Presbyterian Tidings March 2019 page

Inside this edition...

Pastor’s Letter 2

Session Information 3

In Our Hearts and Prayers 4

Growing Deeper in Our Faith 5

Celebrate! 6

Christian Faith Formation Classes 7

Lifelong Faith Formation 8

PCHAS: An Invitation 9

Presbyterian Tidings

March 2020

What’s Happenin’… 10

East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry 11

Calendar 12 & 13

Serving This Month 14

Trustee News 15

Focus on Mission 16

In Person 17

Coming Next Month 18

Palentine Reveal 19

Lenten Sermon Series

Presbyterian Tidings March 2019 page 2 Pastor’s Letter

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and

sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.” (Psalm 51: 10-12)

“I invite you, therefore, in the name of Christ, to observe a holy Lent by self-examination and penitence, by prayer and fasting, by works of love, and by meditating on God’s Word.”

“Invitation to the Lenten Journey, from the Service for Ash Wednesday, in the Book of Common Worship.

So, how are you spending this Lent?

The Presbyterian Church does not have hard and fast rules. We have considerable freedom in how, or whether, we do anything special to make these 40 week days that lead up to Holy Week and our celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Do you feel a nudge to “give something up”? It certainly does us no harm to swear off sweets, or

sodas, or other food and drink during this time. But if you feel led to give something up, look at some activity or practice that absorbs considerable time and energy. If it’s something that you can go without, or at least cut back on, do it. I have known people who cut back or cut out entirely their use of social media, or who put aside their personal agendas and calendars. Look for something that takes a notable amount of time that you could devote to God—reading the Bible, praying, meditating and “resting in the Lord”. (Or look at cutting out or at least cutting back on some non-essential practice or activity that causes your stress level to go up, or that pushes you farther from God and/or your neighbor.)

Many Christians who observe Lent prefer to “take something on”. I thought that Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent 2020 falling during our first Family Promise rotation of the year was exceptionally appropriate for us. Is there a service organization—church related or not—that speaks to your heart, and that would help you live into the call of the second great commandment to love your neighbor as you love yourself. The first great commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. The Christian Faith Formation Committee will give each of us the gift of a link to a daily devotional for Lent. If you would like to have and follow a booklet or book of Lenten Bible readings and devotionals, come see me! I have almost a half a shelf full of them and will be glad to share one with you. Or set aside some time each day to pray, to meditate, to take a walk outside, to practice Psalm 46:10 (“Be still and know that I am God.”)

However you spend this Lenten season, may it be a time when you grow in your relationship with God, when you experience the closeness and love of Christ, and when you have a fresh and deeper awareness of the Spirit of God helping you to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God in this day and this place.

See you in church,

Presbyterian Tidings March 2019 page 3

The Session met on Monday, February 10 at 7:00 P.M. The Session received reports from Christian Family Faith Formation Director Dave Coles, the Pastor, Stephen Ministers, Deacons, and Trustees. Each Committee moderator gave a brief report.

The Session also took the following actions:

After discussion, approved Randy Ross organizing a team to address safety needs of the Congregation, for medical emergencies, fire events, power outage, suspicious persons; Approved the Pastor taking vacation days Tuesday, March 10th-Thursday, March 12th;

Elected Commissioners for the regular meeting of the Presbytery of New Covenant on Saturday, March 21, 2020, at First Presbyterian Church in Lufkin: Forbes Baker, Robin Chew, and Randy Ross

Approved Kim Shrull, the Pastor, and any other interested volunteer (s) offering “Drive Thru Ashes and Prayers” on the morning of Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26, in the covered driveway of the north entrance to the sanctuary;

Set the April meeting for one week later than the regular date, Monday April 20, to avoid meeting on the night after Easter.

The next Session meeting will be held on Monday, March 9, 2020 at 7:00 P.M.

The Mission Statement of the First Presbyterian Church, Sugar Land

First Presbyterian Church, Sugar Land is a welcoming community called by God to foster the spiritual development of its members. Through worship, the sacraments, prayer, preaching, teaching

and fellowship we are equipped to share His grace with each other, the community and the world by witnessing to the risen Christ in our everyday lives. By serving the spiritual needs of our

community and ministering to those who are in need, we follow the command of the Great Commission. By building closer relationships with the Savior, each other and our neighbors

near and far we ensure that all may glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

Ruling Elders: John Esposito, Laura Schaub, Sue Meyer, Randy Ross, Frans P ike, Robin Chew, Paul Duecker, Forbes Baker, Courtney Barrett, James Robinson, Jessica Herbers, Mike Windmeyer

Session Report

Presbyterian Tidings March 2019 page 4

...in times of loss The family and friends of Pat Lawson

The family and friends of Jerry Siler, Chris & Valerie Williams’ friend

...in the hospital last month Todd Horelica, Mary Jean Zellner’s son in law, ICU

Marsha Gaines Linda Marsh

...in hospice care

Rev. Dan Garza, the Seay’s friend Lise Brown, Laura Schaub’s mother

...for those at home

Gary Robinson Sara Morgan

Laura Faraone, Sara Morgan’s daughter, stroke Steve Shelton, Lee’s brother

Jim and Shirley Shilts Jean Nelson

Ruth Allen, Steve Jack’s mother Ruby Myers

Kathy and John Adams (cancer), Jean Caruthers’ sister and brother in law

Lynn Burkhalter, Shirley Jack’s friend Doris Svec, stepmother of Shirley Jack

...for those in assisted living or nursing facilities A.D., Kathy Duecker’s mother, memory care facility

Jessie Larkins, JR’s mother Ore Nell Myska, The Sycamores

Oleta Strom, Greatwood Edna Choate

...for healing

Chris Williams, surgery 2/28 Richard Buie, tests for headaches & dizziness

Sylvia Bishop, Allen’s mom, broken ankle and elbow after a fall Debra Mayfield, Sue Liu’s daughter’s friend, stage 4 stomach cancer

Chris Williams, neck pain Terri Count, Debbie Lewis’ friend, surgery and treatment for breast cancer.

Jean Caruthers Charlie, Lynn and Travis Boyd’s longtime friend, diagnosed with cancer

Mark and Cheryl Grant, friends of Linda Marsh, cancer Shirley Hyatt

Ann Marrero, Keith Marrero’s mother Lahonda Sharp, Sara Morgan’s friend, abdominal cancer surgery

Rev. Carlos Ireta, San Antonio, the Seay’s friend, pancreatic tumor Glenn Jochec, foot surgery, skin grafts

Allison Gray-Rainer Julio, Emma Ford’s nephew,

broken collar bone and torn rotator cuff after a fall Elroy Bishop, Allen’s father, heart and kidney failure

Pam Parish, Maureen Broughton’s friend, breast cancer treatment Robert Eugene Johnson

Evelyn Flannery’s friend Helen Bodine’s brother, stage 3 cancer Sara and Rachel, friends of Linda Marsh

Donald Foto, Emma Ford’s friend Mike Nordstrom, Johnna Bishop’s friend, cancer

Bill Bryant, Evelyn Flannery’s friend Alisa, an 8th grade child known by Forbes Baker’s daughter,

diagnosed with Leukemia Brice Reese, Diane Blom’s friend’s grandson,

14 yo with brain cancer reoccurrence. Connie Pace, Patsy Armbruster’s friend

Chad Kitko, Corey Ray’s best friend

Sandra Bridgewater, Connie Lambert’s sister Holly Schaub, David and Laura Schaub’s granddaughter

Judd Moore, Gwen Webb’s friend, pancreatic cancer Vanita Homer, Pastry Armbruster’s friend, cancer

John Jochetz, friend of the Shrulls, brain tumor and blindness Barbara Carter and Candace, Linda Marsh’s friends

Anthony Dimaré, AJ Williams best friend Lisa Vogel, Shows family friend who teaches at

Sugar Mill Elementary, breast cancer Paul Gayle, Ray & Barbara Clark’s friend from LA,

prostate cancer Royce Ivory, Diane Blom’s friend, metastatic cancer

and wife Sharyn Tracy Walker, Jennifer Marrero’s friend,

stage 4 neuroendocrine carcinoma

...for general concerns Karen Stella, Linda Marsh’s friend, ALS

Kathy Gore, Debbie Buie’s sister Quinn Alexis, Connie Lambert’s friend, Depression

Eric Francis Julius Singletary, Gwen Webb’s friend

Assad Nahar, Connie Lambert’s nephew Josh Murphy, Evelyn Flannery’s grandson

...for those undergoing treatment

Philip Jack, Steve’s brother, on dialysis Joe Chavez, friend of Evelyn Flannery, cancer

Elaine Brasher Judy Schaub, immunotherapy

Jill Bailey, Sharon Bailey’s sister in law, treatment at the Mayo Clinic

...those serving as missionaries

Susan and Tom Vanwyen, Cindy Hart’s cousins, Wycliffe Global Alliance

Rev. Fraz Siddique, Presbyterian minister in Pakistan Erin Hampton, Jennifer Marrero’s former student

Jane Ekayu, Children of Peace Uganda For Christians suffering persecution Emily (Esposito) and Mark Heger

Sharon and Dennis Welch, Connie Lambert’s nephew and wife, Cambodia

Wes Stewart, the Jochecs’ grandson, the country of Georgia

Erin Brasher, New York City Dr. Afzaal Firdous, for his ministry

...for those serving our country

Cody Myers, USAF Heath Coles, Erin McMaster’s fiancée, Army Corps of Engineers

Andrew Marshall, the Seay’s neighbor, Navy Dillon King, Sara Morgan’s grandson, US Army

Samuel Broughton, Bill and Maureen’s great nephew, Iraq Russell Skov, Navy, Cathi Simons’ nephew

Kevin Watson, Navy, Ford's nephew Jason Smith, Army, Marsha Gaines’ grandson Andrew Shomette, Marines, the Shows’ friend

Matthew Wehr, US Navy, Denise Herbers’ cousin Kirsten Kimball Mahler, Air Force,

the Svoboda’s granddaughter, husband Josh, Air Force both in North Dakota with 2 children

In Our Hearts & Prayers… ”I am the Lord, who heals you.” Exodus 5:26

Presbyterian Tidings March 2019 page 5

(Disclaimer: Sermon titles may vary slightly or change completely by preaching time, and the Pastor reserves the responsibility to change Scriptures and topic completely in case of a dramatic event in the life of the church,

nation, or world, or the leading of the Holy Spirit!)

SERMONS FOR THE MONTH OF March

Lenten Sermon Series, “They Met Jesus”

March 1 (Communion), The First Sunday in Lent

“The Devil Went Down to the Desert” Matthew 4: 1-11

March 8- The Second Sunday in Lent

“The After-Dark Visitor: Nicodemus” John 3: 1-17

March 15- The Third Sunday in Lent

“Hiding in Plain Sight (The Woman at the Well)” John 4: 5-42

March 22- The Fourth Sunday in Lent

“He Once Was Blind…” John 9: 1-41

March 29- The Fifth Sunday in Lent

“Two Grieving Sisters (Martha and Mary)” John 11: 1-45

All sermons are recorded and available for listening through the church website: www.fpcsl.org.

The 11:00 am worship services are streamed “LIVE” on our FPCSL Facebook page.

SINGLE WORSHIP DAYS THIS YEAR

The Worship Committee and Session have scheduled several Sundays during this year when we will have a single

worship service, at 10:00 A.M. Some of those Sundays will be centered on Communion. May this be a time

when we draw closer in fellowship, and meet new members of our church family who attend a different service.

April 5 (Palm Sunday) June 14(officer Installation), August (pending) Rally Day, October 4 (World Communion Sunday), December 13 (Cantata),

Pastor’s Bible Study meets at 7:00 pm on Tuesday evenings in the Meeting Place. We will be doing a Lenten Study.

Growing Deeper In Our Faith...

Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study, Love Written in Stone, will begin at 10:00 am on

Monday, March 2 in the Meeting Place.

Thursday Angels’ Bible Study

Meets on Thursdays at 10:00 am We meet in room A-4. We will be doing a Lenten Study.

Presbyterian Tidings March 2019 page 6

1 Valerie Davenport

Taylor Davenport

Pam Robinson

2 Sarah Pruitt

8 Matt Tamez

10 Adam Schaub

12 John Fuller

14 Melanie Triche

15 Luke Stegemeier

Richard Buie

16 Brian Simons

Jennifer Marrero

17 Richard Lawson

Rick Bates

Sam Akibola

18 Gary Robinson

19 Clifton Jones

Celebrate !

Flower Chart

March

March 1-

March 8-Hyatt

March 15-Shelton

March 22

March 29-Liu

Arrangements $55

20 Louie Herbers

Denise Herbers

John Tielke

23 Diane Leary

25 Tim Triche

Denton Marrero

26 Jeff Lynch

27 Leslie Myers

Betty Schofield

28 Laurie Landin

29 Luis Tamez

31 John Sturrock

April:

1 Judie Larkins

3 Jennifer Snowden

8 Frank and Debbie Lewis

13 Sean and Samwene Akibola

16 Justin and Stacey Williams

17 Craig and Valerie Davenport

25 Jack and Courtney Barrett

24 Hamilton and Leslie Myers

Congratulations to Lissette Diaz-Burgos, a recipient of the Karen Olsen Award (founder of Family Promise). Lissette has faithfully served as our church coordinator for 15 years, since the beginning of our involvement as a host church with Family Promise.

“Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Presbyterian Tidings March 2019 page 7

Christian Faith

Formation

Adult Class

EXPERIENCE THE BIBLE

IN ITS HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Small Group DVD Bible Studies

by Ray Vander Laan

This class meets in the Fellowship Hall

A class for Middle and High School Students

with Stacey Williams and Pastor Fred Seay

This class meets in the Youth Room (Education Building)

All Youth Are Welcome!

Multi-age class for young children up to Elementary School

A class designed to help kids discover God through His Word.

with Kim Shrull, Connie Esposito, Carol Racz, Carrie Robinson & Cindy Hart

This class meets in the Education Building

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES FOR ALL AGES!

9:30 am –10:30 am

Presbyterian Tidings March 2019 page 8

Walking a Labyrinth

Labyrinths are not some mysterious new-age thing. In fact, labyrinths may date as far back as Greek mythological times. There were many labyrinths in Medieval churches and cathedrals -- one of the best known is at Chartres Cathedral in France. And, closer to home, many of you may remember we had a portable labyrinth in the Fellowship Hall here at First Presbyterian last year on Palm Sunday.

The labyrinth is not a maze. There are no tricks to it and no dead ends. It has a single circuitous path that winds its way into the center. The person walking it uses the same path to return from the center and the entrance then becomes the exit. The path is in full view, which allows a person to be quiet and focus internally.

Generally there are three stages to the walk: releasing on the way in, receiving in the center, and returning when you follow the return path back out of the labyrinth. Symbolically, and sometimes actually, you are taking back out into the world that which you have received.

There is no right way or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. Use the labyrinth in any way that meets what you need while being respectful of others who are walking. You may walk slowly or go directly to the center to sit quietly -- whatever meets your needs.

To prepare, you may want to sit quietly to reflect before walking the labyrinth. Some people come with questions, others just to slow down and take time out from a busy life. Some come to find strength to take the next step. Many come during times of grief and loss.

There may be something on your mind in the form of a question, a burden you are carrying, or a decision you need to make. You might choose to walk the labyrinth focusing on a question that you have been asking yourself. There is nothing magical about the labyrinth, just pay attention to any insight you receive around the question.

You may want to walk the labyrinth with a word or a phrase, perhaps from scripture or a name of God (Light of the World, Prince of Peace, etc.), or another word that is meaningful to you.

There are many ways to describe a labyrinth. It is a path of prayer, a walking meditation, a crucible of change, a watering hole for the spirit and a mirror of the soul.

Taken from: https://www.veriditas.org/widget/New-to-the-Labyrinth

There are several places in the greater Houston area where you can walk an outdoor labyrinth, including Northwoods Presbyterian, Pines Presbyterian, St. Stephen Presbyterian, and the University of St. Thomas Chapel of St. Basil. There are also handheld labyrinths you trace with a stylus or you can simply google “Chartres Labyrinth” and print out a paper copy to trace with a stylus.

As a periodic addition to your normal contemplative prayer life, walking a labyrinth can be a wonderful spiritual tool for an encounter with God. You might walk (or trace) the labyrinth holding a question in mind, such as what God desires for you in a certain situation, how you might deepen your relationship with Jesus, or asking what are your spiritual gifts and how might you put them to use?

Walking a labyrinth is a chance to be alone with God - a gift beyond measure in our otherwise hectic and stressful world. And with God as your walking companion, you will be in great company.

Dave

Presbyterian Tidings March 2019 page 9

PCHAS: An Invitation

PCHAS is a faith-based Christian organization which strives to serve like Jesus. We meet our clients where they are and treat them with respect. We focus on our clients’ strengths rather than their problems. And we encourage our clients to focus on their future rather than their past. When we do this well, we help children and families find hope and know the love of God.

W e provide Christ-centered care and support to children and families in need. With faithful support from individuals, churches and foundations, we serve nearly 5,000 children and families across three states every year. As stewards of this trust and support, we follow these tenets of excellence to ensure adults achieve self-sufficiency and children are placed into loving, permanent homes.

We invite you to partner with us as we bring love and hope to children and families in need by attending our annual PCHAS Luncheon, to benefit the children of PCHAS.

All interested in attending should contact Lissette Diaz at 713-870-3570.

Presbyterian Tidings March 2019 page 10 What’s happenin’...

Fifties Plus

RESTAURANT SCHEDULE

March 4

Live Oak Grill

15925 Dairy Ashford, Sugar Land

March 11

Lopez Mexican Rest.

7727 W. Grand Pkwy S, Richmond

March 18

Panda Garden

1043 Eldridge Rd., Sugar Land

March 25

Brookstreet BBQ

1415 Hwy 6, Sugar Land

4895 Highway 6, M

March 14

7:30 am

in the Meeting Place

Chef: Sam Grice

MEN’S BREAKFAST

A new column for Presbyterian Tidings in this new year: “In Person” (page 17) seeks those who might be interested in sharing “their story” of how they came to accept Christ as Savior. Did you grow up in the faith? Did you come to faith as an adult or

child? Perhaps you would share how God brought you through a difficult time in your life.

This month’s offering comes from Lissette Diaz-Burgos.

It can be such an encouragement to others as they learn about others faith and struggles. And through these stories we get to know one another better!

I hope you enjoy the offerings each month and get inspired to share what God has done to bring you to where you are today-physically and spiritually! Anxiously waiting to hear from you! Mary

BACK TO MOWING!

March 14-Team 3:

Team Leader Jim Coates

Justin Williams Ben Svoboda

March 28– Team 1:

Team Leader John Esposito

Hieu Pham Laura Schaub

Presbyterian Tidings March 2019 page 11

WOW !

Thrifty Thursday

Come check our Tri-City Churches Resale Shop

every Thursday for our Thrifty Thursdays!

How it works: Buy one of our reusable bags for $2 and

EVERYTHING you can fit in the bag is 50% off!

No limit on the amount of bags you can buy.

Your bag is good for each Thursday that month!

Our address: 425 Stafford Run Rd. in Stafford, (off Ave. E, near Hwy 90 and Murphy Road)

281-261-1006 www.humanneeds.org

Food Pantry Hours of Operation:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday

& Friday

10:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Wednesday

6:00 PM– 8:00 PM

East Fort Bend Human Needs

Ministry

Items needed this month:

Bars of Soap, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes

(individually wrapped), 2 in 1 shampoo (with

conditioner)

crackers, dry beans, canned vegetables and

soup

Kid Sacks: We gladly take donations of “kid centered” food items to fill our Kid Sacks!

Friday, March 27, 2020

6:30 p.m.– 9:30 p.m. Fluor

Guests of the event will be served a delicious meal of soup

and bread in recognition and support of our neighbors who don’t have enough to eat. We will also be serving wonderful appetizers and desserts along with a cash bar. Fort Bend Empty Bowls will feature hand-painted bowls which have been donated by local professional artist, Albert Goldreich and other amateur artists in the area. These bowls will be available for purchase. There will also be bowl, silent and live auctions, a Wine Pull and Whiskey Pull!

The Honorable James Patterson is serving as the event auctioneer.

Supporting Fort Bend Empty Bowls is a worthwhile investment in the lives of our Fort Bend neighbors who struggle to make ends meet. Last year’s event raised over $190,000 for East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry. Our goal is to raise even more this year to help families in need. We hope you will consider supporting Fort Bend Empty Bowls.

If you have any questions please email stacey@humanneeds.org.

Tickets are $50 if purchased by March 20th and $60 after that!

Purchase your tickets on line at:

humanneeds.org

Presbyterian Tidings March 2019 page 12

8:30 am 9:30 am 11:00 am 2:00 pm

10:00 am

7:00 pm 7:00 pm

5:00 pm 6:30 pm 7:30 pm 10:00 am 7:00 pm

8:30 am 9:30 am 11:00 am

2:00 pm

7:00 pm

1st Sunday in Lent

Worship (S)

Christian Faith Formation classes for all ages Worship (S) FVPM Worship and Fellowship (FH)

Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study (MP)

Pastor’s Bible Study (MP)

Jam with Sam (FH)

Fifties Plus Dinner Group-Live Oak Grill

Worship Committee Meeting (MP)

Choir (CR)

Thursdays Angels’ Bible Study (A-4)

Stephen Ministry (MR)

2nd Sunday in Lent

Worship (S)

Christian Faith Formation classes for all ages

Worship (S)

FVPF Worship Service and Fellowship (FH)

Session (MP)

Pastor on vacation through Friday

10:00 am Stitchin’ Mission (MP)

7:00 pm Pastor’s Bible Study a Lenten Study

7:00 pm Jam with Sam (FH)

5:00 pm Fifties Plus Dinner Group-Lopez Mexican Restaurant

6:30 pm Compassionate Friends (MP)

7:30 pm Choir (CR)

10:00 am Angels’ Bible Study (A-4)

10:00 am FPCSL @ Food Pantry

Mowing Team 3

7:30 am Men’s Breakfast (MP)

3rd Sunday in Lent

8:30 am Worship (S)

9:30 am Christian Faith Formation classes for all ages

11:00 am Worship (S)

2:00 pm FVPM Worship and Fellowship (FH)

1:15 pm Pastor leading a Presbytery Committee

Meeting in Houston

7:00 pm Pastor’s Bible Study (MP)

7:00 pm Jam with Sam (FH)

Monday, March 9

Thursday, March 12

Wednesday, March 4

Wednesday, March 11

Tuesday, March 17

Saturday, March 14

Tuesday, March 3

Thursday, March 5

Sunday, March 15

Monday, March 16

Sunday, March 1

Room Key for Calendar

MP= Meeting Place; A4=class room; PS=Pastor’s Study; FH= Fellowship Hall; MR=Meditation Room; L=Library; EB= Education Building; YR=Youth Room in the Education Building; CR=Choir Room; N= Church Narthex; S= Sanctuary

Monday, March 2

Sunday, March 8

Friday, March 13

Saturday, March 7

Tuesday, March 10

Calendar

Friday, March 6

Presbyterian Tidings March 2019 page 13

5:00 pm Fifties Plus Dinner Group-Panda Garden

6:30 pm Mission Committee Meeting (MP)

6:45 pm Personnel Committee Meeting (A-4)

7:30 pm Choir (CR)

10:00 am Angels’ Bible Study (A-4)

7:00 pm Stephen Ministry (MR)

Presbytery of New Covenant Meeting;

First Presbyterian Church, Lufkin

Commissioners: Forbes Baker, Robin Chew, Randy

Ross, Pastor Seay

4th Sunday in Lent

8:30 am Worship (S)

9:30 am Christian Faith Formation classes for all ages

11:00 am Worship (S)

2:00 pm FVPM Worship and Fellowship (FH)

10:00 am Stitchin’ Mission (MP)

7:00 pm Pastor’s Bible Study (MP)

7:00 pm Jam with Sam (FH)

5:30 pm Fifties Plus Dinner Group-Brookstreet BBQ

7:30 pm Choir (CR)

10:00 am Angels’ Bible Study (A-4)

6:30 pm Trustee Meeting (MP)

10:00 am FPCSL at the Food Pantry 6:30 pm-9:30 pm Empty Bowls (Fluor)

5th Sunday in Lent

8:30 am Worship (S)

9:30 am Christian Faith Formation classes for all ages

11:00 am Worship (S)

2:00 pm FVPM Worship and Fellowship (FH)

7:00 pm CFF Committee Meeting (A-4)

Wednesday, March 18

Friday, March 20

Saturday, March 21

Thursday, March 19

Sunday, March 22

Wednesday, March 25

Monday, March 23

Friday, March 27

Saturday, March 28

Monday, March 30

Sunday, March 29

Thursday, March 26

Room Key for Calendar

MP=Meeting Place; ELEM=A5; class room=A4; PS=Pastor’s Study; FH=Fellowship Hall; MR=Meditation Room; L=Library; EB=Education Building; PALS YR=Youth Room in the Education Building; CR=Choir Room; S=Sanctuary; N=Church Narthex;

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell

in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23:6

Tuesday, March 24

Presbyterian Tidings March 2019 page 14

Committee Moderators for 2019-2020

CFF Lissette Diaz-Burgos

Sue Meyer, Vice Moderator

Deacons Joyce Fogleman

Evangelism Paul Duecker

Generosity Robin Chew

Mission Forbes Baker

Courtney Barrett, Vice-Moderator

Nominating Frans Pike, Randy Ross

Personnel Randy Ross

Property Frans Piké, John Esposito

Worship Mike Windmeyer

James Robinson-Vice Moderator

Church Officers for 2019-2020

Deacons: Cookie Grice, Wayne Fluke, Hannah Seay (College), Tom Burger, Daniel Seay, Joyce Fogleman (Moderator), Johnna Bishop, Betty Verdino Goolsby, bryanne bickett, Carol Racz, Lee Shelton, Adela Shows

Trustees: Cay Hutton, Mike Schofield, Barbara Shelton, Ray Clark, Vickie Coates, Hieu Pham, Ben Svoboda (Moderator), Valerie Williams

A list for current Elders can be found on page 3.

Sanctuary Committee

March 1 1st Sunday in Lent Communion Sunday

Hieu and Mytran Pham

March 8 2nd Sunday in Lent

Mike and Sara Windmeyer

March 15

3rd Sunday in Lent

Jack and Courtney Barrett

March 22 4th Sunday in Lent Gerry and Linda Snowden

March 29

5th Sunday in Lent

Cindy Hart

Elders

March 1 1st Sunday in Lent Communion Sunday 8:30 am Sue Meyer 11:00 am Mike Windmeyer

March 8 2nd Sunday in Lent 8:30 am Randy Ross 11:00 am Paul Duecker

March 15

3rd Sunday in Lent

8:30 am Sue Meyer 11:00 am Paul Duecker

March 22 4th Sunday in Lent 8:30 am Forbes Baker 11:00 am

March 29

5th Sunday in Lent

8:30 am James Robinson

11:00 am Laura Schaub

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles

among the people. Acts 6:8

Our Stephen Ministers Diane Blom, Coordinator

Ellen Svoboda † Carol Racz

Ben Svoboda † Elaine Brasher

Barbara Shelton † Jessica Herbers

Ruth Peterson † Forbes Baker Randy Ross

God Caring for People

Through People

For help in crisis, or in everyday trials call

(281) 240-3195

Serving this month…

“It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:24

Worship Leaders

(lead at both services unless noted)

March 1 1st Sunday in Lent Communion Sunday

8:30 am Phil Cobb 11:00 am Connie Lambert

March 8 2nd Sunday in Lent Judie Larkins

March 15

3rd Sunday in Lent

Vickie Coates

March 22

4th Sunday in Lent

Ben Svoboda

March 29 5th Sunday in Lent Cay Hutton

Acolytes

(call office to volunteer)

March 1 1st Sunday in Lent Communion Sunday 8:30 am 11:00 am

March 8 2nd Sunday in Lent 8:30 am Emily Robinson 11:00 am

March 15

3rd Sunday in Lent

8:30 am 11:00 am

March 22 4th Sunday in Lent 8:30 am 11:00 am

March 29 5th Sunday in Lent 8:30 am 11:00 am

Presbyterian Tidings March 2019 page 15

2020 January INCOME STATEMENT SUMMARY

*Expenses and Net Income exclude depreciation expense.

January REVENUES and EXPENSES Total revenues for the month of January were $8,476.74 MORE than the budgeted forecast. Pledges for the month were $7,424.67 MORE than budget and the loose offering was $1,207.17 LESS than budgeted. Expenses for January were $845.46 LESS than budget. This financial information pertains to only to the Operating account. This account supports the day to day operation of the Church as well as Mission and other supported activities.

As stated during the 2020 Budget presentation, Session approved the Budget for 2020 with a $15,296 deficit. Based the January 2020 financial reports, if the current level of revenue and expenditures were maintained for the rest of the year, NO deficit would exist at the end of December 2020.

The balance in the Capital Improvement Fund (a Designated Account) is $19,539.39. The Capital Improvement fund is used to pay for major repairs, some minor repair and replacement of property. This fund is supported by designated giving (Pledged or Loose Offerings) as well as memorials or other such support.

Other Designated Accounts are Music Ministry, PALS Activity Fund, Bereavement Fund, Youth Camp Scholarship Fund,

Endowment and Mutual Fund. These fund are supported by designated giving/gifts as well as investments. Explanation

regarding the fund usage will be provided in future Newsletters.

As a reminder, other sources of income for the church can be obtained by participating in the Randall’s Good Neighbor Program, the Kroger Community Rewards Program and Amazon Smile. These sources are available for you to participate in with NO additional personal costs. Instructions for linking your Randall’s and Kroger cards to the church rewards account are available in the Narthex and on the table in the hall between the Elder Office and Mary’s Office in Building A. There has been a change in our Kroger Community Rewards account number. The new number is FE976. It is recommended that you re-link your rewards card using this account number. When you shop on Amazon, you can help support the church by using Amazon Smile. Amazon will donate 0.5% of eligible purchases to the church. Simply access Amazon through the Amazon Smile website at http://smile.amazon.com. All of your account data and order history is the same. You simply choose First Presbyterian Church Sugar Land as your charity and it w ill appear whenever you shop on Amazon Smile. Items eligible for the donation will have an ‘Eligible for Amazon Smile’ logo on the item above the ‘Add to Cart’ button. Copy the link below to your browser/address bar and you will be directed to the log-on screen with the church already selected. https://smile.amazon.com/ch/74-6055857 Randall’s will donate 1% of the value of your purchases to the charity of your choice. You may support up to three. Simply complete the Good Neighbor Program form, insert Charity # 5349 for First Presbyterian Church of Sugar Land and deliver the form to your neighborhood Randall’s courtesy booth. Copies of the form are available in the church office and in the Narthex of the Sanctuary. For more information visit the Randall’s web site at: http://www.randalls.com/ShopStores/Good-Neighbor.page.

Trustee News

January YTD

REVENUES $34,440.24 $34,440.24

EXPENSES* $24,939.70 $24,939.70

NET INCOME* $9,500.54 $9,500.54

Presbyterian Tidings March 2019 page 16

Focus on Mission

OUR HOSTING WEEKS

in 2020

Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex a few weeks be-fore each hosting week.

May 17-May 24

August 9-August 16

October 25– November 1

713-870-3570 or ldiaz_burgos@hotmail.com

The Christmas Joy Offering collection taken in December:

$1360.00. Thank you for your contributions!

Our mission collection for March-we continue making bags that will go to Law Enforcement, one organization that partners with the Freedom Church Alliance. We would like to make 25 bags. Please include only items on this list.

White, Maroon or Navy Blue Law Enforcement “GO Bags”

Flip-flops

Travel-size hygiene items (shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, soap)

Sweatshirt

Sweatpants

Basic t-shirt

Small rolled fleece blanket

$5-$10 fast food gift card

Bag color & size of clothing items:

White: Size small

Maroon: Size medium

Navy Blue: Size large

Presbyterian Tidings March 2019 page 17

In Person

My Faith Journey

By: Lissette Diaz-Burgos

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and was introduced to Christianity at an early age by my mother. She is Catholic, and she grew up in a very traditional Catholic household. My father has never been much of a "church person" – he will say - he claims neither faith nor disbelief in God, but will attend church services on special occasions, such as weddings and funerals. Like my brother and sisters, I was baptized while I was a baby, took catechism as a child and grew up observing the 10 Commandments. Around age 10, I received my First Communion. I remember going to the Priest for my first confession and feeling terrified as I confessed to telling a lie. I wondered what was the point of confessing to a Priest when God already knew what I had done. We went to mass every Sunday at the local Jesuit Seminary while our community church was built. We observed the Holy Week with great reverence. We would attend Holy mass and walk in a solemn procession throughout the Jesuit Seminary Campus. The mid-century architecture of the buildings, with underground levels, outdoor walkways and thick fern gardens -dark and humid- added a mystic touch to the processional. I remember, admiring the beautiful creations of palm leaves weaved baskets and arches on Palm Sunday, the smell of incense, and the "chanting" of the Jesuit Priests. Catholic traditions were part of my upbringing, including the fear of God and a deep sense of guilt. On Good Friday we would drive to the town where my Grandparents lived, and from the balcony of their 2nd floor home, watch as a multitude of faithful Catholics follow a life-sized statue of the body of Christ as it was taken to its resting place. I always admired those who carried the heavy platform on their shoulders, as a sign of their devotion and sacrifice. I remember "praying" the rosary with my Grandmother whenever she was visiting us, or whenever we attended a visitation after a funeral. The repetitive prayers and the monotone sound of the voices had a very calming effect on me – something that was rare for me to experience as a child, as I was always full of energy and always in motion. Hearing the Word of God was something we only experienced during Sunday Mass. The priest would read from the Holy Book passages and deliver his sermon, most of which talked about guilt, sin and repentance. I grew up thinking that only the priest could read from The Bible, for I had never seen a Bible at home, nor had I seen my mother or grandmother ever having one in their hands. I always thought that reading directly from the Bible

was so sacred that only the Priest and his helpers were worthy of doing it, but I always wonder: Why not? We never talked about faith out loud or thought of questioning the will of God. Talking about our faith, reading the Bible, praying out loud were things that only the Evangelicals would do... To say that we were Christians, was too evangelical - too protestant. No, we were not Christians... we were Catholics. As I was introduced to other ideologies and schools of thought in my teenage and early college years, I began having doubts about my faith and eventually stopped going to church. I remember thinking: "God, restore in me a trust in you" - "let me feel that you are real." I wanted more than just a mere existence - I wanted to feel that there was more to life that just living and dying. My faith was in suspense. When I moved to Texas to attend school at the University of Texas in Austin, I felt a greater freedom to express my views and to search for a deeper and closer relationship with God. I tried visiting different church denominations and places of worship. I searched for a place where I could feel comfortable, but most of the churches I visited were too big or too loud - "too evangelical."- and I was not ready for that. When I married Robin and moved to Houston in 1988, we began attending Trinity Episcopal Church in Downtown Houston. The style of worship was a good point in between the traditions of the Catholic Church and the evangelical practices that fostered a personal relationship with God. A liberating moment in my faith was to be able to say out loud "Jesus is my Lord and Savior and He gave His Life for me." Something I always knew, but never said out loud; I realized that God is not just a God for Sundays – to whom we go to only when in need, but a living God that is always with me. I attended faith formation classes and was confirmed at Trinity, and my children were baptized there too. We attended worship as a family and learned that we could be active in the life of the church and the community, something I had not experienced before. I really wanted to serve, but the challenge of driving all the way to Downtown with two small children made it difficult, so I told myself – it will have to wait. When my son Ryan was ready for pre-school, I heard about Apple Tree School and decided to give it a try. It was there that I began to get involved in the school and attended "Soul Feast", a book study group that welcomed parents of Apple Tree School children. That is how I found my church home at First Presbyterian Church of Sugar Land-where I have been able to strengthen my faith and serve God and my community.

Presbyterian Tidings March 2019 page 18

Palm Sunday, April 5

This will be a single service Sunday with worship at 10:00 A.M. Christian Faith Formation Classes at 9:00 A.M.

[the Christian Faith Formation Committee will offer a very special, all-generations Holy Week experience. (More information next month—

but mark this date and time on your calendar!)]

One Service in Three Parts:

Part I-Maundy Thursday, April 9, 7:00 P.M.

Upper Room Service of the Lord’s Supper

Part II-Good Friday, April 10, 7:00 P.M. Service of Scripture Readings, Prayer, and Music

Part III-Easter Sunday, April 12

7:30 A.M. “Son-rise” Service with celebration of Communion (In the parking lot, weather permitting, or in the Sanctuary in case of rain, cold, or high wind)

Fellowship Breakfast by the Men of the Church (After the service)

9:30 am Sunday School for all ages

9:35 am Special Story followed by

10:40 A.M. Easter Egg Hunt

11:00 A.M. Easter Service with Celebration of Communion

COMING NEXT MONTH:

HOLY WEEK!

Presbyterian Tidings March 2019 page 19

Palentine Reveal!

Be

Mine!

P

A

L

E

N

T

I

N

E

Presbyterian Tidings March 2019 page 20

Worship Services

8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Christian Faith Formation for All Ages, 9:30 a.m.

Staff

Rev. Dr. Fred Seay, Pastor; Mary McMaster, Church Secretary, Newsletter Editor;

Phil Cobb, Director of Music; Matt Wallace, Organist/Pianist;

Dave Coles, Coordinator of Family Faith Formation

Rita Rodriguez and Beverly Martin, Nursery Attendants

Diane Blom, Stephen Ministry Coordinator; Sara Morgan, Organist Emerita

Website: www.fpcsl.org

Email: office@fpcsl.org

First Presbyterian Church

Sugar Land

502 Eldridge Rd.

Sugar Land, Texas 77478

(281) 240-3195

FAX: 832-886-4748

Published monthly.

March 2020

“Let not your heart be troubled:

ye believe in God,

believe also in me.”

John 14: 1