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Dear First Presbyterian Family,

On Sunday, the lectionary scripture is the Ascension story where Jesus tells the disciples to wait for the coming of the Spirit, then he ascends into the clouds. This mysterious and miraculous story is one of those that leads us to questions and to wonder. We can’t explain it and yet we want to know what it means and why it was included in the scriptures. One New Testament scholar notes that “the ascension does not fix Jesus in a remote heavenly outpost but, rather, gives him a cosmic platform for holistic outreach through his people, sustained by his pervasive Spirit and periodic personal visits back to earth (on the road to Emmaus and in Paul’s vision) pending his final return.” 

The Ascension story proclaims to us that we are not alone. This story paves the way for next Sunday when we observe Pentecost. These culminating events of the Easter season promise that God’s is with us and the Spirit comes to be present with us and in us in every moment of every day. I look forward to reflecting with you on Sunday.

Grace and peace,

Lance

Rev. Perry’s regular workweek is to be on site in Morganton Sunday through Wednesday, with occasional remote work on Thursdays. This schedule will be adjusted as needed.

Transition Team Update

FPC Morganton Transition Team May 18, 2026

Mark your calendars for Monday, May 18, at 6:00 p.m. for the next Transition Team Event. Please note, we changed the regular evening due to scheduling issues. 

We will be discussing congregational lay leadership reflecting on what leaders need and how the church can develop new leaders. No RSVP needed. Dinner and childcare provided. Plan to come!

"For as in one body we have many members and not all the members have the same function,  so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the encourager, in encouragement; the giver, in sincerity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness." Romans 12:4-8"

Scholarship Committee Update

FPC celebrates the ministry of the Boger and the Erwin Scholarship Funds. This year 7 students were awarded scholarships for their first year of higher education! If you are passionate about education and would like to contribute to one of the scholarship funds, please contact Perry Beeson or church accountant Pat Metcalf.

Congratulations, Kaitlyn Hagmann!

FPC is assembling Buddy Packs with essential items for those in need. Monetary donations are welcome and will be used to purchase supplies.

Thank you for your generosity!

First Wednesdays

First Wednesdays have concluded for this educational year and will resume in the Fall. Be sure to watch upcoming E-newsletters for details on programming and future gatherings!

Retreat

Save the date for the all-church retreat, September 18-20, at the Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain. We are excited to announce that Reverend Joseph Taber will be our spiritual leader for the weekend. Details about registration TBA.

Join us for ice cream and fellowship immediately following worship in the breezeway during the months of June and July!

Volunteers are needed to host each Sunday. Ice cream and serving supplies will be provided by the church. Hosts are asked to help with set-up, serving, and clean-up.

Lisa and Jeff Roller will host on June 7.

Available Sundays to volunteer:
• June 14
• June 21
• June 28
• July 5
• July 12
• July 19
• July 26

A sign-up sheet will be available in the narthex on Sundays. Volunteers may also contact the church office by phone or email to sign up.

We hope you’ll join us for a sweet time of fellowship this summer!

Would you like to be added to the Care Team’s email distribution list?
Send your request to CareTeam@fpcmorganton.org, and we’ll be glad to include you. If you’d prefer to be contacted by phone, let us know and we will be happy to accommodate. Thank you!

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
~ 1 Peter 4:10

~ Your Congregational Care & Connection Committee

Mission & Outreach

Food Drive

Support the food drive to support Burke United Christian Ministries (BUCM). The food pantry is especially in need of canned meats to restock its shelves.

You can place your donations in the collection barrels located outside the parlor and in the narthex.

Middle & High School Youth

May 20th will be our last regular meeting until after Labor Day.

Wishing you all a summer full of fun!

Adult Sunday School

Join us on Sunday mornings at 9:45 for thoughtful, Bible-centered learning!

Men’s Bible Class - Room 200

The Men’s Bible Class will meet in room 200.

Elective Class - Room 202

The Elective Class will meet in room 202.

Volunteer Opportunity

If you are interested in volunteering at the Soup Kitchen on the 4th Saturday of each Month, we would love to have you join us at BUCM's new building. Contact Rich DeAugustinis at 828-439-580 for more details.

Presbyterian Women

The PW Circle meetings will resume in September.

Malawi Women’s Hygiene Project

Blessing to all who have helped with this project thus far - those who trace, cut, sew, stuff pads, donate supplies, donate money, and prayers lifted for success.  It is all appreciated.

The Malawi Women’s Hygiene Project will not meet again until September.

E-Newsletter Submissions

Have an announcement to share in the weekly e-news? Submit it here.

Upcoming @ FPC

Monday, May 18 @ 2:30 PM - Tai Chi Class - Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, May 20 @ 5:45 PM - Chancel Ringers Rehearsal

Wednesday, May 20 @ 7:00 PM - Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, May 21 @ 10:30 AM - Senior Balance Class - Fellowship Hall

Thursday, May 21 @ 2:30 PM - Tai Chi Class - Fellowship Hall

Prayer Request

In need of congregational care or Deacon assistance?

Email careteam@fpcmorganton.org.