Steeple Times, August 2015 (Vol. 10, Issue 8)

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 8 : A u g u s t 2 0 1 5

Clean Water for All People

By Phyllis Kidwell This year we learn about God’s creation, the baptism of Jesus, and the woman at the well through art, storytime, crafts and games during Vacation Bible School. We will discover the value of clean water in our world today, and consider the importance of water in our world as we explore these water-themed Bible stories–all while making new friends.

Participants and the congregation are invited to contribute coins and bills to the VBS offering to be sent to Living Waters for the World (livingwatersfortheworld.org), a mission our church supports year round.

Kids meet for VBS from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Thursday, August 6 and Friday, August 7. On Saturday, we will meet from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with a special invitation to the community and the

congregation to join us for a cookout around noon to enjoy hamburgers and hot dogs prepared by some of the men in the church, and other festivities.

RSVP for the meal at fpctyler.com/ events/cookout.

Put this date on your calendar and bring a family member, friend or neighbor–or all three! And remember to toss swim clothes and a towel in your bag for your little ones to jump in the bounce house or slide down the water slide that day. Come share the living water that Jesus shared – let’s share God’s love!

Register kids, age 3 through completed grade 5, by visiting fpctyler.com/ vbs or by calling the church office (903-597-6317).

Questions? Contact Phyllis Kidwelll (pkidwell@fpctyler.com/903-6815504/).

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 More than just a Ride | page 2

Community Cookout | page 3

Christian Ed Leader Training | page 3

Make tracks with the Transportation Ministry by helping members hitch a ride to worship.

Fill up and cool off with a community cookout and some water play—for the kids on the front lawn. Free and open to the public.

Christian Education ministry leaders kick off the new year with special training to support teaching Sunday school and leading small groups

First Presbyterian Church of Tyler, Texas 230 West Rusk Street, Tyler, Texas 75701-1696 (903) 597-6317 | www.fpctyler.com

More than just a Ride. . .It’s a Ministry!

By Bob Schmoker & the Rev. Pamela Leach At any given time, our congregation has several members who are no longer driving and would love to come to worship on a regular basis. We would love for them to join us. In order to get them here, the Transportation Ministry, directed by the Board of Deacons, needs your help.

If you are willing to make a commitment to give a ride to another member on a regular basis and stay in touch with him or her about your schedule, this may be the ministry for you. What constitutes a regular basis? It could be once a quarter, once a month, or every Sunday you are available. What happens if you are sick or out of town? No

problem – just make sure the member knows not to expect you. (In some cases, you may be able to arrange for another driver.)

Why is it more than just a ride? Remember the words of Jesus from Matthew 18:20, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” We are blessed through our time together as Christians, perhaps even more so when we give of ourselves to assist another. Consider the experience of one of our members: My first encounter with helping people with their transportation needs was when I was in my 20’s. I was asked to drive 4 - 6 people to and from their home and church. It was a wonderful way of getting to know them personal-

ly. The lives they lead encouraged me to become part of the church family. Most of the members had a rich history of devotion to our Lord Jesus. Learning that they went on mission trips to places like the Congo in Africa and other places around the world was like being there myself. I valued my time with them and in knowing that others really cared for the children of God. Another deacon shared, “We all benefited as much or more” than the one we served. How often this is true!

If you believe you have a calling to help others through the transportation ministry, please contact Bob Schmoker at 903-714-5746.

A New Study Opportunity for Adults

By Linda Pirtle The Westminster Adult Class will be studying from The Teacher and the Preacher: a dialogue, written by Moshe Avraham Kempenski. The book has been called a significant contribution to fostering a deeper understanding between Christians and Jews. It suc-

cessfully explains the classic Jewish paradigm of thought as it relates to the Bible, the Messiah and redemption.

The book is an open-ended dialogue that offers no final resolution, yet it is a dialogue that dispels fog and confusion that may exist between two great and historic communities of faith.

Plan to join us for this new study beginning Sunday, August 2 at 9:30 a.m. in room M 207. Class contact: Linda Pirtle (lsgp@suddenlink.net / 903881-9000).

Regular Sunday Schedule Returns August 2 8:30 am & 11:00 am | Worship

9:15 am | Coffee Fellowship

9:45 am | Sunday School Classes

Join us for worship service in the Chapel at 8:30 a.m. or in the Sanctuary at 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church will meet following Time with Children at the 11:00 a.m. service.

FPC’s social hour, with coffee too! Join us in the Fellowship Hall for refreshments and fellowship.

The regular Sunday schedule will resume August 2. Check class listings in the service bulletin.

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS pockets; thread; ¾” elastic; ribbons, 3-yd lengths; packaged folded bias tape; trims, laces, rickrack, braid, buttons, cute appliqués. Visit fpctyler.com/events/sewingbees or contact Mollie Bobo (903-530-2772/molliebobo@gmail.com).

Community Cookout August 8, around noon // Front lawn

—FREE ADMISSION—

Celebrate community and the close of Vacation Bible School with a burger or hot dog on the front lawn (if raining, in Fellowship Hall)—water play for the kids is optional! Open to the public. RSVP for lunch at fpctyler.com/events/cookout.

Christian Education Leader Workshop August 29, at 9:30 am // M107 How do we help visitors and members connect with our ministries? What is our evacuation plan in case of severe weather, a fire or other threats? How do we respond to emergencies? All Sunday school teachers, shepherds, children’s and youth music leaders, small group leaders, Presbyterian Women’s moderators and leaders, are invited to kick off the new year at a special training session led by the Christian Education staff on Saturday, August 29, from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. RSVP at fpctyler.com/events/cetraining.

Sewing for Haitian Children August 19, 10 am | F101/102 Join the Sewing Bees and help them meet their goal of sewing 50 dresses and shorts for the children of St. Etienne, Haiti by September! Simple patterns and guidance provided.

Drop any of the following sewing supply donations in the bin located in the church office: 100% cotton fabrics, woven or knit, ½ -3-yds, girl & boy prints; cotton knit fabrics, boy prints & solids; cotton scraps min. 5” square for

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 Please consider becoming a part of the FPC Hard Hats by simply sending your name, best times available (i.e. weekends only), and contact information to Mitch Adams (903285-7996/mitch.adams@yahoo.com) or Ginny Mattox, (903-504-5016/virginiamattox1@gmail.com).

Presenting the FPC Hard Hats Your Mission Committee needs a core group of members– men and women from teen to older adults–who are willing to grab hammers, paint brushes, garden tools, or cleaning supplies, to assist in short-term refurbishing or repair projects in the community. As needs arise, members of this group would be contacted to see if interested and available for a specific project.

PATH: People Attempting to Help Volunteers & donations PATH is still collecting box fans for clients in need. At Home Depot, simply tell a cashier you’d like to buy a fan for PATH. You will be charged a discounted price of $10, and the fan will be set aside for a PATH representative to pick up. It’s that easy! More info at tylerpath.org.

Examples of projects are not limited to but might include: •

Gathering on a Saturday morning to help clean, repaint, and ready a PATH Community Home for the next family.

•

Helping with a rebuilding or repair need in our storm-damaged neighboring community of Van.

•

Working as a group with Habitat for Humanity to assist in building or refurbishing a home.

•

Cleaning or repair work across the street at Potter House, our temporary housing ministry for families seeking medical care in Tyler.

August’s pantry drive: canned fruit. Bring donations to the crates in the Fellowship Hall and first floor in the main building.

PATH Week 2015

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September 7-11 PATH Week events raise awareness of programs which help to change the face of poverty, homelessness, and hunger in our community. More info at tylerpath.org.

Bullet Points from June’s Session Meeting Minutes recorded by Jeanne Stovall The Session met on June 16 and conducted the following business: The consent agenda was approved, including the transfer of membership of John Billingsley to First Presbyterian Church, Kerrville, the removal from the church rolls of Lynn and Sharon Forsythe per their request, and the baptism of Miles Parker Nelson, son of Mandy and Kyle Nelson, date to be determined.

As moderator of the Session, Stuart Baskin thanked all members of Session who helped with the Presbytery meeting on June 6, 2015. He reported that many attending members were very complimentary of the facility, the worship service, and the luncheon.

Mary Fischer, treasurer, along with Skip Womack, Budget & Finance Committee, presented the FY 2016 Budget Proposal. The proposal was approved.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NEWS Vacation Bible School Thursday, Aug 6, at 9:00 am-12:00 pm Friday, Aug 7, at 9:00 am-12:00 pm Saturday, Aug 8, at 10 am–2:00 pm

On behalf of the Mission Committee, Sally Smith-Garmon presented a proposal to enter into a covenant agreement with the community of La Vallée, Haiti and Central Presbyterian Church of Fort Smith, Arkansas to install a solar and water installation system in La Vallée, Haiti this coming year. The proposal was approved.

Traci Kenner reported on the Presbytery meeting held on June 6, 2015 at FPC.

& EVENTS

Promotion Sunday is Rally Day Plan now to attend Rally Day on Sunday, September 13.

The whole church family will breakfast together in the Fellowship Hall, then the children will graduate to their new, grade-appropriate Sunday school class. More info at fpctyler.com/events/rallyday.

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— age 3-completed grade 5—and information classes for the adults. Kids meet August 6 & 7, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and August 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Register at fpctyler.com/vbs.

Save the Date for First Friday Fun! Friday, September 4, from 6–9 pm / Children’s Wing

Hey parents—take a break while your kids join us for kids’ night out. Weather permitting, the kids will play outside after the shared meal so please dress children in play clothes.

The congregation and community are invited to the neighborhood festivities and cookout to begin around noon on Saturday. Please mark your calendars and plan to join in the fun.

Infants–grade 2 welcome, including friends. Register by Wednesday, September 2 at fpctyler.com/events/firstfriday so that we can have plenty of food and craft supplies.

Questions? Contact Phyllis Kidwell, Director of Children’s Ministry (pkidwell@fpctyler.com).

Sunday School Throughout the summer, all children have joined together in one classroom during the Sunday school hour to learn about the lectionary texts the adults hear each week in worship. Bible stories were brought to life with the building of a boat to go sailing with the disciples, and feeding the crowds with loaves and fish. Kids even danced at the ark as if they were with David and his followers! Our teachers know that movement coupled with creativity boosts the curiosity factor in little ones as they explore the Bible each Sunday.

Volunteer Opportunities Children’s Ministry is seeking volunteers in several areas. If you have time to give, please call or email Phyllis Kidwell, director of Children’s Ministry (pkidwell@fpctyler.com / 903-681-5504).

• Sunday School in the Fall. Teachers and shepherds are needed for the Sunday school hour (9:45–10:45 a.m.) for toddlers, 2’s, & 3’s; 4’s, 5’s, & K; and 1st–5th grades.

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STUDENT MINISTRIES NEWS Sunday Mornings for Students in August Beginning on Sunday, August 2, student fellowship returns—a time of music, prayer and games in the Well. Bring your friends and game ideas. Things get rolling at 9:30 a.m. each week. For students grades 6–12, including incoming 6th graders. (BONUS: Join us for worship at 8:30 a.m. in the chapel or 11 a.m. in the sanctuary.)

Texas Rangers/Hurricane Harbor Weekend Friday, August 14-Saturday, August 15, 2015 **Registration Closed** This is our annual weekend trip to Arlington for a last taste of summer fun, with some baseball and Hurricane Harbor! We will join up with our Presbyterian friends from DFW-area churches and enjoy some great fellowship. More info at fpctyler.com/events/rangers!

Youth Group Swim Party Sunday, August 23, 3–7 pm // Margo & Tad Hillin’s (6716 Speedway Ct) **RSVP by Wednesday, August 19** Come for the youth swim party and fellowship! Guys please bring a two-liter bottle of soda; ladies please bring snack items (chips, cookies, etc.). Parents, please drop off and pick up at the Hillin’s residence. Incoming 6th graders and friends are welcome!

RSVP at fpctyler.com/events/youth-group.

Senior High Small Group Small group returns on Wednesday, September 9 at the Gabriel’s house (215 W 1st St). We start at 6 p.m. and finish

& EVENTS

up at 7:30 p.m. Dinner will always be provided, so come hungry and bring a friend! We look forward to another year of challenging Bible study and great fellowship.

Parent and Student Meeting Save the date for our annual information meeting on Sunday, September 13 at 9 a.m. in the Well (lower floor, Fellowship Hall). This brief meeting will share the plans for FPC’s Student Ministries for the coming year. Please make sure that you and your child attend this meeting.

East Texas Youth Conference September 18-20 / Camp Gilmont (Gilmer, TX) Join East Texas Presbyterian youth for a weekend in the woods, exploring the 2015 conference theme, Handmade based on Isaiah 64:8. The Rev. Caressa Murray, Covenant Presbyterian in College Station, TX, will be the keynote speaker. Youth will engage in a mission project, explore issues of faith in small groups, and take part in characteristic Gilmont fun—zip line, swimming, biking, and more. For students grades 6–12. Register online by Tuesday, September 1, at fpctyler.com/events/etyc.

Confirmation Class Update Students in grades 8 and 9 are invited to attend Confirmation class this year. Class begins in the fall, and culminates with the students making their public profession of faith on Easter Sunday. Parents of students and students interested in learning more about confirmation should contact Neil McKown, (nmckown@fpctyler.com/903-279-6818).

C O N G R E G AT I O N A L N E W S Membership Updates

Office Closed September 7

We offer prayers of comfort for the families of members who have recently passed away: Charles “Chuck” R. Finlayson, Thelma Janis “Jan” Roehr and Dorothy “Dotty” Gosper Bartz.

The church office will close on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labour Day. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, September 8.

We Can’t Reach You . . .

Please help us beautify our chancel and chapel for worship and honor a friend, celebrate a birthday, or memorialize a loved one by donating flowers for Sunday morning. We are in need of donors for the fall. The arrangements are $80, and the church will take care of all the details. Contact Margaret Hilliard (903-593-1494).

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 (903-597-6317) at the church office. Thanks for helping us get your contact details right!

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Chancel Flower Donors Needed

Children & Youth Calendar

AUGUST 2015 Â

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

Sunday Morning Schedule

East TX Youth Conference registration opens

8:30 & 11 AM / worship 9:30-11 AM / coffee fellowship 9:45 AM / Sunday School

2

3

4

5

Worship 9:30 AM | Youth fellowship 9:45 AM | Sunday school 11 AM | Worship

6

7

8:30 AM |

8

Vacation Bible School

VBS Finale

9 AM-12 PM

10 AM-2 PM

9

10

11

12

13

Worship 9:30 AM | Youth fellowship 9:45 AM | Sunday school 11 AM | Worship 8:30 AM |

14

15

Youth Group TX Rangers & Hurricane Hbr (dpt Friday at 3:45 PM from FPC / rtn Saturday at 10 PM to FPC)

16

17

18

Worship Youth fellowship 9:45 AM | Sunday school 11 AM | Worship 8:30 AM |

20

21

22

27

28

29

Youth Group RSVP due

9:30 AM |

23

19

24

25

26

Worship Youth fellowship 9:45 AM | Sunday school 11 AM | Worship 3-7 PM | Youth group: Swim party (gr. 6-12) 8:30 AM | 9:30 AM |

30 Worship 9:30 AM | Youth fellowship 9:45 AM | Sunday school 11 AM | Worship

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8:30 AM |

East TX Youth Conference registration closes Sept. 1

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.

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/ SMALL GROUP LISTING

S U N D AY 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 | Lecture & discussion

M 102 / Study: A Study of Judaism / Contact: Chris Bunt (903) 531-3535 209ers | Young adults M 209 / Study: TBA / Contact: Debbie Pitts (debbiepitts@gmail.com) the

westminster | Book & discussion

midweek oasis for moms

M 207 / Study: The Teacher and The Preacher: a dialogue / Contact: Linda Pirtle (903) 881-9000

Small Group Schedule knit wits | Knitting Ministry

**On hiatus this summer** Contact: Pat Cryer (903) 561-5242

**On hiatus until September** men | Lectionary

Tuesdays 6:30 am at Premier Flexipac / Contact: Skip Womack (903) 5339433 or Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746 women | Book & discussion

men | Sermon texts

2nd/4th Mondays 10 am in homes / Contact: Bill Myers (903) 825-7323

Thursdays 9:30 am in Conf. Room / Study: The Gospel According to Dr. Seuss / Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533

s a v e t h e d a t e | SEPTEMBER 2015 First Friday Returns | Sept 4

Rally Day | Sept 13

ETYC | Sept. 18-20

Kids’ night out comes back on September 4, from 6-9 p.m. for kids from nursery through grade 2.

Bring the whole family—and the neighbors, too—to this fellowship tradition to mark the start of our congregation’s new program year.

A youth conference for students with small groups, a mission project, worship, games and energizers at Camp Gilmont in Gilmer TX. For students grades 6-12.

Stay in the Know Stay in the know about news and events by connecting with FPC online.

Analysis of Revenues & Expenses June 2015 Summary

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.

Revenues Expenses Net Total

mtd actual

ytd actual

ytd budget

$119,954 $103,262 $16,692

$1,171,113 $1,171,113 $0

$1,228,006 $1,243,818 ($15,812)

Stay in touch with us on social media, too: /fpctyler

@fpctyler

@fpctyler

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 Lynn Collyer by the 15th of the month prior to publication: lmcollyer@ fpctyler.com, fax (903) 597-6326, or mail. An archive of the Steeple Times can be found online at www.fpctyler.com/archive.

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Resume regular Sunday schedule Vacation Bible School. Campus-wide Youth Group: Texas Rangers/Hurricane Harbor Steeple Times Deadline Sewing Bees. 10 am, F 101/102 Youth Group: Swim Party. 3-7 pm, 6716 Speedway Ct, Tyler Christian Education Leader Training. 9:30-12:30 pm, M107

& grounds. August 10 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room

risk management. August 26 @ 12 pm — Conference Room

session. August 18 @ 7 pm — M 207

budget

& finance. August 13 @ 12 pm — Conference Room diaconate. August 18 @ 6:30 pm — Library

mission committee. August 10 @ 5:30 pm — Library

building

worship committee. August 4 @ 5:00 pm — Conference Room

COMMIT TEE MEETINGS

2 6-8 14-15 15 19 23 29

AUGUST 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: