Word from the Pastor:
The Gospel?
For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, “The one who is righteous will live by faith.”
—Romans 1:16–17
This past Sunday, we began our new, six-week study of the book of Galatians. We hope that it will be a timely series in that it helps flesh out how Paul and the early church saw the promises made to Abraham and his family fulfilled in Jesus Christ and his body, the church. We also hope that it will help us grapple with what it means to be “new creation” (Galatians 6:15). The bodily resurrection of the Son of God from the dead is such an awesome reality that its import spills into every dimension of our faith.
We need to be able to articulate our story if we are going to explore its implications, so we began with Acts 5:27–32 and Galatians 1:1–5 and the question, “What is the Gospel?” These opening readings help outline what Paul and the other apostles meant by the Gospel; this was the story they shared when their very lives were on the line. What we learned is that the Gospel:
- Is the authoritative Word of God spoken to humanity in the Son, Jesus the Christ.
- Is that Word above every other human word about God, established on the foundation that the Father raised Jesus on the third day and exalted Him to the Father’s right hand, showing Jesus to be Lord over all.
- Means that the raising of Jesus from the dead and exalting Him exposed our sin and its attending power of death, as well as the unending love for us of the Father who gives the Son in our stead through death on the cross.
- Means that the exposing of our fallen state, and the grace present in Jesus, gave us access to repentance and forgiveness before the Father, opening the way to peace with God and access to new life.
- Means that this new life is the resurrection power of God present in us, bringing life from death and allowing us to live as we were meant to live before God and with one another.
I know that looks like a complicated and overdescriptive list. It is. However, this is our story, and when we want to share the Gospel, we can retell it this way: The Gospel is Jesus, raised and reigning, victor over sin and the grave, who secures for us forgiveness and peace with God so that we can live as God’s family.
This is the new Exodus story. This is the way that all God’s promises are now “yes and amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20). It is a story about freedom from who we used to be, and of the hope of new life: we are no longer slaves to any other power or fear. The Gospel is the answer to the human dilemma.
When we learn to understand and articulate the Gospel rightly, suddenly the New Testament and all those complicated bits written by Paul and others come into focus. This isn’t a “one and done” story that waits for fulfillment someday, far off. It’s a story that empowers us to be bold in our faith, claiming the lordship of Jesus over every aspect of our lives, such that we are no longer afraid of death, the future, and other pretend powers that wield death, threat, and violence. We can love as He loved us, because in Him we know that love is the only future around. The righteous will live by faith, not because we are the heroes and heroines of the story but because we trust the One “who loved [us] and gave himself for [us]” (Galatians 2:20).
This is the boldness that inspired Paul to write as he did in Romans 1. The Gospel leaves us unashamed, even eager, to share this story with the world. It is God’s righteousness put on display for the whole world to see. In this story, God is glorified, and we are exalted as co-heirs with Christ.
Thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Pastor Sam
|
|
Worship
May 1
3rd Sunday of Easter
One Worship & Bluegrass Outdoors
Communion
Scripture
Psalm 103:8–14
Galatians 1:6–24
Sermon
Used to Be
Sam Weddington
Last Sunday’s Attendance
9:00: In person: 143;
Livestream: 26; Playback: 57
11:00: In person: 101;
Livestream: 18; Playback: 53
|
Calendar
Sunday, May 1
10:10 a.m.
Sunday School
11:00 a.m.
One Worship with Red Hill Bluegrass
Outdoors
6:00 p.m.
Student Fellowship
7:00 p.m.
Combined Choir Concert
Sanctuary
Monday, May 2
10:00 a.m.
Staff Meeting
Room 123
Tuesday, May 3
7:00 p.m.
Boy Scout Troop 3
Scout Hall
Wednesday, May 4
6:15 p.m.
Handbell Practice
Room 212
7:00 p.m.
Praise Band Practice
Fellowship Hall
7:15 p.m.
Choir Practice
Room 202
Thursday, May 5
7:00 a.m.
Men’s Bible Study
Parlor
1:00 p.m.
Women’s Bible Study
Room 117
5:30 p.m.
Scout Roundtable
Fellowship Hall
Saturday, May 7
3:00 p.m.
Petals & Pedals
Lawn & Parking Lot
|
|
|
Combined Choir Presents Fauré’s Requiem Sunday
Our Sanctuary Choir will collaborate with choirs from two other Bristol churches to present a free, public concert in our sanctuary this Sunday, May 1, at 7:00 p.m. The combined choir will sing Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem in D minor (op. 48), with solos by Timothy Landis, Han Ong, and Laura Ong. Bob Greene will accompany at the organ, and Pat Flannagan will conduct. Joining our choir are members of the choirs of Central Presbyterian Church and State Street United Methodist Church. We give thanks for these singers and for their directors, Robert Campbelle and Bryan Underwood.
We offer this performance in memory of those lost from these choirs during the past two years of isolation: Bill English, Kevin Flannagan, Daphne McCord, Bill Thomas, and Diane Thomas. With the terrible conflict in Ukraine now in mind, we also offer this performance in memory of those who have been lost and in honor of those who fight for their freedom. It is the hope of all who have given of their time and talents to present this performance that you will leave with peace in your heart and soul.
|
|
We Welcome Our Newest Members
We received new members into our church family last Sunday! Let’s all help them feel at home at FPC.
|
|
 |
Steven and Mary “Christy” Doll moved here from California and are looking forward to being involved in small group and mission opportunities. |
|
|
|
Jon and Jill Eakes relocated from Michigan to be closer to their family. Having served previously as small group leaders and mission committee members, they are looking forward to sharing their gifts for ministry here. |
|
|
|
Barb Thompson in the midst of her Home Group. |
|
Barb Thompson Sets Out
on a New Adventure
|
As members of her God’s Promises Home Group celebrate Barb Thompson’s birthday, they are also praying for her new adventure. After more than 30 years of worshiping with us at FPC, Barb will move to Chattanooga in May. In the words of Michael W. Smith, “Friends are friends forever, ... though it's hard to let you go, in the Father's hands we know that a lifetime’s not too long to live as friends.” Godspeed, Barb! /Dave Welch
|
|
At last! We are going to plant flowers and ride our bikes around the church Saturday, May 7, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. At the moment, the forecast is for a sunny 66 to 76 °F, well worth the wait. Come out and play on a pretty spring afternoon! |
|
|
Write a Letter to Encourage a Confirmand
On Sunday, May 15, our confirmation students will proclaim their faith to our church family and become members of First Presbyterian Church. As we prepare for this special day, we ask their friends and family to write them cards and letters of spiritual encouragement. You might share a story or memory, something about your own faith, or ways in which knowing them has made a difference in your life, or you might speak love and truth that will spur them on in their faith. The kind words you share will encourage them as they prepare to be confirmed and be kept for years as a reminder of the great cloud of witnesses that surrounds them and that will continue to love, guide, and encourage them as they run the race (Hebrews 12:1-2).
You can send your encouragement (or questions) by email to Katie Arnold, or mail or hand-deliver your cards and letters by May 13 to: First Presbyterian Church
Attn.: Katie Arnold
701 Florida Avenue
Bristol, TN 37620
Since September 2020, the following students have participated in weekly classes that have informed and challenged their ideas about faith. Watching them grow over the past school year and take ownership of their faith has been a joy and an inspiration!
2022 Confirmation Class
Landon Brooks
Samuel Hankins
Nora McCracken
Jack Richardson
Owen Smith
Sophia Streetman
Thank you for joining us as we celebrate this important and exciting time in their lives. /Katie Arnold
|
|
Students Wrap Semester with Potluck and Cookout
We who work with youth and students are so thankful to our church for the opportunity to serve. Yesterday we wrapped up the spring semester with a potluck, cookout, and game night. What a joy to see future college students from our youth ministry mix with King University students! It was a fun night on which to be thankful to God for a successful year. Many, many thanks to all the families that provided meals and showed up to congratulate the Spring 2022 High School/King University graduating class, have meaningful conversations with these students, and also pray for them as they write final semester exams this week! To God be all the glory! /Jerry Swam Sidi
|
|
140 Beanie Babies for Brazil!
The 2022 Brazil Mission Team is preparing for our church’s first visit to our partner church and school in Natal, Brazil, in more than three years! The team of Alice and John Graham, Fernanda and Justin Miller, Teresa Mills, Mott and Chase Mitchell, Karen and John Vann, Sammy Weddington, and Linda Welch leaves June 5. Please pray for our planning, safe travels, good health, and a Christ-centered and love-filled reunion with our brothers and sisters in Felipe Camarão, a very poor community in Natal.
This year we are not asking for school supplies to carry with us to Brazil as we have in the past. The current exchange rate and supply costs make purchasing supplies in Brazil more economical. However, we do seek your help to collect 140 Beanie Babies stuffed toys.
It has been our tradition to give each child a backpack containing a coloring book and crayons, toothbrush and toothpaste, and a treasured stuffed toy. Beanie Babies are durable and the perfect size. With so many varieties available, each child will receive a gift that is unique and special. This little stuffed toy “just for them” brings indescribable joy to these kids who have so little they can call their very own.
Do you have a few Beanie Babies on a shelf or in a drawer that you would like to send? Would you like to buy a couple to donate? Simply bring your donation to the church and place it in one of the designated baskets in the narthex and fellowship hallway. We will be collecting through mid-May.
