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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
"Downtown by history and by choice"
FPC Bi-Weekly Newsletter
September 20, 2022 Issue 19
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Letter from Pastor/Head of Staff
Dear friends,
This week we say an official goodbye to the dog days of summer. In NC, that doesn’t always mean much, as the heat can last well into September and even early October! Don’t put your sandals away yet (not that we ever really do in NC)! Today, the temps will approach 90 degrees again, but tonight things will cool down – and the humidity today is only 50%!
The end of summer means a lot of different things to people. For many, it means the rhythms of school are back in full force: early mornings and sleepy eyes, carpools and bus routes, afterschool activities and homework, fall sports and band practice. Lazy beach or mountain vacations are but a memory. Light summer novels turn to heavy required reading assignments. For others, there is a sigh of relief as the heat and humidity of summer begin to fade, a few leaves begin to turn, and neighbors and friends all return from their summer excursions.
In the church, we feel this change of seasons as well as our rhythms change. We had an amazing faith formation* kickoff Sunday, with intergenerational games, art projects, snacks, and service opportunities. Our teachers showed up (thank you, teachers!), excited and ready to welcome children, youth, and adults into their classes. And you showed up, equally excited and ready to join with others in learning, fellowship, support, and growth in faith.
In worship, we feel the changes, too. The choir has returned (yay!), the congregation is energized and excited to be together in person, the live stream still allows those who are sick, travelling, or unable to physically be present in worship to join us online. On Sunday, we begin our season of stewardship with a celebratory luncheon. We give thanks for the abundance God has given us and consider the ways we might support the mission and ministry of this church with a pledge for 2023. We will hear from our own Tom Bloom, business administrator, about how our gifts of time, talent, and resource promote hospitality to our members, friends, and the community around us.
In addition, our youth are meeting each Sunday night. They are growing together in faith and learning, fellowship, and welcome. Check out everything they are doing in the newsletter below!
There are so many ways to make connections as fall begins. If you haven’t already, I hope you will find a place to grow with others in this community (information about these things is below or contact me and I will fill you in!):
· Join us for the Pride parade this Saturday
· Join a faith formation class on Sunday or a book study group during the week
· Stay for our stewardship kickoff lunch this Sunday
· Come hear our global peacemaker speak on Wednesday, October 5
· Join the chancel or bell choir
· Join the knitting or quilting group
· Join the Racial Equity team or the Creation Care Committee
· Volunteer to make sandwiches at Urban Ministries
· Tutor children at Iglesia Emanuel
· Become a Sunday worship reader
· Join the church gardening and landscaping team
These are only a few examples of the many ways you can get connected in this community of faith, worship, and service. See the newsletter below for more information! I hope that, as we begin this new season, you will consider how God is calling you to invest in your own life of faith and growth in community here at FPC. I am so glad you are here, and I look forward to growing in faith and love with you.
Grace and peace to you all!
With love and gratitude,
Mindy
*Our Christian Education Committee recommended that we shift to using the term “faith formation” rather than “Sunday school,” as the opportunities to learn and grow happen at times other than just Sunday. The term “faith formation” recognizes that our faith is formed not just in the classroom, but also through actions, experiences, and relationships that we share together as we seek to grow in our understanding of God’s love for us and Christ’s call to love God and one another.
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SYMPATHIES: The love and concern of the congregation is extended to Diane Lesman, a friend of FPC who sings in the Chancel Choir, on the death of her sister. Christine Brownlie Flack died from progressing dementia on September 15.
· Scott Barenchi, stepson of Linda Barenchi, received a diagnosis of a rare form of cancer
· Kerry Holbrook is recovering from back surgery at the Brian Center Southpoint.
Franzi Rokoske: follow her health journey via CARING BRIDGE.
Mitzi Lesher-Thomas: follow her health journey via Caring Bridge: CARING BRIDGE
Paul Cornsweet Jancy Johnstone George Kafula
Katy Loebrich Carol Wills
Care Communities
Croasdaile Pavilion: Dub Gulley
Dubose Center at The Cedars, Chapel Hill: Arthur Clark
Durham Ridge Assisted Living: Phillip Herndon
Hillcrest Convalescent Center: Julian Boswell, Maxie Honeycutt, Jim Wolfe
The Forest at Duke Health Center: Wes Carson
Family and Friends of the Congregation
Gladys Arrowood, mother of Al Arrowood
Ricky Bennett's mom
Bob, friend of Fred and Jo Ann Moore
Nicky Clegg, granddaughter of Jeanne Hervey
Tom Cotton, friend of Michael Honeycutt
Mimi Cummings, mother of Drew Cummings
Grace, Chris James’ great-niece
Vivian Mast, friend of Josh Walters
Sydnor Patrick, friend of FPC
Aaron Pritchard, friend of Kathy Parkins
Greg, son-in-law of Mary Putnam and David Hartman
Jim Vacca, father of Jamie Chambliss
John Wakefield, cousin of Vernon Neece
Janice Faye West, mother of Randy Lang Howard
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Words cannot express how deeply I appreciate all of the support from FPC during Roger's illness and death. Whether it was visits, meals, cards, phone calls, texts, opening your home for his service, providing desserts, moving chairs, setting up audio, or any of the many ways your expressed your love, I say "thank you" for being my church family.
- Jane Williams
Dear First Pres Family,
Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers and all of the sweet notes about my father. We appreciate so many of you reaching out.
Peace,
Will and Jamie Chambliss
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CAPITAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE
Dear friends,
As we move into the fall season, we wanted to report on the Capital Campaign. The goal of our Capital Campaign is to raise the funds needed to accomplish our building expansion and renovation projects, as well as fund two important mission projects.
The congregation’s response to the campaign has been amazing! We have received gifts and commitments totaling over $2.6 million. Thank you to everyone who has responded!
The estimated cost of the proposed building expansion and renovations is $3 million to $4 million, so our campaign continues. Thank you, in advance, to all who will provide their campaign pledge over the next month. Your response is urgently needed as we approach the point in our project timeline where we need to have a solid grasp of the funds available, so that we can firm up our project plans. You can visit our church website to make your campaign pledge. It continues to be a privilege witnessing firsthand the incredible generosity of our congregation. We are inspired by you, and we are excited about moving forward together in service as we build beloved community in Durham.
With gratitude,
Amy and Gray Wilson
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Building Committee Report
Dear friends,
Your FPC Building Committee has been hard at work all summer. They meet bi-weekly with our architects at MHA to discuss plans. They also meet with sub-committees (e.g. kitchen, memorial garden, creation care) on a regular basis. Here are a few updates:
· The Creation Care sub-committee interviewed and received proposals from four different solar power companies. On Monday, September 26, the Session will vote on one of the proposals to install solar panels. We will give you a more detailed update on this soon!
· A survey of our property has been completed.
· On Monday, September 19, we met with the architects and looked at two potential kitchen layouts. The kitchen sub-committee (which includes staff from the day school) will consider the layouts and return to the architects with their feedback.
· At Monday’s meeting, we also considered ways to balance impervious and pervious surfaces so that we have a net zero increase in impervious surfaces on our property.
· At this point, the architects estimate that a ground-breaking will take place in the summer of next year.
Building Committee members:
Tyler Momsen-Hudson, Building Committee Chair
Dawn Shelton, Property Committee Chair
Lanny Pratt, Property Committee rep
Barbara Buckley, Property Committee rep
Chuck Wilson, Property Committee rep
Phyllis Supple, at-large member
Mindy Douglas, staff
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Highlights of the Auditor's Report for 2021
Each year, the Church engages an independent auditor to examine the financial statements to obtain reasonable assurance that the statements are free of material misstatement. The firm Bernard Robinson & Company, L.L.P., conducted the audit for the year ending December 31, 2021. Please click HERE if you would like to view the full audit. Click here to see the Governance Letter.
There were no audit concerns. As in the past, the opinion was qualified because FPC does not report expenses by their functional classification, as is required under professional accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations. This is only a reporting difference and has not caused concern for the Church in the past.
Highlights from the report include:
· The Operations Fund (or budget) ended 2021 net positive by $54,894. That includes approximately $95K in non-recurring realized gains on investments. Accumulated reserves or net assets ended the year at $367,000.
· The Endowment Fund (Building & Grounds, Human Needs, McPherson, and Meyer) totaled $4,644,745 at the end of 2021 for an increase of $482,876 over the prior year. The funds are invested with Bank of America Private Wealth Management, FPC's investment manager. Distributions from these funds, which are made annually according to the Session's spending policy, totaled $194,785 in 2021.
· Other Funds (funds received by the Church for specific activities) ended 2021 at $1,348,761 for an increase of $590,843 over the prior year. Note within the "Other Funds" bucket, revenue to the "bequests" line totaled $597,766, contributing to the unusually large increase during 2021.
· Net Assets for all funds (excluding Church land and building, which are not part of the audit) at the end of 2021 totaled $6,360,506, up $833,828 from the beginning of the year.
· The Church maintains a deposit account at Truist and investments with Bank of America Private Bank, Self-Help Credit Union, M&F Bank, and Latino Community Credit Union.
Approved by the Finance & Investment Committee
August 23, 2022
Fred Moore (Chair), Torrell Armstrong (Treasurer), Doug Butler, George Bernhardt, Tom Keller, Wendy McCorkle, Keith Merritt, Ed Pritchett, Gray Wilson
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Sunday, September 25, 2022
9:45 a.m.
Faith Formation Classes for all ages
11:00 a.m. Worship
Join us for lunch (free catered meal) following worship as we kickoff our 2023 Stewardship Season.
This year's theme is "Hospitality" and our own business manager, Tom Bloom, will challenge us to generously giving through pledges and offerings to the work we hope to accomplish together in 2023.
All ages will share in the meal together (no childcare) with the option of eating outdoors in the courtyard. Please let us know you plan to attend.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Contact Ashley Swavely (864-933-4674) if you can help before the meal with setup or after the meal with clean up. Thank you.
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Sunday, October 2, 2022
9:45 a.m.
Faith Formation Classes for all ages
11:00 a.m. Worship and Communion
Sunday, October 2 is the annual Peace and Global Witness Offering that supports initiatives in the US and around the world. This year our local 25% portion goes to Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham:
https://nonviolentdurham.org/ which builds intentional relationships among people of faith and newly released prisoners, supports Restorative Justice Durham, and initiates prayer vigils after homicides. A specially marked envelope will be enclosed in the worship bulletin on Sunday for this offering. You can also make this donation on-line at https://firstpres-durham.org/giving/
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CHILDREN'S CORNER
Faith Formation classes for children are held on the second floor of the education building from 9:45-10:25 a.m. All children are welcome.
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FAITH AND COMMUNITY CLASS | |
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We hope that you can join us for Faith & Community Class sessions this fall. If you missed the September 11 class, we have added here a link that includes (in a Google Drive folder) some notes from that class as well as a link to the PCUSA Report and the Study Guide that they prepared for the report. We hope to see you there.
Class schedule:
· Sep 18: Introduction & Reparations
· Sep 25: Remember & Repent
· Oct 2: Repair & Restore
· Oct 9: Reconciliation
· Oct 16: Redress
· Oct 23: Confessions of Behar
Links:
PCUSA Report on Reparations
FPC_Reparations - Google Drive
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LECTIONARY CLASS
Sundays, 9:45-10:45 a.m. (year-round):
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.
On September 25: The Bible has some harsh things to say about those who are rich. Do we, who live in the world's richest country, fall under condemnation for our standard of living? "The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil."
On October 2: How do we respond when times are bad? With lamentation, or complaint, or thoughts of revenge? Or with perseverance and steadfast faith?
To join remotely via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89195306050
For phone access (audio only), call 253-215-8782.
If you need a copy of the handout of scripture readings, contact David Smith.
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JOURNEYS CLASS
On September 25, we will explore a sermon titled “Mary the Tower” that helps us re-examine the role of woman in Christ’s ministry. Contact Andy Henry (919-599-9405) for a copy of (access to) the resources being used in this class.
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Meaning in the Middle (MnM)
This early fall, Meaning in the Middle is trying out a fabulous new thing -- being together in the same room! Along with their famous Sunday might Zoom (8 pm, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81831041251), MnMers will be gathering in Room 205 (near children's classrooms) during the faith formation hour, 9:45-10:45 a.m. Join us for conversation, discussion, sharing of lives and laughter. September 18 was our first official MnM faith formation meeting of the fall semester.
For those meeting in person, Amy Wilson will be leading us.
For those meeting on Zoom, we will meet at 8 PM (click here), and Michael Schultz will be leading us. If you have any issues accessing the meeting on Sunday evening, please feel free to email or text Mary Berry (703.851.8625).
As always, you are welcome whether you've had time to read or not. Our leaders will give a brief summary of the readings before we dive into conversation, so this is a low-pressure thing!
Contacts for this class are: Mary Berry and Emily Diy.
We are hoping to hold a social gathering the first weekend in October.
Outdoors seems to be the preference and there will definitely be food involved. Stay tuned!
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OUR FALL BOOK STUDY HAS BEGUN!
Tuesdays, at 6:15 p.m.
Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m.
Our first book, Revolution of Values, was chosen to help us think about the upcoming election and how we "reclaim public faith for the common good." This book is written by our local friend Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove. Check in with Mindy Douglas if you need a copy of the book. Here’s the study schedule:
September 13/14 chapters 1-2
September 20/21 chapters 3-4
September 27/28 chapters 5-6
October 4/5 chapters 7-8
October 11/12 chapters 9
Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82972133680?pwd=cktmdUNZdXRSZ09NUkxhZklDTlkzQT09
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DURHAM PRIDE PARADE
AND FESTIVAL
Saturday, September 24
10:30 a.m.
Duke’s East Campus Quad –
1304 Campus Drive, Durham
Marchers will line up along the wall of Duke’s campus that runs along Main Street towards Buchanan Drive between 9:00-10:00 a.m. Parking will be very limited around Duke’s East Campus. You are encouraged to arrive early (9:00 a.m.) and consider carpooling from FPC.
We are Entry No. 17 in the parade, so please meet our group at that marker by 9:30 a.m. The route is two miles so please hydrate, bring sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes. Stroller, wheelchairs, wagons, and mobility aids are permitted. Bring reusable containers and clean up any litter as you see it along the route. Stay to the righthand lane of the street. Please plan to finish the route and stay for the remainder of the parade on East Campus. There will be an opportunity to exit the parade route if you are unable to finish.
The parade is rain or shine. After the parade, there will be a Festival with entertainment, food trucks, and vendors. In the evening, there will be a concert in Durham’s Central Park from 5:00-8:00 p.m. again featuring food trucks, local breweries, and truly incredible queer musicians. FPC’s organizer is Mindy Douglas.
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PEACEMAKING EVENT at FPC
On Wednesday, October 5, FPC will host Mr. Maina Talia, Climate Action Network Secretary in Tuvalu, an island country in the Pacific Ocean. From 6:00 – 7 :00 p.m. he will talk with us about climate change, theology, and indigenous issues. Snacks will be served at 5:30 and we will be taking reservations for a 7:00 p.m. box supper.
In 2011 Mr. Talia began as the climate change officer for the Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (Congregational Christian Church of Tuvalu) and coordinated the EKT theological statement called “Dancing with God in the rainbow.” He will be a delegate (for the 7th time!) to the United Nations Climate Change Conference, this November in Egypt. His talk is sponsored by FPC’s Creation Care Committee and Service and Mission Committee, the Peacemaking Network of New Hope Presbytery, and the PCUSA International Peacemakers Program. Please join us in learning about climate change and its effects in the world!
Mr. Maina Talia is from Tuvalu, an island country in the Polynesian subregion of Oceania in the Pacific Ocean. Talia started working for the Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (EKT) as their climate change officer in 2011 under the department of Peace and Justice. In his tenure of work, he coordinated the construction of the EKT theological statement called “Dancing with God in the rainbow.”
Talia currently holds the position of Tuvalu Climate Action Network (TuCAN) Secretary and the National Focal point of Pacific Network (PIN) in Tuvalu. In his capacity as the climate change officer for the church and for TuCAN, his work specifically focuses on climate change and theology merged with indigenous issues in Tuvalu. Talia has attended several United Nations conferences on indigenous issues in New York and Geneva. He has served on the Tuvalu government delegation to the Conference of the Parties (COP) 18 in Doha, COP21 in Paris, COP23 in Bonn, COP24 in Katowice, COP25 in Madrid, COP26 Glasgow and will be attending COP27 in Egypt this year.
Talia is married to Laingane Italeli Talia with four children. He holds a Master of Theology degree, with an emphasis on Climate Change and Theology. Talia is currently a doctoral student at the Charles Sturt University in Australia.
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First Friends had a fabulous beach trip in Ocean Isle with 30+ FPC folks. We worshiped, laughed, swam, walked, sat on the beach, danced, did yoga, watched the birds, and had excellent
conversations! Praise God! Big appreciations to Kim Abels and Kathy Conner for doing the heavy lifting to make the trip possible. Pencil next year the 2nd weekend after Labor Day to attend!
SAVE THESE DATES
First Friends Fellowship Events
- Friday October 28: Susan Dunlap and Prasad Kasibhatla (919-801-5968)
- Saturday November 19: Deborah and Tyler Momsen-Hudson (919-697-1898)
- Friday December 10: Melinda Ruley and Stewart Fisher (919-383-8168)
Would you like to be added to the First Friends fellowship group emails? Email Valerie in the church office to have your email added to the invite list.
First Friends is open to any adult who enjoys hosting FPC members in their home and participating in occasional service projects together.
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The Mount Level Community Partnership for Racial Justice is sponsoring a 7-week group book reading and discussion of Revered Dr. Howard Thurman’s Jesus and the Disinherited. It will be Tuesdays through October 25 from 6:30pm-8:00 p.m. EST, is open to all and free of charge. All sessions will occur over Zoom and there is an in-person option for the first and last meetings. There are participants from many churches, individuals, and denominations across Durham. The discussion is led by Reverend Dr. M. Keith Daniel followed by smaller group discussions. Participants are responsible for purchasing their own copies of the book. We ask that all participants read and affirm the MLCPRJ Covenant for discussion groups) We ask that participants make every effort to attend all meetings for the entire duration of the book group. Zoom meeting link will be provided upon registration.
Group meeting times (EST):
Sep 20, 2022 06:30 PM
Sep 27, 2022 06:30 PM
Oct 4, 2022 06:30 PM
Oct 11, 2022 06:30 PM
Oct 18, 2022 06:30 PM
Oct 25, 2022 06:30 PM
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcldu2uqz8pH9Qw8L3aQWtf64CzGxJ2IZkG
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Medical debt is the source of incredible inequities, keeping families mired in debt and impeding their ability to build assets. Plus, it adds enormously to emotional stress. That's why First Presbyterian Church is leading this campaign as one reparations strategy. The potential to WIPE OUT DEBT for pennies on the dollar is amazing! When you make a pledge to our capital campaign, you are already supporting this project. If you have not already made a campaign pledge, we hope you will join us in giving to our Building Beloved Community campaign! Contact Tom Bloom if you wish to contribute to FPC's capital campaign project. Invite your friends and family to give separately to the RIP Medical Debt by going to their site: ripmedicaldebt.org.
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SERVICE AND MISSION OPPORTUNITIES | |
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Fall Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) Project
First Pres is again participating in a CSA this Fall so members can have access to a steady supply of fresh vegetables in partnership with a farmer of color, Sankofa Farms in Efland. The CSA is done in collaboration with RAFI-USA’s Farm and Faith Partnerships Project, and with two other congregations, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Eno River UU Fellowship. The Fall CSA will begin on Thursday, September 29, with distribution of boxes of vegetables at First Pres from 4:00-6:00 each week for six weeks. The cost will be $30 per week for a full share and $15 for a half-share. For more information, contact Tom Bacon (tbacon44@gmail.com or 919-403-9683).
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Duke Presbyterian Campus Ministry (PCM+)
PCM+ needs your help! We are looking for volunteers who are able and willing to sign up to bring dinner on Sunday nights before worship. We are so grateful for your consideration - the engagement and support that students receive from partner churches like First Presbyterian Church is such an enriching part of this ministry! If you would like to review the details/instructions and sign-up volunteer to bring dinner on a Sunday night, use this link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E45AFA623AAFAC70-pcm1
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Food Pantry at Iglesia Emanuel
— the doors are open!
Change is in the air! The days are gradually getting shorter and a bit cooler, but one thing has not changed — the need for nutritious food by over 600 families every week.
Another thing that has not changed — we need energetic volunteers and generous donors to keep this vital ministry going strong! Here are some easy ways you can make a big difference:
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Join us for a 2-hour shift on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. Fun and so helpful! Click this link to sign up.
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Gather some friends and host a Bagging Rice and Beans party! Sign up here.
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Organize a food drive. Most needed items: canned protein (tuna or chicken), cereal, canned vegetables
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Make a financial donation to emanueldurham.org
Questions? Contact Margaret Rubiera.
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Tutoring at Iglesia Emanuel
Our Tutoring Program is underway, and the enthusiasm is high! Every Tuesday and Thursday evening, from 6 - 7, over 20 Hispanic students from kindergarten through high school come to Iglesia Emanuel for one-on-one tutoring. Tutors not only help reinforce reading, writing and math skills, they also become mentors and friends. Dedicated tutors commit to a minimum of one hour a week, and help shape the future for a child. If interested in learning more and applying, contact our Learning Center Director, Erin Nguyen. For more information, reach out to Margaret Rubiera.
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