...news and tidbits from the church office
|
Past
News February 2008 April 2007 March 2007 July 2006 June 2006 April 2006 March 2006 October 2005 September 2005 August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005 January 2005 December 2004 November 2004 October 2004 September 2004 August 2004 July 2004 June 2004 May 2004 April 2004 March 2004 February 2004 January 2004 December 2003 November 2003 October 2003 September 2003 August 2003 July 2003 June 2003 May 2003 April 2003 March 2003 February 2003 January 2003 December 2002 November 2002 |
Dear members of First Presbyterian Church, I want to thank all of you for your prayers and concerns for me during the recent loss of my husband, John Snider. I was born into this church in 1941, and I am so fortunate to be surrounded by all of you in the church family. My love to you,Helen Snider (posted August 24, 2004)
Wednesday Morning Bible Study will resume at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 1, 2004 in the parlor. We will be studying "The Purpose Driven Church". If you would like to purchase a copy of The Purpose Driven Church it is available on the internet through Overstock.com. The current price is $11.99 plus $1.40 postage for a total of $13.39. This is the best price currently being offered but check Amazon or Sam's club. Contact Reverend Thornton if you have any questions. (posted August 24, 2004)
The Dodge Arena offers a group sales program whereby organizations such as ours can buy discounted tickets to certain events if at least 15 people are interested in attending. I just received the schedule. It includes: Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) September 24-26, 2004 Moscow On Ice October 9-10, 2004 Killer Bees Hockey October-April, 2005 Sesame Street Live December 3-5, 2004 Harlem Globetrotters January 26-27, 2005 I’ve requested information on ticket prices for each event, when money is due in, etc. I’ll notify you as I hear anything. -Rebecca Villarreal,DCE (posted August 24, 2004)
Youth Group is planning its Fall kick off on September 12. Jr. High 4:30-6:00 Sr. High 6:00-8:00 We have lots of fun and faith-filled stuff for you to get involved in. So mark your calendar. We’ve missed you guys and look forward to being back together again! -Rebecca Villarreal, DCE (posted August 24, 2004)
Our Fall Confirmation class will begin with a retreat on September 17-18 at South Padre Island. Confirmation is for 8th graders so if that’s you or someone who lives in your house, be watching the mail for more info on dates and events for Confirmation. -Rebecca Villarreal, DCE (posted August 24, 2004)
September 12 is Rally Sunday and everyone is invited. Breakfast will be at 8:30 followed by an introduction of our Sunday school teachers and class offerings for the year. We will also have booths set up representing the many ministries FPC is involved in. Don’t forget! September 12 at 8:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Hope to see you there!! (posted August 24, 2004)
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 Faith is a hard concept for adults. “Faith” is the theme for our elementary Sunday School class this year. Stories of faith are abundant in our Christian heritage. From the faith Isaiah showed when he said, “I’m here Lord, send me” to the faith shown by the folks in the “Children’s Mission Yearbook” to the faith that we have as a church that God is with us, even in times of trouble. My sister Judy was short on faith last week when she was told that a staff infection had invaded her prosthetic hip and for the 4th time the doctors would need to remove the prosthesis. She didn’t know how long she’d be in traction, it could be up to 6 months, it was 4 months a couple of years ago. She did know the physical pain would be excruciating and it would take a toll emotionally as well since she’d have no one to care for her 10-year old daughter. I got the news of Judy’s scheduled surgery Friday morning, my last day at seminary. Our first task in class that morning was to get into groups and share a concern of the heart. Suffice it to say that no one else in my group got to speak. I was devastated for my sister. She could lose her leg and be in a wheel chair the rest of her life. She’s 46 years old. But the faith and prayers of my friends there pulled me through. I had people from Virginia to South Carolina to Arkansas to Nebraska and all over Texas praying for Judy. And let me tell you, God is good. When her team of doctors got her opened up, things weren’t as bad as they had seemed. Her doctor created a spacer to put in the area where her prosthesis was, which saved her from being put in traction and she only had to stay in the hospital 5 days. She’ll be on crutches for 6 weeks but she’ll get her leg back! Through all of this I learned 2 things: The power of prayer is real and faith can help us overcome adversity. Thanks be to God. -Rebecca Villarreal, DCE (posted August 24, 2004)
With school bells tolling again, invariably proclaiming that summer is almost at an end, the life of the church also tends to kick into high gear for the next nine months. As if to punctuate the close of the summer season, for instance, the Sizzlin’ Summer series concludes this Wednesday, August 25, from 6-7:30 p.m. Bring you own picnic dinner (drinks will be provided), as well as a few friends and share a special fellowship outing and study with other families that evening. The adults will view and discuss the ABC News-produced DVD entitled “Jesus and Paul” while the kids and teens will enjoy outside activities. And don’t forget to bring your cans of food this Sunday to place in the grocery cart during the presentation of tithes and offerings. The donated cans will later be transported to the Rio Grande Valley Food Bank to help needy families around the area. Peeking ahead to next month, one of this church’s most important events takes place on September 12th when our annual “Rally Day” event ushers in the first day of Fall Christian Education classes for all ages that Sunday. Also in September, the Presbyterian Women will hold their Fall Gathering in San Benito on the 11th and our own Bill Cotman will preach on the 19th. Stay tuned for more details on all of these events in the upcoming newsletters. – the Worship/Evangelism Committee (posted August 24, 2004)
We're Back, We're Back!!!! From those of us at Lynn Flowers we are excited to be back this year for lots of fun sounds and smiles. School starts August 23rd so come by if you need a giggle. -Pat Simpson Director, Lynn Flowers Preschool (posted August 24, 2004)
One half of the 2004 calendar (and fiscal) year came to a close on June 30. By looking back and reviewing some of the financial information from last year and comparing with this year, we may come to a better understanding of the current fiscal status of First Presbyterian Church (FPC)
By matching the January-June, 2004 revenue total ($210,718) in July-December, the church will have sufficient funds to meet the $420,737 budget. To ensure that this goal is met, staff and committees (ministries) must continue to spend prudently, and pledges must be updated and met. The cash position of FPC has also improved since June 30, 2003. Last year cash in the bank was $17,004, and the balance in the capital account was $9,801. Comparable figures for this year were $32,701 and $52,535. The amount in the capital account ($52,535), however, will drop to approximately $26,500 when the final payments are made for the recent A/C project and the accompanying engineering fees. Regarding the A/C project, as planned, the approximately $55,000 bill for the three new units and engineering fees will be paid from funds that were previously held in reserve. The CD has been cashed, and final payments will be made upon satisfactory completion of the project. Maintaining and increasing the cash reserve in the capital account should continue to be a major objective of the session and the congregation. It is important that the remaining roof pledges be met through 2005. In summary, we did reasonably well during the first half of 2004, but the drop in pledges was a disappointment. If second half income equals first half revenues, we should cover the budget requirements. As always let us continue to thank God for the loving care He has provided to this Christian community and continue our service to Him through this church. -John Graham, Treasure (posted August 24, 2004)
On August 25th at 6 p.m. in the courtyard we will meet for our last Summer Bible Event. If you haven't attended before that's o.k. Bring a picnic dinner for yourself and your family (We provide the drinks). Our kids will be exploring the country of Romania; their games and food. The adults will continue their series on "Jesus and Paul". Don't miss out!!! Kids, bring you best friend or bring a neighbor. (posted August 24, 2004)
Come for a Spirit - filled time of song and story, featuring the original music of Jennifer Klein. Jennifer has an interesting story, as she gave up a successful career as an attorney, to write and perform Christian music. After spending a week in a prayer retreat, she decided the Lord wanted her to do something more with her talent. She changed her lifestyle, moved to a lower "cost-of-living', and began to use her musical talent for the Lord. ADMISSION IS FREE (Love Offering Will Be Taken) Sunday, August 29, 2004 5:00 p.m. Refreshments Will Be Served First Presbyterian Church 956-969-1535 Corner of 7th & Iowa St. Weslaco, Texas (posted August 24, 2004)
The Wednesday Morning Bible study group will be taking a break for the remainder of the summer. Bible study will resume Wednesday, September 1, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. in the church parlor. (posted August 10, 2004)
Classes at Lynn Flowers Preschool begin again this August. Meet the Teacher Day will be on August 19 & 20, 2004. The first day of school will be August 23, 2004. If you have any questions please call the Preschool. (posted August 10, 2004)
Thank you so much to those who donated money to John Knox Ranch. With the donations we were able to send many kids to camp who may not have been able to attend otherwise. We have had a wonderful summer with over 650 campers. Thanks again for all of the support and generosity we received The Staff at John Knox (posted August 10, 2004)
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|
