Steeple Times, Sept. 2016 (Vol. 11, Issue 9) 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 9 : S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 6

A New Season Is Upon Us by the Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin

Ah, September, that golden month which brings a sense of renewed promise, and for many, a return to a comfortable routine. School is back in session, and both students and teachers have found their rhythm. The crack of shoulder pads on warm Friday nights, the sounds of marching bands practicing in the cool of the morning and the gradual drop in temperatures and the cooler mornings all signal a new season is upon us. Just as the earth cycles through a variety of seasons, so does life in an institution. This is true year after year as we cycle through both the liturgical year and the program year. It is true in a larger sense, too: major projects are begun, run their course, and come to a close. Staff members are hired, work in ministry, and move on. And so as a congregation, we find ourselves in the midst of change. Donald Duncan, our well-liked Director of Music Ministries came on board nine years ago, gave us nearly a decade

of excellent service, and has moved on to a larger field. In the coming months, we will enjoy the ministry of Lee Kohlenberg, who will serve as our Interim Director of Music Ministries. Many of you have already heard Lee play the organ, and judging by your reaction, I’d say you already like what you hear! Lee begins his ministry with us in earnest on September 1. He will assume most of the duties Donald performed. He has even been hired by the Tyler Civic Chorale to lead most of their season, including the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols in December. I hope you will take time to greet Lee in person. He is personable and gracious, and eager to meet you!

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 Music Ministries for Fall | Pg 3

Presbyterian Women at FPC | Pg 5

Bible Study for the Fall | Pg 7

Get involved with FPC’s many musical opportunities available for all ages.

Learn more about PW, their mission and how the women of FPC can get involved.

Check out the updated Bible study lessons for the fall. All are welcome to join. 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 na l n e w s Membership Updates Birth Welcome into our congregation: • Vivian Jane, daughter of Paul Watts and Cory Sills on August 2. Wedding Congratulations to Julie Philley and Richard Lee on their August 13 nuptials. Baptism We are proud to have witnessed the baptism of: • Ellery Florence, daughter of Mark & Julia Dahlgren on August 7. Death Condolences to the family of our FPC member who entered the Church Triumphant: Dudley Wardlaw.

PRAYERFULLY SPEAKING from the FPC Prayer Team Do you ever feel hopeless in the face of the seemingly overwhelming problems between nations? Perhaps this excerpt from author Lawrence Darmani in the July, 2016, issue of “Our Daily Bread” will help: “The Bible reveals that God indeed intervenes in the affairs of nations (2 Chron 7:14). And when God intervenes, he uses ordinary people. We may not be assigned huge tasks, but we can play our part to help bring about peace and the righteousness that exalts a nation (Prov. 14:34.) We can do that through prayer. The apostle Paul wrote, ‘I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people -for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness’ (1 Tim 2:1-2). As the psalmist exhorted the ancient Israelites to ‘pray for the peace of Jerusalem’ (Ps 122:6), so may we pray for the peace and healing of our nations. When we pray in humility, turn from wickedness, and seek God, he hears us.”

FPC Office Closed The FPC office and campus will be closed on Monday, September 5 in observance of Labor Day.

A Word of Thanks From Marshall Ewing... Thank you all for your prayers and support during my recent illness. My church family and friends have been and will continue to be a blessing to me and my family. Thank you for all you do!

Let us pray in humility. And let us be faithful in prayer. (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.)

Achieving Dreams Gala at FPC Achieving Dreams, a non-profit day program committed to providing opportunities and support to adults with special needs, is having their 3rd annual Circle of Caring Gala on Thursday, September 15 at 6 pm at FPC. The evening will feature live music by Faber & Friends, dinner provided by El Charro on the Ridge, a silent auction, and much more. Tickets are $25. Contact Bettie Clancy (903-521-1383) if you would like to attend, make a contribution or learn more about this wonderful organization.

FPC member, Rosalie Robertson (with Pastor Stuart Baskin), recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Happy Birthday, Rosalie!

s a v e t h e d a t e | oc tober 2 0 1 6 First Friday Fun | October 7

PCUSA Offering Day | October 2

SAM’s Club | October 12

Kids night out begins at 6:30 p.m. for kids from nursery through grade 2.

The Peace & Global Witness Offering will be collected on World Communion Sunday.

This monthly club is sponsored by Senior Adult Ministries.

M o n t h ly e v e n t h i g h l i g h t s PATH Luncheon Honorees for 2016

SAM’s Club: Book review of “The Candy Bomber”

Thursday, September 8 | 11:30 am | GABC Crosswalk Center In honor of their tireless leadership and service to provide hope to our community, PATH will present the 2016 Gertrude Windsor Award to Rosemary and Harold Beaird (long-time FPC-Tyler members). The presentation will take place at the PATH Week 2016 community celebration luncheon. This year’s guest speaker will be Mia Birdsong, family activist and Co-Director of Family Story. Join us in honoring The Beairds and celebrating PATH. For information on tickets, visit pathhelps.org or contact Mila Hightower, PATH Development Director, (903-617-2825).

Wednesday, September 14 | 10:30 am | Fellowship Hall Join us for a book review of The Candy Bomber: The Story of the Berlin Airlift’s “Chocolate Pilot” by Michael O. Tunnell. This is a true story about Lt. Gail Halvorsen, an American pilot, who was part of the 18 month struggle of British, French, and American pilots to get supplies into East Berlin after the USSR cut off all ground access. Join us to hear this epic story of goodwill presented by Sharon Hudspeth. Catered lunch is provided by Traditions and is $10, payable at the door. RSVP by noon on Monday, September 12 to fpctyler.com/ events/sams.

Fine Arts Garden Party

Presbyterian Women Fall Gathering

Saturday, September 10 | 5 pm | Heines Residence Join us for a launch party for the 2016-2017 First Presbyterian Church Fine Arts series. The beautiful home and gardens of Lynn and John Heines (617 Tremont Place/Tyler) 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 September 6 to claudia.d.carroll@gmail.com or the church office at 903597-6317.

Wednesday, September 14 | 6 pm | Anderson Room, F 101-102 All women of the church are invited to attend our Fall Gathering Dinner. A program on “Breast Cancer Awareness” will be presented by Dr. Gary Gross. Reserve your place at the table to join us for good food, fun music, and fellowship with friends. Cost is $10. Pay at the door. For more information, please contact Pat Cryer our 2016-17 PW Moderator at pcry@ suddenlink.net or 903/561-5242.

Music Ministry Opportunities For All Chancel Choir (Adult Choir) The Chancel Choir resumed their singing season and will continue singing for the 11 a.m. worship service through mid-June. All with previous singing experience are welcome. Call or email Lee Kohlenberg, Interim Minister of Music and Organist (843870-4487/lkohlenberg@fpctyler.com). Carol Choir (Children’s Choir, age 4-2nd grade) Led again by the creative team of Margaret Bjork and accompanied by Ruth Hardy, this will be a time of fun working on anthems for the church and learning the basics of music to be a foundation for a lifetime of singing

and worship. Contact Margaret (903581-7667/bjorkdm@yahoo.com) or Ruth (903-581-7262/RuthLHardy@ aol.com). Ring and Sing (Handbell and Handchime Ensemble/grades 3-8) Do you like fun, fellowship, making music together, and leading in worship? It is not necessary to read music, we will teach you. During rehearsals, we will learn to sing and ring music on handchimes and handbells. We will share our music in a variety of ways— as a part of the 11 a.m. worship services, children’s Christmas pageant, and Youth Sunday; to accompany other choirs and the congregation; and 3

to lead in worship. Following the rehearsal, children and youth will be escorted to their Sunday School classes. Contact Laura Swartz (laura.swartz@ tylerisd.org) for more information. Carillon Choir (Adult Handbell Choir) This gifted adult handbell ensemble assists in leading Sunday worship approximately once a month at the 11 a.m. worship service. Basic music reading ability is required for participation in this group. If you are interested in joining, contact Andy Martinez (903-8307566).

t h e missi o n s t o r e 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)

Coming Soon: New Meal Ministry

Over 1,200 families kept cool during the summer heat through PATH’s Fan Drive. Thank you to everyone who participated in this drive. During September, PATH will be collecting soap and shampoo and all personal care items. Drop off donations at our PATH collection bins located in Fellowship Hall or in front of the elevator in the Main Building.

FPC’s Diaconate is planning a new meal ministry to serve those in our congregation who have experienced a significant event in their lives. Meals will be provided following a birth, loss of a loved one, or to the family when a loved one has an extended hospital stay. Volunteers are needed to provide food or other assistance with this ministry. To volunteer or for more information, contact Gene Archer (903-881-9841) or Alice Stjernstrom (903-780-0639). Once the program is underway, a website will be established for use by those in need and volunteers.

Sewing Bees - Gearing up for Haiti Wednesday, September 7, 14, 21, 28 | 10 am | F 104 During September, the sewing room will be available every Wednesday from 10 a.m.—12p.m. We will be filling a suitcase with adorable dresses and boxers for the children in Haiti. The team leaves on October 11. Connect with sewing buffs of all ages and levels of expertise. Simple patterns and guidance provided. Help us continue the mission. For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/sewingbees. Group contact is Mollie Bobo (903-530-2772).

“God’s Little Light Bulb” FPC’s Sally Smith is featured in the front page article in the August Solar Under the Sun newsletter. In the article, Sally describes the many obstacles that were confronted by our team in the installation of the solar-powered water filtration system at a school in Lavallée, Haiti. Sally describes how after “many months of preparation, some setbacks, lots of prayer, and several trips, the installation was successfully completed” in April of this year. The newsletter, Light of Life, is at solarunderthesun.org/news.

Knit Wits - Knitters Unite for Camp Ministry Monday, September 5 | 1:30 pm | Harper Residence Calling all knitters and knitter 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. Members are encouraged to work on personal projects, too! Join the group at the home of Sally Harper. Contact: Pat Cryer (903-561-5242 / fpctyler.com/events/knitwits). Please note: Knit Wits has stored shawls in the usher room off the narthex for your use during services if you get chilly.

Recycling Helper Needed We are seeking someone with an interest in recycling to assist the church. We currently collect recycling in the church office. This needs to be gathered and delivered to the recycling center downtown about every two weeks. If this is something you want to do, please contact Phyllis Kidwell at pkidwell@fpctyler.com/903-681-5504. It is a joy to show good stewardship in this way!

Stay in the Know

Analysis of Revenues & Expenses July 2016 Summary

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

MTD Actual YTD Actual YTD Budget

Revenues

$65,651

$66,643

Expenses

$68,217

$88,332

Net Total

($2,566)

($21,689)

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 Groups

Parent Forum & Dinner

Wednesdays in September | 6 pm | Gabriel Residence Small group for senior high school students returns to the Gabriel residence for the fall. Dinner will always be provided, so come hungry and bring a friend! For 9th-12th grade high school students. Questions? Contact Neil (nmckown@fpctyler. com / 903-279-6818) or visit fpctyler.com/events/shgroup.

Sunday, September 25 | 5:30 pm | The Well Meet other parents of students in grades 6-12 active in Student Ministries. Be prepared for open and honest discussion including the following: How can we support you as parents? What can we do better? What situations might you as parents be dealing with at home? Dinner provided. RSVP at fpctyler.com/events/parentforum by the 21st.

PULSE (Praise. Unite. Lead. Serve. Energize.) Saturday, September 10 | depart at 7:30 am | Irving, TX The first PULSE training day will be held at the Presbyterian Mission Center. Visit fpctyler.com/events/pulse.

East Texas Youth Conference Friday, September 16 - Saturday, September 18 | Gilmont, TX For registered youth, visit fpctyler.com/events/etyc.

Youth Group: Game Night Sunday, September 25 | 5:30 pm | The Well Come for our first official youth group back from summer! Enjoy games and fellowship activities and bring some friends. Dinner will be provided. For students in grades 6-12. RSVP at fpctyler.com/events/youth-group by Wednesday, September 21.

Our Cardboard City Was A Community Like No Other! While VBS may be over, we learned that the greatest commandment Jesus taught is learning about loving the Lord and our neighbors as ourselves. We learned about sharing what we have with those in need. Our participants prayed, sang songs and reflected on the joy of knowing Jesus. Our city was painted and decorated. We had vegetables in our garden and in our grocery store; animals in our park. We had a beautiful “stained glass” window in our church and used that design to make real stepping stones for our garden near the pergola

and picnic table. We had 40 children participants, age three through 5th grade, six youth assistants and more than 20 adults working to support our groups as they moved through the activities, shared dinner and snacks and created crafts. On Saturday, the cookout included about 100 people in fellowship as we enjoyed the excellent hamburgers and hot dogs prepared by the men of the

Presbyterian Women - Who are We? Presbyterian Women (PW) at FPC offers women meaningful ways to live out their faith in the midst of a caring community of women. For more than 200 years, Presbyterian women’s groups have strengthened the Church and played a major role in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others through mission projects. You are a member of PW even if you do not attend a circle – but consider joining one. An exciting year is planned for all FPC women through circles, gatherings and mission activities. Our fall activities include:

•

church. The children’s ministry team and staff gives a loud THANK YOU to all who made this VBS successful in learning more about living in community with Jesus in our hearts! Volunteers and kids enjoying VBS!

Sunday Circle: meets at 9:30 a.m. on the 2nd Sunday of each month in room M 206. The first meeting is September 11. • Weekday Circle: meets at 10 a.m. the 2nd Tuesday of each month in the Anderson Room. The first meeting is September 13. • Fall Gathering: will be held on September 14 at 6 p.m. Following dinner, a program on “Breast Cancer Awareness” will be presented by Dr. Gary Gross. For more information, contact Pat Cryer our 2016-17 PW Moderator (pcry@suddenlink.net / 903-561-5242) or visit 5 fpctyler.com/events/pwfall.

Children & Youth Calendar

september

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

4 9:15 AM | Ring &

Sing 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church

Saturday

6:30 PM | First

Friday Fun

LABOR DAY HOLIDAY

5 PM | Carol

Choir 5 PM | Faith Conversations 6 PM | SHSG

8:30 AM | Worship 9:15 AM | Ring &

Friday

KEY CM: Children's Ministry (6 weeks-5th grade) YM: Youth Ministries (6th-12th grade) SHSG: Senior High Small Group (9th-12th grade) 8:30 AM | Worship

Thursday

5 PM | Carol

Choir

Sing

ETYC | CAMP GILMONT

PULSE | IRVING, TX

ETYC | CAMP GILMONT

6 PM | SHSG

9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church

8:30 AM | Worship

5 PM | CM

Sing 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church

25 8:30 AM | Worship

26 6:30 PM | YM

Team Meeting

5 PM | Carol

Team Meeting

9:15 AM | Ring &

20 Choir

6 PM | SHSG

27 5 PM | Carol

Choir

6 PM | SHSG

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’s Ministry News & Events K - 2nd graders will share the classroom space with our children’s church worship. These students also learn from the Spark curriculum. Our 3rd- 5th grade students learn using a curriculum called “Feasting on the Word.” This study uses Bible stories which the students read to one another from their classroom Bibles. There are a few slots to fill in our teacher and shepherd roster. Contact Phyllis Kidwell (pkidwell@fpctyler.com) to help. Sunday school time uses fellowship, Bible story study and an art or craft project to reinforce the story of the day. Both curriculums are based on the lectionary used in worship, allowing parents to discuss and reinforce the lessons with their children.

First Friday Fun: Kids Night Out! September 2 | 6:30-9 pm | Children’s Wing | RSVP by August 30 First Friday Fun returns and continues through May 2017, with the exception of January. We will share a meal and continue with fun crafts, Bible stories, games and finish with a movie or quiet reading time. This program is for our church members and the community. If you know someone age six weeks to 2nd grade, invite them to join us. Registrations are on line - visit fpctyler.com/events/firstfriday.

Sunday School Sundays | 9:45 am | campus-wide This year, we have three Sunday school classes in addition to nursery care (6 weeks to age 3). Our 3, 4 & 5 year olds will learn from the Spark curriculum. Watch for some beautiful decorations by Vandy Dubre that uses realistic Bible characters to enhance the space. Anna Cooper and Anne Perry are helping her reproduce various stories that will bring that room to life. Our