Wednesdays in September

Meanwhile, Back in the Ancient Middle East ...

  On Wednesday, September 19, we will take off on the third leg of our mental and spiritual walking tour of the Old Testament, led by Dr. Fred Foy Strang. A Walk Through the Bible is a series of interactive learning adventures that help us experience God's love more deeply and the Old Testament in new and refreshing ways. And it's easy on the feet! Books are available for $10.

Fellowship Dinner for September 19

Please join us for a relaxed meal and fellowship at 5:30! Southern-fried chicken salad, macaroni and cheese, and dessert will build up our energy reserves before we continue our trek through the ancient Middle East. Julie King will help Mary Lee Schiesz with her preparations in the morning. David and Sherry Worley will serve dinner, and Kevin Buck will clean up after the meal.

Student Ministries Small Groups

Katie Arnold and her team invite all middle school and high school students to take part in a relationship journey by joining a small group on Wednesday evenings at 6:00, immediately after the Fellowship Dinner. The groups are led by adults and made up of students of the same age and gender. Now and for the next several weeks, students are involved in a series called "Starting to Go Where God Wants You to Be." Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow and be challenged while immersed in authentic community!

Wednesday Night Kids

The Wednesday Night Kids are studying "God's Wonderful World," beginning with the first day of creation and continuing week by week. As we learn, we add to the creation tower we are building to demonstrate God's wondrous works over the days of creation. On September 19 we will continue our study of the third day of creation, "Dry Ground and Plants," with experiments and more work on our tower. If you haven't yet joined us, we warmly invite you to do so. Classes are available for four-year-olds through first grade and for second through fifth grades. For more information, contact Ann Abel through the church office or aabel@fpcbristol.org.

Brazil Mission Team Leaves Tomorrow

We ask your prayers for the members of our Brazil Mission Team, leaving for Natal this Friday, September 14, and returning Saturday, September 22.  Representing our church this year are Keith Blair, Laurie Boyd, Darlene Pollard, John Vann, Karen Vann, and Gordon Turnbull.

The visit will extend our church's partnership with the Independent Presbyterian Church of Felipe Camarão.  In addition to sharing in worship and fellowship throughout the week, the group expects to share in work projects at the church, visits and prayer gatherings in neighboring homes, and interacting with the students and staff of the church's Bethel School.

Thanks to all who have donated Crayola markers, ball caps, and costume jewelry to share with our friends in Felipe Camarão.  Ann Abel reports that enough Crayola markers have been collected to give a set to every child in Bethel School.

As we hold the team in our prayers, we look forward to the fruits of their mission.

New Heart to Heart DVD Bible Study Begins Sept. 26

The women of the church are invited to a new Heart to Heart video Bible study that begins Wednesday, September 26, at 9:30 a.m. in the church parlor.  We will delve into Beth Moore's newest eight-week study of a single book of the Bible, James: Mercy Triumphs. Workbooks will be available for $15 at the first session.

For more information, call Lorri Looney at 423-573-1676. We hope to see you there!

Heart to Heart Fall Gathering

A Living Sacrifice

Please join us as we gather on Thursday, September 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., to enjoy a lovely fall supper followed by an interactive Bible study. We'll gather in the Fellowship Hall for dinner and fellowship. Our Bible discussion will follow the meal and tap into our churchwide emphasis on whole-person stewardship, as we consider Romans 12:1-2 and the theme of Living Sacrifice. Both the fellowship supper and the discussion afterwards will give women a chance to make deeper connections with one another.

Call the church office (423-764-7176) or email the church secretary, Jane Prater (jprater@fpcbristol.org), to let us know you can attend. We'll also have a sign-up table available after both worship services on September 16 and 23.

Need Child Care?

We are happy to provide childcare for this event! Please call the church office or email Jane Prater, as above, to let us know how many and what age children to expect. A light supper will be provided for the children.

White Canopy Left Behind after VBS

We have a white E-Z UP canopy left from Vacation Bible School. It is in the hallway next to the chapel. If it belongs to you, please let us know or come and take it home. Also left are some baskets that can be collected at Ann Abel's office.

Student Ministries News

Two Free King Classes for FPC Students

 King College is offering a leadership class to FPC students who are in 10th0inh grade. The class will meet three Saturdays during the fall semester and count as one credit hour. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain leadership skills while experiencing a college class and earning credit towards college.

Young women in 10th0inh grade are also invited to take a free self-defense course that is also worth one credit hour.

For more information or to apply, contact Greg King, the Vice President of Enrollment, at gregking1@king.edu or 423-652-4861. Applications must be submitted by this Friday, September 14.

Confirmation 2013: Classes Begin October 14

 Confirmation class leads up to the opportunity for students to make a public affirmation of faith and become a member of First Presbyterian Church. This class is offered to students who are in 8th grade or older and have not gone through the confirmation process.

The class will meet on Sunday mornings at 9:45, beginning October 14, and continue throughout the school year. The class will be led by Gordon Turnbull and Katie Arnold.

For more information or to sign up for confirmation class, please contact Katie Arnold.

More 5th Quarter Fun Tomorrow Night!

 Our second postgame "5th Quarter" will be Friday, September 14. All high school students are invited to enjoy fellowship around a bonfire, with s'mores and games. Bring your friends and join us at the Carter family's home, 1720 Clifton Road, Bristol. Our 5th Quarter events are held after Tennessee High School home football games, and we will have two more in October, on the 12th and 26th.

Parents: Please sign up to help chaperone these events and assist with parking. Drivers: Please be very careful as you come up and down the Carters' narrow driveway!

Student Ministries Fellowship Sunday Dinners

We are looking for families to provide dinner for Student Ministries Fellowship gatherings on Sundays. If you are interested in preparing a meal or providing a purchased meal, please contact Diedre Pendley at pendleyd@btcs.org. Growing teens need a lot of food!

So Cool: Ice Cream Social Coming Up!

Mark your calendar and plan your recipe: we will have an ice cream social Sunday, September 23, at 6:00 p.m. Bring enough of your chillin' best effort to share, or buy your favorite flavor and head for the Fellowship Hall. The deacons will serve as judges of the best. Here's a hint: chocolate chip mint won last year. Put on your thinking toque!

Get in the Game by Giving Blood

 Everyone who donates blood when the Marsh Blood Services bloodmobile is next at FPC will automatically be entered for a chance to win NFL tickets to the December 9th Titans vs. Colts game! The next visit is scheduled for Wednesday, September 26, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., in our front parking lot.

We need at least 20 church members to donate blood, so please volunteer. Remember, you're never too old to give blood or to go to a game! Seventeen-year-olds may give blood with parental consent.