Dear Friends,

This Sunday’s text (Mark 10:32-52) brings us to the edge of Jerusalem and the brink of Holy Week in Mark’s gospel. We hear from James and John who want to be Jesus’ right (and Left) hand men and we hear from Bartimaeus, a blind man begging on the side of the road. The crowd tries to silence him, but he persists in crying out. Where do imagine yourself in this scene? What would you ask Jesus?

Grace and peace,

Ellen

Artwork: sculpture from Matyas Church in Budapest, Hungary (Lord, that I might see!, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN)

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

Youth Group Resumes February 25th!

Please plan to join us for Youth Group this Sunday, February 25^th. We will open with games and continue our work on Youth Sunday planning.

6^th-8^th grade – 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Combined dinner 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM

High school 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

All in Davis Hall. Bring a friend! 2023-2024 Youth: 2/25 Youth (signupgenius.com)

We are looking for a 2^nd person to help make and serve dinner on February 25:

First Presbyterian Youth Group Meals: Youth Group Dinners (signupgenius.com)

Additional Lenten Small Group

Three small groups have begun meeting this week to think through the experiences of the individuals who were present at the crucifixion scene on Good Friday.

If you want to join a small group but haven't yet, or none of the scheduling options (Monday mornings at 7:00 AM, Monday evenings at 7:00 PM, or Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM) worked for you, we are adding a fourth group that will begin next Tuesday at 10:00 AM, in the Journey classroom.

Email Pastor Casey if you are interested, and get caught up on what we covered last Sunday at lunch by listening to the latest episode ('Living Stones') of Casey's podcast channel: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/your-union-rev

February Session Highlights

The Session met on February 13 to hear monthly reports from its committees, on the budget and from the Deacons. Additionally, we heard a report from the most recent Presbytery meeting and got an update from the Sabbatical committee. We approved allocation of a recent memorial gift and a First Kids scholarship fundraiser. Finally, we continued discussion of Start with Hello by Shannan Martin, and we delved into getting out of comfort zones to connect with people during difficult times.

Bobby Jo Valentine in the Commons

We are excited to host Bobby Jo Valentine in the Commons on Leap Day! Visit his website and listen to Temporary Weather and hear why we are looking forward to his performance. "He is a soulful artist who makes music and poetry that is good medicine for everyone and has won multiple awards for his songwriting. Bobby Jo has given a Ted Talk and is a believer in the power of tiny everyday acts of love to heal our world." 

Donations to NAMI Cabarrus will be accepted, but the concert is free and open to the community. Come and bring some friends!

February Lunch Bunch

We invite you to attend the February Lunch Bunch next Wednesday, February 28 at 11:45 AM to enjoy Christian fellowship, a delicious meal, and to learn about the new homeless shelter, The Tucker Center of Hope. It is just 5 blocks from our church. Going toward Branchview on Cabarrus Ave. turn right on Ashlyn at the Salvation Army sign. The new shelter is to the left of The Army. Liles Construction did a fantastic job and it will serve our area well. It is a two story building and is very spacious. The slope of the lot is perfect for the building. They have even thought of a play room for the children and playground outside. The Salvation officers will show slides and answer questions and the Case Management Specialist will tell you about her work with the families. The building cost seven million dollars and the community stepped up to make the dream a reality. We hope you will come and bring a friend.

Be sure to call the church reservation line by Monday, February 26, to make your reservation:

704-788-2100 #7.

In case you missed it…..

Karaoke night with Rev. Rory Chambers was a great success and a really good time! 

Sally Cochran was surprised by a serenade from her talented husband, Hunter Morrison brought out his inner 'Boy Band,’ and Meredith (Myers) Herrera sang about being married to a “Son of a Preacher Man.” 

We welcomed new friends from Charlotte and raised $261  for a Roof Above, a non-profit, to support the unhoused. And if you thought Casey’s only talents were spiritual!!! There’s video...

Tell Me More

Have you recently moved to our community and are looking for a community to support you and help you feel connected? Or have you worshipped or served with First Presbyterian a number of times, but still have more questions than answers around what Presbyterians believe, what it means to become a church member, or what life in this particular church looks like?

No matter what your questions are, anyone interested in learning more about life at FPC is invited to join Pastor Ellen and Pastor Casey for a conversation on Sunday, March 10 at 9:45 AM in the sunroom in the Fellowship House. Coffee and refreshments will be provided.

There will be an opportunity for those who attend to join as members on March 17, although you do not need to become a member to attend our Tell Me More class. Bring your dreams, doubts, and questions to learn more about what this church community is all about.