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International Peacemaker visits FPC!
September 17, 2014 
Sunday, September 28 – Presentation at 9:45 a.m. in the EAST PARLOR (Lectionary Class) and peaching at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary
The Reverend Nicole (Nicqi) Ashwood is a Presbyterian minister who serves as the Education in Mission Secretary for the Caribbean and North America Council for Mission – CANACOM. She represents the disenfranchised and promotes mission relationships with her member churches in the Caribbean and North America basin.
Nicqi is passionate about her people (being a native of Jamaica) and prefers to use the moniker MAD to describe her work and witness – Making a Difference – with CANACOM. She also serves with the World Council of Churches (WCC) as a Mover for Gender Justice and works with the World Council of Reformed Churches (WCRC) and the Council for World Mission (CWM) on areas regarding gender-based violence. She combines her passion for youth with her enjoyment of music and drama and often experiments with contemporary secular pieces as part of the liturgical experience. Nicole is a graduate of Eden Theological Seminary.
FOCUS GROUP – Sunday, September 7 at 3 PM
September 05, 2014 
Members of the Mission Study Committee invite all members to a focus group session on Sunday, September 7 at 3 PM here at the church where they will share the results of their work during this interim period. All members are encouraged to attend. Information and questions for discussion are available under the “ABOUT US / INTERIM PROCESS” tab on this website.
Book and Bible Study
September 05, 2014 
NEW FIVE-WEEK STUDY: Barbara Brown Taylor’s Learning to Walk in the Dark Presbyterians ARE people of the book! Sometimes it’s the Bible that guides our spiritual growth, and sometimes it is another piece of literature. This year, the Friday and Sunday study groups will undertake both book study and Bible study.
We will begin with Barbara Brown Taylor’s new book, Learning to Walk in the Dark.
As noted on the book cover: “Follow Barbara Brown Taylor on her journey to understand darkness, which takes her spelunking in unlit caves, learning to eat and cross the street as a blind person, discovering how ‘dark emotions’ are prevented from seeing light from a psychiatrist, and rereading scripture to see all the times God shows up at night. With her characteristic charm and wisdom, Taylor is our guide through a spirituality of the nighttime, teaching us how to find God even in the darkness, and giving us a way to let darkness teach us what we need to know.” Classes begin on Sunday, September 7 at Croasdaile Village in the Heritage Hall Activities Room from 3 – 4:30; and on Friday, September 12 at FPC, room 203, from 10:30 – noon, with childcare provided by request. All are welcome to join either class. Books ($20 each) are available at the church, or can be purchased at the first class. Contact Marilyn Hedgpeth ([email protected] or 919-682-5511 x 220) if you are interested in joining either group.
Reformed Clergy-Duke Div Student Mentoring Luncheon
August 28, 2014 
The 3rd Annual Reformed Clergy-Div Student Mentoring Luncheon
September 15, 2014, Noon – 1:15pm
in Watts-Hill Hall at First Presbyterian Church-Durham
This is a unique opportunity to meet current Presbyterian / Reformed /UCC / RCA divinity students and for them to meet area pastors. Lunch graciously provided by First Presbyterian Church. RSVP to Katie Owen by Sept 10 at [email protected] or 919-438-1541. Join us!
Some of these students are looking for a church home. Some would cherish the ability to get to know Reformed clergy in the area better and begin a mentoring relationship. Some are just beginning the ordination process and could use your wisdom. Perhaps you are looking for a future intern or supply preacher. Perhaps you’re wondering what the future leaders of the church are thinking about as they study and grow in seminary. Perhaps you’d just like an excuse to see your colleagues in the Durham-Chapel Hill area, to eat and pray together.
SUNDAY SCHOOL PROMOTION DAY
August 07, 2014 
“FISHIN’ for a MISSION” – Sunday, August 24 at 9:45 a.m. in Watts-Hill Hall
Join us for breakfast and an introduction to our fall classes.
Friends, finger food, fellowship, new faces, new babies, taller kids, meet your teachers, check out your classroom, re-connect, belong
Free, and open to the public!
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER TRAINING
August 07, 2014 
“A Year of Living Missionally” Sunday School Teacher Training – Sunday, August 17 from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Hear plans for Promotion Sunday, preview your curriculum, meet your fellow teachers, pick up supplies, and learn about FPC’s new Child Safety Policy guidelines.
First Presbyterian is a Collection Site
July 21, 2014 
The 2014 School Supplies Drive has begun. Through August 14, members and friends of FPC may “fill those bins” placed in the church foyer with school supplies, courtesy of the Southwest Durham Rotary Club. Last summer we filled several bins. Let’s beat that record this summer!
For more information about this project go to http://durhamrotaryclub.org/2012/07/support-durham-public-school-teachers/.
CALLING ALL WOMEN!
June 27, 2014 
THEME – “Slow Down and Center: Centering Prayer”
Let go of things that normally occupy your mind and practice the presence of God. Learn together best practices of centering prayer.
July 25 (5 p.m.) – July 26 (4 p.m.)
Avila Conference Center, Durham
Cost: $80 (scholarships available)
To register, contact Marilyn Hedgpeth by July 21.
RECOGNITION OF GRADUATES
May 21, 2014 
June 7 is a day of celebration. During worship, we will acknowledge our Class of 2015 high school and college graduates.