As we enter July—a season when ministry slows and many of us find time to rest—I invite you to reflect on something deeply important: the healing and restoration of our church family. Over the next few weeks, Morgan and I will be taking some much-needed time away to rest and reconnect with family. July is traditionally a quiet month at FPC; and while this time away is routine, I’m mindful that this has been an unusual and difficult year.
This season has brought both great joy and real conflict. We’ve celebrated new beginnings and endured painful conversations. Many carry emotional weight—hope mixed with hurt. And yet, I believe God is not done with us. “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion” (Philippians 1:6). But part of that work is to pause and listen: to God, to one another, and to our own hearts.
This is a time to wait upon the Lord. Jeremiah writes, “The Lord is good to those who wait for him... It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord” (Lamentations 3:25–26).
Jesus told His disciples, “Wait for the promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4).
Let’s be honest—we don’t like waiting. We often act first and pray later. But waiting isn’t passive. The Hebrew word for wait—quawah
“Pause”
REV. DR. BOB FULLER
doesn’t mean passive delay. It means to stretch, to pull tight like a bowstring under tension, full of potential energy. Waiting is not inert, docile, or passive. It’s ready and alert. It’s like a batter waiting for a pitch or a football player waiting for the snap of the ball.
Waiting in this sense is not weakness—it’s PREPARATION: expectation…hope with MUSCLE behind it.
What are you waiting for God to do? What are you expecting from Him? For us, and for our church?
WAITING is the Expectation that OUR AWESOME GOD IS GOING TO DO SOMETHING AWESOME!
Waiting with expectation is how we demonstrate faith.
What are you waiting for God to do? For your life? For our church?
Even during this quieter season, planning continues—particularly for our fall launch and new staff leadership, including a search for
an Associate Pastor for Outreach. Our fall theme, “Along the Way: The Discipleship of the Ordinary,” will invite us to embrace Christ in everyday life. If you’re looking for summer reading, I recommend "The Liturgy of the Ordinary" by Tish Harrison Warren.
Texas Presbytery’s Essential Actions (EAs) for FPC’s future are also moving forward. The Ministry Partnership Team (MPT) is discerning candidates for a Transitional Pastor but has not yet proposed names to the Session. Because the fall is fast approaching, in consultation with the MPT, I am planning to be here throughout the fall and to take the prescribed 60-day sabbatical in January and February of 2026. The goal is to have the Transitional Pastor in place in the fall, before December.
Many of the goals in MPT’s "The Next 10" strategic plan overlap with provisions of the EAs. We will continue to learn about and grow into "The Next 10" vision, including new initiatives in discipleship development and church planting. The EAs also include working with the leaders of the church to create a healthy, gospel-oriented governance structure and culture, true to our constitution and Presbyterian values. The Session has also called a Congregational Meeting for August 3, 2025, so that we can fill vacancies for unexpired terms on the Session, Board of Deacons, and Trustees.
I invite you to make July a sacred pause—a time for prayer, reflection, and seeking the Lord’s face. Ask God:
• Where do I need to forgive or seek forgiveness?
• Have I contributed to division?
• What does it mean to walk in the light (1 John 1:7)?
• What is God teaching us in this season?
This time of pause can be a time for lament. But we will not grieve as those who have no hope. We will not be paralyzed by grief. We will heal, and we will rebuild. We need to TRUST THE LORD and LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
This pause is about taking time to reflect on becoming the kind of community that manifests the gospel we proclaim—one marked by truth, humility, grace, and love. If there’s one thing we know from Scripture, it is that God specializes in bringing light out of darkness, beauty from ashes, and reconciliation where there has been hurt.
Let us make this month not just a quiet page on the calendar but a turning point in our story. Live and pray like God is going to do something awesome—because He will.
Please pray for us during our time away, and we look forward to seeing you in August for a great new season.
Grace and peace,
First Press is a monthly publication from the FPC Communications Team.
Want to be featured in FIRST PRESS? Deadline to submit content: the 15th of the previous month. Hank Cherry: Director of Communications Dorothy Hecimovich: Graphic Designer
We encourage you to keep our Oaxaca Mission Team in your prayers as they partner with Amor y Proclamación Presbyterian Church to build meaningful relationships and work together on evangelism and community development projects. Your prayers for their safety, strength, and spiritual impact are greatly appreciated.
FRIDAY, JULY 4
CHURCH OFFICE HOLIDAY CLOSURE
Church offices will be closed for Independence Day and reopen on Monday, July 7.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9
WORSHIP BAND AUDITIONS
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Westminster Hall
Contact: Kara Weaver, KaraW@fpcsat.org Wes Taylor, WesT@fpcsat.org
Join the Modern Worship Team. To sign up, email both Wes Taylor and Kara Weaver, with your name and the instrument(s) you play. Priority for drummers, electric/ acoustic guitar, & piano.
THURSDAY, JULY 10
STUDENT MINISTRY MARIO KART TOURNAMENT
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: FPC Student Center
Contact: Kyle Bowden, kyleb@fpcsat.org
Preston Miller, prestonm@fpcsat.org
Savannah Schatte, savannahs@fpcsat.org
Description: High School and Middle School students are invited to a Mario Kart tournament! We will have pizza and snacks. Bring a friend and get ready to race!
SUNDAY, JULY 13
2ND SUNDAY FAMILY LUNCH
Dates: 2nd Sundays - July 13 & August 10
Time: 12:30 PM
Location: Make Ready Market
Contact: Chris Roper, 210-782-3687
christopherdavidroper@yahoo.com
Join us after worship every 2nd Sunday at Make Ready Market! It’s the perfect place to eat, relax, and meet new friends in a laid-back setting.
MONDAY, JULY 14
MONTHLY YAC GOSPEL
COMMUNITY GATHERING
Dates: 2nd Mondays - July 14 & August 11
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: FPC Student Center (Downstairs)
Contact: Meg Culp, megc@fpcsat.org
(GCGathering) once a month on the 2nd Monday evening. This is where all Gospel Community Groups (GCGroups) come together to meet, mingle, worship, and enjoy fellowship—with dinner included! Not in a GCGroup yet? No worries! You’re still invited and can sign up for a group at the Gathering. Come be part of our vibrant community!
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16
STUDENT MINISTRY MISSION DAY
Time: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: FPC Student Center
Contact: Kyle Bowden, kyleb@fpcsat.org
Preston Miller, prestonm@fpcsat.org
Savannah Schatte, savannahs@fpcsat.org
High School & Middle School Students, let's serve together at CAM, a longtime mission partner of FPC located just across McCullough Ave. Drop off and pickup at FPC Student Center.
FRIDAY, JULY 18
KEYS OLDER ADULTS BIRTHDAY LUNCH
Dates: 3rd Fridays - July 18 & August 15
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: July 18-Bobbie's Southern Kitchen August 15-Milano on Wurzbach
Contact: Rev. Dr. Joe Moore, joem@fpcsat.org
During the summer, KEYS will celebrate monthly birthdays at local restaurants on the third Friday of each month. To reserve your spot, you can sign up at the front desk, call 210-226-0215, or fill out the form at bit.ly/ fpcsa-KEYS.
JULY 19-26
PRAY FOR OUR HIGH SCHOOL MISSION TRIP TO MEXICO
Contact: Kyle Bowden, kyleb@fpcsat.org
Please join us in prayer for our high school students serving with The Yucatan Peninsula Mission (YPM). From July 19 to 26, support our high schoolers with prayers for safety, impactful service, and spiritual growth as they serve in the Yucatan Peninsula.
TUESDAY, JULY 22
YOUNG ADULT OUTREACH HAPPY HOUR
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Idle Brewery (414 Brooklyn Ave 78215)
Contact: Chris Roper, 210-782-3687
christopherdavidroper@yahoo.com
Join the young adult community for happy hour at Idle Brewery! Invite your friends and get them plugged into a small group. This is our chance to reach out to unchurched young adults who are seeking community, and introduce them in a casual setting. Want to know about more Young Adult events? Text YAC to 210-9813339 to stay updated!
