First Presbyterian

Saturday, August 7, 2021 

10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

East & West Dining Rooms

Please volunteer to help at the Backpack Bash!
The backpack and vaccination clinic are almost here… August 7th is just around the corner!

Please volunteer and join the fun. Help the students prepare for a successful year. Last year, we lost many of our usual volunteers, due to the pandemic. This year we will hold the event indoors with Covid precautions and we need your help!

For everyone’s safety, MASKS WILL BE REQUIRED for all volunteers and participants.

Volunteers needed: Friday, August 6th from 10 a.m. to noon

* Help with set-up and decorating

Volunteers needed: Saturday, August 7th

•  Final setup from 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
•  Help with the welcome and registration table 10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.
•  A ‘shopping buddy’ for each family during the bash from 10:30 a.m.- 3 p.m.

 Hospitality

• Help serving lunch and snacks
• Help with activities for the kids
• Help with clean-up and inventory Saturday, August 7th from 3 p.m.- 4 p.m.

* Transportation-we need a few more volunteers who can transport families to our event. Drivers must be fully vaccinated and wear a mask.

If you’re not available during the entire event on Saturday, that’s okay! Just let me know when you can be there. Every bit of help counts!

To volunteer, contact Patrice Cummings at pcummings066@gmail.com or 316-841-6553.

 “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”  -Nelson Mandella

Bridge to the Future:

Understanding and Embracing Our Congregation’s Adaptive Challenge

FACILITATED BY THE KANSAS LEADERSHIP CENTER (KLC)

INTRODUCTION:

First Presbyterian Church will engage members with varied experiences within our congregation in an in-depth conversation. The conversation will explore the question: How do we identify and live out our unique mission and purpose considering the challenges we face and the possibilities ahead?

THE PURPOSE IS TO:

Build our capacity to discuss tough issues among members with varied perspectives about how we live out our mission and purpose. “Several members said they would be willing to give up things they hold dear – styles of worship, certain mission activities, or even the building in some cases – if they had a clear vision of what they would be giving them up for.” Bridge to the Future Conversation Guide Page 4.

Experience the reality of both loss and opportunity so that planning becomes possible. These are not planning sessions. This is a conversation to prepare the heart of our congregation to move into a time of experimentation, learning, and new direction for the future.

Help more people understand what it looks like to adapt in the face of tough challenges and what is required of those brave enough to explore.

A three-part conversation will use the Bridge to the Future Conversation Guide developed by the Kansas Leadership Center and our Transformation Team based on nearly 30 interviews and surveys conducted with First Presbyterian members representing various perspectives about our current and future challenges. This effort was inspired by the book "Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory" by Tod Bolsinger.

The three sessions outlined below are meant to be one conversation. Participants will be assigned to the same groups throughout the conversation and are strongly encouraged to attend all three sessions.

Electronic and printed copies of the Bridge to the Future Conversation Guide Section 1 will be distributed in advance of Sessions 1 and 2. Conversation Guide Section 2 will be distributed prior to Session 3. Participants are expected to read and reflect on the Guide in advance of each session.

HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?

Make a reservation by calling or emailing the church office at 263-0248 or publications@firstchurchwichita.org. Sessions will be held in person and will include a box lunch. For those who would rather attend virtually, a ZOOM link will be provided. Please specify in your reservation if you will be attending in person or virtually via ZOOM. See following page for session dates and times.

MORE INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS ?

Contact Cynthia Berner at 641-7587 or ictbooks@gmail.com.

Click on the link below for the Weekly News!

https://firstchurchwichita.org/assets/documents/Weekly_E-Blast_July_29,_2021.pdf

The Camp is open to groups of any size. The pools are open. Anyone interested in renting should submit an application with their proposed schedule (Date in, Date out, # people, proposed activities) to Dave Duncan,  Camp Manager, at 371-1050 or Sherri Miller, FPC Bookkeeper, at 263-0248. A contract must be completed with Sherri in the Finance Office in order to reserve the camp date. 

CHURCH SESSION MOTIONS APPROVED

1. Motion: Effective  June 15, 2021,  Session voted to remove the “no shared food” restriction for activities held inside the church.
2. Motion: Beginning July 3, 2021, the Community Breakfast will be served inside the church. Social distancing is still required.  

https://firstchurchwichita.org/media/sermons/view/150th-anniversary-documentary

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