...news and tidbits from the church office
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Are we there yet? If I had a nickel for every time that question’s been asked…but it’s hard to be patient when you’re in the car driving and driving and you know that just around the bend great things await. We’re kind of in that stage right now as we wait for an interim pastor. I don’t know about you, but patience is not my strong suit. Woodrow Wilson was quoted as saying, “All things come to him who waits.” I believe that and I believe that God has a plan for us, in this time, at this church. I’m hoping to learn to appreciate the waiting part of this process. For in the waiting we note things we hadn’t noticed before, like how helpful and responsible our Session members are and how close knit a group we are. As a member of staff, I have appreciated Wileen, Walter, and Michael. They have been a visible support for us by attending our staff meetings and being accessible to come solve a problem or fill in when someone’s out. So despite the discomfort of the changes we’re going through, I’m excited about the road ahead. Starting new gives us the chance to regroup and reconsider what it is we’re called to do. With the support and leadership of our session we will forge ahead, eager for the great things that lie ahead while we are watchful of the lessons God has for us along the way. by Rebecca Villarreal, DCE (posted June 17, 2005)
Summertime demands some extra effort from those who live, love and worship in deep South Texas. The searing heat tends to confine us to the air conditioned comfort of our homes or work places. We look forward to visits to the Island or vacationing in a clime where summertime is less intimidating. Restricted to home, life slows. It becomes a bit easier to skip the Sunday service, and we are tempted to put aside the responsibilities and obligations that enrich and bring meaning to our community of faith. In '05 the summertime blues are probably exacerbated by a pause - as Jesse and Dottie leave and the Session organizes the search for anew leader. Perhaps a gentle reminder is in order: It is time to shake the summertime doldrums and put our hearts into moving this church forward. FPC is God's church, but FPC is fueled by the efforts this congregation makes in support of His ministries. In his recent "Thank You' column for the newsletter, Jesse wrote: "So I leave celebrating God's peace and unifying peace. Never tire in giving thanks to God for the gift of this church, for the gift of each other, for the gift of God's unifying peace." These eloquent and wise words can guide us. May God bless Jesse, Dottie, Erin and Andy as they turn the page on another chapter in their lives. We will miss them all. Have some fun as we vacation and as we go about God's work. Remember that a time will come (in the next 6 months) when the heat abates, and we experience our 2 0r 3 weeks of winter. God is faithful to His people. God is truly good. Thanks be to God! MAY OFFERINGS DROP May offering for FPC dropped significantly. Collections for the five Sundays of May totaled $26,030, an average of $5,206 per week. The weekly target figure is $7,417. Te end-of-April cushion of approximately $20,000 was reduced to $10,165 by the end of May. The end of June marks the half-way point for fiscal year 2005, and FPC should continue to show a surplus at that point. However, July and August are difficult months historically. Upgrading and maintaining pledges and other contributions will continue to be the key to a successful budget year. John Graham, Treasurer (posted June 17, 2005)
Vacation Bible School for 2005 has come and gone. There were 37 kids attending this year’s week of songs, crafts, snacks, games, and Bible exploration. The kids had a ball and the leaders wore big smiles as well (along with their cowboy hats and bandannas)! An event like this can’t be done without the help of a bunch of people and we offer a loud, “Yeehah” to the following folks. Joy Tittle, Nadine Force, Jeannie Emmons, Hayden Dooley, Natalie Moore, Sarah Sparks, Lori Weedon, Clint Dreyer, Michael Pullen, Nadine Force, Lauren Magee, Lita Simpson, Peggy Talbert, Mary Cloud, Ashley McClellan, Patrick Villarreal, and Spud Brown, Pauline Sexton, Josh Weedon, Barbara Montemayor, Lisa Tucker, Lauren Villarreal, Toni Zamora, Feliz Simpson, JJ Garcia, Jan Brown. (posted June 17, 2005)
The search for an Interim Pastor is well underway. Conflicting schedules, both with the committee and the candidates, have been a serious consideration in the process. The committee is very pleased with both candidates and feel that our church will be well served by either pastor. Initially we held phone interviews with the candidates. Then, face to face interviews with two candidates and their wives were held in May. June 5th Wileen King, Walter Passmore, and Michael Pullen traveled to a neighboring Presbyterian church to hear one of the candidates preach. A second conversation, held with the candidate and his wife, gave everyone the opportunity to get to know one another better and answer more questions. On June 19th, the committee will travel to hear the second candidate preach and will schedule time for additional conversation as well. Depending on which candidate is selected, timing will again play a significant part in the schedule. There is a possibility that we will not have someone here until the very end of July or the first of August. Thank you for your continuing prayers, God's guidance is needed as we near the end of the selection process. Wileen, Walter, and Michael (posted June 17, 2005)
We are trying to compile a list of possible fill-ins for our church secretary when she has to be out of the office for either vacation or family emergencies. If you are willing to be called upon in a pinch to work the desk for either a couple of hours, a half day or a full day, please contact Lori Bowles, the church secretary, at 682-2836 to add your name to the list. Lori can also provide more information about what will be required of you during your shift and answer any other questions you might have. (posted June 17, 2005)
We need someone to go through our costumes, do any mending that is needed, and wash them to be ready for fall Sunday School classes. If you’re able and willing to take on this summer project, contact Rebecca at the church. (posted June 17, 2005)
Vacation Bible School for 2005 has come and gone. There were 37 kids attending this year’s week of songs, crafts, snacks, games, and Bible exploration. The kids had a ball and the leaders wore big smiles as well (along with their cowboy hats and bandannas)! An event like this can’t be done without the help of a bunch of people and we offer a loud, “Yeehah” to the following folks. Joy Tittle, Nadine Force, Jeannie Emmons, Hayden Dooley, Natalie Moore, Sarah Sparks, Lori Weedon, Clint Dreyer, Michael Pullen, Nadine Force, Lauren Magee, Lita Simpson, Peggy Talbert, Mary Cloud, Ashley McClellan, Patrick Villarreal, and Spud Brown, Pauline Sexton, Josh Weedon, Barbara Montemayor, Lisa Tucker, Lauren Villarreal, Toni Zamora, Feliz Simpson, JJ Garcia, Jan Brown. (posted June 17, 2005)
Are we there yet? If I had a nickel for every time that question’s been asked…but it’s hard to be patient when you’re in the car driving and driving and you know that just around the bend great things await. We’re kind of in that stage right now as we wait for an interim pastor. I don’t know about you, but patience is not my strong suit. Woodrow Wilson was quoted as saying, “All things come to him who waits.” I believe that and I believe that God has a plan for us, in this time, at this church. I’m hoping to learn to appreciate the waiting part of this process. For in the waiting we note things we hadn’t noticed before, like how helpful and responsible our Session members are and how close knit a group we are. As a member of staff, I have appreciated Wileen, Walter, and Michael. They have been a visible support for us by attending our staff meetings and being accessible to come solve a problem or fill in when someone’s out. So despite the discomfort of the changes we’re going through, I’m excited about the road ahead. Starting new gives us the chance to regroup and reconsider what it is we’re called to do. With the support and leadership of our session we will forge ahead, eager for the great things that lie ahead while we are watchful of the lessons God has for us along the way. by Rebecca Villarreal, DCE (posted June 17, 2005)
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