THE BANNER

February 4, 2026
Visit our Website

Note from Ellen


Dear Friends,

I have missed you, and I pray that the ice and snow have been kind to you. I am looking forward to worshiping with you on Sunday when we will continue our time in the gospel of John. In this week’s text, a royal official seeks Jesus out and pleads with him to heal his son (John 4:46-54). Jesus responds with an observation (or accusation?): “Unless [y’all] see signs and wonders [y’all] will not believe.” In addition to seeming a bit pastorally insensitive, Jesus seems to be speaking not simply to his disciples or to a gathered crowd but also to the reader. Do I rely on “signs and wonders” to believe? Do I want Jesus to make a big show and make God’s ways and God’s will crystal clear for everyone else and for me? Yes, I’m confess I’m afraid I often do, which means I am likely overlooking where and when God is already faithfully and steadily at work.

I hope to see you on Sunday when we will wonder about this text together, present bibles to our 3rd graders, give thanks for our partnership with the Boy Scouts, receive our annual Souper Bowl offering, hold our annual meeting, and gather with the College of Elders. It promises to be a good, full day!

Grace and peace,

Ellen


Our Annual Congregational Meeting follows worship this Sunday, February 8.


The College of Elders luncheon has been rescheduled for this Sunday, February 8, 2026, following the congregational meeting. All elders—those currently serving on session and those who have served before—are invited to join us for a time of fellowship and an update on life at FPC.


Today is the final day to RSVP. Please RSVP here, or call the reservation line, 704-788-2100 #7.


On Ash Wednesday, February 18, we are having a pancake dinner with a worship service in Davis Hall beginning at 6:30 PM. Sign up here, or call the reservation line, 704-788-2100 #7 to let us know if you are attending. There is no charge for dinner but your RSVP is helpful in our planning. All are welcome!


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

Souper Bowl of Caring

 

This Sunday, our Youth will collect donations for the Souper Bowl of Caring following worship.


You can help tackle hunger in our community by supporting either or both charities that they’ve selected to support in this year’s campaign: Meals on Wheels and the Backpack Program.


This year’s national theme is “Small Gifts, Big Impact” which reminds us that small gifts add up to make a big impact. All donations are welcome! Look for our Youth as you exit after the congregational meeting. 

Souper Bowl of Caring Youth Volunteers

 

Several more Youth Volunteers are needed to help with the Souper Bowl of Caring collection after the Congregational meeting on Sunday. If you can help, please let Mrs. Prager know: r.prager@firstpresconcord.org.

 

*Please also note that there is NO regular Youth on February 8 due to the Super Bowl.*


We are still confirming details for our road trip to Asheville, likely on Monday, February 16th. 

Bible Presentation and

Introduction to the Bible Class

 

We look forward to presenting our third graders their personalized Bibles this Sunday, February 8th, in worship.


Our Introduction to the Bible class has been rescheduled for Sunday, February 22nd following worship in the Fellowship House sunroom.


All third graders are encouraged to participate. Class of 2035: Rescheduled 3rd grade Bible class and Bible presentation

Todd Hobbie Sunday School Class Update


Todd Hobbie Sunday School class: our series with Pastor Casey will resume on February 15.

Please join us for Fellowship and Coffee on February 8th!

Girl Scout Cookie Booth This Sunday

 

Girl Scout Troop 334 will host a Girl Scout booth this Sunday. Meet the Girl Scouts on the front lawn of the sanctuary following worship to stock up on all your favorites. Cookies are $6 a box ($7 for Gluten free). Cash and credit cards will be accepted. The girls are using a portion of their cookie proceeds to support a local animal shelter and they hope to also schedule a trip to the National Whitewater Center. They appreciate your support as they build their small business skills

First Presbyterian Church in the Snow
 

Lay Liturgists

Sign up here to be a lay liturgist to

read scripture in worship on Sundays.


Nursery

Sign up here to volunteer in the Nursery on Sundays.


Pew Prep

Sign up here to volunteer to help with pew prep on Sundays.
 

Ushers

Sign up here to volunteer in the          

Sanctuary on Sundays


Greeters

Sign up here to volunteer in the

Sanctuary on Sundays


Sanctuary Flowers

To give the congregation a gift of

sanctuary flowers, please click here

to sign-up for one or more Sundays

during the year.
Calendar

View the Full Calendar here.

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Rev. Ellen Crawford True

Psalm 40:1-5; John 4:46-54

Thursday, February 5

9:00 AM First Kids Preschool (Will Young Bldg)

6:00 PM Girl Scouts (2nd flr Ed Bldg)

Friday, February 6

9:00 AM First Kids Preschool (Will Young Bldg)

Saturday, February 7

Boy Scout Banquet (Davis Hall)

Sunday, February 8

9:30 AM Music & Motion (Children's Library)

9:30 AM Children's Choir (Children's Choir Room)

9:45 AM Journey Class (Commons)

9:45 AM S & D Class (Fellowship House)

9:45 AM Spiritual Practices (E201)

9:45 AM Todd Hobbie Class (Davis Hall)

10:30 AM Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)

11:00 AM Worship (Sanctuary)

12:00 PM Annual Congregational Meeting 12:15 PM Girl Scout Cookie Booth (Front of church)

12:30 PM Elders Luncheon (Davis Hall)

3:00 PM Circle 5 (Library Conference Room)

Monday, February 9

9:00 AM First Kids Preschool (Will Young Bldg) 11:00 AM Circle 4 (off campus)

6:00 PM Cub Scouts (Davis Hall)

7:00 PM Boy Scouts (Youth Room, Ed Bldg)

Tuesday, February 10

9:00 AM First Kids Preschool Early Dismissal (Will Young Bldg)

11:00 AM Circle 3 (Davis Hall)

6:30 PM Session (Library Conference Room)

7:00 PM Al Anon (Commons)

Wednesday, February 11

9:00 AM First Kids Preschool (Will Young Bldg)

10:30 AM Bible Study (Library Conference Room)

2:30 PM Staff Mtg (Fellowship House Sunroom)

7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
Church Report

Birthdays

February 6 - Will Henderson, Katharine Morrison, Cindy Wise

February 7 - Laura Andrews, Alex Bethune, Mary Margaret Hester

February 8 - Bill Patten

February 9 - John Benbow, William Blackman, Alex Dulmage, Teddy Peterson

February 11 - Nicole Lisk, Beth McLester, Grace Watson

February 12 - Alex Blackman, Bill Cannon, Vincent Ward

To enjoy a sung Happy Birthday, click here!
Staff

Ellen Crawford True

Senior Pastor/Head of Staff 

ellen.crawfordtrue@firstpresconcord.org


Casey Aldridge

Associate Pastor

casey.aldridge@firstpresconcord.org


René Prager

Director of Christian Education

r.prager@firstpresconcord.org


Bryan Hovey

Parish Associate

bryan.hovey@firstpresconcord.org
Director of Music and Organist

Choirmaster

Suzanne Russell
Church Administrator

Kim Mazzola
Financial Administrative Asst.
Heath Ritchie
Maintenance Superintendent


Director of First Kids


Wedding Director
Contact Info
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 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed Friday

The Commons Prayer Room:

Open to FPC: Tuesday - Sunday

Open to FPC: Saturday 10 AM - 3 PM     

Group times available with prior arrangement


Memorial Garden:

info@firstpresconcord.org


36 Spring Street SW

Concord NC 28025

 

Garden Hours: 

Tuesday - Sunday, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

March 15 - September 15


Tuesday- Sunday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

September 15 - March 15

Closed Monday
STAY CONNECTED
Facebook  Instagram  

First Presbyterian Church | 70 Union Street North P.O. Box 789 | Concord, NC 28025 US

Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

Constant Contact