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 6 : J u n e 2 0 1 7
Celebrating Our Graduating Senior by Dana Durman Director of Communications As May came to a close, we celebrated the achievements and accomplishments of Alex Ellis, a recent high school graduate and member of First Presbyterian Church. The congregation recently held a Senior Recognition Day reception in the Hill Room in his honor. Alex created a display that chronicled his achievements, honors, interests and future plans. Members of the congregation had the opportunity to view his display with his many accomplishments. Alex is the son of Rose Moranda and Clifford Ellis and is a graduate of The Brook Hill School. A top-ten student, Alex participated in orchestra, drama, and was a member of the academic team, qualifying for all-region 6 times and was a state qualifier in academics and a member of the state champions Brook Hill orchestra. He will be attending Colorado School of the Mines where he plans to study mechanical engineering with an emphasis on biochemical engineering. Alex has been a member of FPC for 4 years, attended Synod Youth Workshop, Mo-TLC and Triennium. “By far
my favorite memories at FPC Tyler are the youth Sundays. Every year being able to play my cello for the congregation brings me so much joy. Being able to lead the congregation in worship along with my fellow friends is also so much fun. After the service the entire congregation shows tons of support for all your skills. They don’t care if you were perfect or even as good as others. They only care that you had enough courage to perform your talents for them. This heartwarming support is what makes FPC Tyler so amazing and inviting for the youth of the church,” said Alex. We congratulate Alex and pray for his continued success in his college life!
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 Presbyterian Core Education | pg 3
VBS 2017 - Mission Field - Haiti | pg 3
Cocktails For A Cause | pg 2
Learn how you can take the course and serve in education ministry at FPC.
All are invited to browse our “Haitian Market” on Saturday, June 17.
Join us for cocktails benefiting FPC-Tyler’s local and global mission projects. 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 Baptism We are proud to have witnessed the baptism of Jordan Howard, son of Clay and Kimberly Emge, on April 30. New Members Join us in welcoming our newest members, Tim and Barbara Taylor. Weddings Congratulations to Brent Beverley and Amy Langas on their May 13 nuptials. Deaths Condolences to the families of our FPC members who entered the Church Triumphant: Gwen Ashman, BJ Riter and Helen Seal.
PRAYERFULLY SPEAKING from the FPC Prayer Team Can we wait patiently for God’s answer to our prayer? In Daniel, Ch. 10, Daniel agonized over the revelation of the coming of a great war. He fasted and sought the Lord’s guidance. “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips.... until the three weeks were over.” And then in a vision, Daniel received this reply: “Do not be afraid Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard and I have come in response to them.” The devotional goes on to say that we become anxious when God’s reply doesn’t come quickly. But Daniel’s experience should remind us that “...God is at work on behalf of those He loves even when it isn’t obvious to us.”
We Are Thankful! FPC staff often gets words of thanks for the kindness shown to others by our church community. Each month, we will share some of those notes of appreciation: “I was telling someone the other day how wonderful it was for us to be able to stay at the Potter House while adopting our sweet babies.” Former residents of the Potter House, a temporary housing ministry available for patients and their families in the East Texas region that are undergoing outpatient cancer treatment, families with children in the NICU (new born intensive care) or families that are completing adoption procedures.
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.)
Lee Kohlenberg’s Last Sunday at FPC Lee Kohlenberg, Interim Director of Music and Organist-Choirmaster for FPC, will play the organ for the final time on Sunday, July 9. Stay “tuned” for a celebration of thanksgiving for his musical contributions to our church.
July Sunday Morning Schedule During the month of July, join us for Lemonade on the Lawn each Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m. for fellowship and treats. Sunday worship will be held at a single service at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Children’s worship will continue to meet in the Children’s Wing at this time. Sunday school classes will not meet. The normal worship schedule resumes August 6.
Cocktails For A Cause Friday, July 14 | 6 pm | Home of Lynn and John Heines | 612 Tremont At this year’s Mardi Gras Celebration, the Heines graciously donated “Cocktails and Pick-Up Supper” for the silent auction benefiting FPC-Tyler’s local and global mission projects. Over 20 people “bought” a place at the party, but the Heines have offered to open this event to more. The dress is casual. Cost is $25 per person payable to “FPC-Tyler” with “Missions” indicated on the memo line. If you are interested in joining in the fun for a worthwhile cause, contact Ginny Mattox (903-504-5016 / virginiamattox1@gmail.com).
Carpenter’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, June 24 | 2 pm | Anderson Room, F 101-102 Jan and Marvin Carpenter will celebrate 50 years of marriage! All are invited to raise a cup of punch to honor them.
s a v e t h e d a t e | J U LY 2 0 1 7 Junior High Jubilee | July 2
Synod Youth Workshop | July 9
Middle school youth are invited to Mo-Ranch for summer fun.
HS youth throughout the synod gather for a small-group intensive week. 2
Lemonade on The Lawn | Sundays in July
Join us for fellowship and treats at 9:15 am.
M O N T H LY E V E N T H I G H L I G H T S er churches in Haiti. Church members, visitors and families of VBS participants are invited to join us for our “Haitian Market” on Saturday from 11 am - 2 pm. Men of the Church will prepare our meal. Plan to come and join in the fun!
Vacation Bible School: Mission Field - Haiti June 15-17 | FPC Tyler Campus | Free Admission 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 oth-
Go Therefore and Make Disciples... by the Rev. Pamela Leach Associate Pastor Nearly every morning September to May as my family begins our daily journey, the blinking yellow lights remind us, “Slow down! You are entering a school zone slow down, pay attention, be alert.” What a wonderful reminder for us that there are times and seasons, places along the road of life, when slowing down, paying attention, being alert is important. In Advent, we hear the reminder to be alert to the coming of Christ. In Lent, we are called to be attentive to disciplines of our faith as we follow Christ to the cross and empty tomb. And certainly in our daily lives, we find ourselves slowing our frantic pace to tend to relationships - an aging parent, a child, a friend in need, and even our own bodies when they call out to us to tend to our health.
about God and ourselves. We asked for a three year commitment - three years out of a regular class; three years of dedicated study; three years
immersed in all things Presbyterian. Given our fast-paced culture, we knew this was no small order. The call was for teachers in the church or those interested in gaining the knowledge and skills to teach. The call was to slow down - no quick review but an in-depth look at our knowledge of God and of ourselves through our Reformed tradition.
What is true in our individual lives is true also in the community of faith.
For nine months we traveled through Scripture, reading from Genesis to Revelation along with commentary and notes. Together we gained a renewed and enriched understanding of the whole canon of Scripture, the witness without parallel to what God is doing in our world.
Three years ago, Stuart and I put out a call for a group of people to slow down with us and be attentive to the core beliefs of our faith - those beliefs that give shape to our claim to truth
Next we built upon the knowledge of scripture by delving into our Reformed theology. We looked at the life and teachings of John Calvin, completed a thorough overview of Reformed 3
theology, and took a whirlwind trip through Christian history. Finally, we addressed what to do with this knowledge. In our final year, we looked at teaching skills for different ages and spent considerable time on the disciplines of faith in the life of a Christian leader. In May, the first Presbyterian Core Education class drew to a close. Completing the class were: Mollie Bobo Traci Kenner Scott Dubre Jim Lestor Jan Carpenter David Palady Shannon Franzen Sally Smith-Garmon Congratulate them; they deserve it! They studied diligently not just for their own enrichment but that they might be a blessing to others. Welcome them to your classes as they come to teach or substitute. Ask them questions about what they learned. Prayerfully consider whether you might be called to the next Core Ed class starting Wednesday evenings this fall. If you think you might be called to take this course and serve in the education ministry of our church, set up a time to talk with Stuart or me.
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)
Camp Gilmont Scholarships
Throughout the warm weather months, PATH is collecting new box fans to give to people in need. Not only do the fans help people stay cool, but they can cut utility costs. You may donate a fan in one of two ways. At Home Depot, simply tell a cashier you’d like to buy a fan for PATH. You will be charged a discounted price of $10, and the fan will be set aside for a PATH representative to pick up. It’s that easy! If you prefer, you can send a check to PATH and mark “Fan Drive” in the memo line. Visit tylerpath.org or call (903597-4044) for more information.
FPC has provided Camp Gilmont scholarships for a number of PATH children in past years. This year, we hope to provide scholarships for 12 children. Individuals or classes can help by contributing $575 (or any amount) to defray the camp fee for one or more children. Checks should be made payable to “FPC-Tyler” with the notation “Camp Gilmont Scholarships.”
Thank you from The Johnsons First, the folks in the Tyler area have been in our thoughts and prayers as we’ve learned about the recent storms in the area. Second, Melissa and I want to thank you for your generous donation in support of our work in Zambia. It is only with such gifts we are able to do the work we’ve been called to do here. We’ve both been busy in our work and feel we are beginning to gain traction. Harvest time is approaching, although it has been delayed by late rains. We’re praying for dry weather and sunny skies so we can begin soon. Melissa’s work with the CCAP Health Department is keeping her busy, too, as she works with our partner to plan a new clinic in the village of Pharaza. We’ve both been working to tie up loose ends as the time of our departure for the States for Interpretive Assignment nears. We’ll return to Zambia in early November, just as planting time approaches, so I’ve also been working on plans for next year’s crops. We are very excited to be returning there for the Grace Presbytery Stated Meeting in late September, and worship on October 1. Please greet our friends there on our behalf. Thanks again for your prayers and support, and the cards! Blessings, Charles & Melissa
Sewing Bees - Sewing with a Mission Wednesdays, June 7, 14, & 21 | 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).
Knit Wits - Knitters Unite for Camp Ministry Monday, June 5 | 1:30 pm | Arms Residence | 13493 S. Hillcreek Rd. | Whitehouse 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) or visit fpctyler.com/events/knitwits.
Analysis of Revenues & Expenses April 2017 Summary
Stay in the Know
MTD Actual YTD Actual YTD Budget
Revenues
$73,187
$883,302
$931,423
Expenses
$112,950
$900,570
$961,898
Net Total
($39,763)
($17,268)
($30,475)
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.
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: 4
/fpctyler
@fpctyler
@fpctyler
Write a Card to our Student Mission Trip Team
Youth Movie Marathon and Lock-in
On June 17, thirty students and adult sponsors from five churches—including FPC Tyler—are embarking on our annual East Texas Youth Mission Trip! This year, we will be working with Asheville Youth Mission in Asheville, NC. Help keep our mission team members’ spirits high by writing cards and notes of encouragement! We will be coming around to the Sunday School classes before our trip and asking for the classes to write us cards!
June 28-29 | 12 pm - 7 am | The Well We will be watching all the Lord of the Rings movies! Dinner and breakfast will be provided. Bring $10. Also, guys bring a 2-liter of soda and ladies bring a snack item (chips, cookies, etc.). If you can’t stay the whole time—no worries—let us know and come for as long as you can! Go to fpctyler. com/events/lockin for more information.
East Texas Youth Mission Trip Reminder
Junior High Jubilee Reminder
July 2-6 | depart FPC at 8 am | Mo-Ranch For all sponsors and middle school youth attending Junior High Jubilee at Mo-Ranch, we will be departing from the church. For more information, fpctyler.com/events/jhj.
June 17-24 | depart FPC at 7 am | Asheville, NC For those signed up to go on the Youth Mission Trip this summer to Asheville, NC, we will be leaving from FPC Tyler at 7 am, so get there early to load your luggage! For more information, fpctyler.com/events/summermission.
PW Honorary Life Membership Award Presented by Martha Oates Our Presbyterian Women’s (PW) Honorary Life Membership was presented during the 11 am worship service on Sunday, May 14 to Janet Bulls and Jessica Cox. These women have been active in PW and other areas of church service for many years. Each possesses the qualities of those deserving the honor and recognition of an Honorary Life Membership. They received the pin (shown right) with symbols representing these qualities.
women who seek to build an inclusive community of Presbyterian Women.
our own lives and throughout the world, shown in the globe.
The leaf represents growth of our personal and corporate response to Jesus Christ as we nurture our faith.
At the center of the design 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 dove indicates our work for peace in
The overall design is of a butterfly, a symbol of newness in Christ and the emergence of a new creation. Congratulations, Janet and Jessica!
The caring, supportive hands represent
Bullet Points from April’s Session Meeting Minutes recorded by Robyn Files The Session met on April 18 and conducted the following business: •
Receive Rebecca and Stewart Smith into active membership.
•
•
Claudia Carroll, moderator of the Music Director search committee, reported that Weston Jennings was selected to be the Director of Music and Organist-Choirmaster. Approve the recommendation to 5
have one Sunday service at 10 am and no Sunday school during the month of July. Full minutes are available from the church office upon request.
Children & Youth Calendar
june
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
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2
3
8
9
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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) PENTACOST SUNDAY
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11
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Saturday
8:30 AM | Worship 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church
TRINITY SUNDAY 8:30 AM | Worship 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL REGISTRATION DEADLINE!
