...news and tidbits from the church office
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To the members of our congregation, please accept my sincere appreciation for the many cards, thoughts and prayers that have been extended to Carrie and me. Sincerely, Stan & Carrie Agar (posted May 27, 2004)
On Thursday June 17 at 10:00 AM in the Parlor there will be a meeting for adults to plan our Confirmation Program for the Fall. If you’re interested in helping with Confirmation as a Covenant Partner or as a teacher for some of the coursework you are encouraged to attend this important meeting. (posted May 27, 2004)
Plan to come on Tuesday, June 8 at 6:00 PM with a covered dish for a meal and time of learning about the ministry that the Presbyterian church is doing in Guatemala. We will have a missionary and 2 ministers who’ve done work in that area. There will also be Guatemalan store with items for purchase. Hope to see you there! (posted May 27, 2004)
In observance of Memorial Day, the offices of First Presbyterian Church will be closed, Monday May 31st. We will open again on Tuesday, June 1st. (posted May 27, 2004)
If you would be willing to serve the little ones or the big ones in some capacity we have a place for you. In many of the classes a team of folks rotate so you might only teach two or three months out of the nine. Contact Rebecca if you feel the calling to assist with Sunday School. We need you!! (posted May 27, 2004)
Experience God's presence through worship in a variety of settings, fellowship and workshops at this years' "Faithful Women Speak" Women's Conference. We will discover connections between women in scripture and ourselves. Come and enjoy this restful place where you will be nurtured and grow in faith. Let the voices of faithful women throughout the ages inspire you to give voice to your own faith. Among the many choices of workshops you may want to sign up for is "Creative Writing" which will be lead by Jan Seale, member of First Presbyterian Church. The conferences will be held June 1-3 and June 4-6 at Mo Ranch. Registration forms will be available at the church office Mondays thru Fridays from 9 AM to 4 PM. (posted May 27, 2004)
Go Ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all I have commanded of you, and lo I am with you always even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20 Did you get your call? I’ve always been mystified with that concept. It’s scriptural, mentioned several times in the New Testament. The dictionary defines “called” as a summons or invitation: a strong urge or prompting. So, the question is do we recognize it when it happens to us. In the Youth Service many of our young people talked about making a connection to God in a “mountain top experience” like retreats and youth conferences. Annie Koo pointed out that God knows each of us and can communicate with us in a different way that’s fitting just for us. For example God communicated with Moses through a burning bush. None of us have had that experience but the method God uses to reach me may be different than the method he uses to communicate with you. This summer the young folks in our church will have a variety of chances to follow God’s call. In VBS the kids will be looking at how God calls people to different places in the world to do his work. In our Sizzlin’ Summer Bible Study, the kids and teens will look at God’s Command for us to reach others in the world and in our Summer Mission Madness our youth will go out into our community to help others at the Food Bank and at Habitat for Humanity. I do believe that God Calls Us, so jump on the bandwagon this summer and answer the call!! by Rebecca Villarreal, DCE (posted May 27, 2004)
Sizzlin’ Summer Bible Study June 2,16, 30, August 11, 25 6:00-7:30 PM Our format this year will be a picnic dinner in the courtyard (bring dinner for you and your family and a dessert to share, the church will provide drinks). Following dinner the adults will have a lesson on “Jesus and Paul” in the Parlor. The kids and teens will stay outside for a fun lesson with crafts, drama, games, and a story. VBS June 7-11 9:00 AM- 12:00 Noon God Calls Us Around the World in 5 Days This 5 day study is for kids entering Kinder- 5th grade. The kids will enjoy visiting the different countries and studying the mission work done by the Presbyterian Church in those distant lands. The Guatemalan Connection June 8; 6:00- 7:00 PM We will have a pot luck dinner and a program on the work the Presbyterian church is doing in Guatemala. Katy Bedunnah will be here. She started the Pennies for Piggies program which raised money to buy sows which in turn gave the Guatemalan people a means to support themselves. Also with Ms. Bedunnah will be 2 ministers from churches in Guatemala. Summer Mission Madness June 21-25; 8:30 AM-4:30 PM The Youth of our church will volunteer two days at the Food Bank and two days at Habitat for Humanity. On Friday we will celebrate their efforts with a trip to Schlitterbahn at the Beach. (posted May 27, 2004)
Plans for Vacation Bible School are coming along but we need your help. We are looking for items from: South Africa The Philippines Pakistan Guatamala Peru Anything that you would be willing to loan to us for the week of June 7-11 would be greatly appreciated. We need clothing posters, pottery, pictures, etc. to help our kids learn about the culture of these countries. Contact Rebecca or Lori Weedon with any items to share. (posted May 27, 2004)
Plans for Vacation Bible School are coming along but we need your help. We are looking for items from: South Africa The Philippines Pakistan Guatamala Peru Anything that you would be willing to loan to us for the week of June 7-11 would be greatly appreciated. We need clothing posters, pottery, pictures, etc. to help our kids learn about the culture of these countries. Contact Rebecca or Lori Weedon with any items to share. (posted May 13, 2004)
On May 13, 6:30 PM a dinner will be held at the Bentsen Ranch to recognize those who’ve worked in Sunday School or Youth Group this year. We are fortunate to have many who give their time and talent on a weekly basis. The Christian Education Committee would like to take this opportunity to honor them and the efforts they make. (posted May 13, 2004)
If you would be willing to serve the little ones or the big ones in some capacity we have a place for you. In many of the classes a team of folks rotate so you might only teach two or three months out of the nine. Contact Rebecca if you feel the calling to assist with Sunday School. We need you!! (posted May 13, 2004)
“God calls us around the World in Five Days” June 7-11 9:00AM- 12:00 Noon For kids entering Kinder-5th grade Take off daily for an adventure! Visit far away lands like Peru, Pakistan, Malawi, The Philippines, and Guatemala. We have some exciting games, songs, food, and fun for you in Vacation Bible School this year! Don’t wait, sign up today! Registration forms are in the Narthex. (posted May 13, 2004)
If your child will be attending camp this summer, the deadline for a scholarship is May 17. There are fuchsia colored forms and camp registration info on the north end upstairs bulletin board. (posted May 13, 2004)
We are having a Graduation Luncheon on Sunday, May 23 right after the worship service in the fellowship hall. The Menu will consist of pasta dishes. We are asking that each attending family bring their favorite pasta main dish -- enough to serve their family plus six. The Fellowship Ministry Team will be providing tossed salads, rolls, drinks, and dessert. Please make plans to joins us for this wonderful event as we honor and celebrate our Graduating Seniors. (posted May 13, 2004)
Experience God's presence through worship in a variety of settings, fellowship and workshops at this years' "Faithful Women Speak" Women's Conference. We will discover connections between women in scripture and ourselves. Come and enjoy this restful place where you will be nurtured and grow in faith. Let the voices of faithful women throughout the ages inspire you to give voice to your own faith. Among the many choices of workshops you may want to sign up for is "Creative Writing" which will be lead by Jan Seale, member of First Presbyterian Church. The conferences will be held June 1-3 and June 4-6 at Mo Ranch. Registration forms will be available at the church office Mondays thru Fridays from 9 AM to 4 PM. (posted May 13, 2004)
Summer Bible Study June 2,16, 30, August 11, 25 6:00-7:30 PM Our format this year will be a picnic dinner in the courtyard (bring dinner for you and your family and a dessert to share, the church will provide drinks). Following dinner the adults will have a lesson on “Jesus and Paul” in the Parlor. The kids and teens will stay outside for a fun lesson with crafts, drama, games, and a story. VBS June 7-11 9:00 AM- 12:00 Noon God Calls Us Around the World in 5 Days This 5 day study is for kids entering Kinder- 5th grade. The kids will enjoy visiting the different countries and studying the mission work done by the Presbyterian Church in those distant lands. The Guatemalan Connection June 7 6:00- 7:00 PM We will have a pot luck dinner and a program on the work the Presbyterian church is doing in Guatemala. Katy Bedunnah will be here. She started the Pennies for Piggies program which raised money to buy sows which in turn gave the Guatemalan people a means to support themselves. Also with Ms. Bedunnah will be 2 ministers from churches in Guatemala. Summer Mission Madness June 21-25 8:30 AM-4:30 PM The Youth of our church will volunteer two days at the Food Bank and two days at Habitat for Humanity. On Friday we will celebrate their efforts with a trip to Schlitterbahn at the Beach. (posted May 13, 2004)
If you have a family member who is serving overseas and you would like us to pray for them please contact the church office at 682-2836 and we will place them on our prayer list for everyone to remember in prayer Julie Kozma & Erik Kozma Barbara J. Stevens, stationed in Iraq (Daughter of Greta & Jose Mesta) (posted May 13, 2004)
Education is at the heart of much of the work we do in the church. The CE Committee is looking for some enthusiastic folks to join our efforts. Some of our yearly events are Fall Festival, Confirmation Classes, Sunday School, VBS, Sacrament Classes, Youth Group, and Savvy Sage. If you’re willing to serve in this committee please contact Ismael Cantu, CE Chair or Rebecca Villarreal, DCE. (posted May 13, 2004)
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor. (Proverbs 4: 6-9) Wisdom is indeed supreme. How many times have parents tried to convey that message to their children? And when they finally get to watch their teenager walk across that long stage of life, a diploma waiting at the end, how proud those same parents stand and applaud. How proud they look on with a tear strolling down their cheek and an extra pulse of love drumming in their heart. On Sunday, May 23, this church will have a wonderful opportunity to honor those who have toiled for the better part of 12 years to reach this important juncture in their lives. Graduation Sunday will be the main focus during our morning Worship Service that day as our soon-to-be graduates help lead us in lifting our praises to God. Eight of our youth will be among this year’s graduating class. They include Carlos Martinez, Annie Koo, Joanna and Feliz Simpson, Esteban Davila, Julianne Pruneda, Joseph Musgrove and Aimee Gonzalez. Following the Worship Service, a luncheon hosted by the Fellowship Ministry Team in conjunction with a slide show presented by the Christian Education Committee will be held in the Fellowship Hall to further recognize our graduating seniors. Don’t miss a special time to be with these exceptional young people as they complete one of life’s more astounding journeys and prepare to embark on a brand new exciting one. After all, it was your support, your nurturing, your unshakable willingness to take them under your wing for all of these years that helped inspire this day. Come and relish the fruits of your work. Two other important events take place in our church during the next two weeks. This Sunday, May 16, the monthly Taizé Service will be conducted in the Fellowship Hall beginning at 6 p.m. Plus, on Thursday, May 20, the Valley Cluster Meeting begins at 6 p.m. A potluck dinner will be served. – the Worship/Evangelism Committee (posted May 13, 2004)
Victor Alvarez is the young man who perhaps you have seen in our midst at worship services wheeling around with great skill in his remarkable wheelchair. Victor, born with spinal muscular atrophy, now blesses the caregiving community at 1105 Maple Street. It has been 18 months since he left Comfort House to accept Mary Cloud’s warm hospitality and share her comfortable art-filled home. Also living there are Yolanda Morado (Victor’s new adoptive mom), Jessa Nunley (a friend and former fulltime Comfort House volunteer), Kitty Cloud (Mary’s mother), Graciela Puente (who provides care through the night, sees him off to school in the mornings and is there when he returns at 4 p.m.) Charlie and I come and go. Victor is finishing his sophomore year at McAllen High School. He makes A’s and B’s in his college prep classes and loves school—especially writing, art, math and anything to do with computers. This summer, he plans to take a speech class and spend a week in leadership training at the National Hispanic Institute in Georgetown, Texas. For the first time in three years, he made it through the winter without catching pneumonia. Over the past 18 months, a number of you have given money to help pay for medical supplies and Victor’s 24-hour care needs. Some of you have saved tabs from soda cans (we completed the campaign with 1400 pounds worth!). Others of you have volunteered your time and special skills. We deeply appreciate your generosity and want you to know it makes all the difference in the world. It has been scary having full responsibility for Victor’s present and future needs. The costs and the time commitments are ongoing. If you aren’t now helping us but would like to, please contact Mary (821-9835) or me (1-956-455-4111). If you would like to help financially, we can instruct you how you can make tax-deductible donations that go into a custodial account in Victor’s name. If you have more time than money to spare, we are looking for volunteers to be a companion for Victor during the afternoons in June and July. Graciela would be nearby to assist as needed or handle any emergencies. We promise you an interesting time with a most interesting young man. Thank you again for your help and your prayers, Elizabeth Gearhart (posted May 13, 2004)
The women of the church gathered last weekend for our annual retreat. Our focus was to look at our faith journeys and share the divine, God given, secrets that have made us the women we are. We spent time writing and aligning images that express how our faith has been influenced by certain people and events in our lives. I, for one, gained new insight into the women there. We, of course, drew many conclusions regarding the differences between men and women. We talked about how when men spend time with other men that their focus is different than ours (not bad, just different). For example, most women, I think, would agree that we need time together. Women, in an open loving setting, generally feel free to express deep soulful experiences with each other. One woman commented, as she told the story of an event with one of her children, that her immediate family didn’t know she had these feelings. When emotions are exposed, women connect to each other. I read a study once that reported on babies in a hospital nursery. It noted that baby girls will begin to cry in unison when another baby cries, kind of an “empathy weep.” Baby boys don’t do that. It’s in our wiring to be more emotional than males. In “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus” John Gray talks about how men and women problem solve differently. Men go off by themselves to ponder their problems, women want to talk it out with others. That’s why retreats are so cleansing for us! I left the retreat with a real sense of blessing for the women of this church. There were women of different ages sharing their stories, giving advice to one another, and just listening. I’m grateful to God for the men in my life and grateful that they understand my need to spend time with other women. by Rebecca Villarreal, DCE (posted May 13, 2004)
Grocery cart Food Bank donations are the 4th Sunday of each month. Bring your non-perishable food items on Sunday, May 23. The youth of our church will be "pushing the cart" during our morning offering. All items collected will go to the Rio Grande Valley Food Bank. (posted May 13, 2004)
On May 23 we will be celebrating our graduating seniors with a Youth-led Worship service and luncheon. This is a special time in the life of the church and you won’t want to miss it! (posted May 13, 2004)
A big thank you goes out to all the ladies who worked so diligently to make this year’s Women’s Retreat a success. First off, to Kristi Lee who led us in the creating of our Faith Books. It was a memorable experience that we were all touched by. Next to Jan Seale who assisted with the planning and details as well as being our “resident professional” to assist us all in our writing. Kudos to Pat Moyer, who as the leader of the Women’s Group this year lent her ideas and assistance to the planning. And last but not least, to Shirley Pippin and Sandy Pierson for the fabulous meals. We couldn’t have done it without the help you all gave. THANK YOU!! (posted May 13, 2004)
It’s hard to believe that this is our last week of school. Some people may be glad that it will be quiet in these classrooms and halls, but we will miss the joyous sounds. I feel the need to mention to you what wonderful people we have to work with here. The church staff is always so accommodating and seem to truly enjoy all our childlike activities. And as for the Lynn Flowers Preschool staff, you could never find more special people to work with. They all are excited each day to show the children new things and experience great moments with the kids. It is a joy to get up and come to work each day with this staff. I thank you as a church from all of us at Lynn Flowers Preschool for the opportunity to share God's love with little ones in such a loving environment. Thank you from our hearts! Have a Super Summer. Love, Miss Pat (posted May 13, 2004)
Yesterday we had our big year end family picnic here at school. The only problem was that it turned out to be an inside picnic in the gym because it was raining. But you know what! It turned out great. Everyone young and old had a wonderful attitude about an inside picnic. I never saw one sour face or heard one sad word. Thinking about yesterday only confirms to me that so much of our own happiness is not based on circumstances, but based on our attitude. A little rain does not have to ruin our picnic nor do trials have to ruin our joy. I have learned so much about life by watching the little ones here. Over and over again, they just give me new hope and excitement to see all that tomorrow brings knowing that in God, I can do all things. Thank you for allowing me the pleasure of growing and serving here at Lynn Flowers. Miss Pat (posted May 4, 2004)
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