Dear Church,
One of my deepest joys in ministry right now is our Confirmation and Pre-Confirmation classes. It’s been a delight to be in fellowship and learning with this group of children and youth as well as their adult teachers and mentors. The creativity, insight, and care they have poured out on behalf of the church and community is inspiring. Through their efforts we’ve shared messages of joy and encouragement to church members, crafted church bulletin covers, made birthday cards for Able to Serve, and are planning different youth-led mission efforts over the next several months, including:
*Food, Hat, and Gloves Drive to benefit youth, men, and women who face homelessness…
*Message on Earth Care and our call to be faithful stewards of God’s gift of creation…
*Winter Blanket collection to help keep people warm…
*Cards of care for senior citizens…
…just to name a few!
These efforts from our young people, as well as their families, and the other adults, who support and got them. Remind us that the church, though it has changed much, especially in recent years, is still in good hands. As a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Garner often would say this is not our church. It is God‘s church. And God’s church presently includes people of all ages, who are ready and committed to serving God by serving our Neighbors. Please continue to pray for these young people as they work towards their goals, seeking to change the world with simple acts of Christ’s love and care.
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 November 5, 2023 can be seen here:
Facebook: https://fb.watch/obuc-j3xha/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0uunLxmVMo&t=66s
On Sunday, November 12, we conclude our Stewardship Season Series on “Treasures in Heaven” by bringing forward our pledges in “Dedication” to God’s call in our lives and hope for our congregation’s present and future. Please contact the church office if you need a pledge card.
You can also begin bringing canned goods and hats and gloves for adults for the first of our Youth Confirmation Mission Projects. These collections will benefit Wrenn House (a shelter for youth) and HOPE in Garner.
*November 5th Chili Bowl and Stewardship Luncheon! On November 5, after worship, we enjoyed good fellowship and good food courtesy of the Friendship Circle’s annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser! We raised over $800 for Habitat for Humanity and Garner Area Ministries! Thank you everyone!
* 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.
*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 Has Begun! 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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