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 3 , I s s u e 1 1 : N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 8
Our Family of Faith in Action by Beth Shepperd Sunday, November 4th is Stewardship Sunday when we are all encouraged to make a pledge to FPC for 2019. These pledges allow us to plan a budget, to support the programs and ministries of our church, and to fulfill an important part of our worship. We have spent the past few weeks meeting in small groups to learn more about stewardship and its role in our worship. While this is the culmination of stewardship season, pledges are appreciated at any time and can be given during a church service, by mail, by dropping off your pledge card at the church office, or by giving online at fpctyler.com. The amount is not as important as the act of committing a portion of our blessings back to the Lord. Stewardship is a part of worship, and the Bible addresses many aspects of this topic. We have the story of the widow whose gift of pennies was valued more than the gifts of the wealthy because it represented sacrifice. The parables teach us about being responsible with resources. A special verse about stewardship is Luke 6:38. “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they
will ask more.” As a Family of Faith in Action, we have been given much. We have a beautiful church home, members with amazing skills and talents, and many opportunities to improve the lives of our local and global neighbors. Pledging is our opportunity to give back to the Lord and to acknowledge our many personal and spiritual blessings. When you make your pledge for next year, remember Luke 6:38. Pledging is an opportunity to express gratitude to God, to support the missions and ministries of FPC, and to incorporate stewardship into your worship. Thank you for prayerfully considering making a pledge to FPC for 2019. Yours in Christ,
The Stewardship Committee Kathy Babin Charley Ainsworth Fran Cooper Julie Philley Bob Skorkowsky Beth Shepperd Karen Novy
i n t h i s i s s u e | H I GH LI GHT S & F E ATU RE S Fine Arts: For the Fallen | pg 5
TCC & FPC host a dramatic musical performance for the community to experience.
PW Fall Gathering Recap | pg 5 PW recently hosted their fall gathering with our own Cassie Edmonds as their guest speaker.
Children’s Ministries Activities| pg 7 FCP has many upcoming holiday events geared for the whole family. Mark your calendar! First Presbyterian Church of Tyler, Texas 230 West Rusk Street, Tyler, Texas 75701-1696 (903) 597-6317 | www.fpctyler.com
CO NGR E GAT I O NAL N E WS We Are Thankful!
PRAYERFULLY SPEAKING from the FPC Prayer Team
Chris Bunt is the moderator of the Planning and Evaluation Committee, serves on the Governance Committee, teaches the Forum Class on Sunday mornings, is a two-term member of the Session, has served on the Rally Day committee and has served as a confirmation sponsor. A special story about Chris is he received the “throw down” challenge for the Souper Bowl of Caring in worship one Sunday from his two nephews who are/were members of FPC’s youth group. Chris and his class went into action and began to collect food items, which resulted in their class winning 1st place! They have won both years since the contest within the church began. THANK YOU, Chris, for all you do at FPC!
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. Luke 18:1 God hears our concerns when we are overwrought, our complaints when we are feeling downtrodden, our cries for mercy when we are anxious and afraid, and our intercessory prayers for others in need. May we remember to include our thanks and praise to almighty God every time we pray, and may we never lose heart. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.
Membership Updates
(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.)
New Members Join us in welcoming our newest members: Jimmy Hodges, Judy Killam, Lora Savoie, Nina Stambaugh and Mary Ann Weston. Deaths Condolences to the family of our FPC member who entered the Church Triumphant: Mack Kellam.
Office Closed for the Thanksgiving Holidays The office and campus will be closed on Thursday, November 22, and Friday, November 23, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
SAVE THE DATE...Campus Work Day
Saturday, December 1 | 10 am | campuswide FPC will have a campus work day and all are welcome and encouraged to attend. Visit fpctyler.com/events/fpcworkday.
Camp Gilmont Annual Visioning Dinner
Saturday, November 3 | 5:30 pm | First Presbyterian Church in Longview This is Gilmont’s BIGGEST fundraiser for the year and the funds raised go directly into programming for events and camps at Gilmont throughout the year. For more information on tickets and donations for the silent auction, visit gilmont.org/visioning-dinner.html.
SAVE THE DATE...Blue Christmas: A Service of Remembrance and Hope
Sunday, December 9 | 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.
FPC welcomes new members Judy Killam (left) and Lora Savoie (right).
“Steeple Times” Deadline Change The deadline has been moved up to November 10 due to the Thanksgiving holidays.
s a ve t he dat e | DECEMBER 2 018 Fine Arts @ FPC | December 2
Special Friends Christmas Party | Dec. 6
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 (ovserved)
Fine Arts @ FPC: The ‘King of Instruments’
Sunday, November 4 | 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.
Saturday, November 17 | 11 am | Sanctuary Free Admission
Discover the ‘King of Instruments’ with an organ demonstration by Weston Jennings, FPC’s director of music and organist.Visit fpctyler.com/events/organdemonstration.
Stewardship Dedication Sunday
Sunday, November 4 | 8:30 & 11 am services Join the congregation in dedicating your pledge for 2019. Pledge cards 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 Dedication Service and Tea Monday, November 19 | 2 pm | Chapel & Anderson Room Join us as we gather for a dedication service to be followed by a tea. This annual celebration of God’s blessings in our lives is an opportunity to show appreciation by sharing those blessings with others. We will hear about the history of hand fans and their correct use. Ladies, feel free to bring your special fan! Make your reservation with Debbie Jones at (903) 780-4751 or sign up with your circle. Visit fpctyler.com/events/pwthank.
Fine Arts @ FPC: Tyler Civic Chorale Presents For the Fallen: Nov. 11th, 1918 Sunday, November 11 | 4 pm | Sanctuary $15 Adults | $5 Students & Children
At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the Great War ended. One hundred years later, the Tyler Civic Chorale seeks to re-tell the stories of a generation of composers and writers who either lost their lives in conflict or whose lives were permanently affected by the First World War. Visit fpctyler.com/events/forthefallen (see pg. 5).
Advent Artfest 2018 Sunday, November 25 | 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.
Fine Arts @ FPC: Voices of Faith Fall Concert Friday, November 16 | 7 pm | Sanctuary Free Admission
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/vof2018.
Presbyterian Women Fall Gathering Recap By Martha Oates The Presbyterian Women Fall Gathering Dinner and Program on September 25 was attended by 86 FPC members and guests. One of our members, Cassie Edmonds, a respected mosaic artist, presented a program
on her creative work. Although selftaught, Cassie is one of the top mosaic artists in the world. Mosaics have been around for thousands of years, but Cassie strives to reimagine and re-introduce them to the world. An example of Cassie Edmonds’ art was displayed at the Fall Gathering Dinner (left). 3
Debbie Jones and Julie Launey serve dessert wearing our new FPC PW aprons (right).
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
During November, PATH is collecting canned meats, blankets, and diapers sizes 3 and up, pullups, baby wipes and baby food. 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. For information, visit pathhelps.org.
Thursday, December 6 | 1 pm | Fellowship Hall For many years, FPC-Tyler has hosted the Special Friends Annual Christmas Party. Special adult friends from Goodwill, Azalea Academy, and Achieving Dreams will come together to celebrate Christmas with treats, singing carols, a visit from Santa Claus, and gifts from FPC members. HOW CAN YOU HELP? On Sunday mornings in November, stop by the table in the main building on the first floor near the elevator, and sign up to: • Provide a gift for a special friend. You will be given a “wish list” from your designated special friend. Gifts should be valued at $30 maximum, and should be delivered to the church by Sunday, December 2. • Help with the party. We need volunteers to bring cookies, serve treats, greet our guests, serve as “elves” delivering Santa’s gifts to recipients, and clean up. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to serve our extraordinary special friends and join in their contagious excitement about the Christmas season! To get involved, contact Bettie Clancy (903-521-1383) or Florrie Wallace (903-780-0268) or visit fpctyler.com/events/ specialfriendschristmas.
Sewing Bees—Sewing with a Mission Wednesday, November 28 | 10 am | F 104 Connect with sewing buffs of all ages and levels of expertise while helping others in need. For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/sewingbees. Group contact is Mollie Bobo (903-530-2772).
Knit Wits—Knitters Unite for Camp Ministry Monday, November 5 | 1:30 pm | Panera Bread | 5755 S Broadway Ave | Tyler 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). Visit fpctyler.com/events/knitwits.
“Thank you” from Achieving Dreams and Bettie Clancy Achieving Dreams held their annual Fundraising gala Circle of Caring in FPC’s Fellowship Hall on October 4. Along with the Board of Directors of Achieving Dreams, we want to thank FPC for sharing their beautiful facility for the event. The evening was delightful and thank you to all who had the opportunity to attend. We would also like to acknowledge Jessie Caldwell, FPC’s custodian, for his help in making sure every detail was perfect. FPC goes above and beyond by providing our facilities for events in the community. Many comments were overheard during the evening about the generosity of our beautiful church.
Analysis of Revenues & Expenses September 2018 Summary
MTD Actual YTD Actual
YTD Budget
Revenues
$88,843
$206,482
$213,470
Expenses
$94,531
$269,975
$286,129
Net Total
($5,688)
($63,493)
($72,659)
Planned Giving
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 (903-5976317) to request information, or visit the Texas PresbyteriStay in touch with us on social media, too: an Foundation at tpf.org. Assistance is confidential and free /fpctyler @fpctyler of charge. 4
@fpctyler
The Color Powder Games
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: Jenni (jmarshall@fpctyler.com/ 803-924-0576).
Sunday, November 4 | 12 pm | The Well • Lunch then games on the front lawn of the church • Wear a white or light-colored shirt to show off that color powder! (parents...the powder does wash out of fabric) • Bring a towel for the car ride home • Visit fpctyler.com/events/smcolorpowder • Questions? Jenni (jmarshall@fpctyler.com/ 803-924-0576)
PATH Coats for Kids Set Up
Sunday, November 11 | 12 pm | The Well (lunch) | Griffin Gym (coat set-up) | 2919 N. Border St | Tyler • Help PATH set up for Coats for Kids winter coat drive • Lunch then meet PATH coordinators at Griffin Gym • Meet back at the church for parent pick-up • Visit fpctyler.com/events/smpathcoatdrive • Questions? Jenni (jmarshall@fpctyler.com/ 803-924-0576)
48th Annual Moravian Lovefeast Volunteers Needed!
The annual Lovefeast tradition began at First Presbyterian Church in the 1970s and continues to draw families from congregations and communities across the entire East Texas region to share in this Moravian service celebrating harmony and love. This candle-lit Christmas Eve service, featuring a feast of homemade sweet buns and hot cocoa, is just around the corner. The Lovefeast Team, headed by Susan Materi, is already preparing for this service. We need volunteers for serving as well as “backstage” preparations including wrapping candles (in advance), putting buns and candles in baskets (Christmas Eve morning), pouring cocoa into cups (during the service) and more. All helpers are welcome and no experience is needed. To sign up, contact Susan (susanm77025@yahoo.com /903-533-1445) or visit fpctyler.com/ events/lovefeast.
“For the Fallen”: 100 years Since WWI by Weston Jennings Director of Music and Organist Every year on November 11th, Americans observe Veterans Day and honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Until 1954, this holiday was known as Armistice Day by a Congressional Act and continues to coincide with Remembrance Day, as observed by the Commonwealth of Nations. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. It is a time to renew the original in-
tent of this public holiday: the cause of world peace. Through music and poetry, the Tyler Civic Chorale seeks to re-tell the stories of a generation of composers and writers who either lost their lives or whose lives were permanently affected by this world conflict. While much of the concert focuses on compositions of English origin, the second half features De Profundis, Op. 17 by French composer Marcel Dupré. Following the war, he found solace in both 5
Psalm 130 (Out of the depths I cry unto thee) and the traditional Requiem text, which form the foundation of De Profundis. This gripping and powerful work is ded icated to the memory of his friends lost in war.
Childr en & Youth C a lenda r
november
Sunday
Monday
KEY CM: Children's Ministry (6 weeks-5th grade) SM: Student Ministries (6th12th grade) SHSG: Senior High Small Group (9th-12th grade)
9:15 AM | Kirk Ringers
Wednesday
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ALL SAINTS' DAY (OBSERVED) DAYLIGHT SAVINGS ENDS 8:30 AM | Worship 9:15 AM | Kirk Ringers 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church 12 PM | SM: Color Powder Games 8:30 AM | Worship
Tuesday
9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church 12 PM | SM: Mission Project
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Friday
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6:30 PM | CM: First
Friday Fun!
Saturday
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5 PM | CM:
Carol Choir 6 PM | SHSG
5 PM | CM
Thursday
& SM: Pageant Casting Call (Infants - High School) 6 PM | SHSG
with PATH
8:30 AM | Worship 9:15 AM | Kirk Ringers 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship
Reminder: No SHSG! No Pageant Rehearsals!
THANKSGIVING DAY Church & Campus closed.
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY Church & Campus closed.
11 AM | Children’s Church
8:30 AM | Worship 9:30 AM | Advent Artfest 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church
5 PM | CM
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& SM: Pageant Rehearsal 6 PM | SHSG
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A special “thank you” to Azalea Academy For Exceptional Adults for assembling our weekly worship bulletin and to Marshall Ewing and his crew for assembling our “Steeple Times” monthly newsletter. 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 N ews & Events Cancelled: First Friday Fun! Kid’s Night Out!
SAVE THE DATES
Update: Friday Night Fun has been cancelled for Friday, November 2. Please make plans to join us in December.
Christmas Pageant Rehearsals November 14, 28, December 5, 9 , 12 & 16 Age 3 through grade 12 Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 16 | 11 am | Sanctuary Age 3 through grade 12 Church-wide Christmas Luncheon Sunday, December 16 | 12 pm | Fellowship Hall All are invited for this catered celebration! 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 14 | 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.
Advent Artfest Sunday, November 25 | 9:30 am | Fellowship Hall All are invited to join in the Advent Artfest as we prepare for Advent which begins on December 2nd. This time will include sharing a continental breakfast, creating college care packages, decorating Christmas cards, creating crafts for the tree or home, making music with the hand chimes, and decorating the Christmas trees in the Fellowship Hall. If you have company in town for Thanksgiving, bring them along and let them share in the fun of preparation for this special season. Visit fpctyler.com/events/adventartfest.
Tartan Fabric For Kirkin’ 2019 Deadline Approaching! The church is taking orders for tartan fabric for Kirkin’ 2019. The cost for a banner and sash is $80, payable to “FPC.” Provide the name of the tartan fabric and the version and email to Susie Holley at sholley@fpctyler.com. Hurry! Deadline to order is December 1, 2018! Visit fpctyler.com/events/kirkinfabric for more information.
SUNDAY SCHOOL / SMALL GROUP LISTING Sunday School @ 9:45 am
Small Group Schedule
faith builders
men
| Lecture & discussion M 202 | The book of Matthew | Contact: Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746 | Lecture & discussion M 205 | The Rise of Christianity | Contact: Chris Bunt (903) 531-3535 the forum
209ers | Young Adults M 209 | The Book of Forgiving | Contact: Debbie Pitts (debbiepitts@gmail.co the
| Lectionary Tuesdays | 6:30 am | Premier Flexipac | Contact: Skip Womack (903) 520-1300 or Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746 | Book &/or DVD & discussion Thursdays | 9:30 am | Conference Room | Because of Bethlehem | Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533 women
| Study & discussion M 207 | Shining the Light on Scripture | Contact: David Palady (davidpalady@ gmail.com) 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 75701-1651
return service requested
Budget & Finance. November 8 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Building & Grounds. November 12 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Diaconate. November 14 @ 5 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Governance. November 5 @ 6:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Mission. November 5 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Worship. November 6 @ 5 pm — Conference Room | A 110
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
1 Meadow Lake Bible Study. 11:45 am, Meadow Lake. 2 First Friday Fun: Kid’s Night Out. 6:30 pm, Children’s Wing. 4 All Saints Day (observed). 8:30 am & 11 am, Chapel & Sanctuary. 4 Daylight savings time ends. Set clocks back one hour! 4 Stewardship Dedication Sunday - Family of Faith in Action! 4 Student Ministries: The Color Powder Games. 12 pm, The Well. 5 Knit Wits. 1:30 pm, Panera Bread. 7 Senior High Small Group. 6 pm, Gabriel residence. 10 Steeple Times Submission Deadline. 11 Veteran’s Day. 11 Presbyterian Women Sunday Circle. 9:30 am, M 204. 11 Student Ministries: PATH Coats for Kids Set Up. 12 pm, The Well. 11 Fine Arts @ FPC: Tyler Civic Chorale Presents For the Fallen: Nov. 11th, 1918. 4 pm, Sanctuary. 13 Presbyterian Women Weekday Circle. 10 am, F 101-102. 14 Christmas Pageant Casting Call. 5 pm, Fellowship Hall. 14 Senior High Small Group. 6 pm, Gabriel residence. 16 Fine Arts @ FPC: Voices of Faith. 7 pm, Sanctuary. 17 Fine Arts @ FPC: Discover the ‘King of Instruments’. 11 am, Sanctuary. 19 Presbyterian Women’s Thank Offering & Tea. 2 pm, Chapel & F 101/102. 22-23 Church office and campus closed. Thanksgiving holidays. 25 Advent Artfest. 9:30 am, Fellowship Hall. 28 Sewing Bees. 10 am, F 104. 28 Senior High Small Group. 6 pm, Gabriel residence.
NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 683 Tyler, Texas 75701-1651
To everyone at the home of: