500190 • Volume 11 • Number 13 July 1, 2014

1A heart for the city.

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Pastor’s DeskFriends,Last week following the 221st General Assembly’s votes concerning marriage equality I sent out a summary of those decisions. You can view them here: www.fpcdallas.org/ga. I wanted to provide a broader summary of the actions of the General Assembly so that you might understand the breadth of issues they debated over the course of their work.

Moderator and Vice Moderator. Heath Rada was elected as Moderator of this Assembly. His first task was to moderate the work of the Assembly. For the next two years, he will be represent our denomination across the globe. Heath is a ruling elder at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Asheville, NC. He is a former president of the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Va., and retired as chief executive officer of the Greater Richmond Chapter of the American Red Cross. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University and earned a master of arts from what’s now Union Presbyterian Seminary and a doctorate in education from North Carolina State University. His Vice Moderator is the Rev. Larissa Kwong Abazia, a teaching elder from New York City Presbytery who serves as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Forest Hills, our own Charles Brewster’s former congregation. A native of East Hanover N.J., Kwong Abazia received her B.A. degree from Rutgers University and her M.Div. degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. She also studied at the University of Sussex in Brighton, England. Kwong Abazia has served as co-moderator of Racial Ethnic Young Women Together (REYWT) and during her seminary years she worked with others to help create a process which resulted in the creation of the PC(USA)’s Office of Multicultural Relations, among other service to the denomination.

Israel/Palestine Issues. Two years after rejecting a similar proposal by two votes, this year’s assembly approved by a vote of 310-303, divestment from three U.S. companies who provide equipment used by Israeli military in the occupation of Palestine: Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard, and Motorola Solutions. Those who support this divestment see it as a symbolic action of solidarity with Palestinian Christians who live under the injustice of Israeli policies in the West Bank and Gaza. While the Assembly specified this was not to be confused with support of the global Boycott, Divest, and Sanction (BDS) movement against Israel, the decision has been met with harsh criticism by the Jewish Community. In related matters, the Assembly disavowed a controversial study guide entitled, “Zionism Unsettled.” Overtures comparing current Israeli policy to apartheid in South Africa did not make it out of committee. And proposals to trim back language referencing God’s covenant with Israel in liturgical materials—particularly the new hymnal—we overwhelmingly rejected by commissioners.

Belhar Confession. The assembly approved ratification of the Belhar Confession for addition to the Book of Confessions. This Confession was written in 1982 in South Africa, not far from our partner community in Guguletu. It was adopted by the Dutch Reformed Mission Church in 1986. It focuses on justice and reconciliation in that context. If ratified by two-thirds of the nation’s 172 Presbyteries, it will be the first African confession of faith in our Book of Confessions. Here is a link to the Confession: http://www.creeds.net/reformed/belhar/proposed_amendments2.pdf

Broken Presbyterian Relations. Approximately 350 of the nations 10,000+ PCUSA congregations have left our denomination in the past four years. In the wake of this assembly’s votes, more are expected. The pain and sadness over these losses was a theme included in worship, with prayers for healing and reconciliation being offered numerous times. The Presbyterian community in Dallas certainly knows the pain of schism.

Other Business included advocating for stricter background checks on gun purchases and a ban on semi-automatic assault rifles. Overtures advocating divestment from fossil fuel companies were rejected, choosing instead to advocate exploration of alternative energy sources. A call for legislation concerning governing the use of military drones was approved. And an proposal to consolidate the number of synods from the current 16 to 10-12 was approved.

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2 A heart for the city.

Meet Margaret AshleyMargaret Ashley joined the FPC Staff as the new Food Service Director on Monday, June 2. She comes to us from Episcopal Church of the In-carnation where she has been the Catering Manager since 2009. Prior to that, she provided food services at Westminster Presbyterian church for three years. In November 2005, Margaret founded Always Out to

Lunch, Inc., a woman owned business and full service catering company serving the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. They spe-cialize in corporate lunches and events, prepared meals to go, private dinner and cocktail parties. Margaret is a Ruling elder and member at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church. Welcome, Margaret! We are glad to have you.

The Adventures of Flat JesusJoin the children of FPC this summer in “The Adventures of Flat Jesus”. The Flat Jesus project was created as a way to keep our church connected during the sum-mer travel season. He is based on the Flat Stanley children’s book. Flat Jesus is a vis-ible expression of our faith and reminds us that Jesus is with us wherever we go - he does not stay in the church between Sun-days but is with us every day as we partner with God to do God’s work in the world. Just think of the interesting conversations that can take place as pictures are taken with Flat Jesus.

You can download complete directions and a template to cut out at http://www.fpcdallas.org/images/images_A6073/FPC-flatjesus.2014.pdf. Email photos to children@fpcdallas.org or post them on the FPC Facebook page. Look for a display in An-derson Common show-ing all the places Flat Je-sus has visited and who he has met. You can also pick up information and templates at the display. Pictured here is Flat Je-sus visiting FPC Asheville with Pastor Joe and Jen-nifer Clifford last week-end and Flat Jesus at Wagner College with Pastor Bruce.

An Invitation from Jim and Nell CarvellPlease join us in celebrating

our 50th Wedding Anniversary

as our guests for lunch

Sunday, July 13, 2014

12:00 p.m. | Byrd Hall

Absolutely no gifts!

We have been members of FPC for 46 of our 50 years of marriage - it is certainly our church family - and has been our Dallas family for these many years. We want to celebrate this special occasion with you, our “family.” Please join us!

Multicultural ConferenceFt. Worth | July 31 - August 3

The National Multicultural Church Conference (NMCC) will be held at the Historic Hilton Fort-Worth, TX, starting on Thursday, July 31 and ending on Sunday, August 3. This year’s conference will be held under the theme “Journeying and Awakening into God’s Diverse World.” Visit the brochure online at http://www.pcusa.org/site_media/media/uploads/multicultural/pdf/2014-mcc-quickview.pdf.. Our own Joe Clifford will be the opening preacher at the conference. If you are interested in volunteering for this exciting event, please sign up here: http://www.gracepresbytery.org/volunteers-needed-for-national-multicultural-conference/.

Basic Sightreading Skills ClassHave you ever wished you could read music? Would you like to learn the basics or improve your skills? Josh Taylor, Director of Worship & Music, will be teaching a basic sighreading course on Wednesday nights beginning July 2nd and concluding on August 6th from 6:15 PM-7:00 PM. Basic aural skills, music notation, etc. will be covered. ABSOLUTELY NO prior musical experience is required. Please contact Josh if you are interested in joining the class so that we can have enough materials for all participants.

3A heart for the city.

Keenagers/SAGEANNUAL FOURTH OF JULY PARTY REMINDERPlease join us on Friday, July 4 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the home of the Buchanan’s! All who attend are asked to please bring a side dish of salads, fruit, vegetables, desserts, or breads to accompany our meal (no meat dishes please). Reservations are appreciated by today (July 1) but nobody will be turned away at the door. Directions to the Buchanan home follow: Take Central Expressway/75 north to Richardson, and exit at Spring Valley Road. Go right on Spring Valley and continue east. There happens to be a split where you can either turn to stay on Spring Valley or stay straight, so stay straight. This road is now called Centennial Blvd. Stay on Centennial Blvd., and when you get to Grove Road, get into the left lane. The next light will be Bowser Road, and you will take a left on Bowser Road. Go down to the second street, which will be Grinnell Drive and turn right. The Party is at 812 Grinnell Drive. Their phone number is 972-680-3042.

SUMMER GAME DAYSThe fun doesn’t end after the Fourth of July Party! On Wednes-days, July 9 & 23 and August 13 & 27, from 1:00-3:00 ish Game Days in the Parlor will be returning. Everyone is invited and reservations are not needed. Refreshments and snacks are provided. So, some on down, get out of the heat and play a little!

As always, if you have questions, need more information or make reservations please contact Kathy Price 214-748-8051 ext.230 or e-mail her at Kathyp@fpcdallas.org. Also, please contact me if I can be of any assistance to you or your family at 214-748-8051 ext.224 or Debbier-y@fpcdallas.org.Children’s Corner

A complete Children’s calendar is available to download from the FPC website. Questions or to RSVP please contact Bethany Shretha at children@fpcdallas.org UPCOMING EVENTSJuly 22 – Marvelous Mission Opportunity with Presbyterian Women ProjectsJuly 28 - August 8 – Vacation Bible SchoolAugust 11 – Marvelous Mission Opportunity at Our Savior Community GardenAugust 18 – Marvelous Mission Opportunity at Presbyterian Children’s Home

Youth MattersJULY 6 Teacher Sabbath—No church school8:30 a.m. Middle Schoolers gather to depart for Mo-Ranch in Byrd Hall10:50 a.m. Worship, Sanctuary5:30 p.m. Youth and leaders gather for CMW, Courson 3JULY 10TBA Youth and sponsors return from Jubilee at Mo-Ranch

JULY 115:00 p.m. Community Ministries Week concludes

JULY 139:30 a.m. Church School for 7th-9th graders, 4th floor Church School for 10th-12th graders, Courson 310:50 a.m. Worship, Sanctuary

Supplies Needed for VBSCAN YOU HELP?

(Leave in 3rd Floor Resource Room marked VBS)• Legos (standard bricks)• Magazine pictures• Empty Paper towel rolls• Scrapbook pages or wrapping paper (not birthday or

Christmas)• Smooth river rocks (1-2 Inch)

Vacation Bible School

Register and pay now online at www.fpcdallas.org/vbs for a week of wonders, July 28 – August 1. We will imagine with God, build with God, grow with God, work with God and walk with God each day. VBS is for ages four through children in 6th grade and meets from 9:00 am – 12:15pm. Cost is $15. Make plans now for your children or grandchildren or invite a neighbor. You must register by July 1st to be sure to receive a T-shirt.

PASTOR’S DESK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

For more information on these and other matters, see www.pres-outlook.org. Also, I remind you that our own Rev. Wendy Fenn was a commissioner elected by Grace Presbytery to this 221st General Assembly. As these matters come to Grace Presbytery, we will continue to hold information sessions. As always, I welcome the opportunity to discuss these matters personally as well.

Grace and peace,

4A heart for the city.

FPC participates in the MoPAM Worship & Music ConferenceFifty-five participants from FPC attended the 2014 Mo-Ranch/Presbyterian Association of Musicians Worship & Music Conference held June 15-19 at Mo-Ranch. Conferees spent the week rehearsing in the adult, youth and children’s choirs, ringing hand bells, attending worship and classes. We were inspired by an amazing faculty that included John Bell of the Iona Community, Dr. Pearl Shangkuan from Calvin College, Tony Alonso a composer and conductor, and David Harris conductor of the Raleigh Ringers. Our very own Joe Clifford served as the conference preacher and Catherine Foster was the Bible Study leader and worship liturgist. Josh Taylor was the conference director for the entire event. Look for a follow up article from participants in the next print edition.

5 A heart for the city.

Grace Day CampEarlier in June, eighteen rising 4th – 7th graders enjoyed a week at Grace Presbyterian Village in community with residents and staff at Grace Camp. This camp is in it’s sixth and combines mission, philanthropy education, vocation education, fellowship, relationship building, worship leadership, sharing of talents, and fun between generations. Each day the children spend some time journaling and reflecting. Below are just a few of their reflections –

G – Grace

R – Remarkable

A – Amazing

C – Caring

E – Everybody

By Lydia Herriage

I learned to make origami boxes with Mrs. Rutledge and learned about World War II from Oliver Stevens. – By Luke Welch

This week, I have the pleasure to meet Miss Douglas. I got to do trivia with her and she is very smart. She is also a big bingo player. Her birthday is Feb. 12 which is my mom’s birthday too. She loves crossword puzzles and trivia on different subjects. Her left arm is paralyzed, but luckily she is right handed. She is very sweet, and I am very fortunate to get to meet here. – By Carson Brockette

Mrs. Eason was very nice. She hit balloons very hard. She was 100. She told us nursery rhymes. She loved me and Sofia. She even kissed me on the cheek. – By Joy Ingrum

Today my favorite part of the day was when we went outside to play and we played Uno with Cookie and she won both times. The thing I learned how to do was make dancing dolls out of wood and it was really cool. (with Mr. Rutledge) I also loved hanging out with Billy and I really miss Beans and so does Billy. I love Billy. I will really miss coming here, as I love it here. – By Kate Hosterman.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27:00 AM Men’s Bible Study - Courson 18:00 AM Encore Park Construction - Room 40411:30 AM Summer Crew - 4th Floor, Byrd Hall, PAC12:00 PM Summer Kids’ Club - 3rd Floor, Byrd Hall, PAC Pastor’s Bible Study - Blakley Hall7:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal - Choir Room

THURSDAY, JULY 311:30 AM Summer Crew - 4th Floor, Byrd Hall, PAC12:00 PM Summer Kids’ Club - 3rd Floor, Byrd Hall, PAC

FRIDAY, JULY 4 Holiday - Church and Day School Closed 5:00 PM Keenager/SAGE Annual Fourth of July Party - Home of the Buchanans

SUNDAY, JULY 6 8:30 AM Jr. High Jubilee Departsfor Mo-Ranch8:45 AM Chapel Service with Communion 9:30 AM Church School Classes for all ages Modern Family Elective Class - Courson 310:50 AM Sanctuary Service with Communion 12:00 PM Home Communion5:30 PM FPC Youth Community Minstries Week Begins

MONDAY, JULY 7 FPC Youth Community Minstries Week 11:30 AM Summer Crew - 4th Floor, Byrd Hall, PAC12:00 PM Summer Kids’ Club - 3rd Floor, Byrd Hall, PAC2:00 PM Summer Crew Cooking Matters - Koinonia Room Encore Park Committee - Conference Room 318

TUESDAY, JULY 8 FPC Youth Community Minstries Week 8:30 AM Little Stewpot Steward Assembly - Room 30911:30 AM Summer Crew - 4th Floor, Byrd Hall, PAC12:00 PM Summer Kids’ Club - 3rd Floor, Byrd Hall, PAC2:00 PM Summer Kids’ Club Cooking Matters - Koinonia Room

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9 FPC Youth Community Minstries Week 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study - Courson 18:00 AM Encore Park Construction - Room 40411:30 AM Summer Crew - 4th Floor, Byrd Hall, PAC12:00 PM Summer Kids’ Club - 3rd Floor, Byrd Hall, PAC PICO Vision Team Luncheon - Koinonia Room Pastor’s Bible Study - Blakley Hall1:00 PM Keenager/SAGE Game Day - Parlor7:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal - Choir Room

THURSDAY, JULY 10 FPC Youth Community Minstries Week 11:30 AM Summer Crew - 4th Floor, Byrd Hall, PAC12:00 PM Summer Kids’ Club - 3rd Floor, Byrd Hall, PAC5:00 PM Jr. High Jubilee Returns from Mo-Ranch6:30 PM Stephen Ministry Supervision - 4th Floor

FRIDAY, JULY 11 FPC Youth Community Minstries Week Concludes

12:00 PM Summer Kids’ Club - 3rd Floor, Byrd Hall, PAC5:30 PM Thompson-Archer Wedding Rehearsal - Chapel8:00 PM Single Adults Uncle Calvin’s Coffee House - NorthPark Presbyterian Church

SATURDAY, JULY 125:15 PM Young Adults Serve at the Bridge 6:00 PM Thompson-Archer Wedding - Chapel

SUNDAY, JULY 138:45 AM Chapel Service 9:30 AM Church School Classes for all ages Modern Family Elective Class - Courson 310:50 AM Sanctuary Service 12:00 PM Congregational Lunch for Carvell’s 50th Anniversary - Byrd Hall6:00 PM Summer Visiting Youth - Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church- Dorm Rooms

MONDAY, JULY 1411:30 AM Summer Crew - 4th Floor, Byrd Hall, PAC12:00 PM Summer Kids’ Club - 3rd Floor, Byrd Hall, PAC2:00 PM Summer Crew Cooking Matters - Koinonia Room Encore Park Committee - Conference Room 318

TUESDAY, JULY 158:30 AM Little Stewpot Steward Assembly - Room 30911:30 AM Summer Crew - 4th Floor, Byrd Hall, PAC12:00 PM Summer Kids’ Club - 3rd Floor, Byrd Hall, PAC2:00 PM Summer Kids’ Club Cooking Matters - Koinonia Room

WEDNESDAY, JULY 167:00 AM Men’s Bible Study - Courson 18:00 AM Encore Park Construction - Room 40411:30 AM Summer Crew - 4th Floor, Byrd Hall, PAC12:00 PM Summer Kids’ Club - 3rd Floor, Byrd Hall, PAC Pastor’s Bible Study - Blakley Hall7:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal - Choir Room

THURSDAY, JULY 1711:30 AM Summer Crew - 4th Floor, Byrd Hall, PAC12:00 PM Summer Kids’ Club - 3rd Floor, Byrd Hall, PAC

FRIDAY, JUNE 18 Mo-Ranch All Church Retreat - Hunt, TX12:00 PM Summer Kids’ Club - 3rd Floor, Byrd Hall, PAC

SATURDAY, JULY 19 Mo-Ranch All Church Retreat - Hunt, TX

SUNDAY, JULY 20 Mo-Ranch All Church Retreat - Hunt, TX5:00 AM Montreat Youth Conference Departs 8:45 AM Chapel Service 9:30 AM Church School Classes for all ages Modern Family Elective Class - Courson 310:50 AM Sanctuary Service 12:15 PM Session Meeting - Chapel6:00 PM Summer Visiting Youth - FPC Waco - Dorm Rooms

6A heart for the city.

First Presbyterian Church News (USPS 022-481) is published semi-monthly by First Presbyterian Church, 1835 Young Street, Dallas, TX 75201-5611. Individual subscriptions $12 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Dallas, TX and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to First Presbyterian Church News, c/o Beth Hernandez, 1835 Young Street, Dallas, TX 75201-5611.

Editor: Rebecca GinglesDeadline is 9 a.m. on Monday, eight days prior to publication date. Articles may be submitted by: Phone 214-748-8051 ext. 229 • Fax 214-749-0221 • Email: rebeccag@fpcdallas.org

The FPC newspaper reserves the right to edit submitted materials. Please contact Beth Hernandez at 214-748-8051 or bethh@fpcdallas.org with any requests to subscribe or discontinue the paper.

Calendar: July 2 - 20