Larry and Courtney Sharrett, our members in mission with Athletes in Action in Bulgaria, will be leading a Bulgarian basketball team on a Reverse Mission Trip to the United States in June. The group plans to be in Bristol from Thursday, June 16, to Tuesday, June 21.

The trip offers the contingent of twelve basketball players, four coaches, and eleven AIA staffers the chance for competition and interaction with American teams, as well as an opportunity to share the evangelistic message of Athletes in Action., An important gift to this group will be the experience of Christian fellowship in our country. Many will remember that we welcomed a similar group from Bulgaria in 2007.

First Presbyterian Church will host a luncheon for our guests on Saturday, June 18. Local supporters and other friends of the Sharretts will enjoy an update on their mission and the chance to greet our guests personally. The team anticipates playing an exhibition game at King College that evening.

We are seeking hosts for members of our welcoming group. If you are able and willing to share your hospitality, please contact local coordinator Charles Webb (cwebb1201@gmail.com or 423-247-7557) or Gordon Turnbull (gturnbull@fpcbristol.org or 423-764-7176).

A recent contact from Tom and Barbara Knoll has apprised us of a need at Sharing Christ Worship Center, the downtown mission where we regularly help to serve the Saturday evening meal.

Roof replacement and other necessary repairs to the building at the corner of Sixth and State streets has created a need for $11,000 in support. Those who would like to offer financial support for this cause are invited to contact the Knolls at P.O. Box 34887, Bristol, TN 37625, or 423-968-7374.

Tom Knoll grew up in First Presbyterian Church, the son of the late Tom and Edith Knoll. Sharing Christ has offered a ministry of food and worship to the poor in Bristol for more than 20 years. Our Session commends this cause for your prayerful consideration.

The Evangelism and Outreach committee is requesting donations of personal care kits for distribution by Bristol Faith in Action. We are looking for the following items in regular or large size (not travel size):

• shampoo
• soap
• toothbrush
• toothpaste
• deodorant
• comb or brush
• razor
• small can of shaving cream
• washcloth

An emery board, nail clippers, or lotion would also be useful. Some kits could be tailored to men and others to women.

When you have packed your donated items in a one-gallon Ziploc or other clear, sealable bag, drop your kit off at the Little Red House. Members of the Evangelism and Outreach committee will deliver the kits to Bristol Faith in Action.

Healing Hands will be celebrating 14 years of service to Bristol's working uninsured--40,000 patient visits--in October. We see new faces coming into our building every day. Eighty percent of those asking for help seek relief from dental pain. As we continue to grow, so does our need for volunteers.

We need volunteer receptionists to work in our office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. One full or half day a week would be helpful. For more information or to volunteer, contact Helen Scott at execdirector@btes.tv or 423-652-2516. You can also visit our website at healinghandshealthcenter.org. Thank you to everyone for your continued support! ~ Helen Scott, Executive Director, Healing Hands Health Center

Interested in a mission trip to Berhane Yesus Elementary School and other missional activities of First Presbyterian Church in western Ethiopia? We are planning such a trip!

We invite you to pray about becoming involved in this adventure. Our probable travel dates will be 12 to 14 days (TBA) in February 2012.

For more information, email Peggy Hill at hillp@btes.tv or call her at 423-652-1732.