Dear Curch,
We haven’t even reached the first of our fall holidays, but at FPCOG, it is beginning to look a bit like Christmas as we finalize plans for Advent!
One of our celebrations in this season is our Choir Cantata and Bill rashleigh, our Director of Music Ministries, has the following information to share!
The First Presbyterian Church of Garner will be presenting a Christmas Cantata on December 17 at 3:00 p.m. All singers interested in joining in this festive and musical celebration are welcomed. Your participation in the Cantata Chorus will NOT bring expectations or pressures of joining the Chancel Choir on a regular basis. The invitation is one of hopefully filling your bucket as a singer and presenting some wonderful seasonal music to our audience.
Rehearsals will be held at 7:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesdays starting October 18th. The Chancel Choir will continue to rehearse on our anthems for Sunday mornings but all others are excused, should they wish to leave. The music is outstanding, the fellowship will be delightful, and the rehearsals will be fun, so please join with us this holiday season to make a joyful noise!
If you have any questions about the rehearsals, the literature, the choir, or conductor, please give me a call or send me an email. I can be reached at brashleigh765@gmail.com or 984-239-3887.
Help us draw closer to God, and “Close to Home” this Advent Season!
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
Our service from October 15 can be seen here:
Facebook: https://fb.watch/nLDDbWQk9k/
On Sunday, October 22, we begin our Stewardship Season Series on “Treasures in Heaven.” Worship with us and learn the importance of “Naming” the blessings and challenges associated with generosity, giving, and financial stewardship.
*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.
*November Spire articles are due to the office by Monday, October 23rd.
*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.
*Calling all Ringers! In worship on 11/26, our music contains the possibility of a handbell piece. We need at least 4-5 folks who might be interested in learning and playing the piece. Please contact Bill Rashleigh to be part of this ensemble!
*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. We 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 from 10 am until noon. The next date will be November 4. 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!
*Walking Group: The Walking Group meets each Tuesday weather permitting. Starting Oct. 17th, the walking group will meet at the Village at 6pm to walk. We will park at Cadence assisted living on Minglewood Dr. and walk 2 laps around the Village. If you have any questions, contact Martha Long at 919-744-0751. In the event there is inclement weather, we’ll just gather the following week. The group meets weekly at 6:00 pm
We are also walking to Bethlehem from October-December! See the below for more details and call the church office to join with us!
*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
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