Meredith will need resources to care for, house and nurture a child in her home. The Staff is coming together to host a brief shower after church on February 27th. Meredith does not yet know the ages or specific needs of the child she will care for, and so requests Gift cards from Wal-Mart, Target or Amazon. Please join us for treats and a joyful celebration and your gift or blessing for Meredith on February 27th.

The Presbyterian Church of Congo (CPC)is doing lifesaving work to protect homeless children in the Kasai region, with the help of our church. The Rev. Marcel Tshibemba, the Legal Representative of CPC in East Kasai, describes its ministries here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhIxGOtAQng&t=196s

Dogwood Elementary is having their annual Dogwood Dinner on February 25th. We are looking for support from the community to help raise money for our playgrounds. There are a couple ways that you can support this cause. You can attend the dinner by buying tickets or you can help by donating things to our silent auction.

We are getting people plugged in for First Fellowship groups for 2022! During the pandemic, many of the First Fellowship leaders/groups worked hard and found ways to continue meeting safely. Now as our recent Stewardship Campaign suggested, it is time for New Beginnings and ramping up our First Fellowship Group efforts.

We are excited to announce that a new Adult Sunday School class will begin in January 2022. The original date was postponed because of COVID safety protocol, but we will start as soon we we can meet in person.

Get 2022 off to a fresh start with healthy foods from the First Presbyterian Mission Market. Groceries include Heritage Cheddar Cheese from Equal Exchange ($6) Koinonia Farm Oat Nut Granola (1 lb. $8.50) Medjoul Dates, (17.6 oz. $13), and Chilean Flame Raisins ($6.50).

How do we address mass injustice in the U.S.? The national Presbyterian Women organization has begun a Justice and Peace book club that will host nationwide Zoom discussion group every other month.

From the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Presbyterian Mission: As night fell on December 10, powerful tornadoes ripped across several states, ending the lives of more than 100 people and wreaking devastation across many communities by morning. In the wake of these catastrophic storms, it is the role of people of faith to shine as light in this bleakest of winters.

After many months of prayerful work and a detailed and thorough search, the Pastor Nominating Committee joyfully announces their nomination of Reverend Mark Curtis to be the next Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church.

Mark is the current pastor of Lake Forest Presbyterian Church in South Knoxville, where he has served for the last seven years. He is a native of Northern California and attended Princeton Theological Seminary.

The East Tennessee Historical Society honored FPC, Johnson Architecture, Inc. and The Christman Company an award of distinction for preservation and renovation of First Presbyterian Church.

Emerald Youth Foundation is looking for dedicated volunteers who would like to assist Knoxville teens by preparing them for college, helping with homework, or being an ACT prep facilitator, life coach, or an enrichment activity leader. They are also looking for volunteer sports programs for basketball, volleyball, soccer, swimming, baseball, and more.

Congratulations to Jack Ragsdale and Haley Retterer who were married on May 8, 2021. Jack is the son of Dennis and Becky Ragsdale, grandson of Baxter and Toni Ragsdale and nephew of Rachel and Brent Trentham.

Meredith Loftis gave the invocation this week at the 225th anniversary of Tennessee’s statehood, which was proclaimed in 1796 with the signing of the state constitution in downtown Knoxville. At an event led by Governor Bill Lee, Mayor Indya Kincannon, and other state leaders, Meredith made an impact with her powerful words.

The Session of First Presbyterian Church and the Presbytery's Committee on Ministry have endorsed and approved, respectively, the Ministry Information Form (MIF)

First Presbyterian Church will offer two tracks for the Worshipful Wednesday Lenten Teaching series.
One will be taught by Jeff McCrory, the other Meredith Loftis

Need a new mask that fits snuggly but doesn't hurt your ears? The Mission Market has organic cotton masks from Ghana with a pocket for a filter. Loop around the neck and tie behind the head.

Our next Fellowship Hike is set for March 20th at Ijams and will be led by Gary Anderson. We will meet at 9 am at the Ijams main parking lot near the Welcome Center.