


Feb. 26 -Apr. 5 40 Days of Prayer
Mar. 1 Youth Silent Auction
Jr. High Guys Sunday Shenanigans
Bone Marrow Donor Search Event
Mar. 6-7
Organ Weekend Concert & Competition
Mar. 7-11 High School Big Bend Camping Trip
Mar. 8 Daylight Saving Time begins
Mar. 8 Widows Might
Mar. 10 Literature Circle
Mar 8-13 Spring Break
- 3/8 Youth Sunday School Combined
- 3/8 No YA Sunday Schools
- 3/9 YA Social Night at Pigpen on Broadway - 3/10 No Tues. Morning Women's Bible Study
- 3/11 No Youth or Women's PM Bible Studies
- 3/11 & 3/12 No PBS - 3/13 No House Bible Study
Mar. 17 PARS Mission Q&A Dessert
Mar. 20 Taco House Bible Study
Mar. 21 Loaves & Fishes
Family Aquarium Trip
Mar. 23 WOC Spring Luncheon
Mar. 24 24 Hours of Prayer for the City
Mar. 27 15th Annual Mary Jean Rogers Concer t
Mar. 28-29 Middle School Youth Retreat
Mar. 29 Adult Baptism Class
University Sunday Family Dinner
Apr. 3
Holy Week House Bible Study
Apr. 4 Raising Boys & Girls Parenting Conference
Apr. 5 Palm Sunday Services
Jr. High Guys Sunday Shenanigans
Apr. 7 WOC Ladies' Night Out
Apr. 9
Maundy Thursday Service | 6:30 PM
Apr. 10 Good Friday Service | 12:00 PM
Apr. 11 Children's Easter Program | 10:00 AM
Apr. 12 Easter Services | 6:45 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, & 11:00 AM
Apr. 17 KEYS Fiesta Celebration Fiesta House Bible Study
Apr. 19 Confirmation Sunday
Apr. 24 Church Closed for Battle of Flowers
Apr. 26 University Sunday Family Dinner
May 1 Children's Center Spring Fling
May 9-16
End of Year House Bible Study
Living Waters Installation Mission Trip
Jun. 5 Jae Ha Organ Concer t
Jun. 7-10 Urban Plunge
Jun. 22-26 Vacation Bible School
Jul. 22-25 Kids Camp
Dates: Wednesday, Feb. 26 - Sunday, April 5
This Lenten season, we would like to invite the whole FPC congregation to join us in 40 days of prayer using the materials written by WayMakers called “Seek God for the City 2020” (www.waymakers.org). A printed daily prayer book will be provided to whomever would like to participate. There is also a digital prayer guide available through a mobile app called “Seek God 2020” available for download. Visit fpcsanantonio.org/pray40 for more information and the download links.
Date: Tuesday, March 24
Time: 12:00AM - 11:59 PM
Location: Wherever you are
We are one of 40 churches in San Antonio participating in the “Seek God for the City 2020” prayer movement. Each church has been assigned one day to pray for 24 hours. We have committed to cover 24 hours praying on March 24th from 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM.
There will be two slots per half hour increment throughout the day to commit to pray using a prayer guide that will be provided. Visit fpcsanantonio.org/pray40 to signup! Together with other believers all over the city, we will cover San Antonio in prayer for 40 full days and nights leading up to Palm Sunday.
Date: Friday, March 27
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: FPC Sanctuary
The Sanctuary Choir, soloists, and full orchestra present the Mass for Voices & Orchestra by Giacomo Puccini. Renowned as one of the greatest of all opera composers, this work for choir and orchestra is the composer's largest non-operatic composition. You will not want to miss the sweeping melodies of this stunning work, rarely heard in live performance!
Due by March 29
Each year, the congregation has an opportunity to remember a loved one or honor an individual by purchasing an Easter lily, which are placed in the chancel for Easter Sunday. Forms are available. Form and more information on page 16.
Date: Saturday, April 4 | Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Location: FPC
Nationally acclaimed counselors and authors David Thomas and Sissy Goff, of Daystar Counseling in Nashville, TN, will be presenting RaisingBoysandGirls— an interactive seminar designed for adults to gain a deeper understanding of the unique developmental phases of the kids we raise. $20 per couple to be paid at the door. Child care is limited, ages 5 & under only: please email childcare@ fpcsat.org. RSVP online at www. laitylodgefamilycamp.org/raisingboys-and-girls. More information on page 13.
Dates: Sundays, Mar. 15, 22, 29, & Apr. 5
Time: 9:30 AM
Locations: YA1 - Room 300 YA2 - Room 301
YA1: “Kingdom-Minded Singleness, Dating, & Relationships”
This class has been extended through March and is doing the video and book series from Ben Stuart entitled “Single. Dating. Engaged. Married.” For more info contact carriee@fpcsat.org
YA2: “Establishing FamilyPathways to Parenting”
This class will equip and empower new or hopeful parents with basic, biblical direction for gospel-centered, Christ-exalting parenting and family practices. For more info contact mitchellm@fpcsat.org.
Date: Sunday, March 29
Time: 12:30 - 1:30 PM
Location: Geneva Room
This one hour class will discuss faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, the significance of baptism, and next steps in growing in Christ. This class will be right after the 11:00 services in the Geneva Room. Contact Lindsay Selli at lindsays@fpcsat.org for more information.
Date: Saturday, March 21
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Location: 6320 Bandera Rd, Leon Valley, TX 78238
All ages welcome, $15 per person. Transportation provided by FPC. Registration required by March 18 online at fpcsanantonio.org/kidsevents or email heatherb@fpcsat.org
Date: Friday, March 6
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Trinity University, Margarite B. Parker Chapel
Date: Saturday, March 7
Time: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: FPC Sanctuary
Join us for two free, open to the public events: a special performance by renowned organ recitalist Dr. Bruce Neswick on Friday, March 6, at Trinity University and the 49th Annual William C. Hall Organ competition on Saturday, March 7 in the FPC sanctuary.
Date: Sunday, March 8 Time: 12:15 PM Location: Geneva Room
“Widows Might” is an opportunity for widows to gather for a meal and Christian fellowship. The next meeting will be on Sunday, March 8, at 12:15 PM in the Geneva Room. Please contact Becca Price (beccaprice@satx. rr.com) or Janet Wernli ( janetw1966@ hotmail.com) to register or for more information.
Date: Tuesday, March 17 Time: 7:00 PM Location: 512 Canterbury Hill
Interested in helping in what God is doing with the underground church in Iran? Join us at Chuck & Ann Bunn’s home for dessert and questions regarding the PARS Theological Centre mission trip and partnership. Contact Teresa McCaleb (tbmccaleb@gmail.com) for more information. Additional dates may be added depending on interest.
Dates: Tuesday, March 10
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: McCullough Room
FPC Literature Circle will meet Tues., March 10, in the McCullough Room at 1:00 PM when Jane Hansen will review the book, The Library Book, by Susan Orlean. On April 29, 1986 a disastrous fire engulfed the downtown L.A. Public Library. The fire burned for more than seven hours and consumed or damaged over a million books. The author not only relates the fire, but the crucial role libraries play in our lives, their evolution and people that work and maintain the libraries.
Deadline: Sunday, March 15, 2020
Are you headed to or continuing college for the 2020-2021 school year? A native of Texas? In need of financial assistance? Then you may qualify for a Campbell, Jones, or Holland scholarship. To obtain an application and for more information, check out our website at fpcsanantonio.org/scholarships-2020 You may also contact Lindsay Selli at lindsays@fpcsat.org.
Date: Monday, March 23
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Westminster Hall
Our guest speaker is Jenna Lucado Bishop, author and daughter of Max Lucado. $20/person. Register in person at the table in Mauze Lobby on Sundays (March 1, 8, or 15) or online at www.fpcsanantonio.org/wocfiesta Checks & cards accepted. Contact Julie Hill ( julie-harper@sbcglobal.net or 210-827-7692).
Date: Saturday, March 21
Time: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Student Center
Downstairs
Our next opportunity to serve our under-resourced neighbors is on Saturday, March 21. Setup begins at 8:30 AM, doors open for guests at 10:00 AM, and serving begins at 11:00 AM. All are welcome. Please contact Lindsay Selli (lindsays@fpcsat.org) with questions or to volunteer.
Dates: March 4 - April 29
Time: 6:30 - 8:15 PM
Location: Room 302
From March 4 - April 29, join us as we learn to find the good news to encourage you and to do mighty works for God as we study Paul's letter through "Romans," by Melissa Spoelstra. Contact Sheila Figueroa at shefig@earthlink.net or 210-822-4082.
Dates: March 17 - April 28
Time: 9:30 - 11:30 AM
Location: Covenant Hall
From March 17 - April 28. We will be studying 1 and 2 Kings in Lysa TerKeurst's Trustworthy: Overcoming Our Greatest Struggles to Trust God. Suggested donation per book is $17. Contact Catherine Miller at grcjmiller@sbcglobal.net or 210-3942045 for more information.
Date: Tuesday, April 7
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: 207 Hillview Drive, Home of Susan DeKoch
Let's celebrate spring! This is a casual evening, so come as you are and bring a favorite appetizer, dessert, or wine to share. Contact Shelley Bass for questions or to request a ride (bass.shelley6@gmail.com or 210-8616996).
Friday, Mar. 6 | 11:00 AM
Bart Sherwood with Train A Dog Save A Warrior (Cost $10)
Friday, Mar. 13 | 11:00 AM
Ed Cross with downtown happenings (Lunch $10)
Friday, Mar. 20 | 11:30 AM
March Birthday Lunch at Mo's Irish Pub (Lunch $12) (Van Service from FPC 10:45 AM)
Friday, Mar. 27 | 11:00 AM
Dr. Fred Bown with Blessings of Modern Medicine in past 175 years (Lunch $10)
Friday, Apr. 3 | 11:15 AM
Trip to San Antonio Holocaust Museum (Lunch on your own)
Friday, Apr. 17 | 10:30 AM
KEYS Fiesta Celebration (Lunch $10)
Make your reservations through Alice at the reception desk, (210) 226-0215 or alicem@fpcsat.org. More information on pages 20-21.
Dates: Sunday, March 29
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: FPC Member’s House TBA
Gather with other local university students and enjoy a home cooked meal in the home of FPC members. Bring a friend for good food and great fellowship.
Dates: Fridays, Mar. 20 & Apr. 3
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Student Center
College students from across San Antonio gather for dinner, fellowship and Bible Study. We will not meet during Spring Break. All are welcome.
Date: Monday - Friday, June 22-26
Want to volunteer for VBS? Please contact Rozlyn Miller at rozlynm@ fpcsat.org. Key volunteer positions currently needed: Bible Class Teachers. Early registration for kids 4 years - 5th grade begins March 2 at fpcsanantonio.org/vbs2020
Dates: Sundays, Mar. 1
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: McCullough Room
Your donations and purchases go toward funding Youth Ministry mission trips. Please contact Alex Clary at alexc@fpcsat.org if you would like additional ways to support Youth Missions.
Date: Wednesdays (not meeting 3/11)
Time: MS 5:00 PM | HS 7:00 PM
Location: Various
Middle school meets at 5:00 PM at 315 Devonshire Drive, High School guys meet at 7:00 PM at the FPC Student Center, and High School Girls at 140 Luther Drive. Follow us on social media @fpcsayouth for the most up to date info.
Date: Sundays, March 1 & April 5
Time: 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Location: Mickler's House
Guys 6th - 8th Grade, includes games, snacks (not dinner), a short lesson, and time for discussion/ prayer.
