FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

TEXARKANA, TX

PERMIT NO. 71

516 Pecan Street Texarkana, Arkansas 71854

Phone: 870-774-6453 Fax: 870-773-4199

E-mails: 1stpresbytxk@cableone.net revsusan1stpres@cableone.net revjohn1stpres@cableone.net

We’re on the Web! www.firstprestexarkana.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

OUR M ISSION STATEMENT IS TO SHARE

THE LOVE OF CHRIST , TO EMPOWER

PEOPLE TO SERVE , AND TO GLORIFY GOD .

Halloween Family Night Supper Save the Date: October 29th at 6:00 p.m.

Bring your regular family night supper dishes.

∞ Trunk or Treat and Games for the Kids! Those participating in Trunk or Treat park out back.

∞ Indoor Fun & Games for the Adults! Costumes encouraged for Adults too!

∞ Old Fashioned Cake Walk!

∞ Raffle Drawing for Some Really Great Prizes. All proceeds will go to fill the Thanksgiving Boxes.

Dear FPC Congregation & Friends,

On Thursday, September 26, 2014, the Labyrinth in our new Memorial Orchard

was completely assembled. It just needs polymer sand brushed into its spaces, then misted

to form a hard bond with the bricks, stabilizing the structure. Beginning Labor Day

weekend, over 30 folks, many in our congregation, have contributed over 300 hours of

time, muscle, energy, sweat, and brain power to complete this project.

Yes, this was an Eagle Scout project for our son, Matthew; but it is so much more

than that for our faith community at First Presbyterian, and the community of Texarkana.

To my knowledge, this is the only prayer labyrinth in the cities of Texarkana. This

labyrinth provides a place of prayer, meditation, and spiritual renewal to the entire

community with easy access any time of the day or night. This space will grow more and

more beautiful as we fill in with decorative benches and fruit trees over the coming years.

The fruit of these trees will then supplement fresh produce from the Downtown Community

Garden to the nutritionally underserved.

You, the congregation of FPC, Texarkana, have followed God’s call to create a rare and unique worshipping

community and space. We are a church of uniques. We have the only prayer labyrinth in town, the only Change Ringing

Tower in town, the only 38 rank Casavant Fréres organ in town, we are the only church in Texarkana to offer Godly Play

as a part of our Christian Education curriculum for young children and adults with developmental disabilities, and we

will soon be the only church to employ a Christian Edu-preneur (“someone spiritually grounded with a creative spirit

who wants to develop strategies and programs that are responsive to cultural changes and needs”) rather than a

Christian Educator. Not only these, but we offer the unique contemplative Taizé form of worship periodically

throughout the year, and our Youth are uniquely re-developing their space with the vision of a coffee house atmosphere.

You who are First Presbyterian are Building the Kingdom of God and Supporting the Gospel of Christ. The

Gospel writers tell us that John the Baptist came preaching that “the Kingdom of God is at hand.” (Matt. 3:2) After John

was arrested, scripture says Jesus continued proclaiming that same message, “the Kingdom of God is here” (Mat. 4:17 &

Mk. 1:15). Then Jesus began recruiting and making disciples; he began building the Kingdom of God – a community in

which people could experience a bit of heaven on earth, a safe and secure and Godly place to come and seek refuge in a

sin-wearied world. Add to that Jesus’ own life, death, and resurrection – the Gospel of Christ – and we have not only the

Kingdom, but the means by which we get to that Kingdom.

These two sides of the same ‘corner stone’ describe what FPC offers Texarkana: the Kingdom of God and the

Gospel of Christ. We do this by generously offering to those in need. And individually we find our places in these

“offers of generosity” where our deep glad meets the world’s deep need based on where we are in our own spiritual

growth. God has brought us to this time and this place as a church, and has given us all we need to create this unique

worshipping community. God promises in Philippians “that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion

at the day of Jesus Christ. Phil. 1:6b

Building the labyrinth was a labor of love that took hours, sweat, energy, and brain power; just like the building

of this faith community over the years with its unique offerings of grace-filled generosity. Each offering is a stone in the

structure that supports the Gospel of Christ as we continue to build the Kingdom of God. Our structure also needs sand

to brush into the spaces that will form a hard bond with the bricks, stabilizing her over the coming years. That sand is

your financial form of generosity. I am very proud to be a part of a congregation that does “not grow weary of doing

good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Gal. 6:9

Stay tuned for more stories during October of the missions and ministries that are unique to FPC, Texarkana.

In Christ's Service,

Revs. John & Susan Arnold

OCTOBER 2014

F IRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

OUR MISSION STATEMENT IS TO SHARE THE LOVE OF CHRIST , TO EMPOWER

PEOPLE TO SERVE, AND TO GLORIFY GOD.

F IRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

The volunteers for Sunday, October 5, are:

*Melanie & Andrew Gloster (Group Coordinator)

Carla & Randy Lacy

Lucy Sarrett

RANDY SAMS’ MISSION Congratulations to the

Davitt Families on the birth of Mikaylah Lynn Davitt

who was born on September 20, 2014, to

Shannon and Josh Davitt.

The CE Search Committee is pleased to announce that we have a candidate coming

to visit the church the weekend of 25-26 October. Sarang Kang is currently the

Director of College and Young Adult ministries at New Hope Church of Michigan

where she serves on a praise team, leads studies, and coordinates activities for a

variety of age groups. She has a Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological

Seminary and has worked in a variety of areas, to include teaching, planning,

missions, and church. Please continue to pray fervently as the committee and

Sarang seek Gods guidance on this matter.

CE SEARCH COMMITTEE NEWS SYMPATHY

Dick Huitt, uncle of John Arnold, passed away

on August 30, 2014.

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME! ! Maggie & Tony Uzzell have joined the Church. Please

help us welcome them into our church family.

SUNDAY Worship Services

WEDNESDAY FNS

THURSDAY Brown Bag Bible Study

Philippians 1

Study

No Brown Bag Bible 2

Study

11:00 a.m.: Giving Joyously – 2 Cor. 8:1-15 5

Guest Preacher: Charles A. Morgan

2015 Budget 8

Presentation

Paul & Women 9

1st Corinthians & 1st Timothy

11:00 a.m.: Paul’s Secret to Contentment - Phil. 4:1-9 12 Stewardship 15

Dinner

Paul & Women 16

1st Corinthians & 1st Timothy

11:00 a.m.: Forsaking Our Idols - 1 Thess.1:1-10 19 Philippians 22

Study

No Brown Bag Bible 23

Study

11:00 a.m.: People Wanted for Hazardous Journey – 26

Deut. 34:1-12

Halloween 29

FNS

Paul & Women 30

1st Corinthians & 1st Timothy

OCTOBER WORSHIP/STUDY SCHEDULE

2015 BUDGET

The enclosed 2015 Budget was approved by the Session at the September 18th meeting and will be

presented at Family Night Supper on October 8th. Please contact Lucy Sarrett, Gene Cogbill, or John

or Susan Arnold if you have any questions.

F IRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

ONGOING FINANCIAL STATUS

AUGUST

Actual Budget Actual Budget

Income $26,880.06 $32,895.25 $279,809.60 $263,162.00

Expenses 33,568.82 38,467.25 269,014.47 307,738.00

Net Income (Loss) ($ 6,688.76) ($5,572.00) $ 10,795.13 ($44,576.00)

YEAR-TO-DATE Mark your calendars for

Family Camp, June 26 - 28, 2015.

SAVE THE DATE

TEXAS PRESBYTERIAN FOUNDATION

AUGUST

Initial Amount Invested $114,828.23

Income Earned Since Inception 13,009.36

Subtotal $127,837.59

Unrealized Gains Since Inception 30,757.30

Total Value of TPF Funds $158,594.89

UPDATE — THANKS! Special thanks to the Congregation!

$911.00 was donated for Solar Under the

Dear First Pres. Family,

I can't begin to tell you how much I

appreciate the cards, notes, and

memorials given in memory of my sister,

Mary Ann Beck. Her passing has left a

very hollow space in me. You forget how

special someone is until you can't call or

visit them just one more time. I was

privileged to be there as she passed and

have been able to start filling my empty

spaces with Tommy and Will. Many

thanks from my entire family for your

prayers and continued love.

With love, Cynthia & Lary Walker

THANK YOU

Congratulations and Best Wishes!

Sarah Beth Solomon and

Fred Davis were married on

September 20, 2014.

F IRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

We are finalizing the honorariums and memorials for the new hymnals. We

are sending acknowledgements to those who requested them. However, it’s

not too late for you to request one. If you want the recipient or the

recipient’s family to be notified of your gift, please call or write the Church

Office giving the name and the address to whom the acknowledgement will

be sent. Please let Patricia know by November 15th.

A complete list was in the church bulletin on September 28th, and the same

list is included in this newsletter. The honorarium and memorial plates

have been pasted inside covers of the new hymnals. You might find it fun

to look at the front of your hymnal the next time you are singing and see

whose name is there.

REMINDER: IT’S THANKSGIVING BASKETS TIME!

We have already started gathering food and preparing lists. Our Thanksgiving Food Basket

ministry allows us to share food with those less fortunate than us, or in great financial need. We

are blessed to share baskets with our community neighbors and with Angel Fund Foundation

clients.

Here are some important dates to note:

November 9: FPC Youth Group Annual Save-A-Lot/Big Lots grocery shopping trip. Each team of

youth challenges the other teams to the most cost-efficient purchases of nutrient-dense foods.

November 16: Thanks for Giving Spaghetti Luncheon.

November 23: FPC Youth Groups & Diaconate deliver Thanksgiving Baskets.

The following lists are merely weekly shopping suggestions:

Sep. 28 Soy Milk, gelatin or pudding mixes, crackers

Oct. 5 canned vegetables, soups, fruits

Oct. 12 peanut butter, jellies

Oct. 19 canned meats (tuna, Spam, Vienna sausages)

Oct. 26 dried stuffing/dressing, potatoes mixes

Nov. 2 mac & cheese, spaghetti noodles/sauce

Nov. 9 cereal, oatmeal, breakfast bars

Nov. 16 rice, dried beans

Thank you for your continued love and support for our annual service and outreach project! We

are happy to do your shopping for you if needed.

Love,

The Youth Council

The Diaconate

FINALIZING GLORY TO GOD HYMNALS

In the coming days, please

take some time to

prayerfully consider your

financial commitment to the

Church. Stewardship

Dedication Sunday will be

on Sunday, October 26,

2014.

F IRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

If you have not received a copy of this year's Bible study book, please contact your Circle Moderator.

An Invitation to All First Presbyterian Women:

The women of Northwood Presbyterian Church have invited all women of our church to attend a complimentary luncheon and program of music for mandolin, featuring the Rev. John Wilkey and Mrs. Stephanie Wilkey, on Monday, October 13, 2014, at 11:45 a.m. at Northwood. This promises to be a delightful time to visit with women of other churches in the community and enjoy a delicious meal and lovely music. Please RSVP to Barb Weems, Northwood Presbyterian Moderator (baweems2010@

gmail.com or (903) 796-4682). * * * *

Cookware from Albertson's Save your rewards stamps from Albertson’s and contribute them to PW. The stamps will be redeemed for Cuisinart cookware to be given to families who are in need due to natural disaster or fire. Stamps may be turned in to your Circle Moderator to be collected at PW Council meetings or to the Church Office to be placed in the PW mailbox.

* * * * Our Gifts Enrich the Lives of Others

The 2013 Thank Offering funded 17 national and 13 international projects that improved the lives of women, men, and children in many communities. Grants provided assistance to a children's reading program in Phoenix, clean water for people in India, transportation for refugee families in Tennessee, and a swine farming program in Congo, as well as much needed assistance to other worthy programs. Forty percent of the almost $700,000.00 given through the Thank Offering was used to fund health ministries. Our Thank Offering goal throughout the PCUSA is $900,000.00, and our local giving, pooled with contributions from many other congregations, will provide funds for many effective programs throughout our country and the world. Since the late 19th century, when Eliza Clokey of Springfield, Ohio, encouraged members of the Women's General Missionary Society of the United Presbyterian Church to give a special offering as a “thank offering to our Lord,” the PW Thank Offering has benefited thousands of people in need. May we give in the same spirit as Ms. Clokey and other members of the WGMS gave many years ago.

* * * * Important Dates:

PW Council—Monday, October 6 at 11:00 a.m. Zelle Moore Circle--Church Annex, Thursday, October 9, at 6:30 p.m.

Josephine Beck Circle--Home of Sylvia Waldrop, Tuesday, October 14 at 10:00 a.m. Elizabeth Greisser Circle--Church Library, Tuesday, October 21 at 10:00 a.m.

+++WATCH FOR THE NEW LEGACY CHRISTMAS CD+++

+++REMEMBER TO SAVE CAMPBELL'S SOUP CAN LABELS FOR GOODLAND ACADEMY+++

Presbyterian Women Updates —

October 2014

F IRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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SSSSUNDAYSUNDAYSUNDAYSUNDAYS

6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Youth Group – DINNER/STUDY/PLAY/PRAYER

WWWWEDNESDAYSEDNESDAYSEDNESDAYSEDNESDAYS

6:00 – 6:30 p.m. Family Night Supper

6:30 – 7:00 p.m. Youth Group Devo

October 29 October 29 October 29 October 29 –––– Halloween FNS (Supper & Trunk or Treat/Games)Halloween FNS (Supper & Trunk or Treat/Games)Halloween FNS (Supper & Trunk or Treat/Games)Halloween FNS (Supper & Trunk or Treat/Games)

Saturday, October 18 Saturday, October 18 Saturday, October 18 Saturday, October 18 –––– DixieMaze DixieMaze DixieMaze DixieMaze (Corn Maze/Haunted Corn Maze/and more . . . Cost is $25 for all activities plus the Haunted Mazes. Cost is $12 for all activities minus the Haunted Mazes. We MUSTMUSTMUSTMUST have your money in the office by Sunday, October 12.

We will leave the church @ 4:30 p.m. and return, after dinner @ IHOP, around midnight.) Saturday, October 03/04-THSTHSTHSTHS Game/Dance

Saturday, October 24/25-AHSAHSAHSAHS Game/Dance

Current and Future Youth Current and Future Youth Current and Future Youth Current and Future Youth

MembersMembersMembersMembers

F IRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

WEEKLY EVENTS

SUNDAY 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal 11:00 a.m. Worship 6:00 p.m. Jr./Sr. High Youth Groups MONDAY 6:00 p.m. Handbell Choir Practice WEDNESDAY 10:00 a.m. Card Ministry Team 6:00 p.m. Family Night Supper 6:30 p.m. Bible Study 6:30 p.m. Godly Play 6:30 p.m. Godly Play—Evergreen Residents 6:30 p.m. Jr./Sr. High Youth Groups 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal THURSDAY 9:00 a.m. Angel Quilts 10:00 a.m. The Sharing Place 12:00 p.m. Brown Bag Bible Study

SPECIAL EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1 5:00 p.m. Christian Education Committee Meeting 5:15 p.m. Stewardship Committee Meeting SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5 5:00 p.m. Youth Council

6:00 p.m. Dinner for Randy Sams’ Shelter MONDAY, OCTOBER 6 11:00 a.m. PW Coordinating Team Meeting TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7 7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8 5:00 p.m. Diaconate 6:30 p.m. Presentation of 2015 Budget THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9 5:30 p.m. Evangelism Committee Meeting 6:30 p.m. Zelle Moore Circle — Annex MONDAY, OCTOBER 13 12:00 p.m. Federal Retirees Meeting TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14 10:00 a.m. Josephine Beck Circle — Sylvia Waldrop WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15 5:00 p.m. Permanent Funds Committee Meeting 5:00 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting 6:00 p.m. Stewardship Dinner & Presentation THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16 5:00 p.m. Session Meeting SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19 9:30 a.m. Godly Play — Opportunities, Inc. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21 7:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast 10:00 a.m. Elizabeth Greisser Circle — Library WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29 6:00 p.m. Halloween Family Night Supper

October BirthdaysOctober BirthdaysOctober BirthdaysOctober Birthdays

October AnniversariesOctober AnniversariesOctober AnniversariesOctober Anniversaries

5 - Lynn & Bill Benefiel

11 - Molly Beth & Bruce Malcolm

19 - Savannah & Cameron Calhoun

19 - Shannon & Josh Davitt

31 - Merilynn & Don Johnson

1 - Erin McCasland

1 - Charlie Morehead

1 - Bob Veon

2 - Blanche Barber

2 - LaWanda West

3 - Sally Sue Rodgers

4 - Chad Triptow

4 - Sherry Wilburn

6 - Andrew Gloster

8 - Danny Gray

12 - Lee Homan

13 - Carlyn Brown

13 - Cordell Klein

15 - Maxwell Blain

15 - Steven Nash, Jr.

19 - Laura Lee Lacy

21 - Tommy Boyles

22 - Frank West

23 - Nina Madden

23 - Margo Strickland

24 - Jake Boyles

26 - Brycen Jackson

26 - Steven Nash, III

26 - Dorothy Siebel

27 - Kaleigh Anthony

27 - Merilynn Johnson

29 - Amy Triptow

30 - Josh Davitt

30 - DeeDee Pope

31 - Aileen Williams