The official newsletter of First Presbyterian Church, Fort Worth
penn street LETTER
January 1, 2016 Volume 15, Number 1
THE
p. 2 p. 3 p. 4 p. 5 p. 6 p. 7
Pastors’ Corner Study Together in 2016 Planning Ahead: Save the Dates! New Spiritual Direction Ministry F4 Meals, Confirmation Class Joys & Concerns
What Outreach Looks Like Take a look at some snapshots of ways FPC members and friends have blessed others last month. We’re thankful for the many who give of themselves to show other God’s love.
Above: Worship On Wednesday community spent December making gifts for others and bringing cheer to others in need.
Above: Youth Christmas Party for the Blind on December 8
Above and Right: Christmas Store on December 13.
Pastors’ Letter Dear friends: This time of year always conjures up a reflective mood within my inner being. Questions dart through my mind like popcorn. Questions like: How am I doing with this incredible gift of aliveness? What could I do this year to make the most and not just the best of all this precious time? What resolution could I create to help me live into who I am and what I am called to do? In the middle of pondering these questions, I found myself reading about a country music song entitled, “Standing KneeDeep in a River and Dying of Thirst.” What a great title! Not sure about you, but it’s the kind of phrase that gets me thinking… namely, thinking of the givenness of life and what a gift it is to be alive. No matter where you find yourself today at the start of another new year, whether you are in in the deepest valley or on the tallest peak or somewhere in between, I want you to know that there is always hope. There is, also, a choice that is staring you in the eyes. It is the choice as to how to view or perceive this life together. On the one hand, life can be seen as a matter of complete coincidence, some kind of cosmic accident with everything we have or need falling under the category of elbow grease. However, an alternative perspective is this: life is a gift from God who gives us everything we need. I think this is the perspective “Standing Knee-Deep in a River and Dying of Thirst” is trying to get across to us. You know, becoming more aware of life’s abundance is crucial to our participation in it and making the most of it. Together, we are on a quest following Christ, and keeping our eyes peeled for the abundant gifts that surround us is part of our discipleship.
FPC Worship Schedule While you may be familiar with FPC’s worship schedule, the new year seems the perfect time to review the many opportunities offered for worship and reflection. More information on these services and more at fpcfw.org/worship. SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP 8 a.m. Traditional Service in Chapel 9 a.m. Blended Service in Great Hall 10 a.m. Church School for All Ages 11 a.m. Traditional Worship in Sanctuary WORSHIP ON WEDNESDAYS (WOW!) 5:30 p.m. at Community Crossroads (1516 Hemphill) 3rd SUNDAY WORSHIP 9 a.m. Jazz Sunday in the Great Hall 6:30 p.m. Taizé Worship in the Chapel WHOLENESS & HEALING WORSHIP 6:30 p.m. 3rd Sundays during Taizé worship in January, March, May, July, September, November for those seeking worship centered around receiving prayer for peace, healing and wholeness. ADDITIONAL SERVICES In addition to the services mentioned above, special worship opportunities are offered throughout the year, such as Youth Sunday (led entirely by our youth, celebrating their gifts and contributions), Kirkin’ of the Tartans (celebrating the Presbyterian Church’s Scottish heritage), Holy Week and Easter services, weekly Advent prayer services, and a multitude of Christmas Eve services. QUESTIONS If you have questions about FPC worship services, please contact a pastor in the church office at 817.335.1231.
I think fostering this perspective, which is full of hope, in my own life will help me become the best version of myself. For this reason, my resolution in this new year is to try to take nothing for granted, to welcome the wonder of this present moment, and to believe with all my heart what I already have is all I need to be genuinely full of joy. I wonder…what is your new year’s resolution?
The Penn Street Letter (USPS 019-125) is published biweekly 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.
Keep on keeping on,
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.
