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 8 : S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 9
All Things New This Fall by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Marshall Associate Pastor, Student Ministries The early fall brings with it the feeling of new beginnings and new adventures. We’ve probably all been seeing those precious “first day” pictures of children even big “children” - returning to school for a new year. This feeling of newness is especially true for our youth, as they start a new school year, with several of them making the big leap from elementary to middle school or from middle to high school, even high school to college. This year, six of our youth will be starting the adventure of Confirmation class, using a new and widely acclaimed curriculum from the PCUSA titled, Big God, Big Questions: Confirmation for a Growing Faith. Each of these six youth will be paired with an adult mentor, as they explore their faith and what it means to be a Presbyterian Christian in this world today. They will begin their spiritual journey this month and will move toward that momentous time of proclaiming their faith on Easter Sunday on April 12, 2020. And the congregation is part of this confirmation journey, too! Look for The Congregation Promises covenant to sign at worship on Sunday, September 22.
Youth group meetings begin again on Wednesday, September 4, at 6 p.m. At our first gathering, we will “make all things new” and “make it our own.” We will be meeting in The Well and talking about how the youth would like for that space to look, beginning with the paint colors. We’ll even start priming the walls that very evening! We’ll also be talking about how the youth want to do youth group this year. The youth will choose the discussion topics, the activities, the special events, the food, etc. So come out to The Well for “Pizza and Priming” as part of this brand new school year! Are there any interested adults with painting and decorating experience who would like to support our youth in their new endeavors? Contact Jenni at jmarshall@ fpctyler.com for more information. Of course, another new adventure for all of us at FPC-Tyler is the return of our Senior Pastor, Stuart Baskin, on September 3! We are excited to have him back in the pulpit, in the office, and in the community again. We pray that his sabbatical was a time of well-deserved rest and refreshment as he begins a new season of ministry among us. Welcome back, Stuart! And may we all walk together as we explore the many new adventures to which Christ calls us this fall.
i n t h i s i s s u e | H I GH LI GHT S & F E ATU RE S Fine Arts @ FPC Kicks Off | pg 3 FPC’s Fine Arts @ FPC kicks off the season with The Donald Sinta Quartet.
VBS 2019 Is A Wrap! | pg 5 VBS 2019 is a wrap - all chronicled in pictures by Pete Houting.
Farewell from Phyllis | pg 6 Phyllis Kidwell shares a goodbye upon her retirement. 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 Phyllis Kidwell. After 6 years of working for FPC-Tyler, Phyllis will be retiring. Sunday, September 8 will be her last day. Phyllis has headed FPC’s children’s ministries and christian education programs. Before she came to FPC, she was in service to FPC-Athens. Phyllis has also served Grace Presbytery as the 2018-19 Moderator, a member of the Presbytery Council and currently serves on the personnel committee. We are very grateful to Phyllis for her contributions to FPC and the larger church. Phyllis you will be missed!
Lately the words “wait”, “slow down”, “be silent” keep making themselves known. It must be a message to heed, for sure. And as if to confirm the message, Max Lucado’s blog about the disciples’ waiting in the Upper Room appears: “Desire power for your life? Then wait in the right place -- in a place of prayer. Power will come as you pray. Think of prayer less as an activity for God and more as an awareness of God. Acknowledge his presence everywhere you go. We can only wonder what would happen if we did what the Upper Room disciples did -- wait on the Lord in a place of prayer.”
Membership Updates New Members Join us in welcoming our newest member, Linda Schooley. Births Join us in celebrating the recent births of: • Charlotte (July 31), daughter of Hannah & John Stolle. Hannah is the daughter of Scot & Libby Shoup. • Sadie Lee (August 8), daughter of Jack & Chelsi Shoup. Jack is the son of Scot & Libby Shoup. • Ellison Scarlett (August 7), daughter of Brian and Ashley Flood. Ashley is the sister of FPC’s director of music, Weston Jennings. Deaths Condolences to the families of our FPC members who entered the Church Triumphant: • Marguerite Carmichael (July 26) • Martha Joe Hutchins (August 11) • Robert McKinley (August 14) • Jan Clayton (August 15)
Heavenly Father, as we wait for your guidance and clarity in our daily decisions, may we do it prayerfully. (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.)
Cookbook Brunch was A Taste of Heaven At the July 14 Sunday Cookbook Brunch, all seats were filled and some guests were seated along the wall. The culinary talents of the congregation were evident in the quality and variety of delicious dishes. The event raised $1,180 in pre-order cookbook sales and $270 in donations. These funds will go toward printing costs. Profits from the book sales will support Potter House. Get the recipes for congregational favorites by reserving your copy of A Taste of Heaven. Watch Steeple Times and church bulletins for more opportunities to pre-order your copy or email FpcCookbook@suddenlink. net. Cookbooks will be delivered in spring 2020 as a part of the 150th anniversary of the founding of FPC.
SAVE THE DATE: Achieving Dreams Gala Thursday, October 3 | 6 pm | Fellowship Hall | $30 for tickets Achieving Dreams is a non-profit day program committed to providing opportunities and support to adults with special needs. Achieving Dreams is also a community partner with FPC by helping with recycling. The 6th annual Circle of Caring, “Rock the Night Away” will be an evening of live entertainment and dinner. Tickets are $30. Contact Bettie Clancy (903-521-1383) if you would like to attend, make a contribution, or learn more about this wonderful organization.
VBS Volunteer Thank You Thank you to all who helped with their time, talent and treasure to make out 2019 VBS a success! Words cannot express our gratitude!
s a v e t h e d a t e | O C T O B E R 2 0 19 First Covered Dish Luncheon of the Next 150 Years | October 13 Mark your calendar and join us!
Annual Congregational Meeting & Luncheon | October 20
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Music Dedication Sunday | October 20
M O N T H LY E V E N T H I G H L I G H T S Rally Day 2019
Presbyterian Women Fall Gathering
Sunday, September 8 | 9:30 am | Fellowship Hall Join us as we kick off our new year of classes with Rally Day. You will have a chance to meet our children, their teachers and the child care staff as well as our youth, their teachers and leaders. The adults will have an opportunity to meet members of the adult classes and learn more about their studies. This event allows all to learn more about the opportunities we have for Sunday morning study groups. Visit fpctyler.com/events/rallyday.
Tuesday, September 17 | 6 pm | Anderson Room, F 101-102 All women (and men!) of the church are invited to attend our Fall Gathering Dinner. FPC’s Robyn Files, a member for over 50 years, will present Shining Light on First Presbyterian Church History, kicking off our sesquicentennial year which will culminate with an exciting celebration on April 5, 2020. Reserve your place at the table to join us for good food, fun music, and fellowship with friends. Cost is $10, payable at the door. RSVP to fpctyler.com/events/pwfall. Questions? Contact Mary Hagan (903-769-0709/maryhagan56@gmail.com), FPC’s 2019-20 PW Moderator.
Farewell Celebration for Phyllis Kidwell Sunday, September 8 | 9:30 am | Fellowship Hall Join us for a farewell celebration for Phyllis Kidwell as we mark this occasion on our staff. After 6 years of working for the church, Phyllis will be retiring. Help us thank Phyllis for her years of service! Visit fpctyler.com/events/phyllisretirement.
Grace Presbytery Meeting Hosted by FPC Saturday, September 28 | 9 am | Campus wide You have created a reputation for hospitality when we host Grace Presbytery meetings! Plan to join us at our next meeting at FPC. Worship will be followed by the business meeting. You can register on the Grace Presbytery website at gracepresbytery.org/meetings-committees/presbytery-meetings. Come see our connectional church in action!
Fine Arts @ FPC: No Strings Attached Thursday, September 12 | 7 pm | Sanctuary FREE ADMISSION
The Donald Sinta Quartet has earned praise from audiences and critics alike for its virtuosic performances, compelling recordings and distinctive repertoire. Hailed as “…a tightknit ensemble exploding with power and virtuosity and an nu-concealable ambition to connect with its newly found listeners” (Boston Musical Intelligencer), the DSQ performs entirely from memory, which strengthens an already palpable connection with its audiences. The quartet’s unique program features works originally written for string quartet, now re-conceived by this virtuosic saxophone quartet. Visit fpctyler.com/events/donaldsintaquartet.
SAVE THE DATE: First Covered Dish Luncheon of the Next 150 Years Sunday, October 15 | 12 pm | Fellowship Hall Mark your calendars when the Stewardship Committee is hosting the “First Covered Dish Luncheon of the Next 150 Years!” Plan to bring your appetite and a favorite dish to share. Look for special entertainment from our youth. Join the fun and share a delicious meal in Fellowship Hall immediately following the 11 a.m. service. To RSVP or for more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/stewardshipluncheon. Questions? Contact the church office at 903-597-6317.
Three-Week Gateway Class for Newcomers Sundays, September 15 - 29 | 9:45 am | M 102 If you are new to FPC and would like to learn more about our church and the Presbyterian tradition, this class is for you. Our pastor, Dr. Stuart Baskin, will teach this class designed to help you become more fully integrated into the life of our church. Visit fpctyler.com/events/newtofpc.
Presbyterian Women Gearing Up for Women’s Circles The Presbyterian Women’s Circles begin in September. This is a great opportunity to fellowship with other women of the church. We provide opportunities for Bible study, as well as local, national and international mission projects. For more information, contact Mary Hagan (903-769-0709/maryhagan56@gmail.com). • 2nd Sunday of the month 9:30 am
Room M 204
Moderator: Ginny Mattox
• 2nd Tuesday of the month 10 am
Room F 101-102
Moderator: Sharon Bragg
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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)
Monthly Highlight: PATH
Thank you to everyone who participated in PATH’s Fan Drive. During September, PATH will be collecting 1 lb. bags of rice and beans. The annual Coats for Kids drive will also begin. New or gently used coats are greatly appreciated. Note that PATH’s pantry will gladly take donations of diapers, canned goods and personal care items all year round. Donations may be dropped off at our PATH collection bins located in Fellowship Hall or in front of the elevator in the Main Building. For information, visit pathhelps.org.
Founded in 1985, PATH is a faith-based nonprofit organization serving Smith County residents with programs that assist and empower during times of crisis. Its unique programs and services address the many factors keeping low income individuals and families in poverty, placing them at risk of homelessness and limiting their potential to move toward stability and the lives they want. PATH’s services include rent and utility assistance, emergency and long-term prescription assistance, dental and vision care, transitional and permanent supportive housing, personalized case management, mentoring for at-risk youth and teens and the largest Choice Food Pantry in the region. The organization owns 56 homes which provide safe and affordable housing to families in the Transitional Housing Program. Join us in supporting PATH at PATH Week Celebration Luncheon on Thursday, September 19 at 11:30 a.m. at the Green Acres Baptist Church Crosswalk Conference Center. The Emergency Services and Assistance programs will be highlighted. The honorees will be: The Genesis Group, KLTV, East Texas Light house for the Blind, TXU, and Walmart of Tyler. Tickets are $40 each, or a table for 8 is $500. Tickets are available through Eventbrite or by calling 903-617-2825. Other ways that you can be of help: volunteer, make a donation, or contribute items for the monthly pantry drives. For more information, call (903) 597-PATH.
Knit Wits—Yarn Lovers Unite for Ministry Monday, September 9 | 1:30 pm | The Hill Room Calling all knitters, crocheters and other yarn lovers...we have a place for you with the Knit Wits! Visit fpctyler.com/ events/knitwits.
SYNOD ATTENDEES
Recently, a group of students from FPC attended SYNOD in Tulsa, OK (top).
Analysis of Revenues & Expenses July 2019 Summary MTD ACTUAL
YTD ACTUAL
YTD BUDGET
REVENUES
$52,268
$52,268
$59,567
EXPENSES
$80,815
$80,815
$89,568
($28,547)
($28,547)
($30,001)
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 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
Youth Group Returns - Pizza & Priming!
East Texas Youth Conference
Wednesday, September 4 | 6 pm | The Well All youth, from grades 6 through 12, are invited to be a part of this weekly gathering. Join us for food, fun, and fellowship. And, don’t forget, friends are always welcome! We’ll also talk about the direction YOU want to take this year. YOU get to pick the discussion topics, the activities, the food, the music . . . all the things. Join us to make your voice heard! Visit fpctyler.com/events/youthgroup.
September 13 - 15 | Camp Gilmont | Gilmont, TX It’s not too late to sign up! Our theme this year is Kick Back with Jesus (Matthew 11:28), and we’ll be guided by two awesome keynote speakers, the Rev. Kyle Brown and the Rev. Sarah Renfro. Visit fpctyler.com/events/etyc to learn more about them and to register. You don’t want to miss it! Questions? Contact Jenni at (803-9240576/jma rsha l l@ fpctyler.com).
Kirk Ringers Handbell Ensemble Sunday, September 15 | 9:15 am | Music Suite Do you like fun, friendship, music making, and worship leadership? All children and youth in grades 3-9 are invited to join as we share our music for the 11 a.m. service, the children’s Christmas pageant, and Youth Sunday. Are you new to ringing? We have room for you and it’s not necessary to read music. We’ll teach you. Welcome returning ringers - we are excited about your leadership in the group. Parents are encouraged to attend this first rehearsal. Following each rehearsal, we will escort the children and youth to their appropriate Sunday School classes. Questions? Call Laura Swartz (903-780-1359/laura.swartz@tylerisd.org).
Confirmation Class Kick-Off Sunday, September 22 | 12:30 pm | The Well Confirmation Class has six amazing members this year! All confirmands and adult mentors are invited to lunch and learn more about a new curriculum, Big God, Big Questions, that we will use. It will be fun and challenging, as we explore our faith for the real world. Visit fpctyler.com/events/ confirmationkickoff.
Vacation Bible School in Pictures Thanks to Pete Houting for his artistic talent he continually provides through pictures of FPC events!
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY N EWS & EVENTS Children’s Carol Choir Rehearsal Resumes
Bible Presentation For Kids
Wednesday, September 4 | 5 pm | M 105 Children, ages 4 years through 2nd grade, join us for praise songs, Bible stories, prayers, snacks and games! Questions? Contact Margaret Bjork (bjorkdm@yahoo.com). Visit fpctyler.com/events/carolchoir.
Sunday, September 22 | 11 am | Sanctuary Third through sixth graders will receive personalized Bibles from the congregation during the 11 a.m. worship service. Visit fpctyler.com/events/bibles.
Attention Teachers and Shepherds...
Rally Day and Farewell!
Your printed curriculum and copies of the class “extras” will be ready at the beginning of the month. Plan to come by the children’s area one of the next two Sundays, after the 8:30 or 11 a.m. services to get your copies and see where your supplies will be stored for the coming semester. As always, we appreciate you stepping forward in this important role for Children’s Ministry.
Sunday, September 8 | 9:30 am | Fellowship Hall On Rally Day, we celebrate the beginning of our education year in the church. We will look at the offerings for adults, see the children in their new classes and celebrate - Dr. Stuart Baskin’s return from sabbatical leave and Phyllis Kidwell’s retiring as our Director of Children’s Ministry. A continental breakfast will be served along with special activities for the little children.
A WORD OR TWO FROM PHYLLIS KIDWELL... Goodbyes are always hard, and this one is no exception. I want to thank all of you that comprise First Presbyterian ChurchTyler and let you know what a delight it has been to be here for the last six years. I have made many friends of all ages. I have been stretched in my work with Grace Presbytery with your support. Please know that leaving your congregation is bittersweet for me. Yet, it is time for me to go. I want to thank you for letting me be a part of the ministry to your most precious gifts, your children and grandchildren. They are an inspiration to us on so many levels. You truly have a prize in them – they are curious, smart, knowledgeable, and talented. I know you will continue to treasure them and the role they play in the congregation. They are a precious lot. Know that you will be missed in the days ahead as I transition to retirement. My coworkers have been most supportive in my work and in this transition. John and I do plan to come to worship here from time to time. I can hardly wait to pass the peace with you again, here or at a Grace Presbytery meeting.
Phyllis Kidwell
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
| Book &/or DVD & discussion Thursdays | 9:30 am | Conference Room | Life Lessons from 1 and 2 Peter | Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533 WOMEN
| Study & discussion M 207 | The Lectionary | Contact: David Palady (davidpalady@gmail.com)
WESTMINSTER
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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)
September CALENDER HIGHLIGHTS 1 2 4 4 4 8 8 8 9 10 11 12 13 - 15 15 15 17 18 22 22 25 28 29
Communion Sunday. 8:30 & 11 am, Chapel & Sanctuary. Labor Day observed. Church office and campus closed. Children’s Carol Choir Rehearsal Resumes. 5 pm, M 105. Youth Group - Pizza & Priming. 6 pm, The Well. Chancel Choir Rehearsal Resumes. 6:30 pm, Music Suite. Rally Day. 9:30 am, Fellowship Hall. Phyllis Kidwell Retirement Celebration. 9:30 am, Fellowship Hall. Presbyterian Women Sunday Circle. 9:30 am, M 204. Knit Wits. 1:30 pm, Hill Room. Presbyterian Women Tuesday Circle. 10 am, F 101-102. Youth Group. 6 pm, The Well. Fine Arts @ FPC: No Strings Attached. 7 pm, Sanctuary. East Texas Youth Conference. Camp Gilmont, Gilmer, TX Steeple Times Submission Deadline. Gateway Class for Newcomers Begins. 9:30 am, M 102. Presbyterian Women Fall Gathering. 6 pm, F 101-102. Youth Group. 6 pm, The Well. Gateway Class for Newcomers. 9:30 am, M 102. Bible Presentation for Kids. 11 am, Sanctuary. Youth Group. 6 pm, The Well. Grace Presbytery Meeting. All Day, Campus wide. Gateway Class for Newcomers. 9:30 am, M 102.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS Budget & Finance. September 12 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Building & Grounds. September 9 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Mission. September 9 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Risk Management. September 4 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Sesquicentennial. September 11 @ 4 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Session. September 17 @ 7 pm — M 207 Stewardship. September 9 @ 6 pm — Anderson Room Worship. September 4 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 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.
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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 | 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 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: