SUNDAY WORSHIP

April 3Jim Currie preachingSermon Text: John 20:19-31

April 10Jim Currie preachingSermon Text: John 21:1-19

April 17Jim Currie preachingSermon Text: John 10:22-30

April 24Jim Currie preachingSermon Text: Revelation 21:1-6

The Wednesday Noon Brown Bag Bible Study has become one of the high-lights of my week. For two-and-a-half years we read through and discussed the Gospel according to Luke. Then, for the better part of a year we read and discussed Luke’s second volume, The Acts of the Apostles. The 20-25 per-sons who gather on Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. engage in serious Bible study, ask challenging questions, and even laugh a lot. We will now turn our attention to Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Hopefully, we’ll get through it before we reach the summer break. If you are interested, I hope you will join us. It is one of the more important letters of Paul that we have. One of the things we have discussed in these hour-long sessions is the role of the interpreter in any Bible study. We are all interpreters of whatever we read. Some people use commentaries for help in trying to understand Scrip-ture. But one of the things we’ve discussed is how even translations of the Bible are an interpretation. Language is fascinating. For example, many of the psalms have a superscrip-tion “A Psalm of David”. However, in Hebrew the word translated “of” can also mean “to”. So, is it “A Psalm of David” or “A Psalm to David” (that is, in honor of or in tribute to David)? That may seem like a trivial example, but when one is trying to render a word or a phrase from one language into an-other, it can make a difference. Another example is the word “love.” In Greek there are at least four different words for our one English word. When we read the English word, how are we to know which meaning is intended? There are nuances and subtleties that are sometimes difficult to appreciate, but when we discover them, our awareness grows and our faith deepens. In our Brown Bag Bible Study we ask questions we might not ask elsewhere. There’s a freedom to chase rabbits and explore possibilities that we don’t have time to chase or explore elsewhere. It’s absolutely fun and delightful. No question is out of bounds. Why not come and join us?

At FirstFrom Your Pastor...

First Presbyterian Church in Pasadena, Texas April 2016

Welcome to New Members

The following persons joined First Presbyterian Church dur-ing the month of March:

*Myrna Wishard (transfer of church letter)

$*Sandy Boriack (reaffirmation of faith)$*Trey Cooper (profession of faith)$*Darcy McPhail (profession of faith)$*Cole Reed (profession of faith)

Welcome to one and all!

Our Day of Solitude and Prayer...a Follow-up

On Tuesday, March 15, twenty people from FPC caravanned to Villa de Matel for a day of silence and guided prayer. We spent the beautiful spring day finding cozy spots within the main building and chapel to pray, rocking on a covered breezeway called the Cloisters and wandering through some of the 70 acres of this wooded retreat just twenty minutes from home. We are grateful to Janet Troy, our facilitator at Villa de Matel who helped us feels safe and welcome, and to our own Edith Langdon for encouraging us to step out of our comfort zones and into a day of solitude and silence with God during the Lenten season. It was a gift that we will long remember and look forward to doing again, perhaps in the fall. Watch for a photos with glimpses of the day together.

SOWING SEEDS OF HOPE...PART 2

Remember last fall when we published Part 1 of our 75 Years of Glimpses of God here at FPC Pasadena? What fun it was to recall stories of the years of ministry and friendship during the first 75 years of mission.

Some people have submitted more stories for a second edition. Our custom in previous summers has been to publish our Soul Stories: Glimpses of God in Ordinary Time. This summer, we will combine that practice with the stories of 75 years of ministry here at FPC.

What are some special memories you have about this church family? Where have you ex-perienced God’s presence beyond these walls? You may not have recognized it as that until you looked back and saw God’s fingerprints on the experience. Your stories may be tender or funny, moving or simply memorable. Remember...God is not limited to serious encounters only and often shows up in the most unexpected places in people!

Gather up your story (or stories) and submit them to Jo Ann Currie electronically or by hard copy by Sunday, May 22. The daily devotionals will be published sometime in June to carry us through the summer months. If you e-mail them, please put “Summer Soul Sto-ries” in the e-mail subject line.

Thanks in advance for sharing your stories of hope, humor, redemption, forgiveness and/or love. Our lives will be enriched and encouraged by your words.

Wonderful Wednesdays in April and May

The next two “Wonderful Wednesdays” look to be most fascinating. On April 20 we will have a representative of the Islamic faith come and talk to us. We have been given two possibilities regarding speakers, but we have not been told yet which one will be available. However, in either case it should be a most enlightening evening. On May 18 our speaker will be Ms. Ruth Steinfeld, a survivor of the Jewish Holocaust in Germany. She will be accompanied by Ms. Mickey Meyers, a member of St. Philip Presbyterian Church in Houston and a docent at the Holocaust Museum. On both evenings we will have a salad supper that will begin at 5:30 p.m. and, as always, the program will be from 6-7 p.m. Come, enjoy, and learn from these outstanding speakers!

FPC Brunch & Book Group News

The FPC Brunch & Book Group is open to all youth & adults who love to read and share ideas with others

as we create and deepen friendships. We meet in the narthex or the fellowship hall,

depending on the month,from 10 a.m. to noon. Our upcoming Saturday gatherings

are...

April 16Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania

by Erik Larson

May 7 (please note change in weekend)

The Light Between Oceans by M. S. Stedman

June 18The Nightengale

by Kristen Hannah

Interested? Curious? Come be part of these enlightening and lively mornings at First and be fed in body & spirit.

New faces and friends are ALWAYS welcome!

Thank You!

Habitat for Humanity would like to send a Heart-felt Thank you to the Men's Group for preparing such a fabulous breakfast for the annual Habitat Pasadena Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser. The food was wonderful, as always. We would also like to thank the many folks from First Presbyte-rian for attending the breakfast while preparing for their Easter Sunday Activities. We literally ran out of food. Those men never stopped cook-ing and cleaning. We were also blessed by the testament of the men's prayer breakfast guest speaker. We also want to recognize and thank Thrivent Financial, and Tom Hoffman, for using Thrivent Action Team funds to purchase all the supplies. All funds from this fundraiser will go to support our 7th Thrivent Builds home in the Freedom Place Subdivision. I would like to take this moment to invite you all to our upcoming Home Blessing in May. We will let you know when we finalize the date.

Again, Thank You all so much. Leah McWhinnie, Executive Director.

HATS & MATS FOR THE HOMELESS

Our own Thelma Jean Paradysz has come up with a clever way to repurpose plastic bags and turn them into a ministry! She has been gathering plastic bags (used and new from local businesses), cutting them into strips, connecting the strips and rolling them into balls. She then crochets the “yarn”, making hats and mats for the homeless.

Curious about what this looks like? She has created step by step instructions and set up a display table under the Mission bulletin board near the narthex. Stop by and check out her work. Want to help Thelma Jean in this mission? She would be delighted to teach you how to cut or crochet the plastic bags. Just ask her. Or come to the June “Mornings of Mission” during the Sunday School hour in June where she’ll have a mission station. Thanks be to God for creative people who transform trash into ministries of compassion and love.

CHILDREN AFTER CHURCH (CAC) BOWLING FUN!

On Sunday, April 17, children 5th grade and younger will travel with the youth to Armadillo Lanes for lunch and an af-ternoon of bowling. Parents are also in-vited to be part of the fun! All you need to bring is your socks, energy and spirit of play as we hit the lanes and cele-brate spring birthdays! (Parents, if you have never signed a 2015-16 permission slip for your child, please do so. Blank forms are on the bulletin near Room 7.) Questions? Contact Jo Ann or Jim Cur-rie

Update on the Organ Renovation

The renovation is under contract with Fort Organ Company of Weatherford, Texas. This company has been in business since 1958. Paul Fort, the son of the founder, took over the business from his father, John, in 1996. John continued to help his son until two years ago. They have built over 132 organs in this state including the small positiv at San Jacinto College. Their rebuilding process is in great demand and there is usually a six-month waiting period. John’s health has deteriorated very quickly over the past two years and he is now in hospice care. Paul and his wife are the caregivers for John. Paul is maintaining his many service contracts, completed the rebuilding of Beaumont’s First Baptist Church’s or-gan, and caring for his beloved father. The parts for our organ have been ordered and if the good Lord is willing, renova-tion will begin after Easter. Paul has asked for prayers for his father who is 92. Thank you to all who have contributed and if you have not finished your pledge, please consider doing so at this time.

***John Fort Sr. passed away Easter morning. Please keep the family in your prayers.

March 29th...Update on Organ, Message from Paul Fort

My apology for not getting back to you sooner. I'm trying very hard to balance previous commitments to service agree-ments for Easter tunings while concurrently coping with my 92 yo father's "last days" of endless and nonstop medical, health, and financial issues.

If I can get through Easter with my own health and sanity I plan to devote as much time as possible to move forward with the FPC project. Thanks for your understanding and continued prayers.

Respectfully,Paul Fort

Crosses on the Corner...Celebrating the Risen Lord!

For two years, it has been the custom at FPC to make and place crosses on our front lawn during Lent. Each cross has been made by a family or ministry group to share the life of this community of faith to passersby. In this third year, we will place them in the yard on the first Sunday following Easter as a celebration of the risen Lord where they will remain on the lawn through Pentecost Sunday, May 15.

On Sunday, April 3, the crosses representing families and ministries of FPC will line the sanctuary walls and chancel area during worship. During the final refrain of our closing hymn, “Lift High the Cross”, representatives of each family or ministry will come forward and stand by his/her cross. During the Benediction, our pastor, Jim Currie, will also ask God to bless the crosses, the people and ministries they represent, and the people who will drive by and see them. At the close of worship, we will all recess out to the church lawn to hang the crosses on pre-planted posts.

We are grateful to Liz Reed who originally brought this ministry to FPC. It has blessed our community within and beyond our walls. We are also grateful for Sue and Marvin Clark for keeping the ministry going and for “planting” the stakes on the lawn.

What’s happening at FPC? What day was that meeting? What time does it start?

Did you know that you can NOW go to our website www.fpcpasadena.organd check the church calendar for events happening this week or in upcoming months!!!

May 14thYour FPC Library will sponsor the book sale during the Garage Sale Fundraiser for Youth Projects on Saturday, May 14th, in the Fel-lowship Hall. Begin now to collect books at home that you can add to the sale. Also, at that time the FPC Library will be discarding books in the collection that are old, out of date, and never checked out. They will be given to the Book Sale.

If you have questions or suggestions, please contact Ruth Askine, 281-991-0227. Thanks!

Opportunity to Help with Hymnbooks

In 2013 this church purchased the newly-published hymnbook, Glory to God. It has enhanced our worship im-mensely. With over 800 hymns it in-cludes favorite hymns of the past as well as new hymns that proclaim the gospel in fresh ways.

Many people contributed to the pur-chase of these hymnals and did so ei-ther in honor of someone or in memory of a loved one. For $15 each, you can have a nameplate placed in one of these hymnbooks in honor or in mem-ory of someone. And, of course, you can do that for more than one person.

If you would like to honor someone this way, make your check out to “First Presbyterian Church” and mark it for “Hymnbook”. You will be contacted as to how you wish the plate to be in-scribed.

SAVE THE DATE FOR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2016

Our annual VBS will be June 13-16 (Monday-Thursday) from 6-8:30 p.m. Mark your calendars today to save these four days of growing in faith for children, youth and adults. Our 2016 theme is “Siblings in the Bible” where we will learn about brothers and sisters found in scripture. Sign-ups, flyers and registration informa-tion will be out in mid April. Invite your neighbors and friends to this important week!

Prayer Station Transformation

Our Lenten prayer stations in the sanctuary have changed into Easter stations of God’s love and light. Please feel free to stop by the stations to offer prayers of gratitude and hope in the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord whenever the building is open. It’s a wonderful way to stop and be still as you catch your breath in the busy-ness of daily life.

Sanctuary Flowers...Celebrating a Milestone or Memory

One of the ways our congregation honors milestones and memories in worship is through the flower ministry each Sunday. The arrangements bring beauty to our worship space as they honor a loved one or celebrate a special occa-sion. The flower ministry also enriches lives beyond the sanctuary when a deacon takes the flowers to a person in the hospital or sick at home.

Due to rising expenses of our faithful local florist, Burle-son’s, the cost of the arrangements has increased from the current $40/week to $50/week for the two arrange-ments. If you have already signed up on the floral chart in the hallway, you will be “grandfathered in” with the old price of $40. You will notice the green checkmark beside your name to indicate this price freeze.

Beginning in March, if you sign up for one of the remaining open Sundays in 2016, please note that the cost will be $50. The flowers are optional of course, since God is present with or without these weekly arrangements. As much beauty as they bring to our sanctuary and beyond, our wor-ship continues each week regardless of the circumstances. Thanks be to God!

FPC Shepherd Clusters & Co-Shepherds 2016“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12

This year, we are linking our shepherd groups together so members will find themselves in only one shepherd group, instead of two as in previous years. The emphasis will be on the group itself, with two or three caring and connecting church officers as support.

The primary roles of the Deacon and Elders will remain the same, but the officers will work in harmony as co-shepherds to care for and help build relationships within the group. Simply put, the primary call of a Deacon is one of pastoral care, while the Elder’s primary call is to communicate current happenings in the life of the church. Of course, both Deacons and Elders are called to stay in touch with the flock, connecting and encour-aging those entrusted to their care, so there will be some overlap. As Christians, we are all called to be the presence of Christ for one another. Our hope is that there will be connections made within the flock, so that members within each cluster will also know and support one another.

The co-shepherds are from the same class. That way, they will serve as partners for their entire term of serv-ice. This will help with consistency and relationship building.

We are excited about the possibilities this new simplified partnership offers. It brings a new dimension to the hymn, “Called as Partners in Christ’s Service.”

Below are the new cluster partners. The current shepherd lists are on a bulletin board in the hallway to visu-ally reflect the new arrangement. Go check it out and find your group. If you don’t find your name on the list or have a correction, please note it on the clipboard. Thanks!

Cluster # Deacon Elder(s) 1 Joy Webb Lavinia Brown & David Kirkpatrick

2 Elois Murray Barbara Jarrell Davis

3 Linda Ross Roy Kreitz

4 Susan Wallace Jason Reed

5 Celia Scheer Ruth Askine

6 Joyce Deloach Natica Cooper

7 Cindy Berridge Stan Ganderson

8 Jane Christopher Holly Liechty

9 Bruce Walters Nola Bray

10 Garland DeLoach Tom Chitwood & Shelley Covington

11 Connie Brakebill Bonnie Keith

12 Rhonda Haskins Barry Webb

THE ANNUAL FPC SPRING FLING & TALENT SHOW IS ALMOST HERE!SATURDAY, APRIL 9, FROM 7-9 P.M.

The FPC SPRING FLING & TALENT SHOW is almost here and it’s not too late to be part of the show!

People of ALL ages are invited to join the fun and share YOUR talent...sing, dance, tell a joke, juggle, or play an instrument, to name just a few. The all-act rehearsal will be Wednesday, April 6, from 6-8 p.m. (Choir members will rehearse from 6-7 so it will not interfere with choir rehearsal.) The sign-ups are on the table in the narthex under the crosses.

The show will begin in the sanctuary at 7 p.m. for an evening of entertainment, laughter and love! Following the show, we’ll move to the fellowship hall for a dessert celebration. The good news is that the evening is FREE! No tickets to buy. No dishes to wash after the show. Sim-ply an evening of fun and friendship.

Pasadena Faith in Action…Register Now

Registration forms are available on a table in the narthex. Please take one and turn it in to the church office by April 10. Also, attach $5, and you will have a t-shirt and lunch provided.

PFIA is a spiritual movement which hopes to make a difference in the lives of the people of Pasadena who just need a helping hand--literally--with simple re-pairs and maintenance of their homes. On one day, Saturday, April 30, we will do just that. Be part of the work. Share your faith.

Thank You!

Thank you all so much for your prayers, and loving concern during my recent illness.

Love,Ellen (June) Howard

Making a Difference While Making New Friends

One of the BEST ways to get to know one another is to serve side by side on a project. Whether you are a new member or have been part of FPC most or all of your life, you are invited and en-couraged to join one of the committees: Worship, Discipleship, Caring, Mission & Outreach or Stewardship. You don’t know what these committees do? No problem. Check out the bulletin boards between the narthex and fellowship hall for a glimpse of the ministries or pick up a copy of the 2015 Annual Report in narthex for an even clearer picture. Better yet, visit a committee at our next monthly meeting and find out in person! Bring your energy and ideas and make a difference in the life and mission of this community of faith. The Worship, Discipleship, Caring and Mission & Outreach committees will meet Monday night, April 4, beginning at 6:45 in the sanctuary for prayers. The Stewardship Committee will meet later in the month. Hope to see you there!

Come to the Waters...An Invitation to All Women

We are down to the final two lesson of our 2015-16 Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study, Come to the Waters. While our year of study is almost over, it’s not too late for women to join the journey. Water plays a central role in the stories of scripture, and each month we explore different water stories from the Old and New Tes-taments. Whether you’ve never been to a PW gathering (historically called a “circle meeting”) or are a regu-lar participant, each woman is encouraged to find her place in a circle of friends on the second Tuesday of each month...9:30 a.m. for the day group and at 7 p.m. for the evening group. At our April gatherings, we will study Lesson 8, “The Hospitality of Living Water--Compassion.”

FYI...This year, Jo Ann Currie is writing the Presbyterian Women Bible study blog that supports each monthly lesson. To read the blog, go to the links on www.pcusa.org/horizons, on the Horizons Facebook page, or on Presbyterian Woman’s Facebook page. You may also find printed copies on the PW table near the library.

Information Available on 2017 Reformation Tour

Brochures describing the Reformation tour to Germany and Prague in March of 2017 are on the glass table in the narthex. If you are interested, please feel free to take one. Next year marks the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther nailing the 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany.

The itinerary includes visits to Berlin, Wittenberg, Eisleben, Leipzig, Eisenach,Erfurt, Prague, Augsburg, and Munich. The dates for the 11-day trip are March 7-17. If you have any questions, please see Jim Currie.

Kade BerridgeJim TinneyMary DurhamDale SinorAlfredo VelaJune (Ellen) HowardAlyssa WallaceCarter EvansSharon WallaceCassie GuiceDiane HallJean JohnstonKatrina HilsonBrenda CorkranKirsten HilsonCasey LasleyChere WharryLarry ParksElla Land

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Hardie MatthewsAndy SlavenLori BarfieldJim BraswellCole ReedSally CarrBarbara DavisSophie BroadEmily Duggan

April Birthdays

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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

4647 PRESTON PASADENA, TEXAS 77505

SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2016 10:00 a.m.

To THANK AND HONOR VIETNAM WAR VETERANS and their SPOUSES for service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States,

including Prisoners of War and those listed as Missing in Action

Please RSVP -attendance only Susan Hazelwood 713-248-8183 susanhzlwd@yahoo.com Hosted by: Jane Long Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

SAVE THE DATES

Celebration Serviceson the following dates.

April 17, 2016May 15, 2016 at 6:00 pm

Attention: All Saints

God is calling you to share your time and companionship one morning a month with one other person in our group at The Gathering Place.

You will accompany and participate with someone as they sing, dance, share stories, play bingo, and enjoy an excellent lunch.

That is all there is to it.Two hours a month is absolute joy!!!!

Please contact one of the following:Claudia 713-947-8176Carol 281-479-8991

or contact Cheryl at the church office.

YOUTH MISSION/STUDY ROAD TRIP TO THE HILL COUNTRY!

JUNE 19-24, 2016 (Sunday-Friday)

All 6th-12th graders are encouraged to be part of our summer Mission/Study Road Trip to explore and make a dif-ference in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. We will leave after worship on Sunday, June 19, making our first stop in San Antonio. On Monday, we’ll head to Mo Ranch for 3 nights of exploration, mission work, recreation and worship at our beautiful Presbyterian Retreat and Conference Cen-ter nestled on the banks of the Guadalupe River. We’ll end our week at the Brakebill’s home in Wimberly and spend time playing in Cypress Creek. Space is limited so reserve your spot by signing up on the youth bulletin board across from The Oasis.

First Presbyterian Church4647 Preston Avenue

Pasadena, Texas 77505

STAFF

Reverend Dr. Jim CurriePastor@fpcpasadena.org

Rev. Patrick Abrams Parish Associate

Jo Ann CurrieDirector of Christian Educationjoann@fpcpasadena.org

Cheryl Jones Office AdministratorCheryl@fpcpasadena.org

Kimberly Waggett Financial SecretaryKimberly@fpcpasadena.org

Carrie Reed Early Childhood Program DirectorCarrie@fpcpasadena.org

Marilyn WilkinsMusic Director

Martha BraswellOrganist

Maria Morales Custodian

HOW TO REACH USOffice Hrs.: 9:00 - 4:00 pmMonday - ThursdayPhone #: 281-991-8700Fax #: 281-991-9886

www.fpcpasadena.org

SAVE THE DATES

Celebration Serviceson the following dates.

April 17, 2016May 15, 2016 at 6:00 pm

SOWING SEEDS OF HOPE ON SUNDAY MORNINGS

All children, youth & adults are invited to be part of a class each Sunday from 9-10 a.m. The Discipleship Committee is grateful for our team of Sunday School teachers. We are also grateful for the high percent-age of learners in this community of faith.

May God bless all leaders and learner as seeds of faith are planted and nurtured Sunday mornings at First.

Our children (Preschool to 5th graders) are using the newest PCUSA curriculum, “Growing in Grace & Gratitude”. In April & May, the children will continue the Spring Quarter with these lessons:

April 3 Our Eyes Were Opened Luke 24:13-35April 10 Thanks to the Grace of God Ephesians 2:1-10April 17 Build Up the Church in Love Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16April 24 I Remember You Constantly 2 Timothy 1:1-4

May 1 Trust God Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16May 8 Be My Witnesses Acts 1:6-14May 15 The Spirit Unleashed! Acts 2:1-13

Our YOUTH (6th-12th graders) are exploring how everyday living can become Christian practices through the “Way to Live” curriculum.

CHILDREN & YOUTH SPACES & TEACHERS

NURSERY (INFANTS & TODDLER) ROOM 1 Ms Jeri, Ms. Brenda/Ms. Noelia

PRESCHOOLERS-5TH GRADERS ROOM 7 Carrie & Jason Reed Shelley & Clay Covington.

YOUTH (6TH-12TH GRADERS) ROOM 8 Jim Currie, Holly Liechty, & James Jackson

ADULT OPTIONS (See related articles for class descriptions)

PRACTICING OUR FAITH ROOM 11 Jo Ann Currie

STEPPING OUT IN FAITH BRIDE’S ROOM Pat Abrams

MEN’S CLASS LIBRARY David Kirkpatrick & Mark Corder

Our regular Sunday School classes will end on May 15. Intergenerational “Mornings of Mission” begin June 5 during the Sunday School hour. Watch for details in May newsletter.

Sunday Morning Classes for Adults

Practicing Our Faith: A Way of Life for a Searching People (Room 11)Jo Ann Currie, Facilitator

During our final two months of regular Sunday School for the Spring, we will continue to explore questions of faith (us-ing the video series by the same name), Bible study and contemplative prayer.

“Certain basic questions of belief and meaning come to us over and over in our lives. Sometimes we think we have them answered. Other times we think we’ve gone beyond them. But the world and circumstances of our lives change. And so, in every generation, we struggle to find new meaning...” From the opening narration of Questions of Faith. Below are the upcoming questions, with insights from some major theologians and writers in the faith...

April 3 Who Is Jesus?April 10 What’s the Use of the Bible?April 17 Who’s Got the Truth?April 24 How Do We Right the Wrong?May 1 What Gives You Faith?May 8 What Happens After Death?May 15 End of Season Celebration (Topic to be announced)

If you don’t have a Sunday morning class, I invite you to be part of this meaningful journey, surrounded and supported by an encouraging company of friends. It is a safe place to ask questions and express honest concerns as we practice our faith in a quest to live wholeheartedly. The door to Room 11 is always open Sundays at 9:00...and there is a place for you.

Stepping Out in FaithPat Abrams, facilitator

“Jesus and the Gospels”You are invited to join our Sunday School class, “Stepping Out in Faith.” This is a video lecture and discussion style of learning, using a course taught by Luke Timothy Johnson of Emory University Candler School of Theology. He leads us through how the Gospels come to be, how they relate to one another and how they communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ through this literary structure, character development and themes. A different way to meet and respond to our Lord Jesus Christ.

We meet in the Brides’ Room from 9:00-10:00 a.m. each Sunday. It’s a lively and loving group of friends and you’ll be made to feel welcome. Come join us. Pat Abrams

Men’s Class (Library)David Kirkpatrick & Mark Corder, Facilitators

The Men’s Class has started a new study using the book, Presbyterian Questions, Presbyterian Answers: Ex-ploring Christian Faith, by noted theologian, Donald. K. McKim. Using a question and answer format, in thirteen chapters this book addresses questions about Presbyterian theology and beliefs that are basic to the Christian faith itself. Some of the questions are: What do we mean by “Reformed Theology?”, Why do Pres-byterians baptize babies?, What is the Trinity?, Does God Answer Prayer?, What is Calvinism? What is the meaning of the cross? and many, many more. Come join the journey and share insights and experiences as together we grow in faith.

All Church Garage Sale to Support Youth Ministry Saturday, May 14 from 8-3

Our annual Garage Sale is just around the corner! We hope you are gathering your gently-used items as you do your spring cleaning and decluttering.

Proceeds from the sale support Youth Ministry programs, including camps, conferences, a mission/study trip to Mo Ranch in June and summer “Wide Open Weekdays!” (WOWs!) where the youth will have day-long experiences of mission, learning, playing and worshiping right here at home. 10% of the proceeds from the sale will offset the cost of our intergenerational June “Mornings of Mission” here at FPC.

You may bring your treasures to the fellowship hall beginning Sunday, May 8. We will start sorting and set-ting up on Wednesday, May 11 and continue until the sale. The sale itself will be Saturday, May 14 from 8-3. Anything left over will immediately be picked up by Habitat for Humanity Restore and Pasadena Community Ministries. It’s a mission day where everyone wins!

In addition to bringing your treasures, we need helpers in several areas. Sign ups to help are in the narthex. Come find your place to serve.

Questions? Contact Jo Ann Currie. As always, thanks for your generosity and support.

De-Cluttering Group News...Time for a Little Spring Cleaning!

Because of Spring activities, our FPC Decluttering Group will not meet in April or May. We will resume on the first Wednesday of summer, June 1 from 6-7 p.m. In the meantime, we hope everyone will continue clearing out their closets, cupboards and cabinets (and storage sheds, attics and garages) to donate to the all-church Garage Sale on Saturday, May 14. (See details below.)

CHURCH TRIUMPHANT

Our sympathy goes to Cindy Lamb and her family on the death of her father, James E. Bobo. He died on Feb-ruary 20 and his ashes were buried at a graveside service on March 19 at Forest Park - Lawndale. Long-time FPC member Rachel Herreth died on March 18. Her burial at Grandview Cemetery on March 22 was followed by a memorial service at First Presbyterian Church. Our sympathy is extended to her family as well.

John Fort, Sr., the original owner of the company that is in charge of repairing our organ, died on Easter Sun-day, March 27. A funeral service in Dallas will be held on April 2. Our sympathy is extended to his family. We give thanks to God for these servants who have now entered the Church Triumphant.

YOUTH MINISTRY HAPPENINGS FOR ALL 6TH-12TH GRADERS

SUNDAY, APRIL 3 YOUTH GROUP AFTER CHURCH (YGAC) Stay for the potluck lunch then head to The Oasis (Room 12) for recreation, friendship and to pick your part in helping with the Spring Fling...Spotlight/techie, stage managers, emcee and more. We’ll close at 2 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6 Meet in the sanctuary from 6-8 p.m. to set up & prepare for the annual Spring Fling Talent Show. Even if you don’t have an act, we need you. Come join the fun!

SATURDAY, APRIL 9 Meet in The Oasis at 5 p.m.to eat & prepare for Spring Fling Talent Show from 7-9.

SUNDAY, APRIL 10 YOUTH GROUP AFTER CHURCH (YGAC) We will travel to St. Philip Pres-byterian for an afternoon of mission as we pack meals for “Kids Against Hunger”, returning to FPC by 3:30. Come make a difference in the world by being part of this important ministry.

SUNDAY, APRIL 17 LUNCH & BOWLING TIL 3 P.M. (LAST REGULAR Spring YGAC)

MAY 11-13! 5-9 P.M. HELP SET UP CHURCH/YOUTH GARAGE SALE! (Proceeds support summer youth activities & June FPC Mornings of Mission)

MAY 14! 8-3! ALL CHURCH GARAGE SALE

SUMMER 2016 WE’LL CONTINUE WITH MISSION, WORSHIP, RECREATION, & LEARNING THROUGH:

JUNE 13-16 6-8:30 P.M. VBS “SIBLINGS IN THE BIBLE” WITH YOUTH HELPERS AND CO-LEADERS

“WOWs!” (WIDE OPEN WEEKDAYS) ADVENTURE & MISSION DAYS SPRINKLED THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER TO BE DECIDED BY YOUTH...WATCH FOR DETAILS

&JUNE 19-24 YOUTH ROAD TRIP TO THE HILL COUNTRY (SEE RELATED ARTICLE)!! Watch for more details about this trip but reserve your space today by

(1) signing up on the youth bulletin board near The Oasis and(2) paying the $50 deposit

Confirmation Class of 2016Confirmation is a time in which a young person explores more deeply what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. It is not a beginning or an ending of one’s faith journey, but rather an important milestone along the way. It is a time when the young person publicly confirms the vows parents took for him/her as a young child.

Beginning in mid-January, three young people, Darcy McPhail, Cole Reed, and Trey Cooper began meeting weekly with Jim and Jo Ann Currie to walk through the process of confirmation. The classes were woven into the regular youth group gatherings after worship and lasted until 3 p.m. each week. The lively discussions covered basic information about the Bible, prayer, our Presbyterian heri-tage and Reformed Theology. The discussions also revolved around beliefs that the young people had about God as Creator, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, God’s creation and the role they play in God’s creation. An important part of the conversations had to do with what the young people wondered about. The classes were safe places for them to ask questions and express what was in their hearts, including doubts.

On Saturday, March 26, the confirmands met with the session in The Oasis for an hour of examina-tion and mutual faith sharing. (See photo below) On Easter Sunday, March 27, the young people served as liturgists in worship and were recognized and introduced to the congregation. They were also given adult “faith friends” in the congregation to support them as they continue to grow. We thank Chére and Milo Wharry, Stan and Jana Ganderson, and Shelley and Clay Covington for serving in this way.

It was a privilege to work with these young people during this special time, but the exploration is far from over. We hope that the young people will continue to ask good questions and seek new an-swers and understanding all of their lives, growing in their relationship with Jesus Christ as they continue to mature.

If you are curious about the questions that served as a guide for the confirmation class, there are copies of the packet on the youth bulletin board across from The Oasis (Room 12).

Apr 2016 (C

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The Intercessory Prayer Group in-vites you to pray for the following members: Dave & Ruth Askine; Brian Avis; Maurice & Joyce Barclay; Margaret Bardin; Danny & Lori Bar-field; Richard & Sandra Baswell; Cindy & Gary Berridge; Curtis & Anne Berridge; Kathryn & Kade Ber-ridge; Wes & Jenny Berridge; Lauren Bock; Sandy Boriak; Connie & David Brakebill; Jim & Martha Braswell; and Nola & Dave Bray.

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with…Members known to have health concerns or who are currently or recently have been hospitalized:

Jo Ann Ruble Norma Shepherd Olga Pate

Those serving in or with the Military:Bo ArnoldZachery Guillory

Robert PhillipsJuvencio Bertrand Chris Haltom

Ross WareJameson PateChris Finch

Teresa HaltomZachary Adams

Please inform the church office of any updates on members who are sick, in the hospital, or in any as-sisted care facility.

First Presbyterian Church4647 Preston AvenuePasadena, TX 77505

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