First Presbyterian Church News (Clarksville, TN)

Join us at 6:00 pm in the FPC sanctuary on December 24 to hear Scriptures, sing favorite carols, worship by candlelight--and most importantly--celebrate the greatest gift of love, Christ our Lord, sent as a newborn child this Christmas Eve. All are welcome to attend, so please invite your friends and family.

  Prayers Please be in prayer this week for:   Joe Horton, Jim Kennedy, Yvonne Hiett, 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: Your pledges and faithfulness on Thanksgiving Sunday! Full recap here. The Fellowship Committee's hard work and the delicious Thanksgiving Lunch last Sunday! More pictures  on FB.  The festive sa...

FPC Bicentennial ornaments are back! Cost is $15 each. Rhonda Banasiak will be at SpiritFest selling them in the Fellowship Hall. You can also contact her directly to purchase. On-hand inventory will be limited, but an online purchasing option will be available.

Events This Week First Sunday of Advent November 27 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 Choir Practice (in Sanctuary) 10:00 a.m.  Morning Worship Confirmation Class Children's Church 11:15 a.m.  DWELL  Advent Party  (in Fellowship Hall) Monday, November 28 7:30 - 10:00 a.m. Coffee House (in Fellowship Hall) 9:00 a.m. Shower Love (at Loaves and Fishes) 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Staff Meetings (in Library) 4:30 p.m. Yoga (in Fellowship Hall) Tuesday, November 29 7:30 - 10:00 a.m. Coffee House (in Fellowship Hall) Wednesday, November 30 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. Coffee House (in Fellowship Hall) 10:30 a.m.  Bible Study with Pastor Greg  Meet in the Library or Join Virtually ( Google Meet link ) 6:00 p.m.  Hand Bell Rehearsal (on 2nd Fl...

On  Friday, Dec. 16 , we will gather at 6 :00 p.m.  on the sanctuary steps (or in the Chapel if bad weather) to   sing Christmas carols and sip hot chocolate together !  Hymnals will be provided. If you have a song request, let Hannah Cruse know at least one week in advance so she can bring the music. Guitars or small accompanimental instruments welcome. 

With the holidays fast approaching, we are aware that these next several weeks can be difficult for some individuals and families... Blue  is a reminder that some people experience heartache and pain, even at Christmas.  The Christmas season can be a time of deep sadness and loneliness for those who feel cut off from the feeling of joy and happiness typically associated with the holidays. This feeling of loss may result from the death of a loved  one, divorce, illness, job loss, or any of a number of other reasons.  During our "Blue Christmas" service on December 11 ,  we will offer anointing with the sign of the cross and prayers for healing and wholeness.  For each person who comes forward--either on their own account or to request prayer for someone else--we will offer prayers for a joy that surpasses all understanding, a source of comfort that is substantial enough to sustain us during the most difficult times of life.  For the whole congregat...

Thank you, Stewardship Committee (Will Arrington [Chair], Lesa Goder, Ross Hicks, Sara Little, Karla Posey, and Denice Williamson), for inviting us to celebrate 30 Days of Prayer and Thanksgiving during November, as we prepared to offer our joyful thanks to God for the good gifts we have received. This year, we received pledges of $288,000 on Thanksgiving Sunday . We will continue to receive estimates of giving during the next few weeks from members who were not able to be present and will update you on the final totals and the budget for the coming year as Session does its work. Thank you, FPC, for your faithful response to God's call to give joyfully and generously to the mission of Jesus Christ in Clarksville and Montgomery County! And thank you, Fellowship Committee, for a wonderful Thanksgiving Lunch!

Join us each Sunday in Advent for sermons focused on hope, peace, joy, abiding love, and eternal light as we deepen our Christmas faith together. Take special note of Holy Communion on Dec. 4, Blue Christmas and Lessons and Carols on Dec. 11, the Children's Christmas Pageant on Dec. 18, and our Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve.

Events This Week Christ the King and Consecration Sunday November 20 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 Schoo Choir Practice (in Sanctuary) 10:00 a.m.  Morning Worship Confirmation Class Children's Church 11:00 a.m. (or after worship) Thanksgiving Lunch! (in Fellowship Hall) Monday, November 21 7:30 a.m. Coffee House (in Fellowship Hall) 4:30 p.m. Yoga (in Fellowship Hall) 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Christmas Decorating (in Sanctuary) Tuesday, November 22 7:30 a.m. Coffee House (in Fellowship Hall) Wednesday, November 23 ***All Meetings and Classes CANCELED for Thanksgiving Week!*** Thursday, November 24 Happy Thanksgiving!

  Prayers Please be in prayer this week for:   Joe Horton, Jim Kennedy, Yvonne Hiett, 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. Condolences to: The family and friends of Ted Atkinson,  who passed away last week at the age of 78. Ted grew up in the church and was the oldest son of Dr. Ed and Anna Katherine Atkinson. A service will be held near his home in...

The 20's-40's group is invited to our Advent Party at 11:30 this Sunday, Nov. 27 in Fellowship Hall! We'll have a potluck feast first, so please bring your favorite side. Then we'll play games and maybe decorate cookies until about 1:30. 🍪🥳 Talk to Hannah Cruse if you are need of childcare or have any questions. Looking forward to seeing everyone! 

Memorial Poinsettias will once again be used to decorate the sanctuary. If you are interested in having a poinsettia in honor of a loved one, we ask that you donate to the FPC Memorial Fund , and let the church know your loved one’s name by emailing  fpcclarksville@gmail.com  or calling 931-645-6551. Deadline is noon on  December 12.  Names of those in memoriam or in honor of along with donors will be listed in the  December 18 & 25  bulletins.

An invitation to FPC children from Emily Vaughn: "Beginning November 28 th , we will start our Advent study called  Truth in the Tinsel . On each day, there is a simple craft and lesson to teach our children about Advent. Families will receive a packet of materials each week to share in the learning. In order to prepare, I am including a supply list of items that you will likely have around the house that are needed to complete the activities. I have also included a sneak pe e k of what to expect with the materials you receive. I have found when doing this with my own child that the materials can be substituted, and it is the conversation that you have that really make this time special. We will also collect craft materials and have a place to pick those up, if needed." So parents, we hope you and your children will participate in this special Advent series! Please contact Emily if you have any questions. 

Every Christmas, there are children who do not receive gifts because their families are struggling financially and cannot afford the expense. The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program tries to ensure that these children have a wonderful holiday season with their families. And every year there are families that did not meet the deadline for signing up to be on the Angel Tree . These families are referred to as Forgotten Angels . This year we will be helping Forgotten Angels in Montgomery County. WHAT YOU CAN DO:  Donate outfits, shoes, coats, and/or toys. (Make sure these are new and in original packaging.) The Salvation Army has a wishlist  here. (click) And/or - Donate cash so that others can shop for items. Make check or payment to First Presbyterian with a memo: Forgotten Angels Deliver items to the Salvation Army, 210 Kraft Street 37040 by Dec. 10. If you'd like to help in any way, please  reply to Ann Waddle at  waddleiread@gmail.com . She will answer all your que...

Enjoy touring open art galleries across downtown Clarksville on Dec. 1  starting at 5:00 pm . The Art Walk occurs monthly on the first Thursday . In FPC's chapel, see artwork by Miranda Herrick, who designed the 2015 stained-glass window for our bell tower. See pictures of that window here. 

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and Scripture-based study with other FPC couples at the Basham's house from 2:00-4:00 p.m . on December 4 . Talk to Lynda Basham if interested in attending the Faith and Fellowship Group ! 

Join us for a service of Lessons and Carols , where we watch and wait for the birth of Christ, on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 4:00 p.m.  The choir, with guest singers and instrumentalists, will present Renaissance music from the early Reformed church. Invite friends and family!  Dinner will follow  in the Fellowship Hall. Ham, turkey, dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes, corn casserole, rolls and drinks will be provided. The rest will be covered dishes. If your last name begins with:  A-L  please bring a dessert (10-12 servings),  M-Q  please bring a salad (10-12 servings),  R-Z  please bring a vegetable dish (10-12 servings). Dishes may be dropped off on the kitchen serving window or placed in the refrigerator before worship. Please bring pies, cakes, gelatin salads, etc. ALREADY CUT. Put your name on  EVERY  item you bring (lids, casserole dishes, serving spoons, etc.) because folks frequently have identical bake ware, etc.

Dan Aiken Charlotte Graves Marita Beck Charlotte Graves Liz Thomas Charlotte Graves We remember all those who have died before us.  Bold font indicates those who have passed away; regular font indicates those who have requested the memorial. Memorials received after Nov. 6 will be in the Dec. newsletter. 

  Prayers Please be in prayer this week for:   Joe Horton, Jim Kennedy, Yvonne Hiett, 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: Wednesday Family Fellowship is off to a good start! Looking forward to the program beginning weekly in January. The birth of Zelda Isabella Foust, daughter of Buddy and Maggie! Kris and Charlie Foust are th...

Dorcas – another name for Tabitha in the Bible – was known for her good works and acts of mercy, sewing clothes for the poor.  The Sunday school class in the Presbyterian Church of Remera, Rwanda has chosen “Dorcas” as the name of their youth group.  This group of young people ministers to the patients in Remera- Rukoma Hospital by feeding them, singing to them and loving them through their ministry.  Please take a look at the videos and pictures of this beautiful group of young people and the patients and families that they are serving each week!   Our church in Clarksville has been supporting this mission by providing 2 grants of $2,500 each for food for the hospital patients and families. The hospital does not have a cafeteria and families have to provide their own food for patients. This is one more way your giving helps people around the world! Here is a letter to our congregation from the group’s leader, Helen Munyanziza:   The gospel of our Lor...

  Events This Week Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost, November 13 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 Schoo Choir Practice (in Sanctuary) 10:00 a.m.  Morning Worship Confirmation Class Children's Church 4:00 p.m.  Organ Recital (at Grace Lutheran) Monday, November 14 7:30 a.m. Coffee House (in Fellowship Hall) 4:30 p.m. Yoga (in Fellowship Hall) Tuesday, November 15 7:30 a.m. Coffee House (in Fellowship Hall) Wednesday, November 16 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, November 17 7:30 a.m. Coffee House (in Fellowship Hall) 6:00 p.m.  Chapel Ci...

Please join in sending cards of well wishes and encouragement to Chuck and Dodie Render and Kitty Boaz! For address information, please check Realm or call the church office.

Liberty Elementary is looking for volunteers to help with their behavior celebration being held on December 15 from 9:40 am - 3:00 pm . If you have time to volunteer, please email BOTH Melinda Riggins at Melinda.Riggins@cmcss.net AND the church office at fpcclarksville@gmail.com.

The FPC Youth Group strives to learn more about God, ourselves, and our community through fellowship, God's word, and service! YOUTH IN NOV-DEC 2022 Nov. 12-13 - Youth Work Trip to NaCoMe,       Depart the AOC at 1 pm on Saturday Nov. 27 - Assist with elementary Sunday School      D uring worship in preparing for Christmas play Dec. 3 - SpiritFest and Christmas Parade     Help out and enjoy the food and fun Dec. 4 - Youth Group Shopping for Angel Tree, 4-6 pm Dec. 11 - Lessons and Carols,  4-6 pm     A ttend as youth group and have dinner together after Dec. 17 - Christmas basket packing and delivery, 8 am Dec. 18 - Assist with Elementary Christmas Play, during worship

KINDERGARTEN THROUGH FIFTH GRADE November Focus: Attitudes of Gratitude! Nov. 13 - Bitter Blessings Nov. 20 - Whining About Wheaties Nov. 27 - Advent Series begins... December Focus: Truth in the Tinsel Our Sunday School class will engage in an Advent series called "Truth in the Tinsel."   Parents will receive a packet of activities and prayers to help  guide your family through the season of Advent. During Sunday School, w e will also prepare for our Elementary Christmas Pageant which will be performed during worship on Dec. 18. Please join us each week! For Nov. 13: Full November schedule: 

Join the Worship Committee on Monday, November 21 at 5:00 pm to decorate the interior of the church for Advent.  We will put up and decorate the Chrismon tree along with all of the greenery.  We would love to have some people who like to climb ladders!  No RSVP's necessary; just show up!

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and Scripture-based study with other FPC couples at the Basham's house from 2:00-4:00 p.m . on December 4 . Talk to Lynda Basham if interested in attending the Faith and Fellowship Group !

You're invited to join us for a Thanksgiving Lunch, provided by the FPC Fellowship Committee, on November 20 at 11 am (right after worship) in Fellowship Hall! This meal is part of our "Path to Thankful Living" journey this November.  We will conclude lunch with a moving Thanksgiving slideshow of all the things for which we are giving thanks to God in 2022. (You may contribute to that slideshow by sending a photo with a brief explanation to fpcclarksville@gmail.com.) RSVP on Realm or by calling/emailing the office.

Events This Week All Saints' Day/Twenty Second Sunday after Pentecost November 6 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 Schoo Choir Practice (in Sanctuary) 10:00 a.m.  Morning Worship Confirmation Class Children's Church 11:15 p.m. (or after worship) Green Team Garden Project (Outside of Fellowship Hall) Elder Training (in Fellowship Hall) 3:00 p.m.  Faith and Fellowship Group (at the Basham's House) Monday, November 7 7:30 a.m. Coffee House (in Fellowship Hall) 4:30 p.m. Yoga (in Fellowship Hall) Tuesday, November 8 ***No LC/Preschool for Election Day*** 10:00 a.m. Congregational Care Committee Meeting (in Library) 12:30 p.m. "Martha Circle" Presbyterian Women's Group (in Library) 7:00 p.m. "Night Circle" Presbyterian Women's Group (in Library) Wedne...