Where is God in the Midst of a Pandemic?
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This week I have been reading two short books that deal with the above question: N.T. Wright’s, God and the Pandemic, and Walter Brueggemann’s, Virus as a Summons to Faith. Both are helpful, short reflections on how people of faith should respond to the challenges of the present moment.
For example, in God and the Pandemic, N.T. Wright uses both the Old and New Testaments to help Christians think through their reactions and responses to the pandemic. Offering spiritual guidance during a time of crisis, Wright helps readers reflect on scripture, prayer, and teachings from Jesus' life in order to think differently about disaster and how to react to it.
And in Virus as a Summons to Faith, the summons Brueggemann hears in the devastation caused by the Covid-19 virus is the same summons that all prophets hear in the midst of calamity: the call into right relationship with Living Presence, a call into deeper, more caring, and mutually beneficial relationship with all that is.
If you only have time to read one, I suggest starting with God and the Pandemic. (It is only 80 pages long). I am not usually an N.T. Wright fan, but this work hits all the right notes pastorally. As one reviewer has written: “Wright isn't content to just provide pat answers, or to give us the answers we want to hear. He keeps going back to the Bible, back to Jesus, and back to our responsibilities as image-bearers of God. In an age of knee-jerk reactions, social shaming, and trying to out-shout your "opponents", such a stubborn view of the issues is not only refreshing and welcome, but necessary …”
I commend these books (really extended essays) to your attention. Here is a video link where N.T. Wright introduces God and the Pandemic.
Blessings,
Scott Kenefake
Interim Pastor
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Survey: Most Americans are not ready to return to in person Services
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Click here to see the survey and read the related article.
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Presbyterian Women Sign-Up
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All women of the church, ages 18-118, are invited and encouraged to explore opportunities in Presbyterian Women.
Our year will certainly look different and will likely evolve during the year. The opportunity for fellowship and Bible study, and our commitment to serve our congregation and larger community, are both great ways to connect with one another and share God's love.
Please take a moment to view last year's circles and this year's leaders, then click here by Monday, August 10, to sign up for this year so that we can update our 2020-2021 directory. Thank you!
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Habitat for Humanity Final Talley
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The grand total raised from the July campaign is $10,900.
With the Deacons matching grant, a total of $15,900 was raised for Habitat in the month of July. Thanks to everyone who participated!!!
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You tube Thank You for PW
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Please click here to watch a thank you message from Woody Collins from Congo Helping Hands.
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Collection of School Supplies - 2020 Style
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Even though students may not be in the classrooms as in the past, the need for school supplies still exists. Necessary items may have changed, distribution may differ, but collection certainly has taken on a new look.
As in past years, our church will be collecting school supplies in partnership with The Rotary Club of Concord-Afton Sunset and WSOC’s #9SCHOOLTOOLS. On Sunday, August 9, from noon until 3:00 p.m., volunteers will be accepting school supplies in the circle drive in front of the sanctuary. Volunteers will be donning masks and gloves.
A list of suggestions has been tailored from past collections and is listed below. For additional information, contact Susan Smith at bluemeadow461@gmail.com.
Suggestions for School Supplies
· Wooden pencils (pref Ticonderoga)
· Small pencil sharpeners*
· Mechanical pencils
· Pens (blue, black, red)
· Crayons and colored pencils
· Highlighters and glue sticks
· Notebooks (wide rule)
· Filler paper (college rule)
· Pocket folders
· Headphones and ear buds*
· Dry erase markers
· Individual packs of tissues*
· Boxes of tissues
· Disinfecting wipes
· Hand sanitizers
* New items on the list or items
helpful to students working remotely.
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Services Update - Summer Worship Schedule
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Summer Worship is posted at 10:00 a.m.
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Lay Liturgists
Sign up here to be a lay liturgist to
read scripture in worship on Sundays.
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Sanctuary Flowers
To give the congregation a gift of
to sign-up for one or more Sundays
during the year.
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Shepherd for Sunday School
Sign up here to be a Shepherd in our Elementary and Middle School Sunday School.
A Shepherd helps our teachers by being another adult in the room, to make sure that we have a safe classroom, and to fulfill the requirements of our Child and Youth Protection Policy. If you have questions about what it means to be a Shepherd, please reach out to one of the members of the Christian Education Committee or Rachel Vogado.
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Youth Newsletter
Sign up here to receive the Youth Newsletter for detailed information
about all events related to youth who are in 6th-12 grade.
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Sunday, August 9, 2020
Rev. Dr. Scott Kenefake preaching
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Sunday, August 9
10:00 a.m. Worship online
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Honorarium
Doug Crawford - Habitat for Humanity
Memorials
Wilma Caldwell - Backpack Program, Buildings & Grounds, Families in Need, Habitat for Humanity, Todd & Betsy Hobbie Scholarship Fund
Jill Nierenberg - Backpack Program, Families in Need
Birthdays
August 5 - Bill Grist, Hannah Monroe, Carole Shaw
August 6 - George Bethune, Arabella Malone-Trahey, Carole Parr, Nancy Rotan
August 9 - Mary Anne Ritchie
August 10 - Guner Atkinson, Julie Connelly, Margaret Irvin
August 11 - Sarah Moffitt, Brian Todd
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Scott Kenefake
Interim Senior Pastor
Associate Pastor
for Care and Mission
Associate Pastor
for Christian Formation
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Director of Music and Organist
Choirmaster
Church Administrator
Financial Secretary
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Heath Ritchie
Maintenance Superintendent
Director of First Kids
Wedding Director
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First Presbyterian Church
(704) 788-2100
70 Union Street North
Concord NC 28025
Mailing Address:
PO Box 789 Concord NC 28026-0789
Church Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Closed Friday
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The Commons Prayer Room Hours:
Monday: Closed
Open for scheduled groups:
Tuesday,Thursday, Friday
Open to Public:
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 am - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday mornings for FPC
Memorial Garden:
(704) 786-8009
36 Spring Street SW
Concord NC 28025
Garden Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Closed Monday
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