Steeple Times, February 2019 (Vol. 11, Issue 2) 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 2 : F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 9

Stories From Our Past by The Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin Beginning next month and continuing through next spring, I plan to use this column to recall stories from our church’s history. Some stories are from our earliest days, while others will be from our more recent past. All are meant to entertain and to inform. I hope these stories will make you laugh, think, and reflect. Why tell stories? In the first place, we are a storytelling species. We respond to stories in a way that we do not respond to bare facts. Second, stories of our past help us to learn who we are. Our past is not always our destiny, but as Shakespeare said, past is prologue. We can interact with our history, sometimes correcting past mistakes, other times learning from our forebears’ wisdom. Methodist theologian and all-around curmudgeon Stanley Hauerwas, a native Texan, once wrote an insightful article, A Tale of Two Stories: On Being a Christian and a Texan. His central claim is not that Texans are more Christian than anyone else, but that like Texans, Christians have a distinctive history that separates them from others. As he puts it, anyone from Texas who ventures to live outside the state realizes quickly that Texans are set apart. There are Texas societies in places like Washington, DC, and New York. People identify

Texans by their mannerisms and speech, and often categorize Texans as braggarts and boobs. Hauerwas’s point is that we are formed in part by our history, and Texans have a history that is different from any other state in the nation. For one thing, we are the only state to have been an independent nation in its own right prior to become a state. (There I go bragging!) But it’s not just that we have a unique history; it’s that our history tends to shape us. Former General Assembly moderator and Texan Marj Carpenter used to live in Louisville, Kentucky, where she was a writer for the Presbyterian News Service. She used to host an annual party on San Jacinto Day in her home. But on the invitations, she wouldn’t put the date of the party, figuring that if you didn’t know when San Jacinto Day is, you didn’t belong at the party. (For non-native Texans, San Jacinto Day celebrates the Texan army’s defeat of the Mexican army in April 21, 1836.) We have a history at FPC that is probably similar to hundreds of other churches’ histories. But there are distinctive elements of our history that we should remember. Young adults and parents of a certain age will remember the sage advice of the lion king Mufasa to his young and confused son Simba: “Remember who you are.” Good advice even for us.

i n t h i s i s s u e | H I GH LI GHT S & F E ATU RE S Host Families Needed | pg 2 Fine Arts @ FPC is seeking homestay for the evening of Monday, March 18 for boys and men.

January Mini Mission | pg 5 FPC’s youth went on a “Mini-Mission” in January, helping the East Texas Food Bank.

4-Week Sermon Series| pg 7 Join us for four Sundays before Lent as Dr. Baskin explores the dimensions of anger. 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!

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18) Thanks, I needed that! Has praying for peace ever seemed like an impossible cause? Is “world peace” just pie-in-the-sky stuff? I can see where it would be easy to feel that way, with all of the political unrest, infighting, and personal attacks we hear so much these days. We could easily throw up our hands and say, “What’s the use? I’m just one person; what can I possibly do to help?” But this scripture is a great source of encouragement. What better place to start than right here, right now, one-toone. As far as it depends on us, let us strive to live at peace with everyone. Thanks be to God for his holy word.

Membership Updates New Members Join us in welcoming our newest members: • John & Madeleine Ross • Jim & Allison Kitchen

(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.)

Presbyterian Women News Congratulations to FPC’s Julie Launey who is the new Grace Presbyterian Women (PW) Cluster Leader for East Texas areas three and four. A Cluster Leader provides support and program resources to Presbyterian Women in the congregations assigned to her by being in regular contact with them. Julie will provide a direct link between PW in these churches and the coordinating team of PW in Grace Presbytery. Julie’s first meeting was November 10, 2018 with women of FPC, Commerce, Texas.

