Condolences to:

Dorothy McKenzie upon the death of her sister, Carolyn Holzgraf, December 31, 2019

The friends and family of Esther Hunnicutt upon her death, January 8, 2020

The friends and family of Betty Kiser upon her death, January 16, 2020

Ibby Page and V.A. Avery upon the death of their uncle, Dr. William M. Patrick, on January 22, 2020

Karen Simmons upon the death of her step-mother, Margie Wilson Miller, on January 25, 2020

Letter from the Interim Senior Minister, Dr. Cynthia M. Benz

Dear faithful First Presbyterian Church family and friends,

Not only is this a new year and a new decade, it is a new day for First Presbyterian Church (!!!), and an exciting one at that! On Sunday, January 26, at the annual congregational meeting, you did some amazing work! You received a newsy and encouraging report from each of your committees, you elected Corporate Officers, you granted a much-deserved adjustment to Rev. Lauren Vanacore’s terms-of-call, and you elected your Pastor Nominating Committee, who will search for your next installed Senior Minister. It was a pretty special day and I hope by this point you are feeling the Holy Spirit’s presence in this place! If there are any of you who were unable to attend the Annual Meeting, there are plenty of copies of the Annual Report with all this information available for you at the Reception Desk.

And now, we embark on the next phase in the life and ministry of First Presbyterian Church. By the time you receive this issue of the First Press, our Discussion Groups will have started in earnest. This is your opportunity to share what God has laid on your heart concerning the future of this congregation…and it is so important. Searching for and finding your next Senior Minister is not the same process as hiring a new employee, far from it. This process requires some of the most fervent prayers you will ever offer. For this search process to be successful, everyone must be all tuned in and listening and following where God leads, which requires that substantial amount of prayer. I think I know enough of you well enough to be able to say I know you care deeply about your church and about what’s next. So, as you’ve heard me say a time or two:

PRAY EARLY, PRAY OFTEN!

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING!

PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!

Mighty things happen when God’s people pray! The PNC has begun its important work and now we trust God.

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Continued on Page 2

Scholarships Available!

The Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina offer two 2020 college scholarships in the amount of $1500 each. Applicants must be members of a Presbyterian Church of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina. They must be of sound Christian character, validated scholastic ability and in need of financial assistance. They must be graduates of an accredited high school and be admitted to an accredited four year college or university.

Packets containing further information and application forms are available at the reception desk. Completed forms, transcripts and letters of recommendation must be submitted to the Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina by February 15, 2020.

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PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN NEWS

Blanket Sunday February 16

While we’re snuggled in bed this new year with nice warm blankets, remember that there are adults and children who don’t have a roof over their heads or blankets to keep them warm. The Women of the Church are asking that you consider placing a jar in a special place in your home to start a family collection for donation on Blanket Sunday, February 16th. What better way to teach your children the importance of saving to share with those who are less fortunate? A little goes a long way.

Let’s make this Blanket Sunday the most successful in First Presbyterian’s history.

In other news around your church, our staff is almost 100%, with only one position left to fill, that of the Presbyterian Weekday School director. (You may want to add that to your prayer list, too!) You have a top notch group of folks working to keep us afloat and doing good ministry, and they are doing a fabulous job. Thanks be to God!!

In addition to the busyness of the Discussion Groups, your pastoral staff, in particular, is already making plans for the Lenten season – can you believe Lent is almost here??? There will be some changes and some surprises this year, but I feel completely confident that you will be completely blessed by all of them! Please make sure you are paying attention to the church calendar in all of our publications.

Finally, I leave with you a scripture passage to read and ponder – it is the same one the PNC spent time dwelling on in its first full meeting: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28. There are words here of great encouragement, but the ones I would like to conclude this column with are this …

Rejoice always,

pray without ceasing,

give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Thanks be to God!

