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on First Presbyterian Church
October 3, 2019
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Word from the Pastor: 2020 Stewardship
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Thank you for all you have given to God's work here at FPC Bristol. Last year, we asked you to increase your giving to the ministry of our church. You responded faithfully, exceeding our pledge goals. Here are a few things we have done with your talents and treasure:
- Our children's ministry has taken off, nearly doubling in size, as has our student ministry, and worship attendance and engagement is up.
- We have increased local mission, especially in the Fairmount area, and we reach more areas internationally than ever before.
- In 2019 alone, we gave out $469,000 (and counting) in direct mission giving. If you add volunteer hours and in-kind contributions, it's more than half a million dollars.
- We have cut our debt by more than a third in one year.
The list could go on, but stewardship is about more than the numbers. It's about you. It's about you sharing what God has given you to bless others. It's about smiles, laughter, and joy. It's about fellowship, worship, and proclamation of the Gospel. It's about sharing who you are with your neighbors.
So we are asking you to increase your giving again. We need $689,000 in pledges to make our 2020 budget. If you already pledge, would you consider a 3% increase? Would you consider a tithe as your pledge? If you aren't pledging, would you take this step with us?
There is a lot to be done in 2020, and we can't do it without you. We need you.
You can see our video highlighting the 2020 campaign
here. You will receive your pledge card by mail this week, or you can pick it up here at the church. Pray about it. Make your financial commitment, whether it is $100 or $100,000. Fill it out. Send it in, or bring it back on Sunday, October 27. Help us accomplish all God is calling us to do.
In Christ,
Pastor Sam
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We're Taking a Break Wednesday
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Next week is fall break for BTCS students and teachers, so we will not hold Wednesday Night Fellowship October 9. Our midweek enrichment program of worship, fellowship, and study will return October 16.
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Church Officer Candidates Sought
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Suggesting potential Elders, Deacons, and Trustees to the Officer Nominating Committee is an important responsibility of the members of our church. Now is your opportunity to raise awareness of strengths and witness of members in our congregation that are apparent to you and that you feel warrant the committee's consideration as potential church officers.
The committee welcomes your recommendations between now and October 27 of those you see as particularly gifted to serve as officers of the church. You will find nomination forms in the narthex and Fellowship Hallway. Please return completed forms to the church office or to one of the committee members: Lee Galliher, George Linke, Laura Ong, and John Vann (chair).
Alternatively, send your confidential suggestions to the committee at
[email protected] with:
- The name of your recommendation
- The office (Elder, Deacon, or Trustee) to be filled
- A statement of the gifts, characteristics, and experiences that commend this person for effective service as a church officer of First Presbyterian Church
Feel free to consult any committee member for more information. The duties of each office follow below, and a table of all current officers of the church can be found at the end of this newsletter.
The Duties of Elders
The Book of Order, G-2.0301, states: "As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government of the people, so the New Testament church provided persons with particular gifts to share in discernment of God's Spirit and governance of God's people. Accordingly, congregations should elect
persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having demonstrated skills in leadership and being compassionate in spirit. Ruling elders are so named not because they 'lord it over' the congregation (Matt. 20:25), but because they are
chosen by the congregation to discern and measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life. Ruling elders, together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament,
exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships. When elected by the congregation, they shall serve faithfully as members of the session. When elected as commissioners to higher councils, ruling elders participate and vote with the same authority as ministers of the Word and Sacrament, and they are eligible for any office."
The Duties of Deacons
The Book of Order, G-2.0201, states: "The ministry of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of
compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress. Persons of
spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, sincere compassion, and sound judgment should be chosen for this ministry."
The Duties of Trustees
The Book of Order, G-4.0101, states: "The [trustees of the] corporation shall have the following powers: to receive, hold, encumber, manage, and transfer property, real or personal, for the congregation, provided that in buying, selling, and mortgaging real property, the trustees shall act only after the approval of the congregation, granted in a duly constituted meeting; to accept and execute deeds of title to such property; to hold and defend title to such property; to manage any permanent special funds for the furtherance of the purposes of the congregation, all subject to the authority of the session and under the provisions of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The powers and duties of the trustees shall not infringe upon the powers and duties of the session or the board of deacons." /
John Vann
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New Members Invited to Join Oct. 27
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We invite those interested in becoming members of First Presbyterian Church Bristol to meet with our Session of Elders Sunday, October 27, at 10:10 a.m. The meeting will be in room 167, near the Boy Scout hall entrance. For more information, ask any elder (see
Church Officers at the end of this newsletter) or contact Dave Welch at
[email protected].
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Study the Apostles' Creed
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All adults are invited to study the Apostles' Creed in tandem with Pastor Sam's new sermon series. This short-term class uses video and discussion to explore what an ancient statement can say to us now about the Good News of Jesus Christ. We will meet in the chapel
at 10:10 throughout the series. For more information, see Pastor Sam or Dave Welch.
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Reach Out through Bristol Faith in Action
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Annually, the Evangelism and Outreach Committee offers an opportunity for our congregation to support our friends in need at Bristol Faith in Action. Throughout October, we will collect personal care kits and basic cleaning supply kits for them.
Ziploc bags will be on the seats at early worship and on the bulletin table in the narthex each Sunday in October. Each bag will contain a list of items to collect. Please pick up a bag, fill it, and return it to the church by Monday, October 28. You will find collection receptacles in the Fellowship Hall and the narthex. Thank you! /
Karen Vann
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Match Made in Heaven or Marriage of Convenience?
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Mary Louise "Mel" Bringle, Professor of Religious Studies at Brevard College in Brevard, NC, will give an engaging talk about hymns and their creation Tuesday, October 15, at FPC. She'll look into the pairing of hymn text and tune in her presentation titled "Match Made in Heaven or Marriage of Convenience?" Her talk is sponsored by the Northeast Tennessee/Southwest Virginia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. The evening will begin with dinner ($15) in the Fellowship Hall at 6:00, and the two-hour program (free) will follow in the sanctuary at 7:00.
If you plan to attend the dinner, RSVP to Laura Champouillon at 423-306-2964 or
[email protected] by Friday, October 11. You will be asked to specify your choice of bacon, onion, and cheese quiche; spinach and butternut squash quiche; or quiche Lorraine (spinach and cheese).
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Bethlehem Innkeeper's Oy Vey Day
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It feels like summer, but Christmas is rapidly approaching! Our annual children's Christmas play, coming up Sunday, December 15, will center on the innkeeper and his annoyance at life's interruptions. What could be a better interruption than the birth of Christ and how it affects all of us! We are seeking angels, shepherds, sheep, stars, and main characters for this endearing look at the birth of Christ as seen through the eyes of the innkeeper. If your child, from age 4 through fifth grade, is interested in being part of this FPC tradition, please contact
Lilly Osborne (
[email protected] or 423-383-5476) or
Sujean Bradley (
[email protected] or 276-698-6492) as quickly as possible, so that we can plan accordingly.
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Register Now for First Fusion Retreat
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Fusion kids! Fifth and sixth graders may register
now for our inaugural Fusion retreat.
When: October 18
-19
Where: Holston Presbyterian Camp
Cost: $40 per person
We will leave at
4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 18, and return around
9:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 19. To register, contact
Lilly Osborne at
[email protected].
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Fusion at the Lake
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Our Fusion group of fifth and sixth graders had a great time at the lake Sunday! John and Karen Vann are not only great Sunday School teachers but can also captain a boat and roast a hot dog! Many thanks to them for their hospitality!
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Enjoy Christmas in June at Great Escape
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All sixth to eighth graders are invited to spend the best week of their summer at The Great Escape with our Student Ministries! Great Escape is an incredible week of wild fun for middle schoolers. The week is packed full of crazy recreation and fun, dynamic speakers, great bands, and entertainment designed to meet middle schoolers on their level. Save the dates for Christmas at Great Escape June 7
-12, 2020!
Here again is the sweet recap video of our time at Great Escape 2019. /
Katie Arnold
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High School Summer Trip 2020
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High schoolers! Save the date for High School Summer Trip 2020! It is planned for June 19
-27 in Panama City Beach, FLA. More info is coming soon! While you wait, check out this awesome
recap video of our trip to Serve Orlando 2019.
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We're Collecting Snacks for Fairmount Students
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We are collecting
Teddy Grahams for the students of Fairmount School, and we do not have enough for all who need them. About 80% of the children get help with lunch, and their families can't afford snacks for them. With
at least two children in each of 16 classrooms needing assistance, the snacks go quickly. We take the boxes to the school, and the teachers divide the contents into child-size portions. We need to provide 20 portions per child per month. Please remember our Fairmount children the next time you shop, and bring your donations to the Little Red House in the Fellowship Hallway. Thank you!
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Trunk or Treat at Fairmount School
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Get it in gear for the Fairmount Neighborhood Trunk or Treat at Fairmount School! The green flag waves Thursday, October 24, at 5:00 p.m. It's time to plan how to dress up your car trunk, yourself, and your pit crew.
And you may contribute candy while you're waiting! Sweet! Bring your donations to the dedicated bin outside the Fellowship Hall or to the front office.
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Forecast: Perseverance
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If the church lawn needs mowing in the midst of this heat and drought,
Fred Harkleroad (October 2
-5) will brave the high temperatures to do what must be done. When Bristol Tennessee City Schools are on break next week, our Wednesday fellowship will be too, but
David Moore (October 9
-12) will be on the job as usual to make the lawn look its Sunday best.
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Gifts to the Church
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Memorials and honoraria are published in the newsletter only after the family has been personally notified by our business office. Today we gratefully acknowledge gifts in memory of:
Kathy Story & Larry Story (parents of Brandon Story): to the Capital Campaign Fund from Tom & Leigh King
Chuck Thompson: to the Brazil Mission Fund from Nancy & Phil Hoffer; to the Student Ministries Fund from Dale & Molly Keller
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| Music Notes |
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John G. Elliott
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Sunday's music: This week's anthem is "Somebody's Prayin'" by John G. Elliott. It is a gospel tune of praise and affirmation, giving thanks and acknowledgement for the power of prayer. We recognize that the difficulties of life can bring true adversity, yet we are uplifted by our faith community, which graciously prays for us in times of need. This anthem showcases our Sanctuary Choir's ability to sing in different styles, and solos by
George Huber and
Nancy Cook, with choral accompaniment, bring out the strong feeling in its words and music.
Elliott is a Christian musician whose songs appear in hymnals and are recorded by Ricky Skaggs, Pat Boone, and many other artists. He has co-written songs with Amy Grant and Gloria Gaither and participated in many professional recordings. He lives in Nashville with his wife, Carol, and their five adult children are involved in ministry throughout the US and internationally. The arranger of this piece, Mark Hayes, is one of the best-known choral arrangers in America. With numerous arrangements and more than 1,000 publications, he is also the recurring recipient of the Standard Award from ASCAP. He was given the Dove Award for Praise and Worship Album of the Year in 1986.
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Sergei Rachmaninoff |
Organist's footnotes: This week's prelude, postlude, and communion music are Russian piano works performed by our Director of Traditional Worship. The first is one of 24 preludes by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873
-1943), a prominent composer of the Romantic era and particularly known for his piano music. At a time when many composers were beginning to experiment with new techniques that led to much dissonance, Rachmaninoff continued to produce music that is very melodic and beautiful but also technically demanding. In 1918, following the Russian Revolution, he relocated to New York City, where he maintained a busy schedule as a pianist and conductor.
Our communion music is a prelude by Romantic composer Alexander Scriabin (1872
-1915), an early developer of experimental compositions that came to dominate the 20th century classical music landscape. He is best known as a piano composer who used advanced rhythms and harmonies to produce music with layered texture. It is widely believed that Scriabin suffered a rare neurological disorder called synesthesia (seeing colors when listening to music), however, it is unlikely that he actually had this disorder. What is known is that he related different keys to different colors, and that he used these relations in his compositions.
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Igor Stravinsky |
Our postlude is "Tango" by Igor Stravinsky (1882
-1971). Composed for the piano in 1940, "Tango" also exists in other arrangements, including a delightful orchestral form arranged by the composer in 1941 and premiered by Benny Goodman. Unlike most of Stravinsky's compositions during this period of his career, the work is mostly tonal and not particularly experimental. It does, however, contain some of the unexpected dissonance and primal rhythm that musicologists associate with him. Stravinsky is regarded as one of the most important composers of the 20th century. His ballets
The Firebird,
Petrushka, and
The Rite of Spring turned the early 20th century music world on its head and are still staples of the orchestral repertoire.
 Handbells ring, are you listening? The Sanctuary Handbell Choir is looking for new members, both regulars and substitutes. We practice from 6:15 to 7:15 on Wednesday evenings in room 212 upstairs, and play for the late worship service about once a month. Join now! Please contact
Bob Greene at
[email protected] or 276-696-9091 to talk about joining this ring-a-ding group.
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In Our Prayers
Please also include in your prayers members of our community who wish to remain anonymous.
Wayne Ausmus
Dale Barker
Beth & Brian
Karen Boone
Carlene
Christians in Nigeria/ECWA
Dorothy Dollar
Ethiopian brothers & sisters
DeeDee Galliher
Diane Glymph
Barbara Grubbs
Ron Grubbs
Lou Hebb
Kristi Johnson
Marty Keys & family
Nancy King
Dot Mattison
Roger McCracken
Christine Mitten & family
Alice Moore
Donald Page
Don Preston
Larry Roberts (Greg's brother)
Virginia Rutherford
Joan Sams
Stigers family
Katie Taylor
Ashley Thomasson
Karen White
Bill Woods
Birthday Prayer Fellowship
Oct. 6 Rusty Felty, Will Holmes
Oct. 7 Ann Blevins, David Hankins, Rachel Kent, Elliott Yates
Oct. 8 Patty King, Tom King, Bill Linderman, Reed Miller, Cheryl Stone
Oct. 9 Emmett Bane, Kathleen Dotterweich, Chris Winters
Oct. 10 John Adams, Ian Addison, Laura Linke
Oct. 11 David Akard, Rick Ladd, Dot Mattison, Brandon Story
Oct. 12 Mary Givens Crutchfield, Laura Ong, Bill Wade
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Sunday, October 6
9:00 a.m. Worship, Fellowship Hall
10:10 a.m. Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Sanctuary Choir, Room 202
11:00 a.m. Worship, Sanctuary
Monday, October 7
6:30 p.m. Board of Deacons, Rooms 117 & 123
Tuesday, October 8
10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting, Room 117
10:00 a.m. Morning Prayer Group, Conf. Room
6:00 p.m. Venture Crew 3, Room 165
7:00 p.m. Boy Scout Troop 3, Scout Wing
 Wednesday, October 9
9:30 a.m. Women's Bible Study, Room 117
6:15 p.m. Handbell Choir, Room 212
7:15 p.m. Sanctuary Choir, Room 202
Thursday, October 10
7:00 a.m. Men's Bible Study, Parlor
8:30 a.m. Meals on Wheels, Fellowship Hall
12:00 p.m. Noon Bible Study, Room 117
7:00 p.m. Scout Order of the Arrow, Scout Hall
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Church Officers
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Class of 2019
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Class of 2020
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Class of 2021
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ELDERS
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Anna Booher
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Nancy Allerton
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Ann Abel
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Lee Galliher
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Rebecca Beck
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Randy Cook
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Pete Holler
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David Hyde
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John Graham
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Han Ong
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Jordan Pennington
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Katie McInnis
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Pete Stigers
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Jerry Poteat
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John Vann
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DEACONS
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Sujean Bradley
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Blake Bassett
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Fred Harkleroad
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George Linke
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Rhonda Comer
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Matt Kingsley
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Greg Roberts
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Ron Fox
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Lisa McClain
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Nate Sproles
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Brenda Lawson
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Drew Rice
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Bill Whisnant
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Barbara Thompson
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Joyce Samuel
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TRUSTEES
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Nancy Cook
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Peggy Hill
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Jack Butterworth
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