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 December 10th, 2023 can be seen here:
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstpresbyterianchurchofgarner/videos/735073565158726
    • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjybJn78TVI&t=44s
• NC Department of Health reports and data show a recent increase in COVID-19 rates. 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.
• Christmas Joy Offering is a Presbyterian tradition that distributes gifts to support our Leaders…..past, present and future. Materials related to learning about and contributing to The Christmas Joy Offering are available December 17 & 24. Offerings may be dropped off in the office or in the offering plates. If you wish to give online you may do so by accessing this website: https://specialofferings.pcusa.org/offering/christmas-joy/ and select the “Give Now” tab.
• Christmas Card Drop Off: Again this year, the Fellowship/Hospitality Committee will offer a drop-off area for “Christmas Cards”. No postage is required. The idea is to provide an easy and convenient platform for sending a card to friends without the cost of postage. A big “Thank you” to Carol Oriel who suggested this idea. Last year was the first time we offered it and it went over well, so we decided to offer it again this year, with a few changes. Participation is not required, it’s available for the convenience of those who wish to participate. Please read the instructions below for changes and helpful tips.
  • Location of drop off: Narthex
  • Dates available: Sunday, Dec 17
  • On the front of the envelope please include the recipient’s first and last name, it is not necessary to include the mailing address.
  • Please note: if you are sending a card to a member who does not attend church due to health issues, it may be best to mail through US postal services. We will not be forwarding cards that are not picked up.
  • Change: We are asking church members to sort the cards you are giving. There will be a box with file folders, the folders will be alphabetized, please drop your cards in the appropriate alphabetical folder according to last name. Linda Monroe will be available to assist, group cards, and help distribute.
• Christmas Cantata: Sunday, Dec 17, 2023, 3:00pm. The Fellowship/Hospitality Committee is inviting you to join us in the fellowship hall, immediately following the Cantata. Hot Cider will be served. We are inviting you to bring a sweet or savory item to share with everyone.
• REMINDER…FPCoG our 5th Saturday commitment for H.O.P.E. is Saturday, December 30, 2023. A sign-up sheet is on the table in the Narthex near the hallway. Please sign up to provide food, help prepare, set-up, serve, clean-up, or come and converse with the guests at H.O.P.E. This is the last Saturday of 2023…help be a Christmas Blessing and maybe a glimmer of hope for the New Year ahead! If you have any questions, please contact Julie Tedder.
• 2024 Pledge cards: If you haven’t gotten your 2024 pledge in yet don’t fret, it’s not too late. There are extra pledge cards on the table at the back of the sanctuary. Feel free to drop it in the offering plate or drop it by the church office anytime.
• Liftavator update: The Session has approved the pursuit of funding for the installation of a plexiglass-enclosed vertical lift near the church office and choir room. Installation of this “Liftavator” would allow greater access to our building for those with mobility issues. Including “seed” money from the existing Elevator Fund, we have collected $22,700.31 to date and $19,650.00 pledged. We are a little over halfway to our goal of $68,000 but there is still a bit to go to reach that goal. Ideally, we would like to reach our goal by the end of this year. Information on the liftavator and FAQ sheets can be found in the narthex. Additionally, Karen Lovering and Komivi Ekoule are available to answer any questions. Please pray and consider how you and your family might be able to contribute toward this “lofty” goal.
• Spire articles for the January edition are due by December 22nd!
• The Wednesday Night and Thursday Morning Bible Studies are on Christmas break: Stay tuned for announcements for when they will resume in 2024.
• The Adult Sunday School class meets each Sunday morning at 9:30 am for thoughtful discussion and fellowship in the comfort of your home or live & in person. They are using THE PRESENT WORD Bible Study. Please contact Karen Lovering or Mike Koenig for more information. Hope to see you there!
• Walking Group: The Walking Group meets each Tuesday weather permitting. 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 Walking Group is caroling together on December 19! Make plans to join us in making a joyful noise!