Upcoming Events at FPC

March 2026

LENTEN LUNCH THIS WEEK

Wednesday, March 18, Noon, off-site. First Baptist Church of Gastonia will host this week's Lenten lunch. Meals will be available for $8 per person. An offering will be taken during lunch. If you require transportation, please gather under the Church Portico at 11:30 am.

WNA-ANTISEMITISM: ME, YOU, AND US

Wednesday, March 18, 5:30 pm, Fellowship Hall. Why does antisemitism persist, and what responsibility do we share in addressing it? Join this Wednesday Night Alive gathering for a thoughtful exploration of its roots, its modern expressions, and the faithful responses that help us move forward together. Dr. Mark Epstein will be the speaker. Cost: $8/person. Menu: Gwen's Trio Chicken, potatoes, green beans, slaw, rolls, and dessert.

RISE AGAINST HUNGER–HELP PRODUCE 30,106 MEALS
Sunday, March 22, 10:00 am. With the Rise Against Hunger event starting at 11:00 am, we will have a combined worship service in the Sanctuary.

LENTEN LUNCH THIS WEEK

Wednesday, March 25, Noon, off-site. First United Methodist Church of Gastonia will host this week's Lenten lunch. Meals will be available for $8 per person. An offering will be taken during lunch. If you require transportation, please gather under the Church Portico at 11:30 am.

EASTER LILY AND ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING Sunday, March 29, is the deadline. Honor or memorialize someone with a lily or One Great Hour of Sharing. Return the completed form with a check payable to First Presbyterian Church, with “Lily” or “OGHS” in the memo line. Download the Form.

PALM SUNDAY AND EASTER EGG HUNT
Sunday, March 29, Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday with Thrive and Traditional services at 9:00 am in the Fellowship Hall and 11:00 am in the Sanctuary. There will be a church-wide Easter Egg Hunt for children at 10:00 am, and we encourage you to bring your own baskets.

FAITH FORMATION STATIONS OF THE CROSS: A SELF-GUIDED MEDITATION
Walk through the Stations of the Cross for a memorable Holy Week experience! You can do it individually or with your family. As you walk through each station, the visual, scriptural, and prayerful offerings will provide you with a meditative journey to the cross. Monday through Thursday, March 30–April 2, from 10:00 am–4:00 pm. Additionally, Monday and Tuesday, 4:00–7:00 pm.

April 2026

MAUNDY THURSDAY DINNER AND WORSHIP

Thursday, April 2, 6:00 pm, Fellowship Hall. Through communion and scripture, we remember the depth of Christ’s love and what it means for us today. If you are longing for something meaningful and grounding, this night is for you.

GOOD FRIDAY TENEBRAE SERVICE

Friday, April 3, 7:00 pm, Sanctuary. When you attend Good Friday worship, you prepare your heart for the hope of Easter in a deeper way. Come and experience the full story.

EASTER SUNDAY SERVICES-APRIL 5

We gather on Easter morning, we celebrate resurrection, not just something that happened long ago, but something that still happens in hearts and lives today. If you need hope, renewal, or a reminder that God is still at work, Easter is for you. Come celebrate the joy.

Sunrise Service at 6:45 am in the Columbarium.
Thrive Service at 9:00 am in the Fellowship Hall.
Traditional Service at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary.

FAITH AND FICTION

Sunday, April 5, 5:00 pm, off-site. The book we will discuss is Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN'S SPRING GATHERING

Saturday, April 18, 10:00 am, Long Creek Presbyterian Church. We will recognize the scholarship and Faith Fund recipients, hear from our mission partners in Guatemala, and honor those women who joined the Church Triumphant in 2025. Our guest speaker, Brian Smith, is a member of the Long Creek Congregation and a local history expert. Registration begins at 9:00 am. Cost: $15/person. Register online.

CURIOSITY AND COURAGE COMMITTEE DINNER PART II

Sunday, April 19, 5:30 pm, Fellowship Hall. We'll have dinner, fellowship, and conversion. The CCC Committee members will share progress to date on the Strategic Plan and provide an opportunity for congregants to offer feedback as the plan continues to be refined.

May 2026

SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE BUILD PROJECT

Saturday, May 2 and May 9, off-site. Our church will partner with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build beds for children who do not have one of their own. This is a joyful, hands-on way to serve alongside your church family and make a real impact in our community. Contact Jim Ratchford for more information or Click Here to Sign up.

FAITH AND FICTION

Sunday, May 3, 5:00 pm, off-site.

APPLY NOW: FPC SCHOLARSHIP
The FPC Scholarship Fund is accepting applications for the 2026/2027 academic year. The deadline is May 15. Contact David McFadden for more information.

June 2026

FAITH AND FICTION

Sunday, June 7, 5:00 pm, off-site.