Date: June 7-10
$150 per student. Register at fpcsanantonio.org/youth-events.
Check us out at Facebook.com/ FPCSAyouth. For more info contact Alex Clary at AlexC@fpcsat.org, Emily Yergler at EmilyY@fpcsat.org, or Mac Taylor at McCalebT@fpcsat org
We are looking for individuals who feel a passion and calling to this ministry to serve as facilitators for either GriefShare or DivorceCare. Please connect with Joe Moore at 210226-0215 ext. 226 or joem@fpcsat.org for more information.
Wednesdays | Jan. 8 – Apr. 1 | 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM | Room 226
DivorceCare is a video seminar series featuring some of the nation’s foremost Christian experts on divorce and recovery topics as seen from a biblical perspective. The video seminars are combined with support group discussions of the materials presented during the video. Please feel free to connect with Butch Gerfers at 210-826-9998 or gerfers@ flash.net, if you have any questions or would like more information.
Wednesdays | Jan. 8 – Apr. 1 | 10:30 AM & 6:30 PM | Room 228
Two classes of this grief support group are being offered. No matter what the circumstances, grief recovery is a painful process. GriefShare features nationally recognized experts on grief recovery topics. Seminar sessions include “Is This Normal?” “The Challenges of Grief,” “Grief and Your Relationships,” “Why?” and “Guilt and Anger.” Please feel free to connect with Joe Moore at 210-226-0215 ext. 226 or joem@fpcsat. org, if you have any questions or would like more information.
The Care and Concern phone line has resumed. You may listen to the information by dialing 210-222-2273. You may also visit the Prayer Wall online at fpcsanantonio/prayer-wall to request and offer prayer.
We need more smiling faces to help us greet our visitors and everyone coming through our doors on Sunday Morning! It takes just 30 minutes once a month! Sign up online and we will get you plugged in.
Most people decide whether they will return to church within the first seven minutes of their arrival. Help us show our best FPC hospitality before our guests and Covenant Partners even enter the building
We are currently building weekly teams of at least 25 greeters: only twelve are needed each week. The larger weekly teams leave you open for other commitments, travel, etc. Sign up today at http://tiny.cc/ welcometeams
Thank you for your support of The Kingdom Restoration Lab (KRL) at FPC. Help fill the food and clothing pantries with necessities for our under-resourced neighbors in their journey to becoming self-sufficient:
• Snack Kit Needs: 8 oz (small) bottles of water
• Hygiene Kit Needs: Men’s Deodorant (priority), Women’s Deodorant, Hair Brushes, Razors
• Clothing Needs: Men’s Socks, Men’s Jeans, Gently Used Men’s Running Shoes
Donate by shopping the Amazon wish list, created by our partner, SA Hope Center at http://tiny.cc/KRL-support. All of the items that you purchase will be shipped directly to the KRL. If you are interested in volunteering for our KRL ministries, contact Lindsay at lindsays@fpcsat.org
The small island nation of Haiti has experienced tremendous suffering through several natural disasters, compounded with political unrest for several years. In the last decade, we’ve read reports of earthquakes, hurricanes, and health epidemics, not to mention fuel shortages, riots, and school closures in the recent news. If one did not know the hope found in Christ, it would be easy to hear “Haiti” and only see darkness. There has, however, been a light in Haiti, brought by the faithful ministry of Rev. Delfils and the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Haiti since 2010.
"Though we may live on slippery ground in a country full of wicked people, our God is always faithful to his Church. He promises in Isaiah 54:10: “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord who has compassion on you.” With our covenant Lord we stand firm, even on a slippery land!"
– Rev. Octavius Delfils
RPC Haiti, located in Port-au-Prince and La Gonave, is a small but growing community of faith that stands firm in its vision to plant and nurture reformed Presbyterian churches so that they are self-sustaining, selfgoverning, and self-propagating. They pray, and invite us to walk alongside them in partnership, for peace in Haiti, so that the Church may continue to meet, hear the gospel, and share a message of true hope, reconciliation, and restoration. First Presbyterian
Church has been blessed to partner with RPC Haiti since 2016, after being introduced to their ministry through a youth mission trip to the area.
We are able to celebrate with RPC Haiti, and praise the Lord for His faithfulness, as we read of several new people joining the church, new baptisms, summer VBS programs hosting over 180 children, and several teaching/training opportunities to share the gospel and build leaders within the church. Furthermore, RPC Haiti continues to work on translation and publishing projects to provide resources to locals, and is nearing the official founding of a Presbytery in Haiti as they work with Reformed Missionaries in the country.
As we consider how we may be able to deepen our partnership with RPC Haiti, the first place to begin is through prayer. Pray for the people of Haiti as they continue to suffer hardships. Pray for the people of Haiti to hear and know the truth of the gospel instead of relying on the traditions and folklore centered upon voodoo practices. Pray for the Church to continue to be joyful and eager to worship the Lord! Pray for an end to the devastating political unrest. Pray for the completion of the formation of the local Presbytery and the multiplication of churches in the country. Lastly, we are invited to celebrate with RPC Haiti as we reflect on the Lord’s faithfulness in the midst of struggle.
To learn more about RPC Haiti and ways to connect with them, you may contact Lindsays@fpcsat.org or visit http://bit.ly/RPCHaiti .
Dates: Wednesday, Feb. 26 - Sunday, April 5
24 Hour Day of Prayer Date: Tuesday, March 24
This Lenten season, we would like to invite the whole FPC congregation to join us in 40 days of prayer using the materials written by WayMakers called “Seek God for the City 2020” (www.waymakers.org). A printed daily prayer book will be provided to whomever would like to participate. There is also a digital prayer guide available through a mobile app called “Seek God 2020” available for download.
We are one of 40 churches in San Antonio participating in the “Seek God for the City 2020” prayer movement. Each church has also been assigned one day to pray for 24 hours. FPC has committed to cover 24 hours praying on March 24 with one or two people committed to each hour, in their location of choice, using the guided prayer book. Together with other believers all over the city, we will cover San Antonio in prayer for 40 full days and nights leading up to Palm Sunday.
Visit www.fpcsanantonio.org/pray40 for more information, mobile app download links, and to learn how to sign up for the 24 hours of prayer.
San Antonio is a rapidly growing and thriving city, yet the stability of its families is falling behind. As a result, crime rates, homelessness, and disease can increase. Decade of Family serves as a unifying force amongst our community leaders and organizations to combat the breakdown of families.
Our mission is to empower families to grow stronger, generation by generation.
We believe that strong cities are built by strong communities, and strong communities start with strong families. By meeting families where they are, and offering assistance and encouragement, we aim to make San Antonio the Best City to Raise a Family by 2030.
In this ten-year span, from 2020-2030, we will develop a comprehensive and collaborative strategy that provides families of San Antonio greater access to the help, advice, support, and encouragement they need that will serve the greater good of their families, our communities, and our city.
All families in San Antonio who are struggling with issues related to family dynamics, parenting, marriage, addiction, etc., as well as families who value the tools needed to continue providing a strong, loving environment for future generations.
www.decadeoffamily.org
Nationally acclaimed counselors and authors David Thomas and Sissy Goff, of Daystar Counseling in Nashville, TN, will be presenting Raising Boys and Girls — an interactive seminar designed for adults to gain a deeper understanding of the unique developmental phases of the kids we raise.
Saturday, April 4, 2020 9 AM – 12 PM at First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio
The cost is $20 per couple to be paid at the door. Childcare will be provided.
Please visit
www.laitylodgefamilycamp.org/raising-boys-and-girls/ and use the online form to RSVP so we can plan appropriately.
YoungLives is an exciting ministry that reaches out to teen moms and their babies. We reach out to young mothers through a variety of ways called the 5 C's: Club, Contact, Campaigners, Childcare, & Camp.
Club is our "youth group" where we have fun games and prizes so girls can simply laugh and be a teenager. Contact work happens at school during lunch to build relationships and let them know we care. Campaigners is a more in depth Bible study to discuss how God is working and choices He wants us to make according to scripture. Childcare is the ministry to serve teen moms by loving their babies in a safe and encouraging environment while the mother can attend a variety of YoungLives activities. Camp is a unique opportunity to allow a teen mom and her baby to get away from the everyday pressures of life and experience adventure, friendship and hear life changing messages about the love of Jesus.
This past year proved to have a lot of momentum for YoungLives. In addition to hiring a staff member to focus solely on YoungLives, there were many praises to be highlighted.
• Both summer and winter camp were at full attendance with 10 girls, 10 babies, 4 leaders and several childcare volunteers.
• Our weekly club has about 30 students and 1012 teen moms in attendance.
• We had two very special Christmas events in December, a beautiful dinner and games for Healy Murphy girls and a candlelight Christmas worship service at Seton Home.
• YoungLives has begun to partner with AnyWomanCan to provide resources reaching the whole person.
• God was faithful to provide funds for a $10,000 matching grant!
Each year the congregation has an opportunity to remember a loved one or honor an individual by purchasing an Easter lily to be placed in the Chancel. If you would like to participate, the cost is $15 to reserve a plant for one individual or one couple. Your check should be made payable to the Sanctuary Flower Committee. Completed forms & payment may be mailed to First Presbyterian Church, c/o Sanctuary Flower Committee, 404 North Alamo, San Antonio, 78205-1918, or placed in the Sanctuary Flower mailbox in the workroom. Requests received later than March 29, 2020 will miss the insert printing deadline.
We look forward to Easter at First Presbyterian Church when the Sanctuary will be filled with Easter lilies. This form is for everyone to use as they remember loved ones with an Easter lily for the Sanctuary. Any additional revenue received from the donations for Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies over the years have enabled the Sanctuary Flower Committee to make special gifts to the church. Special gifts to the church include the antique candlesticks on the altar, the cross in the Griffith Chapel, the portrait of Louis Zbinden in the Zbinden Lecture Hall, antique chests in the Mauze Lobby, rugs in the McCullough Room and Narthex, chandeliers in the Geneva Room, new stoles for the ministers, new Bibles for worship and many other gifts.
If you are considering giving flowers for the Sunday traditional services, the names of the flower committee are listed below. You may call them for information for the month you desire. Telephone numbers are in the church directory. It is never too early to reserve the Sunday you prefer, so please call as soon as possible. The listings must be available to the church staff one month prior to the committee member’s designated month. We are extremely grateful for the many members who have given flowers to enhance our beautiful church. Thank you.
January Betty Anderson
February Leslie Bennett
March Diana Morehouse
April Lilly Gretzinger
May Paula Johnson
June Mary Wilde
July Joyce Mayfield
August Martha Pigeon
September Janet Hornberger
October Mary Pat Stumberg
November Ann Bunn
December Special Events Committee
11:00 AM, and the luncheon will begin at 11:30 AM. We will have spectacular decorations (which will be available for purchase) created by our talented decorating team: Robin Hudnall, Blair Perry, Cheri Stith, and Holly Youngquist.
We are planning another evening event for women to gather for fellowship. It will be on April 7 at the home of Susan DeKoch (207 Hillview Drive, 78209.) More details will follow, but please mark your calendar and don’t miss this opportunity to connect with women of all ages.
The month of March is the time to prepare our hearts for the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday, April 12. WOC will assist with snacks for the Children’s Easter Egg Hunt and program on Saturday, April 11. The festivities will begin at 10:00 AM. This is always a fun morning for all ages; please bring your entire family and invite your friends, neighbors, and coworkers.
He has Risen! Hallelujah!
Judy
Kruger