THE BANNER
May 12, 2021
Return to In-Person Worship
This Sunday, May 16, we will resume in-person worship on a limited, reservation basis using SignUp Genius. If the spaces are full, please use the sanctuary wait list to sign-up for indoor seating and we will move names over to the confirmed list in the order in which they are received, as spaces become available. If you find that you are unable to attend, please delete your sign-up to allow that seat to be filled by someone else. You may also sign-up to sit outdoors in one of the provided seats. Ushers and the lay reader do not need to sign-up, nor does the confirmed list of choir members singing each week.

Click here for that sign-up. You may call the office if you do not have access to the online sign-up, 704-788-2100. When the automated system answers, press 2 for Suzanne Russell. You do not need to listen to the message first. You also have the option to watch our live stream Sunday at 11 a.m. on the First Presbyterian Church YouTube page. Click here for our YouTube page. A congregational email will be sent out on Sunday morning just before 11 a.m. with the YouTube link and the Sunday bulletin.
Vacation Bible School - Only 10 Days Left to Register!

2021 Vacation Bible School!
S’more Adventures with God

June 21-24 (Monday to Thursday)
9 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.


This outdoor adventure is open to two-year olds to rising 5th graders.
Volunteers needed! Please use this link to sign-up to help: 2021 FPC: Volunteers - Vacation Bible School
Registration is now OPEN! Please register here today! Due to COVID protocols, May 24th will be a firm deadline for VBS registrations. This will allow us the necessary time to implement in-person programming for our exciting week of VBS!
4th Grade Bibles Presented
Congratulations to the following 4th graders on the receipt of your Bibles last Sunday:

Deva Nicole Austin
Miller Paige Finney
Andrew Earle Garrison
John Dickson McMillan IV
Edward Roberson Morrison
Anne Caroline Reese
Dalton Lee Sloop
Jackson Thomas Williams

The Bibles can be picked up inside the backdoor of the Fellowship House Monday - Thursday (during office hours) or on Sunday mornings.
Youth Sunday Thanks
A special thank you to the Youth: Caroline Batts, Dylan Batts, Isabell Bishop, Chloë Cline, Sam Davis, Eli Farmer, Andrew Garrison, Henry Garrison, Ruthie Hillman, Spencer Hillman, Heidi Johnston, Betsy King, Mabry Morgan, Mack Morgan, Grace Morrison, John Morrison, Katharine Morrison, Molly Morrison, Anna Claire Watson, Nate Woolwine, Sally Woolwine, and to everyone who contributed to the Youth Sunday worship. If you have not yet enjoyed the service, we invite you to view it now on our YouTube channel: First Presbyterian Church Concord, NC Worship May 9, 2021 - YouTube
From our welcome by Ruthie Hillman: “This is a safe place, filled with friendly people who love God and want more of Him in our lives", through the thoughtful prayers, readings, music, images, message for children, and sermons, to Mack Morgan’s benediction: “…May the way of God direct us; may the love of God go with us this day and forever. Amen.”, it is filled with inspiration as we prepare to move into a new chapter in the life of our church.

