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 2 , I s s u e 1 : J a n u a r y 2 0 1 7
Emmanuel: God is With Us by the Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin Nearly every year my column for the January Steeple Times is a brief reflection on the year gone by and a look at the year ahead. I often talk about the new beginnings and new possibilities a new year brings. While it is true that a new year often marks a sort of psychological, emotional new beginning, the reality is that a new year sometimes brings unexpected hardship and heartache. In the immortal words of Queen Elizabeth II, a year can easily turn into an “annus horribilis”—a horrible year. Now if you are by nature a pessimistic soul, it doesn’t take much to have a bad year. But even optimists sometimes have years that challenge even the sunniest of outlooks. Do I expect 2017 to be an annus horribilis? Not at all. But I am aware that for some of us, that’s exactly what it will turn into. Which leads me to the pastoral point of this column: even in the worst of times, never forget the lesson of Christmas: God is with us. God is with us when times are good, as well as when times are bad. Perhaps especially when times are bad.
I hope everyone has an excellent new year. But if this year brings more than the usual ordinary disappointment, do not forget: God IS with you. Always. FPC to Scotland OK, so this is a shameless plug. I’m leading a trip to Scotland in October and I want you to go with me. The tour begins in Edinburgh on the morning of Tuesday, October 3, but I suggest flying over on October 1, arriving in Scotland on October 2. This will give you a chance to rest, and it will allow plenty of time even if there are flight delays. The tour ends on the morning of Tuesday, October 10. If you are interested, let me know. There are brochures around the church that provide more information. The deadline for signing up (with deposit) is January 29. There must be at least 24 who have signed up by then for the trip to be a “go.” The “early bird” rate (for those who sign up by the 29th) is $2795. This is a “land only” price. Airfare and extra nights are your responsibility. I cannot guarantee much in this life, but I can guarantee this: you will have a wonderful time. Come with me!
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 FPC’s Busy Bees | pg 3
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Help the youth collect canned goods and monetary donations for local charities. First Presbyterian Church of Tyler, Texas 230 West Rusk Street, Tyler, Texas 75701-1696 (903) 597-6317 | www.fpctyler.com