I cannot promise
this blessing will free you
from danger, from fear, from hunger or thirst,
from the scorching of sun or the fall of the night....
I can tell you
that you will know
the strange graces
that come to our aid
only on a road such as this,
that fly to meet us bearing comfort and strength,
that come alongside us
for no other cause
than to lean themselves
toward our ear
and with their
curious insistence
whisper our name:
Beloved.
Beloved.
Beloved.
Dear Friends,
As you may have guessed, Jan Richardson is one of my favorite poets and artists. I briefly quoted the title of the poem above this past Sunday. We are all carrying so much these days. I am deeply grateful that we do not carry any of it alone. And I give thanks for the “strange graces” that faithfully make their way to me in this dear place, this beloved community.
Grace and peace,
Ellen
PS: If you would like to pick up a ribbon for yourself or someone else, there is a basket of ribbons in the Fellowship House lobby.
*In the event of inclement weather any Sunday,
visit our website, Facebook or Instagram page.*
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On January 1, 2022, we officially welcomed René Prager in her new position as Director of Christian Education. René previously served faithfully as Interim Director of Youth Projects while also overseeing the church’s social media beginning in January of 2021.
In this new full-time position, she will continue to work with youth, oversee our Christian Education program, and guide our social media presence. Her email and phone extensions remain the same. She will be off on Fridays and Saturdays.
René is a tremendous gift to our staff and our church community. Congratulations René! We look forward to this new chapter in our life together.
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Session Meeting Highlights from January 11, 2022 |
- The Session met via Zoom at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 11, 2022.
- As part of the continuing evaluation of Covid19 safeguards and in light of the current state of the virus, the Session voted to stay the course on the current safety protocols:
- Masks should be worn at all times in campus buildings.
- When food and drinks are consumed in campus buildings, care should be taken to eat and drink while sitting and distanced at least 3 feet and masks replaced when finished eating.
- The Session is committed to evaluating these guidelines at each monthly Session meeting with hopes to relax them as soon as possible. They are also committed to the protection of all of us, especially our children and those who are more vulnerable.
- The Session approved the 2022 church budget. The budget will be presented to the congregation at a congregational meeting in the near future. Pledges made thus far for 2022 are greatly appreciated and made it possible for the Finance Committee to propose a comprehensive budget!
- Large maintenance projects including the windows in the Fellowship House, a new boiler for the sanctuary and education building, and repair of the refrigerator and freezer in Davis Hall are ongoing. Many thanks go to the Building & Grounds Committee and the standing Maintenance Committee for coordinating these important projects!
- Valerie Thomas and Susan Smith will represent our church at the February 12th Presbytery meeting that will be held via Zoom.
- We are excited to welcome René Prager to the fulltime position of Director of Christian Education, and Rev. Julie Hill as our temporary Parish Associate beginning January 24th!
- The next Stated Session meeting will be held on February 8, 2022, at 6:30 p.m.
As Presbyterians, decisions that affect our worship, education, spiritual nurture, physical property, and budget are made by our elected leaders. To connect with church officers, see the list of Elders and Deacons and their committee assignments on the church website under the “ABOUT” tab, “Staff and Leadership.”
The Session meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Minutes are open and available by request after they are approved at the following month’s Session meeting.
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Register to Help Fight Hunger! |
Sunday, January 23, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. in Davis Hall First Presbyterian Church is holding our annual Rise Against Hunger meal packaging event. This is a great opportunity for the entire family to take part in an important program to help feed the hungry all over the world.
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Our 2022 Confirmation Class started on Sunday with twenty amazing Youth. Pastor Ellen and DCE René are leading the class through the Big God, Big Questions curriculum. Together, they will explore the “Big Questions”:
- Trusting in the gracious mercy of God, do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world?
- Who is your Lord and Savior?
- Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple, obeying His Word and showing His love?
- Will you devote yourself to the church’s teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers?
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Todd Hobbie Sunday School Class |
Todd Hobbie is beginning a new lesson series in the Todd Hobbie Sunday School Class in Davis Hall. The study is on the meanings of important words in the Bible. Everyone is welcome.
*The Todd Hobbie Class will not meet if the worship service is canceled, so please check the church website, Facebook and Instagram for updates*
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Final Reminder - if you need a name tag please send an email to:
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Our Youth Group enjoyed Game Night last Sunday! Other activities planned for January include Youth Sunday preparations and Rise Against Hunger! We invite all 6th through 12th grade Youth to join us.
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Caring for Our Little Ones |
We are looking to hire someone to work in the nursery on Sunday mornings. If you or someone you know is interested in this position, please contact René Prager, Hunter Morrison, or a member of the personnel committee (Donna Knorr, Merl Hamilton, Anita Brown) for more information. |
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Painting, Outdoor Adventures, and more! |
Our Girl Scout troops were busy last week, covering a variety of topics and skills by age group. Our Daisy Girl Scouts continued to work on their petals and Girl Scout cookie fun. The Brownie Troop hosted a special guest who taught them about painting as they work to complete their painting badge this month. The Junior Troop explored requirements for an Outdoor Journey program and began planning a spring camping trip. Our older girls continue to earn portions of the Adulting 101 badge as they engaged in great discussion with a guest speaker on non-profits, exploring the Civic Leadership component of the badge program. Girl Scout cookie season is underway, and the girls develop and practice goal setting and business skills. We meet next on January 20th. Our Junior Troop and Older girls will kick off the planning session for our International Thinking Day event at that time. |
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This is the LAST week to sign-up for our Asheville Youth Mission Trip!
“Asheville Youth Mission gives young people an opportunity to explore the hidden needs and struggles of those who are living on the margins within and around“ Asheville, NC. ( Asheville Youth Mission - Youth Mission Co) The trip is open to our 6 th-12 th graders and the cost is $125 per person (2 nd youth from same household is $115, financial assistance is available). The trip is February 18-20 and we will be following all applicable COVID protocols. René Prager will accept registrations and payments through 3 PM on Tuesday, January 18th, before confirming numbers with AYM that day.
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The Church delivered ninety pounds of food to Cooperative Christian Ministries this week. These were items which could not be used by the Backpack Program or put in the Blessing Box. We continue to share our abundance with those who experience food insecurity. |
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Cabarrus County VIP Blood Drive |
Monday, January 17TH , in Davis Hall from 2:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
To schedule an appointment click here and enter 28025 or visit redcrossblood.org and enter: Cabarrus VIP Blood Drive
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Nursery Volunteers Needed |
We continue to need volunteers in the nursery. If you are interested in helping, please use this sign-up link: Sunday Nursery Volunteers
You may volunteer for the Sunday School hour or worship hour. All volunteers must have Child Protection training. Please contact René Prager at r.prager@firstpresconcord.org for the links to the training and the paperwork for the church office.
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Lay Liturgists
Sign up here to be a lay liturgist to
read scripture in worship on Sundays.
Commons
Sign up here to open or close the Commons.
Nursery
Sign up here to volunteer in the Nursery on Sundays.
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Sanctuary Flowers
To give the congregation a gift of
to sign-up for one or more Sundays
during the year.
Ushers
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Sunday, January 16, 2022
Rev. Ellen Crawford True, Preaching
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Thursday, January 13
9:00 a.m. First Kids Preschool
6:30 p.m. Girl Scouts (Ed Bldg)
7:00 p.m. Mothers of Murdered Offspring (Commons)
Friday, January 14
9:00 a.m. First Kids Preschool
Sunday, January 16
9:45 a.m. Journey SS (Ed Bldg)
9:45 a.m. S & D SS (FH)
9:45 a.m. Todd Hobbie SS (Davis Hall)
11:00 a.m. Worship (Sanctuary or Live-stream)
3:15 p.m. Children's Choir (small choir room)
4:30 p.m. Confirmation Class (Davis Hall)
5:30 p.m. Youth Dinner (Davis Hall)
6:00 p.m. Middle & High School Youth Groups (Davis Hall)
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Monday, January 17
Office Closed for MLK Holiday
2:30 p.m. Cabarrus County VIP Blood Drive (Davis Hall)
Tuesday, January 18
9:00 a.m. First Kids Preschool
2:00 p.m. Staff Meeting
6:30 p.m. Session (Davis Hall)
7:00 p.m. Cub Scouts
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts (Youth Room)
7:00 p.m. Al Anon (Commons)
7:00 p.m. PW CT Meeting (TBD)
Wednesday, January 19
9:00 a.m. First Kids Preschool
10:30 a.m. Bible Study (Davis Hall)
7:30 p.m. Choir Practice (Choir Room)
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Condolences
The sympathy and condolences of the congregation are extended t the family of Mike COltrane as they mourn his passing on January 2,
Birthdays
January 13 - Eileen Beall, Stephanie Olson, Susan Otteni, David Sheridan
January 14 - Joy Cook, Kay Niblock-James
January 15 - Caroline Hedgecock, Greg Leeman, Brandon Say
January 16 - Sandy Aldridge
January 17 - Mike Ellis, Kelly Gilbert
January 18 - Tricia Iglehart, Carol Vuchnich
January 19 - John Bishop, Doreen Devore, Julia Patrum, Pat Waters
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Ellen Crawford True
Senior Pastor/
Head of Staff
René Prager
Director of Christian Education
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Director of Music and Organist
Choirmaster
Church Administrator
Kim Mazzola
Financial Administrative Asst.
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Heath Ritchie
Maintenance Superintendent
Director of First Kids
Wedding Director
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First Presbyterian Church
(704) 788-2100
70 Union Street North
Concord NC 28025
Mailing Address:
PO Box 789 Concord NC 28026-0789
Church Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Closed Friday
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The Commons Prayer Room Hours:
Monday Closed
Open for scheduled groups:
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
Open to the Public:
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday mornings for FPC
Memorial Garden:
36 Spring Street SW
Concord NC 28025
Garden Hours:
Tuesday - Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed Monday
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