WEEKLY EMAIL from FIRST REFORMED UCC
AUGUST 6, 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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SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021 SERMON TITLE: “HUNGRY”
Scripture: John 6: 35, 40-51
Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
The Jewish opposition grumbled about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.”
They asked, “Isn’t this Jesus, Joseph’s son, whose mother and father we know? How can he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”
Jesus responded, “Don’t grumble among yourselves. No one can come to me unless they are drawn to me by the Father who sent me, and I will raise them up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets, And they will all be taught by God. Everyone who has listened to the Father and learned from him comes to me. No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God. He has seen the Father. I assure you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven so that whoever eats from it will never die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever, and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
LOOKING TOWARD SUNDAY: A MESSAGE FROM REV. HORTON
Join us for Worship this Sunday at 10:30 am
Special Music from Soloist, Emma West.
Kid’s Worship Connection begins for Pre-K – Grade 3.
Hunger.
What do you hunger for in your life?
How do you need to be nourished?
This Sunday, we look at Jesus in John’s Gospel. He has just fed the 5000 and then begins to teach. Only after the people’s stomachs have been filled, does he share his message. Likewise, we cannot expect others to want to hear about the abundant love and grace of God when they, too, are hungry.
The disciples and the leaders of the day can’t believe that someone like Jesus could actually be the presence of God on this earth. Jesus doesn’t look or act anything like what they expected.
In what ways are you feeling a hunger in your life?
Longing for security? …Reconciliation? …Hungering for belonging or grace?
Join with me this Sunday to explore how we can receive nourishment that will last. How we can help nourish.
Seeking to serve faithfully with you,
Elizabeth
FUNERAL SERVICE FOR MARY BERRIER
We will hold Mary Berrier’s funeral service in the sanctuary on Saturday, August 14 at 11:00am. The family will greet visitors beginning at 10:30 at the sanctuary. 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.
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, August 8th, and 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. Jeremy Lovell and Smithie Parrish will lead the August 8th session. Please contact Rev. Horton if you are interested in volunteering to lead.
LOOKING AHEAD FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
SUNDAY, August 15:
BACKPACK BLESSING
Bring your backpacks to worship
SATURDAY, August 28: 5:00PM
BACK TO SCHOOL KICK OFF at the West’s (more information to come)
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 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)
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT!
Buddy Lohr was interviewed for a segment of Roy’s Folks by Chad Tucker with FOX 8 NEWS. The segment focused on his birdhouse-building hobby and it aired on Monday, August 2nd at 8:55AM and 5:20PM. If you missed it, you can view it using the following link: https://myfox8.com/roys-folks/its-my-therapy-asheboro-man-makes-unique-birdhouses/
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
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.
MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Alisa Johnson needs volunteers to cover routes for meal delivery. If you can help one morning of the week or more, please contact Alisa at alisajohnson912@gmail.com or 336-357-0648.
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.
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST
FIRST REFORMED UCC FELLOWSHIP HALL
104 EAST CENTER STREET
LEXINGTON, NC 27292
2:30-7:00PM
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT:
PLEASE VISIT REDCROSSBLOOD.ORG AND USE SPONSOR CODE: First Reformed
OR CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE AT 336-248-2617
OR 1-800-RED-CROSS FOR ASSISTANCE.
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.
AUGUST CELEBRATIONS
BIRTHDAYS:
10th…Nina Smith
12th…Casey Hartle
13th…Christie Plummer
14th…Lena Johnson
ANNIVERSARIES:
11th…Tim & Tracy Potts
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: *Rev. Dr. Ray Howell III (Pastor, First Baptist Church, Lexington), *Marc Frye (son of the late Doris Frye), *Ronald Yates (Eddie Yates’ father), Steve Ketner (recovering from surgery), Gloria Briggs (Janette Neal’s sister recovering from surgery)
WEEKLY CALENDAR
SUNDAY, August 8: Eleventh 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)
FOLLOWING WORSHIP:
CONSISTORY MEETING (Fellowship Hall)
THURSDAY, August 12:
1:30-2:30
Clothes Closet Workday with help from Kidz Dreamz Klub
SATURDAY, August 14
11:00AM
Funeral Service for Mary Berrier (Sanctuary)
The family will greet friends at 10:30 prior to the service.
12:30PM
Saturday Carry-Out Lunch Ministry
SUNDAY, August 15: Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
9:30AM
In-person Bible Study (Parlor)
Session 6: “Giving Thanks” Ephesians 5:15-20 (Eddie Yates, facilitator)
10:30AM
Worship Service In-Person and Livestreamed Online (YOUTUBE)
BACKPACK BLESSING FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
Kids Worship Connection (Leaders: Renee White & Paula Lopp)
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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