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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
"Downtown by history and by choice"
FPC Bi-Weekly Newsletter
November 1, 2022 Issue 22
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Letter from Pastor/Head of Staff
Dear friends,
Today is All Saints’ Day. This day was established hundreds of years ago as a day to honor saints and martyrs, remembered and forgotten, known and unknown. As Presbyterians in the Reformed tradition, we remember those “particular luminaries of ages past,” while also giving thanks to God for the “ordinary, holy lives of believers in this and every age.” [1] At my desk as I write, a candle burns nearby, its flame tall and strong. As I gaze into its light, I am reminded of and give thanks for the lives of those we have lost over the last year. I also find strength in remembering all of you who live holy lives, full of grace and truth, each day of the year. How wonderful to be surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, physically and spiritually.
On this day, and on Sunday as we observe All Saints’ Day in worship, we remember God’s promises to us in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, that death does not have the final say, that the grave is not the end. Our shared faith, our songs, and prayers, our coming to the Table of grace to receive the bread broken and the wine poured out for us – these are all ways that we remind ourselves and one another that we are not alone, that Jesus is alive, that death is not the end. As the Body of Christ, the communion of the saints, we live and breathe this good news together. We are nurtured by the promises that we have new life by the grace of baptism and the breath of the Holy Spirit, that we are clothed with compassion and love, and that we, as with all your saints, will one day meet at the river of life.
Frederick Buechner would say that the Resurrection is our reminder that the “worst things are not the last things…” These are not easy words, but they are Truth, and they must be the words we whisper to one another when life seems to be at its worst. These are not easy words. These are not flippant words, but they are Truth. These are not words that dismiss the pervasive and pernicious suffering that humanity endures, but these words are Truth. These words are our steady and hopeful reminder of the living hope we possess through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” [2]
Friends, may you be buoyed by the good news of the gospel that is Jesus Christ. May you be surrounded by that great cloud of witnesses, present and in that heavenly realm. And may nothing in all creation separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
With deep and abiding love,
Mindy
[1] The New Book of Common Worship, 383.
[2] Adam Mixon, The Ministry Collaborative blog, “On Grief and Mourning,” November 1, 2022, https://mministry.org/
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BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT: Congratulations to Mickey Velkey on the birth of great-grandson #2. Orion Charles Holbert was born November 1 to Isabella Etheridge and Corey Holbert.
CONDOLENCES: The love and concern of the congregation are extended to:
· Tim O’Brien and Mindy Douglas on the death of Tim’s uncle, Paul Quirk, on October 27;
· the family of Rev. Robert (Bob) Singdahlsen. Bob died October 22. In addition to being a Presbyterian minister, Bob taught at Durham Academy. Before retiring to Brevard, NC, Bob, and wife Julie were active here. Arrangements by Brown Funeral Home in Martinsburg, WV. SAVE THE DATE: family and friends will gather at a reception at FPC on Saturday, December 3 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. to remember and celebrate Bob's life and contributions to the Durham community. All are welcome.
CONCERNS:
Julian Boswell, recovering from hip surgery
Chris James, recovering from back surgery
Margaret Meade, mother of Bruce Meade, receiving end of life care
Karen Shelton, mother-in-law of Dawn Carsey Shelton
Wes Carson Paul Cornsweet Susan Cyr Lara Duffney & Art Baker
Kerry Holbrook Jancy Johnstone George Kafula Carol Wills
Franzi Rokoske: follow her journey via CARING BRIDGE.
Mitzi Lesher-Thomas: follow her journey via Caring Bridge: CARING BRIDGE.
Care Communities
Croasdaile Pavilion: Dub Gulley
Dubose Center at The Cedars, Chapel Hill: Arthur Clark
Durham Ridge Assisted Living: Phillip Herndon
Hillcrest Convalescent Center: Maxie Honeycutt, Jim Wolfe
Family and Friends of the Congregation
Liz Block, cousin of Jane and Bill Brown
Bob, friend of Fred and Jo Ann Moore
Grace, Chris James’ great-niece
Diane Lesman, friend of FPC
Charlie Pratt, son of Lanny Pratt
Richard Smith, husband of Laura Casteel's co-worker
Jim Vacca, father of Jamie Chambliss
John Wakefield, cousin of Vernon Neece
Janice Faye West, mother of Randy Lang Howard
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New address for Katy and Bruce Loebrich:
1159 Elco Ave
Maumee OH 43537
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Dear FPC family,
Al and Judy Arrowood would like to thank all our FPC family for the prayers, calls, and cards we received on the deaths of Bill Estes (Judy’s cousin whom she grew up with) and Gladys Arrowood (Al’s mother). We are thankful for you and this Church.
Peace,
Al and Judy
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Bagging Rice and Beans
A huge thanks to all the wonderful FPC volunteers who helped bag over 5,000 pounds of rice and beans for the Iglesia Emanuel Food Pantry on October 22! It was a beautiful, fun, and very productive morning for 34 energetic souls who helped us stock the shelves. And a loud shout-out to all who donated cereal and other much needed food items! What an amazing congregation we have! - Margaret Rubiera
Daytimers' Luncheon
Thank you to Mickey Velkey for arranging another lunch for Daytimers at Bennett Pointe Grill on October 25.
First Friends Potluck
Thank you to Susan Dunlap and Prasad Kasibhatla for hosting First Friends at their home on October 28.
Trunk or Treat
FPC's first ever Trunk or Treat event (held October 30) was a grand success. Thank you to all who decorated a "trunk" and provided candy for the kids. Check out some participant photos here. Additional photos can be seen on Mindy's Facebook page.
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STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN UPDATE
As of 10/31/2022 we have received
96 pledges totaling $643,438.50.
We are still accepting pledges. Questions?
Contact Tom Bloom at 919-682-5511 x 216.
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It's that time again!
The Nominating Committee is beginning to do its work of developing the slate of candidates for the Ruling Elders and Deacons (Class of 2026) and the 2023-24 Nominating Committee. We would love to hear your suggestions.
Ruling elders and deacons serve three-year terms and the Nominating Committee serves for one year. Ruling elders, deacons, and Nominating Committee members may serve a consecutive term.
You can submit your nominations in the following ways:
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Via Google form (click here)
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Contact Mary Ann Compton by email or by phone (919-452-6500)
- Complete the form enclosed in the worship bulletin and return it to the church by the deadline below.
We look forward to hearing your suggestions of who should lead us as we continue being the church to each other and to the world around us. Deadline for nominations is Wednesday, November 30th. Thank you for your help!
Mary Ann Compton and Stephen Berry
Co-chairs of the Nominating Committee
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Sunday, November 6
9:45 a.m.
Faith Formation Classes for all ages
11:00 a.m. Worship and Communion
Mindy Douglas, preaching
During worship this Sunday, we will remember church and family members who died since our 2021 All Saints' Sunday.
Those to be remembered are listed here and will also be listed in the worship bulletin on Sunday. If you would like for your family member's name to be called in worship and that name is missing from this list, please call or email Valerie in the church office to have the name added. Please provide the following information before noon this Friday, November 5:
- Your name
- Name of the deceased and date of death
- Deceased's relationship to you.
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Are you worshipping this Sunday, November 6 via live stream?
Remember to assemble your communion elements before worship begins so you will be ready to partake with us at the appropriate time during worship.
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Sunday, November 13
9:45 a.m.
Faith Formation Classes for all ages
11:00 a.m. Worship
Kathryn Lester-Bacon, preaching
Kathryn is an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the PC(USA). She presently serves as Director of Religious Life at Duke University. She is a graduate of Duke University and Princeton Seminary. She holds certificates in spiritual formation, congregational leadership, and community organizing. She is a published poet and regular contributor to The Presbyterian Outlook. She is married to FPC member Michael Bacon, and they have two young children.
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CHILDREN'S CORNER
Faith Formation classes for children are held on the second floor of the education building from 9:45-10:25 a.m. All children are welcome.
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FAITH AND COMMUNITY CLASS | |
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FAITH & COMMUNITY CLASS
The Faith & Community Class begins a new series on Sunday, November 6 on aging well. The series begins with a discussion led by pastor emeritus Joe Harvard.
Join us in Watts-Hill Hall from 9:45-10:45 a.m. for what promises to be a rich and enlightening discussion: “The Spirituality of Aging: Come grow old with me. The best is Yet to be”?
Joe Harvard will lead a discussion of what faith in God contributes to aging. In what sense is Robert Browning’s poem reflected in our lives? Join us.
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LECTIONARY CLASS
Sundays, 9:45-10:45 a.m. (year-round)
Join us each Sunday for discussion, as we meet both online and in person in the Robert Daye Parlor. The class will begin at 9:45, preceded at 9:35 by sharing of news and concerns, and will end at 10:45.
On November 6: When we read the words of Jesus or Paul or even the prophet Haggai, it sometimes feels as if a favorite teacher or coach is speaking to us. The words instruct, correct, enlighten, and encourage us. Are you listening to what these teachers have to say?
On November 13: Will the Day of the Lord be a pleasant time or not? Our readings paint a confusing picture. On the one hand, Isaiah shows a vision of joy and delight, with long, peaceful lives; on the other hand, Jesus warns of war, famine, persecution and hatred.
To join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89195306050
For phone access (audio only), call 253-215-8782.
If you need a copy of the handout of scripture readings, contact David Smith.
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JOURNEYS CLASS
Sundays, 9:45-10:45 a.m. in the Wilson Parlor
November 6 – We will begin a complete review of the Gospel of John. The guide material has not been selected yet, but the Interpretation series is a solid foundation if you want to get started now. We hope to get some guest speakers for this series.
Contact Andy Henry (919-599-9405) if you have questions about class content.
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MEANING IN THE MIDDLE (MnM)
Saturday, November 5, we will meet at Hi-Wire/Two Roosters
from 3:30-5:30 PM for our monthly fellowship event.
Hope to see you there!
For the rest of the fall semester, we will be using The Liturgy of the Ordinary
because of its blessedly short chapters and because we can disseminate the text easily.
On Sundays, MnMers gather in Room 205 (near children's classrooms) during the faith formation hour, 9:45-10:45 a.m. Join us for conversation, discussion, sharing of lives and laughter.
For those meeting via Zoom, we will meet at 8:00 p.m. If you have any issues accessing the meeting on Sunday evening, please feel free to email or text Mary Berry (703.851.8625). The Zoom link will be sent on Sunday evening prior to the time for class to meet.
As always, you are welcome whether you've had time to read or not. Our leaders will give a brief summary of the readings before we dive into conversation, so this is a low-pressure thing!
Contacts for this class are: Mary Berry and Emily Diy.
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FPC Hosting Fall Blood Drive
Thursday, November 3, 2022
from 1:00-6:00 p.m.
FPC - Watts-Hill Hall – open to the community
Go online to RedCrossBlood.org using code firstpres to schedule your appointment.
Walk-in welcome!
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EARLY VOTING IN PROGRESS
through November 5
at the main public library
and other select locations
General Election Day is November 8.
Visit https://www.youcanvote.org/wob
to learn more about your ballot!
Durham county residents can register and vote
same day at any early voting site in the county.
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Use this link to make a meal reservation for this Lunch & Learn event: https://forms.gle/Hr1cQwJqvJsErYdj6
Please RSVP by November 2.
You may purchase a copy of the book for $25.
Contact Valerie in the church office
for payment details and to arrange to pick up a copy.
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SERVICE AND MISSION OPPORTUNITIES | |
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Durham CAN Listening Session
The Racial Equity Task Force will host a listening session for Durham CAN on Sunday, November 6 at 12:15 (after the worship service) in the Wilson Parlor. The purpose of this listening session is to hear from CAN member congregations about issues and concerns for CAN to consider for its agenda over the next 2 year. CAN hopes to engage with more than 1,000 residents in these sessions across our community! This is your opportunity to share your ideas for CAN agenda items for the future. If you are interested in getting more involved with social justice work, this is a great place to start. All are welcome -- come with your questions, concerns, and ideas for making Durham a better place to live, work, play, and pray for all.
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Medical debt is the source of incredible inequities, keeping families mired in debt and impeding their ability to build assets. Plus, it adds enormously to emotional stress. That’s why First Presbyterian Church is leading this campaign as one reparations strategy. The potential to WIPE OUT DEBT for pennies on the dollar is amazing! When you make a pledge to our capital campaign, you are already supporting this project. If you have not already made a pledge, we hope you will join us in giving to our Building Beloved Community campaign! To learn more about how this debt is eliminated, check this out: HERE.
To pledge to reduce medical debt without giving to the capital campaign, go HERE.
Please invite your family and friends to add to the amount we give to relieve medical debt. Give in the name of FPC’s Building Beloved Community campaign.
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