Life at First
As we live with the pandemic for the foreseeable future, we will offer a combination of virtual and in-person opportunities so we can engage with our faith with our First Presbyterian family. Need to reach clergy or staff? Leave a message at 704-332-5125.
You’re invited to worship in person with your church family!
Registration is required, so please register here to worship on the front lawn next Sunday, October 25, at 9 a.m.
Precautions will be in place to help us all stay healthy: Masks, social distancing and a brief health check will be required. Seating will be provided.
Tutoring Opportunities
Living Room Learning Webinar
Thursday, October 22, 6:30-8 p.m., via Zoom
As a follow-up to the Plowshares book discussion, a panel of local experts will discuss the process and consequences of eviction in Charlotte. Panelists will be Tommy Holderness, attorney with Legal Aid of North Carolina; Floyd Davis, President and CEO of Community Link; Tchernavia Montgomery, Chief Program Officer, Crisis Assistance Ministry; Kim Graham, Executive Director of the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association. Kathy Ridge, founder and director of Levridge Resources, moderates.
Registration & questions, contact Nan Clarke.
Winter Clothing for Lakewood Preschool
Winter clothing, both new and like-new, will be collected for our little friends at Lakewood Preschool in the church driveway on Wednesday, October 28, 2-4 p.m. Coats, gloves, hats and other clothing items are needed in the following sizes:
- Girls – 2T, 3T, 4T
- Boys – 2T, 3T, 4T and 5T
If you need to make other arrangements to deliver your clothing contribution, contact Heather Herring.
Volunteers are needed to collect items on the October 28, as well as to sort donations and deliver to Lakewood. Sign up oneline.
Elementary Children & Families Picnic
Saturday, October 17, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
In person at Independence Park, 50 people maximum.
Sign up by emailing Elizabeth Cook.
Contact Robert Galloway with questions.
Trunk or Treat for Children
Saturday, October 31, 3-5 p.m.
3-5 p.m.
In person, Poplar Street parking lot.
Contact Natalie Raygor with questions.
Eighth-Grade Confirmation Session
Sunday, October 18, 6-7 p.m., via Zoom.
Confirmation 2020-2021 Information Session. Visit your inbox for the link and password.
Contact Natalie Raygor.
Family Hike at Crowders Mountain State Park
Saturday, October 24, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., in person
Be part of this Youth Ministry Family Hike Day at Crowders Mountain State Park. Maximum of 15 participants.
Contact Tristan Wall, 828-285-9866, with questions.
Evening Bible Study
Wednesdays through November 11, 6:30 p.m.
In person, maximum attendance 25.
Sign up by emailing Robert Galloway.
Panthers Football Viewing
Sunday, October 25, in person. Time to be determined.
At the home of Liz and Nick Signet, 50 people maximum.
Sign up by emailing Robert Galloway.
Generosity: God’s Invitation to Relationship
Sunday, October 25, 10 a.m. via Zoom
Dr. Drew Reynolds, consultant, social worker and advocate, will lead this Sunday class. As one who is passionate about advancing the lives of children and families on the margins, Drew knows how this work can transform both the receiver and the provider. And when individuals share their own experienced transformations, they multiply their impact.
Contact Garrell Keesler.
Thursday Morning Bible Study: Book by Walter Brueggemann
Thursdays, 9:30-1:30 a.m., online
In the book From Judgment to Hope, Walter Brueggemann explores the Major Prophets, the Minor Prophets, and the prophets of the Persian Age.
Contact Mary Margaret Porter to sign up.
Kirk Choir Rehearsals
Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m.
Open to grades 2-5, rehearsals will be in the Sanctuary. Health checks at the door, social distancing and masks required.
Contact Caryn Overbey.
Youth Choir Rehearsals
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Youth Choir is open to youth grades 6-12 and rehearses in the High School Youth Room. Health checks at the door, social distancing and masks required.
Contact Will Young for additional information or to register.
Sanctuary Choir Rehearsals
Wednesdays, 7:30-9 p.m.
Rehearsal will be in Wood Fellowship Hall. Health checks at the door, social distancing and masks required.
Contact Will Young with questions.
Knox Handbell Ringers Rehearsals
Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m.
Knox Handbell Ringers is open to children and youth in grades 5-12. Rehearsals are in the Pattie Cole Room. Health checks at the door, social distancing and masks required.
Contract Trevor Cook.
Ivey Handbells Rehearsals
Wednesdays, 8-9 p.m.
This auditioned group of youth in grades 8-12 rehearses in the Pattie Cole Room. Health checks at the door, social distancing and masks required.
Contract Trevor Cook.
PW Circles
Check details about Circle meetings for the rest of this month.
Stewardship 2021: Generosity
You can pledge online now to support all the church’s programs for the 2021 budget year.
Read a letter from the Reverend Pen Peery to learn more about this year’s campaign.
You can also mail in the pledge card you received early in the campaign or use Realm to make this financial commitment to our work for Christ in the heart of Charlotte for the year 2021.
Our Anti-Racism Work
Responding to the presence of racism is the work of faith. We understand that the promise of the gospel is that in Jesus Christ, the dividing wall and hostility between peoples has been broken down (Ephesians 2:14). As we are the body of Christ, we have a responsibility to continue the work that Jesus started. And as we have learned, it is not enough to simply be nonracist. We also must firmly be antiracist. This is a journey that is filled with hope, honesty, and, often, tough discussions.
As we go about this work and our responses in the continuing conversation, here are resources that you may use in your journey. These resources include books for all ages, podcasts, articles and videos.
Also, Foundation For The Carolinas recently published a list of non-profits that work directly in the field of social justice and that address racial equity. You may access that resource here.
Advocacy Committee Update
Housing
“Adequate housing for low income residents is perhaps the most pressing single need in Charlotte,” a Charlotte Observer editorial declared in 1968. That article was over 50 years ago and yet today the crisis is even bigger. Just how big is it? Check out the 2020 Charlotte Mecklenburg State of Housing Instability and Homelessness” report that was released this week. The two-page Key Findings Chart is easy to follow and extremely informative.
For a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in need of affordable housing, participate in a Living Room Learning webinar on Thursday, October 22, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. with a panel of local experts on the subject. It is sponsored by the Advocacy Committee. Details and registration online.
Your Vote 2020
Do you or a loved one live in a retirement facility? WFAE presented a discussion on ways to ensure your voice counts, and how to be certain your loved ones’ votes count. Visit this link for suggestions on guidelines for safe voting.
FPC Positions Available
First Presbyterian Church currently has four positions available: Director of Communications, Business Manager, Director of Youth Ministry and Director of Children and Family Ministry. Use these links to review job descriptions and instructions for applying.