November Mission Focus

Bristol Emergency Food Pantry

As we reflect and remember with gratitude God’s abundant generosity to us, let’s collect goods for our neighbors in Bristol by supplying the Bristol Emergency Food Pantry with canned or dry goods, soaps, deodorants, shampoos and cleaning detergents – with a special emphasis on hygiene items and cleaning products. Collection bins will be located outside the Fellowship Hall and in the Narthex. You may also leave your donation in the church office. Thank you for remembering and loving your Bristol neighbors!

Men’s Breakfast

Join us for Bristol area’s Men’s Fellowship Breakfast that happens the third Saturday of each month

Saturday, October 18, at 7:30 am - DON’T MISS IT!

Meetings are held at First Presbyterian Church of Bristol

All men are welcome

October Mission Focus

Calling All Sweet Souls: Trunk or Treat Needs Your Candy! 

It’s that time of year again—when pumpkins grin, costumes twirl, and Fairmount Elementary School transforms into a playground of spooky delight! Our annual Trunk or Treat celebration is October 28, and we’ll need your help to make it a sugar-coated success.

This beloved event is more than just a parade of ghoulishly decorated trunks and costumed kiddos—it’s a chance for our church to serve the neighborhood with joy, generosity, and a whole lot of candy. As part of our October Mission, we’re collecting in-kind donations of Halloween candy to share with the children of Fairmount.

Here’s How You Can Help:

· Donate Candy: Drop off bags of individually wrapped Halloween candy in the bins located in the Fellowship Hall or by the church office. The more, the merrier—and the sweeter!

· Decorate a Trunk: Feeling festive? Volunteer to decorate your vehicle and hand out treats in the school parking lot. Don’t be shy—bring your creativity and your candy stash!

· Spread the Word: Invite friends, neighbors, and fellow church members to join in the fun or contribute to the candy collection.

Whether you’re a wizard with a wand or a pirate with a peg leg, your participation helps bring smiles to the faces of Fairmount’s children and reminds them that they’re loved and supported by their community.

So grab a bag (or five) of your favorite sweets, and let’s make this Trunk or Treat the most magical one yet. After all, nothing says “mission accomplished” like a child with chocolate on their cheeks and joy in their heart.

Questions or want to reserve a trunk space? Reach out to Audrey Arndt, Dave Welch, or Lilly Osborne—they’ll help you conjure up the details.

Volunteer Opportunity

Wednesday Fellowship Help Needed

Do you have an extra hour to spare on Wednesday afternoons? Yes, even you can join this fun crew that, under Sarah’s careful instruction, prepares the wonderful supper served on Wednesday evening at church. Number served is usually around 100+ so extra hands are helpful. Slicing tomatoes for the salad, sprinkling cinnamon on a dessert, learning how to use The Beast (a/k/a the dishwasher), or simply helping to set tables. If you’d like to join the crew, even as a “floater” to fill in when a regular crew member is absent, contact Sarah Gannaway sgannaway@fpcbristol.org

September Mission Focus: Nigeria

Kindness That Quenches More Than Thirst!

As the seasons shift and September rolls in, First Presbyterian Church is gearing up for a month of mission that’s bursting with purpose, compassion, and community impact. Our September Mission Focus is all about extending hope—drop by drop, skill by skill, and meal by meal — ad addressing some critical needs in Nigeria.

Third Well, Third Wave of Life 
Thanks to the incredible generosity of FPC and MEF, our first well is actively serving 20,000 people, and our second well in Ungwan Yelwa, Kaduna, Nigeria is now providing clean drinking water to over 30,000 people. On December 26, 2024, we celebrated the unveiling of the Shabach Center and the drilling of this life-giving well. Now, we’re setting our sights on the third well—a new source of clean water for another community in need. With your help, we’ll continue to turn scarcity into abundance and thirst into thriving.

Empowering Widows Through Skill & Strength 
Inflation has hit hard, and many widows in Nigeria are struggling without a source of income. That’s why we’re investing in marketable skill acquisition and empowerment programs—giving women the tools to build sustainable livelihoods and reclaim their independence. These programs are transforming lives with dignity and opportunity.

Feeding 300 Widows with Love 
Last year, through MEF funding and the Shabach Food Pantry, rice, spaghetti, cornmeal, spices, and macaroni were distributed to 300 widows. This year, we’re doing it again—ensuring that these women receive the nourishment they need during difficult times. It’s more than food—it’s a message of care, solidarity, and hope.

Your Kindness Quenches More Than Thirst 
Clean water and food give hope. Skill training gives opportunity. And your kindness makes it all possible. Whether you give, pray, or share the hope of this mission with others, you’re part of a movement that’s changing lives across continents.

Let’s make September a celebration of generosity and grace. Together, we’re not just meeting needs—we’re multiplying miracles.

“Kindness quenches more than thirst.” 

Let’s keep the flow going.

Children & Youth Assistants Needed

In Matthew 28:19, Jesus instructed his followers to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” While we might be tempted to consider discipling and teaching as a task just for missionaries, it’s important to remember that discipleship begins in our own churches, too! 

There are several opportunities this fall to try out discipling others, by assisting in a variety of classes throughout the week. If you’ve been wanting to get involved or help out but didn’t know how to start, try being an assistant!! Please contact Lilly Osborne or Katie Arnold or the church office if you are interested in helping with any of the children or youth ministry programs.

Help Serve Our Neighbors

We will be serving our unhoused neighbors at Sharing Christ Ministry (on Sept. 13) and A Place to Be (on Sept. 17).  

We are looking for volunteers to bring casseroles, applesauce, dinner rolls, and Little Debbie cakes. We are also looking for volunteers to help set up, serve and clean up for both locations. 

If you can help, click HERE to sign up.

Casserole recipe found HERE.

Questions? Please call or text Cyndi Madison at 423-967-0873 or email her at cyndimadison58@hotmail.com. 

Fall 2025 Home Groups Have Concluded

…but Spring 2026 is coming!

We hope you enjoyed gathering with friends and neighbors and now have some new perspectives from our Fall Home Group series on the Fruit of the Spirit, which has now concluded. If you wish to access this or past semester studies for your personal study, click here.

Our Spring 2026 Home Group study is set to begin during the week of January 12-18, 2026. Watch for an announcement here and in the FPC’s Windows newsletter.

We have groups that meet every Wednesday at the church following the Fellowship Supper. There are also several groups that meet throughout the week in homes.

If you’re not currently a part of one of the Home Groups, please contact Dave Welch ( dwelch@fpcbristol.org ).

Be a Fairmount Reading Buddy

This is a unique opportunity for community members to support and inspire kindergarten, first, and second grade students on their reading journey. Thirty minutes of your time will make a huge difference in the life of the elementary student you will partner with!

Reading Buddies help ensure that young learners enter third grade reading on grade level with a love for learning. No previous teaching experience is required! As Kay explains, it's not just about teaching someone to read - it's about being a friend to a young person, being someone who cares. Please email Kay Ward to let her know you want to be part of this important program with Bristol Tennessee City Schools.

If your schedule will allow you to be a BTCS Reading Buddy (whether it’s at Fairmount or another elementary school), your presence will matter more than you know. Research shows that reading on grade level by third grade is a game changer – and having a caring adult by a student’s side can make all the difference.

As motivational speaker Rita Pierson once said, “Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be.”  Reading Buddies’ mentors have been those champions for many of our elementary school students, and we look forward to welcoming you into our elementary schools this year!

If you mentored a student last year -- or if you would like to mentor a student this year – please contact Kay Ward for some important information.

Join the Choir

If you have an interest in sharing your talents for worship, the sanctuary choir would love to have you. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. We are not a volunteer choir BUT, instead, we are a called choir: called to serve the church by our leadership in worship. We’re not especially looking for solo voices but we’re looking for people who are willing to share their talents in community with others. By definition, you can’t do choir by yourself; it’s the community that makes it happen. Please consider sharing your gifts with FPC.

August Mission Focus

August Mission Focus: Bless a Child’s Future in Ethiopia

This August, FPC-Bristol is embracing a heartfelt mission opportunity that speaks directly to a critical need shared by our trusted partners in Ethiopia: ensuring that financially vulnerable children have the chance to attend school at Berhane Yesus Elementary (“Teaching in the Light of Jesus”) and Bethel Evangelical Secondary School (“Where Christ Directs Learning”).

As the school year begins in September for our young neighbors in Dembi Dollo, many well-qualified and deserving students face heartbreaking barriers. Some come from families who simply cannot afford the modest tuition, while others—having been orphaned or facing persecution for their Christian faith—need the safe haven and support that the boarding program at BESS offers.

Here’s how your gift can make a real difference:

Berhane Yesus Elementary day student: $50

Bethel Evangelical Secondary day student: $100

Bethel Evangelical Secondary, boarding student: $1,000

Your generous one-time donation helps provide:

• Tuition

• Uniforms

• Textbooks and workbooks

• School supplies

• Meals and housing (for boarding students)

Whether you choose to fully sponsor a student or contribute any amount toward a scholarship, your support offers hope, dignity, and a future grounded in faith and learning.

To donate, please include “August Ethiopia Mission Focus” and indicate whether your gift is intended for an elementary or secondary student.

If you’d like to receive updates about the child you're sponsoring, please fill out the form provided here. We’ll do our best to share news at least three times throughout the school year.

Thank you for helping light the path of education and faith for these beloved children.

July Mission Focus: Fairmount

Let’s Bless Fairmount Elementary School with School Supplies

 This July, First Presbyterian Church is once again partnering with Fairmount Elementary School to provide essential classroom supplies for teachers and students. Over the years, this partnership has blossomed into a meaningful connection—one rooted in care, compassion, and community.

Education is a shared journey, and when churches, families, and neighborhoods work hand in hand, children flourish. Research shows that students perform better academically and socially when their school community is supported. By contributing classroom supplies, we help give every student at Fairmount a greater opportunity to succeed.

Our support goes beyond pencils and paper. These small gifts relieve families of financial burdens, equip teachers with tools they rely on daily, and help students stay focused and encouraged in their learning. Fairmount Elementary has expressed deep gratitude for the continued support from FPC, and we are honored to serve in this way.

How to Help:

Throughout the month of July, we invite you to bring your donations to one of the collection bins located outside the Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary. Donations are also welcome during office hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 AM–5 PM. (Please note: we are not collecting monetary donations at this time.)

Supply Wish List:

- Crayons  

- Pencils  

- Student scissors  

- Kleenex tissues  

- Paper towels  

- Highlighters  

- Composition notebooks (non-spiral bound)  

- Glue sticks  

- Clorox disinfecting wipes  

- Ziploc bags  

- Expo dry-erase markers  

- Five-subject Star notebooks  

- 3-ring binders with pockets  

- Pocket folders (blue or yellow, with three-prong fasteners)  

 Let’s continue showing Christ’s love through our generosity and presence.

Student Volunteer Training

VBS Student Volunteer Training

Calling all rising 7th–12th graders! If you’re interested in volunteering at this year’s Vacation Bible School (July 13-16, 5:30-8:15 p.m.), we’d love to have you on the team—but first, we need you to register and join us for a required training session on Sunday, June 29 at 5:30 p.m.

Training will last about an hour and will include everything you need to know to be ready to lead and serve our youngest VBS attendees with confidence and care. And yes—pizza is included! 

After the training, high school students are invited to stay for High Devos, our weekly hangout and devotional time, which will wrap up by 8:00 p.m.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of one of our church’s most fun and faith-filled weeks of the summer. Come ready to serve, grow, and have a great time doing it!

Register HERE today to reserve your spot!

Opportunities to Serve

We will be serving the homeless at A Place to Be (June 18) and Sharing Christ Ministry (June 21).  We are looking for volunteers to bring Baked Ziti casseroles (find recipe HERE), applesauce, dinner rolls, and Little Debbie cakes. We are also looking for volunteers to help set up, serve and clean up for both locations. If you can help, please sign up HERE. If you have questions or need more information, contact Cyndi Madison.

June Mission Focus: Young Life

This month for our special mission focus, we will be raising funds to help YoungLife and their mission here in Bristol. Many of you know the leadership of YoungLife Bristol who attend our church, and others have been intimately involved in volunteer work with them. We are blessed to have them in our midst. If you have been involved with YoungLife, you know what a powerful resource organization they are in helping young people encounter the risen Lord. 

YoungLife’s three-part mission statement: 

1. Going where kids are and building personal relationships with them

2. Providing fun, adventurous, life-changing experiences

3. Working in community alongside like-minded adults (volunteer leaders, committee members, donors and staff)

We acknowledge the reality on the ground for all of our young people. There are so many influences like home life, substance abuse, virtual/e-culture, and the increasing sense of isolation and alienation we all feel these days that can drag kids into pretty dark places. That there are loving volunteers and workers for Christ willing to come alongside kids at an already difficult time to help them navigate these problems, and most importantly, point them to Jesus, is something for which we should give thanks to God. 

YoungLife is part of the kingdom-oriented project, and we invite you to come alongside them and support their work. We will take up donations throughout the month of June, with an in-person collection the last Sunday of the month. You can give online, or you can use the special envelopes at the church or write a note to accompany your offering designating it for YoungLife. However you determine to give, give generously because God is doing a great work through this ministry. 

For more information, visit Young Life/Bristol’s website.

May Mission Focus

Endure International

“Changing Lives for Eternity”

Endure International helps establish viable, Biblically-sound and self-supporting churches in every major city across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and beyond.*

For nearly 20 years, Endure International has reached Christian believers and congregations throughout the Middle East and beyond. Today, their mission continues through:

· Sharing the gospel through mass media

· Producing biblical programs for TV, digital, and social media

· Broadcasting the gospel via digital media across the globe

· Providing medical care to impoverished communities

· Training local leaders and pastors

· Extending aid to refugees and disaster victims

· Promoting and supporting the church, globally*

Our church began supporting the efforts of Endure International by sending emergency relief funds for persecuted Christian refugees in southeast Asia in November, 2023. Last year, we helped fund a school that educates believing girls in an area in the middle east where girls are typically denied an education.

Endure International shares the gospel throughout the 10/40 Window of the world. It broadcasts in 8 different Middle Eastern languages and programs, has 160,000+ weekly viewers across their media outlets, and over 500,000 social media followers in this broad area that has the greatest poverty and lowest quality of life as well as the least access to the Christian message in the world.

Dr. Hanna Shahin and his wife founded this organization over 20 years ago. We were privileged to welcome Dr. Shahin to our pulpit for both services on April 27.

During the month of May, you’re invited to financially support this very worthy cause.

For more information, you may access the Endure International website.

*Source: Endure International website

Team Ethiopia Presentation

You’re invited to hear exciting news about what God is doing among our mission partners in Ethiopia.

Come hear Helen Grace Gannaway, Sarah Gannaway, and Peggy Hill share a few of the highlights of their amazing trip last month.

The program will be Wednesday, April 23 at 6:15 p.m., following fellowship supper at 5:30 in Fellowship Hall.

April Mission Focus

April Mission Focus: Phoebe Foundation Africa

Greetings Everyone from The Bell’s. We have continued to partner with the Christian ministry, the Phoebe Foundation Africa (PFA) in the beautiful African nation of Zambia. 

The month of April, we as a church will turn our attention to the Phoebe Foundation Africa (PFA) for our monthly Mission Focus. Their needs continue to be significant and your offering and devotion to this ministry literally saves lives in 10 severely impoverished villages in Zambia. Here are the top 3 needs that PFA has shared with us at this time:

 1. Access to Clean Water and Sanitation - 40% of households lack access to safe drinking water - 60% of communities rely on outdated and unsafe latrines. Water-borne diseases like cholera and typhoid fever are prevalent. Our Plan: Constructing boreholes and water towers - Building eco-friendly toilets and promoting hygiene practices. 

 2. Food Security and Sustainable Livelihoods - 70% of families struggle to access nutritious food - Limited agricultural knowledge and resources hinder crop yields - Unemployment rates exceed 50% among youth. Our Plan: Training farmers in climate-resilient agriculture - Providing seeds, tools and irrigation systems - Supporting entrepreneurship through vocational training and microfinance. 

 3. Quality Education and Economic Empowerment Trainings - 30% of children drop out of school due to poverty - ⁠High levels of unemployment. Our Plan: Child sponsorship program (providing educational materials, backpacks and quality education) - Economic empowerment through vocational training and entrepreneurship - Sponsor women to be trained in life skills programs e.g. tailoring, catering - Disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation - Community engagement and capacity building.

 Together, we strive to create sustainable solutions, empowering communities to break the cycle of poverty. Goals: - Improve access to clean water and sanitation for 80% of households - Increase food security for 75% of families - Enhance educational and healthcare outcomes for 90% of children.

 Thank you for your continued support of this Christ-Centered Ministry! If you would like to donate online, please visit the FPC website or bring a check to the church office. /Catherine & Mark Bell

Easter BBQ

Come one, come all!

Easter Egg Stuffers

FPC Children’s Ministry will be hosting an Easter egg hunt for all children on Sat. April 19 at the Easter BBQ. 

We are in need of small, individually wrapped items for stuffing in the eggs!

If you are able to donate, please drop off items in the office no later than April 12!