WEEKLY EMAIL from FIRST REFORMED UCC
AUGUST 27, 2021
IN-PERSON WORSHIP SERVICE BEGINNING AT 10:30AM
LIVESTREAMED ONLY ON OUR
YOUTUBE PAGE USING THIS LINK.
Service will be uploaded to view later onto our Facebook page HERE.
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Click here for the worship bulletin.
Click here to give securely on our website.
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A MESSAGE FROM REV. HORTON:
Dear Beloved Community,
We continue feel the instability in the world around us. Numbers of quarantined families are on the rise, more exposed students are now absent from school, Nursing Care facilities once again are on lock-down precautions, the turmoil and suffering in Afghanistan rages. Now that Fall is upon us, we so wanted to return to “normal” and yet, shifting into high gear isn’t an option. Instead, distrust, cynicism, and fatigue may be at the forefront of our mind. We might question what good is the church right now?
This is exactly where the Book of James speaks to us! Rather than focus on our troubles and the doubts that arise, James pushes us look outward… Words in worship mean very little to us unless these words become alive within us propelling us to help our neighbor.
Join us Sunday as Rev. Sieges kicks off our sermon series on James with “Doers, Not Hearers.”
Elizabeth
SERMON TITLE FOR AUGUST 29, 2021: “Doers, Not Hearers”
In the Pulpit: Rev. Evan Sieges
Scripture: JAMES 1: 17-27
UPDATE FOR COVID PROTOCOLS
We continue to see numbers rise from the Delta Variant of Covid-19.
In the spirit of caring for the entire body of Christ, and listening to the CDC suggested guidelines,
We ask everyone regardless of vaccination status:
- please wear your mask when you enter the church house and keep it on as we worship together. We will have masks if you forget one!
- We will continue to social distance.
- We will continue to hold off on congregational singing. We will have beautiful music of soloists, ensembles, and instrumentalists
- If vaccinated, liturgists, singers, and preachers can speak from the pulpit unmasked.
- If NOT vaccinated, all who speak from the pulpit will remain masked.
- Groups that choose to meet in-person at the church do so at their own risk. First Reformed is not liable for illness or injury that occurs as a result of attending a meeting or event at the church.
As science evolves and public health information is updated, we will revise guidelines as needed. The mission for us is to provide a safe, supportive, environment to worship God and to discern how God is calling us in this world.
ADOPT-A-STUDENT PRAYER PARTNER
Would you be willing to pray for one of our students during this school year?
If so, CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE with the following information, and we will match you with a student and their parent’s contact information.
Name:
Email:
Phone number (Best Contact):
Once we match you with a student, pray for them regularly. That’s it. No money spent! The student will know you are praying for them throughout the year. We will also send you suggested ways in which you can pray for the student. If you would like to send them a note or a special occasion card from time to time, get it to the church office, and we will share it with your student.
While this is a very simple request, it is a powerful ministry. Thank you for your faithfulness. You are making a difference in the lives of our students!
LOOKING AHEAD FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28 at 5:00PM
BACK TO SCHOOL KICK-OFF with ICE CREAM ASUNDAAE BAR for parents and their children (Pre-K through college) at the home of Billy and Stacy West. (404 West Second Avenue)
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 AT 6:30PM
FAMILY MEETING WITH REV. EVAN SIEGES
Parents and children/youth are invited to a family meeting on Wednesday, September 1 at 6:30 PM in the church parlor. Rev. Evan will use this meeting to begin to get to know the children and youth of our church and make connections with them, as well as their parents. Please plan to attend.
EVERY SUNDAY DURING WORSHIP:
Kid’s Worship Connection: Continuing each Sunday, Pre-K through 3rd graders will be invited to leave the sanctuary to go to the playground with two adult leaders to hear a Bible story and enjoy some play time and a snack. Please contact Rev. Horton HERE or the church office if you are interested in volunteering to lead.
(SPECIAL NOTE FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR THIS MINISTRY: The Bible story book will be in the Narthex with directions and the next story bookmarked. PLEASE RETURN THE BOOK TO THE NARTHEX FOR THE NEXT SUNDAY’S LEADERS.)
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE:
LITURGIST: Cathy Browder
DIGITAL MEDIA TECH: Jeremy Peterson
SOUND TECH: John Gray
USHERS: James Gray, Jerry Lovell, Cheryl Walser
ACOLYTE: Ethan Lovell
BIBLE STEWARD: Lucas Peterson
AUGUST CELEBRATIONS
BIRTHDAYS:
AUGUST:
30th…Jude Sink
31st…Kathleen Danze
SEPTEMBER:
2nd…Dave Fulton…Joe Kiser
4th…Henry Crouse
PLEASE PRAY FOR…
OUR MEMBERS: Janette Neal (recovering from surgery at home),Lee Bouchard, Jeff Hutchens,
AT HOME AND IN CARE FACILITIES: Peggy Bates, Sherry Bonner (Brookdale, Rm. 208, Phone: 336-237-9897), Ruth Essick, Pattie Everhart, Vogen Everhart (Room 102 Brookdale), Lib & Jimbo Hinkle, Marguerite Leonard, Deanna Michael, Bob Shaak, Lib Sink, Carolyn Spivey, Adena Wall
OUR FRIENDS: Jimmy Grubb (June Grubb’s brother), Martha Moore, Rev. Dr. Ray Howell III (Pastor, First Baptist Church, Lexington), Marc Frye (son of the late Doris Frye), Gloria Briggs (Janette Neal’s sister recovering from surgery)
WEEKLY CALENDAR
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28:
5:00PM
BACK TO SCHOOL ICE CREAM SOCIAL
AT THE HOME OF BILLY AND STACY WEST (SEE INFORMATION ABOVE)
SUNDAY, August 29: Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
9:30AM
In-person Bible Study (Parlor)
“Doers of the Word: Avoiding Anger” (June Grubb, facilitator)
James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14, 25, 21-23
10:30AM
Worship Service In-Person and Livestreamed Online (YOUTUBE)
In the Pulpit: Rev. Evan Sieges
FOLLOWING WORSHIP: CHOIR PRACTICE IN THE SANCTUARY
TUESDAY, August 31:
7:00PM
Book Discussion Part 2: “Blessed Are the Crazy” via Zoom Topic: Blessed are the Crazy (Part 2). Joint the meeting HERE: Meeting ID: 846 9163 5471 Passcode: Faith
WEDNESDAY, September 1:
2-7:00PM
Red Cross Blood Drive (Fellowship Hall)
6:30PM
FAMILY MEETING with Rev. Evan (Youth Room)
THURSDAY, September 2:
4-6:00PM
Clothes Closet Workday
6:30PM
Parlor / Property Committees Meeting (Parlor)
SATURDAY, September 4
12:30PM
Saturday Carry-Out Lunch Ministry
SUNDAY, September 5: Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
9:30AM
In-person Bible Study (Parlor)
“Doers of the Word: Making Distinctions” (Eugenia Holste, facilitator)
James 2:1-10 (11-13), 14-17, Mark 7:24-37
10:30AM
Worship Service In-Person and Livestreamed Online (YOUTUBE)
Kids Worship Connection
FOLLOWING WORSHIP: CHOIR PRACTICE IN THE SANCTUARY
URGENT REQUEST FOR USHERS!
Ushers are needed for the remainder of the year. If you are able to serve according to the month assigned to you for 2021, please contact Eddie Yates to confirm. If you are able to help any additional Sundays, please sign up at from our weekly email HERE or you may contact Eddie Yates at (bbqman46@gmail.com).
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST
IN-PERSON BIBLE STUDY CONTINUES
On Sunday August 29th a five-week Bible series, “Doers of the Word,“ begins to explore the New Testament Epistle of James.
The writer of James, thought to be the brother of Jesus, gives us a chance to reflect on the nature of Christian service and how we can continue our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by engaging with our wider community in acts of service. One thing that is clear from current sociological research, is that while there are many who question the institution of the church, getting involved in providing real help to better our neighborhoods and to lift up the individuals and families within them, is an easy entry into the worship life of the church. James asks us to maintain an outward focus, even when we gather for worship.
Our Bible study group meets at 9:30 a.m. in the parlor on Sunday mornings. We observe social distance and wear masks in compliance with our congregation’s COVID protocol. We invite
you to join our lively group as we engage with this epistle and seek to be doers of the world.
The weekly themes follow:
August 29th: “Avoiding Anger”
James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14, 25, 21-23
Facilitator: June Grubb
September 5th “Making Distinctions”
James 2:1-10 (11-13), 14-17, Mark 7:24-37
Facilitator: Eugenia Holste
September 12th “Taming the Tongue”
James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38
Facilitator: Smithie Parrish
September 19th “Root of Conflict”
James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37
Facilitator: Mike Hooper
September 26th “The Power of Prayer”
James 5:13-20 Mark 9:38-50
Facilitators: Dave and Glenyce Fulton
CHARLES ENGLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
BACKPACK PROGRAM
As part of our church’s Community Outreach Program, we continue our partnership with Charles England Elementary School to help it meet the needs of their students for the 2021-22 School Year.
They will continue to need food for their “BACKPACK PROGRAM.” Food goes home on the weekends with students who can benefit from this program when they do not have the prepared meals they receive from the school’s cafeteria. The school’s food pantry constantly needs donations to help keep the shelves stocked, so food is there when it is needed. Therefore, the Backpack Program that our church helps support is an on-going one.
A list of requested items is show below. You may drop off items in the Narthex of the sanctuary or outside the church office. We will notify the school when we have food to pick up. However, if you are unable to shop for items needed, money donations are always welcomed! Any donations for this program may be made by check to First Reformed UCC with CEES Backpack Program in the memo line or you may contribute online at the church’s website.
ITEMS NEEDED:
Juice boxes Applesauce cups Breakfast bars
Ramen noodles Cheese crackers Spaghetti-Os
Chicken Noodle Soup Canned vegetables
PIANO LESSONS AVAILABLE
Are you interested in piano lessons? Contact Christopher Kiser, our church organist/pianist, who is still taking enrollments for lessons! Lessons are given individually and will begin in September. If you or someone you know may be interested in learning to play the piano, please contact him by email or phone. ALL AGES ARE WELCOME! ‘
Email: cdkiser94@gmail.com Phone: (336) 469-4716
WORKING OUR WAY BACK TO REGULAR CHOIR PRACTICES
Currently our choir practices held in the sanctuary following worship on Sundays. We are starting with some short practice sessions, just to get used to singing together again before regular choir practices begin on September 22nd. If you are a regular choir member, we look forward to singing with you again. If you would like to be a part of the choir, join us on the Sundays listed below. Ask anyone who is a choir member…we have a lot of fun and get to sing some beautiful music together under Ellen’s direction!
ADD THESE DATES TO YOUR CALENDAR: Sunday practices in the sanctuary following worship from 11:30-12:30: August 29 and September 5, and 12. REGULAR CHOIR PRACTICE IS PLANNED TO RESUME ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22. Right now, the day, time and location of practices may be subject to change. We will keep you updated as more information is gathered.
NEW ADULT BOOK STUDY PLANNED FOR SEPTEMBER
On Tuesday, September 7 at 7:00PM we will begin our study of “See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love” by Valarie Kaur. We will continue to meet via ZOOM. (The link will be shared prior to the first meeting.)
Valarie Kaur—renowned Sikh activist, filmmaker, and civil rights lawyer—declares revolutionary love as the call of our time, a radical, joyful practice that extends in three directions: to others, to our opponents, and to ourselves. It invites us to see no stranger but instead look at others and say, “You arepart of me I do not yet know.”
Kaur takes us on her journey as a brown girl growing up in California farmland finding her place in the world: as a young adult galvanized by the murders of Sikhs after 9/11; as a law student fighting injustice in American prisons; and as a woman trying to heal from her own experiences with sexual assault and police violence. “See No Stranger” helps us imagine new ways of being with each other—and with ourselves—so that together we can begin to build the world we want to see. You may order your copy of the book from your preferred bookstore and join us as we begin this new study on September 7th.
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THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCE
https://wnca-soc.org/enews/