Steeple Times, Aug. 2018 (Vol. 13, Issue 8) 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 3 , I s s u e 8 : A u g u s t 2 0 1 8

The 223rd General Assembly - What a joy! by Phyllis Kidwell Director of Christian Education I had the privilege of attending the 223rd General Assembly in St Louis, MO, this year, along with 537 other commissioners from 170 presbyteries. The 8-day meeting started on Saturday, June 16 and went at a fast speed from there through the ending worship on Saturday, June 23. For me, the highlight of our time was spent in worship. We heard various preachers from around the country and learned about the church in a way that emphasized our diversity. The new Book of Common worship brought new liturgy that was used and emphasized throughout the services. Each plenary session began with guitar music and singing, other times we heard small choirs, instrumentalists and vocalists. It was a very inspiring way to stay focused on the Holy Spirit guiding our work. One of the more interesting things we did was elect new leadership for the General Assembly. At the 222nd General Assembly, two moderators were elected to serve as Co-Moderators. These two, Rev. Denise Anderson and Rev. Jan Edmiston worked tirelessly throughout their two-year term. I had the privilege of hearing them at the Mid Council Moderator’s Conference last October and that is where I learned about the scope of their work. Then, on a trip to Jordan, Israel and Palestine, our group worked and worshiped with Rev. Anderson while

she attended a conference in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Seeing her there turned a national perspective to a global one. For our consideration, there were three groups of candidates. One was the more traditional moderator; vice-moderator combination and two were co-moderator candidates. After much debate and several votes, we elected Ruling Elder Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri (Presbytery of Tropical Florida) and the Rev. Cindy Kohlmann (Presbyteries of Boston and Northern New England) on the fourth vote. After the election, we were taught to salsa dance by Vilmarie and a few of her friends. The crowd was enthused with her style, music and dance. The co-moderators managed the meeting very well and kept us on track (for the most part). The committee work was also important as ten committees met to discuss the specific overtures brought to the assembly in the preceding two years. Some had many overtures and some as few as five. I served on the Mid-councils Committee which was very diverse and well run. We were able to complete our work in the two days allotted thanks to a subcommittee that worked hard to prepare a response to two overtures before us. Our response was later adopted by the assembly which was affirming. The previous GA created the Way Forward Commission “to discern the vision for continued on page 2.

i n t h i s i s s u e | H I GH LI GHT S & F E ATU RE S Meet & Greet Yaya! | pg 3

ET Youth Mission Trip | pg 5

PW Gears Up For Fall | pg 7

Join us for a meet and greet with coffee, juice and pastries!

Looking through the lens of the ET Youth Mission trip.

Mark your calendar now for upcoming Presbyterian Women events. 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!

We are thankful for Leslie Couch-Finlay. Leslie currently serves as the Director of the Potter House and is a member of the Mission Committee. Previously, she has worked with the Youth Mission Committee, PW Sunday Morning Circle and served as a Lovefeast volunteer for FPC. She is very active with the local Boy Scouts chapter, attending Camp Philmont almost every summer! Leslie, you are a blessing to our church - THANK YOU for all you do at FPC!

PRAYERFULLY SPEAKING from the FPC Prayer Team Some time ago, we talked about using the Psalms as a guide for prayer. One of the many benefits of praying the Psalms is the sustenance they provide. Author Alyson Kieda writes, “We see God’s loving care and provision for His people throughout the bible. A quick look at the Psalms confirms it. In Psalm 23 we read: ‘Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.’ And Psalm 55:22 tells us to ‘cast [our] cares on the Lord and He will sustain [us].’ Likewise, Psalm 91 assures us that God is our refuge and even commands His angels to guard us.”

Membership Updates

New Members Join us in welcoming our newest members: • Jesse Leos • Steve Hellmuth Wedding Congratulations to Richard Kuna and Patti McElligott on their June 23 nuptials. Births Welcome into our congregation: Beckham Lynn, daughter of Brent and Amy Beverley, born June 18. Deaths Condolences to the family of our FPC member who entered the Church Triumphant: Allene Carey Files.

