WEDNESDAYS NIGHT PROGRAMS DURING LENT

Transcription

1 THE SPIRE LIGHT February 25-March 17, 2018 First Presbyterian Church 100 Silver Creek Rd. Morganton, NC WEDNESDAYS NIGHT PROGRAMS DURING LENT 5:15 PM: Serving Begins for Meal in the Fellowship Hall* February 28 Adult Meal: chicken-spinach lasagna, salad, garlic bread Kid Meal: chicken sandwich, salad March 7 Adult Meal: glazed ham, baby carrots, potato salad, biscuit Kid Meal: ham and cheese wrap, carrots, biscuit March 14 Adult Meal: meatloaf, roasted potatoes, green beans, roll Kid Meal: corndog, potatoes, green beans, roll March 21 Adult and Kid Meal: soup, baked potato, salad, roll 6:30 PM: Lenten Worship with Communion in the Chapel February 28: A Service of Song & Scripture Adam Bowling, Leader March 7: A Service of Healing & Wholeness Lynn Webber, Leader March 14: A Service of Meditation & Prayer Bobbi White, Leader March 21: A Service of Out of Chaos, Hope Bill Neely, Leader *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. If a child wants the adult meal, they must pay the adult price of $7. If you reserve a meal, please pay for it whether or not you attend, as the church must pay for those meals. All individuals and volunteers are required to pay for their meals. If you did not make a reservation, please wait until 5:40 PM to go through the line. Daylight Savings Time Begins Sunday, March 11! Set your clocks ahead before you go to bed...on Saturday night!

2 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. Elective Adult Sunday School Class 9:30 AM in Room 102 Downstairs February 25: The Ark Is Not a Boat, But Why Was It Lost? This is a continuation of the previous week, led by Louis Vinay. The first ten books of the Bible frequently speak of an object called the Ark of the Covenant and of the tent-like Tabernacle in which it is placed, but these items seem to disappear from the Bible record in the time of the Kings of Judah. The Ark has long been a subject of mystery...and of some bizarre roles in pop culture. We will explore the meaning, nature, and fate of the Ark and the Tabernacle. March 4: The Commandments of Jesus, led by Rick Leissner. We will lay a foundation of some comparisons and contrasts of Old Testament Law versus New Testament Law. Then we will review 38 of the commandments Jesus gave us, in his own words. We will see that the teachings of Jesus are much more than love, love, love, although love is surely the cornerstone. This out of the ordinary approach should lead to some fresh contemplation, perspectives, and lively discussions, as we journey through this year's Lent. March 11: The Commandments of Jesus, led by Rick Leissner. This is a continuation of the previous week. Girl Scout Award Girl Scout Troop announces that Emily Robinson has earned her Gold Award. Emily addressed the issue of childhood obesity by starting a Get Fit Club at New Dimensions Charter School. Emily is the second member from the troop to earn this award. New Children's Choir Our children's choir has formed for the spring under the direction of Mr. Robert Smith. This group eats a simple lunch following worship and practices Sunday afternoons until around 1:15 PM. Visit the church website to register your children (grades 1-5). PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE MANY YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE OF CHURCH TREASURER MARK BUFF WHEREAS, the members of First Presbyterian Church of Morganton, North Carolina, stand firmly committed in gratitude to our outstanding and beloved treasurer, Mark Buff; and WHEREAS, Mark has provided effective leadership and keen oversight of our church finances, has been a model of servant leadership, and has remained grounded to the Christian principle of stewardship and the Presbyterian principle of doing things decently and in order; and WHEREAS, Mark served as our church treasurer for almost twenty years, demonstrating loyalty, honesty, integrity, and Christian love; and WHEREAS, Mark furthered and helped maintain the financial stability of our church, while setting an excellent example for future church treasurers to follow; and WHEREAS, the staff and Session of First Presbyterian Church have come to realize it will take a whole village to replace the work that Mark so competently and deftly handled by himself; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, on this 18th day of February, 2018, that First Presbyterian Church of Morganton, North Carolina, enthusiastically recognizes, honors, and expresses heartfelt thanks to Mark Buff for his exemplary service; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that our thoughts, prayers, and sincere best wishes go with Mark in all his future endeavors. Well done, good and faithful servant.

