WEEKLY EMAIL from FIRST REFORMED UCC
JULY 30, 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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SUNDAY,AUGUST 1, 2021: “BREAD OF LIFE”
Scripture: John 6: 24-35
So, when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.”
Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
LOOKING TOWARD SUNDAY: A MESSAGE FROM REV. HORTON
Dear Beloved Community,
We continue to seek how we are called to minister in ways that are accessible to people given this day and age. We see changes in worship, both online and in-person, adult Sunday School and other small groups, clothes closet, community garden, and other outreach ministries.
We continue in our search for a Director of Youth and Children’s Ministries.
One physical way we can be accessible is by allowing easier access in the sanctuary for those with mobility issues and families with small children. Thanks to the Property Committee, one pew on each side of the sanctuary has been removed in order to allow more space for wheelchairs or walkers as well as for parents with babies or toddlers.
Change can often be messy and feel a bit chaotic. It takes courage to step forward into the unknown. It takes courage to be open into how God is calling us.
Let us remember words from the Apostle Paul, “If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation. Everything old has passed away, see, everything has become new! “
Join me at the Table of Christ Sunday as we receive strength for the journey ahead.
Seeking to serve faithfully with you,
Elizabeth
We will hold Mary Berrier’s funeral service in the sanctuary on Saturday, August 14 at 11:00am. Due to the pandemic, we were not able to corporately give thanks to God for Mary’s life and presence with us. Please let others know who may wish to attend.
COVID PRECAUTIONS
In light of the new CDC recommendations, the Consistory approved these guidelines for us to gather:
- If you have been completely vaccinated, you may remove your mask while you are seated if you wish.
- If you have NOT been completely vaccinated, please leave your mask on at all times as usual.
We ALL will continue to:
- Wear masks upon arriving to church
- Receive temperature checks
- Take attendance
- Socially distance
URGENT REQUEST FOR USHERS!
Ushers are needed for the remainder of July and for August. If you can help, please sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050F44ABAE28A7FE3-usher or contact Eddie Yates at (bbqman46@gamil.com).
KIDS WORSHIP CONNECTION
Beginning this Sunday and continuing each Sunday, Pre-K through 3rd graders will invited to leave the sanctuary to go to the playground with two adult leaders to hear a Bible story and enjoy some play time with one another. Jeremy Lovell and Smithie Parrish will lead the August 8th session. Please sign up to help HERE or contact Rev. Horton if you are interested in volunteering.
IN-PERSON BIBLE STUDY CONTINUES
The Adult “in person” Bible study meets Sunday in the church Parlor at 9:30 a.m. This seven- week series, entitled “Geared Up for Life,” takes a walk through the Epistle to the Ephesians, dividing it into two halves – the first half, Chapters 1-3, provides a theological foundation for the faith in some of the most beautiful language in the Epistles. The second half, Chapters 4-6, focuses on the ethical dimensions of the faith: How do we live it out? This second half reminds us that faith isn’t simply about believing, but about living. The series themes follow:
Sunday, August 1st
“A Life Worthy” Ephesians 4:1-16 (Rev. June Grubb, facilitator)
Sunday August 8th
“Speaking Truth” Ephesians 4:25-5:2 (Dave & Glenyce Fulton, facilitators)
Sunday, August 15th
“Giving Thanks” Ephesians 5:15-20 (Eddie Yates, facilitator)
Sunday, August 22nd
“Armored” Ephesians 6:10-20 (Eugenia Holste, facilitator)
BUDDY LOHR ON FOX 8 NEWS
Buddy Lohr has been interviewed for a segment of Roy’s Folks, to be aired on Monday, August 2nd at 8:55AM and 5:20PM on WGHP Fox 8 News. It will also be online afterwards. He will share his hobby of building birdhouses. Be sure to tune in!
NEXT NAMI MEETING SCHEDULED
The next NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness/North Carolina) meeting will be held via Zoom on Monday, August 2, 2021 at 6:00PM. This meeting continues discussions on creating a NAMI Chapter in Davidson County, Anyone interested may join the meeting at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84806606681?pwd=SXNSeVhEVW11V1dDVnNwMEpnKzRVdz09
Meeting ID: 848 0660 6681 Passcode: Health One tap mobile: +19292056099 or 84806606681#
MONTHLY PFLAG MEETINGS
Every 3rd Thursday, PFLAG meetings will be held in the church Fellowship Hall. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 19th at 6:30PM. For more info, you may contact confidentially: 646-221-2442 or pflaglexingtonnc@gmail.com
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
It has been a long time since our choir has practiced together and sung for Sunday worship services AND WE HAVE MISSED IT! We are starting some short practice sessions beginning in August following Sunday worship, 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 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 22 and 29 and September 5, and 12
REGULAR CHOIR PRACTICE RESUMES ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 AT 7:00PM
VISITS TO OUR MEMBERS AT HOME AND IN CARE FACILITIES
As restrictions are being lifted, would you like to make occasional visits to our homebound members and those in care facilities. Please let me know at elizabeth@frucc.org
BOOK DISCUSSION ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 24
On June 2, we held our first Zoom meeting about bringing to Lexington the support and resources of NAMI (National Association of Mental Illness).
It has become increasingly clear to me that mental illness of varying degrees affects more families than I ever imagined right here in Davidson County.
On Tuesday, August 24th at 7:00PM, we will discuss, Blessed are the Crazy: Breaking the Silence about Mental Illness, Family, and Church, by Sarah Griffith Lund.
MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Alisa Johnson needs volunteers to help for cover routes for meal delivery. If you are willing to help one morning of the week or more, please contact Alisa at 336-357-0648 or alisajohnson912@gmail.com.
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 are part 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.
PLUS SIZE CLOTHING NEEDED FOR CLOTHES CLOSET
Our Clothes Closet partners with Meals on Wheels recipients who are mostly homebound. Several have need for 2X, 3X, and 4X clothes, men’s or women’s. Items such as T-Shirts, elastic shorts, legging type pants are particularly useful. If you have gently used clothing or can find a bargain at a discount store in plus sizes, please consider donating to this ministry. Our Church Office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9-12:00.
AUGUST CELEBRATIONS
BIRTHDAYS:
1st…Patti Everhart…Claire Smith
2nd…Eugenia Holste…Karla Loper…Jerry Lovell
4th…Lynn Klopp
6th…Lucas Peterson
ANNIVERSARIES:
3rd…Bill & Carolyn Robbins
7th…John & Vicky Gray
PLEASE PRAY FOR…
OUR MEMBERS: Lee Bouchard, Jeff Hutchens, Deanna Michael
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, Bob Shaak, Lib Sink, Carolyn Spivey, Adena Wall
[BROOKDALE ADDRESS: 161 YOUNG DRIVE, LEXINGTON, NC 27292 MAIN PHONE: 336 238 1700]
OUR FRIENDS: Steve Ketner (recovering from surgery), Gloria Briggs (Janette Neal’s sister recovering from surgery)
WEEKLY CALENDAR
SUNDAY, August 1: Holy Communion
9:30AM
In-person Bible Study (Parlor)
Session 4 “A Life Worthy” Ephesians 4:1-16 (June Grubb, Facilitator)
9:45AM
Acolyte Training (Sanctuary)
10:30AM
Worship Service In-Person and Livestreamed Online (YOUTUBE)
MONDAY, August 2:
6:00PM
NAMI Meeting via Zoom
THURSDAY, August 5:
1:30-2:30
Clothes Closet Workday with help from Kidz Dreamz Klub
SATURDAY, August 7
12:30PM
Saturday Carry-Out Lunch Ministry
SUNDAY, August 8: Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
9:30AM
In-person Bible Study (Parlor)
Session 5 “Speaking Truth” Ephesians 4: 25-5: 2 (Dave & Glenyce Fulton, Facilitators)
10:30AM
Worship Service In-Person and Livestreamed Online (YOUTUBE)
Kids Worship Connection (Leaders: Jeremy Lovell & Smithie Parrish)
For details on all our ministries, contact Carolyn in the church office to subscribe to our weekly emails. STAY CONNECTED WITH THE NEWS OF
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