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FIRST PRESSThe Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville
Volume 29, Issue 26 December 24, 2017
A Season of Blessings
Christmas, all these thousands of years later, still calls us to find our place in it. Perhaps we can make this prayer our own:
I open the stable door;I kneel before the infant;I worship with the shepherds;I adore the Christ child.I give my love with Mary and Joseph;I wonder at the ‘Word made flesh’. I am aware of the love of God;I sing glory with the angels;I offer my gifts with the wise men.I receive the living Lord;I hold him in my hands;I go on my way rejoicing,glorifying and praising God. – David Adam
Whatever else you receive this Christmas, may God give you grace to find your place in the story of Jesus coming to dwell among us. God’s richest blessings to you and your loved ones at this holy season.
Mike Garrett
From The Pastor
Christmas Eve Worship Services
8:30 AM Chapel Service A simple holiday service for everyone
11 AM Sanctuary Service Lessons & Carols for the holiday season, backed by
the church orchestra7 PM Candlelight Communion Service
A family friendly evening service in the Sanctuary
HOT CHOCOLATE MIX SALE!
The youth will be selling hot chocolate mix to finance their ski trip next year. The jars are $10. Stop by the church
or buy them between services.
JOIN US FOR HAITI HEALTH KIT DAYSaturday, January 6
9 AM • Fellowship HallPackage health kits for our team during their mission to Haiti on January 25-Feburary 2. There’s a job for every age group and childcare is available.
Last days! Makes a great last-minute
Christmas gift!
In Honor of Ralph and Linda Huff by Carol and Sammy Short.In Honor of Buzz and Ann Loyd by Carol and Sammy Short.In Honor of Dan McInnis by Carol and Sammy Short.In Honor of Bill and Pam Senter by Carol and Sammy Short.In Honor of Mick and Karen Noland by Carol and Sam-my Short.In Honor of the staff at First Presbyterian by Patsy MarkhamIn Honor of Michael and Sherri Blight by Carol and Sammy Short.In Honor of Tom and Lou Brooks by Carol and Sammy Short.In Honor of Winnie Grannis by Carol and Sammy Short.In Honor of Herb Bryan on his birthday by The G.I.F.T. class.In Honor of Dr. Michael Garrett by Linda and Ralph Huff.In Honor of the Rev. Jonathan West by Linda and Ralph Huff.In Honor of Dr. Donna Fowler-Marchant by Linda and Ralph Huff.In Honor of Dr. Marcia Mervin by Linda and Ralph Huff.In Honor of Britany Spivey by Linda and Ralph Huff.In Memory of Ed Grannis by Carol and Sammy Short.In Memory of Irene and Frank McBryde by Grace and Tommy Hall.In Memory of Robert Hasty Sr. by Roger and Loretta Holmes.In Memory of Greg and Linda Holmes by Roger and Lo-retta Holmes.In Memory of Allene Williams by Kaye McRainey, Pam and Bill Senter, Joanna Barnes, Sandra Herndon, Patsy Markham, the Stella McRainey family, Joe Mac and Inez Hatcher, Thomas A. Moore, and special friends.
MeMorials & HonorariuMs
CHilD CareChild care is available Sundays for infants, toddlers, twos, and threes during Sunday Services, Wednesday evening ministries, and other occasions as needed. Child care at First Presbyterian is always nurturing. Children explore the truths of God’s Word.
Congregational CareBe reminded that Prayer Request Cards are available in the pews. If you, a family member, or a friend has a special need to be remembered in prayer, fill out this request card and drop it in the offering plate. Many things are wrought through prayer, and your church wants to help.
eMergenCy Pastoral ConCerns
If you’re hospitalized, seriously ill or having surgery... please notify the church office at 483-0121. Your pastors want to minister to you whenever you are ill, and they can do that only if you inform us.
Prayer teaMsFour prayer teams are committed to praying for the concerns of members and friends of First Pres-byterian Church – three e-mail prayer chains and one phone chain. If you would like to be a part of this ministry, contact Joy Keys at 483-0121 or e-mail [email protected].
FloWersThe Chapel arrangement on Sunday, December 17, 2017, was given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Donald Stevens by his family. The Sanctuary arrangement on Sunday, December 17, 2017, was given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Thomas Earl Stewart by his family.
