http://www.fpcd.org 543 East Freeman Street, Duncanville, Texas 75116 Sat, 04 Sep 2010 20:05:57 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc Rev. Ginger Hertenstein is a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary, but don't think for a minute that the title and education mean that she doesn't understand the hardships that you're experiencing in life. Listen, learn, grow, and be changed by the power of God. First Presbyterian Church clean First Presbyterian Church webmaster@fpcd.org webmaster@fpcd.org (First Presbyterian Church) 543 East Freeman Street, Duncanville, Texas 75116 sermon,church,presbyterian,dallas,texas,fpcd,ginger,hertenstein http://www.fpcd.org/images/steeple_144x144.jpg http://www.fpcd.org http://www.fpcd.org/?p=2169 http://www.fpcd.org/?p=2169#comments Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:48:42 +0000 Ginger Hertenstein http://www.fpcd.org/?p=2169 http://www.fpcd.org/?feed=rss2&p=2169 0 "First Things First" Series “Don’t Worry; Be Happy!” The choir sings that this Sunday. Wow, that’s strange. Isn’t that a secular song? Yes, it is, but all of us, whether believers are not, tend to do exactly that. "First Things First" Series “Don’t Worry; Be Happy!” The choir sings that this Sunday. Wow, that’s strange. Isn’t that a secular song? Yes, it is, but all of us, whether believers are not, tend to do exactly that. So why is it that so many of us do so much worrying? We all would like to worry less! And, in our passage Jesus logically argues against worry and shows us how to let it go. The antidote is found in getting our priorities right and learning to see God as God really is. Do you want your relationship with God to relieve your worry? I do! Let’s explore the Bible’s most famous passage on worry and hear God’s voice to you. That voice is powerful and the desire is to free you from anxiety. Don’t worry. Trust God. To prepare read Matthew 6:19-34 and Psalm 139:1-18. Ask yourself What things worry you? Are they included in this passage? What priorities will you rearrange to seek God? Make a list of your worries. Then envision placing them in God’s hands and leaving them there. READ THE SERMON: No Worries! First Presbyterian Church clean 25:47 http://www.fpcd.org/?p=2122 http://www.fpcd.org/?p=2122#comments Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:12:11 +0000 Ginger Hertenstein http://www.fpcd.org/?p=2122 http://www.fpcd.org/?feed=rss2&p=2122 0 "First Things First" Series This summer the congregation gathered on Wednesday nights for “The Conversation,” in which we listened to Scripture to hear God’s voice. The next four weeks we will talk about what we heard during our conversations. "First Things First" Series This summer the congregation gathered on Wednesday nights for “The Conversation,” in which we listened to Scripture to hear God’s voice. The next four weeks we will talk about what we heard during our conversations. This week's topic is Abiding in Christ. What in the world is that, you might say. Sounds like something a monk would do. Does that mean I have to become some sort of a religious fanatic? Not exactly! But it certainly has a little different focus than the average American lifestyle. Jesus desires, and even insists, that we live in close connection to Him, sharing our life with him while drawing upon his life. It’s symbiotic and collaborative. Abiding (not rule-keeping) shapes us, fosters spiritual growth, and promises greater fruitfulness. Abiding opens the door to receiving God’s gift of answered prayer. Do you want to learn more? We are a church that seeks God and asks questions. Seeking God is worth the time! Join us. To prepare read John 15:4-16. After the service we'll celebrate our new youth pastor with a reception. ALL ARE INVITED. WELCOME STEVE NETNISS! READ THE SERMON: Abiding In Christ First Presbyterian Church clean 23:29 http://www.fpcd.org/?p=2100 http://www.fpcd.org/?p=2100#comments Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:01:14 +0000 Ginger Hertenstein http://www.fpcd.org/?p=2100 http://www.fpcd.org/?feed=rss2&p=2100 0 Have you ever read something in the Bible and thought, “That sounds awful! Why is that in there? I would have left that out.” You might think that about the time of the Judges when “Another generation grew up who did not know the Lord or the work God h... Have you ever read something in the Bible and thought, “That sounds awful! Why is that in there? I would have left that out.” You might think that about the time of the Judges when “Another generation grew up who did not know the Lord or the work God had done” (2:10). At that time God’s people abandoned the Lord and followed other gods, and as a result, God allowed others to plunder and oppress them. But, each time the people would finally pray and God would take pity and send them a judge to rescue them. Perhaps you have experienced God’s rescue in your own life. Gideon’s story teaches us about God’s amazing grace and power during a very dark period of time. Because times were troubled, people often lost sight of God, but God never abandoned them. All they had to do was call. This Sunday we take a strong look at our wonderful God who never fails. It’s one of the most creative victories in the Bible. Our youth, along with First Presbyterian Church Idaho Falls youth and their pastor Tom Wylie, will tell the story. It's going to be GREAT! Join us at 10:30. Read Judges 7:9-23 to prepare. READ THE SERMON:  What's God Up To Today? First Presbyterian Church clean 21:45 http://www.fpcd.org/?p=2068 http://www.fpcd.org/?p=2068#comments Sun, 18 Jul 2010 05:42:35 +0000 Brenda Everett http://www.fpcd.org/?p=2068 http://www.fpcd.org/?feed=rss2&p=2068 0 - Dr. Peterson will be preaching on Gideon. Judges 6 on July 25, 2010 and Judges 7 & 8 on August 1, 2010. Dr. Peterson will be preaching on Gideon. Judges 6 on July 25, 2010 and Judges 7 & 8 on August 1, 2010. First Presbyterian Church clean 21:17 http://www.fpcd.org/?p=2056 http://www.fpcd.org/?p=2056#comments Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:05:34 +0000 Ginger Hertenstein http://www.fpcd.org/?p=2056 http://www.fpcd.org/?feed=rss2&p=2056 0 “Do not fear.” Jesus said that at least a thousand times. Well, perhaps that’s a slight exaggeration! But He said it enough that we should be advised fear is unwarranted. What an amazing thought! That tells us something about Jesus’ desire to help us o... “Do not fear.” Jesus said that at least a thousand times. Well, perhaps that’s a slight exaggeration! But He said it enough that we should be advised fear is unwarranted. What an amazing thought! That tells us something about Jesus’ desire to help us overcome our fears. After 40 years in the desert the day came when God called the Israelites once again to move into Canaan and take possession of the Promised Land. Joshua was their new leader. God sent him forth with this admonition: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened or dismayed...I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. I have given you the land.” Perhaps that is the key to fear-free living – knowing that God is here and God’s promise is secure. How encouraging to think that we can lean on that information. It really boils down to our faith and trust in God’s faithfulness. Let’s see how it plays out in the Bible, and in our lives too. See you Sunday! READ Numbers 14:8-9, Joshua 1:1-9, Matthew 14:22-33 READ THE SERMON: Overcoming Fear: God Will Make You Stand First Presbyterian Church clean 26:11 http://www.fpcd.org/?p=2044 http://www.fpcd.org/?p=2044#comments Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:26:26 +0000 Ginger Hertenstein http://www.fpcd.org/?p=2044 http://www.fpcd.org/?feed=rss2&p=2044 0 We all know the story of the people of Israel wandering in the desert for 40 years before they entered the Promised Land. But did you know that God wanted to take them into the land just a little over a year after they left Egypt? - What happened? We all know the story of the people of Israel wandering in the desert for 40 years before they entered the Promised Land. But did you know that God wanted to take them into the land just a little over a year after they left Egypt? What happened? It all had to do with faith. When God began to move the people forward, the promise suddenly fizzled away in their hearts and minds. Overcome by the fear of defeat, they refused to be bold and occupy the land. Honestly, their fear was unreasonable, but it controlled them. How does fear affect your life? What can we do to overcome fear and live by faith? The Bible gives us answers to this struggle, and we will explore that this Sunday. Come join us! We have great music planned, under direction of Andrew Dittman. READ Numbers 13-14:4 and Luke 8:41-56 READ THE SERMON: Overcome By Fear: Assuming Defeat First Presbyterian Church clean 31:41 http://www.fpcd.org/?p=2005 http://www.fpcd.org/?p=2005#comments Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:15:36 +0000 Ginger Hertenstein http://www.fpcd.org/?p=2005 http://www.fpcd.org/?feed=rss2&p=2005 0 Happy 4th of July! Let’s Celebrate! This Sunday the whole church gathers for breakfast at 9:15 am to celebrate all the renovations that have been done at the church and to hear plans to complete the work. Folks at FPCD have been hard at work and it sho... Happy 4th of July! Let’s Celebrate! This Sunday the whole church gathers for breakfast at 9:15 am to celebrate all the renovations that have been done at the church and to hear plans to complete the work. Folks at FPCD have been hard at work and it shows. Then, during worship at 10:30, the choir, under the direction of Andrew Dittman, will present two special anthems, “He Reigns,” arranged by Steve Bayless, and “America Medley” a patriotic benediction arranged by Andrew. It’s going to be a great day! Independence Day is not only an opportunity for celebration but also for reflection. We will reflect on Exodus 40, and what it means for Moses and the people of Israel to finish the work of building the sanctuary. God took the generous, devoted work of the people and inhabited it with God’s own presence. The people never again had to wonder, “Is God with us or not?” God was with them, and God is with us in the same way. Come and connect with God. It’s worth celebrating. SERMON TEXT: Exodus 39:32-33, Exodus 40:16-38, Rev 21:1-7 READ THE SERMON:  The Joy of Completing God's Work First Presbyterian Church clean 31:00 http://www.fpcd.org/?p=1989 http://www.fpcd.org/?p=1989#comments Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:16:35 +0000 Ginger Hertenstein http://www.fpcd.org/?p=1989 http://www.fpcd.org/?feed=rss2&p=1989 0 How well do you know someone? Think of your friends. Who would you call on to help you in a pinch? What if you had a serious problem. Who would you call on? That probably depends on how well you know the person and that person’s position of authority a... How well do you know someone? Think of your friends. Who would you call on to help you in a pinch? What if you had a serious problem. Who would you call on? That probably depends on how well you know the person and that person’s position of authority and expertise. The people of Israel had gotten themselves into a serious problem. Although they were headed to the Promised Land, God had decided not to go with them. Moses, as leader, didn’t know where to turn. One thing he did know was that he could not do the job without God. So he turned right to God and threw the problem into God’s lap. And God did something amazing. Who do you turn to with your problems? If you turn to God, God might do something utterly amazing for you too. Join us Sunday and we’ll discover it together. 10:30 sharp. See you there! To prepare read Exodus 33:12-23 and Exodus 34:1-9 READ THE SERMON:  Seeing God First Presbyterian Church clean 1:01:15 http://www.fpcd.org/?p=1963 http://www.fpcd.org/?p=1963#comments Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:57:32 +0000 Ginger Hertenstein http://www.fpcd.org/?p=1963 http://www.fpcd.org/?feed=rss2&p=1963 0 Many have undergone the trial of doubt when God’s presence seems nowhere to be found. This is not a trial reserved for unbelievers. Mother Teresa struggled with a sense of God’s absence. You and I as believers struggle with the same sense at times; agn... Many have undergone the trial of doubt when God’s presence seems nowhere to be found. This is not a trial reserved for unbelievers. Mother Teresa struggled with a sense of God’s absence. You and I as believers struggle with the same sense at times; agnostics and atheists freely admit their struggles. Jesus struggled with the same agony while on the cross. At times, God seems inaccessible. Where is God? I thought God was here. What do we do when those times come? For the children of Israel, the anxiety was too great. They built a golden calf, breaking their covenant; abandoning their newly established faith for something familiar, something they could see. What about you? Even though they failed, the people discovered some huge truths about God that help greatly during times of doubt and darkness. Those things are true today. Let’s discover them together this Sunday. See you at 10:30. BE PREPARED TO HEAR THIS MARVELOUS STORY TOLD BY GEORGE HUTTAR. TO PREPARE READ: Exodus 32 READ THE SERMON:  SEEING GOD'S PAIN: RELIGION ON THE OUTSIDE First Presbyterian Church clean 30:01 http://www.fpcd.org/?p=1953 http://www.fpcd.org/?p=1953#comments Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:21:26 +0000 Ginger Hertenstein http://www.fpcd.org/?p=1953 http://www.fpcd.org/?feed=rss2&p=1953 0 "Even when opportunity knocks, a man still has to get up off his seat and open the door." The author remains anonymous . . . he or she missed the opportunity for recognition! God gives people opportunities to be involved in their faith. "Even when opportunity knocks, a man still has to get up off his seat and open the door." The author remains anonymous . . . he or she missed the opportunity for recognition! God gives people opportunities to be involved in their faith. That’s quite a gift; especially when you learn God’s invitation always involves what you love to do best. Just believing something doesn’t really do that much for you. But experience transforms. It’s doing something that brings joy. I love it every time I get up to preach because I love to teach. And, I can see what others in our congregation love to do, too. We see the fruit of their labors in our church. Do you think of God as someone who enables you to do what you love, and even enhances what you do beyond what you can imagine? Come hear how that happens. It’s good news! See you Sunday morning, 10:30. Our Storyteller is DORIS METZGER. To prepare READ Exodus 25:1-9, Exodus 31:1-11 READ THE SERMON: What Makes a Healthy Church? First Presbyterian Church clean 21:23