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Word from the Pastor:
A Wilderness Table
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They spoke against God, saying, “Can God spread a table in the wilderness?” -Psalm 78:19
The entirety of Psalm 78 is really quite complex and wonderful. If you take time to read it, you get a summary of Israel’s history from the days of Jacob all the way to King David. Line after line of the poem deals with God’s faithfulness and the faithlessness of the people of God. The purpose of the Psalm is to praise God for God’s faithfulness, and to remind us of who God is in the hope that we will finally stop repeating the mistakes of the past (see vv.1-4).
My favorite line in the poem is verse 19: “Can God spread a table in the wilderness?” The question springs just as easily from our lips as it did the children of Israel. Can God make a way where there is no way? Is God capable of save us from seemingly unbreakable chains?
Our problem remains the same as young Israel’s: we might have seen or heard of great things God has done, but memory doesn’t seem to bridge the gap from our present into the future. Interestingly, verse 20 recounts that God gave them water in a parched land, but the people quickly question whether bread and meat were possible. Verses 25-27 answers that God fulfilled their demand, even to the point that they gorged themselves (v. 29). But in verse 32, they continued in their rebellion and unbelief “in spite of his wonders.” It seems that no matter what God did or does, we all face the specter of an uncertain future that sends us running back to our old idols that cannot save.
So, can God spread a table in the wilderness? I want to say that not only can God do this, but God has and promises to continue giving us our “daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). But a quick answer on my part overlooks the part that I, too, am part of the throng. Lord knows I have had and continue to have seasons of doubt, struggle, and outright grumbling against God. I think this is true for everyone if we are honest enough to admit it.
But I think that there is an interesting subtext in this Psalm we shouldn’t overlook. Not only is God faithful on countless occasions as future gradually slips into the past, it is only in the wilderness that we learn these hard lessons that remind us of the character of God. Without the wilderness, and yes, our eventual grumbling, there would have been no opportunity to experience God’s mighty hand that leads to a history that we can recount to ourselves and future generations. Said differently, without the wilderness, we would lack a testimony.
If you find yourself in the wilderness today, take this Psalm to heart. Not only are we promised a future that we could never shape for ourselves, it is in this experience that we learn that our afflictions eventually produce hope that allows us to boast in the Lord (see Romans 5:3-5).
In Christ,
Pastor Sam
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Worship
May 19
8th Sunday after Easter, Pentecost
Scripture
Acts 2:14-21
Romans 10:5-13
Liturgy: Psalm 143:5-8
Sermon
“No Questions Asked”
Rev. Dr. Samuel Weddington
Last Sunday's Attendance
In person:
242
Online:
146
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Calendar
Sunday, May 19
9:00 a.m.
Early Worship Service, FH
10:10 a.m.
Sunday School
11:00 a.m.
Late Worship Service, Sanctuary
4:00 p.m.
M&O Committee, Room 123
6:00 p.m.
Student Fellowship, Fellowship Hall
Monday, May 20
10:00 a.m.
Staff Meeting, Room 123
6:00 p.m.
Scout District Committee Meeting, FH
7:00 p.m.
DSF Committee, Room 123
Tuesday, May 21
6:00 p.m.
Troop 3, Scout Hall
Wednesday, May 22
5:30 p.m.
A&O Committee, Room 123
7:15 p.m.
Praise Team Practice, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, May 23
7:00 a.m.
Men’s Bible Study, Parlor
1:00 p.m.
Women’s Bible Study, Room 123
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Men's Breakfast
It is time again to get together for our Men’s Fellowship at First Presbyterian Church. As you remember we meet at 7:30 on Saturday morning, 18 May, in the Chapel. Breakfast will be served and followed by fellowship with an address by Matt Richardson. Matt is our area Director for Young LIfe. He has a dynamic personality with many interests which coordinate well with young people - hiking, backpacking and reading. Young Life is a Christ-centered ministry that helps kids know Jesus, grow in their faith, and serve Him. Matt will share with us his faith journey and outline how Young Life is reaching teenagers with the hope of the gospel. Matt and his wife Lensey, a Fourth Grade teacher at Holston View, have lived in Bristol since 2008.
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Opportunity to Serve the Local Community
The photos (A Place to Be, Meals on Wheels, Sharing Christ) show smiling folks as they served the community in March. Join us as we repeat the effort in June. Mark your calendars to help out on June 12 at 11:30 a.m. at A Place to Be and/or June 15 at 5:00 p.m. at Sharing Christ. As usual, the yummy dinner we provide includes a steaming hot casserole, green beans, applesauce, rolls and a dessert cake. We will need some willing hands to set up, serve and clean up. Providing the meals for A Place to Be and Sharing Christ will require a total of 11 casseroles which can be made ahead. Contact Beth Flannagan (423-956-3837 or bethflannagan74@gmail.com) or Becca Tate (404-790-1223 or tate.mrl@btes.tv) to show you can show the local community you care by serving up a nutritious hot dinner.
