First Presbyterian Church News (Clarksville, TN)

Any particular color, as an artistic or literary symbol, may take on any number of meanings.  It is often the wider context that lends a color its true significance...  As we enter Advent 2021--another season of waiting and preparation for the advent , the coming arrival of the Christ--we are asking ourselves, what do these colors mean in the context of Christmas?  This is nothing new. For centuries Christians have assigned particular meanings to these colors:  Red is traditionally seen as a means of expressing belief in the eternal and abundant life we have received through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.  Green is for new birth to a living hope of eternal life in Christ.  Gold represents worship and God's gifts that are given to be shared.  Blue is a reminder that some people experience heartache and pain even, especially, at Christmas. And  White  reminds us that Christ came so that our lives may also reflect the fullness of God's good...

Online Bulletin: 11/28/21 Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:9-20 ; John 3:1-21 Full Worship Services Online: Youtube Favorite Hymns & Songs:  Youtube Playlist Liturgy Explanations: " Why We Worship This Way " Get Involved: Events This Week Prayers and Praises: The "Pink Sheet" Give to the Church: Make an Offering

  Prayers & Praises Please be in prayer this week for:   Vicki Duncan's mother and father, David Kanervo, Howard Bradley, Leo Adames, Tom Presler, David Liberatore, and Dennis Moore. Please continue to pray for: Don Atkins, Florence Bailey, Don Beck, Jay and Diane Bowland, Sara Brooks, Melanie Cobb, Bessie Costanza, Vickie Duncan, Abigail Henson, Ruby Jean McLeod, Lew Metts, and Arch Shuler, the FPC Bicentennial and Capital Campaigns, the FPC Christian Ed Program, as well as those in LaGonave, Haiti, Rwanda, and South Sudan.  We give praise for: The congregation's generous giving in the amount of $1400 to the Salvation Army in memory of Karen Goggin! First Presbyterian realized how special the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program was to Karen. Many of our community’s young "Angels" were directly impacted by Karen’s dedication and hard work. Thank you all for giving in Karen's memory! Consecration Sunday giving and our community drive-thru lunch. Th...

Sunday, November 28 9:00 a.m.   Women's Friendship Sunday School Class Men's Brotherhood Sunday School Class 10:00 a.m.  Morning Worship (First Sunday in Advent) Elementary Children's Sunday School During the Sermon in the Parlor Middle School Confirmation Class/Sunday School During the Sermon in the Library 2:00 p.m. Shower Love (at Loaves and Fishes) Tuesday, November 30 4:30 p.m.  Yoga (in Fellowship Hall) Wednesday, December 1 10:30 a.m. Bible Study with Pastor Greg Meet in the Library or Join on  Zoom  (Meeting ID: 231 246 359; Passcode: 007472) 6:00 p.m.  Hand Bell Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.  Choir Rehearsal Thursday, December 2 8:30 a.m.  Yoga (in AOC Gym) Saturday, December 4 2:00 p.m. SpiritFest!!! (at Downtown Commons in Front of Church)

We have all, in our different ways, experienced heartache over the past two years in the midst of a world-wide pandemic. The holidays, when we are often expected to keep high spirits, can be difficult. Now, and always, we seek God's strength. Through Scripture and song, our service of Lessons and Carols this year aims to reassure us of God's eternal promises and Christ's saving grace . We begin in the Old Testament, where God makes a covenant with His people. Nine readings in total build up to a final New Testament reading, where God establishes a new covenant by sending a Savior, Jesus Christ.  God's deep-rooted love for us has evolved through time but never diminished. Scripture shows us that, i n times of trouble, people have questioned God yet kept faith despite those questions. By trusting in God's promises, we witness astounding beauty out of supposed ruin.  Join us for this Advent service of Lessons and Carols on December 12 at 4:00 p.m. Along with opport...

We are asking for your help this holiday season to sponsor a “Jingle Bell Food Drive” for Loaves and Fishes! During these difficult times, there are more individuals and families experiencing financial  insecurity making it hard for them to provide food for their families.  When you participate in a food drive or give a monetary gift, you are helping Loaves and Fishes to alleviate the difficulties these families face.  To participate in the Loaves and Fishes Jingle Bell Food Drive, please bring your food donations (something off this list ) to our facility located at 825 Crossland Ave, Mondays – Saturdays from 8 AM to 1 PM. Call 931-645-9020 or email info@loavesandfishestn.org to set up a delivery or pickup time. Not able to provide food this year? We also accept monetary gifts or gift cards! We provide meals to over a hundred people a day. Your donation will help us to purchase additional needed supplies and continue our ministry of feeding the hungry. To make a m...

On Friday, Dec. 17 , we will gather at 7:00 p.m.  in the Downtown Commons to sing Christmas carols together! Hankering to sing a particular holiday song?? Put it on the list!  Our music director, Hannah Cruse, will curate and compile all the requested carols a week before the event. Words and music will be provided, both in print and as a QR-accessible document, to participants. Hannah will accompany on an electric piano under the covered area.  The ice skating rink will be open too! Whenever you need a break from caroling, hop on over to the rink with friends and family.  

We are grateful to Will Arrington (Chair of the Stewardship Committee), Lesa Goder, Ross Hicks, Sara Little, Karla Posey, and Denice Williamson for their outstanding leadership of our stewardship efforts this year.  God has abundantly blessed their efforts and you responded from the heart with estimates of giving that reflect the blessings of God in your own lives and families.  As of November 21, 64 giving units (spouses jointly, or single persons) have completed Estimate of Giving Cards for this year.  A total of 28 of these giving units increased their financial commitment above their last year’s amount.  Those 64 giving units who were present in worship to fill out their Estimate of Giving Cards committed a total of $324,676.  Based on last year’s giving records, we can expect to receive $250,000.00 during the coming year from people who have consistent giving patterns during the past twelve months but were not present during worship on Consecration Sunday...

Every year, we order poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary for Christmas. Members of the congregation fund these poinsettias by donating to the FPC Memorial Fund in honor of loved ones and friends. If you would like to buy a poinsettia in honor of someone you care about, please give (any amount) to the Memorial Fund by noon on Monday, December 6. You may designate the gift during offertory time in worship or call/email the church during office hours. Names of those in memoriam or in honor of along with donors will be listed in the December 12 & 19 bulletins. Thank you!

Online Bulletin: 11/14/21 Scripture Reading: Psalm 107: 1-9; 33-43  Full Worship Services Online: Youtube Favorite Hymns & Songs:  Youtube Playlist Music Background & Texts: Music Spotlight Article Liturgy Explanations: " Why We Worship This Way " Get Involved: Events This Week Prayers and Praises: The "Pink Sheet" Give to the Church: Make an Offering

Please be in prayer this week for:   Vicki Duncan's mother and father, David Kanervo, Howard Bradley, Leo Adames, Tom Presler, David Liberatore, and Dennis Moore. Please continue to pray for: Don Atkins, Florence Bailey, Don Beck, Jay and Diane Bowland, Sara Brooks, Melanie Cobb, Bessie Costanza, Vickie Duncan, Abigail Henson, Ruby Jean McLeod, Lew Metts, and Arch Shuler, the FPC Bicentennial and Capital Campaigns, the FPC Christian Ed Program, as well as those in LaGonave, Haiti, Rwanda, and South Sudan.  We give praise for: The opportunity to build friendships and relax at Friendsgiving last Sunday. A group of 8 young adults enjoyed a big potluck meal and games like UNO. They are looking forward to more social events like this!

Now Thank We All Our God : Traditional or Not? (by Hannah Cruse, Music Director & Organist) Every year around Thanksgiving time, congregations sing the seemingly obligatory hymn, Now Thank We All Our God. Organists play lively postludes on the tune... Praise bands arrange it for modern instrumentation... Everyone is doing it (and so are we)! Why?  We can all surely appreciate the sound theology, encouraging message, and rousing melody of this particular hymn. Lots of hymns--not sung nearly as often as this one--meet the aforementioned criteria though. I believe what really cements  Now Thank We All  into our lexicon is its "traditionalism."  We often ascribe value to tradition--rightly so in many cases. Tradition connects us to the saints who built the Church, reminds us of fond childhood memories, marks our unique identity within culture, and comforts us through shared ritual.  In one sense, Now Thank We All is "traditional"; it has been passed on from on...

Help the Missions Committee provide gifts for "Angel Tree" this year!  Because our schedule of activities at church is restricted by COVID-19, we are going virtual. Each year, we try to provide 5 gifts for each "angel"--a coat, clothes, shoes, and 2 other items (usually toys for children). If you are interested in purchasing a gift, please click here and fill out the form ! You will receive a reply within 48 hours with details about how to buy a gift for your "angel." Gifts will need to be delivered to the parlor by Sunday, November 28. Thank you for participating in this program and bringing joy to a child this Christmas!

  Events Sunday, November 21 9:00 a.m.   Women's Friendship Sunday School Class Men's Brotherhood Sunday School Class 9:15 a.m. Choir Rehearsal (in Sanctuary) 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship ( Consecration Sunday ) Elementary Children's Sunday School During the Sermon in the Parlor Middle School Confirmation Class/Sunday School During the Sermon in the Library 11:15 a.m. Drive-Thru Lunch (at AOC) 4:00 p.m.  Youth Group (at AOC) 5:00 p.m. Missions and Service Committee Meeting (in Fellowship Hall)  Monday, November 22 5:30 p.m. Christmas Decorating (in Sanctuary) Tuesday, November 23 4:30 p.m.  Yoga ***CANCELLED *** Wednesday, November 24 (Office Closed for Thanksgiving) 10:30 a.m. Bible Study ***CANCELLED*** Bell and Choir Rehearsals ***CANCELLED*** Thursday, November 25 (Office Closed for Thanksgiving) 8:30 a.m.  Yoga ***CANCELLED*** Friday, November 26 (Office Closed for Thanksgiving)

Everyone is invited to join the Worship Committee  on Monday, November 22 from 5:30-7:00 pm  to help decorate the church for Advent!  We will put up and decorate the Chrismon tree, hang banners, and put wreaths and garland in the sanctuary.  We will also put garland on the outside railing.  Please come and help get the church ready for the first Sunday of Advent  on November 28–thank you! (Contact Rhonda if in need of more info.)

Hey young adults (aka 20-30-something year-olds)! Come out on  Tuesday, Dec. 7, starting at 7:00 p.m. , for a night of group games and snacks. We'll meet at the Activities and Outreach Center (215 Foster St. by the church). Snacks, like popcorn, pretzels, veggie sticks, dip, and sodas will be provided. Volunteers will be available for childcare over at the church as well. Got a favorite game?  Put it on the game list!   Let us know you are coming; RSVP to the FB Event !

On  Thursday, December 16 at 7:00 PM , Chapel Cinema (courtesy of FPC) will show " Young at Heart." Get your FREE TICKETS now! Prepare to be entertained by the inspiring individuals of YOUNG@HEART, a New England senior citizens chorus that has delighted audiences worldwide with their covers of songs by everyone from The Clash to Coldplay. As Stephen Walker's documentary begins, the retirees, led by their strict musical director, are rehearsing their new show, struggling with a discordant Sonic Youth number and giving new meaning to James Brown's "I Feel Good." What ultimately emerges is a funny and unexpectedly moving testament to friendship, creative inspiration, and reaching beyond expectations.

During morning worship on Consecration Sunday (November 21) , we are asking our attendees and members to make their financial commitments to our church’s missions, service, and educational ministries in this community and around the world. Immediately after worship, we will celebrate all the gifts given and received during a community lunch. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we will provide boxed lunches from Choppin' Block in a drive-thru.  Instructions: If you RSVP'd for a meal, pull up  in front of the double glass doors of the Activities and Outreach Center off of 3rd St. Exit the AOC behind the Planning Commission building and onto 4th street. You may either take the lunch home or, if the weather is nice, eat together at the Downtown Commons!

Sunday, Nov. 28  10:00 a.m.  First Sunday in Advent ("Colors of Christmas" Sermon Series Begins) Saturday, Dec. 4  2:00 p.m.  SpiritFest!  at the Downtown Commons Tuesday, Dec. 7 7:00 p.m. Young Adult Game Night in the AOC Sunday, Dec. 12   10:00 a.m.  Service of Healing and Wholeness 4:00 p.m.  Lessons and Carols Service Wednesday, Dec. 15  7:00 p.m.  Christmas Choir Party Thursday, Dec. 16 7:00 p.m. Chapel Cinema Screening of " Young at Heart " Friday, Dec. 17  7:00 p.m.   Community Caroling (at Downtown Commons) Saturday, Dec. 18 9:00 a.m. Food Basket Packing (in Fellowship Hall) Sunday, Dec. 19   10:00 a.m.   Children's Nativity Pageant Christmas Joy Offering Friday, Dec. 24   6:00 p.m.  Christmas Eve Candlelight Service   Sunday, Dec. 26   10:00 a.m.  First Sunday after Christmas

FPC COVID-19 Policy as of Nov. 2021 Session has approved the following COVID-19 policy: It is the policy of First Presbyterian Church to follow CDC COVID-19 recommendations.  We urge members to maintain awareness, to take personal responsibility, and to love your neighbor as yourself by your choices and actions.  Staff will occasionally publish reminders and notices of changes in CDC recommendations. As of 8:30 a.m. on November 13, 2021, Montgomery County has substantial COVID-19 community spread. Currently, the CDC recommendation is that "Everyone in Montgomery County, Tennessee should wear a mask in public, indoor settings." If in doubt as to the latest guidance, please consult the CDC county level recommendations available at  https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view Session has dismissed the COVID-19 Task Force with gratitude for their diligent service over the past two years.  Please join your Session in thanking Maggie Brown (chair), Stephen Daughe...

Online Bulletin: 11/14/21 Scripture Reading: Psalm 26:1-12 ; 1 Corinthians 3:10-23 Full Worship Services Online:  Youtube Playlist Favorite Hymns & Songs:  Youtube Playlist Music Background & Texts: Music Spotlight Article Liturgy Explanations: " Why We Worship This Way " Get Involved: Events This Week Prayers and Praises: The "Pink Sheet" Give to the Church: Make an Offering

Special Music "Built on the Rock" by Don McAfee The text of the hymn on which this anthem is based was written by Nikolai Grondtvig in 1837 (translated from German to English by Carl Doving in 1909). Don McAfee employs only three of the original seven stanzas in his 1963 anthem, set to the 1840 tune by Ludwig M. Lindeman.  Understanding Nikolai Grondtvig's story imparts special meaning to the poetry of this hymn.   "Why has the Lord's word disappeared from His house?" His sermon by this title in 1810 attracted much attention around Copenhagen... From the time of his ordination he had been deeply impressed with Evangelical church sentiments, in opposition to the fashionable Rationalism and Erastianism of the day ; and adhered to the anti-rationalist teaching of Hauge, whose death at this time (1824) seemed to be a call to Grundtvig to lift up his voice. An opportunity soon presented itself; Professor Clausen brought out a book entitled "The condition, te...