336-373-0445 • fpcgreensboro.org First Presbyterian Church

Transcription

FPC news
336-373-0445 • fpcgreensboro.org
First Presbyterian Church • Greensboro, North Carolina
December 2013
If you can’t go home for Christmas.....
Member stories, page 10
Where do you go?
First Baptist for Lessons & Carols
Canterbury School’s chapel for Christmas Eve, page 13
What do you do?
Find quiet at Sid’s contemplative service on Wednesdays, page 3
Find comfort at the Service of Remembrance, Healing and Hope, page 4
Who?
Community Service, page 5
Leadership, page 6
The sick, the hungry, the devastated, page 7
Page 2 • December 2013 • fpcgreensboro.org
FIRST CHURCH
PEOPLE
Welcome new members
Dr. Norman Blaylock & Leslie Deaton,
Will Finch
209 W. Bessemer Ave.
Greensboro, NC 27401
Joey & Jane Forbes Fields, Emma Forbes
and Susan
306 Kimberly Drive
Bryan & Caroline Walker, Brynn
5328-24G W. Market St.
David Partington
closing his FPC ministry
It has been my great pleasure and honor to have David
Partington as a colleague for more than 8 years now. He has
taught me a great deal on a variety of subjects – art, music,
poetry, spirituality, and leadership.
Perhaps my favorite David Partington gem of wisdom is about
how no church program is meant to
last forever but rather for a “season of
ministry.” So when it comes time to
quit doing something, we should give
thanks to God for the time it touched
the lives of our congregation. This
wonderful advice has helped us in so
many ways make graceful transitions
in our church.
David has decided that it is time to
close his season with us. Here is how
he put it:
“In my spiritual journey I have
learned to pay attention to nudges
from the Holy Spirit in the full
knowledge that God calls us to
particular ministries and then
David ministered in
calls us away to yet to be discerned
Congregational Care.
ministries. ... I know not what the
future holds for me as I return once
again to being “a polished arrow in God’s Quiver,” but I trust as
Julian of Norwich taught us that “All shall be well, and all shall
be well and all manner of thing shall be well.” Those creedal
words are not only for me but for all here at FPC. Thanks be to
God!’’
You all probably have your own stories to tell and words of
deep appreciation. We will gather after the holidays to celebrate
our season of ministry with David.
– Neil Dunnavant, Executive Pastor
Births
Sympathy
Congratulations to Will & Carrie
Stewart upon the birth of their son
William ‘Harrison’ Stewart, IV on
November1, 2013. Harrison is the
couple’s first child.
Congratulations to Chuck &
Ashleigh Ivey upon the birth of
their children, Charles Marshall
Ivey V and Hunter Madison Ivey,
on November 4, 2013. These are the
couple’s first children.
Congratulations to Jeff & Erica
Reichard upon the birth of their
daughter Ella Rose on November
5, 2013. Ella has one sibling, Clara, 3
years old.
Sympathy to FPC members Betsy
Wilcox and Bill Wilcox upon the
death of their father William Marion
Wilcox III, on November 3, 2013.
Sympathy to friends and family of
FPC elder John Truitt, who died
November 8, 2013.
Sympathy to friends and family of
FPC member Ann Coleman Setzer,
who died November 15, 2013.
Sympathy to FPC member Lee
Carter upon the death of his mother
Martha “Mot” Carter, who died
November 18, 2013.
fpcgreensboro.org • December 2013 • Page 3
Dear Friends,
We will still be eating turkey sandwiches when we light
the first Advent candle on Sunday, December 1! So welcome
to Christmas Chaos, 2013.
That’s the title of my Advent/Christmas sermon series.
It seems appropriate for us this year. I mean, Christmas
is always hectic with the rushing, to-do list, planning,
schedules, parties, gatherings, shopping, decorating, etc.
For First Preszers, we also have the chaos of transition,
worshipping in “exile” at the Temple, having Lessons &
Carols at First Baptist and having four Christmas Eve
services at Canterbury School’s Phillips Chapel.
One of the ways we hope to find order and meaning in the
chaos is with Advent Contemplative services, offered each
Wednesday evening at 6 o’clock in Memorial Chapel. I will
lead these services that will help us catch our breath, be
silent, listen, and rest in God’s presence. These services will
include scripture, silence, prayer, music, poetry and time to
reflect. This is a new wrinkle
for us, but an important one
as we grow deeper.
I was flattered to be
asked to write a piece
for Our State magazine’s
December issue. The issue
includes “prayers” from
North Carolina’s clergy
but the prayers are more
reflective essays on faith
and North Carolina culture.
My piece is titled, “Moderate
Climate” and includes a
story on how N.C.’s moderate
climate has enabled the
relationship between
Temple Emanuel and First
Presbyterian. As well, our
http://prayer.ourstate.com/batts
chancel choir sings in the
online version of the article.
We have very mixed emotions about David Partington’s
announcement of departure at the end of the year. We’ve had
the blessing of eight years with David and we have grateful
hearts for his ministry among us. We will have a special
time in the New Year to formally and prayerfully offer our
gratitude.
Blessings,
An Advent Service of Remembrance, Healing and Hope:
December 4 • 12:15 pm • Memorial Chapel
By David Partington
Parish Associate for Congregational Care
Our son Willis is a bereavement counselor for
Visiting Nurse Service of New York Hospice and
Palliative Care in Queens. He is well-schooled about
the everyday realities of death and dying, grief,
bereavement and mourning.
At a conference recently, in a creative and fulsome
presentation, he addressed death and dying, grief,
bereavement and mourning. Perhaps the “Why” of
our annual Advent Service of Remembrance, Healing
and Hope rests in some of these comments from his
presentation.
Grief is about a feeling of heaviness, being
weighed down, moving slowly.
Bereavement literally means “be-robbed-ment”
and carries with it connotations of violence and
ripping away something of great value. Many
people who are bereaved feel as if their heart has
been literally ripped out of their chest.
Mourning seems to convey connotations of
moaning or sighing and yearning for the loved one
who has been lost.
One of the big questions about grief is how long
does it last. ...The reality is that grief/mourning
has no end date. But what I can say is that the
initial phase of adjustment to a loss, this idea of
learning to live in this world without the loved one
who has died, takes between two to five years.
If there is one primary characteristic of grief and
loss in older adults, it relates to what is the title
of the AARP’s guide for widows and widowers
called “On Being Alone.” ... It is not just about
being alone but about being lonely – about being
isolated – about being disconnected with the most
important relationships in one’s life when the
rest of the world is “moving on.” No matter what
happens in the course of a day, when a widow or
widower comes home and closes the door and goes
inside in an empty house, the loneliness can be
overwhelming.
All who have experienced the death of a loved
one are invited to gather for our Service of
Remembrance, Healing and Hope where our
grief, mourning and bereavement can be embraced
by God and Christian community. In this gentle
time of singing, silence, and brief readings there is
also a time to light a candle in memory of a loved
one. Our pastors will be present for individual
prayer as one of the elements of comfort and caring
in this time of worship.
handcrafted items: $45,000
Sharing God’s love: Priceless
If idle hands are the devil’s workshop, only angels float
over the heads of the ladies in Community Service.
This group of about 45 women meets weekly to create
beautiful handmade items that find their way to many
corners of our community and beyond. If you’re thinking
this means a few pot holders and a scarf or two, read on.
Started in 1956, Community Service gathered women
with excellent needlecraft
By Tamara Slaughter skills. Current member Judy
Kepley recounts how her
mother, Frances Andrew, and aunt, Margaret Ikehorn,
joined Jane Armfield’s call to start the group, giving their
talented mothers-in-law something to do.
They started by crocheting receiving blankets and hats
for newborns at the hospital and babies at the Children’s
Home. During wartime, their work included rolling
bandages for wounded soldiers. Today the repertoire
includes quilts, sweaters, blankets, hats and scarves for
all ages, and more.
At one time, the group included women from FPC,
Holy Trinity, and Temple Emanuel. Current membership
includes largely FPC members ranging in age from 60’s
to 90’s, but women (and a few men) from many faith
communities join in. Word of mouth has worked its
magic. One set of needle workers was recruited from a
water aerobics class at the YMCA!
Everyone brings a special talent. Some knit, some
crochet, others quilt, tat, or sew, and all are willing to
teach their skill to anyone who wants to learn.
Each Wednesday about 20 of the 44 active members
gather at 11 a.m., although a handful of members are so
eager to start they come early.
“It’s a party every Wednesday!’ says Kate Tallmadge,
a member since the ’80’s. “We work together and inspire
each other,” says the quilter, whose daughter, Mary Kate
Holden, makes hats and sweaters to match Mom’s quilts.
Displaced by the renovation, the group currently meets
in Redhead Hall. Members look forward to returning to
their historical home in the Garden Room.
After visiting and crafting, the ladies enjoy a light
lunch. Since the group falls under the umbrella of
Presbyterian Women, a sandwich and dessert is provided
by a rotation of two PW Circles each week. Then they
hear a devotional from one of the pastors, an important
part of the experience for the ladies. When Dolly Jacobs
leads, she brings her grandmother’s devotional book, a
warmly appreciated special touch.
continues, next page
Finding leaders among us
Have you ever wondered how our church leadership is
selected? As with everything Presbyterian, “decently
and in order!” The Appointments and Nominating
committees play a crucial role in this process.
The Appointments Committee has a variety of
responsibilities. It presents a slate of nominees for the
following year’s Nominating Committee, selects the
chair and vice chair of church committees, proposes
nominees for officers of the Session
BY NANCY and the Corporation, ensures that
every member of the Session serves on
GODWIN at least one committee, and presents
a slate of nominees for the following
year’s Appointments Committee.
We are about to begin our work in January, and
we are seeking your suggestions for the 2014-2015
Nominating Committee.
The Nominating Committee proposes a slate of
Elders for election by the congregation as its leaders.
The committee is comprised of 15 church members:
seven Elders elected by the Session and eight atlarge members elected by the congregation. It is
essential to have a strong, representative Nominating
Committee to recommend a slate of potential Elders
Priceless
from page 5
Where does the fruit of this labor go? Needy families
receive layette items, cancer patients at Beacon Place
receive lap blankets, hats and scarves (coordinating
colors, of course) have gone to the Salvation Army
Center of Hope, Hospice and Kid’s Path, to families
waiting at the Dental Clinic, to almost every
Children’s Home Society foster child, and always to
guests at the Hot Dish & Hope Christmas meal.
Most recently, they made hats in school colors for
Hope Academy students (the new school at Florida
Street Methodist Church). Neil Dunnavant has been
known to share handmade items on mission trips.
On a bittersweet note, special burial gowns are
made for tiny babies who do not survive the difficult
first days of life. What a comfort it must be to know
that one’s baby is clothed in the work of loving hands.
Those same loving hands make afghans that wrap
adoptees from the Children’s Home Society.
The Community Service relationship with The
Women’s Hospital of Greensboro has been strong for
many years. New mothers who complete a prenatal
and baby care class are presented with a quilt, a
receiving blanket, a car coat or sweater, and cap.
“Neiman-Marcus couldn’t do better putting these
2013-2014
APPOINTMENTS
COMMITTEE
that reflects the gender,
age and experience in our
congregation.
Nancy Godwin, Chair
We need your suggestions
Cathy Lovejoy, Vice Chair
by January 12. Drop
Meredith Coladonato,
your nominations for the
Glenn Enochs, Andy Hines, Nominating Committee
Hoke Huss, Betsy Lane, Bev in boxes in Mullin Life
Leary, Suzanne Tilley, Ed
Center, or send them
Underwood, Reid Wilcox,
to Stephenie Sanders
Hugh Williams, Rhonda
(ssanders@fpcgreensboro.
Youngdahl
org or 336-479-4735)
or Nancy Godwin
([email protected] or
275-2221). Or you may get in touch with a member of
the Appointments Committee.
If you or someone you know are interested in
serving on any committees, please let us know!
Committee service is a great way to gain experience
and background for service as an Elder. Committees
are: Worship, Congregational Care, Discipleship,
Christian Education (now split into Adult, Youth and
Children’s committees), Outreach, Human Resources,
Finance, Property, and Hospitality.
COMMUNITY SERVICE CREATIONS
2009
2010
2011
2012
ITEMS
3,300
4,737
5,000
4,200
VALUE
$41,850
$45,000
layette sets together!” says Ginger Penley, director
of volunteer services at the Women’s Hospital.
“These women are fabulously creative, talented, and
dedicated to making a difference in our community.”
She loves Halloween time, when orange hats with
green tips turn the nursery into a pumpkin patch!
The hospital has received thank-you notes from
families touched that “someone I don’t even know
cared about me.”
At its annual Christmas luncheon, the group hears
their tally. Hannah Britt, who co-chairs the group
along with B.J. Williams, records the totals in the
same type of black ledger used since the founding.
The number is highly confidential until the day
of the luncheon, this year December 11th. If you’re
interested in the figures for 2013, with enough
coaxing, this modest group might share the number
with you – and you will be amazed!
OUTREACH
UPDATES
Join FPC for the 22nd
Winter Walk for AIDS
December 8, 2 p.m., UNCG campus
1-mile Walk or 5K Fun Run
Park in the Walker Avenue and Oakland Avenue parking
decks. The FPC Team will gather on the lawn at Elliott
University Center between 1:30 and 1:45 p.m.
FPC’s Executive Pastor, Neil Dunnavant, is heading up
FPC’s team for the 2013 Winter Walk for AIDS. He believes
that our church’s participation in this annual fund-raiser
for Triad Health Project is important and necessary. THP
provides emotional and practical support to men, women
and children with HIV/AIDS in Greensboro and the
surrounding area, to their loved ones and to those at risk
for HIV/AIDS. They also offer free and confidential testing
for HIV and provide prevention education programs for
their clients and the community. Prevention is the most
effective medicine in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The theme for this year’s walk is “#ONECURELOVE.” THP
hopes that love will drive us to talk about HIV/AIDS in our
Hungry families
need our help.
The chart at right
shows how much
monthly food
support needy
families are losing.
Please bring
non-perishable
food to church
each Sunday. Your
donations go to the
Urban Ministry’s
food pantry,
whose shelves are
emptying quickly.
Every Sunday We
Can!
families, schools, faith communities and workplaces.
According to Ken Keeton, Director of Development
and Community Involvement at THP, “An alarming trend
is occurring, with 13-24 year olds becoming the fastestgrowing group for new infections of HIV and other STDs.
Love is what will lead us to fight stigma, to be tested, to
educate, and to work to prevent new infections.”
Love will encourage us to care for those who are
now living longer with the virus, but need support in
managing the disease.
How you can support Neil and the FPC Team:
1. Join and/or support the First Presbyterian
Team. Information and blue FPC t-shirts will be
available for participants before and after the
Rejoice service on December 1 and December 8.
2. Register and/or donate to the FPC team at
www.winterwalkforaids.kintera.org or write
a check payable to ‘Winter Walk for Aids’ and
reference First Presbyterian team
3. Invite your friends to sponsor you and/or our
team.
4. Collect donations from your sponsors.
For more information, visit www.triadhealthproject.com
Our Hot Dish &
Hope ministry
has received a
$3,000 Grant from
Salem Presbytery ‘s
Domestic Hunger
Committee.
Presbyterian
Disaster Assistance
is responding to
the devastation
left by Super
Typhoon Haiyan
in the Philippines.
If you would like
to support this
work, visit www.
presbyterianmission.
org.
Currie Library
News
LOCATION
First floor of Shetler Building
HOURS
Mon-Thurs, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m.-noon
Sunday, 9-10:20 a.m.
CONTACT
Nancy Fuller, 478-4731 or
[email protected]
Got readers on your gift list?
Shopping for books and other merchandise at
Barnes & Noble, Friendly Center, on Dec. 13-17 can
help FPC's Currie Library purchase new materials
for everyone to enjoy.
Just clip the voucher (below) and present it at the
cash register. Additional vouchers are available at
the store if you ask the cashier.
Book Fair Voucher
benefiting
Currie Library
First Presbyterian Church
Greensboro
December 13-17, 2013
9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mon-Sat.
9 a.m to 10 p.m. Sunday
Friendly Center
Present this voucher at the cash registers
at the time of purchase. A percentage
of the net sale will be donated to the library.
For Office Use Only:
Register # ________ Transaction # _______
_______________________________________
Amount of sale before tax, less purchase of gift cards,
membership cards and cafe consumables:
$ _____________________
11109014
Gift cards, membership cards and cafe consumables
are not included in Book Fair totals.
GIFTS TO THE LIBRARY
In memory of
• Carl Ivan Carlson, Jr.: The
Happiness Advantage: The Seven
Principles of Positive Psychology
that Fuel Success, Proof of
Heaven: A Neurosurgeon’s
Journey into the Afterlife, and
Heaven: Revealing The Christian
Case for Near-Death Experiences,
given by Carol and Glenn Lesley;
• Carl Ivan Carlson, Jr.: Caleb’s
Crossing (as book on CD) and
Christianophobia; A Faith Under
Attack, given by Katie and John
Redhead;
• David Flynt: And the Mountains
Echoed, given by Cathy and Bill
Burling;
• Isabel Gillespie: David and
Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and
the Art of Battling Giants and To
Kill a Mockingbird (DVD), given
by Reviewers Club;
• Herman Pickett, Jr.: Vacations
with Buster: The Adventures
Continue with a Guide Dog
Named Buster, given by Ann
Kunkel;
• Barbara Sharpe Latta (daughter
of Edna Sharpe): Babette’s Feast
(DVD), given by Rosemary
Troxler;
• Brianna “Bri” Elizabeth Younce:
Adventures with Buster: The
Adventures with a Guide
Dog Named Buster, given by
Charlotte and Herman Pickett;
• Alexander Worth, Jr.; Follow
You Follow Me, A Million Miles
in a Thousand Years, and Power
Questions: Building Relationships,
Win New Business, and Influence
Others, given by Katie and John
Redhead.
In Honor of
Martha Sharpless: One Cool Friend
and Three Times Lucky, given by
Andrea Ayers.
CHECK IT OUT:
Thank you to Greensboro attorney
and now author, Norman B. Smith,
for giving Currie Library a copy of his
new book, Christianity in a Doubting
Age. Smith’s preface states that these
pages offer “support of Christianity,
by drawing together and
considering rational, theological,
historical, and practical information
from diverse sources.” There is a
separate Archaeological Supplement
booklet that accompanies and
supports the books. Thank you
to Norman B. Smith for giving us
Christianity in a Doubting Age.
And the Mountains Echoed is by
Khaled Hosseini, who also wrote The
Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid
Suns. Our members who have read it
report that it is really good story.
In David and Goliath, author
Malcolm Gladwell challenges how
we think about obstacles and
disadvantages, offering a new
interpretation of what it means
to cope with a disability, face
discrimination, or other apparent
setbacks. He demonstrates how
much of what is beautiful and
important in the world arises
from what looks like suffering and
adversity. David and Goliath is on
Sid’s Book List.
To Kill a Mockingbird on DVD
replaces our video copy.
Caleb’s Crossing (CD) by Geraldine
Brooks is available as a Book on
CD and would be a good choice if
traveling by car. This is the Currie
Library Book Club selection for
January 13, 2014.
We are delighted to add Babette’s
Feast on DVD. Lori Carter mentioned
it in one of her sermons this past
summer.
Dolly Hunt recommended Donald
Miller’s A Million Miles in a Thousand
Years. “Miller shows us how to get a
second chance at life the first time
around.”
Vacations with Buster continues
the adventures of a Guide Dog
named Buster. The Buster Guide
Dog books are by London Pickett
(Herman Pickett’s daughter in law).
Christianopobia: A Faith Under
Attack is by Rupert Shortt who
“investigates the shocking treatment
of Christians on several continents
and exposes the extent of official
collusion.” Neil Dunnavant will plan a
discussion session this winter.
Christmas Collection…A great
collection of Christmas books, DVDs,
and music CDs is available in Currie
Library. Parents and grandparents,
come in and get your children
some great choices and ideas for
Christmas. All the music CDs being
played in the Library in December
are also available for check out.
Cross Family Mission: Urban Plunge in Charlotte
Homeless
Simulation Walk
in downtown
Charlotte
by Donna Chase, Director of Christian Education
On a rainy Friday afternoon in early November, fourteen nervous FPC fourth- and
fifth-graders, and parents, headed to Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte
for a weekend of service and fellowship. By the time we got to Salisbury the sun was
shining on the beautiful fall trees and we were in for a spectacular experience of
learning about our neighbors together!
Could we have done this is downtown Greensboro? Of course – and we do – but
we also know that when we leave our own surroundings, we gain a new perspective
about ourselves and others.
Here are some of the reflections from the kids about their experience:
• We learned about crossing boundaries and accepting people for who they are no
matter what they may have experienced in life.
• We gave expecting nothing in return but were blessed by all we met.
• We realized that our neighbors are like us but may need a hand up.
• We were energized by the passion of the volunteers we met and served alongside.
• We made new friends and had lots of fun while sharing the love of Christ.
• We served, worshipped, prayed, played, ate and shared together as community.
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Making new friends at
The Haven at Highlands
Creek Memory Care
Sunday morning worship at
Myers Park Presbyterian
Organizing
clothes
at Crisis
Assistance
ministry
The passion of those who
serve others was contagious
When you can’t be ho
The Matter-of-Fact
Christmas
In Depression-era Greensboro, for Garland
Coble and his five brothers, Christmas was
much like any other day. Garland’s father rose
in the early hours, then walked to Thacker
Dairy to milk cows from 4 a.m. to 6 p.m., with
an hour off for breakfast and lunch.
He made $2 a day, Garland recalls. “If he
was five minutes late, Mrs. Thacker would
dock him a dollar – but we always had plenty
of milk.”
They would have cut a tree from the woods
and decorated it with homemade ornaments,
no lights. As for gifts, “Maybe we got a pencil.
It wasn’t like today when people buy and buy.
Oh, and we’d get nuts and candy.”
So the day seemed familiar to Garland when
he was a young Marine serving as field cook
in Tein Tsin, China.
“I’d feed 1,000 people a day. A shift would
begin with dinner and extend through
breakfast and lunch the following day. You’d
basically work 18 hours then go to bed, dog
tired.”
Christmas Day in wartime was like every
other day except more so. Garland and the
other cooks would prepare an enormous meal
of turkey, dressing, and all the trimmings.
Assigned to the officers’ mess, in addition
to food preparation and cleanup Garland
was tasked with keeping the honchos happy,
making sure nothing ran out, risking a stern
lecture if the coffee pot went dry. For Garland,
Christmas did not involve attending chapel.
I asked Garland what he missed at
Christmas while overseas. At first he looked
puzzled. “Some people get homesick,” I
prompted.
His response was matter-of-fact. “I didn’t
have time for homesick,” It was wartime. I
didn’t have a girlfriend. There was work to be
done. I didn’t dwell on missing things.”
This year we will
experience Christmas
not in our exquisite
sanctuary, but in
the lovely chapel at
Canterbury School.
Because Christmas
involves traditions,
family, worship,
we invited some
members to share
their experiences of
Christmas away from
home.
Stories by
SUSAN DEVANEY
The Empty Christm
Jack Harrington,
circa 1972
It was 1972, the latter part of t
War. Compared with most young
Harrington had it good. More tha
through his commitment to the A
was happily stationed in Wichita
pregnant wife Betsy and 2-year-o
With a year and a half of milita
Jack was determined to stay stat
lawyer and a member of the JAG
could apply for an opening in Tex
keep him at home but require an
year of service. Wanting some ass
called Washington. Even if he did
job, he was told, chances were 98
ome for Christmas
mas
the Vietnam
men, Jack
an half way
Air Force, Jack
a, Kansas, with
old Lisa.
ary duty left,
teside. As a
G Corps, he
xas that would
n additional
surance, Jack
dn’t get the
8 percent that
The Transformative Christmas
Paula Pile was in her 20s, working for Youth Focus in Greensboro. She and
her boyfriend had broken up recently. In early December she had flown home
to Missouri for her beloved grandfather’s funeral. Now there wasn’t money or
vacation time to make another trip.
At the Christmas Eve service, the Youth Choir sang “I’ll Be Home for
Christmas.” It wrung her heart. “My relationship with God wasn’t nearly
as strong as it is now. I mostly missed our traditions, my people. I went to
church because I was lonely.”
On Christmas Day she opened presents alone. That afternoon she invited a
friend over. She learned something from that experience.
“After that I invited everyone in the Singles Class who didn’t have family to
come over on Christmas Eve. It became something of a tradition, which lasted
for years, even after Dale and I married. I’d make my traditional Christmas
foods and ask others to bring theirs. I’d have a little gift for everyone,
wrapped, for as many as 35 people.”
Although she has discontinued that tradition, she still believes in inclusion.
“Two years ago our daughter Tiffany wasn’t coming for Christmas so I invited
(FPC member) Atim Adika and her daughters. It’s more about the spiritual
now than about where we hold Christmas. I hope we keep the traditions:
Christmas Eve service singing ‘Silent Night,’ darkening the church then
lighting back up. Through them I get connected with God.”
And Paula has a message for all who will listen. “If you know anyone who
may be alone on holidays, especially young adults, make a point of inviting
them in. Everyone is supposed to be happy and busy during the holidays, but
holidays alone can be very hard.”
he would not have to leave Wichita. Jack chose
not to apply for transfer. Six weeks later he
shipped out to Korea.
Although he was not in imminent danger
and living conditions were tolerable, Jack felt
betrayed and bitter. When Betsy delivered a
beautiful girl, the weight of separation further
crushed his spirit.
He met the chaplain, a nice enough guy, but
could not force himself go to chapel. “To me,
worship meant family. Each time I made the
effort, I returned more down than before.”
Jack understood his discouragement as a
faith issue. “I was supposed to find fellowship
with the body of Christ, but somehow I
couldn’t do it.”
By Christmas Jack was in full-blown
depression. “I felt no closeness to God. All said
and done, I was unable to muster enough joy
to welcome the Prince of Peace.”
On the day itself, Jack retired to his room
where he opened gifts and mourned his
fractured family
Jack calls this time his emotional wasteland.
“I didn’t handle it in the way I’d have hoped,
but God didn’t let me down; I let him down.
Even so, my struggle with Christmas hasn’t
affected how I feel now. I have so much joy and
a huge sense of gratitude for many things. I’ve
moved on.”
Betsy can attest to that. “After our
wilderness year,” she said, “Jack rededicated
himself to family, and we were the
beneficiaries.”
The Rescue Christmas
In 1966, at age 19, Ralph Davison found himself
on the journey of a lifetime, sailing on the S.S.
France to live and study in Paris. “I was standing
on the tip of the ocean liner, just like Leonardo
Dicaprio in Titanic. I was so excited. It
was like the world had opened to me.”
But after the excitement wore off,
the American in Paris found living
without family a lonely affair. Phone
calls were expensive; there were no
credit cards. He struggled to make his
money last. “I had a small monthly
stipend, but when I ran out, I ran out.
There was no running to the ATM.”
Once Ralph found himself with two
Ralph
francs in his pocket and a week to go
Davison,
before payday. He purchased a loaf
circa 1966
of bread and a kilo of figs which he
nursed through seven long days.
Ralph managed fairly well until Thanksgiving
when the prospect of the holidays without family
hit him hard. The fact that Europeans do not
celebrate this uniquely American holiday made the
sting of separation all the keener.
Feeling his mood plummeting, Ralph contacted
his maternal grandmother, a great favorite and
something of a mentor to him. She proposed a
Christmas excursion to London. She would bring
Ralph’s 11-year-old brother as well.
Christmas in London was a magical, almost
Dickensian experience. The trio stayed at the
magnificent Strand Palace Hotel, sampling roast
beef at Simpson’s on the Strand. Judging Ralph a
bit shabby, his grandmother had him fitted for a
three-piece suit at a tailor in Seville Row. “I kept
that suit for 20 years. It wore like iron.”
On Christmas, they attended service at
Westminster Abbey. “I was raised Episcopalian,
which is the U.S. version of Church of England, so
the high church service was familiar to me. In fact,
everything in London seemed familiar to me.”
To top off the party, the three flew to Paris.
Ralph’s grandmother would not leave her hotel
room as she was something of a Francophobe, but
she gave Ralph 24 hours to show his brother the
sights. The guys stayed up all night.
Ralph did not consider it at the time – he was
too busy having fun – but his grandmother had
relinquished her traditional Christmas, celebrated
with her own large family, to rescue a favorite
grandson and give him a gift he would never forget.
The Unfamiliar
Christmas
In 2008, Jay, Amy, and Megan
DeVaney departed from their
traditional Christmas to tour Vienna
via Wake Forest University. Each day a
professor would lead excursions. In the
evenings they returned to the upscale
Wake Forest House, formerly the U.S.
Embassy. It had been an exciting
tour: Hapsburg Palaces; residences of
Charles V; a Catholic monastery on the
Danube, its chapel filled with painted
biblical scenes, silver and gold inlaid
tablets, exquisite 12th century plates.
But almost immediately there was
trouble. Vienna was cold and snowy,
and Megan had brought no waterproof
gear. With only her Ugs to keep out the
wet, she began “gnawing on” her father
to get her a flight home. It seemed, too,
that the native folk were somber and
unwelcoming. No one smiled at them or
inquired how they were liking Vienna.
Jay observed that his family stood
out because they were smiling and
laughing.
According to Jay, Amy was happy to
get out of Christmas decorating, but
Megan and Jay missed the tree and
having family over.
As Christmas drew nearer, the
DeVaneys went to several Christmas
markets where they discovered a
popular hot rum drink, but even in
the markets the religious overtone
was missing. On Christmas Eve they
attended a Catholic service held partly
in English, partly in German. “We sat
there dumbfounded,” Jay recalled.
“There was a lot of processing. The
hymns were sung in German, but even
the tunes were unfamiliar to us. It was
interesting to experience a different
service, and that night we may have
experienced a few smiles.”
But Jay missed the candlelight vigil
and late- night service at First Pres.
The Austrian dinner did not measure
up to the traditional goodies of home.
On Christmas Day, although they
exchanged presents, Jay missed his
boys, the grandchildren, the dogs.
“It was a great trip, but being away
at Christmas is something we probably
won’t do again.”
DECEMBER
Sunday, December 1
Chancel Choir - Our Chancel Choir
rehearses Sundays at 7:55 a.m., Temple
Emanuel.
Currie Library is open 9-10:30 a.m.
Centering Prayer – Advent Sundays
9:30-10:15 a.m. in Memorial 305
First Sunday of Advent. The Temple
worship service meets at 8:30 a.m., 9:30
a.m, and 10:45 a.m. in Temple Emanuel.
Rejoice! meets at 10:45 a.m. in the Life
Center. Senior Pastor Sid Batts preaches
“Christmas Chaos 1: When you can’t
go home” in morning services. Children
will receive weekly Advent home kits
during the children’s message to help
celebrate the season. Special offering for
Pennies for Hunger.
Church school classes meet at 9:30 a.m.:
– Agape Class in Memorial Chapel.
“Advent,” led by Fred Horner.
– Commitment Class, Blair Hagan Room
(Memorial 100). Bible study using the
Common Lectionary.
– Faith Matters, Memorial 202.
Questions for God, study led by Neil
Dunnavant through December.
– Homebuilders class, Memorial 200.
Kerygma study of James/Galatians led
by Doug Key.
– Seekers Class, Vaughn Conference
Room (Shetler 214 ). The Gospel of John,
led by Gerard Davidson.
– The Travelers Class, Memorial 304.
The Examined Life: Experiencing Life in
Abundance, led by Austin Carty.
– Young Men’s Bible Class, Memorial
101, Redhead Hall. Charles Howell
teaches.
Young adults lunch - All young adults
(singles/couples in their 20s and 30s) are
invited to join Austin Carty, our Adult
Ed Intern, for lunch following 10:45 a.m.
worship. Meet outside the Life Center on
Greene Street.
No Youth Choir rehearsal
Middle School Youth Group – 5:30
p.m., Mullin Life Center for Identity
Crisis!
Monday, December 2
Bring an item to each
family Advent event:
• 24-pack Crayola crayons
During Advent,
children continue
to collect funds and
Crayola supplies for
Crayons Matter. FPC
member Courtenay
Fields founded this
effort to provide
basic school
supplies to children
in Africa as well as
books for Backpack
Beginnings.
• 12-pack Crayola colored
Child/youth protection policy
pencils
training – 5:15 p.m., Spencer
• 12-pack No. 2 yellow
Love Room (Memorial 200). All
pencils
staff, volunteers, teachers, leaders
• new or gently used and parents who work with, drive
children’s book
or supervise children and youth
at FPC are required to attend
one of our training meetings.
RSVP with Ann Thornlow, athornlow@
Tuesday, December 3
fpcgreensboro.org, for one-hour class.
FPC JOBS – 8:30 a.m. in the Scout Room,
Pre-registration is required: class is
located under the Chapel, Tuesdays and
cancelled if there are no registrations 48
Thursdays. Anyone dealing with the
hours prior to meeting date. Please go
effects of losing a job is welcome.
online (fpcgreensboro.org/child-andyouth-protection-policy) to read the
Help stock the clothing closet – 10:30
policy and do the screening prior to class. a.m. to noon. Now that cold weather is
here, the Closet needs winter coats, gloves,
Ron Bauer leads a Watercolor Class in
hats and scarves, and there is an ongoing
Shetler 106, Mondays, 9-11 a.m. The only
need for men’s and ladies pants and
cost is for your painting supplies. Call
casual shoes. We have a special need
Dolly Jennings at 854-2663 to learn more.
for fall and winter women’s clothes.
Season-appropriate clothes donations
GIFT in the Morning – Currie Library,
can be dropped off at the church
9:15 a.m. This Growing In Faith Together
(GIFT) group is for women with preschool office anytime. Contact Teri Hammer,
[email protected], to volunteer.
and elementary-age children. Dolly
Jacobs, Associate Pastor of Discipleship,
The Clothing Closet, located in the
leads. Child care is provided with a
basement of the Paisley House, is open
reservation. Study of Tim Keller’s The
5-6:30 p.m. for Hot Dish & Hope guests in
Prodigal God through November 25.
need of clothing. Contact Teri Hammer,
Contact Ashley Winton, 697-8562 or
mwintontriad.rr.com
Coventry Ringers – Advanced handbell
Functional Fitness – Exercise class for
choir meets in Memorial 201 at 5:45 p.m.
older adults meets at 10:30 a.m. in
Memorial 304. People who have Silver
Hot Dish & Hope – 6 p.m., Mullin Life
Sneakers through United Healthcare
Center. Share in the ministry that puts
and Blue Cross Blue Shield attend free;
our faith into action as we serve dinner
otherwise $3/class. For more info, contact and a “measure of hope” to individuals
FPC members Carol Sellars, 288-2077, or
and families in need. To volunteer or
Martha Sharpless, 282-0397.
learn more, contact Sheron Sumner,
[email protected], or visit www.
Centering Prayer – Rev. Frank Dew,
pastor of New Creation, leads a Centering fpcgreensboro.org/hotdish.
Prayer group on Mondays, 12-12:30 p.m.
GIFT in the Evening – Growing In Faith
in Shetler 109. FPC members are invited.
Together, a Bible study for professional
Westminster Ringers – Our intermediate women in their 20s, 30s & early 40s.
Meets in members’ homes, 6:45 p.m.
handbell choir meets 4:15 – 5:15 p.m.,
Contact Aimee Scotton, acscotton@
Memorial 201.
co.randolph.nc.us, for more.
Community Service Group meets in
Redhead Hall at 10 a.m. for fellowship and
a devotional while hand-crafting blankets,
lap robes and more items to be distributed
to people in need in our community and
beyond. Open to all women: contact B.J.
Williams, 288-8601; Hannah Britt, 288-9289;
or Nancy Jewson, Well-Spring coordinator,
288-0333.
ONGOING WEEKLY EVENTS
Schedules are subject to change
due to holidays, weather, or
other events.
SUNDAYS: Currie Library is open 9 to 10:20
a.m. / Adult Church School meets at 9:30
a.m. in various locations / Young adults
lunch: meet outside the Life Center on Greene
Street after 10:45 a.m. worship services.
MONDAYS: Watercolor class, 9 a.m., Shetler
106 / GIFT in the Morning , 9:15 a.m. in
Currie Library / Functional Fitness, 10:30
a.m., Memorial 304 / Centering Prayer noon12:30 p.m., Shetler 109 / Westminster Ringers
4:15 p.m., Memorial 201.
TUESDAYS: FPC JOBS, 8:30 a.m., Scout Room
/ Walking Group, 10:15 a.m. outside Redhead
Hall / Help stock the clothing closet – 10:30
a.m. to noon, Paisley House / Hot Dish &
Hope, 6 p.m., MLC / Coventry Ringers 5:45
p.m., Smith 300 / Step Up Life Skills Classes,
6 p.m., Paisley House / GIFT in the Evening,
6:45 p.m. in members’ homes / Young Adult
Bible Study, Shetler 214, 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAYS: Men’s Bible study, 7 a.m.,
Shetler 206. Contact Trip Adams, 856-9919 /
Wednesday Morning Men’s Fellowship, 7:30
a.m., Blair Hagan Room. Contact Wil Courter,
282-9426 / Wednesday Morning Women’s
Bible Study, 7:30 a.m., Currie Library. Contact
Betsy Harrington, 855-7766 / Currie Library
Story Times at 9:30, 10, 10:30 & 11 a.m.,
open to all preschool children / Community
Service Group, 10 a.m. in Redhead Hall /
“Joyful Noise” Musical Experience, Memorial
304 at 4:30 p.m. / Cherub Choir at 4:30
p.m. in Memorial 303 / Credo Choir, 5:15
p.m., Memorial 303 / Canticle Choir, 6 p.m.,
Memorial 303 / Chancel Choir 6:30 p.m.
rehearsal in Memorial 304. Contact Anne
Albert, 478-4711 or aalbert@fpcgreensboro.
org, to learn more / James and Galatians
Bible Study, 6:30 p.m., Memorial 200,
Spencer Love Room.
THURSDAYS: Prayer Partners at Panera on
Lawndale, 7:15 a.m. / FPC JOBS, 8:30 a.m.,
Scout Room / Friendship Day, 9:30 a.m.,
MLC (stay for lunch, $6) / Preschool Chapel
Service, Memorial Chapel, 9:45 a.m. /
Functional Fitness, 10:30 a.m., Memorial 304
/ Step Up Job Friends Support, 6:40 p.m.,
Paisley House Hot Dish & Hope, 6 p.m., MLC .
UKirk Greensboro invites First
Presbyterians to monthly worship at
7 p.m. at the Holderness Presbyterian
House at 409 S. Mendenhall St. near
UNCG. UKirk connects young adults
and college students with local
congregations including ours. More
information is available at ukirkgso.org
Young Adult Bible Study – Designed
with the understanding that hectic lives
may make it difficult to commit to a
weekly Bible study, this group offers an
atmosphere where FPC’s young adults
can, at their availability, come to meet,
discuss and grow with other FPC young
adults. This discussion-oriented study
presents a new topic each week, so if you
ever miss a week or two, you won’t have
to “play catch-up.” Join Austin Carty, our
Adult Ed Intern, in Shetler 214 at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, December 4
Men’s Bible study – 7 a.m., Shetler 206,
invites all men. Contact Trip Adams, 8569919 or [email protected].
Men’s Fellowship – 7:30 a.m., Memorial
100, invites all men. Contact Wil Courter
at [email protected].
A Service for Remembrance, Healing,
and Hope, 12:15 p.m., in Memorial Chapel
– Our Service of Remembrance Healing and
Hope is for all who have experienced the
death of a loved one. In this time of worship,
our grief, mourning and bereavement can
be embraced by God and the Christian
community. There will be singing, silence,
brief readings and a time to light a candle in
memory of a loved one. Our pastors will be
present for individual prayer as one of the
elements of comfort and caring in this time
of worship.
Children’s choirs – The following children’s
choirs meet on Wednesdays:
• The “Joyful Noise” Musical Experience (ages
2-3 and parents) at 4:30 p.m., Memorial
304;
• Cherub Choir (ages 4-preK), 4:30 p.m.,
Memorial 303;
• Credo Choir (grades K-1), 5:15 p.m.,
Memorial 303;
• Canticle Choir (grades 2-5), 6 p.m.,
Memorial 303.
Dinner – 5-6:15 p.m., Life Center. Fried
chicken on the menu. Fellowship dinner
includes gingerbread crafts for all ages
and the decorating of the Gingerbread
Church. Buffet is $6; salad, $5; children 6-12,
$5; children 5 and younger, free. RSVP by
noon on Tuesday by calling 478-4747 or
e-mailing reservations@fpcgreensboro.
org.
Advent Contemplative Service – Each
Wednesday in Advent at 6 p.m., Sid Batts
leads a 30 minute service of silence, prayer,
meditation, music, scripture & poetry.
Memorial Chapel.
Women’s Bible Study – 7:30 a.m., Currie
Library, invites all women. Contact Betsy
Harrington at betsyharrington@triadrr.
com.
Chancel Choir – Our Chancel Choir
welcomes new singers to its 6:30 p.m.
rehearsal, Memorial 304.
Friendship Day Christmas Trip– Lunch
and Show at Wohlfhart Hans Dinner
Theatre Wytheville, Virginia for preregistered participants. Leaves FPC at 9
a.m., returns 7 p.m. For more information,
contact B. J. Miller at 336-292-9046 or
336-338-2219.
55+ Travel Group trip to Tryon Palace and
New Bern – for more information, contact
Carol Sellars, 288-2077.
Currie Library Story Times at 9:30, 10,
10:30 & 11 a.m., led by Linda Watkins
and Nancy Fuller. Open to all preschool
children.
Thursday, December 5
Presbyterian Prayer Partners – Senior high
youth meet at 7 a.m. for prayer at Panera on
Lawndale.
FPC JOBS – 8:30 a.m.,Scout Room
Frendship Day – Ages 55 and older have
fun, devotion and fellowship, 9:30 a.m. to
noon in the Life Center. Stay for lunch, $6.
Preschool Chapel Service – Memorial
101, Redhead Hall at 9:45 a.m.
Middle School Community Groups in
members homes, 5:30-7 p.m.
Functional Fitness – 10:30 a.m., Mem.
304.
Monday, December 9
Almanah get-together – This group
for widows meets 3-5 p.m. in Blair
Hagan (Memorial 100), come in through
the Redhead Hall door. December’s
movie is “The Best Exotic Marigold
Hotel,” a comedy, with popcorn and a
drink provided. Donation of $1 will be
accepted. If you can’t make it to the
movie, join us at 5:15 p.m. at Mimi’s in
Friendly Center for dinner. For more info
call Becky Peters at 545-7757.
Presbyterian Women Circles – Two
Presbyterian Women circle groups meet
at 10:30 a.m.:
M
ary and Martha Circle meets in the
Blair Hagan Room, Memorial 100;
R
achel Circle meets in Memorial 202.
Hot Dish & Hope – 6 p.m. in Mullin Life
Center, every Tuesday and Thursday.
Presbyterian Women Luncheon –
meets at noon in the Life Center, and
for our presentation, the preschool kids
will sing and Sid will share about his
sabbatical. Please call 478-4747 or e-mail
[email protected] to
make your reservations for lunch ($8).
Reservations due by Thursday, Dec. 5
Saturday, December 7
Westminster Ringers – rehearse 4:155:15 p.m., Memorial 201.
Youth Choir Retreat – 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Join us to learn new music for the
Advent season and have fun together!
New members are welcome. If you can’t
join us in the fall, join us on the retreat!
We would love to have you sing with
us for services in the Advent season
and a Christmas Eve service. For more
information contact Nana Wolfe-Hill, 4784713 or [email protected].
Sunday, December 8
9:30-10:15 a.m. in Memorial 305
Second Sunday of Advent. The Temple
a.m. and 10:45 a.m. in Temple Emanuel.
Rejoice! meets at 10:45 a.m. in the
Life Center. 3-5 p.m. Sid Batts preaches
Christmas Chaos 2: Where do you go?
in morning services. Youth choir sings in
10:45 Temple Service
Kids Disciple Club – 2-3:30 p.m.,
Backpack Beginnings Outreach project
at the BB Warehouse. Meet at the BB
warehouse, 3714 Alliance Drive. Bring
toiletries to donate.
22nd Annual Winter Walk for AIDS
– meet at Elliott Center at UNCG. In
addition to the walking course, this year
offers a 5K Fun Run. Opening remarks
at 2 p.m., run begins at 2:15 p.m., walk
begins at 2:20 p.m. Register online at
http://winterwalkforaids.kintera.org/
No Youth Choir rehearsal
Tuesday, December 10
Sid’s 2x4 Bible Study Breakfast –
Mullin Life Center, 7:30 a.m. Senior
Pastor Sid Batts leads. Each session is
a stand-alone class focusing on the
the Scripture passage that will be the
basis of Sunday’s sermon. Between 35
and 50 men gather for instruction and
discussion facilitated by a PowerPoint
presentation. Breakfast includes
ham and sausage biscuits for $4. No
reservation required.
StepUp Lunch and Learn – noon,
Paisley House. All are welcome for a
light lunch and a brief update on Step
Up programs.
Coventry Ringers rehearse 5:45-7 p.m.,
Memorial 201
Dinner – 5-6:15 p.m., Life Center. Come
make ornaments and decorate cookies!
Meatloaf on the menu. Buffet is $6;
salad $5; children 6-12, $5; children 5
and younger, free. RSVP by noon on
Tuesday by calling 478-4747 or e-mailing
[email protected].
Children’s Choirs rehearse for
Christmas Eve at Canterbury:
• No Joyful Noise
• Cherubs 5:50-6:30
• Credo 5:15-6:30
• Canticle 5:15-6:45
Advent Contemplative Service – 6
p.m., Memorial Chapel. Sid Batts leads
a 30 minute service of silence, prayer,
meditation, music, scripture & poetry. .
Chancel Choir – 6:30 p.m., Memorial 304.
DECEMBER
Friday, December 13
Barnes & Noble Voucher Days begin (see
Currie Library News, page 8). At 6:30 p.m.,
FPC children will sing with Nana WolfeHill at Barnes & Noble, Friendly Center.
Barnes & Noble Voucher Days continue
Explore FPC – 9 a.m.-noon, Currie
Library. Come and explore FPC and all
we have to offer. Don’t forget to bring
a friend. Contact Stephenie Sanders for
sign-up and child care requests at 4874735, or [email protected].
MS Youth meet Nick Demuynk at
Airbound Trampoline Park. (4215
High Point Road),10 a.m.-12 p.m. To
celebrate our new Associate Director
of Youth Ministry, we’re going to
Airbound! More information and
sign up: www.SignUpGenius.com/
go/60B0849A5A72EA64-msairbound
Sunday, December 15
9:30-10:15 a.m. in Memorial 305
Third Sunday of Advent. Baptism Sunday.
The Temple worship service meets at
8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. in
Temple Emanuel. Rejoice! meets at 10:45
a.m. in the Life Center. 3-5 p.m. Sid Batts
preaches Christmas Chaos 3: What do
you do? in morning services. Children’s
choirs sing in Rejoice! New members
received in Currie Library after worship
services.
Almanah Christmas Party for widows –
2-4 p.m., Becky Peters’ home (8 AnaLisa
Drive). For more info call Becky Peters at
545-7757.
Middle School Youth Choir meets in
Memorial 303, 4:30pm
MS Youth Group Christmas Party –
5:30-7 p.m. Our last youth group of 2013
will be a rocking Christmas Party! Invite
your friends and head to the 3rd floor
Shetler youth room! Bring a wrapped gift
for a gift exchange (under $10, gender
neutral) and a snack to share.
High School Christmas Party – 7:30-9
p.m. Grab your friends and your tackiest
Christmas Sweater and come to 3rd floor
Shetler. We’ll provide dinner, snacks and
prizes for the best attire.
Monday, December16
Hearts & Minds Circle – meets at 10 a.m.
in members’ homes.
Westminster Ringers – 4:15 p.m.,
Memorial 201.
Session meeting – 5:30 p.m., Redhead
Hall.
Barnes & Noble Voucher Days conclude.
Ruth and Naomi’s Circle – meets in
Memorial 100 at 10:30 a.m.
The Clothing Closet, located in the
basement of the Paisley House, is open
5-6:30 p.m. for Hot Dish & Hope guests in
need of clothing. Contact Teri Hammer,
Coventry Ringers rehearse 5:45-7 p.m.,
Memorial 201
Dinner – 5-6:15 p.m., Life Center.
Intergenerational Birthday Party for
Jesus with cake, candles, story and song.
Carved Roast Beef on the menu. Buffet is
$6; salad $5; children 6-12, $5; children
5 and younger, free. RSVP by noon on
Tuesday by calling 478-4747 or e-mailing
[email protected].
Change in times for Children’s Choir
rehearsals, Memorial 303
• Joyful Noise, 4:30 p.m. (as usual)
• Cherub and Credo Choirs, 4:45-5:15 p.m.
• Canticle Choir, 4:45-5:30 p.m.
Advent Contemplative Service – 6
p.m., Memorial Chapel. Sid Batts leads
a 30 minute service of silence, prayer,
meditation, music, scripture & poetry.
Building. Children hear Christmas
songs and scripture, share an agape
meal of cookies and hot chocolate,
light Moravian candles, and collect an
outreach offering for Crayons Matter and
Backpack Beginnings. Fifth-graders will
lead, youth serve.
Fourth Sunday of Advent. The Temple
a.m., and 10:45 a.m. in Temple Emanuel.
Rejoice! meets at 10:45 a.m. in the Life
Center. Sid Batts preaches “Christmas
Chaos 4: Who?“
Young Men’s Bible Class meets 9:30 a.m.
in Memorial 101, Redhead Hall.
The Festival of Nine Lessons and
Carols – 5 p.m. at First Baptist Church,
1000 West Friendly Avenue. Do not miss
the Chancel Choir, children’s choirs and
handbell prelude.
Christmas Eve
Church offices closed – pastors on call
are available.
Hot Dish & Hope – 6 p.m., Mullin
Life Center. To volunteer or learn
more, contact Sheron Sumner,
[email protected], or visit www.
fpcgreensboro.org/hotdish.
Christmas Eve services will be at
Canterbury School:
3 p.m. Children’s Nativity with Dolly
Campbell Jacobs, kindergarteners and
children’s choirs leading. Monetary
offering for need-based scholarships for
First School and WPC. Hands-on offering
of Crayola crayons or colored pencils
for Crayons Matter, and new or gently
used children’s books for Backpack
Beginnings.
5 p.m. Christmas Eve candlelight and
communion service. Special offering
for Hot Dish & Hope.
Chapel Coffee, 9:15 a.m. in Redhead
Hall, followed by Children’s Preschool
Chapel at 9:45 a.m.
7 p.m. Christmas Eve candlelight and
communion service. Special offering
for Hot Dish & Hope.
11 p.m. Sid Batts leads and youth assist
in this candlelight and communion
Christmas Eve service. Special
offering for summer Youth mission
trips..
Lessons and Carols dress rehearsal at
First Baptist Church, 1000 West Friendly
Avenue, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Youth Choir
rehearsal is from 10:15 to11:30 a.m., and
Children’s Choir rehearsal is 11:15 a.m.
to noon. For more information, contact
Anne Albert at 478-4711 or aalbert@
fpcgreensboro.org.
Sunday, December 22
9:30-10:15 a.m. in Memorial 305
Children’s Moravian-Style Love Feast
– 9:30-10:15 a.m., third floor of Shetler
Christmas Day
Church offices closed – When church
offices are closed, reach a pastor by
calling the main church number, 3730445, and entering 1-2-3-4 when the
voice greeting begins. Leave a message
that includes your phone number and
the pastor on call will be in touch with
you.
Church offices closed – pastors on call are
available
Hot Dish & Hope – 6 p.m., Life Center.
Sunday, December 29
No church school for children or youth
Seminary Student Sunday – Austin
Carty preaches at one combined service
at 10:45 a.m. in Mullin Life Center. No
Temple services on this date.
Wednesday, January 1
Church offices closed – pastors on call are
available
Wednesday, January 8
Chancel Choir rehearsals resume – 6:30
p.m. rehearsal, Memorial 304
Saturday, January 11
Explore FPC – 9 a.m.-noon, Currie
Library. Contact Stephenie Sanders for
sign-up and child care requests at 4874735, or [email protected].
Sunday, January 12
Second Grade Milestone class begins –
Taste the Bread, Touch the Water. Children
and parents learn about the sacraments
of baptism and communion.
Fourth Grade Milestone class begins
– Getting to Know My Bible. This grade
receives a Student Bible during the
Rejoice! service. Family brunch before
worship.
Kids Disciple Club – 4-6 p.m. Airbound
Trampoline Park, $10. Complete waiver
online: http://airboundtrampolinepark.
com/greensboro/
Join 55+ Travel for a special
Valentine’s Dinner & Pops Concert
February 14, 2014
•D
inner at Starmount Country Club
at 5:30 p.m.
•P
ops Concert at Westover Church
at 8 p.m. “Sentimental Reasons”
features John Pizzarelli, jazz
guitarist and singer; and his wife,
Jessica Molaskey, singer and
Broadway actress.
• Dinner $26; both dinner and Pops
Concert $50.
Contact Dolly Jennings, 854-2663
or [email protected], for
info, tickets and payment.
session digest
The Work and Worship of the Session
Monday, October 21, 2013
The stated monthly meeting of the
Session of First Presbyterian Church
was held on Monday, October 21, 2013
at 5:15 p.m. in Redhead Hall. Sid Batts
served as moderator.
The meeting began with a responsive
reading from Psalm 62:1-2, 8, followed
by the singing of the hymn, “Be Thou My
Vision.”
Genie Schwartz from the Cynthia Price
Pastoral Residency Program Committee
was in attendance.
The Consent Agenda was approved as
distributed.
• From the Clerk: Minutes of the
September 12 called meeting and
September 16 stated meeting of the
Session.
• From the Associate Pastor for
Discipleship’s office: September
attendance and membership reports.
• Written reports from Outreach,
Christian Education – Adult and
Children.
Minutes of the October Session meeting
Approved at the November Session meeting
• Memorial Tribute for Isabel Gillespie.
• S pecial Offerings for 2014 – Revised
Christmas Eve services.
Session members identified their prayer
partners for the month.
What’s Going Well? Those in attendance
identified these items as going well:
• The Stewardship & Generosity
Banquet with the College of Elders
being held tonight.
• Crop Walk yesterday.
• Bill Aycock’s funeral with Neil
officiating.
• The Congregational Care Committee’s
Classes on Dying Well: A Christian
Perspective.
• Wendy Duncan and Anne Chamblee’s
leading of the class for the parents of
teens.
• 3 Baptisms.
• Jack Harrington teaching for Austin
Carty.
• Associate Director of Youth Ministry
search is completed.
• Congregation’s spirit has been
positive about the disruption
surrounding the renovation.
Finance Committee: Mike Krick, Chair,
announced the members of the Finance
Committee and he reported to Session
on the September 30, 2013 year-to-date
operating revenues and expenses and on
the cash flows received and expended for
the capital campaign through September
30, 2013. (see Session Summary Financial
Report, bottom of page)
The church has secured pledges and gifts
to complete the work contracted as part
of the capital campaign. The construction
work is scheduled to be completed and
full payment made within the next 12
months but a significant amount of the
capital campaign pledges are being paid
to the church over a 5-7 year period. The
church secured a line-of-credit with Bank
of North Carolina to pay for construction
expenditures completed before the
campaign pledges are received. As such,
the bank requested that Session adopt a
resolution specifically naming the church
officers who have been authorized to
execute this line-of-credit. Mike made
the following motion requiring Session
approval: (continued, next page)
October session minutes,
continued from previous page
The Finance Committee recommends that
any two officers of the Church Corporation
be authorized by Session to borrow
money on behalf and in the name of the
Corporation, sign, execute and deliver the
promissory notes or other evidences of
indebtedness.
Having been duly seconded, the motion
passed unanimously.
Cynthia Price Pastoral Residency
Program: Sid gave the background
on the generous gift from the late
Cynthia Price and the establishment of
this program by Session last February.
Session also approved the appointment
of a committee to work with Sid to
organize, implement, and monitor this
ministry. Ty Buckner, Chair, reported
to Session the vision, timeframe and
guiding principles of the committee’s
work. The residency program is for
seminary graduates who are on track for
ordination in PCA. The first resident will
be brought on in 2014 for a 2-year term
and the second in 2015 with the intent
of overlapping terms. The experience
gives aspiring pastors local church
ministry experience and it involves the
staff and congregation in mentoring
a future minister. Ty also recognized
his committee members: Sid Batts,
Margaret Benjamin, Ginger Booker,
Elizabeth Brantley, Donna Chase, Debby
Foster, Neil Dunnavant, Lindsey Evans,
Dolly Jacobs, Stu Johnston and Genie
Schwartz.
Scripture Reading: Fran Davis read
Colossians 3:12-16.
Worship Committee: Glenn Williamson
reported that communion will be offered
by intinction at three Christmas Eve
services to be held at Canterbury Chapel,
5 p.m., 7 p.m., and 11 p.m. Rotated Youth
Elders will serve at the 11 p.m. service
and 16 Elders and Rotated Elders will be
needed at both the 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
services with sign up in November. Sid
reported that the Worship Committee
believes there is a need for the 9:30
a.m. Worship Service and will be added
back during Advent. Palmar Ortmann,
Worship Committee Chair made a
motion that there be a 9:30 a.m. service
in the Temple during Advent. Following
a second, the motion was approved by
Session.
Project Review Committee: Ed Scott
reported drywall is going up in Smith
2nd and 3rd floors, electrical is going
in new wall framing, HVAC duct work
is being installed in Smith, the main
building sewer line has been connected,
new concrete floors and pads have been
poured in boiler room, and the sanctuary
high arches asbestos removal continues.
A temporary boiler will be installed to
meet early heating needs.
Prayers of the People: Dolly thanked
Session for sending her to the Credo
Conference and then led the Session in
prayer of thanksgiving and for those in
need using an excerpt from Ted Loder’s
Guerillas of Grace.
First School: Brian Coghill, President
of the First School Board, reported that
Cindy Johnson had resigned and that
Lana Burske, Weekday Preschool Director,
has agreed to add to her responsibilities
by also serving as Interim Director
for First School. Danielle Dean is the
Assistant Director and will continue in
that position. Alex Maultsby, First School
Board member, stated that both Lana
and Danielle were doing great jobs in
their respective roles. He also reported
that a former First School teacher had
filed a lawsuit related to her employment
and that he would be glad to answer any
questions about the litigation.
New Business:
Jill Tourtellot told Session that FPC
is hosting the Thanksgiving Day
Community Table done in partnership
with Urban Ministry where many of our
Hot Dish & Hope and StepUp Ministry
participants will be having their meal.
(continued, next page)
500-600 people are expected and
volunteers are needed for set up and
decorating on Wednesday and serving
of the meal on Thursday. An email will
come from Mopsy Patterson regarding
the volunteer opportunity specifics. The
food is being prepared by the Coliseum
and Juan is coming in on Thanksgiving
Day to reheat the food. Neil stated that
we would not be delivering Thanksgiving
meals this year as before and the CFGG
will accept donations to support this
event.
Evening Prayer: Neil closed us in
prayer and following, the meeting was
adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Ashley Staton, Clerk of Session
Cynthia Price Pastoral Residency Program seeks aspiring pastors
First Presbyterian is committed to becoming a church that
teaches and learns from seminary graduates in transition to
their first called pastorate. To that end, we have established
the Cynthia Price Pastoral Residency Program. Funding
is provided by a generous gift from the estate of the late
Cynthia Price, a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church.
In our residents we seek aspiring pastors who desire a
comprehensive residency experience in a large church. The
primary focus of the residency program is to identify and
develop leadership skills and a collaborative leadership
style. Our program is designed to nourish pastoral residents
as both spiritual and organizational leaders and provide
a well-balanced start for their pastoral careers. This is also
an opportunity to develop the leadership skills of current
pastors and staff.
We offer a two-year position as pastoral resident to a recent
seminary graduate who holds the M.Div. Degree and who
is on track for ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Certified candidates may be ordained to this position during
their residency. Throughout the term of the residency, the
pastoral resident will:
• Develop leadership skills and a leadership style that will
help the pastoral resident to serve God, the larger church,
and future congregations;
• Participate in worship leadership, preaching, teaching,
pastoral care, outreach, and church governance.
The pastoral resident will also
• Serve in a series of rotations such as Christian education,
recruitment and assimilation of new members,
stewardship, and finance and operations;
• Balance leadership, reflective conversation, study, and
prayer, engaged learning through experience, and
observation of seasoned leader;
• Engage in evaluation and reflection with mentors,
congregational members, staff leaders, and (starting in the
second year) the resident’s counterpart.
For more information, go to www.fpcgreensboro.org/
pastoral-residency
Christmas Memorial and
Honor Gifts
Honor your family and friends during this season of sharing
with a contribution to the Salem Presbytery Hunger Fund.
Salem Presbytery Hunger Program
This fund supports health and nutrition projects abroad and in the counties of our own Salem Presbytery.
You can learn more at www.salempresbytery.org/resources/hungeraction.shtml.
Poinsettia Plants will not be available this year
Because of renovations in the sanctuary, poinsettia plants will not be available for this year only. Designated
memorial and honor gifts may only be made to Salem Presbytery Hunger Fund. Next year, poinsettias will be
available again to brighten our renovated sanctuary.
Please complete the information at the bottom of this form and designate Hunger Program on your check.
All memorials and honor gifts will be acknowledged in the Memorial and Honor Booklet, which will be at
Temple Emanuel and Life Center entrances for December 15 and 22 worship services, and also available online.
Make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church and designate The Presbytery Hunger Program.
Do not include your pledge in the same check – Hunger Program and general funds must be accounted for separately.
Deadline is Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Payment must accompany forms.
Mail to: First Presbyterian Church
Attn: Christmas Memorials
617 North Elm Street
Christmas Memorial Gifts
The printed acknowledgements of my gift to appear in the worship service bulletin of December 15 should read: (please print)
Given by:_____________________________________________________________________
_
In Memory of:________________________________________________________________
Christmas Honor Gifts
The printed acknowledgements of my gift to appear in the worship service bulletin of December 15 should read: (please print)
Given by:______________________________________________________________________
In Honor of:________________________________________________________________
First Presbyterian Church
617 N. Elm St. Greensboro,
NC 27401-2095
www.fpcgreensboro.org
Non-Profit Org.
US POSTAGE
PAID Greensboro,
NC PERMIT 95
Wednesday, Dec. 4,
12:15 p.m.: a Service for
Remembrance, Healing,
and Hope in Memorial
Chapel. see page 4 for more.
Through the Advent
season, there will be three
worship services in Temple
Emanuel each Sunday – 8:30,
9:30, and 10:45 a.m. – as well as
the 10:45 a.m. Rejoice! service
in the Life Center. Sunday
morning Centering Prayer
will be in Memorial 305, 9:3010:15 a.m. And on Wednesdays,
Sid Batts wil lead a 30-minute
Advent Contemplative Service
of silence, prayer, meditation,
music, scripture and poetry in
Memorial Chapel. Although we
will continue to worship in the
Temple and the Life Center, many
special services will be at alternate
locations while sanctuary
renovation work continues.
Festival of Nine Lessons and
Carols, Sunday, Dec. 22, at 5
p.m. at First Baptist Church
(1000 West Friendly Ave.)
with Chancel Choir, children’s
choirs, and handbells.
FOUR Christmas Eve services at Canterbury
School, 5400 Old Lake Jeanette Road:
– 3 p.m. Children’s Nativity with Dolly
Campbell Jacobs, kindergarteners and
children’s choirs leading. Monetary
offering for First School and WPC. Handson offerings for Crayons Matter and
Backpack Beginnings.
– 5 p.m. Christmas Eve candlelight and
communion service. Special offering for
Hot Dish & Hope.
– 7 p.m. Christmas Eve candlelight and
communion service. Special offering for
Hot Dish & Hope.
– 11 p.m. Sid Batts leads and youth assist
in this candlelight and communion
Christmas Eve service. Special offering
for summer Youth mission trips.

336-373-0445 • fpcgreensboro.org First Presbyterian Church

Transcription

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