If the clash between Jesus and the scribes reached its crescendo in last week's scripture, we might think of this week's lectionary passage (Mark 12:28-44) as the calm that follows the storm. While the gulf between Jesus and the religious authorities does not disappear altogether, we do at last see some common ground emerge between them. And we also hear Jesus tell one of the scribes that they are "not far from the kingdom of heaven."

I don't know about you, but when I see deep social and political division on social media, read international headlines out of Haiti, Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and beyond, sit with a friend dealing with a new medical diagnosis, or witness some of the immense needs in this community on my commute to work, it often feels like we are quite far from God's kingdom. I would be very happy to be "not far" from the Kingdom of God, as Jesus says that a certain scribe is. Still, perhaps "not far" is not good enough. How far do you feel from the kingdom of God? Come join us on Sunday morning for worship, fellowship, prayer, and music which may not transport us to the kingdom, yet which might center our hearts and minds on the one who is bringing the kingdom to us.

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

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

Bible Class & Bible Presentation for 4^th & 5^th Graders

Attention all families with 4^th and 5^th grade students! It is time to celebrate an important milestone. This spring, we invite and encourage all of our 4^th and 5^th graders to participate in an introductory bible class ahead of our bible presentation in worship. We will also extend an invitation to this group of young people to sign-up to serve as a lay reader in worship.

Please use this sign-up to provide us with the way your child’s name should read on the bible cover. Please respond by March 17^th to allow ample time for personalization and shipping. 4th & 5th graders: 4th & 5th grade Bible class (signupgenius.com)

Youth Group News!

Our next Youth Group gathering will be combined – 6^th-12^th grade! Please plan to join us on Sunday, March 17^th, 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM for GAME NIGHT!

2023-2024 Youth: 3/17 - Youth Group - Game Night (signupgenius.com)

We hope to see you there! Bring a friend.

Easter Hams for Operation Breadbasket

The S & D Sunday School class invites the congregation to join in providing Easter hams to families-in-need served by Operation Breadbasket. S & D class members will purchase and deliver 100 hams to Operation Breadbasket in time for their Easter distribution. If you would like to donate, please make your check out to Brian Moore and either drop it off at the church office, or mail to him: 2401 Bethlehem Church Rd, Gold Hill, NC 28071. Donations can also be made using Brian's Venmo account @Brian-Moore-813. Thank you!

Suggest Deacons and Elders for 2024-2027

The Congregational Nominating Committee is now seeking nominations of congregation members to serve as Deacons and Elders in the Class of 2027. Names can be submitted during worship on Sundays or to Suzanne Russell in the church office, via email or phone. Click here for a nominating form. Names should be submitted by March 18. The committee recommends that, before nominating a congregation member, you confirm with that member that they are willing and able to serve in one of these positions.

The Book of Order defines a Deacon as a person of spiritual character, honest repute, brotherly and sisterly love, sincere compassion and sound judgment. Deacons should be enthusiastic about sharing the redeeming love of Jesus Christ with the poor, the hungry, and the oppressed.

Ruling elders should be persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having demonstrated skills in leadership and being compassionate in spirit. Working with our ministers, ruling elders exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of the congregation as well as the whole church.

Books & Brews

Books & Brews will meet on Thursday, March 21st at The Wine Room in Afton Village at 7:00 PM.

Our book to discuss is Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson.

 All are welcome!

The Library Corner

 Calling all readers from any of our church-wide reading groups!!

There are several groups gathering to discuss books these days, including Books and Brews, the Thursday Connection, Session reading assignments, and the racism reading group. The library team would like donations of unmarked copies (in good condition) of any of these books from the past 2 years for our new "Church-wide Reads" shelf.

Any donations from these reading groups may be placed in the designated white wooden box located near the check-out area of the church library. Thanks for sharing!  

Adult Sunday School

We hope that you’ll join us for adult Sunday School, starting at 9:45 AM each Sunday.

The Todd Hobbie class meets in Davis Hall and continues the series: Charity and Solidarity, led by Casey Aldridge.

The S & D class meets in the Fellowship House and is discussing What Christians Can Learn From Other Religions and begins a unit on Buddhism this week.

The Journey class meets on the 2^nd floor of the Education Building and is following discussing the preaching text for the week, led by Hunter Morrison. They will NOT meet March 10, but will resume on March 17^th!

First Kids News

Our annual Doughnuts with Daddy Breakfast of Champions was super sweet as over 300 joined us on either Wednesday or Thursday last week. The children sang a special Doughnut song and had lots and lots of energy for the rest of the day. Thank you to our equally sweet staff for working together to make those days so special. 

Market for Mission

Spring is just around the corner and it's time to start cleaning out the storage areas. If you are downsizing or just looking to remove some things from the house, please consider donating gently used items to the First Presbyterian Market for Missions ministry. As an Earth Care Congregation, we believe in the motto of “Reuse, Recycle, Reimagine.”  The proceeds from our sale go to support our partnership with Friends Empowering Haiti. Please contact Beth Barbee, Carrie Myers, or Gina Goff if you are interested in making an early donation.  

Girl Scouts Talk to Mayor

On Thursday, The Girl Scouts of First Presbyterian Church hosted Concord Mayor Bill Dusch and Girl Scouts from across Cabarrus County for a conversation about local city government. Over fifty people participated in the event, listening to a presentation by the mayor, followed by a question and answer session. 

February Lunch Bunch

The February Lunch Bunch met last week for a delicious lunch prepared by our talented Chef, Margaret Campbell. Twenty four attended and enjoyed Christian fellowship with one another.

 Lts. Devin and Lara Sastanos presented a very interesting program complete with pictures of the new homeless shelter, The Tucker Center of Hope. It is a fantastic building and the thought and planning put into it was incredible. It has been full since it opened this summer. The Lts. talked about the operations and answered many questions. We presented them with several containers of laundry detergent, body wash and money to be used for unexpected items such as diapers. Lt. Devin told of one lady living in her car with her teenage daughter who gave birth a week after moving into the shelter!