FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
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Brokenness and Beauty

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Have you ever felt disconnected? Damaged? Broken or hurt by our world? Most of us would probably say yes. Whether we are grieving the loss of a loved one, experiencing a dysfunctional relationship, or are even finding ourselves overcome by the selfishness of our world, we are all in need of healing, forgiveness, and restoration. And while most likely, we all know we are in need of this restoration, it can be hard to admit that we must give ourselves over to Christ in order that we might be remade through him. It can be hard to take that first step to be made new. But during the season of Lent, we are pushed to take that step, to ponder and reflect on our own sin, and to allow Christ to do his work in us.

“So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.”      - Jeremiah 18:3-4

In our lives, Jesus is the ultimate potter. We are like clay in his hands being reworked and reshaped, later refined and even repaired. You might notice that the imagery for our new series relies heavily on ceramic pots and vessels. Visually, this reminds us that while we all find ourselves in various worn or broken states, we can be made beautiful again. Jesus is the potter working on the wheel in Jeremiah, taking our flaws and reshaping them until we are stronger and more beautiful than before. He perfects us, refines us in the kiln, gives us purpose, and fills us with new life. In the midst of sin and tragedy, Christ enters the narrative to restore our hearts and make us new through God’s love.

During the season of Lent, we invite you to journey with us as we seek to be restored through Christ’s redemptive love. Each Sunday, our Pastoral Staff will focus on a different way that Jesus works in and around us to bring restoration and throughout the week you will find various other resources to aid in your prayer and reflection. Check back frequently for updates.

We hope that you will join us as we make this journey together. 

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Opportunities for Worship and Study

Community Lenten Lunches
Each week we will gather at a different church in our community to worship God in an ecumenical setting. Learn More
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Wednesday Night Alive! Lent in Plain Sight
During Lent, we will focus on devotion through ordinary objects such as dust, bread, coins, shoes, and stones as we journey to Easter Day. This conversation will show us how God communicates epiphanies through the mundane. Learn More

Support One Great Hour of Sharing

Typically received during the season of Lent, each gift to One Great Hour of Sharing supports efforts to relieve hunger through the Presbyterian Hunger Program, promote development through the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People, and assist in areas of disaster through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Learn More


Holy Week Art Walk - Drop by the Sanctuary the week of April 11-14, to participate in an immersive prayer experience through the Stations of the Cross. Self guided tours may be done during business hours throughout the week, or a guided tour will take place on Wednesday, April 13, at 6:00 p.m.

Maundy Thursday Dinner and Service
Join us around the table on Thursday, April 14, as we observe Maundy Thursday and the Last Supper. A combined meal and service will take place in the Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m. Children aged 5 and up are invited to attend. Nursery care will be available for younger children.

Community Procession of the Cross
Join fellow churches on April 15, at 10:30 a.m. for a Procession of the Cross beginning and ending at First United Methodist Church. Ability to walk a full city block is needed in order to participate in the complete experience; or, one can remain at FUMC to experience the first and the last stations of the cross.  Lunch will be served immediately following.


Good Friday Tenebrae Service
Our Good Friday Tenebrae Service will take place in the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 15.


Easter Services on April 17
Easter Sunrise Service will take place in the Columbarium at 7:00 a.m.
Easter Thrive Service will happen in the Fellowship Hall at 8:55 a.m.
The Traditional Easter Service will take place in the Sanctuary at 11:00 a.m.

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Visio Divina: Lenten Video Series

During this season of Lent, we would like to invite you to join us for a moment of inner reflection. Visio Divina, our new video series, works in tandem with our Lenten theme to do just that; give you the space to pause and contemplate how God may be speaking to you. 
View Videos Here

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First Presbyterian Church

Contact Us

Address
​1621 E. Garrison Blvd.
​Gastonia, N.C. 28054
Phone
(704) 864-2651
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Affiliated with: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and Presbytery of Western North Carolina
Copyright © 2022 First Presbyterian Church, Gastonia, N.C.
  • About
    • Visitors
    • What We Believe
    • Our Staff and Leadership
  • Worship
    • Services
    • Livestream
    • Music
  • Faith Formation
    • Adults
    • Youth
    • Children
  • Outreach
    • Local Missions
    • Global Missions
    • Pastoral Care
  • Giving
    • Giving
    • Planned Giving
    • Stewardship
  • Connect
    • Calendar
    • Videos
    • Weekly Announcements
    • Articles and Blog Posts
    • Resources
  • Careers
  • More
    • Volunteer
    • Presbyterian Weekday School >
      • Volunteer Opportunities
    • COVID-19 Updates
    • Mother's Morning Out
    • APNC Search