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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
"Downtown by history and by choice"
Bi-Weekly Newsletter
October 5, 2021 - Issue 20
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Contact Valerie in the church office if you encounter missing or non-working links in this newsletter. | |
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In this issue you will find the following:
- Pastoral Letter
- Joys & Concerns
- Worship info
- Faith Formation for Children
- Faith Formation for Adults
- Faith Formation for Youth
- Congregational Life
- Fellowship Events
- Service & Mission
- Community Invitations & Events
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From the Pastor
Dear friends,
This week we begin our celebration of 150 years as First Presbyterian Church in Durham, NC! On New Year’s Eve, 1871, Dr. Richard D. Blacknall and ten others met with three members of Orange Presbytery to organize the “Durham Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.” The church started with two elders and one deacon. For the next five years, the congregation met in various locations and heard God’s Word from circuit-riding preachers. Writes Peter Fish in his book on the history of our church:
“They worshiped in the Reformed tradition. . .. God, for the Durham Presbyterians, stood at the center as energy, power, and moral purpose. God the sovereign and the glory of God constituted the primary focus of Presbyterian belief. . .. The Presbyterian outpost in Durham thus gave witness to Christ in North Carolina’s Piedmont. Its faithful members placed themselves in the world.”
It is hard to imagine Durham back then, a city only two years old, with a one square mile town limit, and just a few hundred people to claim as its own. Those who gathered on that New Year’s Eve could not have imagined Durham as it is today. They also could not have imagined First Presbyterian Church as it is today. They likely didn’t see themselves as visionaries, but simply those whom God had called to bear witness in their new community to God’s transforming love and amazing grace. They were just doing what they understood God to be calling them to do in that time and in that place. Thanks be to God that they listened.
During our season of celebration, I hope you will learn more about what transpired in the ensuing 150 years and how we arrived at the place where we are today. [If you don’t already have a copy of Peter’s book, let me know and we will get you one!]. We are a part of a long line of faithful (and fallible) Christians who have sought to follow Jesus from the corner of Roxboro and Main Streets, “where cross the crowded ways of life.” As we look back, we also look ahead and seek to discern how God is calling us to serve and who God is calling us to be for generations yet to come. We have a story to tell, and we have a future to cast. May God guide us into our next 150 years of love in the heart of Durham.
I am grateful for the witness of those who have gone before, and I am so glad to be on this journey together with you into the future.
Bless be the tie that binds.
With love,
Mindy
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SYMPATHIES
The love and concern of the congregation are extended to the following:
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the family of Margaret Sims, FPC member who died Sunday, October 3;
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John & Sue Fricks on the recent death of John's cousin John Mooney of Alabama;
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Robert Daye on the recent death of his niece Tammie Jean Daye of Durham.
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MEMORIAL SERVICES PLANNED
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held for Martha Rimmer on Saturday, October 16 at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of FPC. Martha was the wife of Steve Rimmer and the mother of Lyn Williams.
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held for Henderson and Jane Rourk and Christopher Michael Whitworth on Sunday, October 24 following worship in the sanctuary of FPC. Henderson and Jane were Caroline's parents and Christopher was Caroline's longtime boyfriend.
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CONCERNS:
Baby Teagan Rose has just been diagnosed with spina bifida. Teagan's mom, Lori Griffin, is the great-niece of Jeanne Hervey.
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Congratulations to Valerie McMillian who became a great-aunt for the first time this week. Davidson Ace Edwards was born to Ivorie and David Edwards (Valerie's nephew) on October 4, 2021.
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Paul Cornsweet
500 Pickwick Trail
Apt. 310
Durham NC 27704
Phone and email remain the same.
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The Sexton Search Committee is pleased to announce that Vernon Cooper has accepted FPC’s offer to be our new Sexton, effective October 1, 2021. Vernon previously served as summer administrative assistant at FPC in 2018. He comes with over six years of institutional custodial experience (Furman University), where he completed his undergraduate degree in Politics and International Affairs. Vernon is a lifelong Presbyterian and serves as a Ruling Elder at Hillsborough Presbyterian Church. A native of South Carolina, Vernon and his wife, Jennifer, live in Hillsborough with their two dogs -- Dewey and Kate. Please welcome Vernon to the staff! We wish to thank the members of the Sexton Search Committee for their good work: Kate Busa, chair; Tom Bloom, staff; Barbara Buckley, Chris Brown, Andy Henry and David Sappenfield.
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Sunday, October 10
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Brian Blount, preaching
As part of our 150th Anniversary celebration we welcome back to FPC, the Rev. Dr. Brian Blount, President and Professor of New Testament at Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, VA and Charlotte, NC. He was called to this position in 2007, after serving for 15 years as the Richard J. Dearborn Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Princeton Theological Seminary. Read more about Blount.
WORSHIP SCHEDULE - Sunday at 11:00 a.m.
In-person in the sanctuary
(masks required and social distancing recommended)
and online (live) via FPC's YouTube channel
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Sunday, October 17
National Children's Sabbath
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
FPC third graders will receive Bibles during worship.
The Children’s Sabbath weekend unites places of worship and all faiths across the nation in shared concern for children and common commitment to improving children’s lives and working for justice on their behalf. The Children’s Sabbath is an opportunity to affirm what we already do and at the same time deepen our understanding both of God’s call and the current crises facing children so that we may more fully, persistently, effectively, and faithfully live out that calling not only on the Children’s Sabbath weekend but throughout the year. There is an extraordinary power in participating in the Children’s Sabbath, knowing that all across the country, in places of worship of many different faiths, we are united in our concern for children and in our commitment to respond.
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CHILDREN'S FAITH FORMATION
This fall, classes for PreK-5th grade will be held via zoom from 10:00-10:30 a.m. through at least October to ensure our children stay safe! Click here to go to class.
Signup to receive Children's Weekly news
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Up-coming Activities at FPC for Children | |
FAITH FORMATION FOR ADULTS | |
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FAITH & COMMUNITY CLASS
The Faith & Community is taking a break. As we navigate this latest stage of the pandemic, we are learning where our best points of community, connection and faith formation are as a congregation, and which tried and true stalwarts might need a time out until things shift. This fall, we’ve learned that Faith & Community is one of those that could benefit from a time out. There will be occasional F&C events this fall – stay tuned – but for the moment, we encourage everyone to participate in other adult faith formation opportunities – Love Is the Way Book Group, the Lectionary Class, Journeys, Meaning in the Middle, and Becoming.
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BECOMING . . because we're all striving to become more faithful in our journeys, more connected to the community and to God. We'll share times for study, fellowship, and prayer. Wherever you are on life's journey (Gen X,Y, Z, millennial or the label of your choice) you are welcome here.
Join us on Sunday mornings from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. for a hybrid gathering (masked, in person, in the fellowship hall) or on Zoom. We'll gather for prayer and begin Dr. Lisa Wolfe's series Uppity Women of the Bible as we consider Ruth, Song of Songs, Judith and Esther.
We will also meet Wednesday, October 20 at Hi-Wire Brewing from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
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LECTIONARY CLASS
Sundays in the Robert Daye Meeting Room (East Parlor) and via Zoom at 9:30 a.m.
Join us each Sunday for discussion, either online via Zoom or in person (masked) in the East Parlor (the Robert Daye Meeting Room). The class will begin at 9:40, preceded at 9:30 by sharing of news and concerns, and will end by about 10:30.
On October 10: We know that God gives good gifts to us. But sometimes it seems that God demands that we give up things that are dear to us. Is suffering or poverty required?
On October 17: It takes a lot of nerve to stand before the Lord and make demands. How would you expect the Lord to respond?
CLASS ZOOM LINK
For phone access (audio only), call 253-215-8782. If you need a copy of the handout of scripture readings, contact David Smith.