The cover art, pictured here is a painting by Mabry Morgan, titled: “Deep Roots and Blooming Sky”. Inspired by the scripture readings from Youth Sunday, Mabry describes her piece as “an accurate reflection of where we are in the life of our church right now. Such deep roots (strong foundation) but the sky is the limit on our growth going forward. Our church family is 'blooming' with new opportunities and new memories to be made.”
Blessing Box Food Drive May 16
Our Blessing Box is being restocked by the women of Circle 1 for the Month of May. Every four days the box will be checked, cleaned and restocked to support the needs of the hungry.
On May 16th, our first Sunday back in the Sanctuary, we ask that members bring items for the box to the service. Carts will be outside between the church and education building. For those not attending the service, we will have a drive by on Sunday, May 16, from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the drop off between buildings.
The best items for the Blessing Box are foods that can be eaten on the go, including: tuna packets, Beanie Weenies, Vienna sausages, potted meat, canned pasta, granola bars, crackers, nuts, raisins, cereal bars, protein bars, small Gatorade bottles, and juice boxes. Hygiene items including deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and feminine products are helpful. Diapers, wipes, and socks are also appreciated. Feel free to contact Dakeita Vanderburg at 704-793-8972 for any questions. We thank you in advance for your support of this important mission of our church. 
S & D Sunday School Class Update
The S & D class will meet this Sunday, May 16, at 9:45 a.m. outside Davis Hall on the church street side. If you have any questions, please contact Sallie Dotger or Todd Phillips.
Invitation to our 6th - 12th grade Youth
Join us this Sunday, May 16th, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m, to help prepare food for the Night Shelter.
We will be in the kitchen in Davis Hall. Please wear closed toe shoes and long hair pulled back.
Use this sign-up to RSVP and if you’d like to contribute to the food donations, please sign-up for those items as well.
2021 Middle & HS Youth: Cooking for the Night Shelter (signupgenius.com)
We hope to see you there!
Work Day Thank You!
The building and grounds committee wish to extend their appreciation for the time and effort of those able to help with sprucing up the church campus grounds:
Pre Work Day - Glenda Steel and Cheryl Kelling prepare the pots.
Work Day - Church Street Lot: James Garmon, Harris Morrison, Wade and Jim.
 
Work Day - Church Campus:
Madeline Allen (Girl Scout), Mary Beth Griffin
Aubrey Griffin, Mary Ann and Corky Johnson
John Morrison, Susan and Jerry Otteni
Rene Prager, Heath Ritchie, Holly Robbins and
Glenda Steel
Reopening News on the Website
Visit the NEWS section of the church web site for up-to-date information on the re-opening of our Church campus for worship and other activities. We anticipate things to change frequently over the next several weeks and will post all updates for the congregation under that section of the website.
The Girl Scouts continued their cultural studies and celebrated the Japanese holiday, Children's Day, at their meeting on Thursday. The day is set aside to respect children's personalities and celebrate their happiness. The girls decorated carp windsocks and enjoyed running through the courtyard with them. The scouts concluded the meeting by decorating a card for their Mom in celebration of Mother's Day.
Girl Scout News
Red Cross Cabarrus County VIP Blood Drive
Monday, May 17th, in Davis Hall from 2:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
To schedule an appointment click here and enter 28025 or
visit redcrossblood.org and enter: Cabarrus VIP Blood Drive
Sign-up Links
Lay Liturgists
Sign up here to be a lay liturgist to
read scripture in worship 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
Sunday, May 16, 2021
Rev. Rush Otey Preaching
Recognition of our High School Seniors

Thursday, May 13
9:00 a.m. First Kids Preschool
Friday, May 14
9:00 a.m. First Kids Preschool
Sunday, May 16
9:45 a.m. Journey Sunday School (Ed Bldg)
9:45 a.m. S & D Sunday School (outside)
11:00 a.m. Worship (Sanctuary or Live-stream)
1:00 p.m. Blessing Box food drive drop off
3:00 p.m. Circle 5 (Courtyard)
5:00 p.m. Youth (Davis Hall)
Monday, May 17
9:00 a.m. First Kids Preschool
2:30 p.m. Red CrossVIP Blood Dr (Davis Hall)
Tuesday, May 18
9:00 a.m. First Kids Preschool
6:00 p.m. Cub Scouts
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Pack 3
Wednesday, May 19
9:00 a.m. First Kids Preschool
7:30 p.m. Choir Practice (Sanctuary)
Church Report
Birthdays
May 13 - Kevin Finney, Lynne Keel
May 14 - Holt Morrison
May 15 - Timmy Jones, Joe Mitchell, Lauren Paul
May 16- Edy Johnston
May 17 - Joel Cain, Cathy Floyd
May 18 - Amanda King
May 19 - Nate Woolwine
**To enjoy a sung happy birthday, click here!**
Staff
Rush Otey
Temporary Supply Pastor 

Associate Pastor 
for Care and Mission

René Prager
Interim Youth
Programs Coordinator



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 Hours:
Closed

Memorial Garden:
(704) 786-8009
36 Spring Street SW
Concord NC 28025
 
Garden Hours: 
Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Closed Monday