FIRST PRESSThe Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville

Volume 30, Issue 1 January 21, 2018

Catechism Class Begins

Get Ready! Get Set! Worship!

First class kicks off Sunday, January 21st

First class kicks off Sunday, January 28th

nAge group: 5th graders (and 6th graders who have not participated before)

nDates: January 21st through March 18. Class presentation March 25

nTime: 4-5 p.m.nLocation: Room 207 (except March

25th when it will be in the Sanctuary)nWhat: This Q&A format class will

cover the basic tenets of the Presbyterian faith. Subjects include Jesus, God, sin, covenants, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments. Contact britany@firstprez.com.

nAge group: 1st graders (and 2nd grad-ers who have not participated before)

nDates: January 28th through February 25th. Class presentation March 4

nTime: 9:45 a.m., the Sunday School hour

nLocation: Room 210nWhat: This worship preparation class

will introduce children and their parents to the Sanctuary, theol-ogy and practice of worship, and the sacraments. March 4 will include a make-up period. Contact Britany Spivey for more.

David’s Mighty MenHockey game, first meeting kick off 2018nHockey game: Saturday, January 20,

6 p.m., at the Crown Coliseum. We have 20 tickets to see the Fayetteville Marks-men hockey team, compliments of

Ralph Huff. Contact Terry Plummer (jplummer1@nc.rr.com) if you can go.nFirst meting: Monday, January 22, at 6 p.m. in the Activity Room. If anyone is interested in providing dinner, desserts, or covering the Man in the Mirror lesson, contact Terry Plummer.

Mission Teams Head for Haiti on January 25th

Christopher Taylor Aul, MDPaul Boyd Sparzak, DOMary Louise Hagan, RN

Caroline Wagitie Irungu, RNJuanita Paige Parker, RN

Stacey Ann Stalnaker, LPNChristopher Brian Pearce, EMT-P

Charlisie Cobb Woodard, FNPMeredith Kristine Tussing

David Scott FincherJennifer Kirby Fincher

Sean Scott FincherGordon Corbett Fox

Ashton Lilly FoxElizabeth Fox Lee

Alton Lennon Miller, IIIWilliam Edward Prewitt

Mission Dedication Planned for Sunday’s 11 a.m. Service

Construction team

Medical team

Our mission teams will join members of Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church (Augusta, Ga.) on the ground in Port-au-Prince

Bags of health kits and medical supplies (right) have been prepared for the mission to Haiti.

CHILD CAREChild care is available Sundays for infants, toddlers, twos, and threes during Sunday Services, Wednesday evening ministries, and other occasions as needed. Child care at First Presbyterian is always nurturing. Children explore the truths of God’s Word.

CongREgAtIonAL CAREBe reminded that Prayer Request Cards are available in the pews. If you, a family member, or a friend has a special need to be remembered in prayer, fill out this request card and drop it in the offering plate. Many things are wrought through prayer, and your church wants to help.

EmERgEnCy PAstoRAL ConCERns

If you’re hospitalized, seriously ill or having surgery... please notify the church office at 483-0121. Your pastors want to minister to you whenever you are ill, and they can do that only if you inform us.

PRAyER tEAmsFour prayer teams are committed to praying for the concerns of members and friends of First Pres-byterian Church – three e-mail prayer chains and one phone chain. If you would like to be a part of this ministry, contact Joy Keys at 483-0121 or e-mail joykeys@firstprez.com.

fLowERsThe Sanctuary flowers were given on Sunday, January 14, 2018, by Debra Chestnutt in memory of Russel and Thennie Franklin, the loving parents of Debra Chestnutt.

PRAyERs & symPAtHyThe Prayers and Sympathy of the congregation are extended to Billy Kirby upon the death of his mother on Tuesday, January 9, 2018; and to the family of Ron Allen, whose grandmother in Mississippi died Wednesday, January 10, 2018; and to the family of Zula Hubbard, whose brother, Bob Horne, died Saturday, January 13, 2018.

NEWS FIRST@and other special events

first things first

AdultsQuesters - Dr. Garrett ....................Room 203

The class considers the sermon of the day.G.I.F.T. Class ..........................Activity Room

Studying the Bible in detail.“Wired Word” - Bill McFadyen.......Room 405

Beginning a study of the four Gospels.Fellowship Class .........................The ChapelCovenant Class .............................Room 416Friendship Class ............................Room 413Calvin Class ........................Rankin BuildingYouthMiddle & High School ................Room 228 Applying Christian values to real life. Begins in Room 228, separates by age.

ChildrenPreschool Studies ..........................Room 118Elementary Studies (K-5) .............Room 208NurseryFor infants .....................................Room 128

Winter/Spring Sunday School(9:45-10:45 a.m.)

Information & DirectoryWorship Services

Services are held at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel and at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

EntrancesThe main business entrance to the church is now through the double doors under the porte cochere. Other church entrances will be open for Sunday services and other events.

FellowshipEller Hall will be the gathering place for fel-lowship after each service.

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Nursery Positions AvailableFirst Presbyterian Church is hiring nurs-ery caregivers. Must be available Sunday mornings from 7:45 a.m.-noon, Wednesday evenings 5-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and special events. Qualifications: At least 18 years old, previous childcare experience; CPR certification, own transportation, knowledge of health and safety matters; awareness of childcare environment procedures. Call 483-0121 for information.

Have you made your pledge to the church mission for 2018? Pledge cards are available around the church, or email your pledge to joan@firstprez.com.

Number of pledges: 184Total to date: $1,220,606As of Thursday, January 11, 2018

Generations of Generosity

The calendar below is an effort to keep you informed of the events happening at First Pres-byterian Church. For a complete listing of ac-tivities, refer to our website at www.firstprez.com.SuNDAy, JANuARy 21 8:30a Worship - Chapel 9:45a Sunday School 10:45a Session meeting - Parlor 11:00a Worship - Sanctuary 1:30p Canticle Ringers - Handbell Room 4:00p Catechism class - Room 207 4:30p MOPS & MOMSNEXT - Activity Room 5:00p Stephen Ministry - Stephen Ministry office 5:00p YouthMONDAy, JANuARy 22 First School vision screening - Room 225 9:30a First School - Chapel 12:00p SALT luncheon - Luigi’s 1:30p Revelation Ringers - Handbell Room 5:45p Music Vision Team meeting - off campus 6:00p David’s Mighty Men - Activity Room 6:00p Pre-Cadet practice - Fellowship HallTuESDAy, JANuARy 23 First School vision screening - Room 225 9:30a First School - Chapel 1:30p Revelation Ringers - Handbell Room 5:30p First School Board meeting - Eller Hall 5:30p Stewardship Committee - Room 203 7:00p Men’s Basketball - Fellowship HallWEDNESDAy, JANuARy 24 2:00p SALT Reading Group - Room 413 4:45p Millennial Ringers - Handbell Room 5:15p Wednesday meal - Fellowship Hall 6:00p Wednesday Together classes 6:00p Celebration Choir - Music SuiteTHuRSDAy, JANuARy 25 9:30p Tapestry - Activity Room 7:00p Pre-Cadets vs. Highland Blue - SnyderSATuRDAy, JANuARy 27 8:30a Central Community Presbytery meeting registration. Meeting at 9 a.m. 5:30p Families/Young Adults bowling - Lafayette Lanes

JANUARY MEETINGSJANuARy 23

5:30p First School Board meeting - Eller Hall 5:30p Stewardship Committee - Room 203

JANuARy 29 10:00a PW Coordinating Team - Room 207

Everyone welcome. Contact Janice Luce for more information – 910-864-0394

or janice.luce@gmail.com Sponsored by COAP (Children of Aging

Parents)

ALIVE INSIDE:Listen To Your Heart

The award-winning documentary

Tuesday, January 306:30 p.m. • Activity Room

Can music be the bridge between memory and Alzheimer’s?

Here are the first games in the Church League Pre-Cadet schedule. Games are played at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church. There’s plenty of parking and church members are encouraged to attend and cheer for their basketball team!January 25 7 p.m. vs. Highland BlueFebruary 2 6 p.m. vs. Haymount MethodistFebruary 9 7 p.m. vs. St. AnnFebruary 16 7 p.m. vs. Snyder Blue

We’re playing basketball...

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Children’s Corner

YOUTH NEWS

•CHILDREN’S CHuRCH is for kinder-garten and first graders during the 11 a.m. service. The teacher will stand in front of the Sanctuary to escort the children to Room 116 at the start of the second hymn.

•CATECHISM CLASS – The church is offering a catechism class for current 5th grades and any 6th graders who have not participated. The class delves into the ba-sic tenets and practices of the Presbyterian Church and the Christian faith. Classes be-gin Sunday, January 21, from 4-5 p.m. Con-tact Britany Spivey if you have interest in your child participating in the program.

•GET READy! GET SET! WORSHIP! – The worship preparation program for 1st graders and their parents begins Sunday, January 28. Contact Britany Spivey at bri-tany@firstprez.com to participate.

THE SOUPER BOWL OF CARING, the youth food drive for Fayetteville Urban Ministry, begins Sunday, January 28th, and will continue for two weeks until Super Bowl Sunday. The congregation should begin saving canned goods for this important service project.

MEN’S BASKETBALL7 PM • Fellowship Building

Working up a sweat every Tuesday evening

Better Health provides assis-tance, referral, and education for unmet healthcare needs. Donations needed include cleaning supplies, paper products, disposable briefs and bed pads, diabetic testing strips, and liquid nutritional supplements such as Ensure, Boost, or Glucerna. Bring dona-tions to the volunteer desk, upstairs bin, or the church office.

PW January Project: Better Health of Cumberland County

The fund aids the Fayetteville Urban Ministry and the “House of Moses” Crisis Nursery in Lusaka, Zambia.

The Two Cents Offering on Sunday, December 31, 2017, was $483.60. The

total to date is $8,834.30. The next offering is Sunday, January 28, 2018.

The Two Cents Offering

Wednesday Together Adult ClassesMeal – 5:15 p.m. • Classes – 6:00 p.m.

“The Me I’d Like to Be”Instructor: Dr. Mike Garrett. Join Dr. Gar-rett for five sessions as we look at historic practices that Christians have used to aid their transformation in becoming more like Jesus Christ. Room 405

Wrestling with GraceInstructor: Dr. Donna Fowler-Marchant. The Wednesday Together class continues with Wrestling with Grace: A Spirituality for the Rough Edges of Daily Life by Robert Corin Morris. Wrestling with Grace offers insights into recognizing God’s presence in our lives, especially in our annoyances and fears. Room 416

Tapestry 2.0: “The Gospel of Mark – The Jesus We’re Aching For”Instructor: Kelly Sherrill. This women’s Bible study takes up author Lisa Harper’s look at Mark. This gospel highlights Jesus’ unparal-leled spiritual power and authority. Room 413

Yoga and MeditationInstructor: Susie McFadyen. Suitable for beginners, this gentle yoga class will journey through several styles of yoga, from restor-ative and fundamental to flow and power. Guided meditations will be Christian-based and self-reflective. Room 232

“Dinner for Six-ish” has resumed. Register to get involved in dinner parties with like-minded people in your church.

If you registered last year, you’re already included.

Registration forms in Eller HallContact Lou Brooks at 804-928-5057 or

lobpt01@verizon.net

Dinner for Six-ish

First Presbyterian is scheduled to serve break-fast at Operation Inasmuch on Monday Feb-ruary 5th and Thursday February 15th, from 7:00 am until 9:00 am. Our Monday team is limited to 8 volunteers while our Thurs-day team is limited to 12. Reserve your spot soon as both teams will fill quickly. If you are interested, please contact Labinda Bryan (lhbryan1@nc.rr.com) to serve on our Thursday team or Terry Plummer (jplummer@nc.rr.com) to serve on our Monday team.

FELLOWSHIP OF YOUNG ADULTS/FAMILIES

Bowling NightSaturday, January 27th • 5:30 PM

Lafayette Lanes on Raeford RoadSign up online at www.firstprez.com. Childcare is available and a spe-

cial “Game Night” is planned for older children at the church.

Volunteers needed to Feed the homeless

Motherhood group to meet January 21st

Join us for MOPS & MOMSNEXT this Sun-day evening when we will support one another on this journey of Motherhood. For more information about our group, please contact Kerri Napoli at (973) 945-2245 or firstprezmops@gmail.com.

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MINISTRy Dr. Michael Garrett, Senior Pastor mikegarrett@firstprez.com The Rev. Jonathan West, Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adult Ministry – jonathan@firstprez.com Dr. Donna Fowler-Marchant, Minister of Pastoral Care – donna@firstprez.com PROGRAM STAFF Dr. Marcia Heirman Mervin, Director of Music Ministry/Organist – marcia@firstprez.com Britany Spivey, Director of Children’s Ministry – britany@firstprez.com Wanda ussery, Nursery Supervisor admin@firstprez.com ADMINISTRATION Joan Daughtry, Operations Director joan@firstprez.com Joy Keys, Administrative Assistant joykeys@firstprez.com Connie Burry, Program Secretary programsec@firstprez.com Jim Blaine, Publications Coordinator pubsec@firstprez.com Julie MacRae, First School Director julie@firstprez.com MISSIONARIESLeon & Jacky Dorleans: HaitiCharles & Diane Wonnenberg:

Native Americans (South Dakota)George & Gail McBane: PakistanBill & Nancy Warlick: At-LargeTed & Sue Wright: Southern AfricaDon & Marta Wehmeyer: Merida, MexicoAlan & Ellen Smith: Russia

First Presbyterian staFF

Sunday’s sermon is broadcast at 9:00 a.m. each Sunday on WFNC Radio, 640 AM on your radio dial.

Wednesday Together Meals Are on the Table

Here is the Wednesday schedule of meals. Re-member to sign up for the meal (tell us what you’re bringing or how much you’ll be paying) by the Sunday before that Wednesday Together at www.firstprez.com. Hot dog meals are available for children. Sit down to eat at 5:15 p.m. Adult classes begin at 6 p.m. and children’s classes be-gin at 5:45 p.m. Note: Meal forms are set up as “pay.” Please go online and change to your con-tribution. For most meals, bring side dishes, sal-ads, bread, fruit, desserts, or whatever you think will go well with the meal.

Date Meal Event Church Provides January 24 Italian Night Lasagna January 31 Super Bowl Celebration Night Turkey chiliFebruary 7 American Night Barbecued chickenFebruary 14 Valentine’s Celebration Night Chicken fettucine (with noodles) February 21 German Night Weinersnitzel with noodles February 28 Spanish Night Tortillas de Patatas (eggs & potatoes)March 7 French Night Beef Burgundy with roasted vegetables March 14 St. Patrick’s Celebration Dinner Shepherd’s Pie March 21 Italian Night Spaghetti with meat or marinara sauce March 28 Easter Celebration Dinner Ham (pineapple or raisin sauce)April 4 No Wednesday Together due to Easter Break. No meal or classes.April 11 Mexican Night Taco bar (choice of seasoned beef, chicken strips, or grilled veggies) April 18 Spring Salad Night Lemon-roasted chicken salad wraps April 25 Summer Send-Off Night Chopped barbecue, potato salad, slaw

First Wednesday Together

A good crowd came out for the first Wednesday Together of the new year, which featured a potluck dinner and new classes.

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FIRST SCHOOL fall enrollment will begin Mon-day, February 5th. Please call the preschool office 910-483-0146 or email Julie MacRae, director of the schoo, at julie@firstprez.com for more details.TAPESTRY – The Women’s Bible Study is studying Beth Moore’s “David: Seeking a Heart Like His” every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in the Activity Room. The study continues through February. CLUB 543 is an exciting club for children in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. Christian fellow-ship, mission projects and discipleship are our goal! The club will meet the first Sunday of the month. The next meeting is at noon on February 4th in Room 210.Lunch is offered. Contact Britany Spivey at britany@firstprez.com or 910-483-0121.

PRESBYTERY MEETING – The Central Com-munity Gathering of the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina will be held Saturday, January 27, at St. Pauls Presbyterian Church. Lunch reserva-tions are due January 22nd.A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING is scheduled for Sunday, January 28, 2018, after the 11 a.m. service. MEALS THAT MATTER – Teams prepare and de-liver meals to church family members in need. Requests for meals may be directed through the church office. If interested in the Meals that Matter Ministry, please contact Debbie Williams (debbiewilliams954@gmail.com or 910-485-2692).LOST AND FOUND – To claim a lost item, check with the church office during business hours or with the hosts of Sunday fellowship.

UPDATE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS – Please be sure to call the church office at 483-0121 (or use the ACS directory service online) to update your email address, phone number, and mailing address whenever this information changes.WHEN CHURCH MEMBERS OR FRIENDS are in the hospital or in some other care facility, it helps to notify the church (483-0121) or one of the pastors. Whether it involves a visit or a call to the church’s prayer chains, the ministers and staff at First Presbyterian can only act if you call. THE STEPHEN MINISTRY expands the care that First Presbyterian Church can offer the congregation. Your Stephen Ministers are here to listen when you are struggling with loss, hospitalization, or any event. Call the office at 483-0121.

CHURCH NEWS & INFORMATION

Annual Congregational Meeting

Presenting recommended changes to the terms of call for the pastors, requesting the congregation elect persons nominated by the Session to the office of Elder Emeritus, and presenting an annual report to the congregation. Your attendance is strongly encouraged.

A Congregational Meeting is called by the Session for the following purposes:

Sunday, January 28, 2018The SAnCTuARy • 12 noon