Our Blog

Dear friends: August 5

Greetings All, 

Here is a brief report on church engagement as we look forward to fall and the beginning of the school year. 

So far this year, 38 new members have joined First Pres, for a current total of 1,685 on the roll. If we consider the various categories of engagement that are tracked both formally and informally at First Pres, we might argue that the size of the community exceeds 3,000. This estimate includes friends of the church who engage regularly in various ways, including many who connect though Community Crossroads but do not formally join the roll. 

First Pres does a physical headcount of weekly worship attendance, and results for the first half of the year are trending favorably. To have a third of the roll membership count in attendance is generally seen as an indicator of congregational vitality, and currently our number sits at 764, or 45%. As we head into the higher-attendance season, perhaps we will reach the 2025 full-year average of 792. 

Many good things are happening in terms of engagement. Next week, Eric Varnon will conclude an online-only Bible study on the “I am” statements of Jesus, which proved a success. He continues to work with the Communications team to develop new digital content including upcoming online-only and hybrid educational opportunities for the fall semester. Recently you may have noticed online passing of the peace, and virtual participation by First Presbyterian Church of Lake Charles, LA during worship. 

First Connections is our visitor and new member class that has met, spring and fall, for many years now. Please be on the lookout for upcoming announcements about this class which will meet during the church school hour on Sundays in September. And remember that all are invited, even if you have already been at First Pres for a while now. Among other topics, we will present ways to connect at First Pres; familiarize students with the various physical spaces on our campuses; and discuss the spiritual discipline of generosity and affirm its importance in church life. 

As always, I am interested in your thoughts on how we engage as a community. I would love to hear from you.

Peace to you and yours!  

Chris Bartley
Sr. Director, Engagement & Programs 

Dear friends: July 29

August brings the familiar rhythm of a new school year. Hallways fill with energy, backpacks are packed with fresh supplies, and teachers prepare classrooms for another year of learning. For many students, parents, educators, and school staff, this season is filled with excitement and anticipation. It can also bring uncertainty and anxiety. This year, many in Fort Worth ISD are navigating additional questions surrounding the TEA transition, making our prayers and encouragement all the more important.

As people of faith, we believe that education is holy work. Every classroom is a place where gifts are discovered, confidence is nurtured, and lives are shaped. Whether or not the school calendar directly affects your household, each of us has a role in supporting children, teachers, administrators, and staff as they create places where young people can learn, grow, and flourish. As a congregation, we have many avenues to offer our support.

A meaningful way our congregation lives out that calling is through Academy 4. After four years partnering with Briscoe Elementary, we are beginning an exciting new chapter with Morningside Elementary. Because of this transition, our ministry is expanding dramatically—we hope to provide nearly 80 mentors so that every fourth grader has a caring adult walking alongside them throughout the school year. Mentoring requires just 90 minutes one Friday each month, and Academy 4 provides all the training and materials you need. We are also looking for volunteers to serve as Spark Club leaders. If you would like to learn more about either opportunity, please contact me or Sidney Goodfriend, our Site Coordinator.

Our commitment to children begins long before elementary school. We are grateful for the ministry of our Early Education Center, where young children are welcomed into a safe, loving, and faith-filled environment each day. There are many opportunities to support this ministry, including volunteering during Teacher In-Service Days from Wednesday, August 19, through Friday, August 21, as teachers prepare their classrooms and hearts for a new group of students. We are also looking for friendly faces to serve as greeters on our First Day of School, August 24, and we always welcome volunteers who would like to be classroom readers throughout the year. Your prayers, encouragement, and willingness to serve help create a nurturing environment where children, families, and educators can flourish together.

As another school year begins, we surround every student, teacher, and school employee with our prayers, our encouragement, and our presence. We will celebrate our annual Blessing of the Backpacks during worship on Sunday, August 16. Students of every age, along with teachers, administrators, school staff, and anyone beginning a new season of learning, are invited to bring their backpacks, briefcases, or work bags to receive a blessing as we pray for the year ahead. As a family of faith, we offer our presence and prayers as this new school year begins.

Peace,
Robyn Michalove
Associate Pastor of Mission & Family Ministries

PS. This year we are offering 9 Spark Clubs for Academy 4 and we are looking for leaders to facilitate these electives one Friday a month. We provide the curriculum, and you do not need to be an expert! They are: (1) money, a partnership with a local bank, (2) drum, (3) engineering, (4) gardening, (5) mindfulness (yoga), (6) pickleball, (7) soccer, (8) cooking, (9) and art. To learn more, visit academy4.org/mentor or contact .