A Word from Our Pastors
It seems during this time away from each other not many new things have happened on our church property. Well, we have some exciting news to share...we have a new and improved mailbox! You might remember a few months ago that someone had stolen our church's mail. To help address this situation we have upgraded our mailbox to something much more secure. (On a side note we never imagined that we would need two keys to get mail out of church mailbox!)
We have learned that during a pandemic it is the little things that bring us joy. So if you are bored at home and wanting to go for a drive, swing by the church and check it out. While your admiring our new mailbox be sure to look up and smile and wave at the new security camera too. Also feel free to test it out and drop into it any thing you would normally send the church.
For those who want to check out this new mailbox from the comforts of your own home, we have included a picture.
We also wanted to share that this next week we will continue to remain in phase 1 of our reopening plan. We miss seeing everyone in person, and long for the days when we can all gather and admire new things at the church together, but more importantly we long for the days for when we can worship together in person. We hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
Nick and Kathy
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2020 Flu Vaccine Clinic
I realized that the previous notice of the annual FLU clinic had a major error so I want to correct any misinformation. The flu vaccine is for the usual flu virus that we have dealt with over several years. It is NOT the COVID virus which I accidentally included last week. Presently there is no such anti-virus vaccine for COVID. My apologies to anyone that is confused by my error. Jan Widell
The annual Flu Vaccine Clinic will be offered on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in the driveway/parking lot in the rear of the church building. The clinic will be available from 11 am until 2 pm. The clinic will be a drive-through event instead of being inside a building. You will enter the driveway from Thach Avenue alongside Baird Hall. If there is a line blocking the street, you can park in the lot behind the University Chapel.
At the turn in the driveway you will obtain a clipboard with the insurance/permission form. You will sign the form and clip your insurance card with it. Then proceed to the covered area by the rear of the sanctuary. Stay in your car but roll down the window to give access to your arm. Everyone should wear short-sleeved garments such as T-shirts or casual tops for ease of access. When everyone in your car has received their vaccine, you will exit onto Gay St.
The vaccine is offered with the assistance of The Drug Store staff and especially their pharmacist, Janie Fisher. If you have questions you can contact Jan Widell, Parish Nurse at 334-663-6668. If you are unable to attend this clinic, there will be other organizations and churches providing vaccine clinics in October.
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FPC Phase-in Reopening Plan
The church's session continues to monitor the trend of Covid-19 cases in our community and gets regular updates from the session's Covid-19 task team. It has been encouraging to see a downward trend in cases over the last month, however with the return of school and students on the Auburn University campus the Covid-19 task team wants to see how this affects the trend in cases over the news few weeks before making an assessment to move into the next phase of our reopening plan.
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Christian Education Opportunities for Adults
Study at Home:
If you or someone in your family would like to receive hard copy Sunday School materials that can be utilized at home (without a virtual component), please contact Rev. Nick Reed and these will be delivered mid/late August.
Virtual Classes for Adults:
If you'd like to receive a zoom invitation to one of the following classes, please email the class contact person:
Old Testament Walkabout Class
Day/Time: Sundays at 8:45am
This class will combine the historical setting material
in 2 Kings with the prophetic material in First Isaiah.
The Library Class
Day/Time: Sundays at 9:30am
This class is currently discussing White Fragility by Barbara DiAngelo.
Office Hours Bible Study
Day/Time: Mondays at 12:00pm (beginning August 10)
The latest installment of this series (on the book of James) is now available.
Bible Journaling Class
Day/Time: Thursdays at 12:00pm
This class explores the practice of bible journaling while reflecting on Scripture passages recently used in our church's worship services.
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Nominations Needed for Elders, Trustee, and 2021 Nominating Committee
The FPC Nominating Committee held its first meeting this week and is asking the congregation to submit nominations for the positions of elder, trustee, and the 2021 nominating committee. Here you will find an online form where you may submit nominations. Those who have been receiving hard copies of the weekly newsletter will receive a paper nomination form in the mail. Any who would prefer to mail in a hard copy nomination form are welcome to print out and complete the form or request one from the church office. |
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UKirk is excited to welcome back college students for the new school year! Though this year’s format may look different than past ones, UKirk is still providing opportunities for fellowship with a faith community and would love to get new students involved. If you know any students attending Auburn, or another college in the area, you can refer them to UKirk with this form or email Caroline Barnett. |
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Attention Presbyterian Women!
We are looking to add a PW circle that will meet during the weekend. If you are interested in joining a weekend circle, please contact Kim Holman. This is a great opportunity for members that work during the week and/or have children or for anyone that would prefer this meeting time! |
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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.
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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
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Birthdays
Aug. 30 - Marty Anderson, Hatcher Herring
Aug. 31 - Thomas Pope, Callum Prater
Sep. 2 - Mary Elliott Martin, Elizabeth White
Sep. 3 - Susan Fillippeli
Sep. 4 - Alice Walkup (Happy 103rd Birthday!!)
Anniversaries
Aug. 31 - Mark and Janie Fisher (35th!)
Sep. 5 - Don and Gayle Andress
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Prayer Concerns & Celebrations
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 comfort for the family and friends of former church member Evelyn Burton who passed this past week. Evelyn moved away in the early 1990’s but was a faithful member of this church for many years.
• Prayers of comfort for the family and friends who are grieving the sudden death of Miki Parker. Miki was a close friend of Elisha Wohleb, so please keep Elisha in your prayers as she grieves her friends sudden death.
• Prayers for a family member of Kay Recknor who lives close to the California wildfires and may have to evacuate soon.
• Prayers of healing for Mary Smith. Mary is Ruth Brock’s aunt.
• Prayers of healing for Hein Vingerling as he just learned of a cancer diagnosis. Hein is a friend of Katie Cooper and someone who help lead a mission team from our church to Haiti through Matthew 28 Ministry.
• Continued prayers of healing and wholeness for many in our church who are struggling with health issues.
Joys:
• We rejoice with JJ Shaffer and Sydne Waldrop who were married this past weekend in Birmingham. We are so excited for the whole Shaffer family as they celebrate this wonderful moment.
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CE News
Children Pre-K through 5th grade
Two Sundays a month we will have Zoom Sunday school classes taught by our fabulous Sunday school teachers.
Pre-K through 1st grade will be from 9:45 – 10 am
2nd through 5th grade will be from 10:15 – 10:30 am
August 16 and 30
September 13 and 27
October 11 and 25
November 8 and 22
December 6 and 20
Also, once a month all Pre-K through 5th graders will gather for a Zoom Fellowship time.
Jr. and Sr. High Youth
Each Sunday morning our youth will gather on Zoom at 10:30 for a quick check-in before worship. Then each Sunday evening our Jr Highs will meet at 3 pm on Zoom and our Sr. Highs will meet at 6 pm on Zoom for regular Youth Group meetings. Zoom invites will be sent via the Remind app. If you have any questions or have not been receiving the emails, please contact Chris Sarkowski. |
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