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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH STEWARDSHIP 2017
INSPIRING DISCIPLES... ENGAGING THE WORLD Encourage one another to love and good deeds. Hebrews 10.24
STEWARDSHIP 2017 INSPIRING DISCIPLES... ENGAGING THE WORLD Dear Friends, Each autumn First Presbyterian poses powerful questions about generosity. Why do we give? We give to emulate God. Beneath all other characteristics, God is generous. To worship and serve God is to follow God’s example. Therefore, we give in order to grow – to grow deeper in faith, to grow in care for our church, to grow closer to God. Generosity is good for us. The second question is, Does the church deserve our money? This mailer answers that question. Think of the remarkable things our congregation does, for our members and for the world. We worship, teach, and nourish. We support, befriend, and provide. We welcome, love, and serve. In an increasingly frayed and divided culture, FPC remains united in its passion for God, known in Jesus Christ. I am excited to ask you to give. Give for yourself. Give for the congregation. Give for the world. Together, we are making a difference. Peace to you, in your heart and in your home,
INSPIRING DISCIPLES...
“Come, follow Me” (Mark 1:16-20) In Mark 15, Jesus shares with his disciples that his life and ministry will carry on through them after his departure. Following Jesus remains the ultimate charge, as the call to discipleship reaches into every area of our lives. As disciples or “learners,” our relationship with Christ involves being with him, being like him and following him. At First Presbyterian Church, we assist every church member to respond to Christ’s call through numerous opportunities to heed Christ’s instructions to be faithful and active disciples as we share the love of God with others.
HOW WILL YOU HELP INSPIRE DISCIPLES?
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
I have loved meeting other young adults through the Young Adults Ministry at First Presbyterian Church. It has been a great opportunity to connect with people my age who have similar beliefs. I love serving in the community, and helping on Mondays at the Night Shelter with the young adults has been a great place to both connect and serve! — Sarah Richardson
When I moved to Fort Worth two years ago the young adult group really helped me get plugged into FPC. Being involved in the group has been a great way to meet friends and be involved in ministry opportunities. I always look forward to the monthly social gatherings at local restaurants and also the monthly opportunity to volunteer at Community Crossroads. — Leigh Barker
YOUTH GROUP At FPC, we challenge our youth to live into the people God intends them to be. Through fellowship, study and service, youth encircle and support one another in a community of peers who seek to learn, question, and safely challenge what it means to live Christian discipleship.
Youth Group is a special place where I can go to learn about God in a fun and lively environment. To be in a group where I am loved and supported is why I look forward to going every week! — Clarke Benson
CHURCH CLASSES & MORE
FPC places high value on Christian education. Each month over 200 adults, 55 children and 50 youth attend classes. Courses are rich and varied, spanning Bible study, current events, parenting, spiritual disciplines, other religions, Christian traditions, etc. Have you participated in some of these many educational ministries? Over a dozen adult classes meet each Sunday during the school year, with topics for everyone. There are also more than 25 additional classes that provide guidance on fully living a Christian Life. Church school for children focuses on Bible stories and uses various techniques, such as acting out stories, computer videos, and arts and crafts, to give children multiple ways to learn and grow in their faith. During church school for youth, middle school students learn more about the Bible and the ongoing story of faith, Confirmation students dive into a deeper understanding of Presbyterian theology and their faith, and high school students put the pieces together by studying scripture alongside current events to discover new ways to see and follow God’s actions in this world.
How might one of the FPC classes inspire you in your discipleship?
ENGAGING THE WORLD Engaging the World is a primary focus of First Presbyterian Church. Mission outreach benefits so many in our community and world. Over 800 volunteers supported the more than twenty FPC mission programs in the last year. Each year brings new opportunities! You may already know about FPC’s First HAND food pantry and clothes closet, Formula and Diapers, Worship on Wednesdays, Presbyterian Night Shelter, and other ongoing mission outreach ministries. These programs represent only a small portion of our outreach. Learn more about these and others at fpcfw.org/serve.
Your generosity helped launch five new programs the last year: • Rapid Rehousing Mentors work with women through the YWCA to help them achieve self-sufficiency. • FPC now partners with three Cuban churches to share ideas and better understand worshiping in an international culture. • Kids Hope USA pairs FPC volunteers with at-risk students at DeZavala Elementary School to help them feel loved and valued. • The Christmas Toy Store provides affordable shopping to those who struggle to provide for their children; learn more at the right. • The Welcome Team for Refugees helps refugees moving to the area by furnishing an apartment and assisting them in getting settled. There is a place for every person to engage through mission: volunteer your time and talent, pray for programs, and provide financial support.
HOW WILL YOU ENGAGE THE WORLD?
PRESBYTERIAN NIGHT SHELTER & THE WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S CENTER With leadership and financial support from FPC, the Presbyterian Night Shelter was formed in 1984 to combat homelessness in Tarrant County. The shelter is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and provides shelter for approximately 670 people every night. While PNS provides immediate shelter for homeless individuals and families, the organization also strives to find permanent housing for those in need. It provides, but does not require, spiritual guidance for those who seek it through a chaplain and the Hope Chapel for Bible study and worship. Further, the Morris Foundation Women and Children’s Center was recently opened. Its 40 rooms provide safety and security for women and children. The FPC Youth Group sponsored a silent auction to fund supplies for one of these rooms. The center also provides a comprehensive children's program, including playgrounds, on-site counseling and after-school tutoring. PNS “believes everyone needs – and deserves – a home.” So does FPC.
SALT & LIGHT DENTAL CLINIC The Salt & Light Dental Clinic at Community Crossroads saw a record 350 patients in 2015 and continues to grow. Referring Social Service agencies include the Presbyterian Night Shelter, Safe Haven, and John Peter Smith Hospital, to name a few. A full-time dentist and assistant, as well as FPC volunteers, provide an environment of mutual respect, dignity and kindness. Clients are comfortable and often make return visits. Dental assistant Kerry Moseley says there is “a true feeling of gratitude from the patients because most of them are in great pain when they come.”
CHRISTMAS TOY STORE Christmas can be a disheartening time for parents and guardians who struggle to provide for their children. The first FPC Toy Store held in 2015 helped parents— participants in Community Crossroads programs—provide a special Christmas. Parents paid up to $15 per family. The store was stocked with items donated by you, including toys, books, games, socks and underwear. Parents chose two toys, one book, one game, one package of socks and one package of underwear per child. Over 50 volunteers served 70 families, representing 204 children. The success of the first store was told in the warm hugs and tears of the parents. You will have a chance to engage the world through this year’s Toy Store on December 10.
HOW WILL YOU INSPIRE & ENGAGE? Funding 2017 Ministry & Mission
MAKING YOUR PLEDGE You will receive a pledge card, like the one shown above, soon in a separate mailing. Please prayerfully consider your pledge and return the completed card by Commitment Sunday, October 23. Extra cards will be provided that day. STEWARDSHIP CALENDAR October 10: Pledge cards arrive in your mailboxes October 16: Celebrate Ministries at all services of worship October 23: Commitment Sunday You may also submit your pledge online at
WWW.FPCFW.ORG/GIVE
