Presbyterian Tidings September 2016
Transcription
Presbyterian Tidings September 2016
Presbyterian Tidings Presbyterian Tidings October 2016 page October 2016 Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; Deuteronomy 7:9 Inside this edition: East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry 11 Pastor’s Letter 2 Calendar 12 & 13 Session Report 3 Serving This Month 14 In Our Hearts and Prayers 4 Trustee News 15 Growing Deeper in Our Faith 5 Celebrate! 6 Because You Are a Friendly Church 16 Connect with Montreat 7 Centennial Celebration 17 PALS 8 Christian Education 9 Odds and Ends! 18 What’s Happenin’... 10 Mission 19 Pastor’s Letter Presbyterian Tidings October 2016 page 2 A NOTE OF THANKS October begins one of my favorite times. Besides Autumn (I know, we are in southeast Texas…but I grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, so I am happy with however much Autumn we can get), this month begins a time of special celebrations that leads us into Advent. I have always seen World Communion Sunday, the first weekend of this month, as the kick off to this time. We are blessed to live in an area where many people have come to live from all over the world. First Presbyterian Church has been blessed more and more by members and friends from the worldwide church. This year we will be short by a couple of languages that we usually hear that day—our Danish and Dutch voices will be on a trip to Costa Rica, and our Indonesian reader will be on a trip to Singapore. But as you hear the Scripture for the day read aloud in Swahili, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, German, Vietnamese, and perhaps more, think of the scene described in Revelation 7: 9-10, of that great multitude of people united in their praise of the Lamb of God. The second Sunday, October 9th, we will give thanks for the first hundred years of First Presbyterian Church of Sugar Land. We have been thinking, planning, and preparing for most of a year! All that is left now is for us to come and worship. As on World Communion Sunday, we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper as part of the service. We don’t often do that on consecutive Sundays, and in case you’re wondering, it can be done as often as every Sunday. The Worship Committee and I have worked to offer Communion on a regular and consistent basis, while keeping enough separation between the dates that it is a very special occasion. World Communion Sunday is part of a solemn agreement among Presbyterians across the world, and many other Christian churches, that on the first Sunday in October we will all gather at the Lord’s Table and remember the prayer of Jesus in John 17 that all of his followers would be one. The next Sunday, we are giving thanks for God’s grace and provision and guidance for a full century. We will be remembering many people who served and worshiped faithfully and will also be us that day, but in the “far greater light and far distant shore” of heaven. We will be seeking God’s continuing blessing and guidance for the future. What better place to do that than at the Lord’s Table? There we remember the saving work of Christ in the past, but we also remember the communion we have with him in the present--- and we know that whatever happens in the years and decades to come, First Presbyterian Church of Sugar Land will be Christ’s church. I hope to see you at all the special celebrations this month, and then in the weeks that follow. See you in church! Session Report Presbyterian Tidings October 2016 page 3 The Session held its regular meeting on Monday, September 12th. Besides receiving reports from the Deacons, Stephen Ministers, Trustees, Organist Search Team and Apple Tree School Board, the Session… † Received Carolyn McGee, Director of Apple Tree School, who gave a brief report on the start of the 2016-2017 School Year; † Made changes with the compensation and reimbursement of Youth Director Stacey C. Williams, both for the rest of 2016 and then for 2017; † Named Ray Clark as Moderator of the 2017 Officer Nominating Committee, with the Vice Moderator position to be filled by the next meeting; † Approved the Pastor taking the week of October 11-18 for Study Leave, being out of the pulpit on Sunday, October 16, with Pulpit Supply to be approved by the next meeting; † Approved the Stitchin’ Mission group selling some of the items they have made concurrently with the Presbyterian Women Cookie Sale on the weekend of December 3rd and 4th. The next regular meeting of the Session will be at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, September 12th, 2016 in the Meeting Place. Elders: Arlene Francis, Jean Caruthers, Ray Clark, Stacey Williams, Frans Piké, Jeff Lynch, Elaine Brasher and Sam Akibola, Diane Blom, Ruth Peterson, Corey Ray, Sam Grice, Jeremy Harris (Youth Elder). The Mission Statement of the First Presbyterian Church, Sugar Land First Presbyterian Church, Sugar Land is a welcoming community called by God to foster the spiritual development of its members. Through worship, the sacraments, prayer, preaching, teaching and fellowship we are equipped to share His grace with each other, the community and the world by witnessing to the risen Christ in our everyday lives. By serving the spiritual needs of our community and ministering to those who are in need, we follow the command of the Great Commission. By building closer relationships with the Savior, each other and our neighbors near and far we ensure that all may glorify God and enjoy Him forever. In our hearts and prayers… ”I am the Lord, who heals you.” ...in times of loss The family and friends of Sam Myska The family and friends of Mark Hinton The family and friends of Mary Shelton ...in the hospital last month Lyn Hicks Roy Nelson Jennie Ouellette, Jennifer Marrero’s former student, her twin Christian had surgery Mike Schofield Jeanenne Tucker, one day Terry Callenius, Chris & Valerie Williams' cousin, surgery for thyroid cancer ...for those at home Patsy Armbruster Ruby Myers Kathy and John Adams, Jean Caruthers’ sister and brother in law Nana Holbrook Lynn Burkhalter, Shirley Jack’s friend Ashley Vickers, Carolyn McGee’s 32 year old niece, ALS Rachel Davis, Jennifer Sic’s school friend, awaiting a kidney transplant Gay and Joe Policelli, Mary McMaster’s parents Marilyn Dean Jerry Siler, Chris and Valerie Williams’ friend, cancer treatment Jim and Shirley Shilts Mary Ondoua Robin Fluke Don Racz Lena Marcantel, Barbara Clark's mother Inez Mims John Reed, the Deans’ son-in-law Doris Svec, stepmother of Shirley Jack ...for those in assisted living or nursing facilities Hubert Adams, Corey Ray’s grandfather Ore Nell Myska Gene Follis, Evelyn Flannery’s friend, memory care facility Craig Oliver John Williams, Chris’s father-the Crescent Roy and Jean Nelson, Atria Patsy White, Ohio Diane Cisler, Will’s mother Lila Marshall, Lu Ann York’s mother, the Atria Rhelma Evans, Ruth Peterson’s grandmother Oleta Strom, Greatwood ...for healing Jerry, Mary McMaster’s friend, broken leg Susan Rosenbaum, the Tielke’s daughter, Epstein Barr syndrome Tracy Walker, Jennifer and Keith Marrero’s friend, complications from pancreatic surgery Bo Allison, Sara Windmeyer’s friend Rita Rodriguez’s mother, ill, living in Mexico Hollie Green, Evelyn Flannery’s friend, cancer surgery Joel Alvear, Licha’s son Royce Ivory, Diane Blom’s friend, cancer Lance Miles, Maureen Broughton’s son, jaw surgery Linda Marsh, Sara Windmeyer’s friend Shirley Neal, Patsy Armbruster’s friend, blood disease Tracy Walker, Jennifer Marrero’s friend, stage 4 neuroendocrine carcinoma Holly, the Shows’ friend Aaron Kudolis, chronic illness Larry Catron, Vickie Coates’ uncle Bob Shows, Toby Shows’ father, awaits valve replacement surgery Ruth Allen, macular degeneration, arthritis Presbyterian Tidings October 2016 page 4 Randy Emmons, James Robinson’s business associate, stage 4 colon cancer Larry Catron, Vickie Coates’ uncle Bob Shows, Toby Shows’ father, awaits valve replacement surgery Andres Kubarii, Carrie Prince’s coworker, his grandfather has cancer Jaime Anderson, the Altman’s friend, tumors in her brain, stunting her growth ...in hospice care Valerie Wells, Glenda Cisler’s mother Paul Horn, Cheryl Svec’s co-worker ...for general concerns Gwen and Wray Webb, Sara Windmeyer’s friends, God’s guidance Eric Francis Amanda Hinkle, Patsy Armbruster’s granddaughter Ron Gaines, Marsha’s son Colby Stewart, Valerie and Chris Williams’ nephew, for health, healing and the presence of the Lord with him Lynn Dozzei, Jack Ashton’s co-worker Josh Murphy, Jennifer Sic’s nephew Susie, Connie Lambert’s daughter Laura & Matt Fox, Judie Larkins’ niece, rehab for substance abuse Licha Alvear ...for those undergoing treatment Linda McFarland, Evelyn Flannery’s friend, chemotherapy for lymphoma Brian Bahr, Kim Shrull’s friend, diagnosed with dystonia Harriet Keel Shirley Hyatt Livia Atkins, Cindy Hart’s coworker, cancer treatment Margie Salvatierra-Earl, Kim Shrull’s cousin, breast cancer Shelly Coldiron, Carrie Robinson’s friend, breast