FIRST PRESS NEWS

December 2015

Firs t Presbyter ian Church 153 N. Church Street

Rocky Mount , NC 27804 www.fpcrm.org

252 -446 -9121

FROM THE PASTOR…

I had a conversation the other day with someone about the importance of good communication. In an organization like the Church that relies so much on volunteers, the quality of communication can have a huge impact on how things operate. Over the years, the churches have adapted to new technologies. Congregations have developed websites, blogs, and email blasts. Most of us are now used to receiving this newsletter via email. Just a few weeks ago, First Presbyterian entered the social media world, creating Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts (have you checked us out there yet?). Soon our weekly email will be accessible through a service such as Constant Contact, where we won’t have to open an attachment, and viewing will be easier across a variety of viewing platforms.

Our hope in making these and other changes is that the communication process will be streamlined, and that time-sensitive information will not get lost in the shuffle of three to four forms of communication from the church each week.

Within this newsletter, there are a couple of items I want to particularly highlight. One is the calendar for December. This time of year brings with it a variety of special programs and activities that you won’t want to miss. Details about many of the events will be found within these pages, as well.

The other item I want to draw your attention to is the summary of the most recent session meeting. When we met in November, your session heard that First Presbyterian is the recipient of a very generous bequest from the estate of former member, Ruth Hornbeck. Ruth died this August in Greenville, South Carolina. She and her husband, George, were members of First Presbyterian before moving to South Carolina. In fact, our congregation was George’s boyhood church and his mother, Mrs. E.G. Hornbeck, served as the organist for a number of years (thanks to Tim Smith for discovering this in George’s obituary). We expect to receive the full amount of the bequest by the end of 2016. In the meantime, the session authorized the funds to be placed in a reserve account while they determine how best to utilize this gift.

Finally, as I finish writing this the week of Thanksgiving, I want to say thank you to all of you for already making me and my family feel welcomed. I am grateful for the opportunity to do God’s work alongside each of you.

God’s Peace,

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Wednesday Night Fellowship con-tinues into December with two more weeks of food and programming. Join us at 6:00 on December 2 and 9 for a covered dish dinner, followed by a lesson at 6:45. Chris Berardi will be concluding the Advent study, The Journey. Dinner and programs will then take a break for the rest of December and resume in mid-January. Please notify the church office if the nursery is needed at 446-9121.

Brown Bag Bible Study meets on Mondays at noon in the Session room. All are welcome to bring a lunch and join a pastor for fellow-

ship and thoughtful biblical discussions!

...with First Presbyterian!

All adults at First Presbyterian Church

(of all ages) are invited to a Christmas Party hosted

by the In-Betweens.

The Main Course (201 Belmont Lake Drive, Rocky Mount)

Tuesday, December 8, 2015 5:30 p.m.

Cost: $35 per person

Reservation deadline is Thursday, December 3. Make checks payable to Sue Jackson or

Sylvia Phillips.

Call Sue or Sylvia with your reservation and entrée choice. Choose between ribeye, crab cakes or grilled chicken alfredo.

Monday, December 14 Noon

Session Room

Celebrate with your Lunch Bunch friends as we gather at noon on Monday, December 14. We will enjoy a Christmas brunch menu. Help us plan by contacting the church office to let us know you can attend or by writing Lunch Bunch by your name in the Friendship Pad on Sundays.

Lunch Bunch is a daytime fellowship group that meets monthly for a luncheon gathering. Delicious meals are prepared and served by the Lunch Bunch Team of volunteers. This fellowship opportunity is supported by the church budget, and guests also “pass the basket,” contributing what they choose to supplement the cost. While the Lunch Bunch is geared toward men and women of retirement age and beyond, anyone who would enjoy a time of good fellowship and fun around the table is welcome.

All Aboard the FPC Express!

Wednesday, December 9, 2015 4:00-5:30 p.m.

All ages are invited to help the “Parent’s Afternoon Out” kids decorate gingerbread trains that will be delivered to folks on our Congregational Care List. Over the years, these special deliveries have brought smiles and joy to those who may be in need of a little Christmas cheer! Trains will be assembled in advance, just bring a bag of candy to share and wear clothing appropriate for some delicious, but messy fun!

Join us for the Presbyterian Women

Tuesday, December 15

Home of Mary Kathleen Duncan Drop in between 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. for good food

and warm fellowship!

