PEWSLETTER WEEKLY First Presbyterian Church Lincolnton NC

4th Sunday of Lent Ladder at the Cross, photo by Kathryn J. Cameron Join us for worship on Sunday through the following links to neighboring church services on Facebook or live streaming: For Sherrill's Ford Presbyterian Church paste the following in your browser: sfpchurchorg.yourstreamlive.com Unity Presbyterian Church, Denver https://www.unitypres.org/connect/live-streaming/ Ladders for Lent: Climbing up and getting down with John’s Gospel. A part of Pastor Kathryn's sermon from John 9:1-41, The Man Born Blind: Do you see? Now I see. When confronted with a question of blame, Jesus rejects the idea that illness is punishment for sin. Many folks believe that John tells the story of the man born blind as a way to talk about the pain of isolation that the early disciples experienced as they broke away from their community to follow Jesus. This healing story is also a story of call--what kind of community is God calling us to be in these times of dislocation and disorientation, of sheltering in place and social distancing? This is the story from which the hymn writer of Amazing Grace, John Newton drew his inspiration to describe his own conversion to a new way of being in the world, separate from his former life. Can we be healed of our blindness and called to new life in Christ?

March 29th   Greeter : Pam Sipe Offering : Pam Sipe & Davis Roberts Worship Leader: Kathy Robinson Joyground : The Hodges Children’s Time : Jan Duncan Lockup : Sandy Eldridge  Refreshments:  I f you cannot serve, please find your own replacement and notify the office of the change. Mark Eldridge Helen Fox, Evelyn Ross' mother The family and friends of Ralph Freeman Ann Haire Judy Holland Mike Caskey, Jim Ross' nephew Doris Lail, Kristen Willis' mother Mary Sain, Nancy Rudisill's aunt The family and friends of James Johnston, Kim Fitzpatrick’s father Alex Jeune, friend of Mary Smith's grandson The family of Kathleen Rice , Jill Goins' aunt The Lafferty Family Torie Lykins, Bill Thomas' great-niece The family and friends of Bonnie Mullen B ryan Ross, Jim Ross' son Eric Sipe The family of Mary Sain , Nancy Rudisill's aunt Keith Talley, friend of Pam Sipe Brenda Yu, friend of Jan Duncan

Musical Choirs Schedule is on Temporary Hold Children's - March 29th, April 5th, and April 12th - Children will practice and participate in the Easter Sunday worship if we are back in our sanctuary.  NO REHEARSALS for either Children or Handbells on April 19th or 26th Stay tuned about what will happen in May!

How do we plan for a such a time as this? Ordinarily we would be receiving orders for Easter Lilies with plans to fill our sanctuary area with the sweet smell and trumpeting blooms. We don't know now if we will gather on Easter, yet we have been celebrating each Sunday as Easter in the midst of Lent. Whenever we gather together again, it will be Easter. What would our sanctuary look like if the blooms of Easter were donations for new life for our community and our church in the world? We can still remember and honor loved ones by planting seeds of love. Mail in your donation to continue to support the work of our church, and thank you for being Easter people.

Mark your calendars for the planned, but may be cancelled, upcoming Easter time services of worship: April 9th - Maundy Thursday - 6 pm - Sanctuary or potentially via Zoom April 12th - Easter Sunrise Service at Machpelah Church - 6:30 am - 226 Brevard Place Road ( The Service is being planned, but may be cancelled if needed. We will let you know as soon as we know.) April 12th - Easter Morning Service - 10:30 am - Sanctuary if possible.

Cautious but not fearful-we trust God's steadfast love Dear members and friends of First Presbyterian Church, Lincolnton, Thank you for your many responses to our shared situation of cancellations, closures and restricting our exposure to crowds and gatherings. Weeks ago we didn't know much about social distancing, but now we are in the very real experiences of distance and isolation. We want to care for you in whatever way we can. You can email Pastor Kathryn or call the church office at (704) 735-8671. You will get the Elder on Call number, which changes each week. Remember we are neighbors and we also care for the most vulnerable among us, in Christ's name. As we find ourselves keeping distance, may we hold each other in prayer and trust in God's grace to bring us through these times. We may connect soon using Zoom. Look for more news to follow.

Wednesday Community Lenten Luncheon Services First United Methodist Church in Lincolnton will keep us posted about further meetings.

Our 2020 Soup Kitchen serving dates are set, the first Saturday of the month: May 2nd August 1st October 3rd December 5th We are committed to fulfilling our mission promise to help on these dates. Contact Elder Pam Sipe.

Church Finances – February 2020 We are looking into a way to receive electronic payments

The Lord restores my soul... Psalm 23

"Working Hand in Hand With The Lord" Emergency Services Soup Kitchen LINC Meals Nursing Home Ministry Amazing Race Against Hunger (replaces Hunger Walk) Christmas Ministry Souper Bowl of Caring  WWW.CHRISTIANMINISTRYOFLINCOLNCOUNTY.ORG

REACH TEACH FEED LOVE

Church Staff Rev. Dr. Kathryn J. Cameron, Bridge Supply Pastor - pastor@fpclincolnton.org - (828)-450-7182 Rebecca Beatty, Director of Music, Organist - becbea50@gmail.com Jill Goins, Administrative Assistant - admin@fpclincolnton.org Kristen Willis,  Preschool Director - preschool@fpclincolnton.org Nancy Rudisill, Sexton  -   admin@fpclincolnton.org www.fpclincolnton.org Office Hours 8:30-Noon Mon.-Wed 8:30-1:00 Thur. Closed Friday Sunday Worship 10:30 AM With refreshments and fellowship immediately following the service

Find Us On Facebook

‌