First Presbyterian

Dear FPC Family,

The 150th Anniversary Documentary will be premiered during the Heritage Sunday service. We look forward to finally unveiling the documentary of our church history. Please plan to join us for this special service. 

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Brent

Here is our initial line up:

October 4-November 1 -Canoeing the Mountains:  Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory   

Jeff Van Sickle will lead this session on Tod Bolsinger’s book excellent 2015 book.  In it, he outlines a strategy for addressing the issues facing our church as well as other mainline denominations.   Bolsinger compares our current situation to the expedition of Lewis and Clark. These explorers, expecting to find a waterway to the Pacific Ocean, instead encountered the Rocky Mountains. That was a real game changer! Canoes wouldn’t work. They had to find other ways to complete their journey. But they persevered, continued their mission of discovery, and completed the treacherous journey over the mountains to the ocean. We, too, need to embrace that spirit of discovery.  Books are available at no cost in the church office.  Come join us as we all learn how to canoe the mountains!

November 8-29 - Trouble I’ve Seen:  Changing the Way the Church Views Racism by Drew I.G. Hart

Called “A savvy and balanced blend of topics that should serve as a useful introduction for Christians of all races,” Hart covers subjects that will make us all more attuned to what it means to be black in a white-dominated world.  Hart is a theologian, blogger, and activist.  His blog is hosted by Christian Century, and he speaks regularly at churches, universities, and seminaries.  Books are available at your favorite bookstore.

JOIN US AS WE CANOE THE MOUNTAINS!

As we pass through our 150th year, First Presbyterian Church can be proud of its rich history. And our church continues to provide its ministry through strong worship and numerous mission projects such as the Economy Corner, the backpack project, and the community breakfast. But our church, like so many mainline churches, faces challenges. Christians are becoming a minority. Many people do not claim, and do not want, church membership. Our downtown neighborhood is changing. Our congregation is getting smaller. To thrive and survive, what will our church do? An excellent book, Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory by Presbyterian pastor Tod Bolsinger, outlines a strategy for addressing these issues.

Several small study groups are being organized this fall to read and discuss this book. Please consider joining us! Out of courtesy to the leaders, please call or email the leader of the group that you would like to attend. You may also call the church office at 263-0248 and leave a message. Many of these will be virtual meetings via Zoom. The groups are as follows:

• Sundays-Oct. 4-25 from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Led by Jeff Van Sickle via Zoom. Contact info-jtvansickle@hotmail.com or ph. 680-0344. **NOTE TIME CHANGE **

• Tuesdays-Sept. 29-Nov. 3rd from 2-3:00 p.m. Led by Alice Price at 807 N. Nims. Contact info-amariep7819@att.net or ph. 841-7942.

• Wednesdays-Oct.7-28th from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Led by Cynthia Berner via Zoom. Contact info-ictbooks@gmail.com or ph. 641-7587.

• Wednesdays-Oct. 7-Nov. 4th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Led by Brent Johnston in The Well & Zoom. Contact info-pastor@firstchurchwichita.org or ph. 263-0248.

• Thursdays-Oct. 1-29th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Led by Melinda Sears via Zoom. Contact info-sj.ml.sears@att.net or ph. 993-2763.

To view live streaming sermons on Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. go to http://firstchurchwichita.org/media/Live-Streaming or click on the link to the right. 

To view Rev. Dr. Brent Johnston's sermons later in the week or past weeks, go to http://firstchurchwichita.org/media/sermons

Click on our Facebook link for all other church information including children and youth activities live streaming information.

Beginning October 4, 2020 through May 2021, there will only be one Worship service. It will begin at 9:30 a.m.

• The church will re-open for in person Worship services on October 4, 2020 with the following protocols/requirements: face masks required, maintain social distancing, only one entrance (to the building) will be open, temperatures of all participants will be taken, the collection plates will NOT be passed but instead will be placed at the doors, and there will be no congregational singing during services. Services will also be available via live streaming at 9:30 a.m. 
• The church is now open for meetings of 15 or fewer participants including outside groups. Requirements for the meetings are as follows: face masks are required in the building, practice social distancing and no shared food. In addition, due to the cleaning/sanitizing that will be necessary after a meeting, meetings must be scheduled through the office at least 2 days in advance of desired date/time.

Click on the link below to view our weekly newsletter.

https://firstchurchwichita.org/assets/documents/Weekly_News_Update_9-24-20_Revised.pdf

Matthew 25 Church Initiative:

At the September meeting of Session, we became a Matthew 25 Church, committing to congregational vitality, addressing issues of poverty and race.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Brent