WEEKLY EMAIL from FIRST REFORMED UCC
AUGUST 13, 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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FUNERAL SERVICE FOR MARY BERRIER
A Celebration of Life Service for Mary Beck Berrier will be held Saturday, August 14, 2021 in the church sanctuary. The family will greet visitors beginning at 10:30 in the sanctuary and the service will be held at 11:00. The family requests that masks be worn. Covid precautions will be in place. Rev. Horton will livestream this service on the church’s Facebook page HERE.
ATTENTION CHILDREN & YOUTH!
BACKPACK BLESSING SUNDAY, AUGUST 15 DURING WORSHIP
REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR SCHOOL BACKPACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY MORNING. Rev. Horton with share a blessing as you prepare for the new 2021-22 school year.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2021
SERMON TITLE: “BREAD AGAIN?”
Scripture: John 6: 56-59
Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.” He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum.
A MESSAGE FROM REV. HORTON:
Dear Beloved Community,
At the Consistory meeting this past Sunday, we discussed how to best care for the congregation as the Delta variant accelerates around us. We expressed gratitude for the patience and thoughtfulness you have shown over the past several months wrestling with masks, sitting further apart than desired, and having thermometers pointed upon entering the sanctuary! Thank you for your grace and (most especially) your love and bits of humor, which always makes the tough times much more bearable.
At the time of the meeting, the rate of fully vaccinated residents in Davidson County was at 35%.** This means 65% of Davidson County had not been vaccinated. With school starting soon, exposure is certain to increase.
Your church leadership takes very seriously the call to care and protect one another, particularly those who are considered the least of these.
Therefore, in the spirit of caring for the body of Christ, and listening to the CDC suggested guidelines, beginning Sunday, August 15…
We ask everyone regardless of vaccination status. please wear your mask when you enter the church house and keep it on as we worship together. We will have masks if you forget one!
- We will continue to social distance.
- We will continue to hold off on congregational singing. We will have beautiful music of soloists, ensembles, and instrumentalists
- If vaccinated, liturgists, singers, and preachers can speak from the pulpit unmasked.
- If NOT vaccinated, all who speak from the pulpit will remain masked.
- Groups that choose to meet in-person at the church do so at their own risk. First Reformed is not liable for illness or injury that occurs as a result of attending a meeting or event at the church.
As we enter this leg of the journey, we know that each family has different needs, which means some will remain at home, some will return. We trust you in your decision making. Our online worship will still be available.
We also realize conditions fluctuate. We are open to revising guidelines as science evolves and public health information is updated. The mission is to provide a safe, supportive, environment to worship God and to discern how God is calling us in this world.
Please reach out with questions if you have them.
In faith, hope, and love,
Elizabeth Horton, Pastor and Raeann Allred, Consistory President
BASEMENT CLEAN-UP
Plans are in the works by the Board of Property Management for cleaning out and reorganizing the basement in the Educational Building. If you have ANY PERSONAL ITEMS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO KEEP, please pick these up before August 22nd. If you need to be let in the building, come to the church office, which is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00-12:00.
LOOKING AHEAD FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
EVERY SUNDAY DURING WORSHIP:
Kid’s Worship Connection: Continuing each Sunday, Pre-K through 3rd graders will be invited to leave the sanctuary to go to the playground with two adult leaders to hear a Bible story and enjoy some play time and a snack. Jeremy Lovell and Smithie Parrish will lead the August 8th session. Please contact Rev. Horton HERE if you are interested in volunteering to lead.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28 at 5:00PM
Back to School Kick-Off for ALL PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN at the home of Billy & Stacy West (404 West Second Avenue, Lexington)
URGENT REQUEST FOR USHERS!
Ushers are needed for the remainder of the year. If you are able to serve according to the month assigned to you for 2021, please contact Eddie Yates to confirm. If you are able to help any additional Sundays, please sign up at from our weekly email HERE or you may contact Eddie Yates at (bbqman46@gmail.com).
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE:
DIGITAL MEDIA TECH: Jeremy Peterson
SOUND TECH: John Gray
ACOLYTE: Ethan Lovell
BIBLE STEWARD: Lucas Peterson
USHERS: James Gray, Jerry Lovell, Cheryl Walser, Eddie Yates
AUGUST CELEBRATIONS
BIRTHDAYS: ANNIVERSARIES:
15th…Baron Freeman…Beau Sink 16th…Clifton & Harriette Murphy
16th…Doris Sink
18th…Amanda Fulton
19th…J. W. Bates
20th…Myra Thompson
21st…Ramona Yarbrough
PLEASE PRAY FOR…
OUR MEMBERS: *Parker Horton (outpatient surgery), Lee Bouchard, Jeff Hutchens, Deanna Michael
AT HOME AND IN CARE FACILITIES: Peggy Bates, Sherry Bonner (Brookdale, Rm. 208, Phone: 336-237-9897), Ruth Essick, Pattie Everhart, Vogen Everhart (Room 102 Brookdale), Lib & Jimbo Hinkle, Marguerite Leonard, Bob Shaak, Lib Sink, Carolyn Spivey, Adena Wall
[BROOKDALE ADDRESS: 161 YOUNG DRIVE, LEXINGTON, NC 27292 MAIN PHONE: 336 238 1700]
OUR FRIENDS: *Jimmy Grubb (June Grubb’s brother), *Martha Moore, Rev. Dr. Ray Howell III (Pastor, First Baptist Church, Lexington), Marc Frye (son of the late Doris Frye), Ronald Yates (Eddie Yates’ father), Steve Ketner (recovering from surgery), Gloria Briggs (Janette Neal’s sister recovering from surgery)
WEEKLY CALENDAR
SUNDAY, August 15: Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost…BACKPACK BLESSING
9:30AM
In-person Bible Study (Parlor)
Session 6: “Giving Thanks” Ephesians 5:15-20 (Eddie Yates, facilitator)
10:30AM
Worship Service In-Person and Livestreamed Online (YOUTUBE)
Kids Worship Connection (Leaders: Renee White & Paula Lopp)
WEDNESDAY, August 18:
6:30PM
Finance Committee Meeting (Parlor)
THURSDAY, August 19:
4-6:00PM
Clothes Closet Workday
6:30PM
PFLAG Meeting (Fellowship Hall)
SATURDAY, August 21
12:30PM
Saturday Carry-Out Lunch Ministry
SUNDAY, August 22: Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
9:30AM
In-person Bible Study (Parlor)
Session 7: “Armored” Ephesians 6:10-20 (Eugenia Holste, facilitator)
10:30AM
Worship Service In-Person and Livestreamed Online (YOUTUBE)
Kids Worship Connection
FOLLOWING WORSHIP: CHOIR PRACTICE IN THE SANCTUARY
IN-PERSON BIBLE STUDY CONTINUES
The Adult “in person” Bible study meets Sunday in the church Parlor at 9:30 a.m. This seven- week series, entitled “Geared Up for Life,” takes a walk through the Epistle to the Ephesians, dividing it 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, August 15th
“Giving Thanks” Ephesians 5:15-20 (Eddie Yates, facilitator)
Sunday, August 22nd
“Armored” Ephesians 6:10-20 (Eugenia Holste, facilitator)
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT!
Buddy Lohr was interviewed for a segment of Roy’s Folks by Chad Tucker with FOX 8 NEWS. The segment focused on his birdhouse-building hobby and it aired on Monday, August 2nd at 8:55AM and 5:20PM. If you missed it, you can view it using the following link: https://myfox8.com/roys-folks/its-my-therapy-asheboro-man-makes-unique-birdhouses/
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.com
PIANO LESSONS AVAILABLE
Are you interested in piano lessons? Contact Christopher Kiser, our church organist/pianist, who is still taking enrollments for lessons! Lessons are given individually and will begin in September. If you or someone you know may be interested in learning to play the piano, please contact him by email or phone. ALL AGES ARE WELCOME! ‘
Email: cdkiser94@gmail.com Phone: (336) 469-4716
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 and September 5, and 12
REGULAR CHOIR PRACTICE RESUMES ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 AT 7:00PM
VISITS TO OUR MEMBERS AT HOME AND IN CARE FACILITIES
As 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
PLUS SIZE CLOTHING NEEDED FOR 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.
MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Alisa Johnson needs volunteers to cover routes for meal delivery. If you can help one morning of the week or more, please contact Alisa at alisajohnson912@gmail.com or 336-357-0648.
BOOK DISCUSSION ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 24
On June 2, we held our first Zoom meeting about bringing to Lexington the support and resources of NAMI (National Association of Mental Illness).
It has become increasingly clear to me that mental illness of varying degrees affects more families than I ever imagined right here in Davidson County.
On Tuesday, August 24th at 7:00PM, we will discuss, Blessed are the Crazy: Breaking the Silence about Mental Illness, Family, and Church, by Sarah Griffith Lund.
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT:
PLEASE VISIT REDCROSSBLOOD.ORG
AND USE SPONSOR CODE: First Reformed
OR CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE AT 336-248-2617
OR 1-800-RED-CROSS FOR ASSISTANCE.
NEW ADULT BOOK STUDY PLANNED FOR SEPTEMBER
On Tuesday, September 7 at 7:00PM we will begin our study of “See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love” by Valarie Kaur. We will continue to meet via ZOOM. (The link will be shared prior to the first meeting.)
Valarie Kaur—renowned Sikh activist, filmmaker, and civil rights lawyer—declares revolutionary love as the call of our time, a radical, joyful practice that extends in three directions: to others, to our opponents, and to ourselves. It invites us to see no stranger but instead look at others and say, “You are part of me I do not yet know.”
Kaur takes us on her journey as a brown girl growing up in California farmland finding her place in the world: as a young adult galvanized by the murders of Sikhs after 9/11; as a law student fighting injustice in American prisons; and as a woman trying to heal from her own experiences with sexual assault and police violence. “See No Stranger” helps us imagine new ways of being with each other—and with ourselves—so that together we can begin to build the world we want to see. You may order your copy of the book from your preferred bookstore and join us as we begin this new study on September 7th.
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