Uncategorized
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.
It’s the 30th Year of Souper Bowl Sunday!
January 29, 2020 
Sunday, February 2 is Souper Bowl Sunday at FPC! The children, with help from their families and some youth, assembled packets of yummy dried bean soup mix on MLK Day 2020. The children will be in the foyer after worship this Sunday to offer the soup packets in exchange for a donation to benefit the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC. Thank you in advance for supporting this annual fund-raising project for hunger relief.
Uneven Ground Banners Exhibit at FPC
January 09, 2020 
Please come to Watts-Hill Hall (dates below) and explore faith and the history of racism and housing through the Uneven Ground exhibit.
Originally commissioned for the 150th anniversary of Durham as a city, the exhibit is a tool for reflection, learning, and dialogue.
Seeking Justice on Uneven Ground Exhibit display dates: Friday, January 3 – Sunday, February 16, 2020
February 4: Sharing, Naming, and Healing at 6 p.m.; an open house closed by a vigil of Durham residents sharing their own stories of their housing experiences in Durham, community responses, and prayers of lament and hope for communal healing and justice.
Description: In recognition of the image of God in us all, the dignity and sacredness of all life and Christ’s command to love one’s neighbor as oneself, Seeking Justice on Uneven Ground brings together the history of racism and housing segregation in Durham with the faith-based affordable housing justice work of Duke Chapel and First Presbyterian Church. You are invited to reflect on our city’s history, our churches’ histories, our faith perspectives, and what affects all of us: housing and racism. First Presbyterian Church has a rich history of housing work in Durham, from collaborating closely with Urban Ministries of Durham, Habitat for Humanity and Housing for New Hope, to being involved in Durham CAN’s efforts. Duke University has been involved in land banking, loan trusts, and advocacy for over twenty years. We invite you to delve deeply, prayerfully, and vocally through discussions, panels, vigils, and receptions alongside your neighbors. Website for Uneven Ground/Bull City 150: https://www.bullcity150.org/uneven_ground/
Advent Festival / Alternative Gifts Fair this Sunday!
December 06, 2019 
Sunday, December 8 – Kids and youth will make crafts at the Advent Festival (9:45-10:45 a.m.). Adults will make crafts and visit the fair following worship! Bring your checkbook and take advantage of the community partners at the Alternative Giving Fair who will have items for sale/ways to help our neighbors in need. The Festival and Fair will take place in Watts-Hill Hall. Refreshments provided. All are welcome.