THE NEWSLETTER of St. Philip Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Volume 59, Number 8 Houston, Texas Rev. Dr. John W. Wurster Pastor, Head of Staff Rev. Keatan King Associate Pastor Rev. Dr. Samuel Lanham III Pastor Emeritus Dr. Thomas Goetz Director of Music Dr. Matthew Dirst Organist Laurie Fortenbery Office Manager Denise Ferrell Bookkeeper Micah Meyers Communications Assistant Wilbert Parada Facilities Supervisor Dimas Parada Custodian Peter Ramadan Custodian Laurie Fortenbery Newsletter Editor philip-eye@saintphilip.net St. Philip s Communion Offering Our April 26, May 3rd and May 17 Communion Offerings will support the Presbyterian Seafarers Ministry. St. Philip has been a faithful participant in this ministry via donation of Christmas gift boxes to seafarers, group visits to the Port of Houston Seafarers Center, hosting parties with seafarers, and singing aboard the annual ship channel Christmas Caroling Cruises. St. Philip has also provided ongoing financial support of our chaplains from our Mission Committee. Port chaplains see anyone desiring time with them. They visit ships, provide transportation, assist in crises and take the message of God to all. Seafarers are at sea for long periods and their work is demanding, dirty, dangerous, and often lonely. They have limited opportunity to communicate with family and friends and are unable to be home for important life events. Increased mechanization leading to shorter ship layovers and stricter security measures since 9/11 have made it impossible for many crewmembers to leave their ship and visit the Seafarers Center. As a result, chaplains endeavor to visit every ship when in port. Of the many organizations involved in the maritime industry, the chaplains are often the only people available to crewmembers solely dedicated to their welfare. Rev. Tom Edwards, our newest Presbyterian chaplain, will describe the ministry during a moment for mission during worship on April 26. Rev. Edwards ministry to seafarers is supported by a grant from our Central Mission Endowment Fund. All donations to the Seafarer Ministry go directly to pay the salaries and benefits of our chaplains. There are no administrative or other costs. Financial support from Presbytery and local churches has been declining in recent years. Your generous offering is needed to sustain this local mission with global outreach.
Philip-Eye Page 2 WORSHIP NOTES April 26 8:30 and 11:00 John Wuster preaching The 11:00 service includes the baptism of Campbell Jennings Lyman and music from Bell Canto May 3 8:30 and 11:00 John Wurster preaching May 10 8:30 John Wurster preaching 11:00 Selections from Handel s Messiah by the St. Philip Choir and Orchestra High School Senior Recognition May 17 8:30 and 11:00 Keatan King preaching The 11:00 service includes music from Jubilate! May 24 The Day of Pentecost 8:30 and 11:00 John Wurster preaching SERVICE OF HEALING AND WHOLENESS A service of healing and wholeness will be held next Sunday, April 26, at 5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. In this service, we claim God s promise of well-being and seek God s healing touch in body, mind, and spirit. The service includes individual prayers with the laying on of hands and anointing with oil, along with scripture readings and hymns. Those seeking healing in their own lives or in the lives of others are encouraged to attend, as well as those who feel called to pray with those who suffer. In gathering for this service, we acknowledge that all healing is from God; and we affirm that in the midst of illness, pain, and suffering our relationship with God in Christ sustains us. WHAT IS A PRESBYTERIAN ANYWAY? Beginning April 26, John Wurster will offer a threeweek Presbyterian 101 class that will explore the various aspects of our particular way of following Christ. Among the topics are history, theology, worship, and governance. New member, prospective members, and anyone else who has always wondered about these things are invited. The class meets during the Sunday School hour in Room 202. Dear Friends, We ve had an extraordinary period of activity this past month. A great number of you assisted in hosting the presbytery meeting on March 21. Among the guests that day was Gradye Parson, Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (USA). I am still receiving words of appreciation from those in attendance, expressing gratitude for our hospitality and mindful of how the welcome they received at St. Philip created a context for a constructive and purposeful meeting. Then we quickly moved from there into Holy Week, which was filled with good things, including a new tenebrae service on Good Friday evening that was well-received. Easter Sunday brought great crowds to St. Philip. For the 11:00 service, we had to use over-flow space in the Gathering Area, where people watched the service on the video monitor. That service also included the celebration of confirmation for Nicholas Arlinghaus, Margaret Fair, Elias Han, and Phoebe Murphy. This year we took our annual Easter Egg Hunt in a new direction, using the discovery of eggs as a way of teaching the Passion story to our children. It was a glorious and festive day! For the Second Sunday of Easter, Paul English and friends led us in a joy-full Jazz Communion. Though rain moved our picnic into Fellowship Hall, everyone was still well-fed and the ties that bind us were well-nourished. Then to top off these four full weeks, this past Saturday, we welcomed Presbyterian Women from across the presbytery to St. Philip for the Spring Gathering, a day of education, fellowship, and worship. Of course, underneath all of these extraordinary things were the more typical things that happen around the church through all seasons: classes and committees meeting, Kids Against Hunger filling boxes with food, a community garden being tended, choirs rehearsing, funerals and weddings, births and deaths, new people coming our way, long time members taking new paths. There is a holy rhythm in the ways God renews and refreshes the church. We are sustained both in the ordinary cycles and in the times of extraordinary happenings. May we take none of it granted; but rather, with thankful hearts, may we may be open to the fullness of God s grace, ever in our midst. Yours in Christ,
Philip-Eye Page 3 MISSION OPPORTUNITY KIDS AGAINST HUNGER PACKING Kids Against Hunger will be packing meals on Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Come help us in this valuable mission project. SCRAPBOOK, MAKE CARDS, PLUS KNIT, CROCHET, NEEDLEPOINT Everyone is welcome to join us the first Saturday of each month in the Arts & Crafts Studio to scrapbook, make a card, knit, crochet, and do needlepoint. A free make and take will be offered each month to add to your albums or cards. Please bring your supplies. Lorrie Castle will provide the Cricut cutting system, paper punches, tools, and know-how. Please bring a snack to share, plus your own beverage. Bottled water is provided. Questions? Contact Lorrie Castle at lahayes69@aol.com or 832-262-1244. PIECE MAKERS QUILTERS The Piece Makers of Saint Philip quilters will meet again on Saturday, May 30, at 10:00 a.m. in the St. Philip Arts & Crafts Studio. We make quilts for the pre-school children of House of Tiny Treasures. We cordially invite everyone to join or just come visit our newly-formed group. in our prayers Beth Hendrickson and family upon the death of Glenn Hendrickson April 20 Dale Miller upon the death of her mother, Louise Porter Pam Rush - recuperating from surgery Beverly Hudson - recuperating from surgery Winston Crowder - recuperating from surgery Al Atkinson - recuperating at home Jack Fox - recuperating at home Jo Jones - recuperating at home Rusty Howard - recuperating at home Jacqueline Hamilton-Taylor - complications after surgery Jack Fox - recuperating at home Frank Donnelly - hospice care Larry Dean- Seven Acres T.E. Joe Keever- Hallmark Tom Mike Tomforde, Jr.- Hallmark HC Linda Joullian,Wayne Truxillo s sister - cancer. Baker Fullerton -Walker Fair's uncle - complications from heart surgery. SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES FOR ALL Nursery and Preschool Infants and children through 3 years old 8:30 am to 12:30pm - Room 106 Staffed by professional childcare providers Preschool 3 through 1st Grade Godly Play Class - Room 104 Elementary 2nd-5th Grade Grades 2 and 3 meet in Room 105 Grades 4 and 5 meet in Room 103 Music - with Music Director, Tom Goetz 1st through 5th grades 9:30 am 10:00 am Children join teachers in their classrooms at 10:00 Youth in Bible Study St. Philip youth, 6th through 12th grades Rooms 204 and 206 Supported by sponsors and Sunday School teachers Adult Classes CHURCH & SOCIETY - Room 201 Aoril 26: Food for Thought: Brain Healthy Nutrition, presented by Susan Giles, Amazing Place Community and Church Liaison. Susan Giles will present specific information about the brain-healthy nutrition program (Memory Preservation Nutrition^ Program) being implemented at Amazing Place. This innovative evidence-based program has been shown to preserve cognitive and emotional health and reduce the risk, delay the onset and slow the progression of Alzheimer s disease. SPa CLASS - Room 200 The SPa (Saint Philip Adults) class is a fellowship of adults from all walks of life who gather for learning and prayer. We value fellowship, conversation, and group-oriented learning style that welcomes dialogue. Each Sunday, we discuss a specific topic at the intersection of faith and life. Email spa@spafellowship.org to learn more about what we are doing each week. BIBLE STUDY - Room 204 The class is studying the book of Judges, which continues the narrative of the Israelites conquest and occupation of the land of Canaan after the death of Joshua and includes the challenges to their faith in its accounts of Deborah, Gideon, Sampson, and other leaders. The Bible study class utilizes the insights of a variety of scholars to expand our understanding of God s message of faithfulness to His people. Nancy Cook and Al Waldrop lead the discussions. All are welcome. PRESBYTERIAN 101 - Room 202 Beginning April 26, John Wurster will offer a threeweek Presbyterian 101 class that will explore the various aspects of our particular way of following Christ. ARTS & CRAFT STUDIO Room 9 (old classroom wing) New classes being offered on scrapbooking, card-making, knitting, crocheting, quilting. Check St. Philip website for more!
Philip-Eye Page 3 9:30a Making Mom Card, A&CS 12:30p Education, 201 12:30p Fellowship #103 12:30p Mission Mtg., 204 12:30p Property Mtg., 202 12:30p Stewardship Mtg., 203 ~ May 2015 ~ Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 12:30p Welcome/Membership105 12:30p Worship & Music Mtg., 200 10 Mother's Day 10:10a Choir Rehearsal & Sr. Recognition 17 6:30a Lord of the Streets 12:30p Sunday Circle, DR 24 Pentecost 5p Healing Service 31 Least Coin Offering /Bell., DR 4 7p-8p Houston Pipers, FH 11 10a Monday Saints, DR 1p Pres. EAC Mtg., CFR 5:30p Mon PM Study Grp 18 1p AGO 2016 Mtg., CFR 25 Memorial Day 5:30p Mon PM Study Grp 5 12 19 7p Session Meeting, DR 26 7p ALH Board Mtg., DR 6 12p Personnel Committee, CFR 2:30p Wed. Bridge, DR 5p Interfaith Samaritan Mtg 13 7p Theology on Tap at Té House of Tea 20 12:30p Wed. Bridge, DR 27 10a Wed. Circle, Parlor 7 14 7p Monthly Book Club 21 28 1 8 15 6 :30p Friday Phil-Up 8p AA, Rm16 22 29 8p AA, Rm16 2 12p Paper Crafting & Needlepoint, A&CS 9 9a Kids Against Hunger Packing, DR 10:30a SAQA Quilting, A&CS 1p Choir/Orchestra Rehearsal, Sanctuary 16 23 30 9a Kids Against Hunger Packing, DR 10a Piece Maker Stitchers, A&CS 11a Pres. Weekend Meals Delivery Thank You! With much gratitude from St. Philip Presbyterian Women... Thank you to all who attended the recent PW birthday celebration and generously contributed $1,510 to the Birthday Offering. Since 1922, the Birthday Offering has provided and continues to provide much-needed financial assistance to numerous worthwhile programs not included in ongoing General Assembly mission support. The Creative Ministries Offering Committee of Presbyterian Women has designated the Community of St. Therese of Lisieux (CSTL) in Memphis, Tennessee, and Bethesda Christian Community Center in Barranquilla, Colombia as recipients of this year s collection. Both of these projects provide programs to support women overcoming oppressive situations. - - Mary Ann Thomas
A Letter from Charles & Carol Lucas We left St. Philip in a cloud of dust after our house sold and the moving van arrived, all sooner than we expected. We feel bad that we didn t personally give information about our move to more friends at St. Philip. We surely want to stay in contact when possible. We are very thankful for our many caring friends at St. Philip. Being away from each of you is very sobering for us, and we miss you. Being away from St. Philip is like giving up a significant part of our lives. It offered us many occasions for worship, growth, and grace within a community of fellow worshipers struggling to know more about Christ together. We moved to an independent living apartment in the Mirador Retirement Community in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Mirador is not specifically a Presbyterian retirement community, but it has many residents who are active in their respective churches, even some ministers, and several Most significantly for us, our son Weldon has lived in Corpus Christi for about 10 years. We finally realized that we had better get our act together and move near Weldon while we had the ability and energy to try to make this happen. Our new address is 5857 Timbergate Drive, Apt. 2157, Corpus Christi, TX 78414. House Phone is 361-336- 6024. Carol s cell: 713-870-5738. Charles cell:713-870-5747. Same email addresses. Carol and I send you part of our hearts and hope you will get in touch with us when possible. Charles Women s conference at montreat, oct. 5-8 Connect with Montreat is a conference for women throughout our presbytery, to provide an opportunity for women to do something fun and meaningful together. Housing will be in the Assembly Inn. Registration fee for single ($330) and double ($210) occupancy includes lodging for 3 nights with 7 meals. Everyone is responsible for her own transportation. Nearest airports are Asheville, NC; Charlotte, NC; and Greenville, SC. Brochures describing the conference are available in the church office. For registration information contact Mary Ann Thomas at ma.thomas48@yahoo.com or 281-277-3844. Hallelujah! The Rev. Joyce Mercer, Ph.D. was appointed to the Arthur Lee Kinsolving Chair in Pastoral Theology on April 17th at the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. Joyce is the wife of Dr. Larry Golemon, son of Betty J. Golemon. FREEMAN SCHOLARSHIP The Freeman Scholarship offers scholarship assistance for children of the church in college or graduate school. The application forms are now available on the church web site. Completed forms are due May 1. PHILIP-EYE info. Articles should be sent to Laurie Fortenbery: philip-eye@saintphilip.net. Also, contact Laurie if you would like to receive the Philip-Eye online. You get the news faster, the church saves postage, and the impact on the environment is lightened just a bit. Please take note: The deadline for submitting articles for the next PhilipEYE is May 1. Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Houston, TX Permit No. 2396 Philip-Eye THE NEWSLETTER of St. Philip Presbyterian Church U.S.A.