WEEKLY EMAIL from FIRST REFORMED UCC
SEPTEMBER 17, 2021
SUNDAY IN-PERSON WORSHIP SERVICES 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.
A MESSAGE FROM REV. HORTON:
Dear Beloved Community,
What are you craving in this moment? A carrot? Florets of cauliflower? Maybe a nice portion of cooked kale?
OF COURSE NOT! Who craves a carrot? Most of us crave something sugary, buttery, or gooey? Maybe loaded with carbs or calories? Most of us crave that which is nutritionally EMPTY but totally TASTY.
The first bite brings satisfaction that feels ever so good, but this satisfaction is fleeting, disappearing quickly, with only the crumbs remaining. So, how do you control your cravings… Or do you?
Let’s talk about this on Sunday, as we explore from the Book of James what it means to have A Faith That Works for Today and Tomorrow.
He asks if the conflicts we face come from the cravings that are at war within us? What do we impulsively reach for that unfortunately will never bring lasting fulfillment?
What is at war within you?
What is at war within us?
Our world argues about masks and vaccines, hurling vicious words even at school board meetings. Grabbing power, being mean, and living selfishly seem to be the rule rather than the exception.
There is much at war within us and among us. Family of God, you are not alone. James calls us, Come near to God, and God will come near to you. We will live out our faith together…today and tomorrow.
Making peace, seeking wisdom, and showing grace.
Elizabeth
SERMON TITLE FOR SEPTEMBER 19, 2021:
“A Faith that Works: Controlling the Cravings”
Scripture: JAMES 3:14-4:3, 7-8a
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE:
LITURGIST: Carolyn Robbins
DIGITAL MEDIA TECH: Jeremy Peterson
SOUND TECH: Dave Fulton
USHERS: Raeann Allred, John Smith
ACOLYTE: Emma Hartle
BIBLE STEWARD: Jacob Hartle
CELEBRATIONS
BIRTHDAYS:
19th…James Atkins
20th…Glenyce Fulton…Matthew Johnson
24th…Alice Gray…Jordan McCarn
ANNIVERSARIES:
19th…Johnny & Lynn McCarn…Tony & Lee Ann Peele
20th…Brad & Molly Robertson
PLEASE PRAY FOR…
OUR MEMBERS: Janette Neal (recovering from surgery at home),Lee Bouchard, Jeff Hutchens
AT HOME AND IN CARE FACILITIES: Peggy Bates, Sherry Bonner (Brookdale, Rm. 208), Ruth Essick, Pattie Everhart, Vogen Everhart (Brookdale, Room 102), Lib & Jimbo Hinkle, Marguerite Leonard, Deanna Michael, Bob Shaak, Lib Sink, Carolyn Spivey, Adena Wall
OUR FRIENDS: Ashley Thomason (Ron & Heidi Hutcheson’s daughter-in-law), Cheri Yates (Eddie Yates’ stepmother), Steve Ketner, Martha Moore, Rev. Dr. Ray Howell III (Pastor, First Baptist Church, Lexington), Marc Frye (son of the late Doris Frye)
CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRIES:
YOUTH MINISTRIES
SUNDAYS at 6:00PM: Youth Group (West’s home)
WEDNESDAYS at 6:30PM: Youth Study (at church)
Sign up to Volunteer for Wednesday night Youth Study HERE
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
WEDNESDAYS at 6:30PM: Children’s Fun & Games (at church)
Sign up to Volunteer for Wednesday Children’s Fun Night HERE
SUNDAYS BEGINNING 9/26: Children’s Church (Theater Room)
WEEKLY CALENDAR
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
9:30AM
Bible Study: In-Person (Parlor) & via Zoom
Mike Hooper, facilitator James 3: 13-4: 3, 7-9a and Mark 9: 30-37
You may join the meeting using the following link;
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89026528333pwd=QzRrR0hocHJMN1hQazZXUGN5dWJnUT09
Meeting ID: 890 2652 8333 Passcode: Bible
One tap mobile: +13017158592, 89026528333# US
10:30AM
Worship Service In-Person and Livestreamed Online (YOUTUBE)
Kids Worship Connection: Leaders – Smithie Parrish & Renee White
6:00PM
Youth Group (West’s home)
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
12:00PM
2CFAR via Zoom
7:00PM
Book Study Group via Zoom: “Strangers No More”
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
6:30PM
Youth Group (at church)
Children’s Fun & Games (at church)
7:00PM
Choir Practice (Chapel Annex)
THURSDAY, September 23:
4-6:00PM
Clothes Closet Workday
SATURDAY, September 25
12:30PM
Saturday Carry-Out Lunch Ministry
SUNDAY, September 26:
9:30AM
Bible Study: In-Person (Parlor) & via Zoom
Dave & Glenyce Fulton, facilitators (James 5: 13-20, Mark 9: 38-50)
You may join the meeting using the following link;
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89026528333pwd=QzRrR0hocHJMN1hQazZXUGN5dWJnUT09
Meeting ID: 890 2652 8333 Passcode: Bible
One tap mobile: +13017158592, 89026528333# US
10:30AM
Worship Service In-Person and Livestreamed Online (YOUTUBE)
Children’s Church (Theater Room)
6:00PM
Youth Group (West’s home)
PRAYER SHAWLS BLESSING
Attention anyone who contributes shawls to our prayer shawl ministry. Rev. Horton has scheduled the next Prayer Shawl Blessing for Sunday, September 26 during worship. Please contact Harriette Murphy if you have any shawls completed for blessing on this date.
(336-239-1900 or hrmurphy69@gmail.com)
BOOK STUDY CONTINUES IN SEPTEMBER
Continuing on Tuesdays, join us for our study of “See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love” by Valarie Kaur. We will continue to meet via ZOOM using THIS LINK. Meeting ID: 846 9163 5471 Passcode: Faith
One tap mobile +13017158592,,84691635471# US (Washington DC)
CHARLES ENGLAND ELEMENTARY BACKPACK PROGRAM
As part of our church’s Community Outreach Program, we continue 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.” Please consider helping with any donations listed below for this program, or you may make monetary donations by check to First Reformed UCC with CEES Backpack Program in the memo line or you may contribute online at the church’s website.
ITEMS NEEDED:
Juice boxes Applesauce cups Breakfast bars Ramen noodles
Cheese crackers Spaghetti-Os Chicken Noodle Soup Canned vegetables
NEIGHBORS IN NEED SPECIAL MISSION OFFERING…OCTOBER 3
NEIGHBORS IN NEED (NIN) IS A SPECIAL MISSION OFFERING OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST THAT SUPPORTS MINISTRIES OF JUSTICE AND COMPASSION IN THE UNITED STATES. In 2021, Neighbors in Need “Unfailing Love” offering is focused on supporting organizations and projects that are serving homeless and immigrant neighbors or communities. We will collect this offering on Sunday, October 3, World Communion Sunday. You may give online HERE or anytime at https://www.ucc.org/giving/donate-now/
MONTHLY PFLAG MEETINGS
Every 3rd Thursday, PFLAG meetings will be held in the church Fellowship Hall. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 21st 16th at 6:30PM. For more info, you may contact confidentially: 646-221-2442 or pflaglexingtonnc@gmail.com