PALM SUNDAY, March 28, 9:15 A.M. Ecumenical Blessing of Palms at God's Acre; 10:00 A.M. Holy Communion service; 11:30 A.M. Coffee Concert: Organ and Violin

MAUNDY THURSDAY, April 1: 7:00 P.M. Holy Communion Tenebrae Service

GOOD FRIDAY, April 2: Ecumenical Service at 12 noon at St. Michael's Lutheran Church

EASTER SUNDAY, April 4: 9:00 A.M. Holy Communion & 11:00 A.M. Holy Communion

Easter Flowers: Would you like to see an abundance of flowers in the sanctuary during the joyous weeks of Easter?
To contribute, either in honor or in memory of someone, please call the church office
(966-0002) by Tuesday, March 30.

Paul Gilmore was raised in Normal, Illinois, son of Presbyterian parents, who were active in the church serving as elders. His father is Professor Emeritus of mathematics at Illinois State University and his mother was a music teacher. Both were passionate about social justice issues, which strongly influenced Paul's decision to major in Religion and Philosophy at Manchester College in Indiana with an emphasis in Peace Studies. He is the youngest of three children and the family remains closely tied by their roots in faith and a love of
music. Paul has two sons, one who is a sophomore at Occidental College in Los Angeles and another who graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University and is teaching in an inner city school in St. Louis in the Teach for America program.

Following graduation from college, Paul attended McCormick Seminary in Chicago intending to pursue a career in teaching
religion/peace studies but found his calling in pastoral work and guiding a congregation. He completed his Masters of Divinity at
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky in 1983. Paul's first call was as Associate Pastor in Plano, Texas
and then as Associate Pastor and Interim Head of Staff in State College Pennsylvania. When his two sons were young, Paul took a
call as Solo Pastor in Lincoln, Illinois to be closer to family and remained for ten years until his current call in Stillwater, Minnesota
where he has been for the last seven years.

In addition to being a full-time Pastor/Head of Staff, Paul has worked as an editor for the "Church and Society Magazine" and been Chair of the Peacemaking Advisory Committee for the Peacemaking Program of the PCUSA.

Paul maintains a balance in his personal life by making time for meditation and reflection, exercising regularly (loves sports!), and reading voraciously (it might actually be exercising voraciously and reading regularly), and keeping a keen sense of humor.

Thoughts from the PNC...
Paul is a strong and articulate preacher. His sermons are challenging and inspirational, seeking to make God's Word relevant to daily life with humor and warmth.

He is theologically progressive with strong commitments to ecumenical programs and social justice issues.

He wholeheartedly supports the ministry of music and believes that it is an integral part of worship.

He places tremendous importance on the ministries to children and youth, seeking to serve a church where children are nurtured and loved and the talents and insights of young people valued.

Paul has been instrumental in developing strong mission partnerships at his present call, which support local schools and churches and relief efforts farther afield.

Paul is gifted in the area of pastoral care, stemming from his engaging and compassionate personality and how well he relates to people of all ages.

He has demonstrated fiscal responsibility by eliminating a $636,000 debt on the building of his current church, while simultaneously expanding staff and facilities.

His administrative leadership style is collegial, yet decisive, helping others work to their strengths and passions.

Words from Paul...
I am grateful for this opportunity to serve a church where worship is the life-blood flowing through a welcoming, inclusive body that lives for mission and service a "thinking person's church" where God is worshipped with minds as well as hearts¡K where there
are tears of pain and heartache, wonder and joy where laughter is the anthem of the people and the choir the very voice of God.

AT THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
178 Oenoke Ridge Road, New Canaan, CT (203) 966-0002

Sunday, March 28th at 11:30 am
*Coffee Concert:
VIOLIN AND ORGAN
Yuko Naito, violin, and Sean McCarthy, organ
Music of Rheinberger and Karg-Elert

Sunday, April 18th at 11:30 am
*Coffee Concert:
PIPE ORGAN SPECTACULAR
T. Jared Stellmacher, Organ; Virtuoso Organ Favorites

Sunday, May 16th at 11:30 am
*Coffee Concert:
PIANO DUO
Music for two pianos and four hands by Mozart and Schubert
Carole Clarkson and Jonathan Thackery, pianists

*Coffee Concerts : 30 minutes of music, conversation, coffee and biscotti. Childcare provided.
Unless noted otherwise, all concerts are free with donations accepted at intermission.

Sunday, April 18th at 4:00 pm
PRO ARTE SINGERS, Arthur Sjogren, Director
Music of Beethoven, Mendelssohn, and Rossini

"Named God's Own"
Paul E. Gilmore

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22/Isaiah 43:1-7
The Baptism of the Lord (C)
January 10, 2010

First Presbyterian Church
New Canaan, Connecticut

As the eyes of the world turn to Haiti, let us join our hearts in prayer:
God of compassion
Please watch over the people of Haiti
And weave out of these terrible happenings
wonders of goodness and grace.
Surround those who have been affected by tragedy
With a sense of your present love,
And hold them in faith.
Though they are lost in grief,
May they find you and be comforted;
Guide us as a church
To find ways of providing assistance
that heals wounds and provides hope
Help us to remember that when one of your children suffer
We all suffer
Through Jesus Christ who was dead, but lives
and rules this world with you. Amen.
(Adapted from Book of Common Worship)

You, too, can be a part of God’s answer to prayer for those affected by this disaster. Information on the situation and prayers and worship resources are available through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Funds from One Great Hour of Sharing are already helping with the initial response. You can give to the ongoing relief through PDA account number DR000064. You can go directly to www.pcusa.org/pda or contribute to First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan and mark your gift for “Haiti Refund.” Thank you!

Dr. Gary Wilburn’s book “Lots of Love” is now available for sale! If you would like to reserve a copy, please call 203-966-0002 or just stop by the church office.

"Lots of Love" is an important book for those who need to rebuild their capacity to love after a divorce, tragic loss or personal disaster - written by a worldly man with a spiritual center, who has taught many a congregant that faith, hope and love are three legs on the stool of a successful life. - C. Meyrick Payne, Congregant of First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan, CT.

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and but the greatest of these is love."
I Corinthians 13:13

New FPCNC Website Posted: fpcnc-mission.org:

http://www.fpcnc-mission.org

What Are Your Spiritual Gifts?

Share your time and talents for the benefit of our church, our community and God’s world.

*Help feed the hungry! Volunteer your time to prepare or serve a meal at New Covenant House in Stamford. Shifts are only 2 hours, and the return on this modest investment of your time is priceless. Ask anyone who’s been there! FPC serves on the first Saturday of the month, September to June. Contact Elizabeth Tolla at etolla@optonline.net to volunteer.

*Help Make our Church Even More Welcoming
Provide a sweet or savory snack for Coffee Hour. A small commitment of a baked good or savory item for two dozen just once a year is a great way to get involved in the fellowship of our church. We need a Hospitality Coordinator and volunteer families.

*Are You a Shutterbug?
Anyone with a knack for photography is encouraged to snap away! Photos are needed for Tidings, local press and our Bulletin Boards.

*Designing Women (and Men) Needed!
Individuals with graphic design skills are needed to help Committees with ongoing campaigns and special events. Whether you have a little time to spare or a lot, your talents will help re-brand our Stewardship effort and showcase Music, Youth and other ministries.

*Tina’s Helpers
Office help is needed from time to time to answer phones, assist with mailings, etc.

*PR and Publicity
Help spread the word in our community about the wonderful happenings at FPC. If you can write a press release, the rest is easy!

These are but a few of the many ways to connect to your church family. Call Tina in the office at 966-0002 or email the Membership Involvement Committee at membership@fpcnc.org.

“As you sow, so shall you reap.”

Pastor's Forum Presentation April 19, 2009

2009 Congregational Study

Download CIF document