Dear Friends,

What a wonderful few weeks we have had together! I am still giddy on the heels of Confirmation, Youth Sunday, and the church picnic. This Sunday, May 7, we will welcome new members, and on May 14 we will ordain and install new officers. These are significant markers in the life of the church, worthy of celebration and joy. This is the church we know, joyfully led by the Risen Christ to be bearers of the Good News out in God’s battered and beloved world.

Sadly, there are occasions when the grace that saves us gets lost or turned around as we carry it out into the world. Each Sunday in May, we will explore some of the sayings that are either mis-attributed to Jesus or held up as gospel by the larger culture, and even occasionally by us. We’ll begin this week with, “Hate the sin; love the sinner” through the lens of John 7:45-8:11. Where do you see yourself in the story? What do you hear Jesus saying?

May God open our ears and our hearts to the gospel, the saving Good News that Jesus comes to show us and share with us in this and every season.

Grace and peace,

Ellen

In the coming weeks, we will hear exciting news about the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee’s work. In light of this joyful news, it is now time to plan to say goodbye to Julie Hill. Julie’s last day “in the office” will be June 4. Like you, I will be forever grateful for Julie’s work with and among us. We will make plans to celebrate her well in an official way on June 4. I know you will join me in thanking her and giving thanks for her in the days ahead. As always, please bring me questions—yours or others’. I remain thankful for you and for this church as we seek to live out God’s call in and through this place.

Usher sign up link:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0948acab2dabf49-fpcusher

Lay Reader sign up link:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0948acab2dabf49-scripture

link for online worship:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfpzVUz-ZgaCJuogIMor8Iw/live

link to Ellen's sermon podcasts:  https://bit.ly/Sermons_FPCConcord

Our Youth prepared and led worship on Sunday. Twenty-one of our youth participated by writing the prayers, painting the artwork, and leading worship. Thank you: Amanda, Andrew, Andy, Bailey, Carter, Deacon, Dylan, Edward, Grace, Grant, Heidi, Henry, Hugh, Jackson, Julia, Katharine, Miller, Nate, Sally, Samuel, and Teddy for your prayer-filled contributions to a moving worship service.

Thank you to all who contributed to the Noisy Offering! The total collected on Sunday was: $

Thank you to all who contributed to the Noisy Offering! The total collected on Sunday was: $425.74

A fun time was had by all! There were mother horses with their foals, hayrides, good food, great fellowship, and no rain! Thank you to the Niblock’s for their generous hospitality. 

The Commons welcomed twelve women from Moms in Prayer for a day-long retreat last Friday. From their info card: "Whether you're sending your little one off to kindergarten for the first time, navigating the teen years, or experiencing an empty nest, you love your children and desire God's best for them." Moms set aside one hour each week to join other moms in prayer.  

Please join the Racial Equity Reads group at 3 PM. this Sunday, May 7, in The Commons to discuss chapters 5-7 of “The Color of Compromise” by Jemar Tisby.

This book, available on Amazon.com, examines the American church’s complicity in racism and suggests ways to foster a more equitable and inclusive environment among God’s people. That is part of our mandate as a Matthew 25 congregation.

Our group is informal, and you can join any time. For more information email sverner@yahoo.com. 

Presby Wonder Women Build Date

May 13, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

275 Evans St NW, Concord

Our next Habitat Women's Build Work Day is Saturday, May 13th from 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM! It's going to be a great day of fellowship and service. Sign up using the link below or in the banner and bring a friend! Lunch will be provided. 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4FA8AE2EA1FA7-habitat

Questions? Speak to Elizabeth Anne Dover Bishop or Julie Hill.

Rev. Dr. Ron Shive, retired pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Burlington, will lead the class May 7 and 14. Dr. Shive has traveled extensively in Palestine-Israel over the past 16 years and regularly leads study trips to Palestine-Israel. 

On May 7, he will provide an introduction to the history and complexity of the Israel/Palestine conflict. He will follow this introduction on May 14 with a presentation on recent actions taken by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and recent N.C. and U.S. actions.  

The S & D Sunday School Class will be meeting with the Todd Hobbie Class for next two Sundays, May 7 and May 14.

We will hear from Rev. Dr. Ron Shive concerning Palestine-Israel history and current concerns. 

Our campaign to raise $10,000 to support the mission of Habitat for Humanity in Cabarrus County is now in the home stretch, but we have not yet met our goal. If you have not already made a contribution, please give to Habitat Cabarrus by writing a check to First Presbyterian Church Concord and designated to “Habitat for Humanity,” or give online by going to www.firstpresconcord.org and following the link to Give Now.

Look for an email tomorrow about an exciting opportunity and challenge we have to make our campaign the best yet! 

Our 6^th-12^th grade Youth are invited to help make dinner for the Night Shelter clients.

Middle School will gather from 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM and high school from 6:00 PM -7:00 PM, with a combined dinner at 5:30 PM

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Please see the sign-up to RSVP AND sign-up to bring an item or two for the meal!

2022-2023 Youth: 5/7 Youth Programming (signupgenius.com)