First Presbyterian Church ~ Junction, TX

Oct—Nov 2017 From the Pastors:

Inside this issue: From the Pastors

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Session Highlights

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Church History Tidbits

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Presbyterian Women

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Prayer Concerns

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Sunday School

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Youth Group

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What’s Going on in the Church?

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Kids in the News

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Birthdays & Anniversaries

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Calendar of Events

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Special Points of Interest: • Elementary AfterSchool Program on Tuesdays. • Youth Group meets once a month on a Sunday afternoon. • Bible Study on Wednesday evenings. • Ivy Chapel Gathering on Oct 8th. • Missionary Report & Dinner on Oct 11th. • Presbytery Meeting Oct 27-28. • Men’s Breakfast on Nov 4th. • HAPPY THANKSGIVING Nov 23rd. • Hanging of the Green on Nov 29th.

Don't forget about our Sunday School program: beginning at 9:45am we have classes for all ages. So why come? If you are not part of a Sunday school class you may be missing out. Sunday school is the place where you are known at church. In worship you cannot create discussions or develop interpersonal relationships while sitting in the pews.

followed by a program from Charles and Melissa Johnson, Presbyterian missionaries serving in Zambia.

Jim will be out of the office Monday October 9-16. I am going to Florida to make sure dad's house is livable it suffered some damage from hurricane Irma. Dad is getting rehab from surgery at a facility in Leesburg, FL.

In her bestselling book, Traveling Mercies, Anne Lamott explains why she makes her son go with her to church. She says, "The main reason is that I want to give him what I found in the world, which is a path and a little light to see by. Most of the people I know who have what I want –purpose, heart, balance, gratitude, joy – are people with a deep sense of spirituality. They are people in community, who pray, or practice their faith… people banding together to work on themselves and for human rights. They follow a brighter light than the glimmer of their own candle; they are part of something beautiful… Our funky little church is filled with people who are working for peace and freedom, who are out there on the streets and inside praying, and they are home writing letters, and they are at the shelters with giant platters of food." Then she says, "When I was at the end of my rope, the people at St. Andrew tied a knot in it for me and helped me hold on." (Anne Lamott, Traveling Mercies, p. 100)

Wednesday October 15th at 6pm we will be having a spaghetti dinner catered by Brian and Bobby Lyn McLaughlin

I like Anne Lamont's description of church. This really is the place where you can find people who are practicing a

Sunday school is not just for kids. We are trying to create settings in which children, youth and adults can come to new relationships with God and each other. Pray for teachers, leaders and participants. Pray for church members who could be teachers, leaders and participants and pray for people outside the church who could find their home in God through the ministry of your Sunday school. Please come join us Sunday mornings at 9:45 pick a class and let’s get to know God and each other better.

deep sense of spirituality. Here are people who are sharing their lives together with purpose, heart, balance, gratitude, and joy. Church is the place where people practice their faith, however imperfectly. We often get to the end of our rope, but the church helps us to tie a knot and hold on. In my conversations with a number of you who are newer and those who have attend our church for some time; the comment that keeps coming up is that you feel “comfortable.” I am very encouraged by that, and I hope that it continues, and even grows as you begin to reach out to the new folks God brings us. But let’s not get too comfortable and become complacent in our faith. Come join us in Sunday School AND Worship as we come together as the body of Christ to represent Jesus in our community and to share the love of God with a lonely world. Charles and Melissa Johnson, Presbyterian missionaries serving in Zambia will be with us to share their stories. Join us on Wed, Oct 11th at 6 PM. Dinner will be catered.

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Men of the church have breakfast and a devotional in the fellowship hall early Saturday mornings each month. The next meeting is Nov 4.

A Thanksgiving dinner is planned on Sunday, 11/5. Turkey and dressing will be served by the church and you are invited to bring a side dish. Save the date!

August Income $10,654.26 August Expenses $15,076.20

YOUTH GROUP Meets Monthly Oct 22 Justin & Carmen’s House Nov 19 Nick & Vinetta’s House

Oct—Nov 2017

Session Highlights AUGUST: The session met on Tuesday, August 15, 2017. The meeting was opened with prayer. In church news, Edith Allen’s birthday party was a great success. R.C. Lackey passed away on July 31. Minutes from prior meetings were approved. In the treasurer’s report, bookkeeper Carolyn Casaday reported that there was nothing but business as usual to report. In the pastors’ report, Laurie reported that Jim was dealing with some health issues, the family vacation to Florida and Louisiana was great and they would be going to Bridgeport the last weekend of August. In the clerk’s report, Courtney Cantu reported preparing the agenda for this meeting and the minutes for the June stated meeting. In the fellowship committee report, the VBS fish fry was attended by about 55 and the Sunday school kick-off breakfast will be September 10. In the buildings and grounds committee report, the cabinet renovation in the choir room is completed and the dead tree in the parking lot needs to be removed. In the Christian education committee report, the Wednesday youth group is going to be reorganized and will probably be a once a month meeting, the Tuesday after school group starts on September 12 and Sunday school starts on September 17. In the music committee report, Jim will contact Mr. Smallwood about tuning the piano. In the mission committee report,

Molly McMillan will start working on Compassion Sunday literature. In new business, the session is to start thinking about who will serve on the pastor evaluation and budget committees. The meeting was closed with prayer at 6:36pm. SEPTEMBER: The session met on Tuesday, September 19, 2017. The meeting was opened with prayer. In church news, Bobby Colston’s mother passed away on September 15. Minutes from prior meetings were approved. In the treasurer’s report, bookkeeper Carolyn Casaday reported that there was nothing but business as usual to report. In the pastors’ report, Jim reported that he had been having some health issues that are now resolved. There are a lot of people watching our Sunday services live on Facebook. The after school and youth group meetings started out well with good attendance. The Wednesday evening bible study is still going well and attendance on Sundays has picked up. Ivy Chapel will have a program and service from 4-7 on October 8. Roosevelt will have a potluck and services from 5-7 on October 1. Laurie performed a marriage in Bridgeport on September 23. Jim’s dad is having some health issues and received a little water damage during the hurricane. Jim’s mother’s home was undamaged. In the clerk’s report, Courtney Cantu reported preparing the agenda for this meeting and the minutes for the August stated meeting. In the fellowship committee report, the Sunday school How do you want your Newsletter delivered? Digital or Print?

Many are receiving the newsletter in both formats. Please let Sally know in the Church Office.

kick-off breakfast was attended by about 55, there will be a church family Thanksgiving lunch on Sunday, November 5 and the Hanging of the Green will be on Wednesday, November 29 at 5:30pm, with the usual chili supper. In the buildings and grounds committee report, Jim reported that a church member is willing to fund an extension of the parking lot on the north side of the church to the corner in front of Grace Place. Jim will request a bid from Cherokee Road & Bridge. Bids will also be requested for a slab for the bbq pit and a sprinkler system and sod. Mark Tillman cut down the dead tree in the parking lot and Hilario Cantu hauled it off. Luke Levine will remove the stump and another tree will be planted. In the Christian education committee report, Sunday school has been well attended and we still need an older elementary teacher. In the greeting committee report, Debbie Bierschwale volunteered to make bread for the gift boxes. In the music committee report, Mr. Smallwood has been contacted about tuning the piano. In the mission committee report, Molly McMillan is looking for ideas for mission projects. In old business, pastor evaluation and budget committees were selected. In new business, Hilario and Courtney Cantu will be attending the fall presbytery meeting with Jim and Laurie in October. The meeting was closed with prayer at 6:52pm.

Oct—Nov 2017

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Church History Tidbits

Presbyterian Women

FPC recently received a memorial from Mary Ellen Walker Thornton and her husband Frank Thornton in memory of her Grandparents Melvin and May Hull and her Mother, Augusta Hull Walker. Mary Ellen’s mother told her in earlier years, that a circuit rider minister had asked her father, Melvin, to help him establish a church in the Junction area. (Hence, our beginning!) Mary Ellen also told that she was recently asked to give a program in her home town where she is a college professor. With the help of Kay Randolph, Mary Ellen was able to use the church background history all in part from the Rev. William Bierschwale’s (our church’s first pastor and Carlton’s grandfather) compiled, detailed notes for the Presbytery history so many years ago. Further noted was that Henry Grubbs (our pastor at that time and married to Ann Allen, sister of Billy Allen), baptized Mary Ellen and her brother and father at Ivy Chapel. Mary Ellen’s parents had membership in Junction but usually attended Ivy Chapel or a church in London for convenience. Her parents were members here until they moved to Fredericksburg and joined the Presbyterian church where Milton Bierschwale (Carlton’s brother) was Pastor. Both her parent’s funeral services were held in our church. Mary Ellen Walker Thornton grew up in London and graduated in 1960 from London High School. Some of you may remember her. Mary Ellen and her husband live in Trinity, Texas. She is now Baptist (by marriage)! Amazing the ties that bind!

The Sisterhood group met at the church on the first Sunday of September, after services, for a meal and to make plans for upcoming events. They also met in October with lunch hosted by Lacey Lee and Shannon Jetton. All women are welcome. They have taken over the local organization and distribution of the “back pack program” for school children to be able to take food home over the weekends. Anyone can come help sack up the supplies each Sunday after church which only takes a short time when everyone helps. Hungry children will be helped locally through these efforts. The Women of the Church met on Sept. 12 at the church for the first meeting of the year. They will meet monthly at 9:45 a.m. on the second Tuesday. Distribution of funds to charities including Guideposts for military were voted on. Connie Fox led the meeting from new study books about Community of Christ in Hebrews. All women of the church are welcome to join. The next meeting is Oct. 10th.

First Presbyterian Church of Junction has a memorial fund for a special way to remember loved ones. You may mail in your donation and request for remembrances, bring by the office, or put in the collection plate marked as such. A memorial book is in the entrance of the church. Another way to remember your loved one is the cross wall in the northex. Bring your cross to the office with the name marked on the back and it will be hung.

Prayer Concerns Please pray for our President and his family, our nation and world, our military men and women, victims of terrorist attacks and natural disasters, Ministers of the Word and Sacrament and Missionaries worldwide. In the Church Family: Scott Andrews, Rheana Benes (Anna Henry’s friend), Joyce Borden (Luke Levien’s grandmother), Walter Dedeke, Jack and Pat Duwe, Gary Fogle, David Kneese (Curt’s dad), Quinten McLaughlin, Twila Leistikow, Hazel Mansfield, Ed Savage, Olivia Savage (Ed and Peaches’s granddaughter) and Preston Wright. In our Community: Dicky Adams, Art Berry, Cajun Christie, Lamar Evans, Larry and Melanie Maddux, Sarah Rotge, Barbara Stewart, Tom Sullivan and Fredrica Wyatt.

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Oct—Nov 2017

Sunday School Kick-off Breakfast Sept. 10th was a Sunday school kick-off breakfast with about 50 attending. Classes are in full swing and have been well attended. The senior adult class is moving to Grace Place. Middle School and High School are meeting in the Red Room. All classes start at 9:45 AM. The nursery is also available for infants so the parents can attend their respective classes. Coins for collection during Sunday school will begin for the kids to learn about giving to a special project. Come “Grow in the knowledge of God”. P.S.: We need help soon with the kids Christmas program. Please contact Teena or Molly.

Youth Group Debbie and Paul Bierschwale hosted the church Youth Group for middle school and high school age kids. The Youth Group is meeting once a month with the first being held at the Bierschwale Ranch. In addition to our church kids, many brought friends to enjoy the great fun and devotional. The kids all reported a great time. Monthly meetings will be rotated to different places and church member homes. The next meeting will be Sunday, October 22nd at Justin and Carmen’s house in Segovia. The November meeting is scheduled be at Nick and Vinetta’s barndominium in Little Mexico.

And Jesus grew in WISDOM and STATURE, and in FAVOR with God and man. ~ Luke 2:52

The Ivy Chapel community in Kimble County will be hosting a picnic dinner and traditional country chapel service on Sunday, October 8, 2017, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Ivy Chapel. The community will be celebrating the building’s 119 years of service as a schoolhouse, country chapel, and gathering place for celebrations of all kinds.

Oct—Nov 2017

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What’s Going on in the Church? Our extended church family at the Roosevelt Presbyterian Church had a covered dish meal at 5 p.m on Sunday Oct 1st and a service at 6 p.m. with 30 in attendance. Jim and Laurie lead a service there the first Sunday of each month. Several friends and fellow church family members are at our local nursing home and love to visit. They have a sing song each Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. and a brief Bible lesson. It is helpful to have people there to assist as needed. While it helps them, it is more of a blessing to you. Try it.

Each Newsletter, we want to highlight our Kids in the News: Volleyball, cheerleading and band are in full swing. Jade plays volleyball, is a MS cheerleader and performs as an Angel in the HS band. Chloe plays varsity volleyball and is a HS Cheerleader. Risa plays volleyball and is a MS cheerleader.

The first six weeks of school shows many of our church kids on the All-A and All-AB Honor Roll!!

Birthdays & Anniversaries

First Presbyterian Church ~ Junction, TX

Marcia Clark Boanna Owens Neil Payne Tommie Sandstrom Kendon Roberts KK Allen McLeod Bonnie House Mary Hale Crue Levien Jay & Jennifer Johnson Heather Creamer Butch Lewis Robert & Lila Fox Curt Kneese Pat Duwe Andy Fox Norine Herbst Ilee Simon Caden Roberts Kasey Brown Justin Bierschwale Gary Allison Dr. Al Lopez Rob Roy Spiller Phil Stapp

Rev. James G. Barker II & Rev. Laurie H. Barker Co-Pastors Church Office: Sally Murff, Office Manager 201 South 11th Street PO Box 898 Junction, TX 76849 Church Office: (325) 446-2165 Manse: (325) 446-2174 Jim’s Cell: (325) 215-9017 Laurie’s Cell: (830) 459-7950 Email: [email protected] Check out the BLOG at http://fpcjunction.blogspot.com Enter to Worship. Depart to Serve.

2-Oct 3-Oct 4-Oct 4-Oct 11-Oct 12-Oct 12-Oct 15-Oct 15-Oct 16-Oct 18-Oct 19-Oct 21-Oct 22-Oct 26-Oct 26-Oct 26-Oct 28-Oct 28-Oct 29-Oct 30-Oct 31-Oct 1-Nov 1-Nov 1-Nov

Riki Doyal Bode Bierschwale Bronc Kothmann Gully Cowsert Clay Holland Jordan Keeton Derek Cantu Zee Wootan Olivia Kneese Sam & Jurahee Silvers Greer Kothmann Karen Lopez Marcy Levien Brad Sandlin Kelly Kothmann Buzzy Bierschwale Rev. Jack Hunnicutt Bob Allen Gabe Graman Casen Roberts Anthony Ratkus Doyle Weitz Mayghan Meadows Lee Meadows Dottie Neimann

2-Nov 5-Nov 5-Nov 6-Nov 6-Nov 7-Nov 11-Nov 11-Nov 12-Nov 12-Nov 14-Nov 14-Nov 18-Nov 18-Nov 19-Nov 22-Nov 23-Nov 24-Nov 24-Nov 24-Nov 25-Nov 25-Nov 28-Nov 29-Nov 30-Nov

October—November 2017 Sun 1

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COMMUNION

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Wed

3 4 After-school Program 3:30-5:00 PM

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Fri

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Bible Study

8 Care Center, 4 PM 9 Ivy Chapel Gathering, 4-7 PM

10 PW 9:45 AM 11 12 After-school Program Missionary Report & 3:30-5:00 PM Dinner

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17 18 After-school Program Bible Study 3:30-5:00 PM

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24 25 After-school Program Bible Study 3:30-5:00 PM

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27 Presbytery Meeting

28 Presbytery Meeting

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31 1 After-school Program 3:30-5:00 PM

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Bible Study

7 8 After-school Program 3:30-5:00 PM

Bible Study

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6 COMMUNION Church Lunch

Men’s Breakfast 9

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14 PW 9:45 AM 15 After-school Program Bible Study 3:30-5:00 PM

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Thanksgiving Holiday ~ No School

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28 29 After-school Program Hanging of the 3:30-5:00 PM Green

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