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 5 : M a y 2 0 1 5
An Invitation to Belong By the Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin Apparently I have a problem communicating. At least that’s what my family tells me. I think I communicate clearly and crisply, but that’s not the case. Here’s how a conversation might go: 2:00 p.m. (by phone) ME: Hi hon, there’s a great movie on at Times Square. AMY: What’s it about? ME: It’s a comedy about a couple who keep having communication errors. AMY: Sounds interesting. ME: Ok, bye. AMY: Bye. 7:00 p.m. (at home) ME: Are you ready? AMY: For what? ME: To go to the movie. AMY: I didn’t know we were going to see a movie tonight.
ME: But we talked about it this afternoon. AMY: Yes, but you didn’t say you wanted to go tonight. ME: I didn’t? AMY: No, dear, you didn’t. ME: Oh. Well, do you want to go see the movie tonight? AMY: Love to. I thought I was absolutely clear. But it turns out that in the first conversation there was communication that happened in my head, but didn’t come out of my mouth. The difference? Information-sharing versus invitation. As it turns out, this communication pattern isn’t just an issue in the Baskin household. We do it in the church, too, when it comes to inviting newcomers into the life of the church. We often tell newcomers about an event at the church and assume we have invited 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 Senior Recognition | page 2
Meet an Ironman | page 4
FPC Tyler Hosts Presbytery | page 5
Celebrate senior high graduation with soon-to-be grads at a special reception and service.
Senior Adult Ministry invites you to meet and hear Ironman—and FPC member, Clay Emge.
Get on board the hospitality train and help us prepare for Grace Presbytery’s June meeting.
Bible Presentation | page 4
Encourage 1st and 5th grade students in Bible reading. First Presbyterian Church of Tyler, Texas 230 West Rusk Street, Tyler, Texas 75701-1696 (903) 597-6317 | www.fpctyler.com