JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 ISSUE NO.5
Sunday Mornings Worship Services Communion Service Wynne Chapel 8:15 am
Sanctuary Services 9:30 & 11 am
Gym
Republican, Democrat or Disciple?
11:05 am
2 Parties, One Kingdom
All Nations Service Bell Center
Wednesdays, Jan. 8–29 Dinner: 5:30 pm | Program: 6:10 pm
11 am
hppc.org/onekingdom
Contemporary Service (Hunt Bldg 3rd floor)
(Basement of Alexander Bldg)
New 4-Week, Wednesday Night Series
Chinese-Mandarin Service H018 11 am
It's time to think about enrollment for the 2014-2015 school year!
*Child Care is provided 8 am–1:30 pm
Sunday Morning Communities Children & Youth hppc.org/sundaysforchildrenyouth
Adults hppc.org/classescommunities
Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
CURRENT STUDENTS RE-ENROLLMENT Entering Pre-K–1st Grade: Jan. 6–31 NEW FAMILY ENROLLMENT All Grades: Feb. 3–14 NEW FOR 2014-2015! Toddler Program 12 months-36 months Multiple days/options available For more information, contact: Caitlin Baker, Admissions Office at 214-525-4139 hppds.org
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PASTOR EDITORIAL by Rev. Dr. L. Nelson Bell II
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ECO & HPPC An Interview with Dana Allin
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Adrian Cook
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JAM56 OUTREACH Hand in Hand
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PHOTOS Life at HPPC
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NEW SENIOR ADULT DIRECTOR Meet Rev. Molly Jones
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WOMEN’S MINISTRY Treasured Time Together
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PRISON MINISTRY My Chains Are Gone
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HPPC CALENDAR & RECURRING EVENTS
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OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
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CALL FOR CROWDERS
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GIFT OF SILENCE by Laura Murray
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PHOTOS Life at HPPC
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PARISH NEWS
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LITE Called to LITE Up the World
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MISSIONARY FOCUS Sonia and Steve Dettweiler
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OUTREACH Chinese Church Plant Update
Featured on the cover of Connect:
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COLLEGE MINISTRY Opening Doors
Dawn Strodel and Pat Hurst share a hug outside Elliott Hall.
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WORSHIP IN SPIRIT & IN TRUTH
PAGE 30 College Ministry at work
Periodicals Postage Pending at Dallas, TX
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
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Real Change RESOLUTIONS. I gave up many years
ago on January 1st being the day of resolutions. Usually the time for change and improvement in my life was noticed some other day and I knew that the change needed to happen immediately, not when a calendar said so.
REV. DR. L. NELSON BELL II Associate Pastor to Congregational Care, Adults/Senior Adults and Lifestyle Stewardship
However, when change is warranted, often it’s not desired. Change is often inconvenient, unless you’re a baby with a wet diaper. Change can bring about discomfort, especially when we consider that the change does not introduce us to an unknown future in advance. Change will happen, whether we want it or not. The Church could be compared to a plane in flight. If we want to get anywhere, we have to keep going forward. If we cease to move forward, we have problems. We are not like a plane that just sits on the runway, revving its engines. It is a necessity that we move forward, both personally and as a church family. A football team can’t do what they are trained and skilled to do while they remain in a huddle. Nor can the show go on while we linger backstage.
the same problems, be it the parking lot or the same Saturday night habits which prevents the Sunday morning epiphanies. Our ministries, missions and benevolence could be significantly stronger, especially considering the talents God has placed around us. God has a vision for us, with greater blessings, than we have for ourselves. Changing denominations does not change who we are. Glorious change requires we conform ourselves to God’s wonderful plans. We so often want God to modify His plans and accommodate us so we don’t have to change. But change will come either by submitting ourselves to God’s will, or we can change as God directs our circumstances without consulting us, and thus forcing change upon us. I would prefer to voluntarily change (conform) with God’s leading rather than change reluctantly to His prodding. This world and the Church of Jesus Christ needs a disciple who will take up their cross, who will follow Jesus, without counting the cost. It’s too easy for many disciples to be content with the status quo and linger in mediocrity.
Real change requires something of us. Recently the congregation voted to disaffiliate with the PC(USA) and affiliate with ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. In many ways, that’s no change. We are still the same congregation with some of
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Jesus said “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) I believe that is true not only for the individual disciples, but that promise is for whole congregations. Let’s let HPPC live into this promise Christ has for us as individuals and as a church family.
Highlander Concert Series
Highland Park Chorale Sunday, Feb. 16, 7 pm in the Sancutary No reservations or tickets are necessary Child Care is available
Sunday, Feb. 23 | 6–8 pm | Elliott Hall
hppc.org/highlanderconcerts
Hear Madeline Robison and her father, Dr. William R. Wilson, as they share their encouraging message of faith and passing it to the next generation. hppc.org/women
Reserve Child Care by noon, Thursday, Feb. 20. Ticket price increases after Wednesday, Feb. 19.
Parent’s Night Out It’s a good thing
Meyercord Library’s
Carolyn Brown Literary Series presents
Rod Dreher discusses A Faith-Full Life Wednesday, Jan. 15 11:30 am–1 pm, Elliott Hall Free event, reservations needed Visit hppc.org/libraries or call 214-525-4217
Friday, Feb. 7 6-9:30 pm Age appropriate care and fun f or children 2 months–6th Grade Registration deadline is 3 pm Friday, Jan. 31
Register at hppc.org/pno 5
ECO NEWS
ECO & HPPC New Year | New Denomination: An Interview With Dana Allin HPPC HAS OFFICIALLY been a member of ECO: A Covenant
Order of Evangelical Presbyterians since October 28, 2013. So, as we enter the new year, we take a moment to ask Rev. Dr. Dana Allin, the synod executive of ECO, some key questions about HPPC and ECO in 2014.
How do you hope HPPC views its relationship with ECO? First, grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus! On behalf of our Synod Executive Council and staff I want to once again officially welcome you to ECO! We were praying for you in your journey of discernment and transfer, and are thrilled that you have found ECO to be a place where you feel you can best thrive in mission and ministry. I know that the transition into ECO was not easy for you. You probably feel like you need to take a deep breath! I would encourage you, however, to not spend too long catching your breath – there is a lot of work to be done for the Kingdom of God. I tell all of our churches, transferring to ECO isn’t the goal. As you know, our vision is to “baptize more than we bury” by 2018. This goal is going to take the full partnership and ministry of all of our congregations! You are an important part of that mission.
How does ECO plan to meet the goal of “baptizing more than we bury” by 2018? There are four essential strategies to move us toward a trajectory of growth: 1. Missional Community Formation – Most churches have a pure “attractional” form of church. This means that churches seek to get people into the front door of a weekend service, through high-quality worship and programs, and then assimilate them into the other aspects of church life. This will continue to be an important aspect of church, but it is estimated that only 40 percent of those who don’t believe in Jesus can be reached by this model. Therefore smaller communities of church need to be equipped to reach their communities in contexts outside of church. We are working with the top minds and practitioners to help us equip churches for this task. We have resources available that have already been developed and our own missional community formation guide.
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Beth and Dana Allin with their children, (from left) Piper, Micah and Peyton.
2. Church Planting – It has been shown time and time again that the best way to reach new people is through church planting. We believe churches and networks should plant churches and that as a denomination we should provide the infrastructure for that to take place. So we have a church planting assessment process, ongoing training opportunities for church planters and the administrative support to help new churches flourish. 3. Leadership Development – A movement is only as healthy as its leaders. We have great continuing educational training available for pastors, as well as enhanced methods for developing those who are in the ordination process. We also have new programs for lay leader training such as the Elder Leadership Insitute run by Sara Singleton. 4. Mission Affinity Groups – Every church is required to be in a Mission Affinity Group (MAG). These MAGs are three to four churches, represented by some on the Session, who are similar that meet together at least annually to discuss how God has been moving in the past and question where He might be moving in the future. Groups will encourage and exhort each other to greater mission and ministry.
What should HPPC's main goals be for 2014 with its new denomination, ECO? There is so much I hope that HPPC and ECO can do together in 2014. We will work together on many things such as:
ECO NEWS
1. World Missions Partnerships – In ECO we don’t want to take churches away from what they are already doing in the area of world mission. Yet, part of ECO’s vision is to provide a few key mission opportunities for churches to support both as a church body and as individual members. Together, ECO and HPPC are exploring a partnership in a large city in the Middle East as one of three main opportunities. We are thankful for HPPC’s support of establishing this vision. 2. Senior Pastor Search – We are excited to support HPPC in this important process. We want to help however we can and also allow your Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) to have the freedom to do its work and discern key candidates that HPPC wants to consider. 3. The National Gathering of ECO – Our next national gathering will be in Dallas from August 18–20. This will be a wonderful opportunity for HPPC to play a key role in helping make this meeting one of the best we’ve ever had. The Lord has been working in mighty ways at our national gatherings. We’ll need many volunteers and much will need to happen to make this event possible. We know that HPPC will help show us what true Texas hospitality is like, and we look forward to working with you as many in ECO and many other evangelical Presbyterians from across the U.S. visit Dallas. Registration opens February 1. I’m honored that HPPC has invited me to preach in February. It will be good to visit you face to face so that, as Paul said to the Romans, we would be mutually encouraged by one another’s faith. See you soon and may God bless you as you continue to faithfully serve Him.
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Adrian Cook | Driven For Mission This native Texan and Moderator of the Outreach Ministry Committee is helping to make a difference not only in our city, but around the world. How did HPPC become your church home?
Tell us about your work outside of the church.
After growing up in Midland and Lubbock, I graduated in 2011 from Texas Tech and then landed in Dallas. My father encouraged me to visit HPPC based on his fond memories of this church while living in the area. I joined a year later, because of the depth of preaching and faithful exposition of the Scriptures. Jay Lee and Nelson Bell also helped me get connected in community that has created many long-lasting and fruitful relationships.
I have been with The Rees-Jones Foundation for six years. We support nonprofits that work with children and families. I am blessed to work with Christian colleagues, several of whom attend HPPC. The spirit of the Foundation is to serve Jesus Christ, so I am very fortunate to work where I do.
How do you serve at HPPC? I feel privileged to be serving my second term as an elder – especially during this time in the life of the church. My participation in the Benevolence Committee gave me a great introduction to the local organizations that HPPC serves. That led me to the Outreach Committee, which I am currently moderating. This experience also directly led to my service on the board of Interfaith Housing.
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What excites you about HPPC right now? I think that HPPC is now in a denominational home (ECO) where there is opportunity to be connectional with other congregations in a way that we have not yet experienced. As a new denomination, there is a need for leadership, and this matches up well with one of HPPC’s primary gifts.
As a missions-driven church, what ways do you see God working through our ministries? Globally and locally, justice has emerged as a leading issue of concern. I believe
that the Christian church generally, and HPPC specifically, needs to be a leader in identifying issues and populations that need to be redeemed to God’s plan and purpose. We, the church, should be the leader on issues like justice. The church should be identifying people who are suffering and should be active in bringing them hope. Church planting is also an area that I find most exciting. The larger trend is for fewer people to be engaged in church, but there are people thirsty for the Gospel, and church plants are an effective way of reaching people. The Chinese church plant is a great example, and I have seen the fruit of it. I have met several Chinese students in my economics program at SMU who attend the Chinese service and have been impacted by the ministry of Rev. Ben Wang. I look forward to seeing church planting flourish. Go to hppc.org/outreach to learn more or to serve alongside Adrian in HPPC’s Outreach Ministry.
GO: SERVE. GROW. BOND. This is the theme for all mission
opportunities in the Children and Youth ministries that allows students to serve others, grow in their relationship with Christ and bond as a community. It’s on our T-shirts, banners and even luggage tags as our youth travel throughout the country and overseas to share the gospel with others. But you don’t have to travel out of Texas to be part of GO. It is happening right here in our own backyard with Project JAM56. For 5th and 6th Graders, it is an ongoing opportunity to learn what it means to serve others for Christ as well as enjoy new friendships and fun activities.
The ties with Reconciliation Outreach and HPPC are actually quite strong. HPPC member Dorothy Moore founded RO in 1986 as an outreach to inner city street kids, with a vision to reverse the destructive cycle of poverty and addiction. Dorothy and Roy have been working closely to ensure that both the children of RO and the children of HPPC understand what it means to love one another through Christ by sharing meaningful experiences.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Hand in Hand: Serving One Another
One example of true partnership is the assistance RO provided the Children and Youth ministries on October 27, the day of our congregational meeting. Dorothy knew we needed qualified volunteers PROJECT Project JAM56 kicked off its first event in to allow the normal Sunday morning October by partnering with Reconciliation teachers, including our children and Outreach (RO), a nonprofit organization youth staff, to participate and vote in East Dallas that works to provide hope in the meeting. RO provided 15 of and restoration to inner city children their experienced staff members to and their families. More than 30 JAM56 work in Child Care, Early Childhood, students participated in Kickin’ It Saturday Elementary and JAM56. Not only were and provided an afternoon of soccer games, prizes and fun the RO staff members fantastic with the children, but they for approximately 40 elementary-aged children from the RO came prepared and ready to help. program. It’s an exciting relationship Roy hopes will continue for “Kickin’ It Saturday was just awesome,” said Roy Farias, interim years. He sees so many opportunities for not only 5th and 6th director of JAM56. “I was amazed at how quickly our kids got Graders, but entire families to serve together locally through involved and played with the RO children. What I love is that back-to-school supply drives, Christmas parties, day camps and everyone was working together, having fun and serving Christ. special events. For an 11-year-old, this is a great example of being a disciple.” Information on all Project JAM56 events is available at hppc.org/jam56.
JAM56 kids traveled to Reconciliation Outreach for an afternoon of fun and games with underprivileged children.
Cullen Ciolfi (right) bonds with a new friend while on the court.
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LIFE AT HPPC The Nov. 3 All Saints’ Concert featured a moving performance of Herbert Howells’ Hymnus Paradisi
The Den Ministry picked up hammers for Habitat for Humanity Director Jonathan Hicks, Katie Logsdon, Elizabeth Parker, Natalie Yezbick and Travis Pry
Dallas Dash scavenger hunt around town was a hit
for first-year SMU students Andrew Timmons, John Ruggio and Aubrey Chapman
HPPDS students collect canned goods and other perishables for the Salvation Army food drive
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º October’s Chinese Moon Festival drew hundreds. For many Chinese, it was the first time they had entered a church.
