First Presbyterian Church Church Chatter Dear friends, One of the blessings of this congregation over the years has been its church staff. Certainly, strong pastors have blessed First Presbyterian. Other folks, though, have also been part of that blessing. We have essentially had three directors of music in 125 years – Mrs. Lizzie for the first 50 years, Russell Roebuck for 55 years and Joan Gibbs for the last 26. This is nothing short of remarkable. We have enjoyed having strong administrators, wonderful educators and dependable maintenance folks, as well. What has made this work is the ability of the church to adapt to changing needs with thoughtfulness and faithfulness. This year, we find ourselves in such an adaptive moment. As you know, Dale Sauls, after eleven years, recently resigned her service to us to take a position with the Department of Social Services. There is no doubt we have been blessed by Dale’s eleven plus years with us. Last month, the Session approved having our own Gray Bruton serve as Interim Director of Education. Her services will continue with us until a new associate pastor is installed. That search committee is continuing its work and making good progress (A report is inside the newsletter). Additionally, Shelby Moore, our long-time maintenance assistant, will be retiring, as well. We will celebrate her 25 years with us on May 18th. Our other maintenance folks, Alan Martin and Ben Norris, will care for the cleaning of church property. Finally, at its most recent meeting, the Session approved plans to provide Joan Gibbs a sabbatical this coming summer. Sabbaticals are not simply vacations. They are intentionally crafted opportunities for rest and regrowth. Based on the Biblical idea of Sabbath rest, sabbaticals are appropriate and effective ways to support and equip long-time church staff members. This comes as a request from Joan, and we have worked to make this a time of spiritual growth, personal renewal and professional development. The sabbatical will take effect later this month. To cover our music needs this summer, the church has retained Jeremy Tucker as our Summer Music Intern. Stayed tuned for more information. Session Notes At April’s Session meeting, the following actions were taken: �� Approved communion to be provided to homebound and/or hospitalized members during Lent: �� Approved a 12 week sabbatical for Director of Music, Joan Gibbs. Congregational Meeting called It is a blessing to be in ministry at this church. Our prayer and intent is A congregational meeting is call for Sunday, May 22nd at 10:45 in the sanctuary. The that our staff will adapt and grow to support these ministries and purpose of the meeting is to review an missions of this beloved community of faith. annual report for the 2010 year and to elect a nominating committee. Sunday school will Peace in Christ, Tom Watkins conclude that morning at 10:30. Please make every effort to attend. Condolences are extended to… ��Bill Wilkerson on the death of her sisters,, Pennie Rose Ferrell and Rachel Barnes, both of Lucama. ��Natalie Hanchett on the death of her mother, Betty may Youngk of Pittsburgh, PA. ��Marshall Pope on the death of his brother, Henry C. Pope of Norfolk, VA. Congratulations are extended to… ��Patricia Wells and Zach Cheek, who were married on April 9th; ��Weekday School Director Jayme Daniels and her husband David on the birth of their son William Vance. ��Brian Boykin and Rosemary Bass, who were married on April 2nd. Administrative News Associate Pastor Search Committee Update Since November, our search committee has been hard at work in search of an associate pastor. We began with some basic orientation and conversation as to the nature of our search. We then moved quickly to the development of our Church Information Form. This is a document that serves as a window to our congregation for potential pastors. Once approved by the Session in January, we began our search. We have been in conversation with seminaries, presbytery executives and pastors about potentials candidates. We have received a great number of self-referring candidates. We continue to faithfully and carefully review each of them. This month, we have begun having some initial conversations with several candidates. These have gone well, and we look forward to more exchanges with these candidates and others. The process has moved along well, and we look forward to making a report back to the congregation at a later date. Associate Pastor Search Committee: Flo Batten, Martha-Scott Benson, Gray Bruton, John T. Smith, Sheila Wiggins, and Dave Dolman, chair. In appreciation for 25 years of service & dedication to First Presbyterian Church, please join us for a retirement celebration in honor of Shelby Moore Wednesday, May 18th at 11:30am in the Dudley Room Please RSVP to the church office by May 12th. Affected Families Our deacons have been working to contact church members who have been particularly affected by the storm. Our hope is to support them with our prayers, warm meals and, if needed, a place to stay until home repair is complete. If you know someone affected, please contact the church office. Church property The Property Committee has assessed our grounds, and it appears that the church has limited damage. We have had small trees and limbs down around the property. One tree has taken out a power line and the pre-school wing playground fence. The down line made traffic impassable around Lynch Street and the sanctuary parking lot. Of the more imposing issues, the cross on the top of the steeple is bent, leaning toward the north east. Thanks to many hearts and hands, the debris has been cleared. The playground remains closed until the large trees in the area can be trimmed. Our insurance has been contacted, and we will be assessing how to repair the cross. Volunteer Assistance The Mission Committee will be exploring ways for us to be involved in community clean up and response. If you can volunteer one afternoon to assist in clean up or home repair, please contact the church office this week. Community Support �� Food donations can be brought to the church. They will be distributed to Hope Station. �� Clothing donations need to be directed to either the Salvation Army at 316 Tarboro or Angel Attic at 4505 Rosebud Church Road in Elm City. �� Monetary donations can be directed to the church. Funds will be first used to support any direct assistance that comes our way. The remaining funds will be directed to the Wilson County area Red Cross. Continue to pray for those who have been so wounded by this storm. Outreach and Mission Every month throughout the year, we focus on certain ministries to support. Of the many needs we discovered in our mission to Port-au-Prince, the need for eye protection was very immediate. Please bring any sun glasses, reading glasses or safety glasses to the church throughout the month. We will have drop boxes throughout the church. Carriage House Breakfast The Carriage House Breakfast is a Sunday morning breakfast served at the same location as the Soup Kitchen (St. Timothy's Episcopal Church). Although the numbers vary, generally 20 - 40 people are served each week. We are looking for about 3 volunteers per Sunday, and it is a great opportunity for a family to take. The Sundays include: May 8, May 15, May 22, May 29.You need to be at the Soup Kitchen at 8:45 and breakfast is served from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. Email Rebecca Hawley ([email protected]) to sign up, and she will send you the detailed instructions, or you may pick up copies of instructions at the receptionist’s desk in the church office. Missionaries for the month: Elizabeth and Darren Kennedy, and Mr. and Mrs. Brice Rogers, all serving in the Cairo Protestant Seminary, Cairo, Egypt. Congregational Care & Fellowship Finding Out About FPC A course for visitors Visitors, seekers, and members, both young and old, are invited to participate in this three week course about life and faith at First Presbyterian. Led by the pastor, the group will meet in the parlor from 9:50-10:30 on Sunday mornings starting May 15th. It is a great chance to learn more about the church, the Presbyterian-reformed tradition and the spiritual exercise of joining a church. Career Connections Listed below is a qualifications summary for current participants of the group. If you know of an open position that might be filled by someone with these qualifications, please contact Tom Watkins in the church office. If you would like to add yourself or someone you know to this list, please contact Tom as well. �� 25+ years in prepress/design/advertising. MacIntosh Adobe CS artist, video editing and website building. �� 15+ yrs. Leading Healthcare Operations, Benefit Administration, Customer Experience, Web Portals, Call Centers, System implementations, Compliance, Project Oversight, Billing, Enrollment & COBRA Administration. �� 10+ years of sales, customer service, and project management; BS, US Navy. From Ginger’s Desk… Upcoming Dates May 31: deadline to register for Middle School Mission Trip June 26-July 1: Mission Trip to Savannah, GA July 7-10: Middle School Trip to Massanetta Springs July 17-23: High School Trip to Montreat July 29-31: Morehead City Mission Trip for current 5th-current 7th graders October 21-23: Middle School Retreat to Camp Don Lee As the youth approach May, they have mixed emotions. Most are ready for the end of the school year, but worry about the exams they will face. Most are ready for summer break, but know that they won’t see some of their friends again until August. Most are glad to be going to the next grade, but some aren’t sure they are ready to leave home for college just yet. As you can see, this is a time of joy tinged with worry for many. To this end, the high school will again visit Lake Waccamaw for a retreat to rest, relax and reminisce before the stress of exams and the departure of our seniors. Let Ginger know ASAP if your high schooler is planning to attend. We continue to plan for summer and eagerly look forward to the time we have to travel together and get to know each other better than ever. We can’t thank Zack Wiggins and his team of expert cookers enough for helping us to reach our fundraising goal so that all of our trips will be fully funded. Thank You!! As always – call or text me with any questions! See you Sunday! See you Sunday! Key to Successful Program In order to keep in contact with your youth, please let Ginger Jablonski know of any updated email addresses for you or your youth as well as cell phone and texting privileges your child has. In addition, check the FPC website often at www.firstpreswilson.com and click on the youth link and join our FPC Youth Group on Facebook. Communication is the Key to a Successful Youth Program!! Summer Shadow Program for Youth Again this summer your rising 6th – completed 12th graders have the opportunity to participate in a volunteer summer shadow program at the church office. This work will involve a comprehensive look at how our church office runs and what a youth director does during the week. There will be administrative work as well as trip planning and preplanning for next year. Volunteering will give your child a sense of ownership in the church as well as giving me some time to get to know your youth one-on-one. If you would like to have your child participate, please contact Ginger Jablonski for date availability at [email protected]. Middle School Mission Trip If you are a rising 6th-rising 8th grader, then you are invited to the Middle School Mission Trip to Morehead City on July 29-31, 2011. We will participate with the MORE Mission Program through First Presbyterian Church in Morehead City. The cost is $60 per person which includes housing, food, and materials for the mission trip. What: Middle School Mission Trip for rising 6th-8th graders When: July 29-31, 2011 Where: Morehead City, North Carolina With: MORE Program Cost: $60 per child non-refundable due May 31 Youth Shepherd Program Underway If you have a rising 6th or 9th grader, you should be hearing from an FPC youth soon if not already. Many of our active youth have volunteered to act as Shepherds for our rising 6th and 9th graders. These shepherds will be calling your child to encourage his/her participation in various events over the summer and in the fall. Let us know what we can do to help your youth feel 100% comfortable in Youth Fellowship! Middle School May 1, Sunday –5:45-7:00pm drop off and pick up at Westview Lanes Wear socks and bring $5.00 for bowling and meet us at the bowling alley on Ward Blvd. Bring extra money if you want a snack since dinner will not be served tonight. Catch up with friends you haven’t seen over spring break before school starts back! May 8, Sunday – No Youth Fellowship this Sunday – Enjoy time with your Mom!! May 15, Sunday – 6:30pm in Clark Hall Say GOODBYE to tie-dye and our seniors tonight at our end-of-the-year celebration for Youth Fellowship. All youth in 5th-12th grades are invited (along with their families) for dessert and an end-of-the-year program. High School May 1, Sunday –5:45-7:00pm drop off and pick up at Westview Lanes Wear socks and bring $5.00 for bowling and meet us at the bowling alley on Ward Blvd. Bring extra money if you want a snack since dinner will not be served tonight. Catch up with friends you haven’t seen over spring break before school starts back! May 8, Sunday – No Youth Fellowship this Sunday – Enjoy time with your Mom!! May 15, Sunday – 6:30pm in Clark Hall Say GOODBYE to tie-dye and our seniors tonight at our end-of-the-year celebration for Youth Fellowship. All youth in 5th-12th grades are