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 4 : A p r i l 2 0 1 9
The Grass Is Greener When You Share It by The Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin When our current Sanctuary building was built in 1950, the church could not afford to finish it. Portions of the building, notably the 2nd floor where our adult Sunday school classes now meet, were left as an empty shell for several years until the church could afford to finish it.
yards and brought them to the church. I’m sure it took some time for the entire lawn to fill in, but the grass on the church’s lawn is the grass that church members brought almost 70 years ago. I’m very sure there was a certain pride each member felt who shared the grass from their lawns.
I think there is a lot to be said for that. Dream big. Make plans for the long haul. Stretch. Challenge. That’s just what they did. One of the consequences of this plan was that the church couldn’t afford landscaping, at least not at first. But with as beautiful a building as they built, our forebears couldn’t simply let the front lawn grow up with weeds. As a result, a plan came into focus, a plan that would unite the church in a common purpose. Can’t afford to buy grass? No problem. Let’s share our grass. Literally. A plan was hatched that enabled the church to have a lawn. Church members were asked to share a portion of their own lawns. It’s not entirely clear to me whether there was enough grass to cover the entire yard, but church members took up squares of grass from their own
i n t h i s i s s u e | H I GH LI GHT S & F E ATU RE S Holy Week Activities | pg 3 A listing of events and activities for holy week that lead to the ultimate celebration of our Lord’s resurrection!
Kirkin’ of the Tartans | Pg 4 Make plans to attend this celebration of our church’s Scottish heritage.
Dr. Baskin’s Sabbatical | pg 5 Read about the details of Dr. Stuart Baskin’s sabbatical this summer. 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 Robyn Files. Of the many things Robyn has done at FPC, she has served as clerk of session (a HUGE job), she serves on the meal ministry team, with the greeter ministry, and has been a Lovefeast volunteer. She has also served as an Elder. What a blessing you are to FPC! Thank you for all that you do!
Donald McKim, author of our Lenten study, Illuminating Lent, suggests that we devote some prayer time to meditating on questions and answers from PCUSA’s The Study Catechism: Full Version (Question 121 of the Catechism). Here is a great one to start with:
Membership Updates New Members Join us in welcoming our newest members: • Hank & Laura Resler • Jim & Stephanie Stanton Baptism We are proud to have witnessed the baptism of Elizabeth Riley, daughter of Katie & Matt Marshall. Wedding Congratulations to Nichole Birdsong & Stephen Ford on their March 30 nuptials. Nichole is the daughter of Lynette and Lindsey Birdsong. Deaths Condolences to the family of our FPC member, Jim Hairston, who entered the Church Triumphant on February 26.
“What is the purpose of prayer? Prayer brings us into communion with God. The more our lives are rooted in prayer, the more we sense how wonderful God is in grace, purity, majesty, and love. Prayer means offering our lives completely to God, submitting ourselves to God’s will, and waiting faithfully for God’s grace. Through prayer, God frees us from anxiety, equips us for service, and deepens our faith.” (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
Easter Monday Holiday The office and campus will be closed on Monday, April 22, in observance of the Easter holiday. We will reopen Tuesday.
Thank You to PW from FPC Staff A big THANK YOU to Presbyterian Women from the FPC staff for the hospitality feast they recently provided. Your kindness and generosity overwhelm us!
FPC welcomes new members John and Madeleine Ross (left).
Many in the congregation have probably already noticed, but the Carol Choir (top) now have new custom-made, blue robes. These robes were made in Tyler by Mar’Cordric Collins, who also sings in the Chancel Choir. Thank you, Mar’Cordric!
s a v e t h e d a t e | M AY 2 0 19 Fine Arts: Alexander’s Feast | May 9 The Tyler Civic Chorale’s finale is a nod to George Frideric Handel.
Presbyterian Women | May 5 Join us as PW names the recipient of the Honorary Life Membership Award. 2
Fine Arts @ FPC | May 18
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 Grandfather Hudson’s Campus Work Day
Maundy Thursday
Presbyterian Women Spring Work Day
Good Friday
Fine Arts @ FPC - The Stations of the Cross by Marcel Dupré
Easter Sunday
Saturday, April 6 | 10 am | Campus Wide All are welcome and encouraged to attend Grandfather Hudson’s Campus Work Day, sponsored by FPC’s Building and Grounds Committee. The Men of the Church will provide a light lunch. Visit fpctyler.com/events/fpcworkday.
Thursday, April 18 | 7:30 pm | Sanctuary Also known as the Thursday of Mysteries, this worship service commemorates the Lord’s Last Supper. Child care is provided for infants–grade 2. Visit fpctyler.com/events/ maundythursday. Friday, April 19 | 7:53 pm (sunset) | Sanctuary This service begins right at sunset to honor the night of the Lord’s passion, and a ceremonial extinguishing of candles marks the beginning of tenebrae (Latin for darkness). The service includes a reading of the passion narrative and a special offering of choral meditations by the Chancel Choir. Child care is provided for infants–grade 2 in the Children’s Wing. Visit fpctyler.com/events/goodfriday.
Saturday, April 6 | 10 am | Campus Wide In conjunction with Grandfather Hudson’s Campus Work Day, Presbyterian Women will clean the Potter House, take an inventory of items that need to be replaced or refurbished, organize the kitchen in Fellowship Hall and replenish cards in the church pews. Come enjoy fellowship and a tasty lunch. Visit fpctyler.com/events/pwspring.
Thursday, April 11 | 7:30 pm | Sanctuary
Sunday, April 21 | 8:30 & 11 am | Sanctuary The holiest day of the Christian calendar, Easter, marks the day of resurrection and is celebrated in a joyful service filled with music by the Chancel Choir and organ. For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/easter.
Free Admission
In this contemplative, candle-lit performance, Claudel’s poetry and original paintings by local artists join Dupré’s Le Chemin de la Croix (Stations of the Cross) in illustrating Christ’s final hours. For more information, visit fpctyler. com/events/stationsofthecross.
Easter Eggstravaganza
Sunday, April 21 | 9:30 am | Front Lawn Enjoy a church-wide brunch in celebration of the resurrection, complete with Easter egg hunts and scavenger hunts. Invite your friends and neighbors! For more information, fpctyler.com/events/easter-eggstravaganza.
Palm Sunday
Sunday, April 14 | 8:30 & 11 am | Chapel & Sanctuary At the 11 a.m. service, join us as we commemorate the Lord’s triumphal entry to Jerusalem with a palm processional. Special music by the Chancel Choir and Children’s Choir. Visit fpctyler.com/events/palmsunday.
Kirkin’ of the Tartans & Luncheon Sunday, April 28 | 11 am | Sanctuary
Walk & Pray The Labyrinth
$10 Suggested Donation
A procession of tartans and bagpipes celebrating our church’s Scottish heritage has become an annual tradition for the congregation. This year, special guest musicians, the Lyon College Pipe Band, will lead the celebration. A luncheon will follow. RSVP at fpctyler.com/events/kirkin.
Holy Week, April 14 - 19 | F 101-102, Anderson Room All are invited to experience the Labyrinth, an opportunity for quiet prayer. For times when it is open, visit fpctyler.com/ events/labyrinth.
Merci Beaucoup from the Mission Committee! Merci Beaucoup to all who attended, supported, and volunteered to help make this year’s event a success! The good times did roll! The gumbo, beignets, and desserts were outstanding, and the parade was colorful with children in “floats” created by David Palady. A huge thank you goes out to: the Caldwell Arts Elementary School Brass Band and the Hopeful C.M.E. Church puppeteers for their entertainment; all who cooked gumbo, made desserts, volunteered, donated to our Silent and Live Auction, and joined in the fun; and our Sunday School classes and Chancel Choir for the fabulous and creative donations of gift baskets for the Silent Auction! Because of your generosity, the Mission Committee estimates that over $5,000 was raised for the local and global ministries supported by FPC-Tyler. Save the Date: Mardi Gras for Missions 2020 will be on February 25! 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
This April, PATH is asking us to “get behind” a great cause - PATH’s first Diaper Drive initiative! Each year, PATH provides thousands of diapers to young working moms, families and grandparents in need. The demand is equal to the number of diapers PATH receives. 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.
Monday, April 1 | 1:30 pm | The Hill Room, M 107 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.
Kirkin’ of the Tartans & Luncheon A procession of tartans and bagpipes celebrating our church’s Scottish heritage has become an annual tradition for the congregation. Sunday, April 28 Service in the Sanctuary at 11 a.m. Luncheon Catered by Outback Steakhouse 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. on the Front Lawn (weather permitting) Suggested donation $10 If you plan to participate and carry your tartan, contact Linda Chancellor (903-597-6317) today! For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/kirkin or 903-597-6317 Analysis of Revenues & Expenses February 2018 Summary
MTD Actual YTD Actual
YTD Budget
Revenues
$73,077
$772,398
$673,782
Expenses
$68,640
$713,431
$740,058
$4,437
$58,967
($66,276)
Net Total
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.
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
online at burnamwood.net/burnamwood-appalachian-ministry/registration/. Look for the “BAM Individual Registration” form at the bottom of the webpage. For questions or more information, contact Jenni (jmarshall@fpctyler.com/803-9240576) or visit fpctyler.com/events/summermission2019.
• Wednesday, April 3 | 6 pm | Gabriel Residence • Wednesday, April 10 | 6 pm | Gabriel Residence • Wednesday, April 17 | 6 pm | Anderson Room, F 101-102 Walking the Labyrinth with dinner to follow (location TBA). • Wednesday, April 24 | 6 pm | Gabriel Residence Questions? Contact Jenni (jmarshall@fpctyler.com/803924-0576) or visit fpctyler.com/events/youthgroup.
Youth Spotlight Congratulations to Mason Morgan, grandson of FPC’s Trey and Luci Morgan, for his outstanding performance at the Gilmer Track Meet on Thursday, March 7. He came in first place in the 800 meter, first place in the 400 meter, and first place in the 4x400 meter relay. Well done, Mason! We are so proud of you!
Youth Group Kentucky Mission Trip Week of June 23 | Irvine, Kentucky | For grades 6-12 Our mission trip for Burnamwood Appalachian Ministry will be here before we know it! The registration deadline and $50 deposit is due Sunday, April 7. (The remaining $200 will be due at the end of May. Stay tuned to the FPC Tyler website and youth group emails for more details.) Registration forms are
The Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin Plans Sabbatical By now, most everyone knows that Dr. Stuart Baskin will go on sabbatical this summer. You might like to know some details.
He’ll be back in the office September 3, and resume his preaching duties on Sunday, September 8, which is also Rally Day.
FPC’s Personnel Policy has for many years included a provision for sabbatical leave. Ordinarily, this would happen after seven years of service to the church. When the church celebrated Dr. Baskin’s 10th anniversary of service to the church, discussion of a sabbatical began in earnest. Only now are those plans coming to fruition.
What will he do on sabbatical? For the most part, Dr. Baskin will stay at his family home in Marlin, Texas. But he will also travel a bit. There is a long-planned trip to Scotland, where he will run a marathon in Edinburgh on May 26. He also plans to take a few road trips to see different parts of the United States he’s never visited before, primarily in the west and in the mountain states. But mostly, he’ll just rest and read. He hopes to catch up on some theological works he’s been wanting to read for some time.
His sabbatical will commence Monday, May 6 and conclude Monday, September 2 (Labor Day).
When he returns in September, he hopes to be “refreshed, restored, and renewed,” ready to jump back in as our church enters a season of celebration of our sesquicentennial. While he’s away, Pamela Leach and Jenni Marshall will perform his pastoral duties, including preaching, worship leadership, moderating the Session, and taking care of any emergencies that arise. They are both tremendously capable and will do a tremendous job. Your prayers and support are deeply appreciated by Dr. Baskin as he prepares for this important time of rest.
Honor your friends and loved ones with an Easter lily. Look for flower dedication forms in the church pews and around campus. Proceeds help support Fine Arts @ FPC. Happy Easter! 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 Finale: Kids Night Out!
Easter Eggstravaganza
Friday, April 5 | 6:30 pm | Children’s Wing Kids come join us for the last First Friday Fun until September. We will have dinner, crafts, and activities (some outside if the weather permits). Friends are welcome with registration. It’s free! It’s fun! RSVP by April 2 to fpctyler. com/events/firstfriday.
Sunday, April 21 | 9:30 am | Front Lawn Celebrate the Resurrection with us on Easter Sunday. Between the worship services, we will gather on the front lawn for our annual Easter Eggstravaganza complete with food, games, balloon creations, a bunny, and Easter egg hunts. Egg hunts will be organized by age group and the older students will once again have a scavenger hunt to collect buttons and turn them in for a treat bag. Don’t forget to bring your basket! Visit fpctyler.com/ events/easter-eggstravaganza.
Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys Perform at FPC Recently, Fine Arts @ FPC welcomed the Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys on their four-city tour of Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Daniel Hyde directed the ensemble through a program spanning four centuries of music. Benjamin Sheen accompanied the group with expert skill, as well as added variety to the program with a few pieces for solo organ. The fourteen boy choristers, ages 10 to 13, attend the Saint Thomas Choir School in New York City. For some of the boys this was their first time traveling on a plane and for many it was their first visit to Texas. A heartfelt thank you to all the families who graciously provided home-stay for the men and boys following the concert. Although their visit to Tyler was brief, they will have fond memories of their time here for years to come.
SUNDAY SCHOOL / SMALL GROUP LISTING Sunday School @ 9:45 am
Small Group Schedule
faith builders
men
| Lecture & discussion M 202 | Illuminating Lent | 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 | Illuminating Lent | 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 | Illuminating Lent | Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533 women
theology on tap | Study & discussion
Second Tuesday of the 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)
april CALENDER HIGHLIGHTS 1 Knit Wits. 1:30 pm, Hill Room, M 107. 3 Youth Group. 6 pm, Gabriel residence. 4 Meadow Lake Bible Study. 11:45 am, Meadow Lake. 5 First Friday Fun Finale: Kids Night Out. 6:30 pm, Children’s Wing. 6 Grandfather Hudson’s Campus Work Day. 10 am, Campus wide. 6 Presbyterian Women Spring Work Day. 10 am, Campus wide. 7 Communion Sunday. 8:30 & 11 am, Chapel & Sanctuary. 9 Presbyterian Women Tuesday Circle. 10 am, Anderson Room, F 101-102. 9 Theology on Tap. 6:30 pm, True Vine Brewing Co. 10 Youth Group. 6 pm, Gabriel residence. 11 Fine Arts @ FPC - The Stations of the Cross by Marcel Dupre’. 7:30 pm, Sanctuary. 14 Palm Sunday. 8:30 & 11 am, Chapel & Sanctuary. 14 Presbyterian Women Sunday Circle. 9:30 am, M 102. 14 Labyrinth Display. 8 am - 12:30 pm, Anderson Room, F 101-102. 15-19 Labyrinth Display. 8:30 am - 5 pm, Anderson Room, F 101-102. 15 Steeple Times submission deadline. 17 Youth Group - Labyrinth Display. 6 pm, Anderson Room, F 101-102. 18 Maundy Thursday Service. 7:30 pm, Sanctuary. 19 Good Friday Service. 7:53 pm, Sanctuary. 21 Easter Sunday. 8:30 & 11 am, Sanctuary 21 Easter Eggstravaganza. 9:30 am, Front lawn. 22 Easter Monday Holiday. Church office and campus closed. 24 Youth Group. 6 pm, Gabriel residence. 28 Kirkin’ of the Tartans Luncheon. 12 pm, Front lawn.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS Budget & Finance. April 11 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Building & Grounds. April 8 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Diaconate. April 10 @ 5 pm — Library | A 111 Governance. April 1 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Mission. April 23 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Potter House. April 1 @ 1 pm — Library | A 111 Session. April 16 @ 7 pm — M 207 Trustees. April 23 @ 12 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 Chris Beasley, Custodian 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: