Good News from your 1st Pres family!
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Find out what's happening this week at 1st Pres!
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1st PRES CELEBRATES THE ADDITION OF: John MacKenzie (Mack) Ballard, born on November 24th to Tim & Cary Ballard. John & Martha Queen are the delighted grandparents.
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Covid-19 Commission Report
The Commission met earlier in the week and based on the continual increase in Covid cases in and around our city and county (set a record this week for the number of one-day new cases) decided to make no additional openings or expand any programs at this time. In fact, extra limitations were placed on large group meetings, especially where the more vulnerable might assemble. We will continue with what we are doing presently (including both worship services, the ongoing ministries, and the planned Christmas music concert, but not adding more). We need to remain diligent in protecting ourselves and others. Wear your mask, maintain social/physical distancing, and was hands frequently. If you do test positive or have been in close contact with someone who has, call the Hamilton County Health Department so they can instruct you what to do, how and how long to quarantine, and steps to follow.
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STEWARDSHIP Money is a uniquely human issue, one we all struggle with to one degree or another. Even if you are financially blessed, you still have the burden of stewarding your money wisely. We believe one of the best ways to invest your money is to extend the Kingdom of God through your support of your church. As the year ends you might consider giving: - A cash/check gift - Online through the 1st Pres website - Via Mobile app or text - Appreciated stock (contact your financial advisor) - Tax free IRA gift via a Qualified Charitable Distribution from IRA (if over age 72) Thank you for your generosity and remember, “Generosity is what God wants FOR us not what He wants FROM us”.
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ATTENTION, WONDERFUL LIFERS! Our December meeting is cancelled. Due to the uptick in COVID spread, the church’s COVID committee has had to cease temporarily food service for the safety of our congregation. Your Wonderful Life committee is so disappointed and we ask for your patience as we adjust once again to the uncertainty of our events. We hope to see you soon!!! God bless your Christmas season!
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LESSONS & CAROLS The Advent of Christ through Scripture and Song
Join us on December 6th at 3pm or 6pm for the 1st Pres Lessons & Carols service. Through poignant readings from the Old and New Testaments interspersed with beautiful music, the congregation is invited to reflect on the birth of Jesus in the context of its significance in salvation history.
Registration is required and for the safety of all participants, health protocols will be practiced. A livestream option is also being made available during the 6pm service.
Parents of young children will have access to Nursery spaces if needed (detailed below) during both service times.
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CHRISTMAS CAKES ARE COMING! Participate in the joy of delivering Christmas cakes to our 1st Pres family who are homebound or hospitalized. Cakes will be available for delivery on Monday, December 14th starting at 10am.
Thank you for your loving participation!
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1st Pres Kids
Limited capacity Children’s Church and in-person Sunday School are available on Sunday mornings. Advance registration, a check-in and screening process as well as masks and social distancing are required. Contact Misha, misha@1stpresbyterian.com, for more info or check-out the weekly 1st Pres Kids email.
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Parents of Nursery-age children (ages infant-3-years-old): We have prepared a total of 7 spaces on the Fellowship Hall and Nursery levels of the Children’s Wing for your use. Due to the pandemic, we are not able to provide staff or volunteers for these rooms at present. Instead, they will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis to families needing a Nursery space for their little ones. There will be a formal screening and check-in and check-out process on the Fellowship Hall level of the Children’s Wing, next to the elevator and Douglas St. entrance. You can opt to have your own space or share with another family that is currently in your “social bubble”. Parents or adults appointed by parents such as grandparents, uncles, aunts, or immediate family members who are in your “social bubble” will be responsible for caring for your children in these rooms. We’re working on getting the worship service streamed into each room. Masks for adults and children 4+ years-old will be required. Masks for children 3-years-old and younger will be optional.
The cloth worship bags are prepared each week for children who remain in the worship services. Please remember to return the bags after our worship services (do not take them home) and place them in the plastic “Used Bags” bins.
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WORLD MISSIONS World Missions wishes all a very blessed Advent Season as we expectantly await the celebration of our Savior’s Birth and look forward to His Second Coming.
New Mission Partners Announced
Jeremy and Angel Martin – United Kingdom
World Missions is pleased to announce new mission partners, Jeremy and Angel Martin, who serve with the
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Serge team at New Life Masih Ghar in the London suburb of Southall. The Martins previously served with Mission to the World in Uganda and Belize. Jeremy’s goals are to: 1) share the gospel of Jesus Christ through mercy ministries and service, and 2) disciple and train local men to grow a vibrant diaconate that will meet the practical needs of the NLMG community and the Southall region. Angel will assist the team in various ministries including the Heston Youth Club (where our youth teams have served), Parent and Toddlers, and women’s Bible studies. Jeremy and Angel are parents to Riley (16), Genevieve (13), and Caroline (born October 30, 2020). Their home church is Altadena Valley Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Please welcome the Martins to the First Pres World Missions family. Financial support of their ministry will begin in January 2021, and they will be formally introduced to the congregation at the 70th World Missions Conference in October 2021.
2021 Faith Promise Goal: $850,000 Pledged to Date: $343,835 (40.5%) Number of Faith Promises: 69 Remaining Need: $506,165
Note: The 2021 World Missions budget goes into effect on January 1, 2021.
World Missions Budget Year End: December 31, 2020 We continue to ask for funds to cover the expenses of the 2020 World Missions budget. Thank you very much for your consideration of this request.
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BEATITUDE LIVING
Our Chrisian Woman’s 12-Step recovery program meets on Tuesdays from noon - 1pm in Tower 404. Social distancing and other health safety measures are practiced.
Some of the needs addressed include perfectionism, control, codependency, eating disorders, or coping with the addictions of a family member or friend. For information, please contact Nancy Mills, nmills322@aol.com, or Gail Pinchak, gailpinchak@yahoo.com.
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1st Pres Directory Our printed directory will be updated after the beginning of the new year. If you have additions or corrections, please notify the church office, office@1stpresbyterian.com or
423-267-1206, by December 31st. Thank you!
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1ST PRES CALENDAR
Is your event still taking place at 1st Pres? You can find out by visiting the 1st Pres Calendar on our website or 1st Pres mobile app. Don’t see your church related event or need to add one? Contact Julia, jcope@1stpresbyterian.com or
423-648-7904.
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Rapha Ministry
The Rapha ministry is meeting in person each week. Please consider joining us on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30. To RSVP for Wednesdays or to get information on the Rapha Program, contact Pam Adams, pam@1stpresbyterian.com.
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Congregational Care
The 1st Pres Congregational Care Ministry is here for you! If you or someone you know has had a newbaby or is ill or hospitalized or could use prayer, a meal, a pastor’s visit, a call, flowers, or a card, let us know by calling the church office, 267-1206, any time day or night. Are you interested in being a part of this ministry? Contact Pastor Chris Ehlers, cehlers@1stpresbyterian.com.
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Our Congregational Care Ministry is especially available to help senior members or those with special needs during this precautionary period. We can provide assistance with grocery shopping or acquiring necessities like medications and/or toiletries. Please contact Rachel Allred, rachel.d.dyer@gmail.com.
“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:26-27
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Please click below to view a pdf the announcements for the upcoming week.
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Remember, your church family cares and is here for you. If you have prayer requests, needs, or simply want to talk to someone, call the church office anytime day or night, 423-267-1206.
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1st Pres of Chattanooga 554 McCallie Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37402
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