FIRST PRESS NEWS

May 2016

Firs t Presbyter ian Church 153 N. Church Street

Rocky Mount , NC 27804 www.fpcrm.org

252 -446 -9121

A few weeks ago at the Wednesday Night Program, our group talked about Faith and Technology. The conversation touched on apps for smart phones and tablets, and just this past week, we revisited that theme. The first question I was asked, which I’ve been asked before in other churches, is, “what’s the best app for my phone for reading the Bible?” To tell you the truth, I have not found a Bible app that I really, really like. However, the "Bible Gateway" app is one that I have on my phone and have found to be easy to use. The Bible Gateway website is one that I utilize regularly to look up scripture passages online from my computer. The version we have in the pews and in the pulpit is the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). All the free apps (including Bible Gateway) that I've seen don't have the NRSV version (and if you find a free app that does, please tell me!). But there are a number of other great translations out there. If you’ve got a smartphone and download a Bible app that you like, use it on Sunday morning. In other congregations, I have watched, from the pulpit, as a number of people pull out their smartphones during the scripture lessons on Sundays. Some churches place in their bulletins words such as “please turn off cell phones and pagers in preparation for worship.” We do not, and I don’t think that’s a bad thing (although silencing them is probably a good idea). Not only could you read along with the scripture lesson on your Bible app, you could post a picture, a quote, or your thoughts from the service on social media, like Facebook, Instagram, and twitter. What a wonderful way to witness to your faith with those whom we interact with on social media! If you’ve got a smartphone, I encourage you to consider how you might utilize it to witness to your faith and grow in faith. Perhaps you even have a devotional you like that has an app (may I recommend the d365 app to all of you? It’s free!). Grace and Peace, Chris

Senior Pastor: The Rev. Christopher M. Berardi

Associate Pastor for Congregational Life: The Rev. Mary Kathleen Duncan

Church Ministry Coordinator: Dionne Seale Financial Secretary: Jeanne T. Shannon

Director of Music: Jim Smith Organist: Virginia Vance

Sexton: J. J. Jeffries Assistant Sexton & Nursery Attendant: Charity Lodge Nursery Assistant: Mary Hilliard

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6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Night Fellowship has now switched to the home or restaurant meal gathering schedule and will not resume the meal/program meeting in the Fellowship Hall until this fall. Here is the May schedule: May 4 Home of Sylvia Phillips

May 11 Hing Ta

May 18 Home of Roz & Larry Gragg

May 25 Gardners BBQ (Hwy 301) All home meals are covered dish and no need to call ahead—just come and enjoy!

Brown Bag Bible Study meets on Mondays at noon (except on Lunch Bunch dates) in the Session room. All are welcome to bring a lunch and join one of our pastors for fellowship and thoughtful biblical discussions!

...with First Presbyterian!

May 16, 2016 12:00 p.m.

Join the fun with your Lunch Bunch Friends on Monday, May 16 at noon in the Session Room. We will have a picnic menu of fried chicken, deviled eggs, potato salad, sandwiches, and dessert. Bring a friend for fun, food and fellowship!Let us know you will be there by calling or emailing the church office, or make a note in the Friendship Pad during Sunday worship.

Lunch Bunch is a daytime fellowship group that meets monthly for a luncheon gathering. Delicious meals are prepared and served by the Lunch Bunch Team of volunteers. This fellowship opportunity is supported by the church budget, and guests also “pass the basket,” contributing what they choose to supple-ment the cost. While the Lunch Bunch is geared toward men and women of retirement age and beyond, anyone who would enjoy a time of good fellowship and fun around the table is wel-come.

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Our Heritage, Our Mission

Capital Campaign

Update

Total Pledges to date:

$1,158,866.11

Funds Received (through 3/31/16):

$991,316.20

Children’s Hope Alliance

www.childrenshopealliance.org (formed after merger of Barium Springs &

Grandfather Home for Children)

FPC has budgeted to give $1500.00

In April of 2014, Barium Springs, formerly the Presbyterian Orphans Home in Barium Springs, NC, merged with Grandfather Home for Children of Banner Elk, NC to form the Children’s Hope Alliance. The two organizations merged in order to have a greater impact in helping children and families across the region. The future of Children’s Hope Alliance is bright and its stability lies in a deeply-rooted mission and willingness to attend to the special needs of each generation.

Sunday morning worship will switch to 10:00 a.m.

beginning on May 29, 2016 and will return to the 11:00 a.m. service time on September 11, 2016.

At its April meeting, your Session:

Met for its annual retreat, spending time discussing the goals of FPC for the next few years and reviewing the Mission Study Report that came out of the pastor search process.

Approved the summer worship schedule. Voted to call a congregational meeting

for May 15 at the end of worship, for the purpose of voting on nominees for the Officer Nominating Committee.

Please review the below church income (pledges and loose offering) and expense data for March. The prior month is not available as of the newsletter print date. Please contact Jeanne Shan-non in the church office if you have any questions. Jeanne.shannon@fpcrm.org

Pledges and Loose Offering through March 31, 2016 Month – to – date $ 35,984.41 Year – to – date $ 175,816.79 Expenses through March 31, 2016 Month – to – date $ 66,108.14 Year – to – date $ 172,578.92

The session has called for a congregational meeting on May 15 at the end of worship, for the purpose of electing an Officer Nominating Committee. The following individuals have been nominated to serve, but nominations are allowed from the floor during the meeting.

From the Session: Joe Brown, Sonny Foster

From the Diaconate: Suzanne Buchanan

From the Congregation at-large: Anne Mosley, Valerie Roberson, Beth Steed, Andy Warner

The church policy manual dictates that the committee be made up of 2 current session members, 1 current deacon, and at least three at-large congregation members.

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On Wednesday, April 20, the Parent’s Afternoon Out kids enjoyed some fun in

the sun! After enjoying all kinds of healthy (and not so healthy) snacks, we

spent the entire gathering on the playground. It was a beautiful day and

while outside, we discussed the value of peace, not only among nations, but

within ourselves! Two very special church members donated a “Peace Pole” birdhouse

that we dedicated on the playground. One of the Eagle Scout candidates for Troop 7 is planning

to beautify the area around the playground water fountain, and we hope to place the Peace Pole

there for all to enjoy.

Our Next Parent’s Afternoon Out for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade will be held on May 18 from 4-5:30 p.m. We hope to go on a special outing and make

ice cream sundaes for a snack! We will not meet in June.

Kids—don’t forget to bring your spare change to contribute to the Clean Water

Campaign through Heifer International—while we “worship at the well”, we want to

raise $300 to help others have clean water. The donation well is now located in

the corner of the Fellowship Hall.

Deep Blue Sunday School for May

Date Lesson Pre-K/K 1st-2nd 3rd-5th

5/1/16 “Choosing the Seven” Kate Tharin Cindy Feagans Elizabeth Rose

5/8/16 “Philip and the Ethiopian” Dionne Seale Kim Sutton Kate Honey

5/15/16 “Pentecost” Tricia Vestal Christie Sondergard Kate Tharin

5/22/16 GAME DAY IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL All Available Teachers Can Assist!

Spaces are filling up! Volunteers & Participants can register online at www.fpcrm.org for the

“Surf Shack” Vacation Bible School at First Presbyterian!

June 13-17, 2016 from 8:45 a.m—noon Ages 3 through 5th grade welcome (& volunteers too)!

Sponsored by First Presbyterian, Lakeside Baptist, Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal, West Haven Presbyterian, and St. Andrew’s Episcopal

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High School 5/1

Cooking and Serving Dinner at UCM Meet at the church at 3:30 pm to begin dinner preparations. We’ll then split up and head to

the Bassett Center and McDonald Street Shelter at 5:00 pm to serve the meals.

Middle School 5/1

Baking Cookies for UCM Meet at the church from 2:00-3:30 to bake cookies and help prep dinner for the residents at the

Bassett Center and the McDonald Street Shelter

More about UCM…

United Community Ministries is a non-profit organization composed of local religious,

governmental and private supporters who are committed to addressing the needs of the

homeless and nearly homeless populations in Nash and Edgecombe Counties, North Carolina.

United Community Ministries, located in Rocky Mount, N.C., provides the only emergency

and transitional shelter for the general homeless population in the Rocky Mount area.

All High School Graduates and their families are invited to a breakfast in their honor in the Session room at 9:30 a.m. on May 22nd. A formal invitation will also be mailed. This is hosted by the Christian Education Committee and we hope you can join us!

Dates to remember:

Busch Gardens Trip— May 21, 2016 Vacation Bible School (Youth Helpers) - June 13-17, 2016 Gatekeepers Work Camp—July 11-15, 2016 Montreat Youth Conference—July 17-23, 2016

Youth Sunday April 17, 2016

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Please continue to drop off children’s books, and men’s and women’s clothing for Peacemakers! You may leave books and

clothes in the wooden cabinet located in the Volunteer office.

Volunteers are needed on Saturday, June 18 to help build a playground at Peacemakers.

Donations are being accepted at Peacemakers to offset part of the cost of the playground not covered by a grant.

For more information, visit

www.rockymountpeacemakers.org.

Volunteers are always welcome

for several routes!

Contact Kara Cox for more

information at

252-908-4749.

First Sunday of the Month

The following items are most appreciated and can be brought to the church on the first Sunday of each month or anytime in the

volunteer office beside the church office entrance:

Tar River Academy Tar River Academy is in need of clothes for their students for their June graduation. Items needed include: men’s black pants, white button down shirts, black ties, and black shoes. They need sizes ranging from small to XXL. Girls items that are needed include black dresses and black shoes in a variety of sizes. These donations can be new or “gently” used. A collection container is located in the Session Room closet. Also, be sure to check out the wish list for Tar River Academy on the bulletin board outside the church office describing school supplies, food, hygiene items, and baby supplies needs and non-perishable food items. They are especially in need of hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, washcloths, soap, deodorant, and feminine hygiene supplies.

United Community Ministries #10 size cans (preferred) of either vegetables or canned fruit, and paper products such as paper towels and toilet paper.

Harris Teeter Shoppers: Be sure to link your VIC card to #5443 to benefit the Children’s Hope Alliance (formerly Barium Springs & Grandfather Home for Children).

CONETOE FAMILY LIFE CENTER

Conetoe has finally found and purchased a "new" tractor with the funds donated by First Pres! They are so excited to start using it immediately and say THANK YOU to First Pres!

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Over 40 scouts and their parents showed up to move two mountains of mulch at the Bassett Center. Bettie Kirkpatrick had requested help in spreading mulch around the fence and playground areas. The City of Rocky Mount had donated the mulch but the center needed the workforce to spread the donation. The mulch was needed in order to provide a safer area for children around areas they could fall. With the large numbers that showed up to help, work was done in under two hours. Community service is one of our requirements for rank and merit badge advancement. Hopefully by learning about community involvement our scouts will continue to give as adults.

Both Girl Scout troops delivered supplies to the Boys and Girls Club in April. The Brownies took outdoor toys, and the Girls Scouts took art supplies. We enjoyed seeing our friends there and hearing about the plans they have for the summer.

Be sure to check the insert in this month’s newsletter regarding ways you can support an Eagle Scout project benefitting the playground of First Presbyterian. As future projects impacting our church are identified and approved by the Session, we will share the information with you, as well as how projects are progressing! We are grateful for all the many blessings that the Scouts (both male and female) bring to the life of FPC!

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Presbyterian Women UPCOMING EVENTS

May 2—PW Coordinating Team at 10:30

a.m. in the church parlor. May 9—7:00 p.m.—Circle of Friends will

be meet at the home of Mary Perry with Cora Lee Gold co-hosting. Bettie Kirkpat-rick will lead the final lesson of the “Come to the Waters” study.

May 10—10:30 a.m.—Circle of Joy in the History Room with Bettie Kirkpatrick leading the lesson “River of Life-Hope”

May 19—11:00 a.m.—Annual Birthday Luncheon in the Session Room with guest speaker Bettie Kirkpatrick

May 20-22—Camp Albemarle Spiritual Retreat

May Rehearsal Schedule Wednesdays through May 25

Chancel Choir (7:30 p.m.) The Handbell and Children’s Choirs will resume

rehearsals in the fall.

The Chancel Choir will have Sunday morning only rehearsals (at 9:30 a.m.) beginning June 5, 2016.

The Handcraft Ministry will meet on

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

at 1:30 p.m. in the home of

Lila Michael

This wonderful ministry provides prayer shawls, blankets, etc. to those in need of God’s warmth!

The Rocky Mount Chamber Singers will present their Spring Concert in our sanctuary on Tuesday, May 3, at 7:00 p.m. In addition to works by Handel, Copland, and Morton Lauridsen, the ensemble will sing selections by

American composer Stephen Foster, including "Beautiful Dreamer" and "Camptown Races." The concert will conclude with a group of spirituals, including arrangements of "Amazing Grace" and "Give Me Jesus."

Following its founding in late March 2015, the ensemble gave its very first concert two months later in June. Its final concert of the 2015 - 2016 season will be on June 5, 2016 at First Presbyterian in Raleigh. It's performance there will be in celebration of the church's 200th anniversary. Several of the performances for the group's 2016 - 2017 season have been scheduled, including a performance on a concert series in Wilmington and the final concert on the 20th anniversary of the Performing Arts Series at the Dunn Center on the Wesleyan College Campus.

Mark your calendars and be sure to sign up if able to attend on

the PW Bulletin Board outside the Session room.

ANNUAL

BIRTHDAY

LUNCHEON

May 19, 2016

11:00 am

Session Room

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“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.”

1 Peter 4:10

May 1, 2016 *Communion will be served by trays* Head Usher: Taylor Phillips Ushers: Walt Wiggins, Clevie Wiggins, Mary Watson, Edie Reeves (Welcome Table) Greeter: Margaret Barnes Liturgist: Lige Daughtridge Children’s Sermon: Chris Berardi Nursery Helpers: Ann Dill, Kate Honey Communion Preparers: Melanie Marshall Park, Jep Rose Communion Servers: Laura Durham, Stan Herndon, Amy Hunt, Richard Hunt, Catherine Lilley, Anne Mos-ley, Mike Mosley, Melanie Marshall Park, Winslow Rogers, Jep Rose, Janice Smith, Clevie Wiggins

May 8, 2016 Head Usher: Kevin Schrimper Ushers: Tyler Schrimper, Ryan Schrimper, David Farris, Clif Hayworth (Welcome Table) Greeter: Kate Tharin Liturgist: Bill Buchanan Children’s Sermon: Marianne Farris Nursery Helper: Kim Sutton

May 15, 2016 *Day of Pentecost and Called Congregational Meeting* Head Usher: Kevin Schrimper Ushers: Tyler Schrimper, Ryan Schrimper, James Tharin, Clif Hayworth (Welcome Table) Greeters: Bobbi and Hassell Weeks Liturgist: Dee Whitley Children’s Sermon: Chris Berardi Nursery Helper: Tricia Vestal

May 22, 2016 Head Usher: Stephen Chesnutt Ushers: Bill Buchanan, Suzanne Buchanan, Tim Lane, Jeanne Lane (Welcome Table) Greeters: Bobbi and Hassell Weeks Liturgist: Richard Hunt Children’s Sermon: Chris Berardi Nursery Helper: Annie Daughtridge

May 29, 2016 Head Usher: Stephen Chesnutt Ushers: Bill Buchanan, Suzanne Buchanan, Tim Lane, Jeanne Lane (Welcome Table) Greeter: Kate Tharin Liturgist: Randy Adams Children’s Sermon: Chris Berardi Nursery Helper: Beth Turnage

At their last meeting, the members of the Worship Committee discussed the need for liturgists, particularly when we have two

pastors conducting our Sunday morning service. As a result of this discussion, the committee decided not to schedule liturgists during the summer months.

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First Presbyterian Church’s office hours are Monday—Thursday from 9:00-5:00 p.m. Please contact the church in advance should you need access to the building at other times. Kindly notify Dionne Seale in the church office at 252-446-9121 or dionne.seale@fpcrm.org of any email, address, or phone number changes so we can keep our database up to date!

First Presbyterian Rocky Mount @FPC_RockyMount fpc_rockymount

FOLLOW US!

Dear Church Family,

Thank you all so very much for the

flowers, cards and calls you shared

with me and my sister during her

recent knee replacement surgeries.

She has done remarkably well and

is really getting around with very little

discomfort. Please know how much

your thoughtfulness meant to us all.

Much love,

Becky Parks

Cam Fisher

Dear Church Family, I can’t tell you how much it has meant to me to have so many prayers sent up for me during my recent surgery and ongoing recovery. Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers and blanket. The blanket is definitely something I will treasure. This unexpected injury has been difficult to accept, but I am trying to make the best of it, remembering that God has a purpose for everything. Thank you so much for supporting me through this difficult time. Love, Allison Barnes

I would like to thank FPC for all the kind messages of sympathy following the passing of my parents, Walter and Betty Parker. The flowers, cards, and phone calls were so appreciated. In Christian Love, Phyllis Parker

We are pleased to share that Jim and Liz Woodard joined First Presbyterian on Sunday, April 24, 2016. Jim is a dentist here in town and Liz is a pharmacist with Nash UNC Healthcare. They are pictured above with their dog, Dean, and we look forward to having them be a part of the First Presbyterian family!

Thank you to the Cherub Choir and the Alleluia Singers for their end-of-the-year program of music on Sunday, April 24th.

I and the congregation are also much indebted to the work of the Cherub Choir director, Brenda Crocker, her assistant, Julia Brown, and their piano accompanist Marianne Farris. Thanks also to the accompanist for the Alleluia Singers, Jennie Vance.

Both choirs will begin rehearsals again in mid-September. Keep singing, Jim

Dear Friends,

Hassell and Bobbi Weeks brought Earl and me a beautiful vase of flowers from the church and all of you this past week. They are beautiful and we actually still have some of the lilies blooming. Thanks for thinking of us. We miss all of you and really appreciate the cards, calls and flowers. It is still difficult to walk very far, but one day we hope to worship with all of you again.

Love, Earl and Phyllis Goodwin

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THE FOUNTAINS AT THE ALBEMARLE Tarboro

► Tom and Ann Dill ► Tom Maude

TWIN LAKES RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Burlington ► Liz Cole

ADDITIONAL CONCERNS Linda Amerson

Jean Boddie Jean and Frank Edge

Anne Etheredge Cam Fisher (Becky Parks’ sister)

Si Fuller Earl and Phyllis Goodwin

Betty Hodges Tommy Honey Greg Hutchins

Bobbie Lambeth Nancy & Bailey Liipfert

Jacob McCabe (Mary Watson’s grandson) John McInnis (Mary Perry’s brother)

Lila Michael Stacey Norman (Sydney Phillips’ sister)

Susie Park (Fred Park’s Mother) Anne Podesta

Blanche Robinson Evelyn Reese

Maida Sessoms Phyllis Toler Bobbi Weeks

Hassell Weeks

Our love and sympathy is extended the following members:

Augusta Daniel upon the death of her sister in law, Ruth Daniel Bates, on April 8, 2016.

Kay Wester upon the death of her friend, Bob Van Scoik, on April 14, 2016.

Verna Gessaman upon the death of her husband, John Gessaman, on April 18, 2016.

Please continue to keep these members and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Flower Ministry Schedule

When fresh flowers are used during worship, Flower Ministry helpers make sure they are transformed into

smaller arrangements on Mondays that can brighten someone’s week! If you would like to be added as a substitute to arrange or deliver, please contact Gaye Moore at 459-3634 so she can add you to our list.

If you would like to honor someone or mark a special occasion in the coming year, please sign up by the date you prefer on the 2016 flower chart that is posted on the church office bulletin board. You can also contact Dionne Seale, Church Ministry Coordinator for more information at 446-9121. These dates are currently available:

May 29, June 5, June 12, June 19

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