Mission Focus: BAGS
Friends of State Street – Bags from First Presbyterian Church on Vimeo.
(Not to be confused with 40 Bags in 40 days!) The BAGS mission provides sack meals to the homeless in conjunction with Friends of State Street Families.
Choose the volunteer slot that fits YOUR schedule. Click the link and scroll down to the calendar to sign up, then let Sue Truitt know the details.
THIS WEEKEND: All Congregational Meeting
Sunday, February 16
Immediately following first service on Sunday, February 16 the congregation will meet to vote on the open Personnel Elder position.
We are Seeking a New Director of Children’s Ministry
If you or someone you know might be interested in the best job ever, please reach out to Christa Schmeelk, Director of Family Ministry, who will be assisting recruitment. Read the job posting here.
Lenten Dinners are Back!
Wednesday nights March 4–April 8 at 5:30
The Fellowship team is excited to announce Wednesday Night family dinners during Lent! Clearly our congregation has an “appetite” for these gatherings because they were a HUGE success last year as we prepared for the miracle of Easter. The meal begins at 5:30 and is followed by a 30 minute devotion ending at 6:45. Mark your calendars: the Wednesday night dinners run from March 4–April 8.
Join the Children’s Choir
Practice: Wednesdays during Lent: March 4, 11, 18, 25, and April 1
Performing: Palm Sunday, April 5 at the 8:45 Service
We have had such fun singing during VBS that we wanted to offer an opportunity for the children to sing in a Children’s Choir this year! During Lenten dinners, we will be offering 2 different music programs for kids. Free dinners will be provided from 5:30-6:15pm, and while the adults have a devotional from 6:15-6:45pm, kids 1st –6th grade will go with our Music Director Nancy to the chapel to learn songs they can perform on Palm Sunday (for those who would like to). Ages 3- Kindergarten (or parents with their toddlers) can go to the preschool room for a time of music and fun with Christa from 6:15-6:45pm.
Let’s get ready to jam together! Email Christa Schmeelk, Director of Family Ministry
Giving up STUFF for Lent
Are you ready to declutter? Coinciding with the 40 days of Lent, why not go through our homes (or garages or email inboxes!) and declutter one “bag” a day? Join this Facebook group that will challenge, encourage and support your effort to give up some STUFF.
Sign up in the lobby on Sunday, February 23 after service or click on the link below to be added to the Facebook group. We will encourage each other and find accountability by posting pictures of our work. Living with less stuff and clutter leaves more room for Jesus in our hearts and minds. Together, we can fight the clutter!
January Flock Notes
From Dianne Larson, Clerk of Session
Life is good at FPC. Membership is up over last year, Sunday Children’s Ministry attendance is up over last year, and new Elders and Deacons have been ordained and installed.
At our Annual Meeting we formally thanked the outgoing Elders: Bill Baker, Alice Honeywell, Derek Johnson, Jamie Roberts, and Deacons, Kathryn Binau, Brenda Carlson, and Mary Vande Voort. We welcomed the new Elders, R J Binau, Wes Ray, Alan Roberts, and Deacons, Pam Knutson, Lisa Lerdahl, Connie Pelton, Laura Dortzbach, and Barbara Evans. Session has passed a faith budget which means pledges fall somewhat short of the Session’s planned ministry expenditures for 2020, but the Elders are trusting in God and in His people at FPC to provide.
Adult Nurture and Family Ministry are offering many programs for Sunday mornings and some evenings.
Christmas Eve attendance was up 27% over last year. Session discussed the impact of earlier service times and the great weather.
Mission projects both local and global have many FPC members actively involved. Spring clean-up will be in May, date to be determined, and the grand opening of the outdoor space will be May 17.
Fire code and safety concerns means we have reluctantly had to cap VBS attendance at 336. FPC members will receive sign up information before the general public.
