Congratulations, Graduates!

We look forward every year to the pleasure of seeing the students among us reach important milestones in their academic careers. Join us now as we congratulate the following graduates on their achievements:

William Bane will graduate from Tennessee High School May 19.

Rebekah Blair will graduate from Tennessee High School May 19.

Caitlin Bolick graduated from Albion College, Albion, MI, May 5, with a bachelor's degree in music and minors in biology and chemistry.

Katerina Borsch graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga May 5 with a doctorate in physical therapy.

Savannah Burt will graduate from Tennessee High School May 19.

Anna Connolly will graduate from Tennessee High School May 19.

Landon Corder will graduate from Tennessee High School May 19.

Mary Givens Crutchfield will graduate from the Academy at King May 25.

Jordan Fey graduated from Middle Tennessee State University May 5 with a bachelor's degree in physics and minors in music and math.

DeeDee Galliher graduated from King College May 5 with a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies.

Ben Good will graduate from Tennessee High School May 19.

Patrick Havlik graduated from Middle Tennessee State University In January with a bachelor's degree in recording industry engineering. He is on schedule to receive a bachelor's in genetics and biotechnology from the same school in August.

Joel Kreiss will graduate from Tennessee High School May 19.

Bryce McFerrin will graduate from Tennessee High School May 19.

Amanda Mills will graduate from Tennessee High School May 19.

Shannon Mills will graduate from Tennessee High School May 19.

Preston Mitchell will graduate from Tennessee High School May 19.

Pierce Moreland will graduate from Tennessee High School May 19.

Gabriel Proctor will graduate from Tennessee High School May 19.

Claire Pruner graduated from Virginia Highlands Community College May 11 with an associate of applied science degree in nursing.

Alex Raykowitz will graduate from Tennessee High School May 19.

Alex Regan will graduate from Tennessee High School May 19.

Jeff Rowell will graduate from Mount Tabor High School in Winston-Salem, NC, June 9.

Thomas Rowell graduated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem May 6 with a bachelor of fine arts degree in drama.

Brittany Sawyers will graduate from Tennessee High School May 19.

Thomas Turnbull graduated from Carson-Newman College May 11 with a bachelor's degree in biology.

Curtis Vann will graduate from Wake Forest University May 21 with a bachelor's degree in political science.

Final Art Series Concert of the Program Year

Russian Ensemble LYRA Sings This Sunday

This Sunday, May 20, at 3:00 p.m., the Russian vocal ensemble LYRA presents the final concert of our program year at FPC. Don't miss this performance! These five singers, part of the larger LYRA group, will sound like an entire choir in our sanctuary. You will hear classical sacred music of the Russian choral tradition as well as arrangements of Russian folk songs. Suggested ticket donation is $10 for adults and $5 for students age 6 through college.

Youth to Welcome Katie & Brad Arnold Sunday

The youth of the church will have a chance to meet our new youth director, Katie Arnold, and her husband, Brad, and welcome them into our church family at a cookout this Sunday, May 20, at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

Session to Receive New Members This Sunday

The Session will meet this Sunday, May 20, at 10:15 a.m. in the chapel to receive new members.

Felipe Camarão Update and Mission Opportunity

Three children who benefit from the church school in Felipe Camarão.

The partnership between First Presbyterian and the Independent Presbyterian Church and school in Felipe Camarão remains strong and vibrant as the school continues to meet the need of nearly 100 students in this impoverished neighborhood of Natal, Brazil. Pastor Fernando reports that the school and students are thriving under the administrative leadership of Pastor João Batiste and the church is continuing to be a beacon of light in the community. Fernando expresses gratitude in every conversation for our partnership which, through scholarship and other support, enhances their impact on many lives. To God be the glory!

Planning an Adult Mission Trip

As the Apostle Paul often wrote to the churches in his epistles, there is a longing to be reunited with brothers and sisters of the faith, to be together to worship and to serve the living Christ in order to strengthen the community of believers. We are praying about such a journey to Natal in September to once again minister, and be ministered to, within the richness of this community's faith and energy. Will you join us in this prayer to discern whether God is calling you to travel with us?

Tentative dates for travel are September 14-23. If you would like to hear more about this trip or have specific questions about the journey, please contact John Vann at 423-360-1153 or vannjm@gmail.com. The deadline for making a decision is June 1.

Stewardship Message from Lee Galliher

During worship last Sunday, May 13, elder Lee Galliher shared the following poetic reflection on our church's generous ministry through our facility. We reprint it here with permission, and at the request of members of our congregation.

Oh, the things that you will do

with this magnificent facility that's been entrusted to you.

Sometime we hear, "Why do you need a building so grand?"

Well, the leaders in 1963 must have known God's plan.

For now we are able in these days

to provide a place for meetings, for nurture and joyful praise.

There's the usual events of marriage and funeral and baptizing babies,

but a lot more happens here that you're not aware of, maybe.

Back then they picked a spot in this neighborhood,

So we should reach out, oh yes we should!

Neighbors walk around our lot, which creates some perspiration,

so it was decided, let's give them some inspiration.

So banners on light poles we did raise

to proclaim that to God we give the praise.

If quiet reflection is more their style,

we've got a nice bench on which to sit for a while.

For future NBA stars we planted two poles

on which sprouted some basketball goals.

Of course, there's our neighbor the College called King,

whose namesake is one of us, what a marvelous thing!

For Baccalaureate, nurse pinning, Buechner and more,

we gladly welcome and open our door.

Periodically, their students we like to feed;

seems the cafeteria on Sunday is lacking, indeed.

We invite the entire region for our Series for Art

soothing to the mind and good for the heart.

Bristol Music Club showcases young talent that is choice

in piano, instrument, string, and voice.

Many a young person has come through Scout Hall.

Our Troop 3 is one of the oldest of all.

Webelos, wolves, and tigers, oh my!

From here 175 Eagles have learned to fly.

Community Bible Study meets each week surely,

and a group of men on Thursday morning early.

Head Start prepares children to begin school soon,

While older kids enjoy Boys & Girls Club in the afternoon.

Several community groups hold functions here,

Such as the Salvation Army to thank their volunteers.

From the Fellowship Hall we hand out USDA commodities

to deserving folks, yes in-deedy.

From our kitchen Meals on Wheels do roll,

for you must feed the body as well as the soul.

Indeed, this is a busy place, as you can well see,

and most of these events are hosted for free.

This property of ours is one beyond compare,

and we understand it's a gift that we must share!

Do you have children or grandchildren, or just enjoy learning from kids? Are you going to be in town this summer? FPC needs reliable, caring volunteers to teach or help in children's ministry on Sunday mornings. We have three children's Sunday School classes: Preschool-Kindergarten, First-Second Grades, and Third-Fifth Grades. We are also looking for volunteers to help with Kids' Kirk.

If you are interested in sharing in this vital ministry to children, please contact Ann Abel at aabel@fpcbristol.org or 276-764-7176.

If you missed last week's postal workers' food drive, you can bring your bag of groceries for local families in need to FPC and leave it in the grocery cart in the Fellowship Hallway. Or if it's more convenient for you, you can take it directly to the Food Pantry at 21 Washington Street. The Pantry's hours are Monday-Friday, 1:00-4:00 p.m., and it is closed on holidays. FPC's office hours are 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Fridays.

Youth Group News

Great Escape is still accepting reservations for this summer from interested junior high youth. Please contact Dan Kreiss at dskreiss@king.edu for more information.

Summertime Youth Fellowship Starts Soon

It won't be long before we begin our summer of fun and Bible study with FISH, "fellowship in someone's home." The first weekly meeting for Middle School FISH will be Tuesday, May 29, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. High School FISH will have their first meeting Thursday, May 31, also from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

We are looking for families to host these gatherings throughout the summer. Hosts will provide a place to meet, a snack, and a fun activity, such as swimming, games, or a craft. A youth advisor will lead the Bible study.

If you would like to serve as a host, please contact Linda Welch (latwelch@aol.com) or Dave Welch (dwelch@fpcbristol.org) to reserve your night.

Vacation Bible School

Ancient Babylon comes to First Presbyterian Church this summer when Vacation Bible School explores the theme "Babylon: Daniel's Courage in Captivity."

Place: Children's Wing, FPC

Dates: July 23-25

Times: 9:00 a.m. to Noon

Join us in Babylon, where we'll explore what life was like for Daniel and his friends, who were captives in a strange land. We'll craft cool projects in the marketplace, enjoy the games Daniel and his friends would have played, visit with Daniel, eat some interesting food, and make new friends. Come join us!

For more information, call Ann Abel at 423-764-7176.