First Presbyterian Church – Durham, North Carolina

Hurricane Helene Prayer

God of grace and compassion,

In these overwhelming moments of loss and devastation, we come to you with weary hearts that are both heavy and hopeful. We hold in our prayers and hearts all those impacted by the hurricanes, conflicts, and other disasters, and we implore for your mercy, peace, and healing to embrace our siblings all over the world. By your grace, bring comfort to those who are grieving, give strength to the exhausted, and provide shelter for those who have lost everything.

May your Spirit move in this, your creation, bringing peace amid the turmoil, and breathing hope into the places that feel broken. May your Spirit continue to be the quiet but constant reassurance that you are with your children and creation, even in the darkest moments, guiding us toward healing and restoration.

As we continue to see the news, we lift up the brave souls who are working tirelessly to rescue and assist. Give strength and wisdom for the tasks ahead. And stir our hearts, dear God, to step in with compassion, helping our neighbors, near and far, with kindness, love, and compassion.

In all of these disasters, we place our trust in your everlasting promises of your presence and care. Restore what has been shattered and lead us toward a path of renovation, peace, healing, and the renewing power of your always present Spirit.

We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

-Rev. Edwin González-Castillo, PDA Director

Faith Formation Fall Studies

TRY SOMETHING NEW . . .

Treat & Talk for 20 (minutes)

WHEN: Oct. 6, Nov. 17, Feb. 16 & Mar. 30

We’re finding some new ways this year to connect across generational lines, over a delightful piece of toast.

For the first twenty minutes of the faith formation hour on these four days, different classes make new friends while they nosh.

Faith & Community and middle schoolers? Muffin besties!

Younger elementary school and Journeys? Cereal twins!

Lectionary and high school? Powerhouse Biblical scholars!

When the clock strikes 10:05, the visiting class will head back to its regular space.

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ADULT CLASSES

Faith & Community – meets Sundays from 9:45-10:45 a.m. in Watts-Hill (Fellowship) Hall

Faith & Community begins the fall with the most important and difficult of topics – peacemaking, Israel, and Gaza.

On Sept. 15, friend of FPC Imam Abdul Waheed and FPC member Beth Brockman will share about their perspectives on what has been happening in the Israel-Hamas war. (Beth has just visited.)
On Sept. 22, peacemaker Mia Umana (and translator Karla Koll) visit to share about their work of making peace in the world.
On Sept. 29, friend of FPC Rabbi Daniel Greyber (and perhaps another rabbi) will share about his perspective on what has been happening in the war. Mindy Douglas will moderate/host these discussions.

Journeys – meets Sundays from 9:45-10:45 a.m. in the Wilson Parlor

Journeys begins the year with a discussion of Genesis by Marilynne Robinson lead by Eric Wiebe with help from a few other members. We will use about 6 Sundays to complete the discussion.

In mid-October, we expect to begin a discussion of important sections of the Book of Acts. We are still compiling and discussing books and resources to guide this study.
We hope to read and discuss Saving Jesus from the Church by Robin Meyers, and hope some members will help take a lead in this study, which will be later in the Sunday School year.
There are several topics that will only need a single Sunday. Examples include: Conversion of the Jews by Phillip Roth; The Forgotten Radicalism of Jesus (NYT article, which includes a separate rebuttal); and, I was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me (podcast).

Lectionary – meets Sundays from 9:45-10:45 am in the Daye Meeting Room

The Lectionary Class in Year B of the Revised Common Lectionary, when our primary Gospel is Mark, so this fall they will continue to follow Jesus from town to town as he heals and teaches, and as he contends with opposition from the scribes and Pharisees. They will also read passages from the very distinctive books of James and Hebrews. In the Hebrew scriptures, they will explore the Wisdom books of Proverbs, Esther, and Job. Please join them as we dig into the great stories and the wise teachings.

Meaning in the Middle – meets Sundays at 8:00 p.m., via Zoom (link is sent in weekly email)

Every first Sunday, we will have a time of virtual fellowship, so we will ask for a leader to choose a game or some sort of fun activity for the group. On the other Sundays, we will be using the resource d365, a Presbyterian/mainline devotional to guide our discussion. We’ll ask for a discussion leader for each week, and she/he/they will be responsible for choosing the devotional on which we will focus and coming up with a few questions to spark our thinking and conversation.

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YOUTH CLASSES

High School Faith Formation – meets Sundays from 9:45-10:45 a.m. in the right-side youth room (once in a month in the lobby for a trip to Yonder Coffee)

The confirmation teaching team (Heidi, Cris & John) is back, along with the fabulous Amy W. As chosen by the Youth Ministry Committee, Sometimes, we’ll take a look at the day’s Bible passage and make Worship Bingo cards or do Mad Libs (The Extra Hour). Other times, we’ll read about a theological topic, like the Offering or Heaven, and figure out what it actually means for us (Crazy Talk). And once in a while, we’ll pull out The Bible Is Funny (Biblical Apples to Apples). We’ll always share about our weeks and have warm beverages (in the Youth Room or at Yonder Coffee).

Middle School Faith Formation – meets Sundays from 9:45-10:45 a.m. on the left-side youth room

As we have the last two years, we’re using the Follow Me curriculum to explore themes like Do Justice, Live in Community and Do Not Fear. We’ve moved over a room this year, but we’ll still have donuts or other breakfast yummies each week. Veteran teachers Bob and Annie are joined by newbies (and children of the church) Almira and Ellie.