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L E TTER SEPTEMBER 2017
| Volume 16, Number 9
The official monthly newsletter of First Presbyterian Church, Fort Worth
TWO NEW & EXCITING OFFERINGS THIS FALL! Online Giving Now Available! Children are always welcome in worship. Beginning Sunday, September 10 at the 9 a.m. worship service in the Great Hall, families with young children will now also have the opportunity to visit the Prayground. This new area located toward the back of the Great Hall is designed for children ages 2-4 to quietly engage in age-appropriate activities while experiencing worship along with their families. The area, which will be marked by a colorful sign and rug, offers child-size tables and chairs with quiet activities such as coloring, puzzles, books, soft toys, etc. to do with parents that go along with Bible stories. The Prayground is only one of a few options for parents worshiping with young children, and you are encouraged to do what feels right for your family! A nursery is provided for young children, staffed by professional childcare workers and church volunteers, from 8:30 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. The nursery is located on the 2nd floor in the north wing of the campus (Rooms 201, 203, 205, 206). Children 5 - 3rd grade are invited to take a worship bag (available from a greeter or usher) with worship-related activities to do while sitting with their parents. If you have questions about the Prayground or children in worship, please don't hesitate to contact Amy Parker, Director of Children's Ministry and Outreach, at
[email protected] or 817-335-1231, ext. 244.
FPC is excited to announce a new way of giving! ShelbyNext is a new feature offered by Shelby Systems Church Management Software, which FPC has used for years to manage its membership database and financial records. Beginning this month, you are invited to consider using ShelbyNext as an easy, convenient, and secure way to pay your pledge and to make contribution through the website or mobile app. Using this method, you can set up ACH payments through your bank account on your preferred schedule. Make changes at any time. There are two ways to get set-up with ShelbyNext: 1. Starting September 1, visit fpcfw.org/give and click on the Give Online button. Choose the Quick Give option to make a one-time gift without having to set up a log-in, OR choose the First Time? option to set up a recurring giving profile with a unique log-in. 2. Starting September 1, you may also visit your app store and download the ShelbyNext app to your mobile device. Open the app, search for "First Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth," and follow prompts to set up. It's that simple! Please keep in mind that ShelbyNext is simply one more way to give, in addition to placing your pledge in offering plates, sending through the mail, or current automatic drafts. For FAQs about using ShelbyNext, please visit fpcfw. org/give or contact the church office at 817-335-1231.
PASTORS’ LETTER Dear Friends, The fall season brings an explosion of energy and programming at First Pres. Hopefully, we have had time for rest and renewal and we return with fresh eyes and abundant energy. I want to share news of an exciting and interesting event coming this autumn. Actually, it is a series of events and, though we have had similar events in the past, it has been nine years. This October, everyone in our church family will be invited to a special, small group gathering. The purpose of these gatherings will be to present the full work of the congregation. As we prepare and pray to make our financial commitments for 2018, I think that it is vitally important that each First Pres family member has a chance to hear again about the remarkable ministries our congregations engages. We are each of us part of a congregational team which baptizes the babies, marries the lovers, and buries the deceased. We care for the sick and the dying. We comfort those who hurt, physically and emotionally. What is more, we share knowledge with the curious and inspiration for the weary. We sing and we teach and we organize and we worship. We give and we take and we share. Oh my, do we share. We share our time, experience, and money with so many valuable endeavors. These gatherings will be a glorious time to review and remember all that engages us and which we engage. Also, this season will bring a very special dream. The Session is seeking to expand our ministries at Community Crossroads. As you know, we distribute food to the hungry, and clothing for families, and dental care to those who can’t afford it otherwise. We welcome a disparate and eclectic crowd to worship, a meal, and Bible study each Wednesday night. We do all of this at Community Crossroads, and we can do yet more. Even now two committees are envisioning how to expand and further develop our mission at our second campus, and what changes to the building these expanded dreams might inspire. When you receive your invitation to a Generosity Gathering, will you please RSVP quickly? There is so much to share and so many connections to celebrate.
Come and Be Inspired! This fall at FPC, we're continuing our mission of inspiring disciples and engaging the world. It's an exciting time to be together. So, be on the lookout in the next few weeks for a special invitation coming in the mail to attend a gathering celebrating what FPC has accomplished and what dreams we have for the future, too. Every household in the church community will receive an invitation to one of several such gatherings led by pastors and staff. Help us in planning for these events by RSVP'ing in a timely manner and marking your calendars accordingly. It won't be the same without you. Come and be inspired!
SUBMISSIONS Submissions for the October issue of the Penn Street Letter are due Wednesday, September 20. Submissions for the weekly Penn Street Online emailed newsletters are due the Wednesday prior to each week’s issue. If you have questions or submissions, please contact Teresa Tysinger, Director of Communications, at
[email protected] or bring by the church office.
I’ll see you in church,
Wanted: Committee Nominations Would you like to serve on a FPC Committee? Do you now someone who would? Please take a minute to nominate yourself or someone you think is interested in sharing their gifts with the church on a 2018 Committee. You may review descriptions of each committee and make your suggestions using the form online at www.fpcfw.org/serve/ nominations. Forms will also be available at church. The Nominating Committee begins meeting soon to update the membership of Church Committees. Suggestions are needed by September 18. You may also send your suggestions to Patty O'Brien in the church office.
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The Penn Street Letter is published monthly by First Presbyterian Church, 1000 Penn Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102-3496. Periodicals postage is paid at Fort Worth, TX and at additional offices. Editor: Teresa Tysinger; Managing Editor: Pam Burkholder POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Penn Street Letter at 1000 Penn Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102-3496.
Nominees for Elder Class of 2020 This issue of The Penn Street Letter includes the annual publication of biographies of members nominated or the next class of Elders, as well as of at-large members of the Nominating Committee. Sean Austin was born in Minneapolis, MN and attended Lake Travis High School and the University of Texas at Austin. He also attended law school at St. Mary's. He and his wife, Mary Elizabeth, joined FPC in 2014. He has served on the Fellowship Committee and is active in the Growing Families of Faith Church School class. He has been involved with Steer Fort Worth, Vision Fort Worth/Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary (Fast Class, 2017). Sean is a partner at Ross & Bogdanovic, LLP Attorneys at Law. He enjoys whatever his three year old, Henry, is into, plus golf and coffee. Martha P. Cunningham was born and raised in Abilene, TX and graduated from Cooper High School. She graduated from Southwestern University and the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston with a BS in Nursing. Before retiring, she worked as an R.N. and a teacher. She joined FPC in 1989 and has been ordained as an Elder. Martha has served on the Children’s Christian Nurture and Nominating committees. She helps with Trinity Trails, in the nursery, VBS, and Kid’s Hope. She is a PW Bible Study leader for her Circle. She also serves as a Baptism coordinator. Martha volunteers for Fort Worth ISD and at Cook Children’s Medical Center. She is married to Jim Cunningham and has three children and three granddaughters. She enjoys grand mothering, dog walking, needlework crafts and reading. Jennie Doumany grew up in Austin and San Antonio. She graduated from the University of Virginia and the University of Texas School of Law. She worked for a judge before beginning her career as a realtor with Williams Trew. She and her husband, John, joined FPC in 2012. She has served on the Children’s Christian Nurture Committee and the EEC advisory council. She has volunteered in the nursery and for VBS, and is a member of the Mary Circle and the Growing Families of Faith Church School class. Jennie and John have four children: Hannah, Luke, Alice, and Nora. Claudia Duff grew up in Fort Worth and was baptized at Ridglea Presbyterian. She met her husband, Jim, there while they were in the youth group. They returned there to be married 22 years ago. She attended Baylor University but graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in Psychology and Personnel Management and is a Human Resource professional. Claudia joined First Presbyterian in 1997 and has been a Class Chairman, usher, served on the Property Committee and chaired the Personnel Committee. She and Jim have one grown daughter, also a member of the First Presbyterian family.
Bill Goodwin was born in Shreveport, LA then moved to Kilgore, TX in sixth grade. He graduated from high school in Kilgore and has lived in Fort Worth since graduating from TCU. Bill joined FPC with his wife, Michelle, in 1992. They have one adult daughter, Natalie, who lives in Cincinnati. Bill has previously served on the Session twice, as well as with Finance, Christian Nurture, Youth, Dental Clinic, Personnel, Pastor Nominating, and The Follow Up-Generation to Generation Committees. Bill is the coordinator of the SYS (“See Ya Sunday”) Church School class and serves on the Finance Committee. He is Chief Financial Officer of Stepp Investments, LLC. Bill enjoys spending time with his family, golf, traveling, TCU football, and all sports. Bob Graham and his wife Sarah joined FPC in 2010. Bob attended Texas Tech, toured in the US Navy, then received an advanced degree from Texas A&M. He serves on the Evangelism Committee and regularly participates in the First Connections class. He enjoys singing in the Fellowship Choir, ushering during the 9 a.m. service, helping to transport food form the Tarrant Food Bank for distribution at Community Crossroads, and attending the Men's Bible study. Recent service as a Stephen Minister was a particularly rewarding experience. And, participation in the 76107 Care Team, Men's Breakfast group, four grandchildren, swimming, reading, home improvement projects, and continued work in business consulting pretty much round out Sarah and Bob's life. Stacy Hartman was born in Berwick, PA and grew up in Berne, IN where she attended South Adams High School. She graduated from Perdue University with a BA in Environmental Health, from Georgia Institute of Technology with a Master's in Medical Physics, and from Indiana University with a Master's in Public Affairs focusing on health systems administration. Stacy has worked as a medical physicist for over 16 years, now working as Executive Director of Cancer Center Services for Texas Oncology in Fort Worth. She has been active with Room in the Inn, served on the Stewardship Committee, and is currently on the Evangelism Committee. She is an usher at the 9 a.m. service. Stacy enjoys the zoo, sporting events, the symphony, theater, caring for feral cats, and taking classes to learn how to become a wildlife rehabilitator. Theodore Maynard Heesch, Jr. (Tod) was born in Houston and attended Kinkaid High School. He attended Dartmouth College, receiving a bachelors degree in economics, and Rice University, receiving bachelors and masters degrees in civil engineering. Tod married Erin in 1999,
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and they have two daughters: Sophie (12), and Evelyn (6). He works as a forensic engineer in Fort Worth. The Heesch family joined First Presbyterian in 2010. Tod has been a member of the Children’s Nurture Committee, the Property Committee, and enjoys the Mo Ranch all-church retreat, family mission trips and Growing Families of Faith Church School class. He enjoys travel, camping, model airplane building and crosswords. Tim O’Connor grew up in Dallas, TX and attended Cistercian Prep School. He has a BBA from Texas A&M and an MBA from Texas Tech. He has worked for 30 years in banking and investments. He moved with his family to Fort Worth in 2001 and raised his 3 children in the church. He currently serves on the FPC Property Committee. He is on the All Saints’ Episcopal School Endowment Committee and helps coordinate alumni activities at Cistercian Prep School. He and his wife Kelly have three adult children, Claire, William and Molly. Barbara Reece was born in Seguin, TX where she attended Seguin High School and Texas State University, graduating from Texas Lutheran University with a BA in Elementary Education. She married Ralph and they traveled to various Army posts in the USA and Germany over a 30 year period. They moved to Mansfield and joined FPC in 2008. She has served on the Congregational Care Committee, with VBS, and Room in the Inn, Samaritan House Supper Club, Homeless Connect, Christmas Toy Store, and the Flower Ministry. She is a member of the Alpha and Omega Church School class. She has served as PW Circle leader, is the Search Committee chair, and has been a Stephen Minister for 6 years. Barbara and Ralph have three sons and seven grandchildren. Merianne Roth was born in Seoul, Korea. She attended McComb High School in McComb, MS and Mississippi University for Women. She moved to Fort Worth in 1999, then she and husband Steve joined FPC in 2005. She currently serves on the Communications Committee. Professionally, Merianne has helped lead complex and dynamic organizations across several industries, including 12 years at leading retailers, hospitality and government. She currently works for JPS Hospital as Chief Strategy Officer and serves on the boards of The Women's Center of Tarrant County and the Presbyterian Night Shelter. She and Steve have two sons, Robert and Grady. In addition to spending time with them, Merianne enjoys reading, cooking, and travel. Peggy Rush joined First Presbyterian Church in 1964 and has remained an active member in various capacities. These include serving as a liturgist, volunteer with Kids' Connection, Mission Witness (Hemphill Community). She has also served on past Adult Christian Nurture, Children's Christian Nurture, and Grace Presbytery Life committees. She served as Elder for the class of 2008 and has been active in Enneagram,
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Hungry Hearts, and with Spiritual Formation. She is also a member of the Journeys church school class. Jessica Scott was born in Philadelphia, PA but graduated from Pelham High School in the suburbs of Birmingham, AL. She earned a B.A. in English from Mississippi State University and an M.A. in Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She taught English in Memphis, TN before returning to school for a concentration in English as a Second Language at The University of Memphis.She is an Academic Language Development Specialist at Clifford Davis Elementary School in southeast Fort Worth. Jessica and her husband have two children: Lillian (16) and Charlie (13). Since joining FPC in 2014, Jessica has been active on the Youth Committee, as a Middle School youth sponsor, and as a host for High School Bible Study. She went on the first mission trip to Cuba and has worked with the FAD Ministry at Community Crossroads, with VBS at FPC and Community Crossroads, and has been a Confirmation teacher. Jessica enjoys hiking, cooking and baking, puzzles, reading, and drawing and painting. Lamar Voight was born in Fort Worth and grew up in Tyler, TX where he attended Robert E. Lee High School and Tyler Junior College. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a BBA in 1978 and a Master of Science in 1979. In 1980, he moved to Dallas to begin a career in the land administration function of the oil and gas industry. He moved to Fort Worth in 1990 and married his wife, Pamela. Lamar joined FPC in 1994 and has served as a greeter, attends Bible in Depth, participates in annual Mo Ranch family retreats, and currently serves on the Adult Christian Nurture Committee. Lamar’s interests include automobiles, music, reading, and travel. He works as an Independent Consultant for various oil and gas companies. Doug Weathers was born in Florence, AL. He received a BS from Spring Hill College in Mobile and a JD from the University of Alabama School of Law in Tuscaloosa. He grew up attending First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Florence, AL. He has served as an ordained elder in both the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Doug, his wife Cindy, and their two daughters Claire and Catherine moved to Fort Worth in 2005 and joined FPC in 2011. He has attended and assisted with teaching the SYS Church School class and served on the Personnel Committee since 2014. Doug is an attorney in private practice with his office located In Keller, TX.
Nominating Committee At-Large Sue Barham grew up in Tulsa, OK and graduated from Will Rogers High School. She received a BSE from the University of Arkansas and an MSE from Texas College of Arts and Industries.
were charter members of three small Presbyterian churches in Oklahoma and Texas. The first, Seabrook Presbyterian, ordained Sue as an elder in 1970. After joining FPC in 1988, Sue served on Evangelism, Christian Education and Congregational Care Committees and was active in Kids Connection, Stephen Ministry, Habitat for Humanity, and Care Team leadership. Currently, she serves on the History Committee, at Community Crossroads, Room in the Inn, and is Prayer Guide for the Miriam Circle of PW. Particularly enjoyable to her are memberships in the Evergreen Prayer Group, Fellowship Choir, and teaching the YOMAC class at Trinity Terrace. Owner and office manager of Assured Staffing Resources for 18 years, Sue was glad to retire in 2004 so she and Andy could travel to Angel Fire, NM and to Charleston, WV to visit daughter Stacy and family. She and Andy can't wait to welcome oldest grandson, Riley, as a Horned Frog this fall! Barbara (Barbie) Clemons grew up in Fort Worth and graduated from Paschal High School. She attended the University of Arkansas and graduated from TCU with a degree in Elementary Education. Barbie taught in the Fort Worth ISD, Key School and Reading Friends. She is married to Leland Clemons, and has four sons, six grandchildren (and one due in January). Barbie grew up at St. Stephen Presbyterian Church and was also a member of Highland Park Presbyterian Church. She joined FPC in 1981, left briefly in 2006 and returned in 2013. She has served on the Fellowship Committee, Kids Hope at De Zavala Elementary, has been a Sunday morning greeter, and been part of Presbyterian Women's circles. She is on the board of the Fort Worth Lecture Foundation, a member of the Fort Worth Garden Club, and a past member of the Fort Worth Junior League. Barbie enjoys reading, music, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren. Charlie Gibbs moved to Fort Worth when he was 3 years old and went to high school at FWCDS. After attending Trinity College in CT to study engineering, he returned to TX and moved to Dallas to start a career in the technology industry. While in Dallas, Charlie met his wife Maren and they were married at First Presbyterian Fort Worth in 2004. In 2005, after 13 years in Dallas, they returned to Fort Worth and joined FPC in 2010. Charlie is a proud father of three school age daughters: Alex, Nola and Annika. He has served on the Communications and Children's committees and has been part of the founding group for the Men's Retreat committee. A member of the Growing Families of Faith Church School Class, Charlie has been an innkeeper for RITI for the past 2 years and has volunteered for Kid Quake, VBS, and Family Mission Trips. In his spare time, Charlie enjoys cooking and the outdoors. He currently works for a technology start up, Mobelisk, as VP of business development. Shannon Kizer was born in Dublin, Ireland but attended Midland Lee High School in Midland, TX and graduated from Texas Christian University with a Finance degree. She and her husband, Jay, joined FPC in 1986. She has served
as a youth group leader, volunteered at VBS, and particiapted in Presbyterian Women, Agape and SYS Church School classes, and served on the Stewardship Committee and with the Trustees. She has served on various PTAs and sports clubs through Tanglewood Elementary and Trinity Valley School when her children were in school, as well as on the Junior League. Shannon enjoys tennis, travel, Mahjong, and spending time in the Colorado mountains. Andrea Pavell was born in Fort Collins, CO and grew up in St. Louis, MO. She received her BS degree at Baylor University and her Masters of Higher Education Administration from Saint Louis University. She worked in Admissions at both Saint Louis University and TCU. In 1996, she married Mike and they joined FPC in 1998. Andrea is an ordained elder. She has chaired both the Program Committee and Prayer Committee for Presbyterian Women. She has served as circle chair, prayer leader, program leader, VBS volunteer, Trinity Trails teacher, Middle School Sunday school teacher, and both a member and chair of the Fellowship committee. Andrea is active on the board of Directors for Casa Manana Theatre, K-Life of Fort Worth, Junior Canwick Club and National Charity League. Mike and Andrea have 2 daughters, Whitney and Delaney. Melinda Van't Slot grew up in Fort Worth, attended Arlington Heights High School, and graduated from TCU. She has been a member of FPC since 1996. A mother of three adult children, she married Peter in 1999 and moved to Arlington where they co-chair the Arlington/Mansfield Care Team. Melinda is an ordained elder, a past Stephen Minister and Stephen Ministry leader. She is active in Presbyterian Women and has served as Vice Moderator, Program Chair, PW-YWCA liaison, Circle Chair, and Circle Bible Leader. She has served on Stewardship, Congregational Care, and Evangelism Committees, and has been co-chair of the Children's Christian Nurture Committee. She is a Baptism Coordinator, has taught 5th grade I Know My Bible for 13 years, and has been a Confirmation mentor numerous times. Melinda and Peter have been on two mission trips to Honduras and a youth mission trip to Taos. After retiring as an elementary school teacher, she enjoys traveling, reading, baking, line dancing, walking, and especially spending time with her six grandchildren.
Tell Us What You Think... The Communications Committee is working to determine how FPC can best stay connected with our members and visitors. You can help us understand how you learn about all that is happening at FPC. Please go to FPCFW.ORG/comsurvey to answer a few brief questions. Thank you!
WWW.FPCFW.ORG
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FPC Classifieds Fall Adult Church School
Sundays at 10 a.m. beginning September 10. For topics, visit fpcfw.org/adultcs Alpha & Omega (60s-70s): Room 241 Bible in Depth (all ages): Room 237 Boomers (50s-60s): Room 102 First Connections (new members/visitors): Parlor Geneva (70s): Room 304 Growing Families of Faith: Room 236 Journeys: Room 242 Maj-Jo (seniors): Room 310 Maranatha: Bible study in Room 239 SYS (40s-50s): Stripling Conference Room Westminster (seniors): Room 238 YOMAC (seniors): Trinity Terrace Young Adults: Room 240 Young Families: Room 230
September "Be Well" Brunch
Join us for brunch Sunday, September 10 at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. in the Great Hall. This free meal, courtesy of the Wellness Committee, includes a cooking demo of (beef with wild mushrooms/vegetables) with FPC's Director of Hospitality and Food Service, Katie Seelye! The menu also includes mashed potatoes, avocado and fava bean salad, blackberry and plum crisp, and double chocolate brownies.
Read the Bible in 9 Months
Use this daily reading program to read through the Bible in 9 months. Begins September 10 and is led by Michael Waschevski. Sign up at fpcfw.org/adultstudies.
Fall Youth Group Schedule
Fall youth meetings begin September 10 for middle and high school youth. Visit fpcfw.org/youth for a complete schedule.
Children's & Youth Music
Groups rehearse Sundays, beginning 9/10. More at fpcfw.org/ministries/music-arts/ 12-1 p.m. – Youth Handbell Choir 3:30-4:30 p.m. Messengers Youth Choir 3:50–4:30 p.m. Choristers Bells (3rd-5th grade) 4:30–5:30 p.m. Choristers Choir (3rd-5th
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Since we're tight on space, due to this issue publishing our Elder Class bios, below is a classifieds-style breakdown of reminders of what's happening at First Presbyterian Church in the coming weeks. As always, you're invited to learn more at FPCFW.ORG.
Bible in Depth: Mark
PW September Gathering
Book People Book Club
Men's Monthly Breakfast
Study the Gospel of Mark verse by verse. Two class options: Sundays from 10-10:45 a.m. led by Robyn Michalove (September 10), or Wednesdays from 10:45-11:45 a.m. led by Michael Waschevski (September 13). Sign up at fpcfw.org/adultstudies. Book People will discuss Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson on September 11 at 12 p.m. in Room 304.
Book Study: Waking Up White
PCUSA co-moderators encourage study Waking Up White: Finding Myself in the Story of Race by Debby Irving. Facilitated by Robyn Michalove on Mondays at 11:45 in the Parlor September 11-October 30; and Wednesdays at 6:30 at Community Crossroads September 13-October 25. Learn more and RSVP at fpcfw.org/racestudy
MOMS Fall Schedule
MOMS (Mothers Offering Mothers Support) meets the 1st Thursdays and 3rd Wednesdays from 11-12:30 at FPC. Learn more at fpcwf.org/moms.
Last Mission Co-Worker Visit
We welcome our Central Asia PCUSA mission co-worker on Sunday, September 17 at the 9 a.m. service and 6:30 p.m. Taize service. After 15 years of service, she is retiring from active service with PCUSA World Mission. Help us thank her! (Due to high security concerns where she served, her name cannot be listed here.)
Peanut Butter Sunday
The next Peanut Butter Sunday is September 17. Bring donations of peanut butter (regular sized jars only) to marked boxes outside worship spaces for the food pantry at Community Crossroads.
Ice Cream Social
New members and visitors are invited to an ice cream social on September 18 at 7 p.m. in the Parlor. Come to talk with pastors, staff, and meet other FPC members!
All women are invited on September 19 at 10:30 a.m. to the next Presbyterian Women Tuesday Together. Karl Travis will speak on positioning Presbyterian Women for intergenerational success. RSVP to church office by September 11. The next monthly men's breakfast will be Thursday, September 21 at 7 a.m. in the Great Hall. Please RSVP to office.
Chronic Disease Class
The Wellness Committee offers a series of classes on Chronic Disease Management for those suffering from or caring for someone with a chronic health concern. Free classes begin September 21, 1:30-4 p.m. More at fpcfw.org/chronicdisease.
Marriage Workshop
A marriage workshop, "Expressing Needs and Building Trust," will be offered on September 30, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. with Joy Allen. The seminar will look at ways to strengthen trust as people express and respond to one another in healthy ways. Learn more and RSVP at fpcfw.org/marriage.
Help: Community Crossroads We need people to assist in transporting food delivered by TAFB from our parking lot into the pantry on Thursday mornings from about 7:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m.
JustFaith Begins October 1
Come on this spiritual journey as we look at the troubling issues of today. The course meets October 1 - April 15. Learn more at fpcfw.org/justfaith. Register with Celeste Falter in the office by September 17.
Planned Giving Reminder...
A gift to the Marie & Ted Roos Fund of the church (managed by Luther King Capital Management) will provide additional funds to support FPC’s annual budget. If you have questions about Planned Giving, please call Dana Fickling in the church office.
JOYS & CONCERNS Following are the joys and concerns shared as of August 16, 2017 (due to printing deadlines). To respect the privacy of those listed, names are included only when the individuals grant their permission. Our loving sympathy to... Family and friends of Susan Axley, who died on August 8. Susan is survived by her husband, Don Axley. Bevan Lovelady on the death of her father, Bob Lovelady on August 13 in Fort Worth. Ben and Molly Pranke on the death of his grandmother, Barbara Clark on August 13 in Hurst. Other survivors include great granddaughters Logan and Lily. Susan Stamy on the death of her mother on August 10. Our loving thoughts and prayers are with... Dwight Mason, Rush Hart, Phyllis Propes, Jane Drew, Lisa Priddy, Jennifer Regen, Emma Coley, Sara Swift, Martha Brooks, Marilyn Love, and Marjorie Lewis, who are recovering from surgery or injury. Rev. Floyd Kinser, Dorothy Kinser, Indi Butler, Nona Cobden, David Nation, Corinna Nation, Lisa Shiner, Jacquitta White, Marge Shiner, Elizabeth Bean, Frances Blake, Bill O’Grady, Gene James, Carolyn Lischio, Jane Drew, Mac McCoy, Nancy Nelson, Ed Martin, and Dalia Scott, who are dealing with illness or undergoing treatment. Jane Watson, who is on hospice. Our caring prayers for extended family include... Melissa Denton (cousin of Pat Gordon), Evan Wilson (grandson of Henrietta Bailey), Glenda Burger (sister of Vance Laminack), Janet Laminack (cousin of Julie Sphar and Vance Laminack), Susan Williams (cousin of Pat Gordon), John DeMore (son-in-law of June Sprott), Mary Krueger (sister of Wanda Williams), Lisa Koenig (niece of Clark Williams), Kathy Kline (Maxine Kruse’s daughter), Marty Kinard (Larry and Bettye Kinard’s daughter-in-law), Mark Bryant (Joanne Sarsgard’s son), and Susan Chenault (Frances Chenault’s daughter). Prayers for peace in our world, for the safety of Nathan Gunter (Russell and Vivian Norment’s nephew) who is stationed in Korea. Also for the safety of Diego A. Saldivar, who is serving in the US Navy; Diego is the son of Becky and Rene Saldivar. Our congratulations and best wishes to... Jack and Christal Atkinson on the birth of Poppy Mae Atkinson on August 8. Poppy joins big brother John. Clinton and Cassie Koerth on the birth of Canyon Howard James Koerth on August 1. Canyon joins big sister Sheridan.
CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS Below are some highlights of special events happening in September. For a complete calendar, visit fpcfw.org. SUNDAYS IN SEPTEMBER 8 a.m. Worship in Chapel 9 a.m. Worship in Great Hall 10 a.m. Church School for All Ages (Beginning Sept. 10) 11 a.m. Worship in Sanctuary WEDNESDAYS IN SEPTEMBER 5:30 p.m. Dinner & Worship on Wednesdays at Community Crossroads SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 10 a.m. Read the Bible in 9 Months Begins 10 a.m. Bible in Depth Sunday Session Begins 10 a.m. First Connections Class (New Members/Visitors) 11 a.m. Church Brunch in Great Hall, 1st seating 12 p.m. Church Brunch in Great Hall, 2nd seating WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 10:45 a.m. Bible in Depth Wednesday Session Begins SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 All Day Peanut Butter Sunday (donations collected) All Day Mission Co-Worker Visits 6:30 p.m. Taize Worship in Chapel MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 7 p.m. Ice Cream Social for New Members & Visitors TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 10:30 a.m. Presbyterian Women's Tuesday Together THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 7 a.m. Men's Monthly Breakfast 1:30 p.m. Chronic Disease Management Class Begins SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 9 a.m. Marriage Workshop with Joy Allen
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Inspiring Disciples... Engaging the World
First Presbyterian Church 1000 Penn Street Fort Worth, TX 76102 PERIODICALS POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Penn Street Letter, 1000 Penn Street Fort Worth, TX 76102 Church Office Ph: 817.335.1231 Fax: 817.335.5663
WWW.FPCFW.ORG
WHAT KIDS REALLY NEED FOR THIS SCHOOL YEAR... is access to safe water and sanitation so they can attend class, break the poverty cycle and make their dreams possible. •
•
443 Million
school days are missed each year as kids haul water for their families or they become sick after drinking unsafe water.
BUT YOU CAN DO SOMETHING.
You can do something. Join us on Sunday, October 15 at either 10 a.m. or 12 p.m. to get the scoop about another FPC Mission first: a trip to drill a water well that will help children get an education. That Sunday morning, October 15, you will learn how to equip students with the resources they need. Hear updates about Living Water International from an organization Founder with the short-term mission experience to answer your questions.
Want Information Now? Please contact Carol Long at carol-long@ sbcglobal.net. You may also visit Living Water International at water.cc/backtoschool. A gift to the Peace & Global Witness Offering enables the church to promote the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of injustice across the world. FPC will receive this special offering from September 3 through October 1. Watch worship bulletins for details in the coming weeks, or visit http://specialofferings.pcusa.org/peace-global.html.
