The official newsletter of First Presbyterian Church, Fort Worth
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December 2, 2016 Volume 15, Number 25
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Pastors’ Corner Christmas in Whoville Holiday Helpers Blue Zones Project Approval Announcement Men’s Retreat Joys & Concerns
This Advent season FPC offers many opportunities for special worship, celebration, and much more. All leading to Christmas! (See page 3 for a few more events as well as spiritual formation options.)
SERMON SERIES: DISCOVERING GOD Worship during Advent includes scripture readings, special music, lighting of the Advent wreath, and sermons in a series titled “Discovering God”:
• November 27: Discovering God in Dreams • December 4: Discovering God in Embarrassment • December 11: Worship includes music from Handel’s Messiah at 9 and 11 a.m. (no sermon) • December 18: Discovering God in Family • December 24: Discovering God in Manger
ADVENT LABYRINTH WALK Sunday, December 4 at 5 p.m. At the Advent Labyrinth Walk at FPC’s outdoor labyrinth each of us becomes a pilgrim journeying to center as the light fades to darkness. Then, we await together the advent of the Light of the World.
MIDDAY PRAYER SERVICES Wednesdays, November 30 and December 7, 14, 21 from 12-12:30 p.m. in the Chapel These 30-minute services include scripture, music, prayer, and reflections by clergy on the spiritual impact of Advent as a season preparing us to celebrate Emmanuel - God with us.
ADVENT TAIZÉ WORSHIP Sunday, December 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel Join us for this monthly worship service in the manner of the Taizé community in France, specifically celebrating the Advent season and Christmas. Includes prayer, simple music, and scripture.
CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS WORSHIP ADVENT ALL-CHURCH BRUNCH Sunday, December 11 at 11 a.m. and Noon The next All-Church Brunch welcomes everyone for a festive holiday meal, Christmas trivia, and seasonal tunes to sing along to. Cost is $7 per person; $25 family maximum. Sponsored by the Communications Committee.
Saturday, December 24 Noon - Service of lessons and carols (Sanctuary) 5 p.m. - Service for families with children (Great Hall) 7 p.m. - Service with candlelight (Sanctuary) 9 p.m. - Service with communion & candlelight (Sanctuary) Childcare provided at Noon, 5, and 7 p.m. Sunday, December 25 10 a.m. - One Combined Service in the Sanctuary
Pastors’ Letter
The Waldron/ Ritchie Youth Fund provides camp and special event funds to underprivileged youth.
Dear Friends, I am so encouraged by the faithful witness of the youth who are active in our congregation! When I hear of societal complaints towards young people today, I frequently offer a counter narrative of what I see happening with our youth at First Presbyterian and at Worship on Wednesdays (WOW). For example, over the years, the WOW community has developed a relationship with the one hundred or so patients at the Downtown Health Rehabilitation Center on S. Adams through an annual Christmas caroling party (join us – this year it’s on December 14 from 6:30-7:30!). The youth at WOW decided to deepen the relationship by leading a Bible study there in November. One of our youth prepped beforehand at home by drawing and cutting out shapes for the art project that went with the Bible study. About fifteen patients came, and both the patients and the youth commented on how meaningful it was to share that time together. On Thursday night, December 1, FPC youth welcomed another great group of guests who are blind, visually impaired, and their care-givers to the Great Hall for the 71st annual Christmas Party for the Blind. Youth and families served dinner, church members generously provided transportation for those in need, youth music program entertained our guest with creative musical caroling, and a meaningful time was had by all. I am proud of our students engaged in Bible studies, fellowship and service in our community. You will find them at Room in the Inn, making lunches for stock show workers, First HAND, and WOW, giving of their gifts and energy with acts of empathy and compassion. They are not only the future, they are the NOW… for their enthusiasm and engagement is contagious for the whole church. Our waiting in this Advent season reminds us that (1) God uses the least expected people to illustrate the kingdom of God, and (2) God chooses to be with us – in whatever stage of life we are in, using the gifts we offer to the glory of God! Peace,
For more information on this or other funds, or about Planned Giving through the church, please contact Dana Fickling in the Business Office at
[email protected] or 817.335.1231.
SUBMISSIONS
Please send submissions for this newsletter to Teresa Tysinger, Director of Communications, at ttysinger@ fpcfw.org or drop by the church. The deadline is Wednesdays at 12 noon a week before you’d like the information to run. Thank you!
MEET THE STAFF FEATURE
We will resume the “Meet the Staff” feature in future issues of the newsletter as space allows.
CHANGES TO NEWSLETTER
Beginning with the last December issue of Penn Street Letter, the print newsletter will be printed and mailed monthly. It will include all of the same timely updates and announcements. If you’d like to sign up receive the Penn Street Online, FPC’s weekly email newsletter, visit http://fpcfw.org/news/join-mailing-lists/ or contact Pam Burkholder in the church office. 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 at 1000 Penn Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102-3496.
