we all god first march, 2020images.acswebnetworks.com/1/2968/march2020newsletter.pdf ·...
TRANSCRIPT
First
March, 2020
Announcements & Celebrations p. 2 Reminders p. 3 Nurture p. 4 Teach p. 5
Worship p. 5 Fellowship p. 6 Serve p. 7 Directory p. 8
As a diverse family of believers in Jesus Christ, our mission is to glorify God
by celebrating and sharing God’s renewing and transforming love as:
We worship the living God with joy and thanksgiving.
We teach the Word of God to deepen our faith and to grow in
our love for Jesus Christ.
We serve others through sharing the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
We fellowship to enrich and energize our life together as a congregation.
We nurture and embrace all God’s children.
“To err is human, to forgive, divine” Alexander Pope, 1711
Sometimes I am not sure we fully grasp how central forgiveness is to the Christian faith. Yet, at the very heart of what we know about salvation is just that - the singular message of the cross was and is forgiveness. One way to understand God’s forgiveness is to think of Christ’s giving of his life as the building of a bridge between us and God. Sin is a barrier; it is what separates us from God and one another. Sin is the damage that harms relation-ships and pushes us apart. Jesus was crucified, but he still forgave. The damage was done; humanity pushed the di-vine away, yet Jesus refused to let us be separated. Forgiveness, whether offered or received, is an act of restoration. It is what brings us back together. In Christ, God’s initiation of forgiveness was considered an act of grace because it was nothing that we earned - it was freely offered, freely given. It was God’s initiative to build a bridge, to restore relationships, and to offer us a wonderful gift. Forgiving others and humbly asking for forgiveness, then, are central disciplines for all Christian believers, so central that we cannot choose to ignore. Lent, that time when we reflect on our Christian journey, is an appropri-ate time to deepen our understanding and practice of forgiveness. Author and Presbyterian Minister, Marjorie J. Thompson, takes a closer look at all of this in her book Forgiveness, A Lenten Study. In it, she addresses such ques-tions as: Is forgiveness a Christian duty under all circumstances? Or are there situations when Christians do not need to forgive? Is forgiving the best route to healing for the injured? And, how do we get past emotional barriers to real forgiveness? Using biblical examples and real-life situations, Thompson examines both our ability to forgive and our own need for forgiveness. I hope you will join me after our Fellowship Dinner on Wednesday, March 11th at 6:00 in the Verdery Chapel, as we examine this important yet challenging subject. Grace and peace - Richard
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Thank you for your generous donation to Miracle Park. We are making great progress towards reaching our goal so we can make this park a reality in Rock Hill. We could not do this without the support we have received from the community and without donations such as the one your church submitted.
Together we truly are “Creating Our Most Inclusive Community Ever!” Thank you for “Having a Heart for Miracle Park!”
Terry Hagen, Miracle Park
Dear Church Family,
Thank you so much for your sympathy and kindness shown to me and my family with the loss of my dear sister. I am blessed to be a part of such a caring church family.
Donna Martin
Daylight Saving Time
March 8th
March 11th at 5:15
Join us for Baked Spaghetti with homemade sauce, salad, garlic bread and dessert. Make reservations by turning in a blue pew card in the offering plate or you can email or call the
church office.
The cut off to RSVP is Monday, March 9 at 10:00 am.
Wednesday night bible study will follow at 6:00pm in the Verdery Chapel.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Welcome John Matthew Cloninger, born on January 12. Proud parents are David and Marjorie Cloninger and grandparents, Patti and Andy Cloninger.
Welcome Sutton Elizabeth Harper, born February 23rd. Proud parents are Derek and Natalie Harper.
Thank You! To those who participated in helping to get donations for our “Soar to Service” project we show gratitude for your contribution. It was great-ly appreciated by all the Sullivan staff and the students receiving the snacks. We are appreciative of the support!
~Ellison Briggs and Nora Stevenson~
From the Chair of the Property Committee—Thank you to the following
individuals for their help on various repairs and property projects around the
church: Butch Bailey, Bob Ballard, Jane and Jimmy Blackmon, Susan Dem-
chak, Barry Goodner, John Granacher, Tom Hickman, Rod Hicks,
Mike Hunsucker, Jimmy Jurado, and Will Read.
Congregational Life will be hosting the annual Easter Egg hunt at 4:00 pm
on March 29th and are in need of candy to fill the Easter eggs. There is a tub
in the narthex for donations. The special needs class at Northwestern will fill
the eggs again this year. If you have any questions please contact Tara Park at
Library Fun Returns in July! Make plans to attend our library program in July for chil-dren ages 4 through 10. It includes reading, library usage, learning a few words in Hebrew, new songs and quiet games. The program is scheduled for July 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 9 to 11. A big project will be announced soon! Contact Will Read ([email protected]) or 324-2046 for more information.
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1 Martha Bryan Carr 2 Andrew Demchak Mary Hayden 4 Jimmy Hicklin 5 Heather Deese Kathleen Crean Millie Goodner 7 Kate Roberson Caroline Muhn Kathryn Taylor 8 Christy Goodner Shelly Goodner Laura Lengers 9 Melanie Murphy 11 John Abernathy 12 Cannon Spradley 13 Kendrick Stevenson 14 Kathy Blackwelder Jennifer Green 15 Nick J. Delgado Steve Delgado Carolyn Ice Johnson 16 Carol Lambert Barbara Burbulak Charles Cycak Quinn Stevenson 17 Lisa Rumford 18 Joan Musselwhite Dick Carr 21 David Cloninger Manfred Liewald Alex Lathan 22 Olivia Green 23 Emily Kay 24 Megan Keener Butch Bailey Laura Mallard 25 Harriet Goode Faye Ballard Raena Fast 26 John Casey Jaylah Horning 28 Ann Hunsucker Conor Hicks 29 Traci Jackson Reid Smith Anna Johnson 30 Bill Kayser Linda Lathan 31 Catherine Allen Jeremy Campbell
MARCH
BIRTHDAYS
Mar 1 Cynthia Johnson, David Chubb Mar 8 Joanne Lehman, Jane Williams Mar 15 George White, Lindsey Skinner Mar 22 Peggy Casey, Ellie Dawson
Mar 29 Paul Horne, Faye Ballard
ACOLYTES
Mar 1 Anna Roberson Mar 8 Joseph Hunsucker Mar 15 Riley Elston Mar 22 Olivia Greene Mar 29 JoJo Zelinski
NURSERY & CHILDREN’S CHURCH
March 1
Nursery /Preschool
Jennifer Green, Traci Jackson
Children’s Church
Mimi Goodner
Children’s Sermon
Susan Roberson
March 8
Nursery /Preschool
Liz Hindson, Joanne Edwards
Children’s Church
Leslie Jurado
Children’s Sermon
George White
March 15
Nursery/Preschool
Hollis Nichols, Denise Ice
Children’s Church
Lindsey Skinner
Children’s Sermon
Mickey Johnson
March 22
Nursery/Preschool
Sherry Hutchison, Christy Goodner
Children’s Church
Kia Hicklin
Children’s Sermon
George White
March 29
Nursery/Preschool
Tara Park, Deneen Gresham
Children’s Church
Rebecca Bridges
Children’s Sermon
Richard Carr
Deacons on Call for
March
Jane Williams Leslie Jurado
Lindsey Skinner
March Committee Meetings
Tuesday, March 3
6:30 Diaconate
Monday, March 9 5:00 Property Committee Tuesday, March 10
5:00 Christian Ed-VBS Planning
5:30 Worship Committee 6:00 Personnel Committee 6:30 Finance Committee 7:00 Technology Committee
Tuesday, March 17
6:00 Session
Sunday, March 22
9:00 Mission Outreach Comm.
Monday, March 23
5:30 Congregational Life
6:00 Church Growth
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PRAYER LIST
Please keep these members of our congregation in your prayers:
Health Concerns (Members): Beth Easley, Worth Kendall, Mary Tice, Audrey Moore, and Debbie Norwood.
Christian Sympathy Bob Norwood and family in the death of his mother, Mrs. Ruth Norwood on February 4th. Bob Norwood—1988 Landry Lane, RH, 29732
The family of Mrs.Millie Saye who passed away on February 27th. She was sister-in-law to Mrs. Gus Cook—214 Bailey Ave.,Rock Hill, SC 29732 Friends and Family Members to keep in our prayers:
Carol Hines - (Susan Demchak's friend) 1106 Christopher Circle, RHSC
29730
Keira Esposito (Sanfilipppo Syndrome)
746 Quicksilver Trail
Fort Mill, SC 29708-6548
Charlie Brewer-Brother of Suzie Price (colon cancer) 150 Panilla Ct., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Dennis Hopkins-Joe and Lena Hopkins’ son (ALS-Lou Gehrigs Disease) 4120 Marshall Rd, 29730
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Please keep the following mem-bers of the military in your prayers:
Stephen “Anthony” Bradley (Teresa Bradley’s son & Jean Horton's grandson) Navy: Stephen Bradley, 515 Chesterfield Rd Hampton, VA 23661 Matthew Blackwelder Blackwelder, Matthew B. Navy: Matt, Kellie and Jackson Black-welder 120 Kenneth Cr Newport News, VA 23602 Major and Mrs. Ryan Middle-ton (Laura Keely) 9190 Brenahm Court Montgomery, AL 36117
Taylor Ferguson- (Phyllis Fer-guson’s grandson) Army: Capt. Taylor Ferguson 7653 Kesler Dr Fort Benning, Ga 31905
If you or someone you know has a pastoral need, please contact Richard at 803-818-1863 or through email at [email protected]. You can also contact the church office (328-2467; [email protected]) or one of the deacons on call.
Our Prayer Ministry is now accepting prayer requests. This very important ministry is for all of our church members and extended families. You may provide as much or as little information as you wish and know that prayers will be offered at a moment’s notice. This is a confidential group and your request will be treated as such. Please contact Jane Williams (366-3834 or [email protected]).
Prayer and Visitation Ministries have been combined to better meet the needs of our congregation. Members of this combined ministry will work with the pastor to show the love of Christ through their visits and prayers with congregation members in times of need. They will also help identify other needs that may be referred to other ministries within the church. If you would like to refer someone to the Visitation Ministry for visits or prayer requests, contact Jane Williams ([email protected] / 803-242-5431) or Rev. Carr ([email protected] / 803-818-1863)
New Books for Middle School and Upper Els!!
The Church Library is making a special effort to add books for Middle School and Upper Elementary students. Below is a list of 5 of these new book – sometimes called “Chapter Books” - with links to descriptions and other information in the Church Library Catalog. All of them are awarded books.
Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill - This is a story about a kind person who saves children from witches. OK! It’s more complicated than this. Read the summary or better, the book. (10 book awards) Genesis Begins Again by Charlotte author Alicia D. Williams - This deeply sensitive and powerful debut novel tells the story of a thirteen-year-old who must overcome internalized racism and a verbally abusive family to finally learn to love herself. (4 book awards) Grand Canyon by Jason Chin – Your whole family should read this book if you ever plan to go to the Grand Canyon. (2 book awards)
Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan - An impassioned, uplifting, and virtuosic tour de force from a treasured storyteller! Lost and alone in a forbidden forest, Otto meets three mysterious sisters and suddenly finds himself entwined in a puzzling quest involving a prophecy, a promise, and a harmonica. (2 book awards)
The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani – This winner of 12 awards is a gripping, nuanced story of the cost of conflict appropriate for both children and adults.
Visit the Library anytime, anywhere at this link: https://www.1stpresadmin.org/firstpresadmin/Libraries/SearchScreen
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We Worship the Living God with Joy and Thanksgiving
Cherub Choir (age 4 through grade 1) – Rehearsals Wednesday evenings – 6:00 p.m. For more information, contact Will Reed ([email protected])
Covenant Choir (grades 2 through 5) – Rehearsals Wednesday evenings – 6:00 p.m. For more information, contact Don Rogers ([email protected])
Chancel Choir (high schoolers through adults) – Rehearsals Sunday mornings – 9:30 a.m.
Join us for the Lent and Easter Seasons! Voices in ALL PARTS are welcome! All that is required is a love of music and singing. Music reading is not a requirement.
We are trying out a new rehearsal time for the spring to try to involve more singers in the Chancel Choir.
Handbell Choir (age 15 through adults) – Rehearsals Wednesday evenings 6:00 p.m. For more information, Contact Mickey Johnson ([email protected]).
Women’s
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Ladies Night Out will dine at Pier 51 on Thursday, March 19th at 6:00 pm, rescheduled after last month’s cancelation. Notify Linder Tucker at 366-5878 to be included in the reservations. Join us for an evening of fun and fellowship.
Men’ s Fellowship will meet at 6:30 on March 26th. Questions or information, contact Joseph Briggs ([email protected]).
Women’s Crossroads Bible Study will meet on Thursday, March 5th at 6:30 at the home
of Michelle Elston—1318 Muirfield Ct. For more information or to RSVP, contact Mimi
Goodner ([email protected]).
Our Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans service will be on October 25. Several people have expressed interest in purchasing a tartan. We hope to order enough fabric from the woolen shop in Scotland for at least five flags that will fill the new oak holder(s) that Barry Goodner will build. Deadline for paid orders is June 1. If we do not have at least five orders we will offer this again next year. Bev Keely can walk you through the selection process ([email protected]).
Come join the fun and fellowship -- anyone age 16+, regardless of special skills, can volun-teer! Look for the 2020 FAITH BUILD sign-up sheet in the Narthex and/or contact Dave Keely ([email protected]) or Matt Elston ([email protected]).
We will be doing blue board, siding, and some window installation. More details to come!
God’s hands and feet, here to serve others and show His love.
APRIL IS ANNUAL WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH! We will recognize
World Autism Awareness at FPC on March 29th. Please wear light blue that Sun-
day.
The Retirees of First Presbyterian Church will meet at noon on March 12th at the Rock Hill Little Café. The Exec-utive Director of the Billy Graham Library will be our guest speaker.
October 2 - 4 Montreat Family
Weekend
Montreat sign-ups will take place on 3/15, 4/12 and 5/10 after Sunday School and the Worship service. Total costs will include dinner and enter-tainment on Saturday night. Payments must be made in full via credit card, check or cash. Credit card payments will be ac-cepted only on the sign-up dates listed above, with all final payments due by 5/10/2020.
See Michelle Elston or Bev Keely for
additional information.
Women’s “Out to Lunch” Group
The Women’s Out to Lunch Group meets following Sunday worship.
3/1~ Red Bowl 3/8 ~ Roasting Company
3/15 ~ Rock Hill Diner 3/22~ Ruby Tuesday’s 3/29~ Texas Roadhouse
We serve others through sharing the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Yarns of Love – The ladies of Yarns of Love are
happy to present our newest little Presbyterian, Miss
Sutton Elizabeth Harper, a handmade blanket. The
blanket is delivered to her along with the rose on the
Communion table announcing her birth. Sutton is
the daughter of Derek and Natalie Harper and
arrived February 23, 2020. Her blanket has an embroidered tag inscribed, “Made
with love and prayers/1st Presbyterian Church /Yarns of Love Ministry“. We hope
this blanket will bring her warmth and comfort and that she will know that her
church family is excited to watch her grow up and grow in her faith in our church.
Congratulations, Derek and Natalie!
Help for HOPE: – During the month of March, please consider
donating a box or bag (or more) of grits to benefit the clients of
Project Hope. Any brand and any variety (long-cooking, quick
cooking, or instant) is needed and appreciated. Please bring the grits
and put them in the box in the narthex by Sunday, March 22. The
donated grits will be delivered to the pantry of Project Hope to benefit those most in
need. Please accept a heartfelt thank you from the Mission Outreach Committee and
the clients who will receive our donations.
The Forgotten Books of The Bible
On Sunday, March 22, our church will host a workshop on Reclaiming The “Forgotten” Books of The Bible. The interactive study is based on the book written by Dr. Robert (Bobby) Williamson, Jr. and explores the Old Testament books of Ruth and Ecclesiastes and what they have to say to the world and the church today. The workshop will be held from 3 to 5 pm. Reservations are not required
Christian Education Offers Course on Start of the Church
Starting in September the Christian Education Committee will offer a course titled “In the Shadow of the Temple” based on the book of the same title written by Oskar Skarsaune. We will look at Jewish influences on Early Christianity; the broad scope and influence of Hellenism on Palestine, language, philosophy, and civic organization; the influence of Rome; evolving Judaism in Jerusalem and abroad; and Jesus, His Apostles, and early Christian communities. Timewise, we will start with Alexander’s conquests and end with Constantine and Christianity’s conquest of Rome.
The course will be taught by Will Read, and we are looking for those who might like to dig deeper into the subject. Each class will last 90 minutes. If you are interested, contact Will at [email protected] or leave him a written note in the book return basket of the library (room 223) and provide the following information: Name, contact information, and the 2 or 3 days and times you would prefer the class be scheduled. Let Will know if you would like a syllabus of the course and a detailed outline of the first class. Class size is limited to 25 curious participants.
We Worship the Liv-ing God with Joy and
Thanksgiving
HOP
(Hunger Outreach Program)
On the 4th Tuesday of each
month our church participates
in the “Hunger Outreach Pro-
gram”. We are a member of a
consortium of several churches
who meet and prepare approxi-
mately 240 meals, which are
bagged and delivered to the
hungry and needy in our com-
munity. Our next HOP meet-
ing will be March 26th. You
are invited to join us at 3:00
p.m. to assist in this effort. If
you are unable to come and
help, you may assist by writing
a check to First Presbyterian
Church and marking it for
“HOP”.
Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen
Ladies will meet on Thurs-
day, March 24th from 10:00
a.m. - 1:00 p.m. We help cook
for the Soup Kitchen on Craw-
ford Road. Anyone interested
should call Wendy Blanchard
at (704) 616-7021 or Christy
Goodner (to volunteer.
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Return Service Requested
The Officers of First Presbyterian Church
Members of the Session
Class of 2020 Class of 2021 Class of 2022
Bob Barrett Matt Goodner Barry Goodner Peggy Casey Jimmy Jurado Cynthia Johnson Paul Horne Laura Lengers Joanne Lehman Kathy James Susan Roberson Robert Pender Julia Nichols George White, Clerk Sheryl Smith
Members of the Diaconate
Class of 2020 Class of 2021 Class of 2022
Susannah Hayes Gene Black Lindsey Skinner Dave Keely Teresa Bradley, Moderator Ellie Dawson Joan Musselwhite Michelle Elston Faye Ballard Eric Park Traci Jackson Steve Mullinax Jane Williams Leslie Jurado Diane Bailey
First Presbyterian Church 234 East Main Street POST OFFICE BOX 1011 ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA 29730
Staff Contact Information:
Church Office: (803) 328-2467
Rev. Richard W. Carr, III Minister [email protected] (803) 818-1863 [cell] Rev. Dr. Craig C. Butler Marriage and Family Minister [email protected] (803) 366-5445 [cell]
Dr. Donald M. Rogers Director of Music [email protected]
Janet Miller Organist [email protected] Will Read Cherub Choir Director [email protected]
Mickey Johnson Handbell Choir Director [email protected] Joanne Stogner Administrative Assistant [email protected]
Jackie Johnson Financial Secretary [email protected]