Summer 2012
Gospel-Centered Leadership Our new Interim Senior Pastor shares about his goals, his family and staying gospel-focused. The Rev. Bob Hopper begins serving as Eastminster’s Interim Senior Pastor on May 11. He has pastored several churches around the country and most recently was interim pastor of Southport Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. We asked Bob to share about his life, ministry and goals as he begins serving Eastminster. You can read even more of the interview online at eastminster.org. First, we’re looking forward to having you serve as Interim Senior Pastor at Eastminster. What excites you most about this opportunity? What is most exciting is to see a congregation experience a new depth in their understanding and living out of the gospel, and to see the staff and elders be more unified in a common vision and ministry strategy. Will you share about your background? I was a typical baby boomer kid who grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh. I played several sports and enjoyed my friends and teammates. I struggled with my relationship with my dad, but lived a relatively privileged middle class life. When I went to college, I quickly became a hedonist, which, after two years, left me empty and on academic probation. Then, near the end of my sophomore year, the Lord drew me to himself through the friendship and witness of a fraternity brother. The lessons of leadership that I have learned come from my own experiences – some of them very painful – that God has used to teach and shape me. I also completed the course of study for the doctor of ministry degree from Denver Seminary, with an emphasis in executive leadership in Christian ministry. I felt called to focus on my full-time ministry, I never wrote the thesis and, therefore, never received the degree. However, that training was invaluable. Tell us a little about your family. Tacey and I marvel at the life and the children that the Lord has given us. It is purely grace upon grace. We grew up in Pittsburgh, Pa., and met the first day of our freshman year at Grove City College (Pa.) and were married shortly after graduating in 1973. She is simply an amazingly gifted and committed woman of God. After graduating and getting married, we worked together as houseparents in a children’s home and then we both attended Gordon-Conwell Seminary. We have lived and served in Pittsburgh, Ligonier (Pa.), Williamsburg (Va.), and Orlando. Our daughter, Jessie (33), is a missionary now living in central Asia with her husband and four children. They are expecting their fifth
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child in August. Our oldest son, Seth (31), was adopted from a Korean orphanage when he was seven months old. Although he became our “prodigal” for a season, he has become, through the amazing grace of God, an outstanding man of God, husband, and father of three, and a wonderful son. He has pursued a career in the United States Marine Corp and hopes to retire in the next few years and embark on another career. Our youngest son, Luke (20), will graduate from the University of Central Florida in 2013 and be commissioned as an Army officer. He currently serves in the Florida National Guard. Tacey homeschooled all three of our children and earned a Ph.D. from the College of William and Mary in educational leadership in 2003. God has called, shaped and continues to use our children. We also met two siblings in a Russian orphanage 12 years ago and “unofficially” adopted them. Our Russian daughter, Alla (23) is now married with one son, and our Russian son, Sasha (21), is working. You’ve had quite a few mentors over the years. Can you share what you’ve gained from those experiences and why you believe in mentorship? There are two kinds of mentors. Some are personal in that you spend time with them and learn from them in the context of relationship. The others are more external and influence you by their books, sermons, seminars, etc. My primary mentors have been Dr. John Gerstner, Dr. R.C. Sproul, Dr. Larry Crabb, Dr. Jack Miller, Dr. Tim Keller, and Dr. John Piper. The first two were personal and the last four were external. I feel as if I am still learning more and more about the gospel – the good news that is much more than simply the “plan of salvation.” We never master the gospel; rather, we want the gospel to master us. The best
mentors – and the kind of mentor I want to be – is one who so saturates a fellow believer with the gospel that they can be honest with God and others about their sin and live a shame-free and fruitful life for the Lord. Who has most influenced your leadership? My wife, an ardent supporter and critic, greatly contributed to shaping my leadership style. The model and movie of Eric Liddell (of “Chariots of Fire” fame) also had significant impact. I can also honestly say that the congregations that I have served over the years have had profound influence, especially in exposing my weaknesses and encouraging my strengths. You recently served at Southport Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. What was your greatest challenge? SPC is a wonderful congregation of warm and loving people. It dates back nearly two centuries, which has been both a blessing and a challenge. Churches with long histories often become inflexible and excessively traditional. Tradition can be a very good thing as it brings stability to a church. It can also be detrimental to any church if it impedes innovation and healthy change. The greatest challenge with SPC and any congregation for that matter is to retain those parts of tradition that are healthy and vibrant and to jettison those traditions that hamper a congregation from reaching its God-given potential. You and your wife are very involved in missions to Russia. How are you involved, and why is that important to you? In 1996, Tacey and Jessie took their first short-term mission trip to Russia with Josh McDowell Ministries and Tacey has returned every year since then. In 2000 I joined her and we embarked on a ministry partnership with a Russian Baptist congregation in southwest Russia. God has simply placed in our hearts a love for the Russian people. Every year we return to assist our Russian Baptist friends with church planting, visitation of the poor, and evangelism. We hope to become sanctioned EPC missionaries and serve the Lord overseas sometime in 2013. What is one promising trend you see in the church today? Gospel-centered church planting and church revitalization is a most exciting trend. You will be hearing more in the year ahead about what it means to be “gospel-centered.” For now, let me say it this way: most evangelicals define the gospel as the plan of
salvation that gets you started in the Christian life; then self-effort takes over from there. That is a terribly limited view. The gospel is the power-center of the Christian life that sustains and energizes us each day to follow the Lord and to love and serve others. Through folks like Tim Keller, John Piper, Mark Driscoll, and others (see “The Gospel Network”) we are seeing some very exciting things happening in the area of church revitalization and church planting. Reformed theology is central to all of this, especially the recovery of the classic doctrines of adoption, imputed righteousness, and missions. What is the main goal you hope to accomplish during your time at Eastminster? God’s call upon me is to work with the elders and the staff to follow the Lord together to a place of greater spiritual health, vitality, and unity and to bless the congregation and prepare them for their next senior pastor. The elders showed great wisdom and leadership when they recently hired a Christian consultant to do a thorough assessment of Eastminster. The Session and I will be working diligently to address many of the findings and recommendations from that excellent study. As a pastor, what is the toughest part of ministry? The toughest part of ministry for me, and I think for the majority of Christian leaders, is to deal with the pride in our hearts and to humbly and continually give all glory and honor to God alone. What adjective would your friends say best describes your personality? Why? I hope my friends would say that I am honest and zealous to serve the Lord and others. I have been told I have a sense of humor, but the jury is still out on that one. You will only be in Wichita Saturday through Tuesday. Can you speak to some of the goals and parameters that make this kind of schedule work as an interim pastor? For many years, I enjoyed pastoral responsibilities such as counseling, hospital visitations, and conducting weddings and funerals. Now that the Lord has me in this season of interim ministry, I choose to do it part-time because our youngest son is still at home. When he graduates from college next year, he will have a career in the Army that will take him all over the world. We treasure this last year with him. After that, Tacey and I hope to move to an apartment in Pittsburgh, which will serve as our family’s home base when we move overseas. Working three days a week at Eastminster and one day a week from home (preparation and communication), my three priorities and privileges as your new interim are: preaching and teaching, equipping and empowering the elders of the church to govern the flock that is under their care, and mentoring the staff. Eastminster Presbyterian Church
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Hope Mission: Nicaragua 2012 May 25 through June 2 • Managua, Nicaragua • Serving local missions as well as the residents of Villa Esperanza, a safe haven for abused or abandoned young girls. Get live updates and photos from Managua at twitter.com/paulbammel, or by following the Hope Mission blog at eastminster.org/blogs/nicaragua.
Abby Amstutz Senior, East High School I am going to Nicaragua to intentionally serve God in another context, and experience his international church. I hope to see God transform our hearts, and the lives of the girls we go to serve. Please pray for the hearts of those on the team, that we might be open to God working in and even transforming our lives, convicting us of the importance of ministry and sacrifice.
Paul Bammel Associate Pastor I believe going to Nicaragua will fulfill my preaching mission… “I am here so that you and I might be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith!” I’d love to see God work in building lasting long term relationships with the kids in Nicaragua and the students we’ll bring from Eastminster. Pray for our team’s safety, for God to work in and through our team, and that all logistics go smoothly.
Allison Bauer Senior, Andover Central High School Ever since I learned about mission trips to other countries, I have wanted to go on one. I am excited to experience something new that will strengthen my faith. I think this experience will be an amazing way for me to share my beliefs and learn more about another part of the world. I believe that God will also use this mission trip in ways I can’t even imagine. I would love prayer for my nerves! Also pray for God’s wisdom to guide me as I try to help others.
Jean Ann Ebright Koch Fertilizer Project Manager I felt the Lord nudge me to get out of my comfort zone and explore serving in a new way. I hope to see the love of Jesus made known and experienced as a reality, particularly by those who subsist at life’s margins. I pray that many meaningful connections will be made. I’m excited to serve along-side and grow with my team members. Pray we’ll make the most of the opportunities he has for us.
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Martha & Frank Fair Retirees We are going to Nicaragua to serve in Jesus’ name. Pray that God will be revealed and his kingdom will be advanced.
Laura Friesen Junior, home schooled I’m excited for the opportunity of going out and sharing Gods love with the girls of Hope Village. I’m hoping to grow in my faith and to shine his light to everybody there. Pray that I will be a light to the people in Nicaragua, and that I will grow in my faith
Justin Gassner United States Air Force The reason I choose to go on this trip was to further God’s kingdom and to serve some of the least of his people. This is our true calling in life. It’s so important to to allow God full reign of your life so he can use you to impact where he wants and how he wants.Pray for the safety of the group, that we all grow together.
Ray Jones Retiree, volunteer I’m going to Nicaragua because I have traveled there often in the past and know the need for the hope of Jesus Christ and his love. I’m praying for us to help bring that hope to people who have none, and for the team to experience the joy of being on Christ’s mission field serving and blessing others while being blessed in return.
Brandon King Junior, The Independent School I want to spread God’s love and to further relations with him. I want others to be touched by God, and to see that there is someone who will always love you. I also hope that I will become a stronger Christian from this. I would like strength, and humility for the trip.
Debie Marklevits First Grade Teacher I LOVE children! My heart aches when I see children in difficult situations, and I feel compelled to help. I feel called by God to serve in this capacity. I have no comprehension of what I will encounter in Nicaragua, but I hope to be able to share love and compassion with the girls at Villa Esperanza. I am sure this experience will only deepen my love for Christ. We have great team members with diversified talents, so we should compliment one another in our mission. Please pray for open-mindedness, obedience, and that God’s love will flow through me to the people I meet in Nicaragua. Pray for our health and safety, too.
Sierra Marklevits Junior, Andover Central High School I hope to teach others about Jesus Christ and grow in my own faith. I want to be friends with the girls, and show them how special and important God has made them. I have so much love to give! I know this experience will show me a completely new side of what it means to be a Christian, and that it will give me appreciation for everything that God has blessed me with. Pray that the people I encounter will be open to the love of Christ, and that I will make a positive impact on them. Also, pray for our safety.
Tyler Dean Nattier Senior, Heights High School I am going to Nicaragua so I can see a part of the world that I never have before. I know this trip will provide me an opportunity to spread the love of Jesus to those who may have never heard it. I hope God will use all of us who are going in incredible and inspiring ways to the people of Nicaragua. I pray that God would give me wisdom in what I say, what I do, and that I would use that wisdom to teach the love of Christ I also pray for safety for all of us.
Alexa Oliphant Junior, Andover High School I’m going on the trip to connect with the girls there in the village, and let them know that God that loves them and that there is a hope for their future. I hope to let them know of our experiences and that they can have a different view on life. Hopefully, our light will shine through and reflect to all that we meet with and connect with in Nicaragua. Pray for safe travels, safety while in Nicaragua and that I connect with the people there through God’s word.
Emily Pickert Senior, Andover High School I am going to Nicaragua to get to talk to the girls there and get to know them and their stories. I went to Guatemala in 2010 and just knowing the people’s stories changes you and makes you appreciate what you have. I hope our team gets close so we are able to make an impact as a group and help out in any way that we can.
Sarah Pritchard Communications Coordinator at Delta Dental of Kansas I’m going to Nicaragua to show true love to the girls in Villa Esperanza! I have a big heart for those who are unloved by society, especially children. We must find our value and worth in Jesus Christ alone, the One who rescued us from the depths and restored our soul. This is the Good News our team will share and I’m pleased to be a part of it.
Stephen Simpson Tax Specialist, InfoSync Services I want to learn about the people and their culture and show them the love of God. I hope that we come away with changed hearts and spirits ready to spread God’s word everywhere we are called. Pray that God uses our strengths and talents to help teach his Word.
Sarah VanSteinberg Senior, Andover Central High School I’m going to Nicaragua because two years ago I went on a missions trip to Guatemala and it was a lifechanging expirience. I can’t wait to interact with the people of Villa Esperanza, and to get closer with the community. Please pray for the language barrier, health and safety of our team, our flights, and for everything to run smoothly.
Emily Wheeler Junior, Fredonia High School I want to go to Nicaragua because I believe God has been preparing me for a time such as this. I have been studying the word, I have been actively serving others, and I have been praying about this for quite some time. I do believe God is calling me to do this and that I have a proper servant’s heart to impact others for Jesus. I hope that the people we encounter either come to know Christ and his love for them. Pray that his will be done. Eastminster Presbyterian Church
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Family Fest, Eastminster’s version of VBS, is an opportunity to have the best parts of the vacation Bible school experience as an adult and sharing it with your kids. I have found that adventures through my kids’ eyes make the experience more real to me. Kids have a way of seeing things as they really are without all the filters that adults bring to the table, and they dedicate themselves 100% to whatever they are doing. Since my kids ask my husband and I so many questions, there is no way we can just go through the motions – they expect us to be authentic and present the whole time. I am looking forward to the experiences we will have together as a family at this year’s Family Fest and those that I will share with the other parents. My children still recall memories from last year’s event and it is common to hear around our house, “Do you remember when we threw water balloons at Daddy at church? Do you remember when we played the game with the backpacks? Do you remember when we made that craft together?” These memories and the conversations that they begin are all a precious gift.
Family Fest by Heather Schwanz, Eastminster parent and Family Fest volunteer
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know that summer is truly on its way when I hear murmurings of vacation Bible school. Memories come back to me of noodle necklaces, silly songs, and snack time with homemade cookies and red kool-aid. To my kids, mentioning vacation Bible school brings up some similar memories but some that are very different – but I think in a good way.
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This year’s Family Fest has a wet and wild theme with Operation Overboard: Dare to Go Deep with God! This is a family experience with activities for everyone. We will have great songs to get you moving, recreation to get the heart pumping, and an exploration station to get the mind thinking. The end of July is that lull between those first few weeks of summer vacation when we enjoy not having to go to school each day and the last weeks when we are getting excited about starting a new school year. What better way to liven it up then spending some time under the sea! I would not trade the experiences I had with vacation Bible
school growing up. I went to a smaller church and so we combined with others churches each summer. It was great to meet new people and develop a relationship with them that had God as the common ground. My fondest memories are when I was a teenager and I helped with younger kids’ classes. That is when I discovered that I liked helping others learn and sharing my experiences. It’s also what has urged me to help with this year’s event even though there won’t be a macaroni necklace anywhere in sight.
Opportunities to Dive Deeper I am very appreciative of the opportunities offered to do activities as a family at Eastminster. Since my husband and I both work we are always looking for ways to spend time together and stay connected as a family unit. As our children have grown we have not only participated in vacation Bible school but also with the Wednesday night classes and family events with His Faithful Sunday school class. These are always a lot of fun, and with three kids, Warren and I are always appreciative of the extra sets of eyes, ears and hands that are also looking out for our kids. I hope that more families in our congregation will make time to participate in Family Fest this year and in the other activities that are available. I believe that it has been important for our kids to see us make time for God and I would not trade the memories that we have made, or the ones that are to come. We can’t wait to see you at the beach!
Family Fest 2012 Operation Overboard July 24 – 27, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Registration begins June 3, closes July 1 Experience an underwater universe adventure during this summer’s Family Fest, Operation Overboard: Dare to Go Deep With God! It’s a deepdiving adventure for the whole family! Together we will become divers-in-training at Operation Overboard as we plunge into God’s Word and discover stories of deep faith. After a high-energy opening with music and drama at Ocho’s Cove, we’ll journey to the Underwater Passage. Interactive Bible lessons reveal five ocean insights for living as a follower of God, and you and your divers will discover Sea Scripture memory verses to boost your family’s faith long after Family Fest. You and your kids will expand on what you’ve discovered by participating in a variety of activities like: exploring science activities and aquatic arts at Exploration Station, participating in recreational activities at High Tide Hangout, and a time set aside just for parents. Family Fest is for kids ages 4 through fifth grade and their parents. Nursery through 3-year-olds will have their own programming. Join us each night, or on the nights you’re able. But don’t stop there ... as a family invite friends without a church home to come with you. Registration is open June 3 – July 1.
How to register Pick up a family registration form at the information kiosks or in the Children’s Ministries Wing. Invite your friends! We have “dive tickets” available with all the Family Fest info for you to use as you invite friends and neighbors. Questions? Contact Barbara Osborne at 634.0337, ext. 215, or bosborne@ eastminster.org.
Eastminster Presbyterian Church
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Hope + Healing World Impact’s Mobile Medical Clinic offers medical services to some of Wichita’s poorest neighborhoods, but also the chance at spiritual healing and wholeness.
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ften we don’t think twice about going to see a doctor. For many of us, medical care is a given when we’re sick, need a check-up or a teeth cleaning. But for those in Wichita who might not have the ability or funds to seek medical help, World Impact has found a way to serve. Through the Mobile Medical Clinic program, World Impact serves those in Wichita in need of medical care and attention. Often patients can’t or don’t seek medical help because they lack insurance, are unable to pay for services, are without transportation, or don’t speak English. The clinic seeks to bridge these gaps by offering free medical care in the very neighborhoods that need it most. This is possible because the Mobile Clinic is a 35-foot medical van fully equipped with exam and treatment rooms, a small pharmacy and medical equipment. Medical services provided include acute primary care, blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, breathing treatments, preventative healthcare, physiclal examinations, pregnancy tests, health education and counseling. But beyond meeting physical needs, the mobile clinic also addresses spiritual and emotional needs of clients. While patients are helped physically, they are also prayed for and whenever possible connected with a local church for ongoing spiritual care. In this way the clinic provides a unique outreach opportunity in neighborhoods where World Impact has planted churches.
Medical Evangelism Al Ewart, World Impact’s Mid-West Regional Vice President, helps oversee the program which works with volunteer doctors, nurses and dentists in partnership with churches serving the community. “We wanted this mobile clinic to be connected to churches with church plants and to partner with other churches,” he says. “The Mobile Medical Clinic started as a separate but connected
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ministry set up to go out in the community to provide free medical care to the truly poor. A donor who started World Impact in Philadelphia gave us the mobile clinic and Dr. Richard Spann was part of the vision for this clinic. It was designed and built specifically around our needs and cost $250,000, but it was a gift to us from this donor. The entire program was designed for medical evangelism, with a heart for the poor and a heart for evangelism.” After receiving medical treatment, patients are often then connected in to the church and begin attending services there.
The Gift of Healing Two of Eastminster’s medical professionals, Dr. Richard Spann and Dr. Chris Majors, give of their time and talent to the medical clinic ministry. “The Mobile ministry helps meet the physical needs of those people who are not able to have insurance, fall into the cracks of the current medical care system, and those who for other reasons are not able to be seen by other facilities,” explains Richard. “The reason it was established, however, was as an opportunity to bring those people into identification with the person of Jesus Christ. There are several other clinics in town which are able to serve the physical needs. Our purpose is to integrate the spiritual with the physical. In addition, by placing these areas of outreach at inner city churches, it is able to use volunteers from those churches to establish spiritual connection with these new believers and to integrate them into the life of the church.”
“The entire program was designed for medical evangelism, with a heart for the poor and a heart for evangelism.” - Al Ewart Chris Majors, who is a dentist, offers care through dental programs with the clinic. “I have served as an advisory board member for the mobile ministry for the past eight years. I also directed the first mobile dentistry outreach mission for the Lighthouse (a World Impact Ministry) three years ago. We offered an ‘urgent dental pain clinic.’ I was instrumental in recruiting the Wichita State University dental residents to help me serve in that mission project. According to Al Ewart, it was a huge success. We had people lined up to have teeth extracted, due to severe dental pain and the inability to pay for those services. This ministry opened the door for people in the surrounding community to learn more about the Lighthouse ministry and it took care of their oral health urgent care needs such as ‘pain abatement.’”
Spiritual Healing It’s the spiritual aspect of the ministry that the volunteers say is the most rewarding part of serving with the clinic. “Last year, one of the patients who had been seen at the Lighthouse Community Church prayed to receive Christ after being seen at the Clinic that day. She has since had her life transformed by Christ and is now a member of that congregation,” shares Richard. “Witnessing the interaction between our residents at WSU and the patients being served made me smile,” says Chris. “The residents were ministered to in ways that they would not have experienced in a traditional dental clinic. The patients were hurting and most were very appreciative for the mission project and the hard work of our team. People who serve as clinicians are as ministered to as those whom we serve as patients.”
Locations of Impact The Mobile Clinic currently serves at Lighthouse Community Church on Thursdays (5 to 7 p.m.) and Restored Community Church on Tuesdays (5 to 7 p.m.), near Twin Lakes. The clinic previously served out of First Baptist, which now has a clinic of their own within their own facility. “We have had several of these churches which eventually set up their own physical clinics within the church building,” says Al of the program’s expansion and outreach.
Mobile Medical Clinic: How Can You Help? World Impact has opportunities to serve in the mobile medical ministry. Opportunities include: • Doctors • Nurses • Dentists • Dental or medical technicians • Clerical volunteers • Volunteers to talk and pray with patients Currently the mobile unit travels to two locations per week, from 5 to 7 p.m. Volunteers usually serve on an every-other-week basis. World Impact hopes to expand the program to more locations once volunteers become available. To serve with the ministry, contact Miles Kennedy at 605.890.9646 or mkennedy@worldimpact.org.
Al says volunteers are key to the clinic success. “Lighthouse is a Wichita Impact church plant. Here’s a little church of about 80 people in Oaklawn, one of the poorest areas in Wichita. People from the church do all the set up each week. Patients come into the church, they are prayed with, their patient information is taken in, and then they go see the doctor in the mobile clinic. All this is done through volunteers, at no charge to patient. It is completely empowering to this little church to offer this clinic. “Someone came to the clinic from a trailer court who was just one step away from homelessness. There’s about 50 trailers in the court, and it’s the poorest of the poor who live there. Now there is a Bible study there every Saturday night. A man named James, who first came to the clinic, rededicated his life to the Lord and now hosts this study.” It’s this kind of radical transformation that Al, Richard and Chris say make the mobile clinic such a unique ministry. Beyond physical healing, the ministry offers the most important kind of healing: a restorative relationship with Jesus Christ, encouraged through the care of doctors and volunteers who want to point patients to Christ. Chris sums up the ministry well when he says, “I find this to be a wonderful way to share the love of Christ, foster the fellowship of believers and take care of the needs of people.”
The Mobile Clinic helps to overcome barriers to medical care by doing the following: • Poverty/Uninsured: All basic medical care and dental pain abatement services are provided at no cost. • Transportation: The clinic travels to different urban locations throughout the city. • Language: The clinic utilizes bilingual individuals as interpreters. • Spiritual Needs: Mobile staff build relationships for the purpose of encouraging and directing those with significant financial and emotional needs into restorative church communities. Eastminster Presbyterian Church Eastminster Presbyterian Church
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Summer Smorgasboard There’s something for everyone this summer at Eastminster. Here we highlight offerings for women, students and kids. More summer fun can be found at eastminster.org.
