Newsletter
October 20, 2026 | | |
Hello lovely saints of FPC!
This past weekend, 15 FPC young adults journeyed to Ocean Isle for a weekend of prayer, worship and connection guided by the words of the psalmist in the 139th psalm.
In our time together, they wrote 22 notes to folks on our prayer list, remembering that we are not a group in isolation, but belong to the greater family of faith we have been called to live life with.
We ended our time together on Sunday morning with song and a contemplative reading of Psalm 139. In our worship, we christened the communion set that I commissioned from FPC’s resident potter, Jane Williams, and received that meal of grace together. It is a gift that so many of the names and stories of our community were within our weekend of rest and fellowship.
As we return to this week of ordinary life and busy schedules, I invite you to read the Psalmists’ words they spoke aloud by the ocean on that sacred morning together, and ponder the ways God’s grace is moving in your life.
Thank you for being the reason this community of amazing, faithful young adults exists.
The Somethings love our FPC family!
Love,
Pastor Esther
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Trunk or Treat -
TRUNKS STILL NEEDED!
Mark your calendars, Durham! First Presbyterian Church is hosting Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 25, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Bring the kids (and your costumes) for an evening of candy, hot dogs, festively decorated trunks, a photo booth, and more. Whether you're a longtime member or a neighbor who has never been inside our doors, you're invited. Come hungry and come ready to have fun.
Want to decorate a trunk and hand out candy? We'd love your help. Email or text Mimi Dunn at marydunn618@gmail.com or (304) 553-3295 to sign up.
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Souls to the Polls
Join us on Sunday, October 25, as we join our neighbors at St. Joseph’s AME Church for Souls to the Polls, a Durham tradition that brings congregations together to celebrate and encourage voting during the early voting period. There are two ways to take part.
Join the caravan: Come to St. Joseph’s AME Church (2521 Fayetteville St.) around 1 p.m. When their worship service ends, a caravan of cars will travel together to the early voting site at North Carolina Central University’s Turner Law School. It’s an impressive sight to see the long line of cars flying Souls to the Polls flags on the way to the polls. Keep a few snacks in your car in case you get hungry!
Meet us at the party: Head straight to Party at the Polls at 2 p.m. at the Turner Law Building at NCCU (640 Nelson St.). Plan to arrive by 1:30 p.m. for parking. There will be food, fellowship, and community engagement to encourage voter turnout. Media usually attend to share the event, so it’s a great chance to show FPC’s support for our community.
Bonus: If you live in Durham County, you can vote early while you’re there! Remember to bring a photo ID, check your voter registration ahead of time, and vote the full ballot.
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Give Hope. Give Blood.
First Presbyterian is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive here at the church on Thursday, October 29, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. One donation can help save multiple lives, and it takes just about an hour of your afternoon. Walk-ins may be welcome, but appointments help the Red Cross plan.
Reserve your time at tinyurl.com/fpc-durm-blood-drive-Oct-2026.
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Mah Jong at FPC
We're excited to bring Mahjong to FPC Durham! Whether you've played lots or are ready to learn something new, we'd love for you to join us. Our next gathering is Friday, October 30, from 6 to 8 p.m., and it's perfect for anyone brand new to the game or who hasn't played in a while. Experienced players are welcome too, and we're looking for teaching partners to help new folks learn.
Want to sign up? Contact Amy Wilson at alleamy@gmail.com or 919-741-0486.
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October 25
Reformation Sunday
Esther Hethcox, preaching
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November 1
All Saints’ Sunday
Mindy Douglas, preaching
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Middle School Faith Formation - Jesus Is Calling
We begin a new series this week - Following Jesus - which is perhaps the very essence of our Christian faith. To follow, of course, we first need to listen to Jesus calling us. All middlers can do that! Join teachers Bob & John in the right-side Youth Room at 9:45 a.m. this Sunday, and make sure to stop at the donuts & hot chocolate station on the way in.
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High School Faith Formation -
Gospel of the Kingdom
It's a Yonder Coffee week! Building on the great crew we had last week, teachers Carlo & Amanda are leading our high schoolers in a conversation about God's Kingdom. When have we received news? Great good news? Or does anything register as "good news" these days? We'll meet in the lobby at 9:45 a.m. Sunday and then walk over to Yonder Coffee at The Daily (108 E. Main St.). Jesus is paying. Stragglers go straight to Yonder.
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Halloween Sweet Potato Glean
We have a SPECIAL opportunity to glean Sweet Potatoes on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 8-12. The farmer will be leaving some of the sweet potato crop in the field for us to find (glean) and send to the food bank! The location will be First Fruits Farm, and the theme will be: Halloween! We will meet in the church parking lot and caravan to the farm. There will be plenty of time to get home for trick or treating, because gleaning ends around noon (or whenever we are ready to be finished)!
PLEASE let me know that you are coming by clicking on the link to the sign up genius!!!
I am very excited to glean sweet potatoes! If you haven't ever gleaned before, it's a FUN way to help people and prevent food waste!!
AND--- YOU WILL BE BACK IN TIME FOR TRICK OR TREATING IN THE EVENING!!!!
Sign Up Here
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Support Group for Those Living with Chronic Health Conditions
If you are living with chronic health conditions, FPC has a support group for you. Meeting monthly, this clergy-led small group discusses the day to day challenges - and opportunities - that come from living with chronic health conditions. In addition to receiving emotional and spiritual support, members also share updates and information on treatment and coping options. Our next meeting will take place from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20th in the Wilson Parlor at FPC. For additional information, please contact Susan Dumlap at susan.dunlap@duke.edu.
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First Acts Reads The Desk Set
Please register to join us for a reading of The Desk Set, a 1950s ensemble workplace comedy on Saturday, Nov. 7th, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Daye Meeting Room.
The play pits Bunny and her sharp-witted officemates against the technology (and the men touting its productivity) threatening their jobs. Mayhem and hilarity ensue, but with a happy holiday ending.
Whether you prefer to read or listen, all are welcome.
Register Here
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Reality Ministries 17th Annual Talent Show
Join Reality Ministries for a wonderful community celebration featuring an inspiring talent show and an art gallery showcase prior to the event. It is a joyful, uplifting afternoon that you won't want to miss!
Visit the Reality Ministries Talent Show website for the full details.
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2027 Worship Flowers Sign-Up Is Now Open
Thank you! The 2026 Worship Flowers calendar is full through the end of the year. The sign-up for 2027 is now open. Flowers in the sanctuary are a meaningful way to honor or remember a loved one, celebrate a milestone, or simply give thanks. Choose your Sunday early to get the date you want.
Sign Up Here
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Building Update: Rebuilding Together
Construction on our Rebuilding Together building project begins October 2026. Made possible by the generosity of donors to the 2022 Building Beloved Community Capital Campaign, this project will greatly improve accessibility throughout our building and breathe new life into some of our most beloved shared spaces, including a renovated Watts-Hill Fellowship Hall, a new elevator, reconfigured volunteer and Walk-In Ministry offices, a columbarium extending from the memorial garden, a renovated chapel, and new basement showers to support mission teams and emergency shelter. The project also includes roof, organ, window, and HVAC repairs, along with completed solar panel installation.
What to Expect Once Construction Begins:
- The Fellowship Hall and volunteer offices will close for renovation.
- The kitchen will remain available for use.
- Church staff offices will be temporarily reconfigured.
- Some programmatic events may be held offsite or in alternate church spaces.
Questions about the project or how it may affect a specific ministry or event? Reach out to communications@firstpres-durham.org.
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Yoga Offerings
Monday at 4:30 p.m. | Watts-Hill Hall
Friday at 10:30 a.m. | Room 201
Friday class resumes at 10:30 a.m. in Room 201 of the FPC Education Building.
Please RSVP to Jane Wettach
October 26 and beyond:
Classes will resume the regular schedule, with a location change for the Monday class. Beginning October 26 (assuming construction has started), Monday classes will be offered at Trinity United Methodist Church, 215 N. Church St. You can see the grey steeple looking northwest from the FPC parking lot. I will send more details about entrance to the parking lot and building, as well as the interior location, when classes resume.
For more information email Jane Wettach.
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