THE TOWER Volume 63, Number
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THE TOWER
First Presbyterian Church, Waco, Texas January 1, 2020
Volume 63, Number 1
With Gratitude
December 2019 was the conclusion of service for a couple of wonderful people at
First Presbyterian. Amelia Sudderth, has, since the time of Rev. Roy Sherrod,
overseen the information on foreign mission at the church. Throughout her tenure,
there have been significant changes in the landscape of mission work for Presbyterian
Church USA. Even so, Amelia has kept the information flowing through flyers,
offerings, newsletters, Christmas cards and gifts to our missionaries and her beautiful
bulletin board outside the Franklin wing elevator. A child of missionaries in the
Congo, Amelia’s work has been as a light fueled by her personal experience alongside
people of other cultures and world views. Thank you, Amelia, for conveying this
beauty to us and encouraging our continued commitment. In 2020, the Session will
be working with a team of people to carry on the tradition of foreign mission and First Presbyterian’s continued
commitment to it. We want to thank Ken Kuhns, Sarah Lieber, Carol Barrett, and Jamie Jackson for joining the
team.
December was also the conclusion of Dr. Brad Willis’ service as Church Historian. So
many of us have been touched by his wonderful newsletter articles, and his thoughtful
conversations on our own church history at First Presbyterian. His acumen with Find-a-
Grave and the Organ Historical Society website is tireless. What is less known is that Brad
enjoys traveling to many churches throughout Texas and cross referencing the history
among us all. Brad knows the truth: that a well-understood history provides the promise
for a well-lived tomorrow. He has helped us with many important projects but just to name
a few: the digitizing of essential historical records with University of North Texas Digital
Libraries, restoring irreplaceable architecture from our sanctuary, and capturing our
stunning stained glass windows for the website. His faithful and thoughtful collaboration
will be missed but we are happy that he will be joining in the work of the Diaconate with the class of 2022. The
Session will be addressing how to fill the position of Church Historian in their 2020 work.
When you see Amelia and Brad, you might thank them for their work and vision. Christ’s church is stronger for it!
Faithfully, Leslie
Don’t miss our new take on the annual All Church Retreat on February 21-22! We will
gather in Valley Mills, Texas at the Olson Vineyard and Ranch for fun, fellowship, and
education. We have lowered the costs and made the travel to and from a bit easier so that
more of us might be able to attend, and we hope you will come enjoy the new format
with us. Registration forms can be found outside the church office or on Realm, and
registrations are due by Sunday, January 19. You have the option to participate on both
Friday and Saturday, or just one or the other, so choose the time frame that works for you
and come join the fun.
The deadline for the next edition of the Tower is noon, Thursday, January 9. Please e-mail submissions to
office@firstpreswaco.org or bring to the church office. The next edition of the Tower will be mailed January 22.
Editor: Laura Streetman, First Presbyterian Church, 1100 Austin Ave. Waco, TX 76701, 254-752-1665
www.firstpreswaco.org The Tower is published monthly by the First Presbyterian Church, Waco, Texas.
THE TOWER PAGE 2
Wednesday, January 1
Calendar
Sunday, January 19 - Ordination/Installation Sunday
Office Staff Holiday Worship at 8:30am and 10:30am, Leslie King
Saturday, January 4 preaching
PDI Forum, Fellowship Hall, 1pm All Church Retreat registrations due
Sunday, January 5 Sunday School, 9:15am
Worship at 8:30am and 10:30am, Leslie King Monday, January 20
preaching Session Committee Meeting, 5:30pm
Sunday School, 9:15am Tuesday, January 21
Removal of the Greens, 11:30am First Pres Reading Group, Lott Home, 6:30pm
Monday, January 6 Wednesday, January 22
Session Budget Meeting, 5:30pm February Tower mailed
Wednesday, January 8 Graduate Bible Study, 3:30pm
Graduate Bible Study, 3:30pm Youth Study Hall, 6pm
Youth Study Hall, 6pm St. Cecilia Bell Rehearsal, 6pm
St. Cecilia Bell Rehearsal, 6pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal, 7pm
Chancel Choir Rehearsal, 7pm Friday, January 24
Thursday, January 9 Youth Lock-In, 6pm
February Tower Deadline Saturday, January 25
Retirees on the Road, Moody Library, 10am Rib Fundraiser Pick up, 4pm
Sunday, January 12 - Epiphany Sunday Sunday, January 26
Worship at 8:30am and 10:30am, Leslie King Art Show entries due this week
preaching Worship at 8:30am and 10:30am, Leslie King
Sunday School, 9:15am preaching
Monday, January 13 Sunday School 9:15am
Presbyterian Women, 1:30pm Rib Fundraiser Pick up, 11:30am
Congregational Life Meeting, 5:30pm Monday, January 27
Youth Advisory Board Meeting, 6:30pm All Church Retreat Planning Meeting, 5:30pm
Tuesday, January 14 CE Meeting, 5:30pm
Faith on Tap, 6pm Wednesday, January 29
Wednesday, January 15 Graduate Bible Study, 3:30pm
Graduate Bible Study, 3:30pm Youth Study Hall, 6pm
St. Cecilia Bell Rehearsal, 6pm St. Cecilia Bell Rehearsal, 6pm
Chancel Choir Rehearsal, 7pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal, 7pm
Friday, January 17 Friday, January 31
Men’s Breakfast, World Cup Café, 7am Youth leave for SHYC
Saturday, January 18
Service Saturday, @ Talitha Koum, 9am
Celebration Notes from our Deacons:
2- Mike Farr; Bill & Danna Beaty 16- Mark Anderson, Morgan Lacy
3- Bill Franklin, Jim Enoh 17- Donna Fitzpatrick, James Karney
4- Claire King 18- Keri Knight, Joe Sudderth
5- Mary Helen George 20- Rebecca Mercer
6- Martha Howe 22- Henry Wright, Maddie Lacy
8- Katie Plaskett 24- Jill Cook, Chelley Breemes
9- Toni Portacci-Redmer; John & Sue Baker 25- Barry Shank, Doug Waddill; Wes & Shannon Field
10- Rian Shank, Ragan Shank 26- David Priebe; Bob & Jackie Lott
11- Don Barrett, Alesha Summers 27- Dwana Nesbitt, Dana Williams
12- Julie Ivey Hatz 28- Alex Hamilton
13- Sue Barber, Jacob Goodman, Kris Olson 29- Jordan Ochel
14- John Kerley 30- Stephen Knight
15- Elaine Morris, Bailey Horn, Rima Bishara, The Deacons invite you to look up an address on Realm and send a note or
Shelby Rivers text in celebration to those you know or are beginning to know.
THE TOWER PAGE 3
Educational Opportunities:
January 2020 February 2020
Join us as we consider the matter of God’s February 16, bring your smart phones and
Beauty for us and for our world. Quilts will preview the movie MegaMind as we consider
serve as a metaphor for this series that Heroes in the faith. This sermon will highlight
focuses on the book of Esther and the the relationship between Nathan and King
parable of weeds and wheat. David as well as Luke 24:44-49.
March 2020 (March 15 - April 12) April 2020 (April 19-May 3)
Lent as a Line Dance….don’t worry, we will This Easter season, we will look at the Eastern
be taking Lent very seriously as we consider church’s art work and their communal
Choreography in Cruciform in this series. understanding of Resurrection. This text will
Youth will help out in this series as we include the traditional Risen-Christ narratives as
consider what it means to move forward, well as Epistle readings from Romans, Hebrews
side to side, and back as we follow the road and 1st John.
to Jerusalem.
January Adult Series: Matters of Death and Life - the Pragmatic and the Profound
Join us for an All-Adult Sunday School in Fellowship Hall as we explore the Western Medical model,
theology and spirituality around matters of mortality, and death. We’ll have the chance to talk candidly
about our uncertainties and hopes for meeting death and embracing God’s larger life into which we
enter. There will definitely be takeaways from this series that strengthen your ability to address matters
of life-death and life again with those you love. A light breakfast and coffee will be served.
January 5 - The Western Medical Model – Its Blessings and Its Curses
January 12 – Theology as a Guiding Principle or a Partner
January 19 – What We Have Learned about Dying Well
January 26 - Mindful and Heartfelt Conversation Strategies
Facilitators: Drs. Charlie and Sharon Stern, Dr. Chuck Weaver, and Dr. Leslie King
Rooted and Rising
The Science and Faith Sunday School class recently completed a series on the environment
and faith. Lo and behold, there is a new book out on the subject and one of the editors,
Leah Shade, is involved in Pastor Leslie’s Kettering Institute group on Interfaith Public
Deliberation. Leah has provided a discount code for our congregation when they order the
book: RLFANDF30.
THE TOWER PAGE 4
Children and Youth:
Thank you to everyone who participated in both collecting
coins for the Children’s Christmas Offering and the Reverse
Advent Calendar. The offering was donated to Talitha Koum
to help support their mission and programs for South Waco
families, and the food collected through participating in the
Reverse Advent Calendar was given to Caritas. Thank you for
walking alongside our children and for teaching them how to
give graciously and generously during the Christmas Season.
Our Youth Lock-in is Friday, January 24-25 and coincides with our Rib-Fundraiser. We will be meeting at 6pm
to start prepping the ribs and pork loins and will work in shifts through the night while participating in various
games, activities and devotions. If you would like to have money given towards a summer conference you are
planning to attend, you need to participate in the fundraiser. Please let Kathryn know if you are coming by
January 17. Pizza and snacks will be provided by the church, but bring your favorite snack to share with the
group. Friends are welcome as well!
Senior High Youth Connection (SHYC) at Austin College in Sherman, TX
is from Friday, January 31 – Sunday, February 2.
KidQuake for 1st – 6th graders is March 27-29 at Glen Lake Camp in Glen Rose. KidQuake is a Grace Presbytery
camp in which children take part in outdoor activities, small group Bible study, mission projects, and worship
together over the course of the weekend. The cost of $125, which includes food, lodging, and a T-shirt, is due
on February 23. Contact Kathryn at dce@firstpreswaco.org, for registration information.
For families making summer plans, please find following a list of camps and
conferences for 2020, with dates and pricing:
June 7 - 12: TLC (Teen Leadership Conference), Mo Ranch, 9th – 12th grades
June 21 - 26: Senior High Youth Celebration, Mo Ranch, 9th – 12th grades
July 5 - 9: JHJ (Junior High Jubilee), Mo Ranch, 6th – 8th grades
July 17 - 25: Youth Mission trip to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota –
ages 12 and over
All camps at Mo Ranch are $250 per student with a $75 deposit for each due on March 1. Final payments are
due on April 26.
The Mission Trip is $700 per person, with half due on March 1, and the remaining balance due on May 3.
THE TOWER PAGE 5
Stewardship:
Welcome to our new class of Ruling Elders and Deacons who will be ordained and installed to
service on January 19 at the 10:30am service. When you get a chance, please thank them for their
willingness to lead and serve.
Session
Elders, Class of 2020: Lily Coffman (Y) Elders, Class of 2022: Bill Beaty, Craig Clarkson,
Dan Francis, Phil Hering, Roane Lacy, Greg Palm, Scott Wagner, Lisa Weaver
Diaconate
Class of 2020: Mackenzie Anderson (Y), Mary Lynn Klingman
Class of 2021: Shannon Field Class of 2022: Katherine Ehlers, James Hill, John Kerley,
Janet Kettler, Ruth Kuhns, Michelle Plaskett, Linda Reed, Brad Willis
Thank you to those members of the Class of 2019 stepping down from leadership. Session - Chris Chance, Kellie
Clarkson, Wes Field, Patsy Norman, Sara Odajima, Joe Sudderth, and Gabe Field. Diaconate - Monica Anderson,
Jamie Delk, Todd Ehlers, Jeremy Goodman, Paul Hoffman, Lauren Olivarez, Jordan Ochel, Lee Ann Priebe, and
Annslee Wagner. We appreciate your dedication and work for the ministry of First Pres.
New Faces:
Mike Frosolono was born into the Presbyterian fellowship in LaGrange, GA on 27 Jan 1938.
He graduated from LaGrange High School in 1956 and LaGrange College, a Methodist-
affiliated institution, in 1960 with a double-major in Chemistry and Biology. He earned a
doctorate in Biochemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1965,
followed by a Post-Doctoral research fellowship at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in
the Bronx, NYC. From there, work took him to Cleveland, Ohio; back to the Bronx, NY; to
Research Triangle Park, NC; and then to Miami, Florida. After “retirement,” Mike moved to
his wife’s hometown—Lavonia, GA—then Austin, TX; Buena Vista, CO; and Waco, TX. While
in Lavonia, he was a columnist for the Franklin County Citizen and began writing novels. His
fourth (and best so far) novel, Indomitable, is to be published in late 2019/early 2020. He is
working on his next novel, not titled as yet. Mike was widowed two years ago, and has
moved to Waco to live in close proximity to his daughter, Prof. Anne-Marie Schultz (Baylor
University, Dept. of Philosophy.) He is glad to return to his Presbyterian roots at First
Presbyterian. His mantra is “Persevering even if not prevailing.”
Anne-Marie Schultz is Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Baylor Interdisciplinary
Core at Baylor University. She is the author of two books on Plato and is hard at work on a
third. Anne has written numerous articles on Plato, Augustine, feminism and issues in
philosophical pedagogy. In her non-academic life, Anne is an Intermediate Junior III
Certified Iyengar Yoga instructor and teaches classes in Austin. Anne has a home in both
Austin and Waco. She spends a lot of time on I-35 listening to audio books. She is happy to
welcome her father, Mike Frosolono, to Waco. She is thrilled to be rejoining First Pres after
a number of years attending churches in the Austin area. In her not so abundant free
time, Anne enjoys being with her husband, Jeff. They have two wonderful dogs. Milo is an
eleven-year old Golden Retriever, and their Rhodesian Ridgeback, Dante, just turned two.
THE TOWER PAGE 6
Congratulations to Marylaine and January Service
Steve Driese on the birth of their
grandchildren, Ryan Anthony and Coffee Fellowship Hosts:
Madeleine Jane Cox, born to Trevor 5 - Katie, Claire & DJ King
and Lindsay Cox in Knoxville on
Tuesday, November 19. 12 - George & Barbara Kidwell
19 - Ginger Green & Patty Velhurst
In Memory — We give thanks to God 26 - Shelby Rivers & Amy Payne
for the lives and faith of Francis Blair,
November 20; Brenda McNabb, November Sanctuary Guild: Wes Field,
21; Rex Selters, November 25; and Melanie Cook, Sarah Lieber
Helen Lundquist, December 12.
Congratulations to Hailey Worthey and Zachary
Wooten, who welcomed Easton Layne Wooten
on November 26. Jamie Jackson is the proud
grandmother, and Ella is the proud big sister.
Upcoming Events:
Our second annual Rib Fundraiser, helping the youth raise funds to offset costs of
summer camps and the mission trip, will begin on January 1. Our youth will be taking
orders for racks of smoked pork ribs ($25 per rack), pork loins ($25 per loin), or
individual plates of 3 ribs with sides ($10 per plate). All orders are due by January 22, and
orders can be picked up Saturday afternoon, January 25 or Sunday, January 26 after
church. The ribs and loins freeze well and would be a great addition to any Super Bowl
party! Please order and support our youth! Order forms will also be available in the
Narthex and in the classrooms. Please return orders to Kathryn Delk in the office.
Calling all artists! J oin us in celebr ating God’s love thr ough ar t in our annual
First Pres Art Show. Entries must be submitted to the church office from January
26-30, which gives you plenty of time to start preparing them. Rules and entry
forms are available in the Narthex and outside of the church office. Briefly: use any
medium, 2-D or 3-D, including fabric and photography. The art show is open to all
ages and is not limited to church members. We always love to have children’s art in the show…hint, hint,
parents! The exhibit will be on view February 2-16, with an artist’s reception after church February 16. We look
forward to celebrating your beautiful creations.
Sanctuary Guild
Save the Date!
The first meeting in 2020 will be February 8. We’ll polish the church silver, go over our
new handbook, learn about the paraments and get to know each other better. Join us
for a continental breakfast at 9am in Fellowship Hall.
Sarah Lieber, 2020 Moderator
THE TOWER PAGE 7
Upcoming Events:
The Retirees on the Road will visit Baylor’s Moody Library to see and
learn more about the Saint John’s Bible on Thursday, January 9, at 10am.
The Saint John’s Bible is a handwritten Bible filled with 160 illustrations,
and there are only 299 copies in the world. Baylor happens to have one of
them, so make sure to come along with us as we learn more. Sign up in the
Narthex to attend. We will follow up the visit with lunch downtown.
Presbyterian Women will meet January 13th at 1:30pm in the
Fellowship Hall. We will continue the Bible Study 'Loved Carved in
Stone', a study of the Ten Commandments. Join us!
The Outreach Committee invites you to a Service Saturday at Talitha Koum on Saturday,
January 18, from 9-11am. We will clean and organize their space and help out with any
projects they need accomplished! Talitha Koum is a non-profit in our neighborhood that
serves children and families navigating generational poverty to help those children overcome
obstacles and be ready to take on kindergarten. We are so grateful for their work and hope you
can join us! Sign up in the Narthex to attend.
First Pres Reading group meets Tuesday, January 21, 2020, 6:30 pm at the Bob
and Jackie Lott’s home, 3312 Castle Avenue. Our book is A Gentleman in Moscow
by Amor Towles. A Gentleman in Moscow is the 30-year saga of the Count
Alexander Ilyich Rostov, who is placed under house arrest inside the Metropol
Hotel in Moscow in 1922 when the Bolsheviks spare him from death or Siberia
because of his 1913 revolutionary poem written in university.
Hidden Common Ground and USA Today
First Presbyterian has been honing our skills at Public Deliberation throughout the last
half of 2019. In 2020, USA Today will cover the groups across our nation who are
deliberating important topics. The partnership includes Public Agenda, the National
Issues Forum, and the Kettering Institute. First Presbyterian of Waco has enrolled as a
site for this partnership. Throughout 2020, we will hold Saturday deliberation forums
on important national topics. All in the community are welcome to these three-hour events. We hope you will mark
your calendars for January 4, February 1, March 7, June 6, and October 3. All forums will be held between 1-4 pm in
the Fellowship Hall.
The Tower Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
First Presbyterian Church
1100 Austin Ave.
PAID
Waco, Texas
Waco, TX 76701 Permit Number 216
Return Service Requested
Office Hours: 9—12 and 1—5
Monday—Friday
Reminder: Contr ibution
statements will be mailed out
in January. You can verify
your pledge balance on Realm
or call the church office for
assistance. For a 2019 tax
deduction, contributions
need to be turned in by
December 31.
Appreciation:
The church family would like
to thank all the
accomplished lay musicians in
our church. In the last year, we
have been blessed by the
harmonious tones of the
Christmas Beauty
bassoon, cello, flute, guitar, Thanks to Joanne Heitmiller, Cathy
harp, piano, recorder, McPhee, Joyce Jones, Margaret Hawes,
saxophone, trumpet, violin, and Linda Easter for organizing our
hand bells, children’s chimes, a variety of percussion Christmas decorations and their “take
instruments, and many talented vocalists. Thanks again down” on January 5. Thanks also to
for creating a joyful addition to our weekly services. the many elves who collaborated to
beautify specific areas of our building!
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