Dear Church,
I am filled today with a sense of joy and awe. Over the past few months and weeks, we have as a church done much to serve our community:

*Serving at HOPE (next opportunity is THIS Saturday, July 29!)…

*Food for Garner Area Ministries…

*Service projects with Faith Fest including Habitat for Humanity, Wake County Animal Shelter, and Able to Serve…

*Any number of actions I am forgetting both known and anonymous acts of love and care done with humility and out of the spotlight…

These acts are exactly what it means to follow our church’s guiding principle—sharing and living the Good News of Jesus Christ. I’m looking forward, after being away last Sunday, to doing that again in worship with you all on July 30.

Additionally, I want to share the joy of the help we have provided to our friend and neighbor, Andre. Thanks to all who contributed to Andre’s love offering that helped purchase household items for him as he gets settled into his new home.

Andre is a gifted singer who has sung with our choir on several occasions and has recently been signing at other area churches to share God’s joy and supplement his income.

As a way to keep the joy and awe flowing (and to share gratitude), Andre has given permission to share what he’s been singing. As you listen consider making these songs part of your own prayers/devotions in the coming days, noting how God’s love is a reason for celebration, which can sustain us in challenging times.

The Lord Bless and Keep You As We Do So!
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 July 23, featuring guest preacher Haley Stephenson:

Facebook: https://fb.watch/m13YeJTIxl/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zuXmG6_-bo

This Sunday, July 30, we begin our annual: “This is Our Story!” series. Each week we will be looking at scriptures and focus in on one word that helps shape and form us as a Christian community on Sunday, we read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, exploring how this passage on time directs our attention to live in the moment of right “Now.” Join us!

* 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.

* The Session has called a congregational meeting for August 6th following worship for the purpose of electing officers to the corporation. Those elected will serve for the remainder of 2023. Those nominated by the Session are Deb McHenry (President), Martha Long (Secretary), and Melissa Miley (Treasurer). During the meeting, other names for these positions can be nominated from the floor.

*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.

*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