...news and tidbits from the church office
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If you haven’t stopped by the nursery to take a look at the fabulous artwork that was created in there, you simply must!! Over the holidays there were a number of elves who volunteered their time and talent to give our nursery a new look. A big thanks to Lori Weedon for leading the effort in organizing the workers, gathering materials, etc.. Thanks also to Sandy Pierson, Nadine Force, Adela Zamora, and Antonio Zamora for all the hours of painting. And special gratitude goes to Gonzalo Zamora, whose imaginative ideas put the plan in motion. Thank you all! It’s beautiful! (posted January 23, 2004)
The first Sunday in February (February 1, 2004) is Scout Sunday. Scout Sunday is celebrated by thousands of scouts each year at Churches across the United States. This year we are encouraging Scouts and Adults to come to worship in their uniforms. Come and celebrate this important program. (posted January 23, 2004)
Our first Wednesday dinner for February will be a fund raiser for our Youth Group. The menu will consist of: Chalupas Cakes and cookies Tea and lemonade Cost is $4.00 per person or $15.00 per family. The Lynne Flowers Bell Choir will entertain us. Please plan to come. (posted January 23, 2004)
We are Patti Koo, Shirley Pippin, Spud Brown, Frank Brown, Carole and Clifton Collins, Helen and Dale Sheets, Kathleen and Mervyn Maxson, Mary Cloud and Vinson McCleod. We would like to promote ways in which you, the congregation, can engage in “hands-on” ministries of care, compassion and commitment in our surrounding community, especially in this high-need border area. First of all, due to your generous pledging this year, our budget for missions was increased by $5,000. As a result, we were able to add projects and increase giving in vitally needed areas. Our budgeted benevolences for 2004 include the following ministries: Puentes de Cristo, Su Casa de Esperanza, Salvation Army, Food Bank of RGV, Comfort House and CUPS. A substantial percentage of the yearly pledges goes to the National Presbytery office which supports local, national and worldwide mission projects. FPC also supports other ministries through unbudgeted money, through the “First Sunday Offerings”: Helping Hands, Presbyterian Children’s Home, Austin Seminary, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Evergreen, Hope Clinic, Mujeres Unidas, and Palmer Drug Abuse Program. (Each of these programs will be explained on the Sunday of the offering.)We have also added Puentes de Cristo and Su Casa de Esperanza to these offerings for more visibility and support to our local projects where many of our church members already give their time and talents. We are also planning some tours of these ministries for those who have not seen them first-hand. Helen Sheets, who is a volunteer at Su Casa, has arranged for a tour for anyone interested in visiting Su Casa. We will meet on Tuesday, February 3 at 10:00 in the church parking lot to head out to Las Milpas. There, Gracie Caballero will be your guide as you observe the early childhood development programs in action. You will see the amazing impact this project has had on thousands of lives in the poor community of Las Milpas and learn other ways that you can help. The van will return to the church by 12 noon. Call Lori at the church office: 682-2836 to reserve your seat for this tour. Stay tuned for upcoming tours in March, including Mujeres Unidas of McAllen and Puentes de Cristo in Reynosa, Mexico. If you feel called to help us on this committee or just want to know other opportunities where you can serve, please contact the church office. (posted January 23, 2004)
Just as the fourth quarter often determines the outcome of football games, First Presbyterian Church's fourth quarter (2003) fiscal results should bring joy to the church family. Revenues totaled $46,330 in December exceeding budgeted expenditures ($33,052) by $13,278. For the year, FPC total revenues were $406,959, a sum that exceeded total expenses ($392,127) by $14,832. Thanks be to god for the grace and love He has extended to this church and its people! Thanks also to the FPC staff, the session and the chairs of the various committees for keeping expenditures within acceptable levels in a year that began with significant budget cuts. The congregation earns praise and commendation for a marvelous comeback from the 2002 difficulties that followed 911. We are a giving people. (posted January 23, 2004)
As required by The Book of Order, session has called a meeting of the congregation immediately following worship on January 25, 2004. The annual budget as approved by session will be presented and the terms of call for the pastor. (posted January 23, 2004)
If you’re new to our church, or if you’re a member who hasn’t been with us for a while but plans to return on a regular basis, we offer this advice: FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS. One thing the First Presbyterian Church of McAllen does not lack in is activities. Young or old, members are always on the go with the numerous events this church has planned throughout the year. This Friday (January 23), for instance, the Senior Highs leave for their annual Mid-Winter trek to Mo-Ranch. Our own Joanna Simpson, a senior at McAllen Memorial, has worked diligently on the Mid-Winter staff for the past several months preparing for this important conference. The high school youth will spend the weekend in the Hill Country sharing fellowship with their peers while enjoying a spiritual uplifting from keynote speaker Reverend Mark Hinds, associate pastor of the Covenant Presbyterian Church in San Antonio. They won’t be back until Sunday. The Junior High youth group will follow the Senior Highs to Mo-Ranch the first weekend of next month for their own Mid-Winter conference. Look for these other great happenings during the next couple of weeks at FPC: January 25, 3-6 p.m. – Want to discover your spiritual gift(s)? Gwyn Kozma will conduct a workshop in the parlor that will allow you to tap into all those talents you didn’t know you had. More than likely, you’re going to be very surprised. February 1 – It’s finally here: Souper Bowl Sunday! No, that’s not a typo. Souper Bowl Sunday is the day our youth collect funds that go to those who need it most. Following the Worship Service that morning, they will be waiting outside the sanctuary with bowls (get it!) to receive your donations. It’s a wonderful cause. The money stays in the Valley and goes to a variety of organizations that supply food for the hungry. February 4, 6 p.m. – Make a note now not to forget to attend the year’s first First Wednesday Dinner. Our youth are hosting the event. So, get ready and tighten that belt, because the year – and the fun – is just getting started. – the Worship/Evangelism Committee (posted January 23, 2004)
What does early January represent to you? I know for many of us we’re taking down Christmas trees and finding space in the attic for decorations. But my Januarys now have a new meaning, a new tradition if you will. It’s the time when I spend a week studying at the seminary. This year the topic was Reformed Theology. Sounds kinda scary, right? Or boring. Well it was neither. The class was encouraging and uplifting and gave me a real sense of our beliefs and background. We’re part of a rich heritage and a long line of folks who stood up against adversity and often wrote confessions about the difficulties of the time. Being at the seminary has come to be something I look forward to. After all there are a number of perks like fresh made omelets every morning, dormitory style housing which makes for great late night giggling and story sharing, the seminary students who are so inspiring and encouraging. I can’t quite describe the camaraderie that occurs between the folks gathered there. And then there are the classes. People come from all around the country to attend the Christian Ed. Coursework in Austin. Makes me proud to be Texan and proud to be a Presbyterian I just want to share a bit of what inspired me during my study of the reformed way of thinking. · God chooses us, despite our stubbornness and obstinance · Christian theology is “Faith Seeking Understanding” · God intercepts our world at the point where Jesus is · For God so loved the world that he gave us + creation + his son + joy, peace, love (just because he’s or she’s big enough to do all that) · Christians are called to be in communion with one another and the relationships we form make us who we are · Spirituality is both quiet reflection on God’s good works and selfless service to our neighbors · We don’t have all the answers but… In life and in death, we belong to God (posted January 23, 2004)
I'm sitting here at my desk wondering what I should write about today. As I am sitting here, I am hearing all kinds of happy sounds coming out of the classrooms. Children's laughter, boy's making grinding sounds, girls making crying baby sounds, giggles galore, children making animal sounds, and even teachers chirping like birds. Wow, what fun is going on here. You know, too many days we all get overpowered by all the things in our day that need to get done. We go from one priority to the next without really stopping to appreciate what the moment has to offer us. Being around little ones totally changes that perspective. They live only in the moment, whether it is joyous or sad. But either one may only last a moment. Listening to their sounds causes one to think more about this minute. Getting from it what God wants us to get and giving to it all we can to make it special for us and others around us. You know, being around children each day has given me so many life lessons. Enjoy your moments. Love, Miss Pat (posted January 23, 2004)
...is February 1, 2004! Every dollar dropped in a soup pot helps people in need feel the power of God's love. That's something to cheer about! (posted January 8, 2004)
Nifty Books About Age will be the topic of this months Savvy Sage Series. Join us on January 15, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. in the church parlor where we will hear about wonderful books written for and by older people on the many facets of living abundant years. There will be detailed information on how you can acquire them if you want to read them (Some are in our church library). Or, if your eyes have already had a lifetime of reading, just come to enjoy these mini-reviews and to share a time of talking about attitudes and observations of successful older people. If you plan to attend and stay for the small luncheon afterwards ($3.00 donation)call the church office at 682-2836 and let us know. (posted January 8, 2004)
Reverend Dwight West will lead us in worship and preach in our morning worship on Sunday, January 18, 2004. Dwight is a friend of this congregation and former pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Weslaco. Please join us for worship and welcome Dwight. (posted January 8, 2004)
If you would like to provide flowers for our worship you may do so by signing up on the board in the hall outside the church office. Please indicate what occasion you are remembering. The cost per arrangement is $35. If you would like to take the flowers for your use please do so after the worship service. If you choose not to take the flowers the Congregational Care Committee will provide them for those in the hospital or at home. (posted January 8, 2004)
On Sunday, January 11, 2004 we will ordain and install the elders for the Class of 2006 at our morning worship service. Please pray for our session and new elders. Those being ordained and installed are: Ismael Cantu, Paul Mann, Barbara Montemayor, Natalie Moore, Walter Passmore, Shirley Pippin, and Rebecca Smith (posted January 8, 2004)
As required by The Book of Order, session has called a meeting of the congregation immediately following worship on January 25, 2004. The annual budget as approved by session will be presented and the terms of call for the pastor. (posted January 8, 2004)
Not sure if your class has all the pizzazz you’d like? Wondering what approach to use to teach that next lesson? Have I got a deal for you! On Sunday, January 18 after church there will be a training for Sunday school teachers titled “Connecting with your students; Methods that work.” A light lunch will be provided. Please plan to come. (posted January 8, 2004)
Come join us on Friday, January 23, 2004, at 7PM, at Gin Offerman's for a wine tasting party. Bring your favorite wine for others to taste. (Wine tasting is optional) Terry, Cynthia, and Lucy will provide arias for your enjoyment. If you have any questions, please call the church office. (posted January 8, 2004)
“There are a variety of gifts but always the same Spirit; there are all sorts of service to be done, but always the same Lord; working in all sorts of different ways in different people” I Corinthians 12:4-6 Do you sometimes wonder what your gifts are and how you can use them to further God’s Kingdom? Join us on Sunday, January 25, 2004, in the parlor at 3:00PM or 6:00 PM to help discover what your gifts are and how you can use them. We will be using a spiritual survey form so please stop by the office or see Jesse Thornton or Gwyn Kozma on Sunday to get a copy. When we understand how the Body of Christ works together, great things can happen ! (posted January 8, 2004)
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