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Wow! What a wonderful Worship Service all of or youth provided FPC this past Sunday. We are a truly blessed church to have such talented and gifted young people leading us in worship. From our elementary-aged youth to our middle school and high school youth, all of them contributed in one way or another while "putting their faith into action." If you were unable to attend last Sunday's service, here's what you missed: The Youth Choir contributed two beautiful pieces of music while the Senior Highs joined the Junior Highs in delivering the keynote message of "Putting Our Faith into Action to Seek Justice for Children." Plus, there was a 'signing' to the Lord's Prayer, a Children's Sermon for the younger set, and a mix of youth leading the congregation in liturgy, scripture, prayer and music as well as the collection of the offering. What a glorious feeling it was to hear and to watch our youth lead us in the worship of God. I was so proud of all of them. As I'm sure all of you were. God must have been grinning from ear to ear, too, don't you think? Michael A. Pullen,FPC Youth Director (posted October 24, 2005)
I had always heard that Presbytery meetings were supposed to be as exciting as watching milk turn sour. Plus, aren't they usually held on weekends? Well, not this time...on either account. While my first ever venture to a Presbytery gathering this past week did include an uneventful first day on Tuesday--that's right, the most recent Presbytery meeting at Mo_Ranch was held from Tuesday through Wednesday--that certainly wasn't the case on the final day. The final day, or voting day, turned out to be a real eye-opener. Without going into a lot of technical detail, it turns out that there were two volatile issues confronting the over 300 commissioners in attendance last week. The first basically involved an overture on changes to the Book of Order allowing Directors of Christian Education to become ordained without having to take Hebrew or Greek during the education process. The vote by the Presbytery commissioners, although close, was in favor of the overture being sent to the General Assembly meeting in 2006 where it would be further discussed/amended in committee. After that, it could be sent back to the full Assembly where it is considered, further amended and finally passed or defeated. Should the overture requesting a change in the Book of Order be passed at Assembly, it is then sent back to all the Presbyteries for study and vote. It must then be approved by two-thirds of the Presbyteries to become officially adopted into the Book of Order. Our second "hot" item up for consideration at Presbytery last week involved the candidacy of Karen Thompson (Central, Austin) for seeking ministry. Thompson was among three women to come before the Presbytery as candidates for Ministry of Word and Sacrament. However, while the first two women were easily approved by the commissioners for candidacy, and therefore became eligible for Seminary, Thompson's case ignited an hour-long debate due to her admitted lesbian lifestyle. The Book of Order does not allow for the ordination of homosexuals. But by the same token, it also has no written law against the approval for candidacy of a homosexual. And therein lay the fuse. Despite facing such insurmountable odds as stipulated in the Book of Order once she completes her Seminary education, Thompson was still determined to seek candidacy. And consequently, in what will no doubt be seen as a monumental vote, the commissioners approved her candidacy by a narrow margin. Controversial? Yes; and this was only the tip of the iceberg. Historical: Possibly; the long-term repercussions are yet to be felt. Was I glad I went? Let me put it this way, it was much more exciting than watching milk go bad. Michael A. Pullen,FPC Commissioner To Presbytery (posted October 24, 2005)
South Texas Endowed Scholarship Fund Begins with You Our experiences here in the Valley and our family histories have given us a deep personal commitment to the Presbyterian faith. We have been members of First Presbyterian Church and have called the Valley home for over six years. Our families have been Presbyterian for four generations. Over the years we have become increasingly aware of the need for pastors to fill the pulpits in South Texas. In recent meetings of the Valley cluster and the Colleague Group of Valley pastors, we shared our concern and support of those members of congregations within South Texas who are unable to follow their calls to serve Christ's church due to a lack of financial support. We have witnessed the financial challenge that our own Bill Cotman has faced as he continues his studies at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. With the assistance of the Institutional Advancement office at Austin Seminary, The South Texas Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in order to: Encourage and support those members of South Texas congregations who would otherwise be unable to follow their call to serve Christ's church due to a lack of financial resources; Ease the financial responsibility of congregations that have students at Austin Seminary who they are unable to support with a scholarship from the church; Provide additional excellent leadership for the churches of South Texas; Support theological education through gifts to this new Scholarship Fund. Who is eligible for the South Texas Endowed Scholarship Fund? Any persons living in South Texas at the time of their application to Austin Seminary, or Members of churches in South Texas, which is defines as any city or location south of and including Del Rio, Uvalde, Floresville, and Victoria, Texas to the Mexican border. This is a permanent endowment and only the investment return may be used to support the purposes of the Fund, which will be managed by Austin Seminary. The Session of First Presbyterian Church has approved monthly financial support out of the church budget for Bill Cotman through May when he graduates. After that time the monthly gifts from the church will be designated for the South Texas Endowed Scholarship Fund. How can you help? Please write a check to First Presbyterian Church designating that the funds be applied to the Austin Seminary Fund. Your gifts are tax deductible, and envelopes will be available in the narthex for this purpose. If you would like to help us reach others in South Texas or have questions, please call the church. In God's Service,Bill and Anna Bohart (posted October 24, 2005)
October 19th Want to see a good 'true' movie? Free, with no commercials? Join us in the Library Wednesday, Oct. 19th, at 4:30 PM, preceding supper, for a Biblical "appetizer" to remind us of the forefathers and foremothers of our faith -- portrayed by professional actors, filmed realistically, and true to Scripture. The film series is from the Bible Collection, produced by Turner Entertainment. The series began with Abraham (portrayed by Richard Harris) and Sarah (Barbara Hershey), based on Genesis 11:25-26:20. Last week continued with Joseph (Paul Mercurio). This week we follow his rise from slavery and imprisonment to CEO in Pharoah's court (Genesis 37-50). Join us for this epic saga! (posted October 24, 2005)
I was at the Presbytery meeting last week and the theme of community kept running through my mind. Pat Moyer transported Nadine, Shirley and myself and as we were in route to Mo Ranch we talked about the value of being in a church family. As Christians, we are called to be in community with one another. I John 3:11 says, “For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” We talked of the closeness of a church family and the comfort it can bring. I know when my father had heart surgery I was touched by the kindnesses and prayers offered. I’ve seen again and again how we come together in good times and bad: to celebrate, to share stories with one another, and to lift up those who are too weak or downtrodden to lift themselves up. The Greek work “koinonia” describes communication, communion, and fellowship. That word is on the banner describing Mission Presbytery, which was displayed before us at our Presbytery meeting. According to Maria Harris in her book “Fashion me a People” the components of a koinonia curriculum within the church are: Presence Being there for one another not just in body but also in spirit. Presence is something that reveals itself in a look, a smile, an intonation, or a handshake. Receptivity Showing hospitality speaks volumes and lets folks know that they are welcomed and loved. Responsibility Having the moral capacity to be in relation to one another or in simple terms showing up when someone’s in need. So my prayer is that as children of God, we practice koinonia and strive to do God’s will be being present, receptive, and responsible one to the other. by Rebecca Villareal, DCE (posted October 24, 2005)
The next Mo-Ranch Prayer Retreat is Feb. 17-19, 2006. The cost is $140 per person and includes five meals and two nights lodging. A deposit of $70 per person, or $140 per couple, is due by October 23. For more information, call Spud Brown. (posted October 24, 2005)
As part of our costume gathering for the Christmas program, we need old and/or broken costume jewelry for the gifts presented to the Christ child and for the Magi's turbans. If you have old strands of gold or pearls, rings or other items with large gems on them we could really use them. call Anna Bohart or Rebecca Villarreal (posted October 24, 2005)
Beginning Wednesday, October 5, preparations will begin for our children's Christmas program. All kids ages 4-11 are welcome to participate. Practice will be in the Sr. High room from 6:00-7:00 PM. Plan to come and bring a friend! (posted October 24, 2005)
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