Steeple Times, January 2019 (Vo. 14, Issue 1) by FPC Tyler

M o n t h l y N e w s f r o m F P C Ty l e r • Vo l u m e 1 1 , I s s u e 1 : J a n u a r y 2 0 1 9

Let the Conversation Begin by The Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin Is it too obvious to say that anniversaries are important occasions? They provide us with a number of possibilities and opportunities. They can be a time to stop and reflect on where we’ve been and what we’ve done. They are almost always a time to celebrate. When an anniversary marks a milestone in the life of an institution, it provides us with an opportunity to give thanks for those who came before us and entrusted the institution to our care. And it provides us an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the basic mission of the institution. This new year marks an important milestone in the life of our church. In December of 1869, a small group of Presbyterians in the still relatively new town of Tyler begin to meet together. The next year, on April 3, 1870, the Presbytery of Eastern Texas formally chartered the group as a congregation. This means that we are on the cusp of celebrating our 150th anniversary, our sesquicentennial, as a congregation. Officially we celebrate our sesquicentennial in 2020, but since we trace our earliest roots to the meetings of those Presbyterians in 1869, this year, 2019, marks the beginning of our sesquicentennial celebrations.

Congregations do a whole variety of things to celebrate anniversaries. Some produce written histories of the church, as we did for our 125th anniversary in 1995. Nearly every church marks the occasion with a special service of worship, sometimes including a hymn commissioned for the occasion. Some churches collect funds for a major outreach effort in the church’s name. Others put together a program with skits depicting important people and events in the church’s life. Whatever else a church chooses to do to mark the occasion, the single most important element is to retell the stories that make the church what it is. Every group of people is defined by a common history. Our church has a distinct set of stories, some of which are part of a written record, and some of which exist in the memories of our members. Whatever we decide to do to mark our sesquicentennial, let us begin simply by sharing our memories with one another. I have a sneaky suspicion that these conversations will generate ideas about how best to mark this important milestone in our common life. Let the conversation begin!

i n t h i s i s s u e | H I GH LI GHT S & F E ATU RE S Chancel Flowers for 2019 | pg 2 Many dates for 2019 to donate flowers are available. Call the church office today to reserve your date.

Thanks to our Volunteers! | pg 3 A special “thank you” to all who helped with the Special Friends Christmas Party.

Souper Bowl of Caring | pg 5 Help the youth collect canned goods and monetary donations for local charities. 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

We are thankful for FPC’s Prayer Team. The prayer team faithfully gathers weekly to pray not only for those listed in the bulletin but also for the many confidential requests given to them through the request cards in the pew racks as well as those made known to them through the church staff. To these names they add concerns for our community, country, and world. Often they follow up on requests asking for updates so that they can pray specifically for the needs before them - always lifting these concerns before the One who is able to meet our every need and sustain us through every trial. What a blessing our Prayer Team is to FPC! Thank you!

“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings.” Hebrews 10:22 Happy 2019! I recently read somewhere the most wonderful idea for the New Year...start it off on your knees! What a concept. We have all heard of ringing in the New Year, and that is what many of us do. But the image of bringing it in on my knees is a powerful one.

Office Closed for the January Holidays

The writer of Hebrews encourages us to “draw near to God”; don’t you know it would be pleasing to God to see us “on our knees”, or in any prayerful position, as we thank Him for yet another New Year.

The office and campus will be closed on Tuesday, January 1 in observance of New Year’s Day and Monday, January 21 in observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Holiday.

Ordination and Installation of Officers

(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.)

Join us for our annual installation and ordination of officers for First Presbyterian Church on Sunday, January 13 at the 11 a.m. service in the Sanctuary.

Women’s Retreat at Gilmont Camp February 1-3 | Gilmont Camp and Conference Center Women’s Retreat begins at 5 pm and concludes before noon on Sunday, February 3. Contact Martha Oates (marthaoates@yahoo.com/903-509-4781) for more information.

Chancel Flowers for 2019 Many dates for 2019 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 the church office (903-597-6317) to reserve your date.

Pledge Cards for 2019 Did you miss Pledge Dedication Sunday? It’s not too late for you and your family to be part of FPC’s plan for the coming year. Pick up a pledge card from one of the foyers or the church office. Your generous support makes this congregation a vibrant place of ministry, mission, and fellowship. Thank you to our FPC youth and volunteers for a fun time of caroling recently. We visited some of our FPC friends at Garden Estates and spread Christmas cheer through song (right).

s a v e t h e d a t e | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 19 First Friday Fun Returns | Feb 1

Fine Arts @ FPC - Verona Quartet | Feb 14

Souper Bowl of Caring | Feb 10

Kids’ night out for infants–grade 5. RSVP required.

This performance is certain to bring the affairs of the heart into focus.

The winners of our Souper Bowl of Caring will be announced!

M O N T H LY E V E N T H I G H L I G H T S Presbyterian Women Work Day & Soup Lunch

Fine Arts @ FPC - Silly Strings

Saturday, January 5 | 10 am | Fellowship Hall All women of the church are invited to the PW project day. The project day starts with mission and ends with fun. We will take down the Chrismon trees, work in the kitchen, polish silver serving dishes and write notes to our shut-in members. This workday includes a soup luncheon. Visit fpctyler.com/events/ pw-2 for more information.

Thursday, January 10 | 1 pm & 7 pm | Fellowship Hall Free Admission

Join Le Theatre de Marionette for a fun musical variety show presenting several of their entertaining and unique handmade puppets including clowns, roller skaters, jugglers, dancing skeletons, teddy bears, Michael Jackson, and even Elvis. Visit fpctyler.com/events/sillystrings for more information.

Theology on Tap

Fine Arts @ FPC - Jazz Brunch Featuring The George Faber Trio

Tuesday, January 8 | 6:30 pm | True Vine Brewing Co. | 2453 Earl Campbell Parkway | Tyler Join us to talk about life and faith, while enjoying the food trucks and the variety of delicious brews (responsibly, of course) that True Vine has to offer. For all adults age 21 and older. Questions? Jenni Marshall (jmarshall@fpctyler.com/803-924-0576). For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/theologyontap.

Sunday, January 27 | 12:15 pm | Fellowship Hall Suggested donation of $10

The unique rhythmic language of jazz encapsulates something essentially human, at once championing both the individual and the collective. Celebrate this rich musical history with us at a special jazz brunch featuring the George Faber Trio. RSVP by January 23 at noon to fpctyler.com/ events/jazzbrunch.

A Big Thank You From Bettie Clancy and Florrie Wallace Thank you to all of you who helped with the Special Friends Christmas Party! Whether you drew a name and shopped for someone, baked homemade cookies, brought cookies, served refreshments, or sang Christmas carols, THANK YOU. We would especially like to thank: •

Ginny Mattox for helping to organize this event;

•

Karen Novy who was in charge of the refreshments;

•

Jim Novy who played a big part of this party and Santa “thanks” him;

•

Ruth Hardy who played the piano (which we all enjoyed so much!); and

•

Patty McKinney, Jan Carpenter, and Patti Kirkpatrick who led the singing and had so much fun interacting with our friends.

We also had elves help serve the refreshments and help Santa with passing out the gifts. We had some of our newest members of the church help this year and it was a blessing for all of us. This party is a highlight of the Christmas season for the recipients and they look forward to it all year. On behalf of all our “special friends” - “thank you for our gifts and the love you have shown to us”. Our church has a reputation of being so generous and wonderful and we could not do it without each of you. Thank you for opening your hearts and welcoming our friends.

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)

Sewing Bees—Sewing with a Mission

PATH is collecting soup and oatmeal. 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. Additionally, as the weather turns colder, many clients are faced with the decision to heat or eat. Blankets are an inexpensive way to keep warm and save on utility costs. Your donation can be brought to the PATH crates as well. For information, visit pathhelps.org.

Date & Time: TBA Connect with sewing buffs of all ages and levels of expertise while helping others in need. For more information, group contact is Mollie Bobo (903-530-2772).

SAVE THE DATE: Mardi Gras For Missions 2019 Tuesday, March 5 | 5:30 pm | Fellowship Hall Benefiting our mission programs, the Mission Committee is sponsoring its 5th Annual Mardi Gras For Missions Celebration. Save the date and look for details to follow. If interested in assisting with planning, please contact Ginny Mattox at virginiamattox1@gmail.com.

Knit Wits—Knitters Unite for Camp Ministry Monday, January 7 | 11 am | Panera Bread | 5755 S Broadway | 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. Plan to have lunch and knit. Group contact is Pat Cryer (903-561-5242). Visit fpctyler.com/ events/knitwits.

Presbyterian Women Present Quilt Square Presbyterian Women (PW) presented their First Presbyterian Church of Tyler quilt square (left), designed and executed by PW member Rebecca Reudiger, at the Fall 2018 Gathering Retreat held at Gilmont Camp and Conference Center. Squares from all churches in the Presbytery will be combined to make a quilt that will be donated to Presbyterian Homes and Children’s Services.

Analysis of Revenues & Expenses October 2018 Summary

MTD Actual YTD Actual

Stay in the Know

YTD Budget

Revenues

$122,365

$451,333

$353,930

Expenses

$97,752

$464,670

$467,584

Net Total

$24,613

($13,337)

($113,654)

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 (npollard@fpctyler.com/903-597-6317) 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

Second Saturday

Souper Bowl of Caring 2019

Saturday, January 12 | 5 pm | The Well Join us for an experiential worship gathering for youth, college, and young adults (see below). Our January Second Saturday will focus on “Following the Star” as we enter the season of Epiphany. For more information, contact Jenni (jmarshall@fpctyler.com/803-924-0576) or visit fpctyler. com/events/secondsaturday.

Collection starts January 20 January 20 begins the Souper Bowl of Caring competition with the Sunday School classes. Last year, FPC collected 12,200 canned goods and non-perishable items! With those donations, PATH fed 440 families in Smith County. Let’s do it again! The chuch group that collects the most items will win a catered breakfast served by the youth. We CAN do this! Visit fpctyler.com/events/souper-bowl.

Youth Group (Formerly SHSG) Wednesday, January 16 & 30 | 6 pm | Gabriel residence Wednesday, January 23 | 6 pm | iJump Tyler | 2029 Capital Dr. New things for a new year! Instead of Senior High Small Group (SHSG), this gathering will be - simply put - Youth Group! All youth, grades 6 through 12, are invited. The food, the fun, the fellowship will all be the same. Contact Jenni (jmarshall@fpctyler. com/803-924-0576) or visit fpctyler.com/events/youthgroup.

Senior High Youth Connection (SHYC) Meeting Sunday, January 27 | 12 pm | The Well All youth attending SHYC and their parents – join us for a brief meeting to plan for SHYC, scheduled for Feburary 1-3. A light lunch will be provided. Contact Jenni (jmarshall@fpctyler. com/803-924-0576) or visit fpctyler.com/events/shyc.

We CAN Do It! Souper Bowl of Caring 2019 by Jennifer Marshall Associate Pastor, Student Ministries It’s time for Souper Bowl of Caring 2019! This amazing time of sharing began in 1990 with churches in Columbia, South Carolina, with a single prayer: “Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us to be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat.” Over the past few decades, this outreach effort has grown into a nationally recognized movement that raises

millions each year to benefit those in need. FPC has a great souper bowl history itself, with last year’s event being the biggest yet by collecting 12,200 canned goods and non-perishable items! So, let’s do it again. Souper Bowl 2019 collections begin on Sunday, January 20. A general collection box for canned goods will be stationed near the main floor elevator in the Fellowship Hall. Sunday School classes and other small groups are also invited to set up their

own collection boxes. These groups will compete for the most donations, and the grand prize will be a breakfast of the group’s choice served by the FPC Youth. The winner will be announced in worship during our Souper Bowl of Caring celebration on Sunday, February 10. If you are a Sunday School or small group leader, and would like to take part...or if you would like more information, contact Jenni (jmarshall@ fpctyler.com/803-924-0576) or visit fpctyler.com/events/souper-bowl.

Student Ministries Invites Youth Thru Young Adults to Second Saturday All youth, college, and young adults are invited to a new time of experiential worship: Second Saturday! Our first gathering will be on Saturday, January 12, from 5-6 p.m., in The Well. • What it’s not: a worship service. • What it is: a time when individuals can interact with God’s Word at their own pace and in a variety of creative ways. The next Second Saturday will take place on February 9, the second Saturday in February (get it?!?). For more information, contact Jenni (jmarshall@fpctyler.com/803-924-0576) or visit fpctyler.com/events/secondsaturday. 5

Childr en & Youth C a lenda r

january

Sunday

KEY CM: Children's Ministry (6 weeks5th grade) SM: Student Ministries (6th-12th grade)

5 PM | CM:

5:30 PM | CM

Team Meeting

Wednesday

Carol Choir

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1 PM | Fine Arts

@ FPC: Silly Strings 7 PM | Fine Arts @ FPC: Silly Strings

5 PM | SM:

Second Saturday

6 PM | Youth

Group

9:10 AM | Kirk Ringers

NEW YEAR’S DAY HOLIDAY Church & Campus closed

Tuesday

Monday

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING HOLIDAY Church & Campus closed.

