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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

"Downtown by history and by choice"


Bi-Weekly Newsletter

November 2, 2021 - Issue 22

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Contact Valerie in the church office if you encounter missing or non-working links in this newsletter.

In this issue you will find the following:

  • Pastoral Letter
  • In Our Thoughts & Prayers
  • Worship info
  • Faith Formation for Children
  • Faith Formation for Adults
  • Youth Corner
  • Congregational Life
  • Fellowship Events
  • Service & Mission Opportunities
  • Community Invitations

From the Pastor


Dear friends,

150 years. To be honest, I have a hard time getting my head around it. It seems like such a long time ago – longer than a lifetime, or two or three lifetimes! Those who started the church back in 1871 would never have dreamed of Durham and FPC as they are now! They could not have known the impact FPC would have on the lives of people in the church and in the community across those years.


Our European friends laugh when we tell them how excited we are for 150 years. Their churches celebrate multiple centuries, not decades or half-centuries! But this does not diminish our celebration. COVID is doing its best to diminish us, and COVID has taken away (for now) our ability to gather as a large fellowship to celebrate, but we still celebrate. Here are a few ways we are doing that:

  • We have already welcomed Brian Blount, President of Union Presbyterian Seminary, a school that has trained many former and current pastors, educators, and interns.
  • We heard from Jan Edmiston, former co-moderator of the PC (USA) and General Presbyter of the Presbytery of Charlotte.
  • We celebrate through the display of some of the images from the stained-glass windows. A full guide to all images will be available for people to use as a devotional and prayer guide through the sanctuary (thanks to Carol Carson and her team for this good work!).
  • On November 13, we will participate in a congregational service project and bag rice and beans to be shared with the community through Iglesia Emanuel, our sister congregation in north Durham. Additional projects are in the works.
  • In January, we will welcome five former pastors to the pulpit – Marilyn Hedgpeth, Joe Harvard, Cherrie Henry, Sam Miglarese, and Lori Pistor.
  • Member and textile artist Beth Taylor is designing and making paraments for our sanctuary that will include items you have shared that have meaning from your faith journey.
  • Later this year, we will share detailed plans for a renovation and expansion project that will allow us to serve the community better through increased accessibility (elevator), larger and more welcoming bathrooms and fellowship space, and a larger memorial garden for outdoor prayer and reflection (including a columbarium).*
  • Book read – How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America – will begin in January.
  • In February, we will welcome Macky Alston, filmmaker and child of the church (son of pastor Wallace Alston), as our McPherson lecturer. He will discuss his new documentary film with Selina Lewis Davidson, Acts of Reparation.
  • On February 13, we will invite the community to join us in a celebration of worship and music giving glory to God, giving thanks for 150 years of mission and ministry in Durham, and visioning how God is calling us to live into the next 150 year.
  • In March, Nora Tubbs Tisdale, member and former professor of homiletics at Yale, Princeton, and Union, will preach in worship.
  • In March, we hope to gather for a congregational meal – in whatever way we can safely gather!
  • And more to come!


Thanks to Mitzi Lesher-Thomas and those on our 150th Anniversary Team for all their planning. I hope you will be able to join us for some or all these celebrations as we remember our history and envision God’s plan for our future!


With love and gratitude for you all,

Mindy


*We have made changes to incorporate the feedback given through the listening sessions and surveys conducted in August and look forward to sharing with you an updated plan soon!

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MEMORIAL SERVICE: A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and special music celebration will be held for FPC member Margaret Sims on Saturday, November 6 at 1:00 p.m. in the FPC sanctuary. You may attend in person (masks are required) or watch online from the church’s website (https://firstpres-durham.org). Attendees are invited to wear clothing that evokes the beauty and color of birds, flowers, and the brilliant grandeur of our earth!

 

CONCERNS:

Carlisle Harvard, recovering from a fall

Linda Foster Momsen, mother of Deborah Momsen-Hudson, recovering from a fall

Paul Cornsweet       

Kerry Holbrook     

Click here to see our full list of CONCERNS
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Dear Friends at FPC,

Thank you so much for your kind expressions of sympathy shown to me at the passing of my Aunt Everlyn. The virtual hugs, conversations, phone calls, sympathy cards, note cards, and flowers have been such a comfort to me. The whole generation of family (my parents, aunts and uncles) is now gone with her passing. I am thankful that God has given me so many loving and kind folks at FPC to be bright lights in my life. I know that I am not alone. God bless you all. - Valerie McMillian

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Thank you to the following who hosted and/or organized pop-up fellowship events in September and October:

  • David & Judy Smith - Birdwatching at Sandy Creek Park
  • Jancy Johnstone - Walk/ride along the American Tobacco Trail
  • Keith and Franzi Rokoske - Ecology & Bee Keeping in their backyard
  • Brent Curtis - Tour of the Nasher Museum
  • Ellie Meade - Tour of Historic Montrose Garden
  • Vera Cecelski and Laura Hanson - Walking tour of Downtown Durham
  • Tyler Momsen-Hudson - Service project with Rebuilding Together of the Triangle
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If you have not received your Stewardship packet (pledge information) for 2022, please contact the church office. If you have questions about the pledging process, contact Tom Bloom at 919-682-5511 x 216.

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Sunday, November 14

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mindy Douglas, preaching


Sunday, November 21

Dedication (Pledge) Sunday

Christ the King Sunday

Mindy Douglas, preaching

 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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  • Advent devotional materials can be picked up
  • Advent crafts provided for children
  • Advent candles w/cedar block will be available
  • Purchase alternative gifts from local mission partners
  • Food truck provides refreshments
  • Enjoy live music in the courtyard  

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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FAITH FORMATION FOR ADULTS

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A NEW SUNDAY STUDY FOR ADULTS

To whom or what can we turn for help in finding meaning in suffering? What kind of message are we likely to find comforting? The biblical Book of Job offers profound reflections on these questions. In two sessions, Rabbi Daniel Greyber from Beth El Synagogue and FPC member Jerry Postema will explore Job’s struggle with the help of Rabbi Harold S. Kushner’s book: The Book of Job: When Bad Things Happen to a Good Person.


The sessions will be held Sunday, November 14 and Sunday, November 21, from 4:00-5:00 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church (305 E. Main St.), as well as being accessible on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87372211056). 


Attendees are encouraged to read the biblical book of Job (two especially good contemporary translations: by Robert Alter and by Stephen Mitchel) and Kushner’s book. (Note this is different from Kushner’s other book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People.)


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FAITH & COMMUNITY CLASS

The Faith & Community Class 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 – INSPIRE Book Group, the Lectionary Class, Journeys, Meaning in the Middle, and Becoming.  


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***New Schedule***

WOMEN'S SPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASS

The Women's Spiritual Formation Sunday morning class is now meeting the first and third Sundays of every month at Susan Dunlap's house (1527 Hermitage Court) at 12:45 p.m. Contact Susan to learn more about the topics being studied.

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BECOMING

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.

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LECTIONARY CLASS

Sundays in the Robert Daye Meeting Room (East Parlor)

and via Zoom at 9:30 a.m.

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 November 7: Sometimes stories from the Bible seem remote to our lives, even if the words are familiar. There are no high priests offering sacrifices for us, and we do not know any scribes who wear long robes in the marketplace. We are not bound by customs requiring a man to marry his kinsman's widow. How can we find a message for our time in these stories?

On November 14We are only human, and we misinterpret even what we see and hear. If we misunderstand the motives of those around us, how can we begin to understand what God is doing in our world? 

 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

We will meet again on Sunday evening. If you'd like to lead the discussion for a future week, the sign-up sheet is here.


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 chapters 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. Andy Henry, Eric Wiebe, and Paul Baldasare are class leaders.

YOUTH CORNER

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LINK TO MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASS


We’re hybrid, so join in person (Youth Room) or via Zoom, Sundays, 10-10:30 a.m.

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The high school faith formation class has ended for 2021. Confirmation Class begins. Check your email for details.

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CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

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Daylight saving time ends at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 7. Remember time reverts back one hour so check your clocks as soon as you wake up on Sunday morning.

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A CALL FOR OFFICER NOMINATIONS

The Nominating Committee is beginning to do its work of developing the slate of candidates for the Ruling Elders and Deacons (Class of 2025) and the 2022 Nominating Committee. We would love to hear your suggestions. Ruling elders and deacons serve three year terms and the Nominating Committee serves for one year. Ruling elders, deacons, and Nominating Committee members may serve a consecutive term.


You can submit your nominations in the following ways:

  • Via Google form (click here)
  • Contact Mary Ann Compton by email or by phone (919-452-6500)


We look forward to hearing your suggestions of who should lead us as we continue being the church to each other and to the world around us. Thank you for your help!


Mary Ann Compton and Stephen Berry

Co-chairs of the Nominating Committee

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New Bulletin Board Display at FPC

Christian Symbols

in the Windows of First Presbyterian Church

For more than one hundred years, First Presbyterian Church has held worship services in the third house of worship to occupy the corner of Roxboro and Main. The sanctuary, dedicated in 1916, was designed and appointed with the intent of drawing the eye, mind, and heart beyond oneself and into the presence of the Holy. Christian symbols in the windows represent the teachings of our faith and the life and ministry of Jesus. A display of text and photographs on the bulletin board in the foyer serves as an introduction to the symbols and their meanings. May the display deepen your understanding of these timeless symbols and so deepen your worship experience.

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Audio-Visual Technical Director Needed

First Presbyterian Church, an active, caring, and inclusive church in downtown Durham, is looking for a part-time, non-exempt Audio-Visual Technical Director of worship Production.  The position is 10 hours a week, including Sunday mornings.  First Presbyterian Church the position pays a minimum of $16.92 an hour which is negotiable.  A full job description is available hereIf interested, please send application letter and résumé (including contact information for two references, preferably from the two immediate past or current employers) to AVTechnical@firstpres-durham.org.  Application deadline is November 12.  NOTE: Church members and active friends of the congregation are not eligible to apply.

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Sunday Morning Custodian Needed

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. Church members and active friends of the congregation are not eligible.

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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

SERVICE & MISSION EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES

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Saturday, November 13, from 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon

Iglesia Emanuel, 2504 N Roxboro St.

We have the perfect opportunity for you to combine fun, fellowship, and service, all in one morning! Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 13, and come be part of our Day of Service for the Iglesia Emanuel Food Pantry. We will share laughter and stories as we bag rice and beans for the families who come every week to the food pantry -- over 500 families a week! Please Sign Up to save your spot.

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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.

COMMUNITY INVITATIONS

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Here is our schedule for November:

 Nov. 2           Using Humor to Adapt to Loss,

by Margaret Albert of Duke HomeCare & Hospice

 Nov. 9           Grief and Joy as Traveling Companions, by Terry Allebaugh

 Nov. 16         Surviving the Holidays, joint session with Duke HomeCare & Hospice

 Nov. 23        Hope, by Gates Vrooman


Our meetings begin with a presentation about a part of the grief process and then we break into small groups for conversation and sharing. With the pandemic, we are meeting on Zoom, though we hope to return to in-person meetings. To register, contact admin@growingthrugrief.org by 8:00 a.m. on the Monday before the meeting.

 

Growing thru Grief is sponsored by a coalition of religious and civic organizations; there is no charge to attend.


The Faith Health Caucus of NCM4A is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Faith Health Caucus for NC Medicare for All 

November 16, 2021 beginning at 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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