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JULY 26 & 27
KINMART FOR FOSTER/KINSHIP FAMILIES
Time: Sat. / 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sun. / 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Grace Point Church, 9650 Huebner Rd
Contact: Lindsay Selli, lindsays@fpcsat.org
Description: Join other city churches to support over 600 kinship families as they prepare for the upcoming school year. Please drop off school supply donations by July 21 at Grace Point Church (quality over quantity). You can also purchase items from The Alliance's Amazon Wishlist at amzn.to/4jsnoSl. Volunteers are needed for the event on July 26 and July 27. Sign up to volunteer at bit.ly/ KinMart25Volunteer. See page 9 for more info.
SUNDAY, JULY 27
JOHN SEIDERS' RETIREMENT
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Windham Presbyterian Church, Windham, New Hampshire.
After 40 years of dedicated ministry, Pastor John Seiders will be retiring this summer. We invite you to join us in celebrating his remarkable service. If you are unable to attend in person, please feel free to send a card or note of appreciation to honor his contributions. You can address it to: Windham Presbyterian Church, Attn: FranPastor's Retirement, 1 Church Rd, Windham, NH 03087.
AUGUST
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Time: 9:30 AM - 12 PM (All Services)
Location: Sanctuary and Westminster Hall
Join us at the end of each worship service as we vote on new church officers nominated by the Officer Nominating Committee. Starting July 15, biographies of the officer candidates will be available in the ONC Brochure, which you will find in the Mauzé Lobby, or online at fpcsanantonio.org/leadership.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5
MIDDLE SCHOOL POOL PARTY
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Lane's Home, 266 Geneseo Rd.
Contact: Kyle Bowden, kyleb@fpcsat.org
Preston Miller, prestonm@fpcsat.org
Savannah Schatte, savannahs@fpcsat.org
Description: 6th-8th grade students! Get ready to chill and thrill—you’re invited to join us for an epic pool party! Make sure to mark your calendars.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 10
BACK
TO
SCHOOL PRAYER
Location: Your Local School Campus Flagpole
Time: 5:00 PM
Contact: Jeannie Dullnig, jdullnig@att.net
You are encouraged to mark your calendar and participate in this special event at the school of your choice; your child’s school, your neighborhood school or any school you would like! It will be an informal gathering of about 30 minutes with the sole purpose of covering the schools in our City with prayer. Gather along with family members, students and friends to pray for safety, protection and a healthy learning environment for our students, teachers, and staff. What better way to send the students and faculty of San Antonio back to School this August! Please email feedback from the event to Jeannie Dullnig.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 17
KICKOFF SUNDAY
Location: FPC Campus
Time: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Save the date for our yearly celebration of kicking off the fall semester at FPC. Fun, fellowship, Sunday School classes resume, and we begin our Fall Sermon Series, "Along the Way: Discipleship in the Ordinary."
CURRENT REGISTRATIONS FOR FALL
SUNDAY, AUGUST 17
NEW CLASS - BIBLICAL FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN IN MINISTRY
Join Sharm King and Carrie Everson for a study on the biblical foundation for women in ministry; how Scripture affirms women’s leadership roles by examining historical, cultural, and theological contexts. In today’s polarized society, understanding the biblical basis for women in ministry is vital for our congregation’s confidence and witness. Preregister at bit.ly/fpcsat-women-in-ministry.
WEDNESDAYS, SEPT. 3 - NOV. 12
ALPHA CLASS
Location: FPC Student Center
Time: 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM
Contact: Elizabeth Crites, 713-822-0222 crcrites@aol.com
Alpha is a safe place to talk openly about life’s big questions, connect with others, and talk about God. Alpha is for everyone regardless of background or beliefs. Nonbelievers, believers without a church, new believers, and mature believers will benefit from this course. Each week, we’ll have a meal, watch a video, and talk in small groups. Learn more on page 10
FRIDAY - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12-14
2025 WOMEN’S RETREAT
Time: 5:00 PM (Friday) - 11:00 AM (Sunday)
Location: TBarM, New Braunfels, TX
Contact: Meg Culp, megc@fpcsat.org
Description: Join us for a rejuvenating weekend designed to nurture your soul and strengthen your faith in Christ. Registration based on room occupancy: Early Bird (June 1 - July 5) $185-$450, and Regular (July 6 - September 1) $210-$475. Non-refundable deposits are required, with the remainder due 30 days before the event. Visit bit.ly/ FPCSAwomenretreat now to reserve your spot!
MISSIONS OPPORTUNITIES
Visit fpcsanantonio.org/serve or text "Missions" to 210981-3339.
KRL SUMMER CLOTHING DRIVE
We are collecting donations to support the Kingdom Restoration Lab, which helps those experiencing homelessness in downtown San Antonio. To assist our volunteers and meet the pressing needs, please ONLY donate the following items: gently used adult t-shirts (size Large and up), jeans, casual pants, everyday shoes, and new (unopened) socks & underwear. Donations can be dropped off in the Mauzé Lobby. You can also contribute via our Amazon wish list at bit.ly/KRLNeedsList. For more information, contact Lindsay Selli at lindsays@fpcsat.org. Thank you for your consideration and generosity. SEPTEMBER 21-28
JOIN THE YWAM NORTH AFRICA MISSION TRIP
Participate in a mission trip to support church leaders in North Africa by providing training, counseling, and respite. Limited spots available; sign up at bit.ly/ YWAMFall2025.
For more information, contact Donna Moncrief at donnamoncrief@gmail.com or Lindsay Selli at lindsays@ fpcsat.org
PRAY FOR OUR EMI MEXICO INTERN
FPC is sending a Mission Intern with EMI in Fall 2025. Engineering Ministries International, EMI, is a Christian non-profit made up of architects, engineers, surveyors, and construction managers whose vision is to see people restored by God and the world restored through design. Please be in prayer for our intern and their impactful work.
LEAD A 2026 MISSION TRIP
Submit Mission trip proposals by October 2025 to Lindsay Selli, lindsays@fpcsat.org
Plan to Join the Friday Singers for 2025-2026
Time: Select rehearsals 9:00 AM –10:30 AM
Performance Fridays | 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM
Location: Room 318 for rehearsals
Contact: Charlotte Hains, charlotteh@ fpcsat.org 210-271-2730
Description: Friday Singers are a key element in our outreach effort to retirement and rehabilitation communities in the greater San Antonio area. No singing experience is needed, just a desire to make life brighter in our community through song.
Wondering why Friday Singers are always smiling? It's because they love what they do! Love to sing? We are looking for new members to join this unique and wonderful ministry. No tryouts needed-just come ready to smile and participate with enthusiasm! Rehearsals start midAugust and include a selection of popular songs. Bring joy to nursing homes and retirement facilities by joining the Friday Singers! Sign up for the 2025-2026 year coming soon!
"Along The Way FPCSA" Photo Contest
Capture Divine Moments in Daily Life:
FPC Family, we are thrilled to invite you to participate in a unique visual storytelling journey. The "Along The Way FPCSA" photo contest is inspired by our upcoming Fall sermon series, “Along the Way: Discipleship in the Ordinary,” which begins on Kickoff Sunday, August 17. The contest offers a creative way to explore and share where you encounter God in your everyday life.
What We’re Looking For:
Capture and submit photos that reveal those sacred moments where the divine meets the ordinary. Whether you discover God’s presence in the smile of a stranger, the peace of a sunset, or the joy of shared meals, we encourage you to share these glimpses of grace. Your photos will illuminate our sermon series theme, emphasizing Jesus' presence in our daily routines and relationships.
Exciting Rewards for Your Participation:
• Monthly Prize: From July to December 2025, we will announce a monthly winner who will receive a ZOX Interactive Daily Scripture Wristband. These innovative bracelets connect with your phone to deliver daily Bible verses, enriching your spiritual journey.
• Community Recognition: Selected photos will be displayed in our church, featured on hallway screens, and used in materials for the Fall sermon series. We look forward to celebrating your contributions and inspiring our community. Monthly winners will also be highlighted in the First Press Magazine and First Look Newsletter Email.
How to Participate:
• Official Photo Submissions: Send your high-resolution photos to http://bit.ly/ AlongTheWayFPCSA for consideration.
• Share on Social Media: We also encourage you to share your photos on social media using the hashtag #AlongTheWayFPCSA.
• Caption Your Image: Submit with a caption detailing the story behind the image, enriching the narrative of our shared faith journey.
Themes to Inspire:
Explore themes such as Daily Discipleship, Presence, Sabbath, and Community to spark your creativity. Perhaps the perfect photo is already saved in your phone from your Summer vacation!
• Where in your everyday life do you see God or Jesus?
• In your children, a stranger’s smile, a sunset, dining with family, holding a friend's hand, or engaging in powerful ministry work.
• Consider favorite scriptures or hymns for inspiration, and reflect on how everyday actions resonate with your faith.
Submit your photos now as we look forward to sharing some of the images on Kickoff Sunday and throughout our upcoming sermon series. Let’s explore everyday discipleship, discovering profound spiritual depth in the ordinary aspects of life. We are excited to see how God is moving in your lives through your unique perspectives!
> A quick link will be available on our website's homepage for easy access to the submission page.
K I N M A R T
Event: July 26th & 27th Donations
Due Before: July 21st
STUFF THE STORE with new, unopened school supplies and/or $10 Walmart/HEB Gift Cards.
Donations can be dropped off by 7/21 at Grace Point Church. Contact Bethann: bethann@alliance4orphans.org
You can also purchase your donations online:
Scan the QR to use the Alliance Amazon Wishlist and the items will be shipped to us
Items Needed
Full Size Backpacks
$10 Walmart Gift Card
$10 HEB Gift Card
Classic markers
24 count Crayons
Scissors
Elmers Glue
Tissue Boxes
Hand Sanitizer
Clorox Wipes
Box of #2 Pencils
Wide Ruled Spiral Notebooks
College Ruled Spiral Notebooks
Wide Ruled Notebook Paper
College Ruled Notebook Paper
July 26th 9am - 12pm | July 27th 1pm - 4pm
Scan the QR code to get details on how to serve and sign up!
Quality over Quantity
The Alpha Course
Explore Life's Big Questions.
Who will you invite to Alpha?
We are excited to announce that FPC will be hosting the Alpha course on Wednesdays starting September 3. This 11-week course will run from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, with childcare available upon registration.
Launched in 1977 at Holy Trinity Brompton in the UK, Alpha has spread to over 100 countries and is available in more than 100 languages. Pastor Nicky Gumbel began leading the course in 1991 to share the good news of Jesus Christ with his community.
Alpha is one of the most powerful evangelistic tools today. It offers a safe space for all individuals—regardless of background or beliefs—to connect with others and explore life’s big questions. Whether you're a nonbeliever, unchurched, new believer, or mature believer, Alpha has something valuable to offer.
Each session includes a meal, a video presentation, and small group discussions. The videos share Christian teachings, and guests are invited to express their views freely, with no wrong answers or judgments, as the Holy Spirit moves among us. This is a wonderful opportunity to invite someone to fellowship and explore the Christian faith in a welcoming environment.
We encourage you to pray about whom you might invite to join you for the Alpha course. Cards with additional information are available in the Mauze Lobby at FPC for you to share with friends, family, or anyone you feel might benefit from this experience.
Please contact Elizabeth Crites if you are interested or have questions: crcrites@aol.com, 713 822-0222. RSVP at fpcsanantonio.org/alpha.
Children's Committee
Celebration and Thanks for 2024-2025
The Children's Committee has enjoyed a wonderful year filled with love and service to the children and families of First Presbyterian Church and our community. We're thrilled to have hosted a variety of exciting events, including "Hole in One" Kickoff Sunday, Rodeo Roundup, Operation Christmas Child Packing Party, Advent Festival, and Christmas Coffee with FPC Children's Center parents. We've also celebrated with a Pick-up Party for FPC Children's Center families, the New Baby Brunch, a 2-year-old and 3rd-grade Bible distribution, our Easter Program and Egg Hunt, Volunteer Appreciation Sunday, and Vacation Bible School. What an incredible year it's been as we've spread the Good News that Jesus Loves You!
We express our deepest gratitude to all the members of the committee for their tireless dedication and effort. Your commitment has truly made a difference in the lives of these families.
Looking ahead, we're excited to announce our plans for 2025/2026, which include a Candyland-themed Kickoff Sunday on August 17. It's going to be an event you won't want to miss!
Above all, we give God all the glory for the wonderful things He has done. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
Left to right, Back row: Rebecca Sweet, Holly Youngquist, Hallie Klunder, Susan DeKoch (Chair), Stephanie Hill, Ashley Jackson; Front Row: Angela DeBoer, Sarah Bonn, Rachel Gremillion, Cynthia Bocanegra, Heather Beltrame
Not pictured: Meg Culp, Meredith Park, Sammy Verheul, Brittany Winston, Jade Owens, Kathy Jamison, Karen McCulloch, Natalie Jansen, Shannah Oncken
Blessings,
Susan DeKoch, Children’s Committee Chair
Rebecca Sweet, Director of Children’s Ministry
True North VBS 2025 Our Alaskan Adventure in Trusting Jesus
What an incredible VBS Journey we experienced from June 16-20 as we dived into the theme of Trusting Jesus! Our True North Adventure took us on a captivating exploration of the wondrous things in nature that God has created.
At Imagination Station, the excitement was palpable as kids crafted their own compasses and created dazzling bottles of northern lights, sparking curiosity and creativity with each activity. Our Bible sessions were rich in storytelling and discovery, with children learning about Jesus’ journey from His baptism right up to the arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to deepen their understanding of the Bible.
Throughout the week, Tundra Treats served up delicious snacks that fueled our young adventurers, while Glacier Games offered a perfect outlet for their energy in fun and exciting recreational activities. Each day began with joyful worship as everyone came together to sing, dance, and praise the Lord, firmly instilling the message that no matter what, we can always Trust Jesus.
The spirit of generosity was evident as the children and their parents opened their hearts to support Operation Uganda. We are thrilled to share that over $1,200 was raised to purchase school supplies for children in need, demonstrating a profound impact and heartfelt compassion.
It was truly an exciting and fulfilling week, made possible by the dedication and enthusiasm of our amazing volunteers. Your selfless contributions ensured the success of VBS, and for that, we extend our deepest gratitude. You are truly the best!
Wishing everyone a blessed and wonderful summer.
With gratitude, Rebecca Sweet
Thank You from the VBS Decorating Chair
As we completed our preparations for VBS, I wanted to make sure I expressed my sincere appreciation. Your efforts greatly contributed to the truly immersive experience our children received during their adventure in True North, trusting Jesus in a Wild World as they journeyed through the Alaskan wilderness. In the leadup to VBS, we were offered trees, boulders, and other decorations from a couple of other churches. We sent out messages to the people of our church, and the response was tremendous. The church community came together for our children. We had people behind the scenes connecting everyone, coordinators in contact with the other churches to schedule pick-ups of the decorations, and those with trucks who transported dozens of trees across the highways. The church delivered in more ways than one during this VBS season. You gave the children your time and strength. I worked alongside our children's grandparents, parents, siblings, FPC family, and teachers. When all was done, the wonderful workers came behind us and cleaned up our mess without hesitation. It was a beautiful display of helping hands, and I could not let your devotion to our children go unrecognized. Thank you all for giving your time. The outpouring of love and support from our church community that I received at painting parties and during decorating for this event was infinite. You helped transform and transport our VBS to the wilderness, where they discovered the Northern Light of Christ. My cup of gratitude overflows. It was so clear to see how much our children are loved here at FPC. I am so grateful to you. You are evidence that the Light of Christ is all around.
Thank you, Angela DeBoer
Older Adult Ministry
As we step into July 2025, we take the opportunity to reflect on June's joyful gatherings, particularly our memorable Birthday Lunch at Chris Madrid’s, where good food and great company were in abundance. We've shared some delightful photos from the event that capture the essence of our time together.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Nona Hall, our dedicated volunteer photographer, who has been faithfully capturing the moments of the KEYS ministry events and more over the years. As Nona steps back to enjoy travel and precious time with her family, we wish her all the best and express our deep gratitude for her lasting contributions.
Looking forward, our tradition of birthday lunches will continue this summer on the third Friday of each month. We meet at 11:30 AM with shuttle service available from FPC leaving at 10:30 AM. The cost for these lunches is $15, and if it’s your birthday month, lunch is on us:
- July 18: Bobbie’s, 606 Embassy Oaks - August 15: Milano’s, 11802 Wurzbach Rd
Our Friday Fitness sessions remain accessible via Zoom. To join, please email me at joem@fpcsat.org for the link. Mahjong and Bridge gatherings continue on the second and fourth Fridays from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Wishing you all a wonderful July filled with sun, family, and worship wherever your summer adventures take you.
Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Joe Moore
Assistant Pastor for Older Adults and Congregational Care
KEYS Summer Games
Mahjong and Bridge players are meeting on the 2nd & 4th Fridays from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM. 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!
Friday Fitness
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.
FIRST CUP READINGS
JULY 2025
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
Standing on the promises of Christ, my King! Through eternal ages let His praises ring. “Glory in the Highest!” I will shout and sing, standing on the promises of God. Standing on the promises that cannot fail! When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, by the living Word of God I shall prevail, standing on the promises of God. Standing on the promises of Christ, the Lord, bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord, Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s Sword, standing on the promises of God. (Worship in Song, #472)
12 2 Cor. 8:1-15; Phil. 4:10-20; James 2:14-17; Matt. 6:25-34
Be not dismayed whate’er betide: God will take care of you. Beneath His wings of love abide; God will take care of you. Through days of toil when heart doth fail; God will take care of you. When dangers fierce your path assail, God will take care of you. All that you need, He will provide; God will take care of you. Nothing you ask will be denied, God will take care of you. God will take care of you, through every day, o’er all the way. He will take care of you. ( Worship in Song, #450)
13 2 Cor. 8:16-9:15; Prov. 11:24-25; 22:9; Luke 6:38
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength when the labor increases; to added affliction He addeth His mercy, to multiplied trials, His multiplied peace. His love has no limit, His grace has no measure, His power has no boundary known unto men; For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again! (Hymns for the Family of God, #112)
A charge to keep I have, A God to glorify, A never dying soul to save, And fit it for the sky. To serve the present age, My calling to fulfill; O may it all my powers engage To do my Master’s will! Help me to watch and pray, And on Thyself rely, And let me ne’er my trust betray, But press to realms on high. (The Hymnbook, #301)
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).
DATE NAME OF PERSON
REQUEST
GOD’S ANSWER
New Covenant Partners! Joined in June 2025
Robynn Amy Grant Jones
Lay Academy
Dates: Begins September 10
Time: Wednesday Evenings, 6:30 PM
Location: Covenant Hall
Pastor's Bible Study
Dates: Begins September 11
Location: Covenant Hall
Times: Thursday Mornings, 9:30 AM
Small Breakout Groups, 10:30 AM
Discover the Roots of Your Faith This Fall!
Join us for the Pastor's Bible Study & Lay Academy at First Presbyterian Church as we launch our exciting new series: “The First 500: The Age of the Early Church.” Journey through the foundational centuries of Christianity—from the bold witness of the early church fathers to the profound insights of St. Augustine. Explore the dramatic moments that shaped our faith: the rise of heresies, the perseverance of persecuted believers, and the defining declarations of the Nicene Creed. Whether you're new to church history or a lifelong learner, this class will deepen your understanding and enrich your discipleship. Come see how the Spirit moved in the first 500 years—and how the Spirit is still moving today.
If you would like to be involved in a Small Breakout group, please contact Lellen Lane: 210-860-1395, lellenlane@gmail.com, or fill out the form at bit.ly/fpcsa-pbs-groups.
