First Presbyterian

It’s that time again! And we’re back!

 This year’s Back-to-School Bash will be held inside with safety protocols in place.

Once again we will  provide school supplies and backpacks for refugee families that need help  getting students ready to return to school. This year, we will allow students to choose and fill their own backpacks as we have in the past.

There are ways you can help!

In order to minimize the health risk, we are once again ordering preassembled backpacks. They will come filled with most of the supplies the students need, but we will need to buy the missing items.

1. If you prefer NOT to get out and shop, but still want to help, you can send a monetary donation. This will be a great help towards purchasing what is needed.

• Make checks payable to: First Presbyterian Church (memo: Refugee School Supplies)
• You may drop off supply donations at FPC by July 26th during the hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mon-Thurs.

2.   We need volunteers for the following:

• Set up Friday, Aug. 6th from 10 a.m. to noon.
• Personal shoppers and helpers Saturday, Aug. 7th 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To volunteer, contact Patrice Cummings at pcummings066@gmail.com or 316-841-6553. Let’s return to the fun environment of years past and help students prepare for a successful return to in-person learning!

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_22,_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