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First Presbyterian Church Bi-Weekly Newsletter
February 13, 2024 - Issue 4
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IN THIS ISSUE . . .
Pastoral Letter
Joys / Concerns
Worship
Faith Formation
Fellowship Events
Service and Mission Opportunities
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Letter from Associate Pastor
Every worship service is like an iceberg. Maybe you’ve seen a diagram or cartoon where just the tip of one is visible above the waterline, but there’s a much, much greater mass floating just beneath the surface. On Sunday mornings, most of the congregation does not see everything that goes into preparing our hour (okay, 1:10+/-) together – the selection of liturgy and hymns, the sermon study and writing, the choir and instrumentalist rehearsing, the preparations of the Worship and the Arts Committee (especially if it’s a communion Sunday). There is a lot that goes into those 60-70 minutes together, from exploring the themes in God’s Word to us to imagining how the children will respond to whatever question one asks them in their time up front. Much of it is beyond our horizon.
But the same is true, the other way around. The worship leaders – indeed the rest of the congregation – can see only a small fraction of what’s going on in the interior lives of each worshipper. There are so many joys and anxieties, fears and social awkwardness-es, even prayers that are too deep for words that each of us brings into the sanctuary at or around 11 am. Of course, we are all carrying around such things throughout the week, but on Sunday, when we are in the presence of God and each other talking, singing and praying about big things, they are that much closer to the surface. They’re right there, hovering just out of sight.
Hopefully, every worship service helps reveal more of the icebergs that we carry around with us. And on days like this past Sunday, Youth Sunday, it may be particularly true. Because we have non-professionals and non-regulars crafting and leading our service, it is often less polished, but more “real,” as the youth said in planning it. (All worship is real, but you know what I mean.) The rhythm is similar to a regular Sunday, but off just enough to catch our attention anew. Take our prayer of confession, written by two 7th grade boys and a collegiate youth advisor…
We are created in your image, O God, yet no one is perfect.
We all have flaws.
We ask that you forgive us for being materialistic instead of being grateful,
for taking things for granted, for not loving our neighbor,
for telling lies and speaking mean things that hurt other people,
for thinking that we are better than others,
for comparing ourselves to others and being jealous,
for not trusting you, because we so often have trouble feeling your presence.
We confess our sins unto you.
Each day, help us to be the best versions of ourselves, for we are created in your image.
We confess this in your name.
One of my hopes for Youth Sunday every year is that it reveals even more of our icebergs than usual. Another is that involves as many youths as possible in the life and leadership of the church. That’s why we spend several Sunday night youth group sessions picking the passages, studying them, and writing liturgy based upon them, and using them to pick hymns and write sermons. We include as many instrumentalists, bulletin cover artists and ushers as we can. All told, we had 25 youth in leadership on Youth Sunday. I am particularly thankful for the work of senior preachers Lorenzo Mbugua and Lainey Blackwood, as well as senior Time with Children presenter, Maeve McClain-Huslage. The adult leaders really only keep the youth on track – the words and music come entirely from our 6th-12th graders.
Blessings on your week and the icebergs with which you’re floating these days.
John Weicher
Minister to Youth and their Families
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Concerns:
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Maxie Honeycutt is recovering from pneumonia.
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Barbara Fish is recovering at home from a broken ankle.
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Alice Raney is recovering at home from a broken ankle.
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Jim Seitzer is in Hospice care.
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Margaret & Mike Berton and son, Sam request prayers. Margaret is sister to Sarah Wright. Family seeks restoration of health and wholeness for Sam.
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Paul Dunlap, brother of Susan Dunlap, preparing for surgery.
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John Keller, son of Tom & Margaret Keller, undergoing chemotherapy in Atlanta.
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Denisha Williams, daughter of Sybil King, dealing with health issues.
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Emily Wilson, wife of Mike Wilson and daughter-in-law of Chuck & Jean Wilson, undergoing chemotherapy.
Additional concerns here.
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On behalf of the Stewardship Committee, I bring good news! Through the generosity of our congregation, we have reached our financial goal for the 2024 annual budget. Compared to last year at this time, the total amount pledged is up 13% ($1,073,444) and the number of families and individuals is up 23% (191 pledges). Thank you for your response and support of FPC’s mission, ministry, and programming.
I want to thank the individuals and families who spoke at church, made videos, or wrote for the newsletter or brochure about being a member at FPC. They shared what they appreciated in how we create a welcoming and inclusive environment, build and sustain community, worship, and support faith formation, and provide service and mission in Durham and beyond. It was inspiring.
I wish to thank my committee for their work: Tom Roberts, Sharon Hirsch, Tony Brown, George Bernhardt, Lesley Curtis, Art Baker, Celia Dickerson, and Mindy Douglas.
Our campaign theme for 2024 is Sing a New World into Being. I look forward to joining our voices in song as we see the Lord make this so.
-Jon Abels
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2024 Pledges Update
As of February 9, 2024
Pledges: 191
Amount: $1,073,444.52
Percentage: $100.16
Pledge Goal: $1,071,766.00
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ASH WEDNESDAY
February 14
Imposition of Ashes
Two Services
12 Noon MIDDAY WORSHIP
in the Memorial Garden
6:00 p.m. EVENING WORSHIP WITH COMMUNION
in the sanctuary
followed by a light supper
in Watts-Hill Hall.
All are welcome.
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Announcing our Lenten Preaching Series
Practicing Our Faith
Sunday, February 18
Sabbath Keeping
Mindy Douglas, preaching
Sunday, February 25
Gratitude
John Weicher, preaching
Sunday, March 3
Household Economics
Mindy Douglas, preaching
Sunday, March 10
Hospitality/
Jesus and the Displaced
Willie Jennings,
McPherson Lecturer
Sunday, March 17
Forgiveness
Mindy Douglas, preacher
Sunday, March 24
Palm/Passion Sunday
A Service of readings
and musical responses
Sunday, March 31
Easter
Mindy Douglas, preaching
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We will welcome and introduce new members during worship on the following Sundays:
February 18
February 25
March 17.
Please contact Mindy Douglas or Esther Hethcox
if you are ready to join this faith community where all are welcome.
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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!
| Children and their families are invited to come to the church for a Crafting and Community fellowship activity on Saturday, February 17 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. Come paint a stick, a birdhouse, or do a papercraft AND chat with your neighbor. It will be fun! | |
FPC Hiring Childcare Workers
Childcare workers are needed on Sundays during worship, from 10:30-12 noon. Pay begins at $12/hour. Apply here.
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Faith & Community Class
Sundays, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
in Watts-Hill Hall
Sunday, February 18
We will have one more session of FPC University and will hear from members how their faith informs their career/work.
Beginning February 25, we will turn our focus to the upcoming McPherson Lectureship by looking at some of Dr. Willie Jennings' writings prior to his visit with us next month.
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5-week Study
Book of Psalms
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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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 18: Something decisive happened to Jesus at his baptism. The heavenly voice, the temptation in the wilderness, the preaching and teaching, the controversies – his old life, whatever it was like, was washed away by the waters of the Jordan, and his new life began at that moment. Did your baptism change your life?
February 25: What is required of a follower of Jesus? Is it just a matter of joining a church, or is there more to it? And what are the rewards?
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Journeys Class
In life and in death,
we belong to God.
This Sunday, February 18, we will continue our discussion of Jane Williams' book on grief.
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.
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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The FPC Creation Care Team invites you to join us in one or both of these earth care practices this Lent!
1) The Presbyterian Hunger Program provides a calendar to help you Tread Lightly for Lent. We move with folks towards sustainable choices that restore and protect all of God's children and creation. In Lent, we slow down, take time, and examine our internal spiritual lives and the way we live out our Christian Faith in the world around us. These actions are intended to create more mindful behaviors throughout the year.
| 2) Several members are practicing a Greener Lent, a Laudato Si-inspired Lenten Program focused on Care for our Earth and the Poor. This entails 40 days of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving for the poor disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. | FPC held another successful blood drive on February 1st. More than 20 persons showed up to donate blood. Thanks for your continued support. We are grateful to Julie Whiddon for organizing another successful blood drive. Our next drive will be held in May. | 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. |
2024 McPherson Lectureship
Pre-Lectureship Conversations
February 25
March 3
Faith & Community Class
9:45-10:45 a.m.
in Watts-Hill Hall
Susan Dunlap, Steve Rimmer, and Lea Bingham will introduce some of Jennings’ writings in preparation for his visit.
All are welcome.
| The Racial Equity Task Force will hold a retreat on Sunday, February 18 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. in Watts-Hill Hall. Interested persons are welcome to join us. | |
Desperately needed, a car for a refugee family from Venezuela consisting of six adults, one seven- year-old and one six- month-old infant. Several members of FPC are presently working with this family, setting up the two-bedroom apartment, teaching English and providing rides. The original car is broken beyond repair. The four men have full time jobs getting to work with a fellow worker and taking the bus. They may be able to pay something for a car. Car needs to be large enough for a baby seat and three/four adults.
If able to help, please contact Teddie Brown at 919-419-6141 or tambrown@duke.edu.
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SAVE THE DATE!
Sunday, March 24
A Golden Opportunity
to end hunger!
FPC will be participating in the 50th Durham CROP Hunger Walk
Watch for signup details.
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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.
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Ministry to Immigrants
Are you available to meet with immigrant families to assess their needs? Are you available to provide them rides to appointments? Are you able to organize clothing and furniture donations? Can you help with language barriers? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then please contact Gordon Campbell, chair of the Service & Mission Committee.
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Volunteers Needed at Urban Ministries of Durham
We're short on volunteers this month. We are also looking for someone to take over coordinating with UMD. If you're interested, please let Jen know and you can chat with her about what's involved.
Jen McGonigle
202-421-5870
FEBRUARY Commitments
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Friday, February 16 prepare and serve breakfast, 7 - 9am (3 volunteers)
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Monday, February 19 prepare lunch bags, 9:30-10:30am (2 volunteers)
- Thursday, February 22 prepare lunch bags, 9:30-10:30am (1 volunteer)
FEBRUARY (Other options)
- Tuesday, February 20 Food Pantry 8:30-11:30 (5 volunteers)
- Wednesday, February 14 prepare and serve dinner, 5-7 (4 volunteers).
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Congo Mission Network Conference 2024
You may not know it, but some of the money you give to FPC goes to help support Jeff and Christi Boyd in the Democratic Republic of Congo. For decades, the Boyds have been PCUSA mission co-workers in Africa working on joint projects with local people on projects from an all-girls model school to trauma healing ministries to a trafficking prevention campaign.
The Boyds will be in the U.S. with Congolese educators and leaders at the Congo Mission Network Conference in Charleston, SC, on March 14-16 to talk about “Education for Transformation – Equipping Congolese Youth”.
You can attend in person at the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Conference Center or you can join on-line for just $25. The details about in-person conference attendance and lodging in Charleston are at https://congopartners.org/2024-conference/ or you can talk with FPC members John and Sue Fricks, longtime participants in the Congo Mission Network who will again be at this conference.
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