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 3 : M a r c h 2 0 1 9
Red Brick or Yellow Brick? by The Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin When I was installed as pastor of our church about twelve years ago, former pastor John Anderson came for the occasion. John was the long-time pastor of FPC in Dallas, and known city-wide for his column in the newspaper. But before he went to Dallas, he served for six years as pastor of our church in the years immediately following World War II. John was a very young man when he arrived, only in his late 20s. It was a big role to take on, as he followed long time pastor Dr. Hill who had just retired. When Dr. Hill was pastor, the church stood at the corner of Broadway and Elm Street, one block south of the Square downtown and the current site of a parking garage. During the 1930s, the church began laying plans to move into a proposed new church in a new location. So, the church purchased property at the corner of Broadway and Front Street, katty-corner from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, at the far southern edge of the city. But the World War II intervened and plans for moving were shelved. At about the time the war ended, Dr. Hill retired and the church’s plans to move seemed uncertain. Then the church called a young John Anderson as pastor and plans to move came back on the church’s agenda. Only now, there was a desire to move the church even
farther south into the midst of the growing neighborhood being built south of Front Street. A lot was purchased, a capital campaign was started, and an architect engaged. The church hired well known Dallas architect Mark Lemmon to design a classic Georgian building suitable to a strong and rapidly growing congregation. As with all building projects, there were a million little details to decide along the way: what colors should the sanctuary be painted? How will the Chancel be designed? How many classrooms should there be and how large? But there was one decision that created controversy in the congregation: what color brick should be used for the outside of the building? In the late 1940s and 1950s, nothing said “progress” and “modernity” more than yellow brick. This was to be a church building for a forward-thinking and thoroughly modern congregation. For many, yellow brick was the obvious choice for the new church building. But traditionalists couldn’t imagine a Georgian building with anything but red brick. The church had a problem: how would they decide which color brick to use? At the reception following my installation in 2006, Dr. Anderson described to me what happened next. Church leaders had the contractor build two low walls of brick, one in each color. Then members of 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 Mardi Gras for Missions | pg 3 Gumbo cook-off, kids buffet, parade, silent auction, beignets—the whole bit. Join us for the festivities!
It’s a Wrap! | pg 5 The results are in for the Souper Bowl of Caring and the Sunday School Showdown!
“Illuminating Lent” | pg 6 Join us for a six-week study that uses the Lord’s Prayer throughout. 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 Ruth Hardy and Margaret Bjork. Both ladies serve on FPC’s Prayer Team and volunteer their time to the children’s choir, serving as directors and pianists. Ruth and Margaret lead the Carol Choir every Wednesday afternoon. This involves working with about a dozen elementary age (and younger) kids, teaching them songs, having snack time, and leading them in prayer. The Carol Choir sings at the 11 a.m. service about once a month and also plays a large role in the Christmas Pageant. The ministry they lead through the Carol Choir is a vital and important program in helping these young children to be connected and rooted in the faith. What a blessing both of you are to FPC! Thank you!
The Lord’s Prayer, the guide given to Jesus’ disciples and our guide to prayer today, takes on even more meaning in the commentary of William Barclay. Barclay says, “Luke tells us that Jesus taught this prayer in response to the request of one of his disciples.” (Luke 11:1) Barclay continues, “The Lord’s Prayer is a prayer which only a disciple can pray; it is a prayer which only one who is committed to Jesus Christ can take upon his lips with any meaning.” Since we recite this prayer so often, it almost becomes rote. But, thanks to Barclay, we find encouragement to recommit ourselves to Jesus each time we pray “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven...”
Membership Updates New Members Join us in welcoming our newest members: • Orrie Covert • Bobby Hendley Baptism We are proud to have witnessed the baptism of Cora Murphy, daughter of Joe and Casey Murphy. Deaths Condolences to the family of our FPC member, John Heines, who entered the Church Triumphant on February 2.
(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.)
Seeking Host Families for Saint Thomas Choir Fine Arts @ FPC will welcome the world-famous Choir of Saint Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue. FPC’s Director of Music and Organist, Weston Jennings, is 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 at wjennings@fpctyler.com.
Daylight Savings Time Begins Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour on Sunday, March 10.
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.
“Red Brick or Yellow Brick?” Continued from page 1.
the congregation were invited to look at them and give their input. The decision: red brick. It seems so obvious now, almost ordained by God, that ours should be a red brick church. But it was anything but certain at the time. We could as easily have become known as that lovely yellow brick church in Rusk Street.
Easter Lily Order Forms
Look for inserts in the March bulletins to honor friends and loved ones with an Easter lily. Proceeds support Fine Arts @ FPC.
Next month: how the church got its grass.
s a v e t h e d a t e | A P R I L 2 0 19 FA @ FPC: Stations of the Cross | April 11
Easter Sunday | April 20
Kirkin’ of the Tartan | April 27
This candle-lit performance of the Stations of the Cross illustrates Christ’s final hours.
Celebrate the Lord’s resurrection at FPC!
Join the procession of tartan plaid and bagpipes celebrating FPC’s Scottish heritage.
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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 2018 Mardi Gras For Missions
Theology on Tap
Tuesday, March 5 | 6–7:30 pm | Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, March 19 | 6:30 pm | True Vine Brewing Co. | 2453 Earl Campbell Parkway | Tyler We will continue discussing Anne Lamott’s book, Almost Everything: Notes on Hope, chapters 4-7. 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. Note: We will meet the THIRD Tuesday of March.
Free Admission / Silent Auction
Fill up on gumbo then celebrate Mardi Gras with face painting, a cake walk, silent auction, and more—including a parade in which all are invited to participate. RSVP at fpctyler.com/events/mardi-gras (see below).
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, March 6 | 12 & 6 pm | Sanctuary The Lenten season begins with this service, which includes a corporate confession of sin and the imposition of ashes. Childcare will be available at 5:45 p.m. for infants through grade 2. For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/ ash-wednesday.
Fine Arts @ FPC - Voices of Faith Spring Concert Friday, March 22 | 7 pm | Sanctuary Free Admission
Voices of Faith choir gathers together over seventy-five talented vocalists from the East Texas area - including middle school, high school, and college students - in a Christ-centered, community choral program under the direction of Pam Eikner, with accompanist Dana Bertino. For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/vofspring.
Fine Arts @ FPC - The Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys Monday, March 18 | 7 pm | Sanctuary Free Admission
Fine Arts @ FPC - The ‘King of Instruments’
Founded in 1919, the Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys is considered by many to be the leading U. S. ensemble in the Anglican choral tradition. Aside from providing music for five choral services each week at Saint Thomas Church, the choir also regularly tour the United States and Europe. For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/stchoir.
Saturday, March 23 | 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.
MARDI GRAS FOR MISSIONS 2019 Tuesday, March 5 6 – 7:30pm 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 own gumbo chefs will again provide their “award-winning” gumbos which will include seafood, chicken and vegetarian. There will be a children’s “buffet”, beignets, and king cakes. Midway through the event, guests of all ages are invited to join in 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 face painting, a cake walk, balloon artist, crafts, etc. This year’s auction will include “experiences” such as a Korean dinner, a painting party, legal services, Sunday School “gift” baskets and more. Bring your checkbooks! Contact Ginny Mattox, (virginiamattox1@gmail.com/903-504-5016). Visit fpctyler.com/events/mardi-gras to RSVP. 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, March 4 | 1:30 pm | The 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). Visit fpctyler.com/events/knitwits.
Bill Wagoner Memorial Pancake Breakfast Thank you to the Men of the Church for sponsoring the Bill Wagoner Memorial Pancake Breakfast in February. The food was fabulous, the fellowship was wonderful, and all for a good cause, Camp Gilmont. Bill would be pleased to know that these funds were raised for a mission close to his heart. Lynn Wagoner and Jill & Steve O’Farrell The Men of the Church Pancake Breakfast Committee (below) gathered during the breakfast that honored Bill Wagoner (right).
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
@fpctyler
Youth Group - Ash Wednesday Service
Kentucky Mission Trip
Wednesday, March 6 | 6 pm | Sanctuary In March, we will begin our Lenten journey together...join us for the Ash Wednesday evening worship service. Dinner will follow (visit fpctyler.com for updates.) Questions? Contact Jenni (jmarshall@fpctyler.com/803-924-0576) or visit fpctyler.com/events/youthgroup.
Week of June 23 | Kentucky Looking ahead...Sunday, April 7 is the deadline to sign up for the Kentucky mission trip. Watch for an email from Jenni with trip details, including cost and registration information. Questions? Contact Jenni (jmarshall@fpctyler.com/803-924-0576).
Youth Group
FPC did it again this year with an amazing outpouring for the 2019 Souper Bowl of Caring! You helped to bring in an overwhelming 5,472 items and $1,272 in donations for Patriot Pantry at UT Tyler. Congratulations to The Forum Sunday School class for being our top donors, and thanks to all the classes and individuals for your generous and enthusiastic support! Special thanks as well go to the youth, families, and friends who helped move the multitude of cans and boxes into, around, and out of the church. Everyone’s mission efforts were fantastic from start to finish. It’s such a beautiful thing, too, to know that our donations will go directly toward helping local college students in need. In the words of the staff at UT Tyler’s Office of Leadership and Service and the Patriot Pantry, these donations really are “such a blessing.”
2019 Souper Bowl of Caring Recap
Wednesday, March 13 | NO YOUTH GROUP - Spring Break! • Wednesday, March 20 | 6 pm | Gabriel Residence • Wednesday, March 27 | 6 pm | Fellowship Hall The Lenten season can be somber and reflective, but it’s also a time for growth, spring, and the lengthening of daylight. So let’s take time to play! Meet in Fellowship Hall for a game of Human Hungry Hungry Hippos! Questions? Contact Jenni (jmarshall@fpctyler.com/803-924-0576) or visit fpctyler.com/events/youthgroup. •
Souper Bowl of Caring - We DID It!
The youth of FPC (top) assisted loading the canned goods and perishable items donated by FPC’s congregation for delivery to UT Tyler’s Patriot Pantry after the Souper Bowl of Caring collection on Sunday, February 10. The canned goods were displayed (left) in the Sanctuary during the worship service. 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.
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Children’s Ministry N ews & Events First Friday Fun! Kids Night Out!
ber to invite friends and neighbors to bring their children. RSVP via the church website (fpctyler.com/events/firstfriday). Accurate numbers help us prepare appropriately for child care, dinner and craft supplies. This program is for infants age 6 weeks through 5th grade students. Questions? Contact Phyllis Kidwell, director of christian education (pkidwell@fpctyler.com/903-597-6317).
Friday, March 1 | 6:30 pm | Children’s Wing We are looking forward to when we will share dinner and spend time learning the Lord’s Prayer. This will include memory work and recitation. We will talk about the special time coming up on our calendar, Lent, and what it means. The last First Friday Fun for spring will be April 5, followed by a summer break. Mark your calendars! Parents - remem-
FPC’s Lenten Study - Illuminating Lent You are invited to join in a group study focusing on the book, Illuminating Lent, by David McKim. Sign up now by contacting Phyllis Kidwell (pkidwell@fpctyler.com/903-681-5504), director of christian education. The participant book cost is $6 and leader guides will be provided by the church. Illuminating Lent deepens faith and enhances knowledge through the exploration of the Lord’s Prayer. Each session examines a part of the prayer, its theological understandings, and what it means for Reformed Christians in practical ways during Lent. Being Reformed: Faith Seeking Understanding is a series of biblically based mini-courses that provides adults with a foundational understanding of the Reformed faith. Each six-session study-written by well-known and respected scholars-features Scripture, prayer, in-depth commentary, and questions for reflection. Each study addresses its subject from a Reformed theological perspective. Lessons are enhanced through the Leader’s Guide, which offers helpful suggestions and direction for group study. The main structure for these guides is the rubric Head, Heart, and Hands.
