Windows

November 5, 2023

Speaking for the Trees

I am Will Hankins, and I speak for the trees. That’s a reference to Dr. Suess’ “The Lorax”, if you didn’t know. I feel a bit like the Lorax right now, as I write to you about the trees that have recently been taken down around First Presbyterian Church. While I believe it is always sad to see trees taken down, this was done out of necessity. We recently had several limbs fall from various trees, and there were more dead branches waiting to drop. The trees presented a risk, and the decision was made to remove the trees to prevent injury and damage. After all, the safety of all who come to our church should be paramount. When the trees came down, it was discovered that two of them near the playground were infested with carpenter ants, and were hollowed out inside. I am glad we took those trees down before they fell on their own. The view around the church is quite different now. You can rest assured, though, things will not stay this way. We will plant new trees in time. We are looking to begin a master planning process. We will be looking at our entire facility and grounds, how we use them now, and how we might use them in the future. The process will produce plans that may call for changes to our facilities and landscaping. This opportunity to plan for the future is exciting, and we want to do it right. The outcome of the process is unknown, so we would be remiss to plant trees right now because we would risk planting them in an area that may need to be used for something else. With the increased visibility of our church facilities, many of you have noticed that the roof looks ‘dirty’, and that some of the brickwork around the church could also use a little cleaning. I am working with the appropriate companies to see about cleaning the slate roofs and other areas around the church. In the meantime, take in the stunning new vista of the mountains and King University’s campus. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. My email is [email protected].

Vamos ao Brasil!

First Presbyterian Church has periodically traveled to the city of Natal in northeast Brazil over more than twenty years to visit our partner churches in the poor neighborhoods of Felipe Camarão and Cidade Nova, as well as the Bethel School that serves more than 130 children grades Pre- K through 3rd in the Felipe Camarão community. Our mission each visit is to encourage and support the pastors, school staff, and congregations, along with students and their families, during a week's worth of activities and opportunities for meaningful worship and interaction. The time there allows us to walk alongside our brothers and sisters in person and strengthen our understanding of the joys and challenges they face every day. Our next trip is tentatively scheduled for May 24 – June 3, 2024 and is open to all adults, high school juniors or seniors (with accompanying parent/responsible adult), and college students. Is God calling you to join the team for the first time (or a next time) to see firsthand how God is at work in these communities? Is God calling you to support this partnership in other ways? If so, join us for an information session on Sunday, November 12 at 10:20 am in the Chapel to learn more!

“Storytelling, Place, and the Christian Imagination” is coming to King University Memorial Chapel, Bristol, Tenn. on Monday, November 6 at 9:15 a.m. and “How Far to the Promised Land: Faith, Community, and the Black Memoir” at 7:00 p.m. here at First Presbytherian Church. Attend a talk on how the ways in which story influences the beliefs, values, and practices of Christians. Join us at 7:00 p.m. for a discussion on how Esau’s faith was shaped by his experiences in the Black community. These events are open to everyone, so we can’t wait to see you there!

Please join the women of First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November 11th, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. for delicious soups, salads and desserts. After lunch, warm fellowship and discussion will nurture and feed your soul, as we will hear from some of our friends about the spiritual nourishment they have received from books and other readings. Remember to RSVP to Sarah Gannaway at [email protected] by November 8th to receive the location and parking details.

Next Wednesday Fellowship: Through Jesus, part 2

As a community being made whole by God, we love, serve, and grow through Jesus.

You’re invited to the next session of our mission statement series on Wednesday! We will be discussing the importance of preaching the gospel, especially through difficult times. Our scripture readings for this lesson will be Isaiah 40:9-11, 2 Corinthians 4:5-6, and Revelation 21:22-27.

If you don't already participate in a Home Group, please sign up here. Access the resume on our website or watch for it to drop on our Home Groups Facebook site. If you need help finding or starting a Home Group, please email Dave Welch. 

Let’s Get Connected! In Our New Online Church Directory



The wait is over – a new online church pictorial directory is in the works! Everyone who is a member or attends worship services on a regular basis is invited and encouraged to participate. Our data source for the directory will be Realm®, the church management software platform our church already uses for our membership database and giving records. (All giving information is completely secure and is not available to anyone other than the giver and FPC’s Business Administrator.) Those with online capabilities will access the directory from a computer and/or smart phone after setting up a personal Realm account. Those without online access can chose to have their information updated/included for them and will be provided with a paper copy of the directory. Whether you are a technical genius, have never touched a computer or smart phone, or are somewhere in between – we want you to join us in the directory. ONLY members of the FPC community who chose to participate will have access to the online directory. By electing to be in the directory, your name will be visible to everyone with directory access. If you decide to add a photo to your profile, the photo will be visible as well. As you set up your personal Realm account, you can choose to limit visibility of other personal information such as address, phone number(s), email address(es).

READY? - CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED

Nominate Deacon, Elder or Trustee 2024

Nominations for deacon, elder and a trustee for 2024 begin this Sunday and ends November 26. You can nominate qualified people using the paper nomination forms at the entrances of the worship spaces or email the name and why you think they are qualified to be a deacon, elder or trustee to [email protected].

A Moment of Celebration for the New Vans

This year, the Mission & Outreach committee have made a conscious effort to bring a special offering to the attention of our church each month. In February, earlier this year, we had a special offering for the purpose of raising funds to purchase two vans. The initial funds raised from the generosity of FPC members allowed the church to purchase one van. This van has already been initiated into our ministry by making it all the way to Orlando and back during our ‘Serve Orlando’ mission trip this past summer. There was still a need for a second van, which, due again to the incredible generosity of this church, has now been purchased. Some of you have probably already seen it out in the parking lot. As a staff, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate and recognize such a remarkable moment for the ongoing ministry here at FPC Bristol. Coming to the congregation with these plans and special offerings every month is certainly an act of faith. These are not small goals and projects we bring up for consideration. I am consistently blown away by how this community strives to meet the needs that present themselves. Truly, these goals could not be accomplished without the Spirit of God at work. While it has almost become common place and ordinary for this congregation to meet these huge needs, it is astounding that because of your generosity we’ve been able to purchase 2 vans without acquiring any debt. This is only one example of the many times this year alone a need has been met. The way God has moved within you all and this ministry is evident. With this said, thank you all for the many prayers and contributions towards this goal. These vans will surely benefit the ongoing ministries here, and hopefully be a tool for ministry opportunities to come.

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 gifts in memory of:

• LuAnne Crockett, mother of Lori Byington: to the Memorial Fund from Bill & Ann Woods
• Dave Whitesides: to the FPC’s Boy Scout Troop 3 Fund Chuck & Suzee Bolick, from Riley & Judy Covin, and from Magic of Massage

Organist's Footnotes

César Franck (1822-1890) was a pivotal figure in French romantic music. Versed in many forms of composition, he is especially revered for his organ music. On the basis of a mere twelve major organ works, Franck is still considered by many the greatest composer of organ music after Bach. Born in what is now Belgium, Franck was obliged to become a French citizen to accept his appointment as professor at the Paris Conservatoire. From 1858 until his death in1890, Franck was titular organist at the Basilica of St. Clotilde, in Paris. Eleven months after his appointment a new three-manual Cavaillé-Coll organ was installed.

The impact of this organ on Franck’s performance and composition cannot be overestimated; together with his early pianistic experience it shaped his music-making for the remainder of his life. Among the works he composed at this time is his Messe à 3 voix (1859) from which comes one of Franck’s most enduring compositions, the communion anthem “Panis angelicus”. Tenor, Aaron Blake will sing “Panis angelicus” for our service of communion today. More notable still is the set of Six Pièces for organ, written 1860–1862. Included in this group is his “Prélude, Fugue et Variation, Op. 18”. I will play just the “Prélude” for the opening voluntary, and the remainder of the work, the “fugue and variation” for the closing voluntary. - Bob Greene

We want to pray for and celebrate with you! Send us your prayer requests and glad tidings.



The session continues to encourage masks for those at higher risk of complications from COVID-19 or not fully vaccinated. The session encourages everyone to consult their medical professional about vaccinations and boosters.

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.

701 Florida Avenue | Bristol, TN 37620 | 423-764-7176 | fpcbristol.org