We will bring summer to a festive close at our annual church picnic this Sunday, August 11, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. We'll gather at the Rotary Shelter in Steele Creek Park to play some games and enjoy the opportunity for casual conversation in a relaxing atmosphere.

FPC will provide meat and beverages, and supper will be served at 5:30. Please bring one of the following dishes with you, according to the initial of your last name:

A-H:      a side

  I-P:      a dessert

Q-Z:      a salad

We look forward to sharing fellowship, fun, and food with you!

FPC will host the Monteverdi Saxophone Quartet in its debut concert in our sanctuary tonight, August 8, at 7:00. The quartet members are Rachel Martin (soprano), Kyle Jones (alto), Kevin Mann (tenor), and Logan Childress (baritone), directed by Thomas Crawford. They will present a program in a mix of styles and genres, including works by Bach, Handel, Desenclos, Piazzolla, and others. The concert is free and open to the public.

Last night we had the good fortune to hear a courageous Iraqi pastor talk about his work among Christians in an often hostile culture. Next week, on August 14, Larry and Courtney Sharrett, FPC members now studying at Trinity Seminary in Chicago, will tell us about their work as Athletes in Action missionaries in Bulgaria.

Please join us in the Fellowship Hall at 5:30 p.m. for salads and sandwiches. The adult program will follow at 6:15. The Student Ministries small-group discussions will begin at 6:00 in the Youth Wing.

Wednesday Night Kids

It is time again for Wednesday Night Kids! Ages 4 through first grade will be studying KaPOP! Discovering Who God Is, and second through fifth grade will be investigating KABOOM! Discovering Who God Is. Using hands-on activities and science experiments in ways that will leave lasting impressions on mind and heart, we will explore the character traits of God and what they mean to our own lives. David's life is intertwined with these lessons, giving us a glimpse of how God reveals his character. Come Wednesday night and watch for the big Kid's Time sign when we are ready to leave the Fellowship Hall, around 6:00. We'll start with time outside and then we will learn about a loving God.

Volunteer to Help with the Fellowship Dinner

Ruthie Blair is looking for willing hands to help prepare food, set up and serve dinner, and clean up afterwards. Food prep volunteers are needed from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., setup and server volunteers are needed from 4:30 till 6:00 p.m., and the cleanup crew will be on deck from 6:20 to 7:30 p.m. The fellowship dinners follow the Bristol, Tennessee, school schedule, but volunteers choose when and how often they want to help. For more information, call Ruthie at 423-797-1815.

Children singing, "We will live forever!"

FPC celebrated Rally Day this past Sunday as all ages gathered in the Fellowship Hall to be reminded of the importance of Christian education in our church life. The children started off the celebration by enthusiastically singing, "For God so loved the world that he gave His Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him, should not perish. We will live forever, because of Jesus." This rousing song was followed by a skit called "A Dirty Story for Seedy People," a unique, intergenerational version of the parable of the sower. After children and youth went to their new classes, adults heard an overview of the classes offered them.

Thank you to all who participated by singing, putting on the skit, providing refreshments, or simply attending. May we all continue to be blessed as God works among his children of all ages at FPC!

The intergenerational skit was a smash!

This year's Officer Nominating Committee will soon begin its work to discern a slate of officers to present for election in the coming year. Because a vital component in this process is direct input from the congregation, the committee requests your suggestions as to who would serve best as elders, deacons, or trustee. Suggestion forms are available at the church, or you can contact a member of the committee: Lee Galliher, Karen Vann, Lorri Looney, Emily Hyder, or Debbie McMillin. Please offer your suggestions as soon as possible. Thank you!

Spend a weekend in the mountains enjoying fellowship and adventure! All students in 7th0inh grade are invited to retreat to Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters in Andrews, North Carolina, September 6-8. Students can enjoy whitewater rafting, paintball, mountain biking, skeet shooting, high ropes courses, and more! Mornings and evenings will be spent with other youth groups in worship, discussion, and games.

The cost of the trip is $100-if money and forms are turned in to Katie Arnold, Director of Youth Ministries, by Sunday, August 18. After August 18, the cost will be $140. Space is limited, so register today!

Please note: transportation will be arranged for athletes who have late practice on Friday, September 6.