Steeple Times, Apr. 2015 (Vol. 10, Issue 4)

By the Rev. Dr. Stuart BaskinOne of my weaknesses in ministry is a tendency to avoid difficult issues. Sometimes it’s a good thing: issues can seem urgent for a moment, but after a few days fade in importance; letting them go without comment can be a strategic move. But sometimes is-sues are really important, and ignor-ing them just makes them worse. The art of leadership is discerning which issues need to be addressed and which should be ignored. But another facet of leadership is discerning when to address an issue. Addressing an issue too soon can be as counterproductive as ignoring it.

I sense that as a congregation, we are about ready for an extended conversa-tion about our future. A congregation can sustain only so many big issues at a time, and we have had more than our fair share of big issues. From heal-ing the wounds of conflict, to an al-

most complete overhaul in staffing, to a major capital improvement project to repair and upgrade aging facilities, and on and on—we have had a lot to say grace over as a congregation!

In all of this it’s not gone unnoticed by me, by staff, or by the officers that we have suffered declines in both mem-bership and worship attendance over the years. This should not be cause for panic, however. In my experience, panic and fear almost always lead to bad decisions. When it comes to our declines in attendance and mem-bership, two facts should temper our judgment. First, these declines have been happening since the 1960s.

Second, these declines mirror trends in our culture. On this phenomenon, I could write pages. Suffice it to say we haven’t done anything wrong, but have drifted along for forty or fifty

First Presbyterian Church of Tyler, Texas 230 West Rusk Street, Tyler, Texas 75701-1696

(903) 597-6317 | www.fpctyler.com

Living into God’s Vision Together

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 0 , I s s u e 4 : A p r i l 2 01 5

Holy Week & Easter | page 4Join us for the holy days leading up to the ultimate celebration of our Lord. Stop by the labyrinth during the week (page 3) and join us for brunch and egg hunts on Easter morning.

Kirkin’ of the Tartans | page 4Bagpipes and a procession of tartans will be followed by a congregational lunch.

Youth Sunday | page 7Look forward to an energetic morn-ing as the youth lead the annual Youth Sunday worship services.

Camp Gilmont News | pages 4–5Support Camp Gilmont’s summer programs as they enter their 75th year of ministry and attend a reception at one of premier private gardens in East Texas.

i n t h i s i s s u e | H I G H L I G H T S & F E AT U R E S

Continued on page 2.

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Attention sewers and needle crafters! A new small group is forming to engage and share your skills and talents. What-ever you enjoy sewing, there will be a place of you. Also, if you want to learn something new, this is the place. The group will meet monthly at the church, day and time to be determined. We will have an organizational meeting soon after Easter. For more information, please contact Mollie Bobo (903-530-2772 / [email protected]).

A Crafty Small Group

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 pul-pit! Follow the QR code above or find the e-newsletter sign-up link on the website at fpctyler.com.

Stay in touch with us on social media, too:

/fpctyler @fpctyler @fpctyler

Stay in the Know

Thank You

Dear FPC family,

The outpouring of love and prayers my family felt from our congregation during the brief illness and death of our precious Trudy Fleming was overwhelm-ing. We cannot begin to thank you enough for mak-ing us feel surrounded by love and wrapped in God’s arms as we walked the final journey with mother.

Mother loved our church and our church family. Stu-art’s send off was perfect; she would have been so pleased. Donald’s music would have filled her heart with joy as she loved to hear him get carried away on the piano and organ in the chapel. I can’t thank our church staff enough for their love and support; and the team who takes care of our receptions and directs our memorial services went above and beyond to make us feel loved.

I am so blessed to be a part of this wonderful congre-gation! Thank you, one and all, for making mother’s passing a celebration of her life and legacy.

Blessings and peace,

Jessica Cox

years while cultural trends have worked against us. Con-flicts within the congregation over who is to blame for our decline have only served to deepen our rate of decline and deplete us of the energy we need to deal with it appropri-ately.

All of this is to say, I believe we are ready to face the future and reverse these trends.

But it won’t be easy. I have been asked if there is a secret to growing a church, if there is some program we could adopt that would instantly reverse our decline. The answer is no, there’s not. It’s kind of like dieting: no one ever went broke selling the latest greatest weight-loss scheme, but we all know the truth: weight loss takes discipline and hard work. There are no quick fixes or shortcuts.

There are no quick fixes for us, but there is ample cause for hope—as long as we’re willing to roll up our collective

sleeves and get to work. There are a few things we can do better, but the bigger issue is figuring out who we are and what God is calling us to do right here, right now. Unless and until we can be very specific about what God is calling us to do, we will continue to bump along.

In the months ahead, look for some initiatives from the Ses-sion to wrestle with our identity and purpose. These initia-tives are not intended to be quick fixes, but they will chal-lenge us as a congregation to work hard together to find our identity and to live into God’s vision for us.

“Living into God’s Vision Together,” continued from page 1.

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. Sub-mit content to Karen McClellan by the 15th of the month prior to publication: [email protected], fax (903) 597-6326, or mail. An archive of the Steeple Times can be found online at www.fpctyler.com/archive.

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Minutes recorded by Robyn FilesThe Session met on February 17 and conducted the following business:

As treasurer, Mary Fischer discussed the financial reports for January 2015.

On behalf of the Governance Com-mittee, Robyn Files motioned that a Volunteer Coordinating Committee be formed to work with staff to iden-tify the talents and passions of mem-

bers; to identify the volunteer oppor-tunities in the church; and to create a process for matching talents and pas-sions with the service opportunities. Motion was passed.

The Planning and Evaluation Com-mittee asked for suggestions for a new format for evaluation of committees.

As representatives of the Budget and Finance Committee, Skip Womack

and Wayne Babin presented options for the retirement of the church’s re-maining debt from the last renovation project. Motions were passed to use money designated for the youth house to pay down the principle on the debt, to amortize the remaining debt, and to authorize the trustees to negotiate the loan for one year paying interest only.

Bullet Points from February’s Session Meeting

The labyrinth will be available Palm Sunday (after 2 pm) through Easter Sunday in the Session Room (F 101/102).

By the Rev. Pamela Leach

During Holy Week the labyrinth will be available for prayer and meditation in the Session Room of the Fellowship

Hall (F 101/102). While labyrinths predate Christianity, they were incor-porated into the prayer life of early believers in the Triune God. Walking this ancient path of prayer gives you the opportunity to step out of the de-mands of your daily life in order to fo-cus on God for a few moments before following the path back into the world where you minister in God’s name.

Both individuals and groups are wel-come to use the labyrinth. Suggestions for use will be available in the Session Room. If you have questions, please contact Lynn Collyer (903-597-6317 x102 / [email protected]).

As we enter Holy Week, consider set-ting aside a few moments to walk the path and reflect on Jesus’ great sacri-fice for the world.

The Labyrinth—A Pathway of Prayer

S U N DAY S C H O O L / S M A L L G R O U P L I S T I N G

Sunday School @ 9:45 amfaith builders | Lecture & discussion M 202 / Study: The book of Acts / Con-tact: Susan Bennett (903) 343-7025

the forum | Book & discussion M 102 / Study: Lost Christianities by Bart Ehrman / Contact: Chris Bunt (903) 531-3535

the 209ers | Young adults M 209 / Study: TBA / Contact: Debbie Pitts ([email protected])

westminster | Book & discussion M 207 / Study: The Present Word / Contact: Linda Pirtle (903) 881-9000

Small Group Scheduleknit wits | Knitting Ministry Monday, April 6, at 1:30 pm at TBA / Contact: Pat Cryer (903) 561-5242

midweek oasis for moms Wednesday, April 1, at 5 pm / M 102 / Contact: Pam Leach (903) 520-9138

men | Lectionary Tuesdays 6:30 am at Premier Flexipac / Contact: Skip Womack (903) 533-9433 or Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746

men | Sermon texts 2nd/4th Mondays 10 am in homes / Contact: Bill Myers (903) 825-7323

women | Book & discussion Thursdays 9:30 am in Conf. Room / Study: Forgiveness: A Lenten Study through April 2; No meeting April 9; C. S. Lewis: Reluctant Disciple be-gins April 16 / Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533

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E V E N T H I G H L I G H T S

Maundy ThursdayThursday, April 2, 7 pm | SanctuaryAlso known as the Thursday of Mysteries, this worship ser-vice commemorates the Lord’s Last Supper. Read more at fpctyler.com/maundy-thursday.

Good FridayFriday, April 3, 7:42 pm | SanctuaryGood Friday marks the beginning of tenebrae, the somber period of darkness between the Lord’s crucifixion and his resurrection. Read more at fpctyler.com/good-friday.

Easter SundaySunday, April 5, 8:30 & 11 am | SanctuaryCelebrate the Lord’s resurrection with us! Read more at fpctyler.com/easter.

Easter EggstravaganzaSunday, April 5, 9:30 am | Front LawnEnjoy a church-wide brunch in celebration of the resurrec-tion, complete with Easter egg hunts and family games. In-vite your friends and neighbors! Read more at fpctyler.com/easter-eggstravaganza.

SAM’s Club: Busting the Myths of HospiceWednesday, April 8, 11 am | Session Room (F 101/102)Join Senior Adult Ministries for a myth-busting presen-tation on hospice care with Patty McKinney and Marleen Elkins. Lunch is catered by Traditions. Meal tickets are $10 and payable at the door. RSVP by noon on Monday, April 6 (fpctyler.com/events/sams or call Bettie Clancy, 903-521-1383).

Caring Basics—Training for DeaconsSunday, April 12, 12:15 pm | Session Room (F 101)Have you ever wanted to visit someone sick or hurting, but just didn’t know how to help? Join us for lunch and get some answers on the nitty gritty side of caring for your church family. Interested but not a deacon? That’s okay; all are wel-come. Read more and RSVP at fpctyler.com/events/caring.

Kirkin’ of the TartansPresented by Fine Arts @ FPC and featuring the Lyon College Pipe BandSunday, April 19, 11 am | Sanctuaryfree admission

A procession of tartan plaid 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 lun-cheon will follow. Read more at fpctyler.com/events/kirkin.

Next Chapter: Game NightMonday, April 20, 5:30 pm | Parlor (M 107)Join FPC’s fellowship group for widows at a game night. Read more at fpctyler.com/events/next-chapter.

75 Years of Gilmont: A Garden ReceptionSunday, April 26, 4:30–6:30 pm | 207 E. Charnwood St.Gilmont’s church families are invited to celebrate 75 years of Gilmont ministries at one of the premier private gardens in East Texas at the residence of Dr. Wayne and Kathy Babin. Save the date, and plan to gather with friends on April 26! Read more at fpctyler.com/events/gilmont.

Spring Madrigal Feast | May 1 & 2Fine Arts @ FPC and the Tyler Civ-ic Chorale present a dinner-theater styled madrigal concert at Cedars of Lebanon.

Bible Presentation | May 3The Children’s Ministry will present first and fifth graders with their very own Bible during the 11 o’clock wor-ship service in the Sanctuary.

Senior Recognition | May 17 Celebrate the acheivements of our graduating seniors at a special recog-nition ceremony during the 11 o’clock service. Look for more details about a reception.

s a v e t h e d a t e | M AY 2 01 5

Planned GivingHave you remembered the church and other charities in your will? If you need help, contact Nanci Pollard (903-597-6317) to request information, or visit the Texas Presbyterian Foundation at tpf.org. Assistance is confidential and free of charge.

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Thank You

Many thanks for all the visits, cards, food, prayers and good wishes during Herman’s recent illness. We were so impressed at your caring and are so grateful to have you for our church family.

—Pat Cryer

CO N G R E G AT I O N A L N E W S

DeathsWe offer prayers of comfort for the family of member gertrude “trudy” fleming who recently passed away.

BirthsWe offer prayers of thanksgiving for the safe delivery of Miles Nelson on Friday, February 20, 2015, to proud parents Mandy and Kyle Nelson and first-time big sister, Sloane.

Thank You from the Mission CommitteeAt its last meeting, the Mission Committee voted to distrib-ute the funds raised at Mardi Gras 2015. Within the next thirty days, over $5,500 will be distributed to the follow-ing local organizations: Bethesda Health Clinic, Gateway to Hope, Habitat for Humanity, the Literacy Council of Tyler, Meals on Wheels, PATH, and the Samaritan Counseling Center. Our two global mission partners, Solar under the Sun/Living Waters for the World and Presbyterian Educa-tion Board’s Sargodha Boys High School will also receive donations. A large thank you goes out to all 180+ members and guests who joined in the fun and to all those who gen-erously donated to these missions supported by FPC. Stay tuned for Mardi Gras 2016!

5th Annual Mickey Melton Memorial Golf TournamentMonday, April 6 | Pinecrest Country Club, LongviewThis tournament was established in 2010 to honor Mickey, a humble community leader, and to continue his service to others. To register visit mickeymelton.com.

Sponsor a Gilmont CamperGive the gift of Camp Gilmont’s summer camp to a child by donating to the Camp Scholarship Fund. It’s summer as it ought to be: simple fun, time in nature, growing in Christ and community. Visit campgilmont.org.

FROG: Friend of GilmontMay 8–9 | Camp Gilmont, Gilmer, TexasBecome a FROG—Friend of Gilmont—and come help us spruce up the camp! Families can sign up or, even better, bring a group from the church! Contact Jane Els, Gilmont’s volunteer coordinator. Visit campgilmont.org.

PATH, April donationsDonate canned fruit in April. Please note that PATH does not currently accept any clothing donations. Bring dona-tions to the PATH crates located in the foyer of the Fellow-ship Hall and near the elevator in the main building. More info at tylerpath.org.

T H E M I S S I O N S TO R EYo 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

Analysis of Revenues & ExpensesFebruary 2015 Summary

mtd actual ytd actual ytd budget

revenues $57,995 $776,447 $771,534expenses $76,110 $785,681 $839,282net total ($18,115) ($9,234) ($67,748)

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Holy Week ChildcareChildcare will be offered for nursery-age through second grade during the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday ser-vices. See page 4 for more service details.

Easter EggstravaganzaSunday, April 5, 9:30 am | Front LawnEnjoy a church-wide brunch in celebration of the resurrec-tion, complete with Easter egg hunts and family games. In-vite your friends and neighbors! Read more at fpctyler.com/events/easter-eggstravaganza.

Friday Fun FinaleFriday, April 10, 6–9 pm | Children’s WingThe last Friday Fun day of the school year will celebrate spring, with tons of outdoor games. Infants–grade 2. Friends are welcome. Parents, please RSVP by Wednesday, April 8 at fpctyler.com/events/firstfriday or contact Phyllis Kidwell ([email protected] / 903-681-5504). This helps us plan ahead for food and craft supplies.

Summer Camp at GilmontAs you are making your summer plans, don’t forget about Camp Gilmont, which offers Discovery Camp (age 7–10) and Explorer’s Camp (age 11–14). There are even two mini camps for children age 6-8. These are three-and-a-half-day adventures for first time campers. For more information, visit gilmontsummercamps.weebly.com.

Vacation Bible SchoolThursday, August 6–Saturday, August 8This year at VBS, we will learn more about the Living Wa-ters for the World mission that is one our church supports in conjunction with Solar Under the Sun. The event will in-clude Bible stories, games, and crafts for the children and information classes for the adults. Please mark your calen-dars and plan to join in the fun.

C H I L D R E N ’ S M I N I S T R Y N E W S & E V E N T S

Youth GroupSunday, April 12, 5:30–7:30 pm | The Well (FL 104)The youth will meet for dinner and a run-through of the Youth Sunday service, which the students will lead on Sunday, April 26. After rehearsal, group games will commence with gusto. RSVP at fpctyler.com/youth-group.

Youth GroupSunday, April 19, 1–3 pm | SanctuaryThe youth will do a final run-through of the Youth Sunday service, which the students will lead on Sunday, April 26. Read more at fpctyler.com/youth-group-2.

Youth SundaySunday, April 26, 8:30 & 11 am worship servicesOnce a year, the youth of FPC Tyler lead the congregation in worship, contributing their talents to everything from the scripting of the service to the music to the prayers. Visit fpctyler.com/events/youth-sunday for the Sunday morning schedule.

Summer EventsEast Texas Youth Mission TripJune 13–21 | Clearwater Forest Camp, Deerwood MNRegister at fpctyler.com/events/etxmission

Junior High JubileeJune 28–July 2 | Mo-Ranch, Hunt TXRegister at fpctyler.com/events/jhj

Synod Youth WorkshopJuly 19–25 | University of TulsaRegister at fpctyler.com/events/syw

S T U D E N T M I N I S T R I E S N E W S & E V E N T S

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Steeple Times, Apr. 2015 (Vol. 10, Issue 4)

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Transcript of Steeple Times, Apr. 2015 (Vol. 10, Issue 4)