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