FIRST PRESS NEWSFIRST PRESS NEWS

December 2013

Fi rs t Presbyter ian Church 153 N. Church Street

Rocky Mount , NC 27804 www.fpcrm.org

From our pastor . . . I've already heard it a few times in our house: "I can't wait until Christmas! I wish Christmas was

tomorrow!" Kids love to count the days until it comes by pulling numbers off of wall-mounted cal-

endars, opening little cardboard doors to uncover the chocolate prizes behind them, and lighting can-

dles of purple on wreaths of evergreen. Sometimes the whole exercise seems to boil down to one big

countdown, digitally tracked by those Hallmark ornaments that tick off the seconds until midnight

on December 24th.

I'm in no position to criticize. When I was younger, I did the same thing. Once the tree was up, I

was in a mad dash to December 25th. Christmas just couldn't get here fast enough. Even then, how-

ever, something caused me to slow down a bit on Christmas Eve. There was something about that

day that made me want to pause, linger, inhale deeply, and savor the moment. I especially loved our

annual drive to the Christmas Eve service. As our family car made its way through the deepening

dusk, the roads in our neighborhood would be lined with white, candle-lit luminaries that flickered

on every curb. Evenly spaced, softly glowing, these lights showed us the way. At the end of that

path of light, we knew we would hear again that old, old story of a world being taxed, people in

darkness, inns being full, and the Savior of the world being born anyway. To this day, a Christmas

Eve worship service, and the family meal that follows, is the highlight of my Christmas season. I

can honestly say I enjoy the prelude just as much as the finale.

As I write this, my prayer is that each of you will have a moment this month -- at least one blessed

moment -- when the "almost" of Advent takes hold of you... when you realize that the anticipation

of glory has a glory unto itself... when you receive the deep and abiding joy that can be found in the

moment before the Moment. A much better writer and thinker once described such moments like

this ...

“The house lights go off and the footlights come on. Even the chattiest stop chattering as they wait in

darkness for the curtain to rise. In the orchestra pit, the violin bows are poised. The conductor has

raised his baton. In the silence of a midwinter dusk, there is far off in the deeps of it somewhere a

sound so faint that for all you can tell it may be only the sound of the silence itself. You hold your

breath to listen. ... You are aware of the beating of your heart… The extraordinary thing that is

about to happen is matched only by the extraordinary moment just before it happens. Advent is the

name of that moment.” Frederick Buechner, Whistling in the Dark

May the peace of Christ be with you in this holy season of light.

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Our Heritage, Our Mission

Capital Campaign Update

On November 9, the staff began its move back into our newly renovated Education

Building. With the help of some extremely helpful and dedicated volunteers from our membership, and under the excellent guidance of our Property Committee, we are now

very settled back into our various homes. At a recent staff meeting, we took some time to be intention-

ally thankful about the blessings of "coming home." I want to share with you some of the observations we made:

(1)Air Comfort! Last year at this time, most of us on the staff had our windows open as we tried

in vain to regulate the temperature in our offices. On most days, we were either way too cold or

way too hot. Now, thanks to the new mini-split units, we are all able to find our own zones of comfort. The air is also much cleaner and drier, and that old musty smell is gone. As a staff, we

feel much healthier and happier in our environments.

(2)Bright and Clean Spaces. We love the new lighting! I don't think we realized how dark our

passageways had become. Now, new lights shine in the former darkness. Hallways, classrooms and closets are being painted. The new flooring in the office lobby, library, Edgemont Hallway

and Ladies' Parlor turned out beautifully. All of our downstairs spaces have an airier, fresher feel.

(3)Less Clutter. One of the benefits of moving our stuff around is learning what kind of stuff we

have. Closets that hadn't been touched in a long time have been cleared out. When we found

outdated, dysfunctional items, we did not return them to their prior locations. While I cannot call what we are doing a "purge," we are certainly letting go of some things that we no longer

need and will never use. We also have some great new closet spaces in the choir and session rooms that will help us stay organized.

(4)New Ceilings. Most of our asbestos abatement took place on the first floor ceilings. After the

hazardous materials were removed, the ceilings were covered with sheet rock and received a

fresh coat of paint. The surfaces are now smooth and clean, and the acoustics are much better in all of these spaces.

(5)The History Room. When the renovations started, we did not intend to remove the western

wall in the History Room. However, when electrical problems were discovered in it, removal was clearly the best solution. The result is a wonderful new space for housing and displaying our historical artifacts. This room has been transformed from a musty closet into a bright, pleasant

and usable space. It is, in our opinion, one of the unforeseen blessings of our work.

Once again, thanks to everyone who contributed time, talent and money to this renovation. Please note that on January 19, 2014, we will hold a special worship service to thank our contractors, celebrate the

progress we have made, and dedicate this entire project to the glory of God. We hope you will join us for this happy day in the life of our congregation.

Total Pledges to date:

$1,158,866.11

Funds Received to date:

$525, 278.69

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MAKES CENT$ - ”There’s no place like home” I can hear Dorothy tapping her ruby slippers now, “There’s no place like home”. It is

good to be back in our offices. This wouldn’t be possible without your generosity, so many thanks for your gifts to the Our Heritage, Our Mission campaign.

Jeanne Shannon Jeanne.shannon@fpcrm.org

JOY GIFT PROGRAM A Presbyterian tradition for almost 70 years, the Christmas Joy Offering is one of the

four special offerings designated by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church

(USA) to provide congregations direct ways of supporting specific causes that help

those in need. Fifty percent of the receipts to the Christmas Joy Offering are distributed

to the Board of Pensions for assistance programs that provide support to retired and

active church workers and their spouses and families. The other fifty percent supports

Presbyterian-related racial ethnic education through the General Assembly Council.

On Sunday, December 15th at 4:00 p.m. the music groups at First Presbyterian will present a program

of sacred music. The Cherub Choir, Alleluia Singers, Handbell Choir, and Chancel Choir will all partici-

pate in this musical offering to the church and to the Rocky Mount community. The Chancel Choir will

sing a number of Christmas selections accompanied by harp and stringed instruments. The program will

also include scripture readings and the singing of carols, in addition to the collection of the Joy Gift offer-

ing which will also be collected on Sunday, December 22nd.

Please mark your calendars to attend this special event in our church’s celebration of the Christmas sea-

son, and please invite your friends to join you.

LLUUNNCCHH BBUUNNCCHH

The Lunch Bunch will The Lunch Bunch will

gather “back home” in gather “back home” in

the Session Room on the Session Room on

Monday, December Monday, December

16th at noon for a 16th at noon for a

Christmas Brunch. We Christmas Brunch. We

look forward to seeing look forward to seeing

you. Please let the you. Please let the

church office know if church office know if

you plan to attend.you plan to attend.

MEALS ON WHEELS

Meals on Wheels will deliver

meals on Monday, December

23rd. There will be no delivery on

Tuesday, December 24th.

Left: Ann Dill and Arthur

Fountain catch up at the

All-Church Christmas Party

held on December 3rd at

Benvenue Country Club.

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BEFORE AFTER

KID

S

CO

RN

ER

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOXES 30 shoeboxes were lovingly dedicated during worship on 11/17/13 and sent on their journey to

make a child’s Christmas happier. Our prayer is that each of these boxes will carry a message of God’s love!

CHILDREN’S GARDEN – We are happily making progress after months of construction related neglect…

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHING SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER We had an absolute blast at our Game Day / End of the Quarter Celebration on 11/24/13. We celebrated Elizabeth Chesnutt’s

superior attendance, decorated beautiful angel ornaments for our Angel Tree, made Advent Wreaths that can be reused each

year, played silly minute-to-win-it games in order to win prizes, and last but not least gobbled down lots of yummy refreshments!

A big shout out to all of the CE committee members and parents who assisted with this busy yet productive morning!

12/1/13 Prophecy & Hope (Lacy Hall) Dionne Seale Winnie Gaynor

12/8/13 Gingerbread House Workshop – Bethlehem & Love (Lacy Hall)

Dionne Seale Stephanie Bynum

12/15/13 Shepherds & Joy (Lacy Hall) Dionne Seale Kate Tharin

12/22/13 Angels and Peace (Lacy Hall) Dionne Seale Annie Daughtridge

12/29/13 “New Year – New Room” Party! Kids and teachers can spruce up their classroom in order to get

ready to Grow, Proclaim, and Serve in 2014!

GAME DAY/ADVENT & ANGEL ORNAMENT WORKSHOP

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The Presbyterian Women’s Coordinating Team will meet on Monday,

December 2, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. in the church narthex.

The Circle of JOY will not meet this month.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN COOKBOOKSPRESBYTERIAN WOMEN COOKBOOKS——REDUCED TO $5.00REDUCED TO $5.00 Just in time for Christmas!Just in time for Christmas!

HANDCRAFT MINISTRY

The Handcraft Ministry will meet Wednesday, December 11th from 10:00—11:00 a.m. here at

the church. All who are interested in learning

about this ministry (and all those who are already

involved) are invited to come.

By: Frances Guerry

Monday, December 9, 2013

11:00—1:00 p.m.

At the home of

Hassell and Bobbi Weeks

301 Southern Boulevard

All Women of the Church are invited!

POINSETTIAS TO

DECORATE OUR

SANCTUARY We are once again decorating

our vestibule, narthex and sanctuary with lovely red and

white poinsettias and other flowers and greenery. These flowers are given each year by you, mem-

bers of the congregation, in loving memory or in honor of friends and loved ones. There will be a poinsettia envelope in the bulletin each Sunday

from now until Christmas. If you would like to make a donation to our poinsettia fund in mem-

ory or honor of someone special in your life, please use the envelope included in the bulletin or

call the church office at 446-9121. The cost of each plant is $18.00.

TAR RIVER ACADEMY TAR RIVER ACADEMY

CHRISTMAS BAGSCHRISTMAS BAGS Christmas Bags for Tar River Academy will be

assembled Tuesday, December 10th at 10:00

a.m. in the session room.

All help is appreciated!

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ELDERS — CLASS OF 2016

Amy Wheeler Hunt Husband: Richard 3 Children—Caroline (20), Richard (19), Charlotte (17) Grew up in Vero Beach, Florida. Attended First Baptist Church and was active in the

youth group. Attended dental school at UNC Has shared a dental practice with Richard for the past 23 years FPC experiences—Youth Sunday school teacher, Youth Group advisor, Deacon,

Mission trip to Mexico (2 years), playground renovation, Architectural Advisory Sub-committee, Vacation Bible School Coordinator, Gatekeepers

Hobbies—cooking, travel, spending time with family

Charles Taylor Phillips “I was a Floridian of 40 years before moving my family to Rocky Mount six years ago. We have enjoyed every minute of our life here, particularly the true small town feel that

Rocky Mount has to offer. I am a Physician Assistant and specialize in ENT. I graduated from the University of Florida with a Masters degree in Physician Assistant studies. My wife Sydney and I were very much involved in our former church in St. Petersburg, Maximo Presbyterian. While there I served on the session, led the Mission Team and chaired the Pastoral Search Committee. My current role in NC finds me very involved with the youth, specifically, the Youth Council of New Hope Presbytery. Currently, I am coordinating the Presbytery High School retreat in March, 2014, and I have been asked to moderate the Youth Council. I have been happily married for 21 years to the love of my life, Sydney. We have two (2) awesome boys, Wyatt 15 and Samuel 12. I am blessed to have been called to serve on the Session of FPC here in Rocky Mount. I look forward to doing God’s work with you.”

