* Stuff from the staff : Charlie *

Transcription

1 People ministering to people for Christ s sake. Volume 19 - Issue 1 * Stuff from the staff : Charlie * We're back... Thank you all for the gift of Sabbatical! At a different time in my life, being granted a Sabbatical would have meant something very specific: time to study, time to reflect, time to read, time to write, and all of that with a prescribed end result. Maybe I would have written a book, or developed a degree plan, or outlined a year's worth of sermons. I would have produced something, anything to prove I had made good use of the time, a product that would justify the gift of time, of Sabbatical. You gave me the gift of time and, I confess, I have no product, nothing tangible to show you to prove I was worthy of the gift. I can tell you I relished every moment of it; I reveled in it, I reclined for much of it, and if that sounds a bit selfish, well, it was. I took the gift of time and I did with it pretty much as I pleased, with no regard as to how I would justify myself to you. You gave me the gift of time: time off, time away, time to myself, with no strings attached, and I thank you for that gift, and for the reminder of the nature of grace, which is also a gift, the greatest of gifts, and also comes with no strings attached. (Oh, I did write a book, or most of one, but I did that because I wanted to, not because I felt I needed to!) Some specific thanks are due, and I shudder to begin because I will surely leave someone out; if I do, please chalk that up to the fact that I was not here to see what everyone was doing. I have thanked the visiting preachers separately, but my thanks also go to Bruce Goodlock and Ted Flournoy for filling in as well; it is good to have fellow preachers about, and I look forward to working with both of you in the future. Thanks to the members of

2 Session: each of you stepped up and stepped in when needed, and I am as always so sinfully proud to serve beside you. A special thanks to our esteemed clerk, Sally Reynolds for holding it all together; I owe you big time! Thanks to the worship committee, led so ably by Veronika Camehl, and all of its worship gremlins, for making my absence a time for the congregation to enjoy new voices and new ideas in worship, many of which will stay with us for a long time to come. I know Tom Jaggard was amazing as a liturgist, as was Dwight Edens, and I am sure there were many others who stepped up and shared their gifts, even if their knees were knocking a bit. Thanks to Ingrid Little for stepping in and leading the stewardship campaign; while the rest of us looked at our shoes, you never even blinked! Thanks to our hard-working church staff who make things go around here, whether I am present or absent. Bev, John, Carolina, Yvonne, Merlene, Kay: I could not begin to tell you what a privilege it is to call you my friends and coworkers. Finally, my thanks to my friends Jad and Bruce: if the two of you had not conspired together to make all this work, Sabbatical would be nothing more for me than an idle thought. You both did more than anyone could ever rightfully expect, more than anyone will ever know; you are a blessing to me, and to this church family. Celebrate the beginning of a New Year at the Lord's Table on Sunday, January 03! Scripture Readings and Sermon Topics: January 03 Jeremiah 31:7 14 The Gift That Keeps On Giving January 10 Acts 8:14 17 Samaritans! January 17 John 2:1 11 The Servants Knew January 24 1 Corinthians 12:12 31 One Body January 31 1 Corinthians 13:1 13 Love Never Gives Up Wednesday Night Supper and Study: Join us each Wednesday at 5:30 for supper, and study at 6:00, beginning January 13, And Study 2

3 Reminder to Church Officers: Saturday, January 09 - Officer Training, 8:30 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. Required pre-ordination training for new Elders, as well as Orientation for the whole Session to our work for the coming year. This year s meeting will held in the Fellowship Hall / Cafe. Lunch will be provided. Sunday, January 10 10:30 A.M., Called Meeting of Session in the Church Parlor 11:00 A.M., Morning Worship, Service of Ordination and Installation 12:00 Noon, Congregational Luncheon honoring our Ruling Elder Thursday, January 21-6:00 P.M., Stated Meeting of Session COMMITTEE REPORTS - Fellowship Committee the 2nd Sunday Fellowship lunch is 1. Date: January Theme : Recipe from Home potluck Bring a special dish grandma used to make, or a dish from your home state, your home town, or one you remember from your parents. 3. Where: Youth Center 4. Other FYI: Since January 10 is also Installation and Ordination Sunday we will honor our church officers with a (1) CONGRATULATIONS to the new elders comprising the Class of 2018 ordained and installed that day, (2) WE APPRECIATE YOU to the Classes of 2016 and 2017 still serving and (3) THANKS to the elders of the Class of 2015 who rotated off December 31. Come and enjoy good food, fun and fellowship! Lunch...and don't forget to say a special "THANK YOU" to our Church Officers. 3

4 COMMITTEE REPORTS - Worship Committee So many people to thank for making Advent such a meaningful season for our church family... Ushers: Kim Thompson, Jo Smith, Jad Smith, Sally Reynolds, Pati Vincent Scripture Readers: Janet Gaskamp, Adelaide Marlatt, Dwight Edens Advent Candle Lighters: Tatiana & Thomas Jaggard Kathy Green & son Jake Parr Kyler, Karlee, Kinsey Friebele Ryan & Brayden Knostman Christmas Eve Nativity Narrator: Ingrid Little Communion : Preparer: Veronika Camehl Servers: 8:30 Lois Atwood, Pati Vincent 11:00 Al DeGayner, Mindy Durham, Dwight Edens, Caro Jackson Wine provided by: Sally Reynolds Other Stuff A BIG THANK YOU! To our lovely choirs under the direction of Yvonne Jaggard and for her gift of music during this special time of year you truly do make our hearts sing!!! Stuff 2016 Flower sponsorships. The Church Lady posted a January sign up sheet on the Mission Room bulletin board if interested in reserving a Sunday in January. Sheets for the balance of the year will be posted in the near future. Call or Beverly if you want to reserve a Sunday. Head Ushers are needed for the month of January. Contact Veronika to volunteer. Scripture Readers are needed for January. To volunteer contact Veronika Camehl.. A special invitation to our Winter Texans...if you would like to help in any capacity during one or both worship services, we welcome you! Please contact any member of the worship committee and we will "sign you up". Communion Sunday, 12/6/15, 8:30 Early Worship Service Charlie s first Sunday back from Sabbatical. Submitted by Bruce Goodlock 4

5 Worship Committee : Greening of the Church, Sunday, November 22 Chrismons Tree, Fellowship Hall Submitted by Bruce Goodlock 5

6 COMMITTEE REPORTS : Program Committee The Program Committee met on Wednesday, December 9 th, On Sunday, November 29 th, the kids from the Youth Group played Santa s Helpers and shopped for gifts to be given to the older children who come to Community Table on December 22 nd. They made thoughtful choices and seemed to have a lot of fun. Their purchases were funded by our generous Presbyterian Women. The gang gathered two more times to wrap the gifts they had bought and to help Santa s chief elf, Adelaide Marlatt, with wrapping other gifts. They are looking forward to being on Elf Duty during the Christmas meal to make sure that each child receives a gift after dinner. Charlie mentioned that we should make an effort to nurture the relationships that we have begun to build with our fellow Presbyterian organizations. To that end, we will add hyperlinks to their homepages and their Facebook pages on our own website. Also, we encourage you to subscribe to their newsletters and to take them up on their offers to visit them. In the meantime, here is a list. If you have any organizations to add, please contact Kelly, Tom or Charlie. Presbyterian Children s Home and Services: Presbyterian Pan American School: John Knox Ranch: Austin Presbyterian Theological Society: Schreiner University: Presbyterian Mo Ranch: Here s an important detail for each of us to keep in mind as we continue to seek our next Youth Sponsor. We want a leader who has a heart for God and for young people, but that person does not have to already be an experienced youth leader. Please let it be known that our church will provide training for the right person to be our next Youth Sponsor/ Leader. Shalom, 6

7 PROGRAM COMMITTEEE : Youth Group Pictures 7

8 Program Committee - Library News from the Church Librarian Did you know: Our Church Library is stocked with books that might encourage you to start off 2016 with a few New Year s resolutions. Browse the shelves or use the navy leather catalog on the display shelf to find your selection. Books categorized as SELF HELP (SH): These titles include books written to encourage selfunderstanding and offer advice for those seeking do-it-yourself solutions. Books categorized as CHRISTIAN LIVING (CL): We have almost 100 books in this broad category including titles by well-known Christian authors like Max Lucado, Billy Graham, C.S. Lewis, Chuck Swindoll, Beth Moore, etc. Most books deal with the examination and application of Scripture in our daily lives. To check out books, just sign out in the Sign Out notebook and cross off your name when you return them. Susan Forrest 8

9 Operations Committee - Treasurer s Report Treasurer s Report as of 11/30/15 Year to Date 11/30/15 11/30/ Budget Income Loose Offering $ 12,727 $ 12,949 $ 2,833 Pledges & Other 231, , ,702 Castaways 65,822 24,927 38,500 Special Gifts 2,540 13,040 0 TOTAL $ 312,728 $ 288,981 $ 276,035 Expenses $ 305,854 $ 284,359 $ 304, Pledge Drive: If you have not made a pledge for 2016, please prayerfully consider doing so. Pledges enable us to prepare the budget and plan for the coming year. Pledge forms are below, or by the Pledge lock box in the vestibule, or to fpc.churchlady@yahoo.com Giving Reports will be prepared mid-january and put on display in the church office week days and in the Mission Room on Sunday mornings. Call or The Church Lady ( ) (fpc.churchlady@yahoo.com) if you need yours mailed or scanned. Results of the Christmas Joy Offering will be announced in next month s issue of Pres-By-Lines. Kay Stanley, Treasurer Our December utility expenses: Electricity (11/3-12/07/15)- $1, Youth Bldg/FH/Kitchen $ Church/Offices/Classrooms/Sanctuary 1, Outdoor security lights City of Rockport (10/15-11/15/15)- $ : Water/Sewer $ x/week Gas Commitment Card (Please print) Name: Phone(s): Address: Landline: City, Zip Mobile: Address: As an expression of thanks for God s blessings to me, I commit (check one) to Weekly for 52 weeks Monthly for 12 months Semi-monthly for 24 periods Quarterly for 4 payments Yearly payment of As Can payments of $ $ $ $ $ $ 9

10 Ministering to others through Prayer and Complete list of PRAYER CONCERNS AND CELEBRATIONS Through 12/17/15 Please include these individuals in your Prayers of Intercession and notify the church office of any needed changes. Members At Home: Caroline Bernardy (knee surgery November 23;) Nan Jackson (Parkinsons,) Aggie Sikes (Poteet,) Eileen Harrison (Hondo,) Laverne Hanszen (Rockwall,) Al Chalkley (heart,) Daniel Garcia (Multiple Myeloma cancer,) Pat Thompson (Fort Worth,) Ray Ingersoll, Pati Vincent (breast reconstruction surgery November 18,) Jim Sikes, JoAnn Little, Rita Gilbert, Jake Hose (Minnesota;) Sally Reynolds, Carol Milbrandt (heart surgery.) Members In Nursing or Care Centers: Pat Baugh (recuperating from back surgery,) Lois Harrington (Gulf Pointe Village;) Jeremy Jaggard (Brenham;) Berta Little (The Solana at Cinco Ranch, Houston;) Marilyn Johnson (Eagle s Trace, Houston,) Jean Holland (Houston) Prayers for our Troops serving our country near and abroad. AD2 Taylor Jordan (Japan) (M/M Daniel Garcia s grandson, Ruben Garcia s nephew;) CW4 Todd Jacobson, Wyatt Curtiss Starr (Germany)(VeeAnn Wright s grandson,) Airman Lacie Rusch (Airman Becca Harris friend.) Those in harm s way: Airman Becca Harris, (Annette Ledbetter s daughter) CW4 Jason Russell. Concerns for extended Family and Friends: A Vicki Davison (Vicki Anderson s friends) B Celeste Callender (Helen Bradshaw s sister;) C Kay & David Jordan (M/M Larry Cobb s friends;) D Janie Mitchell (Mindy Durham s friend;) Sierra & Tammi Daniels (M/M John Daniels granddaughter, DIL;) E F Lauren Dillon, Fred Annand, Mary Fegley, Bruce Daily, Frances Young, Araceli Perez (M/M Ed Fegley s friend and father of their daughter in law; daughter in law s father, daughter s neighbor, grandson s friend) Micki Foust (Rosalind Foust s mother in law;) G Wounded Warrior Cody Dean Uselton, Chris Christopherson, (Karen Glass co-worker, coworker s daughter, NIL, friend;) Stephanie Pepi, Stacey Culver, (M/M Bruce Goodlock s daughter, friend s sister;) Roger Herrick (Bruce Goodlock s brother in law;) Amanda Kelly (Kathy Green s friend;) H Airman Lacie Roush (Airman Becca Harris co-worker [Annette Ledbetter s daughter;]) Jim Remly (Kathy Henderson s friend;) John & Carol Handly (Winter Texans;) Julie Hime (M/M Scott Hime s daughter;) Ryan Ford, Edward Ford (Terri Hopman s nephew, brother.) I,J Michael Bill, Ann Chappell, Gary Mysorski, Strother Norman (Caro Jackson s friends, SILs mother, cousin,) Lanette Sorlie, Brent Stewart (Bev Jacobson s cousin, step-brother;) Casey Mason, Brett & Rachel Becky Bulgerin, Leo Oliver (Yvonne Jaggard s niece, cousin, friend, students;) Cissy Smith, Riki & baby Juliana Graves, Robin Ford, Brooke Hester (Tom Jaggard s former co-worker, coworker s daughter & grand daughter;) K, L Kaitlyn Ennis, (Ingrid Little s friend;) Donna Buck (M/M Dayne Luce family friend.) M, Mc Kere Post, Dave Heckler (Kelly McNeely s sister, friend;) Uncle A.J. (Liz Murray.) N,O,P Barbara Bockhorn (Missy [Roe] Pump s friend;) Q,R Jane Ross (Sally Reynolds friend;) David W. Roberts, Lexi Midkiff, Susan Forbes (Kathy Roberts-Douglas s brother, cousin, co-worker;) Cari Cruzer Pace (M/M Rick Roe s friend,) Pam Roe s mother. S, T Dr. Joe Garcia (M/M Jim Sikes dentist;) Bonnie Smiddy s husband; Roxanna Ponton, Linda Southard, Sarah Williams, Darla Brown, Steve Straub, Wynell McLain, Bennett Trimble (Sandy Swanson s friends;) Wilma Jean Coldsnow, Mike Shedden, Stephanie & Braxley Brezina (Debbie Shedden s mother, husband, co-worker s friends;) Matt Terhune (M/M Travis Smith s former grandson in law;), Lea Swink (Kim Thompson s friend.) U, V, W Scott Williams, Ella Catherine Andrus (M/M Ozzie Williams s brother, grand daughter;) Dick Romshek (VeeAnn Wright s cousin;) Kasandra Ford s friend (M/M John Watters niece;) Beth Clark Deering (friend of Pati Vincent s cousin;) Kevin Woodford, son of Winter Texan Woody Woodford. Rosie Woodford. X,Y,Z Henry Yeoman (Darline Yeoman s son.) 10

11 Ministering to others through Prayer and Prayer Comforter Ministry: 1. Theresa Smith s Aunt Joy requested a prayer comforter for her pastor s wife Vicki Jones who is battling cancer. Vicki s husband, Casey, is the Presbyterian minister of a church in the Houston area. (Posted 12/04/15) 2. Jose Antonio Cortes Loaiza, from Costa Rica, is a friend of Ingrid Little, who recently was recently diagnosed with a condition where his body no longer flushes protein from his system requiring dialysis. To receive treatment he must travel to Panama and stay a week for daily dilation. The malady has also caused many other health issues. Also, at the time he received this news, he and his wife found out they re going to have a baby. The couple is very afraid. (Posted 12/08/15 3. Sheri Dupriest Gammon is the wife of Mike & Debbie Shedden s lifelong friend who is hospitalized in Duncanville, Texas, undergoing tests for liver cancer. (Posted 12/09/15) 4. Mary Zierke, daughter of Winter Texans Arnie and Mae Clausen, was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer on Wednesday, December 16. Chemotherapy starts Monday, December 21. (Posted 12/16/1) Praise/Celebrations/Congratulations/Announcements: December 06: 2nd Sunday in Advent/Communion/ Good Samaritans Sunday Celebrations- (1) Veronika Camehl welcomed back our returning Winter Texan family; (2) Pat Baugh recuperating from last week s back surgery at Gulf Pointe; (3) Liz Murry announced she has gone 7 years with a clear CAT scan; (4) Alyssa Spears announced she and Sam Spears will celebrate their 9th wedding anniversary on Tuesday, December 8; (5) Parkie Luce lifted up the return of Charlie and Connie as both a concern and a celebration; Concerns- (1)Bev Jacobson on behalf of Annette Ledbetter requested Prayers for Annette s daughter Airman Becca Harris who left for a year s deployment to the Middle East this past week; (2) Terri Hopman requested Prayers for her brother Edward Ford from Massachusetts, who suffered a heart attack this past week and also her nephew, (3) Ryan Ford, 27, also from Massachusetts, who was diagnosed this past week with an aggressive form of lymphoma; (4) Liz Murray requested prayers again for her Uncle AJ; (5) Kevin Woodford, son of Winter Texan Woody Woodford, contracted MERS last year during a short hospitalization and battling it ever since. He has been hospitalized in Auburn, Michigan, to undergo brain surgery after it was discovered the disease had gone to his brain. December 13: 3rd Sunday in Advent / Poinsettia Sunday Celebrations, (1) Amanda Schuler: co-worker Kendra finally gets to hold her preemie baby; (2) Pete Chamberlain: encouraged attendance at the afternoon performance of Symphony By The Sea featuring the Rockport-Fulton High School Choir and Yvonne. Proceeds benefit the Aransas County Education Foundation. Concerns, (1) Charlie: travel prayers for Connie returning from Oklahoma; (2) John Jackson: prayers for Debbie s sister Kay Carlisle undergoing a double mastectomy this week; (3) Caro Jackson: prayers for Dr. Carl Travis of First Presbyterian Church in Ft. Worth, hospitalized with a blood clotting disease; (4) Kathy Henderson: prayers for Mike s cousin hospitalized in Victoria; (5) Bruce Goodlock: prayers for his brother in law Roger Herrick, back on dialysis, not a candidate for transplant. Prayers and sympathy of the church are extended to 11

12 MORE Ministering to others through Prayer and Prayer Comforters Thank You From : Sandra B. Milum Prayer Comforter requested by : Caro Jackson Date Received : December 14 Prayers for : Nanci Barnes, whose husband Al Barnes (Sandra s brother) passed away November 12 Inscription on card, if any : Thank You, To All at First Presbyterian Church To All, My heartfelt thanks for opening your church for the family and friends of my brother, Al Barnes. It was not my first visit to your church as I once attended with my dear friend, Vivian Ward. She was church secretary there and Charlie came to Houston to honor her when she passed away. A special thanks to Susan O Bryant and Caro Jackson for their readings of scripture. Please use this check for some worthy cause at your church. It is just a small amount but I know you will use it well. My sincerest thanks and may God continue to bless you all. Sandra Barnes Milum, sister of Al Barnes Thank You from : Nanci Barnes Prayer Comforter requested by : Caro Jackson Date Received : December 10 Prayers for : Nanci Barnes, whose husband Al Barnes (Sandra s brother) passed away November 12 To all those who offered prayers for Al and me during his illness and afterwards. I want you to know it works. Peace comes unexpectedly to sooth the moments of confusion and grief The prayer comforters are so beautiful and imbedded with love. Thank you for being channels of love and healing. May it flow out to the whole of God s creation. Love Nanci Barnes. Thank You From : Anne McCaslin Prayer Comforter requested by : Caro Jackson Date Received : December 13 Prayers for : Michael Bill, a 38-year old husband and father of 3 little girls, with Stage 3 lung cancer. Dear Ladies of the Prayer Cloth Ministry, You made a cloth for my son-in-law, Michael Bill. Words do not express how your gift uplifted hm on his sick bed That was a most precious gift that has covered him for 3 months. Michael has been drawn to the Word of God and God has drawn near to him. His spirit has grown in a new way! Your cloth has helped lift this young man above his troubles. All tumors are shrinking and he feels better. Bless each of you for sending the power and love of Jesus to us! In His Name, Anne 12

13 Ministering to Women Women, these are opportunities during January 2016 for growth and service, and a time to have fellowship with other women in the church. Please mark your calendars for the following experiences. 1. PW meets monthly on the 1st Tuesday at 10:00am in the parlor. Our next meeting is January 5. All women are invited to attend. 2. Circle Bible Study is the 2nd Tuesday at 10:00am in the parlor. Our next meeting is January 12 with Study Leader Nancy Bolks presenting Lesson 4, God s Deliverance in Dangerous Waters! from the Horizons Study Guide titled, Come to the Waters. 3. The Sewing Ladies meet monthly from 9:00am to noon on the 3rd Tuesday which will be January 19 in the upstairs Sewing & Quilting Room to make Prayer Comforters. 4. Castaways: A. FPC s shift days are every Monday, 8:00am to 3:00pm, when we staff and manage the store and Thursdays, 8am to 11am, when we do the marking. There is plenty to do either day and the jobs are easy to learn! We need more helpers both days - even if you can only spare an hour Please join us!!! B. YTD we have earned $133, November earnings-$ Treasurer s Report : A. YTD December Deposits were $ B. Disbursements amounted to $ Janet Gaskamp reported all is good and going well at Good Samaritans. The new storage building is wonderfully holding more food, and she anticipates that Christmas Baskets will be easier to prepare with the additional room. She also reported that families can receive two visits per month since commodities closed. She would love to have more Presbyterian help.. 7. Janet Gaskamp reported the new program Weekend Backpack Buddies is going great and very smoothly. We supply 14 children with food each weekend. 8. Adelaide Marlatt reported on The Appreciation Dinner. It has been set for Supper & Study on Wednesday, February 10 for all volunteers who give their time and energies on behalf of First Presbyterian Church. The 5:30 pm Supper, in which Ingrid Little will provide the main course and PW will do casseroles and desserts to complement it, will be followed by the Study portion with the Youth Group doing the program. 9. BEAS Program. Kathy Henderson recommended that PW continue Audrianna s scholarship through the spring semester. 10. Red Poinsettia s are being purchased from HEB since Adams Nursery is out of business. A signup sheet is posted on the Mission Room bulletin board. Price per plant is expected to be $8 or less. There is still time to sign up for one 11.. Mo Ranch Application Forms will be printed in the January issue of Pres-By-Lines. These have to be mailed on January 15. If you are interested in going (PW pays registration and meals), look on the bulletin board for a copy of the form. 12. The Upper Room daily devotionals for January-February have arrived and are n the Library. 13 Room 204 Sewing & Quilting Room

14 Ministering to Women (continued) CASTAWAYS + PW = GENEROSITY 2015 Because of your generous donations to Castaways, and because we have untiring devoted Castaways men and women volunteers, PW is able to share what is earned from Castaways with our church and our community. Frequently during the year, PW receives requests for monetary help. With prayerful consideration, PW tries to provide help where it is needed. The following is a list of PW s expenditures for PW would like to say Thank You to all of you who have helped us make this possible. 1. Voted to give 50% of Castaways earnings to the church finances.-$65, Paid for our BEAS student: tuition, books, gas per month- $ Purchased a bench in memory and in honor of Presbyterian women in our church. 4. Gave Pam Roe $400 for motel expense for the National PW Gathering in June in Minneapolis. 5. Neet Feet bought $ worth of shoes 6. Voted to give the matured $50,000 CD to the church for insurance deductibles. 7. Gave $100 to Project Graduation. 8. Paid for summer campers- $ Sent $5000 to John Knox Camp for rebuilding damages after May flooding. 10. Took collected school supplies to 5 Rockport schools. 11. Voted to use $200/month for the quilts.($664.60) 12. Voted to use $3600 a year for food for Weekend Backpacks. ($653.28) 13. Gave $5000 to Community Table 14. Gave $3500 to Gateways to Better Education for Aransas County Schools 15. Paid for Circle Come to the Waters study booklets and Upper Room Studies- $ Added Head Start Program to our Neet Feet shoe recipients. 17. Reinstated PW Mission Presbytery Pledge-$500 a month-$ Gave $200 for food for PW Fall Gathering in Corpus Christi. 19. Gave $5000 to Steve and Susie Hanson for mission trip to India. 20. Gave $5000 toward repairing/replacing church parking lot 21. Gave $2000 toward Christmas Toy Drive 22. Gave $1000 for Good Samaritans Day of Giving (total of $3500 this year) 23. Minister s Discretionary Fund- $ Youth- $ Oak Crest Nursing Home-$ Helping Hands at the Rockport Nursing Home-$ Mo Ranch registrations-$ Castaway supplies Women s Retreat-$ PW Birthday (expense/donation)-$ Memorials, Dedications, and Love Gifts -$ Odyssey-$ Aransas County Council on Aging_$ Christmas toys (Community Table-$1000, Blue Santa-$1075, Toys for Kids-$1075, Santa s Helpers at Little Bay-$850 14

15 Ministering to Women (continued) Please come!! You are invited to an APPRECIATION DINNER For all volunteers who give their time and energies on behalf of First Presbyterian Church WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, :30-7:00 P.M. *Dinner follows a program presented by our YOUTH GROUP* Women, Save the date for the 2016 Mo Ranch Spring Gathering. Registration forms will be released in January and printed in next newsletter. 15

16 MINISTERING TO OUR TROOPS AND VETERANS THROUGH THE USE OF OUR FACILITIES ARE YOU, OR DO YOU KNOW, A VETERAN? THERE IS HELP FOR VETERANS IN OUR COMMUNITY. at Coastal Bend Troop Support s Veteran s Outreach Center 900 East Laurel, Rockport, Texas Every Tuesday: 5pm at The Community Table across the street at the First Presbyterian Church followed by a Peer Group meeting from 5:45pm to 6:45pm with combat veteran facilitator John Kroll assisted by Carla Reed &/or Beverly Jacobson Every Thursday: PTS Group Meeting at 7:00pm with John Kroll, Mentor (Combat Trauma) of the PTSD Foundation of America Every Saturday: Peer Group Meeting offering coffee and cookies at 2:00pm with John Kroll Contact John Kroll, USN Retired at or John.Kroll@ptsdUSA.org Or Carla Reed, President, CBTS, For Immediate Release November 6, 2015 BE ALERT, THE HOLIDAYS ARE A VERY DIFFICULT TIME OF YEAR FOR VETERANS SUFFERING WITH PTSD ======================================================= Important JANUARY dates to remember: Persian Gulf War began, January 17, 1991 Signing of the Vietnam Peace Accord, January 27, 1973 ======================================================= VA partners with YMCA of the USA to support Veterans Washington D.C. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) have refreshed and expanded their partnership to promote and enhance the health and well-being of Veterans and their families. A new agreement will make it easier for Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Regional Offices and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities to work with local Y-USAs to ensure that Veterans are connected to needed resources and opportunities in their communities. Since the Civil War, the Y has been a friend to Servicemembers and Veterans the Y-USA s education scholarships were forerunners of the GI Bill, said Secretary Bob McDonald. I m pleased to announce that VA and Y-USA have agreed to continue that legacy by further expanding our partnership. In communities where VA and the Y-USA choose to work together, the partnership connects Veterans to VA services and benefits in the areas of employment, homelessness, healthy lifestyle programming, and reintegration into the local community. This enhanced agreement makes it easier for local VA facilities and Y-USAs to collaborate on helping transitioning Servicemembers and Veterans connect to the resources and opportunities that they need, said McDonald. Our nation s Veterans, and their families, have dedicated so much in service to our country. The Y-USA is honored to have the opportunity to show our appreciation by doing what we do best improving the lives of individuals in the communities we serve, said Kevin Washington, President and CEO of Y-USA. There are many Y-USAs across the nation that are already working with VA and providing services directly to Veterans, this formal acknowledgement between the Y and VA will make it easier for that work to continue, expand and flourish. VA is committed to working closely with nongovernmental organizations, such as the Y-USA to identify new and innovative ways to support VA s commitment to care for those who have borne the battle and their families. Strengthening collaborations within communities and with community-based organizations helps to achieve VA s goal of improving the lives of Veterans, service members, their families, caregivers, and survivors. 16

17 MINISTERING TO THE COMMUNITY through the use of our facilities The Community Table The Christmas meal was served December 22nd after this newsletter went to press. Details and pictures will be published in the February issue The 2016 Serving Schedule is finalized. All months with 5 Tuesdays have hosts. A copy is posted on Page 19. January s serving and FPC coordinator schedules are: Date Host Church FPC Coordinator Jan. 05 First Presbyterian Church Charlie Jan. 12 Holy Cross Lutheran Veronika Jan. 19 First Presbyterian (one time switch) Sally Reynolds Jan. 26 First Baptist Pati Vincent As you can see above we serve January 05. Menu will be our traditional meat loaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, tossed salad, bread and dessert. Kay Stanley, our lead cook, has cooks scheduled but volunteers will be needed to staff the other crews, detailed below along with the reporting times for each: Shift Report Time Set up crew 3:00 Servers 4:00 *Bussers 4:00 Dishwashers 5:00 Clean up /closing crew 6:00 IMPORTANT NOTE: For our returning Winter Texan Community Table volunteers, the Aransas County Health Department performed a surprise inspection during the serving of a meal several months ago and saw Servers bussing tables. We were informed those who serve cannot buss and those who buss cannot serve. There are no permitted exceptions. In addition to rejoicing in the return of all our Winter Texan volunteers, we are especially grateful to have Tom and Dianne Carl back. Tom supervises our Community Service Workers while Dianne serves where needed. Last but not least, I feel comfortable speaking on behalf of the congregation extending MANY THANKS TO The Presbyterian Women who allocated $1,000 toward gifts for Santa, Adelaide Marlatt who once again coordinated the project to fill Santa s gift bag; Kelly McNeely and the Youth Group who assisted Adelaide purchasing, processing and wrapping them all and then volunteered to serve as Santa s elves at the Christmas meal; The following FPC members who served as Community Table coordinators during 2015: Charlie, Sally Reynolds, Veronika Camehl, Pati Vincent, Kelly McNeely, Holly Hamilton, Jad Smith and 17

18 MINISTERING TO THE COMMUNITY through the use of our facilities The Community Table STATS for December: 01 Baked chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy, corn Dessert: Strawberry ice cream with sugar cookie and chocolate syrup Number Served: 381 (327 adults, 54 kids) Host: St. Peter s Episcopal Church 08: Pub burger, rice pilaf, corn, Caesar salad, garlic bread Dessert: Ice cream Number Served: 370 (340 adults, 30 kids) Host: Coastal Oaks Church 15: Pork roast, mashed potatoes with brown gravy, green beans, garlic bread Dessert: Ice cream and cookie Number Served: 490 (434 adults, 56 kids) Host: First United Methodist Church 22: Christmas Menu Provided by. Caesar salad / croutons Honey baked ham (spiral cut) Sweet potato casserole for 225 Sweet potato casserole for 225 Green Beans & applesauce Yeast Rolls and Butter Macaroni and cheese for 225 Macaroni and cheese for 225 Dessert Coastal Oaks Church First Presbyterian Church St Peter s Episcopal Church The Lions & Rotary Clubs First United Methodist Church Peace Lutheran Church Sacred Heart Catholic Church Holy Cross Lutheran & First Presbyterian First Baptist Church Number Served: 500 (378 adults, 61 kids) THANKS to the following for their generosity in flowers to The Community Table. FLOWERS IN THE SANCTUARY from December 20 were given by Ingrid Little in honor and celebration of son Tim s birthday December 11 and grandson Cayson s birthday on New Years Eve. They were then donated to The Community Table for gracing the tables for the Christmas meal on December 22nd meal hosted jointly by all the participating hosts. 18

19 MINISTERING TO THE COMMUNITY through the use of our facilities The Community Table THE COMMUNITY TABLE SERVING SCHEDULE for CALENDAR YEAR 2016 January 05 First Presbyterian Church 12 Holy Cross Lutheran Church 19 Sacred Heart Catholic Church 26 First Baptist Church February 02 St. Peter s Episcopal Church 09 Coastal Oaks Church 16 First United Methodist Church 23 Peace Lutheran Church March 01 First Presbyterian Church 08 Holy Cross Lutheran Church 15 Sacred Heart Catholic Church 22 First Baptist Church 29 OPEN 1 LIONS & ROTARY CLUBS April 05 St. Peter s Episcopal Church 12 Coastal Oaks Church 19 First United Methodist Church 26 Peace Lutheran Church May 03 First Presbyterian Church 10 Holy Cross Lutheran Church 17 Sacred Heart Catholic Church 24 First Baptist Church 31 OPEN 2 PEACE LUTHERAN June 06 St. Peter s Episcopal Church 13 Coastal Oaks Church 20 First United Methodist Church 27 Peace Lutheran Church July 05 First Presbyterian Church 12 OPEN 3 FIRST UNITED METHODIST 19 Sacred Heart Catholic Church 26 First Baptist Church August 02 St. Peter s Episcopal Church 09 Coastal Oaks Church 16 First United Methodist Church 23 Peace Lutheran Church 30 OPEN 4 LIONS & ROTARY CLUBS September 06 First Presbyterian Church 13 Holy Cross Lutheran Church 20 Sacred Heart Catholic Church 27 First Baptist Church October 04 St. Peter s Episcopal Church 11 Coastal Oaks Church 18 First United Methodist Church 25 Peace Lutheran Church November 01 First Presbyterian Church 08 Holy Cross Lutheran Church 15 Sacred Heart Catholic Church 22 Inter-denominational Thanksgiving Meal 29 OPEN 5 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH December 06 St. Peter s Episcopal Church 13 Coastal Oaks Church 20 Inter-denominational Christmas Meal 27 Peace Lutheran Church 19

20 Odds n Ends Poinsettias sponsored by: Brown, Pat & Susan Chamberlain, Pete & Linda Cobb, Larry & Caren Daniels, John & NIkki Durham, Mindy Fegley, Ed & Lou Garcia, Daniel & Gloria Gaskamp, Jon & Janet Hamilton, Robert & Holly Hime, Scott & Mary Hopman, Jerry and Terri Jackson, Don & Caro Knox, Ann Lind, Al & Jeane Little, Ingrid Luce, Dayne & Parkie Manahan, Eric & Leanne Marlatt, John & Adelaide Mitchener, Bill & Kay Murray, John & Liz Myers, Melissa O Bryant, Susan Patteson, Kay, Jordyn & Brayden Rendon, Marie Robbins, Brooks & Ann Roberts-Douglass, Kathy Scholz, Ron & Betty The Schuler Family Schwosh, Walter & Bertha Sikes, Jim & Barbara Vincent, Pati Whitten, Russ & Katie, Grey & Courtney Yeoman, Darline in 2 Jad Smith 3 Missy Pump 4 Holly Hamilton Brittany Meyers 6 Eileen Mangham 09 Dave Ethington 11 Katie Henderson Don Smith 12 Nancy Melcher 17 Lois Harrington Reba Kling 22 Rita Gilbert Susan Lewis Bill McMurry 24 Teresa Hopman Connie Schuler 25 Patricia Brinkerhoff 26 Gerald Hopman Bobbie McLester John Watters 27 Liz Murray 31 Sue DeGayner If your birthday is not listed, or in error, please call the church office at

21 W Odds n Ends Veronika, Would you please share with the Session how much I appreciate their okay on the use of the church for Al Barnes funeral. The Operations Committee and Beverly are a well-oiled machine. Susan and I are so grateful that ours is a church who welcomes all in time of sorrow. We are known for our open doors and on behalf of Nance and her family, I just wanted you to know that we know God is present in this Place! Sincerely, Caro Jackson Susan O Bryant First Presbyterian Church Rockport, Texas To the congregation, I would like to take a few minutes to say Thank You for all the support and prayers that have come my way during this last year with my breast cancer. So many prayers, cards and delicious foods to nurture my physical needs, and my spiritual needs. This last surgery was a little more intense than my first surgery but Kathy Green, Theresa and Jad Smith and Caren Cobb blessed me with yummy food. I would like to send a special thank you to Bruce and Barb Goodlock, they came by and visited and they took care of my spiritual needs. Thank you Bruce and Barb. Most of all, I know I would never have made it without my dear best friend Ingrid. From the first X-ray, biopsy, to supporting Tim and Paige thru all the surgeries, she never left my side. God has blessed me. Again a heartfelt thank you to this congregation and their light that shines bright in our town of Rockport, Texas. In Him, Pati Vincent 21

22 Pres-by-lines TABLE OF CONTENTS DESCRIPTION PAGE(S) STUFF FROM THE STAFF - CHARLIE 1 & 2 SCRIPTURE READINGS, SERMON TOPICS, WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUPPER & STUDY 2 REMINDER TO CHURCH OFFICERS 3 COMMITTEE REPORTS FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE - JANUARY LUNCH By Kelly McNeely 3 WORSHIP COMMITTEE DECEMBER THANKS AND OTHER DECEMBER & JANUARY STUFF by Veronika Camehl 4 PICTURES FROM GREENING OF THE CHURCH ON NOVEMBER 22 5 PROGRAM COMMITTEE DECEMBER COMMITTEE MEETING RECAP by Kelly McNeely 6 YOUTH GROUP PICTURES by Kelly McNeely 7 NEWS FROM THE CHURCH LIBRARIAN by Susan Forrest 8 OPERATIONS COMMITTEE - TREASURER S REPORT by Kay Stanley 9 MINISTERING TO OTHERS THROUGH PRAYER & PRAYER COMFORTERS PRAYER CONCERNS AND CELEBRATIONS AS OF 12/17/15 10 & 11 PRAYER COMFORTER CORRESPONDENCE 12 PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN RECAP FROM DECEMBER S BOARD MEETING by Connie Schuler RECAP OF PW GIVING 14 INVITATION TO ALL WINTER TEXAN VOLUNTEERS; MO RANCH SPRING GATHERING 15 MINISTERING TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE USE OF OUR FACILITIES VETERANS OUTREACH CENTER NEWS; WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA by Bev Jacobson 16 COMMUNITY TABLE - INFO FOR FPC HOSTING ON 01/05/16 17 COMMUNITY TABLE, DEC. INFO; CHRISTMAS TOYS,; FLOWER SPONSORSHIPS 18 COMMUNITY TABLE 2016 SERVING SCHEDULE 19 ODDS AND ENDS PRESBYLINES is published monthly by: First Presbyterian Church 301 Hwy 35 North - Rockport, TX Phone No. (361) ; Fax No. (361) E churchlady8@sbcglobal.net Attn: Postmaster Return service requested. 22