First Presbyterian Church News (Clarksville, TN)

Our March Literary Roundtable selection is  There, There , a novel by Arapahoe and Cheyenne author Tommy Orange. The book follows twelve characters as they navigate their relationships to indigenous identity and their connection to Oakland, CA, with their stories converging at a shooting at the Big Oakland Powwow. At its core,  There, There  is a powerful exploration of family and lineage.   Join APSU Prof. Joey Grisham and Pastor Greg to discuss the book on Thursday, March 27, from 6:30 to 8 pm at Hudubam Booktraders. Copies are available to borrow outside the church office on a first come, first served basis.

Please join the Congregational Care Committee in sending cards of warm wishes this month to Maxine Nance and Carter Briggs. You may find their addresses in the online directory or by calling the office.

Italic font indicates those who have passed away; regular font indicates those who have given the memorial.   Don Atkins Chip & Mary Ann Connell   Meredith Baggett Chip & Mary Ann Connell Doug & Vicki Hildreth Charlie & Mary Jo Patterson Hershel & Lynda Basham Susan Marks Leo & Margaret Adames Charles Keene   Scott Bashore Chip & Mary Ann Connell Susan Marks   Charlyne Harvey Chip & Mary Ann Connell Mark & Marcia Williams   Joan Jenkins Doug & Vicki Hildreth Chip & Mary Ann Connell Susan Marks James E. Thomas   Judy Lowe David & Ellen Kanervo Vicki & Lew Wallace Roger & Elynor Busler Chip & Mary Ann Connell   Annette Marks Chip & Mary Ann Connell   Jane Mermelstein Susan Marks   David Morgan Chip & Mary Ann Connell Mark & Marcia Williams   Joan Phifer Chip & Mary Ann Connell   Jane Shelley Chip & Mary Ann Connell Leo & Margaret Adames Susan Marks ...

FPC will feature artist Courtney Gatewood during ArtWalk in March. Come see her work in the Chapel from 5 to 8 pm on Thursday, March 6!  Courtney is a wife, a mother of three children, and working artist living in Tennessee. Originally from northwest Tennessee, she traveled a bit only to find herself back in this great state. After attending college as a non-traditional student, she quickly absorbed a wealth of knowledge about being a working artist. She engages with patterns to establish connections with individuals who may experience various emotions. Art serves as a medium to communicate with others when physical presence is not possible. Her objective is to embed memory within her work, allowing the audience to reflect on their experiences and seek connections to what they may have encountered previously. To maintain an element of intrigue and contemplation, Courtney has intentionally designed certain marks to render the patterns unrecognizable.

The next Game Night for all ages is at the Glovers' home on Monday, March 10. Bring your favorite game or just show up from 7 to 8:30 pm!

The Salvation Army, located on Kraft St., is leading an effort to open a warming shelter for those needing shelter during these bitterly cold conditions. Volunteers are needed for 3-hour shifts, especially during the night. If you can assist, please contact fpcclarksville@gmail.com, and our office will put you in touch with Katherine Walker. Thank you for helping our neighbors!

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me."  Matthew 18:1-5 (NRSV) During Lent this year, we will be embracing our lives as children of God. As we do so, we will pay close attention to the spirituality of everyone in our congregation, both children and adults. Jesus challenges adults in Matthew to become like little children. As adults, it is sometimes difficult (impossible?) to remember how we were as children, what our natural patterns and impulses were. Our hope and prayer for adults in this series is that we will take Jesus' invitation to heart and become fully present and fully alive to God's wonder-filled presence. For ...

Spring Break for Seasons, the LC and PS is March 10-14. This may affect other events at FPC as well, so please check the calendar or contact us.

Our next congregational lunch is after worship on March 9, cooked by the Fellowship Committee. This is one of the best times to get to know people at FPC!

“Make a joyful noise…serve the Lord with gladness...(Psalm 100)” We can make a joyful noise, and we can serve God with gladness--but that is sometimes a blessing and a curse. So many people are in such dire straits, and we just can’t help them all! Join us this Wednesday at Faith Focus for dinner at 5:30 and a talk about gratitude, kindness, and serving others as Ann Waddle shares her call to help those in need.

We are looking to hire a receptionist. If you know someone who would be a good candidate, please contact Anita at 931-645-6551 or fpcclarksville@gmail.com . The paid position is part time and requires some computer experience.

Executive Presbyter Terry Newland is coming to Faith Focus on Feb. 19 to talk about the Presbytery's role in the denomination and its relationship to local churches such as FPC. Learn how Presbyterians govern themselves and make important decisions. Please join us for dinner followed by a presentation and discussion from 5:30 to 7 pm in Fellowship Hall. Childcare is provided. 

The Hospitality Committee is looking for some fresh faces to help greet newcomers on Sunday mornings. If you enjoy talking to people, join us after worship (about 11:15) in the Fellowship Hall on March 2 for a Greeter Information Session to learn all about how you can help!

The Worship Committee invites you to sign up for helping to provide the weekly sanctuary flowers. The cost is $25 plus tax. We have several dates available in the upcoming months. For more information, please see Rhonda Banasiak.

YOU TURN MY TEARS TO DANCING by Hannah Cruse When I felt secure, I said to my God, "I never will be shaken." Finding beauty was so easy then, when you called, when you called my name. But these days I question everything, wailing, "Have I lost your favor?" Then you lift me for a moment, Lord, when you call, when you call my name. (Chorus) You turn my tears to dancing! You stir my heart to joy. You turn my tears to dancing! I can’t help but sing Your praise. In despair, I hold onto your Word; weeping lasts just through the night. In the morning, true rejoicing comes, when you call, when you call my name. (Bridge) When life feels bleak and painful,  we must search for all that's bright.  There's a lot of love to go around,  when God calls our name. IN THEE IS GLADNESS, 16th cent. text In you is gladness amid all sadness, Jesus, sunshine of my heart. By you are given the gifts of heaven, you the true Redeemer are. Our souls are waking, our bonds are breaking; w...

Kris Foust offers free Gentle Stretch Yoga on Mondays at 4:30 in Fellowship Hall and Chair Yoga at 10 am in the Chapel on Fridays. Props and mats are provided. All ages and ability levels will find these classes accessible and restorative. Wear comfy clothes and come as you are!

Enjoy dinner and a presentation with us at Faith Focus from 5:30 to 7 pm on February 12. Presbyterian Minister Stacy Rector will provide theological and policy framing for a conversation around addressing violent crime without violence while providing surviving loved ones with support so that their healing isn't reliant on what happens to the people who have caused them harm.

Come start your Lenten journey at our Ash Wednesday Service at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary on March 5. You are also invited to come early for dinner in Fellowship Hall at 5:30 and watch Pastor Greg burn the palms from last year in the garden. The ashes will be used to mark each person with the sign of the cross during the service. 

Registration is open for the FPC Learning Center and Preschool. Please contact us!