L e n t e n CALENDAR. Wednesday, Apr. 10 6:15 PM Service for Healing and Wholeness with Communion and Anointing with Oil led by Rev.

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1 F i r s t P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h Growing and G oing Deeper in Faith The Spire Light March 17 - March 31, 2019 Wednesday, Mar. 20 6:15 PM Service of Lessons and Hymns for Lent with Communion led by Elder Rick Leissner Sunday, Mar. 24 3rd Sunday in Lent Wednesday, Mar. 27 6:15 PM Lenten Service with Communion led by Rev. Jan Krouskop L e n t e n CALENDAR Wednesday, Apr. 10 6:15 PM Service for Healing and Wholeness with Communion and Anointing with Oil led by Rev. Lynn Webber Sunday, Apr. 14 Palm Sunday Procession of Palms Apr Apr. 19 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Holy Week Stations of the Cross Sunday, Mar. 31 4th Sunday in Lent Wednesday, Apr. 3 6:15 PM Lenten Service with Communion led by Rev. John Hagmann Sunday, Apr. 7 5th Sunday in Lent Thursday, Apr. 18 Maundy Thursday 6:30 PM Communion Service Friday, Apr. 19 Good Friday 12:00 PM Worship Service Sunday, Apr. 21 Easter Sunday 9:30 AM Pancake Breakfast and Flowering of the Cross with Communion

2 In the Interim... It seems that we have been saying good-bye for several months. Back in November when I announced a congregational meeting to receive the nomination of a pastor, you said, We are going to miss you. And I responded, You are not done with me yet. The same thing happened after the congregational vote in December and then again after the first of this year. Now with the end of this month I come to the end of serving as transitional senior pastor/head of staff. Yet you are not done with me yet. To get me to retirement age, Rev. Hagmann has graciously invited and the Session and Presbytery s Committee on Ministry have approved for me to serve here part-time 25 hours a week during April and May. This service will be as a Temporary Parish Associate with hours served mostly during the week and tasks done at the request of Rev. Hagmann. I am grateful that he and the congregation are making this possible. At a recent training for transitional pastors, I was reminded that the interim time should not just focus on the ABCs of church, attendance, building and cash. I realize much of our time has been spent on those very things. We have worked to keep worship and programming engaging and meaningful to attendees. We have cleaned out rooms, painted, repaired, repurposed; and now the 60 th anniversary renovation of the chapel is underway. We have transitioned to a new church treasurer and financial administrator. We have reorganized an Endowments and Investments Committee who has analyzed trust documents, clarified intentions of gifts and compiled updated information. We have realized for the future of the church it is crucial that giving and pledging increase and dependency on endowments decrease. But your calling is not to perpetuate the institution of First Presbyterian Church. Your calling as the body of Christ is to go and make disciples, equip the saints and care for all of God s children. I pray that our ABC work has you ready now to move forward and embrace that calling with your new pastor. With appreciation, Wanda Neely Transitional Pastor, Jan Mar Lenten Crosses At the Ash Wednesday service, Lenten crosses were shared with worshippers. Many individuals are wearing the crosses for their journey through Lent. If you would like a cross for your Lenten experience, you may get one during the week from the church office or on Sunday from a pastor. Lenten Book: Awakening to God s Beauty In preparation for the observance of Lent, we are pleased to share with you the 2019 Presbyterian Today Lenten Devotional entitled, Awakening to God s Beauty. Author and Presbyterian pastor, Rev. Krin Van Tatenhove, utilizes the spiritual practice of visio divina praying with art to open our eyes to new awareness and gratitude for God s creation. Here, stirring original photographs are paired with meditations and reflections on the Psalms to help guide our Lenten journey toward the cross. Extra copies of Lenten devotional books are available on the tables in the narthex Welcome Center. Please take and share. Live Stream of Sunday Worship If you cannot join us in person, we invite you to watch the 10:55 AM Sunday service, which is live streaming through the church s Facebook page. Search on Facebook First Presbyterian Church, Morganton, NC. We are currently researching the best venue for archiving recordings of the services. Watch for upcoming information concerning this Page 2

3 Class of 2022 Officer Nominees Lisa Antley (Elder) I was born and raised in Remsen, IA where I attended St. Mary s Catholic Church. I graduated from the parish catholic high school. I was active in the catholic community in my 20s, attending a Cursillo and serving at a church in St. Paul, MN. In 1990 I married Mills Antley, a Presbyterian. We moved to Spartanburg, SC and started a family in It became increasingly complicated to raise a family in a 2- church household. After visiting with Mills minister and attending that church, I made the compromise and changed. I have never looked back. We moved with our 4 children to Morganton in 2001 and have been faithful members of FPC since. The youth program has had an enormous impact and the greater church community has been an important part of our lives. I have served on various committees over 18 years and ordained as on elder 7 years ago. I am happy to serve again this wonderful congregation. Going and growing deeper in faith is meaningless without a church community. Perry Beeson (Elder) I grew up in Greensboro, N.C., and met my wife, Suzanne, in high school. We were married in Prior to moving to Morganton in 1980, we lived in Chapel Hill, the Republic of Panama and Hampton, Va. The reception our young family received from First Presbyterian Church was warm and encouraging. This was the only church we visited. Through worship and fellowship, the church has nurtured and sustained us. During these many years I have had the privilege of serving the church as a deacon, elder, and PNC member. These are exciting times of transition and opportunities for the church. I appreciate the consideration of again serving as a member of the session as we welcome a new minister and continue our faith journey together as God s children and servants. Rich DeAugustinis (Elder) I was baptized and raised in the Methodist Church in Hawthorne, New Jersey. Sally and I became members of First Pres shortly after moving here, transferring from Good Shepherd Presbyterian, Los Alamitos, CA in Our children Matthew and Michael grew up in this church. Our 3 grandchildren Gavin, Gabriel and Greyson were baptized here. My faith journey has included an emphasis on living out faith through service. My faith was enriched by witnessing my wife, Sally, living her faith and serving. I was privileged to serve as a deacon on the initial Shepherd ministry. I have and continue to serve on many boards in the community and volunteer time to various causes. I serve on the church Personnel Committee. My faith continues to grow within this welcoming church family. I have a preference for mission and best realize my faith in action. I am honored to be nominated as an elder and contribute as I can to the congregations welfare and growing in faith. Jim Ervin (Elder) I am a lifelong resident of Morganton and, like generations of Ervins, was raised in First Presbyterian, having been baptized in the old church downtown, confirmed in the sanctuary, and participated in activities provided during my childhood and adolescence. After returning to Morganton in 1981 following law school, I have participated in the life of the congregation as able, having served as a deacon and an elder, a long-term member of the Administrative Ministry and an occasional teacher. A good part of my life has centered around involvement in FPC and relationships with its members, for which I am deeply grateful. I am also grateful for this renewed opportunity to serve Christ and his church as a member of the session and look forward to where we are led in years to come. Jane Rigsbee (Elder) I was born in Danville, VA. Our family moved to Durham when I was a teen. Years later when my husband Lewis and I were married we lived in Durham until his work took us to Asheville. Another transfer brought us to Morganton in We have 2 married sons and 3 awesome grandchildren. While members of another church, I joined a PW circle. Then we transferred to this welcoming congregation. I receive many blessings through PW, having served three offices on the Coordinating Team. A favorite way of church involvement has been the Worship Ministry, where I served as chairperson during my first term as elder. I was also privileged to serve as a deacon. It is an honor to be nominated for elder, and I covet your prayers for serving our Lord and this congregation Page 3

4 Class of 2022 Officer Nominees Nick Corn (Elder) I was born at Grace Hospital in Morganton, and have been living here my entire life. FPC has been home to my family since they moved here. It is where I was baptized and confirmed. I attend Patton High School, where I participate in basketball, lacrosse, and Student Government. My favorite hobbies include fishing, bike riding, and Craigslist shopping. In the past, I have helped with Vacation Bible Camp and Souper Bowl of Caring. Participating in the 2018 Bahamas Youth Mission Trip was a significant event in my faith journey. In the role of youth elder, I look forward to growing relationships within the congregation as well as growing in my faith. Elsie Bartlett (Deacon) I was raised in the Presbyterian Church, grew up and confirmed at First United Presbyterian Church in Downers Grove, IL. First Presbyterian Church, Rocky Mount, NC, was my church home before I joined this congregation in Participating in the life of this church plays a central role in my life, including being a member of the Chancel Choir, Chancel Ringers, Circle 2, the Session, the Congregational Care Ministry and the FPC Soup Kitchen team. Interacting with church members of all ages, whether it be here in Morganton, on youth and adult mission trips, or on middle school and high school retreats, has given me the privilege of watching members of this church family minister to and with one another, grow deeper in faith, and take that faith into the world. I look forward to continuing to serve during this exciting time in the life of this congregation. Kim Brown (Deacon) I have been a lifelong Presbyterian; and when Mike and I were seeking a church home for our family we felt First Presbyterian was where we belonged. We have now been here over 25 years. Our children Lauren and Tyler grew up in this church and were very involved with the youth program. Over the years I have served as an elder, taught Sunday School, participated in Mission Morganton, and chaperoned youth group activities. I currently work full-time as a Dental Hygienist in Newton and help with Mike s insurance business. Any spare time that we have we head to Raleigh to spend time with our granddaughters! I am humbled by being nominated to serve as deacon and will dedicate myself to serve First Presbyterian with a servant heart. Nanette Petiprin-Marranca (Deacon) My husband Charles and I moved to Morganton after retirement in 2010 from Tallahassee, Fl. We are a blended family of two sons and a daughter. We have two grandchildren. In the spring of 2010, we joined First Pres. I have been a Presbyterian my entire life. Charles and I also began our prison ministry at Western Youth, FCI-Foothills and FCI-MCU in 2010 and continue our ministry. I am a member of the Missions Ministry. My membership in Pres Women Circle 3 is dear to my heart. I find my role as a reader in VBC each summer a means to minister to the children of FPC and Burke County at large. I have been a past moderator of our PW. I have served previously as a deacon and was active in the Shepherd program. I have strived to embrace the servant attitude and will continue to do so. It is an honor and a blessing to be nominated deacon. Debbie Wellmon (Deacon) I began my faith journey in this very church, following in the footsteps of parents who were married here. As a child and young adult, I participated in Sunday school, youth fellowship, mission retreats and youth choirs. This foundation held well and led to leadership roles. I have had wonderful role models, teaching me faithfulness and showing by example how to be the Lord s servant. Over 30+ years, I have held numerous roles: Sunday school teacher, choir member, Vacation Bible Camp leader and helper, Prayer Chain participant, Nursery Coordinator, Circle Leader, Presbyterian Women's Moderator. I have served on multiple committees including about 15 years on Congregational Care, 3 of which as leading elder. I have also served on Worship Ministry and a Pastor Nominating Committee. I have prayerfully asked for guidance throughout my life and have felt the hand of God many times leading me through with faith steadfast. It is an honor to be nominated to the call of deacon. Elizabeth Coley (Deacon) I am the daughter of Scott and Amy Coley and sister to Douglas. I am 16 years old and a lifelong member of First Presbyterian. I spend most of my time drawing or painting, but I also participate in Sunday School and other church opportunities, Girl Scouts, and Freedom High School s marching and concert bands. I am honored to be nominated as a youth deacon Page 4

5 Fellowship 5:15 PM: Serving Begins for *Meal in the Fellowship Hall Mar. 20: Adult/Kid Meal baked spaghetti, tossed salad, garlic bread Mar. 27: Kid Meal hamburger, potatoes, beans Apr. 3: Adult/Kid Meal TBA Apr. 10: Adult/Kid Meal TBA Apr. 17: No Meals and Program Apr. 24: No Meals and Program *Meal Policy Adults: $7 Child: $5 Family Cap: $20 Each individual/family must sign up weekly via the friendship pad or church website or by calling the church office before 10:00 AM on Monday. Elective Adult Sunday School Class 9:30 AM in Room 102 Downstairs March 17 Reality TV and Christianity: A study of Matthew 3-4, led by Maggie McKinney March 24 Bonhoeffer, will discuss parallels to today's world and the role of the church, led by Tom Kilgore March 31 TBA April 7 Eight Recovery Attitudes and the Beatitudes, led by Sandra Morton April 14 Discussion after watching the video of Ray Vander Lann in the Holy Land, led by Tom Kilgore FPC Prayer Chain As a church family, it is important to remember each other in prayer during times of need as well as times of celebration. If you have a prayer request and would like it to be on the FPC prayer chain, please contact a staff member. If you would like to help pray for others and receive these prayer requests via the FPC prayer chain, please contact the church office at Presbyterian Women Circles Presbyterian Women in the Congregation are organized into small groups called circles that meet monthly to provide an inclusive, caring community of women. Circles are an integral part of PW and are encouraged to use PW resources to strengthen and enrich the community of faith. A circle is... where faith is nurtured and growth takes place through worship, study, friendship and outreach where women are challenged to stretch beyond their limits where women move beyond the safe places of life and reach out to others where Christian leadership is born, nurtured, and sent forth into ministry Contact the church office at , if you would like to join a PW Circle. Please join the Presbyterian Women in the chapel on Sunday, May 5, 3:00 PM, for the Annual Women of the Church Birthday Celebration, the presentation of the Honorary Life Membership to Janet Leissner, and the installation of officers for the coming year. Following the service, refreshments will be served in the parlor. An Invitation to the PW Spring Gathering The Spring Gathering for Presbyterian Women will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Hickory, NC, on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 9:00 AM 1:00 PM Page 5

6 In The News Stations of the Cross The carvings posted on the walls of the sanctuary are for the spiritual practice of walking the Via Dolorosa, the Way of Suffering. You are invited to experience this individual time of meditation on Sundays following worship and Monday-Thursday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM. (On weekdays, please press entrance button for entry through the education building.) Take a Stations of the Cross brochure guide with you as you visit the carvings. Brochure guides are available in the narthex Welcome Center, through the center double doors, at the start of the Stations. I am the resurrection and the life. Congregational love and sympathy are extended to Betty Sasser and family at the death of her brother, Dr. Jerry McBrayer, on Feb. 27, Thank you, Davis Family Thank you Scott, Krista, and family, for the generous donation of the new friendship pads and holders in the sanctuary pews. Birth Announcement Congratulations to: Don and Julie Scott on the birth of a granddaughter, Clara Tianhong Chin, born February 22, to Regan Scott-Chin and David Chin of Amherst, MA. Andy and Janice Krouskop on the birth of a granddaughter, Everly Rose Krouskop, born Feb. 27, 2019, to Emily and Ryan Krouskop of Charlotte. Vacation Bible Camp Theme for 2019: ROAR! Save the Dates: July 22-26, 2019 at 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM For ages 3 ½ (toilet trained) to rising 6th graders. More info coming soon! First Presbyterian Church, Lenoir Speaker s Forum on Christian Issues On March 24 at 3:00 PM St. James Episcopal Church sanctuary 806 College Avenue, Lenoir Sponsored by First Presbyterian Church, Lenoir. This is the first of our Speaker s Forum series on Christian Issues. The Rev. Dr. Mark Achtemeier will be speaking on God s Welcoming Love: An Evangelical s Journey. A time of questions and answers will follow. Rev. Dr. Mark Achtemeier has served the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) since 1984 as a pastor, writer, and theologian. He taught theology and ethics for fifteen years on the faculty of Dubuque Theological Seminary. BUCM Needs Heavy empty plastic blanket bags, in which bed comforters, sheets, and blankets come, are needed at Burke United Christian Ministries. They will share these bags with the homeless for keeping their clothes dry. Please bring such bags to the church office and place them in the designated bin. Scholarship Applications Applications are now being accepted for the Eddie Erwin Scholarship and the John Derr Boger Jr. Scholarship. Applicants must apply for these scholarships separately. Application forms are available in the church office and at Applications must be submitted by April 10. Bibles for Third Graders Parents of third graders, we will be presenting Bibles to third graders on Sunday, April 14, during worship. Please contact the church office ( ) and let us know your child s full name (as you want it to appear on the book plate) and if he or she will be in worship on April Page 6

7 Calendar & Events Sunday, Mar. 17 9:30 AM Christian Education Hour 10:00 AM Chancel Choir 12:15 PM Children's Choir Monday, Mar :00-4:00 PM Financial Admin Hours 10:00 AM Mind, Body, Spirit Class 11:00 AM Grace Ridge Communion 11:30 AM Grace Ridge Luncheon Tuesday, Mar. 19 7:00 AM Men s Breakfast 2:00 PM Staff Meeting Wednesday, Mar. 20 4:40 PM Chancel Ringers 5:15 PM Meal 6:15 PM Lenten Worship 7:15 PM Chancel Choir Thursday, Mar. 21 6:00 PM Session Meeting Sunday, Mar. 24 9:30 AM Christian Education Hour 10:00 AM Chancel Choir 12:15 PM Children's Choir Monday, Mar :00-4:00 PM Financial Admin Hours 10:00 AM Mind, Body, Spirit Class Tuesday, Mar. 26 7:00 AM Men s Breakfast 2:00 PM Staff Meeting Wednesday, Mar. 27 4:40 PM Chancel Ringers 5:15 PM Meal 6:15 PM Lenten Worship 7:15 PM Chancel Choir Thursday, Mar. 28 9:00 AM BUCM Soup Kitchen Sunday, Mar. 31 9:30 AM Christian Education Hour 10:00 AM Chancel Choir 12:15 PM Children's Choir Monday, Apr. 1 10:00-4:00 PM Financial Admin Hours 10:00 AM Mind, Body, Spirit Class 10:30 AM Circle 1 Grace Ridge 11:30 AM Circle 2 Holy Grounds Cafe 12:00 PM Spire Light Deadline Tuesday, Apr. 2 7:00 AM Men s Breakfast 2:00 PM Staff Meeting 7:00 PM Circle 3 Parlor Wednesday, Apr. 3 10:30 AM Spire Light Volunteers 4:40 PM Chancel Ringers 5:15 PM Meal 6:15 PM Lenten Worship 7:15 PM Chancel Choir Easter Memorials and Honoraria You are invited to make a donation to help cover the cost of a lily or lilies which will decorate the sanctuary on Easter morning. Please fill out the information below, drop in the offering plate, or return to the church office by Sunday, April 14, Number of Lilies Total Amount ($15 per lily) Given by: I will take my lily/lilies home with me after Easter Sunday worship. (Lilies left after Easter will be taken to someone as an expression of God s love.) In Memory of: In Honor of: Page 7

8 Mar. 17, 2019 Rev. Dr. Wanda Neely Scripture Lessons Gen. 15:1-12; 17-18; Ps. 27; Phil. 3:17-4:1 Luke 13:31-35 Greeters Eric and Shari LeGoullon Jeff and Lisa Roller Liturgist Elsie Bartlett Nursery Janet Leissner Grace Ridge Bus Driver Scott Davis Usher Captain John Port Visitors Table Mary Lou McDaniel SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES Mar. 24, 2019 Rev. John Hagmann Scripture Lessons Isa. 55:1-9; Ps. 63:1-8; 1 Cor. 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-9 Greeters Mac and Linda McCrary Don and Julie Scott Liturgist Kathy Allan-Calloway Nursery Gabby Putt Grace Ridge Bus Driver Eric LeGoullon Usher Captains Greg Carpenter, Lisa Roller Visitors Table Mary Lou McDaniel Mar. 31, 2019 Rev. John Hagmann Scripture Lessons Josh. 5:9-12; Ps. 32; 2 Cor. 5:16-21; Luke 15: 1-3, 11b-32 Greeters Rich and Sally DeAugustinis Ed Ware Liturgist Anne Wison Nursery Amber and John Gantt Grace Ridge Bus Driver Lisa Roller Usher Captain Roy Garrett, Ron Kendrick Visitors Table Mary Lou McDaniel The next newsletter covers Apr events. Please submit your church news to the church office by noon on Monday, Apr. 1.