THE ARTS
Clybourne Park Opens May 12: Tickets are on sale now for Clybourne Park! Don’t miss this witty and provocative production! The play explores issues of race, territory, and legacy with an uncommon combination of biting humor and genuine tenderness, treading the rich and illuminating ground of both comedy and drama. Rated PG-13. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees are at 2:00 p.m. For tickets call ArtsTix at 260-422-4226!
Music Recital: On May 18th at 7:00pm, Cassandra Petrie will present a vocal recital in the Sanctuary. Cassandra has sung with the First Pres Choir as an Alto Section Leader for the last four years. The recital is free, but a free-will offering will be taken to support Cassandra as she attends the Berlin Opera Academy in July. Come hear one of our own sing amazing opera pieces
accompanied on the piano by Irene Ator.
CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES
Sunday School Today! – During our 11:00 a.m. Worship: Calling all kids between kindergarten and 5th grade! Join us for Sunday School with Miss Rachel and Friends! We’ll all start in worship together,
and then after the Time with Children, we’ll all head to our Sunday School room as a group. We hope you’ll join us for fun, fellowship, learning, and….of course…Bible Bucks! Woohoooo!
Nursery Available for Infants thru Pre-School: Jesus loves the little children, and we do, too! Should you decide that today would be a good time to explore the nursery, your child is always invited to drop in. Ask the office volunteer for a key fob and directions, and our skilled childcare employees will be excited to welcome your child while you worship.
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS
Gentrification Sacred Conversation, May 17, 6:30-8:00 p.m.: What is gentrification, and why does it matter? Have you ever found yourself saying, “What’s happening in downtown Fort Wayne is great for
the church!” Or thought, “That neighborhood really needs help. But what about the people who live there?” If so, this conversation is for you. Gentrification is the process of changing the character of a neighborhood through the influx of more affluent residents and businesses. It is a common and controversial topic in urban politics and planning. It’s also the subject of the play “Clybourne Park” which is running in the theater in May. Join us for a conversation about gentrification that will include a reading from the play, a panel
with city leaders and residents about how gentrification affects them, and a conversation with you about why it matters and what the church can do. RSVP to Annie Epling at aepling@firstpresfortwayne.org or sign-up in the church office.
COMMUNITY WORSHIP
Combined Pentecost Service: Sunday, May 28th, 2023, there will be a city-wide Presbyterian worship service at Amistad Presbyterian Church starting at 10:30 a.m.. This service will feature the participation of First Presbyterian Church (the Korean Language Ministry and English Language
Ministry), Trinity Presbyterian Church, United Faith Presbyterian Church, Garrett Presbyterian Church, Amistad, and Grace Presbyterian Church. Please note that there will be no worship service at First Presbyterian on this day.
This unique service will feature prayers offered in four languages: English, Korean, Spanish, and Burmese. In addition, a variety of music will be shared throughout the service expressing the talents of these various congregations. Following the service, there will be two different food
trucks, African drumming, a rugby demonstration from the Fort Wayne Rugby Team, and possibly some bagpipes. It will be an excellent service and don’t forget to bring a chair!
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Rem Johnston Memorial Service: A memorial service for Rem Johnston will be held tomorrow, Monday, May 15, at 10:30 am in the sanctuary. A reception will follow.
MISSIONS
Rescue Mission Meal Cookie and Cornbread Collection: Jesus fed 5,000 with two loaves and fishes, imagine what we could do with cookies and cornbread! We only need 3 people each to commit to
donating three dozen cornbread muffins or three dozen cookies to support our unhoused population. It’s not much, and it makes a very big difference in the lives we touch. Visit or call the front office to sign up for the Rescue Mission cookies and
cornbread. Please bring your contributions to the church by the third Sunday, May 21, 2023.
St. Joseph’s Mission: The month of May is full of opportunities here at First Pres, so here is a chance for you to honor your mother at the same time you help the women at the St. Joseph’s Mission Home. Why not share one of your mom’s favorite recipes in preparing the evening meal for Monday, May 22nd? You can sign up for an entree, a side or a dessert in the small dining room this coming Sunday. The 18 women at the home and the missions committee thank you.
Hunger Relief: First Pres Hunger Relief will be collecting food at the 11:00 service on Sunday, May 21st. Food items may also be left at the church office during the week. Rising food prices mean that our church food bank budget buys less at the same time that the three food banks we support are seeing more people needing help. So your individual contributions are more important than ever. The following items are especially needed:
• Peanut butter
• Chicken noodle soup—any size
• Canned sliced peaches or pineapple chunks in juice
• Boxed or bagged instant mashed potatoes
• Spaghetti noodles
• Boxed macaroni and cheese
• Manwich
Thank you for your support of this important church ministry.