230 W. Rusk Street, Tyler, TX 75701-1651
by The Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin
Jenni Marshall!
We are excited to formally announce the hiring of the Rev. Jennifer Marshall, better known as Jenni, to become head of Student Ministries. Though we were not looking for an ordained person, Jenni almost literally fell in our lap and we are thrilled to welcome her aboard.
Jenni comes to us from Westminster Presbyterian Church in Nacogdoches, where she was the Associate Pastor for Family Ministries, and her duties included ministries with middle and high school students, as well as college fellowship.
Jenni is no stranger to church work. Prior to becoming ordained, Jenni served several churches over the course of several years as organist and director of music. In addition to her Master of Divinity, she has bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees in organ performance, but her decision to seek ordination was driven by a sense of call to broader ministry in the church.
Jenni is married to Zach Marshall and they have a 15-month-old daughter, Georgia. Zach is Director of Choral Activities at Kilgore College.
The Marshalls will arrive in Tyler around September 1, and she will be fully on board on the 14th. In the meantime, she will be working from home, boning up on several books the staff has been reading over the last few years.
Welcome, Jenni, Zach, and Georgia! We look forward to having you as a part of the FPC Tyler family!
FPC Announces Sermon Series on Prayer
We all know that prayer is an important element in the life of prayer, so why do so many of us struggle to make prayer a regular, let alone a vital part of our lives?
Join us in September as we explore how to make time and space for prayer and integrate it into our lives. We know that making anything a habit takes at least 21 days of practice, so starting Sunday, September 9 and concluding on Sunday, September 30, I will preach a series of sermons designed to help us kick-start our prayer lives.
Do you need Kirkin’ Fabric? | pg 2
The church is taking orders for tartan fabric for Kirkin’ 2019.
House Needs | pg 4
See how you can help as supplies for Potter House are running low.
Catch the excitement as we kick off a new year of Sunday School classes with our annual Rally Day.
CONGREGATIONAL NEWS
We Are Thankful!
We are thankful for Lindy Goode. Lindy has been a teacher, shepherd and volunteer in the children’s program at our church for many years. She frequently describes the children and youth as “one of hers!” meaning she has walked with them on their journeys since they were children. She has served as a mentor during Confirmation Classes and keeps baptismal vows by praying for the children, youth and their families. She serves as a card minister in the youth program sending cards to various youth to celebrate their accomplishments. We are grateful to Lindy for the many hours of service and the strong example to our many families at FPC Tyler. THANK YOU for all you do at FPC!
Membership Updates Deaths
Condolences to the families of our FPC members who entered the Church Triumphant: Allen Locklin and Maureen Clopton.
FPC Office Closed for Holiday
The FPC office and campus will be closed on Monday, September 3 in observance of Labor Day.
Carol Choir Resuming
Wednesday, September 5 | 5 pm | M 105
The Carol Choir is open to children ages 4 2nd grade. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings throughout the school year and the children perform in worship six or seven times each year, led by Margaret Bjork (903-714-9985) and Ruth Hardy (903-581-7262). Join us!
PRAYERFULLY SPEAKING from the FPC Prayer Team
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Phil 4:6)
Author Bill Crowder says that when we feel alone and abandoned, we can have confidence in God and cast our anxiety on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7.) Crowder writes, “...it is in prayer that we pour out our concerns to Him, confident that in His time and wisdom He will respond.” The very next verse of Philippians 4 (v.7), Crowder points out, offers us peace as God’s gift, “...carrying us through as we await His answers to our needs.”
As we await His answer to our prayer, may we claim His gift of peace.
(If you would like to submit a prayer request, please fill out the form found in the church pew and drop it in the collection plate or into a prayer request box found in the Chapel, Sanctuary, and church office.)
SAVE THE DATE: Achieving Dreams Gala at FPC
Thursday, October 4 | 6 pm | Fellowship Hall
Achieving Dreams, a non-profit day program committed to providing opportunities and support to adults with special needs, is having their annual Circle of Caring Gala at FPC. The evening will feature live music, dinner, a silent auction, and more. Tickets are $30. Contact Bettie Clancy (903-5211383) if you would like to attend or make a contribution.
ORDER YOUR TARTAN FABRIC FOR KIRKIN’ 2019
The church is currently taking orders for tartan fabric for Kirkin’ 2019. The cost for a banner and sash is $80, payable to “FPC.” Provide the name of the tartan fabric and the version and email to Susie Holley at sholley@ fpctyler.com. Deadline is December 1, 2018! Visit fpctyler.com/events/kirkinfabric for more information.
CHILDREN ’S MINISTRY N EWS & EVENTS
First Friday Fun Returns!
Friday, September 7 | 6:30—8:30 pm | Children’s Wing
It’s time for First Friday Fun! Th is kid’s night out is for infants six weeks old through students in 2nd grade. We start in September and meet through April, except in January 2019. We will share dinner, a Bible story, crafts, games and end our time with a movie or book. Register at fpctyler. com/events/firstfriday, so we can plan our meals and volunteer staff. Friends are welcome with advance registration. There is no cost to the fun night out.
Rally Day 2018
Sunday, September 9 | 9:30 am | Fellowship Hall Rally Day is set and we want you to join us! We will start out in the Fellowship Hall where you will have a chance to meet our children, their teachers and the child care staff as well as our youth, their teachers and leaders. The adults will move to the church building where goodies will be served and everyone will have an opportunity to meet members of the adult classes and learn more about their studies. This event is designed to allow everyone the opportunity to learn more about FPC’s Sunday morning study groups. Visit fpctyler.com/events/rallyday.
Scope & Sequence: Sunday School Program
We have developed a new “Scope and Sequence” for infants through 5th grade students. Adopting and implementing this program means we are sharing our plan for the Christian education of our children with parents and church members. The children will continue to be prepared for their future through intentional teaching about our Triune God, the Bible, and our Presbyterian heritage. By the time the students reach confi rmation class, they should be more prepared to understand those lessons and make the important decisions about baptism and church membership. Our new study year starts on Rally Day.
Call for Volunteers
If you want to be a part of our volunteer crew by praying for our ministry, teaching or assisting in Sunday school or Children’s Church, working at First Friday Fun, or baking or serving food at First Friday Fun (by becoming a First Friday Foodie!), contact Phyllis Kidwell (903-681-5504). If you have lots of time, or a little time, we have a job for you! You will be richly blessed by our little ones and the love they give.
SUNDAY SCHOOL / SMALL GROUP LISTING
SUNDAY SCHOOL @ 9:45 AM
FAITH BUILDERS | Lecture & discussion
M202 | The book of Matthew | Contact: Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746
THE FORUM | Lecture & discussion
M 205 | The Rise of Christianity | Contact: Chris Bunt (903) 531-3535
THE 209ERS | Young Adults
M209 | The Book of Forgiving | Contact: Debbie Pitts (debbiepitts@gmail.com)
WESTMINSTER | Study & discussion
M 207 | Feasting on the Word | Contact: David Palady (davidpalady@ gmail.com)
SMALL GROUP SCHEDULE
MEN | Lectionary
Tuesdays | 6:30 am | Premier Flexipac | Contact: Skip Womack (903) 520-1300 or Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746
WOMEN | Book &/or DVD & discussion
Thursdays | 9:30 am | Conference Room | Same Kind of Different As Me | Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533
WORSHIP WITH US FPC’s Regular Sunday Services
8:30 a.m. Service (Chapel)
9:15 a.m. Coffee Fellowship (The Hill Room) 9:45 a.m. Sunday School (campus-wide) 11:00 a.m. Service (Sanctuary)
september Children & Youth Calendar
MONTHLY EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Four-Week Sermon Series
Sundays, September 9 30 | 8:30 & 11 am services
Join us as we explore how to make time and space for prayer and integrate it into our lives. We know that making anything a habit takes at least 21 days of practice. Rev. Stuart Baskin will preach a series of sermons designed to help us kick-start our prayer lives. Visit fpctyler. com/events/sermonseries.
Rally Day 2018
Sunday, September 9 | 9:30 am | Fellowship Hall
Four-Week Gateway Class for Newcomers
Sundays, September 16 October 7 | 9:45 am | M 102
If you are new to FPC and would like to learn more about our church and the Presbyterian tradition, this class is for you. Our pastor, Dr. Stuart Baskin, will teach this four-week class designed to help you become more fully integrated into the life of our church. Visit fpctyler.com/events/newtofpc.
Presbyterian Women Fall Gathering
Tuesday, September 25 | 6 pm | Anderson Room, F 101-102
Join us as we kick off our new year of classes with our annual Rally Day. You will have a chance to meet our children, their teachers and the child care staff as well as our youth, their teachers and leaders. The adults will have an opportunity to meet members of the adult classes and learn more about their studies. This event allows all to learn more about the opportunities we have for Sunday morning study groups. The actual classes will resume the following week. Visit fpctyler. com/events/rallyday.
Fine Arts @ FPC: Crimson Duo
Thursday, September 13 | 7 pm | Sanctuary FREE ADMISSION
Hailed for their performances of both lyric beauty and stormy drama, the Crimson Duo—harpist Jaymee Haefner and violinist Matt Milewski—open this year’s Fine Arts @ FPC series. Inspired by the unique musical possibilities of violin and harp, the Crimson Duo formed in 2012 and has since performed across the United States and Asia to great acclaim. Those who heard UNT HarpBeats in May will recognize Jaymee Haefner as the creative mind behind that ensemble and we are excited to welcome her back alongside Matt Milewski. Visit fpctyler.com/events/crimsonduo.
Meet and Greet Yaya Velasquez
special “thank you” to Azalea Academy For Exceptional Adults for assembling our
and to John Simpson and his crew for
Steeple Times is a publication of First Presbyterian Church, 230 W. Rusk St., Tyler, TX 75701. Acting editor: Stuart Baskin. FPC reserves the right to edit and/or exclude all submissions. Submit content to Dana Durman by the 15th of the month prior to publication: ddur man@ fpctyler.com, fax (903) 597-6326, or mail. An archive of the Steeple Times can be found online at fpctyler.com/archive.
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All women of the church are invited to attend our Fall Gathering Dinner. Our own Cassie Edmonds, a noted mosaic artist, will present the program, “Piece by Piece.” Reserve your place at the table to join us for good food, fun music, and fellowship with friends. Cost is $10, payable at the door. RSVP by September 15 to Janet Burks (903593-8784), our 2018-19 PW Moderator. Visit fpctyler.com/events/pwfall.
Men of the Church Hamburger
Social Sunday, Sept. 30 | 4 pm | Tyler Yacht Club | 17636 East Side Dr | Tyler
Join the Men of the Church for fellowship and hamburgers. Local sports enthusiast Bryan Houston is the featured speaker. Donations will benefit the Potter House for repairs. Cost is $20 per person, payable at the event. RSVP to fpctyler.com/ events/mensdinner.
Recently, FPC’s Mission Committee hosted a coffee for Eulalia (Yaya) Velasquez. FPC entered into partnership with 28 other Grace Presbytery congregations to contribute toward the expenses related to her college education at Schreiner University. Pictured are (from left): Ginny Mattox, Yaya Velasquez and Sally Garmon-Smith.
THE MISSION STORE
Your mission HQ at FPC • Match your talent with our community’s needs
PATH (People Attempting To Help)
Thank you to everyone who participated in PATH’s Fan Drive. During September, PATH will be collecting 1 lb. bags of rice and beans. Drop off donations at our PATH collection bins located in Fellowship Hall or in front of the elevator in the Main Building. Visit tylerpath.org or call (903-597-4044) for more information.
Sewing Bees Sewing with a Mission
Wednesday, September 19 | 10 am | F 104
Join us for a planning and organizational meeting for fall activities. Connect with sewing buffs of all ages and levels of expertise while helping others in need. For more information, visit fpctyler.com/events/sewingbees. Group contact is Mollie Bobo (903-530-2772).
Knit Wits—Knitters Unite for Camp Ministry
Monday, September 3 | 1:30 pm | Harper’s residence
Are you an experienced knitter or would you like to learn a new skill or enhance neglected skills? We have a place for you with the Knit Wits. Group contact is Pat Cryer (903561-5242).
SAVE THE DATE: Special Friends Annual Christmas Party
Thursday, December 6 | 1 pm | Fellowship Hall
Look for details about this event in the near future.
Potter House Supplies Needed
Supplies for Potter House are running low. The church is currently collecting toilet tissue, paper towels, cleaning supplies and trash bags. Donations can be dropped off at the administration office. Thank you!
PATH Week Celebration Luncheon 2018
Thursday, September 20 | 11:30 am | GABC Crosswalk Center
All are invited to the 2018 Community Celebration. Th is year’s keynote speaker is Bob Goff, New York Times Best-Selling author of Love Does and Everybody Always. Goff is Honorary Consul to the Republic of Uganda and an attorney who founded Love Does—a nonprofit human rights organization operating in Uganda, India, Nepal, Iraq and Somalia. He is a lover of helping people pursue their big dreams. For tickets, visit pathhelps.org/PATH Week.
The Peace and Global Witness Offering
The Peace and Global Witness Offering is one of several special offerings designated by the Presbyterian Church (USA) in which FPC-Tyler participates. A gift to this offering enables the church to promote the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of injustice around the globe. This offering will be collected on World Communion Sunday, October 7. A portion of this special offering is designated for local use.
Ring & Sing? Oh you mean Kirk Ringers!
September 2 | 9:15 am | Music Suite
We have a new name for the hand chime and handbell choir made up of students from 3rd grade—8th grade: Kirk Ringers—“kirk” meaning church. We look forward to hearing the hand chimes and bells played in worship as this group serves God through their music.
Sr. High Small Group Returns
Wednesday, September 12 | 6 pm | Gabriel Residence
Small group for senior high school students will be gearing up for a new year! At the fi rst meeting, we will hear from a lady that was in New York on 09-11-2001. Dinner is provided. For 9—12 grade high school students. Visit fpctyler. com/events/shgroup.
East Texas Youth Conference: Day to Day
September 14 16 | Camp Gilmont | Gilmont, TX
This year’s ETYC focuses on praising God in all we do everyday. All youth in grades 6 12 are welcome. Come join other East Texas youth in fun, fellowship, worship, and mission at Camp Gilmont. Questions? Contact Pam Leach (903-597-6317; pleach@fpctyler. com). More information at fpctyler.com/events/etyc.
Sunday School
Sunday School has begun with regular classes in the Well on Sunday morning at 9:45 a.m. Katy Davis is leading the classes, so plan to come and hear what is new in Student Ministries!
SUMMER REVIEW: ET Youth Mission Trip
Our East Texas Mission Trip was a blast! Casey Johnson led our group of youth and joined others from Longview and Plano to assist with repairing properties damaged in the recent storms. Our thanks to Casey, Pastor Pam, Allie, Charlie, Sarah, Emery, Rebekkah, Juliana, Hanna Meg, Mason, Michael and Katie S. for all their service hours. Th rough the rain, many work hours were completed inside houses needing repair. By all reports it was a wonderful experience. Well done, FPC youth!
Synod Youth Workshop
Led by Casey and Katy D., our students, Emery, Rebekkah, Katie H., Cameron, Hanna Meg, and Katie S. attended Synod Youth Workshop at University of Tulsa. Allie served on the planning team through Grace Presbytery. The keynote speaker, The Rev. Dr. Perryn Rice, a minister in Grace Presbytery, was very inspiring. A tired group of youth returned renewed!
Rally Day 2018
rally
[ral-ee] verb (used with object), ral·lied, ral·ly·ing.
1. to bring into order again; gather and organize or inspire anew;
2. to draw or call (persons) together for a common action or effort;
3. to concentrate or revive, as one's strength, spirits, etc.
Stay in the Know
Planned Giving
Have you remembered the church and other charities in your will? If you need help, contact Nanci Pollard (903-5976317) to request information, or visit the Texas Presbyterian Foundation at tpf.org. Assistance is confidential and free of charge.
Stay in the know about news and events by connecting with FPC online.
Subscribe to the weekly e-newsletter, and you’ll receive stories, event reminders, and mission updates. You’ll even get a sneak peek into what Stuart has planned for Sunday’s pulpit. Follow the QR code above or find the e-newsletter signup link on the website at fpctyler.com.
Stay in touch with us on social media, too: /fpctyler @fpctyler @fpctyler
Rally Sunday When we bring to order again our Sunday morning classes to inspire anew; call everyone together for the common action of reviving our spirits in study of God, the Bible and all things relevant to being an active part of First Presbyterian Church, Tyler.
Who: You, your family and your friends
What: Rally Sunday and continental breakfast
When: Sunday, September 9, 2018 beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Starting in the Fellowship Hall; moving to the 2nd floor of the church building
Why: To provide a chance to meet teachers and members of the various classes from each of the adult Christian education groups of study offered in our church; To celebrate the beginning of a whole new study year; To see friends and make new friends while we enjoy fellowship with one another
Watch your weekly bulletins or check our website at fpctyler.com for additional information. Please plan to join us!
Fine Arts @ FPC recently hosted the Turtle Creek Chorale from Dallas to a full house!