Dear Friends,

This week we turn to Mark's sixth chapter, where Jesus is rejected in his hometown of Nazareth. Mark gives us a different reason for this rejection than Luke does, but the reality remains the same—Jesus and his message were not as popular at home as he was on the road, in other towns and cities.

I have to admit that when the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee presented my name at a congregational meeting late last spring, I was worried by the thought of this story as it appears in Mark and Luke. What if I, too, was rejected in my hometown? Where would I have gone? What would I have done next? I am so thankful that these remained merely hypothetical questions, and I have been blown away by the amazing love, support, and hospitality you have shown me as I've returned to Concord. But the fear of not knowing how we will be received at home is one that many of us can relate to, in one way or another. This Sunday we will step into Jesus' shoes and think about what Mark is trying to tell us about what it means to go home.

In Case of Inclement Weather on Sundays, check FPC's social media, and your email, for updates.

Monday through Thursday, if Cabarrus County Schools are closed for weather, our office will also be closed, and the staff will work remotely.

Usher sign up link:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0948acab2dabf49-fpcusher

Lay Reader sign up link:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0948acab2dabf49-scripture

link for online worship:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfpzVUz-ZgaCJuogIMor8Iw/live

link to Ellen's sermon podcasts:  https://bit.ly/Sermons_FPCConcord

Faith Statements

Our confirmands and partners met this week to work on faith statements. It was an honor to listen to the conversations about ‘What do I believe?’ and to witness the dialogue convert to a thoughtful profession of faith. Special thanks to the Todd Hobbie class for sharing what it means to them to be Presbyterian and what they love about First Presbyterian Church.

Confirmation class will gather this Sunday, February 4^th, at 4:30 PM in Davis Hall. They will be in conversation with Session members on February 6^th and confirmed in worship on February 11^th.

Youth - Who is Hungry?

All 6^th-12^th grade Youth are invited to join us for dinner at 5:30 PM and Youth Group 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, all in Davis Hall. Bring a friend!

We will be talking about food insecurities and asking the question – Who is hungry in our community? Youth will select a non-profit who addresses food insecurity and prepare for our congregational collection on Sunday, February 11^th as we take part in the Souper Bowl of Caring.

Youth are encouraged to bring one food item to Youth Group for the Blessing Box – any individually wrapped item that is ready to eat – a pack of crackers, Gatorade, protein bar, fruit cup, etc.

Here is the sign-up for Youth Group - 2023-2024 Youth: 2/4 Youth & Confirmation (signupgenius.com)

We are also looking for a volunteer or team of volunteers to provide dinner for our Youth on Sunday at 5:30 PM: First Presbyterian Youth Group Meals: Youth Group Dinners (signupgenius.com)

Lenten Lunch

On Sunday, February 18, we will kick off our Lenten small group series, titled Bearing Witness, with lunch in Davis Hall. Come learn about Simon of Cyrene, the passer-by who was conscripted by Roman soldiers to carry Jesus' cross for him, and other characters at the crucifixion scene.

By attending this lunch, you are agreeing to join a small, lay-led group that will study a verse or two of scripture each week of Lent, dealing with a different witness to the crucifixion each week. Our small groups will then come back together at our church-wide Maundy Thursday service to break bread and tie things together.

Please RSVP for lunch by clicking here, or call the reservation line, 704-788-2100 #7. Lunch is $7 per person, and will be free for kids under the age of 12. You may pay at the door or online.

Small Group signup information on the way.

Usher Meeting February 10, Training February 17

Please mark your calendar for our biannual usher planning meeting on Saturday, February 10 at 9:00 AM in the Fellowship House, as we plan for the usher ministry for this year and  beyond.

We need you as an usher! Usher Training will be offered immediately after worship on Sunday, February 18. We will review the role of the usher in worship and other services and practice during the training. This should take no longer than 15 minutes.

Thank You!

Troop 334 would like to thank the congregation and community for a successful opening weekend of Girl Scout cookies. The girls sold a total of 108 boxes on Sunday afternoon.

Did you miss the opportunity to purchase cookies? Don’t worry, our Daisy Troop will be in front of the sanctuary this Sunday, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM. Please stop by!

Todd Hobbie Class Update

Dr. Doug Ottati, Professor of Reformed Theology and Justice, Davidson College, will be teaching on the Lord's Prayer in the Todd Hobbie Class February 4 and 11.

Tackle Hunger – Souper Bowl of Caring!

Save the Date!

The Youth will be taking up a collection of monetary donations to help tackle local food insecurities. Bring your donations to worship on Sunday, February 11^th!

BOOKS and BREWS

February Read: The Day the World Came to Town (Jim DeFede).  

Tuesday February 20 at 7:00 PM at the home of Susan and Walter Hannah.

March Read: Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone (Benjamin Stevenson). 

Dr. Jeffrey W. Price - Choirmaster

Sunday, January 28, 2024

It is a true and humbling privilege to participate in this recognition and celebration of our Choirmaster and friend, Dr. Jeffrey W. Price, for his 20 years of exemplary service and commitment to the music program of First Presbyterian Church, Concord.

I want to share with you some of the things you may not know about Jeffrey, contrary to what I hear sometimes happens in other venues, this is not a roast of our choirmaster!

Jeffrey’s resume includes:

Bachelor & Masters Degrees from UNCG

One year faculty appointments at Marshall & Appalachian State Universities

Doctorate from Florida State University

Professor of Voice at UNCC until 2016

Toured China as a tenor recitalist with renowned pianist, Dr. Nelita True, from Eastman School of Music

Appeared on PBS show, The Joy of Music, several times, produced by renowned organist Diane Bish

Guest soloist for several years with the Charlotte Symphony

Recipient of the Bank of America Award for Excellence in Teaching

As the Administration & Personnel Committee of the Session worked last year to develop a program for recognition of long time staff members, we learned that “long time service” is a rather unique phenomenon in many churches. So we are blessed at FPC to have Jeffrey Price whose talent, servant heart, and commitment to others (choir members as well as many others in our community who need help) has been demonstrated among us for these 20 years. He is known to be always encouraging, welcoming, organized, thorough, and a thoughtful steward of the choirs’ rehearsal time. He even produces weekly choir newsletters which are considered inspirational and theological.

I believe I speak for all of us at FPC when I express our sincere admiration and appreciation for Jeffrey, his talent and lovely voice which he so readily shares with us, along with his many other gifts of inclusion and community caring!

I’m told that nothing would please him more than to have the choir loft full with new choir members to help maintain and build on FPC’s rich musical tradition!

We give praise and thanks to God for bringing Jeffrey to us and keeping him among us to lead us in making a joyful noise!

Warm and sincere congratulations Jeffrey,

Anita Brown,

Moderator of Administration & Personnel Committee

First Presbyterian Church, Concord, NC

Men’s Bible Study Opportunity

Monday morning at 7:00 AM, at Rachel’s Place, 550 Concord Pkwy N, Concord, NC.

All are welcome. We eat, we have fellowship, and we study and discuss.