Seeking Host Families for Saint Thomas Choir on March 18th In March, Fine Arts @ FPC will welcome the world-famous Choir of Saint Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, and in preparation for their visit FPC’s Director of Music and Organist, Weston Jennings, will be arranging homestay for the evening of Monday, March 18 for 20 boys and 12 men. Those able to host either boys or men on that date should contact Weston Jennings at wjennings@fpctyler.com. Make plans to attend the concert on March 18, as it promises to be an amazing experience with these talented musicians. For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/stchoir.

Lenten Study Groups First Presbyterian Church will be offering materials for Lenten study groups again this year. If you are interested in hosting or leading a group during your Sunday morning class or other group time, contact Phyllis Kidwell, director of christian education (pkidwell@fpctyler.com). The church will provide information selected for a group study and for individuals who choose a devotional study to complete on their own.

s a v e t h e d a t e | M A R C H 2 0 19 Mardi Gras for Missions | March 5

FA @ FPC - St. Thomas Choir | March 18

Fine Arts @ FPC | March 23

Gumbo cook-off, parade, silent auction, king cakes—the whole bit. Join us!

Be sure not to miss this world-class choir’s only performance in East Texas!

Discover the ‘King of Instruments’ with an organ demonstration.

M O N T H LY E V E N T H I G H L I G H T S Pancakes with a Side of Mission

Theology on Tap

Sunday, February 3 | 8 am | Fellowship Hall

Tuesday, February 12 | 6:30 pm | True Vine Brewing Co. | 2453 Earl Campbell Parkway | Tyler Based on your responses, our discussion topic will be Anne Lamott’s latest book, Almost Everything: Notes on Hope. We’ll be discussing the Prelude and Chapters 1-3. Need help finding a copy of the book? Contact Jenni (jmarshall@fpctyler.com/803924-0576). Need childcare for the event? Contact Phyllis at pkidwell@fpctyler.com. For all adults age 21 and older. For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/theologyontap.

Free, donations accepted

Join the Men of the Church for the 8th Annual Bill Wagoner Memorial Super Bowl Sunday Pancake Breakfast. All are invited. Breakfast sausage, fruit, coffee and orange juice will also be served. Donations will be accepted in memory of Bill Wagoner for Camp Gilmont. For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/pancakes.

Caring Basics Training Sunday, February 10 | 12:15 pm | Anderson Room Join the deacons for lunch and a discussion led by the Rev. Pamela Leach on how to hone our caring skills as individuals and as a fellowship of believers working together to let all God’s children know they are loved. All are welcome. Lunch provided. To RSVP, visit fpctyler.com/events/ caring or contact Susan Materi (susanm77025@yahoo. com/713-828-3249).

Fine Arts @ FPC Intimate Letters: The Verona Quartet Thursday, February 14 | 7 pm | Sanctuary Free Admission

Hailed by The New York Times as an “outstanding ensemble,” the Verona Quartet have quickly earned a stellar reputation as one of the most compelling young quartets in chamber music today for their “interpretive strength…robust characterization [and] commanding resonance”. Visit fpctyler.com/events/veronaquartet for more information.

Fine Arts Presentation of Silly Strings Brings Families of All Ages to FPC On Thursday January 10, Fine Arts @ FPC welcomed Kent Williams and Alex Poole from Le Theatre de Marionette for two performances of their fast-paced and engaging puppet show: Silly Strings. With a variety of handmade puppet characters including Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Clyde the Cowboy, and many others, fun was had by families and folks of all ages. At the end of the show children had a chance to practice their own puppet skills and to learn from the pros.

Many in attendance at Silly Strings were very impressed with the talent of the puppet masters. “It was super-fun for young kids! They included the audience, asked for volunteers and gave a hands-on demonstration, letting the kids hold the puppets and move the strings. It was very educational explaining what a marionette puppet was and telling the story of Pinocchio. They made everyone feel up close and personal with the puppets. A good time was had by all,” said visitor Toni Halbrooks. 3

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

PATH is collecting canned soup. 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.

Monday, February 4 | 1:30 pm | 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.

MARDI GRAS FOR MISSIONS 2019 Date: Tuesday, March 5 Time: 6 – 7:30pm Place: Fellowship Hall Childcare provided Laissez les bons temps rouler!

The Mission Committee invites you to celebrate Mardi Gras and help raise funds and awareness for our church’s chosen local and global mission partners. FPC’s gumbo chefs will provide their “award-winning” gumbos (seafood, chicken and vegetarian). There will be a children’s buffet, beignets and king cakes. Midway through the event, guests are invited to join the parade led by the Caldwell Elementary Brass Band. Decorate a bike, wagon, or float and join in the fun. Families will be entertained with an assortment of activities. This year’s auction will include “experiences” that will benefit serveral local and global missions, so don’t forget to your checkbooks! Volunteers are needed! Provide a gumbo dish, help with setup or donate an “experience.” To volunteer, contact Ginny Mattox, (virginiamattox1@gmail.com/903-504-5016). Visit fpctyler.com/events/mardi-gras to RSVP.

Analysis of Revenues & Expenses December 2018 Summary

MTD Actual YTD Actual

Stay in the Know

YTD Budget

Revenues

$154,630

$605,963

$496,812

Expenses

$87,364

$552,034

$568,397

Net Total

$67,266

$53,929

($71,585)

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

Youth Group

Senior High Youth Connection (SHYC)

Wednesday, February 6, 13, 20, and 27 | 6 pm | Gabriel residence Calling all Muggles and Magical folk alike! Our focus will be the “Sorcerer’s Stone” chapters in The Gospel According to Harry Potter by Connie Neal. The discussions will be led by both Jenni and the youth. Questions? Contact Jenni (jmarshall@fpctyler.com/803-924-0576) or visit fpctyler. com/events/youthgroup.

February 1-3 | Austin College | Sherman, Texas Seven of FPC’s youth will be taking part in SHYC. Our theme is “We’re All in This Together!” based on the words of Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” This will be a powerful time of community-building and faith formation, and a major emphasis will be a mission project to support the Soup Mobile, an outreach for the homeless in the Dallas area. Keep our youth and all SHYC attendees in your prayers as they enjoy this weekend and also do meaningful ministry together. Contact Jenni (jmarshall@fpctyler. com/803-924-0576) or visit fpctyler.com/events/shyc.

Souper Bowl of Caring 2019 Collection ends Sunday, February 10 Souper Bowl of Caring 2019 is underway at FPC! Let’s keep those donations coming in, because we have a little friendly competition from other East Texas Presbyterian churches! Bring your donations to the collection box near the main floor elevator of the Fellowship Hall or to the collection box for your Sunday School class or small group. The last day for collections is Sunday, February 10. Let’s fight to end hunger in our community! Visit fpctyler.com/events/souper-bowl.

Youth Summer Camp at Camp Gilmont Summer Camp 2019 at Gilmont has opened registration for this summer! Check out camp dates and note specialty camps, traditional weeks and two sessions of Adventure Camp in 2019! For more information on conferences and registration, visit gilmont.org/retreats.

January Mini-Mission

The youth of FPC went on a “Mini-Mission” on January 4! They helped East Texas Food Bank with their produce drop at the fairgrounds, and their efforts reached eighty-eight families in our community. Way to go, FPC Youth! And also special thanks to Casey Johnson and Skip Womack for helping to lead this mission! 5

Childr en & Youth C a lenda r

february

Sunday

KEY CM: Children's Ministry (6 weeks5th grade) SM: Student Ministries (6th-12th grade) 8:30 AM | Worship 9:10 AM | Kirk Ringers

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

6:30 PM | First

Friday Fun SHYC Group Departs

9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship

Saturday

SHYC

5 PM | CM:

Carol Choir 6 PM | Youth Group

11 AM | Children’s Church SHYC Group Returns

Carol Choir 6 PM | Youth Group

11 AM | Children’s Church

8:30 AM | Worship 9:10 AM | Kirk Ringers

Carol Choir 6 PM | Youth

9:45 AM | Sunday School

Group

11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church

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!

Attention Parents – Grandparents – Caregivers!

Friday, February 1 | 6:30 pm | Children’s Wing The focus for First Friday Fun this month will be on sharing God’s love with our families and friends, taking scripture from 1 Corinthians, chapter 13. We will be making crafts and playing new games together. RSVP via the church website (fpctyler.com/events/firstfriday). Questions? Contact Phyllis Kidwell, director of christian education (pkidwell@fpctyler.com/903-597-6317).

Childcare is available for Theology on Tap attendee’s children 6 weeks to 5th grade (with prior registration). A simple dinner will be provided. Theology on Tap is currently scheduled for the second Tuesday of each month (see page 3 and below for time and location). Plan ahead for a fun time for everyone by calling, texting or emailing Phyllis Kidwell (pkidwell@fpctyler.com/903-681-5504) to register.

A Look Back At Christmas Celebrations Our Christmas pageant and Family Christmas Eve service were really meaningful this year. Thanks to all the parents, grandparents and members who helped make the pageant special. Wasn’t it great to hear our singers and pianist, Dr. Zach Marshall, Dr. Jenni Marshall, Dr. Stuart Baskin, Abigail Franzen, Mitten Griffith and Steve Simmons? The Kirk Ringers and the Carol Choir added so much to the pageant. We so appreciate their leaders, and their willingness to add to our programs in such a special way.

4-Week Sermon Series: What Good Is Anger?

Sundays, February 3, 10, 17 & 24 | 8:30 & 11 am | Chapel & Sanctuary Join us on these Sundays before Lent as we explore anger and what place it has - if any - in the life of Christian faith. Dr. Stuart Baskin will explore Biblical dimensions of anger against the backdrop of a world filled with anger. For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/sermonseries.

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)

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

return service requested

Budget & Finance. February 14 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Building & Grounds. February 11 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Diaconate. February 13 @ 5 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Governance. February 4 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Mission. February 11 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Session. February 19 @ 7 pm — M 207

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

1 First Friday Fun: Kids Night Out. 6:30 pm, Children’s Wing. 1-3 Women’s Retreat at Camp Gilmont, Gilmont, TX. 1-3 SHYC. Austin College. Sherman, TX. 3 Communion Sunday. 8:30 & 11 am, Chapel & Sanctuary. 3 Sermon Series on Anger. 8:30 & 11 am, Chapel & Sanctuary. 3 8th Annual Bill Wagoner Memorial Pancake Breakfast. 8 am, Fellowship Hall. 3 Gateway Class. 9:45 am, M 102. 4 Knit Wits. 1:30 pm, Panera Bread. 6 Youth Group. 6 pm, Gabriel Residence. 7 Meadow Lake Bible Study. 11:45 am, Meadow Lake. 10 Souper Bowl of Caring. Campus-wide 10 Sermon Series on Anger. 8:30 & 11 am, Chapel & Sanctuary. 10 Presbyterian Women Sunday Circle. 9:30 am, M 204. 10 Gateway Class. 9:45 am, M 102. 10 Caring Basics Training. 12:15 pm, Anderson Room. 10 Steeple Times Submission Deadline. 12 Presbyterian Women Tuesday Circle. 10 am, F 101-102. 12 Theology on Tap. 6:30 pm, True Vine Brewing Co. 13 Youth Group. 6 pm, Gabriel Residence. 14 Fine Arts @ FPC - Intimate Letters: The Verona Quartet. 7 pm, Sanctuary 17 Sermon Series on Anger. 8:30 & 11 am, Chapel & Sanctuary. 20 Youth Group. 6 pm, Gabriel Residence. 24 Sermon Series on Anger. 8:30 & 11 am, Chapel & Sanctuary. 27 Youth Group. 6 pm, Gabriel Residence.

FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS

Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 683 Tyler, Texas 75701-1651

To everyone at the home of: