FPC FOCUS. Lenten Devotions WORSHIP SERVICES. Easter Lilies. Easter Egg Hunt. March 8, 2015

Transcription

1 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, GREENVILLE, NC FPC FOCUS I SSUE #630 E DITOR: JANICE GRAY WORSHIP SERVICES March 8, :30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. - Sanctuary Bill Neely preaching, The Law of the Lord Psalm 19 Psalm 23:3 (Service broadcast live on WNCT 1070 AM and FM radio starting at 11:00 a.m. (also in New Bern and Jacksonville ) and streamed live at and Easter Egg Hunt The youth are once again organizing an Easter Egg Hunt for the children of FPC and friends. The egg hunt will be after worship on Palm Sunday, March 29. Don t forget to set your clocks ahead on Saturday night! Lenten Devotions Lent is a great time to reflect on our own sin and brokenness. This season we are focusing on the Psalms. Pick up a personal Devotional booklet found on the welcome center table. The booklet was written by Lynne Baab, a PC(USA) minister and author. She and her husband Dave live in New Zealand, where she is a lecturer in pastoral theology. Enjoy this time with God. Please join us for the Wednesday Lenten Gatherings, beginning with Meditation and Music at 12:00 noon and lunch following ($5 donation). We need volunteers to provide the lunches - sign up in the Welcome Center. Here is the remaining schedule. March 11: Willie Santiago, Flute; Carol Pierson, Devotion March 18: Kate Oliphant, Guitar; Steve Prevatte, Devotion March 25: Jordan Prescott, Organ; Bill Neely, Devotion Easter Lilies If you would like to donate a lily in honor or in memory of family members or friends, please pick up a form at the church. Lilies will be placed in the church April 4, and may be picked up after the 11:00 service on Easter (April 5). Bring your form and payment to the church office by March 25. There will also be an opportunity for alternative Easter giving. Check the Welcome Center for alternative giving options. Our next issue of FOCUS will be printed Wednesday, March 18, Please submit all articles to janice@fpcgreenville.org by 9:00 a.m. Monday, March 16, 2015.

2 P AGE 2 UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR Sunday, March 8 8:30 am Worship (Sanctuary) 9:45 am Sunday School/Confirmation Class 11:00 am Worship (Sanctuary) 4:00 pm Congregational Gathering 4:45 pm Children s Choirs/Spread the Word 5:00 pm Youth Group Monday, March 9 10:45 am Circle 1 11:00 am Staff Meeting 2:00 pm Circle 3 (Louise Congleton) 6:30 pm Cub/Boy Scouts (BFH/Rooms) 7:00 pm Overeaters Anon (R211) Tuesday, March 10 10:00 am Cypress Glen Circle 7:00 pm Bell Choir (R213) Circle 6 (Parlor) Wednesday, March 11 9:00 am Prayers & Squares (R207) Lenten Devotion/Lunch Cypress Glen Lunch 6:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry (Parlor) 7:00 pm Chancel Choir (R216) Thursday, March 12 10:00 am Bible Study (Parlor) 7:00 pm Overeaters Anon (R211) 8:00 pm AA (BFH) Alanon (HHR) Friday, March 13 6:30 pm First Friday Club (FH) Saturday, March 14 10:00 am Congregational Gathering 11:00 am Overeaters Anon (R211) Sunday, March 15 8:30 am Worship (Sanctuary) 9:45 am Sunday School/Confirmation Class 11:00 am Worship (Sanctuary) 4:45 pm Children s Choirs/Spread the Word 5:00 pm Youth Group 7:00 pm Session Monday, March 16 11:00 am Staff Meeting 6:30 pm Cub/Boy Scouts (BFH/Rooms) 7:00 pm Overeaters Anon (R211) Greenville Womens League (FH) Tuesday, March 17 6:00 pm MOC Dinner (FH) 7:00 pm Bell Choir (R213) Ulster Board (R205) Wednesday, March 18 9:00 am Prayers & Squares (R207) Lenten Devotion/Lunch 1:00 pm Address Angels (R202) 6:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry (Parlor) 7:00 pm Chancel Choir (R216) Thursday, March 19 10:00 am Bible Study (Parlor) 6:00 pm PCM (FH) 7:00 pm Overeaters Anon (R211) 8:00 pm AA (BFH) Alanon (HHR) Friday, March 20 Youth Lock-in Saturday, March 21 11:00 am Overeaters Anon (R211)

3 PAGE 3 OUR MEMBERSHIP CARES Cypress Glen: Sarah Allen, C106, Frank Chipman (Memory Care), Beth Clark, A105, Ben Lattin (Skilled Care), Martha Coffman, D214 Ayden Court: Mickie Ezelle, Rm. 103 Carolina House: Genet Lilley, Rm. 308 Golden Living: John Howell Spring Arbor: Thelma Flye, Rm. 112 Sterling House: Clara Carr, Rm. 501 Vidant Health: Becky Stasavich At Home: Roz Ahrens, Parmalee Hawk, Lula Patrick, Mary Smith In Memoriam George Serpell Coffman May 10, February 27, 2015 Jesus said I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. John 11:25-26a The church extends heartfelt sympathy and prayers to his wife, Martha, and his family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to ECU Foundation/George S. Coffman Scholarship, Office of Gift Records, Mail Stop 301, 2200 South Charles Blvd., Greenville, NC FPC extends Christian sympathy to Don Fitts and family in the death of his brother, Jerry B. Fitts, who died February 25, 2015, in Orlando, FL. Former member James Lewis has been moved to hospice care: Levine & Dickson Hospice (Southminster), 8919 Park Road, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC Request for Nominations for Honorary Life Membership An Honorary Life Membership in Presbyterian Women (USA) is conferred upon an individual in recognition of faithful service in some area of the church's work. Moderators, teachers, officers, pastors and missionaries have been among recipients of this honor who do not have to be a member of a circle to be nominated. Nomination letters should include information about the nominee and their contribution to the work of the church. Nominations will be accepted through April 30, and can be ed to Mary Endres (mendres@suddenlink.net) or placed in the moderator s mailbox in the office. Presbyterian Women Circle meetings: Circle 1 will meet Monday, March 9, 10:45 a.m. at the church; Circle 3 will meet Monday, March 9, 2:00 p.m. at the home of Louise Congleton, 1906 E. 6th St.; Cypress Glen Circle will meet Tuesday, March 10, 10:00 a.m. at Cypress Glen; and Circle 6 will meet Tuesday, March 10, 7:00 p.m. in the parlor. CT will meet Monday, March 23, 10:00 a.m. at the church. All PW are invited to lunch at McAlister s on Tuesday, March 24, 12:30 p.m.

4 P AGE 4 Thanks From the Youth A huge thank you to the congregation for your support of the youth this past Sunday with the Spaghetti Luncheon! We raised more than $2,600 on Sunday and add in the total from Saturday's luncheon for the New Hope Presbytery, we raised a total of more than $5,000!! Amazing! We really appreciate everyone s support. Because of you, our mission fundraiser was a success! I would like to give a special thank you to Tom Harvey and his kitchen crew for their preparation of the food. Youth Confirmation Carol Pierson is teaching Confirmation Class this Sunday. Mid and Senior High Sunday School Classes will also take place. Confirmation Sunday will be a part of Youth Sunday (March 22). First Friday Club We will meet again on Friday, March 13th due to the Senior High Retreat. We will meet at the church at 6:15 for dinner, fellowship and fun. The cost is $5.00 to cover dinner. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Brian Dilday at New Members Jackie and Johnny Wynne, 3911 Fernwood Lane John Wynne, 1501 N. Overlook Dr. Katy and Mike Webb & son, Anson 1564 Rosemond Dr. Walt Wheeler 2438 Kay Rd. Dominican Republic Mission Trip (July 4-12)--Our trip is set with 19 people going to serve others in an area of the world that desperately needs our help. Thank you to those who are willing to give of their time to represent our church. I am looking forward to a wonderful week to make a difference. 1 Ernest Wright Pat Tutino 2 Jayne Fisher Austin Phillips Carrie Hutchison 3 Barbara Thomson 4 Sonya Longest Hunter Nelson Marshall Ogle 5 Banks Allen 6 Shelley Basnight 6 Fred Wood Sandra Ward 7 Russ Bartlett Liam May 8 GiGi Rudolph 9 Edwin Bartlett Melissa Jolley 10 Ed Monroe 12 Ann Johnson Steve Nagy Scott Vaughan 13 Margaret Kugler Bob Peck Phoebe Caldwell Bill Baggett Clay Koonce Max Nelson 14 Deborah Durham 15 Emilie Kane 15 Joy Phillips 16 Yvonne Deyton 17 Jane Keller Karen Pearce 18 Mike Horton Rob Carroll 19 Emmett Koonce Harding Sugg Nancy Anderson 21 Frank Chipman Brenda Killingsworth Rostam Amiri 22 Cameron Goldie Ryan Lankford Joseph Speight Emily Harvey 23 Johnnie May 24 Julia Nelson 25 Irma Chriscoe Bristol Bleau 26 Odell Welborn Joanna Jones 27 Martin Hamilton Emi McCall Mac Clayton Nathan Potter 28 Sarah Adams Larry Phillips Charlotte Nelms Pat Sugg Mary Harding Sugg Emmajean Hearring 29 Linda Shaul Shalaila Rogness 30 Charles Patterson Maura Nelson 31 Dorothy Muller Jerry Cox

5 P AGE 5 **Due to wintry weather, below is a revised schedule of the Congregational Gatherings.** CONGREGATIONAL GATHERINGS will be held during Lent to assist us in a discerning how the Spirit is leading our congregation. Each session will build on the conversations & discoveries of the previous one. Please come to each one that you are able. Childcare will be provided. Sunday, March 8, 4 pm 6 pm Refreshments provided by Worship Ministry Saturday, March 14, 10 am Noon Light Breakfast provided by Mission Ministry Sunday, March 22, 6 pm 8 pm Potluck Dinner sponsored by Membership Ministry Please bring a favorite dish to share. Sunday, March 29, Noon 2 pm Lunch following worship, menu to be determined, served by Boy Scout Troop 452, Donations will be received for Eagle Scout Project. Questions? Contact Carol Pierson at carol@fpcgreenville.org Men of the Church The Men of the Church dinner will be Tuesday, March 17, 6:00 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall. Chris Riddle will be cooking. Cost is $9. Sign up in the Welcome Center. Presbyterian Women Survey Presbyterian Women would like all women to fill out a survey regarding a PW Retreat. The surveys are on the round table in the Welcome Center. Please return them to the labeled box. Thank You Volunteers Thank you, thank you, thank you to the dozens of volunteers who assisted in many ways with the presbytery meeting. First Presbyterian Church has received many compliments about our hospitality the friendliness and helpfulness of church members, the presence of our youth, the delicious food, and the beauty of the facility. Your joyful commitment to the church helped to make all of that possible. Blessings! Carol Pierson PLEASE HELP! If you purchased a cake on a sheet pan at the youth fundraiser, please return the pan to the church kitchen. MAYFEST FOR MISSIONS Our annual Mayfest for Missions yard sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 2. Our storage containers are now set up in the parking lot on the 14th Street side. If you have large items to bring, we will accept them Monday through Thursday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Please make plans to bring your items during those times. In order to save space and effort, PLEASE fill the containers from the back to the front, using floor to ceiling space. Start gathering your smaller items at home and bring them as we get closer to the event. Signs: Pick up a Mayfest sign from the kitchen to display in your yard to advertise the event Dishes: Check the kitchen to see if you have any plates, dishes, tins, etc. to pick up. Anything not claimed by March 8 will be put in the Mayfest yard sale. Grant Applications: Grant applications are due by April 1

6 PAGE 6 Youth News: Wow everyone! What a weekend--a very successful one at that! I am so proud of the hard work and enthusiasm of the youth. Throughout the weekend I received many compliments and we raised more than $5,000 from the 2 days! That is amazing! Thank you to all the youth, parents, advisors, and PCM students who helped this weekend. Without you, we would not have had a successful fundraiser. PLEASE HELP!!!! We are in need of meal coverage for this Sunday, March 8th for youth. I will be out of town for the Senior High Retreat so I am unable to provide the meal. Please let me know if you would be willing to contribute the meal for youth group this weekend. Thank you in advance! Meal Coverage--March 8th and April 26th. I do not have anyone to prepare a meal for these evenings. Please let me know if you would be willing to provide the Youth meal for one of these dates. Upcoming Events: March 6th-8th: Senior High Retreat--We have 7 youth attending and I am looking forward to a great weekend of worship, small group and fun. We will meet at the church at 5:45 on Friday so that we can leave at 6:00. Please bring money to stop for dinner on the way there and for lunch on the way back into town. We should return to Greenville around 1:30 pm. March 8th: Regular Youth--special guest Dale Kitchin--5:00 start: we will be assigning Youth Sunday roles during this time. Dinner will be at 5:30 followed by our guest speaker. Then we will continue working on Youth Sunday. March 14th: Food Bank from 9-11:15 followed by the Confirmation Class Retreat. This is an overnight retreat so please pack accordingly. The confirmation class will meet at the church at 11:30. Please bring money for lunch on the way to the refuge and for breakfast Sunday morning. We will return to the church by 9:30am. March 15th: Regular Youth/Music Rehearsal--Confirmands faith statements are due and the class will go in front of the session that night following Youth Group (7:00pm). Youth Sunday and Confirmation Sunday is set for March 22nd. We will have a lock in Friday night the 20th to prepare. Rehearsal will begin at 8 and games will begin when we are all ready! March 29th: Palm Sunday--Youth Easter Egg Hunt: we will begin collecting candy donations to stuff the eggs. We will have the hunt immediately following the 11:00 service. Thank you, thank you, thank you! What a weekend and what a month March is. It takes the support and love of many to have events take place that are so successful. I am very blessed with the group of people who are energetic, motivated, and willing to grow in their faith. I look forward to continuing to share this journey with you all. Brian Dilday, Youth Director ( )

7 P AGE 7 Communion Servers 8:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Leaders March 8 March 15 March 22 Alison Lehman, Bill Lehman Gerald McGowan, Betty Bailey David Scull, Pam Finch Communion Servers 11:00 a.m. Sunday Fellowship Pat & Harding Sugg Peggy Barnes Tammy Worden Flowers Sanctuary Ashley Rudolph Doris Robinson Flower Arranging Circle 1 Circle 3 Circle 6 Time for Young Disciples Georganne Perry Lynne Marks Youth Sunday Godly Play Debra Mizelle Holli Williams Michelle Money Lay Reader 11:00 a.m. Elder Assisting in Worship Invitation to Discipleship 8:30 a.m. Koryn Dilday Youth Sunday John Ogle John Ogle Suzanne Morrow Anita Britt Dave Kemble Dan Mayo 11:00 a.m. Chris Kessler Jennifer Pabst Annelle West Greeters 8:30 a.m. Sanctuary Anita Britt Clay Britt Joe Asselmeier 11:00 a.m. Welcome Center Doors 11:00 a.m. Welcome Center Doors Anne May Jeri Jackson Karen Eckert Billie Luck Kitchin Karen Kay Madge Chamness Communion Preparation Committee February - March 2015 Communion Baker Sanctuary Guild March Elaine Nagy, Cathy Taylor Marie Prosser Barbara Lanford USHERS 8:30 a.m. March USHERS 11:00 a.m. March USHERS 11:00 a.m. (cont.) Ward Bradshaw (Captain) Karen Eckert (Captain) Zach Bradshaw Don Barnes (Co-Captain) Greg Steele Kim Bell Georganne Perry Tim Longest Jerry Cox Ron Sessoms Charles Manning Woody Crumpler Drew Steele

8 First Presbyterian Church 1400 South Elm Street Greenville, NC Phone: Fax: NON-PROF. ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 264 GREENVILLE, NC CHURCH DIRECTORY William K. Neely, Pastor Steve Prevatte, Campus Minister Kathleen Williams, Director of Christian Education Carol Pierson, Temporary Supply Associate Pastor Karrie Rushing, Director of Music Brian Dilday, Youth Director Brad Collier, Organist Deborah Durham, Financial Administrator Janice Gray, Office Administrator Terrence Clemons, Sexton LABEL Visit us online: PASTOR S WORD Dear Brothers and Sisters, During my son Kres formative years, he, along with the rest of his family, enjoyed watching Star Trek. Kres was taken by the various technologies, including the personal communicator, the portable writing devices, automatic opening doors, and medical scanners. As we watched the various generations of Star Trek unfold, we also witnessed the coming reality of many of these devices the flip phone i.e. personal communicator, the ipad, (the portable computerized writing device), and the advent of automatic doors that slide open as you approach. All of these have become realities since the first Star Trek episode when they were fantasy. Just last week, I read an article about a body scanner similar to the one used to evaluate the medical condition of the folks on Star Trek. Science fiction has always preceded reality, but what was yesterday s fiction are things we take for granted today. With the recent death of Leonard Nimoy Spock, I have been intrigued to find out the history behind the Vulcan salute. At the close of Presbytery s worship on Saturday, I gave the benediction with this prayer, that our Presbyterian churches, our Presbyteries and our General Assembly will live long and prosper, and as I concluded, I used Spock s Vulcan salute, or should I say the Orthodox Jewish hand gesture for Shin. The priest would use this symbol as a blessing, meaning El Shaddai, or almighty God. It is also sometimes used for Shekinah, or the glory of God, and for Shalom, which means peace. In the original script for one of the Star Trek episodes where they return to Vulcan, they are to salute each other and wish each other peace and well being. Spock changes the script using the Hebrew sign for Shin and the blessing live long and prosper. It became an immediate hit with Trekkers. The blessing is similar to the Arabic greeting, Salaam alaykum, and the Hebrew greeting, Shalom aleikhem. Wouldn t it be nice if we could greet everyone with a blessing of peace and prosperity and good life? After all, that s who we re called to be in the world, a people of blessing. Bill Neely