-----------------------
Opportunities and Resources for Fellowship and Worship
First Presbyterian Church offers
outstanding educational, fellowship and worship opportunities that extend beyond the traditional Sunday Morning Worship Service. Please take a look at these on-going activities and make sure to check the calendar for special events and seasonal worship opportunities.
-----------------------
Adult Education Offerings
The Acts Bible Study - This popular Adult Bible Study Class meets shortly after 9:15 a.m. in “The Upper Room.” Incorporating fellowship, prayer and Bible study, the class undertakes a thoughtful pilgrimage through selected Books of the Bible and often makes use of contemporary theological writers. The class is open to all, and is taught by Bob and Janet Chipman.
Contemporary Theology Class - This class looks at Classic theological themes in contemporary society and begins at 9:15 a.m. in the Library. Recent themes have included, “When Religion Becomes Evil”, based on a book by Charles Kimball, and “The Transformation of American Religion” based on a book by Alan Wolfe. Regardless of topic, the class regularly connects the Christian faith with current events and is open to all who wish to explore faith in action.
Seasonal Mid-Week Family Nights - Twice annually, in the Fall, and again in Lent, additional opportunities are offered for fellowship, worship and learning. The typical format is to gather for a catered meal on Wednesdays, served from 5:45 - 6:30, which will always include Peanut Butter & Jelly for children of any age. From 6:30 to 7:15 a time of Worship or education is held with themes related to the season of the year. The Fall series tends to be four weeks in duration and the Lenten series, which begins on Ash Wednesday, is offered for the six weeks of Lent. Information is available in the Church Office.
Deacons - The Board of Deacons welcomes all church members to share in the mission of this church as we participate in meeting the needs of our own church family as well as the community. We believe that we all have gifts to share and we encourage you to find an area of interest in which to share your time and talents.
We support the Food Center, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Back-to-School Backpack Project, Camp Care-A-Lot, and many other community needs as well as our own church projects. We are especially seeking members who would like to help usher on Sunday mornings on a more consistent schedule. We are asking you to consider serving our church family in this way as we attempt to offer a friendly and welcoming spirit to visitors and members alike. Please contact any Deacon officer or Nancy Bork.
Back to Top
-----------------------
Fellowship Opportunities
Grapevine - A fellowship group for all adults who are young at heart. Their signature event is a mid-winter progressive dinner that is noted for its fabulous food and hilarious activities. Watch the bulletin and the Evangel for details.
New Horizons - A women’s study group that discusses issues pertinent to life changes in our Christian growth through books, studies and sharing. Meets the first and third Wednesdays at 2:00 in the church library.
Women’s Circles and Bible Study -
Opportunities for fellowship, Bible Study and mission involvement are open to all women of the church.
The Afternoon Bible Study meets on the third Thursday at 1:30 p.m.
Softball Team - An “inter-generational” group of men that play softball in the church league during the spring and summer.
Youth Groups: Jr & Sr High groups meet each Sunday evening. The Jr. High meets at 5:00 p.m., dinner for both Jr. and Sr. High is served at 6:00 p.m., and the Sr. High meets after dinner at 6:30 p.m. Both groups are under the leadership of Tim Chipman, Coordinator of Youth Ministries.
Back to Top
-----------------------
Music, Choirs and Performance Opportunities
Adult Chancel Choir - The Chancel
Choir is open to all willing voices. It
rehearses each Thursday from 7:00pm until 8:10pm in the Choir Room. From September to May the choir is featured prominently in our Sunday Morning Worship. Kari Jones directs. NEW MEMBERS ARE WELCOME AT ANY TIME DURING THE YEAR.
Cherub Choir - A singing experience open to children ages three, four, and five. The Cherubs meet for practice each Sunday morning from 9:00am until 9:30am in Preschool Room #1. Joan Bengel directs, assisted by Kari Jones.
Christian Youth Ensemble - A gathering of singers ages 1st through 6th Grade which meets Sunday mornings from 9:00am until 9:30am in the Sanctuary. The Choir sings for worship monthly, most often on the third Sunday. Christine Smith is the director.
Unkaloon Ensemble - The Unkaloon is a unique, traditional Thai instrument that is rarely seen in the United States. As far as we know, the First United Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville maintains one of only two or three regularly performing Unkaloon Ensembles in the United States. The Unkaloon is not an individual, or solo, instrument. Each Unkaloon (fashioned from bamboo) is tuned to a specific note. Unkaloon performances require an ensemble "choir" similar to a handbell ensemble.
No previous Unkaloon experience or training is necessary to be a part of this Unkaloon ensemble. The FPC Unkaloon Ensemble rehearses periodically as needed, and can be heard performing for worship offerings at various services throughout the year. Youth interested in performing should contact Deb Wood. Those interested in hearing the Unkaloons need to start attending services regularly...you never know when they might be featured!
Youth Handbell Ensemble - An offering for interested youth, grades four through eight. Rehearsals are on Thursdays at
7:00pm. Contact Deb Wood if you are interested in being a part of this ensemble.
Back to Top
-----------------------
Mission work through Service Teams
In an effort to employ the interests and talents of each of our members, we have established a series of Service Teams which represent the wide variety of opportunities for service through this church. It is hoped that everyone will find one or more areas in which to participate, realizing that such service does not require membership on a Board or organizational meetings. As we become more familiar with this approach, we hope that each of you will find a “team” or two that you feel you can commit to help. Some will require only periodic help. Others may seek help on a regular basis.
Service Teams currently active at FPC, Jacksonville:
Communion: First Sunday of every month; table preparation in the chancel; bread and juice preparation; after service cleanup. Coordinated by Deacons.
Crafts and Visitation: Holiday treats are prepared, assembled and delivered to elderly and shut-in members of the church. Coordinated by Presbyterian Women.
Doorbell Dinners: Three weeks during the year (April, July and December) our church delivers Doorbell Dinners. Five teams are needed from Monday-Friday, with each team having one driver and one runner who takes the meals to the doors. Coordinated by Presbyterian Women.
Fellowship Hosts: Prepare juice and coffee for the Fellowship time after worship, and lean up afterwards. Supplies and directions are kept in the Lounge kitchen. Coordinated by Session.
Flowers: Flowers for the sanctuary are donated each Sunday, usually in honor or memory of someone. A sign-up poster is in Goltra Hall.
Friends in Need: A team of individuals who can give a small amount of time to help church members with errands or small jobs (changing light bulbs, raking leaves, etc.) A list of team members could be kept in the office and called upon as requests are made.
Greeters Before Church: Individuals, couples and families greet people as they enter the sanctuary for worship from 10:10 to 10:30 on Sundays. Coordinated by Session.
Habitat For Humanity: A team of interested church members who will serve one Saturday a month, or as time allows, to work on a house or provide meals for those who are working. Coordinated by Deacons.
Meals for Families in Need: Meals are provided for funerals and those who have been in the hospital. Coordinated by Deacons.
Office Volunteers: Extra office help is sometimes required for special projects and when the secretary is absent due to illness or vacation time.
Pastoral Care: Team of people who would visit those who have need; those who are a past or present deacon or elder could also do communion once a month with a parish associate. Coordinated by our Pastor and Pastoral Assistant.
Sewing: Items such as blankets, crib sheets and bibs are made for the Presbyterian Day Care Center. Coordinated by Presbyterian Women.
Transportation: People who are willing to give rides to people for the 9:15 Sunday School time and 10:30 Worship Service. This is not every week and depends on the weather and the health of those wanting a ride. Coordinated by Deacons.
Ushering: No, you don’t have to be a Deacon! Teams of ushers arrive at church at 10:00, get supplies from the office, put bulletins in the balcony, wear name tags, pass out bulletins and usher people to pews; take a count of the congregation during worship; care for any needs during worship; collect pew pad sheets and do general cleaning up of the sanctuary after the service. Coordinated by the Deacons.
Back to Top
-----------------------
Sunday School:
The following Classes are offered weekly,
September through May
- 3 Year Olds:
- Pre-K/Kindergarten:
- Grades 1 & 2:
- Grades 3 & 4:
- Grades 5 & 6:
- Grade 7:
- Grade 9 (Confirmation Completion): (January
through March)
- High School:
- Acts Bible Study:
- Contemporary Theology:
|
