Weekly Announcements
Outdoor Worship
We are excited to share news that our congregation will gather for outdoor worship this Sunday, November 22, at 11:00 a.m.
You are invited to join us outside the Fellowship Hall patio where space will be made available for outdoor seating. Listed below are some helpful items for you to review:
You are invited to join us outside the Fellowship Hall patio where space will be made available for outdoor seating. Listed below are some helpful items for you to review:
- All traffic will flow around the southwest side of the church, to the back for parking and seating. Please do not drive or park near the Fellowship Hall. We will have greeters to help guide your way.
- Please bring a lawn chair to enjoy the service near your vehicle. We ask that family units stay together. Please practice social distancing guidelines, and by all means, bring and wear your masks.
- You may enjoy the service from inside your vehicle and listen on your radio by tuning into channel 90.9 on your FM dial. We also ask that you not idle your car while parked. This will allow others around you to hear better as well as not be bothered by vehicle exhaust.
- Please come dressed casually.
- Refreshments will not be served, but you should plan to bring water, coffee, or your favorite morning beverage.
- Restrooms will be available if needed. We ask that they only be used in an emergency as they must be cleaned appropriately afterwards. We would like to limit any possible exposure as well.
Sunday School Video Lesson
Check your email Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m., for our adult Sunday School lesson taught by Craig Whitley. View past videos or lessons by using the link below.
Outdoor Worship Childcare
Childcare is now being provided during worship! Children up to the age of 7 are invited to go to the PWS playground during the 11:00 a.m. outdoor worship service, where our nursery caregivers and volunteers will be there to supervise and keep everyone safe. If your child is able to wear a mask, please encourage them to do so!
Return to Indoor Worship
After many long months of not being able to worship inside our church, we will resume in-person worship beginning on Sunday, November 29, the First Sunday of Advent. What a joyful way to greet Advent!
There will be one worship service at 9:00 a.m. Ninety (90) congregants will be seated in the Sanctuary. The Fellowship Hall will hold twenty-four (24) congregants who will worship together via Livestream. Livestream will also continue to be available for those who wish to worship remotely.
To worship in the Sanctuary or Fellowship Hall, registration is required in advance. You may register by visiting www.fpcgastonia.org/services. Seating is limited, therefore, registration is required so that proper social distancing can be established ahead of time. If you are unable to register online, please call the church office and you will be registered over the phone.
Professional nursery care will be provided for up to ten (10) children from infant to age four (4). Registration for the nursery is also required by visiting www.fpcgastonia.org/services. Parents/Guardians with children in the nursery may find it more convenient to worship in the Fellowship Hall since the nursery will not be easily accessible from the Sanctuary.
Please make note of the following guidelines as you consider if you and your family wish to worship in-person at First Presbyterian Church.
On November 29, we will celebrate the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Prepackaged communion elements will be available when entering the Sanctuary or Fellowship Hall, or you may bring your own elements from home.
By attending in-person worship, you and your family covenant to adhere to all guidelines and measures that are included in this communication so as to protect the safety and wellbeing of our church family. There may be additional procedures that need to be implemented following our reopening; the Session and the Task Force appreciate your cooperation as we navigate these uncertain times.
There will be one worship service at 9:00 a.m. Ninety (90) congregants will be seated in the Sanctuary. The Fellowship Hall will hold twenty-four (24) congregants who will worship together via Livestream. Livestream will also continue to be available for those who wish to worship remotely.
To worship in the Sanctuary or Fellowship Hall, registration is required in advance. You may register by visiting www.fpcgastonia.org/services. Seating is limited, therefore, registration is required so that proper social distancing can be established ahead of time. If you are unable to register online, please call the church office and you will be registered over the phone.
Professional nursery care will be provided for up to ten (10) children from infant to age four (4). Registration for the nursery is also required by visiting www.fpcgastonia.org/services. Parents/Guardians with children in the nursery may find it more convenient to worship in the Fellowship Hall since the nursery will not be easily accessible from the Sanctuary.
Please make note of the following guidelines as you consider if you and your family wish to worship in-person at First Presbyterian Church.
- When you arrive for worship, greeters will be in the parking lot to direct you to the closest entrance for your family.
- When entering the worship space for which you have registered, an usher will guide you to where you will sit so that physical distancing is practiced and maintained. Families and individuals will not have a choice as to the exact seat for which they will sit. Families will be seated together, at a minimum of 6 feet from the next family unit.
- Please take your temperature prior to coming to the church on Sunday morning. If your temperature is 100.0 or higher please stay at home.
- If you are experiencing other symptoms such as fatigue, headache, sore throat, cough, difficulty breathing or inability to taste and/or smell, please stay home.
- Congregants will be required to wear masks at all times, no exceptions.
- Restroom capacity is limited to one person at a time.
- Hand sanitizing stations will be available.
- While the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall will be open for worship, other areas of the building will not be open in order to maintain proper sanitization.
- “Red Dot” markers will be throughout the areas of access in the building, spaced 6 feet apart, so that worshippers will visually be able to see how far they should be standing from others.
On November 29, we will celebrate the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Prepackaged communion elements will be available when entering the Sanctuary or Fellowship Hall, or you may bring your own elements from home.
By attending in-person worship, you and your family covenant to adhere to all guidelines and measures that are included in this communication so as to protect the safety and wellbeing of our church family. There may be additional procedures that need to be implemented following our reopening; the Session and the Task Force appreciate your cooperation as we navigate these uncertain times.
fOod for Thought: Weekly Zoom Fellowship
Beginning on Tuesday, December 1, at 12:00 p.m., Fred will teach “All Marked Up,” a 7-week overview on the book of Mark. We encourage you too bring your lunch and click on the Zoom link in the Friday E-Blast or register on the church website to join us for “table fellowship,” prayer, and study on Tuesdays at 12:00 p.m.! Even if you can’t Zoom for every lesson, gather when you are able as together we will share “Food for Thought.”
Please note that we will not be meeting this Tuesday, November 24, due to the Thanksgiving holiday or during Christmastide break on December 22 and 29.
Please note that we will not be meeting this Tuesday, November 24, due to the Thanksgiving holiday or during Christmastide break on December 22 and 29.
Wednesday Night Alive!
Join us this week as we continue our advent series, The Redemption of Scrooge, from author Matt Rawle. From the ghosts of Christmas past, to the Life of the present, and the resurrection of Christmas future, this Advent study will “bless us every one” and reinvigorate our spiritual journeys as we look at this familiar story through the lens of faith. Here is the line up for the upcoming Wednesdays:
- December 2: Sylvia Sewell will teach the Life of Christmas Present
- December 9: Bob Blake will teach the Hope of Christmas Future
Caring Cupboard
We invite you to check out our newly installed Caring Cupboard, located outside the Chapel portico entrance. This special cupboard will provide non-perishable food and toiletry items for our neighbors in need. If you see that our stock is running low, add a few pantry staples of your own! Non-perishable foods can include, but are not necessarily limited to: canned meats, canned vegetables of all varieties, fruit (in cans or plastic packaging), canned pastas (like ravioli, beefaroni, etc.), canned tomato sauce, boxed pasta (like spaghetti), canned soups and stews, macaroni-and-cheese boxes, rice, peanut butter and jelly (no glass jars, please!), granola bars, cereal. These small donations will help to fill in the gaps for families and individuals in our community.
Thank you to Kathryn Cupp, a student at Stuart Cramer High School, for making this project possible.
Thank you to Kathryn Cupp, a student at Stuart Cramer High School, for making this project possible.
Volunteers Needed!
New or old volunteers can assist with one night or many, whatever works for your schedule! When you sign up, you're committing yourself to an incredibly fun evening with some awesome people! You'll meet Susannah at the PAD parking lot at 5:15 p.m. to help set up, and, once the youth arrive, you'll be needed to help pass out materials, serve dinner, and keep everyone on task. We will wrap up at 8:00 pm. This is a great chance to spend some time in fellowship, plus dinner will be provided! Sign up using the link below!
You can also sign up to help with our Wednesday Night Alive Children's Ministry program on Wednesday evenings! Join us outside on the Chapel Breezeway to help set up for and chaperone our gatherings. Volunteers are asked to stay from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Come and experience the wonder of learning about our incredible God alongside our children!
You can also sign up to help with our Wednesday Night Alive Children's Ministry program on Wednesday evenings! Join us outside on the Chapel Breezeway to help set up for and chaperone our gatherings. Volunteers are asked to stay from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Come and experience the wonder of learning about our incredible God alongside our children!
Family Advent Boxes
|
Children's Ministry families, sign up TODAY for your Advent box! Each box will include family friendly Advent devotionals, Advent crafts, and the materials to make your very own Advent wreath. Be sure to sign up for yours before November 22, and indicate on the sign up how you would like to receive your box.
|
Thanksgiving Offering for Children's Homes
Each year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, we receive an offering for the Presbyterian Children's Homes in our area: Black Mountain Home for Children, Barium Springs Home for Children and Grandfather Mountain Home for Children. (Barium Springs and Grandfather Home are in partnership under the Children's Hope Alliance umbrella.) This year, more than ever, these children need our support. Please make your contributions, either online or by writing a check to the church ("Children's Homes" on memo line.) This Sunday, November 22, is the last day we will receive checks/cash contributions for this important ministry. Online contributions can be made through Wednesday, November 25. To learn more about these three homes for children, visit: www.BlackMountainHome.org and www.childrenshopealliance.org.
Drive and Drop Food Drive
Crisis Assistance Ministry (CAM) is currently experiencing a shortage of food. CAM is requesting donations of canned soups, canned vegetables, instant or canned potatoes, macaroni and cheese, breakfast items, and canned fruit. Mindful of the Matthew 25 initiative to eradicate hunger, our church is going to have a “Drive and Drop Food Drive.” Volunteers from the Missions Ministry will receive food at the chapel entrance from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on November 21. The last opportunity to drop off donations will be this Sunday, November 22, prior to the outdoor worship service at the Chapel Portico entrance. All collected items will be delivered to CAM in the following weeks!
Donate your thrift items!
As we begin the advent season, we will be collecting gently used thrift items for Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth and Families. We will be accepting donations at the Fellowship Hall on Thursday, December 3, from 4:00-6:30 p.m., on Friday, December 4, from 4:00-6:30 p.m., and on Saturday, December 5, from 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. You are encouraged to bring large or bulky items on Saturday, as there will be no assistance with loading or unloading on Thursday or Friday. We also ask that all donations are packaged in boxes or plastic bags to limit the potential spread of COVID-19. Thank you for your continued support of Black Mountain Home!
Christmas Angel Tree
Shoppers are needed for this year's Christmas Angel Tree project! Use the link below to select a child in need to provide gifts for this Christmas. If you choose a child, you will shop for everything on their list. Please limit spending to $200.00 per child. Once you have made your purchases, you will be reimbursed by the Church with this funding coming from the Angel Tree donations. Please get two receipts, one to go with the gifts and one to turn in for your reimbursement.
Gifts can be dropped off at the church during the week, during normal business hours through Friday, December 4, 2020. In addition, you can bring gifts to the church during the worship service on Sunday, December 6, 2020. Gifts do not need to be wrapped.
Gifts can be dropped off at the church during the week, during normal business hours through Friday, December 4, 2020. In addition, you can bring gifts to the church during the worship service on Sunday, December 6, 2020. Gifts do not need to be wrapped.
Salvation Army Donation Kettle Bell Ringing
Volunteers are needed for Saturday, December 12, 2020, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. when members of the Diaconate will be collecting donations for the Salvation Army. We are asking for sign-ups for two adults per hour. Children are welcome, but do not need to sign up. Please use the link below to find a time that will work for you!
Guatemala Microloan Card Fundraiser
This is a time that staying connected, being in touch, is deeply meaningful. Sharing stories of hope and encouragement with others lifts us all. The Guatemala Microloan Project is making available two sets of three notecards each with photos of Guatemalan women who despite their struggles have faith and hope for themselves and their families and communities. Each set of three cards costs $10.00 (or one card for $4). These are blank on the inside for your own notes.
In addition, alternative Christmas cards are available with a $10 minimum donation. These specify they are given with a donation in honor of the person to whom they are sent and include a Christmas greeting.
Any of the cards can be purchased and sent to you by contacting: Susan Maveety at susan.maveety@gmail.com; Ellen Dozier at ellendozier@hotmail.com or Mimi Michael at mimimichael@charter.net.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers for this Project and our sisters in Guatemala.
In addition, alternative Christmas cards are available with a $10 minimum donation. These specify they are given with a donation in honor of the person to whom they are sent and include a Christmas greeting.
Any of the cards can be purchased and sent to you by contacting: Susan Maveety at susan.maveety@gmail.com; Ellen Dozier at ellendozier@hotmail.com or Mimi Michael at mimimichael@charter.net.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers for this Project and our sisters in Guatemala.
Presbyterian Women Scholarships Available!
A new school year may have high school seniors thinking about college scholarships for 2021. Some families may need financial help more than ever this upcoming year. The Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina offer college scholarships in the amount of $1,500 per academic year. Applicants must be members of a Presbyterian Church of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina, and are available to high school seniors or those already in college. The criteria for awarding scholarships are: need for financial assistance, scholastic ability, leadership of applicant in church, school and community.
Packets containing information and application forms are available at the reception desk - please call Donna and she will make it available for pickup. The scholarship application is also posted on the website of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina, https://www.presbyterywnc.org/ministry/presbyterian-women.
Application deadline is February 15, 2021.
Packets containing information and application forms are available at the reception desk - please call Donna and she will make it available for pickup. The scholarship application is also posted on the website of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina, https://www.presbyterywnc.org/ministry/presbyterian-women.
Application deadline is February 15, 2021.
Holiday Office Hours
As we approach Thanksgiving, please note an adjustment to the church office hours. The church staff will be out of the office on Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27, in observance of Thanksgiving. The staff will return to regular office hours on Monday, November 30.
If, over the holiday, you need pastoral care in the event of an emergency or due to the hospitalization or death of church member, please call the church office at (704) 864-2651, and please press 5 to be connected to the pastor on call.
We wish you a safe and happy holiday!
If, over the holiday, you need pastoral care in the event of an emergency or due to the hospitalization or death of church member, please call the church office at (704) 864-2651, and please press 5 to be connected to the pastor on call.
We wish you a safe and happy holiday!
Church Office Hours
The church office will now close for lunch from 12:00-1:00 p.m. The vestibule will still be open for pickup and drop off during this time, but for any deliveries that require special attention, please call the church office ahead of time. If you need to contact a staff member during the lunch hour, please dial their extension directly.
First Presbyterian Church |
Contact Us
|
Affiliated with: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and Presbytery of Western North Carolina
Copyright © 2020 First Presbyterian Church, Gastonia, N.C.