By the Rev. Dr. Stuart BaskinAs most of you know, over the last three years we have been in the process of changing our governing structure. Whereas we used to have a session of 25 elders, we now have 12. And where we used to have a board of deacons of 24, now we have a 6-member board and 8 individually commissioned dea-cons. I have written about this change a number of times, and we have talk-ed about it during our annual meet-ings, so I won’t go into detail about the new structure itself. (If you would like more information, you can find the Report of the Governance Task Force from November 2013 online at www.fpctyler.com/resources, or you may contact Robyn Files, any of our elders, or myself.)

Now that our new structure is fully in place our work is not done, but we move into a new, more exciting phase of work. The promise of our new sys-

tem is that less time and energy will go into the task of governing, and more time and energy can go into hands-on ministry. But therein also lies the peril. What will we do with this new-found resource of time and energy?

I am convinced that everyone in the church has a ministry to offer. And I know that everyone in the church has needs that the church can fill. Perhaps it’s help with becoming better par-ents. Or perhaps it’s help learning how to cope with aging parents who have to rely on adult children for care. Or perhaps it’s help with coming to terms with being widowed after many years of marriage. These and many other needs are present among the mem-bers of our church. At the same time, we have the human resources to meet many of these needs.

My dream is that our church will be-come a place where every member can

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

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

A Congregation of Priests

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 2 : F e b r u a r y 2 01 5

Souper Bowl of Caring | page 5

Help the youth collect canned goods and donations on Sunday, February 8.

Annual Meeting | page 2

FPC’s annual “State of the Union” is on Sunday, February 8, after worship.

Lenten Study | page 2

Contemplate forgiveness in a small group setting during Lent.

Mardi Gras 2015 | page 4

King’s Cake, gumbo, po’ boys, music, masks, and beads. Need we say more?

Kirkin’ Flag Orders Due | page 2

Sponsor a banner and represent your clan at the annual Kirkin’ of the Tar-tans procession, coming up on April 19.

i n t h i s i s s u e | h i g h l i g h t s & f e a t u r e s

Continued on page 6.

2

Register for the Lenten study

online (www.fpctyler.com/lent) or in the Fellowship Hall on Sun-

days, February 1, 8, or 15.

By the Rev. Dr. Stuart BaskinThere is perhaps no more difficult Christian discipline than the practice of forgiveness. There is little agree-ment on what forgiveness means and on how far it extends. We pray for it week in and week out (“Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”), yet we wonder who we are obligated to forgive, and for what. Does forgiveness extend only to friends and family? To our community? To people around the world who mean to do us harm?

This year’s Lenten Study will drill

down into the meaning of forgive-ness. We’ll listen to a variety of voices, many of whom disagree about what it means and how far it extends. In the

end we’ll be challenged to develop for ourselves a deeper understanding of forgiveness. The study book this year

is entitled, appropriately enough, For-giveness: A Lenten Study, by Marjorie Thompson.

Sign up either online (www.fpctyler.com/lent) or at the Lenten Study ta-ble in the foyer of Fellowship Hall on February 1, 8, or 15. The study will begin the week of February 22, and each week’s sermon will preview the following week’s reading.

If you have never taken part in a Lent-en Study group, throw caution to the wind and join us as we seek to deepen our faith together!

Sign Up Now for the 2015 Lenten Study

You may have noticed that we didn’t have a Kirkin’ of the Tartans this No-vember. That’s because we are going to have it on Sunday, April 19, two weeks after Easter. Mark your calendar now! Sponsored by Fine Arts @ FPC, the Lyon College Pipe Band will provide appropriate Scottish music during the processional and will perform during

a luncheon following the 11 o’clock worship service.

Some of you have asked about order-ing new tartan banners to honor your Scottish heritage. We will take orders for new tartans during the month of February. If you have a particular tar-tan you would like to give in order to

take part in the procession of tartans, please call Susie in the church office and let her know which tartan you would like. The cost of ordering mate-rial and producing a banner, complete with pole and stand, is $75. You can make your check payable to First Pres-byterian Church, and mark it “tartan” on the memo line.

Represent Your Clan at Kirkin’ of the Tartans

Who: The Congregation

What: Annual Meeting

When: Sunday, Feb. 8, at noon

Where: Fellowship Hall

The Session has set the Annual Meet-ing of the congregation for Sunday, February 8, following the 11 o’clock worship service. The meeting will take

place in the Fellowship Hall and will begin with a box lunch. No RSVP is required. Donations will be accepted to cover the cost of the meal.

The meeting itself will convene at 12:30, and should conclude by 1:30. Childcare will be provided through-out the meeting in the Children’s Wing for infants through grade 3.

Business to be considered at the meet-

ing will include reports from the church’s treasurer, Mary Fischer; con-sideration of an amendment to the by-laws to move the annual meeting to late September or early October so that it falls as soon after the close of the fiscal year and the annual audit as possible; and consideration of the rec-ommendation to change the terms of call of our pastor.

Annual Meeting of the Congregation on Feb. 8

3

Minutes recorded by Robyn FilesOfficers-elect were examined by the Session and approved for ordination.

New members were officially received, including Libby and Scot Shoup, Nik-ki and Charles McChesney, and Leslie Lindsey. The transfer of membership of Johnny McVey to Tyler Presbyteri-an Church was approved.

Mary Fischer, the church’s treasur-er, reported that the most recent au-dit was clean, and that a surplus of $13,353 would be placed in the oper-ating reserve.

Stuart Baskin presented a slide show of his recent trip to visit the Presby-terian Education Board in Pakistan, noting that PEB needs funds for schol-arships, salaries, and new buildings.

Sally Smith Garmon followed up by introducing a motion to endorse the PEB as an official mission partner of FPC, which was passed by the Session.

Robyn Files presented the following statement for the Session’s adoption:

Principles of Governance

The congregation elects the Session to

lead, guide and direct the mission and ministries of the church.

Members of the Session intend to em-body collegiality, inclusiveness, and mutual respect in their dealings and decisions. They will govern by: (1) Discerning and articulating the con-gregation’s vision and mission; (2) Creating written policies to guide the congregation’s ministries; (3) Moni-toring and evaluating the congrega-tion’s leadership and ministries; and (4) Directing the resources of the con-gregation to achieve its mission.

Bullet Points from December’s Session Meeting

. . . if we don’t have your current contact information. Have you recently moved? Changed your phone number? Gotten a new email address? Share your new contact information in the friendship pad as it’s passed through the pews on Sundays, or call Susie Holley at the church office (903-597-6317). We’ll be giving out updated membership directories soon, and we want to get your details right!

We Can’t Reach You . . .

FPC Tyler is eligible to send three commissioners to each meeting of Grace Presbytery. Commissioners must be el-ders at FPC, and they are eligible to vote and to speak from the floor at presbytery meetings.

In cases where more than three elders wish to act as com-missioners, the Session has developed a procedure for se-lection. Interested individuals will notify the clerk of the Session, and the commissioners will be determined from this list by lot. At least one of the three must be an elder currently serving on the Session.

The next presbytery meeting will be held at NorthPark Presbyterian Church in Dallas on March 7. If you wish to attend, notify Robyn Files by February 16 (903-593-8872 / robyn.files@tyler.net). Commissioners will be determined at the next Session meeting on February 17.

Play Presbytery Lottery

Analysis of Revenues & Expenses

December 2014 Summary

mtd actual ytd actual ytd budget

revenues $165,964 $621,639 $574,531

expenses $98,203 $610,935 $648,103

net total $67,761 $10,704 ($73,572)

Thank You

Dear FPC Church Family,

Thank you for all of your care and concern during my father’s illness and subsequent death. Your prayers and words of support and encouragement, as well as your generous memorial gifts and flowers, were a source of comfort and peace to me in a time of grief. I feel extremely blessed to serve such a supportive, loving, and generous congregation. Your kindness is very much appreciated.

Yours in Christ,

Donald W. DuncanDirector of Music & Organist

4

e v e n t h i g h l i g h t s

Gilmont Women’s RetreatFebruary 6–8 | Camp Gilmont, Gilmer, TXThe annual retreat features author and dynamic speaker Margot Starbuck. Register as a group or individual (www.campgilmont.org). If you plan to attend and would like to share a ride, please contact Martha Oates (903-509-4781).

Great Hymns of the FaithSunday, February 8, at 5 pm | Sanctuaryfree admission / presented by Fine Arts @ FPC

The East Texas Chapter of the American Guild of Organists celebrates its 50th anniversary with a hymn festival paying tribute to the great power of Christian hymnody.

SAM’s ClubWednesday, February 11, at 11 am | Session RoomSAM’s Club is sponsored by Senior Adult Ministries and ca-tered by Traditions. Meal tickets are $10; payable at the door. RSVP by noon, February 9 (www.fpctyler.com/events/sams or call Bettie Clancy, 903-521-1383).

CantusFriday, February 13, at 7 pm | Sanctuaryfree admission / presented by Fine Arts @ FPC

Acclaimed as “the premier men’s vocal ensemble in the United States,” Cantus is known worldwide for its trade-mark warmth and vocal blending. More information at www.fpctyler.com/events/cantus.

Presbyterian Women’s Project DaySaturday, February 14, at 10 am | Session RoomAll women of the church are invited to a day of service, fun, and feasting. More info on featured service projects at www.fcptyler.com/events/pw.

Mardi Gras 2015Tuesday, February 17, at 5:30–8 pm | Fellowship Hallfree admission / silent auction

Fill up on gumbo and po’boys, then celebrate Mardi Gras with face painting, a cake walk, silent auction, and more—including stations representing our church’s chosen mis-sions. Please RSVP at www.fpctyler.com/events/mardi-gras.

Ash WednesdayWednesday, February 18, at 6:15 pm | SanctuaryThe Lenten season begins with this service, which includes a corporate confession of sin and the imposition of ashes. Childcare will be available for infants through grade 3.

Traditions: Austin College A Cappella ChoirSaturday, February 21, at 7 pm | Sanctuary Sunday, February 22, at 11 am | Sanctuaryfree admission / presented by Fine Arts @ FPC

Welcome the Austin College A Cappella Choir to a weekend residency at FPC, in concert on Saturday and in worship on Sunday. More info at www.fpctyler.com/events/traditions.

UT Tyler Masterworks ConcertSaturday, February 28, at 6 pm | Sanctuaryfree admission / presented by Fine Arts @ FPC

FPC is home to the joint concerts of the UT Tyler Patriot Singers and University Chorale under the direction of Cam-eron Rose. More info at www.fpctyler.com/events/uttyler.

Soulfood | March 1, 15, & 29

Fine Arts @ FPC presents the annu-al Soulfood Concert Series, featuring musical guests Neal Katz, the Purple Hulls, and the Tudor Rose Ensemble. Concurrent children’s programming, Soul Kids, with dinner to follow.

Requiem by Gabriel Fauré | March 7

The Tyler Civic Chorale is back with their annual masterworks concert.

YouthQuake | March 20–22

Middle school youth head to Camp Gilmont for a weekend retreat led by the presbytery’s PULSE leaders.

Palm Sunday | March 29

Commemorate the Lord’s triumphal entry to Jerusalem and the beginning of Holy Week with a palm procession-al led by bagpipes.

s a v e t h e d a t e | m a r c h 2 0 1 5

5

Souper Bowl of Caring | Sunday, February 8

Twenty-five years ago, the Souper Bowl of Caring began with a simple prayer from a single youth group: “Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl game, help us be mindful of those without a bowl of soup to eat.” Since that day, more than $100 million has been raised for local charities across the country through Souper Bowl of Caring, transforming the Super Bowl weekend into the nation’s largest celebration of giving and serving.

Be part of this movement by giving generously on Sunday, February 8. Look for a youth with a soup pot by any church entrance. Every dollar and can of food donated goes to a local charity here in Tyler.

PATH | Donations

Donate blankets and canned goods throughout February. Bring donations to the PATH crates in the Fellowship Hall foyer and near the elevator in the main building. More info at www.tylerpath.org.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance | Donations

As the PCUSA’s disaster-response ministry, PDA provides aid in the aftermath of natural disasters, in the midst of public health crises, and in the throes of war and violence. Visit www.pda.pcusa.org to contribute today.

Birdwell Tutoring | Volunteers

At-risk students at Birdwell Elementary need tutors to help with math and reading. If you’re interested, please contact Diane Knowles, Birdwell Counselor (903-262-1875).

t h e m i s s i o n s t o 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

c o n g r e g a t i o n a l n e w s

New Members

Join us in extending a warm welcome to our newest mem-bers: nikki and charles mcchesney, beth and ben shepperd, leslie lindsey, and kate and drew starnes.

Congratulations—It’s a Boy!

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for the safe delivery of jake michael philley starnes on Wednesday, Janu-ary 14, 2015, to proud parents Kate and Drew Starnes and first-time big brother Cooper.

s u n d ay 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: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew by Bart Ehrman / Con-tact: Chris Bunt (903) 531-3535

the 209ers | Young adults M 209 / Study: TBA / Contact: Debbie Pitts (debbiepitts@gmail.com)

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

Small Group Scheduleknit wits | Knitting Ministry Monday, February 2, at 1:30 pm at the home of Pat Cryer (903) 561-5242

midweek oasis for moms Wednesday, Feb. 18, 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: Chronicles of Promise through 2/12; Forgiveness: A Lenten Study be-gins 2/19 / Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533

6

!

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8:30 AM | worship 9:15 AM | Ring and Sing 9:40 AM | CM music 9:45 AM | Sunday school 11 AM | worship 5:30 PM | SHYC returns

5 PM | Carol Choir 6 PM | SH Small Group

6–9 PM | First Friday Fun (infant–gr. 2)

7:30 AM–5 PM | PULSE Training

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Souper Bowl of Caring 8:30 AM | worship 9:15 AM | Ring and Sing 9:40 AM | CM music 9:45 AM | Sunday school 11 AM | worship

5 PM | CM Team meeting

5 PM | Carol Choir 6 PM | SH Small Group

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 8:30 AM | worship 9:15 AM | Ring and Sing 9:40 AM | CM music 9:45 AM | Sunday school 11 AM | worship

5:30 PM | Mardi Gras 2015

5 PM | Carol Choir 5 PM | Midweek Oasis 6:15 PM | Ash Wednesday service

6–8 PM | FPC Doves (grades 3–5)

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 8:30 AM | worship 9:15 AM | Ring and Sing 9:40 AM | CM music 9:45 AM | Sunday school 11 AM | worship 5:30 PM | Youth Group

5 PM | Carol Choir 6 PM | SH Small Group

11 AM | PULSE retreat departs

YouthQuake registration

opens February 1!

february 2015Children & Youth Calendar

find help or comfort through some ministry of the church, and that every member will find a place to minister to the needs of others. Part of our heritage as Protestant Chris-tians is our belief in the “Priesthood of All Believers.” This means not only that we have direct access to God through Jesus Christ, but also that we have a duty to be “priests” to one another.

I hope you’ll give some prayer to what ministry you can offer

to the church or to the world through the church. Perhaps we’re already involved in a ministry that you can plug into. But just as likely, you may find that we aren’t offering a par-ticular ministry. In that case, you might consider pulling together others who have similar interests and talents and developing a new ministry. More than anything else, that’s what we hope our new system of governance will produce: church members empowered to develop new ministries in places where they have a passion. Think about it . . .

“A Congregation of Priests,” continued from page 1.

7

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: kmcclellan@fpctyler.com, fax (903) 597-6326, or mail. An archive of the Steeple Times can be found online at www.fpctyler.com/archive.

First Friday Fun: Kids’ Night Out!Friday, February 6, at 6–9 pm | Children’s WingIn anticipation of Valentine’s Day, children will create a few sweet treats after dinner and make a craft to take home. The featured Bible story will be about God’s love, which never fails. Infants–grade 2. More info and registration at www.fpctyler.com/events/firstfriday.

FPC DovesFriday, February 20 | TBAThe big kids—our group 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders—set their own agenda for their monthly activities combining fun, mission, and service. As of press time, details for February’s event were not set. More info coming soon via email.

Soul KidsSoul Kids will be offered during each of the Soulfood con-certs on three Sunday evenings in March—March 1, 15, and 29. The lessons and activities will focus on forgiveness, the adults’ Lenten study theme, for pre-K through grade 5. Childcare will be available for younger children. A congre-gational meal will be provided after each concert for a min-imal cost. Plan to join us!

Sunday Morning Volunteers Mrs. Lindy Goode is now our roving shepherd during Sun-day school. We welcome her and enjoy seeing her regularly! Mrs. Priscilla Maxfield will be joining our shepherd team in February, assisting with the ROCK group (grades 1–5). We welcome and thank you, Priscilla!

We have a few other openings, both during the Sunday school hour and for Children’s worship during the 11 o’clock service. If your schedule allows you to serve a week each month this spring semester, please contact Phyllis Kidwell (pkidwell@fpctyler.com) to volunteer.

KidQuake and KidQuiverParents—our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders are going to Kid-Quake at Camp Gilmont on April 17–19. Stay tuned for in-formation about a parent meeting. We’ll also set aside time to personalize a back pack and decorate a drinking cup for each camper to use during their weekend adventure.

To help our younger students prepare for future KidQuakes, our 1st and 2nd graders will be invited to KidQuiver this spring, an event similar to KidQuake, but a little closer to home (right here at FPC!) and ending a little sooner. Watch for more details!

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

PULSE TrainingSaturday, February 7, 7:30 am–5 pm | Irving, TXAt this session, PULSE youth will finalize their teams, work with keynoters, and participate in a workshop about lead-ing small groups. Eat breakfast before you come. Let Neil know if you plan to attend (nmckown@fpctyler.com).

Souper Bowl of CaringSunday, Feb. 8, 8:30 am–Noon | Sanctuary & ChapelYouth—plan to hold a soup pot for donations. Every dollar and can of food donated goes to a local charity here in Tyler.

Youth GroupSunday, February 22, at 5:30–7:30 pm | the WellPlanning for the annual Youth Sunday will begin, so bring your best ideas! Group games will follow. Register online (www.fpctyler.com/events/youth).

PULSE RetreatFebruary 28–March 1 | Camp GilmontThis overnight training event serves as a testing ground for the leadership skills honed throughout the year. Meet at FPC at 11 am on Saturday. The group will return by 1 pm on Sunday. No money is needed.

No Senior High Small Group on February 18Senior High Small Group will not meet on Ash Wednesday, February 18. Instead, all are welcome to come to the Ash Wednesday worship service in the Sanctuary at 6:15 p.m.

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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