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Experience a Taste of Christmas at FPC Plus, Bake Cookies for this Festive Event! The Fellowship Committee would love to bring together all of our favorite Christmas cookies. If you love to bake, we would love to have some of your favorite cookies to share with the congregation this holiday season as part of the committee’s “A Taste of Christmas” event on Sunday, December 18. Just bake a dozen or more of your favorite cookies, deliver them to the church December 15 or 16 or bring them with you Sunday, December 18. The Fellowship Committee will collect all of the cookies and share them with the congregation following each worship service. Please let us know if you would like to participate in sharing a little “taste of Christmas” by baking cookies to share. Sign up at fpcfw.org/cookies or call Eric Varnon at 817.335.1231.
Tuesday, December 13
All women are invited to this special annual gathering. Meet at 10:30 a.m. for wassail and fellowship (3rd floor Concourse), followed by a worship service at 11 a.m. (Sanctuary) and lunch at 12 p.m. (Great Hall). Cost for lunch is $7. Please RSVP to Celeste Falter in the church office by Monday, December 5.
WWW.FPCFW.ORG
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Items Due December 4 for the Christmas Toy Store The 2nd annual Christmas Toy Store for families with children 5th grade and younger who’ve been involved with Community Crossroads for at least 3 months will be on Saturday, December 10 in the Gym. This year, we will serve a total of 300 children, 100 more than last year! So, your donations are more important than ever! Parents come to the store and shop for a small fee (for each child, they select two toys, a book, socks and underwear and then a family game).
RETURN GIFTS FOR CHILDREN ON DECEMBER 4
Toys purchased for the store are due to the church by December 4. If you’d like to do some last-minute shopping, here are items still needed: socks and underwear for ages 0-11; new books for kids 0-11; family games for children 3-11
GIVE MONETARY DONATIONS
Give gift cards or a check donation (memo line: Christmas Toy Store 2016); other member will then purchase more gifts to stock our store.
Room in the Inn
The winter season of Room in the Inn begins Monday, December 5 in the Gym as we welcome 14 men experiencing homelessness to have an evening of hospitality and respite. Volunteer to play games, eat dinner, engage in conversation, and greet our guests. If you come can come between 5-7 p.m. (or anytime in between), please contact Marnie Meeks in the church office at
[email protected] or 817.335.1231 in advance. Families are welcome!
Home for the Holidays Tarrant Churches Together coordinates a meal for formerly homeless individuals and families currently residing in transitional housing through the city’s Directions Home program. University Christian Church will again host this lunch and we can use your help. You can: 1) volunteer to be a table host; 2) provide a 14.5x10.5 roasting pan of stuffing, mashed potatoes, and/or green beans or bring dinner rolls, pies/cakes for dessert, or; 3) help greet guests, serve the meal and/or help set up or clean up. For more information or to sign up, visit tarranttogether.org or email
[email protected].
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First HAND Food Volunteers are needed to pack and hand out groceries on Wednesdays, December 22, 28, and 29; and January 4 and 5. All dates are from 9:30–1:30 (or any time within those hours) at Community Crossroads, 1516 Hemphill. Contact Robyn Michalove at
[email protected] for details.
Mobile Food Pantry Help pack and distribute groceries on Wednesday, December 21, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. at Broadway Baptist Church. Contact Robyn Michalove at
[email protected] for details.
Samaritan House Meals Serve a meal to 40 residents at Samaritan House on Hemphill Street on Tuesday, December 6 from 5-7 p.m. (FPC serves the first Tuesday of each month.) This mission creates a supportive community providing housing and resources for positive change in the lives of persons living with HIV/AIDS and other special needs. Contact Robyn Michalove at
[email protected].
FPC Becomes a Blue Zones Project Approved™ FaithBased Community First Presbyterian Church and the Wellness Committee is proud to announce that we have become a Blue Zones Project® Approved™ faithbased community! Blue Zones Project is a community-led well-being initiative designed to make healthy choices easier in Fort Worth through permanent changes to environment, policy, and social networks. When our entire community participates – from worksites and schools to restaurants and grocery stores – the small changes add up to huge benefits for all of us: lowered healthcare costs, improved productivity, and ultimately, a higher quality of life. ®
SAVE THE DATE The JANUARY 8 ALL-CHURCH BRUNCH will celebrate FPC being named a Blue Zones Project Approved Faith-Based Community. Watch for details, coming soon.
Grief Support Group Beginning Tuesday, January 10, FPC will offer a five-week Grief Support Group. Led by Travis Weber, the group offers a supportive and encouraging space in which to experience God’s presence, comfort, and strength. Travis is a PhD candidate in Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Care at Brite Divinity School. He received his Master of Divinity Degree from Yale Divinity School. Travis spent time as a hospital chaplain in California while earning Clinical Pastoral Education units. Travis also serves as a Chaplain at Texas Health Southwest Hospital in Fort Worth.
We are playing an important role in this well-being initiative by achieving Blue Zones Project® Approved™ status. Some of the initiatives we have implemented to earn this designation include sponsoring healthy all-church brunches, the F4 Meals Ministry, walking and potluck moai groups, cycling groups, yoga/Zumba/tai chi classes, and Blue Zones Project workshops.
The Grief Support Group will meet from 5:30-7 p.m. in Room 305. The five sessions (January 10–February 7) are free and open to members and friends of First Presbyterian and the community. To register for the Grief Support Group, please call Celeste in the church office or email her at:
[email protected].
Your participation in these efforts, such as signing the Blue Zones Personal Pledge, helped us reach this designation. By implementing these healthy evidence-based options, FPC is helping our employees and everyone who lives, works and play in Fort Worth live longer, better lives.
S.O.S.
Taking the Blue Zones Personal Pledge is just the first step to living a longer, better life. If you took the pledge, you should already be receiving monthly updates about Blue Zones Project activities happening across our community, timely tips for making healthy choices easier, and links to recipes, information, and resources that will help you improve your well-being. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in variety of activities that will help you move naturally, eat healthier, find your purpose, and stay connected. Want to learn more about Blue Zones Project? • Read about the original Blue Zones areas in Dan Buettner’s best-selling book, The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who Have Lived Longest. • Follow Blue Zones Project on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. • Discover volunteer opportunities where your passions align. If you haven’t already taken the Personal Pledge, we encourage you to visit https://fortworth.bluezonesproject.com/pledge, take the pledge, and join the movement to improving your own well-being.
Items Needed at Community Crossroads These items are needed at Community Crossroads. • Sturdy, gently worn or new shoes for men, women, and children (PLEASE NO HIGH HEELS) • Children’s clothing, most needed sizes 6-16 • Clothing for women, most needed sizes 16-2x • Clothing for men. Most needed sizes are jeans and pants with waist 30-38 and shirts 2x and 3x. • Coats for men and women, most needed sizes XL and larger. • Coats for boys and girls in all sizes. • Sheet sets bundled and marked as to size. • Blankets and quilts, folded and marked as to size. • Bath towels, face towels and wash cloths • Misc. items that can be used: ball caps, purses, gloves, scarves, winter caps or hats. Note: If possible, please bring clothing on hangers.
WWW.FPCFW.ORG
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Discipleship Group
Annual Youth Group Christmas Progressive Dinner
A once-a-month Discipleship Group begins in January and will use Joyce Rupp’s book, May I Have This Dance: An Invitation to Faithful Prayer Throughout the Year. Joyce is well-known for her work as a writer, a spiritual leader, and a conference and retreat speaker. During our time together we will pray, share and use guided meditations written by Joyce. Throughout the month, you will have the opportunity to read scripture suggested by Joyce, keep a journal, and reflect on your spiritual journey. The group will begin meeting on January 3, 2017 in Fahrenkamp Music Room at 5:30 p.m. and then continue the first Monday of each month. Please contact Martha Zaborowski at 817.335.1231 or
[email protected] with questions or if you would like to sign up for this discipleship group which is limited to 8 people.
Learn More & Register at WWW.FPCFW.ORG/MENSRETREAT.
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Friday, December 16 All middle and high school youth are invited to the Youth Group Progressive Dinner on Friday, December 16. This special Christmas youth event is free! Meet at 5:45 p.m. on the bus at church. We will return around 10:30 p.m. Students, be sure to check the weather and dress appropriately, and plan to bring a jacket or coat as we will be outside in backyards for much of this event. RSVP no later than Friday, December 9 at 12 Noon. *Please note: A notarized FPC Medical Release form is required to ride the chartered bus, and forms must be turned in by December 11 at the latest. RSVP and get a release form (if you don’t have one done already) with Jayne McFarland in the church office at
[email protected] or 817.335.1231.
Flight from relationships – at home, work, in politics and faith – is the defining megatrend of our time and it burdens us with a cost we can longer afford. Men are especially susceptible to relationship decline as they typically have fewer “go-to” friends and smaller relational networks than women. Join us for the FPCFW Men’s Retreat all day on Saturday, January 21 and the morning of Sunday, January 22. (Friday night dinner and overnight is optional.) It will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Granbury. With guest speaker Robert Hall, we will examine this looming challenge, its cost, cause and cure – and how our faith informs us in restoring and reinvigorating our relationships. Robert is the author of This Land of Strangers: The Relationship Crisis That Imperils Home, Work, Politics and Faith. (Read Robert’s full bio on the website at left.) Each person will leave with specific steps for seizing the challenge and embracing the relational opportunity aligned to their circumstances in moving forward. Don’t miss this important event.
Joys & Concerns Our loving sympathy to... Family and friends of Charlie Shiner, who died November 19. Charlie is survived by his wife, Marge Shiner and daughter, Lisa Shiner. Our loving thoughts and prayers are with... Jody Buening, Glynda Coffey, David King, Bill Shaffer, Ed Cook, Nancy Gedge Carlson, Chuck Sullivan, and Lou Hopps who are recovering from surgery or injury. Charlie Shiner, David Nation, Corinna Nation, Lisa Shiner, Jacquitta White, Martha Mattox, Ann Chappell, Clark Williams, Marge Shiner, Ben Mathias, Elizabeth Bean, Katie Dyslin, Neil Zipp, Frances Blake, Bill O’Grady, Gene James, Carolyn Lischio, Jane Drew, Rush Klein, Mac McCoy, Nancy Nelson, Ed Martin, and Dalia Scott, who are dealing with illness or undergoing treatment. Jane Watson, who is on hospice.
Following are the joys and concerns shared as of November 21, 2016 (due to printing deadlines). To respect the privacy of those listed, names are included only when the individuals grant their permission. Our caring prayers for extended family include... John DeMore (son-in-law of June Sprott), Mary Krueger (sister of Wanda Williams), Lisa Koenig (niece of Clark Williams), Bill Schmid, Sr. (father of Bill Schmid, Jr.), Janet Laminack (cousin of Julie Sphar and Vance Laminack), Scott Schroeder (brother of Tom Delaney), Hugh Leslie (Brooke Rollins’ father), and Kathy Kline (Maxine Kruse’s daughter). Marty Kinard (Larry and Bettye Kinard’s daughter-in-law), Mark Bryant (Joanne Sarsgard’s son), 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; Diego is the son of Becky and Rene Saldivar.
ORDER POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS In Honor & Memory of Loved Ones
This Christmas, the FPC Worship & Music Committee will be placing live poinsettia plants in worship spaces from December 18 – January 1. You may purchase a plant in honor or memory of loved ones using the form below and turning it in, with a check made out to First Presbyterian Church and “Poinsettias” marked in the memo line. Cost is $15 per plant. Forms are due in the church office by December 15. Plants may be taken home after worship on January 1. Those not picked up will be given to homebound members. Thank you!
Given in Honor / Memory (please circle one) of:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Given by:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
FOLLOW FPC ONLINE at...
FACEBOOK.COM/FIRSTPRESFW
INSTAGRAM.COM/FIRSTPRES_FW
TWITTER.COM/FPCFW
PINTEREST.COM/FIRSTPRES_FW
WWW.FPCFW.ORG
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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
A complete calendar of events is at www.fpcfw.org/calendar.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 8 a.m. Worship Service Chapel 8 a.m. Stephen Ministry Leadership Room 100 8:25 a.m. Special Joining Opportunity Fahrenkamp Rm. 9 a.m. Worship Service Great Hall 10 a.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal Room 218 10 a.m. Church School Various 10:45 a.m. Wellness: F4 Meals 3rd Flr. Concourse 11 a.m. Worship Service Sanctuary 11 a.m. Stephen Ministry Supervision Room 100 4 p.m. Carol Choir Room 243 4 p.m. Choristers Rehearsal Room 245 5 p.m. Advent Labyrinth Memorial Garden 5 p.m. Christmas in Whoville Atrium MONDAY, DECEMBER 5 6:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Study Room 304 9:40 a.m. Wellness: Yoga Stretch Room 109 12 p.m. Board of Trustees Room 304 3 p.m. Room in the Inn Gym 5:30 p.m. Advent Covenant Group Parlor 5:30 p.m. Congregational Care Committee Room 305 7 p.m. Discipleship Group Away TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6 10 a.m. PW Lydia Circle Youth Center 7 p.m. Young Adults @ First Hand Com. Crossroads
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7 9:40 a.m. Wellness: Fun with Zumba Room 109 10:45 a.m. Bible In Depth Room 237 12 p.m. Advent Midday Prayer Chapel 12 p.m. First HAND Open for Clients Com. Crossroads 5 p.m. Beacons Potluck Supper Great Hall 5:30 p.m. WOW! Worship on Wednesday Com. Crossroads 7 p.m. Messiah Dress Rehearsal Sanctuary 7:30 p.m. Senior High Bible Study Away THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8 12 p.m. Advent Covenant Group Parlor 12 p.m. First HAND Open for Clients Com. Crossroads 3 p.m. Just Faith Small Group Stripling Conf. Rm. 6:30 p.m. PW Mary Circle Away 7 p.m. Strings of Faith Rehearsal Great Hall
First Presbyterian Church is now a Blue Zones Project Approved™ Faith-Based Organization. See page five for an article explaining this important distinction.
