First Presbyterian Church News (Clarksville, TN)

Gleaning is an ancient Biblical practice but also a contemporary way to feed hungry people while reducing food waste. This Wednesday night, Jeannie Hunter from the Society of St. Andrew will discuss modern-day gleaning, hunger relief in Tennessee, and food waste prevention. Join us for Faith Focus with dinner and childcare from 5:30 to 7 p.m. 

Second Presbyterian Church in Nashville is hosting "Liberating People, Planet, and Religion: An Eco-Justice Teach-In" on Sat., April 12, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to explore the interconnection of ecological and social justice issues, emphasizing the role of faith communities. If you would like to attend, please sign up here . In-person or Zoom options are available. 

The Irene Center for Hope has been able to start helping families in the school system who are struggling with housing. During this week of bad weather, we housed 3 families with a total of 11 people in motels. Five families with a total of 15 people were able to apply for income-based rental apartments on Wednesday. Hopefully those 5 families will be approved for the program and able to get into new apartments in the near future. Once they are settled, they will need to take budget/finance classes, nutrition/cooking classes, and home maintenance classes. We hope to have childcare and snacks when we start the classes. If you are interested in helping, please contact Ann Waddle or Mary Johnson. 

Easter eggs are available for families or groups to take and fill for our Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Please return filled Easter eggs by Sunday, April 13. Easter eggs can be filled with candy, stickers, small toys, bible verses, etc. Bags will be in the narthex for pick up. Thank you in advance!

Inspired by Matthew 25:35-40, Lavon Bracey looks forward to discussing how the Clarksville Home Repair Program reflects Christ’s call to care for those in need. Let’s come together to explore faith-driven service, community impact, and what it truly means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Faith Focus with dinner and childcare is this Wednesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The Irene Center for Hope is partnering with the City of Clarksville and other non-profits to help house students in the local schools who are homeless. For context, there are at least 1000 homeless students plus their family members. Here is a link to our Amazon Wish List. Purchases go directly to the Families in Transition office at CMCSS to help these families now. Thank you for your support! 

The Green Team at FPC will host a Faith+Climate Forum from 1 to 3 pm on Sunday, April 27. The afternoon will be complete with virtual teachings and in-person discussions and activities about what communities of faith can do to aid our local and broader environment. Please register for free at this link !

Seasons has opened as a licensed adult day center! This week, the crew got re-acquainted, went to a painting class at Kleeman Rec Center, baked cookies and delivered them to Loaves & Fishes, and visited the public library! Currently, there are 7 crew members. Deeanna Coleman, assistant director, and Louis Fiore, aide, are doing a great job. Please contact us to register or get involved!

Young adults, you are invited to read a short devotional in preparation for The Trek Discussion Group on March 16. The Trek meets weekly after worship until noon in Fellowship Hall (childcare provided). Several of you have expressed interest in knowing what the church is doing and what the church can do to positively impact our rapidly changing world. This PCUSA literature will help us have a conversation around advocacy and discipleship. If you enjoy this topic, we can discuss the other three devotionals in the series together over the next few months.

The Presbytery of Middle Tennessee (our local ruling body) wants to hear from young members about how the church could serve you better and what your hopes or concerns may be for the church's future. Our younger members need to be heard, and their collective voices deserve a seat at the table as decisions are made for the evolving church in the 21st century! Please lend your voice to the Young Adult Roundtable (suggested age range 25-45) on Saturday, April 12 from 12 to 1 pm Central (Zoom link forthcoming). If you cannot make it, let Hannah Cruse know that you are interested in contributing to the visioning process so that she can follow up.  Thank you in advance! Please start pondering these questions: 1. What should local churches continue doing or do differently to reach young people like yourself better?  2. What internal issues does our denomination or local church need to acknowledge and address to be the kind of organization that serves young people well?  3. Given...

Volunteers will be unloading compost in the Teaching Garden as soon as we are done eating during 2nd Sunday Lunch. Anyone who would like to get involved, please bring what you need, ie. a shovel and gloves. Please let Hannah Cruse know if you'd be willing to purchase any plants for us, as we plan to turn the garden into a pollinator/native plant area this year. Thank you in advance! 

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!

“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.

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.

Seasons is gearing up and can use your help! We need a walker, wheelchair, popcorn, oil, games, jigsaw puzzle (100-300 pieces), hula hoops, paper towels, art paper, gift cards for supplies, snacks, movies, groceries! Please leave gifts in the workroom across from the office or contact Ann Waddle for further information. Thanks for your patient support!

 To learn more about or give to La Gonave Haiti Partners, click here. 

If you feel led to help LA families affected by the fires at this time, we recommend giving through any of these organizations. Click on each organization's title to visit their website.  Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Knox Presbyterian Church Deacons Assistance Fund  (pastor and nine families lost their homes), along with six additional pastors in the San Gabriel Presbytery. Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church Fire Relief Fund San Fernando Emergency Recovery Growing Together Fund  100% goes to people who have been directly impacted La Canada Presbyterian Church fire relief  (20 families lost homes) Fuller Seminary Emergency Fund  for students, staff and faculty

Join us after worship around 11:15 am on February 9 for lunch in Fellowship Hall. This month Second Sunday Lunch will be in combination with the annual Empty Bowls meal. Empty Bowls raises awareness about hunger in the community and supports local agencies addressing food insecurity. A ny contributions received on the 9th will be donated to Empty Bowls, and if you also want to take a painted bowl home with you, you may purchase a ticket through Kris Foust. https://clarksvilleurbanministries.networkforgood.com/events/80857-empty-bowls-2025