Steeple Times, Nov. 2016 (Vol. 11, Issue 11) 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 1 1 : N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 6

Your Faithful Stewardship by the Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin If it’s November, it must be pledge time. Let me say a few words about why this is important. 1. Pledging is important to you and your life of faith. Why? Because self-sacrifice is among the most important ways we have to train our hearts to follow God. The book of 2 Samuel relates a telling story. King David sinned before God by taking a census of the people. In an act of atonement, David determined to make sacrifice before God. At the top of one of the hills, David found a threshing floor belonging to Araunah. Seeing David approaching the hill, Araunah offered to give David his threshing floor as well as cattle and sheep for the sacrifice. But David responded, “No, but I will buy them from you for a price; I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24) 2. Pledging is important for our common stewardship of our church. The church exists to worship God and to serve the mission God has given to us. In order to be effective in mission and ministry, we have to live within our means. And in order to live within our means, we have to know what means we have. Let me pause here to brag on you. The

last decade has been hard on churches and nonprofits, just as it has been hard on many families. As people have tightened their belts, giving to churches and nonprofits across the nation has taken a hit. Giving to nonprofits is only now beginning to reach the levels it was prior to the 2008 downturn. I have heard anecdotal stories from colleagues in ministry of churches having to cut budgets anywhere from 10 - 20%. Then there is our church. While we have not seen increases in giving, neither have we seen the kinds of decreases other churches have experienced. All this say, you are a remarkable and faithful group. But then again, I have always known that. You have simply confirmed what I have known. My message to you this pledge season, then, is simple: keep up the good work. On November 13, we will dedicate our pledges to the work of God’s church. Before then, you will receive a pledge card in the mail that you will be asked to bring to worship and place in a basket on the communion table. Of course, if you are unable to attend worship, you may complete your pledge card and return it by the mail. It’s that simple. I invite you to keep doing what you do so well and even to take the next step of increasing your giving for 2017.

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 Blue Christmas Service | pg 3

Advent 2016 | Pg 5

“Celebration 10” | Pg 7

Learn more about this service of rememberance and hope.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel! Celebrate the season with FPC.

Join us to honor our pastor, Stuart Baskin, for 10 years of service at FPC. 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 Deaths Condolences to the family of our FPC member who entered the Church Triumphant: Marian Ballard.

PRAYERFULLY SPEAKING from the FPC Prayer Team Recently, a devotional was about how easy it is to “drift” in our relationship with God. And in a recent sermon, Rev. Baskin mentioned how one can grow distant from God, though not intentionally rejecting Him.

Office Closed for the Thanksgiving Holidays The office and campus will be closed on Thursday, November 24, and Friday, November 25, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Our lives become disordered, and we become distracted. It’s a pretty good bet (real good, actually) that if we are experiencing distance from God, if we are having a hard time feeling God’s presence in our lives, WE have drifted away from our relationship with God. WE have lost our connection with the Lord, for one or more reasons. WE need to refocus/reprioritize our lives. We need the discipline of prayer. Prayer is our compass; it orients us. Prayer keeps us connected to God, and it will reconnect us to God when we have drifted away.

All Saints’ Day (observed)

Sunday, November 6 | 8:30 & 11 am worship services Join the congregation in commemorating the saints who have gone before us at this special worship service. FPC welcomes new members: Julie Philley & Richard Lee (left), Deborah Crenshaw (below) Mike Vaughn (below, right) and Joe Millen (below, far right).

Thanks be to God! (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.)

sa v e th e d at e | december 201 6 Children’sChristmasPageant|Dec.18

Family Christmas Eve Service | Dec. 24

Andrews Center Christmas Party | Dec. 8

Join us during the 11 a.m. service in the Sanctuary.

A Christmas service, especially for families, with a focus on the nativity scene.

Pitch in to make Christmas happen for the clients at Andrews Center and Goodwill.

M o n t h ly e v e n t h i g h l i g h t s Men of the Church Social

Presbyterian Women Thank Offering

Sunday, November 6 | 4:30 pm | Tyler Yacht Club All men of the church for fellowship and hamburgers. Beverages will be provided. Bring a friend! Cost is $15 per person, payable at the event. RSVP to fpctyler.com/events/mensdinner or contact Denning Key (903-596-9061).

Monday, November 14 | 2 pm | Chapel This annual celebration of God’s blessings in our lives is an opportunity to demonstrate our appreciation by sharing those blessings with others. Over the past 24 years, the Thank Offering has become a hallmark of our group, raising over $24 million to fund nearly 2,000 national and international project grants. The worship service will be followed by high tea. Contact Pat Cryer (pcry@suddenlink.net or 903-561-5242).

SAM’s Club: Veterans’ Day Observance Wednesday, November 9 | 11 am | F 101-102 Caleb Pirtle, a reporter and published author, will discuss his article, Nick Rowe: The First American Soldier Captured in the Vietnam Conflict. Veterans will be recognized. Lunch is provided by Traditions and is $10, payable at the door. RSVP by 10 a.m. on Monday, November 7 to fpctyler.com/events/sams.

Voices of Faith

Stewardship Dedication Sunday

Sunday, November 13 | 8:30 & 11 am services Join the congregation in dedicating your pledge for 2017. Pledge cards will arrive in your mailbox and will be available in the pews.

Friday, November 18 | 7 pm | Sanctuary Since 2008, Voices of Faith has sought to give young musicians a space to explore their artistic discipline through a God-honoring repertoire. The choir gathers over seventy-five talented vocalists from the East Texas area in a Christ-centered, community choral program under the direction of Pam Eikner, with accompanist Dana Bertino. Visit fpctyler.com/events/ vof2016 for more information.

Fine Arts @ FPC: Songs of Love, Longing, & Loss

Advent Artfest

Sunday, November 13 | 4 pm | Sanctuary | Free Admission In this striking recital of soaring arias and beloved musical theater selections, two professional opera performers with East Texas roots share the repertoire of the opera house in the stunning and sacred acoustics of the Sanctuary at FPC. Featured musicians: Dana Pundt-Babosa and Pedro WillisBarbosa. Visit: fpctyler.com/events/songsoflove.

Sunday, November 27 | 9:30 am | Fellowship Hall All are invited to a morning of crafts, brunch, and fun for all ages during the Sunday school hour. Supplies will be available to craft Christmas cards, make study care packages for our college friends, and create Advent wreaths. You’ll also have the chance to help decorate the Christmas trees in the Fellowship Hall. Friends invited—let’s get ready for Christmas! FYI: Sunday school classes are cancelled.

Blue Christmas: A Service of Remembrance and Hope By The Rev. Pamela Leach Do you know someone who may have a blue Christmas this year? Every December, many of us find ourselves in this situation - a loved one has died, a relationship is irrevocably broken, a change in circumstance makes the life we once enjoyed no longer possible. And, as city sidewalks are dressed in holiday style and carols declare, “tis the season to be jolly,” someone having a blue Christmas stands quietly aside, unable to join in the joyful refrains and often feeling utterly alone.

Yet, we are not alone. In fact, the very message of the Advent season is to claim that God comes to dwell with us. Again this year, FPC will offer a Blue Christmas service for those who find themselves standing on the sidelines of the season.

will have tangible evidence that they are not alone as we gather, not in celebration but in contemplation, to sit quietly before the One who is with us in the darkness of our sorrow and will see us through to the morning when joy shall return.

At this service, we will acknowledge that we are people, like those mentioned in Isaiah 9, who walk in darkness and long for the light of Christ, and we will claim the promise that God will come and illuminate our lives once more. Those who attend 3

Who do you know who might have a blue Christmas this year? Join us in praying about whom you might want to invite to attend this service on Sunday, December 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

t h e m i ss i 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)

Volunteers Needed: Andrews Center/Goodwill Christmas Party

As the Coats for Kids drive comes to a close, volunteers are needed to sort, size and tag the coats for distribution and to help give the coats on distribution day. Prep Days are November 5 and 12 from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. There are three shifts on Distribution Day (Saturday, November 19). Contact Jessica Halifax to volunteer (903-617-2821 / Jessica_halifax@pathhelps.org). During November, PATH is collecting diapers sizes 3 and up. Bring your donations to the PATH crates in the foyer of Fellowship Hall and near the elevator in the main building. Monetary support is appreciated. For information, visit pathhelps.org.

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 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 (903581-9552) or Ginny Mattox (903504-5016).

Knit Wits - Knitters Unite for Camp Ministry Monday, November 7 | 1:30 pm | Mendenhall’s 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. Join the group at the home of Dianne Mendenhall. 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.

Gilmont’s Family Adventure Day & Visioning Dinner Saturday, November 19 | 10 am | Gilmont, TX All are invited for a day of high and low mobility activities, including archery, zipline, canoeing, fishing, biking, games, crafts, and entertainment. At 5 p.m. the Annual Visioning Dinner will be held with a silent auction and entertainment. Donations accepted. Full day event sponsorships are $1,000 and table sponsorships are $500. Accommodations for overnight are available at a reduced rate. For more information or to RSVP, visit gilmont.org or call 903-797-6400.

Sewing Bees - Sewing with a Mission Wednesday, November 16 | 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).

Stay in the Know

Analysis of Revenues & Expenses September 2016 Summary

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

MTD Actual YTD Actual YTD Budget

Revenues

$107,529

$243,038

$218,490

Expenses

$104,881

$257,751

$287,200

$2,648

($14,713)

($68,710)

Net Total

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

PULSE (Praise. Unite. Lead. Serve. Energize.)

College Care Packages

Christian Education will be collecting snacks, goodies and treats for FPC’s college-aged students. At Advent Artfest (November 27) we will create final exam care packages. Please drop off prepackaged and single serving snacks (cookies, candies, crackers, etc.) in the wooden bin in the entryway of the main building. Contact: Neil (nmckown@ fpctyler.com/903-279-6818).

Saturday, November 5 | depart at 7:30 am | Irving, TX PULSE Gathering 2 will be held at the Presbyterian Mission Center. Visit fpctyler.com/events/pulse. For students grade 9-12.

Parent Forum and Dinner | RSVP by Nov. 10 Sunday, November 13 | 4 pm | The Well Meet other parents of students in grades 6-12 active in Student Ministries at FPC, where you can bring your questions, concerns, and ideas to strengthen our ministry to both students and their families. Dinner provided with your RSVP. Questions? Contact Neil (nmckown@fpctyler.com/903-279-6818) or visit fpctyler.com/events/parentforum. Childcare provided.

Project Angel Tree

For the past several years our church has partnered with the Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services and participated in the Angel Tree. This year, FPC youth will be taking one of the Angel Tree angels and we will go shopping at our Youth Christmas Party. Throughout the month of November, we are challenging our students to give money to this collection. Think of one extra expense you have (Starbucks, going out to eat, iTunes, etc.) and give it to our Angel Tree angel. Whatever our youth group collects, Neil and the church will match. Will you except the challenge? For more information, contact Neil McKown at nmckown@ fpctyler.com/903-279-6818.

Youth Group: Bowling Party | RSVP by Nov. 10 November 13 | 4 pm | Green Acres Bowling | meet at FPC Come ready to knock around some pins! Hint: ready means with socks in hand and money in your pocket for snacks. Friends are welcome to come, too! Open to all youth, grades 6-12. Dinner provided with your RSVP, which is due by November 10. Questions? Contact Neil (903-279-6818). Visit fpctyler.com/events/ygbowling.

Bullet Points from September’s Session Meeting Minutes recorded by Robyn Files The Session met on September 17 and conducted the following business: •

•

The consent agenda was approved, including the reception into active membership of Deborah Crenshaw, Mike Vaughn, Joe Millen and Richard Lee & Julie Philley. Approved calling the Annual

Meeting of the congregation for Sunday, October 30, 2016. •

Jay Turner from the Men of the Church gave an update on the activities of this organization during the past year.

•

Dr. Baskin introduced Lee Kohlenberg, interim director of music, who spoke briefly on his past experiences and his plans for

the coming year. •

In new business, there was a motion to elect Carole Cook, Bob Skorkowsky, and Mike Vaughn to serve as commissioners to the meeting of Grace Presbytery to be held in Kilgore on Thursday, October 6. Motion passed.

Full minutes are available from the church office upon request.

Advent 2016: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Beginning November 20, weekly devotionals based on Advent carols will be available on fpctyler.com/ advent with hard copies located around the church campus. The devotionals offered by your church staff reflect on the following hymns: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, and In the Bleak Midwinter. We hope you will celebrate the season with us here at FPC! 5

Children & Youth Calendar

november

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

KEY CM: Children's Ministry (6 weeks-5th grade) SM: Student Ministries (6th-12th grade) SHSG: Senior High Small Group (9th-12th grade)

ELECTION DAY

Wednesday

Saturday

Choir

BEGIN FOR ANGEL TREE ANGEL

5 7:30 AM |

6:30 PM | First

PULSE | IRVING, TX

Friday Fun

5 PM | Faith

Conversations 6 PM | SHSG

THANKSGIVING DAY Church & Campus closed.

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY Church & Campus closed.

5 PM | Carol

Choir

6 PM | SHSG

15 5:30 PM | CM

Team Meeting

5 PM |

Christmas Pageant Rehearsal 6 PM | SHSG

23 Reminder: No SHSG! No Pageant Rehearsal! No Carol Choir!

27 PCHAS Angel Tree 8:30 AM | Worship 9:30 AM | Advent Artfest 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church

Friday

5 PM | Carol

COLLECTING

Thursday

28 6:30 PM | SM

Team Meeting

30 5 PM |

Christmas Pageant Rehearsal 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 worship. Come celebrate with us! Contact Phyllis Kidwell (903-681-5504) or visit fpctyler.com/events/adventartfest.

First Friday Fun: Kids Night Out! November 4 | 6:30–9 pm | Children’s Wing | RSVP by November 1 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.

Christmas Pageant - The Night the Animals Sang Our children are invited to present the beautiful story of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ! Costumes will be provided. Our older children and youth participate in telling the story in words, actions and songs. Rehearsals start on Wednesday, November 16 at 5 p.m and continue on Wednesday afternoons after Thanksgiving. The schedule is available at fpctyler.com/events/pageant.

Advent Artfest November 27 | 9:30am | Fellowship Hall A tradition at FPC is to have an Artfest the first week of Advent. All are welcome, so if you have guests, bring them along. We have mission activities to prepare care kits and cards to send our college students as they prepare for final exams; make cards for those in our church who enjoy hearing from us; play the hand chimes together; create a craft item; share breakfast and enjoy fellowship. There are advent calendars for the children to take home and use in family

PCHAS Angel Tree FPC will partner with the Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS) in the Angel Tree. The tree will be in Fellowship Hall where you can choose a child to assist with Christmas gifts, beginning November 13. Each angel will have a list of gifts the child would enjoy. You may purchase all of those items, or any items that fit your budget. The gifts do need to be marked with the child’s name, but not wrapped. Contact: Phyllis Kidwell (903-681-5504).

SAVE THE DATE! “Celebration 10” Honoring Stuart Baskin Sunday, November 13 | 12:15 pm | Fellowship Hall November 13 has been proclaimed “Celebration 10” honoring Stuart Baskin! Stuart has served faithfully, tirelessly and effectively for 10 years as pastor of FPC-Tyler. Join us for lunch, featuring some of Stuart’s favorite dishes! To volunteer to bring a dish or for more information, contact Susan Davis (903-530-3680 / susan@dotthei.ws), Ginny Mattox (903-504-5015 / virginiamattox1@gmail.com) or visit fpctyler.com/events/celebration10.

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

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

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. November 10 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Building & Grounds. November 7 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Children’s Ministry Team. November 15 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Diaconate. November 8 @ 6:30 pm — Library | A 111 Governance. November 7 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Mission. November 14 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Risk Management. November 16 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Session. November 15 @ 7 pm — M 207 Student Ministry. November 28 @ 6:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Worship. November 1 @ 5 pm — Conference Room | A 110

commit tee meetings

Faith Conversations for Parents. 5 pm, M 102. Meadow Lake Bible Study. 11:45 am, Meadow Lake. First Friday Fun: Kid’s Night Out. 6:30 pm, Children’s Wing. PULSE. Irving, TX. All Saints (observed). Daylight savings time ends. Men of the Church Hamburger Social. 4:30 pm, Tyler Yacht Club. Knit Wits. 1:30 pm, homes. Election Day Presbyterian Women Weekday Circle. 10 am, F 101-102. SAM’s Club. 11 am, F 101/102. Veteran’s Day. Pledge Dedication Sunday. Presbyterian Women Sunday Circle. 9:30 am, M 204. Youth Group: Parent Forum. 4 pm, The Well. Fine Arts @ FPC Tyler: Songs of Love, Longing & Loss. 4 pm, Sanctuary. Youth Group: Bowling. 4 pm, Green Acres Bowling. Presbyterian Women’s Thank Offering & Tea. 2 pm, Chapel & F 101/102. Steeple Times Submission Deadline. Sewing Bees. 10 am, F 104. Christmas Pageant Rehearsal. 5 pm, M 106. Fine Arts @ FPC Tyler: Voices of Faith. 7 pm, Sanctuary. Camp Gilmont Adventure Day and Visioning Dinner. 10 am, Gilmont, TX. Church office and campus closed. Thanksgiving holidays. Advent Artfest. 9:30 am, Fellowship Hall. Christmas Pageant Rehearsal. 5 pm, M 106.

november highlights

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Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 683 Tyler, Texas 75701-1696

To everyone at the home of: