Cathey Garner to Perform at First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church of Lancaster has announced the coming of jazz artist Cathey Garner to perform Sunday, May 11, 4:00 p.m., in the church’s sanctuary.  The concert is free and open to the public.

The church’s introduction to this artist came about in an unusual way, according to Karyn Haas, chair of the church’s Evangelism Team.  “Cathey introduced herself to us last spring when she attended one of our concerts,” Ms. Haas said.  From the audience to the stage.  “We are excited to have her as our guest,” Ms. Haas added.

“It’ll be Mother’s Day on May 11^th,” Rev. Richard W. Selby, the church’s pastor observed.  “Bring Mom for a wonderful after noon of music,” Dr. Selby added.

This free concert is part of the year-around Celebration Series at First Presbyterian Church of Lancaster.

For more information, call the church office at 972 227-4098.

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Lancaster Outreach Center
Needs Our Help!

For many years, Lancaster Outreach Center (LOC) has been assisting families in Lancaster, Hutchins, and Wilmer deal with financial difficulties brought on by sudden illness, loss of employment, or other emergency.  The demand for their limited resources has continued to grow, while the sluggish economy has threatened to turn contributors into clients in need of their services.

LOC operates Granny's Storehouse at 123 Alexander Street in Lancaster.  This thrift store accepts good donated clothes, furniture, appliances, and housewares to vie to clients and to sell to the public.  The store generates about $100,000 in annual income, which is used to fund the Client Assistance Program of LOC.  The store is currently open from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Monday through Saturday.

LOC needs two volunteers daily to help staff the store so they can keep it open from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM Monday through Saturday.  They project that the extra hours of operation will result in a minimum of $20,000 in additional income.  Volunteers will work with a staff member to help stock, assist clients, bag merchandise, and keep the store neat and organized.  

LOC is challenging local businesses, church groups, and organizations to provide these volunteers.  Each volunteer may work as little as one afternoon per week, or as frequently as desired.  With everyone working together, LOC will earn enough additional revenue to pay utility bills for another 100 families.

If you would like more information about volunteering, please call Ronnie Lowe at 972-227-0138.  For more information about LOC, visit their website at www.l-o-c.org.

 First Church Member
Wins Award 

Congratulations to Lynnette Taff, who received a special award at Lancaster Outreach Center's annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet.  Lynnette was recognized for her faithful service and support of LOC, both through the church and on her own.

Rummage Sale Nets $600!

In our second year of participation in Lancaster's annual City-Wide Garage Sale, First Church managed to exceed the amount of funds we raised last year by more than double.  Thanks to the generous donations of church members and friends, our lobby was filled to capacity with tables full of great merchandise.  Volunteers Frances Hitchcock and Lynnette Taff spent two days unpacking boxes and bags of donated items and then arranging them for display and sale.  They extend special thanks to friends Jenny and Peggy, who are not members of our church but who worked long hours to assist in the pre-sale preparations.

On sale day (August 14th), Frances and Lynnette were glad to have help from more church volunteers, including Sue Rigsby, Dolores Hays, Lou Beene, and Dorothy Blackwood.  We were glad to have an abundance of shoppers: many from the community, some from our church family, and even a few from other churches in Grace Presbytery who read about the sale in the weekly Grace e-News.

Some of the funds raised will be used to buy new light-weight tables for use at our KidCrafts table at 2nd Saturday.   (Read more about this outreach project on this page.)  The Service & Outreach Committee, which organized the rummage sale, will meet soon to determine how to put the remaining funds to the best use for the benefit of the church.   

Many thanks to everyone who helped us with the Great American Bake Sale in June!  By selling bottled water and home-baked goodies at MusicFest on Thursday night and at 2nd Saturday on the Square, we brought in $130, which will provide lots of meals to children who might otherwise go hungry.  

Thanks to everyone who baked, bought water, and worked at our table.  Special thanks to Darlene Morton, Lynnette Taff, and Frances Hitchcock, who each baked, brought water already iced down, AND worked at our table.  And special thanks to Tim Taff, who helped haul everything around, bought MANY bags of ice to keep the water chilled, and donated several dollars in quarters and ones to give us enough money to make change for our customers.