Church

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

Return Service Requested

The First Press

Service Views and Attendance

Date Thrive Broadcast 11:00 a.m. Livestream/Broadcast

April 5 - 346

April 12 - 234

April 19 129 113

April 26 101 99

One Great Hour of Sharing

Thank you to everyone who gave offerings to One Great Hour of Sharing during the Lenten season. This year we collected $3,645 which will help support missions locally and worldwide.