A Note from Pastor Leslie

There has been an awful lot of attention being paid to the Super Bowl this week, and surprisingly little of it has anything to do with football!! While the 49ers and the Chiefs are ready to duel it out on the field, arguments over water coolers and across dining room tables and in grocery store lines largely center around a certain musician and her football playing beau. Taylor and Travis’ relationship has brought teenage girls to the screen watching NFL games with their dads, but seems to also have brought its share of frustration to those who would rather hear commentators talk about the football game than his dating game.

Full disclosure, I have been a casual Chiefs fan for a while (mostly, admittedly at first, because I adore Patrick Mahomes’ curly hair!). I don’t count myself in the “Swifty” camp, but I do admire the hard work that Taylor has put into her career and the stories about how generous she is with those who often have to work overtime when she’s around. Since last year, though, I am a passionate fan of Mama Kelce, who watched her two sons battle it out on football’s biggest stage (in handmade attire repping both of the teams). I’ll happily cheer for Mama Kelce and the rest of the Chiefs nation to have a good night on Sunday. But mostly, I’m hoping for some memorable commercials!!

I don’t understand the vitriol that has been thrown towards Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce and their newfound love. Whether their love is forever or he is fodder for her next break-up album (just think of all the easy rhymes she’ll have with the word “football”), they seem to be happy right now, and we need a little more happiness in the world.

The words of the 12^th chapter of Romans hang above my computer screen in my office so that I can read them regularly. They are one of my favorite lists in the Bible about what it looks like to live in Christian community. Paul reminds the people of Rome (and reminds us today) that we are to be marked by love for each other, showing enthusiasm for life, and welcoming others into our midst. In verse 15, we are instructed to “rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep”. Never in that long list are we told to cheer for someone else’s misfortune.

So whether your Sunday night will be spent cheering from your couch or enjoying the quiet lull of the Walmart aisles during the big game, I think we can all aim to be Romans 12 kind of people this week- not lagging in zeal, living peaceably with all, and overcoming evil with good!

Souper Bowl Sunday - This Sunday, February 11

In 1990, Souper Bowl of Caring began with a simple prayer from a single youth group:

“Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those without a bowl of soup to eat.”

Since then, more than $170 million has been generated for local charities across the country through Souper Bowl of Caring. It has become a powerful movement that transforms the time around the Big Game into the nation’s largest celebration of giving and caring for those in need.

Through this mission, people learn they can make a positive difference in the world as they collect food, raise money and serve at hunger-relief charities and show caring and compassion in local communities across the country.

This Sunday, February 11, young people will have soup pots at the doors to collect donations after worship. Share in God’s love for our neighbors in need and give generously. All of the donations collected will go directly to our food pantry to help feed our hungry neighbors.

Ashes to Ashes...

Plan to take part in one of the most meaningful services of our Christian year- the Ash Wednesday Service on Wednesday, February 14, at 6:00 p.m. Beginning our observance of Lent, the season of preparation for Easter, Ash Wednesday is a time when we admit that our lives are finite and short, and that they belong in the loving care of our Master and Lord. It is a time when we are honest about ourselves, sins and all, and take comfort in knowing that God loves us just the way we are. Whether this is part of your regularly spiritual routine or it would be your first time, make plans now to attend. You will not regret it.

Pop-Up Sunday School - February 18

The Executive Director of Cooperative Christian Ministries and Clinic, Sallie Culbreth, will be here to talk about their focus on three areas of human need: Poverty Disruption Programs, Charitable Healthcare and Advocacy. It is the mission of CCMC to improve life for our under-served, under-resourced neighbors. Come learn about the programs they have to offer on Sunday, February 18, at 9:30 a.m.

Birthday Sunday - February 18

Birthday Sunday is where we honor our members and friends celebrating birthdays in the month of February. Following worship, we invite members, friends and guests to the Fellowship Hall for Birthday Cake. Please join us!

Handbells

Handbells will resume rehearsals on Sunday, February 18, at 11:30 a.m. If you are still considering joining the handbell choir, it’s not too late. Handbells will be meeting each Sunday after worship.

Thank you!

Just want to take a moment and let everyone know that I appreciated the prayers, texts, cards and food during recovery of my right shoulder surgery. I love my church family. I am still in Physical Therapy and I hear it still takes time so please keep the prayers coming. Thank you all!!  

Helen Bumpas

Mystery Member of the Week!

It is time for another sleuthing mystery! We have asked a church member 8 questions about themselves. Do you know who it is? Happy sleuthing!!

(If you are asked to be a "Mystery Member", please keep in mind that it is okay if there are some people that may guess who you are. The purpose is for people that don't know you, to learn about you, and the ones that do know you, to learn something new.)

1.      Where were you born?

Little Rock, Arkansas

2.      What was your first job?

Swimming Instructor

3.      What is your favorite vacation spot?

Istanbul

4.      What movie or television show could you watch again and again?

Yellowstone

5.      What hidden talent do you have?

Artist

6.      What was your favorite subject in school?

History

7.      What skill would you most want to wake up tomorrow and be able to do?

Advanced Math

8.      Why do you love First Presbyterian Church?

Pastor Leslie and the kindness of the members and their willingness to help the less fortunate.