KEYS celebrates May birthdays Friday, May 16, 11:30 a.m., at the Carriage House Bistro at the Botanical Gardens, 555 Funston at North New Braunfels Avenue. The cost of lunch is $12.50. Reservations required by Tuesday noon, May 13. Please designate your lunch choice when you make reservations: (1) Bistro Salad (house) with pulled chicken; (2) Chicken Salad with Fruit and Crostini; or (3) Turkey BLT with home made Bistro Potato Chips. Please note: as we must guarantee reservations three days ahead for restaurants, you are responsible for paying if you cancel after we have guaranteed your reservation.

No KEYS program Friday, May 23, Memorial Day weekend. Join us for physical fitness at 9:45 a.m. with trainer Gale Buchanan from the Spectrum Club.

Memorial Memories, Sunday, May 25 at 2:30 p.m., at the Institute of Texan Cultures. Join us for this musical tribute to America’s military men and women. Back by popular demand, the 19-piece big band sounds of the Sentimental Journey Orchestra and the lively Memphis Belles trio will present original arrangements of the swing and jazz standards of the big band era. The musical performance will be accompanied by powerful film clips and photos presented on overhead screens on the exhibit floor performance area. The event is free to the public, however, donations will be accepted. Light refreshments will be available during intermission. As seating will be limited, guests are encouraged to arrive early. Transportation is on your own!

Join the KEYS Adults for a patriotic celebration at Festival Hill in Round Top, Texas, Sunday, June 29. Start your Fourth of July celebration in a grand way with an outing to Festival Hill in Round Top and the annual Patriotic Concert. This concert by the Festival Orchestra will feature the Red, White and Blue as presented by the gifted young musicians of the International Festival Institute. This is the 36th summer of concerts by this fine group, which last year drew 85 gifted young musicians from 24 states and nine countries to study with some of the finest teachers from Texas and around the world. There are no reserved seats so we must arrive early to claim a place in the beautiful air-conditioned concert hall. The seats are comfortable and the concert is excellent and exciting. Lunch (included) will be an early delicious buffet at the Freisch Auf! Country Club in LaGrange. Our charter luxury coach will leave from FPC at 9 a.m. and return following the concert arriving at approximately 8 p.m. Cost is $76 and includes Charter Regent Coach transportation, lunch buffet, concert, driver tip and guides Susan and Henry Holloway.

Communion training session for all officers (current and on rotation) prior to the regular officers’ meetings Monday, June 9. Dinner will be 5:45–6:30 p.m., training in the Sanctuary 6:30–7:15 p.m., and officers’ meetings begin at 7:15 p.m.

Join us for a three-week, all-church Sunday School class about the Letter to the Hebrews with Professor Andy Dearman June 22, 29 and July 6, 9:30–10:30 a.m. in Westminster Hall. Andy Dearman, Professor of Old Testament at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, will teach on the letter to the Hebrews, a marvelous presentation of Jesus as the culmination of God’s revelation. This letter contains numerous references to the Old Testament as the seedbed for the claims that Jesus is a great High Priest, a mediator of a new covenant and God’s Son through whom we are incorporated into God’s family.  We will have three presentations of themes from the letter (Chapters 1–4, 5–10, 11–14), along with some opportunities for questions or comments.

Need a parking place for the summer? No, we don’t mean for your car—for you! If you want a Sunday school class to call home for the summer, the Adult Bible Class would love to have the pleasure of your company in Covenant Hall at 9:30 a.m. You are welcome for as long as you want to stay, for a month or two, or indefinitely. Summer schedules are unpredictable, so you are free to come and go.  We’re studying Acts, taught by Sandy Sturch, with opportunity for discussion. You can jump in mid-way without a problem.  We’ll do all we can to make you feel at home, even give you a cup of coffee, juice, and cookies. All ages are welcome.

The Presbyterian Women Literature Circle reviews Harvard Law School Professor Alan Dershowitz’s book Just Revenge, Tuesday, May 13, at 1:30 p.m. in the McCullough Room. In the book, Dershowitz confronts one of the most difficult questions of legal and moral theory: is revenge ever justified? This book features a Holocaust survivor and professor of religion who has discovered the identity of the man who killed his family half a century ago. Ann Smith (Mrs. Charles L.), an active and talented member of First Presbyterian, will review this thought-provoking work. 

Calling all troops for Acuña! First Presbyterian will make a special trip there May 16–18 to celebrate the seventh anniversary of Fuente de Vida, the church with whom we partner. The pastor there, Felipe, has also been called to serve at another church and we want to say goodbye to him. If you have ever been on an Acuña mission trip, we would love for you to join us again to celebrate the church’s ministry and how God has been glorified in their seven years of existence and through Pastor Felipe’s leadership. If you have never been to Acuña, this is a great chance to serve others and discover how the Holy Spirit is at work in Mexico.  Questions? Call Kirby Carpenter at 287-0247, or Alyssa Payne at 226-0216, ext. 242.

Confirmation Celebration May 18. After many months of study and service, members of the confirmation class will make a profession of faith and join the church. The 11:05 a.m. traditional service will be the focus of the celebration, but one confirmand will share his or her statement of faith at each of the other services as well. There will be a reception in the Meditation Garden, following the 10:45 and 11:05 a.m. services, to which the entire congregation is invited. Please keep our eighth grade students in your prayers as they finish their preparation for making their public profession of faith.

The church will be closed on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day.

Church officers and Presbyterian Women officers will be ordained and installed at the traditional worship service Sunday, June 1, at 11:05 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Please be in prayer for these leaders of the congregation.

Members of Officer Nominating Committee 2008

Lynnda Barnes, Barbie Beach, Dirk DeKoch, Andy Hull, Pat O’Neill, Don Philbin, Emily Taguiam, Janet Wernli, David West (Chair), Catherine Whitsett (Vice Chair), Jim Witten.

The 2008 Officer Nominating Committee of First Presbyterian Church San Antonio nominated the following members for election to three-year terms beginning June 2008. Those who will be holding this office for the first time at FPC are identified with an asterisk.

FOR ELDER: (Class of 2011)

Nancy Cross: Member since 1989. Has previously served as Elder. Has served on Evangelism, Adult Education, and Personnel and Property committees, co-chaired Stewardship Campaign with husband Ed, worked with new member classes and served on four search committees. Currently serving on Church Relations and Benevolence Oversight committees. Has served as commissioner to General Assembly, on boards of Presbyterians for Renewal and Presbyterian Coalition (co-moderator). Teaches in Koinonia Sunday School class. Homemaker/volunteer. Married to Ed Cross. Sons Teddy, 19, at UT Austin, and Charlie, 16.

Boxy Hornberger: Member since 1983. Has previously served as Elder. Has served on Benevolence Oversight, Children’s, New Member Orientation and New Member Assimilation committees. Has taught children’s Sunday School for many years. Married to Janet Hornberger. Janet and Boxy have three children, all of whom have grown up in First Presbyterian Church.

Charles Jackson: A fifth-generation child of the church, Charles has been a member since 1956. Has previously served as Elder. Member of Worship Committee since 1998. Has served as Usher for 30 years. Former President of Usher’s Guild. An attorney. Married to Brenda Jackson. They have two children, Charles H. Jackson IV, 1st Lt. U.S. Army, and Jobe S., a sophomore at Hampden Sydney College.

*Buddy Johnson: Member since 1986. Serves on Personnel and Property Committee and current Chair of Property Maintenance Committee. Served on Men’s Ministry Committee that established the Men’s Life program, jointly sponsored by First Presbyterian Church and two other churches. Serves on steering committee and as a small group leader for Men’s Life. Member of Usher’s Guild for 19 years. Usher Team Captain for the past three years. Has taught various children’s and youth Sunday School classes. Participated in 40 Days of Purpose Lenten series as group leader. A retired former small business owner, Buddy is married to Patricia Johnson. They have two sons, Matthew and Bradley.

*Barry Kruger: Member since 2001. Currently Chair of Contemporary Worship Service Committee. Has served on Youth and Officer Nominating committees. Member of Pastor Nominating Committee for Pastor of Family Ministry. Children’s Ministry Sunday School Rotation Teacher, active member of Bridges adult Sunday School class, Men’s Life program and Greeter/Host at Contemporary Worship Service. Owner/Managing Partner of FSI San Antonio. Married to Judy Kruger, together they have a son, Wesley, and a daughter, Janis.

Blair Labatt: A fifth-generation member, Blair joined the church in 1956. He has been a Deacon and served on the Personnel and Property Committee. As Elder he chaired the Worship Committee during the interim period after the retirement of Senior Pastor Louis Zbinden. Served on Interim Senior Pastor Search Committee that brought Bob Shelton and Bill Bryant, and on Senior Pastor Nominating Committee that brought Richard Kannwischer. Married to Barbara, together they are committed to traditional sacred music and are founders of the Bess Hieronymus faculty endowment for organ instruction at UTSA. Has taught the Arthur Gray Jones Sunday School class for 11 years.

Ellen Meadows: Member since 1977. Has previously served as Elder. Currently on the steering team for the Basecamp Sunday School class, a Nursery Angel, member of small group for couples and Vacation Bible School teacher. Will soon serve on Children’s Ministry Committee. Has served on Pastor Nominating Committee for Senior Pastor, Genesis II Steering Committee, Small Group Ministry leadership team, Lay Ministry Committee, and Vacation Bible School. Has served as Mitzvah Day Co-chair, Nursery Committee Chair, and participated in Beth Moore Bible studies. A homemaker/volunteer, Ellen is married to Mike Meadows and they have three children: Benson, 7, Annie, 6 and Blake, 2.

*Stuart Seal: A fourth-generation child of this church, Stuart joined in 1972. Starred in the Christmas pageant in 1962 at age 4, member of youth choir, developed and led a summer program for at-risk youth. Taught elementary Sunday School, adult Sunday School, member of Genesis II Sunday School class, served as Deacon, created artwork/poster for 150th anniversary of FPC, created former church logo, served on Officer Nominating and Sanctuary Flower committees. Currently on Youth Committee. Developed and led Middle School Breakaway, served on Search Committee for Director of Middle School and High School Ministry. Currently teaching 8th grade Sunday School class and Confirmation class. General contractor at Galaxy Builders, Ltd., Stuart is married to Sharon Bell Seal and they have two daughters, Marianna and Virginia.

Charles Smith: Member since 1996. Has served two terms as Elder and six years on the Personnel and Property Committee. Member of the Mighty Acts of God Sunday School class and the Thursday Morning Men’s Bible Class. An attorney, Charles is married to Ann.

Sandy Sturch: Member since 1975. Has served as Deacon and Elder. Member of the Worship, Adult Education, Local Missions, Stewardship and Finance, Church Relations and Seminarian Oversight committees. Has served with Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM), Prison Fellowship, Sanctuary Choir, Mission Road Developmental Center (MRDC) and on the Committee on Preparation for Ministry with Mission Presbytery. Has been Chair of the Board of Bexar County Detention Ministries and as Volunteer Chaplain for BCDM and as Director of Adult Education at FPC. Teaches the Adult Bible Class, is Thursday Bible Study Group Leader, writes/prepares the bimonthly First Cup readings available at www.fpconline.org and in the church newsletter, Presbyterian Woman Bible Study notes, and serves on the Nominations Committee for Mission Presbytery. Married to the Rev. George Sturch, Sandy has two married daughters, seven grandchildren, plus step-children and grandchildren.

Judson Taylor: Member since 1997. Has previously served as Elder and member of Evangelism, Fine Arts, Strategic Planning, Young Adults, Adult Education, 40 Days of Purpose, and Stewardship campaign committees. Currently member of Contemporary Worship and Communications and Technology committees. Member of SoulHouse Sunday School class. Employed as Communications Director and Contemporary Worship Service Music Team Leader at FPC. Married to Cara Taylor, together they have one son, Jeremiah, 18 months.

Ron Tefteller: Member since 1982. Has served as Elder and Deacon, and was Chairman of the Board of Deacons. Has taught Sunday School classes, communicant classes, chaired various committees, pastor nominating committees and officer nominating committees. Proposed the church-sponsored Boy Scout Troop and chaired its oversight committee for several years. Has participated in both youth and adult mission trips within the U.S. and to Mexico and Africa. Currently serves on the University Ministries Committee and as liaison with a seminary student for the Seminary Oversight Committee. Married to Neena, they have three sons: Erik, Patrick and Sean.

Holly Youngquist: Member since 1986. Has previously served as Elder and on the Children’s Ministry Committee, Vacation Bible School, Children’s Choir, Thursday Morning Bible study and Associate Pastor Search Committee. She has been on various mission trips, including those to Mexico and Africa. Currently a part of the Beth Moore Bible Study, member of Adult Education and Youth committees, attends Bridges Sunday School class and is a teacher at Children’s Day Out. A homemaker, Holly is married to David and they have two children, Hunt and Lucy.

*Betsy Zachry: Member since 1994. Has served on FPC’s 150th Anniversary Celebration Committee, Nursery Committee, Evangelism Committee, two terms on Children’s Ministry, as Deacon, two terms as Presbyterian Women Vice President of Circles and as Teacher and Shepherd for Sunday Elementary and Preschool. Chaired Children’s Christmas Eve Worship Service, co-chaired Advent Festival Committee and served on Christmas Basket Committee. Volunteer in Children’s Sunday School, member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Health Ministry, Battle of Flowers and participant in Bible Study Fellowship. A homemaker, Betsy and her husband, Powell, have three children: Catherine, Jennifer and Christine.

Hal Zesch: Member since 1988. Has served as Elder and Deacon. Served on Stewardship and Finance Committee, co-chaired Stewardship campaign, has taught Sunday School, volunteered with Bridge Sunday, Mission Road Ministries, the SAMM Shelter and has gone on various mission trips. Married to Amy, they have four children: Kellie, Jessica, Jordan and Hannah.

Ron Calgaard (to fill unexpired term): Member since 1979. Has served as Elder more than 25 years. Frequently served as Chairman of Personnel and Property Committee. Also served as Campaign Chair and Chairman of United Way, Trustee of the San Antonio Museum of Art, Trustee of the Carver Academy, Trustee of TMI, Trustee of St. Mary’s Hall and Trustee of Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research. President of Trinity University from 1979–1999. Chairman of Austin, Calvert, Flavin from 2000–2006. Director, Valero Energy Company. Trustee, Ellison Grandchildren Trust. Director, The Trust Company. Married to Genie Calgaard and together they have two children, Lisa and Kent, and two grandchildren, Eliot and Kathleen.

FOR DEACON: (Class of 2011)

Ed Bondurant: Member since 1953. Has previously served as Deacon. Volunteers at Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM) in the food pantry and serves to promote FPC food drives to support CAM. Has served as liaison for church blood drives, taught 7th grade Sunday School, and two-year-olds, three-year-olds, and served as Sunday School Superintendant, ushered, served as Chairman of the Ushers, and Chairman of Property Maintenance. Currently serves on Local Missions Committee, in Friday Singers, Disaster Response Committee, and volunteers with Loaves and Fishes. Retired from teaching various sciences to middle and high school students, Ed is married to Paula Bondurant, and together they have two children, Sarah and Robert.

*Cheryl Brockman: Member since 2001. Has been part of the Koinonia Sunday School class. Chaired Christmas International House four years and co-chaired another two years. Has served on a search committee for middle school director and works with Contemporary Worship Service Hospitality Team, where she also serves as a regular prayer partner. Formerly a member of Forest Hills Presbyterian Church in Helotes, where she taught adult Sunday School and worked with youth. Along with her husband, Clayton, she was houseparent for 14 years at Presbyterian Children’s Homes and “raised” 114 girls, who “gave” the Brockmans 79 grandchildren. Serves as Director of the Child Nurture Center at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church.

Genie Calgaard: Genie joined FPC on November 18, 1979. She is married to Ron Calgaard, formerly President of Trinity University. She has previously served as a Deacon. She has been active in Presbyterian Women, serving as President from 1991-1992 and Chairwoman of Circle 6. She helped initiate the Circle of Concern and Receptions for Memorial Services. She has served as a member of the Sanctuary Flower Committee. 

* Karen Cundall: Member since 2004. Has served on the Contemporary Worship Service Hospitality Team and Small Group Ministry Committee. Has been part of the SoulHouse and Christian Thinkers Sunday school classes. Formerly a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Austin, where she was a small group Women’s Bible Study Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Middle School Discipleship Group Leader and member of the Timothy Group. She is employed with Citibank in the Home Equity Client Services department.

*Ann Dennis: Member since 1986. Has served as a Sunday School Teacher as well as Vacation Bible School Teacher. She is a member of Bridges Sunday School class, PW Circle 7 and Thursday Morning Bible Study. Married to William Dennis, together they have three grown children, Carter Dennis, Mary Dennis Altmeyer and husband Wilson, Gray Dennis and wife Dawn and granddaughter, Elizabeth Gray Altmeyer.

Beryl Lamm: Member since 1972. Has served in several children’s Sunday school classes, Angel Choir, Sanctuary Choir to include being the Librarian of Music. Has volunteered in the church library and helps prepare the Sanctuary flowers for distribution to our at-home and hospitalized members. Beryl is married to Edwin Lamm.

Rich Lange: Member since 1988. Has previously served as a Deacon, including as Chair 1999-2000, and involved with Evangelism and Renewal. Has been a member of Children’s Ministry and Personnel and Property committees. Presently coordinates the Bridge Sunday Ministry and attends Koinonia Sunday School class. Rich is married to Kitty Meyer Lange and has served as the Director of The Acorn School, a non-profit preschool/kindergarten, for 28 years. Recently became a grandfather to Eloise, the daughter of son, Casey and wife, Mariah.

*Valerie Lester: Member since 1985. Has taught both children’s and adult’s Sunday School classes. Served on Local Missions, Evangelism and Welcoming committees. She is a Core Group Leader for University Ministries and sits on the Board for Presbyterian Children’s Home. Valerie is married to Bill and they have a daughter, Caitlin.

Milton McFarland: Member since 1985. Has previously served as a Deacon. He has served on Global Missions, Adult Education, Music and Senior Adults Ministry committees. He conducted a summer Sunday School class on the local missions of the church. He has been an Usher in traditional worship for 20 years and regularly attends Sunday School.

Yogi McKelvey: Member since 1993. Has previously served as a Deacon, President and Vice-President of the Adult Bible Sunday School Class. Has taught eighth grade Sunday School and Confirmation Class since 2003. Married to Shannon McKelvey and together they have three children: Ridgley, Brock and Grace.

*Anne (Peewee) Pennypacker: Fourth generation and life-long member. Has served as a Sunday School Teacher, Adult Bible Study and Discover First! Leader and youth ministry volunteer. Has been a member of Belonging, Welcoming and Outreach committees. She can be found regularly manning the receptionist desk on Sunday mornings as well as during the summer months. Married to Biff Pennypacker. Children, Elizabeth Petty Allison and husband, Brian and Christopher Petty and wife, Emilie. Anne is a teacher at San Antonio Academy.

Deborah Rogers: Member since 1991. Has previously served as a Deacon. Member of Bridges Sunday School class. Has taught elementary Sunday school and attends the Thursday Morning Bible Study. She and her family have been involved with Habitat for Humanity as well as Bridge Sunday. Married to David Rogers and together they have three children, Katherine, Alexandra, and Jackson. She is a homemaker, trustee with the H-E-B Foundation and board member of Laity Lodge Foundation. She and her family spend summers at Laity Lodge and Laity Lodge Youth Camp.

*Cynthia Stephens: Member since 2005. Active member of Genesis II Sunday School where she has coordinated the annual Christmas Basket and Bridge Sunday projects. She participates in Loaves & Fishes, PW Circle 21 and Tuesday Night Bible Study. She is Senior Counsel within the Office of the General Counsel of the USAF.

Cheri Stith: Member since 1985. Has previously served as a Deacon. She has taught Sunday School classes from elementary to high school. Chaired the Mo-Ranch All-church Retreat Committee and co-chaired the annual Stewardship Campaign. Attends Bible studies, and has served at Loaves & Fishes as well as a youth sponsor. Cheri is married to Russell Stith and together they have three children, Christina, Maricarolyn, and Sutherland. She is an interior designer and party planner.

Mary Pat Stumberg: Member since 1963. Has previously served as a Deacon and Secretary for Diaconate. She has been a Sunday School pianist for 40 years, Bible facilitator for Thursday Morning Bible Study, PW President, Circle Chair and Treasurer, Seasonal Decorations Chair and a member of the Sanctuary Flower Committee, and on the Pastor Nominating Committee for Senior Pastor. Married to Louis H. Stumberg. Children: L. Herbert Stumberg, Jr. and wife, Nancy, Diana M. Stumberg and Eric B. Stumberg. Grandchildren: Sara, Catherine and Patrick. Homemaker and volunteer.

*Jane Warren: Member since 2000. Member of Sanctuary Choir and Friday Singers, Co-President of KEYS, Secretary for Senior Adult Ministry Committee, PW Corresponding Secretary, PW Literature Circle Treasurer and PW Circle 6. Volunteers at Loaves & Fishes and with the bi-monthly First Press newsletter assembly team. She has two sons and two granddaughters.

Neil Williams: Member since 1994. Has previously served as a Deacon. Coordinator/Leader of the Uncomfortables Sunday School Class, member of the Welcoming Committee. Permanent Usher and occasional greeter at 8:30 a.m. traditional worship. After-Worship Care volunteer and Wednesday night class participant. USAF Retired. Tax Preparer/Advisor/Enrolled Agent with H&R Block.

Five Flags Over FPC VBS Promises Loads of Adventure!

Hear the music and smell the popcorn! Kids will discover fabulous adventure of faith and fun at Five Flags Over FPC, this year’s theme for Vacation Bible School June 23–27, 9 a.m.–noon. at the church. It will be set in an adventure park where kids will discover that getting to know Jesus is the ticket to the best thrills of their lives. 

Based on Joshua 24:15, kids will learn the importance of “choosing to believe” and making right choices in a world of options. They will enjoy the fun skits, great music, snacks, games, crafts and Bible study. 

Vacation Bible School is for children 3 years old before last September 1, 2007 through those entering 5th grade. Students entering 6th–12th grades are welcome to serve as teen helpers. Registration deadline is Friday, June 13. For more information, contact Kathy Timberlake at 226-0216, ext. 221, or Shelley Craig, ext. 241.

Register online | Download the registration form

Would you like to help Agape Unlimited and have a nice visit to Moscow? Agape Unlimited is a small but growing medical mission organization that FPC has supported for many years. They need a CPA for one week twice a year. If you are a CPA with a little free time and a heart for the poor and lost, Agape will provide you (and your spouse if necessary) with a clean place to stay, and in the evenings you can tour Moscow, see Red Square, the Kremlin, world famous Bolshoi theater, ballet, concerts, Christ the Saviour Cathedral (destroyed by Stalin but is now rebuilt), and many other sites. Russia is rich in history and culture and Agape would be delighted to share this with you in return for a little help with Agape’s Russian bookkeepers. This is perfect for a retired person who is still active and wants to be used by God. Don’t worry about the language. Agape has a translator and their bookkeepers speak some English. If you are interested, contact Dr. Bill Becknell at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Breaking Free: Making Liberty in Christ a Reality in Life, an 11-week study by Beth Moore, March 26–June 4, 2008, Wednesday evenings, 6:30–8:30 p.m. in Room 304. This women’s study leads you through a study of the Scriptures to discover the transforming power of Christian freedom based on Isaiah 61:1–4. All ages welcome. There is a suggested donation for the workbook. Childcare is available by reservation. Call Sheila Figueroa at 822-4082 to register or if you have any questions.

Ushers needed to join March/July/November rotation in traditional worship services. This team, led by FPC member Jim Witten, welcomes people to the 11 a.m. traditional worship services in the Sanctuary, hands out bulletins, collects the offering and ushers for special services like memorial services. Contact Jim Witten at 341-1856 (home) or 602-7085 (mobile).

Beth Moore Bible Study on Breaking Free in Christ

Breaking Free: Making Liberty in Christ a Reality in Life, an 11-week study by Beth Moore, March 26–June 4, 2008, Wednesday evenings, 6:30–8:30 p.m. in Room 304. This women’s study leads you through a study of the Scriptures to discover the transforming power of Christian freedom. Based on Isaiah 61:1–4, this study draws parallels between the captive Israelites and today’s believers. Beth points out the benefits of our relationship with God and shows you how to remove obstacles that hinder that relationship. There is personal study in preparation for the weekly video presentations and small group discussions. All ages welcome. There is a suggested donation for the workbook. Childcare is available by reservation. Call Sheila Figueroa at 822-4082 to register for this study or if you have any questions.

Go to MO to know.
What Jesus says about attitude.
Mo-Ranch Retreat
June 13-15
Kids are free!

This year’s annual Mo-Ranch all-church (and especially families) retreat is June 13–15 and kids go free! Our speaker is Rick Murray, Senior Pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Austin, who will explain what Jesus had to say about “attitude adjustment” in the Sermon on the Mount. Child care provided for infants and toddlers. Preschool and elementary children will have their own program of music, games, arts and crafts and much MO during the keynote presentations. Youth will have their own music and talks. Costs vary. Registration deadline is May 23. Don’t MOsey—sign up today online or contact Jennifer Quintero at 226-0216, ext. 258.

Download the full brochure | Register online

Rick’s subject at Mo-Ranch 2008:
“Studies from the Sermon on the Mount: Attitude Adjustments”
About Rick Murray
“Loves the Lord.” “Committed man of God.” “Enthusiastic and energetic.” “Relational.” “Fun with a sense of humor.” “Extroverted.” “Looks for the ones who aren’t in church and seeks ways to bring them in and introduce them to Jesus.” “Challenges people to become better disciples of Christ.” “Humble.” “Straight-forward.” “Joy.” “Contagious faith.” “Excited about discovering where the Holy Spirit is leading for the future.” “Grace and truth.” “People oriented.”

These are some of the phrases used to describe Rick Murray, which flesh out the facts of his formal resume. Rick, the Senior Pastor at Covenant Presbyterian in Austin since 2006, was born and raised in California, where he graduated from Cal Poly University with a B.S. in Social Science and History in 1976. His original plan was to become a high school teacher and football coach, but God had another call for Rick. After a time of prayer and discernment, Rick entered Fuller seminary, graduating in 1980. Rick then served in youth ministry as an assistant pastor and in adult education as an associate pastor in California before becoming the senior pastor at John Knox Presbyterian Church of Dublin, CA. Before serving Covenant , Rick served First Presbyterian Church of Yakima, WA and the surrounding community as the pastor/head of staff.

Rick’s spiritual gifts encompass preaching and teaching (he refers to them as “holy compulsions”), followed closely by leadership and evangelism, and thus he could be described as mission-driven and Christ-centered. Rick’s passion is reaching out with the gospel and growing followers of Christ into maturity.

Rick’s wife, Kathy, is also a California native, but she claims a Texas connection through her mother, Faye, who was born and raised in West Texas. Kathy began dating Rick in college, and it was partially through their friendship that she accepted Jesus Christ into her life. Shortly after graduation, the two of them married. While Rick attended seminary, Kathy worked at the University of Southern California, thus providing Rick the opportunity to root for the wrong team in the 2006 Rose Bowl National Championship. Kathy’s mother lives with them in Austin.

Both Rick and Kathy are excited to be Texans. Like Abraham, they heard God’s voice saying, “Go to the land I will show you.” They look forward to their time with the First Presbyterian family in San Antonio.

Fiesta! Sermon Series CONTINUES

all worship services

Party with Jesus during the Fiesta! sermon series! Which Jewish festivals and celebrations were important to Jesus as a Jew, and which parties did he go to during his ministry? The Rev. Richard Kannwischer puts Jesus Christ’s ethnic and religious heritage in context as he presents a series of fascinating messages called Fiesta! We continue the series by exploring what kinds of parties Jesus Christ went to. The Rev. Kannwischer shows how Jesus did not just come to fulfill the law, but also to be the “life of the party.” He did not just come to pay a debt for our sins; he also came to give us a reason to really celebrate! Join us for this exciting sermon series in all worship services: 8:30, 9:30 and 11:05 a.m. traditional in the Sanctuary; and 10:45 a.m. contemporary in Westminster Hall.

Pray for the Dominican Republic

Team to offer hope for the people who live in the hard places

Calling All Moms!

Weekly meeting for moms of young children

Put It in the Bag for CAM 

Food Drive May 11 and 18

Be a Super Hero to a Child!

Will you accept the call?

Have a Heart for Kids?

Caregivers needed Sundays

Time to Tee It Up Again!

Guys' Golf Gathering at the Quarry May 16

Musicians Sought for Contemporary Worship

Musically talented servants needed to help lead worship.

Meet and Greet

Be a part of our greeting team and welcome our members and guests to First Presbyterian!