Still time to sign-up for our Lenten Small Groups Study even if you cannot make the introductory luncheon this Sunday. Casey will share a link to the audio recording of the introduction in next week's Banner.



Click here to signup now for a small group.

Dear Friends,

The season of Lent begins today which may seem a bit out of sync with the arrival of Valentine’s Day, too. And yet, Lent is at its heart, a season of reflection on Christ’s love for us and for the whole world. In Sunday’s text (Mark 10:17-31), a rich man (perhaps young, perhaps not) asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. Before Jesus responds with words, he looks at him carefully and loves him. Jesus will go on to ask a lot of the man, and the man will turn away brokenhearted. As we enter this holy season together, may we consider what Jesus asks of us and may we never forget that everything he asks stems from his love for us and for the world he comes to save.

Grace and peace,

Ellen

Artwork: Watts, George Frederick, 1817-1904. “For He Had Great Possessions,” from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.

Ash Wednesday Worship: This evening we will gather in the sanctuary at 7:00 PM for a brief worship service. Together we will begin the season of Lent with reflection, prayer, music, and the imposition of ashes.

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

Welcome to our Confirmation Class 2024!

On Sunday, the congregation received four new members into our family of faith, one through the sacrament of baptism, and three through reaffirmation of faith.

This class has been meeting since August, exploring and growing in faith together. Congratulations to: Griffin Cagle, Hugh Morrison, Teddy Peterson, and Andy Willis.

We are grateful for the thoughtful dedication of their faith partners: Merl Hamilton, Christopher Jones, William Niblock, and Nathan Woolwine.

Souper Bowl of Caring

A huge shout out to the Youth for leading the charge to raise money for 1Can and our FPC Blessing Box through the Souper Bowl of Caring drive on Sunday!

Thank you to all congregation members who donated to this great cause, raising over $1000! $597.20 was raised in the Kansas City Chief's bucket and $408.63 was raised under the San Francisco team. 

NAMI Journaling Class in the Commons

Sponsored by the Congregational Care Committee and taught by Cabarrus NAMI's (National Alliance of Mental Illness) Angie Vickers, RN, MSN, our members are invited to attend The Art of Self-Care through Journaling this Friday, the 16th, at 6:00 pm in the Commons. The class is free and participants receive a beautiful bound journal that focuses on self care. Ms. Vickers covers the history of journaling and how it promotes mental health and overall wellness. The class is one of a multi-part healing series Cabarrus NAMI is offering at various locations throughout the county. Use the following link to sign up or contact Kirby Bullard or Carrie Myers.

 https://namicabarrus.org/event/the-art-of-self-care-through-journaling-2

Live Karaoke in the Commons

This Saturday, February 17, at 7:00 PM Rev. Rory Chambers will bring the tri-state area's greatest live karaoke show down south to Concord, and The Commons Prayer Room (75 Church St N) in particular.

Bring your family and friends for a night of wholesome, acoustic vibes with guests from across the presbytery and beyond. Entry is free, but to sing or enjoy light refreshments we'll ask you to make a donation to Roof Above's work to end homelessness in and across the Charlotte area.

You can check out Rory's Live Karaoke and his more than 800 available songs here: https://www.acoustickaraoke.live/. We'll see you there!

February Read:

 The Day the World Came to Town (Jim DeFede).  

This Tuesday, February 20, at 7:00 PM at the home of Susan and Walter Hannah.

March Read: Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone (Benjamin Stevenson). 

Lunch Bunch

Wednesday, February 28 at 11:45 AM

 We have all noticed the increase in homelessness in our area. As Christians we are called to help those in need. In Matthew it says :"Verily I say unto you. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one if the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

  The need and the vision was for a new, larger homeless shelter that would not only house the homeless, but help them to become successful, self-sufficient individuals.

   The dream became a reality last July when The Salvation Army opened The Tucker Center of Hope. It was immediately filled. It opened with 19 single males,19 single females, and 6 family units that each house 5, plus a baby or toddler. 

  We hope you will attend Wednesday, February 28, at 11:45 AM to see a slide show and hear Lts. Devin and Lara Sassano tell you about it and answer questions. Louree Engle, Case Management Specialist, will also tell you about her work with the families. 

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

704-788-2100 #7.

Invite a friend to join you for a delicious lunch, and a program about The Tucker Center of Hope.

A special leap day treat! 

Thursday, February 29th, at 7:00 PM in the Commons, join us to hear Bobby Jo Valentine, a singer/storyteller with songs of faith, belonging, compassion, and inclusion.

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 will start a new series this week: 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 using a book by the same name by J. Philip Wogaman as the framework.

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