Summer 2011 Eastwind Magazine

Summer 2011

Summer at Eastminster Camp EDGE for Kids / Wild Wednesdays Student Retreats / Women’s Studies & More

summer guide starts on page 3 Eastminster Presbyterian Church

1

Overlooking the Mistakes

By Dave McKechnie, Interim Senior Pastor

John Wesley, the man who is credited with founding the Methodist Church, used to love to say, “God knows nothing of solitary religion.”

Okay, then how do you start over with the church?

Overlook the abuses and the mistakes of the church — the things that have been done in the name of Christ that are a detriment to the redemptive cause.

There are plenty of abuses. I have made plenty of mistakes. You have made plenty of mistakes. But if you are going to start over with the church, you have to overlook some of those mistakes and go on.

Peter Drucker, the notorious management consultant, said that entertainment is the largest export of the USA. He quickly added to that statement, “The large church is the single most significant social movement in the world today.” That includes Eastminster! His insights included this exciting thought, “Our next big export will be voluntarism and charity.” This is what the church of Jesus Christ is all about. In John it says, “It does not yet appear what we shall be.” When you believe that, you can start over and overlook some of the abuses and some of the mistakes of the church.

Dave

Numerous mistakes have been made in the alleged cause of Christ. I remind you that for all of the mistakes, there are 350,000 congregations in the United States that are meeting the spiritual needs of people.

These same congregations have missionaries all over the world. They send them out. They support them.

They make it happen. These missionaries often live and serve in conditions we would not tolerate for one minute. But, that is the extent of their dedication and their commitment to the cause of Christ. Those 350,000 congregations across America have thousands upon thousands of volunteers involved in jail ministry, food pantries, support groups and service organizations throughout the community.

Destinations You can follow in the footsteps of Jesus and the apostles on two special trips with hosts Dave and Linda McKechnie. The first trip to the Holy Land (October 20 – November 3, 2011) includes stops in Amman, Petra, Masada, the Galilee region, Jerusalem and Bethlehem. The second trip (May 11 – 20, 2012) includes a seven-day cruise on a Windstar fourmasted sailing yacht from Athens to Istanbul, tours of Corinth, Athens, Ephesus, Philippi and more.

Limited spots are available for both trips. Contact Dave (dmckechnie@eastminster.org) for more details.

message series • summer 2011 May 15

June 5

June 26

July 17

August 7

August 21

A Fresh Look at God’s Love 1 Corinthians 13 Steve Dickie

Left Behind!

Acts 1:6-11 Dave McKechnie

First Read the Instructions 2 Timothy 3:10-17 Dave McKechnie

Love Redefined Luke 10:25-37 Casey Casamento

Zealous 1 Kings 19:1-18 Paul Bammel

Foot-Washers or Hand-Wringers John 13:1-11 Dave McKechnie

July 3

Peace in Search of Makers John 14:25-31 Dave McKechnie

May 22

June 12 Pentecost

A Test for the Tepid Revelation 3:14-22 Dave McKechnie

May 29 That’s a God-Send!

John 6:1-14 Dave McKechnie

2

Eastwind Newsletter

Signs Acts 2:1-12 Jeff Liverman

June 19 What Did Your Father Leave You? Proverbs 20:1-7 Dave McKechnie

July 24 Forego the Fatigue 2 Chronicles 7:1-18 Dave McKechnie

July 10

July 31

Wings Like Eagles Isaiah 40:27-31 Dave McKechnie

The Work of the Holy Spirit John 15:26 – 16:15 Kermit Oppriecht

August 14 Frayed Around the Edges 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 Dave McKechnie

August 28 Adrift on a Sea of Heredity Romans 8:12-17 Dave McKechnie

Middle School Summer Events Family Cookout June 1, 6 – 8 p.m., Student Center. Cost: Free!

Wild Wednesdays Each Wednesday in June, 6 – 8 p.m.

June 1: Middle School Family Cookout June 8: Andover YMCA Waterpark ($8) June 15: All-Star Sports ($10) June 22: The Alley ($12) June 29: Warren Theatre, special showing of Cars 2 ($10)

Summer Retreat July 18 – 22, see details on page 5

Back to School Bash August 24, 6:15 p.m., Student Center More details on all our summer events are at believebigstudents.com.

High School Summer Events Brotherhood Kids Camp Mission Project June 27 – 30, Brotherhood Presbyterian Church

4Mondays Every Monday in June at 7 p.m.

June 6: Open Mic Night of Worship June 13: Dodgeball Tournament & Parent Meeting June 20: Mini-Golf Tournament at All-Star Sports June 27: Pool Party

Summer Retreat July 11 – 16, see details on page 5

Senior Trip August 1 – 3 More details are always at livelifeloudstudents.com.

Meet Jo, Eastminster’s Newest Staff Member Jo McLaughlin joins the Eastminster staff as Spiritual Growth/Student Ministries Coordinator. Her full interview is at eastminster. org/meetjo.

About Jo Tell us a little about yourself ... After graduating from Wheaton College with a bachelor’s in Christian Formation and Minsitry, I moved to Branson to attend the Kanakuk Institute.

I had the privilege to work for Kanakuk for the two years following. While I was there I met the love of my life Brett! We got married on September 4, 2010.

Why do you enjoy working in full-time ministry? I thoroughly enjoy working alongside like minded people who have a passion for Jesus and a deep compassion for people. It doesn’t get much better than getting to love people through what you do on a daily basis. But most of all I enjoy the opportunity of watching the Holy Spirit work in the lives of people as he awakens them to the beauty of Christ and the glory of the gospel.

What are you most excited about working at Eastminster/for Student Ministries?

Bottom line it’s the hearts of the people behind these ministries. They love the Lord and they long to see people grow in him. I’m especially excited about working with students. While many are critical of the current generation of young people, I see the incredible potential for making an impact for the kingdom. They are passionate and committed and won’t settle for anything less than genuine devotion to God and authentic lives that honor Jesus.

Eastminster Presbyterian Church

3

Turn Your Life Around Three middle schoolers share about the life-changing effects of attending a Student Ministries retreat

E

ver wonder what really goes on on a Student Ministries retreat? If you’re a parent, you ship your kids off for a few days, certain they’ll come home tired but happy, and with a bag full of some of the messiest camp clothes you’ve ever seen. If you’re not a parent, you might see some cool looking posters plastered around the church, but may not be sure what really goes on during a retreat. Three middle school guys sat down to tell us what retreats are all about, and it came down to something simple: life change.

Tim Munson, Jack Pickert and Nathan Hammar are all very mature for their age (they’re all sixth graders at Andover Middle School). They’re more than willing to discuss the fun stuff that goes into a week in the Woods, as long as there’s a steady stream of jelly beans and Skittles coming their way, of course. They say they all love the night games they get to play on retreats. “My favorite thing about retreats are the night games because they are creative and fun to do,” says Tim. Jack agrees saying, “I like the night games

too because they always relate to the subject that Joey [Fink] is talking about during the retreat.”

themed learning The theme of each retreat is key to the experience. This winter’s Middle School Retreat was The Two Lost Sons, a look at the story of the prodigal son. The guys say they learned a lot from the story that they never knew before, and could relate to it really easily. Nathan shares that he learned to love God unselfishly, and desire him wholeheartedly. “I learned that you shouldn’t want God for what he has, or what he can give you, but you should want him for him.” Those are some pretty profound words from a sixth grader.

“I learned you should want God just for him too, and I related to the brother in the prodigal son that stayed home,” shares Tim. Jack says he learned a valuable lesson from the story he hadn’t heard before. “I related to the older brother [the son who stayed home] because I was already a Christian, and it seemed like the older brother was too in the story. I felt like I had stopped in my relationship with Jesus and it reminded me to come back closer to God, the way the older brother needs to.”

The guys say they also love the times of worshipping through music on the retreats, which are led by ekklesia’s worship band Shine Like Stars. s” “I love the worship on g in “r ff o show chool girls eats the retreats. Shine Like e middle s th f o e school retr m le o d S ost mid M t. a e tr . re rs t de Stars is awesome!” says on a recen and 20 lea 60 students d n u ro Jack. “Some people a e includ

4

Eastwind Newsletter

put their hands up when they worship, and I like to do that during a really spiritual song. My favorite song we sing is You’re Beautiful.”

“I had all those songs stuck in my head after the retreat!” laughs Tim. The food’s not too bad either, the guys say. “The cooks are amazing! Especially Martha [Milam]!” says Tim. Nathan agrees that the food is “awesome!”

why a retreat?

But even more than the great food, incredible worship and fun games, Nathan, Tim and Jack agree that what makes a retreat special and impacts their lives is the chance to grow spiritually. When asked why they’d tell their friends to go on a retreat, the guys had a lot to say about the life change that happens there. “First I would tell my friends to go on a retreat because it’s not just random people you don’t know. Most of them go to your school. And whether you are or are not close to God right now, it’s a really good place to grow,” shares Jack. “And it’s cool because you go out to the Woods, and it’s a remote area and you’re just not distracted as easily.”

Nathan puts it simply when he says, “You know, a lot of people and kids my age think church is boring and you just sit there, and I think that too sometimes, but for me going on a retreat is so much different than that! Basically I would tell my friends to come to a retreat because in five days you can turn your life around. Shine Like Stars is awesome, and Joey’s teaching, just the whole experience is amazing and changes your life.”

Beyond the suitcase full of messy clothes, the night games, and the food, retreats are meant to change lives, win hearts for Jesus and transform students into fully devoted followers of God. And according to Nathan, Jack and Tim, a few days at the Woods accomplishes just that!

A Life of

WONDER becoming men and women of God

High School Summer Retreat 2011 A Life of Wonder: Becoming Men & Women of God July 11 – 15 • Registration deadline: June 27 • Scholarship deadline: June 13 • Early Bird Pricing: $225 through June 13 • Regular Pricing: $250 through June 27 Unlock the keys to living a life of wonder, a full life filled with the promises and treasures of God. The high school retreat will focus on the virtues found in 1 Timothy 6:11-12, “...Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to...” You won’t want to miss out on this incredible week filled with friends, games, sports, free time, worship, life-changing messages and so much more. Join us as we discover the keys to a life of wonder! Visit livelifeloudstudents.com/wonder for all the details.

camp

!

AWESOME Middle School Summer Retreat 2011 July 18 – 22

Middle School Summer Retreat 2011: Camp Awesome July 18 – 22 • Registration deadline: July 6 • Scholarship deadline: June 29 • Early Bird Pricing: $225 through June 29 • Regular Pricing: $250 through July 6 Join the fun and adventure of Camp Awesome, the 2011 Middle School Summer Retreat! It’ll be a week you never forget as we head out to Westminster Woods for an experience packed full of crazy games, competition, sports, devotionals, awesome worship, time with friends and so much more! Go to believebigstudents.com/campawesome for all the details.

Eastminster Presbyterian Church

5

Notes from the Soul A mere childhood dream became a ministry of the heart for Linda McKechnie.

The music of pianist, arranger and recording artist Linda McKechnie has soothed crying babies, comforted stroke victims, quieted cranky cats, and calmed nervous mothers giving birth. It has been choreographed for dance troupes and dubbed into soundtracks for television. But what began as a childhood dream soon became a very real ministry of the heart and eventually a recording career for this wife and mother. We recently asked Linda, the wife of our Interim Senior Pastor Dave, to share her journey with us.

First, we are thrilled to have Dave and you at our church now. It has already been such a blessing for so many. But, what has surprised you the most about Wichita?

There’s so much going on here. The church has so much potential, and members are busy in ministry. Everyone has been so welcoming! We’re anxious to get to know the families at Eastminster as well as the community. We are where God wants us to be.

I understand that you met your husband, Dave, on a blind date. Tell us about that date. Was it love at first sight?

I definitely knew he was the one. I was going to King’s College and he was at Nyack College across the Hudson River in New York. He had a friend who was engaged to a girlfriend of mine, and Dave told his friend, “If you have any more like that, I want to meet her.” So they set us up for a dinner date. I realized his strength, leadership and determination. I like to say that I ran after him, because eventually I transferred to his school.

You were raised in a very gifted musical family and started playing the piano at the age of 4. Tell us about your earliest memories that stirred your love for music.

We always had music playing in our home. It was an important part of our life. I also knew that God had given me a gift — all I wanted to do was play the piano. As a second grader, I remember accompanying my class during our Christmas program.

Music has always been a part of your world and your ministry, but it was fascinating to read that you didn’t sign your first recording contract until you

6

Eastwind Newsletter

Linda McKechnie signed her first recording contract at age 49. were 49 years old and your children were raised.

That can be a real inspiration for many people. But looking back, did you ever give up on that dream?

I’ve had lots of dreams and they’ve come true, one way or another.

I had always dreamed of becoming a concert pianist and recording artist with my younger brother, Don Marsh. I kept that dream, but one of the things that deterred that dream from coming about quickly was that Don and I did not have a good relationship for many years. Words were said and then we drifted apart.

Then one day, he called after 20 years and said “I’m sorry, Lin. Please forgive me.” I asked for his forgiveness as well, and our relationship was restored. After that, in God’s perfect timing, we began working together again, and the recording contract came about. Never underestimate God’s plan for your life … no matter how old you are!

How would you describe your music to someone you’ve just met?

It’s a blend of Christian and classical music. It is very important to keep the integrity of the Christian text and music and the integrity of the classical composer. A woman who had purchased my Hymnworks in a music store once told me, “You play like you’re a Christian.” I feel my music has a lot of emotion in it. I’m painting a picture with music.

You have 12 different recordings now, including Moments with the Savior, which you recorded with the London Festival Orchestra and earned a Dove nomination. Is there one recording that is the most meaningful to you?

No. I’ve been asked that before, but each one is like giving birth.

They are all my arrangements, and they come from the heart.

Each one is special in its own way.

You’ve also traveled extensively and given performances around the world, including Europe, Africa and China. How has that changed your worldview?

It gives me a greater appreciation of what I have as an American.

But it’s exciting to see what God is doing throughout the world in so many ways. For example, in Seoul, Korea, the place was packed with thousands who had a hymnal in one hand and, with the other hand, praised God.

You are a best-selling Christian instrumental artist in the U.S. If you could share one piece of advice with young, Christian musicians, what would that be?

The music business is so difficult. The competition in Christian music is just as difficult. I would tell these young, Christian artists to get out there — sing, play, share your music everywhere. Who knows what God will do to broaden their music ministry and possibly result in a recording contract.

Another pivotal event in your music ministry was your decision to work with disabled children at a children’s hospital. How did that come about?

We had just moved from New York to Tulsa, and I’d given birth to my first child, a very healthy baby son weighing almost 10 pounds. I was just getting started with my friendships in a new city and needed a diversion from “just being a mom.” At just the right time, I was asked if I would do music therapy at the Children’s Medical Center. I had no experience working with the functionally disabled and Down’s Syndrome children. But that whole experience changed my life when I saw the difference music made in their lives.

Though you just moved to Wichita in March, Dave and you have been in ministry together for many decades now. What do like best about that?

I like the relationships — the individual relationships we’ve formed. I’ve always enjoyed being a part of other people’s lives.

Hospitality and relationships are important to me. We used to host about 1,000 people in our home each year. Dave and I have been married for 47 years, and this is something we do together.

We have our individual ministries, of course, but we’re always in the same place.

Beyond your concerts and recordings, you are also internationally known as a handbell clinician and arranger of more than 50 handbell titles and as well as a past president of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers. But you’ve taken this gift to work with a group of disabled adults. Why are you so passionate about this cause?

About three years ago, I began working at Brookwood, a fabulous community for functionally disabled adults not far from Houston. I had various goals: to build their self esteem and to encourage them to realize their potential in being part of a musical performance group. Even though they cannot read standard music, I use a unique, color-coded method which coordinates with the color on their bell. They are amazed at their accomplishment. Recently, this group performed at a fundraiser that raised a million dollars. This summer I am teaching four sessions at the National Handbell Musicians of America Seminar on handbells for special populations. It will encourage people to use handbells as an avenue for music therapy.

Has there been an especially difficult challenge you’ve face in recent years? Tell us about that and the impact it’s had on your faith.

Two years ago I had cancer. They found a small lump. I said, “Okay, let’s deal with this.” It really tested my faith, but I went right through it — the surgery and radiation — and, fortunately, it all went well. But I don’t know how you can have something like this happen and not have a personal relationship with the Lord.

When I play It Is Well With My Soul, I am reminded of the words.

I have to believe that. Through this tough experience, I am grateful to God and have a better understanding of others in similar situations. Of course, Dave likes to say that retail therapy works wonders for me!

Complete this sentence, “I would like to spend more time …”

I would like to spend more time with my family, especially making memories with my grandchildren. I know it sounds trite, but as a grandparent, you want concentrated time with your grandchildren. We’re making memories together. Our grandkids call Dave “Doc” and me “Linnie.”

Eastminster Presbyterian Church

7

Going Global Eastminster members travel the globe to spread the love of Jesus.

W

ithin the last several months, many ambassadors of Eastminster have gone on short-term missions trips to locations across the globe. Trips included visits to Oklahoma, Cambodia, Egypt, Iraq, the Dominican Republic and Asia.

L.B. (name omitted for security reasons) went to Asia to share English skills, Ronda Brammer travelled to the Dominican Republic on a medical missions trip. Zack Helgesen was one of eight from our 242 Young Adults group who went to Kansas, Okla., to serve at a camp there. And Dick and Marilyn Gorham recently returned from a medical missions trip, also to the Dominican Republic. The responses by these four individuals to a variety of interview questions reflect the impact even a few days of serving others through a missions trip can have.

Share about the short-term trip you took. Why did you go on the trip? Who did you serve with?

Above: L.B. and a friend enjoy the sights in Asia.

Right: L.B. and another teacher spent the new year at their friend Sophie’s house, being showered with traditional Asian hospitality.

8

Eastwind Newsletter

L.B.: Our purpose was to teach English to university students, spend time with them, build relationships and love them because Christ first loved me. There were 15 teachers for this two-week trip.

I worked the first week with the children, teaching the importance of personal hygiene and handing out 100s of tooth brushes, tooth paste, soap and small toy gifts.

Ronda: I participated in a trip through Medical Ministry International (MMI) to the Dominican Republic. MMI provides medical care and health education to the poor.

Our mission was in the village of Monta Plata. We were able to provide more than 85 surgeries from gall bladder surgery to hysterectomy, thyroidectomy, hernia repair and removal of sixth fingers and toes.

Tell us about your work on the trip. What did you encounter?

L.B.: I taught English as a second language to university students. Our team experienced an overwhelming welcome from the students. The relationships we encountered outside of class were the most surprising aspect of the trip. I knew going into my initial two-week trip that I was going to return as a full-time teacher and the relationships built with both students and teachers during my initial trip have led into deepest friendships over this past year. I am now studying the Word with three of the students I met on my first trip.

Zack: Several of us from 242 took a short trip to Cookson Hills which is in Kansas, Okla. Cookson Hills is a Christian foster care facility for children who have been abused or are in rough family situations.

The camp has a few things that make it stand out from other organizations. First, every placement is voluntary, and none of the children are there by court order. Also the staff work very hard, not only with the children but with other family members to try to rehabilitate the entire family unit.

Our job was to clear out brush and trees around a water treatment lagoon so there would be proper airflow to help stir the water (which was essential for the treatment of the water).

Dick: On March 12, 17 people from the Wichita area took part in a volunteer MMI trip to the Dominican Republic. The theme of the trip was compassion, serving others as in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Marilyn and

Ronda: I provided anesthesia for the surgeries. I had to obtain and carry all medications and anesthesia equipment that I used with me to the Dominican Republic.

Zack: We didn’t get to interact much with the kids at the camp, however the interactions that we had during meal times were meaningful. Mostly, they were just surprised that people of our age would give up our free time to come and serve them, which was a good testimony to our faith.

Was this your first trip? What made it so unique?

Ronda: I have participated in many mission trips. I’ve been to Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, the Dominican Republic six times, Jamaica, Belize, Guatemala twice and Ecuador. I always feel I get more from the experience than what I give to the nationals. I use missions as part of tithing

my time and talents.

Zack: This was my first trip to Cookson Hills, but not my first missions trip. I was looking for an opportunity to serve over spring break and this came up.

After checking out the camp’s website and finding out more about this ministry, I was excited. I have seen foster care in many different settings and can honestly say that Cookson Hills does an excellent job.

ing through the difficulty of a foreign language. I am sure we missed some things in the translation, but we were very pleased with our interpreters who helped us considerably. You also have to adapt to the living conditions, and we even endured the crowing roosters at 3 a.m. along with the growling goats, but the gap with language differences was always there. At the same time even that barrier was overcome as a hand shake, a smile or a touch can say a thousand words.

Zack: We were asked to cut down saplings and small trees on a hillside leading down to a pond. It was fairly easy to cut the trees and clear the brush, however, we wanted to do it in such way that they wouldn’t just grow back in a year or two.

The hardest part of that was just the monotony of cleaning up small stumps and suckers in the dirt.

What’s something from the trip you will never forget?

L.B.: This story is going to continue on through this year as well …There was a girl I met during English Week. She was a very bright student, with excellent English.

When I met her I gave her the name Alexandra. She was a bit different than other students. Hardly smiled. Very serious. But kind-hearted. During the two-week trip, we developed a friendship. The first semester I arrived, Alexandra was one of the first students to track me down. Another teacher, Alexandra and I went to dinner a few times and I could see her start to smile more, even laugh. Since I had given her Alexandra as an English name, she gave me a name which translates to “Peaceful Heart.” She explained that it was something she was searching for. I gladly shared with her the ONLY source for true peace.

Dick: The greatest challenge was work-

We have been studying the Word with

What was one of the greatest challenges you faced on the trip?

L.B.: One of the greatest challenges is discernment. Being in a country where it is not acceptable to openly talk about the Word or having faith in the Father makes it difficult to know how much to share, to whom to share, etc. So, trusting the Father to guide our words and actions was and IS a daily act of trust.

Alexandra since November. She has not chosen to follow the Father … yet ... But, I know the story is not finished and that he is “standing at the door and knocking.” (Revelation 3:20) The way the Father has worked in Alexandra’s life is only possible through his spirit and power. You can continue to lift up her heart and mind to take a leap of faith.

Dick: We worked at schools, churches and once at a disco bar in the rural villages and had the task every day of carrying in, setting up, taking down and carrying out a large portable medical clinic. It took half an hour to set up and get organized, then the gates would swing open and often 100 would enter rapidly after having waited in line for an hour or so ... We were so pleased with the response from the Dominican people. They are a hospitable and friendly people. Not only were they glad to see us but seemed thankful and encouraged for our services. Hopefully and prayerfully our efforts made a difference in some lives. We experienced God’s awesome power as we ministered the love of Jesus through healing and compassion.

Complete this sentence: If I could take this short-term missions trip again, I would like to ....

Ronda: ... take more people with me to experience it.

Zack: ... get more people to go! It was a good trip and we did a tough job for people who needed the help.

Eastminster Presbyterian Church

9

Quick Guide to Studies Eastminster offers new morning and evening summer studies for women. Invite a friend or neighbor and join us!

Studies for Women The Fitting Room: Putting on the Character of Christ

by Kelly Minter (our Women’s Conference speaker) Facilitated by Sandra Middleton (733.5266) and Carol Brooks Time: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

June 14 – August 2 Location: Sandra’s home Kelly Minter explores what it means in real life to clothe ourselves (Colossians 3:12) in Christian virtues. Can we really dress up in the character of Christ? Kelly says the answer is yes if we let the Master Designer do the work in us. This relatable book offers insightful Scripture study, real-life stories, and downto-earth explanations of tricky concepts such as justification and sanctification, stitching it all together with dry humor and honesty. This spiritual makeover is for all women to put on a life that’s personally tailored by the One who knows and loves us.

Save the Dates Sunday Morning Classes Our Sunday classes for adults, students and children continue to meet through July 10. Watch for our Fall Guide in August for our new lineup of fall classes.

Friday Night Light (ages 30-60) Meal @ 6 p.m. / study @ 7 p.m.

C-13/14 After dinner together, this group will work through a DVD study for the summer.

Single Seniors (ages 60+) Thursdays, fellowship at 10 a.m. / study at 10:30 a.m.

C-15 / Meets through July 14.

This group will begin a study called Letters to the Churches … Then and Now.

Brave: Honest Questions Women Ask

by Angela Thomas (with DVD) Facilitated by Ann Ramseyer (634.2270), Rhonda Johnson and Jane Yourdan Time: Tuesdays, 7 – 9 p.m.; June 14 – July 26 Location: Fellowship Hall We’ve all got insecurities and struggles we are afraid to address. But if we can be brave enough to raise the questions, God will answer us. Questions like: Why can’t I get it together? Am I as invisible as I feel? or What am I so afraid of? Struggles like: I am worn out … am suffering with a thorn … am undisciplined … am broken. We all have questions.

This DVD-driven study gets to the heart of what women are thinking and feeling.

Note on this study: Each week does not build on the next, so vacations and busy schedules are not a problem.

10

Eastwind Newsletter

Second Sundays Eastminster will feature special presentations from some of our supported missionaries on the second Sunday of the month following the 11 a.m. service in the Fireside Room. Contact Marcia Davis (634.0337, ext. 231, or mdavis@eastminster.org).

• June 12: Jeff and Cookie Liverman (Frontiers) and Landi and DeAnne Sula (Frontiers – Albania).

• July 10: Randy and Jessy Larsen (Engineering Ministries International – Middle East).

The Runway Seeing Clearly: the seniors take a tour of Envision, a local vision rehabilitation center

by Claude Eldridge, Runway Editor A senior tour and luncheon was scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on March 25 at the Envision facility located at 610 North Main in Wichita. The seniors were greeted and welcomed by Envision officials, and a member of Eastminster, Dave Unruh, our county commissioner. Dave gave a brief speech about his involvement with Envision. He is active in fund raising campaigns and we later learned he is on the Envision board of directors. He assured the Eastminster group that no tax money was involved. He said he had a close family member who was afflicted with a vision problem due to AMD, which stands for age related macular degeneration, an eyesight destroying disease prevalent among the elderly. From personal experience, some of the Eastminster senior group could sympathize with Dave.

We were served a delicious hot lunch.

After lunch one of the Envision officials gave a talk about what Envision does. We were guided to an area where the hallways had street names. One example is: Dave Unruh Boulevard, on the sides of which is a community in miniature. It is a training area for the blind and low-vision patients. There is a small apartment with a bedroom, bathroom, laundry and kitchen, where the patients learn the fundamentals of housekeeping, and learn to live independently. There is a miniature grocery, where patients learn to identify items and make purchases. They are taught to use a

restaurant menu and pay their bill. There is also a computer lab where patients are taught “to function in a digital world.” One of our group asked about the software used and we were given a brief description of what it is. On that same floor there were optometrist offices where AMD patients can be fitted with a special lens to focus the remaining vision in a way that improves the patient’s ability to see.

A few days after the tour we discussed impressions of the experience. One participant said she was impressed by the fact that no tax money was used to finance the operation.

The company earnings and contributions by donors are the sources of financing.

She thought it was outstanding that a company policy is to never deny services to anyone because of inability to pay. She also has a relative, out of state, who was born blind and now lives away from his parents’ home.

We were told Envision employs 400 people, one half of whom are blind or low vision. One of our group expressed a desire to see the manufacturing facility. Envision has two, one in Wichita and another in Kansas City.

Many of the Eastminster group had some firsthand knowledge of the effects of blindness or low vision. One lady said she had a relative who suddenly became totally blind.

“He couldn’t find his way to the bathroom.”

She said she didn’t even know Envision existed. She was very impressed by the ser-

vices provided. One official said they served around fifteen hundred patients annually.

Many of our group had the same comments about the company. “Wonderful, great clean facility, state of the art equipment, outstanding Envision hospitality,” were common comments.

One person discussed the senior attendance at this tour. He said, “I was shocked at the low turnout.” One person said the reason attendance was so small was because most people have visited Envision on more than one occasion. That is a true statement, but probably not on a tour. We got a behind-the-scenes look at the great service Envision provides for very unfortunate people.

Some of our group have lived in Wichita a very long time and had visited Envision at one time, or more, but were not aware of the scope of services the company provides. One couple obtained applications to become Envision volunteers. They stated that they had experience working with the blind. One said that just because people are blind doesn’t mean they can’t learn to live independently. May God bless their endeavors.

Senior Committee Martha Buford

Warren Hillwig

Bill Chesnut

Bev Hoover

Mary Chesnut

Jim Mershon

Phyllis Ellis

Lou Patton

Claude Eldridge

Reva Pyle

Nancy Frazier

Maxine Rhodes

Gini Gear

Marilyn

Naomi Good

Sheppard

Marilyn Gorham

Marty Weeks

Trudy Haag

Jean Wellshear

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 Roberts (croberts@eastminster.org).

More Summer Fun for Families Rock River Rapids July 14 @ 12:30 p.m.

Children’s Ministries will host an afternoon at Rock River Rapids aquatic park in Derby just for families. (Children must be with a designated adult.)

Cost is $5 per person, and we’ve reserved a shelter and snacks from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Family Mixer at The Regent July 26 @ 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Eastminster families with children who’ve completed K – 4th grade will meet at the church then head over to The Regent senior living community for games, cookies, a missions project and more with the residents.

Please RSVP to Barbara Osborne at 634.0337, ext. 215, or bosborne@eastminster.org for the River Rapids by July 11 and for the Regent Mixer by July 24. Check out the details for both family events at eastminster.org/summerfun.

VBS for the entire family!

June 7, 8 & 9 at 6:15 p.m .

Camp Night June 10 at 5 p.m.

nline @ see details o org/vbs eastminster.