A Successful Fall Kickoff
THANK YOU to all who participated, whether through presence or prayers, in our various fall kickoff events! We are grateful for all the ways that our volunteers utilized everything from technology to good-old fashioned mailbox deliveries to allow members of our church family to engage in ministry as they felt comfortable given our current circumstances.
To our Sunday School teachers (preK to adult), Godly play teachers, nursery workers, and worship readiness volunteers - thank you for being willing to walk beside members of all ages as they reflect upon how the stories of Scripture intersect with their own lives.
To our Presbyterian Women leadership - thank you for creating space within the life of our church for women to connect with, support, and learn alongside one another.
To our newest confirmands, their parents, and their elder partners - thank you for the commitment you are making to enter into this next step of discernment and growth in the life of faith of these young people.
To our families of children and youth - thank you for taking the time to come enjoy the evening outside and reconnect. From the hotdogs to the bouncy slide to the sidewalk chalk art, it was such a joy to see the courtyard and parking lot filled with smiling faces!
To our UKirk students, leaders, and University Ministry Committee members - we were so happy to see the students gathering with members of FPC Auburn out in the courtyard Sunday evening. This is your church home too and we are glad anytime you are here!
It is always dangerous making a list like this one, so we will apologize in advance if anyone has been left out! In a time when the world feels dark and heavy, these glimpses of grace and joy give us hope and strength for all that is to come. Thanks be to God for our FPC Auburn church family and all the ways God presence is made known in and through our time together.
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Student Resident Parking Spaces
Due to the construction next door, the signs that indicate our Student Resident Parking Spaces have been accidentally removed. Our hope is to have new signage for these spots soon, but until then please leave the four spaces across from the church playground (and next to dumpster) open for the students who live in the church apartments.
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Adult Christian Education Opportunities
Masks are once again required to be worn by anyone inside our church buildings.
Modern Families
9:45am, FPC Chapel
In her book, More Than Words: 10 Values for the Modern Family, author Erin Wathen explores what it means to practice family values such as compassion, sabbath, authenticity, and joy. While this class was initially requested by parents of our church's youth and children, it is open to individuals, couples, and families of all walks and phases of life. Participants are encouraged to purchase a copy of the book. If you are interested in attending, please contact Rev. Kathy Reed.
Follow Me: Biblical Practices for Faithful Living
9:45am, Room 309
This fall, the Burton Bible and Bible Basics classes will be combining to explore a new PC(USA) curriculum, "Follow Me: Biblical Practices for Faithful Living." Based on practices followed by Jesus and that he taught us to do as faithful followers, this new curriculum examines where these practices are found in the Bible and how they have been used in Christian faith then and now. If you are interested in attending, please contact co-teachers Jim Bannon and/or Henry Brandhorst so that enough participant guides may be ordered.
Old Testament Walkabout Class
9:45am, Baird Hall OR Zoom
The Old Testament Sunday school class is now in the post-exilic period of the story of Israel. Our scripture during this phase of our study will come from the books of Ezra/Nehemiah, Third Isaiah, Haggai, Zechariah, Esther, and Daniel. In person class begins in Baird Hall at 9:45. A Zoom option is also available. Please contact Gayle Andress if you wish to receive a Zoom invitation.
Bible Journaling Small Group
Tuesdays, 2pm, Library OR Zoom
You do not have to be an artist to find a great deal of meaning in the practice of Bible journaling. Join us in the church library (or, if you are more comfortable, via Zoom) every Monday as we reflect upon the previous Sunday's sermon and Scripture text and explore various kinds of drawing, painting, and journaling techniques. For more information, please contact Susan Fillippeli. |
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Provide a Meal for College Students!
With the university back in session, UKirk is restarting dinner and Bible Study on Sunday nights at 7 p.m. If you are interested in providing dinner for UKirk, you may sign up for a Sunday here.
When you volunteer for a Sunday, we ask that you provide dinner and dessert for 15-20 students, including a vegetarian option for those who do not eat meat. UKirk will provide the utensils, plates, and drinks. You are welcome to join the students for dinner, drop off a meal beforehand, or make a donation to our meal fund (to donate: please make a check out to FPC with “UKirk Meal Fund” written in the memo line). All meals will take place in our courtyard to ensure the greatest level of safety.
