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Steeple Times Vol. 10, Issue 1: January 2015
First Presbyterian Church of Tyler, Texas 230 West Rusk Street, Tyler, Texas 75701-1696 // (903) 597-6317 // www.fpctyler.com
The Pastor Says We’re Fixin’ To By the Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin I have a theory. There’s a phrase widely used throughout the South that begs for an explanation: “I’m fixin’ to . . .” It’s colloquial English at its best, because right away, you know what the speaker means when he or she says it. Anyway, my theory is about the etymology, the origin, of the phrase. I may be off base, and I have no actual research to back it up, but I think “fixin’ to” refers to the process of getting equipment in good repair in order to undertake a major project. For example, at the end of the harvest, farmers put away equipment in barns for the winter, and then, when it is almost time for planting, they often get busy repairing the equipment and implements they need in order to plant the new crops. When they say they are “fixin’ to put crops in the ground,” they literally mean they are fixing equipment in order to plant. That’s my theory, anyway. What does this have to do with the rhythm of life in the church? There is a rhythm to rural, agricultural life that we city dwellers have lost touch with. There is a time to plant, and a time to tend crops in the ground, a time to reap the harvest, a time to rest or lay fallow, and a time to prepare to plant yet another crop. The writer of Ecclesiastes summed up this rhythm beautifully
and memorably: For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted. (Eccl 3:1-2, NRSV) Life has its rhythms, and a wise person pays attention to those rhythms. And just as life has its rhythms, so does life in the church. Some of the rhythms are annual: Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time, Lent, Easter, and so on. But some rhythms take longer. In the rhythm of our congregation’s life, the time has come around to look ahead and set plans for the next few years. We call this process “strategic planning,” though we could just as well call it “fixin’ to” time. It’s the time to take stock of who we are, where we’re planted, and what God might have in mind for us. It’s the time to think together about how to live into our “vocation” as a congregation in Tyler, Texas. Beginning with the Planning and Evaluation Committee, then with the Session, and then with the congregation, we will spend time this year discerning God’s call to us and then planning how we will work to be faithful to that calling. So if someone asks what our church is doing this year, just tell them we’re fixin’ to do new ministry!
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in this issue // January 2015
Featured New Music Program: Ring and Sing Fellowship Volunteers Needed Mardi Gras Celebration Coming Up Ian Finlay’s an Eagle Scout Lenten Study Begins in Feb. New Members Class Starts Jan. 11 Event Highlights Fine Arts: Mozart & More FPC Doves Gilmont Women’s Retreat PULSE Training SAM’s Club SHYC: Senior High Youth Connection Youth Group Games Youth Group Middle School Lunch
New Member and Inquirers Class Starts This Month Starting Sunday, January 11, through Sunday, February 15, a class will be offered for all new adult members of our congregation as well as those who are considering joining FPC. The sessions will be held in the Parlor during the Sunday school hour, and will cover such topics as the history and government of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Reformed faith and theology, the history of our own congregation in Tyler, opportunities for involvement, education, and fellowship, and much more. If you would like to participate, please contact Debbie Finley (email dfinley@austinbank.com / 903-5344503 / 903-533-1777) no later than Thursday, January 8.
New Music Program for Grades 3–8
Adult Sunday School Classes
As we ring in a new calendar year, Music Ministries will launch a new music program called Ring and Sing. This musical opportunity for students in grades 3–8 will teach students to play chimes and handbells and sing new songs, building on the skills they’ve learned in the children’s choir.
Sundays @ 9:45 am
Faith Builders (M 202) // Lecture & discussion Study: TBA Contact: Susan Bennett (903) 343-7025 The Forum (M 102) // Book study & discussion Study: Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew by Bart Ehrman Contact: Chris Bunt (903) 531-3535
Led by Donald Duncan, director of Music Ministries and Fine Arts @ FPC, Ring and Sing will meet on Sunday mornings from 9:30–10:00 a.m. before Sunday school. On select Sundays throughout the year, the group will play or sing at the 11:00 a.m. service. Playing the chimes is a fun challenge; come and be a part of this new way to worship God. Contact Donald Duncan (dduncan@fpctyler.com) if your child is interested in joining.
The 209ers (M 209) // Young Adults Study: TBA Contact: Debbie Pitts (debbiepitts@gmail.com) Westminster (M 207) // Book study & discussion Study: The Present Word Contact: Linda Pirtle (903) 881-9000
2015 Lenten Study: Forgiveness
Small Group Schedule
By Pam Leach Forgiveness is central to our Christian faith. Each week we confess our sin and ask God’s forgiveness. Each week we pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Important as it is, we seldom take time to reflect on the practice of forgiveness.
