Preaching Schedule
Sunday, September 12
8:15, 9:30, and 11 a.m. worship services
Message by Jim Birchfield
"Small Things Done in Great Love"
Matthew 22:37-39;25:35-40
Click here to view more dates.

Message from the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee
Members of the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee are currently accepting applications for an Associate Pastor for Congregational Care. The process of selecting an associate pastor is outlined by the PCUSA and guided by the Holy Spirit.
The congregation is encouraged to pray the Committee discerns who God is calling into this important position at FPC. For more information, please contact apnc@fpchouston.org.

Family First Celebration
Saturday, September 11
Dinner served 5 – 6 p.m., Fellowship Hall
Program 6:15 – 7 p.m., Grand Hall
Join us for the Sunday School Kick-Off Celebration featuring music from the Brandon Muchow Band and FPC Groove Crew with guest performer Jim Birchfield. Tickets are $5 per person, $25 maximum per family. Bring school supplies to support Nehemiah Center or pre-purchase a School Supply Basket from the Children & Family Ministry team for $25. Baskets will serve as event centerpieces.

Annual Congregational Meeting
A celebration of where we have been and where we are going.
Sunday, September 12, 11 a.m., Grand Hall
Join this worship celebration of traditional and contemporary music, personal testimonies and a business meeting. The 10:45 and 11:05 a.m. services will be combined for the celebration and meeting; 8:15 and 9:30 a.m. Worship times are unchanged.

3 Basic Truths: Wisdom, Faith, Friendship
Do you desire for the children of First Presbyterian to grow up and say, “I will make the wise choice, I will trust God no matter what, and I will treat others the way I want to be treated”? Join the Children and Family Ministry team and volunteer for WinGS (special needs), The Walk (ages 2 – 5) or the Groove (grades K – 5) and serve as a small group leader, actor, greeter or prep team. Please consider helping us make a difference. Contact Ashley Sullivan, e-mail.

Support EAC by eating pizza
Help the Emergency Aid Coalition (EAC) provide food and clothing to those in need by taking your family or friends to a participating California Pizza Kitchen on September 30. California Pizza Kitchen is donating 20% of its profits to EAC when you present a special coupon with your order.  Coupons are available at the Welcome Center or through the Local Missions office. For more information, contact Stephanie Drew, director of Local Missions, 713-620-6547 or e-mail.

Centering Prayer
Tuesdays, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m., basement breakout room LC 086
Centering Prayer is a time to be open to God for his deep healing work within us, beneath the level of our conscious engagement with the world. Changes wrought by regular practice of this quiet communion will not necessarily be noticed in the prayer time itself, but in the increasing availability of love, joy, peace and other fruits of the Spirit in daily life. To join in this quiet communion, contact Marcia Turner, marjeana@sbcglobal.net.

Tapestry
Tuesdays, 10 – 11:45 a.m., LC 181
Fellowship begins at 9:30 a.m.
Tapestry begins a new semester of study with Stepping Up: A Journey through the Psalms of Ascent by Beth Moore. Just as a song or poem can express feelings of fear, doubt, hope, and joy, these 15 psalms model how to voice our own petitions and praises to God, who is always available and ready to hear us. E-mail to register.

Resound! Youth Choir begins new year
All youth in grades 6 through 12 are invited to join FPC’s Resound! Youth Choir. The students participate in worship services, festivals, musicals and community outreach projects. Weekly rehearsals begin on Sunday, September 12, 4:30 – 6 p.m. in CE 240. Contact Leigh Shipman, leighkshipman@gmail.com.

FIT Men’s Basketball Fall League 2010
Mondays, September 13 – November 8, Grand Hall
Ages 18 and up; Cost: $350 per team or $35 individual
This is an open league in a safe, controlled environment. Games are played competitively but with grace and the great commission rules, treat others as you would want to be treated. Everyone is invited to have fun, in a Christ like manner. 
Spaces are limited to 8 teams of 12 so register soon! For more information or to register contact Adonus Green, 713-620-6406 or e-mail.

First Place 4 Health
Orientation: September 13, 6:30 p.m., FH 258
First Place 4 Health is a reliable, proven method of weight loss and healthy living. It continues to grow as a strong church program. The tremendous success of First Place 4 Health is due to its biblical approach to weight loss and overall health management, which puts Christ first and improves every area of a person’s life. Contact Teresa Koops, 713-776-2744.

WoW
Begins Tuesday, September 14, 10 a.m. – noon, LC 080
Fellowship begins at 9:30 a.m.
Me, Myself, and Lies:  A Thought Closet Makeover, by Jennifer Rothschild is a study to remind us that thoughts often have a ripple effect on nearly every area of a person’s life. Join this study to help clean out the junk in your mind and replace hidden negative thoughts with positive truths from God’s word. E-mail to register.

CommunityFirst
The Disciple’s Journey – The Life of Peter
Taught by the Rev. Dr. Jim Birchfield
Wednesdays, September 15 – November 10, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Dinner offered each week, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall
This Wednesday evening experience is designed to equip you in your faith journey. The program provides short-term, strategic classes to allow you room to learn and grow.  Using the Gospel accounts, the book of Acts and Peter’s own letters, follow his journey as a disciple of Jesus, and learn how to use Peter’s journey to inform and encourage your own.

Power in the Present
Taught by Pastor Bill Heston and Chaplain AnneMarie Wallace
Wednesdays, September 15 – October 6, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Living Room
Have you ever  asked, “Where is God in this?” Participants in this 4-week series will explore Christian principles applied to life’s circumstances. Practical helps and resources are offered as we consider how God is present in our past; God is present in our losses; God is present in our ongoing challenges, and God is present in our wholeness. Join us as we connect the dots of life!

Blessings, Women’s Evening Bible Study
Wednesday evenings beginning September 15, 7:30 – 9 p.m., Adult Library
This fall join a multi-generational group of women for in-depth study of Rev. Dr. Alyce McKenzie’s book, The Parables for Today.  Dr. McKenzie is professor of Homiletics at Perkins School of Theology at SMU. In this book she makes the parables come alive with new meaning and relevance and provides easy entrance into the major form of Jesus’ teaching. Questions at the end of each chapter enrich the personal and group experience. To register contact e-mail.

Fellowship Sunday School Class
Sunday, September 19, 9:30 a.m., FH 259
An “electronic trip” to visit world famous cathedrals in Europe and hear a message of the life of Jesus as told in these picturesque windows. The teacher is Mark Craig, an Elder who serves in many ways at FPC, and in his professional career as a NASA engineer and problem solver. This is a lesson every class member will enjoy.  All ages are welcome.

FPC Congregational Care Fair
Caring Hearts along the Journey
Sunday, September 19, 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Fellowship Hall
An opportunity to look, learn and connect with the many caring ministries available to you at FPC and in the community.
Did you know… if you had an illness, we would pray for you, you’d get a hospital visit, which could lead to a caring call, which could later provide you with visits to your home, and bring communion to your door?
Calling all Kids! Come by to make fun "Caring Cards" that will be sent to our loved ones in the hospital.
If you are going through a challenge… we could give you a call, come for a visit, connect you with someone to pray for you or just listen and be there for you – and provide “caring hearts along your journey”. For more information, email or call 713-620-6546.

Men’s Ministry Luncheon
Sunday, September 19, 12:30 p.m., LC 181
The vision for Men’s Ministry at FPC is: To equip men to learn how to live the Christian life; especially at work and home. The lunch will focus on the coming year. We are very interested to hear your thoughts on what you would like to see happen in Men’s Ministry. Will there be a Men’s retreat this year? A paintball outing? New small groups formed? Come enjoy the fellowship, free lunch and hear from Pastor Jim and others involved. We look forward to seeing you. R.S.V.P. to Erin Varnell, e-mail or 713-620-6592.

Looking Toward Marriage
Begins Sunday, September 19, 9:15 – 10:30 a.m., CE 230
Looking Toward Marriage is a six-week series designed to be helpful and relevant in preparation for marriage. Pastors and laypersons teach these classes. Alan and Claudia Stewart are the facilitators for the classes. To register, contact Claudia Stewart, 713-664-5305 or astew1030@aol.com.

Early CommunityFirst
Wednesdays, September 22 – November 3
4:30 – 5:30 p.m., Living Room
Dinner offered, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall
Moving from Hopelessness to Hope through a Peaceful Process
For those seeking to learn and grow in faith and Christian fellowship, Early CommunityFirst offers this lecture-discussion series on themes of current interest. Invite a guest and hear outstanding speakers with both knowledge and passion for their topic. This fall’s series examines the interconnections of faith, hope and love as Christians, through their love for Jesus Christ, minister to an increasingly diverse population. Come early for tea and music.

Stephen Ministry Workshop
Saturday, September 25, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Re-thinking what “helping” looks like — FPC’s Stephen Ministers host a half-day workshop! Area churches join us as the workshop focuses on enhancing caregiving skills. Rev. Tiffany Wright, a specialist on the Care of Grieving People will speak. FPC members may attend free! Don’t miss this opportunity for personal growth and to learn more about Stephen Ministry. Register with Cora Thompson, 713-303-1469 or cora4699@yahoo.com.

Congregational Forum on Denominational Issues
Sunday, September 26
11:45 a.m. (immediately after the 10:45 a.m. service), Mini Gym
For those with an interest or concern about the developments surrounding the recent actions of the July meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Jim Birchfield and your Session Clerks will host a forum featuring a brief presentation on the actions of the assembly and on your Session’s initial response to those actions.  There will also be a time for questions and concerns.

Rhonda Furr’s post-worship organ recital
Sunday, September 26, following 10:45 a.m. worship service
Enjoy listening to FPC’s wonderful Aeolian-Skinner organ while viewing the keyboard on a large screen. This delightful 30-minute program includes both classical selections and hymn arrangements. Come and hear Rhonda’s passion as she shares information about each piece.

Fall Blood Drive
Sunday, September 26, Fellowship Hall
Sign-up to donate blood on Sunday, September 12 and 19 in Fellowship Hall from 8 a.m. to Noon. Volunteers are need to man the Take 10 blood drive sign up table on September 12 and 19. If you are interested in volunteering please contact James Brewster, 713-620-6406 or e-mail.

Sojourn: A women’s book club
Tuesday, September 28, 7 p.m., Living Room
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
The story begins in 1996, when Hanna Heath is offered a job conserving the Sarajevo Haggadah, an important Jewish book originating in fifteenth-centruy Spain. It is discovered intact, even though many feared it had perished in the shelling of Sarajevo’s libraries. Heath finds artifacts in the book’s binding, and Brooks uses each of these as segues into stories about the book’s past, telling of people who risked their lives to save it from Nazis, the Inquisition and personal tragedies.

The Forge for Families Golf Classic
Save the Date
Monday, October 4, Redstone Golf Club
To participate or for more information, contact Stephanie Drew, Director of Local Missions, e-mail or 713-620-6547.

11th Annual Nehemiah Center Golf Classic
Save the Date: Monday, October 18, BraeBurn Country Club
To participate or learn about the benefits of becoming a sponsor, please contact Diane Sweat, development director, dsweat@nehmiahcenterhouston.org or 713-526-5015.

His Father’s Heart Ministry
Tuesday, October 26, Church of St. John the Divine
Please join Chairs Judy and John Van Wagoner at the annual fall fundraiser, Gifts from the Heart, benefiting His Father’s Heart Ministry. This event also features the “Sharing Your Gifts” Silent Auction, offering a unique range of items from volunteers and participants associated with the ministry. For ticket information, please contact Joey Gentempo, executive director, joey@hisfathersheart.org or 713-996-0980. For more event information visit www.hisfathersheart.org.

2011 Women’s Conference at Mo-Ranch
June 3–5, 2011
It’s not too early to plan for next year’s Women’s Conference. Christian Sisters, give yourself a beautiful gift... a weekend of inspiration and fellowship in the gorgeous Texas hill country. This event features keynote speaker Dr. Martha L. Moore-Keish, Assistant Professor of Theology at Columbia Theological Seminary. Register now, this conference quickly becomes a sell out! For more information, contact Karen Wimberley, LaLonde806@aol.com or 713-668-3068 or visit www.moranch.com.

Young Lives needs YOU!
Ministry to Teen Moms
FPC Partner, Young Lives, a ministry to teen moms at Lamar and Bellaire H.S. is looking for volunteers. There are great opportunities for women interested in working with girls that are a part of this wonderful relational ministry. For more information, please contact Melaney Derden, melaneyderden@sbcglobal.net or Stephanie Drew, director of Local Missions, e-mail or 713-620-6547.

Befriend an international student
International Friendship Program at U of H
International Friendship Program (IFP) works to establish friendships between International Students at U of H and individuals, couples and families at Houston area churches. In developing a friendship with a student there are great opportunities to share Christ’s love with them while showing them great southern hospitality. Last year, there were more international students than sponsors and let’s find a friend for every student this year. To find out more, contact Manish Shah, manishinboston@hotmail.com or Stephanie Drew, director of Local Missions, 713-620-6547 or e-mail.

Sign up for a Small Group today!
Have you ever wondered how to make a large church smaller?  Sign up to join a small group. Small groups are a great way to enjoy fellowship, Bible study and prayer for one another in a comfortable setting at someone’s home. FPC’s fall small group series begins the week of September 5 and runs for ten weeks. Each group will work through a straightforward study focusing on Jim Birchfield’s fall sermon series on discipleship. Fill out a sign up card or visit fpchouston.org/smallgroups to find a group that works best for your schedule.  Contact Jon Crantz with any questions at e-mail or 713-620-6582.

Join the Chancel Choir
Rehearsals: Thursdays, 7:15 – 9:15 p.m., CE 240
Do you like to sing? Are you interested in having an active role leading Sunday worship? The Chancel Choir needs YOU! Join us for the new fall season. No auditions required. A fall workshop and day retreat is planned for Saturday, September 11. Contact Nancy Turner at 832-466-4714 or turnernancy@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Handbell ringers needed
Perform in the community for special events, enhance Worship services and other FPC events. The group will attend at least one Handbell Workshop where ringers from all over the country will gather to ring. Contact Diana Greene, 713-620-6437 or dgreene@fpchouston.org.

Children’s choir directors needed
FPC’s Music and Worship Department is seeking volunteers to direct our Kinder Choir (Kindergarten) and Alleluia Choir (grades 3 – 5) each Sunday beginning September 13,10:45 – 11:45 a.m. Contact Cameron Gallagher, e-mail.

New for Young Adults at FPC
The Table is the young adult community at FPC which consists of singles and married couples ages 18 – 35. Our purpose is to develop deep community through sound Bible teaching, authentic worship, engaging social activities and local and international outreach programs. The Table has frequent community events and we meet on Sunday mornings at 9:45 a.m. on the 2nd floor of the Oakdale House (10 Oakdale across from the Christian Education portico near the North Parking Lot). Look for the sign out front! E-mail for more information.

Vision 2013
Your session has approved a five year strategic plan for our church named Vision 2013. Three years in the making, this plan is the result of fervent prayer, hard work, and diligent attention by the Strategic Planning Committee to determine where God is leading this storied congregation of His people. The plan is formed around an integrated structure of three pillars - Teaching, Small Groups and Missions, supported by an Annual Operating Plan and an Annual Report. It will result in a fundamental reformulation of our session and ministries to better focus on God's work and to unleash the energy and gifts of our members. Please take time to read the plan and pray for wisdom and discernment in its implementation. Click here to read Vision 2013.

The Prayer Gathering
Mondays, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Adult Library
God says, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” (Isaiah 56:7) Join us any Monday evening as we gather to worship and pray for a fresh experience of God. This will be a wonderful way to learn to pray and to grow closer to God. Come and experience a fresh encounter with God each week. To learn more, click here .

Endowments and Scholarships
One of the great resources of First Presbyterian Church Houston is a financial legacy—a permanent endowment to support mission and ministry within our congregation and around the globe. Click here to learn how you can support mission and ministry.

For more information, contact Bill Heston, 713-664-6441 or email.