| Sunday’s Sermon: The Edges of Our Faith: In Need of HealingRev. Elizabeth HortonScripture Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-14 |
| A Message From Rev. Horton |
| As we enter July, we long for a carefree summer, yet we know life is incredibly difficult for many in this season. We feel “on edge” wondering what will happen next…with our health, our job, our family, our government, our community, our church, and even our Faith. We often assume that when our faith is on edge, we have waivered or fallen short. This is incorrect. Throughout Scripture, we see our ancestors struggle with seasons of doubt, endure long nights when Fear, anger, and loss of hope take over. On the Edge is our July sermon series on 3 prophets: Elisha, Amos, Hosea. The prophets show us that a life of faith is a life lived on the edge, always a bit out of place. They speak the uncomfortable truths we don’t like to hear, which in turn, puts most folks on edge. But those who are willing to listen, will also hear the prophets speaking words of hope and promise even to the ones who are living on the edge.These prophets will take us places we don’t want to go, yet places where God is calling us… For when we stand on the edge, we just might have a glimpse of the glory that awaits… This summer, let us stand together On the Edge of Faith. On the Edge of Faith SeriesJuly 3 2 Kings 5:1-14 In need of HealingJuly 10 Amos 7: 1-17 In need of VisionJuly 17 Amos 8: 1-12 In need of ClarityJuly 24 Rev. Evan Sieges PreachingJuly 31 Hosea 11: 1-11 In Need of Perseverance |
| Looking Back at the FRUCC Church Picnic – Sunday, June14th | Click to View Pictures |
| Sunday, June 14th, 80 people came to enjoy the FRUCC church picnic. Everyone joined in singing hymns accompanied by Ken Davis as well as enjoyed his music leading up to the outdoor worship service. Afterwards there were hamburgers and hotdogs, chips, drinks, and an ice-cream bar for dessert. Children and adults enjoyed tours of Wildcat Mountain and the story of the new totem pole. We are thankful to Steve Smith and his family for letting FRUCC use their facility for the picnic. We are also thankful for the talents of Suzie Smith, who coordinated the event and gathered volunteers and family to assist in making this a great picnic for all! |
 | Strengthen the ChurchSpecial OfferingFRUCC will take offerings for this fundSunday 7/3 – Last collection dateThe Strengthen the Church offering supports the expansion of ministry and growth of UCC local congregations. Your support of this offering will help the UCC fulfill on its commitment to creating a just world for all by investing in new ministries and practices that meet the emerging needs of local communities. |
 | Thank You for ServingLiturgists: Camille MorganSound Tech: James GrayAcolyte: Luca PetersonUshers: Lisa Nelson, Michell Winters,Edgar Miller, Doris Sink Digital Media Tech: Jeremy PetersonBible Steward: Ethan Lovell |
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| Sunday Morning Bible Study SeriesFor July and AugustTitle of the series: Prophet Margins We will dig into the prophets who stood on the margins. What might we learn if we took the risk to listen? If we took the risk to let these holy ones of God become our traveling companions on our summer journey? We might be troubled, and we will be, but we might also be lifted up. We might be challenged, but we might find reasons for hope, or we might find a renewed vision that inspires us for all the journeys we make. So, are you up for a journey this summer, a journey to the edge of our faith? Then, you are ready for “Prophet Margins.” You may also note that Rev. Elizabeth’s sermons tap into these same scripture passages. And, our bible study helps us prepare for worship. Come join us in the Church parlor at 9:30 a.m. Each Sunday of July and August. |
 Sunday, July 3rd“Wash and Be Clean” Elisha 2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30,Luke 10:1-11, 16-20Facilitator: June Grubb Sunday, July 10th “What Do You See?” Amos 7:7-17, Psalm 82,Luke 10:25-37Facilitator: Cathy Whitley Sunday, July 17th “Living In A Bitter Day” Amos:8:1-12, Psalm 52,Luke 10:38-42Facilitator: Smithie Parrish Sunday, July 24th “Pity On The House” Hosea1:2-10, Psalm 85,Luke 11:1-13Facilitator: Smithie Parrish Sunday, July 31st “Cords of Kindness” Hosea 11:1-11, Psalm 107:1-9, 43Facilitator: June GrubbSunday, August 7th ”Learn To Do Good” Isaiah 1:1, 10-20,Psalm 50:1-8,22-23,Hebrews 11:1-3,8-16Facilitator: Eulene Shepherd Sunday, August 14th “Yielding Wild Grapes” Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19,Luke 12:49-56Facilitator: June GrubbSunday, August 21st “I Knew You” Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6,Luke 13:10-17Facilitator: Cathy Whitley Sunday, August 28th “Cracked Cisterns” Jeremiah2:4-13Psalm 81:1, 10-16,Luke 14:1, 7-14Facilitator: Eugenia Holste |
 Tuesday NightBook Study7pm on ZoomMeeting ID: 846 9163 5471Passcode: Faith | Click Here & Join the Zoom MeetingFeatured BookHis Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope |
 Charles England Elementary SchoolBack to School Supply Drive – Kick OffThis Sunday, July 3,2022Ben Hale and Jay WhitleyMaking a Difference First Reformed United Church of Christ is an amazing church. I believe God looks upon us and says with great passion, “Well done, good and faithful servants…”. We are a very gifted community of faith, and we are using our gifts to serve God’s realm and realize the everlasting design of our CreatorHere at First Reformed, we are seriously involved in missions that bring hope to many who would have much less if it were not for our talents and financial contributions. One of those missions is to the students of Charles England Elementary School. These third, fourth, and fifth grade children receive blessings in four ways from our church family. First, by our donations of non-perishable foods to the “Back-packing Ministry”. Second, through our gifts of school supplies and medical needs. Third, when we take the time and the money to go to the store and buy special items of clothing that we take for granted but are so very important to students.Finally, the most important blessing that we give is ourselves. Through our voluntary contributions, our time given to actually doing “hands of ministry”, and interacting with the students, we make a difference in their lives. I have never heard one volunteer in my forty-five years of ministry, who has finished a project working with children, say that they were not blessed more than the blessing they gave.Our Charles England Ministry needs you all year long. Please help when you are available and, you too, will make a difference.Blessings for your journey,Jay Whitley Help ensure that the students at Charles England get a good start to the 2022-23 school year.FRUCC will be providing 40 backpacks for students filled with school supplies. The school also needs certain items of clothing and basics for classrooms and the medical cabinet.Back to School Supply Drive for Charles England“THIS SUNDAY”We need your donations.Below are the lists of items we will be collecting. Boxes will be in the back of the sanctuary each Sunday for dropping items off. You can also drop items off at the church office during the week. Monetary donations are also welcome. Please write Charles England School in the memo or your check. Thank you. |
| Backpack SuppliesCrayola CrayonsCrayola colored pencilsComposition booksSpiral Notebook (wide-ruled)Spiral Notebook (college ruled)Wide Ruled loose leaf paperCollege ruled loose leaf paperTiconderoga pencilsDry erase markersGlue sticksKid scissors Folders with and without prongs(if possible plastic)HighlightersIndex cardsMedical Cabinet Needs:Band-Aids, all sizesHard Candy – peppermint (for coughs)Cotton balls or small round padsClassroom Needs:Boxes of tissuesHand sanitizerHand soapCopy paper for printersColored copy paperInk pens – any colorPencilsNotebook paper |
| Clothing Needs: (Ages 5 – 11) Items for both boys and girlsNew or Very Gently used: Basketball shorts & sweatpantsNew: tennis shoes, leggings (girls), and underwear boys & girls (packaged) |
| Connect to FRUCC Ministries |
 We need volunteers to serve as Ushersfor upcoming Sundays.Please contact Eddie Yates if you have any questionsbbqman46@gmail.com |
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| Join Elizabeth Wednesday, July 13From 11am-1pm to volunteer with Y on Wheels. The YMCA delivers lunch and funtime to Lexington public housing neighborhoods not in walking distance of the YMCA. They bring food, toys, games, and art supplies. The Bookmobile and Lexington Police Department are there. All we need to do is show up and help. This is a wonderful way to build bridges in the community and do hands on ministry. Let Elizabeth know if you want to help!elizabeth@frucc.org |
 VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDto work in theFirst Reformed UCC Community Garden If you would like to give of your time and green thumb to help in the garden, please contact: Edgar Miller at 366-688-2651 SAVE THE DATE!July 23rd from 10am to 12pmGarden Workday |
 FRUCC Clothes MinistryOpen Mondays from 6-7pmThursday Workday: 4-6pmWe need Volunteers to help give out clothes during the Saturday Lunch Ministry. Please contactJerry Lovell to volunteer. FRUCC SaturdayFree Lunch MinistryVolunteer to help with theSaturday Free Lunch Ministry here at First Reformed UCC.CLICK Here to Volunteer |
| Here are other ways to get connected in ministryat FRUCC this summer. Give one a try! |
| Help plant or harvest in our Community Garden Join in helping in a Saturday lunch Fold, sort or give away in the Clothing Ministry Be a partner with Charles England elementary.Join in book study, even if it’s already started Drop in on Crucial Conversations on Faith and RaceVisit or write cards to those on our prayer listCome in Person or Zoom to Sunday Bible StudyRead in worship Help with children and youth Help others find their way as an Usher or greeter in worship serviceStay in the balcony as a Sound TechPlay with the cameras and equipment as youhelp live streamSing in ChoirAttend the monthly Women’s Fellowship gathering |
 .NAMI UPDATESubmitted by Cathy Browder We’ve been busy getting NAMI information out in the community! We had tables at the Lexington Multicultural Festival and at Lexington Pride 2022. We have been invited to work with the Davidson County Crisis Intervention Team Partnership. In August we will attend the Health Equity Conference sponsored by the City of Lexington. The work that began at FRUCC is impacting our community. If you have any questions about NAMI or would like to participate in any activity please reach out to Cathy at 704-502-9095 or email NAMIDavidsoncounty1@gmail.comJuly Meetings: Tues., July 12; Mon., July 18 and Tues., July 26. Please email NAMIDavidsoncounty1@gmail.comto receive a link to these meetings. Sunday, July 31, 2022Scheduled for 3-5:00pm(Time may change slightly.Watch in weekly emails) Come join in aCommunity Worship ServiceAt the Breeden Amphitheater! This will be hosted by the localCrucial Conversations on Faith and Race (2CFAR) |
| Please Hold in Prayer…. |
| Please hold in prayer safe travels for Girl Scout Troup 2160 as they fly back fromBelize this Sunday, July 3rd. |
 J.W. Bates,Jimbo Hinkle, Lynn McCarn,Bonita Hooper, Jeff Hutchens, Steve Ketner (recent surgery, Lee & Ellen Bouchard AT HOME: J.W. Bates, Peggy Bates, Ruth Essick, Gerri Hill, Hinkle, Myrtle Latimer, Deanna Michael, Carolyn Spivey IN CARE FACILITIES: Vogen Everheart, Marguerite Leonard, Patti Everhart, Sherry Bonner is now at Grayson Creek, 6781 Old Hwy. 52, Lexington OUR FRIENDS: Franklin Waters (Cathy Whitley’s father), Yvonne Dobey (Frankie Hedrick’s sister), Sarah Lovell Biggers (Jerry & Patti Lovell’s daughter), Janice Mullineaux (Cathy Browder’s mother), Marc Frye (friend of the congregation), Scott Mooney (cousin of Lee Ann Peele), Laura Turlington (Cousin of Cliff Lopp), Jerry Grubb (June Grubbs brother) |
| Celebrations, Welcomes, Anniversaries & Thank You’s |
 Ms. Peggy Bates celebrated her 90th birthday June 22ndwith friend from FRUCC.”Thank you to all of my FRUCC family for all the cards, calls and visits on and around my birthday! I love you all!” ~Peggy Bates~ |
 Ms. Margarite Leonard celebrates her 101st birthdaythis Sunday, July 3, 2022Happy Birthday Margarite!!! |
 WELCOME TO NEW CHURCH MEMBERS OF FRUCC CAMILL & CASEY BALL and their daughter SELAH The Ball family joined FRUCC Sunday, June 26th, 2022. Camill and Selah were both baptized and Casey transferred for Union Hill Baptist. Casey works for Stamey’s BBQ in Tyro as a manager and Camill also works there as a lead waitress. We are very happy to have you at First Reformed UCC |
 Happy 10th Anniversary to Ellen Peterson! 10 years ago First Reformed UCC made a wonderful decision to ask Ellen Peterson to direct the choir! Since then, she has helped this church grow in love and faith through music. Ellen not only directs the choir, but during COVID, she was instrumental in creating the digital worship service. Ellen helps coordinate special music, is an integral part of leading worship, and makes the livestream accessible through YouTube. Not to mention she shares her beautiful voice in song! Ellen’s ministry in music is far reaching and she makes such a difference in the lives of many. Ellen, we celebrate you and your amazing talents and gifts that you so freely share with the Congregation. |
 Thank You Heidi and Ron Hutcheson For the Donations of:Your time to help create Church Logo. personalized church pencils, pens and magnets, communication cards in pewsyard signs for: Saturday Lunch Ministry, Clothing Ministry, Be The Church Banner and Window Clings! We are so appreciative! |