...news and tidbits from the church office
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Wow! What a “fulfilling” start to our weekly Youth Group Meetings this past Sunday. Not only did both the Junior Highs and Senior Highs each discuss and hammer out their respective calendar of events for the 2005-06 session, but I believe each youth added a few extra pounds with all the hamburgers and hot dogs that were so scrumptiously grilled by Rene Villarreal. Oh, and the desserts were ummm-ummm good. All in all, I think the youth are looking forward to a wonderful and spiritually gratifying year. A year full of learning about Christ and his impact on their fast-paced lives as well as serving him in many different and exciting ventures. Rebecca Villarreal (Jr. Highs leader) and I (Sr. Highs leader) look forward to guiding the youth in a direction that will not only benefit them here at church, but, more importantly, away from church. Today’s youth are pulled and tugged in so many different directions. Through our studies and prayers, our worship and services, and a variety of recreational activities, we hope to illustrate that while the youth may feel stretched to the limit sometimes, they are also firmly glued to the most durable adhesive known to man – the love of God. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29: 13). To be continued … Michael A. Pullen Interim Youth Director (posted August 31, 2005)
On Sunday, September 4th there will be NO Sunday School. Our classes will resume on September 11th. (posted August 31, 2005)
The Jr. & Sr. High Youth Groups will NOT be meeting on Sunday, September 4th Labor Day Weekend. (posted August 31, 2005)
Ding-dong, ding-dong. Is that a school bell I hear?! Well, hallelujah! I say that not because it brings joy to my heart (although again I say hallelujah) but because it brings joy to the hearts of my children. They were ready to go back. Now don’t get me wrong, summer is great but it gets boring after a while. And as Ethan so aptly put it “School’s cool; without it we’d just be a bunch of dumb cave men (or women)!” I couldn’t agree more! This time of year always brings out the teacher in me. It’s like New Year’s Day, a fresh start, new plans, ready to roll, all pumped up!! Last Sunday was our official kick off for Sunday School with our Rally Day. This Sunday all the classes will begin and I encourage you to come and bring your children! We have great things on tap for all ages. For example, our preschoolers will have a variety of hands on activities as they learn about being part of a community. The elementary bunch will study “Covenants” all year with themes such as Noah’s Ark and Abraham. The Jr. High’s will learn how all those stories in the Bible come together in their study “I know my Bible.” And there will be two options for adults, both doing book studies. Sunday was also the beginning of Youth Group for 05-06 and I have a feeling it’s going to be a great year! There were 21 Jr. and Sr. High kids there. They are an integral part of our worship community and it’s exciting to see them involved in the church. Michael Pullen is acting as Interim Youth Director until a permanent director is chosen. He is jumping in with enthusiasm and conviction and I believe he’ll do a great job. If you see Michael, give him a word of support and remember him in your prayers as he starts out this ministry. So…we’re ready to go, are you? We hope to have everyone involved in some type of class. There’s great people to sit by and the lessons are pretty nifty too! By Rebecca Villarreal, DCE (posted August 31, 2005)
The heaviest summer downturn in FPC contributions came in the favorite vacation month. In July the 5 Sunday offerings averaged $4,805, and collections for the month totaled $24,025. With a weekly target figure of $7,417, the projected total amount for July was $37,085, a difference of negative $13,060 for the month. The first two Sunday offerings of August have also been light. The result is that the total contributions received, as of August 14, were $242,609. On the same date, the total target figure was $244,748. For the first time this year, the target exceeds the amount received by $2,139. As vacation time ends, we must turn our attention to the financial needs of FPC McAllen. John Graham, Treasurer (posted August 31, 2005)
As is often the case, the quarterly financial report is a mix of news that can be categorized as “the good,” “the bad” and “a bit ugly.” “The Good” Through June 30, 2005 (the midpoint) pledge offerings, other traceable offerings, loose offerings, rental fees and royalties totaled $214,425, more than half of the projected ‘05 income of $412,164. Midyear budgeted expenses totaled $205,462, leaving a modest $8,963 surplus on the revenue side. Total offerings from non-pledge traceable contributions were $23,425, an amount 25% above the projected figure for midyear. The 2005 budget was built around an anticipated pledge total of $347,264, and that figure grew to $351,575 after adoption of the budget. As of June 30, the actual pledge offering total ($180,366) represented 51.94% of the $347,264 budgeted for the year. “The Bad” Largely as a result of frequent, expensive repairs on the roof air-conditioning unit chillers and compressors, property ministry expenses were almost 70% of budget at midpoint. The Session is waiting for recommendations from an independent engineer that may include estimated replacement costs for the roof A/C unit. (The non-roof A/C units that were replaced last year are working satisfactorily.) Insurance costs for the church building and employee worker compensation are running about $3,000 over budget. “A Bit Ugly” At midyear 54 of the 115 FPC pledge units (47%) were “under” expected levels of giving. This is in sharp contrast to the 29 pledge units (25%) that were “even” and the 32 units (28%) that were “over” their pledge contributions. In Summary The midpoint income and expense numbers indicate we can meet end-of-year obligations by doing as well or better in the last half of ‘05. Reviewing and updating pledges is a key ingredient. The folks who contributed, but did not make formal pledges, must also continue their generous support. FPC needs a major push from many of the 54 pledge units that contributed less than expected during the first half of ‘05. Circumstances and economic needs of individuals and families can and do change; however, within our capabilities, God and His church still deserve our best efforts to meet our obligations. We can do better! Does it matter that we do better? In 2002 and for several prior years, FPC McAllen budgeted $40,000 for benevolence. Worthy charities identified by Mission Presbytery and the PCUSA, Puentes de Cristo, Su Casa and various other local charities are recipients of FPC benevolence giving. In 2003 that figure was reduced to $30,000. In 2004, FPC was able to raise the $30,000 to $35,000. This year, faced with another challenging budget, the Session reluctantly decided to reduce the benevolence allocation to $25,000. Doing better could provide FPC with an opportunity to restore some of the cut. The Mission Statement of FPC McAllen includes a phrase that commits us to “Serve others - at home and beyond our community - with love, compassion, respect, justice and mercy, in the name of Jesus Christ and after His example.” Surely benevolence giving is a part of this charge. Thanks be to God! John Graham, Treasurer (posted August 31, 2005)
The church office will be closed on Monday, September 5th due to the Labor Day holiday. The office will be opened again on Tuesday (posted August 31, 2005)
Active or inactive Elders are invited to contact Rev. Kelly if they are interested in attending Presbytery at Mo-Ranch on October 11-12. Please call the church office. (posted August 31, 2005)
On Sunday, September 4th we will be serving Communion according to the traditional passing of the cup and the plate. (posted August 31, 2005)
With the start of school just around the bend, that means another year of Sunday night youth gatherings is also about to commence at First Presbyterian. Sunday, August 21, has been set as the first night for Jr. Highs (4:30 p.m.) and Sr. Highs (6 p.m.) to hold their initial youth group meetings at the church. Dinner, socializing, recreation and a peek at what activities and events lie ahead in the coming months for the youth will comprise the agenda for those first meetings. There will be one major change surrounding the start of the new season for the youth, however. Sadly, Lori Weedon decided recently to step down as the Youth Director for the church. As a teacher, a wife and a mother of two young children, all the while developing and administering the youth program, Lori’s time was splintered between all the tasks she had to manage simultaneously. After much prayer and thoughtful consideration over the summer, she felt compelled to tender her resignation. Needless to say, although she will continue to be a valuable member of the Youth Ministry team here at First Presbyterian, the youth will miss Lori on Sunday nights. We offer our sincere thanks to Lori for the year she devoted to the program and look forward to her continued support. As a result of Lori’s departure, Michael Pullen has agreed to fill the Youth Director position on an interim basis until a permanent replacement can be found. We look forward to seeing all our youth on that first Sunday night, August 21. (posted August 19, 2005)
Next Sunday, August 28 is the last Sunday of the month and grocery cart Sunday. Please bring your non perishable items to be donated to the food bank. We have collected an impressive amount of food in the past, so put it on your calendar and let's break our previous record! (posted August 19, 2005)
What a summer it has been! Just a couple of months ago when I heard that Jesse would be leaving, and then my sister and brother-in-law as well, the fear of uncertainty was almost overwhelming. I, along with many of you I'm sure, had no idea what to expect and how our congregation would come through the summer. Who would perform the anthems? And just how would Michael fill the pulpit? Just how many things can that man do at one time? Now that the summer is almost history, I can look back and feel a great sense of pride and accomplishment for our church family. Our time of transition is far from over, but look at how strong our leaders are! Every Sunday was just as fulfilling as ever thanks to their tireless efforts and dedication. I am thrilled to have been offered the music directors position, filling the place that my brother-in-law left when he and my twin sister moved to Houston. I am grateful for the support and encouragement of my church family. I know that with everyone's involvement, the music of FPC will continue to be an uplifting part of our worship. This is a musical church. So many of our members have musical backgrounds, and even sang in our choir in the past. Our congregation actually sings the hymns, and beautifully I might add. The choir is now beginning Wednesday night rehearsals from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. and returning to the loft for Sunday worship. There is no better time to jump in! There is no better vantage point for worship. Carol, Mary, Van, Bill, Spud, Lori, Sonny, and the rest of the gang (sorry I can't list you all) will be looking forward to seeing you there! Pauline Sexton, Music Director (posted August 19, 2005)
A few months back I talked about the change that was coming as we prepared for being without a pastor. Now we’re looking at a different kind of change with the new interim taking the helm. If you haven’t met O’Quin yet you have something to look forward to. He’s been here only two weeks and I believe I speak for the staff in saying that his gift as a spiritual leader is shining through. This is my first experience with an interim and the work that takes place to prepare the way for our next called minister. It seems like an exciting time to me. In the next months O’Quin will be leading us to discern God’s will for our church. While we are united in our faith and our traditions, we are individuals and have varying ideas about what we should be and do. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will stir among us, awakening us to a new vision for First Presbyterian, McAllen. With God’s guidance we can learn from this time of transition. We don’t know what God has in store for us but I am ready for the possibilities! Thanks be to God By Rebecca Villarreal, DCE (posted August 19, 2005)
August 21 is Rally Sunday! Come for breakfast at 9:00 AM. The preschool and elementary kids will be dismissed to their classes at 9:30 and the rest of us will remain in Fellowship Hall for a preview of new and exciting events coming up this Fall. Sunday School begins on August 21. There will be no Sunday School on September 4, Labor Day weekend. (posted August 19, 2005)
My great appreciation to all my First Presbyterian members and friends for their prayers, cards and visitations after my surgery and during my recovery and to all those who brought food, too. I felt a great love from all. Carol Crosby (posted August 19, 2005)
Rally Day – August 21 Confirmation Retreat – September 23 Wednesday Dinner and Program – September 7 (posted August 4, 2005)
We love those lazy, hazy, crazy, days of summer. Those days of soda and popcorn and cheer… I remember listening to that tune on my back porch in Benton, Arkansas. Summertime does have a way of tickling our senses, whether it’s smelling the honeysuckle, or taking in a great summer read, or tasting the cool, crisp crunch of some watermelon, the slower pace allows us to savor each experience. Summertime also offers a great opportunity to build memories with our kids. We usually take off on a trip, spending several hours a day in the car. Nothing like long rides together and exploring new places to elicit interesting conversations. Earlier this month Rene, his parents, Patrick, Lauren, and myself drove to a little town outside Monterrey called Huinala. It’s where my in-laws grew up and as we entered town, Lauren questioned why a man was riding a bicycle in the busy traffic. Her grandmother replied, “That’s all he has. There are many people here that don’t have the things you and I do.” The next morning Lauren and I took a walk and she commented on how much she loves Mexico. Her grandmother’s cooking, the plaza for her to romp in, and the simple life are all things that she embraces; yet she realizes how much we have that we take for granted. In late June, nine of our Jr. High youth attended the Summer Mission Camp at First Presbyterian Church in Harlingen. They learned about the Food Pantry the church has run for four years and even distributed food to 70 families. They gave up their time as they took part in something that offered no benefits to them, or so it seemed. In Matthew 25 Jesus says, “As you have done this for the least of these you have done it unto me.” We are called to love our neighbors, to reach out to those who have less than us but sometimes it doesn’t seem like that attractive of an offer. I saw a man on the news last night that was taking supplies into Mexico. He said he started doing it because he was retired and needed something to do. What he didn’t expect was the joy he would get from helping others. I don’t think the Jr. High kids expected to get the blessing they did from helping out at the Food Pantry. Thanks be to God for the commitment our youth make to serving others. By Rebecca Villarreal (posted August 4, 2005)
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