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First Presbyterian Church
Bi-Weekly Newsletter
May 7, 2024 issue 36
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IN THIS ISSUE . . .
Pastoral Letter
Joys / Concerns
Worship
Faith Formation
Fellowship Events
Service and Mission Opportunities
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From Associate Pastor John Weicher
Dear friends,
It was during our weekly Monday afternoon worship planning meeting sometime this year – I don’t exactly remember when. Some of the regular worship leadership team – Mindy, Esther, Kathy and me – were going to be away for an upcoming Sunday. Mindy was keen on brainstorming potential FPCers and FPC-adjacent folks to fill in the gaps: Lenore Champion, Haley Stephenson, Wilson Gunn, Heidi Biermann, Cris Rivera, Mary Berry, and the list went on and on. After a while, I said reminded Mindy that any of us could lead a whole service – assuming Kathy or Gordon Campbell was tickling the ivories. We would be fine with fewer worship leaders. In fact, in my previous call, when we were down a pastor in the midst of transition or over the summer, I had often done that. Couldn’t we just make do with fewer folks? But Mindy was adamant, and she shared why. She said something like this, “Having a variety of folks with different voices in worship demonstrates what we believe – that a variety of people do indeed have a variety of gifts, that God enjoys the diversity and people need to see it, and that we’re more faithful when we are together in leadership.”
Worship is a team sport.
On May 19, we have Confirmation Sunday. We’ll be baptizing two of our confirmands and confirming the other three. This is the culmination of a journey that started in November (although really, it started at birth). We began with How We Know about God, moved on to Who God Is, and have spent the late winter and spring exploring How We Respond to God. In this last section, they’ve sought to identify their Spiritual gifts – understanding the variety we have among us. They’ve learned about how Presbyterian churches work and what leadership looks like. They’ve written not only individual statements of faith, but a class confession as well. And at each turn, I’ve hammered home to them that we do these things in community, because it is holier, for lack of a better term.
Church is a team sport. Leadership is a team sport. Faith is a team sport.
Yesterday, Mindy began her sabbatical. As I told our kids in Time with Children on Sunday, it’s a mix of learning opportunities, vacation and spiritual renewal. (As the child of a former professor, I had to learn the distinctions between a minister’s sabbatical and an academic’s sabbatical.) But as I also told our children, that means Esther Hethcox, Susan Dunlap, Lenore, Kathy and I will be doing a little more. Amy Heit has returned to join in the pastoral care ministry. And we’ll have a variety of preachers – like new executive presbyter Bruce Grady and friend of FPC Katherine Higgins – interspersed with Esther and me. No one person is going to do Mindy’s job, but many folks will take over elements of it. As a church, we’ll do it together.
Sabbatical is a team sport.
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Condolences: The love and concern of the congregation are extended to Leah Graves on the death of her father. Howard Carr Frank died on April 30th in Oklahoma; and to the family of Jim Dykes, a friend to several families of FPC. Jim also died on April 30th.
The churchlife app can be used to locate address information for sending cards to families Contact the church office for more information.
Concerns:
Harvey Estes is receiving care in the Pavilion at Croasdaile Village.
Joe Harvard is recovering from foot surgery at Duke Regional Hospital.
Michael Honeycutt is suffering with severe back pain.
Harriett Mitchell is in rehab at Hillcrest following a lumbar fracture.
Vernon Neece returns home from the VA Medical Center following rehab after a fall.
Alfred Tisdale will begin radiation this week.
Emily Wilson, wife of Mike Wilson and son of Jean and Chuck Wilson will begin radiation this week.
John Keller, son of Tom & Margaret Keller, is preparing to receive a stem cell transplant.
Elizabeth Romska, daughter of Bob Lewis, will have surgery this week.
Click HERE to see more concerns.
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Sunday, May 12
Worship at 11:00 a.m.
Heidi Biermann, preaching
| This Sunday we welcome Heidi Biermann to the pulpit. Heidi is Pastor for Community Teaching in the Presbytery of New Hope, where her work supports rural congregations. She is also a doctoral candidate in New Testament at Duke Divinity School, studying age (young, old, and in-between) in Luke's Gospel and Acts. She has previously served congregations in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Montana, and Northern Ireland. | |
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Sunday, May 19
YOUTH CONFIRMATION SUNDAY
11:00 a.m. Worship
John Weicher, preaching
You are invited to wear Pentecost colors such as red, yellow, and orange on Pentecost Sunday.
The PCUSA Pentecost Offering will be received during worship.
A gift to the Pentecost Offering helps the church encourage, develop, and support its young people, and also address the needs of at-risk children. 40% of the Pentecost offering is retained by individual congregations wanting to make an impact in the lives of young people within their own community. The remaining 60% is used to support ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency.
| FPC held another successful blood drive on May 2. A total of 20 donors took time out to give a life-saving donation of blood. Thank you so very much! | |
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SUMMER FAITH FORMATION
FOR CHILDREN
Our current Faith Formation study for children ends next Sunday, May 19.
On Sunday, May 26, there will be no faith formation classes for children and youth.
This summer, FPC will offer one Faith Formation class on Sunday mornings for children beginning Sunday, June 2 from 9:45-10:45 a.m.
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FAITH & COMMUNITY CLASS
This Eastertide, our Faith & Community class is experiencing a Spring of Service. We’re checking in with familiar partners in doing God’s work, as well as meeting new folks. Join us.
Former FPCer Betsy Cox returns to share her memoir, Reading Van Gogh. “If you are looking for a book that will take you deeply into your quest for and love of God, search no further. With eloquence, imagination and profound insight, Elizabeth Cox takes us to God via the unexpected lens of Vincent Van Gogh, and in the process deepens, expands, and enhances our understanding of both God and Van Gogh.” — Leonora Tubbs Tisdale, Clement-Muehl Professor of Divinity Emerita, Yale Divinity School
Sunday, May 19: Ian Vellenga & Jhan Dotel, Nicaraguan Mission Co-Workers, will lead the class discussion.
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Lectionary Class
The Lectionary Class enjoys lively discussion of the week's four scripture readings, both their original context and their meaning in our lives. There is room for folks of all levels of experience with the Bible. Join us each Sunday at 9:45 in the Robert Daye (East) Parlor for discussion of the lectionary readings.
on May 12: Do you belong to the world? Which is more real for you, the world of work and health and politics and daily concerns, or the world of God's truth? Or is there a difference?
on May 19 (Pentecost): What gifts does the Spirit bring to you? Fluency in other languages? Bold, prophetic preaching? Insight into divine truth? How will you use your gifts?
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MnMs (Meaning in the Middle) Fellowship
Meaning in the Middle is a group who talks about how to find God and meaning in the middle of wherever we are: as Christians, as professionals, as friends and family, as parents, as middle-of-life adults (whatever that circumstance might look like for you).
No MnMs Zoom on May 12, Mother's Day.
We will gather via Zoom again on Sunday, May 19 at 8:00 p.m. - link available from Emily Diy, Mary Berry, or John Weicher.
Plus, we gather monthly in person to be together - often late afternoons on a Saturday.
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. The sign-up sheet is here.
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Journeys Class
Sundays, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
Wilson Parlor
This Sunday, May 12, we will continue our discussion of forgiveness. Last week we had a conversation based on a podcast in which Michael McClullough discusses what we know about the human instinct for revenge and forgiveness. The podcast is On Being, by Krista Tippett; the following link has the audio, transcript and other related materials: Michael McCullough — Getting Revenge and Forgiveness | The On Being Project. We look forward to continuing the discussion.
Contact Andy Henry or Eric Wiebe to learn more.
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Youth Stock Sale
Tired of tumblers? Sick of socks? Had it with hats? This year, the youth fundraiser will be something new – stocks! FPCers can support our youth who are participating in Appalachia Service Project, Charleston Youth Mission and the Montreat Youth Conference this summer. A stock entitles its holder to a letter from one of the youth during their trip, sharing first-hand about their experience. Stockholders will be invited to a brunch late in the summer, complete with presentations from youth, slideshows of the trips, and brunch cuisine.
To purchase a stock, stop by the table in the foyer after worship on Sundays, May 5, 12 or 19. Stocks are $30 for an individual or $45 for a family (donations always accepted). You can pay via cash, check, or card.
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The Stewardship Committee is inviting all members to participate in an online Time & Talent Survey to connect members to ministries of our congregation.
Please take 5 minutes to complete it using this link: https://forms.gle/Ts8UqmQUcfpr2rG37
Please submit your completed survey
by May 21st.
A paper copy of the survey is available from the table in the foyer for anyone who prefers that method. Place completed survey in the box provided.
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Congratulations, Omar!
Omar Guess, our weekend sexton who lives in the church’s apartment, has been approved for a Habitat home. As part of his homeownership, he has to complete “sweat equity hours” which consist of working on his own home or the home of others. Part of his hours can be earned by friends and family. So, let’s assist Omar! We have arranged a Habitat workday on Saturday, June 8, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. We need 8 volunteers. If interested, please e-mail Jane Williams at janepsych1@mac.com. Thanks!
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Last month (April) was Women's History month and the Durham County Library featured two of its women leaders from the past. One of them was FPC member Dale Gaddis, who worked her entire professional career for the Library, from 1967-2002. Read more about Dale's contributions here:
History of the Library
Gaddis' Interview
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Iglesia Emanuel
The Emanuel Food Pantry
Service Project:
Bagging Rice and Beans
It is not too late to sign up for our 5th Bagging Rice and Beans Fellowship and Service event! Gather the family, reach out to friends and neighbors, and head on over to Iglesia Emanuel, 2504 N Roxboro, on Saturday morning, May 11. Sign up here to reserve your spot. We guarantee you will have fun while providing a very important service to help us feed over 600 families a week.
Let’s also turn this into a big food drive for the food pantry! We invite you to bring shelf-stable food items or bags of fresh fruit and vegetables with you. Most needed: protein (canned tuna, chicken, peanut butter), cereal, granola bars, or other super healthy foods.
Contact Margaret Rubiera with any questions.
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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 (and healthy) food dishes on short notice or when meals are needed over a series of days, weeks, even months.
Contact Esther Hethcox to learn more and to sign up to be called to serve.
Current meal train opportunities
Kayla Champion (new baby)
https://takethemameal.com/XNEU9270
Allison McCorkle (new baby)
https://takethemameal.com/KZKY6975
Vernon Neece (rehab)
https://takethemameal.com/OFYM6909
Franzie Rokoske (rehab)
https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/zo1l6o
Contact information and home addresses are provided on the sign up link as well as info about any known food allergies.
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Volunteers needed at Urban Ministries
Jen needs to step down as our liaison person. If you are interested in taking her place, please let her know:
202-421-5870
Dates in May
(FPC Commitments)
· Friday, May 17, prepare and serve breakfast, 7:00 –9:00am (4 volunteers)
· Monday, May 20, prepare lunch bags, 9:30-10:30am (3 volunteers)
· Thursday, May 23, prepare lunch bags, 9:30-10:30am (3 volunteers)
· Friday, May 31st, prepare and serve breakfast, 7:00 – 9:00am (4 volunteers)
Link here for other UMD opportunities:
https://umdurham.org/volunteer/
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Rebuilding Together Workday
Saturday, May 18
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(Two shifts, two crews)
Sign up to work
or provide lunch
https://www.betterunite.com/rttriangle-alwayson
RTT does home repair for low income and senior homeowners
Join us as we live out the call to serve. Two crews and lunch coordination/provision needed.
8:30-12 and 1;00-4:30;
lunch 12-1 for all;
15 per shift
Tyler Momsen-Hudson coordinator
Donations accepted for materials
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June 22
First Friends Potluck hosted by
Jane Wettach &
Paul Baldasare
July 26
First Friends Potluck hosted by
Jane & Bill Brown
August 17
First Friends Potluck
hosted by Deborah
&Tyler Momsen-Hudson
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Things That Matter Book Group
Our next gathering is Tuesday, May 14 at 7:00 pm at the home of Hendrika Vande Kemp. Barbara Buckley will lead our discussion of the book by David Cecelski entitled “Waterman’s Song: Slavery and Freedom in Maritime North Carolina.”
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Check out these opportunities and sign up to join us!
More information can be found on the signup page or contact the host(s) directly.
Space is limited for each event.
Click SIGN UP
Brianna Honea Bennett
Yoga Class - location TBA
May 19 at 1:30 p.m.
David and Judy Smith
Bird watching - location TBA
May 25 at 7:30 a.m.
Jon Abels
Make sour dough bread making
June 1 at 10:00 a.m.
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SAVE THESE FELLOWSHIP DATES
Time and location TBA
Sunday, August 11
Summer Sizzle
Saturday, November 16
Awesome Autumn
Sunday, December 15
Advent Potluck & Sing-Along
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A Request from the Walk-In Ministry
Prior to the pandemic, the Walk In Ministry had many requests for bus passes. Individuals of low wealth do not often own cars and rely on city buses to go to work, to receive medical care, to attend school, and to obtain needed services. For the last several years, Durham’s bus fare has been free. This assistance will end on June 30, 2024. The City Council will soon vote on next year’s budget which may or may not include free bus fare. WIM is requesting that you send an e-mail to our Council members and ask that they support continuing free fares. Council members and their e-mail addresses are:
Mayor Leonardo Williams. Leonardo.Williams@durhamnc.gov
Mark-Anthony Middleton. MarkAnthony.Middleton@durhamnc.gov
Nate Baker. Nate.Baker@durhamnc.gov
Javiera Caballero. Javiera.Caballero@durhamnc.gov
Chelsea Cook. Chelsea.Cook@durhamnc.gov
DeDreana Freeman. DeDreana.Freeman@durhamnc.gov
Carl Rist. Carl.Rist@durhamnc.gov
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