Dear Church,
November is a thankful month! All Saints Sunday (though observed by FPCoG on October 29) is officially November 1. Thanksgiving as we know is the 4th Thursday, providing a bookend of gratitude to these 30 days as well as launching us into the joy of Advent and Christmas preparations.
In this spirit, I have been humming all week the tune to “Now Thank We All Our God,” a habit no doubt informed by our sharing this hymn in worship last Sunday. So I thought I’d share a recording of the hymn with you, courtesy of Christ Church, St. James, an Anglican Church in Toronto:
Giving thanks is not just a good thing to do of course because of the calendar. It is also good when our world feels weary and heavy. Because giving thanks reminds us that there is something that yet endures in the messiness of life. There is something worth fighting and struggling and hoping for. There is love and grace and goodness worth marveling o, protecting, and sharing.
May it be so with us this day and into days yet to come. May we thank our God and continue doing good work together.
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
On Sunday, November 5, we continue our Stewardship Season Series on “Treasures in Heaven” by considering how storing these treasures can transform into sharing them as well. Plan to join us also for our after-worship Chili Bowl Fundraiser where we’ll also discuss our 2024 Budget!
*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 5th Chili Bowl and Stewardship Luncheon! On November 5, after worship, we will enjoy good fellowship and good food courtesy of the Friendship Circle’s annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser! While we gather we will also hear about our Faith Budget for 2024. Bring an appetite for chili and conversation about what good news God is sharing through us! All funds raised will benefit Habitat for Humanity and Garner Area Ministries
*Confirmation is Ongoing! 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 to December! See the below for more details and call the church office to join with us!
*Cantata Practice! Join the choir for Christmas Cantata Practice every Wednesday! The Cantata will be held on December 17, 2023, at 3pm in the sanctuary of FOCOG:
*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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