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 3 : M a r c h 2 0 1 5
Staying True to the Course By the Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin A funny thing has happened at 230 West Rusk Street. The world has changed around us. All things considered, this is not a bad thing. Let me explain. In the heyday of American Protestantism—the 1950’s—the Presbyterian Church was one of most influential denominations. Although numerically we were a tiny minority, our influence outstripped our size. Few other churches could boast our numbers among the decision makers of our country. From city councils to the halls of Congress, Presbyterians were a real presence. In short, we were one of the “establishment” churches. But times have changed. We’re not the establishment church anymore. More than that, our way of worshiping God seems out of step with the main-
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stream. And that’s a good thing! We don’t need to be like every other church in town. If we wanted to be the biggest church in town, we would do things very differently. We would hire a marketing firm to tell us what people want, and we would work hard to give them what they want. That’s what a lot of churches have done. They have figured out what the people want, and they work hard to give it to them. There’s only one problem with that. The church isn’t about serving up what people want; it’s about serving God. Those are two entirely different things. As far as I can tell, our entire reason for being is to serve and please God. I believe passionately in that. As the Continued on page 7.
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Mission Updates | page 3
Lenten Study & Sermons | page 2
Soulfood Concert Series | page 4
Big thank you’s all around for this congregation’s support of Souper Bowl of Caring and Mardi Gras 2015. Look inside for more details.
Join us on this journey—it’s an exploration of forgiveness.
A special Lenten concert series explores the many ways we worship God through music. A Southern soul food supper follows each concert.
Updated Directories | page 3
Pick up a new membership directory from the church office.
First Presbyterian Church of Tyler, Texas 230 West Rusk Street, Tyler, Texas 75701-1696 (903) 597-6317 | www.fpctyler.com