RIDGLEA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Transcription

1 RIDGLEA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 6201 CAMP BOWIE BLVD. FORT WORTH, TEXAS ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED November Birthdays Mimi Fertig 1-Nov Kevin Fisher 2-Nov Will Stallworth 2-Nov Hazel Hargrove 3-Nov Ed Himmel 3-Nov Roger Blair 4-Nov Judith Hollingshead 4-Nov Gretchen Hughes 5-Nov Barbara Kuchar 5-Nov Lee Pippin 5-Nov Marjie Gentile 8-Nov Theo Nabassi 9-Nov Myriam Woods 9-Nov The next newsletter deadline will be November 21 at noon. Terence Favors 10-Nov Mickey Stuart 10-Nov Jim VanAntwerp 10-Nov Marji Raunikar 10-Nov Amy Phillips 10-Nov Jerry Rottler 11-Nov James Gilliland 13-Nov Emily Everts 13-Nov Byron Keil 13-Nov Amy Ritz 15-Nov Brian Brumback 15-Nov Anne Tomme 15-Nov Sandra Baither 17-Nov Sue Mathis 17-Nov Walt Kerr 19-Nov Gene Fertig 19-Nov Betty Rankin 21-Nov Cameron Stewart 18-Nov Bob Miller 19-Nov Ann Marie Pena 20-Nov Lee Crandall 21-Nov Gregory Gillaspie 22-Nov Thylis Chambless 23-Nov Ernie Register 24-Nov Zander Martin 25-Nov Chris Henderson 26-Nov Chloe Cox 27-Nov Barbara White 28-Nov Mary Sisolak Wagner 29-Nov Jean Hadley 30-Nov RIDGLEA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 6201 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX (817) November 2015 Dedication of Estimate of Giving Cards Sunday, November 8th Cards can be found around the church or call the church office. Come Kick-off the Advent Season: Nove mber 1st See the full list of Intergenerational Mission Opportunities on Page 9!

2 Making contact... Dear friends in Christ, As you know, Ridglea Presbyterian Church is in a season of transition and discernment as we prepare to relocate from the place where we have served God s kingdom since As you may also know, we have two sister churches on the west side of Fort Worth that are also in their own seasons of transition and discernment: John Knox and Westside. Earlier this year, selected leaders from these three churches began meeting together to discern God s yearning for the future of Presbyterian ministry on the west side of Fort Worth, and on September 23, the sessions of all three churches authorized the creation of a joint task force with the purpose of putting together a formal merger proposal. After much deliberation and prayer, at its stated meeting on October 15, Ridglea s session discerned that God is calling Ridglea to pull back from these merger conversations at this time. October 19, leaders from our church communicated this decision to representatives from John Knox, Westside, and Grace Presbytery. Although all parties were disappointed that Ridglea will not be taking part in a co-equal merger, we are still committed to the work of the larger church, and when opportunities for shared mission and ministry present themselves, we can and will enthusiastically participate. As your elected elders, we humbly ask for your continued prayers and patience as we continue to listen for God s guidance in this season of transition. We have already begun to answer some key questions, but there are many more questions yet to be answered and many more decisions yet to be made. We are convinced that the task before us is not simply a matter of finding a new piece of land, constructing a building, and carrying on with business as usual. This is a once -in-a-lifetime opportunity to pray and dream together about what God is calling the church to do and be in the 21st century, and we are counting on your continued prayers and faithful and generous support. 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 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. As always, if you have questions or concerns or just need to vent, we are here to listen and to pray with and for you. God s peace in all things, The Session of Ridglea Presbyterian Church Staff Ryan Baer, Pastor ryan@ridgleapres.org Ext. 103 Elizabeth Dick, Parish Associate elizabeth@ridgleapres.org Ext. 102 Virginia Welsh, Office Manager virginia@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

3 RPC Youth News... November Calendar for 6th 12th graders (#rpcy) Every Sunday begins with worship at 8:30am in chapel; Sunday School in Room 4a & 4b at 9:30am; Worship at 11am in the Sanctuary. June Calendar of Events: Nov 1st: #rpcy does lunch and mission; noon 3pm Nov 8th: #rpcy does Main Event; bring $5 and we will LEAVE at 5pm! RSVP by 11/3 to Nicci Nov 15th: #rpcy lunch and games at church Nov 22nd: #rpcy does Progressive Dinner; leave RPC at 5pm Nov 29th: SOUP! For ALL RPC! (Serving Others Unites People); 4pm meal packing begins 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 (2nd 5th graders and friends) Sunday, Nov. 8th 1:00 pm 4:00 pm We collected $3, for the special Peace & Global Witness offering received on World Communion Sunday. Our portion will go to The Ladder Alliance, a local non-profit that teaches job skills to women transitioning from domestic violence situations. More information about them can be found at The time change occurs on October 31st. Thank you for your commitment to Peace & Global Witness! Don t forget to set your clocks back one hour and enjoy an extra hour of sleep before we celebrate All Saints Sunday on November 1st! Good Works & Games Youth Fest West 2015 Our youth spent a weekend in Glen Rose at a youth retreat with extended family! The weather was wonderful, but the people were AMAZING! Time was spent worshipping, singing, energizing (dancing), engaging with each other in small groups, learning about living in community, AND making 11,000 meals for children that are in need of food! There is something truly incredible about living in community and these faces show it! SENIOR CARE SEMINAR Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 15th Dr. Janice Knebl, Chief of Division of Geriatrics at UNT Health Science Center, will give a presentation at RPC on a wide variety of topics related to ageing, senior living, and care for the elderly or homebound. The seminar will be held immediately following the 11am service in Room 212. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to John Little at The church office will be CLOSED Thursday, November 26 & Friday, November 27 Pastoral Emergencies will be handled through the main church phone number, , ext. 125

4 We are once again honored to team up with SAFY, Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth, to help provide some Christmas joy to children and youth who are in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Our Angel Tree will be loaded with Angels wishes on November 15, and the gifts will be due back to the church by December 6. If you wish to have someone shop for you, you can make a donation clearly marked Angel gift on your check or envelope by November 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. November Dates: November 3 November 17 The bus leaves our parking lot at 5:30pm on meal days (every other Tuesday). Help us share the Good News of Christ s birth through the care and concern of our most vulnerable children. Intentional Intergenerational Advent Advent means to come or to arrive. In the Christian Church the season of Advent is a season of preparation for the arrival of Jesus Christ on Christmas. This Advent Season, Ridglea Presbyterian Church is focusing on sharing these getting ready experiences across the generations. Whether you are young or not-so young, there is a job for your gifts and talents to share with your church! Come and help us get ready! Sunday Nov pm Come dress the church in her holiday finery following the 11:00 Worship service. Pizza lunch will be provided. 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. 6 9:30am-10:30 am Intergenerational Mission Hour Sunday Nov. 29 4:00 pm 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. Kick off your Advent Season with S.O.U.P.: Serving Others Unites People! Come pack soup for Kids Against Hunger! Come pack goodie bags for Tarrant Churches Together Home for the Holidays Come support RPC Youth Blessings in a Bag Come share in a soup & salad supper together S.O.U.P. is good for you!! 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.

5 Love to cook for others? Our youth would love for you to cook AND share a meal with them! Contact Nicci at Nicci@ridgleapres.org for questions or to sign up! Are you an ordained elder or deacon? Our homebound members would enjoy participating in Communion with you! We will equip you with training and a communion kit, you just need to provide a willing heart! Homebound Communion is usually served the first Sunday of each month. Contact Pastor Elizabeth at Elizabeth@ridgleapres.org or Call the church office to volunteer! Have a few hours to spare occasionally? We are looking for a few friendly folks to be substitutes for our volunteer receptionist team. Training is provided. Contact Virginia@ridgleapres.org or call the church office at An exciting new opportunity has begun in response to our children and youth wanting to help feed the hungry kiddos in our community! Blessings in a Bag for RPC means a bag full of food that feeds a child for a weekend (3 suppers & breakfasts, 2 lunches) is delivered to 2 of Tarrant Churches Together s locations:. These centers provide resources, mentoring, and tutoring. There is much research and statistics (qualitative and quantitative) on children and youth having food on the weekends so that their week goes better. The biggest news for us is that the children and youth here want to help make a difference AND you are helping them be empowered to make that difference! Thanks RPC! And, yes, we will make sure to share updates and stories with you! Each year, poinsettias grace our sanctuary in December by the generosity of our members. If you would like to donate a poinsettia in honor or memory of a loved one or event, please contact Virginia at the church office at OR fill out a coupon in the bulletin insert OR Virginia@ridgleapres.org. Poinsettias are $9.00 each, and will be available for you to take home on Christmas Eve. Barbara Cox can answer any questions for you at For the most up-to-date information on events and activities with the church, view the Calendar on our website: or see the back of the bulletin each Sunday. Home for the Holidays Kitchen Goodie Bags Join Ichthus, one of our small group ministries, as they sponsor 50 Kitchen Goodie Bags for the Tarrant Churches Together Home for the Holidays Luncheon on December 8. These gift bags will go to attendees who are in transitional housing to help them set up their new kitchens. Items needed: *Dish rags *Towels *Dryer sheets *Ziplock bags *Oven mitt or hot pad *Dish detergent Pods *Laundry detergent Pods *Sponges Place donated items on the shelves by the red wagons through November. We will assemble the bags at the S.O.U.P. Night on November 29. Come join in the fun!! Home for the Holidays Volunteer Help Needed Tarrant Churches Together is looking for adult volunteers to help with their annual Home for the Holidays Luncheon on December 8 at University Christian Church. The guests are from the Directions Home Program. Help is needed as servers and table hosts. Go to TarrantTogether.org or call for questions or to sign up to serve!

6 Be a fountain, not a drain. ~Rex Hudlor Presbyterian Women: What are we all about? Mary Cook Jorgensen, church wide moderator of Presbyterian Women answers community and support. PW grew out of Missionary, tract, Bible, ladies aid or cent societies. The first mission society was organized in 1803 in Newark, New Jersey, partly in response to the church s admonition forbidding women to teach or lead prayer in public assemblies. Excluded from positions of church leadership, our foremothers formed associations devoted to mission, education, and humanitarian endeavors. PW was founded out of a sense of mutual support. In doing so, they became a voice for the voiceless. For more information of PW history, our church library has a copy of Horizons magazine, Sept/Oct issue. Check it out! Today, PW on all levels is still working to continue that legacy. Circles meet for bible study and support. For more information, call Delaine Godwin at or Lynne Payne at Don t forget our new evening bible study circle that is meeting at the church. One way we support mission is our Thank Offering which will be collected this month. The church wide goal is $900,000 to fund life-changing projects for If you are interested on working on some sewing projects, contact Shirley Baxter at Church Women United meets on November 6 at the Bethlehem Center for World Community Day and Bible Study. November calendar: November 3 Coordinator s Meeting 10:30 am Circle 3 6:30 pm November 10 Circle Susan Maxwell s Home 10:00 am Circle church 10:00 am November 18 Circle church 6:30 pm November 17 General Meeting Program: Empty Bowl Project Come ready to paint for a good cause! 10:00 am Presbyterian Women: Bible Study ~ Mission ~ Fellowship There s a seat waiting for you! : Calling All Chefs! Annual RPC Chili Cook-off Chili Cook Off - A Definition ( It's About Fame, Fortune and Braggin' Rights As the name implies, a chili cook off is a gathering of likeminded chili makin' fanatics (also known as chiliheads) who come together to cook their secret recipes on site as a recognized social event, in order to be taste-tested and judged for a possible prize, or more notably, for the recognition of winning or placing in the ranks of excellent cooks, having excellent recipes. Sunday, November 8 the 2nd Sunday Luncheon Think you have the best chili? Then prove it by participating in the RPC s annual chili cook-off! Bring a pot (already cooked) to share and RPC can decide whose chili is #1! Braggin Rights will be awarded to the winner! Please sign Come be a part of planning what Ridglea Presbyterian Church is all about! Service Committees November 7:00pm Outreach Commitment Care Team Worship & Nurture Committees October 13 7:00pm Christian Education Worship Fellowship Government Committees October 8 7:00pm Finance & Budget Building Personnel