cancer Tom Liu Stacey Carter, the Williams’ friend, return of cancer Sarah, Taylor Davenport’s friend, diagnosed with Leukemia Stephanie, Pat Lawson’s niece, stage 2 breast cancer Alison Young, Carolyn McGee’s brother, return of cancer David Evans, Eileen Hanson’s brother, brain tumor Lynn Mitchell, JR Larkin’s coworker, stage 4 lung cancer Mary Boisen, Pat Lawson’s daughter’s friend, leukemia Leslie Catron, Vickie Coates’ cousin, kidney failure ...those serving as missionaries Jane Ekayu, Children of Peace Uganda For Christians suffering persecution Emily (Esposito) and Mark Heger Sharon and Dennis Welch, Connie Lambert’s nephew, Cambodia Wes Stewart, the Jochecs’ grandson, the country of Georgia Erin Brasher, New York City Jacob and Aliamma George, South Sudan ...for those serving our country Samuel Broughton, Bill and Maureen’s great nephew, deployment to Iraq Russell Skov, Navy, Cathi Simons’ nephew Kevin Watson, Navy, Ford's nephew Jason Smith, Army, Marsha Gaines’ grandson Andrew Shomette, Marines, the Shows’ friend Matthew Wehr, US Navy, Denise Herbers’ cousin, Guam Kirstin Mahler, Air Force, Svoboda granddaughter Growing deeper In our faith... Presbyterian Tidings October 2016 page 5 (Disclaimer: a dramatic event in the life of the congregation, nation, or world—or the insistence of the Holy Spirit—could result in a change of Scripture or sermon topic, specific title subject to change!) WORSHIP & SERMONS FOR OCTOBER October 2 World Communion Sunday (Combined service with the BPVF) Psalm 133: 1, 3a & John 17: 20-24 “’J.W.I.— Jesus Wants It’” October 9 CENTENNIAL SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING AND DEDICATION, WITH COMMUNION Philippians 3: 1-14 “The Road Ahead” October 16 GUEST PREACHER-Rev. Brian Turnbow; Fuller Seminary in Texas October 23 Generosity Sunday Isaiah 60: 1 October 30, 2016 Reformation Sunday Habakkuk 1: 1-4, 2: 1-4 & Luke 19: 1-10 “When the Lord Invites Himself Over” All sermons are recorded and available for listening through the church website: www.fpcsl.org. SINGLE COMMUNION WORSHIP DAYS The Worship Committee and Session have scheduled several Sundays during this year when we will have a single worship service, at 10:00 A.M. Several of those Sundays will be centered on Communion. May this be a time when we draw closer in fellowship, and meet new members of our church family who attend a different service. The dates are: October 9th (Centennial Thanksgiving Service and Communion) December 18th (Cantata Service) December 25th; January 1st, 2017 (Communion) Sunday School is at 9:00 am on the single worship service day. Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study : Join us on October 3, 2016 at 10 am. The study is: “Who Is Jesus? What a Difference a Lens Makes.” We meet in the Meeting Place. The Angel’s Bible Study, led by Ellen Svoboda, meets in the Meditation Room on Thursdays at 10:00 am. They are studying First Thessalonians. Presbyterian Tidings Celebrate! October 2016 page 6 OCTOBER Flower Chart HAPPY ANNIVERSARY …”and the two shall become one flesh: so that they are no more two, but one flesh.” Mark 10:8 2 Caruthers 9 Shelton 16 Gaines 5 23 Fogleman 6 Bill and Maureen Broughton 30 Jack 7 James and Carrie Robinson 15 Stephen and Michelle Simons 18 Daniel Graves David Hart 19 Jean Caruthers 20 Casey Cisler 21 Jim and Vickie Coates Clint and Julia Purnell 22 Chris and Valerie Williams 21 Johnelle Cooper OCTOBER 1 Jimmy Carter, 92 yrs. Emma Prince 23 Jonathon Racz 2 Sandra Worley Jean Blaise Nkot Ann Good 3 Laney Cisler Karl Ford 25 Kirsten Ashton 26 Jeanenne Tucker James Larkins 5 8 Linda Triche 27 Jerry Cooper Jackie James 29 Yohann Nkot Sue Liu 30 11 Craig Davenport Angelyna Simons Shirley Jack 31 Joyce Hood 14 Lissette Diaz Oliver Marrero 15 Jim Coates 17 Jennifer Hart Meeks NOVEMBER 2 Nicholas Newman 3 Emily Witt October is Pastor Appreciation Month Connect with Montreat Presbyterian Tidings October 2016 page 7 Presbyterian Tidings October 2016 page 8 PALS October’s Calendar 10/2: No PALS Meeting 10/9: Centennial Celebration—No PALS 10/16: PALS Meeting @ FPCSL 10/23: PALS Meeting @ FPCSL 10/30: PALS Meeting @ FPCSL PALS Fundraiser eri nte Volu ith S w g n ster mi n You M BHN t EF h at outh PYCC is requesting donations of fleece for November’s Youth Rally. The mission project is creating blankets for infants and children in need. Please contact Stacey Williams with any questions. The PALS are participating in an ongoing fundraiser throughout the month of October. We will have a board in the narthex with envelopes numbered 1 through 100. The PALS are asking that throughout the month of October, as you feel called, please take an envelope and fill it with the amount on that envelope and place it in the basket or offertory plate. Your donation will help send the PALS to camps, conferences and a mission trip this summer. $5 $75 $10 0 Presbyterian Tidings Christian Education October 2016 page 9 SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES FOR ALL AGES EACH SUNDAY 9:30 - 10:30 AM Adult Class taught by Dan Graves Helping kids love God and His Word–and live it out: Know God and His Word-reading the Bible Serve God-discover who God is, serve Him and others Worship God –develop passionate hearts for Him Follow Jesus-building a relationship with Him Love God and Others-follow Jesus example of loving God and others Teachers Pre K and K: Kim Shrull, Mytran Pham and Cynthia Frierson Grades 1-5: Lou Ann Newman, Connie Esposito, Carol Racz and Judie Larkins Study of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, which describe events from a similar point of view, as contrasted with that of John. Class held in the Meeting Place Old Testament Studies: Join us as we finish Deuteronomy known as the Book of the Law/ The Book of Remembrance and begin our study in the Book of Joshua. The Book of Joshua is packed with miracles, exciting battles, and demonstrations of God's love for his chosen people when they reached the Promised Land. Class led by Mary McMaster Student Life Bible Studies for MIDDLE SCHOOL Learning from the lives of the Old Testament people. Taught by Lissette Diaz We meet in the Meditation Room. Life is difficult. Daily you must choose whether to live cautiously or courageously. God calls you to live at your best, to pursue righteousness, to drive toward excellence. Six studies, drawn from Eugene Peterson's much-loved Run with the Horses, will help you discover God's goals and equip you to achieve them. Class led by Ruth Peterson Meets in Room A-4 (formerly High School classroom) Presbyterian Tidings What’s happenin’... October 2016 page 10 Men’s Breakfast October 8 Fifties Plus Dinner Group 7:30 am Restaurant Schedule In the Meeting Place October 5 Chef: Robin Chew Longhorn Steakhouse 16746 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land ORGANIST/PIANIST SEARCH October 12 Brookstreet BBQ 1418 Hwy 6, @ Brooks St., Sugar Land October 19 The Olive Garden 5005 Sweetwater Blvd, Sugar Land October 26 TGI’s Friday’s 2515 Town Center Blvd., Sugar Land The Organist/Pianist Search Task Force is continuing its work. The members are Jennifer H. Marrero; Sara Morgan; Ruling Elder Arlene Francis (Worship Committee and Choir); Ruling Elder Ray Clark (Personnel Committee); Phil Cobb (member at large); and the Pastor. If you know of a person who might be interested, or a prospective candidate, please encourage that person to send a resume to the church ([email protected]) and/or contact one of us. Sara will continue to serve until the position is filled. We are also seeking a Director of Music. If you know of someone who is interested, please speak with any member of the Search Task Force: Carolyn Baker, Diane Blom, Elaine Brasher, or Pastor Seay. We are thankful for the interim ministry of Phil Cobb in this area. Annual Fall Family Fun Fest Sunday, October 30 after the 11:00 service Join your church family for a great afternoon of fall fellowship sponsored by the CE Committee and the PALS Youth Group! Hot dog lunch at noon, Activities including: Trunk or Treat (in the parking lot), games, face painting, and story time. Decorate your trunk. Prize awarded! WEAR YOUR COSTUME! See you there! East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry Food Pantry Hours of Operation: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM; Monday & Wednesday 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Our address: 425 Stafford Run Rd. in Stafford, (off Ave. E, near Hwy 90 and Murphy Road) 281-499-8833 www.humanneeds.org Presbyterian Tidings October 2016 page 11 Check out their web site: www.humanneeds.org for volunteer opportunities. Every 4th Thursday of the month is Food Fair. Next Food Fair is October 27 at 10:00 am. Help hand out fresh fruits and vegetables! The pantry needs empty egg cartons. [email protected] | 405.633.6403 Record-Breaking Bowl Throwing for Fort Bend Empty Bowls Local artist Albert Goldreich will be throwing bowls for more than eighteen hours to break the world record. Goldreich will attempt to break his own record for the longest a potter has thrown bowls on a wheel in the Book of Alternative Records. His current record is for eighteen hours and three minutes. He’ll start throwing bowls on his potter’s wheel beginning at 5 am on October 15th at the art gallery at 104 Industrial Blvd. in Sugar Land. Representatives from Fort Bend Empty Bowls will be there from 10 am to 1 pm allowing guests to sign up to paint one of the record-breaking bowls. The bowls Goldreich throws will be painted, fired and sold at Fort Bend Empty Bowls, April 28, 2017. The money raised will go to benefit East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry (EFBHNM), a food pantry, financial assistance program and resale shop that serves families in temporary financial crisis in East Fort Bend County. “I don’t like to think of people going hungry.” Goldreich said in preparation for the event. He said things were a bit rough growing up. “But we never went without a meal.” He broke his first record in 2009 to raise awareness for the Houston Empty Bowls. He was introduced to Fort Bend Empty Bowls when he met Lou Ann Newman, Bowls Committee Co-Chair, while walking in their neighborhood. Goldreich had no idea there was an Empty Bowls in Fort Bend County. He immediately knew that he wanted to do something to help get the word out. “I like the idea of having an event,” said Goldreich. He said the event would give people an opportunity to gather and learn more about Fort Bend Empty Bowls, EFBHNM and the people the organization helps. “This is amazing for us, just to bring awareness,” said Vickie Coates, Executive Director at EFBHNM. “So many people don’t think there’s hunger in Fort Bend County.” All the clay is being donated by Pamela Owens at “The Ceramic Store” in the Houston Heights. There will be seventeen judges comprised of Fort Bend community professionals. Either #6, 12 or 18 to store eggs they receive from Aldi’s. Presbyterian Tidings CALENDAR October 2016 Saturday, October 1 page 12 Sunday, October 9 Centennial Celebration Sunday, October 2 World Communion Sunday 8:30 am Worship (S) 9:30 am Sunday School for all ages 11:00 am Worship (S) Combined Service with the BVPF 12:00 pm Centennial Planning (MP_) Monday, October 3 10:00 am Pastor’s Bible Study (MP) Jam with Sam 7:00 pm 5:30 pm 6:00 pm 6:15 pm 6:45 pm 7:00 pm Fifties Plus Dinner GroupLonghorn Steakhouse Girl Scout Troop # 28041 (FH) Worship Committee Mtg (MP) Trustees Meeting (JH) Choir (CR) Thursday, October 6 9:15 pm 10:00 am 7:00 pm 7:00 pm ATS Chapel (S) Angel’s Bible Study (MR) Stephen Ministry (MR) Pastor at Presbytery Committee Mtg. Friday, October 7 Saturday, October 8 7:30 am 8:00 am Mowing Team 2-Shrull Men’s Breakfast (MP) Set up for Centennial Celebration Session (MP) Girl Scout Troop # 152007 (MU) Tuesday, October 11 10:00 am Stitchin Mission (MP) 7:00 pm Jam with Sam (FH) Wednesday, October 12 Wednesday, October 5 5:00 pm Sunday School for all ages Worship Service with Communion (S) BBQ Luncheon and Fellowship (FH) BVPF Worship and Fellowship (S) Monday, October 10 Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study (MP) Tuesday, October 4 6:30 pm 7:00 pm 9:00 am 10:00 am 11:30 am 2:00 pm 5:00 pm 6:30 pm 7:30 pm Fifties Plus Dinner Group-Brookstreet BBQ Compassionate Friends (MP) Choir (CR) Thursday, October 13 9:15 am ATS Chapel (S) 10 :00 am Angels’ Bible Study (MR) 7:30 pm Property Committee Meeting (SH) Friday, October 14 10:00 am 5:30 am FPCSL @ Food Pantry Girl Scout Troop # 28210 (MP) Saturday, October 15 Room Key MP= Meeting Place CR=Choir Room MS= A11 SH= A4 PS=Pastor’s Study MR=Meditation Room, EB= Education Building MU=Music Room in the Education Bldg., FH= Fellowship Hall S= Sanctuary, L= Library, YR-Youth Room in the Education Building So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90: 12 Presbyterian Tidings October 2016 Sunday, October 16 Guest Preacher -Brian Turnbow Wednesday, March 16 8:30 am Worship (S) 9:30 am Sunday School for all ages 11:00 am Worship (S) 12:00 pm PALS 2:00 pm BVPF Worship & Fellowship (S) Monday, October 17 Monday, October 24 5:30 pm Girl Scout Troop # 152007 (MU) 7:00 pm Christian Education Comm. Mtg (SH) Tuesday, October 25 10:00 am Stitchin’ Mission (MP) 6:30 pm Pastor’s Bible Study (MP) 7:00 pm Jam with Sam (FH) Wednesday, October 26 Tuesday, October 18 7:00 pm Jam with Sam (MU) Friday, January 22 Wednesday, October 19 5:00 0 pm Fifties Plus Dinner Group-The Olive Garden 6:00 p pm Girl Scout Troop # 28041 (FH) 7:30 8 pm Choir (CR) 8: Thursday, October 20 3 0 9:15 ATS Chapel (S) 8 am 10:00 am Angels’ Bible Study (MR) 8: pm Stephen Ministry (MR) 7:00 3 Friday, October 21 0 m 5:00 pm 6:45 pm 7:30 om Sunday, October 23 Generosity Sunday 8:30 am Worship (S) 9:30 am Sunday School for all ages 11:00 am Worship (S) 12:00 pm PALS 2:00 65:15pm BVPF Worship & Fellowship (S) pm:30 6pm6nnn nnn:30 Room Key pm Meeting Place CR=Choir Room MS= A11 SH= A4 MP= PS=Pastor’s Study MR=Meditation Room , EB= Education Building MU=Music Room in the Education Bldg., FH= Fellowship Hall, S= Sanctuary, L= Library, YR-Youth Room in the Education Building, PALS-youth group for grades 6-12, Fifties Plus-dinner group, BVPF = Bellaire Vietnamese Presbyterian Fellowship Fifties Plus-TGI Friday’s Trustees (MP) Choir (CR) Thursday, October 27 9:15am ATS Chapel (S) 10:00 am Angels’ Bible Study (MR) Friday, October 28 10:00 am FPCSL @ Food Pantry 5:30 pm Girl Scout Troop #28210 (MP) Saturday, October 29 Sunday, October 30 Saturday, October 22 Mowing Team 3-BVPF page 13 8:30 am 9:30 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 12:00 pm 2:00 pm 6:30 pm Worship (S) Sunday School for all ages Worship (S) PALS Fall Family Fest -outside weather permitting BVPF Worship and Fellowship (MP) Begin Hosting Family Promise Monday, October 31 Presbyterian Tidings Serving this month October 2016 page 14 “ Elders October 2 8:30 am Ruth Peterson 11:00 am Sam Grice October 9 10:00 am Jean Caruthers/Jeff Lynch October 16 8:30 am Elaine Brasher 11:00 am Stacey Williams Worship Leaders (lead at both services unless noted) October 2 Mary McMaster October 9 Daniel Seay October 16 Robin Chew October 23 8:30 am Arlene Francis 11:00 am Diane Blom October 23 October 30 8:30 am Sam Akibola 11:00 am Corey Ray October 30 Kim Shrull Leslie Myers Acolytes Sanctuary Committee October 2 8:30 am Alex Sic 11:00 am Abby Shows October 2 October 9 10:00 am Austin Robinson October 9 October 16 8:30 am Meridian Ashton 11:00 am Nicholas ALtman October 16 October 23 8:30 am Austin Robinson 11:00 am John York October 23 Hieu and Mytran Pham Gary and Pam Robinson Jean Caruthers Gerry and Linda Snowden October 30 October 30 8:30 am Alex Sic 11:00 am Emma Prince Bill and Judy Schaub Church Officers for 2016-2017 God Caring for People Through People For help in crisis, or in everyday trials call And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Acts 6:8 Our Stephen Ministers Diane Blom, Coordinator Ellen Svoboda † Carol Racz Ben Svoboda † Elaine Brasher Barbara Shelton † Jessica Herbers † Ruth Peterson MOWING TEAMS Team 2 October 8 Keith Shrull Team 3 October 22 BVPF Deacons: Betty Schofield (Moderator), bryanne bickett, Judie Larkins (Young Adult), Adrielle Chew (College), Colby Myers (Youth), Greg Altman, Barbara Clark, Kirsten Ashton, Connie Esposito, Mytran Pham, Daniel Seay, and Evelyn Flannery Trustees: James Robinson, Kathy Duecker, Marsha Gaines, Mike Schofield, Dave Schaub, Dan Graves (ATS Bursar), Jeanenne Tucker, Shirley Jack, Eiman Altman. Committee Moderators for 2016-2017 Christian Ed Ruth Peterson Evangelism TBD Mission Jeff Lynch Personnel Ray Clark Property Frans Piké Generosity Robin Chew Deacons Betty Schofield Worship Arlene Francis Presbyterian Tidings October 2016 Trustee News! page 15 August August 2016 Income Statement Summary *Expenses and Net Income exclude depreciation expense. YTD REVENUES $26,741.17 $218,705.68 EXPENSES* NET INCOME* $29,261.88 ($2,520.71) $221,650.13 ($2,944.45) August REVENUES and EXPENSES Total revenues for the month of August were $1,631.51, more than the budgeted forecast. Pledges for the month were $1,593.67, less than budget and loose offering was $2,077.13, greater than budgeted. Loose offering year-to-date is $15,214.75, greater than forecast, while year-to-date pledges are $1,181.27, less than budget. Expenses for August were $2,694.43, above budget. Year-to-date expenses are $11,287.02, above budget, including a one-time expense taken in February to repay funds borrowed from Capital Improvement to cover 2015 routine repairs and maintenance. $8,179.28, was transferred from the Operating account to Capital Improvement. Expenses are below budget for Salary and Benefits due to not hiring the third nursery attendant. Repairs and Maintenance have exceeded budget due to expenses associated with the fire prevention system and window repairs. Communication expenses are over budget due to added phone, email and web expenses. Funds totaling $50,380.26, are available in the Capital Improvement account. This includes $20,000, donated for a Covered Walkway, $4,770, donated for Parking Lot Repairs and $3,150, donated for the Kitchen renovation in memory of Angie Verdino, Mary Shelton and others. The Capital Improvement balance, less the specific donations, is $22,460.26. There are numerous projects requiring funding, including roof replacement on Building A. SANCTUARY FLOWERS If you signed-up for Sanctuary Flowers on the Flower Chart, please remember to send your contribution of $45.00 to the church office or place it in the Sunday offering plate. Please attach a note or insert a memo on the check that your payment is for Sanctuary Flowers. Thank you. TEXA$ $ALE$ AND U$E TAX EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE If you make purchases on behalf of the church, please be aware that the church is exempt from sales and use taxes. Copies of the Texas Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate are available in the church office. Please pick up a copy and present it to merchants and service providers when making purchases. Contribution statements will be sent out the first week of October. If you have an email on file with the church, you will receive you statement through email. Otherwise, statements will be mailed. If you do not receive your statement by October 10th, please call or email the church office. If you have changed your email, please send it to the church as soon as possible. Thank you. Presbyterian Tidings Blogging October 2016 “Because page 16 You Are A Friendly Church...” any churches struggle to welcome children and their families into worship, but not you! You are flexible and kind when kids get crazy and noisy. You understand the importance of regular worship in the lives and faith of children, and you embrace the gifts they bring to your community. But I notice that while you smile and nod from your pew, you keep a wide berth around those lively worshiping kids. If you have a special worship space for families, it’s often full of kids with nary a (non-staff) adult in sight. That’s okay. I’m guessing you aren’t excited about praying with crayons and play dough (although if you are you NEED to check it out because it’s for anyone who wants to try a hands-on worship experience.) Smiling is a great first step! But it’s time for us all to do more. I encourage you do more than watch from a safe distance and try to interact with the kids during worship. I understand why you hesitate. Maybe it’s been a long time since you’ve talked to a five year old and you don’t know what to say. Maybe you have trouble hearing children’s voices or getting down to their level. Maybe you worry they will be afraid or that they won’t want to talk to you. Or maybe it just never occurred to you to have a conversation with a kid! Let me assure you now, a child may be nervous or shy – he might hide when you try to say hello, she might giggle and run away when you make eye contact – but they DO want to talk to you! You are interesting and kind. You are fun and engaging. You are wise and thoughtful. You care about children and want to teach them about Christ and worship. You are EXACTLY who kids want to meet when they come to church. Sure, it’s fun to play with peers – but most kids spend plenty of time with friends of the same age. Yes, it’s important that the children engage with the pastors and children’s ministry folks. But you have the light of Christ in your heart too, and it’s time to let it shine! We need more adults in the pews with the kids – coloring, singing, praying and listening. This will help the kids engage and learn even more about worship. But you don’t have to change the way you worship to build relationships with kids in your church. When you pass the peace, make sure to talk to at least one child. You might try to join them in for one hymn or for the prayer. Connect with families and kids before or after church. Our children need to know your name, and you need to know their names. They need to know what you love, whom you love and how you love – and vice versa! You’ve been worshiping alongside one another and it is fabulous! Now it’s time to worship TOGETHER - to pray with each other, to love another, to build the Body of Christ together. So start with “Hi! I’m ___________. What’s your name?” And don’t stop. Keep showing interest and watch the relationships grow! Excerpted from Karen Ware Jackson’s blog “Because You Are a Friendly Church…”. http://www.karenwarejackson.com/blog/because-you-are-a-friendly-church Presbyterian Tidings Centennial Celebration October 2016 page 17 First Presbyterian Church of Sugar Land We begin the celebration at the Worship Service with Communion that will start at 10:00 A.M.. (Sunday School will begin at 9:00 A.M.) Following the service we will continue the celebration with a Swinging Door BBQ Luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. Visit with old friends, meet new friends! Entertainment will be provided by: Texas Sky and returning, “For Heaven’s Sake.” A Century of Faith and Service 1916 - 2016 Centennial Sunday ,October 9, 2016 Memorabilia will be on display along with Church History. A COMMEMORATIVE PLATE with SANCTUARY SKETCH ON FRONT AND BRIEF HISTORY ON BACK IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. PRICE IS $20.00 EACH. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SUGAR LAND, MARK FOR Our beautiful Centennial Cook Book may be reserved - with special advance sale prices - on Sunday, September 4 in the Narthex, and each Sunday thereafter. The pre October 9 sale price is $19 each, or 3 for $50. You may make your check out to PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN, and you can pick up your books October 9 or afterward. On October 9, the actual selling price will be $22 a book, or 3 for $60. Look for Linda Snowden or Martha Stewart in the Narthex who can help you to reserve the books you want in advance. They will make wonderful gifts for your family and friends for Christmas and birthdays. Odds and Ends! Presbyterian Tidings October 2016 page 18 SAVE THE DATE! PW CHRISTMAS COOKIE SALE DECEMBER 3 & 4 In 1936, a group of pastors launched World-Wide Communion Day. Amid the Great Depression, they were looking for a way to meet people’s spiritual needs and Christians in their dedication to Christ. The observance, now known as World Communion Sunday, is held on the first Sunday of October. For eight decades, it has served as a reminder that Christians around the globe share the same meal in remembrance of Jesus. Get Together Benefit Concert! October 16 at 6:00 pm in the sanctuary at St John's Presbyterian Church, 5020 West Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX 77035. Enjoy a night of music and help support a good cause at the same time. These concerts are put on by area Presbyterian Churches every 2 months. The theme of these concerts with a healing service is reconciliation for victims of violence. Offerings are taken with all proceeds benefiting victims of violence in the Houston area. Presbyterian Tidings Mission October 2016 page 19 PS@ will be teaming up with Carrie Robinson for Walk for MS on October 29th @ 9am at the Memorial Park on University in Sugar Land. The website to sign up is www.nationalmssociety.org. The Team name is Carrie's Cure Crusaders. Please sign up for this great cause. For more information contact Jennifer Sic: [email protected] or Carrie Robinson:[email protected]. Stitchin’ Mission is beginning its 2nd year! In one year, we’ve made comfort quilts for members of our congregation, prayer shawls, fleece blankets and pillowcases for various missions, gifts for our college students, and assisted the youth in making dresses for the girls in Africa. We would love to have you join us on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday morning every month to continue in this mission. NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Come learn new skills. If you are not a sewer or knitter, you can help with marking, cutting, pinning and/or pressing; enjoy the fellowship. We especially want to say think you to those who have donated cash or gift cards to assist in the purchase of the materials we use. Our needs are ongoing, and contributions are truly appreciated. Come join us. Experience the joy of learning, creating and fellowship! Our last Family Promise Rotation for this year is: October 30 to November 6. First Presbyterian Church, Sugar Land 502 Eldridge Rd. Sugar Land, Texas 77478 Presbyterian Tidings October 2016 2016 page 20 October (281) 240-3195 FAX: 832-886-4748 Published monthly. Worship Services 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Church School for All Ages, 9:30 a.m. Rev. Dr. Fred Seay, Pastor Mary McMaster, Church Secretary, Newsletter Editor * Sara Lee Morgan, Organist Phil Cobb, Director of Music * Stacey Williams, Youth Director Kim Shrull, Volunteer Christian Education Coordinator Rita Rodriguez and Beverly Martin, Nursery Attendants * Diane Blom, Stephen Ministry Coordinator Website: www.fpcsl.org * Email: [email protected] Carolyn McGee, Apple Tree School Director www.AppleTreeSchoolOnline.com