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 3 : M a r c h 2 0 1 7
Lent: A Time For Moral Self-Reflection My siblings and I have recently come to own our mother’s childhood home in Marlin, Texas. It has been in our family since 1891, and though it has been renovated at least twice it is a treasure. One of the simple pleasures of that house is that it has books that have been purchased and read over the years by several generations of my family. There are first edition copies of a number of classics, as well as books that didn’t become classics. On a recent trip, I found a first edition book by the late journalist Edward R. Morrow, This I Believe. Some of you are old enough to remember that book, and some of you are old enough to remember when these essays were first presented as radio broadcasts in the early 1950s. The assignment for the essays was simple: writers had a 600 word limit in which to articulate their most deeply held values. The writers came from a wide range of professions, and most of them were not especially religious. Or at least not in the sense that they adhered to official religious teachings. But although they were not religious in the formal sense, they spoke of the writers’ beliefs and personal faith commitments. One essay that struck me, even though I do not agree completely with the author’s belief (“I believe, above all else, in human reason-in the power of the human mind to cope with the problems of life.”), was writ-
ten by financier Bernard Baruch. In it he says, “Because I place my trust in reason, I place it in the individual. There is a madness in crowds from which even the wisest, caught up in their ranks, are not immune. Stupidity and cruelty are the attributes of the mob, not wisdom and compassion.” Baruch had seen the frightful power of mobs. He witnessed the rise of Communism and Socialism in Russia and then the Soviet Union under Stalin, as well as the rise of Adolf Hitler’s national Socialist Party in Germany, through those movements’ appeal to mobs of people. He knew that otherwise good, decent and wise people can get swept up into unspeakable evil when a mob mentality is manipulated by demagogues. I suspect we see the same phenomenon at work in the crowd before Pontius Pilate when they cried out, “Crucify! Crucify him!” In Lent, we have a window of time to examine our lives using what 12-step programs refer to as a “searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.” Not that we shouldn’t always be willing to engage in moral self-reflection, but Lent is a special time to focus more intently on our moral lives and failures. I pray we will use this Lenten season to search our souls and see where we have fallen prey to our own base instincts.
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 FA @ FPC: Masterworks Concert | pg 3
Sponsored by Fine Arts @ FPC.
Bracelets for VBS | pg 5
VBS Volunteers Needed! | pg 7
Learn how you can help donate your unused leather belts.
Join the VBS team as we need volunteers before, during and after VBS. 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 Meal Ministry Update The new Diaconate program, Meal Ministry, is off to a good start! This program has been started so we can help those in our congregation who have experienced a crises that has rendered them unable to prepare meals for themselves or their family. We have a willing group of volunteers but could certainly use more. If you love to cook and would love to serve the Lord and others in this way, please let us know! For more information, contact Alice Stjernstrom (903-780-0639) or Gene Archer (830330-0369).
PRAYERFULLY SPEAKING from the FPC Prayer Team On March 1, Ash Wednesday, we enter the Lenten season. From his book, “Living into Lent”, author D. J. McKim states, “Lent has always been a time of special devotion for Christians. It is a time for reflecting on our Christian lives....and engaging in practices that can deepen our Christian experience.” This Lenten season, let us strive to engage more in the practice of prayer. In 1 Thessalonians, we read “pray without ceasing”, and may wonder how this is possible! McKim suggests that we not separate our “prayer life” and our “other life”, but live as they are ONE. He adds, “We should make prayer as natural to us as breathing, so that as we breathe, we pray. As we pray, we live.” Thanks be to God!.
Daylight Savings Time Begins Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour on Sunday, March 12.
Scotland Trip 2017 From October 3 - 10, Dr. Stuart Baskin will lead a tour to Scotland. The rate is $2,795 (“land only”), airfare and extra nights are your responsibility. Brochures and registration forms are available in the Narthex and hallways outside the Sanctuary. Interested? Contact Stuart Baskin at (903) 5976317 or visit fpctyler.com/events/scotlandtrip.
(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.)
Our website and social media presence includes: • www.fpctyler.com • Facebook @fpctyler (like us!) • eNews (weekly email) If you have an upcoming event that you would like to share, contact Dana Durman, director of communications, to craft a PR plan and submit your media requests. She will make sure your information is shared. A gentle reminder: Do not post flyers on the church walls, doors, wood columns, brick columns, etc. as adhesive will damage the surface. These postings will be removed.
FPC’s Event Information Locations FPC is a hub of activity, so how can you know what is going on and where to look? The latest news will always be in our Sunday bulletin. But there are other areas around campus you can find information: Billboard postings: • On the bulletin board near the stairs outside the Sanctuary • On the doors of the children’s wing • On the doors of the music suite • On the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall • In the administrative office • 2 Standing displays: Hill Room & stairs near Sanctuary Additionally, there are tables with informational brochures: • In the Narthex, near the entrance of the sanctuary • In the hallway between the Chapel and the Sanctuary • In the administrative office
FPC welcomes new members: Joe & Debbie Jones (left).
save the d at e | APRIL 2017 Easter Sunday | April 16
Kirkin’ of the Tartans | April 23
Celebrate the Lord’s resurrection with us.
A procession of tartan plaid and bagpipes celebrating our church’s Scottish heritage. 2
Fine Arts @ FPC: Spring Concert Finale | April 29
Join us in the Sanctuary at 6pm.
M O N T H LY E V E N T H I G H L I G H T S Ash Wednesday Wednesday, March 1 | 12 & 6 pm | Chapel
Fine Arts @ FPC: Voices of Faith Spring Concert Friday, March 31 | 7 pm | Sanctuary
The Lenten season begins with this service, which includes a corporate confession of sin and the imposition of ashes. Childcare is available at the evening service for infants through grade 3. For more information, fpctyler.com/events/ash-wednesday.
FREE ADMISSION
Voices of Faith choir gathers together over seventy-five talented vocalists from the East Texas area - including middle school, high school, and college students - in a Christ-centered, community choral program under the direction of Pam Eikner, with accompanist Dana Bertino. For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/vof2017.
Fine Arts @ FPC: UT Tyler Joint Concert with TJC Chamber Singers Saturday, March 4 | 6 pm | Sanctuary ADULTS: $7 / STUDENTS & CHILDREN: $5
Fine Arts @ FPC: Masterworks Concert by The Tyler Civic Chorale
The Patriot Singers, UT Tyler’s premiere choral ensemble, joins The University Chorale directed by Dr. Cameron Rose and the Tyler Junior College Chamber Singers under the direction of Dr. James Henderson for this third annual combined choral concert. The first half showcases each group separately followed by, on the second half, the Mozart Missa Brevis in C, K. 259 with chamber orchestra. Visit fpctyler.com/events/uttyler.
Saturday, April 1 | 7 pm | Sanctuary ADULTS: $15 / STUDENTS & CHILDREN: $5
The 40-voice Tyler Civic Chorale will present their Spring Masterworks concert, Rich and Romantic: Mass and Motets by Kodaly, Mendelssohn, Bruckner, Brahms, and Vaughan Williams. The major work is Kodaly’s dramatic, emotional, and joyful Missa Brevis for choir, organ, soprano, alto, tenor and baritone soloists. Other works include a significant motet by Vaughan Williams—Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge, for solo quartet, a capella chorus and organ and the famous a capella motet Christus Factus Est by Anton Bruckner. Lighter works included are three choral settings of secular poems by Brahms sung in German: There Goes a Sighing Through the Wood, The Falcon, and Forest Night. The one hour concert begins with excerpts from Elijah by Felix Mendelssohn: Lord, Our Creator, Lift Thine Eyes, He, Watching Over Israel, and He That Shall Endure To the End. Guest Artistic Conductor is Lee Kohlenberg with Jonathan Story as guest organ accompanist. Visit our website at fpctyler. com/events/masterworks.
SAM’s Club: “In Her Father’s Footsteps” Wednesday, March 8 | 11 am | Anderson Room, F 101-102 Chris Johnston, an architect in Tyler and student of military history, will share his book, In Her Father’s Footsteps. Catered lunch is provided by Traditions and is $10, payable at the door. RSVP by 10 a.m. on Monday, March 6 to Cynthia Welch (903561-3028/jmccwelch@aol.com). For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/sams.
Presbyterian Women Project Day Saturday, March 25 | 10 am | Fellowship Hall Join us for our spring service project day. We will be repairing Chrismons and making some new ones. Come and enjoy fellowship as we work, followed by a delicious homemade soup lunch. For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/pw-2.
Rev. Sharon Bryant To Visit FPC Rev. Sharon L. Bryant, PC (USA) mission co-worker in Thailand and coordinator of Christian Volunteers in Thailand, will visit FPC Tyler on Sunday, March 12. In addition to a “Minute for Mission” at both services, Rev. Bryant will give a presentation to Adult Sunday School classes and all interested during the 9:30 am Sunday school hour (location TBA). She will share stories of this growing ministry and its impact in Thailand, addressing two “Critical Global Initiatives:” poverty and evangelism.
Look for inserts in the March bulletins to honor friends and loved ones with an Easter lily. Proceeds support Fine Arts @ FPC.
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Rev. Baskin has met Rev. Bryant on several occasions and says that she is a compelling speaker. Join us, won’t you?
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 concentrate on planning and coordinating trips to install PATH (People Attempting To Help) solar equipment in various parts of the world emphasizThroughout the month of March, PATH continues to ask ing connecting with in-country partners. Participation is for donations of oatmeal and cans of soup. Bring your donalimited to persons 18 years of age and older. For more intions to the PATH crates in the foyer of Fellowship Hall and formation, visit g.co/kgs/5735Rg or solarunderthesun.org. near the elevator in the main building. Monetary support is Registration information can be made through either Chris always appreciated. Visit pathhelps.org. McRae at chris@solarunderthesun.org or Emily Faucett at Sewing Bees - Sewing with a Mission emily@solarunderthesun.org. We look forward to seeing Wednesday, March 15 | 10 am | F 104 you there. Connect with sewing buffs of all ages and levels of expertise. Making a Difference One Can At A Time Simple patterns and guidance provided. Help us continue the A HUGE thank you to everyone who donated to this year’s mission. For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/sewSouper Bowl of Caring! FPC collected the most canned ingbees. Group contact is Mollie Bobo (903-530-2772). goods and nonperishable items this church has ever colKnit Wits - Knitters Unite for Camp Ministry lected with 3,045 items! With all of your donations, PATH Monday, March 6 | 1:30 pm | Cryer Residence | 12338 CR will be able to feed 253 families in Smith County. We should 1206 | Tyler all be proud of this accomplishment! But that’s not all...we Calling all knitters and knitter wannabes - we have a place won the Souper Bowl competition - FPC had over double for you with the Knit Wits! Our current project involves the items of the next closest church! knitting items to send to Camp Gilmont in Gilmer, TX, And, now for the results of the Sunday School Showdown... where they’ll be available for purchase with sales directly the winning Sunday benefiting the camp. Members are encouraged to work on School class is (drum roll personal projects, too! Each meeting comes with patterns, please)...THE FORUM personal instructions, and knitting yarn. Contact: Pat Crywith 528 items collecter (903-561-5242). ed! Congratulations to this class who received a 16th Solar Under the Sun School catered breakfast! Thank Have you ever wanted to get away from the hot Texas sumyou again to everyone mer to a cooler climate. How does Colorado sound? Join us who contributed this for three nights in Estes Park for $495 from July 6 - 9 at the year. God is good! Highlands Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center. Classes
Analysis of Revenues & Expenses January 2017 Summary
MTD Actual YTD Actual YTD Budget
Revenues
$112,239
$662,516
$720,769
Expenses
$87,622
$621,963
$689,766
Net Total
$24,617
$40,553
$31,003
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 4 free of charge.
Stay in the Know Stay in the know about news and events by connecting with FPC online. 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. Stay in touch with us on social media, too: /fpctyler
@fpctyler
@fpctyler
PULSE (Praise. Unite. Lead. Serve. Energize.) #5
Youthquake - Registration open!
Saturday, March 4 | 7:30 am | meet at FPC PULSE will be held at the Presbyterian Mission Center in Irving. For youth from grades 9-12. RSVP ASAP to Neil McKown (nmckown@fpctyler.com).
March 24-26 | Camp Gilmont | Gilmer, TX Attention middle school youth! This is fun-filled and spirit-filled weekend led by the PULSE program of Grace Presbytery. There will be small groups, a service project, great keynotes, and lots of fun and games! Cost is $60, scholarships are available. Visit fpctyler.com/events/youthquake. Registration deadline is March 9!
Youth Group Luncheon March 19 | 12 pm | Cici’s Pizza | 1938 E SE Loop 323 | Tyler Attention youth...join us for a youth group luncheon. We will be leaving from FPC - parents pick up your student at Cici’s. Bring $5. For students in grades 6-12. Visit fpctyler. com/events/youthgroup.
Junior High Jubilee - Registration open! July 2-6 | Mo-Ranch | Hunt, TX Attention middle school youth: join other Presbyterians from across the state at Mo-Ranch for a week of small groups, amazing keynotes, and games—did we mention the Mo-slide?! This year’s theme is Be-Unique focusing on the story of Saul on the Road to Damascus. Visit fpctyler.com/ events/jhj. Cost is $200 and registration ends on March 27.
Bullet Points from January’s Session Meeting Minutes recorded by Robyn Files The Session met on January 18 and conducted the following business: •
session. •
Appoint Wayne Babin as an atlarge-member to the Budget and Finance Committee.
Approve the minutes of the Called Session meeting of January 8, 2017 to approve ordination/installation of incoming Elders and Deacons.
•
Appoint Ginny Mattox as Elder representative to the Vardaman Trust Committee.
•
Receive the statistical report for December, 2016.
•
•
Approve the Financial Report for December, 2016.
Approve a called meeting of the congregation on January 29, 2017 at 10:45 am to approve the terms of call for Stuart Baskin.
•
Elect Mary Fischer as church treasurer.
•
Elect Robyn Files as clerk of
Additionally, Diaconate of met jointly at officer retreat
the The Session and the First Presbyterian the church during the on January 27-28. The
Bracelets for 2017 FPC VBS
following priorities were set for the coming year (in no particular order): •
Finish Debt Reduction
•
2-5 Year Strategic Plan
•
Expand Evangelism and New Member Assimilation
•
Answer the questions: What is God doing and calling us to do in and around the intersection of College and Rusk; and what is our response to this?
Full minutes of both meetings are available from the church office upon request.
This year, we plan to make leather bracelets with the VBS theme which is about our mission work in Haiti. How can the congregation help? Very simple...we need your leather belts that you don’t wear anymore! Rummage through your closets and drawers to find those belts you no longer need and bring them to the church office marked “FOR VBS.” Please only “solid” leather belts, no open weave belts. The children will use these in one of their crafts to make for the boys of Haiti and our Solar Under the Sun mission group will deliver these to the children in Haiti. Questions: Brenda Williams (903-570-4779) or Phyllis Kidwell (903-681-5504). Thank you for your contributions! 5
Children & Youth Calendar
march
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1
KEY CM: Children's Ministry (6 weeks-5th grade) SM: Student Ministries (6th-12th grade) SHSG: Senior High Small Group (9th-12th grade)
Friday
Saturday
2
ASH WEDNESDAY
3 6:30 PM | CM:
5 PM | Carol
First Friday Fun!
Choir 5 PM | Faith Conversations
4 7:30 AM | SM:
PULSE Gathering #5 SM: Soul Shop
JUNIOR HIGH JUBILEE REGISTRATION OPENS!
5
6
7
8:30 AM | Worship
8 5 PM | Carol
Choir
9:10 AM | Ring
& Sing School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church
6 PM | SHSG
9:45 AM | Sunday
12 8:30 AM | Worship 9:10 AM | Ring
& Sing School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church 9:45 AM | Sunday
13
YOUTHQUAKE EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS!
YOUTHQUAKE EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS!
9
14
15
16
21
22
23
10
11 6:30 PM | SM:
College-Age Gathering
TISD SPRING BREAK ENDS
17
18
TISD SPRING BREAK BEGINS
19
20
8:30 AM | Worship
5:30 PM | CM
Team Meeting
9:10 AM | Ring
& Sing 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church 12 PM | SM: Youth Group Lunch
24 YOUTHQUAKE @ CAMP GILMONT
5 PM | Carol Choir 6 PM | SHSG
25 YOUTHQUAKE @ CAMP GILMONT
MISSION TRIP REGISTRATION OPENS
26 8:30 AM | Worship 9:10 AM | Ring
& Sing School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church 9:45 AM | Sunday
YOUTHQUAKE @ CAMP GILMONT
27 6:30 PM | SM
Team Meeting
28
29
30
31
5 PM | Carol
Choir
6 PM | SHSG
JUNIOR HIGH JUBILEE REGISTRATION ENDS!
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 children. Prayerfully consider volunteering for this important ministry. There is a job for everyone – one we can start right now – praying for our children and those God will send for this special time. I invite you!
Ash Wednesday Service March 1 | 6 pm | Children’s Wing Child care will be available for infants–grade 3 at the evening service.
SAVE THE DATE:
First Friday Fun: Kids Night Out Friday, March 3 | 6:30 pm | Children’s Wing | RSVP by Feb. 28 Dinner will be served, crafts will be created and we will have a mission-focused activity. We will talk about Lent and preparation for Easter. The older children will begin a Holy Week craft. Help us spread the word about this fun time by telling your friends and relatives. We have room for children whose parents who may enjoy the evening out. Registration is necessary as it helps us plan to have enough food and craft supplies, and ensure our caregiver-to-child ratio is met. Visit fpctyler.com/firstfridayfun for more information.
KidQuake
VBS Volunteers Needed!!!
June 15-17 | FPC Campus As you begin to think about warm weather days, mark your summer calendars for VBS - Thursday, June 15 through Friday, June 16 in the evening. We will conclude on Saturday, June 17, during the day, by presenting our program, sharing lunch and having a play day!
April 28-30 | Camp Gilmont | Gilmer, TX KidQuake is for students in 1-5 grade. If your student is interested, please contact Phyllis Kidwell (903-681-5504 / pkidwell@fpctyler.com) by March 5 so the parents can meet and make plans for the participants and adult sponsors who provide supervision. The cost is $125/each which includes 4 meals, housing, programming and a T-shirt. Financial assistance is available.
Vacation Bible School 2017
If you are interested in volunteering for VBS this summer, contact Phyllis Kidwell (903-681-5504 / pkidwell@fpctyler. com). We need volunteers before, during and after VBS. It is already time for those who want to work on preparations to sign up and get busy! We have a job for you! Our theme this year is “Mission Focus - Haiti.” We will learn about the people who live there: how they worship, how they work, what they eat, drink and wear. We will learn about the work our church helps with there, and what some of the needs are for the children and families. In crafts, we will make items to send with our next group of mission workers. We will learn about the Sewing Bees, and the products they make for the
S U N D AY S C H O O L Sunday School @ 9:45 am
| Lenten Study M202 | Meeting God in Paul | Contact: Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746 faith builders
| Lecture & discussion M 205 | The Protestant Reformation | Contact: Chris Bunt (903) 531-3535 the forum
209ers | Young Adults M209 | A Study of Paul | Contact: Debbie Pitts (debbiepitts@gmail.com) the
| Book & discussion M 207 | John’s Gospel: Wisdom from Ephesus | Contact: Linda Pirtle (903) 881-9000 westminster
FPC’s Sewing Bees sent dresses and boxer shorts to Haiti in December to the children in the villages that our mission team serves.
/ SMALL GROUP LISTING | A Short Course M 204 | Contact: Lynn Collyer (903) 597-6317 lectio divina
| Lenten Study Thursdays | 9:30 am | Conference Room | Meeting God in Paul | Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533 women
Small Group Schedule
| Lectionary Tuesdays | 6:30 am | Premier Flexipac | Contact: Skip Womack (903) 533-9433 or Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746 men
| Fellowship 1st Wednesday | 5 pm | M 102 | Contact: Shannon Franzen (903) 576-4781 faith conversations
Thank you to Azalea Academy For Exceptional Adults for assembling our weekly bulletin and Marshall Ewing and his crew for assembling our “Steeple Times” monthly
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newsletter.
Ash Wednesday Service. 12 & 6 pm, Chapel Faith Conversations. 5 pm, M 102. Meadow Lake Bible Study. 11:45 am, Meadow Lake. First Friday Fun: Kids Nigh Out. 6:30 pm, Children’s Wing. Fine Arts @ FPC: UT Tyler Joint Concert with TJC Chamber Singers. 6 pm, Sanctuary. PULSE. 7:30 am departure, Irving, TX. First Sunday in Lent Knit Wits. 1:30 pm, Cryer Residence. SAM’s Club. 11 am, Anderson Room, F 101-102. Daylight Savings Time begins Second Sunday in Lent Presbyterian Women Sunday Circle. 9:30 am, M 102. Presbyterian Women Weekday Circle. 10 am, F 101-102. Steeple Times Submission Deadline. Sewing Bees. 10 am, F 104. Third Sunday in Lent YouthQuake. Camp Gilmont Presbyterian Women Project Day & Soup Luncheon. 10 am, Fellowship Hall Fourth Sunday in Lent. Fine Arts @ FPC: Voices of Faith Spring Concert. 7 pm, Sanctuary. Fine Arts @ FPC: Masterworks Concert. 7 pm, Sanctuary.
230 W. Rusk Street, Tyler, TX 75701
return service requested
Budget & Finance. March 9 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Building & Grounds. March 13 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Governance. March 6 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Mission. March 13 @ 5:30 pm — Library Risk Management. March 22 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Student Ministry. March 27 @ 6:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Session. March 21 @ 7 pm — M 207
COMMIT TEE MEETINGS
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MARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 683 Tyler, Texas 75701-1696
To everyone at the home of: