Dear Church,

Last Saturday, September 16, a small group from FPCoG helped kick off the latest Faith Build organized by Habitat for Humanity’s Southern Wake Chapter. Karen and Fred Hubbard, Melissa and Tim Miley, and I, joined some 25 other folks from various churches (including Habitat homeowners who were putting in sweat equity) in our area to put together interior and exterior walls for this new home. Then, we traveled to the site off of Old Poole Place, unloaded the walls, dedicated the build, and then helped with various other “to do’s” with the Faith Build home as well as other projects Habitat is currently completing. You can see the pictures below!

This effort certainly speaks to the idea of a “New Beginning” that we then explored in worship the following day at FPCoG. God’s new commitment—made visible in the rainbow—to creation and imperfect humanity, reveals the power and possibility of new beginnings in ways that give us hope amid any storm. Similarly, our Mission and Building and Grounds Ministry Teams have made new commitments to Habitat and the hope-filled new beginnings they provide. After a time when we were not as able to be involved due to church transitions and/or the pandemic, we have in the last 4 months, now had two workdays where volunteers from FPCoG have contributed; on one of those days we also provided lunch for over 20 people!

This new beginning with a familiar partner in sharing God’s good news in concrete ways will continue as the fall season does. We are targeting an October Saturday for another work day and a November Saturday for providing lunch. If you might be interested in these opportunities, please contact the church office and we will share more information with you. And of course, keep the future homeowner (TBD at this time!) in your prayers.

For now, I ask you to continue to be alert for signs of a new beginning around you—what light is shining behind the cloud? What love is persisting even in the midst of challenge? What blessing are you most grateful for in these days?

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

See our service from September 17  here:

Facebook: https://fb.watch/nb2H-Exu0w/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1PgwMu5IuE

On Sunday, September 17th, we continued our worship series “Created to Be” which will take us through the stories of Genesis. This past Sunday we explored “New Beginnings” with God’s response to sin in Genesis 6-9.

*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. Also, remember to get your COVID booster and Flu shot as you are able and feel led to do so.

*Confirmation has Begun! Our young people are undergoing the process of Confirmation during September and October, where they will deeply consider what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. e have approximately a half dozen youth and adults serving as mentors involved in this process. Please pray for them!

* October Spire articles are due to the church office by Thursday, September 21st. It’s hard to believe how fast September is going and October is right around the corner. Now is the time to let us know what your groups will be up to in October!

* 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.

* Crafting Crew: Attention crafters and other handcraft creators! The monthly crafting collective is restarting. We’ll be meeting on the first Saturdays of the month starting October 7th from 10 am until noon. Bring whatever you’re working on and a beverage of your choice. We’ll spend the time in fellowship and learning new skills. Kathy Blue will teach any crocheters who want to learn how to do broomstick lace. Come join us!

*Our Fall Church Picnic will be on October 15 at 5 pm on the church grounds. Bring an appetite for good food and good fellowship!

*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 6:00 pm

*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