Articles and Blog Posts
Making an Intergenerational Impact: An Interview with Matt Miller by Celeste Crowe
Unlike many of the members featured so far, Matt Miller is not a cradle Presbyterian. He doesn’t have a family history at FPC Gastonia and he has only been a member for a few years. But, Matt is already making strides to ensure that the work he is doing in the church and the community now will have an impact for generations to come... Read More
Navigating Challenges Together: An Interview with Leslie Wallace by Celeste Crowe
Fifteen years ago, Leslie Wallace received news that every woman fears: she had breast cancer and would have to undergo surgery, chemo, and radiation therapy to treat and remove the mass. At the time, Leslie had two children in elementary and middle school, and her husband, Mike, traveled for work, making that diagnosis even more challenging. However, Leslie looks back on this experience now, not with negativity, but with gratitude for all the support that she and her family received.... Read More
Celebrating Women Together: An Interview with Ibby Page by Celeste Crowe
Ibby Page shares a special history when it comes to Presbyterian Women. As a third-generation member, Ibby, her mother, and her grandmother all served as moderators of Presbyterian Women at different times and were also all three recipients of the Lifetime Member Award. This creates a special bond for Ibby and her family that not many get to share.... Read More
Regard One Another as Family: An Interview with Dale Bullock and Tripp Current by Celeste Crowe
You don’t have to look much farther than the Confirmation program at FPC Gastonia to find a shining example of an intergenerational relationship. Dale Bullock and Tripp Current are a mentor/confirmand pair from the 2019-2020 class, and as they talk, you can see that they share a special connection. They listen to and respect each other, they joke like friends, but more than that, they treat each other like family... Read More
Ministry is Liminal: An Interview with Martha Beal by Celeste Crowe
At 90 years old, Martha Beal has experienced firsthand the many ways that a church can change over the years. With a history stretching back before she was born, (her grandparents joined FPC Gastonia in the late 1800s,) Martha was baptized here, married here, and jokingly says that she’s going to die here. Martha’s love for this congregation runs deep... Read More
Equipping Younger Generations: An Interview with Copeland Smith by Celeste Crowe
A fourth-generation FPC Gastonia member, Copeland was baptized here, attended Presbyterian Weekday School, participated in the scouting program, and was an active member of the Children’s Ministry growing up. More recently, Copeland can be seen participating in Youth Group activities, such as Confirmation, and playing the drums for the Thrive band during worship. It is easy to see the importance that Copeland’s faith already has in his life, even at his young age. Copeland excitedly shares how each of these opportunities has impacted his life so far, specifically pointing out the influence of adults in the congregation who have acted as teachers, guides, and mentors... Read More
Caring for Older Generations: An Interview with Gloria Hickson by Celeste Crowe
Gloria Hickson is one of the Co-Chairpersons for the Pastoral Care Ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Gastonia. A unique ministry, Pastoral Care seeks to help members in need feel the church’s concern for them. The ministry consists of around 25 members who regularly contact those with illnesses, families following deaths or births, or those needing help in many ways. While Gloria is very clear that the members of this committee do not replace the pastors and are not able to provide that type of spiritual counsel, they do provide emotional and spiritual care to church members, particularly older members, by simply building relationships through cards, notes, calls, or by making personal visits... Read More
God's Love Spans Generations: An Interview with Hayley Nester by Celeste Crowe
Hayley grew up attending First Presbyterian Church of Gastonia, so in addition to her husband and two children, her parents and grandmother are also members. Together, they make up four generations, ranging in age from 1 to 90, giving Hayley the perfect perspective on what it means for God’s love to span generations.... Read More
Reflections After a Year Navigating Grief by Rev. Daniel J. Commerford
In December of 2020 my mother, Gail Turner Viau, passed away after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Except for my wife, hers was the relationship closest to me, and she was the first person outside my marriage I’d go to for advice and counsel. We lived five minutes from one another, spoke almost every day, and shared a meal together at least once a week. My mom was also an amazing grandmother who loved Hannah and Micah fiercely... Read More
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