5 PM | CM:

Carol Choir 6 PM | Youth

Group | iJump Tyler

9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship

5 PM | CM:

Carol Choir 6 PM | Youth Group

11 AM | Children’s Church 12 PM | SM: SHYC

Meeting/Lunch FPC: Jazz

12:15 PM | Fine Arts @

Brunch

A special “thank you” to Azalea Academy For Exceptional Adults for assembling our weekly worship bulletin and to Marshall Ewing and his amazing 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.

Children’s Ministry N ews & Events First Friday Fun! Kids Night Out! Friday, February 1 | 6:30 pm | Children’s Wing First Friday Fun will not meet in January, but will resume on Friday, February 1 from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. RSVP via the church website (fpctyler.com/events/firstfriday) by Tuesday, January 29. Plan now for February, March and April! Questions? Contact Phyllis Kidwell, director of christian education (pkidwell@fpctyler.com/903-597-6317).

Thanks to Pete Houting for taking pictures of our cast and crew hard at work during practice of our Christmas pageant production of “The Night The Animals Sang” (left and below).

Christmas Pageant Thank You! Our Christmas Pageant, The Night The Animals Sang, was a lot of fun. Thanks to the Kirk Ringers who were directed by Laura Swartz. The Carol Choir leaders, Margaret Bjork and Ruth Hardy, were a big help during both the rehearsals and the pageant. They say it takes a village, and what a village we have serving our infants and children in this ministry! The Christmas luncheon following the pageant was a big success. We shared a wonderful meal, and children decorated cookies while they waited for the adults to finish their meals. The ending was a highlight — a tradition here at FPC Tyler. Dr. Baskin read the children a story, Twas the Night Before Christmas! and off they went with a little gift from the church.

SUNDAY SCHOOL / SMALL GROUP LISTING Sunday School @ 9:45 am

Small Group Schedule

faith builders

men

209ers | Young Adults M 209 | The Book of Forgiving | Contact: Debbie Pitts (debbiepitts@gmail.com) the

| Study & discussion M 207 | Shining the Light on Scripture | Contact: David Palady (davidpalady@ gmail.com) westminster

theology on tap | Study & discussion

Second Tuesday of the month | 6:30 pm | True Vine Brewing Co. | Contact: Jenni Marshall (803) 924-0576 7

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 (campuswide) 11:00 a.m. Service (Sanctuary)

Budget & Finance. January 10 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Building & Grounds. January 14 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Diaconate. January 9 @ 5 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Governance. January 7 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Mission. January 14 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Session. January 15 @ 7 pm — M 207 Trustees. January 22 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Worship. January 8 @ 5 pm — Conference Room | A 110

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

1 New Year’s Day. Happy New Year! (office & buildings closed) 3 Meadow Lake Bible Study. 11:45 am, Meadow Lake. 5 Presbyterian Women Work Day & Soup Luncheon. 10 am, Fellowship Hall. 7 Knit Wits. 11 am, Panera Bread. 8 Presbyterian Women Weekday Circle. 10 am, F 101-102. 8 Theology on Tap. 6:30 pm, True Vine Brewing Co. 10 Fine Arts @ FPC: Silly Strings. 1 & 7 pm, Fellowship Hall. 12 Second Saturday. 5 pm, The Well. 13 Presbyterian Women Sunday Circle. 9:30 am, M 204. 13 Officer Installation. 11 am service, Sanctuary. 15 Steeple Times Submission Deadline. 16 Youth Group. 6 pm, Gabriel residence. 18 Officer retreat. 5 pm, The Hill Room. 19 Officer retreat. 9 am, The Hill Room. 20 Souper Bowl of Caring Collection begins. Campuswide. 21 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (office & buildings closed) 23 Youth Group. 6 pm, iJump Tyler. 27 Fine Arts @ FPC: Jazz Brunch. 12:15 pm, Fellowship Hall. 27 SHYC Meeting. 12 pm, The Well. 30 Youth Group. 6 pm, Gabriel residence.

JANUARY HIG HLIG HTS

Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage

230 W. Rusk Street, Tyler, TX 75701-1651

PAID

return service requested

Permit No. 683 Tyler, Texas 75701-1651

To everyone at the home of: