STAY CONNECTED Make every effort to keep yourself unified in the Spirit. Ephesians 4.3
STEWARDSHIP 2015 | FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FORT WORTH
Dear Friends in Christ,
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE Ken Garlington, Chair Rev. Karl Travis, Staff Ralph Benson Kent Bruxvoort Kristin Glass Stacy Hartman B.J. Hoskins Greg McCoy Aaron Michalove Bob Parmelee Rebecca Rhule Lenda Richards Mary Kay Roberto
IN THIS ISSUE 3
A Perfect Fit: Habitat for Humanity and FPC
4
Ministries that Aim at Inspiring Disciples: my faith FAMILY and WOW!
5
Because You Connected: Room in the Inn
6
Connected to the Future: Early Education Center
Many have asked what I learned while on sabbatical. The first answer, the one that leaps from my heart before it is even filtered through my head, is that I missed being connected to First Pres and to you. The congregational connections we share and enjoy—when at worship, while working at a mission project, during a church school class, or amidst a personal crisis – these connections tie us not only to one another. They tie us to God. God’s presence seems palpable in our church. Now in my eighth year with you, I have not experienced us doing so much, so well, and with so much passion. We offer an impressive array of programs to entice and meet members’ deepest needs. We reach out in a growing number of mission projects, addressing the community’s most basic physical and spiritual longings. We challenge one another at Penn Street, at Community Crossroads, and in interpersonal relationships to grow closer to God. This newsletter details some of our many goings-on, but only some. We make efficient and effective use of the resources entrusted to us. When we give to First Pres, our contributions make a true difference in the world. And yet, there is another reason for us to give, an additional and perhaps even deeper motivation for our generosity. We give because we need to give. God hard wired it into us, made us in such a way that when we share God’s bounty to touch the world around us, we nurture our connections to God. Be connected. Be connected to the congregation. Be connected to everything First Pres does. Be connected to one another, to your deepest self. Best yet, be connected to God, whose impulse to share bursts forth in great joy each time we practice generosity. God’s peace to you, in your home, in your heart, in your generosity,
7
An Important Piece of the Puzzle: Young Adult Ministry
8
CONNECT ONLINE at FPCFW.ORG and
9
Know Your Church
facebook.com/firstpresfw twitter.com/fpcfw
10
How Do You Fit In? Funding 2015 Ministry & Mission
Engaging the World Through Music: Penn Street Arts
smile.amazon.com (select First Presbyterian Church Fort Worth) firstpresbyterianchurchfw.shutterfly.com
2
A PERFECT FIT And FPC The year the Fort Worth Area Habitat affiliate was founded.
1989
The number of FPC volunteers who helped renovate Habitat’s 2nd house on E. Stella St. in 1991.
100
$25,000
The financial commitment of FPC to sponsor and build its first house on E. Annie, with more than 50 volunteers, in 1993.
74
The number of houses First Presbyterian Church has built or renovated to date with Habitat for Humanity in the Fort Worth community!
Current Habitat Connections First Presbyterian Church members will work this October alongside former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter to build 15 homes as part of the Carter Work Days project in Fort Worth. In addition, others will grab their paint brushes on Saturday, October 11 and help revitalize countless homes in lower-income neighborhoods as part of the annual Cowtown Brush Up. To date, more than 2,300 homes have been painted through this annual effort! If you have questions about Habitat for Humanity, please contact Robyn Michalove at 817.335.1231, ext. 266 or
[email protected].
Learn more at Fpcfw.org/serve/habitat-for-humanity/
3
Two Ministries That Aim at Inspiring Disciples
First Presbyterian Church has recently begun a new program called my faith FAMILY. This program, an initiative in the five-year strategic plan for the church, will provide support for foster parents in the church. The program was designed by Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS) to address a very significant need in foster care programs. With a constantly growing number of children needing foster care, it has become very difficult to find homes for all those in need. The most pressing problem is that 50% of the people that agree to be foster parents quit within the first year. Their reasons center on isolation and lack of support and help as they try to provide for the new addition to their family. Based on the input from foster parents, PCHAS designed a program for churches to establish a “village” environment to provide the support that each of these families need. The focus is on assisting the parents and making the very challenging job of integrating and raising the foster child easier and less isolating. The my faith FAMILY program will work with families in FPC who are willing to be foster parents. When a family in the church decides to begin the process of approval to be foster parents, the my faith FAMILY “village team” will start to work with the family through the approval process and then in support once a child is placed in their care. Village members will do a wide variety of activities as needed to support the family. These activities may include preparing meals, providing transportation, babysitting, tutoring, mentoring, or other helpful tasks. Of course, the entire program prays for the families. FPC is still in the early stages of starting this program, but there is a dedicated group of leaders working to develop the system of support. The current focus is on engaging with potential foster parents and enrolling village volunteers. Questions? Contact Indi Butler at 817.335.1231, ext. 264.
On Wednesday evenings, First Presbyterian Church leads Worship on Wednesday (WOW), a program at Community Crossroads in the Hemphill area. The program reaches out to all ages and provides a warm and inviting environment for the community to worship. During the school year, WOW begins with a worship service at 5:30 p.m. Following worship, guests are treated to an excellent dinner prepared by the church and served by volunteers from the church. Some members of FPC also visit with the WOW attendees during dinner. After dinner, Church School classes are offered for children and youth. The classes, taught by volunteers, use various curricula that teach children about our Christian faith and how it can help them in their lives. Bible stories and activities to help re-enforce the primary purpose of the lesson are incorporated, giving the children a chance to make something to take with them to remind them of the story and to share with their family. The WOW program changes in the summer, with a Vacation Bible School during August. The four-week study centers on topics that deal with both Bible study and an aspect of environment awareness, such as the need for water around the world. The study includes Biblical, art, science, and game segments so students see the topic from various perspectives. Special activities are also offered for both the children and their parents. For example, children and parents are taken by FPC volunteers to a nursing home for Christmas caroling. WOW gives participants a chance to experience a warm Christian environment, a good meal, and to build relationships with other people and with God. Questions? Contact Leah Wycoff at
[email protected].
4
BECAUSE YOU CONNECTED... ...there is always room in the inn. First Presbyterian Church, along with a host of community congregations, provides food, shelter from the weather, and fellowship one night a week during July, August, December, January, and February. Screened by the Day Resource Center, fourteen homeless men are selected to come and stay at the church on Monday evenings. Guests are transported to the church in the FPC van, driven by a volunteer, and are greeted by a group of volunteers with snacks, games, reading materials, and friendly conversation. Guests find a freshly made bed — not too hard and not too soft — for an evening of restful sleep. A bag of toiletries, socks, and bath linens for showering are left on each bed. Two volunteers spend the night with our guests as “innkeepers,” or hosts for the night.
“At Room in the Inn, we practice love by offering hospitality, restored dignity through genuine fellowship, a good meal, and a restful night’s sleep for those who currently call the street home.” Steve Christian, RITI Volunteer
Following a period of fellowship, guests and volunteers gather together in prayer prior to dinner that is provided by volunteers and various Church School classes. The dinner is prepared and served family-style to allow the conversation and fellowship to continue. After dinner, guests are able to prepare sandwiches to take with them on Tuesday morning and then settle in to play games, watch movies, and get a good night’s sleep. A hot breakfast is served on Tuesday morning before guests are transported back to the Day Resource Center. Because you connected, we have made a difference in the lives of many of Fort Worth’s homeless citizens. If you are interested in connecting through Room in the Inn, contact Robyn Michalove at
[email protected] or 817.335.1231.
5
Connected to the Future FPC cares for children and families
Part of First Presbyterian Church’s recent strategic plan included the expansion of the Day School and Childcare Center. In early 2014, FPC renamed the program the Early Education Center and unveiled a new logo (see upper left corner above). The name and logo more accurately capture this caregiving ministry to children and their families. In July of 2013, we began offering full-time childcare and opened the doors to families with two full-time working parents. Since that time, we have enrolled 68 children in full-time childcare. This fall, total enrollment in the EEC (infant through age 5) is 164 children. Children ages six weeks to twelve months make up sixteen of the 164 children. The strategic plan also offers the program’s services to the community as an outreach. Seventy-five percent of our Day School enrolled children are non-church members. Every year, several families join the church having first found FPC through our Early Education Center. Even though the second floor halls are quiet on Sundays, rest assured that they are bustling with children Monday through Friday! If you have questions about the Early Education Center, please contact director Marla Bush-Williams at 817.335.1231, ext. 256 or
[email protected].
6
an important Piece of the Puzzle Cultivating the Young Adult Ministry at FPC The hardest part of describing the Young Adult Ministry may be defining its members. Their ages may be anywhere from twenty to forty. They can be married or single, with or without children. Some join after being part of the church for years, and others are new to the congregation. Basically, a young adult is anyone who thinks of themselves as a young adult! FPC recognized a few years ago that, although there were many young adults in the congregation, there was little or no programming specifically targeted to their needs. Thus, the Young Adult Ministry was created to focus on young adults and young families. Those who participate tend to want liturgy and tradition, but they are also eager to make a difference in the world. They like FPC because of its emphasis on mission, and like being part of the Young Adult Ministry because of its uniqueness. The core members of the Young Adult group meet every week. They have a Bible study monthly and their approach to the Bible tends to focus more on sharing and discussion and less on a highly structured course of study. The group is also focused on mission, with regular visits to Community
Crossroads to bag groceries. They find time to socialize as young Christians as well, using their Facebook page to plan events. FPC is currently seeking a DIRECTOR OF YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY to add to the church staff. Filling this position will bring a greater presence and consistency within the church for this ministry, enabling a growth in membership and a stronger sense of community. In the future, don’t be surprised to see more of these young men and women taking leadership roles within the church. For more information, see the Young Adults page at fpcfw. org/connect/young-adults/ or contact Robyn Michalove at 817.335.1231, ext. 266 or
[email protected].
67%
New Members by Generation 2013 - May 2014 58 60 50 30
40 30
43%
32
Percentage of New Members in 2013-14 Under the Age of 32
15
20 10 0
0 GI Generation GI Generation 1901-1924 1901 -(90 1924 Plus) (90 plus)
SILENT Generation BOOMER Generation SILENT Generation BOOMER Generation 1925-1942 1943-1960 1925-1942 1943-1960 (72-89) (54-71) (72-89) (54-71)
Percentage of New Members in 2013-14 Under the Age of 53
X’er Generation X'er Generation 1961-1981 1961-1981 (33-53) (33-53)
MILLENNIAL MILLENNIAL Generation Generation 1982-2004 1982-2004 (10-32) (10-32)
7
ENGAGING THE WORLD THROUGH MUSIC
PENN Arts ST
The Penn Street Art Series is an evolving program at First Presbyterian. From its inception over 15 years ago, it has grown from casual music presentations to a more formal musical arts performance schedule. The concert series, sponsored by the Worship and Music Committee, is focused on presenting a wide variety of music for members of FPC and the greater Fort Worth community. This entertaining musical series is designed to complement, not duplicate, other arts offerings through various Fort Worth organizations and is coordinated by FPC Director of Music, Dr. Robert August. The Penn Street Art Series offers music to appeal to every age group from early classical music ensembles to organ recitals to nationally renowned collegiate and professional ensembles. Concerts are presented by local
artists as well as touring individuals and groups. The series has included groups such as Milliken and Luther Colleges, the UNT One O’Clock Lab Band, and more. A particularly memorable presentation included a recent choral program by Milliken College and the Texas Boys Choir. The FPC facility makes presenting a wide variety of programs possible. The series has included a classical guitarist in the Chapel, the One O’clock Lab Band in the Great Hall, and choir and organ concerts in the Sanctuary. With this variety, the Penn Street Art Series not only enriches the congregation but reaches out and connects FPC to the community. If you have questions about the Penn Street Arts Series, please contact Robert August at 817.335.1231. ext. 240 or
[email protected].
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS AT FPCFW.ORG/CONNECT/MUSIC-ARTS/CONCERT-SERIES
8
Know Your
Connection can be made stronger through a more complete understanding of the
CHURCH
“big picture.” Get to know your church by browsing the following data.
1,963
Total Members of the Congregation (over 14 years old)
32%
Growth in Average Pledges Since 2007
2008
Most Common Year to Join FPC
48%
Growth in Median Pledge Since 2007
28%
Percentage of the Congregation That is Single
April
Most Popular Month to Join the Church
53
Average Age of First Presbyterian Members
1
First Presbyterian’s Rank in Special Offerings Giving Among the 11,000 PC(USA) Congregations
FPC’s Membership by Year Joined Members Before 2000 Members 2001 2014 FPCFW Congregation by Year Since Joined 2000
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0 1931
1949
1959
1969 Total Members by Year
1979 Members Since 2001
1989
1999
2009
9
HOW DO YOU FIT IN?
FUNDING 2015 MINISTRY & MISSION
STEWARDSHIP CALENDAR Week of October 13
Sunday, October 19
Pledge Cards arrive in your mailbox.
Connection Sunday at 9 and 11 a.m. worship, celebrating FPC ministries and mission.
Sunday, November 2 Commitment Sunday - We offer our pledges as an act of worship.
pledge online PLEASE PRINT | You may also submit your at www.fpcfw.org/give
2015 PLEDGE CARD Because pledging brings joy and includes me/us an annual total of
in the church’s ministry, in 2015 I/we will strive
to give
$
Name: Address: Email: Signature: Pledge will be paid:
□ Weekly □ Bi-Weekly □ Monthly □ Quarterly □ Annually
□ This pledge is a joint commitment from husband and wife.planning. □ I wish to receive information about giving through estate Quarterly □ Monthly □ I wish to receive offering envelopes □ Weekly This pledge may be increased or changed by calling
the church.
CARD 2015 PLEDGE You may Name: Address: Email:
Dated
pledge online PLEASE PRINT | You may also submit your at www.fpcfw.org/give
You will receive a pledge card like the one at left in a separate mailing. Please consider your pledge to the church and return the pledge card to the church on Commitment Sunday, November 2. Extra cards will also be provided that day.
submit your pledge online at to give in the church’s ministry, in 2015 I/we will strive WWW.FPCFW.ORG/GIVE
Because pledging brings joy and includes me/us an annual total of
$
Office Use Only: Fam# Payment recv’d with pledge card: Ck# $
2015 PLEDGE CARD
10
If our Ministry and Mission Budget is to grow, below are the numbers of pledges in each giving category we need to reach a growing goal. Find yourself in the 2014 chart. Is 2015 your year to climb? Can you go up a level?
2014 Giving Levels # OF PLEDGES
2015 Giving Levels Necessary to Reach Goal of $2,700,00
ANNUALLY
# OF PLEDGES
WEEKLY MONTHLY ANNUALLY
1
$81,000
1
$1,596.15
$6,916.67
$83,000
2
$50,000
3
$1,057.69
$4,583.33
$55,000
2
$40,000
3
$807.69
$3,500.00
$42,000
2
$36,000
3
$769.23
$3,333.33
$40,000
4
$30,000
4
$673.08
$2,916.67
$35,000
4
$24,000
4
$519.23
$2,250.00
$27,000
7
$21,000
6
$461.54
$2,000.00
$24,000
6
$18,000
8
$403.85
$1,750.00
$21,000
10
$16,800
3
$365.38
$1,583.33
$19,000
12
$15,000
10
$326.92
$1,416.67
$17,000
9
$12,000
6
$269.23
$1,166.67
$14,000
14
$10,800
10
$230.77
$1,000.00
$12,000
15
$9,600
15
$201.92
$875.00
$10,500
20
$8,400
15
$182.69
$791.67
$9,500
29
$7,200
12
$153.85
$666.67
$8,000
24
$6,600
24
$142.31
$616.67
$7,400
42
$5,700
28
$121.15
$525.00
$6,300
56
$4,800
34
$100.00
$433.33
$5,200
33
$3,600
38
$80.77
$350.00
$4,200
36
$3,000
42
$69.23
$300.00
$3,600
22
$2,400
32
$53.85
$233.33
$2,800
19
$2,100
41
$48.08
$208.33
$2,500
13
$1,800
16
$40.38
$175.00
$2,100
28
$1,500
24
$34.62
$150.00
$1,800
33
$1,200
11
$28.85
$125.00
$1,500
24
$1,020
20
$25.00
$108.33
$1,300
34
$720
19
$19.23
$83.33
$1,000
35
$600
23
$15.38
$66.67
$800
27
$480
39
$11.54
$50.00
$600
20
$360
40
$8.65
$37.50
$450
35
$300
23
$7.69
$33.33
$400
38
$240
40
$5.77
$25.00
$300
300
$0
100
$4.62
$20.00
$240
LEARN MORE
If you would like to receive a copy of the 2014 Budget and/or monthly financial statements, please contact the Business Office. Copies of the statements are also made available on the media board outside the office.
11 11
Inspiring Disciples... Engaging the World
1000 Penn Street Fort Worth, TX 76102 P: 817.335.1231
WWW.FPCFW.ORG
COMMITMENT SUNDAY MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO KEEP YOURSELF UNIFIED IN THE SPIRIT EPHESIANS 4.3
NOVEMBER 2, 2014 Join the FPC community on Commitment Sunday as we celebrate all God is doing to connect you and others to the church’s ongoing and future ministries.
Pledge cards will be mailed out and available at church the week of October 13. You may also submit your pledge online at
www.fpcfw.org/give
