Dear Friends,

As May rushes past with celebrations, reunions, and graduations galore, I want to express my gratitude for a tremendous group of servant leaders who will complete their terms on session and the diaconate this month. These men and women have faithfully led this congregation through substantial changes and tricky waters, and I am deeply grateful, as I’m sure you are, too. We will ordain and install new officers in worship on May 22, ushering a new chapter in the life of FPC. Thanks be to God for these leaders who serve among us with “energy, intelligence, imagination, and love.”

Grace and peace,

Ellen

Session Class of 2022

Peter Chikes

Kevin Garrison

Jim Holloway

Donna Knorr

Margaret Moore

Hunter Morrison

Kathy Pilkington

(Gina Goff has completed her term as clerk of session, as well.)

Donna Cline

Jessica Garmon

Edy Johnston

Kate Morrison

Dean Phillips

Don Seitz

Scott Verner (Scott has completed an incomplete term and was elected to the class of 2025.)

Food and fun for all ages! Join us on the front lawn.

Everything is provided - food, drink, dessert, and fun for kids!! Just bring yourself and a chair or blanket! We do need to know how many are coming.

Signup here to RSVP by Monday, May 16th.

Note: There will be limited seating at tables in and around the Fellowship House for our older members.

The next opportunity to provide a Night Shelter Meal begins this Sunday, May 15. Click here to sign up or copy and paste the info below into your browser:

The pandemic changed so many things these past two years. The Commons, which had become an active space used by our members and the community, was closed. The energy that was growing the use of the space suddenly stopped. A first step in moving forward again is to hit a giant ‘refresh’ button in the Commons. The space will be somewhat disassembled followed by a thorough cleaning. New stations will be devised, prompts changed, and, in general, given a fresh look. It will be a fun creative time to prepare the Commons for a planned reopening in the fall. If you have creative genes, join us. If you have decorating flair, join us. If you have a talent with Handi Wipes, join us!! With the spirit’s help we will resurrect the space while experiencing some special fellowship. Contact Carrie Myers (704) 467-0962 or at csm5620@gmail.com. 

Meanwhile, here is the latest link to volunteer to open/close the Commons: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b4aadae22a13-thecommons

A special thank you to our Youth for leading worship this week. Twenty-four members of the middle and high school groups served as ushers and lay readers; they wrote and led prayers and sermons; and provided beautiful music, all in joy and celebration of God's love. If you missed this week's worship service, you can enjoy it here.

May is VBS registration month! Please click the link here for your registration form to join us June 27-30.

We welcome all 2 year olds through rising 5^th graders.

Our VOLUNTEER sign-up is live! Please use this link to sign-up to help:

We are looking for artificial Christmas trees, “fur” coats, mannequin, clothing items that are reiminscent of the 1940’s or Renaissance/ medieval times, tiaras and crowns, photography backdrop stand, “wardrobe” – either from large cardboard box OR constructed from wood, sleigh, canopy tents. If you are interested in helping to paint sets, we could also use your help! Please contact René Prager at r.prager@firstpresconcord.org

Our Annual Campaign for Habitat has moved from fall to spring and it is underway now.

Did you know?

-         Habitat Cabarrus is the only nonprofit tackling critical home repairs in our county. This allows neighbors to stay in their homes as they age.

-         Habitat Cabarrus recently dedicated its 177^th house (164^th new build) and has completed more than 440 critical home repairs impacting over 2,200 of our Cabarrus County neighbors.

-         Habitat Cabarrus currently has two homes under construction with one more scheduled before the end of their fiscal year.

-         Since the founding of Habitat Cabarrus in 1989, FPC Concord has contributed over $200,000 to this ministry through our annual campaign.

Our goal is to raise $10,000 by May 22. Please make your gift today to support this important ministry partner. Ways to give:

-         Text to Give 704-228-7459: and designate Habitat from the fund drop-down menu listed on the First Presbyterian website. 

-         Go to the First Presbyterian website, go to "Give Now," and select Habitat from the fund drop-down menu. 

-         Write a check to the church with Habitat in the memo line.

The Healing Shawls group will meet on Monday, May 16, 2022, in the parlor of Fellowship House, from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

If you have any completed items you intend to donate for our various causes (prayer shawls, Market for Mission) bring them to the meeting where we will bless them.     

If you have questions or would like additional information, contact Susan Brooks at sbrooks2846@gmail.com or call 704-788-6803.

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To schedule an appointment click here and enter 28025 or

visit redcrossblood.org and enter: Cabarrus VIP Blood Drive

Registration is open for the 2022-2023 scout year and is open to all girls, rising kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, please contact René Prager at r.prager@firstpresconcord.org.