FPC Youth are at the Montreat Youth Conference and Massanetta Springs Middle School Conference this week! Our high school youth will be at Montreat and our middle school youth are teaming up with a crew from FPC Durham in Massanetta. Please keep our youth and their adult leaders in your prayers as they encounter community, creation, connection, and God’s love in these two special places.
The Christian Education committee is going to sponsor a 2nd all church read for this summer with the book Wonder by RJ Palacio. Join us for a discussion Sunday, August 17 at 11:00 a.m.
This novel, which is geared toward young adults, is the story of a boy born with facial deformities who goes to school for the first time. Although it is not a true story, it was inspired by the author's interaction with a young girl in an ice cream shop, and the title was inspired by the Natalie Merchant song "Wonder."
We hope that you will join us to discuss this uplifting story of kindness, acceptance, and humanity.
There are five copies of the novel in the library for those who might be interested.
This novel, which is geared toward young adults, is the story of a boy born with facial deformities who goes to school for the first time. Although it is not a true story, it was inspired by the author's interaction with a young girl in an ice cream shop, and the title was inspired by the Natalie Merchant song "Wonder."
We hope that you will join us to discuss this uplifting story of kindness, acceptance, and humanity.
There are five copies of the novel in the library for those who might be interested.
PW Horizons Bible Study Books and 2025-2026 Yearbooks Distribution
Finding Resilience, Joy and Our Identity in Jesus Christ
by Rashell D. Hunter
On Sunday, August 17 and Sunday, August 24, Bible Study Books and Yearbooks will be available in the Edge Lobby from 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM for distribution to Circle members who requested printed copies.
Bible Study Books are $12 for regular print and $18 for large print. Please pay only by cash or check payable to First Presbyterian Church with Circle number and “Study Book” in the memo line. Remaining books will be distributed to Circle leaders at the PWCT August 24 luncheon meeting for leadership. Further distribution and payment will be made at Circle meetings.
FPC PW Yearbooks (printed) are available for no charge, if you ordered one. Also available digitally.
Finding Resilience, Joy and Our Identity in Jesus Christ
by Rashell D. Hunter
On Sunday, August 17 and Sunday, August 24, Bible Study Books and Yearbooks will be available in the Edge Lobby from 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM for distribution to Circle members who requested printed copies.
Bible Study Books are $12 for regular print and $18 for large print. Please pay only by cash or check payable to First Presbyterian Church with Circle number and “Study Book” in the memo line. Remaining books will be distributed to Circle leaders at the PWCT August 24 luncheon meeting for leadership. Further distribution and payment will be made at Circle meetings.
FPC PW Yearbooks (printed) are available for no charge, if you ordered one. Also available digitally.
New Updates to Our Church Life Page!
We’re excited to announce a fresh update to the Church Life page on our website!
As part of our ongoing efforts to keep our congregation and visitors better informed and more connected, we've added two important features:
We hope these updates will serve as helpful tools for deeper engagement and easier access to the life and rhythm of our church. Whether you’re a longtime member or a first-time visitor, we invite you to explore the new features and stay connected with everything happening in our congregation.
We’re excited to announce a fresh update to the Church Life page on our website!
As part of our ongoing efforts to keep our congregation and visitors better informed and more connected, we've added two important features:
- Church Calendar – You can now view upcoming events, worship schedules, small group meetings, and ministry opportunities all in one place. It’s never been easier to stay in the loop with what’s happening in the life of our church.
- First Press News Blog – Our new blog page will feature encouraging, inspirational, and insightful information from our newsletter on how God is moving in and through our community.
We hope these updates will serve as helpful tools for deeper engagement and easier access to the life and rhythm of our church. Whether you’re a longtime member or a first-time visitor, we invite you to explore the new features and stay connected with everything happening in our congregation.
Would you like to be more involved in Sunday worship service? Sign up to be a lay reader and contribute in a deeply meaningful way as a voice of the congregation. What will you do? As a lay reader you will be reading the opening scripture during worship service. Scared of those crazy bible names? Don't be! You've got this and we've got you! To join us contact Melani Willhite, Office Manager at mwillhite@fpcraleigh.org, Mary Jo Littlewood at k4mjl01@yahoo.com, or call 919-821-5750.
Beware of Email Scams Targeting Our Church Community
In recent weeks, we've become aware of fraudulent emails circulating that appear to come from church staff—particularly from the pastor or office staff—requesting urgent help, money, or gift cards. These messages often seem authentic at first glance, using friendly language and sometimes even referencing the church or specific staff members. However, they are scams designed to take advantage of our generosity and trust.
What to Watch For:
How to Protect Yourself:
What We Will Never Do:
The safety and trust of our church community are incredibly important. While we remain a people of compassion and service, we must also be wise stewards of our resources. Thank you for staying alert and helping us protect one another.
In recent weeks, we've become aware of fraudulent emails circulating that appear to come from church staff—particularly from the pastor or office staff—requesting urgent help, money, or gift cards. These messages often seem authentic at first glance, using friendly language and sometimes even referencing the church or specific staff members. However, they are scams designed to take advantage of our generosity and trust.
What to Watch For:
- Requests for gift cards (iTunes, Amazon, etc.) to be purchased and codes sent by email.
- Urgent requests for money or financial help, especially if the email claims the sender is in a meeting and can't talk.
- Email addresses that look “close” but are not the official church emails. Scammers often create addresses that mimic staff names (e.g., pastor.name.church@gmail.com instead of our official domain).
How to Protect Yourself:
- Always check the sender’s email address. Official church emails come from addresses ending in @fpcraleigh.org. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to call the church office for verification.
- Do not respond to suspicious emails. Do not click on any links or send any personal information or money.
- Report the email as phishing using your email provider’s built-in tools.
- Let us know. If you receive a suspicious email, please forward it to the church office so we can warn others.
What We Will Never Do:
- Ask you to purchase gift cards on our behalf via email.
- Request money through vague or urgent messages.
- Communicate financial needs without proper channels and verification.
The safety and trust of our church community are incredibly important. While we remain a people of compassion and service, we must also be wise stewards of our resources. Thank you for staying alert and helping us protect one another.
Earlier this month, a group of 13 high school youth and 6 adult leaders traveled to Fayette County, West Virginia to partner with the Appalachia Service Project (ASP,) an organization committed to making homes warmer, safer, and drier for Appalachian families.
Our group was divided into three crews for the week, each taking on a different home repair project while building meaningful relationships with the homeowners. One crew spent the week digging post holes and building a wheelchair ramp for a homeowner with limited mobility. Another crew installed fascia board and soffit to protect the home from weather-related damage. The third crew worked on wrapping a home with house wrap and foam board insulation.
In the evenings, our crews gathered for reflection and shared stories of their progress, frustrations, and breakthroughs. Our youth worked hard, stepped out of their comfort zones, and leaned into God's call to work toward safe and affordable housing for all. We are so grateful for your support and hope that you will continue to pray for the work that God is doing in Fayette County and all of Appalachia.
You can check out photos from our week here!
Our group was divided into three crews for the week, each taking on a different home repair project while building meaningful relationships with the homeowners. One crew spent the week digging post holes and building a wheelchair ramp for a homeowner with limited mobility. Another crew installed fascia board and soffit to protect the home from weather-related damage. The third crew worked on wrapping a home with house wrap and foam board insulation.
In the evenings, our crews gathered for reflection and shared stories of their progress, frustrations, and breakthroughs. Our youth worked hard, stepped out of their comfort zones, and leaned into God's call to work toward safe and affordable housing for all. We are so grateful for your support and hope that you will continue to pray for the work that God is doing in Fayette County and all of Appalachia.
You can check out photos from our week here!
Bringing VBS to Life: A Special Thank You to Nan McCaslin
Every summer, our church is blessed with the energy, laughter, and joy that come with Vacation Bible School—a cherished time for our children to explore their faith, build friendships, and grow closer to God. This could not happen if we did not have so many amazing and loving members who volunteer their time and talents to our children.
While we don’t often spotlight individual contributions, Nan McCaslin’s extraordinary commitment deserves recognition. In the weeks leading up to VBS, she came to the church daily—often spending hours at a time—bringing to life an imaginative world that helped transport our children to a special place of discovery and wonder. From hand-crafted decorations to intricately designed props, Nan’s artistic vision transformed our space into a vibrant, immersive setting where biblical stories could leap off the page.
Her work wasn’t just about paint, paper, and glue. It was an act of love—a spiritual offering that supported our children’s growth in faith. Nan's quiet, consistent service is a beautiful example of what it means to nurture our youngest members and to create sacred spaces where they can experience the joy of God’s presence.
In 1 Peter 4:10, we are reminded: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." Nan did exactly that—sharing her God-given talents in a way that made a lasting impact.
On behalf of the entire congregation: thank you, Nan. Your dedication, creativity, and heart helped make VBS a truly unforgettable week.
Let us all be inspired to find new ways to use our gifts to serve one another and lift up the next generation in faith.
Every summer, our church is blessed with the energy, laughter, and joy that come with Vacation Bible School—a cherished time for our children to explore their faith, build friendships, and grow closer to God. This could not happen if we did not have so many amazing and loving members who volunteer their time and talents to our children.
While we don’t often spotlight individual contributions, Nan McCaslin’s extraordinary commitment deserves recognition. In the weeks leading up to VBS, she came to the church daily—often spending hours at a time—bringing to life an imaginative world that helped transport our children to a special place of discovery and wonder. From hand-crafted decorations to intricately designed props, Nan’s artistic vision transformed our space into a vibrant, immersive setting where biblical stories could leap off the page.
Her work wasn’t just about paint, paper, and glue. It was an act of love—a spiritual offering that supported our children’s growth in faith. Nan's quiet, consistent service is a beautiful example of what it means to nurture our youngest members and to create sacred spaces where they can experience the joy of God’s presence.
In 1 Peter 4:10, we are reminded: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." Nan did exactly that—sharing her God-given talents in a way that made a lasting impact.
On behalf of the entire congregation: thank you, Nan. Your dedication, creativity, and heart helped make VBS a truly unforgettable week.
Let us all be inspired to find new ways to use our gifts to serve one another and lift up the next generation in faith.
A Balancing Act
Sunday, July 13, 11:00 - 11:30 AM
Sponsored by the FPC Budget & Finance Committee
Join us for an exciting competition to win bragging rights and candy! During this Monopoly-style interactive competition, each team will compete to increase pledges, manage expenses, and choose financial priorities. This is a great way to learn about behind-the-scenes aspects of First Presbyterian. Youth and adults who competed in past events really got into it, and said they wished more people could try it. Now it's your turn...all ages welcome!
Sunday, July 13, 11:00 - 11:30 AM
Sponsored by the FPC Budget & Finance Committee
Join us for an exciting competition to win bragging rights and candy! During this Monopoly-style interactive competition, each team will compete to increase pledges, manage expenses, and choose financial priorities. This is a great way to learn about behind-the-scenes aspects of First Presbyterian. Youth and adults who competed in past events really got into it, and said they wished more people could try it. Now it's your turn...all ages welcome!
Come and Support Meredith!
Meredith Rawls, our Pastoral Intern from last year, will be ordained at White Memorial Presbyterian Church on Sunday, September 28 at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
Meredith Rawls, our Pastoral Intern from last year, will be ordained at White Memorial Presbyterian Church on Sunday, September 28 at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
RALEIGH
July 4 at Lenovo Center area
Begins at 6 and fireworks at 9:30
CARY
July 3 at Downtown Cary Park
4:00-10:00
July 4 at Koka Booth Amphitheater
Begins at 3:30 and fireworks at 9:25
DURHAM
July 4 at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Fireworks after the game
CHAPEL HILL
July 4 at the Southern Community Center
Fireworks at 9:00
WAKE FOREST
July 3 at Heritage High School
Begins at 5:30 and Fireworks at 9:30
GARNER
July 3 at Lake Benson Park
5:00-10:00
APEX
July 3 at Hunter Street Park
5:00-10:00 Fireworks start around 9:30
July 4 at Lenovo Center area
Begins at 6 and fireworks at 9:30
CARY
July 3 at Downtown Cary Park
4:00-10:00
July 4 at Koka Booth Amphitheater
Begins at 3:30 and fireworks at 9:25
DURHAM
July 4 at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Fireworks after the game
CHAPEL HILL
July 4 at the Southern Community Center
Fireworks at 9:00
WAKE FOREST
July 3 at Heritage High School
Begins at 5:30 and Fireworks at 9:30
GARNER
July 3 at Lake Benson Park
5:00-10:00
APEX
July 3 at Hunter Street Park
5:00-10:00 Fireworks start around 9:30
Why are Librarians AWESOME? (Other Than They Are Smart And Fun And Helpful)
Easy! So Many Reasons! How About - STORIES!
Do You Love To. . .Read a Story? Hear a Story? Tell a Story? Share a Story? Maybe even, Sing a Story!
How About - MOVIES! Watch Movies? Share Movies? Maybe even, Make Movies!
All while, sharing a love of reading with our young children, youth, and curious grown-ups? Making new friends, connecting with Sunday School classes and the CDC, reaching out to our community! Sharing search tips, tech tips, database access shortcuts. Digging out the Right information – accurate, safe, authentic.
We are looking for a new Librarian! The FPC Raleigh Christian Education Committee is seeking a successor to our beloved Edna Hensey in leading our Library Program into the future. How fun would that be!
The Question - How do I? Where Do I? Such as: Find a book for a six-year old that likes animals, but not scary? Find an Atlas of the Journeys of Paul? Look up the history of tobacco farming in North Carolina? Help me answer why I should as a 15 yo even care about church or religion anyway? What books or other resources might help me deal with (pick one or more) – Shyness, being Bullied on Social Media, Child of Divorce, Loss of a Loved One, that Book Report on the Women’s Suffrage movement due next week?
Answer – Ask the Librarian!
A chance to serve your Church, and serve Others. If interested, or if you know of someone that might be a great fit, contact Becky Brown at beckybrown1965@gmail.com, Babs Nichols at babsnichols@gmail.com, or Ian McCaslin at ianmccaslin@gmail.com.
Easy! So Many Reasons! How About - STORIES!
Do You Love To. . .Read a Story? Hear a Story? Tell a Story? Share a Story? Maybe even, Sing a Story!
How About - MOVIES! Watch Movies? Share Movies? Maybe even, Make Movies!
All while, sharing a love of reading with our young children, youth, and curious grown-ups? Making new friends, connecting with Sunday School classes and the CDC, reaching out to our community! Sharing search tips, tech tips, database access shortcuts. Digging out the Right information – accurate, safe, authentic.
We are looking for a new Librarian! The FPC Raleigh Christian Education Committee is seeking a successor to our beloved Edna Hensey in leading our Library Program into the future. How fun would that be!
The Question - How do I? Where Do I? Such as: Find a book for a six-year old that likes animals, but not scary? Find an Atlas of the Journeys of Paul? Look up the history of tobacco farming in North Carolina? Help me answer why I should as a 15 yo even care about church or religion anyway? What books or other resources might help me deal with (pick one or more) – Shyness, being Bullied on Social Media, Child of Divorce, Loss of a Loved One, that Book Report on the Women’s Suffrage movement due next week?
Answer – Ask the Librarian!
A chance to serve your Church, and serve Others. If interested, or if you know of someone that might be a great fit, contact Becky Brown at beckybrown1965@gmail.com, Babs Nichols at babsnichols@gmail.com, or Ian McCaslin at ianmccaslin@gmail.com.
Please join us on Sunday, July 27 in Memorial Hall to talk about the book A Most Beautiful Thing: The True Story of America's First All-Black High School Rowing Team. This book is the true story of the life changing experience that participating on a crew team had on several young Black men from Chicago's South Side. We learn of the obstacles they overcome, and we will have an opportunity to discuss how their story can both inspire and challenge us in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Five copies of the text are available in our library. Please feel free to reach out to Babs Nichols (babsnichols@gmail.com) with questions.
Five copies of the text are available in our library. Please feel free to reach out to Babs Nichols (babsnichols@gmail.com) with questions.
