Dear Friends,

The next few days offer us rich opportunities for worship and community as we walk together toward Easter. As we share a meal and communion on Maundy Thursday, as we listen to and reflect on Christ’s Passion on Good Friday, and as we celebrate the Resurrection on Easter morning, we join saints around the world and across the generations in re-telling the story that is central to who we are as the Body of Christ.

Blessings on your Holy Week. I am grateful to be walking with you in this and every season.

Grace and peace,

Ellen

Scripture readings for this week:

Maundy Thursday: Matthew 26:20-40; Mark 15:42-46

Good Friday: Mark 14:12-15:47

Easter Sunrise: Isaiah 25:6-9; Luke 24:1-12

Easter (Flowered Cross and 11 am): Psalm 118:21-24; Mark 16:1-8

Artwork by John Stuart, www.stushieart.com

A Congregational Meeting will follow worship on Sunday, April 7, to elect the Class of 2027 officers.

Holy Week graphic (art by John Stuart, www.stushieart.com) - see below

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

Pew Prep

Please note that we will not offer Pew Prep this Sunday, March 31^st. We look forward to resuming on April 7^th.

If you are interested in helping with Pew Prep in April or May, please use this link to sign-up: Pew Prep: Pew Prep - Volunteers (signupgenius.com)

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. 

Time Travel Adventures!

Our Youth Group was treated to a time travel experience on Sunday as several long-time church members met them in special places across campus, with stories and photos from different eras in our congregation’s history. Did you know that men and women met in separate Sunday School classes until after World War II, when young couples formed the Fellowship Class (later renamed the Blanche Stewart Sunday School Class), and that class would later bring the first internet line into the building for the Smart board they used in class? Did you know that older girls and women used to stand along the narrow landing around the chancel, dressed in angel costumes during the annual Christmas Pageant? It was amazing to hear these stories and so many more from congregation members who truly are a wealth of knowledge!

Easter Hams for Operation Breadbasket

The S & D Sunday School class invites the congregation to join in providing Easter hams to families-in-need served by Operation Breadbasket. S & D class members will purchase and deliver 100 hams to Operation Breadbasket in time for their Easter distribution. If you would like to donate, please make your check out to Brian Moore and either drop it off at the church office, or mail to him: 2401 Bethlehem Church Rd, Gold Hill, NC 28071. Donations can also be made using Brian's Venmo account @Brian-Moore-813. Thank you!

Racial Equity Reads

The Racial Equity Reads group will meet in The Commons at 7:00 PM, Monday, April 1, to discuss Chapter 5 and the Conclusion of “The Cross and the Lynching Tree,” by James H. Cone.

Cone’s book examines the disturbing similarities between the crucifixion of Jesus and the lynchings of Black people during the Jim Crow era.

The selections we read and discuss are intended to broaden and deepen our understanding of the origins and history of systemic anti-Black racism in America, and its effects on both Black and white people.

Our group is informal, and you are invited to join any time. We’d love to have you join our discussion!

You are encouraged to order the book from a Black-owned bookseller such as Shelves, a mail-order-only bookseller in Charlotte (orders@shelvesbookstore.com), or Mahogany Books in Washington, D.C. (mahoganybooks.com). The book is also available on Amazon.com.

For more information email sverner@yahoo.com.

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. 

Books and Brews

Books and Brews will meet Thursday April 25th at Cabarrus Brewing Company 7:00 PM.

April Book is Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

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.