Youth Choir casseroles sold out again this year to benefit the summer choir mission trip Annabel Crosby, Katie Stockum and Lizzie Bonahoom
Hillier School Grandfriend’s Day
Jaxson Shamlin with his aunt and grandmother
Owen Sands, Carter Barden, Ashton Palmer, Christian Walker and Buck Elliott at the Pancake Breakfast
HPPDS students sang hymns of praise at the annual Thanksgiving Service
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SENIOR ADULTS
New Senior Adult Director is a Familar Face REV. MOLLY ECHOLS JONES is excited to be back home at HPPC. She grew up here, has worked in various roles in the church and in November began her new role as the director of senior adults.
Molly and her family lived in Highland Park until her dad got the itch to move to the “country” (Spring Valley and Hillcrest), but they still faithfully made the drive down a curbless, twolane Hillcrest Road to church every Sunday. After graduating from Baylor, she came home with an education degree but unsure of a career path. Rev. Dr. Gareth Icenogle, then the minister of discipleship, recruited her to assist him, which may have started the heartstring pull toward ministry. After that job and a short stint in the business world, Molly poured herself in being the director of elementary education at HPPC. “I met my husband of 25 years, George, around that time. After we married I taught history at The Hillier School,” said Molly. Her husband’s success in restaurants took their family to Augusta, Georgia, from 1989 to 1999. While there, they became involved in a small church plant where she served as an elder. The pastor suggested seminary to Molly, and this time she took the plunge at Erskine Seminary – first part-time and then full-time, all while raising young children.
After serving as the chaplain for Presbyterian Village North for two years, Molly was thrilled to get the call from Rev. Dr. Nelson Bell II offering her the opportunity to work with HPPC’s senior adults. “I was thrilled to announce that after prayerful consideration and many résumés, we offered the job to Molly. She brings great personal experiences and a long history with HPPC,” Nelson said. In the midst of the Advent season, Molly worked hard to get to know the staff and meet most of the seniors at Friday Fellowship and other gatherings. Molly noted, “Our church has over 1,000 people over the age of 65! While there are many levels of physical ability, I believe that all of these people have gifts to share in the ministry and mission of HPPC. They can travel on a short-term mission trip or gather to clip coupons for the local food bank and be meaningfully engaged.” Three areas of impact on Molly’s heart are diversification, preparation and intergenerational relationships. She wants to diversify the activities of the ministry in hopes of drawing in more folks. She also has a heart for helping seniors prepare for eternal life including financial, medical and spiritual aspects. HPPC already values its intergenerational heritage, and she hopes to create more opportunities for seniors to experience the blessings that come with those connections.
After she had associate pastor calls in Ohio and Kansas, her husband’s work brought them back to Dallas. Molly was excited “I’m here to encourage, excite, build relationships and a strong to get settled in order to secure it as “home-base” for their three sense of community.” We welcome Molly back into the HPPC children: Haleigh, Tyler and Gibson – now 23, 21 and 18, family. Visit hppc.org/senioradults or call Molly at respectively. 214-525-4216 for more information.
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Mothers of children ages newborn through elementary gather monthly “THIS IS WISDOM. This is friendship. This is like-minded
encouragement. This is what it feels like to be blessed.” Those are the words of Ashley Shull, one of several dozen ladies that attend Treasure Keepers, a monthly Bible study hosted by Dr. Nell Bush, child development specialist, in her home around the corner from the church. Started in 1976 by Peggy Bell, Treasure Keepers has offered mothers of young children a unique opportunity, in the midst of hectic schedules, to come together in community with other ladies who desire to make parenting in a Godly way the highest of priorities. Peggy recalls the genesis of the group, “The emphasis was Making a Home – the home of our hearts where Jesus Christ has access to every part, our marriage and our children, stressing God’s intentions for all. Biblical truth was foundational. Women in a real sense are keepers – watchers over the family – a God-given treasure.” Nell Bush, longtime HPPC member, is in her seventh year of teaching Treasure Keepers, after taking the reins from her mother, Leah Fullinwider. “I felt God’s strong call to focus my professional work on child development. Even though I thought I would be counseling, He had other plans for me. I found myself speaking to and teaching mothers who were craving knowledge about raising their kids. My passion has been to bridge the science and the Scriptures and share it with the community,” said Nell.
This Bible study has had a profound impact on the attendees, and many open up and enthusiastically share their thoughts. Michaele Frederick, mother of four from newborn through middle school, said, “These years of coming to hear Nell’s teaching impacts me every day. I think of it as having a ‘little Nell’ on my shoulder constantly offering wisdom in my ear.”
WOMEN’S MINISTRY
Treasured Time Together
Mary C. Corrigan chimes in with, “It’s ‘what would Nell do?’ on so many occasions for me.” Caroline Chandler, lifelong member of HPPC, recalled, “I heard it was so important to be a part of Treasure Keepers that I came eight days after my son was born!”
This is a slice of sanity in the midst of a long to-do list in my day. – RENNIE LOKEY News of a good thing travels quickly, and this group keeps growing as a result. A great blessing of Treasure Keepers is that just as many members of HPPC and nonmembers alike attend each month. It takes a whole community of believers to come together to go against the grain of society, and these mothers do that hand in hand with poise, purpose and joy in their hearts for the Lord. Anyone is welcome to participate at any time! For more information, visit hppc.org/treasurekeepers.
Clockwise from upper left: D’Ann Moore, adviser, joins the leadership ladies in the kitchen to make casseroles for new moms; From left: Melissa Leake, Lindley Arthur and Katie Walters; From left: Michaele Frederick, April Barr and Christine Pittman fellowship before Nell’s lesson on Women of the Bible.
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PRISON MINISTRY
My Chains Are Gone, I’ve Been Set Free Vital HPPC Ministry Needs Volunteers WHEN BRIAN WAS a little boy, he knew he was
destined to fail. Why? Because everybody around him said so. “You’re going to turn out just like your dad,” they would say, and the words cut deep. He’d never met his dad. His dad was in a federal prison. Already everyone in his small town predicted that would be Brian’s fate, too. And with good reason. Brian, his brother and sister lived with their mother in a tiny shack. There was little money for clothes or food, and sometimes Brian’s family would go weeks without eating a decent meal. Brian learned to shoplift at age 5. He was committing burglaries by seventh grade. By eighth grade, he was doing drugs. At 17, he was convicted of his first felony – arson; after five more convictions, all drug-related, he was sent to a state prison. His age? Just 18. Everyone was right; he was just like his dad. After he had spent about one week in prison, the effects of the drugs upon his mind began to fade. He was sober. And he realized for the first time he didn’t want to have his life end in ruin. In desperation, Brian turned to Jesus Christ. “I gave my life to Jesus,” he said. “He washed away my sins, and I knew it. Nothing had changed on the outside, but inside I was born again.”
