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As we make plans for the summer and next fall the following areas need you! If you’re interested in serving in one of the following capacities, call or e-mail the respective person(s) listed in parenthesis. 1) Leading a game or craft activity for kids during summer Sunday School. (Rebecca Villarreal: 682-2836 or rvillarreal1@sbcglobal.net) 2) Do you like telling stories to children? Then maybe you’d be interested in sharing your “storytelling” talents each Sunday or becoming an understudy with the intention of taking over the Children’s Sermon. (Church office: 682-2836 or fpchurch@sbcglobal.net; or Becky Smith: 369-6825) 3) Are you a good host/hostess? Do you enjoy entertaining social events? The Fellowship Committee is looking for a volunteer to help chair this ministry. (Rene Villarreal: 687-4002; or Church office: 682-2836 or fpchurch@sbcglobal.net) 4) Our church is gearing up for it’s 100th birthday in 2008. A Centennial Committee is being formed to prepare the celebration plans which need to be in place by the end of 2007. Volunteers are more than welcome to help out with this important project. (Church office: 682-2836 or fpchurch@sbcglobal.net) 5) Confirmation is coming! We have a great curriculum and a super group of 8th graders to work with. You can volunteer for 2 or more one-hour sessions. (Rebecca Villarreal: 682-2836 or rvillarreal1@sbcglobal.net) 6) If your passion is young people, we could use your enthusiasm. There are a variety of tasks that we need help with to keep up with our youth! We need folks to chaperone trips to John Knox and Mo Ranch, we need folks to help out on Sunday evenings, and to assist in the preparation of the two Worship Services they conduct. (Rebecca Villarreal: 682-2836 or rvillarreal1@sbcglobal.net) 7) We will be offering a worship preparation class this fall for kids 4-7 years of age. There will be 13 sessions which will happen during worship time (after the children’s sermon). We need help on 2-3 of those Sundays. (Rebecca Villarreal: 682-2836 or rvillarreal1@sbcglobal.net) (posted July 27, 2006)
Committee reviewing forms from all over The PNC has been meeting almost weekly since being formed. Our first step was to complete the Church Information Form. One section of the form required us to choose qualities from a list, those that we require in a pastor, and those that were desired. To assist us with that section of the CIF, we prepared, mailed, and collected a survey. Many of you responded to our request for your input and sent additional comments that we greatly appreciated. When the form was completed, it had to be approved by our Session before being sent on for additional signatures. At last it was ready and went on line. Pastors complete a similar form called a Personal Information Form which they submit. Their forms have some similarity to ours in that they list what they consider to be their primary skills, where they would like to work, and their minimum effective salary. In addition, they write about their education, past experience, the kind of church they desire, accomplishments in their present call, leadership style, and what they consider key theological issues. The next step is almost like a computer dating service. Our Church Information Form and the pastors Personal Information Forms are matched up and sent out. Geographic location might be a matching item as well as salary or years of experience required. We are in the computer dating service stage of the process. So far, we have received over 80 Personal Information Forms to review. The computer has sent most of those forms to us. That means that the men and women described on the forms may not know that FPC-McAllen is considering them. A couple of forms have come from people who saw the Church Information Form on line and contacted us directly, but most have not. So far we have seen PIF's from a wide range of people. Candidates range from honorably retired to barely eight years of experience, and some are in ministry as a second career. Some have doctorates or are working on doctorates, some have spent most of their ministry as interims, some have been missionaries, and some have extensive experience working with youth. Some have studied abroad, some have attended conferences at Mo-Ranch, and some have worked for other denominations for a while. We have PIF's from men, women and some that are clergy couples. The Committee takes reviewing these forms seriously. We are narrowing down the stack of 80 and continue to receive more PIFs as well. The time will come when we begin the process of determining if the pastors are still available, and if so, try to learn more about them before we make ourselves known to them. If you know of anyone you would like us to contact, or if during your travels, you hear someone you would like us to contact, please bring us names and addresses. We are moving forward and we are making progress. However, there is much work yet to be done. As we begin and end each meeting, we pray that God will lead us in our effort to find the person he has chosen for our congregation. Please continue to pray for us and for our new pastor, wherever he or she may be. Thank you for your continued support! (posted July 27, 2006)
FPC-McAllen members involved in disaster relief Garrett Garfield and Lita Simpson are currently participating in Mission Presbytery’s Youth on a Mission program to New Orleans, Louisiana, from July 22-27, 2006. They joined 17 other youth and adults who are working with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance for the continuing hands-on clean-up. Garrett is involved in demolition so that those whose homes or churches were destroyed can move forward and rebuild. Way to go, Garrett and Lita! 2006 Presbyterian Women's Fall Gathering The “2006 Presbyterian Women’s Fall Gathering” is scheduled for the morning of Saturday, September 16, at First Presbyterian Church, Brownsville. More details will be available later. The new PW Enablers are Margaret Perez (Upper Valley) 956-968-4984 and Beverly Jones (Lower Valley) 956-365-4258. 2006 Hispanic Women’s Gathering, October 6-8 The 2006 Hispanic Presbyterian Women’s Gathering will take place at Mo-Ranch from October 6-8. Total cost of the event is $100. However, if half of the total cost is paid by August 31, the total cost will be $85. The registration deadline is 30 days prior to the conference. For more information contact Ruth Meza at 972-274-5186 or by e-mail: rmeza@dallasisd.org. Registration forms can be picked up in the church office or look for the forms in upcoming Worship Service bulletins. Brian Pullen New Co-chair of Youth Connection Division Brian Pullen is the new co-chairman of Mission Presbytery's Youth Connection Division. As the lone youth chairperson, Brian will share duties with Rev. Lori Beer, the adult chair. The Youth Connection Division works to expand, organize, and provide support for youth ministries in Mission Presbytery. They strive to model the “Five Intentions of Youth Ministry” which are: 1) to call young people to be disciples of Jesus Christ; 2) to respond to the needs and interests of young people; 3) to work together in partnership, young people and adults; 4) to be connected to the whole church, community, and world; 5) and to be inclusive of all young people. Brian, 17, will be a senior at McAllen High during the 2006-07 school year and also hopes to play basketball for the Bulldogs. Puentes de Cristo's Andrew Berg to present "Minute for Mission" Andrew Berg of Puentes de Cristo will present the “Minute for Mission” next Sunday, August 6, during the Worship Service. As the Interim U.S. Coordinator for Puentes, Andrew will spotlight the New Vision for Puentes, a plan which “focuses on facilitating partnerships between churches in the U.S. and Mexico.” See the August Newsletter for Andrew’s in-depth review of the plan. Following next Sunday’s service, Andrew will be available to answer any questions you might have about the New Vision for Puentes. (posted July 27, 2006)
CHILDREN IN WORSHIP “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:16-17) Those of us who’ve worked with children know their pureness of heart. Often they have a perspective on things that is very different from an adult’s. This fall we will be offering a worship preparation class for 4-7 year olds. The purpose of the class is for the kids to understand the reasons why we do what we do in church. The kids will learn that as we gather we do certain things like welcome guests and greet one another. They will also learn about the objects in the front of the sanctuary, what their purpose is and what they’re called. We will then learn that part of worship is praising God. We offer praise and thanks through music and prayer and we’ll learn some of the songs of praise we use. The third part of our worship is prayer. The kids will write prayers of their own as well as learn The Lord’s Prayer. Next in worship we proclaim God’s word by reading scripture and learning about the Bible through the sermon. After the scripture is read and discussed we respond to it by giving offerings, reciting creeds, and participating in the sacraments. This class will take the place of the sacrament class we’ve offered in the past, but will include many of those lessons, such as baking bread for communion while it offers some new lessons as well. The last part of worship is being sent out into the world. What part of worship does that? The kids will learn of the gifts they can share with others as they go out into the world. So we can all expect to learn something from our children as they embark on this new study. -- Rebecca (posted July 27, 2006)
As we make plans for the summer and next fall the following areas need you! If you’re interested in serving in one of the following capacities, call or e-mail the respective person(s) listed in parenthesis. 1) Teaching one of the sections of Confirmation in the fall/spring. This involves one to three hour-long sessions with our 8th graders. We have a great curriculum to follow and our kids are such an inspiration and a blessing. (Rebecca Villarreal: 682-2836 or rvillarreal1@sbcglobal.net) 2) Working with one of the Youth Groups (Jr. High or Sr. High) in the fall/spring. We need folks to lead activities on Sunday evenings, to chaperone events, to offer up their homes for parties, and to travel with us to such exotic locations as Mo-Ranch and John Knox Ranch. If you haven’t helped out with the youth you’re missing out. They’re the best! They keep you young! They keep you laughing! (Rebecca Villarreal: 682-2836 or rvillarreal1@sbcglobal.net) 3) Do you like putting together puzzles? Are you handy with a paint brush? From June 4 – August 27 all the kids will be meeting in Room 103 downstairs for some summertime fun on Sunday mornings. If you’re 2 – 11 we have some fun games and crafts for you to be involved in. If you’re a Jr. High or High School student we could use your help with the little ones. (Rebecca Villarreal: 682-2836 or rvillarreal1@sbcglobal.net) 4) Do you like telling stories to children? Then maybe you’d be interested in sharing your “storytelling” talents each Sunday or becoming an understudy with the intention of taking over the Children’s Sermon. (Church office: 682-2836 or fpchurch@sbcglobal.net; or Becky Smith: 369-6825) (posted July 18, 2006)
Bill Cotman receives award AUSTIN, TEXAS — Commencement exercises at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary on May 21 included the granting of special awards to graduating seniors who have distinguished themselves in eight areas of academic focus. Bill Cotman, a member of the First Presbyterian Church-McAllen, and Amy Meyer shared the Chalice Press Book Award in Partnership with the Oreon E. Scott Foundation: Outstanding Seminarian—Spring 2006. The award is given to provide an additional measure of encouragement for two seminarians whose potential for service in Christ’s church is exceptionally high. The students are selected for the award by the academic dean. Cotman has a position as a pastoral intern at FPC-Cody, Wyoming. Other honorees and their awards were: Kerry Knox Westerwick, Charles L. King Preaching Award; Ayana Harris Teter and Asante Todd, Rachel Henderlite Award; Marta Z. Ukropina, John B. Spragens Award; Charlotte Trafton, Hendrick-Smith Award for Mission and Evangelism; Everett Miller, Donald Capps Award in Pastoral Care; David Martinez, Ada and Adams Colhoun Award; and Linda Sharon, Carl Kilborn Book Award. (posted July 18, 2006)
Camp Information available Summer is here and registration forms for John Knox Ranch and Mo-Ranch are available on the upstairs bulletin board at the south end of the building. We want your kids to experience a Presbyterian camp and have scholarships available to all church members to help defray the costs. Check it out!! Your children will be glad you did. Attention parents of young children! Is it hard to find time to take your children to the library? Bring them to our church library to pick out interesting reading for the week. We have a quality collection of children’s books, with new selections being added all the time. Visit the library, located adjacent to Fellowship Hall, before Sunday School, after church, or on Wednesday evenings. Oh, and while you’re there, why not indulge yourself by choosing a good “read” from our adult section! 2006 Presbyterian Women's Fall Gathering The “2006 Presbyterian Women’s Fall Gathering” is scheduled for the morning of Saturday, September 16, at First Presbyterian Church, Brownsville. More details will be available later. The new PW Enablers are Margaret Perez (Upper Valley) 956-968-4984 and Beverly Jones (Lower Valley) 956-365-4258. (posted July 18, 2006)
Godly Play: Ready, set ... Ever wonder what the ten best ways are? Or how the Ark of the Covenant was moved from place to place? These and other fascinating questions will be addressed in our new preschool class, “Godly Play.” Godly Play will start on Rally Sunday, September 10, and is for preschoolers 3-5 years of age. If your child is 3-5 make plans for them to attend this exciting class! Thanks! We have had such a gracious outpouring of support for our Godly Play program and many talented folks at FPC have helped create items for this class. They are: Clifton Collins – The Temple and The Ark Forrest Sparks – A set of crosses, a synagogue and the upper room, as well as a boat. Carl Seale – A boat We really appreciate the love and support you’ve shown! Vacation Bible School has come and gone As I write this I’ve just wrapped up my 1st day of VBS. There were the mishaps and some short periods of craziness but overall it was good. I’m one who believes that God communicates with us through events in our lives and VBS has acted as a conduit between me and God on many occasions throughout my life. Every year I get such a charge out of this one week of summer. I just enjoy the “summerness” of setting everything up, getting into our “themed” outfits, and preparing for that first day when the kids come pouring in. Yet, as we sing and laugh and play together more than just the kids come pouring in. The ceiling opens up and the Holy Spirit comes pouring in. After listening to O’Quin’s sermon yesterday (June 11) on “No Greater Love” I was engrossed in John 3:17. The idea that Jesus was not sent to condemn the world, but to save it, kept running through my mind. When I was listening to the stories this morning about God loving us with a love that is more than love, I felt it; that old familiar VBS excitement, that joy and goodness that only comes from our gracious and loving God. I just love summertime! Kudos and Gracias!! VBS has come and gone leaving behind leftover archeological trinkets and loads of memories! We hosted between 35-40 kids a day, ate some interesting snacks, and just enjoyed being together. It takes a strong crew to make an event like this a success and I’d like to offer my thanks for the hard work of a number of people. First, to the Jr. High Youth Group and Nancy Hyslin for their hours of creating backdrops which made our assembly area and Bible story rooms a sensation. Next to the “muscle” behind the madness, Spud Brown and Rene Villarreal for hanging curtains, adjusting lights etc. Then to our core leaders: Andrea and Ethan Hudler, our Dr. Zig and Professor Who, who both delighted the crowd daily; Lisa Tucker, Adela Zamora, and Lauren Villarreal who prepared and served the yummy snacks; Jeannie Emmons, Hayden and Meaghan Dooley, creators of the craft items; Pauline Sexton and Lauren Smith who kept us humming those catchy tunes; Nadine Force and her team of thespians who brought the Bible stories to life; and Tony Zamora and Michael Pullen, who led the kids in fun recreational activities. There were many others such as Ann Sahadi, Peggy Talbert, Veronica Galligan, Shannon Leonard, and Patrick Villarreal who helped wherever they were needed. A special thanks to Joy Tittle who eats, thinks, and breathes VBS for 6 months out of the year and is a huge help. It was a great week, a blessing to many. Thanks so much to all of you!! Rebecca (posted July 18, 2006)
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