...news and tidbits from the church office
|
Past
News February 2008 April 2007 March 2007 July 2006 June 2006 April 2006 March 2006 October 2005 September 2005 August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005 January 2005 December 2004 November 2004 October 2004 September 2004 August 2004 July 2004 June 2004 May 2004 April 2004 March 2004 February 2004 January 2004 December 2003 November 2003 October 2003 September 2003 August 2003 July 2003 June 2003 May 2003 April 2003 March 2003 February 2003 January 2003 December 2002 November 2002 |
Session has called a meeting of our congregation to be held on Sunday, April 24, 2005 to act on the request to dissolve the pastoral relationship between Reverend Jesse Thornton and First Presbyterian Church. Please plan to be present for this meeting. (posted April 29, 2005)
Our four year old classes have been preparing for Cowboy Day which happens here next week. The children dress as cowboy and cowgirls and play cowboy games, have a cowboy mean, and sing cowboy songs and square dance. It is always a fun day for both young and old and our parents help us with all the games. Watching them prepare has been a great joy to me these last two weeks. They have learned about the Texas flag, the Texas flower, three and many other neat things about Texas. The real joy has come in just seeing their excitement of learning new things. They are thrilled with learning every new thing. I'm wondering when and how and even why do we hose our enthusiasm for learning and experiencing new things. It seems that as we mature as adults that we almost want to get to the place where we don't want to have to learn something new. Maybe again, we need to learn from these little ones that everyday is a brand new exciting day in Jesus. Miss Pat, Director of Lynn Flowers Presbyterian Preschool (posted April 14, 2005)
Join us October 8-17, 2005 and learn more about your Presbyterian roots while you enjoy the beauty of Scotland including St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Castle, the enchanting village of Aberfoyle, Glamis Castle, St. Andrews Cathedral and Castle, ‘the mither Kirk’ of St. Nicholas, and a day on the Isle of Iona. We’ll meet and worship with local Presbyterians, be entertained at a Scottish Evening and perhaps catch a peek of “Nessy” at Loch Ness. Dates: October 8-17, 2005. COST PER PERSON:2,975.00 (based on double occupancy.) SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:$350.00. Price Includes: Round Trip Airfare McAllen to Glasgow/Edinburgh to McAllen Coach and Driver for each day 3* Hotels, tax and service charges for 8 nights 8 Scottish Breakfasts 4 Hotel Dinners 1 Scottish Evening with entertainment and dinner English speaking guide traveling with the group from arrival till Edinburgh and then joining the group each day in Edinburgh for day trips Entries to following locations: St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Castle, Greyfriar’s Church, St Andrews Cathedral, St Andrews Castle, St Andrews University, Glamis Castle, Crathie, Castle Fraser, Crathes Castle, St. Machar Cathedral, Mither Kirk of St. Nicholas, Elgin Cathedral, Culloden, Loch Ness, Ferry to Mull and return, Foot Ferry to Iona and return, St Mungo Museum of Religious Life No lunches, porterage, drinks or gratuities are included Price based on minimum 20 persons traveling (If group is more than 20, cost may be reduced). A $250 per person deposit no later than May 1, 2005 is required to reserve your space, For more details please call the church office to be contacted to Carolyn Patterson. (posted April 14, 2005)
Join us as we journey through Biblical times in search of the social and spiritual roles of women. We will compare the rituals of hospitality then and now. Our retreat will be on April 22-23 at El Instituto in Weslaco. Cost is $25. Watch for further info coming out soon! (posted April 14, 2005)
We are in need of an individual to stuff the children’s worship bags. This is a pretty simple task and only takes about 30 minutes a week. If you’re willing to help with this ministry please contact Rebecca for a short and simple training. (posted April 14, 2005)
Hospitality comes from the Greek word, philonexia, which means welcoming the stranger. Last Sunday we welcomed a new member into our church. Douglas Rupert has been attending church here at FPC for many years, yet he’d never been approached about joining. I guess that means there was a breach in the hospitality code. The Bible has numerous passages about hospitality. It was something that was talked about and taught from the time of Moses. In Deuteronomy 10:17-18 we learn that God “loves the strangers, providing them with food and clothing.” In God’s eyes we’re all equal and deserving of hospitality. Yet it is a vanishing ritual in today’s western culture although, I see it going strong when we visit Mexico. The hospitality code is practiced there still. When you go into someone’s home they offer you something to eat, even if you’ve already eaten. It’s only proper that they make you feel welcome and provided with whatever sustenance you need. I can remember one time, in particular, when we were trying to see as many of Rene’s relatives and family friends as possible in one day. We had lunch with his grandmother and from there, went from one house to the next (he’s from a small town and you can walk to most peoples homes). At every stop, the lady of the house would offer us some refreshment. We would thank her and tell her that we’d already eaten but she could not relax until she’d served us something. We had dessert, a few times, as well as fruit, nuts, and chocolates. It became somewhat humorous but everyone was more than gracious in what they offered, and it didn’t matter whether they were rich or poor. Some of the folks that we visited offered foods that they don’t normally eat themselves. They keep a small amount on hand for guests only. I come from a very hospitable home. My mom was a wonderful cook and loved to entertain. Getting out the good dishes and setting a nice table was something done to honor the guests you’ve invited. I learned to fold napkins in fancy shapes and to make name cards for everyone. My sister and I would go out and pick wildflowers for the centerpiece. I hate to think that it’s a lost art. If we look to the Bible for direction we’ll see that Jesus depended on hospitality. He didn’t have a home and depended on the kindness of others. There’s a story in Luke of Jesus visiting Simon when a woman comes in and “begins to bathe Jesus feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair.” Simon is critical of the woman and is scolded by Jesus for not being more hospitable himself. Are we a hospitable people? In the coming months we’ll have the opportunity to sharpen our hospitality skills as Jesse begins a new phase in his life and a new interim pastor comes in. May God lead us in the decisions we make. by Rebecca Villarreal, DCE (posted April 14, 2005)
Session has called a meeting of our congregation to be held on Sunday, April 24, 2005 to act on the request to dissolve the pastoral relationship between Reverend Jesse Thornton and First Presbyterian Church. Please plan to be present for this meeting. (posted April 14, 2005)
Many thanks to all of you for the cards, calls, and especially prayers during my recent illness. It means so much to us to have the support of our church family. May God Bless you. Harry and Estella Backstrom (posted April 14, 2005)
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|