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MnMs CLASS
(formerly the Scratch group)
Sundays at 8:00 p.m. via Zoom
ZOOM LINK
If you'd like to lead the discussion for a future week, the sign-up sheet is here. It lists a few podcasts from which you can choose, but you're also welcome to choose another podcast if you think it would make for good discussion.
As always, we'd love to have you join, whether or not you've had time to listen to the podcast, and new faces are always welcome!
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JOURNEY'S CLASS
We meet on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the Wilson Parlor and via Zoom.
ZOOM LINK
Journeys will continue discussion of chapter one, Sell What You Own, from “The Difficult Words of Jesus: A beginner’s guide to his most perplexing teachings” by Amy-Jill Levine. All are welcome to join and having done the book reading is not required for joining the discussion. All are welcome. Andy Henry, Eric Wiebe, and Paul Baldasare are class leaders.
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LINK TO MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASS
What does God think about war? What if my friends aren’t Christian? Who’s going to Hell? We’re asking real, tough questions together. We have some gifted leaders to help us do that – returners Walt Barron, Lucie House and Bob Pleasants, along with new teacher Annie Gentithes. We’re hybrid, so join in person (Youth Room on the left) or via Zoom, Sundays, 10-10:30 a.m.
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LINK TO HIGH SCHOOL CLASS
As we move through the world, it is vital that we recognize and confront our biases. (It’s faithful, too.) Using the podcast Learning How to See by Brian McLaren, we’ll do that, a week at a time, a bias at a time. Leaders Laurie Ray, Brent Curtis and Christyn Klinck will be there to help. We’ll listen to 10 minutes of podcast in class, so no need for preparation. We’re hybrid, so join in person (Youth Room on the right) or via Zoom, Sundays, 10-10:30 a.m.
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Did you know Montreat has a conference just for collegians? Built on youth conference DNA, it’s an aged-up experience for those asking different questions and grappling with new (and old) issues of faith and life in today’s world. If you know a college-aged person (or are one yourself), who might be interested in participating, please reach out to John Weicher (j.weicher@firstpres-durham.org). (And who isn’t going with their campus ministry already.) The theme this year is What’s Next? It’s January 2-5, 2022, and we can make it affordable for those who want to go.
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Sunday Morning Custodian Wanted
First Presbyterian Church, an active, caring, and inclusive church in downtown Durham, is looking for a custodian for Sunday mornings (building and grounds preparation, security, and event set-up and clean-up). The position is
5 hours a week. Pays $16.92 an hour. Hours are approximately 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with some flexibility required. A criminal background check will be conducted. A full job description is available here. If interested, please send application letter and résumé (including contact information for two references, preferably from the two immediate past employers) to sunday-sexton@firstpres-durham.org. Application deadline is October 19. Church members and active friends of the congregation are not eligible.
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October 5, 2021 - Primary Election
November 2, 2021 General Election
Click here to view an unbiased informational guide for Durham voters.
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From the Creation Care Committee
Submissions for the Fall Creation Care newsletter - please send articles, photos, original poetry or prose depicting the glory of God’s creation to Cris Rivera.
You can also subscribe and view past issues HERE.
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Weekly Book Group
Tuesdays at 6:15 p.m.
Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m.
All sessions via Zoom - Link to class
We conclude our study of Love is the Way on October 19/20. We begin INSPIRED on October 26/27.
See full reading list and schedule below.
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SIGN UP ONLINE HERE!
October 9 from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Tour Historic Montrose Garden with Ellie Meade
October 15 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Trivia Night with Ian & Jennie Belle
on the grounds of FPC (weather permitting)
October 17 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Walking Tour of Downtown Durham with Vera Cecelski and Laura Hanson
Beginning at the Museum of Durham History
October 23 - Morning and afternoon shifts
Workday with Rebuilding Together of the Triangle
FPC VOLUNTEER SIGNUP for workday
Led by Tyler Momsen-Hudson
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News from Growing thru Grief
This year, the series will feature six consecutive presentations via Zoom by Jane Williams. Jane is a PhD clinical psychologist who has done post-graduate fellowships at UCLA and Harvard Medical School and a member of First Presbyterian, Durham.
