FIRST PRESS NEWS

June 2016

Firs t Presbyter ian Church 153 N. Church Street

Rocky Mount , NC 27804 www.fpcrm.org

252 -446 -9121

One of the things your Pastor Nominating Committee shared with me during our many conversations last year was that we are a congregation that travels, and that Rocky Mount is a city with lots of folks who go out of town for the summer. As summer fast approaches, many of us are looking forward

to trips to the mountains, the beach, and even overseas! Many of us are excited as well about time spent at the pool, in our backyards, and at neighborhood cookouts. If you are traveling this summer, please keep in touch with us. We’d love to hear about your adventures. Send us a picture and we might post it to Facebook or include it on a weekly email. You can always keep up with us in the usual ways of the monthly newsletter and weekly email, but don’t forget that you can see what’s going on by liking our Facebook page, or following us on Twitter and Instagram! Additionally, you can listen to our sermons online through our website, or by clicking on the link that we put up every week on our Facebook page, or by downloading our podcast on iTunes. One of the projects we’ll be working on this summer is upgrading the audio system in the sanctuary, and installing a small video camera. The goal is to be able to have a video recording of the sermon each week by the end of the summer. Ultimately, my goal for next summer is to have every worship service streaming live online each Sunday, so that no matter where you are, at the beach, in the mountains, sick at home, you can still worship with us. Know that wherever you are and wherever you are going this summer, God goes with you. May you experience God’s presence each day! Blessings and Peace, Chris

Senior Pastor: The Rev. Christopher M. Berardi

Associate Pastor for Congregational Life: The Rev. Mary Kathleen Duncan

Church Ministry Coordinator: Dionne Seale Financial Secretary: Jeanne T. Shannon

Director of Music: Jim Smith Organist: Virginia Vance

Sexton: J. J. Jeffries Assistant Sexton & Nursery Attendant: Charity Lodge Nursery Assistant: Mary Hilliard

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6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Night Fellowship switched to the home or restaurant meal only gathering schedule and will not resume the meal/program meeting in the Fellowship Hall until this fall. Here is the June schedule: June 1 Home of Jack and Mary Perry. Please call Mary if able to attend.

June 8 Mama’s Pizza; Call Sue Jackson to make your reservation

June 22 Olive Garden; Call Sue Jackson to make your reservation.

June 29 Home of Mary Watson with Janice Smith co-hosting. Please call Mary if you can attend. All home meals are covered dish and all are invit-ed to come and enjoy!

Brown Bag Bible Study meets on Mondays at noon (except on Lunch Bunch dates) in the Session room. All are welcome to bring a lunch and join one of our pastors for fellowship and thoughtful biblical discussions!

...with First Presbyterian!

Friday, June 17 at 6:00 p.m.

Bring a covered dish item to share at the home of Kay Wester, with Lloyd and Sarah Bailey serving as co-hosts. Please call Kay if able to attend.

Join us for lemonade and delicious treats in the courtyard outside the columbarium each Sunday immediately following 10:00 a.m. worship!

Members of the Diaconate will be assisting with this fun time of fellowship!

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Our Heritage, Our Mission

Capital Campaign

Update

Total Pledges to date:

$1,158,866.11

Funds Received (through 4/29/16):

$999,128.20

Boys and Girls Clubs of Nash/Edgecombe Counties

www.bgcnec.com

(FPC has budgeted to give $2000)

The Boys & Girls Club is a Youth Development Organization dedicated to promoting the health, social, educational, vocational, cultural, character and leadership development of youth. It aims to help young people improve their lives by building self-esteem and developing values and skills during critical periods of growth.

REMINDER:

Sunday morning worship has switched to 10:00 a.m. and will return to the 11:00 a.m.

service time on September 11, 2016.

Please review the below church income (pledges and loose offering) and expense data for April. The prior month is not available as of the newsletter print date. Please contact Jeanne Shannon in the church office if you have any questions at jeanne.shannon@fpcrm.org. Pledges and Loose Offerings received through

April 30, 2016 Month – to – date $ 59,251.85 Year – to – date $ 235,068.64

Expenses through April 30, 2016 Month – to – date $ 41,082.94 Year – to – date $ 213,661.86

Darin Scott did an excellent job repairing and repainting the area around the church library window that had water damage. We truly appreciate the many talents of our church members!

Some recent pictures from the Wednesday Night Fellowship gathering at the home of Sylvia Phillips on May 4….

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On Wednesday, May 18, the Parent’s Afternoon Out kids enjoyed an outing to

a new local restaurant, Sweet Taters, on a cool and rainy afternoon! We

learned about how the owners updated a house that was over 100 years old

and made it into a neat place to eat! The kids sipped lemonade, sampled waffle

cookies made with sweet potatoes that could be dipped in either chocolate or caramel

sauce, and some even sampled chocolate mousse! YUM! We had so much fun sampling food, that

we did not have time to visit Battle Park, but we were able to squeeze in some outdoor time on

the grounds of the restaurant with ladder ball and connect four. On our way back to the

church, we took a brief detour to see all the “Mill Houses” that are being refurbished too. A

special prayer was lifted giving thanks for new beginnings in our community!

2015-16 Sunday School Year Concludes….

The Elementary age classes celebrated Game Day on May 22, and we recognized

the following for outstanding attendance in the Spring semester: John Berardi,

Ellen Feagans (who also received Best Overall attendance for the entire year!),

and a tie between Mary Powell Chesnutt, Mari Robin Tharin and Frances Tharin.

All Sunday School Teachers were recognized during worship later that day and a

small token of appreciation for each teacher can be

picked up from one of the vestibule tables outside

the Narthex during the next couple of Sundays.

The Christian Education Committee is so apprecia-

tive of your time and talent—don’t forget to let us

know if able to teach again this fall!

“Surf Shack” Vacation Bible School at First Presbyterian!

June 13-17, 2016 from 8:45 a.m—noon Ages 3 through 5th grade

Volunteer orientation: Thursday, June 2 at 7:00 p.m. FPC Session Room

Sponsored by First Presbyterian, Lakeside Baptist, Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal, West Haven Presbyterian, and St. Andrew’s Episcopal

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Dates to remember:

WELCOME BACK MARY KATHLEEN DUNCAN ON JUNE 1, 2016! Vacation Bible School (Youth Helpers) - June 13-17, 2016 Gatekeepers Work Camp—July 11-15, 2016 Montreat Youth Conference—July 17-23, 2016

Allison Barnes is the daughter of Matt Barnes and Tiffany Barnes, and granddaughter of L.M. and Margaret Barnes. This fall, Allison will be attending East Carolina University and is considering a major/career in Physical Therapy. This summer, she will be continuing physical therapy for her knee, attending Montreat, babysitting, and going to the beach.

Caroline Carrier is the daughter of Catherine Liipfert, and granddaughter of Nancy and Bailey Liipfert. She will be attending UNC-Wilmington this fall and plans to major in Business. Caroline is looking forward to living in Wilmington this summer.

Wyatt Phillips is the son of Taylor and Sydney Phillips. He is planning to attend UNC-Chapel Hill this fall and major in either Biology or Exercise & Sports Science. This summer, Wyatt plans to attend the Montreat Youth Conference as well as serve on the staff of the General Hugh Shelton Leadership Challenge at NC State as a Peer Leader.

Lucy Rose is the daughter of Jep and Elizabeth Rose. She plans to attend UNC-Chapel Hill this fall. She is undecided on a major. This summer, she plans to work as a counselor at the Rocky Mount Academy summer camps. She also looks forward to volunteering with Vacation Bible School.

Lindsey Ross is the daughter of Jay and Heather Gardner, and Doug Ross. She will be attending Wake Forest University this fall and plans to start her college education with an undeclared major. This summer, Lindsey will continue to work as a nanny for a local family and also plans to travel to the beach with her friends, and to Blowing Rock, NC with her family in July.

Tyler Schrimper is the son of Kevin and Jennifer Schrimper, and he will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His intended major is biology and he plans to pursue dental school. He does not have any exciting summer plans but will be lifeguarding this summer.

Olivia Turnage is the daughter of John and Beth Turnage, and the granddaughter of Pat Mauldin. She will be attending the University of Georgia this fall where she will be in their Broadcast Journalism program. This summer, she will be nannying for Kate and Tommy Honey. Olivia is also looking forward to going to Montreat with the church in July.

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Please continue to drop off children’s books, and men’s and women’s clothing for Peacemakers! You may leave books and

clothes in the wooden cabinet located in the Volunteer office.

Volunteers are needed on Saturday, June 18 to help build a playground at Peacemakers.

Donations are being accepted at Peacemakers to offset part of the cost of the playground not covered by a grant.

For more information, visit

www.rockymountpeacemakers.org.

Volunteers are always welcome

for several routes!

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 of each month or anytime in the

volunteer office beside the church office entrance:

Tar River Academy Tar River Academy is in need of clothes for their students for their June graduation. Items needed include: men’s black pants, white button down shirts, black ties, and black shoes. They need sizes ranging from small to XXL. Girls items that are needed include black dresses and black shoes in a variety of sizes. These donations can be new or “gently” used. A collection container is located in the Session Room closet. Also, 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 hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, washcloths, soap, deodorant, and feminine hygiene supplies.

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 Children’s Hope Alliance (formerly Barium Springs & Grandfather Home for Children).

Thank you for supporting the Agape Village Orphanage Donation Drive! The barrel full of supplies will surely be appreciated by all the children and

be put to good use. It is scheduled for pick up on June 3, 2016.

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Ann and Tom Dill were recently honored as the co-recipients of the Outstanding Older Adult Award for First Presbyterian, and on May 15, they were honored by the Presbytery along

with 60 other “Older Adults” from throughout the Presbytery of New Hope at a reception. This is a copy of their nomination by our Session:

2016 Outstanding Older Adult Award First Presbyterian Church, Rocky Mount, NC

Thomas G. and Ann Fountain Dill, both age 94, have been faithful members of First Presbyterian Church of Rocky Mount

as a married couple since 1949. Ann actually is a child of the church and has been a member here longer than any other

person! She was confirmed as a member 82 years ago! While Tom was raised as a Methodist in New Bern, he became a

Presbyterian upon marrying Ann in 1944. For a short while, their membership moved to First Presbyterian Church of

Greenville, NC, where Tom was ordained as a Deacon in 1948, but their membership was reinstated here at First Presbyteri-

an, Rocky Mount in 1949.

The Dills have four children, Ann Dill Hamrick, Harriet Dill Thorpe, Susan Dill Lee and Thomas G. (Tommy) Dill, Jr.

They also have six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren!

Tom and Ann have been active participants of numerous fellowship programs, including Wednesday Night Fellowship,

Lunch Bunch, and In-Betweens. In their sixties, they spearheaded the effort to have an elevator placed in the church

education building and it is named in honor of their daughter, Susan Dill Lee.

Tom has served First Presbyterian Church as a deacon, a trustee, and an elder. Additionally, he served on various church

committees and even at the presbytery level. He could even be found teaching Sunday School. As his daughter, Harriet,

describes, “if the church door was open, he was here.” Tom practiced law into his late eighties and still fondly enjoys his

“Old Lawyers Club” that meets regularly for lunch, as well as his continued service with the Kiwanis Club.

Ann taught school after graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill, and then stayed home to raise their four children. She was

active in the community, serving on the local school board, and also chaired the church’s Religious Education Committee,

now the Christian Education Committee. In 1999, Ann was honored as the Presbyterian Women Birthday Cake recipient. In

addition to all of this, in 1972 Ann was elected as the first female deacon of First Presbyterian Church!

The congregation of First Presbyterian Church is immensely proud of

Tom and Ann Dill, and are grateful for their faithful witness to the

Gospel of Jesus Christ through their words, their deeds, and their friend-

ships.

(Pictured at the lower left, Tom and Ann Dill, and all of the Presbytery of New Hope Outstanding Older Adult Honorees on

May 15, 2016 in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, Rocky Mount. )

The Prom Closet is closed for the season. A big thanks to all who helped make it our best year ever. We had forty-four students come to shop our wonderful selection of formal attire. Forty-two of those students went away with something to make attending their prom possible. The students wrote very nice complimentary notes with words of thanks for our project. Volunteers have reported how much fun they had helping the students find just the right attire. We would like to thank The Rocky Mount Telegram for their publicity of this event. It helped to make the community aware of this project and the community responded with many donations. Thanks to all who

helped make Prom Night special and possible for so many area students.

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Presbyterian Women Birthday Cake Recipient and

Luncheon

Dionne Seale was surprised during worship on May 15 as the recipient of the PW Birthday cake! She was especially grateful for the kind words by Laura Durham in the introduction and the delicious cake made by Hannah Diedrick!

Below, a wonderful time was enjoyed by all who attended the annual PW Birthday Luncheon on Thursday, May 19. New PW Coordinating Team officers were sworn in, Bettie Kirkpatrick was guest speaker, and delicious food was shared. Special thanks to all who made it possible!

Summer Choir

Come sing with us this

summer.

No Wednesday evening rehearsals.

Meet at 9:30 on Sunday mornings to rehearse an

anthem for worship.

Music is easy to learn.

All are welcome.

The Handcraft Ministry will meet on

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

at 1:30 p.m. in the home of

Cindy Masters

This wonderful ministry provides prayer shawls, blankets, etc. to those in need of God’s warmth!

Following its founding in late March 2015, the Rocky Mount Chamber Singers gave its very first concert two months later in June. Its final concert of the 2015 - 2016 season will be on June 5, 2016 at First Presbyterian in Raleigh.

Its performance there will be in celebration of the church's 200th anniversary. Several of the performances for the group's 2016 - 2017 season have been scheduled, including a performance on a concert series in Wilmington and the final concert on the 20th anniversary of the Performing Arts Series at the Dunn Center on the Wesleyan College Campus.

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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

This is not a complete list of ushers as of printing—as ushers sign up online during the summer months, their names will be added to the weekly emails as a reminder.

June 5, 2016 *Communion will be served by intinction* Head Usher: TBA Ushers: Diane Dixon, TBA (Welcome Table) Greeter: Janice Smith Children’s Sermon: Chris Berardi Nursery Helpers: Dionne Seale, Jeannie Lane Communion Preparers: Karen Callaway, Wicky Thorpe Communion Servers: Karen Callaway, Anne Kinnaird, Janice Smith, Wicky Thorpe

June 12, 2016 Head Usher: Dee Whitley Ushers: Greg Hutchins, Carol Hutchins, TBA (Welcome Table) Greeter: Betsy McLean Children’s Sermon: Mary Scott Nursery Helper: Katherine Fisher

June 19, 2016 *Mother’s Day/Father’s Day Special Offering* Head Usher: Taylor Phillips Ushers: Samuel Phillips, Wyatt Phillips, Laura Durham, TBA (Welcome Table) Greeter: Betsy McLean Children’s Sermon: Chris Berardi Nursery Helper: Winnie Gaynor

June 26, 2016 Head Usher: James Tharin Ushers: Laura Durham, TBA (Welcome Table) Greeter: Janice Smith Children’s Sermon: Jim Lilley Nursery Helper: Heather Gardner

Ushers and greeters are an integral part of the worship service each Sunday. All current ushers and greeters should have received an email with instructions on how to sign up for a summer date online. If you did not receive that email, or are not currently on the Usher/Greeter list and

would like to be added, please contact Dionne Seale in the church office for more information! Again, we are trying out a new system that allows folks to sign up for dates that suit their schedules during the summer months rather than be assigned, and would love to add you to the list! Dionne Seale can be reached during office hours at 252-446-9121 or by email at dionne.seale@fpcrm.org.

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First Presbyterian Church’s office hours are Monday—Thursday from 9:00-5:00 p.m. Please contact the church in advance should you need access to the building at other times.

Kindly notify Dionne Seale in the church office 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!

First Presbyterian Rocky Mount @FPC_RockyMount fpc_rockymount

FOLLOW US!

Dear Church Family,

Thank you for all that was done during my

friend Bob Van Scoik’s illness and death—

the prayers, cards, flowers and visits,

especially the lap blanket made by the

Handcraft Ministry and delivered by Mary

Kathleen. Bob was a member of Oakdale

Baptist Church but enjoyed worshiping at

First Presbyterian Church and participating

in church activities.

Thanks for your love and support.

Sincerely,

Kay Wester and the family of Bob Van Scoik

We received this thank you note from the international students of NC Wesleyan College in appreciation for our Bishop Buddy support.

First Presbyterian Church, I want to thank our First Presbyterian family for the prayers and support following my parents’ deaths. It’s never easy losing parents and to have it so close together was doubly hard. All the kind words, cards, and flowers made it more bearable and the support gave us strength to carry on. Stephen Ladwig and family

Bobbi and Hassell Weeks are proud to announce the birth of a new granddaughter, Harper Mae Thornes, on May 19, 2016 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Dear Handcraft Ministry Members, We absolutely adore the beautiful knit blanket and baby shoes, and have used them a bunch. Your kindness and thoughtfulness was a gift in itself. Thanks you so much for thinking of us, we really appreciate it. Best regards, Tripp and Caroline Evans

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THE FOUNTAINS AT THE ALBEMARLE Tarboro

► Tom and Ann Dill ► Tom Maude

TWIN LAKES RETIREMENT COMMUNITY—Burlington

► Liz Cole

ADDITIONAL CONCERNS Linda Amerson

Jean Boddie Irene Dixon Burton (Margaret Edwards’ sister)

Jean and Frank Edge Ryland Edwards Anne Etheredge

Cam Fisher (Becky Parks’ sister) Si Fuller

Earl and Phyllis Goodwin Betty Hodges

Tommy Honey Bobbie Lambeth

Tim Lane Nancy & Bailey Liipfert

Jacob McCabe (Mary Watson’s grandson) John McInnis (Mary Perry’s brother)

Lila Michael Stacey Norman (Sydney Phillips’ sister)

Susie Park (Fred Park’s Mother) Sylvia Phillips Anne Podesta

Shirley Quinan (Jay Quinan’s mother) Blanche Robinson

Evelyn Reese Maida Sessoms

Phyllis Toler Bobbi Weeks

Hassell Weeks

Our love and sympathy is extended to the following members:

John and Anne Etheredge upon the death of their sister-in-law, Lula Bell Etheredge, on May 6, 2016 in South Carolina.

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

Flower Ministry Volunteers/Substitutes Welcome!

When fresh flowers are used during worship, Flower Ministry helpers make sure they are trans-formed into smaller arrangements on Mondays that can brighten someone’s week! If you would like to be added as a substitute to arrange or de-liver, please contact Gaye Moore so she can add you to our list.

If you would like to honor someone or mark a special occasion in the coming year, please sign up by the date you prefer on the 2016 flower chart that is posted on the church office bulletin board. You can also contact Dionne Seale, Church Ministry Coordinator for more information at 446-9121. These dates are currently available:

June 5, June 12, June 19

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Attention all past and present Gatekeeper Volunteers…

CELEBRATE WITH US!

The 25th Anniversary of Gatekeepers Workcamp

Sunday, July 17, 2016

3:00-5:00 p.m.

Lakeside Baptist Church

Rsvp 252-446-0126 Join us as we remember our beginnings,

celebrate the work that has been accomplished,

and look forward to the future of our ministry.

Our High School Seniors and their families were honored by the Christian Education Committee with a breakfast on Sunday, May 22 . Later, each Senior received a wonderful Study Bible during worship. We wish them all the best as they enter this new chapter in their lives.