In this issue you will find the following:

• Pastoral Letter
•  In Our Thoughts & Prayers
•  Worship info
•  Faith Formation for Children
•   Youth Corner
• Faith Formation for Adults
•   Congregational Life/Fellowship Events
• ·Service & Mission Opportunities·       

From the Pastor/Head of Staff

Dear friends,

For many of us, Sunday’s service of the Psalms was cathartic, inviting us to name aloud the emotions of our hearts, the anger at war and disease, the grief at the loss we have experienced over the last two years, the frustration with the many unknowns of the pandemic, and our total dependence upon God and God’s grace and mercy. In her sermon, Nora Tubbs Tisdale opened up to us the height, breadth, width, and depth of the collection of Psalms and invited us into a more regular engagement with them in our lives.  In their music, Kathy Parkins and the choir shared the range of emotions made known in the Psalms. As a congregation, we sang and prayed using words familiar and unfamiliar to us from this canon of liturgical poems and prayers. I pray that this service inspires you to a more regular interaction with these very human cries and songs connecting us with the divine.

This Sunday, with our McPherson lecture series speaker (documentarian and child of the church) Wallace McPherson Alston, III (known to all as Macky), we move to considering what outward responses might be required from those who have heard God’s call through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection to be people of truth, repentance, healing, and justice. We will consider what racial reparation means for us as individuals, as a congregation, and as a denomination.

Macky, was a small boy when his father, Wallace Alston, served First Presbyterian Church as pastor from 1969 through 1974. Macky graduated from Columbia College in 1987 and has become well-known as a documentary filmmaker. Family Name, Love Free or Die, and Questioning Faith: Confessions of a Seminarian are available on Apple TV. There are links to these and other films on Macky's website.

Macky joined us virtually last year (click here to watch the class he taught in 2021: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhHiV2w_Yts) and we are excited to have him with us in person this year to explore our role in reparations in Durham and beyond.

Here is the link to Macky’s latest documentary work on reparations: https://www.actsofreparation.com/story

Macky is an important part of our 150^th anniversary celebrations. We have had opportunities to look back at who we are and how God has led us to this place, and we have had opportunities to look ahead to discern where God is calling us in the future. The conversations we will have this weekend build on those we started in 2020 with the book study on reparations, From Here to Equality. They will be informed by our recent Faith and Community study of Dear White Christians. They guide our work in eviction reform, affordable housing work, tutoring with Iglesia Emanuel, the Poor People’s Campaign, and criminal justice reform. These conversations and actions continue to challenge us to examine our history and to look to the future justice work to which God is calling us. We also look ahead to an expanded campus that will be better set to serve the community around us – with sacred space in the heart of the city, and with an inclusive, accessible place for fellowship, service, reparations, and justice work that will serve those in deepest need.

I hope you will be able to join us on Sunday for Faith and Community at 9:45, Worship at 11, and a special discussion with denominational partners at 4 p.m. These are critical conversations that will help us determine how we are to move forward as a congregation in the years and decades to come. 

Peace be with you, friends.

Love,

Mindy

Sympathies: The love and concern of the congregation are extended to:

• Courtney Trutna Paley on the death of her grandmother, Jo Sivewright, on March 15. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to Courtney as follows:

Courtney Trutna Paley

3831 SW Durham Drive

Durham NC 27707.

• Rob and Luke Everett and their families on the death of their mother, Lynn Everett, on March 19 at Duke Hospital. Her obituary can be found HERE. The family has requested a Service of Witness to the Resurrection be held at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of FPC this Friday, March 25. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to Rob and Luke as follows:

Rob and Elizabeth Everett (Henry and Catherine)

8 Chancery Place

Durham NC 27707

Luke and Sherry Everett (and Ellie)

1014 Minerva Avenue

Durham NC 27701

• Mary Ann and Will Compton and family on the death of Mary Ann's father, Webb McCracken, on March 19. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to Mary Ann as follows:

Mary Ann and Will Compton (James, Peter and Anna)

509 Lyndenbury Drive

Apex NC 27502.

.

******************

Added this week:

• Wes Carson is in the ICU at Duke Hospital
• Emily Wilson is in Duke Hospital.
• Bob Barton, father of Cheryl Barton Henry and father-in-law of Andy Henry

Paul Cornsweet     

Harold Dunlap    

Kerry Holbrook

Maxie Honeycutt

George Kafula

Jancy Johnstone

Mitzi Lesher-Thomas

Katy Loebrich

Dear FPC,

Words are not adequate to thank you for the many ways you have shown appreciation to me for 20 years of service as your Parish Administrator. The cards, notes, flowers, and donations to FPC ministries in my honor mean so much to me. I feel loved and blessed as I serve alongside such a supportive and caring group of people. Thank you for allowing me to share my ministry gifts with you all these many years.

In joy and peace,

Valerie McMillian

*** NEW GUIDELINES ***

MASKS WELCOME

BUT NOT REQUIRED!

Coordinator and Office Volunteers Needed

The church is beginning to open up as pandemic numbers trend in a positive direction. As a result, we would like to allow our community support groups (Al-ANON, Overeaters Anonymous and AA) to return in the weekday. We now need morning office volunteers to monitor entry into the building and answer the phone. We are also in need of someone to coordinate our pool of office volunteers.

Please contact Valerie in the church office if you would like to serve a morning shift, (9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) one or more mornings of the week, or the Friday afternoon shift (1:004:30 p.m.). Orientation to duties is available.

On Sunday, March 13, the following members were elected to serve in the Class of 2025 as ruling elders, deacons, and at-large on the Nominating Committee for 2022-2023. After a period of training, these new elders and deacons will be ordained and installed as appropriate. Click here to see their photos and profiles.

Ruling Elders

Art Baker

Deborah Hamlin-Aggrey

Keith Merritt

Lanny Pratt

Laurie Ray

Dawn Shelton

Deacons

Brianna Bennett

Jane Brown

Wil James

Katy Loebrich

Ashley Swavely

At-Large Nominating Committee 2022-2023

Bert Clere

Brent Curtis

Marie Sappenfield

Jean Wilson

Click Lectureship Brochure for full details on planned events. All are welcome to join us. All events are being held at FPC.

FPC to tour Historic Stagville

On Saturday, April 2, First Presbyterian Church will be touring Historic Stagville in two different groups - one at 10:00 a.m. and the second at 2:00 p.m. This tour will be led by Vera Cecelski, Historic Stagville’s site manager. Vera grew up at FPC and is the daughter of Laura Hanson and David Cecelski. The tour lasts 75 minutes and involves walking on uneven ground as well as a short drive from one location to another (about a mile away). Each tour is limited to 30 people. Sign up now (call 919-682-5511) and invite friends and family to join you! Sign up Link

EASTER LILIES will grace our sanctuary on Easter Sunday. Remember/honor someone on Easter Sunday by donating toward the lilies’ cost. To participate, complete and return a donor card with your donation by Palm Sunday, April 10.

~ Palm/Passion Sunday, April 10 ~

 **9:15-10:15 a.m. – Faith Formation classes

(**Note change in start time.)

9:45 a.m. Egg hunt for younger children and hot cross buns for all!

10:15 a.m. Palm Parade around downtown Durham

We will join with our neighbors in parading around the block and waving palms. Afterwards, we will return to our sanctuary for worship.

11:00 a.m. Worship using Scriptures and songs about Christ’s passion.

~ Stations of the Cross Art Display ~

Throughout Holy Week, April 11 - April 15

First Presbyterian will have designated times to come and pray at the church at the Stations of the Cross art display as depicted by artist Mary Button. As you pray at these stations, you travel across the world twice over in images. Surrounding each station is a border which depicts the movement of Jesus toward the cross.

  ~ Maundy Thursday, April 14 ~

6:00 p.m. Joint Worship - Covenant Presbyterian Church sanctuary

First Presbyterian Church will worship with (at) Covenant Presbyterian Church (2620 Weaver Street, Durham). The service will include Holy Communion to commemorate Jesus’ last supper. FPC’s John Weicher is preaching. 

~ Good Friday, April 15 ~

7:00 p.m. The Tenebrae in the FPC sanctuary

An ancient service that makes use of gradually diminishing light through the extinguishing of candles. This increasing darkness symbolizes the approaching darkness of Jesus' death and of hopelessness in the world without God.

 ~ Easter Sunday, April 17 ~

9:45 a.m. Outdoor Easter morning re-enactment

10:30 a.m. Fellowship time with light refreshments

11:00 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion

The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering will be received on Easter Sunday to provide relief to the hungry, poor, and oppressed, and those affected by natural disasters and war.  

Upcoming (and on-going!)

Fellowship Opportunity

Next gathering is April 21

6:30-7:30 p.m.

Each third Thursday of the month we'll gather for a relaxed time of fellowship. No RSVP needed, all ages welcome, light munchies provided and more food available from J. Lights Market & Cafe if you want to make it your dinner or enjoy Two Roosters Ice Cream for dessert!

Someone from FPC will always be there so come when you can, leave when you must. 

LENTEN and SPRING BOOK STUDIES

March 8 - April 13

ZOOM LINK.

View the SCHEDULE HERE.

From FPC's Creation Care Team

April 26. 2022

7:00-8:15 PM on Zoom

Register here

Worldwide about 33% of soil is degraded. U.S. soil is disappearing 10 times faster than it’s being replenished naturally. Can a city-dweller do anything to help? 

Join our speakers Frank Franciosi (US Composting Council), Muriel Williman (NC Composting Council) and Rev. Susannah Tuttle (NC Interfaith Power & Light) in a webinar on building healthy soil, protecting water resources, increasing food productivity while increasing the ability of soils to store carbon and help combat global warming. Learn how you can help right on the spot during the webinar to support composting legislation in Congress.

Hosted by ICCT, cosponsored by NC Council of Churches, Orange-Chatham Interfaith Care for Creation, the Episcopal Diocese of NC, the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, and Pachamama RTP.

More information and registration here

March 1 began both a new month and the Growing thru Grief spring “Introduction to Grief” series titled “When Hearts Break: Navigating the Landscape of Loss.” Heidi Gessner will be leading this six-week series on zoom:

           March 29: The Wisdom of My Torn Heart: Remembering through Writing

           April 5: Where Do I Go from Here? Finding Meaning

Everyone who attends needs to register each week. Contact admin@growingthrugrief.org by 8:00 a.m. on the Monday before the meeting if you’d like to join us.

Heidi Gessner is an Ordained United Church of Christ Minister who served as the Palliative Care Chaplain and Bereavement Coordinator for UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill for nearly 20 years. Heidi provided emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families, as well as the hospital staff. She’s facilitated grief support groups for many years – both talking and writing groups.

News from Iglesia Emanuel

The rooms of Iglesia Emanuel are buzzing every Thursday evening from 6 - 7 with 18 students and their tutors happily at work! As a result of the pandemic and extended school interruptions, the students who come to our center are even more behind academically than they were 2 years ago. Although we may not be witnessing miracles, we are seeing considerable progress, renewed self-confidence, and an eagerness to learn. Their happiness when they leave each week is infectious! If you are interested in joining us as a weekly tutor, or a substitute, please reach out to Margaret Rubiera. 

We also realize that, in order for this program to expand and reach more children, it is time for us to hire a part-time, bi-lingual director. There is great potential for the Iglesia Emanuel Learning Center to make a significant, positive impact on the lives of Hispanic children who want to succeed academically. Please see the job description here, and help us spread the word about this exciting new opportunity. 

Save the Date!!

It is time for another Day of Service

as we gather together to bag tons of rice and beans for the Food Pantry at Iglesia Emanuel.

Saturday, April 23

9:30 a.m. – 12 noon

2504 N Roxboro Street (parking lot)

This is a family friendly event, and a great opportunity to chat with old and new friends, while helping stock the shelves of our food pantry. You will also be invited to bring some food donations with you.  Fun and fellowship are guaranteed!

More details and an opportunity to sign up coming soon.

Questions? Contact Margaret Rubiera.

Click Moral Monday March on Raleigh for full details

Monday, March 28, 5 p.m.

Bicentennial Plaza

16 West Jones Street, Raleigh

Join us alongside the Poor People's Campaign and several faith leaders, moral allies, and artists for this upcoming Moral Monday March on Raleigh. We are demanding this state and nation do more to live up to its constitutional promises.

The Moral Monday March on Raleigh is part of a 10-stop mobilization tour toward the Mass Poor People’s and Low Wage Workers’ Assembly and Moral March on Washington and to the Polls on June 18, 2022. We are joining low-income, directly impacted people, faith leaders, and moral advocates from across North Carolina to the steps of the state legislature on Jones Street. In North Carolina we know the power of bringing together a fusion coalition of people around a common set of demands. Speakers who are directly impacted by the policy violence of the NC General Assembly and the US Congress will headline the evening. 

Bus Ride to Raleigh:

Click here to reserve a free seat on one of 10 buses coming from across the state. Buses are scheduled to stop in Sylva, Asheville, Greensboro, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Raeford, Sanford, Chapel Hill, and Durham. If you want to contribute so the buses can be free, click here. 

COVID Vaccinations & Boosters:

There will also be Covid vaccinations and boosters at Bicentennial Plaza during the Moral March. Register Here to get the protection you need for yourself and others.

RSVP by clicking the button below. 

June 18, 2022 - Washington DC

FPC's Racial Equity Task Force and the Service and Mission Committee are helping to fill a bus on June 18, 2022 to the Poor People’s Campaign March and Rally in Washington DC. You can sign up to go on the bus or you can support someone going on the bus who cannot afford to pay their full way (cost is typically $100). Click here for more information about the DC rally.

Thanks to everyone who is comfortable volunteering!  COVID prevention/spread guidelines remain in place. If you are fully vaccinated, contact Jen McGonigle to sign up for one of FPC's regular time slots each month, or call Jen at 202-421-5870.

Links here for other UMD opportunities:

https://umdurham.org/donate/casserole-recipes.html

https://umdurham.org/assets/files/Recipes-English-and-Spanish-Final-081214.pdf

There are also some other opportunities (hygiene kits/etc.) and they can be found at the link below: https://umdurham.org/get-involved/opportunities.html.