Prayers & syMPatHyThe Prayers and Sympathy of the congregation are extended to the family of Louise Rahilly upon the death of her sister, Aline H. Kelly of Lillington, on Monday, December 11, 2017; and to the family of Allene Williams, who died on Thursday, December 14, 2017; and to the family of Sean Fincher upon the death of his mother, Carolyn Fincher, on Friday, December 15, 2017.
NEWS FIRST@and other special events
first things first
AdultsQuesters - Dr. Garrett ....................Room 203
The class considers the sermon of the day.G.I.F.T. Class ..........................Activity Room
Studying the Bible in detail.“Wired Word” - Bill McFadyen.......Room 405
Scripture and expert commentary unravel the headlines of the week.
Fellowship Class .........................The ChapelCovenant Class .............................Room 416Friendship Class ............................Room 413Calvin Class ........................Rankin BuildingYouthMiddle & High School ................Room 228 Applying Christian values to real life. Begins in Room 228, separates by age.
ChildrenPreschool Studies ..........................Room 118Elementary Studies (K-5) .............Room 208NurseryFor infants .....................................Room 128
Fall Sunday School(9:45-10:45 a.m.)
Information & DirectoryWorship Services
Services are held at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel and at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
EntrancesThe main business entrance to the church is now through the double doors under the porte cochere. Other church entrances will be open for Sunday services and other events.
FellowshipEller Hall will be the gathering place for fel-lowship after each service.
First Press 2 www.firstprez.com
The calendar below is an effort to keep you informed of the events happening at First Pres-byterian Church. For a complete listing of ac-tivities, refer to our website at www.firstprez.com.SuNDAy, DECEMBER 24, CHRISTMAS EVE 8:30a Worship - Chapel 10:45a Session meeting - Parlor 11:00a Worship - Sanctuary 7:00p Worship & communion - SanctuaryMONDAy, DECEMBER 25, CHRISTMAS DAy Church office closed for the holidayTuESDAy, DECEMBER 26 7:00p Men’s Basketball - Fellowship HallFRIDAy, DECEMBER 29 3:00p Youth Lock-in - through Saturday morning
Nursery Positions AvailableFirst Presbyterian Church is hiring nurs-ery caregivers. Must be available Sunday mornings from 7:45 a.m.-noon, Wednesday evenings 5-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and special events. Qualifications: At least 18 years old, previous childcare experience; CPR certification, own transportation, knowledge of health and safety matters; awareness of childcare environment procedures. Call 483-0121 for information.
Teague’s Home for Women wel-comes homeless women look-ing for a faith-based, safe place to call home while learning to improve their lives. The home needs paper products, cleaning supplies, bed linens, kitchen and bath towels, clothing, and personal hygiene items. Bring donations to the volunteer desk.
PW: Teague’s Home for Women
Prepare-to-worship classes for 1st and 2nd graders. Contact Britany Spivey at [email protected]
Get Ready! Get Set! Worship!Sundays, January 28-March 4
9:45-10:45 a.m.
Stewardship 2018
Have you made your pledge to the church mission for the upcoming year? Pledge cards are available around the church, or email your pledge to [email protected].
Number of pledges: 180Total to date: $1,204,136As of Tuesday, December 19, 2017
The fund aids the Fayetteville Urban Ministry and the “House of Moses” Crisis Nursery in Lusaka, Zambia.
The Two Cents Offering on Sunday, November 26, 2017, was $484.62. The
total to date is $7,770.87. The next offering is Sunday, December 31, 2017.
The Two Cents Offering
Everyone enjoyed the 2017 Children’s Christmas Program, the “Signs of Christ-mas,” which was performed as part of the last Wednesday Together of the sea-son on December 13th. Joyful Praise and King’s Kidz sup-plied the singing for the program.
First Press 3 www.firstprez.com
“Signs of Christmas” Children’s Program
First Press 4 www.firstprez.com
Breaking Bread with Three Kings
The preschool children enjoyed breakfast with the Three Wise Men during the Sunday School on Decem-ber 17th. The three kings were played by Mark Re-gensburger, Adam Farnham, and Theodore Schwamm.
“Signs of Christmas” Children’s Program
First Press 5 www.firstprez.com
Children’s Corner
YOUTH NEWS
•CHILDREN’S CHuRCH is for kinder-garten and first graders during the 11 a.m. service. The teacher will stand in front of the Sanctuary to escort the children to Room 116 at the start of the second hymn. Children’s Church will not be offered on Christmas Eve, December 24th, or on New Year’s Eve, December 31st.
•CATECHISM CLASS – The church is offering a catechism class for current 5th grades and any 6th graders who have not participated. The class delves into the ba-sic tenets and practices of the Presbyterian Church and the Christian faith. Classes be-gin Sunday, January 21, from 4-5 p.m. and continue in the late afternoon on Sundays through March 18. Contact Britany Spivey if you have interest in your child participat-ing in the program.
•uPCOMING EVENTS – Haiti Health Kit Day is January 6th, and the Fellowship of Young Adults/Families goes bowling on January 27th.
SIGN UP FOR THE lOCk-IN at www.firstprez.com. The youth meet at 3 p.m. on Friday, December 29, for the over-night adventure. Check the web site for details. Also sign up for the ski trip in January – under “Youth Ministry.”
jaNUarY birTHdaYS!1 Kelly Harrison1 Mona McFadyen1 Tommy Myers 2 Baker Alderman2 Cornelia Holmes2 Krista Hunter3 Lana VanStory4 Nicole Brown4 Warren Stewart5 Lynn Leath5 Rebecca McAlister5 Daniel Revels6 Barbara Meek6 Paul Regensburger6 Grace Zimmer
7 Harold Godwin7 Sophia Pridgen8 Julia Dwyer8 Max Richter8 Sue Stevens9 Scott Tolbert10 Paul DeSessa11 Will Battles11 Terry Ciccone12 Ella Beal Navejas13 Christian Barkman13 Ainsley Plyler14 Crystal Helmke14 Jennifer Plyler14 Ben Taylor
14 Steven Wauford14 Nancy Willetts15 Sarena Battles15 Jim Hankins, Jr.16 Rob Hasty, Jr.16 Buck Jordan16 Ainsley Mihacsi16 Tommy Spencer17 Marian Boyette17 Carrie Hall18 Bonnie Blue18 Ashlee Cleveland18 Theodore Schwamm19 Claire Hill20 Reid Furman
20 Jerry Teele21 Jenny MacKethan21 Clara Moffitt Moorman21 Sammy Short23 Sue Cain24 Timothy Davidson24 Matt Plyler24 Fran Primeaux24 Owen Smith25 Lea Ann Morris26 Abigail Jolly26 Laurie McRainey27 Betty Lewis27 Katherine Lewis28 Paul Sparzak
28 Lilly VanStory29 Hector Davis29 Bill Deaton, Jr.29 Margarette Dunn29 Cameron MacKethan 29 Britany Spivey29 Emmalee Wauford30 Michael Petti30 Diane Regensburger30 Madison Spencer31 Maude Bledsoe
GeNerAL ANNOuNCeMeNTSNO SUNDAY SCHOOl on Christmas Eve un-less the individual class decides to meet.END-OF-YEAR GIVING – Please be sure any donations to the church for 2017 are received by the church office no later than Thursday, December 28, at 9 a.m. For more information, call Joan Daughtry at 483-0121.WEDNESDAY TOGETHER is on holiday break. The fellowship night resumes January 10th.MOPS – The next MOPS & MOMSNEXT meeting is January 21 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the Activity Room. The theme this year is “free indeed.” For more information, contact Kerri Napoli at [email protected]. Find out more and post your thoughts at face-book.com/MOPSFirstPrez/.CHURCH OFFICERS – The ordination and/or installation of church officers elected in October will take place at the 11 a.m. worship service on January 7th.OFFICE ClOSED – The church office will be closed for holidays on December 25th, January 1st, and January 15th.DINNER FOR SIX-ISH – The next round of popular dinner and fellowship program is starting soon. If you haven’t filled out a regis-tration form before, please do so now. Forms are in Eller Hall. This round will go from January through March. Question? Contact Lou Brooks (804) 928-5057 or [email protected].
