WELCOME TO TRADITIONAL WORSHIP PRAYER AND CARE
We welcome those of you visiting with us today and pray that you connect with the Holy Spirit during your time here.
Please take a moment today to add your prayers, silently and individually, for our church and its missions, ministries, leadership, staff, and community.
We invite everyone to fill out the Friendship Pad as it is passed down your pew, or to complete the online version by scanning the QR code found on the Friendship Pad and printed to the left.
A TIME FOR PRAYER: A Deacon will be available after the service today for those seeking prayer. Visit Griffith Chapel in the foyer outside the Sanctuary.
SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE
CARE & CONCERN: Join the congregational care email list by filling out the form at http://bit.ly/careandconcern or calling 210-226-0215.
8:30 AM Adult Class 300—The Bereans 9:30 AM Traditional Worship in Sanctuary Modern Worship in Westminster Hall Adult Classes | 2nd & 3rd Floor Classrooms fpcsanantonio.org/christian-education
SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY RESOURCES Children and families are always welcome in worship at FPC. Childcare for children ages 8 weeks–5 years is available each Sunday morning from 9:15 AM– 12:00 PM for families who prefer to use it. Nursing areas are available in Room 118, which includes a livestream video of the worship service, and on the second floor across from Westminster Hall in the parlor area of the women’s restroom.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2026
207—Arthur Gray Jones (St. Andrews Room) 224—Next-Level Sunday School: Kingdom & Covenants 228—Connections 302—Ambassadors Class: Families with Young Children 3 1 0 —Family Journey Class: Families with Students 6th Grade+ 3 1 5 —Bridges Class (Covenant Hall) 6th–12th Grade Classes & Confirmation | Student Center fpcsanantonio.org/students Age 2–5th Grade Children's Classes | 1st Floor fpcsanantonio.org/children
11:00 AM Traditional Worship in Sanctuary Modern Worship in Westminster Hall
If your family needs a quiet space during worship, Guthrie Bryant Chapel is open and provides live audio of the service so you can continue participating comfortably.
FPC3–COFFEE, COOKIES, & CONNECTION: Visit the McCullough Room from 9:15 AM–12:00 PM for FPC3. 10:30 AM–11:00 AM is a dedicated half-hour between services & classes for connecting with the Church community. Help us show love to one another! Serve at FPC by baking or bringing cookies to share. Sign up at http://bit.ly/fpc-cookie-bakers.
© 2026 First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio. All Rights Reserved
Page 1
THE ORDER OF WORSHIP
ASSISTING IN WORSHIP | Elder Harvey Howell and Rev. Scott Simpson
Please silence all electronic devices and do not take flash photos during the service. As the prelude begins, we invite you into a period of quiet reflection as we prepare for worship. Please stand at these times if you are able to do so.
PRELUDE | Largo
Samuel Wesley
CHIMING OF THE HOUR WELCOME AND GREETINGS CHURCH PLANT CELEBRATION VIDEO CALL TO WORSHIP | from Psalm 28:6-9
Leader: Blessed be the Lord, for he has heard our cries for help.
All: The Lord is my strength and my shield. I trust him with my life. Leader: Our hearts rejoice! Our songs rise in praise to our God.
All: For you are our safe retreat, our shepherd who carries his people forever. PRAYER OF ADORATION CONGREGATIONAL WORSHIP | Hymn #82 Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven CALL TO CONFESSION CONFESSING OUR SIN
Maker of heaven and earth, you formed us with loving care and called us your own. You made a home for us in your vast and wonderful creation. Yet we forget your tender care and take our lives and your riches for granted.
Instead of giving thanks, we grumble. When we feel threatened, we retreat to the thin walls of our ego instead of the firm fortress of your love. And so we have not loved others as you have loved us. It grieves us. Our tears of repentance join the sea of suffering that engulfs your world. But you sent your beloved Son to be with us, take our sin upon himself, and exchange his perfect life for ours. So we trust your word that the waters will not drown us but give us a new birth! The fire will not destroy us but purify us. Forgive us, Lord, and restore us as people called by the name of Jesus, that the world may know and return your great love. Amen. SILENT CONFESSION ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
Leader: Friends, believe the good news!
People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
Page 2 © 2026 First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio. All Rights Reserved.
AFFIRMATION AND DEDICATION
DECLARING OUR FAITH | The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE, AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
PRESENTING OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
(While the offering is received, please sign the friendship pad found on the end of the pews and pass it down the row, returning it to its original place. Please take time after the worship service to greet those seated near you.)
OFFERTORY | Joy in the Morning
Natalie Sleeth
DOXOLOGY | Old Hundredth
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host: Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION CHORAL WORSHIP | Be Still, My Soul
Mack Wilberg, arr.
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side. With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain. Leave to thy God to order and provide; In every change He faithful will remain. Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly Friend. Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake to guide the future as He has the past. Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake; All now mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below. Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on when we shall be forever with the Lord. When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone, sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored. Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past, all safe and blessed we shall meet at last. All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
(service continues next page)
© 2026 First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio. All Rights Reserved
Page 3
PROCLAMATION
SCRIPTURE READING | Isaiah 43:1-7 (ESV)
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. 4 Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life. 5 Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you. 6 I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” 1
SERMON | Who You Are: Created, Costly, Called
Cara Taylor, MDiv
SERMON NOTES
CONGREGATIONAL WORSHIP | Hymn #569 God of Grace and God of Glory
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
BENEDICTION
CHORAL RESPONSE | Go With Us, Lord
Thomas Tallis
POSTLUDE | Fantasia in G major, BWV 572
J. S. Bach
All music in today’s worship service is used by permission: Onelicense Streaming/Podcast License #A-729727; CCS WORSHIPCast Streaming License #10603; CCLI License #360983; CCLI Streaming License #20343418. All Rights Reserved. Joy in the Morning – Natalie Sleeth Tune © 1977 Word Music
Go With Us, Lord – Mary Jackson Cathey / Thomas Tallis Words © 1990 Hope Publishing Company.
Be Still, My Soul – Katharina von Schlegel; Jane Borthwick, trans.; Mack Wilberg, arr. Arrangement © 2005 Oxford University Press, Inc.
Other content is public domain.
Page 4 © 2026 First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio. All Rights Reserved.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
SCAN FOR ALL OUR IMPORTANT SUNDAY LINKS AT LINKTR.EE/FPCSANANTONIO
SEPT KEYS PRESENTS: CHURCH APP DEEP DIVE:
TODAY
DISCOVER FPC!: Sun, Sept 20, 8:30 AM–2:30 PM, Geneva Room. Join our FPC family! Dive into our theology, connect with others, and find your place with us. A light lunch and childcare are provided. Register at fpcsanantonio.org/join. For questions, contact Wendy Garcia at 210-226-0215. CHURCH PLANTING WORSHIP EVENING: Sun, Sept 20, 6:00 PM, Westminster Hall. Worship with members of Commission Church and The Table, two churches FPC has helped plant. Hear stories of God’s faithfulness and join in prayer dedicating S.O. and The Table Church. Limited childcare available for ages 8 weeks–5 years. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: High School Small Groups meet in homes on select Sundays, 5:00– 6:30 PM, beginning Sun, Sept 20. Then, all High School Small Groups come together Sun, Sept 27, 12:30–2:00 PM for lunch, teaching, and fellowship. Contact Preston Miller for details and locations. SEPT STEPHEN MINISTRY TRAINING:
Tues, Sept 22, 6:00–8:30 PM. Learn 22 Begins to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care for people experiencing grief, illness, divorce, job loss, and other life challenges. Training develops practical skills in listening, empathy, spiritual support, confidentiality, and appropriate referrals. Contact: Rev. Scott Simpson.
Sept 25, 11:00 AM presentation; noon 25 Fri, lunch ($15), Westminster Hall. Join KEYS
Older Adults and guests Hank Cherry and Robynn Amy to learn how to use the church app to access the directory, sign up for events, and watch livestreams. Register at http://bit.ly/fpcsa-keys. You may also register at the Front Desk, call the church office, or reply to a regular KEYS email.
SEPT NAMIWALKS – MENTAL HEALTH
WALK: Sat, Sept 26, 8:00– 26 AWARENESS 10:00 AM, Morgan’s Wonderland Sports
Pavilion. Join us for a morning of hope as we walk to raise awareness and funds for mental health programs in our community. Together, we can support people affected by mental illness and help make mental health care accessible to all. Register or donate at http://bit.ly/namiwalks-sa.
SEPT YOUNG ADULT GATHERING: Wed, Sept 30,
PM, McCullough Room. Young 30 6:30–8:00 adults, join us for fellowship, ice cream
sundaes, a message from Rev. Dr. Roger Patton, and group discussion. Come early for the Wednesday Night churchwide dinner in Westminster Hall ($5/child, $10/ adult, $25 family maximum), then head to the McCullough Room. Questions? Contact Meg Culp.
© 2026 First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio. All Rights Reserved
Page 5
ANNOUNCEMENTS OCT
3
OCT
7
OCT
10
OCT
10
SILENT PRAYER RETREATS — EARLY REGISTRATION OPEN: Sat, Oct 3 at McAllister Park and Fri, Dec 4 at Oblate Renewal Center, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. Set aside a day this fall to step away from the noise and spend intentional time with God through silence and prayer. Cost: $30 per retreat, including lunch. Register for either retreat at http://bit.ly/m/fpcsa-prayer-retreat. HOLIDAY BAKING WORKSHOPS: Wed, Oct 7 & 14, 6:30 PM. Get ready for holiday baking with Lucy Diepenhorst, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Baking and Pastry Arts! Learn tips and techniques for Thanksgiving Pies on Wed, Oct 7 and Christmas Cookies on Wed, Oct 14. Both workshops begin at 6:30 PM. Register for one or both workshops at https://bit.ly/fpcsa-holiday-baking. Limited to 20 per session. 4TH SEMI-ANNUAL CARS & COFFEE FELLOWSHIP: Sat, Oct 10, 8:00–11:00 AM, FPC parking lot. Bring your favorite car, truck, or motorcycle for a morning of cars, coffee, and fellowship, or just come enjoy the morning and see what others bring. Coffee will be provided, or bring your favorite blend. No registration is needed, and friends and community members are welcome. WOMEN OF THE CHURCH–FALL LADIES NIGHT OUT: Join us Tues, Oct 13, 6:00–8:00 PM, at the home of Susan DeKoch for an evening of fun, friendship, and fellowship. All women are welcome! Please sign up by Oct 13 at http://bit.ly/lno-rsvp or visit the Mauzé Lobby table on Sept 27, Oct 4, or Oct 11 for details, questions, and signups to bring an appetizer or dessert.
NOV
15
2ND ANNUAL FPC MEN’S CHILI COOKOFF: Sun, Nov 15, 5:00–7:00 PM, offsite. Men of FPC, come enjoy a free night of good food and fellowship. RSVP at https://bit.ly/fpcsa-men-dinner to let us know you're coming. Contact Austin Amaro directly at 210-260-4624 if you plan to enter your chili in the competition.
ANNOUNCEMENTS FIND A DISCIPLESHIP GROUP: Find a group for fellowship, Bible study, and prayer together. Contact Kara Weaver to get connected to a group. NOW HIRING: Learn more & apply at fpcsanantonio.org/jobs. FPC is seeking a Wedding Coordinator. Position is part-time with approximately 10 weddings a year.
SERVE KRL SHOE DRIVE: Now–Oct 4. KRL is currently in need of men’s and women’s shoes in all sizes. Tennis shoes and other comfortable walking shoes are especially helpful. New or gently used shoes in good condition are welcome. Donations may be dropped off in the hallway across from the reception area at FPC. LOOKING AHEAD: GLOBAL MISSIONS MONTH Global Missions Month begins October 4 with World Communion Sunday. Discover how FPC’s ministry partners share Christ’s love around the world and how you can participate. Begin by praying for our Poland Mission Team, serving with the NOVUS Foundation in Warsaw October 11–18 through teaching, fellowship, and encouragement for students and staff. Read more in the September/October First Press. TRADITIONAL WORSHIP USHERS (SERVE): Serving as an usher is a simple way to offer hospitality and care to those who worship with us. Interested in serving? Contact the Usher Team at http://bit.ly/fpcsa-ushers.
Page 6 © 2026 First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio. All Rights Reserved.
ANNOUNCEMENTS REGISTER NOW
Find Your Place on Wednesday Nights
TEAM WORLD VISION: RUN THE ALAMO FOR CLEAN WATER: Join FPC’s Team World Vision team for the Run the Alamo half marathon or marathon on March 7, 2027, and raise funds for clean water projects worldwide. Training begins November 2. Beginners are welcome, and walkers can participate in the half marathon. Stop by the sign-up table Sun, Oct 4 in Mauzé Lobby or register at http://bit.ly/fpc-run-team.
ALPHA—Explore questions of life and faith in a welcoming environment. Wednesdays, 6:00–8:00 PM, with dinner included. New participants are still welcome. Register at fpcsanantonio.org/alpha.
WOMEN’S RETREAT—GLORIOUSLY SPENT: Jan 29–31, 2027, T Bar M Camps & Retreats, New Braunfels. This year’s theme, “Gloriously Spent,” is inspired by Matthew 6:33. Early-bird registration is now open, with rates based on room occupancy. http://bit.ly/fpcsa-women-retreat
THIS WEDNESDAY, SEPT 23: Wednesday Nights are underway! Learn more and view complete descriptions, dates, and registrations at fpcsanantonio.org/wed-pm.
DINNER UPDATES—Get the weekly dinner menu + RSVP reminder by signing up at http://bit.ly/fpcsa-family-dinner.
EVERYONE 5:30–6:30 PM FPC Family Dinner
$10 per adult, $5 per child, $25 family max. Pay at the door • Cash, card, or check First come, first served
CHILDREN & FAMILIES 5:15–5:45 PM Music With Families
6:00–8:00 PM Childcare (please register & RSVP)
ADULT EDUCATION NEW SERIES IN BEREANS CLASS: The Bereans Sunday School class begins a new series, Christ in the Old Testament: Shadows and Substance, exploring Old Testament people and events that foreshadow their ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Begins Oct 4 | 8:30 AM | Room 300. TUESDAY AM WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: Tuesdays, Sept 15–Nov 17, 9:30–11:30 AM, Covenant Hall. Join us for Jen Wilkin’s Joshua: Every Good Promise Fulfilled. Contact Catherine Miller at 210-394-2045 or grcjmiller@sbcglobal.net. LAY ACADEMY & PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY: Wednesdays through Nov 11, 6:30 PM; and Thursdays through Nov 19, 9:30 AM, Covenant Hall. Our fall series continues. Rev. Dr. Bob Fuller leads To Glorify God: The Biblical Foundations of Worship. Weekly outlines, discussion questions, and other class documents are available at http://bit.ly/pbs-glorify.
6:30–7:30 PM Catechism for Kids (K–5th), Leaders: Sharm King & Jeremy Horn ADULTS 6:00–8:00 PM DivorceCare
6:00–8:00 PM Alpha Course
6:30–7:30 PM Lay Academy: To Glorify God, Leader: Rev. Dr. Bob Fuller
6:30–7:30 PM Wreaths & Bows Workshop Leader: Cheri Stith (Sept 9–30)
6:30–7:30 PM Essential Doctrines of the Christian Faith, Leader: Dr. Jonathan King Beginning in October
6:30–8:00 PM Holiday Baking with Lucy Diepenhorst (Oct 7 & 14) 6:30–7:30 PM Learn American Mah Jongg Leader: Chaney Stuart (Oct 21–Nov 11) MUSIC 5:00–5:45 PM Children’s Choir (PreK–5th) 5:30–6:30 PM Sanctuary Handbells 7:00–8:15 PM
Sanctuary Choir
READY TO PLAN YOUR WEDNESDAY? Visit fpcsanantonio.org/wed-pm for expanded details and available registrations.
© 2026 First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio. All Rights Reserved
Page 7
THE MINISTERS OF THE CHURCH The Congregation
STAFF
Rev. Dr. Bob Fuller
Rev. Dr. Andrew Johnson
Associate Pastor for Adult Formation & Theological Study
Rev. Dr. Roger Patton Rev. Scott Simpson
Senior Pastor Associate Pastor for Outreach
Associate Pastor of Congregational Care
Rev. Dr. Joe Moore
Assistant Pastor of Older Adults & Congregational Care
Rev. Dr. Paul Kacsur
Assistant Pastor of Congregational Care
Rev. Dr. John Kaiser
Assistant Pastor of Congregational Care
Cara Taylor, MDiv Pastoral Resident for the Formation of Children, Youth, & Their Families Tom Dooling
Minister of Music
Dr. Jae Ha
Associate Minister of Music / Organist
Nancy Scheifele
Executive Director
Whit Anderson
Director of Church Planting
Rebecca Andujar
Wedding Coordinator
Cynthia Bocanegra
Assistant Director of Children & Their Families
Kyle Bowden
Jeff Carawan Meg Culp
Director of Communications
Phone: 210-226-0215
Director of Finance
Wendy Garcia
Connections Ministry Coordinator
Kathy Jamison
Director of Children’s Choir
Kyrenda King-Rogers
Director of Facility Operations
Preston Miller
Associate Director of High School & Their Families
Laura Ortiz
Rebecca Sweet
Website: www.fpcsanantonio.org
Director of Young Adults
Hector Flores
Savannah Schatte
Director for University Ministry
Director of Property Maintenance
Hank Cherry
Lindsay Selli
LOVING CHRIST. LOVING ONE ANOTHER. LOVING THE CITY.
Director of Children’s Center Director of Missions
Associate Director of Middle School & Their Families
Wes Taylor
Kara Weaver
Address: 404 N. Alamo Street San Antonio, Texas 78205
Offices Located on Ave. E between McCullough & 4th St OFFICE HOURS Mon.–Fri., 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Please press the security doorbell at the entrance.
Director of Children & Their Families
Modern Worship Leader
Small Groups / Discipleship Coordinator
SUNDAY SERVICES
9:30 AM–Traditional* & Modern
11:00 AM–Traditional & Modern*
*Service streamed online on YouTube, Facebook, and fpcsanantonio.org
The flowers in the Sanctuary are given by Janet and Vick Putman in honor and memory of our loved ones.
GIVING OPTIONS
We embrace a spirit of generosity & trust God’s provision. • Online at fpcsanantonio.org/give • Through the FPC San Antonio mobile app
• Text "GIVE" to 888-569-2999
(messaging & data rates may apply)
• Mail to 404 N. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Follow us on Social Media and Listen to Podcasts @ fpcsanantonio A Congregation of ECO
A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians