Word from the Pastor: Terror and Amazement | |
So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
-Mark 16:8
Jesus is strange. I know that statement may initially shock or offend you, but think about it. Jesus is strange. His life, ministry, death, and resurrection are strange. The proclamation of the church, stretching back to the beginning, has always been strange. The reality of who Jesus is jars our expectations of the world. In fact, Jesus has been shaking up men, women, and societies since the beginning (see Mark 1:15).
We see this clearly in the post-resurrection scene here in Mark 16. The two Marys show up at the tomb to care for Jesus’ body when they discover the stone rolled away. When they went in, they saw, according to Mark 16:5, a “young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side.” This is certainly odd, but it isn’t strange. Instead, it is the message this young man bears that really disturbs them. Jesus is no longer confined by mortality, but is alive and well. The young man even points to the place Jesus’ body should have been. He isn’t there.
And what is their response? Hallelujahs and amens? Praise hands? Theological declarations? Nope. They fled the scene. In fact, Mark tells us they ran as quickly as their feet could take them because they were a mixture of terrified and amazed. Dead people are supposed to stay dead. If Jesus is alive, then what else is possible?
Unfortunately, I think that because many of us know the story, Jesus eventually stops being strange. We become comfortable with him. Sometimes, we are even prone to attempting to domesticate Jesus for our own purposes, whether they be political, social, or economic. Jesus is for us, and we think that means that Jesus agrees with us on everything. In short, we forget that the reality of the risen Lord is one that utterly awed his first followers. You can’t help but read in each of the Gospel accounts the struggle the authors had with trying to convey the strangeness of what their eyes had seen and ears heard.
Thankfully, Jesus will always defy our simple caricatures of him. Jesus will always refuse to be flattened into a two-dimensional pulp of our varying idolatries. Jesus is truly “counter” to our typically fallen and sinful projects. Instead, Jesus is for us in the best sense. He comes to us, demanding that he be Lord, not us.
If you will allow Jesus to be strange, you can and will be changed. This “strange” change isn’t easy, nor is it comfortable. In fact, our knee-jerk reaction might be like these disciples to run away in terror because he is too much to handle. However, the one thing Jesus will never be is boring, predictable, or far from us.
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Church Request
Friends, a member of the church (Gil Bailey) is needing to secure rides to attend the Sunday, 11:00 am service each week. His lives close to the church on Old Jonesboro Rd. We have a ride calendar (MealTrain) for folks to signup and drive. If you would be interested in helping please click here. Please note this is not to bring a meal, but to pick Gil up and return him home on a given Sunday morning. Thanks!
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Spring Cleaning Day
Spring cleaning help is on the way! Volunteers from the church will gather at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20 in the church parking lot and disperse to help members of the congregation clean gutters, change smoke alarm batteries and light bulbs, clear yard debris, and perform other rites of spring. It won't be fun without you! Volunteers are asked to bring ladders, gloves, rakes, and other tools they might need. To volunteer or to request assistance, please contact Dave Welch at dwelch@fpcbristol.org.
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Worship
April 14
3rd Sunday after Easter
Scripture
John 20:24-29 &
Matthew 28:16-20
Liturgy: Psalm 145:1-3
Sermon
“The Doubter’s Answer”
Rev. Dr. Samuel Weddington
Last Sunday's Attendance
In person:
9:00: 174
11:00 : 97
Online:
9:00: 135
11:00: 140
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Calendar
Sunday, April 14
9:00 a.m.
Early Worship, Fellowship Hall
9:30 a.m.
Handbell Rehearsal, Room 212
10:20 a.m.
Sunday School, Various locations
11:00 a.m.
Late Worship, Sanctuary
3:00 p.m.
Children Play Rehearsal, Chapel
6:00 p.m.
Student Fellowship, Fellowship Hall
Monday, April 15
10:00 a.m.
Staff Meeting, Room 123
7:00 p.m.
DSF Committee, Room 123
Tuesday, April 16
7:00 p.m.
Clathon Henfield Reception, FH
7:00 p.m.
Troop 3, Scout Hall
Wednesday, April 17
4:30 p.m.
Congregation Care Com. , Room 117
5:30 p.m.
Wed. Night Supper, Fellowship Hall
6:15 p.m.
Wed. Night programs
7:15 p.m.
Adult Choir Practice, Room 202
7:15 p.m.
Praise Team Practice, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, April 18
7:00 a.m.
Men’s Bible Study, Parlor
1:00 p.m.
Women’s Bible Study, Room 123
7:00 p.m.
A&O Committee, Room 123
Saturday, April 20
7:30 a.m.
Men’s Fellowship Breakfast, FH
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Greetings Everyone, We would like to invite you to become part of Team Zambia by donating items that we can bring along with us to Zambia, Africa when we lead our next mission trip there in this beautiful part of Sub-Saharan Africa from May 15-29, 2024. Our partners there through the Phoebe Foundation Africa are requesting gently used or new soccer shorts & shirts for children and adults (Mostly Small & Medium, with some Large sizes), deflated soccer balls and Bibles to distribute.
We would also love your prayers for the 3 counseling conferences that we will lead, the soccer ministries, as well as the feeding programs, home visits and church services that we will be attending. Thanks so much for joining us to help meet the needs of our friends in this majestic part of God’s Kingdom.
May God Bless You Abundantly!
Sincerely, Catherine & Mark Bell
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Women of FPC and Friends: Come enjoy a time of fellowship, soup & salad, and sharing from two of our own very special ladies who will tell of how they have been fed and nurtured in their own spiritual journeys! Join us on Saturday, April 13th from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Sarah Gannaway’s home. Please email stgannaway@yahoo.com for address, directions, and parking details. Please RSVP by April 9th, so plans can be well made, and if inclement weather parking plans need to be communicated. | |
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We look forward to celebrating our seniors on May 12 in our senior led worship services. One of the ways we are honoring and celebrating our seniors is by collecting Legacy Letters to give to them on this Sunday.
Legacy Letters are written by family and friends and describe ways in which the senior has impacted the writer’s life. Letters can share old memories, stories, lessons learned, or significant moments. This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage the senior in their faith and future plans as well as to acknowledge the beautiful gifts God has given them. Our hope is that the Legacy Letters will give family and friends an opportunity to share the incredible impact the seniors have had on those around them. The letters will be a beautiful collection of love and truth that the seniors can read as they begin a new journey after high school and serve as a reminder of the incredible community they have cheering them on in their journey!
All letters need to be collected and turned in by May 10. Please send to:
First Presbyterian Church
Attn.: Katie Arnold
701 Florida Ave.
Bristol, TN 37620
or karnold@fpcbristol.org
Class of 2024
Sam Beasey
Micah Bechtold
Sarah Galliher
Campbell Kent
Cheyenne Little
Sam Meredith
Noah Ong
James Phipps
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Ordination of Justin Miller
The ordination of Justin Miller will begin Wednesday, April 24th at 6:15pm right after Wednesday night meal and will take place in the Sanctuary. Everyone is invited to attend and celebrate with him and his wife this momentous event.
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We are collecting letters for our Confirmands and would love for you to be part of their great cloud of witnesses!
Since September 2022, these confirmation students have participated in weekly classes that have taught, informed, encouraged and challenged their faith. Watching them grow over the past two years and take ownership of their faith has been a joy and an inspiration!
On Sunday, May 5, 2024, the confirmation students will have the opportunity to proclaim their faith to our church family and become members of First Presbyterian Church. As we prepare for this special day, we are asking friends and family to send in cards and letters of spiritual encouragement to our confirmands. Letters are not limited to, but could include a story or memory, something about your own faith or ways your life has been impacted by knowing this student. We invited you to speak love and truth that will spur them on in their faith. The kind words you share will not only encourage them as they prepare to be confirmed but also be kept for years as a reminder that they are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses that will love, guide, and encourage them as they continue to run the race. (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Confirmation Class of 2024
Josh Galliher
Joel Galliher
Mollee McClain
Charlotte Osborne
Marissa Smith
Penn Story
If you would like to participate, please mail, email or deliver all cards and letters by May 1st to:
First Presbyterian Church
Attn.: Katie Arnold
701 Florida Avenue
Bristol, TN 37620
or email karnold@fpcbristol.org
Thank you for joining us as we celebrate this important and exciting time in the lives of our students! Contact Katie Arnold with any questions.
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Rock Slingers Greatest Hits
Get ready to rock out with your little ones! First Presbyterian Church is excited to present “Rock Slingers Greatest Hits”, a high-energy show filled with exciting tunes. Sing along, dance in the aisles, and celebrate the joy of music with this unforgettable performance. Rock Slingers Greatest Hits is perfect for children of all ages and is sure to create lasting memories. Join us on April 28th at 5pm at First Presbyterian Church for a musical adventure the whole family will enjoy!
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We Need YOU...The Facilities Improvement Group has partnered with BurWil
Construction to survey members and anyone who attends our worship and programs. The survey, which is totally anonymous, is to identify strengths and areas of need in our church building and grounds. The information we gather will provide information about our worship and fellowship spaces that will guide us as we plan for the next 30-40 years of life in this building. The Facilities Survey will be available for completion (both online and via paper copies) beginning Friday, March 22 and run through Friday, April 19. As part of the survey, you will have the option to request to be included in a Discovery Session, a 2-3 hour workshop (date to be determined) which will provide the opportunity to discuss your ideas in detail with others from our church family as well as the BurWil team. Visit here to go directly to the Survey, or pick up a paper copy in the church office or on the table outside the worship service you attend. Paper copies may be delivered anonymously to the Facilities Survey mailbox in the stairwell leading to the choir area.
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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 gifts in memory of:
Julie King: to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund from Carole & Gene Gilfillin, from
Peggy Hill, from George & Junella McClellan, from Kelley Mayden, and from
Grayson Properties; The Phipps & Taylor Families & Debi Grayson.
George McColloch, father of Leigh King: to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund from
Peggy Hill
Lee North: to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund from Peggy Hill
Bill Woods: to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund from Ann Abel, from Robert &
Diane Harrison, from Peggy Hill, and from George & Junella McClellan
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On this Third Sunday of Easter, we explore two resurrection appearances of Jesus. The apostle Thomas questioned the stunning news that Jesus had risen from the dead. “Thomas”, No. 3 in my collection The Apostles: Twelve Sketches for Organ (Offertory) is a favorite piece of mine. Listen for the change in the music when Thomas realizes Christ’s Resurrection is for real!
We will sing Thomas Troeger’s hymn, “These Things Did Thomas Count as Real”, which deals with this pragmatic disciple of Jesus. Our Glory To God hymnal sets Troeger’s 20th century text to the 19 th century shape-note tune KEDRON. Wilber Held (1914- 2015, pictured) composed a suitable setting for this sturdy, austere, beautiful tune (our Closing Voluntary). Wilbur Held was Professor of Organ at Ohio State University for 30-years. His music is widely popular for its appeal to beginning and intermediate-level players.
The children will bless us by playing our Opening Voluntary, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”, on their recorders. Then Rob Meredith will lead us on the organ in singing that hymn. -Bob Greene
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To the Church Triumphant
Dorothy “Dot” Louese Mattison
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
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In Our Prayers
We have several unnamed or private requests. Please pray for the members of our community who wish to remain anonymous.
Bill and Patsy Ward
Dot Mattison
Lou Hebb
Bud & Marg Branscomb
Rachel & Ben Cherry and Dean Millard
Ricky Adams
Mardia Long
John Graham, Sr
Harold Rutherford
Barbara Daniel
Frances Emerson
Fitz Anderson
Ginger & George Alvarado
Debbie Garritson
Bill Coleman
Patsy Adams
Billie Peterson
Nelson Pyle
Phyllis Phares
Loretta Thomas
Dale Bechtold
Sarah Ferguson
Martha Mueller
Jon Eakes
Betsy Tate Kegley
Lillian Rhoades
Al Smith
Lois Smith
Peggy Peters
Jack Wooley
Mark Byington
Lisa Cronin
Ron Fox
George Price
Betty Linke
Nick and Christy Booher
Baby Charlie
Tracy Clark
Bill Prince
Chris Slone
Grieving
Family of Bill Woods
Fairmount Elementary Community
Family of Kim Bright
Family of Peggy Rutherford
Region/Nation/Special
Schools, Colleges, & Universities
Ukraine
Israel, hostages, and victims in Gaza
Those suffering with addiction
Mission & Ministry
Young People in Detention Center
Marthina Chapel/Phil Blevins
Ethiopian brothers and sisters/Dembi Dollo
Onesimus Ministry/Addis Ababa
Christians in Nigeria/ECWA
Pastor Nehemiah and family
Felipe Camarão & Cidade Nova Churches
Joao & Roseangela
Gil & Adailza
Rui & Ariel Damasceno
Lawrence and Courtney Sharrett
Kate Hill
Goddards (Paraguay Missionaries)
Chris & Phoebe Chanda in Zambia
Paul Htay in Myanmar
BCCR/Gray House & Harmony & Hope House/Steven & Ann Davis
Montana Indian Ministries/Bruce Plummer
Serve Orlando
Younglife
Scout Troop 3
Sunday school teachers, leaders, mentors @ FPC
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Wednesday of the week of publication is the deadline for contributions to Windows. Subscribe to our free e-newsletter by sending your name and preferred email address to the editor. Livestream our worship services and other activities at FPC Bristol on YouTube. Click on the link and hit Subscribe to receive notifications of new videos. Find us on Facebook at FPC Bristol. Several accounts will show up. “Like” the page or ask to join a group.
We encourage you to use text, mail, or our website to safely continue your faithful support of our ministries. Give online here; choose a fund from the drop-down menu. Text fpcbristol to 73256 to send your pledge, offering, or special gift to the church. Messages and data rates may apply. Message varies frequency. Text HELP to 73256 for help. Text STOP to 73256 to cancel. If you prefer, you may mail your contribution to the church.
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701 Florida Avenue | Bristol, TN 37620 | 423-764-7176 | fpcbristol.org | | | | |
