Dear FPC Members and Friends,

At its June stated meeting the FPC Session approved a Phase-In Plan for Reopening. We give thanks for faithful and efficient work of the COVID Task Force, which went about its work with the greatest concern for the well-being of our congregation and greater Auburn/Opelika community.

For the time being, as we remain in Phase 1, we are asking that members with access to the building only enter if you have a purpose related directly to the implementation of the mission of the church. Before entering, please contact a member of the staff so that the date/time/exact location of your entering the building can be recorded and custodial staff informed. We ask that all members wear a mask the entire time you are in the church building.

We are grateful for your patience, support, and prayers.

Many thanks,

Kathy & Nick

Temporary Address Change

While the Property Committee reviews options on providing an updated on-site mailbox, the church has secured a post office box. Please use:  PO Box 3970, Auburn, AL 36831-3970. We will keep you updated on progress.

Fundraiser for Habitat

Phil Garrett has built 8 Carpenter Bee House/Traps that he would like to give to church members in exchange for $25 donation to Habitat for Humanity. Please contact Phil Garrett at 334-246-3115 if you are interested.

Adult Education Opportunities in July

 Thursdays, 12 p.m.: Introduction to Bible Journaling

Join us for an introduction to Bible journaling led by Susan Fillippeli. Bible journaling involves the use of art to meditate on and study scripture. The point is not to make beautiful art, but to seek to better understand God’s word through creative expression. Please let Rev. Kathy Reed ( kreed@fpcauburn.org) if you would like a recording emailed to you for later viewing!

Zoom Link: https://tinyurl.com/ychtyw4y

Password: 772773

The Office Hours Bible Study will be taking a break for the month of July. It will resume in the month of August with a series on the book of James.

Opportunities to Worship 

It is our hope to worship together via our church’s YouTube Channel and on WQSI FM TALK 95.9 at 11 a.m. this Sunday. Please let all your church friends know the different ways to experience Sunday morning worship. To view the service you can go directly to our church’s YouTube Channel via your computer, smartphone, or Smart TV app ( https://tinyurl.com/t7dl8vh ) or you can access the worship service through our website or Facebook page. Knowing we are at the mercy of technology, we appreciate your patience and grace if all does not go according to plan. Attached you will find a  bulletin for this Sunday’s service.

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Psalm 118:24

   The words of the psalmist inspired our 2020 stewardship campaign, and we can find comfort in those words today. In these extraordinary times, it is important for us to reflect on the abundance of God’s grace and the gifts we have received. When we began the stewardship campaign in September 2019, we could not imagine what this year would bring; however, through all, God’s love endures, and the work of the church continues. In this time of online worship, we are reminded that giving is part of the church’s liturgy. Whether you share your financial gifts weekly, monthly, or annually, your offering continues to support our missions of worship, fellowship, Christian education, outreach, and UKirk, to name the broad categories.

   The church staff remains available to receive your pledge payments during this time, whether you elect to mail a check to the church office, process a payment directly from your bank, or use online giving. We do need to inform you that a flat rate of two percent is deducted from each contribution made through online giving. If you choose to provide your pledge payment online, please prayerfully consider whether you are able to add an amount to help off-set the processing fee.

 For members with children, remember it is important to talk to your children about giving, especially during this time when they may not see you put anything in the offering plate.

Peace,

Generosity Committee

Birthdays

July 12 - Melissa Wheeles

July 13 - Susan Bannon, Ed Jones

July 15 - Daniel Johnson, Bob Webeler

July 18 - Hallie Herring, Lauren Wallace

Anniversaries

July 15 - Eric and Allison Moore

July 15 - Nathan and Elisha Wohleb

July 18 - Pete and Katie Forster

Prayer Concerns

For the time period in which our church family is worshiping virtually, our pastors have decided that prayer concerns will be shared via weekly email. These individuals will most certainly be prayed for during our Sunday worship service, but their names and specific concerns will not be shared via broadcast.

Prayer Concerns:

• Prayers of healing and recovery for Liz Lindahl as she recovers at Arbor Springs Rehab after a brief stay at the hospital.

• Mary Burkhart request prayers for Iris Cerlot. Iris is the 92-year old mother of one of Mary’s friends, and she has been diagnosed with Covid-19.

• Continued prayers for all our health care workers and first responders as they navigate a new increase in cases and hospitalizations in our community.

YOUTH NEWS

Our Jr and Sr High youth will continue to meet via Zoom on Sunday evenings at 5:30, exploring a summer Bible study series from the book The Barefoot Way.

Montreat@Home begins Monday, July 13 for Sr. High youth. Sr. High parents and youth received more information, resources, and the schedule via email and the Remind app on Monday, July 6. Looking forward to exploring this awesome program that Montreat has put together!