Annual Z-Talks Coming Early February
(See Pastor's Article pages 2-3)
Annual Men's Retreat at LoneHollow Ranch
(See page 8)
January Serving with Morningside Bingo
(See page 20)
Next10 Kickoff Sunday & Personal Refection
(See page 9)
Serve with Local & Global Missions (See page 7)
(See pages10-13)
REV. DR. BOB FULLER
One day, Jesus took a good long look at the desperate people who kept showing up wherever he went. Matthew says that 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:3738)
When Jesus saw the problems of the world huddled before him—he said, “The world needs my church.” THE WORLD NEEDS MY REDEEMED, RESTORED, AND EMPOWERED PEOPLE. Rather than just fix the problem, Jesus called his people to be part of the mission.
Over the last two years, a vision has been growing in this church. In our NEXT 10 vision, we believe that the Lord is not just calling us to make this congregation at Fourth and Alamo bigger but to DEVELOP DEEPER DISCIPLES.
Because of our history, our location, our reputation (in San Antonio, nationally and internationally), our influence, our resources, and because of the connections of our covenant partners, we believe that GOD IS CALLING US TO PREPARE LABORERS FOR THE HARVEST.
• We are not just supposed to support Missionaries we are to equip Missionaries.
• We are not just supposed to support church planting, we are to empower Church Planters with training and Theological Education.
• We are not just supposed to teach the Bible, we are to develop young leaders to pastor and shepherd churches.
• We are not just supposed to make disciples—we are to disciple men and women, young and old to be leaders and laborers, healers and teachers, builders and makers, caretakers and feeders, organizers, and pioneers.
The Zbinden Center for Biblical Leadership (Z-Center) is an ongoing training ministry, designed to train men and women – church planters, pastoral candidates, and lay leaders-- for discipleship growth and leadership in the church and community. The mission of The Z-Center is to engage the “head, heart, and hands” by designing a program that will partner with seminaries and international ministries to restore the necessary and deep connection between theological training and the fellowship of the local church. Our hope is to bring the best of what theological education has to the local church while bringing the best of the local church to theological education. In the last 12 months, through our Next Level Sunday School Class, Lay Academy, Emerging Leaders Cohort, Church Planters Cohort, and Fellows Program, we have trained over 150 students.
The Zbinden Theological Forum (Z-Talks) is an annual learning and training event for the whole church. Each year, visiting leaders and scholars come to FPC to inspire and challenge our congregation and community. Over the last four years, this invitation included Dr. Ligon Duncan (Chancellor of Reformed Theological Seminary), Dr. Tom Gibbs (President of Covenant Theological Seminary) and Dr. Richard Pratt (Founder and Director of Third Millennium Ministries), and Rev. Sandy Willson of the Gospel Coalition.
This year we are excited to welcome Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons, Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Greenville, South Carolina to be our Z-Talks speaker. Dr. Gibbons will be presenting “Flourishing: Healthy Then and Healthy Now: The Book of Acts for 2025.”
The Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons has served as Senior Pastor of FPC Greenville since 2007. A native of Scotland, Dr. Gibbons began his biblical studies at Glasgow
Bible College in 1982 and later lectured in Evangelism, Communications, and Practical Homiletics (preaching). He initiated missions in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. From 1997 to 2007, he was a Regional Development Officer and then Moderator for the Presbytery of Inverness, under The Church of Scotland's Board of National Mission. Dr. Gibbons currently co-moderates the ECO denomination’s Theological Task Force. He holds joint honors in Ecclesiastical History and Systematic Theology from the University of Glasgow and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Highland Theological College. He and his wife, Ruth, have one adult son, Michael. In recent roles, Richard was a U.S. Senate Chaplain of the Day, chaired a summit in D.C., and preached for King Charles and Queen Camilla in 2023.
Please join us for the Z-Talks Dinner and Open Forum with Dr. Gibbons at 6:30 PM, Friday evening, February 7, 2025 at FPC in Westminster Hall; and, a special discussion session with Dr. Gibbons on Saturday morning, February 8, 2025 at 9:00 AM (Doors open at 8:00 AM, and Continental breakfast at 8:30 AM).
As we move forward with the NEXT 10, we hope that you will join us and get involved in FPC’s future as both a learner and a leader.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Bob
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Dinner & Z-Talk with Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons
Time: 6:30 PM (Doors Open at 6:00 PM)
Location: Westminster Hall
Contact: Marianne Ryan, marianner@fpcsat.org
Description: Kick off the 2025 Louis H. Zbinden Legacy Speaker Series—Z-Talks—with a dinner and talk featuring Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons, Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC. Please register for this event and/or Saturday’s session at bit.ly/fpcsa-ztalks Donations to cover the cost of food are welcome.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8
Z-Talk Discussion with Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Westminster Hall
Contact: Marianne Ryan, marianner@fpcsat.org
Description: Join us for the second Z-Talk session with a morning discussion led by Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons. A continental breakfast will be provided. Free registration at bit.ly/fpcsa-ztalks is required for attendance on either day. Donations to offset food costs are appreciated.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9
Z-Talks in Worship with Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons
Time: 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM
Location: All Worship Services
Description: Conclude the 2025 Louis H. Zbinden Legacy Speaker Series—Z-Talks—with Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons. Known for his ability to connect biblical teachings with contemporary life, Dr. Gibbons has a background in Ecclesiastical History and Systematic Theology and extensive missionary work. He’ll be speaking live at the 9:30 AM Traditional Service and the 11:00 AM Modern Service, with his sermon video broadcast in the opposite services.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Young Adults Outreach: Trivia Night
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Pigpen Neighborhood Bar 106 Pershing Avenue
Contact: Chris Roper, 210-782-3687 (text) christopherdavidroper@yahoo.com
Description: Young adults, bring your friends who aren’t part of FPC to our trivia night at The Pigpen. This is a great opportunity for young adults who don’t attend church to easily connect with FPC members and eventually join a small group and our community.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16
New Baby Brunch
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Geneva Room
Contact: Rebecca Sweet, rebeccas@fpcsat.org
Description: The Children’s Ministry Committee invites all families with babies born in 2024 to the “New Baby Brunch.” Join us for a delightful brunch and fellowship as we welcome you and your little one and get to know you better.
FRIDAY - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21-23
High School Retreat
Location: TBarM, New Braunfels Texas
Contact: Kyle Bowden, kyleb@fpcsat.org Savannah Schatte, savannahs@fpcsat.org
Description: 9th-12 grade students, join with 12 other Texas churches for the High School Retreat 2025! This thrilling weekend promises games, inspiring speakers, and opportunities for spiritual growth and friendship. Cost is $155. Register online at bit.ly/fpcsa-hs-retreat.
SATURDAY, MARCH 1
College Scholarship Application Deadline
Contact: Marianne Ryan, marianner@fpcsat.org
Description: Are you headed to or continuing college for the 2025-2026 school year? A resident of Texas? In need of financial assistance? Then you may qualify for a Campbell & Jones or Holland scholarship. Applications at bit.ly/fpcsa-scholarships. The guidelines for eligibility and the required document submission are noted on the scholarship forms.
The 53rd Annual William C. (Bill) Hall
Pipe Organ Competition
Times: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: FPC Sanctuary
Contact: Tom Dooling, 210-271-2717, tomd@fpcsat.org
Description: Featuring both undergraduate and graduate students, the public is welcome to enjoy the full day of impressive performances. Come and be inspired by the future of organ music!
SUNDAY, MARCH 2
FPC Team World Vision participates in the Run the Alamo Marathon & Half-Marathon
Contact: Gordon Smith, gordons@servicetitlesa.com
Description: FPC Team World Vision is running in the Run the Alamo Marathon and Half-Marathon to raise money for clean water projects around the world. To find out more or donate, go to bit.ly/fpc-run-team
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5
Ash Wednesday Service
Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: FPC Sanctuary
Description: Join us in a special Ash Wednesday Service to begin the Lenten season. Also streamed live at fpcsanantonio.org/live. No Wednesday evening studies.
FRIDAY, MARCH 7
Middle School 7-11 Night @FPC
Time: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location: FPC Campus
Contact: Kyle Bowden, kyleb@fpcsat.org
Savannah Schatte, savannahs@fpcsat.org
Description: Hey 6th to 8th graders! Get ready for an unforgettable evening packed with fun at our 7-11 Night Extravaganza! Join us for an epic night full of games, delicious free food, and awesome opportunities to make new friends. It's like a lock-in, but without the overnight! Bring your friends for an evening of excitement you won't want to miss! Contact Kyle Bowden or Savannah Schatte for more info: kyleb@fpcsat.org or savannahs@ fpcsat.org
SUNDAY, MARCH 9
Daylight Saving Time - Spring Forward 1 Hour
MARCH 28 – 30
Confirmation Retreat
Location: Mo Ranch
Contact: Kyle Bowden, kyleb@fpcsat.org
Description: Retreat exclusively for Confirmation students.
MONDAY, MARCH 31
WOC Spring Luncheon
Time: 11:30 AM (Doors open 11:00 AM)
Location: Westminster Hall
Contact: Muffin Camp, 210-789-1808 muffincamp@gmail.com
Description: Enjoy a delightful lunch hosted by Women of the Church and gain insights from our guest speaker. Reservations required. $25 Registration available soon (scholarships available.) Email childcare@fpcsat.org to reserve childcare. Don’t miss this special gathering!
SUNDAY, APRIL 6
Mozart’s Requiem in Concert
Times: 4:00 PM
Location: FPC Sanctuary
Contact: Tom Dooling, 210-271-2717, tomd@fpcsat.org
Description: Join us for a captivating performance of Mozart’s famous Requiem Mass, presented by FPC’s choir, orchestra, and soloists. Experience the beauty of this timeless piece in a newly created 2023 edition.
SUNDAY, APRIL 13 - SUNDAY, APRIL 20
Holy Week (Historical times & locations, subject to change)
4/13 - Palm Sunday Worship Services
• 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM | Modern & Traditional
4/17 - Maundy Thursday
• 6:30 PM Service | Sanctuary
4/18 - Good Friday
• 12:00 PM Service | Sanctuary
4/19 - Children’s Easter Program
• 10:00 AM - See details below
4/20 - Easter Sunday
• 6:45 AM Sunrise Service | Courtyard
• 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, & 11:00 AM Easter Services | Sanctuary
SATURDAY, APRIL 19
Children’s Easter Program
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Room: Westminster Hall
Contact: Rebecca Sweet, rebeccas@fpcsat.org
Description: All children, infants thru 5th grade, and their families are welcome to attend the Easter Program and Egg Hunt. Bring a basket and invite a friend! (Childcare available for volunteers)
SUNDAY, APRIL 27
Confirmation Sunday
Time: 9:00 AM
Room: Sanctuary
Contact: Kyle Bowden, kyleb@fpcsat.org
Description: Join us for a special worship service recognizing our Confirmation Students as they officially join the church as Covenant Partners.
SUNDAY, MAY 4
FPC Student Sunday
Time: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Ages: Open to all students grade 6-12
Contact: Kyle Bowden, kyleb@fpcsat.org
Description: Join us as the FPC Student Ministry assists in leading worship at FPC!
SUNDAY, MAY 18
5th Grade Graduation
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Assembly Room
Contact: Rebecca Sweet, rebeccas@fpcsat.org
Description: All 5th graders & their families are invited to a special celebration and tour of the Student Center as we look ahead to life in the FPC Student Ministry!
JUNE 16 – JUNE 20
Vacation Bible School
Location: FPC
Time: 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM
Contact: Rebecca Sweet, rebeccas@fpcsat.org
Description: Kids ages 4 years old through 5th grade completed (Childcare available for Volunteers).
JUNE 26JULY 2
Serve Global: June 26 - July 2
Come join us in building relationships with Amor y Proclamacion Presbyterian Church! We're working together on exciting community projects and sharing the Gospel in Oaxaca, Mexico. It's a great opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference. We can't wait to have you with us!
For more information about this trip o r to apply, please contact Lindsay Selli ( lindsays@fpcsat.org)
Serve Local: Monthly
Do you love children's books? Would you li ke to lend a hand to families moving into permanent homes? Join Mike Munroe as a volunteer for a fun, once-a-month, two-hour (max) service project at SAMM Ministries' Transitional Living Center library on Blanco Road. For more info, contact Mike at mcmunroe@icloud.com or 210-382-8331. SAMMINISTRIES
Serve Local: Weekly or Monthly
Join in loving our city by serving in a variety of ways for FPC’s Local Missions Partners in Student Ministries. Volunteers are needed to provide and serve food, to participate in weekly small groups and ongoing discipleship opportunities. Opportunities available through: South Texas Youth For Christ, Alamo Heights and SA East Young Life, YoungLives, FPC College Ministry and more! Contact lindsays@fpcsat.org for
The third annual Men's Retreat of First Presbyterian took place at LoneHollow Ranch in Vanderpool, Texas. The weekend focused on men strengthening their bonds, delving into their faith, and sharing testimonies. The retreat featured various activities such as pickleball, hiking, fishing, a polar plunge and campfire gatherings, providing an ideal backdrop for the weekend.
Church Family,
I hope you were able to engage in our Unified Worship Experience on January 26 where our entire congregation came together to sing songs of praise and worship, share warm smiles, meet new people, and most importantly, study God’s word together.
Dr. Brad Hobbs preached on Numbers 13:1-3, 16-20 to connect us to biblical history where God kept his promise to the Israelites of the Promised Land, yet He required they fully rely upon His promise and power. While God kept his word and promise to the Israelites, it would take one generation perishing before the community put their trust in God. Imagine, an entire generation spent their lives wandering in circles, directed by their own ways and idols. They did not trust him, kept the security of their own logic, and eventually perished in the desert. Their choices seem ridiculous, but feel familiar.
As we unpack and invest in our FPC Strategic Plan, The Next10, we will face things that are difficult and trying, but we collectively say the intimacy and love of God is worth it. God has a pattern of keeping His word. Dr. Hobbs reminded us that we are in a pivotal time in our 178+ church history. God is asking us to step away from what feels safe, to do things we have never done before, to have an awareness and open hands to seize this moment, to leverage all the uniqueness He has given to FPC, and to trust that God has big dreams for this congregation.
Join me in preparing our hearts by quietly sitting with God by yourself or in a small group and asking Him the following:
Dear God,
X Do I trust You enough to follow You to new, uncomfortable places?
X What do I need to “let go” to truly abide in You?
X Do I believe what You have said, and do I want to experience the power of Your promise, or will I rest on my own logic and preserve my own ego?
X How are you speaking to me now?
Another way to prepare our heart is to listen to the words of the choral worship song from the unified service, "Jesus, Lord We Look to Thee,"
“Free from anger and from pride; let us thus in God abide; All the depths of love express, all the heights of holiness. Jesus, Lord, we look to Thee.”
Go to bit.ly/fpcsachoir-1-26-25 or scan the first QR code to listen to the song.
Did you miss the sermon?
Do you want to hear it again? Scan the second QR code or visit fpcsanantonio.org/next10.
I am grateful for God’s call upon this church and for this time to respond together.
Peace be with you,
Pam Ray Strategic Plan Director
Howdy Folks,
I wanted to let you know that on January 26th, we had a rootin’-tootin’ shindig called "Yee-haw with Jesus" during children’s Sunday school with a Rodeo Roundup. The young'uns roped a steer, played horseshoes, dropped snakes in boots, and do-si-doed.
Much obliged to all the people, young and old, who came out to help. Cowboy John DeKoch shared what it means to be a cowboy and how God is real to him while he's out on the range.
A good time was had by all, and folks can't hardly wait to do it again.
So long for now!
Rebecca Sweet, Director of Children’s Ministry
Your Board of Deacons, 51 members strong, continues to serve as the eyes and ears, hands and feet of your congregation. They have made hundreds of home visits, provided companionship for those grieving the loss of a loved one, and delivered 100 poinsettias to these individuals.
The Deacons serve by praying with the ministers and offering afterworship prayer in both the traditional and modern services. We encourage you to allow us to be with you in your time of need.
Pray without ceasing ~ First Presbyterian Church Board of Deacons
Tom Benke
Moderator – Class of ‘25 tbenke@sbcglobal.net
GETTING INTO THE WATER: THE SECRET OF DISCIPLE MAKING
GUEST SPEAKERS
MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2025 11:30 AM (DOORS OPEN AT 11:00 AM) WESTMINSTER HALL OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Tickets: $25 • Registration Required (Scholarships Available)
RSVP online at bit.ly/woc-lunch or in Mauzé Lobby on Sundays Contact Muffin Camp at 210-789-1808 muffincamp@gmail.com
Childcare Available Email childcare@fpcsat.org
(Circles meet September through May, except for Circles 18 & 20, who provide service all year. Visitors are always welcome!)
Circle 1/12
Suzanne Thomas, Chair (210-846-3240)
3rd Monday, February 17, 11:30 AM, Geneva Room (lunch optional)
Contact the Circle Chair to reserve a meal at least 4 days in advance.
Circle 5 SHAWL MINISTRY
Kay Weber, Co-Chair (210-288-5290)
Mary Fruge-Medford, Co-Chair (210-823-7054)
3rd Wednesday, February 19, 1:00 PM, Room 228
Circle 6
Nancy Kerr, Chair (830-535-4019)
3rd Tuesday, February 18, 1:30 PM, McCullough Room
Circle 7
Circle 8
Mary Ellen Mauze, Co-Chair and Moderator (210844-5549)
Meredith Park, Co-Chair (210-373-8180)
3rd Tuesday, February 18, Cynthia Robinson Dental Clinic 10:30 AM for tour, Lunch at a restaurant
CIRCLE FOR MOTHERS OF YOUNG CHILDREN
Susan DeKoch, Coordinator (210-508-7127, may text)
TBD - Contact Susan DeKoch
Circle 9
Grace Clouse, Co-Chair (734-718-7057)
Janice Wilson, Co-Chair (210-260-4157)
3rd Tuesday, February 18, 10:00 AM, Breakfast Room
Circle 11
Jean Swanson, Chair (210-777-8966)
4th Monday, February 24, 11:30 AM, Home of Pat Brodeen, 2307 Oak Trace, 78232
Circle 13 LITERATURE CIRCLE
Grace Clouse, Chair (734-718-7057)
2nd Tuesday, February 11, 1:00 PM, McCullough Room "The Fire Outside My Window," by Sandra Millers Younger Reviewer: Linda and Rich Delano
Circle 14
Karen Carawan, Chair (210-213-4589)
4th Monday, February 24 12:00 PM, St. Andrews Room (lunch optional) Contact the Circle Chair to reserve a meal at least 4 days in advance.
Circle 18 CIRCLE OF CONCERN
Shelley Bass, Chair (210-861-6996)
Memorial reception volunteers
Circle 20
CIRCLE OF SERVICE
Muffin Camp, Co-Chair (210-789-1808)
Mary Anne Smith, Co-Chair (817-933-9124)
Volunteers to make/take meals and snacks when needed
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1
As we enter the month of February, Valentines Day takes center stage in our social media feeds, at school and in every store we enter. The thrill of romantic love is exciting, but outside of Hallmark movies, it can be fickle, thorny and even elusive. Praise God that His love is steadfast and endures forever – it is something we can count on every single day, now and forevermore.
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10 NIV
In January, Jill Peavy and her committee, Sabrina Rios, Alison McLean Thompson, Emily Yergler and Ellen Meadows organized and hosted the Winter Ladies’ Night Out at Paloma Blanca. It was a wonderful evening of visiting with old friends & making new ones, sharing stories & laughter and continuing to weave the precious fabric of intergenerational relationships in our faith community. Thank you, to our hosts for creating a welcoming atmosphere and to the Peacocks for their generosity which keeps the meals affordable.
Muchas Gracias!
This month the WOC will help with an event that is important for our church’s strategic pillar of Biblicalcenteredness by providing hospitality support for the 2025 Z-Talks: our Guest Speaker Series with Rev. Dr. Richard Gibbons on the week-end of February
7th. We are excited to learn more from Rev. Dr. Gibbons. While this event was not on the WOC schedule, we believe this is a season when we are called to help if we can.
At the end of the month, on February 26, we will be showing all the pastors and staff at FPC our heartfelt appreciation at the Spring Staff Appreciation Luncheon. If you would like to help provide desserts or monetary support for this event, please contact Leah Butler at Leahb9@att.net. It is always a special day.
Our new Evening Women’s Circle is forming. If you are interested in more details, please contact Wendy Garcia at WendyGarcia@satx.rr.com. We will be meeting on the fourth Tuesday of the month. An initial organizational meeting is being held on Tuesday, February 4 during which, the start time of the meeting will be determined. The inaugural meeting is February 25 at Wendy’s home. This is a Bible Study circle and we are very excited about the strong interest shown in enjoying God’s Word together. All ages are welcome!
In Christ Alone!
Nancy Scheifele
President, Women of the Church bbnn.scheifele@gmail.com
fpcsanantonio.org/keys
We had a fantastic start to the new year, and it was such a joy to hear from Dr. Jae Ha. If it's possible, we admire him even more now! His amazing talent on the keyboard continues to bless us every Sunday, and his time with us was just as special. Our Birthday lunch at Stone Werks in Lincoln Heights on January 17 was a blast, with over 35 people joining in. Gardner Peavy, our Covenant Partner and Commander of the Texas Cavaliers, gave us an inside look at what the Cavaliers do. We also got into the rodeo spirit with a visit from the San Antonio Rodeo Ambassadors on January 31.
Looking ahead to February, we're excited to hear from Jake & Jenna Bolerjack as they share their inspiring music and stories. We'll be celebrating Valentine's Day with a special visit from Michael McMullen, also known as Elvis! Later in the month, we'll head to the Menger Hotel to celebrate February birthdays, and we'll wrap things up with a fun "Hamburger & A Movie" event on February 28th. We can't wait for all these wonderful activities!
Rev. Dr. Joe Moore Assistant Pastor for Older Adults and Congregational Care
All onsite KEYS lunches begin with our speaker at 11:00 AM, followed by lunch at Noon. On-campus lunch cost is $15, offsite birthday lunches also cost $15. Make your reservations by signing up at the front desk, calling into the church office at 210226-0215, or emailing keys@fpcsat.org.
February 2025
Feb. 7 - Bolerjacks Concert
Feb. 14 - Elvis (Michael McMullen) Concert
Feb. 21 - The Menger
Feb. 28 - Hamburger & Movie
Mar. 7 - Matt & Helena Smith
Mar. 21 - The Cottage, Irish Pub
Apr. 4 - Miles Pike Concert
Apr. 18 - No KEYS / Good Friday
Apr. 25 - King Antonio Visit
Friday Fitness will continue via Zoom. Join Jacqueline Crow at 9:30 AM. Jacqi has been a champion for us and everyone loves the time with her. If you want to be included on the email notifications, send your email address to joem@fpcsat.org. You will be sent a link to join the Zoom Meeting.
Mahjong players are meeting on the 2nd & 4th Fridays in the Geneva Room, immediately after lunch. You don’t have to be a seasoned player, and if you have a game you would like to play, let us know and we will make room for you!
Blessings and love in Christ, Sandy Sturch
Dear Family in Christ, First Cup is designed to assist you in the habit of daily Bible reading and prayer. The name is to remind you that as you reach for your first cup of morning coffee or tea, reach also for your Bible and prayer list. The prayers at the beginning of each week are taken from hymns, sometimes found in obscure hymnals in my library. They are intended to be read as your beginning prayer, to focus your mind on the daily readings that follow. May this spiritual discipline strengthen you as you face each day.
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.— Psalm 143:8
1 James 4:13-17; Matt. 6:34; Prov. 3:27-28; 16:9; 19:21; 27:1; Psalm 139
2 James 5:1-6; Lev. 19:9-13; 24:14-15; Matt. 6:19-21; Heb. 11:24-26
3 James 5:7-12; Job 1:1-2:10; 42; Rom. 12:6-21
4 James 5:13-20; 1 Kings 17; 2 Kings 4:1-37; Acts 9:36-43; Rom. 8:26-28
5 1 Pet. 1; 1 Chron. 29:15; Psalm 39:12; Heb. 13:13-16; Eph. 2:1-13
6 1 Pet. 2:1-12; 1 Cor. 3:16-17; 6:19; Psalm 65:1-4
7 1 Pet. 2:13-3:22; Eph. 5:22-6:9; Rom. 13
The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin; The Light of the world is Jesus. Like sunshine at noonday His glory shone in; The Light of the world is Jesus. No darkness have we who in Jesus abide; The Light of the world is Jesus. We walk in the Light when we follow our Guide; the Light of the world is Jesus. Come to the Light; ‘tis shining for thee. Sweetly the Light has dawned upon me. Once I was blind, but now I can see. The Light of the world is Jesus. (Worship in Song, #96)
8 1 Pet. 4; Phil. 1:27-30; Rev. 2:10
9 Jer. 10:21; 23:1-4; Matt. 9:36; John 10:1-18; 1 Pet. 5
10 Matt. 17:1-8; 2 Pet. 1; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Psalm 119:105; 2 Cor. 4:6
11 2 Pet. 2; Heb. 6:4-6
12 Ezek. 12:21-28; 2 Pet. 3; 2 Cor. 6:1-2
13 1 John 1-2:14; Matt. 5:14-16; John 3:19-21; 8:12; 12:35-50
14 1 John 2:15-27; John 15:1-17; Titus 2:11-14
My Father is rich in houses and lands; He holdeth the wealth of the world in His hands! Of rubies and diamonds, of silver and gold, His coffers are full- He has riches untold. I once was an outcast stranger on earth, A sinner by choice, an alien by birth! But I’ve been adopted; my name’s written down. I’m heir to a mansion, a robe, and a crown! I’m a child of the King! A child of the King! With Jesus, my Saviour, I’m a child of the King! (Worship in Song, #377)
15 1 John 2:28-3:24; Psalm 119:1-16; 66:16-20; Rom. 8:1-17
16 1 John 4:1- 6; 1 Cor. 1:18-25; Matt. 7:15-20; 2 Pet. 2:1-3
17 1 John 4:7-21; Rom. 12:9-21; 1 Cor. 13
18 1 John 5; Jer. 7:1-29; 1 Cor. 11:23-32; James 5:13-20
19 2 John; Rom. 16:17-20; Col. 1:21-23; 2:6-8; Heb.10:35-38
20 3 John; Rom. 12:13; 1 Tim. 5:9-10; 1 Pet. 4:8-10; Philem. 8-22
21 Jude; John 10:1-18; Psalm 23
Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every Word; Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard. Tell how the angels in chorus, Sang as they welcomed His birth, “Glory to God in the highest! Peace and good tidings to earth.” Fasting alone in the desert, Tell of the days that are past; How for our sins He was tempted, Yet was triumphant at last. Tell of the years of His labor, tell of the sorrow He bore, He was despised and afflicted, homeless, rejected and poor. Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every Word. Tell me the story most precious, Sweetest that ever was heard. (Baptist Hymnal, #211)
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Mark 1:1-13; Matt. 4:1-11; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; 1 Pet. 5:8; Rom. 16:20
Mark 1:14-20; Luke 4:43; 17:20-21; Luke 5:1-11; John 1:35-51; Matt. 10:37-39
Mark 1:21-45; Luke 4:14-44; John 20:29-31; 1 Pet. 1:3-16
Mark 2:1-17; Jer. 29:13; Matt. 11:28-30; 1 Tim. 1:12-17; Psalm 91
Mark 2:18-3:6; Ex. 20:8-10; Jer. 17:19-27; Matt. 5:17-20
Mark 3:7-34; Matt. 12:22-37; Rom. 8:12-17; Gal. 3:26-29
Mark 4:1-34; Matt. 13:24-30
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. (Romans 8:26).
Check out the heartwarming photos from our last Morningside Bingo morning on January 18, where fellowship, fun, and friendship flourished. We invite you to serve alongside us next time as we host bingo and share donuts and coffee with the residents. Sign up today at bit.ly/MorningsideMinistry For more details, reach out to Jim Clouse at james.clouse42@gmail.com.
