UPCOMING CHURCH EVENTS:

Our 2019 High School Graduates will be honored during worship on Youth/Graduate Sunday, June 2, 2019. Each high school senior will be presented a Bible and a book as a gift from the congregation. (Stop by the Memorial Room to sign their book, to offer congratulations and best wishes to each of them, if you have not yet done so.) Please keep our youth in your prayers as they prepare to lead us in worship on this special day.

The High School Graduates and their plans for the fall are: Nancy Monahan Beaujeu-Dufour– Duke University; Elizabeth Watkins Coleman- North Carolina State University; John Wesley Cowand, IV- North Carolina State University; Ella Darlese Faison– University of South Carolina; Richard Simpson Green- North Carolina State University; Stephanie Kay Prestage– University of Michigan; Sarah Elizabeth Tart– University of North Carolina Wilmington

College Graduates: Samantha Pope– Juris Doctor Degree, Campbell University School of Law; Aaron Viser– Bachelor of Science in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University. Max Prestage– Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with concentration in Operations and Supply Chain Management with a minor in Accounting, North Carolina State University.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church invites you to join them for the RUNNING OF THE BELMONT STAKES Garden Gala on Saturday, June 8, 2019 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., at 319 W. Main Street. This event will support the joint St. Paul’s/GMPC mission team to the Dominican Republic. Tickets, $25.00 per person, will be available for purchase in the church office through June 1st. Please makes checks payable to St. Paul’s, MEMO: Mission Fund. *Tickets include: food & beverage, & entry into the hat & apparel contest.

GMPC SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL 2019: (Sunday mornings at 9:45 a.m., June 9th thru September 1st) Adults: (Fellowship Hall) Our adult classes will combine and continue with the Feasting on the Word Curriculmn on June 9th & 16th. Beginning June 23rd, Dr. Steve Wilkins will lead a discussion based on the book Irresistible Faith, by Scott Sauls. It is a book about how to live winsomely as Christians, so that people outside the church actually want what we have. *Books will be available for purchase soon. Youth: (Youth Room) “ Taking Root & Branching Out” . 1st Sunday’s: Prayer Walk; 2nd Sunday’s: We will meet in the GMPC parking lot than travel to Bojangles for breakfast; 3rd Sunday’s: Peanuts Bible Study, led by Logan Dodson; 4th Sunday: Bible Games. K-2nd & 3rd-5th: (3rd-5th Rm.) Stories of Jesus’ Gospel. Each Sunday we will learn about a different part of Jesus’ world, either by miracle or parable.

GMPC Summer Concert Series: Sunday, June 9th, 4:00 p.m., Blooming Hill Men’s Chorus, GMPC Fellowship Hall: The Blooming Hill Men’s Chorus, from Richlands, NC, started 15 years ago when Pastor McKinley Smith of the Blooming Hill Freewill Baptist Church (and also the mayor of Richlands) had a vision to see a men’s singing group go out en force to spread the Gospel through song. And indeed, they have. Over the last 15 years the group has sung all around eastern Carolina and throughout the State. They bring with them an energy that is unparalleled and rooted in nothing else but a common and passionate love for Jesus and music. Join us on June 9th in welcoming them to the Clinton Community. Invite your friends and neighbors to join us for our 3rd Annual Summer Concert Series. Remaining Concerts: July 14th; August 11th; & September 15th.

Volume XLII, No. 5

Graves Memorial Presbyterian Church Newsletter 201 Fayetteville Street . Clinton, NC 28328

Phone: 910-592-2677 . Fax: 910-592-3100 . Website: gravesmemorial.org

Email: Steve Wilkins: RevSHW@ymail.com; melissagriffin@embarqmail.com

OUR KNOWN ILL:

Annabelle Fetterman, Henry Lamb, Vickie Boyette, Julie Stefanovich, Diane Westerbeek, Mary Harrington, Savannah Jackson, Martha Dunn, Natasha Capparuccia, Kathy Peay

Erma Faircloth– MaryGran; Rm. 709 Margaret Faircloth- MaryGran; Rm. 701

Betty Heaton- MaryGran; Rm. 204 Tink Purcell- The Cardinal at North Hills

Frances Hubbard- GlenAire

Ted Lockerman– MaryGran; Rm. 110

Gina Powell-(Daughter of Curtis & Peggie Lindsay) Wayne Reynolds-(Brother of Joy Prestage)

Ann Weeks-(Mother of Joy Prestage) Juaweese Franklin-(Mother of Melissa Nimmo) Joan Bartlett-(Sister of Annette Newton)

Christine Stacey-(Mother of Lara Capparuccia)

Joe Kozel-(Father of Kristi Williford) Betty Hairr-(Mother of Vickie Pope)

Ronnie Watson-(Brother-in-law of Amelia Surratt)

Hewitt Fulton-(Father of Bill Fulton)

P. Jones Lockerman-(Brother of Ted Lockerman) Becky Hughes-(Sister of Bill Scott)

Joyce & Landon Autry-(Tammy Honeycutt)

Nancy K. Thomason-(Friend of Tiil Herring)

Shannon Capper-(Sister of Sean Capparuccia)

May - June, 2019

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

Mark & Charlotte Harrell on the birth of their son John Franklin Harrell, born May 23, 2019.

Grandmother is Joni Fay Fetterman.

Graves Memorial Presbyter ian Church Newsletter Page 2

PASTORAL PONDERING…

“Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you...” 1 Peter 3:15b “I believe in God, the Father Almighty...” The Apostles’ Creed

Dear Friends,

Nearly every Sunday, we recite the same words as the previous Sunday. I’m not referring to the Lord’s Prayer, which we also recite on a weekly basis in church. I’m referring to the Apostles’ Creed. Most of us have committed the words to memory. In fact, so ingrained into our memory is the Creed, that I dare say that most of us don’t think about the meaning while we recite the words. I know that for my part, I’m at least as focused on not messing up in front of y’all, as I am on what the words mean!

And when we do reflect on the meaning of the Apostles’ Creed, how many of us get hung up on phrases like “descended into hell,” and “holy catholic church”? I can’t tell you how many times that someone has asked me, “Did Jesus really go to hell? How can that be?” Or, “If we’re Presbyterian, why do we have to affirm the Catholics – didn’t we split from them long ago?” Or, “communion of saints? I didn’t know that Presbyterians have saints.”

And yet, we cherish the Apostles’ Creed as an ancient confession of faith that has been transmitted from generation to generation since the early days of the Christian Church. For us to recite the Apostles’ Creed is to join our hearts with the innumerable host of Christians who have preceded us. For us to recite the Apostles’ Creed is to ensure that the Christian faith endure at least one week longer.

The Apostles’ Creed is a precious part of our faith heritage. That’s why I will focus my sermons this summer on the meaning of the Apostles’ Creed. Beginning June 23 (I am gone on June 9 and 16, and the Youth are leading worship on June 2), I invite you to join with me in exploring the meaning of this concise-yet-profound collection of words. I’ll even talk about hell, and the holy catholic church!

Saying the words is one thing. Understanding and embracing them as truth is altogether something else. It’s this second part (understanding and embracing) that I hope to inspire this summer.

Faithfully, Steve

OUR CHILDREN: PresbyCrew is taking the Summer off but we will be back in September.

Don’t forget Summer Sunday School every Sunday Morning at 9:45 a.m., in the 3rd-5th grade room. Our children’s classes, ages K-2nd grade & 3rd-5th grade will combine, beginning June 16th, for Stories of Je-sus’ Gospel. Each Sunday we will learn about a different part of Jesus’ world, either by miracle or parable.

Worship Readiness will not meet during June—August. *Children will remain for worship w/ their parents.

A VBS VOLUNTEERS MEETING will be held on Tuesday, June 4th, at 6:00 p.m., in the fellowship hall. Please consider lending a helping hand!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: SON CASTLE FAIRE – Using Our Talents to Serve the King. June 24th – June 27th, 5:30—8:00 p.m. Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The King hereby decrees that children 4 years of age thru 5th grade are invited to this year’s Son Castle Faire Va-cation Bible School. We will use our God-given talents as we work together to serve the King. We will enjoy Bible stories, crafts, games, music and fellowship. Dinner will be served nightly. Invite

your friends! *Registration Forms coming soon!

*Contact Tami Warren, #910-337-2186 or the church office to assist with this year’s VBS.

VBS will end with a VBS Program/Covered Dish “Feast” (Summer Picnic #1) on June 27th at 6:30 p.m. to showcase all that you have learned with your family and friends. We look forward to a fun filled night surrounded by your love. More info. coming soon.

MISSION BUDDIES: (PreK—12th Grade, 2nd Sunday, monthly, as part of Sunday School) June 9th Mission: Sampson County Department of Social Services (DSS) ITEMS NEEDED: We will be collecting Diapers/Pull-Ups & Diaper Wipes for the DSS Social Workers. This will help ensure that they have the supplies needed when sent/called to the home of a child still in diapers.

*We will also be making a “special gift” to hand out to the congregation on the 9th! See you on the 9th!

Graves Memorial Presbyter ian Church Newsletter Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN MEN OR PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN NEWS:

The Presbyterian Men’s Breakfast Meetings will resume in the fall! A special thank you Melvin Weaver, and all of our Presbyterian Men who came together to cook, clean and make monthly program arrangements. What a won-derful time of fellowship we all had. See you all again in October as we begin a new program year.

The 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Summer Picnics are coming soon! The Summer Picnic #1, Thursday (to accommodate VBS), June 27th Committee is as follows: Katie Brown & Diane Barwick (Chairs); Neal Sinclair, Monie Sue Spell, Suzi Matthews, Joy Dodson, Mary Dudley, Juanita Cantrell, Bonnie Barr, Diane Viser, Nancy Cowand, Najshula Lassiter, Nancy Johnston, Janie Faircloth, Mary Lou Faircloth, Barbara Taylor, Nancy Heath, Lois Denny, & Erin Spell.

The remaining picnic dates are: July 10th (Chairs: Mary Aycock & Jan Tart); July 24th (Chairs: Mac Spell & Peggy Lindsay); August 7th (Chairs: Ann Johnson & Allison Brock).

OTHER NEWS AND NOTES:

~ 2019 Summer Camp Information: Please visit the following links for camp details/dates:

Camp Kirkwood: http://www.campkirkwoodnc.org/summer-camps.html (336)409-7938 or Monroe Camp & Retreat Center: http://www.monroecamp.org/ (910)276-1654.

~ Clinton City Schools Board of Education cordially invites you to attend a reception for Dr. Tommy Newton, in honor of

his dedicated service to Clinton City Schools, on Monday, June 3, 2019, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., Clinton High School Atrium.

~ La Leche League of Sampson County. Breastfeeding? Or pregnant and planning ahead? Join us the 1st Thursday

of every month, in the GMPC Nursery, at 10:00 a.m. The La Leche League of Sampson County, led by Lucy Lockamy, will offer valuable breastfeeding support and information for all women within our community. Next Date: June 6, 2019

~ A Year With the Bible Meeting will be held the first Sunday, monthly, at 2:30 p.m., at the home of Bill & Nita Aiken

to discuss the previous month’s passages and which was most meaningful to us. Everyone is welcome to attend. Next Meeting: June 9, 2019. *Note the June meeting is the 2nd Sunday due to calendar conflicts.

~ Backpack Buddies Program: Volunteers will not meet during the summer (June 11th—August 13th).

GMPC will continue to collect food items (canned soups, juice boxes, raisins, fruit cups, pudding cups, granola bars, pop tarts, trail mix & individual cereal boxes) throughout the summer in preparation of the 2019-2020 school year. *A collection bin is located in the fellowship hallway.

~ MISSION OPPORTUNITY: Christian Food Bank of Salemburg, every third Saturday, monthly, bags of food are

given to those in need beginning at 9:00 a.m. What you can do to help: Volunteer Your Time! Donate Food Items Throughout the Year! *(Donated food is also given to those who stop by the church in need of something to eat. Please help to keep the box supplied. Thank you.) Next Food Bank: June 15, 2019

~ Coffee Hour at GMPC is held each Sunday, between Sunday School and worship, in the fellowship hall. We hope everyone will come for a time to visit before worship. *If you would like to provide refreshments, a sign-up sheet is available in the fellowship hall.

~ PICTURES NEEDED! If you see a special moment here at GMPC, take a picture and e-mail it to the church office, or print it and add it to the “Watch Us GROW” bulletin board in the Education Building hallway. We thank you in advance for participating in this project.

~ This year’s VBS will end with a Covered Dish “Feast” (Summer Picnic #1)/VBS Program on Thursday, June 27th at 6:30 p.m. Our children will showcase what they have learned at this year’s VBS as we gather for a time of fellowship. Please bring an extra serving to help feed our guest. Mark your calendars now and make plans to attend.

~ Mission Opportunity: Diaper Bank of Sampson County. Donations of diapers (all brands and sizes, to include

adult diapers), diaper wipes and diaper rash cream are needed. *A collection bin is in the GMPC fellowship hallway.

~ First Baptist Soup Kitchen is on “summer break”, and will resume on September 5th.

~ A “Lost and Found” Dishes Box is located in the Ice Room here at GMPC. Please stop by and check it regularly for any of your dishes that you may have left behind.

~ Congregational Care Flower Ministry: If you have flower vases that you are no longer using, please consider do-

nating them to the church to be reused. A collection bin is located in the fellowship hall.

~ Copies of the GMPC Newsletter are available in the Narthex & outside the church office for your convenience.

EDUCATIONAL / SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES FOR JUNE 2019:

02 09 16 23 30

Crib/Toddler Nursery: 9:30 am–12:30pm (Nancy Perry & Gabriel Capparuccia: 2nd & 4th Sundays, Lizzy Tart & Natasha Capparuccia: 1st & 3rd Sundays, 5th Sunday: Mary Doyne) Mary Lou Faircloth Dale Purcell Deanna Weaver Kathryn Jackson Carol Wilkins Acolytes: (Brenda Nordin) Walker Spell Anna Perry Sinclair Will Johnson Rebekah Bryan Elias Faison, Jr. NO Worship Readiness: (Tami Warren) Summer Break: June, July & August

Kindergarten—5th Grade Combined Summer Sunday School Class: (Hollis White) Darby Scott MISSION BUDDIES TBA Carol Wilkins Diane Viser Jr. & Sr. High Youth Summer Sunday School Class: (James Dodson) Joy Dodson MISSION BUDDIES Logan Dodson Bonnie Barr Bonnie Barr

Adult Combined Summer Sunday School Class: (Dr. Steve Wilkins) James Dodson Lee Howard Melvin Weaver Steve Wilkins Steve Wilkins

Meals-on-Wheels: (Anne Price) 06/04: Nancy Heath & Anne Price 06/18: Linda Williamson & Dale Purcell Ushers: (Stan Mertz) Note: A yearly list is posted on the bulletin board outside the office Lawton Eure, Jack Perry, Neal Matthews, Shawn Matthews, Neill Westerbeek Lay Readers: Youth Sunday Ian Parker Stan Mertz TBA Whit Tart Flower Committees: (Mac Spell) 02 (Communion) 09 Memorial in loving memory of Glen Wilson “Pete” Lovell and Myrtle June Lovell by Glenda Lovell Underwood and family 16 Memorial for Mr. and Mrs. Frank Warren, and Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Baughn, and in loving memory of John Robert Rosario by the family 23 Memorial for F.J. Faison, Sr., Nell P. Faison and Ferdinand Johnson Faison, Jr. by the Faison families 30 Memorial for Mr. Harold S. Carr, Sr. and Mr. Harold S. Carr, Jr. by the family

Happy Birthday During June:

01) Anna Perry Sinclair; 02) Eric Jania, Adrian Donatelli; 03) Beth Hardee, Pat Welfare; 04) Joyce Woods, James Carr, Hadley Lassiter; 06) Alice Lockerman, Edna Boone, Linda Carr, Ben Barwick; 07) Allison Martin; 08) Ellie Har-rington; 09) Geneva Matthis, Whit Newton, Katie Dudley, Caiden White; 11) Tom Woods; 13) Marie Monroe, Laurie Vreugdenhil, Ella Faison; 14) Jim Johnston; 15) Bill Prestage, Ellyn Faircloth; 16) Natasha Capparuccia; 17) Hilda Paderick, Mark Foster, Annie Blanchard; 19) Ron Nimmo; 20) Shep Butler, Henry Tidey; 21) Spencer Westerbeek; 22) Eskandor Morkos; 24) Mac Purcell; 26) Margaret Faircloth, Scott Sink, Jewell Carr; 27) Morgan Lee; 28) Kathryn Jackson; 29) Palmer Blanchard, Jack-son Lassiter, Lucas Bristow; 30) Elinor Morkos

It’s Time to Update Annual Directories/Service Lists …

(PW Yearbook): Any changes/request for the social committees should be made to the Church Office/592-2677, for flower assignments contact Mac Spell/592-8838, and for PW Circles contact the Moderators: Circle No. 1 Linda Williamson/592-2391, Circle No. 2 Nancy Perry/592-8686, Circle No. 3 Mac Spell/592-8838, through July 31st.

(Church Directory): Submit updates to address, phone, email, etc., to the church office through July 31st;

(Nurseries and Educational Opportunities Lists): Any changes/request will be received through July 31st. Thank you for your support and commitments to the ministries of our church!

June Lectionary Text:

02) Ps. 97; Acts 16:16-34; Rev. 22:12-14,16-17, 20-21; John 17:20-26; 09) Ps. 104:24-34, 35b; Acts 2:1-21 or Gen. 11:1-9; Rom. 8:14-17 or Acts 2:1-21; John 14:8-17 (25-27); 16) Ps. 8; Prov. 8:1-4, 22-31; Rom. 5:1-5; John 16:12-15; 23) Ps. 42 and 43; 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a; Gal. 3:23-29; Luke 8:26-39; 30) Ps. 77:1-2, 11-20; 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14; Gal. 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62

I will be loyal to GMPC and support it with …

My Gifts: May 26, 2019 Year-To-Date Tithes and Offerings $125,203.02 Building Fund Offerings $ 22,212.60

Needed for Budget: Year-To-Date Operating Budget $134,421.00 Building Fund $ 15,992.34