The official newsletter of First Presbyterian Church, Fort Worth
penn street LETTER THE
July 29, 2016 Volume 15, Number 16
p. 2 p. 3 p. 4 p. 5 p. 6 p. 7
Pastors’ Corner, Meet the Staff Youth Fall Kick Off, Fall Choir Opportunities Music Academy, Fall Offerings Room in the Inn & Mission Needs MOMS, Recent Event Photos Joys & Concerns, Refugee Family Update
for DeZavala Elementary School sponsored by FPC’s Kids Hope, USA Ministry Please bring ANY school supplies to the red grocery carts outside of worship spaces on Sundays, July 31 and August 7. Following is a list of items specifically requested by teachers. Pencils (regular & big for pre-K students) Colored Transparency Paper Large Manilla Paper Graph Paper Paper Clips
Crayons Glue Sticks Folders with Brads Index Cards Hand Sanitizer
Erasers Color Pencils Composition Books Dry Erase Markers & Erasers Wipes & Kleenex
Sunday, August 28 Let’s kick-off a new season of ministry and mission together as the fall approaches! On Sunday, August 28 come to the 3rd Floor Concourse between 10-11 a.m. to fellowship with friends, enjoy tasty food, and learn about some fall opportunities for study and participation at FPC.
KICKOFF
MINISTRY LEADERS: This event will be different from our ministry and mission fairs of past years. If you have information to make avaialble at this event about fall programming, signups for an upcoming event or outreach effort, etc. please contact Teresa Tysinger, Director of Communications, by August 8 at
[email protected] or 817.335.1231.
Pastors’ Letter Dear friends, The 17th century Welsh poet and Anglican priest George Herbert (1593-1633) penned a moving piece of praise for God’s never ceasing love he experienced in his life. One of the phrases is: “seven whole days, not one in seven, I will praise Thee…” The life of gratitude and praise we live as disciples of Jesus Christ is not a Sunday only event. Each day -every day- is an opportunity to praise and serve the God
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.
who loves us so faithfully, dependably, and deeply.
and hospital visits, Stephen Ministry sessions, prayer groups, and more.
The rhythm of “seven whole days” of praise and discipleship is routinely lived out in the life of First Presbyterian Church. As I write this letter, this week at FPC includes the gathering of well over 1,000 people of all ages throughout the week in worship, church school, youth trips, children’s camp, Music and Arts Camp, First HAND and Community Crossroads ministries, Urban Gaps group, a three day gathering of Presbyterian Women of the Synod of the Sun, refugee ministry, New Member gathering, committee meetings, home
No matter where you find yourself in this coming week, know that as a part of First Presbyterian, we routinely praise God in word in deed “seven whole days, not one in seven…” We make a difference in the world – and all of it because of the faithful, dependable, deep love of God we celebrate together. God’s Peace to You,
MEET THE STAFF ROBYN MICHALOVE
Associate Pastor of Mission and Family Ministries On Staff: 11 Years Duties: Pastoral duties (worship, pastoral care, teaching); oversight of mission outreach ministries (including WOW); facilitating programming for family ministry. What Robyn Loves Most About Her Job: “Simply said, my job is to serve so that the congregation can use their gifts and passion in service and outreach. What a cool job!” Contact Robyn:
[email protected] or 817.335.1231, ext. 266
FOLLOW FPC ONLINE at... FACEBOOK.COM/FIRSTPRESFW
2
penn street LETTER
TWITTER.COM/FPCFW
INSTAGRAM.COM/FIRSTPRES_FW
A Spiritual Blessing Awaits Sing in a FPC Choir This Fall
When human voices join together in offering songs of praise to God, something mystical happens. Head, heart, and soul come alive in ways that make an impact to our very core. Ask someone who sings in a choir to share an experience they had when goosebumps overcame them while they sang. Or they felt lifted in spirit to a place of awe and wonder. What was the song? Where were they? To a person, choir singers can recall such an experience. Singing in choir is a spiritual, as well as musical, blessing.
