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First Press
an online newsletter
April 2022 edition
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For better or for worse, we are all persons with a story. And while every story does not, nor does it need to, have an end, there is always a beginning. And a place. Kentucky is that place for me, where horses and barrels of aging bourbon are as copious as the clovers that blanket rolling hills; where hope resides unscathed in the sequestered shadows of Appalachian hollers and joy reverberates across Bluegrass vistas; where my faith was kindled and my character honed. It is where my father rests in the shade of a towering ginkgo and my mother still wanders the rooms of my childhood home, listening to the echoes of our past. It was the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln and Henry Clay; it was the stomping ground of Daniel Boone and John James Audubon; it was the inspiration for Thomas Merton and Wendell Berry.
While not as well-known outside Kentucky’s borders, Berry’s poetic voice has spoken to me often in my life: it has warmed me in times of peace, anchored me in times of chaos, and filled me in times of need. And it’s in these waning days of Lenten wilderness, while pondering the stirrings of Easter hope to come, that I call to mind Berry’s poignant words:
Do not live for death,
pay it no fear or wonder.
This is the firmest law
of the truest faith. Death
is the dew that wets the grass
in the early morning dark.
It is God's entirely. Withdraw
your fatal homage, and live.
As we wander through Lent, it is easy to be caught in the austerity of it. It’s normal to be transfixed by the finality of the cross. It’s expected for us to contemplate our own mortality and to dwell on our own earthly bodies. In Lent, we are occupied by our wanderings. It’s a time we reflect on our story. It’s a story that’s pockmarked by grief and anxiety, but also sewn with gratitude and hope. And as our story continues into these early spring mornings, as we near the days of our Easter renewal, we can lean into the hope of new life before us. This is the time when we lean into living. This is a time when we lean into new beginnings, because while we may not know how the story ends, there is always a beginning. So let us live into the hope and the renewal and the wonder of our new beginning this Easter season. Let us “withdraw [our] fatal homage, and live.”
Barrett
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April 3, 2022
Fifth Sunday in Lent
9:45 am Sunday School
11:00 am Worship w/ communion*
April 10, 2022
Palm/Passion Sunday
9:45 am Sunday School
11:00 am Worship
(Confirmation Sunday)
April 14, 2022
Maundy Thursday
7:00 pm Worship
April 15, 2022
Good Friday
10:00 am - 2:00 pm Self-Guided Service
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April 17, 2022
Resurrection of the Lord/Easter
7:00 am Sunrise Service
9:00 Traditional Worship Service with Communion
11:00 am Traditional Worship Service with Communion
*There will be no Sunday School classes on Easter Sunday*
April 24, 2022
2nd Sunday of Easter
9:45 am Sunday School
11:00 am Worship
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If you can't join us in person, join us for worship on Sunday mornings 10:55 am on Facebook Live. The video will go live on the church's public Facebook group. If you do not have a Facebook account, a message will pop up asking if you wish to join. Simply click, "not now" at the bottom of that message and it will go away. You may then enjoy the video as it plays live. Click here for the link to Facebook live
Online worshipers may now find the weekly bulletin on the church's website under the Online Worship page. Click here for the Online Worship page, then click the link titled "Weekly Bulletin."
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Lectionary texts for April
April 3: Isaiah 43:16-21; Psalm 126; Philippians 3:4b-14; John 12:1-8
April 10: Palms: Luke 19:28-40 and Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Passion: Isaiah 50:4-9a and Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 22:14-23:56 or Luke 23:1-49
April 17: Acts 10:34-43 or Isaiah 65:17-25 and Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; I Corinthians 15:19-26 or Acts 10:34-43; Luke 24:1-2 or John 20:1-18;
Easter Evening: Isaiah 25:6-9 and Psalm 114: I Corinthians 5:6b-8; Luke 24:13-49
April 24: Acts 5:27-32 and Psalm 118:14-29 or Psalm 150 or II Kings 7:1-16 and Psalm 2; Revelation 1:4-8; John 20:19-31
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May 22 is the only available date left in the month for sanctuary floral arrangements. The following dates in June are available: 12 and 26. To provide flowers in honor or in memory of a loved one, contact Margaret Fancher at fancherm@bellsouth.net or call 662-234-1359. Contributions to the Flower Fund are greatly appreciated. | |
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Remember in Prayer
FPC Members: Family of Nolan Waller, Family of Helen Scruggs, Family of Janet Barnes; Family of Ann Caroline McIntosh; Jerry Wilson; J.T. & Barbara Davis; Tommy Patrick; Marianna Ochs; Family of Lynton Dilley; Max Williams; Louise & Nolan Waller; Teresa Flautt; Lydia Moak; Michele Howie; Margaret Fancher; Family of Betty Mullen White; Joe Murphey
Family and Friends: Family of Gloria Smith Griffith, Valentina Iepuri and Ukraine family, Participants of the Dialogue for Racial Healing, Sarah Luchin and Family; Sigrid Morrison Long; The family of John “Nat” Sumner, Connie Whelan; Lenoir Stanley; Family of Lauren "Lo" Chastain; Peter C. Wood; Doors of Hope Families; Bob Flautt; Family of Elise & William Winter; Lafayette County Detention Center inmates; Parchman Prison inmates; Haven House residents; Our Haiti partners; Oxford & Lafayette County First Responders; Community leaders
U. S. Military: SSgt Jason Freeland, USAF 4th Air Support Operation
Please pray, too, for those with unspecified needs.
If you wish to have a name removed or added to this list, please contact the church office.
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The FPC prayer chain is ready if you or someone you know is in need. This is a confidential list that is independent from the names listed above. Please contact Carlisle Wood at carlislewood@gmail.com or 662-832-8606. All requests are held in strict confidence. | |
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Anyone interested in an FPC member directory can call the church office at 234-1757. One will be printed for you. | |
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Curious about Jesus’ life connects to our lives today? Pick up a copy of Ron Allen’s The Life of Jesus for Today in the Church Office. It provides an exciting introduction to the life of Jesus and an engaging discussion of what Jesus' life means for modern-day believers. Setting Jesus in his ancient context, Allen examines many stories about Jesus' life and shows how these different stories relate to one another to express the core of Jesus' message--a message that, as Allen helpfully shows, is of central importance for believers today.
April 6's class will cover Chapters 7 & 8, April 13, Chapters 9 & 10, and April 20, Chapters 11 & 12. Thanks!
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Congregational Adult Sunday School, 9:45 a.m.
Join us in the Fellowship Hall for an informal discussion on the lectionary passages each Sunday at 9:45 am. All you need to bring is your curious mind, open heart, and a willingness to delve into what the scriptures might have for us. No preparation required, and you can drop in any given Sunday without losing the thread. If you’ve got a favorite translation of the Bible, bring it. If not, don’t worry. We’ll have fun and learn from each other as listen for the Spirit in each other’s voices.
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Ongoing Sunday School Offerings
Women of Faith: Led by Ann DeVoe (meets in Fellowship Hall)
Men’s Class 1: Led by Hale Freeland (meets in the 2nd floor Conference Room)
Men’s Class 2: Led by Trey Byers (meets in the Annex Building)
| Adult Faith Formation is offering Bibles and Brews again beginning in January! Bibles and Brews is open to any adult. We plan to meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month through the spring semester. We will gather at The Growler beginning at 4:30 pm for a time of fellowship, Bible study and engaging conversation. Please join us April 6 and 20 at 4:30! For more information, please contact Allyson Ashmore at allyson@camphopewell.com or 662-816-8544. | |
Lenten Study @ Panera
The bible study at Panera is being discontinued.
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Presbyterian Women
We would like to invite all the women of the church to a Birthday Luncheon immediately following the worship service on Sunday, April 3rd. We will celebrate this years PW Lifetime Member and introduce the new PW Coordinating Council and Circle Leaders for the 2022-2023 season.
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VIP's
Our next get-together will be dinner at the Country Club of Oxford on Thursday, April 7 at 6:00 p.m. Please call the church to sign up, or stop by and put name on sign in sheet located in church office.
Thanks,
Sally Hines
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Camp Hopewell's 2022 Women's Retreat
Camp Hopewell is excited to invite all women to its 2022 Women’s Retreat — Here I Am, which will be held from April 8-9. Guided by the story of Moses at the burning bush along with the Enneagram personality type indicator, we’ll spend keynotes, worship, and personal reflection time digging into who we are in the world and what God has to do with it. Programming will take place Friday evening, starting with registration and sabbath time at 4PM and going through Saturday evening at 6PM! Those interested can sign up here.
Please email Lindsay Fournier at info@camphopewell.com with any questions!
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THE LAND OF ROWAN OAK
Please join Ed Croom on contemplative walk around the land of Rowan Oak. Ed will lead a group of 8-10 in a discussion of the plants, land, and the photographs that reflect the beauty of Faulkner’s home.
The group will gather on Friday (Earth Day) April 22 at 4 pm at the entrance of Rowan Oak. Wear comfortable shoes.
Please call the church office to register by April 20. If more than 8-10 are interested, we will schedule an additional day. In case of inclement weather, April 26 will be the rain date.
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COME ONE COME ALL to a Whole Church Pop Up! We’ll be watching clips from the movie “Encanto,” and yes, we’ll talk about Bruno! May 1st, 3-4:30 pm in Fellowship Hall
Click here for a sing-along song
Disney's Encanto | Now Playing Only In Theaters
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FPC Children & Youth Formation | |
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FPC’s continued support, financially, spiritually, and through donated gifts of time and talent, to CYFF has been so important over the past year. Our children and youth are a vital part of the life of FPC and your participation in their faith formation is deeply appreciated.
After a successful Rally Day, Sunday School kicked off with youth and children attending every Sunday throughout the fall and into the spring. CYFF continued Children’s Church with children gathering for crafts and lessons during the second half of Sunday morning worship service. Our PYF continues to meet for fellowship each Sunday evening. The Children’s Advent Series was a great success with a lively bunch of PreK to 6th graders meeting on Sunday afternoons for Christmas play practice and great fellowship, including gingerbread house competitions, games, and caroling.
Because of your support and gifts, FPC has welcomed our new Director of CYFF, Dave Garvey. Dave has hit the ground running! We are looking forward to an engaging spring and summer with Sunday afternoon Lenten gatherings, the annual Easter Egg Hunt, our first confirmation class in two years, Baccalaureate Sunday, Montreat, and Vacation Bible School. Thank you from the youngest members of the FPC family!
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Attention Parents!!!
A large part of the mission of the youth ministry here at First Presbyterian Church is to show the middle school and high school students that they are loved. A large part of reaching that goal is to know our students and how to reach out to them. If you have a middle school or high school aged students, please fill out the below card and email it to Dave at dgarveyfpc@gmail.com. Click here for the card!
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Since we had to cancel the class March 30th due to the threat of inclement weather, we will resume on Wednesday April 6, and pick back up with “Are We Doing More Harm Than Good” chapter. This will continue the class into April 13. Activities for children will be provided. | | |
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Lenten Crafts for Kids
Time for kids (Pre-K - 6th) to come together and celebrate Advent through crafts and fellowship. Come join us in the fellowship hall on April 3 for rock painting! The following Sunday, join us at Camp Hopewell for a hike and rock placement! Both events will take place at 4:00 pm. Contact Dave Garvey for more information.
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Oxford First United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church are cohosting a Service of Prayer and Remembrance Saturday, April 2 from 1:00-1:30. All are welcome to attend this ecumenical service on the courtyard at FPC. The public dedication of the lynching memorial plaque follows at 2:00 on the Square. | |
On Saturday morning, April 2, we will meet in the Fellowship Hall at 10:00 am to bake the bread that will be used on the following morning in the worship service. We will have the confirmands present the elements (bread and wine) at the start of the 11:00 service. Mentors are encouraged to come and bake...and later break...bread with their confirmands. | |  |
A reminder that the next Sunday, April 10, we will be having a brunch at 9:45 in the courtyard to celebrate confirmands, their families, and their mentors, prior to the 11:00 service, during which you all will be confirmed! | | |
Camp Hopewell Open House, April 3, 2-5 p.m. Here’s your chance to bring anyone new to Camp Hopewell for the afternoon… come and see the grounds, meet the staff, and get excited about camp this summer! | |
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Volunteers Needed!
When: Saturday, April 9th, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: FPC grounds
We would like to invite anyone willing to give up a small part of their Saturday in order to help tidy up the church lawn. Your help will mostly include cleaning out flower beds, cutting/pulling weeds, trimming hedges and laying down pine straw, etc. This will go a long way in sprucing up the front yard. It’s a wonderful and satisfying way of serving your church community. Bring whatever supplies you think you may need, and others will be provided, along with snacks and bottled water.
If the weather is not favorable, we will look into rescheduling.
Click the button below to sign up. If you have any questions, please call the church office at 234-1757.
Sign up here!
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We would like to extend a very warm welcome to our newest members Margaret Burke, K.B. Melear, Carrie Milner, Feagin Hardy, and Jordan, Colin, Darcy, and Henley Hughes! We are so glad to have you as a part of our First Presbyterian church family. We cannot wait to watch each of you grow individually, together, and with Christ. | |
The Mission Ministry Team's monthly meeting is April 5 at 5:00 in Room 101 in the Sanctuary building. The courtyard door will be unlocked. If you'd like to learn more about mission at FPC, please join us! | |
The war in Ukraine has created a humanitarian crisis that deepens each day. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, a relief arm of the PCUSA, is coordinating efforts to provide aid. If you would like to assist, click here for more information.
| The Family Crisis Services of Northwest Mississippi is a comprehensive victim organization. FPC continues to collect new stuffed animals for the 15-20 children the facility receives each month. Volunteers will soon be needed to assist in promoting FCS's services on campus and in the Oxford Community. Look for a Signup Genius or contact the Mission Team email above. | |
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FPC again hosted the Doors of Hope Step 2 dinner in March, in which alumni of the program sit at table with current clients to share their success stories and give encouragement. Several of the clients have college degrees and are learning ways to make the most of their education in the job search process. Hearts for the Homeless provided blood pressure screening and tips for healthy heart care. We thank Nancy Rogers for preparing her homemade spaghetti (quite a treat!) for the 20 folks present and for Wil Howie for cohosting. The next Step 2 dinner is scheduled for April 12th in the Fellowship Hall. Look for a Signup Genius to volunteer for future meals.
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The Dialogue for Racial Healing with members of Oxford First United Methodist Church has begun. Sixteen participants from both churches will meet weekly through April 18th. We thank Ashley Callery and Billy Chadwick for hosting the dinner for the first meeting. Your prayers for the participants are appreciated.
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Leap Frog is an after-school program for elementary students needing extra instruction. Some 60-80 at risk students participate. Student volunteers from the University meet four days a week with these children. FPC providers nutritious snacks for the children one day a week. We thank our members who have already committed to serve through the end of the semester. For more information, please email Patty Abbott,
peaccc-slp@sbcglobal.net.
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At noon the second Tuesday of each month St. Andrew Presbytery sponsors a zoom meeting for anyone interested in learning more about Matthew 25 activities in congregations throughout our Presbytery. It is hosted by Kendal Cox, Elder First Presbyterian Church, Greenville and our own Allison Wehrung. If you would like to participate, email Allison at ukirk.olemiss@gmail.com, and she will send you a link.
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In March More Than a Meal was able to host its first sit down meal since prior to the pandemic. Approximately 50 participants shared a meal and programming. Prior to the pandemic 100-120 people typically attended. It is anticipated that as individuals once again become comfortable gathering in public, future attendance will return to its former level.
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FPC has been in communication with the disaster relief coordinator in Hopkins County, Kentucky, where the tornados struck in December. In the coming month we hope to have specific dates and projects for which members of our congregation can volunteer for the reconstruction effort. If you are interested, please contact Niles Lovelady who will be coordinating our effort.
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Arc Benders is a FPC fellowship group that seeks to actively practice Christ's call to serve "the least of these" and to seek authentic reconciliation in the Oxford community. All are invited to participate. Our next meeting will be held this Sunday, March 6 at 5pm, via Zoom. Please contact Ruth O'Dell for the link at delloruth@gmail.com. | |
Curious about the various FPC mission activities? A new email account has been created specifically for keeping FPC members abreast of mission plans, outreach programs, committee minutes, etc. If you would like to be kept in the mission loop, contact the Mission Team at missionteam@fpcoxford.net. Your name will be placed on Mission Ministry's contact list. We look forward to keeping everyone informed of FPC's outreach opportunities. | |
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Presbyterian Women Officers for 2021-2022
Kathryn Elliott - Co-Moderator
Caroline McIntosh - Co-Moderator
Lisa Tollison - Vice-Moderator
Whitney Bolen - Secretary
Margaret Fancher - Treasurer
Marianna Ochs - Historian
Thank you for your willingness to serve FPC in this way!
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI
MINUTES OF THE STATED SESSION MEETING
March 21, 2022
Communications
- Elder Mauldin and Elder Hall provided highlights from the Winter Meeting of St. Andrew Presbytery.
- The Session discussed at length a letter from a group of members addressed to the Session and the Church’s pastors.
Ministry Team Reports
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Property: Elder Goodwiller reported that the new sugar maple had been installed at the front of the church but would be adjusted some in the coming days.
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Children and Youth Faith Formation: The team has a full slate of Lenten activities planned.
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Membership and Hospitality: Elder Miers reported that the social media subcommittee had its first meeting and is working on a calendar and broader strategy for sending out updates regarding worship, adult and youth faith formation, and missions.
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Personnel: Elder Byars, on behalf of the Personnel Team, moved to form an associate pastor nominating committee pursuant to G-2.0802 of the Book of Order. The motion was approved.
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Worship: Elder Freeland reported that the church will be offering three worship services on Easter, as well as stations of the cross on Good Friday.
New Business
- The Worship Team submitted a motion to amend the current funeral policy, with the goal of streamlining the notification process among various committees and adding additional clarity. The motion was approved.
General Announcements.
- The next Session meeting will take place on April 11th.
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Memorials & Honorariums
~ With gratitude for contributions to First Presbyterian Church ~
In memory of:
Ann Caroline McIntosh
Ashley Abraham
Mack & Dorothy Aldridge
Randy & Amy (Arledge) Allen
Irma Paris Buchanan
Cheryl Cannon
Bob, Cindy, & Rob Field
Walter & Carolyn Griffey
Ben & Kathy Griffith
Frank & Martha Hill
Reggie & Susan Holley
Brad & Michelle Hoover
Martha Kelley
Kyle & Allison Koestler
William & Jami Laws
Diane Lindley
Sandy Minor
Edward Morgan Jr.
Don & Emily Newcomb
Jim & Sylvia Pryor
Larry & Kay Tyler
Max & Nila Williams
Billy & Carlisle Wood
Mary Wright
The Gerry Duvall Circle
Janet Barnes
Dr. W. Dean & Yung W. Chow
The Gerry Duvall Circle
Don & Emily Newcomb
Billy & Carlisle Wood
Susan Dehmer
Max & Nila Williams
Fanni Elliott
Beckett & Mary Howorth
Joe Houston
Billy & Carlisle Wood
Helen Scruggs
Steve & Marty Mauldin
Don & Emily Newcomb
Greg Patton
Larry & Kay Tyler
Max & Nila Williams
Nolan Waller
Homer Burkett
William & Louanne Hardwick
Nancy Hulsey
Charles Maris Jr.
Don & Emily Newcomb
Greg Patton
Leonard Earl Shannon Jr.
Larry & Kay Tyler
Max & Nila Williams
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Upcoming Birthdays & Anniversaries | |
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April Birthdays:
1 Mary Kate Duke, Gavin Eifling, Ron Wilson
2 Tony Mize, Rebecca Morgan, Mary Cates Williams
3 Brandall Laughlin, Ben Smith
4 Ann Maria Edlin, Susan Meredith, Martha Walcott
5 Otis Alexander, Tommy Cribs, Thomas Cribbs, Sadie Shannon
6 Jerry Wilson
7 Matthew Graves, Angela McRae, Jeffrey Stricklin
9 Clara Hartwell Flautt, Melinda Freeman, Corey Mauldin
10 Matt Bowman, Emily Eads, Dunbar Jenkins, Tony Montgomery
11 John Abernathy, Caroline Cox, Karen Elliott, Dee Hobbs, Julia James, Angela Klepzig, Lucy Thompson, Nila Williams
12 Tyler Flowers, David Ngaruiya, Bob Smith
13 Jacob Rousseau
14 Michael Goodwiller, Amanda Hyneman, Emily Stevens
15 Larry Tyler
16 Beckham McCord
17 Marc Showalter
18 Elsie James Bridgers, Tucker Bridgers, Adam Quick
19 Emily Burton, Yung Chow, Robin Geurin, Bobbie Shaw
20 Laura Jackson, Ruthie Miers, Eloise Neal
21 Gibson Bynum, Sam Cunningham, Spencer Patton
22 Todd Abbott, Don Giles, Stanton Spencer
23 Sarah Brooke Bishop, Jessica Holder
24 Jay Eads, Michael McLellan, Graham Sherman
25 Southerlin Rosson, Dorothy Williams
26 Ed Croom, Monte Ochs
27 Henry Mauldin
28 Laura Lovelady
29 Harry Alexander, Doug Atkinson, Price Walden
30 Bobby Kennedy, Shands Orrell, William Redditt, Kay Tyler
April Anniversaries:
1 Erin and Grant Goforth
21 Haley and Justin Eifling
23 Cheryl and Keith Hayward
25 Karen Stockton and Danny McKittrick
30 Kathleen and Brad Mayo
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The Session
CLASS of 2022
Susan Abbott, John Abernathy,
Trey Byars, Kevin Christian,
Greg Patton
CLASS of 2023
Allyson Ashmore, Kathryn Elliott, Goodloe Lewis, Drew Mauldin,
Lee Miers
CLASS of 2024
Richard DeVoe, Hale Freeland, Bradley Goodwiller, Melissa Hall, Catie Hester
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The Diaconate
CLASS of 2022
Gabrielle Chiniche, James Day,
Sarah McClellan, Cliff Smith,
Pattye Wilson
CLASS of 2023
Laura Jackson, Chloe Lloyd,
Allison McCord, Shae Orrell,
Adam Quick
CLASS of 2024
Patrick Bolen, Tommy Cribbs, Lindsey Estes, Kathy Orr Griffith, Jennifer Williams
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