Richard Jeptha Rose Jep Rose is a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, where he has served as a member of the diaconate and the session, including several teams as clerk thereof. He was a listless student while enduring a long and expansive education at schools he was lucky to get into, and he has been a practicing attorney in Rocky Mount since 1973. He is married to Elizabeth Rose and they are the parents of two (2) daughters, Mary Ash-ley and Lucy.

Timothy Carl Smith Wife: Mary Sue

2 children—Tim Smith, Jr. (33), Rebecca (33) Tim practices Internal Medicine at Boice Willis Clinic. He attended medical school at

the Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed his residency at Duke University Medical Center. Tim has also done some clinical teaching at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.

Tim has been a member of First Presbyterian church for 17 years, and has been an or-dained elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for 12 years.

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DEACONS — CLASS OF 2016

Diane Lovelace Dixon “I am the older daughter of Jack and Daphne Lovelace and grew up in this great First Presbyterian Church of ours. For some reason my mother thought I should join the choir during my younger years and like a good girl, I followed her advice. I loved wearing the choir attire with the big bow ties, but I’m sure Larry Gupton wished that I would try lip

syncing. After graduating from Meredith College, I passionately followed my calling and taught high school math for 35 years. Not ready to completely retire, I found another passion and opened Patios In Bloom, an outdoor accessory shop on Dortches Boulevard, with Gina Allen. I am married to Phil Dixon and we are blessed with two sons and their wives, Philip and Sarah Dixon, John and Amy Dixon, and two grandsons, Philip and Cameron.”

Stephen Redfern Chesnutt Wife, Martha Children, Mary Powell (6), Elizabeth (4) Stephen received his undergraduate degree from Hampden-Sydney and a MBA from

East Carolina University. He is currently self-employed as a general contractor. Stephen joined First Presbyterian eight (8) years ago by letter of transfer from First

Presbyterian Church in Henderson, NC .

Thomas Anthony Honey Tommy and his wife Kate joined First Presbyterian on November 13, 2011. He is cur-rently employed with Hunter & Associates, a property management and brokerage firm in Raleigh. Tommy has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He and Kate have two children: Shelton (9) and Thomas (6). Tommy has coached youth soccer here in Rocky Mount, and he enjoys participating in organized sports leagues, primarily basketball and tennis.

Georgia Bracy Mixon Georgia has been a member of First Presbyterian for 62 years, joining in December of 1950. She has been and remains a very active member. She is largely responsible for our Prom Closet each spring. Georgia is also a member and officer of Presbyterian Women and a member of our Circle of J.O.Y. She is very happy to have been given the opportunity to serve as a deacon.

Ann Claire Roberson Ann Claire became a confirmed member of First Presbyterian on April 19, 2009. She has grown up in this church, being baptized here on November 16, 1997. She has been a member of our Middle School Youth Group and is now a member of our Senior High Youth Group. She participates in most all of our Senior High Youth Group activities; ringing bells for the Salvation Army, working with Gatekeepers each summer, and many other church and youth group functions. She attends Rocky Mount Academy.

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CAN YOU GUESS THESE ‘PARAPHASED” YULETIDE TITLES? 1. Quadruped with crimson proboscis

2. Nocturnal period without noise

3. Hey you, miniscule hamlet in the Near East!

4. My maternal parent osculated a saint in my line of vision

5. Ancient, benevolent Czech monarch

6. Adorn the vestibule

7. Chilly homo-sapiens of crystallized vapor

8. Exuberance directed at the planet

9. Listen as the aerial chorus announces musically

10. A trio of monarchs describing themselves

11. Yonder in a feed trough

12. One dozen 24-hour Yuletide periods

13. Hey, a sanctified post meridian

14. Seraphim making perceptible noise aloft

15. Christmas list: a pair of incisors

16. Hey believers, get over here

17. My mental imaging of a Caucasian Yuletide

18. Musical clangs on precious metal

19. Arrival of a neutral pronoun on a cloudless witching hour

20. Perambulating in a dreamy snowscape

ANSWERS 1. Rudolph, the Red Nosed

Reindeer

2. Silent Night

3. O, Little Town of Bethlehem

4. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa

Claus

5. Good King Wenceslas

6. Deck the Halls

7. Frosty the Snowman

8. Joy to the World

9. Hark, the Herald Angels Sing

10. We Three Kings

11. Away in a Manger

12. Twelve Days of Christmas

13. O, Holy Night

14. Angels We Have Heard on

High

15. All I Want for Christmas is my

Two Front Teeth

16. O Come All Ye Faithful

17. I’m Dreaming of a White

Christmas

18. Silver Bells

19. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

20. Walking in a Winter Wonder-

land

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ARE YOU SCHEDULED? USHERS, GREETERS, WELCOME USHERS,

LITURGISTS, CHILDREN’S SERMONS

December 1 and 8

Head Usher—Randy Thomas

Ushers—Randy Thomas

Bobbi Lambeth Tim Smith

Mary Sue Smith

Myra Thomas Welcome Usher—Myra Thomas

Greeters—Doug & Catherine Billups

Liturgist— 1st Ellen Poland

8th Mary Perry

Acolytes— 1st

8th Lauren & Megan Seale

Children’s Sermon—

1st Dee Whitley

8th Jim Lilley

Nursery— 1st Christie Sondergard

Christie Outlaw Kim Sutton

8th John & Cindy Feagans

December 15 & 22

Head Usher—Dee Whitley

Ushers—Dee Whitley

Darin Scott Elizabeth Scott

Georgia Mixon

Kevin Schrimper Welcome Usher—Kevin Schrimper

Greeter—Bobbi Lambeth

Liturgist—15th David Farris

22nd Randy Adams

Acolytes 15th

22nd

Children’s Sermon

15th Randy Adams

22nd Dionne Seale

Nursery— 15th

Kate & James Tharin 22nd

Lynn & Andy Warner

December 29

Head Usher—David Farris

Ushers—David Farris

David Dudley John Gessaman

Verna Gessaman

Laura Dudley Welcome Usher—Laura Dudley

Greeter—Marianne Farris

Liturgist—Partha Daughtridge Children’s Sermon—Pastor

Nursery—Kate and Tommy Honey

December 24th—Christmas Eve

TBA

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My heartfelt thanks to those wonderful youth and youthful adults who were so kind to rake the leaves in my yard. I am so fortunate to belong to such a caring

church. Love, Evelyn Reese

More praise and thanks to the members of the Hand-craft Ministry! Just had to tell you how proud L. M. is of his own special afghan. Believe me, he has put it to

good use since his surgery and it goes with him from room to room. Not only is the afghan useful, it is beau-tiful, lovely handwork. Many thanks from both of us. See you at church,

Margaret Barnes

Dear Church Family, I have been overwhelmed with the many cards, calls, etc. from my church family. I have received flowers

delivered by Laura Dudley, an afghan delivered by Frances Guerry, food from Georgia Mixon and Sylvia Phillips and so many cards and prayers. I even had a visit from Mrs. Pumpkin (BC) who offered best wishes

from the choir along with lots of candy! Prayers got off to an early start when, to my surprise, I was met as I got out of the car at the hospital by our Pastor, Peter Bynum! All of you mean so much to Margaret and

me. I am progressing well and hope to return to the choir ASAP. Lots of love to you all, L. M.

To our church family, Thank you all for the love and support you have shown our daughter, Vivian! She loves to sing, and for

her to have an opportunity to sing in front of a large group of people that cares so deeply for her is one of the

greatest blessings anyone could have. Thank you dearly!

Blessings, Winslow and Laura Rogers

What a grand group you are! First I go to the hospital, Pat gets jealous of the attention I am getting so she ups and has a “mild heart attack”. We both get lovely

warm lap robes from the nice crocheting ladies. Then I have a birthday and here comes a beautiful and very creative cake from Hannah Diedrick. It is undoubtedly delicious but it is enshrined for at least the holidays,

also a sweet birthday card from the children. Pat and I are sincerely grateful and proud to be with such a fine and loving group. THANK YOU!

Jim and Pat Blanchard

Dear Church Friends: The birthday cake was so delicious. My family en-joyed it as much as I did. Thank you so much.

Fondly, Mildred Johnson

Dear FPC, Thank you so much for the flowers we found on our doorstep upon arriving home from New York. After a

hard week mourning the loss of Kyle’s mom, they were a sweet surprise. We so appreciate the love and support from this wonderful church. Sincerely,

Kyle and Nancy Stetz

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ABBOTTSWOOOD AT IRVING PARK

Greensboro Peggy Harrison—mother of Laura Dudley

THE FOUNTAINS AT THE ALBEMARLE

Tarboro Janice Mayberry

BREKENRIDGE, Rocky Mount Mable Sloan Mildred Weeks

Bill Goodwyn

THE COTTAGE AT SPRING ARBOR

Rocky Mount Mardy Callaway, mother of Joe Callaway

THE COMMONS AT BRIGHTMORE

Wilmington Janie Lassiter

AT HOME, LIMITED MOBILITY Mildred Johnson, Thelma Lundy, Blanche Robinson

Pat Blanchard Bill and Ida Stanley

John Dudley Jean and Frank Edge

Margaret Edwards Anne Etheredge

Benjy Glover Anna Gold (broken ankle) Barbara Griggs

Russell Guerry (Charles and Frances Guerry’s son) — heart attack

Mae Joyner, sister of Anne Parkerson Robert Littrell

Henrietta MacIntyre, mother of Russ MacIntyre Dorathy (Dot) Meares, Mary Scott’s

mom Susie Park, Fred Park’s mother

Johnny Phillips Anne Podesta

Katy Keel Sozzi (granddaughter of the late Paige and Betty Keel, niece of Wardlaw Lamar) — brain tumor

CHRISTMAS EVE

COMMUNION Preparers—Partha Daughtridge

Servers

Partha Daughtridge Marianne Farris

David Farris Mike Gaynor

John Etheredge Janice Smith Anne Mosley

Becky Parks

John Turnage

Winslow Rogers Jay Gardner

CONGRATULATIONS! to Abby and Collin Neblett on the birth of their new daughter,

Lillian Brittain Neblett, born Tuesday, December 3, 2013 in

Dallas, Texas. Proud grand-parents are Bill and Suzanne Buchanan and great grandfa-

ther, Herman Ferguson. Lily weighed 8 pounds 1 ounce and was 21 inches

long.

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Pastor: Peter Bynum Associate Pastor for Congregational Life: Mary Kathleen Duncan

Assistant for Children’s Ministries: Dionne Seale Church Secretary: Catherine Billups Financial Secretary: Jeanne Shannon

Director of Music: Jim Smith Organist: Virginia Vance Housekeeper: Charity Lodge Sexton: J. J. Jeffries

Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Permit No. 193

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

First Presbyterian Church 153 N. Church Street

Rocky Mount, NC 27804 www.fpcrm.org

Pastor: Peter Bynum Associate Pastor for Congregational Life: Mary Kathleen Duncan

Assistant for Children’s Ministries: Dionne Seale Church Secretary: Catherine Billups Financial Secretary: Jeanne Shannon

Director of Music: Jim Smith Organist: Virginia Vance Housekeeper: Charity Lodge Sexton: J. J. Jeffries

Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Permit No. 193

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

First Presbyterian Church 153 N. Church Street

Rocky Mount, NC 27804

PeterPeterPeter Mary Kathleen

Mary Kathleen

Catherine

Catherine

JeanneJeanne

DionneDionne J. J.J. J. JimJim

JennieJennie

Bill B.

Bill B.

Mary H.