Don’t miss these awesome opportunities to be part of the FPC Youth Ministry this fall! Youth Group Open House
The Chancel Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7–8:30 and sings weekly in the 11 a.m. service. (Childcare is available.)
Sunday, August 21, 4:30-5:30 p.m. in Youth Center For any new youth, whether rising 6th graders or older youth, friends, and families wanting to learn more about Youth Group. All are invited who are interested!
The Fellowship Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 6–7 p.m. and sings primarily in the 9 a.m. service, generally twice a month. (Childcare is available.)
Dodgeball Tournament Youth Kickoff Party
This fall you are invited to consider joining one of our two adult vocal choirs and experience the spiritual blessing of singing.
On occasion the two choirs combine for special anthems, often accompanied by additional instruments. This Advent, for example, the choirs will combine to present selections from G. F. Handel’s Messiah. Rehearsals are engaging, energizing, uplifting, and encouraging as we nurture one another and experience the gift of music together. A gift that is then beautifully shared with the congregation. Well-planned and well-paced rehearsals, the availability of one-on-one help, and the powerful support of multiple voices combined makes singing in a choir an experience accessible for adults of all singing levels, whether able to read music or not. To learn more about singing in the Chancel or Fellowship Choirs this fall, please call the Rev. Dr. Michael Waschevski in the Church office at 817.335.1231, ext. 229.
Sunday, August 28, 4:30-6 p.m. in Gym All youth invited! Pizza Dinner included.
Labor Day: No Youth Activities
Sunday, September 4 No youth activity due to All Church Retreat at MO-Ranch (Labor Day Weekend)
New Youth Ministry Fall Schedule Watch for details about changes to this fall’s Youth Ministry weekly schedule, coming soon.
WWW.FPCFW.ORG
3
Summer Adult Church School Continues
The Bible and Your Faith: Reading & Studying Scripture
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.
FPC offers a variety of opportunities for reading and studying the Bible -- for those who’ve never studied or read the Bible to those who have been reading and studying for years. In addition to on-going Church School classes, Presbyterian Women’s Circles, and Men’s Bible Study Groups, two opportunities this fall are described below. Register at fpcfw. org/adult-studies or call Celeste at 817.335.1231, ext. 261. Reading the Bible in 9 Months (RB9M) – Daily Bible readings enable participants to read through the entire Bible in nine months. Monthly gatherings enrich the individual experiences of scripture. Dr. Michael Waschevski facilitates these gatherings on the third Sunday of the month (October–May) from 5-6 p.m. The RB9M reading plan begins Sunday, September 11. A special kick-off seminar occurs Saturday, September 10 (10 a.m.) in Room 237.
Bible Study led by Rev. Robyn Michalove and Gordon Van Amburgh meets in Room 237, through August 14. 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, through August 14. Labyrinth Walks will be available through August 14.
Save the Date for These Fall Offerings Regular Fall Programming* Begins: September 11 First Connections Class: September 11 - October 16 Screens & Teens Parenting Workshop: September 11 Ice Cream Social for New Members & Visitors: September 12 Organ Recital by Haruhito Miyagi: September 25 *Including Church School classes for all ages, children’s & youth music rehearsals, youth group meetings, etc. Watch for more details.
Bible in Depth – This popular course is offered (choose one) on Sunday mornings from 10-10:45 a.m., and Wednesday mornings from 10:45-11:45 a.m. Led by the Rev. Robyn Michalove (Sunday) and Dr. Michael Waschevski (Wednesday), The Gospel of Luke will be studied verse by verse. Participants grow in their understanding of scripture and its application to their daily life of faith. The classes being Sunday, September 11, or Wednesday, September 14. If you have questions on these and other study opportunities, feel free to contact Michael Waschevski in the church office 817.335.1231, ext. 229 or by email at
[email protected].
Carrying on with its long tradition of music and arts excellence, FPC is excited to offer its inaugural semester of the Music Academy with classes for all ages this fall. The Music Academy aims to engage persons through a variety of exposure to music skills, awareness, and appreciation. See a list of classes and learn more about the program at fpcfw. org/music-academy.
4
penn street LETTER
Room in the Inn Set-Up Crews
WOW Participants Send Cards to Orlando Churches
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 set-up crew, please contact Kathy Parr at parr.kathy@gmail. com or 817-980-7553.
First HAND Needs CLOTHING ITEMS NEEDED (CLEAN & READY TO WEAR): • Jeans and khakis (all 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.
WOW participants sent about 60 cards to 2 Presbyterian churches in Orlando affected by the shooting. This is the response from one of the pastors sent to Robyn Michalove. Dear Robyn, I am a co-pastor at the Park Lake Presbyterian Church in Orlando. On behalf of the church and the Orlando community, I want to thank you for your faith community’s thoughts and prayers toward the people in Orlando at the terror of the Pulse shootings. Your prayers have resulted in a rise of community coming together to celebrate #OrlandoStrong and expressions of prayer and support in community places. There is a ‘yes we can’ commitment that hasn’t been evident around here in a long, long time. We’re grateful for the call and challenge of being a downtown church of compassionate people of Christ and ask for your continued prayers in the weeks and months ahead as the remembrances of the Pulse visibly fade but ongoing scares remain painfully invisible.
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
I have included your prayers and thoughts on a bulletin board in our education area (photo above) and will encourage people to take one to share with others.
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!
In Christ, Helen DeBevoise
It is good to be a connected church.
WWW.FPCFW.ORG
5
FPC Session Approves Policy for Open Carry/Concealed Weapons
Another group of FPC children just spent a week of camp at Mo-Ranch in Kerrville. These 27 children spent quality time in fellowship, play, service, and making memories together. We’re thankful for the ongoing opportunity for shared ministry MoRanch continues to offer all ages!
After careful consideration of reports from the FPC Session’s Open Carry Task Force, formed and approved at the January 17, 2016 Stated Session meeting, the Session has overwhelmingly approved a policy to not allow for open or concealed carry of firearms and other weapons on church property. This decision includes both the Penn Street and Community Crossroads campuses. The task force met four times to carefully research and consider various details surrounding this issue. Members of the task force include Paul Conner, Richard Dorough, Heather Davenport, Michelle Goodwin, Ralph Reece, Steve Stackhouse, and staff resource Karl Travis.
THE POLICY DETAILS Open Carry is not be allowed on either campus. At Penn Street, those seen to be openly carrying a handgun will be handed a printed card with the church’s policy. At Community Crossroads, signs will be posted outside all regularly used entrances. Training will be offered to selected staff and ushers on properly handing policy cards to those openly carrying handguns. Likewise, concealed weapons are not allowed on both campuses. Language detailing this policy will be included on cards distributed at Penn Street as well as on signage posted at Community Crossroads. On Sunday, July 17 FPC welcomed 17 new members. They all transferred their membership from John Knox Presbyterian Church, which recently closed. It’s an honor to include this special group nto the FPC community! These members include: Daniel Mouton, Leonard and Debbie Wheeler; Richard and Paula Hawpe, Susan and John Lenheiser, Patty and Larry Biggers, Charlotte and Tom Baines, Judy and Greg Hendrickson, Sharon and David King, Pam and Charlie Thompson
The Early Education Center will adopt appropriate language regarding the policy in its parent handbook and will obtain signed consent from parents. Current FPC handbooks and policy documents will also be updated to record that FPC is a no Open Carry/Concealed Weapon facility.
MOMS Summer Fellowship A special thanks to our faithful volunteers in the Dental Clinic at Community Crossroads. These members help volunteer dentists provide much needed dental services to clients in need. Left to Right: Randy Toombs, Murray Richey, Jess Boulware, Bruce Corning
6
penn street LETTER
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. When you RSVP you will be emailed addresses/directions. 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.
Refugee Family Has Arrived! On July 18, members of the FPC Refugee Welcome Team welcomed a family at the airport with smiles and open arms. The family, from Syria, includes Taha and Miriam and their children Zade (10 year old boy), Rosol (6 year old girl), Ayed (3 year old boy), and Mohammed (2 year old boy). The family was taken to their new apartment, furnished by your donations. Thank you! From church member Raissa Tchoffo: They loved everything in it and extend their gratitude to the entire team. The kids especially loved the toys. It was a special moment watching them scream, jump and play around the house, open every door and cabinet. From Monique Lary, who is part of our welcome team: It was a beautiful, moving experience. The family, naturally, was quite tired and jet lagged, yet so appreciative of everything. They had their first experience of deciphering the bathroom male/female symbols, and learning how to make those “magic” faucets turn on.
F4 Meals Ministry
Book People Fall Meetings
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.
Book People meets next on September 12 noon in Room 305 to discuss Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. Newcomers are welcome. More fall titles are available online at http://fpcfw. org/connect/adults/adult-studies/book-people-book-club. For further information contact Elizabeth Johnson Pense at
[email protected].
Joys & Concerns
Following are the joys and concerns shared as of July 21, 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... Willa Dunleavy whose husband, Kevin Dunleavy, died July 8. Stephen and Heather Richey on the death of her father, Dr. Olie Garrison, who died July 5 in Nacogdoches, Texas. Other survivors include granddaughters Evelyn, Vivian, and Madeline Richey. Our loving thoughts and prayers are with... Peggy Scott, Bill Shaffer, Keith Pugh, Karl Travis, Charlie Shiner, Ed Cook, Nancy Gedge Carlson, Barbara Reece, Chuck Sullivan, Lou Hopps, Sue Anderson, Corinna Nation, Shirley Volluz, Margaret Francis, Harriett Hosley, and Molly Hutchinson, who are recovering from surgery or injury. Judy Stricklin, Ed Gilbert, 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... John DeMore (son-in-law of June Sprott), 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.
WWW.FPCFW.ORG
7
penn street THE
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 SUNDAY, JULY 31 8 a.m. Worship Service Chapel 9 a.m. Worship Service Great Hall 9:45 a.m. Summer Choir Rehearsal Room 218 10 a.m. Summer Church School Various 11 a.m. Worship Service Sanctuary MONDAY, AUGUST 1 6:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Study Room 304 9 a.m. Mission on the Move Camp Room 105 9:30 a.m. Summer Fun Various 9:40 a.m. Wellness: Yoga Stretch Room 109 3 p.m. Room in the Inn Gym 5:30 p.m. Congregational Care Committee Room 305 6 p.m. Fellowship Committee Room 312 TUESDAY, AUGUST 2 9 a.m. Mission on the Move Camp Room 105 9:30 a.m. Summer Fun Various WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3 9 a.m. Mission on the Move Camp Room 105
For a complete calendar of church events, visit www.fpcfw.org/calendar.
9:30 a.m. Summer Fun 9:40 a.m. Wellness: Fun with Zumba 12 p.m. First HAND Open for Clients 1:30 p.m. Beacons Executive Committee 5:30 p.m. WOW! Worship on Weds. 7 p.m. Seeking Joyful Ringers! 7 p.m. Young Adults @ First HAND THURSDAY, AUGUST 4 7 a.m. Evergreen Prayer Group 9 a.m. Mission on the Move Camp 9:30 a.m. Summer Fun 12 p.m. Personnel Committee 12 p.m. First HAND Open for Clients 6 p.m. Mission Outreach Committee 6:30 p.m. MOMS Summer Schedule FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 9 a.m. Mission on the Move Camp 9:30 a.m. Summer Fun 10 a.m. Wellness: Tai Chi
Various Room 109 Com. Crossroads Room 102 Com. Crossroads Room 245 Com. Crossroads Fahrenkamp Rm. Room 105 Various Room 304 Com. Crossroads Room 226 Away Room 105 Various 2nd Flr. Concourse
