FIRST PRESS VOL. 31 ISSUE 4 • EASTER 2019

Official Newsletter of First Presbyterian Church

This issue:Easter Celebrations

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FIRSTPREZ.COM

From the PastorDR. MIKE GARRETT

The Christian faith rises or falls on the Easter resurrection, andabsence, of Jesus. Unlike Christmas which is enjoyed for manyreasons distinct from the birth of Christ, Easter has little to offer butan ancient claim about an empty tomb. It’s hard to embroideremptiness. Easter is either all important or unimportant. If it’s truethe most exalted of music sounds like a solo sung from the bottom ofthe Grand Canyon. If it’s not true all the chocolate candy and artificialgreen Easter grass in the world won’t be enough to cover it up. Of course we will gather on Easter to celebrate the faith of the Churchthat an empty tomb is the greatest thing that has yet happened in thisold world. We will proclaim the truth that Jesus has risen from thedead. We will sing to fill the space created by his absence because webelieve in his presence. We will celebrate because the resurrection ofJesus is the hope of our own. David writes of his God in Psalm 16:

Dinners for Six-ish

Memorials

Please come and add your witness to the chorus of faithful voices thisEaster. I encourage you to participate as fully in the worship of HolyWeek and Easter as possible. See you in church!

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy inyour presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (vs. 11)

VolunteerAppreciation

MOPS

Mission Tripto Mexico

PW April CommunityAffairs Project

WednesdaysTogether

Youth &College Ministry

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The Good Friday service is a penitential service,yet it is also a celebration of the good news ofthe cross. Let us draw you in to the story of the passion ofChrist with a NOON service in the chapel.

MEMORIALS & HONORARIUMS

Traditions Live On in CelebrationJoin us for the largest Easter sunrise service inthe region, as it returns to Cross Creek Park offAnn Street at 6:30am Easter Sunday. Thisinterdenominational service is hosted by FirstBaptist Church on Anderson Street, First BaptistChurch on Moore Street, and First PresbyterianChurch. This year's sunrise service sermon will bedelivered by Rev. Rob James, Pastor of FirstBaptist Church on Anderson Street. Worshipmusic will be provided by the Highland Brassand combined choirs. First Presbyterianservices will continue at 8:30am and 11am in thesanctuary. *In the event of potential inclement weather,the 6:30am sunrise service will be held in theFirst Presbyterian Church chapel.

Worship with us this Easter

Palm Sunday begins with 8:30AM Worship in theChapel. The 11AM worship in the sanctuary willbe followed by a NOON Potluck and Easter EggHunt at 1PM. First Presbyterian will provide the main dish ofchicken & BBQ. Please bring a side dish, anddon't forget your Easter baskets!

Bring fresh flowers for the Flowering of the Cross on Easter Sunday!

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Wednesdays Together come toa close until Fall 2019We will close our Wednesdays Togetherfellowship meals on April 17 with board games,a tacky t-shirt contest, and of course, a deliciousmeal of ham, potato salad, and squash casserole.Bring your A-Game and your appetite! Childcare will be provided. Please RSVP at firstprez.com.

MEMORIALS & HONORARIUMSIn memory of Wade Anders by Dorothy & PeterCromartie; Juanita Parrish; Judy Anders Thomas; andEliza & Fred Williams. In memory of Jim Blaine by Ann Rowell; CatherineTraylor; Eliza & Fred Williams; and a special friend. In memory of E. Bulla by Patsy Markham. In memory of Malcolm Fortson by Debra Chestnutt;GIFT Class; Patsy Markham; Gillie Revelle; and Carol &Sammy Short. In memory of Zula Hubbard by Susan Adcox; Sue &Warren Baker; Judye & Bob Bleecker; Jane Bristol &family; Marilyn & Bob Bristol; Doris & Herman Britt;Sharon & John Buroker; Jeri & Michael Cameron; DebraChestnutt; Ann Eller; Amanda Evans; Peggie Faircloth;Fellowship Class; Karen Fields, Robin Wein, CarolynPalmer; Winnie Grannis; Stacy Grooms; Priscilla &Harry Hooks; Amy Jo, Lily Davis, Grace & Dave Horne;Gilda Horne; Leith Ann & John Koch; Patsy Markham;Edna McLaurin; Janice & James Melvin; Joyce Reid;Gillie Revelle; Ann Rowell; Carol & Sammy Short;Shirley Stevens; Mary & Mark Rice; Melree Tart; VanderCivic Association; and Debbie & LaMar Williams. In memory of Emmy Huff by Winnie Grannis; Grace &Tommy Hall; Janet Holt; Joann & Benny Pearce; AnnRowell; and Gillie Revelle. In honor of Buzz Loyd by Perry Olive. In memory of Dudley Maxwell by Sharon & JohnBuroker; Calvin Class; and Carol & Sammy Short. In memory of Fritz Neeser by Buzz & Ann Loyd; JoyceReid; Carol & Sammy Short; and a special friend. In memory of Lela Peterson by Joyce Reid. In memory of Louise Weeks by Martha Circle; and AnnEller.

April CommunityAffairs ProjectThe Presbyterian Women will be collectingdonations of clothing/shoes (sizes infant toadult), undergarments, small household items,blankets/sleeping bags, and nonperishablefoods for Operation Blessing of Fayetteville. Operation Blessing is (501c3) non-profitChristian humanitarian organization, thatprovides short term assistance with food,clothes, limited approved financial assistanceand crisis pregnancy support, to those inCumberland County and surrounding areas.

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Jamie McFadyen Leads Youth & CollegeMinistry during Summer InternshipJamie McFadyen begins his summer internship on May 13leading Youth & College Ministry. He is currently a risingjunior at UNC-Chapel Hill, majoring in Economics. A long-standing member of First Presbyterian, Jamie isexcited to return to his home church to work with theyouth group, engage college students that are looking forways to worship and serve during the summer months,and help with the Youth Ministry transition.

Mission Fundraising

One of the goals of our children and youth ministry isto provide our youth with opportunities to put theirfaith into action through challenging and rewardingmission trips where they will complete theconstruction of two houses for two different families,and host a fiesta for neighborhood children at the endof the week. Anyone interested in sponsoring a student going toMexico this summer should contact Jonathan West.Sponsorships of any amount help cover the cost oftravel, food, and lodging.

Sponsor a Mission Trip to Mexico

April 26-28 The missions teams will be parking cars at WilliamsOffice Environments, 407 Ray Avenue, during theDogwood Festival.

"I knew I wanted to come back to help, and do something that allows me to share my faith."

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Volunteer Teacher AppreciationMay 5Going to church is only half of it; we love others byvolunteering. On May 5, join us in the parlor during the SundaySchool hour to honor and show appreciation of ourvolunteers and teachers that help with Children'sMinistry. We at First Presbyterian are blessed to have awonderful program which simply could not existwithout the assistance and support of parents andother members of the congregation. To help with the responsibility of educating ourchildren in the faith, we ask for parents or othercare givers to be available to help in the followingways:Sunday School Leader Wednesday Evening Bible Time Leader Children’s Church Leader Kindergarten and FirstGradeSubstitute Teacher There are plenty of opportunities to help spirituallydevelop the children of our congregation. Please contact Britany Spivey, Director of Children’sMinistry, for more details and volunteer needs.

5PM, Room 207

April 30

Children's Ministry Meeting Reminder

MOPS MEETING April 14, 3pm-5pm

firstprezmops@gmail.com

MOPS will meet at First Presbyterian, for a walk downtown to spread kindness rocks, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant! Enjoy the fellowship with other 'Mothers of Preschoolers', in support of one another, and growing in faith.

SAVE THE DATEProgressive Organ Recital & Dinner

Appetizer Recital atHaymount United Methodist Church Soup & Salad Recital at Snyder Memorial BaptistChurch Elegant Catered Dinner at First Presbyterian

May 106pm-8pm

$25 pp

Questions? Call Dr. Marcia Heirman Mervin, Director of Music Ministry, at (910) 483-0121.

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Dinners for Six-ishDinner for Six-ish begins a new quarter and now is thetime to sign-up! Whether you're new to the church family or a long-standing member, we welcome you to a casual fellowshipexperience open to singles, couples, and families. Sign-up forms are in Eller Hall and registration will betaken through April 15. Groups of six-ish will be formedtaking into account dietary restrictions and other detailscompleted in the form. A 'host' will choose a mutuallyagreeable date and will be responsible for the maincourse. Guests will be responsible for desserts, sidedishes, and other items needed. Or, keep it simple!Dining out is always an option! Please contact Lou Brooks for more information.

"For where two or threegather in my name, there

am I with them.”

Matthew 18:20

Do you long for a full course holiday meal? Are you military andyour family is far away? Do you hate to cook for just 1 or 2 on aholiday? Are you new to the church and don’t know manypeople? Are you caring for an elderly relative and don’t have timeto cook for the holiday? Or does the thought of warming Easterlunch after Sunrise Service make you cringe? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then we're here foryou! Your Home & Hearth Church family, is planning a potluckdinner on Easter Day, and you’re invited! The CongregationalCare Committee will provide an Easter ham and drinks. Everyonewho participates will fill in with sides, salads, and desserts. Theluncheon will start after the 11am Easter Service as soon as thefood is heated and the buffet is ready to serve. To make areservation, sign up on the Google Doc on the church’s website,or email Kellie Perkins at kperk16@gmail.com. And remember, your family looks forward to having you join themon Easter Day!

Home & Hearth Holiday Fellowship

A High Note from Music MinistryThe Origin of an Easter Hymn

Charles Wesley’s “Christ the Lord Is RisenToday” (Glory To God # 245), originally titled“Hymn for Easter Day”, was written in 1739. Adapted from an earlier Bohemian hymn of thesame name, this Easter hymn was first sung inthe Foundry Meeting House after it had beenconverted to the Methodist Chapel. Originallypublished in the “Hymns and Sacred PoemsHymnal” where it contained 11 verses, the hymnbecame popular in the Church of Englandaround 1780. The Presbyterian Church beganincluding Wesley’s hymn in their hymnalsduring the mid-nineteenth century. Wesley’s hymn in the Glory to God hymnal isset to the hymntune, LLANFAIR, which wascomposed by a Welsh singer, Robert Williams in1817.

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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FIRSTPREZ.COM

VBS Donations are Appreciated

PASTORAL STAFFDr. Michael Garrett, Senior PastorRev. Dr. Donna Fowler, Minister of Pastoral CareRev. Jonathan West, Associate Pastor for Youth & Young Adults PROGRAM STAFFDr. Marcia Heirman Mervin, Director of Music MinistryBritany Spivey, Director of Children’s MinistrySarah Szopinski, Associate Director of Music for Children & Youth SUPPORT STAFFConnie Burry, Program SecretaryJoan Daughtry, Operations DirectorRuthie Dent, Communications DirectorJoy Keys, Administrative AssistantNina McLaughlin, Housekeeper SUNDAY SERVICE8:30AM Chapel  •  11AM Sanctuary  WEDNESDAY TOGETHER5PM Meal  •  6PM Classes

CONTACT US

(910) 483-0121

WEBSITE

www.firstprez.com

LIVE STREAM

www.firstprez.com/live-stream

FACEBOOK

facebook.com/1stprez

TWITTER

twitter.com/firstprezfay

INSTAGRAM

instagram.com/firstprezfay

Plastic table clothes 5 of each color - light blue, green, red, orange, yellowLarge grocery brown paper bags (120)Yellow Peeps (90)Ziploc bags – sandwich and gallon sizeNapkins/paper towelsSmall paper platesSmooth rocks (80)Cups – 3, 5, & 9 oz.

Please drop off VBS donations in Eller Hallby the VBS table.

Have You Registered?Registration for VBS has beenlive since April 7, and spacesare filling fast! Join us for this summer's MANE event! Please contact Britany Spivey,Director of Children's Ministry for more info!

June 17-209am-NOON

Volunteers are needed!

Support OurSustainabilityIn an effort to be goodstewards of FirstPresbyterian's resources,starting in May, the FirstPress newsletter will beprinted and mailed monthly. Please call the church officeto opt-out of receiving aprint newsletter via directmail. Issues of First Press will beavailable for pick-up in Eller Hall.

May Birthdays1 Ellen Read3 Colton Petti3 James Breswitz3 Mark DeSessa4 Marie Rouse4 Genevieve Rocker4 Reese Navejas5 Reese Farnham6 Linda Gutheil7 Barrett Stiehl7 Julia Furman7 Mary Susan Megill7 Anne  Evanco8 Sarah Cotty8 Mary  Heldreth9 Alexa Walworth9 Angela Lenard9 Bruce McRae10 Doug Foster10 Joyce Reid

10 Allison Smith11 Rachel Hardin11 Ashtin Midgett11 Michael Garrett12 Jake Richter12 Brett Ciccone13 Holly Richter13 Sandi Kankelfritz16 Christopher  Napoli17 Betsy Stiles17 Brantley Brock18 Amy Navejas20 Larry Norris21 Butler Stiles21 William Duhon22 Taylor Aul22 Gerald Montero23 Quincy Scarborough23 Amanda Walworth24 Brooke Johnson

24 Jacob Campbell24 Bowdre Fortson25 Kimberly Hall25 Mel  Kankelfritz25 Benjamin Napoli26 Ed Cook27 Emily Sasser28 Masters Emerson28 Graham Emerson28 Michael Ruff29 Hayden Blue29 Elizabeth Ciccone30 Linda Anderson30 Milo McBryde31 Kevin Read31 Lee Ann Fortson31 Sutton Hammond31 Ella Spinosa

April Birthdays1 Caroline Horosko2 Victoria Seufert3 Alexis Hogan3 Jim Soffe3 Sylvia Bisbee4 JenniferFincher4 BenCoffman5 John C. Williams5 Maggie Hill6 Graylee Viverette7 Karen Noland7 Rachel Dixon7 Aidan Baileys7 Scott Marchant8 Leighton Blue8 Maggie McFadyen9 Mary Lu Enright9  Bengie Hair9  Ronald Allen9 Alice Ann Campbell10 Jeb Cleveland11 Dick Gill

12 Marcia MacKethan12 Wil Godwin12 Kelly Sherrill12 Zoe Hublitz12 Lewis Mason13 Katherine Nordwall14 Charles Morris16 Russell Warner16 Felton Thomas17 Carol Conklin17 Tina Baker17 Ethan Hunter17 Teagen Hurley18 Stewart Butler18 Harry Hooks18 Nina Godwin18 Anne Smith19 Delores Breswitz20 Labinda Bryan20 Kellie Perkins20 Jean Pridgen20 Nancy Billman

20 Mark Strong21 Becky West22 Will Clarke22 Madeline Baker23 Matt Howle23 Kenan Stiehl24 Theodore Atkinson25 Stacy Grooms25 Margaret Robinson25 Autry Canady27 Whitaker Grannis28 Quentin Smith28 Scott Bryan29 Kay Autry29 Emily Nordwall30 Milo Megill