RIDGLEA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Transcription

1 RIDGLEA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 6201 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX (817) December 2015 What s in the Newsletter? Advent Activities Page 3 and 4 Note from Session Pages 6 & 7 PWR Page 8 Basement Update Page 9 Youth Page 13 Staff News Page 5 Sunday, Dec. 20 Christmas Joy Offerring Come Caroling! Monday, December 13 After Fellowship Lunch & Service of Longest Night 5PM in the Chapel Christmas Eve Services 6:00 Family Service 9:00 Candlelight Service

2 SOUP Night was a great success! We packed 12,600 meals for Kids Against Hunger and 50 Goody Bags for Tarrant Churches Together, Home for the Holidays Luncheon. Then we sat down for a meal of soup, salad and fellowship. Thank you to all the hands that packed meals, bags, made soup and served! Over the week of Thanksgiving Ridglea Presbyterian Church was a donation location for the Presbyterian Night Shelters Winter Weather Drive. Church members and members of the community stopped by to drop of coats, blankets, hats, gloves and clothes. The response was awe-inspiring. Even when we didn t have power on Tuesday 11/24 people kept coming by. We had so many donations the Night Shelter had to pick up twice.

3 Sunday, Dec. 6 9:30am-10:30 am Intergenerational Mission Hour We will gather in together to spend time doing mission projects focusing on giving and sharing as we prepare to receive God s greatest gift. Sunday, Dec. 6 Poinsettia delivery Spread holiday cheer to a homebound church member! Sign up on the Communicate Card or call the church office to help! Sunday, Dec. 13 Caroling Following the 2nd Sunday Luncheon, lend your voice to spread God s love and holiday wishes to some of our homebound. Sunday, Dec. 20 Service of Longest Night 5PM in the Chapel Sunday, Dec. 27 Lessons and Carols There will only be 1 service at 11am December 20 During this Advent season, we reflect on the influence a promise can have on our lives. God promised each of us salvation, and kept that promise with the birth of Jesus. That promise sustains and uplifts us, during good times and challenging ones. When we understand this deeper meaning of a promise, we also understand each of us has a special responsibility to make, and keep, faithful promises of our own. The Christmas Joy Offering is one way to do that. Each gift received equally supports two vital promises for our faith. Through the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, the Christmas Joy Offering assists church workers and their families during times of need, giving back to those who have spent their lives in the service of the church. The program provides grants for housing supplements, income assistance, and pastoral vocational leadership needs. The Christmas Joy Offering also supports the education and development of our future leaders at Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges. These schools are dedicated to nurturing opportunity and creating environments where diverse students can succeed from a foundation of Christian values. The Offering benefits Menaul School and Presbyterian Pan American School, two secondary schools that ready students for a path of higher learning, as well as Stillman College, where graduates are prepared for lives of leadership and service. When you give to the Christmas Joy Offering, you help sustain these promises and uplift our brothers and sisters in Christ by reducing their burdens and opening new paths of opportunity. Please give generously by placing in specially marked envelopes or writing Joy Offering on the memo line of your check.

4 The Church is Dressed and waiting for you! Join Ridglea Presbyterian Church in celebrating the season of Advent: Nov. 29: 1st Sunday of Advent Morning Services at 8:30am & 11:00am, Sunday School 9:30am S.O.U.P.: Serving Others Unites People 4:00 pm 7:00pm Pack Kids Against Hunger meals, pack kitchen goodie bags for Tarrant Churches Together Home for the Holidays attendees, and enjoy a soup dinner. Dec. 6: 2nd Sunday of Advent. Worship at 8:30 am & 11:00 am, Sunday School 9:30 am Communion & New Member Acceptance. Intergenerational Sunday School Event 9:30am Dec. 13: 3rd Sunday of Advent. Worship at 8:30 am & 11:00 am, Sunday School 9:30 am Musical Celebration Sunday Enjoy Special Music from the Choir Fellowship Luncheon following 11:00 Worship Caroling 1:00pm Dec. 20: 4th Sunday of Advent. Worship at 8:30 am & 11:00 am, Sunday School 9:30 am Blue Christmas Service 5:00pm Join in this meditative service of the longest night. Dec. 24 Christmas Eve! Family Service 6:00pm Kids are encouraged to dress as a character as we share the Nativity Story interactively! Candlelight Service 9:00pm Dec. 27 Morning Service 11:00am Continue the season with a service of Lessons and Carols Ridglea Presbyterian Church 6201 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX

5 Godspeed Virginia Welsh! Virginia Welsh tendered her resignation as Office Manager effective November 6, Virginia s service to the church over these seventeen months has been exemplary, and she will be sorely missed. Expressions of appreciation for her outstanding work may be sent to the church office or mailed to her home address: 1501 Hunterglenn Dr., Aledo, TX, Virginia s RPC will go out of service soon. Church-related s may be sent to office@ridgleapres.org and they will be routed appropriately. Personal s for Virginia may be sent to vlwelsh@att.net. Virginia is impossible to replace, but the session is already hard at work identifying the next candidate to fill this position. If you know of someone who would be a good fit, please direct them to Please join us in giving thanks to God for Virginia s good and faithful service among us, and please pray that God will lead us to the right candidate for just such a time as this. Godspeed Jose Quintero! Jose Quintero has served as RPC's security/front desk staff since His positive attitude and dependability will be sorely missed as he leaves us for a full-time position with RaceTrac. His last day with us will be November 22, and expressions of appreciation may be sent to his home address: 3124 Marys Lane, Fort Worth, Thank you! Dear RPC, Thank you for making my first year as your Parish Associate such a joy and delight! I wake up each day grateful for the chance to "do" the Gospel with you. I see God's love and grace woven within you. I look forward to discovering the work and worship God is calling us into in 2016! In peace and hope, Elizabeth Welcome Nancy Staples! We welcome Nancy Staples to the position of Interim Office Manager! Nancy is no stranger to RPC, having served multiple terms on the session and as a longtime member of the AV team for our 11:00 worship service. She has agreed to serve until the end of January 2016, unless a permanent Office Manager is hired before that date. It will be so wonderful to have such a capable person in the office through the holiday season! If you need to reach her, her office number is , ext. 105, and her is nancy@ridgleapres.org.

6 Dear friends in Christ, Session Notes As you may know, in a called congregational meeting on September 13, the members of Ridglea Presbyterian Church elected to sell the church property, the culmination of more than two years of careful research, prayerful conversations, and Spirit-led discernment that began when Lincoln Property Company approached the church with an unsolicited purchase offer in June As the elected elders of RPC, we want you to know that we are continuing to move forward, and we are working together to collectively discern God s will for God s church. Find below a timeline of events and steps taken to date. As always, should you have questions or concerns or just need to vent, please know that we are here to listen and to pray with and for you. May God bless you and yours during this Advent season, The Session of Ridglea Presbyterian Church Timeline July 2013 Lincoln Property Company presented an unsolicited written letter of intent communicating their desire to purchase the real property of Ridglea Presbyterian Church. September 8, 2013 In a called congregational meeting, the congregation voted by a count of 119 to 11 to pursue the matter further. October 6, 2013 In a called congregational meeting, the congregation appointed four persons to the Property Research Team and charged them with researching all of the issues with our existing building. This team met almost weekly from October 2013 to February 2014 and presented their comprehensive report in a called congregational meeting on March 2, May 4, 2014 The congregation voted by a count of 109 to 11 to continue pursuing the matter and elected four persons to a negotiating team and empowered them to obtain a best and final offer price to present at a future date. May 2014 June 2015 Once the Negotiating Team began their work, they received expressions of interest in purchasing the property from four additional parties. Over the next several months, they narrowed down the proposals to two finalists. May Representatives from Ridglea, John Knox, and Westside Presbyterian Churches began meeting together to discuss the possibility of a joint merger. July 12, 2015 The session called a meeting of the congregation for the purpose of hearing the report of the Negotiating Team. The terms of the sale are $3,262,948 ($52 per square foot), and the congregation may remove organs, stained glass, furnishings, etc. The congregation may also occupy the building rent-free for 18 months following the close of sale (estimated to close in early 2016). September 13, 2015 By a vote of 113 in favor and 32 against, the congregation approved the proposed contract. September 23, In a joint session meeting with the sessions of Westside and John Knox, Ridglea s session approved the creation of a joint task force for developing a formal merger proposal. October 4, By unanimous consent, Grace Presbytery approved the sale of RPC s property per the terms of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Continued on next page..

7 Continue from previous page... October 15, RPC s session elected to withdraw from continued merger conversations. The proposal on the table included three churches coming together as co-equals, and while this sounds noble in theory, under this concept, Ridglea would be bringing more than 50% of the people and assets to the table, yet only receiving a 33% voice. November 19, The session authorized the creation of a Decommissioning Task Force to begin the process of preparing to leave our existing building. This group will be tasked with managing all of the tasks that must be done to get us prepared to move out, including inventory, securing adequate storage, etc. Elder Sara Riley volunteered as chair and Cary Dorman volunteered as vice-chair. The session also began developing plans for a congregation-wide conversation about mission and the future life of the congregation. Within the next few months, our hope is that every member of the congregation will participate in focused small-group conversations to address questions such as: What from our past do we want to bring forward and what do we want to leave behind? What are our unique gifts, assets, skills, and resources? What are we good at and what brings us joy? Where does it our deep gladness meets the community s deep need? What goes on in our community that makes us angry enough to want to do something about it? It is our shared belief as elders that if the congregation as a whole will address these missional questions, it will provide much-needed focus and direction for the future location and shape of this ministry. Thank you! Words cannot express the love and admiration you have given me and Gerry there past 50 years and especially these last three tough years. Much thanks to PWR for their help and also to our staff. You all have been so kind and helpful and we love you all. With Christ love Jack Duff family Remember: Lunch Bunch Meets most Thursdays at 11:30am in Currie Hall. Bring your lunch and ponder Scripture! Ichthus Fellowship Meets once a month at member s homes for fellowship & study. Contact Andi Ferreira at andi_ferreira@hotmail.com to get involved! If you or a family member are hospitalized, please call the church office. Due to privacy laws, we are not notified by the hospital or care centers. Phone number

8 If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water. ~Loren Eisleley Fall was definitely a colorful season for PW. October s general meeting found us Praying in Colors. Based on a book by Sybil MacBeth called Praying in Colors, Thylis Chambless encouraged us to doodle around the names of the people in need of prayers. As our minds lifted those folks up in prayer our fingers were busy with colorful designs. Our whole body concentrating on God. Continuing our artistic adventure in November we were able to help the Tarrant Area Food Bank by painting twenty bowls to be sold at the Empty Bowls Luncheon in February. Though some were doubtful, all the bowls looked like masterpieces. Thank you, Teresa Sanchez foe showing us, in God s hands, all is beautiful. Circles Three and Evening Circle will be meeting. Watch Sunday bulletins for details. Combined circles meet together on Dec 8 for a Christmas celebration. All women are invited for a musical program at 10:30 followed by a potluck luncheon. Church Women United meets Dec 4 at 10:30for an Advent Celebration at South Hills Christian Church. Three of our women attended the Fall Gathering at Preston Hollow. They found it inspiring and informational. Sewers continue at home. JPS Foundation sent a thank you letter for the donation of 27 baby blankets and jackets and 112 pressure pillows. Look for a variety of mission projects in coming months. December calendar: December 1 Coordinator s Meeting 10:30 am Circle 3 6:30 pm December 8 General Meeting 10:30 am All Circles Celebrating Christmas December 16 Evening church 6:30 pm Presbyterian Women: Bible Study ~ Mission ~ Fellowship We have a place for everyone! There s a seat waiting for you!

9 Basement Update 2016 Flower Calendar The 2016 Flower Calendar is now posted by the Elevator! Sign up to provide the floral arrangement used in both worship services. You can honor or remember a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or just provide some beauty for our worship space. Arrangements are normally $ You may either take the flowers with you after the 11:00 service or leave them for delivery to hospitalized or homebound members. If you have any questions, contact Barbara Cox at As you may know, 2015 is likely to go down as the wettest year on record in North Texas. As you may also know, all of the rain has caused flooding in the church basement. Elder Gordon Ramsey and the Building and Equipment Team have been doing yeoman s work trying to address the issues. Please find below an update regarding the church basement from the B&E Team. There is no avoidance of the flooding issue. What we have is a failed French drain system and a currently high water table. This basement has flooded periodically for at least the last 10 years. We have been displaced, lost furnishings and items stored in the basement and have watched as this space has gradually become less user friendly. We think it is fair to say that are all perplexed as to the proper strategy to follow especially with the building under contract. We received a bid in June 2014 to repair the damaged French drain at the northeast corner of the building at a cost of $15, That might improve things slightly but in B&E Committee s opinion the water is seeping in in multiple locations including fractures in the floor, at plumbing penetrations and at wall/ floor joints. We think it is important to point out to those who read the word flood that the water never exceeds 2 in the deepest locations. During our last Session meeting we determined that we would move activities upstairs and only use the basement as needed. The most pressing issue is the odor that has shown up as of late. There has been no avoidance of this issue as we have tested sewer, groundwater and cleaned pipes. We have pumped sumps and cleaned and consulted with the city and environmental experts. The findings of our experts is that there is nothing toxic nor dangerous. But without a doubt it stinks. We believe that there is a sewer break somewhere above us that is causing the odor. We suspect that our underground river runs through a maze of sewer lines. We seem to be the only ones with a problem as our building is probably the only one in Tarrant County that pipes water into the basement to expel it. Our current efforts have been to try to control the odor. If we were to consider engaging an engineer to assess this problem and design a plan of action, it is our opinion that a true fix would involve excavating around the outside walls of the basement to a depth of approximately 13. This would need to be done to waterproof the walls and to rebuild the French drains. It should be noted that there are hundreds of feet of French drains under the building that can t be accessed. This would be a very expensive undertaking with no guarantees. Whatever contamination we are experiencing will not go away in our opinion. In addition to destroying a lot of our landscaping, the cost could easily exceed $200, B&E is open to suggestions and prays that the Session and the congregation has confidence in our efforts to deal with a difficult but temporary situation.

10 Patriot House Ministry Needs You: Provide part of a meal: entrée, sides, dessert, or drink. Sign ups are on the bulletin board in the main hall. Share a meal and conversation with the veterans in this program. December Dates: December 1 December 15 WESTAID Fill our red wagons with food for Westaid! They are needing: pork n beans, chili, canned tomatoes, beans, green beans, corn, tuna, cornbread mix, and mac n cheese Volunteers are always welcome, too! The bus leaves our parking lot at 5:30pm on meal days (every other Tuesday). Come experience this ministry for yourself! Box Tops Continue to keep those Box Tops for Education coming! They are given to Como Elementary to help purchase books and supplies for their library. Place your clipped tops in the container in the first floor kitchen. Thanks!

11 Tips for Healthy Aging Thanks to Dr. Janice Knebl, Chief of Division of Geriatrics at UNT Health Science Center for a great presentation on healthy aging and caregiving to seniors. RPC learned a lot! A Few Tips for Healthy Aging: 1. Keep Up with preventative health measures: cancer screening, blood pressure screening, bone density tests and vaccines. 2. Keep Alert for fraud and scams: never give out your social security number or account number over the phone to an agency you are not already doing business with. Report fraud to: The Dept of Public Safety 3. Keep Away From Falling! Minimize your fall risk by making sure your living environment is safe and practicing safe exercise - includes aerobic, stretching, strength training, and balance Stay tuned for more resources to come! Questions or comments, contact Elizabeth Dick at or elizabeth@ridgleapres.org. When: February 20-21, 2016 Where: Still Water Lodge in Glen Rose, TX Cost: $60 Per Person (includes 3 meals, Lodging and Activities Deposit of $30 Due 1/10/2016 to Nicci Kennedy Balance Due 2/7 Scholarships are available For More Details Contact Nicci x106 or nicci@ridgleapres.org Wednesdays at 8:00 am Call Ed Chandler for details Come be a part of planning what Ridglea Presbyterian Church is all about! Service Committees December 1 7:00pm Outreach Commitment Care Team Worship & Nurture Committees December 8 7:00pm Christian Education Worship Fellowship Government Committees December 10 7:00pm Finance & Budget Building Personnel

12 The church is a PEOPLE!

13 RPC Youth News... December Calendar for 6th 12th graders (#rpcy) Every Sunday begins with worship at 8:30am in chapel; Sunday School in Room 201 & 220 at 9:30am; Worship at 11am in the Sanctuary. June Calendar of Events: Dec 5th: #rpcy Go Angel Tree shopping; contact Nicci for more details Dec 6th: #rpcy have lunch and commence on Project Pies! Approximately noon 2:30 pm at RPC. Dec 13th: Church-wide Caroling after fellowship luncheon Dec 20th: More information on events available by contacting Nicci. Don t ever hesitate to bring friends or contact Nicci for more information! RSVP to nicci@ridgleapres.org or Messenger Fellowship Sunday, December 13th Church-wide Christmas Caroling following the December Fellowship luncheon. We will visit home bound friends and offer them some holiday cheer. Parents, a quick to nicci@ridgleapres.org for number sake would be great. And, if your child/ren would like to go and you are not able, please include that in . Celebrating Sarah Elizabeth! Blessings in a Bag We give a thumbs up to TCT and all the work they continue to do in our community! Messenger Fellowship works on preparing bags of food for the Ready. Set. Go. Centers for Tarrant Churches Together each month. Each week all the students at the centers leaves with a bag of food for the weekend. Thanks RPC for allowing the kiddos to help make a difference in our community!

14 December 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat :30am - PWRProjects 8a Men's Prayer 11:30a Ryan's Lunch Breakfast Bunch 10am - Staff Meeting 10:30am - PWR Coordinat ing Team 5:30pm - Patriot House Ministry 6:30p Service Session Work Group 7p BSA T326 Meeting 7p Care Team 7p Commitment Team 7p Evangelreach Team meeting 6:15p Chancel Bells 7:30p Chancel Choir 7p BSA Cub Pack 26 Pack Meetings 6 New Member Acceptance 8:30a Worship 9:30a Sunday School 11a Worship 12:15p rpcy lunch and Project Pies a Staff Meeting 10:30a PWR Pot Luck 6:30p Worship & Nurture Work Group 7p BSA T326 Meeting 7p CE Team 7p Fellowship Team 7p Worship Team 9 8a Men's Prayer Breakfast 6:15p Chancel Bells 7:30p Chancel Choir 10 11:30a Ryan's Lunch Bunch 6:30p Government Session Work Group 7p B&E 7p BSA Cub Pack 26 Den Meetings 7p F&B Team 7p Personnel Team :30a Worship 9:30a Sunday School 11a Worship 12p Fellowship Lunch 1p Caroling 1p Messengers Fellowship 14 7p RPC Preschool Christmas Program 15 10a PWR Circles 5:30p Patriot House Ministry 6:30p PWR Circle 7p BSA T326 Meeting 16 8a Men's Prayer Breakfast 10a Staff Meeting 6:15p Chancel Bells 7:30p Chancel Choir 17 11:30a Ryan's Lunch Bunch 7p BSA Cub Pack 26 Den Meetings 7p Session Meeting 18 Newsletter Deadline :30a Worship 9:30a Sunday School 11a Worship 5p Service of Longest Night a Staff Meeting 7p BSA T326 Meeting 23 8a Men's Prayer Breakfast 24 Christmas Eve 11:30a Ryan's Lunch Bunch 6p Christmas Eve Family Service 9p Christmas Eve Candlelight 25 Christmas 26 Church Office Closed 27 11a Worship 28 Church Office Closed 29 Church Office Closing at 1:30p 10a Staff Meeting 5:30p Patriot House Ministry 7p BSA T326 Meeting 30 Church Office Closing at 1:30p 8a Men's Prayer Breakfast 31 Church Office Closing at 1:30p 11:30a Ryan's Lunch Bunch 1 New Year s Day Church Office Closed 2 For the most up-to-date information, view the Calendar on our website: or see the back of the bulletin each Sunday.

15 Making contact... Ridglea Presbyterian Church is a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA). It is governed by the Session, an elected body composing of elders and pastors. Our committees, led by elders, oversee our ministries. If you have any questions or concerns, please don t hesitate to contact us. Clerk@RidgleaPres.org Our deacons oversee our ministries of care and compassion. Deacons@RidgleaPres.org RPC Session Elder Assignment Nancy Staples... Worship & Nurture Sam Thomas... Worship & Nurture Andi Ferreira... Worship & Nurture Debra Lee... Worship & Nurture Ken Kibler... Worship & Nurture Brett Wyatt... Worship & Nurture Gayle Hanneman... Service Ann Shelton... Service Ruth De La Rosa... Service John Little... Service Nancy Marchant... Service Cary Dorman... Service Steve Staples... Government Gordon Ramsey... Government Zim Zimmerman... Government Kathy Severson... Government Tom Sisolak... Government Susan Maxwell... Government Jane Sisolak... Clerk of Session For after hours pastoral emergencies, please call the church main phone, and dial extension 125. Staff Ryan Baer, Pastor ryan@ridgleapres.org Ext. 103 Elizabeth Dick, Parish Associate elizabeth@ridgleapres.org Ext. 102 Nancy Staples, Temporary Office Manager nancy@ridgleapres.org Ext. 105 Nicci Kennedy, Coord. of Child/Youth Ministries nicci@ridgleapres.org Ext. 106 Pier Crenshaw, Accountant pier@ridgleapres.org Ext. 104 John Sauvey, Director of Music Ministries john@ridgleapres.org Ext. 108 Dale Bench, Organist dalepipeorgan@sbcglobal.net Ext. 108 Debbie Gargis, Preschool Director rpcpreschool@ridgleapres.org Ext. 117 Thomas Rodriguez, Church Custodian building

16 RIDGLEA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 6201 CAMP BOWIE BLVD. FORT WORTH, TEXAS ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED December Birthdays Nereyda Sabido 1-Dec Sara Carpenter 2-Dec Hanna Himmel 3-Dec Bob Woboril 3-Dec Greg Housewirth 4-Dec Bea Baker 4-Dec Wanda Delulio 4-Dec Elise Livingston 5-Dec Kathy Doty 6-Dec Bailey Martin 6-Dec Jeff Sills 7-Dec Etta Hefley 8-Dec Michael Serino 8-Dec Ivey Ramsey 9-Dec Ransom Lockhart 10-Dec Margaret Styve 10-Dec Myra Marrow 10-Dec Mary Fisher 10-Dec Doug Penn 12-Dec Liz Reese 12-Dec The next newsletter deadline will be December 18 at noon. Paul Morrison 13-Dec Jimmie Ricketts 14-Dec Marsha Dueease 14-Dec Robin Roberts 17-Dec Karmen Daugherty 17-Dec Barbara Dorman 18-Dec Jeanne Owens 21-Dec Sammie Wade 21-Dec Alisha Dunkin 22-Dec Larry Gustafson 22-Dec Kathy Bales 22-Dec Billye Kane 23-Dec Hannah Severson 23-Dec Claudia Ndirangu 23-Dec Miriam Gallagher 24-Dec Ruth De La Rosa 24-Dec Beth Duncan 25-Dec Dick Styve 26-Dec George Sloan 26-Dec Paul Duncan 27-Dec Aubrey Henderson 27-Dec Jim Aycock 29-Dec Penni Askew 29-Dec Micky Severson 29-Dec John Bacon 31-Dec