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First Presbyterian Church Bi-Weekly Newsletter
January 30, 2024 - Issue 29
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IN THIS ISSUE . . .
Pastoral Letter
Joys / Concerns
Worship
Faith Formation
Fellowship Events
Service and Mission Opportunities
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Pastoral Letter
Dear friends,
Years ago, Frederick Buechner wrote a few words about vocation that would become the go-to definition for Presbyterians and other Reformed creatures. The quote that would become so well-known came from his book, Wishful Thinking, a collection of musings. Here are his full reflections on the word vocation:
Vocation
It comes from the Latin vocare, to call, and means the work a man is called to by God.
There are all different kinds of voices calling you to all different kinds of work, and the problem is to find out which is the voice of God rather than of society, say, or the superego, or self-interest.
By and large a good rule for finding out is this. The kind of work God usually calls you to is the kind of work (a) that you need most to do and (b) that the world most needs to have done. If you really get a kick out of your work, you've presumably met requirement (a), but if your work is writing TV deodorant commercials, the chances are you've missed requirement (b). On the other hand, if your work is being a doctor in a leper colony, you have probably met requirement (b), but if most of the time you're bored and depressed by it, the chances are you have not only bypassed (a) but probably aren't helping your patients much either. Neither the hair shirt nor the soft berth will do. The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.
In our Faith and Community class on Sunday, we heard from two church members, Carlo Diy and Elizabeth Jones, about the way their faith informs their vocational life. Both Carlo and Elizabeth are teachers in the Durham Public School system. Carlo teaches at Jordan High School and Elizabeth at Glenn Elementary. Though not every day brings them “deep gladness,” the many small moments of connection with their students, the overall experience of being with children and youth in their formative years, and the privilege of being a part of their growth and development do. We are all aware of the deep hunger in the world for the education and formation of its (our) children. Carlo and Elizabeth recognize God’s hand in giving them the gifts to teach and connect with youth and children and they have responded to that call.
A vocation doesn’t have to be a paid job, though it might be. You can use your gifts to respond to the needs of the world at any age and stage of your life. The key, as Buechner indicates, is to find a way to use those gifts to bring light, love, healing, hope, peace, compassion, kindness, joy, and justice to the world. There are endless ways to do this, but the journey to discover the right way for you requires prayer, honest reflection, conversations with those you love, and maybe some trial and error. Do you know how you are living out your vocational calling these days? If not, are you willing to explore how God might be calling you to live and work in the world today? I hope so.
Let me, John, Esther, Lenore, Kathy, or Susan know if you want to explore this question further. In the meantime, grace, mercy, and peace to you all.
Love,
Mindy
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Sunday, February 4, 2024
11:00 a.m.
Worship & Communion
The Rev. Dr. Nora Tisdale, preaching
| The Rev. Dr. Nora Tubbs Tisdale is an ordained PC(USA) minister (+40 years) and retired seminary professor (Yale Divinity School, Clement Muehl Professor of Homiletics emeritus). She attended Queens College, Charlotte; UNC-Chapel Hill (B.A.); Union Theological Seminary (D. Min.); and Princeton Theological Seminary (Ph.D.). She was born in Florence, SC and grew up in Kingsport, TN and Wilmington, NC. Her husband, Alfred Tisdale, is a retired Episcopal priest. | |
Transfiguration of the Lord Sunday
February 11, 2024
| February 11th is also Youth Sunday and our youth will plan, create, and lead worship. | |
Interest Meeting
for Discerning Visitors
Sunday, February 4 following worship
in Watts-Hill Hall.
This will be a time of discerning. Visitors will hear from the pastors, can ask any burning questions you have (theological or "what the heck is a ruling elder?") and get a feel for what makes FPC the space that it is. There will be refreshments and welcome materials!
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FAITH FORMATION
FOR CHILDREN
THEME:
Flourishing In Faith.
Age-graded classes for children are being offered. Children meet at 9:45 on the second floor of the Christian education building.
CHILDREN'S MUSIC . . .
is held on Sunday mornings during the faith formation hour in the Godly Playroom (second floor, Christian Education building) from 9:45-9:55 a.m. Come learn new songs and sing some old favorites. Don't be late!
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New 5-week Study
from Psalms
SAVE THESE DATES
February 4, 11, 18, 25
and March 3
Led by Susan Dunlap
Sundays, 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
in the basement parlor.
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Faith & Community Class
Sundays, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
in Watts-Hill Hall
This Sunday, February 4, we will seek to answer the question:
How do formerly incarcerated folks re-enter society? FPCers Jane Williams, Omar Guess, Marie Sappenfield and Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham’s Drew Doll will be the panel to update us on our re-entry ministry in Faith & Community.
On February 11, FPC University returns with Jordan Jones and other FPCers sharing about the intersection of their Christian faith and their occupations. Join us in Faith & Community for this latest installment of these poignant presentations.
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Lectionary Class
(meets year-round)
Join us each Sunday at 9:45 in the Robert Daye (East) Parlor for discussion of the lectionary readings.
February 4: Jesus said that proclaiming the message is what he came to do. Paul put it even more strongly: “an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel!” Do we have an obligation to proclaim the gospel?
February 11 (Transfiguration of the Lord Sunday): Have you ever discovered that someone you know is greater – more esteemed, more famous – than you were aware? It happened to Elisha, and it happened to Peter, James, and John. How did they react? How would you?
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Journeys Class
In life and in death,
we belong to God.
Check the Friday reminders email for information on this Sunday's topic. Contact Andy Henry or Eric Wiebe to learn more.
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MnMs (Meaning in the Middle) Fellowship
We meet via Zoom at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday evenings. The Zoom link is sent each week to those on the listserv. To learn more about this group, contact Mary Berry or Emily Diy.
Saturday, February 3, is our monthly get-together. Join us from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Lakewood Social - 1920 Chapel Hill Rd Durham, NC 27707
Website: https://www.lakewood-social.com/ Amy and Gray Wilson are hosting. Feel free to stop by anytime between 4:00-6:00 p.m. to kick off our 2024 in-person MnM fellowship time. New faces are most welcome!
And if you haven't, please sign up to lead a Sunday night this spring! The sign-up sheet is here.
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Concerns:
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Barbara Gerwe is recovering at home from knee surgery.
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Diane Lesman is having hip surgery this week.
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Joe Robinson, former FPC member, is preparing for surgery this week.
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Denisha Williams, daughter of Sybil King
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Emily Wilson, wife of Mike Wilson and daughter-in-law of Jean and Chuck Wilson, as she begins second round of chemotherapy.
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John Keller, son of Margaret and Tom Keller, who is hospitalized in Atlanta for side effects of chemotherapy.
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Ford Holbrook and Andrew, brother and nephew of Kerry Holbrook
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Alfred Tisdale, as he undergoes tests at Duke Medical Center.
Additional concerns here.
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...to Mickey Velkey for organizing another DayTimers lunch at Bennett Pointe Grill on January 23.
...to Deborah Momsen-Hudson for organizing a hike and coffee fellowship event for First Friends on January 27.
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Thank you to my beloved FPC family and friends for the lovely ways you helped me celebrate my 99th birthday. The sight and sound of Sunday morning’s beautiful Happy Birthday serenade brought much joy to my heart. Your cards and notes, your visits, your well-wishes, and prayers all combined to make turning 99 a happy experience. I want to particularly thank Mindy, Esther, Joe and Carlisle, and friends from my Circle, the Daytimers group, and all the many others who reached out before, during, and after my birthday. First Presbyterian Church is always in my heart, and I miss each of you dearly.
Love, Maxie Honeycutt
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Dear FPC community,
Thanks for your contributions to a Venezuelan family that was referred to us by Iglesia Emanuel. Four family members had recently been kidnapped at the Mexican border before being ransomed by their family. At the beginning of December, the family was lacking basic necessities. Through your generosity and that of several other groups in Durham, the family now has beds and bedding for all, including a crib for the baby; kitchenware; clothes; a laptop; games and toys and books for the 7-year-old and baby; and over $400 in gift certificates. The family says that they hope God provides for you with the generosity that you have provided for them. Wendy McCorkle will be coordinating rides to medical appointments and food banks for the family. If you can drive occasionally, please contact Wendy at 919-656-7153 or wendy.mccorkle@gmail.com.
-Karen Sindelar
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2024 Pledge Update
As of January 30, 2024
Pledges: 186
Amount: $1,052.272.52
Percentage of Goal: 98.18
Pledge Goal: $1,071,766.00
Needed: $19,493.48
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FPC Hosting
Blood Drive
Thursday, February 1
1:00-6:00 p.m. at FPC
in Watts-Hill Hall
FPC contact/organizer:
Julie Whiddon
Email: foxylady2642@yahoo.com
Phone number: 919-730-6673
The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. Come and give blood and you will receive a $20 Amazon gift card. Signup online at this site: RedCrossBlood.org and use code
firstpres to schedule your appointment. If you are healthy and it has been over 50 days since your last blood donation, please sign up to donate. Most donations take about an hour. Walk-ins are also welcome.
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Wednesday, February 7
at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary
Join us for a service of lament and prayer for peace. All are welcome.
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CAN YOU HELP?
Do you like to cook or bake? If yes, consider becoming part of a meals ministry at FPC. We are looking for persons who can cook/bake simple food dishes when a meal train is needed. Contact Mindy Douglas or Esther Hethcox to learn more and to sign up to be called to serve.
| The Things That Matter Book Group will be meeting on Tuesday, February 13, at 6 PM in Watts-Hill Hall at the church. Kathy Parkins will be leading the discussion of The People's Hospital by Ricardo Nuila. This is our annual potluck event so please let Dale Gaddis know if you will be attending and the type of food you would like to bring: appetizer, entree, side, salad, or dessert. It would be helpful if you could let her know by Wednesday, February 7, so we can plan accordingly. | |
Volunteers needed at
H.E.L.P.
a service of Project Access of Durham County.
https://projectaccessdurham.org/projects/help/
HELP recycles, restores, and reissues donated durable medical equipment free to any Durham resident. We are actively seeking new volunteers to join our team! Volunteers are responsible for a variety of tasks e.g. cleaning/sanitizing, minor repairs, and customer service! Commitment needed is a 2-hour shift on Tuesdays (10 - 2 pm) or Fridays (1 - 5 pm) at least twice a month.
If you are interested, please complete this form: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeWGfe2i6f6.../viewform. For more information, call Lora Klein, manager, at 919-748-1022 or reply to this email.
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