Steeple Times, May 2016 (Vol. 11, Issue 5) by FPC Tyler

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 5 : M a y 2 0 1 6

Blessings Beyond Measure By The Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin I want you to know how fortunate we are as a congregation. Recently, I spent some of my time in meetings at the Presbytery office in Irving. While not all the business concerned congregations facing difficulties, the serious issues facing some of our congregations made me glad all over again to be your pastor. We have our share of challenges; every congregation does. We carry a modest debt load; we face an environment in which a smaller percentage of people belong to or attend church; we have beautiful but aging facilities which are expensive to maintain. But these do not approach the kinds of problems some other congregations face. Some of our congregations struggle with debt loads that dwarf ours both as a percentage of assets and as a percentage of budget. Others struggle with buildings in which deferred maintenance has become a crisis. Still others have lost so many members that they may never recover and grow again. And still others are embroiled in internal turmoil that saps their energy for mission and drives away newcomers.

By contrast, we are the envy of many other churches. We have strong financial resources. We are growing both in membership and in worship attendance. Our members enjoy each other’s company and actively care for one another. We have several strong programs that rival any church in Grace Presbytery. I do not say these things to gloat, but simply to say how fortunate we are, and how fortunate I am to serve as your pastor. Don’t get me wrong: we have a lot of work to do together. We need to strengthen our outreach ministries, as our Mission Committee is working hard to develop new ministries of compassion. We need to do an even better job of reaching out and inviting others into our fellowship. But these are challenges we are more than capable of facing, and I am confidant that we will succeed on all fronts. Why am I writing this? Simply to let you know what a wonderful congregation you are. Keep doing what you’re doing. Keep being faithful to what God is calling us to be and to do together. God has great things in store for us. I can just feel it!

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 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, II, Director of Visual & Performing Arts at TISD performs. First Presbyterian Church of Tyler, Texas 230 West Rusk Street, Tyler, Texas 75701-1696 (903) 597-6317 | www.fpctyler.com

Celebrate With Our Graduating Seniors Celebrate the achievements of our graduating high school seniors at a Senior Recognition Reception on Sunday, May 22 at 10:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. While there, visit the displays—avail-

able May 1 - May 22—created by the soon-to-be high school graduates and their families, and jot a note of encouragement and best wishes. Following the reception, students will serve as liturgists during a special rec-

ognition service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. Join us in cheering on these young people in this next chapter.

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: • Doug and Katherine Erickson Marriage Congratulations to Grace Weathers & Carter Grooms on their April 16 nuptials. Deaths Condolences to the families of FPC members who have entered the Church Triumphant: • Betty Dease • John Warner

Chancel Flowers for 2016 Call now to get your favorite date saved so you can honor a friend, celebrate a birthday, or memorialize a loved one by donating flowers to the Chancel. Arrangements are $80. Contact: Margaret Hilliard (903-593-1494).

FPC Office Closed The office and campus will be closed on Monday, May 30 in observance of Memorial Day.

East Texas Youth Mission Trip Collection FPC Tyler youth need your help! We will be collecting plastic grocery bags, travel sized shampoos and body wash, and packaged bars of soap for the summer mission trip to Austin, TX. All collected items will be given to the Round Rock Area Serving Center upon our arrival. Please drop off your donations in the wooden box in the entry way to the main building. Last day to donate will be May 29. Questions? Email Neil McKown (nmckown@fpctyler.com).

Don’t forget Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8! One of FPC’s missions, Solar Under the Sun, provides solar power and clean water to the rural community of Lavallee, Haiti. The new operators of the pure water filtration system are Justin Badio and Gary Naud (left).

FPC’s newest members Doug and Katherine Erickson (left).

Please note the following cancellations: • Spring Youth Worship Celebration Trip on May 15: The Youth Group will not be attending the Spring Youth Worship Celebration.

• Fine Arts Series Final Event - “Evensong & High Tea” on May 22: The final concert of the season, “Evensong & High Tea” of the Fine Arts Series has been cancelled. 2

M o n t h ly e v e n t h i g h l i g h t s Presbyterian Women: Birthday Offering & Luncheon Monday, May 16 | 11 am | Chapel & F101-102 Celebrate life-changing, world-wide mission giving with other women at a special service followed by a potluck salad luncheon hosted by Presbyterian Women. The presentation of the 2016 PW Birthday Offering and the installation of officers will take place. Read more at fpctyler.com/events/ pwbirthday.

SAM’s Club: A Man and His Music Wednesday, May 11 | 11 am | Fellowship Hall Join us for a delightful lunch with entertainment from George A. Faber, II, Director of Visual and Performing Arts at TISD. He has played with some very iconic groups including The Statler Brothers, Chubby Checker, The Oakridge Boys and Kenny Price, just to name a few. Lunch is $10, payable at the door. RSVP by Monday, May 9 to fpctyler.com/events/sams.

F P C H a r d H at s P r e s e n t e d w i t h P ATH A W AR d Since late last year, FPC Hard Hats have been working with PATH to repaint and repair vacant PATH community homes as one family moves out and another family anxiously awaits to move in.

Hard Hats were formed last summer by the Mission Committee as a core volunteer group to call on as short-

At PATH’s Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on April 11, an award was presented to the FPC Hard Hats in appreciation of its volunteer hours and commitment. Judith Guthrie was there to accept the award on behalf of FPC Hard Hats and Mission Committee. For those not aware, FPC’s

FPC’s Judith Guthrie with Todd Straley, PATH’s Maintenance Manager at PATH’s Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon in April.

term needs arise in and around the Tyler community. In addition to helping with the PATH community homes and other area unforeseen projects, there will be upcoming projects at our own scout hut and Potter House. If you are interested in being a part of the Hard Hats, send us your name, best times available (i.e. weekends only, anytime), and contact information to Mitch Adams (903285-7996 / mitch.adams@yahoo. com) or Ginny Mattox, (903-5045016 / virginiamattox1@gmail. com).

PW Birthday Offering & Luncheon Celebrate life-changing, world-wide mission giving with other women at a special service followed by a potluck salad luncheon hosted by Presbyterian Women (PW) on Monday, May 16 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel. The final PW event of the year features a special worship service with a

presentation of the 2016 PW Birthday Offering and the installation of next year’s PW officers. Since its inception in 1922, the offering has funded over 100 major mission projects that make a difference in the lives of women and children. A potluck salad luncheon will follow in

F 101/102. Sign up with your circle by calling Martha Oates (903-509-4781) to reserve your place. All women of the church are welcome. For more information, visit fpctyler. com/events/pwbirthday.

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)

Sewing Bees - Haiti Clothing Delivery Update

May is baby month at PATH and we are collecting diapers. Sizes 3,4,5 and 6 tend to be our greatest need. Thank you for supporting the needs of our tiny members of our community. 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.

About a year ago, we formed a small group dedicated to our love of all things sewing. Our initial objective was to make children’s clothes for the mission team to take to the village of St. Eteinne, Haiti. Our first shipment of colorful dresses and boxer shorts was delivered last fall. Many of you donated yards and yards of colorful cotton fabrics, laces, trims and elastic to keep us sewing. We thank you. We now have a very nice inventory for future projects. Our recent project was for Presbyterian Women (PW). We made 12 chef style aprons, complete with our FPC tree logo. They are gorgeous! The PW ladies enjoyed wearing them as they hosted the Grace Presbytery Gathering in April. Finally, we constructed the stoles worn by the confirmands during the Easter Sunday service. The kids worked all year on the artwork for these stoles during training classes. Sewing Bees sew on the third Wednesday every month and sometimes on the first Wednesday. We are always open to new projects and new sewing buddies. Call Mollie Bobo for information (903-530-2772).

Sewing Bees - Sewing with a Mission Wednesday, May 18 | 10 am | F 104 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).

Knit Wits - Knitters Unite for Camp Ministry Monday, May 2 | 1:30 pm | 210 W. 7th St. | Tyler, 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 Jeanne Stovall. Contact: Pat Cryer (903-561-5242).

Sally Smith Garmon and Dan Daniel distributed the clothing on their recent trip to visit our Haitian partners (left). FPC-Tyler Sewing Bees do make a difference, one garment at a time! (right).

Stay in the Know

Analysis of Revenues & Expenses March 2016 Summary Revenues

$102,431

$866,498

$838,586

Expenses

$103,656

$828,532

$906,368

($1,225)

$37,966

($67,782)

Net Total

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

MTD Actual YTD Actual YTD Budget

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

Senior High Small Group: End-of-the Year Party

Summer Activities for FPC Youth...

Wednesday, May 11 | 6 pm | Gabriel Residence | 215 W 1st | Tyler Eighth graders will get a final taste of small group with the high school students at this last fellowship gathering of the school year. Food will be provided. Questions? Contact Neil McKown (903-279-6818 / fpctyler.com/events/shgroup).

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.

East Texas Youth Mission Trip Meeting Saturday, May 21 | 10 am | FPC Tyler

Planning to come on the Mission Trip in June? This meeting is for you! We’ll go over important details and information with you, meet the team going to Austin, and share a meal. Mandatory for all the mission trip participants (if you can’t attend call Neil at 903-279-6818). Registration is open through May 15 at fpctyler.com/events/summermission.

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.

Senior Recognition Reception Sunday, May 22 | 10:30 am | Fellowship Hall

You’re invited to attend a Celebration Reception for graduating seniors. Visit fpctyler.com/events/seniorrecognition for more information.

Synod Youth Workshop July 25-31 | U of Tulsa | Tulsa, OK | Registration open!

Attention all 8th Graders!

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.

All 8th graders are encouraged to come to the Senior High Small Group (SHSG) from now until May 11. SHSG meets every Wednesday from 6 - 7:30p.m. at the Gabriel residence (215 W. 1st St., Tyler / fpctyler.com/events/shgroup).

Bullet Points from March’s Session Meeting Minutes recorded by Robyn Files The Session met on March 15 and conducted the following business: • The consent agenda was approved. • Examination of Confirmands: Each student presented his or her statement of faith. Motion passed that Anna Cooper, Emery Dubre, Ty Dowdy, Michael Palady, and Brooklyn Wageman be received in the active membership of the

•

church. Dr. Stuart Baskin reported that his recent trip to Israel with members from our congregation and Congregation Beth El was very successful. He also announced that the search committee for a director of music ministries is very busy. The goal is to have the interim position filled by May and a permanent director in place by

this time next year. A motion was made to approve the proposed Property Use and Indemnity Agreement allowing United Way of Tyler to park on the property of the church should it move into the Women’s Building. Motion passed. 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.

Children & Youth Calendar

may

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

8:30 AM | Worship

Thursday

Saturday

6 PM | Senior High

6 6:30 PM | First

Small Group

9:45 AM | Sunday School

Friday

Friday Fun Finale (Infantgr. 2)

11 AM | Worship/Bible

Presentation

3 PM | Bowling Party (Gr. 3-5)

MOTHER'S DAY

7 10 AM | ETYC

2016 Planning Team Meeting

6 PM | Senior High

8:30 AM | Worship

Small Group End of Year Party

9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship

8:30 AM | Worship

Mandatory Mission Trip Meeting

Team Meeting

9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship

21 10 AM |

5 PM | CM

12 PM | VBS Volunteer

Meeting

22 SENIOR RECOGNITION SUNDAY 8:30 AM | Worship 9:30 AM | Senior Recognition

6:30 PM | SM

Team Meeting

Reception 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship

8:30 AM | Worship

MAY 1, 8, 15 & 22

9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship

CHURCH

VISIT GRADUATING

OFFICE AND

SENIOR DISPLAYS IN

CAMPUS

FELLOWSHIP HALL

CLOSED!

Children’s Ministry News & Events 3rd-5th Grade Bowling Party

VBS Volunteer Meeting

Sunday, May 1 | 3 pm | Green Acres Bowling Alley All youth grades 3rd, 4th and 5th are invited to a bowling party at Green Acres Bowling Alley. Parents - drop off and pick up your kids at Green Acres Bowl (we will not be offering transportation to and from the church). Bring socks and money for snacks - we will handle the rest! Contact: Phyllis Kidwell (903-681-5504/fpctyler.com/events/bowlingparty).

Sunday, May 15 | 12 pm | Children’s Wing Calling all VBS volunteers! Join us for an informational meeting to see where you can help. We need you-even if you have a few hours to give, or can help for the entire event. For more information, contact Phyllis Kidwell (903-597-6317/903-6815504/fpctyler.com/events/vacation-bible-school).

Children’s Ministry Summer Sunday School Plans We need teachers and shepherds for the summer! In June and August, 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! Contact: Phyllis Kidwell (903-597-6317/903-681-5504).

Bible Presentation Sunday

Sunday, May 1 | 11 am | Sanctuary 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 (fpctyler.com/events/bibles).

Vacation Bible School (Age 3 - 5th grade)

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 takehome treat. Our middle and high school students are invited to help out, and share in our fun. RSVP so we will have enough food and supplies at fpctyler.com/events/ firstfriday.

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 - there is a volunteer meeting scheduled for May 15 (see above). Registration coming soon (fpctyler.com/events/ vacation-bible-school).

News About Kids’ Night Out... First Friday Fun, FPC’s monthly kids’ night out, is on hiatus from June through August. The event series will resume in September.

/ small group listing

s u n d ay s c h oo l Sunday School @ 9:45 am

| Lecture & discussion  M202 | Proverbs | Contact: Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746 faith builders

westminster | Book & discussion M 207 | A Love Worth Giving | Contact: Linda Pirtle (903) 881-9000

the forum | Lecture & discussion M102 | The book of Deuteronomy | Contact: Chris Bunt (903) 531-3535

| 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

Small Group Schedule

A special “thank you” to Azalea Academy For Exceptional Adults for assembling our weekly worship bulletin.

| Book & discussion Thursdays 9:30 am | Conference Room | Experiencing God’s Presence | Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533

women

1 1 1 5 6 7 8 9 11 11 15 15 15 16 21 22 22 30

Children’s Ministry Bible Presentation. 11 am, Sanctuary Children’s Ministry Bowling Party. 3 pm, Green Acres Bowing Alley Fine Arts: ETYO Concert. 4 pm, Sanctuary Meadow Lake Bible Study. 11:45 am, Meadow Lake. First Friday Fun Finale. 6:30 pm, Children’s Wing. ETYC 2016 Planning Team Meeting. 10 am, The Well. Mother’s Day. Steeple Times Submission Deadline. SAM’s Club: A Man and His Music. 11 am, Fellowship Hall. SHSG End of Year Party. 6 pm, Gabriel Residence. Presbyterian Women Lifetime Membership Presentation. 11 am, Sanctuary. Summer Mission Trip Registration Deadline VBS Volunteer Meeting. 12 pm, Children’s Wing. PW Gathering/Luncheon. 11 am, Chapel/Fellowship Hall. ET Youth Mission Trip Meeting. 10 am, The Well. Senior Recognition Reception. 10:30 am, Fellowship Hall. Senior Recognition Sunday. 11 am, Sanctuary. Memorial Day. Church offices and campus closed.

Budget & Finance. May 12 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Building & Grounds. May 9 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Children’s Ministry Team. May 17 @ 5 pm — Library | A 111 Governance. May 2 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Mission. May 9 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Risk Management. May 25 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Session. May 17 @ 7 pm — M 207 Student Ministry Team. May 23 @ 6:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110

comm i t t e e m e e t i n g s

m ay h i g h l i g h t s

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: