First Presbyterian Church – Durham, North Carolina

Prayer for Fire Victims in California

God, our refuge and our strength, you are an ever-present help in trouble.

You see the devastation caused by the California wildfires. You hear the cries of those suffering loss. You know the fear and anxiety and exhaustion of those waiting, hoping, helping as they watch the fires burn.

For those forced to abandon their homes and shelters in search of safety, we pray for your guidance to find places of rest. For those called to fight the fires, we pray for your strength to persevere. For those ministering to the injured, we pray for your wisdom and guidance to heal. For those mourning loss, we pray for your comfort. For those accompanying others, near or far, we pray for your upholding. For those still in danger’s path, we pray for your protection.

Now and in the days and weeks to come, we trust that you are present. You have promised that even in the darkest of valleys, you will never leave nor forsake your children.

God, our refuge and our strength, you are an ever-present help in trouble. As your incarnate presence brought hope to those in need, may the Church, your body, be the presence of help and hope in Los Angeles County and beyond.

In the name of Christ Jesus,
Amen.

The Rev. Jihyun Oh is Stated Clerk of the General Assembly and Executive Director of the Interim Unified Agency.

FPC Holds Community Blood Drive

Our next drive is February 6, 2025.

Recruiting for a new Church Administrator

First Presbyterian Church Durham (North Carolina) is looking for an organized, diligent, responsive and motivated individual to support our mission in the role of full-time Church Administrator. Competitive salary and benefits provided. 3+ years of relevant administrative and/or supervisory experience required. Must be well-versed in use of accounting, communication/social media and database software. For more information and to apply, please see Announcement with full Job Description and reply with resume/references to [email protected].

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 Winter Studies

TRY SOMETHING NEW . . .

Treat & Talk for 20 (minutes)

WHEN: Feb. 16, 2025 & Mar. 30, 2025

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.

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.