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 2 : D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 7
The Prince of Peace in a World of Turmoil by The Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin I sense that our world is in turmoil, more than usual. Around the world there are organizations and even nations threatening harm to us and innocents in other places. At home, our nation feels more divided than it has been in my memory. Some researchers claim that we are really no more divided on issues than we have been, but it certainly doesn’t seem that way to me. It could be true that we aren’t really any farther apart on issues than before, but that people’s tolerance level for differences of opinion is stretched thin. It seems to me that more and more people in our culture today resort to violence to solve differences, where at one time they might have done nothing more than exchange words. We are fast approaching the seasons of Advent and Christmas. They couldn’t come at a better time. Call me crazy, but in this day and age or turmoil, I have a heightened sense of need for the Prince of Peace. Given our turbulent times, Advent feels like the right model for life today: It is a time of waiting for the coming of the Messiah, the Anointed One to usher in God’s kingdom of peace. For much of my life, Advent was simply a liturgical season. We sing beloved hymns like O come, O come, Emmanuel, we light
candles on the Advent Wreath, and we decorate the Sanctuary. Now, it takes on a more urgent feel. Before, Advent was a time to decorate our homes, to prepare for Christmas Day and the gathering of family around the Christmas tree and the feast at an over-laden table. Advent was easy, because we know that on December 25, Christmas would be here. But this year, Advent has taken on a different feel, because our sense of waiting is for a day and a time that we do not know. Just as little children feel a sense impatience when Christmas Day seems impossibly far away, so I feel a sense of impatience as I wait for the coming day of peace, when the Prince of Peace comes to establish his kingdom. Could it be that Advent presents us with an opportunity? Perhaps Advent provides us with important clues for how to live in tumultuous times. It reminds to keep our eyes looking forward, because God’s kingdom is coming. It reminds us to be active in preparing for the coming kingdom, because preparation always involves action. Perhaps more than anything, Advent calls us to a sense of hope, even in darkest times. So the opportunity before us is this: our Advent preparation can teach us how to wait patiently and expectantly for God’s coming kingdom.
i n t h i s i s s u e | H I G H L I G H T S & F E AT U R E S FPC Christmas Services | pg 3
Advent 2017 | Pg 5
Christmas Poinsettias | Pg 5
Join us for Christmas services celebrated this season.
FPC shares books for study and reflection during the Advent season.
Help support our Fine Arts program by ordering poinsettias for the Sanctuary at Christmas. 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 Claudia Carroll (aka Taddle by her grandchildren) does for FPC. She was Chair of the recent Director of Music search committee, she sings regularly (and very well) in the chancel choir and the Tyler Civic Chorale, she has organized the Jazz Brunch and Fine Arts Garden Party, she is a First Friday Fun foodie, in addition to many other volunteer jobs at FPC. Claudia goes out of her way to be a helpful, welcoming and supportive member of our church. We thank you for all you do and know that you are a blessing to FPC!
Are you rushed? Feeling fatigued? Did you realize there is such a thing as “spiritual fatigue”? Author David McCasland writes about it and says, “Many people find that scheduling some extra time each morning to read the Bible and talk to the Lord in prayer helps them stay spiritually alert. It’s not a job but a joy to spend time with Jesus and know that He prepares us for whatever lies ahead that day.”
Membership Updates Wedding Congratulations to Allison Freeman and Cody Roden on their November 4 nuptials. Allison is the daughter of Dennis & Laney Freeman and the granddaughter of the late Bob & Ludee Burns. New Members Join us in welcoming our newest members: • Laura Griffith • Melissa Jackson • Charlie Aber Baptisms We are proud to have witnessed the baptisms of Winter Griffith, Mitten Griffith, Laura Griffith, Mia Nelson and Matthew Thorp.
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, let us give thanks that this baby, born in a manger, this Son of God, Mighty Counselor, Prince of Peace is the very One who hears our prayers and prepares us for whatever lies ahead. 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.)
Save the Date: Mardi Gras for Mission 2018 Tuesday, February 13 | 5:30 pm | Fellowship Hall Benefiting our mission programs, the Mission Committee is sponsoring their fourth annual Mardi Gras Celebration. Save the date and look for details to follow. If interested in assisting in planning, please contact Ginny Mattox at virginiamattox1@gmail.com.
Chancel Flowers for 2018 All dates for 2018 to donate flowers are available! Call now to get your favorite date saved so you can honor a friend, celebrate a birthday, or memorialize a loved one by donating flowers to the Chancel. Arrangements are $80. Contact: Margaret Hilliard (903-593-1494).
FPC welcomes new members Melissa Jackson (left) and Charlie Aber (right).
Office Closed for the Christmas Holidays The office and campus will be closed on Monday, December 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday.
January “Steeple Times” Early Deadline Due to the Christmas holidays, the deadline for the January issue of Steeple Times will be Sunday, December 10. Submit articles to Dana Durman via email (ddurman@fpctyler.com).
s a v e t h e d a t e | JANUARY 2 0 1 8 Sr High Youth Connection | Jan. 26-28
Carol Choir Resumes | Jan. 10
Officer Installation | Jan. 14
High school youth of the presbytery gather for a weekend of learning.
Carol Choir rehearsal will resume at 5 p.m. in room M 105.
Officers of FPC will be installed at the 11 a.m. worship service.
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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 Fine Arts @ FPC: Lessons & Carols for Advent
Christmas Pageant and Luncheon
Sunday, December 3 | 6 pm | Sanctuary | Free Admission This year marks the twelfth anniversary for the Tyler Civic Chorale’s presentation that is a re-creation of a perennial favorite at King’s College, Cambridge, England, with roots that can be traced back to the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1880. Visit fpctyler.com/events/lessonsandcarols.
Sunday, December 17 | 11 am | Sanctuary Luncheon: Adults $12/Child 12 & under $6/Child 2 & under free
Join us during the 11 a.m. worship service when the children and youth will present a telling of the beautiful story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Afterward, join us for a catered luncheon. RSVP by December 11 (fpctyler.com/events/ pageant). Pay at the door.
Fine Arts @ FPC: UT Tyler Christmas Concert December 9 | 6 pm | Sanctuary | $7 Adults | $5 Students & Children FPC is home to the joint concerts of the UT Tyler Patriot Singers and Concert Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Cameron Rose, Director of Choral Activities for UT Tyler. Visit: fpctyler.com/ events/uttconcert.
Family Christmas Eve Service
Blue Christmas: A Service of Remembrance and Hope
47th Annual Moravian Lovefeast
Sunday, December 24 | 3 pm | Chapel All are welcome to our child-friendly, child-focused service. Visit fpctyler.com/events/christmaseve for more information. Sunday, December 24 | 5:30 pm | Sanctuary This long-standing worship of scripture and song is accompanied by a “feast”—authentic, homemade Moravian buns and hot cocoa served to each pew of worshipers. The lighting of hundreds of beeswax candles fills the sanctuary with quiet reverence. Visit fpctyler.com/events/lovefeast. Childcare provided. Musical prelude begins at 5 p.m.
Sunday, December 10 | 6:30 pm | Sanctuary Blue Christmas is a service for those who find themselves standing on the sidelines of the season. This service is not a celebration but a contemplation to 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. Dessert will follow the service and childcare is provided. Visit: fpctyler. com/events/bluechristmas.
FPC’s Newcomer Team
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. —Isaiah 9:2
By Ginny Mattox
Sunday, December 10 6:30 pm
Did you know that there is a Newcomer committee of five members plus staff that meets each Monday to keep track of visitors and follow up with welcoming phone calls or emails?
A SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE AND HOPE
Did you know that you are a member of this team? That’s right; all of us at FPC-Tyler have a role in continually improving our ministry of hospitality to newcomers.
in the sanctuary at FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH with a dessert reception to follow | childcare available 230 W. RUSK ST | 903 597 6317 | FPCTYLER.COM
A special congratulations to our own Phyllis Kidwell who was recently installed as moderator of Grace Presbytery! Phyllis, FPC’s director of children’s ministries, will serve for 2017-18 year.
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Look for and introduce yourself to folks you do not know. Make them feel welcome and introduce them to other members. And if you learn anything about the visitor that might help the Newcomer Team minister beyond a worship service or class visit, please contact Lynn Collyer (lmcollyer@fpctyler.com / 903-597-6317 x 102). Thank you for your part in making FPC-Tyler such a friendly and welcoming congregation!
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)
Special Friends Annual Christmas Party
Path is collecting canned goods and diapers. Bring donations to the PATH crates located in the foyer of Fellowship Hall and near the elevator on the ground floor of the main building. Monetary donations are also accepted. For information, visit pathhelps.org.
Thursday, December 7 | 1 pm | Fellowship Hall LAST CHANCE...to help! Thanks to everyone who has signed up to help make this party a fun and meaningful event. We still need volunteers to bring cookies and serve as hosts for the 100+ guests attending. If you signed up to bring a gift, deliver it by Sunday, December 3, (Room F104 in Fellowship Hall near the kitchen). For information, contact Bettie Clancy (903-521-1383) or Florrie Wallace (903-780-0268). Visit fpctyler.com/events/specialfriendschristmas.
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.
Sewing Bees - Sewing with a Mission Sewing Bees will not meet in December, but will resume their meetings in January. Visit fpctyler.com/events/sewingbees. Group contact is Mollie Bobo (903-530-2772).
Knit Wits - Knitters Unite for Camp Ministry
Monday, December 4 | 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).
Analysis of Revenues & Expenses September 2017 Summary
MTD Actual YTD Actual YTD Budget
Revenues
$84,430
$308,539
$306,663
Expenses
$113,044
$393,152
$378,962
Net Total
($28,614)
($84,613)
($72,299)
Planned Giving
Christmas Joy Special Offering This season, we reflect on God’s great gift, the birth of Jesus. Supporting this offering is one way you can celebrate and grow that gift, by supporting current and retired church workers in times of need and the education and development of the future racial ethnic leadership of our church. The offering will be collected on December 17.
The Potter House Needs Your Help! The Potter House, our local ministry that provides free housing for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy radiation treatments, and parents of newborn intensive care patients needs your help to replenish its supplies. The only charge we require is a key deposit of $50, so we rely heavily on the congregation to help out in other areas. Currently, we are in need of: • toilet paper • paper towels • kleenex • cleaning supplies (Lysol, dish-washing liquid, etc). Bring your donations to the church office. Visit the Potter House link at fpctyler.com/potter-house.
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 Group Bowling
SAVE THE DATE: January Youth Group
December 3 | 4pm | Green Acres Bowling | 2311 ESE Loop 323 | Tyler The youth are going to knock around some pins! We will meet at Green Acres Bowling then head over to Cici’s Pizza to get dinner (parents - pick up your students at Cici’s Pizza at 1938 ESE Loop 323). Cost $10 and don’t forget your socks. Visit fpctyler.com/events/ygbowling to register!
Sunday, January 7 | 5:30 pm | The Well Our first youth group back from the holidays! Join us for fellowship and games - dinner will be provided. Go to fpctyler.com/events/youth-group to let us know that you’re coming!
Senior High Youth Connection
Mini Mission Trip
January 26-28| Austin College | Sherman | TX Attention high school youth - it’s time to think about coming to SHYC. This year’s theme is With Christ…We Can! The cost is $75 and the deadline to sign up and get forms in is Wednesday, January 19. We hope to see you there! Questions? Contact Neil McKown (903-279-6818).
December 28-29 | 7:30 am - 4:30 pm | FPC Tyler Mark your calendars for our annual Mini Mission Trip where we will be working at a local ministry! Lunch will be provided on both days. Visit fpctyler.com/events/mini-mission to register!
Advent 2017: Books for Study & Reflection Listed below are some considerations for study and reflection during advent. They are available to purchase through Westminster John Knox Press at wjkbooks.com. If you need help ordering a book for your personal use, contact Phyllis Kidwell (pkidwell@fpctyler.com / 903-681-5504). • Come Emmanuel: Approaching Advent, Living with Christmas by Ann Lewin • Advent for Everyone: A Journey with the Apostles A Daily Devotional by N. T. Wright • Some Small Heaven: A Spiritual Path through Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany by Ian Adams • Celebrating Abundance: Devotions for Advent by Walter Brueggemann We hope you will celebrate the season with us here at FPC!
Christmas Poinsettias—Order Now Every year during the Christmas season, the Sanctuary is filled with poinsettias in honor and in memory of this congregation’s beloved family and friends. If you would like to contribute a poinsettia to this tradition, please clearly print your information below and return in the offering plate or to the church office by Monday, December 11. Your generous donations support the Fine Arts ministry, which makes FPC a beacon for fine music and the arts in East Texas. There is no minimum suggested donation. Your generous gifts are very much appreciated.
Donor’s Name(s): Circle one: In honor of / memory of / thanksgiving for
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Children & Youth Calendar
december
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
KEY CM: Children's Ministry (6 weeks-5th grade) SM: Student Ministries (6th-12th grade) SHSG: Senior High Small Group (9th-12th grade)
Saturday
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6:30 PM | CM:
First Friday Fun!
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FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 8:30 AM | Worship 9:10 AM | Ring & Sing 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church 12:30 PM | SM: Confirmation 4 PM | SM: Bowling Party
Friday
4
5
6
7
8
9
13
14
15
16
20
21
22
23
29
30
5 PM | CM:
Christmas Pageant Rehearsal 6 PM | SHSG
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SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT 8:30 AM | Worship 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church 12:30 PM | SM: Confirmation
11
12 5:30 PM | CM
Team Meeting
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18
19
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT 8:30 AM | Worship 9:10 AM | Ring & Sing 9:45 AM | CM: Pageant Rehearsal 11 AM | Worship/Christmas Pageant 11 AM | Children’s Church 12 PM | Christmas Luncheon
5 PM | CM:
Christmas Pageant Rehearsal 6 PM | SHSG
Reminder: No SHSG! No Carol Choir!
24 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 8:30 AM | Worship 9:10 AM | Ring & Sing 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church 3 PM | Family Christmas Service 5 PM | Lovefeast Prelude 5:30 PM | Lovefeast Service
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CHRISTMAS DAY Church & Campus closed.
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28 7:30 AM | SM:
Mini Mission Day
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
7:30 AM | SM:
Mini Mission Day 6 PM | Collegeage After Christmas Party
31 8:30 AM | Worship 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church
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!
Christmas Pageant
Friday, December 1 | 6:30 pm | Children’s Wing This kid’s night out program is for infants six weeks old through students in 2nd grade. We will share dinner, a Bible story, crafts, games and end our time with a quiet activity; watching movies or reading books together. Our theme this month is Advent: Waiting for Baby Jesus. We will make a take home ornament and other special treats. Friends are welcome with advance registration. Friday Fun night is FREE but you need to RSVP (fpctyler.com/events/firstfriday).
Sunday, December 17 | 11 am worship service Join us during the 11 a.m. worship service when our children and youth present the beautiful story of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ! Our older children and youth participate in telling the story in words, actions and songs. While the story is familiar, this presentation is different than recent years. Visit fpctyler.com/events/pageant for more information.
Christmas Pageant Rehearsal Schedule
Sunday, December 17 | Following 11 am worship All are invited for this catered celebration in the Fellowship Hall following the Sunday service! Cost: • $12 - Adults • $6 - Children 3–12 • Free - Children 2 and under Please pay at the door. To register, visit fpctyler.com/events/ pageant. Deadline to RSVP is December 11!
Church-wide Christmas Luncheon
Parents, our rehearsals for the annual Christmas Pageant are as follows: • Wednesday, November 29 – 5 p.m.; Sanctuary • Wednesday, December 6 – 5 p.m.; Sanctuary • Sunday, December 10 – 9:45 a.m.; Location: TBA; meet in the children’s area of the main building • Wednesday, December 13 – 5 p.m.; Sanctuary • Sunday, December 17 – Pageant presentation in worship at 11 a.m., meet in children’s area of the main building at 9:45 a.m. All children are welcome to be a part, infants and toddlers (with parent’s participation; costumes for all) through high school students. Watching our children and youth tell the story makes it so memorable. For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/pageant.
S U N D AY S C H O O L
Family Christmas Eve Service Sunday, December 24 | 3 pm | Chapel The family Christmas Eve service is for all and invites the children to come forward to hear the story as we anticipate and celebrate the birth of baby Jesus. The little ones leave worship with a small gift from the church to help pass time in the evening. For more information, visit fpctyler.com/ events/christmaseve.
/ 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 | Christian Doctrine | 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 | TBA | Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533
| Study & discussion M 207 | The book of Mark | 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. December 14 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Building & Grounds. December 11 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Children’s Ministry. December 12 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Governance. December 4 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Mission. December 11 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Session. December 19 @ 7:00 pm — M 207
COMMIT TEE MEETINGS
1 First Friday Fun: Kid’s Night Out. 6:30 pm, Children’s Wing. 3 Youth Group: Bowling Party. 4 pm, Green Acres Bowling. 3 Fine Arts @ FPC Tyler: Lessons & Carols. 6 pm, Sanctuary. 4 Knit Wits. 1:30 pm, Hill Room. 6 Christmas Pageant Rehearsal. 5 pm, Sanctuary. 7 Meadow Lake Bible Study. 11:45 am, Meadow Lake. 7 Special Friends Annual Christmas Party. 1 pm, Fellowship Hall. 9 Fine Arts @ FPC Tyler: UT Tyler Christmas Concert. 6 pm, Sanctuary. 10 Steeple Times Submission Deadline. 10 Presbyterian Women Sunday Circle. 9:30 am, M 204. 10 Christmas Pageant Rehearsal. 9:45 am, Sanctuary. 10 Blue Christmas Service. 6:30 pm, Sanctuary. 12 Presbyterian Women Weekday Circle. 10 am, F 101-102. 13 Christmas Pageant Rehearsal. 5 pm, Sanctuary. 17 Christmas Pageant & Luncheon. 11 am, Sanctuary & Fellowship Hall. 24 Sunday Worship Services. 8:30 & 11am, Chapel & Sanctuary. 24 Family Christmas Eve Service. 3 pm, Chapel. 24 Lovefeast Prelude. 5 pm, Sanctuary. 24 Lovefeast Service. 5:30 pm, Sanctuary. 25 Christmas Day. 25 Church office and campus closed. Christmas holidays. 28-29 Youth Group: Mini Mission Day. 7:30 am, FPC. 29 Student Ministries: College-Age Gathering. 6 pm, Garmon residence. 31 Sunday Worship Service. 11am, Sanctuary. Jan. 1 New Year’s Day.
DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 683 Tyler, Texas 75701-1696
To everyone at the home of: