This issue: congregation! DR. MIKE GARRETT Official ......FV OLI.n3R 1lISSS UE T 8 P R E S S...
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FIRST PRESS VOL. 31 ISSUE 8 Official Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church, Fayetteville N.C. This issue: Missions at Home and Abroad FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FIRSTPREZ.COM From the Pastor DR. MIKE GARRETT Four years ago, this July, I showed up in Fayetteville not planning to stay. I came to do short-term interim work, having finished a twelve year pastorate in Atlanta and on my way to the next thing. But, along the way interim turned into “called and installed” and this became the next thing. Here we are, and I couldn’t be happier about it! Marcia and I are full of appreciation for the way you have welcomed us into the life of this congregation! Truly God’s richest blessings in ministry have been the ones I neither planned nor expected. At times, they didn’t arrive wrapped like a blessing, but they were. That doesn’t mean I have quit making plans, or creating strategy, or thinking about the future. It does mean I have learned to hold my plans lightly, realizing that God’s interruptions usually contain more grace and goodness than I can imagine. July Event Recap How Do We Serve in Music? August Birthdays Children's Ministry Focus & Events Summer Mission Conference continued on the next page Once again it is July, and once again we are a church interrupted. There are empty offices in our building that once held familiar faces. The fall calendar contains some question marks. Our plans, strategies, and goals have not been tossed aside, but some have been set aside, because God is up to something. What is it? PW Summer Program Seize the OPPORTUNITY in God's INTERRUPTION
Transcript of This issue: congregation! DR. MIKE GARRETT Official ......FV OLI.n3R 1lISSS UE T 8 P R E S S...
FIRST PRESS VOL. 31 ISSUE 8
Official Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church, Fayetteville N.C.
This issue:
Missions at Homeand Abroad
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FIRSTPREZ.COM
From the PastorDR. MIKE GARRETT
Four years ago, this July, I showed up in Fayetteville not planning to stay.I came to do short-term interim work, having finished a twelve yearpastorate in Atlanta and on my way to the next thing. But, along the wayinterim turned into “called and installed” and this became the next thing.Here we are, and I couldn’t be happier about it! Marcia and I are full ofappreciation for the way you have welcomed us into the life of thiscongregation! Truly God’s richest blessings in ministry have been the ones I neitherplanned nor expected. At times, they didn’t arrive wrapped like a blessing,but they were. That doesn’t mean I have quit making plans, or creatingstrategy, or thinking about the future. It does mean I have learned to holdmy plans lightly, realizing that God’s interruptions usually contain moregrace and goodness than I can imagine.
July Event Recap
How Do We Servein Music?
August Birthdays
Children's MinistryFocus & Events
Summer MissionConference
cont inued on the next page
Once again it is July, and once again weare a church interrupted. There areempty offices in our building that onceheld familiar faces. The fall calendarcontains some question marks. Ourplans, strategies, and goals have notbeen tossed aside, but some have beenset aside, because God is up tosomething. What is it?
PW Summer Program
Seize the
OPPORTUNITYin God's
INTERRUPTION
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FIRSTPREZ.COM
From the Pastor, cont.'d There are many men and women in ourcongregation who are at work thissummer working to figure it out. Pastoralsearch committees are being formed, jobdescriptions are being revised, and freshquestions are being asked about thechurch we want to be and how it mighthappen. Conversations with potentialnew leaders are beginning. We’reattempting to seize the opportunity inGod’s interruption. Don’t assumebecause it is summer in Fayetteville, thatnot a lot is happening. We’re busy tryingto make room for God to adjust ourplans, and where necessary, changethem. Please join me in the effort to discernGod’s opportunity in the interruption. IsGod calling you to serve in the missionand ministry of our congregation in away that you haven’t before? Perhaps it’stime for you to mentor a young person,welcome a new face among us, teach aclass, visit a home bound member, ortouch our community for Christ in a wayyou haven’t anticipated. Most of us are creatures of continuityand partisans of predictability. That’s nota bad thing. Let’s not allow it, though, tocause us to miss God’s opportunity forus and for our church. What’s the Spiritof God saying to you? Please don’t hesitate to contact me orone of our leaders during this time oftransition in our congregation for help,information, or encouragement! Sincerely,
Summer Mission Conference
5:30PM, August 6 | National Night Out, Person Street Park
9AM August 10 | Hurricane Kit Assembly
We will work in partnership with First Baptist Church to assist withbounce houses, a snow cone machine, and more! Wear your FirstPresbyterian #serveandshare shirts, stop by for a hot dog, andmeet our Person Street neighbors. Contact Terry Plummer [email protected] to volunteer.
Join us in the Fellowship Hall between 9am and noon to helpprepare disaster flood buckets, hygiene kits, and school supply kitsin preparation for the 2019 hurricane season. Monetary support ofthis mission may be designated for "Hurricane Relief."
2 0 1 8 H u r r i c a n e R e l i e f K i t V o l u n t e e r s
We invite you to join us for Summer Mission Conference events tosustain and expand volunteer opportunities inside and outside the wallsof our church.
9:45AM August 11 | Mission Team UpdatesHow is the First Presbyterian church body “serving and sharing”both near and far? How can one get involved with the missionopportunities available? The Haiti mission team, the Mexicomission team, and the Witness Committee can tell you. Join us inthe Session Room for an open discussion on missionopportunities, and in the Activity Room for brief presentations byour Haiti and Mexico mission teams.
12PM August 11 | Fellowship Meal for AllTogether, we will celebrate our mission and our efforts to#serveandshare at home and abroad with a Hot Dog & Ice CreamSocial. Are you a vegetarian or vegan? We will have something foreveryone!
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FIRSTPREZ.COM
July Recap
MEMORIALS & HONORARIUMSIn honor of Dr. Donna Fowler-Marchant andRev. Jonathan West by Sharon and JohnBuroker. In memory of Annette Boyette by Linda andRalph Huff; and a special friend. In memory of Kathryn Vail Register Fortsonby Linda and Ralph Huff; and a special friend. In memory of Shirley Holstad by Sharon andJohn Buroker; Roxie and Gerald Fenske;Winnie Grannis; Alice Higley; Priscilla andHarry Hooks; Patsy Markham; and a specialfriend. In memory of Frank Stokes by Linda andRalph Huff; and a special friend.
strong & Courageous2019 music camp
s.a.l.t. luncheon
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FIRSTPREZ.COM
Children's Ministry Makes a DifferenceInvolving children in missions has a direct impact on howactive they will remain as adults. To create lifelongChristians who know the impact they can have, we mustuse missions education as an exercise in servanthood —not as something that happens somewhere else. First Presbyterian's Children’s Ministry engages First Kidsin a Snack Pack Ministry for 10-12 students at Teresa C.Berrien Elementary School. Once a month, elementaryFirst Kids, and parents, package snack food items in gallonsize zip-lock bags for children to take home eachweekend. The cost per child for a year is $160 ($16.00 amonth for the school year). We are excited that ourministry is making a difference in the lives of childrenfrom food insecure homes at a local elementary school.Children are selected for the program by the school socialworker. How You Can Help Donations for this ministry are accepted throughout theyear. Monetary donations are greatly appreciated. Items needed include: gallon size zip-lock bags, applesauce, juice pouches, canned chicken noodle soup andcanned Chef Boyardee (15 ounces or less). Please contact Britany Spivey at [email protected] ifyou would like to assist with the Snack Pack Ministry,worship buddies, and/or supervising and mentoring 2nd-5th graders during the 11AM worship service.
rsvp at firstprez.com
Volunteer Training Event5:30PM August 28 | Dinner will be served and childcare providedJoin us for a volunteer training event open toALL who are interested and plan to work withthe Youth and Children's Ministries.
Guest Speaker: Erin Wehrmeister Associate for Youth MinistriesPresbytery of Coastal Carolina Director of Youth and Church Program MinistriesWestminster Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville
Please schedule a meeting with Britany Spivey,Director of Children's Ministry, prior to Sept. 6 ifyou would like to volunteer but cannot attendthe training event.
Club 543A Children's Ministry program designed for 3rd-5thgraders to promote discipleship, friendship and fellowship.Club 543 events are packed with great activities!
How Do We Serve in Music?
Why not consider joining with the Music Ministry this year to serveour Lord and God by leading worship? Music has long been anintegral part of worship since before the building of the Temple bySolomon, and his enormous 4,000-member choir (1 Chronicles 23).In fact, Miriam led the people in song when Moses crossed the RedSea (Exodus 15). Cities were defeated, and wars were won by thesound of trumpets and of people praising the Lord (Joshua and thebattle of Jericho, 2 Chronicles 20).
DR. MARCIA HEIRMAN MERVIN
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FIRSTPREZ.COM
God delights in the praises ofhis people - why not join in the
praise?
Opportunities abound for you to be involved in Music Ministry- andall are welcome to join in the song. If you are a beginner, we have agroup for you. If you are accomplished, please share God’s gift inworship! Please contact the Director of Music, Dr. Marcia Mervin or AssociateDirector of Music for Children and Youth, Mrs. Sarah Szopinski, if youfeel led to join in the praise!
Music Opportunities for Children & Adults
3yrs-PreK | 6PM WednesdayK-5th | 5:45PM Wednesday Children are encouraged to learn and practice musicduring "Wednesdays Together" from September-April. Children will play instruments and games, andsing. INSTRUMENTALISTS (8th grade and above) Consider joining the Church Orchestra!The orchestra meets for two periods each year andparticipates in worship during the holidays. SINGERS (High School and above) Four different adult groups provide opportunities for youto be involved in singing, depending on your skill level,commitment level and schedule. Please consider joiningwith the Chapel Choir, Men of God, Women’s Ensemble,or The Celebration Choir this fall. Rehearsal times vary,depending on the group, and are posted on the website.Those who would like to sing a solo, duet, or small groupanthem, please let us know! HANDBELL RINGERS There are two handbell groups this fall – allowing for theaccomplished handbell ringers to praise in ringing. Bothwill rehearse on Sunday afternoons beginning in lateAugust. BEGINNING RINGERS (6th grade and above) A beginning handchime/handbell group is beingconsidered for this fall, to begin in October, for 6thgrade through adult.
Music Opportunities for Children & Adults
GET READY TO RING & SING!Celebration Choir Rehearsal Resumes | 6:15PM Wednesday, August 14 Canticle Ringers: Pizza, Polishing & Techniques | 12:15PM Sunday, August 18 Handbell Ensemble, Men of God & Women's Ensemble Rehearsals | September 8
The lazy days of summer are almost over, and the busynessof the academic year, holiday commitments, and more aredrawing near. Our commitments to our careers, homes,family and friends must be fulfilled, but we cannot forget ourfocus on reaching others for Christ.
There is a place for you in the mission field and at the table.Missions At Home and Abroad
But if we walk in the light, ashe is in the light, we havefellowship with one another,and the blood of Jesus his Soncleanses us from all sin. 1 JOHN 1:7
5PM Dinner | 6PM Classes
Starting September 11
Register at firstprez.com
New caterer!
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FIRSTPREZ.COM
A focus on missions and evangelism structures a church forgrowth and makes us a church that makes a difference bymeeting real needs, whether that's by just offering a weeklyfellowship meal open to the local community, or sendingmission teams to other countries. Pull out your day planners and keep your Wednesdayevenings free for "Wednesdays Together." The traditionalfellowship dinner followed by Christian education classesresumes in September, with a new caterer- Kinlaw's! Spreadthe word, bring friends, and help us fill our tables. Looking ahead to 2020 - mark your calendars for the HaitiMission Trip scheduled for January 23-30. First Presbyterianhas been sending construction and medical teams to Haitifor more than 15 years. Even those who never set foot on anairplane can lend a hand when we prepare "Haiti Health Kits,"which will be delivered along with the team.
Wednesdays TogetherFamily fellowship & Christian education
Summer Mission ConferenceAugust 6-11
Haiti Mission TripJanuary 2020
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FIRSTPREZ.COM
PASTORAL STAFFDr. Michael Garrett, Senior Pastor PROGRAM STAFFJamie McFadyen, Youth Ministry InternDr. Marcia Heirman Mervin, Director of Music MinistryBritany Spivey, Director of Children’s MinistrySarah Szopinski, Associate Director of Music for Children & Youth SUPPORT STAFFConnie Burry, Program SecretaryJoan Daughtry, Operations DirectorRuthie Dent, Communications DirectorJoy Keys, Administrative AssistantNina McLaughlin, Housekeeper SUNDAY SERVICE8:30AM Chapel • 11AM Sanctuary
CONTACT US
(910) 483-0121
WEBSITE
www.firstprez.com
LIVE STREAM
www.firstprez.com/live-stream
facebook.com/1stprez
twitter.com/firstprezfay
instagram.com/firstprezfay
August Birthdays12 Richard Sneed12 Kyle Bisbee12 Averi Brown14 Charles Wilkins14 Joshua Wright15 Alva Cromartie16 Sandra Herndon16 Lauren Holmes16 Donald Wherren17 Skyler Campbell18 Julia McFadyen19 William Hathaway20 Mary Beth McCoy20 Terry Plummer21 Roger Holmes21 Christopher Aul21 Serriah Ciccone22 Mary Butler22 Amanda Holmes22 Marilyn Britt
23 Terry Sasser23 Kelly Baileys24 Steve Horosko26 Jeanne Harbison27 Randa Dunn27 Arthur Bisbee28 Vicki Kelly28 Ashley Bryan28 William Carlton29 Glenn Blue30 Shannon Strong31 Beverly Stewart31 Dilia Allen
SeptemberNewsletterSubmissionDeadline August 16,2019
1 Isabella Gutierrez2 Alan Ray2 Margaret Hammill3 William Prewitt3 Brooke Deaton3 Harold McRainey4 Shirley Stevens4 Amanda Viverette5 Pamela Chan6 William Cotty7 J. Oliver7 Pam Senter7 Christopher Foster7 Casey Yates8 Crawford MacKethan9 Claire Galt10 Herbert Stiles11 Brad Richter12 David Allred12 Anne Oliver
