Volume 18 - Issue 6 Summer Worship 2015

“People ministering to people for Christ’s sake.” 2015 Volume 18 - Issue 6 Summer Worship 2015

Beginning May 31 and continuing through September 06, the Sunday morning schedule will change: we will have ONE WORSHIP SERVICE, AT 10:00 A.M., IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL.

Coffee Fellowship will continue in the vestibule from 9:30 until 9:59 Nursery care will be available for children who have not yet been to Kindergarten Sunday School will meet in the gym during the worship hour for children finished grades K – 5; see below for more information.

Since you love choosing your favorite hymns, we will once again feature “Do-It-Yourself Hymnody.” Here are your hymn choices for June:

May 31 “Holy, Holy, Holy” “Holy, Holy” “All Creatures Of Our God And King”

June 07 “We Gather Together” “The Old Rugged Cross” “Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine!”

June 14 “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” “There's A Sweet, Sweet Spirit” “For The Beauty Of The Earth”

June 21 “How Great Thou Art” “In The Garden” “Lord, You Have Come To The Lakeshore”

June 28 “As Morning Dawns” “Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley” “Amazing Grace”

Texts and Themes for June: (Overall Theme: “The Things Jesus Said”)

May 31 John 3:1–17 “God So Loved” June 07 Mark 3:20–30 “A House Divided Against Itself” June 14 Mark 4:26-34 “With What Can We Compare The Kingdom Of God?” June 21 Mark 4:35–41 “Peace! Be Still!” June 28 Mark 5:24b–34 “Who Touched Me?”

Sunday School Volunteers Needed!

As noted above, Summer Sunday School will meet in the gym during the worship hour for children finished grades K – 5. We have chosen a curriculum that is essentially self-contained, and requires very little advanced preparation. What we need are teachers: a team of at least 2 to lead the study, beginning at 10:00 each Sunday Morning. If you are willing and/or interested, come by the Church Office and take a look at the materials. The calendar of open dates will be available for you to sign up.

Child Protection Policy Orientation and Screening:

The stated purpose of our Session’s Child Protection Policy is to enable our church to “work diligently to provide a safe and secure environment for children and youth, while also ensuring the same for adults to whom children and youth are entrusted.”

If you have volunteered or anticipate volunteering for any activity involving children (for example, Vacation Bible School), you must participate in the Volunteer Screening program, which includes several steps:

1. You will be apprised of the purpose of the program and given a copy of the policy statement. 2. You will be asked to complete a Volunteer Application form and watch the training video. 3. A criminal background check will be conducted by the Volunteer Screening Team (VST).

All information gathered will be kept in the strictest confidence; the entire process should take no more than an hour. If you would like to view the introductory video, with no commitment to proceed with the screening process, you are more than welcome to do so. A copy is on reserve in the church office.

Presbytery Meeting:

Mission Presbytery meeting, June 19-20, First Presbyterian Church, Kerrville

What is Father’s Day?

Father's Day is observed on the third Sunday of June. The holiday is dedicated to celebrating fathers, grandfathers and fatherly figures and their contributions to their families, children and society.

Father's Day was founded as a way to complement the already existing Mother's Day holiday which was founded in 1908. The individual credited with the creation of Father's Day is Sonora Smart Dodd. She felt called to create a holiday that calls for the celebration of fathers and their influence in society after sitting through a sermon where she heard the story of Anna Jarvis, the woman credited with the founding of Mother's Day. Sonora was raised by her single father along with her five other siblings and this created an extreme desire within Sonora to create a holiday dedicated to celebrating fathers around the world.

Father's Day was celebrated for the first time on June 19, 1910 at Spokane, Washington's YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association.) Even though it was celebrated for the first time in 1910, Father's Day did not become an officially recognized national holiday until President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation in 1966. President Richard Nixon is credited with making Father's Day a permanent national

COMMITTEE REPORTS - Program Committee

Program Committee Report for May 2015 (from Kelly McNeely)

Charlie, Tom Jaggard, and Kelly McNeely met on Wednesday, May 13th. Susan Forrest, our church librarian, was our guest, so our discussion centered around how to enhance the library collection and to promote the library’s use by our church members.

The library's focus is non-fiction and reference materials that you can use for Bible Study. There is funding for new books, so if you would like to suggest a title, please contact one of the committee members. We will soon add a copy of each book that the Adult Sunday School class has studied recently. In the future, we will strive to purchase reference material that supports the current Bible Study, Sunday School lessons, and the P. W. Bible Study. Donated books and duplicate copies that don't find a home in the library will be made available on Tuesday nights at a separate table in the Narthex so that people who come to dinner at Community Table can choose a book as they leave. Our Sunday School teachers are developing a library of children’s books that they read in class. Those books are stored upstairs so they are near where they are used.

Beginning in July, be on the lookout for a feature article about the library in each month’s Presbylines. If you are interested in writing a review for a book from the library, please let Kelly or another member know, and we will help you get started.

Summer Sunday School for kids is underway. The first 3 Sundays have teachers, but there are 10 more opportunities to teach a class this summer, so we need more volunteers to take on a Sunday or two. Speaking from experience, the kids are fun to spend time with, and they know the program. If you think you don’t know what to do or how to teach kids, this experience will show you that you do and that you can. You can pick up the lesson ahead of time, but the program is designed so that advanced preparation is not required. Charlie has the sign up list for teachers. The class is held in the gym during the Worship hour at 10:00. Snacks for the children and the teachers are provided!

VBS needs a few more people to complete jobs before the event (such as decorating) as well as during the week of July 13th from 9am–12 noon. Please come and bring a friend and / or some youngsters!

Director COMMITTEE REPORTS - VBS Committee

VBS July 13-17, 2015

“Everest - Conquering Challenges With God’s Mighty Power”

We really feel led to this choice with the suffering and challenges of the people of Nepal Our international mission will be those in Nepal in need, while our Rockport ministry will be those in our nursing homes. Please pray for our children and those in our missions.

July 13-17, 2015 ~ VBS begins with lunch on Sunday, July 12, for everyone helping with VBS. We will eat lunch together, kickoff VBS, and set up the church for the week of Vacation Bible School. We have many volunteers, but always welcome more!

We will have a planning meeting on Wednesday, June 3, at 5pm in the Café and one meeting for each committee in late June, dates and times to be announced.

If you would like to help, please contact:

Carolyn Watters at [email protected] or 361-790-6467

5 Register online at www.rockport Presbyterian.org or fill out the following and deliver to the church office

VBS Registration Form-2015 First Presbyterian / St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

Child’s Name ______M/F ______Child’s Age ______Birthdate ______Last grade completed ______

Name of Parent(s) ______Street address ______Mailing address (if different) ______City ______State ______Zip code ______

Home Phone______Cell ______Email Address ______

Allergies or other medical conditions ______

Emergency Contact #1:______Phone #______Relationship:______Emergency Contact #2:______Phone #______Relationship:______

Authorized Pick-up Person #1:______Phone # ______Relationship: ______Authorized Pick-up Person #2:______Phone # ______Relationship: ______

Picture Release: By registering your child for Vacation Bible School (“VBS”), you are giving permission for your child to be included in photographs or videos taken. This also gives your permission for photos and videos to be uploaded to our website.

Signature of Parent/ Guardian:______

Date: ______6 2015 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL SCHEDULE FOR ROCKPORT CHURCHES (in chronological order)

First United Methodist, 801 E. Main Str., 729-1659 Dates: Wednesday nights June 10-July 15; Times: 5:30pm-7:30pm, Theme: “The Cove: Where Families Splash God’s Love” Ages: ALL ages and stages (kids, parents, grandparents, etc.) Dinner will be served each week at 5:30pm Register at: church office, First Learning Tree Preschool, online at www.fumcrockport.org Other: New program for children AND their families. Attend one, two or all 6 Wednesday night sessions. Enjoy a meal, sing songs, learn Bible stories, do crafts and more! Contact Stefany Simmons at [email protected] for more information.

First Baptist, 1515 N. Live Oak, 729-6382 Dates: June 14-19; Times: 5:45pm-8:15 pm, Theme: “Journey Off The Map” Ages: Kinder to 6th grade A snack supper will be served Register online at: www.fbcrockport.net

Holy Cross Lutheran, 2872 FM 1781, 727-9140 Dates: July 6-10; Times: 9am to noon Theme: “Blast To The Past” Ages: Pre-K through 6th grade Snacks will be served Register at: church office.

First Presbyterian & St. Peter’s Episcopal, 301 Highway 35 North, 729-6251 Dates: July 13-17; Times: 9am to noon Theme: “Everest” Ages: Pre-K to 6th grade Snacks will be served Register at: Either church office or online at rockportpresbyterian.org

Coastal Oaks, 2002 FM 3036, Erica Pierce, Director @ 729-5320 Dates: July 27-31; Times: 6pm to 9pm, Theme: “Thailand Trek” Ages: 4 years to 5th grade Register at: church office or online at: coastaloakschurh.org A light supper will be served Other: Friday – Family Night Block Party

*St. Peters Episcopal, 412 N. Live Oak, 729-2649 co-hosting with First Presbyterian. See above.

Fulton Community, 215 N. 3rd, Fulton, 727-2180 No VBS program this summer.

Peace Lutheran, 1302 W. Market, 729-7264 No VBS program this summer.

Sacred Heart Catholic, 209 N. Church, 729-9203 No VBS program this summer.

COMMITTEE REPORTS - Worship Committee

Thank You to the following individuals who helped in different capacities during

Scripture Readers: Kathy Henderson,Jake Parr, Mary Hime, Kelly McNeely

Communion Preparer: Debbie Shedden Servers: 8:30 Pati Vincent 11:00 Mindy Durham, B.J. Edens, Dwight Edens, Caro Jackson, Sally Reynolds and Jo Smith Wine provider: Sally Reynolds Other: During the summer months communion will be by Intinction.

Door Greeter: Kim Thompson

Head Ushers: Ingrid Little and Pati Vincent Scripture Readers are needed for the summer months. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Veronika Camehl at 729-0448.

Other Stuff ... Once again we will adjourn to the Fellowship Hall for our more casual summer services starting May 31st. Worship is at 10:00 with Sunday School running concurrently in the gym.

Flower sign-up is on the bulletin board outside the Mission Room with several "empty" Sundays on it...please consider sharing floral tributes with your church family...you don't have to give in memory, you can give just because.

Worship on May 24th was a Sunday to recognize our young people who had completed their confirmation classes and it was most touching. Madison Meyers, Jake Parr, and Jade Schuler came forward to openly profess their faith and be welcomed into the life of the church. They received hand-crafted stoles by Connie Schuler and pendants with the Presbyterian symbol on them as gifts. We are so proud of these young people and look forward to their service to the church.

Elders volunteered to sponsors each conferment, they were Kelly McNeely for Madison Meyers, Tom Jaggard for Jake Parr and Jad Smith for Jade Schuler.

Worship Committee Report continued -

Pentecost/ Confirmation Sunday, May 24

COMMITTEE REPORTS … InReach Committee GETTING TO KNOW NEW MEMBERS ...

Scott and Mary Hime came to us from San Antonio. They had a house in Rockport since 2012 but made it their full time home in January 2014. Most recently they were members of Hope Church (EPC). They got married at Madison Square Presbyterian in 1999 and attended Covenant Presbyterian Church for a number of years.

Scott and Mary have been married for sixteen years. They met on Match.com (before they had pictures or anyone heard of internet dating). Their first date was to the San Antonio Zoo with their 3 children (3, 4 and 5). Fast forward… Julie, their youngest attends FPC with them and is attending Del Mar College. She plans to become a Physical Therapy Assistant. Peter is a talented artist that is living thru a rebellious time. They pray it is short lived. Amanda, their oldest, graduated from Berry College in Rome, GA in 2014. She is in the Peace Corp for the next 2 years in Costa Rica. She is in a very rural area where there is no cars and water is available for 1 hour a day and most noteworthy there is no internet.

In 2005, the entire family went on a life-adventure to Israel for a year. They went with 3 middle school children and 7 suitcases and returned with the same. It was life-changing for all of them. Scott and Mary are going to share some of their stories about that adventure when Sunday School resumes in September. Please join them.

IS YOUR INFORMATION IN THE ONLINE

CHURCH DIRECTORY CORRECT AND UP-TO-DATE?

Are you still using an older printed Church Directory? Has your phone number, e-mail address, or other pertinent information changed? Well, all the most current data is on our church website at rockportpresbyterian.org. If your data is not current, it is up to you to call the Church Office (aka Beverly, the church lady) with more accurate information. Remember, the Directory is only as accurate as the information provided.

The Directory is easy to use and easy to check. Just go to your computer and type rockportpresbyterian.org in your browser. When the cover page of the newsletter appears, click on Church Directory. You will then be asked for a “document open” password. The password is fpc.rockport. You now have access to the Directory. Scroll through the Staff photos, the FPC Activity Highlights, and the member Photos. (By the way, take a look at your photo see if you need a new one. Maybe you want one that looks younger or maybe you don’t want to be seen with your spouse anymore. Whatever! We can set up photo schedule when we have enough demand.) By now you at about page 24 and you are looking at Member

By Pete Chamberlain

10 COMMITTEE REPORTS … InReach Committee The Inaugural Wednesday Fun Night Ice Cream Social was held Wednesday, May 13, in the Youth Building. Delicious Ice Cream sundaes, games, fun and fellowship were part of the evening’s agenda.

Treasurer’s Report April 30, 2015

Year to Date 4/30/15 4/30/14 2013 Budget

Income $150,234 $109,108 $ 87,160

Expenses $100,319 $105,418 $109,232

Included in this report is the comparison of the current year with the corresponding time in 2014 and the 2015 budget.

Pentecost Offering results

The Pentecost Offering collected May 24 amounted to $610. FPC's 40% retained share equated to $244 while Mission Presbytery’s 60% share was $366. The 2014 recipient of FPC's retained share was The Community Table. This year’s recipient will be chosen at the June Session Meeting. Following is a recap of FPC’s Pentecost Offering collection history for the past 8 years:

2015 - $610 2014 - $473 2013 - $599 2012 - $271 2011 - $599.95 2010 - $322.87 2009 - $704 2008 - $452

Kay Hymn #365

A minister was completing a temperance sermon. With great emphasis he said, "If I had all the beer in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river."

With even greater emphasis he said, "And if I had all the wine in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river."

And then finally, shaking his fist in the air, he said, "And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river."

Sermon complete, he sat down.

The song leader stood very cautiously and announced with a smile, nearly laughing, "For our closing song, let us sing Hymn #365, 'Shall We Gather at the River.'"

COMMITTEE REPORTS - Fellowship Committee

Fellowship luncheon honored MotherS

Mother's Day luncheon was prepared by Presbyterian Men. Cooks were Jeremy Schuler, Larry Cobb, John Mar- latt, Steve Atwood and Philip Durst. See pictures on following page

Mother Day awards: Youngest - Kathy Green Oldest - Darlene Yeoman Most children - Kay Patteson Most grandchildren - Lou Fegley Child who lives farthest away - Mary Hime

On June 14th, our Second Sunday Fellowship Luncheon will be a Pot Luck Brunch at 11:00 in the Youth Center. It'll be fun to enjoy a delicious, relaxing early lunch with our whole church family after we all worship together. The Fellowship Committee will provide fruit juices, butter and jams; we hope this list will moti- vate you to join us. If you bring it, we could have…

breakfast stuff like scrambled eggs, breakfast tacos, quiche, waffles, pancakes, kolaches, pigs in a blanket, hash browns, home fries, or grits

breads like English muffins, rolls, biscuits, bagels, or muffins

salads such as Leaf lettuce, fruit, chicken, pasta, tuna, bean,

meats such as bacon, sausage, or breakfast ham

sides such as casseroles, grilled veggies, deviled eggs, a cheese plate, pickles, olives, etc.

What else? Oh yeah, there's always dessert!

Please plan to be there!

13 Ministering to Men …

Thanks to all of you who donated time and sales items for our fundraising booth in the 14th Annual Rockport Nautical Flea Market. We ended up with Presbyterian an abundance of items to sell - and sell them we did!! Thanks to your generosity the Men’s Group was able to clear $2,830 this year. The money we earned will enable us to support many charitable works throughout the coming year.

At the May meeting we agreed to recess for the summer so watch for an article in the August newsletter announcing when we will resume our meetings in the fall. Jad Smith

A Little bit of Cheer ….

And God Looked Down upon Seniors…

Most Seniors don’t get enough exercise, so in His wisdom God decreed that seniors would become forgetful, that they would have to search for their glasses,, keys and other things misplaced, and so do some walking.

And God Looked Down and saw that it was good.

Then God saw there was yet a need. So God in His wisdom made seniors lose coordination that they would drop things which would require them to bend and reach and stretch.

And God Looked Down and saw that it was good.

Seniors were obliged to exercise more from these senior shortcomings and did become more active as a result.

So, if you find you are required to get up and down more as you age, remember it’s God’s will and in your best interests even though you mutter under your breath.

Let it be! And it is good…

Submitted by Barbara Eckelmann, May 6, 2015 Reprint from Fairlaner Family News Rockford, IL

News from Presbyterian Women … Women, these are opportunities for growth and service, and a time to have fellowship with other women in the church during JUNE. Please mark your calendars for the following experiences.

 The next PW monthly meeting is Tuesday, September 1, at 10am in the parlor. We would like to invite all women in our church to attend. This will be our start-up meeting in the fall.  Treasurers report: Income for April $ 16,522.30 Expenses $ 8,026.97 Checking Account $110,321.60 CD $ 53,975.00.  Our Circle Bible Study will meet September 8 at 10am in the parlor. The study hasn’t been chosen yet, so keep listening for more information.  Quilters will meet upstairs in the quilting room Tuesday, June 16, at 9am to work on prayer quilts.  Castaways Volunteers are at Castaways on Mondays (8am-3pm) and Thursdays (8am- 11am) every week. There is plenty to do and the jobs are easy to learn! Please join us!!! We could use your help on Mondays anytime all day or on Thursday mornings when we price items.  Please bring Donations on Mondays all day or Thursday mornings.  We need cashiers or people willing to learn to be a cashier.  Presby Earnings for April: $13,658 before store’s percentage ($10,926.76 for April!-our part!)  Store income for April-$97,370.  Good Samaritans – Thank you to the generous Presbies for the food donations. Janet Gaskamp took much food to Good Samaritans from us. Room 204  Neet Feet – Spent $54.54 for April. We will send a letter home with Elementary children Sewing & explaining our program at the end of the year. Quilting Room  BEAS - Arianna met with us. She is going to summer school and will change to Nursing when she finishes at Delmar and goes to A&M Corpus. We will continue to pay for tuition, books, and gas.  If you haven’t paid for your Easter Lily, you can by dropping your $8 check (made out to PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN) into the offering on Sunday mornings. If you don’t know if you have paid or not, Call Beverly…..  May’s PW Birthday Party was May 4 at Ingrid Little’s home. About 30 women had a delightful evening together. Thanks to Ingrid for your wonderful hospitality!  The Fall Gathering of the Cluster women will be at First Presbyterian in Corpus on September 15 from 9:30-1. The Rev. Ann Beall from Wimberly will be the speaker. Mark your calendars to go!!!  PW discussed whether to change the February Retreat to an Appreciation Dinner for winter Texans. We will think this over until September to vote. A suggestion was made that if we keep the retreat, to please use a Presbyterian minister as the speaker.  Su Casa - Bud and Jerry Hanson delivered a very good load of baby items on May 22 which they said are always received gratefully and it is a pleasure to see the ministry there which includes branches across the border, too. If anyone would like to make a delivery (maybe included in planned trip) let Beverly know and Bud and Jerry can give instructions.  Actions taken by PW: 1. The Amish made park bench which will have a plaque affixed in honor and in memory of Presbyterian women who have been worker bees in our church has arrived and been placed in the alcove at the north entrance to the vestibule. 2. PW voted to pay for summer camp for our children and grandchildren. 3. PW voted to pay up to $200 for the quilts made each year for the graduating seniors at Presbyterian Children Homes. We will decide how15 to do this more efficiently for next

MORE...Ministering to others through Prayer and Prayer Comforters

Complete list of PRAYER CONCERNS AND CELEBRATIONS As of 05/29/15 Please include these individuals in your Prayers of Intercession and notify the church office of any needed changes.

Members At Home: Nan Jackson, Aggie Sikes (Poteet,) Eileen Harrison (Hondo,) Laverne Hanszen (Rockwall,) Al Chalkley, Daniel Garcia, Pat Thompson (Fort Worth.) Ray Ingersoll, Caroline Bernardy, Pati Vincent, John Jackson, Debbie Fulcher.

Members In Nursing or Care Centers: Lois Harrington (Gulf Pointe Village;) Jeremy Jaggard (Brenham;) Berta Little (The Solana at Cinco Ranch, Houston;) Marilyn Johnson (Eagle’s Trace, Houston.)

Prayers for our Troops: All troops serving our country including the following in harm’s way CPT Brian Terry, CW4 Jason Russell, SSG Stephen Zuniga, and CW4 Jarrett Hon

Concerns for extended Family and Friends: A All involved in the school system; all injured commuters and their families and the families of those who died in the Amtrak train derailment near Philadelphia on Tuesday night, May 12. Karen Wallace, Charles Allen (M/M Steve Atwood’s niece, neighbor’s son;) B Logan Burton (M/M Bill Burton’s son;) Debra Kay Griffith (Caroline Bernardy’s daughter in law;) C Corky MacCorqudale, Jimmy Mac’s father, hospitalized in San Antonio with bronchitis, Bill Muskoph (Veronika Camehl’s friends;) Fr. Ralph Jones (A. Chalkey/P. Clarke’s friend;) Ken Craven. D Sierra Daniels, Tammi Daniels (M/M John Daniels grand daughter, daughter in law;) E Mike Miller, (friend of Barbara Eckelman’s daughter;) Judy Ethington (M/M Dave Ethington’s sister in law;) F Fred Annand, Mary Fegley, Bruce Daily, Frances Young, Marguerite Davis, Araceli Perez (M/M Ed Fegley’s friend and father of their daughter in law; sister, daughter in law’s father, daughter’s neighbor, grandson’s friend) Micki Foust (Rosalind Foust’s mother in law;) The Ben Friebele Family as Vanessa embarks as a surrogate mother; G A friend of Ruben Garcia; Wounded Warrior Cody Dean Uselton, Chris Christopherson, (Karen Glass’s nephew in law, friend;) Stephanie Pepi (M/M Bruce Goodlock’s daughter;) James and Shannon Koonce (Barbara Goodlock’s former principal and his daughter in law;) Roger Herrick (Bruce Goodlock’s brother in law;) , Amanda Kelly (Kathy Green’s friends;) H John & Carol Handly (Winter Texans;) Marvin Hamilton (Robert Hamilton’s father;) Bill Hamilton, Sarah Hamilton, Johnstan Roller (Holly Hamilton’s son, daughter, nephew;) Julie Hime (M/M Scott Hime’s daughter;) (Ret.) Rev. Phyllis Averill (Jake Hose’s sister;) Sam Hanson, E. J. Menard (M/M Bud Hanson’s son, neighbor;) I,J Sarah Wundt (M/M John Jackson’s daughter;) Gary Mysorski, Strother Norman (Caro Jackson’s friend, cousin,) Ann Stevenson, Brent Stewart, Elvern Rathke, (Bev Jacobson’s friend of a friend, step-brother, friend;) Becky Bulgerin, Leo Oliver, Nina Hubbard, Rachel Stuart (Yvonne Jaggard’s cousin, friend, students;) Cissy Smith, Riki & baby Juliana Graves, Robin Ford, Brooke Hester (Tom Jaggard’s former co-worker, co-worker’s daughter & grand daughter;) K, L Jenny Beth Harris and best friend Amanda are studying in Seville, Spain, for the first summer school semester returning June 28, Linda Solis (Annette Ledbetter’s daughter, friend;) Rufus Lewis (Susan Lewis’ husband;) LaDonna Stephens, Janet Avery, Steve Schindler, Yolanda Salazar, Chase Reynolds, Kaitlyn Ennis, Willie Flores, lyssa Babineaux, Jeremy Pulido and grandmother Lily Ann Berry (Ingrid Little’s friends, daughter in law, Shamyra’s grandmother, son & daughter in law, nephew, friends, friends of friend;) Donna Buck (M/M Dayne Luce family friend.) M, Mc Caregivers of elderly parents, A. J. Peters, Bob Purcell (Liz Murray’s uncles;) Barbara Robinson (M/M Reed Marton’s sister in law;) Dave Heckler, Terry Garvey (Kelly McNeely’s friends;) N,O,P Linda Grant (Kay Patteson’s sister;) Barbara Bockhorn (Missy [Roe] Pump’s friend and former college roommate;) persecuted Christians;

MORE...Ministering to others through Prayer and Prayer Comforters

Q,R Ed Rainwater; David W. Roberts, Lexi Midkiff, Susan Forbes (Kathy Roberts-Douglas’s brother, cousin, co-worker;) Christy Roe Garcia (M/M Rick Roe’s daughter;) Pat Lister, Barbara Jones, Christine Fletcher, Ella Shiman (Pam Roe’s mother, friends, niece of former co-worker;) Spencer Youngblood (M/M Ed Rainwater’s friend;) S, T Steve Straub, Wynell McLain, Bennett Trimble (Sandy Swanson’s friends;) Valerie Stern, Adrian Nesmith (family of Amanda Schuler’s co-workers;) Wilma Jean Coldsnow, JoAnn & Mike Shedden, Stephanie & Braxley Brezina (Debbie Shedden’s mother, mother in law, husband, friend, co-worker’s friends;) Jennifer Carr (Winter Texan’s Don & Sue Smith’s daughter;) U, V, W Mike Hurst (Pati Vincent’s brother;) Ella Catherine Andrus (M/M Ozzie Williams’s grand daughter;) Dick Romshek (VeeAnn Wright’s cousin;) Kevin Woodford (Winter Texan Woody Woodford’s son;) Mary Kelly, teaches with Carolyn Watters; X,Y,Z Paul Georgas, Henry Yeoman (Darline Yeoman’s son’s childhood friend, son;)

.Prayer Comforter Ministry: A prayer comforter is in the vestibule for the following needing prayers/knots: 1) James Koonce, retired principal of Live Oak Elementary School where Barbara Goodlock taught, has suffered a stroke; 2) Shannon Koonce, daughter in law of James Koonce, is a young mother of 2 out of remission for breast cancer and told it has spread to her spinal column and brain; 3) Linda Grant, former member and Kay Patteson’s sister, is recovering from recent shoulder surgery which requires her to keep the arm immobile and recovery period is 5 months.

Birthdays: See May’s Pres-by-Lines, under “Odds and Ends” page 19.

Praise/Celebrations/Congratulations/Announcements: May 3: 1) The congregation celebrated the marriage of FPC Youth Group alumni Jere McNeely (son of Scott and Kelly McNeely) and Tiffany Whitaker on Saturday, May 2 in College Station; 2) Celebrated the Pulpit Supply of Rev. Consuelo Donahue of San Antonio while Charlie was in College Station officiating Jere and Tiffany’s wedding. May 17: 1) Ingrid Little shared a thank you note from Pati Vincent to the congregation for all the prayers and support; 2) Kay Patteson thanked members of the InReach Committee for the furn “Inaugural Ice Cream Social” hosted by them in the Youth Center on Wednesday, May 13. It was a very enjoyable evening and she encouraged all who were unable to attend this one to not miss the next. May 24: Kay Patteson’s grandson, Brandon Glass, stationed with the Air Force in North Carolina, has been named Officer of the Year

Prayers and sympathy of the church are extended to … 1) Family and friends of long-time member Pat Walzel, who passed away on Saturday, April 4. A memorial service was conducted for Pat at the church on Saturday, April 11, followed by a reception/luncheon in the Fellowship Hall and internment in Genada. 2) Gwen Hill and family at the passing of longtime member Bob Hill on Monday, April 13, after a lengthy illness. A funeral service celebrating Bob’s life was conducted at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home on Friday, April 17, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall and internment in El Campo. 3) The family and friends of Jimmy Woods who passed away April 16. Charlie explained the many ways Jimmy was a friend to our Church, most notably by supplying our annual live Christmas trees. 4) The family and friends of Kathy Green, Billie Lou Cooper, has passed away; 5) Willie Campbell, his son Josh and daughter Kathryn, at the passing of wife and mother, Pam Campbell, on Saturday, May 23.

Ministering to others through Prayer and Prayer Comforters

From: LaDonna Stephens, Venus, Texas Requested by: Ingrid Little, a friend of LaDonna’s parents Card Received: April, 2015 Card Inscription (if any:) “The family of Ronnie and Sharon Fillingim acknowledges with grateful appreciation the kind expression of our sympathy “

Prayer Comforter : in sympathy for the loss of her parents killed in a tragic motorcycle accident while on a road trip out of state

To the Congregation of First Presbyterian Church,

Thank you so much for the beautiful prayer blanket. The whole family felt all the prayers that were lifted up for us in the days and weeks after the accident.

Thank you. LaDonna Stephens

——————————————— From: Mike Hust, Petaluma, California Requested by: Pati Vincent, Mike’s Sister Card Received: May 12, 2015 Card Inscription (if any:) “God’s love is at the heart of every kindness” Its so good to know warm, considerate people who try to help others in all that they do, people whose lives show he meaning of God’s love. It’s so good to know a wonderful person like you. Thank you. Prayer Comforter for cancer diagnosis

7 May 2015 Dear Quilting Prayer Warriors, It’s people like you that demonstrate the love of our Lord, and are a blessing to us and to the Lord also. Thank you for coming along side of my family during this time. You have demonstrated your care through prayer and the special gift of this quilt and every knot surrendered to our Lord. I also thank you for the quilt that was sent to my mom. But most of all, thank you for coming along side of my sister Pati, and surrounding her with your support and love. These are difficult times for us, but we take confidence in our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love that the Father sends down to special people like you that stand in the gap. Prayer Warriors are God’s special people, so please accept my humble thanks for your continuing prayers as we get ready for the next steps of our treatments.

God Bless you all,

In his Grip, Your brother in Christ Mike Hurst

——————————————— From: Judy Ethington, Marinette, Wisconsin Requested by: Winter Texan Dave Ethington’s sister in law Card Received: April 25, 2015 Card Inscription: With Thanks, Your kindness is greatly appreciated! Prayer Comforter for hospitalized for tests to determine the cause of breathing and heart problems

Thank you so much for the prayer comforter, it helped so much in my recovery. Judy

18 MINISTERING TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE USE OF OUR FACILITIES …

Calling all MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH COME TO “Pirates’ Landing” SUMMER RECREATION SESSIONS

YOUTH ACTIVITIES KICK OFF DURING JUNE WITH THE BEGINNING OF PIRATES’ LANDING SUMMER RECREATION ACTIVITIES IN OUR MIRIAM FERRELL YOUTH CENTER/ GYM. THESE ACTIVITIES, WHICH ARE IN THEIR 4TH YEAR, ARE COORDINATED BY ONE OF OUR MEMBERS, ADELAIDE MARLATT AND HER HUSBAND JOHN, WORKING WITH A GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS AND TEEN STAFF. ACTIVITIES BEGIN FRIDAY, JUNE 26TH FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL AGE YOUTH OPERATING FROM 6 – 9 P.M. ACTIVITIES FOR HIGH SCHOOL AGE YOUTH WILL BE HELD SATURDAY NIGHTS FROM 7 – 10:00 P.M.

THIS PROGRAM OFFERS A SAFE, LIGHTLY SUPERVISED GATHERING PLACE FOR COMMUNITY YOUTH AND VISITING FAMILY OF 1ST PRESBYTERIAN MEMBERS AND FRIENDS. THIS YEAR WE WILL BE OFFERING BASKETBALL, AIR HOCKEY, Wii ON THE WALL (DANCE, SPORTS, RACING!!!!) TALENT SHOWS AND SUPER HERO HAPPENINGS, PRIZES AND FOOD (HOT DOGS OR PIZZA WITH ICE CREAM AND BROWNIES ON THE SIDE.) HOOK INTO “THE PIRATES LANDING” FACEBOOK PAGE AS WE GET CLOSER TO OPENING DAY. INFO/FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM

[email protected] PRE-REGISTRATION SPEEDS UP CHECK-IN PROCESS!

Head for the Fun!!

19 MINISTERING TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE USE OF OUR FACILITIES … The Community Table

FYIs and UPDATES:

1. June’s serving schedule and FPC Coordinators

Date Host Church FPC Coordinator June 02 St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Kelly McNeely June 09 Coastal Oaks Church Veronika Camehl June 16 First United Methodist Church Sally Reynolds June 23 Peace Lutheran Church Pati Vincent June 30 Joint Church Effort Pati Vincent

2. On May 26 a “Read to Shine” Red BookShelf was placed in service in the vestibule at The Community Table becoming the 15th site in Rockport to offer the Red BookShelf library. The flyer on the following page provides details about this wonderful program designed to get books into the hands of children.

STATS from May meals:

05: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes & gravy, tossed salad, corn, bread Dessert: Candy bars Number Served: 230 Host: First Presbyterian Church 12: Pork roast with potato and carrots, garden salad with Ranch or Onion Vinaigrette dressing, yeast rolls with sweet cream butter, Dessert: Strawberry cheesecake, 7-layer chocolate delight Number Served: 197 Host: Holy Cross Lutheran Church 19: Pork roast, mashed potatoes, green beans, roll

BECAUSE HE LOVES

HE listens… When you feel alone, when you need someone to talk to. HE comforts … If you have to cry sometimes. HE answers… When you call out late in the midnight hour. HE steadies … When you stumble in the darkness. HE shelters… With His goodness all the time.

(Hallmark) Reprint from Fairlaner Family News, Rockford, Illinois 20 Submitted by Barbara Eckelmann MINISTERING TO THE COMMUNITY … The Community Table (continued)

MINISTERING TO OUR TROOPS AND VETERANS

About 6 years ago the volume of monthly care packages processed by the volunteers of Coastal Bend Troop Support (CBTS) grew too large for founder Carla Reed’s home so they leased and occupied a building on Church Street. The size of the building suited their needs for care packages and later an expansion into veteran support services and suicide awareness. Then in May their building was sold and the new owners notified Carla to vacate by May 31. She started hustling to find a new location to avoid interruption in either care package shipments to deployed troops or disrupt continuity of weekly PTSD and veteran peer group support meetings.

Rockport’s new Knowing our church had a vacant house at the intersection of Live “Veteran’s Outreach Center” Oak and Laurel Street - a very visible location - CBTS requested and received (with unanimous support from our Session) permission to occupy the house (at minimal expense) until long-term accommodations can be secured.

When Carla took John Kroll, CBTS’s Combat Trauma Facilitator and Mentor of the “PTSD Foundation of America” (which operates Camp Hope in Houston) on a tour of the house, he was moved to tears at the potential for expanding services to our veterans - especially the homeless ones. With a kitchen he can feed them, with a complete bathroom he can offer them a shower, with the laundry room he can invite them to launder their clothes, and with the living room he can offer a relaxed, comfortable environment to “sit a spell.”

He will also use the house to host his group support meetings. Satellite service will be added to enable John to Skype with Houston’s “Camp Hope” meetings for one of his veteran support groups.

To implement John’s vision, the house needs some appliances. First CBTS’s side-by-side refrigerator/freezer is WAY over-sized for the kitchen so they need smaller one, plus they don’t have a washer or dryer. There is a working stove/oven and Carla bought a microwave. Carla has checked with Castaways in hopes they have appliances on hand - but not at this time. If anyone has one of these gently used appliances to donate, please contact either The Church Lady at the church office (361-729-6251) or Carla Reed at 361-438-0540.

John Kroll is hopeful the high traffic and great visibility of this house will attract more veterans to seek help. With 22 veterans plus 1 active duty service member committing suicide daily, CBTS has been pro-active for the past several years trying to reach out to our veterans and help stem the tide of this awful statistic. ‘ Next month’s newsletter will contain a list of days and times the Veteran’s Outreach Center will be open. In addition I will post a flyer on the bulletin board by the Mission Room as soon as CBTS releases an update at this new site.

Details and information will also be posted online at CBTS’s website www.coastalbendtroopsupport.com.

Care package processing has been moved to a house offered by the City of Rockport at a cost to be determined at the next City Council meeting. If the rent is affordable enabling CBTS to remain, I will provide the address in the next newsletter.

22 MINISTERING TO THE COMMUNITY

Rockport-Fulton Good Samaritans Update:

 Plans for a new food storage building have been finalized. This building will be adjacent to the existing building, and will be a very basic air-conditioned food storage area. Construction should begin soon.  There has been an increase in client activity; 10% of the households are new clients. Food distribution has increased 206% from 2011, serving 2901 clients from January-April of 2015.  There were donations of money and/or food from Harbor Oaks Women’s Club, Lagoon RV members, Shady Oaks RV Park, Keller Williams Real Estate.  Good Sams received a $25,000 donation for Kid Care to provide school-appropriate children’s clothing for the new school year.

Thank you for your generous donations of financial and food gifts; they are very appreciated!

Submitted by Janet Gaskamp

Beginning June 8th the Summer School program at Live Oak Learning Center will provide an enrichment opportunity for students from Pre-K all the way through 5th grade. We are very excited to offer these students the opportunity to participate in a variety of programs such as: photography, gardening, arts, space, cooking, and sewing. These activities of course will require supplies. That’s where we need your help! If you have any of the items on the list below and are willing to part with them, I would gladly take them off your hands. If you have something that I haven’t thought of that might help us out, I’ll take that too. Also, if you know of someone else who might help us out, would you please spread the word?

Thanks very much, Kelly McNeely

Items needed for activities: · Cookie cutters · Paper towel or toilet paper rolls (empty) · Fabric · Yarn · Buttons · Beads · Popsicle sticks · Pipe cleaners · Googly eyes · Plastic soda bottles or containers (any size) · Paint, both tempera and water color · Tissue paper 23 Odds and Ends…..

This Month’s Birthdays

June 2 Dorothy Love June 3 Helen Bradshaw June 4 Carol Douglass June 5 Caroline Bernardy June 6 Annette Ledbetter June 7 Bobby Little June 10 Mindy Durham June 15 Brandon Henderson June 18 Jake Parr June 24 Veronika Camehl Merlene Flournoy Travis Smith June 25 Kyler Friebele June 27 Michelle Haun

If your birthday is not listed, please call the church office and let us know. We want our records to be accurate and include everyone.

JUNE FLOWER SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE:

 June 14

Decorate our Fellowship Hall on Sunday mornings in June with the beauty and aroma of fresh flowers, which may be dedicated for a purpose.

At the conclusion of the worship service, donors may either take their flowers home to enjoy, or donate them to The Community Table. Host churches divide them into 14 bud vases to grace the tables on Tuesday night.

Church Service of the Future

. PASTOR: "Praise the Lord!"

CONGREGATION: “Hallelujah!"

PASTOR: "Will everyone please turn on their tablet, PC, iPad, smart phone, and Kindle Bibles to 1 Corinthians, 13:13. And please switch on your Bluetooth to download the sermon."

P-a-u-s-e......

"Now, Let us pray committing this week into God's hands. Open your Apps, BBM, Twitter and Facebook, and chat with God"

S-i-l-e-n-c-e

"As we take our Sunday tithes and offerings, please have your credit and debit cards ready." "You can log on to the church Wi-Fi using the password 'Lord909887.' The ushers will circulate mobile card swipe machines among the wor- shipers: a.Those who prefer to make electronic fund transfers are directed to computers and laptops at the rear of the church. b.Those who prefer to use iPads can open them. c.Those who prefer telephone banking, take out your cell phones to transfer your contributions to the church account.”

The holy atmosphere of the Church becomes truly electrified as ALL the smart phones, iPads, PCs and laptops beep and flicker!

Pastor’s final Blessing and Closing Announcements. a. “This week's ministry cell meetings will be held on the various Facebook group pages where the usual group chatting takes place. Please log in and don't miss out. b. Thursday's Bible study will be held live on Skype at 1900hrs GMT. Please don't miss out. c. You can follow your Pastor on Twitter this weekend for counseling and prayers. God bless and have a nice day.”

And Jesus wept…..

25 Careful lest “u” fall out of church….

Quote from John Bradshaw

PRESBYLINES is published monthly by: First Presbyterian Church 301 Hwy 35 North - Rockport, TX 78382-2734 Phone No. (361)729-6251; Fax No. (361) 729-6299 Email: [email protected] Website: www.rockportpresbyterian.org by -lines Pres-