YOUTH SUNDAY WORSHIP May 13, :55 AM. From Grace to Gratitude

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1 THE SPIRE LIGHT April 29-May 19, 2018 First Presbyterian Church 100 Silver Creek Rd. Morganton, NC YOUTH SUNDAY WORSHIP May 13, :55 AM From Grace to Gratitude Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17; Matthew 18:21-35 Worship Leadership First Presbyterian Youth, Liturgical Dancers, Orcha-band, and Combined Choir Donate Your Unwanted Luggage to FPC Youth FPC Youth are looking for unwanted luggage that is still in usable condition for two projects: 1. The youth will use donated luggage to transport supplies to Abaco Island for their Summer Mission Trip and then plan to leave the luggage there for the Haitian Refugees. 2. You may see your luggage as a prop for Youth Sunday 2018! Please drop off your unwanted luggage (in good condition) at church by Wednesday, May 9.

2 In recent weeks, several individuals and families in our church family have experienced the deaths of loved ones. Our church has even experienced the death of a former associate pastor, the Rev. Susan Rice. No matter the age of the one who dies or the circumstances, expected or unexpected, I have known very few deaths that came at a good time for those left behind. Indeed, scripture reminds us that death often comes as a thief in the night, shocking and disrupting our lives. When individuals we love die, our lives are forever altered. We can no longer laugh or cry with them or seek their counsel or share our lives in so many ways. But as the Apostle Paul reminds us in Thessalonians, we do not grieve as others do who have no hope. While our mortal bodies are wasting away, Paul says, our spiritual bodies grow stronger day by day. If the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, he reminds us, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. So even in our pain and sadness, we can know that death has moved the ones we love from the land of the dying to the land of the living. The world will no longer see me, our Lord said, but you will see me; and because I live, you also will live. (John 14:19) My prayer is that in the days of your grief and loss, you will find comfort and peace in the knowledge that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. May that sustaining love be with you. Wanda Neely, Interim Pastor (mobile: ) Member Giving Through March 2018 Budgeted Received Budget/Actual Pledged Giving $128, $106, ($22,225.43) Non-Pledged Giving $15, $16, $ Giving to FPC on Church Website The church website, fpcmorganton.org, provides you with an easy way to give to our General Fund, Building Preservation Fund, and Youth Mission Fund via PayPal. Just open the Giving page or click on the quick link at the bottom of the webpage to access the PayPal options. The National Day of Prayer May 3 On Thursday, May 3, 2018, the community will gather on the grounds of the old Burke County courthouse to observe the National Day of Prayer. For more information on this national event, go to nationaldayofprayer.org. Usher Training May 6 Sunday, May 6, 12:15-1:00 PM, in the Sanctuary All current ushers and anyone interested in ushering are encouraged to attend. Pat Houston, New Church Nursery/Preschool Teacher I am originally from Burke County and lived here all my life until 18 years ago, when my youngest daughter called me from Dallas, TX, to tell me she was having her first child and wanted me to move there to babysit for her, which I had done for my daughter here with her four children. I always told my youngest daughter I would also help her with her children, so I kept my word and moved to Dallas for 18 years. I was on the nursery staff of Highland Park United Methodist Church of Dallas during that time. But now my grandchildren here are having babies (Amber Bernard Gantt is one of them), so in February I moved back to Burke County to take care of the great-grandchildren! I came to this church with Amber and John and fell in love with it, and I am now enjoying all the children here as I did at my church in Dallas. I really feel that I'm where God needs me. I love taking care of my family and all the children here at First Presbyterian Church.

3 Wednesday, April 25, 4:00-5:30 PM Youth Liturgical Dance Rehearsal Saturday, April 28, 9:30 AM-8:00 PM Youth Adventure Day at Camp Grier Middle and high school youth Registered youth and adults should meet at church at 9:30 AM to travel to Camp Grier. Remember that you need to bring a packed lunch! Activities will include group games, picnic lunch (bring your own), canoeing, agriculture, global village, pump track, climbing wall, fire tower hike, mountain biking, horseback riding (limited), dinner, music, and worship! We will return to church at 8:00 PM. Sunday, April 29 No PM Youth Group Wednesday, May 2, 4:00-5:30 PM Youth Liturgical Dance Rehearsal Sunday, May 6, 5:00-8:00 PM Dinner and Youth Sunday Planning Meeting Youth, come to the fellowship hall on Sunday, May 6, 5:00 PM, to eat dinner and work on Youth Sunday! We will eat dinner ($3) at 5:00 PM and then work on plans for Youth Sunday (May 13). Invite your friends! We need everyone to attend! Wednesday, May 9, 4:00-5:30 PM Youth Liturgical Dance Rehearsal Saturday, May 12, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM Youth Sunday Practice Join us in the sanctuary on Saturday, May 12, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM, to practice for Youth Sunday (which is Sunday, May 13). At noon, please have your parental units pick you up at church! Note: No meal provided. Sunday, May 13 Youth Sunday! From Grace to Gratitude Youth please plan to arrive at 8:30 AM (yes, in the morning!) for a final run through and for breakfast. Again, that is 8:30 AM!! PARENTS Volunteers Needed! We need some parents to help with breakfast on Youth Sunday. We plan to eat around 10:00 AM in the fellowship hall. If you would be willing to help feed the youth, please contact Pastor Adam ASAP! Thanks! Student Ministries Rev. Adam C. Bowling adam@firstpresmorganton.org Sunday, May 20, 6:30-8:00 PM Bahamas Mission Trip Meeting Please bring your payments, completed health/permission forms (two original forms!), health insurance cards, passports, and questions about the trip! Congregational love and sympathy are extended to: I am the resurrection and the life. -Ted and Holly Restel and family at the death of Ted s uncle, Roy Restel, on April 5, Tom and Casey Kilgore and family at the death of their daughter, Jennifer Jenny Ferguson, on April 17, The family of Naomi Rostan, who passed away on April 20, Naomi was the adoptive mother of Barbara Wall and grandmother of Elizabeth Cobb and Mark Rostan. -The family of the Rev. Susan Rice-Waller, former associate pastor here at First Presbyterian Church of Morganton, who passed away on April 21, 2018.

4 April 29, 2018 Rev. Adam C. Bowling Scripture Lessons Acts 8:26-40; Psalms 22:25-31 I John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8 Greeters Logan and Amy Fry Ted and Holly Restel Nursery Janet Leissner Grace Ridge Bus Driver Lisa Roller Usher Captains Roy Garrett Ron Kendrick Visitors Table Mary Lou McDaniel SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES May 6, 2018 Rev. Dr. Wanda Neely Scripture Lessons Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98 I John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17 Greeters Ben and Libba Belton Woody and Sue Wynn Nursery Catharine Corn Grace Ridge Bus Driver Tom Kilgore Usher Captain Scott Davis Visitors Table Debbie Wellmon May 13, 2018 Rev. Dr. Wanda Neely Scripture Lessons Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; Psalm 1 I John 5:9-13; John 17:6-19 Greeters Ted and Holly Restel Don and Julie Scott Nursery John and Amber Gantt Grace Ridge Bus Driver Ken Corn Usher Captains Scott Coley Hugh Lowe Visitors Table Debbie Wellmon The next newsletter covers May 20-June 9 events. Please submit your church news to the church office by noon on Monday, May 14. See pages 5-8 below.

5 In Recognition of the Twentieth Anniversary of Music Director Robert A. Smith Sunday, April 15, 2018 Presentation by Brent and Helen Sheppard The year was It was a very good year. Personally because Helen and I welcomed our second child Anna on January 18. She is now a freshman at App State. Another reason it was a good year concerns a committee I chaired at the time here at First Presbyterian. The purpose of that committee was to find a new organist and choir director. With me on that committee were Marny Pritchard, Bridgette Davis, Otto Woerner, Debbie Comer, and Cathy Elsesser. During Robert s tenure, we have learned a few new words, like Jesac (Robert s organ doodling to fill time during a service) and orcha-band (a combination of orchestra and band). We have also learned that he can be rather tolerant of the occasional secular figurine randomly showing up in the chancel, and we have learned the importance of wearing funny hats. Needless to say, we have been fortunate, and this twentieth anniversary needs to be commemorated. Standard gifts are easy but not necessarily appropriate. Robert deserves something different and special, but what? After the position was posted, we received many applications from local candidates, national candidates, and one international candidate. We interviewed and auditioned several and ultimately settled on the tall gentleman to my left, Robert Smith. I think we did a pretty good job. During the last twenty years, we have been fortunate to have a marvelous and incredibly talented organist, choir director, handbell director, and children s choir director. A previous pastor also referred to him as the best theologian on staff. After some outstanding investigative work by Detective Wanda Neely, the decision has been made to commission a handbell arrangement in honor of Robert Smith s twenty years at First Presbyterian. With this gift comes an assignment to you, Robert. First of all, you are expected to connect with the arranger to share your ideas regarding this work. Second, we expect to hear this arrangement in worship with our FPC handbell choir. Wanda has created a contract with your favorite handbell arranger/composer, Cathy Mocklebust, to create a piece based on the hymn, We Praise Thee with Our Minds, Dear Lord. It is estimated that this work will take a year and half. When our handbell choir plays this piece in worship, we expect it to be a wonderful celebration. However, that is a very long time to wait. So, in the next month or so, there will be a special get-together that will feature funny hats and ice cream. We would like for Robert s family, those who are able, to attend, so this date will be announced soon. To our church family and friends, please check the church newsletter, The Spire Light, and listen to announcements prior to worship for the date and plans. Thank you, Robert, for twenty wonderful years of service.

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7 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS Thank You! The Youth of First Presbyterian Church would like to thank the congregation for their support of the Lake Gala on Saturday, April 14, and other fundraising efforts for their summer missions trips. We raised $2,417 at the Lake Gala to support the FPC Youth Mission Fund. Thank you for your generous support! Currently, we still need $5, more to cover the expected expenses for the Son Servants Mission Trip to Abaco, Bahamas, to work with Haitian Refugees. Thanks again for supporting our students and their desire to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Sunday May 6 If you have appreciated your (or your family members ) teacher(s) this year, we encourage you to let them know on Sunday, May 6. The Christian Education Committee would like to thank ALL of our teachers (Sunday School, Backyard Bible Club, and other programs). We couldn t do it without you! Please know that we will recognize ALL teachers during the worship service, Sunday May 6. Teachers if you can t make it to worship that Sunday, please let Pastor Adam know. Thanks again! Graduation Recognition on Sunday May 13 Are you graduating this year from high school, college, graduate school, or a special program? Are you the parent or grandparent of a 2018 graduate? We need to know! Please contact Robyn in the church office ( , robyn@firstpresmorganton.org) no later than Monday, April 30, with the following: full name of graduate, school attended, program completed, future plans (school and program planning to attend, employment, etc.), and if the graduate will be in worship on May 13 (Youth Sunday). Elective Adult Sunday School Class 9:30 AM in Room 102 Downstairs April 29: Loose Threads, Knotted Threads, and a Mustard Seed of Faith We will conclude the two-week series led by Maggie McKinney. The class will discuss failures, worries, and faith in light of the Old and New Testaments. May 6: A Brief Review of Paul s Letter to the Philippians led by Lena Kenan May 13, 20: Questions You Have Always Wanted to Ask Rev. Dr. Bob Lowry will lead question and answer sessions on May 13 and May 20. This is an opportunity to discuss puzzling theological concepts. He would appreciate questions in advance, so if you would like to submit one, please Anne Wilson, jdwilson@compascable.net, by May 10. NEW DATES!! God's Backyard Bible Camp: Shipwrecked! July 30-August 3, 2018! Doors open: 8:30 AM Program: 9:00 AM-3:00 PM For ages 3 ½ (toilet trained) to rising 6th graders. We need volunteers! Contact Pastor Adam today to sign up to help!

