Since our Friday message last week–due to my error!– did not get to you, there are two pieces of refreshment for today.

The first comes from Nadia Bolz-Weber, a Lutheran pastor, whose words about New Year’s Resolutions again points to the truth of God’s love made visible in baptism:

May this word remind us that God’s son is born for all the world, a gift of love that meets us where we are and loves us no matter what.

Secondly, let that work of love continue as we go into the weekend and the days ahead, particularly as our nation prepares to once again mark the life and legacy of a modern day prophet: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

You can see the Town of Garner’s MLK Celebration Committee’s 2023 video by following this link: garner.mlk.com. The Video drops on Sunday at 4pm.

May these words from Rev Bolz-Weber and Dr. King reaffirm our trust that God is here, active, with us, and calling us to love one another as we love ourselves.

The Lord Bless and Keep you,

Rev. Ben

Announcements:

In-Person/Livestream Worship: 

Join us each Sunday  at 11:00am in person or online (via facebook live) for worship!

On Sunday January 15, we begin a new sermons series, The Church: Then, Now, Next.” Through readings of 1 Corinthians, we will explore where the church has been, where we are, and where God is still calling us to go.

Online participation via Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/firstpresbyterianchurchofgarner

*Masks are welcome but optional during in-person worship as we continue to contend with COVID and an emerging flu season. We also ask everyone to be still mindful of social distancing and respectful of the personal space of others even as we give thanks for being together.*

* Walking Group: Join the Walking Group each Tuesday at 6pm. We currently meet at Cadence Senior Living Center (200 Minglewood Dr.). If you have any questions, contact the church office 919-772-0727. In the event there is inclement weather, we’ll just gather the following week.

* Boy Scout Troop 392 is having a Krispy Kreme fundraiser. Please contact the church office (919) 772-0727 for information on how to get your certificate for a dozen glazed donuts. The cost is $15 for each certificate which can be used at any Krispy Kreme location across the United States. (Not valid for in grocery store purchases.)

* The 2023 Flower Chart is up! The flower chart is posted in the hallway and ready for sign-ups. The cost of the flowers for the coming year is $40.00.

*Donna Gould’s mother-in-law, Annarah, turns 100 years old on February 7th. They are having a party at the assisted living facility where she is a resident. Donna is asking family and friends to send Annarah a birthday card to help her celebrate. If you want to help make Annarah’s birthday special please send her a birthday to let her know how much she is loved and how special she is. Contact the church office for more information (919) 772-0727

*Souper Bowl Sunday: Souper Bowl Luncheon will be on Sunday, February 12th. See flyer below for details, but don’t worry, Confederate Bean and She Crab Soup are rumored to be on the list!!!

*Prayers for Peace: Our world continues to need prayers of word and deed for peace. As we prepare for a new year, may we pay for those affected by the extreme cold weather across the US, as well as those continuing to rebuild from storms earlier in 2022. Please continue to keep law enforcement and first responders in your prayers as well as those struggling with gun violence in too many places in our nation (including Raleigh, NC). Pray, too, for those for whom the holiday season can be heavy as they deal with loss in what is known as a “joyful