CONGREGATIONAL MEETING ACTIONS REPORTED
On March 25 the congregation voted to discontinue relocation efforts and to remain in the present facility, with a Centennial Fund established toward its renovation. Subsequent actions by the Board of Trustees are summarized in a following report.
On April 22 the congregation approved the plan for Summer Interim Ministry and Internship. Rev. Richard Thompson will continue as Interim Pastor through June. Pastor Emeritus John Towery will preach three times a month and administer the Sacrament on the first Sunday and will be on call for pastoral emergencies, from July through September 27. Cecile Ervin Adam, for ten weeks beginning June 18, will serve as full-time Intern in association with Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Her duties will include preaching once a month and serving as, or arranging for, worship assistants on other Sundays; serving as staff person for the Church Boards; and making pastoral calls. Rev. Thompson would be available to return in the fall, if a permanent pastor has not yet been called by that time.
GOOD NEWS
Starting on the first Sunday in May, you won't have to search for a parking place. We now have 25 parking spaces every Sunday set aside for the use of members and friends coming to worship at our church. The parking lot is on Nueces, just one block west of the church, between 23rd and 24th Street. The simplest way to get to it is to drive on 24th Street to Nueces and turn south. The lot will be on your right. Our spaces will be the 25 closest to 23rd Street (and to our church) and will be so designated. (Watch for a new sign.) To assure that these spaces are reserved for us, they will be monitored. Vic Appel has prepared placards to identify church goers' vehicles. Pick up a placard at church and keep in your car. Then, when you park on Sunday, simply put the placard on top of your dashboard so it can be seen through the windshield.
Welcoming Easter Sunrise Worshippers on Mt.Bonnell, Joseph McMillan,Jr., Chairman, Board of Deacons. Interim Pastor, Richard A. Thompson, Preacher; Melanie Wilkinson, Soloist; Carol Barrett, Lay Leader; Nodie Murphy, Song Leader; Julia Ross, Flutiist. Over four hundred were in attendance, the largest in number in seven years of sponsorship of this event by our church
Interim Musings
With Mother's Day upon us, it is fitting to reflect upon the practice and origin of the observance. Practically speaking, it's been the day for which more greeting cards are sent than for any other holiday. I'm sending one to my 95 year old mother at Westminster Manor. Sociologists and psychologists have theorized that in an age when families are so scattered across the country and the world, that sending cards represents the effort to stay in touch.
But when considering the origin of Mother's Day, our practice might be different than just sending cards, flowers and candy. It was in 1908 that Anna Jarvis an activist Methodist laywoman, initiated the observance which led within six years to a presidential proclamation that recognized this second Sunday as a holiday. It may have been that such a movement had been influenced by Julia Ward Howe's efforts from the 1970s, in the wake of the Civil War, to establish a Women's Peace Day, since it was so often the women who suffered most the losses of war. But Anna Jarvis was motivated by an inclusive spirit, which found expression in a litany that she was fond of reciting about the patriarchy of the American calendar:
Washington's birthday is for the 'Father of our Country'; 4th of July for 'Our Founding Fathers'; Thanksgiving is for our 'Pilgrim Fathers'; and even New Year's Day is for 'Old Father Time.'
Of course, Mother's Day is not inclusive of all women while all have mothers, not all women are mothers. Jarvis herself never married nor had any children. But the celebration pointed in the direction of recognizing women's contributions to the world's peace
Every Mother's Day Sunday a congregation in North Carolina sings "Faith of our Mothers" instead of "Faith of our Fathers." That's a fitting tradition when recalling how Coretta Scott King lead a Mother's Day March in 1968 in support of poor mothers of all races and their children. More recently Dr. Helen Caldicott led the movement of Physicians for Social Responsibility for the purpose of nuclear disarmament.
I'll not be with you on that Sunday, because Jane and I will be attending the college graduation ceremony of her son in Denver. This graduation by her youngest and last of five children will be her best Mother's Day present ever! May yours too be a blessed Mothers Day.
Shalom,
Richard A. Thompson
Interim Pastor
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF AUSTIN CELEBRATES ITS
100TH BIRTHDAY
"We want to give practical expression to the truth beginning to be recognized all over the world, that love is greater than all the creeds, that people of all creeds and of no formulated creeds may be at one with love, and in vital touch with Christ." These ringing words spoken in April of 1901 by the Rev. Dr. Ritchie J. Briggs suggested the type of church The Congregational Church of Austin was to become: liberal and inclusive from its very beginning.
Dr. Briggs' remarks rang out again at the Centennial Banquet held on Saturday, March 31, when Lisa Kirch, a great-grandniece of Dr. Briggs, read a condensed version of that first sermon recovered from the church's archives.
More than 140 past and current church members and clergy attended the banquet. Some guests traveled from as far as England to participate in honoring the church, one of two in Austin affiliated with the united Church of Christ. Past clergy dating back as far as the early 1950s participated in the celebration by sharing reminiscences. The keynote speaker was the Rev. Dr. Rollin Russell, Distinguished Professor for the Renewal of Ministry at Lancaster Theological Seminary. He reminded the congregation of the sweeping changes that have occurred since The Congregational Church of Austin was founded, stating that change will keep occurring, perhaps at an even faster pace.
Rev. Russell emphasized how easily any church can settle into comfortable and familiar forms of worship and ministry. He reminded the audience of this church's record of past achievements as a leader in dealing with social and community problems. He challenged the congregation not to sit back, but rather to carry on its progressive tradition. His audience greeted his remarks with a standing ovation.
The next day, Sunday, April 1, the Congregational Church observed a special Centennial Service that filled the small church to overflowing. Church members were particularly pleased when their Interim Pastor, the Rev. Richard A. Thompson, read a proclamation by Mayor Kirk Watson commending the church's contributions to the community. Multiple guest clergy participated in the communion and other aspects of the church service. The sermon was given by Pastor Emeritus, the Rev. Dr. John Towery, the minister with the longest tenure at the church.
A special feature of the Sunday morning gathering was the display of memorabilia from the records and archives of the church. They filled the large, newly-renovated basement dining area, which had been turned for the occasion into a history gallery. Representative photographs of past clergy and members, newspaper articles, church bulletins and record books of important church business were displayed that spanned the 20th century. Older members gathered in small groups, speaking excitedly about friends and family members whose faces they recognized, while newer members learned from clippings about their church's progressive history. This included Depression-Era sermons against Italian Fascism, to its 1930s and -40s series of guest speakers on scientific and philosophical topics, to its close ties with Huston-Tillotson College, and to the basement home it provided the People's Community Clinic.
The church has faith that its next one hundred years will be as vigorous and memorable as its first.
Reviewer: Dr. Victor H. Appel, Chair
Publicity Committee
ANNOUNCEMENT
Regular Sunday School ends May 20th
Sunday School will reconvene on August 12th
Sunday School Lite begins May 27th, ending August 5.
Sign-up sheet for volunteer teachers for Sunday School Lite is available, with Andrea Putz, Coordinator
Board of Christian Education
APRIL "HATS OFF"
Appreciation to the Building & Grounds Committee and other members-friends assisting in the undertaking of the refurbishing of the church basement.
Kudos to the Centennial Committee for their diligence in planning the events over many months, executing the various tasks involved in a long-to-be remembered 100th Anniversary Celebration. Catherine Hubbs, Chair
Thanks to all who participated in our Centennial Celebration activities/events: ministers, speakers, musicians, meal events coordinators, receptions, housing, transportation, decorations, historic memorabilia display, building/grounds preparations.
7TH ANNUAL EASTER SUNRISE
SERVICE RISES TO THE
OCCASION
Perhaps spurred by the momentum of our recent Centennial Celebration, the church went all out to produce a highly successful Easter Sunrise event.
Our 7th Annual Sunrise Service was noteworthy in a number of regards. We attracted over 400 attendees, the largest number ever. Our church members were only a small fraction of that group.
The audience was treated to a wonderful address by our own, Rich Thompson. His Easter message entitled, "The Dawning," was perfectly timed so as to coincide with the breaking of dawn at 7:04 AM. The theme of his remarks was how Easter symbolizes a dawning of new opportunities in each of our lives. The crowd was awed by Rich's presentation. His well organized and informally delivered remarks were all done extemporaneously.
Joe McMillan, Board of Deacons Chair, served as MC for the occasion. After welcoming the large crowd, he offered--for the first time--a bit of background about our church and our UCC denomination, since they are largely unknown to many Austinites.
Another first was that the Board of Deacons secured--and successfully used a portable, battery-driven loud speaker system. Al of the program participants were better able to be heard with amplification. One exception was Melanie Wilkinson. Her stirring soprano rendering of "Because He Lives" could be heard--whether they wanted it to or not--by neighboring residents not in attendance! The audience lustily joined in on the chorus when Melanie invited them to do so.
Following the close of the service the early risers were treated to the now traditional refreshments. Hot chocolate and pastries were again served. The Deacons added a new alternative drink to the menu: orange juice, which was well received by many.
Some indication of the reaction of the audience to the service is reflected by a visitor to Austin. He approached John Burlinson, since he was wearing his Centennial tee shirt. He presented John with a $100 bill, and thanked him for an extraordinary service.
The Board of Deacons, Pastor and Administrative Associate are to be thanked for their vigorous efforts to make this annual event such a success. Few know that Board of Deacons members Paul Deisler, Andrea and Karl Putz all arrived at Mt. Bonnell (recently renamed Covert Park at Mt. Bonnell) at 5:30 AM in order to establish "squatters" rights to the space. It was also their responsibility to climb up the trestle to ensure that the first thing that visitors saw as they reached the top of the stairs was our special, cedar wood cross. The cross was lovingly made by Rizer Everett some five years ago out of special red cedar (this was as close as he could come to the Cedars of Lebanon).
Other members of the Board who participated in the Service as Ushers were Cecile Ervin Adam and Norma Hawes. In addition, John and Jake Burlinson and Steve Domingue volunteered their services as ushers and helped serve refreshments and aided in the clean-up afterwards. Sara and David Ross assisted in making and serving the hot chocolate and orange juice.
The Publicity Committee is also to be thanked for their efforts to publicize the event not only via signs, but by Public Service Announcements (PSA's) on radio and television. These members include Lisa Kirch, Tommie Pinkard, Chester Rosson, Bart Burkhardt and Vic Appel, Chair. Another member, Valentino Herrera, created the very attractive flyer which was copied and then displayed at many business establishments and campus sites.
-Vic Appel, Chair, Publicity Committee
MAY MEETINGS
8 - Board of Trustees, 7:00 pm
8 - Board of Deacons, 7:30 pm
11 - Board of Christian Education, 7:00 pm
22 - Coordinating Council, 7:30 pm
ADULT CLASS NOTES
The class meets at 9:30 am on May 6, and will be addressed by the Director of Foundation for the Homeless. All are welcome. The class meets on the second floor.
FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
In March, our congregation deliberated, discussed, and dissected the question of whether we should continue our efforts to relocate, or whether we should concentrate on "blooming where we were planted."
"Blooming where we were planted" won out, so we must start doing what needs to be done to improve and safeguard our current location.
To this end, the church has several funds to draw on: (1) The Capital Fund, which we members established to be spent on either relocation or on capital improvement of our current building; (2) the Centennial Fund, which we approved in March to finance "necessary rehabilitation and repairs" when we voted to stay in our present location; and (3) the line item in our current budget dedicating funds to property maintenance.
At its April meeting, members of the Board of Trustees voted to designate the installation of new electrical wiring of the church and of new gutters and downspouts as capital improvements. Work on these projects will begin soon. Further capital improvement will be made to the basement. Sound abatement measures will make the area much more pleasant for potluck dinners and other events.
The Board of Trustees voted to place in the new Centennial Fund the remainder of donations made to finance the church's Centennial, after all bills from the celebration are paid. Church members may designate additional funds, and all will be spent according to the stated purpose of the fund, which is to keep the church functioning until its next Centennial. This means financing repair and replacement of costly items like air conditioning, the heating system, and furnishings. This fund will also finance relocation of the church administrative assistant's office and activity rooms on the main floor of the education wing.
The church's budgeted funds for property maintenance will go, as always, for minor upkeep, repair, and replacement of small items (light bulbs, etc.)
The point of all this is to assure that our church is a safe, welcoming place for members and visitors. With the improvements to the basement, we will have an inviting space for new activities that may attract additional participants.
We invite you to participate in the renovation and improvement of our church. Anyone wishing to donate to the Capital Fund can be assured their donation will go for capital improvements, or invested for future use. Donations to the Centennial Fund will save us when costly systems break down and must be repaired or replaced. In addition, that fund can be used to purchase furniture, appliances, and other necessities to make our church more attractive and useful.
Reported by: Tommie Pinkard,
ChairBoard of Trustees
APRIL "HATS OFF" RECOGNITIONS
Our Corporate Worship
1 - Centennial Worship Participants, Guests
Sermon: Rev. John Towery, Pastor Emeritus
Scripture: Rev. Yoshi Kaneda, past Pastor, retired
Communion: Rev. Bertram Miller, former Pastor
Call to Worship: Rev. Sarah Bentley, former Interim
Prayer: Rev. Dean Tapley, former exchange Pastor
Host: Rev. Richard Thompson, Interim Pastor
Musicians: Mrs. Nodie Murphy, Choir Director
Mrs. Marie Scheel, Past Choir Director
Mrs. Florence Castle, Pianist/Organist
Mr. Robin Rosson, Guest Cellist
Ms. Sarah Carmichael, Violinist
Time With Children: Pat Oakes
Choir Members, Ushers, Reception Hosts
8- Palm Sunday
Lay Reader: Frances Alford
Ushers: Vic Appel, Jake Burlinson
Fellowship Host: Jane Thompson & Friends
Time With Children: John Burlinson
15 - Easter Sunday
Lay Reader: Frances Alford
Ushers: Ellen & Paul Deisler
Fellowship Hour: Easter Brunch
Time With Children: Rich Thompson
Soprano Soloist: Melanie Wilkinson, Guest
Baptismal Officiant: Rev. Jim Tomasek
22- Second Sunday of Easter
Lay Reader: Lynne Lemley
Ushers: Dave Ross & Ned Murphy
Fellowship Hour: Fun & Fellowship People
Time With Children: Doyal Pinkard
29 - Third Sunday of Easter
Lay Reader: Nannette Strickland
Ushers: Cecile Ervin Adam, Jamie Adams
Time With Children: Lisa Kirch
Holy Week Services
April 12 - Maundy Thursday
Enid Ross, Worship Assistant
April 14 Good Friday Vigil
Rev. Richard Thompson, Leader
Personals
by Catherine Hubbs
In the almost darkness the steps to the top of Mt. Bonnell were barely visible. A gentle coolness gave promise of a warm day to come. People were recognizable at close range. Headlights illuminated John Burlinson, trying to direct two cars to the last available parking spaces left on the hilltop before letting the rest find room along the roadside below. Mark McCoy pointed the way up the seventy stone stairs. And at the top a sea of people greeted us.
There was room, barely room for us all. Someone handed song sheets and a program to Clark. They would soon run out though Louise had printed three hundred, and they were being rationed one to a family. We began to sing to flute music. Then Joseph McMillan, Chair of Deacons, welcomed us.
He greeted us warmly, explaining who we are, what we are, where we are, and when we meet for worship. There was even a map on the program, showing parking. Carol Barrett gave the invocation, and Melanie Wilkinson's "Because He Lives" soared above us. Then Rich read the scripture and gave the Easter message to us all. Paul Deisler and Karl Putz estimate that there were well over 400 of us. All in all, it was a real mountaintop experience.
Rich introduced Catherine to two young women, Congregationalists from Nebraska, who had been told that yes, there was a Congregational Church in Austin but it was no longer accepting memberships due to lack of parking!! We disabused them of that idea and directed them to the map on the program. (For additional available new parking see article in this issue of the newsletter.) The change in our hour of worship to 10:30 am may also mean more available street-side parking.
During our 10:30 a.m. Easter Service we had the joy of witnessing the baptism of Jillian Claire Tomasek, second child of Mark and Sally Tomasek, as her grandfather officiated.
In some ways we felt that we were celebrating a second Easter. Our Centennial Celebration Banquet on March 31 and Centennial Worship Service on April 1 had reunited us with friends and members whom we had not seen for many years. Eunice Paul, widow of the late Robert Paul, Professor at Austin Presbyterian Seminary, came all the way from England and brought her daughter Lydia and son-in-law Dean Tapley, with whom our John Towery one summer exchanged pulpits. Bert Miller, who led us from 1950-1957, came with Mary Margaret Miller from Florida. Rollin Russell, former Associate Conference Minister, came with Betsy Russell from North Carolina. David Cleaver-Bartholomew, who served an internship in the eighties with John Towery, came with Dena Cleaver-Bartholomew and their children. Did you see their daughter performing an impromptu dance to the lovely dinner music our trio was playing during the Banquet? Yoshi and Setsuko Kaneda returned from California for the occasion.
Mary Sinclair went to Canada to bring down her mother, Joyce Sinclair, for the celebration. Francis and Lucille Barrow came from Medford, Oregon. Joe Nordstrom came up from Houston by way of Brazil, where he sustained a fall while visiting his son, he had to have a doctor's appointment, and was still sore when he arrived at the Pinkards' for the festivities but he survived nicely. Thanks are due the Pinkards as his hosts, the Towerys, who hosted the Cleaver-Bartholomews, the Alfords, who entertained the Kanedas, and Kristin Galle, Brent Hampton, and the Briggs, who shared the Russells. The Hubbs caught up with the Millers as if they had been separated a year instead of almost fifty (!) and revisited the old Kuehne home and the little house next door, built on land given by the Kuehnes, which became the Millers' first home and parsonage. The Hubbs' oldest daughter Laura, coming home, met the minister who had baptized her, and the Rosses were glad to welcome back their son Michael. The whole weekend had aspects of a super family reunion.
The team which brought this event to fruition had a lot of artistic talent. David Ross is responsible for the beautiful color photographic covers on programs for both banquet and worship service. Lisa Kirch, U.T. doctoral student in Art History, organized and assembled with Jamie Adams, our Archivist, and Michael Adams our history in photographs. Michael, Mel Oakes, and David Ross also videotaped a number of people and events. Pat Oakes, whose school let us borrow the trellised photograph display stands, graphically explained for our Church School children the past hundred years by unfolding sheets of computer paper, a year for each sheet, around the outside of the sanctuary and explaining what happened in those years. She arranged for the banquet to be held at the Presbyterian Seminary and to be catered by Dagars, as had been done for her daughter's wedding. Vic Appel, working with Rich Thompson, appeared on Rich's March 18 Sunday morning KNVA television program Austin Faith Dialogue, at 8:00 am, ably presenting publicity for our upcoming centennial. He also obtained centennial T-shirts for the occasion.
Nodie Murphy's coordination of music was an important element in both of our celebrations. Melanie Wilkinson sang twice for us on Easter. Nodie, our present choir director, and Marie Scheel, for thirty years our past choir director, both led the choir in anthems for the Centennial, and Florence Castle with the trio played Handel's "Largo," Xerxes, which Bert Miller recognized as having been played fifty years ago when he was pastor.
We are especially indebted to Florence and the trio for the beautiful music provided during our banquet, music that reflected our unique history. Florence's husband, Joe Castle, wrote orchestra and jazz arrangements, played the rhythm guitar and violin, and created trio arrangements for the popular music that they played. In addition to their work at the church, Joe and Florence played with Mrs. Mick as a trio at weddings and banquets in the forties. Florence has preserved Joe's arrangements and Mrs Micks's and drew from these for the dinner music she rehearsed with Robin Rosson and Sarah Carmichael. It was a professional performance.
Among Florence's gifts to us is her recruitment of talented musicians to our Sunday morning trio. We are about to lose Sarah Carmichael, who, as violinist, has held us spellbound with her playing, especially with the exquisite trueness of her high notes. She just gave her Master's degree recital. Florence, Nodie Murphy, and the Oakes were among those attending. Florence asks that if we know of someone else who might be available that we inform her. We are extremely fortunate in having Robin Rosson, one of our own members, playing cello for us. He is already an experienced musician.
Lisa Kirch tells us an intriguing, recent experience in which her path crossed Sarah Carmichael's. Lisa, attending the U.T. Fine Arts Endowed Presidential Scholarship dinner as recipient of one of their scholarships, discovered that Sarah Carmichael was also attending as a fellow recipient. They gave each other a funny look, and Lisa said, "What are you doing out of church?" Sarah replied, "I didn't know you were a student." At the same dinner, Dr. & Mrs. Eugene Schoch were representing the scholarship endowed in honor of his father, who was a member of our church. Mrs. Schoch told Lisa she had offered her house to Jean Appel for a ladies' tea if we ever wanted it, and she repeated the offer to Lisa.
In between celebrations our church has had to come to terms with the problems of daily living. There have been colds and coughs this winter, and John Alford suddenly found himself in the hospital, a victim of pneumonia. But he has returned home from South Austin Hospital.
Joe McMillan tells us that he has decided to help an old friend, Ron Stewart, in his venture into men's clothing. Ron Stewart has opened The Men's Clothier at Airport and Lamar near McFrugals, next door to Texas Discount Furniture, and Joe will be working there half time. He will also be doing some consulting work for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, making site visits to non-accredited higher education institutions which are seeking state licenses to award degrees.
We understand from Fran Briggs that Paula Fracasso's picture and a quote were printed in the April 9 issue of Time Magazine. The article deals with the downturn in dot.com stocks and how that was affecting her ability to raise money for the Austin Entrepreneur's Foundation. If anyone with that issue would like to bring it to church, we can post it on the news board in the Fellowship Room.
Fran also says that they hosted more than thirty members of the Briggs' family on the Saturday before Easter at the farm in Comal County. "Brother George barbecued chicken, and everyone brought a dish. Lots of food and good fellowship, including accordion playing and singing. All the cousins but one attended, coming from Wisconsin, Washington state, and Washington, D.C." They attended Easter services at Rolling Hills.
Matt tells us that he has been watching a lot of his grandchildren's ball games, and that he has discovered a clinic for infants and small children in Del Valle and is volunteering there in teaching medical graduate students. He says it "keeps him off the streets."
Flo Chiles missed our Centennial Celebration because she had already agreed to meet her sister-in-law at Fort Meyers, Florida. They shared the beach with Spring Breakers, who were nice enough to carry their beach chairs for them. (So much for those who complain young people aren't what they used to be!) Back at home, Flo has embarked on twice-a-week Medicare-provided water physiotherapy for her arthritis at St. David's. She expects no sudden miracles but finds she has better days and those which are not so good.
Our refugee family, the Bukasas and Karasis, has both good and bad news. Judith has been laid off her temporary computer-assembly job, and Martin's Solectron has had to cut one night every other week, but they have been able, with Richard Jackson's and Mary Sinclair's help, to find a car, and when last heard from Martin was about to have his first driving lesson. The paper work has been done to start the process of sponsoring Judith's mother's coming to join the family here. This will mean that she can take care of the children at home when Judith is away at work. Suzanne tells us that her mother is doing well and that there have been more weddings in their extended family. On April 7 she witnessed a marriage at Zilker Garden in which the groom and his attendants were in Air Force uniform.
During the search for old friends and members before the Centennial, Catherine heard that Shawn and Jennifer Bratton have moved to England. She also got in touch with Stephen Neuse, who was sorry that he couldn't make it to the celebration but wanted us to know that he and Jeanine are well and that he plans to retire in June. His son Micah and wife live in Boulder, Colorado. Micah works for Charles Schwab. Son Jonathan is a computer engineer. His wife, D'lana has been a special ed teacher but right now is a full-time mother. Baby Nathaneal was born in May, 2000.
Catherine was surprised to answer the phone the other day and find Dale Montayne on the other end, telephoning from Ithaca, New York. He wanted us all to know that the made-in-Austin documentary in which he played a main role had won four awards at South by Southwest and was written up in the Austin Chronicle. It can also be found at http://www.noearlybirds.com. In it Dale rides his bicycle from one garage sale to another, explaining the way of life as he goes. He gave me his address: 815 Ringwood Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 - (607) 539-6111. He is living in a converted farm building seven miles out of Ithaca. He pays for heat but lives in a $365 well-insulated apartment. He is making clay extruders for Cornell University and has two cars and a pickup. His daughter has just graduated from the University of Alaska with her B.A. and will continue, working for her M.A. in Education. Good luck, Dale! We heard from the Tomaseks that Mary spent Spring Break helping Dorcas out with her camp for disabled or chronically ill youngsters. And we heard from Paul Deisler: "After church on Sunday, March 25, Paul and Ellen Deisler, having dutifully voted at the Congregational Meeting, left for College Station where, over a period approaching two days, they attended two banquets, a class dinner and a mass breakfast and toured, in maroon and white buses, some of the new and lavish marvels of the Texas A & M campus (most notably, the Zone). They also listened to many speeches, were entertained (very well) by the Singing Cadets (no singing Cadettes, yet) and Paul, along with what is left of his class ('46) was inducted into the Sul Ross Class. The Sul Ross Class is made up of all Aggies whose classes are 55 years old. Paul and Ellen visited with some of Paul's old friends, talked to many others, and had a good time. As Paul says, he is now, officially, A Geezer Aggie."
"HAPPY MAY BIRTHDAYS"
2 - Louise Froelich
3 - Joyce Sinclair
4 - Stephen Luna
6 - Fran Briggs
11 - Mel Oakes
16 - Mary Charles Williams
18 - Craig Headley
12 - Ben White
29 - Matthew Tomasek
30 - Kathleen Hawes-Domingue
FINANCIAL REPORT
Income and Expenditures, First Quarter 2001
Income $41,639
Expenditures 42,105
Budgeted 36,054
*Expenditures for the First Quarter are slightly higher than average due to payment of sabattical leave for retired pastor.
John Burlinson, Treasurer
MAY WORSHIP THEMES AND TEXTS
May 6 Spirituality in an Image Culture based on Acts 17:22-31 Rev. Thompson preaching
May 13 Pulpit Guest, Rev. Wilmer Brown, newly appointed Associate Conference Minister,South Central Conference, UCC.
May 20 Journey Home, John 14:15-27 Rev. Thompson preaching
May 27 Staying Power, Acts 1:1-14 Rev. Thompson preaching
DEADLINE: May 20th
June issue of The Visitor
NEWS, News, news . . The Church Office will be moved next to the Pastor's Office the week of May 27. Our Administrative Associate, Louise Whitworth, will be on vacation that week.
The Twenty-Third Annual Synod, UCC, will be held in Kansas City, Missouri, July 13-17. Visitors are welcome to this national meeting of the denomination. Registration forms are available in the church office.
John Burlinson was elected Delegate to the Annual Meeting of South Central Conference, UCC. The meeting will be held in New Orleans on January 15-17. Dennis Murphy will also attend as Treasuarer of South Central Conference, UCC.
Kristin Galle and Enid Ross were approved by the Church and Ministry Committee for examination by the Ecclesiastical Council of the Brazos Association, SCC, UCC.
The Council will examine Kristin and Enid at the Annual Meeting of the Brazos Association on May 6 at the Weimar UCC. Others from our congregation will be at the Annual Meeting in support of Kristin's and Enid's candidacy for ordination.
Kristin's graduation from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary will occur with its Commencement on May 20, at First United Methodist Church, 1201 Lavaca, at 2:30 pm. She invites her friends to attend.
Enid is completing her Clinical Pastoral Education at Austin State Hospital in the latter part of the day.
