Steeple Times, May 2017 (Volume 12, Issue 5) 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 2 , I s s u e 5 : M a y 2 0 1 7

A Little Business to Attend To I’m going to depart from my usual article to talk about an important issue before us as a congregation. Most of you know that we have leftover debt from the capital improvement project we undertook a few years ago. We have been steadily whittling away at the debt, bringing it down from the neighborhood of $750,000 to a current $357,000. Most of that has come from donations, while a portion of it came from redirecting an unused fund—with the donors’ permission. The remaining indebtedness has been amortized in a 15-year loan, but we are continuing to work to pay down the debt. No one wants to keep paying monthly payments on the loan for the next 12 or 13 years. We plan to eliminate the debt long before that. One of the ways we hope to pay down a significant chunk of the debt came to us by way of an offer from a neighboring business to purchase a portion of our property so they can expand their parking lot. The business, Medicine Chest Pharmacy, has its headquarters in the Fitzgerald House that backs up to our parking lot. They have offered a tidy sum to purchase about a 25foot section of the empty lot we own behind the Scout Hut.

tion of the lot. By way of scale, the entire lot is 1.37 acres. They have offered to purchase a portion of the lot for $75,000, which is well above the going rate for commercial property in the area. Here’s where you come in. In the Presbyterian system, a church cannot buy, sell, lease, or mortgage property without the congregation’s permission. In other words, this is an issue that the officers can recommend, but cannot authorize on their own. You have to give your approval—or not. The Session has called a congregational meeting for Sunday, May 7, at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary. At that time you will be asked to approve this sale. If you do, this portion of property will be sold and the proceeds used to pay down our debt. Between now and the meeting, please feel free to contact Bob Skorkowsky or me for details. We will also place markers on the property so you can see clearly the portion to be purchased. I encourage you to take a look over the next few weeks to help you decide whether or not this is a good deal for us.

The potion they have offered to purchase is about 0.188 acres and it is the northern sec-

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 PW Life Membership Pin | pg 2

The Diversity of the Organ | pg 5

Senior Recognition Sunday | pg 5

Learn more about the PW Life Membership pin that will be awarded May 14.

Experience the diversity of FPC’s organ at the final fine arts concert.

Celebrate with our graduating seniors at a church-wide reception. 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 al n e w s Membership Updates New Members Join us in welcoming our newest members: • Stuart & Rebecca Smith • Brent Beverley and Amy Langas Weddings Congratulations to : • Daniel Corbin Lackey & Jane Elizabeth Post on their March 18 nuptials and • Timothy Andrew Walter & Ashley Johne Cook on their March 25 nuptials.

PRAYERFULLY SPEAKING from the FPC Prayer Team While praying in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt 26:39), Jesus said, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” Jesus showed us what it means to pray ‘thy will be done.’ Often we pray to God that OUR will (the outcome that we desire) be done. We already know the answer we want from God when we ask for His help. But what if our solution is not the best solution? We see only part of the picture; God sees in its entirety. Our Father always knows best. Believing this, we must bring our concerns to God, and then “let them go” into God’s care. We must trust our all-knowing and all-loving God to take care of the matter, in the way that He knows is best.

Presbyterian Women To Award Life Membership During the 11am worship on May 14, this honor will be awarded to someone who has demonstrated faithful service and leadership to FPC in support of Presbyterian Women ideals. The recipient will receive a Life Membership pin with symbols portraying the qualities of persons deserving this honor and recognition: supportive hands represent the desire for an inclusive, caring community of Presbyterian Women; leaf represents growth of our personal and corporate response to Jesus Christ as we nurture our faith; dove indicates our work for peace in our own lives and throughout the world, shown in the globe and at the center is the cross, by which our sins are forgiven and we are freed to live in Christ who is at the center of our lives. The overall design is of a butterfly, a symbol of newness in Christ.

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.)

FPC Office Closed The office and campus will be closed on Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day. We will reopen Tuesday.

Children’s Ministry Recycling Plastic Eggs We recycle plastic eggs. Drop them off on Sunday morning at the entrance to the Children’s Ministry area. Thanks!

Committee Members Needed for SAM’s Club SAM’S Club is concluding another year of providing inspiring and informative programs, fellowship, and delicious meals to our congregation and guests. We have 4 members of the committee who are retiring after several years of service and are looking for volunteers to fill their place. SAM’S Club has been a vital service for many years and, with your help, can continue to prosper. Keep us in your prayers. If interested or for more information, contact Cynthia Welch (jmccwelch@aol.com / 903-561-3028).

FPC welcomes new members: Brent Beverley and Amy Langas.

save the d at e | june 2017 VBS | June 15-17

ET Youth Mission Trip | June 17-24

YG Lock-In Movie Marathon | June 28

Join us for fun—our theme this year is “Mission Field - Haiti.”

East Texas’ Presbyterian youth mission trip in Asheville, NC.

We will be watching ALL of the Lord of the Rings/Hobbit movies!

M o n t h ly e v e n t h i g h l i g h t s Presbyterian Women: Honorary Life Membership Presentation

Fine Arts @ FPC: Contrasts: Dramatic & Subtle Sunday, May 7 | 4 pm | Sanctuary | Free Admission Experience the organ’s wide range of emotional expression through the music of such renowned composers as JS Bach and Leo Sowerby. FPC’s interim organist and director of music, Lee Kohlenberg will perform pieces evoking elation and exuberance, contemplation, despair and hope, and finally quiet joy and peace. Visit our website at fpctyler.com/ events/contrasts.

Sunday, May 14 | 11 am | Sanctuary Join us at the 11 a.m. service where two honorees will receive the Honorary Lifetime Membership Award from Presbyterian Women (PW). See page 2 for more information on the Life Membership Pin. Visit fpctyler.com/events/pwlifemembership.

Presbyterian Women: Birthday Offering & Luncheon

Monday, May 22 | 11 am | Chapel & Anderson Room Celebrate life-changing, world-wide mission giving with other women at a special service followed by a potluck salad luncheon hosted by Presbyterian Women (PW). The final PW event of the year features a special worship service in the chapel with a presentation of the 2017 PW Birthday Offering and the installation of next year’s PW officers. Visit fpctyler.com/events/pwbirthday.

SAM’s Club: “The Smith County Red Cross during World War I” Wednesday, May 10 | 11 am | Anderson Room, F 101-102 Join us for a presentation by Vicki Betts, who is a member of the Smith County Historical Society, a dynamic speaker who often dresses in costume for her presentations. Catered lunch is provided by Traditions and is $10, payable at the door. RSVP by May 7 to Cynthia Welch (903-561-3028/jmccwelch@aol.com). For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/sams.

PW BIRTHDAY OFFERING SERVICE AND LUNCHEON SCHEDULED The annual Presbyterian Women (PW) Birthday Offering Service and Luncheon is scheduled for May 22, beginning with a dedication service in the Chapel. A salad luncheon will follow in the Anderson Room (F 101102). PW Coordinating Council officers 2017-18 will be installed. The PW Birthday Offering celebrates Presbyterian women’s history of mission giving. It was launched in 1922 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Woman’s Auxiliary in the

Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS). Since that time, this offering has funded nearly 100 major mission projects that continue to make a difference in the lives of women and children. The 2017 Birthday Offering will fund three life-changing ministries – two in the US and one in Cuba. These are a domestic violence shelter with expanded services in South Carolina; water systems to serve 40 Navajo Reservation families in New Mexico

who have no running water in their homes; and clinics under the direction of six established Presbyterian Churches in Cuba to provide marginalized citizens with hope and health services. Presbyterian women are encouraged to “give as you have been blessed” generously and as led by the Holy Spirit. For more information, contact Martha Oates at (903) 509-4781 or visit fpctyler. com/events/pwbirthday.

Bullet Points from February’s Session Meeting Minutes recorded by Robyn Files The Session met on February 21 and conducted the following business: •

Receive Jessica Richardson into active membership.

•

Ginny Mattox announced that a Strategic Planning Task Force is being formed and will be in place by October this year. Approve the recommendation to 3

renew the annual maintenance agreement with Maddox Services. Full minutes are available from the church office upon request.

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)

Knit Wits - Knitters Unite for Camp Ministry

PATH is collecting diapers sizes 3 and up to help keep babies happy and healthy! Also being accepted are donations of personal care items such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes and other items that help keep us healthy and clean. Bring your donations to the PATH crates in the foyer of Fellowship Hall and near the elevator in the main building. Monetary support is always appreciated. Visit pathhelps.org.

Monday, May 1 | 1:30 pm | Hill Room | M 107 Calling all knitters and knitter wannabes - we have a place for you with the Knit Wits! 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! Each meeting comes with patterns, personal instructions, and knitting yarn. Contact: Pat Cryer (903-561-5242).

Sewing Bees - Sewing with a Mission Wednesday, May 17 | 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).

16th Solar Under the Sun School Register now for the 16th Solar Under the Sun School three nights in Estes Park for $495 from July 6 - 9 at the Highlands Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center. Classes concentrate on planning and coordinating trips to install solar equipment in various parts of the world emphasizing connecting with in-country partners. Participation is limited to persons 18 years of age and older. For more information, visit g.co/kgs/5735Rg or solarunderthesun.org. Registration information can be made through either Chris McRae at chris@solarunderthesun.org or Emily Faucett at emily@solarunderthesun.org.

Easter Eggstravaganza

FPC congregation members and visitors savored a beautiful day on the front lawn celebrating Easter services. A lovely brunch followed by Easter egg hunts and games were enjoyed by all!

Analysis of Revenues & Expenses March 2017 Summary

MTD Actual YTD Actual YTD Budget

Revenues

$94,070

$810,115

$856,226

Expenses

$78,585

$787,620

$873,662

Net Total

$15,485

$22,495

($17,436)

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

Senior Recognition Displays

Senior Recognition Sunday

Our graduating seniors will have their senior displays available for the congregation to view beginning in May! The displays can be found in the Hill Room (M 107) - check out the accomplishments of our graduating seniors and write them an uplifting message in their journals! Visit fpctyler. com/events/seniorrecognition.

Sunday, May 21 | 10:30 am | Hill Room - M 107 Help us celebrate our graduating seniors at FPC Tyler at a reception. At the 11 am service, we will thank and commission them as they prepare for this next chapter of their lives! Visit fpctyler.com/events/seniorrecognition.

May Youth Group Gathering

East Texas Mission Trip Meeting

Saturday, May 20 | 10 am | The Well Join us for a gathering for those signed up to go to the mission trip this summer to Asheville, NC. We will go over everything from travel plans and packing list, to spending time in fellowship and group building. Visit fpctyler.com/ events/missiontripmeeting.

Sunday, May 7 | 3 pm | Gabriel Farm | meet at FPC The youth have been invited to the farm of Matt and Pam Gabriel for an evening of fun! There will be a hay ride, s’mores, and more! Guys bring a 2-liter bottle of soda, and ladies bring a snack item (chips, cookies, etc.). We will be leaving at 3 pm from the church, and pick up at the church is at 7 pm. Dinner will be provided! For more information and to RSVP (by May 3, please!), visit fpctyler.com/events/ youthgroup.

Attention 8th Graders...

Wednesday May 3 | 6 pm | Gabriel Residence | 215 W. 1st | Tyler Our current 8th grade youth are invited to join high school small groups at the home of Matt and Pam Gabriel. Email Neil McKown (nmckown@fpctyler.com) if you are interested in coming!

Sr. High Small Group: End of the Year Party

Wednesday, May 10 | 6 pm | Chuy’s Restaurant | Tyler Small group for senior high school students will be celebrating with an the end of the year dinner! Join us at Chuy’s Restaurant in Tyler - parents - drop off your youth and pick up at Chuy’s. Don’t forget to bring $10 for dinner. For 8-12 grade high school students, friends are always welcome! RSVP to fpctyler.com/events/shgroup.

Synod Youth Workshop - Registration open!

July 9-15 | University of Tulsa | Tulsa, OK Spend a week living in community with a small group where you worship together, do a mission project, and meet some amazing people! For students entering grade 10 through high school seniors who just graduated. Early Bird Rate (register by June 1): $150. Visit fpctyler.com/events/syw for more information and to register.

The Diversity of Organ Music at FPC by Lee Kohlenberg Interim Director of Music and Organist-Choirmaster

Sowerby featuring the pedals, Pageant. With the console up in full view, this is a chance to see the organist in action.

The pipe organ and its music offer great diversity of sounds, styles and purposes. For instance, the organ as a solo instrument will be presented on Sunday, May 7 at 4 pm as the last of this season’s Fine Arts @ First Presbyterian. On that day, I will explore the wide range of sounds, textures, moods, and drama employing selections such as the joyful Prelude and Fugue in D Major by Johann S. Bach and the 11 minute piece by Leo

On Sundays, the organ opening “Voluntary” is chosen to help you prepare for worship through reflection on the various attributes of God suggested by

the lessons for that Sunday. Then, at the conclusion, another masterwork is chosen to remind you of the power of God which He gives to empower us to live the life to which He calls us. The music each week is chosen from the very best of the store-house of pieces written by organ composers for an inspiration of the servants of God in the world. May you be aware of the music and may it glorify God and inspire you in your Christian walk.

Children & Youth Calendar

may

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) COMMUNION SUNDAY

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

6 PM | SHSG 8th

6 10 AM | ETX

First Friday Fun!

FIRST FRIDAY FUN RSVP DUE!

5 6:30 PM | CM:

graders invited

Saturday

Youth Conference Planning Team Meeting

6 PM | SHSG:

End of Year Party; Chuy's in Tyler; 8th graders invited

MOTHER'S DAY

20 10 AM | ETX

Mission Trip Meeting

8:30 AM | Worship 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church

21 HS SENIOR RECOGNITION SUNDAY

June 1

6:30 PM | SM

Team Meeting

8:30 AM | Worship 9:45 AM | Sunday School 10:30 AM | HS Senior

Recognition Reception

11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church

8:30 AM | Worship 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church

SYNOD YOUTH WORKSHOP EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE!

FPC OFFICES AND CHURCH CLOSED FOR

MEMORIAL DAY!

MAY 7, 14 & 21 VISIT GRADUATING SENIOR DISPLAYS IN THE HILL ROOM

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 stories and songs with our child care staff. Adults, if you have a week or two to give during the Sunday school hour, consider volunteering to teach a mission lesson. Materials are provided as well as support and a snack for the kids! Our regular teachers enjoy a well-deserved break. Contact Phyllis Kidwell (903-581-5504) to complete the volunteer application and be ready to serve!

First Friday Fun Finale: Kids Night Out Friday, May 5 | 6:30 pm | Children’s Wing | RSVP by May 2 This is our last event for this school year. We will resume in September so watch for details about that this summer. Plan to arrive for dinner, followed by games, crafts, Bible story fun and a quiet time activity. Children 6 weeks through 2nd grade - friends are welcome with parent registration in advance. Join us for some First Friday Fun on Cinco de Mayo! Registration at fpctyler.com/events/firstfriday.

Easter Eggstravaganza Recap FPC Tyler celebrates Easter in big way! This year, we had a beautiful day to be outside celebrating together. The egg hunts were full of hunters and the balloon artist could hardly keep up with the demand! Kids of all ages enjoyed having their pictures made in the photo booth - the props made for great fun and lots of smiles! Thanks to the volunteers who made things run so smoothly. It was nice to be together before and after our beautiful services to praise our risen Lord in worship.

VBS 2017: Mission Field - Haiti This year we will learn about the people in Haiti; what they eat, what they wear, songs they sing and how they worship. We will learn about the work our church does with other churches in Haiti and about Solar Under the Sun and Living Waters for the World. Register children age 3 through completed 5th grade on our website at fpctyler.com/events/ VBS. The dates are Thursday, June 15 (5:30pm – 7:30pm); Friday, June 16 (5:30pm – 7:30pm) and Saturday, June 17 (11am – 2pm). Saturday is fun day featuring our program and a cookout for everyone, followed by outdoor water fun for the children. Each child will receive a T-shirt on Saturday. There is no charge.

Summer Sunday School Sundays June & August | 9:45 am | Children’s Wing Children from K - Grade 5 will be together in class as we learn about mission here at home and throughout the world. Preschool and nursery children will have play time, Bible

s u n day s c h o o l

/ s mall g r o u p l i s t i n g

Sunday School @ 9:45 am

Small Group Schedule

faith builders

men

209ers | Young Adults  M209 | TBA | Contact: Debbie Pitts (debbiepitts@gmail.com) the

| Book & discussion M 207 | The Great Courses: The Old Testament | Contact: Linda Pirtle (903) 881-9000 westminster

men

women

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 newsletter.

Knit Wits. 1:30 pm, Hill Room, M 107. Meadow Lake Bible Study. 11:45 am, Meadow Lake. First Friday Fun Finale: Kids Night Out. 6:30 pm, Children’s Wing. ET Youth Conference Planning Meeting. 10am, The Well. Graduating Senior Recognition Displays. M 107. Presbyterian Women Sunday Circle. 9:30 am, M 102. Congregational Meeting. 10:30 am, Sanctuary. Youth Group to the Gabriel’s Farm. 3 pm. Fine Arts @ FPC: Contrasts: Dramatic and Subtle. 4 pm, Sanctuary. Presbyterian Women Weekday Circle. 10 am, F 101-102. SAM’s Club. 11 am, Anderson Room, F 101-102. Senior High Small Group End of Year Party. 6 pm, Chuy’s Restaurant. Presbyterian Women Life Membership Award. 11 am, Sanctuary. Graduating Senior Recognition Displays. M 107. Steeple Times Submission Deadline. Sewing Bees. 10 am, F 104. Mission Trip Planning Meeting. 10 am, The Well. Graduating Senior Recognition Displays. M 107. Graduating Senior Recognition Reception. 10:30 am, M 107. Presbyterian Women: Birthday Offering & Luncheon. 11 am, Chapel.

230 W. Rusk Street, Tyler, TX 75701

return service requested

Budget & Finance. May 11 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Building & Grounds. May 8 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Governance. May 1 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Mission. May 8 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Risk Management. May 24 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Session. May 16 @ 7 pm — M 207 Student Ministry. May 22 @ 6:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110

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may h i g h l i g h t s

Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 683 Tyler, Texas 75701-1696

To everyone at the home of: