First Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
a historic church alive in Fort Davis, Texas
Inside and Outside Our Church and Our Community
The Great Commission
Matthew 28:18-20
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:18-20
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
WHAT WE'RE DOING NOW:
(how we're meeting the goals we set for ourselves!)
(UPDATED 6/2010)
THE BUILDING
Using donations to our 2009 Christmas Giving Tree, Jim Hall has installed a sink with real running water upstairs in the hall. This much-requested upgrade means we don't have to try to fill coffee pots in the ladies' room sink anymore.
Elders Hall and Jim Espy watered and coaxed the lawn to green up for our Pentecost picnic. And the picnic table repairs make the church grounds a much more comfortable spot for such luncheons.
Thanks to the efforts and organizing skills of Jim Hall and the professional crew he contracted, plus a grant from Presbytery specifically to cover building repairs, the basement has been completely rewired!
The electric oven even works.
Time spent in our kitchen is less exciting though-- no more sudden shocks when you turn on the water faucet.
To appreciate the complexity of this project, imagine running new wiring through old adobe walls.
Further electrical upgrades will take advantage of the remaining grant funds before they expire.
THE COMMUNITY
P.A.C.E.M. --Presbyterians Assisting Children's Education Ministry
Our mentoring and literacy program (we've focused on the library's after-school progam and the new Boys and Girls Club there) began in March, 2009. Volunteers from the Presbyterian Church give their time to help kids with homework, special skills and just to lend a non-official adult presence to their day.
COMMUNICATION:
Linda Allen, our clerk of the session, is working on putting our membership onto a comprehensive database. We know who we are-- we just don't always know how to get hold of each other. If you have a change of address or phone number, please give Linda your new information!
Our website isn't just a place to post a calendar of upcoming events anymore.
Check out Matt's new blog as he shares thoughts, gripes, laughter and prayers across the web. If you have Internet capability, you can even comment on what the preacher has to say. Matt informally touches on topics ranging from burying a beloved pet to the humorous frustrations of air travel and technology to encountering unexpected tragedy and loss. It's easy to subscribe to get emails when Matt posts new thoughts.
Even though we are isolated and remote in Far West Texas, our Internet presence gives you an opportunity to share your beliefs across the world.
Matt and several church members also maintain Facebook pages where we share the trivialities that make life profound. Who would've thought the Internet would be an means for church members to express
thanks?
Also, there's a new insert in the Sunday bulletin, a calendar of events and prayer concerns. Copies are available in the foyer.
(how we're meeting the goals we set for ourselves!)
(UPDATED 6/2010)
THE BUILDING
Using donations to our 2009 Christmas Giving Tree, Jim Hall has installed a sink with real running water upstairs in the hall. This much-requested upgrade means we don't have to try to fill coffee pots in the ladies' room sink anymore.
Elders Hall and Jim Espy watered and coaxed the lawn to green up for our Pentecost picnic. And the picnic table repairs make the church grounds a much more comfortable spot for such luncheons.
Thanks to the efforts and organizing skills of Jim Hall and the professional crew he contracted, plus a grant from Presbytery specifically to cover building repairs, the basement has been completely rewired!
The electric oven even works.
Time spent in our kitchen is less exciting though-- no more sudden shocks when you turn on the water faucet.
To appreciate the complexity of this project, imagine running new wiring through old adobe walls.
Further electrical upgrades will take advantage of the remaining grant funds before they expire.
THE COMMUNITY
P.A.C.E.M. --Presbyterians Assisting Children's Education Ministry
Our mentoring and literacy program (we've focused on the library's after-school progam and the new Boys and Girls Club there) began in March, 2009. Volunteers from the Presbyterian Church give their time to help kids with homework, special skills and just to lend a non-official adult presence to their day.
COMMUNICATION:
Linda Allen, our clerk of the session, is working on putting our membership onto a comprehensive database. We know who we are-- we just don't always know how to get hold of each other. If you have a change of address or phone number, please give Linda your new information!
Our website isn't just a place to post a calendar of upcoming events anymore.
Check out Matt's new blog as he shares thoughts, gripes, laughter and prayers across the web. If you have Internet capability, you can even comment on what the preacher has to say. Matt informally touches on topics ranging from burying a beloved pet to the humorous frustrations of air travel and technology to encountering unexpected tragedy and loss. It's easy to subscribe to get emails when Matt posts new thoughts.
Even though we are isolated and remote in Far West Texas, our Internet presence gives you an opportunity to share your beliefs across the world.
Matt and several church members also maintain Facebook pages where we share the trivialities that make life profound. Who would've thought the Internet would be an means for church members to express
thanks?
Also, there's a new insert in the Sunday bulletin, a calendar of events and prayer concerns. Copies are available in the foyer.
Changes in the Guard:
After a couple of decades of extreme service to the church, Doris Smith retired from her post as church treasurer and bookkeeper. We appreciate Boog, and wish her time free of numbers and totals.
Laura Lannon has assumed the role of bookkeeper.
Sara Pierce has passed the choir director torch to new member Brady Mayo. Renee Parsons assists Margie Ferguson with Sunday piano and organ music.
2008-2009 saw a selective redecorating and renovation program to our historic old building. We've freshened things up while keeping true to the traditional church we're so proud of.
Our Storytelling Room replaces the old Sunday School room and nursery. Painted to resemble an ancient walled city, the room includes a tent and murals of old Jerusalem. If you haven't signed up to teach a Sunday School lesson, the Storytelling Room is a great place to begin. (How nervous can you get if you're inside a tent?)
Nursery care began in 2010.
Our Storytelling Room replaces the old Sunday School room and nursery. Painted to resemble an ancient walled city, the room includes a tent and murals of old Jerusalem. If you haven't signed up to teach a Sunday School lesson, the Storytelling Room is a great place to begin. (How nervous can you get if you're inside a tent?)
Nursery care began in 2010.
Besides serving as the home of Adult Sunday School and a fellowship hall for meals, the renovated basement provides a warm atmosphere for meetings for local groups --- quilters, artists, book club and others.
Future Considerations
Hispanic Ministry
The Baptist Church has had an Hispanic ministry with its own staff but they have recently put an end to that program. Their Hispanic minister has moved away from the area. While we cannot afford a separate minister, we feel there is a need there to be met and that we can find way to fill that void.
Adult Literacy Program
There is no such program in our community for Adults who have not yet learned to read. We will be thinking about and researching how it is that we implement such a program.
FDPC SUNDAY MORNING NURSERY
In addition to our children's Sunday school program (offered during the school year) we offer supervised nursery/play on Sunday mornings from 10:00 am til noon, allowing parents to participate in both Sunday school and church.
In addition to our children's Sunday school program (offered during the school year) we offer supervised nursery/play on Sunday mornings from 10:00 am til noon, allowing parents to participate in both Sunday school and church.
