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"Claimed by the Triune God, we worship only God
And are called by the Holy Spirit to share the
boundary breaking love of Christ in our life together,
in the heart of Asheville, and in the whole world."
~ FPC Asheville Mission Statement
Our Sunday Schedule
8:45 a.m. Worship in Campbell Chapel
9:45 a.m. Faith Development for all ages
10:55 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary
The Lord's Supper is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month
and on special occasions.
Sermon Texts for Sunday, January 28:
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Mark 1:21-28
Church Staff
Pastoral
Pastor
Mark Burnham (x112) ; mb urnham_fpcasheville.org
Associate Pastor for Youth and Mission
Michael Poulos (x125) ; mp oulos_fpcasheville.org
Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care
Margaret Torrence (x117) ; mt orrence_fpcasheville.org
Programming
Director of Faith Development
Nancy McNeill (x126); nm cneill_fpcasheville.org
Director of Music
Eric Wall (x111) ; ew all_fpcasheville.org
Administration/Support
Maintenance & Security
Robert Bauman (x136)
Housekeeping
Cindy Brown
Administrator
Angela Drummond (x114) ; ad rummond_fpcasheville.org
Church Secretary
Penny Gibbs (x120) ; pgibbs_fpcasheville.org
Office Assistant and Bookkeeper
Jo Nan Hester (x116) ; jh ester_fpcasheville.org
Church Session
Class of 2012: Sue Bennett, Randy Fluharty, Jennifer Kantonen, Alex Pence, Laura Taylor, Steve Frellick
Class of 2013: Jamie Brady, Cindy Brown, Heath Morlok, Sally Rhoades, Bob Riddle, Beverly Williamson.
Class of 2014: Billy Clarke, Michael Greene, John Truitt, Valorie Vliek, Mary Wall, John Webb, Emma Frellick.
Committee Chairs
Administrative - Randy Fluharty
Christian Education - Beverly Williamson
Communications - Heath Morlok
Congregational Life - Valorie Vliek
Finance - John Webb
Hospitality - Alex Pence
Outreach - Jennifer Kantonen
Property - Steve Frellick
Stewardship - Bob Riddle
Worship - Laura Traylor
Thank you for your interest!
Get Directions Here
Parking Information
Satellite Street View Here
Second Floor
Ground Floor
First Floor
Facility Images & Maps
1794 Recognized by the General Assembly
1796 Worship is held in a large brick home
1797 First Presbyterian Church is
Incorporated
1841 First sanctuary is built on Church St.
1865 The Battle of Asheville (Civil War)
leaves FPCA plundered and burned
1884 Church is rebuilt in the brick Gothic
form that remains today
1891 Dr. Robert F. Campbell becomes the
first pastor, serving for 54 years
1914 Eighty-one women in the
congregation form the
Women's Auxiliary
1938 Thomas Wolfe's funeral is held at
FPCA, the church of his childhood
1951 The sanctuary received major
renovations
1953 The first of 10 colony churches is
formed
1964 FPCA elects first women to the
Session and the Diaconate
1968 The Child Care Center is developed
1968 Campbell Memorial Chapel is built
1979 The Diaconate merges with the
Session
1980 FPCA is placed on the American
Presbyterian and Reformed Sites
Registry
1981 The Korean Presbyterian Church
begins holding services in Campbell
Chapel on Sunday afternoons
1994 FPCA celebrates its bicentennial
2003 A major church expansion is
completed
2003 FPCA representatives make the first
trip to sister church, Eben Ezer
Church in La Blanca, Guatemala
2010 The Diaconate is reestablished for
member care
FPC-A
Member Directory
Please click on the image
to sign-in
Don't have login credentials? As long as you have an email address on file with the church, you are ready to go. Just click on the picture above and then on "Need a Login." A new set of login credentials will be emailed to you. The Church Directory is password protected for member's privacy. If you have any problems, please contact the church office at Office_fpcasheville.org .
DEAR READER ,
You might be looking on this page for information on a program of choirs,
or a list of major musical works performed,
or styles of music offered at different services,
or what kind of pipe organ we have,
or what kind of praise band we have.
These are important to the church’'s music, calling for our varied gifts and summoning our excellence and commitment. But what we offer first on this page is an affirmation of the foundation of all church music: the people'’s song. What we sing together – in prayer, in thanksgiving, in hope, in grief – reminds us that we belong to God and helps form us as a community of faith. Hymns and global songs, short songs and responses, age-old doxologies and new choruses, classic hymns and newly-commissioned texts: all these find a place in our worship, and so do all voices – untrained and trained, old and young, assured and uncertain. Choirs, soloists, and instrumentalists complement the congregation’s song, sometimes singing for us, sometimes leading or supporting our song. These musical relationships make possible a wide range of music. The organ (Aeolian-Skinner, 1953) leads a number of hymns and songs; instrumental support comes also from piano, guitar, percussion, bells, and brass and wind instruments. Choral and instrumental opportunities are described below.
Music is anchored in the movements of worship – praise, confession, the Word proclaimed, offering, sacraments, and sending – and is shaped around the scriptural texts for the day. Our hope is that a wideness of music might reflect the wideness of God’s love, of God’s people, and of our hospitality. This is a time of great abundance and variety in Church music; it can also be a time of divisions and confusions related to styles or instruments. Our hope is for music to be a unifier of community rather than a divider of tastes.
If you have questions about or interest in music at First Presbyterian Church, please give Eric a call or email:
Eric Wall, Director of Music,
828-253-1431, ext. 111 ewall_fpcasheville.org
Read Eric's Journal Here
Choirs and Ensembles
Chancel Choir
This adult choir serves most Sundays at the 10:55 service and offers music for special services, such as All Saints, Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, and Maundy Thursday. Its roles are to lead and support congregational song and to offer a wide range of anthems and special music - Renaissance motets, African-American gospel music, American folk music, Bach and Mendelssohn, modern anthems, global songs, and more. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. No audition is required; call or email Eric for more information.
Youth Choir
This choir is for 6th - 12th graders. They rehearse on Sundays at 4:30, before Youth Fellowship meetings. They sing frequently in worship, offering anthems and service music.
Older Children’s Choir
This choir is for 2nd-5th graders. They rehearse on Wednesdays from 5:00 – 6:00. Children learn singing, handbells, music fundamentals, and hymns; they also learn about worship participation and leadership. They sing for Sunday worship and for special services such as All Saints and Christmas Eve.
Younger Children’s Choir
This choir for kindergarten and first graders meets on Sunday mornings at 9:45, as a part of Bible Journeys. They learn songs, work with rhythm instruments, and play musical games; they also sing several times in the year for worship.
Currently Following our Regular Schedule.
Links of Interest:
The Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM)
( www.pam.pcusa.org )
PAM is a national organization of the Presbyterian Church (USA) for people who are involved in the areas of worship, music, and the arts. PAM offers resources to professionals and lay persons alike in areas such as creative worship planning, professional concerns, available positions, discussion groups, book resources, and more. PAM also sponsors major worship and music conferences during the year, the largest of which is the Montreat Conference on Worship and Music, held nearly in our own backyard each June. For more information, see their website.
The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada ( www.thehymnsociety.org )
The Hymn Society was founded in 1922 and has from its beginnings been dedicated to promoting congregational song. The Hymn Society is for those who
• believe that congregational song is an integral component of worship
• believe that the writing and singing of new texts and tunes needs to be
promoted
• value learning about the origins of the words and music they sing
The Hymn Society publishes a journal and newsletter, sponsors an annual conference and numerous hymn tours, offers a book service for hymnals and publications, and sponsors searches for new hymns.
The Ministry of Congregational Singing
( www.congregationalsinging.com )
The Ministry of Congregational Singing was founded by pastor and hymn-writer John Thornburg. It is based in Dallas, Texas, and was created to help congregations, musicians, and other worship leaders “build community through the power and grace of singing” and to “put an end to the worship wars.” John Thornburg writes:
Many churches feel that to have dynamic and vital worship, they must choose between traditional and contemporary styles. They ask, "What do the people want? "Though this is not an unimportant question, there is a deeper question to ask, and it is an exciting and challenging question: "What MUST we sing in order to be the church God is calling us to be?" Asking that deeper question keeps our search for exciting church music from being a popularity contest with winners and losers. The website provides essays, poetry, and other resources.
The Wild Goose Resource Group
( www.iona.org.uk - click on Wild Goose Resource Group)
The Wild Goos Resource Group is a semi-autonomous group of the Iona Community in Scotland, which is is an ecumenical Christian community founded in the early twentieth century and committed to seeking new ways of living the gospel of Jesus Christ in today's world. The Iona Community is based both on the island of Iona, one of Britain’s most ancient sacred places (on the western coast of Scotland) and in Glasgow, where its beginnings arose from attempts to link worship and work and to connect the Church to the realities of the Depression-era industrial poor. The Wild Goose Resource Group takes its name from one of the ancient Celtic symbols for the Holy Spirit and exists to enable and equip congregations and clergy in the shaping and creation of new forms of relevant and participative worship. Songs and liturgies written by its two resource workers, John Bell and Graham Maule, have found an enormous welcome in all kinds of worship around the world. The WGRG has also helped to make available songs of the world church. First Presbyterian folks will know many of the WGRG’s songs. The Iona Community’s website is a great source of information about the Community’s many activities; it includes a link to the WGRG.
The American Guild of Organists (AGO)
( www.agohq.org )
The AGO is a national professional organization for organists and others who work in church music. In its more than one-hundred-year history, it has served church musicians tirelessly. The AGO provides resources, promotes professional ethical standards, works for the fair treatment of church musicians and helps address grievances, sponsors bi-annual national and regional conventions, and promotes the preservation and renewal of the craft of organ playing and organ building. Visit their website for numerous features and information.
Thank you for your interest in these links!!
( Hint : password = door code)
The Office of
Deacon
In May of 2010, the congregation of First Presbyterian Church elected a new Board of Deacons, devoted to a ministry of care and compassion. The congregation is divided into 28 geographically determined clusters, each served by a specific deacon. Deacons elected this year will serve from July 2011 through June 2014.
Qualities of a Deacon:
“The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, of exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, sincere compassion, and sound judgment should be chosen for this office.” (Book of Order G-6.0401)
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Heavenly Father,
Guide our hearts and hands as we weave our energy, laughter, nurture and peace.
We remember all those for whom we knit these shawls:
Those who are lonely and need to know they are loved,
Those who are ill and yearn for healing of body, mind and spirit,
Those who face challenging decisions and search for guidance,
Those who are grieving and welcome comforting words and actions,
Those who are celebrating newness of life and rejoice in the warmth and
richness surrounding them.
May Your gentle, yet strong, touch reach out to heal the broken and hurting people and places in our world. Amen.
The Prayer Shawl Ministry here at FPC Asheville began in 2000. Our shawls are donated anonymously to those who have need within our congregation and local community. If you feel you or someone you know may benefit from our work please send an email (remains confidential) to mtorrence_fpcasheville.org.
We meet twice monthly on the second and fourth Wednesdays from 4:00pm to 5:30pm. Everyone is welcome to join us and stay as long as you can - it's ok if you can only stop in occasionally. You may knit from home and donate your work to our ministry; we will distribute it for you if you choose. This is not limited to shawls -- hats, gloves, scarves, socks, leg warmers, sweaters, afgans - all are needed by someone in the world and we welcome anything you create.
Prayers, Patterns, and more are available via: http://www.shawlministry.com and in our church library. Please call, write, email, (or better yet - stop in and see!) our Church Secretary, Penny GIbbs (pgibbs_fpcasheville.org), for information or to share your stories.
2011 - 2012
Sept. 14 & 28
Oct. 12 & 26
Nov. 9
Dec. 7
Jan. 11 & 25
Feb. 8 & 22
Mar. 14 & 28
Apr. 11 & 25
May 9 & 23
Jun. 13
(Summer dates will be decided by the group on a week-by-week basis. Contact Penny during those weeks prior to coming for the meeting.)
Adult Faith Development Programs
First Presbyterian offers a wide range of opportunities for you to explore and develop your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Many of these opportunities take the form of typical "Sunday School" classes, whereas others include weekday meetings, a variety of groups, Wednesday Night Connections, and even blog chat groups (Journals). A healthy blend of fellowship, study, and play provides the perfect platform for our members and guests to worship together in a meaningful way.
All Adult Faith Development classes meet at 9:45am September through May. Contact Nancy McNeill with any questions: nmcneill_fpcasheville.org
Thank you for your interest!!
Youth Faith Development Programs
Visit the Youth Journal Here
We are very blessed to be a part of a congregation that puts its youth amongst its top priority list! FPC-A youth are frequently involved in Sunday worship services, are provided with resources to partake in many regional, national, and even international adventures, and always have a home in the dedicated middle school and senior high rooms.
Our youth, consisting of individuals from all over the Hendersonville and Asheville area, attend over 8 different schools and all have varying ideas and beliefs about what it means to be a Christian in the new millennium. We are not here to judge or pressure, but rather to provide a safe and fun environment for our teens to relax and play, while also exploring and deepening their personal spirituality. Our youth group is led by our pastor, Michael Poulos, as well as a group of young adults serving as youth advisors.
Our youth consistently gather on Sunday mornings before worship, and again Sunday evenings for dinner and a program. We try to keep things interesting by widely varying our programs. In addition to typical Sunday gatherings, we also offer many additional opportunities to our youth; girls nights, boys nights, lock-ins, retreats, mission trips, volunteering, camping, etc. We hope to provide something for everyone!
You and your friends are welcome here! Contact Michael Poulos with any questions: mpoulos_fpcasheville.org
Children Faith Development Programs
Visit the Children's Ministry Journal
First Presbyterian recognizes children as an important part of our community of faith, and encourages them to take an active part in worship, in learning, and in loving one another, as Christ first loved us. Whether you have children or grandchildren, we hope that you will choose to help them grow in faith and knowledge here at FPC-A.
A nursery is provided for infants through age 5 during Sunday services and Faith Development hours. The nursery is also accessible during Wednesday Night supper programs and Time Out for parents on Thursday mornings. Care can also be provided for special events as needed.
Our Faith Development Ministry at FPC is coordinated by the Christian Education Committee, which is sub-divided into three planning councils. Children's Ministry is planned and coordinated by The Children's Council, one of these three sub-councils. Your help is always appreciated in a variety of areas of ministry.
If you would be willing to partner with us, or if you have any suggestions to offer, please contact our Director of Faith Development, Mrs. Nancy McNeill: NMcNeill_fpcasheville.org
GROUPS
First Presbyterian is pleased to provide its congregation with numerous opportunities to share in fellowship and faith exploration with a community of supportive friends.
Presbyterian Women
For all those who choose to participate in, or be supportive of, Presbyterian Women in any way. We find a common bond with Presbyterian Women in other congregations by studying together, praying together, and serving together.
Dine With Nine
We assign you to a group of nine adults who will meet for a meal (once each month) during Spring and Fall, on dates that are convenient to group members. Groups usually gather in group members' homes. Typically, hosts prepare the main dish and others bring side dishes or a dessert. You do not need to host a meal in order to participate in one of the groups.
FPC Lay Institute Class
Offers in-depth studies beyond the regular Sunday morning class committment. Participants are asked to commit to regular attendance and routine out of class reading and homework. Class interaction through sharing insights, discussion and creative expression are important components of the learning process.
Creation Care
www.ThinkEarthCare.wordpress.com
FPC-A was certified as an Earth Care Congregation by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Environmental Ministries on December 1, 2010. This honor speaks to the great commitment that First Presbyterian Church has to caring for God's earth.
Time Out for Everyone
Thursday mornings 10:15am-12:00 (Widman Room)
This group is intentional about deepening relationships and sharing prayer requests. Folks of various ages and stages of life are invited to informally gather weekly. No advanced preparation is expected. Childcare for Time Out begins at 10:00am.
Contact Nancy McNeill with inquiries: NMcNeill_fpcasheville.org
Women's Studies
4th Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm
All women of the church and their friends are welcome to any Women's Studies activity. We meet to learn, to share a meal, and to enjoy the company of other women and visitors of our church.
Click Here for More Information
Men's Discipleship Studies
1st & 3rd Sundays monthly; 5pm-7pm in Room 112
This group is for men of all ages who desire fellowship, discussion of scripture, honest conversation, and growth in Christ.
2nd & 4th Wednesdays monthly; 4-5:15pm in the Marguerite Morgan Room
All men and women are invited to share this ministry! The group format is open; come anytime you can. Contact Penny Gibbs with inquiries.
Men's Breakfast Group
4th Tuesday of the month; 8am
Exploring through fellowship, food, and discussion our theme of "Service, Mission, Hospitality, & Gratitude."
RSVP to Larry Fincher: LarryFincher_mac.com
The Writer In You
5th Monday monthly
Contact Sarah Larson with inquiries: SarahLarso_gmail.com
Girl's Night
Time and Place Determined Monthly
All Senior High ladies are encouraged to join these monthly gatherings to enjoy food and laughter together in a casual setting. Location often alternates between a home and a restuarant. Contact Megan Morlok for more information: MeganMorlok_gmail.com
Boy's Night
All Senior High boys are encouraged to join these monthly gatherings to enjoy food and laughter together in a casual setting. Location varies but typically focuses on a downtown restuarant. Contact Heath Morlok for more information: HeathMorlok_gmail.com
Wednesday Night Programs
Wednesday night dinners are an important aspect of our church community. There are few other times in our busy lives when we can all gather at the table for intergenerational community and fellowship.
Our dinners offer an informal time to share needs and concerns with church family members, as well as good news and celebrations. Through the programs, prayer, worship, and fellowship offered we have opportunities to learn and grow!
Dinner begins at 5:30pm, Program begins at 6:15pm
*Child Care is available beginning at 5:00pm
2nd - 5th grade Choir meets 5:00pm-6:00pm in Music Room 1
K-8th grade activities begin at 6:10pm, with out door recreation time as weather permits, or in Room 105 on the Children's Hall
Please Click Here to View Recent Wednesday Night News
Please Contact Penny Gibbs with any questions: pgibbs_fpcasheville.org
HAPPENING NOW
Click on the links below to view the latest updates
for each respective category
Announcements and News
Adult Updates
Youth Updates
Children Updates
Outreach Updates
Earth Care
Mission Statement : The Outreach Committee, as part of the body of Christ and disciples of Christ, endeavors to share the boundary-breaking love of Christ in the heart of Asheville and in the whole world through the support and benevolence of our congregation.
About Our Mission & Service
Prayerful discernment of requests and guide the process for helping those in need. In addition to financial support, members of our congregation continue to give many volunteer hours of time and talent to projects. Over 10% of the church budget (pledged income) goes to support benevolence giving. This percentage does not include special offerings or contributions in-kind, such as the use of our space for various groups. Our Downtown Church Action Group has helped us to take seriously our call to ministry with our downtown neighbors. The call to love our neighbors as ourselves is at the heart of the Gospel, and we believe at FPC-A we have a better chance of doing this as a community rather than simply as individuals!
To learn more about the current activities of our Outreach Committee, please visit the Outreach & Service online journal by clicking HERE .
Please contact Michael Poulos with questions or requests: mpoulos_fpcasheville.org
Local Missions
Child Care Center of First Presbyterian
Provides quality and affordable child care in the downtown area since 1968. While being a separate non-profit agency with its own board, the center is strongly supported by the church financially and with in-kind contributions. Please contact executive director Lisa Mangiardi for more information.
Loaves and Fishes Alternative Gifts Fair
An alternative gift-giving opportunity done in partnership with our Church Street neighbors Trinity Episcopal and Central Methodist. Instead of spending more money on things that don't matter, Loaves and Fishes provides a way to support many local and international non-profits that are making a difference!
Room In The Inn
