FIRST Book review...5 Charles & Beverly Dennis 10 Will & Monica Koenig 16 Phil & Cindy Sharpnack 18...
16
October 2020 Inside 2 Financial Report October Celebrations Church Staff Update 3 October Worship Fall Sermon Series Flowers in Worship Sign up to Provide Flowers in 2021 7 Dedication Day 8 Virtual Baby Shower 9 October Calendar 11 Porch Pals 13 FPC Virtual Choir Welcome, New Member 14 Presbyterian Historical Society Calvin Book Review Christian Education 3 Confirmation Class 4 Fall Programming for Children/Families 5 Sunday School Ladies Lunch Bible Study Men’s Lunch Bible Study 12 Giving Joy Bedford Love Youth Ministry 6 DL’s Column Mission 2 CUPS 7 Faith in Action Georgetown 8 The Caring Place The Copseys 12 Presbyterian Disaster Assistance 13 PCHAS Fellowship 9 Presbyterian Women Compassionate Care 2 Among Our People 10 Healthy Lung Month: Points from Penny Stephen Ministry Senior Seminar R o o t e d . R e f o r m e d . R e l e v a n t. FIRST WORD Two years after retiring as FPC’s pastor of 30 years, the Rev. Dr. Michael A. Roberts was honored with the bestowing of the title Pastor Emeritus. Pastor Mike and his wife, Cindy, were in the Worship Center-Fellowship Hall with Pastor Bobby and Sallie Watson, General Presbyter of Mission Presbytery, on Sunday, September 27, to receive two plaques recognizing the honor. One is a Certificate of Election and the other a reso- lution accompanying the honor. Mike’s election was approved by the session and voted on August 16 by the congregation during a virtual called meeting. He retired September 30, 2018. Pastor Emeritus is an honorary title awarded to a pastor honorably retired from a ministry by election of the congre- gation. The title assumes no pastoral authority or duty. The resolution accompanying the award notes that the congregation was blessed to have Mike as Teaching Elder for 30 years. He held the second-longest pas- torate in the 164-year history of our church. Mike Roberts receives Pastor Emeritus honor Session discusses return to in-person worship The most important thought we should have is to continue to be Christ-like in all that we do. Love of others should be what guides our deci- sions. The most loving thing is to be as careful as possible as we come back together. If you are sick or at risk, please stay at home and enjoy our livestream service. —Guidelines from the Open the Doors and There’s All the People (ODTAP) task force At its meeting September 22, FPC’s session discussed how and when we might return to in-person worship, as some Georgetown churches have. It was decided to meet again October 6 to talk more about whether such plans might include a “dry run” service on campus possibly in October before actually sched- uling live services to begin this month or later. Livestreaming of the 11 o’clock wor- ship service would continue for those who prefer to join in the service from home, as they have since mid-March, or those who consider themselves at risk for COVID-19. ODTAP was formed last spring as a smaller task force of the Safety and Secu- rity Committee, focused solely on issues related to the coronavirus. However, ODTAP will not make the final decision regarding worship provision and build- ing use. That responsibility is with ses- sion, which will make decisions about future worship plans for the church. ODTAP has been monitoring two sets of data to help us consider when we might return to campus. One data set is the rate of new COVID-19 infections in Williamson County, and the other is the positivity test rate, the percent of positive results from all coronavirus tests per- formed in the county. Karen Rayburn, ODTAP task force chair, said those data have looked good (continued on page 15) (See next month’s newsletter for more coverage.)
Transcript of FIRST Book review...5 Charles & Beverly Dennis 10 Will & Monica Koenig 16 Phil & Cindy Sharpnack 18...
October 2020
Inside2 Financial Report
October CelebrationsChurch Staff Update
3 October WorshipFall Sermon SeriesFlowers in WorshipSign up to Provide
Flowers in 20217 Dedication Day8 Virtual Baby Shower9 October Calendar
11 Porch Pals13 FPC Virtual Choir
Welcome, New Member14 Presbyterian Historical
SocietyCalvin Book Review
Christian Education3 Confirmation Class4 Fall Programming for
Children/Families5 Sunday School
Ladies Lunch Bible StudyMen’s Lunch Bible Study
12 Giving Joy Bedford Love
Youth Ministry6 DL’s Column
Mission2 CUPS7 Faith in Action Georgetown8 The Caring Place
The Copseys12 Presbyterian Disaster
Assistance13 PCHAS
Fellowship9 Presbyterian Women
Compassionate Care2 Among Our People
10 Healthy Lung Month:Points from Penny
Stephen MinistrySenior Seminar
R o o t e d . R e f o r m e d . R e l e v a n t.
FIRSTWORD
Two years after retiring as FPC’s pastor of30 years, the Rev. Dr. Michael A. Robertswas honored with the bestowing of thetitle Pastor Emeritus.
Pastor Mike and his wife, Cindy, werein the Worship Center-Fellowship Hallwith Pastor Bobby and Sallie Watson,General Presbyter of Mission Presbytery,on Sunday, September 27, to receive twoplaques recognizing the honor. One is aCertificate of Election and the other a reso-lution accompanying the honor. Mike’selection was approved by the session andvoted on August 16 by the congregationduring a virtual called meeting. He retiredSeptember 30, 2018.
Pastor Emeritus is an honorary titleawarded to a pastor honorably retiredfrom a ministry by election of the congre-gation. The title assumes no pastoralauthority or duty.
The resolution accompanying theaward notes that the congregation wasblessed to have Mike as Teaching Elder for30 years. He held the second-longest pas-torate in the 164-year history of ourchurch.
Mike Roberts receivesPastor Emeritus honor
16 F I R S T W O R D
“Calvin was fully aware of histalents, which he regarded as partof his special calling by God. Lutherhad brilliantly expressed what itmeant to be saved by God. That dis-covery changed Europe. Calvin’sgenius was to discover the Church,and teach what it was to be part ofthat body.”
A few tidbits about Calvin:Born Jehan Cauvin (1509) at
Noyon in northern France. Father:Gerard, cathedral notary and regis-trar to the ecclesiastical court.Mother: Jeanne le Franc, daughterof an innkeeper, from Cambrai.
Calvin’s education was superla-tive for his time. He received patron-age from a wealthy local family, theMontmors, and was able to attendcolleges in Paris. Destined by his fa-ther for the priesthood, he studiedphilosophy and learned classicalLatin. His father withdrew his sonand redirected him to study law,
where his father felt he could earnmore money. Calvin completed hislaw studies and along the way pickedup a working knowledge of KoineGreek.
Though he was opposed to celi-bacy of the priesthood, Calvin didnot express any interest in marriage.His friends attempted to play match-maker, but Calvin refused all candi-dates. But in 1540, at the suggestionof his friend Martin Bucer, Calvinmarried Idelette de Bure, a widowwith two children by her first mar-riage. The union proved to be a goodmatch. Idelette’s children with Cal-vin all died in infancy. She died in1549 and Calvin never remarried.
From birth Calvin was a RomanCatholic. In his early 20’s, he experi-enced an intense and unexpected en-counter with God in which, “Godby a sudden conversion subduedand brought my mind to a teachableframe…” Calvin broke with theRoman Catholic church and joinedthe body of reformers who were ac-tive at that time. Known by thechurch and public officials to be inthe company of church reformers,Calvin was branded a heretic andforced into hiding. During a Catho-lic pogrom in 1534, he went into ex-ile at Strasbourg. On his way he
“spent a single night” in the city ofGeneva, and the rest, as they say, is“history.”
John Calvin died at age 54 of res-piratory illness and exhaustion. Hehad warned his associates againstallowing his image to become an“idol” of the Reformed Church. Hisfriends directed that he be buried inan unmarked grave in a Genevacemetery. Visitors to modern-dayGeneva can visit the “traditional”gravesite of John Calvin, but the ac-tual gravesite remains unknown.
Calvin built a church for the wor-ship of God as he understood itshould be. That church has pros-pered and retained its vitality for 500years. Read the book. You should getto know John Calvin. —Mike Carson
pressed in some of the most exquis-ite prose of his age, has continueddown the centuries to instruct andto inspire. Like all great writers hetranscends his time.
(continued from page 14)
Book review
The church & library are not open,but you can contact Mike Carson at512-966-4234 if you would like forhim to check out this book for you &leave it (book cover disinfected) atthe church office. He is at the churchjust about every day. You can pickup the book between 8:30 a.m. & 12noon on Wednesday or Friday. Oncereturned, the book cover will be dis-infected & not circulated again for aminimum of five days.
On August 10, severe thunderstormsand damaging winds devastatedIowa, causing widespread poweroutages for some 150,000 people. Asmany as 14 million acres of farmlandwere also damaged by the storm.PDA is working with presbyteries ofNorth Central Iowa, Des Moines,Prospect Hill and East Iowa to re-spond to this storm. National Re-sponse Team members are virtuallydeployed to assist with the initialresponse. (Code DR000015)
Disasters(continued from page 13)
You can also give by going to pda.pcusa.org/page/give/ and clickingthe red “Donate Now” button.
Firefighters gather August 21 in front of Bonny Doon Presbyterian Church (Presbyteryof San Jose), which sustained minor damage in a wildfire. (Photo from Cal Fire CZA)
Session discusses returnto in-person worship
The most important thought we should have isto continue to be Christ-like in all that we do.Love of others should be what guides our deci-sions. The most loving thing is to be as carefulas possible as we come back together. If youare sick or at risk, please stay at home andenjoy our livestream service.
—Guidelines from the Open the Doors andThere’s All the People (ODTAP) task force
At its meeting September 22, FPC’ssession discussed how and when wemight return to in-person worship, assome Georgetown churches have. It wasdecided to meet again October 6 to talkmore about whether such plans mightinclude a “dry run” service on campuspossibly in October before actually sched-uling live services to begin this month orlater. Livestreaming of the 11 o’clock wor-ship service would continue for thosewho prefer to join in the service fromhome, as they have since mid-March, orthose who consider themselves at risk forCOVID-19.
ODTAP was formed last spring as asmaller task force of the Safety and Secu-rity Committee, focused solely on issuesrelated to the coronavirus. However,ODTAP will not make the final decisionregarding worship provision and build-ing use. That responsibility is with ses-sion, which will make decisions aboutfuture worship plans for the church.
ODTAP has been monitoring two setsof data to help us consider when wemight return to campus. One data set isthe rate of new COVID-19 infections inWilliamson County, and the other is thepositivity test rate, the percent of positiveresults from all coronavirus tests per-formed in the county.
Karen Rayburn, ODTAP task forcechair, said those data have looked good
(continued on page 15)(See next month’s newsletter
for more coverage.)
In the hospital last month: Shirley Nash,Nadine Tanner and George Biggs.
Our sympathy to: The family of Sugie Maxfield, whojoined the Church Triumphant September21. A private graveside service is plannedin Waco. Sugie had been a member sinceApril 2011. Joel & Joan Lawrence on the death ofJoel's mother, Camille Lawrence, Septem-ber 4 in North Carolina.
Thank you:“Dear Church Family, We are most grate-ful for the supportive calls, cards, notesand prayers following the deaths of Tho-mas’ sister and our son, Matthew. It hasbeen a challenging time for us and we havebeen blessed with all the care you haveshown. The Peace of Christ be with you.
—Thomas & Cindy Bausch
Serving in the military: Col. Brian Burk,Larry Burk’s son; Maj. Josh Daleiden,Betty Bradford’s grandson-in-law; JohnDecker; Jared A. Gross, Robert Bedford’snephew; Brian Hall; Capt. Daniel Ham-mond, Keith & Sue Renard’s grandson-in-law; Garrett Herbst; Gunnery Sgt.Matthew L. Johnson, son of Glen & AnnKaiser; Brandon Keith, Phil & JeanneSmith’s son-in-law; Tech. Sgt. RobertMcClanahan, grandson of Minta McIntoshand nephew of Lee McIntosh; Lt. Col. MikePratt, Jeff Pratt’s brother; Sgt. 1st ClassPaul Rayburn; Nicholas Stamos, Larry &Helen Burk’s grandson; and ChristianWinckel, grandson of Sandy Hayes.
2 F I R S T W O R D
5 Charles & Beverly Dennis10 Will & Monica Koenig16 Phil & Cindy Sharpnack18 Bob & Jeanine Albers22 Bill & Theresa McKenna29 Bryan & Sue Bell
James & Angela Ramsey
3 Adrianne BrandtMark DeRuyter
4 Madison Jackson5 Alice Fay
Ralph GibsonJacob McCownMargaret Sunkel
6 Vickie Hammerlun7 Cheryl Dorothy
Elize GossAmy Hunt
9 Don WillhouseSam Yantis
10 Brayden HammitChandler Hutton
11 Patsy BeckerPat LeoneKaren RedSherry Williams
13 Adana Gipson14 Cathy Shirley15 Phyllis Perkins
Angela RamseyAbby Staller
16 Judy BondLaura HerbstJoan LutzVirginia Reid
17 Ben Nichols18 Jim Marks21 Nicholas Brainard
Marv Hulshizer22 Callahan Guinn
Matthew MillerLenice Smithwick
24 ReyLynn LittletonJana McCown
25 Elizabeth EstradaAbigayle PoeHeidi Winter-Johnson
26 Lucie LelouxDonna NicholsJames RamseyBill Shirley
27 Jaime CowanBo Whitehead
30 Drew ArnoldClaude Folta
31 Dan ArnoldKathy Kerr Kubatzky
ANNIVERSARIES
Boldface indicatesa member of
First PresbyterianChurch
BIRTHDAYS
First Presbyterian ChurchNEW web page:
www.fpcgeorgetown.org
In September, in an effort to steward ourfinancial resources as faithfully as possible,FPC contracted with a central Texas com-mercial, janitorial company to meet theongoing janitorial and set-up/take-downneeds.
Unfortunately, this means that ourlong-time custodian, Kathi Davenport, willno longer serve on staff. We are, however,deeply grateful for her 13 years of faithfulservice at the church, and we will remainsupportive of her and her family through-out this transition. Please keep Kathi andher family in your prayers.
Friendly Folks Cleaning Service, whichhas experience in cleaning local churches,began work the second week of Septemberby doing a deep clean of both church build-ings free of charge —Pastor Bobby
Church staff updateAmong Our People
IncomePledges $590,738 $841,881 70%Other $92,900 $105,180 88%TOTAL $683,638 $947,061 72% ExpensesValidated Mission $40,258 $57,593 70%Local/Other Mission $13,750 $29,802 46%Ministry of the Word $94,680 $148,501 64%Program/Support Staff $308,501 $468,710 66%Christian Education $19,000 $39,350 48%Music and Worship $16,781 $21,756 77%Evangelism/Care $3,461 $11,115 31%Property $65,923 $90,500 73%Stewardship/Finance $11,555 $19,700 59%Other Oper Expenses $20,281 $43,970 46%Debt Retirement $65,036 $97,548 67%TOTAL $659,226 $1,028,545 64%
Actual AnnualBudget
YTD %AnnualBudget
Income and Expense ReportYear to Date - August 2020General Operating Fund
Many thanks to all whodonated school supplies to
Communidades Unidas ProSalud (CUPS) this fall tobe delivered to Mexico.The need is great and thiswill help many little ones.
Thank you!Thank you!Thank you!Thank you!Thank you!
—Muchas gracias, Cindy Bausch
F I R S T W O R D 15
Email:[email protected]
Website:www.fpcgeorgetown.org
First Presbyterian ChurchDr. Bobby Hulme-Lippert
Pastor703 S. Church Street
Georgetown, TX 78626
FIRSTWORDpublished monthly by
Phone: 512-863-3381Fax: 512-868-1226
lately, even though neither figure has re-mained at the target numbers for 14straight days. There were concerns raisedat the session meeting that the long-termviability of FPC’s congregation might beimpacted should we continue to worshiponly virtually. Session wants to do whatis safest for our members in worshipingtogether in church, while followingODTAP-approved procedures and guide-lines for when we do return.
Worshiping again on campus, when-ever that is, will be drastically differentfrom pre-COVID-19 worship, according toguidelines released by ODTAP. Some ofthose guidelines are summarized below.
WorshipWorship will be in the Worship Center-Fellowship Hall, with no more than 50people for any in-person service. Memberfamilies will sign up online to participatein a service, sit together, wear masks (re-quired for all worshipers over age 2), andsocially distance from others. Attendancewill be taken, as will photos of seatingarrangements should contact tracing beneeded.
Entering/Exiting the BuildingThe front doors to the Worship Center-Fellowship Hall will be propped open be-fore and after worship, and only oneentrance will be available: through thelobby doors facing 7th Street. Congregantswill have access only to the hall and thegathering area or lobby and bathroomsoff the lobby.
SacramentsPre-packaged individual elements (waferand juice) will be provided, or memberscould bring their own from home. Bap-tisms will include only immediate family.Funerals and weddings will be limited to50 or fewer participants.
OfferingNo offering will be collected by ushers andgreeters. Offering baskets will be locatedat the entrance and exit; however, onlineand direct draft options are encouraged.
Children in WorshipParents will be required to keep childrenand infants in worship with them sincethere will be no nursery or children’schurch. The leader of the Children’sMoment will stand where he or she is vis-ible to children, who will not go up tothe chancel steps. Children’s Worship Bagswill be “take home” for one-time use.Rooms 111 and 113 will be set up withlivestream as a Family Room for parentsand children who need a break from ser-vice. Parents are required to remain withtheir children at all times since no child-care workers will be present.
Choirs/MusicMusic Ministry staff will continue to pro-vide creative ways for music in worship.There will be no congregational or cho-ral singing until further notice.
Ushers/GreetersDoors will be propped open before andafter worship, and there will be a greeterat the lobby door. Hand-sanitizing sta-tions will be available throughout the area.Masks will be distributed to those whoneed them. Hymnals and friendship padswill be removed from the worship space,and you will find a bulletin on your chair,put there by gloved hands. Greeting eachother is encouraged while respecting so-cial distancing.
Sunday School and Fellowship TimeNo in-person Sunday School classes andfellowship time will be held, and there willbe no serving of coffee or food until fur-ther notice. The water fountains will beturned off, but bottled water would beavailable
SanitizingRegular weekly cleaning of the facility hascontinued, and will be done after all ser-vices. A bathroom monitor will restrict thenumber of people to one person or onefamily unit in each bathroom at a time,and the bathroom will be sanitized aftereach use.
Work-Week AccessTo ensure restricted access, doors will re-main locked even when the staff returnsto work.
Session and ODTAP(continued from front page)
In 1517 Martin Lutherattacked the CatholicChurch’s corrupt practice ofselling “indulgences” toabsolve sin. He nailed his“95 Theses” to the door ofthe Wittenberg CastleChurch in Germany.
Luther believed that theBible is the central religiousauthority and that humansmay reach salvation only bytheir faith and not by theirdeeds. This sparked theProtestant Reformation.Although these ideas hadbeen advanced before,Luther expressed them at amoment in history ripe forreligious reformation.
Luther and theReformation
F I R S T W O R D 3
O C T O B E R W O R S H I P
Flowersin Worship/
October
4 Rob & CathyFullinwider
11 Chuck Keith & InokDowning
18 Pat & Penny Leone25 This could be you!
ROOTED.REFORMED.RELEVANT.
Fall Sermon Series:
(on YouTube at 11 a.m.)
October 4World Communion SundayScripture: Genesis 15:4-21
Ephesians 2:9-10
October 11Scripture: Leviticus 16:20-22, 29-31
John 1:29
October 18Scripture: Romans 12:3-21
October 25Reformation SundayScripture: Revelation 21:1-5
This fall we are taking nine Sundays toconsider FPC’s “tagline,” “Rooted. Re-formed. Relevant.” In these uncertain,ever-changing times, what does it meanto be a people who are deeply rooted?How is it that our Reformed theologi-cal tradition informs, shapes and guidesour path in the world today? And whatdoes it mean to be a congregation atten-tive and relevant to God’s work inGeorgetown and throughout the worldtoday? These are just three of the key ques-tions I look forward to unpacking duringour series, and I pray it proves a seriesthrough which the Holy Spirit continuesto faithfully shape us and lead us intoGod’s future together.
—Pastor Bobby
Dr. Bobby Hulme-Lippert Preaching
S e p t e m b e r 1 3 - N o v e m b e r 8
Considering our “tagline”
The coronavirus pandemic couldn’t stopFPC’s annual Confirmation Class, the firstsuch for Pastor Bobby since he was calledto be our pastor last November. Eightyouth are participating: Maddox Azuma-Hall, Kailyn Bailey, Charlie Brainard, ReeceCowan, Eli Crenshaw, Johnny Decker,Landen Hammit and Maya Spruiell.
Helping Bobby lead the class, whichbegan September 2, are Phil Bookert andMinta McIntosh. It meets from 6:15 - 7:15p.m. each Wednesday through October 28.
“We gather, socially distancing andwearing masks, in the breezeway betweenthe two buildings,” Bobby said. Phil isteaching two classes and Minta one, whileBobby does the remainder. Minta ispresent each week to assist. The threeleaders are using the confirmationcurriculum of the Presbyterian Church(U.S.A.), “Big God, Big Questions.”
Bobby said he plans to ask somesession members to meet with the class onOctober 28, who, after talking with theeight participants, will vote to receive theminto membership. Then on November 1,they would be received into membershipduring the service of worship.
Eight youth participate
14 F I R S T W O R D
The home of 500 years of Presbyterianhistory, the Presbyterian Historical Soci-ety (PHS), organized in 1852, is the old-est denominational archives in the U.S.and is the national archives for the Pres-byterian Church (U.S.A.) and its prede-cessors. (history.pcusa.org)
Looking for something to do whilewe’re in the midst of a pandemic? Whynot go the PHS web page and experienceour history? See how it collects, preservesand shares the story of the American Pres-byterian and Reformed experience withPresbyterians, scholars and the public.You can find exhibits and collections onhistory of the church, a timeline of Pres-byterian history, a family tree of Presby-terian denominations, a historic sitesregistry, living history films, HeritageSunday and Reformation Sunday.
Don’t feel capable of navigating thePHS web page? PHS will help you gainaccess to the materials. This is a good timeto celebrate our history since we as Pres-byterians this month will celebrate thetradition that grounds our faith: Refor-mation Sunday, October 25. This marksthe occasion in 1517 when Martin Lutherposted his 95 theses on the church doorin Wittenberg, Germany. And our fall ser-mon series is on the topic, “Rooted. Re-formed. Relevant.”
The society’s holdings have more than250,000 titles on the history of the Pres-byterian tradition in America and some30,000 cubic feet of records and personalpapers of congregations, presbyteries,synods and General Assembly agencies ofPCUSA and predecessor Presbyterian andReformed denominations in the U.S.
PHS: Access to 500 years of Presbyterian history
Several biographies of John Calvin havebeen written, and one of the best can befound in our church library. Calvin, byBruce Gordon, is thought by religioushistorians to be one of the finest portraitsof the Genevan Reformer. Gordon is pro-fessor of ecclesiastical history at YaleDivinity School and specializes in late-medieval and early modern religious cul-ture. The best way to illustrate the flavorof this biographical study of Calvin is toquote Gordon’s impression of Calvin fromthe preface of the book.
“John Calvin was the greatest Protes-tant reformer of the 16th century, brilliant,visionary and iconic. The superior forceof his mind was evident in all that he did.He saw himself as an instrument of God,and as a prophet of the Church he brooked
no rivals. He never felt he had encoun-tered an intellectual equal, and he wasprobably correct. To achieve what he be-lieved to be right, he would do virtuallyanything. Although not physically impos-ing, he dominated others and knew howto manipulate relationships. He intimi-dated, bullied and humiliated, savingsome of his worst conduct for his friends.Yet as he lay dying they gathered aroundthe bed distraught with grief. There wouldbe no other like him.
“What made Calvin Calvin, and notanother 16th-century writer, was his bril-liance as a thinker and writer, and, aboveall, his ability to interpret the Bible. Hiscoherent, penetrating and lucid vision ofGod’s abiding love for humanity, ex-
Book Review: Calvin by author Bruce Gordon
(continued on back page)
The 2021 Flower Chart is go-ing virtual! Because of the pan-demic and uncertainty aboutreturning to in-person wor-ship, the Worship Committeehas decided to use SignUpGenius for volunteers wishingto provide flowers in worshipin 2021. Look for informationin the weekly FPC email, clickon the link, choose a date andsign up. Indicate if you wantto re-gift your arrangementand tell us what you wouldlike printed in the bulletin onthat Sunday. An email re-minder will automatically besent to you a week prior to yourdate. Contact Christina Bonde-sen with any questions.
Sign up virtuallyto provide flowersfor worship in 2021
25
Tax-deductible dona-tions to support the
Presbyterian HistoricalSociety are always
welcome and help PHScontinue collecting,
preserving and sharingthe story of the
American Presbyterianexperience.
(https://www.history.pcusa.org/get-involved/
give-phs)
You can supportPHS’s work
also a time of fellowship for the Sanctu-ary and Chancel Choirs when they arenot together in person, Philip said.
Like any other FPC ensemble, Re-Sounding Voices is open to all FPC mem-bers, nonmember visitors and others, byinvitation of the director. For more infor-mation about this new virtual choir op-portunity, email Philip at [email protected].
4 F I R S T W O R D
C H R I S T I A N E D U C A T I O NStephanie MettlerEducation Director
Church family, we have started our vir-tual programs for children and are excitedfor these opportunities while we are apart.
We are all pretty bummed about miss-ing out on in-person classes and mealswith Sunday School and LOGOS, but ourteam has created some really special alter-natives to in-person times.
When we can return to in-person Sun-day School classes and our LOGOS fellow-ship, we will jump up and down and shoutit to you across the distances!
FPC Kids onlineFor now, we are having one program thatwe’re calling “FPC Kids.” It will take placeonline each week and then every otherWednesday night. It is so crucial that youregister for our kids programming so wecan send you Zoom links and make sureyou have all of the supplies you need forour lessons, crafts and activities. We don’twant anyone who wants to take part tobe left out. Don’t forget to register so wecan count you in as we gather our re-sources each week! There is no cost to reg-ister.
Visit the online classroomOur online classroom is available on thechurch website and offers children theopportunity to watch a video of theirteachers discussing the Bible story for theweek. They can also hear a word of en-couragement and have a fun, creative ac-tivity to take part in.
There are icons on the classroom pageto be clicked that take children to videosand coloring pages. There is even a wholesection dedicated to worship arts with Mrs.
Susan! This classroom updates each Sun-day morning and is available all week. Ifyou have not plugged into the online class-room, let us help you get started! (Anddon’t forget to register!)
Getting together on ZoomEvery other Wednesday night, from 6:30to 7, we are gathering over Zoom so wecan see each other’s faces and focus on faithfor a great 30 minutes together. TheseZoom meetings are for families (parents andchildren), and we’ll have family activitiesduring these times.
In a time where most things are vir-tual and many things seem overwhelming,please know that focusing on your family’srhythms is not wasted. It takes intentionand consistency to teach our children aboutthe life of faith, but the intention and con-sistency end up giving children the thingsthat matter most in this life and beyondthis life.
Remember to register!If you’ve forgotten to register, don’t be dis-couraged. Let us help you get registered,recentered and encouraged! We are all liv-ing in the crazy together. Parents and care-givers, please remember that the efforts youmake to raise your children in the ways ofChrist are never wasted and when they areat the center of your family’s rhythm, theybear lasting fruit. I can’t wait to do thisfall with you all!
On behalf of our education folks, welove you! —Stephanie
Porch visitsI’m also looking for-
ward to meeting a fewof you on your veryown porches! If youwant a porch visit foryour crew, just indicatethat when you registerfor the fall and I’ll grab
a mask before I come!
—Stephanie
F I R S T W O R D 13
ReSounding Voices, FPC’s new virtual choirorganized in response to the COVID-19pandemic, debuted Sunday, September 6,during a video shown during the live-streamed worship service.
Conducted by Philip Smith, the 30-mem-ber choir performed “Step by Step” by DavidStrasser, arranged by Ruth Schram.
Launched in August, ReSoundingVoices has rehearsals on Zoom, which are
FPC virtual choir debuts via video
This fall, PresbyterianChildren’s Homes andServices (PCHAS) is hostingvirtual luncheons in place ofthe annual in-personluncheons. These specialfundraising events willshowcase the life-changingwork PCHAS is doing inthese communities. TheAustin luncheon is Thurs-day, October 15. RSVP toReagan Stone at [email protected] or 512-489-1846.
PCHAS provides Christ-centered care and support tochildren and families in need.
PCHAS luncheonis virtual this yearHumor
The prayer of a 3-year-oldin church: “Our Father,Who does art in heaven,Harold is His name.Amen.”
A little boy was overheardpraying: ‘Lord, if you can’tmake me a better boy, don’tworry about it. I’m havinga real good time like I am.’
A four-year-old prayed,“And forgive us our trashbaskets, As we forgivethose who put trash in ourbaskets.”
A Sunday school teacherasked the children before thechurch service, “And why isit necessary to be quiet inchurch?” A little girlreplied, “Because people aresleeping.”
Laurell Brown of Round Rock joined September 22by Letter of Transfer from John Calvin PresbyterianChurch in Metairie, Louisiana. She is the wife ofretired Presbyterian minister Harry Brown, whoalso attends FPC. Laurell enjoys music, gardening,sewing, hiking and grandkids’ sports. She retired asan administrative assistant for Ochsner HealthSystem. She has served her previous churches inseveral ways: as elder, choir member, organist andpianist, Christian Education committee member,Sunday School teacher, children’s ministry leader,and treasurer of the Synod of the Sun’s PresbyterianWomen Coordinating Team.
Welcome,New Member
Laurell with husband Harry
F I R S T W O R D 5
SURVEYORS (on Zoom)9:30 a.m. SundaysSurveyors continue the fall with two won-derful studies:
“Learning Dur-ing Solitude,” ledby Celeste Frostusing Henri Nou-wen’s book Out ofSolitude: Three Medi-tations on the Chris-tian Life (throughOctober 11). “Jesus and theParadigm Shift,”led by Phil Smithfrom October 18
through November 8.Often we read scripture with a 21st cen-
tury view. As a result, we miss Jesus chal-lenging his listeners to go beyond theirnarrow views. Bring your Bible and joinus as we consider: Jesus and the New Covenant Jesus teachings about our vertical rela-tionship with God
Other VirtualEducational
Opportunitiesfor Adults
Jesus teachings about our horizontal re-lationship with each others Our response to Jesus
If you’d like to join the Surveyors forthese and upcoming discussions, contactBill Stanley ([email protected]) tobe added to the email list and receive theweekly Zoom link.
HOMEBUILDERS (on Zoom)9:30 a.m. SundaysThrough October 4
Homebuilders beganthe year with KarenJones leading a six-week DVD series byauthor Adam Hamil-ton, “When Chris-tians Get It Wrong.”Hamilton tackles is-sues listed by thosewho are leaving thechurch and addresses
the how’s and why’s of Christians gettingit right when it comes to being Christ inthe world. This is a discussion-orientedclass for adults that covers topics in Chris-tian living, scripture and church history.
Formed to meet the needs of adults inthe family building stage of life, Home-builders welcomes all. If you are interestedin attending this class, email [email protected], to be sent the Zoom link.
CROSSROADS (on Zoom)9:30 a.m. SundaysLed by Patrick & Amanda TolbertAs election season kicks into full swing,the Crossroads class continues its missionof squaring headlineswith scripture to de-termine God’s will andinstructions for ourdaily lives. Our topicsfrequently delve intothe world of politics,newsmakers and scrip-ture’s instruction to build communityrather than drive a wedge between us. Joinus during the Sunday School hour—evenif you’re in your PJs! It’s 2020 after all! Trueto our name, the class is open to anyonewho may be at a crossroads, seeking di-rection or understanding. Email [email protected] to receive informationfor Zoom.
Ladies LunchBible Study12 noon WednesdaysThrough October thegroup is studyingNabeel Qureshi’s SeekingAllah, Finding Jesus, tohelp them deepen theirunderstanding of theMuslim faith and learnthe kind of apologeticsand evangelism that ledNabeel to faith in Christ.Join the group as theyexplore Muslim culture,the most commonMuslim objections toChristianity, and thecore doctrines uponwhich Islam stands orfalls. Contact KarenRayburn, [email protected], to receivethe Zoom link.
Men’s LunchBible Study12 noon WednesdaysSturdy Wanamaker isleading a discussion ofthe book of Philippians.Sturdy, Ron Place andRod Burke facilitate thestudy. To join the emaillist and receive the Zoomlink, contact Ron, [email protected].
You change your physical or mail-ing address
You change your email address oradd email
You change your home or cell phonenumber
You add a new phone number
To notify
the churchoffice if:
12 F I R S T W O R D
Joy Bedford, who retired September 8 after 20 years as Education Director for FPC, was presented a 64-piece quiltduring worship service on August 30. A photo slide show, put together by Christina Bondesen, was shown featuringchildren, youth and adults sending Joy love. And Pastor Bobby offered a special prayer and blessing for her andRobert. The quilt has 33 t-shirts from past LOGOS years, All-Church Retreats and Vacation Bible Schools. It waspieced by Karen Rayburn and Liz Weaver. To finish the quilt, a quilt backing will now be added by Marlene Watts andLois Stanley. Photos: top left, clockwise, Adrianne Brandt, Annabel McClure and Karen Jones, Eric and Kelly Seaman,Robert and Joy, Terri Stubblefield and Joey Mikel.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance(PDA) is responding to several re-cent natural disasters (pda.pcusa.org/). Donations to support theserelief efforts can be made by check toFirst Presbyterian Georgetown, in-dicating the PDA Response Code inthe “For” line.
Hurricane Sally came ashore in Ala-bama September 16 with sustainedwinds of up to 105 mph. Movingslowly, the storm dumped 30 inchesof rain in Pensacola, Florida.(Code DR000169.)
Hurricane Laura, a strong category4 storm, made landfall August 27 onthe coast of Louisiana, about 30 milesfrom the Texas border, bringinglashing rain and sustained winds of150 miles per hour. While the stormwas downgraded to a category 2 asit moved further inland, hurricane-force winds and widespread damagecontinued.
PDA is working with our inter-national partners in Haiti and theDominican Republic, in addition tothe affected U.S. presbyteries. Initialresponse grants have been disbursed
to respond to immediate needs. (Code DR000194)
As wildfires roar in the Pacificnorthwest, PDA is in communica-tion with the Presbytery of the Cas-cades. A National Response Teammember has been virtually deployedto assist the presbytery. More infor-mation will be available as first re-sponders work to contain the fires.PDA is also responding in Califor-nia. (Code DR000165)
As PDA responds to hurricanes and wildfires, you can help
(continued on back page)
6 F I R S T W O R D
Y O U T H M I N I S T R Y
Praying often, fervently for youth and families
David Lee HulseyYouth Director
To say that this scripture has been pop-ping up a lot in Youth Ministry is anunderstatement. I think it’s more accurateto say that God has laid it heavily on ourhearts to herald as a theme for the workof our Youth Ministry. This scripture waswritten on a postcard to our youth, andwe descrambled this verse the firstWednesday that we were able to meet inperson for small groups in September.
So obviously, yes, we’ve been prayingoften and fervently for our youth and theirfamilies. I’m reminded of two wonderfulaspects of prayer: Connecting and Lifting.
Colossians 1:9, “So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We askGod to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.”
We are called to pray for one another,which draws us into concern for others,therefore connecting us to others. Whenwe realize we are being prayed for, we arebeing lifted up to God in prayer. Both as-pects can be quite humbling. I would en-courage all of us to continue the Church’swork of connecting and lifting throughprayer. And in doing so, I pray, “God togive you complete knowledge of His willand to give you spiritual wisdom andunderstanding.”
—God Bless, David Lee Hulsey
Don’t forget to read about fall programming for kids and their families, page 4.
YOUTH MINISTRYSunday Bible Study
(via Zoom)For Junior High and
Senior High9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
WednesdayYouth Group(In Person)
Wednesdays6 - 7:15 p.m.
Meeting outside at FPCContact
David Lee Hulsey for more details on
youth programming.
F I R S T W O R D 11
COVID-19 has FPC going back to its roots, gatheringin homes as part of Porch Pals, which began in Sep-tember. The organizational meeting for our church washeld in a home near Round Rock on June 12, 1854.Records show 10 charter members present who createda session, heard a sermon, celebrated the Lord’s Supperand witnessed an infant baptism.
Home of the Brainards: (from left) Katie Bradford, Fred Hilgeman,Keith Brainard, Jana McCown, Fred & Laura Herbst, TerriStubblefield & Joey Mikel.
Home of Vivian & Lloyd Davis (third from left): Frank & Rebec-ca Beam (left), Bill & Lois Stanley and Tom & Peggy Currie(right). (Not shown: Vivian Davis).Home of Dennis & Terri Boroczk: Bill & Theresa McKenna,
Phil & Jeanne Smith, Bridget Chapman, Lea Ann Hutton,and Gary & Kay Cox.
Home of Gene & Carolyn Gregory: Left, Robert & Anne Gowdy and Gene Gregory. Right, Cathy Shirley, CharlesShirley, Judy Thomson and Jeff and Judy Willett. (Not shown: Carolyn Gregory)
F I R S T W O R D 7
Faith in Action adapts services to COVID-19
M I S S I O N
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the se-nior population has been at high risk forthe virus. And a Georgetown organiza-tion, Faith in Action Georgetown (FIAG),in March was forced to discontinue itsmain service: volunteers driving seniorsto medical appointments, to go shoppingand run errands. FIAG helps seniorsmaintain independence and quality of lifethrough these free services.
As a response to the virus, the orga-nization switched to a virtual supportmodel, helping clients with online gro-cery orders, setting up prescription deliv-eries and even calling the more than 900clients to check in on their mental well-being. Its annual fundraiser, a benefit con-cert, also went virtual on September 17on Facebook and YouTube.
To help with the calls to isolated cli-ents, FIAG came up with a new servicefor the stay-at-home seniors: the tele-phone Buddy Program. An FIAG driverwho typically would provide transpor-tation was paired with a client to calltwice a week to check on his or her wellbeing. The program attracted new volun-teer callers, too.
In August, FIAG began a rephasingplan to return to regular services. Withsafety a top concern, transportation ser-vices resumed that month with FIAG of-fering single-passenger rides to medicalappointments. Safety protocols now re-quire temperature checks, face masks forriders and drivers, passengers riding inthe backseat only, and hand sanitizer be-ing available.
An added FIAG service during thecoming election will be help for olderadults with mail-in voting and rides tothe ballot drop-off. The organization hasteamed up with the Williamson CountyElections Office to make sure its assistancecomplies with state regulations for appli-cation and ballot assistance.
Those interested in getting help fill-ing out the applications or ballots will
receive non-partisan help from eitherFIAG staff or volunteers.
“It’s not our job to tell anyone how tovote,” said Vickie Orcutt, Executive Direc-tor. “We are here to help in completingwhat can be for some a very difficult andcomplicated process. Many older adultsremain cautious about voting in publicplaces, so we will offer mail-in applicationassistance, ballot completion assistance,transportation to polls and to the ballotdrop-off locations for those who do notwant to leave home. We understand howdifficult it is right now for our seniorpopulation to get out, especially if theyalready have transportation limitations.”
As for returning to business as usual,including van rides to the library, restau-rants and Wolf Ranch, “We aren’t quitesure what that will look like yet,” Ms.Orcutt said. “But we are working hardeach day to stay on top of safety measuresand the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention guidelines for how to moveforward.”
To donate to Faith in ActionGeorgetown or learn more
about the services, visitwww.FaithInActionGT.org
or call 512-868-9544.
You can also contact FPC’sadvocate for the organization,
Kitty Bristow,[email protected].
10 F I R S T W O R D
Penny Leone, RNParish Nurse
Virtual SeniorSeminar isOctober 8
C O M P A S S I O N A T E C A R E
Stephen Ministers come from all walks oflife, but they share a passion for bringingChrist’s love and care to people during atime of need. They are lay congregationmembers trained to provide one-to-onecare to those experiencing a difficult timein life: loss of a loved one, grief, divorce,loss of a job, chronic or terminal illness orrelocation.
Stephen Ministry training in 2021 willbe weekly from January 8 to May 4 at theWorship Place in Sun City. We ask you tothink and pray about what God may beasking you to do. If your calling is to sharelove and care with others in need, theStephen Ministry at FPC welcomes youto join us.
The training will use study modulesand group discussion that will help youprovide care to a care receiver. The classes
will be taught by Stephen Ministry leadersfrom the Georgetown churches with aStephen Ministry program. Each year adifferent church hosts the annual training.
If you are interested in joining theStephen Ministry training program in2021, contact us at [email protected] and Blessings.
—Sandie Kienitz, Stephen Leader
Stephen Ministry training set for 2021
Since this is “Healthy Lung Month,” I’m going to share a fewtips on things to do within your home to promote the health ofyour lungs: Vacuum using HEPA filters, which reduce lead, chemical buildup and allergens. Consider house plants that help purify the air by removingtoxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and xylene; spi-der plants and aloe vera are exceptional for this. Use fragrance-free cleaning products. Install radon detectors along with fire detectors. Exercising is THE MAGIC BULLET for health—in mind, bodyand spirit! This goes for your lung health, too! Take a minute or two each hour to take slow deep, expansivebreaths. Avoid the close-in parking spots or park your car once in ashopping area like Wolf Ranch and walk to all of the stores youneed to visit. It’s a long way from Kohls to Target! If you want to sit, sit on the floor. This will engage musclesyou probably don’t use often. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Stand and walk when you are talking on the phone. Exercise while watching TV. Every time a commercial comeson, stand up and take steps in place, stretch or do toe touchesor heel raises Cook more at home! Studies show you move more and burnmore calories moving about at your home to cook than order-ing food in or going out to eat (unless you park a distance fromthe restaurant). People who cook their meals at home tend toeat fewer calories, too!
This month, SeniorSeminar is earlier thanusual. It will be from 10to 11:30 a.m. Thursday,October 8, via Zoomwebinar. The topic is“The Facts on Dementia& Memory Care.”
Senior Seminars arefree educational oppor-tunities sponsored byVirginia Lazenby, anactive member of SanGabriel PresbyterianChurch. She also is aTexas Realtor specializ-ing in Seniors’ RealEstate and a CertifiedDownsizing Coach.
The seminars provideinformation only with-out strings from manypeople with uniqueexpertise. While theseminar is free, pleasecall 512-862-7330 toreceive your link to thewebinar.
October isHealthy
Lung Month
Don’t take your
lungs for granted.
Take steps to
reduce your risk
of lung disease
and keep your
lungs healthy.
DedicationDay
SundayOctober 25
Join your churchfamily as together
we affirmour gratitude
to God and ourdesire to be found
trustworthystewards.
Stewardshipmaterials are being
mailed, and youare asked to returnyour pledge card
and Time andTalent form in theenvelope included
by October 25.
8 F I R S T W O R D
Despite being underCOVID-19 quarantine,Ken and Ruth Copsey,missionaries to thePhilippines, continue toconduct weekly Zoomprayer meetings withtheir local mission teamand with EmmanuelInternational. Reliefpackages have been sentto six areas of the coun-try to help 400 families.
Checks to support theCopseys’ mission can bemailed to the church,made out to "FPC." Indi-cate that it is for "CopseyPhilippines Mission."
Updateon the Copseys As you are aware, things are a bit differ-
ent at The Caring Place, so here are somethings you need to know.
Hours for the shops are 11 a.m. to 4p.m. You need to wear a mask, practicesocial distancing and use hand sanitizer.Second Helping is open byappointment only (www.caringplacetx.org/shop).
The drive-thru food pan-try is open from 8:30-10:30a.m. Tuesday and Thursday.Fresh Food for Families isavailable from 9-10 a.m. the1st, 3rd and 5th Mondays.
Programs and services are operatingby phone only at 512-943-0709.
Item donations are accepted from 10a.m. - 2 p.m. on scheduled days. Bring ap-proved items in a box or bag, and staffwill help you unload your vehicle.
To make painless financial donations,you can add a little to your Georgetown
utilities bill for the Good Neighbors Fund,which helps with clients’ utility bills.
If you list The Caring Place as your pre-ferred nonprofit on Amazon Smile, .5% ofyour purchases will be donated to TheCaring Place. Randalls will give 1% of your
purchase price to The CaringPlace if you select it as yourpreferred nonprofit.
There’s a lot more toknow, but check out all thedetails at www.caringplacetx.org.
Again, thanks for eachand every little help you give The CaringPlace.
Helping Hands of Georgetown, whichfeeds the homeless, is not one of our mis-sions but needs egg cartons. If you haveone-dozen egg cartons, please put them inThe Caring Place barrels.
Thanks as always for all you do.—Jenny Carswell
The Caring Place: Services are a little different
The church held a virtual baby shower via Zoom on September 20,with Babs Cape of the Administrative Committee as hostess. PastorBobby, wife Michelle and son Leo opened gifts and cards from churchmembers for baby Logan (and Leo).
Welcoming baby Logan
F I R S T W O R D 9
OCTOBEROCTOBEROCTOBEROCTOBEROCTOBER
F E L L O W S H I P
PW circles to take Thank Offering in OctoberGreetings, PW! We can all be proudthat the Fall Gathering, originallyplanned to be a live event at ourchurch September 12, was a greatsuccess on Zoom. Two hundredwomen from around MissionPresbytery registered. Presentationsby our own Nancy Robohn andKaty Bedford were well received. Theevent went very smoothly. If youwere unable to attend but wish tosee the video recording, contact me([email protected]).
Presbyterian Women's HorizonsBible lessons are available via Zoomon Wednesday, October 21, withHannah-Esther Circle, Rachel Circleand Martha Circle. Zoom links will
be published in the FPC weekly emailthe preceding Friday.
All women are welcome to joinone of these Zoom sessions, includ-ing, but not limited to, our sisters inLydia Circle and Sarah-Ruth Circle.
Elizabeth Circle meets Tuesday,October 6, at 6:30 p.m. Circle LeaderTheresa McKenna reports they are ahybrid group: Some members meetin person and others join by Zoom.The circle is watching a Max Lucadovideo (with study book) called "Anx-ious for Nothing." It focuses onPhilippians 4:4-8 and tools for over-coming anxiety. Newcomers are wel-come. Email [email protected]) for more information.
October is our month to considergiving to the PW Thank Offering.Since 1888, Presbyterian womenhave expressed their deep sense ofgratitude for God's blessings in theirlives by giving back to people in theircommunities and around the world.This year's recipients include two in-ternational projects and 13 nationalprojects, including two from Synodof the Sun. One of particular inter-est is $30,000 for Ferncliff Camp andConference Center, for transporta-tion of disaster kits. In light of thehurricanes, fires and other disastersthis year, we should remember thathygiene kits and clean-up bucketsprepared by churches are stored atFerncliff in Arkansas until the needfor them arises. Let's give generouslythrough our circles or directly toKitty Bristow, PW Treasurer.
—Blessings, Beverly Jones,Co-moderator
SUNDAY27Dr. Bobby Hulme-Lippert Preaching9:30am New Member Zoom Class9:30am Youth Zoom Bible Study11:00am Livestream Worship
4World Communion SundayDr. Bobby Hulme-Lippert Preaching9:30am Youth Zoom Bible Study11:00am Livestream Worship
11Dr. Bobby Hulme-Lippert Preaching8:30am Cemetery Service9:30am Youth Zoom Bible Study11:00am Livestream Worship
18Dr. Bobby Hulme-Lippert Preaching9:30am Youth Zoom Bible Study11:00am Livestream Worship
25Dedication SundayReformation SundayDr. Bobby Hulme-Lippert Preaching9:30am Youth Zoom Bible Study11:00am Livestream Worship
MONDAY28
5
12
19Church Office open8:30am until noon
26
TUESDAY2910:30am Pastoral Care11:00am Staff Meeting
610:30am Pastoral Care11:00am Staff Meeting7:00pm Youth Leaders
Zoom Meeting
1310:30am Pastoral Care11:00am Staff Meeting6:45pm Executive Comm7:30pm Committees
20Church Office open8:30am until noon10:30am Pastoral Care11:00am Staff Meeting4:30pm Newsletter
Deadline7:00pm Diaconate7:00pm Youth Leaders
2710:30am Pastoral Care11:00am Staff Meeting7:00pm Session
WEDNESDAY309:00am Virtual Coffee12:00pm Ladies’ Bible Study12:00pm Men’s Bible Study6:00pm Youth Gathering6:15pm Confirmation Class
79:00am Virtual Coffee12:00pm Ladies’ Bible Study12:00pm Men’s Bible Study6:00pm Youth Gathering6:15pm Confirmation Class
149:00am Virtual Coffee12:00pm Ladies’ Bible Study12:00pm Men’s Bible Study6:00pm Youth Gathering6:15pm Confirmation Class
21Church Office open 8:30amuntil noon9:00am Virtual Coffee9:30am Martha Circle9:30am Rachel Circle11:00am Hannah-Esther Circle12:00pm Ladies’ Bible Study12:00pm Men’s Bible Study6:00pm Youth Gathering6:15pm Confirmation Class
289:00am Virtual Coffee12:00pm Ladies’ Bible Study12:00pm Men’s Bible Study6:00pm Youth Gathering6:15pm Confirmation Class
THURSDAY1
810:00am Senior
Seminarvia Zoom
15
22Church Office open8:30am until noon
FRIDAY2Susan Isenhour out oftown thru 10/6
9
16
23Presbytery, JohnKnox RanchChurch Office open8:30am until noon
SATURDAY17Justin Jones Memorial Service,Presbyterian Cemetery
24Presbytery, John Knox Ranch
Dear FPC Family,Thank you for throwingthe virtual baby shower!We know it was notnearly the same ascelebrating together inperson, but it meant somuch that you wanted tocome alongside us andcelebrate Logan. Truly,we cannot wait for you tomeet him! Thank you,too, for the thoughtful,generous gifts and thekind sentiments you haveshared in cards, emails,texts and phone calls.We feel so blessed toknow that Leo and Loganhave such a remarkablechurch family.
—Blessings in Christ,Michelle, Bobby,
Leo and Logan
Thank You!
8 F I R S T W O R D
Despite being underCOVID-19 quarantine,Ken and Ruth Copsey,missionaries to thePhilippines, continue toconduct weekly Zoomprayer meetings withtheir local mission teamand with EmmanuelInternational. Reliefpackages have been sentto six areas of the coun-try to help 400 families.
Checks to support theCopseys’ mission can bemailed to the church,made out to "FPC." Indi-cate that it is for "CopseyPhilippines Mission."
Updateon the Copseys As you are aware, things are a bit differ-
ent at The Caring Place, so here are somethings you need to know.
Hours for the shops are 11 a.m. to 4p.m. You need to wear a mask, practicesocial distancing and use hand sanitizer.Second Helping is open byappointment only (www.caringplacetx.org/shop).
The drive-thru food pan-try is open from 8:30-10:30a.m. Tuesday and Thursday.Fresh Food for Families isavailable from 9-10 a.m. the1st, 3rd and 5th Mondays.
Programs and services are operatingby phone only at 512-943-0709.
Item donations are accepted from 10a.m. - 2 p.m. on scheduled days. Bring ap-proved items in a box or bag, and staffwill help you unload your vehicle.
To make painless financial donations,you can add a little to your Georgetown
utilities bill for the Good Neighbors Fund,which helps with clients’ utility bills.
If you list The Caring Place as your pre-ferred nonprofit on Amazon Smile, .5% ofyour purchases will be donated to TheCaring Place. Randalls will give 1% of your
purchase price to The CaringPlace if you select it as yourpreferred nonprofit.
There’s a lot more toknow, but check out all thedetails at www.caringplacetx.org.
Again, thanks for eachand every little help you give The CaringPlace.
Helping Hands of Georgetown, whichfeeds the homeless, is not one of our mis-sions but needs egg cartons. If you haveone-dozen egg cartons, please put them inThe Caring Place barrels.
Thanks as always for all you do.—Jenny Carswell
The Caring Place: Services are a little different
The church held a virtual baby shower via Zoom on September 20,with Babs Cape of the Administrative Committee as hostess. PastorBobby, wife Michelle and son Leo opened gifts and cards from churchmembers for baby Logan (and Leo).
Welcoming baby Logan
F I R S T W O R D 9
OCTOBEROCTOBEROCTOBEROCTOBEROCTOBER
F E L L O W S H I P
PW circles to take Thank Offering in OctoberGreetings, PW! We can all be proudthat the Fall Gathering, originallyplanned to be a live event at ourchurch September 12, was a greatsuccess on Zoom. Two hundredwomen from around MissionPresbytery registered. Presentationsby our own Nancy Robohn andKaty Bedford were well received. Theevent went very smoothly. If youwere unable to attend but wish tosee the video recording, contact me([email protected]).
Presbyterian Women's HorizonsBible lessons are available via Zoomon Wednesday, October 21, withHannah-Esther Circle, Rachel Circleand Martha Circle. Zoom links will
be published in the FPC weekly emailthe preceding Friday.
All women are welcome to joinone of these Zoom sessions, includ-ing, but not limited to, our sisters inLydia Circle and Sarah-Ruth Circle.
Elizabeth Circle meets Tuesday,October 6, at 6:30 p.m. Circle LeaderTheresa McKenna reports they are ahybrid group: Some members meetin person and others join by Zoom.The circle is watching a Max Lucadovideo (with study book) called "Anx-ious for Nothing." It focuses onPhilippians 4:4-8 and tools for over-coming anxiety. Newcomers are wel-come. Email [email protected]) for more information.
October is our month to considergiving to the PW Thank Offering.Since 1888, Presbyterian womenhave expressed their deep sense ofgratitude for God's blessings in theirlives by giving back to people in theircommunities and around the world.This year's recipients include two in-ternational projects and 13 nationalprojects, including two from Synodof the Sun. One of particular inter-est is $30,000 for Ferncliff Camp andConference Center, for transporta-tion of disaster kits. In light of thehurricanes, fires and other disastersthis year, we should remember thathygiene kits and clean-up bucketsprepared by churches are stored atFerncliff in Arkansas until the needfor them arises. Let's give generouslythrough our circles or directly toKitty Bristow, PW Treasurer.
—Blessings, Beverly Jones,Co-moderator
SUNDAY27Dr. Bobby Hulme-Lippert Preaching9:30am New Member Zoom Class9:30am Youth Zoom Bible Study11:00am Livestream Worship
4World Communion SundayDr. Bobby Hulme-Lippert Preaching9:30am Youth Zoom Bible Study11:00am Livestream Worship
11Dr. Bobby Hulme-Lippert Preaching8:30am Cemetery Service9:30am Youth Zoom Bible Study11:00am Livestream Worship
18Dr. Bobby Hulme-Lippert Preaching9:30am Youth Zoom Bible Study11:00am Livestream Worship
25Dedication SundayReformation SundayDr. Bobby Hulme-Lippert Preaching9:30am Youth Zoom Bible Study11:00am Livestream Worship
MONDAY28
5
12
19Church Office open8:30am until noon
26
TUESDAY2910:30am Pastoral Care11:00am Staff Meeting
610:30am Pastoral Care11:00am Staff Meeting7:00pm Youth Leaders
Zoom Meeting
1310:30am Pastoral Care11:00am Staff Meeting6:45pm Executive Comm7:30pm Committees
20Church Office open8:30am until noon10:30am Pastoral Care11:00am Staff Meeting4:30pm Newsletter
Deadline7:00pm Diaconate7:00pm Youth Leaders
2710:30am Pastoral Care11:00am Staff Meeting7:00pm Session
WEDNESDAY309:00am Virtual Coffee12:00pm Ladies’ Bible Study12:00pm Men’s Bible Study6:00pm Youth Gathering6:15pm Confirmation Class
79:00am Virtual Coffee12:00pm Ladies’ Bible Study12:00pm Men’s Bible Study6:00pm Youth Gathering6:15pm Confirmation Class
149:00am Virtual Coffee12:00pm Ladies’ Bible Study12:00pm Men’s Bible Study6:00pm Youth Gathering6:15pm Confirmation Class
21Church Office open 8:30amuntil noon9:00am Virtual Coffee9:30am Martha Circle9:30am Rachel Circle11:00am Hannah-Esther Circle12:00pm Ladies’ Bible Study12:00pm Men’s Bible Study6:00pm Youth Gathering6:15pm Confirmation Class
289:00am Virtual Coffee12:00pm Ladies’ Bible Study12:00pm Men’s Bible Study6:00pm Youth Gathering6:15pm Confirmation Class
THURSDAY1
810:00am Senior
Seminarvia Zoom
15
22Church Office open8:30am until noon
FRIDAY2Susan Isenhour out oftown thru 10/6
9
16
23Presbytery, JohnKnox RanchChurch Office open8:30am until noon
SATURDAY17Justin Jones Memorial Service,Presbyterian Cemetery
24Presbytery, John Knox Ranch
Dear FPC Family,Thank you for throwingthe virtual baby shower!We know it was notnearly the same ascelebrating together inperson, but it meant somuch that you wanted tocome alongside us andcelebrate Logan. Truly,we cannot wait for you tomeet him! Thank you,too, for the thoughtful,generous gifts and thekind sentiments you haveshared in cards, emails,texts and phone calls.We feel so blessed toknow that Leo and Loganhave such a remarkablechurch family.
—Blessings in Christ,Michelle, Bobby,
Leo and Logan
Thank You!
F I R S T W O R D 7
Faith in Action adapts services to COVID-19
M I S S I O N
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the se-nior population has been at high risk forthe virus. And a Georgetown organiza-tion, Faith in Action Georgetown (FIAG),in March was forced to discontinue itsmain service: volunteers driving seniorsto medical appointments, to go shoppingand run errands. FIAG helps seniorsmaintain independence and quality of lifethrough these free services.
As a response to the virus, the orga-nization switched to a virtual supportmodel, helping clients with online gro-cery orders, setting up prescription deliv-eries and even calling the more than 900clients to check in on their mental well-being. Its annual fundraiser, a benefit con-cert, also went virtual on September 17on Facebook and YouTube.
To help with the calls to isolated cli-ents, FIAG came up with a new servicefor the stay-at-home seniors: the tele-phone Buddy Program. An FIAG driverwho typically would provide transpor-tation was paired with a client to calltwice a week to check on his or her wellbeing. The program attracted new volun-teer callers, too.
In August, FIAG began a rephasingplan to return to regular services. Withsafety a top concern, transportation ser-vices resumed that month with FIAG of-fering single-passenger rides to medicalappointments. Safety protocols now re-quire temperature checks, face masks forriders and drivers, passengers riding inthe backseat only, and hand sanitizer be-ing available.
An added FIAG service during thecoming election will be help for olderadults with mail-in voting and rides tothe ballot drop-off. The organization hasteamed up with the Williamson CountyElections Office to make sure its assistancecomplies with state regulations for appli-cation and ballot assistance.
Those interested in getting help fill-ing out the applications or ballots will
receive non-partisan help from eitherFIAG staff or volunteers.
“It’s not our job to tell anyone how tovote,” said Vickie Orcutt, Executive Direc-tor. “We are here to help in completingwhat can be for some a very difficult andcomplicated process. Many older adultsremain cautious about voting in publicplaces, so we will offer mail-in applicationassistance, ballot completion assistance,transportation to polls and to the ballotdrop-off locations for those who do notwant to leave home. We understand howdifficult it is right now for our seniorpopulation to get out, especially if theyalready have transportation limitations.”
As for returning to business as usual,including van rides to the library, restau-rants and Wolf Ranch, “We aren’t quitesure what that will look like yet,” Ms.Orcutt said. “But we are working hardeach day to stay on top of safety measuresand the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention guidelines for how to moveforward.”
To donate to Faith in ActionGeorgetown or learn more
about the services, visitwww.FaithInActionGT.org
or call 512-868-9544.
You can also contact FPC’sadvocate for the organization,
Kitty Bristow,[email protected].
10 F I R S T W O R D
Penny Leone, RNParish Nurse
Virtual SeniorSeminar isOctober 8
C O M P A S S I O N A T E C A R E
Stephen Ministers come from all walks oflife, but they share a passion for bringingChrist’s love and care to people during atime of need. They are lay congregationmembers trained to provide one-to-onecare to those experiencing a difficult timein life: loss of a loved one, grief, divorce,loss of a job, chronic or terminal illness orrelocation.
Stephen Ministry training in 2021 willbe weekly from January 8 to May 4 at theWorship Place in Sun City. We ask you tothink and pray about what God may beasking you to do. If your calling is to sharelove and care with others in need, theStephen Ministry at FPC welcomes youto join us.
The training will use study modulesand group discussion that will help youprovide care to a care receiver. The classes
will be taught by Stephen Ministry leadersfrom the Georgetown churches with aStephen Ministry program. Each year adifferent church hosts the annual training.
If you are interested in joining theStephen Ministry training program in2021, contact us at [email protected] and Blessings.
—Sandie Kienitz, Stephen Leader
Stephen Ministry training set for 2021
Since this is “Healthy Lung Month,” I’m going to share a fewtips on things to do within your home to promote the health ofyour lungs: Vacuum using HEPA filters, which reduce lead, chemical buildup and allergens. Consider house plants that help purify the air by removingtoxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and xylene; spi-der plants and aloe vera are exceptional for this. Use fragrance-free cleaning products. Install radon detectors along with fire detectors. Exercising is THE MAGIC BULLET for health—in mind, bodyand spirit! This goes for your lung health, too! Take a minute or two each hour to take slow deep, expansivebreaths. Avoid the close-in parking spots or park your car once in ashopping area like Wolf Ranch and walk to all of the stores youneed to visit. It’s a long way from Kohls to Target! If you want to sit, sit on the floor. This will engage musclesyou probably don’t use often. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Stand and walk when you are talking on the phone. Exercise while watching TV. Every time a commercial comeson, stand up and take steps in place, stretch or do toe touchesor heel raises Cook more at home! Studies show you move more and burnmore calories moving about at your home to cook than order-ing food in or going out to eat (unless you park a distance fromthe restaurant). People who cook their meals at home tend toeat fewer calories, too!
This month, SeniorSeminar is earlier thanusual. It will be from 10to 11:30 a.m. Thursday,October 8, via Zoomwebinar. The topic is“The Facts on Dementia& Memory Care.”
Senior Seminars arefree educational oppor-tunities sponsored byVirginia Lazenby, anactive member of SanGabriel PresbyterianChurch. She also is aTexas Realtor specializ-ing in Seniors’ RealEstate and a CertifiedDownsizing Coach.
The seminars provideinformation only with-out strings from manypeople with uniqueexpertise. While theseminar is free, pleasecall 512-862-7330 toreceive your link to thewebinar.
October isHealthy
Lung Month
Don’t take your
lungs for granted.
Take steps to
reduce your risk
of lung disease
and keep your
lungs healthy.
DedicationDay
SundayOctober 25
Join your churchfamily as together
we affirmour gratitude
to God and ourdesire to be found
trustworthystewards.
Stewardshipmaterials are being
mailed, and youare asked to returnyour pledge card
and Time andTalent form in theenvelope included
by October 25.
6 F I R S T W O R D
Y O U T H M I N I S T R Y
Praying often, fervently for youth and families
David Lee HulseyYouth Director
To say that this scripture has been pop-ping up a lot in Youth Ministry is anunderstatement. I think it’s more accurateto say that God has laid it heavily on ourhearts to herald as a theme for the workof our Youth Ministry. This scripture waswritten on a postcard to our youth, andwe descrambled this verse the firstWednesday that we were able to meet inperson for small groups in September.
So obviously, yes, we’ve been prayingoften and fervently for our youth and theirfamilies. I’m reminded of two wonderfulaspects of prayer: Connecting and Lifting.
Colossians 1:9, “So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We askGod to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.”
We are called to pray for one another,which draws us into concern for others,therefore connecting us to others. Whenwe realize we are being prayed for, we arebeing lifted up to God in prayer. Both as-pects can be quite humbling. I would en-courage all of us to continue the Church’swork of connecting and lifting throughprayer. And in doing so, I pray, “God togive you complete knowledge of His willand to give you spiritual wisdom andunderstanding.”
—God Bless, David Lee Hulsey
Don’t forget to read about fall programming for kids and their families, page 4.
YOUTH MINISTRYSunday Bible Study
(via Zoom)For Junior High and
Senior High9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
WednesdayYouth Group(In Person)
Wednesdays6 - 7:15 p.m.
Meeting outside at FPCContact
David Lee Hulsey for more details on
youth programming.
F I R S T W O R D 11
COVID-19 has FPC going back to its roots, gatheringin homes as part of Porch Pals, which began in Sep-tember. The organizational meeting for our church washeld in a home near Round Rock on June 12, 1854.Records show 10 charter members present who createda session, heard a sermon, celebrated the Lord’s Supperand witnessed an infant baptism.
Home of the Brainards: (from left) Katie Bradford, Fred Hilgeman,Keith Brainard, Jana McCown, Fred & Laura Herbst, TerriStubblefield & Joey Mikel.
Home of Vivian & Lloyd Davis (third from left): Frank & Rebec-ca Beam (left), Bill & Lois Stanley and Tom & Peggy Currie(right). (Not shown: Vivian Davis).Home of Dennis & Terri Boroczk: Bill & Theresa McKenna,
Phil & Jeanne Smith, Bridget Chapman, Lea Ann Hutton,and Gary & Kay Cox.
Home of Gene & Carolyn Gregory: Left, Robert & Anne Gowdy and Gene Gregory. Right, Cathy Shirley, CharlesShirley, Judy Thomson and Jeff and Judy Willett. (Not shown: Carolyn Gregory)
F I R S T W O R D 5
SURVEYORS (on Zoom)9:30 a.m. SundaysSurveyors continue the fall with two won-derful studies:
“Learning Dur-ing Solitude,” ledby Celeste Frostusing Henri Nou-wen’s book Out ofSolitude: Three Medi-tations on the Chris-tian Life (throughOctober 11). “Jesus and theParadigm Shift,”led by Phil Smithfrom October 18
through November 8.Often we read scripture with a 21st cen-
tury view. As a result, we miss Jesus chal-lenging his listeners to go beyond theirnarrow views. Bring your Bible and joinus as we consider: Jesus and the New Covenant Jesus teachings about our vertical rela-tionship with God
Other VirtualEducational
Opportunitiesfor Adults
Jesus teachings about our horizontal re-lationship with each others Our response to Jesus
If you’d like to join the Surveyors forthese and upcoming discussions, contactBill Stanley ([email protected]) tobe added to the email list and receive theweekly Zoom link.
HOMEBUILDERS (on Zoom)9:30 a.m. SundaysThrough October 4
Homebuilders beganthe year with KarenJones leading a six-week DVD series byauthor Adam Hamil-ton, “When Chris-tians Get It Wrong.”Hamilton tackles is-sues listed by thosewho are leaving thechurch and addresses
the how’s and why’s of Christians gettingit right when it comes to being Christ inthe world. This is a discussion-orientedclass for adults that covers topics in Chris-tian living, scripture and church history.
Formed to meet the needs of adults inthe family building stage of life, Home-builders welcomes all. If you are interestedin attending this class, email [email protected], to be sent the Zoom link.
CROSSROADS (on Zoom)9:30 a.m. SundaysLed by Patrick & Amanda TolbertAs election season kicks into full swing,the Crossroads class continues its missionof squaring headlineswith scripture to de-termine God’s will andinstructions for ourdaily lives. Our topicsfrequently delve intothe world of politics,newsmakers and scrip-ture’s instruction to build communityrather than drive a wedge between us. Joinus during the Sunday School hour—evenif you’re in your PJs! It’s 2020 after all! Trueto our name, the class is open to anyonewho may be at a crossroads, seeking di-rection or understanding. Email [email protected] to receive informationfor Zoom.
Ladies LunchBible Study12 noon WednesdaysThrough October thegroup is studyingNabeel Qureshi’s SeekingAllah, Finding Jesus, tohelp them deepen theirunderstanding of theMuslim faith and learnthe kind of apologeticsand evangelism that ledNabeel to faith in Christ.Join the group as theyexplore Muslim culture,the most commonMuslim objections toChristianity, and thecore doctrines uponwhich Islam stands orfalls. Contact KarenRayburn, [email protected], to receivethe Zoom link.
Men’s LunchBible Study12 noon WednesdaysSturdy Wanamaker isleading a discussion ofthe book of Philippians.Sturdy, Ron Place andRod Burke facilitate thestudy. To join the emaillist and receive the Zoomlink, contact Ron, [email protected].
You change your physical or mail-ing address
You change your email address oradd email
You change your home or cell phonenumber
You add a new phone number
To notify
the churchoffice if:
12 F I R S T W O R D
Joy Bedford, who retired September 8 after 20 years as Education Director for FPC, was presented a 64-piece quiltduring worship service on August 30. A photo slide show, put together by Christina Bondesen, was shown featuringchildren, youth and adults sending Joy love. And Pastor Bobby offered a special prayer and blessing for her andRobert. The quilt has 33 t-shirts from past LOGOS years, All-Church Retreats and Vacation Bible Schools. It waspieced by Karen Rayburn and Liz Weaver. To finish the quilt, a quilt backing will now be added by Marlene Watts andLois Stanley. Photos: top left, clockwise, Adrianne Brandt, Annabel McClure and Karen Jones, Eric and Kelly Seaman,Robert and Joy, Terri Stubblefield and Joey Mikel.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance(PDA) is responding to several re-cent natural disasters (pda.pcusa.org/). Donations to support theserelief efforts can be made by check toFirst Presbyterian Georgetown, in-dicating the PDA Response Code inthe “For” line.
Hurricane Sally came ashore in Ala-bama September 16 with sustainedwinds of up to 105 mph. Movingslowly, the storm dumped 30 inchesof rain in Pensacola, Florida.(Code DR000169.)
Hurricane Laura, a strong category4 storm, made landfall August 27 onthe coast of Louisiana, about 30 milesfrom the Texas border, bringinglashing rain and sustained winds of150 miles per hour. While the stormwas downgraded to a category 2 asit moved further inland, hurricane-force winds and widespread damagecontinued.
PDA is working with our inter-national partners in Haiti and theDominican Republic, in addition tothe affected U.S. presbyteries. Initialresponse grants have been disbursed
to respond to immediate needs. (Code DR000194)
As wildfires roar in the Pacificnorthwest, PDA is in communica-tion with the Presbytery of the Cas-cades. A National Response Teammember has been virtually deployedto assist the presbytery. More infor-mation will be available as first re-sponders work to contain the fires.PDA is also responding in Califor-nia. (Code DR000165)
As PDA responds to hurricanes and wildfires, you can help
(continued on back page)
also a time of fellowship for the Sanctu-ary and Chancel Choirs when they arenot together in person, Philip said.
Like any other FPC ensemble, Re-Sounding Voices is open to all FPC mem-bers, nonmember visitors and others, byinvitation of the director. For more infor-mation about this new virtual choir op-portunity, email Philip at [email protected].
4 F I R S T W O R D
C H R I S T I A N E D U C A T I O NStephanie MettlerEducation Director
Church family, we have started our vir-tual programs for children and are excitedfor these opportunities while we are apart.
We are all pretty bummed about miss-ing out on in-person classes and mealswith Sunday School and LOGOS, but ourteam has created some really special alter-natives to in-person times.
When we can return to in-person Sun-day School classes and our LOGOS fellow-ship, we will jump up and down and shoutit to you across the distances!
FPC Kids onlineFor now, we are having one program thatwe’re calling “FPC Kids.” It will take placeonline each week and then every otherWednesday night. It is so crucial that youregister for our kids programming so wecan send you Zoom links and make sureyou have all of the supplies you need forour lessons, crafts and activities. We don’twant anyone who wants to take part tobe left out. Don’t forget to register so wecan count you in as we gather our re-sources each week! There is no cost to reg-ister.
Visit the online classroomOur online classroom is available on thechurch website and offers children theopportunity to watch a video of theirteachers discussing the Bible story for theweek. They can also hear a word of en-couragement and have a fun, creative ac-tivity to take part in.
There are icons on the classroom pageto be clicked that take children to videosand coloring pages. There is even a wholesection dedicated to worship arts with Mrs.
Susan! This classroom updates each Sun-day morning and is available all week. Ifyou have not plugged into the online class-room, let us help you get started! (Anddon’t forget to register!)
Getting together on ZoomEvery other Wednesday night, from 6:30to 7, we are gathering over Zoom so wecan see each other’s faces and focus on faithfor a great 30 minutes together. TheseZoom meetings are for families (parents andchildren), and we’ll have family activitiesduring these times.
In a time where most things are vir-tual and many things seem overwhelming,please know that focusing on your family’srhythms is not wasted. It takes intentionand consistency to teach our children aboutthe life of faith, but the intention and con-sistency end up giving children the thingsthat matter most in this life and beyondthis life.
Remember to register!If you’ve forgotten to register, don’t be dis-couraged. Let us help you get registered,recentered and encouraged! We are all liv-ing in the crazy together. Parents and care-givers, please remember that the efforts youmake to raise your children in the ways ofChrist are never wasted and when they areat the center of your family’s rhythm, theybear lasting fruit. I can’t wait to do thisfall with you all!
On behalf of our education folks, welove you! —Stephanie
Porch visitsI’m also looking for-
ward to meeting a fewof you on your veryown porches! If youwant a porch visit foryour crew, just indicatethat when you registerfor the fall and I’ll grab
a mask before I come!
—Stephanie
F I R S T W O R D 13
ReSounding Voices, FPC’s new virtual choirorganized in response to the COVID-19pandemic, debuted Sunday, September 6,during a video shown during the live-streamed worship service.
Conducted by Philip Smith, the 30-mem-ber choir performed “Step by Step” by DavidStrasser, arranged by Ruth Schram.
Launched in August, ReSoundingVoices has rehearsals on Zoom, which are
FPC virtual choir debuts via video
This fall, PresbyterianChildren’s Homes andServices (PCHAS) is hostingvirtual luncheons in place ofthe annual in-personluncheons. These specialfundraising events willshowcase the life-changingwork PCHAS is doing inthese communities. TheAustin luncheon is Thurs-day, October 15. RSVP toReagan Stone at [email protected] or 512-489-1846.
PCHAS provides Christ-centered care and support tochildren and families in need.
PCHAS luncheonis virtual this yearHumor
The prayer of a 3-year-oldin church: “Our Father,Who does art in heaven,Harold is His name.Amen.”
A little boy was overheardpraying: ‘Lord, if you can’tmake me a better boy, don’tworry about it. I’m havinga real good time like I am.’
A four-year-old prayed,“And forgive us our trashbaskets, As we forgivethose who put trash in ourbaskets.”
A Sunday school teacherasked the children before thechurch service, “And why isit necessary to be quiet inchurch?” A little girlreplied, “Because people aresleeping.”
Laurell Brown of Round Rock joined September 22by Letter of Transfer from John Calvin PresbyterianChurch in Metairie, Louisiana. She is the wife ofretired Presbyterian minister Harry Brown, whoalso attends FPC. Laurell enjoys music, gardening,sewing, hiking and grandkids’ sports. She retired asan administrative assistant for Ochsner HealthSystem. She has served her previous churches inseveral ways: as elder, choir member, organist andpianist, Christian Education committee member,Sunday School teacher, children’s ministry leader,and treasurer of the Synod of the Sun’s PresbyterianWomen Coordinating Team.
Welcome,New Member
Laurell with husband Harry
F I R S T W O R D 3
O C T O B E R W O R S H I P
Flowersin Worship/
October
4 Rob & CathyFullinwider
11 Chuck Keith & InokDowning
18 Pat & Penny Leone25 This could be you!
ROOTED.REFORMED.RELEVANT.
Fall Sermon Series:
(on YouTube at 11 a.m.)
October 4World Communion SundayScripture: Genesis 15:4-21
Ephesians 2:9-10
October 11Scripture: Leviticus 16:20-22, 29-31
John 1:29
October 18Scripture: Romans 12:3-21
October 25Reformation SundayScripture: Revelation 21:1-5
This fall we are taking nine Sundays toconsider FPC’s “tagline,” “Rooted. Re-formed. Relevant.” In these uncertain,ever-changing times, what does it meanto be a people who are deeply rooted?How is it that our Reformed theologi-cal tradition informs, shapes and guidesour path in the world today? And whatdoes it mean to be a congregation atten-tive and relevant to God’s work inGeorgetown and throughout the worldtoday? These are just three of the key ques-tions I look forward to unpacking duringour series, and I pray it proves a seriesthrough which the Holy Spirit continuesto faithfully shape us and lead us intoGod’s future together.
—Pastor Bobby
Dr. Bobby Hulme-Lippert Preaching
S e p t e m b e r 1 3 - N o v e m b e r 8
Considering our “tagline”
The coronavirus pandemic couldn’t stopFPC’s annual Confirmation Class, the firstsuch for Pastor Bobby since he was calledto be our pastor last November. Eightyouth are participating: Maddox Azuma-Hall, Kailyn Bailey, Charlie Brainard, ReeceCowan, Eli Crenshaw, Johnny Decker,Landen Hammit and Maya Spruiell.
Helping Bobby lead the class, whichbegan September 2, are Phil Bookert andMinta McIntosh. It meets from 6:15 - 7:15p.m. each Wednesday through October 28.
“We gather, socially distancing andwearing masks, in the breezeway betweenthe two buildings,” Bobby said. Phil isteaching two classes and Minta one, whileBobby does the remainder. Minta ispresent each week to assist. The threeleaders are using the confirmationcurriculum of the Presbyterian Church(U.S.A.), “Big God, Big Questions.”
Bobby said he plans to ask somesession members to meet with the class onOctober 28, who, after talking with theeight participants, will vote to receive theminto membership. Then on November 1,they would be received into membershipduring the service of worship.
Eight youth participate
14 F I R S T W O R D
The home of 500 years of Presbyterianhistory, the Presbyterian Historical Soci-ety (PHS), organized in 1852, is the old-est denominational archives in the U.S.and is the national archives for the Pres-byterian Church (U.S.A.) and its prede-cessors. (history.pcusa.org)
Looking for something to do whilewe’re in the midst of a pandemic? Whynot go the PHS web page and experienceour history? See how it collects, preservesand shares the story of the American Pres-byterian and Reformed experience withPresbyterians, scholars and the public.You can find exhibits and collections onhistory of the church, a timeline of Pres-byterian history, a family tree of Presby-terian denominations, a historic sitesregistry, living history films, HeritageSunday and Reformation Sunday.
Don’t feel capable of navigating thePHS web page? PHS will help you gainaccess to the materials. This is a good timeto celebrate our history since we as Pres-byterians this month will celebrate thetradition that grounds our faith: Refor-mation Sunday, October 25. This marksthe occasion in 1517 when Martin Lutherposted his 95 theses on the church doorin Wittenberg, Germany. And our fall ser-mon series is on the topic, “Rooted. Re-formed. Relevant.”
The society’s holdings have more than250,000 titles on the history of the Pres-byterian tradition in America and some30,000 cubic feet of records and personalpapers of congregations, presbyteries,synods and General Assembly agencies ofPCUSA and predecessor Presbyterian andReformed denominations in the U.S.
PHS: Access to 500 years of Presbyterian history
Several biographies of John Calvin havebeen written, and one of the best can befound in our church library. Calvin, byBruce Gordon, is thought by religioushistorians to be one of the finest portraitsof the Genevan Reformer. Gordon is pro-fessor of ecclesiastical history at YaleDivinity School and specializes in late-medieval and early modern religious cul-ture. The best way to illustrate the flavorof this biographical study of Calvin is toquote Gordon’s impression of Calvin fromthe preface of the book.
“John Calvin was the greatest Protes-tant reformer of the 16th century, brilliant,visionary and iconic. The superior forceof his mind was evident in all that he did.He saw himself as an instrument of God,and as a prophet of the Church he brooked
no rivals. He never felt he had encoun-tered an intellectual equal, and he wasprobably correct. To achieve what he be-lieved to be right, he would do virtuallyanything. Although not physically impos-ing, he dominated others and knew howto manipulate relationships. He intimi-dated, bullied and humiliated, savingsome of his worst conduct for his friends.Yet as he lay dying they gathered aroundthe bed distraught with grief. There wouldbe no other like him.
“What made Calvin Calvin, and notanother 16th-century writer, was his bril-liance as a thinker and writer, and, aboveall, his ability to interpret the Bible. Hiscoherent, penetrating and lucid vision ofGod’s abiding love for humanity, ex-
Book Review: Calvin by author Bruce Gordon
(continued on back page)
The 2021 Flower Chart is go-ing virtual! Because of the pan-demic and uncertainty aboutreturning to in-person wor-ship, the Worship Committeehas decided to use SignUpGenius for volunteers wishingto provide flowers in worshipin 2021. Look for informationin the weekly FPC email, clickon the link, choose a date andsign up. Indicate if you wantto re-gift your arrangementand tell us what you wouldlike printed in the bulletin onthat Sunday. An email re-minder will automatically besent to you a week prior to yourdate. Contact Christina Bonde-sen with any questions.
Sign up virtuallyto provide flowersfor worship in 2021
25
Tax-deductible dona-tions to support the
Presbyterian HistoricalSociety are always
welcome and help PHScontinue collecting,
preserving and sharingthe story of the
American Presbyterianexperience.
(https://www.history.pcusa.org/get-involved/
give-phs)
You can supportPHS’s work
In the hospital last month: Shirley Nash,Nadine Tanner and George Biggs.
Our sympathy to: The family of Sugie Maxfield, whojoined the Church Triumphant September21. A private graveside service is plannedin Waco. Sugie had been a member sinceApril 2011. Joel & Joan Lawrence on the death ofJoel's mother, Camille Lawrence, Septem-ber 4 in North Carolina.
Thank you:“Dear Church Family, We are most grate-ful for the supportive calls, cards, notesand prayers following the deaths of Tho-mas’ sister and our son, Matthew. It hasbeen a challenging time for us and we havebeen blessed with all the care you haveshown. The Peace of Christ be with you.
—Thomas & Cindy Bausch
Serving in the military: Col. Brian Burk,Larry Burk’s son; Maj. Josh Daleiden,Betty Bradford’s grandson-in-law; JohnDecker; Jared A. Gross, Robert Bedford’snephew; Brian Hall; Capt. Daniel Ham-mond, Keith & Sue Renard’s grandson-in-law; Garrett Herbst; Gunnery Sgt.Matthew L. Johnson, son of Glen & AnnKaiser; Brandon Keith, Phil & JeanneSmith’s son-in-law; Tech. Sgt. RobertMcClanahan, grandson of Minta McIntoshand nephew of Lee McIntosh; Lt. Col. MikePratt, Jeff Pratt’s brother; Sgt. 1st ClassPaul Rayburn; Nicholas Stamos, Larry &Helen Burk’s grandson; and ChristianWinckel, grandson of Sandy Hayes.
2 F I R S T W O R D
5 Charles & Beverly Dennis10 Will & Monica Koenig16 Phil & Cindy Sharpnack18 Bob & Jeanine Albers22 Bill & Theresa McKenna29 Bryan & Sue Bell
James & Angela Ramsey
3 Adrianne BrandtMark DeRuyter
4 Madison Jackson5 Alice Fay
Ralph GibsonJacob McCownMargaret Sunkel
6 Vickie Hammerlun7 Cheryl Dorothy
Elize GossAmy Hunt
9 Don WillhouseSam Yantis
10 Brayden HammitChandler Hutton
11 Patsy BeckerPat LeoneKaren RedSherry Williams
13 Adana Gipson14 Cathy Shirley15 Phyllis Perkins
Angela RamseyAbby Staller
16 Judy BondLaura HerbstJoan LutzVirginia Reid
17 Ben Nichols18 Jim Marks21 Nicholas Brainard
Marv Hulshizer22 Callahan Guinn
Matthew MillerLenice Smithwick
24 ReyLynn LittletonJana McCown
25 Elizabeth EstradaAbigayle PoeHeidi Winter-Johnson
26 Lucie LelouxDonna NicholsJames RamseyBill Shirley
27 Jaime CowanBo Whitehead
30 Drew ArnoldClaude Folta
31 Dan ArnoldKathy Kerr Kubatzky
ANNIVERSARIES
Boldface indicatesa member of
First PresbyterianChurch
BIRTHDAYS
First Presbyterian ChurchNEW web page:
www.fpcgeorgetown.org
In September, in an effort to steward ourfinancial resources as faithfully as possible,FPC contracted with a central Texas com-mercial, janitorial company to meet theongoing janitorial and set-up/take-downneeds.
Unfortunately, this means that ourlong-time custodian, Kathi Davenport, willno longer serve on staff. We are, however,deeply grateful for her 13 years of faithfulservice at the church, and we will remainsupportive of her and her family through-out this transition. Please keep Kathi andher family in your prayers.
Friendly Folks Cleaning Service, whichhas experience in cleaning local churches,began work the second week of Septemberby doing a deep clean of both church build-ings free of charge —Pastor Bobby
Church staff updateAmong Our People
IncomePledges $590,738 $841,881 70%Other $92,900 $105,180 88%TOTAL $683,638 $947,061 72% ExpensesValidated Mission $40,258 $57,593 70%Local/Other Mission $13,750 $29,802 46%Ministry of the Word $94,680 $148,501 64%Program/Support Staff $308,501 $468,710 66%Christian Education $19,000 $39,350 48%Music and Worship $16,781 $21,756 77%Evangelism/Care $3,461 $11,115 31%Property $65,923 $90,500 73%Stewardship/Finance $11,555 $19,700 59%Other Oper Expenses $20,281 $43,970 46%Debt Retirement $65,036 $97,548 67%TOTAL $659,226 $1,028,545 64%
Actual AnnualBudget
YTD %AnnualBudget
Income and Expense ReportYear to Date - August 2020General Operating Fund
Many thanks to all whodonated school supplies to
Communidades Unidas ProSalud (CUPS) this fall tobe delivered to Mexico.The need is great and thiswill help many little ones.
Thank you!Thank you!Thank you!Thank you!Thank you!
—Muchas gracias, Cindy Bausch
F I R S T W O R D 15
Email:[email protected]
Website:www.fpcgeorgetown.org
First Presbyterian ChurchDr. Bobby Hulme-Lippert
Pastor703 S. Church Street
Georgetown, TX 78626
FIRSTWORDpublished monthly by
Phone: 512-863-3381Fax: 512-868-1226
lately, even though neither figure has re-mained at the target numbers for 14straight days. There were concerns raisedat the session meeting that the long-termviability of FPC’s congregation might beimpacted should we continue to worshiponly virtually. Session wants to do whatis safest for our members in worshipingtogether in church, while followingODTAP-approved procedures and guide-lines for when we do return.
Worshiping again on campus, when-ever that is, will be drastically differentfrom pre-COVID-19 worship, according toguidelines released by ODTAP. Some ofthose guidelines are summarized below.
WorshipWorship will be in the Worship Center-Fellowship Hall, with no more than 50people for any in-person service. Memberfamilies will sign up online to participatein a service, sit together, wear masks (re-quired for all worshipers over age 2), andsocially distance from others. Attendancewill be taken, as will photos of seatingarrangements should contact tracing beneeded.
Entering/Exiting the BuildingThe front doors to the Worship Center-Fellowship Hall will be propped open be-fore and after worship, and only oneentrance will be available: through thelobby doors facing 7th Street. Congregantswill have access only to the hall and thegathering area or lobby and bathroomsoff the lobby.
SacramentsPre-packaged individual elements (waferand juice) will be provided, or memberscould bring their own from home. Bap-tisms will include only immediate family.Funerals and weddings will be limited to50 or fewer participants.
OfferingNo offering will be collected by ushers andgreeters. Offering baskets will be locatedat the entrance and exit; however, onlineand direct draft options are encouraged.
Children in WorshipParents will be required to keep childrenand infants in worship with them sincethere will be no nursery or children’schurch. The leader of the Children’sMoment will stand where he or she is vis-ible to children, who will not go up tothe chancel steps. Children’s Worship Bagswill be “take home” for one-time use.Rooms 111 and 113 will be set up withlivestream as a Family Room for parentsand children who need a break from ser-vice. Parents are required to remain withtheir children at all times since no child-care workers will be present.
Choirs/MusicMusic Ministry staff will continue to pro-vide creative ways for music in worship.There will be no congregational or cho-ral singing until further notice.
Ushers/GreetersDoors will be propped open before andafter worship, and there will be a greeterat the lobby door. Hand-sanitizing sta-tions will be available throughout the area.Masks will be distributed to those whoneed them. Hymnals and friendship padswill be removed from the worship space,and you will find a bulletin on your chair,put there by gloved hands. Greeting eachother is encouraged while respecting so-cial distancing.
Sunday School and Fellowship TimeNo in-person Sunday School classes andfellowship time will be held, and there willbe no serving of coffee or food until fur-ther notice. The water fountains will beturned off, but bottled water would beavailable
SanitizingRegular weekly cleaning of the facility hascontinued, and will be done after all ser-vices. A bathroom monitor will restrict thenumber of people to one person or onefamily unit in each bathroom at a time,and the bathroom will be sanitized aftereach use.
Work-Week AccessTo ensure restricted access, doors will re-main locked even when the staff returnsto work.
Session and ODTAP(continued from front page)
In 1517 Martin Lutherattacked the CatholicChurch’s corrupt practice ofselling “indulgences” toabsolve sin. He nailed his“95 Theses” to the door ofthe Wittenberg CastleChurch in Germany.
Luther believed that theBible is the central religiousauthority and that humansmay reach salvation only bytheir faith and not by theirdeeds. This sparked theProtestant Reformation.Although these ideas hadbeen advanced before,Luther expressed them at amoment in history ripe forreligious reformation.
Luther and theReformation
October 2020
Inside2 Financial Report
October CelebrationsChurch Staff Update
3 October WorshipFall Sermon SeriesFlowers in WorshipSign up to Provide
Flowers in 20217 Dedication Day8 Virtual Baby Shower9 October Calendar
11 Porch Pals13 FPC Virtual Choir
Welcome, New Member14 Presbyterian Historical
SocietyCalvin Book Review
Christian Education3 Confirmation Class4 Fall Programming for
Children/Families5 Sunday School
Ladies Lunch Bible StudyMen’s Lunch Bible Study
12 Giving Joy Bedford Love
Youth Ministry6 DL’s Column
Mission2 CUPS7 Faith in Action Georgetown8 The Caring Place
The Copseys12 Presbyterian Disaster
Assistance13 PCHAS
Fellowship9 Presbyterian Women
Compassionate Care2 Among Our People
10 Healthy Lung Month:Points from Penny
Stephen MinistrySenior Seminar
R o o t e d . R e f o r m e d . R e l e v a n t.
FIRSTWORD
Two years after retiring as FPC’s pastor of30 years, the Rev. Dr. Michael A. Robertswas honored with the bestowing of thetitle Pastor Emeritus.
Pastor Mike and his wife, Cindy, werein the Worship Center-Fellowship Hallwith Pastor Bobby and Sallie Watson,General Presbyter of Mission Presbytery,on Sunday, September 27, to receive twoplaques recognizing the honor. One is aCertificate of Election and the other a reso-lution accompanying the honor. Mike’selection was approved by the session andvoted on August 16 by the congregationduring a virtual called meeting. He retiredSeptember 30, 2018.
Pastor Emeritus is an honorary titleawarded to a pastor honorably retiredfrom a ministry by election of the congre-gation. The title assumes no pastoralauthority or duty.
The resolution accompanying theaward notes that the congregation wasblessed to have Mike as Teaching Elder for30 years. He held the second-longest pas-torate in the 164-year history of ourchurch.
Mike Roberts receivesPastor Emeritus honor
16 F I R S T W O R D
“Calvin was fully aware of histalents, which he regarded as partof his special calling by God. Lutherhad brilliantly expressed what itmeant to be saved by God. That dis-covery changed Europe. Calvin’sgenius was to discover the Church,and teach what it was to be part ofthat body.”
A few tidbits about Calvin:Born Jehan Cauvin (1509) at
Noyon in northern France. Father:Gerard, cathedral notary and regis-trar to the ecclesiastical court.Mother: Jeanne le Franc, daughterof an innkeeper, from Cambrai.
Calvin’s education was superla-tive for his time. He received patron-age from a wealthy local family, theMontmors, and was able to attendcolleges in Paris. Destined by his fa-ther for the priesthood, he studiedphilosophy and learned classicalLatin. His father withdrew his sonand redirected him to study law,
where his father felt he could earnmore money. Calvin completed hislaw studies and along the way pickedup a working knowledge of KoineGreek.
Though he was opposed to celi-bacy of the priesthood, Calvin didnot express any interest in marriage.His friends attempted to play match-maker, but Calvin refused all candi-dates. But in 1540, at the suggestionof his friend Martin Bucer, Calvinmarried Idelette de Bure, a widowwith two children by her first mar-riage. The union proved to be a goodmatch. Idelette’s children with Cal-vin all died in infancy. She died in1549 and Calvin never remarried.
From birth Calvin was a RomanCatholic. In his early 20’s, he experi-enced an intense and unexpected en-counter with God in which, “Godby a sudden conversion subduedand brought my mind to a teachableframe…” Calvin broke with theRoman Catholic church and joinedthe body of reformers who were ac-tive at that time. Known by thechurch and public officials to be inthe company of church reformers,Calvin was branded a heretic andforced into hiding. During a Catho-lic pogrom in 1534, he went into ex-ile at Strasbourg. On his way he
“spent a single night” in the city ofGeneva, and the rest, as they say, is“history.”
John Calvin died at age 54 of res-piratory illness and exhaustion. Hehad warned his associates againstallowing his image to become an“idol” of the Reformed Church. Hisfriends directed that he be buried inan unmarked grave in a Genevacemetery. Visitors to modern-dayGeneva can visit the “traditional”gravesite of John Calvin, but the ac-tual gravesite remains unknown.
Calvin built a church for the wor-ship of God as he understood itshould be. That church has pros-pered and retained its vitality for 500years. Read the book. You should getto know John Calvin. —Mike Carson
pressed in some of the most exquis-ite prose of his age, has continueddown the centuries to instruct andto inspire. Like all great writers hetranscends his time.
(continued from page 14)
Book review
The church & library are not open,but you can contact Mike Carson at512-966-4234 if you would like forhim to check out this book for you &leave it (book cover disinfected) atthe church office. He is at the churchjust about every day. You can pickup the book between 8:30 a.m. & 12noon on Wednesday or Friday. Oncereturned, the book cover will be dis-infected & not circulated again for aminimum of five days.
On August 10, severe thunderstormsand damaging winds devastatedIowa, causing widespread poweroutages for some 150,000 people. Asmany as 14 million acres of farmlandwere also damaged by the storm.PDA is working with presbyteries ofNorth Central Iowa, Des Moines,Prospect Hill and East Iowa to re-spond to this storm. National Re-sponse Team members are virtuallydeployed to assist with the initialresponse. (Code DR000015)
Disasters(continued from page 13)
You can also give by going to pda.pcusa.org/page/give/ and clickingthe red “Donate Now” button.
Firefighters gather August 21 in front of Bonny Doon Presbyterian Church (Presbyteryof San Jose), which sustained minor damage in a wildfire. (Photo from Cal Fire CZA)
Session discusses returnto in-person worship
The most important thought we should have isto continue to be Christ-like in all that we do.Love of others should be what guides our deci-sions. The most loving thing is to be as carefulas possible as we come back together. If youare sick or at risk, please stay at home andenjoy our livestream service.
—Guidelines from the Open the Doors andThere’s All the People (ODTAP) task force
At its meeting September 22, FPC’ssession discussed how and when wemight return to in-person worship, assome Georgetown churches have. It wasdecided to meet again October 6 to talkmore about whether such plans mightinclude a “dry run” service on campuspossibly in October before actually sched-uling live services to begin this month orlater. Livestreaming of the 11 o’clock wor-ship service would continue for thosewho prefer to join in the service fromhome, as they have since mid-March, orthose who consider themselves at risk forCOVID-19.
ODTAP was formed last spring as asmaller task force of the Safety and Secu-rity Committee, focused solely on issuesrelated to the coronavirus. However,ODTAP will not make the final decisionregarding worship provision and build-ing use. That responsibility is with ses-sion, which will make decisions aboutfuture worship plans for the church.
ODTAP has been monitoring two setsof data to help us consider when wemight return to campus. One data set isthe rate of new COVID-19 infections inWilliamson County, and the other is thepositivity test rate, the percent of positiveresults from all coronavirus tests per-formed in the county.
Karen Rayburn, ODTAP task forcechair, said those data have looked good
(continued on page 15)(See next month’s newsletter
for more coverage.)
