How Can We Help?

Hurricane Relief Efforts

Members and Friends of FPC, 

In the wake of the recent hurricanes that have devastated communities across our nation, many of us are feeling a strong desire to help those affected. As a church, we have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact during this critical time.

Short Term Relief Efforts

After communicating with Presbyterian colleagues and entities in recently affected areas we are consistently hearing that money (not supply drives) is the best way to offer support at this time.

We are pleased to share that through our church's Legacy Fund, there are funds designated specifically for Mission ministries. These funds are typically held until a critical need (like a natural disaster) arises. At the next Mission Committee meeting, Mission members will discuss directing these funds to reputable relief agencies that have a proven track record of helping communities recover after disasters. 

Long Term Relief Efforts

We are in ongoing discussions with our partners in the affected areas to identify specific needs and opportunities for relief work. As the situation stabilizes, we will share details on how you can get involved—whether through hands-on volunteer efforts, organizing supply drives, or other forms of support. Our goal is to provide not only immediate assistance but also to help communities rebuild in the long term.

Thank you for your generosity and compassion. Below is a prayer from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance we invite you to pray for those facing loss, uncertainty, and the first responders helping them in all areas affected by recent storms:

God our help and hope when waters rise, you brought Israel safely through the sea. Sustain all those who seek to save others, so that they may repair the ruined cities, raise up the former devastations, and be the restorers of streets to live in; through Jesus Christ, our eternal savior. (based on Isaiah 58, 61)

In Christ, 

Kathy & Nick Reed

This Sunday begins the kickoff for our 2025 Stewardship Campaign, "A Future With Hope." Those of you on our mailing list will receive a packet of information about this year's campaign, in which we are seeking a 6.2% increase in pledges in order to better support our ministries of worship, mission, education, and campus outreach.

You can make your FPC Time & Talent and Financial Pledge in any of the following ways:

- submit the paper form by mail or drop it in the offering plate during worship

- visit www.fpcauburn.org/give to complete a secure online form

Additional forms may be obtained from the church website under the "Give" dropdown menu or found in the church narthex.

Your 2025 pledge is critical in helping our Finance Committee steward our financial resources with wisdom and generosity for the upcoming year, which is why it is crucial that we receive your pledge by Dedication Sunday, October 27.

FPC friends and members of all ages are invited to our Second Saturday volunteer opportunity at the Community Market (3810 Pepperell Pkwy in Opelika.) 

We will stock, clean, assist clients - whatever we are asked to do. You are welcome to sign up for a partial shift if you cannot stay the whole time. Children under 12, please bring a grown up with you!

Sign-up Here

PW Circle Wednesday, October 16

Circle 4 will meet Oct 16 in the church library following the congregational dinner at 6:15 pm.

Directory Update

Our committee is hard at work finishing up the directory, they're just trying to track down the last of the pictures. If you receive an email from Karen Herring requesting a picture - it's not a scam! If you have not had a picture taken or submitted one, be on the lookout for this email; it may end up in your spam folder as it does have an attachment. Thank you for helping us get the best possible/complete directory we can!

Many thanks to all of those who helped to welcome our International Peacemaking Speaker, Rev. Dr. Hiheon Kim. We were challenged and inspired by his perspectives and passion for ministries of peacemaking and reconciliation.

FPC Women's Retreat Registration

Registration is now open for our 2025 FPC Women's Retreat!

This retreat is open to all women of the church but especially intended for those who are in need of some sabbath time away in nature. We will have times of reflection, prayer, bible study, and fellowship.

We will also enjoy all that our presbytery's camp, Living River, has to offer: hiking, crafting, campfires and more! At the registration link below you'll find several housing options. This year, the price of the retreat is tiered based on which housing option you choose.

Limited private rooms are available but there are several options for semi-private arrangements as well as old-fashioned camp cabins!

https://forms.gle/owva7Czt4SW6ueSv8

Prices include two nights lodging and meals from Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast: 

Private Rooms: $120-$180

Semi-Private Rooms: $90-110

Shared Cabin (6 max to a cabin): $80

Please contact Kathy Reed with questions at kreed@fpcauburn.org. 

This Week at FPC

Oct. 13-19, 2024

Sunday

9:00 AM - Worship Service with Weekly Communion (Chapel)

9:30 AM - Coffee and Fellowship (Baird)

9:45 AM - Sunday School for all ages

11:00 AM - Worship Service (Sanctuary)

Bulletin for October 13 worship

Sunday Parking Map

5:00 PM - Youth Dinner & Fellowship

7:00 PM -UKirk Dinner & Bible Study

Wednesday

5:15 PM - Congregational Dinner (Baird)

6:15 PM - PW Circle #4 (Library)

Link for the Trunk or Treat Signup

Children and Youth News

Children Pre-K through 5th grade

• Registration is now open for the 2024 Children's Retreat to Living River. Open to all K-5th graders, click here to register! Registration deadline is Oct. 24
• Worship bags are available for all children during worship.
• Godly Play: After the Word to Grow By (at 11 a.m. worship), children ages 4 to 2nd grade will go to the Godly Play room to worship together for the remainder of the worship service. 
• Worship Readiness: The children will be recognized in worship October 20.

Jr. and Sr. High Youth

• Jr. and Sr. High Youth! This Saturday is our day to volunteer at the Food Bank. Meet in the church parking lot at 8:45 a.m. to ride the bus or meet us at the Food Bank at 9. We will be finished around 11:30. Bring a friend! 
• Parents, click here to download the Children and Youth Fall Calendar.
• Jr. and Sr. High Youth meets this Sunday with dinner at 5 and Youth Group from 5:30-6:30.
• Jr./Sr. High Parents, there are still a few slots open to volunteer to provide youth dinner. Our youth enjoy fellowship around a meal every Sunday evening from 5 - 5:30. But we can't do it without your help! Click this link to sign up!

Birthdays 

Oct. 13 - Evert Duin

Oct. 14 - Ralf DuToit, Dorothy Hinkle-Uhlig, Kim Spencer

Oct. 16 - Jo Cooper, Kimberly Farr, Anne Leader

Prayer Concerns & Celebrations

• Prayers of healing and rest for Stewart Whatley as he recovers at home after a brief stay at the hospital.

• Prayers of wholeness, comfort, and rest for Nancy Gamble as she returns to Morningside after a stay in the hospital. Nancy will be receiving hospice care to keep her comfortable in the weeks/months ahead. She requests NO visitors or phone calls but welcomes prayers and cards.

• Please continue to pray for many members of our church who are recovering from successful surgery, dealing with significant health issues, surrounded by grief and difficult circumstances but at this time do not wish to be mentioned by name. Prayers of healing, wholeness, and comfort for many in our congregation.

• Prayers of healing for Todd White’s mother, Joan White, as she navigates health issues after a small stroke.

• Prayers of healing for Dorothy Bock as she continues to navigate health issues at home.

• Continued prayers of healing for Henry Helmke as he navigates health issues at home. 

• Prayers of healing for Joyce Bravaldo as she navigates health issues at home. 

• Continued prayers of healing for Nathan Hall as he recovers at home after receiving care at EAMC. 

• Prayers of healing for Amanda Covington Anderson as she continues to heal. Prayers for Frank and Carole and all of Amanda’s family as they care for her. 

• Prayers for Catherine Wolfe Riley’s father Ned. Ned will have heart catheterization surgery in a few weeks for a partially blocked artery due to chemotherapy. Prayers for Catherine as she cares for her father.

• Prayers of healing for Debbie Duin’s brother Warren and sister-in-law Janet as they both recover from significant falls. They are both home after a brief stay in the hospital. Prayers for Debbie as she cares for her brother and sister-in-law from a far. Continued prayers of healing for Debbie as she recovers from successful knee surgery. 

• Continued prayers of healing, rest, and comfort for Donna Yeager’s mother, Patsy Yeager, as she navigates health issues at home. Prayers for Donna and her siblings as they care for her mother in Texas.

• Prayers of healing for Olyne Fischer’s daughter-in-law Chell Fischer. Chell has recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and will have surgery in a few weeks. Prayers for Olyne as she cares for Chell and her son Gary from afar. 

• Prayers healing and comfort for Sarah Wolak’s brother Chris French. Chris has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome and is receiving treatment for his symptoms. Continued prayers of healing and comfort for Sarah’s mother, Susan French, as she also navigates health issues.  

• Prayers of healing for Joan Foil’s granddaughter Kate Mouchet as she continues to heal.

• Prayers of healing for Karen and Bob Cochran’s friend Randy Tucker as he undergoes a stem cell study for his cancer treatment.

• Prayers of healing for Don Ball’s son, Kelly, who is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for recurrence of cancer.

• Prayers of healing for Daniel and Amanda Johnson’s nephew James Ivey as he receives critical care. Prayers for the doctors and caregivers who are caring for him, especially his parents and family..

• Prayers for former Ukirk student Shannon Smith as she recovers at home after having a stroke.

• Prayers of healing and wholeness for Becky Buchanan’s family friend Hughes Allen who has been diagnosed with cancer.

• Prayers for Amy Kilner (daughter-in-law of Dorothy Moran) as she recovers from a kidney transplant.

• Prayers for Jim Foil and his family as they continue to manage Jim’s health.

• Continued prayers of healing for Chris Greer. We especially pray for good healing and rest as Chris recovers from successful treatments. We continue to rejoice with Chris because the latest scans show no sign of cancer. We are so grateful the chemotherapy treatments have been successful. Chris will continue a plan of treatment for the upcoming months. 

• Prayers for Brooke Myers as she cares for her father, Charlie Myers. Charlie is recovering from a fall and has moved to Morningside.