a weekly e-update on life at FPC February 27, 2020
Worship - Sunday, March 1, 2020
1st Sunday in Lent

"How can these things be?"
John 3:1-17

9:30 am Sunday School
10:30 am worship (communion)
This week's lectionary texts:

Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
Numbers 21:4-9
Psalm 32
Romans 5:12-19
Matthew 4:1-11
JAM continues next week. Every 3 year old (must be potty trained) through 4th grade is welcome to join us. All children are invited to bring a friend to enjoy dinner, Bible study, and other activities!! Children must be picked up by 7:00 pm. 
Sanctuary flower dates are available April 19 and 26 and May 17. No flowers during Lent. To provide flowers in honor or in memory of a loved one, contact Susan Joiner at sjoiner@oxford.ms or call 662-808-3240. Contributions to the Flower Fund are greatly appreciated. 
Wednesdays Together returns for Lent  beginning March 4th! For five weeks, we will gather for a Lenten worship service at 5:35 pm followed by a simple supper at 6:00 pm. Worship services are designed to provide a peaceful experience to reflect upon various Lenten themes. JAM (Jesus and Me) continues at the same time for our children while this is offered for youth and adults. Afterwards, all are welcome to join in the congregational bible study starting at 6:45 pm. Contact the church office with any questions and hope to see you there!
Attention Parents of 7th & 8th Graders!!
 
Confirmation is that time when individuals claim the promises made at their baptism and become active members of the church. This year’s confirmation experience will begin tomorrow, February 28 and continue Saturday, February 29 with an overnight retreat at Camp Hopewell. Following the retreat there will be a series of Sunday afternoon meetings at 3:00 pm on March 1, 15, 22, 29 and April 5, 19 and 26. The confirmands will be examined by the Session on Monday, May 11 at 5:30 pm and received into membership during worship on Sunday, May 17. This is an important time in the life of our youth and the church, so please help your son or daughter consider whether this is a commitment they are ready to make. 
Lenten Spiritual Formation Opportunity
Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop
 
First Presbyterian and St. Peter's Episcopal churches are sponsoring a workshop introducing the method of Centering Prayer, scheduled for this Saturday, February 29 , from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Peter's parish hall. All are invited to attend, whether new to Centering Prayer, or who already practice. Kris Mink, a former parishioner at St. Peter's, will be the presenter. Kris is a commissioned presenter of Centering Prayer from Contemplative Outreach, Inc. Flyers are available in the church office and in the narthex of the sanctuary. For additional information and to register, contact Ann O'Dell at 662-234-2907 or ago@olemiss.edu
This Tuesday, March 3 the VIP's will gather in the Fellowship Hall at 5:45 pm for a night of bingo. We hope for a big crowd...it will be a lot of fun. Each person who attends is asked to bring a prize for the winners. Remember there will be both men and women in attendance. We do need to know ahead of time who will be coming so we will have plenty of heavy snacks ready for you! Contact the church office to RSVP.

Also, Thursday, March 19 the group will gather for a dinner at Taylor Grocery at 5:45 pm. The church bus will provide transportation for those who don't want to drive their own cars. RSVPs are needed for this event as well. Please contact the church office to RSVP for dinner and to ride the bus.
FPC's Congregational Bible Study returns with an eight week class about " Sacred Sense, Discovering the Wonder of God's Word and World" by Bill Brown, Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary.  Starting March 4, each class focuses on two scripture passages that help to cultivate an appreciation of the wonder within this Christian way of life. Two classes will be offered on Wednesdays at 10:00 am and 6:45 pm, with a nursery available for the evening class. Books will be available this weekend for $15. Contact the church office to sign up today!
UKirk Ole Miss is grateful to those of you who have volunteered to provide Tuesday night dinners so far! If you're still interested in supporting college students in this way, there are available dates in March and April . Find the schedule and sign up form at ukirkolemiss.org/tuesday-meals , or email Allison Wehrung with questions ( ukirk.olemiss@gmail.com ). 
Camp Hopewell is excited to invite all women to its 2020 Women’s Retreat April 3-4: Here I Am. Guided by the story of Moses at the burning bush along with the Enneagram personality type indicator, keynotes, worship, and personal reflection time will dig into who we are in the world and what God has to do with it. Participants are also welcome to stay at camp the night of April 4 to enjoy extra fellowship time together! Register at camphopewell.com/here .
Remember in Prayer

FPC Members: Family of Elizabeth Black; Family of Jane Boykin; Leon McCullouch; Joe Burnett; Family of John Neff; Family of Pat Bittmann; Scottye Boone; Pierce Buford; Deb de Boer; Max Williams; J. T. Davis; Becky & Joe Murphey; Lynton Dilley; Walter Nance; Mary Kay McDowell; Debbie McElreath; Marleah Hobbs; Director of Music/Organist Search Committee; Pastor Nominating Committee
 
Family and Friends: Roun McNeal; Family of Joan Bagby; Susan Treas; Family of Carolyn Aldridge Delorio; Jamie Henderson Turner; Family of Joel James; Family of Don Dees; Family of Leland Smith; Bill Flautt; Lowry Davis; Family of Don Gleason; Alex Sessions; Brad Hovious; B. Jones; Pat Gillenwater; Angel Thompson; Ted Stocker; Tom Callery; Tom Mullen; Ruth Ellen Duvall Kuhnel; Linda Chavers; Mark Barnes; Joe Houston; Matt Branch; Erica Baggett; Mackenzie Stetz; Betty Hoar; Mike Smith; Parchman Prison inmates; Haven House residents; Our Haiti partners; Oxford & Lafayette County First Responders
 
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.
The FPC prayer chain is ready  if you or someone you know is in need. Please contact Catherine Mize at katemizesn@gmail.com or 662-832-0423. All requests are held in strict confidence. 
Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries
February Birthdays

28 Kris Kersey, Matt Moore

March Birthdays

2 Trenia Reynolds 
If we've overlooked your birthday or anniversary and you wish to have it included in Fast Facts, please contact Jessica McPhail in the church office.

These announcements are sent weekly from the church. If you don't want to receive them, or if your email address has changed, please send a message to Jessica McPhail in the church office at   jmcgeefpc@gmail.com .
First Presbyterian Church • 924 Van Buren Avenue • 234.1757 • www.fpcoxford.net