October 2011 Eastwind

October 2011

Fall at Eastminster Fall Retreats for Students Operation Christmas Child Meet Our New Staff Members

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.

Isaiah 40:8

The Roots of Reformation Sunday

By Dave McKechnie, Interim Senior Pastor

The last Sunday in October, we celebrate the Protestant Reformation. In 1517 a monk named Martin Luther nailed 95 theses to the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany. He challenged some of the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. He particularly was disgusted with the sale of indulgences. An indulgence could be purchased from the church and thus, pay someone’s way into heaven.

After Luther raised his voice, many others followed.

They were dubbed “Protesters.” The birth of the Protestant movement had begun.

the chants of the Roman Church.

Congregational singing became the norm. On October 30, 2011, you can anticipate singing A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, Luther’s bestknown hymn.

The Protestant work ethic came to fruition under the leadership of John Martin Luther (1483-1546) Calvin. He felt every Christian had a calling. We represent the Christ no matter what vocation we invest in.

Luther was tired of a religion that taught salvation was by good works. He believed justification was by faith, not works. His mantra was that we are saved by grace.

Grace is God’s unconditional love for those who don’t deserve it.

Luther was at the forefront of Reformed Theology.

John Calvin followed in Luther’s shadow in Geneva.

John Knox brought the Protestant Reformation to Scotland. Presbyterianism is rooted in Reformed Theology. Many Presbyterians in the USA and Canada can trace their religious roots to Scotland.

Church music changed significantly under Luther and his ilk. Christian words were introduced to folk songs and drinking songs. That was a clear departure from

Reformation Sunday, 2011, should be a benchmark for all of us.

Blessings!

Dave

Go online at eastminster.org/message for updates to our upcoming messages.

You can also watch or listen to our most recent messages online at eastminster.org/sermons.

message series • October 2011

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October 2

October 9

October 16

October 23

The Extra in the Ordinary Dave McKechnie Mark 14:22-26

Why Do We Feel So Bad? Dave McKechnie Exodus 14:5-18

Cell Yell!

Dave McKechnie Isaiah 42:10-13

Lives Worthy of God Paul Bammel 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13

October 30 Reformation Sunday Kyle McCormick

Awesome Opportunities Amanda Allen is the newest member of the Eastminster staff.

Amanda Allen joined the Eastminster staff in September as our receptionist/event coordinator. We asked her to share a little about her family, her role at the church and even her upcoming wedding!

How did you first learn about Eastminster?

My brother, Matt Allen. His band, Of The Rescue, plays at ekklesia on Sunday evenings. He called me about the job opening and encouraged me to apply.

Describe what you are doing in your new position.

I am the receptionist/event coordinator. I am responsible for scheduling room reservations and event setups. I’m assisting and working with the directors of Facilities and Technical Ministries to ensure events proceed smoothly. I also represent the church by answering questions and assisting staff, congregation and the public. Lots of multi-tasking.

Why did you take this position?

Because it is an awesome opportunity that God has blessed me with. New challenges and experiences. Working in a Christianbased environment is a huge bonus for me. Not to mention the awesome and welcoming staff here at Eastminster.

Tell us about your family.

I have been very blessed with the most loving, supportive and compassionate family. I do not know what I would do without them. My mom and dad are amazing and I am so thankful for them. My sister, Heather, is my best friend; my brother, Matt, is one of the most talented and gifted people I know; and my sister-in-law, Aubrie, has a huge heart. I am so glad she is part of our family. Lastly, my fiance, Jarod. He is my best friend,

amazing and sweetest guy ever. We will be getting married January 28, 2012. Lots of exciting things happening.

Other than Jesus, who has had the greatest impact on your life?

Everyone I come into contact with impacts my life in one way or another; however, if I had to narrow it down to one person I would choose my Grandma Allen. Growing up, I spent many Saturday nights at my grandma’s. We would have so much fun watching TV and visiting. Sunday mornings I would attend church with her, and we would always grab lunch at the local Hardees after.

She bought me my first Bible. She is the most Christian woman I know and is very strong in her faith, which I admire. She’s very knowledgeable in God’s Word. She has taught me so much about life and been there to guide me. I admire her very much.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

Hmm, well this will be odd and gross to some, but I like the smell of skunk. Everyone who does know that thinks it’s disgusting!

What book are you reading right now?

I attended Hope Christian Church this past Sunday, and they handed out copies of Heaven Is for Real. I just started reading it.

Amazing so far!

Is there a Bible verse God is using in your life?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) What’s your biggest challenge?

Learning all my job duties and rocking at them!

Eastminster Presbyterian Church

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The Power of a Simple Gift.

The power of sharing God’s greatest gift, Jesus Christ.

Operation Christmas Child shoe box gifts brought smiles to the faces of hundreds of Haitian children in December 2010.

Photo Courtesy Operation Christmas Child

Dear Friend,

Pick up a brochure and shoe box

You often hear us use the phrase “the power of a simple gift.” That describes Operation Christmas Child in a nutshell. Last year, we delivered 8.2 million gift-filled shoe boxes that brought smiles to the faces of hurting children in places like earthquake-devastated Haiti and war-scarred Sudan. Beyond the boxes themselves, these tangible expressions of God’s love open doors for us to share the greatest gift he offers — the gift of the Savior, Jesus Christ. We praise God for the harvest of faith that already is taking place through our follow-up discipleship program, The Greatest Journey. Boys and girls in dozens of countries are becoming faithful followers of Jesus and telling others the Good News. As your church prepares to collect shoe box gifts this Christmas, please keep in prayer the children who will be receiving your gifts and learning about God’s Son. I hope you will join us in spreading “good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10) to children across the globe!

Franklin Graham President, Samaritan’s Purse

Operation Christmas Child brochures and shoe boxes will be available at the church October 16 and 30 in Fellowship Hall. The brochure includes detailed information on how to pack your box, gift ideas, what not to include and more.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse

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Host a packing party Multiply the fun by organizing a shoe box packing party for your small group, circle or Sunday school class. Or host a party in your neighborhood as an outreach opportunity. Eastminster OCC Coordinator Bonnie Dakan has packing party packages you can use. See her contact info below.

Drop off your shoe box gift by November 13 Five years ago, Eastminster collected 341 shoe boxes, and by 2010, our members donated a recordbreaking 628 boxes. This year, our collection dates are November 6 and 13.

Serve at the Wichita collection site If you would like to serve at the Wichita collection site during the week of November 14 – 21, contact Lisa Caughlin (634.0857 or 619.0906), and she will give you more information and directions.

Questions? Contact Bonnie Dakan (733.5399 or 734.2313) or go online at eastminster.org/ occ for special links and videos.

OTHER

Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.

hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

2. BOY OR GIRL?

A PERSONAL NOTE

Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Clip out the appropriate boy/girl label printed below. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.

In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family.

(If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)

3. FILL WITH GIFTS

Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans

DO NOT INCLUDE:

Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Use the gift ideas provided below.

4. INCLUDE YOUR DONATION

Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. Just write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation.

Use These Labels Cut out the appropriate label and tape it on top of your shoe box. If you need additional labels, make photocopies or download from samaritanspurse.org.

5-9 5-9 Years Years Old Old 10-14 10-14 Years Years Old Old

Mark the correct age category: Mark the correct age category:

2-4 2-4 Years Years Old Old

5-9 5-9 Years Years Old Old 10-14 10-14 Years Years Old Old

2-4 Years Old

5-9 Years Old

Place a rubber band around each closed shoe box and drop off at the church by Sunday, November 13.

Mark the correct age category:

5. DROP OFF

10-14 Years Old

How to Pack a Shoe Box Gift

1. SHOE BOX

GIFT IDEAS TOYS small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.

CMYK

RICH BLACK: C:30 M:20 Y:10 K:100 RED: C:0 M:100 Y:100 K:0

RICH BLACK: C:30 M:20 Y:10 K:100

RICH BLACK: C:30 M:20 Y:10 K:100

RED: C:0 M:100 Y:100 K:0 GREEN: C:100 M:0 Y:100 K:0

RICH BLACK: C:30 M:20 Y:10 K:100 RED: C:0 M:100 Y:100 K:0

CMYK

CMYK

RED: C:0 M:100 Y:100 K:0 GREEN: C:100 M:0 Y:100 K:0

GREEN: C:100 M:0 Y:100 K:0

CMYK

GREEN: C:100 M:0 Y:100 K:0

RICH BLACK: C:30 M:20 Y:10 K:100

toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

RED: C:0 M:100 Y:100 K:0

HYGIENE ITEMS

GREEN: C:100 M:0 Y:100 K:0

pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

CMYK

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

2-4 YY 2-4

5-9 YY 5-9 10-1 10-1

5

5-9 YY 5-9 10-1 10-1

Mark the corre Mark the corre

Mark the corre

2-4 Y

5-9 Y

10-1

Eastminster Presbyterian Church

Life Meets Ministry Thoughts from our new middle school leader on following Jesus through real life and real ministry.

B

rand new Eastminster staffer Matt Jaderston sat down with us recently to talk life, ministry and the need for Jesus. As associate director of Middle School Ministries, he’ll lead the way on Sundays and Wednesdays and at special events for middle school students. As the son of two youth pas-

tors, youth discipleship is in his blood, and he’s ready to lead the ministry with a fresh passion and enthusiasm.

Tell us about yourself. Where are you from? Who’s in your family?

Currently my family resides in Sterling, Kan., but I grew up in Apple Valley, Min., or as we like to call it, “The Great White North.” My father is a basketball Coach at Sterling College, and both of my parents are the executive directors of a nondenominational family conference called Northern Pines. They are also part-time youth pastors at a local church in Sterling. I have two brothers; Mike is a junior at Sterling College who is studying as a worship/youth ministry major, and Jake is a junior in high school. I graduated last

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spring from Sterling College with a major in language and literature.

When did you meet Jesus?

I grew up with a mother and father who love Jesus passionately. They have been two people who live out what they preach, and have been incredible examples to my brothers and me. I came to know Jesus at a very young age, but rededicated my life to him in high school. Since then I have grown and matured immensely in my faith. My freshman/sophomore year of college, I wrestled with some questions of doubt.

Satan knew exactly where my weaknesses were, and he managed to get me to dwell in a dark place for a short time. I remember once I began to start seeking truth, God provided person after person to speak truth and wisdom into my life. I can genuinely say I had a divine encounter with the Holy Spirit as he continued to reveal himself to me through Scripture and spiritual mentors. Since then God has done amazing things in my life. He has blessed my ministry, and continually led me to positions of spiritual leadership.

Why do you have a passion for youth ministry?

It has always been a part of the Jaderston household, and when your parents are youth pastors, you really don’t have much of a choice.

Why are you excited to work with middle schoolers at Eastminster?

I am excited to work with middle schoolers because they are way more fun than adults. Plus I know many of them from working at Westminster Woods, which provides for many great times of reminiscing and stories.

How did you hear about Eastminster?

For the past four summers I have worked at Westminster Woods summer camp, and that is initially how I got connected with Eastminster. During my first summer as a counselor I was under Paul Bammel’s leadership because he was the camp speaker that year. Paul was my first connection to go along with the numerous visits we made as a summer staff to visit Eastminster’s worship services on the weekends we had off. This past summer Brian and Diane Wheeler, the camp directors and Eastminster members, encouraged me to apply for the position.

What are some goals or dreams you have for your ministry at Eastminster?

At the end of the day I hope that I have built meaningful relationships. While I expect to learn and experience personal growth, I firmly believe it is the relationships that are going to bring the most fruit and satisfaction. I have a lot of BIG ideas too, but I don’t want to give those away ... I like the element of surprise.

What are your future plans for your career and ministry?

My hope is to eventually attend seminary while working full-time here at Eastminster. My goal is to get started with an online program within one to two years. Frankly, I’m not quite sure what God has in store for my life. I have my own hopes and dreams, but I tend to be a bit fickle and usually things don’t work out the way I plan them to.

I do know that someday I would like to teach at the collegiate level, but I don’t see this happening until I have years of ministry experience.

Time and time again I am convicted of how much I need Jesus.

This may seem incredibly simple ... But here I am, clinging to Jesus as my source of hope and comfort in the midst of new challenges.

What is God teaching you right now?

In one of D.A. Carson’s reflections he wrote the following: “People do not drift toward holiness. Apart from grace-driven effort, people do not gravitate toward godliness, prayer, obedience to Scripture, faith, and delight in the Lord. We drift toward compromise and call it tolerance; we drift toward disobedience and call it freedom; we drift toward superstition and call it faith. We cherish the indiscipline of lost self-control and call it relaxation; we slouch toward prayerlessness and

delude ourselves into thinking we have escaped legalism; we slide toward godlessness and convince ourselves we have been liberated.”

Time and time again I am convicted of how much I need Jesus. This may seem incredibly simple, and to be honest I think a lot of people make spirituality and faith far more complicated than it needs to be.

I have been through many seasons of life, and currently I am traveling through an odd one. I’ve just graduated, I’m single, broke as a joke, trying to understand God’s call on my life, and now transitioning into a position which, if I’d known this is where I would be a year ago, I would have laughed. But here I am, clinging to Jesus as my source of hope and comfort in the midst of new challenges.

The reason I included the quote by Carson is because in my life I find myself consistently in one of those categories he mentioned. I have to be reminded that it is not by any effort of mine that I can escape my tendency to drift towards sin, Far left: Matt with his mom, Julie, and cousin Christy on graduation day at Sterling College.

Left: Matt gives a talk to campers at Silver Birch Ranch.

Top: Matt ponders the great outdoors while hiking in Aspen, Colo.

and only through the blood of Christ. From the moment I arrived here at Eastminster I felt an almost immediate need to impress. While hard work and good performance are not bad things, the wrong motive can only wound the heart. The Holy Spirit has gently convicted me of my true heart in this matter, and has brought me to a place of humility and submission. So here I am, incredibly excited to start my work and ministry here at Eastminster, but clinging with all of my might to his grace.

What’s currently on your reading list?

Right now I am reading Generous Justice: How God’s Grace Makes Us Just by Timothy Keller. Oh yeah, as well as Rainbow Six

by Tom Clancy. A wise man once told me to read at least one fiction book for every three books I read.

Ministry can be tough. What do you do to relax and have fun?

I love good music, literature and poetry, fishing, backpacking, marathon running, and exploring the infinite abyss.

Want to contact Matt?

He can be reached at 634.0337, ext. 214, or mjaderston@eastminster.org. You can also connect with him on Facebook at facebook.com/mjaderston1.

Eastminster Presbyterian Church

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Woods of Wonder Three of our brightest young leaders share how they each got their start in faith and ministry. Not in a church, but in the Woods.

W

estminster Woods holds a special place in many people’s hearts. It’s a place of peace, solitude and reflection, and full of fun, laughter and memories as well. The camp, located just outside Fredonia, is especially important to three of Eastminster’s leaders. Paul Bammel, our associate pastor and leader of High School Ministries, Matt Jaderston, associate director of Middle School Ministries, and Ryan Amos, a leader at 242 Young Adults, have all experienced pivotal moments at the Woods. Eastminster hosts multiple retreats at the Woods each year for middle and high school students, as well as young adults. Each retreat is unique, bonding the group together in a special, almost supernatural way. Retreats include elements like messages, worship, games, sports, cabin devotionals, theme nights and more. All three ministry leaders agree on one thing: during retreats, the Holy Spirit shows up, friendships are deepened, and lives are changed.

Tell us about your personal experience with retreats at Westminster Woods. Why is that place special to you?

PAUL Westminster Woods is a very special place to me. It has been a location where I have seen God consistently work in my life and in others’ lives. When I was in the sixth grade, God drew me near to him and I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior on a middle school Photo One: Matt gives a message retreat out at Westminster to campers in the Woods. Over the many newly built chapel at Westminster times I returned to the Woods. Two: Paul Woods after that retreat, I gets creamed with cake in the kitchen. have been refreshed and Three: Matt juggles with a friend. Four: re-energized in my faith. It Paul, second from was there I first felt called right, on a 242

by God to become a pasretreat several tor. God introduced me to years ago. Five: Ryan dressed as my wife there, I proposed a ninja on the 242 there, and Amanda and I spring retreat.

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were married there at the Woods. She had also been brought by God to a saving faith in Jesus Christ out at the Woods when she was in middle school. It is quite simply a very special place for us!

RYAN When you go on a retreat at the Woods, you get the blessing of getting away from your everyday life. That’s one reason why it’s so special to me. Sure, I love the time there with friends as we come to worship and grow together, but I probably value that chance to find solitude in the tranquility of the outdoors even more. Every retreat, I always take a late night prayer walk around the grounds to spend some intimate time with the Lord. God speaks if we dare to listen, and there are few places better to be still and listen than the Woods.

MATT Westminster Woods has been a place of tremendous spiritual growth and incredible ministry for me. I have been a part of camps my entire life, and one of the things I have learned is that the location, facilities, weather, and various other trinkets that make camps “stand-out” are not what make the Woods special; it’s the people. Not only are the camp directors, the Wheelers, amazing and loving people, but the volunteer staff that has made the Woods their home are always fantastic. Every summer and retreat I have spent out there has been marked by many incredible relationships, which have eventually turned into lifelong friendships. Even more profound are the encounters I‘ve had with God while I’ve been out there. I do not think the Holy Spirit is necessarily more present at the Woods, but when you are at a place so beautiful and unplugged from the chaos of life, I have found I can hear God’s voice very clearly.

How have you encountered God while on a retreat? How about community with others?

RYAN “Inside Out” was the theme of my first 242 retreat back in 2007. The entire weekend,

God just kept stirring in my heart, calling me to give him everything. I had never been to Westminster Woods before, so God used every facet of the weekend to pursue me, from the cabin devotionals to the intimate chapel worship to the late night walks under the moonlight. When I left on Sunday, my soul was crying out for Jesus as it never had before. God moved in my life forever that retreat and I can’t thank him enough.

MATT This past summer we had developed a series of stations where the students would experience various ways they could worship or live out their faith. I had the privilege of running the station on sharing faith with others and evangelism strategies. I found my station especially difficult because prior to my station the students had a profound time of surrendering their burdens at the foot of a wooden cross. This meant I usually had to give the students a good five minutes so I didn’t have to speak over their sniffles and tears. The students would rotate through six stations throughout the camp until they all met together in the chapel for a time of worship. I remember the scene quite vividly. I started leading some worship songs with my voice and an acoustic guitar. It became difficult to lead when I couldn’t even hear my own voice because the students were singing so loudly and with absolute abandon. Some voices were out of tune, some were very pitchy, and some were simply yelling rather than singing. But in that moment I heard some of the most beautiful and God-pleasing worship I’d ever experienced. These kids had experienced what happens when you enter the presence of God and the change that happens in your heart through his Spirit. It was sheer beauty.

PAUL I’ve come to the conclusion that if you want to build a good Christian community, it’s very helpful to have a camp like Westminster Woods. Nearly every retreat I’ve ever been a part of I’ve seen God bring people together who may not have

necessarily spoken to one another before.

After returning from nearly every retreat, I’ve always felt so much more a part of the body of Christ. Something incredible happens when you lose so many of the devices of technology that are supposed to help you build community and actually just spend time worshipping God together.

How have you watched students and young adults’ lives be changed through retreats?

MATT We live in a culture that is constantly plugged in, whether it be the internet, Facebook, cell phones or iPods, etc. Our generation NEEDS time to unplug. The Woods provides a place where students can separate themselves from the “noise” and be surrounded by people who love them, and whose common vision is to seek God. PAUL As I look at Scripture, I see God consistently taking his people to holy places, to specific locations that have been set apart for his purposes. Westminster Woods is one of those places for me because I’ve seen so many “mountain top” experiences happen in people’s lives. I don’t know of many people who have ever left Westminster Woods without having shed a tear or two. I’ve seen a lot of wet faces and eyes over the years. I believe many emotions are experienced when we get a taste of the glory of God. RYAN I’m reminded of a friend who stayed in my cabin a couple retreats back. He hadn’t been going to 242 very long, so he was quite shy and really didn’t know anyone. As the weekend went on, he began to open up, especially during our cabin devotional times.

My friend later told me that he knew we truly cared for him because of how loved he felt that weekend. Since that retreat, you can’t keep him away from this group! He’s grown deeper in his faith and is now one of the most beloved members of 242. God certainly used that one retreat to change his life.

So, why the Woods?

RYAN Retreats create a unique opportunity to connect with godly men and women on a deeper level that so often is hard to find during a weekly gathering.

Whenever someone new comes to 242, we encourage them to join us for a weekend at the Woods, because it seems to be a time that God uses to move friendships from Thursday acquaintances to lasting relationships.

MATT Well, for starters you are going to have a BLAST! Some of my greatest college memories have been time spent at Westminster Woods. More importantly, whether you want to or not, you will have an encounter with the living God. That is something you cannot manufacture, it just seems to happen when God’s people are actively seeking him together. Parents, send your children on a retreat. We will do our very best to keep them safe, well fed, rested (okay, I can’t promise this one…) and when all is said and done, give them an experience that is life-changing.

PAUL If you want to be encouraged in your faith in Jesus Christ, become part of a dynamic community of faith, and experience a taste of the immeasurable love of God, then come on a retreat. Parents, if we polled the current students in our youth groups, you’d see an overwhelming majority of students who came to faith in Jesus Christ on retreats. Beyond that, I’ve never met anyone who went on a retreat and left feeling further from the Lord. God loves on us everywhere, but I think we tend to feel it more powerfully and experience it more fully when we’ve retreated from the craziness of the world and come to focus on our relationship with Jesus Christ at a place like Westminster Woods.

Middle School Retreat: October 28 – 30.

High School Retreat: November 4 – 6.

242 Retreat: October 21 – 23. For more information on the fall retreats, see the back cover or visit eastminster.org.

Eastminster Presbyterian Church

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Save the Dates Celebration at the Ranch Saturday, October 15 4 – 8 p.m.

Pete & Debbie Ochs’ Ranch Jack and Mary Schurman, along with our Marriage Ministries team, will host this special event.

We’ll enjoy a BBQ dinner and a time of fun and fellowship at the Ochs’ ranch on the north side of Wichita. Cost is $15 per couple and includes dinner and all activities. Contact Kat Anderson at the church office (634.0337, ext. 204) to register and get directions!

Tom and Debi Davis

Raising Your Kids Without Raising Your Blood Pressure Wednesday EDGE class October 12 – November 2 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., C-13/14 Tom and Debi Davis will host a parenting class called Raising Your Kids Without Raising Your Blood Pressure on Wednesday night during EDGE. This four-week class features weekly video clips from bestselling author Rick Warren. The Davises will also lead a discussion on some of the nuts and bolts of parenting. No registration is required!

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Jack and Mary Schurman

Coming Alongside Others Meet two couples who are investing in others.

Marriage Ministries Jack & Mary Schurman

Parenting Ministries Tom & Debi Davis

Jack and Mary Schurman have been investing in marriages at Eastminster for the last decade. Their passion for this ministry has enabled them to lead couples groups, host marriage retreats, and mentor men and women.

Tom and Debi Davis love to encourage people, especially young parents. They understand the significance of family and believe that one of life’s greatest investments is in your children.

“We love the relationships that come from sharing life with other couples. We especially love to come alongside young couples just beginning their marriage journey. To be honest, it’s not only fulfilling to watch them grow, it’s also just plain fun to be part of the ins and outs of their lives.”

Married for 34 years, the Schurmans are empty nesters and have four children now living in Illinois and Pennsylvania: Jenny and Julie in Chicago, John and Jeffrey in Pittsburgh.

“We understand that no marriage is perfect and the secret to a good marriage is hard work. We understand that and enjoy sharing experiences from both our success and struggles with other couples. We believe the church is the ultimate place to provide guidance and support for marriages, so we relish the chance to play a part in that opportunity.”

“We love to see parents grow in their faith as they grow as parents. As a couple who has been through this with our own children, we love to encourage younger couples in both their walk with Christ as well as their journey of parenthood. We lived in different states from our folks during our parenting years and appreciate the role we have to help, encourage and mentor from our own life experience.”

Tom and Debi are now empty nesters with their children ranging in age from 31 to 20.

Their four children and three grandchildren are spread around the country: Brett in Dallas, Tricia in San Antonio, Julie in Nashville and Lauren in Waco.

“No one is perfect and we aren’t either,” share Tom and Debi, “but we realize that parenting is a gift from the Lord and with it comes both a responsibility and opportunity. We look forward to passing on what God has taught us.”

Senior Ministries Senior Spotlight: Reva Pyle, Naomi Good, Maxine Rhodes

Three friends consider it a privilege to serve at Wednesday Night EDGE together.

Three senior ladies are a prominent fixture at Wednesday Night EDGE dinners. Naomi Good, Reva Pyle and Maxine Rhodes faithfully help out with the dinners, giving

Most weeks Reva and Naomi help with set up, chopping fruits and vegetables, setting out salads and generally getting ready.

“Now Maxine works all the time,” explains Naomi with a laugh.

“I just like to clean up. I don’t like a messy kitchen,” explains Maxine.

“You can be chopping a watermelon, and there’s Maxine right behind you with a rag cleaning things up,” Reva teases.

From left: Maxine, Reva and Naomi. They’re proud that they share the same age: 84!

back to the church that has given them so much. “It’s just such a feeling of camaraderie,” says Reva. Naomi and Maxine immediately agree. “It’s a feeling of giving back, even though we’re not able to in other ways,” explains Naomi. “Plus, I like to meet people from other services,” says Maxine, who attends the 8 a.m. worship gathering.

It’s clear these three women are a closeknit bunch. Their care and concern for one another is obvious, and they’re deeply involved in each others’ lives. Reva even lived with Naomi while her daughter was renovating her house so she could move in.

The three women each have unique personal stories as well. Maxine was trained as a nurse during World War II at Wesley Hospital. “We were the last class of cadettes,” she remembers. Reva worked for 50 years at her husband’s businesses, especially Pyle Construction. And Naomi had a long career with JC Penney after raising her family.

The trio has nothing but good to say about the Wednesday Night EDGE dinners. “It’s such a neat program. So many people work together. From the runners, to the servers, and even those who donate food and cake, it’s such a wonderful program,” says Naomi. “You feel like you’re missing out if you’re not there,” adds Maxine.

Reva nods. “That’s the fun part, working together!”

When asked why other seniors should stay active through volunteering, they all just laugh. “It keeps you younger!” Naomi explains with a smile.

“It’s the perfect way to give back. I think you feel like life has been good to you so you want to give something in return,” shares Maxine.

“You don’t know what you’re missing if you’re not volunteering!” says Naomi. “It’s like a second family here. It’s so rewarding, and each new area you volunteer in you meet new people.”

Reva sums up the ladies feelings well when she adds, “I don’t give nearly as much as I get from this place.”

Save the Date!

Senior Christmas Celebration at Crestview Country Club November 20

Social at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m.

Don’t miss this very special holiday tradition for seniors! We’ll enjoy special music, a delicious meal and festive entertainment. Reservations will be taken on October 30, November 6 and 13 in Fellowship Hall following the 9:30 a.m. service.

Eastminster Presbyterian Church

11

Non Profit Org. US Postage

PAID

Wichita, KS Permit No. 1293

Eastminster Presbyterian Church 1958 N. Webb Road • Wichita, Kansas 67206 316.634.0337 • www.eastminster.org

Worship Services Sundays at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.; 5 p.m. ekklesia

The goal of Eastwind is to support the five Core Commitments of Eastminster Presbyterian Church: Know God, Grow in God, Connect in God, Serve God and Glorify God. Executive Director of Communications: Gail Adamo (gadamo@eastminster.org). Associate Director of Communications: Courtney Browning (cbrowning@eastminster.org).

Carve the Night Away

242 Retreat: Reckless Pursuit What are you chasing?

October 21 – 23 • $65 • Registration and scholarship deadline: October 13 On this unique weekend getaway, we’ll take a look at what we spend our energy on, and the things we pursue every day.

A thousand areas compete for our time and attention: sports, career, beauty, money, family. Are those things getting in the way of our reckless pursuit of the Lord? Learn more at 242wichita.org.

Tuesday, October 25, 7 p.m.

Student Center For women 18 and better It’s an evening of fall fun as we get together for girl talk and tasty treats! We’ll carve pumpkins while we get to know each other better, plus enjoy cookies and hot apple cider. It’s a

MS Retreat: Masquerade Unveiling our true identities in Christ October 28 – 30 • $90 • Registration due: October 19 • Scholarship due: October 5 Sometimes we all put on masks to hide our true selves. We go out of our way to show the world what we think it wants to see, authentic or not. But Jesus calls us to something different. He calls us to take off our masks and unveil our true selves as seen through his image. Get more details at eastminster.org/ms. low-key, laid-back kind of night, perfect if you’re looking to plug into Women’s Ministries, make new friends or just spend an evening relaxing with the girls.

This is also a great event to invite your friends to! BYOP (bring your own pumpkin!) and come celebrate the blessings of autumn with us.

Are you comfortable?

HS Retreat: Are You Comfortable?

November 4 – 6 • $90 • Registration due: October 30 • Scholarship due: October 16 Sometimes God calls us beyond basic faith and out of our comfort zone. On the fall retreat we’ll stretch, squirm and step out of the box as we look at faith that’s not always comfortable.

Learn more at eastminster.org/hs.