Musings and Meditations

During my first week here at First Presbyterian Church, several people expressed regret that my first Sunday would fall on a big summer holiday weekend when folks were out of town. I responded by saying that I actually preferred it that way! Getting established in a new organization always takes time and can be a little bumpy at first. Coming in during a slow period seemed like ideal timing as I anticipated my first Sunday leading worship. As I told a few folks today, a week into my tenure, “I don’t know what I don’t know”, meaning I am still discovering situations and issues which necessitate my attention, need to be assessed, and require ranking by importance and urgency. Through daily meetings, hallway conversations, and meet and greets, I have received an abundance of information and input. Day by day, and hour by hour, I have been getting acclimated. I have heard that this week is known in the school system as “Dead Week”. But it has been far from dead in my world! So, as I begin to settle into a routine, I thought it might be helpful to share my schedule, as I envision it, at least initially. I plan generally to be in the pastor study at church Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with fluctuations for meetings, visits, offsite demands, and the like. Friday will be my weekday off. As a reminder, Susan is in the office from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please don’t be surprised if you come by or call the church office after 3 p.m. on weekdays to find the office unoccupied and no one answering the phone. But know that you can always call or text me on my cell phone (901-633-0360) or shoot me an email at my new church email address, paul@firstpresgreenville.com. And thank you for your patience as I slowly get to know you, your families, and your stories.

Blessings,

Pastor Paul

“Let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1)

Please join us for Lemonade on the Lawn immediately after worship this morning just outside the narthex for a chance to greet one another and meet Paul’s wife, Rev. Kirsten King who goes by KK. Rev. King is pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Kennett, MO.

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Delta Day Camp is two weeks away, and we need your help to make it a success! 

Whether you can help for a few hours or a few days, every bit of support counts.

Camp Dates: July 14-18
Location: Camp Looking Glass. 539 Wilcox Road, Greenville, MS 38701

Volunteer roles include:

·         Shuttle drivers to/from Leland Presbyterian Church 

·         Shuttle drivers to/from FPC Greenville

·         Helping to prepare and serve lunch

Please sign up for the volunteer opportunities that best fit your schedule using the link below:

👉 https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B044BAFAF2AA0F94-57422185-delta

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Sarah Mitchell at sarahqmitchell@gmail.com or (601) 906-4909. 

Cuba Water Partnership Visit in October:

Join Us!

Our water team’s next visit with our water partners in Cuba will be October 18-23. There are plenty of ways for you to be of assistance for this visit: you can help us with preparations or you can go with us. Reach out to William, Larkin, or Kendall to see how you can be a part.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL NEWS:

As you may have heard by now, our Preschool Director for the past ten years, Christina Smith, has submitted her resignation effective July 31st. We thank Christina for all of her good work over the years and wish her well as she embarks on a new career path. The Preschool Board is committed to ensuring a smooth transition between directors and has actively begun seeking our next director. But we need your help too. The preschool is an important mission of our church, and we all want to see it continue to thrive, especially through this time of director transition. If you have the capacity to take on some light administrative computer tasks, please contact Pastor Paul. And please canvas your network of friends and neighbors for qualified candidates. Click the link below for a copy of the job description. Resume submissions may be sent to fpp@firstpresgreenville.com.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aLIHIHvBgLzoUCpeGm-XWZQOiOJnxWFz/view?usp=drive_link

Attached below is a portion of Christina’s note to the Preschool Board.

“It is bittersweet that I resign after 10 years at First Presbyterian Preschool. I have watched many children and families grow, and they have all left a mark on my heart. I know this school is in good hands with our board and teachers and I intend to help make the transition as smooth as possible. FPP has continued to grow stronger every year that I have been here, and I have no doubt its best days are ahead.” 

Mission Mississippi is gathering again in Greenville! The next meeting is July 10th at 3 pm at First Baptist on Main Street.

Mission Mississippi is focused on racial reconciliation through relationships. Their model is to bring people together to build relationships across racial lines so they can work together to better their communities.

IN OUR PRAYERS THIS WEEK:

FPC Family

Wendell Hoyle

Bill Gamble

the family of Dawn Gamble

Sarah Porter Smith

Judy Reed

Tom Atkins

John Sandefur 

Frank Powers

Members in Assisted Living

Bill Gamble

Ruth Ann Brent

Pat Chambers

Kay Frost

 Those Away

Courtney Bacon

Judy Jones

Bright Hays

 New and Expecting Parents

Brittany and Eric Brozovich

Julie and Hayden Phillips

Georgia (Clarke) and Lanier Goode

 FPC Friends

Phil Lee, Jr

Linda Fratesi

Terri Schilling

Rubye Warrington

John Cox

family of David Cochran

Elizabeth Jordan (Robert Jordan’s sister)

Raymond Wong 

Billy George Janous

Myra Kogutt (Terri Lane’s mother) 

Bill McGough

Margaret Dent (Mollie Stock’s niece)

Bill Skates

Warren Boueve (friend of Becky Watts)

Billy Elliott (friend of Becky Watts)

Bob Williams’ family

Steve Osse

Sarah Lou Moose

Family of Buster Lewis

Carol Rogers (Donna Beckham’s sister)

Marshall Roberson (friend of Lisa Willis)

Calendar, Calendar, Week  July 13-19,  2025

Sunday                    

Worship 10 a.m. 

Open Studio Pottery 2-5 p.m.                                   

Monday                  

Men’s Coffee Group 10 a.m.

 CE Council meets 5:15 p.m.

Tuesday                    

Admin. Council meets noon 

Boy Scouts meet 6:30-8 p.m.                                 

Wednesday                

Prayer Shawl Group meets 1:30 p.m.

Thursday               

Open Studio Pottery 9-11 a.m.           

Those Assisting in Special Ways This Week & Next                           

Children’s Sermon        

7-13 Larkin Mitchell, 7-20 Jon Alverson

Flowers                                                       

7-13 Sarah & Larkin Mitchell, 7-20 William & Terri Lane                                             

Livestream Camera     

7-13 Ben Schuster, 7-20 Sherry Spragins                                         

Liturgist                

7-13 Dana Warrington, 7-20 Melissa Cadenhead                          

MOW Delivery                                                          

7-19 John Parkinson, 7-26 Frankie & Parker England         

MOW Tray Assembly                       

7-18 Kathleen Montgomery, 7-25 Becky Watts            

July Ushers                                        

Perry England, Head Usher, Win Cadenhead, Guy Hall, Jim Dawkins 

August Ushers                                                         

Taff Hitt, Head Usher, Jimmy Beckham, Larkin Mitchell, Will Weathers