Knit Wits // Knitting Ministry Monday, January 5, at 1:30 pm at the home of Diane Mendenhall (903) 825-2260 Contact: Pat Cryer (903) 561-5242 Midweek Oasis for Moms // Fellowship Wednesday, January 14, at 5 pm in M 102 Contact: Pam Leach (903) 520-9138
During Lent this year, we will have that opportunity in our annual church-wide study, Forgiveness: A Lenten Study. Presbyterian pastor and author, Marjorie Thompson, will guide us in understanding the practice of forgiveness for our daily lives while encouraging us to consider the importance of forgiveness to God’s reconciling work in the world.
Men // Lectionary Tuesdays 6:30 am at Premier Flexipac Contact: Skip Womack (903) 533-9433 or Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746 Men // Sermon texts 2nd/4th Mondays 10 am in homes Contact: Bill Myers (903) 825-7323
Forgiveness is the fountain from which new life flows in a wounded, strife-weary world.
Women // Book & discussion Thursdays 9:30 am in Conference Room Study: Chronicles of Promise: The Legacies of Israel’s Three Kings / Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533
—Marjorie Thompson Traditionally, Lent is a time of reflection on what Christ has done for the world and on how we can become more faithful disciples. In keeping with the season, Lenten study groups offer each of us the opportunity to grow closer to God and one another. Even as we come before God in worship together, we will hear the themes of our study reflected in the sermons. Consider joining or forming a Lenten study group this year. You will find it is a short-term commitment with long-term benefits.
Connect with FPC online! www.fpctyler.com www.facebook.com/fpctyler @fpctyler
Watch for more information in the weeks to come and plan to join us for this Lenten journey!
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Notes from the November Session Meeting
mittee, Robyn Files presented the proposed Principles of Governance for discussion, to come before the Session for a vote in December. Sally Smith Garmon reported on the Mission Committee’s upcoming trip to Pakistan, which she and Dr. Baskin would take November 13–24.
Minutes recorded by Robyn Files The Session met on November 11 and conducted the following business: The consent agenda was approved, including the reception into active membership of Pat and Pete Houting, and the transfers of Pat Auchaur and Preston Wagstaff Smith as well as the dismissals of Nancy Hill and JoAnn and William Janney per their requests.
Lynne Wagoner reported that 24 people attended the most recent Next Chapter event, a fellowship group for widows. A motion to amend the church budget by adding $500 for the Next Chapter group was approved. Lynne Wagoner also reported that five complete first aid kits have been placed in different areas of the church campus, and that a defibrillator is now in the main building.
As moderator of the Session, Stuart Baskin reported that the church would launch a new website design by the end of the month. He also announced that Johnny Gonzales, custodian, is now in charge of church maintenance.
New Business: Debbie Pitts was elected to serve as commissioner to the meeting of Grace Presbytery on November 21–22.
Committee Reports: On behalf of the Governance Com-
Congregational News Membership Updates
Save the Date
Planned Giving
Deaths We offer our sympathies and prayers to the families of FPC members who have entered the Church Triumphant: Vera Lugenia “Jean” Kemp (Nov. 17) Mary Josephine “Jo” Foster (Dec. 9)
February 13 | Cantus Fine Arts @ FPC presents the premier men’s vocal ensemble in the U.S., known for its trademark warmth and vocal blending.
Chancel Flowers
New Members Join us in extending a warm welcome to our newest members: Libby and Scot Shoup (joined Dec. 7).
February 8 | Souper Bowl of Caring Help the youth collect canned food and a special offering for this annual fundraiser.
Worship Schedule Change
February 18 | Ash Wednesday Join us for a special worship service as the season of Lent begins.
Office Closed
February 21 & 22 | Traditions Fine Arts @ FPC welcomes Austin College’s esteemed A Cappella Choir to a weekend residency, featuring an evening concert on Saturday and a special performance during the 11 a.m. worship service on Sunday.
On Sundays, December 28 and January 4, a single worship service will be held at 11 a.m. only. Sunday school classes will not meet, although Children’s Worship will meet during the 11 a.m. service as usual. The office and campus will be closed on Thursday, January 1, and Friday, January 2, in observance of the New Year. The office will also be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Parking Reminder
Please be aware of our neighbor and refrain from parking between Potter House and Encore Consignment, or in front of Encore Consignment.
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Have you remembered the church and other charities in your will? If you need help in this area, contact Nanci Pollard (903-597-6317) to request information, or visit the Texas Presbyterian Foundation website at www.tpf.org. Assistance is confidential and free of charge. Honor a friend, celebrate a birthday, or memorialize a loved one by donating flowers to the Chancel. Arrangements are $80, and the church will take care of all the details. Contact: Margaret Hilliard (903-593-1494).
Sign Up for the E-Newsletter
Stay in the know about FPC news and events by subscribing to the weekly e-newsletter. You’ll even get a sneak peek into what Stuart has planned for Sunday’s pulpit! Follow the QR code or find the e-newsletter sign-up link on the website at www.fpctyler.com.
Event Highlights SAM’s Club: Healthy Foods for Better Moods
Gilmont Women’s Retreat
Wednesday, January 14, at 11 am // Session Room In January, Senior Adult Ministries welcomes FPC’s Susan Bennett, a Registered Dietitian, to share the “secrets” to improving your moods with foods. Now that the holiday season is past, many feel relief from all of the shopping, traveling, and partying of November and December. However, it is not unusual to feel a little let down also. Chocolate is not the only answer! Find out how to achieve a healthy outlook and happy state by incorporating mood-enhancing foods in your daily meal plan.
February 6–8 // Camp Gilmont, Gilmer, TX The annual Gilmont Women’s Retreat is scheduled for February 6–8, 2015. Come as a women’s group or as an individual. Register online (www.campgilmont.org). Author and dynamic speaker Margot Starbuck will lead the weekend retreat. A graduate of Westmont College and Princeton Seminary, Margot is passionate about communicating to individuals, in print and in speech, the promise that because God is with us and for us, we’re made to be with and for others. Margot is a regular contributor to Today’s Christian Woman and an editorial advisor for Gifted for Leadership. Her first book, The Girl in the Orange Dress: Searching for a Father Who Does Not Fail, was awarded the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association’s best nonfiction book of the year for 2011. She’s also the author of four other books about giving and receiving God’s love.
Stick around for lunch, catered by Traditions. In an ironic twist, Mississippi mud brownies will be featured for dessert. Meal tickets are $10 and payable at the door. Please RSVP by noon on Monday, January 12 (www.fpctyler. com/events/sams or call Bettie Clancy, 903-521-1383).
Mozart & More
Presented by Fine Arts @ FPC Sunday, Jan. 25, at 4 pm // Liberty Hall (103 E. Erwin) free admission The music of Mozart has long captivated the hearts and imaginations of audiences and performers alike. Join us as we celebrate the beauty of his music along with that of his contemporaries and successors in the art of chamber music. A variety of repertoire rounds out the program, with special highlights by Mark & Ute Miller and friends. The concert, held at the beautifully restored Liberty Hall in downtown Tyler, is under the artistic direction of Donald W. Duncan and Judy Biondini and will feature several very talented local musicians.
Analysis of Revenues & Expenses November 2014 Summary
MTD Actual YTD Actual YTD Budget Revenues $87,049 $455,675 $424,729 Expenses $97,782 $512,732 $545,568 Net Total ($10,733) ($57,057) ($120,839)
Save the Date for Mardi Gras 2015
Counseling Center. Plans are in the works. We need YOU!
What: Gumbo cook-off, live music, & silent auction When: Tuesday, February 17, 5:30–8 p.m. Where: Fellowship Hall Who: Sponsored by the Mission Committee Why: Laissez les bons temps rouler!
• Have a favorite gumbo recipe? Form a cook-off “krewe.” • Not a cook? Sponsor a “krewe.” • Provide a dessert and/or “man” a Mission Station. • Donate an item to our silent auction. • Volunteer to help (e.g., decorations, set up).
Your Mission Committee is bringing back a Mardi Gras celebration which will include live music, a Gumbo cookoff, a silent auction, and special desserts brought to you by a variety of Mission Stations. The celebration will highlight and benefit many of our congregation’s global and local mission partners, including Solar Under the Sun, Gateway to Hope, Bethesda Health Clinic, the Literacy Council, Meals on Wheels, and the Good Samaritan
As we enter Lent, we often think we need to give something up. Does this really help others? This year, go ahead and eat those desserts—and ADD something to your life instead. Serve others. Get connected with one of our mission outreach programs! For more information or to volunteer, contact Ginny Mattox (virginiamattox1@ gmail.com / 903-504-5016).
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Presbyterian Women’s Project Day By Pat Cryer All women of the church (not just the ladies in Presbyterian Women circles) are invited to the PW project day planned for February 14 in the Session Room, starting at 10 a.m. The project day always starts with fun and ends with feasting. This time around, the group will spend some quality time straightening up the kitchen and cutting strips from plastic grocery bags for crocheting into mats to be distributed to Tyler’s homeless people. After these projects, the ladies will visit homebound members and take them a Valentine surprise before meeting back up at the church for a light lunch with lots of visiting and merriment. Come join the fun, and bring along some plastic grocery bags, cutting wheels, cutting boards, and/or scissors.
Thank You! By Ian Finlay Back in July, I, Ian Finlay, asked for donations for my Eagle Scout Project. The goal of it was to landscape around the poles at the American Legion Post 15 in Lindale, Texas. I am happy to report that this project was a resounding success! Because of this congregation’s generosity, this project has become a reality [see photo at right], and I have earned my Eagle Scout. Thank you!
The Mission Store
Your mission headquarters at FPC: Match your talents with our community’s needs.
PATH | Donations As the weather turns colder, many PATH clients are faced with the decision to heat or eat. Blankets are an inexpensive way to keep warm during the cold months and save on utility costs.
Birdwell Tutoring | Volunteers One person and one hour a week can make a difference in a child’s life. Birdwell Elementary is located just a few blocks from First Presbyterian Church, and the school is requesting some neighborly help from FPC Tyler.
Bring donations to the PATH crates located in the foyer of the Fellowship Hall and near the elevator in the main building. Please note that PATH does not currently accept any clothing donations. More info at www.tylerpath.org.
Some at-risk students at Birdwell Elementary truly need someone who will listen to them read and then ask a few questions or help them learn their multiplication facts, giving some undivided attention. If these children do not learn the basics of reading and math, they will struggle the rest of their lives. Volunteers don’t have to speak Spanish, only the language of care and concern.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance | Donations As the PCUSA’s disaster-response ministry, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance works year round, partnering with communities and churches across the globe, to provide aid in the aftermath of natural disasters, in the midst of public health crises, and in the throes of war and violence. Right now, PDA is focusing their efforts to provide aid in the Ebola outbreak, among other projects. Visit www.pda.pcusa.org to contribute today.
Are you the one to make that difference in a child’s life? Your reward will be sincere attention from the students. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Diane Knowles, Birdwell Counselor (903-262-1875).
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Children & Youth Calendar
January 2015 !
Sunday'
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! Key:% PS%%age%2–K% CM%%grades%1–5% SM%%grades%6–12% JH%%junior%high%% SH%%senior%high!
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Happy New Year! Church office and buildings closed.
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11%AM%|%worship%&%
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7! 6%PM%|%SH%Small%Group%
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children’s%worship% (no%Sunday%school)!
11!
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13! 5%PM%|%CM%
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8:30%AM%|%worship%
Committee% Meeting!
9:40%AM%|%CM%music% 9:45%AM%|%Sunday%school%
Group%Games%%
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9:45%AM%|%Sunday%school%
19! Church!Office! Closed!for! MLK!Jr!Day!
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5%PM%|%Carol%Choir% 6%PM%|%SH%Small%Group!
children’s%worship% %
25! 9:40%AM%|%CM%music%
17!
7:30%AM–5%PM%|%%
PULSE%Training!
26! !
27! !
28! 5%PM%|%Carol%Choir%
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1–3%PM%|%%
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24!
FPC%Doves! (grades%3–5)!
Registration deadline for SHYC
11%AM%|%worship%&%
8:30%AM%|%worship%
16! !
Early-Bird Registration deadline for SHYC
5:30%PM%|%SM%Youth%
9:40%AM%|%CM%music%
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6%PM%|%SH%Small%Group%
11%AM%|%worship%
8:30%AM%|%worship%
14! 5%PM%|%Carol%Choir%
31! !
6%PM%|%SH%Small%Group!
9:45%AM%|%Sunday%school%
SHYC (depart 4:45 pm on Friday / return 5:30 pm Sunday)
11%AM%|%worship%&%
children’s%worship%
NOON%|%JH%Lunch%
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Children’s Ministry News & Events FPC Doves
Sunday Morning Updates
No First Friday Fun in January
On January 12, Sunday school classes will start back up with our winter studies. Plan to come for Sunday school and worship! Also on January 12, a new music program for students in grades 3–8 will begin. See more information about Ring and Sing on page ___.
On January 4, the church will have a single worship service at 11 am. Children’s church will meet during this time as usual, but Sunday school classes will not meet.
Saturday, January 24, at 1–3 pm // Children’s Wing The big kids—our group of 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders— will resume their monthly meetings and activities once again. To kick things off, we’ll come together to share some goodies, watch a movie, and make plans for the rest of this semester. Bring a friend and your best ideas! Due to the New Year holiday, First Friday Fun will not meet in January. We’ll bring back kids’ night out for the new year on February 6, from 6–9 pm, for nursery–grade 2, where we’ll make some sweet treats in anticipation of Valentine’s Day. Your children are welcome to bring friends, but please ask their parents to RSVP online (www.fpctyler.com/events/firstfriday).
Check Your Calendar—KidQuake Is Coming!
Parents, KidQuake at Camp Gilmont will be in April this year. We can choose between April 17–19 and April 24–26. Look at your calendar and let Phyllis know which weekend would work best for your 1st–5th grade students. It will be fun to go in a big group!
Student Ministries News & Events Youth Group Games
Middle School Lunch
Sunday, December 11, at 5:30–7:30 pm // The Well The first youth group gathering of the year will feature group games. Come for food, fun, and fellowship (say it three times fast). Dinner will be provided. RSVP online (www.fpctyler.com/events/games).
Sunday, January 25, at 12–1:30 pm // Cici’s Pizza All middle schoolers (grades 6–8) are invited out for pizza and fun. Meet in the Well after church for a few games, then head over with the group to Cici’s. Parents, pick up from Cici’s near Green Acres by 1:30 pm. No money needed for lunch (Neil’s got you covered). Bring your friends, and register online (www.fpctyler.com/events/ pizza).
PULSE Training
Saturday, January 17, at 7:30 am–5 pm // Irving, TX The third PULSE (Praise. Unite. Lead. Serve. Energize.) training day will be held at the Presbyterian Mission Center in Irving. At this session, PULSE delegates will work with Youthquake keynoters on conference planning. You won’t want to miss it! PULSE youth, please let Neil McKown know whether you plan to attend or not (nmckown@fpctyler.com).
Senior High Youth Connection (SHYC)
January 30–February 1 // Austin College, Sherman, TX Each year, SHYC gathers over 600 high school youth (grades 9–12) and adult sponsors for a weekend of growth and learning. This year’s theme is “The Big Picture,” taken from Matthew 6:34, and the Rev. Clay Brantley will be the keynote speaker again this year. Cost is $60/participant. Register online by January 14 for the early-bird rate. The final registration deadline is January 22 (www.fpctyler.com/events/shyc).
Steeple Times is a publication of First Presbyterian Church, 230 W. Rusk St., Tyler, TX 75701. Acting editor: Stuart Baskin. FPC reserves the right to edit and/or exclude all submissions. Submit content to Karen McClellan by the 15th of the month prior to publication: kmcclellan@fpctyler.com, fax (903) 597-6326, or mail. An archive of the Steeple Times can be found at www.fpctyler.com/archive.
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Happy New Year! (Office & buildings closed) 11 am worship service only; no Sunday school. Meadow Lake Bible Study. 11:45 am, Meadow Lake. New Member / Inquirer Class Begins. 9:45 am, Parlor. Youth Group Games. 5:30 pm, the Well. SAM’s Club. 11 am, Session Room. Midweek Oasis for Moms. 5 pm, M 102. Steeple Times Submission Deadline. Officer Retreat. Camp Gilmont. PULSE Training. 7:30 am–5 pm, Irving. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Office & buildings closed) FPC Doves. 1–3 pm, Children’s Wing. Youth Group Middle School Lunch. 12 pm, the Well. Fine Arts: Mozart & More. 4 pm, Liberty Hall.
The Fellowship Committee is seeking volunteers for the 2015 calendar year to provide snacks for the Sunday coffee hour in the Fellowship Hall between worship services. Groups, classes, or individuals who are willing to volunteer for an entire month or individual dates are requested to contact Susan Davis (susan@dotthei.ws / 903-530-3680) or Ginny Mattox (virginiamattox1@gmail.com / 903504-5016).
Fellowship Volunteers Needed
Budget & Finance. January 8 @ 12 pm — Conference Room Building & Grounds. January 12 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room Congregational Care. January 13 @ 6 pm — M 207 Diaconate. January 13 @ 7 pm — Library Evangelism. January 6 @ 6 pm — Conference Room Governance. January 5 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room Mission. January 20 @ 5:30 pm — Library Presbyterian Women Board. January 5 @ 10 am — Conference Room Session. January 20 @ 7 pm — M 207
Committee Meetings
1–2 4 8 11 11 14 14 15 16–17 17 19 24 25 25
Events & Opportunities
January 2015 // Calendar Highlights First Presbyterian Church 230 W. Rusk St. Tyler, TX 75701 Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage
Return Service Requested Permit No. 683 Tyler, Texas 75701-1696
PAID
To everyone at the home of: