Steeple Times, Feb, 2016 (Vol. 11, Issue 2)

By The Rev. Dr. Stuart BaskinLent begins in a few days and it occurs to me that Lent brings with it a paradox.

This paradox is rooted in the nature of Lent itself. Lent is about self-examina-tion for the purpose of preparing us to receive and fully appreciate the grace of Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross and the grace of new life in Christ’s res-urrection from the dead. For the forty days of Lent, we are invited to ponder our lives and in pondering, see the depth and breadth of our sinful nature.

One of the ancient practices of Lent is the act of giving up certain foods and luxuries. This is to remind us of the for-ty days Jesus spent fasting in the wilder-ness at the beginning of his ministry. It is supposed to draw us closer to God by removing as many worldly distractions as possible. Of course, the truth is that for many of us, giving up stuff in Lent is often an opportunity to lose weight or to become healthier—hardly practices designed to focus on God.

John Calvin (who else?) drew attention to the spiritual pride some wear in prac-ticing Lenten disciplines. It is possi-ble to believe that in practicing Lenten

disciplines, whatever they may be, we make ourselves superior to others. And worse, it’s possible to believe that we earn God’s grace and favor.

These distortions of Lenten practice highlight the very problem Lent seeks to illuminate: the insidious reality of human sin. And sin, at its deepest lev-el, is an inward-turned focus on the self to the exclusion of God and others. The problem is not with Lent; to quote a snippet of Shakespeare, “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in our-selves, that we are underlings.”

The paradox of Lent, then, is that in the practice of self-examination we become self-absorbed, thus falling even more deeply into the sin we hope to uncover.

So, does this make Lent suspect, as something to be avoided? I don’t think so. The Lenten discipline of self-exam-ination to understand the depth and breadth of sin in our lives remains an important and useful tool for preparing us for the immensity of the grace giv-en to us in the atoning death of Jesus Christ and in the new life granted us in his resurrection.

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

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

The Lenten Paradox

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 11 , I s s u e 2 : F e b r u a r y 2 016

Living into Lent | pg 2Learn how you can join FPC’s Lenten journey this year.

Mardi Gras 2016 | pg 3King’s Cake, gumbo, music, masks, and beads. Need we say more?

Souper Bowl of Caring | pg 5Help the youth collect canned goods and monetary donations for local charities.

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

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co n g r e g aT i o n a L n e w s

Membership UpdatesNew MembersJoin us in welcoming our newest members:• Lindsey and Lynette Birdsong

We Can’t Reach You.... . . if we don’t have your current contact information. Have you recently moved? Changed your phone number or email address? Share your new information in the friendship pad on Sundays, or call the church office (903-597-6317).

Chancel Flowers for 2016Dates for 2016 to donate flowers are filling up! Call now to get your favorite date saved so you can honor a friend, celebrate a birthday, or memorialize a loved one by donat-ing flowers to the Chancel. Arrangements are $80. Contact: Margaret Hilliard (903-593-1494).

To the Men of the ChurchThank you for honoring Bill with the Pancake Breakfast. He would be so pleased to know that it benefited Gilmont. Job well done!

- Lynne WagonerJill & Steve O’Farrell

By the Rev. Pamela LeachTo answer this question we must first understand that Lent is the 40-day season of the church year spanning Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. During this season, Christians traditionally focus on penitence and discipleship. This year’s Lenten study at FPC focuses on the latter—what does it look like to follow Jesus.

While we may be in familiar territo-ry with this study, each of us is in a new place in our journey of faith. This Lent we are offered the opportunity to spend intentional time reflecting on being disciples at this particular point in our faith life. As an aid to this journey, author Donald McKim gives us devotions on the Christian life to guide our reflection. Alongside his de-votionals, he also offers us not

only prayer and scripture but words of wisdom from Reformed thought leaders and suggestions for putting our faith into action. In addition to the study book (which can be used by individuals if you are unable to join a group),a Lenten sermon se-ries will parallel the study in our worship together each Sunday. Liv-ing into Lent begins the week of Ash Wednesday, February 10. The fol-lowing study groups are available:

• Sunday 9:45 am Co-ed FPC (M 202, M 207, M 209)• Sunday 3:45 pm Co-ed Tyler (Meadow Lake)• Tuesday 6:30 am Men Tyler (Premier Flexipac)• Thursday 9:30 am Women FPC (Conference Room)Are you ready to join in this Lenten journey? You may sign up on line at

fpctyler.com/lent or stop by the reg-istration table in the main building inside the breezeway doors on Sun-day mornings through February 7. Books may be purchased for $10 at the registration table or in the church of-fice. Questions? Contact Leslie Lind-sey, FPC’s Lenten Study Coordinator ([email protected]/682-365-3294).

what does it mean to Live into Lent?

Silent Auction Items Needed for Mardi Gras 2016We are in need of donations of goods or services for our Mardi Gras 2016 Silent Auction. The proceeds from this auction go toward local and global missions which our congregation helps to support. A huge thank you to members who participated last year, and we hope you will consider donating again this year! Please suggest a “starting

price bid” with your donated item. Donations should be brought to the church office or Fellowship Hall no later than Sunday, February 7, with a starting price bid attached. Questions? Sally Smith Garmon ([email protected] / 903-566-0711 / 903-571-4062 / fpctyler.com/events/mardi-gras).

Palm Sunday | March 20Commemorate the Lord’s triumphal entry to Jerusalem with a palm pro-cessional led by bagpipes.

Eggstravaganza | March 27All are welcome to join in fellowship and celebrate Easter with brunch.

Soulfood | March 6 In a Quiet Cathedral! Enjoy a unique worship event offered during Lent.

s a v e t h e d a t e | M a r c h 2 0 1 6

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Fill up on gumbo, rice, chicken strips and dessert, then celebrate Mardi Gras with a parade, face painting, a cake walk, balloon artist, silent auc-tion, and more—including stations representing our church’s chosen lo-cal and global mission partners: Solar Under the Sun and Living Waters for the World, Presbyterian Education Board Pakistan Schools, PATH, Hab-itat for Humanity, Gateway to Hope,

Bethesda Health Clinic, the Literacy Council, Meals on Wheels and the Good Samaritan Counseling Center.

As we enter Lent, go ahead and eat the desserts, but serve instead! Get con-nected with one of our mission out-reach programs!

For more information or to volunteer, contact Ginny Mattox, (903) 504-5016 or [email protected].

LasT caLL: MarDi gras 2016

M o n T h Ly e v e n T h i g h L i g h T s

Mardi Gras 2016Tuesday, February 9 | 5:30–8 pm | Fellowship Hallfree admission / silent auction

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

SAM’s Club: Medication InteractionsWednesday, February 10 | 11 am | Fellowship HallJoin us as University of Texas Pharmacy and head Pharmacist for Hospice of East Texas, Kurt Lorenz, discusses the implications of medication interaction. SAM’s Club is sponsored by Senior Adult Ministries. Lunch is catered by Traditions. Meal tickets are $10 and payable at the door. RSVP by noon on Monday, February 8 (fpctyler.com/events/sams or call Cynthia Welch, 903-561-3028).

Ash WednesdayWednesday, February 10 | 12 & 6 pm | ChapelThe 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. For more information, fpctyler.com/events/ash-wednesday.

Boston BrassSaturday, February 20 | 7 pm | Sanctuaryfree admission

For 30 years, Boston Brass has set out to establish a one-of-a- kind musical experience. The ensemble’s signature sound and lively repartee, touched with humor and personality, attempts to bridge the ocean of classical formality to delight audiences in an evening of great music and boisterous fun. The first half of the program will feature the group’s most-loved virtuosic musical selections; but at intermission, the audience will be invited to cast a ballot to determine the second half of the program. Contact: Donald Duncan, 903-597-6317 or fpctyler.com/events/bostonbrass.

Soulfood - Chamber Music by CandlelightSunday, February 21 | 5 pm | Sanctuary and Fellowship Hallfree admission

Music drives the praise and meditation at Soulfood, a unique worship event series offered during Lent. These distinctive services reflect the belief that music feeds our souls, and are followed by a community meal of Southern soul food in the Fellowship Hall. For more information, visit our website at fpctyler.com/events/chambermusic.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!Date: Tuesday, February 9Time: 5:30 – 8:00 pmPlace: Fellowship HallFree Admission/Silent AuctionNursery Provided (under age 3)

RSVP:fpctyler.com/events/mardi-gras

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PATH (People Attempting To Help)As the weather turns colder, many PATH clients are faced with the decision to heat or eat. Blankets are an inexpen-sive way to keep warm during the cold months and save on utility costs. Bring your donations to the PATH crates in the foyer of the Fellowship Hall and near the elevator in the main building. Additional monetary support and volun-teers are always welcome. Visit TylerPATH.org.

Mardi Gras 2016Tuesday, February 9 | 5:30 pm | Fellowship HallBenefiting our global and local mission projects, the Mission Committee is sponsoring a Mardi Gras Celebration. Plans include: gumbo cook-off, parade,music, children’s activities, and a silentauction. Volunteers needed: gumbo cooks, sponsors, silent auction items, decoration or set up helpers, and parade par-ticipants. To volunteer, contact Ginny Mattox, (903-504-5016/[email protected]).

Sewing Bees - Sewing with a MissionWednesday, February 3 | 10 am | F 101-102, Fellowship HallConnect with sewing buffs of all ages and levels of expertise. Simple patterns and guidance provided. Help us continue the mission. For more information on the sewing bees, vis-it fpctyler.com/events/sewingbees. Group contact is Mollie Bobo (903-530-2772).

Knit Wits - Knitters Unite for Camp MinistryMonday, February 1 | 1:30 pm | 14721 Northwest Rd | WhitehouseCalling all knitters and knitter wannabes - we have a place for you with the Knit Wits! Our current project involves knitting items to send to Camp Gilmont in Gilmer, TX, where they’ll be available for purchase with sales directly benefiting the camp. Members are encouraged to work on personal projects, too! Each meeting comes with patterns, personal instructions, and knitting yarn. Join the group at the home of Sally Harper. Contact: Pat Cryer (903-561-5242).

T h e M i s s i o n s To r e

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

analysis of revenues & expensesDecember 2015 Summary

MTD AcTuAl YTD AcTuAl YTD BuDgeT

Revenues $179,161 $572,523 $591,975

expenses $93,823 $545,639 $624,836

neT ToTAl $85,338 $26,884 ($32,861)

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 Presbyteri-an Foundation at tpf.org. Assistance is confidential and free of charge.

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

Do you want to learn more about the people sitting next to you each Sunday on your pew? How about that person who smiles at you each Sunday? Maybe you could be friends if only there was a way to get to know them?

Well, Tables of Eight is the place for you! This ministry gives all members and friends of FPC an opportunity to enjoy fellowship, four times a year, over dinner, brunch or whatever your group chooses.

So how does this work? Just sign up in the coming weeks using the insert in your bulletin and select your preferenc-es: are you interested in gathering in homes or restaurants; if you are single, do you wish to be paired with a certain member or friend of FPC?

Join us for Tables of Eight! For more information, contact Lynn Heines (903-597-3074) or Jane Watson.

Ta b L e s o f e i g h T r e T u r n s

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PULSE Gathering 4 (Praise. Unite. Lead. Serve. Energize.)

Saturday, February 6 | 7:30 am - 5 pm | Irving, TXWe will be finalizing many of our individual Youthquake plans and spending time talking with our keynote speakers. As we grow clos-er to our April Youthquakes, it is important to come to these final gatherings to be a part of the planning process! Let Neil know if you can or cannot come (903-279-6818 / fpctyler.com/events/pulse).

Souper Bowl of CaringSunday, February 7 | 8:30 am | Campus-wideCanned goods needed! Be part of this movement that is sharing God’s love with those in need. Look for a youth with a soup pot by any church entrance. Every dollar and can of food donated goes to a local charity in Tyler. (fpctyler.com/events/souper-bowl).

Souper Bowl PartySunday, February 7 | 5:30 -9 pm | 618 Tremont St. | TylerCelebrate the success of the Souper Bowl of Caring while watching the Super Bowl at the Ainsworth home. Ladies bring a snack item, and guys bring a 2-liter of soda! Friends are welcome! Contact: Neil McKown (903-279-6818).

Confirmation ClassesSundays, February 14, 21, and 28 | 9:30 am | The WellWe are slowly but surely getting closer to Easter and Con-firmation Sunday. Come ready to learn, discuss, and have fun! For information, contact Neil McKown (903-279-6818).

Middle Earth (Middle School Gathering)Sunday, February 21 | 12 pm | The Well | RSVP by February 17Attention Middle School youth! This will be our last Middle Earth of the spring! Come for fun, good conversation, and good food! You’re welcome to invite friends. For more information, fpctyler.com/events/middleearth. Contact: Neil McKown (903-279-6818).

PULSE Gathering 5 (Praise. Unite. Lead. Serve. Energize.)

Saturday, February 27 | 7:30 am - 5 pm | Irving, TXThis will be our final gathering for PULSE for both our Youth-quakes! This will be totally focused on your Youthquakes, you will spend time leading and practicing for your Youthquakes. Times are to be decided. Let Neil know if you can or cannot come (903-279-6818 / fpctyler.com/events/pulse).

Save the Date!Spring YouthquakeApril 1-3 | Camp Gilmont | Gilmer, TX | Registration open!Attention Middle School youth! It’s time to sign up for the Spring Youthquake! Come for fun, keynotes, a mission project, and more! The theme this year is “Unexpected Friend,” and is being led by our PULSE leadership group which our high school youth are a part of! To register, visit fpctyler.com/events/youthquake!

Junior High JubileeJuly 3-7 | Mo-Ranch | Hunt, TX | Registration open!It’s time to start thinking summer, middle school youth! Junior High Jubilee registration is open now! This is THE middle school youth conference to attend! There will be amazing keynotes, small groups, songs and games, and so much more! For more informa-tion go to fpctyler.com/events/jhj.

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

bullet Points from December’s session MeetingMinutes recorded by Robyn FilesThe Session met on December 15 and conducted the following business:• The consent agenda was approved,

including the reception into active membership of Candice Ngwa.

• Approved the motion of the service

of ordination and installation on Sunday, January 10, 2016.

• Approved the request from the Mission Committee to pledge $40,000 to Grace Presbytery for the calendar year 2016.

• Session committees for 2016 were

approved.• Approved the use of the Jim

Hill Scout Fund to be used for refurbishing the Scout Hut.

Full minutes are available from the church office upon request.

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a special “thank you” to azalea academy for exceptional adults

for assembling our weekly worship bulletin.

First Friday Fun!Friday, February 5 | 6 - 9 pm | Children’s Wing | RSVP by February 2 We will continue learning the Fruits of the Spirit. This month we learn about love – God’s love and ours for our fellow man. We will share a meal, make crafts and create dessert before movie time. Friends are welcome, but please ask their parents to RSVP. For information, visit fpctyler.com/events/firstfriday.

Gifts to Children’s Ministry – THANK YOU!We are so grateful that members often give supplies to the Children’s Ministry department. Last summer, Alice St-jernstrom and friends made blankets and mats for our First Friday Fun participants to use during movie time. Each person has their own space with the mat, and the blankets help us unwind as the evening comes to a close.

Recently, our own Jennifer Bennett used her talent to create two soft blankets for the children in the nursery. The first was a beautiful combination of blues, and second, was made of rainbow colors. You will appreciate Jennifer’s comment about her joy in making the rainbow blanket: “It reminded me of the hope God’s message brings and the joy I find in that hope.”

Save the Date!KidquakeApril 22-24 | Camp Gilmont | Gilmer, TX | Registration open!It’s time to sign up for the Kidquake! For students grades 1-5. For information and to register, visit fpctyler.com/events/kidquake!

Vacation Bible SchoolAugust 4-5 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm | Campuswide August 6 | 10 am - 1 pm | Campuswide Mark your calender now - more information to follow!

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 M202 | Living into Lent | Contact: Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746

The foRuM | Lecture & discussion M102 | The book of Exodus | Contact: Chris Bunt (903) 531-3535

genesis | Bible study & discussion M205 | Old & New Testament Tradi-tions | Contact: Judith Guthrie (903) 530-3668

The 209eRs | Young adults M209 | Living into Lent | Contact: Debbie Pitts ([email protected])

wesTMinsTeR | Book & discussion M 207 | Living into Lent | Contact: Linda Pirtle (903) 881-9000

Small Group ScheduleMen | Sermon texts 2nd/4th Mondays 10 am in homes | Contact: Lynn Holliman (903) 534-9190

MiDweek oAsis foR MoMs Wednesday, February 3, 5 pm | M107 | Contact: Pam Leach (903) 520-9138

Men | Lectionary Tuesdays 6:30 am, Premier Flexipac | Living Into Lent | Contact: Skip Wom-ack (903) 533-9433 or Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746

woMen | Book & discussion Thursdays 9:30 am, Conference Room | Living Into Lent | Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533

Children’s Ministry News & Events

Mark Your Calenders2016 Retreats at Camp Gilmont

• Annual Gilmont Women’s Retreat: February 5-7• The Language of Living, Laughing and Loving: Feb-

ruary 12 - 14• Renovare’ at Gilmont: February 26-28• Fun Run!: March 26• Youthquake - Spring 2016: April 1-3• Kidquake - Spring 2016: April 22-24

• Circle of Friends: May 13-16, Aug. 12-15, and Sept. 2-5• East Texas Youth Conference: September 16-18 For more information on conferences and registration, visit gilmont.org/retreats.

“A place for all ages and stages of life! Come grow with us in

2016.”

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Steeple Times, Feb, 2016 (Vol. 11, Issue 2)

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Transcript of Steeple Times, Feb, 2016 (Vol. 11, Issue 2)