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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
"Downtown by history and by choice"
Bi-Weekly Newsletter
September 21, 2021 - Issue 19
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Contact Valerie in the church office if you encounter missing or non-working links in this newsletter. | |
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In this issue you will find the following:
- Pastoral Letter
- Joys & Concerns
- Worship info
- Faith Formation for Children
- Faith Formation for Adults
- Faith Formation for Youth
- Congregational Life
- Fellowship Events
- Service & Mission
- Community Invitations & Events
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From the Pastor
Dear friends,
On Sunday I preached from Mark 9:30-37. In this passage the disciples waste their time arguing about who is the greatest. It must have made Jesus’ head spin when he heard about it. Striving for greatness was not a part of the disciples’ job description. But we can hardly blame them for being human, can we?
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In order to help the disciples understand his calling to counter-cultural living, Jesus gathers them together and brings a child into their midst. In doing so, he redefines greatness.
Greatness comes in serving others.
Greatness comes through humility.
Greatness comes in welcoming the least of these.
Jesus calls his disciples to push the margins out so that the previously excluded are included, in fact, they are welcomed into central roles and places in the community.
This passage begs the question:
- How do we at FPC welcome the voiceless into the center of our community?
- How do we welcome children and include them in significant ways?
- How do we welcome the poor, the differently abled, those with mental illness, the homeless?
- How do we welcome our LGBTQIA siblings?
- How are we partnering with our siblings of color?
- How do we share leadership?
- Whom does the world exclude?
- How does the church embody Jesus’ welcome?
- Who is missing?
These are questions that I hope we all will consider and explore as we begin a season of celebration of our 150 years as a church of Jesus Christ in the heart of the city. We have come a long way. How is God calling us to expand our vision to reflect Christ’s intention more fully through our mission and ministry, our work and worship together?
I look forward to exploring answers to these questions with you in the months and years ahead of us.
Sending Christ’s love, grace, and peace to you all,
Mindy
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SYMPATHIES
The love and concern of the congregation are extended to the following:
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Steve Rimmer and Lyn and John Williams and famiiy on the death of Martha Rimmer, Steve's wife and Lyn's mother. Martha died September 17th at her home in Creedmoor;
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Mary Goss and family (friends of FPC) on the death of her husband Phil Goss on September 12th;
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Brandon Turner and family on the death of Brandon's wife, Keri Turner. Brandon is the cousin of Matthew Eggleston.
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CONCERNS (recently added):
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Tony Brown, having surgery this week
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Jerry Douglas, having surgery this week
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Ty, Laurel, Joe, and Chelsi Seddon, family of Martha Seddon, FPC's former Parish Administrator, who were injured in a car accident on Labor Day
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Chris Irwin, cousin of Linda Barenchi, hospitalized in St. Louis MO with COVID
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Will French, 5-year-old son of Berry & Katie French, in the PICU at UNC-Hospitals. Berry is the Presbyterian Campus Minister at UNC.
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Paul Cornsweet
Preis-Steele Housing
500 Pickwick Trail
Durham NC 27704
Phone and email remain the same.
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Sunday, September 26
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
John Weicher, preaching
The Hunger for Change Offering will be received this Sunday during worship.
Please give generously to help alleviate hunger in our community.
You may give online if you cannot be present in worship.
WORSHIP SCHEDULE - Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
In-person in the sanctuary
(masks required and social distancing recommended)
and online (live) via FPC's YouTube channel
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Sunday, October 3
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mindy Douglas, preaching
We will receive the Peace & Global Witness Offering during worship.
Special envelopes will be provided in the bulletin.
You may also give online through FPC's website.
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CHILDREN'S FAITH FORMATION
This fall, classes for PreK-5th grade will be held via zoom from 10:00-10:30 a.m. through at least October to ensure our children stay safe! Click here to go to class.
Signup to receive Children's Weekly news
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FAITH FORMATION FOR ADULTS | |
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A new FELLOWSHIP/STUDY group . . . because we're all striving to become more faithful in our journeys, more connected to the community and to God. We'll share times for study, fellowship, and prayer. Wherever you are on life's journey (Gen X,Y, Z, millennial or the label of your choice) you are welcome here.
We will meet this Wednesday, September 22 at Hi-Wire Brewing from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Join us on Sunday mornings from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. for a hybrid gathering (masked, in person, in the fellowship hall) or on Zoom. We'll gather for prayer and begin Dr. Lisa Wolfe's series Uppity Women of the Bible as we consider Ruth, Song of Songs, Judith and Esther.
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FAITH & COMMUNITY CLASS
Sundays via Zoom at 9:45 a.m.
CLASS ZOOM LINK
Join us as we continue our exploration of Project Drawdown’s top solutions for mitigating and even reversing climate change. Video presentation will start promptly at 9:30 to allow for folks to get to worship, but feel free to jump in whenever.
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LECTIONARY CLASS
Sundays in the Robert Daye Meeting Room (East Parlor) and via Zoom at 9:45 a.m.
Join us each Sunday for discussion at 9:40, preceded at 9:30 by sharing of news and concerns, and class will end by about 10:30.
On September 26: If God is in charge, what role do we have? Are there any situations in which, by our witness or our prayer or even a brave action like Esther's, we can have an important part to play?
On October 3: Job was said to be "blameless and upright." What does it take to be blameless and upright? Is it a matter of enduring suffering, as Job did? Is it a matter of following the letter of every law? Is blamelessness something we can achieve on our own, or does God have something to do with it?
CLASS ZOOM LINK
For phone access (audio only),
call 253-215-8782. If you need a copy
of the handout of scripture readings,
contact David Smith.
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MnMs CLASS
(formerly the Scratch group)
Sundays at 8:00 p.m. via Zoom
ZOOM LINK
Kristin led our first podcast discussion this past Sunday (thanks, Kristin!), and talked about Kate Bowler's conversation with Malcom Gladwell on whether people can change.
If you'd like to lead the discussion for a future week, the sign-up sheet is here. It lists a few podcasts from which you can choose, but you're also welcome to choose another podcast if you think it would make for good discussion.
As always, we'd love to have you join, whether or not you've had time to listen to the podcast, and new faces are always welcome!
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JOURNEY'S CLASS
ZOOM LINK
Our class finished reading the Book of Acts this past Sunday. This coming Sunday, September 26, we will discuss and decide on our next topic and materials.
Click SUGGESTIONS to see the topics under consideration. Please use the provided links to review the materials and join the discussion this coming Sunday. And, by all means, please bring your own ideas and materials, as well. We meet on Sundays at 9:45 a.m. in the Wilson Parlor and via Zoom.
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LINK TO MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASS
What does God think about war? What if my friends aren’t Christian? Who’s going to Hell? We’re asking real, tough questions together. We have some gifted leaders to help us do that – returners Walt Barron, Lucie House and Bob Pleasants, along with new teacher Annie Gentithes. We’re hybrid, so join in person (Youth Room on the left) or via Zoom, Sundays, 10-10:30 a.m.
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LINK TO HIGH SCHOOL CLASS
As we move through the world, it is vital that we recognize and confront our biases. (It’s faithful, too.) Using the podcast Learning How to See by Brian McLaren, we’ll do that, a week at a time, a bias at a time. Leaders Laurie Ray, Brent Curtis and Christyn Klinck will be there to help. We’ll listen to 10 minutes of podcast in class, so no need for preparation. We’re hybrid, so join in person (Youth Room on the right) or via Zoom, Sundays, 10-10:30 a.m.
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From the Creation Care Committee:
Submissions for the Fall Creation Care newsletter - please send articles, photos, original poetry or prose depicting the glory of God’s creation to Cris Rivera. You can also subscribe and view past issues HERE.
Triangle Clergy Dialogue on Climate Action
Join us on September 27, 10:00-11:00 a.m. for a dialogue with U.S. Representative Deborah Ross, Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, Ret. of the N. C. Conference of the United Methodist Church, and Fr. Jacek Orzechowski OFM, pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Durham. Hosted by Interfaith Creation Care of the Triangle and Orange-Chatham Interfaith Care for Creation. Registration and More Information.
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Custodian Position Available
We are looking for a custodian! The position is 35 hours a week and includes cleaning, maintenance, and event set-up and clean-up. A full job description is available at Custodian Position. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please have them send an application letter and résumé (including two references) to sexton-search@firstpres-durham.org. Application deadline is September 25, 2021. First Presbyterian Church is a certified Durham Living Wage employer. NOTE: Church members and active friends of the congregation are not eligible to apply.
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Are there any quilters, or aspiring quilters, in the house?
For many years, under the leadership of Ruth Roberson, BJ Morton, and Dawn Carsey Shelton, baptized babies have been presented a handmade quilt to tangibly represent the love of the congregation for the newest member of the FPC family. They have decided to pass the torch to a new set of sewers. Jane Wettach has agreed to take on the ministry, and would love to work with experienced or aspiring quilters. If you would like to join the baptismal quilt ministry, please contact Jane at janewettach@gmail.com or 919-612-8396.
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Weekly Book Study!
Tuesdays at 6:15 p.m.
Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m.
via Zoom - Link to class
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October 1 at 10:00 a.m.
Walk/ride with Jancy Johnstone along The American Tobacco Trail
Meet under Hwy 147 by the ball park
RAINDATE Oct 16
October 3 at 5:00 p.m.
Backyard Ecology & Bee Keeping
Keith and Franzi Rokoske's home (2510 Wrightwood Ave, Durham)
October 5 at 1:30 p.m.
Tour of the Nasher with Brent Curtis
October 9 from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Tour Historic Montrose Garden with Ellie Meade
October 15 from 4:30 - 6:30
Trivia Night with Ian & Jennie Belle
on the grounds of FPC (weather permitting)
October 17 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Walking Tour of Downtown Durham with Vera Cecelski and Laura Hanson
Beginning at the Museum of Durham History
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October 5, 2021 - Primary Election
November 2, 2021 General Election
Click here to view an unbiased informational guide for Durham voters or contact the Board of Elections.
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News from Growing thru Grief
This year, the series will feature six consecutive presentations via Zoom by Jane Williams. Jane is a PhD clinical psychologist who has done post-graduate fellowships at UCLA and Harvard Medical School and a member of First Presbyterian, Durham.
Here is the list of the topics that Jane will address:
Sept. 28 The Uniqueness of Grief
Oct. 5 Narratives and Grief
Oct. 12 Meaning Making and Grief
Oct. 19 Healing
For more information, contact admin@growingthrugrief.org.
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SERVICE & MISSION EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES | |
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SIGN UP TODAY!
First Presbyterian Church is proud to sponsor a second blood drive with the American Red Cross. If you are healthy and eligible and it has been over 50 days since your last blood donation, please come out to donate. Most donations take about an hour, so book your appointment, roll up your sleeve and become a part of the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross.
Drive Date: Thursday, October 7, 2021
Drive Times: 1:00-6:00 p.m.
Primary contact/organizer: Julie Whiddon
Julie's email: foxylady2642@yahoo.com
Julie's phone number: 919-730-6673.
Sign up online to donate blood at RedCrossBlood.org using code: firstpres. Informational brochures and appointment card reminders are available from the table in the church's foyer.
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Did you know?
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Volunteers have been the “essential workers” for the Iglesia Emanuel Food Pantry from the beginning of the pandemic, making it possible for us to provide large amounts of nutritious food to over 500 families every single week.
- Volunteers work 2-hour shifts every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
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We need more volunteers! The tasks vary by day. Most require only a little stamina and a caring heart, others need more muscle.
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Can you give 2 hours of your time? Sign up here to be part of this wonderful ministry.
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Contact Margaret Rubiera with any questions.
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One fun way that you could help support our hard-working and dedicated volunteers would be to take some yummy treats or drinks on Wednesday mornings. Everyone needs and appreciates a boost now and then! To sign up, click here, and scroll down to the Wednesday opportunities. Thank you, thank you!! | |
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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is mobilized and already delivering immediate aid to those impacted by Hurricane Ida. After initial needs are addressed, PDA will remain — providing emotional and spiritual care and Long-Term Recovery to address unmet needs. We invite you to join in this effort. The needs for the response are great. Gifts can be made online, by phone at (800) 872-3283 or by check, which can be made payable and mailed to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700.
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If you are fully vaccinated, contact Jen McGonigle to sign up for one of FPC's regular time slots each month, or call Jen at 202-421-5870. If you have interest in serving at Urban Ministries at other times and in other ways, click VOLUNTEER. | |
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The Faith Health Caucus of NCM4A is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Faith Health Caucus for NC Medicare for All
Sep 21, 2021 06:00 PM
Oct 19, 2021 06:00 PM
Nov 16, 2021 06:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84163179971
Meeting ID: 841 6317 9971
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,84163179971# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,84163179971# US (New York)
Chris Pernell and Mary White
Co-Conveners, Faith Health Caucus for NC Medicare for All
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Sunday, October 10, 4-5 p.m. - Online
Join the North Carolina Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (NCCADP) for an online conversation about faith with those most impacted by our capital punishment system.
Panelists include George Wilkerson, who is living on North Carolina’s death row; Andre Smith, who teaches Buddhism to men in prison and lost his son to homicide; and Rev. Sharon Risher, who lost her mother and two cousins in the shooting at Mother Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston. Jonathan Wilson Hartgrove, noted writer and leader in the Red Letter Christian movement and the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, will moderate the panel.
The North Carolina Council of Churches is a sponsor of this event.
Register Here
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