The Weekly Grapevine - Sunday, January 20, 2019
TODAY – JANUARY 20, 2019
Head Usher: Mike Beal Side Usher: Alex Bowers
Children’s Church Teachers: Laura East and Wendy Clabough
WEEK AT A GLANCE
Sun, Jan 20
8:30 am – Session Meeting
9:45 am – Sunday School – Adult & Children
11:00 am –Worship/Children’s Church
Mon, Jan 21
Church Office Closed – Martin Luther King Day
Tues, Jan 22
6:00 pm – Girl Scout Troop
8:00 pm – NA Meeting
Wed, Jan 23
Weekly Grapevine Items Due
8:15 am – First Steps Program
8:15 am – Women’s Bible Study
7:30 pm – Choir Rehearsal
Thurs, Jan 24
8:00 am – Bob Chilton Bible Study
10:00 am – Bible Study Fellowship
5:30 pm – Handbell Choir
Fri, Jan 25
8:15 am – First Steps Program
PRAYERS AND PRAISES
Prayers
Our Church Family: Ilene Boyles, Emily Keck, Ann Taylor
Friends of our Church Family: Lindsay Key, Kristin Leathers, Patsy Reynolds, Martha Robertson, Rosalie Sexton, Mike and Debra Shelton, Jody Yaeger
If you wish to add anyone to the prayer or praise list, please do so by using one of the blue cards found in the backs of the pews (chairs in the Koinonia Room) and either drop them in the offering plate or place them on the board outside the church office.
CHURCH MINISTRIES
Are you visiting with us? If so, we are glad to have you! A couple of things you may inquire about: 1) Restrooms are located in the upstairs foyer and hallway. 2) Nursery is available to children birth-2 that lasts the entire length of worship. Children age 3-Kindergarten can stay in worship for the Children’s sermon, then have the option of going to Children’s Church. If you have further questions, please see one of our ushers.
Please be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you can receive all the latest announcements. If you are not on social media, please be sure Lynn has your current email address!
Sermon texts for upcoming Sundays: This winter and spring our sermon text will be from the Gospel of Luke. Between now and the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, March 6th, Luke focuses on Jesus and His Mission. I would encourage you to read Luke 3-9. Jan 20 – Jesus Calls the Disciples thereby reconstituting Israel, Luke 5:1-11; Jan 27 – Sermon on the Plain: Jesus Blesses & Condemns,Luke 6:17-26; Feb 3 – Sermon on the Plain: Part Two, Luke 6:27-49; Feb 10 – Jesus Receives from a Sinful Woman, Luke 7:36-8:3; Feb 17 – Jesus Frees the Demoniac, Luke 8:26-39; Feb 24 – A new Revelation: the Messiah will die for the Sins of the people (Isaiah 53), Luke 9:18-27, Mar 3 – Jesus Is Transfigured, Luke 9:21-36
The Flowers in the Church are given to the Glory of God and with gratitude for our church leadership, volunteers and congregation by Gene and Peggy Rees.
Our heartfelt sympathy is expressed to Jim and Janice Younger on the death of Jim’s brother, Kermit, who passed away on January 12, 2019. Please be in prayer for the family.
Chili Cook-Off: Join us immediately following worship in the Fellowship Hall today for a warm bowl of chili! Hopefully, you’ve whipped up your favorite recipe and have brought it to share with everyone. Donations will be accepted. This is a fundraiser for the Beacons who will be attending the Massanetta and Montreat youth conferences.
Beacons: (6th-12th grade): Will not meet this evening. *If anyone is interested in providing dinner for the Beacons on Sunday evenings, please see Sandy Bowers.
Walk through the Bible Sunday School Class: Join us each week from 9:45 to 10:45 each Sunday in the Fellowship Hall. The class combines discussion, cool videos and reading the Bible in small groups. Childcare is available. Griff is teaching this class.
Church Office Closed: Monday, January 21st, in observance of Martin Luther King Day.
Bob Chilton Memorial Bible Study: Will meet at Pages on Thursday, January 24th, at 8:00 a.m. Join us for a hot (or cold, if you prefer) cup of coffee and a great discussion!
Beacon Super Bowl Party: Sunday, February 3rd; Details to come – stay tuned.
