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 6 : J u n e 2 0 1 9
FPC Celebrates Its Graduates by Dana Durman Director of Communications As May came to a close, we saw some of our youth mark a milestone in their life - high school graduation. While this can be a bittersweet transition, it is also a time that their achievements and accomplishments are celebrated. The FPC graduates for 2019 include: Rebekkah Esther Garcia: Rebekkah spent her freshman year at Robert E. Lee High School and completed her eduction at the University Academy. She plans to attend Tyler Junior College and will major in education or wildlife conservation. Several honors, awards and activities include the A honor roll, A/B honor roll, Most Improvement in Chemistry, Most Improvement in English, and Girl Scouts for eight years. Rebekkah is the youngest of four siblings by at least twelve years and she loves to act and sing. Brooklyn Rose Wageman: Brooklyn is a graduate of Bishop T.K. Gorman in Tyler, and plans to attend Tyler Junior College, majoring in kinesiology and chiropractics. She is a recipient of the Carter Blood Cord, the Gertrude Windsor Award from the Junior Symphony League and is a scholarship re-
cipient from Texas Lone Star Tyler. An academic, athletic and fine arts student, Brooklyn was a softball player for 13 years - the equivalent of 33 seasons. She was named Academic All State, Newcomer of the Year, first team All District (junior and senior years), Team MVP, and was All District Defense and Offensive player. Additionally, she was a student aid for Gorman’s football team this past year. She has a passion for learning, leading, and helping others. Her future plans include the study of Internal Chiropractics, an uncommon career path. Michael Palady: Michael graduated from University Academy in Tyler and was a member of the National Honor Society. He plans to attend Texas Tech University where he will major in Architecture. While in school, he was on a team that constructed a canoe out of concrete! In congratulating our graduates, we also pray for their continued success. Completing high school is an achievement that they should be proud of and we wish them more great journeys in their college life!
i n t h i s i s s u e | H I GH LI GHT S & F E ATU RE S PW Award Presented | pg 3 FPC’s Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership was presented recently.
Potter House Needs| pg 4 Updates provided on Potter House, FPC’s temporary housing ministry, and its current needs.
Save the Date for VBS| pg 6 All children aged 3 — 5th grade are invited to VBS 2019. 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 the Pew Angels. This group of volunteers are key to keeping our sanctuary in order. Restocking the pews with envelopes, pencils, membership pads, and prayer cards are the main responsibilities of this ministry along with picking up bulletins left behind and straightening the hymnals. What a blessing this group is to FPC.
In a devotional titled Praying the Distance, James Banks speaks of a time when he and his wife were praying for their daughter to return to her faith in Jesus. A friend, offering encouragement, showed Banks a note he found in his mother’s bible after she died. It read “For my son, Kevin” and was a prayer for his salvation. Kevin, now a believer, told Banks that his mother prayed for him for thirty-five years, a period in which he was away from God. And so he encouraged Banks never to give up praying for his daughter.
Membership Updates New Members Join us in welcoming our newest members: • Judy Wilkins • Amber Phelps • Meshell Boyd • Alan & Janet Rainey • Lauren Buford Beaird Births Join us in celebrating the recent births of: • Ford Eldon (April 24), son of Ellie & Caleb Alexander. Ellie is the daughter of Scot and Libby Shoup. • Carter Hendrik (May 7), son of Carol & Kade Kennedy. Carol is the daughter of Gerald and Ann Verbeek. Baptism We are proud to have witnessed the baptisms of: • Bailey Jordan & William Blake, children of Laura E. Shulenberger • Abigail Christine, daughter of John & Shannon Franzen • Jacob Harlan, son of Clay & Kimberly Emge
Luke 18:1 tells us that Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should “always pray and never give up.” (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.)
Chancel Guild Committee Forming New!!! A subcommittee of the Worship Committee called Chancel Guild is being formed to care for physical worship elements such as paraments, candles, and Christmas decorations, and your help is needed. If you are interested in being part of Chancel Guild, please email Ellen Peirce at epeirce71@yahoo.com.
July 4th Holiday Closure The office and campus will be closed on Thursday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
July Sunday Morning Schedule During the month of July, join us for Sweet Summer Sundays (formerly known as Lemonade on the Lawn) each Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the Hill Room followed by Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Children’s worship will continue to meet in the Children’s Wing at this time. Sunday school classes will not meet. The normal worship schedule resumes August 4.
Dr. Baskin Sabbatical Reminder Dr. Baskin will be on sabbatical until Sunday, September 1. In the meantime, Pamela Leach, Jenni Marshall and the rest of the staff will handle the day to day duties and worship services.
“Steeple Times” Deadline for July/August Issue The July and August Steeple Times issues will be combined into one issue, available on July 15. The deadline for article submission (church@fpctyler.com) is Monday, July 1.
s a v e t h e d a t e | J U LY & A U G U S T 2 0 19 Sweet Summer Sundays | Sundays in July Join us for fellowship and treats at 9:30 a.m.
Services in July | Sundays in July Sunday worship services will be held at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Join us! 2
Cookbook Brunch | July 14 Recipes from the upcoming church cookbook will be featured. Join us!
M O N T H LY E V E N T H I G H L I G H T S Communion Sundays
Service of Choral Evensong
Sunday, June 2 | 8:30 & 11 am | Chapel & Sanctuary Sunday, July 7 | 10 am | Sanctuary
Sunday, June 23 | 5 pm | Sanctuary
Wonderful Wednesday Night Suppers
Join the Chancel Choir of FPC, directed by guest conductor Jay Young, for a service of Choral Evensong. Visit fpctyler. com/events/evensong2019.
FREE ADMISSION
Wednesday, June 5 | 6 pm | Mario’s Italian Restaurant | 7916 S Broadway Ave, #200 | Tyler Wednesday, June 19 | 6 pm | Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant | 1327 E. Front St | Tyler Join us for summer fun, food, and fellowship as we resume ‘Wonderful Wednesday’ suppers. RSVP to Bettie Clancy (clancybet@sbcglobal.net/903-521-1383) or Debbie Finley (dfinley@austinbank.com/903-534-4503). Visit fpctyler. com/events/wonderfulwednesdaynight.
SAVE THE DATE: “A Taste of Heaven” Cookbook Brunch Sunday, July 14 | 11 am | Fellowship Hall Join us for an opportunity to taste recipes that will be featured in the upcoming anniversary cookbook. To contribute a dish for the brunch, contact Fran Cooper (903-253-5459). Visit fpctyler.com/events/cookbookbrunch for information.
Stuart Baskin and Ginny Mattox Presented PW Award by Martha Oates FPC’s Presbyterian Women’s (PW) Honorary Life Membership was presented to The Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin and Ginny Mattox during worship on Sunday May 5. These individuals possess the qualities of those deserving this honor. Each received the pin with symbols representing these qualities. The caring, supportive hands represent women (or men) who seek to build an inclusive community of PW.
The dove indicates our work for peace in our own lives and throughout the world, shown in the globe. At the center of the design is the cross, by which our sins are forgiven and we are freed to live in Christ who is at the center of our lives.
The leaf represents growth of our personal and corporate response to Jesus Christ as we nurture our faith.
MEET OFFICER GREGORY
Officer Thomas Gregory (left) is FPC’s security guard on duty during Sunday worship services. Say “hello” next time you see him around campus.
FPC’S NEWEST MEMBERS FPC welcomes its newest members, Meshell Boyd (right), Janet and Allen Rainey (top right) and Claudia Anderson (bottom right).
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The overall design is of a butterfly, a symbol of newness in Christ and the emergence of a new creation.
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
Throughout the warm weather months, PATH is collecting new box fans to give to people in need. 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 $12 and the fan will be set aside for a PATH representative to pick up. If you prefer, you can send a check to PATH and mark “Fan Drive” in the memo line. PATH’s summer pantry needs are canned vegetables. 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, June 3 | 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.
Potter House Needs & Updates Potter House, a temporary housing ministry of FPC is fully furnished duplex is located across the church on College Street. Needs and updates at this time include: • Metal or wood outdoor furniture (no plastic!) for the backyard. Furniture must be in good condition. If you would like to donate, text Roger Peirce (903-245-3253) with a photo. He will determine if it can be used and coordinate delivery. • Roger has been working on minor repairs and landscaping. • Presbyterian Women have chosen Potter House as their local mission project and will be organizing a major cleaning day when one of the duplexes is vacant.
FPC Scholarships 12 to Gilmont Camp Through your gifts, 12 children from PATH will be attending Gilmont Summer Camp: “FPC has been such a spiritual and emotional blessing to so many kids in Bev’s Kid Reach with scholarships to Camp Gilmont. For many, it is the one week out of the year that they are truly surrounded by compassionate men and women who pour themselves and the love of Jesus into their hungry souls. The 12 scholarships provided (this year) not only bless the kids, but they also serve a blessing to their future families as well. PATH and Bev’s Kid Reach love and appreciate FPC and everyone connected to Camp Gilmont.” Mark Richardson PATH Volunteer & Mentoring Coordinator
The Pentecost Offering The Pentecost Offering, to be collected on Pentecost Sunday, June 9, is one of several special offerings designated by the PC(USA) in which FPC participates. This offering is used for ministries for children at risk, ministries with youth, and young adult volunteers. A portion (40%) of this offering is retained for local use. Mission Committee has designated Presbyterian Children’s Home and Services’ Connect for Hope Camp as the recipient of these local funds this year.
Analysis of Revenues & Expenses April 2019 Summary MTD ACTUAL
YTD ACTUAL
YTD BUDGET
REVENUES
$70,114
$930,071
$845,727
EXPENSES
$95,827
$889,177
$924,429
NET TOTAL
($25,713)
$40,894
($78,702)
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 the sermon topic is 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: /fpctyler 4
@fpctyler
@fpctyler
Summer Youth Mission Trip
Youth Summer Mission Commissioning
Week of June 23 | Irvine, Kentucky | For grades 6-12 A 17-member team from FPC Youth will be going on a cross-country mission adventure to Burnamwood Appalachian Ministry at Camp Burnamwood (PCUSA). During that week, we’ll engage in a variety of mission activities with the local community, including home repair and “winterizing,” cleanup of mountain streams, and outreach to senior adults, youth, and children. We will also take some time to enjoy the beauty of Appalachia with hiking at the Red River Gorge and immersing ourselves in mountain culture. On our way home, we’ll visit Pigeon Forge and Dollywood, the theme park of country music legend Dolly Parton! We’re looking forward to all the ways we can spread God’s love in Appalachia this summer, and we’ll be ready to share our experiences with you in worship on Sunday, July 7. Questions contact Jenni (jmarshall@fpctyler.com/803924-0576) or visit fpctyler.com/events/summermission2019.
Sunday, June 16 | 11 am | Sanctuary Join us for a special service of commissioning for the fourteen youth and three adult chaperones who will be embarking on the mission trip the following week. This commissioning moment during worship provides encouragement to our youth and their sponsors and represents our solidarity as people who all follow the call of Christ to love and serve.
Looking ahead...Synod Youth Workshop July 8-13 | University of Tulsa | Tulsa, OK Eight of our youth will be attending Synod Youth Workshop. This workshop will focus on the theme, I Have Called You Friends (John 15:12-17). We look forward to this special time of worship, fellowship, and mission for them with PCUSA youth and leaders from across the region.
FPC GRADUATING SENIORS
MORE EASTER CELEBRATION PHOTOGRAPHS Check out more photographs at fpctyler/news/2019easter
2019 high school graduates: Brooklyn Wageman (left), Rebekkah Garcia & Michael Palady (below)
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY N EWS & EVENTS SAVE THE DATE: Vacation Bible School
We will share dinner and separate into age groups for our Bible story, music, crafts and games. On Saturday, we will share a continental breakfast with our parents, grandparents, guests and church family, then go outside for water play before it gets too hot! Registration will be on-line through our website beginning in July. Volunteers are welcome and need to contact Phyllis Kidwell as soon as possible to complete a background check and other paperwork. All are welcome!
August 7 - 10 | Campus Wide All children aged 3 - 5th grade are invited to VBS 2019! We will learn more about Christ using Bible stories, games, and crafts. Mark your calenders: Wednesday, August 7 | 5:30 pm - 8 pm Thursday, August 8 | 5:30 pm - 8 pm Friday, August 9 | 5:30 pm - 8 pm Saturday, August 10 | 9 am - 12 pm
Kirkin’ of the Tartans in Pictures... FPC recently celebrated Kirkin’ of the Tartans, a procession of tartans and bagpipes celebrating our church’s Scottish heritage has become an annual tradition for the congregation.
SUNDAY SCHOOL / SMALL GROUP LISTING SUNDAY SCHOOL @ 9:45 AM
SMALL GROUP SCHEDULE
FAITH BUILDERS
MEN | Lectionary Tuesdays | 6:30 am | Premier Flexipac | Contact: Skip Womack (903) 520-1300 or Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746
| Lecture & discussion M 202 | The book of Matthew | Contact: Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746 | Lecture & discussion M 205 | Salvation | Contact: Chris Bunt (903) 531-3535
THE FORUM
209ERS | Young Adults M 209 | Red Letter Christianity | Contact: Drew Starnes (713) 540-0962
THE
| Study & discussion M 207 | The Lectionary | Contact: David Palady (davidpalady@gmail.com)
WESTMINSTER
| Book &/or DVD & discussion Thursdays | 9:30 am | Conference Room | The Parables of Jesus | Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533 WOMEN
THEOLOGY ON TAP | Study & discussion on summer hiatus | Contact: Jenni Marshall (803) 924-0576
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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)
june | mid-july CALENDER HIGHLIGHTS JUNE 1 2 3 5 9 16 19 23 23
Grace Presbytery Meeting. First Presbyterian Church/Fort Worth, Texas. Communion Sunday. Knit Wits. 1:30 pm, Hill Room. Wonderful Wednesday Night Supper. 6 pm, Mario’s Italian Restaurant. PCUSA Pentecost Offering. 8:30 & 11 am, Chapel & Sanctuary. Youth Summer Mission Commissioning. 11 am, Sanctuary. Wonderful Wednesday Night Supper. 6 pm, Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant. Youth Summer Mission Trip. Irvine, Kentucky. A Service of Choral Evensong. 5 pm, Sanctuary.
M I D - J U LY 1 1 4 7 8-13 10 14 15
Steeple Times submission deadline Knit Wits. 1:30 pm, Hill Room. Fourth of July holiday. Church office and campus closed. Sweet Summer Sundays. 9:30 am, Hill Room. Synod Youth Workshop. University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK. Wonderful Wednesday Night Supper. 6 pm, Portofino’s Italian Restaurant. Sweet Summer Sundays. 9:30 am, Hill Room. July/August combined issue of Steeple Times issued
COMMITTEE MEETINGS Budget & Finance. June 13 @ 6 pm — M 207 Building & Grounds. June 10 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Diaconate. June 12 @ 5 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Governance. June 3 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Risk Management. June 5 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Session. June 18 @ 7 pm — M 207 Worship. June 11 @ 5 pm — Conference Room | A 110
A special “thank you” to Azalea Academy For Exceptional Adults for assembling our weekly worship bulletin. 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 Presbyterian 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 affi liations, 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., except holidays. The office is closed on Fridays. Contact the office at 903-597-6317, or email church@fpctyler.com.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
The Rev. Dr. Stuart G. Baskin, Pastor | on sabbatical 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: