Dear Church,

Today’s post continues a series in which we are sharing devotional passages from Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life by Tish Harrison Warren. Today’s passage draws our attention to the vital and sacred power of the mundane:

A sign hangs on the wall in a New Monastic Christian community house: “Everyone wants a revolution. No one wants to do the dishes.”

I was, and remain, a Christian who longs for revolution, for things to be made new and whole in beautiful and big ways. But what I am slowly seeing is that you can’t get to the revolution without learning to do the dishes. The kind of spiritual life and disciplines needed to sustain the Christian life are quiet, repetitive, and ordinary. I often want to skip the boring, daily stuff to get to the thrill of an edgy faith. But it’s in the dailiness of the Christian faith—the making the bed, the doing the dishes, the praying for our enemies, the reading the Bible, the quiet, the small—that God’s transformation takes root and grows.

In other words, friends, don’t underestimate the sacred value of the ordinary stuff of which this week and this weekend may consist. Remember, especially as we come to the table on Sunday, that even regular old bread and a common cup can offer invaluable glimpses into the heart of God and into a life worth living and sharing.

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

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. If there is inclement weather, we’ll 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