Dear Church,

About three weeks ago we got a message from ACORNS (Addressing Crises through Outreach, Referrals, Networking, and Service), whose purpose is to address the needs of the community that law enforcement is often called to address but that might not be able to be handled by a police officer alone.

We got to know ACORNS as they were the organization that helped our friend Andre get connected to his current housing. The organization asked for help for their annual event where they serve over 200 guests providing food, clothing, haircuts, and a variety of medical services.

So about two weeks ago we responded by gathering cases of water and on the go breakfast items, which ACORNS picked up.

And last week, I got a few pictures of the event and a lovely message of gratitude and thanks for our help.

By sharing these pictures may we be inspired by the difference we help make, remembering a little bit of God’s grace always goes a long way. May that grace carry us into this weekend known for rest from labor and beyond.

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, September 3, we start a  new worship series “Created to Be” which will take us through the stories of Genesis. Come hear, share, and live the good news of who God is and who God made and calls us to be from the very beginning! We will also celebrate Holy Communion.

*The Congregation elected Rachel Acton, Carrie Dixon-Cash, Parks Icenhour, and Kevin Wallace, to serve with Elders Roxann Porter and Lucy Paradies, and Deacon Chris Turpin to serve on the congregational Nominating Committee. Please pray for these folks and the people God is directing them toward who will serve as Elders or Deacons for our church. If you have a name the committee should consider please offer it to one of these folks.

*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.

*Confirmation is Beginning! Our young people will undergo the process of Confirmation during September, where they will deeply consider what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. If you as an adult are interested in working with these young people as a mentor or teacher, contact Rev. Acton!

* Garner Area Ministry: 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