The Link: March 2015

THE
Link
The First ARP Church Newsletter
March 2015
Letters to the Church
Dear Church,
When I arrived at the airport this past month to board a plane to Haiti I was quite nervous. As
many of you know I am not an adventurous person.
I am not a risk taker.
I am a routine-
oriented homebody by nature and I strongly dislike being away from my wife and children for any
significant period of time. But God had called me to go to Haiti to visit our sister church and so
to Haiti I went. And I am so glad that I did.
In Haiti I experienced the world in a fresh way.
experienced the Church in a fresh way.
ARP in a fresh way.
I experienced worship in a fresh way.
I
I experienced fellowship with my teammates from First
In other words, I experienced God in a fresh way and it was truly
exhilarating. The most challenging part of a trip like this is to come home and to share the
experience with those who did not share the experience. That is really hard. I do hope that many
of you will have a chance in the coming years to go to Haiti and visit our sister church.
But there is another reason I’m glad I went to Haiti – and this is what I really want share. I’m
glad I went to Haiti because it stretched my faith.
And here’s the thing: our faith must be
stretched if it is going to be strengthened. Going to Haiti stretched my faith. It got me out of my
comfort zone. It made me depend on God in a new way. And I returned with a stronger faith
than when I left.
Following Jesus requires us to move out of our comfort zone.
―Enter by the narrow gate.
In Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus says,
For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction,
and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to
life, and those who find it are few.‖ One of the ways that we know that we are walking with God
is that we regularly find ourselves in the uncomfortable position of having to totally depend on the
Lord. The way is hard. Not many can do it. But it is the path that all true followers of Jesus will
travail.
(Continued on last page)
Sunday Morning Greeters
March (8:30 all month): Mary Alice & Johnny Holland
March 1 & 8 (11:00): Sybil &Lin Hollowell
March 15 & 22 (11:00): Jo Ann & Bob Sytz
March 29: Mary Lou Pearson & Paula Dixon
_______________________________________________________
Sunday Morning Coffee Servers
March 1
March 8
March 15
March 22
March 29
Sue Ellington
Jo Anne Parker
Beth Craig
Sarah Wallace
Mickey Smith
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday Morning Worship Attendance
8:30
11:00
Total
January 25
200
304
504
February 1
160
367
527
February 8
209
351
560
February 15
233
239
472
February 22
233
228
461
_______________________________________________________
Financial Update
General Operating Fund
January
Revenues
$ 76,875.45
Expenses
100,843.17
Net Surplus (deficit) (23,967.72)
Weekly Amount Needed:
Annual
2015 Budget
$1,428,490.85
$27,470.98
Wednesday Night Supper Menu
Come join us at 5:30pm in the Fellowship Hall.
(The cost is $4 per person or $12 per family.)
March 4 - baked potato bar (trimmings), tossed salad
(trimmings), peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, cookies
March 11 - chicken tenders, french fries, barbecued beans,
tossed salad, dessert
Lizzy Wysor—3/1
Samuel Best—3/2
Vicki Hodges—3/2
Ruth Bernet—3/3
Mattie Cornagie—3/4
Glenn Tyree—3/4
Mike Haley—3/5
Hannah Hobson—3/5
Hayley Parks—3/5
Todd Friday—3/6
Linda Miller—3/6
Beverly Shuford—3/6
Elise Travis—3/6
Kruesi Barker—3/7
Nate Hargrove—3/7
Wendy Hostetler—3/7
Aaron Nesnow—3/7
Caroline Roberts—3/7
Robert Parker—3/9
Warren Rowe—3/9
Carey Bumgardner—3/10
Mark Burnham—3/10
Lisa McGill—3/10
Mace Pursley—3/10
Ida Robinson—3/10
Suzanne Allers—3/11
Mary Ann Beckett—3/11
Bogey Cornagie—3/11
Ansley Jarratt—3/11
Michelle McCurry—3/11
Lauralee Hurst—3/13
Kennedy Craig—3/14
Kristin Harris—3/14
Harry Bryant—3/15
Shannon Carr—3/15
David Roberts—3/15
Conner Daniels—3/16
Forrest Butler—3/17
Amy Pritchett—3/17
Joey Hedrick—3/18
Chris Carr—3/19
Sally Green—3/19
Jo Johnson—3/19
Laura Long—3/19
Randy Sherrill—3/19
Griffin Keiser—3/20
Joe Summerville—3/20
Evie Clark—3/21
Jill Crisp—3/21
Martha Ferguson—3/21
Steve Harris—3/21
Viki LaChapelle—3/21
Dalton Thomason—3/21
Don Wilson—3/21
Pat Evans—3/23
Pat McCurry—3/23
John Davidson—3/24
Margaret Kennedy—3/24
Blair Riley—3/24
Lilly Riley—3/24
Kami McKay—3/25
Foster Rouse—3/25
Garrett Haney—3/26
Dan Rankin—3/26
Floyd Rhyne—3/26
Amy Russell—3/27
John Barker—3/29
Reese Cherry—3/29
Liam Davidson—3/29
Dean Dixon—3/29
Dee Cain—3/30
Sue Ellington—3/30
Joshua Farrar—3/30
Wilson Forbes—3/31
Taylor Hazard—3/31
David Hooks—3/31
James Parks—3/31
Vance Riley—3/31
March 18 - spaghetti, tossed salad, garlic bread, dessert
March 25—barbecue, french fries, slaw, baked beans,
hushpuppies, dessert
Medical Transportation Ministry
Do you need a ride to a doctor’s appointment? Call Loretta
Horne at 704-864-5527. Loretta leads the
Medical Transportation Ministry.
Gail & Ron Evans
Brenda & Jim Stewart
Heidi & Danny Postell
Delsey & Tom Brown
Ann & Marshall Welch
Carolyn & Mark Dewalt
Gretchen & Jerry Best
3/4/87
3/8/85
3/18/89
3/24/84
3/26/67
3/27/78
3/29/97
28 years
30 years
26 years
31 years
48 years
37 years
18 years
First ARP Church,
Many thanks to all of you for your
prayers, cookies and financial support
for the KAIROS Prison Ministry
Walk #20. I am excited about serving
42 incarcerated men and blessed to
have the support of my church family.
In Christ, John Barker
Thank you to our First A.R.P. Family who have been so
generous throughout my Mom’s last few months! We
appreciate all of the calls, prayers and plethora of meals
that were given to our family. Thank you for your
kindness! With love, Julie Champion & Tom Weaver
Dear Church Members,
Many of you have asked us about our son, David
McPeters. You wanted to know if he was still in the
military. David got out of the military December 25,
2013. He is living in Newport News, Virginia. He is
going to college at ECPI University. David is doing well.
Thank you for the prayers and all you did for him while in
the military. Love, Tim & Sharron McPeters
Thank you ALL, First ARP Church!
We have been showered with cards, warm thoughts,
continued prayers and awesome support through all of
you, whether in Sunday School class, Wednesday night
dinners, multiple phone calls, as well as visits!! Your
deep concern for Phil’s restoration of his eyesight has
been so appreciated, and we want you to know how your
love for us and all your prayers have impacted our lives as
we continue to trust and depend on God’s grace and
mercy for everything!
Continued prayers are still needed. Although Phil has
regained some of his eyesight, (for which we thank the
Lord!), he is still unable to read, go to work or drive his
vehicle at this time. Praise Him for your continued
support as a body of Christ and for our precious status in
Christ alone! With love and thanks from the bottom of
our hearts, Phil & Diane Eller
Dear First ARP,
Covenant Community Preschool has been an answer to
prayer for our family. I didn’t know where I was going to
take my daughter to preschool, and suddenly by
―happenstance‖, I learned about a new school at a church
only a stone’s throw from our house. This school is
wonderful: experienced, talented, passionate, considerate
staff, church support, scholarships, beautiful and new
facility, fantastic play area outside, safety fence, music,
PE, nutrition, French and Spanish exposure, chapel
services, prayer, and most importantly, these wonderful
people teach my child about the love of God and who He
is. A Covenant Community Preschool Parent
Dear Children’s Ministry,
What an honor & privilege it has been to work these
many years alongside Rebecca and Leslie and our many
families. I have seen lots of children grow up. Thank you
so much for the reception and gift card. I love being such
a part of a loving and giving church family.
In Christ’s Love, Terry Cope
Dear First ARP Family,
Thank you for your love and prayers, sweet notes, phone
calls and messages on the death of my mother, Carole
Machen. You have prayed for her for years and I thank
you for that. This is a wonderful church family.
Jamie Pettett
Dear Church Members,
It is wonderful and heart-warming to be a part (member)
of such a loving church. Carolyn and I appreciate all the
expressions of love—and more recently of love and
sympathy in the death of my brother. In Christ’s Love,
Maurice & Carolyn Canaday
Dear Church Family,
Thank you all for the many cards, calls, compassion, care
and casseroles during my recent illness. Your prayers and
the five ―C’s‖ above sustained me. I feel blessed to be in
your family of God. I love you for everything.
Bill Hayes
Hello Friends at First ARP Gastonia,
I wanted to let you know that my knee is recovering really
well from surgery and I thank you all for praying. I am
doing physical therapy 3 times a week and it is painful but
good. Sometimes I am able to walk with crutches around
my neighborhood and I went to church on Sunday.
Slowly but surely the healing process is underway! I hope
you all are doing well and I heard about the freezing
weather in the South. Take care of yourselves and drink
lots of hot chocolate! Sincerely,
Suzanne Allers in Berlin
To the Congregation of First ARP,
Thank you for all your love and support during this time
of loss. Your cards, calls and many acts of kindness
meant so much to me and my family. You are always my
foundation.
Dot Schutte & family
To My Dear Church Family,
Thank you so much for your prayers, love and concern for
me before, during and after surgery. The cards, flowers,
visits and delicious food were greatly appreciated. I am
blessed beyond measure to be part of this church family
and comforted knowing how much you care about me.
Again, thank you so much. Love, Dot Carson
Dear Boys & Girls (& Parents too!)
Thank you very much for all of the mittens, gloves, hats
and scarves that you collected for Crisis Assistance
Ministry. We were able to share them with many children
in our community. Many Thanks,
Cathy Howell
Crisis Assistance Ministry
The Season of Lent
th
On Wednesday, February 18 , we began the season of Lent.
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and in some churches
this is a day of not only putting ashes (from dust you came
and to dust you will return) on one’s head but also a day of
fasting. It is a day of sober reflection, self-examination, and
spiritual re-direction. Lent is the 40 day period before Easter.
Sundays do not count because they commemorate the
Resurrection. Lent should be a time of soul searching and
repentance. It is a season for each of us to reflect and take
stock of our lives. It originated in the earliest days of the
church as a time of preparation of Easter.
The parament colors for the season of Lent are purple. Years
ago purple was very expensive, so it came to signify wealth,
power and royalty. Since we Christians prepare for our King
through reflection and repentance, purple has also become the
color of penitence and mourning.
The communion table frontal has I. N. R. I. in the center.
These initials letters are for the Latin superscription on the
cross: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” (John 19:19).
Behind these letters is a club and dagger crossed. The club
symbolizes the betrayal of Christ and the dagger is for
martyrdom. On each side are 4 angels bowing in worship.
The lectern has a Latin cross, which reminds us of the
supreme sacrifice offered by Jesus for the sins of the world.
Alpha and Omega on each side of the cross are the first and
last letters of the Greek alphabet, which signify that Jesus is
the beginning and end.. PAX over the cross is the Latin word
meaning peace. The lamp is a symbol of wisdom and
enlightment. It also symbolizes the word of God, “Thy word
is a lamp unto my feet” (Psalm 119:105). The handle of the
lamp is a complete circle standing for eternity, because it is
without beginning and end.
One of the bookmarks has the crossed keys, to recall Peter’s
confession and our Lord’s gift to him as the keys of the
kingdom (Matthew 16:18-19).
The other bookmark has three pineapples with St. Andrew’s
cross in the center. Tradition says that Andrew died on this
form of cross, requesting that he be crucified on a cross
unlike that of his Lord. The eight stars symbolize
regeneration.
Nuts and Bolts
Jean Stewart
―Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s
thinking of yourself less.‖ -C.S. Lewis
 Gaston Christian High School sponsored two
teams at the N.C. Mock Trial Regional
Competition on Feb. 7. The white team
traveled to High Point and won their first
round. Brandon Hostetler is a member of this
team and Patrick Craig is their attorney
advisor. The red team captured the title of
Regional Champion in Asheville. Joe Painter
was recognized as best witness in the first
and final round. Grady Pearson won round 2.
The red team will travel to Raleigh on March
6-7 to compete in the state finals. Jane
Painter is their attorney advisor and Trey
McKeown is the faculty advisor. We will be
pulling for you to win!
 Connor Daniels has a 4.0 for the fall
semester at NC State. Congratulations,
Connor. You make us proud!!
 Congratulation to Walter Payne, who was
selected to receive the Montcross Area
Chamber EPIC award for 2014, as a business
leader who is ―Entrepreneurial, Progressive,
Innovative, and Collaborative.‖ Great honor!
 The Major William Chronicle Chapter of the
DAR marked their 90th anniversary this
month: Debbie McCall and Alice Auten are
new members.
 Lily Sullivan won the spelling contest at
First Wesleyan Christian School. Way to go
sweet girl!
 MAMAS- we have lots of new children’s
movies coming to the library! We have the
entire set of Torchlighters coming. Jan plans
to have them on the shelves soon.
I hope the explanation behind the symbols we see every time
we go to church will help us recognize and symbolize
different times in the life of Christ and in the life of His
church.
 We have many open dates for flowers on the
Use this period of Lent to prepare for the crowning season of
the Christian year-the EASTER SEASON.
 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
Jean Stewart
calendar! If you would like to do an
arrangement or put flowers in honor or
memory of someone, give me a call.
His mercies are new every morning.”
Lamentations 3:22
March Bible Readings
Music Ministry Update
Praise God in His Sanctuary
Help us witness to Your purpose with renewed integrity;
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us for the work of ministry.
―Lord, You Give the Great Commission‖
Jeffrey Rowthorn
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Handbell Ringers: Rehearsals Coming Up
Make sure you have these dates on your calendar in preparation for Palm Sunday.
If you are interested in playing, there is still time to be included. Contact Heather at hpotternc@gmail.com
The rehearsal schedule is below.
March 8, 10:15-10:45 AM
March 15, 10:15-10:45 AM
March 22, 10:15-10:45 AM
March 29, 10:15-10:45 AM
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hymn-Writers Workshop
Do you have a lyrical gift?
Are you interested in writing poems that worshippers can sing?
Regardless of the style of music, worship songs and hymns often begin as poems: words of praise, adoration, lament,
confession, and commitment inspired by God’s Spirit and a desire to offer a talent back to God.
Russ McKay will lead an introductory writers workshop on Wednesday nights, March 4, 11, and 18. There will be
opportunities to learn more about writing lyrics, gain new ideas and writing strategies, hear from other writers, and
receive feedback on your work.
Covenant Community Preschool
Covenant Community Preschool is again participating in the Community Foundation Run (formerly Run for
the Money) on April 18. Now, more than ever, we need your continued support!
Last year your generous donations and the Run’s matching funds made CCP one of the top fundraisers! Thanks
to you we raised more than $24,000 for scholarships!! Our request is for more individuals to prayerfully
consider making a donation, last year more than 40 families from first ARP gave! How many more could share
this year? This coming year presents us with even more challenges and opportunities to serve God! Our 2015
Run goal is $35,000.
As you know, the school is relocating to Christ United Methodist Church next fall, and we are very pleased so many of our students
want to follow us there. It would be wonderful if our First ARP members could continue funding scholarships for those children who
have received them in the past so that they can continue their preschool education. In addition, with God's blessings, we hope to
serve more scholarship students! We also expect to incur moving expenses this summer. CUMC is a very small church whose
members are excited about this new ministry, but they have been very up front in their inability to fund scholarships and services as
generously and at the level as you have done.
CCP is currently the only preschool in the area that is scholarship based and with your continued help, we will be able to continue
offering this service to our community. We appreciate that you have joined us in the preschool mission.
Donations can be made by picking up a form located in the church office or online at cfgaston.org. Again, we appreciate your
continued financial support.
You Don’t Need a Passport to do Missions!
Thank you so much for your contributions that helped raise the $75,000 necessary
for our church’s 3rd Habitat for Humanity Home Project in Gaston County. We will
be building a new home at 807 Pryor Street for Melissa Hinds and her family
beginning on February 28, 2015. We will have a special Groundbreaking Service
to commit this house and family to the Lord on Sunday, March 1st at 4:00pm at
807 Pryor Street. Please plan to attend if you are able!
Melissa is a single mother of two boys, Kahlil (18) who attends Gaston College, and Jaydin (4) who starts kindergarten
next year. Her mother, Carol Hinds, also lives with them since she is handicapped in a wheelchair. Melissa works from
home as a Program Support Specialist with the Lash Group.
Below is the build schedule for our Habitat Home. We need your participation to make this project a success!
Please contact David Jennings, Volunteer Coordinator, to sign up by email (djennings@firstarpchurch.org) or by
cell (704-718-2371).
Volunteer Build Schedule
February 28
March 14
March 21
March 28
April 11
April 18
April 25
May 2
May 9
May 16
May 30
June 6
Framing Day 1
Framing Day 2
Setting Trusses
Roofing Day
Exterior Door, Windows, House Wrap
Build Shed/Siding Day 1
Siding Day 2
Interior Doors & Trim Day
Paint Day 1
Paint Day 2
Landscaping & Hardware Day
Landscaping & Interior Clean
12-20 Volunteers
12-20 Volunteers
10-14 Volunteers
10-20 Volunteers
10-20 Volunteers
8-20 Volunteers
8-20 Volunteers
10-15 Volunteers
15-20 Volunteers
10-15 Volunteers
10-20 Volunteers
10-15 Volunteers
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A CAUSE WORTH DYING FOR!!!
Men’s Conference
First A.R.P. Church
April 10 and 11, 2015
To be faithful followers of Christ, men need more than just additional information; they need someone to ignite their
devotion to Christ. This Friday night-Saturday retreat is for men who want to be faithful to Christ, but who get weary and
discouraged, finding themselves yielding to sinful appetites and attitudes. As fellow strugglers, this retreat provides
insight and inspiration to:




Overcome a lifestyle driven by busyness
Stay better focused on Christ's agenda for each sphere of our lives
Better understand what our wives need and how to provide it
Rekindle our allegiance to Jesus, our Commander-in-Chief
Speaker: Gary Yagel is the Executive Director of Forging Bonds of Brotherhood and an ordained pastor in the PCA,
where he serves as the denomination’s men’s ministry coach. He is on the speaking faculty of Man In the Mirror and his
speaking is known for being Biblical, application-oriented, and encouraging. Gary’s five children range from 30 year old
twins to his youngest who is 19. He has been married 34 years to his exceptionally patient wife, Sandy. Gary received
his Doctor of Ministry degree from RTS Orlando where his dissertation topic was ―Reaching the Masculine Heart.‖
IHN Week, 8-15
7:30am Pastor’s Prayer Partners
FH (1st Sat. of every
month)
Saturday
6:30am Men’s Prayer Brkfast –FH
Friday
6:30am Panera Men’s Group at
Panera Bread
Thursday
Junior Choir Sings
29
22
30
Evening Book Club,
7pm at Julia Greeson’s
home
Morning Book Club,
10am, Grier Bible
Class
23
16
Missions Comm. Mtg,
7pm, Grier Bible Class
Wednesday
5:00pm Junior Choir
5:30pm Supper—FH
6:00pm Outreach for the Salvation
of Muslims—Prayer Time
in the Grier Bible Class
6:15pm Children’s Ministry
6:15pm MS Youth—YB
6:15pm Cherub Choir
6:30pm Adult Electives
6:30pm Early Service Choir
7:00pm Joyful Noise
7:00pm Combined Adult Choirs
7:30pm Chancel Choir
7:30pm Praise Team
Janet White/Minnie
Alexander, 3pm, FH
Kate Dale Circle, 10am
IHN Week, 8-15
Ethelda Hanna
Circle—10am, FH
9
2
MON
Juanita Garrison,
6:30pm, FH
15
Daylight Savings Time
Begins-Spring Forward
The Lord’s Supper
8 IHN Week, 8-15
Baptism of Caroline
Harris Kelly
Faith Promise
Dedication Sunday
1
SUN
10:00am Staff Meeting—FH
Tuesday
11:30am Intercessory Prayer Time—
Prayer Room
7:30pm AA Meeting—Lobby of
Education Building
Monday
8:30am
9:30am
9:50am
10:00am
11:00am
5:00pm
Blended Worship
Coffee Fellowship—FH
Youth Choir
Sunday School
Traditional Worship
First Night Worship—
R.B. Wilson Hut
6:30pm HS Youth Group—YB
Sunday
Weekly Events
Jean White Stewart
Circle, 6:30pm, Parlor
31
24
The Link Ministry
1:00pm—FH
25
Deacons Meeting
7:30pm—FH
April LINK articles
are DUE.
―Children of the Day‖
Bible Study
1:15pm at Lil’s home
―Wisdom for Mothers‖
Bible Study, 10am,
Generation Classroom
26
Community Watch
Meeting, 7pm, The Hut
1:15pm at Lil’s home
―Children of the Day‖
―Wisdom for Mothers‖
Bible Study, 10am,
Generation Class
Contest 19-20
19 NC Choral
Session Meeting—7pm
FH
Lillian Whitesides Cir.
7pm
17
―Children of the Day‖
1:15pm at Lil’s home
Jo Ann Griffith Circle,
10am, Parlor
―Wisdom for Mothers‖
Bible Study 10am,
Generation Class
12 IHN Week, 8-15
Easter Egg Hunt—West
Gastonia Boys & Girls
Club, 4pm
27
Middle School Retreat
20-22
NC Music Choral
Contest
20
13 IHN Week, 8-15
High School Retreat 6-8
Ladies Bible Study
―Children of the Day‖
1:15pm at Lil’s home
6
―Wisdom for Mothers‖
Bible Study 10am,
Generation Class
FRI
5
THU
Long Range Planning
Meeting, 6:30pm,
office lobby
18
11 IHN Week, 8-15
WM Board Meeting
6:15pm
New Life Class
Rebekah Carson Circle,
12:30pm
Suzanne Allers Circle,
2pm, FH
4
WED
10 IHN Week, 8-15
3
TUE
28
21
14 IHN Week, 8-15
7
SAT
Children’s Ministry Updates!!
Headed to Hospice!!!
Over 75 “Socks of Love” donated to As One Ministries!
Joseph’s Pretty Coats!
During February “Missions Mania” we sent treat-filled socks to As One Ministry, cards and children’s totes to “Hospice”, made cards, pillowcases and painted toys for our InterFaith children, sent Valentine candy and Scripture verses to C.A.M. and packed Valentine treats for our own homebound members.
February was a great month for Missions!!!
Children’s Books and Movies!
Easter 2015 Preview!
We are constantly updating the children’s section of the
church library; this year our particular focus will be on
adding family friendly movies! You might be able to help
us. If you have gently used Disney movies, Veggie Tales,
Narnia, or other suitable items that you would like to
donate, please contact Rebecca Maney.
We are still in the process of acquiring the entire sets of
Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Boxcar Children and Little House
books for our childrens’ classics section. Do you know
anyone who like to donate these?
Easter Egg Hunts!
Two Special Wednesday Nights!
March 18 and 25!
Kindergarten—Fifth Grade Students!
Friday, March 27
West Gastonia Boys and Girls Club
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Volunteers Needed.
If you are not using the church
library, your entire family is missing out on a great opportunity!
Located on the second floor of the
education building, our library is
use-friendly and maintained by
church librarian, Jan Hubers!
March 18—Cross Talk - Assembly
We will make a moment of the cross as a reminder of Jesus
ultimate sacrifice.
March 25—Resurrection Eggs—Assembly
Saturday, April 4
Students will enjoy painting an “empty tomb” canvas for
our art wall.
First A. R. P. Church
4:00—6:00 p.m.
Open to our Community!
Outdoor Games
Seasonal Crafts
Inflatables
Age-Graded Egg Hunts
Supper on the Grounds
Easter Break—Wednesdays, April 1 and April 8
Easter Morning! April 5!
Childcare and Worship Care :
will be provided for children ages K
and younger, during both worship
services on Easter morning.
Childcare on Maundy Thursday!
Childcare will be available by reservation only for
ages infants—four year olds during our Maundy
Thursday worship service.
On display soon! “All About Easter”; books and movies!
Important Summer Dates!
Bible ABCs continuing . . . . . ..
Vacation Bible School
March 1—S
June 22-25—9:00 a.m.—12 noon
“Seek ye the Lord while He may be found.” Isaiah 55:6
Camp 3:16
March 8—T
A Missions Camp for Fourth and Fifth Graders
July 27, 28, 29 - 9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.
“Thou God seest me.” Genesis 16:13
Camp Bonclarken—Bonclarken Assembly Grounds
Children who have completed grades 2-8.
Review weeks—Review verses K-O, verses P-T, verses A-T
March 15, 22, 29
Session One—July 19-24
Session Two—July 26-31
For more information, contact Rebecca Maney.
rmaney@firstarpchurch.org
Who do YOU say that I AM?
The Christ, the Son of the Living God!
We reviewed our Bible ABCs
on a bag!
Missions Night! February 21!
Sunday, March 1st is Faith Promise Sunday!
Please prayerfully consider your Faith Promise pledge for our Missions budget this coming year and bring your
pledge card to church with you on Sunday, March 1st.
New Ladies Bible Study Begins March 19
Covenant Precept Study…Knowing God’s Covenant
See this incredible thread running from Genesis THROUGH Revelation. God enters into a binding agreement with His people and
always keeps his promises. Trusting Him as a covenant partner frees us from the bondage of worry and anxiety. This eleven week
study will transform the way you read the Scriptures.
Teachers: Betty Martin and Kay Roberts. These teachers both completed the training required to teach Precept Studies.
Dates: Thursdays, March 19 through May 28
Time: 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon
Place: Third Floor Educational Building
Attention: Ladies of First ARP
Wouldn’t you like to know: What’s happening? Where you can volunteer to help? What events are being scheduled especially for
you? If so, please get your email address to Carrie Curtis at carrie20curtis@bellsouth.net and you will receive email blasts full of
great information! Thanks,
Carrie Curtis
704-678-5240 (cell), 704-810-9406 (home)
Caregivers Needed
The children’s ministry is seeking caregivers that enjoy preschool and/or infant/toddler age children. Hours can vary based on
ministry event/needs. Current needs include Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights, and Thursday mornings. To inquire, please
contact Leslie Farrar at lfarrar@firstarpchurch.org or 704-864-3468, ext. 104
Church Directory Updates
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April McKinley – change email address to aprilmckinley@me.com
John Wharton – change email address to johnwharton79@gmail.com
Debbie & Kyle Hobson – landline phone disconnected (704-866-7501).
Max & Brenda Garretson – change address to: 1964 Cottage Court, Gastonia, NC 28054
Marshall & Ann Welch – change address to: 610 Hopewell Ridge, Anderson, SC 29621. No landline - using cell phones only
Robert Huessy – change address to 2995 Seth Court, Apt. F, Gastonia, NC 28054
Dee Cain – change phone number to 704-685-0058
Shirley & Eddie Nolen – add email address: shirnol@bellsouth.net
Lynn Haubert – change email address to: lwhabert@gmail.com
Jill Hendrix – change email address to: duncansmomplus2@yahoo.com
Senior Adult Spring Fling
It is time for First Presbytery’s Senior Adult Spring Fling!
This year it will be held at Huntersville A.R.P. Church on Thursday, March 19 th. The cost is $7.00 which includes lunch, prizes,
classes, and a great time of fellowship! For more information, pick up a brochure in the church office.
Meals-on-Wheels Needs Your Help!
The Adult Nutrition Program of Gaston County needs volunteers to deliver lunchtime home delivered meals. Our volunteers make
a wonderful difference in the lives of medically homebound seniors by delivering nutritious meals and friendly smiles. Training is
provided and you only need to deliver one hour a month to help with Meals-on-Wheels. Please call Phyllis at 704-862-7825 to join
our team and experience this wonderful volunteer program.
First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church
317 S. Chester Street, Gastonia, NC 28052
Phone: 704-864-3468, Fax: 704-864-2416
Church email: whenderson@firstarpchurch.org
Rev. Matt Kuiken: mkuiken@firstarpchurch.org
Rev. Dr. Jeff Morrison: jmorrison@firstarpchurch.org
Rev. Matt Carr: mcarr@firstarpchurch.org
www.firstarpchurch.org
In God We Trust
Non-Profit
Organization
U. S. Postage Paid
Gastonia, NC
Permit No. 196
Return Service Requested
Daylight Savings Time Begins
Sunday, March 8
(Continued from front page— ―Letters to the Church‖, Pastor Matt Kuiken)
Our faith must be stretched if it is going to be strengthened. Sometimes God allows circumstances to
come into our lives that do this for us. An unexpected illness. A marriage in crisis. Financial difficulty.
Faith is stretched and then strengthened. But God also calls us all to cooperate in the process. He calls
us to willingly stretch our faith through obedience to his commands and his particular calling for our
lives. Jesus said it this way, ―For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for
my sake will find it.‖
(Mt. 19:25)
In other words the Christian life requires our discomfort.
It
requires regularly laying down our life, so that we might truly find it. It is a call to discomfort. Your
faith will not be strengthened until it is stretched and mine won’t either. So pray a dangerous prayer
– ask God to move you out of your comfort zone and into his will. It may lead you to a new place. It
may lead you to reach out to new people.
It may lead you to give more than you have ever given
before.
Going to Haiti started as a faith-stretching experience.
It became a faith-strengthening experience.
May God give us all the grace to be stretched and strengthened together.
Love in Christ,
Matt