Operation Christmas Child shoebox packing party!

It’s that time again folks – it’s time for Wednesday Night Advent activities!

We’re very excited about our kick-off event this coming Wednesday night, December 1st.  In the past we as a church have encouraged members to create shoeboxes on their own for Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse.  While you’re certainly welcome to continue doing that as a family, we want YOUR family to come join the CHURCH family on Wednesday night, where together we will assemble a mass of shoeboxes to make a difference in a child’s life!

Please arrive at 6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall (there will NOT be a dinner), and if you signed up for shoebox items please bring them with you.  We will have some refreshments and cider and should be done by 7:30.

It will be a wonderful time of fellowship and doing our part to help brighten a child’s holiday season!  See you there!

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Death of Doris Gauldin

The sympathy of the congregation is extended this Thanksgiving weekend to Doris Gauldin, a long-time church member who died unexpectedly yesterday.

The funeral service will be this Sunday, November 28th at 2:00pm at Moody Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Oakdale Cemetery.  A brief visitation with the family will take place prior to the service at 1:00pm.

If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. – Romans 14:8

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As we give thanks….

Two days from now you will gather together with family and with friends.  Hopefully there will be a freshly-cooked turkey in your midst, along with all the fixings, of which you and the others will gladly take part.  There will be football (Patriots vs. the Lions, Saints vs. the Cowboys, and Bengals vs. the Jets in case you were wondering), and maybe a walk around the neighborhood if the weather’s nice.  Most of all, you will take time to give thanks for those you love, for the life you’ve been given, for the God who forever holds you in the palm of his hand.

Five days from now you will gather for another meal with another family.  This one will take place in the sanctuary of our church during worship, with your church family, the body of Christ.  It will be a meal prepared by the same God who made the universe; the same God who loves you so much that he became one of you, lives among you, laughs and cries with you, died for you, and came back to life for you.  The meal itself will be different too – some of Jane Rountree’s amazing bread and Welch’s grape juice.  But it will be no less significant than the meal Jesus had with his “family” years ago.  In fact, as we come together to celebrate the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, we take our place at that same table, giving God all the praise and glory.

For both of these meals, and for so many other things, I ask that you join me in expressing our persistent thankfulness to God through the lives we lead and the service we render.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and we will see you Sunday!

Steve

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Giving Thanks Together in a Multitude of Ways

This Sunday, November 21st, will be an exciting day in the life of our church.

First, the Beacons will lead the congregation in worship at 11:00 a.m. They have planned a joyful and heartfelt service of praise and worship.

Second, after worship it will be time for our 3rd Annual Thanksgiving Feast here at FPC. Make plans to join us this coming Sunday for our annual Thanksgiving Feast as we give thanks for our church family and the many blessings we have received. The church will provide meat, and drinks you are asked to bring side dishes and desserts to share.

Youth Sunday & Thanksgiving Feast Day is always such a wonderful time of worship and fellowship, we hope to see you all there.

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Death of Jean Cook’s brother

Please keep Jean Cook and her family in your thoughts and prayers.  Her brother, Fred Smith, died this Sunday after a long-term illness.  Visitation will be at the Fellowship Church in Ararat, VA this evening from 6-8pm.  Tomorrow there will be a graveside service at Oakdale Cemetery at 11am and a memorial service at Fellowship Church at 2pm.

If we live, we live to the Lord.  And if we die, we die to the Lord.  So whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s! Romans 14:8

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Things to Remember

Don’t forget to set your clocks back by one hour (nice…an extra hour of sleep!) before you to to bed on Saturday night, November 6th as we revert back to Daylight Savings Time!

Bring your Cents-A-Bility & Yokefellow Offerings with you to worship this Sunday, November 7th for our Offering for Hunger & Hope.
Every little bit makes such a big difference in the lives of those around us!

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Music Ministry Musings this Sunday!

Greetings one and all!  This is a reminder that Music Ministry Musings will take place this Sunday, Nov. 7th, immediately following worship in the Fellowship Hall.  This is an opportunity for your voice to be heard as we collectively seek God’s guidance and move into the next chapter of music ministry at our church!  The Beacons will provide lunch for us, followed by a small-group discussion facilitated by Rev. Steve McCutchan.  Childcare for children grades 5 and under will be provided.

I hope you will join with me in embracing this time of transition in our church, as we celebrate Sandy’s long and storied tenure and prepare for what God has in store for us.  Your Personnel and Worship & Music ministry teams have been hard at work over the past few months to assure this process goes smoothly and all voices are heard. For this reason, it’s important  that we each take time to think about what lies ahead and, together, ponder questions that will guide us to the right individuals to lead our church’s music ministry.

Thank you in advance for making plans to join us.  See you there!

Steve

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