Steeple Times, October 2015 (Vol. 10, Issue 10)

By Rev. Dr. Stuart BaskinI am thinking a lot these days about the question, “Why?” Let me explain.

There are lots of things in life that are mysteries to us, and we want to know why things happen, often trag-ic things. Why did I contract a fatal disease? Why did my child die? These are important questions with respect to God’s often mysterious ways in our lives.

But these are not the “why” questions I’m thinking about.

My thoughts revolve around the ques-tion, why do we as a congregation ex-ist? What is our reason for being? It’s pretty easy to describe what we do, and even how we go about doing it. But the question of why is more dif-ficult to answer. That’s because “why” falls into the realm of unwritten and unspoken assumptions.

We sense that we are different from other congregations in Tyler. That doesn’t mean we are necessarily better, just different. The truth is, we do es-sentially the same things as a hundred other churches in Tyler. We worship, we provide opportunities for growth in the faith, we enjoy fellowship with one another, and we care for one an-other, especially when we suffer. These are things that nearly all churches do.

At the same time, we can describe some ways we are different: we have a relatively distinct worship style; our buildings and grounds are often de-scribed as the most beautiful in town; we are a multi-generational church. These things mark us as different, but they do not get at the essence of what makes us a unique church. They don’t answer the question, why do we exist? Why do we do what we do? Why do we worship the way we do?

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

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

Who Are We, Anyway?

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 : O c t o b e r 2 01 5

Stewardship | pg 2Learn about this year’s stewardship theme of gratitude.

Fine Arts Garden Party | pg 3Enjoy the lush formal gardens of the Babin’s home while being entertained by The Jazz Connection.

Andrews Center Christmas | pg 4Give the gift of your time and treasure at this annual celebration for the cli-ents of the Andrews Center.

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.

Pledge Dedication | Nov. 8During worship, the congregation will dedicate their pledges of stewardship for the coming year.

Jazz Brunch | Nov. 15Smooth jazz and good eats sponsored by Fine Arts @ FPC.

Advent Artsfest | Nov. 29 On the first Sunday of Advent, join us for a festival during the Sunday school hour to get into the Christ- mas spirit.

s a v e t h e d a t e | N OV E M B E R 2 01 5

2

That’s why I’ve been thinking about “why.” What is our “why?” Why do we exist? What is our reason for being that is different from other churches’ reasons for being? What is our common passion?

In the long term, these questions need to be part of an ex-tended and ongoing conversation. In the meantime, and as a way to start the conversation, I plan to preach a series of sermons in October entitled, “Who Are We, Anyway?” In this series, I will ask four essential questions:

1. “What is our sense of identity?”2. “What are we hoping to accomplish?”3. “What difference does it make?” 4. “Why does it matter?” These four questions can help us gain important insight into both our own lives, as well as our common life as a congregation.

I hope you will walk with me into this journey of self-dis-covery!

“Who Are We, Anyway?” continued from page 1.

By Rev. Dr. Stuart BaskinWhat are you grateful for, that the church has done either for you or for someone else? Whatever else the church is, it is an agent of hope, heal-ing, and help. To say it differently, First Presbyterian Church makes a profound difference in the lives of women and men, boys and girls, every day of the year.

• Perhaps it’s a cancer patient who lives far from Tyler and has to un-dergo daily outpatient treatments in one of the hospitals in Tyler. Through the Potter House ministry, we pro-vide free housing to patients and their families. Imagine what a burden has been lifted from their lives! They have enough to worry about with a poten-tially life-threatening disease without the added the burden of figuring out how to pay for lodging while they are receiving treatments.

• Perhaps it is young adult trying to find her way in the world and who may be new to Tyler. Our church pro-vides an extended family who provide a sense of stability and belonging as they settle in to a new city.

• Perhaps it is a parent wanting help teaching the faith to her children in a world that often celebrates self-cen-teredness and greed. Our church pro-vides Christian Education that focus-es on the importance of gratitude for the gifts we have received.

• Perhaps it is a senior adult who is transitioning from complete inde-pendence to life in assisted living, and mourns the loss of many of the things he once held dear in life. Our church’s pastors and deacons regularly visit our members in retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes to bring a sense of hope.

As we head into stewardship season, it is important to remember what the church does for us and for others. One of the central facets of our Reformed theological heritage is the concept of gratitude. John Calvin and others remind us to be grateful to God for God’s mercy and grace. And they re-mind us that God’s mercy and grace most often comes to us through the church. Our church does so much for us and others.

In a few weeks, you will receive a com-mitment card in the mail. Consid-er the many things this church does to make a difference in the lives of many, many people. Your pledge to the church makes these things possi-ble, and without your gifts, the church could not offer many of the ministries we have come to expect. Please consid-er your pledge to God’s work through First Presbyterian Church for 2016.

Stewardship: It’s All About Gratitude

3

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

Peace of Mind TylerSaturday, October 3, 8:15 am - 2 pm | Green Acres Baptist ChurchHear nationally renowned experts share firsthand knowl-edge and experience about the issues and obstacles sur-rounding mental illness. The seminar is free to the pub-lic with limited seating in the CrossWalk Center. Ques-tions? Contact [email protected] and register at peaceofmindtyler.com.

World Communion & Children’s SabbathSunday, October 4, 8:30 and 11 am servicesCelebrate the global Christian community through Holy Communion. Also, in observance of the annual Children’s Sabbath, the children’s choirs will sing at the 11:00 a.m. ser-vice, and children and youth will contribute leadership.

CPR Out of Date? Re-certify!Saturday, October 10, 9 am | F 101-102, Fellowship HallWe will host CPR training for anyone who wants to learn CPR or brush up on their skills. The training is four hours and limited to eight participants. It will be taught by a cer-tified trainer from TJC. Register at fpctyler.com/events/cpr. Questions? Call Stuart Baskin (903-597-6317).

Fine Arts Garden Party Sunday, October 11, 5 pm | 207 E Charnwood, TylerJoin us for a launch party for the 2015-2016 season of Fine Arts @ FPC. Wayne and Kathy Babin’s formal garden is the setting for this wine and cheese gathering with entertain-ment by The Jazz Connection. Come hear the exciting plans for this year’s season of fine concerts. RSVP by October 7 ([email protected]/903-597-6317).

Conversations by the Side of the RoadWednesday, October 14, 11 am | F 101-102, Fellowship Hall“My travels over the years have never been measured in miles, only in the people I’ve met along the way. Their voic-es and stories stay with me,” says Caleb Pirtle, guest speaker for the October Senior Adult Ministry (SAM’s Club) event. These stories have found their way into 65-plus published books and magazine writings. Caleb started as a reporter for the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram and served 10 years as trav-el editor for Southern Living Magazine. Lunch is provided for $10 per person. RSVP by noon on Monday, October 12, to Cynthia Welch ([email protected]/903-561-3028) or at fpctyler.com/events/sams.

Bach, Brahams & BeethovenSaturday, October 17, 7 pm | Sanctuary The Fine Arts Series at FPC will host its first official concert of the 2015-2016 season featuring the Tyler Civic Chorale. This concert will feature Bach Cantata No. 140 accompa-nied by professional chamber orchestra, along with move-ments of Brahams and Beethoven, and a guest appearance by the Cadet Singers of Brook Hill School. This is a ticketed concert for the general public, but complimentary tickets are available to FPC members and their guests. Contact Donald Duncan ([email protected]/903-597-6317) to reserve your free tickets!

Presbyterian Women’s Project Day Saturday, October 24, 10 am | F 101-102, Fellowship HallJoin other women for a Project Day and soup luncheon. Look for more information in the weekly Enews and the service bulletin. Contact: Priscilla Maxfield (972-965-9703).

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 KnowVolunteersYour gifts and talents are always needed, and will be put to use in serving the kids and families in Children’s Ministry. If you have time to give in prayer, teach a Sunday school class, become a shepherd, or help provide and/or serve meals for First Fri-day, give Phyllis a call, and she will plug you into our ministry. Contact: Phyllis Kidwell ([email protected]/903-681-5504).

4

PATH (People Attempting To Help)PATH is collecting winter coats for children and teens. Please bring donations to the PATH crates located in the foyer of the Fellowship Hall and near the elevator in the main building. Donations may also be dropped off at one of the following cleaners: The Cleaning Company, Dry Clean Super Center, Hart’s Cleaners, Progress Cleaners, Regency Cleaners or Shannon’s Cleaners. For more information, vis-it pathhelps.org

Knitters Unite for Camp MinistryMonday, October 5, 1:30 pm / 13493 S Hillcreek, 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 1:30 p.m. at the home of Kay Arms. Contact Pat Cryer (903-561-5242).

Sewing With a MissionOctober 7 & 21, 10:00 am | F 101-102, Fellowship HallSince June, ten to twelve bees headed by Mollie Bobo, have met twice a month to sew dresses and shorts for the chil-dren of St. Etienne, Haiti. Having met their goal of 40 girls’

dresses and 40 boys’ shorts, the clothing was sent with our Mission Team who departed for Haiti on September 29.

Last October, the mission team visited our partner church in St. Etienne and installed a solar-powered clean water fil-tration system. They then went on to LaVallée to install a second system. This year’s team, Sally Smith-Garmon, Dan Daniel and Jim Post, joins members from FPC Lumberton, North Carolina and Central Presbyterian Church of Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Help the Sewing Bees continue the mis-sion. Group contact Mollie Bobo (903-530-2772).

Andrews Center/Goodwill Christmas Party Items NeededWe have sponsored a Christmas party for the past several years for adults with special needs in training at the An-drews Center Adult Day Training and the Goodwill Com-mercial Services (formerly Opportunities in Tyler). Mem-bers of the congregation have generously purchased gifts, baked cookies and served as hosts for the 100 guests attend-ing. You may sign up to help beginning October 18 by vis-iting the table in the Fellowship Hall and in Main Building (first floor) near the elevator. Save the date for this event - Thursday, December 10 from 1-3 p.m. Contact Jim Novy (903-581-1809) or Bettie Clancy (903-581-9552).

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

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

Membership UpdatesJoin us in extending a warm welcome to our newest mem-bers: Elizabeth (Bettye) Ray (joined August 16) and Jason Norwood, Courtney Watson and Ann Clark (joined Sep-tember 6).

The Peace and Global Witness OfferingThis is one of several special offerings designated by the Presbyterian Church (USA) that promotes the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of injustice across the world. We will collect this offering on World Communion Sunday, October 4. A portion of this special offering is designated for local use.

World Communion & Children’s Sabbath On Sunday, October 4, at the 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. services, we will celebrate the global Christian community through Holy Communion. Also, in observance of the annual Chil-dren’s Sabbath, the children’s choirs will sing at the 11:00 a.m. service, and children and youth will contribute lead-ership.

The Greatest Generation World War II veteran, Arden Erickson’s US Coast Guard uniform, picture and military history have been added to The Freedom Museum (americanfreedommuseum.org) lo-cated on the Brook Hill School campus in Bullard.

5

Confirmation Class & Parent MeetingSunday, October 4, 12 pm / Lower Level, Fellowship HallWe will be hosting an information session for our men-tors, confirmands, and their families. Join us as we talk about the Confirmation schedule for the year, what you can expect, and answer any questions you might have. Lunch will be provided. Email Neil McKown ([email protected]) if you are able to come.

Church Under the Bridge (CUB)October 10-11 / Waco, Texas Church Under the Bridge is exactly that: a church under IH-35 in Waco, TX. Their call is to be a church to the unchurched, who recognize and minister with the “un-reached people” outside their own culture. Last year, we had the opportunity to serve and worship with CUB in Waco and had an amazing experience. This overnight ser-vice opportunity gives you a chance to connect with other Presby youth. More info at fpctyler.com/events/cub.

Confirmation Class BeginsSunday, October 18, 9:30 am / Lower Level, Fellowship HallCreeds and Confessions. What does it mean to be Presby-terian? The sacraments. Servanthood. Students in grades 8 and 9 are invited to explore these topics and more. Mark your calendar–we have great things in store this year.

Middle School LunchSunday, October 25, 12 pm / Lower Level, Fellowship Hall Middle Earth is upon us, middle schoolers! Come for a Bi-ble study, fellowship, games, and some tasty food. Bring a friend! This is the first of several gatherings just for middle school youth. Come ready for some fun! RSVP by October 21 at fpctyler.com/events/middleschool.

Senior High Small Group Halloween PartyWednesday, October 28, 6 pm / 215 W 1st StSmall group will be taking a break from our curriculum and having some fun to celebrate Halloween at the home of Pam and Matt Gabriel. There will be fun games and good food. Guys bring a two liter of soda; ladies bring a snack item or chips. Oh yeah…don’t forget to wear a costume!

Youth Group Lock InFriday, October 30-31 / Carrollton, TXAttention youth! Do you love ropes courses? Do you like in-flatable games? Do you like hanging out with other Presby-terian youth from Grace Presbytery? Well, we have a huge lock in going to Group Dynamix, an indoor ropes course. We will be spending the night and competing in challeng-es and games with our friends from other Presbyterian churches. The cost is $20 per person. RSVP by October 12 to fpctyler.com/events/lockin.

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

Minutes recorded by Robyn FilesThe Session met on August 18 and conducted the following business:

The consent agenda was approved, including the reception into active membership of Joan Mayfield and Benjamin Pitts.

As moderator of the Session, Stuart Baskin announced Dana Durman will be joining the staff as part-time

director of communications. He also announced two new committees, The Connections Team and The Newcomer Team.

Mary Fischer, treasurer, discussed the year-end financial report. The report was approved.

On behalf of the Risk Management Committee, Lynne Wagoner presented a proposal to approve

hiring an off-duty police officer on a temporary basis to be on the church campus for 4.5 hours during Sunday services and the purchase of a camera security system to be installed on the church campus. Both proposals were approved.

Full minutes are available from the church office upon request.

Bullet Points from August’s Session Meeting

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.

7

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.

Analysis of Revenues & ExpensesAugust 2015 Summary

mtd actual ytd actual ytd budget

Revenues $64,489 $130,881 $200,717expenses $87,489 $164,251 $212,800net total ($23,000) ($33,370) ($12,083)

First Friday Fun: Kids’ Night Out!Friday, October 2, 6–9 pm / Children’s Wing

We continue exploring our theme, Fruits of the Spirit, by looking at patience. Kids will hear the story of Moses and his people (Exodus 16). Our lesson will include a kitchen craft creating our version of manna and practice taking turns and sharing. A meal is provided. For infants through grade 2. Questions? Contact Phyllis Kidwell, Di-rector of Children’s Ministry ([email protected]). Register your kids at fpctyler.com/events/firstfriday.

An Advent Resource for FamiliesIt’s time to order this season’s Advent resource, The Advent Jesse Tree - Devotions for Children and Adults to prepare for the coming of the Christ Child at Christmas. Help your family focus on Jesus during this Advent season. The cost

per book is $15.00. Order your copy from October 15-No-vember 16 at fpctyler.com/events/jessetree or by calling the church office.

Children’s Church Our volunteers for children’s church this year are Shannon Franzen, Priscilla Maxfield, and Ellen Peirce. We will need three people or couples, to serve on the first Sunday of each month on a rotating basis so everyone can attend worship and celebrate Communion. Contact Phyllis Kidwell ([email protected]) if you are available to serve one Sunday of each quarter.

Thank you to the Plarning Ladies! The Plarning and Fleece ladies made warm blankets over the summer for each child to snuggle in for movie time at First Friday Fun: Kids’ Night Out!

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

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 / Contact: Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746

the foRum | Lecture & discussion M 102 / Study: TBA / Contact: Chris Bunt (903) 531-3535

genesis | Bible study & discussion M 205 / Study: The book of Acts / Con-tact: Judith Guthrie (903) 530-3668

the 209eRs | Young adults M 209 / Study: The Prophet Jeremiah / Contact: Debbie Pitts ([email protected])

westminsteR | Book & discussion M 207 / Study: The Teacher and The Preacher: a dialogue / Contact: Linda Pirtle (903) 881-9000

Small Group Scheduleknit wits | Knitting Ministry Monday, October 5, 1:30 pm / 13493 S Hillcreek Rd, Whitehouse. Contact: Pat Cryer (903) 561-5242

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

midweek oasis foR moms Wednesday, October 7, 5 pm / M 107 / Contact: Pam Leach (903) 520-9138

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

women | Book & discussion Thursdays 9:30 am, Conf. Room / Study: TBA / Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533

4 C

hild

ren’

s Sab

bath

. 11

am

, San

ctua

ry

7

Mid

wee

k O

asis

for M

oms.

5 pm

, M 1

07, M

ain

Bldg

10

CPR

Tra

inin

g. 9

am

, F 1

01/1

02, M

ain

Bldg

10

Uni

vers

ity o

f Tex

as a

t Tyl

er C

once

rt. 6

pm

, San

ctua

ry

11

Fi

ne A

rts:

Gar

den

Part

y. 5

pm, B

abin

Res

iden

ce

14

Seni

or A

dult

Min

istry

(SA

Ms C

lub)

. 11

am, F

101

/102

15

Stee

ple

Tim

es D

eadl

ine

17

Fine

Art

s: Ty

ler C

ivic

Cho

rale

Fal

l Con

cert

. 7 p

m, S

anct

uary

18

Mus

ic D

edic

atio

n Su

nday

. 11

am, S

anct

uary

24

Pres

byte

rian

Wom

en’s

Proj

ect D

ay. 1

0 am

, F 1

01/1

02

25

A

nnua

l Con

greg

atio

nal M

eetin

g. N

oon,

Fel

low

ship

Hal

l

230 W. Rusk Street, Tyler, TX 75701

return service requested

To everyone at the home of:

Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 683

Tyler, Texas 75701-1696

OC

TO

BE

R H

IGH

LIG

HT

S

CO

MM

ITT

EE

ME

ET

ING

S

po

tt

eR h

ou

se. O

ctob

er 5

@ 1

:00

pm —

Lib

rary

w

oR

sh

ip. O

ctob

er 6

@ 5

:00

pm —

Con

fere

nce

Room

e

va

ng

eli

sm

. Oct

ober

6 @

6:15

pm

— L

ibra

ry

go

ve

Rn

an

ce. O

ctob

er 7

@ 5

:30p

m —

Con

fere

nce

Room

bu

dg

et &

fin

an

ce

. Oct

ober

8 @

12

pm —

Con

fere

nce

Room

off

ice

R t

Ra

inin

g. O

ctob

er 1

1 @

5:3

0 pm

— C

onfe

renc

e Ro

omb

uil

din

g &

gR

ou

nd

s. O

ctob

er 1

2 @

5:3

0 pm

— C

onfe

renc

e Ro

omm

iss

ion

. Oct

ober

12

@ 5

:30

pm —

Lib

rary

off

ice

R t

Ra

inin

g. O

ctob

er 1

8 @

4:3

0 pm

— P

arlo

r & M

102

se

ss

ion

. Oct

ober

20

@ 7

pm

— M

207

off

ice

R t

Ra

inin

g. O

ctob

er 2

5 @

4:3

0 pm

— P

arlo

r & M

102

tR

us

te

es

. Oct

ober

27

@ 1

2 pm

— C

onfe

renc

e Ro

om

Steeple Times, October 2015 (Vol. 10, Issue 10)

Documents

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