WEEKLY EMAIL FROM FIRST REFORMED UCC
May 7, 2021
IN-PERSON WORSHIP SERVICE
BEGINNING AT 10:30AM
BEGINNING SUNDAY, MAY 9 YOU CAN USE
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Sermon Title: Dare to Be Gracious
Scriptures: John 15: 9-17 and Acts10: 44-48
LOOKING TOWARD SUNDAY: A MESSAGE FROM REV. HORTON
Sermon Series: Dare to Live
Are you daring?
The big and bold Book of Acts shows us what it means for us to “Dare to Live”
in the mystery and wonder of an empty tomb.
The church in Acts dares to open themselves up to the Spirit of The Resurrection.
They dare to allow the Living God to move through them.
They dare to defy the limits of the world.
They dare to surpass the status quo.
They dare to live in faith.
Will we?
Dear Beloved Community,
What does it mean to be gracious? Who comes to mind? In a day and age when greed and selfishness seem to be the norm, this Sunday we will wrestle what it means to Dare to be Gracious.
How can we be gracious even when we don’t feel like it?
How can the church be gracious?
As this is Mother’s Day weekend, we will recognize in worship the many emotions that this day can bring,
including gratitude, as well as grief. We will celebrate the gifts of those who mother in a variety of ways.
Especially as we prepare for Mother’s Day Weekend, I want to emphasize that our congregation welcomes children in worship. We know this means extra movement, sounds, and unexpected moments. And that’s okay. In fact, it’s good for all of us.
- We have revamped our Worship activity bags to include children’s bulletins, mandalas to color and soft craft supplies.
- We have a specific place set up if a child needs some breathing space once in a while
- We are a church family. Children are an important part of the family.
Let us remember that a church family is built on grace and love. We will help out and receive help from one another. We bear one another’s burdens and carry the load together. That’s what the beloved community is about.
We are actively in search for a Director of Children and Youth Ministries. The job description is linked, so please pass along to any you think might be interested. I ask that you actively pray for this search so that we are open to whom God sends.
Let us Dare to live in faith together,
Elizabeth
GRADUATION SUNDAY
Graduation Sunday is scheduled for May 16. If you have a child who is moving up from Elementary School, Middle School or graduating from High School or college, please contact the church office as soon as possible, so we can make plans for Graduation Sunday. We also will need the following information:
Student’s Full Name
Moving from: _____ Elementary/Middle School to… _____ Middle/High School
Graduating from _____ High School and Attending… _____ University/College in the Fall
Graduating from _____ University/College with a major in__________
and Future Plans are__________
CHURCH PICNIC: JUNE 13th!
Mark your calendar! Our annual Sunday Picnic at Wildcat Farm will be held on this date. Plans are in the works for a very basic, simplified and Covid-safe service and lunch. We are not asking for covered dishes or donations this year. The menu will be hamburgers and hotdogs with all the fixings, chips, dessert and soft drinks or water. The burgers and hotdogs will be served for you as you pass through the line and other items will be in individual packages for your safety. Bring your lawn chair and join us for some outside worship, food and fellowship. Look for more information in the June 2021 Newsletter.
MAY CELEBRATIONS
BIRTHDAYS: 9th…Ellen Peterson 12th…Dillon Gray 15th…Ellen Bouchard
ANNIVERSARIES: 9th…Carroll & Carolyn Spivey 14th…James & Alice Gray
BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARY CALENDAR
Birthdays and anniversaries are shared weekly in our Sunday bulletins and monthly in our newsletters. If you have not noticed your birthday and/or anniversary, we probably don’t have it in the office. Please contact Carolyn (carolyn@frucc.org) so we may update our lists!
PLEASE PRAY FOR…
UPDATE ON JANELL BUNN
Over the past several years, Janelle has lived through several seasons of chemotherapy treatments. At this point, the goal is to help Janelle stay comfortable. She is rather weak, but with help, she is staying at home. She rests much of the day, but Janelle’s gracious spirit is still strong, and her blue eyes still shine with kindness. It would be lovely, if you are able, to send Janelle a card expressing your love and prayers for her during this time. Her address: Janelle Bunn, 145 Gabriel Pointe, Lexington NC 27295
If you have other questions, please contact her daughter, Laura Olson at lauraolson0127@gmail.com.
WE EXTEND SYMPATHY TO and share Christian Hope with J. W Bates and Susan Odom and the extended family upon the loss of Marzell Crotts, who passed away on Saturday, May 1, 2021.
OUR MEMBERS: *Mike Brown, *Bill Robbins (undergoing surgery), Sherry Bonner (recovering from fall), Edgar Miller (recovering from knee surgery), Lee Bouchard, Jeff Hutchens, Katherine Skipper, Heidi Hutcheson, Deanna Michael
AT HOME AND IN CARE FACILITIES: Janelle Bunn, Peggy Bates, Ruth Essick, Pattie Everhart, Lib & Jimbo Hinkle, Marguerite Leonard, Bob Shaak, Lib Sink, Carolyn Spivey, Adena Wall, Vogen Everhart (Brookdale)
OUR FRIENDS: *Beth and Michael Bliss (daughter & son-in-law of Eulene Shepherd, recovering from car accident), *Victor and Cheryl Moss (friends of Camille Morgan, dealing with sickness), The Family of Cindy Coble (Friend of Alane Holste), Billie Carr (Ben Hale’s mother), Nicole Holste (Alane Holste’s sister-in-law), Wendi Greene (Bill Robbins’ sister)
*Indicates newly added. Names will remain on the list for 4 weeks. To add a name to the prayer list please call the church office.
CALENDAR
SUNDAY, MAY 9: SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER & MOTHER’S DAY
9:15AM
Adult Sunday School via ZOOM HERE. (John 15:9-17) “No Greater Love” (Facilitator: Mike Hooper)
Also, Festival of the Christian Home (Mother’s Day)
(Meeting ID: 890 2652 8333 Passcode: 634119 Dial in: +1 929 205 6099 US)
10:30AM
In-Person Worship Service LIVESTREAMED ONLY ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE USING THIS LINK.(COVID PRECAUTIONSFOLLOWED) https://www.facebook.com/firstreformeducc/live/
12:00PM
Please join us HERE for Noon Fellowship and Prayer Concerns via Zoom
(Meeting ID: 207 685 007 Passcode: 3n7IX8 Dial in: +1 929 205 6099)
MONDAY, May 10:
6:00PM
Shelter Meal provided by Adult Sunday School Class & Morning Glory Circle
TUESDAY, May 11:
12:00PM
2CFAR meeting via ZOOM Join Meeting HERE. (Meeting ID: 873 4191 8684 Passcode: 222495)
6:30PM
Board of Evangelism Meeting
7:00PM
Book Study via Zoom HERE. “Natural Saints: How People of Faith Are Working to Save God’s Earth”
(Meeting ID: 846 9163 5471 Passcode: 524570 Dial in: +1 301 715 8592)
THURSDAY, May 13:
4-6:00PM
Clothes Closet Workday
SATURDAY, May 15:
12:30PM
Saturday Carry-Out Lunch Ministry
SUNDAY, May 16: Seventh Sunday of Easter…Graduation Sunday
9:15AM
Adult Sunday School via ZOOM HERE. John 17:6-19 “We Are Yours”
(Meeting ID: 890 2652 8333 Passcode: 634119 Dial in: +1 929 205 6099 US)
10:30AM
In-Person Worship Service LIVESTREAMED ONLY ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE USING THIS LINK.
(COVID PRECAUTIONS FOLLOWED) https://www.facebook.com/firstreformeducc/live/
12:00PM
Please join us HERE for Noon Fellowship and Prayer Concerns via Zoom
(Meeting ID: 207 685 007 Passcode: 3n7IX8 Dial in: +1 929 205 6099)
BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARY CALENDAR
Birthdays and anniversaries are shared weekly in our Sunday bulletins and monthly in our newsletters. If you have not noticed your birthday and/or anniversary, we probably don’t have it in the office. Please contact Carolyn (carolyn@frucc.org) so we may update our lists!
WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS?
Chances are, every one of us knows someone living with mental illness. When it’s someone we love, we want to help but may not know the best ways to do so, which can be extremely difficult for all involved.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), is a grassroots organization whose mission is to support, educate, and raise awareness for people affected by mental illness to build better lives. Although NAMI has 600 local chapters, the closest one to us is Winston or Concord. Joe and Cathy Browder have worked with NAMI in the past and are hoping to start a chapter in Lexington, so that local families and individuals living with mental illness will have the support they need.
To learn more about NAMI resources for mental illness, or just to ask a question, please e-mail Cathy at cmbrowder@gmail.com or contact Rev. Horton at elizabeth@frucc.org
FIRST REFORMED UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST’S FLOWER GUIDELINES
SPECIAL NOTE:
It has been a tradition in our church to have flowers at the front of the sanctuary as a sign of creation and life. We encourage anyone who wishes to place flowers in honor or memory of someone to continue this tradition, however the guidelines for this ministry have changed.
- It will no longer be the church’s responsibility to order and communicate information to the florist(s) for individuals wishing to place flowers in the church.
- Previously reserved dates will no longer be carried over from year to year.
- Sunday flower reservations will now be made through the church office based on a yearly calendar.
- Flowers will be placed at the front of the sanctuary unless someone has already reserved the date. Then there is an option to place flowers in the Narthex.
- In order to place flowers/plants in the church, you must contact the church office either by phone or email to see if the requested week is open. (carolyn@frucc.org or 336-248-2617)
It will be up to individuals to provide the flowers and be responsible for all billing. There are only two florists in the area who have a key to the sanctuary for delivery of arrangements, C Ray Floral Designs (336-247-1694) and Reggie’s Flower Shoppe (336-731-8789). If you choose to use a different florist, you may contact the office to make arrangements for delivery. The church has several silk arrangements that may be used instead of ordering from a florist. These may be requested for use with a donation made to the church. The most appropriate seasonal arrangement will be selected from these.
It will be up to the individual to remove flowers from the sanctuary.
A calendar for each new year will be available for reservations by December 1 of the current year.
Information that must be provided for flower reservations:
Reservation made by:
Contact preference:
Bulletin information:
Arrangements after Sunday Service:
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE COORDINATOR NEEDED
The Board of Community Outreach is in search of someone to coordinate Red Cross blood drives held in our church Fellowship Hall. Betty Barr has done a wonderful job serving as coordinator since the Red Cross started holding blood drives at our church. The coordinator will work with the local Red Cross to coordinate drives with our church calendar. Being present on site during the day of the drive is another responsibility. Generally, this is from 12-7:00PM. Blood drives have been held 2-3 time per year. The next drive is scheduled for May 19, 2021. If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information about responsibilities, please contact Betty Barr for details. (336-239-5001 or barrpiotcar@gmail.com). Information about signing up to give blood will be sent out soon.
SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
Living the Resurrection: Easter Season, the Adult Bible Study, continues Sunday mornings at 9:15AM via ZOOM. The study focuses on the lectionary text found in John’s gospel, which are stories that follow the resurrection of Jesus. Our question throughout this series is, “How does this help me live today?”
Join study HERE. (Meeting ID: 890 2652 8333 Passcode: 634119 Dial in: +1 929 205 6099 US)
Gospel Texts and Session Titles:
May 9: John 15:9-17 “No Greater Love”
Also, Festival of the Christian Home (Mother’s Day)
May 15: John 17:6-19
“We Are Yours”
May 22: Pentecost Sunday
BOOK STUDY
The book study meets on Tuesdays, at 7:00PM via ZOOM. The book focuses on the following ministries:
McDuff Highlights Eight Key Ministries:
protecting human dignity feeding the hungry
creating sacred spaces responding to natural disasters
promoting justice making a pilgrimage
educating youth bearing witness
You may join this book study Tuesday evenings via ZOOM at 7:00PM HERE. (Meeting ID: 846 9163 5471 Passcode: 524570 Dial in: +1 929 205 6099 US)
BE THE CHURCH WINDOW CLINGS
The Board of Evangelism has plenty “BE THE CHURCH” Window Clings still for sale. These are similar to bumper stickers, but they cling on glass instead and can easily be moved from place to place. Proceeds will go to the church’s general fund. The cost is $5 each. If you are interested in purchasing, please contact the church office.
STAY CONNECTED WITH THE NEWS OF
THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCE
Click BELOW for the news of the of the Western Association and
Southern Conference of the UCC:
https://wnca-soc.org/enews/