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Our Heritage, Our Mission

Capital Campaign

Update

Total Pledges to date:

$1,158,866.11

Funds Received (through 10/31/15):

$934,060.00

Peacemakers Family Center: ($750 budgeted) www.rockymountpeacemakers.org

Peacemakers is a Christian community development

organization serving the under-resourced area of South

Rocky Mount in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Our

mission is to empower members of the community with

the knowledge and skills necessary to lead successful

and sustainable lives. In coordinating community

outreach, Peacemakers believes wholeheartedly in the

importance of collaboration, working with other

community-based and faith-based organizations to

further the impact of our services.

We strive to tangibly demonstrate the love of Jesus

Christ in such a way that it results ultimately in

the complete transformation of the community and its

people. We are a Christian organization; however, we

never deny services to anyone on the basis of religion or

any other demographic criteria, and never require

anyone to engage in religious activities in order to

receive services.

At its November meeting, your session:

► Approved the 2015 clerk’s report for the denomination

► Approved the baptism of Mason Boyd Dudley, grandson of Laura and David Dudley, on January 24, 2016

► Voted to reactivate the Stephen Ministry program at First Presbyterian

► Received news of a bequest from the estate of former member, Ruth Hornbeck.

SHARE THE WELL: GRACIOUS GENEROSITY

PLEDGE UPDATE

Pledge Goal: $633,122 Amount pledged thru 11/23/15: $462,266 # of contributors: 99

HVAC UPDATE

We have been fortunate to see savings in our utilities with our programmable HVAC, however, HVAC can only do so much

considering the change in seasons. Please bear with us as we continue to find the right temperature for all.

As the end of the year approaches, please feel free to contact Jeanne Shannon in the church office with questions about your pledge. For anyone planning to sell stock to apply to their 2015 pledge, their capital campaign pledge, or to pre-pay their 2016 pledge, please begin the process so funds are re-ceived by the church by December 28th. It is im-portant to notify Jeanne Shannon at the church of-fice of any stock sale to insure the funds are applied appropriately. Also, as we approach the end of the 2015 budget year, requests for personal reimbursement can be filed by using the Reimbursement / Check Request form located in the middle of the church mailbox area. Please include all known information on the form and attach the receipts to the back of the form. A stapler and gem clips are available near the forms. Once complete, place the form and receipts in Jeanne Shannon’s mailbox (far right row). This form is helpful in our review and approval process. Please contact Jeanne Shannon with any questions.

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The Parent’s Afternoon Out kids

gathered on Wednesday, November

18 in order to explore the theme,

“Grateful Hearts & Giving Spirits”. We

enjoyed snacks, decorated Thanksgiving placemats,

assembled turkey ornaments, and decorated

Thanksgiving cards for kids at Nash General who will

have to spend the holiday away from home. Several kids

brought toys for the Peacemakers Toy Store, and we

even fit in time for a game of “Gobble, Gobble Turkey” -

somewhat similar to “Duck, Duck Goose”! We talked

about the ways we should be grateful, including things

we should be grateful that we don’t have! Our next

gathering will be for all ages to join us on December 9th

at 4:00, as we decorate gingerbread trains for those on

our Congregational Care list.

Kids—don’t forget to bring your spare change to contribute to the Clean Water

Campaign through Heifer International—while we “worship at the well”, we want to

raise $300 to help others have clean water.

Deep Blue Sunday School for December

Date Lesson Pre-K/K 1st-2nd 3rd-5th

12/6/15 ADVENT WORKSHOP

12/13/15 Deep Blue Christmas Book Lesson Tricia Vestal Christie Sondergard Christy Outlaw

12/20/15 ELEMENTARY GAME DAY

12/27/15 NO SUNDAY SCHOOL

Our Sunday School classes will

take a break for the weeks of De-

cember 27th and January 3rd. On the

27th, we encourage you to enjoy a

family breakfast or devotion at

home and then join us for worship

at 11:00. On January 3rd, the

Fellowship and Christian Education

committees will host an “Epiphany

Breakfast – Celebrating the Wise

Men” in the fellowship hall. Come

out at 10:00 am for some breakfast

goodies and an intergenerational

devotion led by our pastors.

DECEMBER 6 AT 9:45 A.M. All are invited to our annual Advent Workshop during the Sunday School hour on December 6. We will prepare Advent “To Go” boxes, angel ornaments for the kids , and a special quilt-themed intergenerational craft!

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Senior High Saturday, 12/5

Bell-Ringing at Sam’s Club

We’ll be the smiling faces around the Salvation Army kettle from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Contact Mary Kathleen to sign up for a time slot!

Wednesday, 12/9

Volunteering at Peacemakers Toy Shop

Join your friends from youth group from 3:00-5:00 pm to help decorate the Peacemakers Toy

Shop and price toys! If you want to ride the bus, please meet at the church at 2:45pm. If

you get out of school later than that, please meet us there – 1725 Davis Street (just off S.

Church in South Rocky Mount)

Sunday, 12/13

Progressive Christmas Dinner

We’re doing something a bit new this year for our Christmas celebration – a progressive

dinner! We will have appetizers at one home, a dinner at another, and dessert at a third. All

locations are in the same neighborhood so we can walk! Be on the lookout for the starting

location and time.

Middle School

Saturday, 12/5

Bell-Ringing at Sam’s Club

We’ll be the smiling faces around the Salvation Army kettle from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Contact Mary Kathleen to sign up for a time slot!

Sunday, 12/13

Christmas Party at the Barnhill’s

Come on over to Bea and Edward’s home for a fun Christmas afternoon beginning at 4:00

p.m. Fun games will be played and fellowship will be had by all! Please bring a $5-10

goofy gift for the white elephant exchange.

Check out our Advent blog written by youth for youth! Our youth group is partnering with

the youth group from Parkway Presbyterian in Corpus Christi, TX on this project. Check

in or subscribe to read a scripture lesson and devotion written by youth Monday-Friday

during Advent. On Sundays, be sure to check out our special edition posts about the

characters of Advent!

http://sparkideas4ministr.wix.com/sparkideas

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Buy a jar of local Conetoe Honey!

$10/jar Honey can be purchased from the

church office to benefit the Conetoe

Family Life Center!

Volunteers are always welcome! Contact Kara

Cox for more information

at 252-908-4749.

First Sunday of the Month

The following items are most appreciated and can be brought to the church on the first Sunday or placed in Room 111 (PW Room):

Tar River Academy Be sure to check out the wish list for Tar River Academy on the bulletin board outside the church office describing school supplies, food, hygiene items, and baby supplies needs and non-perishable food items. They are especially in need of non-perishable food items such as peanut butter, canned foods, and crackers.

Join us after worship on December 13 in the Fellowship Hall as we pack bags of food for families of Tar River Academy students. Hot cider and cookies will be served. After all the bags are packed (many hands make light work), you are welcome to head over to a local restaurant to share lunch together!

United Community Ministries #10 size cans (preferred) of either vegetables or canned fruit, and paper products such as paper towels and toilet paper.

Harris Teeter Shoppers: Be sure to link your VIC card to #5443 to benefit the Barium Springs Home for Children (now called Children’s Hope Alliance)!

Toys for the Peacemakers Toy Store—

unwrapped toys can be placed in the special bin in the Fellowship Hall through Dec. 4

Please continue to drop off children’s books, and men’s and women’s clothing for Peacemakers! You may leave books and clothes in Room 111 or in the wooden cabinet located in the Volunteer office.

Thirty-one shoeboxes were collected during our recent shoebox drive for Operation Christmas Child! Thank you to all who were able to participate in making a special child's Christmas brighter this year!

Tune in to CNN on Sunday, December 6, at 8:00 p.m. and see the Rev. Richard Joyner be honored as one of the finalists for the CNN Hero of the Year Award!

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First Presbyterian Scouts Update

The Girl Scouts enjoyed shopping for winter clothes for three young children this month. We also finished our entrepreneur badge.

The Brownies (above) had a super time at our first camp out at Mary Powell’s grandfather’s farm in Jackson.

Russell Proctor was recently recognized for his great accomplishments as Boy Scouts of America, East Carolina Council’s outgoing President. Under Russell’s tenure, he oversaw construction of the Nick Boddie Aquatic Center at Camp Charles Scout Camp, a pirate ship scout cabin at Camp Sam Hatcher, began construction of the Hodge’s Training Center, and lead the search for our new Scout Executive. Russell’s leadership also has put the council is in a stronger position financially and with personnel in key volunteer positions. Pictured with Russell from left to right are: Doug Brown the new Scout Executive, and incoming Council President John Leighton. Russell was presented with a “Hiking Scout” due to his love of hiking Philmont Scout Ranch over the years. The East Carolina Council serves over 8,000 youth in 20 counties in eastern North Carolina. Boy Scouts of American is a United Way supported agency.

Troop 7

News

The troop recently camped at Merchants Millpond State

Park. The weekend was filled with hikes, cooking and

compass work. Unfortunately the alligators had

hibernated for the winter so no sightings in camp, which

was literally in the middle of a swamp! We were joined

by WEBELOS II from Cub Scout Pack 7. One of their

requirements was to spend a weekend with a Boy Scout

Troop. The WEBELOS II is the last remaining rank in

Cub Scouts before they “Cross Over” into boy scouts

later this year. This was the first time the boys slept in

tents by themselves and the dads slept across camp. There

were a few tears but the dads eventually went to bed!!!

The park ranger gave us a lecture on Wild Turkeys

and their habitat.

Scouts leading our church service on Sunday morning.

They did the program including songs, responsive

readings and prayers.

After our church service what better way

to end your day but with a 2 mile hike!

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Presbyterian Women UPCOMING EVENTS

December 5—10:00 a.m.—Craft Circle will meet in the church Fellowship Hall to assemble gingerbread trains.

December 7—PW Coordinating Team at 10:30 a.m.

December 8—10:30 a.m.—Circle of Joy in the History Room with the Rev. Bettie Kirkpatrick leading the lesson.

December 14—7:00 p.m.—Circle of Friends at home of Sylvia Phillips with Edie Reeves co-hosting, Roslyn Gragg and the Rev. Bettie Kirkpatrick will pre-sent the program.

We will celebrate Communion by Intinction during worship on Sunday, December 6.

Servers for that date include are Karen Callaway, Jep Rose, Lisa Rowe, and Steve Rowe.

We will also celebrate Communion on Thursday, December 24 during the 5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve

Service. Servers include: Ike Amerson, Linda Amerson, David Farris, Marianne Farris, Anne Mosley, Becky Parks, Nancy Proctor, Russell Proctor, Nancy Richardson, Janice Smith, and John Turnage

We decorate our Sanctuary during Advent with beautiful poinsettias which are made available by your donations to honor and remember special friends and/or loved ones. Envelopes will be available through

December 20 in the Narthex for you to pick up and either place in the offering plate with payment enclosed during worship or return to Dionne Seale’s church mailbox. You can also request an envelope from the church office. A donation of $18 per poinsettia is appreciated.

Please join the Worship Committee on Thursday, December 3 to help decorate the sanctuary, chapel and vestibule. All are welcome! We will begin at 9:00 a.m and we will welcome help

throughout the day. Please contact Karen Callaway at 955-2834 or karencallaway@live.com for additional information.

Our Christmas Eve service will begin at 5:30 p.m. In addition to special anthems selected for the service, the choir and orchestra will present 25 minutes of music as a prelude, beginning at 5:05. Former choral scholar Jordan Winslow

will again join us to sing the well-known Christmas solo, “O Holy Night.” The choir’s anthems will include: “Little Drummer Boy,” originally know as “Carol

of the Drum” and first recorded by the Von Trapp Family Singers in 1955.

The familiar French carol, “Sing We Now of Christmas.”

The “new” Christmas song published in 1991, “Mary, Did You Know?”

This expanded presentation of music is made possible by gifts—primarily memorial gifts—to the Music Fund.

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“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.”

1 Peter 4:10

December 6, 2015 Head Usher: John Feagans Ushers: Wyatt Phillips, Taylor Phillips, Virginia Feagans, Linda Evans (Welcome Table) Greeter: Betsy McLean Liturgist: Joe Callaway Children’s Sermon: Joe Callaway Acolytes: Megan Seale, Graham Turnage Advent Wreath Family: Nancy Richardson and family Nursery Helpers: Tricia Vestal, Jeannie Lane Flower Ministry *: Georgia Mixon (arrange); Laura Dudley (deliver)

December 13, 2015—Joy Gift Music Program during worship Head Usher: Dee Whitley Ushers: Pell Foster, Sonny Foster, Georgia Mixon, Mary Watson (Welcome Table) Greeter: Janice Smith Acolytes: Anna Brooks Gaynor, Ellis Daughtridge Advent Wreath Family: Kevin and Jennifer Schrimper family Nursery Helper: Katherine Fisher Flower Ministry *: Nancy Proctor (arrange): Arthur & Mary Lou Fountain (deliver)

December 20, 2015 Head Usher: Dee Whitley Ushers: Pell Foster, Sonny Foster, Georgia Mixon, Linda Evans (Welcome Table) Greeter: Janice Smith Liturgist: Tim Smith Children’s Sermon: Dionne Seale Acolytes: Mary-Edith Cox, Shelton Honey Advent Wreath Family: Bill and Suzanne Buchanan Nursery Helper: Ann Dill Flower Ministry *: Frances Guerry (arrange); Hassell and Bobbi Weeks (deliver)

December 24, 2015—Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Ushers: John Feagans, Diane Dixon, Georgia Mixon, Pat Mauldin Acolytes: Zoey Outlaw, Emily Sondergard Advent Wreath Family: David and Laura Dudley family

December 27, 2015 Head Usher: David Farris Ushers: David Dudley, Bobbie Lambeth, Mary Watson, Laura Dudley(Welcome Table) Greeter: Kate Tharin Liturgist: Randy Adams Children’s Sermon: Randy Adams Nursery Helper: Heather Ross Flower Ministry *: Laura Durham (arrange and deliver) *only if fresh flowers are used during worship

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CONTACT INFO CHANGES:

Kindly notify Dionne Seale, Church Ministry Coordinator, at 252-446-9121 or dionne.seale@fpcrm.org of any email, address, or phone number changes so we can keep our database up to date! Thanks!

Dear Church family, I graciously thank you for your caring and support through cards, calls and visits during my tragic loss. The long journey of healing is ahead, but will be softened by your compassionate gestures of Christian love.

Sincerely, Karen Thompson

We would like to thank our church family and friends for the beautiful fall flower arrangement. It is brightening our home and is a reminder that we are not alone in our grief over Sue’s brother’s death. Also, thanks to all those who sent cards, called, and sent memorials to the church. Sue and Gene Jackson

I was delighted with the beautiful flowers delivered by our lovely Laura Durham. They brightened my day! Thank you all for your cards, love and prayers coming my way. Bobbi Weeks

Lunch Bunch Fun

November 16, 2015

First Presbyterian Rocky Mount @FPC_RockyMount fpc_rockymount

FOLLOW US!

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AUTUMN CARE Nashville

► Mardy Callaway, mother of Joe Callaway

THE FOUNTAINS AT THE ALBEMARLE Tarboro

► Tom and Ann Dill

TWIN LAKES RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Burlington

► Liz Cole

ADDITIONAL CONCERNS Jean and Frank Edge

Anne Etheredge John Gessaman

Pell Foster Arthur Fountain

Betty Hodges Pat Mauldin

John McInnis (Mary Perry’s brother) Bill McMenamin (Tricia Vestal’s brother)

Georgia Mixon Stacey Norman (Sydney Phillips’ sister)

Susie Park, Fred Park’s Mother Blanche Robinson

Evelyn Reese Maida Sessoms

If you would like to honor someone or mark a special occasion in the coming year, the 2016

flower chart is now posted on the bulletin board outside the copier room. You can also contact

Dionne Seale, Church Ministry Coordinator for more information at 446-9121.

Our sympathy is extended to Miley “Mike” Braswell-Self upon the passing of her husband, Edward Self, on November 16, 2015.

Our sympathy is also extended to the family of Janice Mayberry who passed away on November 19, 2015.

We extend our condolences to Phyllis Parker upon the death of her mother, Betty Gardner Parker, on November 24, 2015.

We extend our condolences to Nancy Proctor and her family upon the death of her mother, Nell Martin Ward, on November 26, 2015.

Please continue to keep these members and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

First Presbyterian Church’s office hours are

normally Monday—Thursday from 9-5:00 p.m. Please contact the church in advance should you need access to the building at other times.

The church office will be closed Dec. 24 in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Office hours the week of December 28-31 will be 9-12:30 daily, and the office is closed Jan. 1.

More honey from the Conetoe Family Life Center’s beehives is on the way! $10/jar

We will not have a First Friday clean-up day in December.

Congratulations to Gray and Brenning Daughtridge upon the birth of their daughter, Mary Evelyn Brenning Daughtridge, on November 11, 2015. The proud grandparents are Bill and Partha Daughtridge and great-grandparents, Pat and Carol Patterson.

Home Medical Equipment Available Before renting or purchasing medical equipment, consider borrowing form the church! Presently there are wheelchairs, walkers, canes and a portable bedside toilet for use.

If anyone has any unwanted medical equipment– let the church know! Just understand there is limited storage space which may mean a delay in accepting some items. Submitted by Tom Maude

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JOY GIFT PROGRAM Sunday, December 13 during worship

During the Sunday morning service on December 13, 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 participate in this musical offering to the church. The Chancel Choir will sing a number of Christmas selections accompanied by a small instrumental ensemble. The service will include scripture readings and the singing of carols, in addition to the collection of the Joy Gift offering.

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.

Please mark your calendars to attend this special event in our church's celebration of the Christmas season, and please invite your friends to join you.

Rehearsal with the orchestra is on Saturday, December 12 from 10:00—12:00 noon.

From all of the staff at First Presbyterian...