First Presbyterian Church
79 Academy Street
Marion, NC
Phone - 828-652-5717
fpcmarionnc@gmail.com

Thursday Update
November 19, 2020
First Presbyterian Calls
Rev. Rob Warren as Pastor

We celebrate the congregational vote to call the Rev. Robert "Rob" Michael Warren as our next pastor. Pastor Rob and his family will be moving to the manse in early December.

Rob's first Sunday with FPC will be December 13, 2020, with worship shared by video and/or live stream. On that day Rob looks forward to meeting all able to come to the church, wearing masks, for Drive-Through Communion, 12 noon - 1 pm.

To read about Rob and his family and watch the PNC's introductory video, Click Here.
Meet Jamie Harrelson
Office Administrator
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Upon the retirement of Joyce Suppes, Jamie Harrelson has been engaged as Office Administrator, to serve in a temporary position while our new pastor arrives and gets settled.

Jamie has both a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from UNC Asheville plus a Master of Science in Biology from Western Carolina. Her master's thesis work was in the area of ornithology, and she can easily answer most any question you have about birds of the region. Even better for us, Jamie has five+ years experience in administration, finance and management, working with non-profit organizations.

First Presbyterian is very fortunate to have Jamie's leadership and guidance during this time. Welcome Jamie!
Two Things to Get Ready for This New Chapter

Pledge for 2021: In order to rebuild Mission and Ministry in 2021 following the pandemic, the commitment of everyone is required. You should have received a letter from the church Session in the last week. You may also read that letter here: Letter from Session
and find the commitment form, to be returned by the end of this month, here: Pledge Form.


Church Directory: Make sure your information is up-to-date.
If you do not have the directory yet on your phone or other device, follow these instructions. You may also call the church office for assistance.
  • Go to Google Play.
  • Enter Instant Church Directory.
  • Click on Instant Church Directory Icon.
  • Click on install and follow prompts to install on your device.
Sunday Worship Nov. 22, 29 and Dec. 6

A link to the worship video for each of the next three Sundays, Nov. 22, 29 and Dec.6, will be sent by email and also posted on the church Facebook Page and Church Web Site by 8 AM on that Sunday.

Since we will not be Live Streaming from the sanctuary, radio access in the church parking lot will not be available.
Zoom Sunday School
November 22

NOTE NEW TIME: 9:30 AM

Then click "download here" and "run."
Meeting ID: 865 9532 5999
Password: 511859
In the Interim . . .

We have only journeyed with you for 20 months, but what an eventful time. The first half had all the busy events of a church year, plus a mission study. We lived in your manse and watched as you came and went, caring for each other and for the community In the midst of that, our son Will became ill and passed. You hardly knew us, yet you surrounded us with your love.

Then we had barely entered the second half of our time and the search for your next pastor when the pandemic shut down programs and on-site worship. We learned how to be in community through phone calls, texts, emails, cards, media posts, Zoom calls and videos. We found special ways to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the church, even without getting to have a dinner on the grounds. And through it all, you have continued your support in spirit and in kind.

Now you start a new chapter. The pledge of your emotional, spiritual and financial assistance are essential to assure the next chapter of missions and ministry. We have no doubt that with your commitment God will do amazing things among you. We thank God for the privilege of journeying with you during the transition.

"I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6

Revs. Wanda and Bill Neely
PO Box 125, Montreat NC 28757
wandasneely@gmail.com, willkneely@gmail.com
8280929-5000 (Bill), 828-929-5001 (Wanda)
No Thursday Update
Next Week
Happy Thanksgiving!

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17
From The Congregational Life Committee
On Friday, November 27, we will partially decorate the sanctuary for the filming that will take place in December. We will decorate one tree in the choir loft and the outside tree. There will be all the usual decorations including garland, banners, candles and poinsettias, but only in the front one third of the sanctuary. Please plan to help, coming any time on the 27th. We will be using distancing and masks. If you have questions, contact Sandra Ayers, 828-652-2696.
For Your Devotions During Advent

Daily Bread devotional books are available in the blue container on the bench by the Education Building entrance. There are plenty, so please take and share with others during this special season.

For Advent On-line Devotions, starting with Sunday, Nov. 29: Click Here
Let Us Pray for . . .

In Our Church Family

Catherine Barrett Clapp
Bill Rowe
Charlotte Hartley
Margaret Gourley
Ken and Dorothy Lael
Pat Cantey
Pat Arrowood
Ethel McGarr
Junior Dixon
Rick and Elizabeth Arnold (see note below)

Others of Our Families, Friends and Community

Mary Styles (mother of Deborah Leazer)
Rusty Medders (son of Ron Medders)
Lisa Turnbull (daughter-in-law of Joe & Trish Turnbull)
James Cronin (brother of Mary Alice Ramsey)
George Guinn, Jr. (brother of Pat Cantey)
Angela Johnson (cousin of Joyce Suppes)

Autumn Care Staff and residents
Our schools & colleges, teachers, students, parents
Those affected by hurricanes and fires and responders, including Presbyterian
Disaster Response teams
Our nation and our church during times of transition 
 
 To add to or update our prayer list:
kbrendle4@gmail.com
Update on the Arnolds: Rick and Elizabeth Arnold, mission co-workers in Senegal West Africa, have a long-time relationship and many friends in First Presbyterian. This week Rick fell from the roof of their house, while installing an awning. He received a concussion, lacerations and broken bones and was airlifted to Dakar for intensive care treatment. Messages of support and prayer can be sent to: senegal6onfire@emailearth.net.