Years ago when we interviewed with FPC's Pastor Nominating Committee we were pleased to find out this church was already familiar with the practice of granting twelve weeks of sabbatical leave following six years of service - a gift that reflects this congregation's longstanding generosity and care for its clergy.

Though it seemed a long way off at the time, even in the early years there were questions about that it would look like for a clergy couple/Co-pastors to take sabbatical leave. Would we be gone at the same time? How would the leave be funded? We are grateful that as the years quickly went by, several volunteers from the session's Personnel Committee and beyond helped us discern the best possible approach to our sabbatical, which will take place this year from mid-May to mid-August.

Over the next several months we are excited to share plans not only for how we will spend this time, but how our Lilly Clergy Renewal Grant will also create opportunities for spiritual renewal for the congregation. You can all look forward to fantastic guest preachers, a deeper look at prayer and spirituality, and opportunities to serve the church in new ways during our absence.

In today's email we have included the first part of our Clergy Renewal Grant proposal, which we hope you will take some time to read. In newsletters to follow we will share even more about congregational events and special guests. We thank you all for your encouragement and ask your prayers that the way will be made clear for all these plans to come to fruition.

With gratitude,

Kathy & Nick

While we have missed opportunities to gather with our fellow Presbyterians across central Alabama at presbytery meetings and youth retreats, we are very excited to share that this year’s Main Event will be held virtually, requires no registration, and is free of charge! A full list of available programs is included on the flier below. If you are interested in a particular workshop, simply click on the following link: http://pslpcusa.org/main-event/ and closer to the date of the even, individual zoom links will become available. If you need any assistance accessing a workshop, please contact Rev. Kathy Reed.

✵ 11:00am: Virtual Worship - 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. Knowing we are at the mercy of technology, we appreciate your patience and grace if all does not go according to plan. Attached you will find a bulletin for this Sunday’s service.

**IMPORTANT INFORMATION**

Sunday Worship now on 99.9FM

Bring a grocery bag or two full of non-perishable food to the church from noon until 2pm and a member of our youth group will unload it from your trunk. Please enter the parking lot via the driveway from Thach Ave., next to the chapel, and pull around. After the youth unload, please exit onto Gay St.

The season of Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and self-examination in preparation for the celebration of the resurrection of the Lord at Easter. This year, Lent begins on February 17 (Ash Wednesday). As an option for prayer and reflection, FPC is offering these daily devotional cards [Part A / Part B / Part C / Part D] from Sanctified Art (also available in this spreadsheet layout for easy viewing!

The cards can be viewed digitally, printed at home, or if you would like to church to print you a copy, please contact Rev. Kathy Reed (kreed@fpcauburn.org) directly no later than February 12th so we can get them to you before Ash Wednesday.

Creative suggestions on how to use the devotional cards can be found here [https://sanctifiedart.org/again-and-again-daily-devo-cards-for-lent]

The Old Testament Walkabout class will continue its study of the history of Israel in the book of Second Kings. We are about to see the fall of Judah and, with that, the end of the Kingdom of Israel. In this segment of our studies, we will include selections from the book of Jeremiah and hear his words to these people as they experience the pain and suffering of the loss of much of what has defined them as a people. Class will begin at 9:30. If you would like to receive the zoom link for this class please contact Gayle Andress at dongayle17@gmail.com.

The Bible Journaling class will resume this semester on Mondays at 12pm. Even if you have never explored the art and practice of bible journaling before, all are welcome to explore biblical texts in this creative and meditative way. To receive the zoom link for this class, please contact Susan Fillippeli at fillise@att.net.

The Office Hours Bible Study midweek discussion group will resume during the season of Lent (the week of February 21). More details will be shared as they become available.

Upcoming Lenten Sunday School Series:

Beginning Sunday, February 21 we will be offering a six-week course via Zoom on Latasha Morrison's book, Be the Bridge: Pursuing God's Heart for Racial Reconciliation. We encourage everyone to order a copy of the book now. This study is a part of our congregation's commitment to the Matthew 25 initiative of the PC(USA). (https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/matthew-25/)

*The Auburn Public Library is in the process of ordering this book and e-book. If you find that all copies are checked out, placing a hold on the book will encourage the library to order additional copies!*

If you have not yet received a copy of the newest quarter of the These Days devotional and would like one, they are available on the bench outside the sanctuary entrance. If you would like a copy but are unable to make it to the church to pick one up, please contact one of the pastors and we will be glad to deliver a copy to you!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050548A8A92CA3FC1-virtual

Birthdays

Feb. 1 - Paul Dimick

Feb. 3 - Jamie Wheeles

Feb. 4 - Sally Boswell, Emmett Winn

Feb. 5 - Kelly Cochran

Pre-K through 5th Grade

Below is the Zoom Sunday school class schedule:

February 7 and 21

March 7 and 21

Pre-K through 1st Grade Zoom Sunday school classes will meet at 9:45am

2nd through 5th Grade Zoom Sunday school classes will meet at 10:15am

All Zoom invites will be sent at 9am the day of class.

Jr. High and Sr. High Youth

Jr. Highs will meet in the church courtyard at 4pm.

Sr. Highs will meet in the Sarkowski’s backyard at 6pm.

Bring a chair and masks are required.

This semester, UKirk has multiple opportunities to gather and grow in faith, including a Bible Study and fellowship night over Zoom. If you are or know of a student interested in learning more about UKirk, fill out this form or email Caroline, and she will be happy to contact you with more info.