Volume 9, Issue 23 August 30, 2017 Editor: Janice D. Gray WORSHIP SERVICES September 3, 2017 13th Sunday after Pentecost Labor Day Weekend 10:00 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary William K. Neely preaching, Love Is the Law Exodus 12:1-14 Romans 13:8-14 **Service broadcast on delay on WNCT 1070 AM starting at 11:00 am and streamed live at www.1070wnct.com and www.fpcgreenville.org. MOC MUM FUNDRAISER FOR YOUTH The Men of the Church are having a mum fundraiser for the youth program. Purchase order forms are available at the church. Contact Ray Spears with questions, rayspears@live.com. Make checks payable to FPC Men of the Church. Mums are $15 each. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1400 South Elm Street Greenville, NC 27858 Phone: (252) 758-1901 Fax: (252) 758-1365 Office Hours: M-Th 8-5 Fri 9-12 www.fpcgreenville.org UPCOMING EVENTS September 3: Last Sunday of 10:00 worship September 10: Fall Worship Schedule begins (8:30 and 11:00 worship services) September 10: Rally Day and Church-wide Picnic: Continental breakfast beginning at 9:45 a.m., then meet and greet your Sunday School teacher beginning at 10:00 a.m. That afternoon, plan to attend the church-wide picnic at Boyd Lee Park for the whole family at 4:00-6:30 p.m. Hamburgers, hot dogs, sides, and beverages will be provided. Bring your outdoor games to share. Sign up in the Welcome Center. September 10: Ministry Meetings (7:00 pm) and Communications Council (8:00 pm) September 17: Children s Programs begin for preschoolers (4 years old) through fifth grade, including Cherub Choir and JAM Choir, Cherub Ringers and JAM Ringers (NEW!), and Spread the Word, 4:30-6:00 p.m. September 17: Middle School and High School Bell Ensemble, 4:30 p.m. (NEW!) September 17: Youth Kickoff/Parent Meeting and Potluck, 5:30 p.m. September 17: Session Meeting, 7:00 pm MAYFEST PLANNING SESSION AGE VENTURERS TRIP Age Venturers will be off to beautiful Duplin Winery on September 12 for our annual kickoff. We will leave the church by 8:30 and arrive at Duplin for our 10:00 tour followed by a deluxe wine tasting, then lunch at 11:30. $25.00 will cover transportation, wine tasting, tour and lunch. Make your reservation and pay by September 3 in the church office. Space limited to 24. A Mayfest 2018 planning session will be held on September 17, 4:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. We would love to have input from as many folks as possible, so please consider joining us! Church Office will be closed Monday, September 4, for Labor Day. The next edition of our printed publication, FOCUS, will be published on Wednesday, September 6, 2017. Please submit all articles to janice@fpcgreenville.org by 9:00 a.m. Monday, September 4, 2017.
OUR MEMBERSHIP CARES Cypress Glen: Ben Lattin, C120, Martha Coffman, C213, Margie Wright, B318 Spring Arbor: Thelma Flye, Rm. 101B Golden Living: Wilma Piner At Home: Betsy Baggett, Kelly Barnhill, Connie Bond, Madge Chamness, Chloe Crumpler, Steven Prosser, Carol Scull, Joe Sullivan, Jimmy Sutton Vidant: FPC Events. Wednesday, 8/30 9:30 am Prayers & Squares (R207) 6:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry 7:45-8:45 pm Chancel Choir (R216) 8:00 pm AA (R202) Thursday, 8/31 7:00 pm Overeaters Anon (R211) 8:00 pm AA (BFH) Friday, 9/1 Saturday, 9/2 11:00 am Overeaters Anon (R211) 6:00 pm ECU vs James Madison Sunday, 9/3 10:00 am Worship Monday, 9/4 Church Office Closed 6:30 pm Boy/Cub Scouts (BFH, Rms) 7:00 pm Overeaters Anon (R211) Tuesday, 9/5 7:00 am MOC Breakfast (Seahorse) 11:00 am Staff Meeting (HHR) 7:00 pm Bell Choir (R213) Wednesday, 9/6 9:30 am Prayers & Squares (R207) 1:00 pm Address Angels (R202) 6:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry 7:00 pm Chancel Choir (R216) 8:00 pm AA (R202) Thursday, 9/7 9:30 am Service League Board (R202) 6:00 pm PCM Kickoff (FH) 7:00 pm Overeaters Anon (R211) 8:00 pm AA (BFH) Friday, 9/8 3:00 pm FCA Meal for Rose (FH) 6:30 pm First Friday Club Saturday, 9/9 11:00 am Overeaters Anon (R211) 12:00 pm ECU at West Virginia In Memoriam Mary Gladys Smith June 13, 1932 - August 25, 2017 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 her family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1400 South Elm St., Greenville, NC 27858. A service will be held at FPC September 1, 3:00 p.m. In Memoriam Jean Marie Hoffman Duff October 19, 1926 - August 29, 2017 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 her family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1400 South Elm St., Greenville, NC 27858. A service will be held at FPC August 31, 3:00 p.m.
NEW BELL & CHIME OPPORTUNITY Calling all school-aged kids Pre K (age 4) - Grade 12!!! We will be starting several new groups of ringers this fall, and we want YOU to ring! In order to offer age and level-appropriate groups, it's important to find out how many ringers could potentially participate. Rehearsals would take place on Sunday afternoons - Cherub and JAM age groups would be part of the regular Sunday afternoon rotation, and Middle & High School ringers would rehearse just before Youth Group each week. Please let us know ASAP if this is something you (or your child) would be interested in doing so we are able to plan for the fall! Responses should go to karrie@fpcgreenville.org, and let me know name & grade level. Karrie Rushing, Director of Music Elizabeth Ables, Director of Children & Youth Bells NORTH CAROLINA SINGS! North Carolina Sings! is a brand new event sponsored by the North Carolina Chapter of American Choral Directors Association. This one-day event for singers in grades 4-12 will take place on Saturday, October 7th in Raleigh, and no advance preparation is required. Registration for the day is $25, and includes the music packet each singer will receive when they arrive. As an active member of ACDA, I am able to sponsor up to 8 singers per choir. Singers in Grades 4-7 will comprise a Treble Choir under the direction of Mary Biddlecombe, Director of the Blair Children's Chorus at Vanderbilt University. Singers in Grades 8-12 will comprise a Mixed Choir under the direction of Dr. Tucker Biddlecombe, Director of Choral Activities at Vanderbilt University. On a personal note, I know both Tucker and Mary from our time together at FSU, and I am incredibly excited for our kids to have the opportunity to work with these wonderful and talented musicians! If you would like to register your child to participate, I just need to know your intent and have your registration fee no later than August 31, 2017. If I have more than 8 kids per age group who would like to attend, I will be able to register the first 8 on a firstcome, first-served basis, and I will request additional slots as they become available. Karrie Rushing karrie@fpcgreenville.org EUROPE TRIP Pojďte s námi - Come with us! In May of 2018, the FPC Music Ministry will be touring Prague, Salzburg, Vienna, and Budapest. We currently have space available for additional travelers, and we'd love for you to join us in Europe! If you can sing -even a little - I'd love for you to sing with the ensemble, but we are happy to take non-singers as well. We will have the opportunity to perform in some of the loveliest churches and cathedrals in Central Europe. For specifics regarding itinerary and costs, contact Karrie Rushing (karrie@fpcgreenville.org). PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN September Circle meetings: Circle 1 will meet September 11, 10:30 a.m. at the church; Circle 3 will meet September 11, 2:00 p.m. at the home of Mary Stoneham, 1311 N. Overlook Dr.; Cypress Glen Circle will meet September 12, 10:00 a.m. at Cypress Glen; Circle 6 will meet September 12, 6:30 p.m. at the home of Marcia Spears for a covered dish dinner. Our new circle, Circle 7, will meet September 24, 5:00 p.m. at the church. CT will meet September 25, 10:00 a.m. at the church. PW lunch will be at McAlister s on Tuesday, September 26 at 1:00 p.m. (Note time change). SUNDAY LEADERS NEEDED Worship Ministry extends a special thank you to all who make our worship services possible by volunteering time and talent in service as greeters; ushers; communion bread bakers, preparers and servers; Time for Young Disciples leaders; Invitation to Discipleship mentors; Liturgists; Assisting Elders; and the Sanctuary Guild. We are working on updating our service lists and extend an invitation to you to participate by serving in one these volunteer roles on a rotating basis. We currently have a special need for ushers for the 11 a.m. service and Assisting Elder at both services. Youth and adults alike are encouraged to serve as ushers and greeters. Please contact Karen Kay (mudworkpottery@suddenlink.net) or Sue DelVecchio (delvecchios@ecu.edu).
Youth News! A huge congratulations to the Greenville North State Southeast Region Champs for placing 4th in the world this weekend! We are so proud of all of their accomplishments and we are especially proud of Matthew. What an amazing performance throughout the series and it was with so much pride that we had the opportunity to cheer on this team. Well, another summer has come to an end...where does the time go?! Even though I hate to see the "lazy" days of summer turn into the beginning of school, there is so much to look forward to. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend and get ready to kick back into Youth programming with... the Men of the Church Mum Fundraiser! For those of you who are at church on Sunday, I will have order forms available for pick up or you can see Janice in the office during the week. Checks should be written to FPC Men of the Church and order forms will be turned in to the church office. We will be involved in 2 ways--1. selling of the mums and 2. helping with the distribution of the mums on Saturday, September 23rd. The cost is $15.00 each and they come in a variety of colors. Upcoming Events: September 3rd--Labor Day weekend September 10th--Rally Day for Sunday School September 10th--Church-wide Picnic at Boyd Lee Park September 15th--serve dinner for the DH Conley football team September 17th--Youth Kick off Parent Meeting and Potluck dinner September 23rd--Men of the Church fundraiser for the Youth: mum sale. Order forms are in! Time to start selling. See me to get some forms or pick them up at the church office. Help will be needed for distribution. September 24th--Mission Trip to Honduras meeting and South Dakota recap As we prepare for another kick off to our Youth Program, I am once again truly excited for what the year has in store for us as we grow in our faith and share in the journey together. Brian Dilday, Youth Director 252-367-1914, fpcyouthgreenville@gmail.com Blessing of the Bookbags August 27, 2017
Sunday Morning Leaders Communion Servers 10:00 a.m. September 3 September 10 September 17 Dick Marks (Captain), Kirk & Debra Mizelle, Jessica Davenport, Catherine Adams, Rob Ables, Bob &Yvonne Deyton 8:30 communion: Ray & Marcia Spears, Karen Kay 8:30 communion: Clay & Anita Britt, Bill Fowler Sunday Fellowship Karon O Sullivan Sue DelVecchio Karen Eckert Flowers Sanctuary Caroline Whaley & family Flower Arranging Cypress Glen Circle Circle 1 Circle 3 Time for Young Disciples Koryn Dilday Bucket Brigade Anne Mauldin Godly Play Elizabeth Swaggerty Diana Denham Lilli Reeves Lay Reader 10:00 a.m. Cathy Taylor Karen Kay Elizabeth Ables Elder Assisting in Worship Dale Kitchin Karen Eckert Karen Eckert Invitation to Discipleship Catherine Adams/Griff Burgwyn 8:30: Bill Lehman 11:00: Will O Rear 8:30: Rob Ables 11:00: Daniel Griffis Greeters 8:30: Spencer Hill 8:30: Anita Britt 10:00 a.m. Welcome Center Doors Jeri Jackson 11:00: Johnny Wynne 11:00: Linda Parham 10:00 a.m. Welcome Center Doors Georganne Perry 11:00: Janice O Rear 11:00: Sandra Ward Communion Preparation Committee July-September 2017 Karen Kay, Catherine Adams Communion Baker Cynthia Harvey Sanctuary Guild - September Betty Bailey USHERS 10:00 a.m. September USHERS 10:00 a.m. - September Bill Fowler Sandra Ward Bill James Bill Lehman Suzanne Morrow Walt Wheeler Alison Lehman Allen Lyle Kevin Gavin William Farrior Anne May Craig Stanley Karen Kay
LITURGIST/ELDER ASSISTING TRAINING Worship Ministry will host liturgist/assisting elder training by Jon Randall on Sunday, October 8, 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. All liturgists and assisting elders should plan to attend, but we welcome anyone who would like to become a liturgist or even if you would just like tips on public speaking. FOOTBALL TEAM MEAL On September 15th, our church will be hosting the DH Conley football team and serving them a meal before their game vs West Craven High School. If you are available to help serve, please contact Brian Dilday at 367-1914. Thanks! MEN OF THE CHURCH The next MOC events are breakfast on Tuesday, September 5, 7:00 a.m. at the Seahorse, and dinner on Tuesday, September 19, 6:00 p.m. at the church. CHURCH DIRECTORY William K. Neely, Pastor Amanda Hines, Interim Associate Pastor Kathleen Williams, Director of Christian Education Karrie Rushing, Director of Music Brian Dilday, Youth Director Brad Collier, Organist Deborah Durham, Financial Administrator Janice Gray, Office Administrator Terrence Clemons, Sexton Dear Brothers and Sisters, There s an old saying that when it rains it pours. The first time I ever saw that was on the side of a Morton salt box. Of course they meant that their salt would still pour even in high humidity but that old adage reminds us that in life sometimes what happens is so overwhelming that we wonder how in the world we will survive. Back in 1989, shortly after moving to the coast of South Carolina, I experienced first hand a major hurricane. Since arriving in Greenville, North Carolina, there have been a total of four hurricanes come through in 14 years, the last of which was Hurricane Matthew. I spoke to the chair of the Mission committee at FPC Kinston and he said that 18 more work groups are scheduled to come to Kinston to help with the recovery effort from Matthew. Recovery from hurricanes takes a long time and dedication of willing workers. As I m writing this, the rain is still falling in Houston, Lake Charles, and other parts of Texas and Louisiana. Their floodwaters are still rising and levees are being breached. It will take more than a decade for the folks affected by this storm to fully recover and like that old adage, we wonder if it is even possible to survive such a torrent. Folks have been asking me what can we do? Since Hurricane Floyd hit the Greenville community in 1999, we have maintained an ongoing fund for disaster relief. If you would like, you may give a gift to help with the recovery from Hurricane Harvey. Some have asked about cleanup buckets and I would suggest that we each in turn give a gift of $25 to be sent to the recovery center in Little Rock to provide cleanup buckets for this disaster. Money is much easier to transport than buckets and the bucket kits can be assembled at a much lower cost at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center than we can assemble them here and transport them. Please pray for the people of Texas and Louisiana as they begin the long hard work of recovery. Bill Neely