If you are interested in providing a meal, but Sundays do not work for you, please contact Caroline; there are mid-week events where we also provide dinner!
Thank you so much for your willingness to support our UKirk students!
--The University Ministry Committee
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Worship Arts: Dance/Movement/Exercise
Join us on a moving journey starting Mon., Sept. 20, 9-10 a.m. in Baird Hall. Recurring on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Monday each month. Contemporary Christian music is used with a prayerful focus on scripture for each week. No dance experience necessary just come have fun as we respond to the word. Masks required and FPC Covid protocols enforced. Contact: Denise Salo 313.304.3248 denise_salo@yahoo.com. |
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Sanctuary Flowers
After a long hiatus, we are resuming sign-ups for Sanctuary flowers starting in September. If you would like to cover the cost of flowers for Sunday morning worship, please sign up for a date on our SignUp Genius page. If you are unable to sign up online, you may contact Sarah Wolak at 334-728-7853 to sign up for a date. While the Sign-Up Genius page only has one slot available for each week, you are welcome to split the cost with another family-- just be sure to write both names in the comments section. The cost of the flowers has been increased to $50 per arrangement, not including tax and delivery fee. As before, you are welcome to bring the arrangements home after the service, or to leave them to be delivered to other members of the congregation. |
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Children and Youth News
Parents of Children and Youth - please see the update in Adult Christian Education Opportunities about the new “Modern Families” class that will begin this Sunday. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Reed.
Children Pre-K through 5th grade
• Parents, mark your calendars! First Sunday Fellowship for children will meet at 3pm on October 3 in the church courtyard. This will be a time of fellowship, recreation, and devotion. Hope to see you there!
• Worship Readiness has begun. This year, Worship Readiness is offered for 2nd and 3rd graders. Each Sunday for six weeks children will learn about all of the different pieces of worship and why we worship the way we do. At the conclusion of Worship Readiness, our 2nd and 3rd graders will be prepared to stay in worship for the entire service. We meet in Room 111 next to the Godly Play room.
• The nursery is now available from 10 until noon on Sunday mornings for children birth to age 3.
• Godly Play: After the Word to Grow By (at 11 a.m. worship), children ages 4 to 1st grade will go to the Godly Play room to worship together for the remainder of the worship service.
• Worship bags are also available for all children during worship.
• Children’s Sunday school will meet this Sunday from 9:45 – 10:45 upstairs in the children’s classrooms. There will be two classes, Pre-K through 1st grade and 2nd through 5th grade.
• Masks are required indoors for children 3 & over and youth, as well as all adults working with them.
• Based on feedback from the congregational survey that went out, we will focus children’s programming on once-a-month events for children and their families. The event for September will be the Kickoff Cookout. We are planning a Trunk-or-Treat in October, and a mission event in November. Also, beginning in October, children Pre-K though 5th grade will have a First Sunday Fellowship activity at 3 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month. This will be a time for bible study and devotion, fellowship, and recreation.
Jr. and Sr. High Youth
• Jr. and Sr. High Sunday school meets weekly from 9:45 – 10:45am upstairs in the Sr. High room.
• Jr. High Youth Group will meet this Sunday at 4pm in Baird Hall.
• Sr. High Youth Group will meet this Sunday at 5pm in Baird Hall
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Sunday, September 19
✵ 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.: In-Person, Indoor Worship - If you attend one of the indoor services in coming weeks you will notice many differences from our "normal" sanctuary worship. At this time, based on recommendations from our COVID Task Force and Session, we will have a very simple service without congregational singing, passing of the peace, and several other elements you might be looking forward to sharing with your church family. However, as local conditions and guidelines continue to improve it is our greatest hope that we will begin adding back in all these elements of worship we know and love. Thank you so much for your patience and grace as we try to maintain the greatest level of safety for our congregation, musicians, worship leaders, and our greater community.
At the sign-up link below (and the email containing the sign-up sent on Thursday), you will find detailed information on our current protocols for worship attendance.
✵ 11:00 a.m.: Virtual Worship - We are pleased to announce that we are live-streaming our worship service at 11 a.m. What this means is that those worshiping from home will be able to watch the service live as it is happening in the sanctuary. To view the service you can go directly to our church’s YouTube Channel via your computer, smartphone, or Smart TV app (https://tinyurl.com/t7dl8vh) or you can access the worship service through our website or Facebook page.
If you are unable to watch live at 11 a.m., a recorded version of the service will be available at these same links later in the day.
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WORSHIP SERVICES AT 9 AM & 11 AM
Please read carefully!
In response to the outstanding attendance we have experienced as well as our commitment to maintain safe social distancing protocols in worship, the FPC Session Elders approved the following motion:
Motion to Session Re: Resuming Early Service
That in addition to the 11am worship service, the church begin offering a 9am service in the sanctuary. Like previous services we have held this year, this service will include an abbreviated liturgy lasting roughly 30min. Unlike the former 8:30am service, for the time being we will not observe weekly communion at the 9am service. This service will follow all current COVID protocols being observed at the 11am service, including sign-ups, masking, social distancing, etc. In the time between the 9am and 11am worship services, volunteers and staff will implement any cleaning/sanitizing procedures recommended by the church’s COVID task force.
Because the decision to add this service has been made somewhat quickly, please know it is likely that the order/musical offerings/organization of the 9 a.m. service will evolve over the next few weeks as we assess attendance, availability of volunteers, and other contributing factors.
A few important items of note with our new worship schedule:
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for Families of Nursery Aged Children - The nursery will continue to be available at the 11 a.m. service each Sunday and by request for the 9 a.m. service. If you would like to have the nursery available at the 9 a.m. service, please contact Chris Sarkowski at csarkowski@fpcauburn.org (no later than 5 p.m. Friday) so that arrangements may be made.
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for Families of Children and Youth - Sunday School will continue to be held at 10:15 a.m. until September 12, when Sunday School will begin at 9:45 a.m. At this time, there will be no children’s church during the 9 a.m. service and Worship Readiness will only be held during the 11 a.m. service beginning September 12. However, should attendance patterns suggest that a children’s option needs to be added to the 9 a.m. service this will be reevaluated as soon as possible.
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for those attending Adult Sunday School - Our hope is that the 9 a.m. service will last no more than 30 minutes, allowing you plenty of time to begin your Sunday School class at 9:45 a.m.
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for all attending worship, Sunday School, and Punch on the Lawn - Please continue to be mindful of varying comfort levels in our congregation regarding hugs, handshakes, and proper distancing. With more opportunities to interact comes an increased responsibility to keep our church family safe and healthy.
Regular Worship Reminders:
How many people can sign up per pew?
In order to maintain six feet of social distance, one family unit may sign up per pew. A family unit of four or five can comfortably sit in a pew together, depending on your own preference for personal space. Those attending in the high-risk category are encouraged to sit in the back (higher numbered pews) for better ventilation and the ability to exit first.
Can I sit with someone who does not live in my household?
We recognize many church members, especially those who are now fully vaccinated, may wish to share a pew with church “family” who do not live in their household. Individuals are encouraged to communicate ahead of time and sign up together. Please be respectful and do not sign up to sit in someone else’s pew unless you have communicated with them beforehand.
How will I know which pew to sit in?
Pay attention to which pew number you sign up for. Each pew will be numbered along the side and center aisles. An usher will be happy to to help direct you to your pew. (Ushers will have a copy of this sign up.)
Do I need to wear a mask?
Masks are once again required for all people at all gatherings inside the building, including worship. This change was based on the recommendation of the FPC COVID Reopening Task Force and approved by the Session at a called session meeting on July 26.
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Sign Up!
Fall Lay Reader (for In-Person Worship at 11 a.m.)
Members of all ages are welcome and encouraged to help lead worship and you can sign up HERE for a particular date.
Host Punch-on-the-Lawn
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As the fall semester approaches, UKirk Auburn is excited to welcome returning and new students to our ministry! The best way to reach new students is through word-of-mouth and a recommendation from someone they trust.
The UKirk Campus Ministries of our presbytery (Auburn, University of Alabama, Birmingham, and Jacksonville State) would love to be introduced to any and all college students who may be interested in a Presbyterian campus ministry. You can refer students through this form, and don’t forget to tell your college students to look for “UKirk” when they arrive on campus.
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Update to Our Covid Re-opening Plan
Updated July 26
At a called session meeting on Monday, July 26, the session voted to require masks for all participants for worship and indoor gatherings. They also voted to reinstate six feet of social distancing between family units in the sanctuary. These changes came as a recommendation from the COVID Taskforce in light of the high positive infection rate for Lee County, advice from EAMC health officials, and a growing concern over the Delta variant.
These changes were not made lightly but are being put into effect based upon the high infection rate for our county, advice from EAMC health officials, and a growing concern over the spread of the Delta variant. With these practices in place, we hope the church campus can continue to serve our congregation safely.
What is changing?
- Masks are required for all people attending indoor gatherings, including worship.
- Each pew can accommodate one family unit (approximately four- five people) in order to ensure six feet of distance between units.
What stays the same?
- Worship continues in-person, online, and over the radio. If you wish to worship in-person, a sign-up is required. The sign up email is sent out on Thursday and is open until 10:59am Sunday morning. If you are having trouble with the electronic sign up, please contact Katie Cooper (770-630-4634), Denise Salo (313-215-3091), or Kirstin Yost (910-309-1671 or kmyost97@gmail.com), and they would be more than happy to make sure you are signed up for worship properly.
- Groups wishing to meet in the building must sign up with their designated staff person and keep a list of attendees. Groups are also able to meet in a hybrid style (in-person and via Zoom) or entirely over Zoom. If you have questions about how your group can meet, please contact your ministry’s staff person.
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Procedures for In-Person Meetings in Church Facilities
As you read the information below, please note that the church building is NOT yet open for general use. PLEASE do not enter the building without first contacting a staff member (preferably as outlined below, via email at least 48 hours in advance) so that we can continue to provide the greatest level of safety and sanitation.
If I am a part of a small group (circle, committee, bible study, etc.) that would like to meet on site, what steps should I take?
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PRIOR TO YOUR GATHERING - Contact your group’s designated staff member (please see below for a full list of staff resource persons for each ministry area). Work with your staff person to schedule a time and space for your group to meet. They will explain to you which entrance, exit, and restrooms your group should utilize for the time you are schedule to meet at the church.
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DURING YOUR GATHERING - Masks are now optional (unless children are present), although please be respectful of the level of comfort within your group. Proper social distancing should be observed and no food or drinks may be provided.
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AT THE END OF YOUR GATHERING - Coordinate with your designated staff person to ensure that a list of all attendees is submitted to the church (for contact tracing purposes), the space is properly cleaned and the church doors are locked upon exiting.
Who is my designated staff person and how do I contact them?
Please send an email at least 48 hours before your group would like to gather so staff members have plenty of time to communicate and avoid overlapping groups.
Please contact the following staff members with any questions or concerns in the
following areas:
Ministry Area | Staff Contact
Adult Education and Presbyterian Women | Kathy Reed
We thank you in advance for your patience and grace as we do our best to transition into this next (exciting!) phase of our reopening. Please know that in the weeks ahead we may find need to institute a more formal scheduling system in order to facilitate groups that desire to meet in the building. We will use the weekly email newsletter as a place to share these updates.
With much gratitude, The FPC Staff
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Birthdays
Sep. 20 - Jenny Shaffer
Sep. 21 - Jay Gogue
Sep. 22 - Larry Keller
Sep. 23 - Carolyn Crandell, Wyatt Yost
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Prayer Concerns & Celebrations
For the time period in which our church family is worshiping virtually, our pastors have decided that prayer concerns will be shared via weekly email. These individuals will most certainly be prayed for during our Sunday worship service, but their names and specific concerns will not be shared via broadcast.
Concerns:
• Prayers of healing for Carol Griffin who will have a medical procedure next week. Also prayers for Carol’s mother who has been struggling more lately with dementia.
• Prayers of healing for Bob Webeler’s sister, Rev. Susan Webeler, who has been discharged from EAMC and was able to be transported to a facility in Ohio near her son where she will receive daily physical therapy.
• Prayers of healing for members of our church who are recovering from medical procedures this week, but do not wish to be named at this time. Also please continue to pray for many members of our church who are dealing with illness or significant health issues, but at this time do not wish to be mentioned by name.
• We continue to pray for healing and wholeness for those dealing with issues related to Covid-19. We also continue to pray for all the health care workers as they tend to everyone’s well being.
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