God Is the Way Forward

Since Hurricane Helene roared through in late September, many of us have felt behind and disoriented. Thankfully, most of us were spared the worst of the storm, even as evidence of it remains all around us. The remaining piles of cut trees and brush bear witness to the sheer magnitude of the storm’s destruction. And may we not forget that the effects here are nothing compared to so many places in Western North Carolina. I can only imagine how disoriented those most affected feel right now. And those in California, whose homes and communities are vanishing in the fires that rage, are about to embark on a long journey of disorientation. Once the shock and the initial relief efforts subside, the magnitude of rebuilding their lives, or an entire community, will overwhelm and oppress them.

When you couple this kind of disorientation with the ever-flowing political and social turmoil in this nation and in the world, it can be difficult to find a bearing to guide you. Trying to answer the question, “where are we going?” when you truly cannot see the way forward makes life’s journey a stony way. The road we have trod over the last several years has often seemed winding and devoid of any signage to point the way.

However, as Christians, we are blessed to have our Holy Scriptures, many of which were written by people who felt like they were walking with no clear direction, no way forward. Turn to Isaiah and hear how God speaks to an exiled people, both challenging them for their lack of faith and comforting them with promises of peace, restoration, and steadfast love. Our scriptures were born and thus are made for times like these when the way forward seems hopelessly unclear. They are meant for people exiled by ruthless leaders and those exiled by fear, hopelessness, and injustice. They are meant to point them to the only way forward, whether times are good or bad. This way is, of course, the way of God. The way of justice, peace, hope, and steadfast love.

And this way, God’s way, does not change. As Psalm 36 proclaims, “Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains.” God is with us. God’s love surrounds us. Look at the mighty mountains that stand powerful, tall, and immovable. They are a signpost. A signpost pointing forever and always to a God that above all things desires loving relationship with us. “You hem me in behind and before,” the Psalmist writes. Always God is with us, behind us, and before us, no matter how stony the road we trod.

And when we remember this, when we rest in this truth, when we put our faith in this, we can see that however difficult the road may be, however unclear our direction, God is walking beside us, and therefore we are never truly lost. The way forward now is the same as it ever was. God behind us. God before us. God with us. Forever. Amen.

Grace and peace,

Will

Please pray for our music staff and choir members as we attend Festival by the Sea Choral Festival in Charleston, SC on January 24 & 25. We are grateful for the opportunity to sing under the direction of renowned conductor, Brandon Boyd. 

Are you interested in ringing handbells? Join us on Sunday, January 26 at 1:00 p.m. for a one-hour “Once ‘N Done” ringing session. We will play for 11:00 a.m. worship on February 2. Beginners and intermediate ringers are welcome. RSVP to Lisa Dillard by January 20th! 

Young Ladies’s Ensemble will rehearse 9:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on February 2, 9, and 16. We will sing for Youth Sunday on February 23.  

2024 Organ Fund Summary

Total Pledges Received for New Organ = $216,717.00

Total Gifts Received through 12/31/2024 = $289,032.00 

(This includes both pledged and non-pledged gifts) 

Total Amount Pledged = $355,953.00 

(made up of gifts received + remaining balance due on pledges)

Total Paid for New Organ = $392,675.00

Remaining Amount Due from Pledges = $36,722.00

(Assuming 100% Receipts from Pledged Gifts)

Thank You for Your Generosity and Faithful Support!

A Word from Ally

Over winter break, I spent some time rereading Kara Powell and Chap Clark’s book Sticky Faith: Everyday Ideas to Build Lasting Faith in Your Kids. Their research seeks to answer the question of why only 50% of teenagers raised in a Christian faith practice their faith once they leave home. I would venture to say that this percentage has perhaps decreased since this book was originally published in 2011. 

One aspect of their research that struck me was the impact adults in the congregation have on a teen's faith journey. They write “By far, the number one way that churches made the teens in our survey feel welcomed and valued was when adults in the congregation [who are not their parents] showed interest in them. More than any single program or event, adults’ making the effort to get to know the kids was far more likely to make the kids feel like a significant part of the church.” 

When a child grows up in a church where adults are pouring into their lives, modeling for them faithful living in our complicated world, and reminding them again and again that they are LOVED and VALUED, we should not be surprised that their faith is more likely to stick! 

The good news for FPCG is that there are many ways that you can plug into our Children and Youth Ministries and get to know our younger community members. It is easy to see these opportunities as nothing more than filling a volunteer need (which they do), but remember they are also an important and even life changing way that we live into our baptismal vows.

• Volunteer to teach Youth and/or Elementary Sunday School
• Chaperone Sunday Night Youth Group
• Prepare a meal for youth group
• Chaperone one a weekend or summer retreat
• Volunteer during the Wednesday Night Kids Connection time
• Join the children and youth during a service day

As we head into this new year, I encourage you to consider the ways that you might engage with our youngest congregants. Perhaps you will consider one of the options above or you can talk to me about other ministry ideas you might have! No matter what you choose to do, I encourage you all to get to know the children and youth of this church. You might just end up being one of the reasons their faith sticks!

Peace,

Ally

Can You Help? We need 3 volunteers to serve on the Team C First Responder group that serves every other Sunday during the early service, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. No medical qualifications required. Cal Cannon is the Team C leader.

If interested, please email Bill Koehler at koehlerrn@aol.com or call 864-238-2106 for more information.

The coffee cabinet is bare, but an order was placed in late December and should be here soon. Caffiene is on the way!!

Sheila Bracht

Sarah Cannon

Blake Lyda

Dave Macer

Grayson Marpes

Dottie Metropol

Jenny Munro

Stacia Smith

Joan White

Dear Greer First Presbyterian Family:

I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you for your kindness, prayers, and support during the recent loss of my beloved mother. Your comforting words, thoughtful gestures, and presence during this difficult time have been a source of strength for me and my family.

The love and care you have shown remind me of the power of community and faith. Whether through a card, a call, a text, or simply being there to listen, your actions have brought comfort and peace to our hearts.

Thank you for being a light during a dark time and for reminding us that we are not alone in our grief. Your love and prayers have been a true blessing, and I am eternally grateful for each of you.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Maria A. Kithcart

The next issue of First News is February 26. If you have content for the newsletter, please email it to Lisa Johnson at lisaj@fpcgreer.org by Monday, February 24.