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Weekly Update for July 3, 2020

Dear Siblings in Christ,

Happy Independence Day weekend! Please note that this Sunday we will have ONE SERVICE ONLY (11:00 AM) and NO SUNDAY SCHOOL.

The 11:00 AM worship service will include not only traditional patriotic hymns like “America the Beautiful” but will also highlight the significant contributions the African American musical tradition has made to our national life. Sacred music by Duke Ellington, as well as a healthy dose of spirituals, will be featured. AND, we are delighted to welcome FPC’s own Lilla Keith to the service as soprano soloist.

Blessings and stay safe!

Holt Andrews
Pastoral Musician

Recommendations for Church Officers Needed – Deadline TODAY
Your Congregational Nominating Committee needs the help of our members in nominating members of the church to serve as Elders and Deacons. Please submit this form with your suggestion of one name. You may submit as many names as you would like, suggesting any member of First Presbyterian Church, including yourself. Deadline for submittal is today, July 3, 2020.

Happy Independence Day – July 4
This year, since July 4 falls on a Saturday, some of our staff will be out of their virtual office on Friday, July 3 and some on Monday, July 6. We hope that everyone has a happy and safe Independence Day as we celebrate our independence as a nation, and as people of faith, we remember our call to pray for those in authority and the freedom offered to us in Christ.

Prepare for Communion This Sunday
If you wish to participate in Communion during Online Worship this Sunday, we ask that you prepare your own elements ahead of time (crackers, a slice of bread, or any type of bread you might have on hand) and a sip of grape juice or wine. You can partake, as directed, during the service, so that even while we are apart, we can enjoy this transcendent, yet very earthly, “communion” together.

THIS SUNDAY
11:00am Sanctuary Worship Service ONLINE

All services will be livestreamed at www.fpcspartanburg.org/live and on our Facebook page. We encourage you to join us on Facebook, comment during the live worship service, and help build community. Bulletins, scripture readings, manuscripts, and video archives can also be found our website. Our worship livestreams also appear on YouTube. However you join us, please sign the online guestbook and consider making your regular contributions online. Have you been having trouble with the livestreams? Check out this information on the church website.

NEXT WEEK
New to Zoom? Having Trouble? Need a Password?
Visit www.fpcspartanburg.org/zoom for tips on how to get the most out of your Zoom gatherings. Please note that if you use any of the links in this email you will not need to input a password. If you use a link on the church website or social media you will need a password. The current password for most church events is “5834531” (which just happens to be the church phone number as well).

Weekly Community Zoom Times for Everyone!
See the full list online at: https://fpcspartanburg.org/events/weekly-zoom

Prayer Gathering with Joanne – Tuesdays at Noon (Join in) NEW LINK!
Men’s Bible Study – Wednesdays at Noon (Join in)
Bible Study on the Gospel of Mark with Tom – Wednesdays at 6pm (Join in) NEW LINK!

Young Adult Book Discussion – Starting July 6
The Young Adults will be doing a book discussion on Tattoos on the Heart, by Gregory Boyle, in July! The book is available on Amazon to purchase, and if you would like financial assistance, the church can cover the cost of the book. They will meet Sunday and Monday evenings (alternating weeks) at 8:00pm via Zoom beginning on July 6. See the church website for more information.

ECHOES (Elder Caregivers Helping Others & Encouraging Self) – July 9 at 12 noon (Join in)
Caring for a loved one who is aging or sick is a special ministry. If you are engaged in this and would appreciate Christian encouragement, please join Rev. Ansley Page, Rev. Joanne Hull, and Parish Nurse Beth Cecil on Thursday, July 9 from 12:00-1:00pm on Zoom. From the comfort of your home, you can enjoy this time of devotion, prayer, and sharing with folks in similar circumstance. Let your church family help you in this sacred work. Please register with Joanie Shackleton at jshackleton@fpcspartanburg.org.

Summer Hangouts with Holly
Thursdays starting at 1pm on Zoom (Email Holly for links)
All children are invited to join Holly Bannan online for a time of fellowship and learning together.
1:00pm Rising 3K, 4K, 5K, and 1^st Graders
1:30pm Rising 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th Graders

Youth Group and College Students on Zoom
Youth and college Zoom gatherings will resume Wednesday, July 8. Please contact Robert or Carrie if you have any questions or need the link!

Wednesdays at 4pm – Middle Schoolers
Wednesdays at 8pm – College Students (Join in)
Thursdays at 4pm – High Schoolers

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Hand in Hand – New Initiative!
After recently learning the shocking statistics regarding the homelessness of many school children and their families in areas near to us and witnessing the extreme poverty in which they live, Melissa France has started a ministry called Hand in Hand. This is a food and basic supply resource for families in need. She collects donations of the items listed below and works with Spartanburg County school social workers who identify where the supplies are needed and distribute them. A list of items to donate and drop off locations can be found in Ministry Finder.

Complete the 2020 Census
Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding are distributed each year. It is vital to our area that we all complete the 2020 Census for Spartanburg to report accurate data that could greatly benefit our community. Fill out the Census online, by paper, or by phone. If you, or someone you know, needs assistance filling out the Census, please contact the Spartanburg County Public Libraries.

Recent Opportunities in Ministry Finder

OTHER NEWS
These Days Daily Devotional Now Available
The July-September edition of 'These Days' daily devotional is now available. Please note we have a limited amount. Click on this link to fill out a form and we will mail you a copy.

Kirkin' Tartan Orders Due Friday, July 24 (Order a Tartan)
First Presbyterian Church will hold its annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans Worship Service on Sunday, October 25. At our Kirkin’ service, we remember ancient times, as well as past and present kith and kin, while asking God’s help and blessings in the future through special music and a procession of bagpipes and tartans. If you would like to purchase a Tartan, the cost of a banner is $135, and we need your payment no later than Friday, July 24. If you have any questions or wish to confirm which tartans have already been purchased, contact Lynise Clarke.