Grace and Peace, Elizabeth

Transcription

1 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ALBEMARLE January 2015 Dear Friends, A recent Sunday School class discussion got me thinking When Jesus returned to Nazareth, following his 40 days of wilderness temptation, he went to the synagogue and took the scroll of the prophet Isaiah and read these words: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord s favor. Jesus spent the next three years living out that text and engaged others in ministry with him. The disciples engaged even more people and the same pattern has continued for more than 2000 years. As the body of Christ, we stand in that tradition. Our task as Christ s church in 2015 is to carry on the mission of Jesus Christ. Our elders and deacons will gather in mid-january to think together about how we at First Presbyterian Church may more effectively carry out the mission of Jesus Christ in our community and our world. We know this much to be true it takes all of us to serve faithfully in the name of Jesus Christ. Grace and Peace, Elizabeth

2 WORSHIP NOTES The lectionary gospel for this year is Mark. Throughout the year, most gospel readings will be taken from Mark, though the gospel of John also appears with some regularity. Sunday, January 4 We will begin the new year around the Lord s table as we celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord s Supper. The Ten-Cents-A-Meal offering for hunger will also be received. Gospel Reading: John 1:10-18 Wednesday, January 7 Join your church family for Epiphany Worship on Wednesday, January 7 at the First Family Dinner at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, January 11 Baptism of the Lord Sunday We will reaffirm our own baptism vows and contemplate what it means to be claimed by God in the waters of baptism. Elders and deacons elect will be ordained and installed. Gospel Reading: Mark 1:4-11 Sunday, January 18 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins. We will focus on what that means for us. Gospel Reading: John 1:43-51 Sunday, January 25 Gospel Reading: Mark 1:14-20 Want to Formalize Your Relationship with First Presbyterian Church by Becoming a Member of the Congregation? Every person who enters the door (sanctuary, gym, parking lot) at First Presbyterian Church is invited to participate fully in the life of this community of faith. Brothers and sisters in Christ are welcome to worship and serve at any time. Often, though, folks want to make a deeper commitment to the church by entering into membership. If you re a visitor and want to know more about membership at First Presbyterian Church, plan to meet in the Church Parlor (outside the doors of the sanctuary) briefly following worship on Sunday, January 4. For more information, contact Susan Pandich ( or spandich@aol.com), Membership Committee Chair. We will receive the Ten-Cents-A-Meal offering for hunger on January 4. Ten-Cents-A-Meal This monthly offering is used by the Presbytery of Charlotte to fund hunger programs and agencies (including SCCM) throughout the presbytery. Ten cents per person per meal is just $9.00 per month and helps provide people both nourishment and hope. If you don t have a Ten-Cents-A-Meal container, you can find one in the pit stop. Checks and/or coins are welcome! We received a total of $ for Ten-Cents-A-Meal in November. Our goal is to receive an average of $ per month Flower Calendar The 2015 flower calendar is posted in the pit stop. If you wish to put flowers in the church in honor or memory of someone or just to provide beauty to the service, please sign up on the calendar. Flowers may be ordered from any florist, but are most often ordered from Harwood s. Contact Frankie Palmer ( or fpalmer3@carolina.rr.com) for more information.

3 Epiphany occurs on the 12 th day of Christmas, January 7. It is the day the church has historically recognized the visit of the wise men to the manger. Come share dinner and a worship celebration in the gym! First Family Dinner Wednesday, January 7 6:00 p.m. in the gym You re invited to bring warm gifts to place in the manger children s mittens, hats, and gloves will be donated to Central Elementary School. Save the 2015 Date for Music & Arts Camp! Your children and grandchildren will thank you for putting the following week on your calendar for Music & Arts Camp June 14-18! Children ages 4 years through 6 th grade will enjoy an exciting week filled with games, activities, drama, music & more that reinforce a story in the Bible. Theme for camp coming soon! For children ages 4 years through 6 th grade! For volunteers of all ages! Come share the week with us! 2015 Mwandi Mission Trip Plans are in the works for a trip to Mwandi in Approximate dates are July 31-August 15. If you would like more information, plan to be part of an informational meeting in the parlor following worship on Sunday, January 11.

4 First Presbyterian Church Congregational Retreat Please join us for a congregational retreat designed for the whole family! There are many outdoors activities including hiking, canoeing, and a low ropes course. There are cabin-style and bedroom-style accommodations available. This will be a weekend of worship, recreation, food, and fellowship. where: YMCA Camp Hanes in King, NC when: March cost: $98.00 per person Assistance with cost is available

5 WHO CAN ATTEND? The congregational retreat is for anyone who considers themselves to be part of First Presbyterian Church, Albemarle. Whether you are a member or a visitor, married or single, young or old, you are invited to join in! Schedule Friday evening Getting to know one another Campfire Saturday morning Program for adults and youth. Children s program and childcare for others. Saturday afternoon Low ropes course and other outdoor activities. Napping, reading, board games, etc. Saturday Evening Keynote Fun and Games Sunday morning After breakfast, we will worship before we depart for home. Sharing Your Gifts We can use your help! Can you help by: Leading an activity on Saturday? Welcoming retreaters as they arrive? Assisting with the children s program? Helping design worship on Sunday morning? Shopping for needed supplies? If so, please contact Matt (mdrumheller@fpcalbemarle.org). Sign me up! Name Request Housing in: # of people Cabin-Style (open plan with 18 bed in each room) Would like to share with Hotel-Style (bedroom with 2-4 beds in each) Please return to First Presbyterian Church office by January 28 with a $50.00 deposit.

6 STEWARDSHIP AND SUCH NOVEMBER 2014 FINANCIAL REPORT GENERAL FUND Actual: Year to Date Budget-to-Date Total Income Received: 455, , Total Expenses: 507, , (Shortage)/Surplus: (51,997.00) GENERAL FUND BUDGET 2014 Pledges: 480,741 Weekly Amount Needed to Keep Commitments: $10,465 Total Income: 544,199 Average Weekly Amount Received in November: $8,379 Total Expenses: 544,199 We are behind $21,451 in pledges. ($12,993 of 2014 pledges was prepaid in 2013) November Ten-Cents-A-Meal Offering: $504 ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE GRANTS The Endowment Committee will accept applications for grants from the Gaither Endowment until January 15. Applications are available in the church office. If you have questions, contact the church office ( or Roots To Water Update The recent sale of Roots To Water forced bulbs generated a profit for the Mwandi Well Project of $1, The children are celebrating and wish to extend many thanks to all of those folks who supported the project by donating jars, bulbs, ribbon, rocks, art work, and especially those who bought them as gifts. It is our hope that the roots growing down will continue to remind you of being grounded in God s love and anchored in our faith. Zambia Well Project The fund raising drive for the Zambia Water Project was kicked off at November s First Wednesday dinner with a video prepared by Andy Cotton. As of December 16, we had received $8, almost ¾ of our goal. Donations have included Faith on the Fifth offering, alternative gifts, Youth Club and donations from friends of Mwandi. A very impressive $1, was raised by the Youth Club Trusty Travelers. With your help, we feel confident that we can easily reach our goal. First Presbyterian Church has put together a work crew to help out at Homes of Hope. They will be called upon to help move furniture and supplies. The first month during which they will be on call is January. If you are interested in participating in this work crew, please contact Matt (mdrumheller@fpcalbemarle.org).

7 MEMORIALS Faith on the Fifth Fund: In memory of Betty Lynn Boone Fort, given by Ruth Ann & Bill Rogers. Flower Fund: In memory of Betty Lynn Boone Fort, given by Tom & Holly Norwood. General Fund: In memory of Betty Lynn Boone Fort, given by Joe & Betty Godwin. In memory of Betty Lynn Boone Fort, given by David & Peggy Grigg. In memory of Betty Lynn Boone Fort, given by Mike & Laura McLeod. In memory of Betty Lynn Boone Fort, given by Tommy & Judy Murrell. In memory of Betty Lynn Boone Fort, given by Mike & Alice Taylor. In memory of Betty Lynn Boone Fort, given by David & Miriam Wolfe. Minister s Discretionary Fund: In memory of Betty Lynn Boone Fort, given by Don & Janice Abernathy. In memory of Betty Lynn Boone Fort, given by Bill & Jane Pickler. In memory of Betty Lynn Boone Fort, given by Jim & Mary Louise Sawyer. Property Endowment: In memory of Betty Lynn Boone Fort, given by Tom & Jean Rabe. Scholarship Endowment: In memory of Georgia Canon, given by Carole Yost. In memory of Dr. and Mrs. Whit Canon, given by Dale & Sue Flanagan. In memory of Betty Lynn Boone Fort, given by Dr. & Mrs. Frank Green. Toby Webb Men s Prayer Breakfast Christmas Fund: In honor of the Toby Webb Men s Prayer Breakfast Christmas Fund, given by Tom Webb, III. SYMPATHY To Dr. Davis Fort and Brad Boone upon the death of Betty Lynn Boone Fort on December 3. To Debbie Wainwright and family upon the death of her sister, Sheila Ann Flowe, on December 18. To the family and friends of John Craig upon his death on December 18. To the family and friends of Peggy Howard upon her death on December 19. CONGRATULATIONS To Jerry and Kim Caudle upon the birth of their grandson, Elias Lane Caviness, on November 29. Elias is the son of Lauren (Caudle) and Dusty Caviness. To Steve Coats who has recently retired from the Stanly County School system. CHANGE OF MAILING ADDRESS Debbie & John Hahn P.O. Box 766 Albemarle, NC Welcome New Members Jana Sanderson 221 N. 8 th Street Albemarle, NC jsanderson68@yahoo.com Hello! My name is Jana Sanderson and I am a native of Charlotte, but have called Stanly County home now for 14 years. I quickly learned I was not a city-gal but a country-gal, and have never looked back. Since 2010, I have worked at the Community Inn, first as a volunteer, then as a staff member and as the Meal Coordinator since 2011 (anyone wanna serve a meal??). Since 2011, I have worked as the lead child caregiver here at First Presbyterian, particularly with the littlest angels of the church in the nursery on Sundays. I currently am working on obtaining my Bachelor's degree at Gardner- Webb, double-majoring in criminal justice and human services and am slated for graduation in December In my spare-time, which is very rare, I love to spend time with my niece. I also scrapbook, crochet, getting my crafting fix, and I play a mean game of Scrabble. Linda Slimick 221 N. 8 th Street Albemarle, NC lin_slimick@yahoo.com Hi, my name is Linda Slimick, and I am a native to Charlotte but have called Stanly County home now for 13 years. I just recently moved from Badin to Albemarle in February of I am retired from the retail world and love spending my time volunteering at the Community Inn and serving as a mentor for Homes of Hope. I also enjoy spending time and Skyping with my 2 granddaughters, my pets, gardening, swimming at the YMCA, and reading. Last, I want to say that I love my new church family and home here at First Presbyterian. You all have made me feel very welcomed.

8 Session Notes At its stated Session meeting on December 14, Dession met with deacons and ruling elders elect for their examination. All of the officers elect passed with flying colors, and there was an opportunity for good theological conversation and fellowship. Session approved the 2015 budget proposed by the Stewardship Committee. The 2015 budget is $562,887, showing an increase of slightly more than 3% over the 2014 budget. Session also set the date of January 18 for the annual meeting of the congregation and corporation of First Presbyterian Church. Committee reports were heard and outgoing elders (Kristie Bryson, Steve Cumming, Bill Jolly, Mark Mabry, Sandy Rogers, and Rita Whitley) received hearty thanks for their good work over the past three years. Muffins & More When? Thursday, January 15 at 10:00 a.m. What? An opportunity for good kitchen fellowship and to share in the joys and sorrows of the First Presbyterian Church congregation. Where? In the church kitchen. Contact Gloria Bryson ( ) to find out how you can get involved. Newsletter Deadline: The deadline for the February 2015 Newsletter is noon on Tuesday, January 20. Early submissions are always welcome! If you type your items in Microsoft Word, please them as an attachment to: SCCM NEED FOR JANUARY: PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY THANK YOU To: Mildred Andrew, Gloria Bryson, Ann Duckwall, Donna Gaither, Ruth Goodwin, Sally Grantier, Margaret Ivey, Nancy Joines, Bede Karr, Frankie Palmer, Ruth Ann Rogers, Rich Schaefer, and Martha White for assisting in the office during November. Thanks to Donna Gaither and Carolyn Sharpe and the scores of volunteers who provide meals for bereaved families. Thanks to the Decorating Committee for the many ways they enhanced our worship and fellowship spaces during Advent. Community Advent Meal Thank You Ruth Cotton and Shirley Welch would like to thank the following people for helping with the Community Advent Service lunch on December 3: Gloria Bryson, Ann Duckwall, Peggy Finley, Debbie Hahn, Martha Sue Hall, Margret Ivey, Catherine Moeller, Anne Montgomery, Gayle Russell, Rose Saltzman, Jim Sawyer, Carolyn Sharpe, Harold Sharpe, Ann Snuggs, Jane Snyder, Debbie Wainwright, and Elizabeth Wilson. Cookie Walk Thank You Dear First Presbyterian Church Family, On behalf of SNL, please accept our sincere gratitude for helping to make December s cookie walk a success. Over $900 was raised! Each year, we are humbled by the tremendous support received for this event from our congregation. Whether you baked, shopped, or baked and shopped, we appreciate your participation and generosity and we thank you for supporting our youth and the causes that are important to them. SNL wishes each of you a happy and healthy New Year! Sincerely, Jane Boone and Liz Jolly December s First Family Dinner Thank You Thanks to all of the deeply committed volunteers that show up month after month! I depend heavily on your help and am so thankful for your presence. You make the preparation joyful and peaceful for me. I look forward to First Family every month just because I get to spend time with the people I love. I had many that spent the WHOLE DAY with me! You are blessings to me! Linda Anderson, Mildred Andrew, Keith Bryson, Andy and Ruth Cotton, Ann Duckwall, Peggy Finley, John and Debbie Hahn, Lee Johnson, Dustin Jolly and the Faith Explorers, Mary Kesselman, Bryce Kimrey, Ken Knight and Connie Wallace, Leslie, Stephan, Morgan and Merrin Kinley, Mark Mabry, Anne Montgomery, Linda Richards, Marlene Sanges, Sandy Saunders, Mary Lousie Sawyer, Carolyn and Harold Sharpe, Ann Snuggs, Lee, Billie Jean and Whit Snuggs, and all those who helped break down the tables and chairs and clean up the gym! YOU ARE ALL A BLESSING TO ME!! I just can t thank everyone enough for being so generous with their time and talents!!

9 Prayer List Connection Do you ever see a name on the prayer list and think, Now who is that? Or forget what the relationship is? You are not alone as many folks have asked for help with this. The Prayer List Connection will refresh all our memories. Folks with chronic needs will be listed for a month in the bulletin. Following that month, we will keep them on the newsletter s Prayer List Connection for as long as we are requested to do so. Critical prayer concerns will be added weekly to the prayer list in the bulletin. Friends of the Congregation: Chrissy Adams, friend of Shannon & Kent Newport; Hodgkin s disease. Sheila Kirkland Breisch, sister-in-law of Gloria Bryson; Atrial fibrillation. Amy Brinson, friend of Doris Forte. Margaret Brooks, friend of Debbie Hahn; at an assisted living facility. Millie Campbell, friend of Melissa Lemons; receiving treatment for breast cancer. Steve Dalton, friend of Carolyn McLaurin; lung cancer. Rachel Darling, friend of Dona Lisk; ovarian cancer. Rich Drye, nephew of Barbara Whitley; Hodgkin s Lymphoma. Sara Dyer, mother of Martha White; continuing health concerns. Barbara Earnhardt, friend of Shannon & Kent Newport; battling ALS. Lindsey Efird, daughter of Karen Efird and Mark Efird; battling MPS. Carrie Hawkins, mother of Nancy Joines; Hugh Chatham Nursing Center (Elkin). Sandra Helms, friend of Sarah Michael; Crohn s disease. Herman Hinson, father of Carolyn McLaurin; cancer. Tonia Icenhour, friend of Kim Caudle; lymphoma. Jeannette Isenhour, sister of Frankie Palmer; COPD. Jackie Lynn Kruis, seven year old great-niece of Gloria Bryson. Bryanna Medlin, nine year old diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Louise Medlin, mother of Dona Lisk; diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. Charles Miller, battling cancer. Craig Morgan, health issues; friend of Don & Janice Abernathy. Shannon Newton, diagnosed with cancer; friend of the Johnston family. Sam & Melanie Obermiller, friends of John & Debbie Hahn. Barbara Petillo, friend of Peggy Finley; disabling health problems. Kathy Powell, friend of Roger and Gina Martin; pancreatic cancer. Brian Rogers, son of Jane Rogers. Karen Russell, First Baptist Church Wee Care Teacher; breast cancer. David Sanges, brother of Nathan Sanges; being treated for Acute Myloid Leukemia. Charles Schinck, brother-in-law of Peggy Finley; recurrence of cancer. Garin Stepp, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Claudine Stone, friend of Laura Wheeler. Lachlann Tannery, 2 year old with JMML (a rare form of leukemia); friend of Shannon & Kent Newport. Ashley Teeter, niece of Robin Howell; diagnosed with breast cancer. Dianna Thompson, sister of Debbie Bennett. Ethel White, sister-in-law of Lynn White; diagnosed with mesothelioma. Members of the Congregation: Becky & Joe Carter. Dennis & Anita Gower. Peter Henkenjohann. Blue Honeycutt. June Johnson. Fran Mabry. Johnsie McIntyre, (Trinity Place; Room B1). Laura McLeod. Judy Murrell. Ed Myers. Bill Palmer. Pete Smith. Rita Whitley.

10 JANUARY BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARY JANUARY BIRTHDAYS 02- Pine Sydalack 19- Nancy Feather 03- Mike McLeod Ken Frazier Sandy Rogers 20- Larry Sitton 04- Sandy Saunders 23- Susan Garrison 05- Austin Coats Kim Marshall Miriam Russell Ronnie Michael 06- Shannon Lisk 24- Dennnis Gower 08- Jim Ivey, Jr. 27- Linda Richards 10- Rita Morgan 28- Kim Andrew Jacob Palmer Dona Lisk 11- Drew McManus Gus Holbrook 12- Ruth Ann Rogers 30- Linda Anderson 13- Jane Borders Brittany White 16- Debbie Hahn 31- Garrett Chapman JANUARY ANNIVERSARY 05-John & Debbie Hahn

11 JANUARY SCRIPT Happy New Year! As we begin a new year, there are many SNL activities to get involved with. During these cold winter months come find warmth in the fun programs, good food, and great friends! Sunday, January 4 4:45 p.m. 7:45 p.m. SNL Sunday, January 11 5:00 p.m. Family Dinner Sunday, January 18 4:45 p.m. 7:45 p.m. SNL Sunday, January 25 4:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Game Night with FPC Concord Happy Birthday 10- Jacob Palmer 31- Garrett Chapman SNL Recap On December 7, members of SNL and their families baked and sold cookies for our annual cookie walk fundraiser. About $900 were raised for our youth missions and programming. SNL would like to thank everyone who baked cookies or treats as well as everyone who supported our youth ministry by buying cookies. On December 21, SNL teamed up with the youth ministry from First Presbyterian Church, Concord to travel to Charlotte for an evening of ice skating. The presbytery youth council reserved an ice skating rink for an hour, and youth from all over the Charlotte area spent the evening in fellowship on the ice together. Confirmation Interest Meeting Seventh and eighth graders and their parents are invited to meet with Matt Drumheller on January 18 th following worship to discuss plans for the 2015 Confirmation Class. We will meet briefly in the parlor following worship. SAVE THE DATE Youth Breakfast March 16-20, 2015 First Presbyterian Church Gym

12 Adult Bible Study Tuesday Mornings in January & February First Class: January 6 at 10:00 a.m. in the Old Session Room Topic: Romans Interpretation Bible Study written by Art Ross, former pastor of White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh The letter to the Romans is the pinnacle of Paul s writing and thinking. It contains profound insights into living faithfully, passionate debates about the fate of the Jews, and cherished messages of comfort and love. Paul instructs his readers, both then and now, to be transformed following the example of Jesus Christ. Books (cost: $12.00) will be available at the first class. FIRST FAMILY GATHERING Wednesday, January 7 at 6:00 p.m. in the gym We will celebrate Epiphany. BRINNER Breakfast for Dinner French Toast Dish, Egg Casserole, Bacon, Sausage, Grits, Biscuits, Fruit, PB&J Station, assorted muffins and coffee cake, tea, OJ, coffee Contact the church office or klambert@fpcalbemarle.org by noon on Tuesday, January 6 to say you re coming. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR FIRST FAMILY GATHERING Muffin Crew: Tuesday, January 6 at 10:00 a.m. Eggs, Grits, & Hashbrown Crew: Wednesday, January 7 at 10:30 a.m. Meat Crew: Wednesday, January 7 at 1:00 p.m. Set-up Crew: Wednesday, January 7 at 3:45 p.m. Final Touches Crew: Wednesday, January 7 at 4:15 p.m. Clean-up crew: Wednesday, January 7 at 6:45 p.m. If you haven t ever joined us, please do. We have such a good time together! Please call Jane Snyder at the church ,on her phone or her at jsnyder@fpcalbemarle.org if you would like to help.

13 CHECK OUT THE THEATRE Many thanks to Marlene Sanges for overseeing the refurbishment of the theatre. A new projector and blu ray player are in place, and we are glad to have this wonderful space back in business. The January outing of the Faith Explorers is to OUR theatre! Tree of Warmth Decorate the tree in the pit stop with warm clothing items for children at Central Elementary School. New and gently used scarves, mittens, gloves, socks & toboggans are welcome. We will collect through Wednesday, January 7 and place these gifts at the manger during the Epiphany Worship Service that evening. PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7 AT NOON IN THE PARLOR FEEL FREE TO BRING A BAG LUNCH For more information, contact Miriam Russell ( ). Young Adult Lunches are a chance to gather in the middle of the work week to enjoy each other s company and some local dining. Please join us at noon on the first Wednesday of every month. The schedule for the beginning of the new year is: January 7 at El Ranchito and February 4 at Little Tokyo. OFFICER S RETREAT AND ORDINATION & INSTALLATION The annual officer s retreat will be held at the church January The following Deacons and Elders will be ordained and installed in worship on Sunday, January 11: Deacons Josh Campbell, Wes Eudy, Debbie Hahn, John Howell, Jim Sawyer, & Janet Schaefer Elders Patrick Currie, Heather Deese, Martha Sue Hall, Bob Johnston, Larry Sitton, & Ellen Snyder Church Officers Coming & Going Many thanks to the following people who have faithfully served this congregation as leaders for the past three years: Class of 2014 Diaconate: Mary Kesselman, Greg Lisk, Carolyn McLaurin, Jordan Morgan, Rich Schaefer, and Carroll Sitton Session: Kristie Bryson, Steve Cumming, Bill Jolly, Mark Mabry, Sandy Rogers, and Rita Whitley

14 When? Where? Let s Go to Lunch Wednesday, January 14 at 11:45 a.m. Meet at Sagebrush Steakhouse (623 NC 24/27 Bypass East, Albemarle) In the cold, dark days of January, fellowship with one another is good for the soul. Let s enjoy a Dutch treat lunch everyone s invited to come & bring a friend. Call the church office ( ) by Monday, January 12 to let us know you re coming and/or if you need transportation. Theology Lite Thursday, January 15 On January 15, young adults are invited to Theology Lite at Little Tokyo on Route 52. Matt will host a conversation over your choice of drink about a topic of theology. We will gather at 8:00 pm in the back room. Please feel free to invite friends (members or non-members) to join in the conversation! ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION & CORPORATION Session has established the date for the Annual Meeting of the Congregation and Corporation as Sunday, January 18. The meeting will be held immediately following worship. The purpose of the meeting is to receive annual reports and to transact other business as may properly come before the meeting. We will also have a congregational meeting for the purpose of reviewing and approving the pastors terms of call. Afternoon Tea & Conversation Tuesday, January 20 2:00 p.m. in the parlor All women are invited & encouraged to bring a friend! New Face in Nursery & Toddler Room We are excited that Caroline Snyder has joined the childcare staff team in providing care for our youngest ones. She is a familiar face around the church and has volunteered during Music & Arts Camp and numerous movie nights. Being a senior at Albemarle High School keeps Caroline very busy, however, in her spare time she enjoys volleyball and soccer. She plans on studying elementary education at a university next year and hopes to learn how to teach and work with children in a positive way here at First Presbyterian Church so that she can take the skills she learns on into her teaching future. Daughter of Jane and Michael Snyder, she is a member of Annunciation Catholic Church. Please join us in welcoming Caroline on Sunday, January 4.

15 Grandparent & Grandchild Retreat Sunday, January 25, 2015 Noon-2:00 pm Partnering in Christian Education. Children K-5 th grade Grandparents of any age Lunch in pit stop followed by activities in gym Call or church office to sign up! ( or January & February Book Study #1 New York Times Bestseller I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb This New York Times bestselling novel explores (through the lives of twin brothers, the wrenching topics of mental illness, dysfunctional families, domestic violence, and responsibility for the other. It is a triumphant exploration of suffering and redemption. Because of the length of the book, we will discuss it for two months. January Discussion Date: January 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the church parlor Discussion of chapters 1-24 February Discussion Date: February 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the church parlor Discussion of chapters 25-end Books are available in the church office for $12.00.

16 2015 Committee Reorganization Each year in January, committees reorganize and every member of the congregation has an opportunity to be part of the work of the church by saying YES, I want to help. Plan to attend a luncheon on Saturday, January 10 at Noon to learn more about the Diaconate and Session Committees and engage in the work of one or more. Diaconate Committees which need you! Childcare College & Military Fellowship Membership Senior Care Ushering Session Committees which need you! Christian Education Mission Property Stewardship Scholarship Worship CENTRAL SCHOOL BACKPACK FOOD PROGRAM First Presbyterian Church, in conjunction with other downtown churches, is sponsoring the Central School Backpack Food Program. First Presbyterian Church is responsible for filling backpacks with food on Wednesday, January 21. Items needed are: Large Cans of Soup, Hamburger Helper, Fruit Cups, Breakfast Cookies/Granola Bars. A bin in the pit stop will receive your donations. If you would like to volunteer to help pack the backpacks, contact Debby Johnston ( or debbyjohnston@hotmail.com).

17 Youth Club Moves into New Year with the Spirit of Epiphany Youth Club children (K-5 th graders) head into 2015 with lessons and crafts that focus on the Kings visit to the stable as they try to hold onto the spirit of Epiphany. Faith Explorers will create Epiphany Prayer Boxes, bedazzled with jewels and glitter, while Trusty Travelers create a stately set of Kings to adorn the dinner table at the Epiphany Service at 6:00 p.m., January 7, In recreation, the children will experience a fun, physical fitness test to see how many push-ups, sit-ups and jumping jacks they can do for a timed period. Also, how many times they can jump rope in a given time and set small goals for improvement. This fits in well with our theme for the year Grounded and Growing, with a Healthy Twist. Just like we want to be good stewards of God s beautiful world, we want to take care of the body that God gave us so that we may help our neighbor in need through mission locally and globally. Trusty Travelers: K-3 rd graders continue to learn of Biblical characters who were called and led by God. This month they will learn of Moses. From his birth and life with Pharoah s daughter, through the plagues, crossing the Red Sea and the 10 Commandments, the book of Exodus will take the children on a wonderful journey of the life of Moses. This adventure will reinforce God s everlasting love for his people and the faith to trust that he will guide and lead his people to a better place. They will learn of patience as they hear of the many times Pharoah failed to listen to God s commands. Through it all, God continued to show Moses signs he could show the people so they would believe. Faith Explorers: Faith Explorers (4th & 5th Graders) This year Youth Club is focusing on the theme Grounded & Growing. The youth memorized the inspirational traits found in Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This month we will explore the issue of patience. The Faith Explorers read the book Pictures of Hollis Woods over the holiday break - a heartwarming story which deals with several serious issues. On January 14th, Rev. Elizabeth Ayscue and Mary Troutman, the Program Supervisor at the Stanly County Department of Senior Services, will lead a conversation with the FEs about dementia and Alzheimer's, a prominent theme in the book. For our monthly outing, we will view the Hallmark movie Pictures of Hollis Woods based on Patricia Reilly Giff's award winning novel. YOUTH CUBS December was a time to focus on the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This was an exciting time for the children and an opportunity to lay the foundation that God sent us his son, Jesus. Cubs enjoyed this time of learning about and celebrating the reason for the season, the birth of Jesus, through songs, books, and art. Of course, ringing our Jingle Bells was fun, too! January will include the stories of Daniel, Zaccheaus, and Moses, along with winter art and books. Submitted by: Lynn Poplin Hurray For Breakfast Bunch!!! Who can come? 2 nd graders & 3 rd graders What? Breakfast muffins, fruit, juice, etc. When? Sunday, January 4 at 9:00 a.m. Where? Media Room Why? To pray together & build strong community of faith Please let Gina Martin know if you are able to join us (ginamartin@fpcalbemarle.org) *Parents there will be coffee & muffins for you in the parlor, so please take advantage of this opportunity to relax with other moms & dads while your children are spending quality time together each month. Faith Explorers Pizza & Movie Afternoon Sunday, January 11, 2015 Noon-3:00 p.m. Eat in pit stop & watch the movie in the church theatre featuring the Hallmark movie Pictures of Hollis Woods based on the book the children have read over the Christmas break.

18 Thursday, January 1 New Year s Day Church Office Closed Sunday, January 4 The Sacrament of the Lord s Supper/No Children s Church Ten-Cents-A-Meal 9:00 am Breakfast Bunch (Media Room) 9:45 am *Sunday School 11:00 am *Worship 4:45 pm-7:45 pm SNL Monday, January 5 8:30 pm Senior High Bible Study at Elizabeth s Tuesday, January 6 10:00 am Adult Bible Study 10:00 am First Family Muffin Crew Wednesday, January 7 Bring Warm Tree Gits to Epiphany Worship & Dinner 6:30 am Toby Webb Men s Prayer Breakfast 9:30 am *Pray & Play 10:30 am First Family Eggs, Grits, & Hashbrown Crew 12:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry (Parlor) 12:00 pm Young Adult Lunch at El Ranchito 1:00 pm First Family Meat Crew 3:15 pm-5:15 pm Youth Cubs/Youth Club 3:45 pm First Family Set Up Crew 5:15 pm-5:45 pm Youth Orff/Handbells Ensembles 4:15 pm First Family Final Touches Crew 6:00 pm Epiphany Worship & First Family Dinner (Gym) 6:45 pm First Family Clean-Up Crew 7:00 pm *Chancel Choir Rehearsal 8:30 pm Pick-up Basketball Sunday, January 11 Baptism of the Lord Sunday Ordination & Installation of New Officers 9:45 am *Sunday School 11:00 am *Worship 12:00 pm Mwandi Mission Trip Interest Meeting (parlor) 12:00 pm-3:00 pm Faith Explorers Pizza & Movie 5:00 pm SNL Family Dinner Monday, January 12 8:30 pm Senior High Bible Study at Elizabeth s Tuesday, January 13 10:00 am Adult Bible Study Wednesday, January 14 6:30 am Toby Webb Men s Prayer Breakfast 9:30 am *Pray & Play 11:45 pm Dutch Treat Lunch Outing to Sagebrush Steakhouse (623 NC 24/27 Bypass East) 3:15 pm-5:15 pm Youth Cubs/Youth Club 5:15 pm-5:45 pm Youth Orff/Handbells Ensembles 7:00 pm *Chancel Choir Rehearsal 8:30 pm Pick-up Basketball Thursday, January 15 Deadline for Gaither Endowment Grant Applications 10:00 am Muffins & More 10:00 am Staff Meeting 8:00 pm Theology Lite at Little Tokyo (Hwy. 52) Thursday, January 8 10:00 am Staff Meeting Friday, January 9 7:00 pm-10:00 pm Officer s Retreat Saturday, January 10 8:30 am-3:00 pm Officer s Retreat *childcare provided

19 Sunday, January 18 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Annual Meeting of the Congregation & Corporation 9:45 am *Sunday School 11:00 am *Worship 12:00 pm *Annual Meeting of the Congregation & Corporation 12:00 pm Confirmation Interest Meeting 4:45 pm-7:45 pm SNL Monday, January 19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Church Office Closed Tuesday, January 20 10:00 am Adult Bible Study 12:00 pm February Newsletter Deadline 2:00 pm Afternoon Tea & Conversation (Parlor) Wednesday, January 21 Packing of the Backpacks for Central School 6:30 am Toby Webb Men s Prayer Breakfast 9:30 am *Pray & Play 3:15 pm-5:15 pm Youth Cubs/Youth Club 5:15 pm-5:45 pm Youth Orff/Handbells Ensembles 7:00 pm *Chancel Choir Rehearsal 8:30 pm Pick-up Basketball Sunday, January 25 9:45 am *Sunday School 11:00 am *Worship 12:00 pm-2:00 pm Grandparent/Child Retreat 4:30 pm-7:30 pm SNL Game Night at First Presbyterian Church, Concord Monday, January 26 7:00 pm January Book Study Discussion (parlor) 8:30 pm Senior High Bible Study at Elizabeth s Tuesday, January 27 10:00 am Adult Bible Study Wednesday, January 28 6:30 am Toby Webb Men s Prayer Breakfast 9:30 am *Pray & Play 3:15 pm-5:15 pm Youth Cubs/Youth Club 5:15 pm-5:45 pm Youth Orff/Handbells Ensembles 7:00 pm *Chancel Choir Rehearsal 8:30 pm Pick-up Basketball Thursday, January 29 10:00 am Staff Meeting Thursday, January 22 10:00 am Staff Meeting *childcare provided *childcare provided

20 THOSE WHO SERVE IN JANUARY Ushers: Angie Earnhardt, captain; Anissa Chapman, Chris Chapman, Wes Eudy, John Howell, Robin Howell, Greg Lisk, Witt Snuggs, and Elizabeth Wilson Elder Greeters: Mark Mabry; Sandy Rogers Nursery Room: January 4: Lauren Cranford January 11: Jana Sanderson January 18: Jana Sanderson January 25: Jana Sanderson Toddler Room: January 4: Caroline Snyder January 11: Lauren Cranford January 18: Cici Ly January 25: Salem Taylor THE WEEKLY PRESBYTERIAN BULLETIN is published every Thursday by First Presbyterian Church, (P.O. Box 1578) 126 W. North Street, Albemarle, NC Second-class postage paid at Albemarle, NC POSTMASTER: Send address changes to First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1578, Albemarle, NC Nana & Papa Team: January 4: Debby Johnston; Joyce Lambert January 11: Susan & Banks Garrison January 18: Joan Belsan; Carroll Sitton January 25: Shirley Welch; Teresa Taylor Acolytes: January 4: David Kilde January 11: Robert Ivey January 18: Jacob Palmer January 25: Evan Johnson Preschool Partners: January 4: Penny & Jack Morton January 11: Connie Wallace & Ken Knight January 18: Lynn Poplin; Isabel McLeod January 25: Anissa & Chris Chapman Children s Church for January: January 4: No Children s Church January 11: Dona Lisk; Laura Beth Marks; Evan Johnson January 18: Dona Lisk; Laura Beth Marks; Evan Johnson January 25: Dona Lisk; Laura Beth Marks; Evan Johnson FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NEWSLETTER Albemarle, North Carolina Elizabeth McNair Ayscue, Pastor Matt Drumheller, Associate Pastor Frank Poolos, Director of Vocal and Handbell Music Stan Scheer, Organist Gina Martin, Director of Chrisitan Education Kyle Lambert, Office Manager Pam Knighten, Secretary Church Office: (704) FAX: (704) Website: klambert@fpcalbemarle.org JANUARY 2015