(See Pastor's Article page 2)
Website: www.fpcsanantonio.org
Phone: 210-226-0215
Address: 404 N. Alamo Street. San Antonio, Texas 78205 Offices Located on Ave. E between McCullough & 4th St
OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Please press the security doorbell at the entrance. Follow us on Social Media & Listen to Podcasts @fpcsanantonio A Congregation of ECO A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians
BY REV. DR. BOB FULLER
After the last sixty days away, Morgan and I are overjoyed to come home to our FPC family. The Lord is good! From New York to the Rio Grande Valley, we have traveled far—visiting family, chasing birds, and embracing a different rhythm of life. In the quiet spaces between destinations, we discovered once again the steady faithfulness of God. Much of our time was spent outdoors, immersed in creation. We sought to pay closer attention to God’s pace—to the cadence of sunrise and sunset, to the stillness of wind across water, to the patterns of migration and movement written into the natural world. We used this season as a time to reconnect with God, His Word, and His creation in a deep and renewing way. Birding— watching and listening, waiting and noticing—became an unexpected teacher. Over and over again, as we observed flocks in motion, one truth became clear: we were eager to return to our flock.
The flock is a community. It exists for provision—the gathering and sharing of food—for protection and safety, for reproduction and nurture, for warmth and survival. It exists for efficiency, as birds draft off one another, using the complex aerodynamics of group travel to journey farther together than any could alone. Together, they travel. Together, they care for their young. Together, they endure. Together they thrive.
FPC is our Flock. Over the past two months, under the faithful leadership of Reverends Larry Coulter and Kevin Germer, you have been reflecting deeply on the community of Jesus. What a gift their leadership has been to our congregation. I am profoundly grateful for their steady presence and pastoral care. They have blessed our church and will forever be part of our FPC family.
As we return and begin the journey toward Easter, we will spend the next five weeks looking deeply at how the community of Jesus came together to be the body of Christ on earth. We will explore how the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ became the foundation of the church itself. Specifically, we will connect the story of the early church’s fellowship with the events of Christ’s Passion during Holy Week. The things the early believers did were not accidental; they grew directly from their memory of Christ’s suffering, sacrifice, and victory.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul… And all who believed were together and had all things in common.” (Acts 2:42–44)
The early believers were devoted— not casually interested, but committed heart and soul—to the new way of life revealed in Christ’s death and resurrection. To be a “community of the cross” begins with devotion: devotion to the Word, to one another, and to the transforming truth of Jesus crucified and risen.
The apostles’ teaching centered on the cross and resurrection (Acts 2:23–24). Their fellowship was not social convenience but covenantal communion. Lent invites us into renewed devotion to the practices that form us in Christ.
Each week, we will see how the life of the early church mirrored the cruciform pattern of Jesus:
• Devotion
Cross-shaped discipleship.
• Fellowship
Cross-shaped generosity.
• Breaking Bread
Cross-shaped communion.
• Prayer
Cross-shaped dependence.
• Praise
Cross-shaped joy.
The cross confronts us with the reality of sin; the resurrection
reveals the power of God to overcome it. The bridge between the horror of the cross and the hope of eternal life is the love of God made flesh in Jesus Christ. He not only showed us the way to God; through His atoning sacrifice, He became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God (II Corinthians 5:21). He died for our sins so that we could be forgiven and restored to the fellowship with God—and with one another—for which we were created. The church is the community born of the Holy Spirit’s new birth. Like a flock, this community is not optional. It is necessary for our spiritual survival in a world that often pulls us apart and scatters us. We need one another for provision, protection, encouragement, and endurance. We need one another to draft together in faith, moving farther in Christ than we ever could alone.
On a personal note, thank you for granting Morgan and me this halftime season. I believe it was not only necessary but will prove to be a blessing for us, for our family, and for our church. My hope is that honoring Sabbath time reminds us all that rest is not weakness—it is obedience. Sabbath creates space not only for restoration, but for reflection and growth. It is in the quiet that God often does His deepest work.
We are grateful beyond words for this flock—for your prayers, your faithfulness, and your love. We are eager to worship alongside you again, to serve together, and to continue becoming the cross-shaped community Christ calls us to be.
I can’t wait to see you.
Grace and peace,
First Press is FPC’s ministry magazine. Each issue 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 Specialist
Questions? Contact: Hank Cherry (210-271-2728/hankc@fpcsat.org)
LENTEN BOOKLET (DIGITAL): Available online at http://bit.ly/fpcsa-lent-devotion and in weekly congregational email. Includes daily Scripture readings, reflections, and prayers for Lent, from Ash Wednesday through Easter.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS PRAYER WALK: Feb 18–Apr 3, 2nd Floor. Available anytime the church is open. Pick up a booklet and map in Mauzé Lobby or scan the QR code to go to http://bit.ly/fpcsa-lent-prayerwalk. Each station includes images, Scripture, and readings to walk the path of Jesus to the cross, ponder, and pray.
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MOMS IN PRAYER: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 11:45 AM–12:45 PM, Room 228. Moms and grandmoms praying for children, teachers, and schools.
LENTEN BIBLE STUDY: “FIVE DAYS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD”: With Rev. Bob Fuller. Offered Wednesdays 6:30 PM (Lay Academy) & Thursdays 9:30 AM (Pastor’s Bible Study) beginning March 4 & 5, Covenant Hall. Journey through the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry.
WILLIAM C. (BILL) HALL PIPE ORGAN
COMPETITION: Sat, Mar 7, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM, Sanctuary. Featuring undergraduate and graduate organ students. Open to the public.
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DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS: Don't forget to spring forward an hour before bed on March 7!
2ND SUNDAY YOUNG ADULT LUNCH: 12:30 PM, Make Ready Market. Postworship lunch with young adults. Contact: Meg Culp, megc@fpcsat.org
YOUNG ADULT GATHERING: Mon, Mar 9, 6:30–8:00 PM. Monthly on 2nd Monday; dinner, fellowship, and speaker. Contact: Meg Culp, megc@fpcsat.org
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LITERATURE CIRCLE: Social 1:00 PM, Book Review 1:30 PM, FPC McCullough Room. "The Librarian of Saint Malo" by Mario Escobar. Reviewer: Jane Hansen. http://bit.ly/literature-circle
ALPHA CLASS: Wednesdays, Mar 18–May 27, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM, Student Center. Weekly meal, short video, and open conversation on life’s big questions & faith. Dinner is provided, so please let us know how many will be attending. Please note: childcare will not be available for this Alpha season. http://bit.ly/fpcsa-alpha
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EASTER EGG HUNT CANDY DONATIONS: Donate NEW, unopened candy for our Easter Egg Hunt by March 20. You may leave contributions with the Children’s Ministry staff. Contact Rebecca at rebeccas@fpcsat.org
MIDDLE SCHOOL 7–11 EVENT: Fri, Mar 20, 7:00–11:00 PM, FPC Campus. A highenergy, themed night of fun for all 6th–8th grade students. Contact Savannah Schatte, savannahs@fpcsat.org
21 DWELL IN GOD PRAYER RETREAT: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, M-M Ranch, Hunt, Texas. Guided day of prayer & reflection. $20/person. http://bit. ly/fpcsa-prayer-retreat. Contact carrie.everson@gmail.com
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CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: Sun, Mar 22, All Services, Sanctuary & Westminster Hall. Vote on new church officers nominated by the Officer Nominating Committee.
MOZART REQUIEM CONCERT: Sun, Mar 22, 4:00 PM, FPC Sanctuary. The 18th Annual Mary Jean Rogers Memorial Concert featuring Mozart’s Requiem in a newly realized edition by Howard Arman, performed by the FPC Sanctuary Choir, Orchestra, and soloists. Free and open to the community.
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WOMEN OF THE CHURCH SPRING
LUNCHEON: Mon, Mar 23, 11:30 AM, Westminster Hall. All are invited to a luncheon with guests Bryan & Timberly Eckelmann, sharing “Imperfect Invitations – Offering Hospitality as Ministry.” Register at http://bit.ly/woc-lunch
YOUNG ADULTS TWO-STEPPING: Tues, Mar 24, 6:45 PM, Stable Hall at the Pearl. A relaxed social night for young adults; introduce new faces to the YA community to get plugged into a small group. Get your free tickets ahead of time at http://bit.ly/fpcsa-ya2step. Contact Chris Roper, christopherdavidroper@yahoo.com, 210-782-3687.
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CONFIRMATION RETREAT: Mar 2729. Retreat for confirmation students to grow in faith and community. Contact Savannah Schatte, savannahs@fpcsat.org
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PALM SUNDAY SERVICES: 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM. Regular times for Modern & Traditional Worship Services with a children's palm procession incorporated.
MEN’S MINISTRY QUARTERLY
DINNER: Sun, Mar 29, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM, Westminster Hall. Enjoy food and fellowship, and connect with other men. Contact Austin Amaro, aamaro@ahisd.net
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS – APPLICATION DEADLINE: Scholarships offered for the 2026–2027 academic year. Eligibility requirements vary. Learn more & access applications at fpcsanantonio.org/college. Contact Laurie McMillen at lauriem@fpcsat.org or 210-271-2770. Deadline: March 30.
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CHILDREN'S EASTER PROGRAM & EGG HUNT: 10:00–11:00 AM | Westminster Hall All children (infants through 5th grade) and their families are invited to a joyful Easter program and egg hunt. Bring a basket and invite a friend! Contact: Rebecca Sweet, rebeccas@fpcsat.org
EASTER SUNDAY SERVICES: 6:45 AM, Courtyard Sunrise Service
8:00 AM, 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM, Sanctuary Easter Worship Services
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MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE: 6:30 PM, Sanctuary. A service remembering the Last Supper and Christ’s command to love one another.
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE: 12:00 PM, Sanctuary. A reflective service remembering the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
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SPRING DISCOVER & KNOW FIRST COMBINED CLASS: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM, Geneva Room. Learn about becoming an FPC Covenant Partner. Contact Wendy Garcia: wendyg@fpcsat.org. Register at fpcsanantonio.org/join
SUNDAY CLASS–BIBLICAL FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN IN MINISTRY: Apr 19–May 24, 9:30 AM–10:30 AM, Room 228. Explore how the Bible affirms women in ministry and leadership, address passages that have historically been viewed as restrictive, and study the lives of notable women in the early and later church. Open to both men and women, the class considers how men and women can faithfully support, encourage, and partner with one another to love and serve the church. Register at https://bit.ly/fpcsat-women-in-ministry
WORK AT FPC: FPC has an opening for an Administrative Assistant to the Senior Pastor. fpcsanantonio.org/jobs
USHERS NEEDED – TRADITIONAL & MODERN WORSHIP: Help welcome and assist during Sunday worship services. All Modern usher teams and four Traditional teams need additional volunteers. To serve in Traditional worship, contact Dean Williams at dwilliams@dkseeds.com or 210-661-4191. For Modern worship, contact Woody Thompson at woodman1120@outlook.com. You may also reach Nancy Turnbull, Chair of the Worship Committee, at nancybturnbull@gmail.com
SANCTUARY FLOWER DONATIONS – APRIL:
If you would like to donate flowers for the Sanctuary during the month of April, please contact Lilly Gretzinger at 210-601-0575 or lilly@bunngroup.com for availability and dedication information.
(Circles meet September through May, except for Circles 18 & 20, who provide service all year)
Circle 1/12 3rd Monday - Suzanne Thomas (210-846-3240)
March 16, 11:30 AM, 209 Lamont Ave. (Thomas Home) Lunch will be provided.
Circle 3 4th Tuesday - EVENING CIRCLE
Wendy Garcia (210-218-7202)
March 24, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM, 132 Parklane Drive (Garcia Home)
Circle 5 3rd Wednesday - SHAWL MINISTRY
Kay Weber (210-288-5290) or Mary Fruge-Medford (210-823-7054)
March 18, 1:00 PM–2:00 PM, Room 228
Circle 6 3rd Tuesday - Nancy Kerr (830-535-4019)
March 17, 1:30 PM, FPC McCullough Room
Circle 7 3rd Tuesday - Mary Ellen Mauzé (210-844-5549)
March 17, 11:30 AM, 419 King William Street
Circle 8 CIRCLE FOR MOTHERS OF YOUNG CHILDREN
Ashley Jackson, Coordinator (210-867-2832, a.brunnerbarr@gmail.com)
TBD - Contact Ashley Jackson
Circle 9 3rd Tuesday - Grace Clouse (734-718-7057)
March 17, 10:00 AM, FPC Breakfast Room
Circle 11 5th Monday - Pat Brodeen (210-383-3083)
Rosemary Bolte (210-710-9599)
March 30, 11:30 AM, 129 W. Wildwood Dr. Lunch will be provided.
Circle 13 2nd Tuesday - LITERATURE CIRCLE
Grace Clouse (734-718-7057)
March 10, 1:00 PM, FPC McCullough Room
"The Librarian of Saint Malo" by Mario Escobar, Reviewer: Jane Hansen
Circle 14 3rd Monday - Karen Carawan (210-213-4589)
March 16, 12:00 PM–1:00 PM, FPC St. Andrews Room
(Lunch optional - contact the Circle Chair to reserve a meal at least 4 days in advance.)
Circle 18 CIRCLE OF CONCERN - Shelley Bass (210-861-6996)
Memorial reception volunteers
Circle 20 CIRCLE OF SERVICE - Suzie Feldman (210-262-3161
Volunteers to make/take meals & snacks when needed
fpcsanantonio.org/keys
MARCH 2026
Friday, March 6 - Darryl Greer, Artificial Intelligence
Friday, March 13 - Madison Isler, San Antonio Express News
Friday, March 20 - Birthday Lunch, Cost: $15
The Cottage Irish Pub (3810 Broadway, San Antonio 78209)
Friday, March 27 - Sarah Davis, "Thriving at Home"
Onsite Luncheons
Onsite KEYS luncheons begin with a speaker at 11:00 AM, followed by lunch at 12:00 PM. Cost: $15 per person.
Friday Fitness (Zoom): Friday Fitness with Jacqueline Crow continues via Zoom. To receive the Zoom link, email joem@fpcsat.org.
Mahjong & Bridge: Mahjong and Bridge will return to their regular schedules. If you are interested in joining, please contact Nancy Black at whythere@icloud.com. All experience levels are welcome.
To make lunch reservations or for general KEYS questions:
• Sign up at the front desk
• Call the church office, 210-226-0215
• Or visit fpcsanantonio.org/keys
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
Cast thy burden on the Lord, Lean thou only on His word; Ever will He be thy stay, Tho’ the heavens shall melt away. Ever in the raging storm, Thou shalt see His cheering form; hear his pledge of coming aid: “It is I; be not afraid.” Cast thy burdens at His feet; linger near His mercy seat; He will lead thee by the hand gently to the better land. He will gird thee by His power, in the weary, fainting hour; Lean thou strong upon His Word; Cast thy burden to the Lord. (Baptist Hymnal, #254)
1 Deut. 6:4-8; Psalm 119:89-112; 2 Timothy 2:10-19
2 Mark 4:35-41; 2 Samuel 22; Psalm 65
3 Mark 5:1-20; Matthew 4:23-24; 8:16-17; Acts 19:11-20; Rev. 20:1-10
4 Mark 5:21-43; Psalm 103
5 Mark 6:1-29; Luke 9:7-9; 14:25-33; Acts 21:10-14
6 Mark 6:30-56; Ephesians 3:20-21; Psalm 37
7 Mark 7:1-23; Jeremiah 17:9; Micah 6; James 1:21-27
Savior, like a Shepherd lead us, much we need thy tender care; In thy pleasant pastures feed us, for Thy use our folds prepare. Thou hast promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be; Thou hast mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse and power to free. Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus, Thou hast loved us loved us still; Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus, Thou hast loved us, loved us still. (The Hymnbook, #380)
8 Mark 7:24-8:10; Colossians 1:15-23; Ephesians 1:2-23
9 Mark 8:11-38; John 10
10 Mark 9:1-13; Malachi 4:5-6; Matthew 11:7-15; 17:1-13
11 Mark 9:14-29; James 5:13-20; Philippians 4:6-7; Ephesians 6:18
12 Mark 9:30-41; Numbers 11:26-30; Matthew 18:1-9
13 Mark 9:42-50; 1 Cor. 5; 1 Peter 1:13-25
14 Genesis 2:18-25; Mark 10:1-16; 1 Cor. 7; 1 John 1:9-10
Work, for the night is coming, Work through the morning hours; Work while the dew is sparkling, Work mid springing flowers; Work when the day grows brighter, Work in the glowing sun; Work, for the night is coming, when man’s work is done. Work for the night is coming, under the sunset skies; while their bright tints are glowing, work for the daylight flies. Work till the last beam fadeth, fadeth to shine no more; Work while the night is darkening, when man’s work is o’er. (The Hymnbook, #297)
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Mark 10:17-31; 2 Chronicles 1:1-12; Proverbs 11:24-28; 1Timothy 6:17
Mark 10:32-45; Philippians 2:1-18; John 13:1-17
Mark 10:46-52; Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 7:7-12; Luke 19:1-10; Psalm 27
Mark 11:1-19; Jeremiah 7; Romans 12:12; Colossians 4:2
Mark 11:20-33; Luke 17:1-4; Matthew 5:21-24; Matthew 18:21-35
Mark 12; Proverbs 25:14; Matthew 6:1-4; Psalm 37:25-26; 112; Proverbs 11:25
21 Matthew 23; Proverbs 6:16-19; Micah 6:8
Saviour, teach me day by day Love’s sweet lesson to obey; Sweeter lesson cannot be, Loving Him who first loved me. With a child’s glad heart of love, at Thy bidding may I move. Prompt to serve and follow Thee, Loving Him who first loved me. Teach me thus Thy steps to trace, strong to follow in thy grace, Learning how to love from Thee, Loving Him who first loved me. (The Hymnbook, #457)
22 Mark 13; Isaiah 13:9-11; Rev. 6:12-17
23 Matthew 24; Rev. 16:15
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Matthew 25
25 1 Thess. 4-5:11
26 John 10
27 John 11
28 John 12:1-11; Deut. 15:1-11
All glory, laud, and honor, To Thee, Redeemer, King. To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring! The people of the Hebrews with palms before Thee went; Our praise and prayer and anthems before Thee we present. Thou art the king of Israel, Thou David’s royal Son, Who in the Lord’s name comest, The King and blessed One! To Thee, before Thy Passion, they sang their hymns of praise; To Thee, now high exalted, our melody we raise. All glory, laud and honor to Thee, Redeemer, King, To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring! (The Hymnbook, #187)
29 Matthew 21:1-17; John 12:12-19
30 John 12:20-50; 3:16-21; Romans 10:9-13
31 Mark 14:10-42; John 17; Mark 14:43-72