Dear Church,
Today Tish Harrison Warren’s words from Liturgy of the Ordinary remind us of our day-to-day mission as individual disciples and together as the church:

“Our task is not to somehow interject God in the work he is already doing in and through our vocational lives.”

Vocation, as you likely already know, is a fancy word not simply for work, but for work that gives us meaning and purpose. Frederick Buchner calls it the work that combines deep gladness with the world’s deep need. But even work as meaningful as connecting with friends, assisting somebody with a problem, designing a database that will provide easier access to needed community resources, serving and protecting the vulnerable, teaching, learning (the list goes on and on) can often have moments of dullness and even monotony.

Warren’s words remind us therefore that God is still present and active in those times as well. In the deepest of joys and the most mundane of details. On beautiful Sunday mornings when anthems soar and prayers are sweet, and on random Thursdays when the copier doesn’t work, and the day’s plans are dashed before the first cup of coffee is done.

In all those situations, God is present, and we have an opportunity to join the work and see how our work might parallel the divine.

So may that be our task as we go into the weekend. Whether our to-do list is high or relaxation is the order of the day, may we learn to see God at work in, through, around, and with us.

The Lord Bless and Keep You As We Do So!
Rev. Ben

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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 16, we conclude our two-part look at the “Parable of the Prodigal” by focusing on the older brother. His part of the story screams “unfair!”. And yet, his father tells him he has “Everything.” How do we learn to see abundance in the midst of our challenges and the unfairness of the world? Worship with us to explore this question and more as we share and live God’s good news together!

*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: In June, FPCoG contributed 424 lbs of food to GAM to help alleviate food insecurity in our community. The shelves need to remain stocked though! Please bring donations of ANY and ALL non-perishable food items to the church or directly to GAM in the coming days, weeks, and months.

*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 of Faith Fest, 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

*Grief Workshop: On August 5, 10am-12 noon FPCoG will host a workshop on grief led by Ruth Cooper a licensed therapist well versed in this topic. Please plan to join us and share this opportunity with others who might be interested.

*August Spire articles are due by July 21st!

*Walking Group: The Walking Group meets each Tuesday weather permitting. During these warmer months, please take precautions and stay hydrated! Because it has more shade, the group will return to walking at Lake Benson Park until the fall. The group meets weekly at 6:00pm

*Habitat for Humanity: Read here for news about South Wake County Habitat for Humanity’s year-in-review! Thanks be to God for this ministry and our ability to participate in the 2022-2203 Faith Build!

*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