The official newsletter of First Presbyterian Church, Fort Worth
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July 15, 2016 Volume 15, Number 15
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Pastors’ Corner, Meet the Staff VBS Photos, Christmas in July Toy Drive Inspiring Disciples... Engaging the World Synod of the Sun PW Event at FPC FPC Water Well in Ethiopia Joys & Concerns, Columbarium Update
First Presbyterian Welcomes Refugee Family from Syria After months of training and preparation, our congregation is ready to welcome a refugee family assigned to us from Refugee Services of Texas. On July 18, a family of six from Syria will arrive in Fort Worth, and our Refugee Welcome Team from First Presbyterian Church will be there at the airport to greet them. While we will learn more about the family and their story as we get to know them through our threemonth partnership, we do know that they have 2 pre-school boys, a six year old girl and a 10 year old boy. The purpose of our Welcome Team is to assist one refugee family navigate a smooth transition into our community and to increase the ability of the family to live sustainably within a few months. Church members will greet the family at the airport upon their arrival to North Texas after, in many cases, days of travel. We will set up an apartment for them in advance of their arrival. We will help in learning culture norms and understanding how to use public transportation, education and social services. Essentially, a Welcome Team helps mitigate the largest barriers to self-sufficiency: cultural orientation, networking, and emotional support. Welcome Teams are critical to a family’s future success, and, currently, only a few congregations in our city have active Welcome Teams through Refugee Services of Texas. Our Welcome Team will coordinate our congregation’s efforts and activities with our refugee family. Many of you have donated items to help furnish their apartment - thank you! If you are interested in this welcome ministry, please contact Robyn Michalove to see what needs we currently have. Thank you for your generosity and please join us in praying for safe travels for our new friends.
Let’s Go Out to the Ball Game! First Pres is heading out to cheer on the Texas Rangers in Arlington on August 13 and you’re invited! Join your FPC friends and family for a fun night of baseball and to support the FPC Handbell Choir as they perform the national anthem! Tickets are limited, so don’t delay in ordering yours today. Price is only $15 per person. Sign up now at fpcfw.org/rangers. Deadline is July 27.
All Church Sunday Brunch On Sunday, July 17, please join the Wellness Committee for a complimentary buffet luncheon featuring plant-based recipes from the Blue Zones Project. Seatings at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. in the Great Hall. Enjoy fellowship, fun, and learn more about the Fort Worth Blue Zones Project. An activities table will be provided for children. The program will include a short video on the FWBZP which encourages wellness and living longer through small changes in our lives. If you are interested in learning more about the FWBZP, please join us in Room 310 for a 30-minute information session immediately following both brunch seatings. BUFFET MENU: Shepherd’s Pie (meatless), Coconut Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Lemon & Dill Bean Salad, Roasted Beet Hummus with Pita Bread, Lemon Blondie Bites, Peaches with Raspberry Yogurt. This meal will also be available for purchase to take home as an F4 Meal (see page 5 for details)
Pastors’ Letter Dear friends, Many of you are traveling this summer, whether to be with family or to see another area of the world. Can you remember a time when you traveled somewhere unfamiliar to you, perhaps where the language and food and culture were different from your own? Can you recall how you felt? Do you remember any of the people in your travels who welcomed you, who helped you, or befriended you?
The Penn Street Letter (USPS 019-125) is published biweekly for $12 per year 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.
I give thanks for people all around the globe who have shown me welcome – from personal travels to our Presbyterian brothers and sisters in Cuba. You, like me, no doubt have countless examples of strangers who offered you hospitality and welcome. And, I know many of the ways that you have been the one offering welcome and hospitality, to folks in your home, to guests at Room in the Inn at our church, in the spheres of business and home life and family and school.
opportunity to welcome a Syrian refugee family who are moving to Fort Worth through Refugee Services of Texas in just a couple of days. We will greet them at the airport, set up their apartment (thanks to your generous donations!) and help them navigate their new home city. I am so thankful for your hospitality in welcoming this family and showing them the love of Christ in your words and actions. To God be the glory! Peace,
Hopefully, by now, you have heard that our congregation will have an
MEET THE STAFF MICHAEL WASCHEVSKI
Associate Pastor of Programming & Pastoral Care On Staff: 17 years Duties: Works with Adult Christian Nurture, Worship and Music, Pastoral Care, and Staff Supervision. What Michael Loves Most About His Job: “I love the opportunities to share joy, sorrow, celebration, and growth as we live our lives of faith together.” Contact Michael:
[email protected] or 817.335.1231, ext. 229
FOLLOW FPC ONLINE at... FACEBOOK.COM/FIRSTPRESFW
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TWITTER.COM/FPCFW
INSTAGRAM.COM/FIRSTPRES_FW
Christmas in July Toy Drive On Sunday, July 17, please bring donations for FPC’s Christmas Toy Store outreach event coming up December 10. Drop off items in the Narthex and outside the Great Hall. December’s event benefits clients of First HAND, Formula and Diapers Ministry, WOW, Refugee Welcome Team Ministry, as well as church members in need. Items Needed (for children 5th grade and younger) include socks and underwear, soccer balls, and gift cards/monetary donations. Checks can be made out to FPC with “Christmas Store” in the memo and brought to the main office on Sunday, July 17 before and after worship.
Snapshots of VBS! Here are a few glimpses into Vacation Bible School week at FPC, June 27-30 as children traveled to Egypt to learn about Joseph’s journey from prison to palace and God’s faithfulness. A SUPER thanks goes to all our volunteers who made this week so wonderful for our children. We can’t do it without you!
Blood Drive on July 24 You have the opportunity to give the gift of life by donating blood at the next Carter BloodCare drive on Sunday, July 24 at FPC. Between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. the Carter BloodCare bus will be on site to receive donations. Sign-up in the Narthex and outside the Great Hall before and after worship. You may also sign up online at http://bit.ly/294kDag. Photo ID required on day of drive. If you have questions, please contact Michael Cane. Learn more about giving at CarterBloodCare.org. Free Ice Cream for Donors! When you donate between July 11-24, you will receive a voucher for a free pint of Blue Bell Ice Cream.
MOMS Summer Fellowship Join other FPC moms this summer for fellowship and fun in people’s homes. Please RSVP at fpcfw.org/moms to let us know that you are coming and if you need childcare (July 20 only). When you RSVP you will be emailed addresses/directions. Wednesday, July 20 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Lunch at the home of Sidney Goodfriend. Thursday, August 4 from 6:30-9 p.m. Dinner at the home of Mary Elizabeth Austin. Wednesday, August 17 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Brunch at the home of Elizabeth Boulware Landes. Children welcome.
Elementary Music & Arts Camp Still Open! Spots are still available for the Elementary Music & Arts Camp coming up at FPC on July 25-29 (9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.). Children will experience fun on the high seas, seeking hidden treasure through the second of two themes on Pirates! Open to all who have completed 1st-5th grade. After care is offered to those who need it. REGISTER today at fpcfw.org/musicandartscamp.
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INSPIRING DISCIPLES... ENGAGING THE WORLD Stewardship is an important element of our daily faith journey. Once a month during the summer, the Stewardship Committee is pleased to feature the faith stories of a few church members and, today, of a family to whom FPC has engaged through Habitat for Humanity. Stewardship Committee member, Craig Lesok tells us about the Lahpai Family.
THE LAHPAI FAMILY: A LESSON IN PERSEVERANCE There is no official state religion in Myanmar, but according to several sources, Buddhism is practiced by over 90% of the population. The constitution enacted in 2009 provides for the freedom of religion; however, it also grants broad exceptions that allow the regime to restrict these rights at will. It is believed that only 4% of the population in Myanmar are Christians. Zau Gun Lahpai and his wife, Hkawn San are Christian refugees from Myanmar. Obviously, Christianity is not a popular path in Myanmar. Hkawn indicated that their faith and perseverance led them to the United States after three years of living in Malaysia. It has not been an easy road, but Hkawn takes great pride in living in the United States. When asked when she arrived in the United States, she immediately recalls: “July 23, 2013!” Her excitement turns to tears when speaking of the family she left behind. It is immediately clear how much she misses her family, friends and homeland, in general. However, she is quick to remind me of the many opportunities that await her family. In particular, she is excited about the opportunities her daughter will have as a citizen of the United States. When asked what she likes most about Texas, she says the ability to worship God—freedom of religion and freedom from religious persecution. It becomes abundantly clear to me how much we take this for granted. In a month, the Lahpai family will celebrate three years in the United States. Through Habitat for Humanity and the generosity of First Presbyterian Church, the Lahpai family will be moving into a new home this fall! The framing has been completed and the subcontractors will be finishing the home shortly. It’s hard to appreciate the work of Habitat for Humanity until you see it through the eyes of its beneficiaries. The Lahpai family first learned of Habitat for Humanity through friends who are originally from Malaysia. Not only will the Lahpai’s be moving into a new home this fall, but they will be living near their friends. Their journey has been long and arduous, and is far from over. However, through their new home, Habitat for Humanity has created a foundation for the Lahpai family that will enable them to raise a family with the Christian principles that have guided them from Myanmar to Fort Worth, Texas. You are also invited to view a short video of this story at facebook.com/firstpresfw.
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Needed at First HAND Clothing Room... CLOTHING ITEMS NEEDED (CLEAN & READY TO WEAR): • Jeans and khakis (large sizes) • Casual shirts and t-shirts (large sizes) • Tennis shoes and good walking shoes (all sizes) PLEASE DO NOT BRING: High heels shoes or strappy sandals, dry cleanable clothing, or men’s suits Space is limited, so PLEASE BRING ITEMS ONLY IN SEASON. Right now we need summer clothes (cool and comfortable). Please no coats, sweaters, or sweats until winter. NON-CLOTHING ITEMS NEEDED: • Sheet sets and blankets – clean and neatly folded and marked as to size (twin, full, queen, or king) • Bath towels • Please do not bring: • Household items or appliances or furniture Volunteers can receive donations at Community Crossroads (1516 Hemphill) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:30 -11:30 a.m. Pull in the parking lot and knock on the glass doors. Thank you for your generosity.
Synod of the Sun PW Event The Synod of the Sun Presbyterian Women’s Gathering will be July 21-23 at FPC. This is an every three year conference held throughout the Synod, and Grace Presbytery and FPC will serve as the host for this year’s event. The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Rigby will be the keynote speaker. Also speaking will be Judy Siker, author of our upcoming Horizon Bible Study as well as exceptional speakers and authors who will hold workshops throughout the conference. Registration forms are available through the office as well as the SOS and Grace Presbytery websites. If you are able to volunteer for hospitality on any of these days, please call Celeste Falter at 817-335-1231 to learn more.
Room in the Inn Set-Up Crew FPC is looking for volunteers for our Room in the Inn Set-Up Crew for Mondays, August 8,15,22, and 29. The jobs can be done from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Gym. This is a great opportunity for adults and families with youth. After church maintenance staff sets up the room, volunteers make up beds and set out towels, washcloths and socks for each guest; ready bathrooms and showers for use with communal toiletries and bath mats; set tables for dinner; set out games, books, and magazines; set out laundry baskets; and set up the lunch-making table. Do these tasks sound like ones you can help with? If you’re interested in serving on a RITI setup crew, please contact Kathy Parr at
[email protected] or 817-980-7553.
Many opportunities remain for serving in and through FPC this summer. Learn more at FPCFW.ORG/SERVE.
Factoids From the Stewardship Committee Sometimes disciples need each other to assist them with health issues. First Presbyterian has volunteers trained and licensed in administering CPR in emergency situations and in the use of an automatic electrical defibrillator machine. Each week two are on duty for the 9 a.m. service and two more for the 11 a.m. service.
Inspiring Disciples...
Each week during the summer, at Community Crossroads, on Monday through Friday, 1-2 volunteers and a staff member provide lunches for approximately 20 children under the age of 18 who otherwise might have no meal that day. This totals about 40 meals per week.
Engaging the World
Summer Adult Church School Several adult Church School classes meet this summer to explore scripture, theology, and the life of faith. All classes meet from 10-10.45 a.m. On Sunday, August 21, classes join together for a hymn sing, with commentary from Michael Waschevski. Bible Study led by Rev. Robyn Michalove and Gordon Van Amburgh meets in Room 237, through August 14. Book Study on Thrive (a Blue Zones recommended book) led by Jim Gordon meets in Room 236, through July 17. Feasting on the Word Bible Study led by Eric Varnon meets in Room 236, through August 14. The Great Ends of the Church led by the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Pense, and the Rev. Dr. Michael Waschevski meets in Room 235, July 10 - August 14. Labyrinth Walks will be available July 24 - August 14.
F4 Meals Ministry Provides Tasty Meals at Home The F4 (Fast, Fresh, Fit and Freezable) Meals Ministry continues! Sign-up and meal pick-up occurs the first and third Sundays at a table in the Concourse outside the Great Hall from 10:45 - 12:30. Menus are provided at the sign-up table. Cost is $10 per meal, which serves two people. Cash or checks are accepted.
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FPC Water Well Completed for Koka Primary School in Ethiopia In recent years, FPC has provided wells in Haiti, India and now Ethiopia. In 2015 Living Water International received FPC’s annual gift. That year the Mission Outreach Committee designated the FPC gift to match funds available to LWI for Ethiopia. Following is a letter of thanks from a representative with Living Water International: “Your vision is making a difference in lives of people throughout the world. Through your donation and support, you have helped bring a water well to the Koka Primary School in Ethiopia (in financial partnership with the Hilton Foundation). Personally, I am inspired by your heart to help the poor and hurting of this world, and your generosity. This community was suffering and because of your heart and service; they now have a good water source. Students walked to a river daily to collect water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and bathing. Women and children waded in muddy water to fill their jerry cans. They shared their water source with both domestic and feral animals. They would bathe in the river while livestock lapped water from an adjacent bank. They would then leave the river to walk home or back to school with 40-pound jerry cans filled to the brim with water that, upon consumption, would make them sick. Now these families have a long term water source that you gave to them. You are responsible for making a difference in the lives of each of the members of that community.
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The completed well in Ethiopia Thank you: • For your huge, caring heart. • For sharing a vision of hope. • For being Jesus’ hands and feet to the poor. • For giving so generously. • For praying for the lost. • For your partnership with Living Water to bring water to the “Thirsty.” • For your partnership to fund a new water well drill rig for Living Water Haiti - a special thanks to the Presbyterian Women’s team for their support and partnership. Living Water International transforms lives by sharing the love of Jesus Christ and bringing a cup of good, safe water in HIS name, but Living Water would not be able to do this without partners like you. We all know that water is essential for life; so is faith in Jesus Christ for eternal life. Your partnership allowed Living Water to be Jesus’ hands and feet in an area that needed the assistance.” John Nadolski Director, Church Engagement Living Water International
Book People meets this fall on the following dates at noon in Room 305. Newcomers are welcome. Spring titles are available online at http://fpcfw. org/connect/adults/adult-studies/bookpeople-book-club. For further information contact Elizabeth Johnson Pense at
[email protected]. September 12: Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, a Christian classic first published in 1942. October 10: Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas, a simple novel about the choices we make in life. November 14: The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks, a new novel about the life of King David.
Join Summer Choir Summer Choir is for adults and high school seniors to participate in choir while maintaining a flexible summer schedule. In addition to Sunday morning rehearsals, Summer Choir will rehearse one Wednesday evening per month, practicing for the upcoming weeks, allowing people to become familiar with the music well in advance. You do not have to commit to a full schedule and can sing any Sunday. The Summer Choir will sing at a few of 9 a.m. as well as most 11 a.m. services. If you are interested in joining please call Robert August at 817335-1231.
Appointments for Columbarium
Columbarium Progress
If you are interested in making arrangements for yourself or loved ones in First Presbyterian’s Columbarium and Memorial Garden, appointments are now available through the Business Office. Please call or email Ruth Cantu at 817.335.1231 or rcantu@fpcfw. org to request an appointment and/or an informational packet. Construction on the Columbarium and Memorial Garden continues, with a dedication tentatively planned for late summer.
Construction of the Columbarium and Memorial Garden has made great strides and, to look at it, you may think it’s completed. Fences are up, landscaping is taking root, and piles of dirt are gone. While things indeed look wonderful, there are still finishing touches to be made. Doors leading to the area are still closed for the time being. Thank you for your patience. We can’t wait to celebrate with you soon.
Joys & Concerns
Following are the joys and concerns shared as of July 7, 2016 (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 Reverend Dan Goldsmith, Associate Pastor Emeritus, who died on July 1. Dan was Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church from 1956 until December 31, 1987, when he retired. Family and friends of Robert Ross, who died on July 2. Bob is survived by wife Marilyn Ross. Bob had been a member of our church family since 1949. Family and friends of Loral Dirk, who died on June 22. Loral had been a member of our church family since 1984. Jennifer and Bill Pettey on the death of her mother, Mary Lou Green, on July 1 in Melbourne, Florida. Other survivors include FPC members Natalie Pettey and Nathan Pettey. Charlie and Harriette Weissenborn on the death of his mother, Elizabeth Weissenborn, on July 3. Other survivors include granddaughter, Christina Weissenborn, grandson, Charlie Weissenborn, III and his wife Caitlin, and their children Bruce, Eleanor, and Walter. Larz and Anne Smith and Cynthia and Taylor Reed on the death of Larz and Cynthia’s father, Larz M. Smith, on July 1. Our loving thoughts and prayers are with... Keith Pugh, Karl Travis, Charlie Shiner, Ed Cook, Nancy Gedge Carlson, Barbara Reece, Audrey Black, Chuck Sullivan, Lou Hopps, Sue Anderson, Corinna Nation, Shirley Volluz, Margaret Francis, Harriett Hosley, and Molly Hutchinson, who are recovering from surgery or injury. Jacquitta White, Martha Mattox, Ann Chappell, Clark Williams, Mary Neita Werner, Sue Lowry, Marge Shiner, Ben
Mathias, Elizabeth Bean, Katie Dyslin, Neil Zipp, Frances Blake, Bill O’Grady, Gene James, Carolyn Lischio, Jane Drew, Rush Klein, Mac McCoy, Nancy Nelson, Ed Martin, and Dalia Scott, who are dealing with illness or undergoing treatment. Our caring prayers for extended family include... Mary Krueger (sister of Wanda Williams), Lisa Koenig (niece of Clark Williams), Bill Schmid, Sr. (father of Bill Schmid, Jr.), Janet Laminack (cousin of Julie Sphar and Vance Laminack), Scott Schroeder (brother of Tom Delaney), Hugh Leslie (Brooke Rollins’ father), and Kathy Kline (Frank and 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 son of Becky and Rene Saldivar. Please continue to pray and express care for those many members who are struggling with illness, grief and personal hardship. Our congratulations and best wishes to... Katie and Jarrod Sims on the birth of William Maxwell Sims on July 2. Jarrod has been a member of First Pres since 1991. William is the grandson of FPC members Bill and Peggy Sims, and nephew of Meredith and Brad Wallace.
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LETTER
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
THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR
For a complete calendar of church events, visit www.fpcfw.org/calendar.
SUNDAY, JULY 17 Middle School Conference @ Austin College Children’s Summer Camp @ Mo-Ranch 8 a.m. Worship Service Chapel 9 a.m. Worship Service Great Hall 9 a.m. Liturgical Arts: Banner Making Room 238 9:45 a.m. Blood Drive Sign Up Narthex 9:45 a.m. Summer Choir Rehearsal Room 218 10 a.m. Summer Church School Various 10 a.m. John Knox New Members Parlor 10:45 a.m. Wellness: F4 Meals 3rd Flr. Concourse 11 a.m. Worship Service Sanctuary 11 a.m. All Church Brunch Great Hall 12 p.m. Blue Zones Info Session Room 310 5:30 p.m. Taize Labyrinth Walk Parlor 6 p.m. Taize Rehearsal Chapel 6:30 p.m. Taize Wholeness & Healing Chapel MONDAY, JULY 18 Children’s Summer Camp @ Mo-Ranch 6:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Study Room 304 9 a.m. Formula & Diaper Ministry Com. Crossroads 9 a.m. Preschool Music & Arts Camp Various 9 a.m. Liturgical Arts: Banner Making Room 238 9:40 a.m. Wellness: Yoga Stretch Room 236 3 p.m. Room in the Inn Gym TUESDAY, JULY 19 Children’s Summer Camp @ Mo-Ranch Youth Triennium - Away 9 a.m. Preschool Music & Arts Camp Various
9 a.m. Liturgical Arts: Banner Making Room 238 12 p.m. Board of Trustees Meeting Room 304 WEDNESDAY, JULY 20 Children’s Summer Camp @ Mo-Ranch Youth Triennium - Away 9 a.m. Preschool Music & Arts Camp Various 9 a.m. Liturgical Arts: Banner Making Room 238 9:40 a.m. Wellness: Fun with Zumba Room 236 11:30 a.m. MOMS Summer Schedule Away 12 p.m. First HAND Open for Clients Com. Crossroads 7 p.m. Seeking Joyful Ringers! Room 245 7 p.m. Young Adult Social Outing Away THURSDAY, JULY 21 Children’s Summer Camp @ Mo-Ranch Youth Triennium - Away 7 a.m. Evergreen Prayer Group Fahrenkamp Rm. 9 a.m. Preschool Music & Arts Camp Various 12 p.m. First HAND Open for Clients Com. Crossroads 1 p.m. Beacons Birthday Bash Away FRIDAY, JULY 22 Children’s Summer Camp @ Mo-Ranch Youth Triennium - Away 9 a.m. Preschool Music & Arts Camp Various 10 a.m. Wellness: Tai Chi 2nd Flr. Concourse FRIDAY, JULY 22 Children’s Summer Camp @ Mo-Ranch Youth Triennium - Away 5:45 p.m. Young Adult Blue Zones Potluck Away
