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 2 , I s s u e 1 0 : O c t o b e r 2 0 1 7
What is Stewardship? by The Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matt. 6:19-21) Seems like an easy question. But what is it, really? Most of us, I suspect, when we hear the word, think about the church during stewardship season, and we think “fundraising”. But that begs the question. Yes, it often has to do with money, and yes, unfortunately, we use the term most often in relation to the season when we are asking for pledges for the coming year. But stewardship is a much larger concept than simply fundraising. In fact, it is a term that represents much of the Christian life. Understanding the idea of stewardship gets us a long way in understanding what the Christian life is all about. At its most basic level, stewardship is about caring for things that either belong to someone else, or that have been hand-
ed on to us by someone else. Let’s take a bank, for example. We all have bank accounts somewhere. When we place our money in a bank, we are trusting that the bank will keep our funds safe and that they will be available when we need them. And they generally do a very good job of this. None of us seriously doubts that when we write a check or use our debit card (assuming we have funds to cover the charge), the bank will honor the transaction. Banks are stewards of our money. They are morally responsible to us, the account holders, to keep our funds safe and prudently managed. Or let’s take a family heirloom. Amy and I have a number of heirlooms in our possession, from our dining room set that belonged to my great-grandparents, to a breakfront that belonged to Amy’s grandparents, to a bed that my greatgreat-great grandfather bought for his daughter, my great-great grandmother. Some of these things are lovely, and some lovely in the eye of the beholder. But what they all share in common is the fact that we are simply stewards of them for awhile until it is time to pass them on to the next generation. So while we own them, we think of ourselves as stewards of them to keep them safe and in good Continued on page 3.
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 CAYA Ministry News | Pg 5
College-age and student ministries members - we need your help!
Special Friends Annual Christmas Party | pg 4
PCUSA Mission Co-Workers to Speak on October 1 | pg 5
We need volunteers for this annual event!
Join us in room M205 at 9:45 a.m.
First Presbyterian Church of Tyler, Texas 230 West Rusk Street, Tyler, Texas 75701-1696 (903) 597-6317 | www.fpctyler.com
C O N G R E G AT I O N A L N E W S Membership Updates
The Forum Sunday School Class
Sundays | 9:45 am | M 205 by Chris Bunt Once a month, every month of the year, we recite the words of the Nicene Creed. I’ll make a confession here. I don’t have the words of the Nicene Creed memorized. What’s more, I don’t think I’m the only one. I see many of you doing the same thing as me: dutifully following along with the words printed in the bulletin, and trying not to accidentally lapse into the more familiar language of the Apostles’ Creed. We don’t usually take time to consider the actual words of this creed or what they mean. If you’ve ever wondered why we have the Nicene Creed or how it has any relevance for 21st century Christians, join the Forum Class for a study of the Nicene Creed, beginning on October 1. Questions? Call Chris Bunt (903-539-5860).
New Members Join us in welcoming our newest members: Katie and Jeremy McBain with children Colin and Malcolm. Births Welcome into our congregation: • Jacob, born September 6, to Clay and Kimberly Emge • Mia, born September 11, to Kyle and Mandy Nelson Marriage Congratulations to Patrick Matthews and Angie Goodpasture on their September 23 nuptials. Death Condolences to the families of our FPC member who entered the Church Triumphant: Gale Robert Harrison.
We Are Thankful!
Make Plans To Join Us in Israel in 2018!
We are grateful for ALL the behind-the-scenes work that Jeanne Stovall does for FPC. Jeanne serves as a Tuesday morning front desk volunteer, Knit Wits member, Budget and Finance Committee member, Grief Ministry member and a Youth Ministry team leader. She has served as a Trustee and is a former Clerk of Session. THANK YOU, Jeanne! FPC is richly blessed because of you!
March 5-15, 2018 | $3,779 (land portion only) This trip should be on everyone’s bucket list! Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin and Rabbi Neal Katz are leading their biennial trip to the Holy Land and they invite you to come along. No other trip to the Holy Land is like this one. Christians get to see and experience things through Jewish eyes, and our Jewish participants get to experience things through Christian eyes. You’ll never read the Bible the same way again. For information, visit fpctyler.com/events/israeltrip.
New Church Office Hours The church office has new office hours and is open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.—5 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m.— 12 p.m. except holidays.
The Peace and Global Witness Offering The Peace and Global Witness Offering is one of several special offerings designated by the Presbyterian Church (USA) in which FPC-Tyler participates. A gift to this offering enables the church to promote the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of injustice around the globe. This offering will be collected on World Communion Sunday, October 1. A portion of this special offering is designated for local use.
FPC welcomes its newest members, Katie and Jeremy McBain with children Malcolm and Colin.
s a v e t h e d a t e | NOVEMBER 2 0 1 7 Fine Arts @ FPC | November 12
Baylor Brass will perform at the 11 a.m. worship service in FPC’s sanctuary.
Stewardship Dedication Sunday | November 12
Dedicate your pledge. 2
PW Thank Offering | November 28
Join PW for worship service of thanksgiving followed by high tea.
M O N T H LY E V E N T H I G H L I G H T S Fine Arts @ FPC: Sound the Trumpet! Baroque Trumpets & Voice
Annual Congregational Meeting & Luncheon Sunday, October 15 | 12 pm | Fellowship Hall A congregational meeting will be held in Fellowship Hall. Lunch will be provided. Your donations will be appreciated. Visit fpctyler.com/events/annualmeeting.
Sunday, October 1 | 4 pm | Sanctuary | Free Admission Hailed by The Sunday Times as a ‘singer who delivers without effort, displaying inner feelings and sensitivity,’ mezzo-soprano Sophia Grech, joins world-renowned baroque trumpeter Crispian Steele Perkins, and UNT’s Professor of Trumpet, John Holt, for an afternoon of music ranging from Handel and Vivaldi to delightful tunes from the iconic Sound of Music by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Visit fpctyler.com/events/trumpet.
Fine Arts @ FPC: Jazz Brunch Featuring The Lynn Seaton Trio Sunday, October 22 | 12 pm | Fellowship Hall | Free Admission The unique rhythmic language of jazz encapsulates something essentially human, at once championing both the individual and the collective. Celebrate this rich musical history with us at a special jazz brunch featuring the Lynn Seaton Trio from the University of North Texas. Visit fpctyler.com/events/jazzbrunch to RSVP.
Fine Arts @ FPC: UT Tyler Fall Concert Saturday, October 14 | 6 pm | Sanctuary | Free Admission FPC is home to the joint concerts of the UT Tyler Patriot Singers and Concert Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Cameron Rose. The Patriot Singers, UT Tyler’s premiere choral ensemble, perform a wide repertoire, from sacred Renaissance music to contemporary vocal jazz. Visit fpctyler.com/events/uttconcertfall.
Presbyterian Women Project Day & Soup Lunch Saturday, October 28 | 10 am | F 101-102 All women of the church are invited to our Fall Presbyterian Women Project Day and Luncheon. We will work on local mission projects and enjoy fellowship and a good lunch. Look for more detailed information in the Sunday bulletins and at the October circle meetings or contact Sharon Bragg our 2017-18 PW Moderator (makie@suddenlink.net/903-581-1941).
Youth Sunday Sunday, October 15 | 8:30 & 11 am | Sanctuary Once a year, the youth of FPC Tyler lead the congregation in worship, contributing their talents to everything from the scripting of the service to the music to the prayers. For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/youth-sunday.
Fine Arts @ FPC: Tyler Civic Chorale presents Ein Feste Burg: 500 Years of Reformation Sunday, October 29 | 4 pm | Sanctuary | $15 adults | $5 students Now in its 50th season as Tyler’s premier choral ensemble, the Tyler Civic Chorale continues to bring to life an impressive range of music, from great, sacred masterworks to beloved American folk songs and carols. Over the course of its history— with most of the last half-century in residence at FPC—the Chorale has sung large works by Mendelssohn, Brahms, Bruckner, Vaughan Williams and Kodaly, and other masses, motets, cantatas, and oratorios.Visit fpctyler.com/events/einfesteberg.
PRAYERFULLY SPEAKING from the FPC Prayer Team Food for thought from Max Lucado: “The bible instructs in Romans 12:12 to steadfastly maintain the habit of prayer...At the risk of sounding like a preacher -- which is what I am -- may I make a suggestion? Don't prepare to pray. Just pray. Don’t read about prayer. Just pray. Don’t attend a lecture on prayer or engage in discussion about prayer. Just pray. Posture, tone, and place are personal matters. Select the form that works for you, but don’t think about it too much. Don’t be so overly concerned about wrapping the gift that you never give it.”
“What is Stewardship?” continued from page 1.
repair until we pass them on.
Thanks be to God for hearing all our prayers, plain or polished!
Stewardship is all about trust. It’s about what God has entrusted to us. The church becomes the steward of the gifts and resources, both human and physical resources, as well as the financial resources that we all give to the church. But each of us is a steward of the resources God has given us, including the financial resources we may have.
(If you would like to submit a prayer request, please fill out the form found in the church pew and drop it in the collection plate or into a prayer request box found in the Chapel, Sanctuary, and church office.)
So the question for each one of us this stewardship season is really pretty simple: why has God entrusted us with the resources we have, and what does God expect us to do with these resources?
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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 involved, as the Adult Day Training PATH (People Attempting To Help) was sold to Community Access.) Throughout October, PATH is collecting winter coats for This year, we will invite participants children and teens. Please bring coat donations to the from Goodwill Commercial SerPATH crates located in the foyer of Fellowship Hall and vices, Community Access, Azalea near the elevator in the main building. Donations may also Academy for Exceptional Adults, be dropped off at one of the following locations: The Cleanand Achieving Dreams. FPC has ing Company, Dry Clean Super Center, Hart’s Cleaners, sponsored this Christmas party for Progress Cleaners, Regency Cleaners, Shannon’s Cleaners, the past several years and members or Edward Jones in Whitehouse. Monetary donations are of the congregation have generously also accepted. For more information, visit pathhelps.org. purchased gifts, baked cookies and served as hosts for the Sewing Bees - Sewing with a Mission 100+ guests attending. Sign up begins October 22 by visitWednesday, October 18 | 10 am | F101-102 ing the table in the main building near the elevator. SAVE We will continue sewing dresses and boxer shorts for HaiTHE DATE: Thursday, December 7 from 1-3 p.m. For intian children. If you like to quilt, we will be making “fidformation, contact Bettie Clancy (903-521-1383) or Florrie get mats.” These are small pieces used to calm dementia Wallace (903-780-0268). patients with sensory challenges. Visit fpctyler.com/events/ Annual Dinner to Support Camp Gilmont sewingbees. Group contact is Mollie Bobo (903-530-2772). Saturday, October 14 | 5:30 pm | FPC Longview Knit Wits - Knitters Unite for Camp Ministry Join us for a night of fun and fellowship benefiting the minMonday, October 2 | 1:30 pm | Mendenhall Residence | 114 istry at Camp Gilmont. Consider sponsoring a table for $500 Williamsburg Ln | Bullard | TX with your Sunday School class or other church group. Silent Are you an experienced knitter or would you like to learn auction items are being gathered, so contact Camp Gilmont a new skill or enhance neglected skills? We have a place for if you have something to donate. We appreciate our church you with the Knit Wits! Group contact is Pat Cryer (903partners and look forward to seeing you there! Questions? 561-5242). Contact Gilmont staff (903-797-6400). Visit gilmont.org/visioning-dinner-october-14.html for more information. Volunteers Needed: Special Friends Annual
Christmas Party
We need volunteers for our “Special Friends Annual Christmas Party,” formerly known as the Andrews Center/ Goodwill Christmas Party. (Andrews Center is no longer
Analysis of Revenues & Expenses August 2017 Summary
MTD Actual YTD Actual YTD Budget
Revenues
$65,484
$135,144
$133,068
Expenses
$94,827
$172,795
$181,064
Net Total
($29,343)
($37,651)
($47,996)
Planned Giving
Stay in the Know 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.
Have you remembered the church and other charities in your will? If you need help, contact Nanci Pollard (903-597Stay in touch with us on social media, too: 6317) to request information, or visit the Texas Presbyteri /fpctyler @fpctyler an Foundation at tpf.org. Assistance is confidential and 4 free of charge.
@fpctyler
Youth Group: Youth Sunday Preparation #1
Youth Sunday
Sunday, October 1 | 5:30 pm | The Well Youth Sunday is right around the corner! Dinner will be provided. For students in grades 6-12. RSVP to Neil at nmckown@ fpctyler.com. Visit fpctyler.com/events/youthsundayprep1.
Sunday, October 15 | 8:30 & 11 am | Sanctuary Once a year, the youth of FPC Tyler lead the congregation in worship, contributing their talents to everything from the scripting of the service to the music to the prayers. All youth need to be in the sanctuary ready to start the final runthrough at 7:15 am. For more information, visit fpctyler.com/ events/youth-sunday.
Youth Group: Youth Sunday Preparation #2
Sunday, October 8 | 5:30 pm | The Well Join us as we prepare for Youth Sunday! Dinner will be provided. For students in grades 6-12. RSVP to Neil at nmckown@ fpctyler.com. Visit fpctyler.com/events/youthsundayprep2.
College-Age and Young Adult (CAYA) Ministry News CALLING ALL CAYA MEMBERS - WE NEED YOUR HELP! We recognized that a substantial number of our FPC college-age, or young adult members (late teens, 20s and 30s) have changed their residence, email address, or even their cell phone number. Some have had status changes: gone on to graduate school, entered their first job after graduation, gotten married, or had children. We hope to keep in contact with those who are in town, as well as those who are out-of-town, through cards, emails, care packages, FPC’s monthly Steeple Times newsletter, and regular contact as time and schedules afford. Please update us on your status by contacting Lynn Collyer (lmcollyer@fpctyler.com/903-597-6316 x 102)
Bullet Points from August’s Session Meeting Minutes recorded by Robyn Files The Session met on August 15 and conducted the following business: •
Receive Richard & Madge Burton, and Fran Hagaman into active membership.
•
Mary Fischer noted that the
auditors concluded the 2016-17 report and the final audit will be ready for the Annual Meeting of the congregation. She added that a three year contract has been renewed with the auditors at a cost of $6,500 per year. •
of the portion of the property of the church to The Medicine Chest for $75,000 closed. This reduces the church debt to $142,000. Full minutes are available from the church office upon request.
Dr. Baskin reported that the sale
PCUSA Mission Co-workers in Zambia, Charles and Melissa Johnson, to Speak! On behalf of the Mission Committee, the Forum will host our PCUSA Mission Co-workers in Zambia, Charles and Melissa Johnson, on Sunday, October 1 in room M205 at 9:45 a.m. Charles and Melissa are helping the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian’s Zambia Synod expand its ministry of community development and food security. Charles is serving as a development specialist of the Chasefu Model Farm, a project of Chasefu Theological College. The farm feeds the students and provides opportunities for these future pastors to learn improved agricultural techniques. Join us, won’t you? 5
Children & Youth Calendar
october
Sunday COMMUNION SUNDAY 8:30 AM | Worship 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church 5:30 PM | SM: Youth Sunday Prep #1
Monday
1
8 8:30 AM | Worship 9:45 AM | Sunday School
Tuesday
2
Wednesday
3
FIRST FRIDAY RSVP DEADLINE!
9
4
Friday
5
5 PM | CM:
Saturday
6
7
6:30 PM | CM:
Carol Choir 6 PM | SHSG
10
COLUMBUS DAY
Thursday
First Friday Fun!
11
12
13
14
18
19
20
21
25
26
27
28
5 PM | CM:
Carol Choir 6 PM | SHSG
11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church 5:30 PM | SM: Youth Sunday
Prep #2
YOUTH SUNDAY 8:30 AM | Worship 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church
15
16 Team Meeting
22 MUSIC DEDICATION SUNDAY 8:30 AM | Worship 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church 12 PM | Fine Arts: Jazz Brunch
29 8:30 AM | Worship 9:45 AM | Sunday School
17 5:30 PM | CM:
23
5 PM | CM:
Carol Choir 6 PM | SHSG
24
6:30 PM | SM
5 PM | CM:
Team Meeting
Carol Choir 6 PM | SHSG: Halloween Party
30
3:30 PM | CM: Fall
Festival
31 HAPPY
KEY CM: Children's Ministry (6 weeks5th grade) SM: Student Ministries (6th12th grade) SHSG: Senior High Small Group (9th12th grade)
HALLOWEEN!
11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church
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 fpctyler.com/archive.
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Children’s Ministry News & Events First Friday Fun! RSVP by October 3
SAVE THE DATES!
Friday, October 6 | 6:30 pm | Children’s Wing 1st Friday Fun continues! This kid’s night out is for infants six weeks old through students in 2nd grade. Our theme this month is, “Happy Fall, Y’all!” We will make a fall wreath and talk about the changing seasons both in weather and life. Our scripture will come from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…” RSVP through the FPC website (fpctyler.com/events/firstfriday) so we can appropriately plan our meals and child care staff. Friends are welcome with advance registration. Plan to join in this year as we learn through the fruits of the spirit.
Mark your calendars now as the school year has kicked into full swing, and so has the church year! First Friday Fun! Friday, November 3 | 6:30 – 9:00 pm Friday, December 1 | 6:30 – 9:00 pm Ages infant through 2nd grade Santa’s Workshop Saturday, November 11 | 10 am - 12 noon Ages infant through 5th grade Advent Artfest: Sunday, November 26 | 9:30 am | Fellowship Hall All are invited to join in the Advent Artfest as we prepare our hearts for Christmas. We will have goodies, crafts, music and activities for everyone. Come join us. Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 17 | 11 am worship service Age 3 through grade 12 Church-wide Christmas Luncheon Sunday, December 17 | Following 11 am worship All are invited for this catered celebration in Fellowship Hall!
FPC Fall Festival Saturday, October 28 | 3:30 pm | Children’s Wing Plan to wear your costume and join us for a Fall Festival in the Children’s Ministry area of the church. We will have games to play, crafts to make, yummy snacks, cookies to decorate and take, and a few treats for the children to take home! This event is open to everyone in the church, so mark your calendar. Let’s celebrate with our little ones! Questions? Contact Phyllis Kidwell, director of children’s ministries, at 903-681-5504.
S U N D AY S C H O O L
/ SMALL GROUP LISTING
Sunday School @ 9:45 am
Small Group Schedule
faith builders
men
| Discussion & lecture M202 | What It Means to be Presbyterian | Contact: Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746 | Lecture & discussion M 205 | The Nicene Creed | Contact: Chris Bunt (903) 531-3535 the forum
209ers | Young Adults M209 | Amazing Grace, a Vocabulary of Faith| Contact: Debbie Pitts (debbiepitts@gmail.com) the
| Lectionary Tuesdays | 6:30 am | Premier Flexipac | Contact: Skip Womack (903) 533-9433 or Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746 women |
Book &/or DVD & discussion Thursdays | 9:30 am | Conference Room | If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get out of the Boat | Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533
| DVD & discussion M 207 | The Great Courses: The Old Testament | Contact: Linda Pirtle (903) 881-9000 westminster
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WORSHIP WITH US
FPC’s Regular Sunday Services 8:30 a.m. Service (Chapel) 9:15 a.m. Coffee Fellowship (The Hill Room) 9:45 a.m. Sunday School (campus-wide) 11:00 a.m. Service (Sanctuary)
230 W. Rusk Street, Tyler, TX 75701
return service requested
Budget & Finance. October 12 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Children’s Ministry. October 17 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Diaconate. October 10 @ 5:00 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Governance. October 2 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Mission. October 16 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Potter House. October 2 @ 1 pm — Library | A 111 Risk Management. October 25 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Session. October 17 @ 7 pm — M 207 Student Ministry. October 23 @ 6:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Trustees. October 24 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110
COMMIT TEE MEETINGS
1 Communion Sunday and Annual Peace & Global Witness Offering collection. 1 Fine Arts @ FPC: Sound the Trumpet! 4 pm, Sanctuary. 1 Youth Group: Youth Sunday Prep #1. 5:30 pm, The Well. 2 Knit Wits. 1:30 pm, homes. 6 First Friday Fun: Kid’s Night Out. 6:30 pm, Children’s Wing. 8 Youth Group: Youth Sunday Prep #2. 5:30 pm, The Well. 10 Presbyterian Women Weekday Circle. 10 am, F 101—102. 14 Fine Arts @ FPC: UT Tyler Fall Concert. 6 pm, Sanctuary. 15 Youth Sunday. 8:30 & 11 am, Sanctuary. 15 Annual Congregational Meeting and Luncheon. 12 pm, Fellowship Hall. 15 Steeple Times Submission Deadline. 18 Sewing Bees. 10 am, F 104. 22 Music Dedication Sunday. 11 am, Sanctuary. 22 Presbyterian Women Sunday Circle. 9:30 am, M 204. 22 Fine Arts @ FPC: Jazz Brunch. 12 pm, Fellowship Hall. 25 SHSG: Halloween Party. 6 pm, Gabriel Residence. 28 Presbyterian Women Project Day & Soup Luncheon. 10 am, F 101-102. 28 FPC Fall Festival. 3:30 pm, Children’s Wing. 29 Fine Arts @ FPC: Tyler Civic Chorale Fall Concert. 6 pm, Sanctuary. 29 Reformation Sunday. 8:30 am & 11 am, Chapel & Sanctuary.
OC TOBER HIGHLIGHTS
Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 683 Tyler, Texas 75701-1696
To everyone at the home of: