September 2015 (fall catalog)
Transcription
September 2015 (fall catalog)
POWER UP FALL 2015 First Presbyterian Church INDEX Inspired! PAGE 4 Worship PAGE 7 Music PAGE 11 Discipleship PAGE 13 Leaders PAGE 15 Congregational Care PAGE 18 FPC MEMBER AL ADAMS Adult Spiritual Formation PAGE 21 Children PAGE 26 Youth PAGE 30 Outreach PAGE 32 Contacts PAGE 34 Inspired? PAGE 36 2 SENIOR PASTOR Dear Friends, Welcome to a new season in the life of First Presbyterian! The fall of ’15 promises to be one where we can “power up” as spiritual seekers and Jesus’ followers. Similar to a New Year, the fall gives us opportunity to reset our clock. Back to school, weekend football, changing colors, cooler temperatures, and normal (often crazy) schedules meet us in the season. It will also be a time for us to reset our spiritual clock. We are all on different spiritual journeys and in different places along the journey. I hear the words of Jesus to a blind man seeking his help: “What do you want me to do for you?” His response was, “Teacher, let me see again.” It doesn’t take a preacher to intuit that “seeing” is more than physical. It provokes our wondering: “What is it that you and I want, need, seek in order to grow deeper in faith, spirit and life?” The church, really, is an amazing place …. a place of serving, growing, worshiping, caring, and loving. This fall, how might you and I answer this question from Jesus and reset our spiritual clock? In these pages, you will find roads for the journey. The only thing is ….. we will have to be the one to choose a lane and start walking. Think about it. Better, pray about it. Remember Jesus’ question. It is an exciting time for First Prez. It’s hard to imagine all that has happened since this time last year. Part of the excitement also includes some new colleagues and some staff transitions. They include: – Aaron Ferry, coming in September as our new Director of Youth Ministry. – Kevin Guerink, a recent seminary graduate who will spend two years with us as a Cynthia Price Pastoral Resident. – Anne Albert has been Music Ministry’s administrative assistant, and now becomes our Worship and Music Coordinator. – John Alexander and Robert Wells have shuffled Music leadership. John assumes the position of Director of Music and Robert continues his great work with the Chancel Choir. – Pattie Murray, our receptionist, has moved up a floor to be the administrative assistant to the Congregational Care Team. – Emily Birchett joins our Communications team in a part-time role replacing Mariyam Salley who took a nonprofit research job in Princeton, N.J. – We owe special thanks to retiring Ann Hopping, who served FPC with care and excellence in various capacities, most recently in Congregational Care. Here’s to a deeper, wider, joyful, fall journey! Blessings, 3 W A N T I N G T O B E inspired! How does divine inspiration materialize? Where does it come from? Is inspiration just a matter of grit or willpower? These and similar questions have haunted humankind for centuries and are the subject of countless books, poems, and sermons. Who knows? Perhaps, as Emerson stated, God’s inspiration enters each person through a private door. Maybe we know divine inspiration when we see it. Take Gwen Jeffries for example. At age 92 Gwen is a study in courage. Since childhood she has developed a prayerful and personal relationship with God. As her parents did before her, Gwen has immersed herself in her Christian community, studied the Bible, and prayed for guidance. “My parents taught that blessings come from the Lord; we should continually appreciate them. Father would say, ‘Have you thought how blessed we are to have your mother who prepared this meal ?’” Another of Gwen’s precepts is problemsolving through prayer. “When I am in trouble, I talk to God. If we ask God in the right way to help us, He will. I say to God, ‘If it is your will to heal my friend or loved one, I would be so B Y thankful.’ I really want His will to be done because I might be praying for something that shouldn’t be done. God may have another plan.” Although she no longer drives and her memory sometimes fails her, Gwen relies on God to keep her going. “I’ve had disappointments, but who hasn’t?” she observes. “I’m so grateful to God that I’ve had the health, the energy, the ability, the desire to do my work, to do what I can to help others.” Gwen also counts on her children, her neighbors, and her friend Mina whom she has known since college. Gwen and Mina discuss spiritual inspiration and what they might do or say in God’s service. “We help each other. We pray together.” The simple fact that Gwen surrounds herself S U 4 S A N D E V A N E Y INSPIRED! with “wonderful, dedicated Christians’’ who live in the admonition of the Lord inspires Gwen to do likewise. ••• If, as some say, spirituality is connecting with the truth of who you are, then Walter Underwood is a spiritual man. His evident calm and presence as family patriarch beg the question of his source of inspiration. His reply: “I owe it to a parental compass that was etched into my soul. We need to be good people, good citizens above all. It’s not all about money and work. I want to live and let live, live the Golden Rule. I have some very strict guidelines, maybe archaic. I might sound like a righteous SOB, but you cultivate peace with a lifetime of not gaining at someone else’s expense, not running roughshod over someone in the rush to get ahead.” Like Gwen, Walter grew up in church – in his case at FPC. His father’s portrait still hangs in the hall outside Mullin Life Center. As a youth Walter learned the importance of discipline and constancy. Sundays were for worship, not washing cars or mowing the lawn. Another piece of Walter’s inspiration for living lies in the family farm where he goes “to get hot, tired, and dirty. It’s a place of solace, a peaceful natural haven with a sense of safety and sentimentality attached. I want to be a good steward of the land,” he says. “To leave it better than I found it. I don’t have as many years ahead as I have had. Hopefully the kids will carry on. “ For Walter, worship provides another important source of grounding. Church music inspires, just as it did when he played the violin. He recalls “losing continues, next page 5 INSPIRED! inspired from previous page myself for a long time in the violin.” Likewise, Walter revels in sermons that “get your head spinning.” A particular favorite is Dr. John Redhead’s “Strength for a Day” which carries the message, Lord, I’ll let you handle the big picture; just give me strength for this day. ••• Some define inspiration as fully embracing life, seeing and knowing the perfection in creation. In many ways, Courtenay Fields embodies this definition. In 2011, as part of a Lilly Pharmaceuticals giving back program, Courtenay spent two weeks in Ghana and Tanzania. During her first assignment, teaching creative arts to third-graders, she recognized a basic need. “Creative arts was part of the curriculum but there was no paper, no crayons, no pencils. We can inspire a child through art to become the next nurse, teacher, or president. But without crayons, without opportunities to write stories or draw a sunset, a child can’t tell her own story.” In short order Courtenay and her husband, Brad, established the non-profit Crayons Matter. “God does miraculous things. I would have never imagined that working at Lilly would help uncover this need and then return to provide. The journey has been amazing. We’ve delivered 2,000 backpacks of school supplies to children in Ghana, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and now the Greensboro Newcomers School.” The road is sometimes bumpy, but according to Courtenay, whenever her load seems too weighty, God steps in with a new connection or possibility. “I fully believe that God works through us. S/he calls us every single day to help others. At Lilly we help people figure out next steps after they’re diagnosed with cancer. The incredible experience (in Ghana) motivated us to take steps to find partners and deliver essential school supplies to children in need.” One such partner is FPC where children converted spare change into bulging backpacks. Church youth then delivered backpacks to children during their summer mission trip to the Dominican Republic. “We have children giving back to children. Each backpack we send overseas contains not only school materials but also an inspiring, loving piece of art created by a child from the U.S. I have had to trust in Him/Her, but every time that’s allowed us to move forward.’’ Perhaps, to paraphase Ruth Graham, “Courtenay’s job is to take care of the possible and to trust God with the impossible.” 6 WORSHIP POWER Ideas Privilege Status Symbols Institutions Anger Words Commitment Collaboration UP from the pulpit beginning September 13 7 WORSHIP special sundays SEPTEMBER 13 Fall Kickoff, next page Commissioning of Christian Education teachers and leaders OCTOBER 4 World Communion Sunday OCTOBER 18 SEPTEMBER 20 Children’s Sabbath/ Power of Families Sunday FACES Car blessing with Wheels4Hope ANNE ALBERT has taken the role of Worship and Music Coordinator as of August. Anne manages all aspects of worship, including developing schedules and overseeing communion elders, acolytes, lay readers, and ushers. She also is continuing her work as wedding coordinator and assistant the Music Ministry. OCTOBER 25 Reformation Sunday Grades K-1 receive Milestone gift NOVEMBER 1 All Saints Sunday NOVEMBER 8 Commitment Sunday NOVEMBER 26 Thanksgiving service, 10 a.m. serve as an usher .... be a lay reader .... prep children’s worship bags ... and more options for volunteering in worship: fpcgreensboro.org/inspired 8 WORSHIP REGULAR WORSHIP SCHEDULE RETURNS Sanctuary / 8:30 & 10:45 am • Rejoice / 10:45 am / Mullin Life Center SEPTEMBER 13 FA L L KICK FF 9:30 AM – CHURCH SCHOOL 11:45 – 1:30 – FOOD TRUCK RODEO* & MUSIC! GAMES, SNOCONES & PHOTO BOOTH! * FOOD TRUCK PRICES $7-10/ADULT 9 FACES WORSHIP FPC has committed to becoming a church that teaches and learns from seminary graduates in transition to their first called pastorate. To that end, the church established the Cynthia Price Pastoral Residency Program. Funded by a generous gift from the estate of the late Cynthia Price, the program offers a two-year pastoral residency to a recent seminary graduate who holds an M.Div. and is on track for ordination in the PC(USA). Kevin Geurink is the program’s second resident, starting his two-year term in August. The first, Libby Boehne, began her position BY STEPHANIE DOYLE in August 2014. Beginning with the second residency, pastoral residents will have overlapping terms. Kevin comes from United Seminary in New Brighton, Minn., a suburb of Minneapolis. “I worked on the maintenance staff which really helped me appreciate the cost and work that it takes to run a building – definitely will be helpful for my work in the church,” he said. Kevin & Sara married in July Kevin was married on July 18 in his home church, Covenant Community Presbyterian Church, in Weston, Wis. Wife Sara is teaching first grade at Northwood Elementary in High Point. “My long term plans are for Sara and I to enjoy ourselves as a couple and to begin our family. I am excited to finally enter into a ministry position. I will continue to listen for God’s call in my life and to follow that as best as I can.” Kevin says he looks forward to meeting new people and ministering to them. “I am really lucky that I was called to this position and I feel like it is such a great fit for me. I am excited to worship and to lead worship. I am excited to work with the youth and go on mission trips. I am excited to learn about finances and staffing. So basically, everything.” Geurink enjoys officiating high school football and wrestling, which he did for eight years in Minnesota and looks forward to continuing here. “I love watching the Packers, Badgers and Brewers. Sara and I really enjoy going to country music festivals. Overall I’m pretty laid-back and up for most things.” 10 MUSIC All Music Ministry Kick-off Dinner September 9 • 6 pm • Mullin Life Center ring WESTMINSTER RINGERS is an adult handbell choir that plays a variety of beginning and intermediate level music. John Alexander directs. Tuesdays, September – May, 4:15–5:15 p.m., Smith 301 Info: Anne Albert, 478-4711 or [email protected]. COVENTRY RINGERS is an advanced adult handbell choir. We rehearse Tuesday evenings. Under the direction of John Alexander. Tuesdays, September – May, 5:45 to 7 p.m., Smith 301 Info: Anne Albert, 478-4711 or [email protected]. CHILDREN’S CHOIRS, PAGE ??? sing The CHANCEL CHOIR leads worship in traditional services through anthems and hymn singing. Led and directed by Robert Wells, we also sing larger choral works and musically celebrate the church year with special programs on All Saints’ Day, Christmas Eve, and Good Friday. The choir leads a Lessons and Carols service each December. We gather for social events at least twice a year – we are a supportive and fun group! Our singers represent a variety of ages and abilities, and we invite you to join us! Our first rehearsal is September 9 at 6:45 pm. September – May: Wednesdays, 6:45 – 8:30 pm, Smith 301, and Sundays, 7:50 am, Sanctuary to prepare for 8:30 & 10:45 services. Info: Anne Albert, 478-4711 or [email protected]. rejoice! The REJOICE! ENSEMBLE provides musical leadership for the Rejoice! service on Sunday mornings, as well as other special services and events through the year. James Keith leads, and if you sing or play an instrument, he would love to talk with you. Thursdays, September – May, 4 – 5 p.m., Smith 301. Info: 478.4729 or [email protected]. assist with children’s choirs ... play in the Rejoice! band and more options for music: fpcgreensboro.org/inspired 11 MUSIC Song & Sound first sundays Evensong Service October 4, 5 pm, Sanctuary Based on the services held daily in the medieval Church, Choral Evensong as arranged in the Book of Common Prayer of the Church of England has been sung regularly since the 16th century. All Saint’s Sunday: Duruflé Requiem November 1, 5 pm, Sanctuary concerts Maurice Duruflé completed The Requiem, op. 9, 1947, dedicating it to the memory of his father. The Requiem’s themes are based in Gregorian chant, and uses many from the “Mass for the Dead.” Bel Canto: In Time of Strife* October 10, 8 pm October 12, 7:30 pm a little advent music Christopher Jacobson Recital November 13, 7:30 pm. The artist was recently appointed Organist at Duke Chapel and is a former Assistant Director of Music at Washington National Cathedral. An FPC tradition. Sundays in Advent, 5 pm in the Sanctuary Red Clay Saxophone Quartet, November 29 North Carolina Brass Band* THIS is a Brass Band! September 18, 7:30 pm Greensboro Youth Chorus, December 6, 5 pm Christmas Wrapped in Brass December 5, 7:30 pm TBA, December 13 A Service of Lessons and Carols, December 20 * ticketed event 12 DISCIPLESHIP In Fellowship Get ready to be this fall as FPC introduces an online directory and new ways to connect with the church and other members. The Session and committees are in the process of learning how to use In Fellowship. Then it will be introduced to the whole congregation! Want to participate at FPC but not sure how to start? Now there is one place to go to find out how you can make a difference in the life of the church and our community. Visit fpcgreensboro. org/inspired to see what interests you! Explore FPC If you’d like to know more about the church and its ministries, or have friends who are interested, consider Explore FPC, a class that includes a tour, a chance to meet staff members and discussions about our faith and church. Fall dates are October 3-4 or December 5-6 Classes are 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays and (briefly) before worship on Sunday. Sign up for a session (and for child care) by contacting Sara Manchester, (336) 478-4722, [email protected]. 13 DISCIPLESHIP THE B ROS save the date – September 29, 6:30 pm appetizers & desserts in our neighborhoods + MORE WAYS TO GET TO KNOW FIRST PRESZERS Be a host! Contact Wendy Duncan at 478-4723 or [email protected]. THIRD WEDNESDAY DINNERS 5 - 6:15 pm, Mullin Life Center Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and free for children 5 and younger. RSVP by noon on the Tuesday before at 478-4747 or fpcgreensboro.org/ reservations. October 28: Spaghetti & meatballs, steamed vegetables, dinner roll. Plus trunk or treat! September 16: Pork tenderloin, baked potato, orange congealed salad, dinner roll, chocolate cake. Bring school supplies for the Newcomers School! December 16: Presbyterian Hot Chicken Casserole, vegetable, congealed salad, dinner roll. Plus Advent activities! ALMANAH WATERCOLOR CLASS August 28 dinner at 5:30 pm at Macaroni Grill at the Friendly Center. This group for women who are widowed meets monthly for movies or meals or both. Contact: Becky Peters at 545-7757 or [email protected]. Ron Bauer teaches; the only cost is for your painting supplies. Meets Tuesdays at 9 a.m. in the Garden Room. Info: Dolly Jennings, 854-2663. FPC TRAVEL GROUP Exercise class for older adults led by Gina Deese meets Mondays & Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. in the Garden Room. People who have Silver Sneakers through United Healthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield attend free; otherwise $3 per class. These members plan several outings a year, some local and some out of town. The next trip will be to Chapel Hill on December 4 to see the “12 Days of Christmas” event at the Carolina Inn, followed by a tour of Ayr Plantation in Historic Hillsborough. Lunch will be included. More details to follow. 14 November 18: Turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetable, cornbread, dessert FUNCTIONAL FITNESS L LOUANN CLARKE, NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHAIR I was first elected to the office of elder in 1993. I was honored and humbled to be asked and excited about serving God and my church in this way. On the day of my ordination, Dr. Joe Mullin gave me a congratulatory hug and said: “I know that God has chosen you for this role. It’s up to you to figure out what He wants you to do.” Those were powerful words coming from Dr. Mullin! In the years since my ordination, the experience of serving on two Nominating Committees has confirmed the truth of Dr. Mullin’s words. On those two committees, we were keenly aware of God’s presence and guidance as we went about our work. God’s handiwork was clearly evident in the slates of elders that we presented to the congregation for election, This fall, I will serve as Chair of the 2015-2016 Nominating Committee with a group of wonderful committee members, including six other members of Session and eight at-large members elected by the congregation. I’m excited to begin our work and feel God’s presence among us. If you get a call from a member of the Nominating Committee about serving as an elder, I hope that you will say yes, because God gave us your number! L EADERS GATHER on August 30 at 10:45 am for one service in the Sanctuary for the Ordination and Installation of our new elders. SUGGEST names of members you ELECT our next slate of elders think would make good leaders for our church. See page 16 for criteria and use the nomination form inserted in this issue. Nominations are due by October 11. during the congregational meeting on March 6. Runoff will be held on March 13 if needed. 15 LEADERS VANCE BARRON, FIFTH-TIME ELDER HILDA COURTER, FIRST-TIME ELDER Why did you agree to serve? I had been asked a couple of times before, and could not because of responsibilities with my aging mother and aging in-laws. I felt the the time, at last, was right for me to be able to use my time and talents to further the work of First Presbyterian in the community and in the world. How do you see your role as a church leader? I am on the Discipleship Committee and I love it! Every person in this big old church can and should find a place where their spiritual needs are met through serving and being served. Everyone who visits FPC should be welcomed and made to feel at home. Long-time members who may have been lost in the shuffle need a chance to serve as well; maybe they just need to be asked! Do you have a mentor or special person who has helped you develop as a church leader? I grew up in a home with a strong Methodist heritage on one side and strong Baptist heritage on the other, so I grew up knowing that I was not going to be a church member who sat on the back pew. And rearing three rambunctious boys, and trying to set a good example for them, encouraged me to take an active role in church ..... God works in mysterious ways! What would you like members to know about the Session? Every decision that comes out of Session is carefully considered, prayed over and reconsidered. Sid preached a sermon once in which he said, “Presbyterians think it through and then we get it done.” In all the many decisions that session makes, the will of God should take precedence over our own wills. And so we ask God to guide us in our deliberations. Share a meaningful experience from your time as an elder. The thoughtful and deliberate discussions about same-gender marriage impressed me greatly. I listened to my fellow elders express their feelings, and they in turn listened to me and to others. Regardless of where we stood on that subject, the feeling of unity in those deliberations was impressive. There were some who were dubious, and there were those who had no doubts at all, but the consideration for feelings and reverence for all opinions was impressive. TOM HEGGIE, FIRST-TIME ELDER Why did you agree to serve? Because I declined an invitation to do this job last year and then felt very ashamed of the fact I was not willing to give a few hours each month to serve my church. How do you see your role as a church leader? I hope to develop skills to act for the betterment of our church by trying to be a good listener. While participating in the FPC Befriender Program, I learned a lot about the importance of listening to others. Do you have a mentor or special person who has helped you develop as a church leader? Jim Hegner aided me in the Elder training sessions; I greatly admire 16 Why did you agree to serve? I am very grateful to First Presbyterian Church, which has nurtured our family since we first came to Greensboro. It has been our spiritual home since 1973. How do you see your role as a church leader? We are blessed with an excellent ministerial staff. We need to support them, heed their inspiration, and head where they point the way. Do you have a mentor or special person who has helped you develop as a church leader? There are several, but I would particularly like to mention Austin Strand. I served with him on several committees, and he was always an energetic committee member or leader. He was good at asking important questions in a positive way to make sure that we knew what we were about and that we were headed in the right direction. He died much too young. I still miss his presence. What would you like members to know about the Session? The Session encompasses a very broad spectrum of our members, by design. Although there may be divergent opinions on any given issue, there is a strong unity of purpose that enables us to pull together once decisions are made. We acknowledge Christ as the head of the church and the Holy Spirit as our guide. That makes the Session very different from other kinds of community and civic boards. Share a meaningful experience from your time as an elder. Serving on a pastoral nominating committee, we learned a great deal about how our church and denomination are interconnected. There were a lot of meetings of the committee to share our thoughts, so we got to know each other pretty well. The travel was fun, too. We visited other churches and heard sermons from pastors all across our denomination. It really broadened my outlook about the Presbyterian Church (USA). Erwin Fuller’s deep understanding of Christianity; and all the ministers have been very supportive of my journey in this church leadership role. What would you like members to know about the Session? You do not have to have any specific skills to take on the role of elder. You just need to believe that Christ will be there for guidance and know that this experience will be life-altering in a very positive way. Share a meaningful experience from your time as an elder. I find that I have become more sensitive to the needs of others both inside and outside the church. It is our obligation to touch lives in a positive way throughout each day. A simple hug and a listening ear can mean so much. LEADERS What happens to your suggestions C U R R E N T E L D E R S Each year a Nominating Committee comprised of seven Session members and eight at-large members is elected. This committee is charged with developing a proposed slate of nominees to be elected by the congregation in March 2016. The slate includes 20 nominees for the office of Ruling Elder to serve for a three-year term, two nominees for Youth Elder to serve for a one-year term and one Trustee nominee to serve a five-year term as a Trustee of the L. Richardson Trust. The names of members who are considered for these offices come from recommendations submitted by members of the congregation, the Session and the committee. If you have ever recommended someone and they were not on the final slate, you probably wondered why. There are many reasons, such as: • Did not meet criteria. The PC(USA) Book of Order and FPC’s Manual of Operations list criteria. The committee looks for members who are active in the church; have leadership skills and have demonstrated leadership potential; have a strong faith and a deep love for this church; have a cooperative spirit; and have a consistent pattern of financial giving that demonstrates a commitment to FPC’s mission. • Belonged to a group excluded from consideration. These are: members of the current Nominating Committee; relatives of members of the current Nominating Committee; employees of First Presbyterian Church; relatives of ministers and full-time employees at FPC; relatives of current members of Session (Classes of 2016, 2017 and 2018) or relatives of elders in the class that just rotated off Session (Class of 2015). See list below. • Met all the criteria but said no when asked if they would serve. Each year some people decline to be nominated because of personal issues, family considerations or job demands. Others are involved in other ways in the life of the church and simply do not feel that serving as an elder is the work that God is calling them to do. The committee honors these responses and keeps them confidential. CLASS OF 2015: David Brumbeloe, Mary Ellen Burke, Tim Cook, Whit Edwards, Stephanie Farabow, Ubert Frost, Nancy Godwin, Annalise Graves*, Ron Hampton, Robby Hassell, Jan Lawson, Tommy Mayes, Palmar Ortmann, Ralph Paris, Randall Peete, Erin Riggsbee, Dianne Sanderson, Tamara Slaughter, Julie Wade, Glenn Williamson, Caroline Yarbrough*, Rhonda Youngdahl CLASS OF 2016, Walton Chamblee (youth) Louann Clarke, Meredith Coladonato, Fran Davis, Bethany Duggins, Steve Fogarty, Jim Gentry, Jack Glenn, Gary Goodman, Jack Hicks, Duncan For all of the names eliminated, there are many other members that are recommended for nomination who hear God’s call and accept the nomination to the office of Elder, Youth Elder or Trustee. They represent a broad and diverse base of leadership that reflects the makeup of our congregation and includes members from different age groups, as well as an equal number of men and women, members who are racially and ethnically diverse and members who have a diversity of interests in the ministries of the church. The 2015-2016 Nominating Committee needs your help in identifying FPC members who meet the criteria and whose election would benefit the leadership of our church. Please submit your recommendations to the Nominating Committee before October 11 via any of the methods listed on the nomination form, which is inserted in this preview and available in pews (Welcome pads in Rejoice), at the Welcome Center and at fpcgreensboro.org. Jones, Leigh Jones, Ginni Lineberry, Cathy Lovejoy, Beth McAlhany, Betty K. Phipps, Kathleen Rightsell (youth Rusty Sherrill, Suzanne Tilley, Sam Turner, Tim Ward, Reid Wilcox CLASS OF 2017, Holly Albright, Lisa Anderson, Vicky Borden, Marshall Brown, Margaret Chase, Hilda Courter, Erwin Fuller, Dan Goley, Kelly Harrill, Tom Heggie, Jim Hegner, Stu Johnston, Judy Judy, Kristen Magod, Pam Murphy, Chad Oakley, Chip Pegram, Brian Pierce, Deb Staton, Mary Thomas CLASS OF 2018, Margaret Arbuckle, Vance Barron, Bob Beall, Jane Brabham, 17 Nancy Coble, Holly Crosby, Graham Farless, Alex Galloway, Andy Hines, Tanya Hogsett, Walter Howell, Brenda Keys, Hank Lovvorn, Tricia Shaw, Jeff Shell, Becky Veraar, Susannah Washburn, Meade Willis, Art Winstead, Darlene Young 2015-2016 NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Louann Clarke, chair; Chip Pegram, vice chair; John Atkinson, Ty Buckner, Margaret Chase, Erwin Fuller, Alex Harrill, Alec McAlister, Pam Murphy, Tom Needham, Betty K. Phipps, Paula Pile, Brian Rightsell, Mary Thomas, Martha Turner CONGREGATIONAL CARE 18 CONGREGATIONAL CARE Grab your grand (-child or -parent) and join us for the first GRANDS Informational meeting for all members on using hearing aid devices in the sanctuary. Bring your device and questions for Dr. Amy Kirkland. back-to-school Veterans Benefits Fair September 30 7-8:30 pm, Redhead Hall dance! Veterans, spouses and care-givers of veterans can learn about many benefits available to them. Open to the public. Friday, August 28, 6 - 7:30 pm Mullin Life Center Retirement Living Fair November 4 9:30 am - 2:30 pm PLAYLIST Dress to show your school spirit! Talk with representatives from retirement communities and senior-assistance groups, and get info on estate planning, finances, legal needs for children/caregivers of seniors. Music from sock hop to hip hop! Photo booth! Lemonade! Popcorn! Sno-c ones! Cotton candy! Grands Christmas Camp December 19 9:30 am - 1:30 pm, Mullin Life Center Crafts, music, games, outreach, pizza! $5 admission NO PARENTS ALLOWED! Assistance for older adults Can you hear us now? September 14 11 am, Sanctuary Since 1998 the Sadye Bowles Fund has supplemented the cost of in-home care or care in a facility such as a nursing home or memory care unit for older adults. The criteria to receive assistance include: age 55 or above, financial need, live within a 50-mile radius of Greensboro, preference to FPC members. An application (confidential) is required. For information call Maggie Turner, Director of Sadye Bowles Fund and Congregational Nurse, at 478-4724. 19 CONGREGATIONAL CARE Secret Saints pass the halos FACES The Secret Saints have a new group of head Saints. The program – where members adopt an out-of-town boarding school or college student and send them encouragement and BY gifts – is transitioning STEPHANIE from Susan Gentry and Sherrie Steward, DOYLE volunteers in Christian Education, to the Congregational Care Committee, chaired by Betty K. Phipps and directed by Rev. Dolly Jacobs. Brenda Keys will be the new coordinating Saint. “In a nutshell, members of the congregation anonymously adopt college students – and now also high school students who are away at prep school – and contact them periodically throughout the year with cards, little gifts or messages,” said Betty K, who coordinated the program for several years in the past. “At the end of the school year, the Secret Saint in Greensboro reveals his or her identity to the college student and the names of the pairs are printed in the church newsletter.” Phipps called her involvement in the beginning “purely selfish.” “I had one daughter in college and one in high school who would be headed to college,” she said. “I knew they would enjoy receiving mail and packages and I wanted them to participate. If they were to be recipients of someone else’s kindness, it seemed only fitting that I provide the same benefit to someone else’s child. It was fun for me, too, to plot and plan what I was going to send at various holidays.” Susan Gentry became involved with Secret Saints when her eldest daughter entered college in 2004. “The most meaningful thing is probably reading the thank-you notes and emails from students,” she said. “They often seem to enjoy even the simplest things. It’s also interesting to hear about the wide variety of gifts that Secret Saints send to students.” Susan said some Saints have been involved for many years, sometimes having the same student for more than one year or being a saint to several children in the same family. If you would like to sign up either as a receiver or as a saint, call 625-3227. There are times when everyone needs a friend, and FPC’s FIRST FRIENDS are here when you need us. We are trained members who offer a thoughtful and loving presence when you need support, nurture, encouragement, or just a visit. For a Friend, call 478-4709. PATTIE MURRAY has moved from the Welcome Center reception desk to Congregational Care, where she is the administrative assistant. She fills the shoes of Ann Hopping, who has retired. take a meal when a baby is born .... send notes to a college student ... support the grieving and more volunteer options for congregational care: fpcgreensboro.org/inspired 20 A D U LT Growing in small groups My wife, Carrie, and I have been a part of several small group studies at FPC regularly since joining in 2010. Each one has somehow been right for the season of our lives. Five years doesn’t seem like a long time, but both of us have undergone some STU & CARRIE JOHNSTON life changes since then, and each study we’ve been a part of has spurred conversation and growth in our household. The young adult married couples study has been especially impactful. We’ve had the opportunity to grow with and learn from other young couples in the church, and we’ve gotten to know great people we might not have even met otherwise. Through shared readings and – even more so – relating common experiences, we’ve grown as Christians, both as individuals and as a couple. Sunday worship is a great starting point, but truly delving into difficult topics has been, for us, best done in a small group setting. Joining or starting a small group study is a great way to get to know others at FPC and to grow deeper in your faith. SPIRITUAL FORMATION 21 ADULT SPIRITUAL FORMATION SMALL GROUPS GIFT IN THE MORNING Mondays, 9:15 am Cannon’s Solarium Led by Rev. Dolly Jacobs, Growing in Faith Together is for women with preschool and elementary-age children. Child care is provided with a reservation. Info: Dolly Jacobs at 478-4734 or djacobs@ fpcgreensboro.org. GIFT IN THE EVENING Tuesdays, 6:45 pm Member homes Women ages 20s-30s BYO dinner. In September, we’ll study Anne Lamott’s Traveling Mercies. Info: Aimee Scotton, 430-0649 or [email protected]. nc.us. WEDNESDAY MEN’S FELLOWSHIP To get involved, contact Wil Courter at [email protected]. COMMUNITY SERVICE GROUP Wednesdays, 10 am Redhead Hall These ladies meet for fellowship and a devotional while hand-crafting blankets, lap robes and more items for people in need in our community and beyond. Contact: B.J. Williams, 288-8601 or Hannah Britt, 288-9289. FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP Thursdays, 9:15 - 10:45 am Cannon’s Solarium A relaxed group that gathers for study and fellowship; members take turns leading. Contact Leigh Jones, [email protected]. BETH MOORE STUDY Wednesdays starting Sept. 16 4 - 5:30 pm We will start an 11-week study of Living Beyond Yourself based on the fruit of the spirit. Books at Lifeway Christian Book Store on Wendover Avenue. Contact: Sally Marsh 288-0278 or Gail Kinser 282-3325. CURRIE LIBRARY BOOK CLUBS Second Mondays at 10:30 am; second Tuesdays at 1:30 pm, Cannon’s Solarium (Info, page 25) WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY Wednesdays, 7 am Cannon’s Solarium Contact: Betsy Harrington, [email protected]. COMPANIONS IN CHRIST 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 2:30 - 4:30 pm, Fred Horner Quiet Center Contact Evelyn Edwards, edwards724@ gmail.com PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN All women are invited to join a PW Circle, which begin in September with many day/time options. Our study this year is “Come to the Water,” about the Biblical imagery of water in our faith. PW also has a full gathering on the second Monday of each month. Info: Wendy Duncan, [email protected] or 4784723 Circles Deborah’s Dining & Discussion Third Monday, 11:45 am, Garden Room. Hearts and Minds Third Monday, 10 am, member homes. Mary and Martha Second Monday, 10:30 am, Blair Hagan Room. Rachel Second Monday, 10:30 am, Myers Loyalty Room. Ruth and Naomi Third Tuesday, 10:30 am, Blair Hagan Room. Presbyterian Women’s Monthly Luncheon September 20 in Redhead Hall (see next page) October 12, November 9, December 14 in Mullin Life Center 22 GROWING DEEPER TRUSTING THE COVENANT Wednesdays 6 - 7:30 pm, M125 September 16 (intro) – November 11 Covenant is an in-depth group Bible study in which participants read and discuss the Bible together, learning how to love God — and each other — better. This fall’s class looks at the crises that sometimes call Covenant life into question, and how we are restored to trust in God when troubling things happen. GROWING DEEPER Intro: September 16 Classes, September 23 – October 21 Dr. Sid Batts will lead a class for first-time participants. Donna Chase, director of Christian Formation, will lead an advanced class for previous participants. Save the date! Women’s Retreat January 22-24, 2016 Pinehurst, NC ADULT SPIRITUAL FORMATION Where do you get that living water? BECKY PETERS That’s what the woman at the well asked Jesus in John 4:11. In September, come and see all the ways women at FPC can find that living water! a Gathering of Women September 20, Redhead Hall Drop in, 10:30 am - 1:30 pm, lunch at noon Child care provided. RSVP by September 16, Wendy Duncan, [email protected]. Sponsored by Presbyterian Women 23 ADULT SPIRITUAL FORMATION SUNDAY MORNINGS 9:30 - 10:30 am AGAPE CLASS GARDEN ROOM Singles and couples of all ages focus on Biblical passages, spiritual concerns, ethical topics, & community service. Info: Becky Peters, [email protected]. how we got the bible ymbc COMMITMENT CLASS BLAIR HAGAN ROOM (MEMORIAL 100) Couples and singles, most of whom have adult children, discuss social issues. Contacts: Betsy Harrington, 855-7766 or Susan Ridenour, 273-1104. HOMEBUILDERS SPENCER LOVE ROOM (MEMORIAL 200) This fall we focus on the New Testament, with classes led by Rev. Neil Dunnavant September 20 – October 25. Neil will focus on Jesus; his life, his teachings, and his culture in first century Palestine. In November we will discuss class-generated topics. Libby Boehne, FPC’s Cynthia Price Pastoral Resident, will lead us two Sundays in December. We welcome all who would like to come. Sign up for our weekly email. Contact: Doug Key at 2730077 or [email protected]. with gerald donnelly SUNDAYS IN SEPTEMBER • REDHEAD HALL Compiled over centuries, the Bible is both divinely inspired and the work of human hands. It has grown from a collection of stories and teachings shared through oral tradition to a founding text for three great religions. This series will trace the history of the development of the Bible as we know it. Contact: Neal Duncan, [email protected]. God: Listening for short stories SEEKERS CLASS M125 In-depth Bible study led by Gerard Davidson who does extensive research and then conveys what he has learned. Contact: Gary Goodman at 288-0877 or [email protected]. TRAVELERS CLASS MEMORIAL 304 REFLECTING UPON ONE’S LIFE and seeing the peaks and valleys of growth, depth and transformation are powerful for us all. Join Rev. Dolly Jacobs as she shares the memors of Kevin Hines, Cheryl Strayed, and Liz Huntley, whose struggles led them to speak up & out, and reclaim their lives. CURRIE LIBRARY is also open. SEPTEMBER 13 – DECEMBER 20 CANNON’S SOLARIUM The Faith Matters class hosts an exploration of writing from the Listening for God series, selected by Rev. Neil Dunnavant. Info: Ann Zuraw, azuraw@ ZurawFinancialAdvisors. com. September 13 Exiles & Aprille Garrison Keillor October 18 After the Baptism Carol Bly November 22 The Tie That Binds Jebt Haruf September 20 People Who Don’t Know the Answers Anne Tyler October 25 from Virgin Time Patricia Hampl November 29 Mr. Green Robert Olen Butler September 27 An Intermediate Stop Gail Godwin November 1 Seeing, Weather Report, Getting Hope Kathleen Norris December 6 Credo Richard Rodrigues October 4 Long Night Reynolds Price November 8 Pray Without Ceasing Wendell Berry October 11 The Ugliest Pilgrim Doris Betts November 15 While I Was Gone Sue Miller 24 December 13 The Five-Forty-Eight John Cheever December 20 The Woman Who Prayed Tess Gallagher Currie Library Book Clubs Open to all who enjoy interesting ideas and lively discussions. MONDAY BOOK CLUB TUESDAY BOOK CLUB 10:30 A.M. SECOND MONDAY OF EACH MONTH CANNONS’ SOLARIUM Contact: Sara Stuart, 545-9440 1:30 P.M. SECOND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH CANNONS’ SOLARIUM Contact: Brenda Frost, 288-0509 or [email protected] September 14 The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown. Facilitator: Betty K. Phipps. Greensboro Public Library set will be available at Currie Library. September 8 Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand. Facilitator: Neil Dunnavant. GPL set will be available at Currie Library. October 19 Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. Facilitator: Penne Prigge. GPL set will be available at Currie Library. November 9 Where Am I Wearing: A Global Tour to the Countries, Factories, and People That Make Our Clothes by Kelsey Timmerman. Currie Library has four copies. No meeting in December COMING IN 2016 January 11: The Giver by Lois Lowry; February 8: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr; March 14: Girl Meets God by Lauren Winner or Convictions by Marcus Borg; April 11: Being Mortal by Atul Gawande; May 9: 2016-2017 planning October 13 The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin. Greensboro Public Library set will be available at Currie Library. November 10 A Bridge in Time by Ben Frazier. Facilitator: Penne Prigge; four copies available at Currie Library. December 8 Still Life with Bread Crumbs by Anna Quindlen Facilitator: Betty Morrow; four copies at Currie Library COMING IN 2015 January 12: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr; February 9: I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai; March 8: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson; April 12: A Light Between the Oceans by M.L. Stedman; May 10: Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson and 20162017 planning 25 CHRISTIAN FORMATION FOR CHILDREN From a very early age, we believe our children have an understanding of God and are important in the life of the faith community. The mission of Children’s Ministry at FPC Greensboro is to build a foundation of Christian faith and spiritual formation for our youngest disciples that begins a lifetime of knowing, loving, and serving God and one another. We seek to carry out this vital mission through a partnership between church and home. FPC CHILD EVE PETERS Growing our children with Hands On, Godly Play FPC as long held a reputation as home of excellent programming for children. Always interested in improving and adding new experiences, the Children’s Education Committee reviews curricula every three years. This year, Pre-K through 4th grades, 5th and 6th grades, and Traditional Service Worship Enrichment will experience new programs. The committee also studied BY TAMARA SLAUGHTER how grades are grouped and the changing needs of church families. The results will be a new way for fun, enriching, relationship-building, thought-provoking, and meaningful Church School for our younger members. For the first time, classes will combine pre-K and Kindergarten, 1st- and 2nd-graders, and 3rd- and 4th-graders. One of the reasons is that, with fewer families coming to Church School every week, fewer parents are available to teach. Combining classes allows the program to effectively use the volunteer resources available while encouraging relationship building between children and the adult leaders as well as children with each other. Donna feels this important interaction keeps the fabric of the church strong and creates intergenerational bonds between members. In addition to combined classes, this age will use the “Hands-On Bible” curriculum made by the same company that produces the popular Vacation Bible School programs. Children will be use objects or “gizmos” that help illustrate the story. All the items are familiar and 26 comfortable. Donna notes that this correlates to the way Jesus taught, using items and examples that were easily understandable. Connecting the stories each week are the “gizmos” as well as games and activities that appeal to a wide variety of learning styles. Fifth-graders will use a curriculum called “Connect,” the same curriculum used for middle schoolers. Each week starts with a witty video clip that introduces the topic, then uses a variety of activities to bring the message home. “Connect” literature says that the program “engages preteens in God’s big story through video, Bible exploration, and hands-on projects.” There will be “Connect” Bibles f which will integrate stories from both Old and New Testaments. The idea is to encourage common experiences with friends through participation in lessons using multiple learning styles and discussion. Worship Enrichment at the Traditional Service will also be piloting a new style. The Children’s Message during the service will continue, then little ones through 7 years of age are invited to the Children’s Space in the Welcome Center. This is where the new part starts. Donna Chase, Director of Christian Formation, has had her eye on the “Godly Play” method for years, and feels the timing is right for this shift. The new space is perfectly arranged for Godly Play events. A Montessori-based curriculum, Godly Play includes rituals in each session, such as a formal greeting for each HANDS ON CHILDREN Play CHILDREN IN DISCIPLESHIP SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL A Children’s Guide to Worship helps them participate in worship with their families. 9:30 am, third floor of Corl Building Children grow as disciples and experience the Bible through learning and applying important stories and scripture to daily life. Pre– K/ K – Art Room Grades 1 & 2 – Music Room Grades 3 & 4 – Drama Room Grades 5 & 6 meet in Memorial 300 Hands On offers variety of creative and fun learning activities and Hands On objects that bring scripture to life! Our new tween curriculum for 5th and 6th graders is Connect, a two-year overview of the Bible with videos & activities that connect the scripture to tween experience. MILESTONES IN FAITH These classes involve children, parents, church staff & elders in learning and growing in faith together. Each gradelevel class helps kids understand and participate meaningfully in areas of church life. They also include special worship services and gifts from the congregation to celebrate learning and participation. They meet in Corl 306. SECOND GRADE: TASTE THE BREAD, TOUCH THE WATER (January 10 – February 14) – Kids & parents learn about sacraments of baptism and communion together. They celebrate by leading a Welcome to the Lord’s Table service on February 17. PRESCHOOL: MY FIRST BIBLE (March 6) – Older 2’s and young 3’s receive a Bible storybook to begin reading with parents at home. The presentation is held in Memorial Chapel in the spring to prepare for 3- and 4-year-old Church School and worship enrichment in the fall. KINDERGARTEN: GROWING, GRATEFUL, GENEROUS HEARTS (October 25 – November 15) – Kids & parents learn about stewardship of time, talent, money, and creation. They meet Stu Bear and receive an Early Reader Bible in Rejoice! on October 18. FIRST GRADE: READY, SET WORSHIP! (January 10 – February 14) – Kids & parents learn about worship together. THIRD GRADE: GETTING TO KNOW MY BIBLE (February 14 – March 13) – Kids learn basic Bible skills and receive a student bible in Sanctuary worship in the winter. FOURTH GRADE: BELONGING TO GOD: A FIRST CATECHISM (February 14 – March 13) – Kids & parents are introduced to the children’s catechism. They celebrate by sharing questions and scripture that they have learned and receive the Jesus Calling devotional. FIFTH GRADE: GETTING READY FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL (April 17 & 24, May 1) – Tweens prepare for the transition with teachers, youth leaders, parents and middle school staff. Seminary and the University of Tulsa Law School. His resume includes post-graduate work in several countries and august leadership positions nearly too numerous to count, including that of Presbyterian minister. Developing Godly play has been his life’s work. Berryman’s premise is this: “If you assume that the child already knows the presence of God, you don’t need to convince them of that; what they really need is a language to be able to understand their experience.” With focus on the story and the opportunity for children to make discoveries as they use figurines and props, they develop understanding and language that grows with them. Donna is particularly pleased to at last bring this fascinating learning opportunity to FPC. Hallmarks of our church have always been excellent children’s offerings and carefully considered evolution. The meeting of these two is perfectly illustrated in new Church School and Worship Enrichment experiences. Look for good things to come! from previous page child, an invitation to sit in the circle, and the lighting of a candle. A Bible story is relayed using little eye contact from the teller, who keeps attention on the story by using wooden figurines and a few props (blue felt might represent a river) in the middle of the children’s circle. After a prayer, children are invited to use the figurines and props to explore the story themselves. There are boxes with characters and props specific to many Bible stories as well as seasonal events (Easter, Pentecost) to help kids learn about the church year. Throughout the experience, the mood is quiet and calm. The Godly Play program was developed by Jerome Berryman, a man whose friendly and unassuming face belies a bevy of degrees from institutions including Princeton Theological 27 CHILDREN CHILDREN IN WORSHIP HANDS UP WORSHIP ENRICHMENT Sanctuary service: During the sermon, kids ages 4 through first grade are invited to Wee Worship in the Welcome Center Children’s Space for Godly Play. This Montessori-based storytelling experience helps young children to begin to acquire religious language and put words to their innate knowledge of God and the spiritual life. Rejoice! service: After the children’s message, kids may leave for extended worship. This time for young disciples is an extension of the church-school hour and will use the Hands On Bible curriculum. Also, Rejoice parents may now enjoy a quiet family space in the back of Rejoice which will be set up for nursing mons or parents who would like to hear the service but sit with their children on the rug as they enjoy Children in Worship bags or books and puzzles. CHILDREN’S CHAPEL Parents & preschoolers are invited to join children from the Weekday Preschool for Children’s Chapel Wednesdays at 9:45 a.m. in Memorial Chapel. We sing, move, and hear a Bible story. It is a great opportunity to grow in faith with our children! NURSERY MOVE! Beginning September 13, nursery care will move to the first floor of Mullin Life Center. Room 100, Two’s Room 101A, Infants Room 101B, Toddlers Acolytes pass the torch FPC’s acolyte program – which gives older elementary children the opportunity to participate in worship leadership – is moving from the care of Anne Yarbrough to Lee Presson. “I am most looking forward to working with the youth and helping them to experience the benefits of this program,” Room 102, Preschool (3’s & 4’s) & Rejoice Lee said. Worship Enrichment Acolytes, children grades 5-8 (although older students may still participate) These spaces are easily accessible via the spiral process into worship and light the staircase in the rear hall of Mullin Life Center; chancel candles. Interested children the Life Center elevator (go to Level 1); the outdoor courtyard from rear of Solarium/ and their parents are invited to training Welcome Center. September 20 at noon in the narthex. Acolytes are involved in the 10:45 We are warm and welcoming beginning with sanctuary service each Sunday during our youngest disciples. We provide quality the school year. care in a safe environment with loving adult caregivers and volunteers. BY STEPHANIE Once committed, families choose DOYLE CHILDREN’S MUSIC from a list of All choirs meet Wednesdays in the Choir Sunday services. Rehearsal Room, Smith 301. Rehearsals Lee became involved when her older begin on September 9. Please register at son asked to attend a training session fpcgreensboro.org/music. that he read about in the church Joyful Noise music experience, ages 2 & 3 with bulletin. a parent: 4 - 4:30 pm in Corl 303. Kids sing, play “Now both my children serve as instruments and musical games, and enjoy acolytes both at FPC and Canterbury music for the fun of it! School,” she said. “I see this program as an opportunity for the FPC Cherub Choir, ages 4 & 5: 4 - 4:30 pm Singing, playing instruments and musical youth to experience a position of games, and just enjoying music, Cherub sings leadership in worship and understand during worship several times a year. the responsibility and purpose of performing the duties of an acolyte in Credo Choir, grades K-1, 4:30 - 5 pm. Kids pick service. I hope that by serving, the youth up steady beat, note reading/rhythm skills, healthy vocal tone and other skills and sing at also begin to understand their role in worship several times. bringing Christ’s light into our place of worship and more importantly, out in Canticle Choir, grades 2-5, 5:15-6:15 pm. to the world. I hope that the program Singers develop note/rhythm reading, score will also teach the youth about the reading, part singing and healthy vocal production. Canticle Choir sings several times commitment to serve.” in worship during the program year. assist in Worship Enrichment .... teach Church School .... rock a baby .... assemble Children in Worship bags and more volunteer options for children’s ministry: fpcgreensboro.org/inspired 28 CHILDREN CHILDREN IN OUTREACH HANDS OUT Our children learn what it means to give and serve our community and world with a variety of monetary and hands-on collections and projects. This year our local focus is the Out of the Garden Project, which targets childhood hunger in Guilford County. We will collect canned food and learn about food insecurity, and work at the food warehouse. Our international project is collecting school supplies for children in Honduras where our congregation is helping to build Habitat for Humanity houses. We will learn about Honduras as well as issues of homelessness. BACK-TO-SCHOOL OUTREACH CROSS WEEKEND FAMILY RETREAT FPC children & youth are collecting school supplies in bins in Mullin Life Center on Sundays THROUGH September 27. Some will go to students at a village in Honduras where our church helps build Habitat houses. Locally, supplies will go the Newcomers School for immigrant children, where we will help Crayons Matter to create an art closet. Please donate these items: 24-pack Crayola crayons, 12- or 24-pack Crayola colored pencils, Crayola markers, No. 2 pencils & sharpeners, Tablets of plain or composition paper, Backpacks (new or very gently used), Erasers, Notebooks, Children’s scissors, Rulers, Children’s Books in Spanish (available at Barnes & Noble) October 2-4. Myers Park Presbyterian Church, Charlotte. Grades 3-5 & family (parent or another adult must accompany each child). Cost: $100 per person for camp activities, 4 meals & transportation. RSVP by September 14 to Sara Manchester, smanchester @ fpcgreensboro.org. PEACEHAVEN FARM DAY October 17, 9 am - 1 pm Gather for a morning of farm & garden work followed by a potluck lunch on the lawn with the community. All ages are welcome! CROP WALK October 18, 1:30 pm Families are invited to meet at the church and walk to New Bridge Park for the CROP walk. KDC and youth will walk together. CHILDREN IN FELLOWSHIP HANDS TOGETHER Relationships are the key to growing in faith together and our children gather by age groups and with their families to play and connect with each other as well as their teachers, leaders and the faith community. MONTHLY DINNER FELLOWSHIP On third Wednesdays, come for dinner & supervised fun from 5:30 to 7 pm. Preschoolers are invited to he back of the Life Center fun activities –plus parents can enjoy dinner & fellowship. September 16: Back to School Night. Bring school supplies for the Newcomers School and take home family fall devotional materials for Faith 5. October 29: Trunk or Treat Decorate your trunk and/or bring your treat bag and come in costume! November 18: Welcome to Advent. Get ready with fun activities for families to take home and celebrate together. KIDS DISCIPLE CLUB Third- through fifth-graders gather monthly for tween fellowship and outreach to build toward youth group. KICKOFF AT CAMP WEAVER – September 27, 2-4 pm. We will enjoy the lake with swimming & boating plus trampolines, blob and giant slide as well as the archery range. Cost is $15. Meet at the church at 1:30 pm to caravan or at the camp (4924 Tapawingo Trail) at 2 pm. RSVP sy fpcgreensboro.org/learn/christianeducation-for-our-children by September 24. CROSS FAMILY MISSION WEEKEND – October 2-4. Parents & kids serve in inner-city projects in Charlotte and enjoy fellowship and worship at Myers Park Presbyterian. Register and learn more online. Out of the Garden Project – November 22, noon - 2 pm. Bring canned food and join us for service in the food warehouse. We will leave from church at 11:45. Bring a lunch to have in the car in route; we will stop for dessert on the way back. 29 FIRST KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE September 18-19 Mullin Life Center This sale of gently used children’s items and clothing helps families provide for their children, and benefits Children’s Ministry and Weekday Preschool. The VIP preview sale (tickets available) is September 17 6 - 8 p.m. The public sale is September 18, 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. and September 19, 7:30 a.m. - noon, with most items halfprice on Saturday. Consignors and volunteers are welcomed! Info: fpcgreensboro.org/learn/ first-kids-consignment-sale. KICK OFF! Bring the whole herd to Mullin Life Center at 5:30 pm on September 13 for great food, fun plans and important paperwork! YOU H Sunday mornings 6th-graders 9:30 AM/FIRST FLOOR SHETLER BUILDING 7th- thru 12th-graders High school youth meet for devotions at 7:20 am at Chick-Fil-A on Pisgah Church Road buy more sweatshirts! Sunday evenings – NEW TIME! YOUTH-LED ROTATIONS: fellowship & devotional & music / Bible study / fellowship & worship & music middle school 5:30 – 7 Thursdays – NEW PLACE! high school 7 – 8:30 dinner together 6:30 – 7 Support youth missions – buy an FPC logo sweatshirt! $35, available Sundays after worship in September teach Sunday morning groups .... be a youth adviser .... mentor a confirmand ... and more options for volunteering with youth: fpcgreensboro.org/inspired 30 YOUTH FACES BY STEPHANIE DOYLE impressed with the city and all In September the Rev. Aaron that it offers across the board Ferry joins FPC as minister and and how the people I have met director of Youth Ministry. Ordained through First Pres are engaged in the Cumberland Presbyterian and involved in the community.” denomination, he has been serving Aaron currently serves on as an associate pastor at Winchester the Montreat Youth Conference Cumberland Presbyterian in and Triennium planning teams. Tennessee since January 2013. He Triennium is a collaborative will slowly take steps to transfer his youth ministry event with the ordination to the Presbyterian Church PC(USA) and the Cumberland (USA). Presbyterian Church and “I’m really looking forward to Cumberland Presbyterian getting back into full-time youth Church in America. It happens ministry as I have been more of a every three years at Purdue Aaron with wife Mary Kate and children generalist as an associate pastor University. Paxton, 3, and Elyn, 3 months. in my current role,” he said. “I’m “It is an event that revolves looking forward to walking alongside around worship, small groups, recreation and community and journeying with the youth as they go through life – school, activities, family life, church life, trips, camps and involvement,” he said. “I highly recommend it for our youth and its leaders.” conferences. I am really excited about the opportunities Looking ahead, Aaron would eventually like to further to be creative in exploring and continuing to write our his education and possibly pursue a PhD with the hope faith stories.” and dream to be a college/seminary professor around The family is excited to explore their new city. “Up Christian education and youth ministry. until now, I have only lived, been educated and worked His “wild outlandish dream,” though, involves golf. “I in Tennessee,” Aaron said. We are very much excited would find the time and energy to practice and be more about being a part of a larger city with opportunities to competitive in my golfing career and try to become a explore and be involved with many things from parks touring professional. Yeah, right, not going to happen, and greenways, concerts, restaurants .... I am very much but one can dream.” A FEW OF AARON’S FAVORITE THINGS Being outside “The Big Bang Theory,” reality TV and “The Price is Right” College basketball, especially the Duke Blue Devils 31 Peanut butter, chocolate & pretzels in ice cream LI FPC MEMBERS NDA ALLEN & SHARE TIME FPC Jobs: Share job leads, expertise with this ministry to people in the job market. Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30 am, McAlister Scout Room Giving Back Garden: Join the GBG Guild to help with planning, planting and tending. Mobile Meals: Pairs of members deliver hot meals to seniors 9:30-11:30 am third Wednesday/ month or fifth Mondays/ year. You can be a regular or a substitute! Contact Linda Allen, [email protected]. DOLLY JENNIN GS SHARE STUFF Hot Dish & Hope: Serve dinner Tuesdays & Thursdays at 5:30 pm in Mullin Life Center. Also consider being a coordinator! Backpack Beginnings: Deliver food packs to local schools and Head Start programs monthly. Info: Leigh Jones, ljones0206@ gmail.com. StepUp Greensboro: Help individuals and families in our community build stable lives. Info: Jackie at 676-5871. Every Member Can: Every Sunday, bring non-perishable food for donation to Greensboro Urban Ministry’s food pantry. Encore Store: Donate clothing & shoes for adults & kids to StepUp’s thrift store at Golden Gate Center. Barnabas Network: Donate gently used furniture for use by those in transition to new homes because of crisis. Wheels4Hope: Donate your old car to someone who needs one! 32 OUTREACH Sharing & caring with our sister church REV. FRANK DEW New Creation Community Presbyterian Church has been blessed to be a part of the First Presbyterian campus since 2006. We have been blessed by shared space, shared relationships and shared mission! As we move forward together, it is my hope that we will deepen our connections in ways from which we all can benefit. Both congregations have unique gifts that can strengthen the other, if we share our blessings with one another. I believe this will happen if we become more intentional in connecting with one another through sharing of worship, education and outreach activities. New Creation is a small community, of deep discipleship and wide diversity. We would love to have folks from FPC come and participate in things that we are doing, just as we would hope to share more deeply in the life at FPC. There are things that we can do together that neither one of our congregations could do alone. With God’s leading, there is much to look forward to, as we grow together! May our partnership bear much fruit for the work of God’s kingdom! May this be a season of serving and sharing and drawing closer to God! NEW CREATION WORSHIP AT PEACEHAVEN FARM September 20, 5 pm URBAN PILGRIMAGE Greensboro Urban Ministry October 5, 8 am CROP WALK October18, 2:30 pm New Bridge Bank Park FEAST OF CARING for Greensboro Urban Ministry November 19, 5-7 pm at First Baptist Church – Rev. Frank Dew is pastor of New Creation and chaplain at Greensboro Urban Ministry and sits on FPC’s Outreach Committee. FREE DENTAL CLINIC NEEDS HELPING HANDS FPC hosted Greensboro Missions of Mercy free dental clinics in 2009 and 2010. Partly because of that success, the clinics moved to Greensboro Coliseum. Volunteers are needed Thursday, August 27, to help with setup and on Friday and Saturday for registration, health screening (nurses, MDs, and EMTs), patient escorts, patient checkout, serving food in volunteer break room, breakdown at 3 pm, directing parking, etc. Please help make it happen! Go to ncdental.org, click on Meeting and Events, click on NC Missions of Mercy, scroll down to Community Volunteer Online Registration. On the web site you also will find a description of duties. Since 2004, more than 55,000 patients have been seen and more than $26 million in dental services donated! 33 CONTACTS FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 617 North Elm Street • Greensboro, NC 27401-2095 336-373-0445 • fpcgreensboro.org Worship Congregational Care Sid Batts, Senior Pastor, 478-4702 or sbatts@ fpcgreensboro.org Dolly Jacobs, Associate Pastor and Director of Congregational Care, 478-4734 or djacobs@ fpcgreensboro.org Pattie Murray, Administrative Assistant to Outreach and Congregational Care, 478-4709 or ahopping@ fpcgreensboro.org Russell Sherrill, Church Visitor, 478-4706 or rsherrill@ fpcgreensboro.org Rev. David Partington, Parish Associate for Congregational Care, 478-4708 or dpartington@ fpcgreensboro.org Rev. Clyde Cook, Parish Associate for Congregational Care, 478-4737 or [email protected] Rev. Larry Avent, Parish Associate for Congregational Care, 478-4741 or [email protected] Debby Foster, Administrative Assistant to Senior Pastor and Executive Pastor, 478-4702 or [email protected] Libby Boehne, Cynthia Price Pastoral Resident, 478-4719 or [email protected] Kevin Geurink, Cynthia Price Pastoral Resident, 478-4720 or [email protected] Outreach Neil Dunnavant Executive Pastor and Associate for Outreach Ministry, 478-4707 or [email protected] Debby Foster, Administrative Assistant to Senior Pastor and Executive Pastor, 478-4702 or [email protected] Discipleship Wendy Duncan, Director of Discipleship and Adult Formation, 478-4723 or wduncan@ fpcgreensboro.org Christian Formation Donna Chase, Director of Christian Formation, 4784725 or [email protected] Nancy Fuller, Church Librarian, 478-4731 or nfuller@ fpcgreensboro.org Sara Manchester, Administrative Assistant to Christian Education, 478-4722 or smanchester@ fpcgreensboro.org Adults Music John Alexander, Director of Music Ministry and Principal Organist, 478-4715 or jalexander@ fpcgreensboro.org Robert Wells, Director of Chancel Choir, 4784712 or [email protected] James Keith, Associate Director of Music for Rejoice, 478-4729 or [email protected] R. Colin Burns, Associate Director of Music for Children & Youth, 478-4713 or cburns@ fpcgreensboro.org Anne Albert, Worship and Music Coordinator, 478-4711 or [email protected] 34 Wendy Duncan, Director of Adult Formation, 4784723 or [email protected] Youth Aaron Ferry, Minister and Director of Youth Ministry, 478-4728 or [email protected] Nick Demuynck, Associate Director of Youth Ministry, 478-4727 or [email protected] Children Donna Chase, Director of Christian Education, 4784725 or [email protected] Lisa Witherspoon, Interim Associate Director of Children’s Ministry, 478-4726 or lwitherspoon@ fpcgreensboro.org CONTACTS SOCIAL MEDIA First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro FPC Greensboro Youth ONLINE fpcgreensboro.org EMAIL fpcgyouth You can subscribe to: • Sunday Preview, sent Thursdays; • This Week at FPC, sent Mondays; • Sid’s Just a Thought, sent Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays. flickr.com/fpcgreensboro Go to fpcgreensboro.org/connect/ourmedia#signup @dolljacobs @NDunnavant @1stPresGSO RADIO Sid’s Just a Thought airs Monday, Wednesday & Friday mornings from Labor Day through Memorial Day on WKZL (107.5 FM). You can also subscribe to the email. Go to fpcgreensboro.org/connect/ our-media#signup fpcgreensboro LIFE EVENTS dchase1/faith-and-family Baptisms Debby Foster, 478-4702 or [email protected] Weddings Anne Albert, 478-4711 or [email protected] Births/Adoptions Address/Phone/Email Changes Sara Manchester, 478-4722 or [email protected] Medical Issues, Crises, Deaths Pattie Murray, 478-4709 [email protected] RECOMMENDATIONS Devotions for adults: D365 app – www. facebook.com/ JesusCalling Center for Action & Contemplation – https:// cac.org/richard-rohr/dailymeditations PASTOR ON CALL 336-373-0445, and when the message begins enter 1-2-3-4. 35 Mobile apps for kids: Grow Proclaim Serve Jesus Calling for Kids YouVersion Bible app In our life there is a single color, as on an artist’s palette, which provides the meaning of life and art. It is the color of love. – Marc Chagall FPC MEMBER DOUG KEY STEWARD SHIP When we care about something, we offer up our time, our energy and our money. That’s how we show our love, our gratitude, our commitment and our hope. PENNIES FOR HUNGER Collected the first Sunday of each month for projects to fight hunger locally and internationally. GOOD SAMARITAN FUND Receives our offerings on Communion Sundays. The fund provides crisis grants for basic needs such as rent via referrals from social agencies & schools. SPECIAL OFFERINGS In our faith life, we make church part of For Hot Dish & Hope at the Thanksgiving Day service and Christmas Eve candlelight service means making the church part of our our schedules. In the same way, discipleship budgets. It means being inspired by God’s love to recognize the gifts God gives us and For the Music Fund at A Little Advent Music, November 29, December 6 & 13, and Lessons & Carols, December 20 to give back to God’s work. It’s something to think about this fall, when the annual campaign offers us the For the Weekday Preschool Scholarship Fund, Christmas Eve family service chance to make a promise to God – that we For Youth Ministry, Christmas Eve 11 pm service feel in our hearts. will say with our financial resources what we 36