First Press August/September 2026 by FPC San Antonio

You Belong Here and You Are Home

Plan Your Fall at FPC: Save the Dates & Wednesday Nights

(Pastor's article, pages 2-3)

(Pages 4-5)

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026

PURSUIT PURSUING THE GOD WHO PURSUES US

Who is God Pursuing in Your Life? Begin a new season at FPC—and carry the invitation into the community.

(See pages 6–9)

KICKOFF SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2026

Women of the Church September Circle Schedule & Welcome from the President. (Pages 10-11)

Find Your Discipleship Group (Page 12)

FIRST PRESS

Pastor’s Article

You Belong Here and You Are Home welcoming new students and parents. Everywhere we went, people greeted us with smiles. Students, staff, faculty, and people throughout Iowa City went out of their way to make us feel welcome and I learned the truth of the expression “Midwest nice.”

REV. DR. BOB FULLER

Two weeks ago, my son, Bo, joined his new friends and classmates as a graduate student at the University of Iowa. Our family drove through the beautiful rolling hills and endless cornfields of Iowa to Iowa City, where the University of Iowa sits on a high bluff overlooking the Iowa River. (They really got their money’s worth out of the name “Iowa.”) For Bo and our family, Iowa is a whole new world. None of my relatives have ever lived there. To him, it means a new community, a new school, a new program, new classmates, new professors, and new friends. As we stepped onto campus, I wondered how Bo would fit in. Would he feel welcomed? Would he align with the campus culture? Would the community embrace him? Could he endure winter that far north? And, perhaps, most importantly, would he find a church home? It didn’t take long to get an answer. As we walked down the main avenue, we passed buildings flying black-and-gold banners. Businesses had signs in their windows

The students, staff, faculty, and community rolled out the red carpet—or gold, in this case. It was as if the entire experience was designed to make every new student know: You are a Hawkeye. You belong here. You are home. I’m sure similar welcomes took place at UT, Texas A&M, Baylor, Texas State, TCU, Texas Tech, Trinity, UTSA, UIW, North Texas, and schools all over the country. To all the new students and their families, I hope you were welcomed and embraced as warmly as we were. I also hope that same spirit of welcome can be found at FPC. Kickoff Sunday, August 23, is our opportunity to roll out the carpet for familiar friends and newcomers alike. Over the summer, new families have moved to San Antonio. They are beginning new jobs, settling into new neighborhoods, and helping their children enter new schools for the first time. New college students are arriving in San Antonio from all over the country. And we are welcoming new members of our own FPC family. Earlier this month, we welcomed our new Associate Pastor for Adult Formation and Theological Studies,

Andrew Johnson, and his family. On Kickoff Sunday, we will welcome Roger Patton, our new Pastor for Outreach, and Cara Taylor, our new Pastoral Resident for Children, Youth, and Family Formation. But Kickoff Sunday is about more than welcoming new staff. It is an opportunity for all of us to welcome someone new into our church family. Our fall theme is “Pursuit: Pursuing the God Who Is Pursuing Us.” We begin with Jesus’ parable in Luke 15:3–7, where a shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that is lost. When he finds it, he carries it home on his shoulders and rejoices. That is the Gospel. The Gospel is the story of the relentless love of the real God who finds the lost and chases after the rebellious. God demonstrated his amazing love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). The God who raised Jesus from the dead loves you. He cares about you. He is real. And he has the power to make a difference in your life—now and forever. And what does he ask of us? Trust him. Follow him. Join him in the pursuit of his lost sheep. Kickoff Sunday can be the beginning of something new or the renewal of something important. It’s a great time to join a Bible study or community group, begin serving through a ministry, renew a habit of daily prayer, serve our city and neighborhood, or step into a new opportunity to lead.

August/September 2026

CONTENTS SAVE THE DATES

We have an opportunity to find community, grow in our knowledge of God, serve our neighbors, and give glory to the Father who will never give up on us—or on the people we love. But most importantly, it is a great time to invite someone to connect with Christ and the First Presbyterian Church family. Maybe it’s a neighbor you’ve been meaning to invite. A friend looking for a church. A coworker who is new to San Antonio. A family member who needs community. A college student who is far from home. Someone who simply needs to know that there is a place where they are wanted and loved. Don’t be afraid to ask them. And don’t be afraid to ask them again. Let’s make FPC a place where people walk through our doors and discover what every person needs to hear:

Save the Dates

Wednesday Nights @ FPC MINISTRY ARTICLES

6–7

Kickoff Sunday 2026

8-9

Who is God Pursuing in Your Life?

10–11

Women of the Church: September Circle Meetings Letter from the President

Discipleship Groups

KEYS August

FIRST CUP 14–15

Readings and Prayer List

BACK COVER 16

Covenant Partners Joined in June Zbinden Center Fall 2026

You belong here. You are home. I look forward to seeing you Kickoff Sunday, August 23. Come—and bring a friend! Grace and Peace, Pastor Bob Fuller

What is First Press? Each ministry

magazine/newsletter reflects on the previous month’s life and ministry while looking ahead to upcoming events, opportunities, and important church updates. Content is submitted by ministry leaders and members and is due on the first of each month. Final placement and editing are determined by the Communications Team. Hank Cherry, Director of Communications Dorothy Hecimovich, Graphic Designer Edwin Stephens, Media/AV Manager Robynn Amy, Media/Production Coordinator Questions? Contact: Hank Cherry (210-271-2728/hankc@fpcsat.org)

FIRST PRESS

Save the Dates AUG 28 MIDDLE SCHOOL 7–11: 7:00–11:00 PM, Student Center. Games, activities, dinner, and fellowship for students in grades 6–8. bit.ly/fpcsa-7-11 AUG 28–29 PATHWAYS TO HOPE CONFERENCE: Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Free community conference strengthening mentalhealth care and support. pathwaystohope.us AUG 29 YOUNG ADULTS & AMBASSADORS RETREAT: Ranch on Bear Creek, Hunt. A day of worship, recreation, service, and fellowship. $10 per adult, kids free. bit.ly/fpcsa-ya-retreat SEPT 2 ALPHA ICE CREAM SOCIAL: 6:00–8:00 PM, Student Center. Free social and intro to Alpha’s exploration of faith and life’s big questions. RSVP to Elizabeth Crites, crcrites@aol.com. SEPT 6– OCT 18 NEXT-LEVEL SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:30 AM, Room 224. Sevenweek study of God’s kingdom, the biblical covenants, and Scripture’s unified story. AMBASSADORS 1ST SUNDAY SUPPER: 5:00 PM, Kid-friendly restaurant or park. Text Sarah Nelson, 210-438-7688, for the schedule. SEPT 8 LITERATURE CIRCLE SEASON OPENER: Social at 1:00 PM; book review at 1:30 PM, McCullough Room. Martha Smith reviews The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. bit.ly/literature-circle. SEPT 9– DEC 2 GRIEFSHARE: 2:00–4:00 PM, Room 228. Support group for those grieving the death of a loved one. bit.ly/fpcsa-griefshare.

www.fpcsanantonio.org

SEPT 9 WEDNESDAY NIGHTS BEGIN: Dinner, children’s programming, music, classes, support groups, workshops, and fellowship. See the facing page. fpcsanantonio.org/wed-pm SEPT 10 PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY BEGINS: 9:30 AM, Covenant Hall. Rev. Dr. Bob Fuller leads To Glorify God: The Biblical Foundations of Worship. The lecture meets from 9:30–10:30 AM, followed by small groups from 10:30–11:30 AM. Watch the lecture live at fpcsanantonio.org/live. Smallgroup information: contact Lellen Lane through the church office, 210-226-0215. SEPT 13 2ND SUNDAY YOUNG ADULT LUNCH: 12:30 PM, Offsite–Make Ready Market. Join together for lunch after worship. SEPT 20 DISCOVER FPC: 8:30 AM– 2:30 PM, Geneva Room. Introduction to FPC’s theology, community, and membership. fpcsanantonio.org/join SEPT 22 STEPHEN MINISTRY TRAINING BEGINS: Tuesdays, 6:00–8:30 PM, FPC. Training to provide compassionate, confidential Christian care during difficult life circumstances.

Looking Ahead OCT 3 & DEC 4

SILENT PRAYER RETREATS: Days of silence, Scripture, prayer, and intentional time with God. Oct. 3 at McAllister Park; Dec. 4 at Oblate Renewal Center.

OCT 13

FALL LADIES’ NIGHT OUT: 6:00 PM. Public evening of food and fellowship for women.

NOV 9

FALL LEGACY LUNCHEON: 11:30 AM, Westminster Hall. Public luncheon featuring keynote speaker Sallie Guy.

NOV 29

ADVENT FESTIVAL: 3:00– 5:00 PM, Assembly Room and Westminster Hall. Free public Christmas celebration for families of all ages.

DEC 3, 10 & 17

MID-DAY NOELS: Noon– 12:45 PM, Sanctuary. FPC’s beloved lunchtime Advent concert series and musical gift to the city.

JAN 29–31, 2027

SEPT 23 PASTORS & MINISTRY LEADERS LEARNING LAB STARTS: 11:45 AM– 1:15 PM. An every-other-week cohort focused on emotionally healthy, sustainable leadership. bit.ly/z-center-cohort

WOMEN’S RETREAT— GLORIOUSLY SPENT: T Bar M Camps & Retreats, New Braunfels. Registration opens in September.

FIND A DISCIPLESHIP GROUP: Enjoy fellowship, Bible study, and prayer together. Contact Kara Weaver through the church office to get connected. See page 12.

Dates and details are subject to change. Visit the Event Calendar at fpcsanantonio.org/events

for current information and registration.

Wednesday Nights @ FPC Come for dinner, bring the family, and choose an opportunity to grow, find support, make music, or connect with others. Programs begin between Aug. 26 and Sept. 9 and follow varying schedules.

Families, Children, & Music

Faith & Formation

Care, Creativity, & Connection

CHILDREN’S CHOIR: Begins Aug. 26, 1st Floor Children's Area. Pre-K through fifth grade learn music and prepare to sing in worship. Registration requested.

ALPHA: Sept. 9–Nov. 18, Student Center. Explore life’s big questions through a meal, video, and small-group conversation. Free dinner and childcare with registration.

DIVORCECARE: Sept. 9–Dec. 2, Room 228. Support and community for those recovering from separation or divorce. Registration required.

5:00–5:45 PM

5:15–5:45 PM

MUSIC WITH FAMILIES: Sept. 9–Nov. 18, 1st Floor Children's Area. Musical play for parents and children ages eight weeks through three years. Registration requested.

5:30–6:30 PM

FPC FAMILY DINNER: Sept. 9– Nov. 11. Dinner for all ages in Westminster Hall. $10 per adult, $5 per child, $25 family maximum. Weekly RSVP by the Sunday prior needed for adequate food.

5:30–6:30 PM

SANCTUARY HANDBELLS: Room 309. Music, fellowship, and teamwork for those with music-reading experience.

6:00–8:00 PM

CHILDCARE: Sept. 9–Nov. 11, 1st Floor Children's Area. Available for Wednesday evening participants. Weekly RSVP needed for adequate caregivers.

6:30–7:30 PM

CATECHISM FOR KIDS: Sept. 9– Nov. 11, 1st Floor Children's Area. Games, crafts, and theological education for Kinder–5th grade. Registration requested.

6:00–8:00 PM

EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY SPIRITUALITY: Sept. 9–Nov. 11, McCullough Room. Class with Carrie Everson. Slow down, deepen your relationship with Jesus, and grow toward emotional and spiritual maturity. Registration & separate book purchase needed.

6:15–7:30 PM

EQUIPU: Sept. 9–Oct. 28. Zbinden Center Emerging Leaders Cohort with Izzy Mendez. Explore the foundations of Christian faith and develop practical tools for following Jesus. Registration needed.

6:30 PM

ESSENTIAL DOCTRINES: Sept. 9–Nov. 11. Zbinden Center Class with Dr. Jonathan King. Examine ten core Christian doctrines and how what we believe shapes how we live. Registration requested.

6:30–7:30 PM

LAY ACADEMY–TO GLORIFY GOD: Begins Sept. 9. Rev. Dr. Bob Fuller explores the biblical foundations of Christian worship.

6:00–8:00 PM

6:30–9:00 PM

NAMI FAMILY-TO-FAMILY: Sept. 2–Oct. 21, 3rd Floor Classroom. Education and support for family and friends of people with mental-health conditions.

6:45–8:45 PM

NAMI PEER-TO-PEER: Sept. 2– Oct. 21, 3rd Floor Classroom. Education and support for adults living with mentalhealth conditions. Registration required.

6:30 PM

SEASONAL WORKSHOPS: • Wreaths and Bows: Sept. 9–30 • Holiday Baking: Oct. 7 and 14 • American Mah Jongg: Oct. 21–Nov. 11 Hands-on opportunities for learning, creativity, and fellowship. Limit 20 each. Registration required.

7:00–8:15 PM

SANCTUARY CHOIR: Traditional choral music for worship, liturgical seasons, and special services.

Ready to Plan Your Wednesday? Visit fpcsanantonio.org/wed-pm for current dates, complete descriptions, room assignments, costs, and available registrations. www.fpcsanantonio.org

FIRST PRESS

COME RECONNECT. COME BE FOUND. Begin a new season with your FPC family! Join us Sunday morning, August 23, for worship, coffee, light breakfast snacks, fellowship, and opportunities to discover the many ways to grow, connect, and serve this fall. •

Gather your family, class, or group at one of the Kickoff photo booths located at the Ave. E Entrance and Nowlin Tower.

•

"Find the Shepherd" throughout the morning to receive a small surprise.

•

Meet church leaders and ministry teams.

•

Find a class, group, or place to serve.

•

Reconnect with familiar friends and welcome someone new. At 9:30 AM, children will enjoy a separate, high-energy Kickoff morning in the Rainforest Falls environment. Through games, Bible teaching, and ageappropriate activities, they will continue discovering this VBS truth: God loves us no matter what. There will also be Backpack Tags to pick up in any of our four services to remind the children that we are praying for them as they start the school year. Sunday, Aug 23 • 5:00 PM Westminster Hall BBQ, fellowship, and connection as we launch a new ministry year. RSVP at http://bit.ly/fpcmen-dinner.

www.fpcsanantonio.org

The God Who Pursues Us

This fall, our church family will journey together through a new sermon series, In Pursuit: Pursuing the God Who Pursues Us. As we explore the Scriptures together, we'll discover the beautiful truth that our pursuit of God always begins with His pursuit of us. Long before we sought Him, He was seeking us. Long before we took our first step, He was already calling us by name. Kickoff Sunday marks the beginning of that journey. Whether you've worshiped at First Presbyterian for decades or you're visiting for the very first time, we invite you to join us as we celebrate the start of a new ministry season together. Throughout the morning, you'll have opportunities to connect with ministries, discover ways to worship, grow, serve, and build community this fall. Families can enjoy special children's activities as Kids Ministry continues celebrating the joy-filled themes of Rainforest Falls VBS, reminding children that God Loves Us No Matter What. We're also excited to offer a family photo opportunity to help update our church directory, making it easier for us to know and care for one another. Keep an eye out throughout the morning for a fun "Find the Shepherd" activity—you never know where you might encounter a surprise!

Welcoming New Pastoral Leadership

Kickoff Sunday will also be a special opportunity to welcome three new pastors who will be joining our ministry team this fall.

We'll introduce: Rev. Dr. Roger Patton, Associate Pastor for Outreach, who will also be preaching in the Modern Worship services that morning. Rev. Dr. Andrew Johnson, Associate Pastor for Adult Formation and Theological Studies. Cara Taylor, MDiv, Pastoral Resident for the Formation of Children, Youth, & Their Families; who will lead our ministries with children, students, and their families. Each brings unique gifts and a deep love for Christ and His Church, and we look forward to introducing them to our congregation as we begin this exciting new chapter together. As Pastor Bob recently shared, God has answered the faithful prayers of this congregation by bringing together a remarkable team of leaders united by one purpose: making disciples who love Christ, love one another, and love our city.

Join Us

We hope you'll make Kickoff Sunday part of your plans. • • • •

Come worship. Meet new friends. Reconnect with old ones. Discover opportunities for the season ahead.

Most of all, begin this new ministry year by joining us In Pursuit—responding together to the God who has always been pursuing us.

www.fpcsanantonio.org

FIRST PRESS

In Luke 15, Jesus tells a story about a shepherd who notices that one sheep is missing. He leaves the ninety-nine, goes after the one that is lost, and rejoices when it is found. The Shepherd pursues. That is at the heart of our fall series, In Pursuit: Pursuing the God Who Pursues Us. Before we ever went looking for God, He was already seeking us. And the same God who pursued us is at work in the lives of people all around us. So what if we started looking for where He is already at work? That is the idea behind the little sheep and Your Three card you received on Kickoff Sunday. The sheep isn't simply a souvenir. We hope you'll put it somewhere you'll see it often and allow it to become a reminder of three people God has placed in your life. Then practice three simple things: PRAY. CONNECT. INVITE.

Start with the people already around you. You don't have to go looking for a special “ministry opportunity.” Begin with the relationships you already have.

www.fpcsanantonio.org

Who are the people God has placed in your everyday life? Think about your family and extended family. Your friends. Neighbors. Coworkers or classmates. The parents sitting beside you at your child's practice. The person you regularly talk with at the gym. Members of a club or organization. The people you encounter over and over as you move through an ordinary week. This idea is sometimes called an Oikos Map. Oikos is a Greek word for “household,” but in this context it describes the network or sphere of relationships around a person. The Oikos Map used in #NoPlaceLeft's 411 disciple-making training invites Christians to identify people already within their relational network and begin intentionally praying for them.

PRAY:

Watch for where God is already at work Prayer changes the way we see people. Rather than beginning with a plan for what *we* want to accomplish, prayer asks us to pay attention to what God may already be doing. Pray for your three by name. Ask God to work in their lives, open your eyes to where He is already at work, and show you how you can join Him in loving them. Then pay attention.

CONNECT:

Love them well

Your three aren't projects. They're You could make a map of dozens of people. For this practice, we're starting people to love. In The Art of Neighboring, Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon encourage with just three. Christians to take Jesus' command to Ask God: Who have You placed around love our neighbors seriously by building me? Where are You already at work? genuine relationships with the people Whom are You asking me to notice? God has already placed nearby. Learn names. Ask questions. Listen. Share Write down three names. a meal. Remember what matters to them. Small steps can move us from Then let your sheep remind you to strangers, to acquaintances, to genuine pray. relationship.

INVITE:

Take the Next Step Together An invitation doesn't have to begin with, “Would you like to come to church?” As you pray for your three and deepen those relationships, listen for what might be a natural next step. Most importantly, don't just send an invitation. Go with them. Sharing an experience together can make entering an unfamiliar church or group much easier, and it gives your relationship another opportunity to grow. Explore faith together. Alpha is especially designed for people with questions about Christianity, including those who are new to faith, unchurched, returning to faith, or hurt or disappointed by past church experiences. Don't just send them. Go with them. Eat, watch the videos and explore the questions together. Looking for community? Bring them into yours. Sometimes the next step is simply helping someone find people with whom they can belong. Invite someone to a Discipleship Group, Women's Circle, Wednesday or Sunday class, Ladies Night Out or Men's Quarterly Dinner. Short fellowship events can be especially easy first steps. Want to do something meaningful? Serve together. For some people, serving beside Christians may feel much more natural than attending a class. Ask one of your three to join you in serving locally. Invite them to serve locally with you, whether that's helping at KRL, encouraging KRL workers and clients, joining ongoing

flood-relief efforts, or another opportunity through FPC..

GO DEEPER

Serving together lets someone experience Christian community while doing tangible good. And while you're working, relationships have room to grow. And when someone shares a need, pray. You don't need special training or eloquent words to offer prayer. When a friend tells you about something difficult, joyful or uncertain, you can simply ask: “Would it be okay if I prayed for you about that?” You can pray right then, or tell them you'll be praying and follow up later. Remembering to ask, “How did that go?” can itself become another small act of love. The invitation is relationship None of these opportunities is the goal by itself.

Oikos Map (411: Who?) Watch the #NoPlaceLeft Training video that helped inspire the “Your Three” practice. Learn how to consider your existing sphere of influence, identify the people God has already placed around you, and turn that map into a strategy for prayer. http://bit.ly/oikos-video

Alpha isn't the goal. A discipleship group isn't the goal. Getting someone into a Sunday class isn't the goal. Your three are people God has placed in your life to know and love. Sometimes the most faithful thing you can do will be to extend an invitation. Sometimes it will be to listen. Sometimes it will be to serve. Sometimes it will be to pray. And sometimes it will simply be to keep showing up as a faithful friend. So pay attention to where the Shepherd is already at work. Then, when the opportunity comes, take the next step together. Find more ideas, current opportunities, and links at fpcsanantonio.org/in-pursuit.

The Art of Neighboring Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon, The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door. This resource takes the idea one step further: how do we move beyond simply knowing who our neighbors are toward genuinely knowing and loving them? www.fpcsanantonio.org

FIRST PRESS

WOMEN OF THE CHURCH

Sept. Circle Information Seven monthly WOC Bible Study Circles meet to delve into the Scriptures, spend time with one another and the Lord, and serve. All women are invited to join these groups. WOC Circles meet from September - May. For more WOC information, visit www.fpcsanantonio.org/women Contact information is available in the FPC app or through the church office at 210-226-0215 Circle 1/12 3rd Monday of each month September 21 | 10:30 AM FPC St. Andrews Room Contact Betsy Zachry or Lynn Thompson Circle 3

EVENING CIRCLE 4th Tuesday of the Month September 22 | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM Personal Residence Contact: Wendy Garcia Supper will be provided. Circle 5

SHAWL MINISTRY 3rd Wednesday of the Month September 16 | 1:00 PM–2:00 PM FPC Room 228 Contact Kay Weber or Mary Fruge-Medford

Circle 6

3rd Tuesday of the Month September 15, 1:30 PM FPC McCullough Room Contact Nancy Kerr

Circle 7

3rd Tuesday of the Month September 15 | 11:30 AM Personal Residence Contact Mary Ellen Mauzé Salad Lunch – Bring a salad to share

Circle 9

3rd Tuesday of the Month September 15 | 11:00 AM The Towers on Park Lane Contact Grace Clouse

Circle 11

4th Monday of the Month September 28 | 11:30 AM Personal Residence Contact Pat Brodeen Lunch will be provided.

Circle 13

2nd Tuesday of the Month LITERATURE CIRCLE September 8 | 1:00 PM FPC McCullough Room Contact Grace Clouse Book Review: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans Reviewer: Martha Smith Visit bit.ly/literature-circle for 2026–2027 reading list. Circle 14 3rd Monday of the Month September 21 | 12:00 PM–1:00 PM FPC St. Andrews Room Contact Karen Carawan (Lunch optional - contact the Circle Chair to reserve a meal at least 4 days in advance.) Circle 18 CIRCLE OF CONCERN Contact Shelley Bass Memorial reception volunteers Circle 20 CIRCLE OF SERVICE Contact Anne Marie Oliver Volunteers to make/take meals & snacks when needed

Officers

Vice President for Circles Janet Pritchett Vice President for New Members Wendy Garcia President Jean Swanson

WOMEN OF THE CHURCH

President's Letter Aug/Sept 2026 I feel this is the beginning of a wonderful year for the Women of the Church. It’s a chance to begin again - to try again, hope again, and watch God do something we never expected. God is the God of restoration and change. He is always doing a new thing and working behind the scenes in our lives to bring about new beginnings. Where we might see failure, God sees potential for something new. So look for the new beginnings in our work and wonderful outcomes through God’s guidance. This is an excerpt from a prayer written by Dr. Edwin Walthall and seems appropriate as we start a new year as Women of the Church:

God, may the days ahead hold for us: joy in believing, satisfaction in serving, peace in the assurance of your love, and work for good in whatever may come next. Above all, we pray that what is next for all the world would be peace, healing, and justice in the power of Jesus Christ; whose kingdom has no end, and in whose name we offer this prayer. Amen.1 Our scripture selection for this year is from Romans 5:1-5 Peace and Hope 5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, wehave peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. The Circles in the Women of the Church are a great place to love each other deeply. The Study Circles pray together and study God’s Word. The Service Circles, including the Circle of Concern and Circle of Service, offer the love of Christ by helping with memorial receptions and preparing meals for those healing or welcoming a new baby into their lives. The talented women of the Shawl Ministry knit, crochet, and pray over prayer shawls and baby blankets that

can be given to anyone in need. The friendly Literature Circle welcomes all (including men) to hear book reviews and engage in lively discussions that follow. This year the Circle Study is the book by Max Lucado titled “Unshakable Hope,” as well as sermon outlines by Max Lucado. Although one can join a Circle at any time during the year, September is when the new study begins. Circles meet monthly and at various times and locations. The newest and fastest growing group, Circle Three, meets in the evenings at Covenant Partners’ homes. And do we offer hospitality! Mark your calendars now for two Women of the Church events happening in the Autumn. Ladies Night Out will be Tuesday, October 13, at 6:00 PM at the DeKoch home, and the Fall Legacy Luncheon is on Monday, November 9, at Westminster Hall, featuring our own Sallie Guy as the speaker. I want you to know that the Women of the Church are here to answer questions and get you connected, no matter your age or stage in life. Send us an e-mail with your questions. See the WOC officers' contact information on the church app or contact the church office at 210-226-0215. How did I first get involved in Women of the Church? Circle 11 – a Study Circle that met in the evenings. I was teaching school at the time when I joined the church. Circle 11 was the only Bible study that met in the evening. First Presbyterian Church had such a large congregation, and I felt I needed a small group that I would be able to connect with. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. These ladies became my lifelong friends and opened up my life to so much more. From this group, I became an usher for one of the 9:30 AM teams, helped serve as a Deacon, and now my role as President of the Women of the Church. It has been a wonderful 36year journey with more roads ahead. I hope you do as I did and find your lifelong friends and opportunities with the Women of the Church. In His Grace,

Jean Swanson

President, Women of the Church

1. Excerpt from: Walthall, Edwin. “What Next, O God?” My Grace Is Sufficient: Prayers of Hope and Encouragement, Jan. 1992, pp. 92–93.

FIRST PRESS

Find your Discipleship Group

Faith grows in community. FPC discipleship groups gather in homes and at church to share life, study Scripture, pray, and encourage one another. You don’t need to know which group is right for you —we’ll help you find a place to connect.

FAMILY GROUPS

Mondays or Tuesdays 5:30–7:30 PM | Member homes Parents and children gather for dinner, prayer, Scripture, and fellowship.

READY TO FIND A GROUP?

YOUNG ADULT GROUPS

Tuesdays at 7:00 PM | Member homes Wednesdays at 7:00 PM | FPC Fellowship, Bible study, and prayer with others in a similar life stage.

Complete the Discipleship Groups Inquiry form, and someone will contact you about current opportunities. bit.ly/fpcsa-disciple-groups

Older Adult Ministry fpcsanantonio.org/keys

KEEPING EVERYONE YOUNG IN SPIRIT

Dear KEYS Friends, I hope you were able to enjoy your summer!! We had successful Birthday Lunches in June, July and August. We are excited to have Rick Cavender joining us for our kickoff of a new year of KEYS activities on September 11, 2026. Rick has been a favorite son of KEYS for years as he rocks Westminster Hall with classic Rock and Roll. Our Birthday Lunch will be at Chris Madrid's on September 18. On September 25 we will host an information session on how to access the church directory as well as sign-ups for events and quick access to live streamed events. Hank Cherry and Robynn Amy will be our guests. Looking forward to getting back together again!

KEYS Upcoming: • Sept 11 – Rick Cavender • Sept 18 – Birthday Lunch at Chris Madrid's • Sept 25 – Church App Deep Dive

Coming Soon: • October: - Intro of our new Associate Pastors -

Trick or Treat with the Children’s Center

• November: - Celebration of our Veterans -

Thanksgiving Lunch

• December: - Christmas Party

Grace and peace,

Rev. Dr. Joe Moore

Assistant Pastor for Older Adults and Congregational Care Our off-site birthday lunches begin at 11:30 AM and are $15 per person. Make reservations by signing up at the Front Desk, calling the church office, visiting http://bit.ly/fpcsa-keys, or responding through the regular KEYS emails. A shuttle from the church is available at 10:30 AM for those who wish to ride.

KEYS Games

Mah Jongg and Bridge players are meeting on the second and fourth Fridays, from 1:00 PM–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 Pastor Joe. You will be sent a link to join the Zoom Meeting.

www.fpcsanantonio.org

FIRST CUP READINGS AUGUST 2026

Blessings and love in Christ,

Sandy Sturch

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

Luke 8:22-25; 2 Samuel 22; Jonah 2; Psalm 3:5; 4:8; 73:23-26

“Take up thy cross,” the Savior said, “If thou wouldst My disciple be; Take up thy cross with willing heart And humbly follow after Me.” Take up thy cross; let not its weight Fill thy weak spirit with alarm; His strength shall bear thy spirit up, And brace thy heart, and nerve thy arm. Take up thy cross, nor heed the shame; Nor let thy foolish pride rebel; Thy Lord for thee the cross endured, To save thy soul from death and hell. Take up thy cross and follow Christ, Nor think till death to lay it down; For only he who bears the cross May hope to wear the glorious crown. (The Hymnbook, #293) 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Deut. 18:9-13; Psalm 106; Luke 8:26-39; James 4:7 Luke 8:40-48; Leviticus 15:25-27; Mark 3:10; 6:56; Luke 8:49-55; Hebrews 11:6 Luke 9:1-9; Matthew 14:1-12; 17:9-13; Matthew 10:17-31 Exodus 16; Luke 9:10-17; Mark 11:22-25; Proverbs 30:7-9; John 6:48-51 Luke 9:18-27; Matthew 10:32-33; 16:24-28; Philippians 1 Luke 9:28-36; Isaiah 42:1-9; Matthew 3:16-17; 5:17; 2 Peter 1; Psalm 119:105 Luke 9:37-45; Mark 9:14-29; Matthew 21:21-22; James 5:15-16

Our Father in heaven, we hallow Thy name; May Thy kingdom holy on earth be the same; O give to us daily our portion of bread; It is from Thy bounty that all must be fed. Forgive our transgressions, and teach us to know that humble compassion which pardons each foe; Keep us from temptation, from evil and sin, And Thine be the glory forever! Amen. (Baptist Hymnal, #343) 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

1 Kings 19:19-21; Luke 9:46-62; Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 10:17-31; Matthew 6:33 Luke 10:1-24; Matthew 4:10; Rev. 9:1-11; 12:7-12; 13:5-10; Daniel 12:1-4 Luke 10:25-37; Deut. 6:5; Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 19:16-30 Luke 10:38-42; Matthew 6:25-34; Romans 12:1-13; Psalm 27:4; 119:97-112 Luke 11:1-13; Matthew 26:31-46; 69-75; 1 Cor. 10:1-13 Luke 11:14-28; 2 Peter 2; Hebrews 6:4-6 Luke 11:29-32; Jonah 3; 2 Chronicles 9:1-12; Matthew 12:38-45; John 3:18-21

Oh, the unsearchable riches of Christ, Wealth that can never be told! Riches exhaustless of mercy and grace, Precious, more precious than gold! Oh, the unsearchable riches of Christ! Who shall their greatness declare? Jewels whose luster our lives may adorn, Pearls that the poorest may wear! Oh, the unsearchable riches of Christ! Who would not gladly endure Trials, afflictions, and crosses on earth, Riches like these to secure! Precious, more precious, Wealth that can never be told! Oh, the unsearchable riches of Christ! Precious, more precious than gold. (Worship in Song, #52) 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Luke 11:33-36; Psalm 101; Psalm 18:25-29; Titus 1:15-16 Luke 11:37-54; Genesis 4:1-16; 2 Chronicles 24:17-22; Acts 13; Romans 2 Luke 12:1-12; Acts 6:8-7:60 Luke 12:13-34; Ecclesiastes 5:10; Isaiah 57:14-21; Ephesians 5:1-20 Luke 12:33-48; 1 Thess. 4:13-5:11; 2 Thess. 2:1-16 Luke 12:49-53; Mark 10:28-31; 13:3-13; Matthew 10:17-42 Luke 12:54-59; Matthew 16:1-4; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Peter 3; 1 John 2:18-27

There were ninety and nine that safely lay in the shelter of the fold, but the one was out on the hills far away, far off in the dark and cold. Away on the mountains, wild and bare. Away from the tender Shepherd’s care. “Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine; are they not enough for Thee?” But the Shepherd made answer: “This of mine has wandered away from Me; and although the road be rough and steep, I’ ll go to the desert to find My sheep.” And all through the mountains, thunder driven, and up from the rocky steep, there arose a cry up to the gate of heaven, “Rejoice, I have found My sheep!” And the angels echoed around the Throne, “Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!” (Trinity Hymnal, #187) 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Luke 13:1-9; Isaiah 5:1-10; John 15:1-17 Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 4:23-25; 12:1-14; Luke 13:10-35 Luke 14:1-24; Matthew 22:1-14; Zechariah 3 Luke 14:25-35; Philippians 3:7-4:1 Luke 15; Proverbs 20:9; 21:17, 25, 26; 22:6; Psalm 51; Hebrews 12:4-13 Luke 16:1-18; 12:33-34; Matthew 6:19-34 Luke 16:19-31; 6:17-26; Matthew 25:31-46 Luke 17:1-10; Matthew 6:9-15; 18:21-35 Luke 17:11-19; Leviticus 13:29-37; Acts 14:8-10; James 5:13-16

FIRST CUP PRAYER LIST

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

www.fpcsanantonio.org

New FPC Covenant Partners Joined in June 2026 LOVING CHRIST. LOVING ONE ANOTHER. LOVING THE CITY.

Hannah and Zac Covey

Pam Magee

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Go Deeper This Fall 2026 The Zbinden Center offers thoughtful biblical study, theological formation, and practical training for disciples and ministry leaders. Next-Level Sunday School: Kingdom & Covenants Sundays | 9:30–10:30 AM Sept. 6–Oct. 18 Explore God’s kingdom, the biblical covenants, and Scripture’s unified story.

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