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 1 0 : N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 9
The Story of Swanson Yarbrough by the Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin
Have you heard the story of Swanson Yarbrough? If you’ve been around long enough, you have, but let me remind you who he was. Swanson Yarbrough was a member of our church from 1946 until his death in 1956. Not long by many standards, but long enough to have made an indelible impression and lasting impact. According to former pastor Sherrard Rice, Swanson was once hospitalized with a serious illness. During his hospital stay he made a vow to God that if he survived his illness, he would give more time to the church. In fact, he did survive, but like a lot of us, he promptly forgot his vow. Later on, he was on a ladder picking figs when he fell and hurt himself again. His wife reminded him of his vow, and this time he made good on his vow. For the next several years he spent time every day visiting newcomers and finding names of potential new members. It is said that until his death in 1956, he was responsible for bringing in 100 new members a year.
weeknight to visiting potential new members. And apparently, he had a sense of humor. John Anderson, pastor from 1945 to 1951, said that when he returned from vacation one summer, Yarbrough needled him into having an “altar call” at the end of worship one Sunday. In spite of Anderson’s hesitation—Presbyterians don’t generally do altar calls—he did it, and 25 people came down the aisle. Anderson says he thought he had preached a really great sermon, but he later discovered that Yarbrough had recruited them all and waited until Anderson’s return from vacation to have them join. Swanson Yarbrough is an example of what one committed Presbyterian can do. Whether it is evangelism, or mission, or teaching—great things happen when we focus our energies and get to work. Great story.
Yarbrough discovered that visiting people between 5:30 and 8:30 in the evening was a good time to catch people at home. According to our 125th Anniversary history, he devoted each
i n t h i s i s s u e | H I GH LI GHT S & F E ATU RE S O Sing unto the Lord | pg 3 Tyler Civic Chorale and Rabbi Neal Katz explore the Book of Psalms with music.
PW Thank Offering and Tea | pg 3 Presbyterian Women celebrate God’s blessings in a service of dedication followed by a tea.
Evensong for Christ the King | pg 3 Celebrate the end of the liturgical year with a service of choral evensong. 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 Membership Updates
PRAYERFULLY SPEAKING from the FPC Prayer Team
Baptisms We are proud to have witnessed the baptism of Steele Charles Lindsay and June Scotland Lindsay, children of Jessie and Scott Lindsay, and grandchildren of Luci and Trey Morgan.
Grandfather Hudson’s Campus Work Day
Intercessory prayer is wonderful medicine. All of us who offer such prayers are richly blessed from doing so. When we pray for others in need, we open our hearts to God. We are connected to God in prayer. We believe that God hears our every prayer, and we trust that He will act on our requests. We must accept that His answer to our prayers, although not always the answer that we had hoped for, will always be what is best because God is all-knowing and all-loving.
Saturday, November 30 | 10 am | campuswide FPC will have a campus work day and all are welcome and encouraged to attend. Visit fpctyler.com/events/fpcworkday.
Max Lucado writes, “When you pray, when you speak for the ones who need help to the One who can give it, something wonderful happens.”
Presbyterian Women: Chrismon Tree Decorating
Wonderful medicine, indeed!
Office Closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday The office and campus will be closed on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Saturday, November 30 | 10 am | Sanctuary Presbyterian Women will decorate the Chrismon trees in the Sanctuary and Chapel. All women of the church are invited to help. Please try to place this important event on your busy calendar today. Visit fpctyler.com/events/pwchrismon.
(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.)
Baptisms of June and Steele Lindsay
Blue Christmas: A Service of Remembrance and Hope
We are overjoyed to share that June Lindsay and Steele Lindsay received the Sacrament of Baptism in October. Their parents are Jessie and Scott Lindsay, the daughter and son-in-law of Luci and Trey Morgan. It was a beautiful and intimate Baptism, and FPC welcomes June and Steele into the beginning of their lifelong journey of faith.
Sunday, December 8 | 6:30 pm | Sanctuary Once again, we will offer a time of contemplative worship during Advent for those who find themselves walking in the darkness of sorrow and loss for any reason during the holiday season. All are welcome to come sit quietly before the One who is with us in the darkness of our sorrow and will see us through to the morning when joy shall return. A light dessert reception will follow. Visit fpctyler.com/ events/bluechristmas for more information.
Chancel Flowers for 2020 Many dates for 2020 to donate flowers are available. Call now to get your favorite date saved so you can honor a friend, celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or memorialize a loved one by donating flowers to the Chancel. Arrangements are $100. Contact the church office (903-597-6317) to reserve your date.
s a v e t h e d a t e | D E C E M B E R 2 0 19 Fine Arts @ FPC | December 6 & 7
Blue Christmas| December 8
Christmas Eve Services | December 24
Join us for Tyler Civic Chorale’s “Yuletide Madrigal Feaste.” Tickets on sale now.
FPC will offer a service of remeberence and hope.
Join us for two services - Family Christmas Eve and the Moravian Lovefeast.
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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 All Saints’ Day (observed)
Presbyterian Women Thank Offering Dedication Service and Tea
Sunday, November 3 | 8:30 & 11 am services Join us as we commemorate the saints who have entered the Church Triumphant before us. Visit fpctyler.com/events/allsaints.
Monday, November 18 | 2 pm | Chapel & Anderson Room Join us as we gather for a dedication service to be followed by a tea. This annual celebration of God’s blessings in our lives is an opportunity to show appreciation by sharing those blessings with others. A program will be presented during our tea by England native Diane Roworth entitled “Princess to Queen: The Life of Elizabeth II.” There is no cost and guests are welcome. Make your reservations with Janet Burks (903-593-8784) or sign up during one of our PW circles. Visit fpctyler.com/events/pwthank.
Tyler Civic Chorale and Rabbi Neal Katz present “O Sing unto the Lord a New Song” Thursday, November 7 | 7 pm | Sanctuary $15 Adults in advance | $20 Adults Students & Children free admission
at the door
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Explore a wealth of poetic praise from the Book of Psalms with the Tyler Civic Chorale in a variety of dramatic choral works that span the ages. The concert includes a contemporary setting of Psalms 113 through 118 by master composer and longtime professor of music at the Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati, the late Bonia Shur. Rabbi Neal Katz adds, “I have been wanting to share this wonderful piece of music for many years in Tyler. I studied under the composer for four years, and I’m so thankful that the Tyler Civic Chorale will be performing this beautiful song on November 7th.” Visit www.tylercivicchorale.org/concerts.
Voices of Faith Fall Concert Friday, November 22 | 7 pm | Sanctuary Free Admission
Since 2008, Voices of Faith has sought to give young musicians a space to explore their artistic discipline through a God-honoring repertoire. The choir gathers over seventy-five talented vocalists from the East Texas area in a Christ-centered, choral program under the direction of Pam Eikner, with accompanist Dana Bertino. Visit fpctyler. com/events/vof2019.
Stewardship Dedication Sunday
Sunday, November 10 | 8:30 & 11 am services Join the congregation in dedicating your pledge for 2020. Pledge cards will be available in the pews. Ministries, missions, and outreach await. No matter what amount you choose, join us and pledge your financial gift to God. Visit fpctyler.com/events/stewardship.
Festal Evensong for Christ the King Sunday, November 24 | 5 pm | Sanctuary Free Admission
Marking the end of the liturgical year, the Feast of Christ the King celebrates and honors Jesus Christ as Lord of all creation. Meditative and peaceful, choral Evensong unites voices together at the ‘even’ point between the activity of the day and the calm of night, allowing listeners time for tranquil contemplation: church members, agnostics and atheists alike. The service will be followed by a reception in The Hill Room. Visit fpctyler.com/events/christtheking.
Advent Artfest 2019 Sunday, December 1 | 9:30 am | Fellowship Hall All are invited to a morning of crafts, continental breakfast, and fun for all ages during the Sunday school hour. Supplies will be available to craft Christmas cards, make study care packages for our college friends, and play hand chimes. You’ll also have the chance to help decorate the Christmas trees in the Fellowship Hall. Friends invited - let’s get ready for Christmas. FYI: Sunday school classes are cancelled. Visit fpctyler.com/events/adventartfest. 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 HOW CAN YOU HELP? On Sunday mornings in November, stop by the table in the main building on the first floor near the elevator, and sign up to: • Provide a gift for a special friend. You will be given a “wish list” from your designated special friend. Gifts should be valued at $30 maximum, and should be delivered to the church by Sunday, December 2. • Help with the party. We need volunteers to bring homemade cookies, serve treats, greet our guests, serve as “elves” delivering Santa’s gifts to recipients, and clean up. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to serve our extraordinary special friends and join in their contagious excitement about the Christmas season. To get involved, contact Bettie Clancy (903-521-1383) or Florrie Wallace (903-780-0268) or visit fpctyler.com/ events/specialfriendschristmas.
PATH (People Attempting To Help) During November, PATH is collecting canned meats, blankets, and diapers sizes 3 and up, pullups, baby wipes and baby food. 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.
Knit Wits—Yarn Lovers Unite for Ministry Monday, November 4 | 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.
Special Friends Annual Christmas Party Wednesday, December 11 | 1 pm | Fellowship Hall For many years, FPC-Tyler has hosted the Special Friends Annual Christmas Party. Special adult friends from Goodwill, Azalea Academy, and Achieving Dreams will come together to celebrate Christmas with treats, singing carols, a visit from Santa Claus, and gifts from FPC members.
Thank you from Achieving Dreams and Bettie Clancy
Thank you to the congregation, the ministers, and the custodian for the use of our beautiful facility at Achieving Dream’s annual fundraiser Circle of Caring. It was held October 3, 2019 and the evening was a complete success and very well attended. Our Achievers, parents, and friends in the community always look forward to this very special event. If you missed our event, please make an effort to come next year and see these “Achievers” shine. Pictures of the event are posted on Facebook at Achieving Dreams.
Analysis of Revenues & Expenses September 2019 Summary
MTD Actual YTD Actual
Stay in the Know
YTD Budget
Revenues
$78,631
$187,046
$223,938
Expenses
$80,355
$249,875
$276,986
Net Total
($1,724)
($62,829)
($53,048)
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
Youth Group @ The Well
Wednesdays evenings | visit fpctyler.com/events/youthgroup In November, the FPC youth group will be “here, there, and everywhere” for fellowship and mission - see below. Always visit fpctyler.com/events/youthgroup for the most up-todate location and dates.
Wednesday, November 13 | 6 pm | The Well Join us back at The Well for grades 6-12. It’s a game night with all your favorite board games! Contact Jenni at (803924-0576/jmarshall@fpctyler.com) with questions or visit fpctyler.com/events/youthgroup.
Youth Group New Meeting Format
Youth Group @ PATH Coat Drive
Wednesday, November 20 | 6 pm | The Well We are going on mission to help PATH with their annual coat drive. We’ll meet in The Well at 6 pm for dinner, then go over to the Old Griffin Gym (3000 North Border Avenue) from 6:30-7:30 pm to help unload and organize coats for the event. Contact Jenni at (803-924-0576/jmarshall@fpctyler. com) with questions.
Wednesday, November 6 Gabriel Residence | 215 West First Street | Tyler • Middle School Small Group from 5:30-6:15 pm • Dinner for all youth (grades 6-12) from 6:15-6:45 pm • Senior High Small Group from 6:45-7:30 pm Visit fpctyler.com/events/youthgroup for more information.
Youth Group @ ETSO
No Youth Group Thanksgiving Week
Saturday, November 9 | 7:30 pm | Cowan Center | 3900 University Blvd Join us for a multi-media experience pairing hi-def imagery from NASA and astronomer-photographer Dr. José Francisco Salgado featuring celestial phenomena—from the Northern Lights to solar flares—with the music of Strauss, Schoenberg, and Mozart. Contact Jenni at (803-924-0576/ jmarshall@fpctyler.com) with questions or visit fpctyler. com/events/youthgroup.
There will be no youth group on Wednesday, November 27, due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Confirmation - Confirmands & Mentors
Sunday, November 3 & 17 | 12:30 pm | The Well Confirmation class will continue on their faith journey with Big God, Big Questions. Confirmands and mentors, plan to meet for lunch and discussion. Contact Jenni at (803924-0576/jmarshall@fpctyler.com) with questions.
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP PARTNERSHIP UPDATE by Ginny Mattox Mission Committee Please continue to pray for Yaya Velasquez as she enters her second year at Schreiner University. As you may recall our church entered into partnership with 28 other Grace Presbytery congregations to contribute toward the expenses related to college education for Yaya at Schreiner University. Yaya’s first year at Schreiner University was very challenging, however, she rose to the occasion taking a full load of classes and getting all A’s. Additionally, she took a tedious online summer school English class and got an A on that one also!
As Yaya enters her second year, she and her advisor have made a study plan that will allow her to graduate in three years with a major in Education and Psychology. Her goal is to become a school counselor/clinician. Yaya continues to be a great role model for the children in her native Mexican village. She attempts to save a few dollars every month so that her fifteen year old brother might be able to go to a local college in Mexico. He is on track to complete high school. We wish Yaya a great fall semester and ask that you keep her and her family in your prayers. 5
Children’s Ministry N ews & Events Christmas Pageant Casting Call
SAVE THE DATES
Wednesday, November 20 | 5 pm | Fellowship Hall It’s almost time for the annual Christmas Pageant. Rehearsals will begin November 20, and take place Wednesdays from 5-5:45 pm. We will not meet during the week of Thanksgiving. The Pageant will be presented Sunday, December 15 during the 11 am service. Please let us know if your child will be involved this year and think about what role they would like to play. We will have our older youth narrate, while our little ones present the glorious story of Christ’s birth to the congregation. Contact Kristin Hoyer (786-329-9431/khoyer@fpctyler.com) for more information or if you would like to be involved. For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/pageant.
Christmas Pageant Rehearsals November 20, December 4 & 11 Age 3 through grade 12 Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 15 | 11 am | Sanctuary Age 3 through grade 12 Church-wide Christmas Luncheon Sunday, December 15 | 12 pm | Fellowship Hall All are invited for this catered celebration. Family Crèche Service Sunday, December 24 | 3 pm | Chapel Especially for families, with a focus on the nativity scene.
Advent Artfest Sunday, December 1 | 9:30 am | Fellowship Hall Join us for Advent Artfest. During the Sunday school hour, children and youth will work on crafts and holiday cards, play music on the handchimes, and create boxes to send to our youth in college. If you would like to help with a craft, or to help supervise, contact Kristin Hoyer (786-329-9431/ KHoyer@fpctyler.com). Visit fpctyler.com/events/adventartfest.
SUNDAY SCHOOL / SMALL GROUP LISTING Sunday School @ 9:45 am
Small Group Schedule
faith builders
men
| Lecture & discussion M 205 | Salvation Contact: Chris Bunt (903) 531-3535
women
| Lecture & discussion M 202 | The book of Matthew Contact: Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746 the forum
209ers | Young Adults M 209 | Red Letter Christianity Contact: Drew Starnes (713) 540-0962 the
| 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 Life Lessons from 1 and 2 Peter Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533
| 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 am Service (Chapel) 9:15 am Coffee Fellowship (The Hill Room) 9:45 am Sunday School (campuswide) 11:00 am Service (Sanctuary)
november CALENDER HIGHLIGHTS 3 Daylight saving time ends. Set clocks back one hour at 2 am. 3 All Saints Day (observed). 8:30 am & 11 am, Chapel & Sanctuary. 4 Knit Wits. 1:30 pm, The Hill Room. 6 Youth Group. 5:30 pm, Gabriel residence. 7 Meadow Lake Bible Study. 11:45 am, Meadow Lake. 7 Fine Arts @ FPC: Tyler Civic Chorale Presents “O Sing unto the Lord a New Song.” 7 pm, Sanctuary. 10 Stewardship Dedication Sunday - Celebrating 150 Years! 8:30 & 11 am, Chapel & Sanctuary. 10 Presbyterian Women Sunday Circle. 9:30 am, M 206. 12 Presbyterian Women Weekday Circle. 10 am, F 101-102. 15 Steeple Times Submission Deadline. 13 Youth Group. 6 pm, The Well. 18 Presbyterian Women’s Thank Offering & Tea. 2 pm, Chapel & F 101/102. 20 Christmas Pageant Casting Call. 5 pm, Fellowship Hall. 20 Student Ministries: PATH Coats for Kids Set Up. 6 pm, The Well. 22 Fine Arts @ FPC: Voices of Faith. 7 pm, Sanctuary. 24 Fine Arts @ FPC: Festal Evensong for Christ the King. 5 pm, Sanctuary. 28-29 Church office and campus closed. Thanksgiving holiday. 30 Grandfather Hudson Campus workday. 10 am, Campuswide. 30 Presbyterian Women Chrismon Tree Decorating. 10 am, Sanctuary. 12/1 Advent Artfest. 9:30 am, Fellowship Hall.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS Budget & Finance. November 14 @ 12 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Diaconate. November 6 @ 5 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Governance. November 4 @ 5:30 pm — Conference Room | A 110 Mission. November 11 @ 5:30 pm — Library | A 111 Session. November 19 @ 7 pm — M 207 Worship & Music. November 5 @ 5 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 newsletter.
Steeple Times is a publication of First Presbyterian Church, 230 W. Rusk St., Tyler, TX 75701. Editor: Weston Jennings. FPC reserves the right to edit and/or exclude all submissions. Submit content by the 15th of the month prior to publication: church@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 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., 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 Weston Jennings, Director of Music and Organist | wjennings@fpctyler.com Nanci Pollard, Financial Assistant | npollard@fpctyler.com Kristin Hoyer, Interim Director of Children’s Ministries | khoyer@fpctyler.com Wendy Tynan, Interim Executive Assistant | wtynan@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: