Dear Friends,

I am still soaring after the wonderful week of worship we shared last week. With the help of palm wavers, choir members, guest musicians, chancel restorers, streamer carriers, ushers, communion servers, photographers, flower bringers, donut deliverers, readers, liturgists, congregation members, live-streamers, and behind-the-scene expertise of every kind, we were able to walk with Jesus through Holy Week to empty tomb in prayer, song, silence, reflection. What a gift! Thank you!

The Easter season continues this week as we move from Mark to the book of Acts. In our text for this Sunday (Acts 1:1-14), Jesus offers some parting words to the disciples before he is drawn up into the heavens. And the disciples stand there staring up, perhaps catching every last glimpse they can of this one who walked among them, who died, and who was raised, two men in white call them back to earth, back to the work Jesus has called them to do.

There’s not much written about the days between Easter evening and Christ’s ascension. Church tradition sets aside forty days between the two and adds another ten to get us to Pentecost. What might we be called to do in this season? Who or what calls us to shift our gaze from simply staring up to looking around? As we pause, reflect, blink, and rub our eyes a bit, may we listen as God nudges us to consider what shape this next chapter will take.

Grace and peace,

Ellen

Image: Le Breton, Jacques ; Gaudin, Jean. Ascension, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=51567 . Original source: Image donated by Jim Womack and Anne Richardson.

Deacons and Elders Class of 2027

On Sunday, April 7, a congregational meeting will be held following the worship service for the purpose of electing Deacons and Elders for the class of 2027.

The congregational nominating committee is pleased to nominate the following members:

Deacons

Loretta Coltrane

Ashlyn Dempsey

Ginny Hoover

Mary Ingram

Bill Poitevint

Harold Thomas

Julianna Willis

Elders

Carol Beam

Gray Bullard

Harold Cline

Kimberly Leatherman

Kathryn Monroe

Thomas Moore

Elly Steel

Usher sign up link:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0948acab2dabf49-fpcusher

Lay Reader sign up link:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0948acab2dabf49-scripture

link for online worship:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfpzVUz-ZgaCJuogIMor8Iw/live

link to Ellen's sermon podcasts:  https://bit.ly/Sermons_FPCConcord

I know, we are excited too! Please use this link: https://firstpresconcord.org/ to register TODAY!

VBS Week (June 10-13) is FREE, but advance registration is required.

This year’s theme is: The Olympics – Celebrating ALL of God’s Children. We will embrace the Olympic spirit – building a peaceful and better world (Olympics.com) – through movement and games, art and community service, and song and celebration! Please also mark your calendars for Sunday, June 16^th – ALL VBS participants are invited and encouraged to attend worship, where we will help to lead the congregation in one of our VBS songs!

We are still looking for VBS Volunteers – for both advance preparation items, as well as week of assistance. If you are able to help, please use this link to sign-up: VBS 2024: VBS Volunteers (signupgenius.com) or contact Bill Cochran. 

Youth Sunday Preparations Underway

Our Youth has been working on aspects of Youth Sunday since the start of 2024. They will meet this Sunday evening at 4:30 PM in the sanctuary for rehearsal. 2023-2024 Youth: Youth Sunday - rehearsal & worship (signupgenius.com)

Please make plans to join us on Sunday, April 14^th for Youth Sunday! 

The Annual Church Family Picnic will be on Sunday, April 14, at 5:00 PM at Zemosa Acres Farm (4150 Poplar Tent Road).

At 5:45 PM, a fried chicken dinner with all the fixings will be served. Please join us for delicious food, good friends, and fellowship for all ages. Bring along a picnic blanket or chairs for your family. In the event of rain, we will gather in Davis Hall.

Make your reservation here or by calling the reservation line (704.788.2100, #7) by April 9. 

Easter at FPC

Campus Beautification Day

The next Campus Beautification Day will be Saturday, April 27, 8:00 AM - Noon

It will be a fabulous opportunity to spend time in the gorgeous spring weather and to get to know or expand relationships with additional outdoorsey-minded members of the congregation. Bring gloves, tools and your smile.

March Lunch Bunch

Sixteen brave women and 1 brave man came out on a very rainy day to attend Lunch Bunch on March 27.

Ann Conway, author and dynamic speaker, told of her journey and learning to trust God through the very hard times of life. Her book is now in our Church Library. We hope you will check it out and hear her message.