8 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CALENDAR Sunday, April 29 9:30 AM Christian Education Hour 10:00 AM Chancel Choir 10:55 AM Worship Service 12:15 PM Church Potluck Meal 12:15 PM Children s Choir No PM Youth Monday, April 30 10:00 AM Mind, Body, Spirit Class 6:30 PM C.E. and Bible Camp Planning Meeting Tuesday, May 1 7:00 AM Men s Breakfast 1:30 PM Staff Meeting 6:00 PM Circle 3 Covered Dish at Posie George s Home Wednesday, May 2 3:15 PM Backyard Bible Club 4:00 PM Liturgical Dance 4:40 PM Chancel Ringers 5:15 PM Meal 6:30 PM Kids of the Kingdom Bible Club Program 7:15 PM Chancel Choir Thursday, May 3 9:30 AM Primetimers Sunday, May 6 9:30 AM Christian Education Hour 10:00 AM Chancel Choir 10:55 AM Worship Service and Teacher Appreciation 12:15 PM Usher Training 12:15 PM Children s Choir 3:00 PM PW Celebration Tea 5:00 PM Youth Sunday Planning Monday, May 7 10:00 AM Mind, Body, Spirit Class 10:15 AM Circle 1 Grace Ridge 6:30 PM Fellowship Cmte. Mtg. 7:00 PM Circle 2 Parlor Tuesday, May 8 7:00 AM Men s Breakfast 9:00 AM BUCM Soup Kitchen 1:30 PM Staff Meeting Wednesday, May 9 4:00 PM Liturgical Dance 4:40 PM Chancel Ringers 5:15 PM Meal 6:15 PM Committee Night 7:15 PM Chancel Choir Thursday, May 10 7:00 PM Pints with Presbyterians Friday, May 11 8:30 AM Admin. Committee Mtg. Saturday, May 12 9:00 AM Youth Sunday Practice Sunday, May 13 Happy Mother s Day 8:30 AM Youth Sunday Practice 9:30 AM Christian Education Hour 10:00 AM Youth Breakfast 10:00 AM Chancel Choir 10:55 AM Youth Sunday Worship Service and Grad Recognition 12:15 PM Children s Choir Monday, May 14 10:00 AM Mind, Body, Spirit Class 12:00 PM Spire Light Deadline 6:30 PM Bible Camp Planning Mtg. Tuesday, May 15 7:00 AM Men s Breakfast 1:30 PM Staff Meeting Wednesday, May 16 10:30 AM Spire Light Volunteers 4:40 PM Chancel Ringers 5:15 PM Meal 6:30 PM Special Music Program 7:15 PM Chancel Choir Thursday, May 17 6:00 PM Confirmation and Officers Elect Potluck and Examination SUNDAY, MAY 20 Presbyterian Women Ladies of the church!! Please plan to attend the Presbyterian Women Celebration Tea on Sunday, May 6, at 3:00 PM in the chapel. Maggie McKinney will be honored as our Honorary Life Member, PW officers will be installed, and Least Coin and Birthday offerings will be accepted. A reception will follow the service. Wednesday Night Programs Wednesday, May 2 Bible Club Kids of the Kingdom Program Wednesday, May 9 Committee Night Wednesday, May 16 Special Music Program Wednesday, May 23 Final Celebration Gifts and Talents Show! Volunteers Needed! Please contact John Gantt (johngantt78@gmail.com) if you would be willing to help serve the Wednesday night meal, clean up after the meal, or pray. You can also sign up on the clipboards in the fellowship hall.