Dear Church,
As you have read in our “announcements” section of this blog, since January 2023, FPCoG leadership has been exploring what God is calling us to be and do now and in years to come.

The primary question has been “How can we continue to live and share the good news with members and neighbors?” The question takes on greater urgency given both the multiple ways the world—including perceptions and practices of church—has changed since 2020 and the changes in population and demographic makeup of Garner and the wider Triangle region.

Beginning on June 29, our Vision Team met for the first time The Team will meet as often as it needs through the summer and early fall as they discern what God is calling FPCoG to be and do in 2023 and beyond. In September, the hope is to have listening sessions with the congregation to further develop and refine a vision statement reflecting God’s call to us.

This work requires diligence, imagination, collaboration, and prayer! Please consider making the following prayer (or something like it) part of your regular prayer and devotional time:

God of grace and hope, we trust you hold together past, present, and future. We trust you have a call
and vision for what our church can be and do now and in years to come. Give us strength and courage
to take hold of this vision as it emerges among us. Lead and guide our Vision Team, as well as each
person who calls FPCoG a spiritual home, in the way you would have us go.

Draw us closer to each other and to you, as we seek your will together in prayer. May we remember
your love in Christ that abides with us in all things, never letting us go. May we be open to where your
Spirit leads.

We pray that the vision that emerges in our hearts will be grounded in your good news which has
sustained us for many years, and which will lead us on into the future service you have planned for us.
Amen.

Please also pray for the team, too! Members of the team are John Winings (New Hope Presbytery Congregational and Clergy Coach) Rev. Ben Acton, active Elders Megan Snapp and Deb Wallace, active Deacon Regina Ekoule, at large members Kathy Blue, Sandy Lee, Joe Prater, and Ken Summerville.

The Lord Bless and keep you,
Rev. Ben

***

Announcements

*In-Person/Livestream Worship: Join us each Sunday at 11:00 am in person or online (via Facebook live) for worship!

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

See our service from June 25, the second Remember the Sabbath” service.

Facebook: https://fb.watch/ltDjBKJp8k/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FP0JFubv6yg

On Sunday, July 2, we conclude our “Remember the Sabbath” series by proclaiming our trust that “God Provides!” We will also share the Lord’s Supper and get a  chance to join the choir in singing a congregational anthem–a special arrangement of “America the Beautiful.” Come join us as we live and share the good news!

*Masks are welcome but optional during in-person worship. 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.*

*Garner Area Ministry URGENT NEED: THE GAM Food Pantry is in need of ANY and ALL non-perishable food items! The shelves are low and any contribution can help feed food-insecure folks in our area. Please bring donations to the church or directly to GAM in the coming days, weeks, and months.

*Town of Garner Freedom Celebration: Garner’s annual Freedom celebration which began, on  Saturday, June 17, at the GPAC with a program of music and storytelling commemorating  Juneteenth, continues with the annual Independence Day festival and fireworks at Lake Benson Park on July 3rd.

More information on both events can be found at the following links:

Juneteenth: https://youtu.be/sxS4AcOaJgs

Independence Day: https://www.garnernc.gov/departments/parks-recreation-and-cultural-resources/events/independence-day

*CHRISTMAS IN JULY: the silent auction fundraiser will be held on July 22nd at 2pm in the fellowship hall. Anyone interested in donating items for the event may contact Deb Wallace or any member of the Lillie Circle. The proceeds of the fundraiser will be going towards replacing the sound system in the fellowship hall. Everyone is invited to attend. Refreshments will be served and there may be a few surprises thrown in. Please invite your friends and children to attend as there will be something for all to enjoy.

*Faith Fest is July 23, 24, 25 5:30pm-7:30pm. See this link for more details!

On Tuesday we will participate in a number of mission projects including one for Wake County Animal Shelter. Please consider donating an item from the following list:

New or lightly used blankets or large towels.
Canned dog, cat, puppy or kitten food
Dry dog, cat, puppy or kitten food
Little critter food (rat, rabbit, ferret, guinea pig)
New or lightly used indestructible toys in LARGE sizes (such as Kongs or Nylabones)
Kitty litter
Soft cat treats
Dog treats

*Walking Group: Join the Walking Group each Tuesday at 6 pm. We currently meet at Cadence Senior Living Center (200 Minglewood Dr.). It’s getting warmer so make sure to bring a bottle of water! 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.

*This is Our Story! Later in the summer, we will again share a worship series utilizing favorite scriptures and hymns of the congregation.
During June we will collect our ideas! You can email Ben at pastor@firstpresbyterianchurchgarner.com with your suggestions.

Please note, we will have four Sundays for these selections, and we must pay attention to the copyright on hymns since we livestream our service. Scriptures and hymns not used will be filed for future dates.

*2023 Vision Update:  Our Group is now set and meeting! Thanks be to God for Elders Deb Wallace and Megan Snapp, Deacon Regina Ekoule, and at large members Kathy Blue, Sandy Lee, Joe Prater, and Ken Summerville for being part of this work. They will not be alone though as the whole congregation will have the opportunity to offer feedback and ideas as we discern together what God is calling us to be and do in 2023 and beyond. Please pray for this process to be faithful and fruitful.

*Share FPCoG with Each Other and Our Neighbors! FPCoG is an active church! To help others know this (and to stay up to date yourself), please consider following and asking others to follow us on Facebook or Instagram!
http://www.facebook.com/firstpresbyterianchurchofgarner
http://www.instagram.com/firstpresbyterianchurchgarner