New Year, New Priorities
With the beginning of a new year, we often take time to reassess where we are as individuals, families, and even as a church. COVID has been difficult, and as the omicron variant sweeps through, I know that many of us still feel uncertain. However, one thing remain undeniable: the pandemic has changed our society, and it has also affected our community in a variety of ways.
In light of this reality, I asked the session in November if they would consider taking 2022 as a time when we reconsider the way we do things at the church, especially in regard to our committees and boards. Starting with the session meeting in January, which will be a joint session of Deacons and Elders, my prayer is that we will look at how we address the needs of the congregation and how we can do ministry more effectively.
To that end, I want to ask two things from each of you. First, please pray for the leadership of our church, and the work to which God has called us. We need discernment and the inspiration of the Spirit. Second, reflect on how God is calling you to be involved in the ministry and work of our congregation. There are many opportunities to bear witness to Christ among us, and as God sends us out into the world.
In Christ,
Pastor Sam
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Congregational Meeting
and New Officer Installation
The annual meeting of the congregation will be held Sunday, January 16, at 10:15, following the 9:00 worship service. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall. All are invited to attend, but only members may vote. We will be presented with a financial statement from the previous year, and we will vote on the new officers presented by the Nominating Committee. The corporation of the church will also convene. On Sunday, January 23, during both services, we will install our newly elected officers.
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New Members Class Begins Jan. 23
Nearly two years ago, we started a New Members Class for folks interested in learning more about First Presbyterian Church—or what Presbyterian even means—and how they might fit into this community of faith. It’s time to offer it again, especially for those who joined the church during the pandemic.
While the primary purpose of the class is to meet and enjoy fellowship with other folks at FPC, we will discuss a few important questions: What is the history of the Presbyterian Church, specifically FPC? How is the church organized, nationally and locally? How can you plug in and serve? We’ll even take field trips and watch some videos, just as we did in elementary school. Please mark your calendars for the first class, which will meet in the chapel on Sunday, January 23, at 10:10 a.m. If you have any questions, ask Dave Welch ( [email protected]). |
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Worship
January 9
Baptism of the Lord
Scripture
Psalm 29:1–4
Isaiah 43:1–7
Luke 3:15–22
Sermon
Kate Hill
FPC Missionary to Scotland
Attendance
Christmas Eve: 5:00: In person: 192
7:00: In person: 200; Playback: 100
Dec. 26 Combined Worship:
In person: 118;
Livestream: 4; Playback: 87
Jan. 2: 9:00: In person: 92;
Livestream: 9; Playback: 162
11:00: In person: 73; Playback: 88
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Keeping Our Children Safe
As we take steps to ensure the safety of all the children entrusted to our care, we ask parents to sign their kids in when they drop them off and out at pickup. We have sign-in sheets at the nursery and for Kids’ Kirk and Sunday School, and we lock the doors of the education wing for safety. Parents can gain access at any time by using one of the key cards hanging by Lilly Osborne’s office door.
We also ask that parents not distract students and teachers by hovering in the hallways during class time. Clear hallways also help us know that children are where they need to be when in our care. Thank you for working with us to keep our children safe.
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Calendar
Sunday, January 9
9:00 a.m.
Contemporary Worship
Fellowship Hall
10:10 a.m.
Sunday School
11:00 a.m.
Traditional Worship
Sanctuary
6:00 p.m.
Student Fellowship
Monday, January 10
10:00 a.m.
Staff Meeting
Room 123
Worship Committee
Room 123
Tuesday, January 11
7:00 p.m.
Boy Scout Troop 3
Scout Hall
Wednesday, January 12
6:15 p.m.
Handbell Practice
Sanctuary
7:00 p.m.
Praise Band Practice
Fellowship Hall
7:15 p.m.
Choir Practice
Room 202
Thursday, January 13
7:00 a.m.
Men’s Bible Study
Parlor
8:30 a.m.
Meals on Wheels
Fellowship Hall
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Brazil Mission Meeting Sunday
The blessed partnership between our church and the Independent Presbyterian Church of Felipe Camarão and Bethel School in Natal, Brazil, has endured and grown for 20 years. To date, FPC has commissioned 131 travelers on 16 trips geared toward providing encouragement and building relationships, as together we work to share the love of Jesus with the least of these in this impoverished neighborhood.
Whether you sense God’s call to explore global missions for the first time or you’ve traveled with FPC to Brazil or elsewhere, if you feel drawn to expand your role in our outreach ministries, come explore the possibilities during a brief meeting in the chapel this Sunday, January 9, at 10:15 a.m. We will share with you the goals for this trip and discuss all facets of the experience. Come learn how your gifts can be used to serve our mission in Brazil. We will be glad to answer all your questions as you pray to discern God’s call. Please join us, and bring a friend!
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Our COVID Protocols
The session continues to strongly encourage masks for those not fully vaccinated, or at higher risk of COVID-19 complications. In line with CDC guidelines, the session continues to encourage everyone to consult their medical professional about being vaccinated and getting a booster.
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. |
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Returning Pledges
If you have not yet made your 2022 pledge, you can do so now by picking up a pledge card at the church or downloading a copy here. You can drop off the completed card at the church office, mail it in, or email your pledge directly to our business manager, Betsy Galliher.
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. |
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Wednesday Evening Fellowship Resumes Jan. 26
We will gather again for a fellowship dinner followed by programs for adults, teens, and children Wednesday, January 26. Dinner will begin at 5:30 and programs at 6:15. Please plan to join us!
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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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Tricia Frizzell Brooks (sister of Ben Frizzell): to the Memorial Fund from Julie King
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Carl Galliher (father of Lee Galliher): to the Memorial Fund from Julie King
In honor of:
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Peggy Hill: to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund from an anonymous donor
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Organist's Footnotes
Bruce Neswick’s setting of the hymn tune winchester new (“On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry,” which we sing) is published in the Augsburg Organ Library. Since 2014, Neswick (b. 1956) has been Canon for Cathedral Music at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, Oregon. He grew up in eastern Washington but spent the bulk of his career on the other side of the Rockies. He holds degrees from Pacific Lutheran and Yale universities and did two years of post-grad study at the Conservatory in Geneva, Switzerland. Neswick holds an honorary doctorate from the University of the South as well as Fellowship degrees from the American Guild of Organists and the Royal School of Church Music. Having won three organ improvisation competitions, he performs and teaches under the management of Philip Truckenbrod Concert Artists.
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Matthew H. Corl’s setting of the hymn tune kelvingrove makes a lilting air of this traditional Scottish melody. Corl (b. 1965) lives in Lakeland, Florida, where he is active as a composer, organist, and pianist, and serves as Associate Director of Music and organist of the First United Methodist Church. A graduate of Westminster Choir College, he has studied with Joan Lippincott and Dr. Paul Davis. Corl is known primarily for his organ and choral music; his compositions are performed throughout the US and Europe, both in worship and recital. An advocate of music for organ with other instruments, he frequently performs with soloists, ensembles, and orchestras. John Bell (b. 1949) set his hymn “The Summons” (which we sing) to this tune after being accepted into the Iona Community in 1980. The first four stanzas are understood to be the voice of Christ calling his disciples.
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We want to pray for and celebrate with you! Send your prayer requests and glad tidings to [email protected].
Death of Former FPC
Associate Pastor
Edna Carson “Neddy” Mason died December 9 in Harrisonburg, Virginia. After her ordination by Holston Presbytery in 1974, Neddy served as Associate Pastor of FPC and Program Director of the Presbyterian Conference Center in Montreat. She devoted the remainder of her career to hospital ministry.
Condolences
In our previous condolences for the family of Garrett Foster, who died December 19 in Knoxville, we neglected to name his brother Curtis Vann among the bereaved. We deeply regret the omission. May our love and sympathy embrace all who grieve Garrett’s death, and especially his parents, John and Karen Vann, and his brothers, Curtis Vann and Wes Foster.
In Our Prayers
Please also pray for the members of our community who wish to remain anonymous.
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Anna Arbo & family
Wayne Ausmus
Bill & Betty Bingham
Bud & Marg Branscomb
Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Becky Busler
Ben Cherry & family
Bill Coleman
K.D. Forsha
Tammy Fredrickson
DeeDee Galliher
John Graham Sr.
Emma Grubbs & Gina Roberson
Haiti
Lou Hebb
Eddie Hill
Porter Hillery
Davan & Kristi Johnson
Kaduna State
Jim & Joan Keith
Marty & Kara Keys
Morgan & Josh King & family
Nancy Lilly
Family of Mary Jane Luffman
Diana Mattison
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Dot Mattison
Roger McCracken
Kathy McGlothlin
Montana Indian Ministries
Abigail Myers
National & international leadership
Breanna Necessary
Palestine & Israel
Roger Patrick & family
Pastor Bruce Plummer
June Prado
Don Pridemore
Claire Pruner
Cora Lee Raccioppo
Bob Rhea
Michelle S.
Susan Solomon
Malcolm Sprinkle
Pete Stigers & family
Teachers & school administrators
John & Karen Vann & family of Garrett Foster
Scott VanNostrand
Margaret Wade
Bill & Patsy Ward
Michael Weller
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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
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