THE BANNER
February 16, 2022
Ordered ministries are gifts to the church
to order its life so that the ministry of the whole people of God may flourish.
~ PCUSA, Book of Order, G-2.0102

This past Sunday members of the session and the diaconate met to plan for the coming year and to dream and brainstorm about who God is calling us to be. We discussed this article and wondered about how we serve and worship and enjoy God in the months ahead. The energy in the room was palpable. As the pandemic hopefully slows down and we begin to expand how and when and where we gather, we have an opportunity to try some new things.

We are also entering the season when we ask God’s guidance on who is being called to serve FPC in the next class of deacons and elders. The two roles are different. They call for distinct gifts and talents. The Book of Order definitions may be found here. The one thing they share is that they enable and encourage all of us “so that the ministry of the whole people of God may flourish.” Please prayerfully consider names of people who might be called to serve in this season. Ask your people if they are willing and able to serve if nominated and elected. Then send their names to Suzanne Russell (Suzanne.russell@firstpresconcord.org).

The current officers’ names are listed below for reference. Please thank them for all that they do to serve with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love.

Grace and peace,
Ellen

Current Deacons :
Class of 2022 - Donna Cline, Jessica Garmon, Edy Johnston, Kate Morrison, Dean Phillips, Don Seitz, Scott Verner
Class of 2023 - Linda Barnett, Tripp Carpenter, Kimberly Leatherman, Jeff Nelson, Ellie Sherrill, Dakeita Vanderburg, Amanda Williamson
Class of 2024 - Fritze Batts, Jenny Chikes, Chris Hahn, Susan Hannah, Rindy Moore

Current Elders:
Class of 2022 - Peter Chikes, Kevin Garrison, JIm Holloway, Donna Knorr, Margaret Moore, Hunter Morrison, Kathy Pilkington
Class of 2023 - Dale Carpenter, Merl Hamilton, JIm Monroe, Harrison Morrison, Amy Murphy, Susan Otteni, Susan Smith
Class of 2024 - Anita Brown, Buddy Delizza, Kara King, Harriett Phillips, Aaron Rotan, Valerie Thomas, Amy Woolwine

*There will be a Congregational Meeting following worship on Sunday, February 20, 2022, for the purpose of presenting the pastor's 2022 terms of call and the 2022 budget.*
Session Meeting Highlights from February 8, 2022
  • The Session met via Zoom at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, February 8, 2022.
  • As part of the continuing evaluation of the COVID-19 protocols and in light of the current state of the virus in our community, the Session decided to continue with the usage of masks when on campus. Masks should be worn on campus at all times, unless seated and socially distanced while drinking or eating. Masks should be replaced when not eating and drinking. Sunday School classes can resume making coffee, which can be consumed while seated. However, when mingling before or after class, masks should still be worn.
  • The Session remains committed to providing a safe environment for everyone on our campus and reviews our COVID protocols at every meeting. We look forward to relaxing them as soon as safely possible!
  • The Memorial Garden committee reports that a temporary chain link fence has recently been installed on the right front of the Gardens along Spring Street. All the ironwork throughout the garden is being removed in sections, sandblasted, primed, powder coated and then reinstalled. The chain link fence will be relocated as needed. All this work is made possible by a generous grant the garden received from the Cannon Foundation.
  • A congregational meeting was approved for February 20, 2022, to approve the minister’s terms of call and to review the 2022 budget.
  • Large maintenance projects, including window work in the Fellowship House, the replacement of the boiler, and repair of the Davis Hall refrigerator and freezer, are all moving forward. The Session is grateful to the Buildings and Grounds committee for their dedication to the maintenance of our beautiful campus!
  • The Christian Education committee is seeking volunteers to help with Pew Prep, Sunday School classes, and an upcoming youth mission trip. Please contact René Prager if you are available to help in any way with these important youth projects.
  • The usage of gluten-free Communion packets will continue at least through April 2022.
  • The Session will meet with 19 confirmands in a special Called meeting on February 22 and Confirmation Sunday will be February 27. 
  • The Session, Deacons, and Presbyterian Women leaders met with our clergy on February 13 for a Planning Session to set the church’s calendar for the year.
  • The next Stated Session meeting will be held on March 8, 2022, in Davis Hall, at 6:30 PM.
Answering the Big Questions
On Sunday, our Confirmands gathered during the Sunday School hour for an extended meeting time to cover lessons on fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer
. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NRSV: 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. The confirmands shaped hearts from blocks of clay. We discussed how the small cracks and irregularities in the clay symbolize the ways God enters our hearts, lifting them as we prayed “Christ be in my heart.”
Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) Selection Committee
Dear fellow members of First Presbyterian Church Concord,
 
We are excited to begin the next phase to select our congregation’s Associate Pastor for our congregation. The session has engaged our committee to prepare a slate of seven nominees to serve on the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC). Once this slate is prepared, it will be submitted to the congregation for a vote.
 
Please give prayerful thought to APNC candidates. If you decide to nominate yourself or another church member there are important considerations associated with this commitment. Members on the APNC should:
·        Be active in the life of our church.
·        Be open minded, collaborative, and able to maintain confidentiality.
·        Be familiar with Presbyterian beliefs and traditions.
·        Commit to ongoing and regular engagement, meetings, and some weekend and overnight travel for up to one year.
 
On or before March 7, please provide names of candidates who meet and accept the considerations above and who agree to be nominated to:
Suzanne Russell, Church Administrator suzanne.russell@firstpresconcord.org and Amanda Williamson, APNC Selection Committee Chair amanda.rinker.williamson@gmail.com
 
We are confident God is preparing the way for us, and we ask you to continue to keep our church, its members and its future in your prayers.
 
APNC Selection Committee: Kevin Barbee, Elizabeth Anne Bishop, Clay Maguire, Harris Morrison, Susan Otteni, Amanda Williamson
Musical Concerts Resume at FPC
   We are very excited to welcome both local and national musical artists to our beautiful sanctuary in concert! Before the pandemic we began this endeavor as a way to invite music students and professionals to our sanctuary to share their talents with our church and greater community. In October of 2019 we had ENSEMBLE NOBILES, a male vocal quintet from Leipzig Germany. In December of that same year we had an organ recital given by students from the NC School of the Arts. And, in February of 2020, we had the Charlotte Youth Trumpet Ensemble conducted by Dr. Eric Millard.

  So far, we have scheduled the following musical concerts. We hope to add a few more as the opportunities arise! These are free and open to the public. Invite your friends and family in support for these fantastic musical and community events!

Friday, Feb.25, 7:00pm - UNCC Trumpet Professor Eric Millard
Friday, Mar. 18, 7:00pm - UNCC Violin Professor David Russell with other collaborators
Sunday, Mar. 27, 6:00pm - The UNC-Charlotte University Chorale directed by Dr. Jason Dungee
Tuesday, April 12, 7:00pm - Kira Wagner, senior trumpet recital

In regard to the first concert on Friday, Feb.25, at 7:00pm, the program, titled "Roots", features works by a wide array of living composers that reflect on the cultural, historical, and artistic heritages that tie us together as people. From the powerful imagery evoked by ancient totems to rhythmic energy of Latin American dances, this recital celebrates and explores the roots of what makes us human and connects us in community. Works by Catherine McMichael, Jose Ursicino da Silva, James Curnow, Libby Larsen, and James Stephenson. Dr. Eric Millard has performed for us many times including his epic recordings of Handel's "The Trumpet Shall Sound" and Stamm's "Fanfare Alla Celtica" on our 2021 YOUTUBE Easter Worship!
Journey SS Class News
In January, the Journey class began a study of the Old Testament with an introduction to Genesis. The following 2 weeks included an in depth look at the stories of Cain and Abel and Noah and the Ark. We will spend the next several weeks reading through the Old Testament, and gaining perspective on the New Testament and the life of Jesus Christ.
If you don’t have a SS home and would enjoy Fellowship on Sunday mornings - in a laid back, inviting atmosphere – please consider joining us, with a cup of coffee, in room 201 of the Education Building. We have fun!
Save the Dates!
Vacation Bible School is scheduled for June 27-30th.
BACKPACK PROGRAM SPECIALTY BAGS
Thanks to all of you for your enthusiastic support and donations for our soup bags in February. Our March specialty bags for the backpack program at Coltrane-Webb School will be pantry staples. This gives us another great opportunity for hands-on service! If you would like to help fulfill this request, you can drop off any of the items listed below in Fellowship House during Church office hours. Items provided by Monday, March 7, will be packed and delivered on Thursday, March 10. Our goal is to prepare 11 bags.

