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 : O c t o b e r 2 0 1 5
Who Are We, Anyway? By Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin I am thinking a lot these days about the question, “Why?” Let me explain. There are lots of things in life that are mysteries to us, and we want to know why things happen, often tragic things. Why did I contract a fatal disease? Why did my child die? These are important questions with respect to God’s often mysterious ways in our lives. But these are not the “why” questions I’m thinking about. My thoughts revolve around the question, why do we as a congregation exist? What is our reason for being? It’s pretty easy to describe what we do, and even how we go about doing it. But the question of why is more difficult to answer. That’s because “why” falls into the realm of unwritten and unspoken assumptions.
We sense that we are different from other congregations in Tyler. That doesn’t mean we are necessarily better, just different. The truth is, we do essentially the same things as a hundred other churches in Tyler. We worship, we provide opportunities for growth in the faith, we enjoy fellowship with one another, and we care for one another, especially when we suffer. These are things that nearly all churches do. At the same time, we can describe some ways we are different: we have a relatively distinct worship style; our buildings and grounds are often described as the most beautiful in town; we are a multi-generational church. These things mark us as different, but they do not get at the essence of what makes us a unique church. They don’t answer the question, why do we exist? Why do we do what we do? Why do we worship the way we do? 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 Stewardship | pg 2
Fine Arts Garden Party | pg 3
Andrews Center Christmas | pg 4
Learn about this year’s stewardship theme of gratitude.
Enjoy the lush formal gardens of the Babin’s home while being entertained by The Jazz Connection.
Give the gift of your time and treasure at this annual celebration for the clients of the Andrews Center.
First Presbyterian Church of Tyler, Texas 230 West Rusk Street, Tyler, Texas 75701-1696 (903) 597-6317 | www.fpctyler.com
“Who Are We, Anyway?” continued from page 1.
That’s why I’ve been thinking about “why.” What is our “why?” Why do we exist? What is our reason for being that is different from other churches’ reasons for being? What is our common passion?
1. “What is our sense of identity?” 2. “What are we hoping to accomplish?” 3. “What difference does it make?” 4. “Why does it matter?” These four questions can help us gain important insight into both our own lives, as well as our common life as a congregation.
In the long term, these questions need to be part of an extended and ongoing conversation. In the meantime, and as a way to start the conversation, I plan to preach a series of sermons in October entitled, “Who Are We, Anyway?” In this series, I will ask four essential questions:
I hope you will walk with me into this journey of self-discovery!
Stewardship: It’s All About Gratitude By Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin What are you grateful for, that the church has done either for you or for someone else? Whatever else the church is, it is an agent of hope, healing, and help. To say it differently, First Presbyterian Church makes a profound difference in the lives of women and men, boys and girls, every day of the year. • Perhaps it’s a cancer patient who lives far from Tyler and has to undergo daily outpatient treatments in one of the hospitals in Tyler. Through the Potter House ministry, we provide free housing to patients and their families. Imagine what a burden has been lifted from their lives! They have enough to worry about with a potentially life-threatening disease without the added the burden of figuring out how to pay for lodging while they are receiving treatments.
• Perhaps it is young adult trying to find her way in the world and who may be new to Tyler. Our church provides an extended family who provide a sense of stability and belonging as they settle in to a new city. • Perhaps it is a parent wanting help teaching the faith to her children in a world that often celebrates self-centeredness and greed. Our church provides Christian Education that focuses on the importance of gratitude for the gifts we have received. • Perhaps it is a senior adult who is transitioning from complete independence to life in assisted living, and mourns the loss of many of the things he once held dear in life. Our church’s pastors and deacons regularly visit our members in retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes to bring a sense of hope.
As we head into stewardship season, it is important to remember what the church does for us and for others. One of the central facets of our Reformed theological heritage is the concept of gratitude. John Calvin and others remind us to be grateful to God for God’s mercy and grace. And they remind us that God’s mercy and grace most often comes to us through the church. Our church does so much for us and others. In a few weeks, you will receive a commitment card in the mail. Consider the many things this church does to make a difference in the lives of many, many people. Your pledge to the church makes these things possible, and without your gifts, the church could not offer many of the ministries we have come to expect. Please consider your pledge to God’s work through First Presbyterian Church for 2016.
s a v e t h e d a t e | NOVEMBER 2015 Pledge Dedication | Nov. 8
Jazz Brunch | Nov. 15
Advent Artsfest | Nov. 29
During worship, the congregation will dedicate their pledges of stewardship for the coming year.
Smooth jazz and good eats sponsored by Fine Arts @ FPC.
On the first Sunday of Advent, join us for a festival during the Sunday school hour to get into the Christmas spirit.
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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Peace of Mind Tyler
Conversations by the Side of the Road
Saturday, October 3, 8:15 am - 2 pm | Green Acres Baptist Church Hear nationally renowned experts share firsthand knowledge and experience about the issues and obstacles surrounding mental illness. The seminar is free to the public with limited seating in the CrossWalk Center. Questions? Contact info@peaceofmindtyler.com and register at peaceofmindtyler.com.
Wednesday, October 14, 11 am | F 101-102, Fellowship Hall “My travels over the years have never been measured in miles, only in the people I’ve met along the way. Their voices and stories stay with me,” says Caleb Pirtle, guest speaker for the October Senior Adult Ministry (SAM’s Club) event. These stories have found their way into 65-plus published books and magazine writings. Caleb started as a reporter for the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram and served 10 years as travel editor for Southern Living Magazine. Lunch is provided for $10 per person. RSVP by noon on Monday, October 12, to Cynthia Welch (jmccwelch@aol.com/903-561-3028) or at fpctyler.com/events/sams.
World Communion & Children’s Sabbath Sunday, October 4, 8:30 and 11 am services Celebrate the global Christian community through Holy Communion. Also, in observance of the annual Children’s Sabbath, the children’s choirs will sing at the 11:00 a.m. service, and children and youth will contribute leadership.
Bach, Brahams & Beethoven Saturday, October 17, 7 pm | Sanctuary The Fine Arts Series at FPC will host its first official concert of the 2015-2016 season featuring the Tyler Civic Chorale. This concert will feature Bach Cantata No. 140 accompanied by professional chamber orchestra, along with movements of Brahams and Beethoven, and a guest appearance by the Cadet Singers of Brook Hill School. This is a ticketed concert for the general public, but complimentary tickets are available to FPC members and their guests. Contact Donald Duncan (finearts@fpctyler.com/903-597-6317) to reserve your free tickets!
CPR Out of Date? Re-certify! Saturday, October 10, 9 am | F 101-102, Fellowship Hall We will host CPR training for anyone who wants to learn CPR or brush up on their skills. The training is four hours and limited to eight participants. It will be taught by a certified trainer from TJC. Register at fpctyler.com/events/cpr. Questions? Call Stuart Baskin (903-597-6317).
Fine Arts Garden Party Sunday, October 11, 5 pm | 207 E Charnwood, Tyler Join us for a launch party for the 2015-2016 season of Fine Arts @ FPC. Wayne and Kathy Babin’s formal garden is the setting for this wine and cheese gathering with entertainment by The Jazz Connection. Come hear the exciting plans for this year’s season of fine concerts. RSVP by October 7 (finearts@fpctyler.com/903-597-6317).
Presbyterian Women’s Project Day Saturday, October 24, 10 am | F 101-102, Fellowship Hall Join other women for a Project Day and soup luncheon. Look for more information in the weekly Enews and the service bulletin. Contact: Priscilla Maxfield (972-965-9703).
Stay in the Know
Volunteers Your gifts and talents are always needed, and will be put to use in serving the kids and families in Children’s Ministry. If you have time to give in prayer, teach a Sunday school class, become a shepherd, or help provide and/or serve meals for First Friday, give Phyllis a call, and she will plug you into our ministry. Contact: Phyllis Kidwell (pkidwell@fpctyler.com/903-6815504).
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. Stay in touch with us on social media, too: 3
/fpctyler
@fpctyler
@fpctyler
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 dresses and 40 boys’ shorts, the clothing was sent with our Mission Team who departed for Haiti on September 29.
PATH (People Attempting To Help) PATH is collecting winter coats for children and teens. Please bring donations to the PATH crates located in the foyer of the Fellowship Hall and near the elevator in the main building. Donations may also be dropped off at one of the following cleaners: The Cleaning Company, Dry Clean Super Center, Hart’s Cleaners, Progress Cleaners, Regency Cleaners or Shannon’s Cleaners. For more information, visit pathhelps.org
Last October, the mission team visited our partner church in St. Etienne and installed a solar-powered clean water filtration system. They then went on to LaVallée to install a second system. This year’s team, Sally Smith-Garmon, Dan Daniel and Jim Post, joins members from FPC Lumberton, North Carolina and Central Presbyterian Church of Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Help the Sewing Bees continue the mission. Group contact Mollie Bobo (903-530-2772).
Knitters Unite for Camp Ministry Monday, October 5, 1:30 pm / 13493 S Hillcreek, Whitehouse
Andrews Center/Goodwill Christmas Party Items Needed
Calling all knitters and knitter wannabes - we have a place for you with the Knit Wits! Our current project involves knitting items to send to Camp Gilmont in Gilmer, TX, where they’ll be available for purchase with sales directly benefiting the camp. Members are encouraged to work on personal projects, too! Each meeting comes with patterns, personal instructions, and knitting yarn. Join the group at 1:30 p.m. at the home of Kay Arms. Contact Pat Cryer (903561-5242).
We have sponsored a Christmas party for the past several years for adults with special needs in training at the Andrews Center Adult Day Training and the Goodwill Commercial Services (formerly Opportunities in Tyler). Members of the congregation have generously purchased gifts, baked cookies and served as hosts for the 100 guests attending. You may sign up to help beginning October 18 by visiting the table in the Fellowship Hall and in Main Building (first floor) near the elevator. Save the date for this event - Thursday, December 10 from 1-3 p.m. Contact Jim Novy (903-581-1809) or Bettie Clancy (903-581-9552).
Sewing With a Mission October 7 & 21, 10:00 am | F 101-102, Fellowship Hall Since June, ten to twelve bees headed by Mollie Bobo, have met twice a month to sew dresses and shorts for the children of St. Etienne, Haiti. Having met their goal of 40 girls’
C O N G R E G AT I O N A L N E W S Membership Updates
World Communion & Children’s Sabbath
Join us in extending a warm welcome to our newest members: Elizabeth (Bettye) Ray (joined August 16) and Jason Norwood, Courtney Watson and Ann Clark (joined September 6).
On Sunday, October 4, at the 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. services, we will celebrate the global Christian community through Holy Communion. Also, in observance of the annual Children’s Sabbath, the children’s choirs will sing at the 11:00 a.m. service, and children and youth will contribute leadership.
The Peace and Global Witness Offering This is one of several special offerings designated by the Presbyterian Church (USA) that promotes the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of injustice across the world. We will collect this offering on World Communion Sunday, October 4. A portion of this special offering is designated for local use.
The Greatest Generation World War II veteran, Arden Erickson’s US Coast Guard uniform, picture and military history have been added to The Freedom Museum (americanfreedommuseum.org) located on the Brook Hill School campus in Bullard. 4
STUDENT MINISTRIES NEWS
& EVENTS
Confirmation Class & Parent Meeting
Middle School Lunch
Sunday, October 4, 12 pm / Lower Level, Fellowship Hall We will be hosting an information session for our mentors, confirmands, and their families. Join us as we talk about the Confirmation schedule for the year, what you can expect, and answer any questions you might have. Lunch will be provided. Email Neil McKown (nmckown@fpctyler. com) if you are able to come.
Sunday, October 25, 12 pm / Lower Level, Fellowship Hall Middle Earth is upon us, middle schoolers! Come for a Bible study, fellowship, games, and some tasty food. Bring a friend! This is the first of several gatherings just for middle school youth. Come ready for some fun! RSVP by October 21 at fpctyler.com/events/middleschool.
Church Under the Bridge (CUB)
Wednesday, October 28, 6 pm / 215 W 1st St Small group will be taking a break from our curriculum and having some fun to celebrate Halloween at the home of Pam and Matt Gabriel. There will be fun games and good food. Guys bring a two liter of soda; ladies bring a snack item or chips. Oh yeah…don’t forget to wear a costume!
Senior High Small Group Halloween Party
October 10-11 / Waco, Texas Church Under the Bridge is exactly that: a church under IH-35 in Waco, TX. Their call is to be a church to the unchurched, who recognize and minister with the “unreached people” outside their own culture. Last year, we had the opportunity to serve and worship with CUB in Waco and had an amazing experience. This overnight service opportunity gives you a chance to connect with other Presby youth. More info at fpctyler.com/events/cub.
Youth Group Lock In Friday, October 30-31 / Carrollton, TX Attention youth! Do you love ropes courses? Do you like inflatable games? Do you like hanging out with other Presbyterian youth from Grace Presbytery? Well, we have a huge lock in going to Group Dynamix, an indoor ropes course. We will be spending the night and competing in challenges and games with our friends from other Presbyterian churches. The cost is $20 per person. RSVP by October 12 to fpctyler.com/events/lockin.
Confirmation Class Begins Sunday, October 18, 9:30 am / Lower Level, Fellowship Hall Creeds and Confessions. What does it mean to be Presbyterian? The sacraments. Servanthood. Students in grades 8 and 9 are invited to explore these topics and more. Mark your calendar–we have great things in store this year.
Bullet Points from August’s Session Meeting Minutes recorded by Robyn Files The Session met on August 18 and conducted the following business: The consent agenda was approved, including the reception into active membership of Joan Mayfield and Benjamin Pitts. As moderator of the Session, Stuart Baskin announced Dana Durman will be joining the staff as part-time
director of communications. He also announced two new committees, The Connections Team and The Newcomer Team. Mary Fischer, treasurer, discussed the year-end financial report. The report was approved. On behalf of the Risk Management Committee, Lynne Wagoner presented a proposal to approve
hiring an off-duty police officer on a temporary basis to be on the church campus for 4.5 hours during Sunday services and the purchase of a camera security system to be installed on the church campus. Both proposals were approved. Full minutes are available from the church office upon request.
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 Dana Durman by the 15th of the month prior to publication: ddurman@ 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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Children & Youth Calendar
OCTOBER Â
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
6 PM | First
Friday Fun (Infant-gr. 2)
4
5
CHILDREN'S SABBATH 8:30 AM | Worship 9:15 AM | Ring & Sing (Gr. 3-6) 9:45 AM | Sunday school 11 AM | Worship 12 PM | Confirmation Lunch
11
6
9
10 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM | PULSE
Church under the Bridge (depart TBA)
12
13
14
15
16
17
22
23
24
29
30
31
5 PM | Children's
9:15 AM | Ring &
Sing (Gr. 3-6) 9:45 AM | Sunday school 11 AM | Worship Church under the Bridge (return TBA)
18
Choir (Pre-K-gr. 2) 6 PM | Senior High Small Group
Youth Group Lock In RSVP due
19
20
MUSIC DEDICATION
21 5 PM | Children's
Choir (Pre-K-gr. 2) 6 PM | Senior High Small Group
8:30 AM | Worship
Sing (Gr. 3-6)
9:30 AM | Confirmation Class 9:45 AM | Sunday school
Middle school lunch RSVP due
11 AM | Worship
25 8:30 AM | Worship 9:15 AM | Ring &
8
Choir (Pre-K-gr. 2) 6 PM | Senior High Small Group
8:30 AM | Worship
9:15 AM | Ring &
7 5 PM | Children's
Sing (Gr. 3-6) 9:30 AM | Confirmation Class 9:45 AM | Sunday school 11 AM | Worship 12 PM | Middle School Lunch
26
27
28 5 PM | Children's
Choir (Pre-K-gr. 2) 6 PM | Senior High Small Group Halloween Party
6
Youth Group Overnight Lock In (Dynamix, Carrollton) Depart/return TBA
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NEWS
per book is $15.00. Order your copy from October 15-November 16 at fpctyler.com/events/jessetree or by calling the church office.
First Friday Fun: Kids’ Night Out! Friday, October 2, 6–9 pm / Children’s Wing We continue exploring our theme, Fruits of the Spirit, by looking at patience. Kids will hear the story of Moses and his people (Exodus 16). Our lesson will include a kitchen craft creating our version of manna and practice taking turns and sharing. A meal is provided. For infants through grade 2. Questions? Contact Phyllis Kidwell, Director of Children’s Ministry (pkidwell@fpctyler.com). Register your kids at fpctyler.com/events/firstfriday.
Children’s Church Our volunteers for children’s church this year are Shannon Franzen, Priscilla Maxfield, and Ellen Peirce. We will need three people or couples, to serve on the first Sunday of each month on a rotating basis so everyone can attend worship and celebrate Communion. Contact Phyllis Kidwell (pkidwell@fpctyler.com) if you are available to serve one Sunday of each quarter.
An Advent Resource for Families
Thank you to the Plarning Ladies!
It’s time to order this season’s Advent resource, The Advent Jesse Tree - Devotions for Children and Adults to prepare for the coming of the Christ Child at Christmas. Help your family focus on Jesus during this Advent season. The cost
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: Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746 the forum | Lecture & discussion
M 102 / Study: TBA / Contact: Chris Bunt (903) 531-3535 genesis | Bible study & discussion
M 205 / Study: The book of Acts / Contact: Judith Guthrie (903) 530-3668 209ers | Young adults M 209 / Study: The Prophet Jeremiah / Contact: Debbie Pitts (debbiepitts@ gmail.com) the
& EVENTS
The Plarning and Fleece ladies made warm blankets over the summer for each child to snuggle in for movie time at First Friday Fun: Kids’ Night Out!
/ SMALL GROUP LISTING | Book & discussion M 207 / Study: The Teacher and The Preacher: a dialogue / Contact: Linda Pirtle (903) 881-9000 westminster
Small Group Schedule knit wits | Knitting Ministry
Monday, October 5, 1:30 pm / 13493 S Hillcreek Rd, Whitehouse. Contact: Pat Cryer (903) 561-5242 men | Sermon texts
2nd/4th Mondays 10 am in homes / Contact: Bill Myers (903) 825-7323
Analysis of Revenues & Expenses August 2015 Summary
mtd actual
ytd actual
ytd budget
Revenues Expenses Net Total
$64,489 $87,489 ($23,000)
$130,881 $164,251 ($33,370)
$200,717 $212,800 ($12,083)
midweek oasis for moms
Wednesday, October 7, 5 pm / M 107 / Contact: Pam Leach (903) 520-9138 men | Lectionary
Tuesdays 6:30 am, Premier Flexipac / Contact: Skip Womack (903) 5339433 or Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746 women | Book & discussion
Thursdays 9:30 am, Conf. Room / Study: TBA / Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533
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. 7
Children’s Sabbath. 11 am, Sanctuary Midweek Oasis for Moms. 5 pm, M 107, Main Bldg CPR Training. 9 am, F 101/102, Main Bldg University of Texas at Tyler Concert. 6 pm, Sanctuary Fine Arts: Garden Party. 5 pm, Babin Residence Senior Adult Ministry (SAMs Club). 11 am, F 101/102 Steeple Times Deadline Fine Arts: Tyler Civic Chorale Fall Concert. 7 pm, Sanctuary Music Dedication Sunday. 11 am, Sanctuary Presbyterian Women’s Project Day. 10 am, F 101/102 Annual Congregational Meeting. Noon, Fellowship Hall
& finance. October 8 @ 12 pm — Conference Room
& grounds. October 12 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room
230 W. Rusk Street, Tyler, TX 75701
return service requested
trustees. October 27 @ 12 pm — Conference Room
officer training. October 25 @ 4:30 pm — Parlor & M 102
session. October 20 @ 7 pm — M 207
officer training. October 18 @ 4:30 pm — Parlor & M 102
mission. October 12 @ 5:30 pm — Library
building
officer training. October 11 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room
budget
governance. October 7 @ 5:30pm — Conference Room
evangelism. October 6 @ 6:15 pm — Library
worship. October 6 @ 5:00 pm — Conference Room
potter house. October 5 @ 1:00 pm — Library
COMMIT TEE MEETINGS
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OC TOBER HIGHLIGHTS
Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 683 Tyler, Texas 75701-1696
To everyone at the home of: