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 1 0 : O c t o b e r 2 0 1 6
Your Generosity Helps Many by the Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin One of the things our church does on your behalf is give money to help people in need, mostly through our partnership with PATH. What you may not know is the extent to which our church quietly but steadily helps PATH. We give to PATH out of our regular church budget and out of the Vardaman Trust. We send regular checks to PATH to support its ongoing work of helping people get back on their feet. In addition to our regular gifts to PATH, a staff member at PATH regularly emails me with special needs that arise from time to time for which PATH doesn’t have enough resources to cover. Most often, this is rental or utility assistance. Let me share just two recent requests: “Client gave birth prematurely; child was in Dallas in critical condition and passed away. Parents both took an unpaid leave from work during this time and their bills have stacked up. They are asking for $214.46 to reconnect their gas and water service. Both parents are back at work now, and just trying to get back on their feet.”
“Young couple both working two full time jobs are behind on rent because of an unexpected car repair that cost $1,000. They depend on their vehicle to get back and forth to work. They need $300 to avoid eviction.” These are heartbreaking stories, but they are just two among dozens we have helped over the last year or two. To many of us, the sums involved are trivial. Pocket change, really. But to these folks, they are tremendous sums, and they are the difference between keeping their homes or becoming homeless. We can give to PATH, as well as to other helping agencies, because of your generosity. Whether through your regular gifts to the church budget or through your bequests, this church is able to extend the reconciling love of God in Jesus Christ to many in need. I simply want to commend you on your generosity and to encourage you to continue showing what God’s love means in a world of broken and hurting souls.
i n t h i s i s s u e | h i gh l i gh t s & f e at u r e s Reformation Book Display | Pg 3
Tudor Rose Recap | Pg 5
Beairds Honored by PATH | Pg 2
Peruse engaging books on the Reformation for readers of all ages and interests.
Rev. Leach shares her experiences of this incredible choir tour abroad.
The Beairds were recently honored with the 2016 Gertrude Windsor Award. 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 Wedding Congratulations to Margaret Emge and Benjamin Donnan on their September 3 nuptials. New Members Join us in welcoming our newest members: • Deborah Crenshaw • Richard Lee and Julie Lee • Joe Millen • Mike Vaughn
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.”
Recycling Response We had a nice response to our plea for people to assist with recycling items from the church office. Our youngest volunteer, Colin (right), enjoys serving our church in this way. Colin and his mother, Katie, have stepped up to help out. Thanks everyone!
Beairds Honored at PATH Luncheon FPC members, Harold and Rosemary Beaird, were presented the 2016 Gertrude Windsor Award by PATH Executive Director Greg Grubb during the annual luncheon at the Crosswalk Conference Center in Tyler on September 8. The Beairds were honored this year for their service to the organization and the community. FPC-Tyler was well represented at the event to show support for The Beairds and PATH.
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.)
FPC members, Harold and Rosemary Beaird (left) were presented with the 2016 Gertrude Windsor Award by PATH Executive Director Greg Grubb.
Children’s Ministry Team Our Children’s Ministry Team consists of Casey Johnson, moderator, Rachel Head, Joe Hewitt, Leslie Lindsey, Priscilla Maxfield, Luci Morgan, Jason Norwood, and Debbie Pitts. They are available for any questions or ideas you may have!
s a v e t h e d a t e | november 2 0 1 6 PW Thank Offering Program | Nov. 14
Advent Artfest | Nov. 27
Fine Arts @ FPC | Nov. 13
All of the ladies of the church are invited for high tea at this local giving event.
Join us for a festival during the Sunday school hour to get into the Christmas spirit.
Opera performers with ET roots share selections in Songs of Love, Longing & Loss.
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M o n t h ly e v e n t h i gh l i gh t s Fine Arts @ FPC: UT Tyler Fall Concert
Fine Arts @ FPC: Tyler Civic Chorale’s On the Other Side of the Baton
Saturday, October 8 | 6 pm | Sanctuary | Free Admission FPC is home to the joint concerts of the UT Tyler Patriot Singers and Concert Chorale. These groups perform a wide repertoire from sacred Renaissance to contemporary vocal jazz. Visit uttyler.edu/music/choral or fpctyler.com/events/uttconcert.
Saturday, October 29 | 7 pm | Sanctuary | $15 adults/$5 students In residence at FPC for the last half century, Tyler’s premier choral ensemble continues to bring to life an impressive range of music. Jeffrey Ford, Organist-Choirmaster at Christ Episcopal Church of Tyler, will conduct the choir in this concert. Music includes Benedictus Sit Deus, K.177 by Mozart, Halleljuah! from “Christ on the Mount of Olives” by Beethoven, O Salutaris by Elgar, Sure on This Shining Night by Barger, and songs by Randall Thompson, setting poems of Robert Frost. The concert also includes settings of folk songs and spirituals. Tickets available at the door and online: $15 adults/$5 students. Visit: tylercivicchorale.org or fpctyler.com/events/tylercivicchoral.
SAM’s Club: Courthouses of Texas Wednesday, October 12 | 11 am | F 101-102 Bob McRae will share some of the 254 courthouses in Texas he has been visiting and photographing. Many of the buildings built by counties to house their government were constructed around 1900 in grand architectural styles meant to impress and inspire awe. Catered lunch is provided by Traditions and is $10, payable at the door. RSVP by 10 a.m. on Monday, October 10 to fpctyler.com/events/sams.
Annual Congregational Meeting & Luncheon
Presbyterian Women Project Day & Soup Lunch
Sunday, October 30 | 12 pm | Fellowship Hall A congregational meeting will be held in Fellowship Hall. Lunch will be provided. Your donations will be appreciated. Please make plans to attend as the church leadership values your input! For more information, contact the church office at 903-597-6317.
Saturday, October 22 | 10 am | F 101-102 All women of the church are invited to attend our Project Day and soup luncheon. Look for more information in the weekly Enews and the service bulletin. For more information, contact Pat Cryer our 2016-17 PW Moderator (pcry@ suddenlink.net or 903-561-5242).
Reformation Celebration and Book Display The 500th anniversary of the Reformation is fast approaching! Do you want to learn more about Martin Luther, his writings, and their impact on Christianity? Do you want to reflect on the ongoing impact of the Reformation today?
Stop by our Reformation @ 500 Book Display, sponsored by Augsburg Fortress, to peruse engaging books on the Reformation for readers of all ages and interests! These books are new additions to our library collection. The four main categories of books that will be available for purchase include: • Martin Luther: His Life • Martin Luther: His Writings • Martin Luther: For Reflection • Reformation at 500 An order form will be available if you would like to purchase a personal copy for yourself or to give as a gift to someone. 3
During our special display, you can save up to 50% plus receive free shipping on all available titles. The books will be available to view from Sunday, October 2nd through October 16th from 9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. You can see them between Sunday services in the Fellowship Hall and throughout the week in the church library in the administration building. For information on the book display, contact Phyllis Kidwell, Director of Children’s Ministry (pkidwell@fpctyler.com/903-681-5504), Jennifer Bennett (903-714-6926) or visit our website at fpctyler.com/events/reformationdisplay.
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)
Volunteers Wanted: New Meal Ministry
Throughout October, PATH is collecting winter coats for children and teens. Please bring coat donations to the PATH crates located in the foyer of the Fellowship Hall and near the elevator in the main building. Donations may also be dropped off at one of the following locations: The Cleaning Company, Dry Clean Super Center, Hart’s Cleaners, Progress Cleaners, Regency Cleaners, Shannon’s Cleaners, or Edward Jones in Whitehouse. Monetary donations are also accepted. For more information, visit pathhelps.org.
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 web calender will be established for use by those in need and volunteers.
Sewing Bees - Sewing with a Mission
Volunteers Needed: Andrews Center/Goodwill Christmas Party
Wednesday, October 19 | 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, visit fpctyler.com/events/sewingbees. Group contact is Mollie Bobo (903-530-2772).
FPC has sponsored a Christmas party for the past several years for adults with special needs in training at the Andrews Center Adult Day Training and the Goodwill Industries Commercial Services Training program. Members of the congregation have generously purchased gifts, baked cookies and served as hosts for the 100 guests attending. Sign up to help this year beginning October 23 by visiting the table in Fellowship Hall or in the Main Building (first floor) near the elevator. SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, December 8 from 1–3 p.m. For further information, contact Bettie Clancy (903-581-9552) or Ginny Mattox (903-504-5016).
Knit Wits - Knitters Unite for Camp Ministry Monday, October 3 | 1:30 pm | Hutchins’ 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 Martha Joe Hutchins. 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.
Stay in the Know
Analysis of Revenues & Expenses August 2016 Summary
Stay in the know about news and events by connecting with FPC online.
MTD Actual YTD Actual YTD Budget
Revenues
$69,858
$135,508
$131,165
Expenses
$84,653
$152,869
$184,650
Net Total
($14,795)
($17,361)
($53,485)
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
PULSE (Praise. Unite. Lead. Serve. Energize.)
College-Age Gathering: Yesterland Farm
Saturday, October 1 | depart at 7:30 am | Irving, TX The first PULSE meeting will be held at the Presbyterian Mission Center. Visit fpctyler.com/events/pulse. For students grade 9-12.
October 21 | 4:30 pm | Yesterland Farm | Canton, TX Join us on our trip to hang out and play – a variety of fun and games to particpate in. Cost is $10 and bring money for dinner. Contact: Neil (nmckown@fpctyler.com/903-2796818) or visit fpctyler.com/events/collegeouting.
Senior High Small Groups: Halloween Party Wednesday, October 26 | 6 pm | Gabriel Residence Small group for senior high school students will be taking a break from curriculum and having some fun to celebrate Halloween! There will be fun games and good food. Guys - bring a 2-liter bottle of soda and ladies - bring a snack item or chips. Oh yeah...don’t forget to wear your costume! For 9-12 grade students. Questions? Contact Neil (nmckown@fpctyler.com/903279-6818) or visit fpctyler.com/events/shgroup.
Youth Group Lock-In: Spooky Fun! October 28–29 | 7 pm | The Well Attention youth: we will be having a spooky youth lock-in with other Presby youth for a scary amount of fun at FPC Tyler. Cost is $5 per person. RSVP at fpctyler.com/events/ lockin by Sunday, October 23. Bring forms and payment to the lock-in. Questions? Contact Neil (903-279-6818).
My Soul Doth Magnify The Lord by the Rev. Pamela Leach A month after the choir tour to the UK, I still find myself singing these words in my head. Why? Because with these words, The Magnificat, Mary’s song found in Luke 1:46-55 begins and this song formed the core of the repertoire prepared by The Tudor Rose Ensemble for our UK tour. We spent months rehearsing 4 versions of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittus (Simeon’s song from Luke 2:29-32) along with numerous anthems, psalms, and hymns. All of the preparation was realized on July 14 at our first Evensong in Ripon, England. Evensong is a service of worship in the Anglican tradition. As their choirs take a break for the summer, touring choirs come from other countries to experience singing in those beautiful spaces. In all, we offered musical leadership to seven Evensong services and one Sunday morning worship service. These services took
place at Ripon Cathedral in Ripon, England, and St. Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland. We also had the opportunity to provide a noon concert at St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh which is the mother church of Presbyterianism (yes, I had chills, or would have if the day had not been rather warm for those robes). On top of rehearsals and services, our guides shuttled us to see London, York, St. Andrews, and other sights around Ripon and Edinburgh – all in 10 days. Are you tired just thinking about it? I am and I was. But, every moment singing God’s praise and enjoying Britain with this wonderful group was worth it. In The Magnificat, Mary sings, “He has filled the hungry with good things.” Through this trip, I have been fed good things – beautiful sights, glorious music, 5
new friendships, and a renewed appreciation for Mary’s and Simeon’s songs. And I pray, that in our music we were able to reflect the light Simeon speaks of that “lightens the Gentiles and (is) the glory of the people Israel,” our Lord Jesus Christ. The Tudor Rose Ensemble is a choir of 28 singers, including singers from the Chancel Choirs of First Presbyterian Church and Christ Episcopal Church, the Choir School of East Texas and the Tyler Civic Chorale. The ensemble, including Claudia Carroll, Bill Girard, Joan Curtis, Pamela Leach, Karin Morrow, Wes Schmidt, and Susan Sensenbach from FPC, traveled to perform in England and Scotland this summer.
Children & Youth Calendar
october
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
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KEY CM: Children's Ministry (6 weeks-5th grade) SM: Student Ministries (6th-12th grade) SHSG: Senior High Small Group (9th-12th grade)
7:30 AM | PULSE |
IRVING, TX
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3
4
8:30 AM | Worship
Sing 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church
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Friday Fun
Conversations 6 PM | SHSG
9 9:10 AM | Ring &
Sing 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church
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11
COLUMBUS DAY
12
13
14
15
19
20
21
22
26
27
5 PM | Carol
Choir
6 PM | SHSG
16
17
8:30 AM | Worship
18 5:30 PM | CM
Team Meeting
9:10 AM | Ring &
Sing 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church
23 CHILDREN & YOUTH SUNDAY 8:30 AM | Worship 9:10 AM | Ring & Sing 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church
30 Sing 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church
7 6:30 PM | First
5 PM | Faith
8:30 AM | Worship
9:10 AM | Ring &
6
Choir
9:10 AM | Ring &
8:30 AM | Worship
5 5 PM | Carol
24 6:30 PM | SM
5 PM | Carol
Choir
6 PM | SHSG
25 5 PM | Carol
Team Meeting
Choir
6 PM | SHSG
Halloween Party
28 7:30 PM | SM
Lock-In
8 AM | SM
In
29 Lock-
4 PM | CM Fall Festival
31 HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
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: Kids Night Out!
Special Events - 3rd-5th Graders
October 7 | 6:30–9 pm | Children’s Wing | RSVP by October 4 Join us for First Friday Fun where 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.
We are in the planning stages for providing activities for our 3rd-5th graders, called the R.O.C.K. We plan to have two activities each semester, starting in October. If you have ideas, want to host, or come along as a sponsor, contact Phyllis Kidwell (903-681-5504/pkidwell@fpctyler.com).
Volunteer Opportunities How can you help? 1. Sunday school teachers and shepherds: once a month on Sundays from 9:45-10:45a.m.; 2. Children’s church: once a month at 11a.m.; 3. 1st Friday Fun: open invitation, 3-hour commitment; 4. 1st Friday Foodies: prepare or serve meals at each event, one month or more; 5. R.O.C.K. Sponsors activities: several times each semester, 3 hours/event. You will need a current background check to volunteer. Questions? Phyllis Kidwell (pkidwell@ fpctyler.com). All are welcome!
Fall Festival October 29 | 4–5:30 pm | The Well It’s time to put on your Halloween costume and come to The Well to share movies, popcorn and make some holiday crafts to take home! This is for our whole church family - all ages are welcome! For information, contact Phyllis Kidwell (903-681-5504) or visit fpctyler.com/events/fallfestival.
Azalea Academy Celebrates Second Year Anniversary “We are excited to be celebrating the second year anniversary of Azalea Academy for Exceptional Adults existence and presence here at First Presbyterian Church,” said Ginger Saunders, executive director. “They want you to know how thankful and blessed they are to make their home in our lovely church surrounded by a neighborhood that gives them so much to enjoy.” Azalea Academy is a non-profit activity program for adults with severe intellectual and or physical disabilities. Their
s u n d ay s c h o o l
mission is to enrich their client’s lives by providing a safe, stimulating, and positive environment, in which they can express, create and learn without discrimination. Currently, it serves nine adults with three full-time staff members, Tyesha, Beverley, and Portia. The students are in class Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Feel free to stop by and say hello anytime! For more information on how you can help, contact Ginger at 903-520-4229.
/ small group listing
Sunday School @ 9:45 am
Small Group Schedule
faith builders
men
| Lecture & discussion M202 | The book of Revelation | Contact: Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746 the forum | Lecture & discussion M102 | The Future of the Catholic Church with Pope Francis | Contact: Chris Bunt (903) 531-3535 the 209ers | Young Adults M209 | Sermon on the Mount | Contact: Debbie Pitts (debbiepitts@gmail. com) westminster | Book & discussion M 207 | A Love Worth Giving | Contact: Linda Pirtle (903) 881-9000
| Sermon texts 2nd/4th Mondays | 10 am | homes | Contact: Lynn Holliman (903) 5349190 | Lectionary Tuesdays | 6:30 am | Premier Flexipac | Contact: Skip Womack (903) 533-9433 or Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746
| Book & discussion Thursdays | 9:30 am | Conference Room | John’s Gospel | Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533
women
men
Thank you to Azalea Academy For Exceptional Adults for assembling
| Fellowship 1st Wednesdays | 5 pm | M 102 | Contact: Shannon Franzen (903) 576-4781 faith conversations
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our weekly bulletin and Marshall Ewing and his crew for assembling our Steeple Times monthly newsletter.
230 W. Rusk Street, Tyler, TX 75701
return service requested
Budget & Finance. October 13 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Building & Grounds. October 10 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Children’s Ministry Team. October 18 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Governance. October 3 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Mission. October 10 @ 5:30 pm — M 102 Risk Management. October 26 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Session. October 18 @ 7 pm — M 207 Student Ministry. October 24 @ 6:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Trustees. October 25 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110
c o mm i t t e e m e e t i n g s
1 PULSE. depart Tyler 7:30 am, Irving, TX. 2 Annual Peace & Global Witness Offering collection. 2 Reformation @ 500 Book Display. 9:30 am, Fellowship Hall Foyer. 3 Knit Wits. 1:30 pm, homes. 5 Faith Conversations for Parents. 5 pm, M 102. 7 First Friday Fun: Kid’s Night Out. 6:30 pm, Children’s Wing. 8 UT Tyler Fall Concert. 6 pm, Sanctuary. 9 Presbyterian Women Sunday Circle. 9:30 am, M 204. 11 Presbyterian Women Weekday Circle. 10 am, F 101—102. 12 SAM’s Club. 11 am, F 101—102. 15 Steeple Times Submission Deadline. 16 Music Dedication Sunday. 11 am, Sanctuary. 19 Sewing Bees. 10 am, F 104. 21 College-Age Gathering: Yesterland Farm. 4:30 pm, Canton, TX. 22 Presbyterian Women Project Day & Soup Luncheon. 10 am, F 101-102. 23 Children’s & Youth Sunday. 11 am, Sanctuary. 26 SHSG: Halloween Party. 6 pm, Gabriel Residence. 28-29 Youth Group Lock-In. 7 pm, The Well. 29 Children’s Ministry: Fall Festival. 4 pm, The Well. 29 Tyler Civic Chorale Fall Concert. 7 pm, Sanctuary. 30 Reformation Sunday. 8:30 am & 11 am, Chapel & Sanctuary. 30 Annual Congregational Meeting and Luncheon. 12 pm, Fellowship Hall. 31 Halloween!
o c t o b e r h i gh l i gh t s
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Permit No. 683 Tyler, Texas 75701-1696
To everyone at the home of: