Tell Me More

Are you curious about life at FPC? Would you like to get to know others who are, too?

On Sunday you are invited to join Pastor Ellen for “Tell Me More” at 9:45 AM in the Fellowship House sunroom for coffee, snacks, and conversation about membership and life with this community of faith.

Hope to see you there!

CHILDREN'S CHOIR STARTING THIS WEEK

Recruiting all Kindergarten thru 8th graders for Children's Choir! Join Ms Jacquie to learn new music on Sundays from 9:30 AM to 9:55 AM before heading to Sunday School. Meet in the Children's Choir Room on the 3rd floor of the Education Building.

Please reach out to Elly Steel ellysteel@gmail.com for more details

Pew Prep Returns this Sunday, September 20th

Calling all Kindergarteners and 1st graders! We are thrilled to welcome back our curious kids to learn more about different parts of Worship. Pew Prep occurs during the 11 AM Sunday service as a way to empower kids to understand and fully participate in parts of Worship.

With the kickoff happening this Sunday, September 20th, we will also have a brief meeting immediately following worship on the playground to discuss what Pew Prep is like, how to get involved, and goals of this short but meaningful time. 

All families with kids in those grades should have received an email with more information - if you didn't, please reach out to Elly Steel ASAP at ellysteel@gmail.com to get your child added to this list. 

Youth Group in Davis Hall this Sunday

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Middle School program

5:30 PM - 6:00 PM dinner for ALL!

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM High School program



Park in the lower lot – Youth can come in by themselves – just watch to make sure they get in before you drive off. A few minutes before the start time, a Youth Advisor will be at the door to welcome youth as they arrive. Questions? Contact Jodi Martin at jodi.martin@firstpresconcord.org

COME TO LUNCH BUNCH AND LEARN ABOUT THE OPEN DOOR HOUSE 

Did you know that more than 500 teenagers in North Carolina age out of foster care on their 18th birthdays each year, many in the middle of a school year? Support payments to the foster parents are cut off immediately, and about 100 of them will become instantly homeless with no job and no adult for guidance or protection. Forty-five (45) percent of them have not yet finished high school.  

 Five years ago, Kathy Lista, founder and director of THE OPEN DOOR HOUSE, set out to change that here in Cabarrus County! In the years since, her organization has provided a home in their “Grace House” and mentoring for 11 young women between 18 and 21 years of age. In August, a second house, named "Ezekiel House”, was opened for young men. The great news is that Ms. Lista’s organization, THE OPEN DOOR HOUSE, now has property and plans to expand their capacity to house and provide services to 26 young “graduates” of our foster care system at the same time by 2032.  

 Come and join us at Lunch Bunch on Tuesday, September 22nd at 11:45 in Davis Hall to hear about THE OPEN DOOR HOUSE plans and learn about the services provided to these young people to help them have brighter futures.     

We are planning a catered lunch of Grilled Chicken, Roasted Potatoes, Mixed Veggie Casserole, a Roll. and Tea at a cost of $15. Please register by calling the Church reservation line at 704-788-2100, option 7, and leave us your name, number of guests and phone number by NOON tomorrow, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th (Please use the RESERVATION LINE only, as emails are likely to be missed or overlooked.) Everyone is welcome at Lunch Bunch. We are looking forward to seeing you then! 

Send Off the Summer on September 23 for Our Second Food Trucks and Fellowship Event

Join us next Wednesday, September 23, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for smoothies, games, and music along our Fellowship House drive-through. We will have a number of tables set up between the sanctuary and playground with space for cornhole, board games, and unstructured play for families.

We will also be joined by Just Juice CLT, a juice, smoothie, and açaí bowl food truck. Bring your own dinner to enjoy with a healthy and refreshing juice drink, or get a protein smoothie or açaí bowl for your main course! We hope to see you there for another great night of outdoor fun and fellowship.

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..

Third Thursday in the Commons

If you need some quiet time to reflect, work something through, pray, or just to breathe deeply, consider the Commons as a potential 'workspace.' 

The Third Thursday of each month from 10:00 AM - 12 noon, the Commons will welcome you with printed prayers, meditation aides, quiet music, or a walk on the labyrinth to calm your soul and quiet your mind. A member of the Commons committee will be present to offer assistance if needed. 

Starts this Thursday September 17th, then October 15th, November 19th and December 17th. "I have calmed and quieted my soul." Psalm 131:2

Become a Book Buddy!

This year, our Book Buddies program is partnering with Coltrane-Webb STEM Elementary School. Book Buddies spend time reading with and encouraging young students, helping them strengthen their literacy skills, build confidence, and discover the joy of reading.

Program dates and times will be finalized soon. In the meantime, please use the SignUp Genius below to indicate your interest in volunteering. Signing up does not commit you to a specific schedule; it simply allows us to contact you with more information once the details are available.

Sign up here to learn more about becoming a Book Buddy!

Blessing of the Animals

On Sunday, October 4, at 3:00 PM, we will gather on the Fellowship House lawn for the Blessing of the Animals service.

Please make sure your pet is on a leash.

If your pet/pets are unable to attend, a picture is great.

We will be collecting donations for the Cabarrus County Animal Shelter and the Humane Society of Concord/ Greater Cabarrus. The staff and volunteers at both if these organizations work very hard to provide a safe, comfortable, and loving environment for these animals. Please bring your donations, (see list below) and they will be delivered to the shelter.

Invite your friends and neighbors as we gather to worship God and to give thanks for, celebrate, and care for all of God's creatures great and small. Join us for human snacks and pet treats!

See you there!

Requested Donations:

Newspaper, (need is great)

Paper towels

Dawn dish soap

Laundry detergent

Bleach

Clumping Cat litter

Litter pans

Canned paté cat food

Dry cat and kitten food 

Cat toys

Gently used towels and blankets

Durable dog toys like Kongs and Nylabones

Gently used leashes and collars 

Canned dog food( pate preferred over chunked)

Dry puppy and dog food

Puppy pee pads

Dog toys

Volunteer at Wings of Eagles Ranch Day Camp!

Wings of Eagles Ranch is a local nonprofit that serves children and adults with special needs through therapeutic horseback riding, outdoor adventures, and other supportive programs.

Volunteers ages 14 and older are needed for the Wings of Eagles Day Camp on Saturday, October 24. There are jobs for everyone, and no experience with horses is necessary—just bring a willing heart and a desire to help!

All volunteers must complete a volunteer application and attend one of the following training sessions:

• Monday, October 20, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Wednesday, October 22, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Please sign up here to indicate your interest:

Pictures from another successful Rally Day!