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Worship This Sunday
March 12, 2023
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One service only
10:00 am in the Sanctuary
| Call 888-969-5508 to listen to the service |
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Sermon Title:
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"Living Water" - Rev. Dr. Stewart Rawson, preaching
Scripture Readings:
- Exodus 17:1-7
- John 4:5-42
Hymns:
- Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
- Baptized in Water
- We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight
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Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the season of Lent. Lent is a time of reflection in the Christian year. In the ancient church, Lent was the time for teaching and preparation that led to joining the church, it was the season of confirmation. Lent is 40 days, not counting Sundays, and extends from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. In the Orthodox church Lent is considered a “tithe of the year,” since 40 days is close to 10% of the year. The 40 days is also symbolic of the time that Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, it alludes to the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness for the Israelites and the 40 days and nights of rain. The church has always been drawn to numbers, and these familiar amounts have been a powerful aid for remembering.
This Sunday in worship we have the joy and privilege of baptism. In the Companion to the Book of Common Worship we read, “baptism is a rite of profound significance. It is the symbol of initiation into the household of faith, a sign of cleansing from sin, and a dramatic proclamation of the dying and rising with Christ. Baptism is a Christian’s “ordination” to the “royal priesthood” and the mark of belonging to a community of saints that extends beyond time and space. Baptism signifies the presence of the Holy Spirit working among us to comfort, strengthen, and empower us in God’s service.” When we witness a Baptism we are told to “remember our own baptism,” for many of us we were too young to remember when the minister placed water on our heads. But when we witness a baptism my hope is that the image of the water and the sound that the water makes will be a reminder of God’s love for you. I hope to see you in worship this Sunday.
Peace,
Stewart
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John McCall to Visit First Presbyterian
Our PCUSA Mission Co-Worker serving in Taiwan, Rev. John McCall, will be with us on Sunday, March 26!
- 9:00 a.m. class in Shive Hall – “The Wind of the Spirit in Taiwan”
- 10:00 a.m. Worship – “Eyes Touched by Grace” (Mark 8:22-26)
John McCall has been serving in Taiwan for 26 years. He teaches at two seminaries and also accompanies and mentors Taiwanese and Asian pastors. Prior to his service in Taiwan, John was the pastor of the Black Mountain Presbyterian Church in Black Mountain, NC and Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greensboro. FPC has been a longtime partner in mission with John.
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Silent Auction for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Ukraine Relief
March 12-19 - Room 203
Bob Ellis, a talented woodworker and member of our PCUSA family, heard the call to support the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) in their efforts to aid the refugees in the Ukraine and help the Ukrainian peoples rebuild their community and lives. Bob decided that selling woodworking items he has created might be a way to reach the goal of assistance in the Ukraine. About 50+ items will be available for the silent auctions held on March 12 & 19, 2023 in Room 203. There will be different items each week! You are invited to come by on Sundays, March 12 & 19 before or after worship or by request between 4:00-6:00 p.m. to view the items, bid on items, and find out more about the PDA efforts in the Ukraine and Eastern Europe. If you cannot come during the available times on Sunday, please arrange a time to meet Bob (email [email protected] or text or call (336) 417-6184) at the church during the week to view the items and make your bid. Payment can be made in cash or check payable to First Presbyterian Church. This is a great way to live into the Matthew 25 vision. Come. Learn. Give.
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Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) Update
The PNC greatly values the congregation’s ideas and suggestions as we search for our next senior pastor. The PNC will follow the search protocol as established by the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. We want to be sure that our members understand the required process to find our next senior pastor.
Ordinarily, in the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., a transitional pastor is not eligible to serve as the next installed pastor. Exceptions have been made to this policy, but only after a thorough search process is completed by the PNC. This process can typically take up to one year from the election of the PNC.
We are very fortunate to have Dr. Stewart Rawson serving our congregation. He has embraced intentional leadership for a congregation in transition.
The PNC appreciates your input, and we will keep everyone informed as we work through this established formal process.
From your PNC committee
PNC members include:
Ami Hill [email protected]
Ann Bradey Sapp [email protected]
Karen Carrouth [email protected]
Katharine Frazier [email protected]
Scott Moffitt [email protected]
Steve Matthews [email protected]
Timothy Hackman [email protected]
Tom Whitaker [email protected]
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The poetry and art work shared throughout the Lenten season is provided by A Sanctified Art resources for Lent. For more information on these and other resources visit www.sanctifiedart.org | |
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Acolyte and Crucifer Training
All youth between grades 4-12 are invited and encouraged to attend our upcoming acolyte and crucifer training sessions. The first session will be held at 11:00am on March 19th and a second will be held on March 22nd at 5:00pm, both in the sanctuary. Please register for either of these trainings by contacting Taylor by email ([email protected]) or text (412-613-0835) by March 17th. Acolytes and crucifers are vital leadership roles in worship and provide an excellent opportunity for students to actively participate in the life of our congregation.
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Faith Formation
Christian education and faith formation is lifelong learning. Come, bring a friend, grab a cup of coffee or tea in the Welcome Center, enjoy fellowship, learn and grow.
Contact our Director of Christian Formation and Education, Charlotte Nance-Allbright (336-228-1703 x 223 or [email protected]) for more information and to find the class you would like to attend.
9:00 Classes:
- Join the Enrichment Class during Lent. All are welcome!
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9:00 a.m. Sundays during Lent, the Enrichment Class will be studying Adam Hamilton’s book, Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws. This book explores the life of Jesus as told in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus came to uplift the marginalized, the lowly, and those most needing to hear the good news of God’s kingdom. Some in his audience were outsiders, outcasts, and outlaws. Jesus’s message of care and compassion welcomes sinners and outcasts. Jesus’s concern for the marginalized in the gospel of Luke provides a message of hope and inspiration as we live our lives today. Class will be taught by Avery Wagoner and Steve Matthews Join Zoom Meeting at 9:00 a.m. Sundays https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81029608209?pwd=bk1JZTJWVHo0M01BR0FicklQZWlLZz09 Meeting ID: 810 2960 8209 Passcode: 508WDS
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John Knox Fellowship in the John Knox Room: The Present Word, taught by various class members
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The Pointe in Room 227: asking the questions of faith that we all ask and using the Lenten devotional "seeking: honest questions for deeper faith" guide to their conversations.
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Take Root will join The Pointe this Sunday in Room 227.
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Youth and Children please see the Associate Pastor for Youth or the Director of Christian Education for locations.
11:00 Class:
Selected Poetry of Fred Cappell led by Dr. Harry Brown - Room 201
A native of Canton, NC, Fred Chappell took two degrees in English at Duke University, after which he taught for forty years at UNCG. Poet, novelist, and essayist, Chappell served as NC Poet Laureate from 1997 to 2002. Among his awards are the Aiken Taylor Award for Modern American Poetry, the T. S. Eliot Prize, the Bollingen Prize, an Award from the National Academy of Arts and Letters, and the Best Foreign Book Prize from the Academie Francaise. Chappell is the subject of a new documentary that recently aired on PBS NC: “Fred Chappell: I Am One of You Forever.” We will use Chappell’s collection Spring Garden: New and Selected Poems (LSU Press, 1995), which can be reasonably purchased online in used paperback.
Coming Soon:
Pritchett Symposium on Sunday, March 19! Our guest teacher and preacher is Elizabeth "Libbie" Schrader Polczer, a doctoral candidate in Early Christianity and New Testament at Duke University, and an incoming Assistant Professor of New Testament at Villanova University. Her studies focus on textual criticism, Mary Magdalene, and the Gospel of John. Class for adults at 9:00 a.m., worship at 10:00 a.m., and class for congregation and community at 5:00 p.m. Mark your calendars and tell your friends!
ON MARCH 19 AND 26 ALL ADULT CLASSES WILL ATTEND THE
GUEST SPEAKER EVENTS IN SHIVE ALL.
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Sign up for Vacation Bible School!
Hero Hotline: Called Together to Serve God!
https://first-pres-burlington.mycokesburyvbs.com/
June 19-22 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. with option of dinner at 5:00 p.m. ($7).
In April, we will put more detail to what folks can expect with the daily lessons and such.
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Did you know that there is an Instagram page for our youth? Keep up with what's going on through this social media platform. Follow us at @fpcyouth508. | |  |
In other social media news, the church is now on Twitter. Keep up with news in FPC world by following us at @fpcburlington. | | |
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One Great Hour of Sharing Offering
For more than 70 years, One Great Hour of Sharing has connected us in God’s healing, tending and growing to create a world where all needs are met.
Thanks to your heartfelt gifts, One Great Hour of Sharing currently supports projects in more than 100 countries. Visit pcusa.org/oghsmap for locations and ministries.
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Furniture Ministry Update
The Furniture Ministry is in need of these items:
Frying pans, sauce pans of all sizes, flatware (knives, forks, spoons), dinner plates, salad plates, cereal/soup bowls. We are also out of sofas.
Our office is now in Room 122 of the church, and our office hours are still Mondays 1:00-4:00 pm. Call 336-212-2937 to arrange pick up of larger items.
In 2022 our FPC Furniture Ministry served 150 families including 197 children. We delivered 224 beds. Thanks for your generous support.
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March Mission Emphasis
FPCB Monthly Giving Focus: Residential Treatment Services of Alamance, Inc. (RTSA)
Love your neighbors by donating toilet paper and paper towels during the month of March! A collection bin is located outside the CDC entrance or you can leave your donations under the table near the stairs in the Welcome Center. Find out more about RTSA at their website https://www.rtsalamance.org/
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The Food Pantry
Please bring non-perishable foods for the Food Pantry. Drop them off in the collection bins outside the CDC entry anytime during the week or when you come to worship on Sunday morning.
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Concerns and Celebrations | | |
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Fran Reed - Twin Lakes Moneta Springs - Hospice
Mildred Massengill - Homeplace - Room 113
Jeff Davis- brother of Kathy Johnson
Steve Hunter
Marion Stadler
Cynthia Taves
Jay Johnson
Dean Vaughn
Diane Barnwell
Kathy / Peter Johnson
Fred Sisley
Bob Ellis Family
Paul Gensinger
Christian Sympathy is expressed to the family of Reverend Elizabeth Dale Walker at her death on March 8, 2023. Service plans are not complete at this time.
Please note:
Requests for prayer are intended to be private and confidential. Please be respectful of the privacy of those on the list. When in doubt, please consult with one of the pastors.
Pastor on Call March 10-12 Stewart Rawson (803-348-6143)
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Church Business and Finance | | |
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2023 FPC Narrative Budget and follow up meetings
The 2023 FPC Narrative Budget is now available for all members at the FPC website and by clicking on the link below.
If you would like to make or increase your pledge, please contact:
Tori Stadler in the church office, 336-228-1703
Thanks for your support for First Presbyterian Church of Burlington!!
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Financials & Meeting Minutes
Click here to view the January 2023 Financial Statement
Click here to view the January Session Minutes
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Pledge & Give
You may give through our online platform Tithely here or mail your contribution to the church office: 508 West Davis Street, Burlington, NC 27215. Thank you for your support!
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