For Students: Summer Retreats Middle School Summer Retreat: Even If July 15 – 20 at Westminster Woods; Cost: $250, Registration deadline: July 1, Scholarship deadline: June 24
For Women: Summer Studies Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed: A Study of David By Beth Moore, Kay Arthur and Priscilla Shirer Meets every Tuesday in Fellowship Hall from 7 to 9 p.m. Begins June 12 Each segment of this study focuses on the life of David at a different stage: as a young man (by Priscilla Shirer), as a middleaged man (by Beth Moore), and as a man facing the final third of his life (by Kay Arthur). Leaders: Andrea MacCorkle (239.6484), Ann Ramseyer (634.2270) and Jane Yourdon (688-5678). Nehemiah: A Heart That Can Break by Kelly Minter Meets each Tuesday in the home of Sara Dunne,10 a.m to 12:30 p.m. June 5 through July 17 Like Kelly’s other studies in the Living Room Series, you’ll find authentic Bible teaching, recipes, and a relational approach. Are you ready to let God break your heart for a hurting, lost world and move you in compassion to be the hands and feet of Jesus? After study, we share lunch provided by groups of women in the study. Please pick up a book at the reception desk prior to June 5. Leaders: Sandra Middleton (733.5266), Janice Cole and Carol Brooks. Revelations: Continuing The Writings of John 10 to 11:30 a.m. May 16, 23, 30, June 27, July 11, 18, 25, August 1, 8, 15. C-12 Continues from the spring semester An in-depth study of the Writings of John. He wrote five New Testament books in his advanced age (85 - 95 A.D.) focusing on Christ’s teachings, deity and spiritual realities. This is an inductive Bible study approach and requires at least a six-week-unit commitment. Because this offering is unlike any other Bible study approach currently offered at Eastminster, please contact Carol Amstutz (651.0888) for more information before attending.
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Battles are inevitable but victory is not. There are times where radical faith requires us to understand that God’s plan trumps even our own understanding of victory. In this life, there will be times where life presents situations where we need to have faith: Even if our circumstances are difficult. Even if things don’t turn out the way we expect them to. Even if the odds are against us. Even if we are afraid. Even if we are tired. Even if we don’t feel like it. The good news for us is this: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus has already won. Join us for a spectacular retreat where we look at living a fearless life in the face of “even if” circumstances.
High School Summer Retreat: Eternal Immigration Becoming a Citizen of Heaven July 8 – 13 at Westminster Woods, $250, Registration deadline: June 24, Scholarship deadline: June 17
We’ll focus on Jesus’ parables about the kingdom of heaven as we take a look at where our true citizenship lies. We’ll learn how this world is not our home, and ask how we should live here on earth as citizens of heaven.
For Kids: Summer Kid’s Day Out Veggie Tales Wednesdays: June 6, 13, 20, 27 and July 11, 18 OR Thursdays: June 7, 14, 21, 28 and July 12, 19, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
It’s a very Veggie summer with Bob, Larry and the whole Veggie Tales gang! Join us for some summer fun as we learn, play and grow together. Enrollment is now open! Call us at 634.1195 for more details. Summer KDO is for ages 3 months to those going into third grade.
Senior Ministries Senior Spotlight: Dick Todd Dick Todd’s deep love of history, the church, and of books makes him the perfect caretaker for the Eastminster library. A former Wichita State professor of history, Dick now spends his days organizing and cataloguing Eastminster’s extensive library. “The library began in 1973 with a bookcase in the pastor’s office, at the old building at 9th and Armour,” recalls Dick. Today, our library fills two rooms and is an ever-growing and expanding collection of resources, references, novels and more. Dick was a history professor for 30 years, and also holds a theology degree from Fuller Seminary. “I have an interest in both history and theology,” says Dick, “and this compells me to work the collection in the best possible way for those subjects. I love to study how history relates to Scripture.” Dick has spent many years carefully developing and catagorizing Eastminster’s book collection, a system based off the Dewey 200. “We have a Concourse computer
system which identifies the books by title, classification number, contents, and IBM number. There is a separate computer for anyone who needs to find books.” The Eastminster library currently holds about 7,000 titles. “The most popular seem to be children’s books,” Dick chuckles. “Having a library at the chuch is so important because it primarily serves as a reference tool, especially for those interested in exploring Scripture, the history of the Old and New Testaments, and Christianity,” says Dick. “We also have tapes by Kenneth Bailey, John Gerstner and R.C. Sproul, as well as publications like Christianity Today.” Dick is thankful for the other library volunteers who help him with the ministry. Mary Ellen Schwieger processes and files the books and checkout cards. Georgia Chandler also serves the library by decorating the front window seasonally and choosing books to display there.
Dick’s faithful service is highlighted by his care and dedication to his ministry. You can often find him at the church working in the library, spending many hours in service of Eastminster. Dick hopes everyone will take full advantage of the resources found in the library. “I truly hope those in our church who need information will start there, and that everyone is aware of what a wonderful resource our library can be.”
Summer Sundays: Come Together Six weeks of special summer worship and learning! July 8 – August 12. Sundays are fresh and fun this summer with a whole new look! We’re stepping out of the summer slump and into six weeks of high-energy, dynamic teaching and worship. Yes, the Sunday morning schedule looks a little different, but it’s packed full of opportunities to Come Together as a church family, hear from our pastoral staff, and get to know some friends who may be in a different life stage or worship at a different hour. It’s all in the name of love and unity, so Get Back into the swing of things this summer with our special Sunday morning worship and class schedule! Summer worship runs July 8 – August 12.
Summer Schedule 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. Traditional worship in the Sanctuary We’ll say Good Morning Good Morning to you because our classic service is bright and early this summer!
10 – 10:45 a.m. All-church class with our ministry team; Gym Spend some time with our ministers during this special all-church class. Let It Be your chance to get to know others in the Eastminster family as well as get some teaching from the Word. 11 a.m. to noon Contemporary worship in the Sanctuary That’s All Right if you didn’t make it to our early service, you can join us for contemporary worship at 11! For Kids There’s child care for ages 0 to 4 during all three hours. 10 – 10:45 a.m. Here Comes the Sun during awesome programming just for kids! Summer Sundays will include music, games, puppets and drama in the Student Center. Middle School will meet from 10 – 10:45 a.m. in the MS Basement for a laid-back approach to Sunday mornings. High School students have the option to help out with the children’s program or join in the all-church class. You Know What to Do! Eastminster Presbyterian Church
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Non Profit Org. US Postage
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Wichita, KS Permit No. 1293
Eastminster Presbyterian Church 1958 N. Webb Road • Wichita, Kansas 67206 316.634.0337 • www.eastminster.org
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. Associate Director of Communications: Courtney Browning (cbrowning@eastminster.org).
July 1 Worship + Picnic One service at 10:30 a.m. A worship celebration not to miss as we gather as a church body to glorify the Lord and thank him for his blessings to our nation. We’ll enjoy a patriotic message and favorite hymns and songs, including: America, the Beautiful, God Bless America, and God of our Fathers. The morning will be a traditional worship gathering with Chancel Choir, organ and a brass quartet. Child care for birth through 4 years will be available. All-Church Picnic We’ll have an old-fashioned, all-American picnic following worship! Bring the whole family for food and games, and get to know others from Eastminster at this all-church event. Hot dogs, condiments and drinks will be provided, but please bring a side or dessert to share.
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Eastwind Newsletter
Help kids SOAR in their faith. Volunteer today! As believers we want to know God more and point others to Christ. A great way to live this out is through serving in Children’s Ministries this fall. Partner with parents in helping kids wonder about God and discover who he is. Help them develop passion for Christ as they SOAR in their faith. Children’s Ministries is looking for all kinds of teachers, helpers and volunteers for 2012-2013, and Sunday morning and Wednesday evening teams are forming now. Opportunities include: • Sundays at 9:30 a.m. with nursery through fifth grade • Sundays at 11 a.m. with nursery through Pre-K and in Kid’s Worship • Wednesday evenings with nursery through Kindergarten • Wedneday night AMPD with Kindergarten through fifth grade. • Children’s Choir directors on Wednesday nights • Special Events We want you to lead where you are! Whether you’d like to be part of a teaching team, an administrator or a helper, we have a place for you. We are a flexible team that supports one another from week to week, and we’d love to have you join us! If you would like to lift up a child’s tomorrow by serving in Children’s Ministires, contact Barbara Osborne at 634.0337, ext. 215, or bosborne@eastminster.org, or you can fill out a registration form in the Children’s Ministries office.