In Gratitude for the Life of Lorena Phillips

Click Here for a pdf of the Bulletin for Lorena’s Service March 28 2024

"We give thanks that we belong, body and soul, in life and in death, not to ourselves but to our faithful savior Jesus Christ." Heidelberg Catechism, 1563

Lorena Phillips at church, December 2018

Obituary: 

Lorena Mae Cox Phillips passed away on March 21, 2024, in Jacksonville, Texas. 

Lorena was born on May 5, 1927, to H.L. Cox and Katie Mae Boykin. She grew up in old East Dallas and attended N. R. Crozier Technical High School. Til the day of her death, she cherished enduring friendships with Betty Brooks and Mary Bono, also members of her graduating class of 1944.

Lorena was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Lewis; her daughter, Sandra Lee Phillips Maris; and brother, Royce Holyfield. She is survived by her son-in-law, Gene Maris and his wife, Cindy; son, Mark Andrew Phillips and his wife, Donna; Michael Lewis Phillips and his wife, Abbey; sister-in-law, Mary Ruth Phillips Bono; nephew, Mike Holyfield; 7 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren. Lorena will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Lorena excelled at scrapbooking, loved dancing, and playing cards with her friends. She and Lewis enjoyed traveling and raising their children. The Tilted Halos church group remember Lorena for her off-topic remarks. One day she was driving to a Tilted Halos meeting and commented that a man had cut her off on the way. She said sheepishly, “I shot him the finger. It was only my little finger!”

Lorena will be honored at a memorial service at First Presbyterian Church of Forney on March 28, 2024 at 1:00. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lorena Phillips may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Forney. You may give online (from the “Give Now” button on this website) or by mailing a check to First Presbyterian Church P. O. Box 98, Forney, TX 75126 with “Lorena Phillips Memorial” in the memo line.

Church Dedicates New Building

Forney’s First Presbyterian Church recently dedicated the church’s new Community Center, which opened this fall. The 6618 square foot building is adjacent to the main sanctuary building, which was completed in 2006. Fivecoat Construction, based in Kaufman, was the general contractor for the design-build project.

The Community Center has a commercial kitchen, a mission room for the church’s School Uniform Exchange, and a virtual-ready conference room. The bathrooms each have one shower for hosting small groups overnight. The largest room is Spellman Hall, a multi-purpose space suitable for worship, concerts, meals, meetings, and mission projects. Named after Mick Spellman and his sister Coreen, it is over 3300 square feet and can comfortably seat 150 people at round tables, and over 200 in auditorium-style seating. Its “live acoustics” makes it ideal for musical presentations. Two new stained-glass pieces are being designed and fabricated to be installed in 2024.

The building was dedicated on Sunday November 12th, beginning with a worship service in the sanctuary of the main building. Rev. Chris Lee, the Executive Presbyter of Grace Presbytery, gave the sermon. Special guest organist Julia Boudreaux joined pianist Mideum Chung for the popular organ/piano duet “How Great Thou Art” (available to view on the church’s YouTube Channel). At the conclusion of the worship service, members of the church carried a cross, bible, candle, communion chalice, and flowers to the new building and then posed for a group photo. The meal was catered by Cristina’s Fine Mexican Restaurant. Former pastor Rev. Kathy Collier assisted with the dedication liturgy. The people sang “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!” and the African American spiritual “Amen.” The room was filled with joyful singing and laughter, with the people excited to celebrate and give thanks to God for the beautiful and functional new space.

“We needed the space that the Community Center provides. But it’s not just for us,” Pastor David emphasized. “God has blessed us in so many ways. It’s important to share these blessings with others.” In fact, the first major event held in the building was “Sharing the Blessings,” the Thanksgiving meal provided to nearly 100 Forney area senior citizens by Sharing the Love Foundation. Additionally, the School Uniform Exchange is open every Wednesday afternoon from 2:00 to 5:00pm and helps several families each week. The building is available for use by local non-profits and school organizations for a small cleaning fee.

Church Hires Accompanist Mideum Chung

First Presbyterian Church is thrilled to announce that Mideum Chung has joined our staff as worship accompanist. Mideum subbed for us in August as we were searching for a permanent Accompanist, and we will immediately wowed by her artistry and her personal presence.

Mideum’s musical journey began at the age of five in Korea. She graduated from Daejon Art High School in Seoul. She earned her Masters of Music from the University of Florida and her Doctorate in Music from Florida State University in May 2023.

Mideum words during the week as a Piano Instructor. Her ultimate goal is to become a Professor of Piano at a nearby college.

Mideum means “faith” in Korean. She married David in the summer of 2023 after their move to Texas. He is a doctor at a local hospital. They live in Rowlett.

Mideum’s artistry is already making an impact on Sunday mornings. We are blessed to have her with us and thank God for bringing her to us!

Church Dedicates Steinway Piano

On a hot Thursday evening in late August, a crowd gathered in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church of Forney for a free community piano concert. The people who endured the heat wave were rewarded with refreshments and wonderful melodies. It was a memorable evening, thanks to a commanding performance by famed jazz pianist and Steinway artist Donald Ryan.

Donald Ryan is a native of the West Indies who grew up playing piano in church. He has won numerous awards, including winning the 1975 Chopin Competition in Warsaw. He has also been a featured soloist at ragtime festivals, has issued more than a dozen recordings, and has played with luminaries such as Henry Mancini, Ralph Carmichael, Diahann Carroll, Johnny Desmond, Joe Williams, Andrea Baker, and Leona Mitchell. Mr Ryan’s setlist highlighted his own tremendous skill as well as the versatility of the hand-made Steinway, with selections from Chopin, Gershwin, Scott Joplin, and the performer’s own arrangements of classic church hymns. Mr. Ryan also accompanied Ms. Stephanie Hardin who is the church’s regular soloist and song leader. She sang three songs from Broadway and musical films, including two Judy Garland classics, “The Trolly Song” and “Over the Rainbow.” The concert portion of the evening may be enjoyed anytime on the church’s YouTube channel.

The August 24th occasion was the dedicatory concert for the Presbyterian church’s newly-acquired Steinway Model B piano. The Steinway Model B has been called “the perfect piano” and is considered by many the standard by which all 7’ pianos are measured. It is known for its refined tone, nuanced color, and touch sensitivity. The church’s Steinway, hand-made in 1994, was signed by Fort Worth native Van Cliburn. The church also hopes that the piano will be used for future concerts and piano recitals, benefiting the community.

At the conclusion of the concert, the piano was dedicated to God’s glory in honor of Don and Cheryl DeJong, who were members of the church for 38 years. Both were very active in the church and in the Forney community. Cheryl had been the church pianist since 1986. The evening concluded with Cheryl playing the Steinway, with the people singing “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us,” which is her favorite hymn. The church is grateful to all those who attended this wonderful event, proving that even in the middle of a dreadful heat wave, cool things can happen!