First Presbyterian Church 2216 Avenue H Bay City, Texas 77414 Return Services Requested Dated Material—Prompt Delivery Requested The PRESBYTERIAN PROCLAIMER JULY 2020 A publication of First Presbyterian Church, Bay City, Texas First Presbyterian Church 2216 Avenue H Bay City, Texas 77414 (979) 245-8327 https://baycitytexasfirstpresbyterianchurch.com www.facebook.com/fpcbaycity E-mail: [email protected]Fax: (979) 244-4891 Pastor - The Rev. Wilma Harris Church Administrator - Norma Jean Peterson Interim Music/Accompanist - Donna Baskin Director of Christian Education - Cindy Hodges Nursery - Carol Petersen and Karen Trobl Custodian - Angelica Alfaro Ministers - The Members of First Presbyterian Church Committee Chairpersons for 2020 Building & Grounds - Doug Huebner Christian Education - Karin Hill Congregational Care - John Hodges Finance - Greg Westmoreland Nominating - Outreach & Mission - Debbie Dennard and Ronnie Mullen Personnel - Jim Coe Stewardship - Jody Romine Worship - Donna Baskin Dear Friends, Isn’t it wonderful that the Good News of Jesus Christ remains true regardless of how dire the current local and world news. We are God’s children and we live with the reassuring and blessed promise of God’s redemption of humankind through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This will not change. It is unmovable, unshakeable and our ever present beacon of hope in good times and bad. Wars, pandemics, civil unrest, false prophets, political parties, kings and presidents—none have power over God whose love and grace will always prevail. It is God’s command to us from ancient times that we act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God. (Micah 6:8) This is not an easy path. God’s demands seldom take us on the easy road. God’s justice and mercy require that we think of the welfare of others as equally important to our own, and often it may require that we see it as more important than our own. Yet, the world and especially the western world in which we live, promotes a sort of fierce independence that places our welfare and our comfort and our “beliefs” at the top of the importance ladder. This breeds sins of all stripes - greed, intolerance, lack of charity, indifference and general malaise within our civic and religious communities. For us to truly walk humbly with God means that we act with generosity and love. It means that we must make a genuine effort to understand others’ views, needs and life circumstances. It requires that we are not indifferent to the “other” but are compassionate, forgiving and actively involved in assuring the welfare of the other. I know I am preaching to the choir. If you are reading this, you are part of the beloved fellowship of believers. Yet, current events cause me to worry that we will be tainted by the wrongful examples so often displayed for in the news. Always remember that as followers of Christ we live IN the world but we are not OF the world. Pray for God to keep our minds and hearts pure and unblemished. Your church leaders have been thinking of ways we can continue to be church even as it is not safe for us to gather in large groups. We are exploring ways to better utilize online resources and we will continue to implement more of these resources. Mission is the core o being church and we will offer some new and some familiar mission opportunities. (See the Bay Villa needs in this newsletter.) Praying for others is what Jesus does for us and the example he gave us of intercession with the Father on behalf of others. Everyone can be involved in this. Make a time each day or each week to sit down and pray for our church, community and world. You might also like to join the prayer group that meets at the church on Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. Keeping in touch with each other is vital to building up the body of Christ, His church. Set a day each month to make phone calls or send notes to friends in Christ. Staying in the Word is always a mainstay of the Christian community. Let’s read our Bibles regularly. The Bible study small group meets on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. If you need some help or inspiration for your study of the Word, please join us. We all want to return to in person worship and as soon as possible we will. In the interim, the mission of the church continues. Please get involved however you are able or led. If you have suggestions for activities or projects that you think our church should promote, please let one of the session members know. Your input is appreciated and valued. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 Yours in Christ, Pastor Wilma
Transcript
First Presbyterian Church
2216 Avenue H
Bay City, Texas 77414
Return Services Requested
Dated Material—Prompt Delivery Requested
The
PRESBYTERIAN
PROCLAIMER
JULY
2020
A publication of First Presbyterian Church, Bay City, Texas
Pastor - The Rev. Wilma Harris Church Administrator - Norma Jean Peterson Interim Music/Accompanist - Donna Baskin
Director of Christian Education - Cindy Hodges Nursery - Carol Petersen and Karen Trobl
Custodian - Angelica Alfaro
Ministers - The Members of First Presbyterian Church
Committee Chairpersons for 2020
Building & Grounds - Doug Huebner Christian Education - Karin Hill
Congregational Care - John Hodges Finance - Greg Westmoreland
Nominating - Outreach & Mission -
Debbie Dennard and Ronnie Mullen Personnel - Jim Coe
Stewardship - Jody Romine Worship - Donna Baskin
Dear Friends, Isn’t it wonderful that the Good News of Jesus Christ remains true regardless of how dire the current local and world news. We are God’s children and we live with the reassuring and blessed promise of God’s redemption of humankind through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This will not change. It is unmovable, unshakeable and our ever present beacon of hope in good times and bad. Wars, pandemics, civil unrest, false prophets, political parties, kings and presidents—none have power over God whose love and grace will always prevail. It is God’s command to us from ancient times that we act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God. (Micah 6:8) This is not an easy path. God’s demands seldom take us on the easy road. God’s justice and mercy require that we think of the welfare of others as equally important to our own, and often it may require that we see it as more important than our own. Yet, the world and especially the western world in which we live, promotes a sort of fierce independence that places our welfare and our comfort and our “beliefs” at the top of the importance ladder. This breeds sins of all stripes - greed, intolerance, lack of charity, indifference and general malaise within our civic and religious communities. For us to truly walk humbly with God means that we act with generosity and love. It means that we must make a genuine effort to understand others’ views, needs and life circumstances. It requires that we are not indifferent to the “other” but are compassionate, forgiving and actively involved in assuring the welfare of the other. I know I am preaching to the choir. If you are reading this, you are part of the beloved fellowship of believers. Yet, current events cause me to worry that we will be tainted by the wrongful examples so often displayed for in the news. Always remember that as followers of Christ we live IN the world but we are not OF the world. Pray for God to keep our minds and hearts pure and unblemished.
Your church leaders have been thinking of ways we can continue to be church even as it is not safe for us to gather in large groups. We are exploring ways to better utilize online resources and we will continue to implement more of these resources. Mission is the core o being church and we will offer some new and some familiar mission opportunities. (See the Bay Villa needs in this newsletter.) Praying for others is what Jesus does for us and the example he gave us of intercession with the Father on behalf of others. Everyone can be involved in this. Make a time each day or each week to sit down and pray for our church, community and world. You might also like to join the prayer group that meets at the church on Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. Keeping in touch with each other is vital to building up the body of Christ, His church. Set a day each month to make phone calls or send notes to friends in Christ. Staying in the Word is always a mainstay of the Christian community. Let’s read our Bibles regularly. The Bible study small group meets on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. If you need some help or inspiration for your study of the Word, please join us. We all want to return to in person worship and as soon as possible we will. In the interim, the mission of the church continues. Please get involved however you are able or led. If you have suggestions for activities or projects that you think our church should promote, please let one of the session members know. Your input is appreciated and valued. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 Yours in Christ,
Pastor Wilma
BUILDING USE UPDATES When You Can’t Pass the Offering Plate As we slowly and cautiously begin to return to the “new normal,” we are reminded that tithes and offerings are also victims of Covid 19. During the shutdown, we continue to pay our expenses and utilities, as well as salaries of employees. Rev. Wilma provides on line sermonettes each week and is in the office one or two days per week, Norma and Cindy are working from home and Angelica keeps things sanitary, clean and maintained. We are so thankful to those of you who continue to give during this time. We were fortunate in that we were able to obtain a “Paycheck Loan” to help with salaries and expenses. We are now back to supporting ourselves. We have not been able to collect offerings in the usual way. We urge you to mail your contributions to First Presbyterian Church, 2216 Avenue H, Bay City, TX 77414 clearly marked what they are for. You can also have your bank set up recurring payments to the Church. We will have information in the near future as to how you can donate through the website. Bay City is hit hard by the pandemic. Many of our citizens are sick or out of work. They are in need of basic essentials. Most of the charitable organizations and food pantries are or were closed for some time. We’ve even suspended our Diaper Disciple program for the time being. Pastor Wilma informs us that she is using the Pastor Discretionary Fund to help people buy groceries, pay utilities, rent, etc. In addition to your regular offering, prayerfully consider adding an additional amount for the Pastor’s fund. Many people will continue to suffer and have basic essential needs unmet for some time. (See also the article about Bay Villa.)
FPC as a congregation has much to be thankful for. We pray for continued health and well being for all. As we make our way through these uncertain times, let us remember God loves a cheerful giver. Giving is an outward sign of our love for God and others. Giving allows us opportunities for service.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BAY CITY, TEXAS
THE FOLLOWING RULES FOR USE OF OUR CHURCH FACILITIES DURING THE
COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE CHURCH SESSION OF 2020
AND MUST BE FOLLOWED BY ANY ORGANIZATION OR CLUB USING THE CHURCH
BUILDING INCLUDING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH GROUPS.
1. REQUIRE EVERYONE TO WASH THEIR HANDS WHEN ENTERING AND WHEN LEAVING OUR BUILDING. THE USE OF HAND SANITIZER IS ALSO ALLOWED, WHEN YOU CAN’T WASH.
2. DO NOT ALLOW CLOSE CONTACT WITH OTHERS. A SOCIAL DISTANCE OF AT LEAST 6 FEET IS
REQUIRED. 3. ENCOURAGE USE OF MASKS BY ALL IN ATTENDANCE (OR REQUIRED IF GOVERNMENT
MANDATED). 4. REMIND PEOPLE TO COVER THEIR MOUTH AND NOSE WHEN COUGHING OR SNEEZING AND
IF ILL STAY HOME. 5. SPACE OUT CHAIRS AND TABLES. 6. LIMIT TIME TOGETHER TO NO MORE THAN 2 HOURS. 7. SIZE LIMIT: 25 PEOPLE. 8. NO FOOD OR DRINKS TO BE SERVED. 9. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO CLEAN AND DISINFECT ANY SURFACES TOUCHED BY ATTENDEES AT THE CLOSE OF YOUR MEETING EACH DAY. THESE INCLUDE TABLES, CHAIRS, DOORKNOBS, LIGHT SWITCHES, COUNTERS, FAUCETS, AND BATHROOMS USED BY THOSE ATTENDING.
FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THESE RULES MAY REQUIRE THE CHURCH TO SUSPEND YOUR ORGANIZATION’S USE OF OUR FACILITIES.
DATE_____________
NAME OR ORGANIZATION_______________________________________________________
PERSON OR PERSONS RESPONSIBLE: PRINT NAME______________________________________
SIGNATURE______________________________________
PHONE NUMBER____________________________________
INCOME AND EXPENSES Monthly and Year-to-Date
May Year-to-Date 2020 2020 INCOME $ 6,069.58 $29,355.78 (without foundation transfers) EXPENSES 13,278.58 74,534.25
-$ 7,209.00 -$45,178.47 DEFICIT DEFICIT
Our expenses continue even though we are not fully functional
as pre Covid-19.
We were able to get monies from the Federal Government to
cover our personnel costs as per the Payroll Protection Act. These
monies have kept us whole for the 2½ months that they covered.
Our giving is down for the year, as would be expected,
due to closure. Hopefully, we have seen the worst and will start getting
back to normal worship services. Our finances are still solid, but we
now enter into a time frame with no more government protection
programs and more dependence on member giving.
Thank you,
Greg Westmoreland
An update from your PNC….. The last three months have been difficult for the world, but this period of “social distancing” and “sheltering at home” has not kept your PNC from continuing its search for a minister. Unfortunately, the candidate we hosted at the end of February decided to accept a position at a different church. Although we were saddened at the news, we picked ourselves up and got back to work. With the use of Zoom, we have met virtually and conducted interviews from the safety of our homes. We have had some interesting candidates cross our path and are optimistic God is at work in our midst. There is a candidate we are especially interested in and ask for your prayers as we navigate through the process. If this individual is God’s choice for us, we are confident He will make our paths straight. Be assured we are working diligently toward our goal and appreciate your continued support as God continues to lead us in His way.
To Our Church Family:
Jug and I would like to “thank you” for all the prayers, cards, and phone calls during the past four months since Jug’s foot surgery. They were all such a blessing to us.
We would like to send a special “thank you” to Rosemary and James Mullen for the use of a wheel chair they loaned us. We could not have made it without it.
Jug still has to finish healing and do some rehab, but with God’s help and the support of everyone, he is going to be fine.
Blessings to All,
Jug & Virginia Rhymes
Current Schedule
Prayer Group - 10:00 a.m. Tuesdays, Robbins Hall
Bible Study - 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Robbins Hall
IMMEDIATE NEED - Bay Villa Nursing Home 1800 13
th Street
Bay City, TX 77414 (979) 245-8327 Bay Villa residents are currently confined to their rooms because of the COVID outbreak. They have little or no space so the below activities/items are what was suggested for their limited area. They are sad and need our love and attention. Do what you can to show God’s love to our neighbors at Bay Villa. This is the perfect activity for children to help with, too. Drop off all items in the plastic container box at the Bay Villa door. 1. Letters to the residents (they loved notes and the letters have stopped coming). They just
need some joy right now. Drop off cards or letters at front or mail to: Resident of Bay Villa, 1800 13th Street, Bay City, TX 77414.
2. Adult coloring books and colored pencils in individually wrapped zip lock bags. 3. Word search, crossword puzzles, or paperback books in individually wrapped zip lock bags. 4. DVDs - PG - no violence, no sexual content - Older movies and musicals are great. 5. Individually wrapped snacks (purchased) including sugar free snacks are needed. 6. Happy artwork which can be taped to the outside of the windows (or window clings). LaRonda Bonner is the activity director at Bay Villa and has requested the above.
July and August 2020 - Lectionary Readings
July 5 - 5th Sunday after Pentecost Matthew 11:16-19, (20-24) 25-3th
July 12 - 6nd Sunday after Pentecost
Matthew 13:1-9, (10-17) 18-23
July 19 - 7th Sunday after Pentecost Matthew 13:24-30, (34-35) 36-43
July 26 - 8th Sunday after Pentecost
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 (53-58)
August 2 - 9th Sunday after Pentecost Matthew 14:13-21
August 9 - 10th Sunday after Pentecost
Matthew 14:22-33 (34-36)
August 16 - 11th
Sunday after Pentecost Matthew 15:(1-9) (10-20) 21-28
August 23 - 12th Sunday after Pentecost
Matthew 16:13-20
August 30 - 13th Sunday after Pentecost Matthew 16:21-28
Crayden & Debbie Dennard 8/4
Charles & Linda Townsend 8/12
Steve & Donna Sliva 8/25
Richard & Nancy Knapik 8/27
Amanda Hill 7/4
Ann Uher 7/4
Jameson Hodges 7/11
Doreen Bounds 7/12
Ruth Leissner 7/12
Diane Westmoreland 7/13
Karen Trobl 7/14
Charlie Helmick 7/16
Rachel Helmick 7/16
Zeinab Ghais 7/16
Joe Johnston 7/17
Spencer Hill 7/20
Priscilla Obermeyer 7/23
John Hodges 7/29
Sandy Boyer 7/31
The Legacy Campus: Ardeth Keathley, Tommy & Peggy Badders.
Others: Frank Hill, Sarah Lu Hinton, Rosemary Mullen, Jug Rhymes, Sharon Bumgardner, Pat Harris, Richard Knapik, Hubert Boeker, Donna Baskin, Sam Mikita, Christi Uher, Zelda Regalado, the Bay City Homeless Community, Missionaries, Contractors and their families in foreign countries, our College Students, our Elected Leaders, the Police, Fire Fighters and all First Responders, the Staff, the Pastoral Nominating Committee, Session of our Church, Teachers and School Personnel.
Our servicemen and their families: Army - Darryl Kendrick (Wilma Stredic’s grandson). Air Force - Allison McGrath (Denise Frazier’s great-niece). Navy - Charles Patrick Albreght (grandson of Sharon Hall-Bumgardner), Brian Davis.
Should any changes need to be made to the prayer list, please contact the church office.
