We hope you will all join us, whether in person or via livestream or simply in prayer, in celebrating the ministries of Steve and Karen Hickok on their final Sunday, May 30. Steve and Karen have served our church with energy, intelligence, imagination, love and endless creativity and musical talent. Life at First Presbyterian Church of Auburn simply will not be the same without them!

(In addition to a special moment of recognition during the May 30 worship service, we look forward to hosting a more official retirement celebration this fall when COVID restrictions will allow more members of the church to gather in person.)

Saturday, June 5 at 4pm

Sunday, June 6 at 9:45am and 11am

Join us to hear outstanding scholar and lecturer, the Rev. Dr. Martha Moore-Keish. Dr. Moore-Keish will explore Christian Prayer through the lens of the Reformed Theological Tradition. If you have ever longed to revitalize your prayer life, engage more deeply in prayer, and seek a deeper encounter with God through the exercise of prayer you should not miss this event. Please utilize the sign ups below to attend in person. Sanctuary events will be live-streamed through our YouTube channel as well as the church website and Facebook page.

Ghost Ranch

Months ago when Nick and I shared our sabbatical proposal I was surprised by how many of you reached out not about our plans for Scotland but about my intention to visit Ghost Ranch (a PC(USA) conference center in Abiquiu, New Mexico.) Now that I have experienced the magic and majesty of “The Ranch,” I get it!

It would be a futile effort to try and describe the stunning landscape the Northern New Mexico mountains, so instead I thought I’d share with you an aspect of this trip that was completely unexpected and incredibly meaningful as I began my time away from you all:

Twenty years ago this summer I first began to sense my call to ministry when I worked as a counselor at Geneva Center, a PC(USA) camp in Rochester, Indiana. At the time the camp director was Paul Fogg. Paul was a great boss and over the years our paths crossed as I returned to camp to volunteer and later when Paul moved to the Atlanta area to become the director of Calvin Center in Hampton, GA.

Several weeks after I’d made my Ghost Ranch reservations I went to the website and was shocked when a picture of the new executive director popped up on the screen — Paul Fogg! I reached out immediately and the first week of my sabbatical ended up being not only an incredible desert-mountain adventure, but a special reunion that took me back to the summer of 2001 when the Spirit began revealing a calling that would begin with PC(USA) camping programs and eventually guide me to parish ministry.

During my time at Ghost Ranch Paul reminded me of the Geneva Center slogan, “Renew Your Spirit” and urged me to do just that while in Abiquiu. Early morning coffee watching the sunrise over the desert, stepping out of my comfort zone to hike trails I never could have done with kids in tow, getting on a horse for the first time in thirty years, and so many more moments took me out of my every day and into a space that reminded me of that summer twenty years ago when I was renewed and inspired to see and seek God in new ways. I’m so grateful to have been able to spend time in such a stunning, holy place, made even more special by the presence of one of the people in my life who was there when I was just beginning to discover how God would lead me to serve Christ’s church as a pastor.

Kathy Reed

✵ 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.

May 14 – June 14

We need you! The Mission Committee’s annual shoe drive to provide new school shoes to 50 children is under way and we are currently at 20% of our goal. We want to make sure all the kids at Our House get to experience the pride in having new school shoes – please consider helping us put shoes on 50 pairs of little feet. 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.

During its Zoom on-line meeting on May 17, the Session…

• heard Nick Reed’s necrology report: a memorial service was conducted in our sanctuary by the Reeds for Mary Fike Parsons on April 24, and a graveside service was conducted in Gadsden for Ruth Sullivan on May 14;

• learned that the church’s income for April 2021 was $58,247; expenses, $56,860; and net income, $1,387; and, for January through April 2021, income was $295,509; expenses, $258,130; and net income, $37,879;

• approved the Property Committee’s recommendation to accept an easement request from Alabama Power and will remit it to the Presbytery for its approval ;

• approved a request to use church facilities for a piano recital on May 23, 4:00 p.m.;

• approved changing the Gift Acceptance Committee from a Session committee to a subcommittee of the Finance Committee;

• approved these changes and additions to Phase 4 of our church’s reopening plan:

Worship/Sanctuary Action Items

1. Continue wearing masks for church worship services and reevaluate monthly at stated Session meetings based on Covid Task Force recommendations.

2. Socially distance three feet apart from each person/family unit with up to eight people per pew.

3. Continue sign-up by pew number so we have a record of attendance.

4. Make Bibles available in pews.

5. Make paper bulletins available for pick-up on a table in the narthex and continue making digital bulletins available in weekly e-mails.

6. Allow use of the balcony during worship.

7. Allow use of back pews during worship.

Non-worship Church Activities Action Items

1. Use of masks in courtyard and any other outdoor area is optional.

2. Allow use of the youth room for Sunday school.

3. Allow eating inside and outside, using guidelines similar to the city schools’.

4. Allow use of the church bus, using guidelines similar to the city schools’.

5. Allow snacks at VBS, using guidelines similar to the city schools’.

6. Adult groups meeting in the church may decide as a group whether masks will be mandatory or optional.

• learned that (a) a small group of church members will help Caroline Barnett with pastoral care needs during the Reeds’ sabbatical leave; (b) church members will serve as hosts for guest preachers; (c) the staff continues to work to improve live streaming broadcasts of worship services; (d) the Property Committee and Joaquin Cessna will assume some of Steve Hickok’s duties during the summer; and (e) Publix plans to break ground for its new store about July 1.

Church members may read the complete, approved minutes for this meeting in the church office after the office has reopened.

9:00am via Zoom

The Old Testament class has followed the story of Israel from its beginning as a people through the establishment of its nation to the downfall of that nation and the dispersion of its people. We are now in the period of the Exile. In this section of our study, we will explore exilic and post-exilic writings to try to gain a better idea of what exile was like and, also, attempt to see the impact of this new chapter in the history of Israel’s life and faith. To receive the zoom link for this class, please contact Gayle Andress .

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.

VBS registration is now 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.

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 meet this Sunday at 10:15 in Conway Hall.

Beginning Sunday, June 6, Children’s Sunday school will meet every Sunday morning at 10:15 in Conway Hall! There will be a Zoom Sunday school meeting at 9:15 for those who can’t make it in-person.

Jr. and Sr. High Youth -

Beginning Sunday, June 6, Youth Sunday school will meet every Sunday in the Senior High room!

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.

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.

from May 23 until August 8,

Please contact the following staff members with any questions or concerns in the

following areas:

Children and Youth | Chris Sarkowski

Music | Damion Womack

UKirk/University Ministry | Caroline Barnett

Worship | Damion Womack

Mission | Caroline Barnett

Adult Education and Presbyterian Women | Chris Sarkowski

Congregational Life | Caroline Barnett

Property | Chris Sarkowski

General Office | Kathy Rushing

Generosity | Caroline Barnett

Finance | Kathy Rushing

Personnel | Caroline Barnett

Pastoral Care/Blessings Bunch | Caroline Barnett

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

Birthdays

May 30 - Susie Gogue, Emily Klinkenborg

May 31 - Jean Lancaster

June 1 - Ron Parsons

June 2 - Vickie Cooper, Dorothy Moran

June 3 - Lindsey Joiner

June 4 - Edward Hiltbold

Anniversaries

May 30 - Jean Peterson, Bobbie Thurlow

June 3 - Don and Vonda Ball

June 4 - Ray and Jo Cooper

• Prayers for Steve and Karen Hickok as they begin their retirement on June 1! During worship on Sunday, we will thank them for their many years of service and care for our congregation.

• Prayers for Martha Henk and Mary Turnbull as they grieve the death of their mother Ruth Solvang Henk, who passed away May 25. We lift up prayers of comfort as their family remembers and celebrates Ruth’s life. 

• Prayers for rest and safe travels for the Reed family during their sabbatical this summer. 

• Prayers for Vicki Throckmorton as she settles in Wichita, Kansas after her move this past week. We are so grateful for the many ways Vicki has shared her gifts and presence with FPC Auburn over the years. 

• 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 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 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 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 begins cancer treatment.