announcements

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
SIGN UP BY TODAY FOR FPCA SUMMER SOCIAL GROUPS, MAY- AUG
This summer, be a part of FPCA’s efforts to connect and reconnect with our new and
returning people. These Summer Social Groups will be a summer
refresh of the previous “Dine with Nine” but will have smaller
groups (5-7 people/or 2-3 families if you want a family group)
for a shorter period of time (three months). Groups can do a
meal, dessert, or a game night. The key is to connect and build
relationships.
Each group will set their schedule at their ϐirst meeting for
the summer—with the goal of meeting six times in three months. The more frequent
gathering will aid in deepening relationships—a part of the FPCA mission statement.
Sign up for groups today so we can get groups together by May 15. We suggest that groups connect for the ϐirst
time with calendars at the church picnic on May 22.
YOUTH GROUP TODAY
4:15 Youth Choir
5:15 - 7:15 Dinner and Youth Group
WILDFLOWER WALK AT BOTANICAL GARDENS, MAY 1 MAY 8
The Wildϐlower Walk that was scheduled for May 1 has been postponed to today,
May 8 at 2 PM. We can still enjoy the splendor of God’s creation on Mother’s
Day. Marilyn Kolton and Lou Dwarsius will lead us on a guided walk and identify
wildϐlowers such as trillium, poppies, spring beauty, and Jacob’s ladder and tell us
facts we didn’t know. This walk is limited to folks who are fully vaccinated. We will
meet in front of the gift shop at the Botanical Gardens, located at UNC Asheville.
Contact Jane Laping janelaping@sbcglobal.net with questions.
FPCA STITCHERS
Monday, May 9, room 214
Do you knit, crochet, weave, or sew? FPCA has a wonderful group that meets each 1st
Monday at 6 pm. They create beautiful prayer shawls for people who need to know
that God’s love is surrounding them, offering healing, comfort, and love.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION TODAY 9:45 am
What does Resurrection mean to you?
Which stories in the Bible are important for us to read and understand literally? Where
is Jesus’ physical body, now? Will our bodies be raised, like his? Is it important for you
to worship alongside people who answer those questions in exactly the same ways as
you do? Join Rev. David Germer and the Faith Formation class for a fun, lively, honest
conversation about what Christians must, can’t, and are free to believe, particularly
about the resurrection...

2. CAROL DREILING IS RETIRING!
Please help her know how much we have appreciated her TWENTY YEARS of
showing the love of Christ to our children as she taught and cared for them in our
Children’s Program. Send a note, a short video clip, or a piece of artwork to Shannon
Jordan by today. Carol will be honored at 9:45 am in the Wallace Foyer on May 15
with a reception and during the 11 am service.
Asheville Habitat for Humanity is returning to normal operations, after two years of
signiϐicantly altered ministry. Affordable housing is a serious issue in Asheville, and
Habitat for Humanity believes that everyone deserves a decent place to call home.
This is the 29th year that FPCA is partnering with other congregations, helping a
family to build and own their own home, through Habitat for Humanity.
Saturday May 7 and Saturday June 4 are our two “build
days.” If you are interested in working on this year’s Habitat house, on those (or other) days,
contact Bill Winkler at winklerwm@gmail.com. You are also invited to contribute ϐinancially,
as our congregation seeks to raise $4000 to cover lumber costs. Checks can be made out
(and sent to) FPCA, with “Habitat House” in the memo line, and contributions can also be
made through our church website. You can use this QR Code:
Contributions so far: $1542
ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC
Sunday, May 22, 12:30-3:30 pm
Immediately following 11 am Sunday worship in the Sanctuary, we
will gather at Montreat Conference Center/ Moore Center Field,
30 minutes from downtown. Please sign up and make your food
selections. You can use this QR Code:
WOMEN’S STUDIES: POT-LUCK DINNER AND BOOK DISCUSSION
This month’s meeting will be Thursday evening, May 19th, at 6pm at the home of Reba
Totten. After dinner, Catherine Frank, director of OLLI at UNCA, will lead a discussion of
local author Terry Roberts’ novel, A SHORT TIME TO STAY HERE.
PAN HARMONIA
Sunday, May 15, 4 pm PAN HARMONIA is pleased to present The Bassooniverse, a
joyful adventure for the bassoon quartet at First Presbyterian Church of Asheville. Pan
Harmonia offers donation-based, pay-as-you-can concerts. ALL are welcome.
Register here https://panharmonia.org/product/may-15-bassooniverse/.

3. Join us for Compassion Camp at FPCA
At Compassion Camp, families with children will explore what it means to change the
world with loving-kindness, sharing compassion for ourselves, others, and the world.
We’ll hear some Bible stories, learn music, play games, make art, try yoga, and do
mission together. Most of all, we’ll rejoice as we learn and grow and practice compassion
together! Come for one Sunday, two, three, or all four!
Which weeks can you join us? May 29 kick off during Faith Formation
9:45 -10:45 am; June 5, 4:30- 6:30 pm; June 12, 4:30- 6:30 pm; June 26,
4:30- 6:30 pm. Each afternoon will have a picnic dinner.
HELP NEEDED FOR OUR NEW AFGHAN NEIGHBORS
The church is supporting two Afghan families as they settle in the US. The ϐirst family is two brothers and the
second family is a husband and wife. Their needs are ϐluctuating; but if you would like to help, please sign up to be
on the Afghan Neighbors Group in Realm and look for needs posted as they become known. Most of the needs now
center on providing transportation, but that will change over time. Thanks for considering helping these families.
Volunteers have found this to be an enriching experience. For questions, please call Randy Fluharty (828-423-
9030) or Alan Young (703-304-7708).
ANNUAL CHURCH RETREAT
September 30-October 2 at Montreat Conference Center--only 30 minutes away.
The FPCA Retreat has a long history of fun, learning, activities, and rest. With a variety
of contemplative and worship activities, everyone can ϐind a way to connect more deeply
with God and one another. (And you really don’t want to miss the variety show!)
There are two main options for attending: Overnight or Commuter.
Overnight costs include two nights at Assembly Inn, retreat activities,
three meals Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday. Commuter costs include
retreat activities, and three meals Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday.

4. Sunday, May 8
8:45 am Worship Service in Campbell Chapel, Rev. Patrick Johnson preaching
9:45 am Adult Faith Formation Faith (Fellowship Hall)
9:45 am Godly Play (Rooms 105 & 106)
9:45 am Coffee Talk (Widman Room, 107)
11:00 am Worship Service in the Sanctuary, Rev. Patrick Johnson preaching
2:00 pm Wildϐlower Walk (Botanical Gardens at Asheville)(rescheduled from May 1)
4:15 pm - 7:15 pm Youth Choir, Dinner, and Combined Youth Group
Monday, May 9
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Stitchers of FPCA (Room 214)
Wednesday, May 11
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Text This Week Bible Study (Zoom)
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Chancel Choir
Friday, May 13
6:00 pm - 9:30 pm Youth Conϐirmands Retreat
Saturday, May 14
10:00 am- 3:00 pm Youth Conϐirmands Retreat (Room 213 @ FPCA)
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Memorial Service for Peggy Roberts
Sunday, May 15
8:45 am Worship Service in Campbell Chapel, Rev. David Germer preaching
9:45 am Appreciation Reception for Carol Dreiling
9:45 am Adult Faith Formation Faith (Fellowship Hall)
9:45 am Godly Play (Rooms 105 & 106)
9:45 am Coffee Talk (Widman Room, 107)
11:00 am Worship Service in the Sanctuary, Rev. David Germer preaching
4:15 pm - 7:15 pm Youth Choir, Dinner, and Combined Youth Group
Zoom & Registration links can be found on the church calendar at fpcasheville.org.
THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR PEGGY ROBERTS
On Saturday, May 14, we will have a memorial service for Peggy Roberts, at 2:00 pm, in the Chapel, with a reception
to follow, in the Library.
WORKING WHEELS
Do you have an extra car that needs to ϐind a new home? Imagine how difϐicult your life
would be without a car! Working Wheels repairs and recycles donated cars, transform-
ing them into working wheels for working families. The process is simple, the donation
is tax-deductible, and the impact is real. To donate, volunteer, or learn more, please visit
www.workingwheelswnc.org or call 828-633-6888.