Alternatively, if you wish to make a donation toward the purchase of Beanie Babies (and/or school supplies to be purchased in Brazil), please make your check payable to FPC, memo: Brazil 2022. Thank you! /John Vann
|
|
|
You Can Still Serve Orlando
It’s not too late to register for our June 23–30 mission trip to Orlando, Florida! Students, adults, and families can sign up here. Rising 1st graders through rising 6th graders must be accompanied by an adult. Rising 7th graders through rising 12th graders may come solo or bring family and friends. Scholarships are available. If you have concerns or questions, email Katie Arnold. |
|
|
|
Save the Date:
VBS July 10–13
Vacation Bible School this year celebrates the greatness of God with a national parks theme, and we promise it will be Monumental! VBS will be held at the church on the evenings of July 10 through July 13. Want to help? Contact Lilly Osborne. |
|
|
|
The Promise for Home Groups
Our curriculum, The Promise, is about God’s promises to Abraham, fulfilled in the Lord Jesus. You can access the curriculum on our website here. You can also watch for it to drop on social media on our Facebook site dedicated to Home Groups.
How to Join Us Online
You can watch the livestream of our worship services and other activities at FPC Bristol on YouTube. Click on the link and hit “Subscribe” to receive notifications of new videos. To connect to our various Facebook sites, go to Facebook and type in FPC Bristol. Several accounts will show up. “Like” the page or ask to join a group. |
|
Give Safely
We encourage you to use text, mail, or our website to safely continue your faithful support of our ministries during the pandemic. You can give online by going to our website and clicking on “Give” in the upper right corner. You can send your pledge, offering, or special gift by texting fpcbristol to 73256, or mail your checks directly to the church.
Our COVID Protocols
The session strongly encourages masks for those not fully vaccinated, or at higher risk of COVID-19 complications. The session encourages everyone to consult their medical professional about vaccinations and boosters.
|
|
|
Gifts to the Church
Memorials and honoraria are published in the newsletter only after the family has been personally notified by our business office. Today we gratefully acknowledge the following gift in honor of:
-
Pete & Ann Holler: to the Music Projects Fund from their family
|
|
|
|
We want to pray for and celebrate with you! Send your prayer requests and glad tidings to [email protected]. |
|
|
In Our Prayers
Please also pray for the members of our community who wish to remain anonymous.
Jim Arnold
Wayne Ausmus
Kevin & Kathryn Benton
Bingham & Madison family
Ralph Booher
Bud & Marg Branscomb
Brazil Mission Trip
Bristol Tennessee City Schools
Becky Busler
Egypt Mission Trip
Jane Ehrie
Tammy Fredrickson
DeeDee Galliher
Haiti
Lou Hebb
Porter Hillery
John & Karen & family
Kaduna State
Josh & Morgan King & family
Nancy Lilly
Diana Mattison
Dot Mattison
Kathy McGlothlin
Montana Indian Ministries
Montana Mission Trip
National & international leadership
Lee & Robin North
Hunter Pendleton
Phyllis Phares
Pastor Bruce Plummer
Cora Lee Raccioppo
Kreg Ramey
Margaret Jane Rice
Serve Orlando Mission Trip
Malcolm Sprinkle
Teachers & school administrators
Scott VanNostrand
Bill & Patsy Ward
Mike Weddington
Michael Weller
|
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.
|
|
Birthday Prayer Fellowship for May
To protect your personal data, we now publish an alphabetical list of the month’s birthdays, without dates.
Nancy Allerton
Wayne Ausmus
Phil Bailey
Blake Bassett
Mendy Bechtold
Bill Bingham
Karen Boone
Allison Brooks
Martin Dotterweich
Trevor Dowdell
Frances Emerson
Bruce Gannaway
Robert Bruce Gannaway
Debbie Garritson
Sandra Grubbs
Davan Johnson
David Johnson
Jane Keeter
Morgan King
Sylvia Kingsley
Brenda Lawson
Ron Meredith
Mary Caroline Mumpower
Maxwell Mumpower
Myers Mumpower
William Mumpower
Matt Peltier
Ernie Pennington
Jimmy Phipps
Jerry Poteat
Don Pridemore
Jim Ratliff
Sherry Ratliff
Hugh Rice
Brittany Rutherford
Kendall Sampson
Amy Scott
Misti Shaw
Ford Sikorski
Andrew Smith
Branch Sword
Lenita Thibault
David Tudor
John Vann
Dave Welch
Linda Welch
Susan Zeiler
|
|
|
701 Florida Avenue | Bristol, TN 37620 | 423-764-7176 | fpcbristol.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
