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.
Sermon Talk with the Pastor: At noon Wednesday, May 10th, First Presbyterian Church will host its first Sermon Talk. This is an opportunity to come out once a month and talk about any of the sermons given over the previous four weeks with the Pastor. This is a bring-your-own lunch event where you can eat and have an excellent discussion with Pastor Annie. Depending on the weather, this will occur either in the courtyard or the small dining room. So come on out for a great time!
FELLOWSHIP – DINNER GROUPS
All Dinner Groups meet the second Monday of each month.
Downtown Dinner Group: It’s that time again! Dinner Time! We will meet tomorrow, Monday, May 8, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. at Hall’s Gas House (305 E. Superior St.). Please RSVP to Joyce McGiffin at (260) 409-2426 or by email at krinks52@hotmail.com. All are welcome and we hope to see you there!
North Dinner Group: Ring a ding ding! Dinner time! Join the North Dinner Group tomorrow, Monday, May 8, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. for dinner at The Factory Restaurant (5811 Coldwater Road). Please RSVP to Sondra Mergenthal at (260)437-9892 or by email at lisoninc@aol.com. We look forward to seeing you!
South Dinner Group: Do you hear that? It’s the sound of the dinner bell! Please join us for dinner at Hall’s Tavern at Coventry (5747 Coventry Lane) tomorrow, Monday, May 8, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. We look forward to fellowship with you!
THE ARTS
Music Festival: On May 14th, we will hold our annual Music Festival during the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service. This year, the festival is entitled All That Has Life and Breath, Come Now with Praises Before Him. The Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, Children’s Choir and Organ will lead the festival under the direction of Brent Neuenschwander. It will feature hymns and anthems about music and creation. Come prepared to sing and hear music along with special readings to celebrate the day!
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 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
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.
MISSIONS
Clothing Collection: Dear friends, and fellow community members, we are still collecting clothing for Fort Wayne Community Schools and Washington Elementary. As you know, the need for support is great and we are so thankful for every donation that has come in, but the need does not end after the holidays. The seasons are changing, and the needs change as well. Thank you for your unwavering support.
If you have any items that your children have outgrown or just don’t wear any longer and you need the closet space, feel free to drop off any donations here at the church. Please place them in the green bin in the Small Dining Room during normal hours or before or after service. Items we need include:
Girls clothing child size 6 — Womens xxl Childrens Shoes Toiletries: soap, deodorant
Boys Clothing child size 6 — Mens xxl Women’s Shoes shampoo, conditioner
General: socks, undergarments Mens Shoes toothbrush, toothpaste feminine products.
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 three 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.