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First Presbyterian Church Bi-Weekly Newsletter
November 28, 2023 Issue 24
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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,
Advent begins this Sunday, the season of waiting, hoping, preparing, and longing. In this season, we get real about the darkness in the world, but we also get real about the light of our everlasting God, who is above all, through all, and in all – and is also ever present and with us – Jesus is our Emanuel – God with us.
The poem below, by Allan Boesak, reflects the proclamation that God’s love, light, and protection overcome our greatest fears. I have italicized the parts of the poem that come from scripture. May this poem give you peace and bring you comfort throughout this season. When we think the darkness has overcome us, may we cling to the promises of the life and light of the world.
Love, Mindy
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Advent Credo, by Allan Boesak
It is not true that creation and the human family are doomed to destruction and loss—
This is true: For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life;
It is not true that we must accept inhumanity and discrimination, hunger and poverty, death and destruction—
This is true: I have come that they may have life, and that abundantly.
It is not true that violence and hatred should have the last word, and that war and destruction rule forever—
This is true: Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, his name shall be called wonderful councilor, mighty God, the Everlasting, the Prince of peace.
It is not true that we are simply victims of the powers of evil who seek to rule the world—
This is true: To me is given authority in heaven and on earth, and lo I am with you, even until the end of the world.
It is not true that we have to wait for those who are specially gifted, who are the prophets of the Church before we can be peacemakers—
This is true: I will pour out my spirit on all flesh and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions and your old men shall have dreams.
It is not true that our hopes for liberation of humankind, of justice, of human dignity of peace are not meant for this earth and for this history—
This is true: The hour comes, and it is now, that the true worshipers shall worship God in spirit and in truth.
So let us enter Advent in hope, even hope against hope. Let us see visions of love and peace and justice. Let us affirm with humility, with joy, with faith, with courage: Jesus Christ—the life of the world.
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Allan Boesak (born 1946) is a South African pastor in the Dutch Reformed Church, politician, anti-apartheid activist, and author of fifteen books. This poem is taken from his book Walking on Thorns (Eerdmans, 1984).
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CONGRATULATIONS to Lesley Curtis who recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the meeting of the American Heart Association.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT:
The newest Velkey family member arrived November 15, 2023. Iris Ophelia Velkey-Sawyer is the daughter of Cheyenne Sawyer and James Velkey of Newport News, VA. Iris is the great-granddaughter of Mickey Velkey and grand-niece of Beth Brockman, and the first girl to be born in the family since Catie Brockman was born in 1996.
CONDOLENCES to César and Cathy Guajardo on the sudden death of César's brother, Gerardo Guajardo, in Mexico on November 28.
CONCERNS:
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Susan Cyr is home after a brief hospital stay.
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Lee House is recovering at home from recent surgery.
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Franzi Rokoske is at Duke Hospital, preparing for abdominal surgeries.
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Mitzi Lesher-Thomas continues radiation treatment.
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John Keller, son of Tom and Margaret Keller, has received a diagnosis of lymphoma.
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Leah Graves' father is in hospice care.
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Steve Blackwood, father of Jeff Blackwood and Cliff Decker, father of Brantley Blackwood, are recovering from heart issues. The Blackwood family is active at FPC.
- Rev. Robert (Bob) Lewis , Sr., who worships regularly with FPC, has requested prayers for his son, Robert Lewis, Jr.
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Spencer Reaves, who worships regularly at FPC, will have surgery this week.
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Edwin Orphys, cousin of Kerry Holbrook.
Click HERE to see additional concerns.
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WHO2024 Pledge Update
At a Glance
As of 11/27/2023
Pledges: 158
Amount: $919,775.00
Percentage of Goal: 85.82%
Pledge Goal: $1,071,766.00
Needed: $151,991.00
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Sunday, December 3
First Sunday of Advent
- Advent devotional materials can be picked up
- Advent activities provided for children and youth
- Purchase alternative gifts from mission partners
- Enjoy light refreshments
11:00 a.m.
Worship & Holy Communion
Mindy Douglas, preaching
For those who worship via live stream, remember to assemble your communion elements (bread and cup) before worship begins, so you will be ready
to partake with us at the end of worship.
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Sunday, December 10
Second Sunday of Advent
11:00 a.m. Worship
Mindy Douglas, preaching
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Sunday, December 17
Third Sunday of Advent
Advent Lessons & Carols (sanctuary, 11:00 a.m.)
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Children’s Christmas Pageant (sanctuary, 5:00 p.m.)
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All-Church Potluck (Watts-Hill Hall, following the pageant) followed by a Carols Sing-Along
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FAITH FORMATION
FOR CHILDREN
THEME:
Flourishing In Faith.
Age-graded classes for children are now being offered. Children meet at 9:45 on the second floor of the Christian education building.
CHILDREN'S MUSIC . . .
is held on Sunday mornings in the Godly Play room (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!
| Attention parents: We have an exciting event coming up on December 17th at 5:00 p.m. --the annual Christmas Pageant. We are trying something new this year: a giant Shadow Box drama. Sign-up to help with this event. We will meet for two Saturday mornings to get everything ready for the Pageant. Contact Lenore Champion if you are available to help. | Faith & Community Class will not be meeting on December 3. Watts-Hill Hall is being used for the Advent Festival and Alternative Giving Fair. | |
Lectionary Class
(meets year-round)
Join us each Sunday at 9:45 in the Robert Daye (East) Parlor for discussion of the lectionary readings.
December 3: Do you have a feeling that something is about to happen? Things aren't going to go on as they always have. The ones who think they're in charge will be surprised. Yes, something is about to happen. But when?
December 10: Who is proclaiming God's message today? The preacher in the pulpit? The celebrity in the commercial? The talk show host, or the politician, or the homeless person on the corner? Or maybe you?
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Journeys Class
Journeys (through January)…
In life and in death, we belong to God.
Over the next few months, the Journeys class will take an earnest look at death and dying, particularly from a Christian perspective. Contact Andy Henry or Eric Wiebe for more info on current discussions.
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MnMs (Meaning in the Middle) Fellowship
Jordan and Elizabeth Jones are excited to host this month's in-person gathering at their house.
Date/Time: Saturday, December 2, at 4:30 p.m.
Location: 1609 Maryland Avenue in Durham. Park on the street at 1611 and walk down the path to the left of the green house to 1609. We are the two story house directly behind the green house.
Food: We will have hot dogs and hopefully ostrich burgers (keeping with the game for dinner tradition) and some grilled portabellas as well. Please bring a side to share!
RSVP: 336-880-4714 - Elizabeth
Please come even if you don’t rsvp or have a side to bring, but if you can make it - let us know you are coming so we can decide how much food to make.
We continue to meet via Zoom at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday evenings. The Zoom link is sent each week to those on the listserve. To learn more about this group, contact Mary Berry or Emily Diy.
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NEW BIBLE STUDY:
Galatians in four weeks
In this letter Paul passionately defends the inclusiveness of the Gospel. In often dramatic language he insists the Gospel is for everyone, not just a few. Everyone is invited to join this class that is equal parts rigorous Bible study and personal application. We have three more study sessions: December 3, 10, 17 from 9:45-10:45 a.m. in the basement parlor (Spiritual Formation Room in the basement), across from the Youth Room. For more information, contact Susan Dunlap, sjd4@duke.edu.
| The Racial Equity Task Force will meet again on Sunday, December 10 following worship. | |  |
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Emanuel Food Pantry
— Giving Thanks!
We are so, so grateful to be part of a congregation that fully embraces our calling to be a Matthew 25 church. Our hearts are overflowing as we witness the generosity of spirit, resources and time that our members give every week in support of the Emanuel Food Pantry. We continue to provide an abundant amount of good quality fresh, nutritious food every week to 600 families.
The needs are even greater during the winter months, and we invite all of you to be part of this ministry, in whatever ways are best for you. You can volunteer in person, bag rice and beans from home, donate food, or give financial support.
Check out our new web page at www.emanuelfoodpantry.org to learn more and sign up. Or contact Margaret and Miguel Rubiera for more info. Join us! Muchas gracias!!
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LOST AND FOUND
Are you missing a chain necklace? One was found in the sanctuary recently and no one has asked about it. To claim it, simply contact Valerie in the church office (919-682-5511 x 215) and describe it. Other found items are placed in a basket on the upper level of the foyer by the elevator.
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FLOWERS FOR WORSHIP 2024
Sign up here to donate flowers for worship in 2024. The cost is $65 for a typical arrangement which is paid to the church. The church places the order for the flowers and arranges for their delivery.
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COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES
If you have a student in college, please confirm with John Weicher by November 30th that he has their current mailing address for receiving packages. Care packages will be mailed to our college students on December 4th.
| FPC Men of Faith will meet for breakfast and conversation on Friday, December 1 at 8:00 a.m. at Mad Hatter's Cafe. Join us as we celebrate Advent and Carl Rist's big victory! | |
Tuesday, December 5
5:30 p.m. in the sanctuary
Is your heart heavy with grief and loss? Do you need a space for communal grieving? Come join us as we sing and pray together, recognizing that God is with us in our grief and loss, and that we are a community that holds one another up in prayer and hope. As we celebrate Advent, come recognize the ways that God is with us in our grief. We do not walk this road alone.
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GATHERING TOGETHER
FPC is setting aside time and space for comfort and care during this season of joy and merriment for those who have lost a loved one in the past two years.
Thursday, December 7
1:00 p.m. in Watts-Hill Hall
Tea and refreshments
will be served.
This gathering will be led by Rev. Allen Brimer of Church of Reconciliation and FPC members Jane Williams and Marcia Lorimer.
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First Friends Gathering
Saturday, December 9
6:00 p.m. at the home of Melinda Ruley &
Stewart Fisher
5301 Cabe Ford Road, Durham NC 27705
Bring a dish to share.
Remember to respond to the EVITE.
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Daytimers Luncheon
Tuesday, December 12
We will gather at 11:30 a.m. in the Wilson Parlor. Lunch will be served at 12 Noon in Watts-Hill Hall. Suggested donation: $12. Following the meal, we will join our voices together and sing some songs of the season.
If you would like to add some Christmas cheer for a client or two at Urban Ministries of Durham, please bring unwrapped new men’s or ladies socks or new men’s undergarments. Urban Ministries always needs these items.
Please RSVP to Mickey Velkey by December 8:
Email Marilyn.velkey@usa.net or call Mickey at 601.750.3619 (cell).
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Vocal Arts Ensemble
of Durham
Come and enjoy our annual holiday concert!
"O Holy Night"
Friday, December 8
7:30 pm, at FPC
Free Admission
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Reality Ministries'
Annual Live Nativity!
When? Friday, December 15 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Where? Reality Ministries (916 Lamond Ave, Durham 27701)
What? At Reality Ministries' Live Nativity, friends of all abilities will present a reimagined rendition of the Christmas story. This is a family-friendly event.
Refreshments? Most definitely. Warm drinks and sweet snacks will be served
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The Urban Ministries Clothes closet needs clothing to restock and continually stock their garments. A box has been set up in the narthex for any donations you can make. Jancy Johnstone will pick these up on Thursdays mornings and take them to Urban Ministries. Please think about us when you are cleaning your closets.
We need:
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Men’s: pants, shirts, t-shirts, jackets or coats, and shoes. (We are always short of men’s pants, waists: 30, 32, 34, and 36 pants)
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Women’s: pants, shirts, jackets or coats, shoes, and bras.
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Children’s: pants, shirts, jackets or coats, and shoes.
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General use: backpacks, blankets, hats, mittens, or gloves.
Clothes should be clean, and free of stains and visible defects.
We cannot take dry clean only clothing or used underwear or socks. We provide new under garments to everyone.
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