3rd Annual
Dads+ Dodgeball MAy/JUNE 2014 Issue No. 7
Sunday Mornings Worship Services Communion Service Wynne Chapel 8:15 am
Sanctuary Services 9:30 & 11 am
Contemporary Service Gym
Highland Park Pres goes to the Arts district performance by highland park chorale & orchestra
(Hunt Bldg 3rd floor)
11:05 am
All Nations Service Bell Center
(Basement of Alexander Bldg)
11 am
Sunday, June 1, 7–9 pm Dallas City Performance Hall hppc.org/highlanderconcerts
Chinese-Mandarin Service H018 11 am *Child Care is provided 8 am–1:30 pm
The Core 4
Sunday Morning Communities Children & Youth hppc.org/sundaysforchildrenyouth
Adults hppc.org/classescommunities
Building Blocks for Life as a Disciple of Jesus Christ Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
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hppc.org/core4
Page 21 | Basketball is a big part of Youth Ministry at HPPC
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devotional by the Pastor Nominating Committee
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Children’s Ministry Preparing for the Future
7
early childhood ministry Farewell to Co-Op Ministry
8
HPPDS Day School Developments
10
Photos Life at HPPC
12
member spotlight Dorothy Moore
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Women’s ministry Creating a Life of Legacies
14
ECO VOWS New Officers Take ECO Vows
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new officers Elders, Deacons and Trustee
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HPPC CALENDAR Upcoming and Recurring Events
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Men’s Ministry Duck Call Dinner
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Building community Inspiring a Young Generation
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Youth Ministry Baskets + Bibles @ HPPC
22
Photos Life at HPPC
25
parish news
27
eCO Why Do We Need Essential Tenets?
28
Missionary Focus Kevin and Laurie
29
Outreach Reaching the Unchurched
30
biblical justice Justice Week at HPPC
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Youth Missions Best. Lemonade Stand. EVER.
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Worship in spirit and in truth by Dr. Greg Hobbs
Featured on the cover: Mark and his son, Oliver Downey, at M.A.S.H.’s Dads & Dodgeball annual event.
Connect Magazine is published bi-monthly by Highland Park Presbyterian Church 3821 University Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75205 Postmaster: Send address change to Connect Magazine 3821 University Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75205 Periodicals Postage Pending at Dallas, TX
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Pastor nominating committee
Preparing Our Hearts
Loving and praying for our next senior pastor “He is risen! He is risen, indeed!” As we proclaimed this
truth on Easter morning, we affirmed Christ’s victory over death as well as His immeasurable love for each and every one of us. The reality of the Resurrection transforms how we live our lives and how we love others – both as individuals and as a corporate body. So as a congregation, let us strive to follow Christ’s command to love one another as we prepare our hearts and minds to welcome our next senior pastor. We obey our Father by simply committing to love him and to pray for our next senior pastor, his family and for our church during this time of transition. So how do you love and appreciate someone you don’t even know? Throughout Scripture, God’s infallible Word confirms this obedience to love. In his letter to the church at Thessalonica, Paul addressed the corporate life of the church with the following plea, And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love! (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13, The Message). It is important to remember that Christian love is not a feeling – but a choice. If we choose to be concerned with the well-being of others and desire to love and respect them, the Holy Spirit will equip us to follow through and express it! Praise be to God! As a church body united with Christ, let us enthusiastically respond to Paul’s instruction that out of our love for Christ we will love and encourage our next senior pastor. Paul reiterates this very truth in Philippians 2:1–4, Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility
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value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. The Pastoral Nominating Committee’s prayer is for us all to boldly come together in unity to support the next senior pastor’s vision for our church as well as to support him and his family as they become part of our church family. What can we do right now? The answer is simple: Pray! What better way to begin to show love and support for our next senior pastor than to commit as a congregation to pray fervently and consistently for him, his family and our entire church? While we trust the Lord will put things on our hearts individually during this time of preparation and transition, here are a few specific prayer requests: Pray that God will keep our hearts and minds open to what He has in store for us as a church…waiting patiently, yet expectantly. Pray that we will unite in love as the body of Christ to support the next senior pastor – committing to being a loving, nurturing, prayerful, humble, helpful community ready to do great things together with our new pastor. And a special request from our next senior pastor: “Pray for joy during the transition. We are leaving a congregation that has meant so much to our family. We are exhilarated by the idea of moving to Dallas, but pray that the Lord will help make the transition smooth for our family.” So as you go through the coming months, please make it a priority in your life and in the life of your family to pray for our church and for its newest leader. In God’s sovereignty, He has provided for us!
Save-the-Date! A monthlong Intergenerational Sunday School Class Youth–Senior Adults Sundays, July 6–27 9:30 am Details at hppc.org/intergen
June 9–13 hppc.org/vbs
Last Chance to sign up for Summer Youth Mission Trips!
JAM56
Galveston, TX Mission Trip Grades: Completed 5th–6th Dates: June 23–28 Youth Price: $400 | Parent price: $200
Middle School
Charleston, SC Mission Trip Grades: Completed 7th–8th Dates: June 15–22 or July 13–20 Price: $850
High School
Washington, D.C. Mission Trip Grades: Completed 9th–12th Dates: June 22–29 Price: $1,050
Genesis Youth Choir Atlanta, GA Mission Trip
Register at hppc.org/GO
Grades: Completed 7th–12th Dates: June 14–19 Price: $775 Must be an active choir member
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children’s ministry
News for the Children’s Ministry HPPC comes alongside weekday ministries to position for future success For all of our HPPC families, I would like to take this opportunity to explain some recent changes that affect the Highland Park Presbyterian Day School (HPPDS) and Parent’s Co-Op. After much discussion and consideration, HPPC has made a strategic decision to restructure and streamline our weekday educational offerings for toddlers and preschool-age children. We have worked with the Day School to introduce a new Toddler Program for the 2014-15 school year. It was not feasible to offer competing weekday educational options, so we decided to end the beloved Parent’s Co-Op program after 42 years of powerful ministry to parents of children ages 2, 3 and 4 years of age.
This was not an easy decision. We’re working closely with the Day School to ensure aspects of Co-Op will be incorporated into the Day School’s new Toddler Program. Thank you to each one of you who has helped make Parent’s Co-Op the incredible ministry that it is. For 61 years, HPPDS has been a critical part of HPPC’s ministry to children and families in our community.
Hundreds of families have been blessed by the Day School’s commitment to making disciples of Jesus Christ through academic excellence. In addition to the new offerings at the Day School, our Children’s Ministry is already developing concepts for new discipleship and community opportunities for parents of toddlers and preschool-age children during the weekdays. We’ll learn more about this in the next few months. I am sure that few things give the Lord more joy than when we teach our young children to sing praises to Him, pray faithfully and memorize Scripture to carry in their hearts for a lifetime. We look forward to seeing what God has in store with our youngest generation in the years to come.
Mark Story, HPPC Executive Director
Elementary Activities Family Activities Monday nights are family Bible study nights. Fridays the whole family will have fun at events like movies, baseball and board games.
Day Adventure Trips Tuesdays feature full-day outings to the zoo, the water park, a museum and the arcade.
Lunch Bunches Rising 2nd /3rd and 4th/5th graders meet up for lunch once a week around the neighborhood.
Mini-Camps Wednesdays–Fridays are half day camps where kids can learn things like sewing, magic and cooking.
Pool Time Drop your kids Wednesday
hppc.org/summerathppc
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afternoons at the UP pool for some splash time with their friends.
Parent’s Co-Op ends after 42 years of fun and memories Tiny hands digging in the sand,
children taking turns saying the Psalm 23 with hand motions, tables of kids learning to count, little ones snuggled up in a lap looking at picture books. These were just a few of the activities you would see at HPPC’s Parent’s CoOp Program. This May, the Co-Op will ring its final class bell. The Parent’s Co-Op ministry (formerly Mother’s Co-Op) began in the fall of 1972 with a group of mothers and their 10 children between the ages of 2 and 3. The mothers cooperated with one other in leading their children to explore,
In a uniquely effective way, Co-Op has been supporting parents for decades with hands-on, involved Christian education and age-appropriate academic building blocks.
parent's co-op
Farewell to a Beloved HPPC Ministry
A strong emphasis on Bible stories and the nurturing of spiritual growth made this ministry a popular choice for parents of young children. Parent’s Co-Op also encouraged growth in social, emotional and intellectual skills with attention to pre-reading, writing and math skills woven into the daily activities. “Words cannot express what the Co-Op
I was blessed to experience my children’s light bulb moments, especially in a faith-based environment. Even after 19 years, many of the moms are still dear friends today. – Carrie Green experiment and experience God’s created world and His relationship to it. Parents also learned from one another as they shared the life stages of their children together. During the past 40 years, parents of young children have had a wonderful opportunity to participate in a ministry that provided their child with a positive and nurturing group experience led by loving and qualified teachers. The program also guided and encouraged parents to be their child’s primary teacher. It’s the church’s responsibility to help teach, guide, model and encourage our parents to make this a reality in their approach to Christian parenting.
has meant to me. I was blessed beyond measure to be a part of this special program for 27 years. The memories of these precious little ones learning the Word of God and about the love of God in Co-Op will forever bring joy to my heart,” said beloved teacher Miss Judy (McCutchin). Parents and teachers alike will cherish memories from those sweet times in their children’s lives in the Parent’s CoOp Ministry. The Children’s Ministry is exploring and planning new opportunities for Christian education and community on weekdays for parents with young children.
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highland park pres day school
New Day School Developments HPPDS launches a new Toddler Program for 2014-15 school year the day school was founded in 1952 with the belief
that the early childhood years are the most crucial to the establishment of sound educational practices and biblical values. The 2014-15 school year, under the leadership of the new Executive Director, Sarah Good, is one that is expected to reinvigorate the school’s founding purpose. In 2013, the school board and administration decided to refocus their efforts on being the very best at academically educating and spiritually nurturing children in the early childhood years (ages 1 through 8). With that in mind, a Toddler Program for 1 and 2-year-olds has been created, while the 2nd–5th grade classes will no longer be offered. Sarah said, “Thinking about the needs of busy parents helped shape our discussions. One of the most important things to parents is finding a program that best fits their schedules. Because we have so many options for younger children, parents are able to sync up their whole family together. People are very excited for the upcoming year!” Parents who participated in the Co-Op program in the past will see a similar spirit of parental encouragement, guidance and involvement in their children’s development. HPPDS has always had the commitment to become a partner with parents and to build children’s firm foundation for later learning and growth and the Toddler Program will be no exception.
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When asked about what she enjoys about the Day School, Curriculum Coordinator and Pre-K teacher Bettina Ernst said, “For the past 16 years I have been with the school, I love seeing the children’s eyes light up as they discover new things through the lens of being a child of God. These years are critical to establish a love of learning and a firm spiritual foundation. We hope the passion ignited for learning and Christian roots will go with them as they continue on in their education wherever they might go.” This fall, as the Day School enters its 62nd year, it will continue to be valued for its low student-teacher ratio as well as its approach to the whole child experience, not just academia. It will be cherished for the rich traditions like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter services, Grandfriends’ Day, field day and end-of-year celebrations. It will be loved for the welcoming, open-door policy that invites parents to visit and also participate in their child’s learning experience. The following page gives some highlights of each of the programs offered at the Day School. Visit hppds.org for in-depth information about programs, philosophies and enrollment.
Toddler Program Ages: 1 and 2 1 and 2 Day Programs (1/2 day)
highland park pres day school
The Day School is fully accredited by the Texas Alliance of Accredited Private Schools (TAAPS)
Class time focuses on gross and fine motor skills, cognitive reasoning, language development and social/emotional development, with Christian curriculum woven throughout. Motor lab and music are part of the program.
Beginners Program Ages: 3 and 4 2, 3, 4 and 5 Day Programs (1/2 and Full Day) This is a time to further social and emotional skills to prepare for Pre-K. Thematic units and specials encourage exploration and enthusiasm. Godly play and chapel are introduced.
Pre-K Program Ages: 4 and 5 4 and 5 Day Programs (1/2 and Full Day) Children begin art, science and Spanish classes. Kindergarten readiness skills are taught. Unique in-school field trips take learning to the next level.
Kindergarten Ages: 5 and 6 5 Day Program (Full Day) This time builds an academic foundation for later learning. Balanced approach to literacy using phonics and whole language learning.
Primer and First Grade Ages: 6 and 7 5 Day Program (Full Day) Primer and first-grade students take an active role in leadership and serve as role models for younger students. Refine academic skills in preparation for further education. Graduates go to schools like Providence, Covenant, HPISD and Trinity Christian Academy.
For enrollment visit
hppds.org 9
LIFE at HPPC HPPDS girls were all smiles on a snowy day.
Addison Holmes, Dendy Hogan, Laura Cook and Caroline Ellis
Dana Allin and Rev. Molly Jones chatted after he preached at the 1105 service on Feb. 9.
Ladies came together at Legacy of Faith Dinner Sarah Hawn, Kelly Sloan Conway and Shirley Sloan
Women’s Legacy of Faith Dinner on Feb. 23
Katherine Boruff, Julianne Deering and Nancy Monning
º Members of HPPC’s College Ministry headed to Houston for the Passion Conference Feb. 14-15.
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Middle School Annual Polar Bear Retreat Polar Bears got down and dirty and had a blast.
Allessandra Tilley (front) and Mary Crow Miller (back)
Alex Kangethe shared his gift of ukulele at the One Gallery opening for HPISD artists.
The ONE Gallery Show was a family affair for the
Cokers, who made two submissions. Beth McHaney, Katherine Coker, Olivia Coker, Blanche Coker and Key Coker
Scout Sunday was Feb. 9
Scoutmaster Mike Sliva, Drew Champion, Conrad Hansen and Field Parsons
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member spotlight
Member Spotlight Dorothy Moore | On the Front Lines Reconciliation Outreach (RO) founder and ordained minister Dorothy Moore shares her legacy of helping the people of Old East Dallas through difficult and often desperate times. She is pictured here in the new RO library.
Tell us a little bit about you and how you landed at HPPC. My husband and I met in San Diego, fell in love and got married. When Bob was appointed general counsel at Texas Instruments, we headed to Dallas in the early 1980s. I came to know the Lord at the age of 30 at HPPC and began a new life of surrender and serving Him. We have four children and three wonderful grandchildren. Bob and I currently attend the Acts 2 Sunday community.
How did Reconciliation Outreach begin? In 1987, it started with eight street kids from a multichurch tent crusade in Old East Dallas that hungered for knowledge of Christ. These few grew into a Bible study for more than 100 children. While sharing with these kids, I ran into many inner-city women with a lot of problems like drugs, abuse and prostitution. We started taking care of them in a nearby house provided by a charity organization. Shortly after that, we started a men’s group.
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To date, RO has impacted more than 20,000 lives. We have a men’s and women’s residential program, prison after-care program, a charter school for low-income families, affordable transitional housing, an after-school program for children and a summer camp. It is amazing the direction that God has led us and continues to lead us.
How would you describe the heart of the organization? I feel like RO is more than just a ministry. We are closer to being like a mission base overseas. Ninety percent of the people that come to us are unchurched and are often in the midst of life and death crises. They enter in and sell out to Christ – they know that changing their lives is impossible without Him. A lot of folks come to us with a history of abuse. They are angry, distrustful and often rebellious. We offer a safe environment where they don’t have to be tough. They can open up and be real. They can find true healing and learn to
trust by first trusting in Jesus Christ. I feel very strongly about creating crosscultural relationships. Building a bridge of friendship between “the haves” and the “have-nots” dissipates the anger felt by so many. We have so much we can share with them, and they with us.
Tell us about the role of worship in your ministry. Worship is the key component to helping those in the program. Singing praises and pouring your heart out to the Lord have an amazing healing quality. We have chapel every single day for our residents and also most evenings for those in the community.
Do you have a special story about the ministry to share? We have seen so many men, women and youth have their lives radically changed by coming to know the love of Christ and the power of His healing. A neat experience that comes to mind is one that I shared alongside
Leah Fullinwider some years ago. We brought the ladies from the program to shine a bunch of old tarnished silver found in a church basement. As we all worked diligently away, one of the gal’s face brightened with a realization. She said, “Sister Dorothy, I am just like this teapot. It was tarnished and forgotten, but with a little bit of work, it shines up bright and seems just like new!”
passionate and come with a heart for serving the Lord and these people – we always need them.
financially support Dorothy’s ministry by contributing through the designated giving fund at HPPC.
If you feel led to volunteer, contact duffy.johnson@hppc.org or you can
Are other HPPC members involved at RO? We have had so much support over the years from numerous HPPC members! I am delighted that JAM56 kids (HPPC 5th and 6th Graders) have been spending quality time with the younger children with soccer camps, gym time and wrapping Christmas presents for the families. It means the world to these children! I love that our volunteers are so
member spotlight | women’s ministry
Dorothy Moore | On the Front Lines, cont.
Children in the afterschool program enjoy building with Legos in the newly constructed recreational center.
Creating a Life of Legacies Madeline Wilson Robison and Dr. Bill Wilson shared words of wisdom we create. Even though we are born with plenty of legacies from those who have gone before us, in order to truly live the Christian life as we are called, we must demonstrate our faith all day, every day. Doing this naturally creates new legacies – ones to share with friends, family and whoever God places in your path.
Buff Amis (left) and Bettie Story shared a hug at the Legacy of Faith Dinner on Feb. 23.
For the first time in the history of the Legacy of Faith Dinner, a father and daughter team were invited to share generational wisdom. The 140 attendees were treated to a wonderful meal, fabulous fellowship and timely anecdotes.
Madeline Robison and her father, Dr. Bill Wilson, shared the podium to talk about legacies – those inherited and those
Madeline and Bill encouraged those who live in fear of whether they are capable of creating legacies, or gifts, that God uses everybody – especially average people – to do His work. All we have to do is to be willing and He takes over. People may also fear that others will not want or need the gifts they have to give. Surrendering to God will allow Him to place the right people in your path or to let them hear your words at just the perfect moment. Now is the time to trust in Him as He shapes our lives and legacies for the glory of His Kingdom. Visit hppc.org/women to join a summer Bible study, see upcoming events and ways to get involved in the Women’s Ministry. Listen to Madeline and Bill’s talk, at hppc.org/media.
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ECO: officer vows
New Officers Take ECO Vows for First Time When THE OFFICER CLASS of 2017 takes their vows and
are installed on Aug. 24, it will be the first group of elders, deacons and trustees at HPPC to use the vows of our new denomination, ECO. HPPC’s Executive Director Mark Story summarizes that on the whole the ECO vows are definitive, strong and simple statements of faith. He took a look at the first three in detail. “The first vow talks about believing in the Trinity. It is Christ-centric. This ECO vow uses powerful words like ‘believe’ and ‘boldly declare.’ It also states clearly that we believe directly in the Triune God without any kind of intermediary.” “The second ECO vow leaves no doubt that Scripture is the Word of God. It makes clear that Scripture is the unique revelation of Jesus Christ – that there is no other subjective, direct experience that has higher authority.”
ECO 1a - Logo
“The third vow highlights one of primary reasons HPPC elected to change Presbyterian denominations with the move to ECO. It cites essential tenets – ones that are clearly stated and remove any diffusing lens of the Confessions.” Having tenets allows HPPC to clearly state what it believes and unite with other churches that also adopt and abide by the same creed. For a greater understanding, turn to page 27 of this issue for the first in a series of articles about ECO’s Essential Tenets by Rev. Dr. Michael Walker. “The ECO vows taken by our officers now give clear direction and are unambiguous. I look forward to serving alongside our new and existing officers under ECO and the new vows and essential tenets,” Mark said. To learn more about ECO and to download a copy of the Essential Tenets, visit hppc.org/eco.
Color
ECO
Officer Vows
Do you believe in One God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and do you boldly declare Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and acknowledge Him Lord of all and Head of the Church? Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New
Testament to be the Word of God, and, inspired by the Holy Spirit, the unique witness to Jesus Christ and the authority for Christian faith and life? Will you receive, adopt, and be bound by the Essential Tenets of ECO as a reliable exposition of what Scripture teaches us to do and to believe, and will you be guided by them in your life and ministry? Relying on the Holy Spirit, do you humbly submit
to God’s call on your life, committing yourself to God’s mission, and fulfilling your ministry in obedience to Jesus Christ, under the authority of Scripture and guided by our confessions?
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Will you be governed by ECO’s polity and discipline? And will you be accountable to your fellow elders, deacons, and pastors as you lead? Do you promise to be faithful in maintaining the truth of the Gospel and the peace unity, and purity of the Church? Will you pray for and seek to serve the people with energy, intelligence, imagination and love?
Elders Will you be a faithful elder, watching over the people in their worship, nurture and service to God?
Deacons Will you be a faithful deacon, serving the people, urging concern and directing the people’s help to those in need?
hppc.org/eco
Art Harding
Libby Hunt
John Monroe
Bill Ogle
Andy Raub
Clay Sell
Annette Vaughan
John Walsh
new officers – Class of 2017
Newly Elected Elders
Newly Elected Deacons & Trustee
A.B. Aston
Scott Austin
Susanne Bancroft
Ruth Ann Elmore
Lois Glasgow
Beth McHaney
Bonnie Mills
Mary Nix
Derrill Osborn
Not Pictured: Eloise Meacham - Deacon Mike Crain - Trustee
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Upcoming Calendar Date
Event
Location
Time
Thursday, May 1
National Day of Prayer Time of Prayer
Wynne Chapel
7–8 am
Hillier School National Day of Prayer Service
Wynne Chapel
8:30–9 am
Smokey John’s BBQ Bible Study
1820 W Mockingbird Ln
7–9 pm
Friday, May 2
Telling Your Own Story
Private Dining Room
9:30–10:30 am
Sunday, May 4
Senior Recognition Service & Lunch
Elliott Hall/Bell Center
11 am–1:30 pm
Carol Choir Musical
Alexander Hall
5:15–6 pm
Confirmation Class
Bell Center
6–7:30 pm
Tuesday, May 6
HPPC Serves at Austin Street Shelter
2929 Hickory St
11 am–1 pm
Wednesday, May 7
Gathering of Men Lunch
Elliott Hall
12–1 pm
Middle School – First Wednesday Big Group
Bell Center
6–7:30 pm
Wednesday Night Series
Elliott Hall
5:30–7:30 pm
Friday, May 9
All Nations Ladies Retreat
Sky Ranch
Sunday, May 11
All Nations Mother’s Day Service
Elliott Hall
11 am–3 pm
Monday, May 12
Women’s Ministry Monthly Bible Study Circles
Various Locations
Varies
Troop 82 Court of Honor Ceremony & Dinner
Elliott Hall/Sanctuary
6–9 pm
Chinese Ministry – Dad’s Breakfast
Elliott Hall
7–8 am
Wednesday Night Series
Elliott Hall
5:30–7:30 pm
JAM56 Fiasco Cup
Williams Park
6–7:30 pm
Deacon Dinner
Elliott Hall
5:45–7:30 pm
Smokey John’s BBQ Bible Study
1820 W Mockingbird Ln
7–9 pm
Troop 80 Court of Honor Ceremony & Dinner
Wynne Chapel & Elliott Hall
1–5 pm
Body & Soul Ministry – Breakfast to the Homeless
Off Campus
7:30–10:30 am
VBS Vounteer Training
Alexander Hall
12:15–1:30 pm
JAM56: 3rd Sunday Breakdown
Off Campus
1–2:30 pm
Brown Bag & a Book
H018
12–1 pm
Management Council Meeting
H018
5–7 pm
Tuesday, May 20
Vacation Bible School Volunteer Training
Alexander Hall
6–7:30 pm
Wednesday, May 21
Wednesday Night Series
Elliott Hall
5:30–7:30 pm
Monday, May 26
Church & Offices Closed for Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 27
Session Meeting
H020
5:30–8 pm
Wednesday, May 28
Chinese Ministry – Dad’s Breakfast
Elliott Hall
7–8 am
Wednesday Night Series
Elliott Hall
5:30–7:30 pm
HPPDS Sending Forth Ceremony
Wynne Chapel
10–11:45 am
HPPDS Teddy Bear Picnic
Rhodus Garden
10:30–11:30 am
HPPDS Field Day
Williams Park
9 am–12 pm
HPPDS Teddy Bear Picnic
Rhodus Garden
10:30–11:30 am
Wednesday, May 14
Thursday, May 15 Saturday, May 17 Sunday, May 18 Monday, May 19
Thursday, May 29 Friday, May 30
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May
June
Visit hppc.org/calendar for the most up-to-date information.
Date
Event
Location
Time
Sunday, June 1
Covenant Parenting
Wight Garden
9:30–10:30 am
Highlander Concert – Highland Park Chorale
City Performance Hall
7–9 pm
Tuesday, June 3
HPPC Serves at Austin Street Shelter
2929 Hickory St
11 am–1 pm
Wednesday, June 4
Hillier School Field Day
Williams Park
10:30 am–1pm
Thursday, June 5
Hillier School Baccalaureate & Awards Ceremony
Elliott Hall
1–2 pm
Smokey John’s BBQ Bible Study
1820 W Mockingbird Ln
7–9 pm
Off Campus
4–6 pm
Friday, June 6
High School Boys Houseboat Trip Departs**
Saturday, June 7
Honduras Mission Trip Departs** All Nations Ladies Bible Study
Sunday, June 8
IJM Advocacy Mission Trip Departs**
Monday, June 9
Vacation Bible School
Alexander Bldg
9:30 am–12 pm
Tuesday, June 10
Vacation Bible School
Alexander Bldg
9:30 am–12 pm
Wednesday, June 11
Chinese Ministry – Dad’s Breakfast
Elliott Hall
7–8 am
Vacation Bible School
Alexander Bldg
9:30 am–12 pm
Vacation Bible School Family Night
Elliott Hall
6–7:30 pm
Genesis Youth Choir Mission Trip Departs** Thursday, June 12
Vacation Bible School
Alexander Bldg
9:30 am–12 pm
Friday, June 13
Vacation Bible School
Alexander Bldg
9:30 am–12 pm
Saturday, June 14
Men’s Service Day at AELC
3531 N Westmoreland
9 am–12 pm
Sunday, June 15
Middle School Charleston Mission Trip 1 Departs** All Nations Father’s Day Service
Elliott Hall
11 am–3 pm
Elementary (Rising 2 & 3 ) Grade Lunch Bunch
Off Campus
11 am–12 pm
Brown Bag & a Book
H018
12–1 pm
Management Council Meeting
H018
5–7 pm
Elementary Family Summer Kickoff Party
Off Campus
6–8 pm
Tuesday, June 17
Elementary (Rising 2 –5 Grade) Adventure Trip**
Meet in Wight Garden
9:30 am–3:30 pm
Wednesday, June 18
Elementary (Rising 2nd–5th Grade) Pool Time
UP Pool
1:30–3 pm
Thursday, June 19
Elementary (Rising 4 & 5 Grade Lunch Bunch
Off Campus
11–12 pm
Friday, June 20
Elementary Family Fun Night
Off Campus
6–8 pm
Saturday, June 21
Body & Soul Ministry – Breakfast to the Homeless
Off Campus
7:30–10:30 am
Sunday, June 22
High School Washington D.C. Mission Trip Departs**
Monday, June 23
JAM56 Galveston Mission Trip Departs** Elementary (Rising 2nd & 3rd) Grade Lunch Bunch
Off Campus
11 am–12 pm
Session Meeting
H020
5:30–8 pm
Elementary Family Bible Study
Off Campus
6–8 pm
Monday, June 16
nd
nd
th
rd
th
th)
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Upcoming Calendar
June Location
continued
Date
Event
Tuesday, June 24
Elementary (Rising 2 –5 Grade) Adventure Trip**
Meet in Wight Garden 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Wednesday, June 25
Chinese Ministry – Dad’s Breakfast
Elliott Hall
7–8 am
Elementary (Rising 2 –5 Grade) Pool Time
UP Pool
1:30–3 pm
Thursday, June 26
Elementary (Rising 4 & 5 Grade Lunch Bunch
Off Campus
11 am–12 pm
Saturday, June 28
Elementary Family Fun Event
Off Campus
11 am–1:30 pm
Monday, June 30
Wee Summer Weekly**
Alexander Bldg
9:30 am–1 pm
nd
nd
th
th
th
th)
Time
Recurring Events Date
Event
Location
Time
Sundays
Morning Prayer Time With a Pastor
H019
8:30–9 am
Nursery (2 months–2 years)
Alexander Bldg
8 am–1:30 pm
Marriage Prep** (Through May 11)
Private Dining Room
9–10:30 am
Journey Into Membership** (Through June 8)
H017
9–10:30 am
Early Childhood Sunday School (2 yrs–Kindergarten)
Alexander Bldg
9:30 & 11 am
Elementary Sunday Morning (1 –4 Grade)
Alexander Bldg
9:30 am
JAM56 Sunday Morning (5th–6th Grade)
JAM56 Room
9:30 am
Youth Sunday Morning Communities
Bell Center
9:30 am
Adult Sunday Morning Communities
Locations Online
9:30 am & 11 am
Genesis Youth Choir Rehearsal* (Through June Trip)
Choral Hall
See Calendar
Mondays
Troop 82 Boy Scouts Meeting (Through May 19)
Bell Center
7:30–9 pm
Tuesdays
Yoga
H019
8:30–9:30 am
Women’s Brown Bag Bible Study (Begins June 5)
H018
11:30 am–1 pm
Highland Ringers Rehearsal
H017
6:30–7:30 pm
Families Anonymous Meeting
H019
7–8 pm
Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting
H018
7–8 pm
Troop 80 Boy Scouts Meeting (Through May 20)
Bell Center
7–9 pm
M.A.S.H. – Bible Study (1st–4th Grade) (Through May 14)
Alexander Hall & Gym
6–7:30 pm
JAM56 Wednesday Night Bible Study (Through May 14)
Gym & JAM56 Room
6–7:30 pm
DivorceCare Meeting (Through May 14)
Private Dining Room
6–7:30 pm
Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Choral Hall
7–9:30 pm
Frank Hundley Men’s Bible Study
H019
7:30–8:30 am
Early Birds Bible Study (Through May 29)
Bridesmaids’ Room
7:30–8:30 am
st
Wednesdays
Thursdays
th
*Check hppc.org/calendar for rehearsal schedules ** Advance registration required
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Recurring Events Thursdays, cont.
Fridays
Saturdays
continued
Summer Ladies Bible Study (Begins June 5)
H020
9:30–10:15 am
Elliott Handbell Ensemble Rehearsal
H017
6:30–8 pm
Young Adult Bible Study
Off Campus
7-8:30 pm
Chorale Rehearsal* (Through May 29)
Choral Hall
7–9 pm
Women’s Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting
H019
7-8 pm
Men’s Breakfast at Flying Fish
Off Campus
7-8 am
Friday Fellowship*** (Through May 16)
Elliott Hall
9 am–1 pm
Zumba Gold*** (Through May 16)
H020
9:30–10:30 am
Young Adult Women’s Bible Study (Begins June 20)
Parlor
10 am–12 pm
Bridge 101 Instruction
H019
12:45–4:30 pm
All Nations Youth Bible Study
Off Campus
7:30–9 pm
All Nations Worship Team Rehearsal
Bell Center
10 am–12:30 pm
Chinese Ministry Weekly Bible Study
H020
6:45–8:30 pm
*Check hppc.org/calendar for rehearsal schedules ** Advance registration required ***Friday Fellowship Programs Resume in the September. (Knitting continues through the Summer)
Events, dates and times are subject to change and reflect information received when the issue was sent to press. Visit hppc.org/calendar for most up-to-date information.
HPPC App It’s back! Download the HPPC app and get the latest Podcasts, Videos, Blogs, and event news. hppc.org/app
2014 National Gathering From Consumerism to Community
Monday, Aug. 18 – Wednesday, Aug. 20 InterContinental Hotel in Dallas Register today at
2014nationalgathering.com $180 before Aug. 1 / $225 after Aug. 1
Two days of worship, connection, training, Gospel teaching, prayer and inspiration! 19
men’s ministry | building community
Duck Call Dinner Rev. Richard Ellis speaks at the Men of the Church’s gathering A duck call is the process by which a hunter lures
waterfowl out from the place where they are hiding. Rev. Richard Ellis, pastor of Reunion Church in downtown Dallas, framed his frank discussion with 220 men of HPPC and their guests on Wednesday, Feb. 27 using this nod to a popular Texas hunting tradition. Each person has a calling in life. God has prepared it and is actively seeking our engagement. Are we listening? Or are we similar to Jonah who heard God’s distinct command and turned in the opposite direction.
sinful nature. Richard encouraged men in attendance to seek the wisdom and guidance of those around them for their own sake as well as the sake of their families. A life seeking and not running from God’s call is a rich and blessed one. Connect with men of the church through a variety of yearround activities. For more information and to link to the Duck Call event audio, visit hppc.org/men.
Richard challenged men by asking them about what they flee to when avoiding God’s call – pornography, drugs, alcohol? People might feel like good Christians for attending church or doing other “good deeds,” but the Gospel According to Mark explains that often these seeds are sown among thorns. We can hear the Word, it can fill our hearts, yet the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. (Mark 4:19) God commands us not to be double-minded. We cannot seek His will yet at the same time indulge in the satisfaction of our
Joseph Njuguna (left) and Wellington Gakuu fellowshiped at the Men of the Church’s Duck Call Dinner on Feb. 27.
Inspiring a Young Generation Artist Barvo Walker visits HPPDS to ignite curiosity and creativity One of the initiatives that came out of the Mission
Study Report last year was the church’s desire to bless all generations. One HPPC member who happens to be a worldrenowned sculptor did just that in February with a visit to HPPDS and Anne Scates’ Pre-K class. Barvo Walker spoke to the children about how he had a great career as a dentist, but later felt called by God to become a sculptor. Even if you missed the One Gallery show last fall that featured his works on canvas and also several sculptures, you can always see his work on HPPC’s campus. In addition to the angel near the Columbarium, there is the Celtic cross at the altar in the HPPC Sanctuary. Barvo guided them to the Sanctuary and then explained the design of the cross to to them. He pointed out how it is a cross with a ring around it, which represents the fullness of life. He also talked about the metals he used on the sculpture – bronze, gold and silver. Barvo further divulged that the cross
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had a secret. He elaborated that he had placed a small box with a letter inside of it into the cross. The letter tells how the cross was made, when he created it and who purchased it for the church. The children were delighted to know this “secret.” Barvo helped inspire the children to design their own crosses out of clay. HPPDS is so appreciative of Barvo and the time he took to share his talents and knowledge with them. HPPC has a wealth of gifted and talented members. Bless the generations by sharing your story!
youth ministry
baskets + bibles @ HPPC FOR several decades , beginning in January of each year, the HPPC gym fills up with boys from middle school to high school age who race up and down the court with hopes of winning a highly sought after Park Cities Basketball League (PCBL) championship T-shirt.
PCBL is a Christ-centered basketball league that was created in order to provide an environment that was friendly but still competitive and started with a focus on Christ and good sportsmanship. HPPC saw a need to be filled. The younger faith-based basketball programs were over, yet the boys still had a strong desire to play the sport together. This is an incredible ministry opportunity for our church, as it reaches more than 300 students from 7th–12th grades from many different schools in the Park Cities and surrounding areas.
“I know several instances on my team where a boy’s walk with Christ was enhanced due to the league,” Dan Easley shared. “I enjoyed seeing many elements of good sportsmanship and maturity as I coached my son Matt’s team for six years.” Director of Youth Programming and Events Austin Ariail said, “PCBL has also been a great place to reconnect with kids and families. The program gives us as a Youth Ministry a platform to minister to our students, to share the Gospel with students, and some even decide to start participating in our Youth ministry or church-at-large because of the great experience they had in the league.” Make a note on your calendar that registration for 2015 opens in mid-October. Visit hppc.org/basketball.
Leagues are based on grade levels, with the exception of the 11th and 12th graders who are combined into one league. Every game begins with a devotional and follows high school basketball rules, with trained and certified referees and table workers. Volunteers manage the time clock, scores and even keep player statistics for each game. The season concludes with playoffs and championships in March for each league. HPPC member, Neill Touchstone, recalled, “In 7th grade, my son asked us – well, really informed us – that he would be playing in PCBL since he already had a team put together! It has been a blast watching these boys mesh as a good team, and the devotional is a great way to remind these impressionable boys why they are there and to have good minds and hearts about what they are doing.”
11th/12th Grade Division Champions (from left, front) Charlie Click, Riggs Powell, Drake Turnbull, Connor Dunn, (from left, back) Kelly Davis and Scottie Scheffler
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LIFE at HPPC These students were ready for their roles in the
Hillier Hoedown’s performance of Tom Sawyer Gus Bryant (left) and Jordan McKenzie
A group of girls stopped dancing at the Hillier Hoedown for a quick picture.
The Duck Call Dinner drew more than 200 men. From left: Mel Horton, Jim Heitzenreder and Larry White
Men’s Duck Call Dinner on Feb. 27 From left: Fritz Konker, Speaker Richard Ellis, Dave Konker, Tom Koons and Randy WIlson
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LIFE at HPPC Dads got ready for the heated battle at
M.A.S.H.’s annual Dads & Dodgeball match up with the kids.
Take cover from flying balls at Dads & Dodgeball. Kids waited for just the right throwing moments. SMU Opera visited Friday Fellowship Senior Adults. Evie Maddux
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LIFE at HPPC A great day for the Best. Lemonade Stand. EVER. Mike and Carolyn Harris
Rev. Dr. Jim Gribnitz creatively shared the story of communion with Hawkins Shoenvogel and friends.
Chorister and Canterbury choirs performed Elijah From left: Ellen Whitehead and Sarah Gill
Caroline Massey, as Obadiah, sang in the musical. The musical wasn’t complete without the
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Chorister Choirs’ gift of singing in Elijah.
Parish News
*Only immediate family members that are surviving church members are listed.
Births Sarah Harris Conger Daughter of Jamie and Jack Conger Born Jan. 30, 2014 Francis “Cissy” Ruth Louis Daughter of Emily and Matt Louis Born Feb. 10, 2014 Nora Riley Welsh Daughter of Lorin and Chris Welsh Born Feb. 24, 2014
Sacrament of Baptism Brita Marie Roegner Daughter of Kristina and Darren Roegner Born April 19, 2013 Baptized Dec. 15, 2013 Wenjun Li Baptized March 16, 2014 Ryker Noah Mulligan Son of Shae and Kevin Mulligan Born Aug. 30, 2013 Baptized March 16, 2014
Weddings Daley Harris and Rob Bennett Daughter of Margie and Neil Harris Son of Dr. Bob and Cynthia Bennett Married Feb. 1, 2014
Entered the Church
Triumphant
Gudrun Edda Owen, passed away on Feb. 1, 2014.
Jerry K. Partridge, passed away on Feb. 3, 2014. Sympathy to his daughter Becky Blake, and family. Helen Fisk, passed away on Feb. 7, 2014. Sympathy to her husband, William J. Fisk. Mary Mallory Anderson, passed away on Feb. 10, 2014. Emory Williams, passed away on Feb. 11, 2014. Sympathy to his daughter, Janet Harrison, and family. Larry Penfold, passed away on Feb. 12, 2014. Sympathy to his brother, Judge Craig Penfold, and family; and to his niece Carlen Long, and family. Brandy Moore Ratchford, passed away on Feb. 17, 2014. Sympathy to her husband, Stephen Ratchford, and family. Merle “Mickey” Bloede, passed away on Feb. 18, 2014. Sympathy to her son, Vic Bloede, and family; her granddaughter, Laura Bloede; her grandson Vic Bloede V, and family. Peter Mwangi Kimani, passed away on Feb. 18, 2014. Sympathy to his brother, Bernard Kimani, and family. Earl “Bud” Hultz, passed away on Feb. 20, 2014. Sympathy to his sister, Carol Seay, and family. Don Allen Mertz, passed away on Feb. 20, 2014. Sympathy to his niece, Nancy Bloede, and family; his grandniece, Laura Bloede; his grandnephew Vic Bloede V, and family.
