Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
June 3, 2024 Anti-Semitism Letter Sent to MIT President Kornbluth and MIT Cor...Levi Shapiro
Letter from the Congress of the United States regarding Anti-Semitism sent June 3rd to MIT President Sally Kornbluth, MIT Corp Chair, Mark Gorenberg
Dear Dr. Kornbluth and Mr. Gorenberg,
The US House of Representatives is deeply concerned by ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic
harassment and intimidation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Failing to act decisively to ensure a safe learning environment for all students would be a grave dereliction of your responsibilities as President of MIT and Chair of the MIT Corporation.
This Congress will not stand idly by and allow an environment hostile to Jewish students to persist. The House believes that your institution is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and the inability or
unwillingness to rectify this violation through action requires accountability.
Postsecondary education is a unique opportunity for students to learn and have their ideas and beliefs challenged. However, universities receiving hundreds of millions of federal funds annually have denied
students that opportunity and have been hijacked to become venues for the promotion of terrorism, antisemitic harassment and intimidation, unlawful encampments, and in some cases, assaults and riots.
The House of Representatives will not countenance the use of federal funds to indoctrinate students into hateful, antisemitic, anti-American supporters of terrorism. Investigations into campus antisemitism by the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Ways and Means have been expanded into a Congress-wide probe across all relevant jurisdictions to address this national crisis. The undersigned Committees will conduct oversight into the use of federal funds at MIT and its learning environment under authorities granted to each Committee.
• The Committee on Education and the Workforce has been investigating your institution since December 7, 2023. The Committee has broad jurisdiction over postsecondary education, including its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, campus safety concerns over disruptions to the learning environment, and the awarding of federal student aid under the Higher Education Act.
• The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is investigating the sources of funding and other support flowing to groups espousing pro-Hamas propaganda and engaged in antisemitic harassment and intimidation of students. The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is the principal oversight committee of the US House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” under House Rule X.
• The Committee on Ways and Means has been investigating several universities since November 15, 2023, when the Committee held a hearing entitled From Ivory Towers to Dark Corners: Investigating the Nexus Between Antisemitism, Tax-Exempt Universities, and Terror Financing. The Committee followed the hearing with letters to those institutions on January 10, 202
Macroeconomics- Movie Location
This will be used as part of your Personal Professional Portfolio once graded.
Objective:
Prepare a presentation or a paper using research, basic comparative analysis, data organization and application of economic information. You will make an informed assessment of an economic climate outside of the United States to accomplish an entertainment industry objective.
How to Make a Field invisible in Odoo 17Celine George
It is possible to hide or invisible some fields in odoo. Commonly using “invisible” attribute in the field definition to invisible the fields. This slide will show how to make a field invisible in odoo 17.
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
Embracing GenAI - A Strategic ImperativePeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
1. The Service for The Lord’s Day
August 21, 2022
11:00 am Worship Service
Eleventh Sunday of Pentecost
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.
“The task of prophetic ministry is to nurture, nourish, and evoke a consciousness and perception
alternative to the consciousness and perception of the dominant culture around us.”
Walter Brueggeman, Prophetic Imagination
A Summer with the Prophets
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.
If you are interested in learning more about FPCA, including membership, sharing a
prayer request, or a pastoral concern, please fill 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 our next time to join will be September 16th, at 9:45 am, in the Library.
Worship bags are available in the narthex for children. The 11:00 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 as necessary. 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 and rooms for ages three and older.
Otherwise, masks are optional.
The Chancel Flowers are given to the glory of God and in honor of Paul McNeill’s birthday
given by his children Aimee , Chase and Alex and his grandchildren Mallorie and Jonah.
Leading in Worship Today:
Pastors: David Germer, Shannon Jordan
Organist: Jeremy Roberts
Cantor: Sarah-Helen Land
*Please stand if able.
GATHERING IN
Voluntary Wade in the Water arr. John Carter
Welcome and Announcements
*Call to Worship Shannon Jordan
All who are thirsty
Come to the water.
All who are weary,
Come to the water.
All who long for justice
Come to the water.
All who long for streams of living water,
Come and worship.
3. First Presbyterian Church 3
*Hymn Come to the Water of Life WATER OF LIFE
Call to Confession David Germer
We cannot come before God
unless we are first honest with ourselves about who we are,
about the mistakes we make,
and about how well or poorly we care for others.
In this spirit, let us offer our prayers to God.
Prayer of Confession
Eternal God, our judge and redeemer,
we confess that we have tried to hide from you,
for we have done wrong.
We have lived for ourselves,
and apart from you.
We have turned from our neighbors,
and refused to bear the burdens of others.
We have ignored the pain of the world,
and passed by the hungry, the poor, and the oppressed.
In your great mercy forgive our sins
and free us from selfishness,
that we may choose your will
and obey your commandments;
through Jesus Christ our Savior.
(Silent prayer of confession)
4. First Presbyterian Church 4
If children find it
challenging to participate
in the entire service, they
are invited to the nursery
during the “Passing of
the Peace.” A nursery
representative
will be in the narthex to
greet you.
Sung Response
*Hymn 582 Glory to God, Whose Goodness Shines on Me GLORY TO GOD
Declaration of Forgiveness
Siblings in Christ, declare with me the good news of the gospel:
In Jesus Christ we are forgiven! Thanks be to God!
As God’s forgiven people, how are we to live?
Hear now the Word of God:
God has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
The movement from
confession to forgiveness
to thanksgiving invites
the natural response
to live in a way that is
pleasing to God.
Micah 6:8
*Passing of the Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
5. First Presbyterian Church 5
Sermon God’s Good Things Shannon Jordan
RESPONDING IN FAITH
*Hymn 490 Wash, O God, Your Sons and Daughters BEACH SPRING
HEARING THE WORD
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings
First Lesson Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
This is the good news of Jesus, the Christ.
Thanks be to God.
Second Lesson Jeremiah 2:1-13
The grass withers and the flowers fade,
but the word of our God will stand forever.
Thanks be to God.
*Affirmation of Faith
We believe that God has revealed God’s self as the one
who wishes to bring about justice and true peace among people;
that God, in a world full of injustice and enmity,
is in a special way the God of the destitute, the poor and the wronged;
that God calls the church to follow God in this;
for God brings justice to the oppressed and gives bread to the hungry;
that God frees the prisoner and restores sight to the blind;
that God supports the downtrodden, protects the stranger, helps orphans and
widows and blocks the path of the ungodly;
that for God pure and undefiled religion is
to visit the orphans and the widows in their suffering;
that God wishes to teach the church to do
what is good and to seek the right;
that the church must therefore stand by people
in any form of suffering and need, which implies,
among other things, that the church
must witness against and strive against any
form of injustice, so that justice may roll
down like waters, and righteousness like an
ever-flowing stream.
From the Confession of
Belhar
Welcome New Members
6. First Presbyterian Church 6
*Hymn 605 Praise to God the Father DA N’ASE
Invitation to the Offering
The earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it.
Let us return to God the offerings of our life
and the gifts of the earth.
Offering 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, our Daily Change
Offering alleviates hunger
in our community
Anthem O Healing River arr. David Cherwien
O healing river, send down your waters,
send down your waters upon this land.
O healing river, send down your waters,
and wash the blood from off the sand.
This land is parching, this land is burning,
no seed is growing in the barren ground.
O healing river, send down your waters,
O healing river, send your waters down.
Let the seed of freedom awake and flourish.
Let the deep roots nourish, let the tall stalks rise.
O healing river, send down your waters.
O healing river, from out of the skies.
Praise to God the Father;
praise to God the Son;
praise to God the Spirit:
praise to the Three-in-One.
Sing praise, sing praise to the Lord on high.
Praise to God Almighty;
praise to the Holy One.
Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer
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
7. First Presbyterian Church 7
SENDING
*Hymn 714 God of the Fertile Fields ITALIAN HYMN Blessing
Voluntary I’ve Just Come from the Fountain Richard Billingham
Go now in peace to love and serve the lord.
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you
After the 11:00 am service, you are invited to fellowship on the front lawn or in the
Wallace Foyer if it rains.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Living God,
as you moved in the lives of prophets,
move in our lives,
so we may continue to hear your voice,
follow where you lead,
and speak your prophetic word
in a world that does not want to hear.
Empowered by your Spirit,
give us the courage we need
to follow, trust, listen, speak,
and accept your commission
to be your faithful servant people. Amen.
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 reflects 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.
8. First Presbyterian Church 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
Rev. Dr. Patrick W. T. Johnson..........................................................................................................................................Pastor, Head of Staff
Mary Beth Asher.....................................................................................................................................................Communications Assistant
Eve Bennett...............................................................................................................................................................................................Hospitality
Rieley Bennett..................................................................................................................................................................................................Sexton
Jean Corliss..........................................................................................................................................................................................Nursery Staff
Candace Dellinger..............................................................................................................................................................................Nursery Staff
Rev. David Germer.......................................................................................................................................................................Associate Pastor
Rev. Shannon Jordan..................................................................................................................................................................Associate Pastor
Alice Lake..............................................................................................................................................................................................Nursery Staff
Nancy McNeill................................................................................................................................................................Director of Engagement
Jeremy Roberts.......................................................................................................................................................Director of Music, Organist
Anita Sayles...................................................................................................................................................................Administrative Assistant
Kim Thomas.....................................................................................................................................................................................Choir Assistant
Liz Thurston.......................................................................................................................................................................Church Administrator
Sky Trice..................................................................................................................................................................................Nursery Supervisor
SESSION
DEACONS
STAFF
Class of 2025
Judy Albertson
Reese Carlton
Donna Ensley
Art Kiser
Paul McNeill
Todd Oldenburg
Mary Jane Skinner
Class of 2025
Betsy Herman
Bill Kantonen
Katherine Lafrance
Len Porter
Mary Ellen Porter
Judy Rittmeyer
Babbie Shelton
Class of 2023
Valorie Vliek
Class of 2024
Lisa Bridges
Clay Griffith
John Meadows
Cosette Williams
Curtis Williams
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 office 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 office hours, please call the church office. 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.
Class of 2023
Phil Barnett
Sam Cook
Cathie Dodson
Angela Drummond
Zeb Potter
Claire Trunnell
Class of 2024
Micki Argall
Reese Carlton
Cindy Clarke
Chris DeJarnett
Seth Hagler
Alice Boggs Lentz
Bob White, Clerk
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 Shannon Jordan (sjordan@fpcasheville.org or
828-253-1431 ext.125) with prayer requests and updates.
Prayers for:
MARY, ERIC, AND TRISTAN WALL, who are grieving the loss of Mary’s mother Maxine Blick, this past week.
JEFF and JUDY BYERS, as they adjust to Jeff’s recent move into skilled care at Pisgah Manor.
EMILY and JONATHAN GADDIS, Emily is the daughter-in-law of Susan Gaddis and is facing extensive testing
at Duke in preparation for a lung transplant needed as a result of leukemia. Also for this family as they grieve the
death of Susan’s uncle.
ANDREW GADDIS, son of Susan Gaddis, for upcoming rotator cuff surgery.
TOM HUNNICUTT, who is home from the hospital now recovering after treatment for chemo and a hospitalization
for pneumonia.
GARY MCINTURFF, Jean Haynes’ nephew-in-law, who has kidney cancer with multiple abdominal issues and
infections and whose condition has worsened.
ALETHA ROPER, as she recovers from a recent back surgery following a fall.
JOY, the adult daughter of Pat and Dan Ruzic, as she is treated for a herniated disc that is causing severe pain.
FAMILY and FRIENDS of Muriel Siddall, who are grieving her death on Friday, July 22nd, after a brief illness.
FRIEND of Paul and Valorie Vliek, experiencing a reoccurrence of acute leukemia.
CODY WEAVER, a young friend of Sam Cook and Anita Rose, who is coping with a devastating loss.
JO WADSWORTH, who is under Hospice Care at Givens Estates.
JANE LAPING’S brother in-law has been in intensive care for two weeks for a myriad of issues that started with
bleeding in his lungs. He has been moved to another hospital where he can receive physical therapy.
ALL who are in need of mental health care and are trying to find access to appropriate support and for those
experiencing limitations due to illness.
Lifting up all those returning to school and for all staffing shortages that will impact students and staff.
We Celebrate with:
SHANNON AND JOHN JORDAN, who rejoice in the birth of their first grandchild, James, on Wednesday, August 3.
CAROLINE AND NATE SELL, AND BIG SISTER ALLIE, who rejoice on the birth of ABIGAIL DOROTHY SELL, born
8/4/2022.
RUFUS AND JUNE DALE, at the birth of their twelfth grandchild, Donna June Fox, born July 29, 2022, to Erica and
Kevin Fox
KATHRYN CAMERON, who is now recovering at home from bi-lateral hip surgery and doing well. She is grateful
for the cards, texts, calls, prayers, and online worship and is looking forward to worshiping in person soon.
JANE LAPING, appreciates everyone’s prayers for her cousin’s husband who was seriously injured in a mountain
biking accident. He is now at home and receiving physical therapy three times a week.
10. ANNUAL CHURCH RETREAT - DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR COMMUTERS
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 find a way to connect
more deeply with God and one another. (And you really don’t want to miss
the variety show!) The deadline for commuters has been extended so all
can join the 150 + people who are already coming.
Go to www.fpcasheille.org/fpca-retreat or use the QR code to register.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
TOMORROW! LUNCH BUNCH,
11:30 AM
Meet new and old friends tomorrow at Pomodoros, 1070 Tunnel Road. If you can come,
please try to RSVP to Shannon at sjordan@fpcasheville.org so that we have enough
seats.
This summer’s successful Lunch Bunch will continue through the fall. Restaurants are
chosen for their ease of parking and accessibility. Save the fall dates now! September 30,
October 24, November 28 and December 12.
FAITH FORMATION,
Fellowship Hall 9:45 am
All are welcome to the Sunday morning Adult Faith Formation Class! In August, FPCA
member and retired seminary professor Jane Vann will lead a discussion on the current
week’s sermon text. Hope to see you there!
CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH CHOIR
We are getting ready for the Fall!
Do you have children or youth that are interested in our Children’s or Youth Choir? For
more information contact Jeremy Roberts at jroberts@fpcasheville.org.
Youth Choir will start Sunday, September 18th with evening Youth Group 4:15 pm -
7:15 pm. Children’s Choir will begin Wednesday September 7th with a pizza party and
registration.
CEREAL SUNDAE BACK TO SCHOOL CELEBRATION
August 28th in Fellowship Hall
Many of our children return to school on August 29. We would love to bless our students
and teachers of all ages, our school officials, and families with a festive breakfast and
blessing on August 28. In both services that morning we will have a special Back to School
Blessing and then between the services, we will be having a delicious Cereal Sundae
Breakfast! We hope to see our whole church family there as we bless those in school or
going back to school!
GOLF WITH A PURPOSE!
Friday, Sept. 16. 11:30 am lunch and check in. 1:00 pm shotgun start at the Asheville
Municipal Golf Course. Your day of golf will help fund the serving of more than 1,000
meals each week and a place where unhoused friends can heal after a hospital stay for
illness or injury. The FPCA Mission Team would like to bring together several foursomes
to support this important ministry. $120 person, register by August 28. If you are not a
golfer, but want to support this mission partner or sponsor another golfer, that’s fine!
Are you a golfer who can’t afford the whole $120? Please reach out as well. Contact
dgermer@fpcasheville.org for more info.
11. KOINONIA GROUPS
The Merriam Webster dictionary defines koinonia as “spiritual communion and
participative sharing in a common religious commitment and spiritual community.” FPCA
will be starting Koinonia small groups this fall to support members in their faith life and
to build Christian friendships. Groups will meet for 90 minutes, twice a month, October-
May. These groups will be participant based, with a trained facilitator. The curriculum
will help participants explore different ways of experiencing the power of God, spiritual
practices, the enneagram, and ways to engage scripture. For more information, please
contact Shannon Jordan at sjordan@fpcasheville.org.
GODLY PLAY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Make a difference in a child’s life by helping them connect God with daily life. You may
think you don’t know how to do that, but we can teach you! Come learn alongside
children as storytellers, doorkeepers, or classroom helpers on Sunday mornings at FPCA.
The Godly Play curriculum is a creative, imaginative approach to Christian formation and
spiritual guidance. It values process, openness, discovery, community, and relationships.
Godly Play models the worship life, bible stories, symbols, and rituals of Christian
congregations. It nurtures participants–both children and leaders–to larger dimensions
of belief and faith through wondering and play.
As we prepare for this new school year, volunteers are needed to assist with our Godly Play Sunday morning classes
for children ages 3 yrs. old - 5th grade. We need regular volunteers as well as substitutes.
We are offering volunteer training: Sunday, August 28th at 3:30 pm -5:30 pm or
Wednesday, August 31st at 6:00 pm -8:00 pm
Contact Nancy McNeill if you are interested or to learn more: nmcneill@fpcasheville.org; 828-253-1431 ext. 114.
BACK TO SCHOOL!!
It’s time again for our area kids and youth to start back to school! Help us
get the much needed essentials to kids and youth all throughout Buncombe
county! As clothes, food, and gas prices are on the rise, we know that
essential items like school supplies are right there with them. Many parents
are working longer hours with heavier work loads and still receiving below
living wage. YOU can help by sponsoring a backpack for $50 and make a
child’s learning that much better!
Make a one time donation
OR
Become a monthly sustainer at
www.belovedasheville.com
BABY SHOWER BLESSING
Thanks to everyone who made Ummia & Jawad’s baby shower a successful
blessing! Forty people attended, including six Afghan women. First Presbyterian
members gave generously and were joined by other Circles of Welcome,
including from United Church of Christ, Land of Sky, and the Unitarian Church.
Besides the amazing “showering” of gifts, the couple will receive a check
for somewhere around $1000 to help welcome their new baby! They are so
grateful and add their voices to ours as we thank everyone for this outpouring
of love.
