First Presbyterian Church News (Clarksville, TN)

All Sunday School classes will resume weekly at 9:00 a.m. on January 8.  Women's Friendship Class on 3rd Floor Men's Brotherhood Class on 3rd Floor "The Trek" in Fellowship Hall "Conversations on the Front Porch" in the Chapel  Topic this Week: "Overpopulation" 

  Events this Week First Sunday of Christmas, January 1 9:00 a.m. Women's Friendship Class (on 3rd Floor) 10:00 a.m. Worship and Communion Children's Church Confirmation Class 11:00 a.m. (or after worship) Service and Mission Committee Meeting (in Library) Monday, January 2 ***Office Closed for New Year's*** ***Learning Center/Preschool Break*** 4:30 p.m. Yoga (in Fellowship Hall) Tuesday, January 3 ***Learning Center/Preschool Break*** 10:00 a.m. Worship Committee Removing Christmas Decorations (in Sanctuary) Wednesday, January 4 ***Learning Center/Preschool Break*** 10:30 a.m. Bible Study Meet in the Library or Join Virtually ( Google Meet link ) 6:00 p.m.   Bell Choir Rehearsal (on 2nd Floor) 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal (on 2nd Floor) Thursday, January 5 ***Half Day for Learning Center/Preschool*** 7:30 - 10:00 a.m. Coffee House (in Fellowship Hall) 5:00 p.m. Downtown Art Walk (in Chapel) Friday, January 6 - Saturday, January 7 ***Private Event in Sanctuary***

  Prayers Please be in prayer this week for:   Jackie Jones (Ann Waddle's best friend) Bessie Costanza Clayton Bryant (student at Learning Center) Dick Pryor Dodie Render Don Atkins Don Beck Jane Coate Jay Bowland Joan Jenkins Joe Horton Joshua Ayres (Learning Center student) Justine Kaneris (worked with "Seasons") Kim Smith (Kitty Boaz's daughter) Leo Adames Lew Metts Libby and Ralph Stewart Melanie Cobb (Steve and Diane Miner's daughter) Nicole Williamson (Greg and Denice Williamson's daughter-in-law) Rayna & Joey Williamson The FPC Christian Ed Program Those affected by Covid-19 Those in Rwanda, South Sudan, and La Gonave Tommy Sallee (our fill-in security guard who needs continued prayers for healing) Wade Rudolph Please offer your condolences to: Emily Vaughn and family upon the passing of her father, Richard Watson Nuckolls. The family and friends of Lucille Gonyea Napolitan who passed away on December 20th at the age of 42. She and her sister Jackie...

Please join the Congregational Care Committee this month in sending cards of warm wishes to Janet Hudson as well as Dick and Sue Pryor. Addresses can be found in  Realm or by calling the church office.

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  January 29 . Talk to Lynda Basham if interested in attending the  Faith and Fellowship Group ! 

  January Birthdays Linda Wall Mark McNiel Graham Duncan Millie Armstrong Robin Mealer Carolyn Riggins Craig Schryver Cathy McLeod Chip Connell Marissa Pryor Missy Keen Lesa Goder Ellen Kanervo Sharon Duncan Susan Marks Chuck Render Elwyn Patch Annelle Gracey Mackenzie Pryor Sallie Allen Cleve Guinn Jeff Shepherd Sam Mills John Sneed Pam Briggs Stephen Daugherty Sherrie Giles Lee Hudson Mary Jo Patterson Rick Prall Jim Thomas Tim Schoonover 

The next Art Walk on Thursday, January 5 features work by Jane Olson and Peggy Bonnington in our Chapel. 

Shower Love , located at Loaves and Fishes, provides showers, haircuts, toiletries, lunches, and good company to the unhoused of Clarksville. If you'd like to help on Monday, January 23 at 9 a.m. or in the future, contact Margaret Adames.

Our   choir  and  handbell groups  are looking for singers and ringers this spring. We are warm, inviting, and fun! If you are interested in participating, chat with Hannah Cruse or Carolyn Riggins after worship or email or call the office. We practice on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. 

Want to join sing some fun and approachable music with the choir? Come to "One and Done Choir" at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 8! All ages and levels are welcome. 

Please join us for Second Sunday Lunch on January 8 at 11:15 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall!

Mark your calendars for Wednesday Family Fellowship in Fellowship Hall starting in January of 2023! Doors open at 5:00 pm . Dinner at 5:15. Program from 5:45 to 6:30. Presentations for Adults Jan. 11: How Secure Are You? Adam DeLoach and Adam Liberatore Jan. 18: Turning Tragedy into Hope Cindy Johnson Jan. 25:  Chapel Cinema Film TBA Activities for Children Your Pre-K through Elementary kids will rotate each week between… Music time , led by our new music teacher Kate Brister, with Christian songs and rhythmic play. AND Godly games , focusing on fun and fellowship, led by our Children and Youth Coordinator Emily Vaughn.  Nursery Care Available from 5:45 to 6:45. January Menu

"Dwell" Young Adult Ministries is having brunch on January 15 at 11:15 am. Hang out with the 20's-30's group at The Mailroom restaurant across from the church. Let Hannah Cruse know if you're coming and if you will need childcare. 

  Events this Week Saturday, Christmas Eve December 24 5:00 p.m. Choir Warmup (in Sanctuary) 6:00 p.m.  Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Sunday, Christmas Day December 25 10:00 a.m.  Morning Worship Children's Moment Monday, December 26 9:00 a.m. Shower Love (at Loaves and Fishes) ***All Other Meetings Canceled*** ***Office and School Closed*** Wednesday, December 28 ***No Bible Study or Rehearsals Today**

  Prayers Please be in prayer this week for:   Jackie Jones Bessie Costanza Clayton Bryant (student at Learning Center) Dick Pryor Dodie Render Don Atkins Don Beck Jane Coate Jay Bowland Joan Jenkins Joe Horton Joshua Ayres (Learning Center student) Justine Kaneris (worked with "Seasons") Kim Smith (Kitty Boaz's daughter) Leo Adames Lew Metts Libby and Ralph Stewart Melanie Cobb (Steve and Diane Miner's daughter) Nicole Williamson (Greg and Denice Williamson's daughter-in-law) Rayna & Joey Williamson The FPC Christian Ed Program Those affected by Covid-19 Those in Rwanda, South Sudan, and La Gonave Tommy Sallee (our fill-in security guard who needs continued prayers for healing) Wade Rudolph Praises We give thanks for: Confirmation Class and their Sponsors who served as Bellringers for the Salvation Army at Kroger's on Madison St.! The children and parents (especially Emily and Brandi) who pulled off another fabulous Christmas Pageant during worship on Dec...

  Events this Week Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 18 8:30 a.m.  Coffee House (in Fellowship Hall) 9:00 a.m.   Choir Practice (in Sanctuary) Conversations on the Front Porch (in the Chapel) "The Trek" Discussion Group (in Fellowship Hall) Women's Friendship Sunday School Men's Brotherhood Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Children's Pageant Rehearsal (in Sanctuary) 10:00 a.m.  Morning Worship Confirmation Class Children's Christmas Pageant! Monday, December 19 4:30 p.m. Yoga (in Fellowship Hall) Wednesday, December 21 ***No Bible Study or Rehearsals Today*** Saturday, December 24 5:00 p.m. Choir Warmup (in Sanctuary) 6:00 p.m.  Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Sunday, Christmas Day December 25 10:00 a.m. Worship (in the Sanctuary)

  Prayers Please be in prayer this week for:   Joan Jenkins, Clayton Bryant (student at Learning Center), Dodie Render, Jane Coate, Joe Horton, 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 Rwanda and South Sudan, La Gonave, and all those affected by Covid-19. Praises We give praise for: The joyful opportunity to visit with one another during Lessons and Carols and Christmas Dinner last Sunday. Big thanks to the Fellowship Committee, choir, and music...

 Merry Christmas from "Seasons" Respite Care at FPC! 

Christmas Day falls on a Sunday this year. Join us for worship at 10 a.m. to sing carols, hear the Word, and celebrate the birth of Jesus with your family! 

The  evening yoga class meets on Mondays at 4:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. ***Their l ast class before Christmas Break will be on Dec. 19.*** 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.

  "Conversations on the Front Porch" is a study group, open to all adults, each Sunday at 9:00 am in the Chapel. L ed by Dr. David Kanervo, this group focuses on   current events and Scripture.  A specific event from the previous 2-3 weeks will be presented with prepared questions and/or statements intended to help generate healthy conversation--not to be confused with conflict or confrontation. On many topics we might find that we agree to disagree, and that’s okay!  ***After Dec. 18, this group will break for Christmas and return on Jan. 8, 2023!***

FPC's Cafe offers  specialty coffees, homemade pastries, and lunches-to-go for minimal cost in Fellowship Hall. All proceeds go directly to the church to help provide for programming throughout the year. This food ministry also serves our Learning Center/Preschool families by offering a calm place for fellowship each school morning.  All parents, s taff, members, and guests are invited to grab a drink and enjoy one another's company at our Cafe!  Daily lunches are now available  for purchase Monday-Thursday. Orders need to be made by 9:30 each morning. Children and adult options are available.  CAFE HOURS Sunday: 8:30 - 10:00 am Monday - Thursday:  7:30 - 10:30 am LUNCH PICKUP HOURS Monday - Thursday:  11:30 am - 12:30 pm ***Orders must be made by 9:30 am each morning.*** Click Here for the Weekly Lunch Menu and Meal of the Week

Backpackers say that everyone must "hike your own hike," but they also say that you cannot complete your hike without the help of trail angels, trail magic, and the help of fellow hikers. Spiritual life is a pilgrimage journey, a thru-hike, and the portion of trail we are each on requires plenty of refueling. Let's help one another travel light and travel far with the help of a few spiritual guides and outfitters who have walked the path before us... All are welcome to join "The Trek" d iscussion group  with Pastor Greg each Sunday morning at 9 am in Fellowship Hall ! They will break for Christmas Day and return on Jan. 1, 2023! 

  Events this Week Third Sunday of Advent ("Blue Christmas") December 11 8:30 a.m.  Coffee House   (in Fellowship Hall) 9:00 a.m.   Bell Choir Practice (in Sanctuary) Conversations on the Front Porch (in the Chapel) "The Trek" Discussion Group (in Fellowship Hall) Women's Friendship Sunday School Men's Brotherhood Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Choir Practice (in Sanctuary) 10:00 a.m.  Morning Worship Service of Healing and Wholeness Confirmation Class Children's Church: Practice for Pageant 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  Book Fair (in Chapel) 3:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal (in Sanctuary) 4:00 p.m. Festival of Lessons and Carols (in Sanctuary) 5:00 p.m. Congregational Dinner (in Fellowship Hall) Monday, December 12 *** Book Fair (in Chapel)*** 7:30 - 10:00 a.m. Coffee House (in Fellowship Hall) 4:30 p.m. Yoga (in Fellowship Hall) ***CANCELED*** Tuesday, December 13 *** Book Fair (in Chapel)*** 7:30 - 10:00 a.m. Coffee House (in Fellowship Hall) 10:00...

  Prayers Please be in prayer this week for:   Jane Coate, Joe Horton, 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 Rwanda and South Sudan, and all those affected by Covid-19. Remember all the families of La Gonave during this season of peace. The children of Bois Brûlée have had little to eat because the authorities will not allow food to leave the dock, and civil unrest in Haiti is taking a toll on their families. Praises We give p...

Our Christmas Pageant is coming up quickly! Children will perform on December 18th during the 10:00am service. All children are invited to attend upcoming practices: Sunday 12/11 10:00am Practice during Sunday School Wednesday 12/14 7:00 pm Practice on Zoom (https://cmcss-net.zoom.us/j/3018460805) Saturday 12/17 8:30am Dress Rehearsal in the Sanctuary  Sunday 12/18 9:45am Warmup in Library 

Festival of Lessons and Carols, 2022 Program Notes by Hannah Cruse This year’s Lessons and Carols service is “in Renaissance style.” The word “renaissance” means “a rebirth”--a provocative analogy for what happens during Advent. We wait and watch for signs of Christ coming to earth. This process of waiting and watching stirs a transformation within us, as our spirits are revived with hope, joy, and peace. Theologian and hymnologist Erik Routley wrote that rebirth of the spirit results from “allowing the Word of God in Christ to kill…the natural tendency to trust one’s own powers to save oneself and to achieve reality for oneself.” During Advent, we contemplate and prepare for all that the coming of Christ means: salvation by the remission of our sins, through the tender mercy of God. We celebrate that love has come down to take away death and give eternal life!  Almost all of the music featured in our service tonight hails from the Renaissance period (14th–17th centuries). The Rena...