St. Philip Presbyterian Church

Hurst, Texas www.stphil.org

(817) 282-9181 (817) 282-6690 (fax)

Rev. Dr. Greg Garis, Pastor

Rev. Elizabeth Dick, Interim Assoc. Pastor

Rev. Dr. Charles Teykl, Parish Associate

VOL. 48 January 15, 2014 No. 33

What a wonderful year 2013 was for St. Philip. As a church we touched lives with the life of Christ and this is cause to celebrate our ministry and mission. Our bylaws state that in January we are to have an Annual meeting. I consider this Annual meeting to be a celebration of the previous year. I’ve asked committees and groups of the church to submit annual reports which will be compiled in a booklet for this meeting. Also included in this annual report will be a one page budget of the church for the congregations information. The Session of the church has approved a budget for 2014 and even though there is a deficit showing in this budget the Finance and Stewardship committee and the Session feel confident that members and friends will continue their faithful giving and that the committees and staff will continue their good stewardship. At this meeting the Congregation will also be asked to approve the Pastor’s salary.

The Annual meeting of the congregation will take place on January 26, 2014 in the Youth Hall at approximately 12:15 PM.

This is a Pot-luck sandwich meeting. Please bring sandwiches and cookies to share.

Please mark your calendars for this important meeting.

The Mission Outreach committee and the Session have approved a time for our church neighbors and friends to learn more about the Affordable Care Act. Sharon Curry has agreed to organize this event and also to help get the word out. Let’s help Sharon by telling others that they can come to St. Philip to learn about this program.

Children and Families

Information Meeting Saturday, February 15

10:00 a.m. –12:00 noon

St. Philip Presbyterian Church 745 West Pipeline Road

Corner of Pipeline & Precinct Line Rd

For more information contact Sharon Curry 817.736.6808

Covering your

St. Philip Presbyterian Women

JANUARY

January 21 (Tuesday) 9:30 a.m. “The Age of Picasso & Matisse” January 28 (Tuesday) 9:30 a.m. Lovies Fellowship Hall

FEBRUARY February 4 (Tuesday) 9:30 a.m. PW Board Meeting Parlor February 6 (Thursday) 1:30 p.m. PW Bible Leaders Parlor February 10 (Monday) 5:30 p.m. Life Circle February 11 (Tuesday) 9:30 a.m. Grace Circle Room 8 February 11 (Tuesday) 10:00 a.m. Sheila Bradley Circle Parlor February 11 (Tuesday) 7:30 p.m. Mary Dietz Circle Parlor February 25 (Tuesday) 9:30 a.m. Lovies Fellowship Hall Note: Please continue to bring non-perishable food items (canned goods and dry goods) throughout the year and place them in the NEED bin on the Oak Terrace. Thank you.

Presbyterian Women News

Upcoming Presbyterian Women Activities On Tuesday, January 21st at 9:30 a.m., we’ll meet at the church for a trip to "The Age of Picasso and Matisse" at the Kimbell Art Museum. Cost is $9 or $8 for seniors 60 and older. If you are a member and willing to use your membership for a visitor please designate on the form. We’ll have lunch there after.

Tuesday, January 28th at 9:30 a.m. is Lovie Day and filling more bags of toiletries for the women at Presbyterian Night Shelter. We have all the items we need, so come to fill bags and make lovies for the preemies in NICU at Cook Children's Hospital. Since 1998 the women have worked 50,120 hours sewing for Cook Children's!

390 bears were collected at Christmas for the Cook's Prayer Bear program. Every sick child gets a teddy bear to help them through a tough time.

Pencil in the dates March 28th & 29th for the Presbyterian Women's retreat. More info coming soon.

The only requirement to attend any Presbyterian Women event is to be female. There's not a membership. This is not a club. Join in. You'll be glad you did!

Mirai Yi hired as organist at St. Philip…….. St. Philip would like to welcome Mirai Yi as our new organist. After a search that began last November for a permanent part-time organist, the session has approved her position which begins in late August.

Mirai has a Bachelor of Music degree in organ and piano performance, a double major, from the University of Kansas graduating in 2010. She is presently working on a Master of Music degree in organ performance at Southwestern Theological Seminary. Her organ professor is Dr. Yoon-mi Lim who is the organist at the First United Methodist Church of Hurst on Pipeline Road. Mirai has won prizes in many national piano competitions in Korea, her native country, and accompanied many choirs at the University of Kansas. She is married with a 19-month old son and is expecting her second child, a boy, in March. Mirai has extensive experience as a church musician and looks forward to serving God through her music. She is looking forward to worshiping at St. Philip several times before she begins her ministry with us.

Note of the Week………………

It seems so long ago since I’ve written to you! Ah…….it was in November! Well, since then we have had a lovely Christmas season with a Hanging of the Greens program (that I hope can become a tradition here at St. Philip) and a wonderful cantata, There Is a Rose. I hope you were able to attend at least one of these events. The cantata was during the church worship service and included a six-member, instrumental ensemble with wonderful musicians and singers. Thank you Chancel Choir, Vernon Boyd, Lynn Garis and our excellent guest instrumentalists! We, as messengers of God, hope you were blessed with God’s presence and message of the birth of Christ! Also, I would like to thank our Youth Chime Choir and our Hand Bell Choir for blessing us with their music during the fall and winter season. They put in many hours of rehearsal, and I appreciate the dedication of their time and talent. The Philippians and Cornerstone ensembles are like-wise beautiful singers that bring us wonderful music every month. Thank you for enhancing our worship especially at Christmas! Thanks, too, to Mike and Brian Ellis and the Demers for the wonderful solo, “Let Your Dove Descend on Me,” that Mike composed! Their music really enhanced our worship last Sunday for the Baptism of Our Lord service. Great job…beautiful song, Mike! This Sunday the Chancel Choir will be singing “O Lamb of God” by Jeffrey Van. The words are: O Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. O Christ, thou Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, grant us peace. See you in church on Sunday.

Joyfully Singing in Christ, Pam Cochrane

Jump for Joy

Fundraising Event for H.E.B. Family Services

Showcasing HEB Fine Art Students!

February 9, 2014 Fellowship Hall 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Hosted by St. Philip Presbyterian Church

745 West Pipeline Road Hurst, TX 76053

Silent Art Auction-miniature reproductions of art masterpieces by HEB art students grades K-12 (bids will start at $5.00). Cupcakes for Sale-provided by the HEB culinary arts students. Musical Performances showcasing HEB performing arts students throughout the event. Potluck Dinner-please bring a covered dish to share if planning to eat. No desserts please!

Free Admission! Donations will be accepted throughout the evening; all proceeds of the event will be donated towards financial relief for HEB

students and families identified through H.E.B.-I.S.D. Family Services Department.

February 1 Bob Urban February 2 Gretchen Grow February 3 Michelle Agee February 4 Barbara Lambert February 5 Merlin Carstenson February 5 Shirley Roberson February 6 Archie Moore February 7 George Staples February 8 Ellis Rogers February 8 Steve Noakes February 9 Zachary Saunders February 9 Godwin Senagbe February 10 Ray Sprinkel February 10 Ben Skodak

February 11 Pat Kee February 12 Bruce Cleveland February 12 Sherri Siler February 12 Sharon Curry February 13 Johnny Wallace February 14 Scott Forester February 15 Jack Kimball February 15 Steve Koenig February 18 Christy Williams February 19 Bill Manley February 19 Rick Metzgar February 20 Betty Laehr February 21 Ashley Hansen February 21 Sarah West February 22 Bruce Johnson February 22 Lynette Mercer February 23 Valerie McKeown February 26 Ashley Berry February 26 Doris Wilk February 26 Diane Keller February 28 Bama Rager February 28 Molly Rippe

Dear St. Philip,

Happy New Year! We have much to be joyful about here at the Dick/Serino household. Our newest addition, Tyler “Anthony” Serino, was born December 18, 2013. Ron and I were blessed to be there at his birth! Since his arrival, he has gained weight and vocal strength, and proud big brother Michael has learned to find the pacifier in no time flat. We have celebrated with family visiting, holy holidays, birthdays, and the addition of Anthony’s “first family” (his birth mother and her family) into our lives. He was born in Houston, and through open adoption we have been getting to know his first family. “Open adoption” means that the birth mother chooses the adoptive family who will receive her child. The two families remain in covenant communication, as their relationships evolve. What a gift to learn about our son’s loving beginning and heritage. We look forward to keeping in touch with Anthony’s first family throughout his life. And we are thrilled to share in his naming: “Tyler” is what his first mother called him in the womb, and “Anthony” is my older brother, father, and grandfather’s name. Thank you so much for all the prayers and love sent our way. We are showered with it!! We look forward to introducing Anthony to St. Philip in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, we have everything we need for now. If you do wish to share in our joy, a diaper donation to N.E.E.D. in Anthony’s honor would be much appreciated.

With much joy and sleepiness, Elizabeth

N.E.E.D

This month the following requests have been made: Hamburger Helper Asst. Helper Jam/Jelly Refried Beans Rice Tea Bags

Thank you for your continued Support, Mission Outreach

Financial Report

December Year to date Income $77,777.69 $592,614.65 Expenses $44,341.05 $545,967.85 $33,436.64 $ 46,646.80 Thanks to everyone for their contributions. If you are not current on your pledge, please attempt to catch up on your pledge as soon as possible.

2014 Mo-Ranch Men's Conference Metroplex Kick-Off Celebration

January 20th at 7:00 p.m. Join us for a dinner with Jesse Truvillion on January 20, 2014 7:00 p.m. at Emmanuel PC in Bedford, TX. Jesse was a good friend of Martin Luther King and will share interesting stories about MLK. Also, the leadership of Mo-Ranch will give us updates concerning the ranch. Dinner will be catered by The Classic Café of, Roanoke, TX. Cost of the dinner is $10.00 at the door. Please join us for a most interesting evening of good food, fellowship and great speaker. Make your reservation via email or phone at the following: Emmanuel PC or John Field or Fred Thompson 2701 Harwood Rd. bjfield@tx.rr.com toniafred528@att.net Bedford, TX 76021-3752 817-571-6880 817-545-0251 office@emmanuelpc.org

SESSION HIGHLIGHTS December 2013 At the December Stated Meeting, Session approved the following:

Supporting and sponsoring Sharon Curry and a team she selects to schedule an event on February 15, 2014, as an outreach to our church and community.

The Boy Scouts using the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall on January 26, 2014, from 1:00 to 4:30 pm to present Eagle rank to one of their scouts.

Cub Scout Pack 254 using the Fellowship Hall on January 25, 2014, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm for their annual Pinewood Derby.

Cub Scout Pack 253 using the Fellowship Hall on February 8, 2014 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm for their annual Pinewood Derby.

Replacing the Air Conditioner compressor unit which services the south end of the CE building. Cost is not expected to exceed $5000.

The Youth and Families January calendar. The examination of the new Ruling Elders and Deacons, and setting their ordination and installation

for January 5, 2014, during the 11:00 am service. A gathering of mothers with children and teens to take place monthly to share fellowship and support. Holding a meeting on Sunday, December 22, 2013, in the Parlor with the Budget and Finance Committee to discuss and approve the 2014 Budget. Meeting on Sunday, January 5, 2014, at 10:00 am in the library to examine Ruling Elders and Deacons who were not able to be trained and examined this week. Having young adult study/fellowship gatherings to begin as soon as possible. Holding our annual meeting on January 26, 2014. Giving $4000 from Foundation Funds for the St. Philip PDO/Preschool. Their enrollment has been

down for the year and their budget shortfall for 2014 is projected to be about $30,000. Sending our concerns and suggestions regarding a Personnel action back to the committee.

Session also ratified one e-mail vote to hold a Congregational Meeting on December 8, 2013, immediately following the 11:00 am service for the purpose of electing Ruling Elders and Deacons.

Mariners

Saturday, Jan. 18th, 6:00 P.M. Fellowship Hall

Come for pot luck dinner and games

(such as bridge or Mexican train) Hope to see you there.

If you have questions contact Randy Brice

The 2014 “Year with the Bible”

booklets and an article on

“Packing a Bible” are available in the literature racks outside the church

office.

Parish Health Ministry

Next Blood Pressure and Health consultation date is

February 9, 2014 12:00 p.m.

Bonnie Skodak nurse@stphil.org

The Parish Nurse can be contacted through the church office.

Youth and Families Committee discussed expanding Youth Council to all youth for planning purposes and evaluation of events, structure, etc. Each month, we will designate one activity day for ‘Youth Planning.’ We’ll start at 5:00 p.m. for an extended dinner with discussion, then proceed to our activity.

January 2014 19th 5:30 p.m. Dinner/Youth Connection Discussion 26th 5:30 p.m. Dinner/Fortune Cookie Baking Jan 31st-Feb 2nd Senior High Youth Connection (SHYC) for 9th-12th graders at Austin College, Sherman, TX

February 2014 2nd 12:00 p.m. Lunch at Red Robin then Roller skating at Hurst Skateland 8th 10:00 a.m. Breakfast/Make/deliver sandwiches to Presbyterian Night Shelter 14th 6:00-10:00 p.m. Valentine’s Day Babysitting Fundraiser (CE Bldg) 16th 5:30 p.m. Dinner and Youth Connection/Discussion 23rd 5:30 p.m. Fancy Dinner/Favorite Character Costume Ball

In January, St. Philip celebrates the birthdays of:

Lindsey Zimmer – January 11

Hope Garis – January 13

Alex Robertson – January 25

In the month of February, the St. Philip Sunday School children will be studying: Preschool: Zacchaeus. Elementary School: Ruth and Naomi. Junior High: Connect: Quirky Teens, Bible Themes. Senior High: The Lord’s Prayer.

St. Philip celebrates the baptismal birthday of:

Ryan Stark – January 4

Searching for a Sunday School Superintendent

The Childhood Education

Committee is searching for a person to be our Sunday School Superintendent. This person would act as a liaison between the Sunday School and Christian Education staff. He/She would also be in charge of keeping track of Sunday School attendance and coordination of Sunday School volunteers. Moving forward with the soon-to-be-called Associate Pastor, the Sunday School Superintendent will serve an important role in co-ordinating Sunday School activities. Please contact Lee Larkin 817-268-0398 or at lee.larkin.m@gmail.com or Jennifer Friedel, Interim DCE at jenniferf@stphil.org for more information.

KidQuake and YouthQuake are weekends of fun and spiritual growth at Camp Gilmont near Gilmer, TX.

KidQuake is designed for 1st-5th graders and YouthQuake is designed for 6th-8th graders.

Both events are held in the Spring each year. The events provides an opportunity to retreat to the rustic beauty of God’s creation and connect with children and youth from other churches in Grace Presbytery. Churches register as a group and provide their own adult sponsors. Designed much like summer camp, with bible study and small group discussions, the weekend offers opportunities for children and youth to choose from a variety of fun activities.

More information and registration forms will be distributed at Sunday school and/or mailed to your homes. Questions? Contact Jennifer Friedel, Interim DCE at jenniferf@stphil.org.

Dinner and Fortune Cooking baking on Jan. 26th at 5:30 p.m. in the Youth Hall.

Feb. 2nd we’ll have lunch at Red Robin (Yum) at 12:00 p.m. then Roller Skating at Hurst Skateland. We’ll leave from the church.

The session of the church has agreed to pray for Kelsey Jowell as she plans to go on a Mission trip and to ask the congregation to help support her. Below is the letter she has sent explaining her upcoming trip. I hope all is well with you! My name is Kelsey Jowell and I am a junior at Harding University! This upcoming Spring Break I will be serving on a mission trip to the City of Children in Ensenada, Mexico. Our team consists of 48 college students from Harding. We are all excited about the opportunity to serve the children’s home there, but the trip will involve a lot of dedication, work, and strength from the Lord. The City of Children is located south of San Diego in Ensenada, California. They serve the neglected, abused, and abandoned children of the Baja peninsula of Mexico. These children desperately need to be shown love. Our goal is to show them the love that Christ shows us every day. We have a full schedule planned out that all revolves around the kids. Everything from VBS to our daily lunches with the kids, we want Jesus to be at the center.

Our team will be at the City of Children from March 7th to March 14th. The total cost per team member is $1,050, which I would like to raise by February 1st. This money covers airfare, lodging, food, and supplies for our team. I am writing, first of all, to request prayers for my team. Pray that our work is a success and that Christ is glorified in everything we do. Secondly, I am writing to ask if you might be able to assist me financially as I seek to serve these children.

If you are able to assist me, I truly appreciate your support. If you want to pay via credit card, you can call the Spring Break office at 501-279-4660. Otherwise, please make checks payable to “Harding University.” Include a sticky note with my name on it. Send checks by Feb. 1st to:

City of Children Trip Spring Break Mission Office Box 10750 Searcy, AR 72149

Once again, please pray for our team. Pray that God can use us as His instruments during the week. Pray that we may show love to these kids. Our team wants to fully be invested in them. These children need to be uplifted and affirmed that God still has a plan for them even with their rough background. I know that God hears the prayers of His people. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call me at 817-343-7606.

Thank you, Kelsey Jowell

Did you know that St. Philip has a policy for the Acceptance and Administration of Gifts? A few years ago, the Finance and Stewardship committee worked on a way for the St. Philip to receive both monetary and personal property/items. The bottom line of this policy is that the Session/trustees are to receive all gifts to the church. For more information about this policy please contact Rev. Greg Garis.

ST. PHILIP PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 745 W PIPELINE ROAD HURST, TEXAS 76053-4999

JANUARY 15, 2014

REMEMBER IN PRAYER: Al Moreira, father of Dina Ferreira...Rebecca, daughter of Chuck and Ruth Lucas…Charlotte Mecaskey, daughter of Charlie and Imogene Mecaskey…Congratulations and Welcome to Jennings Thomas Shane, born on Dec. 22nd to Derek & Jennifer Shane in Woodlands, TX, proud great-grandfather Hal Shane…CONTINUE IN PRAYER FOR: Martha Grammer…Merlin Carstenson…Jack Kimball ... Jim Toler...Marie Borland…Dana Caswell… Joshua Johnson…Cindy Simmons…Cecile Lemmon…Linda Vautier…Doris Clark…Marion Hayes…Ellen Johnson…Madelyn Glass…Mary Ann Nicholson…Randee Teykl…Cindy Case…Mary Jo Wood…Jim Wood…Leah Moore…Pat Carlson…Dick Rager…Kelly Frazure…Johnny Wallace..Sharon Curry...Kay Bookout…Lidia McFarland…Ellis Rogers…Mertie Martin…Lu and Sarah Brewer…Elma Lee Mulkey…Ben Cross…Brenda and Roy Petersen…David Moore…Colby Steddum…Sally Starr REMEMBER IN PRAYER THOSE IN THE MILITARY: Zach Saunders, Tom and Lynette Mercer’s son...John Calhoun Miller, Mac and Ruth Calhoun’s grandson and Elaine Stokes’ nephew…Matt Kiser and David Kiser, sons of Helene Kiser…Josh Peck, son of Sherri Siler…Jennifer Reynolds, daughter of Margaret Reynolds…Matt and Cosmo Romo, great-nephews of Liz Hailey…Andrew Norman, grandson of Stella and Bob Urban…Sarah Willett, granddaughter in law of Bob and Stella Urban…Ben Temple, grandson of Tal and Jaylon Buie…Ryan Schuster, nephew of Fred Barney…Christopher Koppel, fiancé of Carolyn Rippe.PRAYER FOR OUR FRIENDS FROM COOK CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER: Ashton, 2 mths, healing, wellness & increased appetite; Braxton, 3 wks, healing; Carol, 3 mths, surgery; Destiny, 17 yrs, Crohn’s disease; Emily, 7 mths, healing; Emmanuel, 16 yrs, heart surgery; Ethan, 1 mth, heart defect; Gabriel, 1 mth, premature; Isabelle, 5 mths, complete healing; Jack, 1 mth, healthly lung development; Jathen, 1 yr, broken finger & infection on same hand; Javier, 2 mths, improvement in health to have one more surgery; Jayson, 9 yrs, spine tumor; Jenny, 12 yrs; Josiah, 3 wks, seizures; Laurentias, 14 yrs, asthma; Maiya, 1 mth, healing; Maria, 17 yrs, heart complications; Maria, 2 mths, strength & healing; Mason, 1 yr, heart problems; Nathan, 6 yrs, appendicitis; Noah, 8 yrs, hirsch-sprungs, surgery; Reylin, 3 mths, recovery from TOF repair; Terry Jr., 2 wks, healing in lungs, tummy & infections; Thomas, 18 yrs, bone marrow transplant.

The Garis family would like to thank all the members and friends who sent Christmas cards and gave gifts. We feel

fortunate for all the well wishes and gracious comments that were given. Thank you very much. Greg, Lynn, Cole and Hope

I want to thank the people of St. Philip Presbyterian Church for the showing of love and caring for Jean-nine and myself. There are angels in this congregation that are unaware of who they are. I know who you are and so does God. When the Bible talks about going

the second mile, there are some that have done that. I especially want to thank Greg, Charles and Elizabeth for the love and compas-sion they have shown. I am sorry for the times they have come to visit and we were not there for varying reasons. I also want to thank all of you that have held us up in your prayers. They did not go unanswered. I will always hold a special place in my heart for all of you. Thanks for all the visits, phone calls, cards and flowers. Sincerely, Raymond Van Noy