WEEKLY EMAIL from FIRST REFORMED UCC
May 21, 2021
IN-PERSON WORSHIP SERVICE BEGINNING AT 10:30AM
LIVESTREAMED ONLY ON OUR YOUTUBE PAGE USING THIS LINK.
You may also view past services using the same link.
Service will be uploaded to be viewed later on our Facebook page HERE.
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Click here for the worship bulletin.
Click here for to give securely on our website.
SUNDAY, MAY 23: Dare to Breathe
PENTECOST SUNDAY
Scriptures: Romans 8:22-27 and Acts 2: 1-21
UPDATE FOR COVID PRECAUTIONS
In light of the new CDC recommendations, the Consistory approved the following:
- 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 are trusting in the honor system when it comes to these decisions.
We ALL will continue to:
- Wear masks upon arriving to church
- Receive temperature checks
- Take attendance
- Socially distance
The Consistory has remained cautious in decision making, has sought to err on the side of caring for our most vulnerable neighbors, and looked at the well-being of the whole community. I am grateful for their leadership and servant hearts.
This is the Church as the Body of Christ.
We realize some people are not ready to return to in-person worship.
Even so, they belong to the body of Christ.
Some fully vaccinated folks wish to remain masked.
Even so, they belong to the body of Christ.
Some are leery of vaccines…
Even so, they belong to the body of Christ.
Children are still not able to receive the vaccine.
Even so, they belong to the body of Christ.
We come to the sanctuary with our own unique perspective, yet first and foremost we gather in unity to show we all belong to the body of Christ.
This is the Church.
LOOKING TOWARD SUNDAY: A MESSAGE FROM REV. HORTON
Beginning Sunday, we will be Livestreaming on YOUTUBE ONLY.
Sermon Series: Dare to Live
Do you dare?
The big and bold Book of Acts shows us what it means for us to “Dare to Live”
in the mystery and wonder of an empty tomb.
The church in Acts dares to open themselves up to the Spirit of The Resurrection.
They dare to allow the Living God to move through them.
They dare to defy the limits of the world.
They dare to surpass the status quo.
They dare to live in faith.
Will we?
Looking toward Sunday…
I love the Celebration of Pentecost! (please wear red or orange if able)
Fire, wind, and mystery.
God’s Breath blows free and wild
The Holy Spirit loose upon the world.
The birthday of the Church.
____
Sermon: Dare to Breathe
Grateful to be with you on the journey,
Elizabeth
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN MENTAL ILLNES SUPPORT?
There will be an info meeting via zoom Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 6pm to discuss forming a NAMI affiliate program in Davidson County. After this meeting there will be a “NAMI 101” Zoom meeting with North Carolina NAMI that will provide details of establishing an affiliate for those who want more information.
Join Zoom Meeting June 2, 2021 6:00pm
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73899608264?pwd=MitSaTVTc3V1REdmaXlaN25nSnNIZz09
(Meeting ID: 738 9960 8264 Passcode: 82TwAM)
PENTECOST GIFT BAGS FOR OUR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS
Volunteers are needed to help prepare and deliver gift bags for our homebound members on Pentecost Sunday. Bags will be assembled on Saturday, May 22nd at 1:00 in the Fellowship Hall. They will be delivered after church on Pentecost Sunday, May 23rd. If you would like to help, please contact Susie Smith at skepley8@yahoo.com.
STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH OFFERING
Strengthen the Church offering will be collected on Pentecost Sunday, May 23, 2021. Pentecost celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit to the demoralized and confused disciples. The Spirit changed the lives of the disciples, moving them from a place of fear to one of courage – they unlocked their doors and went out into the community. Peter, inspired by the Spirit, spoke, and taught a new and bold continuing testament. Lastly, the Spirit bridged the differences between strangers, allowing people to experience an extravagant welcome – everyone understood the disciples, each in their language.
Strengthen the Church donations will help the United Church of Christ continue as a Spirit-inspired and world-changing Christian movement. We will continue to benefit from best practices, insights, and innovations across the life of the UCC.
Donations may be made by check (please write “Strengthen the Church” on the subject line), or cash (please place donation in a labeled envelope), or you may give securely online HERE.
With your help, together we grow stronger!
NEW PENTECOST SEASON BIBLE STUDY
The Pentecost Season’s Bible Study is entitled “When the Spirit Moves”. This study begins on May 23rd, Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost worship is about joy, and the invitation to let the Spirit be poured out on “you” (plural)—all were gathered, This gift, the Spirit poured out, is for the whole body, not just for a few. We will continue to gather by ZOOM at 9:15AM
Pentecost Sunday, May 23 “Spirit Poured Out”
Acts 2:2-21, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
Facilitator: Eulene Shepherd
The First Sunday after Pentecost, May 30th “Born of the Spirit”
John 3:1-17, Isaiah 6:1-8
Facilitator: June Grubb
The Second Sunday after Pentecost, June 6th “Being Renewed”
Mark 3:20-35, 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1
The Third Sunday after Pentecost, June 13th “Growing in the New Creation”
Mark 4:26-34, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17
Picnic at Wild Cat Mountain – No ZOOM today
The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, June20 “Enduring the Storms”
Mark 4:35-41, 2 Corinthians 6:1-3
The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, June 27 “Giving What You Have”
Mark 5:21-43, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15
Join study HERE. (Meeting ID: 890 2652 8333 Passcode: 634119 Dial in: +1 929 205 6099 US)
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 336-250-6589 or alisajohnson912@gmail.com.
UPDATE ON JANELLE BUNN
Over the past several years, Janelle has lived through several seasons of chemotherapy treatments. At this point, the goal is to help Janelle stay comfortable. She is rather weak, but with help, she is staying at home. She rests much of the day, but Janelle’s gracious spirit is still strong, and her blue eyes still shine with kindness. It would be lovely, if you are able, to send Janelle a card expressing your love and prayers for her during this time. Her address: Janelle Bunn, 145 Gabriel Pointe, Lexington NC 27295
If you have other questions, please contact her daughter, Laura Olson at lauraolson0127@gmail.com.
BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARY CALENDAR
Birthdays and anniversaries are shared weekly in our Sunday bulletins and monthly in our newsletters. If you have not noticed your birthday and/or anniversary, we probably don’t have it in the office. Please contact Carolyn (carolyn@frucc.org) so we may update our lists!
FLOWERS FOR THE SANCTUARY
If you are interested in placing flowers in the sanctuary on Sunday mornings, please contact Carolyn (carolyn@frucc.org) or call the church office (336-248-2617).
CHURCH PICNIC: JUNE 13TH
Our annual Sunday Picnic at Wildcat Farm will be held on the second Sunday of June. Plans are in the works for a basic, simplified and Covid-safe service and lunch. The meal will be provided and will include hamburgers and hotdogs with all the fixings, chips, dessert and soft drinks or water. The burgers and hotdogs will be served for you as you pass through the line and other items will be in individual packages for your safety. Bring your lawn chair and join us for some outside worship, food and fellowship. Look for more information in the June 2021 Newsletter.
MAY CELEBRATIONS:
BIRTHDAYS: 28th…Patrick Horton
ANNIVERSARIES: 28th…Ben Hale & John Maze…Jay & Cathy Whitley
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
We extend Sympathy to and share Christian Hope with Amy Hedrick and family upon the loss of her husband, Tony Stevenson Hedrick, Sr., who passed away on May 16.
OUR MEMBERS:
Mike Brown (recovering from fall at home), Bill Robbins (High Point Regional Hospital), Edgar Miller (recovering from surgery at home), Lee Bouchard, Jeff Hutchens, Katherine Skipper, Heidi Hutcheson, Deanna Michael, Janelle Bunn (receiving Hospice Care at home)
AT HOME AND IN CARE FACILITIES:
Peggy Bates, Ruth Essick, Pattie Everhart, Lib & Jimbo Hinkle, Marguerite Leonard, Bob Shaak, Lib Sink, Carolyn Spivey, Adena Wall, Vogen Everhart (Brookdale)
OUR FRIENDS:
Glenda Kiser (Christopher Kiser’s mother), Marc Frye (son of the late Doris Frye), The Family of Ruth Weaver (John Maze’s aunt), Immanuel Carrothers (friend of Nina Smith), Victor and Cheryl Moss (friends of Camille Morgan), Nicole Holste (Alane Holste’s sister-in-law), Wendi Greene (Bill Robbins’ sister dealing with cancer)
*Indicates newly added name. Names will remain on out prayer list for 4 weeks unless the office is notified.
CALENDAR
SUNDAY, May 23: Pentecost Sunday…Strengthen the Church Offering
9:15AM
Adult Sunday School via ZOOM HERE. Pentecost Season’s Bible Study: When the Spirit Moves
“Spirit Poured Out” Acts 2:2-21, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 (Facilitator: Eulene Shepherd)
(Meeting ID: 890 2652 8333 Passcode: 634119 Dial in: +1 929 205 6099 US)
10:30AM
In-Person Worship Service LIVESTREAMED ONLY ON OUR YOUTUBE PAGE USING THIS LINK. Service will be uploaded to be viewed later on our Facebook page
TUESDAY, May 25
12:00PM
2CFAR Crucial Conversations on Faith and Race via ZOOM
Join Meeting HERE. (Meeting ID: 873 4191 8684 Passcode: 222495)
12:00PM
June Newsletter articles due to the office
7:00PM
Book Study via Zoom HERE. “Natural Saints: How People of Faith Are Working to Save God’s Earth”
(Meeting ID: 846 9163 5471 Passcode: 524570 Dial in: +1 301 715 8592)
THURSDAY, May 27:
4-6:00PM
Clothes Closet Workday
SATURDAY, May 29:
12:30PM
Saturday Carry-Out Lunch Ministry
SUNDAY, May 30: Trinity Sunday
9:15AM
Adult Sunday School via ZOOM HERE. Pentecost Season’s Bible Study: When the Spirit Moves
“Born of the Spirit” John 3:1-17, Isaiah 6:1-8 (Facilitator: June Grubb)
(Meeting ID: 890 2652 8333 Passcode: 634119 Dial in: +1 929 205 6099 US)
10:30AM
In-Person Worship Service LIVESTREAMED ONLY ON OUR YOUTUBE PAGE USING THIS LINK. Service will be uploaded to be viewed later on our Facebook page
Looking ahead…
June 13: Church-wide Worship and Picnic at Wildcat Mountain
WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS?
CHANCES ARE, we know someone with a mental illness. When it’s someone we love, we want to help but may not know how.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), is an organization who supports, educates, and raises awareness for people affected by mental illness and their families. NAMI has 600 local chapters, but not one close to us.
Joe and Cathy Browder have worked with NAMI in the past and hope to start a chapter in Lexington, so that local folks and families will have good support and resources around mental illness.
We are looking for 3 or 4 persons who are interested in learning more about how to get NAMI started in this area. Please e-mail Cathy at cmbrowder@gmail.com or contact Rev. Horton at elizabeth@frucc.org
BE THE CHURCH WINDOW CLINGS
The Board of Evangelism has plenty “BE THE CHURCH” Window Clings still for sale. These are similar to bumper stickers, but they cling on glass instead and can easily be moved from place to place. Proceeds will go to the church’s general fund. The cost is $5 each. If you are interested in purchasing, please contact the church office.
STAY CONNECTED WITH THE NEWS OF
THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCE
Click BELOW for the news of the of the Western Association and
Southern Conference of the UCC:
https://wnca-soc.org/enews/