...news and tidbits from the church office
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We have 6 young people in our congregation who will be working through the confirmation process this fall. They will kick off the year with a retreat at South Padre Island this weekend (September 19-20) led by Lita Simpson. The purpose of the retreat is to build community, get an overview of the confirmation journey, and understand what it means to be a member of the body of Christ at FPC. We ask for your prayers for all those involved in the Confirmation Process. They are:
(posted September 25, 2003)
The Peacemaking Offering supports the peacemaking efforts of the church at every governing body level, and provides an opportunity to witness to God's gift of peace in the world. In order to help the whole church respond to God's peacegiving in the world, 25 percent of the Peacemaking Offering is retained by congregations for their support of their own peacemaking ministry; 25 percent is used to support presbytery and synod peacemaking efforts; 50 percent is forwarded to the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program of the General Assembly, so that it can continue to provide assistance and resources for congregations and other bodies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Our session has recommended our 25% of the offering be sent to Mujeres Unidas. (posted September 24, 2003)
First Wednesday Set to begin New Year! It's time for our First Wednesday meal and program on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Come and share a meal and fellowship with others in our congregation. We begin at 6:00 PM in the fellowship hall with a sharing of food and then a grogram. We are finished by 7:00 PM. This is for families, singles and ALL of you! See you there! (posted September 24, 2003)
The congregation extends our deep sympathy to the Schneider family in the death of Chuck in McAllen on September 12. A service was held on Monday, September 15 to remember Chuck and he was buried on Wednesday, September 17 with military honors at the national cemetery at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. (posted September 24, 2003)
We are standing on Holy Ground, and I know that there are angels all around. Let us praise, praise God now. For we are standing in his presence on Holy Ground. Geron Davis There are moments in our lives when we feel God’s presence so strongly that there can be no denying that we are indeed on Holy Ground. Such was the experience for me last Sunday. As Jesse would say, “It was a great day in the life of our church.” Jack Whetzel spoke with such eloquence of this church and what it has taught him. His love and emotion came through so powerfully and I felt moved and blessed to be a part of this congregation. The acolytes being commissioned brought thoughts of the journey that we’re all on as Christians in our service to the church. I think of the history that is made as these children come forward to be part of tradition that dates back to 220 AD. And through the whole inspiring service we all mourned with the Schneiders for the loss of Chuck Schneider, a leader and longtime member in this congregation. I could feel the presence of God and I know that there were angels all around. When the service was over I talked to many people awed by God’s spirit among us and one woman commented, “ There are these times in our lives when God just wraps his arms around us.” I felt it. There’s a children’s book titled “In God’s Name” and it talks of how God plays so many roles in our lives. On Sunday we experienced many of them, Healer, Ancient One, Rock, Comforter, and Friend. Thanks be to God for days like Sunday. By Rebecca Villarreal (posted September 24, 2003)
The Session has called for a congregational meeting in the sanctuary following worship on Sunday, September 28, 2003, for the purpose of electing the elder class of 2006. The elder Nominating Committee (Gwyn Kozma, Chair; Pat Moyer, Jan Seale, Chuck Schneider, Kurt Paton, and Jesse Thornton, ex officio) will present the following slate for the Elder Class of 2006; Ismael Cantu, Paul Mann, Barbara Montemayor, Walter Passmore, Shirley Pippin, Becky Smith, and Natalie Moore (youth elder). Information about these nominees will be available in the September 21 worship bulletin. (posted September 24, 2003)
Wow! Things are beginning here at Lynn flowers Presbyterian Preschool with a rush and a bang!The days just seem to fly by with not enough time to enjoy all these little friends, both old and new.We have some old friends here that I am more than just grateful for. That is your church staff. Pastor Jesse, Rebecca, Paula, Lori, Lita, and Joe are some of the most helpful and enjoyable people to work with. They are willing to take time and go out of their way to help others. For example, this morning Pastor Jesse & Rebecca had a welcome for our school parents with donuts and coffee. This summer we had a few obstacles to overcome with changes to the states' standards for our school and inspections and even Pastor Jesse was outside reading the standard books and helping Joe and I interpret the rules. Paula and Lori are always more than willing to help me find some paperwork or figure out a bill or type a letter. We do have a lot of new friends at our school this year and that is great and fun. But, I sure don't want to let our trusted old friends, like your staff, go unnoticed. We love them. Miss Pat Director of Lynn Flowers Preschool (posted September 24, 2003)
We are pleased to bring you THEATRE. Many of our church family or their friends have a deep interest in performance arts and its various aspects, to create mount and perform a show. The thrill and camaraderie of this endeavor is fulfilling and rewarding. To do theater for our church, about the Bible, offers us an opportunity for stimulating spiritual growth and out and out fun. On Maunday Thursday we will offer "The Last Supper", using a cast of men on stage. After Easter we will look for a cast of women for a new look at the 'women of the Bible in Christs time". Both performances will be a learning and spiritual growth opportunity, revolving around the characters being studied and presented. As in all theater, what happens on the stage cannot be accomplished without the crew who actually help behind the scenes on the production.There will be lots of opportunities for involvement. This will be a joyous time to grow in your church and to get to learn about or know better, people striving to enrich theirs and others lives. We will be back in Texas the first of November and look forward to seeing all of you then. (posted September 24, 2003)
Taizé Service begins this Sunday evening in the fellowship hall at 6:00 PM. Do you enjoy quiet time for worship with periods of silence and meditation? If you have not been to a Taizé Service please come Sunday.We sing the songs of Taizé, pray, and next Sunday we will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion. (posted September 24, 2003)
If your child is in 1st-5th grade and has not been through our Sacrament class we invite you (child with one or both parents) to join us on October 4 from 9:00-11:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. The kids will bake bread which will be used for communion and will learn about the Sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. This is a time of fun and learning for the kids as well as a positive experience for the families. We hope you’ll join us. (posted September 24, 2003)
As we prepare our church for the Fall activities we have several areas of need. The Jr. High Youth room needs a sofa. The nursery needs cribs, bedding, etc. We would welcome cash donations to offset the costs of these items. Contact Rebecca Villarreal at the church office if you are interested Thank You!! (posted September 4, 2003)
The Presbyterian Women's group will meet on Saturday, September 13th at Mothers Oven Restaurant, 1400 15th Street, at 2:00 PM. Call the church let us know if you will be attending. The purpose of this gathering is to hear input from all of you ladies of the church.We want this organization to meet your needs so please plan to come and have your ideas represented. (posted September 4, 2003)
Questers - Christianity 101: A series of videos by F. Dale Bruner, Presbyterian Pastor and Professor. Old timers and newcomer welcome. Drew Wilkes & Woody Thompson - For those of us who had to take a Math class in High School or College, the hours spent struggling to find the answer would either result in satisfaction upon deriving the right answer, which was rare, or insufferable frustration when the solution was just not attainable. Usually, the answer couldn't be found because we did not know where to begin or how to organize our thoughts in a logical manner. Sometimes, though, there was a safety net: the answer could be found in the back of the book. For Christians in today's world, we experience many problems, temptations, and troubles that pale in comparison to an Algebra or Calculus problem. The solutions to modern day problems may not have a clear-cut or logical resolution. Fortunately, we do have a place to find our answers. For the Christian "the answers in the back of the book" are found in the Bible. Our adult Sunday school will focus on the problems, temptation, and troubles confronted by the modern Christian by comparing them to that faced by the early church and the first generation of Christians. Our focus in the Bible will literally be the 'back of the Book" by studying the letters found in the books of James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John and Jude. As the first Christians struggled to find their solutions to a world that hates and fears them, so will we by discussing how they endured, what answers they found, if there is any application to modern-day problems, and how we can learn and be strengthened by their examples. So come join us Sunday morning, at 9:00 AM as we look at the past to find the answer for today. And the answers will be in the back of The Book… The Christian Life: A Geography of God- This is an 8-week study of Michael Lindvall's new book by the same title. Reading is required each week with discussion. The goal is to explore central elements of the Christian faith such as faith, worship, the Trinity, Scripture, and much more. Reverend Thornton will lead this class. (posted September 4, 2003)
September First Sunday Offering will be received on Sunday, September 7, 2003 to support the work of Hope Clinic here in McAllen. We will have a Minute for Mission to learn more about Hope Clinic. Come with your gifts to support this important work. Celebration Sunday is Sunday, September 14, 2003 in the fellowship hall. Join us in worship at 10:30. Jack Whetsel will be preaching in the morning service. After worship we will celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and joys. This will also be a special time to be with Jack and Martha Whetsel to give thanks to them for their ministry here at First Presbyterian Church. (posted September 4, 2003)
Avrel Seale, son of Carl and Jan Seale, will present a solo guitar concert Sunday afternoon, September 14, at 4 p.m. in Fellowship Hall here at FPC. The program will be an informal mix of both popular and classical music performed on an acoustical guitar. Avrel was raised in our church and participated in musical groups throughout his school years in McAllen. Today, he is editor of The Alcalde, the University of Texas alumni magazine in Austin, where he lives with his wife Kirstin, and their son Andrew. Please come to enjoy this hour with one of our "own." The program is free; a nursery will be provided for children 3 and under; and an informal reception will follow. Please feel free to bring your friends. (posted September 4, 2003)
Last year a number of us in the church filled out a questionnaire to determine our spiritual gifts. My top 2 are administration and teaching. I scored low in the service area. I’ve always known that wasn’t a strength of mine and I’ve felt guilty about it. My husband Rene, on the other hand, scores high in that area. You know what they say, opposites attract. He has a natural inclination towards helping people and here in the church that’s a valued gift. After all it takes a lot of folks pitching in to do all that needs to be done here. I recently realized that even though I don’t have the gift of service, I can be In His Service by using the gifts I do have. There are so many great souls in this church that give and help in different ways. I had a lady call the other day who’s 86 years old but wants to do what she can to contribute to the life of this church. I know many of you have busy lives but often small things can be a big help, like making phone calls, straightening up a room, or putting a few nails in a wobbly shelf. We have some great things planned for the Fall and hope to see you in the planning and carrying out of those events. by Rebecca Villarreal Director of Christian Education (posted September 4, 2003)
What are you doing each Tuesday at 7:00 AM? How about spending some time in prayer with those who gather each week in the parlor? The time is informal and we share joys, concerns, and celebrations. ALL ARE WELCOME!! (posted September 4, 2003)
We are excited to announce the beginning of our Children's Choir. All kids ages 7-11 are invited to join us on Wednesday evenings, starting September 3, from 6:00-6:45PM in the choir room. We will be singing, playing instruments, and making a joyful noise! (posted September 4, 2003)
Well, we are back! I'm sure the quiet was nice in a way this summer, but we are here to fix that now. We will bring lots of laughter, lots of questions, and even a few tears. We are looking forward to another wonderful year, full of fun and learning. We have many familiar faces and some great new ones too. Come by and see us some morning and enjoy the sounds of little people at work and play. Again, on behalf of our staff and parents and even kids, we thank you as a church for realizing the importance of the impact you have on our community through Lynn Flowers Presbyterian Preschool We Love You Miss Pat (posted September 4, 2003)
Taizé Resumes on Sunday evening September 21, 2003 at 6:00 PM in the fellowship hall. Have you worshipped in a Taizé service? Do you enjoy a time of quiet song and prayer, moments of silence and reflection? Worship in the tradition of Taizé once a month on a Sunday evening. Learn simple songs that lead us in praise of God, offer prayers of intercession, hear Scripture, and celebrate with your brothers and sisters. If you have not been to this quieter time of worship then come on Sunday, September 21, 2003 at 6:00 PM (posted September 4, 2003)
Is aging getting you down? Do you want to learn how to grow old with grace and celebrate all the wonderful things life has rewarded you with? Do you want to discover the secret of how to talk with your grandchildren at their level? If you’re 55 years of age and older, then the Savvy Sage Series might just be the thing for you. Hosted by our own savvy sage, Jan Seale, this monthly set of workshops will show you how to soar over the hurdles that come with aging. The seminars start September 18 and will be held in the church parlor from 10 a.m. to noon. A light lunch for $3 per person will be served following each session. Here is a list of the monthly topics: September: “Celebrating Senior Wisdom” – Reflect on and celebrate what life has taught you. Share the wisdom of other diverse voices such as Moses, Liz Carpenter and Art Linkletter, to name a few. October: “Stewardship of Blessings” – Learn about financial risk and non-risk taking plus other financial bits of information. November: “Telling Your Faith Story” – Share and gain valuable information on your spirit and tips on writing your spiritual autobiography. Plus, learn to integrate into the autobiography the keepsakes of your faith, such as photos, certificates, verses and favorite crosses and symbols. December: “Ages and Sages in the Bible” – The title speaks for itself. January: “Nifty Books About Age” – Listen to mini reviews from a variety of literature concerning successful older people. February: “Great Things About Getting Older” – Please, no negativity allowed! Hear from delightful folks, like Jimmy Carter, on the virtues of aging. March: “Communicating With Your Adult Children” – Learn how to receive from your adult children when the time becomes necessary to do so. Also, learn how to have good relations with your grandchildren and how to understand their busy and complicated lives. For more information on the Savvy Sage Series, or to make reservations, contact the church office at 682-2836. Let the secretary know whether you’ll be attending the seminar only or staying for lunch as well. (posted September 4, 2003)
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