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And Now, How about You?
“And now, how about you? Who among you is ready and willing to join in the giving?”
—1 Chronicles 29:5 (The Message)
These words, spoken by King David some 3,000 years ago, represent an invitation during what had to be one of the earliest stewardship campaigns in recorded history! Having gathered the materials for the Temple of God that his son Solomon would build, King David then felt called to turn over his personal fortune of gold and silver for making this place of worship for his God. David did this, as he says, “because my heart is in this!” (1 Chronicles 29:3)
He wanted everyone’s hearts in it! And they were! All the people accepted the invitation:
“Ready and willing, the heads of families, leaders of the tribes of Israel, commanders and captains in the army, and stewards of the king’s affairs stepped forward and gave willingly. And the people were full of a sense of celebration—all that giving! And all given willingly, freely! (1 Chronicles 29:6–7,9)
Giving thanks, King David prays to God: “But me—who am I, and who are these my people, that we should presume to be giving something to you? Everything comes from you; all we’re doing is giving back what we’ve been given from your generous hand.” (1 Chronicles 29:14–15)
He goes on to pray: “I know, dear God, that you care nothing for the surface—you want us, our true selves—and so, I have given from the heart, honestly and happily. And now see all these people doing the same, giving freely, willingly—what a joy!” (1 Chronicles 29:17) What a joy indeed!
“And now, how about you? Who among you is ready and willing to join in the giving?”
Dedication Sunday is October 30, and what a celebration it will be! Please be in prayer about your pledge and submit it using either the traditional pledge card you received in the mail (or can find at church) or by accessing online giving through the QR code below.
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You can read all about it here. And if you have any questions about stewardship or why we pledge or any aspect of our church’s life, please reach out to any member of the stewardship committee or any church officer or staff member.
The Stewardship Committee: Barbara Duncan, Chase Mitchell, Matt Peltier, Karen Pennington, Jerry Poteat, Annette Tudor, John Vann, and Sam Weddington
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Worship
October 23
20th Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture
Psalm 34:1–3
Ecclesiastes 4:9–12
Acts 2:37–47
Sermon
“Holding Everything Together”
Sam Weddington
Last Sunday’s Attendance
9:00: In person: 113; Online: 113
11:00: In person: 86; Online: 73
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Calendar
Sunday, October 23
9:00 a.m.
Contemporary Worship
Fellowship Hall
10:10 a.m.
Sunday School
11:00 a.m.
Traditional Worship
Fellowship Hall
2:00 p.m.
Pumpkin Palooza
Monday, October 24
10:00 a.m.
Staff Meeting
Room 123
7:00 p.m.
Session, Deacons & Trustees
Room 123
Tuesday, October 25
7:00 p.m.
Boy Scout Troop 3
Scout Hall
Wednesday, October 26
5:30 p.m.
Fellowship Supper
Fellowship Hall
6:15 p.m.
Adult Enrichment
Student Small Groups
Wednesday Night Kids
Handbell Practice
Room 212
7:15 p.m.
Sanctuary Choir Practice
Room 202
Praise Band Practice
Fellowship Hall
Thursday, October 27
7:00 a.m.
Men’s Bible Study
Parlor
1:00 p.m.
Women’s Bible Study
Room 123
6:00 p.m.
Trunk or Treat
Fairmount School
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New Adult Learning Opportunities
We are pleased to announce that, beginning November 6, we will offer two new adult studies on Sunday mornings. Both classes will meet weekly from 10:20 to 10:50.
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New Members Class. This is for folks interested in joining the fellowship at FPC or just learning more about the Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian, specifically. The class will include videos, conversation, questions and answers, and the occasional field trip. For more information, please contact Dave Welch or join us in the chapel. | |
The Epistle to the Colossians. Pastor Sam Weddington will lead this line-by-line reading and discussion of Paul’s letter. The class will meet in room 125 (corner classroom). | |
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Pumpkin Palooza Sunday
Everyone is warmly invited to join us this Sunday, October 23, at 2:00 p.m. for Pumpkin Palooza, an all-church gathering. We’ll paint pumpkins, plant pansies, play games, and nosh. Be there!
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Trunk or Treat Next Week
Trunk or Treat is happening next Thursday, October 27, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Fairmount Elementary School. We need FPC folks to decorate 12 to 16 vehicles and donate cauldrons of candy, or just drop a large bagful in one of the bins in the fellowship hallway or by the office. Trick out your ride, park it in your reserved space in the school lot, treat the kids, and stir up some fun! To reserve your space or learn more, contact Audrey Arndt, Dave Welch, or Lilly Osborne.
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Responding to Hurricane Ian
We encourage those who want to help the survivors of Hurricane Ian to give directly to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul rather than to FPC. You can donate on their website, or mail a check payable to St. Vincent de Paul to 25200 Airport Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Every penny of your donation will go directly to help those most in need.
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Wednesday Fellowship Suppers
The best meal of the week is Wednesday night in the FPC Fellowship Hall! Family-style dinner begins at 5:30, and programs for children, youth, and adults follow at 6:15. To offset the cost of the meal, we suggest an offering of $5 per adult, $3 per child, but no more than $15 per family. Family is anyone who comes with you in your car! Please join us!
FPC Family Ministry Road Map
Look into the many opportunities for education, spiritual nurture, and fellowship with the congregation of First Presbyterian Church! We have prepared a road map to help you find those that interest you most. The points on the compass are Children’s Ministry, Student Ministry, College Ministry, and Adult Ministry. At the center of it all is our life together in Jesus Christ.
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Life Together for Home Groups
Our latest Home Group curriculum, Life Together, is about how we can be new persons and communities centered in Jesus Christ. Access the curriculum on our website or watch for it to drop on our Home Groups Facebook site.
How to Join Us Online
You can watch the livestream of our worship services and other activities at FPC Bristol on YouTube. Click on the link and hit “Subscribe” to receive notifications of new videos. To connect to our various Facebook sites, go to Facebook and type in FPC Bristol. Several accounts will show up. “Like” the page or ask to join a group.
Give Safely
We encourage you to use text, mail, or our website to safely continue your faithful support of our ministries during the pandemic. You can give online by going to our website and clicking on “Give” in the upper right corner. You can send your pledge, offering, or special gift by texting fpcbristol to 73256, or mail your checks directly to the church.
Our COVID Protocols
The session continues to strongly encourage masks for those not fully vaccinated, or at higher risk of complications from COVID-19. The session encourages everyone to consult their medical professional about vaccinations and boosters.
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Gifts to the Church
Memorials and honoraria are published in the newsletter only after the family has been personally notified by our business office. Today we gratefully acknowledge the following gifts in memory of:
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June Lamb (mother of Alice Graham): to the Children’s Ministry Fund from Dale & Molly Keller, from Jack & Anne Southerland
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One by-product of moving the 11:00 worship service into the Fellowship Hall is that it forces me to find music playable on the keyboard. This has given me an excuse to pull out some of my favorite piano pieces.
The Lyric Pieces of Edvard Grieg (1843–1907) are among my favorites for piano. They consist of 66 short compositions for solo piano published in 10 volumes from 1867 to 1901. The collection includes several of his best-known works, including “Notturno” (Sunday’s opening voluntary) and “Wedding Day at Troldhaugen” (Sunday’s closing voluntary). Playing “Notturno” (Italian for “night piece”) first thing in the morning may seem a little out of place, but it is one of the most beautiful piano pieces ever written. The “Wedding Day at Troldhaugen” is one of the flashiest piano pieces ever written. I listened to a recording of Grieg himself playing this piece, and let’s just say I will not be playing it quite as FAST as he!
Grieg is considered one of the main Romantic era composers, and his music is part of the standard classical repertoire worldwide. His use and development of Norwegian folk music in his own compositions brought the music of Norway to international consciousness and helped develop a national identity.
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We want to pray for and celebrate with you! Send us your prayer requests and glad tidings. |
To the Church Triumphant
Peggy Gray Nicar
October 12, 2022
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In Our Prayers
Please also pray for the members of our community who wish to remain anonymous.
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Wayne Ausmus
Bud & Marg Branscomb
Kim Bright
Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Charles Burroughs
Becky Busler
Tom & Nancy Carter
Rachel Cherry
Cole family
Bill Coleman
Russell Fogelman, Kelli Krajeck & Kendall
Lou Hebb
Charles Hoilman
Hurricane victims
Justin & Merifer
Nancy Lilly
Toni Mari
Diana Mattison
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Dot Mattison
Montana Indian Ministries
National & international leadership
Pastor Bruce Plummer
Cora Lee Raccioppo
Seymour Ray
Lynn Richards
Anna Rogers
Les & Kathy Samuel
Wendy Smith
Teachers & school administrators
Family of Allen Vance
Scott VanNostrand
Bill & Patsy Ward
Michael Weller
Marsha Wilson
Virginia Wilson
Stevie Wintz
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Deadline & Subscriptions
Monday is the deadline for contributions to Windows. Subscribe to our free e-newsletter by sending your name and preferred email address to the editor.
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701 Florida Avenue | Bristol, TN 37620 | 423-764-7176 | fpcbristol.org | | | | | |
