The official newsletter of First Presbyterian Church, Fort Worth
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April 24, 2015 Volume 14, Number 23
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Pastors’ Corner, Worship Schedule Young Adult Ministry, Summer Events Mo-Ranch Retreat Ping Pong Tournament, Youth Party Homeless Connect Photos Joys & Concerns, History Committee
One Thing Can Make an Impact
Join others outside in the Great Hall driveway and under the covered drive (rain location: Great Hall) for fellowship, Kincaid’s burgers, and ice cream truck, face painting, bounce house, and more! Wear casual picnic clothes to church. Cost is $7 per person; $25 family maximum. Sponsored by the Fellowship Committee. Note: Handicapped spaces near the Great Hall will be unavailable this day; the south side door to the Sanctuary will still be accessible.
The DO ONE THING (DOT) campaign has begun at FPC! Continuing through the fall, the Mission Outreach Committee hopes this campaign will increase awareness of FPC sponsored and supported mission outreach efforts and partnerships, and to grow volunteer involvement in those ministries and organizations. We hope you will DO ONE THING to engage the world that you have not yet tried or DO ONE THING to serve others that is outside of your comfort zone and regular routine. Pick up a DOT brochure listing suggested activities or go online to www.fpcfw.org/dot. Register your ONE THING at church or online. A display on the third floor will allow us to see how each of our ONE THINGS makes a growing impact!
Pastors’ Corner Dear Friends: As you receive this edition of the Penn Street Letter, I am remembering you in prayer from Scotland! A group of 35 members and friends of First Presbyterian are enjoying a rich experience this week. That includes a day trip to the Isle of Iona. Long a place of pilgrimage for Christians since the 6th century, Iona has been for me a true “thin place” where I perceive God’s presence in unique and moving ways. It is quite a journey to get here. Two planes to get from Fort Worth to Scotland, a bus to Oban, a ferry to the Isle of Mull, a bus across Mull, and a second ferry to Iona! The journey itself is pilgrimage. Our Christian journey of discipleship is pilgrimage. As we journey together as disciples of Jesus Christ, I offer you this prayer from the Iona Community.
Book People Book Club Next Book May 11 | 12-1 p.m. Room 305 Your mother is dying of cancer. You and she decide to form a book group so you’ll have something to talk about when you go to doctor’s appointments and chemo-therapy sessions. This very unlikely and unappealing premise for a book provides a wonderful review of books loved as children and new books discovered as adults (even if one of them is dying). The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe is not the downer you might expect. Join Book People on May 11. This book is funny and thoughtful, challenging and hopeful. You’ll be glad you’ve read it - and you’ll actually discover yourself recommending it to others.
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We pray for all pilgrims and seekers and companions on the way; for all travellers. May our journey ahead be blessed with God’s laughter, silences, risks, challenges, questions, promises, protests, answers, tears, solidarity, often uncomfortable peace and compassion-filled surprises – perhaps all in one day. Amen. God’s Peace to Your Home,
Overdue Books Needed in Library The Library Committee is finishing its inventory process and still has several outstanding overdue books. Notices were sent out, so please check your homes, cars, offices, etc. for these titles and return them ASAP to the library. Thank you. The Penn Street Letter (USPS 019-125) is published bi-weekly for $12 per year by First Presbyterian Church, 1000 Penn Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102-3496. Periodicals postage is paid at Fort Worth, TX and at additional offices. Editor: Teresa Tysinger; Managing Editor: Pam Burkholder POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Penn Street Letter, 1000 Penn Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102-3496.
Vacation Bible School Monday-Thursday, June 29-July 2 9 a.m. - Noon For Children in Kindergarten through Completed 5th Grade Imagine what it was like to live and work in a seaside town along the Sea of Galilee. You would hear the buzz about the teacher Jesus, who was causing quite a stir around town. By the Sea in Galilee will immerse kids in a Bible time’s culture. They will experience new foods, new arts and crafts, and learn more about the time that Jesus lived in Galilee. Come and join us by the sea! Cost is $15 per child. Questions? Contact Amy Parker.
July 27-31: Elementary Camp (completed 1st through completed 5th grade) August 3-7: Pre-K & Kinder Camp (4 year olds through graduated kinder) Register and get full details at fpcfw.org/musicandartscamp At FPC Music & Arts Camps, your children will delight in exploring their artistic talents! Young artists will travel around the world singing, dancing, drumming, ringing, playing instruments, and creating art from different cultures. Each camp culminates with a special presentation for families showcasing what children have learned.
Young Adult Ministry Goes Out to the Ballgame! Complete details at fpcfw.org/summer
The Young Adult Ministry invites young adult singles, couples, and families to the TCU Baseball game. We’ve got a 1st base pavilion reserved for the game on May 9 at 4 p.m. against Kansas. Tickets are $10 each (due by game day). Please register to let us know you’re coming at http://fpcfw. org/young-adults.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (See above left.) MO-RANCH CAMP FPC parents send children
(ages 8-15) to summer camp at Mo-Ranch each year! Many of our campers attend Session 6, July 12-18.
CAMP ON WHEELS New! July 20-24 | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. For children who’ve completed Kindergarten - 5th Grade.
CONCERT POSTPONED The Ross King concert advertised in our previous issue has been postponed for a later date in the fall. Watch for details and learn about other ongoing Young Adult Ministry events at www.fpcfw.org/young-adults.
MUSIC & ARTS CAMPS (See above.) SUMMER FUN CAMPS June 15-19: Mad Science
Week; July 13-17: Animals Alive Week; July 27-31: Award Winning Authors Week | 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | For children age 2 (by 9-1-14) thru entering Kinder.
WWW.FPCFW.ORG
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Deadline Is May 6 for Mo-Ranch Retreat! The annual all church retreat at Mo-Ranch will be September 4-7. This year our theme is Wade in the Water, and together we will explore how we are nurtured in faith through biblical stories of water and by remembering our baptism. We are especially delighted to again welcome The River’s Voice as our musical leadership all weekend! RETREAT ACTIVITIES We will gather together for vespers, meals, and Sunday morning worship. Remaining time is open for a variety of activities, such as: New Options This Year! • Day trip to the James Avery Visitor’s Center • Day trip to a Fredricksburg winery • River’s Voice concert • Star Party • Rock climbing wall
Plus... • Swimming pool • Riverfront fun: rapids, slide • Hiking, fishing, canoeing • Ropes course • Walking the prayer labyrinth • Bird watching
HOUSING OPTIONS Rates include 3 nights stay in hotel-style lodging with 2 full beds and private bath. Wynne/Flato Lodge: (Single/Double) $282 Pheasant Run: (Single/Double) $252 Nicklos Barn: $485/family (see below)
Newly renovated Nicklos Barn for group housing.
Group housing is also available this year in the newly renovated Nicklos Barn (5 rooms with bunks and beds; great for larger families) at $485 per family for 3 nights. Kitchen provided if you want to purchase and cook your own meals. This option must be reserved no later than May 6! There will be plenty of time to relax with friends and family. Families of all ages are welcome. Sign up today by turning in the form included here or register at www.fpcfw.org/moranch. Contact Robyn Michalove (
[email protected] or ext. 266) if you have questions.
REGISTER BY MAY 6 AT WWW.FPCFW.ORG/MORANCH
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Cheer on the FPC Softball Team! Games are on Friday nights at Gateway Park through May 15. Upcoming games include: April 24, 7:45 p.m. vs. Major Pains May 1, 7:45 p.m. vs. Balls and Dolls May 8, 7:45 & 8:45 p.m. Double Header
Sunday, May 3 3:30-5 p.m. in the Youth Center Who will dethrone the last Ping Pong Tournament Champion, Chris Stern?! Everyone is welcome to play or watch! Sign up ASAP with Josh Stewart at josh@fpcfw. org. Come out for the fun!
END OF THE YEAR PARTY For Youth & Families @ Burger’s Lake
Sunday, May 31 3-6 p.m. $15 per person All youth and their friends & families are welcome!
WWW.FPCFW.ORG
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2015 Homeless Connect Serves Homeless of Fort Worth On Thursday, April 16 First Presbyterian Church once again opened its doors to host hundreds of homeless guests as 63 service agencies helped to provide much needed resources and hope to those in need in our community. FPC offers special thanks to those church members who volunteered in a variety of rolls, none more important than showing the love of Christ to our brothers and sisters in need.
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Joys & Concerns
FPC’s History Committee
Following are the joys and concerns shared as of April 16, 2015 (due to printing deadlines). To respect the privacy of those listed, names are included only when the individuals grant their permission. Our loving sympathy to... Jon and Wilma Bradford on the death of her sister and his aunt, Pauline Backer, on April 7 in Mineola, Texas. Our loving thoughts and prayers are with... Molly Hutchison, Bill O’Grady and Marilyn Roach, who are recovering from surgery or injury. Ruby Maxwell, Carolyn Lischio, Kathryn Schutts, Jane Drew, Rush Klein, Lynn Klein, Mac McCoy, Anita Rogers, Nancy Nelson, Ed Martin, and Dalia Scott, who are dealing with illness. Hazel Selby and Grace Goldsmith, who are on hospice care. Our caring prayers for extended family include... Melba Matthews (Paula Robertson’s mother, whose husband is on hospice care), whose husband is in critical care; Janet Laminack (cousin of Julie Sphar and Vance Laminack), Jane Romine (Nancy Gillis’ sisterin-law), Grace Kight (Carol and Woody Galloway’s granddaughter), Helen Raven (Jane Rhule’s sister), and Dee Soehnge (June Sprott’s sister). Scott Schroeder (brother of Tom Delaney), Hugh Leslie (Brooke Rollins’ father), and Kathy Kline (Frank and Maxine Kruse’s daughter). Marty Kinard (Larry and Bettye Kinard’s daughter-in-law), Mark Bryant (Joanne Sarsgard’s son), Geraldine Parks (Lou Street’s mother), and Susan Chenault (Frances Chenault’s daughter). Prayers for peace in our world, for the safety of Nathan Gunter (Russell and Vivian Norment’s nephew) who is stationed in Korea. Also for the safety of Diego A. Saldivar who is serving in the US Navy aboard the USS William P. Lawrence DDG-10. Diego is son of Becky and Rene Saldivar. Also for the safety of Major Robert Reece, son of Barbara and Ralph Reece, who is serving in Korea.
Please continue to pray and express care for those many members who are struggling with illness, grief and personal hardship.
FPC’s History Committee began in 1988 when a group composed of Dr. Maurice Boyd (a TCU professor), Dorothy Iba, Rose Marie Jennings and Rev. Dan E. Goldsmith decided to collect materials in preparation for obtaining a historical marker for the church. After extensive research the marker was dedicated on May 24, 1992. It is located outside near the double front doors of the Sanctuary. We hope you’ll stop by and read it. The History Committee has created an excellent presentation for the First Connections Class, designed for new members and visitors. In 2012, the committee was inspired by the Wall of History at First Presbyterian Church, Dallas. Extensive research on our history was begun and the hiring of a graphic artist resulted in First Presbyterian Fort Worth’s Wall of History, located on the third floor on the northwest walls of the new building. Currently, the committee is busy reviewing copies of bulletins from the early 1900’s, antique Bibles, Presbyterian Women scrapbooks, old issues of The Penn Street Letter, as well as Session minutes dating back to the 1800’s. Information is being gathered from these documents about guest speakers, mission ministries and special projects. The committee is seeking an author to write a “coffee table” type book of the history of FPC using this information as well as details from oral interviews being done with various members who have a long family history with the church. If you are interested in being a member of the History Committee, please contact one of the following members pictured above: Mary Alice Dobesh, Dan Goldsmith (inset), Ann Smith, Bob Ross, Cecil Smith, Rose Marie Jennings and Barbara Willis; not pictured, Elise Jones.
WWW.FPCFW.ORG
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LETTER
Inspiring Disciples... Engaging the World
First Presbyterian Church 1000 Penn Street Fort Worth, TX 76102 PERIODICALS POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Penn Street Letter, 1000 Penn Street Fort Worth, TX 76102 Church Office Ph: 817.335.1231 Fax: 817.335.5663
WWW.FPCFW.ORG
THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR SUNDAY, APRIL 26 8 a.m. Worship Service 9 a.m. Worship Service 9:45 a.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal 10 a.m. Church School for all Ages 11 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Annual Church Picnic 12:15 p.m. Evangelism Committee 4 p.m. Carol Choir 4 p.m. Choristers Choir 4 p.m. Middle School Youth 4 p.m. Just Faith Meeting 5 p.m. Choristers Bell Rehearsal 5 p.m. Messengers Youth Choir 6 p.m. High School Youth 7 p.m. Youth Dinner MONDAY, APRIL 27 6:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Study 9:40 a.m. Meditational Yoga 11:30 a.m. Busy Women’s Bible Study 11:30 a.m. Nominating Committee 1:30 p.m. Clearness Committee 3 p.m. History Committee 6 p.m. Centering Prayer Meeting
For a complete calendar of church events, visit www.fpcfw.org/calendar.
Chapel Great Hall Room 218 Various Sanctuary Great Hall/outside Room 304 Room 243 Room 245 Youth Center Parlor Room 245 Room 244 Youth Center Youth Center Room 304 Room 109 Room 240 Room 102 Room 239 Room 106 Room 239
6:15 p.m. PNS Playgroup: Young Adult Away 7 p.m. Discipleship Groups Parlor/Room 102 TUESDAY, APRIL 28 9:30 a.m. PW October Circle Room 100 10:30 a.m. PW January Circle Room 102 6:30 p.m. Young Adults Bible Study Room 305 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29 9:40 a.m. Zumba Gold Room 109 12 p.m. First HAND Open for Clients Com. Crossroads 5 p.m. Youth First HAND Blitz Com. Crossroads 5:30 p.m. WOW! Worship on Wednesday Com. Crossroads 6 p.m. Fellowship Choir Rehearsal Room 244 7 p.m. Grace Notes Rehearsal Room 245 7 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal Room 218 7:30 p.m. Senior High Bible Study Away THURSDAY, APRIL 30 9:30 a.m. EEC Parent/Teacher Conferences 2nd Floor 11 a.m. Listening Post Com. Crossroads 12 p.m. First HAND Open for Clients Com. Crossroads FRIDAY, MAY 1 9:30 a.m. EEC Parent/Teacher Conferences 2nd Floor 10 a.m. Tai Chi Atrium 7:45 p.m. FPC Softball Game Away
