This weekend is one of joy for my family as we celebrate a certain someone’s 11th birthday. In that sprit, this weekend’s refreshment comes courtesy of Daniel Heath, first shared in the Presbyterian Outlook late last year (https://pres-outlook.org/2022/12/an-ode-to-diverse-joy/ ):

For the music score, please see “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee.” This hymn can be found on page #611 in Glory to God. The musical score comes from Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9.”

Bring to God a merry offering,
all things living, bless God’s name!
Praise with hearts and hands and voices,
join the song of earth and heaven.
Sing an anthem with the chorus,
hymn God’s mercy, laud God’s grace,
Play the trumpet, harp and cymbal,
sound God’s love in time and space.

Testify to God’s great wonders
echoed in the Holy word:
Torah, Prophets, Wisdom, Gospel–
make God’s message seen and heard.
We are sheep of one Good Shepherd,
all God’s flock, Love’s family,
Siblings of all lands and races;
gifted, abled diff’rently.

Enter leaping, dancing, spinning,
walking, wheeling– any pace!
Set doors swinging, rafters ringing,
step through aisles in rhythmic praise.

Infants wailing, parents humming,
children laughing, joyful sound–
All that breathes!– pour out thanksgiving,
make God’s love and mercy known.

May joy follow you today and every day.

Until we meet again…

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 29, we continue our sermon series, The Church: Then, Now, Next.”  Through readings of 1 Corinthians, we are exploring where the church has been, where we are, and where God is still calling us to go. On Sunday we consider 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 and Paul’s urgent plea to approach life with an understanding of God’s mercy and grace.

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 at 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 at (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.)

* February 5 is Scout Sunday! Join us that day to celebrate the ministry partnership between FPCoG and Troop 392!

* 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 at (919) 772-0727

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

*February 26 Potluck for Family Promise: Join us after worship on Sunday, February 26, for a time of fellowship and a refresher on our ministry with Family Promise of Wake County. More details to come!

*Prayers for Peace: Our world continues to need prayers of word and deed for peace. As we prepare for a new year, may we pray for those affected by the extreme cold weather across the US, and flooding in California, as well as those continuing to rebuild from storms last year. 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). In our congregation, we have had many also who have suffered unexpected loss–continue to treat others and self with tenderness and grace.