First Presbyterian Church News (Clarksville, TN)

  Events This Week Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost, October 30 8:30 a.m.  Coffee House   (in Fellowship Hall) 9:00 a.m.   "The Trek" Discussion Group  (in Fellowship Hall) Conversations on the Front Porch (in the Chapel) Women's Friendship Sunday School Men's Brotherhood Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Choir Practice (in Sanctuary) 10:00 a.m.  Morning Worship Confirmation Class Children's Church 11:00 a.m. (or after worship) Congregational Meeting 3:00 p.m. Faith and Fellowship Group (at the Basham's House) Monday, October 31 7:30 a.m. Coffee House (in Fellowship Hall) 9:00 a.m. Shower Love (at Loaves & Fishes) Tuesday, November 1 " 30 Days of Thanksgiving and Prayer " Begins 7:30 a.m. Coffee House (in Fellowship Hall)  5:00 p.m. Yoga (in Fellowship Hall) Wednesday, November 2 7:30 a.m. Coffee House (in Fellowship Hall) 10:30 a.m.  Bible Study with Pastor Greg  Meet in the Library or Join on  Zoom  (Meeting ID: 231 246 359;...

  Prayers Please be in prayer this week for:   Joshua Ayres (Learning Center student), Tommy Sallee (our fill-in security guard who needs continued prayers for healing), Justine Kaneris (worked with "Seasons"), Libby and Ralph Stewart, Wade Rudolph, Nicole Williamson (Greg and Denice Williamson's daughter-in-law), Rayna & Joey Williamson, Kim Smith (Kitty Boaz's daughter), Melanie Cobb (Steve and Diane Miner's daughter), Leo Adames, and Dick Pryor. Please continue to pray for: Don Atkins, Don Beck, Jay Bowland, Bessie Costanza, Lew Metts, the FPC Christian Ed Program, as well as those in LaGonave, Haiti, Rwanda, and South Sudan, and all those affected by Covid-19. Praises We give praise for: A beautiful day at the Pumpkin Patch last Saturday with families from the church and LC.  The Nominating Committee and all those who will become elders this year. The teachers and volunteers who made the LC/Preschool Fall Festival possible ...

  Join us for 30 Days of Prayer and Thanksgiving this November! One of the most powerful resources we have in life is gratitude.  When we live out the dynamic combination of prayer and gratitude, it unlocks faith and inspires hope that God is at work in our world.  We notice God’s grace everywhere, our anxieties melt away, and fear vanishes.  People who can give thanks even at times of loss and amid trials discover the peace and vitality that only God can give. 2022 Path to Thankful Living 1. Every day in November, starting on All Saints Day (the 1st), find a new passage of Scripture and corresponding prayer prompt, both on our Facebook and Instagram pages as well as in the 30 Days of Prayer and Thanksgiving booklet, which you may pick up for free on the table in the narthex. You are encouraged to spend about 10 minutes a day in thankful prayer and contemplation of these passages. 2. Attend worship during the month of November to hear uplifting, inspirational test...

  Events This Week Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, October 23 8:30 a.m.  Coffee House   (in Fellowship Hall) 9:00 a.m.   "The Trek" Discussion Group  (in Fellowship Hall) Conversations on the Front Porch (in the Chapel) Women's Friendship Sunday School Men's Brotherhood Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Choir Practice (in Sanctuary) 10:00 a.m.  Morning Worship Confirmation Class Children's Church 4:00 p.m. Youth Group ***CANCELED*** 6:00 p.m. Session Meeting (in Library) Monday, October 24 7:30 a.m. Coffee House (in Fellowship Hall) 9:00 a.m. Shower Love (at Loaves & Fishes) Tuesday, October 25 7:30 a.m. Coffee House (in Fellowship Hall)  5:00 p.m. Yoga (in Fellowship Hall) Wednesday, October 26 7:30 a.m. Coffee House (in Fellowship Hall) 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 Thur...

  Prayers Please be in prayer this week for:   Tommy Sallee (our fill-in security guard who needs continued prayers for healing), Justine Kaneris (worked with "Seasons"), Libby and Ralph Stewart, Wade Rudolph, Nicole Williamson (Greg and Denice Williamson's daughter-in-law), Rayna & Joey Williamson, Kim Smith (Kitty Boaz's daughter), Melanie Cobb (Steve and Diane Miner's daughter), Leo Adames, and Dick Pryor. Please continue to pray for: Don Atkins, Don Beck, Jay Bowland, Bessie Costanza, Lew Metts, the FPC Christian Ed Program, as well as those in LaGonave, Haiti, Rwanda, and South Sudan, and all those affected by Covid-19. Praises We give praise for: The Nominating Committee and all those who will become elders this year! The teachers and volunteers who made the LC/Preschool Fall Festival possible and for all the kids and parents who came out to enjoy the day! Click here to see pictures. 

The Annual Congregational Meeting will take place on October 30 at the end of worship ( around 11 am ). This meeting is for the purpose of electing elders to serve on Session for the next three years.   The nominees are: Class of 2024: Todd Harvey Class of 2025: Charlie Keene, Jennifer Ellis, Doug Young, Patty Orr Youth Elder: James McNiel Participation in this meeting is an important responsibility of membership. Please make every effort to attend. Also, please join us in thanking our Elder Nominating Committee for 2022, chaired by Ken Giles (Session, Class of 2022) and Chair elect Elder Hershel Basham (Class of 2023). At large committee members included Brandi Goodwin, Ross Hicks, Patty Orr, Karla Posey and Allister Banasiak (Youth Elder).

During the weekend of Nov. 4-6 , Cindy Corell, a PCUSA mission worker in Haiti, will be visiting us in Clarksville. Because of the violence and civil unrest in Haiti, she has been in the USA for several months. But she stays in touch with her colleagues and will be giving us updates and sharing her past experiences. Details to follow. For now, here are a few chances for you to be with her, so save the date!    FRIDAY, Nov. 4, 6:00 @ Ann Waddle’s home – potluck dinner This is especially for folks from Trinity and FPC who have traveled to Haiti and visited La Gonave, but all are welcome! Contact Ann for dinner details.   SATURDAY, Nov. 5, 2’ish @ restaurant TBD – book discussion and hangout Join Cindy and a group of book lovers to discuss Haiti, books, and other things that make us happy!   SATURDAY, Nov. 5, 6:00 @ Ann Waddle’s home – potluck dinner This is especially for   Service & Missions Committee   members, but all are welcome! Contact A...

We will discuss and approve the elder nominees at our congregational meeting at 9 am on Sunday, October 30.  Class of 2024 Todd Harvey Class of 2025 Charlie Keene Jennifer Ellis Doug Young Patty Orr Youth Elder James McNiel

Sign up for the Fall NaCoMe Work Retreat! All youth who are attending will need to have permission forms filled out and returned before leaving for the trip.   WHO: Youth from FPC. Specifically 6th-12th grade students. WHEN: November 12-13.  COST: $30 per person. HOW TO REGISTER:  Complete the permission form below and pay the fee on or before Nov. 6.

Instead of participating in the reverse trick or treat this year, the youth group will stay and assist with the Halloween Hunt and then gather for the Youth Group Lock In, followed by worship the next morning. See details below.

FPC's Green Team has held their first meeting and is excited to start working on projects together! Their goal is to leave a positive impact on the environment and encourage commitment to creation care.  Their first project together will be to create a garden space in the unused Runyon and Runyon beds across the street from Fellowship Hall. The hope is that this space will provide refuge for pollinators, demonstrate creation care to the community, and serve as a food production teaching tool. On Sunday, Nov. 6, after church , they will dig out old soil, replace it with compost, and potentially plant bulbs for early spring color.  If you would like to help on Nov. 6 or participate in future Green Team efforts, please contact Hannah Cruse. 

Wednesday Night Fellowship is back!  This series will occur weekly starting in January 2023. Join us on Wednesday, November 9 for a preview of what’s to come.  Spread the word… Dinner at 5:00. Program from 5:30 to 7:00. Local author, Mike Shoulders, will provide a Family Literacy presentation. His books will be available. Watch Facebook for a video and information you can share with your friends.

Changes for the Evening Yoga Class!  Beginning in November, the evening yoga class will meet on Mondays at 4:30 pm in Fellowship Hall.  Everyone, of all levels, is welcome to join us. This is a gentle stretch yoga class all seated or laying on the floor. Mats and other props/equipment are provided. You do not have to be a pretzel to enjoy this activity! It might even help you sleep better (but no guarantees)! For more information, contact Kris Foust. Also, Thursday morning yoga classes have been cancelled indefinitely. 

  Prayers Please be in prayer this week for:   Justine Kaneris (worked with "Seasons"), Libby and Ralph Stewart, Wade Rudolph, Nicole Williamson (Greg and Denice Williamson's daughter-in-law), Rayna & Joey Williamson, Kim Smith (Kitty Boaz's daughter), Melanie Cobb (Steve and Diane Miner's daughter), Leo Adames, Dick Pryor, and all those affected by Covid-19. Please continue to pray for: Don Atkins, Don Beck, Jay Bowland, Bessie Costanza, Lew Metts, the FPC Christian Ed Program, as well as those in LaGonave, Haiti, Rwanda, and South Sudan. Praises We give praise for: The Fellowship Committee and attendees who made Second Sunday Lunch such a wonderful event last week! 

  Events This Week Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, October 16 8:30 a.m.  Coffee House   (in Fellowship Hall) 9:00 a.m.   "The Trek" Discussion Group **CANCELED THIS WEEK** Conversations on the Front Porch (in the Chapel) Women's Friendship Sunday School Men's Brotherhood Sunday School Choir Practice (in Sanctuary) 10:00 a.m.  Morning Worship Confirmation Class Children's Church 11:15 a.m. Dwell Brunch  (at The Mailroom) Monday, October 17 7:30 a.m. Coffee House (in Fellowship Hall)  Tuesday, October 18 7:30 a.m. Coffee House (in Fellowship Hall)  5:00 p.m. Yoga (in Fellowship Hall) 7:00 p.m. "Night Circle" Presbyterian Women's Group (in Library) Wednesday, October 19 7:30 a.m. Coffee House (in Fellowship Hall) 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, October 2...

“Haunted Pipes”  Organ Concert presented by Hannah Cruse  Saturday, October 29 8:00 p.m.  during the "Halloween Hunt"  Sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church  Program:  "Toccata in D Minor" by J. S. Bach "Les eaux de la grâce (The Waters of Grace)" by Olivier Messiaen  "In the Hall of the Mountain King" by Edvard Grieg, Transcribed by Harvey B. Gaul "Fantasmagorie" by Jehan Alain "Toccata" from Op. 18 by Alberto Ginastera  "Allegretto" from "Mutationes" by Petr Eben "Suite Gothique" by Léon Boëllmann

What happens when the Good News meets loneliness, misery, poverty, sin, and self-destruction? Chords of love and redemption!  About this event: We know the Country Music cliches...drinking, cheating, hound-dog nostalgia, and pickup trucks. But we sometimes also find singers who tell us about Jesus, recovery, morality, and redemption. Our fall series of sermons asks where the Gospel message can be heard with a country twang!  Dates: September 25 - "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" (Hank Williams)  October 2 - "Unanswered Prayer" (Garth Brooks)  October 9 - "All Kinds of Kinds" (Miranda Lambert)  October 16 - "Can't Help Wonder Where I'm Bound" (Tom Paxton)  October 23 - "Crowded Table" (Highwomen)  October 30 - "Dear God" (Patsy Cline)  November 6 - "Thanks to You" (Emmy Lou Harris)

On Nov. 6 , we celebrate our very own roll call of the saints during the morning worship service. If you would like to submit the name of one (or more) of your personal faith heroes for inclusion in our public prayers for All Saints', please email or call the church office by Nov. 2 . We will have a list of names submitted this year in the bulletin on Nov. 6. A link to the full list from years past will be in the newsletter on Nov. 6 and Nov. 13. 

Prayers Please be in prayer this week for:   Justine Kaneris (worked with "Seasons"), Libby and Ralph Stewart, Wade Rudolph, Nicole Williamson (Greg and Denice Williamson's daughter-in-law), Rayna & Joey Williamson, Kim Smith (Kitty Boaz's daughter), Melanie Cobb (Steve and Diane Miner's daughter), Leo Adames, Dick Pryor, and all those affected by Covid-19. Please continue to pray for: Don Atkins, Don Beck, Jay Bowland, Bessie Costanza, Lew Metts, the FPC Christian Ed Program, as well as those in LaGonave, Haiti, Rwanda, and South Sudan. Praises We give praise for: The generous anonymous donation of playground equipment for the Preschool 1's and 2's playground! All the new groups, fellowship opportunities, and missions starting up or continuing at FPC this fall! We are so excited to be meeting and volunteering in person again. 

  Events This Week Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, October 9 8:30 a.m.  Coffee House   (in Fellowship Hall) 9:00 a.m.   "The Trek" Discussion Group (in Fellowship Hall) Conversations on the Front Porch (in the Chapel) Women's Friendship Sunday School Men's Brotherhood Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Choir Practice (in Sanctuary) 10:00 a.m.  Morning Worship Confirmation Class Children's Church 11:00 a.m. (right after worship) Second Sunday Lunch (in Fellowship Hall) 4:00 p.m. Youth Group (in AOC) Monday, October 10 ***Meetings and Classes CANCELED for Columbus/Indigenous Peoples' Day***  Tuesday, October 11 ***LC/Preschool Fall Break*** 10:00 a.m. Congregational Care Committee Meeting (in Library) 12:30 p.m.  "Martha Circle" Presbyterian Women's Group (in Library) 5:00 p.m. Yoga (in Fellowship Hall) 7:00 p.m. "Night Circle" Presbyterian Women's Group ***RESCHEDULED*** Wednesday, October 12 ***LC/Preschool Fall Break*** 10:30 a.m...

Why Global Music on World Communion Sunday?  -Hannah Cruse, Music Director, FPC The time of year for World Communion Sunday has finally arrived. As a pastoral musician, I always ask myself, "What music will we sing for World Communion, and most importantly,  why ?"  I think we would all freely admit that Presbyterians are a little "reserved" when it comes to making music outside the traditional Western sphere... Is that a problem? Not necessarily. It's a part of our community's culture. The organ, hymns, choir--these things make us unique and feel connected. But there is an internal part of us that yearns to know what it's like to worship with other cultures. World Communion Sunday often becomes our annual excuse to sing other cultures' songs, play the drums, speak different languages, etc. (By "our," I mean the denomination as a whole and am not singling us out.) It can be tempting to serve our own personal desires (sing songs we like most...

On October 29, we are bringing back our "Halloween Hunt," which was very successful and a ton of fun last year!  Ever seen the hidden nooks and crannies of our 19th-century building in the dark? Dress up in costumes and bring the family to FPC for a team scavenger hunt, plus treats, on the spooky eve of Saturday, Oct. 29. Starts at 7:00 p.m. and wraps up at 9:00. You'll also be delighted by a spooky pipe organ concert. 👻 This is a perfect alternative to the craziness of Halloween night for young families and adults!  We will need a lot of help to pull this off.  Would you like to volunteer??? Please email Hannah Cruse or the church office. Thank you! And don't forget to spread the word about this event!