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May 10th, 2022

Dear Fine People,
This past Sunday was so good. I forgot my keys when we left the house. I remembered that I didn’t have my keys when we rolled into the parking lot. I stood at the door and knocked, and the door was opened to us. I loved the Early Light service. People showed up and were very open in their welcome; one of the children went out of her way to let me know she liked my shoes. The group of about 40 sang fairly well. Robert knows how to play a piano. The Spirit was present and we worshipped the Lord.

I visited a couple of adult Sunday School classes full of amazing Bible students. Then it was time for the 11:00 traditional worship service. People showed up and were very open in their welcome. One of the children went out of his way to let me know he liked my robe. Robert knows how to play the organ. Praises were lifted through the hymns and the trumpet and the visiting soloist. The congregation of about 80 was engaged, and the Spirit was obviously there.

Both worship experiences were meaningful. In both services mission was emphasized [don’t forget that we will be receiving financial gifts to go toward humanitarian aid to Ukraine through May 22]; The Transition Tidbit shows that Wilson PC is taking the various steps toward a permanent pastor/head of staff very seriously. Your input is essential as the church moves into the future… take that Holy Cow survey. Pray while you fill it in. Be part of the transition.

I feel honored to be part of this journey with you. I’ll see you in church this coming Sunday. Be sure to invite a friend, or encourage a missing member to re-engage. We’re better together.

Peace and Blessings,
Rebekah

You're Invited to a Reception Welcoming Rebekah Maul!

On Sunday May 15 immediately following 11am worship, the Deacons will host a welcome reception honoring Rev. Rebekah Maul. Plan now to join us for this warm welcome to Wilson!

Congregational Meeting May 15th at 10:45am

A congregational meeting will be held Sunday, May 15th for the purpose of acting on the recommended slate of candidates to serve on the Designated Pastor Nominating Committee (DPNC). Your newly elected Officer Nominating Committee/Selection Committee will put forward the slate their quick and thorough work has netted, as we move one step closer to the goal of finding the senior pastor God has chosen for FPC. Plan now to join us for this congregational meeting on Sunday, May 15th at 10:45am in the sanctuary.

This week at FPC

Tue, May 10th
10:00 am and 5:30 pm	Presbyterian Women Circles (Dudley Room)
12:00 pm	Finance Meeting (Clark Hall)

Wed, May 11th
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm	Credo Ensemble (Music Room)

Thurs, May 12th
9:00 am - 11:00 am	Weekday School Reception (Clark Hall)

Sun, May 15th
8:45 am	Early Light Service (Clark Hall)
9:45 am	Sunday School
11:00 am	Traditional Service (Sanctuary)
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm	Youth Group meets (Youth Room)

Humanitarian Relief for Ukraine

As the attacks on Ukraine continue, the citizens are in dire need and will be for a while to come. The FPC Missions Team is coordinating a Humanitarian Relief for Ukraine collection through May 22. Donations may be directed to your choice of the following organizations: Doctors Without Borders, International Refugee Committee and the Red Cross. Checks should be made payable to the church with the designated organization noted in the memo line. Special envelopes will be provided with the Sunday morning bulletins. Questions may be directed to Toby Tracy at bedford58@yahoo.com or (252) 230-4905.

The Missions Team is in the process of identifying families that will need help with food this summer, when school breakfasts and lunches and weekend CHEW bags are not available. In the past, we have been able to provide supplemental food for two to four families. Before we can commit to help, we must know how many volunteers we will have.

We have provided this mission for many years and our church members and friends have always stepped up - many of them summer after summer. We ask that each volunteer, or family, or team, provide extra food to one family one time during the summer. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Melanie Mauze at melmauze@gmail.com or call her at 252-315-1707. Your interest will not be considered a commitment yet. Thank you!

Womens Bible Study May 19th

A special Bible study and planning for the future discussion will be held on Thursday, May 19th at 10:00 am in the library. If you are interested in Bible study but have not joined us previously or you’d like to help steer the course of future studies, please join us. After our May 19th discussion, women are encouraged to go with others out for lunch.
Contact Claire for more info.

Summer Schedule May 22nd – July 31st

One 10:00 am worship service in the sanctuary will be held each Sunday, May 22nd (Graduation Sunday) through July 31st. Each Sunday while worship meets at 10:00 am, adult Sunday school will meet at 9:00 am. Beginning on June 5th, Pentecost Sunday, our convivial lemonade fellowship time in the Memory Garden will return immediately following worship. On August 7th, our two services schedule will return with adult Sunday school being held between the services.

Under Construction 🚧 Vacation Bible School

Mark your calendars! Vacation Bible School will be “Under Construction June 12th—15th from 5:00-7:00 pm. “We hope you will put on your safety goggles, hard hat, and safety vest as we see how God’s plan for us is being developed everyday! Below you will find the link to register for Vacation Bible School. Please make sure that you fill out a form for each child that will be attending VBS and share with your neighbor! All are welcome!

Pre-Registration will be open from now until June 12th!
Va cation bible school registration link

Paper copies of registration forms will also be available in the office. You may fill out one there as well!

Graduation 🎓 Sunday on May 22nd

Mark your calendars for Graduation 🎓 Sunday on May 22nd, 2022 for a combined service at 10:00 am. Graduates are asked to wear their graduation gowns for this service. High School & College graduates are encouraged to attend this service. If you are a college graduate, please contact Leigh Anne by May 8th either by phone or email. High School parents please check your email and send back the information for your graduate no later than Sunday, May 8th.

What's Happening Musically At FPC

8:45 AM Service- Our children will lead us for one of our new Easter songs titled “He Is Lord.” Special music will include “I Shall Not Want” by Audrey Assad and “Love The Lord.” We will also learn a new song titled “All Heaven Declares.”

11 AM Service- Special organ music will include works by J.S. Bach, Dietrich Buxtehude, Johann Kaspar Kerll, Joe Utterback and Searle Wright. We will continue the celebration of the season of Easter with “Christ Is Risen, Alleluia,” a selection from Tanzania featuring Jim Bradshaw on the trumpet.

10 AM Service (beginning 5-22-2022)- Organ and piano duets by Handel will be shared by Linda Hanson and Robert Morehead in addition to an arrangement by Mark Thewes based on the “National Hymn’ to commemorate Memorial Day.

Please subscribe and watch Robert's Hymn of the Week on YouTube

Each week our Director of Music Robert Morehead will feature a hymn selection from our Glory to God Hymnal. Robert will provide some history and background about each selection and sing it playing the organ here at First Presbyterian.

This week’s Hymn of the Week is: The Day Of Resurrection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbp-FiY6KCI

Upcoming Music Rehearsals:

Credo Ensemble
7:00 PM (Music Room)	May 11th, 2022

Current Covid Protocols

We respect that masks are a personal choice, therefore an individual decision.

We are thankful for all who volunteer at FPC!!

1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.