The First Presbyterian Church of Rockwall extends a warm welcome to all new residents.
A period of fellowship follows each service of worship, providing members of the church and guests an opportunity to visit.

More information about the church may be obtained by contacting the church office at (972) 771-5702 or by e-mail.


STEWARDSHIP

Faithfulness Sustains the Generations


STEWARDSHIP DEDICATION SUNDAY
NOVEMBER 18, 2001

Why should a pledge be made to the 2002 budget?

When a person commits to membership in the church, there is acceptance of the responsibility to support the ministry of the church through stewardship of time, talent and resources. The apostle Paul spoke plainly and boldly of the need for Christians to give generous support to the church so that the church could, in turn, minister to the needs of its members and others.

We all know the verses, "Love one another," "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," and "As you do it to one of the least of these you do it unto me." Let's try to hear the message. Let's return a little more of what God has given to us, and let's do it with gratitude and generosity.

Pledging gives the church a priority in our lives. It is part of our covenant of faith. Since as Christians, we believe that God gave us the greatest gift possible in God's Son, Jesus, our response to God should be first, not last. Making a commitment in the form of a pledge helps us to be regular and systematic in our giving and lets our congregation know that it can count on our financial support barring any unusual circumstances. Our commitment becomes planned and not just a part of what is left over after all our other pledges are met.



REVIEW OF THE ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

At the annual congregational meeting held on October 21st, the following were elected to the:
Session Class of 2004
Brad Tomlinson - elder-trustee/treasurer
David Gordon
Richard Kirk
Marilyn Hall
Bill Sinclair (1 year unexpired term, class of 2002)

Nominating Committee for 2002
Rick Filip, moderator
Hal Whitfield
James Tunnell

COMMUNITY WIDE THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Sunday November 18th at 6:00 PM

The Rockwall Ministerial Alliance is sponsoring the 2001 Community Wide Thanksgiving Service with First Presbyterian hosting. The Rev. Doug Neal, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church is the preacher. Pat Sproll is the choir director for the service. Choir members from participating churches will present an anthem. A time of fellowship will follow the service. It is requested that First Presbyterian church-members bring a pumpkin or pecan pie. A sign up sheet is in the fellowship hall.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION


PRIZES AWARDED

Click here to view snapshots

CHILI: 1st - Rodney Smith, 2nd - Preston Dobbs, 3rd - David Crutchfield

ICE CREAM: 1st - Laura Slackney, 2nd - Cynthia Case, 3rd - Felie Cotti

PUMPKIN CARVING: 1st - Kelly Case, 2nd - John Crutchfield, 3rd - Jonelle Gascoigne

COSTUME: 1st - Darcie Nightengale, 2nd - Lindsay Case, 3rd - Coleman Roughton


I would like to extend a personal thanks to everyone who participated in the Fall Festival from the children who participated to the other committee's members who helped setup and tear down and the women who contributed goodies for the cakewalk.

A special thank you to the judges and the youth who manned the games. We could not have done it without you.

      Laura Roughton,
      Moderator, C.E. Committee

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN

LADIES NIGHT OUT: will meet Monday November 5th, 7:00 PM at the Ranch House Restaurant in Rockwall.

On Dec. 3rd Ladies Night Out will meet at the church and order dinner in.

This year we will be reading books and dedicating one "Ladies Night Out" each quarter to discussing a book. Our first discussion will be at the December meeting. Our first selection is "Gift From the Sea" by Ann Lindbergh.

MORNING CIRCLE: will meet Thursday, Nov. 8th, 10:30 AM at the home of Phyllis Urquhart. All women of the church are invited to attend.

EVENING CIRCLE: will meet Wednesday, Nov. 14th 7:30 PM at the home of Frances Campbell. Lesson #3 in the Book of Esther.

BETTER THAN HOUSEWORK: will meet at the church 10am Wednesday Nov.7 for a visit to Richardson UTD campus to view the sculptural collection, "Hung", an aerial display. Lunch to follow. Anyone wishing to join us is most welcome. We will be car-pooling. Let Wanda know if you plan to come.

BAKE SALE: The Presbyterian Women's monthly Bake Sale is Sunday, Nov. 11th.

RED STOCKING TEA: All women of the church and guests are invited to the home of Kathy Miller, on Sunday, December 2nd at 3:00 PM. The Tea is hosted by Kathy Miller and Phyllis Urquhart

Again we will share our good fortune with the patients of Terrell State Hospital. Please bring small unwrapped gifts. Personal care products are needed: soap, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, combs, brushes, etc. There is a complete list on the bulletin board in fellowship hall. Cash donations are also appreciated; checks should be made out to "Volunteer Services of Terrell State Hospital."

PLEDGES: A new year in the life of the Presbyterian Women has begun. The Circles are active. Planning for various events is well underway. Much of the work of the Presbyterian Women is financed by pledges. You are invited to give or send donations to "Presbyterian Women" c/o Kim Dobbs. The funds received will help spread God's love through domestic and foreign mission projects.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN'S HANDBOOK: is on the counter in fellowship hall. Please pick yours up today.

JUST A REMINDER: bring canned goods the first Sunday of each month to help stock the food pantry at Helping Hands.

BIBLE STUDY AND PRAYER GROUP

Wednesday night Bible study and prayer group meets at 7:00 PM in the conference room. For more information contact Bob Reeves.


CHURCH HISTORY

The Church History Committee, moderated by Wilma Foster, has completed its work! The book is now ready for publication! To help cover the expense of printing the committee has authorized a "pre-sale" of the book at $15.00 per copy. Please use the enclosed order form (CLICK HERE for printable form).

Name____________________________________
Number of copies__________________________
(Make checks payable to: First Presbyterian Church)

OUTREACH

We received two special offerings this month.
The proceeds are as follows:
Helping Hands received on Sunday September 30th….$1,215.60
Special OGH offering received on Sunday October 14th…$3,268.00


LAY LEADER FOR NOVEMBER
Jill Culmo

USHER CAPTAIN FOR NOVEMBER
Jim Tonne

MEETINGS

SESSION MEETING: The regular stated meeting of the Session will be Tuesday, November 20th at 7:30 PM in the conference room

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

Immediately following morning worship November 18th all November "Babies" will celebrate their birthdays in the fellowship hall.

Mitch Adams
Kent Biffle
David Crutchfield
Wilma Foster
Christopher Herring
Randy Herring
Rob Mehl
Barbara Powell
Coleman Roughton
Tommie Smith
Laura Tennent
Elizabeth Vaughan
Dee Whitfield
Hal Whitfield

If you have a November birthday and your name is not on the list, please contact the church office.


THE CHURCH IS PEOPLE

NEW MEMBERS:
    We welcome into our church family, Brian and Dolores Gaertner and their daughters, Alyssa and Kelsey.

CONGRATULATIONS:
    to Isom and Kathy Crawford on the birth of their daughter, Kaitlyn Louise.

    to Leon and Billie Tuttle on the birth of their grandson, Ryan Matthew.


ADVENT

Advent is the season of preparation, it is a time to prepare spiritually for the arrival of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The word Advent means "coming." Advent is a time to:

WATCH For Jesus' birth.

REDEDICATE Your life to Christ everyday through your actions, thoughts and prayers.

WAIT For the day when Christ will come again in glory.

Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas day (December 2nd) And ends at sunset on Christmas Eve.

Sunday November 25th Advent Preparation Workshop Dinner is at 5:00 PM and will be hosted by the Christian Education Committee.

ADVENT CALENDAR OF SUNDAY ACTIVITIES

Sunday Dec. 2nd …"Hanging of The Greens." during worship

Sunday Dec. 9th … Christmas Music Festival @ 6:00 PM followed by dinner

Sunday Dec. 16th … the Children's Christmas Pageant @ 6:00 PM followed by dinner

Sunday Dec. 23rd …During worship the Sanctuary Choir will present a Christmas Cantata. Christmas Caroling Hayride at 5:00 PM

Monday Dec. 24th ...Candle Light Christmas Eve Service at 7:00 PM

 

POINSETTIAS

We will be using Poinsettia Plants to decorate the sanctuary during the Christmas season. If you would like to order a plant, please fill out the following form (CLICK HERE for printable form) and return it to the church office with a check for $10. Orders must be in by Friday, December 7th.

I WISH TO ORDER A POINSETTIA FOR THE SANCTUARY:
IN MEMORY OF:_____________________________________________
IN HONOR OF:_______________________________________________
DONATED BY:_______________________________________________
(PLEASE PRINT)