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.
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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