Word from the Pastor:
Diligence
Even though we speak in this way, beloved, we are confident of better things in your case, things that belong to salvation. For God is not unjust; he will not overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do. And we want each one of you to show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope to the very end, so that you may not become sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
—Hebrews 6:9–12
Our brother in Christ, Matt Richardson, Director of the Bristol chapter of Young Life, shared the following mission update with us. It is a powerful witness to the work God has called Young Life to do. Reading it, I can say that I have been so proud to know, work with, and pray for Matt, and cheer the ongoing work of everyone at Young Life.
I was especially moved by his words as they reminded me of the constant exhortations given to the faithful throughout the book of Hebrews. COVID has been tough, and all of us have had to let things drop just to keep on walking, though the way was unclear. Things are still hazy, to be sure, and there is much yet to be done in the weeks and months ahead. Our call, as we are told in Hebrews 6:12, is not to “become sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
I hope you will be as moved by Matt’s letter as I was.
In Christ,
Pastor Sam
Letter from Matt Richardson
"Focus on the good. Remember what He has done. Remember who you are and WHOSE you are. Be present wherever you can.
"It’s May but I’m not entirely sure what year it is. If you had a birthday or a baby or a surgery in the past 18 months, my apologies for not checking on you or even remembering. To write a ministry report about the last year or six months somehow seems more daunting a task than normal. What has happened?
"We had four clubs in our new clubroom. From the concrete pad to the HVAC, everything has been given by generous people who love kids. Wow. You walk in and it feels like camp. It is incredible.
"We took 70 kids to Windy Gap in ... February? ... March? I don’t remember. Came home, kids tested positive, health department quarantined EVERY kid that went, sports teams rescheduled, the newspaper wrote a story (actually two stories), and we were right back where we started last March, unable to do anything … EXCEPT … keep going.
"When this whole thing got started, we all signed up to be substitute teachers at our respective schools. I’m writing this from Coach Taylor’s desk. Today I’m a middle school gym teacher. Today, I’ll know almost every kid’s name that comes through this class. Did we have a Wyldlife club this year? Nope. Do I know more kids by name than I ever have at both the middle and high school? You bet your asteroid I do; and someday I’m gonna tell them about Jesus. Whoever looks at our CMI is thoroughly confused. Who cares. I wish I’d signed up to be a sub 10 years ago.
"We’ve got work to do, folks. I’ve never seen so many kids dying for community, for relationship, for experience, for an honest conversation. I asked my friend Kenyae how he’s doing at a tennis match. Typically, Kenyae is happy-go-lucky, gives the token answer, “I’m good.” Not today. He said, “Not good.” When I pushed, he said, “Everybody is sad, everybody is so mad, everybody is lonely.” Now more than ever kids need somebody to come alongside them. Now more than ever they need someone to guide them. Now more than ever they need someone to point them in the right direction. I was telling my friend Chad yesterday that now more than ever I feel what Jesus must have felt when He looked out at all the sheep without a shepherd. Jesus, PLEASE send workers into the harvest field. It’s freaking lonely out here.
"I’m not going to lie, I have thought multiple times this past year: “What else would I do if I wasn’t doing this? Do I want to do something else?” Then I remember what it was like to be lost. I remember what God did to come get me. I remember what He has done over the years; how he has provided and shown up and guided and walked alongside us. I remember that He doesn’t change … and I go back to the school and learn another name."
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Worship
May 16
7th Sunday of Easter
Lessons
Psalm 2:7–11
Acts 1:1–11
Sermon
Why Are You Standing Around?
Sam Weddington
Last Sunday’s Attendance
One Worship: In person: 160; Livestream: 26; Playback:90
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Calendar
All worship services are also livestreamed.
Sunday, May 16
9:00 a.m.
Contemporary Worship
Fellowship Hall
10:10 a.m.
Sunday School
11:00 a.m.
Traditional Worship
Sanctuary
4:00 p.m.
Evangelism & Outreach Comm.
Fellowship Hall
7:00 p.m.
Student Fellowship
Tuesday, May 18
10:00 a.m.
Staff Meeting
Fellowship Hall
7:00 p.m.
Finance Comm.
Zoom
Wednesday, May 19
6:00 p.m.
Praise Band Practice
Fellowship Hall
7:00 p.m.
Choir Practice
Sanctuary
Thursday, May 20
7:00 a.m.
Men’s Bible Study
Parlor
5:30 p.m.
Fusion Dinner
Vann Home
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Five Cents a Meal Offering Sunday
We will collect our quarterly Five Cents a Meal offering this Sunday, May 16, at both services and online. You can give this offering remotely here. (Click on the arrow on the Fund line, then scroll down and click on Five Cents a Meal.) The suggested offering is $13.65 per person, or about a nickel for each meal in a three-month period. Feel free to round up! The monies we collect for hunger relief will go to Bristol Emergency Food Pantry and Holston Presbytery Hunger Ministries. Please be generous in these difficult times! |
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While we await the opportunity to meet the wife of Justin Miller, our new Pastoral Resident, he has kindly given us this report. His wife, Marifer (or Fernanda), is from Torreón, Mexico. A mutual friend introduced them in 2014, and they dated for several years before marrying in July 2018. Struggles with immigration have kept them from obtaining a visa for Marifer, but they are hopeful that she can join Justin by the beginning of next year. When they can spend time together, they love to travel around Mexico to new places, eat good food, and watch movies together. We ask that you pray for Justin and Marifer, and for our church, as we work together for the sake of the kingdom. |
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We Have Letters to Write!
This season has been full of unknowns, but it won’t stop us from celebrating our high school seniors! We look forward to celebrating them May 23 with a worship service that they will lead. We are now collecting Legacy Letters to present to them at this service. We invite family, teachers, coaches, neighbors, friends, and others to write. It is a wonderful opportunity to encourage our seniors in their future plans and faith as well as to acknowledge the beautiful gifts God has given them.
Legacy Letters describe the impact the senior has had on the writer’s life. Letters can share memories, stories, lessons learned, or significant moments. Our hope is that the Legacy Letters will give family and friends an opportunity to share the influence the seniors have had on those around them. The letters will be a beautiful collection of love and truth that they can read as they begin their new journey after high school, and serve as a reminder of the loving community that is cheering them on!
If you would like to participate, please email your letter to [email protected] or mail or deliver all cards and letters by May 20 to the church, attention of Katie Arnold. Thank you for joining us as we celebrate this milestone in the lives of our students!
Class of 2021
Christian Bolick
Abbie Chandler
Emma Davis
Claire Helms
Jason Kreiss
Brandi McGill
Caden Myers
Ginny Osborne
Grayson Phipps
Ella Robertson
Jessica Rogers
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Call for Information
On Sunday, May 23, we will celebrate all 2021 graduations in our church family. We’re asking for the graduate’s name; the school or program being completed; the degree, certificate, or rank achieved; and future plans, if applicable. Please email this information to Katie Arnold or call the church office at 423-764-7176. We look forward to sharing this news with the congregation!
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How You Can Help Our City Schools
Although COVID has been tough for all of us, we want to honor the work and perseverance of the teachers, administrators, students, and parents in the Bristol Tennessee City School system. They have shown grit and resolve in the face of daunting challenges as they have dedicated themselves to the task of educating our children and teens.
Now you have an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing success of the BTCS system by helping with:
Substitute Teaching: The school system continues to have a shortage of substitute teachers. We are approaching the end of the school year, but the schools will continue to need teachers through summer and into the fall semester. We cannot overstate the impact you can make in the lives of our teachers and students by contributing through substitute teaching.
Collections: The school system is having weekly drawings through the end of the school year for staff appreciation. You can donate gifts, gift certificates, or coupons in any amount. All staff are included in a weekly drawing for these gifts, and BTCS will publicly recognize community sponsors on its website and on social media. Drop your donations off at the central office building.
Mentors: As part of a grant partnership with the Niswonger Foundation, mentors will be hired to support students with reading instruction this summer and into the next school year. BTCS will communicate those needs and opportunities soon.
Summer School Staff: BTCS needs summer school teachers and support staff. Teachers need to be certified or currently enrolled in a teacher preparation program. Support staff, such as educational assistants, do not need those qualifications. Hours can be very flexible within the range of 8:00 to 5:30, Monday through Thursday, during June. If you are interested, contact Dr. Annette Tudor, Director of BTCS and FPC Ruling Elder, at [email protected], and she will connect you with the summer school leadership team.
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Mark Your Calendar for VBS
Summer fun is on its way! Vacation Bible School is scheduled for July 11–14 from 5:30 to 8:30 each evening. To volunteer or learn more, email Lilly Osborne.
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New Members Class
On May 23 at 10:00 a.m. the session will meet in the chapel with adults interested in joining the fellowship of FPC. Prospective members should bring their New Member Information form with them. If you are unable to be with us on this date, or if you have questions, please contact Dave Welch at 423-764-7176 or [email protected]. |
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FPC Serves Cinco de Mayo Lunch to Fairmount Teachers
Who said men don’t make good waiters? Last week FPC reached out to the faculty and staff of Fairmount Elementary School and served them lunch for their Teacher Appreciation Week. It really helped that we could do so outdoors on Cinco de Mayo, since we were offering tacos. Thanks go out to Sarah Gannaway (cook extraordinaire), and the faithful cadre of servers: Sam Weddington, Jerry Swam Sidi, Justin Miller, and Lilly Osborne. /Dave Welch
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How to Join Us Online
Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch the livestream of our early worship service and other activities. Just click here and hit “Subscribe.” You will receive notifications of new videos. We also suggest that you connect to us on Facebook. On Facebook, type in “FPC Bristol,” and several accounts will show up. Some are open to the public, while others are restricted. In either case, “Like” the page, or ask to join a group if it is closed. |
Give Safely
During the pandemic, we encourage you to use text, mail, or our website for your continued, faithful support of our ministries. You can give online by going to fpcbristol.org and clicking on “Give” in the upper right corner. You can send your pledge, offering, or special gift by texting fpcbristol to 73256. You can also mail your checks directly to First Presbyterian Church, 701 Florida Avenue, Bristol, TN 37620.
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Community Prayer Meeting Friday
Please join Pastor Sam on Friday nights at 7:00 for community prayer. Our emphasis will be Scripture reading and prayer, but we will make time to talk as we grow in faith together.
Topic: FPC Community Prayer
Time: May 14, 7:00 p.m.
Meeting ID: 826 4875 1043
One-tap mobile:
+13017158592,,82648751043# US (Washington, D.C.)
+13126266799,,82648751043# US (Chicago)
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Mowing with the Flow
According to the long-range forecast, it isn’t going to rain constantly over the next ten days. There’s a good chance that Randy Cook (May 12–15) will find a day dry enough to mow on this week and Bruce Gannaway (May 19–22) the next. Never mind the weather! The FPC mowing team wants you! Bring the kids! They can move debris to the curb so that you can mow. To get a place on the schedule, contact Randy at [email protected] or 423-956-1541.
Photo: Robert Caputo, "Aerial View of Orinoco River Delta"
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Young Organists Play Here May 31
We can hear an organ recital by two talented teens on Monday, May 31, at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Performing will be Madeline Bishop, a 16-year-old sophomore at Virginia High School, and Jacob Moorman, a 17-year-old home-schooled junior. Each will play a short program, after which Dr. David Runner, Professor Emeritus at Milligan College, will talk briefly about the interesting art of organ registration. This program is open to all and free of charge. The sanctuary has distanced seating; the wearing of masks is mandatory. Please come and encourage these young people!
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Haydn composed music for this 18th century organ clock. |
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Organist's Footnotes
From the grandiose to the miniature, that is what we will hear in Sunday’s music. Franz Joseph Haydn (1732–1809) was an Austrian composer of the Classical period. He was instrumental in the development of chamber music such as the piano trio. His contributions to musical form have earned him the epithets “Father of the Symphony” and “Father of the String Quartet.” Because Haydn spent much of his career as a court musician for the wealthy Esterházy family at Eszterháza Castle, isolated from other composers and musical trends, he was, as he put it, “forced to become original.” Yet his music circulated widely, and for much of his career he was the most celebrated composer in Europe. He was a friend and mentor of Mozart, a tutor of Beethoven, and the older brother of composer Michael Haydn.
Sunday’s prelude is an adaptation of “The Heavens Are Telling,” a movement from one of Haydn’s greatest works, The Creation. This oratorio, about the creation of the world as described in Genesis, was an instant success when it premiered in 1799. Martha Lynn Thompson’s (b. 1940) arrangement for handbells and keyboard captures the spirit of this stirring piece, using handchimes in quieter passages. Bill Linderman, professor of mathematics at King University and FPC member, will be our pianist.
Michael Mazzatenta received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Organ Performance from Arizona State University and performs nationally as an organist, accompanist, handbell director, and jazz pianist. He is also an award-winning handbell composer with more than 80 pieces in publication. He serves as Organist/Accompanist at First United Methodist Church and as the accompanist for the Corpus Christi Chorale. With its syncopated rhythms, his “Celebration and Grace” (our offertory) definitely has a jazzy flavor.
For Sunday’s postlude we will hear a short piece originally composed by Haydn for musical clock. These little mechanical clocks were quite ingenious for their time. Using tiny pipes to produce the sound, they played automatically on the hour. The piece heard Sunday is the last in a suite of seven pieces arranged for organ by E. Power Biggs.
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Condolences
Our love and sympathy are with Chuck and Suzee Bolick in the death of Chuck’s father, Richard Bolick, May 9; and with Lawrence and Courtney Sharrett in the death of Lawrence’s grandfather, Paul George Barr, May 2.
Birthday Prayer Fellowship
May 16 Bill Bingham, Dewey Pendley, Hugh Rice
May 17 Don Pridemore, Matthew Reardon
May 19 Shannan Miller
May 20 Jim Ratliff
May 22 Karen Boone, Myers Mumpower,
William Mumpower, Branch Sword
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In Our Prayers
Please also include in your prayers the members of our community who wish to remain anonymous.
Adam
Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Becky Busler
Nicole Crockett
Randi Edwards
Garrett Foster & family
DeeDee Galliher
Deborah Garritson
John Graham Sr.
Emma & Gina Grubbs
Sandra Grubbs
Lou Hebb
Davan & Kristi Johnson
Marty & Kara Keys
Kidnap victims in Kaduna & Niger states
Morgan & Josh King & family
Nancy Lilly
Dot Mattison
Roger McCracken
Rev. McDaniel
Kathy McGlothlin & mother
Danny McInnis
Danny Miller
Alice Moore
Doug Myatt
Abigail Myers
Martha North
Ginny Osborne
Brittany Salter
Julie Schureck
Stephanie
Jerry Swam Sidi
Bill & Margaret Wade
Sarah Wade & coworkers
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Deadline & Subscriptions
Monday is the deadline for contributions to Windows. Subscribe to our free e-newsletter, by sending your name and preferred email address to the editor.
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701 Florida Avenue | Bristol, TN 37620 | 423-764-7176 | fpcbristol.org
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