| March 10, 2010 - Vol 2, Issue 5 |
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Averette Scholarship Form
Building Use Form
Submit Newsletter Article
CALENDAR
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One Great Hour of Sharing
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Your gifts to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering on Easter, April 4, bring life necessities to disaster survivors throughout the world, help refugees build new futures, and aid impoverished communities to develop dependable livelihoods and secure sources of food and water. Please give generously.
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| Inquirers' Classes 2010 |
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The next Inquirers' Class is being offered on:
April 18, 25, and May 2 for joining with a tour on May 16
and...
September 19, 26, October 3, and
October 10 for joining
Anyone who would like to learn more about the church or wish to become a member is invited to attend. This class is meeting at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday mornings in the Brides' Room. Classes include the history of the church, Presbyterian Polity, church ministries, opportunities for service, and upcoming events. Please join us! Call Cathy Walser for more information at 362-9166.
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FROM THE PASTOR
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It's been a strange beginning to the season of Lent here at First Presbyterian. We had our usual Ash Wednesday service, the beginning of 40 days of prayer and repentance in preparation for Holy Week and Easter. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness in prayer and fasting before he began his ministry, and so fairly early on Christians decided that it would be good to set aside the 40 days before Easter as a season of preparation.
On the first Sunday of Lent we celebrated the completion of our repairs to the church sanctuary and rededicated the building to God's glory and to God's service. Usually you wouldn't begin Lent with a celebration - but we had much to celebrate. And rededicating the building and ourselves to God's service was certainly appropriate for the season of Lent.
The second Sunday of Lent was our Mission Sunday. We heard from Peter Lim of the Outreach Foundation talk about God's call to mission - a call that we have answered in many ways, by seeking to be a part of what God is doing in China and Haiti and the Congo and Tabasco, and seeking to be a part of what God' is doing here closer to home as well.
For the rest of the Sundays in Lent we will go back to our theme of connecting with God. Pete started that emphasis last Sunday by talking about Scripture. Reading and reflecting on Scripture is one of the ways we connect with God. In the words of Scripture we often hear God's voice, comforting us or challenging us or instructing us. As we reflect on the stories of the Bible we learn more about God, and we begin to recognize how God continues to be at work in our own lives.
Next Sunday, March 14, I will preach on "Staying Connected to God through Study." This may not be a very popular topic. You may have thought that you were finished studying when you finished school. I am convinced though that study is an important Christian discipline, not just for pastors and Sunday School teachers, but for all of us. We draw closer to God, not just by reading Scripture, but also by spending time reading and studying a wider range or writings. In the Old Testament God tells his people, "You shall put these words of mine in your heart and soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and fix them as an emblem on your forehead. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Write them on the doorpost of your house and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land that the Lord swore to your ancestors." I want to think about how study can draw us closer to God.
On March 21, Charlie will focus on "Staying Connected to God Through Friendships," and then on Palm Sunday, March 28, I will be preaching on "Staying Connected to God through Worship and Prayer." It's hard for me to believe that Easter is now less than a month away, but on April 4 we will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.
There will be more details as the time draws closer, but I hope that you will make attending Holy Week services a part of your Lenten discipline this year. I find that my Easter celebration is much more meaningful when I have meditated on the events of Christ's last week, events which are the focus of our Holy Week Services.
The Maundy Thursday service focuses on the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples. Our tradition here is to have a drop in service where small groups of 12 are ushered from the church parlor into the sanctuary. We sit around the communion table in a darkened sanctuary, hear the words that Christ shared with his disciples in that last meal, and receive the sacrament of communion.
The Friday Tenebrae service focuses on Jesus' trial, suffering and death. We listen to the Bible's story of these awful events - awful events which show us the depth of God's love for us. We sing together and are led in worship by the choir. As each passage of Scripture is read a candle on the communion table is extinguished, symbolizing the growing darkness. The service ends in darkness and in silence.
On Saturday we join in the Great Easter Vigil, one of the oldest liturgies in the Christian Church. Just as our Christmas Eve service welcomes the coming of Christmas, the Easter Vigil welcomes the coming of Easter. The service begins outside around a small fire. We carry candles lit from the Paschal candle into the chapel, where we hear passages retelling the story of our salvation, from creation to the deliverance of Israel to the death and resurrection of Christ. The service concludes with a renewal of baptism, and the celebration of the Lord's Supper.
On Easter Sunday many from the church will gather at Wrightsville Beach for our church's sunrise service. Later that morning we'll worship in the sanctuary at both 8:30 and 11:00.
We may have gotten off to a strange start to the season of Lent, but I trust that in our celebrations and in our times of quiet worship we will draw closer to God, and to each other, and be sent out in mission to our community and to our world.
Your pastor,
Ernie
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| Stewardship, February 2010 |
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STEWARDSHIP
Living the Way:
A personal commitment toward tithing
Month of Offering Budget
February 77,284.19 104,268.84
YTD 207,307.88 208,537.68
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
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| Wanted: Opportunity to Serve!!! |
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Person in charge of putting together the baptism boxes: Perfect opportunity for a stay at home mom to be involved! Everything can be done at home. Minimal craft ability, simple sewing, make beaded crosses, and bring the assembled boxes to the church. Call Betsy Peters at 270-4385.
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| Anchors Away! |
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Ever wanted to set sail for a High Seas adventure? Imagine feeling the sea spray on your face as sails snap overhead. You and your Crew will plunge through rugged waves-and experience the deep, rolling waters of God's love. At High Seas Expedition, you'll give children the opportunity to jump into Bible stories and explore Bible truths through a cargo of creative experiences. If your interest is piqued, then contact the VBS team to sign on for this four-day adventure on the high seas. We will set sail on June 28 and want you to help lead our crew, so climb aboard for the voyage of a lifetime! Anne Matney (395-3958), Anna Martin (762-2066)
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Gary News
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Guess who's coming to dinner? You may have noticed some folks cooking for Monday night dinners this month in Gilmour Hall. They are from Habitat for Humanity preparing dinner for our visiting college groups staying in the Cameron Center penthouse. For three weeks this month we have college kids here from Boston College, Sacred Heart University, Connecticut, University of Chicago, and Plymouth State College, New Hampshire. It's part of Collegiate Challenge, an alternative spring break program that allows students the opportunity to spend a week working with one of over 250 Habitat for Humanity affiliates. On Monday nights they get to have dinner with the family they are building homes for. We have been providing housing for groups like these every spring for quite a few years now. Not your typical college spring break.
Duct tape bad, blue tape good. If you absolutely must tape something to the church walls please do not use duct tape. When duct tape is removed it will take the paint and more with it. The blue tape I'm talking about is painters, clean release tape. Blue masking tape isn't the same thing. If it was cheap, it isn't the right stuff; I know, I buy lots of it and if it's anything, it isn't cheap. We have numerous easels; try one as an alternative to taping a sign to the wall. Things on easels are noticed much more often than things on the walls. Here is a test. There is a rather large brass plaque on the wall outside of Gilmour Hall; it's been there for years. You may be one of the hundreds of people that walk past the plaque numerous times every week. What is on the plaque? See what I mean. Try an easel, it gets noticed.
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| Artist Alert-Bring Artwork to the Church on March 13 |
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A slight change in schedule. If you are interested in submitting work for the gallery, you may bring it in on SATURDAY, March 13, between 10 AM and 1 PM to Room 202. Please attach two 3x5 index cards with the following information: Your Name and Title of the work (Medium, and Price if you are interested in selling it). All works to be hung should be properly framed and wired. If not, they will be rejected.
Keep in mind that all sales are to be handled between the artist and interested buyer. The church staff is not to be involved in any way with the gallery. Also, works hung in the gallery will not be insured unless the individual artist provides it. Small crafts and other works can be put in the glass display case that was given to the church by Kingoffs and can be locked. The Art Committee will accommodate as many pieces of work as possible. We can hang approximately 10 to 12 paintings. If there is an overflow, works will be saved for the next show.
The Grand opening is March 21. Interested artists e-mail Anne Perkins at anpart@bellsouth.net.
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| Interfaith Hospitality Network, March 14 |
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It's that time again, our turn to host the Interfaith families. This is a wonderful way for us to assist families who are having financial difficulties. It's very hard to find affordable housing in Wilmington! Our guests arrive Sunday, March 14 and will be with us until Sunday, March 21. If you're interested in preparing a meal and/or serving a meal for these folks, please email Hannah Vaughan at revhannah@aol.com or call her at 762-6207. The number you'll need to prepare for is usually around 10-12. If you would be willing to serve as an overnight hosts or help with transportation, please contact Brian West at 619-4884 or email bwest@ec.rr.com.
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| Bring Cookies for Kairos Ministry, March 14 |
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Don't forget to bring your chocolate chip cookies for the Kairos Prison Ministry to the Coffee Room by this Sunday, March 14. Please see Kairos team members, Fred Cerequas, Roger Fry, Lou Orlando, Jim Holderness or Joel Van Pelt if you have any questions about this ecumenical and international prison ministry.
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| Halo Hoops Basketball Banquet, March 16 |
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The Banquet is Tuesday, March 16, at 6:00 p.m. in Gilmour Hall. Contact your coach for more information.
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Wednesday Night Live
March 17
Dinner at 5:30: The Girl Scouts are making corned beef and cabbage with new potatoes, rolls, and shamrock cupcakes.
Program at 6:30 (March 17, & 24):
Rediscovering Values: Moral Lessons from the Economic Crisis, led by Ernie Thompson and Charlie Lee.
The Children in Worship Class is Postponed
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A nursery will be provided for children ages 2 and under
and a study hall will be available for older children/youth in the library.
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| Men of the Church, March 18 |
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The Men's Breakfast is Thursday, March 18, at 7:00 a.m., in Boney Hall. Mr. Jim Wallace, from Intracoastal Realty will speak about, "The status of the real estate market." We hope all men will plan to attend for some good fellowship and breakfast!
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Music at First, March 21
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Music at First presents classical guitarist Robert Nathanson on Sunday, March 21 at 5:00 p.m. The concert will include music of Heitor Villa-Lobos, Joaquin Turina, Tim Mitchell, William Bolcom, Ernesto Cordero, Francisco Corbetta and François Campion. Robert is Professor of Music at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He is an active recitalist, orchestral soloist, and ensemble performer giving concerts throughout the United States, as well as performances in Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, Austria, Slovenia, and Canada. We hope you will attend.
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| Dedication of the Prayer Corner, March 21 |
| You are invited to attend the dedication of the Prayer Corner located in Room 201 following the 11:00 am worship service on March 21. This space has been set aside for personal prayer and meditation.
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| Palms for Chancel Needed, March 28 |
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Palms are needed for the Chancel on Sunday, March 28. Please contact Christa Hare at 762-9061.
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| Palm Sunday Processional and Easter Eggstravaganza, March 28 |
| Palm Sunday
Children ages three through 5th grade are invited to the First Presbyterian Church Palm Sunday Processional at the 11:00 a.m. worship service on Sunday, March 28, 2010. Those who wish to participate should be taken to the Chapel by their parents at 10:45 a.m. *Please be sure your child is wearing a name tag, as they will be ushered to Children's Church immediately following the processional. Older children can join their parents in the sanctuary.*
Easter Eggstravaganza!
Our Annual Easter Eggstravaganza will be held in the beautiful gardens of Lillian & Percy Smith at 615 Forest Hills Drive on Sunday, March 28, from 3:00-4:00 p.m. This is a favorite event for church members every year, with music, snacks, and punch. The Presbyterian Kids (grades 3-5) are invited to arrive at 3:00 p.m. for an Easter Egg Hunt of their own. The Egg Hunt for those under age 8 will begin at 3:30 p.m. We hope that all ages will enjoy the lovely gardens on Palm Sunday! Parking is available at Forest Hills School. *No rain date*
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Save the Date, March 28
Landfall Neighborhood Lunch
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Bring Flowers for the Easter Cross, April 3
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Flowers will soon be bursting forth in our yards, and we will need them here at the church for the Easter Cross on April 4. Please bring anything that is blooming in your yard early Saturday morning (April 3), and place them in the buckets in the blessing garden so that they can be used to make the beautiful cross that is a tradition in this church and is in place for Easter services. Azaleas are perfect, daffodils work great, any flowers that do not wilt quickly (pansies don't work well, and greenery (boxwood, holly, viburnum) make the cross beautiful. In order for this cross to happen, we not only need your flowers, we also need a little of your time. Don't forget - flowers on Saturday morning before noon and a little of your time on Saturday afternoon!
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Holy Week and Easter Calendar of Events
Sunday, March 28 - Sunday, April 4
Sunday, March 28- 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. - Palm/Passion Sunday Worship Services*
11:00 a.m.- Palm Sunday Processional
3:00 p.m. - EGGSTRAVAGANZA, for the PK's (grades 3-5) at the home of
Lillian & Percy Smith, 615 Forest Hills Drive
(ages 8 & under arrive at 3:30 p.m.)
Thursday, April 1 - 5:00-8:00 p.m. - Maundy Thursday Communion Service**
Friday, April 2 - 7:30 p.m.- Good Friday Tenebrae
Saturday, April 3 - 8:00 p.m.- The Great Vigil of Easter
Sunday, April 4 - 6:45 a.m.- Easter Day Sunrise Service, at the home of
Jack Lynch, 423 South Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach
8:30 & 11:00 a.m. - Easter Day Worship Services*
9:45 a.m.- All children, ages three through fifth grade will meet in
Boney Hall (Cameron Center)***
*Nursery will be provided for these services
**Nursery will be provided 5:00-6:30 p.m.
***Nursery will be provided for children under two.
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| Prime Timers Spring Luncheon & Program, April 8 |
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Mark your Calendars!!!
On Thursday, April 8, at 11:30 a. m. the Prime Timers will celebrate spring at First Presbyterian with lunch and a special program from our own (delightful!) Rev. Frank Mayes. |
| Save the Date-Progressive Dinner, April 17 |
| The Fellowship Committee is hosting a Progressive Dinner for our church members on April 17. If you are interested in opening your home for this event, please call Gretchen Estes, or email her at maxfli4@att.net. No home is too small to help us with the dinner. We will have groups large and small. No cooking is required.
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| Columbarium Open House, April 18 |
| Columbarium Spring Open House immediately following the 8:30 and 11:00 Worship Services. Your Columbarium Board members will be there to answer questions.
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| Averette Scholarship Deadline May 12 |
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The Geneva and George Averette Scholarship was established to assist persons in financial need attend a college or university to which they have been accepted. Any rising Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior may apply. Applicants must be a member of First Presbyterian Church. Past recipients may reapply. Application forms can be obtained in the Church Office or on the church website and are due back in the office by May 12, 2010.
Averette Scholarship Form
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Save the date for the Blood Drive - May 25
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Centerpoint Presbyterian Counseling Center
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Having a chronic illness or living with cancer creates many challenges beyond just managing symptoms. Often illness affects our ability to work, our relationships, emotions, dreams and even sense of self. Although most people wouldn't hesitate to see a doctor for physical symptoms, many feel that they must manage their emotional life all alone.
At the Center, our program, the Sam Mann Healing Partnership, specializes in addressing the unique issues that may arise as a result of an illness. We understand the stress illness can cause due to such things as physical symptoms, financial pressures, relationship changes and uncertainty about the future. We also understand how one responds to stress can directly affect the physical body, and that thoughts and feelings can affect the immune system.
If you or a loved one is feeling the stress of coping with illness, we are here to provide support, teach ways of managing emotions, help with stress reduction and create positive coping skills. Our goal is to help our clients find peace of mind and well-being for a better quality of life.
Catherine C. Butler, MA
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| MR. FIXIT |
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MR. FIXIT is awaiting your call. This week he can be reached by calling 762-6688 or at 799-1304. ("Mr. Fixit" is a ministry of the FPC's Men's Breakfast Fellowship)
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| Transportation Team |
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The Congregational Care Transportation Team will work diligently to provide a ride to church functions if you are unable to secure transportation. We would appreciate 48 hours notice. Contact Marty Furr at 452-3852 or Kimberly Badder at 791-4408.
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| Going Green? Choose e-mail for your newsletter! |
Going green in 2010? Want to receive your Newsletter via e-mail and opt out of a printed, mailed version? Sign up online by clicking on the "Update My Email Prefences" link below and give us your preference. Reduce clutter, receive your newsletter in a timely manner, and save money for the church!
UPDATE MY EMAIL PREFERENCES
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