News & Events tag:fpcrm.org,2008:/blog-mt//2 2008-03-31T19:54:42Z The News and Events of First Presbyterian Church Rocky Mount, North Carolinafpcrm.org Movable Type 3.2ysb5-20051201 RETIREES-ON-THE-GO WILL VISIT TRYON PALACE tag:fpcrm.org,2008:/blog-mt//2.94 2008-03-31T19:54:31Z 2008-03-31T19:54:42Z Catherine Billups Our trusty bus will leave the church at 10:00 a.m., or you may drive your own car to travel to New Bern for "Garden Lovers Weekend" at Tryon Palace. We'll be on a walking tour of the formal gardens of the colonial palace. Besides gorgeous blossoms we'll enjoy the short concerts by Fife and Drum Corps that will play throughout the afternoon. Lots of walking is involved on uneven surfaces, stones and brickwork.

Our visit to New Bern begins with lunch near the Palace. The garden tour trickets are $8.00 each and lunch is Dutch treat. Bus riders may contribute to the gas fund. Call the church office (446-9121) soon to reserve your seat on the bus, or let us know that you'll be driving on your own.

On Monday, April 28th at Noon, the group will meet at the "Shiny Diner" for lunch outside if the weather is clear.  No reservations are necessary, just come!

]]> OLDER ADULT SUNDAY - APRIL 20th tag:fpcrm.org,2008:/blog-mt//2.93 2008-03-31T19:17:41Z 2008-03-31T19:17:49Z Catherine Billups Our Senior members are a vital part of our church family! Older Adult Sunday offers an opportunity to celebrate their ministry - and to join Presbyterian churches across the United States in thanking God for their discipleship.

Did you know that First Presbyterian Church has 174 members who are 60 years old or older? That represents 40% of our total membership! This group of 174 people far exceeds the total membership of five other Presbyterian churches in Rocky Mount!  We are indeed grateful for the ongoing contributions by our seniors to our church and our community.

We're celebrating on Sunday, April 20th and we invite folks of all ages to join in!  We will begin at 10:15 in Lacy Hall with a reception honoring our senior members, followed by worship at 11:00 with older liturgists and "good old" hymns.  The Outstanding Older Adult Award will be presented during worship!

The events of Older Adult Sunday are being coordinated by the Older Adult Steering Committee. This group works throughout the year to promote ministries by, with, for, and to the senior members of our congregation.

 

]]> A GOOD FRIEND RETURNS tag:fpcrm.org,2008:/blog-mt//2.92 2008-03-31T18:51:04Z 2008-03-31T18:51:11Z Catherine Billups Throughout the month of April—and until such time as we have a new Interim Pastor in place—the Reverend Jim McKinnon, recently retired from his pastorate at the First Presbyterian Church of Wilson, NC, will be serving as the presbytery appointed moderator of our Session and as our provisional head of staff.  Jim brings to us many years of joyous service in the Presbyterian ministry.  He will be meeting with our session and diaconate monthly and with our church staff weekly for their gatherings at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesdays.  Jim has also agreed to be in the office throughout each Tuesday to be available to members as they may have need.  In addition, Jim will be preaching on April 13th and twice again in May.  Jim and his wife Louise have two sons who are also pursuing careers in ministry.  They are residing in Wilson.  In recent months Jim has also been serving the Presbyterian Church in Pinetops.   We are delighted for his willingness to be of service also to our congregation during this important time of transition.
 
]]> FPC CHILDREN GRADES 2 THROUGH 5 SPONSOR MISSION PROJECT tag:fpcrm.org,2008:/blog-mt//2.91 2008-03-31T18:46:50Z 2008-03-31T18:47:11Z Catherine Billups Support Heifer International's effort to end World Hunger, a mission project sponsored by the 2nd - 5th grade students of our church. The children's goal: one cow at a cost of $500.  "Loving is Giving."  April 27th is the last day for contributions.  For more information contact Pell Foster or Charles Jones.

]]> SPECIAL MUSIC OFFERINGS THROUGH HOLY WEEK AND INTO EASTER SUNDAY tag:fpcrm.org,2008:/blog-mt//2.90 2008-03-04T19:18:58Z 2008-03-04T20:04:18Z Catherine Billups Please note the special offerings of music by our choirs that will be offered this month as we move through Holy Week and into Easter Sunday.

March 9

Alleluia Singers

March 16

 Anthem: "Crown Him with Many Crowns" with Brass sextant and Timpani

 "Hallelujhah" from "Mount of Olives" by Bethoven

Children's Choirs

March 23

Handbells :"Hosanna! Loud Hosanna!"

"Near the Cross"

"Joy in the Morning" with Brass quartet and Timpani

]]> HOLY WEEK SERVICES MARCH 16-21 tag:fpcrm.org,2008:/blog-mt//2.89 2008-03-04T19:02:51Z 2008-03-04T19:05:24Z Holy Week encompasses the final tumultuous days in the earthly life and ministry of Jesus Christ. If was a momentous week in which Jesus not only challenged the religious authorities in Jerusalem, but also threatened the occupying Roman government by... Catherine Billups Holy Week encompasses the final tumultuous days in the earthly life and ministry of Jesus Christ. If was a momentous week in which Jesus not only challenged the religious authorities in Jerusalem, but also threatened the occupying Roman government by his very presence. It was a harsh week during which he endured confrontation and injustice, the abandonment of friends and then a cruel death. But that's not the way the week started.  Holy week began with people waving palm fronds and calling "Hosanna! Hosanna!"

PALM-PASSION SUNDAY, March 16th at 11:00 a.m.

On the first day of Holy Week, we remember how the people joyfully hailed Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. We also consider how the cheering crowd was to dissipate into a jeering mob, and the royal branches eroded into the criminal's cross.

MAUNDY THURSDAY, March 20th at 7:00 p.m.

On Maundy Thursday we recall the events of that night when Jesus and the disciples shared the Passover feast. Following the meal, Jesus used the bread and wine to symbolize the breaking of his body and the shedding of his blood yet to come. By instituting this sacrament, Jesus showed his disciples, then and now, how to recall his passion and death and at the same time celebrate his empowering presence in their lives. Our worship on this evening includes the Lord's Supper. "Maundy" comes from a Latin word, mandatum, meaning "to command" and refers to Jesus.

Exhortation in John 13: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another." These words stand in sharp contrast to the subsequent betrayal of Jesus that night.

 GOOD FRIDAY, March 21st at Noon

This ancient service of shadows and darkness is an appropriate setting in which to mourn Jesus' crucifixion. As lighted candles are extinguished, we are reminded of the ultimate sacrifice of the Lamb of God for our sakes. Our Good Friday service includes the participation of all of Rocky Mount's Presbyterian congregations. Worship this year will be held at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church at 1460 Bethlehem Road.

]]> CONCERT OF MUSIC FOR VOICE, TRUMPET, AND ORGAN tag:fpcrm.org,2008:/blog-mt//2.87 2008-03-04T18:39:38Z 2008-03-04T20:07:55Z On Sunday afternoon, April 6, there will be a concert of music for voice, trumpet, and organ at First Presbyterian Church. Our organist, Jennie Vance, will be joined by Jim Smith, baritone, and Dennis DeJong, trumpet. Jim Smith is Director... Catherine Billups On Sunday afternoon, April 6, there will be a concert of music for voice, trumpet, and organ at First Presbyterian Church. Our organist, Jennie Vance, will be joined by Jim Smith, baritone, and Dennis DeJong, trumpet. Jim Smith is Director of Vocal and Choral Activities at Peace College, where he teaches voice and conducts the Peace College Chamber Singers and Choir. Dennis de Jong is Music Program Coordinator at Johnston Community College in Smithfield. The concert will begin at 4PM and is approximately one hour in length.

]]> MEN'S BREAKFAST FELLOWSHIP tag:fpcrm.org,2008:/blog-mt//2.86 2008-02-07T20:38:55Z 2008-02-07T20:38:55Z Catherine Billups Join our men on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month for Men’s Breakfast Fellowship and Bible Study. Breakfast is served at 7:30 a.m. at a cost of $5.00

ALL MEN ARE INVITED TO ATTEND

Call or email Catherine at the church office (446-9121 or catherine.billups@fpcrm.org)

 

 

 

 

 

]]> HANDCRAFT MINISTRY AT FPC tag:fpcrm.org,2008:/blog-mt//2.85 2008-02-07T20:35:27Z 2008-02-07T20:35:27Z Catherine Billups Handcraft Ministry continues to meet the first Thursday of every month from 10:00 to noon in the Church Parlor.

 

 Our lap robes, shawls and baby blankets are given to those experiencing difficulties or illness and to new parents as reminders of God’s love.

 

 We also have many members who knot or crochet at home. We would like to welcome our newest member, Frances Guerry.

 

 Our ministry was very busy last year making a total of 21 items that were given to the community, as well as members of our congregation. We gave two shawls, seven baby blankets to members and the Bassett Center, seven lap robes and many toboggans to Operation Santa Claus.

 

 At this time we have two extra lap robes, two baby blankets and one shawl. If you know of anyone in need, please contact the church office.

 

 

 

]]> MOM'S MORNING OUT AT FPC tag:fpcrm.org,2008:/blog-mt//2.84 2008-02-07T20:33:31Z 2008-02-07T20:33:31Z Catherine Billups MOM’S MORNING OUT PLANS CONTINUE

We still need to know who is interested in an offering of Mom’s Morning Out.
 If enough interest is generated, hours would possibly be Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for children ages 0 through 5 years.  Cost would be $4.00 per hour per child ($3.00 per hour for each additional child.)  Summer hours would be available.
 Mrs. Mary Hilliard would be the Director and she has some wonderful ladies lined up to assist with a safe and enjoyable program for all.
 Call or e-mail Catherine at 446-9121 or catherine.billups@fpcrm.org or Mary Hilliard at 314-3049.  When you call or e-mail we need the age of your child as well as how many children.
 
 
]]> OUR LENTEN JOURNEY BEGINS tag:fpcrm.org,2008:/blog-mt//2.83 2008-02-07T20:30:50Z 2008-02-07T20:30:50Z Catherine Billups The Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday and continues for the forty days preceding Easter, not counting Sundays.  Why forty days? The number forty echoes the number of years the Hebrews, freed from bondage in Egypt, wandered through the wilderness toward the Promised Land.  Forty is the number of days at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry that he spent in the wilderness and was tempted by the devil.
During Lent we are invited to journey with Jesus through the last days of his earthly ministry as he headed for Jerusalem, where he was to be arrested, tried, beaten and crucified.  The season of Lent offers great meaning, not only for every individual, but also for our congregation as well. 
 For Christians, Lent is not so much a time for giving up something.  Rather, it is a time for taking on an intention to grow inwardly and outwardly in God’s grace.  The disciplines of our Lenten journey can lead to our more faithful witness and service.
 Lent calls us to a journey that deepens our spiritual growth and our relationship with God.  The journey inward involves repentance, prayer, meditation, and confession.  Acknowledging God’s forgiveness, we grasp a hopeful vision of the world and of human possibilities through the power of God’s love.  We listen for God’s call to us and seek to discern God’s will for our lives & for the life of the world.
Instead of focusing on “giving something up for Lent,” we strive to turn away from superfluous needs and to abstain from all that would estrange us from God, our true selves, our fellow human beings, and God’s creation.
 Our outward journey of Lent leads us to turn our attention to the concrete needs of others, to seek their good through a ministry of caring action, and to give our time & money.
 By traveling in an intentional manner through the days of Lent, we will be better prepared spiritually for the dazzling glory of Easter morning!  For then we’ll be awed by God’s lavish and forgiving love for us shown in Christ’s resurrection!
 
]]> PRESBYTERY OF NEW HOPE SCHOLARSHIP tag:fpcrm.org,2008:/blog-mt//2.82 2008-02-07T20:28:31Z 2008-02-07T20:28:31Z Catherine Billups PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN OF THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW HOPE
Scholarship Applications
Deadline: March 1, 2008
The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage and aid men and women of the Presbyterian Church in their pursuit of higher education.  The amount of the scholarship is $650.  Applications may be picked up in the church office.
 Please note that all information requested by the form is required plus a short essay entitled “My Plans for the Future, Shaped by My Faith”, copy of official secondary school transcript and letters of recommendation from your minister, moderator of the Presbyterian Women, and school guidance counselor or teacher/advisor.
 
]]> ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING - MARCH 23, 2008 tag:fpcrm.org,2008:/blog-mt//2.81 2008-02-07T20:21:01Z 2008-02-07T20:21:01Z Catherine Billups ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING – SUNDAY MARCH 23

When you ask someone about the miracles of Jesus, probably the one most people think of first is the feeding of the multitude,  "the miracle of the loaves and fishes."  The story offers us simple but powerful truth: When we offer what we have, God uses our gifts in ways far beyond what we could have imagined.  This is a message that resounds particularly in One  Great Hour of Sharing.  A small change in our lifestyle can mean a gift that when multiplied by millions of other givers can enable transformations that none of us could have predicted.

Since 1949, Presbyterians have joined with millions of other Christians through OGHS to share God's love with people experiencing need.  Our gifts support ministries of disaster response, refugee assistance and resettlement, and community development that help people find safe refuge, start new lives and work together to strengthen their families and communities.

Recognizing that the hope we have in Christ in lived out in hope for one another, we respond with gifts that help our sisters and brothers around the world find the hope for a brighter future.  That is what One Great Hour of Sharing can do.  Will you and your family please pray for and offer your gifts to this ministry?

Did you know FPC have seven special offerings a year?

1.  January - Witness Season

2.  Souper Bowl  (Responsibility of Youth Fellowship)

3.  Easter - One Great Hour of Sharing

4.  Mother's Day - Presbyterian Home

5.  October - World Communion Peacemaking Offering

6.  November - Barium Spring Children Home

7.  December - Joy Offering

]]> RETIREES ON-THE-GO tag:fpcrm.org,2008:/blog-mt//2.80 2008-02-07T19:42:54Z 2008-02-07T19:42:54Z Catherine Billups Retirees On The Go

 

Join us March 11 at 11:30 for lunch in Harry’s Tavern at Ford’s Colony, followed by a tour of the model homes and the Ford’s Colony property.  If the church bus fills, you may carpool.  There is a limit of 25 people.  Our meal is $9.61 which includes drink, cookie, and tax.  Tip is not included.

 

When you sign up in the church office, you will need to make your meal choice.  The “ meal choice sign up sheet” will be on the church bulletin board.

 

The cost of your meal and your meal choice must be made by Monday, Feb. 26.

 

Come join the fun as we tour one of Rocky Mount’s newest developments.

 

]]> RETIREES ON-THE-GO tag:fpcrm.org,2008:/blog-mt//2.79 2008-01-24T16:01:58Z 2008-01-24T16:03:36Z Catherine Billups RETIREES – ON – THE – GO
ARE HEADING OUT AGAIN!

Lunch at Cracker Barrel
Tuesday, February 12th
11:45 a.m.
Meet at the restaurant for a dutch treat lunch
near the intersection of Winstead Ave. & English Road
No reservations necessary – Just come!
~~~
Raleigh Museum of Art
Guided Tour & Lunch
Wednesday, February 20th
Docents will lead us in small groups through “Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism,” and highlights of the permanent collection.  Lunch follows in the museum’s dining room.
At 10:15 a.m. our church bus & cars will leave from the large parking lot across from the church. Since the museum welcomes groups of up to 30 folks, we can fill the bus and also have cars going. 
Registration Deadline:
$14.00 per lunch & travel reservations are due in the church office by February 6th     The lunch fee includes the meal, drink, dessert & tip.
If you’d rather meet us at the museum, be in the museum lobby by 11:30 a.m.  However, to eat with our group, you’ll still need to make and pay for your lunch reservation ($14.00 each) in the church office by February 6th.

]]>