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The First ARP Church Newsletter June 2020
Regathering - Sunday, June 7 Dear First ARP Family,
Grace and peace to you in Jesus’ Name! On Thursday, May 21st the elders and pastors of our church met to pray and continue our discussions on regathering. At this meeting, we decided to regather for worship services in the sanctuary, beginning June 7th. The idea of being able to preach to “real-live” people again, and to gather with those I love for worship, is very exciting for me. It is going to be great! It will also look different than usual. Certain pews will be blocked off to maintain social distancing protocols. We won’t pass the offering plates, or use welcome pads or hymnals. With limited capacity in the sanctuary, we will make use of the MAC for overflow seating. Initially, there will be no Sunday school or nursery care available. Seating for families with young children will be available in the fellowship hall. Musically, we will make a joyful noise to the Lord using soloists, small groups of singers, and instrumentalists. Congregational singing will return when the session, with input from church and medical professionals, believes we can do so with wisdom. It will require adjustment, for sure. It will also be a tremendous opportunity to worship God together with humility, creativity, and great joy.
Let me share some insight into how this decision came about. The decision was made by our elders. I love serving with these men. They love the Lord, and they love all of you. This decision required a lot of discussion, but it is amazing to watch these brothers listen to, learn from, and respect one another. They are an example for our church. Therefore, please know the decision to regather was made with much prayer. For many weeks now, the leadership has been meeting and praying for God’s will and wisdom about regathering. Through these times, our hearts have been softened toward God and one another. This decision was also made carefully. We kept returning to the same values: God’s honor (1st commandment), the life, health (physical and spiritual) of our congregation and community (the 6th commandment), respect for the civil magistrate (the 5th commandment), and wisdom. Lastly, we wanted to maintain a strong public witness to the community. If we don’t appear to be taking concerns about their physical health seriously, how will the community trust us with the care of their souls? This is how the decision to regather was made by the leaders of our church. It was taken very seriously, and done with much love. Now, we need God’s grace, and your help to regather well.
What does this look like?
Let’s be prayerful. Let’s pray that God would bless our regathering process, as we seek to do so humbly and for His glory. Let the elders and deacons know that you are praying for them, as they seek to implement these decisions to the best of their ability. Pray for our worship services and those who regather. Pray for those who will continue to watch the livestream of our services and that God might work in their lives. Pray for those in our congregation who are unable to gather for any variety of reasons. Pray that they would be encouraged and continue to feel like part of the body.
Let’s be respectful. People have different opinions on these things. For some in our congregation, June 7th will be too soon to regather, and the church is not being cautious enough. For others, June 7th will not be soon enough to regather, and the church is being too cautious. Consider how you might show love and respect, especially toward those whom you disagree. The only way we can truly lose in this process is by following the playbook of the world, and attacking and despising one another. By God’s grace, this will not happen to us. We will respect those with different opinions than us. For the sake of Christ, when we regather, we must respect social distancing guidelines. This may or may not be necessary for our own comfort. It will be necessary for the comfort and focus of many of your brothers and sisters. So, if you are one who doesn’t care about keeping social distance, or wearing a mask, or avoiding handshakes, it is your Christian duty to be respectful of others that do. (Continued on last page)
Financial Update (General Operating Fund)
As of 4/30/20 Revenues $520,735.05 Expenses 493,934.19 Net Surplus (deficit) $ 26,800.86
Sunday Morning Greeters
8:30 Worship June: Kathy Parks & Patti Foy
10:55 Worship June: Leslie & Bill Moss
Brian & Sarah Cerilli 6/1/2002 18 years Dwayne & Sarah Fink 6/3/1978 42 years Russ & Anne McAllister 6/3/1978 42 years Dean & Angie Dixon 6/4/1994 26 years Artie & Sabrina Cooper 6/5/1988 32 years Brett & Becka Keever 6/6/2015 5 years Bill & Deb Peck 6/6/1970 50 years Dan & Sandy Rankin 6/6/1970 50 years Matt & Sabrina Kuiken 6/7/2003 17 years Chris & Kami McKay 6/7/2003 17 years Mike & Barbie Harwell 6/8/2002 18 years Josh & Kim Hjemvick 6/8/2003 17 years Andrew & Olivia Spencer 6/8/2013 7 years Gene & Dianne Barber 6/9/1973 47 years Jeff & Cathy Morrison 6/9/1990 30 years Chris & Katelyn Smith 6/9/2012 8 years Glenn & Regina Freeman 6/10/1984 36 years John & Rowena Barker 6/11/1994 26 years David & Tracey Smith 6/11/1977 43 years Glenn & Donna Tyree 6/11/1977 43 years Will & Melanie Henry 6/12/2010 10 years Gene & Kathy Martin 6/12/1976 44 years Lee & Marie Taylor 6/12/1982 38 years Jim & Alice Ann Kelly 6/13/2009 11 years Sam & Nancy McDaniel 6/14/1975 45 years Mark & Gayle Miele 6/14/1986 34 years Bo & Mary Stewart 6/14/1992 28 years Craig & Anna Kucera 6/15/2002 18 years Ellis & Meg Fisher 6/17/1967 53 years Dustin & Julie Clark 6/18/2011 9 years Josh & Betsy White 6/18/2011 9 years Andrew & Jennifer Cherry 6/19/2010 10 years Robert & Jan Adams 6/21/1980 40 years Bob & Carrie Rouse 6/21/1997 23 years Adam & Heather Forbes 6/22/2002 18 years Max & Brenda Garretson 6/22/1958 62 years Sean & Katie Garrity 6/22/2013 7 years Mike & Lynn Haubert 6/22/1996 24 years David & Che Hooks 6/22/1996 24 years Morris & Marsha Keeter 6/23/1973 47 years Gary & Joyce Miller 6/24/1978 42 years Bruce & Linda Trefz 6/24/1972 48 years Greg & Tammy Bryant 6/25/1988 32 years Shawn & Jessica Hubers 6/28/2003 17 years
Ravyn Bledsoe—6/1 Max Garretson—6/1 Tom Williamson—6/1 Greg Bryant—6/2 Porter Fletcher—6/2 Becky Abromaitis—6/3 Alex Taylor—6/3 Sonja Balsom—6/4 Terry Cope—6/5 Linda Blue—6/6 Carolyn McRainey—6/6 Karyn Love—6/7 Clay Starnes—6/7 Patrick Stepp—6/7 Xander Clark—6/8 Knoxie Cloninger—6/8 Carrington Francis—6/8 Richard Pearson—6/8 Ruth Chase—6/9 Scott Hudson—6/9 Rex Champion—6/10 Sybil Hollowell—6/10 Becky Waters—6/10 Winifred Jackson—6/11 Jessie Curtis—6/13 Abbey Curtis—6/13 Emma Brock Wilson—6/15 Jeff Haney—6/16 Nancy McDaniel—6/16 June Phillips—6/16 Joy Woods—6/16 Wayne Hayes—6/17 Shawn Hubers—6/17 Wes Phillips—6/17 Olivia Spencer—6/17
Josh White—6/17 Craig Curtis—6/18 Gene Allen—6/19 Pam Alley—6/19 Annabelle Pearson—6/19 Betty Smith—6/19 Frankie Lewis—6/20 Zack Ewing—6/21 Jill Farmer—6/21 Ian Kirkpatrick—6/21 Chris Stowe—6/21 Jaime Sullivan—6/21 Levi Dunn—6/22 Truscott McLear—6/23 Lisa Rouse—6/23 Nick Sipe—6/23 Kathryn Anthony—6/24 Emily Craig—6/24 Jake Vance—6/24 Annalise Allen—6/25 Georgia Bleu Butler—6/25 Lilah Craig—6/25 Brayden Gallagher—6/25 Leona Kuiken—6/26 Kenney Potter—6/27 Weston Robinson—6/27 Allen Duffie—6/28 Kelly Dyksterhouse—6/28 Carisa Hinson—6/29 Susan Jennings—6/29 Brian Cerilli—6/30 Sarah Fink—6/30 Jill Haney—6/30 Melany Mocanu—6/30
First ARP Love Locker
The Love Locker initiative began as our church family and York Chester community entered into a time of need. This is a great opportunity for the congregation to serve and meet some immediate physical needs. With a “Take what you need; leave what you can” approach, the concept is for those in the community to get food and other essential items as needed, but also for the locker to be restocked by church and community members, as their own resources allow.
The locker is located in the church parking lot near the entrance to the new Administration Building, and non-perishable food items, toiletries, and other essentials are items we hope to supply. Please feel free to donate to the locker at any time. If the locker is full, please save your items and bring them back at a later time. Thank you for supporting this ministry through your resources and prayers!
Mark Allen Forbes Church Planting Intern
First ARP’s 2020 High School Graduates
Olivia Caroline Hedrick is graduating from Stuart W. Cramer High School.
She is a member of the Buddy Club that pairs students with special needs students at school, National Honor Society and is President of the National Art Honor Society at her school. She volunteers at Art By J Studios and for the Holy Angels' Art Club. Olivia has received many awards including Scholastic Gold and Silver Key Awards, Gaston County Schools Art Show Awards, a Senior Art Show Award, Holy Angels Volunteer Service Award among others. She was chosen for NC Governor's School for Visual Arts.
She will graduate Summa Cum Laude and has earned several college scholarships including the State Employees' Credit Union People Helping People award and Alpha Delta Kappa Teaching Sorority scholarship. She will attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the fall to pursue a degree in Art Education.
Paxton Tait Hinson is graduating from Homeschool/Gaston College Career and College Promise.
He plans to attend Gaston College with a full scholarship in the fall.
Paxton is spending his summer interning for Rainbow Express, a ministry for people with special needs.
Moriah Miele is graduating from Holiday Classical Christian Academy.
She is planning to pursue a degree in social work at Liberty University Online in the fall.
Throughout high school, Moriah has enjoyed participating in community theater and developing her skills in piano performance.
A couple of Moriah's favorite memories from high school include portraying Cogsworth in a theatrical production of "Beauty and the Beast" and competing in the North Carolina Federation of Music Clubs festival events for nine years, where she earned the highest award in 2020.
She would like to thank her parents and God for helping her achieve her goals.
William Grayson Moss is graduating from Forestview High School.
He plans to attend the University of Chapel Hill in the fall to study business and be on the pre-dental track.
Grayson is graduating Suma Cum Laude. He is a Capstone Scholar, Junior Marshall, a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club.
Parker Maness Riley is graduating from Gaston Christian School. She is the 17-year-old daughter of Eric and Libby Riley. Parker has been active in the school skeet team, swim, volleyball and soccer. She is also a member of the Gaston Christian Praise band, a member of the First ARP Church Praise Team, a member of the National BETA Club and a member of the Order of the Confederate Rose. She has been active in 4-H, participated in the NC Junior Beef Round Up Showmanship Circuit, the NC Junior Hereford Association Judging and the Western NC Spring Fling Livestock Judging. Parker plans to attend North Carolina State University in the Fall, studying Agribusiness Management and
Also graduating are: Daniel Zane Duffie, Andrew Nathaniel Morrison, and Andrew Clark Shell.
2020 Bonclarken Music Conference – VIRTUAL EDITION
While we are sad that we cannot be on campus, we are EXCITED to provide you with a VIRTUAL - 2020 Bonclarken Music Conference.
Our slate of clinicians for 2020 are so gracious as to agree to provide several workshops during the afternoons of July 13 - 17, 2020. Clint Davis, our pastor, will be bringing a morning devotion each morning, starting Monday, July 13 - Friday, July 17. Sarah Dagenhart plans to bring a few devotions for the "Children's Church aged" children.
At night, we plan to offer "Nibble Nook time" (bring your own snacks), with singing with David Hooks.
We will be putting together an entire schedule booklet, and will send you a PDF file of this book for you to know how to access these sessions. I know you may have a ton of questions, so here are a few points that may help you to have answers to some of those questions:
• There is NO COST for this Virtual Music Conference. • Our clinicians - for this summer of 2020 have agreed to be
our clinicians for the summer of 2022!! We are excited! • The slate of clinicians that we have secured for our 60th
Anniversary during next summer, 2021 will remain as planned, as it took LOTS of work to put this group together. (This group will be announced on Friday, July 17th at the end of our week with a special 60th Anniversary Video.
• You will see in this email, a link to a 2020 Bonclarken Music Conference GOOGLE REGISTRATION FORM! Church directors and contact folks, please fill this form out for yourselves so that you will receive information to pass on to your folks. We will use THIS EMAIL LIST FROM THE GOOGLE FORM to send out our ZOOM Invitations and links to all LIVE and recorded sessions (This is for Church Contact Folks and ADULT CHOIR AND ADULT CHOIR DIRECTORS! (Contact people will forward all information to Children's parents, Middle School and High School Youth.
• ONLY CONTACT FOLKS (Trip Phil and Milette) AND ADULT CHOIR WHO WOULD REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE should fill out this form to register for our conference through the Google Registration Form by June 20, 2020, so that we can get our email lists together and then we can communicate with everyone who is registered to send our PDF of the Conference Booklet, links and all other information. Please feel free to share this information and the Google Form Link with any other interested church musicians, whether they have come to our conference before or not. We would love to have them join us this year (and maybe next year in person!)
• Children, Middle School and High School SHOULD NOT fill out the google form. Phil and Milette will create our own list of folks in our church that will want to participate in Children's Church and Nibble Nook at night. PHIL, MILETTE and the ADULT CHOIR, - will receive the Zoom invites for each session, each day and will then forward the Zoom invites to the parents of children and to MS and HS Youth.
The Virtual Conference will take place via Zoom and all sessions will be LIVE. We will record each session and you will receive a link so that if you are unable to participate LIVE, you may watch it at a later time.
GOOGLE FORM REGISTRATION (FOR CONTACT PERSONS AND ADULTS CHOIR, ADULT CHOIR DIRECTORS ONLY) https://bit.ly/VirtMusicConf
We will be in touch with more information as well as a detailed ONLINE schedule for the conference in the coming weeks!
Phil Biedenbender will be in touch with the Youth Choir about how to sign in for Nibble Nook and so will Milette Oden. Watch for emails from them about the Zoom sessions for Children’s Church and Nibble Nook Time.
In His Service, Trip McGill Director of Music, First ARP Gastonia Co-Conference Director, Bonclarken Music Conference
Summer With Us in Children’s Ministry!
Be on the Lookout! Our Summer Ministry Package is Now Available! Check your inbox for a handy Google form. Simply select your preferences!
The online link is also posted on our church Facebook page and Children’s Ministry Web Page. Here’s a Re-Cap!
Schedule a Visit from the Bookmobile! It’s a Mobile Story Hour!
Reserve Our Church Playground for a Pack and Play Picnic with Family and Friends!
Reserve Kits for Your Children! Our Adventure Camp is Going Virtual! “Promise Land Kit Camp” is July 20-23!
Family Night Finale! An On-Campus Camp Celebration for the Entire Family! Friday, July 24 from 7:00-9:00p.m.
Birthday Bus! Have a Child with a June or July Birthday? Expect a visit from the “birthday bus”!
Our New Children’s Library is Amazing!!!
Thank you, Jan Hubers!
Guess Who? . .. .is Joining Our Ministry This Summer?
The One and Only . . .. Jamee Webb!
You already know how wildly creative she can be, and we’re thrilled to
have her super-savvy tech skills during quarantine!
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Lost & Found
Church Directory Updates
• Brice Huffstetler - change cell phone number to 704-215-5672
• Patricia “Gail” Nelson - New Member - joined 4/29/20 - 1821 Lookout Ln., Gastonia, NC 28054; D.O.B. Jan. 4; cell: 828-231-3487; email: [email protected]
• Penny Wilson - cell: 704-718-3392 email: [email protected]
• Danny Wilson - cell: 704-675-1840 email: [email protected]
Remove landline telephone number: 704-922-8687
• Carley Daniels Payseur - cell: 704-685-3480 email: [email protected]
(husband) Paul Ryan Payseur - cell: 704-524-1545
email: [email protected]
(son) Levi Dunn
Address: 2321 Firmin Ct., Gastonia, NC 28056
• Zach Stroupe - phone: 704-477-8516 email: [email protected]
A gold bracelet was found in the parking lot at church. Contact the church office if it belongs to you.
Benevolence Information
During this unprecedented time, we first and foremost want each of you to know that you are in our thoughts everyday. With COVID-19 impacting each of us differently, we’ve recognized that not only are we in need of spiritual guidance, but also there are financial needs that need to be met. If you have a spiritual need, please reach out to either Pastor Matt ([email protected]), Pastor Josh ([email protected]) or your Shepherding Elder with those needs. If you have a financial need that needs to be met, please reach out to Billy Marino ([email protected]) and he’ll forward your request to the Benevolence Committee. We understand that needs may be increasing as time goes on. As we tend to each of these requests privately and diligently, please know that our congregation’s well-being has, and will always remain our number one priority.
Counseling Available
During this difficult time, many are asking about counseling services available through the church. Thankfully, we have a wonderful resource in the Christway Counseling Center, which offers quality and Christ-centered counseling at a discounted rate for First ARP members. Scholarships are also available through our benevolence fund. If you are interested in setting up a virtual or in-person appointment, please contact Wes and Virginia Phillips by emailing them at [email protected] or calling 980-522-8671.
Online Giving
Part of worship is offering our gifts and entire lives to the Lord. Let us remember those who are experiencing exceptionally hard financial circumstances right now. In these hard times, let us all give sacrificially and generously, that there would be “no needy person” among us. Obviously, we can’t pass the plates right now, so please use online giving, which can be found here: (https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=91133). Online Giving Tutorial Or, you can send your offering by mail to: 317 South Chester Street, Gastonia, NC 28052. Thanks in advance for your faithfulness and generosity!
Special Bonclarken T-Shirt to Benefit Bonclarken
Perhaps you would like to help Bonclarken Conference Center during this COVID-19 time. There are some nice friends of Bonclarken that have put together an opportunity to order a special Bonclarken T-Shirt to benefit Bonclarken. As you know, Bonclarken has been without guests since the first of March. This was designed to help Bonclarken and not take away from regular Bonclarken giving. If you wish to participate, please click the link below and follow the directions! There is information about how this came about on the website as well. Bonclarken is a special place and many ARP’s enjoy time at our conference center. Thanks for your consideration. https://www.bonclarkentees.com
Dear First ARP Church Family, Thank you so much for all of the loving support you heaped on me during my recent cancer radiation treatments. Your prayers, many words of encouragement, cards, and delivered meals have been
greatly appreciated. I look forward to soon being able to worship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. In Christ’s Love, Debbi McCall First ARP Church Family, I just can’t tell you how much it has meant to me to receive all the love, cards, prayers, flowers and care that you have shown me during the loss of my mama. Your compassion has lifted me during a difficult time...Thank you so very much. Sending a virtual hug to all the church family. Love, Beth & John McGill Dear First ARP Family, I’m amazed by your generosity in giving to the building up of the kingdom of God! Thank you for your continued financial support, for the increase you’ve given, and especially for your prayers! I am so thankful I was able to be home and visit with many of you before the stay-at-home orders began. My prayers for you are for your continued commitment to the Lord, shown in the way you care for each other, your neighbors, the Charlotte area, and to all the world! God Bless, Elisabeth Cary
Dear First ARP Family, We sincerely appreciate the love and support shown to us by our church family in the recent loss of our brother, Sam Hollowell. Love in Christ, Lin & Sybil Hollowell and Linda Hollowell Miller
In God We Trust
First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 317 S. Chester Street, Gastonia, NC 28052
Phone: 704-864-3468 Church email: [email protected]
Rev. Matt Kuiken: [email protected] Rev. Josh Hjemvick: [email protected]
www.firstarpchurch.org
Return Service Requested
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“Let each one of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:4).
Let’s be flexible. This plan is fluid. One of the challenges of this crisis has been how rapidly circumstances change. Even as we regather, I promise you we will make mistakes, and have to learn and adapt from week to week. We will have to change the plan. Then change it again. Your patience and flexibility will make all of the difference in the world.
Let’s keep the main thing the main thing. As we regather, we do so to worship God. He is the main thing. Some things will go well, some things may not, and we will have to readjust. But if we keep our great and glorious God at the center of our focus, all the other things will fall into place.
First ARP family, it will be so good to regather. We will face challenges, and hit bumps in the road, but “If God is for us, who can be against us?” As I have said before, grace abounds regarding the decisions you make for regathering. Please make the best prayerful decision given your unique circumstances as an individual or family. We understand that it will take some much longer to regather than others because of age, health conditions, or other circumstances. We support you and you remain as much a part of the church body as ever. We will continue to put a high priority on streaming our worship services every Sunday for your participation with us. For those who choose to regather on June 7th, we will do so with love and respect for one another. And I might add – with great joy!
Great Love in the Lord,
Pastor Matt
