Let us not lack for enthusiasm, but be ardent in spirit,

serving the Lord, rejoicing in hope,

patient in suffering, constant in prayer,

supporting one another, and welcoming all.

~ from the liturgy for Ordination and Installation

Dear Friends,

This Sunday in worship we will continue our sermon series, “Misquoted: Things Jesus Didn’t Say.” This Sunday’s thing Jesus didn’t say is “Follow your heart.” Our text is Mark 8:27-38, when Jesus talks about what is expected of those who follow him. We will also ordain and install our newly elected ruling elders and deacons. For the first time in several years, all who have served as elders will be invited forward for the laying on of hands, an ancient and powerful practice that dates back to the early church. It is a visible reminder of the ongoing ministry of the church. This ministry is shared. It does not depend on or revolve around a few people. Instead, it is a joint venture where—at our most faithful--we follow not our own whims or preferences, but instead do our best to listen carefully for what breaks God’s heart and for what makes God’s heart sing. I am grateful for these men and women who have answered God’s call to serve alongside us in this place, and I look forward to where God is leading us in the days ahead.

Grace and peace,

Ellen

Thank you to those who are completing their terms on the session and the diaconate. We are so grateful for your service!

Session: Dale Carpenter, Merl Hamilton, Jim Monroe, Harris Morrison, Amy Murphy, Susan Otteni, and Susan Smith

Diaconate: Linda Barnett, Tripp Carpenter, Kimberly Leatherman, Jeff Nelson, Ellie Sherrill, Dakeita Vanderburg, and Amanda Williamson

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

Submissions for next week's Banner are due to Suzanne.russell@firstpresconcord.org by Noon on Monday, May 15th. Thank you.

On Sunday, our middle school youth cooked chili and high school youth prepared corn muffins and dessert for our neighbors at the Salvation Army Center for Hope Night Shelter. We froze the meal and will deliver it on Sunday, May 14^th.

Please note that we DO have Sunday School on May 14^th, but no evening Youth activities on Mother’s Day. 2022-2023 Youth: 5/14 Youth Group (signupgenius.com)

Please SAVE THE DATE for our end-of-year celebration on Sunday, May 21^st, 4:30-7 PM. We will watch Encanto, play games, enjoy dinner and an ice cream bar, and fellowship together. 

Sign up here if you are able to help with next week's night shelter meals.

Gray and Kirby Bullard met while students at Davidson College and are about to celebrate their 40th anniversary. The Bullard’s moved to Concord 30 years ago and have been members of FPC in the past. Gray is a pulmonologist in Concord and sings in the choir. Kirby is a retired Physical Therapist and looks forward to finding ways to serve at First Presbyterian. The Bullard’s have 3 children and one grandchild.

Welcome back, Gray and Kirby! 

We did it! With God’s guidance and inspiration, we have had a wonderful outpouring of love and generosity from the members of this congregation, and we are thrilled to report that we have met and exceeded our goal of raising $10,000 to support the mission of Habitat for Humanity in Cabarrus County. This has enabled us to meet the Challenge Gift announced last week, so another $5,000 will be added to our final total, which will be announced shortly after the campaign ends on May 14. Thank you for your cheerful giving to this vital Christian ministry in our community.

Rev. Dr. Ron Shive, retired pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Burlington, will lead the class again this week, May 14. Dr. Shive has traveled extensively in Palestine-Israel over the past 16 years and regularly leads study trips to Palestine-Israel. 

 This Sunday he will have a presentation on recent actions taken by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and recent N.C. and U.S. actions.  

The S & D Sunday School Class will again be meeting with the Todd Hobbie Class this Sunday, May 14.

We will hear from Rev. Dr. Ron Shive concerning Palestine-Israel history and current concerns. 

Buildings and Grounds has scheduled a work day for the morning of June 3. Plan to join them at 8 AM to beautify our FPC landscape!

Lunch Bunch is Wednesday, May 24, 11:45 AM in Davis Hall

This is the last Lunch Bunch before summer break.

Plans for programming are in the works for the coming year, some ideas follow.

Sign up for lunch by calling the reservation line at 704-788-2100 #7.

Deadline for reservations is Monday, May 22. 

Lunch Bunch member, remember the “good old days” and we are eager to return to them! NO – not to hot houses, “outhouses”, clothes lines, etc. BUT, great attendance again, a variety of interesting programs and some enjoyable trips. Trip ideas include visiting the Cannon School in Crossnore to see the Ben Long frescoes in the Sloop Chapel, spending a night in Blowing Rock and attending a play at the Flat Rock Playhouse.

Four people have agreed to help plan programs and activities so far. Please call Suzanne Russell at the church if you would be willing to join the committee.

Friendship Pads

The friendship pads that we pass during worship have been revised slightly. The revisions include:

·        More space for visitors to provide contact information, hopefully enhancing the readability of the information.

·        An option for visitors to request to receive The Banner

·        A request for members to use the fellowship pad to update contact information as phone numbers, emails, and physical addresses change. Use more than one line if needed!

Each Tuesday morning, a small, dedicated group goes through the sheets from the previous Sunday and identifies visitors present in order that Ellen can send them a card of welcome. They will also pass along new contact information for members to Suzanne.