Weekly Update for June 26, 2020

Dear Siblings in Christ,

Throughout the Old and New Testaments, God repeatedly and unmistakably calls us to care for those in our society who are most vulnerable, and over the decades, our congregation has long been on the front lines of that work. Today, I am proud of the efforts so many of our members are making at this time to show solidarity and support for our black neighbors, and who are working for positive change. And I am proud for the part each of you are playing to control the spread of this pandemic, even as our state has become one of the hotspots of this outbreak. Please stay diligent and patient in doing your part to help all of our most vulnerable siblings in Christ!

Blessings and Peace,
Craig Foster
Associate Pastor for Discipleship and Communications

THIS SUNDAY
8:45am MorningSong ONLINE
10:00am Adult Sunday School (Zoom)
10:00am Children’s Sunday School
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.

10:00am Sunday School (Join in)
This Sunday in the combined Adult Class via Zoom, the Rev. Leslie Lang will lead a time of discussion and conversation about what you’ve been learning through the Racial Equity Challenge. Whether you have participated in the challenge or not, we encourage you to join. All are welcome!

Children’s Sunday School with Holly – Sundays on YouTube
Holly Bannan will be recording the Sunday School lesson and time of worship for children each week and posting it to the church YouTube page. A link to this video is also being sent out to parents each week.

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!

Adult Sunday School – Sundays at 10am (Join in)
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)

“Just Mercy” Movie Discussion
Just Mercy is being offered for free by many streaming services during the month of June. We offer the suggestion to watch this movie, which explores systemic racism and injustice, and to join us for a group conversation via Zoom. There will be two opportunities for these discussions:

Tuesday, June 30^th: 5:30-6:30pm (Join in)

Wednesday, July 1^st: 12-1pm (Join in)

Recommendations for Church Officers Needed by Friday, July 3
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 Friday, July 3, 2020.

Happy Independence Day – July 4
Independence Day (colloquially the Fourth of July or July 4th) is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states.

As instructed by scripture (I Timothy 2:1-3), we are to pray for our leaders and be good citizens of our country. Many people died to insure that we have the freedom to do this in our sanctuaries, too, and we do not want to minimize the sacrifices that have enabled our freedom.

This year, some of our staff will be out of their virtual office on Friday, July 3 and some on Monday, July 6.

One Online Worship – Sunday, July 5
On Sunday, July 5, we will have worship together online at 11:00a.m.

Summer Hangouts with Holly
Hangouts with Holly will resume Thursday, July 9 starting at 1pm. We hope you have a wonderful week!

Youth Group and College Students on Zoom
Youth and college Zoom gatherings will resume the week of July 5. Please contact Robert or Carrie if you have any questions!

WORKING TO END RACISM
21 Day Racial Equity Challenge
The Local Missions Committee has committed to learn more about issues of race, discrimination, and injustice, and to hear voices different from our own, in this 21 Day Racial Equity Challenge. By making this commitment, we agree each day to engage one of these resources that will expand understanding about racial issues, to reflect, to share, and to pray. We invite everyone to join in on this challenge! For more resources, a tracking chart, and learning opportunities, visit Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr.’s website.

If you have questions or would just like to have more conversation, please feel free to reach out to Leslie Lang at llang@fpcspartanburg.org.

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.

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.

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.