Cares weighing you down? Find refuge and sustenance through prayer, especially through the Psalms. (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.)

FPC Officer Nominations

Regular Sunday Schedule Returns August 5

The Officer Nominating Committee welcomes suggestions you may have for persons to serve as elders, deacons (both on the Board of Deacons and as Individually Commissioned Deacons), and trustees. There is also a slot for a three-year appointment to the Nominating Committee itself. You will find suggestion forms in the pew racks. Simply fill out the card and drop it in the offering plate.

8:30 am | Worship in the Chapel 9:15 am | Coffee Fellowship in the Hill Room 9:45 am | Sunday School Classes are campus-wide 11 am | Worship in the Sanctuary. Children’s Church will meet following Time with Children.

Have you heard? The Rev. Pam Leach and Phyllis Kidwell, Director of Christian Education, will continue to assist with the youth program. Rev. Leach will plan and lead our youth group fellowship times on Sunday afternoons and will work with Phyllis to provide lessons for Senior High Small Groups on Wednesday nights.

Welcome Katy Davis! Katy Davis is joining us to lead our middle school and high school students in Sunday School this fall. Katy is planning some interesting ideas to help our students learn more about their relationship with God and one another.

“The 223rd General Assembly - What a joy!” continued from page 1.

structure and function of our denomination.” We heard reports from this commission and from the 2020 Visioning Team, which includes a teaching elder from Grace Presbytery, Rev. Lisa Perkins who serves in Sherman, Texas. Both groups have done countless hours of work on evaluating our denomination and assisting leaders to see, literally, the way forward. The strongest message from these groups is that the church is alive, well and moving into the future to serve our Triune God.

s a ve t he dat e | SEPTEMBER 2 018 First Friday Fun! | September 7 Friday Fun Night! Kids’ night out returns for infants—grade 5. RSVP required.

ETYC | September 14—16 The youth will focus on praising God “Day to Day” in all we do! 2

PW Fall Gathering | Sept. 25 Join women of the church for a fall program and fellowship.

M O N T H LY E V E N T H I G H L I G H T S Wonderful Wednesday Night Suppers

Meet & Greet Yaya Velasquez Saturday, August 4 | 10 am | Hill Room Please join the Mission Committee in a “Meet & Greet.” Coffee, juice, and pastries will be provided. See below for more information. Visit fpctyler.com/events/meetandgreet.

Presbyterian Women Circles Begin in September

Presbyterian Women (PW) Circles will begin meeting in September to provide opportunities for Bible study, fellowship, and mission. 2nd Sunday 9:30 am M 206 Moderator: Ginny Mattox Begins on September 9 2nd Tuesday 10:00 am F 101-102 Moderator: Judy Schmoker Begins on September 11 The title of our 2018—19 PW Bible Study is “God’s Promise: I Am with You.” The Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin will serve as Bible Moderator for both circles. This study will take us on a journey through scripture to consider circumstances in which God articulated His promise of presence and comfort both to individuals and to communities. Study guides will be available at the September Circle meetings. Plan now to attend the PW Circle of your choice.

Meet & Greet Yaya Velasquez Saturday, August 4

10 a.m.

The Hill Room

FPC’s Mission Committee has approved that our church enters into partnership with 28 other Grace Presbytery congregations to contribute toward the expenses related to the college education for Eulalia (Yaya) Velasquez at Schreiner University. A native of Huejotitan, a humble village in Mexico, Yaya recently graduated from the Presbyterian Pan American School in Kingsville, Texas. In line with the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s endeavor to “Educate a Child: Transform the World,” the goal of this partnership is to provide quality education to children around the world as a means of alleviating poverty, especially for women and children. Upon graduation from Schreiner, Yaya intends to return to her native village and work with the community. Yaya and several members of the partnership will be at FPC-Tyler on Saturday, August 4. All are invited to join the Mission Committee for coffee, juice, and pastries. 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)

Sewing Bees — Sewing with a Mission

Throughout the warm weather months, PATH is collecting new box fans to give to people in need. Not only do the fans help people stay cool, but they can cut utility costs. You may donate a fan in one of two ways. At Home Depot, simply tell a cashier you’d like to buy a fan for PATH. You will be charged a discounted price of $12, and the fan will be set aside for a PATH representative to pick up. It’s that easy! If you prefer, you can send a check to PATH and mark “Fan Drive” in the memo line. Visit tylerpath.org or call (903597-4044) for more information.

Sewing Bees will not meet again until the fall except on an “as needed” basis. We are between projects but will always fill any needs that may come up. Group contact is Mollie Bobo (903-530-2772).

A Note

Knit Wits — Knitters Unite for Camp Ministry Knit Wits returns in September. Group contact is Pat Cryer (903-561-5242).

from the

Johnsons

Dear friends at FPC-Tyler, Melissa and I want to thank you for your recent gift in support of our work here in Zambia. We are extremely grateful for your ongoing prayers and support. We are nearly finished with this year’s harvest at Chasefu Farm. We’ve experienced successes and challenges this year, but all in all, we’ve had a pretty good year. The rainy season arrives around the first of December - since we’ll be coming to the U.S. for a couple of weeks in December to attend our son, Brien’s graduation from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide), we’re planning around my brief absence during that busy time. Melissa has been busy getting the women’s hygiene sewing program up and running. The four women selected for the program are eager learners and things are going well. We are already beginning to plan for our next interpretation assignment trip to the U.S. next summer. We plan to arrive in mid-June, and use Atlanta as our hub through the end of August, then head to Texas where we’ll work from San Antonio through mid-October, when we’ll return to Zambia. I hope we can stop in Tyler as we drive across I-20! Please greet all of our friends there and express our gratitude. Blessings, Charles and Melissa Johnson PCUSA Mission Co-Workers in Zambia Analysis of Revenues & Expenses June 2018 Summary Revenues

MTD Actual YTD Actual

YTD Budget

$112,704 $1,077,664

$1,076,420

Expenses

$90,139 $1,077,664 $1,088,452

Net Total

$22,565

Planned Giving

($12,032)

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

Youth Summer Sunday School Sundays in August | 9:45 am | The Well

Student Ministries Director Search Continues

Youth Swim Party & Parent Mixer

In August, middle school and high school students will join together for a different approach to learning Bible story themes. We will meet in the Well as we prepare for a new school year together. Questions? Contact Phyllis Kidwell, director of christian education (903681-5504/pkidwell@fpctyler.com). For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/youthsundayschool.

September 14—16 | Camp Gilmont | Gilmont, TX This year’s ETYC focuses on praising God in all we do everyday. All youth in grades 6—12 are welcome! Come join other East Texas youth in fun, fellowship, worship, and mission at Camp Gilmont. Questions? Contact Pam Leach (903-597-6317; pleach@fpctyler. com). Cost is $70 for FPC Youth registered by August 27 (late registration is $80). Register at fpctyler.com/events/etyc. Sunday, August 26 | 4 pm | Cooper’s Residence | 3649 Woods Blvd The youth and their families are invited to gather for a swim party. Parents - plan to stay to visit with our youth leaders about the fall calendar. RSVP to Phyllis Kidwell (903-681-5504). We look forward to the upcoming year and can hardly wait to see what God has in store for us. Visit fpctyler.com/events/cmparentmeeting.

The Student Ministries Director search committee is hard at work searching for our new youth director. Please keep them in your prayers as they discern God’s calling for our youth leadership.

Youth Summer Mission Trip 2018

FPC’s youth group went to Beaumont, Texas, to assist with repairing damage from the recent storms. They participated in projects such as drywall, painting, and outside work. Our youth joined other youth from east Texas churches in making memories while serving God and completing this important work together. 5

Childr en & Youth C a lenda r

august

Sunday

KEY CM: Children's Ministry (6 weeks-5th grade) SM: Student Ministries (6th-12th grade) SHSG: Senior High Small Group (9th-12th grade)

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

5 COMMUNION SUNDAY 8:30 AM | Worship 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church

12 8:30 AM | Worship 9:45 AM | Sunday School 11 AM | Worship 11 AM | Children’s Church

Thursday

Friday

9 5:30 PM | CM 2018 VBS “Celebrating Noah!”

5:30 PM | CM 2018 VBS “Celebrating Noah!”

Saturday

9 AM | CM 2018 VBS “Celebrating Noah!”

6:30 PM | CM Team Meeting

6:30 PM | SM Team Meeting

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.

Children’s Ministry N ews & Events •

Friday, August 10 | 5:30 pm—8:30 pm | collect cans or small bags (5 lbs or less) of dog and cat food for our animal shelters and Meals on Wheels volunteers to deliver to their clients who provide for animals. The Creature Teacher and her animal friends will visit after dinner. • Saturday, August 11 | 9 am—12 pm | pancake breakfast will be served then we will go outside for water play. Volunteers are welcome and need to contact Phyllis Kidwell (pkidwell@fpctyler.com) ASAP to complete a background check and other paperwork. All are welcome!

Summer Sunday School Sundays in August | 9:45 am | Children’s Wing All children—infants through grade 5—will meet in two classes. Plan to bring your children so you can return to or find a class that fits for you. It’s never too late to emphasize our christian education. There is always more to learn.

VBS: Celebrating Noah—How God Provides! August 8 —11 | Campus Wide Calling all children—aged 3 through completed 5th grade— join us and learn about local missions as we study Noah and God’s provisions. Register today at fpctyler.com/events/vbs. We will share dinner then separate into age groups for our Bible story, music, crafts and games. • Wednesday, August 8 | 5:30 pm—8:30pm | an offering will be collected for use by Habitat for Humanity. • Thursday, August 9 | 5:30 pm—8:30 pm | an offering of nonperishable food items will be collected for local food pantries.

Save the Date: Presbyterian Women Gear Up for Fall Special Events Mark your calendar now, as ALL FPC women and their guests are invited to attend these events: • The Presbyterian Women Fall Gathering Dinner and Program will be held in the Anderson Room at 6 pm on Tuesday September 25. Our own Cassie Edmonds, a noted Mosaic Artist, will present the program. • A Grace Presbytery Fall Gathering will be held at Camp Gilmont on October 19 and 20. • The annual Presbyterian Women Thank Offering Worship Service and Tea will be on Monday, November 19 beginning in the Chapel at 2 pm.

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

Small Group Schedule

faith builders

men

209ers | Young Adults M209 | TBD | Contact: Debbie Pitts (debbiepitts@gmail.com) the

| Study & discussion M 207 | TBA | Contact: David Palady (davidpalady@gmail.com) westminster

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. August 9 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Building & Grounds. August 13 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Children’s Ministry. August 21 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Governance. August 6 @ 6:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Mission. August 13 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Nominating. August 7 @ 7 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Session. August 21 @ 7 pm — M 207 Student Ministry. August 27 @ 6:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

2 Meadow Lake Bible Study. 11:45 am. 4 Meet & Greet with Yaya Velasquez. 10 am, Hill Room. 5 Communion Sunday; regular worship services resume. 8:30 & 11 am, Chapel & Sanctuary. 5 Sunday School classes resume. 9:45 am, campus-wide. 8 Wonderful Wednesday Night Suppers. 6 pm, Oliveto Italian Bistro. 8 Vacation Bible School: Celebrating Noah—How God Provides! 5:30 pm, Campus-wide. 9 Vacation Bible School: Celebrating Noah—How God Provides! 5:30 pm, Campus-wide. 10 Vacation Bible School: Celebrating Noah—How God Provides! 5:30 pm, Campus-wide. 11 Vacation Bible School: Celebrating Noah—How God Provides! 9 am, Campus-wide. 15 Steeple Times submission deadline. 22 Wonderful Wednesday Night Suppers. 6 pm, Spring Creek Barbecue. 26 Youth Group: Youth & Parent Back to School Bash. 4 pm. Location: Cooper’s Residence.

AUGUST HIGHLIGHTS

Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 683 Tyler, Texas 75701-1651

To everyone at the home of: