WEEKLY EMAIL from FIRST REFORMED UCC
OCTOBER 15, 2021
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LIVESTREAMED ONLY ON OUR
YOUTUBE PAGE USING THIS LINK.
Service will be uploaded to view later onto our Facebook page HERE.
A MESSAGE FROM REV. HORTON:
Beloved Community,
What have you been taught to believe?
This question began our first Confirmation Class with 9th –12th graders: Bella and Bryson Gentry, Jia Miller, and Kai Plummer. As you can imagine, discussion was rich as we named beliefs about God, church, religion, and life in general that have been passed knowingly and unknowingly to us. In Confirmation, we will examine what we believe, wrestle with those beliefs, explore various ways of thinking, and then claim what we wish to hang onto and what we need to let go. I love Confirmation classes, and I especially enjoy being with these four young people!
Adult Confirmation:
If you have transferred from a different denomination, have little church experience, or just would like a refresher course in what you believe, Adult Confirmation is for you! These classes will not be as time intensive as the teens, but we will still dive deep in our faith to examine the tough questions and learn about our traditions.
Please reply to me at elizabeth@frucc.org if you are interested. Check out the curriculum here: Confirm Not Conform,
Parlor Update:
Over the past two years, we discerned it is time to update the Parlor to adapt to the ministry needs. The painting is complete and next comes window treatments and flooring following in later weeks. The vision is for the decor and furniture to be timeless, adaptable, accessible and inviting for all ages.
Let us praise the God who meets us wherever we are and calls us into new beginnings!
Love and blessings to each of you,
Elizabeth
SERMON TITLE FOR OCTOBER 17, 2021:
“KEEPING FAITH IN TROUBLED TIMES: KNOW YOUR LIMITS”
Scripture: Scripture: Job 38: 1-7, 34-41
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CONFIRMATION
FOR 9th-12th GRADERS:
On Wednesdays, at 5:30PM (in the Fellowship Hall) any students Grades 9-12 are invited to attend classes. Confirmation will be a 20-session exploration of our faith and tradition where NO QUESTION IS OFF LIMITS!
ADULT CONFIRMATION:
We can offer confirmation for adults, too. If you are out of high school, have never been confirmed in the UCC, or just want a refresher course, please contact Rev. Horton at elizabeth@frucc.org.
Check out the curriculum here: Confirm Not Conform,
JOIN US FOR “NEXT STEPS”
On October 24th after worship, conversation is open to visitors, guests, and members about the life of the church. This is a chance to ask questions, and get to know us better. This will be held in person and via Zoom. Details to come!
PASTOR’S PANTRY ANNUAL HOLIDAY MEAL ASSISTANCE
In an effort to help Pastor’s Pantry feed their senior clients for their Annual Holiday Meal, our church will collect 400 cans (14.5 oz.) by Monday, November 8th. WE CURRENTLY HAVE COLLECTED 57 CANS, SO WE NEED MORE HELP BETWEEN NOW AND NOVEMBER 8th. This is a special treat outside of the monthly groceries they already receive. Crates for donations will be outside the church office and in the Narthex. We will collect at our church until Sunday, October 31st.
SUPPORT OUR GIRL SCOUT TROOP
Girl Scouts Troop #2160 is participating in the Annual Nuts and Candies Sale. This sale helps support many of the troop’s activities, including service projects with First Reformed. You can order online or email Jianna Miller at jiannamiller@gmail.com to place an order. Orders can be shipped to you directly or dropped off at church. Jianna can take orders from you until October 17 and online orders for direct shipping can be placed until October 23.
ITEMS AVAILABLE TO ORDER: English Butter Toffee, Deluxe Pecan Clusters, Chocolate Covered Almonds, Sweet and Salty Mix, Peanut Butter Bears…and much more for $6-8. To see the full list of items, please go to bit.ly/jianna2021.
MONTHLY PFLAG MEETINGS
Every 3rd Thursday, PFLAG meetings will be held via Zoom. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 21st at 6:30PM. For more info, you may contact confidentially: 646-221-2442 or pflaglexingtonnc@gmail.com
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE:
LITURGIST: Marge Doty
DIGITAL MEDIA TECHNICIANS: Jeremy Peterson
SOUND TECH: James Gray
USHERS: John Gray, June Grubb, Nicole Smith
ACOLYTE: Emory Smith BIBLE STEWARD: Elliott Smith
CHILDREN’S CHURCH: Jeremy & Keri Lovell
OCTOBER CELEBRATIONS
BIRTHDAYS:
20th…Lee Ann Peele
21st…Mark Loper
22nd…Molly Robertson
ANNIVERSARIES:
23rd…Jeremy & Keri Lovell
PLEASE PRAY FOR…
OUR MEMBERS: *Janette Neal, Lee Bouchard, Jeff Hutchens
AT HOME AND IN CARE FACILITIES: Peggy Bates, Sherry Bonner, Ruth Essick, Pattie Everhart, Vogen Everhart, Lib & Jimbo Hinkle, Marguerite Leonard (New Address & phone number: 100 Hedrick Drive, Room 116, Thomasville, NC 27360, (336) 474-3821), Deanna Michael, Lib Sink, Carolyn Spivey, Adena Wall
OUR FRIENDS: *Marc Frye (son of the late Doris Frye), *Becky Poetzinger (Susie Smith’s mother), *Kiana Sinz (friend of Patti Lovell), Franklin Waters (Cathy Whitley’s father), Earl Parker (Rev. Horton’s father), Bob Saylor (friend of John Maze), Jonelle Parker (friend of Frank Leonard), Connie Leggette (friend of Renee White), Ashley Thomason (Ron & Heidi Hutcheson’s daughter-in-law)
CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRIES:
YOUTH MINISTRIES
SUNDAYS at 6:00PM: Youth Group (West’s home)
WEDNESDAYS at 6:30PM: Youth Study (Youth Room)
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHT YOUTH STUDY HERE
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
SUNDAYS at 10:30AM: Children’s Church (Theater Room)
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER FOR CHILDREN’S CHURCH HERE
WEDNESDAYS at 6:30PM: Children’s Fun & Activities (Fellowship Hall)
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHT CHILDREN’S FUN & ACTIVITIES HERE
WEEKLY CALENDAR
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23:
12:30PM Carry-Out Lunch Ministry
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17:
9:30AM Bible Study: In-Person (Parlor)& via Zoom
“Out of the Whirlwind” (Facilitator: June Grubb)
Job 38: 1-7 (34-41) Mark 10: 35-45
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89026528333?pwd=QzRrR0hocHJMN1hQazZXUGN5dWJnUT09
Meeting ID: 890 2652 8333 Passcode: Bible One tap mobile: +13017158592, 89026528333# US
10:30AM Worship Service In-Person and Livestreamed Online (YOUTUBE)
10:45AM Children’s Church (Theater Room)
Following Worship:
Congregational Budget Meeting
Prayer Circle
6:00PM Youth Group (West’s home)
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19
12:00PM 2CFAR via Zoom
7:00PM Book Study Group via Zoom: “Strangers No More”
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20
5:30PM Confirmation Class (Fellowship Hall) (9th-12th Grades)
6:30PM Youth Group (Youth Room) Assistant: Belinda Yates
Children’s Fun & Activities (Fellowship Hall) Assistants: Smithie Parrish & Renee White
Choir Practice (Chapel Annex)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21:
4-6:00PM Clothes Closet Workday
6:30PM PFLAG Meeting (via Zoom)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23:
12:30PM Carry-Out Lunch Ministry
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24:
9:30AM Bible Study: In-Person (Parlor)
& via Zoom “Now My Eyes See”
Job 42: 1-6, 10-17 Mark 10: 46-52 (Facilitator: Eddie Yates)
10:30AM Worship Service In-Person and Livestreamed Online (YOUTUBE)
10:45AM Children’s Church (Theater Room)
Following Worship:
Prayer Circle
NEXT STEPS
6:00PM Youth Group (West’s home)
UPCOMING EVENTS…
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24 FOLLOWING WORSHIP:
NEXT STEPS (Sanctuary) Join us If you’ve been visiting, have questions about our church or to find out what’s going on in the life of our church.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30 at 5:00PM:
ALL HALLOW’S EVE SPOOKY SERVICE (in the sanctuary)Following the service, candy will be given out in front of the church as part of Lexington’s BOO BASH
NOVEMBER 7:
HOMECOMING SUNDAY
SOUTHERN CONFERENCE 56th ANNUAL GATHERING
The Virtual Unified Southern Conference 56th Annual Gathering
Theme “Call to Care”
Scripture: “Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others”
(Philippians 2:4)
With COVID still in our mist, the Southern Conference along with three Association Annual Meetings had to shift back to being virtual. We will again this year rely on technology. In order to provide workshops that will have the proper time to engage in educating, equipping and empowering both our lay and clergy, there will be pre-annual meeting workshops from November 1st – 4th offered in the afternoon and evening. Opening worship will be on the evening of November 4th. The Southern Conference Annual Meeting business dates will be November 5th and 6th. The Association annual business meetings will be on November 5th.
The registration deadline is October 28th. You may register via mail, but you are strongly encouraged to use the online registration link. The registration fee of $50 covers the Southern Conference and Association meetings, as well as the pre-annual meeting workshops for the entire week. There is only one price to attend all or any one of the events offered. Those registered will receive the link prior to the start of the workshop and meetings via the email you registered with. In the coming weeks workshop titles, descriptions and presenters will be posted via the e-News and the soc-ucc.org website. You will be able to find pertinent meeting materials on the soc website for both the Conference and Association Annual Meetings prior November 5th.
Register online with Eventbrite HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-unified-southern-conference-56th-annual-gathering-tickets-187321482597
Download Mail registration form HERE
BIBLE STUDY CONTINUES
This study, entitled “Born to Trouble,” continues through October 24th and will focus on the Old Testament book of Job.
Come join us as we discuss the following passages and topics on the theme, “Born to Trouble.”
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89026528333?pwd=QzRrR0hocHJMN1hQazZXUGN5dWJnUT09
Meeting ID: 890 2652 8333 Passcode: Bible One tap mobile: +13017158592, 89026528333# US
October 17: “Out of the Whirlwind” Job 38: 1-7 (34-41) Mark 10: 35-45 (Facilitator: June Grubb)
October 24: “Now My Eyes See” Job 42: 1-6, 10-17 Mark 10: 46-52 (Facilitator: Eddie Yates)
SATURDAY TAKE-OUT LUNCH
We continue to need volunteers to help plate and serve throughout the month. Please think about giving an hour and a half once a month to help serve our community. We have cooks in place for each Saturday, but we could easily use four or more volunteers to help with serving. Contact our church office if you can help us! Thanks to all of those who cook, serve, bring desserts, and help make the lunch program a success!
CLOTHES CLOSET
As the night temperatures are falling and the weather is getting cooler, we need of warmer clothing, such as jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, etc. We also need men’s pants/jeans (waist sizes 29-34), men’s shoes/boots (sizes 9-13) and sleeping bags.
CHARLES ENGLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BACKPACK PROGRAM
Our church continues our partnership with Charles England Elementary School to help it meet the needs of their students for the 2021-22 School Year. They continue to need food for their “BACKPACK PROGRAM.” You may help by making monetary donations by check to First Reformed UCC with CEES in the memo line or you may contribute online at the church’s website.