Juanita Abel Stover, passed away on Feb. 23, 2014. Marilyn Ann Guess Goodwin, passed away on Feb. 23, 2014. Suzy Adair, passed away on Feb. 24, 2014. Sympathy to her husband, Rob Adair. Dennis Michael Savage, passed away on Feb. 24, 2014. Sympathy to his son, Pete Savage, and family. Naftaly Muthee Gachanja, passed away on March 3, 2014. Sympathy to his son, Stephen Muthee, and family. Jyme Rhodes, passed away on March 4, 2014. Robert F. Amundsen Sr., passed away on March 7, 2014. Sympathy to his nephew, Robert Gerald “Gerry” Storey, and family. Floy Setzer Wilson, passed away on March 7, 2014. Sympathy to her brother, John Wilson, and family; her nephew, Ted Wilson, and family. Daniel Muteru Kariamburi, passed away on March 7, 2014. Sympathy to his brother, Sammy Kariamburi, and family; his brother, Wilson Kariamburi, and family. Marvin Davis, passed away on March 9, 2014. Sympathy to his brother, Gary Davis, and family.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 Information printed in Parish News is provided from HPPC’s Congregational Care list. If you want to share news of births, baptisms, marriages or deaths, please contact Elaine Curtis in Congregational Care at 214-525-4230 or elaine.curtis@hppc.org or online at hppc.org/parishnews.
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parish news
Membership Class
Winter 2014
Lauren Adams
Chip Armstrong Jr.
Richmond Collingsworth
Jim DeLoach
Suzan DeLoach
Alicia Fanning
Mike Fanning
Honorable Robert Fitz
Debbie Hayhurst
Dr. Goose Hayhurst
Mirriam Kamau
John Kidd
Jan Lucas
Rachel Macharia
Tabitha Muriuki
Ann Mwaniki
Jared Studivant
Jessica Sturdivant
HPPC.ORG/MEMBERSHIP Next class begins Fall 2014
Catherine Wilson
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Michael Wilson
+ the essential tenets by Rev. Dr. Michael Walker, Theologian-in-Residence
Why Do We Need Essential Tenets? what should guide the faith, worship, teaching and
life of HPPC? Rightly, we would answer: The Bible should be our guide in all things, for it is uniquely inspired by the Holy Spirit to be the authoritative source for true knowledge of who God is, who we are, and how we are called to live. Yet, we must do more than point to the Bible as our authority. Nearly all the major heresies of history got their foothold in the church by claiming to rest on the authority of the Bible. The existence of hundreds of denominations also testifies to the fact there are many ways to (mis) understand the Bible.
“Only Jesus Christ is the new Life that is offered, for He is the bread from heaven and the fountain of living water, the one by whom all things were made, in whom all things hold together.” - ECO Essential Tenets In order for the Bible to be the authoritative guide for our faith and life, we have to consider: What does the Bible actually teach about who God is, who we are and how we are called to live? Every church must answer this question. That is, every church has a “creed” or a statement or “confession” of faith – whether explicit or implied. (Churches that claim to have “no creed but the Bible!” have just chosen not to make their creed open to public scrutiny.)
Put simply, a statement of faith is a formal expression of what a church believes are the central teachings of Scripture. Such a statement of faith offers both a testimony to the world and a basis for the unity, mission and discipline of the church. Last October, HPPC made the momentous decision to join a new denomination, ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. Leading up to this decision, our elders consistently emphasized the significance of ECO’s “Essential Tenets” – a statement of common faith that provides a clear, strong foundation for HPPC. ECO’s Essential Tenets gather together the core teachings of the historic Reformed confessions of faith and offer an excellent, brief summary of what Scripture leads us to believe and do. They are arranged under three main headings: I. God’s Word: The Authority for Our Confession II. Trinity and Incarnation: The Two Central Christian Mysteries III. Essentials of the Reformed Tradition In future editions of Connect, we will explore each section of this important statement of faith. The Session is doing an in-depth study and encourages members to also begin their own personal study of ECO’s Essential Tenets. Read them – slowly, carefully, and prayerfully. May the Lord use them to continue shaping your heart and mind into the likeness of Jesus Christ. hppc.org/essentialtenets.
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missionary focus
Missionary Focus Kevin and Laurie | Missionaries in the Middle East Kevin and Laurie became HPPC-
sponsored missionaries in 2003 after spending a yearlong furlough in the HPPC mission house. They have been on the mission field for more than 20 years, living in limited-access countries. They currently live in a Middle Eastern country and continue their exciting, region-wide work from a city often in the news. Both are active in the sharing of the Gospel. Laurie’s daily responsibilities involve a variety of things, especially being the co-leader of her local team. She stays very busy working on strategies to reach university students with the Gospel goes to campuses to meet and talk with students disciples young believers; mentors multiple women and looks after a very energetic teenager.
Due to security concerns, photos and sensitive details about this HPPC missionary family have been omitted.
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Kevin’s activities include Internet outreach along with the printing and distribution of Bibles and evangelistic materials across the Muslim world of North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. He travels extensively to such countries as Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq. Currently, he is overseeing the completion of printing and strategic
distribution of 870,000 resources in seven languages. Another position Kevin has taken on recently is dealing with crisis events such as evacuations, threats and attacks that involve their agency’s staff in multiple countries. In addition to the primary prayer request to see many escape deception and come to believe in Jesus as their personal savior, they ask for your faithful prayers: • For their son to continue to grow in his relationship with God; to do well in school, including study of the local language; and to maintain his excitement for living where they currently reside • For Laurie to have better health and stamina; continue improving her local language proficiency; and continue meeting new students open to hearing about, accepting and growing in Christ • For Kevin to have wisdom in coordinating numerous projects; for him to have wisdom and strength when crisis events occur; for him to also be the best husband and dad
A glimpse at today’s church planter ONE OF THE greatest opportunities to reach new
people for Christ in the early part of the 21st century is by planting new churches locally. That means going to where they are and investing in them in a way that is not traditionally associated with the attractional model of church.
HPPC has long realized this gap and has a strong history of equipping people to spread the Gospel to the unchurched where they live. Today, this is often accomplished through Kingdom-building partnerships with organizations like Apartment Life. Church planting is also one of the main initiatives of our new denomination, ECO. Today, most Christians and existing churches do not share Jesus Christ in ways that feel meaningful to the people outside the church. So who reaches them and how are they reached? By church planters living in the neighborhood. Church planters go into the community and share the love of Jesus as a lifestyle. They tend to have unique perspectives on issues that people in their communities face. Sharing Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God looks different when you have a generation that is distrustful of or unwilling to engage with the larger institution of religion. The qualities of church planters include being noticeably and tangibly present in the community and having a deep concern and value for the Church, high energy and a determined focus on spiritual formation. They also have an astute awareness of what is sincerely important to the host culture. Church planters are trained to know what it means to serve those who are far from faith in Christ or those who don’t see the need to attend the traditional church. Ed Stetzer, an authoritative voice on church planting in North America, says this in his book Planting Missional Churches of church planters: “Many church planters are by nature entrepreneurs, mavericks, free spirits, sometimes even misfits. That energy can be harnessed and focused to be used for God’s glory but only if the church planter is Christ-centered and transformed by the power of the gospel. A newcomer needs to leave the church being amazed by the awesome God the church planter serves, not what a cool preacher the church has.”
LOVE in Motion & the Corral Family
HPPC’s newest Church Planter, Pollo Corral, his wife, Polla, and their children have been in the Uptown area for more than a year as a part of HPPC’s Church Planting Team with their church, LOVE in Motion. They are mobilizing in the heart of this active, diverse and affluent urban community.
church planting
Reaching the Unchurched
The Corrals have worked hard to creatively serve people in different ways. So far, they all have touched more than 1,000 lives in the area through simple gestures of love and acts of service. LOVE in Motion, from the beginning, has been about serving the community – everyone. Pollo explains, “To begin, we had to acknowledge and then turn away from our selfish and agendadriven attitudes. We look to the power of the Holy Spirit to be filled anew each day. LOVE in Motion happens by inviting our neighbors to dinner. It happens when we’re at the store and remember a friend’s favorite snack and then drop it by with a note. LOVE in Motion happens at our kid’s school and by our community’s swimming pool.” “In the busyness of life, people may feel unimportant and insignificant, but when they are tangibly loved by someone who isn’t expecting anything in return, they can begin to taste and feel the sweetness of Jesus Christ. Every act of love leaves a seed planted in hearts and every seed is watered by the Holy Spirit and by grace, new life flourishes. This only happens by daily dying to self and letting love produce life.”
A desire to serve groups of people that are outside of faith and the church reveals the very heart of God: He loves the world and sent his Son to serve all – especially the “outsiders” – so that they might find true life available through Jesus Christ.
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Youth missions | BIBLICAL JUSTICE
Justice Week A week of speakers, movie screenings and exhibits enlightened members THere are hundreds of slaves in Dallas. “I had no idea!” said
one person who went through the Modern Day Slavery Exhibit in March and learned that startling fact. Justice Week (March 16-23) was a time that opened the eyes of those in our church and community to the reality of slavery here in Dallas as well as around the world. Speakers came to worship services, two movie screenings were held and an exhibit created by World Missions Director Judi Wheeler all drew more than 500 people.
“I am so glad to be a part of a church involved in this issue.” - Exhibit attendee This issue impacts 27 million people, yet it doesn’t enter the minds of people as they go about their daily lives. The Psalmist in Psalm 140:12 says: I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. God works through His chosen people and the time to begin laboring to eradicate slavery is upon us. Become informed and get involved in the fight to end slavery. Begin at hppc.org/justice.
Hundreds of people experienced the five-day interactive slavery exhibit in Elliott Hall.
Best. Lemonade Stand. EVER. 3rd and 4th graders served up lemonade to raise funds for mission partners the anticipation began last year at the Youth Missions Pancake
Breakfast when it was announced that although mission trips don’t typically start until 5th grade, 3rd and 4th graders would have the chance to participate in making a difference for a mission trip – through hosting a lemonade stand. In fact, the Best. Lemonade Stand. EVER. For weeks leading up to the event, kids prepped colorful posters and signed up to work a one-hour shift. On March 22 and 23, more than 40 3rd and 4th graders took shifts to cover the eight hour effort to sell as much lemonade, pink lemonade and limeade as possible. Jumping around, cheerleading pyramids and old-fashioned flagging people down with screams of enthusiasm pulled in a grand total of more than $3,300. All of the money raised on those two days was passed from the 3rd and 4th Graders on to the JAM56 kids who will deliver it to Streetscape Ministries on their mission trip in June.
Truitt Davis was all smiles and ready to serve up some tasty lemonade to customers!
Streetscape passes out Bibles, tracts, blankets, bottles of water, pop top foods, and grooming supplies to the less fortunate in Galveston. They also offer a clothes closet and hot meals. HPPC believes in getting children involved at a young age in missions. To learn more about youth mission opportunities, visit: hppc.org/go.
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Elementary kids were excited to make money for Streetscape Ministries in Galveston.
Dr. Greg Hobbs, Director of Music And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.
1 Kings 8:10-11
It’s easy to be intimidated by the act of corporate worship, or even confounded by it. The mere thought of a group of people gathering, praying, singing, reading Scripture, standing, sitting, standing again, passing plates, closing eyes, avoiding the use of cell phones for an hour – what’s really the point of it all? Civic gatherings, concerts, group therapy, and special interest classes all use at least some of these same elements. The reason it’s so special when these things are done in worship is that it’s solely for the glory of the Lord. There is no other agenda but to bless God and
to tell God how much we love Him and are glad to be His people. Worship is not primarily about what we get out of it, but about what we put into it. We are to give our all in worship – our hearts and minds – as an offering to the Lord for His pleasure. Throughout time God has responded to His people’s honest worship by revealing His presence in what many biblical writers have only been able to describe as an overwhelming cloud, so overwhelming that no one could do anything except experience the significance of the event. In worship we place our focus on the Lord, not on ourselves, with the anticipation that the greatness of God’s presence is all we care to see. While it would be pretty incredible to have God’s presence
realized by a cloud filling up the Sanctuary each Sunday, we can certainly sense God through the peace, joy, and love we experience through committed worship. What do you sense about the atmosphere when we worship together? Do you feel a calmness, a centeredness that enables you to connect to God in an undeniable holy way? When we center our mind’s attention and our heart’s affection on the Lord, humbly glorifying Him in response to His greatness, we can indeed sense the cloud of His presence. He becomes more immediate, more present, and more personal than we have ever realized. Worship alters our point of view so that God is not some distant far away being, but close by and a part of the air we breathe.
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3821 UNIVERSITY BLVD. DALLAS, TEXAS 75205 214-526-7457 | HPPC.ORG
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