Fifth Street Saints,
As Christians, we are not called only to sit in the pew on Sunday morning, and then live the rest of the week as though we are one with the world. We are to take what we learn and live it out, to apply it and to be examples to the pagan world around us. The world should look on us with jealousy, and wonder how they can have what we have. While reformed circles do a great job of providing a place where those seeking solid doctrine and true biblical worship can come and find respite, we don’t always do a great job of taking that doctrine beyond the walls of our sanctuary.
To that end, a number of groups have sprung up over the years that seek in various ways to take the love we have for Christ and for one another and show it to our community, that God may be greater glorified here in Tyler. Some of these groups are directly tied to FSPC and some are not, but are directed by our brothers and sisters in the church. Some of you may already be involved in these groups, or you may have heard murmurs about them, or this may all be news to you. In any of these cases, it is helpful to know what your brothers and sisters are up to in our little corner of the fight to make disciples of all nations.
If you have any questions, or want any more information about any of these groups, you can ask an elder or deacon.
Rose City Classical Academy
Rose City Classical Academy (RCCA) is a Christian, collaborative, classical 1st – 8th (with expectations to expand by one grade year/year until 12th) school, steeped in Reformed traditions. The school came about after years of discussions around the topic and the desires of several families in the church to be a part of it. While the school is not officially a ministry or entity of FSPC, the founding members are all members of the church, and classes will be held in our church classrooms. The founding group began meeting in early 2024 to discuss how to bring this dream into reality. They received a great deal of help from their mentor, Wade Ortega, previously Head of School for The Ambrose School in Meridian, Idaho, through the SchoolBox program of the Herzog Foundation. In May, the school received 501(c)(3) tax status.
More recently, a few founding members of RCCA attended the Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS) Repairing the Ruins Conference in Dallas at the end of June. The school is a member of ACCS and intends to seek accreditation in the future.
The first day of school will be July 24, 2025. For year one, school will consist of assembly and instruction on Thursday morning, and a gathering of parents and students on Monday for parent led instruction. The remainder of the school week will be parent led at home as directed by the classroom teachers.
If you would like more information, the school website is https://www.rosecityclassical.com.
Upcoming Dates:
Kickoff: 7/21/2025 6 PM at FSPC
First Day of School: 7/24/2025 8 AM at FSPC
Men’s Discipleship Night
This group meets on the last Wednesday every month in the fellowship hall. It generally opens with a short devotional led by one of the men and then manly things are discussed. While this is a fairly young endeavor, the fruits are already showing as can be seen in some of the organizations discussed below.
Next Meeting: Wednesday 7/30/2025 6 PM at FSPC
Trail Life
Trail life is an outdoor and life skills development program for boys and young men that was established in 2013 in response to the liberalizing downfall of Boy Scouts of America. Its intent is to produce Christian leaders of the future through the dynamic of mentorship and apprenticeship between Troup leaders and cadets. Trail life will culture fellowship between the fathers, sons, and families of FSPC while also facilitating outreach to our larger community in Tyler. The FSPC chapter of Trail Life is in its early stages, but is expected to officially launch soon.
Kickoff: TBA
Book Study
While this group has been on hiatus for most of 2025, it should resume soon. This group meets every other week on a Friday night, generally in one of the homes in the Green Acres area. This is a great night of fellowship centered around the discussion of a book. The books are not limited to theology, but are always reviewed with an eye to how they can be used to glorify God, and/or understand the world and time He has placed us in.
Next Book: Angels in the Architecture
Next Meeting: 08/01/2025 6:30 PM (Tentative)
Men’s Work Group
Another group that formed out of the men’s discipleship nights is a group of men of varying ages volunteering to provide help for those in need. These men have a wide range of skills and many are eager to gain more. These men regularly give up their free time to go where they are needed. Projects so far have included splitting firewood, clearing brush, thinning trees, yard grading, installing drain lines, installing restroom grab handles, and helping move furniture. While the main goal of the group is to help the body of our church, they are also willing to help those outside the church when needs arise. If you are in need of help, or know someone who is, or would like to join this group, please get in touch with a deacon or elder.
