Dear Friends in Christ,

Dear Friends in Christ, The earliest snapshot of the Church that we get in the New Testament appears in Acts 2:42: They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. I doubt any of you are surprised by the early Church studying the Word, fellowshipping together, eating together, and praying together, even as they minister together. Two years ago we trained some small group leaders and those leaders have been involved in the development of small group ministry here at First Presbyterian. The groups have been intentionally shaped to include the elements described above. Each group has a primary focus that may be missional, or centered on a particular fellowship activity, or prayer, or whatever idea centers the group. The leaders are not teachers, but rather are conveners/ facilitators. In each group the process of building relationships is the product. In the days ahead we will be reminding people of the groups that currently exist. Some may have room to accommodate new people, others may be approaching a place where they are contemplating dividing to form a new group, and we will also be training new leaders to help constitute other groups. We will be scheduling that training in the fall and arranging a gathering to help familiarize members with opportunities for involvement with available groups. Our hope is to present opportunities for people to connect with one another in fresh new ways through the gift of covenant community. Be on the lookout for an announcement about the gathering to share information on our groups in August, as well as learning more about training opportunities. Also be attentive to the articles on current groups in the church and call us for further information. Members already involved are experiencing an enriched life of faith in communion with the other people in their group. Perhaps, this year God is calling you to a new and vital engagement in the family of faith. God bless, Faith Alive

Presbyterian Women News Upcoming Dates to Remember: Casserole Care Ministry June Circle 1 July Circle 4 August Circle 5 Wednesday Prayer Luncheon June Circle 1 July No prayer Luncheon Aug. Circle 5 Kick - Off Dinner August 27 Benevolences for the 2017-2018 Presbyterian Women Year CAM PWNC Apportionment Dues PWNC Thank Offering Blanket Sunday PWS Scholarship Children s Hope Alliance Black Mountain Home The Shelter of Gaston County Boys & Girls Club Living Waters for the World With Friends BackPack Weekend Program Family Promise (Moderator s Choice) Women s Connection Montreat Total 2 $2,000 500 250 4,321 2,500 1,000 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 1,000 $14,981.00

The Children s Ministry is excited to announce that FPC is the host church this year for the Gaston Regional Children s Choir Camp 2018! This choir camp has a long history in Gaston County as the only church-sponsored ecumenical children s choir camp in Gaston County! This means that all denominations and non-denominational houses of worship are invited and welcomed. The camp is for four year olds rising 7th graders. This year, Pam Andrews, a Grammy-nominated International Children s music composer, will be our guest clinician. This year s musical will make its debut right here in Gaston County at First Presbyterian Church. The dates for the camp are as follows: July 16th 19th from 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. The musical will be performed on the evening of July 19th. Registration is $100.00 per camper. Please contact Jill Kimbirl for a registration form. Payment should be made out to the Greater Gaston Baptist Association or GGBA. This is such an exciting opportunity to host this event at First Presbyterian Church. We will also be in need of volunteers to assist during the week. Youth volunteers are also encouraged to assist and will receive volunteer hours. Please prayerfully consider how you can utilize your gifts and serve.

Welcome, New Members!!! Donna Dickson, wife of longtime member David Dickson: I was born in Mishawaka Indiana. I've lived in Michigan, South Carolina and moved to Gastonia in '72, which is when I first met my husband, David. The seventh of eight children, we were raised Catholic. My wonderful father, Don Dole, passed away in 2012. My sweet mother, Blanche, will be 94 on her next birthday. I have two children, Meagan, 31, and Kyle, 29, who both live and work in Cary, NC. My one grandson, Tristan,6, lives with his mother in Dallas so I get to see him often. I look forward to the future with David and our life together. Janet Greene: Born in Bristol,TN, but married a North Carolinian. Most of our life has been spent in Kings Mountain. I worked many years in Human Resources at FMC Lithium and attended First Presbyterian K.M. This Church in Gastonia holds many special memories for me. My daughter-in-law grew up in this Church and my son and granddaughter were both married in this sanctuary. Since moving back to N.C., my family has returned to this church and for several weeks I have attended with them. I have felt very welcome here and I realize how dedicated this congregation is to God's work. I pray that God will help me to serve Him here. Claude Hathcock: I grew up in the Fruitland community of eastern Henderson County in Western North Carolina. My wife, Lynne, and I celebrated our 45th anniversary this past May. We have one son, Chris, who lives with his wife, Rebekah, in Wendell, NC. I graduated from North Carolina State University, receiving my B.S. in Chemical Engineering. Working for Duke Energy for 28 years, I retired while working at their McGuire Nuclear Station. Lynne and I have been residents of Gaston County since 1981 and both of us have part-time jobs with Hornets Sports and Entertainment in Charlotte.

Welcome, New Members!!! Mallory & William Trogdon (bio to come soon) Patricia Warren I was born in Goshen, NY to Pharmacist Neil and Cecelia Qualter Connelly on April 11, 1957 - number 4 of 10 children, 8 girls and 2 boys. Moved to and grew up in PA when my father became a doctor and started his residency at Allentown Osteopathic Hospital. Attended parochial school for 9 years. Awarded Female Athlete of the Year at William Allen High School in 1975 Varsity letter sports included basketball, field hockey, volleyball and track. Attended Immaculata College, No. 1 in the nation in Women s Basketball made the team but left before completing my freshman year. Married Eddie Warren in 1979, have three daughters Briana, 37, Jessica, 36 and Heather 31, eight grandchildren, one of whom currently lives with me, Hunter, 16. Received State of VA Friend of Youth Award in 1984 from the Catholic Diocese of Richmond as Director of Confirmation Program. Divorced in 1998. Worked for Chesterfield County Public Schools for 15 years. Began working for Wells Fargo as Brokerage Technology Business Systems Consultant in 2010. Joined Reveille United Methodist Church in 2013. Served on Staff Parish Council. Graduated from University of Richmond in 2014. Went to Honduras on Medical Mission Trip with Friends of Barnabas in 2014. Moved to Gastonia in 2017. Became Boys JV Basketball Asst. Coach at Gaston Day School in 2017. Joined First Presbyterian Church in Gastonia June 2018. When I am not doting over my daughters and grandchildren, I enjoy walking, cooking, gardening, volunteering, reading and traveling.

You Can Help... CHRISTMAS IN JULY This year we will be providing requested gifts and monetary donations to Least of These Carolinas, which serves needy children and families in and around North Carolina with a primary focus on children and families in the foster/kinship care community. The children served are referred through Guardian ad Litem volunteers, the Department of Social Services, and our church partners. Least of These Carolinas (https://lotcarolinas.com/) provides a Bag of Hope for children placed in foster care. The child s name is monogrammed on attractive duffel bag. The bags include clothes, something for the child to play with, and hygiene items. Least of These also works to provide other items needed by these children. The Christmas in July project will collect either cash donations or specific items to help meet these needs, big or small. Any appropriate clothing, toy or other items are welcome, but the biggest needs at the present time are as follows Shorts in all sizes for children 0-18; Socks for teen boys; Other clothing items Soccer balls, regulation footballs, Nerf footballs, basketballs; Board games for all ages Toys for babies younger than 1; Characters toys for boys like Spider Man and Batman Other toys (less than $25 in value); Craft kits; Art sets Sippy cups; Soft plush baby blankets; Fleece throw or lap size blankets for children 3-18; Pack N Play; Car Seats; High chairs Walmart, Amazon, Target Gift Cards FAMILY PROMISE We host families in the program August 19-26. Start planning now to serve as an evening or overnight host. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY This year s build begins on Saturday, September 1, as we frame walls at the home of Gwyn and Sally Hilton.

You Can Help... SAMARITAN S FEET FOOTWASHING AND SHOE DISTRIBUTION This year we plan to serve 200 children at the Boys and Girls Club on Friday, August 17, 3:00-7:00 p.m. Come serve as runner, pull shoes from the shoe store, greet families, serve dinner, or show care by following the example of Jesus and washing children s feet before giving a new pair of shoes at the beginning of the school year. You Gave... The Missions Committee designated: June s $500 honorarium to Camp Sertoma in honor Janeen Silver for nearly 20 years of service. July s $500 honorarium to Compassionate Friends in honor of John and Rose Stanley. Global Missions funds to help with recovery from the recent volcano eruption in Guatemala through CEDEPCA. See https://www.cedepca.us/ for more information on this organization working to improve lives in Guatemala. Rev. Leslie Vogel, our PC (USA) mission partner, who visited with us last year, is instrumental in the work of this organization. The Presbyterian Endowment Trust designated: funds for scholarships to Ebenezer School, our school in Malawi. money to greatly improve access to water in Nkhoma, Malawi, the home of our school and the hospital we support.

July 2018 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1621 EAST GARRISON BLVD GASTONIA, NC 28054 PHONE: 704-864-2651 WEB: www.fpcgastonia.org FB: www.facebook.com/fpcgastonia TWITTER: @1Pres_Gastonia Calendar of Events Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6:30 p.m. Thrive 5:00 p.m. Team Meeting RoadRunner Trip 9:00 a.m. Thrive 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship 9:30 a.m. Staff Meeting 7:00 p.m. Thrive Rehearsal 7:30 a.m. Hunger Issues Small Group 8:30 a.m. Wild & Wacky Wednesday Nickel-a-Meal Sunday 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 9:00 a.m. Thrive 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship 9:00 a.m. Choir Camp 9:00 a.m. Choir Camp 9:30 a.m. Staff Meeting 7:00 p.m. Thrive Rehearsal 9:00 a.m. Choir Camp 9:00 a.m. Choir Camp

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 9:00 a.m. Thrive 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship 5:30 p.m. Fourth Sunday of Grace and Prayer Worship 9:30 a.m. Staff Meeting 4:00 p.m. Investment Team Meeting 7:00 p.m. Thrive Rehearsal NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 29 30 31 August 1 August 2 August 3 August 4 9:00 a.m. Thrive 9:00 a.m. Henderlite Breakfast 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship Christmas in July in Worship Services Presbytery of Western NC Meeting 7:00 p.m. Thrive Rehearsal Noon 90 th Birthday Luncheon!!! 1:00 p.m. Mailing of the Newsletter August 5 August 6 August 7 August 8 August 9 August 10 August 11 9:00 a.m. Thrive 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship Communion Sunday 1:00 p.m. Pastoral Care Meeting 9:30 a.m. Staff Meeting 7:00 p.m. Thrive Rehearsal Noon Prayer Lunch Importance of Senior Self- Care 5:00 p.m. Personnel 10:00 a.m. Prayer Beads Small Group 6:30 p.m. Thrive Team Meeting

PARISH NURSE MINISTRY Thank you! A special thanks to everyone who donated blood, volunteered, and/or baked cookies! Together we collected 17 units. Our next blood drive will be October 1, 2:30 6:30 p.m. Health Education Awareness Lunch August 8, Noon at FPC: The Importance of Self- Care for Seniors, presented by Roy Goforth, owner of Home Instead Senior Care. Lunch is $6.00, program is free. RSVP by August 6 to the church Reception Desk (704-864-2651). Sexting and Cyberbullying Workshop August 19 at 4:30 p.m., Friendship Christian Church Family Life Center, 221 W. Bradley St., Gastonia. Speaker: Major Joel Shores. RSVP by text to 704-685-7111 by August 5. The seminar is for pre-teens and teens (11-18) and parents and guardians. Purses for a Purpose August 10, Noon-4 p.m. at Catherine Booth Garden Apartments, 1436 Union Rd. August 17, 11:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. at Brookdale Shelby, 1425 E. Marion St., Shelby Proceeds go to Walk to End Alzheimer's from the Alzheimer s Association. Collecting purse donations now! Questions: Joy Wiley from Morningside: 704-810-0111 or Lisa Marisiddiah: 704-864-2651.

RoadRunners MAMA MIA! On Saturday, August 18, the RoadRunners will travel to Flat Rock to see the popular musical, Mamma Mia at the Flat Rock Playhouse. We will stop for lunch at the Café on the Veranda (located within the gift shop A Day in the Country). The theater ticket is $40.00 per person and the sandwich and salad lunch is $13.50 per person including tax and tip. The total cost for the play and lunch is $53.50, payable with your reservation. Sign up at the Reception Desk by July 20th to make your reservation. Two buses will leave the parking lot at 9:30 a.m. Welcome, Tori Patterson, Interim Youth Director! The Personnel Committee is pleased to announce the hiring of Tori Patterson as our parttime interim youth director. Tori began with us on July 1. Stay tuned to email and future editions of First Press to learn more about Tori, but be on the lookout to welcome and support her as he comes to serve God alongside us here at FPC! ADULT MINISTRIES FAITH FICTION This group will take a break during July and August, returning in September. HENDERLITE CLASS BREAKFAST Current and potential members of the Henderlite Class are invited to a breakfast in the PAD on Sunday, July 29 at 9:00 a.m. SEEKERS CLASS BREAKFAST Current and potential members of the Seekers Class are invited to a breakfast in the Parlor Singer, Songwriter, and Author Mark Lee to Return to FPC September 9 Mark Lee will be with us at 9:00 a.m. Thrive and for a 7:00 p.m. time of worship and storytelling on Sunday, September 9. Mark this on your calendar and invite friends and neighbors for a great evening together.

WORSHIP AND MUSIC NOTES Dear Bethany and Loyal Choir, How lovely always is our Sanctuary music! Especially this winter and spring it seems so exquisite. Most recently the a cappella group and the Sunday piece I Am Not Alone remains engraved in our hearts and minds, musically and theologically. We will miss the choir this summer. We wish you a deserved rest and an inspired return in September. Blessings to you each, Worship and music Dear Matt and Thrive Team, Wow! What an exciting summer the Thrive music team is planning. New equipment only insures more exceptional music for the Thrive service. Early summer Sunday worship is a perfect invitation to our congregation to worship. Blessings to you each, Worship and music Dear Greg and Forth Sunday Team, So many are already anticipating the return of Forth Sunday, a summer vesper at 5:00 p.m. in the Chapel. You are so kind to organize that worship July through September. The music is varied and personal. Thank you for offering another time to gather and to worship. Blessings to you each, Worship and Music Welcoming Ministry for July Location Date Narthex July 8 & 15 Cynthia and Ed Anderson Narthex July 22 & 29 Gloria and Hub Hickson Gallery each week David Wentz Chapel July 8, 15, 22, 29 Lillian Osei-Boateng Thrive July 8, 15, 22 Karen and Billy Simmons Thrive July 29 Roger Rizk, Angie Sellers

2018 Pictorial Directory to know and be known....to connect and care for one another....to reach out with encouragement and love....to work together in building up the body of Christ. First Presbyterian Church has not done a pictorial directory since 2012. That will change this fall! Plan to be a part of it by having your photo made. Photography Day at Covenant Village: Monday, September 17. Photography Dates at FPC: Tuesday through Saturday, September 18-22. Listen for ways to sign up online and on the phone.

Children s Minsitry: Wild and Wacky Wednesdays 2018 July 11th Destination: Grandfather Mountain & High Gravity Adventures Foothills Course Cost: $28.00 (10 or more we qualify for a group price) Lunch Details: Pack a lunch for a picnic Drop Off Time: 8:30 a.m. Fellowship Hall Pick Up Time: 5:30 p.m. Fellowship Hall July 25th Destination: Tweetsie Railroad Cost: $30 or (15+ group $23) admission Lunch Details: We will buy lunch in the park - $7.50 Drop Off Time: 8:30 a.m. Fellowship Hall Pick Up Time: 6:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall Aug 8th Destination: Morning Mission TBA & Sky High Sports*, Charlotte Cost: 2 hours of jumping $15.00 Lunch Details: Brixx Pizza - $7.00 Drop Off Time: 9:00 a.m. Fellowship Hall Pick Up Time: 6:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall Aug 15th Destination: Riverbanks Zoo, Columbia, SC Cost: $13.50 General Admission (Children 2-12) & $5.00 ice cream Lunch Details: Bring a bag lunch to eat in picnic area Drop Off Time: 8:30 a.m. Fellowship Hall Pick Up Time: 6:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall Additional Information: Participants are encouraged to invite friends. In order to provide enough space in vehicles, please try to register a week ahead of time. To register your child for Wild and Wacky Wednesday trips, please email or call Jill Kimbirl at jkimbirl@fpcgastonia.org or 704-365-2651. Wild and Wacky Wednesday trips are for rising 2nd thru 5th graders. Chaperones and Drivers are needed. Please contact Jill Kimbirl to volunteer. Permission forms will need to be filled out by guests. High Gravity Adventures requires an online waiver for all participants. Contact me for the link to the online waiver. Check out their website www.highgravityadventures.com *Sky High requires a waiver for all participants. The online waiver can be found at http://clt.skyhighsports.com/

August 1 Chicken Salad Seven Layer Salad Chips Watergate Salad August 8 Taco Salad Chocolate Chip Cookie August 15 BBQ Chicken Baked Potato Green Beans Roll Fresh Peach Cobbler August 22 Hamburgers Chili, Slaw, Lettuce, Tomato Potato Salad Ranch Style Baked Beans Banana Pudding August 29 Salmon Croquettes with Dill Sauce Pintos Chow chow Greens Roasted Potatoes Cornbread Cherry Yum Yum Thank you to Gwen Yon and Sherry Moore for ending June with a special meal. The low country boil, featuring shrimp, crab legs, potatoes, and corn was great!

Fourth Sunday Service: July 22 This causal worship service will be held in the Chapel starting at 5:30 p.m., lasting approximately 30 minutes. The purpose of the service is a gathering for grace and prayer, and will consist of music, devotions, communion, and intercessory prayer. Time for fellowship prior to the service will beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Fourth Sunday Services will be held only three times this summer: Sundays July 22, August 26 and September 23. This meaningful service is open to everyone, so please plan to attend. Also, feel free to invite family and friends to come with you. The response to this service last year was very positive and spiritually rewarding. First Press PERIODICALS US POSTAGE PAID Gastonia, NC Remember as you travel this summer, connect and worship with FPC at www.fpcgastonia.org/watchlive or on the LiveStream app or Roku app. You can view services live or recorded.