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 | King David: In Bible and Culture | Contact: Chris Bunt (903) 531-3535 the forum
209ers | Young Adults M 209 | The Parables of Jesus | Contact: Drew Starnes (713) 540-0962 the
| Study & discussion M 207 | Shining the Light on Scripture | Contact: David Palady (davidpalady@ gmail.com) westminster
| 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 | God Is Closer Than You Think | Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533 women
theology on tap | Study & discussion
THIRD Tuesday of THIS month | 6:30 pm | True Vine Brewing Co. | Contact: Jenni Marshall (803) 924-0576 6
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)
march CALENDER HIGHLIGHTS
1 3 4 5 6 6 6 7 10 10 10 12 15 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 27 31
First Friday Fun: Kids Night Out. 6:30 pm, Children’s Wing. Communion Sunday. 8:30 & 11 am, Chapel & Sanctuary. Knit Wits. 1:30 pm, Hill Room. Mardi Gras for Missions 2019. 6 pm, Fellowship Hall. Ash Wednesday Service. 12 pm, Sanctuary. Youth Group. 6 pm, Sanctuary. Ash Wednesday Service. 6 pm, Sanctuary. Meadow Lake Bible Study. 11:45 am, Meadow Lake. First Sunday of Lent. 8:30 & 11 am, Chapel & Sanctuary. Presbyterian Women Sunday Circle. 9:30 am, M 204. Daylight Savings Time begins. Presbyterian Women Tuesday Circle. 10 am, F 101-102. Steeple Times Submission Deadline. Second Sunday of Lent. 8:30 & 11 am, Chapel & Sanctuary. Fine Arts @ FPC - The Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys. 7 pm, Sanctuary Theology on Tap. 6:30 pm, True Vine Brewing Co. Youth Group. 6 pm, The Well & Gabriel Residence. Fine Arts @ FPC - Voices of Faith Spring Concert. 7 pm, Sanctuary. Fine Arts @ FPC - The “King of Instruments.” 11 am, Sanctuary. Third Sunday of Lent. 8:30 & 11 am, Chapel & Sanctuary. Youth Group. 6 pm, Fellowship Hall. Fourth Sunday of Lent. 8:30 & 11 am, Chapel & Sanctuary.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS Budget & Finance. March 14 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Building & Grounds. March 11 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Governance. March 4 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Mission. March 11 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Risk Management. March 6 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Session. March 19 @ 7 pm — M 207 Worship. March 4 @ 5 pm — Conference Room | A 110
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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230 W. Rusk Street, Tyler, TX 75701-1651
First Prestyberian Church of Tyler is a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and Grace Presbytery, and is steward of Potter House, a temporary housing ministry for families seeking medical care in Tyler. For a full listing of all ministry affiliations, please visit fpctyler.com/mission.
return service requested
WE ARE
In case of an emergency, such as a death or sudden hospitalization, your pastors can be reached by calling the church office (903-597-6317). After hours, please follow the directions for emergency pastoral care, and the message will be delivered to the pastoral staff.
EMERGENCY PASTORAL CARE
The church office hours are: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.– 5 p.m., Friday, 8:30 a.m. – noon, except holidays. Contact the office at 903-597-6317, or email church@fpctyler.com.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
The Rev. Dr. Stuart G. Baskin, Pastor | sbaskin@fpctyler.com The Rev. Pamela Leach, Associate Pastor | pleach@fpctyler.com The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Marshall, Associate Pastor, Student Ministries | jmarshall@fpctyler.com Phyllis Kidwell, Director of Christian Education | pkidwell@fpctyler.com Weston Jennings, Director of Music and Organist | wjennings@fpctyler.com Dana Durman, Director of Communications | ddurman@fpctyler.com Nanci Pollard, Financial Assistant | npollard@fpctyler.com Linda Chancellor, Executive Assistant | lchancellor@fpctyler.com Jessie Caldwell, Sexton Charles & Melissa Johnson, PCUSA Mission Co-Workers in Zambia
CLERGY & STAFF CONTACTS
Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 683 Tyler, Texas 75701-1651
To everyone at the home of: