First Press February 2020

first press

FEBRUARY 2020

Youth Silent Auction to fund summer mission trips.

[See page 9]

God is at work in the Middle East.

[See article pages 14-17]

Sunday Night Service Series debuts this month.

[See pages 4 & 9]

Rejoice in what Christ is doing through Mission 709.

[See 2019 report pages 12-13]

Who is my neighbor?

Loving Our City [See article pages pages 10-11]

PASTOR’S ARTICLE

Worth the Extravagance

Rev. Dr. Bob Fuller Senior Pastor

W

hen it comes to giving gifts and spending money, Valentine's Day is second only to Christmas. Gift giving is a powerful love-language (to use Dr. Gary Chapman’s expression) because it implies a cost. The giving of a gift is a nonverbal way to tell someone “you are worth this sacrifice.”

Mark chapter 14 tells us a story about an extravagant gift. Just a few days before He went to the cross, Jesus was gathered with his disciples and other followers.

An unnamed woman showed up with a jar of expensive perfume.

They did not expect what happened next. She walked right up to Jesus, broke it open and poured the oil over His head.

Everyone gasped. Not because this was an insult to Jesus but because her gesture was “over the top.” In that day, anointing someone with oil was considered a gesture of extreme honor. It was something one did to consecrate prophets and kings; and, at the end of life, it was a way that loved ones honored the life and body of the dearly departed.

But this was too much. It was embarrassing.

The disciples rebuked her saying, “why was this perfume wasted in this way, especially when it could have been used for the poor.”

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After all, that jar of perfume was worth 300 denarii—that’s six month’s wages. What she did had no practical significance. She had just wasted it.

But then Jesus stepped in, and with God’s own authority, He said

“Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me.” 1 6

Can you imagine the shock on the disciple’s faces when they heard this? They were just trying to be practical—even good stewards— and Jesus was reproaching them.

But Jesus not only silenced them; He also honored her. The Lord didn’t say her action was too extravagant, or over the top, or wasteful, or impractical. Rather, He said: “She has done a beautiful thing to me.” 2 Verse 9 says:

Truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.

9

To paraphrase, He was saying to her, “because of your love to me expressed by this beautiful act of devotion, for the rest of history,

all over the world, whenever my story is told, you will be part of the story.”

contents 4

Jesus honored her because she loved Him so much she didn’t care how it made her look. He knew that she had not done it to draw attention to herself. She did this to honor Him. We worry a lot about what people think of us, don’t we? How we look. How we sound. What will people think? This story is about a woman who loved Jesus so much that she forgot about all of that.

She loved Him so much she didn’t care how it made her look. To her, He was worth more than anything else. Philippians 3:8 says that knowing Christ is of “surpassing worth.” One of my favorite quotes is a statement by Pastor John Piper, who said “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” SOLI DEO GLORIA, - REV. DR. BOB FULLER 1

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version.

2001 (Mk 14:6–9). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

2

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version.

2001 (Mk 14:8–9). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

7 9 10 12

Save the Date: February Sunday Night Service Series, Global Missions Sunday, Valentine's Parents' Night Out, Loaves & Fishes, Literature Circle, Youth Silent Auction, Youth Bible Studies, Jr. High Guys Sunday Shenanigans, Youth Upcoming, Ash Wednesday Service, Young Adults Sunday School Classes, Prayer Teams & Prayer Training, Widows Might, 40 Days of Prayer, KEYS Upcoming, DivorceCare, GriefShare, University Sunday Family Dinner, The House Bible Study, Churchwide Save the Dates Loving One Another: Congregational Care Loving the City: Youth Silent Auction & February Sunday Night Service Series Loving the City: Who is My Neighbor?

Loving the City and the World: Mission 709 End-of-Year Report

14

Loving the World: Alaska Mission Trip 2020

14

Loving the World: A Wind in the House of Islam

18

Loving One Another: WOC & Circle Schedule

20

Loving One Another: KEYS

22

Loving Christ: First Cup Readings

23

Loving Christ: First Cup Prayer List

24

Loving One Another: New Covenant Partners First Press is published monthly by the First Presbyterian Church San Antonio Communications Team. Deadline to submit content: the 15th of the previous month.

Hank Cherry: Director of Communications Dorothy Hecimovich: Graphic Designer Ross Brown: Media Coordinator Richard Flores: Production Coordinator Questions? Contact: Hank Cherry (210-271-2728/hankc@fpcsat.org)

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SAVE THE DATE

Literature Circle Dates: Tuesday, February 11 Time: 1:00 PM Location: McCullough Room The FPC Literature Circle welcomes member, Bill Hensley, who will review the book, The First Conspiracy, by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch. The story tells of the secret and deadly plot against none other than: George Washington. Taking place in the months leading up to and during the Revolutionary War, this historical book shows the origins of America's counterintelligence movement leading to our present CIA. Men and women, church members and non-members are invited to attend.

February Sunday Night Service Series Date: Sundays, February 9, 16, & 23 Time: 6:02 - 7:00 PM Location: Westminster Hall

Widow's Might

Join us for a 3-week Contemporary Worship series from 6:02 - 7:00 PM each Sunday evening, entitled “Walking with Someone.” We’ll dive into the significance of different relationships in the Bible and how they apply to us today. We invite you to use this outreach tool to bring your friends! Check out fpcsanantonio.org/invite for creative invite ideas. More information on page 9.

Global Missions Sunday Date: Sunday, February 9 Time: 9:30 AM Location: Covenant Hall

On Sunday, February 9, there will be a special Sunday School Class in Covenant Hall focused on Global Missions. This is a great opportunity to learn about World Renew; the clean water project in Leona Vicario, Mexico; the FPC Emerging Leaders program; and our new initiative, Mission South, featuring the President of San Pablo Seminary in Merida, Mexico. We hope you will come to learn from our ministry partners and hear how you can participate in what God is doing through FPC Global Missions.

We will also have a representative from PARS Theological Centre preaching in all three Sunday morning services.

For more information contact FPC Missions at lindsays@fpcsat.org.

Valentine's Parents' Night Out

Date: Friday, February 14 Time: 6:00 - 10:00 PM Location: Assembly Room

All ages welcome, $5 per child (late fee charged if picked up after 10:05 PM.) Register online and get medical release forms at fpcsanantonio.org/ parentsnightout. Please contact rozlynm@fpcsat.org for more information.

Loaves and Fishes Date: Saturday, February 15 Time: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM Location: Student Center Downstairs Our next opportunity to serve our under-resourced neighbors is on Saturday, February 15. Setup begins at 8:30 AM, doors open for guests at 10:00 AM, and serving begins at 11:00 AM. All are welcome. Please contact Lindsay Selli (lindsays@fpcsat.org) with questions or to volunteer.

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Date: Sunday, February 16 Time: 12:15 PM Location: Geneva Room “Widows Might” is an opportunity for widows to gather for a meal and Christian fellowship. The next meeting will be on Sunday, February 16, at 12:15 PM in the Geneva Room. Please contact Becca Price (beccaprice@satx.rr.com) or Janet Wernli (janetw1966@hotmail.com) to register or for more information.

Youth Silent Auction Dates: Sundays, Feb. 23 & Mar. 1 Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Location: McCullough Room The annual youth ministry silent auction is coming and is only possible through your generous support. Your donation goes toward funding Youth Ministry mission trips. The deadline for donations will be February 19, and can be dropped off with the receptionist. Please contact Jill Peavy at jillp@fpcsat.org or Jennifer Dooling at jennifer.dooling@baml. com for more information on how you can support Youth through the silent auction. More information on page 9.

Youth Ministry Wednesday Bible Studies Date: Wednesdays, January 8 Time: MS 5:00 PM | HS 7:00 PM Location: Various Middle school meets at 5:00 PM at 315 Devonshire Drive, High School guys meet at 7:00 PM at the FPC Student Center, and High School Girls at 140 Luther Drive. Follow us on social media @fpcsayouth for the most up to date info.

Jr. High Guys Sunday Shenanigans: Valentine Edition Date: Sunday, February 9 Time: 4:00 - 5:30 PM Location: Mickler's House Guys 6th - 8th Grade, includes games, snacks (not dinner), a short lesson, and time for discussion/ prayer.

Young Adults February Sunday Schools Dates: Sundays, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, & Mar. 1 Time: 9:30 AM Locations: YA1 - Room 300 YA2 - Room 301 YA1: “Kingdom-Minded Singleness, Dating, & Relationships” This five-week block will encourage and empower singles by giving them a biblical framework for relationships and a Kingdom-minded perspective on singleness. Contact carriee@fpcsat.org.

YA2: “Establishing Marriage Pathways to Intimacy” This five-week block will equip and empower couples preparing for and entering into marriage with pathways for relational, emotional, spiritual, and physical intimacy.

Contact mitchellm@fpcsat.org.

Youth Upcoming

Prayer Teams & Prayer Training Evening Option Date: Wednesday, February 19 Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM Location: Room 224 Morning Option Date: Friday, February 21 Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Location: Room 224 We are building four prayer teams at FPC: 3rd Sunday Healing Prayer Team, KRL Support Prayer Team, Global Mission Partners Prayer Team, & Early Morning Prayer on Sundays at 8:30 AM. For those interested, there is a training taught by ONE (Christ Healing Center) offered at two different times: Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM and Friday, Feb. 21 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. For more information visit fpcsanantonio. org/prayerteams. To register for the Prayer Training, please contact Lisa Snow (lisas@fpcsat.org).

March 7-11

High School Big Bend Camping & Stargazing Trip | $175 per student.

Register at fpcsanantonio.org/hscamping-trip2020.

March 28-29

Middle School Retreat Check us out at Facebook.com/ FPCSAyouth. For more info contact Alex Clary at AlexC@fpcsat.org, Emily Yergler at EmilyY@fpcsat.org, or Mac Taylor at McCalebT@fpcsat. org.

Ash Wednesday Service Date: Wednesday, February 26 Time: 6:30 PM Location: Sanctuary Join us for a special evening service in the FPC Sanctuary for Ash Wednesday.

40 Days of Prayer Lenten Devotional

Dates: Wednesday, Feb. 26 - Sunday, April 5

24 Hour Day of Prayer Date: Tuesday, March 24 This Lenten season, we would like to invite the whole FPC congregation to join us in 40 days of prayer using the materials written by WayMakers called “Seek God for the City 2020” (www.waymakers.org). A printed daily prayer book will be provided to whomever would like to participate. There is also a digital prayer guide available through a mobile app called “Seek God for the City 2020” available for download.

We are one of 40 churches in San Antonio participating in the “Seek God for the City 2020” prayer movement. Each church has also been assigned one day to pray for 24 hours. We have committed to cover 24 hours praying on March 24. Kathy Scruggs is the organizer who will help us coordinate filling each hour with one or two people committed to prayer, in their location of choice, using the guided prayer book. Together with other believers all over the city, we will cover San Antonio in prayer for 40 full days and nights leading up to Palm Sunday.

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SAVE THE DATE

KEYS Upcoming Friday, Feb. 7 | 11:00 AM Rick Cavender Band (Reservations Closed) (Doors open at 10:30 AM) Friday, Feb. 14 | 11:00 AM Magician Doug Gorman (Cost $10) Friday, Feb. 21 | 11:30 AM February Birthday Lunch at The Menger Hotel (Cost $15) (Van Service from FPC 10:45 AM) Sunday, Feb. 23 | Show 3:00 PM Woodlawn Theater Presents The Music Man (Cost $24) (Van Service from FPC 2:00 PM) Friday, Feb.28 | 12:00 PM Hamburger & Movie (Lunch at Noon, Movie begins immediately after lunch)

DivorceCare

Wednesdays | Jan. 8 – Apr. 1 | 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM | Room 226 DivorceCare is a video seminar series featuring some of the nation’s foremost Christian experts on divorce and recovery topics as seen from a biblical perspective.

The video seminars are combined with support group discussions of the materials presented during the video. Please feel free to connect with Butch Gerfers at 210-826-9998 or gerfers@flash.net, if you have any questions or would like more information.

We are looking for individuals who feel a passion and calling to this ministry to serve as facilitators. Please connect with Joe Moore at 210-226-0215 ext. 226 or joem@fpcsat.org for more information

Make your reservations through Alice at the reception desk, (210) 226-0215 or alicem@fpcsat.org. More information on pages 20-21.

CHURCHWIDE Save the Dates March 1: DiscoverFirst! and Women's Faith Gathering March 6 - 7: Organ concert & competition March 21: Children's Ministry Trip to the San Antonio Aquarium March 23: WOC Spring Luncheon March 27: 15th Annual Mary Jean Rogers Memorial Concert April 4: Parenting Conference with HEB Foundation April 5 - 11: Holy Week April 12: Easter Sunday April 19: Confirmation Sunday May 1: Preschool Spring Fling Fundraiser May 9 - 16: Living Waters Installation Mission Trip June 5: Jae Ha Organ Concert June 22-26: Vacation Bible School

GriefShare Wednesdays | Jan. 8 – Apr. 1 | 10:30 AM & 6:30 PM | Room 228 Two classes of this grief support group are being offered. No matter what the circumstances, grief recovery is a painful process. GriefShare features nationally recognized experts on grief recovery topics. Seminar sessions include “Is This Normal?” “The Challenges of Grief,” “Grief and Your Relationships,” “Why?” and “Guilt and Anger.” Please feel free to connect with Joe Moore at 210-226-0215 ext.

226 or joem@fpcsat.org, if you have any questions or would like more information.

We are looking for individuals who feel a passion and calling to this ministry to serve as facilitators. Please connect with Joe Moore at 210-226-0215 ext. 226 or joem@fpcsat.org for more information.

University

The House

Sunday Family Dinner Dates: Sunday, February 23 Time: 6:00 PM Location: FPC Member’s House TBA Gather with other local university students and enjoy a home cooked meal in the home of FPC members.

Bring a friend for good food and great fellowship.

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Friday Bible Study Dates: Fridays, Feb. 14 & 28 Time: 7:00 PM Location: Student Center College students from across San Antonio gather for dinner, fellowship and Bible Study. All are welcome. Check us out at Facebook. com/2TenSATX. For more info contact Alex Solorio at alexs@fpcsat.org.

LOVING ONE ANOTHER

"COMFORT, COMFORT MY PEOPLE," SAYS YOUR GOD. ISAIAH 40:1

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

G

od is never at a loss to help and comfort His weak and weary, tried and tempted, oppressed and suffering people. He assures them when they are ready to perish and fearing destruction. It is remarkable to notice how God's promises of comfort are ever associated with their redemption, salvation and deliverance from evil. His comforts abound with assistance in necessity, help in extremity, defense in danger, deliverance from distress, and infinitely more. With all these He opens up His heart of love, and reveals to them His unwearied care and concern over them.

God's determinations are proved by His doings. It is His will that not one of His disconsolate ones shall be left comfortless.

I personally believe that “God’s call to comfort” focuses on appropriate ways congregations

can minister with and to their congregations and communities. Often God's command to comfort His people is generally believed to be addressed to prophets, pastors, ministers, and preachers. To them it is certainly addressed, but not to them exclusively. The right and delight to comfort one another is the heavenly birthright of all the living children of God, all the living members of the body of Christ.

That God has a people in the world is evident from His acknowledgment of them as His own possession, "MY PEOPLE." They are the people of His choice, and blessed according to His choice of them in Christ Jesus before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:3,4).

As we enter into this 2020 New Year and decade, it is my prayer and my hope that we will also fully live into the mission of FPC of Loving Christ, Loving One Another, and Loving the City collectively. As we heard in a recent sermon, Rev. Dr. Bob Fuller was sharing everything that has come to fruition at FPC in just a few short years; which

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LOVING ONE ANOTHER

certainly gave me pause to stop, reflect upon, and be thankful for.

The work of our Diaconate was established with that mission at the forefront of our vision. Behind the scenes teams of faithful volunteers are working collectively to enhance and support the ministry. In the Diaconate, as we gather into our smaller “Huddle Groups� we are refining our skills, and sharing our stories and experiences of the impact that these Small Groups are having in improving communication, connection, care, and community.

Right now we are in the process of updating the list of our elder members living alone or living in continuum of care facilities. We are also aware that many in our congregation may have a special friend that they are visiting.

We value the relationship you have and the presence and care that your visits provide. It is impactful and a win-win for both parties.

We are reaching out to ask for your help as we begin to identify those in our congregation who are currently being visited by you or your group. We thank you for that commitment and recognize the importance and impact it has on our beloved members.

"The right and delight to comfort one another is the heavenly birthright of all the living children of God, all the living members of the body of Christ." also wish for us to add a deacon to a rotation in your visits we can do that as well.

Please let us know the names of those whom you are visiting and their contact information so that we do not overlap with your visits. If you have already done so we are grateful! Please send your info to Lisa Snow (LisaS@fpcsat. org) or Michele Hendrix (tmichelehendrix@ icloud.com).

We greatly appreciate the connection and relationship you share and appreciate your help in this endeavor to compile and complete a current, accurate and updated list.

MICHELE HENDRIX Moderator FPC Diaconate

In our endeavor to identify and assign a Deacon for home visits, we by no means wish to overlap in the visits you are providing. As we update and develop this list, it would be most helpful to know whom you are visiting.

That is simply to know and ensure that all our elder saints are covered and cared for by you or by the Diaconate. If you are visiting and

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We need you! The annual Youth Silent Auction is quickly approaching – Sunday, Feb. 23 and Sunday, March 1, from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, located in the McCullough Room. All funds raised go directly to support our Youth summer mission trips. This year our middle and high school students will be serving in and around the San Antonio community, volunteering at local FPC mission partners like San Antonio Metropolitan Ministries (SAMM), Servant Partners and more.

Jesus ministered to the outcast and least of these, and we strive to be an example of that through serving and loving those around us.

The youth department hopes to make mission trips affordable and accessible for all students, and we do this through your generous support.

Last year, we auctioned off delicious baked goods, paintings and other creations made by students, jewelry, clothing items, a Nintendo Switch, vases and bowls by Ankole Living, gift cards, and much more!

Learn about Biblical relationships and how they apply to us today.

Pick up an invitation card in Mauze Lobby or get more ideas for how to invite a friend at fpcsanantonio.org/invite!

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LOVING THE CITY

WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?

F

ive years ago, Jen and Charlie Foltz were called by God to move to a neighborhood on the east side of San Antonio.

The neighborhood they now call home is less than two miles down Nolan Street from First Presbyterian. They started a faithbased non-profit called SA Heals with a mission to fight poverty and provide hope to one child, one school, one neighborhood at a time. The ministry focuses on encouraging, equipping and empowering children in order to help break the cycle of poverty.

SA Heals is focused on building relationships, and Jen and Charlie have established a relationship with their neighborhood school, Washington Elementary.

Volunteers can serve students by becoming a reading buddy or a lunch buddy. Reading FIRST PRESS MAGAZINE 10

buddies commit to read with a Kindergarten, 1st or 2nd grade class for an hour each week throughout the school year. While reading buddies provide a vital role, lunch buddies have the opportunity to mentor and build a trusting relationship with a 3rd, 4th or 5th grade student. Consistency is key and volunteers commit to spend 30 minutes each week during the student’s lunchtime for the school year.

One of our covenant partners, Danielle Couch, became a lunch buddy in September and shared some thoughts:

Being a lunch buddy through SA Heals has been an incredible gift!

The first lunch was a bit rough because all three girls wanted to talk and talked over each other and I didn’t know what to

LOVING THE CITY

Working through SA Heals with these girls is not always easy: it's not necessarily convenient to leave work for an hour, it's hard to hear what these girls are going through and sometimes I feel unequipped to help them. However, being a lunch buddy is a priceless gift from The Lord, where I get to see Him work in me and through me and it's most definitely the highlight of my week to spend lunch with such amazing girls! do. I began praying and researching and was blessed with the idea to play games with the girls that work on listening skills and allows all of them time to speak. I have been able to see Jesus totally transform our time together and how the girls treat each other.

I've also seen Jesus intentionally transform our conversations! At first we talked about more surface level things and while we still have light hearted conversations, the girls have opened up tremendously and confided in me about really tough things they are going through. Many people won't experience these things in their lifetime but Jesus can bring hope to the most hopeless areas, and I believe that is what he is doing through me; bringing His hope and His help and His love and His support to these girls who really need Him, and I am just fortunate enough to be a vessel for his work!

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Other opportunities to help include sponsoring a child to provide a bag each Friday containing food for the weekend.

You can also sponsor a packing party to put together the food bags.

We are so thankful for our partnership with SA Heals and for Jen and Charlie responding to God’s call to become a neighbor to the east side of San Antonio, and for our covenant partners who have stepped up to answer the question “Who is my neighbor?”

MISSION 709 2019 YEAR-END REPORT

1000

939

Total Participants

200 Other

800

709

739

739 FPC

400

200

0

FPC Children & Youth

56 42 16

427

FPC Covenant Partners

125

Non-Active FPC

FPC Participants OVER

600

187

Projects Mission Trips Serving Opportunities Non-FPC ministries & organizations that have participated

F

irst

Presbyterian

Church set a mission goal for 2019: In response to God’s

grace we set out to more faithfully and fruitfully love our neighbors, the neighborhoods of our city, and the nations

New Projects (estimate)

12000

10,490 | Total Lives Touched (estimate)

10000

2423 (estimate)

Global Lives Touched

through 709 members of our FPC family, to touch over 5,000 lives through participation in local or global missions. We called our 2019 initiative “Mission 709” in light of the picture of redemptive restoration seen in Revelation 7:9-10. We launched into Mission 709 with the first

8000

worship service of the year

6000

from all over the city, region,

5000 4000

alongside of ministry partners and world. As you see in the

8067 (estimate)

Local Lives Touched

2000 0

graphic, God richly blessed Mission 709! And in the process He has brought new life to our

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congregational

mission

participation. Please celebrate

60 UP TO

Showers Per Month

50 OVER

*

New Believers

60 114 733

Avg. Volunteers Per Month (½ from FPC)

Loaves & Fishes

With FPC’s partnership in Malawi, the Mutendere Area Avg. Guests Total Guests Development Project has graduated from the World Vision Per Month Program and is now self-sustaining.

145 512 1739 KRL

Avg. Appointments Per Month

Total People Seen

*Number of conversions that we have recorded through Local Missions in 2019. This total does not include numbers for the countless seeds that have been sown in both local and global missions in the past year.

Total Appointments

19 30 OVER

Countries in which FPC worked with partners

OVER

Countries reached through FPC working with partners

G o d ’s faithfulness with

us

through

praising His name for the fruitfulness of Mission 709, and by participating in what He is doing in the lives of

125

Active sponsors for children through World Vision.

our neighbors, neighborhoods, and among the nations. We hope you will respond to God’s grace by developing and deploying the gifts He has entrusted to you through serving with

9:38 Mission Prayer Texts

one of our ministry partners.

For more information please contact

missions@fpcsat.org

and to sign up for regular mission prayer please email

Monday Night

Community Bible Study

lindsays@fpcsat.org.

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142 Prayers Sent (Avg. 3 Per Week)

90

OVER

People Praying for Missions

35 412 Avg. Guests Per Week

Total Guests (estimate)

LOVING THE CITY

2020 Alaska Mission Trip set for July 1-14!

We had an amazing time in Chevak last summer. Our team stepped up to the plate and hit a grand-slam home run. God used everyone’s gifts and abilities to the fullest, and we’re excited for an opportunity to return with, we hope, a group of 10 from FPC. We learned so much in many areas - the logistics of feeding our team and getting the food there, ideas to manage the program and the crafts, as well as connecting with the village as a whole through visiting homes and a community meal.

We are looking for a team that will pull together in the activities listed above. If you are interested, contact Joe Moore at joem@fpcsat.org for more information or register online at fpcsanantonio.org/mission-trips.

The dates for the trip to Chevak this year will be July 1-14. We are also exploring a partnership with an ECO church in Anchorage that could be a part of this trip.

FIRST FIRST PRESS PRESS MAGAZINE MAGAZINE1414

I

f I mention “Iran” what immediately comes to mind?

If you are older, it might be the 1979 Iran hostage crisis that accompanied the Islamic Revolution. Today you might envision crowds chanting “Death to America” or think of Iran (rightfully) as a fundamentalist Islamic state and the world’s chief exporter of terrorism. What if I was to tell you that, right now , Iran is the fastest growing Christian country in the world. There is a wind in the house of Islam.

At the time of the Shah’s fall in Iran, just a generation ago in 1979, there were few

LOVING THE WORLD

A Wind

In The House of Islam BEN McCALEB

There is a wind in the house of Islam...

Christians in the country and only a handful of those were converts from a Muslim background.

Presently, estimates of the number of Christians from a Muslim background in Iran range from 800,000 to 2 million!

In fact, in the last 40 years, more Muslims have come to faith in Jesus Christ than in all the previous 1,400 years, going back to the time of Mohammed.

Christ is reaching Muslims individually, through dreams and visions, electronically, through satellite TV and the internet, and relationally, through a huge network of underground house churches. All of this is

happening with no church buildings and no ministers, as all churches reaching out to Muslims have been closed and their ministers have

under persecution who, unfortunately, are called to serve with little or no biblical training‌ their faith is a mile wide but only

either been martyred or forced to leave the country.

So, all of this growth is happening through relational ministries led by young leaders of incredible faith and persistence

an inch deep.

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This is where PARS Theological Centre comes in. Established by an Iranian minister exiled in London, PARS is providing online

seminary education and counseling for these underground church leaders in Iran. PARS also organizes training conferences in Turkey for these Iranian students who are able to leave Iran for a week to receive intensive biblical training and lectures in a classroom setting.

At our ECO National Gathering in Colorado last year, our denomination strongly endorsed PARS’ work and encouraged ECO churches to come alongside PARS in their ministry. First Presbyterian Church answered that call last February by contributing $25,070 to cover the cost of one of these training conferences for Iranian church leaders in Turkey.

In early November of last year, one of ECO’s designated missions partners, Frontier Fellowship, led a team of 19 American church leaders on a visioning trip to London

and Istanbul in order to strengthen ECO’s partnership with PARS. Chuck & Ann Bunn and Ben & Teresa McCaleb were privileged to join in on this visioning trip. Their lives will never be the same. In London, we met the professors and leaders of PARS, viewed their taping studios, learned the history of Christianity in Iran and met some of the young leaders of Iranian house churches who continue their ministry while now living in exile in London.

While in Turkey, we were able to meet with Iranian refugees and visiting Iranians studying with PARS. We heard numerous, harrowing stories of innocent believers in Christ being jailed and interrogated for nothing other than having Christian faith. Ayatollah Khamenei and his Revolutionary Guard consider the spread of Christianity to be a threat to the

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national security and future of Iran. Our group was mesmerized by the Iranian students we met in Istanbul. Their stories of faith and perseverance were humbling and inspiring. Many of them had lost nearly all of their possessions when they were arrested and jailed in Iran. They describe being put in solitary confinement for weeks while being mentally tortured.

Despite these incredible hardships, they persevered in their faith and refused to return to the ideals of Islam and the Islamic Revolution.

We can think of few greater privileges than helping Iranians discover the love of Christ and watching them become free from the cruel and dark bondage of the Ayatollah’s Islamic Revolution. PARS is confident that the Republic will eventually fail and fall and we have seen some indications of that just recently, with the protests and riots. It was life-changing for us to be in fellowship with these dear brothers and sisters in Christ. We are praying that more American Christians and, specifically,

members of this congregation will come to realize the strategic importance of serving, encouraging and further equipping this new and exciting underground church in Iran.

In conclusion, I’ll repeat the words that first grabbed ahold of us when they were spoken to us by a PARS representative at that ECO Gathering last year… “God is

doing an amazing thing in Iran and the greater Islamic world. He will accomplish it with or without you. You should at least be praying… but don’t you want to join Him?"

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LOVING ONE ANOTHER

WOMEN OF THE CHURCH

BIBLE STUDY, SERVICE, & FELLOWSHIP

JUDY KRUGER

President, Women of the Church

A

lthough the Women of the Church January calendar was not quite as full as it was in December, we still had many opportunities for Bible study, service, and fellowship. We recently enjoyed a wonderful Ladies’ Night Out at Paloma Blanca. I am thankful that the Lord allows us to form and deepen relationships while we enjoy delicious food and fun door prizes! Many thanks to Shelley Bass and her committee (Mindy Daubert, Kim Smith, Maggie Burnett, Susie Patterson, Martha Smith, Stacia Morse, Nancy Williams, and Catherine Whitsett) for planning this event so well.

Are you feeling disconnected and would like to meet other women? Please visit one of our Circles! A Circle is simply a group of women who meet regularly, and Circle meetings are a wonderful way to get involved in the life of our church. The schedule is included in First Press every month. You are welcome to contact me (210-857-0122) if you have any questions or need help getting started.

Our church is pleased to host YoungLife meetings in our building every week and to

also host the YoungLife San Antonio Central Fundraising Luncheon on February 25. If you are interested in finding out more about this organization and the difference that it makes in the lives of teenagers in our neighborhood, please plan to attend this luncheon.

The House of Neighborly Service “Neighbors Together” Luncheon will be on February 20 at the Guadalupe Theater at 11:45 AM. There is no charge for the luncheon, but donations will be welcome. To reserve a seat, please contact Laura Johnstone at laurajohnstone49@yahoo. com.

If you would like to help set the Lord’s table on a Communion Sunday (the first Sunday of the month), Toni Legrand would be happy to train you and put you on the schedule. Her contact information is ToniLLegrand@gmail.com.

Finally, please save the date for our Spring Luncheon on March 23 in Westminster Hall.

You will not want to miss the Lord’s message from our speaker, Jenna Lucado Bishop.

Joyfully, Judy Kruger

FIRST PRESS MAGAZINE 18 FIRST PRESS MAGAZINE 18

LOVING ONE ANOTHER

WOMEN OF THE CHURCH February Circle Schedule

Circle Number Circle 1/12

Circle Theme Bible Circle

Meeting Info

Additional Info

Monday, Feb. 17 | 10:30 AM FPC Geneva Room

Optional Lunch: $8

Circle 5

Shawl Ministry

Friday, Feb. 21 | 10:00 AM FPC Room 228

Circle 6

Bible Circle

Tuesday, Feb. 18 | 1:30 PM FPC Geneva Room

Circle 7

Bible Circle

Tuesday, Feb. 18 | 11:30 AM Contact Candy Wagner for location

Circle 8 Circle 9

Mom's Group Bible Circle

Circle 11

Bible Circle

Tuesday, Feb. 4 | 7:30 PM Battalion (604 S. Alamo) Tuesday, Feb. 18 | 10:30 AM FPC Geneva Room Monday, Feb. 24 | 6:30 PM Home of Pat Brodeen (2307 Oak Trace, 78232)

Circle 13

Literature Circle

Tuesday, Feb. 11 | 1:00 PM FPC McCullough Room

Circle 14

Bible Circle

Monday, Feb. 24 | 12:00 PM FPC St. Andrew’s Room

Circle 18

Circle of Concern

No formal meetings: Opportunities for service throughout the year

Circle 20

Circle of Service

No formal meetings: Opportunities for service throughout the year

FIRST PRESS MAGAZINE 19

Open to women & men; February Book: The First Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch Optional Lunch: $8

LOVING ONE ANOTHER

REV. DR. JOE MOORE Minister for older adults and congregational care.

W

Keeping EVERYONE Young in Spirit

e kicked off the New Year with a Party!

During January, Little Beverly & The Shades got us moving to the point of dancing! Scuzzi’s Italian restaurant was as good as ever, then we learned about bats and the San Antonio Rodeo.

To make your reservation for all KEYS events contact Alice Morales at alicem@fpcsat. org or 210-2260215 . The cost for meals at FPC is $10. Birthday luncheons are $12 unless otherwise noted.

This month’s “Main Event” is The Rick Cavender Band. Rick and his band are a KEYS Favorite. Then, on February 14 we will have master magician Doug Gorman, famous for his sleight of hand with cards and spheres. February’s Birthday lunch will be in the Minuet Room at The Menger Hotel. This lunch is on us if your Birthday is in February. Then, Woodlawn Theater presents “The Music Man” on February 23. Show time is 3:00 PM, and tickets are $24.

We will enjoy “A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood,” for Hamburger & a Movie, on the day before leap day, February 28. Lunch will be at Noon, with the movie at 1:00 PM or soon afterward.

Unless otherwise indicated, the above programs begin at 11:00 AM, and lunch is served at Noon.

Birthday lunches begin at 11:30 AM at the restaurant.

FIRST PRESS MAGAZINE 20

To make your reservation for all KEYS events contact Alice or Ariel at the receptionist desk. The cost for meals at FPC are $10. Birthday Luncheons are $12 unless otherwise noted.

Remember, KEYS is not an exclusive club for older adults. Everyone is welcome to attend on Fridays and to join us on other activities as well, “Keeping EVERYONE Young in Spirit.”

February Calendar: Friday, Feb. 7 | 11:00 AM Rick Cavender Band (Cost $15) (Doors open at 10:30 AM) Friday, Feb. 14 | 11:00 AM Magician Doug Gorman (Cost $10) Friday, Feb. 21 | 11:30 AM February Birthday Lunch at The Menger Hotel (Cost $15) (Van Service from FPC 10:45 AM) Sunday, Feb. 23 | Show 3:00 PM Woodlawn Theater Presents The Music Man (Cost $24) (Van Service from FPC 2:00 PM) Friday, Feb.28 | 12:00 PM Hamburger & Movie (Lunch at Noon, Movie begins immediately after lunch)

LOVING ONE ANOTHER

Hamburger & A Movie Friday, February 28 12:00 - 1:50 PM A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. After a jaded magazine writer is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about empathy, kindness, and decency from America's most beloved neighbor.

SA READS In 2019, SA Reads distributed 56,481 books, tutored 487 students and trained 280 teachers in the science of reading. SA Reads needs your help to sort, categorize, and clean donated books. Jane Warren (210-493-5187) is the person to contact with any questions about this program.

The work is done at Firstmark Credit Union, 10730 Gulfdale Drive, on the first Tuesday of each month. Join in on this great service project, as well as the fellowship of working together.

Bridge and Mah Jongg Bridge and Mah Jongg players meet immediately following lunch on the second and fourth Fridays of the month. Join in on the fun!! New players are welcome and someone will help you learn the game. If you have other games that we could play, then let us know and we will see that you have a place to play.

FIRSTFIRST PRESS PRESS MAGAZINE MAGAZINE 21 21

LOVING CHRIST

FIRST CUP READINGS FEBRUARY, 2020 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.

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

1

Psalm 20; Proverbs 15:29; Jeremiah 33:2-3; Psalm 37:4

In heavenly love abiding, no change my heart shall fear. And safe is such confiding, for nothing changes here. The storm may roar without me, my heart may low be laid, but God is round about me, and can I be dismayed? Wherever He may guide me, no want shall turn me back. My Shepherd is beside me, and nothing can I lack. His wisdom ever waketh, His sight is never dim; He knows the way I taketh, and I will walk with him. (The Hymnbook, #417) 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Psalm 21; Proverbs 3 Psalm 22; Hebrews 5:7-10; Philippians 2:5-11 Psalm 23; John 10 Psalm 24; Hebrews 12:14-19 Psalm 25; James 1:1-12 Psalm 26; Psalm 1:1-3; James 4:4 Psalm 27; Psalm 90:13-16

The steps of those whom He approves are ordered by the Lord; And though they fall, held by His hand, they yet shall be restored.

I have not seen, though since my youth full many years have fled, the saint forsaken, nor beheld His children begging bread. The children of the merciful find blessings kept in store; Depart from evil and do good, and live forevermore. Wait on the Lord and keep His way, And then, by Him approved, Thy heritage shall still remain when sinners are removed. Mark well the perfect, upright man, as still his years increase; Behold his life, and thou shalt see His journey end in peace. (The Hymnbook, #422) 9 10 11 12 13

Psalm 28; 2 Timothy 4:9-18 Psalm 29; 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 Psalm 30; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Psalm 31; 27:5; Job 5:17-27 Psalm 32; James 5:13-19

14 Psalm 33; Jeremiah 33 15 Psalm 34; Jeremiah 32:17-44

O grant us light, that we may know the wisdom Thou alone canst give; That truth may guide wher-e’er we go, And virtue bless wher’e’er we live. O grant us light, that we may learn how dead is life from Thee apart, How sure is joy for all who turn to Thee

an undivided heart. O grant us light, in grief and pain, To lift our burdened hearts above, And count the very cross a gain, And bless our Father’s hidden love. O grant us light, when, soon or late, All earthly scenes shall pass away, In Thee to find the open gate To deathless home and endless day. (The Hymnbook, #335) 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Job 21; Psalm 35 Psalm 36; 1 Peter 2:9-12 Psalm 37; Proverbs 23:17-18 Psalm 38; Hebrews 12:1-13 Psalm 39; Luke 12:13-21 Psalm 40; Psalm 89 Psalm 41; James 5:13-20

The heavens declare Thy glory Lord; In every star Thy wisdom shines; But when our eyes behold thy Word, we read Thy name in fairer lines. The rolling sun, the changing light, And nights and days, Thy power confess; But the blest Volume Thou hast writ Reveals Thy justice and Thy Grace. Sun, moon, and stars convey Thy praise Round the whole earth, and never stand; so when Thy truth began its race, It touched and glanced on every land. Nor shall Thy spreading gospel rest till through the world Thy truth has run; Till Christ has all the nations blest that see the light, or feel the sun. (The Hymnbook, # 259) 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Psalm 42; 57:1-3; Job 35 Psalm 43; Psalm 84 Psalm 44; Romans 8:13-39 Psalm 45; Hebrews 1 Psalm 46; Psalm 9:9-10; Psalm 14 Psalm 47; I Chronicles 16 Psalm 48; I Chronicles 17

O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s light for a look at the Saviour, And life more abundant and free! His word will not fail you—He promised: Believe Him and all will be well. Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell! Turn your eyes upon Jesus; Look full in His wonderful face; And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. (Worship in Song, #207)

FIRST PRESS MAGAZINE 22

LOVING CHRIST

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

FIRST PRESS MAGAZINE 23

God’s Answer

LOVING ONE ANOTHER Elizabeth Crites

She lived in the Middle East for 7 years. She is looking forward to continuing to grow her faith with Jesus Christ and continuing to attend Pastor's Bible Study and volunteer down in the KRL.

Thomas & Briana Damrow

Thomas and Briana are both looking forward to meeting and serving others.

NEW COVENANT PARTNERS Rhae Chell Mauze

Rhae is the youngest of five children. All of her siblings' names begin with R and end with double LL. Rhae is looking forward to remaining active in the church, continuing to pray fervently, ministering to other women suffering heartache, attending “IF” groups, and Bible studies.

Suzanne Shive

Suzanne is a self-employed CPA. She loves animals, golf, and reading. She is crazy about pugs!

Suzanne is looking forward to meeting and forming personal relationships.

Janie Kothmann

Janie will be getting married on March 3, 2020. She has two sons, Mason and Connor.

Janie is looking forward to fellowship and Bible studies.

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