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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
TEXARKANA, TX
PERMIT NO. 71
516 Pecan Street Texarkana, Arkansas 71854
Phone: 870-774-6453 Fax: 870-773-4199
E-mails: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
We’re on the Web! www.firstprestexarkana.org
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
OUR M ISSION STATEMENT IS TO SHARE
THE LOVE OF CHRIST , TO EMPOWER
PEOPLE TO SERVE , AND TO GLORIFY GOD .
The Rev. Timothy D. Lincoln, PhD will be in our pulpit on
Sunday, September 21st,
for Theological Education
Sunday. He has served on the faculty of Austin
Presbyterian Theological Seminary as Library Director
since 1994. He also is the Associate Dean for Seminary
Effectiveness and teaches courses in practical theology.
Dr. Lincoln is a graduate of Concordia College
(Moorhead, MN), Yale Divinity School, Simmons College,
and the University of Texas at Austin. He is an ordained
minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America,
a church which is in full communion with the PC
(U.S.A.). He is married to Laura Vaught Lincoln, is the
father of two adult children, and is the grandfather of
one amazing granddaughter.
We are so excited to have Rev. Lincoln as a part of our
congregation. Please make plans to attend.
THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION
SUNDAY Please join us for a
baby shower brunch for twins, Remington and Frederick Calhoun,
on Saturday, September 27, from 10 a.m. until noon.
As Mom, Dad and the twins will be honored at the brunch, the entire church family is invited to come and get to know Savannah, Cameron, and the boys. No disposable diapers but everything else
"baby" will be appreciated, twice. Wish list is registered at Target and Oh Baby!
BABY SHOWER BRUNCH
Just a few fallible words about what I think from month to month…
Rev. Susan
33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the
saints, . . .
40 But all things should be done decently and in order.
1 Corinthians 14:33, 40
Update Regarding General Assembly Concerns
The Session recently hosted a roundtable discussion regarding the 221st General Assembly. Dan Hignight as Stated Clerk of our presbytery and Joe Hill as General Presbyter of the Presbytery of the Pines came to give us an overview of actions taken at the General Assembly. They also answered questions, discussed concerns, and offered suggestions. Overall the discussion was extremely
informative.
At our last Session meeting we discussed if and/or how we should respond to some of the more controversial actions of the Assembly. The consensus was that we should wait to see the results of the vote on the redefinition of marriage before taking any action. Certain actions would be a mute point and waste of time depending on how that vote goes. For example, any effort to rescind the Authoritative Interpretation that gave Presbyterian teaching elders the right to perform same gender marriages would be a mute point should
marriage be redefined in the Book of Order as between two persons “(traditionally a man and a woman)”.
In the meantime, the Session agreed that we should explore the process of rescinding an Authoritative Interpretation. Also, we should explore the process of creating an overture to prevent Authoritative Interpretations from being misused in the future. A.I.’s were designed to interpret existing policies, not to
create new policies and practices as was done at this past General Assembly.
For those of you who are not aware, the General Assembly approved an Authoritative Interpretation that permits pastors to perform same gender marriages even though the Book of Order currently defines marriage as between a man and a woman. The intent of an A.I. is to provide clarity. At this past General Assembly, an Authoritative Interpretation was approved, against the advice of the Advisory Committee on the Constitution, that does not simple clarify, but actually contradicts a clear and plain reading of the current Book
of Order.
If you find this confusing, don’t hesitate to ask questions. This polity can be very confusing. We all are a bit on the learning curve about this. As I said, the Session is exploring the proper procedures should they deem action necessary in the future. I would also like to add that Session meetings are open to the congregation. If you have any concerns, or simply would like a better understanding of the inner workings of
First Presbyterian Church, you are always welcome to attend a Session meeting.
In Christ’s Love,
Revs. John and Susan Arnold
SEPTEMBER 2014
F IRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
OUR MISSION STATEMENT IS TO SHARE THE LOVE OF CHRIST , TO EMPOWER
PEOPLE TO SERVE, AND TO GLORIFY GOD.
F IRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The volunteers for Sunday, September 7, are:
*Brenda & Jim Works (Group Coordinator)
Charles Jackson
RANDY SAMS’ MISSION
ANGEL FUND FOUNDATION is accepting merchandise for the annual Garage Sale classic. We will look forward to accepting your merchandise, including children’s clothing. However, we ask that any adult clothing be given to The Sharing Place or a charity or resale establishment of your choice. We will accept
all shoes and handbags.
As always, we will be at the Garage Sale Office from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon each Tuesday morning, but will gladly meet you at the Office at your convenience. Please call us to schedule an appointment or a time for us to pick up large items. The sale is scheduled for June 5 - 6, 2015 . . . a week later than usual in the hope
that rain will have already moved through.
We look forward to visiting with you and receiving your goodies. And if you really
want to have fun, talk to us about working the sale. Thank you for your generosity.
Fran Mitchell, Garage Sale Chairman
(903) 792-8897 (Home)
(903) 826-4077 (Cell)
When you volunteer at Hospice of Texarkana, whether it’s working with patient/family or in another role, volunteering can make a difference in someone’s life, including your own. Interested in volunteering, visit their website to learn more about Hospice of Texarkana at www.Hospiceoftexarkana.org or call Debra at (903) 794-4263.
SEPTEMBER WORSHIP/STUDY SCHEDULE
GARAGE SALE DONATIONS SYMPATHY
Mary Ann Beck, sister of
Cynthia Walker, passed away
on August 28, 2014.
SUNDAY Worship Services
WEDNESDAY FNS
THURSDAY Brown Bag Bible Study
Reformation 3 Paul & Women 4 1st Corinthians & 1st Timothy
11:00 a.m.: Starting from Scratch?– Matt. 18:15-20 7 5:00 p.m.: No Brown Bag Replay
Reformation10 Paul & Women 11 1st Corinthians & 1st Timothy
11:00 a.m.: Paying Forgiveness Forward - Matt. 18:21-35 14 Revelation 27 Paul & Women 18 1st Corinthians & 1st Timothy
11:00 a.m.: Contending for the Seeker’s Trust-Phil. 1:21-30 21
Revelation 24 Paul & Women 25 1st Corinthians & 1st Timothy
11:00 a.m.: A Job We Cannot Fail To Do – Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 28
BROWN BAG BIBLE STUDY will be working in tandem with the Presbyterian Women’s Horizon’s Study this fall and look at the Apostle Paul’s attitude toward women. We’ll be focusing specifically
on two passages: 1Corinthians 14:33-36 and 1Timothy 2:11-15. Come and join us – men are welcome too!!
F IRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ONGOING FINANCIAL STATUS
JULY
Actual Budget Actual Budget
Income $36,445.98 $30,810.00 $252,929.54 $215,670.00
Expenses 30,136.92 38,467.25 235,445.65 269,270.75
Net Income (Loss) $ 6,309.06 ($7,657.25) $ 17,483.89 ($53,600.75)
YEAR-TO-DATE
September 7, September 7, September 7, September 7,
2014201420142014
Mark your calendars for Family Camp,
June 26 - 28, 2015.
SAVE THE DATE
TEXAS PRESBYTERIAN FOUNDATION
JULY
Initial Amount Invested $114,828.23
Income Earned Since Inception 12,608.83
Subtotal $127,437.06
Unrealized Gains Since Inception 27,432.43
Total Value of TPF Funds $154,869.49
UPDATE — THANKS! Special thanks to the Congregation!
$237.01 was donated for the VBS Mission
Renew Your Relationship With the Living Christ
October 2 - 5, 2014
Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center Little Rock, Arkansas
For more information or online registration, please go to
www.pilgrimage-arkansas.org. Space is limited. Deadline to register is Sunday, September 7, 2014. Cost for weekend is $200.00. Scholarships
are available.
ARKANSAS
PRESBYTERIAN
PILGRIMAGE #21
Congratulations and Best Wishes!
Lauren Locklear and
Marshall E. Moore were married on August 9, 2014.
F IRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
UPDATE — THANKS!
Special thanks to those who have generously donated towards the roof repairs! To date a total of $22,890.00 has been donated! Total cost was $26,835.00!
IT’S THANKSGIVING BASKETS T IME!
It’s time to start gathering food and preparing lists. Our Thanksgiving Food Basket ministry allows
us to share food with those less fortunate than us, or in great financial need. We are blessed to
share baskets with our community neighbors and with Angel Fund Foundation clients.
Here are some important dates to note:
November 9: FPC Youth Group Annual Save-A-Lot/Big Lots grocery shopping trip. Each team of
youth challenges the other teams to the most cost-efficient purchases of nutrient-dense foods.
November 16: Thanks for Giving Spaghetti Luncheon.
November 23: FPC Youth Groups & Diaconate deliver Thanksgiving Baskets.
The Youth look forward to serving YOU at the luncheon. This is our annual Thanksgiving Family
meal. Youth members bring the noodles, sauces, and desserts, and make the salads. No
monetary donations will be accepted. Come celebrate all of our blessings with our church
family.
Please pray for our Youth and Diaconate during this project, particularly on the November 9th trip
and the November 23rd deliveries. We hope to learn to appreciate how rising food costs and
increased needs can affect ANYONE. It is also never too early to learn how to be a discerning
shopper! We pray that each basket recipient feel the love of Christ and that each youth feel the
blessing of service on November 16.
The following lists are merely weekly shopping suggestions:
Sep. 28 Soy Milk, gelatin or pudding mixes, crackers
Oct. 5 canned vegetables, soups, fruits
Oct. 12 peanut butter, jellies
Oct. 19 canned meats (tuna, Spam, Vienna sausages)
Oct. 26 dried stuffing/dressing, potatoes mixes
Nov. 2 mac & cheese, spaghetti noodles/sauce
Nov. 9 cereal, oatmeal, breakfast bars
Nov. 16 rice, dried beans
Thank you for your continued love and support for our annual service and outreach project! We
are happy to do your shopping for you if needed.
Love,
The Youth Council
The Diaconate
F IRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“The Days Dwindle Down To a Precious Few” . . .
before we resume our Presbyterian Women activities for the 2014-2015 Circle year. On behalf of the officers of PW, we say a hearty “thank you” to our Circle Moderators (Ruth Penney Bell, Elizabeth Ann Greisser Circle; Susan Morehead, Zelle Moore Circle; and Gail Abrahamson and June Owen, Josephine Beck Circle), our Bible Study Leaders (members of the Josephine Beck Circle; Jessica Sharp, Zelle Moore Circle; and Brenda Williams, Elizabeth Ann Greisser Circle). Thanks, too, to the other members of the PW Coordinating Team: Brenda Works, Moderator; Fran Mitchell, Vice-Moderator; Gail Abrahamson, Treasurer; Marge Wilhelm, Historian; Sallie Dill, Secretary and Hospitality Chair; Gail Cogbill, Decorations Chair; and Georgette Peckham, Missions Chair. We owe Vicki Deskin a debt of gratitude for her work in keeping our PW Directory current.
If you’re not involved in the work of the Presbyterian Women already, this is a great time to join as we begin this new study year. Contact any of the leaders to find out more!
* * * *
Circles begin our new Horizons Bible study, Reconciling Paul, with the current schedule:
Josephine Beck Circle – Church Annex, Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 10:00 a.m. Elizabeth Greisser Circle – Church Library, Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 10:00 a.m.
Zelle Moore Circle – Church Annex, Thursday, Sept. 18, at 6:30 p.m. * * * *
I lift up my eyes unto the hills – from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord who made Heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2)
“Unto These Hills” is the theme of the upcoming PW Presbytery of the Pines Fall Gathering. Our guest speaker, Sherry Hardwick, of New Braunfels, Texas, represented Synod of the Sun at the USA Mission Experience in 2013. Participants spent ten days in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina witnessing the faithful work being done by our family in Appalachia.
Did you see the movie “Hunger Games?” This movie was filmed in Appalachia. The “movie sets” you saw were not built for the film. They are the actual buildings used by the residents of this region. Sherry will share the history and culture of the region, the existing ministries of the church there, and the challenges facing families living in Appalachia.
Please join us for a special morning followed by lunch. The Fall Gathering will be held at Broadmoor Presbyterian Church on Saturday, September 27, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Cost is $12.00 per person. If you wish to attend, please contact Gail Abrahamson at (903) 792-5952 or Sue Ellen Hall at (870) 773-3630.
* * * *
Farewell Reception for Lynn Whaley
After serving 40 years on Vera Lloyd’s Leadership Team, 14 of which she has served as CEO, Lynn Whaley is retiring. Lynn has worked tirelessly for the growth and modernization of the Vera Lloyd Home, and we are all grateful for her dedication. A retirement celebration will be held on Thursday, October 2, at 5:30 p.m., at Second Presbyterian Church
in Little Rock. Honoraria may be made to Vera Lloyd Home.
+++WATCH FOR THE NEW LEGACY CHRISTMAS CD+++ +++REMEMBER TO SAVE CAMPBELL'S SOUP CAN LABELS FOR GOODLAND ACADEMY+++
+++PW Coordinating Team Meets at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 8, in the Church Library+++
Presbyterian Women Updates —
September 2014
F IRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Keynote – back by popular demand: our Presbytery’s
College Students!
Music – Steven McConkie
Energizers – Aaron & Sarah Hall
Register by Sept. 5: $95.00 per youth/ Adult Advisor
Register by Sept. 12: $105.00 per youth/Adult Advisor
$80.00 per Leader Corps (10th-12th grade youth on Youth Advisory Team
and college students)
SUNDAYS
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Youth Group – DINNER/STUDY/PLAY/PRAY
Sept. 7 5:00 p.m. Youth Council @ church
6:00 p.m. Youth Group @ church – Mission Project
Sept. 14 Youth Group @ church
Sept. 21 Youth Group @ church Sept. 26-28 – Jr. High Youthquake (Ferncliff)
Sept. 28 Youth Group @ church
WEDNESDAYS
6:00 – 6:30 p.m. Family Night Supper
6:30 – 7:00 p.m. Hi’s & Low’s & Devo
Open to all 6th-9th Graders and their Adult Advisors
More information can be found at www.presbyteryofarkansas.org. Registration is done through churches! Questions? Contact JHYQ Director Olivia McConkie at [email protected] or Mary Shaw, fill-in Youth Ministry Coordinator for the Presbytery, at [email protected].
sr. high youthquake (ferncliff) sr. high youthquake (ferncliff) sr. high youthquake (ferncliff) sr. high youthquake (ferncliff) -------- march 13march 13march 13march 13----15151515
jr. high jubilee trip to mo ranch jr. high jubilee trip to mo ranch jr. high jubilee trip to mo ranch jr. high jubilee trip to mo ranch -------- july 5july 5july 5july 5----9999
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F IRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
WEEKLY EVENTS
SUNDAY 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal 11:00 a.m. Worship 6:00 p.m. Jr./Sr. High Youth Groups WEDNESDAY 10:00 a.m. Card Ministry Team 6:00 p.m. Family Night Supper 6:30 p.m. Bible Study 6:30 p.m. Godly Play 6:30 p.m. Godly Play—Evergreen Residents 6:30 p.m. Jr./Sr. High Youth Groups 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal THURSDAY 9:00 a.m. Angel Quilts 10:00 a.m. The Sharing Place 12:00 p.m. Brown Bag Bible Study
SPECIAL EVENT MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 HOLIDAY — OFFICE CLOSED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 5:00 p.m. Christian Education Committee Meeting 5:15 p.m. Stewardship Committee Meeting THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 5:30 p.m. Evangelism Committee Meeting
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 5:00 p.m. Youth Council 6:00 p.m. Dinner for Randy Sams’ Shelter MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 11:00 a.m. PW Coordinating Team Meeting 2:00 p.m. Federal Retirees Meeting TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast 10:00 a.m. Josephine Beck Circle — Annex WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 5:00 p.m. Diaconate TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 10:00 a.m. Elizabeth Greisser Circle — Library WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 5:00 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 5:00 p.m. Session Meeting 6:30 p.m. Zelle Moore Circle — Annex SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 6:00 p.m. Wedding — Sarah Beth Solomon/Fred Davis SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 9:30 a.m. Godly Play — Opportunities, Inc. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast SATURDAY, SPETEMBER 27 10:00 a.m. Savannah & Cameron Calhoun — Baby Shower
September BirthdaysSeptember BirthdaysSeptember BirthdaysSeptember Birthdays
September AnniversariesSeptember AnniversariesSeptember AnniversariesSeptember Anniversaries
1 - Matthew Johnson 3 - Becky Sweet 5 - Brian Jackson 6 - Shirley Cline 6 - Dean Keil 8 - Patricia Thomas 10 - Alan Burns 10 - Ean Sharp 11 - Adam Holmes 12 - Melanie West 13 - Pat Davitt 15 - Mona Fomby 15 - Frank McClain 18 - Lillian Rorie 19 - Sue Ellen Hall
19 - Kathi Hickerson 19 - Corley Johns 22 - Denzer Burke 22 - Anna Emerson 23 - Julie Hall 23 - Bonnie Judd 23 - Richard Peckham 25 - Dean Ransdell 27 - Linda Colls-Mundell 29 - Brook Strickland 30 - Remica Gray
5 - Vickie & Steven Nash 5 - Dorothy & Lonnie Siebel 12 - LaWanda & Frank West 18 - Georgette & Richard Peckham 21 - Jessica & Corey Sharp
