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 1 : N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 7
What is Your Reason For Giving? by The Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small. Love so amazing, so divine, demands my life, my soul, my all. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Isaac Watts, lyrics What’s your reason? Your reason for giving? For some, it is deeply personal, rooted in some experience of God’s presence at a particularly difficult time in their lives. For others, it is out of a sense of civic duty, springing from a feeling of responsibility for the common good. For still others, giving grows out of a desire to make a difference in the world around them, and they want to see the impact of their giving. All these reasons, as well as other motivations, are alive and well in our congregation. We give for a wide variety of reasons. What unites them all is the reality that we give in response to something.
Isaac Watts’s great hymn, When I survey the wondrous cross, first published in 1707, lays out for me the most compelling for giving: God’s love. God’s love may sound like too great an abstraction for many, but it is the awareness of God love and mercy to me, to our church, and to our world that provides my motivation. Watts’s hymn invites us to consider God’s love hanging on a cross in ancient Palestine, where Christ suffered and died for us and for our sins in order that our estrangement from God may be bridged. This is anything but abstract. Read through the Bible and you will encounter countless examples of God’s love for us. From the story of creation, in which God’s love causes all things to come into being to the vision of a new heaven and a new earth in Revelation, God’s love fills virtually every page of the Bible. So that’s my reason for giving. What’s yours?
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 Realm! Let’s get connected | Pg 3
Choral Singing Benefits | pg 5
Realm is the new portal where members can connect with one another between Sundays.
Learn ways in which singing in a choir could help with your mental health and wellness.
Stewardship Dedication: Faith in Action! | pg 5
Dedicate your pledge for 2018!
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 We Are Thankful!
PRAYERFULLY SPEAKING from the FPC Prayer Team
We are grateful for ALL the behind-the-scenes work that Ginny Mattox does for FPC. When Ginny is not volunteering for Tyler civic activities, she is faithfully serving FPC as moderator of the Mission Committee, chair of the Mardi Gras for Mission Fundraiser, a Newcomers committee member, Presbyterian Women - Moderator Sunday Circle, Least Coin/Sunshine Box Person, Food Fellowship Events coordinator, primary Sunday school teacher for the Souper Bowl of Caring in January, AND is a front office desk volunteer. Previously, she has served as an elder and on the Mother’s Tea committee. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, Ginny! You are a blessing to FPC!
Here we go...our lives are about to become more hectic. It’s the coming holiday season...more cooking, cleaning, hosting/entertaining, traveling, etc. We will have to be intentional in finding quiet, restful time; or as Sally Herlong says in THESE DAYS, making room for the presence of God. She writes, “For me, praying is often the notso-simple act of just listening, tuning out the pervasive distractions I usually allow to totally consume me.” And she continues, “...when ‘I do those things which I ought to do’ I am rewarded with a scarce state of peace and rest....it is there that I can be in intentional and authentic relationship with God.”
Office Closed for the Thanksgiving Holidays The office and campus will be closed on Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
All Saints’ Day (observed)
In the midst of the holiday hubbub, may we find time to make room for God’s presence through prayer.
Sunday, November 5 | 8:30 & 11 am worship services Join the congregation in commemorating the saints who have gone before us at this special worship service.
(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.)
SAVE THE DATE...Blue Christmas: A Service of Remembrance and Hope
Sunday, December 10 | 6:30 pm | Sanctuary Once again, we will offer a time of contemplative worship during Advent for those who find themselves walking in the darkness of sorrow and loss for any reason during the holiday season. All are welcome to come 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. A light dessert reception will follow and childcare is provided. Visit fpctyler.com/events/bluechristmas for more information.
Thank you to our youth that worked together to make FPC’s Youth Sunday a success!
sa v e th e d at e | DECEMBER 2017 Fine Arts @ FPC | December 3
Special Friends Christmas Party | Dec. 7
Christmas Eve Services | Dec. 24
Join us for Tyler Civic Chorale’s Festival of Lessons and Carols for Advent.
Pitch in to make Christmas happen for adults with disabilities.
Join us for two services - Family Christmas Eve and the Moravian Lovefeast.
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M O N T H LY E V E N T H I G H L I G H T S All Saints’ Day (observed)
Fine Arts @ FPC: Voices of Faith Fall Concert
Sunday, November 5 | 8:30 & 11 am services Join us as we commemorate the saints who have entered the Church Triumphant before us. Visit fpctyler.com/events/allsaints.
Friday, November 17 | 7 pm | Sanctuary Since 2008, Voices of Faith has sought to give young musicians a space to explore their artistic discipline through a Godhonoring repertoire. The choir gathers over seventy-five talented vocalists from the East Texas area in a Christ-centered, choral program under the direction of Pam Eikner, with accompanist Dana Bertino. Visit fpctyler.com/events/vof2017.
Youth Ministry Fundraiser
Sunday, November 5 | 11 am - 9:30 pm | Papacita’s Mexican Restaurant Enjoy delicious food in a fun atmosphere along with family and friends while earning funds in support of FPC’s Student Ministries trips and conferences attended throughout the year. Mention “FPC Tyler” and 10% of your bill will go to FPC Youth Ministries. Visit fpctyler.com/events/ygfundraiser.
Advent Artfest Sunday, November 26 | 9:30 am | Fellowship Hall All are invited to a morning of crafts, continental breakfast, 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 play hand chimes. 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. Visit fpctyler.com/events/ adventartfest.
Stewardship Dedication Sunday - Faith in Action!
Sunday, November 12 | 8:30 & 11 am services Join the congregation in dedicating your pledge for 2018. Pledge cards will arrive in your mailbox and will be available in the pews. Ministries, missions, and outreach await. No matter what amount you choose, join us and pledge your financial gift to God. Visit fpctyler.com/events/stewardship.
Presbyterian Women Thank Offering
Fine Arts @ FPC: Baylor Brass
Tuesday, November 28 | 2 pm | Chapel Join us as we gather in the chapel for a Presbyterian Women Thank Offering dedication service to be followed by a tea in the Anderson Room. This annual celebration of God’s blessings in our lives is an opportunity to show appreciation by sharing those blessings with others. Contact Sharon Bragg our 2017-18 PW Moderator (903-581-1941).
Sunday, November 12 | 4 pm | Sanctuary | Free Admission Comprised of the Baylor University brass faculty, Baylor Brass concertizes regularly on the Baylor campus, in the public schools throughout Texas, and on tours of the major music schools outside Texas and to foreign countries. Visit fpctyler. com/events/baylorbrass.
By Lynn Collyer Realm is the new portal where members can access their personal information and connect with one another between Sundays. Think of it as a kind of Facebook just for our congregation! We’re excited about what Realm offers us as a faith community and how it helps us accomplish our mission of being Rooted in a Compassionate Faith. This secure, online space serves and
supports both staff and members in life and ministry at FPC Tyler. There are two things you should know about Realm: • We’re adding more ways to communicate and connect as a church, while leaving current methods in place. • You determine how much you want to make this part of your experience with our church, and we encourage you to participate. 3
Our official Realm launch month is January 2018 and you can help us get ready by ensuring your preferred email address is on file with us. Simply send an email from your preferred address to lmcollyer@fpctyler.com and let us know to which individual it is assigned. (TIP: Individual Realm accounts are connected with your email address. Shared accounts are not currently available.) Stay tuned for more information.
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
To help babies stay happy and healthy, PATH is collecting diapers sizes 3 and up, pullups, baby wipes and baby food throughout November. 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. The holidays are a time for family, food and generosity, and PATH is committed to offering its Community Homes participants a holiday meal. Your Mission Committee wishes to support this Holiday Food Basket program and asks members, Sunday School Classes, Circles, Youth, etc. to consider providing a basket. You may do so in one of three ways: •
Use the suggested list to create a food basket and bring it to PATH by Thursday, December 14. The list can be accessed at fpctyler.com/events/foodbasket.
•
Make a $100 donation to sponsor a basket or prepared meal from a local restaurant for a PATH family.
•
Provide gift cards to local grocery stores to be used to purchase turkeys.
For more information, visit pathhelps.org.
Sewing Bees - Sewing with a Mission
Wednesday, November 15 | 10 am | F104 We will continue sewing dresses and boxer shorts for Haitian children. If you like to quilt, we will be making “fidget mats.” These are small pieces used to calm dementia patients with sensory challenges. Visit fpctyler.com/events/ sewingbees. Group contact is Mollie Bobo (903-530-2772).
Analysis of Revenues & Expenses September 2017 Summary
MTD Actual YTD Actual YTD Budget
Revenues
$88,966
$224,109
$238,720
Expenses
$107,314
$280,108
$287,414
Net Total
($18,348)
($55,999)
($48,694)
Planned Giving
Monday, November 6 | 1:30 pm | Hill Room Are you an experienced knitter or would you like to learn a new skill or enhance neglected skills? We have a place for you with the Knit Wits! Group contact is Pat Cryer (903561-5242).
Volunteers Needed: Special Friends Annual Christmas Party We need volunteers for our “Special Friends Annual Christmas Party,” formerly known as the Andrews Center/Goodwill Christmas Party. (Andrews Center is no longer involved, as the Adult Day Training was sold to Community Access.) This year, we will invite participants from Goodwill Commercial Services, Community Access, Azalea Academy for Exceptional Adults, and Achieving Dreams. FPC has sponsored this Christmas party for the past several years and members of the congregation have generously purchased gifts, baked cookies and served as hosts for the 100+ guests attending. Sign up begins October 22 by visiting the table in the main building near the elevator. SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, December 7 from 1-3 p.m. For information, contact Bettie Clancy (903-521-1383) or Florrie Wallace (903-780-0268).
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.
Have you remembered the church and other charities in your will? If you need help, contact Nanci Pollard (903-597Stay in touch with us on social media, too: 6317) to request information, or visit the Texas Presbyteri /fpctyler @fpctyler an Foundation at tpf.org. Assistance is confidential and 4 free of charge.
@fpctyler
Youth Ministry Fundraiser
Youth Group: Luncheon
Sunday, November 5 | 11 am - 9:30 pm | Papacita’s Mexican Restaurant Enjoy delicious food in a fun atmosphere along with family and friends while earning funds in support of FPC’s Student Ministries trips and conferences we attend throughout the year. Visit fpctyler.com/events/ygfundraiser.
Sunday, November 26 | 12 pm | The Well Calling all youth - join us for lunch and fellowship! RSVP no later than November 20! Questions? Contact: Neil McKown (903-279-6818)Visit fpctyler.com/events/ygluncheon.
College Care Packages
Christian Education will be collecting snacks and treats for FPC’s college-aged students. During the Sunday School hour at Advent Artfest, we will create care packages for them. Drop off prepackaged and single serving snacks (cookies, candies, etc.) in the wooden bin marked, “College-Aged Care Packages,” in the entryway of the main building. Contact: Neil (nmckown@fpctyler.com/903-279-6818).
Traveling Youth Sunday & Luncheon
November 12 | 7:30 am | Highland Presbyterian Church | 3101 Paluxy Dr. | Tyler The youth will be heading to Highland Presbyterian Church to lead HPC in worship! If you are interested and able to participate, contact Neil at nmckown@fpctyler.com/903279-6818. Visit fpctyler.com/events/ygtravelsunday.
Healthy Dose of Choral Singing By Weston Jennings Director of Music & Organist With over 42.6 million Americans singing in more than 270,000 choirs across the nation, people of all ages and stripes are engaging in choral singing for a multitude of reasons. For some, it is because choirs are excellent social environments; a place to make friends and to network. Others just love the music and want to be at the heart of it. In addition to these incentives, choral singing has outstanding health benefits, so as we move through autumn and towards winter, I would like to share some ways in which singing in a choir could help with your mental health and wellness.