TAPESTRY 2.0 – The women’s Wednesday night Bible study returns on January 10th with author Lisa Harper’s “The Gospel of Mark – The Jesus We’re Aching For.” Join Kelly Sher-rill in Room 413 (tentative) for a look at Jesus’ power and his compassion.TAPESTRY – The Women’s Bible Study is studying Beth Moore’s “David: Seeking a Heart Like His” every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in the Activity Room. The study continues through February beginning January 4th. Tap-estry is currently on break.
CHiLdreN’S MiNiSTryClUb 543 is an exciting club for children in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. Christian fellow-ship, mission projects and discipleship are our goal! The club will meet the first Sunday of the month. The next meeting is at noon on January 7th in Room 210.Lunch is offered. Contact Britany Spivey at [email protected] or 910-483-0121.CHIlDREN’S CHURCH is for kindergarten and 1st graders during the 11 a.m. service. The teacher will stand in front of the Sanctuary to escort the children to Room 116 at the start of the second hymn. Note: Children’s Church will not be offered on December 24th or January 31st.
yOuTH MiNiSTrySIGN UP ONlINE for youth events, including the ski trip in January. Just go to “Youth Min-istry” at www.firstprez.com. And don’t forget about the upcoming lock-in beginning at 3 p.m. on Friday, December 29th.
SeNiOr MiNiSTrySAlT PlANS lUNCHEON – The Seasoned Adults group will have lunch at Luigi’s Italian Restaurant on January 22, 2018, at noon. Call Melanie Strickland at 484-5905 by January 14 to make reservations.
iNFOrMATiONMEAlS THAT MATTER – Teams prepare and deliver meals to church family members in need. Requests for meals may be directed through the church office. If interested in the Meals that Matter Ministry, please contact Debbie Williams ([email protected] or 910-485-2692).THE HISTORY of First Presbyterian Church – “Fling Wide the Gates” – is available from the church office for $30. It makes a great gift!
CHURCH NEWS
Here are the first games in the Church League Pre-Cadet schedule. Games are played at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church. There’s plenty of park-ing and church members are encouraged to attend and cheer for their basketball team!January 5 6 p.m. vs. St. John’sJanuary 12 8 p.m. vs. Snyder GoldJanuary 19 7 p.m. vs. Highland WhiteJanuary 25 7 p.m. vs. Highland BlueFebruary 2 6 p.m. vs. Haymount Methodist
We’re playing basketball...
Before the first game on January 5th, the team will practice on December 28 and January 4.
MINISTRy Dr. Michael Garrett, Senior Pastor [email protected] The Rev. Jonathan West, Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adult Ministry – [email protected] Dr. Donna Fowler-Marchant, Minister of Pastoral Care – [email protected] PROGRAM STAFF Dr. Marcia Heirman Mervin, Director of Music Ministry/Organist – [email protected] Britany Spivey, Director of Children’s Ministry – [email protected] Wanda ussery, Nursery Supervisor [email protected] ADMINISTRATION Joan Daughtry, Operations Director [email protected] Joy Keys, Administrative Assistant [email protected] Connie Burry, Program Secretary [email protected] Jim Blaine, Publications Coordinator [email protected] Julie MacRae, First School Director [email protected] MISSIONARIESLeon & Jacky Dorleans: HaitiCharles & Diane Wonnenberg:
Native Americans (South Dakota)George & Gail McBane: PakistanBill & Nancy Warlick: At-LargeTed & Sue Wright: Southern AfricaDon & Marta Wehmeyer: Merida, MexicoAlan & Ellen Smith: Russia
First Presbyterian staFF
Sunday’s sermon is broadcast at 9:00 a.m. each Sunday on WFNC Radio, 640 AM on your radio dial.
CONTACT uS:Phone: 910-483-0121
Web: www.firstprez.comFirstSchool: 910-483-0146
Email: [email protected]: www.facebook.com/1stprez
Helping Habitat for HumanityFirst Presbyterian Church and the congregation made a generous donation that put a roof and siding on the home of Mrs. McKinnon this month. Habitat for Humanity volunteers put a roof and siding on the home on Link Street.
December 29-30This won’t be a night for sleeping!Contact the Rev. Jonathan West for more information. RSVP at www.
firstprez.com, the Youth Ministry page
YOUTH LOCK-IN
Ordination & Installation
of Church OfficersSunday, January 7, 2018 11 a.m. • The Sanctuary
Communion will be offered during both services of worship
on January 7th.
