September Eastwind 2014

September 2014

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Glorify God. Follow Christ. Transform Lives.

THEOLOGY in

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SO WHAT?

From Shepherding to Theology Senior Pastor Stan Van Den Berg discusses follow-up from our summer series, and looks forward to our fall focus.

I had just returned from my first visit to Wichita. I was at a pastor’s retreat spending much time in prayer, especially seeking God’s will concerning a major change to my life. As I prayed, I saw a group of people praying and the voice of the Lord said to them, “Eastminster in Wichita, I have heard your cry for a shepherd and I will send you one.”

Several days later, I received a call from Susan Lear, the chair of the search committee, “Will you come back to Wichita to meet the session and the staff?” I answered her, “Susan, before I answer that question, tell me, what have you been praying for?”

She answered, “A shepherd.” Her answer confirmed what I had heard in prayer and the rest is history.

small group leaders to keep me informed of anyone in their group requiring care.

So I come to Eastminster knowing full well why I have come. I have come to be a shepherd. When I contemplated the sermon series I would preach in the summer, I thought of Ezekiel 34 where God rebukes the shepherds who did not care for the sheep, but then describes what kind of shepherd he will be. “I will search for the lost and bring back the strays, I will heal the wounded and strengthen the weak.”

Many times we try to do the Lord’s work in the power of our flesh, relying on our efforts and know-how. If this is Christ’s church he knows what he wants us to do and he is the one who gives us power to do it. If we ask for these things in prayer and rely on him, he shows us his will and empowers our efforts.

As a shepherd I need to know the sheep. I have spent the last four months meeting with small groups of Eastminster members and I have enjoyed getting to know you. I have met with small groups, Bible studies, and groups of choir members. I also meet with small informal groups. When a person asks me to dinner, I say, “Yes, Nancy and I will come, but please invite two other couples or persons so we can get to know the Eastminster family.” I would like the opportunity to meet everyone from the church, so if you are part of a small group, Bible study, Circle or just want to get to know us, just email me (pastorstan@ eastminster.org) or call the church office, and I will schedule a time to come visit.

You can also help me get to know my flock by letting me know through the Connect Cards if you are part of a small group of any type. I find it is the best way to meet people and the most effective way to shepherd a church. I see smaller groups as places where people are loved and cared for, and I rely on the

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As a shepherd, I also want to seek out the strays. I need you to help me with this too. If you know anyone who was part of our church family and they drifted away, let me know through the Connect Cards and I will try to bring them back into the fold.

As part of the sermon series, I also spoke about healing the past.

We might have been hurt by past church experiences, but the only way to move forward is by forgiving those who hurt you and to give your hurt to the Lord. As we continue to forgive and bring our past anger and hurt to Jesus, he heals us.

The sermon series was also aimed at strengthening those who were or are discouraged. I have sought to point you to the sufficiency of Christ and dissuade you from putting confidence in the flesh.

Now with the new fall sermon series (called So What?), I intend to feed you. Obviously, I will feed you God’s Word, but I think God’s Word is best understood when we have a theology through which to view it and taste it. Everyone has a theology, but a biblical one is one that truly nourishes. Eastminster can trace its theological heritage to Knox, Calvin, Luther, Augustine, the Apostle Paul, and our Lord Jesus Christ who revealed God to us. Theology will be the focus of our next sermon series, but some might say, “So what? Theology is so heady and unpractical.” I will show you how our belief-system impacts and shapes our life and the difference it makes in how we live. “As a person believes in his heart, so he is.” Our fall series will focus on what we believe and how it can penetrate our hearts and shape our lives.

When Susan Lear said they were praying for a shepherd, the draw to Eastminster began for me because I knew God was in it. Things culminated in your call to me as your pastor. The Lord has already given me a love and concern for you. Pray for me as I shepherd you, because I know only the Chief Shepherd can make me truly able.

Wednesday Night family dinner

EDGE

all-age classes

Begins September 10

September 10 Dinner, Children’s Classes & Prayer Service

Study, Discuss, Pray: The Book of Galatians Ben Marquez, Rick Hilscher, Jasper Zili; C-13/14

September 17 Dinner & All-Age Classes

Women’s Study: The Book of Colossians Nancy Van Den Berg; Parlor

All are invited to Wednesday Night EDGE, a night for the entire church family. EDGE stands for Every Disciple Growing and Equipped. The evening starts with dinner in Fellowship Hall, the perfect place to relax and reconnect after a long day at school, home or the office. Then, children and middle school kids can attend special programs, while adults attend one of our discipleship classes.

Parenting with Love and Logic - Cancelled This class will not be offered this fall as previously advertised. We apologize for the inconvenience.

5:30 – 6:15 6 – 6:25 6 – 7:15 6 – 7:45 6:30 – 7:30

Dinner in Fellowship Hall (please note time change) Kids Choir in B-10 Chancel Bell Choir Rehearsal Middle School in the Student Center Kid’s Quest: First – fifth grade children’s program in the MS Basement Adult Classes 7:30 – 8:45 Chancel Choir in Sanctuary EDGE Kick-Off Prayer Service Wednesday, September 10, 6:30 p.m.; Fellowship Hall (EDGE dinner at 5:30 p.m.)

Pastor Stan will lead this worshipful prayer service to begin Wednesday Night EDGE as a family. We’ll ask God’s blessing on our church and spend time worshipping, praying and praising together. (Children’s programming will begin on this week.)

New Members Class Warren Snyder, Pastor Stan Van Den Berg, and others; C-15.

November 5, 12 and 19 Ready to join the church? Register with Louisa Markley at 634.0337, or lmarkley@eastminster.org. This three-session class is one of two prerequisites to membership. The other is Uniquely You on October 25 and November 1, which you can learn about at eastminster.org.

Westminster Woods 50th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, October 4, 9 a.m.

Westminster Woods is turning 50! Join the camp staff and lots of friends for a celebration a halfcentury in the making. The day includes a prayer walk, camp tours, games and crafts, lunch and a worship service. Lunch reservations required by September 15. Go to westminsterwoodscamp.org to register and for more details.

Eastminster Presbyterian Church

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Retreat Reflections Think student retreats are all about crazy contests and silliness? Well, you’d be right. But that’s not all that happens at the Woods. Our leaders share on the incredible ways God shows up to retreats.

Looking Back on the High School Summer Retreat

by Matt Jaderston, Director of Student Ministries “The single most important thread in working through your disappointments is that your heart and mind ponder and grasp what the cross of Jesus Christ is all about. Either your heart and mind will be shaped by that reality or they will be misshapen by false utopias. There is no pattern without the cross. There is no Good News without it. That is what the gospel is all about.” - Ravi Zacherias Our high school summer retreat theme was inspired by a book written by Ravi Zacherias, titled The Grand Weaver. I read this book in college and remember it being a pivotal moment in my faith as it instilled greater understanding to the reconciling of disappointments in life and the heart of God. In our morning Chapel sessions, we had our summer interns share about characters in the Bible who experienced disappointments, failure, brokenness, and how God continued to weave a story of hope and redemption in their lives. In the evenings, I shared about many of the false perceptions people have about God: A blind watchmaker A God who is impossible to please A God who is emotionally distant A God who is condemning A God who is unreliable A God who abandons For many, this list of false understandings of God continue to go on. I shared with our students about a God who is not absent, who does not simply watch as the world spins in motion, but a God who is active and pursues his creation. A God who put on flesh and came to earth, lived a perfect life, suffered for and with us, and can relate to us in our pain while promising to never leave us nor forsake us. It truly was an incredible week where God moved powerfully in and through our students.

We have some traditions that have been happening at Westminster Woods since long before I arrived, but we have also created some new ones within the last year. We had a dance competition where the small groups spend hours practicing to compete in front of our panel of judges. Congrats to the junior girls for winning this summer with a very funny and creative synchronized swimming/dance routine. You’ll have to see it to believe it (check out facebook.com/eastminsterhs for the dance

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videos). We played a night game involving nerf guns, glow sticks and socks with flour, a couch was stolen from the porch and moved around between cabins, a dead fish made the rounds to various showers, and the sophomore boys at cabin five proved to me that it is possible to create a cabin so messy that even I could be disturbed. There were so many incredible memories I wish I had the space to share them all with you!

Perhaps the most memorable moment for me was sitting at the outdoor sanctuary, a remote spot with rows of benches surrounding a fire, and listening to our senior class share memories, laughter and tears. They challenging the younger generations to continue their faith and celebrate the incredible relationships built in our community. I was moved by senior Sarah Sondergard as she shared with the group about her journey of being an “outsider” as one of the only girls from her school in our group. But her small group embraced her and she felt like she was a part of our family. Senior Mackenzie Pepper shared a powerful tribute to her younger sister, Whitney, about how much being able to share these moments meant to her. Clark Tolleson shared about the importance of community, how this group embraced him when others did not, and how meaningful this group is in his walk with Christ. I could go on and on about the incredible testimonies shared, and I am going to miss all of the seniors deeply.

We had nearly 90 students at this retreat, and yet we truly have become family. Last year, our summer retreat theme was “Belong,” and my continual prayer for our students was that they would find a place to belong not only to God, but to one another.

I believe we are seeing this happening among our group and it is my great joy and privilege to be a part of it.

Looking Back on the Middle School Summer Retreat

by Mike Jaderston, Associate Director of Student Ministries The start of the middle school retreat may be surprising to some.

Yes, we started with a couple goofy games and fun songs. We sweated a lot as we danced to energizers. We laughed at the tales of a crazy youth director. But at the end of the first night, we did something that may be unfathomable to anyone who knows the essence of a middle school retreat.

A group of at least 90 students, caffeinated and adrenalized, sat in silence for more than a minute.

Shocking, right? The first challenge I gave the students came from Exodus 14:14, when Moses commands Israel, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” I challenged them to be still, and they embraced it. We lingered in the presence of the Lord, anxious and excited for the work he was going to do that week. It was a fantastic start to a great retreat.

Our theme this year was “Wandering.” We examined the Israelites wandering through the desert for 40 years, and how we too are wandering—through faith, relationships, temptations, and struggles. The connections between the Israelites and the students were clear, and I believe God moved deeply in the hearts of the students through the teaching and devotions.

A particular moment that stood out came on Wednesday night. Until that point, the retreat had gone well. Students were engaged, we were having fun, and God’s presence was evident.

But one could sense a slight air of individualism—we weren’t unified. At the evening chapel my younger brother Jake, who was an intern this summer, shared the story of the Israelites battling the Amalekites. Whenever Moses held his staff above his head, the Israelites would win the battle. But when it dropped, the Amalekites would win. Moses became tired so he had Aaron and Hur hold up his arms, and they eventually won the war. Jake challenged the oft-used phrase, “all you need is God.” It is a phrase that has some truth to it, but is not a full representation of what the Bible teaches. He explained that as Christians, we need to love, support and encourage each other. We need to be like Aaron and Hur, holding up the arms of the weary and tired around us. The Spirit moved through his speaking and the atmosphere changed by the end of the night. We ended by worshipping together, and instead of singing as many individual voices, we sang as one voice, unified in Christ. The walls of age, school, gender and race were torn down as we sang a modified chorus of Father, I Adore You: Father, we adore you // Lay our lives before you // Oh how we love you!

It is in moments like these, when barriers are erased, relationships restored, and faith in Jesus strengthened, that I find joy and encouragement. Even though I’ve been at Eastminster for less than a year, I can say God has given me a genuine love for these students. I continually pray that these moments be the mark of our ministry, and the gospel becomes alive in each and every student who walks through our doors. I pray our ministry and retreats not just be known for the games, activities or events (even though they are pretty stellar—just ask about the polar bear plunge, eating contest, zombie attack, cricket spitting contest, or “It’s time!”), but be known by the real life change that comes when these students encounter the love of a living and active God. I am incredibly blessed to be a part of this ministry and fully anticipate many more victories through the power of Jesus in years to come!

Get Ready...

For the Time of Your Life!

Student Fall Retreats 2014 High School Retreat: Reckless November 7 – 9. Cost $100. Scholarship deadline: October 13. Registration deadline: October 20.

Join us as we take a look at the Parable of the Prodigal Son. This story isn’t only about one son who is lost and later comes home. This tale is about several characters, and perhaps you will find yourself in the story.

Middle School Retreat: The Fall October 24 – 26. Cost $100. Scholarship deadline: October 6. Registration deadline: October 13.

In the tragic moment in the Garden of Eden known as “The Fall,” four crucial relationships were broken. These fractured relationships have had disastrous impacts in the world today. But, this makes the gospel all the more extraordinary.

Join us as we examine the full work of Jesus and how his death and resurrection brings restoration to our relationship with God, others, the world and ourselves. Come experience God through biblical teaching, worship and small group discussions. The fall is approaching—so make sure to sign up for “The Fall”!

Eastminster Presbyterian Church

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Worldwide Connections Our missions team shares on recent trips to Egypt and Albania, and the threads God is weaving together across the world to accomplish his purposes.

In April, a team from Eastminster traveled to our partner church in Cairo, Egypt, Kasr El Dobara.

From there several team members went on to other countries and regions to connect with more partners and form new relationships. Walter Lewis, Dr. Hank Lederle and Mary Stephens were among the team members, and share their experiences from across the globe. (Other team members: Earle Rice, Tom Lasater) Wal t e r L e w is In April, a team from Eastminster visited our ministry partners in Egypt. For the past 12 years, we have traveled each spring to Cairo to meet with church leaders and seek ways to support ministries in the Arab world. Highlights of the trip this spring included hearing about the wonderful growth at the Evangelical seminary, sharing a time of fellowship with the family of a partner we have known since their prior partnership with us in Guatemala, and attending the conference of our partner church for a time of prayer, praise and learning of ministry in the region.

Mutual Encouragement We travel to see our friends because letters or technology cannot replace the impact of simply being present with those who need the encouragement a visit provides.

In Romans 1, the Apostle Paul writes about traveling to visit believers – that they will be “mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Consider traveling on a short-term missions trip through Eastminster so you can be a blessing to others, and be blessed as you learn about their ministries.

Introducing Friends to Friends A local missions partner is TUMI, The Urban Ministry Institute of World Impact. Dr. Don Davis and staff developed the Capstone Curriculum – a theological education designed for those who cannot leave their ministry to attend years at a seminary. As we seek to introduce friends in ministry to other friends, we used our time in Egypt to speak with the education director of the Kasr El Dobara Evangelical Church and professors at the Evangelical seminary about TUMI. Now, a few months later, our partner church has signed an agreement to translate the Capstone material into Arabic, with friends at the seminary providing theological proofreading. Your gifts to our church will assist with

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the costs of this project. God weaves relationships together across cities and continents as he builds the Church. We can feel joy as we see how he uses Eastminster’s mission friends to build new partnerships in ministry.

Dr. Ha n k Lederle After the missions conference of Kasr El Dobara in Cairo, I flew on alone to Albania in the Balkans. For several years Eastminster has supported the work there by veteran American missionaries, Von and Sue Golder, who were the first Christians who rushed in to present the gospel to this officially atheist nation after the Berlin Wall came down and the Soviet empire collapsed in the 1990s. Our church also partners with Roland (Landi) and DeAnn Sula. Landi is an Albanian who was an early convert of the Golders and now pastors the church that was planted in Tirana, the capital city. He is a gifted musician and preacher. DeAnn was a member of a missions team from Eastminster to Kosovo and she met Landi at that time. They got married and have two children, Lidia and Jakob. Pastor Landi met me at the airport. We soon got talking about an idea that I mentioned to him to plant a church in the neighboring country of Macedonia among the Albanian-speaking Muslim minority.

“God weaves relationships together across cities and continents as he builds the Church.”

Landi – not one to let the grass grow under his feet – rearranged his schedule and within two hours the whole family and I were in his vehicle traveling through the Albanian mountain passes, with some late April snows on the peaks, to the picturesque town of Ohrid on a beautiful placid lake. As someone interested in Church history I was intrigued to know we were visiting the city of the very first European university. Right there in Ohrid the pioneer Slavic evangelist, Saint Kliment, had founded a school in the ninth century, with 3,500 students who were taught the new Cyrillic alphabet and the Scriptures. These monks then went out from Ohrid to evangelize the whole of Eastern Europe and establish the written form of the Slavic languages. It was as if the air breathed history: an ancient Greek temple with Iconic columns built centuries before Christ, right next to an Orthodox Church from the 800s which became a Muslim mosque when the Turks occupied the Balkans after the fall of Constantinople in 1453. It has now been restored as a Macedonian Orthodox shrine with the bones of old Saint Kliment in the crypt.

Back in Tirana I spent a day with Von Golder – a holy man if ever I met one! It was fascinating to hear stories of the inroads of the gospel into this atheist, Communist stronghold. We had a deep time of prayer together. Von’s advice was if the EPC desires to plant a church in Macedonia, church leaders should first come on an exploratory trip to do some prayer-walking.

On my last day in Albania I was privileged to meet another Albanian pastor, Rev. Gregor Menga, at a Christian coffee shop called Stephen’s in downtown Tirana. He is from Scutari in northern Albania, where he has planted his second church. The congregation has now commissioned him as a missionary to work among the Albanian-speaking Muslims in Macedonia. I was startled at the convergence in our thinking. Pastor Gregor has been trying to get a work permit for Macedonia for 18 months. A work in progress… I covet your prayers that God’s purposes for Macedonia will soon come into realization and am deeply grateful that I was allowed to undertake this rewarding journey.

Ma r y S t e p h e ns Following the Kasr El Dobara missions conference I separated from the rest of the group to head to upper Egypt to observe the ministry of Healing Grace in action. Sunday morning I left with a team from the church, Eva Orazi (founder of Healing Grace who is from Atlanta), and another couple from Texas who were going to be able to meet the two girls they sponsor through the ministry.

We drove through the desert highway to the village of Taha near the city of Minya.

It was not like a village I had pictured in my mind. Like much of Egypt, the tall buildings/apartments were crumbling cement with rustic chipped steps. Breaks in the cement walls may contain an entryway into a home or a small business or a barn with animals or a trash collection site, all randomly placed it seemed.

The winding streets were dirt and one had to watch where you stepped since the road was equally used by pedestrians, vehicles, donkey-drawn carts or a flock of sheep. The faces we encountered showed signs of a hard life, most clothes quite tattered. But there were also glimpses of hope and beauty.

Because of government control, there are no sponsorship programs like Compassion International. Kasr El Dobara created Healing Grace to transform the lives of the poorest Egyptian children and their communities through three focus areas in a child’s life: Jesus, education and health. I was completely impressed by the dedication of the local ministry workers to intentionally effect change in the lives of these kids as they look to the future impact they will have on their country. They were loving while being strategic in their work.

Healing Grace staff work with a local church to be the center of the program in that village and to choose the poorest of the

poor. They currently sponsor 1,000 children to receive school supplies, clothes and education. They make weekly home visits, run AWANA clubs (with more than 20,000 attending), and provide leadership training, family retreats and women’s conferences.

From establishing preschools to supporting and training college students, Healing Grace impacts the ability of these children and young adults to rise above their circumstances and gain skills to build back into the communities they come from. I was able to gift one village with $200 from Eastminster to begin a library for the children. When you realize there are NO books, that will be a significant beginning.

Food distribution and village trainings on basic health care (like wearing shoes and washing hands) also takes place. It was wonderful to see how adding a water filtration system to the village church could save lives and draw people to the Living Water as well. Women who come to the church for clean water also learn basic parenting skills, including how to support and protect their children, which is necessary because, as Dr. Sameh Maurice shared at the conference, 70% of children in Egypt have been sexually abused, often by more than one person. Short-term medical teams working with a mobile clinic are welcomed in these villages.

Poverty, ignorance and disease are major issues. Healing Grace does a tremendous job at addressing these felt needs while discipling those in its reach. There was a marked difference in the children I met who were part of Healing Grace versus other children: in cleanliness and skin tone, educational milestones, confidence and an overall sense of hope in Jesus at work in their lives. One little girl eagerly read from her school booklet and then shared a story of how she had prayed to Jesus in a scary situation. She said God sent her help and kept her calm even while others were crying. She glowed when talking about Jesus.

God is being glorified through the ministry of Healing Grace.

Eastminster Presbyterian Church

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A New Face Joins the Staff Hannah Lambert, a Sterling native, becomes the Associate Director of Communications How did you get connected with Eastminster?

I was at a summer camp in Colorado and got a text message from Julie Jaderston, Matt and Mike Jaderston’s mom, saying Eastminster had an opening for a communications job. Since I am a public relations major, I applied. Julie has been one of the dearest and most profound mentors a girl could ever have and I am so grateful for her and her family’s impact on my life.

Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

I am the oldest of four girls and, no, you should not feel sorry for my dad. My mom and dad are my closest friends and one of my deepest desires is to pursue Jesus the way they do, authentically and desperately. My dad is the head football coach at Sterling College and my love for football comes from him.

When did you meet Jesus?

When I was around 5 I was convicted by the Spirit working in my life that I had a deep need for a Savior. Hell didn’t seem like a really great option, so I asked Jesus to come and be the Lord of my life, mainly for fire insurance. In the many years since then, I have come to know Jesus as the lover of my soul and my greatest joy.

He bought me with his blood, has sought me in my darkest days and continues to lead me in his unfailing grace. I continue to be astonished by the magnitude and reality of the gospel. My life now is lived daily preaching to myself the truth of who God is, what Jesus accomplished on the cross and how all of that gives me purpose, identity and deep significance. It is a tough process and day after day my failures and flaws are too many to count, but I have a faithful God. Why do you have a passion for communications and ministry?

I believe that we, as the bride of Christ, have things we need to do here on earth and in our lifetime. One of the main ways we accomplish these things is by utilizing both external and internal communications. The way we present ourselves as a church is important. The way we describe and inform both congregants and guests about events matters. It’s not about us; it’s about Jesus and his radical work in our lives and in our world. We want to tell those stories and encourage one another through that. I believe words and graphics/pictures can have significant impact and that is why I am involved in communications. I want to make Jesus known to the ends of the earth. I want to make his name great.

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

I don’t know if I have that all figured out yet! We are all broken and life is crazy messy at times. I want to communicate how Jesus is radically transforming the hearts and minds of the people of Eastminster, from the youngest to the oldest. I want to share about how he is bringing the dead to life and growing and maturing our faith in him. And when I am not directly communicating that, I want to be able to inform and direct people to places where they can see life change happen such as Bible studies, middle school and high school groups and all the opportunities that Eastminster offers.

What are your future plans for your career?

I am first going to work on paying off my student loans and then see where God takes me from there. My dream, as of now, would be to facilitate and/or lead internal and external communications for missions groups and non-profits worldwide. I want to see, touch, taste and then share how the Lord is redeeming and winning people to himself throughout all corners of the globe.

What is God teaching you right now?

Right now he is teaching me that he is enough. I don’t need any material possession or friendships or family or adventure or any other thing under heaven, to complete me. He is teaching me that my identity is securely found in him. I just moved to an apartment in Wichita and I’m living on my own for the first time ever. There is definitely some loneliness that comes with that life change, but he is enough, and always will be, through whatever life throws my way.

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

I am not very talented, but I do love to paint. I enjoy hiking or running, anything to enjoy God’s creation in a tangible way. I have recently dabbled in bowling but I’m still working out how to keep the ball out of the gutter. Another hobby, though limited by my current post-grad money situation, is interior design/home décor styling. I also love to read – non-fiction, fiction, magazines, blogs, anything with words usually works.

The Journey Forward A Q&A with Brian Eggenberger on his transforming experience at Pilgrimage spiritual renewal weekend.

How did attending Pilgrimage impact your life after leaving the weekend?

I think the biggest impact on my life is I now feel completely, unconditionally loved by Christ. I know I see myself as Christ does. This has led me to be more sacrificial with my time and talents with others. I no longer see myself as someone who is disqualified but someone who can still be used by God. The biggest impact was that I felt surer of myself and took the risk to contact a lovely woman I dated in college. Two years later we were married. If I had not gone to Pilgrimage, I would still have been bound by my guilt and shame.

What is Pilgrimage?

Pilgrimage is a weekend that has been described as a “honeymoon with God.” It is a time of community, worship, small groups and personal reflection. The weekend includes five sessions of talks over three days. These talks are around four themes: Liberation, Christ, Christian Life and Perseverance.

Liberation is where we unmask those obstacles in front of us and learn to live a free and grace-filled life in Christ. Christ is where we encounter the living Christ in each of our individual lives. In the Christian Life we learn to live out this new relationship within the community of others. Lastly we learn to persevere so we may live out the other three themes daily.

How did you get involved?

I was involved through the encouragement of Joan and Denny Bender and Jack Argetsinger. At this time I was struggling with the aftermath of a divorce. I was ashamed of who I was. I felt even though God loved me, I could no longer be used by God. I was damaged goods. I was encouraged to go because Jack and the Benders told me how much you reconnect with God during this weekend. It was just what I needed.

What are some areas of growth you have seen in yourself and others after attending?

I have found myself to be more secure in my relationship with Christ. I no longer feel I have to prove myself to God, but can rest in what he did for me. This has led me to look less at myself and to look more at the needs of others and how I can serve them.

It has also led me to be more willing to step out of my comfort zone to risk things for Christ. I have also noticed this in others.

The biggest thing I have noticed in others is how happy and joyful they look afterwards.

Can you share a meaningful memory from Pilgrimage?

During a part of the weekend, we are given time to meet with a pastor to pray for health and healing, whether physical or spiritual. I felt the Holy Spirit telling me I needed to stay and discuss my guilt and shame with one of the pastors. I waited quite awhile and was about to give up and get some lunch when I felt the Holy Spirit tell me that if I don’t deal with this now, I’ll keep having these feelings bind me. When I finally had my turn, the pastor said the words I needed to hear – I was truly forgiven and a new creature. God still wanted to use me. I felt like a millstone had been lifted from my neck.

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Why should others attend a Pilgrimage weekend?

I would encourage anyone to attend who feels their relationship with Christ needs a tune-up and would like to fall in love with Christ again. If you would like to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit, this weekend is for you. If you want to know how you can serve in God’s community, this weekend is for you. I would encourage everyone to pray about it, and if you feel the Holy Spirit leading you to attend, to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

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PILGRIMAGE

October 9 – 12 • Webster Conference Center in Salina • $175/person • Registration Due September 29 Presbyterian Pilgrimage is a unique three-day spiritual renewal experience designed to foster and support an individual’s long-term commitmentK A to N S A Sliving the Christian life. Together we will be inspired, P R E S BY T E R I A N challenged and equipped for Christian action in our homes, church and communities. Thought-provoking, relaxing and fun-filled, a Pilgrimage weekend is an opportunity for participants to enjoy community with other Christians and return home with a desire to serve productively and live boldly for Christ.

Registration forms are available at church kiosks or at eastminster.org/pilgrimage.

PILGRIMAGE

Eastminster Presbyterian Church

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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.

The goal of Eastwind is to support the mission of Eastminster Church: Glorify God. Follow Christ. Transform Lives.

Director of Communications: Courtney Browning (cbrowning@eastminster.org). Associate Director of Communications: Hannah Lambert (hlambert@eastminster.org).

Up & Coming New Members Class Saturday, September 20, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; C-13/14 Ready to join the church? Our team of pastors, elders and leaders will make sure you’re fully equipped to become a part of the Eastminster family. Register with Louisa Markley at 634.0337, or lmarkley@eastminster.org.

This one-day class is one of two prerequisites to membership. The other is Uniquely You, October 25 and November 1 (learn more at eastminster.org).

Trunk or Treat

Luncheon Hosted by Senior Ministries Friday, September 19, noon; Fellowship Hall Guest speaker Pastor Stan Van Den Berg. Register on Sundays in Fellowship Hall ($10, checks only).

Middle School FatherSon Campout September 19 – 20; Learn more at eastminster.org/ms.

Middle School MotherDaughter Spa Night Friday, September 19, 6 – 9 p.m.; Student Center Learn more at eastminster.org/ms.

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Eastwind Newsletter

• safe fall fun for the whole family • Friday, October 31 • 6 – 8 p.m.

Volunteer Registration Going on Now! Last year, more than 1,200 people from around Wichita packed the Eastminster campus for treats, games, prizes and lots of fall fun at Trunk or Treat! This is the largest outreach Eastminster holds, and an amazing way to share the gospel with local families. In order to accommodate all our guests, we need to at least quadruple the number of volunteers at Trunk or Treat! Pastor Stan is calling for “all hands on deck” as we host trunks, staff games, serve food, direct guests and make intentional connections. If you believe in the mission of Eastminster to Glorify God. Follow Christ. Transform Lives., then Trunk or Treat is the place to put that into action! Sign up to serve at eastminster.org/trunkortreat or at church kiosks. Lives will be touched and the gospel will be shared through our members serving the community in this way. Join in!