15 5:30 - 7:30 PM |
Vacation Bible School
16 5:30 - 7:30 PM |
Vacation Bible School
17 7 AM (DEPART) |
SM: Mission Trip to Asheville, NC 11 AM - 2 PM |
11 AM | Children’s Church
Vacation Bible School/Haitian Market & Cookout
18
19
FATHER'S DAY
20
21
22
23
5:30 PM (RETURN) |
5:30 PM | CM
SM: Mission Trip to Asheville, NC
Team Meeting
8:30 AM | Worship 9:45 AM | Sunday School
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11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church
25 8:30 AM | Worship 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church
26 6:30 PM | SM
Team Meeting
27
28 12 PM (DROP OFF) |
SM: Lock In Movie Marathon
29
30
7 AM (PICK UP) |
SM: Lock In Movie Marathon
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 website at fpctyler.com/events/VBS or by picking up a form at the church. Saturday is fun day featuring our program and a cookout for everyone, followed by outdoor water fun for the children and a market for all. Each child will receive a T-shirt. There is no charge.
VBS 2017: Mission Field - Haiti (Age 3 - 5th grade) June 15-16 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm | Campus-wide June 17 | 11 am - 2 pm | Campus-wide Did you know we have church members who have been going to Haiti for many years? Several of our members have gone there to help the people learn to use the sun to make power and then use that power to make systems to clean the water. Mark your calendars for VBS where we will learn all about Haiti: what they eat, what they wear, songs they sing and how they worship. They travel a long way to the market to sell and buy the things they need. We will create our own little market to attend on Saturday when we have our cookout and play day. We will have our own “tap-tap” to get around the lawn and go to market. (Come learn about a “tap-tap!” - see photo on right). Register children age 3 through completed 5th grade by printing a form from the
Summer Sunday School Sundays June & August | 9:45 am | Children’s Wing Kids - join us this summer for Sunday school from 9:45 – 10:30. Children from K through grade 5 will be together in class as we learn about mission here at home and throughout the world. There will be some projects we can work on to help others here and around the world! We will meet throughout June and again throughout August. Preschool and nursery children will have play time, Bible stories and songs with our child care staff. Adults, if you have a week or two to give in June or August 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, director of Children’s Ministries (903-597-6317), to complete the volunteer application and be ready to serve!
The Pentecost Offering The Pentecost Offering is one of several special offerings designated by the Presbyterian Church (USA) in which FPC-Tyler participates. This offering is used for ministries for children at risk, ministries with youth, and young adult volunteers. A portion (40%) of this offering is retained for local use. This year’s Pentecost offering will be collected on Pentecost Sunday, June 4. The portion of this special offering designated for local use will be used for PATH children scholarships at Camp Gilmont.
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
| Discussion & lecture M202 | The Miracles of Jesus | Contact: Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746 | Lecture & discussion M 205 | In recess | Contact: Chris Bunt (903) 531-3535 the forum
209ers | Young Adults M209 | TBA | Contact: Debbie Pitts (debbiepitts@gmail.com) the
| DVD & discussion M 207 | The Great Courses: The Old Testament | Contact: Linda Pirtle (903) 881-9000 westminster
| Sermon texts 2nd/4th Mondays | 10 am | Conference Room | Contact: Lynn Holliman (903) 534-9190 | Lectionary Tuesdays | 6:30 am | Premier Flexipac | Contact: Skip Womack (903) 533-9433 or Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746 men
| Book &/or DVD & discussion | Thursdays | 9:30 am | Conference Room | The Dawning: Christianity in the Roman Empire | Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533 women
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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.
Meadow Lake Bible Study. 11:45 am, Meadow Lake. Knit Wits. 1:30 pm, Arms Residence. Sewing Bees. 10 am, F 104. Budget Roundtable. 7 pm, M 207 Sewing Bees. 10 am, F 104. Steeple Times Submission Deadline. Vacation Bible School. 5:30 pm, Campus-wide. Vacation Bible School. 5:30 pm, Campus-wide. Vacation Bible School. 11 am, Campus-wide. Vacation Bible School “Haitian Market” and cookout. 12 pm, Campus-wide. East Texas Youth Mission Trip. Asheville, NC. Sewing Bees. 10 am, F 104. Carpenter Anniversary Celebration. 2 pm, Hill Room. Student Ministries Movie Marathon Lock-In. 12 pm, The Well.
Budget & Finance. June 8 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Building & Grounds. June 12 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Children’s Ministry. June 20 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Diaconate. June 13 @ 5 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Governance. June 5 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Mission. June 12 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Risk Management. June 28 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Session. June 20 @ 7 pm — M 207 Student Ministry. June 26 @ 6:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110
COMMIT TEE MEETINGS
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JUNE HIGHLIGHTS
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Permit No. 683 Tyler, Texas 75701-1696
To everyone at the home of: