M o n t h l y N e w s f r o m F P C Ty l e r • Vo l u m e 1 0 , I s s u e 2 : F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 5
A Congregation of Priests By the Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin As most of you know, over the last three years we have been in the process of changing our governing structure. Whereas we used to have a session of 25 elders, we now have 12. And where we used to have a board of deacons of 24, now we have a 6-member board and 8 individually commissioned deacons. I have written about this change a number of times, and we have talked about it during our annual meetings, so I won’t go into detail about the new structure itself. (If you would like more information, you can find the Report of the Governance Task Force from November 2013 online at www. fpctyler.com/resources, or you may contact Robyn Files, any of our elders, or myself.) Now that our new structure is fully in place our work is not done, but we move into a new, more exciting phase of work. The promise of our new sys-
in this issue |
highlights
&
tem is that less time and energy will go into the task of governing, and more time and energy can go into handson ministry. But therein also lies the peril. What will we do with this newfound resource of time and energy? I am convinced that everyone in the church has a ministry to offer. And I know that everyone in the church has needs that the church can fill. Perhaps it’s help with becoming better parents. Or perhaps it’s help learning how to cope with aging parents who have to rely on adult children for care. Or perhaps it’s help with coming to terms with being widowed after many years of marriage. These and many other needs are present among the members of our church. At the same time, we have the human resources to meet many of these needs. My dream is that our church will become a place where every member can Continued on page 6.
f e at u r e s
Souper Bowl of Caring | page 5
Lenten Study | page 2
Kirkin’ Flag Orders Due | page 2
Help the youth collect canned goods and donations on Sunday, February 8.
Contemplate forgiveness in a small group setting during Lent.
Annual Meeting | page 2
Mardi Gras 2015 | page 4
Sponsor a banner and represent your clan at the annual Kirkin’ of the Tartans procession, coming up on April 19.
FPC’s annual “State of the Union” is on Sunday, February 8, after worship.
King’s Cake, gumbo, po’ boys, music, masks, and beads. Need we say more?
First Presbyterian Church of Tyler, Texas 230 West Rusk Street, Tyler, Texas 75701-1696 (903) 597-6317 // www.fpctyler.com
Sign Up Now for the 2015 Lenten Study By the Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin There is perhaps no more difficult Christian discipline than the practice of forgiveness. There is little agreement on what forgiveness means and on how far it extends. We pray for it week in and week out (“Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”), yet we wonder who we are obligated to forgive, and for what. Does forgiveness extend only to friends and family? To our community? To people around the world who mean to do us harm? This year’s Lenten Study will drill
down into the meaning of forgiveness. We’ll listen to a variety of voices, many of whom disagree about what it means and how far it extends. In the Register for the Lenten study online (www.fpctyler.com/lent) or in the Fellowship Hall on Sundays, February 1, 8, or 15.
end we’ll be challenged to develop for ourselves a deeper understanding of forgiveness. The study book this year
is entitled, appropriately enough, Forgiveness: A Lenten Study, by Marjorie Thompson. Sign up either online (www.fpctyler. com/lent) or at the Lenten Study table in the foyer of Fellowship Hall on February 1, 8, or 15. The study will begin the week of February 22, and each week’s sermon will preview the following week’s reading. If you have never taken part in a Lenten Study group, throw caution to the wind and join us as we seek to deepen our faith together!
Represent Your Clan at Kirkin’ of the Tartans You may have noticed that we didn’t have a Kirkin’ of the Tartans this November. That’s because we are going to have it on Sunday, April 19, two weeks after Easter. Mark your calendar now! Sponsored by Fine Arts @ FPC, the Lyon College Pipe Band will provide appropriate Scottish music during the processional and will perform during
a luncheon following the 11 o’clock worship service. Some of you have asked about ordering new tartan banners to honor your Scottish heritage. We will take orders for new tartans during the month of February. If you have a particular tartan you would like to give in order to
take part in the procession of tartans, please call Susie in the church office and let her know which tartan you would like. The cost of ordering material and producing a banner, complete with pole and stand, is $75. You can make your check payable to First Presbyterian Church, and mark it “tartan” on the memo line.
Annual Meeting of the Congregation on Feb. 8 Who: What: When: Where:
The Congregation Annual Meeting Sunday, Feb. 8, at noon Fellowship Hall
The Session has set the Annual Meeting of the congregation for Sunday, February 8, following the 11 o’clock worship service. The meeting will take
place in the Fellowship Hall and will begin with a box lunch. No RSVP is required. Donations will be accepted to cover the cost of the meal. The meeting itself will convene at 12:30, and should conclude by 1:30. Childcare will be provided throughout the meeting in the Children’s Wing for infants through grade 3. Business to be considered at the meet2
ing will include reports from the church’s treasurer, Mary Fischer; consideration of an amendment to the by-laws to move the annual meeting to late September or early October so that it falls as soon after the close of the fiscal year and the annual audit as possible; and consideration of the recommendation to change the terms of call of our pastor.
Bullet Points from December’s Session Meeting Minutes recorded by Robyn Files Officers-elect were examined by the Session and approved for ordination. New members were officially received, including Libby and Scot Shoup, Nikki and Charles McChesney, and Leslie Lindsey. The transfer of membership of Johnny McVey to Tyler Presbyterian Church was approved. Mary Fischer, the church’s treasurer, reported that the most recent audit was clean, and that a surplus of $13,353 would be placed in the operating reserve.
Stuart Baskin presented a slide show of his recent trip to visit the Presbyterian Education Board in Pakistan, noting that PEB needs funds for scholarships, salaries, and new buildings. Sally Smith Garmon followed up by introducing a motion to endorse the PEB as an official mission partner of FPC, which was passed by the Session. Robyn Files presented the following statement for the Session’s adoption: Principles of Governance
The congregation elects the Session to
lead, guide and direct the mission and ministries of the church. Members of the Session intend to embody collegiality, inclusiveness, and mutual respect in their dealings and decisions. They will govern by: (1) Discerning and articulating the congregation’s vision and mission; (2) Creating written policies to guide the congregation’s ministries; (3) Monitoring and evaluating the congregation’s leadership and ministries; and (4) Directing the resources of the congregation to achieve its mission.
We Can’t Reach You . . .
Play Presbytery Lottery
. . . if we don’t have your current contact information. Have you recently moved? Changed your phone number? Gotten a new email address? Share your new contact information in the friendship pad as it’s passed through the pews on Sundays, or call Susie Holley at the church office (903-5976317). We’ll be giving out updated membership directories soon, and we want to get your details right!
FPC Tyler is eligible to send three commissioners to each meeting of Grace Presbytery. Commissioners must be elders at FPC, and they are eligible to vote and to speak from the floor at presbytery meetings. In cases where more than three elders wish to act as commissioners, the Session has developed a procedure for selection. Interested individuals will notify the clerk of the Session, and the commissioners will be determined from this list by lot. At least one of the three must be an elder currently serving on the Session.
Thank You
The next presbytery meeting will be held at NorthPark Presbyterian Church in Dallas on March 7. If you wish to attend, notify Robyn Files by February 16 (903-593-8872 / robyn.files@tyler.net). Commissioners will be determined at the next Session meeting on February 17.
Dear FPC Church Family, Thank you for all of your care and concern during my father’s illness and subsequent death. Your prayers and words of support and encouragement, as well as your generous memorial gifts and flowers, were a source of comfort and peace to me in a time of grief. I feel extremely blessed to serve such a supportive, loving, and generous congregation. Your kindness is very much appreciated.
Analysis of Revenues & Expenses December 2014 Summary
Yours in Christ, revenues
Donald W. Duncan Director of Music & Organist
expenses net total
3
mtd actual
ytd actual
ytd budget
$165,964 $98,203 $67,761
$621,639 $610,935 $10,704
$574,531 $648,103 ($73,572)
event highlights Gilmont Women’s Retreat February 6–8 | Camp Gilmont, Gilmer, TX
Mardi Gras 2015 Tuesday, February 17, at 5:30–8 pm | Fellowship Hall free admission / silent auction
The annual retreat features author and dynamic speaker Margot Starbuck. Register as a group or individual (www. campgilmont.org). If you plan to attend and would like to share a ride, please contact Martha Oates (903-509-4781).
Fill up on gumbo and po’boys, then celebrate Mardi Gras with face painting, a cake walk, silent auction, and more— including stations representing our church’s chosen missions. Please RSVP at www.fpctyler.com/events/mardi-gras.
Great Hymns of the Faith Sunday, February 8, at 5 pm | Sanctuary free admission / presented by Fine Arts @ FPC
Ash Wednesday Wednesday, February 18, at 6:15 pm | Sanctuary
The East Texas Chapter of the American Guild of Organists celebrates its 50th anniversary with a hymn festival paying tribute to the great power of Christian hymnody.
The Lenten season begins with this service, which includes a corporate confession of sin and the imposition of ashes. Childcare will be available for infants through grade 3.
SAM’s Club Wednesday, February 11, at 11 am | Session Room
Traditions: Austin College A Cappella Choir Saturday, February 21, at 7 pm | Sanctuary Sunday, February 22, at 11 am | Sanctuary free admission / presented by Fine Arts @ FPC
SAM’s Club is sponsored by Senior Adult Ministries and catered by Traditions. Meal tickets are $10; payable at the door. RSVP by noon, February 9 (www.fpctyler.com/events/sams or call Bettie Clancy, 903-521-1383).
Welcome the Austin College A Cappella Choir to a weekend residency at FPC, in concert on Saturday and in worship on Sunday. More info at www.fpctyler.com/events/traditions.
Cantus Friday, February 13, at 7 pm | Sanctuary free admission / presented by Fine Arts @ FPC
UT Tyler Masterworks Concert Saturday, February 28, at 6 pm | Sanctuary free admission / presented by Fine Arts @ FPC
Acclaimed as “the premier men’s vocal ensemble in the United States,” Cantus is known worldwide for its trademark warmth and vocal blending. More information at www.fpctyler.com/events/cantus.
FPC is home to the joint concerts of the UT Tyler Patriot Singers and University Chorale under the direction of Cameron Rose. More info at www.fpctyler.com/events/uttyler.
Presbyterian Women’s Project Day Saturday, February 14, at 10 am | Session Room
All women of the church are invited to a day of service, fun, and feasting. More info on featured service projects at www.fcptyler.com/events/pw.
save the date |
2015
march
Soulfood | March 1, 15, & 29
Requiem by Gabriel Fauré | March 7
Palm Sunday | March 29
Fine Arts @ FPC presents the annual Soulfood Concert Series, featuring musical guests Neal Katz, the Purple Hulls, and the Tudor Rose Ensemble. Concurrent children’s programming, Soul Kids, with dinner to follow.
The Tyler Civic Chorale is back with their annual masterworks concert.
Commemorate the Lord’s triumphal entry to Jerusalem and the beginning of Holy Week with a palm processional led by bagpipes.
YouthQuake | March 20–22
Middle school youth head to Camp Gilmont for a weekend retreat led by the presbytery’s PULSE leaders. 4
c o n g r e g at i o n a l n e w s New Members
Congratulations—It’s a Boy!
Join us in extending a warm welcome to our newest members: nikki and charles mcchesney, beth and ben shepperd, leslie lindsey, and kate and drew starnes.
We offer prayers of thanksgiving for the safe delivery of jake michael philley starnes on Wednesday, January 14, 2015, to proud parents Kate and Drew Starnes and first-time big brother Cooper.
the mission store Yo u r m i s s i o n H Q a t F P C • M a t c h y o u r t a l e n t w i t h o u r c o m m u n i t y ’ s n e e d s Souper Bowl of Caring | Sunday, February 8
PATH | Donations
Twenty-five years ago, the Souper Bowl of Caring began with a simple prayer from a single youth group: “Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl game, help us be mindful of those without a bowl of soup to eat.” Since that day, more than $100 million has been raised for local charities across the country through Souper Bowl of Caring, transforming the Super Bowl weekend into the nation’s largest celebration of giving and serving.
Donate blankets and canned goods throughout February. Bring donations to the PATH crates in the Fellowship Hall foyer and near the elevator in the main building. More info at www.tylerpath.org. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance | Donations
As the PCUSA’s disaster-response ministry, PDA provides aid in the aftermath of natural disasters, in the midst of public health crises, and in the throes of war and violence. Visit www.pda.pcusa.org to contribute today.
Be part of this movement by giving generously on Sunday, February 8. Look for a youth with a soup pot by any church entrance. Every dollar and can of food donated goes to a local charity here in Tyler.
s u n day s c h o o l Sunday School @ 9:45 am faith builders | Lecture & discussion
M 202 / Study: the book of Acts / Contact: Susan Bennett (903) 343-7025 the forum | Book & discussion
M 102 / Study: Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew by Bart Ehrman / Contact: Chris Bunt (903) 531-3535 209ers | Young adults M 209 / Study: TBA / Contact: Debbie Pitts (debbiepitts@gmail.com) the
Birdwell Tutoring | Volunteers
At-risk students at Birdwell Elementary need tutors to help with math and reading. If you’re interested, please contact Diane Knowles, Birdwell Counselor (903-262-1875).
/ small
group listing
westminster | Book & discussion
M 207 / Study: The Present Word / Contact: Linda Pirtle (903) 881-9000
Small Group Schedule knit wits | Knitting Ministry
Monday, February 2, at 1:30 pm at the home of Pat Cryer (903) 561-5242 midweek oasis for moms
Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 5 pm / M 102 / Contact: Pam Leach (903) 520-9138
5
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 women | Book & discussion
Thursdays 9:30 am in Conf. Room / Study: Chronicles of Promise through 2/12; Forgiveness: A Lenten Study begins 2/19 / Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533
Children & Youth Calendar
february 2015 !
Sunday
Monday
1
Tuesday
2
Wednesday
Thursday
3
4
8:30 AM | worship
5 PM | Carol Choir
9:15 AM | Ring and Sing
6 PM | SH
Friday
5
music 9:45 AM | Sunday school 11 AM | worship 5:30 PM | SHYC returns
8
15
9
10 5 PM | CM
Team meeting
11
16
12
PULSE Training
13
14
5 PM | Carol Choir 6 PM | SH
Small Group
17 5:30 PM | Mardi
Gras 2015
9:15 AM | Ring and Sing
18
19
music 9:45 AM | Sunday school 11 AM | worship
20
21
6–8 PM |
5 PM | Carol Choir
FPC Doves (grades 3–5)
5 PM | Midweek Oasis
9:40 AM | CM
6:15 PM | Ash Wednesday
service
23
24
25
8:30 AM | worship
5 PM | Carol Choir
9:15 AM | Ring and Sing
6 PM | SH
9:40 AM | CM
7 7:30 AM–5 PM |
YouthQuake registration opens February 1!
8:30 AM | worship
22
6
6–9 PM | First
Friday Fun (infant–gr. 2)
Small Group
9:40 AM | CM
Souper Bowl of Caring 8:30 AM | worship 9:15 AM | Ring and Sing 9:40 AM | CM music 9:45 AM | Sunday school 11 AM | worship
Saturday
Small Group
26
27
28
11 AM | PULSE
retreat departs
music
9:45 AM | Sunday school 11 AM | worship 5:30 PM | Youth Group
to the church or to the world through the church. Perhaps we’re already involved in a ministry that you can plug into. But just as likely, you may find that we aren’t offering a particular ministry. In that case, you might consider pulling together others who have similar interests and talents and developing a new ministry. More than anything else, that’s what we hope our new system of governance will produce: church members empowered to develop new ministries in places where they have a passion. Think about it . . .
“A Congregation of Priests,” continued from page 1.
find help or comfort through some ministry of the church, and that every member will find a place to minister to the needs of others. Part of our heritage as Protestant Christians is our belief in the “Priesthood of All Believers.” This means not only that we have direct access to God through Jesus Christ, but also that we have a duty to be “priests” to one another. I hope you’ll give some prayer to what ministry you can offer 6
ch i ld r e n ’s m i n i s try n e ws First Friday Fun: Kids’ Night Out! Friday, February 6, at 6–9 pm | Children’s Wing
&
events
Sunday Morning Volunteers Mrs. Lindy Goode is now our roving shepherd during Sunday school. We welcome her and enjoy seeing her regularly! Mrs. Priscilla Maxfield will be joining our shepherd team in February, assisting with the ROCK group (grades 1–5). We welcome and thank you, Priscilla!
In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, children will create a few sweet treats after dinner and make a craft to take home. The featured Bible story will be about God’s love, which never fails. Infants–grade 2. More info and registration at www. fpctyler.com/events/firstfriday.
We have a few other openings, both during the Sunday school hour and for Children’s worship during the 11 o’clock service. If your schedule allows you to serve a week each month this spring semester, please contact Phyllis Kidwell (pkidwell@fpctyler.com) to volunteer.
FPC Doves Friday, February 20 | TBA
The big kids—our group 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders—set their own agenda for their monthly activities combining fun, mission, and service. As of press time, details for February’s event were not set. More info coming soon via email.
KidQuake and KidQuiver Parents—our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders are going to KidQuake at Camp Gilmont on April 17–19. Stay tuned for information about a parent meeting. We’ll also set aside time to personalize a back pack and decorate a drinking cup for each camper to use during their weekend adventure.
Soul Kids Soul Kids will be offered during each of the Soulfood concerts on three Sunday evenings in March—March 1, 15, and 29. The lessons and activities will focus on forgiveness, the adults’ Lenten study theme, for pre-K through grade 5. Childcare will be available for younger children. A congregational meal will be provided after each concert for a minimal cost. Plan to join us!
To help our younger students prepare for future KidQuakes, our 1st and 2nd graders will be invited to KidQuiver this spring, an event similar to KidQuake, but a little closer to home (right here at FPC!) and ending a little sooner. Watch for more details!
student ministries news
&
events
PULSE Training Saturday, February 7, 7:30 am–5 pm | Irving, TX
PULSE Retreat February 28–March 1 | Camp Gilmont
Souper Bowl of Caring Sunday, Feb. 8, 8:30 am–Noon | Sanctuary & Chapel
No Senior High Small Group on February 18
At this session, PULSE youth will finalize their teams, work with keynoters, and participate in a workshop about leading small groups. Eat breakfast before you come. Let Neil know if you plan to attend (nmckown@fpctyler.com).
This overnight training event serves as a testing ground for the leadership skills honed throughout the year. Meet at FPC at 11 am on Saturday. The group will return by 1 pm on Sunday. No money is needed. Senior High Small Group will not meet on Ash Wednesday, February 18. Instead, all are welcome to come to the Ash Wednesday worship service in the Sanctuary at 6:15 p.m.
Youth—plan to hold a soup pot for donations. Every dollar and can of food donated goes to a local charity here in Tyler.
Youth Group Sunday, February 22, at 5:30–7:30 pm | the Well
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 online at www. fpctyler.com/archive.
Planning for the annual Youth Sunday will begin, so bring your best ideas! Group games will follow. Register online (www.fpctyler.com/events/youth). 7
Meadow Lake Bible Study. 11:45 am, Meadow Lake. First Friday Fun. 6 pm, Children’s Wing. Gilmont Women’s Retreat. Camp Gilmont. PULSE Training. 7:30 am–5 pm, Irving. Souper Bowl of Caring. 8 am–Noon, campus-wide. Annual Meeting of the Congregation. 12:30 pm, Fellowship Hall. Great Hymns of the Faith. 5 pm, Sanctuary. SAM’s Club. 11 am, Session Room. Cantus. 7 pm, Sanctuary. Presbyterian Women’s Project Day. 10 am, Session Room. Steeple Times deadline Mardi Gras 2015. 5:30 pm, Fellowship Hall. Ash Wednesday Service. 6:15 pm, Sanctuary. FPC Doves. TBA. Austin College A Cappella, in Concert. 7 pm, Sanctuary. Austin College A Cappella, in Worship. 11 am, Sanctuary. Lenten study small groups begin meeting. Youth Group. 5:30 pm, the Well. UT Tyler Masterworks Concert. 6 pm, Sanctuary. PULSE Retreat. Camp Gilmont.
worship. February 3 @ 5 pm — Conference Room
return service requested
trustees. February 20 @ 12 pm — Conference Room
230 W. Rusk Street, Tyler, TX 75701
session. February 17 @ 7 pm — M 207
risk management. February 25 @ 12 pm — Conference Room
mission. February 9 @ 5:30 pm — Library
governance. February 2 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room
evangelism. February 3 @ 6:15 pm — Conference Room
children’s ministry. February 10 @ 5 pm — Library
budget
& finance. February 12 @ 12 pm — Conference Room building & grounds. February 2 & 9 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room
committee meetings
5 6 6–8 7 8 8 8 11 13 14 15 17 18 20 21 22 22 22 28 28–1
calendar highlights
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