Welcome Guest Preacher Terry Newland
This Sunday we are pleased to welcome Rev. Terry Newland as our guest preacher. Many of you who have been in and around the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley for some time have worked alongside Terry when he served as pastor, presbytery executive, synod executive, or even Gulftreat volunteer! We are grateful that Terry will join us for two Sundays during this sabbatical period, one in June and one in July.
Terry started working in the Presbyterian Church 53 years ago as the janitor in his home church and as a counselor for the presbytery’s summer camp program. He is now retired and living with his wife of more than 46 years, Diane Slay Newland, in Trussville, Alabama.
Terry attended Auburn University (B.A. 1975) and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (M.Div. 1978). He was ordained on June 6, 1978 by the Presbytery of Birmingham (PCUS).
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01/16–06/19 Stated Clerk, Synod of Living Waters
11/04–06/19 Executive, Synod of Living Waters
04/99–10/04 Executive Presbyter, Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley, Birmingham
09/89–03/99 Minister, First Presbyterian, Anniston, AL,
06/78–08/89 Associate Pastor, Shades Valley Presbyterian, Birmingham, AL
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VBS REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Please register as soon as possible so we can get a good idea of numbers and begin planning and ordering supplies.
Registration is open for rising Kindergarteners through rising 5th graders.
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Our House Shoe Drive
ENDS MONDAY JUNE 14!
We are far short of our goal for the 2021 Our House Shoe Drive and we need your help to meet that goal by Monday. We currently have commitments for 17 children, and we are grateful for that support. We want to make sure all the kids at Our House get to experience the pride in having new school shoes – please consider helping with the purchase of a gift card. Thank you!
Want to be part of this very worthy effort? Here’s how:
· The very best and most efficient way to provide the gift of new school shoes is to give a gift certificate or card.
· Click here to choose a child and get their shoe size. Suggested amounts are $40 for youth size, and $50 for adult sizes. · If you choose to purchase shoes, please provide athletic shoes only. No sandals or dress shoes.
· A sales or gift receipt for shoes and gift cards/certificates is required.
· Deliver your cards and shoes to Cheryl Grisham at 530 Forestdale Drive, Auburn AL 36830. **Please include a personal note or card with the child’s name so they know the shoes were chosen especially for them.**
· Questions? Contact Sarah Hill (704.995.49620) or Kate Irwin (334.663.7323)
The Mission Committee extends it thanks to the congregation for considering being part of this effort in what has been an especially difficult year for families in need.
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Update on Our Co-Pastors' Sabbatical
“Creation is a seamless whole. All of it is sacred”
—Belden C. Lane
These last few weeks we have experienced so many wonderful moments as a family in the midst of God’s sacred creation. We stayed in a mountain cottage with no HVAC, and only turned on a tv twice during our two week stay (a family movie and a soccer match). It was an amazing experience to disconnect, and take in all the magnificent details of God’s creation that surrounded us. We spent two weeks in the North Carolina mountains hiking and playing in mountain streams allowing the wonder and beauty of creation to be our source of renewal.
Our favorite activity was exploring the mountains as a family and hiking trails that led to waterfalls or scenic views. We came across a forest full of bright butterflies, and noticed birds we have never seen before. The kids were excited to meet their first crawfish while rock hopping in a cold mountain stream. All these moments were memories will always cherish and were an amazing source of renewal for all of us.
We then headed south to spend a week with our clergy group at the beach. While we have enjoyed the beauty of God’s gift of ocean and sand, we give thanks to God for the sabbath and growth we find in the midst of the relationships with our clergy friends. For the last 12 years we have met together as a group. We cherish this time together and all the ways our relationships with one another offers everyone support, care, and renewal as we each navigate our call to ordained ministry.
We give thanks for many ways God’s gift of creation tends and cares for soul!
Nick and Kathy Reed
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Sunday, June 13
✵ 11:00am: In-Person, Indoor Worship - If you attend one of the indoor services in coming weeks you will notice many differences from our "normal" sanctuary worship. At this time, based on recommendations from our COVID Task Force and Session, we will have a very simple service without congregational singing, passing of the peace, and several other elements you might be looking forward to sharing with your church family. However, as local conditions and guidelines continue to improve it is our greatest hope that we will begin adding back in all these elements of worship we know and love. Thank you so much for your patience and grace as we try to maintain the greatest level of safety for our congregation, musicians, worship leaders, and our greater community.
In worship this Sunday, we will celebrate the sacrament of communion. For those worshiping in-person, prepackaged elements will be available for all. If you are worshiping from home via the live-stream, you may wish to have your own bread and juice on hand for the service.
At the sign-up link below (and the email containing the sign-up sent on Thursday), you will find detailed information on our current protocols for worship attendance. As always, masks and social distancing are required at all times.
✵ 11:00am: Virtual Worship - We are pleased to announce that we have begun live-streaming our worship service at11am. What this means is that those worshiping from home will be able to watch the service live as it is happening in the sanctuary. To view the service you can go directly to our church’s YouTube Channel via your computer, smartphone, or Smart TV app (https://tinyurl.com/t7dl8vh) or you can access the worship service through our website or Facebook page.
If you are unable to watch live at 11am, a recorded version of the service will be available at these same links later in the day.
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The PW held their annual Birthday Gathering this week with Moderator, Holly Mitchell presiding. In addition to meeting together again, the highlight of the gathering was the collection of the PW Birthday Offering in support of women and babies at Nkhoma Mission Hospital in Malawi, Africa, sex-trafficked women and children at Garden Gate Ranch in Des Moines, Iowa, and the Memorial Drive Ministries in Atlanta. We offer our sincere congratulations to Susan Stanley, who, for her dedicated service to PW and our church, was made an Honorary Lifetime Member.
The 2021-2022 officers were installed: Marianne Cone, Moderator; MaryBeth Webeler, Co-moderator; Barbara Fletcher, Secretary; Carolyn Williams, Treasurer; Margaret Brinkley, Historian; Lila Wright, Resource Coordinator; Harriette Huggins & Denise Salo, Mission Project Chairs; Barbara Dunham, Circle One Leader; Susan Stanley, Circle Two Leader; Barbara Fletcher, Circle Three Leader.
If you are not in a PW Circle and would like to join us for monthly Bible study and in-person fellowship in the fall, you are most welcome. The 2021 study promises to be good – “What My Grandmothers Taught Me, Learning from the Women in Matthew’s Genealogy of Jesus.” Please call Marianne Cone (404.375.3940) with questions or to join us in the fall.
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Adult Christian Education Opportunities
Old Testament Walkabout Class
9:30am, Baird Hall OR Zoom
The Old Testament Sunday school class will return to meeting in person on Sunday, June 13 in Baird Hall. We will also offer a live Zoom option. Our study will begin with what many refer to as Second Isaiah (Isaiah, chapters 40 thru 55). Class will begin at 9:45. Please join us either in person in Baird Hall or contact Gayle Andress, if you wish to receive a Zoom invitation.
Bible Journaling Small Group
Mondays, 12pm, Baird Hall OR Zoom
You do not have to be an artist to find a great deal of meaning in the practice of Bible journaling. Join us in Baird Hall (or, if you are more comfortable, via Zoom) every Monday as we reflect upon the previous Sunday's sermon and Scripture text and explore various kinds of drawing, painting, and journaling techniques. For more information, please contact Susan Fillippeli. |
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CE News
Sundays, 10am, Church Courtyard, Weather Permitting
As our children and youth resume in person Sunday School gatherings, those in the pre-retirement phase of life are invited to bring your own chair and coffee for a visit in the courtyard while the children are having their lesson. For the time being the goal is catching up and enjoying fellowship, though we will be crowd sourcing for ideas on Adult Education offerings for this age/stage of life for the fall. (If you have a child or children who aren't scheduled for SS that particular week, they are welcome to come play/hang out in the courtyard while we visit!)
Children Pre-K through 5th grade
Children’s Sunday school will begin meeting weekly this Sunday from 10:15-10:45 in Conway Hall.
Jr. and Sr. High Youth
Youth Sunday school will begin meeting weekly this Sunday in the Senior High room.
Calling all Jr. and Sr. High Youth!!! We need volunteers for VBS. We will be decorating from 2-5pm on June 20. VBS will be June 21-24 from 9am until noon. This is a great opportunity to give back as well as spend time with some of the coolest little kids around! You won’t want to miss it!
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The Equal Justice Initiative and the Lee County Remembrance Project invite you to attend a historical marker dedication ceremony in remembrance of John Moss, George Hart, Charles Humphries and Samuel Harris, four victims of racial terror lynchings here in Lee County.
Though limited, seating will be available if needed. Make sure to visit the new LCRP exhibit at the Museum of East Alabama before or after the ceremony. The museum is located across the street from the courthouse square.
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Procedures for In-Person Meetings in Church Facilities
As you read the information below, please note that the church building is NOT yet open for general use. PLEASE do not enter the building without first contacting a staff member (preferably as outlined below, via email at least 48 hours in advance) so that we can continue to provide the greatest level of safety and sanitation.
If I am a part of a small group (circle, committee, bible study, etc.) that would like to meet on site, what steps should I take?
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PRIOR TO YOUR GATHERING - Contact your group’s designated staff member (please see below for a full list of staff resource persons for each ministry area). Work with your staff person to schedule a time and space for your group to meet. They will explain to you which entrance, exit, and restrooms your group should utilize for the time you are schedule to meet at the church.
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DURING YOUR GATHERING - Masks must be worn at all times, proper social distancing (6ft apart) should be observed, no food or drinks may be provided, and we ask that, before you leave, your group wipe down all surfaces with cleaning supplies provided by the church.
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AT THE END OF YOUR GATHERING - Coordinate with your designated staff person to ensure that a list of all attendees is submitted to the church (for contact tracing purposes), the space is properly cleaned and the church doors are locked upon exiting.
Who is my designated staff person and how do I contact them?
Please send an email at least 48 hours before your group would like to gather so staff members have plenty of time to communicate and avoid overlapping groups.
Sabbatical Summer Staffing Plan
from May 23 until August 8,
Please contact the following staff members with any questions or concerns in the
following areas:
Ministry Area | Staff Contact
We thank you in advance for your patience and grace as we do our best to transition into this next (exciting!) phase of our reopening. Please know that in the weeks ahead we may find need to institute a more formal scheduling system in order to facilitate groups that desire to meet in the building. We will use the weekly email newsletter as a place to share these updates.
With much gratitude, The FPC Staff
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Birthdays
June 14 - Kim Holman, Hannah Reed
June 15 - Bill Boecklen, Mary Dalrymple, Jeff Fergus
June 16 - Carlie Kaeppler
June 18 - Jana Patterson, Bonney Schowalter
June 19 - Jane Fisher, Breanna Huggins, Travis Wisdom
Anniversaries
June 13 - Hal and Lauren Smith
June 16 - Jim and Susan Bannon
June 16 - Emil and Margaret Wright
June 17 - Jim and Sue Bradley
June 17 - Bob and MaryBeth Webeler
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Prayer Concerns & Celebrations
For the time period in which our church family is worshiping virtually, our pastors have decided that prayer concerns will be shared via weekly email. These individuals will most certainly be prayed for during our Sunday worship service, but their names and specific concerns will not be shared via broadcast.
Concerns:
• Prayers for Susan Patterson, and her family, whose sister Virginia Martin passed away on Friday, June 4, 2021, in Cumming, GA. Virginia was a member of this congregation many years ago and, during her time here, participated in a 1975 youth group trip to Mexico.
• Prayers for rest and safe travels for the Reed family during their sabbatical this summer.
• Prayers for Katie Lee as she begins physical therapy after undergoing double-knee replacement.
• Prayers for patience and good news for Barbara Dunham as she waits on medical tests at the end of the month.
• Prayers of healing and rest for Kevin Wells as he recovers at home from successful cardiac surgery.
• Prayers of healing and comfort for Joy Elam who is now home after successful surgery.
• Prayers for members of the congregation who are waiting for results from medical tests.
• Prayers of healing and recovery for church members who had successful surgery and are now beginning the rehab process of their recovery.
• Continued prayers of healing and wholeness for many in our church family and their loved ones who are dealing with significant health and wellness issues but do not wish to be mentioned by name at the moment.
• Prayers of healing for Tom Webb’s sister as she recovers from successful surgery. Prayers for Tom as he cares for his sister in Oregon.
• Prayers for Melanie Jackson, Jessica Barnes’ childhood friend, who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
• Prayers of healing for Mary Dalrymple’s brother-in-law Charles Otto. Charles suffered a serious stroke and is currently in a hospital in Rhode Island. Prayers for Mary’s sister Carol as she tends to her husband’s health.
• Prayers of healing for Amy Well’s friend Suzi Bonifay undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
• Prayers for Carolyn Williams’ family friends Carole and Mallory who are undergoing cancer treatment.
• Prayers of healing for Amanda Smith’s co-worker and friend, Susan Scales, as she undergoes cancer treatment.
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