A Christmas Carol on the Radio

Join us for a new Christmas tradition, old time radio. The First Presbyterian Church in partnership with the Vernon Community Players presents Dickens' A Christmas Carol this Sunday, December 23 @ 5pm and Christmas Eve, December 24 @ 8pm on KVWC radio, 103.1 FM.

The First Presbyterian Church is a proud sponsor of this classic story of redemption. Whether you have heard the story a hundred times or you have never heard it before, we hope that you will enjoy spending time with that “squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner”, Ebenezer Scrooge. One Christmas Eve, he learns the answer to the question, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

Cathy Day and Mark Finn directed this radio adaptation by Orson Wells. Ben Macklin stars as Ebenezer Scrooge.

Handel's Messiah Thank You

A big thank you to the choir this Advent season as we have made an offering of the music from Handel's Messiah. We are especially thankful for those folks from other churches who helped. Together we saw a witness that Christ is not divided. The Church is truly one. We are certainly blessed. I especially appreciate Mary Jane E's hard work as director and Lance B's countless hours on the Sunday School lesson and on the organ. God bless all of you this Christmas season.

As a Christmas treat, here is the Oxford Choir Choir singing "For Unto Us a Child is Born".

Messiah Roadtrips and Dec Schedule

In December, the congregation and friends are invited to a Messiah Roadtrip.

Join us as we head to Wichita Falls on December 16th to the First Presbyterian Church. We will leave the church parking lot at 12:30 pm for lunch and then a Messiah concert at 3:30 pm.

Please RSVP at 940-553-3925.

December 2007 Schedule

Sunday, December 2
"Comfort, Comfort, My People"
Isaiah 40:1-11; John 10:1-18; Ps 85:1-13

• 9:30 am. Sunday School
• 10:50 am Worship
• "Comfort Ye"
• "He Shall Feed His Flock"
• "Every Valley Shall be Exalted"

Sunday, December 9
"Who May Abide the Day of His Coming"
Malach 3:1-5; Mat 3:1-12; Lk 1:68-79

• 9:30 am. Sunday School
• 10:50 am Worship
• "And the Glory of the Lord"

Sunday, December 16
"For Unto Us a Child Is Born"
Isaiah 7:1-17; 9:1-7; Mat 1:18-25; Ps 80

• 9:30 am Sunday School
• 10:50 am Worship
• "For Unto Us a Child is Born"
• 12:15 pm Messiah Roadtrip

Wednesday, December 19

• 6:00 pm Fellowship Meal
• 7:00 pm Children's Christmas Program

Sunday, December 23
"Glory to God in the Highest"
Lk 2:1-14; Mat 11:28-29; Ps 96

• 9:30 am Sunday School
• 10:50 am Worship
• "Hallelujah"

Monday, December 24

• 6:00 pm Candlelight & Communion
• 11:30 pm Midnight Communion

Christian Art at Kimbel in Ft. Worth

After the Christmas holidays, First Presbyterian Church will be planning a roadtrip to the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth. Until March 30, 2008, the museum will be showing an exhibit entitled, Picturing the Bible: the Earliest Christian Art.

Here we will see how the "earliest Christians first gave visual expression to their religious beliefs." It is a review of Christian art from the third to the sixth century. This exhibit has art on loan from the Vatican, the Bargello and the Laurentian Library in Florence, the British Museum, the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and a number of international institutions. The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth is the only place where this art will be on display together.

Thomas Hibbs, a professor of ethics and culture at Baylor University recently gave a review of the exhibit giving it a theological context. While drawing on Roman and Jewish antecedents, the message of the art is thoroughly Christian.

Choir Roadtrip

The Vernon Presbyterian Choir will be heading over to Odell at 1:30 pm on Saturday, December 8th to record Christmas carols for the upcoming radio production of a Christmas Carol. Meet in the church's parking lot.

We also will be distributing those carols as a CD to our shut-ins this Christmas season. All are welcome to join us.

Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation

In the midst of a horrific Civil War being fought over the terrible injustice of slavery, Abraham Lincoln suggested that we turn our attentions to God in thanksgiving.

The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften the heart which is habitually insensible to the everwatchful providence of almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and provoke their aggressions, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict; while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the most high God, who while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that, while offering up the ascriptions justly due to him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity, and union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United Stated States to be affixed.

Abraham Lincoln, October 3, 1863

Pledge Drive: Thank You

Great news, praise God! Our 2008 Pledge Drive was very successful as we received $177,000 in pledges. This is a significant increase over the last few years. This will help support the operations and ministries of our church next year. Thank you for your pledge to Vernon First Presbyterian Church.

If you are interested in how we prepare our budgets, please follow this link. If you are interested in the policies relating to income from the Mary Beth Waggoner trust, please look here. As soon as the budget is approved, we will also post that information on-line.

Victory Field Christmas Dinner, Dec 4

Every year we partner with the Wilbarger Church of Christ to provide some Christmas cheer to cadets at Victory Field. For some of those cadets, we are the only family they will see this Christmas season. We need your help. Please contact the church at 553-3925 or vernonpres@sbcglobal.net to let them know what you can contribute. Please help us to reach out with the love of Christ this season.

Victory Field Christmas Dinner Sign-Up List (UPDATED 3:42pm on 11/29)

• 1 Turkeys - Cook and dice (bite size pieces for cadets)
• Green Beans for 60
  
• Dressing for 80
• Rolls (160)
• 5 gal Sweet Tea
• 5 Pecan Pie
• 5 Banana Pudding (8 servings each)
• Serving gloves (plastic)
• Extra Plates

• 80 Christmas cards from First Presbyterian Church and Wilbarger Church of Christ
• The wrapping of 2 separate presents for 40 people (1 for dinner and 1 for Christmas)

We also need volunteers to serve at Victory Field on December 4^th.

Baptisms

On November 18, our congregation witnessed the baptism of Ezra Clay and Kristin Leigh. Ezra was born in May 2007 in Plano, Texas. Kristin was born in October 2006 in Wichita Falls. We give thanks for God's grace found in Jesus Christ and take seriously our vows to help raise these children in the faith.

BAPTISM
Combined with the promises of Scripture, Baptism is a sign and seal of incorporation into Jesus Christ. In Baptism, God offers us a new beginning like the world cleansed after the waters of the flood. Like circumcision for the children of Abraham, baptism is a sign of God’s covenant with us. As Jesus identified with us in the baptism of John, we identify with Christ in our baptism. Baptism is a sign of our adoption into God’s family, the Church. We die with Jesus, and with him we are resurrected. Baptism is God’s gift of grace and also God’s summons to respond to that grace. Baptism calls to repentance, to faithfulness, and to discipleship. Baptism gives the Church its identity and commissions the Church for ministry to the world.

Weekly Vine: Nov 18-24, 2007

CALENDAR FOR NOVEMBER 18-24

Sunday (11-18)

• 9:00 am - A time of Prayer for our Worship
• 9:30 am - Sunday School classes
• 10:50 am - Worship
• 6:00 pm - Community Thanksgiving Service @ Calvary Baptist Church

Monday (11-19)

• 5:30 pm - Bear Den, McLain
• 7:00 pm - Troop 87, Staub Hall

Wednesday (11-21)

• 11:00 am - Prayer Group

Thursday (11-22) THANKSGIVING DAY

• Church Office Closed

Friday (11-23)

• Church Office Closed

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COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE

A community Thanksgiving service will be tonight at Calvary Baptist Church at 6:00 pm. Rev. Mike Seay of Second Baptist Church will deliver the message. The Vernon High School Choir, under the direction of Mary Jane Ethington, will lead the music.

PROGRESSIVE DINNER

The Fellowship Committee has scheduled a Progressive Dinner for Saturday, December. 1 at 6:30 pm. A sign up sheet is in the Narthex. Please sign up and mark whether you will bring an appetizer, part of the main meal, or a dessert. Host homes are needed for the Appetizer and Main courses. Desserts will be served at the church. Child care will be available at the church.

TYC CHRISTMAS DINNER

Volunteers are needed to help serve a traditional Christmas meal to the cadets of Charlie II on Tuesday, December 4.

Handel's Messiah at First Presbyterian

In 2007-2008, the First Presbyterian Church of Vernon, Texas will be celebrating Jesus Christ through the witness of George Frederick Handel’s Messiah.

In 1741, Handel received a letter from Charles Jennens who had written some lyrics for Handel in the past. In the letter, Jennens sought Handel’s help to set music for a compilation of Scripture about the Christ of God. Whether inspired by financial need, talent, the divine, or a combination, Handel wrote the entire musical score in twenty-four days. The Messiah premiered in Dublin on April 13, 1742. Ever since the Messiah’s premiere on April 13, 1742, the piece has provoked devotion, inspiration and comfort to many.

During this Christmas season, the First Presbyterian Church will be providing Sunday School classes at all levels about the Christian witness found in the Messiah. Lance Bohannon, the church’s organist, will be leading the adults through Carol Bechtel’s curriculum, “Hallelujah: The Bible and Handel’s Messiah.” The youth will also be focusing on the Scriptural texts used in the composition. In addition, the children will be preparing for a Christmas program on December 19th inspired by the musical work.

In worship, the First Presbyterian Church’s choir will be offering pieces from the Messiah throughout December. The pastor, Rev. James Hodsden, will also be preaching the Scripture texts studied in the Sunday School classes. Finally, the church will be taking folks to Wichita Falls to a Messiah performance on December 16th. “We have a wonderful opportunity to glorify and enjoy God through the words of Scripture and great music,” said Rev. Hodsden.

First Presbyterian Church is located across from Vernon High School at the corner of Paradise and Yucca. Sunday School begins at 9:30 am with worship beginning at 10:50 am.

For further information:
First Presbyterian Church of Vernon, Texas
940-553-3925
vernonpres@sbcglobal.net

Victory Field Worship, Nov 17

There will be a Thanksgiving Service held for the youth on the Victory Field campus this Saturday, November 17th, 2-3pm, in the gym. Lupe Rando, New Life Baptist Church, will be conducting the service. Please pass the word that registered volunteers are invited to attend this service if able.

Veterans Day

Sunday, November 11, is Veterans Day. We continue to thank God for the men and women who have served and are serving in the military. As we remember their sacrifice, please keep them in your prayers. Also pray for the following soldiers in active service who have a personal connection with our congregation.

Danny, Rodney Paul, Eric, Sheila, Trevor, Brian, Tim, Nancy, Joseph, and David

If you would like to send a card or letter to an active serviceman, please contact the church office. We would be happy to connect you to someone in our church. Also, you might be interested in a free program by Xerox where they send a postcard to a soldier on your behalf.

Finally, the VHS National Honor Society is sponsoring a ceremony and reception to honor veterans and those actively serving in the military. On Monday, November 12th, all veterans and family and friends of veterans are invited to the Vernon High School Gym at 9:00 am.

Progressive Dinner, Dec 1

A progressive dinner has been scheduled for Saturday, December 1 at 6:30 pm. An appetizer course and a main course will be held at various members’ homes. Dessert will be served in the church Parlor. Child care will be provided at the church during the evening.

Sign up sheets are posted in the Narthex. When signing up, please indicate how many will be attending and what dish you will bring. Please also indicate if you are willing to host one course of the dinner in your home.

Call the church office with your questions at 553-3925.

2030 Fund

Thanks to the generosity of Mary Beth Waggoner, the Texas Presbyterian Foundation has received the bulk of her estate. Moreover, our congregation will receive the income from that estate for the next 23 years. One question has been what will happen to ministries begun and supported by these moneys.

The First Presbyterian Church of Vernon has established its own endowment fund to be called the “2030 Fund.” The purpose of this fund is to provide income after distributions from the Mary Beth Waggoner Trust Fund end in 2030 for the “special mission programs and ministries” that our church has developed. This will make it possible for the Mary Beth Waggoner Trust Fund to keep on giving to our kids, grandkids, and their grandkids. We are proud to announce that the 2030 Fund had its initial deposit in October, 2007. The 2030 Fund how has a balance of $55,337.

Budget through September 30, 2007:

• Income $145,685
• Expenses $140,544
  

Budget hearings for 2007 will be held in November.

Meet the Members: November 2008

John and Pam J have lived in Vernon for 15 years. John works with the Adolescent Forensic Program at the state hospital. Pam teaches the 4-year old class at Sonshine Place Preschool at Calvary Baptist. She was hired last fall as the secretary at this church.

John grew up in Big Spring, TX., one of 3 children. He attended Howard County Jr. College, Univ. of Texas, Univ. of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University to get all his education. Pam grew up in Midland, TX, with 3 siblings and earned an education degree at Texas Woman’s University. They met while Pam was at TWU and John was doing Master’s work at UNT.

There are 3 J children. David, a Specialist in the US Army, is currently training in Arizona. He has a Sociology degree from Angelo State University and worked on a master’s degree at the Univ. of Neb., Lincoln. He has recently become engaged to a sweet girl from Nebraska and they are planning a February wedding. Valerie is a 3^rd year student at TWU and not decided about what she will do when she grows up. Thomas, a sophomore in High School, plays in the band and on the JV football team and is active in Presbyterian and Methodist youth activities.

John and Pam both grew up in Presbyterian families and have followed their parents in this tradition. They are appreciative of the love and support of 1^st Presbyterian, Vernon.

Weekly Vine: Nov 4-11, 2007

CALENDAR FOR NOVEMBER 4 - 11

Sunday (11-4)

• 9:00 am - A time of Prayer for our Worship
• 9:30 am - Sunday School classes
• 10:50 am - Worship, Communion
  

Monday (11-5)

• 7:00 pm - Troop 87, Staub Hall

Tuesday(11-6)

• 9:30 am - Circle Meetings

Circle 1 - Martha Smith

Circle 2 - Lou Byrd

• 6:30 pm - Stewardship Meeting, Budget Hearing
• 7:00 pm - Christian Ed Meeting

Wednesday (11-7)

• 11:00 am - Prayer Group
• 5:00 pm - Middle School Dinner in the Home
• 7:00 pm - Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room

Thursday (11-8)

• 7:00 pm - TYC Birthday Party
• 7:00 pm - Tiger Cubs, Thiemann

There will be a called Session Meeting next Sunday following worship.

Greetings from Jacob & I-Chun

Jacob, I-Chun and Sofia have their new home in Elletsville, Indiana. If you need their address, please contact the church office. The family is busy, but they sent a few pictures for us to enjoy. That little girl is growing fast!

USSV Needs for November 2007

United Samaritan Services of Vernon has need of any non-perishable food item right now except rice and dried beans.

Meet the Members: October 2007

Brad and Raji met while they were both undergraduates at Austin College in Sherman, Texas. Brad grew up in west Texas and Raji originally came from southern India. They both attended Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri where Brad completed a triple degree plan and Raji completed her Masters in Health Administration. They married in 1993 after a long courtship and now have three sons: James (9), Aidan (8), and Kiran (2). The B family moved to Vernon in 1999 from Dallas, where Brad was a food processing Plant Engineer and Raji was an Administrative Director at Parkland Hospital. Brad is currently employed by Tyson Foods, where he is a Senior Industrial Engineer. In 2001, Brad was diagnosed with a very severe cancer, but with God's grace and the help of family and friends, he has since had a full recovery.

Today, the B family leads a very busy life that includes church, school and the boys' activities. Brad and Raji both serve on local community boards. James and Aidan enjoy sports, reading, bicycling, legos, video games, and many other boy-type activities. Kiran tries to keep up with his older brothers. Brad is an avid reader and enjoys bicycling, working outdoors, and photography. Raji is currently a stay at home mom who enjoys movies, reading, gardening and spending time with friends. They are grateful for the blessings they have received and for the love and support they are given from the Vernon community.

Weekly Vine: Oct 28 - Nov 3, 2007

OCTOBER 28-NOVEMBER 3 CALENDAR

Sunday (10-28)

• 9:00 am - A time of Prayer for our Worship
• 9:30 am - Sunday School classes
• 10:50 am - Worship
• 7:00 pm - Pastor’s Bible Study, Parlor

Monday (10-29)

• 6:00 pm - Wolf Den, Tate
• 7:00 pm - Troop 87, Staub Hall
• 7:00 pm - Pack 87, Halloween Carnival, Staub Hall

Wednesday (10-31)

• 11:00 am - Prayer Group
• 7:00 pm - Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room

Thursday (11-1)

• 7:00 pm - TYC Bible Study

Saturday (11-3)

• 9:00 am - Work Day in the Church

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PROPERTY AND PERSONNEL NEEDS YOU!

Please join us for a Work Day this Saturday, November 3^rd at 9:00 am. We will be cleaning out the north bed in the south courtyard. This area collects trash and leaves which blow into the Narthex. We will dig out unwanted plants and lower the level of the bed for better water drainage away from the building. Volunteers should bring shovels, rakes and wheelbarrows.

The Nursery is also in need of cleaning. Volunteers are needed to sort toys, discard broken items and clean surfaces and toys.

If you have ever complained about the unsightliness of the church property and wondered why someone doesn’t do something, this is your opportunity to help us get things cleaned up.

NEW DIRECTORIES
The updated directory is on the table in the Narthex. Please be sure to get your copy.

ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
On Sunday, November 4, we will be celebrating All-Saints Sunday. During that service, we will be remembering those who in the last year went to be with the Lord. If you have any friends or family that you would like to remember, contact the church at vernonpres@sbcglobal.net or call 553-3925. Please do not assume that we will remember without your help. We do not want to miss anyone.

Victory Field is Not Closing

All of you may be familiar with our ministry out at Victory Field which includes weekly Bible Study, prayer for the cadets, monthly birthday fellowships, and parental support. You may also be aware of some discussion about closing the facility.

Misti Jacobs, Community Relations Coordinator for Victory Field, sent us a e-mail about the current situation. This is provided for our volunteers and for your information.

VFCA got a lot of bad press last week after the Corrections Committee meeting on Wednesday that made several staff and community members uneasy. I have been out of the office due to mandatory meetings and training. I did not have all of your email addresses to send an update to you prior to now. What I can tell you right now is that VFCA is not closing. However, that does not mean we may not have programming changes as needed in the future. We have been told since the beginning of the legislature sessions this past spring that TYC would have to streamline services which could result in the operation of facilities at a lesser capacity or closure. These decisions were to be based on several factors including an independent risk management assessment, an ACA assessment, and personal visits from Ms. Pope (acting Executive Director) and other Central Office staff. These assessments are taking place at EVERY facility.

My understanding is that in the Committee meeting in Austin last Wednesday, Will Harrell (Ombudsman), was asked if there were any other facilities in poor condition like the contract facility Coke County that was closed several weeks ago. He stated VFCA was in his opinion one of the "most inadequate facilities" among other negative comments to the press after the meeting. He visited VFCA in late August on a nonschool day and a platoon who was actively being defiant that day and refusing to do daily chores. Mr. Harrell's job is to look for all of the "bad stuff" at any facility to make sure the problems are recognized and corrected to provide a safe and appropriate environment for TYC youth. He is not hired by TYC and is independent of TYC. He has no direct authority regarding TYC. He simply makes visits to the facilities and expresses his findings. Mr. Brooks promptly responded to Mr. Harrell's complaints with evidence to document why things were the way they were. For example, Mr. Harrell and the newspaper reported we have blind spots on the dorms (in regards to security cameras) and poor radios. We know that. We have sent requests for additional camera equipment and updated radios several times and the completion of these projects was put on hold for reasons in Central Office. It's frustrating to hear someone like Mr. Harrell degrade our facility, staff, and programs. However, it's one man's opinion based on limited knowledge.

One thing to understand, Houston families have ALWAYS been against Victory Field because they did not like their children being placed so far away. If anything was ever said that our facility was inadequate, they will run with it. If you read the variety of articles Thursday, the Houston Chronicle was the most degrading toward VFCA. The Austin Statesmen was more balanced in reporting that Ms. Pope defended our facility based on her visit a few weeks earlier that Mr. Harrell (several of you were there). Then, you probably saw the article with Mr. Hardcastle regarding all of this reassuring that there would not be a swift closure of VFCA.

Bottom line is that we have not received any indication that we are closing. Ms. Pope's Chief of Staff and several other team members came to the facility Thursday and Friday and gave us a good review. An audit team will be here later this week for several days. The important thing to remember is that all facilities are undergoing these assessments. We have not been singled out. What I have heard is the most destructive part of any of these reviews of VFCA are staff, volunteers, and community members saying negative things about the facility, administration, and programming. I am not referring to true problems which need to be addressed with no question, but simple and ongoing petty complaining and negative attitudes toward TYC. We should all be working on the premise that "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" regarding general thoughts about VFCA and TYC. There are several staff, volunteers, and community members that are faithful and dedicated to helping these young men make choices for a better life regardless of where they have been.

We all need to stay focused on what's best for the youth and keep moving forward. If I ever hear anything as important as the facility was closing, I would personally be on the phone to you to keep you posted and advising you what you can do as a volunteer. The staff and youth continue to need your support. Please pass this on to your volunteer groups. Thanks for everything you do! Have a great day!

Misti Jacobs
Community Relations Coordinator
Victory Field Correctional Academy

Victory Field: Deadline for Fingerprinting

All of you may be familiar with our ministry out at Victory Field which includes weekly Bible Study, prayer for the cadets, monthly birthday fellowships, and parental support. Due to new regulations, all regular volunteers need to be fingerprinted.

----Original Message-----
From: Tammy Vega
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 2:22 PM
Subject: Deadline for fingerprinting is extended until October 31

As you know, during the past several months, we have worked very hard to get all of our enrolled volunteers fingerprinted so that we comply with the new requirements of SB 103. We appreciate the hard work you have invested into this process! We are so proud of the work our volunteers do and we want to provide every opportunity possible to get printed. We truly hope to maintain our volunteer core.

We are pleased to announce that we will be extending the deadline for volunteers to get fingerprinted until October 31. We believe this permits our remote facilities to schedule at least one (and in many cases, two) on-site session and increases the likelihood that more volunteers will be fingerprinted.

For those volunteers who have not been fingerprinted by the deadline of October 31, their volunteer enrollment status will be suspended until they get fingerprinted or until May 1, 2008 – whichever comes first. If they have not been fingerprinted by May 1, 2008, TYC will be required to deactivate their volunteer status. During the period of suspension while we are waiting for the volunteers to get fingerprinted, the volunteers will not be allowed to continue their volunteer activities. If they are fingerprinted and cleared by May 1, 2008, then their suspension will be rescinded and they can immediately resume their volunteer activities.

For those applicants who have applied to become a TYC volunteer and have been fingerprinted and are awaiting the results, unless we have reason to suspect a criminal history that would prohibit their involvement, they should be okay to volunteer pending the results. They will receive final clearance when the results are received.

Revisions of the Volunteer Services Policies have been drafted, reviewed by a multidisciplinary workgroup, and are pending approval. These policies will explain our process in seeking an executive waiver to the criminal history eligibility of volunteer applicants.

Thank you again for your hard work and your commitment to the youth we serve. Please continue to encourage your volunteers to schedule a fingerprinting appointment as soon as possible. If you need any assistance with this process, please contact Tammy Vega at 512.533.2752.

Tracy Levins
Director, TYC Administrative Services and Community Relations

Tammy Vega
Manager, TYC Volunteer Services

PROPERTY AND PERSONNEL NEEDS YOU!

Please join us for a Work Day Saturday, November 3^rd at 9:00 am. We will be cleaning out the north bed in the south courtyard. This area collects trash and leaves which blow into the Narthex. We will dig out unwanted plants and lower the level of the bed for better water drainage away from the building. Volunteers should bring shovels, rakes and wheelbarrows.

The Nursery is also in need of cleaning. Volunteers are needed to sort toys, discard broken items and clean surfaces and toys.

If you have ever complained about the unsightliness of the church property and wondered why someone doesn't do something, this is your opportunity to help us get things cleaned up.

Tailgate Party: October 26

The Fellowship committee is sponsoring a Tailgate Party this Friday, October 26 at Staub Hall from 5:00 to 7:00 before the football game. There is no charge for the hamburger meal, but tickets are available for everyone to give to friends and family as an invitation and reminder. Please take some tickets, bring family and friends and enjoy good food and fellowship on Friday night.

Weekly Vine: Oct 21-27, 2007

OCTOBER 21-27 CALENDAR

Sunday (10-21)

• 9:00 am - A time of Prayer for our Worship
• 9:30 am - Sunday School classes
• 10:50 am - Worship
• 7:00 pm - Pastor’s Bible Study, Parlor

Monday (10-22)

• 7:00 pm - Troop 87, Staub Hall

Tuesday(10-23)

• 6:00 pm - Den Leader’s Meeting, Staub Hall

Wednesday (10-24)

• 11:00 am - Prayer Group
• 5:00 pm - 11^th & 12^th Grade Youth Dinner
• 7:00 pm - Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room

Thursday (10-25)

• 7:00 pm - TYC Birthday Party

Friday (10-26)

• 5:00 - 7:00 pm - Tailgate Party, Staub Hall

Weekly Vine: Oct 14-20, 2007

OCTOBER 14-20 CALENDAR

Sunday (10-14)

• 9:00 am - A time of Prayer for our Worship
• 9:30 am - Sunday School classes
• 10:50 am - Worship
• 7:00 pm - Pastor’s Bible Study, Parlor

Monday (10-15)

• 7:00 pm - Troop 87, Staub Hall

Tuesday(10-16)

• 3:30 pm - Webelos 1, Hodsden, Staub Hall
• 7:00 pm - Session Meeting, Staub Hall

Wednesday (10-17)

• 11:00 am - Prayer Group
• 11:00 and 12:00 - High School Luncheon
• 7:00 pm - Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room

Thursday (10-18)

• 3:30 pm - Campfire, Burrus, Staub Hall
• 7:00 pm - TYC Bible Study

STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN

The 2008 Stewardship Campaign has concluded for this year. If you have not yet made your pledge, please turn in the information by putting it in the offering plate, mailing it, or bringing it by the office. If you still have one of the batons, please return it to your captain so he or she might turn it in. Prayerfully consider what God is calling you to give so we might maintain and expand the ministries of our church.

Weekly Vine: Oct 7-13, 2007

WEEKLY CALENDAR OCTOBER 7-13

Sunday (10-7)

• 9:00 am - A time of Prayer for our Worship
• 9:30 am - Sunday School classes
• 7:00 pm - Pastor’s Bible Study, Parlor
  

Monday (10-8)

• 6:00 pm - Wolf Den, Tate, Staub Hall
• 7:00 pm - Troop 87, Staub Hall
  

Tuesday (10-9)

• 3:30 pm - Webelos 1, Hodsden, Staub Hall
• 7:00 pm.- Property and Personnel Meeting

Wednesday (10-10)

• 11:00 am - Prayer Group
• 5:00 pm - Dinner @ Baras, 9^th-10^th grades
• 7:00 - pm - Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room

Thursday (10-11)

• 7:00 pm - Tiger Cubs, Thiemann, Staub Hall
• 7:00 pm - TYC Birthday Party
  

HAVE YOU CHECKED US OUT YET?

We are on the web! Welcome to cyberspace. The First Presbyterian Church now has a home on the World Wide Web. We still have some work to do, but we welcome your thoughts and comments. Do you have some ideas on how to improve the site? Would you like to help develop this communication tool? Please speak up. Check us out at: http://www.firstpresvernon.org/

STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN
The 2008 Stewardship Campaign is half over. If you have not received the baton so you can make your pledge, you should get it this week. Please fill in the pledge card promptly and get it to the next person on the list. Prayerfully consider what God is calling you to give so we might maintain and expand the ministries of our church.

Weekly Vine: Sept 30 - Oct 5, 2007

CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 5

Sunday (9-30)

• 9:00 am - A time of Prayer for our Worship
• 9:30 am - Sunday School classes
• 10:50 am - Worship & Playground Dedication
• 10:50 am - Stewardship Drive Begins
• 7:00 pm - Pastor’s Bible Study, Parlor

Monday (10-1)

• 7:00 pm - Troop 87, Staub Hall

Tuesday (10-2)

• 9:30 am - PW Circle Meetings:

Circle 1: Carolyn Smead’s home

Circle 2: CeCe Wright’s home

• 3:30 pm - Webelos 1, Hodsden, Staub Hall
• 7:00 pm.- Christian Education Meeting

Wednesday (10-3)

• 11:00 am - Prayer Group
• 5:00 pm - Dinner with Middle School @ Baras
• 7:00 pm - Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room

Thursday (10-4)

• 7:00 pm - TYC Bible Study
• 9:00 pm - 108^th Stated Meeting and Retreat of Palo Duro Presbytery begins

STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN
The 2008 Stewardship Campaign kicks off on September 30. The theme this year is “Running the Relay”. Captains received the batons for their teams this morning. When you receive the baton, please fill in the pledge card promptly and send it on to the next person on the list. Prayerfully consider what God is calling you to give to maintain and expand the ministries of our church.

USSV Needs for October 2007

United Samaritan Services of Vernon has the following needs for October 2007:

macaroni & cheese,
canned meats,
pork n' beans,
ranch style beans,
peas (canned),
mixed vegetables (canned),
tomatoes (canned),
Jell-O,
puddings,
ramen noodles,
breakfast cereals,
crackers,
grocery bags (paper & plastic)

WALKING IN FAITH - GROWING IN FAITH

The Fellowship Committee is offering an opportunity to further develop our spiritual and physical selves. October 1-31 will be a time to spend two or three days a week walking with a small group of three people. Information and sign up sheets are available in the Narthex and Staub Hall. Sign up now until Tuesday, September 25.

Stewardship Campaign Begins Sept 30

The 2008 Stewardship Campaign will begin September 30. The theme this year is “Running the Relay” and we will be using the “batons” again this year. A letter will be sent early in the week reviewing how this works. Prayerfully consider what God is calling you to give to maintain and expand the ministries of our church.

Weekly Vine: Sept 23-29, 2007

CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER 23 -29

Sunday (9-23)

• 9:00 am - A time of Prayer for our Worship
• 9:30 am - Sunday School classes
• 10:50 am - Worship
• 7:00 pm - Pastor’s Bible Study, Parlor

Monday (9-24)

• 6:00 pm - Wolf Den, Tate
• 7:00 pm - Pack 87 Meeting, Staub Hall
• 7:00 pm - Troop 87, Staub Hall

Tuesday(9-25)

• 3:30 pm - Webelos 1, Hodsden, Staub Hall
• 7:00 pm - Music Ministry Committee Meeting, Staub Hall

Wednesday (9-26)

• 11:00 am - Prayer Group
• 7:00 pm - Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room

Thursday (9-27)

• 7:00 pm - TYC Bible Study

Saturday (9-29)

• 7:00 pm - VHS Class of 1947 Class Reunion, Staub Hall

Check out the calendar for the month of September at http://firstpresvernon.org/calendar.pdf

WALKING IN FAITH - GROWING IN FAITH

The Fellowship Committee is offering an opportunity to further develop our spiritual and physical selves. October 1-31 will be a time to spend two or three days a week walking with a small group of three people. Information and sign up sheets are available in the Narthex and Staub Hall. Sign up now until Tuesday, September 25.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HYMN?

From the youngest to the not-so-young, we are looking for your favorite hymns. Our congregation is beginning to plan worship and music for the upcoming winter, spring and summer. We need your participation. What are your top 5 or 10 hymns? Drop your list by the church office, place it in the offering plate, or e-mail us at vernonpres@sbcglobal.net. We need your list of hymns by September 30.

Christmas Radio Play Auditions

Vernon Community Players will be holding Auditions for our radio play version of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol on Wednesday, September 19, 6:00-8:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church, across from Vernon High School. The play will be airing during the Christmas Season on KVWC.

Weekly Vine: Sept 16-22, 2007

CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER 16-22

Sunday (9-16)

• 9:00 am - A time of Prayer for our Worship
• 9:30 am - Sunday School classes
• 10:50 am - Worship
• 7:00 pm - Pastor’s Bible Study, Parlor

Monday (9-17)

• 7:00 pm - Troop 87, Staub Hall

Tuesday(9-18)

• 12:00 noon - PW Luncheon, Staub Hall
• 3:30 pm - Webelos 1, Hodsden, Staub Hall
• 6:00 pm - Den Leader’s Meeting, Staub Hall
• 7:00 pm - Session Meeting, Staub Hall

Wednesday (9-19)

• 11:00 - am - Prayer Group
• 11:00 & 12:00 - High School Luncheon
• 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Christmas Radio Show Auditions, Parlor
• 7:00 - pm - Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room

Thursday (9-20)

• 7:00 pm - TYC Bible Study

Check out the calendar for the month of September at http://firstpresvernon.org/calendar.pdf

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING:

A congregational meeting will be held next Sunday, September 23. The purpose of the meeting is to elect members to the Nominating Committee and to change how we handle the position of Trustee in our church.

WALKING IN FAITH - GROWING IN FAITH:

The Fellowship Committee is offering an opportunity to further develop our spiritual and physical selves. October 1-31 will be a time to spend two or three days a week walking with a small group of three people. Information and sign up sheets are available in the Narthex and Staub Hall. Sign up continues until September 25.

Roadtrip: Hymn Festival in Wichita Falls

A Hymn Festival, sponored by the Ava and Max Kreutz Organ Concert Series, will be held on the weekend of October 5 and 6. John Ferguson, Professor of Organ and Church Music and Cantor to the Student Congregation at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota will conduct the event at the First Presbyterian Church of Wichita Falls.

The worship service will begin at 7 pm on Saturday, October 6th in Wichita Falls. If you are interested in attending contact the church office at 940-553-3925 or e-mail vernonpres@sbcglobal.net. If enough would like to go, we can plan a Presbyterian road trip.

Share Your Favorite Hymns

From the youngest to the not-so-young, we are looking for your favorite hymns. Our congregation is beginning to plan worship and music for the upcoming winter, spring and summer. We need your participation. What are your top 5 or 10 hymns? Drop your list by the church office, place it in the offering plate, or e-mail us at vernonpres@sbcglobal.net. We need your list of hymns by September 30.

PW Luncheon

The Presbyterian Women annual fall luncheon will be Tuesday, September 18, at noon.

They will meet in Staub Hall. Carole T and Sara H will be speaking on Faithfulness.

The ‘E-word,’ God and the Unchurched

"The 'E-word,' God and the Unchurched" by Evan Silverstein. Presbyterian News Service. September 11, 2008.

In many mainline Protestant churches the “E-word” (evangelism) has seemingly replaced sex and money as the most unspeakable of terms, according to author and researcher Martha Grace Reese.

The E-word makes some pastors cringe and leaves many church members pondering how and why they should share their faith with the unchurched, she said.

...

“Most of the people who are really doing the great evangelism are doing it out of so much love, the sense that there really is a God, and it really matters that people know that because that’s the structure of reality, that’s the way the world’s put together,” said Reese...

To read the entire entire article, go to http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2007/07571.htm.