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First Presbyterian Church
Bi-Weekly Newsletter
May 21, 2024
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IN THIS ISSUE . . .
Pastoral Letter
Joys / Concerns
Worship
Faith Formation
Fellowship Events
Service and Mission Opportunities
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Confirmation Sunday, May 19 | |
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From Associate Pastor John Weicher
Friends,
I’ll let you in on an ongoing debate that happens in our Monday afternoon worship planning meetings. When we are assembling the liturgy for that Sunday’s worship service – or if we’re really on top of it, working a Sunday ahead – we eventually get to selecting the Affirmation of Faith. On one side, you have a stalwart defender of the faith, meticulously picking through our Book of Confessions. This is the collection of 12 statements of faith that come from different times and places throughout the church’s history – from the early church to the Reformation to the contemporary USA and South Africa. Our denomination has faithfully chosen these 12 documents as having a higher authority, a little below that of the Bible, in our lives of faith.
On the other side, you have a couple of bums looking for any old thing – a song, a non-Book of Confessions confession, something from a fortune cookie. (I’ll let you decide who’s who.)
In truth, what we say we believe matters. As Presbyterians, we are a part of a credal tradition, so we think it matters deeply. When we stand up – together or solo – to speak aloud our words of faith, we believe them more fully. As one of my seminary professors used to say, “The preacher has to be the best Christian in the room, because she has to stand up and say it out loud each week.” We own our spoken words in a way that we don’t quite when they remain only in our hearts and minds.
What’s more, when we hear others voice their faith, we ourselves are edified. We are challenged, affirmed, and blessed. We take our favorite parts and make them our own. We turn over and over those that don’t land, which moves us along our theological journeys. Simply put, we grow in faith.
These are among the many reasons we have our confirmands work towards a statement of faith (and doubt) as the capstone for this process – for their own sake and for ours. As you may know, they have each written individual statements that capture their faith at this moment in their lives (knowing that it will grow and change as they do). In addition, they work together to write a collective confession of faith that they can all get behind, and this is what we used in worship on Sunday.
There are still booklets of these collected statements available in the foyer, just outside of the sanctuary. I hope you will pick up a copy and read it, so that you can be affirmed, challenged and blessed, as I have been. Here are some of my personal favorite parts of these statements…
“God is always with you…” What did that mean? What is God’s love? These are questions that needed to be answered. (Leone Mbugua)
Another pivotal moment in my faith journey was going to Massanetta for the middle school conference for the past three years… Last year at Massanetta, we read Psalm 23, and it was the main passage for the conference. In the very first line of Psalm 23, it reads, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” The Lord guides us and “leads me in right paths.” (Izzy Allison-Pleasants)
“Read me the writing in red.” That’s what my grandmother said.
I cling to his Teachings, like last breaths of life.
Read of his Healings, his taming of strife.
I clung, I clung, I clung.
“Read me the writing in red.” That’s what my grandmother said. (Ellie Everett)
So, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are the persons of the Trinity. A metaphor that I have used many times now for the Trinity is a lampstand that has three lightbulbs. Each bulbs represents a person of the Trinity. The pole connecting them represents the whole Trinity. (Kirbey Blackwood)
But with faith, I can trust God will give me what I need to fulfill my Spiritual purposes and take some risks in life, no matter how dark of a valley it may seem to be. (Noah Dillon)
Grace, Peace, and Words of Faith,
John
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Condolences: The love and concern of the congregation are extended to:
Lesley and Brent Curtis (Sydney and Graham) on the death of Lesley's mother. Tree Huntley passed away on May 15th.
Marcia Floding and family on the death of Marcia's husband. Matt Floding passed away on May 14th. The Flodings are former members of FPC.
The churchlife app can be used to locate address information for sending cards to families. Contact the church office for more information.
CONCERNS: Judy Smith is recovering from shoulder surgery.
Tony Chavez Paul Cornsweet Susan Cyr Kerry Holbrook
Michael Honeycutt Lee House Jenni James Mal King
Mitzi Lesher-Thomas Madge McKeithan Vernon Neece
Franzi Rokoske Keith Rokoske Alfred Tisdale
Click HERE to see more concerns.
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The following persons were received into membership by the Session on April 28, 2024.
· Samuel (Sam) Brown lives in Raleigh with his parents, Doug Brown and Amanda Atkin who joined FPC in March of this year. Sam is 17 years old and attends Leesville Road High School in Raleigh where he is on participates in youth group at FPC. Like his parents, Sam joins FPC by reaffirmation of faith.
· The Dennis Family: Brady and Emily Dennis are married and live in Durham with their two children, James, age 10, and Clare, age 7. Brady is a reporter with The Washington Post. He is a native of Hickory, NC. He likes to garden, grill, and visit national parks. Emily is a research consultant with The Adjacent Possible. She was born in Maine and raised in Glen Rock, NJ. She enjoys reading books and traveling. Brady, Emily, James, and Clare join FPC by letter of transfer from a United Methodist Church in Washington, DC.
Our newest members joined FPC via the Confirmation process:
Isabel (Izzy) Allison-Pleasants, child of Adrienne Allison & Bob Pleasants, was baptized on May 19, 2024 and received into membership on May 20, 2024 by the Session.
Kirbey Blackwood, child of Brantley & Jeff Blackwood, was baptized on May 19, 2024 during worship and received into membership on May 20, 2024 by the Session.
Noah Dillon, child of Amy & Pat Dillon, was received into membership on May 16, 2024 by the Session.
Ellie Everett, child of Sherry & Luke Everett, was received into membership on May 16, 2024 by the Session.
Leone Mbugua, child of Grace Mbugua & Ben Kimani, was received into membership on May 16, 2024 by the Session.
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The church office will be closed on Monday, May 27 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
There are no faith formation classes on Sunday, May 26 for children and youth. No MnMs Zoom fellowship on May 26.
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Sunday, May 26
Esther Hethcox, preaching
| The Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet following worship on Sunday, June 2 (instead of Sunday, May 26.) | |
Sunday, June 2
11:00 a.m. Worship
John Weicher, preaching
Ordination and Installation of Officers will take place during the 11:00 a.m. worship.
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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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The Session has called a congregational meeting for Sunday, May 26 at the end of worship for the purpose of electing three deacons. Nominees are Izzy Allison-Pleasants, Ann Huff, and Lexy Rile. | |
Day Timers’ Luncheon
Tuesday, May 28 at12 Noon
at Bullock’s Barbecue
3330 Quebec St., Durham
(Behind the Walgreens on Hillsborough & LaSalle St.)
***Cash or check only***
Hosted by Mickey Velkey
Please call, text or e-mail Mickey
to RSVP:
Marilyn.velkey@usa.net
601.750.3619 cell
| FPC Men of Faith will meet on Friday, June 7 at 8:00 a.m. at the Mad Hatters restaurant for breakfast and conversation. New faces are welcome to join us. | |
Acknowledging our
2024 Graduates!
FPC will be acknowledging the Class of 2024 graduates during worship on
Sunday, June 9. If you or someone in your family or household graduates from college or high school this spring, help us share the good news with the congregation. Please submit graduate information to Valerie McMillian (v.mcmillian@firstpres-durham.org) by end of day on Sunday, June 2. Thank you.
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FAITH & COMMUNITY CLASS
Please note that Faith & Community does not meet on May 26, and our summer book series on The Ballot and the Bible will start June 2.
How do Bible passages written thousands of years ago apply to politics today? What can we learn from America's history of using the Bible in politics? How can we converse with people whose views differ from our own?
In The Ballot and the Bible, Kaitlyn Schiess explores these questions and more. She unpacks examples of how Americans have connected the Bible to politics in the past, highlighting times it was applied well and times it was egregiously misused.
Join us for discussion at 9:45 am in Watts-Hill Hall on Sunday mornings, beginning June 2, and culminating with a visit from the author on July 7. Books are available for purchase for $20 - look for the table after worship on Sunday.
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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.
May 26: What is the Trinity? Is it in the Bible anywhere? Why does the church make such a big deal about it?
June 2: We have heard the story of the Lord speaking to the boy Samuel, but if we stop at the point where Samuel is ready to hear -- “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” -- then we miss the point. The Lord had a message, a hard message, for Samuel to deliver. Does the Lord have a difficult task for you?
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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).
MnMs will not meet this Sunday, May 26 due to this being a holiday weekend.
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
On May 26, in Journeys, Eric Wiebe will lead a discussion on hope and suggests that folks read the attached articles; one takes a perspective from psychology and the other from Christian doctrine (and, of course, touches on our imminent death).
Guthrie on Hope
Goldberg on Hope
Contact Andy Henry or Eric Wiebe to learn more.
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Short Term Study
"Scripture & Context"
The Scriptures are a living book, speaking to people of faith throughout history. The word we receive from Scripture is shaped by our social context, our education, our denomination, and many other factors. Each week, Susan Dunlap and this class will consider a single Bible text as it is understood by people from two very different contexts: the Prayer Service at Urban Ministries and our own church. All are invited! We meet in the basement, in the Women's Spiritual Formation room. Two classes remaining: May 26 and June 2.
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FIRST FRIENDS
Save these dates!
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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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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
Care for Franzi
and Keith Rokoske
The First Presbyterian congregation has a long history of providing care for our members in need. How can we help Franzi and Keith?
Immediately – the best way to help them right now is through the ongoing Meal Train. You can donate Door Dash dollars or sign up to bring them a meal using this link: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/zo1l6o.
Long-term – A care team is being organized which will allow many people to help, doing what they can do best, when they can do it. Join us to learn about care teams in general and Franzi and Keith’s Care at an in-person meeting on Sunday, June 9, right after worship in Watts-Hill Hall.
If you would like to be added to the Rokoske Care Team email list now, please send Christyn Klinck (cfklinck@gmail.com) an email with the subject line “Rokoske Care Team” and she’ll make sure you receive more information directly by email.
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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)
· Thursday, May 23, prepare lunch bags, 9:30-10:30am (3 volunteers)
· Friday, May 31, prepare and serve breakfast, 7:00 – 9:00am (4 volunteers)
Link here for other UMD opportunities:
https://umdurham.org/volunteer/
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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
David and Judy Smith
Bird watching at Sandy Creek Park - 3510 Sandy Creek Drive, Durham
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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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 31st.
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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Bagging Rice and Beans Day a Huge Success!
What a great day it was on Saturday, May 11 at the Emanuel Food Pantry! 40 people showed up — FPC members and their friends and families — to bag 6,000 pounds of rice and beans in less than 2 hours! Young and old, we all had a grand time chatting and getting to know one another better as we provided a wonderful service for the food pantry. Many thanks to all who came and supported this ministry!
We always welcome new volunteers on Monday - Wednesday! If your schedule allows, sign up and join us as we continue to provide needed food for over 600 families (about 3,000 people) every week. Kids need something constructive and rewarding to do over the summer? We can help! Contact Margaret Rubiera with questions.
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