Weekly eNews
April 12, 2024
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The Spirit is on the move at First Presbyterian! This weekend twenty-five ninth graders will complete their Confirmation journey with an overnight retreat followed by a meeting with the Session on Sunday morning. We rejoice with these young leaders in our congregation as they make professions of faith in Jesus Christ and are received as full members of the church. We also say thank you to our pastoral team – Revs. John Daniel DeBevoise, Leslie Lang, and Craig Foster – and the adult mentors who have walked alongside them in this process. Please join us for worship on Sunday, April 21 when we will recognize and celebrate all our Confirmands!
We are also thrilled to welcome nearly a dozen new members this Sunday. Many of you have heard me talk before about what a blessing it is every time we receive new members. Each person God leads into our fellowship brings with them new energy, ideas, questions, and gifts that serve to strengthen the ministry God is calling us to. What a joy and blessing! If you or someone you know is interested in joining this week or down the road, please be sure to reach out to our Visitor and New Member Coordinator, Cathy Bagwell (cbagwell@fpcspartanburg.org).
Finally, looking to later this month, we will recognize 10 years of the C.A.S.T. Ministry here at First Presbyterian. C.A.S.T. (Care. Accept. Share. Teach.) came into existence under the vision and leadership of church member Gloria Close, and across that timespan has transformed the lives of numerous children and families in our community. I encourage you to read more about the history and impact of C.A.S.T. in the latest edition of First News. During the 11:00am worship on April 28, we will celebrate this ministry and say thank you to Gloria as she retires from its leadership. Stay tuned for more details as we look forward to what God has in store for the next season of this vital ministry!
Hope to see you in worship. Invite a friend. All are welcome.
Peace,
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Rev. Alan F. Dyer
Senior Pastor
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Surprised by Hope
The Easter story is one of surprise. The women go to the tomb expecting to find one thing, but instead find something very different. The tomb is empty, Christ is risen!
This Easter Season, we invite you to join us as we explore how the resurrection continues to surprise us with God’s hopeful vision for our future and our present.
Want to go deeper? Join the LIFT Sunday School class each Sunday at 10:00am in Room 2201 as they further explore that Sunday's topic through N.T. Wright's Surprised by Hope study.
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JOY Fellowship: Hatcher Garden Tour
Thursday, April 18
Join the JOY (Just Older Youth, 55+) Fellowship on Thursday, April 18, for a tour of the beautiful Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve. Boxed lunches will be provided from Blue Moon Specialty Foods.
The cost will be $12 per person. Meet at FLC Lobby at 10:30am and return by 1:00pm. Click below to register by Monday, April 15.
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Wednesdays at First
Faith, Food, and Fellowship!
Come enjoy good food and fellowship time. Please sign up for dinner before 4:00pm Monday. Reservations required for dinner.
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Young Adult Fiesta Night
Sunday, April 21
Come join us at the Morehead's home for fajitas and festive beverages on Sunday, April 21 starting at 5:30pm. Book a sitter and enjoy a night out! All young adults (22-45ish) are invited!
Click here for more details and to RSVP.
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Confirmation Sunday
Next Sunday, April 21
Confirmation is a safe space where youth and mentors embrace questions and explore the depths of spiritual wonderings, cultivating a mindset of imagination and resilience as they grow in faith and understanding.
On April 21, we invite everyone to celebrate with 25 Confirmands who will take their vows for membership in the church.
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VBS Registration
Camp Firelight
It’s time for a summer camp adventure with God! Campers will explore timeless Bible stories that demonstrate how people trusted God in the face of their own fears and went on to do great things in God’s name. Click the button below to register by April 21.
We also still need a few volunteers to be group leaders (5K, 1st Grade, and 3rd Grade). If you would like to volunteer for VBS, please reach out to Kara Clark.
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Banana Ball Tickets
Available for FPC Members
If you want a unique, entertaining sports experience, consider purchasing tickets to the Party Animals vs. Firefighters baseball game at Fluor Field, July 26 at 7:00pm! Think Harlem Globetrotters…but baseball! One kind FPC member is sharing her group ticket link, which will expire on April 28.
You may purchase up to 8 tickets, which are $35 each. Please do not resell tickets purchased from this link.
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Chamber Singers Concert
Thursday, May 2
The First Presbyterian Church Chamber Singers and Orchestra invite you to join them for their concert titled, "A Day in the Life: Sacred Music Celebrating the Beauty and Wonder of the Everyday."
The program will take place on Thursday, May 2, 7:00pm in the Sanctuary.
We hope to see you there!
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Youth Summer Calendar
Summer Kickoff // June 2
Vacation Bible School // June 3-6
High School Mission Trip // June 9-15
Carowinds Day Trip // June 26
Middle School Mission Week // July 8-11
Montreat Youth Conference // July 20-27
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Children's Montreat Playdates
June 22 & July 20
All rising 4K to rising 6th Graders are invited to summer playdates in beautiful Montreat, NC!
The playdates will take place on June 22 & July 20, 10:00am-3:00pm. We will rock-hop in the creek, play on the playground, eat lunch, and enjoy games in the Youth Center. Cost is $10 per child. Click the button below to sign up today!
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Montreat Women's Conference
August 9-11
Women’s Connection 2024 will be a time for women to connect with old and new friends, a time to care for yourself; a time for space and Sabbath. Our hope is you will experience spiritual nourishment, inspiration, and discernment.
This year's keynote speaker is Becca Stevens, a nonprofit leader, entrepreneur and priest, as well as the founder and President of Thistle Farms. She has founded 13 nonprofits and justice enterprises, mentored another 70, and has raised over $75 million to support them. Becca has also authored 12 books with over 300,000 copies sold.
Cost: $425 (includes housing and conference registration)
Visit fpcspartanburg.org/womensconnection to learn more and save your spot!
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Winter Warmth Donations
Preparations have begun for FPC’s largest annual mission project, Winter Warmth, where we distribute brand-new coats to children in need across Spartanburg County.
In addition to coats, children will also be receiving hats and scarves, handmade by members of the church. That’s where you come in! If you’re able to knit or crochet, we could really use your help in making it happen!
Winter Warmth will take place on October 26 this year. It’s never too early to start! If you have questions, please email them to winterwarmthfpc@gmail.com.
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AVL Team
Volunteers Needed
The Audio/Video Team is a way to be involved in worship and special events behind the scenes. We currently need camera operators, and training will be provided! Most A/V team members serve one Sunday per month and an occasional special event such as a WAF program or concert.
Contact Caroline Goodman, Communications Director, at cgoodman@fpcspartanburg.org if you are interested in this exciting opportunity!
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Church Opportunities
Sunday Morning Greeters
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Sunday School Greeter (9:30-9:55am in Fogartie Hall)
- Sanctuary Greeters (10:30-11:00am in the Sanctuary)
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April 21 - Confirmation Sunday
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May 2 - Chamber Singers Concert
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May 3-5 - Congregational Retreat in Montreat
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June 3-6 - Vacation Bible School
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June 9 - Acts 2 Lunches & Dinners
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June 22 - Children's Montreat Playdate
More activities and events can be found in First News.
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