3 Congregational Meeting The Session has called a Congregational Meeting for Sunday, March 4, 10:55 AM, to hear a report from the 2018 Officer Nominating Committee. Names will be placed in nomination to serve as elders (5) and deacons (4), Class of 2021, and youth elder (1) and youth deacon (1), Class of Names will also be placed in nomination for the Officer Nominating Committee: Class of 2021 (2) and Session Designee for See next page for nominees. Twelve tasks identified in the 2017 Mission Study as important and some ways we have begun to address them: 1. Energize and strengthen Christian Education. Reorganized program with small groups model; cleaned out, painted and rearranged children s rooms; added a Sunday morning Holy Grounds Cafe. 2. Reach out to parents with young children. Welcome the Child initiative with nursery teachers who prepare lessons. Mailings of resource materials to give spiritual support to young families. 3. Offer more Bible study opportunities. Exploring the best time to offer a lectionary-based Bible study. Also a group organizing at the lake to explore Bible study. 4. Involve children and youth more in worship. Children s Choir meeting weekly and singing regularly. More children and youth as liturgists, ushers, liturgical dancers. Youth terms for deacons added with youth term for elder. They help serve communion in worship. 5. Broaden worship experiences with a variety of music. New Glory to God hymnals incorporate many musical styles: traditional, spirituals, folk, gospel, jazz, contemporary, and global. Most of the selections are proving to be quite sing-able. Of course, occasionally I pick one that trips us up. 6. Stream the worship service online. Donations are helping us to get equipment for better video and audio. 7. Have more fellowship activities to get to know each other outside worship and service. Summer Sunday Socials, ice cream social at a farm, Christmas Progressive Party, youth mission fundraiser nights at Di lishi Frozen Yogurt Bar and Chick-fil-A, and Pints with Presbyterians every other Thursday night. 8. Grow and strengthen the Shepherd Program with groups organized geographically. Will make getting together and caring for each other easier. Two deacons now designated to work with the program. 9. Have more mission and outreach involvement here in our own community and shared with other faith groups. Presbyterian churches booth at Morganton Festival, Presbyterian Women with Green Street Women for regional gathering, and Souper Bowl of Caring with youth from six churches. Habitat for Humanity, Sweet and Savory Delights Bakery, BUCM Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, Coalition for Immigrants, and many more shared ministries. Palm Sunday opportunities morning and afternoon to process with friends of St. Charles Catholic Church. April mission dinner with Green Street and Quaker Meadows Presbyterian churches. 10. Celebrate the great staff. Staff with servant hearts have stepped up rather than let up in year of transition. 11. Be open to diversity, all kinds of diversity. Happening not so much in skin color or ethnicity. But increasingly diverse in faith backgrounds or no faith background. More bulletin information and instructions. New pew Bibles for individuals to read God s Word, some for the first time. 12. Help people of all ages go and grow deeper in faith and service. Move from consumer church, We go to church, to missional church, We are the church, with name change for ministry organizations from committees to ministry teams. The functions remain the same, but the focus changes from meeting to serving. It is a privilege to journey with you, Wanda Neely, Interim Pastor New mobile number:

4 Sunday, February 25 Lent 2 9:30 AM Christian Education Hour 10:00 AM Chancel Choir 10:55 AM Worship Service 12:15 PM Children s Choir 5:00 PM Youth Care Packages for College Students Event Monday, February 26 10:00 AM Mind, Body, Spirit Class 6:00 PM PNC Meeting Tuesday, February 27 7:00 AM Men s Breakfast 1:30 PM Staff Meeting Wednesday, February 28 3:15 PM Backyard Bible Club 4:40 PM Chancel Ringers 5:15 PM Meal 6:30 PM A Service of Song and Scripture 7:15 PM Chancel Choir Thursday, March 1 9:30 AM Primetimers Board Meeting Room 200 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CALENDAR Sunday, March 4 Lent 3 9:30 AM Christian Education Hour 10:00 AM Chancel Choir 10:55 AM Worship Service and Congregational Meeting 12:15 PM Children s Choir 5:00 PM Youth Bread Sunday the Carpenter s House Monday, March 5 10:00 AM Mind, Body, Spirit Class 10:15 AM Circle 1 Grace Ridge 6:00 PM Bible Camp Planning Mtg. 7:00 PM Circle 2 Parlor Tuesday, March 6 7:00 AM Men s Breakfast 1:30 PM Staff Meeting 7:00 PM Circle 3 Parlor Wednesday, March 7 3:15 PM Backyard Bible Club 4:40 PM Chancel Ringers 5:15 PM Meal 6:30 PM A Service of Healing and Wholeness 7:15 PM Chancel Choir Thursday, March 8 7:00 PM Pints for Presbyterians Friday, March 9 8:30 AM Administration Cmte. Mtg. God s Backyard Bible Camp Theme for 2018: Shipwrecked! Save the Dates: July 23-27, :00 AM to 3:00 PM For ages 3 ½ (toilet trained) to rising 6th graders More info coming soon! Sunday, March 11 Lent 4 Girl Scout Sunday Daylight Savings Time Begins 9:30 AM Christian Education Hour 10:00 AM Chancel Choir 10:55 AM Worship Service 12:15 PM Children s Choir 6:00 PM Youth Auction Prep Monday, March 12 10:00 AM Mind, Body, Spirit Class 12:00 PM Spire Light Deadline Tuesday, March 13 7:00 AM Men s Breakfast 9:00 AM Soup Kitchen 1:30 PM Staff Meeting Wednesday, March 14 10:30 AM Spire Light Volunteers 3:15 PM Backyard Bible Club 4:40 PM Chancel Ringers 5:15 PM Meal 5:15 PM Eat and Meat Committee Night 6:30 PM A Service of Meditation and Prayer 7:15 PM Chancel Choir Thursday, March 15 6:00 PM Session Meeting Community Art Project for Lent 2018 Each week during Lent, you will have an opportunity to participate in our Community Art Project. For the first two weeks of Lent, participants are being asked to write prayers of Confession, or I'm Sorry prayers on caterpillar paper cutouts. For weeks three and four, participants will be asked to write prayers of Supplication, or Help Me prayers, on chrysalises or cocoons. For the final two weeks of Lent, the congregation will be asked to write prayers of Praise, or Thank You prayers, on paper butterflies. The caterpillars and chrysalises will be displayed in the narthex welcome center, and the butterflies will make a special appearance in worship on Easter Sunday. The theme verses for this project is: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. II Corinthians 3:17-18

5 Sunday, February 25, 5:00-8:00 PM College Care Package Night Come to church Sunday, February 25, 5:00-8:00 PM, to eat dinner, build and create care packages for our college and boarding school students, and play games. Please bring $3 for dinner and a snack, drink, and/or dessert to share. Parents and friends of youth we are still looking for a family to provide the meal for youth group this night. Contact Pastor Adam if you can help! Also, if anyone in the congregation has items and/or gift cards they would like to donate for the care packages, please see Pastor Adam. College Students and Boarding School Students Make sure the church office and Pastor Adam have your current snail mail address on file! Sunday, February 25 Fun in the Son Conference Trip forms and deposits are due! Sunday, March 4, 5:00-8:00 PM Bread Sunday at the Carpenter's House Come to Carly and Peyton s House (1298 Bluestone Court, Morganton), 5:00-8:00 PM on Sunday, March 4, for dinner, Bible study, and fun! By request, the topic of the study will be CSI Holy Week, where we will learn about common misconceptions about the Easter story and things most people don't know about Jesus final week on earth. Bring $3 for dinner, a Bible, and a friend or two. We will also play an exciting new game Pastor Adam found called BULZiBUCKET! Student Ministries Rev. Adam C. Bowling adam@firstpresmorganton.org Sunday, March 11, 6:00-8:00 PM Youth Mission Auction Prep Night Come to the church fellowship hall on Sunday, March 11, 6:00-8:00 PM, to help set up and get ready for the Youth Mission Auction! Bring any items you plan to donate to church, and eat dinner before you arrive. We need all the help we can get to set up. Contact Pastor Adam for more information. Thank You, First Presbyterian Church! Congratulations to our youth, who took home the Souper Bowl of Caring trophy again this year for the fourth year in a row! The Our youth collected $4, and 1,713 lbs. of food for BUCM to feed the hungry and food insecure here in Burke County. All six churches brought in $10, and 6,334 lbs. of food for BUCM, making the real winners the hungry and homeless. Thanks to all who donated! God's Backyard Bible Club! God's Backyard Bible Club has begun for the Spring semester, and we need your help! If you can volunteer for this important Wednesday afternoon children's ministry program, please contact Robyn in the church office ( ). The theme this spring is Kids of the Kingdom, and children will take popular Disney stories and connect those themes to important Biblical stories. They will explore ways they can become Kingdom Workers here in their own community. Congregational love and sympathy are extended to: I am the resurrection and the life. Hugh and Linda Lowe and family at the death of Hugh s mother, Genevieve Lowe, on February 1, David and Rhonda Abernathy and family at the death of Rhonda s uncle, Paul Franklin Garrison, on February 2, Nicholas Powell and family at the death of Nicholas grandmother, Vera Johnson Powell, on February 10, Sherry Wrenn Wilson and family at the death of Sherry s aunt, Valinda Lou Gornto, on February 11, 2018.

6 February 25, 2018 Rev. Adam C. Bowling Scripture Lessons Gen. 17:1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22:23-31 Rom. 4:13-25; Mark 8:31-38 Greeters Robert and Diane Clark Ted and Holly Restel Nursery Catharine Corn Grace Ridge Bus Driver Eric LeGoullon Usher Captains Greg Carpenter, Lisa Roller Visitors Table Lynn Garrett SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES March 4, 2018 Rev. Dr. Wanda Neely Scripture Lessons Exod. 20:1-17; Psalm 19 I Cor. 1:18-25; John 2:13-22 Greeters Karen Achilles, LaNelle Jennings Tom and Casey Kilgore Nursery John and Amber Gantt Grace Ridge Bus Driver Tom Kilgore Usher Captain Scott Davis Visitors Table Jane Rigsbee March 11, 2018 Girl Scouts Sunday Scripture Lessons Num. 21:4-9; Psalm 107:1-3, Eph. 2:1-10; John 3:14-21 Greeters Ted and Holly Restel Don and Julie Scott Nursery Amy and Elizabeth Coley Grace Ridge Bus Driver Ken Corn Usher Captains Scott Coley, Hugh Lowe Visitors Table Jane Rigsbee The next newsletter covers March 18-April 7 events. Please submit your church news to the church office by noon on Monday, March 12. See pages 5-10 below.

7 For Elder: Officer Nominees for the Class of 2021 Laura Aycock I was raised in First Presbyterian Church of Smithfield, NC. I am descended from a multigenerational family of Presbyterians. My husband, Sam, and I joined First Presbyterian Church of Morganton in In the past and currently, it has been my privilege to have taught children and adults in Sunday School, co -chaired Stewardship campaigns, directed Sunday evening youth groups, co-produced a video/slide show record of A Year in the Life of First Presbyterian, been a member of the PNC, led our church s team of volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels, been a member of Presbyterian Women and my circle, served previously on the Session, and worked with our Soup Kitchen team. I want to honor our Lord Jesus Christ by using this nomination for spiritual growth through service to the church. I am a retired public school teacher, mother of two grown sons, and grandmother of three gorgeous grandchildren. Casey Kilgore I was born in Arkansas into a wonderful Christian family, and as a youth, I was active in my church s MYF and Young Life in high school and college. As an adult, I realize the impact those youth leaders had on my formative years. In 1990 Tom and I joined our lives and five children. With lots of love, laughter, and tears, we somehow made it through rearing them and love being grandparents to nine wonderful grandchildren. We moved to Morganton in 2000 from Alexandria, VA, and made FPC our church home. Here my spiritual growth continued by joining a Bible study small group, where Tom and I have formed close, long-lasting Christian relationships. I have volunteered in community activities such as Christmas Cheer, Operation Christmas Child, Meals on Wheels, and BUCM Soup Kitchen and am a member of PEO. I ve volunteered in Vacation Bible Camp, served as youth advisor, decorated the Chrismon tree, helped with Malawi Mission fundraising, served as PW moderator, and headed the PW Search Committee. I have found a warm, loving group of women along with a wonderful learning experience as a member of Circle 3. Tom and I are blessed to work together painting murals, sharing the gifts God has given us. We strive every day to live our faith and hope this is reflected in our art and interaction with customers. It is an honor to continue my service to the Lord and our congregation as an elder. Jean Hawes John and I were married in 1960 and have been active in Presbyterian churches ever since. We have lived in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, as well as Baton Rouge, LA. Over the years, I have been a Sunday School teacher, a Vacation Bible School helper, and a chair of a Presbyterian Women's circle. At our churches in Raleigh and Durham, I helped plan and cook at family retreats at Presbyterian Point, Kerr Lake. More recently when I was an elder at St. Giles Church in Raleigh, my responsibility was to oversee an after-school program for at-risk children. I am very happy to be at First Presbyterian of Morganton and have gotten to know fantastic folks by helping with Vacation Bible Camp and volunteering at the BUCM Soup Kitchen. I look forward to new challenges, including the arrival of a new pastor. Tommy McDaniel I have been a member of the First Presbyterian Church since It has been an enrichment to my life to serve in various committees in the church and to serve as elder in I recently married my college sweetheart, Judy Foster McDaniel, at First Presbyterian Church on September 9, For over 25 years I have worked in Morganton as a freelance furniture designer. I am looking forward to growing in faith in our church as I serve as elder. Olivia Redman, Youth Elder I was born and raised in Morganton, alongside my brother, Gresham, by my parents, Terry and Todd. Right now I am a junior at Freedom High School where I participate in volleyball, Anchor Club, and HO- SA. I am also a Girl Scout working towards my Gold Award. I often participate in youth events and went on the Belize Mission Trip and am going on the Bahamas Mission Trip. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to getting more involved with the church. Lisa Roller I was born, baptized, grew up, and married in the United Methodist Church. When my husband, Jeff, and I moved to Morganton in 1991, we visited a few churches, and First Presbyterian was by far the most welcoming. We ve been members of this congregation for approximately 26 years. Both of our children, Samantha (23) and Bradley (19), have been baptized and confirmed in this church and guided to adulthood by this congregation. I am an ordained elder and have served one previous term on our Session. I look forward to deepening my personal faith and connection with my church family during this next term. I have been so pleased with the way our congregation has handled this transitional time and am excited for the next phase and whom God will send to share the walk with us.

8 For Deacon: Teresa Carpenter I was baptized, confirmed, and married in Windsor Avenue Presbyterian Church of Bristol, TN. Greg and I joined First Presbyterian Church of Morganton shortly after moving here in 1999 from Dallas, TX. We will be celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary this June. I am grateful for the community of faith here at FPC that continues to nurture, love, and guide our two daughters, Peyton, 21, and Carly, 17. I have served as a member of the Christian Education Committee for the past six years, where I have assisted with planning educational opportunities for children and adults, such as Sunday school, the afterschool Bible Club, and co-directing Vacation Bible Camp for the past five years. It has been exciting to see God s hand at work as these programs continue to provide a fun and loving place for children to fellowship and grow their Christian faith. I have served as FPCM Presbyterian Women s co-moderator and moderator and am currently serving a three-year term as Western North Carolina PW historian. I volunteer at J. Iverson Riddle Center to transport wheelchair-bound residents to the campus chapel for Sunday morning service. Being a part of this wonderful church family has been a blessing, and I look forward to serving as deacon and continuing my spiritual growth. Marny Pritchard I like to say that I'm genetically Presbyterian, having been born and raised in the historic Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Camden, SC, and being able to trace my history back several generations to Scotland. My family was at the church every time the doors were open, especially when music was involved. When I moved to Morganton in September of 1990, I was immediately drawn to the music ministry and quality Christian Education of First Presbyterian because it reminded me of my home church. I was very happy to find a church home for my two young children (now grown men), Joseph and Daniel Taber. In my years here, I led the PW as circle chair and PW moderator, taught adult Sunday School, sang in Chancel Choir and directed the Joyful Noise Choir, helped with youth groups, served on various church and Presbytery committees, and led Bible studies and women's retreats. I was ordained as an elder in this church in After a ten-year stint as organist and contemporary worship leader at Waldensian Presbyterian, I returned home with my beloved husband, Joseph Pritchard, eager to join with my congregation in service. Caitie Thompson, Youth Deacon I was born on the majestic banks of the Beaufort River in South Carolina but have lived most of my life in the foothill region of Morganton, NC. My parents, Doug and Allison Thompson, have always encouraged my brother, John, and me to always put faith first in life. FPC of Morganton has always helped me accomplish this. I am currently a junior at Patton High School, where I am on the tennis and swim teams and am also involved in numerous clubs. In my free time, I really enjoy spending time with my friends, traveling with my family, and just living my best life. Throughout the eight years I have attended FPC, I have participated in many activities such as Raleigh Youth Mission, Liturgical dance, Vacation Bible School, and more. I look forward to becoming even more involved and learning more about the leadership of the church in this upcoming year. Edwin Ware I am from Kings Mountain, NC, and was raised in the Boyce Memorial Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP). Following college and military service, I lived in Shelby, Boiling Springs, and Gastonia. Following relocation to Morganton, I joined First Presbyterian Church and also married in the church. I recently retired as the Veterans Career Advisor with the NC Department of Commerce and assisted veterans at the Burke NCWorks Career Center. Interests include planning and participating in veterans events. My daughter and her family live in the Troutman area. I am honored to be nominated as a deacon and look forward to serving. Will Wilson I was born in Hickory, NC, and was raised in Morganton. I grew up in this church and have watched it change over many years. What has not changed is the desire to help those within our community as well as to reach out to all who struggle. I decided after a few years of college to enlist in the North Carolina National Guard, in which I served six years as a Military Police Officer. While in service, my faith was a driving force in hardship as well as a comfort, not only for myself but for others whom I met during those trying times, such as the floods that affected Lumberton, NC, and surrounding areas. I currently work at the Morganton ABC Store and am planning on returning to school to finish my degree. I am engaged to be married in September to my loving and outstanding fiancé, Lauren, who is currently working at the YMCA in Avery County. I am honored to have been considered and am looking forward to giving my time and energy along with my fellow deacons and elders to serve you and our community. OFFICER NOMINATING COMMITTEE NOMINEES CLASS OF 2021: Ron Kendrick, Libby Norvell SESSION DESIGNEE FOR 2019: Ken Corn

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