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Brian started reading the Bible, praying and attending every Bible study for which he could get a “lay-in,” or hall pass. He was determined to break away from the life he’d led before. Through the support of volunteers he met in prison, a caring prison chaplain and a Prison Fellowship program geared toward assisting ex-offenders after release, Brian was able to allow God to change him. How do you get from “there” to a completely different life? “It sounds simple, but it’s just a matter of faith,” he says. “One day at a time, then a week, then a year. One day you look back and see ‘Jesus really did heal my life.’” Brian is just one of the many inmates that HPPC’s Prison Ministry has served. The program began in 1999 with a mission to minister to men and women in prison and also help meet the needs of newly released inmates and their families. The Warriors for Christ program at Smokey John’s BBQ has been going on about 12 of those years. Kenney and John Pickens, HPPC members since 2002 and reserve elders, have passionately served this ministry for many years. Kenney saw an ad in the bulletin more than a decade ago that called for volunteers. She contacted Dale Truitt and soon after began visiting inmates in the Hutchins and Dawson State Jails. Kenney said of her experience, “I used to record the inmates reading a children’s story. We would then deliver both
PRISON MINISTRY
Prison Ministry, continued the books and the recordings to the children so they could hear the parents’ voices.” In years past, each Thursday evening (now the first and third Thursday of the month), Kenney and Dale would head over to Smokey John’s BBQ on Mockingbird near Stemmons Freeway and have dinner and Bible study with people who had been previously incarcerated. After several months, John decided to come along to see whom his wife was “hanging out” with. He met a man named James Reed, with the HPPC-supported Dallas Leadership Foundation (DLF), who he said has made a profound impact on his life as well as the lives of many others. “James, an ex-offender out more than 25 years, is a true Christian and runs our prison ministry program. He is an unbelievable person who can talk to anybody regardless of race, sex, ex-offender or not.” Shortly after meeting, James encouraged John to start going into Hutchins State Jail on Tuesday nights with him. James was leading a Bible study in the jail’s chapel. In addition to time in the Word with inmates, James has helped a lot of wonderful things happen at Hutchins. There are now four faith-based dorms at Hutchins. The men in these dorms don’t get any special treatment; they just get to be around men who have come to know Jesus and walk with Him when they are released. Statistics show that if four people come out of prison, and participate in a faith-based program, then only one will go back to prison in the first two years. However, if they come out of a prison with no faith-based programs, then three out of four will go back in the first two years. DLF has a house for men who have been released and HPPC helps support that house.
In order to visit inmates, a person submits a driver’s license number for approval by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. If approved, they attend a threehour class to learn appropriate dress, what they can and cannot say and what they can take in. “Going into the prison is not for everybody, but once you do it, you are hooked,” John explained. “I got involved because I
Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.
– HEBREWS 13:3
wanted to help people, but God turned it around on me and they have helped me.” Right now, John is the only HPPC member going into Hutchins State Jail. However, there are five other volunteers from other area churches going in – some dedicated volunteers even drive in from Denton. If you feel called to walk alongside the Pickenses and others as they minister to people like Brian and their families, join the Prison Ministry’s rewarding service by contacting Duffy Johnson at 214-525-4205 or duffy.johnson@hppc.org.
Ex-offender Bible study at Smoky John's BBQ
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Upcoming Calendar Date
Event
Location
Time
Thursday, Jan. 2
Smokey John’s BBQ Bible Study
1820 W. Mockingbird
6:30–8:30 pm
Sunday, Jan. 5
Come to the Table Workshop
Wynne Chapel
9:30–10:30 am
First Sunday Night of Prayer
Wynne Chapel
6–7 pm
Tuesday, Jan. 7
HPPC Serves at Austin Street Shelter
2929 Hickory St.
11 am–1 pm
Wednesday, Jan. 8
Parent’s Co-Op Coffee (M/W)
Room 104
9:30–11:30 am
Parent’s Co-Op Coffee (M/W/F)
Room 104
12:30–2:30 pm
Republican, Democrat or Disciple
Elliott Hall
5:30–7:30 pm
Middle School–First Wednesday Big Group
Bell Center
6–7:30 pm
Parent’s Co-Op Coffee (T/Th)
Room 103
9:30–11:30 am
Telling Your Own Story
Private Dining Room
9:30–10:30 am
Parent’s Co-Op Coffee (F)
Room 103
9:30–11:30 am
HPPDS Beginner Round Up
Alexander Bldg
9 am–12 pm
All Nations Ladies Bible Study
Off Campus
4–6 pm
Lost Boys Birthday Celebration
Bell Center
5–9 pm
Sunday, Jan. 12
Parenting NOW: Bold Boundaries
Elliott Hall
9:30–10:30 am
Monday, Jan. 13
Women’s Ministry Monthly Circles
Various Locations
Varies
Management Council Meeting
H018
5–7 pm
Carolyn Brown Literary Series
Elliott Hall
11:30 am–1 pm
Republican, Democrat or Disciple
Elliott Hall
5:30–7:30 pm
Thursday, Jan. 16
Smokey John’s BBQ Bible Study
1820 W. Mockingbird
6:30–8:30 pm
Friday, Jan. 17
Cuba Mission Trip Departs
Saturday, Jan. 18
Body & Soul Ministry–Breakfast to the Homeless
Off Campus
7:30–10:30 am
Sunday, Jan. 19
Sanctity of Life Sunday
Elliott Hall
9 am–12 pm
JAM56: 3rd Sunday Breakdown
Off Campus
1–2:30 pm
Thursday, Jan. 9 Friday, Jan. 10 Saturday, Jan. 11
Wednesday, Jan. 15
Haiti Mission Trip Departs
Monday, Jan. 20
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday–Church Closed
Wednesday, Jan. 22
Republican, Democrat or Disciple
Elliott Hall
5:30–7:30 pm
Thursday, Jan. 23
Greater Dallas Movement Day
Off Campus
9 am–5 pm
Current Deacon Dinner
Elliott Hall
5:45–7:30 pm
Saturday, Jan. 25
HPPDS Beginner Round Up
Alexander Bldg
9 am–12 pm
Sunday, Jan. 26
Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan Service
Sanctuary
9:30 and 11 am
4 Sunday All-Church Lunch
Elliott Hall
12–1 pm
Confirmation Class
Bell Center
6–7:30 pm
Women’s Ministry Hands of Love
Elliott Hall
9–11 am
Session Meeting
H020
5:30–8 pm
th
Monday, Jan. 27
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JANUARY
JANUARY/FEBRUARY Date
Event
Location
Time
Wednesday, Jan. 29
Republican, Democrat or Disciple
Elliott Hall
5:30–7:30 pm
Saturday, Feb. 1
JAM56 Mother/Daughter Retreat Begins
Pine Cove
All Day
Chinese New Year’s Celebration
Elliott Hall
5–9 pm
Come to the Table Workshop
Wynne Chapel
9:30–10:30 am
First Sunday Night of Prayer
Wynne Chapel
6–7 pm
Tuesday, Feb. 4
HPPC Serves at Austin Street Shelter
2929 Hickory St.
11 am–1 pm
Wednesday, Feb. 5
Gathering of Men Lunch
Elliott Hall
12–1 pm
Middle School–First Wednesday Big Group
Bell Center
6–7:30 pm
Thursday, Feb. 6
Smokey John’s BBQ Bible Study
1820 W. Mockingbird
6:30–8:30 pm
Friday, Feb. 7
Telling Your Own Story
Private Dining Room
9:30–10:30 am
Parent’s Night Out
Alexander Bldg
6–9:30 pm
All Nations Ladies Bible Study
Off Campus
4–6 pm
JAM56 Father/Son Event
Bell Center
5–7 pm
One Gallery Reception
Welcome Center
10:30-11 am
All Nations Anniversary
Elliott Hall
11 am–3 pm
Monday, Feb. 10
Women’s Ministry Monthly Circles
Various Locations
Varies
Wednesday, Feb. 12
Gathering of Men Lunch
Elliott Hall
12–1 pm
Friday, Feb. 14
Polar Bear Retreat Begins
Pine Cove
Passion Conference–College Ministry
Houston, TX
Dentistry With a Heart
H017, H018, H019
7:30 am–5 pm
Saturday, Feb. 15
Body & Soul Ministry–Breakfast to the Homeless
Off Campus
7:30–10:30 am
Sunday, Feb. 16
JAM56: 3rd Sunday Breakdown
Off Campus
1–2:30 pm
Highlander Concert–The Spirit That Sets Us Free
Sanctuary
7–9 pm
Brown Bag and a Book
H018
12–1 pm
Management Council Meeting
H018
5–7 pm
Wednesday, Feb. 19
Gathering of Men Lunch
Elliott Hall
12–1 pm
Thursday, Feb. 20
Smokey John’s BBQ Bible Study
1820 W. Mockingbird
6:30–8:30 pm
Sunday, Feb. 23
4th Sunday All-Church Lunch
Elliott Hall
12–1 pm
Women’s Ministry Legacy of Faith Dinner
Elliott Hall
6–8 pm
Women’s Ministry Hands of Love
Elliott Hall
9–11 am
Session Meeting
H020
5:30–8 pm
Alexander Hall/Gym
6–7:30 pm
Sunday, Feb. 2
Saturday, Feb. 8 Sunday, Feb. 9
Monday, Feb. 17
Monday, Feb. 24 Wednesday, Feb. 26
st
th
Dads and Dodgeball (1 –4 Grade)
Events, dates and times are subject to change and reflect information received when sent to press. Visit hppc.org/calendar for most up-to-date information.
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RECURRING EVENTS
*Check calendar for start date
**Advanced registration required
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
Journey Into Membership** (Jan 12-Feb. 16)
H017
9–10:30 am
Marriage Prep** (begins Jan. 19)
Private Dining Room
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
Children’s Choirs (Kindergarten-6 Grade)*
Alexander Bldg
4:45–5:45 pm
Genesis Youth Choir Rehearsal*
Choral Hall
4:45–6 pm
The Den (College Ministry) at College House*
3833 McFarlin Blvd
6–7:30 pm
Monday Night Bible Study*
H019
6:30–8 pm
Park Cities Basketball League **
Gym
6:30–10:30 pm
Troop 82 Boy Scouts
Bell Center
7:30–9 pm
Yoga
H019
8:30–9:30 am
A Mother’s Heart Bible Study*
H018
9:30–11:15 am
Beth Moore’s Bible Study*
Bell Center
11:30 am–1 pm
Highland Ringers*
H017
6:30–7:30 pm
Park Cities Basketball League**
Gym
6:30–10:30 pm
Co-Ed Community Bible Study (CBS)
Elliott Hall
6:45–8:15 pm
Troop 80 Boy Scouts
Bell Center
7–9 pm
Families Anonymous
H019
7–9 pm
Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting
H018
7–9 pm
LITE: What Is Reformed Faith? (Jan. 7–28)**
Alexander Hall
7:30–9 pm
LITE: Old Testament: History of Redemption (Feb. 11–April 22)**
Alexander Hall
7:30–9 pm
Women in the Word Bible Study*
H018
9:45–11:30 am
Young Adult Women’s Bible Study*
Parlor
10:30–11:45 am
M.A.S.H.–Bible Study (1st–4th Grade)*
Alexander Hall & Gym
6-7:30 pm
JAM56 Wednesday Night Bible Study*
Gym & JAM56 Room
6–7:30 pm
Middle School & High School Life Together Groups
Weekly at various times and locations
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*
Bridesmaids’ Room
7:30–8:30 am
st
th
th
Mondays
Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Thursdays
Events, dates and times are subject to change and reflect information received when sent to press. Visit hppc.org/calendar for most up-to-date information.
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RECURRING EVENTS, continued
*Check calendar for start date
**Advanced registration required
Date
Event
Location
Time
Thursdays, cont.
Precept Bible Study*
H018
9–10:30 am
Elliott Handbell Ensemble
H017
6:30–8 pm
Park Cities Basketball League**
Gym
6:30–10:30 pm
Chorale Rehearsal (Jan. 9–Feb. 13)
Choral Hall
7–9 pm
Women’s Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting
H019
7–9 pm
Men’s Breakfast at Flying Fish
Off Campus
7–8 am
Friday Fellowship
Elliott Hall
9 am–1 pm
Zumba Gold
H020
9:30–10:30 am
Park Cities Basketball League**
Gym
6:30–9:30 pm
All Nations Youth Bible Study
Off Campus
7:30–9 pm
Park Cities Basketball League**
Gym
9 am–3 pm
All Nations Worship Team Rehearsal
Bell Center
10 am–12:30 pm
All Nations Youth and College Gathering
Bell Center
2–4 pm
Chinese Ministry Weekly Bible Study
H020
6:45–8:30 pm
Fridays
Saturdays
Events, dates and times are subject to change and reflect information received when sent to press. Visit hppc.org/calendar for most up-to-date information.
Sunday, March 2 9 am | Wight Garden
Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan Celebrating Our Scottish-Presbyterian Heritage Sunday, Jan. 26 9:30 am & 11 am | Sanctuary 19
CALL FOR CROWDERS + OUTREACH UPDATE
Joy Sent Around the World HPPC Donates Boxes for Operation Christmas Child CHRISTMAS 2013 WAS brightened for
375 children by the generous donations of HPPC members and their families as they helped fulfill the mission of Operation Christmas Child (OCC). For more than 20 years, OCC has focused on demonstrating God’s love in a tangible way to more than 100 million needy children around the world and shared the Good News of Jesus Christ at the same time.
A young boy from India shared, “I am Farsana. It is a most precious gift for me because I don’t have my father in this world to buy a gift. But now I believe that God loves me. Even though I do not have an earthly father, I have a caring father in Jesus, that I learned through this gift box.”
Families diligently packed plastic shoeboxes, purchased by the Outreach CMYK RICH BLACK: C:30 M:20 Y:10 K:100 Ministry, with toys and hygiene necessities. The boxes were sent RED: C:0 M:100 Y:100 K:0 The children who receive the boxes are offered a 12-lesson to one of 130 countries – but maybe they have wondered, which GREEN: C:100 M:0 Y:100 K:0 discipleship program called The Greatest Journey, printed in country, which child, what happened? their local language. It introduces them to salvation through faith A mother in Central Asia shares her family’s experience: “We were in Christ and encourages them to grow in their faith. surprised that children of distant America had prepared for us these gifts. My children were elated. They had new toothbrushes, Join HPPC as we bring the joy found in knowing God’s love to toys and pencils – all that we couldn’t buy for them. When we all parts of the world.
Call for Crowders A New Chapter for Crowder Family A PART OF HPPC’s DNA has always been to raise up and
send out leaders to work on behalf of the Kingdom, and this winter HPPC had the privilege of doing this again – this time with Petey and Ashley Crowder. The Crowders came to HPPC from Oregon in May 2008 with their then 15-month-old daughter, Emery. While Petey and Ashley were here, HPPC saw God expand their family through the adoption of their 3-year old daughter, Yenenesh (“Yeni”) from Ethiopia. Both Petey and Ashley worked on staff at HPPC in the Young Adult ministry for more than five years. They invested in the lives of young adults, working to build up a community of believers who had a kingdom mindset so that they might grow in Christ, worship Him more fully and bless those in their neighborhoods, workplaces and families.
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were told about Jesus, I began to cry. I can’t explain what happened. But my heart was touched that God loved us. I thank God, and those who prepared these gifts for us.”
In spring 2013, Petey began the process of seeking ordination in HPPC’s new denomination, ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. In October, he accepted a call to become the associate pastor of missions at First Presbyterian Church of Winston-Salem, NC, where Rev. Dr. Peter Barnes is senior pastor. Many from HPPC might remember that Barnes served on the pastoral staff at HPPC for 10 years in college ministry and missions. Similar to HPPC, First Presbyterian voted on October 27 to change to ECO from the PC(USA), and it hopes to officially be in ECO this spring. HPPC is thrilled for the Crowder family as they continue to seek God’s calling to serve and shepherd His people well. We are grateful for their time spent here at HPPC and are excited to see how God continues to raise up new leaders and pastors from HPPC to use for His glory.
GROW IN CHRIST
The Gift of Silence BY LAURA MURRAY Pastoral Resident SILENCE IS A rare find, whether external or internal, our world is only getting louder. The noisiness of the world has brought us to devalue silence and to believe it is unproductive. The fact is silence can be incredibly valuable and often is the only way that some things can be produced. Creativity, healing, learning, rest and so much more come from silence.
Silence connects our hearts to God’s heart and gives space to listen, pay attention and hear what God has to say. Silence is a spiritual practice that is found throughout the Scriptures and in the history of the church. Silence offers us an opportunity to stop, let go of control and trust God. Silence is an act of surrender and a great act of trust. We surrender our agenda, timing, desires, leading our own lives in order to trust God. As we practice silence, we realize this surrender leads to many great gifts. Personally, silence is a discipline I need. From the moment I wake up until the moment I go to sleep, there are many
voices requiring my attention, care and response. Whether a friend, someone I am ministering to, the words from a book I am reading, or my children’s voices, the voices in my life abound and they overwhelm. Silence has now become a necessity in my life. A necessity that has brought beautiful gifts I never expected. One gift is the ability to discern God’s voice. As we silence the many words in our lives, we leave space to hear from The Word, Jesus. In silence we learn what God’s voice sounds like. When life gets loud again, we can more easily recognize His voice out of the many voices. Another gift is a deepened relationship with God. C.S. Lewis wrote, “If you want to avoid God, avoid silence and solitude, live in a crowd and keep the radio on.” Some of us unintentionally avoid God with noise…television, music, lectures and even conversation. In and of themselves these things are not bad. But when we flood our lives with noise, we might be avoiding God. When we practice silence it gives God
time to go deep, to restore and refresh us and heal us. A very practical gift offered by silence is the ability to prioritize. There are a million things that have to get done. Often we find ourselves doing and fixing unimportant things. The needs have moved into compulsions, and we find ourselves in a frenzy to do a million little things that do not matter. Silence forces us to slow down. Our frenzied minds are calmed, and we can begin to discern what is actually needed and what is not. Silence also re-teaches us to rest. When we let go of control, trust God for the moments we are silent with Him, we learn what it is to rest again. Specifically, we re-learn to rest in Him. Silence requires some sacrifice, but it is well worth it. So why not try it? Create space in your schedule for time in silence with God. Go to a quiet place and sit for five minutes. If you are really ambitious, try 10 minutes! Turn off the background music, choose silence and ask that God would meet you. And then do it again the next day.
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FALL FUN FEST A 1970s Ken Doll comes to life for FFF This bunch of bananas made FFF
an a-peel-ing event
Fun for the whole family – Grandma too! Creative costumes filled the room
Caroline Mendoza and Annabel Callahan
Isaiah Lee and Luke Weatherford Joe “Lone Ranger” Rightmyer nabs some grub
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LIFE AT HPPC Tish Drinkwater, Becky Paterick and Lee Sun Lee
enjoyed fellowship at Cup of Christmas Cheer
Chorister and Canterbury Choirs joined the
Chancel Choir in Sunday worship service on Nov. 24
❾ Cup of Christmas Cheer puts ladies in the
spirit of the season Betty Hein, Wim Burnett and Cheryl Andrews
Andrew Blackmon, Madeline Sikes and Emily Quinn shine in the Advent Festival’s story of Jesus’ birth The Advent Festival was a great family event Lisa Wilson, Leah Wilson and Leslie Merrill
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Parish News Births Vivienne Lee Murphy Daughter of Allison and Shaun Murphy Born Oct. 8, 2013
Sacrament of Baptism Henley Grace Hodges Daughter of Erin and Hayden Hodges Born April 28, 2013 Baptized Oct. 20, 2013 Elizabeth Cook Martin Daughter of Catherine and William Martin Born Aug. 20, 2013 Baptized Nov. 17, 2013 Ellen Kate Kirkpatrick Daughter of Alison and Andrew Kirkpatrick Born June 5, 2013 Baptized Nov. 17, 2013 Stephani Kimani Daughter of Loise Kimani and James Boro Born Nov. 29, 2009 Baptized Nov. 17, 2013 Bethany Kendi Moyo Daughter of Stacie Njoki Njuguna and Muthuri Moyo Kimathi Born May 31, 2013 Baptized Nov. 17, 2013 Liora Zawadi Kaume Daughter of Faith Kathambi Kiunga and Moses Kaume Eringo Born May 6, 2013 Baptized Nov. 17, 2013
Mac Mugambi Kaberia Son of Mary Eringo and Gilbert Kaberia Born March 18, 2011 Baptized Nov. 17, 2013
Laura Koch and Fritz Konker Daughter of Paige and Joe Koch Son of Karen and Dave Konker Married Nov. 16, 2013
Justin M. Maina Son of Lydia Maina and Peter Mbogo Born April 29, 2008 Baptized Nov. 17, 2013
Triumphant
Xia Yusun Baptized Nov. 17, 2013
Weddings Karington Buchanan and Chris Johnston Daughter of Kimber and David Jensen and Kirk and Mindy Buchanan Son of Marsi and Steve Gramzay and Craig Johnston Married Oct. 12, 2013 Ginger Bright and Augie Frost Daughter of Susan and Clay Bright Son of Belinda and Gary Frost Married Oct. 12, 2013 Laura Daniel and Brennan Bailey Daughter of Barbara and Richard Daniel Son of Hatch and the late Yvonne Bailey Married Oct. 26, 2013 Allyssa Dunklin and Eric Leslie Daughter of Madeline Dunklin and Steve Dunklin Son of Shirley and Steve Leslie and Therese and Slim Sonnier Married Nov. 9, 2013
Entered the Church Glenn Bradley Westbrook, passed away on Oct. 2, 2013. Sympathy to his daughter, Janis Knott, and family; his granddaughter, Rev. Alex Knott; and his grandson, Zach Knott, and family. Carl Cotten, passed away on Oct. 13, 2013. Sympathy to his daughter, Karen Vandermeer, and family. Kathleen Denman, passed away on Oct. 13, 2013. Sympathy to her husband, Charles Denman, and family. Francis Chantillis, passed away on Oct. 21, 2013. Sympathy to her son, Dr. Sam Chantillis, and family. Betty Lu Slaughter Williams, passed away on Oct. 13, 2013. Sympathy to her sister, Gloria Hammack, and family. Lynn Ray Browning, passed away on Oct. 30, 2013. Sympathy to his daughter, Loretta Browning. Bob Orrick, passed away on Nov. 1, 2013. Sympathy to his nephew, Robert Van Buren, and family. Marie Baldwin, passed away on Nov. 5, 2013. Sympathy to her son, Jim Baldwin, and family; her daughter, Janet McColloch, and family; and her granddaughter, Anne Hunt, 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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drawing the line with your kids even when it’s tough
2014 Pick up a booklet on campus today or follow along online!
For Parents Birth–12th Grade
hppc.org/readthroughthebible
Sunday, Jan. 12 9:30–10:30 am Elliott Hall hppc.org/parentingnow a
event
Ash Wednesday Services If you are engaged or headed towards that next step, we invite you to register for this 6-week course, led by a variety of skilled teachers and counselors, designed to give you valuable information about marriage and starting your lives together.
Sundays, 9–10:30 am Jan. 19–Feb. 23 March 30–May 11 (No meeting Easter Sunday)
hppc.org/marriageprep
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 5 12 pm - Wynne Chapel or 7 pm - Sanctuary
Qualifies for the State-recognized TwoGether in Texas program.
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GROW IN CHRIST
Called to LITE Up the World THE HPPC LAY Institute for Theological Education (LITE) exists to equip and empower lay members to approach their life and ministry from a biblical and Reformed appreciation of God and His Word. It aims to provide an intensive season of theological formation distinctive in its rigorous, historical and comprehensive approach. Each letter in the LITE acronym reveals a distinctive of the vision for the program. LAY. In the economy of heaven, there is no “lay” category. There are simply those who have been brought into the family of God and those who haven’t. We therefore use the term “lay” not to represent a distinct category of believer but to signify accessibility to all. Regardless of whether you are in full-time ministry at a church or in full-time ministry as a lawyer, teacher, parent or student, we are all common people. By the grace of God, we all have the opportunity to grow in our knowledge of God and His Word and to be transformed into the image of Christ. Lay and common. Simple but significant. Human yet created Imago Dei–image of God.
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INSTITUTE. Although the word sounds stagnant, it is simply an organization created for a particular purpose. LITE is an institute for this very reason. There are no rogue Christians. We are called into the body of Christ, organized together around Christ and His Word. Though we live in a culture where people want to call their own shots, in God’s organization, the Church, He directs the conversation. Therefore, in LITE, we want to let God direct our conversation by focusing on the story of His Church and the great drama of redemption. THEOLOGICAL. Rev. Dr. Michael Walker once said (video available at hppc.org/lite), we are all theologians – either good ones or bad ones. And we should long to be good theologians because the way we think about God impacts every aspect of our lives. Our aim, therefore, is to offer a rigorous, historical and comprehensive theological curriculum capable of providing a foundation and framework for all of life! EDUCATION. Seminaries have not always existed. There was a time when theological education was primarily conducted in the context of the local
church. We desire to stand in this legacy, believing that theological education best flourishes when carried out within a worshiping community that understands that education is but a means to the greater end of deepened affection for God. Our move in October 2013 to the ECO denomination was a declaration of the commitment we hold to our Reformed Presbyterian roots, and the change will reignite an interest in digging deeper. In January, we will offer a mini-course on What Is the Reformed Faith? Bring a friend to this four-week series and grow together. In February, we will offer Old Testament: History of Redemption. LITE courses are offered on work-friendly weeknights. The core courses, each ten weeks long, are offered in the fall and spring semesters on a two-year rotation. Go to hppc.org/lite for complete course listings and to register. The uniting aspect of this family is Christ. It is therefore our sincere hope that as we gather, we will grow in our knowledge and love for the family into which we have been redeemed and for the Redeemer who has brought us into His family. That, we believe, is eternally relevant!
New Members
Michael Armstrong
Morten Beyer
Jill Bliss
Justin Cross
Carol Elliott
Don French
Donnie French
Joseph Gachigua
Josephine Gichuhi
Charles Kaguma
Michael Kirigo
Simon Kiuna
Lydiah Macharia
Rubi Martinez
Natalia Matylevitch
Elena Mickel
Allan Muigai
Shyrra Muigai
Josephine Munene
Pla Muyeshi
Susan Schmidt
Hunter Williams
MEMBERSHIP CLASS FALL 2013 - SESSION ONE
Parish News
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MISSIONARY FOCUS
MISSIONARY FOCUS Sonia and Steve Dettweiler | Wycliffe Bible Translators Nigeria is the third-richest country in the world – in languages that is, with over 450 of them. After Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, Nigeria has the third most languages, which gives great job security to Sonia and Steve Dettweiler, who have been serving in Nigeria with Wycliffe Bible Translators for the past 22 years.
the grammar also means that the message of the Bible can be communicated naturally and clearly in that language. “We all want the Bible to be translated correctly. It is important that speakers of all languages around the world can understand the Good News of a sovereign God who loves us and sent His Son to rescue us,” said Steve.
The Dettweilers have a long history with HPPC, as we have been faithfully supporting first Sonia’s and then Steve and Sonia’s work for almost three decades.
In 2012, HPPC funded a two-week Nigerian discourse workshop through the Christmas offering. The workshop is bearing fruit. One participant exclaimed, “My translation checking is revolutionized!” As an understudy, Steve participated in the workshop. He will be able to teach others in the future the vital concepts learned there.
Sonia was raised in Brazil by her medical missionary parents. Steve was raised in Canada and felt called to Bible translation through his participation in a missionminded church in Toronto. They met in 1989 in Dallas while Sonia was working at the International Linguistics Center and Steve was studying linguistics. They were married nine months later, and in January 1991 they left for Nigeria to train and support Nigerians for completing Bible translation. Steve loves grammar. Describing the grammar of a previously unwritten language opens doors to the development of a written form for the language. Correct analysis of
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Sonia’s work as the director’s assistant empowers the director to relate well to the more than 70 staff, as well as to Wycliffe partners in Nigeria. Steve’s work as a linguistics consultant and lecturer in the Bible Translation Department enables Nigerians to obtain the skills needed to do Bible translation. Both their roles affect the whole Bible translation movement in this strategic area of the world. The Dettweilers count on the continued prayers and support of their HPPC family.
THE WORLD IS becoming a smaller place with an ever-
changing globally connected economy that requires us to consider global dynamics, challenges and opportunities as never before. People from other nations are all around us in Dallas – even close to HPPC’s doorstep. HPPC’s Chinese church plant is now in its third year after humble beginnings as a fellowship in the home of Pastor Ben Wang and his wife, Esther, in 2010. In 2011, Ben led the soft launch of the Chinese church plant at HPPC that focuses on campus ministry to Mandarin-speaking Chinese in Dallas, specifically those from SMU’s campus and UTSW Medical Center. On Sunday mornings, the Chinese Church holds a bilingual worship service at HPPC with 30 to 40 people. “We started from nothing. The first thing I did was go with Kraig Kelly, director of evangelism and new church development, to the cafeteria at UT Southwestern Medical Center – where there are a lot of Chinese students, faculty and professionals – and we prayed,” said Ben. “I can only believe that God brings the people, and He did the very next day… there was a Chinese couple that just moved from Chicago standing in the church’s parking lot. They were looking for information about Dallas. Amazing!”
CHURCH PLANT UPDATE
Chinese Church Flourishing in Third Year
The second anniversary of the Chinese church plant was celebrated by many in July 2013.
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex has an estimated population of 100,000 Mandarin-speaking Chinese people. “We joke that the average educational degree [of Chinese students] is a doctorate, as many of them are here at SMU or at UTSW for advanced instruction,” said Ben. Since 2010, more than 50 Chinese churchgoers have come to proclaim Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Ben and HPPC pastors have baptized about 30 of those new Christians.
Ben performed a full immersion baptism of Xia Lusun at the home of Rev. Joe Rightmyer in late November 2013.
In addition to his work at HPPC, Ben has been helping with the Chinese Bible Translation Project for years. The last Bible published in Mandarin was in 1919. Now the younger generation needs a more modern translation. Some in HPPC’s Chinese Church will stay in the U.S., but many will go back to China. These men and women filled with the Holy Spirit are enthusiastic about sharing their faith with their countrymen. Ben says, “We have met with several men who are lawyers in Shanghai now after studying at SMU, and they are actively sharing their faith with those in their community. We are truly seeing the impact of HPPC’s efforts to spread the Gospel around the world. Esther and I are thankful for our church’s global vision [that began] so many years ago.”
Pastor Ben Wang married Yuanying Lou and Hao Wu in Wynne Chapel.
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COLLEGE MINISTRY
Opening Doors to College Students Integrating Students Into the Life of HPPC BY JONATHAN HICKS Director of College Ministry RECENTLY, I WAS in the dining hall at SMU and ran into two freshman guys I had met at the beginning of the year, but hadn’t seen much of since. They were talking about finding Christian community at SMU and invited me to join their conversation. They told me how it has taken some time to find a church since they’ve come to the school. They both regularly attend church with friends, but they haven’t “landed” at one place yet. And so, I asked them a question that I believe is central to my ministry at HPPC with college students, “What does it mean to be a part of a church? What would it look like to ‘land’ at a church?”
The fact that these two young men were regularly attending church and wanting to find a church home while at college is a great first step. We hope that all of the students we send out from Dallas find churches in their new places. But it shouldn’t end there. Showing up for a service on a Sunday and then quietly leaving is not our full hope. Our hope is that college students would catch a vision that the normal Christian life is to be actively part of a church. We don’t want them to be trained during college to merely watch or be spectators. We want them to worship with Christians of all ages and walks of life. We want them to learn from older men and women. We want them to learn to serve in the church and in the world. We want them to build Christian community with fellow believers. We want to see them become disciple-makers. I know what you are thinking. You are thinking, “Your expectations are too high! That will never
A group of SMU students gathered at the College House for the Dallas Dash scavenger hunt last fall.
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happen in a million years!” Trust me, I know exactly what you mean. There are plenty of obstacles to integrating college students into the church. It is often really difficult to get them just to come to worship on a Sunday morning – let alone anything more than that. But I believe it’s a goal worth having because it’s the goal Jesus has for all his disciples. Yes, even college students! At HPPC, we find students come to us both through the front door and the back door. Some have heard of HPPC and after coming to worship decide they want to get involved in the college ministry. More, though, either weren’t looking for a church or weren’t looking for HPPC in particular, but they connect to our college ministry in some way. Maybe they come by our Boulevard tent with a friend or get invited to The Den, our Sunday night dinner and Bible study. Or maybe they have the (mis)fortune of sitting next to me at lunch in the dining hall one day and we start talking about Christ. In any event, at HPPC, they are going to be prodded (gently), encouraged and taught about the importance of the church. Truthfully, that message may take some time to sink in. But our hope and prayer is that we would see college students truly become a part of HPPC and become the future leaders of this church and many others. Thank you for your support and partnership in our ministry to college students here in Dallas and across the country.
From left: Elizabeth Parker, Jonathan Hicks and Travis Pry build relationships with SMU students to grow the Kingdom.
Dr. Greg Hobbs, Director of Music CHRISTMAS IS ONLY the beginning.
In worship during the early weeks of January we recognize the extraordinary early earthly life events of Jesus through His birth, the Epiphany, and His baptism. Here is a quick sketch of how our worship reflects this understanding. Jesus was born, but He then was recognized. As we celebrated His birth, we now commemorate humanity’s comprehension of Jesus as the divine Son of God. It was a radical, courageous effort of the Magi to travel to an unknown land and search for a child to whom to present beautiful gifts and worship. In many ways the Magi represent us, people not fully comprehending the implications of the glory of God incarnate, yet willing to humble ourselves and pour blessings on the incarnate God. Epiphany tells us that not only has God come to us, but we must also journey to God. The journey is mysterious and risky, and we don’t know what to expect when we finally arrive. But travel we must.
Recognizing Jesus via the celebration of Epiphany Sunday is an important step in fully realizing our connection to the incarnate God, but there is even more. The celebration of the Baptism of Jesus on Sunday, January 12, the week after Epiphany Sunday, January 5, helps us focus our attention on Jesus’ humble act of faith and God’s proclamation of Him as God’s Son. A sacrament that we follow in our own faith journey, the baptism reflects Jesus’ initiative toward us and toward God. Through our baptism we proclaim our solidarity with the incarnate God. I love the constant give-and-take with all of these milestones that we attempt to somehow realize in worship. • The impulse God has in connecting with us by sending His essence in the form of a human child (Christmas)
• The connection the incarnate God makes with us in demonstrating faith through sacrament (Christ’s Baptism) • The revelation of God to all creation about His Son (This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:17) This back-and-forth between God and humans seems to be an expanded conversation, with each responding to the love demonstrated by the other with yet a new demonstration of love. God expresses love, we express love, God expresses more love, we respond with more love. This is the essence of worship. Our liturgy plays out a drama, a divine exchange of beautiful actions of love between the Creator and the created. Realizing the bigger picture helps us in our ongoing relationship with and discovery of God.
• The faith we demonstrate by going to that child and expressing our love to Him (Epiphany)
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What is the Reformed Faith?
Old Testament:
History of Redemption
Tuesdays, Jan. 7–28 7:30–9 pm | Alexander Hall
Tuesdays, Feb. 11–April 22 7:30–9 pm | Alexander Hall
HPPC celebrates its identity as a Reformed community. But what does it mean to be Reformed? Join us for a four-week class, as we explore the rich distinctives of the Reformed tradition and allow it to convey us into a deeper experience of the living God.
If Jesus is the key to human history, what is the shape of the lock? If all of God’s promises are fulfilled in Christ, then just what promises does Jesus fulfill? Join us for a 10-week class, as we unfold the great Old Testament drama of redemption that begins in Creation and climaxes in Jesus Christ.
Taught by: Pastoral Intern, Charlie Dunn and Theologian in Residence, Rev. Dr. Michael Walker
Taught by: Pastoral Intern, Charlie Dunn and College Ministry Director, Jonathan Hicks