2 lb. bag of sugar
2 lb. bag of all-purpose flour
2 lb. bag of self-rising corn meal
baking powder
baking soda
mustard (plastic bottle; medium size)
ketchup (plastic bottle; medium size)
mayonnaise (plastic jar; quart size)
salt/pepper combo packs
Jiffy pop popcorn (nothing that requires a microwave)
shortening (16-ounce container)
white vinegar (plastic bottle; 16 ounces)
 evaporated milk
dishwashing liquid (14-ounce bottle)

Thank you for your continuing support of this important mission of Presbyterian Women!
New sign-up for the Commons
We have a new sign-up for February and March for the Opening and Closing of the Commons!

Sign-up Links
Lay Liturgists
Sign up here to be a lay liturgist to
read scripture in worship on Sundays.

Commons
Sign up here to open or close the Commons.

Nursery
Sign up here to volunteer in the Nursery on Sundays.
.
Sanctuary Flowers
To give the congregation a gift of
sanctuary flowers, please click here
to sign-up for one or more Sundays
during the year.

Ushers
Sign up here to usher on a Sunday.

Calendar
Sunday, February 20, 2022
Rev. Ellen Crawford True, Preaching
Thursday, February 17
9:00 AM. First Kids Preschool
6:30 PM Girl Scouts (2nd Fl Ed Bldg)
Friday, February 18
9:00 AM First Kids Preschool
Youth Asheville Mission Trip
Saturday, February 19
Youth Asheville Mission Trip
Sunday, February 20
Youth Asheville Mission Trip
9:45 AM Journey SS (Ed Bldg)
9:45 AM S & D SS (FH)
9:45 AM Todd Hobbie SS (Davis Hall)
10:30 AM Sanctuary Choir (Choir room)
11:00 AM Worship (Sanctuary or Live-stream)
12:00 PM Congregational Meeting (Sanctuary)
3:15 PM Children's Choir (small choir room)
4:30 PM Confirmation (Pastor Ellen's Home)
NO YOUTH GROUP
Monday, February 21
Office Closed for President's Day
Tuesday, February 22
9:00 AM First Kids Preschool
2:00 PM Staff Meeting
6:30 PM Called Session Mtg (Davis Hall)
7:00 PM Cub Scouts (TBD)
7:00 PM Boy Scouts (Youth Room)
7:00 PM Al Anon (Commons)
Wednesday, February 23
9:00 AM First Kids Preschool
10:30 AM Bible Study (Davis Hall)
11:30 AM Academic Learning Center (Library Conference Room)
7:30 PM Choir Practice (Choir Room)
Church Report
Birth
Congratulations to Alex and Taylor Blackman on the birth of their son, William Alexander Blackman, born on February 9. Grandparents are Elaine and Trent Blackman.
Condolences
The sympathy and condolences of the congregation are extended to the family of Lolo Allen Dobson Sr. as they mourn his passing on February 13.
Birthdays
February 17 - Bill Rinker
February 18 - Elaine Blackman
February 19 - Andy Martin, Rachel Perdue
February 20 - Cynthia Rohrer
February 22 - Alison Sloop
February 23 - Annabeth Bethune, Kathy Pilkington, Emma Prager
**To enjoy a sung happy birthday, click here!**
Staff
Ellen Crawford True
Senior Pastor/
Head of Staff 
ellen.crawfordtrue@firstpresconcord.org

Julie Hill
Temporary Associate Pastor


René Prager
Director of Christian Education



Director of Music and Organist

Choirmaster

Suzanne Russell
Church Administrator

Kim Mazzola
Financial Administrative Asst.

Heath Ritchie
Maintenance Superintendent


Director of First Kids


Wedding Director
Contact Info
First Presbyterian Church
(704) 788-2100

70 Union Street North
Concord NC 28025 

Mailing Address: 
PO Box 789 Concord NC 28026-0789

Church Office Hours: 
Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Closed Friday
The Commons Prayer Room Hours:
Monday Closed
Open for scheduled groups:
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
Open to the Public:
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday mornings for FPC

Memorial Garden:
36 Spring Street SW
Concord NC 28025
 
Garden Hours: 
Tuesday - Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed Monday