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TAIZÉ PRAYER SERVICE
A service of meditation,scripture, silence, song,
and candles. Please join us on Tuesday, November 16, at 7:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall.
(posted November 10, 2004) 
News & Highlights from Session Meeting/November
- Confirmation classes began in October with four confirmands and will continue through Spring of 2005
- Fall Festival was a great success and CE is looking at expanding events for 2005
- Fellowship Committee is revising guidelines for the use of church facilities and costs for rental
- Worship Committee has several worship events planned for November/December. Look for upcoming events in the newsletter and bulletin.
- Hanging of the Greens on Saturday, November 27, 2004 at 2:00 PM. All are encouraged to come and help decorate
- Property Committee is taking care of painting of building, contract for maintenance of Air and Heating facilities. New carpet installed in several rooms of the church
- Heard a report from David Rowland, Commissioner to Mission Presbytery meeting on October 22-23.
- Approved request for marriage from Sarah Kozma and Sean Lemon for ceremony on February 19, 2005
- Approved letter of transfer membership request from Julie Flores Bowman and daughters Meagan and Jaclyn to be received as members of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, McAllen, Texas
- Approved letter of transfer membership request from Paul and Rose Mann, and daughter Laura Mann Tamayo to be received as members of Covenant Presbyterian Church, San Antonio
- Received request from Schreiner University to send names of high school students attending FPC. Students are eligible for $1000 a year toward tuition costs
(posted November 10, 2004)
2005 PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
Picture Time!!!!
If you failed to sign up for photos for the new church Directory you will be receiving a call in the next week with options to sign up.
We'd like the book to be as complete as possible.
Filming will take place at church:
November 22, 23, & 26 from 3 - 9:30 p.m. and November 27, Sat, from 10 - 5 p.m.
Pat Moyer,Coordinator
(posted November 10, 2004)
OPERATION IRAQI CHILDREN
School Supply Kits for IRAQ
We at BETA High School are student volunteers responding to American Soldiers' request that we help with the collection of school supplies for the Iraqi children. The contents of each of these School Supply Kits are simple, basic items but having them can make a world of difference to a child heading back to school. Your participation in Operation Iraqi children gives you a chance to reach across the world and touch the life of a child. Thank you for your support!
What we're collecting: School Kits are a highly requested item--thank you for insuring that all the listed contents are in each bag with no additional items to ensure easy customs clearance.
One pair of blunt-end scissors
One 12-inch ruler, must include metric units
Twelve new #2 lead pencils with erasers
Small pencil sharpener
One large eraser
One box of colored pencils
One package of notebook paper
One composition book
Three folders with inside pockets
One zippered pencil bag
One 2-gallon size zipper seal plastic bag
Cash donations accepted to help with shipping expenses
Collection Dates: October 28 - December 10, 2004.
Where to drop off Supplies:
Business, Education, Technology Academy
Attention: Jordan Andrasko & Naomi Arnold
510 South Sugar Rd.
Edinburg, TX 78539
956-318-8585
(posted November 10, 2004)
THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH
No doubt, you’ve seen those signs around church the last few weeks proclaiming,
“It’s coming, November21.”
Well, “It’s” almost here. That particular day is Consecration Sunday, an important day in the life of the First Presbyterian Church of McAllen when God touches each member of his flock for a financial commitment towards the promotion of His wondrous works.
Don’t miss the meaningful Worship Service that will enlighten our hearts and open our souls to the divine spirit that makes our church thrive. You also won’t want to miss the catered Thanksgiving luncheon that follows in the Fellowship Hall immediately after worship.
What a special day indeed this will be as we show God how thankful we are for His rich blessings on this congregation and all the individual members – young and old – who give it life.
Other events and activities happening around our church during the next two weeks:
- Sunday, November 13 – The Women of the Church’s Cookie Exchange and Bandage Rolling Party, Fellowship Hall, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Sunday, November 14 – Commission of the Acolytes. Our young bearers of light are formally appointed during the morning Worship Service; Celebration Sunday, Fellowship Hall, following the Worship Service. We honor those who are celebrating birthdays and any other special date with cakes, cookies and punch.
- Tuesday, November 16 – Taize Service, Fellowship Hall, 7 p.m; Give peace a chance as we praise God in a meditative setting.
- Thursday, November 18 – Planning meeting for Mo-Ranch Retreat, Parlor, 3 p.m.
- Sunday, November 21 – Grocery Cart collection, during the morning Worship Service’s offering. Don’t forget to bring your canned goods for donation to the Rio Grande Valley Food Bank.
- Every Monday – The Present Word, church library, 7 p.m. This weekly bible study group is led by David Pankake.
- Every Tuesday – Tuesday Prayer, noon-12:30 p.m., Parlor. Care to spend a few minutes of your lunch break with others in prayer? You can either bring your own lunch or go to lunch afterwards with others who attend; AL ANON Meetings, church library, 7:45 p.m.
- Every Wednesday – Morning Bible Study, Parlor, 10 a.m.; Youth Choir practice and Adult Handbells practice, upstairs, 6 p.m.; Adult Choir practice, Choir Room, 7 p.m.
The Worship/Evangelism Committe
(posted November 10, 2004)
A WORD OF THANKS...
I should like to say "Thank You" to this wonderful church family for all your prayers, cards, calls and many kindnesses shown to me. Each and every one is greatly appreciated!God Bless You!
June Fry
(posted November 10, 2004)
Discover the Sacred Center
We live in times of imbalance. I don’t know if the human race has ever lived in balanced times. In fact, I’m pretty sure that we never have. Throughout human history, we have shown a remarkable ability to swing one way or the other on the scales of living. Sometimes the imbalance threatens to break down civilization, as it did during the Dark Ages and World War II; at other times, the imbalance is much milder. The fact remains, though, that humans have never lived in balanced times.
N. Graham Standish
Balance, ahhh! Isn’t that the state we strive for. All of us have so many events and activities filling up our lives that balance sometimes seems a wish too far out of reach.
Spiritual practices teach us to take time for God to soothe our troubled souls. N. Graham Standish, author of a number of books on spirituality, will be leading Mission Presbytery’s Winter Retreat on February 21-22 at Mo Ranch. His seminar is titled “A Matter of the Heart; Discovering the Sacred Center.” There has been a renewed interest in spiritual practices and Dr. Standish is an authority on the subject. The cost to attend this retreat is minimal. See Rebecca if you’d like more information.
By Rebecca Villarreal, DCE
(posted November 10, 2004)
Pat's Pride
At this time of year, it is easy to be thankful for all the blessings that God has bestowed on us. The fact that we serve a risen savior in a country where we are free to worship Him. Our families, both personal and our church families, are a wonderful support and comfort to us. The many pleasure of life that we take for granted so often a great environment to work in each day full of smiles, laughter, and questions, with parents to help wherever needed.
And finally, but most importantly, to have a place in our hearts that our God is bigger and in control of any trial that we will face.
Have a wonderful, thankful holiday
Love from,
Lynn Flowers Preschool
(posted November 10, 2004)
ROOF PLEDGES
Beginning with the third quarter pledge statements, Financial Secretary Paula Dreyer is including 2004 figures for unpaid roof pledges. The same roof pledge amounts will be added to quarterly statements through 2005. Our thanks to Wileen King for her suggestion to add this sum to statements of individuals who are continuing to make payments.
As you know, the new roof was completed last year, and this year three AC units have been replaced. Who knows what capital projects will require attention in the future? The point is that the roof pledges have been an important element in financing both the roof and the AC units. The roof pledges are essential in paying down the existing note and building up a capital fund that can be used to meet future needs.
In updating the roof pledge information for 2004, Paula discovered that 13 such pledges, totaling $6,575, were not met during years 2002 and 2003. If your 2002 and/or 2003 roof pledge got lost in the shuffle, please give Paula a call (682-2836), and she will give you your amounts for those years. Remember the importance of honoring these special pledges.
Our ongoing thanks to those of you who came to the rescue when the roof project and the AC replacements had to be done. Thanks be to God for the many blessings He has bestowed on His people at FPC, McAllen.
Finance/Stewardship Ministry
by John Graham, Treasurer
(posted November 2, 2004)
FIRST WEDNESDAY
November 3, 2004!
What is the Medical Benevolence Foundation?
Medical Benevolence Foundation (MBF), in partnership with the
Presbyterian Church (USA)…
- Interprets and provides information about global health concerns.
- Raises funds to support international health programs.
- Recruits volunteers for health-related missions outside the U.S.
- Supports collection and sharing of donated surplus medical supplies and equipment.
Come for a meal and fellowship time on Wednesday, November 3, 2004!
The meal is served at 6:00 PM and we will learn more about MBF and how our church can support this ministry.
No reservations are necessary! See you on November 3!
(posted November 2, 2004)
THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH
A commemorative occasion in the life of the Presbyterian Church will be celebrated this Sunday, October 31, inside our sanctuary when the Kirken O’ The Tartans will be the centerpiece of that morning’s Worship Service.
Reverend Jesse Thornton will lead this unique service that incorporates bagpipes with the presentation of banners and flags, all provided by the Scottish Society. A reception is slated to follow in the Fellowship Hall.
The service begins at 10:30 a.m. so don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour the night before since Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday.
The Kirken O’ The Tartans (the Blessing of the Tartans) is a Scottish service based on the defeat of the Scots at the 1746 Battle of Culloden. The Scots were subsequently forbidden by their English conquerors to wear Kilts, bear firearms, or play bagpipes, since these were considered instruments of war by the English. According to legend, each Scot carried a piece of tartan (family cloth) in his pocket to church and the minister would cleverly, but obscurely, bless the tartans.
The ritual was revived in 1941 and has since spread nationwide to become an important occasion when “Scots away from Scotland” ask for God’s blessing.
Don’t miss this special celebratory service that honors our rich heritage.
Also happening around our church during the next two weeks:
Wednesday, October 27 – Fall Festival, 5:30-8 p.m. Get ready for a spooky, yet fun-filled time inside the Fellowship Hall and on the church grounds that evening.
- Wednesday, November 3 – First Wednesday Dinner, Fellowship Hall, 6 p.m.
- Friday, November 5 – the Bridge Group starts back up in the church parlor, 9:15 a.m.-noon.
- Saturday, November 6 – Sacrament Class. This is a special class offered for kids in Kinder-5th grade. They learn how to bake bread for communion as well as what baptism and the Lord’s Supper are all about. If you have a child that might be interested in participating in this class, call Lori Bowles, the church secretary, or Rebecca Villarreal, the Director of Christian Education, at the church office by Nov. 1.
- Sunday, November 7 – New Members Celebration. Bring your own dish for a Potluck Dinner hosted by Paul & Eng Parker and Charles & Lou Helt at their home (321 Primrose) at 6:00 p.m. Music by Dr. Terry Morris, Cynthia Douglas, Pauline Sexton with Michael Pullen on the guitar. Please RSVP at the church office.
- Tuesday, November 9 – Session Meeting, Session Room, 7 p.m.
- Every Monday – The Present Word, church library, 7 p.m. This weekly bible study group is led by David Pankake.
- Every Tuesday – AL ANON Meetings, church library, 7:45 p.m.
- Every Wednesday – Morning Bible Study, Parlor, 10 a.m.; Youth Choir practice and Adult Handbells practice, upstairs, 6 p.m.; Adult Choir practice, Choir Room, 7 p.m.
– the Worship/Evangelism Committee
(posted November 2, 2004)
TUESDAY PRAYER
Join members of FPC and others for Prayer!
We will meet at Noon on Tuesdays in the Church Parlor. If you are on your lunch break, coming downtown, or need to spend time with others in prayer – join us from 12:00 to 12:30 PM on Tuesdays.
We will begin meeting on Tuesday, November 2, 2004 in the Church Parlor.
Bring your lunch or stay and go to lunch with others who attend.
(posted November 2, 2004)
2005 PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
We are having sign ups for the 2005 Church Pictorial Directory on the following two Sundays -
October 31st
&
November 7th
You will be able to sign up in the narthex or by the elevator before and after worship services or you can call Pat Moyer at 682-8542. Please make sure that you sign up early so you can secure a time slot most convenient for you.
(posted November 2, 2004)
FAMILY CAMP
John Knox is offering Family Camp again this year. It’s a wonderful time to check out the camp and it’s facilities, meet the staff, and partake in some campfire singing! The Fall camp is set for November 12-14. Kirsten Kelso, formerly of Mo Ranch, is now the Program Manager at John Knox. Those of us who know Kirsten know she’ll have great events lined up so check into it! Brochures are located in the narthex.
(posted November 2, 2004)
WORSHIP WARS?
“Lex orandi, lex credendi”
That was the theme that reverberated throughout the 3 days I spent with Glaucia Vasconcelos-Wilkey last week. She is on the faculty of the School of Theology and Ministry, at Seattle University. The above creed translates as “The way we worship shapes the way we believe.”
Glaucia was a breath of fresh air in the oft times tense discussions on worship styles. Rather than argue over the details we were brought back to the ancient paths
(Jeremiah 6:16) and the basis of worship, which comes from Christ for the sake of the world. Bath, word, and table are the elements that confirm our identity. Gaucia is passionate about the sacraments and her reverence for these gifts caused us all to stop and ponder our own baptisms.
Glaucia’s focus for this class, however, addressed more than the fundamentals of worship. She had come to Austin Seminary to encourage Christian educators to recover the ancient paths for children in our worship services. She often quoted Joel 2: 16, “ Gather the people, sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged; gather the children, even infants at the breast.” “Make the ancient paths new”, She would say. Children are so honest about their spirituality. They react, they respond. I’ve noticed that during hymn singing, Lauren will sway, looking up to heaven, sometimes stretching out her arms. The first time she did it I wanted to contain her, but as I listened to Glaucia talk about children bringing worship to life for us I realized what a gift Lauren is giving to me and to those around her by the way she worships.
Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3.
by Rebecca Villarreal, DCE
(posted November 2, 2004)
PAT'S PRIDE
Yesterday and today we took our 4 year old classes to the pumpkin patch on Pecan and to La Vista park for lunch.
There is no better way to liven up your life and sweat good sweat than to take a bunch of 4 year olds on a field trip. I am always impressed with how mannerly our children are and how well they listen and participate with the workers at the pumpkin patch and how good they are to listen at the park and do what is asked of them, like to wait (which is really hard).
You know, the part that always gives me such a wonderful feeling though is how much joy there is to a child in the very simple things. To hear how a pumpkin grows or watch a crow come to peck at a pumpkin, or even to slide down a bumpy slide with a silly teacher, life is full of such simple joys to a child. It's always a blessing to me to see the simple joys of life through a child's eyes. Maybe again, these children have a lot to teach us about enjoying our lives in a more simple way.
Pat Simpson, Director of Lynn Flowers Presbyterian Preschool
(posted November 2, 2004)
BRIDGE GROUP
November 5, 2004
9:15 A..M.
If you enjoy fun and fellowship please join us at First Presbyterian Church starting November 5, 2004 in the church parlor from 9:15 a.m. until 12 noon as members and winter texan friends get together for Bridge. Don't miss out.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
(posted November 2, 2004)
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