h January 31, 2016

Windmill First Presbyterian Church

800 Jefferson St. Kerrville TX 78028 (830) 257-3310 www.fpckerrville.org

God-Centered Worship,

Christ-Filled Service,

Spirit-Led Lives!

Where does the word, “Presbyterian” comes from? It comes from the Greek πρεσβυτεριανός- meaning “an assembly of Elders.” The book of Exodus tells about a time when Moses was experiencing ‘burn out’ by trying to respond to the needs of the congregation alone. His father-in-law, Jethro, gave him a piece of advice. Look for some helpers who are “trustworthy.” Set them as “officers” over the people so you don’t wear yourself out! (Exodus 18:17-21). In the New Testament, Elders (Presbyters) served as overse-

ers of the church. They were called to undertake a particular kind of work— leading the church to be the church in the world!

Even as the Elders of First Presbyterian Church, Kerrville gathered last Saturday, we began a process of visioning and planning for 2016-2017. We identified particular goals rooted in the common vision: God-centered-worship, Christ-filled-service, Spirit-led lives. To be sure, one primary emphasis this year is church growth. We want to grow spiritually and numerically. As Jesus once said, “the harvest is plenty…,” but sometimes, “the laborers are few.” We need to tell the story, extend the invitation for others to be part of what God is doing among us.

In the areas of worship, service, and spirit-led lives, stay tuned for opportunities to become more involved. We want to encourage in worship participation of all ages. In the areas of ser-vice, we want to continue strong mission support throughout the community! Through our Christian education program, Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and Children’s Ministries, there are many opportunities to sharpen our commitment to faith and discipleship. Look for areas where you can get plugged in and join us as we put the vision into action!!

Lastly, I personally would urge members, visitors and friends to find out more about our larg-er church family within the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Look for ways that we can support the work of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Our denomination is taking part in some wonderful ministries around the world. This wider family needs our help in terms of financial support, volunteer work on committees, supporting our camps and conferences, and contributing our voice on the critical issues of our time. I know sometimes, we don’t always agree. You can’t choose your relatives, right? This is our church family though, and as a family, we are encour-aged to continue our work together in the spirit of unity and the bond of peace.

Happy New Year and looking forward to God’s work among us!!!

Rob Lohmeyer

Lenten Covenant Group to Form

Lent, the six weeks before Easter, is a gift of time for each of us. Lent is a time to pre-pare for the deepest and most glorious mystery of our faith: the passion, death, and resurrec-tion of Jesus Christ. This preparation traditionally includes spiritual disciplines of prayer, alms-giving, fasting, scripture reading, and worship. Taking on one of these spiritual practices is a way to deepen our personal relationship with God.

The spiritual practice of fasting is abstaining from something to be more open to notic-ing the presence and guidance of God in our daily life. The spiritual practice of fasting dates from Old Testament times, was practiced by the apostles and the early church, and promoted by our early Reformers.

The spiritual practice of feasting – seeking more of what brings you closer to God, is also a spiritual practice useful in Lent. An example is to increase, to feast, on gratitude to God in daily life. Interesting, perplexing, questioning? Join the discussion of the spiritual practices of fasting and of feasting on Tuesday, February 9 at 9 a.m. in Ryan Hall for forty-five minutes. Dis-cussion lead by the FPC Spiritual Formation Team.

Lent Covenant Group On Tuesdays, for the six weeks before Easter, from 9:00 to 9:50 a.m. in Ryan Hall we will con-vene a covenant group to share readings, observations, and prayers to deepen our Lenten practices. This year we will use Lenten material prepared by Rev. Dr. Fane Downs in 2011 using Holy Scripture and Celtic Christian traditional material. We will begin on February 16 and meet through the Tuesday of Holy Week. Please join us!

Upcoming Easter Season Dates

The Council meeting for Presbyterian Women will be February 4 at 10:00 a.m. in FLC room 500. There are several items of importance to be discussed. Council members as well as Circle Lead-ers/Co-Leaders are encouraged to attend.

Regular Circle Meetings and Bible Study For February, Circle Members are directed to give attention to Lesson 6. Circle members are encouraged to review the yearbook and focus on the Purpose of Presbyterian Women. It is good to remind ourselves of our goals.

All women of the church are invited to join one of these groups. For additional information con-tact Moderator, Marilyn Vordenbaum at (830) 896-2894 or Moderator-Elect, Sara Hamilton at (830) 895-0697 for additional information. submitted by Marilyn Vordenbaum

Baptism on January 31

Baptisms are important milestones in the life of our church family as we welcome a new broth-er or sister into the family of God. FPC is now celebrating each baptism with the presentation

of a special book of prayers and blessings from our congregation to the family. We are excited that we will be presenting a book to Tabytha Parinello at her baptism on January 31.

In your bulletin, you will find a small note card. You are invited to write a brief note for Tabytha and her family on the card. It may be a prayer, a poem, a blessing,...the possibilities are endless. The notes will be gathered after both worship services and placed in a wooden album for Tabytha and her family to keep. Our hope is that this will be a gift from their church family that she (and Mom and Dad, too) will cherish as she grows.

Tabytha Michelle Parinello

Meet Tabytha! She is 6 months old, the daughter of Tony and Tammy Parinello, and little sister to

Taryn.

Souper bowl SUPER BOWL 50 is right around the corner and as you are preparing to watch the extravaganza with family and friends, BOG Squad invites you to partici-pate in the Souper Bowl of Caring to help stop hunger.

When: Sunday, February 7, 2016 (Super Bowl Sunday) after 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. worship Where: In the church narthex How: Bring your donations of non-perishable food items and money with you to church.

BOG Squad members will be available to accept your donations. Who: Donations will be divided between CAM, Hope’s Kitchen, St. Vincent de Paul, and

Blessings in a Backpack at Tom Daniels Elementary School.

Together we can help those is our community “who may not even have a bowl of soup to eat.” If you cannot be in worship on Sunday, February 7, donations may be dropped off at the church office. article submitted by Keaton Mitchell and Adonia Umfress

CALLING ALL SEEKERs

Dear SEEKERs and would be SEEKERs for 2016: You are invited to a 2016 activities planning meeting on Friday, February 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Sam and June Begeman’s house. We will make plans for

the new year, enjoy a ‘dessert and coffee/tea potluck’ and play Mexican Train domi-noes (or other games) as long as we want after the meeting. RSVP to Sam Begeman at srbegeman@ktc.com, or (830) 896-0541 to let us know you’re coming.

Calling all Fellowship II Participants The Fellowship II Group is in need of one or two or more folks to plan and organize a few events in 2016. Fellowship II is primarily for “empty nest-ers,” working and retired folks, and all others not in Fellowship I, but partic-ipation is not exclusive!

Fellowship II has met a few times throughout the year for shared meals, stimulating conversation, and good company, but needs a organizer/planner(s). Location and activity options are wide open.

Please contact Sam Begeman of the Fellowship Committee if you are so willing (teamwork is en-couraged) at (830) 896-0541 or srbegeman@ktc.com.

The Diaconate

At this time in the Diaconate we would appreciate your consideration, understanding and prayers. Normally the Diaconate consists of eighteen devoted Christians serving our church family in numerous ways. Temporarily, there are seventeen of us. Unfortu-nately, our vivacious and spirited Judy Gausnell passed on January 17. She was excited

about being a Deacon. Her smile was contagious and she will be greatly missed. Until another Deacon is selected, please know your needs will be met to the best of our ability.

submitted by Deacon Moderator Marilyn Vordenbaum

Prayer During Lent During the season of Lent, you are encouraged to participate in a season of prayer in Schreiner Chapel weekdays (except Wednes-days until after 1:00 p.m.). You may enter through the Education building lobby during office hours. Scriptures for the day and other meditation materials will be there if you wish to use them. Let us join our hearts and minds as we dedicate this season to pray for our church, our community, and our world.

submitted by Judy Ferguson, Spiritual Formation team

CALVIN CUP 2016 OK folks, a heads-up to save the date.

Saturday, April 9, shotgun at 1:30 p.m. Comanche Trace will be hosting the event this year and will be chaired by Steve Patterson, Paul Hallberg, and Don Coombs. A BBQ will be held following the event at the CT riverside park and

will, again, be catered by Dick Powell and Mo-Ranch. Specifics will be forthcoming as we move on toward the date. I will be taking reservations for both, golf (include HC) and the number attending the BBQ.

Don Coombs (830-257-9297 dcoombs@windstream.net)

Jayne Crawford 2

Christine Chandler 2

Harlan Crouse 2

Ridge Floyd 5

Parker Huchton 5

Bill Matthews 5

Mary Muse 5

James Mooring 6

Pat Stoner 6

Stan Brunsman 7

Cornelia Shanklin 7

upcoming Birthdays

Vivian Priour 29

Susan Curry 30

Diana Hurst 30

Dylan Cannon 31

Kate Lohmeyer 31

John Osborn 31

Madie Repka 31

Bobby Sieker 31

Adiya Umfress 31

Adonia Umfress 31

Eleanor Baldwin 1

Henri Gearing 1

Kathy Heim 1

Mary Jo Reno 1

GEM (Greet-Eat-Meet) Sign-Up

Greet, Eat, and Meet (GEM) is the perfect activity to get to know your fellow church mem-bers. This is a wonderful way for both “new” members and existing members to get to know each other better, and have fellowship and fun in a small group setting. Invest a few hours in a GEM group this spring. The options available are: in-home desserts or dinner out after worship or weekdays. Be sure to register by filling out a form located in the narthex by Sunday, Feb-ruary 7. You can leave the completed form in the drop box in the narthex.

For more information contact Fellowship Committee mem-ber, Betty Clyburn at clyburns@swbell.net or (713) 822-7597, or call the church office at (830) 257-3310.

Be A Friend…

of the Church Library! The church library needs a friend to help check in and re-shelve books. If this kind of service suits you, please call Sam Baublit at (830) 257-3310.

The annual Men’s Valentine breakfast will be held on Wednesday, February 10 at 7:00 a.m. in Ryan Hall.

Spouses and significant others are invited to attend. RSVP to Arthur Clough at (830) 896-8826.

Guest speaker: Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie Topic: Knowing God’s Love and Giving It Away

Men’s Valentine Breakfast

Get on your

Tractor and

Get in Gear!

Harlan Crouse is turning 90 this year!

Plow on over for some Birthday Fun Open House, Saturday, February 6th

2 - 4 p.m. at the Rio Robles Club House

No presents please; your presence only. Hosts: Janett Crouse and Sue Endsley

Shrove Tuesday

Cajun Supper fundraiser

The youth are hosting another Cajun Supper this year for Shrove Tuesday! Come on by the FLC at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9 for a great meal and to support our youth ministry. It will be lots of fun! Here are the details:

When: Tuesday, February 9 at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Family Life Center

What: Cajun dinner fundraiser

Why: To support FPC Youth Ministries

Menu: Red Beans and Rice with Andouille sausage, Caesar salad, and dessert

Cost: Suggested donation: $8/person or $25/family of 4