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Newsletter
October 6, 2026

Dear friends,

What a wonderful World Communion Sunday we had this week! Nora Tubbs Tisdale reminded us of our call to focus on unity with one another, Cris Rivera and Lori Pistor welcomed us to Christ’s Table, Richard Anderson shared Scripture, and Lenore Champion welcomed the children. The congregation sang with gusto and heart with the guidance of Matthew Moore on piano and organ, and the choir sang “Look at the World” in a way that blessed us and filled us with gratitude and peace. In all of it, we remembered our family of faith around the world, of many languages, cultures, and denominations, and we gave thanks for God’s call for us to be one with one another.

Because of Covid, I worshiped with you from a distance this week. I was sad not to be with you, to laugh and cry with you, to hear your stories and share my own, but I was grateful for the opportunity to see you and experience from afar the power of our worship together. I am feeling better every day and look forward to seeing you this coming Sunday!

In the meantime, I wanted to update you on our Rebuilding Together renovation project. You likely noticed the good work that our Facilities Associate Donald Turner, along with some of you, has done in cleaning out Watts-Hill Fellowship Hall. The hall stands ready for a much-anticipated makeover!

Over the last two weeks, we have been busy preparing the final contract to be approved by the Session. In addition, we await a final permit from the City of Durham. We anticipate work starting in mid-October. Thank you for your patience! We will be moving forward soon.

I also want to invite you to join us Sunday for our Stewardship Kickoff! Following worship, we will have service projects, games, card-writing, crafts, and (of course) delicious food! Please plan to stay, hear about our 2027 Stewardship theme "Sowing Seeds of Peace, Justice, and Joy" and see our hot-off-the-presses brochures celebrating the mission and ministry we currently participate in and the future God is calling us to imagine together.

See you then!

Grace and peace to you all,

Mindy

Handy Links

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In the Next Two Weeks...

Mah Jong at FPC

We're excited to bring Mahjong to FPC Durham! Whether you've played lots or are ready to learn something new, we'd love for you to join us. Our Beginner Lesson is Friday, October 9, from 6 to 8 p.m., and it's perfect for anyone brand new to the game or who hasn't played in a while. Experienced players are welcome too, and we're looking for teaching partners to help new folks learn.

Sign Up Here

Questions? Contact Amy Wilson at alleamy@gmail.com or 919-741-0486.

Join us each Sunday at 9:45 in room 209 (second floor of Education Building) for discussion of the lectionary readings.

October 11: How would you respond to an invitation to a lavish banquet? Would you ignore it, or make excuses? Even worse, would you publicly insult the host and everything he stood for? What were they thinking?

October 18: To whom do you owe honor and allegiance? To the business that pays your salary? To the government to whom you pay your taxes? Where does God fit in?

The Somethings Annual Retreat 2026

It's time for our annual fall retreat! Join the FPC Somethings (our 20s and 30s ministry) October 16-18 for a weekend of connection, spirituality, and rest at Ocean Isle, NC. We'll be staying at a beautiful house right on the water, and worship will include a newly commissioned communion set, plus more surprises to come.

Cost is $150-$175 (scholarships available).

Please let Pastor Esther (e.hethcox@firstpres-durham.org) know as soon as possible if you can join us, and if you're interested in helping plan the weekend, the planning team would love more hands.

First Friends October Gathering

First Friends will celebrate fall with an Octoberfest gathering on Saturday, October 17, at 6:00 p.m., hosted by Lea Bingham and Rob Dilworth. The entree and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided, so bring a side, salad, dessert, or other beverages to share. If the weather is nice, we'll head out to the porch, so feel free to bring a chair.

RSVP and get the details on the Evite.

Join Us for Worship

October 11

Stewardship Kickoff

Mindy Douglas, preaching

October 18

Mindy Douglas, preaching

Youth Ministry

Youth Group

We're getting lost in the beauty of fall at Youth Group! Join us at 4 p.m. in the parking lot to head out to the McKee Corn Maze. We'll navigate the maze, meet some animals, and more. Youth should bring $16, and of course, friends are welcome. Pick up is at 6:30 p.m. (If it rains, fear not. We have an indoor Plan B that takes place at the same time and includes the same fee.)

Middle School Faith Formation

We're back after a week at the beach, as we gather to Know Our Gifts. Annie and Amy will lead us as we figure out what we're good at and how it can make others feel welcome. Plus, warm beverages & tasty treats, as always. Sunday, 9:45 a.m. in the right-side Youth Room.

High School Faith Formation

Now that we've conquered the screen in the Youth Room, we can't be stopped! Join Amanda and Beth as we talk about Mountains (Montreat, vacation, hiking & Biblical). Plus, warm beverages & tasty treats, as always. Sunday, 9:45 a.m. in the left-side Youth Room.

Children's Ministry

Trunk or Treat

Mark your calendars, Durham! First Presbyterian Church is hosting Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 25, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

Bring the kids (and your costumes) for an evening of candy, hot dogs, festively decorated trunks, a photo booth, and more. Whether you're a longtime member or a neighbor who has never been inside our doors, you're invited. Come hungry and come ready to have fun.

Want to decorate a trunk and hand out candy? We'd love your help. Email or text Mimi Dunn at marydunn618@gmail.com or (304) 553-3295 to sign up.

Halloween Sweet Potato Glean

We also have a SPECIAL opportunity to glean Sweet Potatoes on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. The farmer will be leaving some of the sweet potato crop in the field for us to find (glean) and send to the food bank! The location will be First Fruits Farm, and the theme will be: Halloween!

Gather & Grow

Fall Book Club: How the Word Is Passed

Join FPC's Racial Equity Task Force this fall for a book club tour by Zoom, from Monticello to the African American History Museum in DC. We'll be reading How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith, one of the New York Times' top ten books of 2021.

Six sessions on Zoom, every other Thursday night from 7 to 8 p.m., September 10 through November 19. Please have your book ready before the first meeting (local booksellers encouraged).

To get the Zoom link or sign up to lead a discussion, RSVP here: https://forms.gle/wZ3U4YpmVKkMRQUZ6

Racial Justice & Worship: Lunch Conversations with DurhamCares

How does worship shape our work of dismantling the idols of racism and injustice? How does the work of racial justice shape our worship? DurhamCares invites you to two lunch conversations exploring the relationship between these two crucial parts of Christian discipleship.

When: Tuesday, October 20, and Tuesday, November 17, from noon to 1:15 p.m.

Where: ReCity

Save the Date: "Sincerely Yours, Pauli Murray"

"Sincerely Yours, Pauli Murray" is a dramatic choral piece in 10 movements honoring the life and legacy of Durham's own Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray. It blends words, music, and performance to celebrate Murray's pioneering work as a civil rights activist, lawyer, poet, and Episcopal priest. The piece was created by African-American composer Steve Milloy and librettist Kim Hines, with Jane Ramseyer Miller as artistic advisor, and has been performed across the country.

Presented by the Common Woman Chorus in collaboration with the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice.

When: Saturday, December 5, at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Where: Hayti Heritage Center, St. Joseph's Performance Hall, 804 Old Fayetteville St., Durham

More Info Here

Durham Women Unite!

Durham Women Unite! is a group of women who connect to support one another and pray together. The group meets on the 1st of each month at noon. To learn more, call Laurie Ray at 919-636-1827, or complete the sign-up survey to receive information about the group and its activities.

Support Group for People Affected with Mental Health Challenges and their Loved Ones

If you or a family member is living with mental health challenges, you are invited to gather with others with similar experiences to discuss ways to share mutual support. This may mean forming one group that includes both families and people living with a mental illness, or it may mean forming two separate groups. The group is meant to be a place to find community and encouragement, it will not include counseling or therapy. We are hoping to create a space for conversation and a chance to explore spiritual resources for strength and hope. If you are interested in attending an initial meeting, email communications@firstpres-durham.org for more information.

Get Involved

First Acts Reads The Desk Set

Please register to join us for a reading of The Desk Set, a 1950s ensemble workplace comedy on Saturday, Nov. 7th, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Daye Meeting Room.

The play pits Bunny and her sharp-witted officemates against the technology (and the men touting its productivity) threatening their jobs. Mayhem and hilarity ensue, but with a happy holiday ending.

Whether you prefer to read or listen, all are welcome. Registration link coming this Friday!

2027 Worship Flowers Sign-Up Is Now Open

Thank you! The 2026 Worship Flowers calendar is full through the end of the year. The sign-up for 2027 is now open. Flowers in the sanctuary are a meaningful way to honor or remember a loved one, celebrate a milestone, or simply give thanks. Choose your Sunday early to get the date you want.

Volunteer in the Office

Share your time to support the daily work of the church.

Building Update: Rebuilding Together

Construction on our Rebuilding Together building project begins October 2026. Made possible by the generosity of donors to the 2022 Building Beloved Community Capital Campaign, this project will greatly improve accessibility throughout our building and breathe new life into some of our most beloved shared spaces, including a renovated Watts-Hill Fellowship Hall, a new elevator, reconfigured volunteer and Walk-In Ministry offices, a columbarium extending from the memorial garden, a renovated chapel, and new basement showers to support mission teams and emergency shelter. The project also includes roof, organ, window, and HVAC repairs, along with completed solar panel installation.

What to Expect Once Construction Begins: