First Presbyterian Church and Mission:
Updates from the Mission Committee

“For more than 200 years, U.S. Presbyterians have responded to the call of Jesus Christ by proclaiming and living out our faith, laboring with love and energy to promote God’s justice in the world.” Our church is no exception. From our earliest days as Auburn Church, serving faculty and students at what is now Auburn University, as well as townspeople, our church answered the call of Jesus Christ to serve our local community and beyond. From Session notes in April 1889:
“…Our church contributed to all causes proposed by the General Assembly,
and we note a marked increase in the contributions for foreign missions…”

Then as now, we encountered challenges to the life of our church, each time meeting the challenges with ingenuity and faith. Most recently, the Covid 19 pandemic presented unique challenges that impacted every area of our church life. Together, with stellar leadership from so many, we met every one in order to continue our worship and care for each other, and our dedication to Mission remained at the heart of our church.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, many of the agencies with which we partner have experienced greater need that ever before. Thanks to the generosity of our congregation, we were able to fulfill our 2020 commitments to local partner agencies and commit to ongoing support in 2021.

As we continue coming back together in a more “normal” version of church life, we are sharing a few highlights of our church’s Mission support since the beginning of 2021:

· On Souper Bowl Sunday, our youth kicked off the Mission work of our church with a drive-through food drive in which they collected 700 pounds of food that was donated to the Food Bank of East Alabama, helping to alleviate hunger in our local area.
· In February, the Session voted to provide 20% of excess funds from 2019 to the Mission Committee, who then voted to provide 100% of the funds to Presbyterian Community Ministry to help meet the needs of our fellow citizens adversely affected by the pandemic.
· Also in February, through a generous gift from the family of Doris Reeves, the PW renewed the church’s connection with mission work in Congo by supporting the PC(USA) Ministry for Vulnerable Children in Congo, helping make it possible for local Presbyterian congregations to protect and care for marginalized children retrieved from markets and the streets, and when possible, reunite them with their families.
· Sowers & Knitters remain busy as ever creating “dog bone” and Dachshund pillows for adults & children undergoing treatment at Spencer Cancer Center; prayer shawls for comfort during medical treatment; seatbelt protection mastectomy pillows; knitted caps for the homeless; baby blankets for church member new babies, and many other projects. On Monday July 5th at 9:00 you are invited to join the Sowers & Knitters in making no-sew blankets for the nationwide Project Linus program, providing cozy fleece blankets for children who are ill, traumatized or otherwise in need.
· The PW completed their annual spring Layette Project, collecting 18 extra-large boxes of slightly used clothing and necessities for newborn to 2-year-olds from Kids Clothes Connection Charity Day. New items like car seats, diapers, wipes, etc. are purchased as donated funds allow. This year, items were distributed to Clark/Wilcox and Sumter Counties where local agencies distribute the items according to need.
· In June, with Session approval the Mission Committee voted to use the local retention of the 2020-2021 Pentecost Offering, along with a portion of Mission Legacy funds to meet the needs of at-risk children in Auburn. A gift was made to support the Auburn City Schools Dental Clinic, continuing a 50+ year commitment to the Clinic. Going well beyond dental care, the Clinic is attempting to meet the medical care needs of undocumented immigrant children, uninsured children, as well as helping find immediate solutions for children whose families are suddenly homeless.
· Also in June, the Mission Committee voted to use International Mission and Legacy funds to support the Matthew 28 expansion of feeding centers in Haiti, as well as the Ministry for Vulnerable Children in Congo, building on our renewed commitment to the PC(USA) mission work in Africa. The Matthew 28 feeding center expansion is planned for areas where no other mission organizations operate, and where there are 6000+ hungry children.

We can be proud of our church’s heritage as a mission focused church, and as important, that we continue to “dedicate ourselves to being a nurturing community of faith that loves God and loves our fellow human beings as we love ourselves, giving special attention to those whom Jesus called the least of these – the poor, hungry, sick, lonely, imprisoned, and oppressed.”

- Marianne Cone on behalf of the Mission Committee
Updates to FPC’s COVID Re-Opening Guidelines 

At its June stated meeting, the session discussed and approved new recommendations from our COVID Taskforce for our re-opening plan. These updates are based on CDC guidelines and seek to balance our commitment to public health, our mission of welcome and hospitality, and a recognition of the low number of COVID cases in Lee County.

The FPC session has approved that:

For Worship…
- Masks are optional while in the sanctuary.
- The choir will be masked while singing.
- The sanctuary remains at limited capacity and a weekly sign up will be sent out on Thursdays.
- The nursery (birth to 3 years old) and children’s church (kindergarteners to rising 3rd graders) will be available starting July 4. Worship bags will also be available for children who stay in the sanctuary for worship. For activities outside of worship in the sanctuary, all children three years of age and older and all people who work with children are required to wear a mask indoors.

For non-Worship activities…
- Groups should continue to let a staff person know in advance when they would like to meet and keep a record of all who attend.
- Groups do not need to wipe down their table and chairs after each use.
- For activities outside of worship in the sanctuary, all children three years of age and older and all people who work with children are required to wear a mask indoors.
- Punch on the lawn will return later this summer.

While some things are changing, many things are remaining as they are. Our order of worship will remain an abbreviated liturgy, and the livestream will continue. Anyone is welcome to continue wearing a mask during worship and other church events. We are continuing to ask members to sign up for worship in advance through our weekly email. If you would like assistance in signing up, you may contact Katie Cooper (770-630-4634), Denise Salo (313-304-3248), or Kirsten Yost (910-309-1625 or kmyost97@gmail.com), and they would be more than happy to sign you up. Additionally, though the sign up goes out on Thursdays, it remains open until Sunday morning; you may sign up for worship as late as 10:59am on Sunday!

Punch-on-the-Lawn Has Returned!

As a part of the church’s new re-opening guidelines, Punch on the Lawn is returning! If you would like to volunteer to host a Sunday Punch on the Lawn, you may sign up here. For more information about volunteering, please contact Kirstin Yost at at kmyost97@gmail.com or 910-309-1625.
Sunday, July 18

Welcome Back Guest Preacher Elizabeth Goodrich

Throughout this summer we have been grateful for the presence of Rev. Elizabeth Goodrich in our pulpit. She was with us for Pentecost and in June, and will preach for us once again this Sunday. Below you will find a bit more about Rev. Goodrich and her calling as a minister member of our presbytery.

Rev. Elizabeth Cole Goodrich, is a minister member of the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley and a co-owner of Thank You Books in Birmingham. Elizabeth is an active community and Presbytery volunteer, and she serves on the board of trustees of Columbia Theological Seminary. She and her husband, Mike, have three children, Catherine (18), Gibson (16), and Andrew (11). They are members of First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham.

✵ 11:00am: 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.




✵ 11:00am: Virtual Worship - We are pleased to announce that we are live-streaming our worship service at 11am. 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 11am, a recorded version of the service will be available at these same links later in the day.
Adult Christian Education Opportunities

Old Testament Walkabout Class
9:30am, Baird Hall OR Zoom

The Old Testament Sunday school class has resumed meeting in person in Baird Hall. We also offer a live Zoom option. Our current study is what many refer to as Second Isaiah (Isaiah, chapters 40 thru 55). Class begins at 9:45. Please join us either in person in Baird Hall or contact Gayle Andress, if you wish to receive a Zoom invitation.


Bible Journaling Small Group
Mondays, 12pm, Baird Hall 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 Baird Hall (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.
CE News

For activities outside of worship in the sanctuary, all children three years of age and older and all people who work with children are required to wear a mask indoors.

Sundays, 10am, Church Courtyard, Weather Permitting
As our children and youth resume in person Sunday School gatherings, those in the pre-retirement phase of life are invited to bring your own chair and coffee for a visit in the courtyard while the children are having their lesson. For the time being the goal is catching up and enjoying fellowship, though we will be crowd sourcing for ideas on Adult Education offerings for this age/stage of life for the fall.

Children Pre-K through 5th grade
• The nursery will now be available from 10 until noon on Sunday mornings for children birth to age 3.
• Children’s church is back! After the Word to Grow By, children ages 4 to rising 3rd grade will go together to the preschool room 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 10:15 – 10:45 in Conway Hall.

Jr. and Sr. High Youth
• Youth Sunday school will meet this Sunday from 10:15 – 10:45 in the Senior High room.
• Jr. High’s! Our pool party will be Thursday, July 22nd from 6-8 pm at the Willow Creek pool. Bring a friend! We will order pizza and have some fun and fellowship while we cool off in the water!
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? 
  • 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. 
  • 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.
  • 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.

Sabbatical Summer Staffing Plan
from May 23 until August 8,

Please contact the following staff members with any questions or concerns in the
following areas:
Ministry Area | Staff Contact
Children and Youth | Chris Sarkowski
Music | Damion Womack
UKirk/University Ministry | Caroline Barnett
Worship | Damion Womack
Mission | Caroline Barnett
Adult Education and Presbyterian Women | Chris Sarkowski
Congregational Life | Caroline Barnett
Property | Chris Sarkowski
General Office | Kathy Rushing
Generosity | Caroline Barnett
Finance | Kathy Rushing
Personnel | Caroline Barnett
Pastoral Care/Blessings Bunch | Caroline Barnett

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
___________________Birthdays

July 18 - Hallie Herring
July 19 - Marilyn Garrett
July 20 - Katie Lauziere, Paul Talley
July 21 - Katie Lee, Liz Lindahl
July 22 - Wanda Dobie, Katherine Irwin, John Perkins,
________MaryBeth Webeler
July 23 - Dibba Spears
July 24 - Marsha Bailey, Hannah Herring

Anniversaries

July 18 - Pete and Katie Forster
July 22 - Chris and Josey Graves
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:

• We pray with joy and celebration for Lori Scott as she marries Jacob McCabe in Dallas this weekend.
• Prayers for the youth of the church that they have a meaningful week at Montreat Youth Conference and safe travels home.
• Prayers for the Spencer family for healing and strength.
• Prayers for Gwen Reid as she recovers from knee replacement surgery.
• Prayers for Gerri Talley who is recovering from back surgery. Also prayers for her son-in-law, Gary Sagunsky, and his family as he begins chemotherapy as well as dialysis for multiple myeloma.
• Prayers for Bob Webeler's sister, Sue, who is receiving care at a facility in Phenix City after suffering a stroke.
• Prayers for rest and safe travels for the Reed family during their sabbatical this summer.
• Prayers for Katie Lee as she undergoes physical therapy after knee replacement.
• Prayers of healing and rest for Kevin Wells as he recovers at home from successful cardiac surgery.
• Prayers for members of the congregation who are waiting for results from medical tests.
• Prayers of healing and recovery for church members who had successful surgery and are now beginning the rehab process of their recovery.
• Continued prayers of healing and wholeness for many in our church family and their loved ones who are dealing with significant health and wellness issues but do not wish to be mentioned by name at the moment.
• Prayers of healing for Tom Webb’s sister as she recovers from successful surgery. Prayers for Tom as he cares for his sister in Oregon.
• Prayers for Melanie Jackson, Jessica Barnes’ childhood friend, who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
• Prayers of healing for Amy Well’s friend Suzi Bonifay undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
• Prayers of healing for Amanda Smith’s co-worker and friend, Susan Scales, as she undergoes cancer treatment.
First Presbyterian Church |info@fpcauburn.org | (334)887-5571 | www.fpcauburn.org