2
penn street LETTER
Study Together in 2016 Bible in Depth
Sundays at 10 a.m. or Wednesdays at 10:45 a.m. Beginning this month, Bible in Depth will begin a study of the books of 1 and 2 Kings. These books have inspired and instructed God’s people for thousands of years. Come learn from Kings David and Solomon, and from kings whose names are less familiar. From the prophets Elijah and Elisha, and from unnamed widows. Come experience the countless ways God is faithful to the people of God even when they are not. Please register online for this course at fpcfw.org/bible-in-depth. Questions? Please contact Michael Waschevski at
[email protected] or 817.335.1231.
Practices of Faith Church School Class
Sundays, January 3 - February 23, 10 a.m. Spiritual practices enhance our receptivity to communion with the living God. Christian practices have been developed over the last 2,000 years beginning with the Desert Mothers and Fathers, mystics, contemplatives and others. Often neglected by Protestants after the Reformation, many Christians are now rediscovering these practices. Many have come to realize that various forms of solitude, contemplation, writing, breathing, and other practices benefit practitioners seeking a deeper experience of God. Many individuals who desire to be ‘spiritual, but not religious’ are, in fact, seeking to experience God that these practices facilitate. Not to be confused with ‘how to’ manuals that guarantee results, spiritual practices do not guarantee mountain-top experiences of God. They do, however, prepare the ground in which experiences grow. Class members will be introduced to a variety of spiritual practices during the first 2 weeks of the class. For the next 6 weeks, instruction will focus on the spiritual practices selected by the class. The class will be facilitated variously by Carol Toombs, Martha Brooks, Barb Heptig and guest instructors. This new Church School class will meet for 8 weeks in Room 305 To register, please contact Celeste at
[email protected] or call 817.335.1232.
Financial Peace University
Mondays, starting January 11, 7-8:30 p.m. Led by Jim and Claudia Duff. This popular course, designed by Dave Ramsey, has helped thousands of people learn to manage their finances in healthy and faithful ways by reducing debt, boosting savings, and planning for their futures. Please register for the class at http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/locations/class/1008198. Childcare is provided for those who register with Celeste Falter in the church office at least a week in advance (817.335.1231).
Book People Book Club
First Monday of the Month, beginning February 8, Noon Book People is a monthly book club of First Presbyterian Church members and friends that gathers once a month to discuss a new title. Meetings are generally the second Monday at noon. Read the book of the month before attending and come ready to discuss. Books can be found at bookstores, Amazon.com or from any other e-reader sites.
First Connections Church School Class
Sundays, starting February 14, 10 a.m. in the Parlor First Connections Class is for new members and visitors. Come for fellowship and an opportunity to discover all the ministries of FPC.
WWW.FPCFW.ORG
3
PLANNING AHEAD A few 2016 dates to get on your calendar now. Check out this sampling of upcoming FPC events. More to come! Watch future newsletters for more event details or visit www.fpcfw.org/calendar.
January 29-31
February 1
February 7
February 10
Senior High Youth Connection at Austin College. High school retreat for 9th-12th grade youth. See youth trip brochure for details.
Evening Dessert Gathering for new members and visitors. See page 5 for details.
Annual Kirkin’ of the Tartans Service at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary, celebrating the Prescbyterian Church’s Scottish heritage.
Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent. Watch for a schedule of Lenten services, including Ash Wednesday, midday prayers, Holy Week, and Easter.
February 17
February 26-28
March 20-27
June 13-17
Save the date now for this year’s Lenten Journey. More details will be shared soon about this meaningful and spiritual event.
YouthQuake at Glen Lake Camp in Glen Rose. Retreat for 6th-8th grade youth. See youth trip brochure for details.
Holy Week, services include: Palm Sunday, March 20 Midday Prayers each day Maundy Thursday, March 24 Good Friday, March 25 Easter Sunday, March 27
Summer Fun I day camp for preschoolers.
June 26-July 1
June 27-30
July 11-15
July 14-17
Mo-Ranch Youth Celebration. An annual conference for youth who have completed 9th-12th grades. See youth trip brochure for details.
Vacation Bible School for children Kindergarten through completed 5th grade.
Summer Fun II day camp for preschoolers.
JHaMS at Austin College. Middle school youth conference for youth who have completed 6th-8th grade. See youth trip brochure for details.
July 18-22
July 19-23
July 25-29
August 1-5
PreK Music & Art Camp for children 4 years old through completed Kindergarten.
Triennium High School National Youth Conference. Two spots to participate in Grace Presbytery delegation. See youth trip brochure for details.
Elementary Music & Art Camp for children who have completed 1st through 5th grades.
Summer Fun III day camp for preschoolers.
4
penn street LETTER
New Spiritual Direction Ministry Begins On January 10, a new ministry will join existing FPC ministries and committees as they are all commissioned for service in 2016. Our church is wonderfully graced to have five trained spiritual directors. They are willing and eager to share their gift of listening to those who come seeking to deepen their relationship with God. Each director already practices individual direction. The commissioning in January recognizes the value of individual spiritual direction and endorses it as a new ministry. Group direction invites 4-5 persons to gather twice a month, facilitated by one of these trained spiritual directors. Are you interested in group spiritual direction? Join an orientation meeting on Saturday, January 16 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (optional lunch) and learn more. Please contact Martha Brooks at 817.244.1225 if you plan to attend.
Seated left to right: Martha Newman (HeartPaths, 2015), Martha Brooks (Diploma of Spiritual Direction, San Fransisco Theological Seminary, 2001), Janet Ragsdale (Diploma of Spiritual Direction, San Fransisco Theological Seminary, 2001). Back row: Carol Toombs (HeartPaths, 2015), Karen Hosch (Haden Institute, 2010)
Wellness Committee Forming FPC Cowtown Marathon Team Would you like to join the First Presbyterian Church Cowtown Marathon team, coming up February 26-28? Please email Leti Salazar at
[email protected] if you are interested in completing any of the distances as part of our team. Already registered? You can still be a part of the team! Please email Leti at and include the distance you are signed up for.
Evening Dessert Gathering for New Members & Visitors Come spend an evening meeting other new members and visitors of First Presbyterian Church as we gather for a special dessert social on Monday, February 1 at 7 p.m. in the Parlor. Some of our pastors will join us and share exciting aspects of the ministry of FPC. At the conclusion of the program there will be an opportunity for visitors to join FPC. Please contact Martha Zaborowski with any questions. marthaz@fpcfw. org or 817.335.1231.
WWW.FPCFW.ORG
5
Next Confirmation Class Begins January 24
2015 Confirmation Class
F4 Meals Are Convenient, Affordable, and Delicious! Fit re sh, , Fre e z a t, F b s a
le
F
FPC’s First Christmas Store: Reasons to be Thankful
Our newest Confirmation Class begins Sunday, January 24 with a students, parents, and mentors meeting in the Youth Center at 10 a.m. All 8th grade students are eligible. Also, any high school students in the FPC congregation who have not had a Confirmation Class experience are welcomed, encouraged, and invited to participate! If interested, contact Rev. Dr. Josh Stewart, Associate Pastor for Youth, at
[email protected] with any questions or to sign up for this important class.
F4 Me a l Ministr y The coordinators and staff responsible for First Presbyterian Church’s first Christmas Store, held December 12, have many reasons to be thankful. These reasons include: • the 70 families, with over 200 children, served at the store • the 60+ volunteers who worked on Friday and/or Saturday • the early donations of presents, money, and gifts cards received this past summer with the Christmas in July drive • the 120+ stars selected by church members from Christmas trees at FPC In November that represented families from Community Crossroads (WOW!, FAD, and First HAND) were signed up to shop at a greatly reduced rate at the store with dignity • the socks, underwear, books, and games that FPC was also able to offer parents • the exceedingly generous offering of time, energy, and money from the FPC community Thank you again to those who helped make this event such a success. See page one for a few more photos of the Christmas Store set up.
6
penn street LETTER
The F4 (Fast, Fresh, Fit and Freezable) Meals Ministry continues! Sign-up and meal pick-up occurs on the first and third Sundays at a table in the Concourse outside the Great Hall from 10:45 – 12:30. Menus provided at the sign-up table. Cost is $10 per meal, which serves two people. Cash or checks will be accepted.
FPC ON SOCIAL MEDIA FACEBOOK.COM/FIRSTPRESFW TWITTER.COM/FPCFW INSTAGRAM.COM/FIRSTPRES_FW
Narnia Night held for families and
children on December 13 was an evening full of fun, festivities, and memory making during this Advent season. Thank you to those who helped it to be such a success for the FPC community!
Joys & Concerns Our loving sympathy to... Nancy Nelson, and Gayle and Kevin Creed on the death of Gayle’s father, Don William Nelson, on December 12, in Lubbock. Mike and Becky Jenkins and family on the death of his brother, Bob Jenkins on December 19, in Iowa. Hugh Evans on the death of his sister, Deb Bartzen on December 11, in Houston. Our loving thoughts and prayers are with... Pati Kley, Karl Travis, Arlene Wetter, Ann Bracey, Nancy Gedge-Carlson, Harriett Hosley, and Elizabeth Bean, who are recovering from surgery or injury. Marge Shiner, Ben Mathias, Molly Hutchinson, Katie Dyslin, Marjorie Gordon, Leland Rex, Frances Watkins, Marilyn Love, Neil Zipp, Orrin Hilyard, Frances Blake, Bill O’Grady, Gene James, Ruby Maxwell, Carolyn Lischio, Jane Drew, Rush Klein, Mac McCoy, Anita Rogers, Nancy Nelson, Ed Martin, and Dalia Scott, who are dealing with illness or undergoing treatment. Our caring prayers for extended family include... Lucas Melvin (grandson of Arlene and Charles Wetter), Mary Krueger (sister of Wanda Williams), Lisa
Following are the joys and concerns shared as of December 21, 2015 (due to printing deadlines). To respect the privacy of those listed, names are included only when the individuals grant their permission. Koenig (niece of Clark Williams), Margaret A. Davidson (sister of Diane L. Davidson), 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 (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. Diego is son of Becky and Rene Saldivar. Please continue to pray and express care for those many members who are struggling with illness, grief and personal hardship. Our congratulations and best wishes to... Eric and Leslie Varnon on the birth of Max David Varnon on December 17. He joins big brothers Noah, Cooper and Ian.
WWW.FPCFW.ORG
7
penn street THE
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, JANUARY 3 8 a.m. Worship Service 9 a.m. Worship Service 10 a.m. Church School for All Ages 11 a.m. Worship Service 2:30 p.m. Youth Group Ice Skating MONDAY, JANUARY 4 6:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Study 9:40 a.m. Wellness: Yoga Stretch 3 p.m. Room in the Inn 5:30 p.m. Worship & Music Committee 5:45 p.m. Fellowship Committee TUESDAY, JANUARY 5 7 p.m. Strings of Faith Rehearsal
Chapel Great Hall Various Sanctuary Away Room 304 Room 109 Gym Room 304 Room 312 Great Hall
For a complete calendar of church events, visit www.fpcfw.org/calendar.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6 9:40 a.m. Wellness: Fun with Zumba 10:45 a.m. Bible In Depth 12 p.m. First HAND Open for Clients 1:30 p.m. Beacons Executive Committee 5:30 p.m. WOW! Worship on Weds. 6 p.m. Fellowship Choir Rehearsal 7 p.m. Grace Notes Rehearsal 7 p.m. Young Adults @ First HAND 7 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal 7:30 p.m. Senior High Bible Study THURSDAY, JANUARY 7 7 a.m. Evergreen Prayer Group 11 a.m. MOMS Meeting FRIDAY, JANUARY 8 10 a.m. Wellness: Tai Chi
Room 109 Room 237 Com. Crossroads Room 102 Com. Crossroads Room 244 Room 245 Com. Crossroads Room 218 Away Fahrenkamp Rm. Room 305 Atrium