invited (along with their families) for dessert and an end-of-the-year program. May 22, Sunday – 4:30-6:00pm in Youth Room Tonight we will have our mandatory Montreat pre-trip meeting. Plan to come ready to find out all you need to know about the upcoming trip to Montreat. We will get to know each other better, go over expectations and responsibilities, and complete our covenant. Parents should arrive at 6pm with a copy of the front and back of your child’s insurance card. SUCCESS! Zack’s Sensational BBQ Many thanks go out to Zack Wiggins and his team of excellent chicken cookers for a wonderful melt-in-your-mouth BBQ chicken dinner. The fundraiser was very successful generating $1477.00 for 2011 Fundraising Campaign for Mission Trips and Conference Fees for our youth. Thanks again, Team Zack!! Huge Success The youth 2011 Fundraising Campaign for Mission Trips and Conference Fees this year was a huge success! The amazing response of FPC members and friends allowed the youth to surpass our goal of $3475 with a total raised of $4234! We can’t thank you enough for this wonderful support. The breakdown of money raised is listed below: Baked Potato Bar Chicken BBQ Mission Shares $1,117.00 $1,477.00 $1640.00 The Summer Seven youth program is a time of fun and fellowship to keep youth connected to each other and to the church over the busy summer season. In order to give our advisors some much needed rest, I will need other adults to help me drive and chaperone the youth. Space will be limited, so register your youth early. Look at the schedule below and volunteer now to help! Middle School Youth Fellowship West Water Park (Kinston) Tuesday, June 21 High School Youth Fellowship Movie at Carmike Theater Tuesday, June 21, at 7:00ish (Movie and time TBA). Savannah Mission Trip Sunday – Friday, June 26-July 1 Savannah Mission Trip Sunday – Friday, June 26-July 1 Massenetta Conference Thursday – Sunday, July 7-10 Vacation Bible School Sunday – Thursday, July 10-14, 6:00-8:00 MORE Program Mission Trip Friday – Sunday, July 29-31 Pool Party at the Potts’ House Saturday, August 20 from 2:00-3:30pm Lunch at The Dog House Tuesday, August 9 at 11:30am (students who return to school prior to 8/25) Wednesday, August 24 at 11:30am (for students who return to school on 8/25) Vacation Bible School Sunday – Thursday, July 10-14, 6:00-8:00 SUMMER Montreat Youth Conference Sunday – Saturday, July 17-23, 2010 Girls’ Night Out in the Youth Room Tuesday, July 26 from 6:30-9:30 Boys’ Night Out at Howard’s House Tuesday, July 26 from 6:30-9:30 Lunch at The Dog House Tuesday, August 9 at 11:30am (students who return to school prior to 8/25) Wednesday, August 24 at 11:30am (for students who return to school on 8/25) In Memory of... The following have given gifts to the church in memory of the people whose names are in bold. THELMA SIMPSON Gilda & Clayton Tucker Mrs. Gilda Volkman MILO L. GIBBS, SR. (Milo L. Gibbs, Jr.'s father) Gilda & Clayton Tucker Mrs. Gilda Volkman Mr. & Mrs. B. Perry Morrison, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. D. Reid Tickle BETTY MAY YOUNGK (Natalie Hanchett's mother) Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Brockwell Linda & Bill Ward WILL CARR SMITH Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Kirkland Mrs. Holly S. Matthews Mr. & Mrs. Charles Dewey Barham, Jr. Mrs. Susan Harrell & Family Mr. & Mrs. B. Perry Morrison, Jr. Margaret C. Williams Dr. & Mrs. D. Reid Tickle Mr. & Mrs. H. F. Kelly, Jr. ANDY FRITSCHER (Joan & Milo Gibbs' grandson's father) Gilda & Clayton Tucker Mrs. Gilda Volkman Dr. & Mrs. D. Reid Tickle LOUISE OATES Gilda & Clayton Tucker Mrs. Gilda Volkman VINCENT OGLE (Dolores Sloop's uncle) Dr. & Mrs. D. Reid Tickle PENNY FERRELL (Bill Wilkerson's sister) Mrs. Sally Wilson Mrs. Mary B. Sauls Ms. Ruth Turnage Mrs. Gladys B. Slaughter Webber & Coalter Paxton CHARLIE SETLIFFE Dr. & Mrs. D. Reid Tickle RICHARD SMITH Mrs. Holly S. Matthews MARY LOU SMITH Mrs. Holly S. Matthews RACHEL BARNES (Bill Wilkerson's sister) Ms. Ruth Turnage Webber & Coalter Paxton Mrs. Gladys B. Slaughter JEANNE FENNER Dr. & Mrs. D. Reid Tickle Financial & Stewardship News MONTHLY REPORT For the month ending March 31, 2011, we received $ 49,617 in pledged income and $9,054 in miscellaneous income for a total of $ 58,671. Over the same period of time, our expenses totaled $ 63,190, leaving us with a budget shortfall of $ 4,519 for the month. Getting Green! Last month, the stewardship Committee hosted a “Getting Green” workshop. Led by the non-profit group North Carolina Interfaith Power and Light, we received a presentation and did a “walk-thru” of our property, indentifying ways to be more environmentally friendly, economically conservative and better overall stewardships of God’s creation and our facilities. Specific recommendations for our church staff and property committee will be forthcoming. Thanks for your interest. This & That Correction:The article in last month’s Chatter about the cross in our sanctuary that was carved by Hart Wiggins, incorrectly stated to whom it was given in memory. The cross was given in loving memory of Mr. David Louis Clayton and Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Graves Clayton by Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Graves Clayton, Jr. Presbyterian Women May Friendship Day: Church Women United’s May Friendship Day will be celebrated Friday May 6th at 12:00 at the First United Methodist Church. The morning will begin with the May Friendship Luncheon and will be followed with a program titled, Living Our Friendships – Passing on the Key. The program will be presented by Kathie Davis, former staff member of FPC and current executive director of Wilson YMCA. Tickets are $7.00 and are available in the church office or through Hazel Deans at 237-2935. All women are invited to attend the May Birthday Luncheon on Tuesday, May 17 in the Dudley Room. Bring a covered dish, enjoy fellowship, hear a year end financial report, and the Moderator’s yearly report. Officers for the 2011-2012 year will also be installed. Please prayerfully consider taking one of the following positions of leadership for the Presbyterian Women 2011-2012 year. �� Circle Leader for the Night Circle �� Circle Leader for the In Home Circle �� Corresponding Secretary for the Coordinating Team �� Moderator of the Search Committee for the Coordinating Team �� Public Relations for the Coordinating Team A description of each position may be found in the PW Yearbook or call Lina Bracey, Moderator of PW for 2011-2014, at 291-4955 if you would like additional information or if you would like to volunteer to serve. MAY CIRCLES �The Evening Circle will meet in the Dudley Room at 7:00 on Monday, May 9, Jolly Barnes hostess �The Parlor Circle will meet at 10:00 on Tuesday, May 10, Ruth Turnage hostess. �The In-Home Circle will meet at 10:00 on Tuesday, May 10 with the location TBA. Making Arrangements Because it is difficult to plan wisely in times of emotional stress, the Session encourages members to discuss and plan in advance the arrangements which will be necessary at the time of death, including decisions about the Christian options of burial, cremation, or donation for medical purposes. Such decisions are a gift to your family and an opportunity to bear witness to our faith. The church provides a brochure to help in this process. It walks you through the spiritual and practical aspects of making prior arrangements around death. It outlines in more detail options surrounding estate planning. Finally, it provides more information about fees and procedures for the memorial garden. Please know that fees for the Memorial Garden will increase July 1, 2011. Christian Education Explorers! Thursday Morning Bible Study This group gathers each Thursday morning at 10:00 in the church library. Led by Dr. Watkins, they are studying the Book of Genesis. Summer Sunday School A new and creative Sunday school plan is being developed by the Christian Education Committee. Instead of Sunday morning classes for children, we will be providing Sunday evening Sunday School events. Each event begins with a common gathering for song and prayer and then the group will be divided for intergenerational activities. The event begins on June 12th, with an vespers service. More information will be coming. Stay tuned to church ChitterChatter and Sunday bulletins for more information. (Kindergarten-2nd graders) Lets go jump & have a flippin’ good time at Flipping Lizards! Weekday School News The cost is $5. Please call Jennifer Bibbs at 205.9845 to reserve a spot. FPC Weekday School FPC Weekday School registration is open for the fall for 1-5 year olds Contact Jayme Daniels at [email protected] with any questions. Friday, May 13th from 6:30-8:00pm End-of-Year program Thursday, May 19 at 6:30 pm in Clark Hall Vacation Bible School 2011 July 10th - July 14th Contact Heather Nicol (252) 205-6205 to volunteer one night, two nights, or the WHOLE WEEK!!! We still need Tribe leaders, Shopkeepers, Mary, Games Coordinator, etc. Plan to come help us transform the side yard from Wilson to Nazareth for a week of learning, laughter, and fun!!! Steven Dollar......................... 1-May Matt Cox................................ 1-May Clint Johnson......................... 2-May Austin Williams ...................... 2-May Amy Fossaceca..................... 3-May Will Koster............................. 3-May Joseph Anthony..................... 3-May Cassie Stevens...................... 3-May Anne Miller Taylor.................. 3-May Bobi Gregory ......................... 4-May Sue Prescott.......................... 4-May Rick Driver............................. 4-May Stacy Good............................ 4-May Bill Blackman......................... 5-May Asa Gregory .......................... 6-May Amber Zee............................. 6-May Vance Forbes ........................ 7-May Elizabeth Horne ..................... 7-May Mary Frances Sauls ............... 8-May Lynn Williams ........................ 8-May John Tyler Griffin ................... 8-May Ruth Powell ........................... 9-May Anderson Vanlandingham ...... 9-May Julia Fulcher........................ 10-May Rachel Tabb ........................ 10-May Jonathan Driver ................... 10-May Dot Hudson ......................... 11-May Edna Johnston..................... 11-May William Bryan....................... 11-May Joe Russell.......................... 12-May Alice Cox Horton.................. 12-May Ed Brown............................. 13-May Wortley Whitehead............... 13-May Dave Boyette....................... 13-May Allison Hubbard ................... 13-May Katherine Collins.................. 13-May Nancy Marlowe.................... 14-May Bob Sloop............................ 14-May Sue Barnes.......................... 14-May Linda Smith ......................... 14-May Kim Bissette ........................ 14-May Webber Paxton.................... 15-May Caroline Spencer................. 15-May Jim Hunt.............................. 16-May Sam Douglas....................... 16-May Charles Wairia..................... 16-May Alex Bass ............................ 16-May Bob Gregory ........................ 17-May Kathy Todd.......................... 17-May Eli Gunter ............................ 17-May Spencer Gibbs..................... 18-May Olivia Boles ......................... 18-May Al Nowell..............................19-May Erin Thorne..........................19-May Anne Snipes ........................20-May Perry Morrison .....................20-May Brian DeKeyzer....................21-May Norman McHenry.................22-May Andrew Busch......................22-May Mary Katherine Prince..........22-May Tom Boyd ............................23-May Gilda Tucker ........................23-May Katie Bethune ......................23-May Harrison Dollar.....................23-May Cameron Ivey.......................24-May Jim Busch............................25-May David Boyette.......................25-May Sarah Prince........................25-May Tom Spencer .......................25-May Michael Thatcher..................26-May Katherine Coyte ...................26-May William Boykin......................27-May Sheila Wiggins .....................27-May Rob Wheeler........................27-May Eric Via................................27-May Ginger Jablonski ..................28-May Olivia Pearce .......................28-May Harrison Frey .......................28-May Charlie Liggon......................29-May Vivi Kayye............................30-May If you are receiving a paper copy of the Church Chatter by mail and an email copy of chatter, we can stop the paper copy and save some paper and postage! Please drop us an email at fpc@firstpreswilson, or call the office at 243-3115 if you want discontinue the paper copy of Chatter. SHELBY MOORE & ALAN MARTIN Maintenance JENNIFER BOYETTE MEADE Secretary [email protected] GINGER JABLONSKI Youth Director [email protected] DAWN HODGES Financial Administrator [email protected] JOAN B. GIBBS Director of Music [email protected] JAYME DANIELS Weekday School Director [email protected] JANE ENGLE Pianist [email protected] GRAY BRUTON interim Christian Ed. Coordinator [email protected] THE REV. JIM McKINNON Pastor Emeritus THE REV. DR. TOM WATKINS Pastor [email protected] C H U R C H S TA F F 414 Sunset Road PO Box 3184, Wilson, NC 27895 Phone: 252-243-3115; Fax: 252-243-3116 Email: [email protected] web: www.firstpreswilson.com First Presbyterian Church Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage PAID Permit No. 198 Wilson, NC 27893
© Copyright 2026 Paperzz