Worship - Sunday, February 28, 2021
2nd Sunday in Lent

Mark 8:31-38

This week's lectionary texts:

Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Psalm 22:23-31
Romans 4:13-25
Mark 8:31-38
Join us for worship this Sunday, February 28 at 10:25 am on Facebook Live. You do not have to have an account to join us. The video will go live on the church's public Facebook group. If you do not have a Facebook account, a message will pop up asking if you wish to join. Simply click, "not now" at the bottom of that message and it will go away. You may then enjoy the video as it plays live.
This Sunday our virtual Sunday School will continue for Pre-K thru 6th grade from 9:45-10:00 am. We hope parents will support their children in participating. A Zoom link will be sent out to all parents in a dedicated email Friday, February 26.  
A special note...
To all my friends at FPC:
 
Thank you all so much for your wonderful and constant support of the music at FPC since the pandemic hit, and even before. With your amazing choir, Joe Garrison set a standard of church music that small towns like Oxford don’t often get. Since I’m just filling in, I’ve only tried to fill one of Joe’s shoes, and that’s enough (for me…I couldn’t imagine filling both shoes)!!!
 
In the midst of disaster, John Schuesselin, your own, stepped up to add a remarkable luster to every Sunday’s service. Soprano Nancy Maria Balach, apparently somehow connected to the trumpeter, has also eased our sighs with tones of comfort and joy, silver and bright. And your scholarship singers, under Dale Beech’s careful guidance and expert direction, have kept your music going with voices and instruments.
 
Your dedicated search committee for the next Director of Music, under Christina Torbert’s leadership, is working very hard to bridge the gap between what was amazing and what will be even more amazing. As your faithful sub, I ask for your continuing support of them, and all of the musical efforts at FPC.
 
I’ve been making music in Oxford for over two decades, and I’ve always known that FPC is the most appreciative congregation. I can now attest to that firsthand.
 
Thank you for being such welcoming friends. I walk into FPC and feel like I’m home.
 
Jason Derrick
Don't forget about FPC's Drive In Movie Night on Saturday, March 6th! Mark your calendars now for this fun fellowship opportunity to enjoy a classic movie on the big screen. Be on the lookout next week for more details about the movie's show time. RSVP with the Church office to let us know how many cars and people to expect.
FPC's Lenten Studies continue this Sunday afternoon! The first class focuses on Spiritual Practices and the second one focuses on a devotional, "Lent of Liberation: Confronting the Legacy of American Slavery". All are welcome to participate in either or both of these wonderful offerings! The spiritual practices class will meet from 3:30 to 4:45 pm and the Lenten Devotional class will meet from 5:00 to 6:15 pm. Books are available in the church office for $10.
Bibles & Brews continues next week, March 3rd, with a late night digital edition from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. The topic is "Self Care" and all are welcome! Contact David Randolph for more details. 
PYF has returned to in-person meetings! All meetings will take place in the Fellowship Hall.

7-9th grade

Fellowship: 4:00-5:00 pm
Dinner: 5-5:30 pm

10-12th grade

Dinner: 6-6:30 pm
Fellowship: 6:30-7:30 pm

Because in-person gatherings are limited to 15, a sign up sheet is sent out via GroupMe each week. To be added to the group or to sign up to provide a meal for the youth, contact Lindsay at [email protected].
As our church family continues ministering during this season of social isolation, please continue to remember your faithful giving to our church. The ministry of FPC continues to make an impact within our congregation and throughout our community. Bible studies and various small group meetings continue online to enrich our lives through the sharing of scripture; local missional activities continue to care for others like More Than A Meal and Love Packs; partners in mission, like Interfaith Compassion, the pantry, Doors of Hope and more, continue their important work as well and we help make that possible.
 
There are a variety of ways you can give:

 
If you need help with any specific ways to give, please contact Frances Saralvarez at [email protected].
Remember in Prayer
 
FPC Members: Family of Walter Nance; Tommy Patrick; Family of Shirley Crawford; Helen Scruggs; Wil Howie; Martha Walcott; Family of Mary Sims; Lark Lindley Wells; Lydia Moak; Family of Pierce Buford; Max Williams; Family of Joe Burnett; Family of Doug Alexander; Family of Marleah Hobbs; Family of Elizabeth Black; Family of Jane Boykin; J. T. Davis; Becky & Joe Murphey; Lynton Dilley; Debbie McElreath; Director of Music/Organist Search Committee
 
Family and Friends: Family of Tom Mullen; Norma Myers; Family of Tommie Waters; Family of Paulette Logan; Family of Florence Pulliam; Stephanie Polk; Taylor Polk; Wanda Lundstrom; Family of Jane Chancey Dubberly; Family of Randy Lutz; Charles Moseley; John Hamauei and family; Rhona Justice-Malloy & Amanda Malloy; Rachel & Bruce Robinson; Family of Betty Field; Joyce Sumners; Richard Bremer; Sarah LaPrade; Mary Tyler Browne; Patch Hailey; Family of Mary Poole; Family of Ruth Ellen Duvall Kuhnel; Family of Carolyn Stevenson; Sigrid Morrison Long; Family of Barbara Young; Pauline Dick; Bill Sessions; Family of David Brooks; Roun McNeal; Jamie Henderson Turner; Family of Joel James; Lowry Davis; Family of Don Gleason; Brad Hovious; B. Jones; Pat Gillenwater; Linda Chavers; Mark Barnes; Joe Houston; Matt Branch; Erica Baggett; Mackenzie Stetz; Mike Smith; Parchman Prison inmates; Haven House residents; Our Haiti partners; Oxford & Lafayette County First Responders; Community leaders
 
U. S. Military: SSgt Jason Freeland, USAF 4th Air Support Operation
 
Please pray, too, for those with unspecified needs.
 
If you wish to have a name removed or added to this list, please contact the church office.
The FPC prayer chain is ready if you or someone you know is in need. This is a confidential list that is independent from the names listed above. Please contact Carlisle Wood at [email protected] or 662-832-8606. All requests are held in strict confidence. 
Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries
February Birthdays:

25 Edward Duke, Katherine Estes, Thomas Harris, Chase Neal, Mary Williams
26 Charles Cascio, Riley Mullen
28 Kris Kersey, Matt Moore
If we've overlooked your birthday or anniversary and you wish to have it included in Fast Facts, please contact Jessica McPhail in the church office.

These announcements are sent weekly from the church. If you don't want to receive them, or if your email address has changed, please send a message to Jessica McPhail in the church office at [email protected].