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