Dear Church,
Last Sunday we explored what it means to stand, like Abraham did, at a crossroads of life. You know the place—where a decision must be made, a direction must be chosen, a God-given call must result in a response.

The scripture writes of that moment, “And so Abram went,” and we acknowledged that God also went with him and his family which included his wife Sarah. We also trust God continues to go with each of us in every step. So, too, then must someone be ready to write ”And so First Presbyterian Church of Garner went.”

Since Sunday I got word about how First Presbyterian Church of Garner is going, particularly from one young man who is in a world full of crossroads of decision-making, learning, and serving.

JB—a child of this church, baptized and confirmed here—is now in the “Yellow Phase” of his basic training as a member of the US Armed Services. He’s now at a location where he can receive mail from those who care for him, reminding him that the promises God makes—and that we share—still hold him fast. Since this writing is on the World Wide Web, we’re not going to share the address in this space, but if you would like to drop a note, please contact the church office. We will give you the information or receive your note and send it from here. Whatever you do, please keep him in your prayers continually and keep trusting that God goes with us always.

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 24  here:

Facebook: https://fb.watch/nka61y4sSH/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqEW1caYz9k&t=1s

On Sunday, October 1, we continue our worship series “Created to Be” which will take us through the stories of Genesis. We will see this Sunday that it is both “Good to See” and “Good to be Seen.” We will also celebrate Worldwide Communion Sunday, confident that as we come to the table we join the church in every time and place in so doing. Join us in person or online!

*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 has test kits 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.

*Outstanding Older Adult Award Ceremony On Sunday, October 1, join a carpool to First Presbyterian Rocky Mount to celebrate with the Bagwell’s and other Outstanding Older Adults for their witness of love and peace in Christ’s name! We’ll meet at 1:45pm and return to the church parking lot, around 5:30pm.

*All Saints 2023! FPCoG observes All Saints Sunday on October 29, 223. We will remember by name during the service members of our church who have died since October 30, 2022. If you have a loved one you would like to remember by name and with the lighting of a candle, please submit their name to the church office no later than October 22, 2023.

*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!

* Garner Area Ministry NEED: 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