The Nexsen Handbell Ringers from Boone (NC) United Methodist Church will present a concert in our sanctuary on Thursday, June 9, at 7:00 p.m. We are pleased to be able to host this group as they begin their summer tour. They have traveled extensively throughout the United States, ringing solo concerts, participating in regional festivals, and leading handbell workshops.

The concert is free. Bring your friends and family!

On Saturday, June 18, our church is hosting a luncheon for the Athletes in Action basketball team visiting from Bulgaria. The meal is part of the team's "Reverse Mission Trip" to the United States under the direction of our own member and missionary Larry Sharrett. The team will also play an exhibition game at King College at 6:00 p.m. that day.

Athletes in Action is a Christian organization dedicated to impacting lives through sports. AIA encourages athletes to become "total athletes" physically, mentally, and spiritually. You can find more about AIA at: www.athletesinaction.org. 

Interested in meeting our guests and learning more? Please reserve your spot at the AIA luncheon at First Presbyterian Church in Bristol, TN, at noon on Saturday, June 18, for a presentation about Athletes in Action and the Bulgarian team. RSVP by emailing larrysharrett@yahoo.com.

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.

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.

It's time again for Vacation Bible School, and we are looking for some faithful servants who would like to volunteer to help. There are many different tasks to be done, so everyone is welcome to join in and fun in the doing! We have sign-up sheets in the front office and at the children's sign-in table. If you have any questions, please contact Cathy Newton at the church office or by e-mail at cnewton@fpcbristol.org.