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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
"Downtown by history and by choice"
FPC Bi-Weekly Newsletter
May 17, 2022 - Issue 10
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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,
“Words make a world and the world our words are making in this nation these days is pretty ugly.” So begins a call to action from my two friends and colleagues The Rev. Dr. Conrad Pridgen, Governing Board President-elect, Presiding Elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2nd Episcopal District and The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director, North Carolina Council of Churches.
In this statement, Pridgen and Copeland call out the violent and divisive rhetoric used by politicians and people in places of power that plant seeds of fear and hatred in the minds of many that grow into violent acts of racial terrorism as in the Tops Supermarket massacre in Buffalo, NY this weekend and at the Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, CA. They remind us the power of language for change, either negative or positive.
In my sermon on Sunday, we remembered the way Peter powerfully told his story of transformation and inclusion in the new church. I ended the sermon inviting you to tell your own story of Christ’s inclusive love and transforming grace. We can counter negative, hate-filled rhetoric by challenging false narratives and telling our own stories of the power of love.
"Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illumines it."
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Our hearts are truly broken when innocent lives such as these are lost in senseless acts of violence stoked by lies, hatred, and fear. We have been speaking out against such acts in the past. We must continue to speak out today and in days ahead. We must model love, live love, give love, and dare I say, even demand love. Love is the path. Love is the journey. Love is the only way to peace, to wholeness, to joy. How will our words teach love? How will our actions show love? Hear our cries, we pray. Hear our prayer, O Christ.
O Triune God of love, the news of this week has ripped our hearts and torn our souls. We are walking through the valley of the shadow of death. In the depths of pain and anger, we ask that you surround us with your everlasting arms. Hear our cries of despair, heed our calls for justice, and do not let us lose hope.
God be with all those who grieve the loss of innocent life through violent acts of hatred. Wipe every tear from our eyes. Give us strength to work and pray for the day when justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. May all listen to your voice and know your love that heals, renews, and sustains.
May God be with you in your grief. May God give you courage to live and speak love into the darkest corners of the world. May God be with us and protect us all.
In peace, in hope, and in love,
Mindy
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CONDOLENCES: The love and concern of the congregation are extended to Roxana Boyd on the death of her uncle, William Carter Mebane, III, on May 4 in Wilmington NC.
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CONCERNS:
Ellen O'Brien, mother of Tim O'Brien and mother-in-law of Mindy Douglas, is recovering at home following a brief in-hospital stay
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 Kerry Holbrook Jancy Johnstone
George Kafula Mitzi Lesher-Thomas Katy Loebrich
Maxie Honeycutt is now a resident in the Assisted Living section of Hillcrest. Her new room number is 1511 and her telephone number is 919-627-6601.
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BLOOD DRIVE: Thanks to all who donated blood on May 5th at FPC. The Red Cross collected 21 units of blood and many of the donors were friends of the congregation. Our next blood drive will be Thursday, August 4.
150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: About 125 members and friends celebrated together on Sunday, May 1 following worship. Thank you to all who served on the 150th Anniversary Committee and helped with setup, food preparation, and cleanup of the luncheon.
BEGINNING YOGA: Thanks to Franzi Rokoske for offering to host a POP-UP Beginners YOGA class at Forest Hills Park on May 14th.
MEMORIAL RECEPTION FOR THE DUNALP FAMILY; Special thanks to the Women's Spiritual Formation class and Presbyterian Women for hosting a reception following the memorial service on May 10 for the family of Harold Dunlap.
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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).
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Campaign Team, member Paul Baldasare 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?
For over 30 years, FPC has been a community in which my family and I have been supported in exploring and growing our Christian faith. We’ve been encouraged to ask hard questions about what we believe, to remain open to new ways of thinking about the Gospel, and to share in the church’s commitment to a ministry of service in downtown Durham and in the larger community around us. Our pastors through the years, and many individual members of the congregation, have enriched our lives and served as mentors during what has been, and will continue to be, a life-long spiritual journey.
Why is the building project important for the church’s mission and ministry? What excites you the most?
I whole-heartedly support the proposed building expansion and renovation projects that will be funded by our Capital Campaign because these projects reflect, and will greatly enhance, our mission of service in downtown Durham. From creating more functional space for our congregation and community partners to gather in larger numbers in a new Fellowship Hall with energy-efficient kitchen facilities, to a safe and welcoming walk-in ministry place for our neighbors with emergency needs, to the addition of new and upgraded bathrooms and shower facilities for visiting youth groups and refugee families in need of temporary housing, to the addition of energy-conservation features to support our commitment to be an Earth Care Congregation—these examples and more serve our mission to help build the beloved community in Durham.
Why will you be generous in your financial support of our Building Fund Campaign?
As a member of this community of faith, I believe passionately in this church and its historic mission in Durham. We will be giving to the campaign because we feel called to support financially as generously as we can the work that FPC is doing to advance the Great Ends of the Church.
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Campaign Team member Roxana Boyd 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?
I'm one of many young professionals who moved to this area for a new job, to be closer to family, or a better work-life balance. Putting down roots and finding community in an unfamiliar place felt daunting for me - even before the pandemic began, with family just a few hours away. FPC has given me this sense of community and the congregation has inspired me to reflect on and grow in my faith, and share these experiences with others in ways that have surprised me. In 2019, I attended my first worship service and a number of potlucks with the Scratch young adult group. A year later, I officially joined the church and became an advisor for the middle school youth. Now, I can't imagine the last three years without FPC - the support and prayers when I lost my grandfather, the joy of getting to know our youth and supporting them as a friend in faith for their confirmation process, and the hope for the future as I've enjoyed meeting new members and friends. Life is unpredictable and my faith journey will endure more twists and turns but I know my FPC family will be there for me always.
Why is the building project important for the church’s mission and ministry? What excites you the most?
When I was little, I attended church with my family in Wilmington, NC and we used to joke about stopping by the fellowship hall for some "chocolate fellowship" (i.e. donuts) with the rest of the congregation after the worship service. All jokes aside, I see the fellowship hall as an incredibly important physical space for the church. I know that a modern, larger space will bring more of our Durham community members together - for educational and service events to live out our mission, for youth group activities and congregational gatherings with "chocolate fellowship," and much, much more.
Why will you be generous in your financial support of our Building Fund Campaign?
The FPC community has provided steadfast support during a time of transition and uncertainty for me as a new resident in the area. It has helped me grow in my own faith - to feel God's love - and strengthen my own self-love. With this foundation, I feel called to give back so that others in the community can feel the same love.
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Sunday, May 22, 2022
Sixth Sunday of Easter
9:45 a.m. Faith Formation
(Spring Faith Formation for children ends May 22.)
11:00 a.m. Worship in the sanctuary
John Weicher, preaching
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Sunday, May 29, 2022
Seventh Sunday of Easter
11:00 a.m. Worship in the sanctuary
G. Wilson Gunn, preaching
G. Wilson Gunn, Jr. grew up in Arkansas, matriculated at Davidson College (BA), Duke University (MDiv and ThM) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (PhD). He served pastorates in North Carolina and Virginia (including two new church developments) for 20 years before entering executive service in Grace Presbytery (NE Texas area). From March 2004 until October 2018, he served National Capital Presbytery as General Presbyter. Presently he serves as the Coordinator of the Presbytery Leader Formation Program, is an International Coaching Federation Certified coach, and consults with Church Judicatories. He and his wife Pam have four children (Lisa, Daniel, Ben, and Jasper) and three grandsons (Jacob, Josh, and JJ).
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Children's Faith Formation classes end this Sunday, May 22. We will take a two week break and then begin our summer programming on Sunday, June 5th.
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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 ends May 22.
We are thrilled that the Youth Ministry Committee was able to extend your chance to get in on these sweet shirts and hats fundraiser. The new deadline is this 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 (via Zoom) 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 22: We explore two additions to the book of Daniel, each of which tells a fascinating story of Daniel’s cleverness in uncovering the truth of a mystery. Meet Daniel the detective!
On May 29: In our final look at the Apocrypha, we sample from two books of the history of the Maccabees, who led a rebellion against the Greek/Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes.
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
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JOURNEY'S CLASS
Sundays, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
For Sunday, May 22, 2022, Journeys will be discussing Chapters 6 in Rev. John Cleghorn's new book, Resurrecting Church. As always, you can participate in the class without having completed the assignment, and class starts at 9:45AM in the Wilson Parlor. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Eric Wiebe, Andy Henry, or Paul Baldasare. If you would like to join remotely via Zoom, please contact us in advance.
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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. using this ZOOM LINK.
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.
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Spring Book Study
begins this evening . . .
Join Mindy Douglas via Zoom on Tuesday evenings at 6:15 p.m. or Wednesday mornings at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome to join the discussions 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, Will 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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Upcoming (and on-going!)
Fellowship Opportunity
Next gathering is Thursday, May 19 from 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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Spring Pop-up
Monday, May 23 – 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Duke Chapel Organ Crawl with Kathy Parkins.
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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DAYTIMERS' LUNCHEON
Tuesday, May 24 at 11:30 a.m.
Bennett Pointe Grill
4625 Hillsborough Rd, Durham
Hosted by Mickey Velkey
Please call, text or e-mail Mickey to RSVP:
Marilyn.velkey@usa.net
919.864.9823
601.750.3619 cell
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FIRST FRIENDS
First Friends is a fellowship group open to adults of all ages.
SAVE THESE DATES
Saturday, June 4 at 5:30 p.m.
POTLUCK hosted by Eric Wiebe and Cynthia Shimer's House
1507 Hermitage Ct, Durham, NC 27707
RSVP to enwiebe90@gmail.com
We will provide the main dish if folks will bring sides and desserts.
Bring a beverage of your choice.
Please park on only one side of Hermitage Ct (it's a narrow street).
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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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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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 $70 for the roundtrip fare. We can’t hold seats so 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. $70 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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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.
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Announcing FPC's support of the Faith and Farmer Program
of the Rural Advancement Foundation Inc
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Members of First Pres have an exciting opportunity for obtaining a steady supply of fresh vegetables this summer while supporting farmers of color. FPC’s Creation Care Committee has been working for several months with the Faith and Farmer Program of the Rural Advancement Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) in Pittsboro to create a community-supported agriculture program (CSA) with local black farmers. We are delighted to announce that we have found a farmer, Kamal Bell of Sankofa Farms, in Efland, https://www.sankofafarmsllc.com/, to partner with us, and the CSA will begin the week of June 6. Sankofa Farms follows sustainable practices, using no pesticides. We have two other congregations joining us for the CSA, Eno River UU Fellowship and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
The CSA will start the week of June 6 and run for eight weeks. The weekly cost will be $30, and the full cost of $240 for the season will have to be paid up front. Half shares will also be available. Weekly deliveries will be made to the church on either Tuesday or Thursday afternoon.
More details about the program will be available in the coming week, and we will have forms available for families to sign up to participate in the CSA. If you have questions, please contact Tom Bacon (919-219-4826) or Larry Brockman (919-824-1579) for more information . We hope you will join us.
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