Women's Ministry Newsletter

NOVEMBER 2023

A Liturgy for Grieving a National Tragedy

from Every Moment Holy, Volume 2


In light of the current violence in Israel, we pray the following over our brothers and sisters in Christ.

...


O God who gathers what has been scattered, shelter us now in the shadow of your wings.


O Christ who binds our wounds, be our great healer.


O Spirit who enters our every grief, intercede now for this hurting people, in this broken land.


Be present in the midst of this far-reaching pain, O Lord, for we are reeling again, at news of another loss of life that touches us all; news of flourishing diminished; of individuals harmed; of pain imposed, not only upon victims and their families who bear now the immediate brunt of it — but also upon our nation. For we are connected as a people, and this hurt, this grief, touches us all.


Engage our imaginations and move our hearts to compassion, O Lord, that we would interact with these casualties, not as news stories or statistics, but as our own sisters and brothers, flesh and blood, divine image-bearers, irreplaceable individuals whose losses will leave gaping holes in homes, friendships, workplaces, churches, schools, organizations, and neighborhoods.


Be merciful to those now wounded. Be present with those now bereaved.


You do not run from our brokenness, O God. You move ever toward those in need. Your heart is always inclined toward those who suffer. Now let your mercies be active through the hands, the words, and the compassionate care of those who willingly enter this sadness to console and to serve.


Be with all who move toward this need: the helpers, the counselors, the first responders, those who offer aid and protection, the pastors and intercessors, those who meet immediate practical needs, those who seek to heal physical wounds, and those who come after to carry on the long, hard work of rebuilding families and hearts and lives and community.


Grant each of them wisdom, courage, vision, sympathy, and strength to serve effectively in their various capacities. Even in the shadow of such tragedy, let us not lose hope. Give us eyes to see the rapid movements of mercy rushing to fill these newly wounded spaces. 


Let us see in this the echoes of your own mercy and compassion — a foretaste of your kingdom coming to earth. And move our own hearts also, equipping us to intercede, to act, and to respond however we are able. Move, O Holy Spirit, in the midst and in the aftermath of this tragedy, in the wake of our wounding, in the shock and the sorrow.


Arrest the hearts and stay the hands of any who even now might be plotting further evil and violence against others, O Christ. Turn them from hatred. Turn their hearts to you.


You once brooded over the formless chaos of ancient waters and brought forth the order and flourishing of creation. Do so again, O Spirit of God. From the chaos of this tragedy call forth new life and order and flourishing. Take even what our adversary might have meant for evil, and from it bring forth eternal good.


You alone have strength to carry this people. Carry us now, O Lord.


You alone have wisdom and power to heal the wounds of a nation. Heal us, O Lord.


You alone have compassion enough to enter our widespread grief, and turn it to hope. Be merciful, O Christ!


Amen.

We had a wonderful time at the Widows & Divorcees Tea last month! 


Special thank you to all who coordinated this event and to those who attended.

Ministry Opportunities


Please consider supporting the women of our church through any of the following opportunities.



Donations for Hospitality House


The Salvation Army is a Christian international movement that provides emergency and outreach support services to our community. Their message is based on the Bible preaching the love of Jesus Christ. 


They are in need of pillows, towels, wash cloths, toiletries, twin sheets, pillow cases, large bags to carry their items in, and canned food. There will be a barrel outside of King Hall to place your items during the month of November.



Help with Sunday Worship Flower Arrangements


If you have flowers in your garden and/or want to help with floral arrangements for Sunday morning worship services, contact Evelyn Storey.



Donate Books to the Highland Rivers Ministry


Our missions team is now supporting Highland Rivers, which is a behavioral health healing organization engaging with the community of Rome, GA to foster hope, empower change, and enhance the quality of all lives. We are developing relationships through discipleship for women who are in need of services for mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. 


One specific way you can help to support this ministry is by donating books to their library! We request that they are biblically-based books and can be from any genre. To donate or ask questions, please contact Abby Holcombe.


Gift a Cookbook

Church cookbooks make great gifts and stocking stuffers! Each cookbook is $15. All proceeds fund women’s mission trips.


Order at fpcrome.org/women. We will also have them available for sale at the Women’s Christmas Dinner!

New Members Spotlight

Terra Jones

Hi, I’m Terra Jones. My two children and I joined the church recently. My grandfather was a Baptist preacher, and I grew up in the church. I’m from a small town called Crossville, Alabama where I lived until I was married and then I moved to Fort Payne, AL. We had three children Alana who is our heavenly angel, Caleb who is 14 years old and Hannah who is 12 years old. I am a hospice nurse at Heyman Hospice here in Rome. In 2021 we moved to Rome so I could be closer to my job. We visited several different churches in the area, but none felt like home like First Presbyterian. I enjoy singing in the Chancel Choir. Caleb and Hannah attend school in Armuchee. Caleb is in the 8th grade and Hannah is in the 6th grade. Caleb enjoys playing baseball and Hannah enjoys playing volleyball. Caleb is involved in the youth group here at FPC and Hannah is looking forward to being involved in the youth group next year.


Jennifer Talley

I’m married to Jim Talley and have been in Rome since 1987. I moved to Georgia after growing up in west Texas and graduating from Texas Tech University to live with my grandmother. It’s then when I met Jim. We married in 1989 and now have two grown children. Both Sam Talley and Jack Talley live in Rome and work with Jim at Talley Insurance. I retired last year to care for my terminally ill mother, but now help some with Jim and the boys with our family business. We love First Presbyterian Church and knew we would. We have so many friends that attend here that we felt at home immediately. We attended another denomination for 34 years before making a necessary change. The family at FPC has welcomed us with open arms and the discipleship and scripture driven pastors and ministries keep us showing up!


Jenny Long

Hi! I’m Jenny Long, a new member at FPC. For the past 17 years I’ve enjoyed raising my three kids with my husband, Emmett! Originally from Birmingham, I went to college in TN and lived in Chattanooga before settling in Rome. I absolutely love going on any adventure that fosters great conversation and meaningful relationships. I have had the chance to travel to lots of different amazing places with incredible people, and hope that each of my kids choose to take risks and find adventure wherever God leads them. My favorite thing to do is cheer them on at track, cross country, and swim meets, and lots of baseball games. My next favorite activity includes running, kayaking, and making fires for people to enjoy. I also recently graduated nursing school and am currently in the residency program at Advent hospital. FPC has been the most warm and inviting Body of believers with solid teaching that my whole family enjoys. Thanks for having us!

Women's Retreat

January 26-27, 2024


Gather with the women of FPC for an in-house retreat featuring speaker and author Jen Oshman. 


Jen spoke at our Christ & Culture Forum earlier this year and we invited her back! She has been in ministry for over two decades as a missionary and pastor’s wife on three continents. Her latest book “Cultural Counterfeits” encourages women to reject the empty, destructive promises these idols offer and embrace something much more satisfying.


Mark your calendar for this enriching event!

Christmas at FPC


November 28 | Decorating @ 9:30am

Help decorate our beautiful church! Starting at 9:30 AM, we will gather to enjoy a short devotional and coffee, then deck the halls of FPC! We need many hands to make this happen. Please reserve this time on your calendar and join us for a morning of fellowship and fun to kick off the Christmas season. 


December 6 | Christmas Dinner @ 6pm

Join the women of FPC for a night of fun, fellowship, and food as we enjoy a catered dinner and hear from several women on the theme of the evening: “Be Still.” This is sure to be a restorative and reflective time that will center our hearts as we enter the busy Christmas season. Invite a friend or two! Registration opens the first week of November at fpcrome.org/women.



We need more people to decorate tables for our Christmas Dinner! 


Decorating a table is simple: gather 8 placemats, napkins, dishes, and a centerpiece (examples below) and bring it to the church Dec 5/6 for setup.


To sign up, contact Lauren Brewster 

at 706-346-7554 by Nov 19.

Sign Up to Decorate a Table

Women’s Ministry Theme Verse

2023-2024


“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship him in spirit and truth.”

John 4:24

November Birthdays

1 - Carole Lawton


3 - Jan Irmscher


4 - Maggie Ralston


7 - Jennifer Preston

7 - Mishel Salam


8 - Hattie James Lester


9 - Julie Cross

9 - Jessie Johnston


11 - Bobbie Hand


12 - Pam Morgan


14 - Cathy Gartman


16 - Charlene Covington


17 - Gail Burkhalter


18 - Rachel Butler


19 - Arden McCleskey


20 - Vickie Goodrich


22 - Cris Milam


23 - Tha Berry


24 - Anna Kate Rix

24 - Dawn Hayes


28 - Barbara Allen


29 - Elizabeth Burns

Upcoming Events


Decorate the Church for Christmas ✨

November 28 at 9:30 am

Contact Chris Morgan to help!


Women's Christmas Dinner

December 6 at 6:00 PM

King Hall

Contact Lauren Brewster to decorate a table!


Undecorate the Church

December 27 at 9:30 am

Contact Chris Morgan to help!


Women's Retreat

January 26-27, 2024

Christian Life Center

Westminster Shorter Catechism


Question #8

What are the decrees of God?


Answer

The decrees of God are, his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he hath fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass.

Facebook  Instagram  Web