First Presbyterian Church of Tyler, Texas

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What is Presbyterian Cursillo?

Presbyterian Cursillo is a purposefully designed method for renewing the faith of individuals and, through the individuals, the environments in which they live and work. “Cursillo” (pronounced Kur-see-yo) means a short course in living the Christian faith and is designed to provide a framework for the development of Christians in the local church and in the world. A Cursillo is a three-day retreat (Thursday night through Sunday afternoon) weekend filled with short talks, music, fellowship, small group discussion and great food. Each weekend is led by lay people from Presbyterian churches in North and East Texas. Several ordained Presbyterian clergy are on staff. The weekend is centered on the talks and personal testimony of the lay people and clergy that make up the staff for the weekend. The activities provide an opportunity for the participants to discover a new and exciting relationship with Christ and to encourage them to then take that newfound relationship back to their home, work and church environments. Cursillo is not designed to convert from unbelief to belief. It is intended for Presbyterians who seek continued growth in their faith and commitment. It is a life-changing experience.

What is the purpose of Cursillo?
During the three days of a Cursillo weekend, participants form a small Christian community. They worship, study and share with one another while gaining a personal awareness of their faith and the joys and responsibilities that is a result of that faith. The purpose of Cursillo is for the participants to discover a new and exciting relationship with Christ and to encourage them to take this newfound relationship back to their home, work and church environments. The objective of Cursillo is to inspire, challenge and equip each local church member to Christian action in their local church, in their home, in their place of work and in their community.

Who goes to Cursillo?
The weekend is not designed to convert from unbelief to belief. It is intended for those who already have faith and who seek continued growth in that faith and commitment. The goal is to guide participants into an even closer and more personal relationship with Christ and to heighten their joy, deepen their faith and invigorate their life in Christ. Cursillo intends to return the participants to all the environments in which they have influence and to affect those environments in a Christian manner. Men and women - single and married persons are all welcome.

How can I attend a Presbyterian Cursillo?
You can fill out an on-line application at www.canyoncreekpres.org. If you prefer, you can fill out an application and mail it to the Registrar. There are also brochures at the Welcome Center in Fellowship Hall. Anyone who has previously attended may serve as a sponsor and provide you with details. After applying, you will be notified at least five weeks prior to the Cursillo you are scheduled to attend.

How much does it cost?
Costs for the weekend are primarily the charges for lodging, meals and use of the retreat center. Since the staff pays their own expenses, and since much of the material used during the weekend is contributed by fellow Presbyterians, costs are kept to a minimum. The current charge is $175.00 per participant. In order that no one is prohibited because of expense, full or partial scholarships are available on a confidential basis. You may discuss a scholarship with the Registrar

Is Cursillo for me?
Only you can make this determination. Seek God’s guidance in making your decision. Most who participate return to their home churches ready to share this wonderful gift from God. Prayerfully consider attending a weekend that will enrich your faith and your life.

Who from our church has gone to Cursillo?
We have had several people from our congregation go to Cursillo or its Methodist equivalant, Walk to Emmaus.
Brian Porr, Jane Lovett-Porr, Jan Carpenter, Scott and Lynn Howard, Pam Leach, Dean Morton, Ron Cowden,Linda McGinty, Cecilia Bush, Becky Western, Bettie Clancy, Celia Hinson, Ruth Wilson, Tabitha Raggio, Sheila Mendonsa, Lynn Collyer, Barbara Sjerven, Michael Raggio, Janet Maxon, and Patty Kirkpatrick.

When is the next Cursillo?

Mark your calendar now for a 2008 Cursillo experience.

NTPC #25 Oct. 2-5, 2008
Lay Leader - Ellen Boehmer, Lake Lavon Christian Camp, Princeton, TX

NTPC #26 Mar. 5-8, 2009
Lay Leader - Wayne Major, Pine Cove Christian Camp
Tyler, TX

NTPC #27 Oct. 8-11, 2009
Lay Leader - Kerry Knox, Lake Lavon Christian Camp, Princeton, TX

Still more questions?
Contact Elaine Kean, Registrar, 2218 Shadywood Court, Arlington, TX 76012, (817) 459-1629, ntpcregistrar@sbcglobal.net or visit the North Texas Presbyterian Cursillo web page at www.ntpcursillo.com

For even more information about the Cursillo movement, go to www.days3.com/FAQX.htm

Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Grace Presbytery Synod of the Sun

First Presbyterian Church
230 W. Rusk Street
Tyler, Texas 75701

Phone: (903) 597-6317
Fax: (903) 597-6326

church@fpctyler.com