First Press

an online newsletter

September 2019
August 30, 2019


Dear Members,

As a congregation we have witnessed the power of community this summer! It has been wonderful and refreshing. During FPC’s summer worship services we have heard the buzz and seen new energy and excitement. We are grateful for you, the members, who have unified our church body by filling the sanctuary, enhancing all of our worship experiences.
 
The Worship Ministry Team desired for this positive experience of a renewed and energized worship service to continue during the transition period. They recommended to Session that we extend our ONE united worship service . That recommendation was to offer worship at 10:30 am and Sunday school at 9:30 am. Session discussed this matter at length at its August 12 meeting and approved the motion on a temporary basis, agreeing that the new worship hours would begin Sunday, September 8th. We believe this is a faithful response to the uplifting movement of God’s Spirit among our faith community.

After the initial email went out to the congregation on August 16 th and announcements about the worship time change during the past two weeks, we have received both positive and negative responses from our membership about the time change. We will ensure further discussion takes place at Session and are beginning to foresee the need for two worship services during December. We encourage our members to share their thoughts about this issue with the Worship Ministry Team and with Session members.
 
We understand the concern for change when many other things are changing at the church, but we sincerely hope you share our excitement for a new Sunday worship schedule beginning September 8, as we gather for Sunday school at 9:30 am and begin worship at 10:30 am. We plan to celebrate communion together each week. This time change ensures minimal disruptions to the Sunday school program and, at the same time, allows for additional fellowship opportunities before and after worship.

We hope you will join us and experience for yourself the renewed spirit and energy that is present when we worship together as ONE united body.
PNC Update
FPC’s PNC has submitted an approved Ministry Information Form (MIF) to the national PCUSA Church Leadership Connection website. The MIF has been uploaded and is now available for review.

Ever Present God:

We give you thanks for your ever constant presence in our lives. Through season of constancy and change, you are with us calling us together in spirit of unity and service to others. As a committee seeking your wisdom, we pray for patience and guidance. Give us strength to show that all are truly welcome in our family and embraced with your love. 1 Peter 4:10 proclaims, Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.”  Dear Lord our call is to serve you and we embrace this call bestowed upon us.

In Jesus Christ we pray,

Amen
Financial Summary
Summary of Stated Session Meeting
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI
MINUTES OF THE STATED SESSION MEETING – August 12, 2019
 
The Session of First Presbyterian Church held its stated monthly meeting on Monday, August 12, 2019, at 5:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Fourteen elders were present.  Ben Griffith was excused.  The minutes from the meeting are as follows:

A.       Call to Order/Declaration of Quorum:  The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m., and a quorum was declared by the Moderator.

B.       Scripture Reading/Devotional:   The Reverend Paul Phillips offered a brief devotion.
 
C.       Opening Prayer:  The Reverend Paul Phillips gave the opening prayer.
 
·        Approval of Agenda :  The agenda was approved as amended with two items added to the consent agenda
·         Motion to accept the agenda as amended. Approved

D.       Approval of Previous Minutes:  The Stated Session Meeting minutes from June 10 th were approved as submitted. 
·         Motion to approve the previous minutes as submitted. The motion was approved.

E.         Communications:  
1.      Memory Makers thank you note
2.      St. Andrew Presbytery call for General Assembly Elder Commissioner and Young adult Advisory Delegate – due September 8
3.      St. Andrew Presbytery notice of called meeting which has already taken place
4.      Letter of resignation from Joseph Garrison effective September 8, 2019
5.      Letter from David Randolph regarding the good news of expecting a daughter
·         Motion to accept the resignation letter from Joe Garrison with regret. Approved.

F.         Consent Agenda: 
1.      Approval of Wedding Application - Suzanne Smith/Melvin Greer, III for October 11, 2019
2.      Approval of Wedding Application – Emily Semmes/Jarvis Werkhaven for May 22-23, 2020
3.      Approval of Wedding Application – Sigrid Kristiansen/Jim Gilbert for December 6, 2019
4.      Approval of the Baptism of Spears Lovelace, daughter of Jenna and Tyler Lovelace, on Sunday, September 8, 2019
 
G.       Order of the Day:
1.      PNC update – Elder Hayden Alexander reported that the Ministry Information Form has been reviewed by the Commission on Ministry. A few suggestions were made and the MIF was presented to the session.
·         Motion to approve the MIF with amended attendance numbers. Approved.             

H.       Ministry Team Check-In:
1.        Finance: 
·        Elder Dana Williams reviewed the year to date reports. July was a down month with a shortfall of approximately $10,000. We remain ahead of the predicted shortfall, year to date. Expenses are still under budget.  There is strong unpledged giving.
·        Finance will begin to look at the budget for the coming year and wants the ministry teams to put together their requested budgets in preparation for stewardship season and working toward the ability to present the upcoming budget earlier than in prior years.  The due date will be September 9 th . 

2.        Property:  Elder Karen Stockton reported that the property team did not meet in July. There have been some additional HVAC expenses.
 
3.        Adult Faith Formation:  Elder Ann DeVoe reported that the Wednesdays Together program has been suspended. There are other congregational events planned. On August 18, Ice Cream Sunday is planned to outline the Faith Formation Program. A common read, Wonder , has been offered to the congregation and an event surrounding the book will be held Sunday, September 22. Young Adult kickoff will be held at Tallahatchie Gourmet on August 25. The David Freeman Lecture will be offered November 3-4, 2019. 
 
4.        Children and Youth Faith Formation:   Elder Ruth O’Dell reported. There will be a workshop for Sunday school teachers on August 21st at 5:45 pm. Rally Day will be September 8. Sunday school classes begin on September 15. Whirl Curriculum will be used with K- through 6th grade. Feasting on the Word will be used with 7th through 12th. Online enrollment will begin the last week in August. This will assist our teachers in knowing contact information, birthdays, etc., of the children in their classrooms.  Children’s activities will be planned in coordination with the Adult Faith Formation programs planned for the fall.  A description for a part-time youth director(s) was reviewed and approved by the ministry team. Interviews with candidates will begin next week. Youth advisors - members of FPC - will also be present at the PYF gatherings. CYFF ministry team has compiled results of a survey taken by our youth on their interests and suggestions for PYF. Social and whole group activities were at the top of the list. There will be a Pool Party Kickoff Event at Camp Hopewell on Sunday, August 25th from 4:00 - 7:00.

5.        Membership & Hospitality:   Elder Monte Wood reported that they have looked at the possibility of an online pictorial directory. Jessica McPhail will do some additional research regarding directory options.  The PYF room and UKirk building is in need of cleaning and updates. An event for Joe Garrison’s departure will be planned for September 8 th after the service at the first Sunday lunch. 

6.        Mission:  Elder Jon Crawford reported that Mission Ministry Team has not met in July, but is looking for a congregational ministry opportunity that would take place in October and will entertain options at the next meeting. 
 
7.        Personnel : no report. The process of conducting exit interviews was discussed and will take place.

8.        Worship:   The Reverend Ann Kelly reported that two of the weddings that were approved (Smith/Greer and Kristiansen/Gilbert) both involve 10 people or less, no musician and no wedding party.  
·           Motion from Worship Committee to waive the wedding fee and recommend a voluntary offering. The motion was approved.
·        The Worship Ministry Team also recommends the following change in the funeral policy:
Casket Adornments
                When in the sanctuary, it is appropriate for the casket to be covered by fresh flowers or our congregation’s pall, which the casket should only be adorned with the church’s pall or a blanket of fresh flowers. The pall represents a baptismal garment symbolizing the faith professed by the deceased. Just as we are all equal in the sight of God, we are all equal in death, in faith and baptismal vows. The casket while in the sanctuary, may not be covered by other symbols - civic, national or fraternal that emphasize an allegiance held in higher esteem than one’s Christian faith. For use of civic, national, fraternal or other symbols see page 6.

Fraternal, Civil, Military Rites or Symbols
                Because fraternal, civil and military rites are not a part of the worship service, the organizations should pay tribute to the deceased at another hour and place. Members and their families may wish to include symbols of other important organizational memberships to the deceased once the casket or urn is outside the sanctuary. Symbols and rituals associated with memberships in the United States military, civic or fraternal organizations that were considered important to the deceased are welcome in the fellowship hall, the courtyard, the funeral home and at the graveside service but cannot be part of the worship service in the sanctuary. If a flag or blanket of fresh flowers is used to cover the casket en route to the place of burial, it shall be placed on the casket as it is taken out of the sanctuary at the conclusion of the worship service. The flag folding rite shall take place at the conclusion of the presiding pastor’s words of committal before the casket is lowered into the vault.
·         Motion to accept the amended casket adornment language contained within the funeral policy. Approved
·        The Worship Ministry Team recommends that we go to one worship service at 10:30 am on Sunday with Sunday school from 9:30 to 10:15. The official communication will be drafted by all three ministers and sent by email for session approval.   
·         Motion to accept the recommendation of the Worship Ministry Team. Approved.
 

I.         Old Business:
1.      Director of Youth Position – a temporary job description has been drafted and circulated. Interviews will be conducted and candidates approved by email vote of session.
·         Motion to approve the job description for temporary, part-time Youth Leader with one or two to be hired for a 10-20 hour work requirement. Approved.
J.         New Business:
1.      Stephens Ministry – Pastor Paul provided background information regarding The Stephen Series and the Stephen Ministry. Pastor Paul recommends that the Session approve funding to send a few members to the Stephen Ministry Introductory Workshop. Attendees have two opportunities to acquire additional information regarding the ministry programs. The cost is $15/person plus hotel and fuel, not to exceed $500.
·         Motion to accept the recommendation that we support Stephen Ministry Introductory Workshop attendees by paying for the registration and providing transportation and hotel expenses. Approved
 
K.       General Announcements:  Pastoral concerns and prayer requests were shared.
L.        Closing Prayer/The Lord’s Prayer:  Prayer requests were shared. The Session recited The Lord’s Prayer and adjourned at 7:50 p.m.


Respectfully Submitted:

Rev. Paul Phillips, Moderator                           Julie Field, Clerk            
Worship Hours:

Our summer worship schedule is in effect through today, September 1:
10:00 am - Worship with communion
No Sunday School
Nursery Weekly: 9:45-11:15 am

Children's Worship for rising Pre-K through rising 6th graders all summer at 10:15 am

Regular worship hours with only 1 service of worship will begin September 8.
10:30 am - Worship with communion
9:30 am - Sunday School
Nursery Weekly: 9:15-11:45 am
Upcoming worship schedule:

Sunday, September 1, 2019
10:00 am Worship (communion)

Sunday, September 8, 2019
9:30-10:15 am Sunday School (Rally Day)
10:30 am Worship (communion)
11:30 am First Sunday Lunch (Reception for Joseph Garrison)

Sunday, September 15, 2019
9:30-10:15 am Sunday School
10:30 am Worship (communion)

Sunday, September 22, 2019
9:30-10:15 am Sunday School
10:30 am Worship (communion)

Sunday, September 29, 2019
9:30-10:15 am Sunday School
10:30 am Worship (communion)
Lectionary texts for September

September 1 - Jeremiah 2:4-13; Psalm 81:1, 10-16; Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16; Luke 14:1, 7-14
September 8 - Jeremiah 18:1-11; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; Philemon 1-21; Luke 14:25-33
September 15 - Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28; Psalm 14; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Luke 15:1-10
September 22 - Jeremiah 8:18-9:1; Psalm 79:1-9; 1 Timothy 2:1-7; Luke 16:1-13
September 29 - Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15; Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16; 1 Timothy 6:6-19; Luke 16:19-31
Remember in Prayer

FPC Members: Mary Helen “Babe” Carr; Walter Nance; Mary Kay McDowell; Family of Bennett Zinn; Sue Treas; Family of Dora Leache; Max Williams; Joe Burnett; Fannie Elliott; Pierce Buford; Debbie McElreath; Marleah Hobbs; PNC Committee
 
Family and Friends: Family of Rev. Shep Crigler; Angel Thompson; Family of Reynolds Boykin; Ted Stocker; Joan Connell; Tom Callery; Idalia Balcazar; Tom Mullen; Ruth Ellen Duvall Kuhnel; Family of Helen Barkley; Linda Chavers; Family of Amy Tidwell; Family of Merline & Tommy Nix; Family of Jarrod Holloway; Suzanne & Tony Spruill & family; Mark Barnes; Don Gleason; Joe Houston; Matt Branch; Erica Baggett; Mackenzie Stetz; Betty Hoar; Mike Smith; Parchman Prison inmates; Haven House residents; Our Haiti partners; Oxford Police Department
 
U. S. Military: A1C Jason Freeland, USAF 4th Air Support Operation

Please pray, too, for those with unspecified needs.

If you wish to have a name removed or added to this list, please contact the church office.
Faith Formation
Launching a New Year of Faith Formation for Children & Youth at FPC

The Children/Youth Faith Formation Ministry Team is excited to launch a new year of programming for children and youth at FPC. Here's a glimpse of what's to come...

  • The new worship schedule with one service at 10:30 am begins on Sunday, September 8. That means that Sunday school will begin at 9:30 am for all ages.
  • RALLY DAY is Sunday, September 8 and begins a new year of Sunday school for children and youth. For children 4 years old through 6th grade, the celebration begins in the sanctuary at 9:30 am where they will gather with parents and their Sunday school teachers for music and a brief description of what to expect in the coming year. They will then go to their new classes with their teachers and classmates for refreshments and a group-building activity. Youth in grades 7 through 12 will begin in their new classroom upstairs in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am where they will enjoy refreshments while getting to know their teachers and youth leaders. Parents are invited to join them at 9:55 to hear more about the upcoming year and to meet our new youth Sunday school teachers, youth leaders and advisors.
  • Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF) begins on Sunday, September 8 from 4:30 - 7:00 pm. Allyson and Darren Ashmore will be leading youth and their new leaders and advisors in some challenging team building activities sure to provide both challenges and laughter as well as offer an opportunity for the youth and their leaders to begin to form a community that shares and cares for one another. All youth will meet together and dinner will be provided. Youth are welcome to invite a friend.
  • Children's Choir will begin Sunday, September 15 during the 10:30 am worship for children...
  • There are many ways to keep those baptismal vows that we make each time a child is baptized, but this time of year we are especially grateful to those who choose to do so by teaching Sunday school. Thank you for the time and energy you have already put into the year ahead!
  • Stepping Stones: Faith Formation for Children and Youth is a new addition to the Sunday school classroom this year. This resource provides guidelines about what our children and youth need to have learned by the time they have completed the year of Sunday school. In addition to the regular curriculum, preschoolers learn simple things: the Doxology, the story of Creation, that Baptism and the Lord's Supper are the two sacraments in our faith tradition. Meanwhile, 5th-6th graders will be learning more about the confessions of our church, key people in our faith tradition, and know how to use resources such as a concordance or a Bible dictionary. Each age group has specific things to learn so that we are building on their faith and helping them grow in their knowledge of basic Bible, tools for study, worship and theology in order to better prepare them for confirmation and their life of faith beyond childhood and youth. Many thanks to Jason Bouldin, Carmille Hovious, Sarah McLellan, Ruth O'Dell, Catherine Servati and Ann Kelly for helping put this resource together for our teachers and their students.
PYF Updates
Welcome Lindsay and Anthony!

The Children/Youth Faith Formation and the Session are pleased to welcome Lindsay Fournier and Anthony Rowan as our new youth leaders for the coming year. This is an interim position that allows the CYFF Ministry Team and the Personnel Ministry time to consider what we need in a permanent youth director.
Lindsay Fournier is a senior pre-med student majoring in biology at the University of Mississippi. Lindsay was invited to attend the Presbyterian youth group in her hometown of Ripley, MS while in middle school and has continued to surround herself by Presbyterians ever since because she loves the openness and being challenged to ask questions. In addition to serving as a group counselor at Hopewell, Lindsay also served as Adventure Counselor for 12-16 year olds and Health Care Manager. She also works there part-time throughout the year. Lindsay has been a fixture in the FPC nursery for several years and may continue when it doesn't conflict with youth activities. Her energy and enthusiasm are endless and we are fortunate to have her working with our youth this year.
Anthony Rowan graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in secondary education and is currently pursuing a Master's in Education. He is a lifelong Presbyterian from Senatobia, MS and has worked at Camp Hopewell for the last two summers. In high school he was a member of the Presbytery Youth Council. Montreat, Camp Hopewell, and his own experiences as a child and youth in the church have been very important to his faith formation. Among Anthony's responsibilities this past summer at Camp Hopewell were overseeing Bible Study, worship and music. His energy and love for teaching middle school and high school youth will be a great asset to our youth ministry program.
Lindsay and Anthony began their employment with the PYC Pool Party Kickoff on August 25. Please make an effort to welcome them to the FPC staff.
How Does This Work?

Youth ministry is not a 10 hour job. In fact, in recent years we expanded the hours of our youth directory position to 30 and now we're back at 20 with both Lindsay Fournier and Anthony Rowan committed to 10 hours per week. It will work because we've got incredible volunteers who have agreed to serve as youth advisor for the coming year. They include: Trey Cobb, Catie and Paul Hester, Kim Ling, Cliff Smith and Jennifer Williams. They will be rotating their time at youth activities, building relationships with our youth and helping Lidnsay and Anthony as needed. The Children/Youth Faith Formation Ministry Team will also work with them to encourage and assist with advance planning and lots of communication with parents and youth. If it "takes a village to raise a child" we've got a village of staff, volunteers and all of you who pray for and support our youth ministry to help our youth deepen their faith and grow in their relationship to God, each other, the church and the world beyond the church!

What's Happening in September at PYF?

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship (PYF) meets on Sunday afternoons at the Lodge, the PYF room on the south end of FPC's annex building that faces 9th Street. "PYF Split" means that middle schoolers will meet from 4:30 to 6:00 pm and senior high meet from 5:30 to 7:00 pm with the two groups overlapping for dinner provided by parents and other members. Occasionally the whole group meets together for a special program or mission event. It's always appropriate to invite a friend to PYF!
Support Our Youth!

You can support FPC's youth by providing a meal. All parents of youth are expected to help during the year, but other members can do so as well. Meals are served most weeks at 5:30 pm. It's early in the year and it's hard to know how many we'll have on Sunday nights but we're hoping for 30. Feel free to ask a friend to help you provide a meal. Simple meals that include dessert are best. Drinks, paper products and plastic-ware are provided by the church. You'll be helping to feed their bodies as well as their faith. Your help is greatly appreciated!
UKirk News
UKirk Ole Miss has officially kicked off its 2019-2020 school year! Thanks to the generosity of FPC members and a few other neighbors too, their Fall meal schedule is 100% covered. UKirk is grateful to FPC's Deacons for hosting an ice cream social kick off, and looking forward to the start of regular Tuesday night programming on September 2. For more in-depth occasional updates, subscribe to the Friends of UKirk newsletter here , and always feel free to contact Campus Minister Allison Wehrung with any questions you might have.
Young Adult News
FPC's Young Adult Ministry will host a new conversation series about Faith and Mental Health on September 8th, 15th, and 29th. Come and participate in this conversation as we talk about how our faith impacts how we care for ourselves and others who wrestle with things like anxiety, depression, addiction and more. At each event, we will be joined by a few members of the medical and social work community here in Oxford. The first conversation takes place on Sunday, September 8 th , from 4-5:30 pm at Tallahatchie Gourmet. FPC's Nursery Ministry will be available for these conversations.
Bibles & Brews begins its monthly schedule on the first Wednesday of the month this week, September 4 th , from 4:30-6:00 pm at the Growler. Join in this bible study conversation as we bring and share different scripture passages about our topic of study. This week’s topic is “Roots” all are welcome!

Bible & Brews T-Shirt!  Early this summer, the Bibles & Brews crew created a t-shirt design to celebrate the ministry of this bible study. Order forms are available in the church office for anyone who wishes to purchase a shirt. Each costs 10 dollars. Please have any order forms returned to David Randolph at  drandolphfpc@gmail.com by Monday, September 9 th .
Mission
Let's Flood Our Neighbors with Compassion

During the month of September the Mission Ministry Team invites you to focus on our neighbors to the west who have experienced the worst of the 2019 flooding by helping us pack flood buckets for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Throughout the month you can help by:
  • Providing items listed below;
  • Giving money toward the purchase of these items;
  • Calling Sneed's Ace Hardware and purchasing a clean-up bucket for First Presbyterian Church.
We'll pack the flood buckets as part of our church picnic on Sunday, October 13 at Camp Hopewell.
The 2019 flooding in the Mississippi Delta has been described as the worst flood since 1927. Fields have been flooded since February, delaying planting for many planters and some families still cannot return to their homes. As water recedes, families face the difficult task of going home and cleaning up what's left of their homes and properties. Our efforts to supply clean up buckets will in some small way, help our neighbors to recover their homes and their lives and show them that they are not alone.

Give what you can. Come help pack buckets. Let's flood our neighbors with kindness and compassion!
Food of the month for September:

♥ pop-top cans of ravioli
Lovepacks  donations are an easy way to help relieve hunger among Oxford and Lafayette County school children. If you'll bring your donations with you to church and deposit them in the church office or the narthex, volunteers will get them to the Lovepacks office for you. Items needed are:
 
·      10-18 oz Pop-Top Chicken Noodle or Vegetable Soups
·      Pop-Top Ravioli
·      Snack Pack Pudding Cups
·      Cheese/Peanut Butter Crackers
·      16 oz. Jars of Peanut Butter
·      Pop Top Beanie Weenies
·      Granola Bars
· Pop Top Canned Fruit (Please, No Fruit Cups) 
The Pantry is soliciting adult novels and children's books are also needed for its Little Free Library. Used books are most welcome! They may be left at the church office or front porch of The Pantry.    
Haven House residents greatly appreciate the daily devotional books you send them as well as inspirational books, classic novels, and all translations of the Bible. Please leave anything you can donate at the church office.          
Etcetera...
Mark Your Calendar!
Annual Church Picnic is Sunday, October 13
at Camp Hopewell

Plans are underway for the church picnic on Sunday, October 13 at Camp Hopewell. This year's picnic will include both old land new activities including: pony rides, bouncy house, games for all ages, packing PDA clean-up buckets, dedicating those buckets in a service of worship and, of course, a great potluck dinner. Mark your calendars now and look for more information next month so that you won't miss all the fun and fellowship!!
Enjoy Wood-Fired Pizza with the VIPs

Wood-fired pizza is on the menu for the VIP Dutch treat dinner on Thursday, September 19 at Fergndan's. VIPs include all FPC members and friends who are 55 and older. Come be a part of the fun and fellowship! Fergndan's is located at 176 MS Hwy 30 in Oxford, Please call the church office at 662-234-1757 to make a reservation!
Interested in joining a Small Group or Fellowship Group?

Small groups provide an enriching environment to explore God’s Word in an intimate group setting through the studying of scripture and the breaking of bread. Small groups are open to the entire congregation in compliment with the existing Young Adult small groups and Presbyterian Women Circles. New groups of eight or so will start on a rolling basis based on interest.

Fellowship Groups have been popular in the past at FPC and can play a role in in the congregation’s faith formation. Fellowship groups are similar to small groups but have a different focus. If Small Groups provide a space to grow by studying scripture, Fellowship Groups provide a space to strengthen the bonds within the congregation nurturing connections within its members. Each diverse group will meet monthly for dinner throughout the academic year and groups may shuffle during the summer. Like small groups, fellowship groups will begin on a rolling basis based on interest. If you have any questions about either of these ministries, please contact David Randolph at drandolphfpc@gmail.com . 
The entire congregation is invited to participate in FPC's first "Common Read"  as we turn the pages of R. J. Palacio's book, WONDER.  Join in the conversation on Sunday, September 22 at 4:00 pm as we discuss how we too can share God's kindness with others. This is an experience we can all share no matter our age or schedule. You can read the book, listen to the audio-book, and even watch the movie as a family. We have books in the church office for $12 if you are interesting in purchasing one. 
Blessings of the Pets!

All are invited to join the pastoral staff for a blessing of the animals on Sunday afternoon, October 6. The blessing of pets and animals is often celebrated on or near October 4, which is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis (1182-1226) was a monk who founded the contemporary order of Franciscans. He was known for his vow of poverty, his love for all creatures and his special connection to animals, among many other things.
A Blessing of Animals witnesses to God’s and the Church’s love, care, and concern for creation. As we recognize our mutual interdependence with God’s creatures, the Church’s witness of stewardship of creation is strengthened. FPC’s Blessing of the Animals service will be held in the sanctuary courtyard and front lawn on Sunday, October 6 th , beginning at 4:00 pm. If you are not able to bring an animal, you may bring a picture of an animal you love or of an endangered species in the wild. For more information, please contact the church office. 
PW will celebrate their Fall Gathering on September 15th at 3:00 pm in the sanctuary. A reception will follow in Fellowship Hall.

PW Council 2019-2020
 
Moderator - Mary Glynn Wright -  mgw0804@yahoo.com
Vice - Moderator - Kathryn Elliott -  kelliottwhnp@yahoo.com
Secretary - Whitney Bolen -  whitneybolen80@yahoo.com  
Treasurer - Margaret Fancher -  fancherm@bellsouth.net
Historian - Marianna Ochs -  mochs360@gmail.com
Ex-Moderator - Mary Haskell -  haskellfam@aol.com
News from the Pews
Memorials and Honoraria

~ With gratitude for contributions to First Presbyterian Church ~

In Memory of:

Bruce Brumfield

Rose Paris

Shep Crigler

Patsy & Guff Abbott
Emily & Don Newcomb

Jimmy Garrison

Kristina Carlson & Doug Alexander
Rose Paris

Bennett Zinn

JJ Jones

In Honor of:

Joe Garrison

Kristina Carlson & Doug Alexander
September Birthdays:

1 Tom Davis, Daniel Fudge
2 Goodloe Lewis
6 Mary Frances DeVoe
7 Drew Mauldin
9 Randel Gibson, Cooper McIntosh
10 Scotty Jimenez, Gina Matthews
11 Kelli Briscoe, Hassell Wilkinson, Billy Wood
12 Sarah-Elisabeth Davis
13 Michael Lewis, Elizabeth Owen
14 Karen Stockton
15 Carole Haney
16 Dick Hercules
17 Mack Aldridge
18 Anna Ruth Kesler, Meredith Pyle
20 Susan Shaw, Curtis Wilkie
21 Samuel Morrison
22 Pete Boone, Kathryn James, Catherine Rosser
23 Sherry Styers, Dee Walker
24 Steve Mullen
25 Niles Lovelady, Mac Monteith
26 Shelly Cribbs
28 Ray Hill, Michael Morrison, Nathan Robbins
29 Nolan Waller
30 Patrick Bolen

September Anniversaries:

5 Elizabeth & Mac Monteith
6 Nancy Maria Balach & John Schuesselin
8 Bette & Jeff Butler
12 Michele & Wil Howie, Leslie & Shae Orrell
14 Brynnen & Adam Quick
20 Ashley & Hency Johnson, Sarah & Michael McLellan
24 Ann & Danny Kelly
25 Amy & Slade Lewis
27 Shelby & Lewis Smith
28 Nancy & Bill Rogers
29 Kate & Case Embry, Melissa & Brad Logan, Jenna & Tyler Lovelace
First Dates

The Diaconate will meet Tuesday, September 3 at 5:30 pm in the Session Room.
The Finance Ministry Team will meet Monday, September 9 at 4:30 in Fellowship Hall.
The Session will meet Monday, September 9 at 5:30 pm in Fellowship Hall.
The FPC Book Club will meet to discuss Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens Tuesday, September 10 at 1:30 pm in Room 101.

Reminder: The October deadline for submissions to First Press is Sunday, September 15.
The Session
 
  CLASS of 2019
Trey Cobb, Jon Crawford, Margie McLeod, 
Karen Stockton, Dana Williams
 
  CLASS of 2020
Ashley Callery, Ann DeVoe, Ben Griffith,
Matthew Hall, Monte Wood
 
CLASS of 2021
Hayden Alexander, Pete Boone, Julie Field, 
Carmille Hovious, Ruth O'Dell
 
The Diaconate

CLASS of 2019
Lee Borden, Kristina Carlson, Dean Chow,
Pick Scruggs, Amy Wilkes
 
CLASS of 2020
Todd Abbott, Rosie Cooper, Ed Croom,
Lisa Hickman-Tollison, John Schuesselin
 
CLASS of 2021
Thelma Curry, Karen Elliott, Luke Harris,
Brian Hyneman, Niles Lovelady
Your Church Staff
 
The Congregation
Ministers
 
Interim Pastor
 
Interim Associate Pastor
 
Associate Pastor
 
Pastor, UKirk Ministry
 
Director of Music/Organist
 
Director of Elementary Music
 
Office Administrator
 
Director of Communications
 
Property Manager
 
Nursery Director