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Celebrating Our Graduates | |
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Alex Akard, daughter of David and Rae Akard, is graduating from Tennessee High School and
will major in nursing at East Tennessee State University.
Emma Arnold, daughter of Andy and Piper Arnold, graduated from East Tennessee State
University with a degree in elementary education. She will be attending the University of
Tennessee to pursue her masters.
Alie Bassett, daughter of Blake and Laura Bassett, is graduating from the University of
Tennessee with a degree in Kinesiology and the highest gpa in her major. She will be moving to
Memphis to attend dental school.
Sam Beasey, son of Matt and Kristeen Beasey, is graduating from Abingdon High School and will
major in business at University of Virginia.
Micah Bechtold, son of John and Mendy Bechtold, is graduating from Tennessee High School
and will major in mechanical engineering at Tennessee Tech.
Gracie Brooks, daughter of Aaron and Allison Brooks, is graduating from the University of
Tennessee with a bachelor of science degree in neuroscience. She will be continuing research
at the University of Tennessee’s Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab and attending
medical school.
Gracie Buckles, daughter of Wes and Susan Buckles, graduated from High Point University with
a bachelor of science degree in fashion merchandising and a minor in marketing. She will be
moving to DC to work for Tom James Company.
Lee Byington, son of Mark and Lori Byington, graduated from King University with a degree in
cell and molecular biology. He will be going to Memphis to attend Southern College of
Optometry.
Brady Edwards, son of Aaron Edwards and Amy Edwards, is graduating from the University of
Tennessee with a bachelor of science degree in information sciences and a minor in business
administration. He will be moving to Arizona for work.
Sarah Galliher, daughter of Pat Galliher and Dee Dee Galliher, is graduating from Tennessee
High School and will attend East Tennessee State University and major in psychology and
biology.
Hope Godsey, daughter of Bobby and Jennifer Godsey, is graduating from the University of
Tennessee with a degree in public relations and a minor in graphic design. The sky’s the limit for
what’s next!
Kameron Harkleroad, daughter of Freddy & Laralee Harkleroad and the granddaughter of Fred
& Heidi Harkleroad, is graduating from the University of Tennessee with bachelor of science
degree in ecology and evolutionary biology.
Clathon Henfield, FPC children’s ministry intern, graduated from King University with a degree
in digital media arts & design and theater. He will be going to Erskine College and to work as a
resident director.
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Campbell Kent, daughter of Martin and Vonda Kent, is graduating from Tennessee High School
and will major in architecture at Virginia Tech.
Andrew Keys, son of Marty & Kara Thomas Keys and the grandson of Al & Loretta Thomas,
graduating from the University of Tennessee with honors in architecture.
Cheyenne Little, granddaughter of Brenda Walsh, is graduating from Tennessee High School
and will major in political science and pre-law at the College of Charleston.
Nickalas McConnell, son of Brian and Suzanne Thomas McConnell and the grandson of Al &
Loretta Thomas. is graduating from Woodruff High School in South Carolina and will be
attending North Greenville University in Greenville SC.
Riley McCracken, daughter of Chad and Amy McCracken, is graduating from the University of
Tennessee with a bachelor of science in kinesiology. She plans to attend physical therapy
school.
Miranda Meredith, daughter-in-law of Tim & Alison Meredith, graduated from East Tennessee
State University with a bachelor of science degree in media and communications.
Nicholas Meredith, son of Tim and Alison Meredith, graduated from East Tennessee State
University with a bachelor of science degree in physics.
Sam Meredith, son of Alison and Tim Meredith, is graduating from Homelife Academy.
Noah Ong, son of Han and Laura Ong, is graduating from Tennessee High School and will major
in chemistry at the University of Tennessee.
James (Jimmy) Phipps, son of Chris and Leigh Beth Phipps, is graduating from Tennessee High
School and will major in business at Northeast State Community College.
Lily Rosser, daughter of Tom Rosser and April Rosser, graduated from Auburn University with a
bachelor degree in psychology. She plans to attend Milligan College to pursue a masters in
clinical mental health counseling.
Lance Tudor, son of David and Annette Tudor, is graduating from the University of Tennessee
with a degree in civil engineering. He will be moving to Breckenridge, TX to work for Mortenson.
McKinley Wagner, FPC student ministry intern, graduated from King University with a degree in
accounting. He will be staying in Bristol for work and marrying Alexis Wynn in July.
Joan Weddington, daughter of Sam Weddington and Grace Kim, is graduating from Tennessee
High School and will major in art education/art psychology at Carleton College.
Alexis Wynn, FPC children’s ministry intern, graduated from King University with a degree in elementary education. She is a teacher at Fairmount Elementary and will marry McKinley Wagner in July.
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Young Life in May
This month for our regular mission collection, we will be raising funds to help YoungLife and their mission here in Bristol. Many of you know the leadership of YoungLife Bristol who attend our church, and others have been intimately involved in volunteer work with them. We are blessed to have them in our midst. If you have been involved with YoungLife, you know what a powerful resource organization they are in helping young people encounter the risen Lord. We will take up donations throughout the month of May, with an in-person collection the last Sunday of the month. This offering will provide resources for their weekly programs, camps, and assist them with their ministry with kids in our area. YoungLife is a kingdom-oriented organization, and we invite you to come alongside them and support their work. You can give online, or you can use the special envelopes at the church or write a note to accompany your offering designating it for YoungLife. However you determine to give, give generously because God is doing a great work through this ministry.
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Memorials and honoraria are published in the newsletter only after the family has been personally notified by our business office. Today we gratefully acknowledge the following gifts in memory of:
Bill Woods: to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund from Ron & Joan Guest, from
Nancy Kiser and from John Peters
George McCulloch, father of Leigh King: to the Memorial Fund from Nancy Kiser
Teresa Rideout, mother of Karen Haaser: to the Memorial Fund from
John & Karen Vann
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This Sunday is Pentecost, the 50th day after Easter, when we commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. The Holy Spirit is at the center of every piece of music we shall sing and play, beginning with the Opening Voluntary, “Spirit: Meditation” by Michael Bedford. This gentle piece is an arrangement of our Processional Hymn, “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness”, a folk-style hymn by James K. Manley which tracks the Spirit’s activity throughout history. Our anthem, “Oh, To Be Dashed by the Holy Spirit” was penned by Garrison M. Sommers in 2001, which I set first as a hymn, then as a choral anthem years later. Our Offertory is a setting by Malcom Archer of the hymn “Spirit of the Living God”. We will conclude our service with the three settings of the African-American spiritual “Every Time I Feel the Spirit”: first as our Closing Hymn, then as our Congregational Response. Finally we hear a very lively rendition by Aaron David Miller for our Closing Voluntary. -Bob Greene
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Condolences
Condolences to Al & Loretta Thomas in the death of Al’s sister, Judy Skillen on May 4, 2024.
Condolences to Sam & Selma Jennings in the death of Sam’s brother, DG on May 9, 2024.
Condolences to Mary Ellis Glymph in the death of her cousin, Chris Tyler on April 16, 2024.
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In Our Prayers
We have several unnamed or private requests. Please pray for the members of our community who wish to remain anonymous.
Lou Hebb
Bud & Marg Branscomb
Rachel & Ben Cherry and Dean Millard
Ricky Adams
Mardia Long
John Graham, Sr
Harold Rutherford
Barbara Daniel
Frances Emerson
Fitz Anderson
Ginger & George Alvarado
Debbie Garritson
Bill Coleman
Billie Peterson
Nelson Pyle
Phyllis Phares
Loretta Thomas
Dale Bechtold
Sarah Ferguson
Martha Mueller
Jon Eakes
Betsy Tate Kegley
Lillian Rhoades
Lois Smith
Jack Wooley
Mark Byington
Lisa Cronin
Ron Fox
George Price
Betty Linke
Nick and Christy Booher, Baby Charlie
Tracy Clark
Chris Slone
Penn Story
Sophia Alcantara
Lilly Rollins
Grieving
Family of Dot Mattison
Family of Dick Ray
Family of Patsy Adams
Weddington family
Region/Nation/Special
Schools, Colleges, & Universities
Ukraine
Israel, hostages, and victims in Gaza
Those suffering with addiction
Mission & Ministry
Young People in Detention Center
Marthina Chapel/Phil Blevins
Ethiopian brothers and sisters/Dembi Dollo
Onesimus Ministry/Addis Ababa
Christians in Nigeria/ECWA
Pastor Nehemiah and family
Felipe Camarão & Cidade Nova Churches
Joao & Roseangela
Gil & Adailza
Rui & Ariel Damasceno
Lawrence and Courtney Sharrett
Kate Hill
Goddards (Paraguay Missionaries)
Chris & Phoebe Chanda in Zambia
Paul Htay in Myanmar
BCCR/Gray House & Harmony & Hope House/Steven & Ann Davis
Montana Indian Ministries/Bruce Plummer
Serve Orlando
Younglife
Scout Troop 3
Sunday school teachers, leaders, mentors @ FPC
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Wednesday of the week of publication is the deadline for contributions to Windows. Subscribe to our free e-newsletter by sending your name and preferred email address to the editor. Livestream our worship services and other activities at FPC Bristol on YouTube. Click on the link and hit Subscribe to receive notifications of new videos. Find us on Facebook at FPC Bristol. Several accounts will show up. “Like” the page or ask to join a group.
We encourage you to use text, mail, or our website to safely continue your faithful support of our ministries. Give online here; choose a fund from the drop-down menu. Text fpcbristol to 73256 to send your pledge, offering, or special gift to the church. Messages and data rates may apply. Message varies frequency. Text HELP to 73256 for help. Text STOP to 73256 to cancel. If you prefer, you may mail your contribution to the church.
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701 Florida Avenue | Bristol, TN 37620 | 423-764-7176 | fpcbristol.org | | | | |
