This Sunday, August 6, is the deadline for suggesting FPC members to begin serving as church elders and deacons in 2018. You may turn your suggestions in at the church office or place them in the offering plate during worship. Nomination forms are available in the narthex and Fellowship Hallway. Feel free to consult any member of the Church Officer Nominating Committee for more information. Members are Dottie Havlik (Chair), John Graham, Chad McCracken, Brian Miller, and Donna Sikorski. Our plan is to elect officers at a congregational meeting after One Worship on September 17.

The Duties of Elders

The Book of Order, G-6.0304, states: "It is the duty of elders, individually and jointly, to strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation committed to their charge. Together with the pastor, they should encourage the people in the worship and service of God, equip and renew them for their tasks within the church and for their mission in the world, visit and comfort and care for the people, with special attention to the poor, the sick, the lonely, and those who are oppressed. They should inform the pastor and session of those persons and structures which may need special attention. They should assist in worship. They should cultivate their ability to teach the Bible and may be authorized to supply places which are without the regular ministry of the Word and Sacrament. In specific circumstances and with proper instruction, specific elders may be authorized by the presbytery to administer the Lord's Supper. ... Those duties which all Christians are bound to perform by the law of love are especially incumbent upon elders because of their calling to office and are to be fulfilled by them as official responsibilities."

The Session of First Presbyterian Church is composed of 15 elders who serve on a three-year rotation.

Current FPC Elders
Class of 2017	Class of 2018	Class of 2019
Ann Abel	Aaron Brooks	Anna Booher
Beth Flannagan	Randy Cook	Lee Galliher
Tom King	Debbie McMillin	Pete Holler
Ernie Pennington	Stuart Parker	Han Ong
John Vann	Chuck Thompson	Pete Stigers

 

The Duties of Deacons

The Book of Order, G-6.0402, states: "It is the duty of deacons, first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith. They shall assume such other duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the session, such as leading the people in worship through prayers of intercession, reading the Scriptures, presenting the gifts of the people, and assisting with the Lord's Supper."

The Board of Deacons of First Presbyterian Church is composed of 15 members who serve on a three-year rotation.

Current FPC Deacons
Class of 2017	Class of 2018	Class of 2019
Jim Mayden	Adam Abel	George Linke
Mark Mervis	Nancy Butterworth	Greg Roberts
Robin North	David Ginn	Nate Sproles
Jordan Pennington	Rett Stocstill	Bill Whisnant
Byron Schiesz	Ann Woods

The city schools are back in session this week, and our own fall semester of educational and fellowship opportunities begins midmonth. We are prepared, but first we'll have one last go at summer fun. If we aren't rained in this Sunday, our annual church picnic will be held out front on a pitch-perfect lawn, thanks to Pat Flannagan. Larry Connolly's facility with lawn maintenance will set out the big, green welcome mat for churchgoers next Sunday.

We welcome men and women, adults and teens to sign up for our mowing team at any time of the year. Families too: younger children can move fallen branches and debris to the curb, and a parent or elder sibling can mow. It's easy, it doesn't take much time, and you won't have to mow more than three times a year. If you're unfamiliar with Scag mowers, Team Captain Randy Cook will be happy to give you a lesson on our Tiger Cat. If you can mow even once during the growing season, please email Randy at [email protected] or call his cell at 423-956-1541. Thank you!   

Sunday, August 6

9:30 a.m.        Sunday School

10:30 a.m.     ONE Worship, Fellowship Hall

11:30 a.m.     Church Picnic on the Grounds

Monday, August 7

7:00 p.m.       Board of Deacons, Room 123

Tuesday, August 8

9:00 a.m.        Staff Meeting, Room 117

10:00 a.m.     Morning Prayer Group, Conference Room

6:00 p.m.       Venture Crew 3, Room 165

7:00 p.m.       Boy Scout Troop 3, Scout Wing

Wednesday, August 9

6:00 p.m.       Pastor Nominating Committee, Room 117

7:00 p.m.       8:30 Worship Team, Fellowship Hall

Thursday, August 10

7:00 a.m.        Men's Bible Study, Parlor

8:30 a.m.        Meals on Wheels, Fellowship Hall

12:00 p.m.     Noon Bible Study, Room 117