WEEKLY EMAIL from FIRST REFORMED UCC
JULY 16, 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, JULY 18, 2021 “Identify Yourself: Living Off the Grid”
Scripture: Mark 6: 30-34 , 53-56
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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
LOOKING TOWARD SUNDAY: A MESSAGE FROM REV. HORTON
Dear Beloved Community,
Thank you for your gracious welcome of Rev. Lester Smith as I was on vacation. I am so glad he had the chance to be with you! I have a tremendous amount of respect for Rev. Smith and am grateful for the ways we have been able to minister together locally.
I will be back in the pulpit this Sunday, but then will be leaving that afternoon for a 2nd week of vacation. Our covenant together provides 4 weeks of vacation, and I am thankful for that as part of part of my call package.
Currently, I am serving as Southern Conference delegate for the virtual UCC General Synod 2021. Synod occurs every 2 years and a gathering of UCC folks to worship, learn, elect leaders and conduct business. Part of the church business is voting upon resolutions brought forth by various groups or members of the UCC. This year we have 11 resolutions up for a vote. When passed by the delegates, resolutions intended to be a witness are to be shared with local churches for engagement, teaching and discussion. The Synod is to speak to the local churches but not for the local churches. The United Church of Christ has a robust history of boldly engaging matters of justice and faith.
LINKS for General Synod:
https://www.facebook.com/UnitedChurchofChrist
https://www.generalsynod.org/
https://www.generalsynod.org/proposed-resolutions/
https://www.generalsynod.org/news/
WORSHIP WITH GENERAL SYNOD
The public is invited and welcome at General Synod Worship, which is being live streamed on Facebook. Join worship HERE. Links will be provided after the meeting ends to view worship and other segments on YouTube.
GS 33 Closing worship service – Sunday, July 18, 6:00 pm EDT
Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson preaching
Download July 18 closing worship bulletin HERE
NEW OPPORTUNITY TO MINISTER AND SERVE IN OUR COMMUNITY
At lunch time on Mondays and Wednesdays, the J. Smith Young YMCA takes Summer Camp to the kids in the city who live too far to walk. As an added bonus, Lexington Police Department AND Lexington Fire Department and Davidson County Public Library Bookmobile join in as well! I have attended several times and feel like this is a good way to collaborate in service. All ages welcome to serve.
Would you like to join in? The Y provides all the logistics, we just need to show up, be ready to play, give out lunch, and meet our fellow citizens.
Let me know if you want more details.
I give thanks to God for the ways the Holy Spirit is leading us in new directions, bringing us together with unexpected people, and Breathing Resurrected Life into the Body of Christ at First Reformed UCC.
In Love and Faith,
Elizabeth
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 you may contact Eddie Yates at (bbqman46@gamil.com).
NEW IN-PERSON BIBLE STUDY BEGINS SUNDAY, JULY 18th
On Sunday, July 18th an adult Bible study will be offered “in person” in the church Parlor at 9:30 a.m. We are continuing with the Lectionary series provided through the United Methodist Church. The seven- week series, entitled “Geared Up for Life,” takes a walk through the Epistle to the Ephesians. This epistle divides neatly 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, July 18th we combine Sessions 1 & 2 (Facilitator: June Grubb)
“Setting Our Hope” Ephesians 1:3-14
“He Is Our Peace” Ephesians 2:11-22
Sunday, July 25th
“Rooted and Grounded in Love” Ephesians 3:14-21
Sunday, August 1st
“A Life Worthy” Ephesians 4:1-16
Sunday August 8th
“Speaking Truth” Ephesians 4:25-5:2
Sunday, August 15th
“Giving Thanks” Ephesians 5:15-20
Sunday, August 22nd
“Armored” Ephesians 6:10-20
BOOK STUDY MEETING
The Tuesday Adult book study group will resume online August 3rd. Look for details to come next week.
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.comNEXT 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 6681Passcode: HealthOne tap mobile:+19292056099 or 84806606681#VISITS TO OUR MEMBERS AT HOME AND IN CARE FACILITIESAs 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
NEW BOOK DISCUSSION PLANNED
Take July and August to read Blessed Are the Crazy: Breaking the Silence about Mental Illness, Family & Church for a planned discussion on August 24th. All are welcome to take part in this “IN PERSON” discussion about author Sarah Griffith Lund’s “raw, honest look at her father’s battle with bipolar disorder, the helpless sense of déjà vu as her brother struggles with his own mental illness, and serving as spiritual advisor for her cousin, a mentally ill man executed for murder.”
Several copies are available in the office for sharing (please remember to return borrowed copies so that others may borrow), or you may purchase your own copy at your location of preference. More information will be shared closer to the meeting date.
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.
PIANO LESSONS AVAILABLE
Are you interested in piano lessons? Christopher Kiser, our church organist/pianist, is opening up his piano studio for enrollment! Lessons are given individually and will begin in August/September.
If you or someone you know may be interested in taking piano lessons, please contact Chris by email or phone. ALL AGES ARE WELCOME!
Email: cdkiser94@gmail.com
Phone: (336) 469-4716
PLUS-SIZE CLOTHING NEEDED FOR OUR 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.
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
September 5, and 12
REGULAR CHOIR PRACTICE RESUMES ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 AT 7:00PM
JULY CELEBRATIONS
BIRTHDAYS:
18th…Cathy Browder
20th…Jasmine Bustante-Cruz
21st…Jeremy Peterson…Michell Winters
23rd…Joe Browder…Annabell Callicutt
24th…Mary Lloyd Callicutt
PLEASE PRAY FOR…
OUR MEMBERS: Peggy Bates, Lee Bouchard, Jeff Hutchens, Deanna Michael
AT HOME AND IN CARE FACILITIES: Sherry Bonner (Brookdale, Rm. 208, 161 Young Drive, Lexington, NC 27292 Phone: 336-237-9897), Ruth Essick, Pattie Everhart, Vogen Everhart (Brookdale), Lib & Jimbo Hinkle, Marguerite Leonard, Bob Shaak, Lib Sink, Carolyn Spivey, Adena Wall
OUR FRIENDS: Charm Ketner, Cora Mae Atkinson (Beverly Lovell’s grandmother), Nancy Burton (mother of a friend of Patti and Jerry Lovell), Beverly & Dave Ward (Ron Link’s sister and brother-in-law), Marc Frye (son of the late Doris Frye)
WEEKLY CALENDAR
SUNDAY, JULY 18: Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
9:30AM
IN-PERSON Bible Study (Parlor)
Sessions 1 & 2 (Facilitator: June Grubb)
“Setting Our Hope” (Ephesians 1:3-14) and “He Is Our Peace” (Ephesians 2:11-22)
10:30AM
Worship Service In-Person and Livestreamed Online (YOUTUBE)
Following Worship
Faith Formation Search Committee meeting in the Sanctuary
MONDAY, JULY 19-SUNDAY JULY 25:
Rev. Horton will be on vacation. Please contact Rev. June Grubb (336-248-5668) or the church office if you need assistance during this time.
THURSDAY, JULY 22:
1:30-2:30PM
Clothes Closet Workday assisted by Kidz Dreamz Klub
SATURDAY, JULY 24
12:30PM
Saturday Carry-Out Lunch Ministry
SUNDAY, JULY 25: Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
9:30AM
IN-PERSON Bible Study (Parlor)
Session 3 “Rooted and Grounded in Love” (Ephesians 3:14-21)
10:30AM
Worship Service In-Person and Livestreamed Online (YOUTUBE)
In the Pulpit: Rev. June Grubb
For details on all our ministries, contact Carolyn in the church office to subscribe to our weekly email.
STAY CONNECTED WITH THE NEWS OF
THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCE
https://wnca-soc.org/enews/