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Lent Edition A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF MARIETTA FEBRUARY 2024 | VOLUME 7 | ISSUE 1

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die, A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted. (Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2) Life is full of “seasons.” Just as winter is soon to give way to spring, so spring will turn to summer, summer to fall, and fall to winter again. Likewise, our lives move from season to season, and sometimes that transition from one season of life to the next one is challenging.

Our Clerk of Session, Hal McClain, recently gave me a newsletter article from a pastor friend of his. His friend compared moving from one stage of life to another to moving from the subway car to the station’s landing.

Often, at this transition from the car to the landing there is a sign posted, “mind the gap,” because it is in the transition from one to the other that we are most likely to fall.

In the pages of this season’s issue, you’ll hear from members of our congregation who haven’t fallen in the transition from one season of life to another. Instead, they’ve seen God at work in the gap. In these pages, take time to reflect on the lessons these church members have to offer. Amidst change, they’ve learned to be still and to listen, and so have better learned to hear God’s voice. Thanks be to God. Rev. Joe Evans, Senior Pastor

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Chosen for a Purpose A few years ago and during a challenging time for our congregation, Rev. Bill Arthur served as Interim Pastor.

Many details are lost to memory, however, we may recall how we felt. Rev. Arthur’s presence was calm, confident, and reassuring and he spoke with wisdom and authority. Where many struggled, he walked with us, relieving tension. He was a unifying presence. Rev. Arthur was asked how he was able to bring us to this point and his response was grand advice: “If you will listen to the good people around you, they will tell you what you need to know.”

A cardiologist at Emory taught many young physicians how to listen. Reporting that all heart sounds were “normal” was scorned. We were coached to listen to each segment of the pumping cycle and to describe our perceptions – loud or soft, where best heard, or variation with the respiratory cycle. We were also to listen for sound in intervals of the cycle where there is normally silence. What we heard depended on from what location we were listening. We were to listen with intent!

A recently read devotional focused on Genesis 20 and the story of Joseph’s interpretation of the dreams of Pharoah’s chief cupbearer and baker while all were imprisoned. Joseph acknowledges the source of his ability (“Do not interpretations belong to God?”), but also responds purposefully with a request for improvement in his circumstances: “Only remember me, when it is well with you, and please do me the kindness to mention me to Pharaoh, and so get me out of this house.” Although the effort was unsuccessful, Joseph was not merely passive and fatalistic, but present and active in pursuit of his freedom.

In our church family, there have been many who modeled patience, wisdom, focus, purpose, and presence.

Having been welcomed into FPC Marietta 35 years ago, we have benefited by observing, listening, worshiping, and praying with our FPC family through many transitions. Our most recent transition has been our retirement.

We led a Youth Sunday School lesson that drew us to explore what it means to be “chosen.” Together we discussed what it meant for each to be chosen for a purpose – not a destination but a journey. In worship services on February 11, we all sang this prayer in our closing hymn: Longing for food, many are hungry.

Longing for water, many still thirst.

Make us your bread, broken for others, shared until all are fed.

With our church family in coming years, this will be our prayer as we are present and patiently listen together.

Dr. Bob & Lisa Smith, FPC Elder & Deacon and FPC Member

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The contrasts to being present are living in the past and living in the future. We do the former when we hold on to regrets, constantly reviewing things that have already happened, trying to explain them in terms of our own or someone else's actions. Often this kind of thinking leads to guilt or blame.

We live in the future when we make assumptions or fantasize about what could happen and then become attached to those expected outcomes. This habit usually results in disappointment. Whether we are consumed with positive expectations (optimism) or negative projections (pessimism), we are not living for today.

When we find ourselves constantly reacting to our experiences in one of these ways, when we want to be otherwise and elsewhere, it is time to be present. The companion of this practice is contentment.

Personally, I have some mental health challenges that can be debilitating at times. Being present or focusing on what/who is in front of me allows me to navigate past my anxiety tremendously. Remaining in the present, or the “here and now,” means that I am aware and mindful of what is happening at that very moment, not distracted by my reflections on the past or worries about the future, but centered in the moment.

Focusing on the past and the future, while living in the present, requires a special kind of multi-tasking, which, while necessary at times, can result in stress and anxiety, demanding a constant shift in contexts and re-orientation.

So, I suggest “Single-Tasking” for those of us who get so caught up in everything, that we never accomplish anything.

“Single Tasking” is literally doing one thing at a time until completion or satisfaction. This improves not only the quality of my work, but it allows me to be present for the duration of the task, whether it is work- or relationshiprelated.

A favorite exercise that works for me when I need to stay present is focusing on my breathing. For me it is focusing on the small things that happen when I’m breathing. I like to close my eyes and notice the temperature of my breath going in and out my nose. It may sound weird, but by focusing on what I’m experiencing when I inhale and exhale, I’m being present. I’m not stressing about my past or overwhelmed by what may be in my future. I also use this technique when I am triggered or when I need to refocus. A quick google search can take you to numerous breathing exercises that can prove to be beneficial for a variety of purposes.

Other helpful practices include yoga and meditation. While I have not tried them, I do believe they can help. Journaling is a practice that was very helpful for me at one point. It allowed me to release thoughts that weren’t positive or beneficial to me when waking up.

Finally, my favorite thing to do is be in nature. It doesn’t have to be a profound mountain range, or an oceanside sunset. Sometimes, just taking a walk in my backyard while the sun is out can remove negative feelings and aid me in being present.

It may be unrealistic to think that we can be fully present at all times, but these things have helped me be mindful of the present.

Clyde Grant, FPC Member Page 3

I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

Faith in Adversity Until winter of 2021, I considered myself to be pretty healthy. Then I had surgery for breast cancer and it seems I went downhill from there. In February 2022 I went to South Carolina to help take care of my sister who was dying with cancer. I felt pretty bad for two months and had several symptoms but ignored them because my sister and her daughters needed me. When I finally went to the doctor, I was diagnosed with stage three bile duct/pancreatic cancer.

At age 78, this was not a light discovery but rather a very sobering realization. The 77 days at Kennestone Hospital were pretty rough and I came out very weak but very much alive. By mid October, I was feeling almost normal when I broke my back and had more surgery. Since then, I’ve had two more surgeries and am now recuperating from the last one. Sometimes, it’s like I’m waiting for the next shoe to fall.

But I’m convinced God has a purpose in letting me continue to carry on, even when I don’t always feel so great. I have a daughter who counts on my help and grandchildren who love me and I want to be around to make sure they stay on the right track!

Katharine and her sister Frances, 2022

While caring for my sister, I repeated the 23rd Psalm over and over every day. That practice continued through the surgeries and I still say it often. Philippians 4:13 became my motto. I start each day putting on the whole armor of God, as instructed by Paul. I also try to take his advice and be thankful, even in adversity, knowing He is with me and wants only the best for me. Paul also talks about our bodies becoming weaker physically and our spiritual lives becoming stronger (2 Corinthians 4:16). This only happens through being determined and intentional about our walk with Him. I love my life and am so thankful for a church that nurtures me and lifts me up. I love my precious family and friends who put up with my craziness. I love my Lord who strengthens me and has a purpose for me, even as the body gets weaker and the hair gets grayer.

Katharine Wesselink FPC Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister

FPC Staff praying with Katharine prior to surgery, 2022

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The following is reprinted from the February 2021 edition of this publication. Written by our church theologian, Dr. Brennan Breed, at the height of the pandemic, these words are still relevant as we enter the season of Lent this year.

For many of us, it probably feels like we have been in an unremitting Lent since March of 2020. Nevertheless, on this Ash Wednesday in 2021 we move back into the season of Lent on the liturgical calendar. Of course, Lent isn’t even close to the most popular season in the Church calendar—especially this year, when all has been dust and ashes anyway; who needs a reminder? Perhaps I’m strange, though, because I think Lent is one of the most important times for the Church.

Lent is a time of truth-telling, a time to be honest about ourselves, about our community, about our world. It’s a time to look past the easy, self-righteous, feel-good stories we tell about ourselves, and try to face up to reality. It’s hard, and often painful, to be honest. The words recited at the imposition of ashes —“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you will return”—those are some of the most honest words you’ll ever hear. Ash Wednesday is one of my favorite days of the church calendar precisely because, just like Jesus says, facing up to the truth of reality sets us free; above all else, free from the false narratives and impossible expectations we are all immersed in from the moment we’re born.

We’re just dust: and that’s ok. God loves us, just as we are. No amount of achievement or righteousness or failure will make us more or less in God’s eyes.

Continued on page 8

Staying Present during Lent REDUCE NOISE & DISTRACTION Unplug from your iPhone, turn off your car radio on your commute, or come to church and simply “be” in the Sanctuary or another quiet space. The silence may be uncomfortable at first. Use this time to observe your surroundings. What do you hear and see when distraction is removed?

START A NEW HABIT Pick up a Stephen Ministry devotional (or find it online at fpcmarietta.org/lent) and read an entry to start your day.

This is a simple way to begin your day in prayer if you don’t already. Keep up the habit after Lent by reading a daily scripture, or picking up one of the devotionals recommended by our pastors below.

The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days by Kate Bowler offers warm and witty blessings found within the struggles of our shared humanity The Upper Room, Daily Bread, and These Days, are all simple and short devotionals for daily inspiration and can often be found in our Gathering Space.

The Divine Hours by Phillis Tickle offers daily devotional times for a more serious devotional practice.

Looking for a simple way to help children (and grown ups!) remember that God is always present? Listen to the song below! (Click the image or go to youtube.com/watch? v=fNsoXsyeUE0.)

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young uses scripture and personal reflections to share Jesus' message of peace for today and every day.

TAKE SOMETHING ON The Pantry on Church’s 40 for 40 is a great way to focus on adding something to your Lenten journey. Find a list of food items at fpcmarietta.org/lent or in the Gathering Space.

Other ideas include 40 days of letter writing, 40 acts of kindness, 40 phone calls to the important people in your life.

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30 YEARS AGO FPC ministers Rev. Mary Beth Lawrence and Dr. Jim Speed brought a new ministry into the life of our congregation. On Sunday, April 28, we hope you’ll join us as we celebrate this ministry in worship!

STEPHEN MINISTRY CELEBRATES 30 YEARS AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN

Stephen Ministers are there: . . . after the phone call you hoped you’d never get.

FPC’s Stephen Ministers have put together a Lenten Devotional to guide you through Lent on the journey to Easter Sunday. Pick up your copy in the Gathering Space or go to fpcmarietta.org/lent to read online. Below is a sample, written by Claire Francis for Saturday, March 2.

. . . after the funeral, when everyone has left and the emotions you’ve held at bay come crashing in on you.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will direct your paths.

When we bought our cabin in North Carolina, the previous owner had tacked this verse on the bulletin board in the kitchen, where it still remains. It serves as a daily reminder that we can’t solve all the world’s problems. We need to trust in God to be the problem solver and follow His guidance.

The New Living Translation of the Bible says it very well. “When we have an important decision to make, we sometimes feel that we can’t trust anyone – not even God. But God knows what’s best for us. He’s a better judge of what we need than we are! We must trust Him completely in every choice we make. We should not omit careful thinking or belittle our God-given ability to reason, but we should not trust our own ideas to the exclusion of all others. We must not be wise in our own eyes, but be willing to listen to and be corrected by God’s Word as well as by wise counselors. Bring your decisions to God in prayer, use the Bible as your guide and then follow God’s leading. He will direct your paths by both guiding and protecting you.”

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Be with me today as I make every decision both large and small. Show me the way so that whichever path I choose, it will be to your honor. Amen.

. . . after the divorce papers are served and the bottom falls out of your life.

. . . after the doctor says, “I’m sorry, but there’s nothing more we can do.” . . . after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, “Welcome to your new home.” . . . after the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away— and the house suddenly seems empty. . . . after the gavel goes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is led away. . . . after the baby arrives, demanding more of you than you ever dreamed possible. . . . after you find a pink slip with your final paycheck. . . . after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out.

Stephen Ministers are the “After People.”

They are ready to come alongside you—or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives—and provide comfort and support for as long after as needed.

by Claire Francis, Stephen Minister

Stephen Ministry by the Numbers 30 - FPC Marietta has been enrolled as a Stephen Ministry congregation since 1994. That’s a total of 30 years of Ministry!

119 - Number of trained Stephen Ministers who have provided one-to-one care to help members of our congregation and community.

50 - Number of hours of training each Stephen Minister has received in order to serve.

22 - Number of FPC Stephen Leaders who have receiving intensive training through the Stephen Ministry headquarters.

320 - Number of people we estimate who have received Christ-centered care from FPC Stephen Ministers.

10,500 - Number of hours of care we estimate that Stephen Ministry at FPC has provided over the last 30 years!

Continued from Page 5 As part of its power to set us free, Lent also encourages us to ask ourselves and our communities some truly tough questions. Are we really living life, and living it abundantly? Do we let ourselves feel our sorrows and let loose with our joys? Lent reminds us that each one of us only has one life to live, and Lent begs us to remember that every last moment of it is holy: a radical gift for which we should stand in unceasing grateful awestruck wonder. You’re here: that’s a miracle in itself, full of enough incandescent power to make the sun look like an ember in a dying fire.

And to show us just how radical, just how contingent this gift of life is, Lent reminds us that there will be a last moment: a moment of dust returning to dust. We’ve become terribly accustomed to this reality over the past year: More Americans died of COVID-19 every day this past week than perished in the traumatic events of September 11th, 2001. But precisely because death has become so common to hear reported on the news, Lent gives us the chance to see it in a new light.

Social scientists have started to realize the wisdom of Lent: several recent studies, one written up by the New York Times, tell us that people reminded in the morning of their mortality – that, yes, you will one day die – report at the end of the day that they enjoyed that very day more than people who were not reminded of their mortality. Isn’t that surprising? But also, doesn’t it make sense? Because remembering the truth of our one fleeting life helps us to pay attention and notice and even savor it. Life is a precious gift of God, and its limitations are part of what make it so precious. But when we stop paying attention to precious things, we begin to take them for granted, and we lose our sense of awe and wonder at their very existence. Lent is just such a time for paying attention, for unplugging from some of the chaos and the drama and the excess, for facing up to our ashenness, our dustiness, our ephemeral breath.

The sometimes sad and dreary season of Lent can, paradoxically, help us to enjoy the rest of our year that much more.

The astrophysicists would remind us, of course, that we are quite literally dust: everything that exists on our planet is the result of the explosions of used-up stars churning out the elements of the periodic table in their cosmic guts billions of years ago. We are all made up of stardust, the ashes of worlds we can’t even imagine. It’s all a miracle, a blessing, but it takes some effort, even some discipline and patience, to see it for what it is. I recently heard a podcast featuring the famous historian Yuval Noah Harari, author of the bestselling books Sapiens and Homo Deus, in which he explained his yearly habit of taking 60 days for a silent meditative retreat with no interruptions or devices. He claims that without this practice, he would not be able to produce the insights that fill his books. He says that he needs to force himself to focus on his breath, and only his breath, sometimes for days on end, until he can once again notice his life for what it is, to truly see it and be amazed. So, while Lent is decidedly not a 60-day silent retreat, perhaps try to give up something over these 40 days, or take on something, that will periodically remind you of your breath. Your ashes. Your dust.

This is your life. You get precisely one of them.

Jesus came not to take you away from this life, but to help you live it to the fullest. Lent offers you the space to notice your life so that you might immerse yourself in it, seek joy in it, feel the true depths of pain in it, and one day be free to let go of all of it and return it to God, from whence it came. You are dust, and to dust you will return.

This is the good news. This is grace itself. Amen.

Check out Brennan Breed’s recent Ash Wednesday sermon, Numbering Our Days. Click here or go to: fpcmarietta.org/ wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Numbering-Our-Days.pdf

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Ash Wednesday Wednesday, February 14 | 7pm | Sanctuary Participants in the Ash Wednesday Service will be invited to receive ashes in the shape of a cross on their foreheads. Ashes are a symbol of mortality and a sign of humility and repentance. We leave the service in gratitude that through the cross, Christ conquered death. Nothing can separate us from the love of God!

Stephen Ministry Lenten Devotional This compilation of devotionals for each day of Lent 2024 was lovingly and prayerfully written by FPC Stephen Ministers, both past and present. Through these writings, they share God’s love and the hope of the scriptures.

Copies available in the Gathering Space and online at fpcmarietta.org/lent.

40 for 40 Food Drive In observance of the Lenten Season, many people choose to “give up” something they enjoy as they enter a period of reflection. An alternative is to “give” to someone who needs what you take for granted. Please consider donating shelf stable items to The Pantry on Church. You and your family may: donate an item per day, as indicated below, one item per week, or have your children choose their favorite item to contribute. A flyer with weekly lists is available in the Gathering Space and online at fpcmarietta.org/lent.

Lenten Lecture Series with Dr. Brennan Breed: Wilderness: Grief and Joy Sundays, February 25 and March 10-24 9:45am-10:45am | Great Hall | Livestream available In the Bible, the wilderness is a space of deprivation and danger. Wilderness is a space where people experience their fragility, mortality, limitations, and failures. Yet the Bible also presents the wilderness as a special place of God’s presence and creative power to re-make people and communities––and so wilderness stories celebrate God’s provision, transformative power, and renewal. The liturgical season of Lent lasts forty days in order to mark Jesus’ time in the wilderness, and this Lenten season we will explore the ways that the wilderness experiences of our own lives bring us to recognize both our limitations and God’s salvation.

Palm Sunday Sunday, March 24 8:30am and 11:00am Worship Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week, a time in the church year when we remember how Christ gave his life in love for the world. This service commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem with palm branches.

Holy Week Mid-Day Devotionals & Lunches Monday, March 25-Friday, March 29 | 11:50am Join us for daily devotionals led by pastors from downtown Marietta churches.

All are welcome to a soup and sandwich lunch in the Great Hall following the devotionals.

Sign up to volunteer at fpcmarietta.org/lent.

Maundy Thursday Thursday, March 28 | 7pm | Sanctuary On this day we remember how Jesus, at table with his disciples, took the bread and the cup and issued this mandate: “Do this in remembrance of me.”

Good Friday Friday, March 29 | 7pm | Sanctuary Seven different preachers will offer a brief homily based on one of the seven last words that Jesus uttered before he breathed his last.

Easter Sunday We celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. Join us!

Members who are able to attend at 8:30am are encouraged to do so to allow for more visitor parking at 11:00am.

Sunday, March 31 | Worship at 8:30am and 11:00am in the Great Hall Sunday School Hour: 9:45am On Easter Sunday, we will adorn a cross with fresh flowers. You are encouraged to bring fresh blooms (purchased or from your yard) to celebrate our risen Lord.

Easter Lilies If you would like to dedicate a lily in honor or in memory of a loved one this season, please complete a form in the Gathering Space and return it and a check to Sandra Varnum, Finance Associate. Forms and payment information can also be found online at fpcmarietta.org/lent.

Forms are due Monday, March 25. A list of dedications will be available on Easter Sunday.

One Great Hour of Sharing – Special Easter Offering Millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity. The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing – Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People – all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope.

Give online at https://specialofferings.pcusa.org/offering/oghs/

FPC News (USPS 442-780) Monthly Publication by FPC Marietta FPCMarietta. Periodicals Postage Paid @ Marietta, GA. POSTMASTER: Please Send Address Changes to: FPC News, First Presbyterian Church 189 Church Street, Marietta, GA 30060-1629

Sundays at FPC Worship at 8:30am and 11:00am __________________________________________________________________________ February 18 Preaching: Rev. Joe Evans Scripture: Genesis 9: 8-17 | Mark 1: 9-15 February 25 Preaching: Rev. Joe Evans Scripture: Genesis 17: 1-7, 15-16 | Mark 8: 31-38 March 3 Preaching: Rev. Cassie Waits Scripture: 2 Chronicles 35:1-9,16 | John 2:13-22 March 10 Preaching: Rev. Joe Evans Scripture: Numbers 21: 4-9 | John 3: 14-21 March 17 Preaching: Rev. Joe Evans Scripture: Jeremiah 31: 31-34 | John 12: 20-33 March 24: Palm Sunday Preaching: Rev. Joe Evans Scripture: Isaiah 50: 4-9a | Mark 11: 1-11 See inside pages for Holy Week & Easter Sunday

SUNDAY MORNINGS Worship 8:30 & 11:00am In Person and Online Online at fpcmarietta.org/live-stream | Dial in to 678-722-8395 Children & Youth Sunday School 9:45-10:45am Children 3yr Preschool - 1st Grade (Upper Level) Children Grades 2-5 (Upper Level) Youth Grades 6-12 (Lower Level) Adult Sunday School 9:45-10:45am Find details at fpcmarietta.org/adults Stephen Ministers On-Call A Stephen Minister is on call each Sunday morning from 10:00am through 12:00pm. If you would like to speak with a Stephen Minister during that time, please see the front desk or one of the Deacons on duty, and they will locate them for you.

Worship Flowers Reserve your date today and provide beautiful worship flowers for a Sunday in 2024. Please contact Mary Anne Lanier: 17lanier@gmail.com.

New members are received each month in worship.

If you are interested in joining, please contact Ken Farrar: kenfarrar@icloud.com

Phone 770-427-0293 Fax 770-427-0295 Editor: Kelly Dewar | KellyDewar@fpcmarietta.org FPC News Team: Jeff Byrd, Tom Clarke, Kelly Dewar, Ken Dutter Copy Editor: Amy Sherwood