Dear Church,

As we go into the weekend hopefully you have some good things planned! A little rest, a little recreation, a little reflection. I also hope you may have time again for a little service.

Service is actually near the heart of sabbath keeping. We slow down from the hectic pace of business days and a work week, in order that we may renew our focus not on our own pursuits and striving but on the beauty and blessing of the world around us, which includes our connection to our neighbors.

Raleigh Police Department’s ACORNS Unit provides an opportunity for us to make this connection. The ACORNS Team (Addressing Crises through Outreach, Referrals, Networking, and Service) will be hosting an event providing food and services to approximately 200 friends in the Raleigh Area who are facing challenges of homelessness, mental health, and addiction/recovery. A flyer is below.

The organization has asked for our help in providing water and on-the-go breakfast items (cereal, granola bars, etc.) If you have an opportunity please bring a donation of these items to the church this Sunday. Donations can be left in the narthex or in the room across from the church office.

Thanks in advance for taking advantage of this opportunity for connection and renewal as we live and share the good news of Christ’s love with our neighbors near and far!

The Lord Bless and Keep You!

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

This Sunday, August 20, we continue our  “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 Genesis 9:12-16, Romans 8:31-39, and the Apostle’s Creed line “Descended into hell” and consider how God’s Love stands with us no matter what.

During worship, we will also celebrate our staff and invite everyone to do the same during Lemonade on the Lawn following worship!

*Service Opportunity! FPCoG is partnering with Raliegh PD’s ACORNS Team (Addressing Crises through Outreach, Referrals, Networking, and Service) Acorns needs our help again for an annual event where they provide resources and services for over 200 friends who are experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and addiction and recovery. Please consider dropping off non-perishable breakfast on-the-go items (granola bars, cereal, etc.) and packs of water donations to the church between 8/13-8/21. Thanks for being the hands and feet of Christ and serving our neighbors!

*NC Department of Health reports and data show a recent increase in COVID-19 rates, perhaps due to a summer seasonal surge. The church encourages people to be mindful about ways to protect themselves and others, including maintaining distance, washing/sanitizing hands, wearing a mask (always welcome at FPCOG but still optional), avoiding large crowds when you are not feeling well, and having a COVID test on hand. The church office is gathering test kits to have on hand for those who need them. Please contact the office or pastor if you need one.

*September Spire articles are due to the office by Friday, August 18th!

* 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.

*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 has returned to walking at Lake Benson Park until the fall. The group meets weekly at 6:00pm

*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