There are four main benefits of singing in a choir: •
improved multi-tasking
•
sharpened memory
•
improved focus
•
better math skills
Neuroscientists have shown that musical memories engage broader neural pathways than other memories. This is likely because music-making employs more circuit connections between the left and right side of the brain than other daily tasks. A Harvard study found that group singing decreases stress levels by producing higher levels of oxytocin, a powerful
hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter, and increases the functionality of the immune system and strength of the heart. To top it all off, you do not have to sing well to receive these benefits. Simply by participating, you will engage your mind and body in ways that you do not otherwise do on a daily basis. Like any new activity, everyone gets better with time. In the end, you’ve got nothing to lose and a lot of health benefits to gain by singing in a choir.
Stewardship Sunday Dedication: Faith in Action! Over the last three months, the 2017 Stewardship Committee met multiple times to focus on the financial health of FPC. We learned how much FPC does for our members, our community, and our global neighbors. Let’s move our faith into action and join the congregation at the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services in dedicating your pledge for 2018. Pledge cards will arrive in your mailbox and will be available in the pews. Ministries, missions, and outreach await. No matter what amount you choose, please join us and pledge your financial gift to God. Visit fpctyler.com/stewardship. First Presbyterian Church is an IRS determined 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. All donations are under the full control and discretion of FPC Tyler. 5
Children & Youth Calendar
november
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
1
KEY CM: Children's Ministry (6 weeks-5th grade) SM: Student Ministries (6th12th grade) SHSG: Senior High Small Group (9th-12th grade)
Thursday
Friday
2
5 PM | CM:
5
6
3 Friday Fun!
7
8
9
10
5 PM | CM:
12
13 Team Meeting
19
20
Santa's WorkSHOP
14 5:30 PM | CM:
15
11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church
17
18
23
24
25
& SM: Pageant Casting Call (Infants - High School) 6 PM | SHSG
22 Reminder: No SHSG! No Pageant Rehearsals!
9:45 AM | Sunday School
16
5 PM | CM
21
8:30 AM | Worship
11 10 AM | CM:
Carol Choir 6 PM | SHSG
STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY 7:30 AM | SM: Traveling Sunday 8:30 AM | Worship 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church
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6:30 PM | CM: First
Carol Choir 6 PM | SHSG
ALL SAINTS' DAY (OBSERVED) DAYLIGHT SAVINGS ENDS 8:30 AM | Worship 9:10 AM | Ring & Sing 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church 11 AM | SM: Fundraiser 12:30 PM | SM: Confirmation class
Saturday
THANKSGIVING DAY Church & Campus closed.
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY Church & Campus closed.
12:30 PM | SM: Confirmation
class
26 8:30 AM | Worship 9:30 AM | Advent Artfest 11 AM | Worship
27 6:30 PM | SM
Team Meeting
28
29
30
5 PM | CM
& SM: Pageant Rehearsal
11 AM | Children’s Church 12 PM | SM: Luncheon
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 First Friday Fun! RSVP by October 31
Advent Artfest
Friday, November 3 | 6:30 pm | Children’s Wing This kid’s night out program is for infants six weeks old through 2nd grade. Each month we will share dinner, a Bible story, crafts, and games and end with a quiet activity. Our theme this month is Being Thankful. We will talk about our blessings and make things to decorate our Thanksgiving tables. Friday Fun night is FREE but you need to RSVP (fpctyler.com/events/firstfriday).
Sunday, November 26 | 9:30 am | Fellowship Hall All are invited to join in the Advent Artfest as we prepare our hearts for Christmas. It will be a morning of crafts, breakfast goodies, and fun for all ages during the Sunday school hour. Supplies will be available to craft Christmas cards and assemble study care packages for our college friends, play the hand chimes and create a take home craft or two. You’ll also have the chance to help decorate the Christmas trees in Fellowship Hall. If you have company in town for the holiday, they’re more than welcome! Visit fpctyler.com/events/ adventartfest.
Santa’s WorkSHOP - RSVP by November 7! Saturday, November 11 | 10 am | Children’s Wing All children (infants - 5th grade) are invited to Santa’s WorkSHOP. There will be craft items for the children to complete, wrap and take home to put under the tree. We will have snacks, but lunch will not be provided. Parents, register your children and make plans to work on your Christmas lists! Visit fpctyler.com/events/workshop.
SAVE THE DATES: Christmas Pageant Rehearsals November 15, 29, December 6, 10 , 13 & 17 Age 3 through grade 12 Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 17 | 11 am worship service Age 3 through grade 12 Church-wide Christmas Luncheon Sunday, December 17 | Following 11 am worship All are invited for this catered celebration in Fellowship Hall! Family Christmas Eve Service Sunday, December 24 | 3 pm | Chapel Especially for families, with a focus on the nativity scene.
Christmas Pageant Casting Call Wednesday, November 15 | 5 pm | Fellowship Hall Casting Call! Parents, we will start our rehearsals for the annual Christmas Pageant and all children are welcome from infants and toddlers (with parent’s participation, costumes for all) through high school students. Watching our children and youth participate makes it special. For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/pageant.
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 | What It Means to be Presbyterian | Contact: Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746 | Lecture & discussion M 205 | The Nicene Creed | Contact: Chris Bunt (903) 531-3535 the forum
209ers | Young Adults M209 | Amazing Grace, a Vocabulary of Faith| Contact: Debbie Pitts (debbiepitts@gmail.com) the
| Lectionary Tuesdays | 6:30 am | Premier Flexipac | Contact: Skip Womack (903) 533-9433 or Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746 women |
Book &/or DVD & discussion Thursdays | 9:30 am | Conference Room | Awaiting the Already | Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533
| DVD & discussion M 207 | The Great Courses: The Old Testament | Contact: Linda Pirtle (903) 881-9000 westminster
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WORSHIP WITH US
FPC’s Regular Sunday Services 8:30 a.m. Service (Chapel) 9:15 a.m. Coffee Fellowship (The Hill Room) 9:45 a.m. Sunday School (campus-wide) 11:00 a.m. Service (Sanctuary)
230 W. Rusk Street, Tyler, TX 75701
return service requested
Budget & Finance. November 9 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Building & Grounds. November 13 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Children’s Ministry. November 14 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Diaconate. November 14 @ 6:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Governance. November 6 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Mission. November 13 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Student Ministry. November 27 @ 6:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Worship. November 7 @ 5:00 pm — Conference Room | A 110
COMMIT TEE MEETINGS
2 Meadow Lake Bible Study. 11:45 am, Meadow Lake. 3 First Friday Fun: Kid’s Night Out. 6:30 pm, Children’s Wing. 5 All Saints Day (observed). 8:30 am & 11 am, Chapel & Sanctuary. 5 Daylight savings time ends. 5 Student Ministries Fundraiser. 11 am - 9:30 pm, Papacitas Mexican Restaurant. 5 Student Ministries: Confirmation Class. 12:30 pm, The Well. 6 Knit Wits. 1:30 pm, Hill Room. 11 Veteran’s Day. 11 Santa’s WorkSHOP. 10 am, Children’s Wing. 12 Stewardship Dedication Sunday - Faith in Action! 12 Student Ministries: Traveling Youth Sunday. 7:30 am, Highland Presbyterian Church. 12 Presbyterian Women Sunday Circle. 9:30 am, M 204. 12 Fine Arts @ FPC Tyler: Baylor Brass. 4 pm, Sanctuary. 14 Presbyterian Women Weekday Circle. 10 am, F 101-102. 15 Steeple Times Submission Deadline. 15 Sewing Bees. 10 am, F 104. 15 Christmas Pageant Casting Call. 5 pm, Fellowship Hall. 17 Fine Arts @ FPC Tyler: Voices of Faith. 7 pm, Sanctuary. 19 Student Ministries: Confirmation Class. 12:30 pm, The Well. 23-24 Church office and campus closed. Thanksgiving holidays. 26 Advent Artfest. 9:30 am, Fellowship Hall. 26 Student Ministries Luncheon. 12 pm, The Well. 28 Presbyterian Women’s Thank Offering & Tea. 2 pm, Chapel & F 101/102. 29 Christmas Pageant Rehearsal. 5 pm, Sanctuary.
NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 683 Tyler, Texas 75701-1696
To everyone at the home of: