THE BANNER

September 2, 2026

Note from Casey

Dear friends,

 

This Sunday we will conclude our sermon series wrestling with the questions posed by the curious kids of this congregation as we wrestle with a question about what heaven looks like. Like so many of the questions we have discussed this summer, this is a big question and not one that I know the answer to. I have a good idea of what I hope heaven looks like, and I sure hope it looks a little bit like the Blue Ridge mountains in early fall. While scripture ​does not give us many images of what heaven looks like, the prophet Isaiah (6:1-3 and 11:1-9) shares visions that can shape our hopes, and remind us that whatever heaven looks like, it will be good. Why? Because God is in control, and God is good.

 

If we haven't yet addressed your question, or your curious kid's question, don't worry! In the coming weeks, Pastor Ellen and I both will sit down for a rapid fire conversation addressing the other great questions we received ahead of this series.

 

Peace,

 

Pastor Casey


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

Photography Team


Do you like to take photos? Would you like to be part of our new FPC Photography Team? We are looking for volunteers to take photos at different FPC events. We’ll use these photos on social media and in the Banner to share and celebrate life with FPC. We’ll have a sign up on Rally Day. Contact Pastor Ellen or Pastor Casey with questions.

Night Shelter Meals


Please use the link below to sign up to help September 6-12, our week of making and serving meals at the night shelter:


https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080C4CA9AF2BA1F58-65250827-september

Youth Kickoff Celebration


It's time for another year with Youth at FPC. Join us for our kickoff at the Moores' farm for fun, games, fishing, and more. Please sign up here (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FA5AB29AAFEC52-65542684-fpcyouth) to let us know you're coming and bring a friend!


Contact Pastor Ellen with questions. It is going to be a great year!

College of Elders Luncheon


College of Elders, September 27: Following worship on September 27, all elders (those currently serving on session and those who have served in the past) are invited to gather in Davis Hall for lunch and a brief time of sharing updates on the life of FPC.


Lunch will include sandwiches from Pump Social. The cost per person is $10.


In order for us to plan appropriately, please register by Thursday, September 17 using this link, or by calling the reservation line:

704-788-2100 #7..

Save-the-Date


Blessing of the Animals


Sunday, October 4, 2026


Fellowship House Front Lawn


3:00 PM


Invite your Friends and Neighbors too!

Zoom with MaryAnn


Rescheduled Zoom with MaryAnn: We have set a new date to chat with MaryAnn McKibben Dana, the author of Better Than Normal: Virtues for an Off-Script Life.


We will gather with MaryAnn on Zoom at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 7. Register here to join.


Everyone is welcome to join the conversation! Contact Pastor Ellen with questions.

Presbyterian Women Kick-Off


The Presbyterian Women held their 2026–2027 Kick-Off Dinner and Event on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, in Davis Hall, with 45 in attendance. Pastor Ellen Crawford True welcomed the attendees and blessed a delicious meal prepared by PB&J Catering.

Moderator Cindy Wise then presented a video featuring Rev. Dr. Rhonda Mawhood Lee, author of the new Presbyterian Women Bible Study, United Through Christ, Bound to Each Other: Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians.

Kathy Pilkington shared information regarding the Ridenhour Scholarship.

Pastor Ellen Crawford True closed our gathering in prayer. 

Attendees were provided with updated PW Directories and copies of the Bible study and circles met in individual circle breakout groups.

The Presbyterian Women extend a warm invitation to all women in the church and our community.

We are looking forward to a fantastic year ahead!”

Thanks!

Cindy

 

Lay Liturgists

Sign up here to be a lay liturgist to

read scripture in worship on Sundays.


Nursery

Sign up here to volunteer in the Nursery on Sundays.


Pew Prep

Sign up here to volunteer to help with pew prep on Sundays.



Library Holdings

Click above for a list of books in our library.


 

Ushers

Sign up here to volunteer in the          

Sanctuary on Sundays


Greeters

Sign up here to volunteer in the

Sanctuary on Sundays


Sanctuary Flowers

To give the congregation a gift of

sanctuary flowers, please click here

to sign-up for one or more Sundays

during the year.

Calendar

View the Full Calendar here.

Sunday, September 6, 2026

Rev. Casey Aldridge

Isaiah 6:1-3, Isaiah 11:1-9

Thursday, September 3

9:00 AM First Kids Preschool (Will Young Bldg)

6:00 PM Girl Scouts (Ed Bldg)

Friday, September 4

office closed

9:00 AM First Kids Preschool (Will Young Bldg)

Sunday, September 6

9:45 AM S & D Class (Fellowship House)

11:00 AM Worship (Sanctuary)

Monday, September 7

Office Closed for Labor Day

Tuesday, September 8

9:00 AM First Kids Preschool (Will Young Bldg)

11:30 AM Circle 3 (Davis Hall)

6:30 PM Session (Library Conference Room)

7:00 PM Al Anon (Commons)

Wednesday, September 9

9:00 AM First Kids Preschool (Will Young Bldg)

10:30 AM Bible Study (Library Conference Room)

1:00 PM Staff Mtg (Fellowship House Sunroom)

7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)

Church Report

Condolences

Please keep the family of Spencer Seay in your prayers as they mourn his passing today, September 2. Spencer was a friend of many members.

Memorials

Dale Nixon - Families in Need

Nancy Bibby - Lunch Bunch, FPC Library

Birthdays

September 3 - Mary Bost Gray, Eric Johnson

September 4 - Nickolas Reid

September 6 - Loretta Coltrane, Will Fischer, Winslow Leatherman, Anna Younce

September 7 Josh Monroe

September 8 - Kirby Bullard, Lori Clay

September 9 - Trent Blackman, Pat Hollingsworth, Kelly Jones, Aaron Rotan

September 10 - Chris Hahn, Judy Hollis, Abby Kluttz, Joe Price, Peter Snellings, Bob Underwood

To enjoy a sung Happy Birthday, click here!

Staff

Ellen Crawford True

Senior Pastor/Head of Staff 

ellen.crawfordtrue@firstpresconcord.org


Casey Aldridge

Associate Pastor

casey.aldridge@firstpresconcord.org


Bryan Hovey

Parish Associate

bryan.hovey@firstpresconcord.org



Director of Music and Organist

Choirmaster

Suzanne Russell
Church Administrator

Kim Mazzola
Financial Administrative Asst.

Heath Ritchie
Maintenance Superintendent


Director of First Kids


Wedding Director
Contact Info
First Presbyterian Church
(704) 788-2100

70 Union Street North
Concord NC 28025 

Mailing Address: 
PO Box 789 Concord NC 28026-0789

Church Office Hours: 
Monday - Thursday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed Friday

The Commons Prayer Room:

Open to FPC: Tuesday - Sunday

Open to FPC: Saturday 10 AM - 3 PM     

Group times available with prior arrangement


Memorial Garden:

info@firstpresconcord.org


36 Spring Street SW

Concord NC 28025

 

Garden Hours: 

Tuesday - Sunday, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

March 15 - September 15


Tuesday- Sunday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

September 15 - March 15

Closed Monday

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