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Holy Week: We are gathering virtual!
April 07, 2020 
Thank you for journeying with us this Holy Week!
First Presbyterian Church of Durham has been offering 10-minute online evening prayer services this week via FaceTime Live, which requires you to access the church’s FACEBOOK page. NOTE: You do not need a FACEBOOK account or have to log in to a FACEBOOK account to join these services online. Simply click here to view days and times of the prayer services, Easter worship, and more! Click on each separate link to access the service on the specific days and times indicated.
Sunday School’s Gone Virtual
April 02, 2020 
Join us for faith formation for adults each Sunday, across a variety of topics…
- Faith & Community – This summer we are reading and discussing From Here to Equality: Reparations for Black Americans in the 21st Century (2020) by William Darity and Kirsten Mullen. The class is held on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. Interested persons, friends, and guests of FPC must REGISTER in order to join the class via Zoom. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the discussion.
- Journeys – This class is currently discussing Falling Upward, by Richard Rohr. Most of us tend to think of the second half of life as largely about getting old, dealing with health issues, and letting go of life, but the whole thesis of this book is exactly the opposite. What looks like falling down can largely be experienced as “falling upward.” In fact, it is not a loss but somehow actually a gain, as we have all seen with elders who have come to their fullness. Sundays, 10 am. Contact Eric Wiebe, Andy Henry, or the church office for more information on this virtual class.
- Lectionary – This class discusses the weekly lectionary texts, Sundays, 10 am. Contact David Smith or the church office for access to this virtual class.
- SCRATCH – Mary Berry, Abi Bissette, Emily Durham and other members of the Scratch group lead a time of check-in and support, as well as a devotional, Sundays, 8 pm. Contact a class leader or the church office for access to this virtual class.
- Women’s Spirituality Group – This summer this class is joining the Faith and Community Class via Zoom at 10 am. on Sundays. Be in touch with Leah Graves if you need to connect with class members.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH – ARE YOU CONNECTED? If you are not receiving a separate weekly email connecting you to FPC online activities for children and youth, contact John Weicher or Natalie Wolf to be added to the list.
Coping and Staying Connected
March 21, 2020 
Dear friends,
As COVID-19 continues to affect people and countries all over the world and grow in presence in our own region, I encourage you to find as many ways possible to keep hope and peace in your life. As I said on March 15, we are in uncharted waters. But we are not alone.
A Word from Pastor Mindy Douglas
March 13, 2020 
| What a joy it is to have the opportunity to worship together. However, the time has come in the COVID-19 pandemic to recommend that we cancel worship and all Sunday events until further notice. The good news is we still have many alternative ways to gather as a community for prayer, reflection, study, and worship. We have options available to us for gatherings in smaller groups, in outdoor spaces, and using video conferencing.
Therefore, beginning immediately, we will: Our staff is working diligently to determine how we will continue to care for vulnerable populations, including our members and walk-in ministry neighbors. If you are interested in being on a phone tree or being available to help in some way during this time of uncertainty, please let us know at the office. If you have special needs or concerns, please let us know that as well. God has gifted us with this amazing community of faith and support. We are called in times such as these to be ready to stand together in love, fighting fear with our confidence and hope in the gospel of Jesus Christ. If you would normally write a check in support of FPC’s mission and ministry and drop it in the plate on Sunday, please consider dropping it in the mail instead (305 East Main St, Durham 27701) or making a donation online (click). Your support and stewardship will still be needed even though we aren’t meeting in person for worship. Thank you. |
Join us for study during the Lenten and Easter seasons!
March 04, 2020 
This class is meeting via ZOOM on Tuesdays from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Contact Mindy Douglas to be added to the class listserv so you can receive the link to the class discussion each week.
Florence Forth – Saturday, March 7
February 12, 2020 
The Florence Forth Road Race will be run on Saturday, March 7 at 8:00 a.m. Many First Presbyterian members will be participating as walkers, runners, and volunteers. Race details can be found at FlorenceForth.org. Come join the larger Durham community in this great event.
Collaborative Concert: Choral Society of Durham with NC Central University Choir
February 12, 2020 
Friday, February 21, 2020 — 7:00 p.m. in the FPC Sanctuary
Rodney Wynkoop and Roberta Laws, conductors
Performance: Together We Dream – Spirituals, hymns, and inspirational music
This concert is
free and open to the public.
Muskingum University Choir comes to Durham
February 12, 2020 
Saturday, February 29, 2020 – 7:00 p.m. in the FPC sanctuary
Muskingum University is a private liberal arts college in New Concord, Ohio. Chartered in 1837 as Muskingum College, the institution is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The Muskingum Concert Choir performs sacred and secular music from a variety of cultures and historical periods and maintains an active schedule of touring, recording, and commissioning and premiering new works. This concert is free and open to the public.
Aeolians at FPC – Tuesday, March 3 at 7 PM
February 12, 2020 
Parking for the concert: FPC’s lot is reserved for persons with mobility issues and voters. We ask that everyone else use adjacent lots
including the Main Public Library parking lot.
Since 1946, The Aeolians of the historically black Oakwood University of Huntsville, Alabama, have been one of the world’s leading choirs, winning multiple gold medals at the World Choir Games and chosen as Choir of the World at the Llangollen International Musical Festival in Wales, one of the most prestigious awards in choral music. The Aeolians sing masterpieces ranging from Baroque to Gospel to Contemporary Music of Faith. Please come to hear this outstanding choir on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at 7:00 pm. This concert is free and open to the public.
Youth Sunday is THIS SUNDAY at FPC
February 04, 2020 
FPC’s youth have been readying themselves for this annual day! Youth Sunday will be observed on February 9th during the 11:00 a.m. worship. Please join us as FPC’s youth share their ministry gifts (original liturgy, instrumental music, sermonic words) with the greater congregation. The Alleluia Children’s Choir will also sing.