Luke 10:
"Go and Do - Stay and Do"
(Click on Scripture Passage)
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Sunday marks the 50th anniversary of Neil Armstrong's historic first step onto the surface of the moon. It occurs to me that the setting for our gospel reading from Luke 10, the story of Mary and Martha, can be compared to that 8-year race to the moon kicked off by President Kennedy's 1961 speech to Congress. In that speech Kennedy famously declared "We choose to go to the moon!"
Jesus did something similar when he "set his face toward Jerusalem." Part of bringing in the Kingdom of God will be to take on this dangerous mission that might not end well. "We choose to go to Jerusalem!" While Martha is engaged in specific tasks, all certainly necessary, by the way, to provide for such a large travelling group; Mary atunes herself to the bigger picture, the mission if you will.
The journey to the moon and the journey to Jerusalem required both specific tasks and duties and a dedicated commitment to the mission.
In our gospel reading I don't think Jesus is admonishing Martha so much as he is acknowledging Mary's perceptive choice to focus on the bigger picture. After all, his time on earth was growing short.
Join us for worship on Sunday at 10:30 AM as we look at the "action" involved in sitting at the feet of Jesus.
Blessings and peace,
Danny
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In July and August the worship focus will be on two specific parts of the Bible. We will start with an in depth, 4 part, look at the 10th chapter of the Gospel of Luke. In August the focus will shift to Jonah, a 4 chapter Old Testament book perfect for a 4 week series. Both are critically instructive for us today as we seek to discern God's will in these increasingly secular times. Please join us in July and August and bring a friend.
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Calling All Women! There's Still Time!
On Sunday, July 28th, we will have a women's chorus sing for our worship. This chorus is open to ALL women of any age that would like to sing in worship. There will be a Wednesday night rehearsal on July 24th at 7:00 p.m. We will practice two anthems for that Sunday. If you would like to sing, but cannot handle the stairs, please let me know and we will rehearse in the sanctuary. Please join us for a time of fellowship and singing!
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Do You Share The Pewsletter Weekly?
Forwarding this weekly email to friends and neighbors is a great way to let people know about the life of our church. Anyone who wants to receive it is welcome to subscribe. Get the word out!
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June and YTD Financial Picture
The chart below shows income and expenses for the month of June as well as the year-to-date totals and comparisons to last year. Cash reserves at June 30 were $147,118.
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At a short meeting prior to worship last Sunday the congregation chose to move forward with a series of conversations as proposed by the Session. Final details will be worked out in the next week but this much we know:
- They will take place on Tuesday evenings starting at 6:30 PM
- They will last 60 - 90 minutes.
- There will be no more than 5 meetings over a two-month period.
- They will be facilitated by Russ Reighley, pastor of Sherrills Ford Presbyterian Church.
- The first meeting will likely take place in mid to later August but you will be notified when that is determined.
These meetings are designed to provide a collective, collegial and focused approach to moving forward as a congregation in the next five years and beyond.
If you were not in worship last Sunday but plan to participate please let us know.
(
admin@fpclincolnton.org 704-735-8671)
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July 21st
Greeters & Offering
Pam Sipe and Mary Smith
Worship Sandy Eldridge
Joyground Mary Smith
Children’s Time Christine Thomas
Lockup Rick Ramseur
Refreshments Pat Carpenter
July 28th
Greeters & Offering
Adrienne and Jamie Hodges
Worship Pam Sipe
Joyground Anna Gilbert
Children’s Time Jan Duncan
Lockup Jan Duncan
Refreshments Evelyn Ross
August 4th
Greeters & Offering
Pam Sipe and Mary Smith
Worship Jan Duncan
Joyground Pam Sipe
Children’s Time Kathy Robinson
Lockup Jamie Hodges
Refreshments Beth Stevens
Communion:
Preparation Pat & John Carpenter
Serving Mary Smith & Chris Thomas
I
f
you cannot serve, please find your own replacement and notify the office of the change.
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The family of Tom Bowen
Helen Fox,
Evelyn Ross' mother
Ralph Freeman
Ann Haire
Judy Holland
Rev. Don Jafvert,
Jane Rollin's father
John Jenkins,
Joy Fortenberry's friend
James Johnston,
Kim Fitzpatrick’s father
Bobby Jones
, Bill Thomas' uncle
Bob Lafferty,
John Lafferty’s first cousin
Mary McKee
Bonnie Mullen
Simmons and Russ Purdy,
Danny Trapp's daughter
John Riley
Davis Roberts
Mona Scronce,
friend of Pam Sipe
Eric Sipe
Janice Stroupe
Keith Talley,
friend of Pam Sipe
Brock Weston
David Wulf,
friend of John Lafferty
Brenda Yu,
friend of Jan Duncan
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We are pleased to welcome Anne Marie Fitzgerald Godfrey as our newest member. Anne Marie grew up at First Presbyterian Church and transfers by letter from Boger City Wesleyan. Please extend a warm welcome to Anne Marie when you see her.
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Pastor’s Bible Study – Looking Toward Sunday
Join me downstairs in the Choir Room on Tuesdays at 12:30 pm for a study of the Scripture texts for the following Sunday. This Tuesday, July 23rd, we will discuss Genesis 18:20-33 and Luke 10:1-42. Feel free to bring lunch or just come as you are for an hour of fellowship and study. – Danny
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VBS Is Only 10 Days Away
July 28 – 31, 2019
(Sunday - Wednesday)
First United Methodist Church
Theme: God’s Great Gallery
5:30–6:00 Dinner; 6:00–8:00 Program
Storytime, Crafts, Music, Play
Even if you do not have children or grandchildren participating in Vacation Bible School you can still be involved and help the program be successful. Volunteers are needed for the following:
· Meal Prep and Serving - Sunday evening with FUMC folks
· Program Stations - music, crafts, story, recreation, pre-k
· Registration / Welcome Table
· Doorkeeper and monitors
There will also be a mission component supporting local schools so that you can give supplies or money. More on that soon. Please contact Pam Sipe to get involved at psipe3520@gmail.com or 828-238-2063.
Registration online continues. To sign up a child to attend, please go to
www.fumclincolnton.com/children and complete the form. Paper registration forms are available in the Government Street vestibule.
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LOST
One Human
If found please return to the blue and white umbrella in the Main Street bell tower.
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Have You Considered a Planned Legacy Gift?
Planned giving is simply giving that requires a little extra planning to accomplish. Typically, a planned gift is structured to be completed in the future – describing a gift in a will or trust document, creating a charitable gift annuity, or naming the church as a beneficiary of an IRA.
A major planned gift can be the culmination of a lifetime of faithful discipleship for the giver – and a true legacy that will bear ministry fruitfulness far into the future.
Please Remember First Presbyterian Church in your estate plans.
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