“Soup”er Bowl of Caring: The challenge is on again! The Beacons will be collecting cans of soup (and monetary donations), along with the other Main Street churches. Everything we collect will go toward feeding the hungry in our community. This year, our will be collecting in memory of Shasta. Beacons – *We will meet at the church on Sunday, February 10th at 5:00 and head to the Moravian Church. Please bring a dessert to share.
Women’s Bible Study: Several young women meet at our church each Wednesday morning to fellowship together and study scripture. We are searching high and low for someone to watch our kids for those 2 hours. This is a paid position but has also previously been filled by someone who felt called to serve as a volunteer. If you know of anyone who may be willing to sit and play with this small group of kids from 8:30-10:15, please contact Elizabeth at: 610-715-3688.
Children’s Church: All Sundays in January are filled! Thanks to those folks who have offered to help! If you would like to help any Sunday in February, please contact Valerie Parker.
Preschool Sunday School: If you would be willing to assist with the 3 to 5 year old class the month of February, please contact Valerie Parker. Sunday School is from 9:45 am to 10:45 am.
Handbell Choir: Meets on Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. If you think you’d like to become a ringer alongside us, come join us!
Faith Friends: (Preschool-5th grade) Wednesday, January 23rd starting at 5:30 pm. Dinner will be provided at 6:30 pm. Cost will be $3.00 per person. Little Voices will practice with Anna followed by a worship activity with Valerie. Please RSVP to Valerie Parker by Tuesday evening, January 22nd, if your kids will be staying for dinner so we can make sure to have enough food. *Parents: please include yourself to RSVP if you plan on joining us for dinner. Hope to see you there!
WITNESS
Mission Trip: Are you interested in help leading or going on a mission trip? A conversation is brewing about going to serve and learn somewhere and sometime this summer. If you are interested, speak to Griff or drop him an email at griff@fpcma.com
FINANCIAL
2018 Year-End Contribution Statements: Can be found on the table in the upstairs foyer. Please stop by and pick yours up today. They will be mailed at the end of the month if they aren’t picked up prior to then.
2019 Pledges: To date, we have received 42 pledges for a total of $144,106. Our goal is 70 pledges for a total of $200,000.
CELEBRATIONS
Birthdays: 1/21: Shelley McCluskey; 1/22: Mariah Branch, Kelley Jackson; 1/24: Mary Miles Harrison, Bud Kilby, Laurel Petri, Diane Wood; 1/25: Jarod Fowler, David Rives
Anniversaries: 1/21: Bill and Jane Rountree
WELCOME TO OUR NEW ELDER
Nancy Dixon
1. Describe yourself. This could include your family, your job, what you like to do, etc.
I am a middle-aged full time volunteer. I worked in non-profit organizations for 25 years preceded by 5 humorous years in the business world. (humorous to me, not to my multiple employers) I am married to Dave Dixon, and have 2 sons, Andrew and Joseph. Andrew lives in Charlotte as well as his girlfriend, Kristen, and our 5-year old grandson, Mason. Andrew works in Real Estate in the Charlotte and Upper SC area. Joseph is a senior at Wake Forest; currently planning a path on to graduate school. I serve on the Board of Directors for Children’s Center of Surry and Surry Medical Ministries and am also a member of Rotary Club of Mount Airy, currently the focal person for an international healthcare project in Northern Uganda. I enjoy running and other exercise and traveling.
2. When did you start coming to First Presbyterian Church, and what do you enjoy about being part of this community?
Our family began coming to FPC in 2003 when we moved to MA as Dave began his new job at the Wake Forest family practice clinic here. We were introduced to FPC because we were already friends and previous co-workers with Shasta Brown and Bert Wood. In addition to Dave and me, both of our children knew Shasta very well, so it made for a very easy transition.
3. How would you describe your relationship to Jesus Christ?
I have had a friendly relationship with Jesus. I find my relationship with him to be open, welcoming, sincere and supportive. I do not always understand nor easily agree with where I feel that I am sometimes being led (“or pushed or shoved”) to go in my life; but the older I have gotten, the more I have felt open to explore what and where those messages may mean.
4. How would you like to make First Presbyterian Church better?
I don’t really know at this point. I will continue to participate and hope that the path that is supposed to be before me will open and be made clear. Maybe it was just to make the Elder meetings lively!
Head Usher: Mike Beal Side Usher: Alex Bowers
Children’s Church Teachers: Laura East and Wendy Clabough
WEEK AT A GLANCE
Sun, Jan 20
8:30 am – Session Meeting
9:45 am – Sunday School – Adult & Children
11:00 am –Worship/Children’s Church
Mon, Jan 21
Church Office Closed – Martin Luther King Day
Tues, Jan 22
6:00 pm – Girl Scout Troop
8:00 pm – NA Meeting
Wed, Jan 23
Weekly Grapevine Items Due
8:15 am – First Steps Program
8:15 am – Women’s Bible Study
7:30 pm – Choir Rehearsal
Thurs, Jan 24
8:00 am – Bob Chilton Bible Study
10:00 am – Bible Study Fellowship
5:30 pm – Handbell Choir
Fri, Jan 25
8:15 am – First Steps Program
PRAYERS AND PRAISES
Prayers
Our Church Family: Ilene Boyles, Emily Keck, Ann Taylor
Friends of our Church Family: Lindsay Key, Kristin Leathers, Patsy Reynolds, Martha Robertson, Rosalie Sexton, Mike and Debra Shelton, Jody Yaeger
If you wish to add anyone to the prayer or praise list, please do so by using one of the blue cards found in the backs of the pews (chairs in the Koinonia Room) and either drop them in the offering plate or place them on the board outside the church office.
CHURCH MINISTRIES
Are you visiting with us? If so, we are glad to have you! A couple of things you may inquire about: 1) Restrooms are located in the upstairs foyer and hallway. 2) Nursery is available to children birth-2 that lasts the entire length of worship. Children age 3-Kindergarten can stay in worship for the Children’s sermon, then have the option of going to Children’s Church. If you have further questions, please see one of our ushers.
Please be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you can receive all the latest announcements. If you are not on social media, please be sure Lynn has your current email address!
Sermon texts for upcoming Sundays: This winter and spring our sermon text will be from the Gospel of Luke. Between now and the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, March 6th, Luke focuses on Jesus and His Mission. I would encourage you to read Luke 3-9. Jan 20 – Jesus Calls the Disciples thereby reconstituting Israel, Luke 5:1-11; Jan 27 – Sermon on the Plain: Jesus Blesses & Condemns,Luke 6:17-26; Feb 3 – Sermon on the Plain: Part Two, Luke 6:27-49; Feb 10 – Jesus Receives from a Sinful Woman, Luke 7:36-8:3; Feb 17 – Jesus Frees the Demoniac, Luke 8:26-39; Feb 24 – A new Revelation: the Messiah will die for the Sins of the people (Isaiah 53), Luke 9:18-27, Mar 3 – Jesus Is Transfigured, Luke 9:21-36
The Flowers in the Church are given to the Glory of God and with gratitude for our church leadership, volunteers and congregation by Gene and Peggy Rees.
Our heartfelt sympathy is expressed to Jim and Janice Younger on the death of Jim’s brother, Kermit, who passed away on January 12, 2019. Please be in prayer for the family.
Chili Cook-Off: Join us immediately following worship in the Fellowship Hall today for a warm bowl of chili! Hopefully, you’ve whipped up your favorite recipe and have brought it to share with everyone. Donations will be accepted. This is a fundraiser for the Beacons who will be attending the Massanetta and Montreat youth conferences.
Beacons: (6th-12th grade): Will not meet this evening. *If anyone is interested in providing dinner for the Beacons on Sunday evenings, please see Sandy Bowers.
Walk through the Bible Sunday School Class: Join us each week from 9:45 to 10:45 each Sunday in the Fellowship Hall. The class combines discussion, cool videos and reading the Bible in small groups. Childcare is available. Griff is teaching this class.
Church Office Closed: Monday, January 21st, in observance of Martin Luther King Day.
Bob Chilton Memorial Bible Study: Will meet at Pages on Thursday, January 24th, at 8:00 a.m. Join us for a hot (or cold, if you prefer) cup of coffee and a great discussion!
Beacon Super Bowl Party: Sunday, February 3rd; Details to come – stay tuned.
“Soup”er Bowl of Caring: The challenge is on again! The Beacons will be collecting cans of soup (and monetary donations), along with the other Main Street churches. Everything we collect will go toward feeding the hungry in our community. This year, our will be collecting in memory of Shasta. Beacons – *We will meet at the church on Sunday, February 10th at 5:00 and head to the Moravian Church. Please bring a dessert to share.
Women’s Bible Study: Several young women meet at our church each Wednesday morning to fellowship together and study scripture. We are searching high and low for someone to watch our kids for those 2 hours. This is a paid position but has also previously been filled by someone who felt called to serve as a volunteer. If you know of anyone who may be willing to sit and play with this small group of kids from 8:30-10:15, please contact Elizabeth at: 610-715-3688.
Children’s Church: All Sundays in January are filled! Thanks to those folks who have offered to help! If you would like to help any Sunday in February, please contact Valerie Parker.
Preschool Sunday School: If you would be willing to assist with the 3 to 5 year old class the month of February, please contact Valerie Parker. Sunday School is from 9:45 am to 10:45 am.
Handbell Choir: Meets on Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. If you think you’d like to become a ringer alongside us, come join us!
Faith Friends: (Preschool-5th grade) Wednesday, January 23rd starting at 5:30 pm. Dinner will be provided at 6:30 pm. Cost will be $3.00 per person. Little Voices will practice with Anna followed by a worship activity with Valerie. Please RSVP to Valerie Parker by Tuesday evening, January 22nd, if your kids will be staying for dinner so we can make sure to have enough food. *Parents: please include yourself to RSVP if you plan on joining us for dinner. Hope to see you there!
WITNESS
Mission Trip: Are you interested in help leading or going on a mission trip? A conversation is brewing about going to serve and learn somewhere and sometime this summer. If you are interested, speak to Griff or drop him an email at griff@fpcma.com
FINANCIAL
2018 Year-End Contribution Statements: Can be found on the table in the upstairs foyer. Please stop by and pick yours up today. They will be mailed at the end of the month if they aren’t picked up prior to then.
2019 Pledges: To date, we have received 42 pledges for a total of $144,106. Our goal is 70 pledges for a total of $200,000.
CELEBRATIONS
Birthdays: 1/21: Shelley McCluskey; 1/22: Mariah Branch, Kelley Jackson; 1/24: Mary Miles Harrison, Bud Kilby, Laurel Petri, Diane Wood; 1/25: Jarod Fowler, David Rives
Anniversaries: 1/21: Bill and Jane Rountree
WELCOME TO OUR NEW ELDER
Nancy Dixon
1. Describe yourself. This could include your family, your job, what you like to do, etc.
I am a middle-aged full time volunteer. I worked in non-profit organizations for 25 years preceded by 5 humorous years in the business world. (humorous to me, not to my multiple employers) I am married to Dave Dixon, and have 2 sons, Andrew and Joseph. Andrew lives in Charlotte as well as his girlfriend, Kristen, and our 5-year old grandson, Mason. Andrew works in Real Estate in the Charlotte and Upper SC area. Joseph is a senior at Wake Forest; currently planning a path on to graduate school. I serve on the Board of Directors for Children’s Center of Surry and Surry Medical Ministries and am also a member of Rotary Club of Mount Airy, currently the focal person for an international healthcare project in Northern Uganda. I enjoy running and other exercise and traveling.
2. When did you start coming to First Presbyterian Church, and what do you enjoy about being part of this community?
Our family began coming to FPC in 2003 when we moved to MA as Dave began his new job at the Wake Forest family practice clinic here. We were introduced to FPC because we were already friends and previous co-workers with Shasta Brown and Bert Wood. In addition to Dave and me, both of our children knew Shasta very well, so it made for a very easy transition.
3. How would you describe your relationship to Jesus Christ?
I have had a friendly relationship with Jesus. I find my relationship with him to be open, welcoming, sincere and supportive. I do not always understand nor easily agree with where I feel that I am sometimes being led (“or pushed or shoved”) to go in my life; but the older I have gotten, the more I have felt open to explore what and where those messages may mean.
4. How would you like to make First Presbyterian Church better?
I don’t really know at this point. I will continue to participate and hope that the path that is supposed to be before me will open and be made clear. Maybe it was just to make the Elder meetings lively!