We all God First July, 2020 -...
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First July, 2020 Announcements & Celebrations p. 2 Reminders p. 3 Nurture p. 4 Teach p. 5 Worship p. 5 Fellowship p. 6 Serve p. 7 Directory p. 8 As a diverse family of believers in Jesus Christ, our mission is to glorify God by celebrating and sharing God’s renewing and transforming love as: We worship the living God with joy and thanksgiving. We teach the Word of God to deepen our faith and to grow in our love for Jesus Christ. We serve others through sharing the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We fellowship to enrich and energize our life together as a congregation. We nurture and embrace all God’s children. “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” Dr. M. L. King, Jr. One of the advantages of modern technology is its incredible reach. A great example is an email I received this weekend from a pastor in California. He wanted me to know that a video of my sermon from June 14th, which dealt with the issue of race and our need for repentance, had made it across the country and had an impact on him personally. Chris is a native of South Carolina, a graduate of Clemson, who felt both a conviction and a calling to his ministry. He said, “I am white. My wife (and thus my children) are mixed. As a former athlete, I have long standing relationships in diverse communities... but sadly it has really only been in the last 5 or 6 years (especially in lieu of the Emmanuel 9 in Charleston) that the veil has been progressively torn away to show my complicity in the racial injustice we see in this country.” Chris’ honest assessment is what we need more of right now, especially in the South: an acknowledgment that racist attitudes are practically engrained into our everyday culture and need to be rooted out. Repentance - ac- knowledgment or “raw honesty,” as Chris called it - is the first step. Reconciliation - the words and actions we take to make peace with those whom we have judged falsely - is the second. As I sat down to write a response, I remembered the above quote from Dr. King’s iconic, “I Have a Dream” speech. I first heard that speech when my teacher, Mrs. Jackson, played it for us in 6th grade. The simple honesty of that dream, the image of his 4 children (who have yet to experience it), the call for an end to judgment by color, and the lifting up of character over race: it all connected with me then and it still connects with me now - especially as a lack of character seems to be the real problem in our nation. I wrote back to Chris, thanking him for his kind words, and I offered that quote as a litmus test for our na- tion. The day those words seem odd or unnecessary, will be the day we are finally, “free at last.” My hope is that each of us will do our part to help make that day tomorrow. Peace - Richard
Transcript of We all God First July, 2020 -...
First
July, 2020
Announcements & Celebrations p. 2 Reminders p. 3 Nurture p. 4 Teach p. 5
Worship p. 5 Fellowship p. 6 Serve p. 7 Directory p. 8
As a diverse family of believers in Jesus Christ, our mission is to glorify God
by celebrating and sharing God’s renewing and transforming love as:
We worship the living God with joy and thanksgiving.
We teach the Word of God to deepen our faith and to grow in
our love for Jesus Christ.
We serve others through sharing the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
We fellowship to enrich and energize our life together as a congregation.
We nurture and embrace all God’s children.
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color
of their skin, but by the content of their character.” Dr. M. L. King, Jr.
One of the advantages of modern technology is its incredible reach. A great example is an email I received this weekend from a pastor in California. He wanted me to know that a video of my sermon from June 14th, which dealt with the issue of race and our need for repentance, had made it across the country and had an impact on him personally. Chris is a native of South Carolina, a graduate of Clemson, who felt both a conviction and a calling to his ministry. He said, “I am white. My wife (and thus my children) are mixed. As a former athlete, I have long standing relationships in diverse communities... but sadly it has really only been in the last 5 or 6 years (especially in lieu of the Emmanuel 9 in Charleston) that the veil has been progressively torn away to show my complicity in the racial injustice we see in this country.” Chris’ honest assessment is what we need more of right now, especially in the South: an acknowledgment that racist attitudes are practically engrained into our everyday culture and need to be rooted out. Repentance - ac-knowledgment or “raw honesty,” as Chris called it - is the first step. Reconciliation - the words and actions we take to make peace with those whom we have judged falsely - is the second. As I sat down to write a response, I remembered the above quote from Dr. King’s iconic, “I Have a Dream” speech. I first heard that speech when my teacher, Mrs. Jackson, played it for us in 6th grade. The simple honesty of that dream, the image of his 4 children (who have yet to experience it), the call for an end to judgment by color, and the lifting up of character over race: it all connected with me then and it still connects with me now - especially as a lack of character seems to be the real problem in our nation. I wrote back to Chris, thanking him for his kind words, and I offered that quote as a litmus test for our na-tion. The day those words seem odd or unnecessary, will be the day we are finally, “free at last.” My hope is that each of us will do our part to help make that day tomorrow. Peace - Richard
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Welcome Kara Wheeler
Director of Family Ministries
Kara has started her new position with FPC. If you would like to reach out to her, you may contact her at:
First Presbyterian families are
invited to fill out this form to
help Kara get to know them.
All responses are appreciated!
Click here to access the form.
Congratulations to proud parents, Caroline and Bill Muhn on the birth of their daughter, Grace Elizabeth Muhn, born on May 29th. Proud grandparents are Janet and Steve Mullinax.
Also, congratulations to proud parents, Lindsey and Kyle Childers on the birth of their son, Preston Lane Childers, born on June 16th. Proud grandparents are Russ and Lisa Rumford.
UPDATE ON COVID-19 AND THE CHURCH
• All activities at the church will remain cancelled through July with the excep-
tion of worship. We will continue with in-person worship on Sundays at 10:00
am. As a reminder, facial masks are required both in the Sanctuary and in Hopkins
Hall. A Livestream of worship is also available to view from home. Members will
receive an email each week with instructions on how to view the Livestream @
10:00 am. Lastly, a recording of the service will be available on the church website
at the close of Worship about 11:00 am.
• The Office is open, DO NOT DROP BY. Please call ahead for an appointment
if you need to visit the church office and wear a mask when you come in. If you
need to come to the church for other reasons (dropping off HOPE donations, library
visits, etc.), an appointment is not necessary if you will not be visiting the office.
• Sunday School will not reopen until the new school year. To supplement, we will
offer a video Adult Sunday School class each week as well as video lessons for the
children and youth. In-person Sunday School will not begin before Rally Day.
• In-building activities will not resume before August. By August, we hope to be
able to open the building back up to restricted gatherings. Until then, we will not
resume any activities outside of worship.
The Church Office will be closed on Monday, July 6th
in observance of Independence Day.
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1 Mike Goodner
Christine Walton
2 Lissa Hensley
4 Sue Munn
6 Grace Gresham
8 Liz Hindson
10 Elizabeth Cycak
14 John Demchak
15 Jennifer Abernathy
Lynn Blackwell
Deneen Gresham
Suzie Price
Winterton Zelinski
18 Barry Goodner
Carol Stevenson
19 Diane Hale
22 Cathy Anthony
Griffin Joiner
23 David Burton
24 Marshall Rikard
Jody Spradley
Charlie Stevenson
Josephine Zelinski
25 Russ Rumford
27 Patricia Johnson
28 Dora Bowman
29 Lauren Williams
Dee Dee Huggins
30 Mary Anne Sheppard
Hattie Verdery
31 Chip Hutchison
JULY
BIRTHDAYS
Library News
The Jurado Children’s Library will re-
main open, and it will be staffed on
Wednesday mornings from 9 AM to 12
Noon. If there are any questions, call
Will Read at 324-2046.
NURSERY NEWS
The nursery is going to have a new
look! Painting, new play mats, and
adding a play center are just a few of
the changes. Be on the lookout for a
picture or two of what to expect when
we return! We hope to have it com-
pleted sometime in July! We will keep
you posted!
Deacons on Call for
July
Eric Park Traci Jackson
Steve Mullinax
Unlock/Count/Lock 7/05 Barry Goodner, Ellie Dawson
7/12 Paul Horne, Faye Ballard 7/19 Kathy James, Steve Mullinax 7/26 Julia Nichols, Diane Bailey
The church is in the process of upgrading our internet speed to improve the quality of our livestream worship. Also, you may now access the livestream on the church's facebook page.
www.fpc-rockhill.org
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PRAYER LIST
Please keep these members of our congregation in your prayers:
Health Concerns (Members): Beth Easley, Worth Kendall, Mary Tice, Audrey Moore, Jane Williams, and Ann Dahlin.
Sympathy: Christian sympathy is extended to the family of Jim Bowman. Mr. Bowman passed away on Jun 11th.
Dora Bowman—1200 Warrington Pl., Rock Hill, SC 29732
Sympathy: Christian sympathy is extended to Susan Moore and Kathy James in the death of their brother, Neel Hollis. Mr. Hollis passed away on June 7th.
Kathy James—2080 Hayes Dr., Rock Hill, SC 29732
Susan Moore—1467 Alexander Rd., Rock Hill, SC 29732
Friends and Family Members to keep in our prayers:
Carol Hines - (Susan Demchak's friend) 1106 Christopher Circle, RHSC
29730
Keira Esposito (Sanfilipppo Syndrome)
746 Quicksilver Trail
Fort Mill, SC 29708-6548
Charlie Brewer-Brother of Suzie Price (colon cancer) 150 Panilla Ct., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Dennis Hopkins-Joe and Lena Hopkins’ son (ALS-Lou Gehrigs Disease) 4120 Marshall Rd, 29730
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Please keep the following mem-bers of the military in your prayers:
Stephen “Anthony” Bradley (Teresa Bradley’s son & Jean Horton's grandson) Navy: Stephen Bradley, 515 Chesterfield Rd Hampton, VA 23661 Matthew Blackwelder Blackwelder, Matthew B. Navy: Matt, Kellie and Jackson Black-welder 120 Kenneth Cr Newport News, VA 23602 Major and Mrs. Ryan Middle-ton (Laura Keely) 9190 Brenahm Court Montgomery, AL 36117
Taylor Ferguson- (Phyllis Fer-guson’s grandson) Army: Capt. Taylor Ferguson 7653 Kesler Dr Fort Benning, Ga 31905
If you or someone you know has a pastoral need, please contact Richard at 803-818-1863 or through email at [email protected]. You can also contact the church office (328-2467; [email protected]) or one of the deacons on call.
Our Prayer Ministry is now accepting prayer requests. This very important ministry is for all of our church members and extended families. You may provide as much or as little information as you wish and know that prayers will be offered at a moment’s notice. This is a confidential group and your request will be treated as such. Please contact Jane Williams (366-3834 or [email protected]).
Your family is invited to join us this summer for a Staycation VBS! This year's VBS will follow Jesus on his
travels as He calls the disciples, prays, and sends the disciples out. Your kit will include most everything you need
to reflect on the theme of the day and take several "excursions" to explore the theme through arts, crafts, science,
and games. Join Flat Jesus to see where the Presbyterian Church is doing mission in the world and decide how your
family will leave a mark of God's love.
This year's VBS will have it all from the comfort of your own home and on your own schedule - share this
opportunity with your neighbors and friends. Your kit will be available for a drive-by pick-up on Friday, July 10
from Noon-1:30pm.
Register your family to help us assemble kits with the correct number of participants at www.fpc-rockhill.org/vbs
by Wednesday, July 8. Questions? Contact Kara Wheeler by email ([email protected]) or phone (803-
818-1212).
Grades 6 through 12 are invited to
join the fun!! Please let Kara know
if you are not receiving her emails.
Christian Education Offers Course on Start of the Church
Starting in September the Christian Education Committee will offer a course titled “In the Shadow of the Temple” based on the book of the same title written by Oskar Skarsaune. We will look at Jewish influences on Early Christianity; the broad scope and influence of Hellenism on Palestine, language, philosophy, and civic organization; the influence of Rome; evolving Judaism in Jerusalem and abroad; and Jesus, His Apostles, and early Christian communities. Timewise, we will start with Alexander’s conquests and end with Constantine and Christianity’s conquest of Rome.
The course will be taught by Will Read, and we are looking for those who might like to dig deeper into the subject. Each class will last 90 minutes. Class size is limited to 25 curious participants.
If you are interested, contact Will at [email protected] or leave him a written note in the book return basket of the library (room 223) no later than August 1st to allow time for preparations and materials.
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Women’s
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Thank you for your kind and generous donations to the Presbyterian Communi-ties of South Carolina. The final total of our gift to the charitable care this year was $745.00. Your gifts are greatly appreciated.
In Loving Memory
Our mothers, Rose Mary Hardy and Nan Marshall Joe and Judy Hardy Our mothers, Josephine Lehman and Verna Mauch William and Joanne Lehman
My mother, Frances Carter Linder Tucker
Ken’s mother Karen and Ken Holt In Loving Honor
Karen’s mother Karen and Ken Holt
Margaret Ann Tice Karen and Ken Holt My mother, Dorothy Steele Hollis Kathy James
Contact the church office if you are not receiving the
Worship video links each week from Reverend Carr.
You should also be receiving the Sunday School video links from Kara. Both emails
for worship and sunday school usually arrive on Friday or Saturday with the instruc-
tions you need to access the links.
Call or email the church office if you are not receiving the emails each week.
[email protected] or 803-328-2467
Call or email the church office if you are not receiv-ing the Enews each week.
Giving Thank you to all who are continuing to send in your pledges. Without our usual worship ser-vice and time for offer-ing, however, our giving level has started to de-crease while expenses have remained roughly the same. There are three ways you may send your pledge to the church: 1) by mail to the address below, 2) drop them in Jackie’s box at the church, 3) give se-curely online through REALM. If you need assistance setting up online giving, please email or contact Jackie or Joanne.
[email protected] 803-389-8999 [email protected]
803-328-2467
First Presbyterian Church
P. O. Box 1011
Rock Hill, SC 29731
We serve others through sharing the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Yarns of Love – Each person from our congregation (or friend of family member) who receives a prayer shawl or lapghan from our group receives this enclosure. We ladies are prayerful that our ministry makes a difference in the lives of those who face serious illness or life changing circumstances.
May this gift made for you with love and prayers be a mantle and sign of God’s sustaining presence.
May it refresh your weariness; Surround you with comfort in your suffering. May it encircle you with healing for your pain;
May it surround you with joy, Grace you with peace and wrap you in love.
We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
This Prayer Shawl was made for you by the First Presbyterian Church Yarns of Love ladies. It is our prayer that you will receive comfort as you use it and that it will encircle you in God’s love and peace.
Thank you!
Help for HOPE: Your kindness and generosity resulted in 32 jars of
peanut butter and 28 boxes of crackers for Project HOPE clients during
the month of June.
Help for HOPE
The Mission and Outreach Committee will be collecting rice and rice mixes for
Project HOPE during the month of July.
Please consider bringing bags/boxes of rice and rice mixes (Knorr, Rice a
Roni, etc.) for the families in our area who face hunger every day. All brands
and kinds (instant, wild, flavored, white, etc.) are welcome. Every bag or box is
most appreciated by the recipients, as well as the volunteers at Project HOPE,
who are able to fill grocery bags for those in need. The donations will be
delivered on July 19 to Project HOPE.
We Worship the Liv-ing God with Joy and
Thanksgiving
HOP
(Hunger Outreach Program)
On the 4th Tuesday of each
month our church participates
in the “Hunger Outreach Pro-
gram”. We are a member of a
consortium of several churches
who meet and prepare approxi-
mately 240 meals, which are
bagged and delivered to the
hungry and needy in our com-
munity. We do not meet in the
Summer, our next HOP meet-
ing will be September 28th
You are invited to join us at
3:00 p.m. to assist in this ef-
fort. If you are unable to come
and help, you may assist by
writing a check to First Pres-
byterian Church and marking
it for “HOP”.
Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen
Ladies will meet on Thurs-
day, July 23rd from 10:00 a.m.
- 1:00 p.m. We help cook for
the Soup Kitchen on Crawford
Road. Anyone interested
should call Wendy Blanchard
at (704) 616-7021 or Christy
Goodner (to volunteer.
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Return Service Requested
The Officers of First Presbyterian Church
Members of the Session
Class of 2020 Class of 2021 Class of 2022
Bob Barrett Matt Goodner Barry Goodner Peggy Casey Jimmy Jurado Cynthia Johnson Paul Horne Laura Lengers Joanne Lehman Kathy James Susan Roberson Robert Pender Julia Nichols George White, Clerk Sheryl Smith
Members of the Diaconate
Class of 2020 Class of 2021 Class of 2022
Susannah Hayes Gene Black Lindsey Skinner Dave Keely Teresa Bradley, Moderator Ellie Dawson Joan Musselwhite Michelle Elston Faye Ballard Eric Park Traci Jackson Steve Mullinax Jane Williams Leslie Jurado Diane Bailey
First Presbyterian Church 234 East Main Street POST OFFICE BOX 1011 ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA 29730
Staff Contact Information Church Office: (803) 328-2467
Rev. Richard W. Carr, III Minister [email protected] (803) 818-1863
Kara Wheeler Directory of Family Ministries [email protected] (803) 818-1212
Rev. Dr. Craig C. Butler Marriage and Family Minister [email protected] (803) 366-5445-cell
Dr. Donald M. Rogers Director of Music [email protected]
Janet Miller Organist [email protected]
Will Read Cherub Choir Director [email protected]
Mickey Johnson Handbell Choir Director [email protected]
Joanne Stogner Administrative Assistant [email protected]
Jackie Johnson Financial Secretary [email protected]
