Weekly Happenings
The Life of the First Presbyterian Church of Phoenixville
This Week in the Life of the Church
Wednesday, April 22
- Prime Timer's Gathering, 12:00 noon (fellowship hall)
- Iglesia de Dios, 6:00 PM (3rd floor classrooms)
- Sacred Movement Group Rehearsal, 7:00 PM
- Bell Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 PM (choir room)
Thursday, April 23
- People to People, 9:00 AM (fellowship hall)
- Street People, 10:00 AM (kitchen)
- Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 PM (choir room)
Friday, April 24
- Fellowship Hall Rental, 4:00 PM
- Hershey Handbell Concert, 7:30 PM (St. Andrews Lutheran Church, Egypt Road, Audubon)
Saturday, April 25
- Iglesia de Dios, 6:00 PM (fellowship hall)
Sunday, April 26
- Children's Sunday School, 9:00 AM (second floor classrooms)
- Topics In Life Today (TILT) Adult Class, 9:00 AM (parlor)
- Adult Bible Study, 9:00 AM (library)
- Worship, 10:30 AM, Rev. Doug Hagler preaching
- Presbytery Investment Loan Program (PILP) & Lunch, 12:00 noon (fellowship hall)
Forum Discussion: Marriage Equality
One of the “hot-button” issues of the past few months has been the legal status of same-sex marriages. As is so often the case, the political and secular conversations are mirrored in the hallways and meetings of churches across the country. The PC(USA) is no different. In fact, the church has been in a long period of discernment around the issues of inclusion of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) people in the life of the church. Over the years, the denomination has passed several amendments to the Book of Order regarding these issues in their various facets.
The PC(USA) entered the public gaze in mid-March with the final votes regarding Amendment 14-F. This amendment allows for a more inclusive definition of marriage: “between two people.” Approximately 71% of the PC(USA) voted to approve this change.
Although the Book of Order will describe marriage as “a unique commitment between two people”, it will retain the understanding that it “traditionally occurs between a man and a woman.” This careful wording acknowledges the continuing tension between the various viewpoints within the church. This was not an easy decision for the church to make, nor is it a solution that satisfies everyone.
In the spirit of learning and understanding, Rev. Hagler and Liz Remelius, DCE, would like to invite the congregation to a forum conversation around this decision and the reasoning behind it. This is an informational program that will give us the opportunity to read, discuss, and process this change. We welcome all: regardless of political affiliation, personal conviction, or individual theology. We will come together, in covenant with one another, to have a genuine conversation and learn from each other.
We often describe this congregation as our church family. As in a biological family, we have disagreements, different political affiliations, and conflicting worldviews. These moments give us the opportunity to come together in conversation to sincerely struggle with these issues, to articulate our viewpoints, to hear the other side, but still be committed to one another and the work we want to do in the church and the world.
Please join us for this important conversation. We will meet Monday, April 27 and Monday, May 4 at 7:00 PM in the parlor. Please email Liz Remelius or the Church Office with any questions.
Childcare
Please CLICK HERE for the calendar of open dates. Please sign your name by an open date to reserve your spot. You can also email email Liz with your preferred date(s)!
Attention All Graduates!
If you are graduating from High School, College, Technical School, or Graduate School this year, please contact the church office! We will recognize all our graduates during worship on Sunday, May 17.
Please email or call (610-933-8816) the church office with your name, your school, and your future plans!
Hershey Handbells
This Friday, April 24 at 7:30 PM, St. Andrew's Lutheran Church (Egypt Road, Audubon) is hosting the Hershey Handbell Ensemble, a group of skilled bell choir players from throughout south central Pennsylvania!
This fifteen member group, under the direction of Dr. Shawn Gingrich, performs on seven octaves of handbells, handchimes, and other assorted instruments. In addition to the performance, there will be explanations and demonstrations of the various bells and instruments used, the compositions played, and the coordination of the group itself. There will also be time for your questions as well.
The Hershey Handbell Ensemble is committed to advancing the art of handbell ringing through education and performance, while uniting people of various ages and backgrounds through the musical arts. The Ensemble will also have a selection of popular CD recordings available for purchase at the concert.
Women's Retreat
The retreat will be led by Rev. Cheryl Galan who will lead participants through the theme of "Praying the Alphabet." Rev. Galan is a graduate of Princeton Seminary and Grove City College. She has served churches in New York, Kansas, and Pennyslvania. Since 2013, she has been the Transitional Leader of the Elizabeth, NJ Presbytery.
Using the book Mercy and Melons by Lisa Nichols Hickman, Rev. Galan will guide the group through spiritual practices based on letters of the alphabet. As participants practice their ABCs, they'll "Ask, Begin, Center, and Do" their way towards a fresh experience of God and one another.
The cost is $120 for two nights and five meals. Registration forms are available in the church office.
Information Forms
If you have any questions, please contact the office.
Come Learn With Us!
Children’s Sunday School
We have classes for all grade levels from Pre-kindergarten through 6th grade! We meet in the second floor classrooms where we watch videos, read the bible, and learn about our growing faith!
During worship, we offer nursery care for the youngest children. The 4-year-olds through 1st grade children are invited to join Liz for a Time for Children during worship and then head back upstairs for Children’s Hour.
Jr. and Sr. High
The older students, 7th-12th grade are invited to meet with Pastor Doug in the Church Office common area. He is teaching a confirmation class but always welcomes guests to the table! Students will talk about the development of Christianity, what it means to be a Presbyterian, and learn about their own, personal faith
Adult Classes
Topics in Life Today (TILT) meets in the Parlor. They are interested in how faith interacts with the world around us and love thought provoking discussion! This class is tailored to the interests of the participants and covers a wide range, with a primary focus on current issues.
The Adult Bible Study meets in the Library. This is a book and Bible focused class that loves to engage with the text and explore it in conversation with one another! If you enjoy reading new material and looking at Scripture in a new way, this is the class for you!
All of our classes begin at 9:00 AM and finish around 10:00 AM. After classes end, there is time for socializing over coffee and light snacks before heading to worship at 10:30.
We hope to see you in one of these classes, whether it is returning to your usual spot or trying something new! Liz is always open to suggestions and ideas about new classes or Bible Studies – in fact, she wants those ideas – and we encourage you to pass them on to her when inspiration strikes! Please contact Liz with any questions you may have about our classes. You can email her or call the church office at 610-933-8816.
Church Announcements
Things Around Town
Events in Our Schools
Collegiate Events
Looking for concerts, theater, or college sports? Check out these event calendars to find local collegiate events!
Prayer Chain
If you have changed you email address over the past year and would like to receive the Prayer Chain messages, please contact Jeanne Blackburn at the above email or email the church office.
Tell Us More!
First Presbyterian Church of Phoenxiville
Email: secretaryfpc@comcast.net
Website: fpc-phoenixville.org
Location: 145 South Main Street, Phoenixville, PA, United States
Phone: (610) 933-8816
Facebook: facebook.com/firstpresbyterianchurchofphoenixville
Twitter: @fpfromashes