Combined Service to Celebrate Pentecost

This Sunday, May 27, we will celebrate the Day of Pentecost with a combined worship service at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Sunday School will begin at 9:30, and the children's classes will all gather at Creation Station.

We look forward to learning and worshiping with you!

Capital Campaign Budget Report

On December 20, 2011, First Presbyterian Church refinanced its capital project loan with Eastman Federal Credit Union. The rate, terms and current balance are as follows:

                Loan Amount:                                                $1,270,336.71

                Rate:                                                                3.75% fixed for 10 years

                Maturity:                                                         12/20/2021

                Amortization:                                                 10 years

                Payments:                                                       $12,711.01/month, principal & interest

                Estimated Balloon Payment:                      $0, will pay out in 10 years

                Current Loan Balance:                                 $1,226,357.55

In 2010, First Presbyterian commenced an initial three-year Capital Campaign with a total pledge figure of $649,341. Following are the details of our receipts:

                Total Pledges:                                                $649,341.04

                Receipts:                                                         $541,762.29 (through 3/31/2012)

                Pledge Balance to be Collected:                $107,578.75 (at 4/1/2012)

 Pledge Reserves on Deposit:                      $98,838.58 (at 3/31/2012)

                Reserve Payments*:                                    10 months (to February 2013)

                Projected Loan Balance:                             $1,136,727 (at February 2013)

Respectfully submitted by Aaron Brooks, Budget & Finance Chair

Choir to Sing on "Reformation Tour" Next Spring

Thomaskirche in Leipzig, Germany

The Sanctuary Choir (along with friends and family) is once again preparing to travel, this time to Germany and Austria. The ten-day trip is scheduled for May 30 through June 9, 2013.

The singers will perform at least once as they tour Reformation territory, and they have well-founded hopes of giving a concert in one of Bach's churches in Leipzig before going on to sing in Austria. If you are interested in traveling with them, contact the Feys (svfey@fpcbristol.org) for an itinerary. Nonsingers are also welcome!

New Adult Class Begins June 10

Ann Galliher invites all interested adults to a new Sunday morning class to begin June 10 in the chapel. The class will make use of scripture, poetry, and other readings in an ancient practice known as Lectio Divina, a process of praying with the Bible through reading, meditating, contemplating, and finally speaking to God about the text. Through this art the Bible comes alive and becomes a means of union with God, with every verse and word communicating personally. This class will run through all of Ordinary Time and continue until Advent.

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.

Kid Connection News

During Vacation Bible School, July 23-25, we will visit with Daniel as he meets the challenges of captivity in a foreign land. As children and leaders immerse themselves in the culture of biblical times, the reality of God's love will gain new meaning and relevance for their everyday lives.

To share Daniel's story, we need volunteers to serve as tribal leaders, shopkeepers, and playground leaders, to name only a few opportunities available. We offer training for every position, so if you are willing, there is a job you can do. Please don't miss this chance to share in the excitement of the Babylon marketplace!

Come help us reach our goal of sharing God's love with 100 children this summer. Volunteer sheets will be available after the combined worship service this Sunday morning, or you can contact Ann Abel at aabel@fpcbristol.org.

Youth Group News

Great Escape is still accepting reservations for this summer from interested junior high youth. Please contact both Dave Welch (at dwelch@fpcbristol.org) and Katie Arnold (at karnold@fpcbristol.org) to sign up for this great experience.

Summer Youth Fellowship Starts Next Week

Our summer of fun and Bible study with FISH, "fellowship in someone's home," begins this Tuesday, May 29, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., for Middle School FISH. High School FISH will have their first meeting next Thursday, May 31, also from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

We are still 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.