Here is the list of the remaining topics that Jane will address:
Oct. 5 Narratives and Grief
Oct. 12 Meaning Making and Grief
Oct. 19 Healing
For information and Zoom link, contact admin@growingthrugrief.org.
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SERVICE & MISSION EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES | |
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SIGN UP TODAY!
Drive Date: Thursday, October 7, 2021
Drive Times: 1:00-6:00 p.m.
Primary contact/organizer: Julie Whiddon
Julie's email: foxylady2642@yahoo.com
Julie's phone number: 919-730-6673.
Sign up online to donate blood at RedCrossBlood.org using code: firstpres.
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Rebuilding Together of the Triangle -
A Call for Volunteers for FPC Workday
FPCERS, please join us for a volunteer workday to replace siding for a homeowner near Old Oxford Highway in Durham. We will replace damaged Masonite siding with fiber cement siding on three sides of the house. Some trim will be replaced as well. We will also paint the new siding and trim and will need lots of help. This will be our first repair workday since the pandemic started. All work is outdoors and we will wear masks. We request that volunteers be fully vaccinated.
We are using an online signup that divides the day into two shifts, but feel free to work all day. We will not finish in one day, so the RTT staff will complete the remaining work. The link to the signup page: FPC VOLUNTEER SIGNUP. We ask that volunteers be at least 16 years old.
RTT will provide all tools, but it is fine to bring your own hand tools and tool belt. Water and snacks are provided, but not lunch. First-time volunteers are welcome since we need to expand our pool of mission trip workers.
Please call Tyler Momsen-Hudson with any questions at (919) 697-1898 or email Tyler at: tylermmh@embarqmail.com.
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Did you know?
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Volunteers have been the “essential workers” for the Iglesia Emanuel Food Pantry from the beginning of the pandemic, making it possible for us to provide large amounts of nutritious food to over 500 families every single week.
- Volunteers work 2-hour shifts every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
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We need more volunteers! The tasks vary by day. Most require only a little stamina and a caring heart, others need more muscle.
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Can you give 2 hours of your time? Sign up here to be part of this wonderful ministry.
- One fun way that you could help support our hard-working and dedicated volunteers would be to take some yummy treats or drinks on Wednesday mornings. Everyone needs and appreciates a boost now and then! To sign up, click here, and scroll down to the Wednesday opportunities. Thank you, thank you!!
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Contact Margaret Rubiera with any questions.
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New COVID prevention/spread guidelines are now in place. If you are fully vaccinated, contact Jen McGonigle to sign up for one of FPC's regular time slots each month, or call Jen at 202-421-5870. If you have interest in serving at Urban Ministries at other times and in other ways, click VOLUNTEER. | |
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The Faith Health Caucus of NCM4A is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Faith Health Caucus for NC Medicare for All
Oct 19, 2021 06:00 PM
Nov 16, 2021 06:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84163179971
Meeting ID: 841 6317 9971
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,84163179971# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,84163179971# US (New York)
Chris Pernell and Mary White
Co-Conveners, Faith Health Caucus for NC Medicare for All
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The North Carolina Council of Churches is a sponsor of this event.
Register Here
Sunday, October 10, 4:00-5:00 p.m. - Online
Join the North Carolina Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (NCCADP) for an online conversation about faith with those most impacted by our capital punishment system.
Panelists include George Wilkerson, who is living on North Carolina’s death row; Andre Smith, who teaches Buddhism to men in prison and lost his son to homicide; and Rev. Sharon Risher, who lost her mother and two cousins in the shooting at Mother Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston. Jonathan Wilson Hartgrove, noted writer and leader in the Red Letter Christian movement and the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, will moderate the panel.
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