steeple times, march 2016 (vol. 11, issue 3)

By The Rev. Dr. Stuart BaskinMarch will be a big month at FPC. Lent comes to its climax with Holy Week and the splendor of Easter. If you’re new to the church, let me say that the Holy Week services - Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter - are spectacular. I can brag because I did not invent the traditions we observe!

Also in March, Veda Gill (formerly Vee-da Javaid), Executive Director of Pres-byterian Education Board (PEB) in Pa-kistan, will visit. She is truly inspiring.

In case you don’t know its work, PEB operates Christian schools in Pakistan under the joint auspices of the Presby-terian Church of Pakistan and the Pres-byterian Church (U.S.A.). These schools have operated for over 100 years. Most of its students are Muslims, yet Mus-lim families, particularly in poor, rural communities, value the work of PEB very highly. PEB provides a quality edu-cation at a low price to children regard-less of religion. Veda will be here from March 13 through March 20, and she’ll preach at both services on March 13. Make it a point to come hear her stories of what God is doing in Pakistan.

Finally, we’ll say goodbye to Donald Duncan. In case you haven’t heard, Donald has accepted the position of Or-ganist/Choirmaster at Christ Episcopal Church in Greenville, South Carolina. Christ Church is a 4,200-member con-gregation, one of the largest in the entire Episcopal Church. This is a wonderful opportunity for Donald. It goes without saying that his departure will leave a mighty big hole in our church.

To say that Donald has been a good col-league in ministry is an enormous un-derstatement. He has served not only as organist and choirmaster, but as di-rector of our fine arts program, and as director of the Tyler Civic Chorale. In addition to these duties, he has been a true team player on our staff. He has never been a person who only looked out for his program’s interests, but he has worked collaboratively with and supported the work of the whole staff.

Sunday, March 13, will be Donald’s last Sunday with us, and to mark the occa-sion we’ll have a reception for Donald following the 11 a.m. service. Please mark your calendar and come celebrate his nine years of service with us.

First Presbyterian Church of Tyler, Texas 230 West Rusk Street, Tyler, Texas 75701-1696

(903) 597-6317 | www.fpctyler.com

March Activities Abound at FPC

M o n t h l y N e w s f r o m F P C Ty l e r • Vo l u m e 11 , I s s u e 3 : M a r c h 2 016

Palm Sunday | March 20Commemorate the Lord’s triumphal entry to Jerusalem with a palm pro-cessional led by bagpipes.

Eggstravaganza | March 27All are welcome to join in fellowship and celebrate Easter with brunch.

Soulfood | March 6 In a Quiet Cathedral...enjoy a unique worship event offered during Lent.

i n t h i s i s s u e | h i g h l i g h t s & F e At u r e s

Crawfish Boil | April 23Gather with the men of FPC Tyler for a crawfish boil and fellowship.

Youthquake | April 1Middle school youth bond at a retreat at Camp Gilmont.

Kirkin’ of the Tartans | April 17 A procession of tartan plaid and bag-pipes celebrating our church’s Scot-tish heritage.

s a v e t h e d a t e | A P r i l 2 0 1 6

2

FAREWELL AND THANKS!

Dear Friends In Christ:During a recent service, Stuart ad-monished us to meditate on the mer-cies of God during this Lenten sea-son. He reminded us that if we will take a close look at our lives, we will see the many ways in which God has blessed us. As I sat there in my seat in the chancel, I couldn’t help but look out into the nave and give thanks to God for all the ways in which you have been a blessing to my life over the past 8 ½ years. My time here as your Director of Music Ministries and Organist has been one of the greatest joys of my personal and professional life. Throughout the years, you have supported, loved, encouraged, and in-

spired me in my work. You have given generously of your time, talent, and treasure to support a thriving music ministry. Your en-thusiasm for our mission and min-istry in Tyler have inspired me to do some of my most creative work as a church musician. I have a few very close church musician colleagues who have, on multiple occasions, said to me, “You have the best situation a church musician could hope for – a supportive pastor, a loving congrega-tion, a talented choir, a fabulous staff, a beautiful sanctuary, and a magnif-icent organ. Why would you even think of going elsewhere?” And my colleagues are absolutely correct - why would I think of going elsewhere? But, the Holy Spirit has a way of surpris-

ing us at times when we least expect it. I believe that God is calling me to a place where I can do again what I’ve worked to accomplish here with you, and I have responded to that call with confidence in the providential care of our loving God. While I am confident in this call, it doesn’t make the transition any easier. For me, Tyler has become my home, not just where I live and work, and you have become family to me. I will sin-cerely miss you all. I am deeply grate-ful and I will forever cherish my time here with you.

Affectionately,

Donald W. DuncanDirector of Music & Organist

A look Back at Mardi gras 2016!Our very own, Buck Files (left), gets into the Mardi Gras spirit!

Many FPC members (below) en-joyed gumbo and all the fixings!

Beautiful decorations (left) filled Fellowship Hall making for a very festive event!

It was a full house for FPC’s Mardi Gras 2016! (below)

3

M o n t h ly e v e n t h i g h l i g h t s

Soulfood - In a Quiet CathedralSunday, March 6 | 5 pm | Sanctuary and Fellowship Hallfree admission

Music drives the praise and meditation at Soulfood, a unique worship event series offered during Lent. These services reflect the belief that music feeds our souls, and are followed by a community meal of Southern soul food. Visit our website at fpctyler.com/events/quietcathedral.

SAM’s Club: Book Review “In the Sanctuary of Outcasts” by Neil WhiteWednesday, March 9 | 11 am | Fellowship HallThis is the true story of a man’s loss of everything he deemed important and his discovery that redemption can be taught by society’s most dreaded outcasts. Sharing this gripping narrative will be Sharon Hudspeth, a member of the East Texas Storytellers Guild. Meal tickets are $10 and payable at the door. Questions? Cynthia Welch, 903-561-3028. RSVP by Monday, March 7 to fpctyler.com/events/sams.

Soulfood - Evensong for Holy WeekSunday, March 20 | 5 pm | Sanctuary and Fellowship Hallfree admission

Evensong comes from a long tradition of sung evening prayers meant to evoke praise, penitence, and prayer. Of-fered as part of the Soulfood Concert Series, this service features a traditional Lenten choral repertoire, proclaiming acts in history and in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Visit fpctyler.com/events/lenten-evensong.

Maundy ThursdayThursday, March 24 | 7:30 pm | SanctuaryAlso known as the Thursday of Mysteries, this worship ser-vice commemorates the Lord’s Last Supper. Read more at fpctyler.com/events/maundy-thursday.

Good FridayFriday, March 25 | 7:37 pm | SanctuaryGood Friday marks the beginning of tenebrae, the somber period of darkness between the Lord’s crucifixion and his resurrection. Visit fpctyler.com/events/good-friday.

Easter SundaySunday, March 27 | 8:30 & 11 am | SanctuaryCelebrate the Lord’s resurrection with us! More informa-tion at fpctyler.com/events/easter.

Easter EggstravaganzaSunday, March 27 | 9:30 am | Front LawnEnjoy a church-wide brunch in celebration of the resur-rection, complete with Easter egg hunts and family games. Invite your friends and neighbors! For more information, fpctyler.com/events/easter-eggstravaganza.

Tables of Eight, FPC’s supper club fellowship program, is about to launch into the new program year, and we want you on board! Each year, participants are shuffled into groups of eight, with four couples each (singles are welcome too!). The groups meet for dinner either in homes or restau-rants throughout the year in order to get to know each oth-er, building friendships that reach beyond Sunday morning.

We will begin meeting shortly after Easter. Each group will have a “leader” to start things off. Registration forms are due by Sunday, March 13, either in the collection plate, at the office, to Lynn Heines or Jane Watson.

Questions? Contact Lynn Heines (903-597-3074/[email protected]) or Jane Watson (903-825-1102).

tA B l e s o F e i g h t - r e g i s t e r n ow !

Veda Gill Preaches on March 13Join us at both services on March 13 as Veda Gill, Executive Director of the Presbyterian Education Board in Pakistan, shares the mission, success, and concerns of her organization. To find out more about this mission, there will be a gather-ing at 6 p.m. that same evening at the home of Jim and Sally Smith-Garmon located at 4375 Lazy Creek Drive in Tyler.

All are invited to a Farewell receptionhonoring Donald Duncanwhen: sunday, March 13where: Fellowship hall

time: 12 p.m. save the Date! More information to follow...

4

PATH (People Attempting To Help)March is PATH’s Personal Care drive month, starting with toilet paper. These items are needed to stay healthy and clean but not covered by food stamps. Purchasing food or paying a bill overrides buying soap and shampoo. Help by donat-ing personal care items! Bring your donations to the PATH crates in the foyer of the Fellowship Hall and near the eleva-tor in the main building. Additional monetary support and volunteers are always welcome. Visit TylerPATH.org.

Sewing Bees - Sewing with a MissionWednesday, March 16 | 10 am | F 101-102, Fellowship HallConnect with sewing buffs of all ages and levels of expertise. Simple patterns and guidance provided. Help us continue the mission. For more information on the sewing bees, vis-it fpctyler.com/events/sewingbees. Group contact is Mollie Bobo (903-530-2772).

Knit Wits - Knitters Unite for Camp MinistryMonday, March 7 | 1:30 pm | 106 Marina Dr. | Bullard, TXCalling all knitters and knitter wannabes - our current project involves knitting items to send to Camp Gilmont in Gilmer, TX, where they’ll be available for purchase with sales directly benefiting the camp. Join the group at the home of Jane Watson. Contact: Pat Cryer (903-561-5242).

Merci Beaucoup!A big thank you all around for your support of Mardi Gras 2016! The Mission Committee estimates that over $5,500 was raised for the missions supported by FPC. Thank you to all who cooked gumbo, donated silent auction items, volun-teered, gave generously and participated in the fun! Special gratitude goes to the decorating crew of Susan Davis, Libby Shoup, Ellen Peirce, Jo Ann Grooms, Peggy Smith and Fran-ces Jackson. Save the Date for 2017 - Tuesday, February 28!

t h e M i s s i o n s to r e

Yo u r m i s s i o n H Q a t F P C • M a t c h y o u r t a l e n t w i t h o u r c o m m u n i t y ’ s n e e d s

Analysis of revenues & expensesJanuary 2016 Summary

MTD AcTuAl YTD AcTuAl YTD BuDgeT

Revenues $153,188 $730,711 $683,194

expenses $88,283 $633,922 $715,406

neT ToTAl $64,905 $96,789 ($32,212)

Planned GivingHave you remembered the church and other charities in your will? If you need help, contact Nanci Pollard (903-597-6317) to request information, or visit the Texas Presbyteri-an 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 pul-pit! Follow the QR code above or find the e-newsletter sign-up link on the website at fpctyler.com.

Stay in touch with us on social media, too:

/fpctyler @fpctyler @fpctyler

stay in the Know

Bullet Points from January’s session MeetingMinutes recorded by Robyn FilesThe Session met on January 19 and conducted the following business:• The consent agenda was approved.• Dr. Baskin gave an overview of the

financial report. He also noted that the installation of security cameras is ongoing.

• At the request of Neil McKown, Director of Student Ministries, $910 from the Francis Cowan Gibson Fund be used to cover the cost of 6 hotel rooms for our students and adults going to Senior High Youth Connection at the end of January in Sherman,

TX, at Austin College. The motion passed.

• Session noted that future requests for money from the Gibson Fund go first through the Budget and Finance Committee.

Full minutes are available from the church office upon request.

If you remember Frank Sinatra sing-ing, “I’ll Do It My Way,” then this seminar is for you!In case you haven’t noticed, the years are slipping by. Just as a young cou-ple plans for the new era of a baby, we need to plan for the new era of our ag-ing. Too often, a sudden death event requires changes that we don’t know how to handle. Decisions for us are made by uninformed adult children or others. It is much better to plan ahead as much as possible. Come hear a profession-al panel address issues of legal, life/health and spiritual needs. You can ask questions and leave with a better

idea of how to handle these changes that eventually all of us will face. And what you do, will be planned by you, for you; not done without you having a say in it. The deadline to register is Monday, April 4. Register today by visiting the website fpctyler.com/events/aging. For more information or questions on this seminar, contact Alice Stjern-strom (903-780-0639), Gene Archer (830-330-0369) or the church office (903-597-6317).

Mark your calender: Planning it your way

5

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: [email protected], fax (903) 597-6326, or mail. An archive of the Steeple Times can be found online at fpctyler.com/archive.

Aging Luncheon

Date: Sunday, April 10Time: 12:15 – 1:30 pmPlace: Fellowship HallBox lunches by FRESH (no charge, donations accepted!)

RSVP:fpctyler.com/events/aging

Guest Speakers:Mike Allen, attorney at lawFPC’s Rev. Pamela Leach

Connie Moore, social worker, Prebyterian Hospital in Dallas

Youth GroupSunday, March 6 | 5 pm | The WellWe will be working on Youth Sunday, and then have fun. So come ready to plan and then play. Let Neil McKown (903-279-6818) know if you are or are not going to be able to make it.

Confirmation ClassSunday, March 13 | 9:30 am | The WellWe are getting closer to Easter and Confirmation Sunday. Come ready to learn, discuss, and have fun! Contact: Neil (903-279-6818).

Confirmation SundaySunday, March 27 | 11 am | Sanctuary Confirmands and mentors will be a part of the 11 a.m. ser-vice. More information will be given during confirmation class. Non-confirmation youth - come celebrate with the Confirmands during the Easter Eggstravaganza!

Spring YouthquakeApril 1-3 | Camp Gilmont | Gilmer, TX | Registration open!Attention Middle School youth! It’s time to sign up for the Spring Youthquake! Come for fun, keynotes, a mission project, and more. The theme this year is “Unexpected Friend,” and is being led by our PULSE leadership group which our high school youth are a part of. To register, visit fpctyler.com/events/youthquake.

Junior High JubileeJuly 3-7 | Mo-Ranch | Hunt, TX | Registration open!It’s time to start thinking summer, middle school youth. Ju-nior High Jubilee registration is open now. This is THE middle school youth conference to attend! There will be amazing key-notes, small groups, songs and games, and so much more. For more information and to register, go to fpctyler.com/events/jhj.

Synod Youth WorkshopJuly 19-25 | U of Tulsa | Tulsa, OK | Registration open!High school youth - are you interested in an amazing week of deep conversations, lots of fun, making new friends, and strengthening your relationship with God? Then, visit and register at fpctyler.com/events/syw. Questions? Contact: Neil McKown (903-279-6818).

7

A special “thank you” to Azalea Academy For exceptional Adults

for assembling our weekly worship bulletin.

First Friday Fun!Friday, March 4 | 6:30 - 9:30pm | Children’s WingWe will continue learning the Fruits of the Spirit. This month we learn about kindness. We will share a meal, make crafts and create dessert before movie time. Friends are welcome, but please ask their parents to RSVP so we will have enought food and supplies. Notice our new time! Visit fpctyler.com/events/firstfriday.

Soulfood and Holy Week ChildcareChildcare will be offered for nursery-age through grade 2 during the Soulfood series, the Maundy Thursday service and Good Friday service. RSVP is not necessary.

Easter EggstravaganzaSunday, March 27 | 9:30 am | Front LawnEnjoy a church-wide brunch in celebration of the resurrec-tion, complete with Easter egg hunts, flowering the cross and family games. Invite your friends and neighbors! Read more at fpctyler.com/events/easter-eggstravaganza.

Save the Date!Vacation Bible SchoolAugust 4-5 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm | Campus-wide August 6 | 10 am - 1 pm | Campus-wide Mark your calender (fpctyler.com/events/vacation-bible-school). More information to follow...

s u n DAy s C h o o l / s M A l l g r o u P l i s t i n g

Sunday School @ 9:45 amfAiTh BuilDeRs | Lenten Study M202 | Living into Lent | Contact: Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746

The foRuM | Lecture & discussion M102 | The book of Leviticus | Con-tact: Chris Bunt (903) 531-3535

genesis | Bible study & discussion M205 | Old & New Testament Tradi-tions | Contact: Judith Guthrie (903) 530-3668

The 209eRs | Lenten Study M209 | Living into Lent | Contact: Debbie Pitts ([email protected])

wesTMinsTeR | Lenten Study M 207 | Living into Lent | Contact: Linda Pirtle (903) 881-9000

Small Group ScheduleMen | Sermon texts 2nd/4th Mondays 10 am in homes | Contact: Lynn Holliman (903) 534-9190

MiDweek oAsis foR MoMs Wednesday, March 2, 5 pm | M107 | Contact: Pam Leach (903) 520-9138

Men | Lenten Study Tuesdays 6:30 am, Premier Flexipac | Living Into Lent | Contact: Skip Wom-ack (903) 533-9433 or Bob Schmoker (903) 714-5746

woMen | Lenten Study Thursdays 9:30 am, Conference Room | Living Into Lent | Contact: Jan Carpenter (903) 566-8533

Children’s Ministry News & Events

Co n g r e g At i o n A l n e w s

Membership UpdatesNew MembersJoin us in welcoming our newest members:• Joe and Katie Hewitt• Martha Kelly • Patrick Matthews• Curtis and Shaunelius SternsDeathsCondolences to the family of FPC members who have en-tered the Church Trimphant: Dolores Cobb and Theresa Reilly.

BirthsWelcome into our congregation:• Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Clayton & Amanda

Peirce• Avery Grace, daughter of Ryan & Megan Morgan

FPC Office ClosedThe office and campus will be closed on Monday, March 28 in observance of the Easter holiday. We will reopen Tuesday.

3

Mea

dow

Lak

e Bi

ble

Stud

y. 11

:45

am, M

eado

w L

ake.

4

Firs

t Frid

ay F

un. 6

:30

- 9:3

0 pm

, Chi

ldre

n’s W

ing.

6

Yout

h G

roup

/You

th S

unda

y. 5

pm, Th

e W

ell.

9

SAM

’s C

lub:

Boo

k Re

view

. 11

am, F

ello

wsh

ip H

all.

15

C

onfir

man

ds M

eet w

ith S

essio

n. 7

pm

, M 2

07.

15

St

eepl

e Ti

mes

Sub

mis

sion

Dea

dlin

e.

19

PW P

roje

ct D

ay a

nd L

unch

eon.

10

am, F

101

-102

.

20

Palm

Sun

day

Serv

ices

. 8:3

0 &

11

am, C

hape

l/San

ctua

ry.

20

So

ulfo

od: E

vens

ong

for H

oly

Wee

k. 5

pm

, San

ctua

ry/F

ello

wsh

ip H

all.

24

M

aund

y Th

ursd

ay S

ervi

ce. 7

:30

pm, S

anct

uary

.

25

Goo

d Fr

iday

Ser

vice

. 7:3

7 pm

, San

ctua

ry.

27

Ea

ster

Sun

day

Serv

ices

. 8:3

0 &

11

am, S

anct

uary

.

27

East

er E

ggst

rava

ganz

a. 9

:30

am, F

PC F

ront

Law

n.

230 W. Rusk Street, Tyler, TX 75701

return service requested

To everyone at the home of:

Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 683

Tyler, Texas 75701-1696

MA

rC

h h

igh

lig

ht

s

Co

MM

itt

ee

Me

et

ing

s

Budg

et &

Fin

ance

. Mar

ch 1

0 @

12

pm —

Con

fere

nce

Room

| A

110

Build

ing

& G

roun

ds. M

arch

14 @

5:3

0 pm

— C

onfe

renc

e Ro

om |

A 1

10C

hild

ren’

s Min

istr

y Te

am. M

arch

15

@ 5

pm

— L

ibra

ry |

A 1

11G

over

nanc

e. M

arch

7 @

5:3

0 —

Con

fere

nce

Room

| A

110

Mis

sion

. Mar

ch 14

@ 5

:30

pm —

Lib

rary

| A

111

Ris

k M

anag

emen

t. M

arch

23

@ 1

2 pm

— C

onfe

renc

e Ro

om |

A 1

10Se

ssio

n. M

arch

15

@ 7

pm

— M

207

steeple times, march 2016 (vol. 11, issue 3)

Documents