Upcoming Events
National Day of Prayer
Thursday, May 2, 12:00–1:00 p.m., Sanctuary
“Lift Up the Word – Light Up the World”
There will be in-person prayer in the Sanctuary or you can join us via livestream. We will be praying for these spheres of influence in our country: family, church, workplace, education, military, government, and arts, media & entertainment.
"For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him." 2 Samuel 22:29-31For more details, visit: www.nationaldayofprayer.org.
Garden Gathering: Propagating and Saving Seed
Saturday, May 7, 10:00 a.m., Julie Sayre's Home (1574 Pecan Ridge Dr, Collierville, TN 38017)
Come hear Julie Sayre’s share about propagating and saving seed, Christy Bicknell will give a devotional. Refreshments provided. Registration required at www.firstevan.org/gardengathering.
Prime Time Readers
Next meeting, Tuesday, May 14, 1:00–2:30 p.m., E111
Join us for a great time to fellowship and and to discuss the latest section of a pre-selected book. Our current book is “The Joys of Successful Aging” by George Sweeting. In our next meeting, we will cover chapters 10 through 12. Even if you have not completed the reading, you are always welcome to join. Our new meeting place will be in A111 conference room across from the recreation desk near the gym entrance to the building.
If interested in joining this group, please contact Paige Poloni at ppoloni@firstevan.org.
Everyday CoJourner: Step 4
Saturday, May 18, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall
In the final step of this series, Gabor and Edina Gresz will lead us in person to further help us keep evangelism and discipleship simple, relational, and intentional. Topics include keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, building bridges, and art of neighboring.
Register at www.firstevan.org/ec4.
Register for childcare by May 12 at www.firstevan.org/ecchildcare.
Men’s Fish Fry
Tuesday, May 21, 6:00–8:00 p.m., Fellowship HallCost: $7/person or $50/table | Speaker: Larry Rea, Host of “Outdoors with Larry Rea”.
Join us for an evening of fish, food, and fellowship. Purchase tickets in the Fellowship Hall beginning Sunday, April 28. Questions: Contact John Dawson, 682-8452, Sammy Bell, 210-7958, or email men@firstevan.org.
Prime Time Walkers
Mondays, 9:00–10:00 a.m., First Evan Indoor Walking Track
Whether it's one or a dozen of you, this is a great way to fellowship with health benefits in a safe and weather-free environment. If you plan to come, please see Sherri Bonar at the recreation desk to sign a waiver (first time only) and to get an access code to the second-level entrance to the track. If interested in joining this group, please contact Paige Poloni at ppoloni@firstevan.org.
Pro-Life Apologetics Training with Scott Klusendorf
Saturday, April 27, 9:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Common Ground Room (E202) | $5 Lunch (optional)
Scott Klusendorf of the Life Training Institute will present and facilitate an interactive training primarily for teens and families who are seeking to have a better understanding and handle on how to have graceful and truth-filled conversations about the sanctity of life. Register here by Tuesday, April 23.
Student Ministry Fundraiser: Spaghetti Dinner Auction
Midweek Fellowship Meal, Wednesday, April 24, 5:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall
Around 55 students are attending Student Life Camp this summer in Orange Beach, AL ($600/student). To raise funds for camp, we are hosting a Spaghetti Dinner with Live Auction and Silent Auction to raise money for Student Life Camp. Be on the lookout for students selling tickets!
Meal Cost:
$8/adult
$4/child (3–10 years old)
$40 family max
We take cash, checks, or Venmo @fecmemphis.
Silent Auction, Sunday, April 10–24, Fellowship Hall
There will also be a Silent Auction leading up to the Spaghetti Dinner. This portion will begin Sunday, April 10, and remain in the Fellowship Hall until April 24 at 5:00 p.m. The silent auction will then close at the start of the Spaghetti Dinner. Students will submit items or services to be bid on (some examples from last year, include handmade jewelry, crochet projects, paintings, handmade stationery, babysitting, lawn services, etc).
Live Auction, Wednesday, April 24, Fellowship Hall
This event will, for the majority, be student run.
Men’s Retreat
Friday–Sunday, April 19–21, Riverside Resort, Mammoth Spring, Arkansas | Speaker: Josh Raspberry, Pastor of Family Ministry
Men ages 18 and up are invited to join us for a fun weekend of Bible teaching, fish tales, fellowship, and good food. There will be trout fishing, horseshoes, canoeing, kayaking, and more. Bring a friend! Dads are welcome to bring sons age 16 years and older. Register in the Fellowship Hall on Sundays or below.
Contact John Christiansen (652-3355) or Tim Frazier (734-2678) with questions. Need help with online registration? Contact Stephanie Johnson (682-8452).
Caregivers Group
Thursday, April 18, 11:45 a.m., Chapel
Speaker: Tonya Wales, Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)Caregivers is a ministry for those caring for loved ones. Tonya has worked in all areas of caregiving. This month she will discuss finding the right caregiver at home or in a facility. Lunch provided. Contact Christy Bicknell or Sue Sharpe, 901-828-2624 with questions. Registration is requested here.
Pastoral Search Prayer Focus
Tuesdays and Throughout the Week
The purpose of this Prayer Focus is to pray for our pastor search committee and our next pastor.
We are asking you to pray every Tuesday until we call our next pastor. Weekly prayer guides will be emailed church-wide.
Spring Blood Drive
Wednesday, March 27 4:00–7:00 p.m., A124
By being a blood donor, individuals are truly giving the ultimate gift – LIFE! Giving this gift will provide patients the opportunity to create and share more precious moments to cherish with their caring loved ones!
You are encouraged to complete the Fast Track Health Questionnaire on the day of your drive, prior to coming out to donate. This will significantly expedite the donors processing time. Also please remind your potential donors to eat a good meal and drink plenty of water prior to donate. New donors, please contact Sam Hezlep at 901-486-6237. Sign up here.
ACT II Widows Fellowship
Monday, March 4, 10:00 a.m., Chapel | Speaker: Andrew Beach, Director of Life Planning & Retirement Coaching, The Center - Memphis.
ACT II is a group for widows that meet monthly for prayer and fellowship in the Chapel, unless we have an outing or special program. This month we will hear from First Evaner Andrew Beach who is the Director of Life Planning and Retirement Coaching at The Center - Memphis. For more information about this ministry or to RSVP, please contact Cathy Graham at 901-685-1028 or 901-299-1426 (cell).
Abounding in Christ Together in the Second Season—“God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things, at all times, you may abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
World Prayer Focus
Quarterly on Sundays, 6:00–7:00 p.m., Chapel
Next Meeting: Sunday, March 3
Join us in intercessory prayer for our world, country, county, city, and church. For more information, contact missions@firstevan.org.
Global Missions Conference “Listening to the Lord of the Harvest”
February 17–18: Pastor Antonio Muñoz
February 23–25: Dr. George Murray
“Go into all the World and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15
The theme verse for the year is a good “Great Commission” verse. We learned, when Dr. George Murray preached in November, that we need to “pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into the harvest.” We want to build on that in February. We will hear from these speakers about the importance of GOING and also SENDING. Then, we will be asking you what you believe your role is in the Great Commission.
Full details & schedule at www.globalmissionsconference.com.
Caregivers Group
Thursday, February 15, 11:45 a.m., Chapel | Speaker: Susan Crowson, CDP.
Caregivers is a ministry for those caring for loved ones. Susan is an aging life care consultant, certified dementia practitioner, and has been a caregiver herself. She helps families grapple with the effects of aging, dementia and quality of life. Contact Christy Bicknell or Sue Sharpe, 901-828-2624 with questions. Registration requested: https://firstevan.tpsdb.com/OnlineReg/2917.
Christ’s Community Church Can Drive
Urgently Accepting Donations Now Through Sunday, February 18!
We are helping to replenish our neighbors’ bare food pantry. Please bring canned food between now and February 18. Look for a cart or table with signs.
ACT II Widows Fellowship
Monday, February 5, 10:00 a.m., Chapel.
ACT II is a group for widows that meet monthly for prayer and fellowship in the Chapel, unless we have an outing or special program. This month, we will have a light Valentine brunch and hear from Josh Raspberry, Pastor of Family Ministry. For more information about this ministry or to RSVP, please contact Cathy Graham at 901-685-1028 or 901-299-1426 (cell).
Abounding in Christ Together in the Second Season—“God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things, at all times, you may abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
A Colorful Day
Saturday, February 3, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall & Classrooms. Cost: $15. ($5 for hand embroidery) Women, join us for a morning of workshops, brunch, and fellowship. Register here by Sunday, January 28.
Men’s Fish Fry
Tuesday, January 30, 6:00–8:00 p.m., Fellowship HallCost: $7/person or $50/table | Speaker: Josh Raspberry, Pastor of Family Ministry
Join us for an evening of fish, food, and fellowship. Purchase tickets in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, January 28. Questions: Contact John Dawson, 682-8452, Sammy Bell, 210-7958, or email men@firstevan.org.
Everyday CoJourner: Step 3 In-Person Session
Sunday, January 28, 1:00–3:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall. Lunch provided, no childcare.
Evangelism and discipleship should be a normal aspect of following Jesus. Everyday CoJourner is a set of training sessions that makes outreach simple and relational. Each session brings the whole picture together but they are not prerequisites to one another. In this third training, you will learn to:
identify a God-prepared person
disciple a new believer, and
create a personal evangelism plan.
Register at www.firstevan.org/ec3
**Everyday CoJourner: Step 3 Via Zoom**
Saturday, January 20, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. via Zoom OR
In-person on Sunday, January 28, 1:00–3:00 p.m., lunch provided, no childcare.
Whether it be hills, homes, temples, seashores, or storms on a boat, Jesus took every advantage of the situation. Praise!The Outreach team has decided that the uncertain weather and road conditions are unfit for driving. For Gabor's safety, we also agreed that he should NOT travel. This was unexpected, but not all is lost.Instead of cancelling the event, there are 2 options to still attend this training! Thank you for being flexible!
Gabor Gresz will lead us through identifying a God-prepared person, discipling a new believer, and creating a personal evangelism plan.
Register here for one of these options:
Saturday, January 20, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. via Zoom
In-person on Sunday, January 28, 1:00–3:00 p.m., lunch provided, no childcare.
Sunshine Stockings for Seniors
Note: Almost EVERY stocking is accounted for! Praise God! If you did not check out your stocking at the Reception Desk clipboard, please do so.
Sunshine Stockings for Seniors—Pick up one today!
Lining the reception desk you will see “Sunshine Stockings” for our homebound senior adults. Adopt a stocking as a family or partner with friends to honor our homebound members. Fill the stocking and then deliver with a smile to share a little joy this Christmas! Contact Kate Taylor for more details.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with Children's Choir & Nativity
Sunday, December 24, 5:00–6:30 p.m.*, Sanctuary
Come worship with us! We will have special music, congregational singing, and a message from Pastor Taylor Park. This is a family service — no childcare. *Children arrive at 4:00 p.m. to dress up and prepare for their song!
Family Service – No childcare.
Christmas Eve Worship Service
Sunday, December 24, 10:45 a.m., Sanctuary.
Childcare is available for those ages 2 and under.
No Sunday School.
The Annunciation of Advent: “Discovering Christ, Mary & Gabriel in Advent Art from a Global Perspective”
Wednesday, December 20, 6:00–7:30 p.m., Chapel | Refreshments will be provided.
Join us for an evening about Advent Art, including a presentation and fun group discussion as we look at the advent art from various cultures about the Virgin birth of our Savior, Jesus. Registration required at www.firstevan.org/annunciation.
Everyday CoJourner: Step 2
Tuesday, December 5, 7:00–8:30 p.m., Zoom OR Sunday, December 17, 12:15-2:00 p.m., In person
Everday CoJourner: Step 2 We’ve learned simple, practice ways to start having meaningful conversations. In Step 2, we’ll celebrate what God has done through our application and encourage each other through hurdles. We’ll also share a simple tool to read the Bible with interested seekers and new believers. Register in the Fellowship Hall starting Sunday, November 26, or contact Steven Yeo (818-238-7241)
International Brunch
Sunday, December 10, 10:20 a.m., Fellowship Hall.
Bring your international friends and join us for food and fellowship right after the first Lessons and Carols service.
“Prepare Him Room” A Christmas Festival of Lessons & Carols
Sunday, December 10, 9:00 and 10:45 a.m., Sanctuary.
International friends are invited to the International Brunch at 10:20 a.m. This service is presented by the Worship Choir, orchestra, soloists, and readers. As the hymn “Joy to the World” says, “Let earth receive her king, let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing!” Invite your friends, family, and neighbors. Childcare is available for those ages 2 and under.
No Sunday School.
Women's Christmas Dinner
Thursday, December 7, 6:00–8:00 p.m., Memphis Hilton.
Join us for a night of Christmas Celebration at the Memphis Hilton with singer Caroline Cobb. Registration is currently closed. Please contact Sharon Mrok at 901-682-8452.
ACT II Widows Fellowship Christmas Luncheon
Wednesday, December 6, 11:00 a.m., TPC Southwind (3325 Club at Southwind, Memphis, TN 38125) | Speaker: Preston Klinke | Cost: $25
RSVP by Sunday, November 26 to Cathy Graham at 901-299-1426.
Abounding in Christ Together in the Second Season—“God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things, at all times, you may abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
Prime Time and Care Christmas Luncheon
Sunday, December 3, 12:00–2:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall | Speaker: Sandy Willson, Pastor Emeritus, Second Presbyterian Church & Interim Director, The Gospel Coalition | Special music presented by Twyla Dixon and friends.
Come hear stories of God’s faithfulness and learn about the new Prime Time Ministry plan (for ages 55+). Donations appreciated. Registration is currently closed. Contact Paige Poloni with questions at ppoloni@firstevan.org.
Thanksgiving Generation Mandate (Prime Time)
According to Psalm 78, every generation of believers has a mandate to share stories of God’s faithfulness to the next generation. We are asking you to be intentional by writing your stories of God’s faithfulness and to share these stories with your family (children and grandchildren) at Thanksgiving, then bring us your stories by December 1. Prime Time will put together these Stories of God’s Faithfulness to share with First Evan. Please return your stories to Mickey Bowdon or Christy Bicknell, or email to Paige Poloni at ppoloni@firstevan.org.
Missions Lunch (Gabor & Edina Gresz)
Sunday, November 12, 12:00–2:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall. Join us for a meal as we hear from FEC National Partners Gabor and Edina Gresz, serving with Cru in Kansas.
Everyday CoJourner: An Outreach Training with Gabor and Edina Gresz
Saturday, November 18, 9:00–11:45 a.m., Fellowship Hall
Live, Play, and Learn on Mission! Join us for a practical outreach training aimed at equipping First Evaners to confidently and comfortably share our faith through meaningful conversations with the non-believers in our lives. Let's unite in the mission of spreading the Gospel and fostering a closer, more vibrant community of believers. Childcare is available (register by November 12). Register in the Fellowship Hall beginning Sunday, October 29.