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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
"Downtown by history and by choice"
FPC Bi-Weekly Newsletter
May 3, 2022 - Issue 9
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In this issue you will find the following:
- Pastoral Letter
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In Our Thoughts & Prayers/Thank You
- 2022 Capital Campaign
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Worship info
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Faith Formation for Children
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Youth Corner
- Faith Formation for Adults
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Congregational Life/Fellowship Events
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·Service & Mission Opportunities·
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From the Pastor/Head of Staff
Dear friends,
On Sunday, we celebrated 150 years as First Presbyterian Church! What a day to celebrate the generations of people who have come to FPC as a place to worship God, grow in faith, and live out their calling to follow Jesus by caring for our neighbors, especially those in deepest need. What a day also to set our faces toward the future and continue to discern together our role in what God is doing in downtown Durham in 2022 and beyond.
Proverbs tells us that “without a vision the people perish.” We are God’s people and our vision for the future is one that is focused on healing the broken places in Durham and in our world. God, through the prophet Isaiah, calls us to be “repairers of the breach.” The breaches in our world are economic, racial, and educational. The systems of the world are broken. They work well for some and not at all for others. Too many children go to bed hungry. Too many people cannot find safe and affordable housing. Too many young people join gangs out of their desire to belong somewhere. Too many people find the criminal justice system anything but just for them. Too many shots ring out in our community. Too many people do not have access to health care.
We know where the broken places are. We are discerning our role in bearing God’s light into the world and repairing the breaches so evident around us. We cannot be well until all God’s people are well.
To some, it might seem that a building renovation and expansion has no role in this breach-repairing work, but as east Durham grows and expands around us, we have new and enlarged opportunities to serve our community with our hospitable spaces – with a welcoming fellowship hall equipped with the technology we need, more bathrooms to serve our community and friends who visit, an elevator to ensure that all our spaces are accessible, and an enlarged, beautiful memorial garden that will serve as an oasis in the middle of the bustling city around us.
I hope you will be able to join us after worship on May 15 as we discuss in detail the plans that you will soon be receiving in a packet. I hope you will also feel free to ask any of our Capital Campaign team (see list of members below) questions about the design. We continue to be grateful for the feedback you gave us in August and September of last year which allowed us to make important changes and present you with a plan that we believe will serve the FPC community and the city of Durham around us.
On Sunday, what joy it was to celebrate our history of faithful discipleship to Jesus over the years and to be challenged for the work God has in store for us in the years ahead. We drink from wells we did not dig. We stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before. Now it is our turn to build and plant, to repair and to work for God’s justice for all people.
It is a high calling. I would ask for nothing less. Without a vision, the people perish. With a vision for God’s beloved community, with a dream of justice and equity for all people, we follow in Jesus’ footsteps humbly, faithfully, and joyfully. Lead us, Lord!
With love and gratitude for you all,
Mindy
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Condolences: The love and concern of the congregation are extended to the family of George Crane, Jr., FPC's oldest member who died at Hillcrest Convalescent Center on Saturday, April 30. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 6 at Clements Funeral Chapel, 1105 Broad Street, Durham, with Mindy Douglas officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in The Gathering Room at Clements. A graveside service will be held following visitation at 1:30 p.m. at Maplewood Cemetery.
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Wes Carson is a patient at The Forest at Duke health center.
Roger Kalthoff, husband of Jane Williams, at home under the care of hospice
Paul Cornsweet Harold Dunlap Kerry Holbrook Maxie Honeycutt
Jancy Johnstone George Kafula Mitzi Lesher-Thomas Katy Loebrich
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Thanks to David and Judy Smith who organized a fun birdwatching activity on Saturday, April 30 at Brumley North Nature Preserve.
Thanks to Shirley Frederick who arranged for Daytimers to gather for lunch at Bullock's Barbeque on Tuesday, April 26.
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Our 2022 Capital Campaign has Begun | |
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First Presbyterian Church has been blessed by the faithfulness and generosity of our members, past and present. Throughout the years, we have remained focused on our mission: Worshipping God in community and bearing witness to God’s love and justice in the world. Our Building Beloved Community Capital Campaign is our opportunity to advance our mission as we set our sights on our building expansion and renovation plans.
We are appreciative of the Campaign Team which is guiding us through this important endeavor: Gray & Amy Wilson (Campaign Co-Chairs), Tom Bacon, Paul Baldasare, Roxana Boyd, Sharon Hirsch, Kristin Meade, Bob Pleasants, Tom Roberts, Scottie Seawell, Mindy Douglas, Joe Harvard (Advisor), and Chuck Wilson (Advisor).
An overview of the proposed projects and our Capital Campaign will be given after our worship service on Sunday, May 15. Please join us to hear more about our proposed projects and the capital campaign. Campaign Team members will be available to answer questions. Members will receive a campaign packet at this meeting, or their packets will be mailed the next day. Additional information can be found at our church website.
Please continue praying for a successful campaign.
“The body of Christ, joined together,
grows, and builds itself up in love,
as each part does its work.” Ephesians 3:16
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Campaign Team member Tom Roberts shared the following words of support for our Building Beloved Community Capital Campaign to fund our building expansion and renovation plans.
Why is First Presbyterian Church an important part of your life? How has the congregation helped you and your family grow in faith?
In moving to the RDU area in 2019, I was invited to a church fellowship dinner during the first week. My wife, Sandy, was returning here, where she was an active church member before moving away. I established some personal friendships almost immediately while she was renewing longstanding ones. It has become an important part of our lives, albeit interrupted by the looming presence of Covid.
The church's inclusive spirit is informed by its theology and made all the more real by its location in the heart of the city. That is its most important attribute in terms of my appreciation for, and attraction to, the church.
Why is the building project important for the church’s mission and ministry? What excites you the most?
Primarily, the building project will expand and enhance the church's local missions. It will also equip us to reach out more effectively to younger generations now moving to the downtown area. Finally, the church facility is overdue for some renovations that will advance our commitment toward ADA compliance, inclusiveness, hospitality, and user friendliness.
Why will you be generous in your financial support of our Building Fund Campaign?
It's time ... both for the church and for us.
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Campaign Team member Scottie Seawell shared the following words of support for our Building Beloved Community Capital Campaign to fund our building expansion and renovation plans.
Why is First Presbyterian Church an important part of your life? How has the congregation helped you and your family grow in faith?
First Presbyterian Church has been a part of my and my family's life for almost as long as I can remember. The congregation welcomed my newly single mother and her three very young children in the early 1970s and has walked with us through all the seasons of our lives -- through birth, baptism, mischievous childhoods, questioning adolescence, faith confirmation, lifelong learning, marriage, parenting, injury and illness, death, and in memoriam.
Why is the building project important for the church’s mission and ministry? What excites you the most?
I'm most excited about a larger space to gather as a congregation and as a welcoming space for the Durham community of which we and the church are a part. I'm also excited there will be more green space, including a larger memorial garden. With the move of the memorial garden, I am comforted by the knowledge that a top priority of the relocation is to carefully consider the sacred nature of the space and all those whose ashes have been placed in the soil of the current memorial garden.
Why will you be generous in your financial support of our Building Fund Campaign?
I will be generous in my financial support of the building fund campaign in hopes we will gather in our new space in creative and life affirming ways for many years to come.
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Sunday, May 8, 2022
Fourth Sunday of Easter
9:45 a.m. Faith Formation
11:00 a.m. Worship and Baptism
Mitzi Lesher-Thomas, preaching
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Sunday, May 15, 2022
Fifth Sunday of Easter
9:45 a.m. Faith Formation
11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary
Following worship: Capital Campaign informational session
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CHILDREN'S CORNER
Signup to receive
Children's Weekly news
As we move into the last several weeks of Faith Formation classes, here's a quick update on where classes will be held.
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For Pre-Kindergarten class, Faith Formation will be held outside.
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For Kindergarten through 5th grade, classes will be held inside, unless teachers decide that the lesson would be better completed outdoors.
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As with all other church activities, those who need to or choose to wear masks, should do so.
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If either class has a snack, they will go outside to eat it.
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The playground will be open from 10:30-10:45 for outdoor time.
- Parents can pick up their children at 10:45 for worship.
Zoom Link
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Our Afghan Refugee T-Shirt & Hat Fundraiser has been extended!
We are thrilled that the Youth Ministry Committee can extend your chance to get in on these sweet shirts and hats for another few weeks. The new deadline is Sunday, May 22 – Confirmation Sunday.
Please join the youth in this (stylish) ministry by purchasing a t-shirt, or a hat, or both! Each one costs $25. (Note that there are separate links for ordering each.) Unlike last year, hats and shirts will be available for pick up at the church.
Shirts (Love in the Heart of Durham FPC Shirts Custom Ink Fundraising)
Hats Fabulous FPC Hats Custom Ink Fundraising)
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FAITH FORMATION FOR ADULTS | |
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FAITH & COMMUNITY CLASS
The Misunderstood Jew
Discussion led by Robert Brawley
Sundays, April 24 - May 22
This class meets in-person in Watts-Hill Hall
from 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. at FPC.
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LECTIONARY CLASS
Hebrew Bible Apocrypha
Sundays, 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
Join us each Sunday for discussion, as we meet both online and in person in the Robert Daye Parlor. The class will begin at 9:45, preceded at 9:35 by sharing of news and concerns, and will end at 10:45.
We are continuing our study of the Old Testament Apocrypha, those books, printed in some Bibles, that were written in the years “between the testaments.” In a variety of styles, these books contain entertaining and inspiring stories, discourses on wisdom, beautiful prayers, and historical accounts. They also contain the seeds of cultural and religious developments that are the background for the New Testament.
On May 8: We explore the book of Judith, an exciting short story about a brave woman who saves her people by seducing and then assassinating an enemy general.
On May 15: The Apocrypha contain several books that, like Proverbs in the Hebrew scriptures, praise the value and the beauty of wisdom. We will sample from the Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, and Baruch.
To join remotely via Zoom:
https://zoom.us/j/194508837. (For phone access (audio only), call 253-215-8782.) If you need a copy of the handout of scripture readings, contact David Smith [davidjudysmith@frontier.com]
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JOURNEY'S CLASS
Sundays, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
We will continue reading and discussing the book, Resurrecting Church by Rev. John Cleghorn.
May 8: Chapter 4
May 15: Chapter 5
As always, you can participate in the class without having completed the reading assignment. Class starts at 9:45AM in the Wilson Parlor, and will only be in-person. We hope to be back soon with both in-person and online access.
Contact Eric Wiebe, Andy Henry, or Paul Baldasare for more info on this class.
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Meaning in the Middle (MnM)
Sundays at 8:00 p.m.
ZOOM LINK
On Sunday evenings, we are discussing sermons in Preaching the Luminous Word. We meet at 8:00 p.m. ZOOM LINK.
We are in need of a leader for this Sunday, May 8. If you'd like to lead, you can email Mary Berry with that info and the name of the sermon you want to discuss or add it to our spreadsheet here.
And save the Saturday, May 14th date for our in-person gathering! We will meet at Fairview Park in Hillsborough, which is just about 20 minutes from FPC. There's a shelter where we can hang out and play games, a playground for kiddos, basketball courts for those of you who may be going through withdrawal from no FPC basketball, and some trails as well. We will continue to hammer out details over the next week and a half, but we hope you'll add it to your calendar!
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Spring Book Study
begins this evening . . .
Mindy Douglas begins a discussion of Aging by Will Willimon this week, May 3 and May 4.
Join her via Zoom on Tuesday evenings at 6:15 p.m. or Wednesday mornings at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome to join the discussion online.
ZOOM LINK.
Check out the discussion SCHEDULE HERE.
About the book: Drawing on Scripture, literature, current research, and his experiences as an aging adult, Willimon reflects on aging as a spiritual journey. He explores the challenging realties as well as the rewarding joys of growing old, and offers practical advice on helping church members as they encounter retirement, aging, caring for the aging, loss, bereavement, and finding faith in the last quarter of life.
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PLEASE SIGN UP TO DONATE BLOOD...
THERE IS AN URGENT NEED FOR BLOOD!
Thursday, May 5, from 1:00-6:00 p.m.
Watts-Hill Hall at FPC.
Go online to RedCrossBlood.org and use code firstpres or use the RAPIDPASS donor App to save time! Information about donating blood can be found in the church foyer or contact Julie Whiddon at 919-730-6673.
We have many slots to fill. Invite neighbors, friends, and co-workers to come and donate blood! Walk-ins are also welcome.
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FIRST FRIENDS POTLUCKS
First Friends is a fellowship group open to adults of all ages.
Paul Baldasare and Jane Wettach invite you to a First Friends gathering on Saturday, May 7 at 6:00 p.m. at their home, 2710 Old Sugar Road, Durham.
Main dish will be provided; guests should bring sides, desserts, or beverages to share.
Please RSVP to Jane or call 919-612-8396.
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SAVE THESE DATES
Saturday, June 4 hosted by Cynthia Shimer and Eric Wiebe
Friday, May 27 through Sunday, May 29 trip to the mountains to Emily Wilkins' family home in Montreat. Six rooms available and also camping. Sign- up sheet coming soon.
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Things That Matter Book Group
Our next book group meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 10, at 7:00 p.m. Celia Dickerson will be leading our discussion of Deacon King Kong by James McBride. Marcia Lorimer will be hosting the meeting at the church. Please be sure to let Marcia know if you will be coming.
Also be thinking of books you would like the group to discuss in the coming year. Dale Gaddis is hoping to get the recommendation form out prior to our May meeting, so that selections can be made prior to our June 14 meeting. We do have one more book to discuss that is on this year’s schedule: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. That discussion will be held on July 12.
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GROUNDS WORKDAY AT FPC
Join Barbara Buckley and her group of faithful volunteers on Saturday, May 14 from 9:00-12 noon as they continue their work to beautify the grounds around the church. Contact Barbara to learn about the work to be done. Thank you for volunteering.
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Spring Pop-up Opportunities
· Saturday, May 14 – 10:00 a.m. Intro to Yoga with Franzi Rokoske at Rigsbee Shelter at Duke Forest.
· Monday, May 23 – 6:00-8:00 p.m. Duke Chapel Organ Crawl with Kathy Parkins.
None of these your thing? Keep your eyes open for more opportunities around music and trivia!
Have a hobby or interest you'd like to share? Willing to 'host' a hike on your favorite trail? Have the best backyard for s’mores or a campfire? Looking for some company to wander Duke Gardens? Contact Mitzi Lesher-Thomas about creating/hosting a spring pop-up!
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Upcoming (and on-going!)
Fellowship Opportunity
Next gathering is May 19
6:30-7:30 p.m. at 800 Taylor St.
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.
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Exploring FPC’s Racial History
Are you interested in doing a deep dive into FPC’s history, specifically through the lens of race, race relations, Jim Crow, and civil rights? At our March Session meeting, the Session approved a team that would investigate this history. Join Amy Dillon and Kerry Holbrook in this important investigation. Contact Mindy Douglas for more information!
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Coordinator and Office Volunteers STILL 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.
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SERVICE AND MISSION OPPORTUNITIES | |
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June 18, 2022 - Washington DC
Let’s get on the bus!
The Poor Peoples Campaign March on Washington (PPC) is on June 18, 2022, and we want to get as many people from FPC to come with us.
The Racial Equity Taskforce has made arrangements with Rally.co for a bus to depart from FPC’s parking lot and travel up and back on June 18th. It will be a full day and an opportunity to meet and march with Bishop Barber and thousands of others from across the US who come to Washington DC to highlight the poverty, racism, inequity, and injustice people face every day in the US and the systems that enforce and perpetuate it, and we want to demand a change. We have a core group who have committed to going, and we hope that you will join us in person and in prayer.
To reserve your seat, you’ll need to go online to book it and pay $65 for the roundtrip fare. We can’t hold seats and rates went up on May 4th. When you sign up you will see the number of seats available on the bus. When we fill this bus, we understand that the Rally.co will add another bus to depart from FPC. We hope to fill several. We don’t want the cost to be a barrier for anyone who wants to attend.
If you need financial assistance, please contact our pastor Mindy Douglas. Given our pre-dawn departure, we’ll need to prepare a breakfast bag for each rider and ask for people to volunteer to do that and donate food/drinks for snacks and sandwiches. If you would like to be a part of that activity, please contact Jane Williams, Jon Abels, or Kathy Krahenbuhl. More details will follow.
We also welcome contributions to sponsor other riders, including those from other congregations in Durham who wish to join us. To make a financial contribution you can go online at FPC to see various ways to donate to the “PPC Bus Support” or send a text at (919) 373-3254 and write the dollar amount you wish to give (e.g. $65 PPCBus) and send it. You can also leave a check in the mailbox at church for business manager Tom Bloom with “PPC Bus Support” written in the memo line. Thank you for your support and participation.
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