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 1 , I s s u e 4 : A p r i l 2 0 1 6
Christ is risen, let’s go to work! By The Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin
Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Now what? Always in the Christian faith comes the question, “Now what?” It is tempting to say that the last word is “He is risen indeed,” but somewhere in the back of our minds, we know that’s not all there is to say. When I applied to Davidson College for admission in the fall of 1976, all applicants were required to respond to a statement in the college’s vision statement that said something like, “Jesus Christ, in his life, death, and resurrection, is the center of human history.” I don’t believe the admissions officers were as concerned with exactly what applicants said in response to this statement, as much as they were concerned that applicants wrestled with it in some meaningful way. I mention this now because it is in-
structive for our post-Easter faith. While we believe that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the final word God has spoken to a broken and estranged world; and while we believe that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ shows us the end—that is to say the ultimate purpose—of human history, we do not believe that history ends with the resurrection. Rather, we believe that the resurrection stands at the center of human history. Therefore, in the weeks after Easter, the exact right question is, “Now what?” Our faith does not stop at the cross and the empty tomb; in a very real sense, our faith starts at the foot of the cross and the mouth of the empty tomb. It’s not just, “Christ is risen, let’s go to lunch.” Instead, it’s “Christ is risen, let’s get to work.” It’s “Christ is risen, now therefore…” Alleluia!
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 Kirkin’ of the Tartans | April 17
Planning it YOUR Way | April 10
Crawfish Boil | April 23
A procession of tartan plaid and bagpipes celebrating our church’s Scottish heritage.
Luncheon on how to plan for life changes that eventually we will all face.
Gather with the men of FPC Tyler for a crawfish boil and fellowship. First Presbyterian Church of Tyler, Texas 230 West Rusk Street, Tyler, Texas 75701-1696 (903) 597-6317 | www.fpctyler.com
Mark your calender: Planning it YOUR Way If you remember Frank Sinatra singing, “I’ll Do It My Way,” then this seminar is for you! In case you haven’t noticed, the years are slipping by. Just as a young couple plans for the new era of a baby, we need to plan for the new era of our aging. Too often, a sudden health event requires changes that we don’t know how to handle. Decisions for us are made by uninformed adult children or others. It is much better to plan ahead as much as possible. Come hear a professional panel address issues of legal, life/ health and spiritual needs. You can ask questions and leave with a better
Date: Sunday, April 10 Time: 12:15 – 1:30 pm Place: F 101-102 Box lunches by FRESH (no charge, donations accepted! RSVP: fpctyler.com/events/aging Guest Speakers: Mike Allen, attorney at law FPC’s Rev. Pamela Leach Connie Moore, social worker, Prebyterian Hospital in Dallas
idea of how to handle these changes that eventually all of us will face. And what you do, will be planned by you, for you; not done without you having a say in it. The deadline to register is Monday, April 4. Register today by visiting the website fpctyler.com/events/aging. For more information or questions on this seminar, contact Alice Stjernstrom (90378 0 - 0 639), Gene Archer (830-330-0369) or the church office (903-5976317).
co n g r e g at i o n a l n e w s Membership Updates New Members Join us in welcoming our newest members: • Henry & Catherine Baldwin • Steve & Rita Poole Marriage Congratulations to Tara Porr and Ramon Granados on their February 21 nuptials.
FPC welcomes our newest members: • Henry & Catherine Baldwin (top) • Steve & Rita Poole (top right) • Patrick Matthews & Martha Kelly (right)
Men’s Small Group Membership Opportunity The Men’s Small Group, that meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 10 am in the homes of participants is seeking men who are interested in the bible study of texts and subsequent sermons from the preceding Sunday’s worship service. Come and give us a look - contact Lynn Holliman for further information at 903-534-9190.
s a v e t h e d a t e | M ay 2 0 1 6 Senior Recognition Sunday| May 22
First Friday Fun Finale | May 6
SAM’s Club: A Man & His Music | May 11
Celebrate with our graduating seniors at a church-wide reception.
Kids - make plans to celebrate at our final First Friday Fun.
George Faber, Director of Visual & Performing Arts at TISD performs.
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M o n t h ly e v e n t h i g h l i g h t s Voices of Faith Spring Concert
Kirkin’ of the Tartans
Planning it YOUR Way - Aging Luncheon
Men of the Church Crawfish Boil
Friday, April 1 | 7 pm | Sanctuary | Free Admission Since 2008, Voices of Faith has sought to give young musicians a space to explore their artistic discipline through a God-honoring repertoire. Students believe their talents are a gift from God, actively seeking ministry opportunities. (fpctyler.com/fine-arts)
Sunday, April 17 | 11 am | Sanctuary | free admission A procession of tartan plaid and bagpipes celebrating our church’s Scottish heritage has become an annual tradition for the congregation. This year, special guest musicians, the Lyon College Pipe Band, will lead the celebration. A luncheon will follow. Read more at fpctyler.com/events/kirkin.
Sunday, April 10 | 12:15 pm | F 101-102 Lunch and learn as a professional panel addresses issues of legal, life/health and spiritual needs. What you do, will be planned by you, for you. Visit fpctyler.com/events/aging.
Saturday, April 23 | 5 pm | Heines’ Residence | 612 Tremont Pl | Tyler | RSVP by April 15 Gather with the men of FPC Tyler for a crawfish boil and fellowship at the home of John & Lynn Heines. Not a crawfish eater? No problem! We will also have chicken, beverages and all the trimmings. Bring a friend. RSVP (so we will know how many pounds of crawfish to buy!) to fpctyler.com/ events/crawfishboil. Cost is $20 per person, payable at the event.
SAM’s Club: Cathedrals of England Wednesday, April 13 | 11 am | Fellowship Hall Bob McRae will present his photographs of English cathedrals with commentary which will include architectural features and history of these sanctuaries. Catered lunch is provided by Traditions and is $10, payable at the door. RSVP by Monday, April 11 to fpctyler.com/events/sams.
HIGHWAY 80 RESCUE MISSION SCHEDULES NEW LIFE BANQUET Highway 80 Rescue Mission (Gateway to Hope) will hold their First Annual Tyler New Life Banquet on April 21 at Willow Brook Country Club at 12 noon. This banquet serves as a thank you to volunteers and donors who have shared their time and resources with the thousands of needy men, women
and children served by the Mission. Gateway to Hope, now operated by Highway 80 Rescue Mission, has been one of FPC-Tyler’s local mission partners, since its inception. Ron Hall, co-author of New York Times bestseller “Same Kind of Different as Me” will be the guest
speaker. Ron will share his inspiring, life-changing testimony of meeting an unlikely friend in Ft. Worth’s Union Gospel Mission. To RSVP call: 903-617-6097 or for more information on this event, go to www.hiway80rm.org
FPC’s Music Director Search Underway Now that our beloved Director of Music Donald Duncan has moved, a committee has been commissioned to begin a nationwide search to replace him. Headed by Claudia Carroll, the committee consists of Joe Bill Belue, Buck Files, Bill Girard, Judith Guthrie, Casey Johnson and Linda Pirtle.
The Committee’s first assignment is to find an interim or interims who can come aboard quickly and serve during the year, while a wider search is conducted. In the meantime, choral director Jim Henderson and organist Cherisa York have been secured. Please pray for the 3
search committee as they take on this important task of seeking a Director of Music to fill some mighty big shoes in our church and community. Your input is always welcomed - please feel free to talk to any of the search committee members or you can email Claudia at claudiadcarroll@gmail.com.
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
PATH (People Attempting To Help)
Knit Wits - Knitters Unite for Camp Ministry
April continues PATH’s Personal Care drive month with soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes. These items are needed to stay healthy and clean but not covered by food stamps. Help by donating personal care items! Bring your donations to the PATH crates in the foyer of the Fellowship Hall and near the elevator in the main building. Additional monetary support and volunteers are always welcome. Visit TylerPATH.org.
Monday, April 4 | 1:30 pm | 711 Abbey Rd. | Lindale, TX Calling all knitters and wannabes - 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. Join the group at the home of Kathy Deardorff. Contact: Pat Cryer (903-561-5242).
Haiti Update Sally Smith Garmon and Dan Daniel will visit our Haitian partners in St. Etienne and La Vallee during the first week in April. While there, they will do maintenance and repair on the two solar-powered pure water installations which we helped previously install, attend the Haiti Networking Conference in Port au Prince and visit an orphanage in Darbonne to deliver clothing from our Sewing Bees. Please keep Sally and Dan and this mission in your prayers! Godspeed!
Sewing Bees - Sewing with a Mission Wednesday, April 6 & 20 | 10 am | F 101-102 Connect with sewing buffs of all ages and levels of expertise. Simple patterns and guidance provided. Help us continue the mission. For more information on the sewing bees, visit fpctyler.com/events/sewingbees. Group contact is Mollie Bobo (903-530-2772).
Come One, Come All - It’s A Crawfish Boil! or mail checks (payable to: Presbyterian Men of the Church) to Denning Key; 615 S. Broadway, Ste. 298; Tyler, TX 75701. The cost is $20 per person and reservation deadline is April 15. If you need childcare, call Phyllis Kidwell (903681-5504), Director of Children’s Ministry, with the names and ages of the children so she may arrange for childcare workers.
John and Lynn Heines will again host FPC’s Annual Crawfish Boil at their home at 612 Tremont in Tyler at 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 23. Adults are welcome to come for crawfish, beverages, chicken (for non crawfish eaters!) and all the fixings. Reservations are required - so we will know how many pounds of crawfish to buy! RSVP online at fpctyler.com/events/crawfishboil. You may pay at the event
Stay in the Know
Analysis of Revenues & Expenses February 2016 Summary
Stay in the know about news and events by connecting with FPC online.
MTD Actual YTD Actual YTD Budget
Revenues
$33,355
$764,067
$739,180
Expenses
$90,953
$724,875
$803,484
Net Total
($57,598)
$39,192
($64,304)
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.
Planned Giving Have you remembered the church and other charities in your will? If you need help, contact Nanci Pollard (903-5976317) to request information, or visit the Texas Presbyterian Foundation at tpf.org. Assistance is confidential and free of charge.
Stay in touch with us on social media, too: /fpctyler 4
@fpctyler
@fpctyler
Spring Youthquake
Summer Activities for FPC Youth...
April 1-3 | Camp Gilmont | Gilmer, TX Attention Middle School youth! Come for fun, keynotes, a mission project, and more. The theme this year is “Unexpected Friend,” and is being led by our PULSE leadership group which our high school youth are a part of. (visit: fpctyler.com/events/youthquake)
East Texas Youth Mission Trip June 12 - 18 | Austin, TX | Registration open! For all youth, currently in grades 6–12. This year’s mission trip theme is How Do You Walk? based on Micah 6:8. Spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Friends are welcome but must register, too. For more information, and to register, visit fpctyler.com/events/summermission.
Youth Sunday Practice Sundays, April 10 & 17 | 5:30 pm | The Well Join us as we prepare for Youth Sunday. Contact: Neil (903-2796818).
Junior High Jubilee July 3-7 | Mo-Ranch | Hunt, TX It’s time to start thinking summer, middle school youth. This is THE middle school youth conference to attend! There will be amazing keynotes, small groups, songs and games, and much more. For more information, go to fpctyler.com/events/jhj.
Youth Sunday Sunday, April 24 | 8:30 & 11 am | Sanctuary The youth will be leading the congregation in worship at both services. Come to support our youth as they share their gifts and talents to our congregation.
Synod Youth Workshop July 25-31 | U of Tulsa | Tulsa, OK | Registration open!
High school youth - are you interested in an amazing week of deep conversations, lots of fun, making new friends, and strengthening your relationship with God? Then, visit and register at fpctyler.com/events/syw.
Bullet Points from February’s Session Meeting Minutes recorded by Robyn Files The Session met on February 16 and conducted the following business: • The consent agenda was approved. • Mary Fischer presented the Treasurer’s Report and reported on savings due to the new HVAC controller. • Dr. Stuart Baskin talked about the process for receiving new members and stated that two active elders must be present. He noted that filled out forms and recorded minutes of the meeting will be stored under the lecterns
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in both the chapel and sanctuary. He also asked that one elder present be responsible for taking photographs of the new members. On behalf of the Planning and Evaluation Committee, Chris Bunt presented a motion to approve the members of the Site Master Plan Task Force: Greg Porter, Kathy Babin, Bill Girard, Kate Starnes, Bob Skorkowsky, and Karen Novy. Motion passed. Governance Committee moved to approve members of the Music Director Search Committee: Joe
Bill Belue, Claudia Carroll, Buck Files, Bill Girard, Judith Guthrie, Casey Johnson, and Linda Pirtle. Motion passed. • Traci Kenner and Jennifer Ainsworth gave an overview of the Session’s work on setting policies and procedures. • Carol Allen, Wayne Babin, and Robyn Files were selected to serve as commissioners to the meeting of Grace Presbytery to be held on March 5, 2016, in Sherman, Texas. 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 fpctyler.com/archive.
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Children & Youth Calendar
april Â
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
YOUTH QUAKE
1
2
YOUTH QUAKE
6:30 PM | First
Friday Fun (Infant-gr. 2)
YOUTH QUAKE
3
4
5
8:30 AM | Worship
7
8
9
14
15
16
21
22
23
28
29
30
Choir (Pre-K-gr. 2) 6 PM | Senior High Small Group
9:15 AM | Ring &
Sing (Gr. 3-6) 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 3 PM | Bowling Party (Gr. 3-5)
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11
8:30 AM | Worship
12 5 PM | CM
Sing (Gr. 3-6) 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 5:30 PM | Youth Sunday practice
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18
13 5 PM | Children's
Team Meeting
9:15 AM | Ring &
Choir (Pre-K-gr. 2) 6 PM | Senior High Small Group
19
KIRKIN' OF THE TARTANS
20 5 PM | Children's
8:30 AM | Worship
Choir (Pre-K-gr. 2) 6 PM | Senior High Small Group
9:15 AM | Ring &
Sing (Gr. 3-6) 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 12 PM | Kirkin' of the Tartans Luncheon 12 PM | Youth Sunday practice
24 8:30 AM | Worship 9:15 AM | Ring &
6 5 PM | Children's
Sing (Gr. 3-6) 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 12 PM | Youth Sunday Lunch
25
26
27 5 PM | Carol Choir -
End of Year Party 6 PM | Senior High Small Group
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Children’s Ministry News & Events First Friday Fun: Kid’s Night Out!
Children’s Ministry Summer Sunday School Plans We need teachers and shepherds for the summer! In June and August, we will offer classes for students in two age ranges. We will have pre-school through Kindergarten and 1st through 5th grades. We are seeking teachers and shepherds for these weeks, to allow the regular teachers to take a well-deserved break. Curriculum is provided. Please prayerfully consider filling a week of this time with our precious children. They will inspire you!
Friday, April 1 | 6:30 - 9:30pm | Children’s Wing We will conclude our study of the Fruits of the Spirit by studying self-control. We will learn scriptures from Proverbs that will guide our activities. After dinner, we will complete crafts, hear scriptures and talk about ways to use those ideas in our daily lives. We have a surprise activity for the older, school age group of students. Our younger students will enjoy movie time at the end of the evening. RSVP so we will have enough food and supplies at fpctyler.com/events/firstfriday.
Summer Camps As you are making your summer plans, please consider Camp Gilmont which offers Discovery Camp for children age 7-10 and Explorer’s Camp for children ages 11-14. Additionally, there are two mini camps for children age 6-8. These are 3 ½ day camps for first time campers. Check out the website for more information- gilmontsummercamps.weebly.com.
Save the Date! First Friday Fun Finale! Friday, May 6 | 6:30 - 9:30pm | Children’s Wing We will celebrate by sharing a picnic style meal, playing games, learning energizers and making a special take home treat. Our middle and high school students are invited to help out, and share in our fun. More information to follow...
Vacation Bible School August 4-5 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm | Campus-wide August 6 | 10 am - 1 pm | Campus-wide We will learn about building relationships with Jesus Christ, our cornerstone. VBS will be held on Thursday, Friday and conclude on Saturday, where we will share lunch with our church family then go outside for fun on the front lawn. Volunteers are welcome! We have jobs for those with a few hours to give, or the entire event! Contact Phyllis Kidwell (903-597-6317/903681-5504/fpctyler.com/events/vacation-bible-school).
Bible Presentation Sunday
Sunday, May 1 | 9:30 am | Front Lawn Our 1st and 5th grade students will be presented Bibles from the church. The 1st grade students will be learning to read more; the 5th grade students are preparing for youth group which leads to more in depth study of the stories with which they are familiar.
s u n day s c h oo l Sunday School @ 9:45 am
| Lecture & discussion M202 | Proverbs | Contact: Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746 faith builders
/ s ma l l g r o u p l i s t i n g westminster | DVD & discussion M 207 | Jewish Foundations: Sacrifice, Worship, and the Messiah | Contact: Linda Pirtle (903) 881-9000
the forum | Lecture & discussion M102 | The book of Numbers | Contact: Chris Bunt (903) 531-3535 genesis | Bible study & discussion M205 | Issues of Faith | Contact: Judith Guthrie (903) 530-3668 the 209ers | Young Adults M209 | Sowing Tears, Reaping Joy: The Bible & Brahms’ Requiem | Contact: Debbie Pitts (debbiepitts@gmail.com)
Small Group Schedule
| Sermon texts 2nd/4th Mondays 10 am | homes | Contact: Lynn Holliman (903) 5349190
men
| Lectionary Tuesdays 6:30 am | Premier Flexipac | Contact: Skip Womack (903) 533-9433 or Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746
men
A special “thank you” to Azalea Academy For Exceptional Adults for assembling our weekly worship bulletin.
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| Book & discussion Thursdays 9:30 am | Conference Room | Experiencing God’s Presence (begins Apr. 14) | Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533
women
1 1 3 6 7 10 10 10 13 15 17 17 23 24 24 27
First Friday Fun. 6:30 - 9:30 pm, Children’s Wing. Fine Arts: Voices of Faith Spring Concert. 7 pm, Sanctuary. Children’s Ministry Bowling Party. 3 - 4:30 pm, Green Acres Bowling Alley. Midweek Oasis for Moms. 5 pm, M 107. Meadow Lake Bible Study. 11:45 am, Meadow Lake. Caring Ministry Table. 9:20 am, Fellowship Hall Foyer. Planning it YOUR Way Seminar. 12:15 pm, F 101-102. Youth Sunday Practice. 5:30 pm, The Well. SAM’s Club: Cathedrals of England. 11 am, Fellowship Hall. Steeple Times Submission Deadline. Kirkin’ of the Tartans. 11 am, Sanctuary. Youth Sunday Practice. 12 pm, The Well. Men of the Church Crawfish Boil. 5 pm, Heines’ residence. Youth Sunday. 8:30 & 11 am, Sanctuary. Youth Sunday Lunch. 12 pm, Ci Ci’s Pizza. Carol Choir End of Year Party. 5 pm, M 105.
Budget & Finance. April 14 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Building & Grounds. April 11 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Children’s Ministry Team. April 19 @ 5 pm — Library | A 111 Diaconate. April 12 @ 6:30 pm — Library | A 111 Governance. April 4 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Mission. April 11 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Potter House Board. April 4 @ 1 pm — Library | A 111 Presbyterian Women Bible Moderators. April 4 @ 9 am — Conference Room | A 110 Presbyterian Women Circle. April 12 @ 2 pm — Anderson Room | F 101-102 Presbyterian Women Coordinating Team. April 4 @ 10 am — Conference Room | A 110 Risk Management. April 27 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Session. April 19 @ 7 pm — M 207 Trustees. April 26 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Worship. April 5 @ 5 pm — Conference Room | A 110
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