|
Easter Fellowship
Join us for food, fellowship, and an Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday, April 9, during the Sunday School hour (9:45-10:45 a.m.). Beginning at 9:30, the church will provide coffee, juice, doughnuts, and pastries in Baird Hall. There will be a time for fellowship from 9:45 – 10:15. Then the children are invited to participate in the Easter Egg Hunt out in the courtyard from 10:15 – 10:45. Don’t miss this fellowship opportunity for the whole church family. Hope to see you there!
| |
|
Easter Sunday Reminder: Flowers for the Flower Cross
One of our favorite Easter traditions at FPC is our beautiful flower cross. Please remember to bring some blooms to add on your way in Easter morning!
| |
Sign up to join us at the Community Market on Saturday, April 8. Come for all or part of the 9am-12pm shift to sort, clean, and do whatever we can to help the staff and clients of the market. All ages are welcome - children 12 and under, please bring an adult with you! | |
|
Lay Readers Needed for 11am Worship Service
Lay Readers are needed to assist in worship throughout the remainder of the spring and this summer. You do not need any prior experience, all of the liturgy will be provided for you, and we welcome God's children of ALL ages to participate!
Sign up here and contact Rev. Kathy Reed (kreed@fpcauburn.org) if you have any questions.
| |
|
FPC Garden Volunteer Opportunities
The FPC Community Garden is an important part of our church’s mission in “loving God and our fellow human beings.” We build community and relationships among each other and work to serve the community at large through our bountiful harvests - every bit of food we harvest is donated to the Community Market!
SAVE THE DATE: April 16, 3:00 p.m. - Summer Planting Day
Sign Up for a Weekly Weeding Party Date
“Start at the Garden” - Gather friends or family to pull weeds at the garden. Bring gloves and tools. Then go do something fun together!
OTHER NEEDS:
- Daily Morning Waterings
Volunteers are needed to water on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Watering needs to happen before 10:00 a.m. and can be skipped if it rains. (Contact Katie Forster forster306@charter.net)
- Weekly Harvest and Deliver to Community Market
(Wed, Thursday, or Friday mornings)
The Community Market is open for deliveries on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday mornings. Plastic bags or bins can be used to take in produce. It is helpful if this person has knowledge about what/when to harvest. (Contact Katie Forster forster306@charter.net)
For any other questions about volunteering in the garden, please contact Elder Katie Forster at 334-329-9672 or forster306@charter.net.
| |
|
Are you new to the Presbyterian tradition? Have you been a Presbyterian for awhile and still aren't sure why we say that Jesus "descended into hell" in the Apostles' Creed or why we say "debts" instead of "trespasses" in the Lord's Prayer? What is a "session"? Why do we baptize infants?
These are some of the many questions we will explore in our spring series, "Why Presbyterians are Like That." This class is open to visitors, new and long-time members, and anyone who would like to know more about being Presbyterian. More details will be shared in the weeks ahead!
| |
|
Please join us for the EASTER PRAYER VIGIL
Prayer without ceasing!
The vigil is a special time in the life of our church. We can pause for at least an hour to contemplate the spirit working within and without. We will be nourished together and find direction for our work into the future. The Spirit is calling!
We strive to have someone sign up to be in prayer for every hour of the vigil. During the day and early evening we have sign up slots available for prayer in our Chapel. During the night we have sign up slots available for a prayer session at home online. In addition, all are encouraged to join throughout the weekend anywhere anytime. A variety of materials will be available to help guide your prayer hour both in the chapel and online. During this time, we can share in prayer our various concerns and challenges! Hard copies of prayer request cards will be available in the Narthex and in the office. Drop them in the Sunday offering plate or bring them by the church office. Tap this link to fill out a prayer request card online.
The prayer vigil starts directly after the Good Friday service on April 7, 2023, and continues until sunrise, 7 a.m. Easter Sunday morning April 9. We encourage you to sign up to commit to set aside one hour to be with God either in our Chapel 8pm Friday, from 6am through 9pm Saturday, and 6 am Sunday morning, or for a night slot from 9pm through 6am online Friday and Saturday nights.
Sign-up: To sign up for the night hours of 9PM to 6AM, use this link to our online sign up. You can sign up for the chapel hours either online at this link, or on a paper signup sheet found hanging next to the church office and in the Narthex before and after church. Groups and families are encouraged to sign up together. More than one person can sign up for the same slot. You will be reminded via email or phone a day or two before your time slot.
For more information or help in signing up, contact: Dorothy Hinkle-Uhlig (334) 332-5809 or Anne Leader (334) 246-3117.
| |
|
A Reminder from Our Mission Committee:
One Great Hour of Sharing
During the season of Lent we encourage donations to the PC(USA)'s One Great Hour of Sharing. This fund supports Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People - all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope.
You may give a gift to this fund by writing a check to First Presbyterian with "OGHS" in the memo line or by going online to https://www.fpcauburn.org/give and entering your donation under "Special Offerings."
| |
If you would like to order a lily to be placed in our sanctuary on Easter Sunday, you may fill out a paper form (also available in the narthex) or complete this Google form by Sunday, April 2. Checks may be mailed to the church office or placed in the collection plate on Sundays (please do NOT include on same check as pledge payments - thank you!). If a plant is given in your honor (or in memory of a family member), please take it home after the 11:00 a.m. Easter service. | |
|
An Update from Our Generosity Committee
For those who were not in worship on Sunday, March 26th, please enjoy this message of thanks from Generosity Committee Elders Jessica Barnes and Susan Stanley:
When I stood before you several weeks ago, I told you about critical cuts we were going to have to make in all areas of the church. However, you answered our plea, and we do not have to make those drastic cuts due to your generosity. 16 pledging units increased their pledges, and 3 new units made a pledge bringing in an additional $39,000 of pledged monies. We are so very grateful to you.
Because of your generosity:
- We were able to offer our pastors and full-time staff a small raise.
- We will be able to hire a part-time maintenance person starting in April.
- We are now able to have our fantastic organist Tyra work with youth choirs, handbells, and the early service.
Thank you all and thank you to the committees for their hard work and their discernment during this process. Many of the committees were able to realign their expenses based on last year’s actual expenses, and they are making use of other funds available to them.
I’m going to close with a brief story that kept coming back to me during this campaign. Many years ago before Living River was functional, I dropped my girls off at the presbytery’s substitute youth camp, and I was being my typical nervous mama self—worrying about the food, the bugs, and lack of soap in the bathrooms. And Carson said to me, “Mama, why are you so nervous? It’s church camp. God is taking care of us. We are all going to be fine.” (Which of course they were). I think I kept thinking about this because I was truly nervous and worried when I saw our original numbers. However, I should have remembered that this is my church family, and you all always shine your light on this congregation and take care of one another. That’s exactly what you did during this campaign, and I am truly thankful to be part of such a loving family. Thank you.
| |
|
This Week at FPC
April 2 - 8, 2023
Sunday
9:00 AM - Worship Service with Weekly Communion (Chapel)
9:30 AM - Coffee & Fellowship (Baird)
9:45 AM - Sunday School for all ages
10:00 AM - Children's Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
11:00 AM - Worship Service (Sanctuary)
Bulletin for April 2 worship
Sunday Parking Map
3:00 PM - Children's Fellowship
5:00 PM - Youth Dinner and Fellowship
7:00 PM - UKirk Dinner and Bible Study (Student Center)
Monday
9:00 AM - Sowers & Knitters
Wednesday
8:00 AM - Men's Bible Study (Library)
9:30 AM - PW Coordinating Team (Library)
3:30 PM - Bible Journaling (Library)
7:00 PM - Youth First Wednesday Fellowship
Thursday
5:15 PM - Congregational Dinner (Baird Hall)
6:30 PM - Maundy Thursday Service (Sanctuary)
Friday
7:00 PM - Good Friday Service (Chapel)
8:00 PM - Easter Vigil begins (Chapel)
| |
|
Children and Youth News
Children Pre-K through 5th grade
- Children’s Choir will meet this Sunday in the Sanctuary during the Sunday school hour beginning at 9:45am.
- Godly Play: After the Word to Grow By (at 11 a.m. worship), children ages 4 to 2nd grade will go to the Godly Play room to worship together for the remainder of the worship service.
- Worship bags are also available for all children during worship.
- First Sunday Fellowship for children Pre-K through 5th grade will meet this Sunday from 3-4pm in Baird Hall.
Jr. and Sr. High Youth
- Jr. and Sr. High Sunday school will meet in the Youth Lounge on the third floor this Sunday.
- Jr. and Sr. High Youth group will meet this Sunday. Dinner in Baird Hall at 5pm. Youth Group upstairs in the Youth Lounge from 5:30 – 6:30pm.
-
Jr. and Sr. High Youth will meet this Wednesday from 7-8pm for First Wednesday Fellowship. We are stuffing Easter eggs for the egg hunt on Easter Sunday. Bring a friend!!!
| |
|
Birthdays
Apr. 2 - Mark Fisher
Apr. 4 - Bill Blakney
Apr. 5 - Donna Yeager
Apr. 6 - Kirstin Yost
Apr. 7 - Bill Sherling
Apr. 8 - Jeffrey Stewart
Anniversaries
Apr. 4 - Nick and Kathy Reed
Apr. 7 - Jim and Barbara Dunham
| |
|
Prayer Concerns & Celebrations
- Prayers of comfort for Dave Lindahl and all the Lindahl family as they grieve the death of Liz Lindahl. Liz died Thursday night as she was receiving hospice care. At this time there are no set plans for a memorial service, but we will keep the congregation aware as more arrangements are made.
- Prayers of comfort for Traci, Josie, and Brock Stewart as they grieve the sudden death of Jeff Stewart. A memorial service for Jeff was this past Wednesday at Jeffcoat and Trant.
- Prayers of comfort for the Pugh and Crumpton families as they continue to grieve the death of Gwen Pugh Crumpton. A Memorial Service for Gwen is planned for Sunday at 2pm at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Vestavia, AL.
- We rejoice with Clay and Julie Price as they welcome their new grandson Henry Hallman Price!
- Prayers of healing for Doug Klinkenborg as he navigates health issues at home after a brief stay at EAMC.
- Please continue to pray for many members of our church who are dealing with illness, significant health issues, grief, and difficult circumstances but at this time do not wish to be mentioned by name. Prayers of healing, wholeness, and comfort for many in our congregation.
- Continued prayers of healing for Susan Stanley’s sister Ginger Hester. Ginger has been receiving treatments for health issues. Prayers for healing for Ginger and prayers of thanksgiving for all those who are caring for her. Prayers for Susan as she cares for her sister.
- Continued prayers of healing for Chris Greer as she undergoes chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer.
- Prayers for Brooke Myers as she cares for her father, Charlie Myers. Charlie is recovering from a fall and has moved to Morningside.
- Prayers of healing for Todd White’s sister-in-law Patty who was recently paralyzed after a routine surgery. Patty is now home; continue to pray for stamina and endurance as she is determined to walk again.
- Prayers of healing for Debbie Duin’s friend Ann Suttles who is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.
- Prayers of healing for Liz Lindahl’s previous roommate at Oak Park, Linda Hammond, as she deals with significant health issues.
- Prayers of healing for Carolyn William’s sister Beverly Huey as she navigates health issues. Prayers for Carolyn as she cares for her sister.
- Prayers of healing for Kay Recknor’s friends the Rev. Mitzi Lesher-Thomas and her husband, the Rev. Troy Thomas. Mitzi has glioblastoma brain cancer and has been undergoing chemotherapy.
- Prayers for Amy Kilner and her family (daughter-in-law of Dorothy Moran). Amy is in need of a kidney transplant and is currently looking for a donor.
- Prayers of healing for Jason Banks (Margaret Brinkley’s neighbor). Jason is now back at work. However is recovering from successful shoulder surgery.
| | | | |
