Weekly News — March 15, 2023

Contents

This Sunday

• Sunday worship at 9:00 and 10:45
• Sing a New Song: Spotlight on Tracy Burke

News

• Bridge Dinner and Operation Easter Basket - updated
• Easter Lily orders - new
• Young Justice Builders Club - this Sunday
• Matthew 25 and Coffee Donations - updated
• Help with Coffee Fellowship
• Notes from the Office

Preaching and Prayers

Sunday Scriptures and

Worship Notes

This week’s lessons are from Psalm 139 and Matthew 13. The Rev. Tara Woodard-Lehman is preaching. 

9:00 worship features the Chancel Ringers.

Sing a New Song

Each week, we will provide a link to a song which will be used in the Contemporary Worship service at 10:45. This month we will focus on the new song “Lead Me to the Cross" by Newsboys. Click here to hear the song.

This week’s focus on the band is on Tracy Burke. Tracy and her husband, Rick, have been members of First Pres for 35 years. Tracy is a psychologist in private practice and currently provides therapy through telehealth so that she is able to practice whether in Pennsylvania or Florida, where she and Rick have a second home. Tracy enjoys spending time with her friends and family which now includes a grandson, Sebastian James. She also enjoys golfing, walks on the beach, reading and traveling. Tracy has been involved in music and music ministry for most of her life. As a child, Tracy sang, played the flute and danced at St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Toms River, NJ, where her mother was the organist. At First Pres, Tracy is a member of the Chancel Choir and Chancel Ringers and plays flute solos.

Easter Lily Sign-up

If you would like to help decorate the Sanctuary with Lilies this Easter, please fill out the form on our website firstpreswc.com/lilies. The cost this year is $15; you can pay by credit card through the website, or send a check. You can also email Karen Goldstein with your request. Note on your request whether it is in honor of or in memory of someone. Thank you.

Matthew 25 Lent Campaign

Each Wednesday we see far too many veterans attending our community lunches who are struggling with housing and financial issues. While no one should wonder where their next meal is coming from, there is a particular ache when someone who served in the military is unhoused. It is estimated that across the country, 11% of homeless individuals served in our armed forces, and our community partners have told us that there are fewer and fewer local housing units designated for former service members. For this reason, our 2023 Matthew 25 Lenten campaign is going to focus on the housing needs of veterans. As in past years, our goal will be to raise $25,000 between Ash Wednesday and Easter. This year, the proceeds will be divided between a general assistance fund helping people with emergency housing-related needs, the Wednesday Lunch Program, and programs supporting former service members.

Help us reach this year’s $25,000 goal through www.firstpreswc.com/give (or use the button below), selecting “Matthew 25 Lent Campaign” from the drop-down menu, or write a check with “Matthew 25” in the memo line.

As of today, we have received over $11,000 towards our goal. Thanks to the nearly 30 members and families who have contributed!

Young Justice Builders Club

Elementary-aged kids and their grown-ups are invited to gather for the last session of this program year on this Sunday, March 19, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. We’ll be concluding our study of Cory & the Seventh Story by digging into God’s story of healing and love that stands as a counter to all the other stories in the world that cause conflict. Light snacks will be provided, please let Sara Pantazes know if your family is planning to come. 

Matthew 25

Coffee Donations 

This year’s Matthew 25 campaign is focusing on the needs of veterans, who make up an outsized number of our unhoused neighbors. One way to support them is to donate coffee for distribution to vets through a local food cupboard or to be had at their support meetings. By purchasing from a company like Dunkin or Starbucks, who donate part of their proceeds to service members, your donation goes even farther.

Upcoming Preaching Schedule

March 26 - Tara Woodard-Lehman

April 2 (Palm Sunday) - Tara Woodard-Lehman

April 9 (Easter) - Tara and Caroline

April 16 - Tara Woodard-Lehman

The 9:00 service each week is broadcast over WCHE at 11 a.m. each Sunday at 1520AM and also at 95.3FM.

Thursday First Pres Prayers

During this month, the focus of our prayers with be Caregiving Ministries in our church, although there may be a week that focuses on something else. Visit the church’s website to learn more about this ministry listed under “Care.”

This Week’s Prayer:

Pray for those who need care/support and those providing it: family members, members of the church and others. Pray for comfort and support for those in need of caregiving, and for strength and wisdom for those providing the care.

Each week we pray for our congregation at 12:00 p.m. on Thursdays.

Set an alarm or schedule it in your calendar to join us! You don’t need to only pray for the topic of the week, but you can continue to pray for previous topics as well or anything that God lays on your heart.

Prayer Requests

If you would like to add a prayer (in joy or in time of need) to our Prayer Band, complete the website form, send an email, or call the church at the number below.

First Presbyterian Church | 130 W. Miner Street | 610-696-0554

GIVE | Visit firstpreswc.com

Pledge for the 2023 Annual campaign