Your servant in Christ,

Cindy Benz

Circle Dates and Responsibilities Monday, February 10 Circle 1 10:00 a.m. Church Parlor Hostesses: Gloria Hickson and Leanna Vaugh Circle 2 10:30 a.m. Covenant Village Living Room Hostesses: Louise Keir and Mary Layton Circle 3 1:00 p.m. Arbor Living Room, Covenant Village No Hostess Circle 5 6:00 p.m. PAD Circle 6 6:30 p.m. Church Parlor Hostesses: Vicky Wilson, Joan Newell and Pat Aunan Tuesday, February 11 Circle 4 10:00 a.m. PAD Hostesses: Jennie Williams, Barbara McNeil and Lillian McNeil

Dates to Remember: 2/16 Blanket Sunday

2/29 Women’s Food Festival 3/1 Women’s and Girl Scout Sunday

The Casserole Care Committee will contact Circles when they need to restock the freezer.

Calling All Cooks and Bakers!

First Presbyterian Women’s Food Fundraiser/Bake Sale, February 29, “Leap Day,” from 9:00-11:00 a.m.

How Can You Help?

Bake- Cakes, Pies, Cookies, Breads Cook- Frozen Casseroles, Soups, Sauces Please help us by sharing your favorite

recipes! Homemade items accepted in the Fellowship

Hall

Friday, February 28, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

If you need containers to store your food: containers have been purchased and can be

picked up at the church. For further questions contact:

Kelly Hovis at kwhovis@gmail.com Coleman Efird at htefird@mindspring.com

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Presbyterian Women’s and Girl Scout Sunday

Please join us for Presbyterian Women’s Sunday on March 1st. Our guest speaker will be Rev. Joyce Liberman. She serves as Executive/Stated Clerk of the Synod of South Atlantic. Prior to this position she served as director of constitutional interpretation and Associate Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly.

Rev. Lieberman was ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament by the Presbytery of the Cascades in June 1983 after graduating from the University of Portland and San Francisco Theological Seminary.

She began working in the Office of the General Assembly (OGA) in Louisville in March 2008 as associate for call system support and then as director of constitutional interpretation. She began her journey as Synod Executive in June of 2017. She resides in Jacksonville, Florida with her husband Chris.

Walk, Talk, and Run for God A Fitness and Spiritual Wellness Program Presented by the Gastonia Parish Nurse Ministry

This free, comprehensive Nutrition, health and exercise program is open to all fitness, and activity levels. Beginning on Monday, February 3, from 6:00-7:30 p.m., and lasting for 8 weeks, we will meet for a brief devotional followed by a walk/run. Our goal is to work towards participating in the Community Foundation 5K on April 4, 2020. Register online at www.fumcgastonia.org/ministries/parish-nurse

Ladies’ Night Out Thursday, March 12, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

FPC Fellowship Hall

The women of First Presbyterian Church and First United Methodist Church are invited to join us for dinner, doorprizes and to hear Speaker Cindy H. Ray, Regional Director of CareNet counseling. Her talk, “How to be a Crock Pot Woman in a Microwave World.” is a conversation about how to slow down in our fast-paced world by allowing yourself to pause and unplug. The dinner is free to attend and will offer free childcare. Please register by March 5, at https://bit.ly/35ZnvPV

Citizenship and Service Award Gaston Regional Chamber Names Lisa Marisiddaiah as Award Recipient

On January 31, The Gaston Regional Chamber hosted its 106th Annual Celebration. At this event, the chamber reviewed the success of the past year, and looked forward, sharing its plans for 2020. The chamber also took this opportunity to recognize individuals for their impact on the community. Our own Lisa Marisiddaiah was named as the Duke Energy Citizenship Award and Service Award recipient for her work in the community. The Gaston Gazette writes, “These honorees go above and beyond in their work and dedication to excellence in everything they do.” Please join us in congratulating Lisa!

Upcoming Blood Drive Monday, April 6, 2:30-6:30 p.m.

FPC Fellowship Hall

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged. Please call 704-864-2651 to schedule today!

NOTES FROM LISA

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Happy Birthday!

Steve Brittain 02/01 Natalie Jones 02/08 Jonathan Hilton 02/19

Vann Lanier 02/01 Betty Quarles 02/08 Richard Rankin 02/19

Anne Longbine 02/01 Ann Roberts 02/08 Susan Thompson 02/19

Coerte Voorhees 02/01 Dot Kimbrell 02/09 Isabel Wallwork 02/19

Tuga Adams 02/02 Tim Fuller 02/10 Emmie Bowyer 02/20

Murphy Burrell 02/02 Susie Mason 02/10 Mary Anne Brown 02/20

Alberta Kincaid 02/02 Glenda Kessell 02/11 Andrew Dickson 02/20

Charlie Trogdon 02/02 Pam Warlick 02/11 Charles McCarter 02/20

Pat Roberts 02/03 Tim Witherell 02/11 Hannah Challenger 02/21

Susan Allen 02/04 William Wren 02/11 Carly Craig 02/21

Lillian Howland 02/04 Lee Carver 02/12 Grady Kennington 02/24

Jon Planer 02/04 Robert Hobson, Jr. 02/12 Det Beal 02/25

Madison Thornburg 02/04 Lee Nester 02/13 Brynn DuBois 02/26

Vicky Wilson 02/04 Charlie Burrell 02/14 Anna Paschall 02/26

Craig Watson, III 02/05 Frank Cooke 02/14 Garnett Bullock 02/27

David Layton 02/06 Kelly Pacetti 02/14 Alice Matthews 02/27

Skip Berryman 02/07 Le Neisler 02/15 Irene Cherry 02/28

Max Buchanan 02/07 Lydia Wilson 02/16 Thomas Jentsch 02/28

Don Bumgardner 02/07 Page Carver 02/17 Sara James Jentsch 02/28

Nash Chapman 02/07 Benjamin Machuga 02/17 Brian Schroeder 02/28

Gavin Voorhees 02/07 Camellia Curella 02/18

Kenley Howe, III 02/08 Louann Harris 02/19

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Henderlite Cookout Dinner Event We are changing to Plan B – the new date for the Henderlite cookout-dinner-event is now Sunday, March 1 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The Henderlite Men’s Bible Class cookout-dinner-event was moved to March 1 due to the conflict with the church’s Valentines’ Dinner scheduled for February 9.

It is still at Robert (and Kate) Buckles’ home – 3721 Eaglebrook Drive, Gastonia. Robert is grilling tenderloins, and others are bringing hors d'oeuvres, salads, veggies, and desserts.

It will be a fun night of men’s fellowship, great food and lots of fun!

Tell a friend & bring a friend. Please RSVP to David Ratchford if you plan to attend.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Beth Collins I'm Beth (Nivens) Collins and I've come home. My family joined the church in the early 1960's when Dr. Moffit was the minister, so I grew up in the church with my parents, Allen and Marlene Nivens, sister Pam and brother, Rob. I sang in the choir, was a girl scout, and rang handbells until I graduated from high school. I went to Appalachian State University. Returning to Gastonia, I married my high school sweetheart, Buddy Collins in the church in 1977. We had two children, Josh and Courtney who were both baptized by Dr. Jim Stuart (my all-time hero). I sang in the choir, was a Sunday School worker in the infant class for three years, made the children's choir robes, designed and made the costumes for the church

play, "The Sound of Music", and many other projects. My son, Josh attended the FPC daycare prior to starting school.

We moved to Charlotte in 1989 and attended Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church there. We moved from Charlotte to Lincolnton in 1993, where we became members of First Presbyterian Church of Lincolnton. in 2015, I left Lincolnton after my husband and I decided to end our marriage. I first returned to Charlotte, but later moved back to Gastonia in late 2016. After visiting many of the area churches, I came back to FPC where I immediately knew I was home. I'm attending the Thrive morning worship, joined The Seekers Sunday School class, Circle #1 and plan on joining the Sanctuary choir. I want to say a special thanks to Page Carver, Charlie and Betty Burrell for making this homecoming so special. I'm so excited to find my home.

Mollie Trosper My name is Mollie Baldwin Trosper, and I grew up in the Clarkton Presbyterian Church, in a very small town in southeastern NC. I graduated from the Woman's College of UNC in 1960. While there I met my husband, Bob Trosper. We were members there until we moved to Gastonia in 1965 where we knew no one. We found our way to West Avenue Presbyterian Church and soon became active members. I was elected to the session in the early 70's and continued until we closed in 2018.

While at West Avenue, I chaired a number of session committees and served on 3 PNC committees. I was presented

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Pray for our PNC! Please keep our PNC members in your prayers as they seek to discern whom God has called as our next Senior Minister:

Betty Burrell, Will Current, Ellen Cinq-Mars, Coleman Efird, Trey Robinson, David Rogers, and Dick Voorhees.

Debbie Rhyne Debbie Rhyne grew up in the First Presbyterian Church. She was confirmed as a member when Dr. Moffatt was the Senior pastor. She sang in the choir with Edith Warren and was active in all phases of church life. Her grandmother Mrs. Dane S. Rhyne Sr. (Tessie) was the church dietitian at the uptown church. Her parents were also members and she is the niece of the late Helen Rhyne Marvin. She is a retired School Counselor with Gaston County Schools. She presently resides in Charlotte.

a Life Membership in Presbyterian Women. I was a commissioner to the General Assembly in 1986 when the second alternate could not attend from Concord Presbytery after the first reorganization of presbyteries. The Presbyterian Church has been a large part of my life and has afforded me many opportunities to serve. I am currently serving on the Nominating Committee of PWNC; you may receive a call.

I look forward to worshiping and serving here in any way I can. My faith has always been an important part of life, and has sustained me throughout joys and sorrows. I am a volunteer at Crisis Assistance Ministry (CAM), and deliver Meals on Wheels as well. I have joined the reading buddy program at Sherwood since I have come to First Presbyterian.

Online Giving is Coming! The Finance Ministry is excited to announce its plan to implement Online Giving in 2020! This new application will allow members to give offerings and pledges using a mobile device and their debit or credit card during the service. It will also allow Livestream viewers to give while watching at home.

UPDATES

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If You are interested in joining First Presbyterian Church, please contact

Trip Stewart at 704-864-2651 ext. 109

Purchase a T-Shirt

The Women of the Church are selling T-Shirts so we will have a uniform “look” dur-ing our Bake Sale. The T-Shirts are $15.00 and checks should be made out to FPC Women of the Church with t-shirt in the memo.

Please contact Coleman Efird to purchase at htefird@mindspring.com

Faith and Fiction Faith and Fiction will meet on Sunday, March 1, at Covenant Village at 4:00pm. We will be discussing Do Not Become Alarmed by Maile Meloy. Hostesses will be Esther Nelson and Teresa Morris.

Chapel Improvements The improvements to the chapel audio-visual capabilities are almost finished! The project links the chapel electronically with the rest of the church.

Once completed, it will be possible to originate and “livestream” events as well as feed special events to the chapel from elsewhere.

The video link was completed several months ago and has already been used successfully several times. Phase two involves updates to the sound system.

Fortunately, these upgrades did not involve any structural modifications and allowed use of the existing lighting and speakers in the room.

The project was entirely funded from an anonymous donor.

Planned Giving Have you ever thought, “I would like to remember our church after I’m gone?” The mission of bringing Christ’s message to the world and caring for God’s people is a present and future challenge. Remembering our church through a gift bequest can help meet that challenge and it can be done without affecting your finances now. All gifts, large or small, can strengthen your church and make a difference for the future.

Your Planned Giving Ministry’s job is to show you how a bequest from your estate can be done simply and conveniently. If you have had in the back of your mind a gift which will be a legacy for your church’s future, then the Planned Giving Ministry can help.

A first step you can take is to complete and return the Planned Giving Survey you received a few weeks ago. Join us and others who want to insure the mission and ministry of FPC for the future.

Please contact Liz Sumner or Tom Efird for more information.

AROUND FPC!

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5 Cents a Meal

5 cents a meal, 15 cents a day, can fight hunger in our area today.

15 cents a day, $1.05 per week, can feed the hungry as we speak.

$1.05 per week, $32.55 every 31 days, can impact the hungry in so many ways.

Put a basket or bowl on your kitchen table, as a reminder that we are all still able.

To spare a nickel for each meal that we eat, together we can strive for hunger to beat.

On Sunday, February 9th, as the red buckets pass by,

throw your change in with a loud sounding cry.

Let’s fill the buckets full of pennies, nickels and dimes, as we beat hunger 5 cents at a time.

By Cynthia Anderson

The Next Roadrunners Trip

March 19, 2020

The Roadrunner Ministry invites you to join us on a fun trip to the Presidential Culinary Museum in Grover, SC. After touring the museum with owner and former Head Chef to Presidents, Marty Mongiello, we will head to Shelby for lunch at Red Bridges Barbecue. There will be more information to come, but this promises to be a fun outing for all. The Culinary Museum has been featured in several documentaries. On YouTube search “Inside The President’s Cabinet” to get a glimpse into what we will be seeing and hearing.

Will Trogdon Winner of Keep Gastonia Beautiful Contest

W.A. Bess Kindergartner, Will Trogden was recognized by Keep Gastonia Beautiful’s Bee City Committee. This new initiative, whose purpose is to advocate for the importance of bees and pollinators to the local community, was created after Gastonia was named one of 74 “Bee Cities” in the U.S. Keep Gastonia Beautiful has focused its efforts in the classroom, educating children about native pollinators with the help of their mascot, the newly named Miss Polly Nator. This name, submitted by Will, was one of 415 entries submitted by Gaston County Kindergarten and First Grade students.

Will is to be recognized at the Gastonia City Council meeting on February 18, at 6:00 p.m. along with his parents and his teacher.

Roadrunners at

the Bechtler

Museum of

Modern Art

Will Trogdon with his parents, William and

Mallory Trogdon, posing with Miss Polly

Nator 9

Youth Small Group Kickoff On Sunday, January 19, Rise Up Youth Ministry kicked off its new small group program! Over 40 people—youth, small group leaders, children, and child caregivers—enjoyed a delicious taco salad bar provided by Bill and Pam Joles. Following dinner, youth split up into four different small groups and spread out around the church to spend time getting to know their new leaders and to consider how they can notice God in the midst of their busy lives. What a wonderful evening of community! These small groups will meet every third Sunday evening of the month from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Thank you, Karen & Billy Simmons

Barbara & Dick Voorhees Pam & Bill Joles

Cathy & Donald Parrot Sharon Lanier

for providing January youth dinners!

Sunday Fun Day Many thanks to those who attended and helped with our first ever Sunday Fun Day on January 19! We had a wonderful time learning about hospitality, playing games, coloring, and keeping rhythm. Each session is held from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Mark your calendars for future Sunday Fun Days--you won't want to miss them!

Sunday Fun Day Schedule

February 16

March 22 (Communion Class pt. 1)

April 19 (Communion Class pt. 2)

May 17

Director of Faith Formation

Susannah Bryant

704-864-2651

sbryant@fpcgastonia.org

CONNECT WITH US: Instagram : riseupstudents

Facebook: Rise Up Student Ministry

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PWNC High School Mission Retreat

When: March 6 - 7 (Friday evening - Saturday afternoon) Where: FPC Newton, Newton, NC

Cost: $25/person

High School Youth are invited to join other youth from the Presbytery of Western North Carolina for a weekend of mission and fun! This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and serve the community of Catawba County.

Wednesday Night Alive! Wednesday Night Alive programs started back on January 29th and will continue on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month! Join us in the Fellowship Hall for dinner at 5:30 p.m. followed by programs for both children and adults from 6 :00 - 7:00 p.m. This spring, each children's program will be rooted in the theme of compassion. Programs will include a 30-minute lesson with Ms. Susannah followed by 30 minutes of choir with Mr. Isaiah! Nursery care will be provided.

PassportKids Camp @ Montreat When: July 6 - 9 (Monday - Thursday) Where: Montreat Conference Center

PASSPORTkids is a 4-day, 3-night children’s camp filled with

fun faith-building programming and hands-on missions

education. Students who have completed 3rd – 6th grade are

welcome to attend. At camp, kids will discover God’s love and

practice being followers of Jesus through an active schedule of

Bible studies, missions education, recreation, and worship.

Limited spots are available and are going fast, so sign up

today! Contact Susannah Bryant to register.

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First Press PERIODICALS

US POSTAGE PAID

Gastonia, NC

arms spreading the Good News, we are committed disciples of Christ

engaged in God

taking the Good News into our community and the world.

tradition of service and leadership in the Gastonia community and in

the

Date Thrive 11:00 a.m. Livestream

1/5/2020 103 111 87 live (93 total)

1/12/2020 85 181 103 live (95 total)

1/19/2020 82 143 94 live (180 total)

1/26/2020 One Service 329 11 live (61 total)

Note: The Livestream figures include Facebook Live and YouTube, but do not

reflect those watching on closed circuit TV at Covenant Village.

Attendance figures

Davis Spencer was

presented with his

Eagle Scout award on

January 26 at

Scout Sunday