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 4 : A p r i l 2 0 1 5
Living into God’s Vision Together By the Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin One of my weaknesses in ministry is a tendency to avoid difficult issues. Sometimes it’s a good thing: issues can seem urgent for a moment, but after a few days fade in importance; letting them go without comment can be a strategic move. But sometimes issues are really important, and ignoring them just makes them worse. The art of leadership is discerning which issues need to be addressed and which should be ignored. But another facet of leadership is discerning when to address an issue. Addressing an issue too soon can be as counterproductive as ignoring it.
most complete overhaul in staffing, to a major capital improvement project to repair and upgrade aging facilities, and on and on—we have had a lot to say grace over as a congregation!
I sense that as a congregation, we are about ready for an extended conversation about our future. A congregation can sustain only so many big issues at a time, and we have had more than our fair share of big issues. From healing the wounds of conflict, to an al-
Second, these declines mirror trends in our culture. On this phenomenon, I could write pages. Suffice it to say we haven’t done anything wrong, but have drifted along for forty or fifty
In all of this it’s not gone unnoticed by me, by staff, or by the officers that we have suffered declines in both membership and worship attendance over the years. This should not be cause for panic, however. In my experience, panic and fear almost always lead to bad decisions. When it comes to our declines in attendance and membership, two facts should temper our judgment. First, these declines have been happening since the 1960s.
Continued on page 2.
i n t h i s i s s u e | H I G H L I G H T S & F E AT U R E S Holy Week & Easter | page 4
Kirkin’ of the Tartans | page 4
Camp Gilmont News | pages 4–5
Join us for the holy days leading up to the ultimate celebration of our Lord. Stop by the labyrinth during the week (page 3) and join us for brunch and egg hunts on Easter morning.
Bagpipes and a procession of tartans will be followed by a congregational lunch.
Support Camp Gilmont’s summer programs as they enter their 75th year of ministry and attend a reception at one of premier private gardens in East Texas.
Youth Sunday | page 7
Look forward to an energetic morning as the youth lead the annual Youth Sunday worship services.
First Presbyterian Church of Tyler, Texas 230 West Rusk Street, Tyler, Texas 75701-1696 (903) 597-6317 | www.fpctyler.com
A Crafty Small Group
Thank You
Attention sewers and needle crafters! A new small group is forming to engage and share your skills and talents. Whatever you enjoy sewing, there will be a place of you. Also, if you want to learn something new, this is the place. The group will meet monthly at the church, day and time to be determined. We will have an organizational meeting soon after Easter. For more information, please contact Mollie Bobo (903-530-2772 / molliebobo@gmail.com).
Dear FPC family, The outpouring of love and prayers my family felt from our congregation during the brief illness and death of our precious Trudy Fleming was overwhelming. We cannot begin to thank you enough for making us feel surrounded by love and wrapped in God’s arms as we walked the final journey with mother. Mother loved our church and our church family. Stuart’s send off was perfect; she would have been so pleased. Donald’s music would have filled her heart with joy as she loved to hear him get carried away on the piano and organ in the chapel. I can’t thank our church staff enough for their love and support; and the team who takes care of our receptions and directs our memorial services went above and beyond to make us feel loved.
Stay in the Know Stay in the know about news and events by connecting with FPC online. Subscribe to the weekly e-newsletter, and you’ll receive stories, event reminders, and mission updates. You’ll even get a sneak peek into what Stuart has planned for Sunday’s pulpit! Follow the QR code above or find the e-newsletter signup link on the website at fpctyler.com.
I am so blessed to be a part of this wonderful congregation! Thank you, one and all, for making mother’s passing a celebration of her life and legacy.
Stay in touch with us on social media, too: /fpctyler
@fpctyler
Blessings and peace, @fpctyler
Jessica Cox
“Living into God’s Vision Together,” continued from page 1.
sleeves and get to work. There are a few things we can do better, but the bigger issue is figuring out who we are and what God is calling us to do right here, right now. Unless and until we can be very specific about what God is calling us to do, we will continue to bump along.
years while cultural trends have worked against us. Conflicts within the congregation over who is to blame for our decline have only served to deepen our rate of decline and deplete us of the energy we need to deal with it appropriately.
In the months ahead, look for some initiatives from the Session to wrestle with our identity and purpose. These initiatives are not intended to be quick fixes, but they will challenge us as a congregation to work hard together to find our identity and to live into God’s vision for us.
All of this is to say, I believe we are ready to face the future and reverse these trends. But it won’t be easy. I have been asked if there is a secret to growing a church, if there is some program we could adopt that would instantly reverse our decline. The answer is no, there’s not. It’s kind of like dieting: no one ever went broke selling the latest greatest weight-loss scheme, but we all know the truth: weight loss takes discipline and hard work. There are no quick fixes or shortcuts.
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.
There are no quick fixes for us, but there is ample cause for hope—as long as we’re willing to roll up our collective 2
Bullet Points from February’s Session Meeting Minutes recorded by Robyn Files The Session met on February 17 and conducted the following business: As treasurer, Mary Fischer discussed the financial reports for January 2015. On behalf of the Governance Committee, Robyn Files motioned that a Volunteer Coordinating Committee be formed to work with staff to identify the talents and passions of mem-
bers; to identify the volunteer opportunities in the church; and to create a process for matching talents and passions with the service opportunities. Motion was passed. The Planning and Evaluation Committee asked for suggestions for a new format for evaluation of committees. As representatives of the Budget and Finance Committee, Skip Womack
and Wayne Babin presented options for the retirement of the church’s remaining debt from the last renovation project. Motions were passed to use money designated for the youth house to pay down the principle on the debt, to amortize the remaining debt, and to authorize the trustees to negotiate the loan for one year paying interest only.
The Labyrinth—A Pathway of Prayer By the Rev. Pamela Leach The labyrinth will be available Palm Sunday (after 2 pm) through Easter Sunday in the Session Room (F 101/102).
During Holy Week the labyrinth will be available for prayer and meditation in the Session Room of the Fellowship
S U N D AY S C H O O L
Hall (F 101/102). While labyrinths predate Christianity, they were incorporated into the prayer life of early believers in the Triune God. Walking this ancient path of prayer gives you the opportunity to step out of the demands of your daily life in order to focus on God for a few moments before following the path back into the world where you minister in God’s name.
Small Group Schedule
faith builders | Lecture & discussion
knit wits | Knitting Ministry
the forum | Book & discussion
Monday, April 6, at 1:30 pm at TBA / Contact: Pat Cryer (903) 561-5242 midweek oasis for moms
M 102 / Study: Lost Christianities by Bart Ehrman / Contact: Chris Bunt (903) 531-3535
Wednesday, April 1, at 5 pm / M 102 / Contact: Pam Leach (903) 520-9138
209ers | Young adults M 209 / Study: TBA / Contact: Debbie Pitts (debbiepitts@gmail.com)
Tuesdays 6:30 am at Premier Flexipac / Contact: Skip Womack (903) 533-9433 or Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746
the
men | Lectionary
westminster | Book & discussion
M 207 / Study: The Present Word / Contact: Linda Pirtle (903) 881-9000
As we enter Holy Week, consider setting aside a few moments to walk the path and reflect on Jesus’ great sacrifice for the world.
/ SMALL GROUP LISTING
Sunday School @ 9:45 am M 202 / Study: The book of Acts / Contact: Susan Bennett (903) 343-7025
Both individuals and groups are welcome to use the labyrinth. Suggestions for use will be available in the Session Room. If you have questions, please contact Lynn Collyer (903-597-6317 x102 / lmcollyer@fpctyler.com).
3
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: Forgiveness: A Lenten Study through April 2; No meeting April 9; C. S. Lewis: Reluctant Disciple begins April 16 / Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Maundy Thursday Thursday, April 2, 7 pm | Sanctuary
Caring Basics—Training for Deacons Sunday, April 12, 12:15 pm | Session Room (F 101)
Also known as the Thursday of Mysteries, this worship service commemorates the Lord’s Last Supper. Read more at fpctyler.com/maundy-thursday.
Have you ever wanted to visit someone sick or hurting, but just didn’t know how to help? Join us for lunch and get some answers on the nitty gritty side of caring for your church family. Interested but not a deacon? That’s okay; all are welcome. Read more and RSVP at fpctyler.com/events/caring.
Good Friday Friday, April 3, 7:42 pm | Sanctuary
Kirkin’ of the Tartans Presented by Fine Arts @ FPC and featuring the Lyon College Pipe Band Sunday, April 19, 11 am | Sanctuary
Good Friday marks the beginning of tenebrae, the somber period of darkness between the Lord’s crucifixion and his resurrection. Read more at fpctyler.com/good-friday.
Easter Sunday Sunday, April 5, 8:30 & 11 am | Sanctuary
free admission
A procession of tartan plaid and bagpipes celebrating our church’s Scottish heritage has become an annual tradition for the congregation. This year, special guest musicians, the Lyon College Pipe Band, will lead the celebration. A luncheon will follow. Read more at fpctyler.com/events/kirkin.
Celebrate the Lord’s resurrection with us! Read more at fpctyler.com/easter.
Easter Eggstravaganza Sunday, April 5, 9:30 am | Front Lawn
Enjoy a church-wide brunch in celebration of the resurrection, complete with Easter egg hunts and family games. Invite your friends and neighbors! Read more at fpctyler.com/ easter-eggstravaganza.
Next Chapter: Game Night Monday, April 20, 5:30 pm | Parlor (M 107)
SAM’s Club: Busting the Myths of Hospice Wednesday, April 8, 11 am | Session Room (F 101/102)
75 Years of Gilmont: A Garden Reception Sunday, April 26, 4:30–6:30 pm | 207 E. Charnwood St.
Join FPC’s fellowship group for widows at a game night. Read more at fpctyler.com/events/next-chapter.
Join Senior Adult Ministries for a myth-busting presentation on hospice care with Patty McKinney and Marleen Elkins. Lunch is catered by Traditions. Meal tickets are $10 and payable at the door. RSVP by noon on Monday, April 6 (fpctyler.com/events/sams or call Bettie Clancy, 903-5211383).
Gilmont’s church families are invited to celebrate 75 years of Gilmont ministries at one of the premier private gardens in East Texas at the residence of Dr. Wayne and Kathy Babin. Save the date, and plan to gather with friends on April 26! Read more at fpctyler.com/events/gilmont.
s a v e t h e d a t e | M AY 2 0 1 5 Spring Madrigal Feast | May 1 & 2
Bible Presentation | May 3
Senior Recognition | May 17
Fine Arts @ FPC and the Tyler Civic Chorale present a dinner-theater styled madrigal concert at Cedars of Lebanon.
The Children’s Ministry will present first and fifth graders with their very own Bible during the 11 o’clock worship service in the Sanctuary.
Celebrate the acheivements of our graduating seniors at a special recognition ceremony during the 11 o’clock service. Look for more details about a reception.
Planned Giving Have you remembered the church and other charities in your will? If you need help, contact Nanci Pollard (903-597-6317) to request information, or visit the Texas Presbyterian Foundation at tpf.org. Assistance is confidential and free of charge. 4
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
Thank You from the Mission Committee
Sponsor a Gilmont Camper
At its last meeting, the Mission Committee voted to distribute the funds raised at Mardi Gras 2015. Within the next thirty days, over $5,500 will be distributed to the following local organizations: Bethesda Health Clinic, Gateway to Hope, Habitat for Humanity, the Literacy Council of Tyler, Meals on Wheels, PATH, and the Samaritan Counseling Center. Our two global mission partners, Solar under the Sun/Living Waters for the World and Presbyterian Education Board’s Sargodha Boys High School will also receive donations. A large thank you goes out to all 180+ members and guests who joined in the fun and to all those who generously donated to these missions supported by FPC. Stay tuned for Mardi Gras 2016!
Give the gift of Camp Gilmont’s summer camp to a child by donating to the Camp Scholarship Fund. It’s summer as it ought to be: simple fun, time in nature, growing in Christ and community. Visit campgilmont.org.
FROG: Friend of Gilmont May 8–9 | Camp Gilmont, Gilmer, Texas
Become a FROG—Friend of Gilmont—and come help us spruce up the camp! Families can sign up or, even better, bring a group from the church! Contact Jane Els, Gilmont’s volunteer coordinator. Visit campgilmont.org.
PATH, April donations Donate canned fruit in April. Please note that PATH does not currently accept any clothing donations. Bring donations to the PATH crates located in the foyer of the Fellowship Hall and near the elevator in the main building. More info at tylerpath.org.
5th Annual Mickey Melton Memorial Golf Tournament Monday, April 6 | Pinecrest Country Club, Longview
This tournament was established in 2010 to honor Mickey, a humble community leader, and to continue his service to others. To register visit mickeymelton.com.
C O N G R E G AT I O N A L N E W S Deaths
Births
We offer prayers of comfort for the family of member gertrude “trudy ” fleming who recently passed away.
We offer prayers of thanksgiving for the safe delivery of Miles Nelson on Friday, February 20, 2015, to proud parents Mandy and Kyle Nelson and first-time big sister, Sloane.
Thank You
Analysis of Revenues & Expenses February 2015 Summary
Many thanks for all the visits, cards, food, prayers and good wishes during Herman’s recent illness. We were so impressed at your caring and are so grateful to have you for our church family.
—Pat Cryer
net total
revenues expenses
5
mtd actual
ytd actual
ytd budget
$57,995 $76,110 ($18,115)
$776,447 $785,681 ($9,234)
$771,534 $839,282 ($67,748)
Children & Youth Calendar
April 2015 !
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1 5 PM | Carol Choir End-
of-Year Party 6 PM | SH Small Group
Easter Sunday 5 8:30 AM | Worship
6
7
office closed
8 6 PM | SH
Small Group
6 PM | SH
Small Group
Friday
2 7 PM | Maundy
Thursday
9
11 AM | Worship
12
13
14
15
3
4
7:42 PM | Good
Friday
10
6–9 PM | Friday
11
Fun Finale (infant–gr. 2)
9:30 AM | Eggstravaganza
8:30 AM | Worship
Saturday
16
17
18
9:15 AM | Ring and Sing 9:40 AM | CM
music 9:45 AM | Sunday school 11 AM | Worship 5:30 PM | Youth Group
19
KidQuake at Camp Gilmont, April 17–19
20
21
8:30 AM | Worship
22 6 PM | SH
Small Group
6 PM | SH
Small Group
23
9:15 AM | Ring and Sing 9:40 AM | CM
music
9:45 AM | Sunday school 11 AM | Worship 1 PM | Youth Group
Youth Sunday 26 8:30 AM | Worship
27
28
29
9:15 AM | Ring and Sing 9:40 AM | CM
music
9:45 AM | Sunday school 11 AM | Worship 12 PM | Youth Lunch at
Graduating Senior Displays in Fellowship Hall beginning on April 26.
Cici's Pizza
6
30
24
25
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NEWS
& EVENTS
Holy Week Childcare
Summer Camp at Gilmont
Childcare will be offered for nursery-age through second grade during the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services. See page 4 for more service details.
As you are making your summer plans, don’t forget about Camp Gilmont, which offers Discovery Camp (age 7–10) and Explorer’s Camp (age 11–14). There are even two mini camps for children age 6-8. These are three-and-a-half-day adventures for first time campers. For more information, visit gilmontsummercamps.weebly.com.
Easter Eggstravaganza Sunday, April 5, 9:30 am | Front Lawn
Enjoy a church-wide brunch in celebration of the resurrection, complete with Easter egg hunts and family games. Invite your friends and neighbors! Read more at fpctyler.com/ events/easter-eggstravaganza.
Vacation Bible School Thursday, August 6–Saturday, August 8
This year at VBS, we will learn more about the Living Waters for the World mission that is one our church supports in conjunction with Solar Under the Sun. The event will include Bible stories, games, and crafts for the children and information classes for the adults. Please mark your calendars and plan to join in the fun.
Friday Fun Finale Friday, April 10, 6–9 pm | Children’s Wing
The last Friday Fun day of the school year will celebrate spring, with tons of outdoor games. Infants–grade 2. Friends are welcome. Parents, please RSVP by Wednesday, April 8 at fpctyler.com/events/firstfriday or contact Phyllis Kidwell (pkidwell@fpctyler.com / 903-681-5504). This helps us plan ahead for food and craft supplies.
STUDENT MINISTRIES NEWS Youth Group Sunday, April 12, 5:30–7:30 pm | The Well (FL 104)
& EVENTS
Summer Events East Texas Youth Mission Trip
June 13–21 | Clearwater Forest Camp, Deerwood MN
The youth will meet for dinner and a run-through of the Youth Sunday service, which the students will lead on Sunday, April 26. After rehearsal, group games will commence with gusto. RSVP at fpctyler.com/youth-group.
Register at fpctyler.com/events/etxmission Junior High Jubilee
June 28–July 2 | Mo-Ranch, Hunt TX Register at fpctyler.com/events/jhj
Youth Group Sunday, April 19, 1–3 pm | Sanctuary
Synod Youth Workshop
July 19–25 | University of Tulsa
The youth will do a final run-through of the Youth Sunday service, which the students will lead on Sunday, April 26. Read more at fpctyler.com/youth-group-2.
Register at fpctyler.com/events/syw
Youth Sunday Sunday, April 26, 8:30 & 11 am worship services
Once a year, the youth of FPC Tyler lead the congregation in worship, contributing their talents to everything from the scripting of the service to the music to the prayers. Visit fpctyler.com/events/youth-sunday for the Sunday morning schedule.
7
Maundy Thursday. 7 pm, Sanctuary. Good Friday. 7:42 pm, Sanctuary. Easter Sunday. 8:30 & 11 am, Sanctuary. Easter Eggstravaganza. 9:30 am, Front Lawn. Easter Monday. Office closed. SAM’s Club. 11 am, F 101/102. Friday Fun Finale. 6 pm, Children’s Wing. Youth Group. 5:30 pm, the Well. KidQuake. Camp Gilmont. Kirkin’ of the Tartans. 11 am, Sanctuary. Youth Group. 1 pm, Sanctuary. Next Chapter Games Night. 5:30 pm, M 107. Youth Sunday. 8:30 & 11 am worship services. Gilmont Garden Reception. 4:30 pm, 207 E. Charnwood.
& moderators. April 7 @ 10 am — Conference Room
worship. April 7 @ 5 pm — Conference Room
trustees. April 28 @ 12 pm — Conference Room
session. April 21 @ 7 pm — M 207
risk management. April 22 @ 12 pm — Conference Room
pw board
governance. April 1 @ 6:15 pm — Library
evangelism. April 7 @ 6:15 pm — Library
diaconate. April 14 @ 6:30 pm — Library
children’s ministry. April 14 @ 5 pm — Library
budget
& finance. April 9 @ 12 pm — Conference Room building & grounds. April 13 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room
COMMIT TEE MEETINGS
2 3 5 5 6 8 10 12 17–19 19 19 20 26 26
APRIL HIGHLIGHTS
Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage
230 W. Rusk Street, Tyler, TX 75701
PAID
return service requested
Permit No. 683 Tyler, Texas 75701-1696
To everyone at the home of: