In the meantime . . .
The Church Relations Committee wishes to thank all who attended the November Town Hall meetings to discuss denominational issues. We benefitted from your thoughtful comments and questions. As the committee continues to study and discuss these issues, seriously and without haste, we are open to further input. As always, we ask for your prayers.  In the meantime, the important work of our church continues. It is an exciting time to find new ways to become involved in the work of this part of the body of Christ. One thing we have heard clearly in the dialogue is that First Presbyterian Church is a congregation where members care deeply for one another.
 

January 1-February 19

With the start of a new year—what better time to put first things first.  Come join us on January 1, 2012 as we begin an 8-week study of the book of Colossians. Together we will explore the completeness and supremacy of Christ and how putting Him first in our lives is essential. May we resolve to always exalt Christ first at First.

Jan. 1          Col. 1: 1-14            Praying @First 
Jan. 8          Col. 1: 15-20          Christ@First
Jan. 15        Col. 1: 24-2:7         The Word@First
Jan. 22        Col. 2: 8-23            Alive@First
Jan. 29        Col. 3: 1-11            New@First
Feb. 5         Col. 3: 12-17          Clothing@First
Feb. 12       Col. 3: 18-4: 1        Serving@First
Feb. 19       Col. 4 (selections)   Opportunities@First

Can you spare a little time for CAM?

INTERSECTION
Jan 11-Apr 4, 2012

View the 2012 Intersection brochure
Registration Form

Where Christian education and intergenerational fellowship converge. Our lives are full — full of responsibilities, obligations, requirements, meetings and activities which can both give us energy or drain the energy right out of us. Finding time for our lives to intersect with one another is not easy, but, for followers of Jesus Christ, it is important. Intersection is an opportunity for us as a church family to enjoy being together —

•    To share a meal together (family style with table hosts, conversation and table activities)
•    To engage in joyful fellowship together (celebrate our life together)
•    To learn and grow together (experience age appropriate education opportunities)
•    To worship together (hear a fresh word, sing and pray together)

Intersection is a time for our church family, younger and older, singles and families, youth and leaders, to come together and explore ways our lives intersect with one another and with the good news of Jesus. We eat at tables, served family style, decorated with a theme each week, and close the dinner hour with a short time of worship and teaching. After dinner, youth, children and adults disperse throughout the building for their age-appropriate activities and studies. Join us at Intersection – a place where we meet midweek to build upon our relationships with each other, a place where faith and life intersect and a place where we as a church family set a new course for the future.

Come to Intersection – a place where the church family comes together!
 
Family Dinner
5:30-6:30 PM
Westminster Hall
$4 (4 years old and up; $20 cap per family)
 

We save significant printing and mailing costs, along with time, when our members choose to read First Press here — online. If you are currently receiving the newsletter by mail and would be happy to view it here instead, please let us know. We will notify you by email when the latest issue is available.

Issues 
 

Feb 2012
Jan 2012

Dec 2011  
Nov 2011
Oct. 4, 2011
Sept. 20, 2011
Sept. 6, 2011
Aug. 23, 2011
Aug. 9, 2011
July 26, 2011
July 12, 2011
June 28, 2011
June 14, 2011
May 31, 2011
May 17, 2011
May 3, 2011
April 19, 2011
April 5, 2011
March 22, 2011
March 8, 2011
Feb. 22, 2011
Feb. 8, 2011
Jan. 25, 2011
Jan. 11, 2011

Having Trouble Reading First Press?

Submission Guidelines

All submissions (articles and/or photos) are due no later than the 10th of each month (the previous business day if the 10th is on a weekend or holiday).

Send your submissions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with “Nov. newsletter” (example) in the subject line.

In order to accurately provide for the needs of all of the activities in and out of the church, we are reminding members who coordinate and/or lead events like Bible studies, luncheons or meetings to please contact Tracy Hair at 210.271.2757 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it when scheduling or canceling a function. In addition, we ask that you use a calendar scheduling form to help us know what you will need. This form can be sent via e-mail for any room or equipment requests. This request will need to be resubmitted each calendar year (September-May). Thank you for your cooperation to help us serve your needs. 

And Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Luke 18:16

Family Ministries offers quarterly baptism seminars for families seeking to have a child baptized. These seminars will serve several purposes: 

To provide an opportunity for the families to build relationships with each other and learn about baptism through a small group community experience.

To challenge parents to think through their responsibility as the primary Christian educators of their children.

To articulate for parents what we offer for nurture and discipleship for both themselves and their children.

The Rev. Ruthie Seiders leads these sessions for families seeking to have a child baptized during the summer months. Childcare is available. Babies are welcome to join their parents. The content of the seminar includes the meaning and mode of baptism, what baptism is and what it is not, as well as the questions that are asked of parents at a baptism and the question asked of the congregation. Parents may request any of our pastors to baptize their child/ren as well as choose the service and date.

Our next baptism seminar is scheduled for January 29, 2012.

Seminar registrations are coordinated through Jennifer Quintero, administrative assistant in Family Ministry. All parents seeking to have a child baptized are encouraged to contact Jennifer Quintero ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it / 210.271.2758) to register for the next seminar and reserve their baptism date/venue and preference of pastor to officiate. For more information, contact The Rev. Ruthie Seiders ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it / 210.271.2714) .

At First Presbyterian Church, senior adults (KEYS - Keeping Everyone Young in Spirit):
continue to experience the abundant life of Christ through a variety of programs and services and with each other. For information about any of the events below, contact Pat McCleary ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it / 210-271-2726).

Fridays: 9:45 AM – Room 108
“Step & Stretch,” our fitness class, continues during the summer! Dress comfortably and bring a friend, as there is no cost and no reservations are necessary. Gale Buchanan from Spectrum Fitness Center leads the class. Come and bring a friend to share our Friday fun and fellowship!

January 13 (Friday) 11:00 a.m.
Butch Gerfers, our former Church Administrator will speak on the history of Coker Cemetery—located in northern Bexar County in an area that used to be called Coker Community.  You will find many familiar family names on the cemetery headstones: Jones, Maltsberger, Isom, Sandau, Gordon and Voelcker just to name a few. Coker Community was established in the mid 1800’s on a land grant received by John Coker from the Republic of Texas for his service at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. Former FPC Church Administrator Butch Gerfers, a descendent of John Coker’s brother Joseph, will have a presentation with some interesting stories and little known facts about Coker Community as well as the recent Texas Historical Marker that the cemetery received.

January 20 (Friday) 11:00 a.m.
January Birthday Celebration
Paloma Blanco Restaurant, 5800 Broadway
We’ll say Happy Birthday to our January birthday members with a return visit to Paloma Blanco where we’ve had many fun times.  Reservations must be made by noon on Tuesday, January 17, by calling Melissa at 210-226-0215. You are responsible for your reservation if you cancel after that date.  Cost $12/person.

January 27 (Friday) 11:00 a.m.
RICK CAVENDER & HIS BAND
Rick Cavender and his band return for another memorable performance.  We’ve packed the house on his last visits so don’t delay in making your reservations and inviting your friends.   His theme this year is” GOING RODEO” so wear your cowboy boots & hats to kick-off rodeo.  Band members will be Rick Ramirez, Pete Williams, Mark Stevens, Ron Knuth, Keith Harter and Tammy Frost.  Don’t miss this exciting performance!   “For over 20 years, Rick has livened up many a party on the local, national and world scene.  They have provided memorable entertainment for the largest convention ever to visit the city and performed with the hottest stars in the music scene…Rick is also a respected community leader and known to many as the voice and personality behind the Cavender Auto Family of dealerships.”  RSVP by sending a check for your reservation and lunch no later than Friday, January 20, to the attention of Pat McCleary. Cost:  $15 per person.

January 31 (Tuesday) 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
AARP Safe Driving Class  - Room 302
This is a refresher course designed for drivers 50 years and older.  You will learn all the new defensive driving techniques and proper use of safety equipment and receive a certificate that can be used to apply for a reduction on car insurance.  B. J. Laymon, AARP instructor, teaches the class.  RSVP to Pat McCleary at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 271-2726.

View the latest KEYS newsletter. 

Your correct email address is needed to communicate with you! More and more, First Presbyterian Church will communicate with members and friends via electronic mail and through the website, rather than print mailings. This saves paper, ink and printing expense and allows instant communication.

At this time, we do not have updated email addresses from the majority of the congregation; therefore, we need your help. Please send your correct, preferred email address to Margaret Henderson ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) so we can update our files. Thank you.

Mental Health Support Groups begin Feb.15

National Alliance for Mental Illness - San Antonio is offering three different courses here at FPC.

High School Spring Retreat 2012

Join us as we head to Houston for a retreat focused on unban missions. March 2-4.
 

Worship Services Schedule Sun, Feb 5

8:30 a.m. - Rev. Trey H. Little
9:30 a.m. - Rev. Trey H. Little
11:00 a.m. Traditional Service - Rev. Scott Simpson
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Service - Rev. Trey H. Little

Summer Interns Search in Progress

We’re looking for a few good college students for our Family Ministry Summer Internship 2012.

Thursday Bible Study

"A Study of Exodus" will run from Sept. 15-Nov. 17 and Jan. 12-April 5, 2012. View the weekly Bible study questions here.

Women's retreat: Come journey with us

All FPCSA women and friends, of all ages, are invited to gather for the women’s retreat, “Journeys of the Heart: Destination Known,” on Oct. 14-16.

FPC Seeks Parish Associate-Congregational Care

First Presbyterian Church seeks a Parish Associate to offer a pastoral presence and care to the congregation, with special focus on those who are no longer able to attend or participate in worship and program activities.

KEYS upcoming programs

First Presbyterian Church's Older Adult Ministry, KEYS (Keeping Everyone Young in Sprit), has announced their next upcoming programs.

Youth Spaghetti Supper Feb 12

Mamma Mia! It’s that time again for the annual Youth Spaghetti Supper, and we’re getting ready to start heating up the pots!

Literature Circle announces 2011-2012 books

Do you love to read? Do you want to find out about great new books that will introduce you to new ideas and great stories? The Literature Circle of First Presbyterian Church is excited to announce the books to be reviewed for the 2011-2012 season. 

Loaves and Fishes

Join us as we come together to serve a meal to those who hunger for food and fellowship.  Everyone is invited to participate in this radical act of hospitality to our poor and homeless neighbors in downtown San Antonio.  We get together the last Sunday of every month in the downstairs kitchen at FPC at 3 p.m., and all are welcome!