1. The Service for The Lord’s Day
May 15, 2022
11:00 am Worship Service
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Grace and peace. We believe God loves everyone without exception. All are welcome here.
Our mission is to experience the love of Jesus Christ by practicing
radical hospitality, forming deep relationships, and joining in shared ministry.
“A Visit” www.JohnAugustSwanson.com - copyright 1995 by John August Swanson
2. First Presbyterian Church 2
WELCOME TO FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ASHEVILLE
Welcome! We hope that you experience the boundary-breaking love of Jesus Christ in
our worship service and in our ministries. You are invited to join us for fellowship in the
Wallace Foyer after the service; childcare will be available until 12:30 pm.
If you are interested in learning more about FPCA, including membership, sharing a
prayer request, or a pastoral concern, please ϐill out a card from the back of the pew, or go
to our website and click Connect With Us. We welcome new members on the third Sunday
of the month. The next opportunity to join is May 22, at 9:45.
Worship bags are available in the narthex for children. The 11 am service is streaming
in the Widman Room (Rm 107), down the hall from the narthex, for anyone who may
need to leave the sanctuary. Nursery is available for children ϐive and under. If you need
assistance, please ask an usher for directions to the Children’s Hall.
For worship, masks are required in the balcony and in the marked pews near the
entrances. They are required for all children’s events & rooms for ages 3+. Small groups
choose within themselves, according to their needs. Otherwise, masks are optional.
The Chancel Flowers are given to the Glory of God and in appreciation of Carol Dreiling’s
years of dedicated service to our church’s children and families by the McCreary and
Shelton Families.
Leading in Worship Today:
Pastors: David Germer, Patrick Johnson, Shannon Jordan
Director of Music & Organist: Jeremy Roberts
Assistant Director: Kim Thomas
FPCA Chancel Choir
Cellist: Franklin Keel
*Please stand if able.
GATHERING IN
VĔđĚēęĆėĞ Now the Green Blade Rises David Cherwien
WĊđĈĔĒĊ Ćēĉ AēēĔĚēĈĊĒĊēęĘ
CčĔėĆđ IēęėĔĎę Christ Our Peace Marty Haugen
Christ, our peace, you break down the walls that divide us;
Christ, our peace, come, make us one body in you.
CĆđđ ęĔ WĔėĘčĎĕ David Germer
Alleluia, Christ is risen!
Come, let us worship the Lord our God.
“Behold,” says the Lord, “I will do a new thing.
Now it shall spring forth.
I will make a way in the wilderness,
and rivers in the desert.”
*HĞĒē 327 From All That Dwell Below the Skies LASST UNS ERFREUEN
The quoted text is from
Isaiah 43:19
3. First Presbyterian Church 3
CĆđđ ęĔ CĔēċĊĘĘĎĔē Shannon Jordan
Jesus comes to us, even in doubt and fear,
saying, “Peace be with you.”
Trusting in God’s mercy,
let us confess our sin.
PėĆĞĊė Ĕċ CĔēċĊĘĘĎĔē
Holy God, we confess
that we have not been faithful witnesses
to the resurrection.
Jesus stands among us
in word, sacrament, and neighbor,
but we fail to recognize him.
Jesus reigns over us
as the risen Lord of all,
but we fail to honor him.
Jesus moves within us
through the work of your Spirit,
but we fail to respond.
Forgive us, God of grace.
Keep us in your presence,
guide us by your Word,
and ϐill us with your Spirit
so that we may proclaim
the good news of Jesus Christ,
who is risen indeed.
(Silent prayer of confession)
SĚēČ RĊĘĕĔēĘĊ
*HĞĒē 587 Alleluia! CELTIC ALLELUIA
DĊĈđĆėĆęĎĔē Ĕċ FĔėČĎěĊēĊĘĘ
Siblings in Christ, declare with me the good news of the gospel:
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!
4. First Presbyterian Church 4
SĊėĒĔē David Germer
RESPONDING IN FAITH
*HĞĒē Build a Longer Table NOEL NOUVELET
CčĎđĉėĊē’Ę MĔĒĊēę
*PĆĘĘĎēČ Ĕċ ęčĊ PĊĆĈĊ
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
If they ϔind it challenging
to participate in the entire
service, children are invited
to the nursery during
“Passing of the Peace.”
HEARING THE WORD
PėĆĞĊė ċĔė IđđĚĒĎēĆęĎĔē
SĈėĎĕęĚėĊ RĊĆĉĎēČĘ
First Lesson Revelation 21:1-6
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Second Lesson Acts 11:1-18
This is the word of faith, that we proclaim.
Thanks be to God.
..
5. First Presbyterian Church 5
IēěĎęĆęĎĔē ęĔ ęčĊ OċċĊėĎēČ
We belong to Christ Jesus;
all things are his, for he is Lord of all.
With glad and generous hearts,
let us offer our lives to the Lord.
OċċĊėĎēČ
*AċċĎėĒĆęĎĔē Oċ FĆĎęč
We trust in God the Holy Spirit
everywhere the giver and renewer of life.
In a broken and fearful world
the Spirit gives us courage
to pray without ceasing,
to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior,
to unmask idolatries in Church and culture,
to hear the voices of peoples long silenced,
and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace.
From ‘A Brief Statement of
Faith’ in the PC(USA) Book
of Order.
The gifts we offer express
our stewardship of creation,
demonstrate our care for
one another, support the
ministries of the church,
and provide for the needs
of the poor. In addition to
our regular offering, To give
Online, use QR code above.
PėĆĞĊėĘ Ĕċ ęčĊ PĊĔĕđĊ Ćēĉ ęčĊ LĔėĉ’Ę PėĆĞĊė
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory forever. Amen
IēęėĔĉĚĈęĎĔē Ĕċ ēĊĜ ĒĊĒćĊėĘ
6. First Presbyterian Church 6
*HĞĒē 609 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow LASST UNS ERFREUEN
AēęčĊĒ For Everyone Born Arr. Tom Trenney
For everyone born, a place at the table,
for everyone born, clean water and bread,
a shelter, a space, a safe place for growing,
for everyone born, a star overhead,
And God will delight when we are creators of justice
and joy, compassion and peace:
yes, God will delight when we are creators of justice,
justice and joy!
For all genders here, a place at the table,
revising the roles, deciding the share,
with wisdom and grace, dividing the power,
a system that’s fair
For young and for old, a place at the table,
a voice to be heard, a part in the song.
The hands of a child in hands that are wrinkled,
for young and for old, the right to belong
For everyone born, a place at the table,
to live without fear, and simply to be,
to work, to speak out, to witness and worship,
for everyone born, the right to be free!
8. 8
More Light Presbyterians
Upcoming Events, Recent Videos, and The Sermon & Podcast Archives can be found on the front page of the
website. Announcements can be found in the E-Chronicle and on The Weekly Announcement page;
a link for both of these and The First Chronicle can be found on the main page of the FPCA Website.
40 Church Street, Asheville, NC 28801 828-253-1431 www.fpcasheville.org
SESSION
DEACONS
STAFF
Class of 2022
Brian Cooper
Hank Johnson
Emily Reeves
Bob Riddle
Martha Sloan
Olivia Belle Traylor
Alan Young
Class of 2022
Gail Ward
Kate Lafrance
Judy Rittmeyer
Eula Pence
Class of 2023
Phil Barnett
Sam Cook
Cathie Dodson
Angela Drummond
Claire Trunnell
Class of 2023
Valorie Vliek
Class of 2024
Micki Argall
Cindy Clarke
Chris DeJarnett
Seth Hagler
Zeb Potter
Bob White, Clerk
Class of 2024
Lisa Bridges
Clay Grifϐith
John Meadows
Cosette Williams
Curtis Williams
Rev. Dr. Patrick W. T. Johnson..........................................................................................................................................Pastor, Head of Staff
Mary Beth Asher.....................................................................................................................................................Communications Assistant
Eve Bennett...............................................................................................................................................................................................Hospitality
Rieley Bennett..................................................................................................................................................................................................Sexton
Carol Dreiling.........................................................................................................................................................................Nursery Supervisor
Rev. David Germer.......................................................................................................................................................................Associate Pastor
Rev. Shannon Jordan..................................................................................................................................................................Associate Pastor
Nancy McNeill................................................................................................................................................................Director of Engagement
Jeremy Roberts.......................................................................................................................................................Director of Music, Organist
Anita Sayles...................................................................................................................................................................Administrative Assistant
Kim Thomas.....................................................................................................................................................................................Choir Assistant
Liz Thurston.......................................................................................................................................................................Church Administrator
We are glad you worshiped here today.
We believe God loves every person without exception. As followers of Christ, we strive to be a holy community
that reϐlects the diversity of God’s creation through the welcome and full participation of every age, ability,
socioeconomic status, family background, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, skin color, and racial identity.
We lament the history of exclusion in the church. We rejoice in the wholeness that comes when we are all in
relationship together. We invite you to join us in ministry at FPCA.
9. 9
COMMUNITY JOYS & CONCERNS
Please join the FPCA Family as we celebrate joys among us and pray for loved ones.
Our full list is printed once a month as a part of the First Chronicle Newsletter. Please contact Nancy McNeill
(nmcneill@fpcasheville.org or 828-242-5774) with prayer requests and updates.
Help us stay connected by sharing your news, prayer concerns, or other requests. Pastors and staff are available
by phone, email, or appointment. The church ofϐice is open from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. If you have
a scheduled hospitalization, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can support you. If you need pastoral
assistance during ofϐice hours, please call the church ofϐice. At other times, please call the pastor-on-call at
828-222-0113 and leave a message with the receptionist. An FPCA pastor will return your call. To keep your
contact information up to date, please log into your Realm account or contact Anita Sayles.
Prayers for:
BRENDA GRAGER, cousin of Evelyn Jarrett, whose recurrence of breast cancer has metastasized to her brain,
kidney, and lungs. She is now receiving radiation and will receive chemo later.
PAT HARR and BOB MOLLEZZO, as Pat continues treatment for ALS. Pat and Bob are making plans to move closer
to her family in Rhode Island.
DOUG KING, father of Lauren Wood, receiving chemo for a recent diagnosis of bone marrow cancer.
DEB LILES, as she recovers from successful surgery on 4/27/22 and for her continued healing.
SUSAN NEFF, as she moves into her new assisted living apartment at Deerϐield and for strength and healing of her
fractured pelvis.
FAMILY and FRIENDS of PEGGY ROBERTS; a memorial service was held at 2pm in the Campbell Chapel with
reception in the library on 5/14/22.
SUSIE SWEET, for healing and strength following complications from abdominal surgery.
AFGHAN REFUGEES, who are adjusting to life in Asheville, and our teams of volunteers who are assisting them.
All PEOPLE affected by war in Ukraine and for leaders around the world to seek peace.
We Celebrate With:
Ann and Jim Hunter and welcome them back in attendance at the 8:45 worship service following Ann’s extended
recovery.
FPCA YOUTH and their families who are graduating from high school and college this month.
10. 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:
CAROL DREILING IS RETIRING!
Carol was honored earlier today at 9:45 in the Wallace Foyer with a reception; she is
recognized in both worship services today for 20 years of service.
PAN HARMONIA
Today, at 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/.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
YOUTH GROUP TODAY
4:15 Youth Choir
5:15 - 7:15 Dinner and Youth Group
NEW MEMBERS ALSO RECEIVED ON MAY 22
We are grateful to offer a second Sunday this month to receive new members. If you are interested in joining on the
22nd, please contact Shannon Jordan at sjordan@fpcasheville.org
RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK CLUB SATURDAY, MAY 21
The Racial Justice Book Club meets via Zoom at 10 am on third Saturdays. Join any time or all the time. Please
email Tracey Gruver to keep up with any changes to the schedule. On Saturday, May 21, we will discuss How the
Word is Passed - Clint Smith.
11. 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.
CHANGE OF DATE
WOMEN’S STUDIES: POT-LUCK DINNER AND BOOK DISCUSSION
DATE CHANGE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, Women’s Studies will NOT meet on
May19 but WILL meet on May 26. Please bring your favorite pot luck dish at 6pm to the
home of Reba Totten After dinner Catherine Frank from OLLI will lead us in a discussion
of local author Terry Roberts’ novel, A SHORT TIME TO STAY HERE.
Please RSVP to me at skinnerdon@gmail.com. Directions to Reba’s home will be sent to
you.
PEN PAPER AND PRAYER JUNE 4, 1-4 pm
Based on the Zentangle Method.
A creative way to mix art and reϐlections, led by Cathie Dodson & Babbie
Shelton, June 4, 1-4 pm, Rm. 112. No previous experience is necessary.
When you register, there are 2 required Yes/No questions that will
complete your registration. If you complete everything, you should get a
conϐirmation email. If you do not, please contact the church ofϐice.
• If you need materials, the cost is $10 for supplies.
• A nursery will be arranged if we know you need one before May 23.
12. Sunday, May 15
11:00 am Worship Service in the Sanctuary, Rev. David Germer preaching
4:00 pm Bassooniverse Concert (Sanctuary)
4:15 pm - 7:15 pm Youth Choir, Dinner, and Combined Youth Group
Monday, May 16
All Day Upper parking deck closed for roof construction. (Day 1 out of 22)
Tuesday, May 17
All Day Upper parking deck closed for roof construction. (Day 2 out of 22)
Wednesday, May 18
All Day Upper parking deck closed for roof construction. (Day 3 out of 22)
2:00 pm Text This Week Bible Study (Zoom)
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Chancel Choir
Thursday, May 19
All Day Upper parking deck closed for roof construction. (Day 4 out of 22)
Friday, May 20
All Day Upper parking deck closed for roof construction. (Day 5 out of 22)
Saturday, May 21
All Day Upper parking deck closed for roof construction. (Day 6 out of 22)
10:00 am Racial Justice Book Club (Zoom)
Sunday, May 22
All Day Upper parking deck closed for roof construction. (Day 7 out of 22)
8:45 am Worship Service in Campbell Chapel, Rev. Patrick Johnson preaching
9:45 am New Member Sunday (Library)
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
12:00 pm - 3:30 pm Annual Church Picnic (Montreat, NC Moore center ϐield)
Zoom & Registration links can be found on the church calendar at fpcasheville.org.
THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE
WORKING WHEELS FOR WORKING FAMILIES
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,
transforming 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.
