SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 ISSUE NO. 3
Sunday Mornings Worship Services Communion Service Wynne Chapel 8:15 am
Sanctuary Services 9:30 & 11 am
H istory of C hristian D octrine The Essential Truths
Contemporary Service Gym
(Hunt Bldg 3rd floor)
11:05 am
All Nations Service Bell Center
(Basement of Alexander Bldg)
11 am
A 10-week class starting on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 7:30-9 pm Alexander Hall Register online at
hppc.org/essentialtruths
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 To learn more about the Core 4:
Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
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hppc.org/core4
CONTENTS
PAGE 13 Women’s Ministry
Featured on the cover of Connect: Sarah Dowd and Audrey Blauser
Connect Magazine is published bi-monthly by Highland Park Presbyterian Church 3821 University Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75205. Periodicals Postage Pending at Dallas, TX. Postmaster: Send address change to Connect Magazine 3821 University Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75205
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PASTOR EDITORIAL Rev. Joe Rightmyer
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FIND YOUR PLACE Connecting in Communities
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Jamie Woodley
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IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE! VBS Highlights
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PHOTOS VBS 2013 at HPPC
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URBAN MISSION Every Child Matters
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WOMEN’S MINISTRY Fall Kickoff
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WAITING IN THE WINGS New Ministry Launch
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MEMBERSHIP Communicants Wrap Yearlong Class
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HPPDS NEWS New Executive Director Named
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WORSHIP & PRAISE Contemporary Worship in 1105
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ADOPT-A-SCHOOL UPDATE Amelia Earhart Learning Center
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PHOTOS Life at HPPC
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HPPC CALENDAR & RECURRING EVENTS
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PARISH NEWS
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NEW ELDER CLASS
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PHOTOS Fourth of July at HPPC
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MISSIONARY FOCUS Dziu and Garrick Roegner
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OUTREACH Disaster Relief Efforts
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CONTINUING OUR LEGACY Opportunities for Our Future
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WORSHIP IN SPIRIT & IN TRUTH Order of Worship
CORRECTION
July/Aug. Issue, page 29: Kimi Brown attended the University of Southern California 3
Building Community in Interim Period THE QUESTION OFTEN arises: “What are
we as a congregation to expect during the interim period between installed Senior Pastors?” That question is followed by one that is on the minds of many people: “Is an Interim Senior Pastor a caretaker of the status quo or an advocate for change?” You may be wondering about the same, so let me attempt to explain how an Interim Pastor normally functions in a church and then cite some of the exceptions at work at HPPC. Pastors often change churches many times in the course of their careers. In many denominations, these pastoral changes are addressed by the appointment of one with such authority. But in our Presbyterian world, pastoral changes work differently and move much more slowly. Our connectional system automatically involves the Presbytery through its Committee on Ministry, and the process of discerning the new pastor can be quite lengthy. Given that the process usually takes months – and can take years – the counsel of most Committees on Ministry is for a church to call an Interim Pastor to provide leadership during that period of time. The terms of call typically are for one year, and then subject to renewal based on the need and/ or compatibility. The primary role of the Interim Pastor is to provide stability and continuity for the church, assuming that
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things are going well for the congregation. If there has been discord in a church, the role of the Interim Pastor expands into one hopefully of peacemaker and reconciler. Because the need is great for strong interim leadership for churches, our denomination provides specialized training for Interim Pastors. It has been my privilege to receive this training. I have been both encouraged and challenged by the Session’s invitation to assume a different role and to apply that training here.
REV. JOE RIGHTMYER Interim Senior Pastor
As addressed in the Mission Study Report, concerns continue to surface regarding huge changes in our denomination as well. These concerns need to be addressed forthrightly before a new pastor can be called, so this autumn our congregation will be hearing more and more about how the Session feels we should best move forward. As a biblically orthodox congregation, our interim goals are as follows: Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14
I have confirmed during my tenure as an Associate Pastor that HPPC is indeed exceptional; and now as the Interim Senior Pastor I find the interim process has many exceptions! For example, a typical interim pastorate would begin by relationship building and goal setting. In my case, however, the relationships have The true goal of an interim period is to been building for almost five years, and become a community of disciples of Jesus the goal-setting process is well advanced by Christ whose relationships increasingly the Mission Study and subsequent report. reflect Christ’s character. We have a What would ordinarily take most of the head start on that, too, so let us strive first year of an interim period is already to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the done! bonds of peace. By God’s power we are doing precisely that; and by God’s grace What remains is to begin and accomplish we will continue to grow in the grace of the work that has been identified for the our Lord Jesus Christ. immediate future. The eight opportunities outlined in the Mission Study Report are not waiting for a new Senior Pastor. They are our present imperatives, so status quo is not an option.
HPPC’s Men’s Ministry presents
Friday-Saturday, Oct. 18-19 Pine Dunes Resort & Golf Club East Texas
Thursday, Oct. 31 5-6:30 pm Elliott Hall
Registration and details available at
Join HPPC for our annual Fall Fun Festival! A safe, free and fun Halloween alternative for young children and their families. Exciting games, cakewalk, bounce houses, fun mazes and more! Non-scary costumes only please!
hppc.org/golf
hppc.org/fallfunfest
MUSIC ACADEMY
Parent’s Night Out
Guest speaker: Richard Ellis Cost: $250, includes accommodations, Two rounds of golf, food and team shirt
Registration is underway for piano and voice lessons through our Music Ministry’s Music Academy Instructors: Niki Hobbs - voice Sue Carlson - piano Lauren Stroh - piano Piano | Year-round All skill levels 1st Grade - Adults Voice | Sept. - May Ages 14 - Adult Beginning Voice or Performance Prep Voice For full details go to HPPC.ORG/MUSIC
It’s a good thing Friday, Oct. 4 6-9:30 pm Free Child Care is available f or children 2 months – 6th Grade Registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 27 at 3 pm
Register at hppc.org/pno 5
SUNDAY MORNING COMMUNITIES
FIND YOUR PLACE Make Friends and Grow in Christ HAPPY NEW YEAR! Don’t worry. It really is only September. However, so many families seem to recalibrate their lives and goals when the new school year begins instead of on Jan. 1.
Will you make a new school year resolution this fall? If you haven’t already, find your place in community on Sunday mornings at HPPC. Why is this so important? Rev. Dr. Marshall Zieman explains that “HPPC is such a great place to connect vertically with God through worship in any of our venues. What makes your faith really grow, however, is when you also find a way to look around you to connect with other church members.” With a large church like HPPC, it is really easy to hide or be anonymous – slip in and out of a worship service. However, we cannot be Christians on an island all by ourselves. All followers of Jesus are called to live out their faith in community with other Christians and to actively serve others in need. In the Western culture, it’s easy to default to self-reliance.
Instead, Christians should demonstrate a different way. Being involved in the life and ministry at HPPC and bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) deepen each person’s faith and strengthen the church. Scripture says to initiate and maintain caring, generous relationships. Close to 60 times in the New Testament there is a command that ends with “one another.” Love one another, pray for one another and so on. Christian life-change happens best in smaller groups. Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, says, “When Jesus started His ministry, the very first thing He did was form a small group.” Rev. Dr. Jim Gribnitz poses this question in closing: “Did your life change more sitting in a sermon or seminar? Probably not. It probably changed more through relationships.” Get into a small community, make friends and grow in Christ, so you can be encouraged and also encourage others. To explore, go to hppc.org/classescommunities.
“Christ’s ministry of reconciliation and the indwelling presence of His Holy Spirit makes us a holy priesthood. Together, we are built into a ‘spiritual house’ (1 Peter 2:5). When we live out the ‘one another’ moments of our faith together in community, we then can experience the greater blessings as Christ’s Church.” – Rev. Dr. L. Nelson Bell II
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“For me, being part of a community is what it means to truly live out the Gospel. The Harbor is purposeful about being like the ‘Acts 2 Church’ – we eat, pray, learn, fellowship and serve with one another on a regular basis. The impact of this community on my life and marriage is immeasurable. We are more deeply rooted in faith and better equipped to go out into the world and be the hands and feet of Christ.”
DAN BEAIRD Connections “In addition to the great teaching, a highlight of the Connections community is coming together in prayer before our lesson. Martha Lou and I feel blessed to be able to lift up our members and their families in prayer to the Lord. We’ve witnessed God’s presence through people’s life experiences that they share during this time. Through prayer, we bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
MARY NIX Journey “One of the best ‘gifts’ we have received at HPPC is the gift of community. We went looking for a group of parents with shared values and have met and socialized with families living Christ-centered lives in Journey. I feel part of a community where we genuinely care about each other and look forward to seeing each other. I am also comforted to know my Journey group would be there for us or for our children if we needed them.”
SUNDAY MORNING COMMUNITIES
ALLISON MURPHY The Harbor
Discover Community – Sundays 9:30 am For detailed descriptions and room information, go to hppc.org/classescommunities
ACTS TOO
COMMON GROUND
JOURNEY
Ages: 45+ | Led by: T. Hardie Lecture, Small Group Discussion, Service, Social
Ages: 30s with Young Children Led by: Various Bible Study Lecture, Discussion
Ages: 35+ Growing Families Led by: Various Bible Study Lecture, Discussion, Service, Social
AMIS
CONNECTIONS
Ages: 65+ | Led by: Group Small Group Discussion
Ages: Intergenerational Led by: Robin Pou Bible Study Lecture, Service, Social
TOM CURRIE
BIBLE FOCUS Ages: 40+ | Led by: Various Books of Bible Lecture, Small Group Discussion
CATACOMBS Ages: 65+ | Led by: Various Bible Study Discussion Style
CLAYTON & PEGGY BELL Ages: 50+ | Led by: Various Bible/Book Study Discussion Style
COLLEGE Ages: College | Led by: Jonathan Hicks Lecture, Service, Social
Ages: 50+ | Led by: Various Music, Bible Study Lecture, Discussion
DISCUSSION GROUP C
TRINITY
Ages: 60+ | Led by: Various Bible Study Lecture, Discussion, Service, Social
Ages: 45+ Led by: Pete Townsend/Wes Garwood Bible Study Lecture, Discussion, Social
FAMILY LIFE
WAKE UP!
Ages: 50+ | Led by: Clyde Jackson Bible Study Lecture, Discussion
Ages: Young Adults 20s & 30s Led by: Various Lecture, Discussion
THE HARBOR Ages: Young Couples 20s & 30s Led by: Ashley and Petey Crowder Bible Study Lecture, Discussion, Service, Social
WESTMINSTER (11 AM) Ages: 70+ | Led by: Ann Smith Bible Study Lecture, Discussion, Social
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Jamie Woodley | Time Well Spent Each year, thousands of international students come to Dallas to study at SMU. Lonely, disoriented with little experience with Americans or English, many struggle to acclimate. Through HPPC’s International Friendship Program (IFP), Jamie Woodley blesses the world one relationship at a time.
What sparked your interest in IFP? Former team coordinator Carol Casey’s love and passion for the international SMU students was infectious at an Elliott Hall booth fair several years ago. Our family just finished our second year of involvement and really enjoyed it.
What kinds of activities do you do with your students? It’s really up to each partner, but we found a neat way to share Christ’s love and kindness two years ago by hosting a Labor Day dinner. My wife, Lisa, asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday, which always falls around Labor Day. Invariably, when my focus is on what I want, I end up frustrated and disappointed. On a few mission trips, I have experienced the wonderful joy in suspending for a few days my usual focus on me and my family’s wants and needs and the sheer joy of focusing
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completely on loving and serving others. So, for the first time on my birthday, I hoped to duplicate that experience. I thought of the new SMU international students who would be brand-new strangers to America and Dallas with no friends, no car and probably stuck in their dorm rooms and apartments, lonely and homesick. So, I told Lisa that what I really wanted to do for my birthday was open our doors and invite them over for supper. It was the best birthday I’ve ever had, and we plan to continue the tradition.
How has this partnership affected your family? One of the great things is that our 10-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, gets to experience these young people from a completely different culture. It’s so wonderful for her to be involved in helping serve and love these students with us.
This past Christmas Eve, we had two students over for supper. One was from India, and the other from Africa. Dinner was taking a long time to prepare, and one of my children said, “I’m starving!” One of the students replied in all seriousness, “You ate yesterday, you are not starving!” This really convicted all of us!
What does it take to become a partner? All it takes is one hour of training and a commitment to reach out to your student two to three times per semester. By the way, this is the cheapest way to do world missions – no airfare and no time off of work! To learn more about becoming an American partner, go to hppc.org/ifp.
THE HALLS OF HPPC were transformed with vines, monkeys, birds, butterflies and even jaguars to match this year’s VBS theme, “It’s a Jungle out there…Get God!” Almost 150 adult and youth volunteers had the opportunity to share God’s love with 490 children. With the theme of John 3:16, the goal was to help them understand God’s amazing love for them through the death and Resurrection of Jesus so they “get God’s love” forever. Each day, seeds were planted as God’s word was taught through music, Bible stories, arts and crafts, recreation and even snacks. Service was another important element of the VBS week. New this year, the fifth and sixth graders actually became the hands and feet of Christ every morning and served at Voice of Hope, a Christian community center in West Dallas. It was an amazing opportunity for the group of 12 students who cleaned and mulched a playground, organized a library and decorated cookies with local children. The Elementary and Early Childhood children learned about service in Chapel, and by collecting loose change, they brought in an offering of $2,100. So together, children age 2 through 12, had a direct experience of blessing the world.
If you walked the halls, you would have seen: • Bright orange tie dye T-shirts - the color of “joy” • Laughter and giggles • Legacy Ladies dressed up in their “biblical” attire sharing the stories of Jesus • Kids mesmerized by the puppet stage • Fog and the green glow of Elliott Hall • Kids going bananas, singing and doing hand motions at the various chapels • The transformation of Wight Garden with balloon monkeys and vines • Sweaty but happy faces leaving the gym after recreation • Fifth and sixth graders, hot and tired, returning from a day in the mulch • Volunteers taking a short break in the snack room (the food was amazing!) • Sharing God’s love everywhere, as adults and children learned together about the great love God has for all of us
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
It’s a Jungle Out There...
So several months later – what does VBS mean to HPPC now? Our members should praise God for VBS and the ministries for children and youth. Also, pray that the Lord moved in the hearts of the children and volunteers who were part of our VBS VBS is the largest single event for the Children’s Ministry every year. “Jungle.” Pray they understood how to “Get God” and follow Christ. And, finally pray for the Children and Youth Ministries It is truly an amazing week of energy, enthusiasm and joy for Jesus! of HPPC as they continue to reach out and share the amazing There are so many people who make this week possible, from a love and grace of God to the community. dedicated staff to committed volunteers to fantastic kids.
Above: Rev. Dr. Jim Gribnitz with a group of smiling VBS elementary children. Right: The Sanctuary was filled for the closing service as HPPC celebrated almost 500 children “Getting God!”
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VBS AT HPPC A lmost 500 children attended VBS 2013 at HPPC H and motions help reinforce chapel songs Lauren Nix
S haring our blessings Children brought an offering to VBS that benefited Voice of Hope's VBS in West Dallas
Bringing a story to life Legacy Lady, Anne Blakeney acts out a story from the Bible with VBS children
º Neema Kimathi and Jake Elverum enjoy story time
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F ueling up in the teacher’s snack lounge Bonnie Mills, Ellen Townsend, Julie Ann O’Connell and Priscilla Shellenberger made sure the treat tables were filled for hungry volunteers
I n the Jungle, the Mighty Jungle Colorful lights set the mood for VBS rain forest theme New voices take over the puppet booth Christi Glasscock and Austin Ariail help children learn the daily lesson with an entertaining puppet show.
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URBAN MISSION
Every Child Matters THERE ARE WOMEN everyday who
are facing an unplanned pregnancy and the possibility of single motherhood. Have you ever wondered how you can be a source of encouragement? During these times of uncertainty and challenge, these women must be encouraged and empowered to know that they can raise children and be shining examples of Christ’s love. The newest HPPC Urban Missions partner, One by One Ministries, a leading Christian family and early childhood ministry, hopes through the impact of God’s love and grace, to influence an entire generation by improving the quality of life for babies and their parents. They not only help families during pregnancy, but the first year of the baby’s life and beyond. One by One Regional Ministry Director and HPPC member, Laurie Connell, is thrilled that HPPC was one of the first churches in 2012 to partner with the organization in North Texas. Laurie grew up at HPPC and currently serves as Deacon. Her passion for this mentoring ministry began when she
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volunteered at a local pregnancy center. Her heart’s desire was to build a deeper relationship with women who chose life for their baby, to disciple them and teach them essential parenting skills in order to build strong families. Laurie recruits churches and trains volunteers to mentor clients from a faith-based pregnancy center who have requested a mentor to walk with them through the first year of their baby’s life. HPPC’s committed coordinators Lisa Koons and Ginny Moore support and encourage mentors and plan monthly meetings to pray and praise together, and share available resources to help these families. Mentors also get to experience the joy of witnessing remarkable growth in the spiritual, emotional and family-related health of their participant families. One mentor training session on a Saturday is simple yet helps volunteers to become confident and equipped. A one-hour evangelism training session imparts how to simply share the Gospel, in a natural, conversational way.
Christy, a mentor, shared, “One by One opens the door to being transparent in a time of life that can be so difficult and wonderful at the same time...With One by One, we are taking mothers where they are, in a time of life where they are far more willing to make changes as a baby enters their world. Parenting is a huge responsibility that requires a support network that teaches as it reaches. I find this ministry challenging and encouraging. It has helped me grow in my walk with the Lord.” By volunteering as mentors, you can help strengthen families through education, encouragement and relationship. Joining the One by One team at HPPC, helps to empower families in our community to raise and healthy and successful children. For information on how to get involved with One by One, email Duffy Johnson at duffy.johnson@hppc.org.
THE SUMMER HAS come to a close. After you have spent
months focusing on summer vacations, children’s camps or special projects around the house, things begin to settle back into the regular routines of the fall season. What a perfect time for the women of HPPC to recharge their batteries. Elenora Asbury, blessed by the Women’s Ministry for more than 20 years, feels privileged to serve as this year’s moderator alongside a fabulous team of ladies. She says, “One of my goals for our Women’s Ministry is that every woman at HPPC will become actively involved in many of the wonderful opportunities available in the coming year. From a variety of Bible studies and monthly circles, to special events such as our Women's Kickoff, Cup of Christmas Cheer, Legacy of Faith Dinner and numerous other volunteer opportunities, we hope that you will be blessed through our ministry.
WOMEN’S MINISTRY
Women’s Ministry Focus: Essential Virtues
Ladies from Treasure Keepers Bible study gather for the Legacy of Faith Dinner.
...and over all of these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:14 Each year, the moderator selects a meaningful verse to build up and encourage HPPC’s ladies for the year. Elenora felt God calling her to encourage unity among sisters in Christ, so she chose Colossians 3:12-14 which says: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. The Women’s Ministry at HPPC has been blessed by God with such a rich heritage. Each volunteer on this year’s team has worked tirelessly and will continue to work throughout the year to provide special events and biblically based studies that will expand the richness, as women seek to serve and bless one another and those in this church community, in the greater community and wherever they may be. Bring a friend to the Women's Kickoff on Wednesday, Sept. 4, to hear more about the exciting plans for the 2013-14 year. HPPC’s Women’s Ministry is open to all ladies, members and nonmembers. Visit hppc.org/women for comprehensive information on events, circles and Bible studies.
From left to right: Cheryl Cable, Mary Taylor and D’Ann Moore at Christmas Cup of Cheer 2012.
WOMEN’S KICKOFF Wednesday, Sept. 4 11:30 am-1 pm or 6-7:30 pm Guest Speaker: Mary Clayton Wood
Elliott Hall HPPC.ORG/WOMEN
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CONGREGATIONAL CARE MINISTRY
The Angel Food Ministry team of volunteers.
An Angel Food basket filled with a homemade meal was delivered to Melissa and Jonathan Morsinkhoff to celebrate the birth of their first baby, Kason.
Waiting in the Wings MAJOR LIFE EVENTS are inevitable. Whether they are joyful or sorrowful, the church is called to unite around its brothers and sisters to celebrate and comfort in these times. In June, HPPC launched a ministry to do just that – the Angel Food Ministry.
Angel Food Ministry was born of an event more than 20 years ago. An HPPC staff member at the time found herself facing some major car repairs that she had not anticipated and could not afford. The church was able to come to her aid financially and reassured her that someday she might be in the position to return the assistance to someone else. In 2013, while she was buying a new car, the Spirit of this gracious support reminded her and nudged her to send a contribution back to the church in gratitude. Her request was that HPPC use her gift to bless as many people as possible, and it became the seed money for a ministry that reaches out to those who have welcomed a new addition to their family through birth or adoption, experienced the loss of a loved one or have been recently discharged from the hospital.
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With the skilled coordination of the Congregational Care staff, a committee of 10 works diligently to identify the families that should receive the deliveries, prepares the meals and then packs them in embossed craft bags adorned with tissue, ribbon and an angel-shaped card. HPPC deacons are then called to deliver the meal to the family. “The church is the people, and this ministry gets our deacons out into their parishes and building relationships with the members,” Elaine Curtis, administrative associate of Congregational Care, explained. “So much has gone into planning this ministry – we are so excited that it is finally off the ground and able to bring joy and comfort to families at just the right time. Knowing their church is thinking of them means the world,” added Director of Congregational Care and Parish Nurse Cheryl Black, RN. Cathy Fletcher was one of the first recipients of an Angel Food delivery after the passing of her 90 year-old father. She recalled, “After the funeral,
I had to drive my son to college at University of Richmond. I wasn’t looking forward to coming home to an empty home and sparse refrigerator, so I was touched and thankful when Deacon John Hallum delivered the casserole and Angel Food cake. I shared it with my mother on her birthday that very night.” Cathy, who grew up doing a lot of baking in her Midwest farming community, asked to be a part of the Angels’ baking team after being so touched by the idea. Another recipient said the visit meant so much that after she heals from surgery, she wants to become an Angel too. The former HPPC staffer who inspired it all sums it up by saying, “What a blessing it is to not only give back, but to also have an opportunity to pay it forward.” God is using our deacons to be the hands and feet of Christ as they minister to our church family in times of need. Praise be to God. To become an Angel, contact Elaine Curtis at 214.525.4230.
DID YOU NOTICE something missing from a Sunday service in
May? Historically, the confirmation class, consisting of primarily seventh grade boys and girls, culminated nine months of study, service and fellowship by taking their vows in the Sanctuary in the spring. However, for the 2012-13 class, 54 children shepherded by 44 sponsors will take their church membership vows in September. Director of Middle School Kevin Gandy said, “We discovered that often students get confirmed, leave for the summer, and then momentum is lost – sometimes they don’t return for the fall semester. We knew something needed to be changed. Summer is a busy time for the Youth Ministry, with mission trips, retreats and special events, so we decided to make a dedicated effort to encourage the communicants to not “check out” for the summer, but rather to plug into the trips and events happening during the summer months.” As a continuation of his or her spiritual growth, each student was required to attend the middle school mission trip to New Mexico/Colorado or to serve in an active summer program at
the church, such as VBS or Summer Splash. The kids made an amazing impact and attained a 100% involvement in summer activities. “I love watching kids come into confirmation nervous or scared, then seeing them transform over the year,” Gandy said. “Most communicants leave the program excited about their faith and ready to plug into our ministry and a weekly small group [LTG]. In the beginning when kids say things like ‘My parents are making me do this,’ or ‘I don’t understand why there are so many requirements,’ I love waiting until the end of the program, when they say ‘That was really fun’ and ‘I’m so glad that I learned more about my faith.’ Confirmation brings in a lot of kids that we don’t know, and it gives the staff an entire year to get to know them, hang out, pour into their lives and hopefully make an eternal impact on their spiritual life.”
MEMBERSHIP | HPPDS NEWS
Communicants Prepare for Membership
For the 2013-2014 Confirmation Class, there will be an introductory parent/student meeting on Sunday, Sept. 15, and the students will meet once monthly on Sundays from 6-7:30 pm in the Bell Center. Go to hppc.org/confirmation for details.
Day School Names Executive Director and Gears Up for the Coming School Year HIGHLAND PARK PRESBYTERIAN Day School didn’t have
to look far to find its next Executive Director. Over the summer, the Board of Directors named Sarah Good to the position for the upcoming school year. She was appointed interim director earlier this year after longtime director Carrie Parsons announced her retirement. On Aug. 26, HPPDS began its 61st year, and by naming Good the new Director for 2013-14, the school keeps the core values of the past at its heart today. Now offering full-day options for Beginner and Pre-K students, the school is meeting the needs of the community and is committed to furthering its mission of developing disciples of Jesus Christ through academic excellence. Stop by the Day School office to meet Sarah Good and the entire administrative team for the 2013-14 school year between 8 am and 4 pm, Monday through Friday, to have all your questions answered. They look forward to working with the HPPC community for the upcoming school year.
HPPDS staff–Top row: Curriculum Coordinator Bettina Ernst and Executive Director Sarah Good. Bottom row: Office Manager Juanette Martinez, Admissions Director Caitlin Baker and Accountant Barbie Vrba. Not pictured: Health Clerk/Receptionist Carey Ciolfi.
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WORSHIP AND PRAISE
HPPC and Contemporary Faithfulness MY FIRST EXPERIENCE of a worship
service within a Christian church was at a Bible church in a suburb of Dallas that had contemporary worship. As a teen, I was unaware of the “traditional vs. contemporary” worship debates happening within Christian culture. All I knew was that worship involved songs that tried, rather unsuccessfully, to sound like pop music and then a “sermon” that I am pretty sure was copied out of the latest Tony Robbins best-seller. Hopefully, the sermon made you feel good, then we all sang “Awesome God” and went to lunch. Shortly after my conversion, I attended a youth conference called Acquire the Fire, a clever title for the latest, edgy conference for those with an attention span of about 38 seconds. Whether this conference was a rock concert is still a question I have, but what I learned at this show was that if you play the right chords at the right time, say the right words with enough dramatic pauses and dramatize the lighting effectively, everybody in the room gets saved … until they need to be reconverted at the next conference. Fast-forward many years, and I can’t help but think of Amos when I reflect on the state of edgy contemporary worship today. The Lord tells the Israelites to “take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps
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I will not listen” (Amos 5:23). God was not opposed to services of worship. He was opposed to worship that served the pride of the worshipers and their love for the theatrical, all while neglecting God’s demand for holiness. So then the fundamental question becomes this: Can contemporary worship be done in such a way that it brings ultimate praise to God while speaking the music language of a certain culture? It doesn’t take any longer than a quick glance at my job title to guess that I answer this question with an enthusiastic yes! In fact, I would say we could look to Jesus himself as the model for speaking the language of the culture. Through His Incarnation, Jesus enters the first-century culture and ministers through it, not around it. He uses their customs and traditions in order to communicate the Gospel because those are things with which people are familiar. In the same way, the intention of every contemporary worship service should be to work with and through the culture in order to proclaim the Gospel. I’ll be the first to say that contemporary worship has its flaws. Mainly, that the music is often geared more toward getting an emotional reaction from the congregation rather than placing Christ at the center. As a result, there has been a multitude of contemporary “worship”
songs that don’t even make mention of anything particular to Jesus’ Gospel. In so doing, they have gone too far in their desire to reach the culture. What you use to win souls with is what you will win those souls to. Hiding the Gospel under culture in order to reach the culture reaches that culture with no Gospel at all. Highland Park Presbyterian has a unique culture, in that it has both a strong traditional and a strong contemporary contingent, and we have both styles of worship so we can have a faithful witness to the community that God has placed us in. The question that we are always asking ourselves is, “How can we use contemporary worship in a way that is faithful to Jesus' Gospel?” I cannot speak for all contemporary worship services, but as for ours at HPPC, Jesus and His Gospel will always take higher prioritization than our contextualization in our city. Contemporary worship at HPPC will always seek to be Christ-centered, reformed and contextualized in that order. I apologize in advance if this means we may never have a smoke machine. BY SETH JONES Director of Contemporary Worship and Creative Arts
AMELIA EARHART UPDATE
ADOPT-A-SCHOOL THINGS WERE BUZZING this spring and summer around
the home of the Hornets – the Amelia Earhart Learning Center (AELC) – as HPPC members celebrated and sweated for these West Dallas students. On June 6, the Harbor Community was honored to host AELC’s fifth-grade graduation ceremony. It was a great night to recognize each of these young students for all the hard work they had accomplished. The young adults encouraged every student by writing individual notes to each graduate, and they coordinated all the food and festivities. Also, being there in person to help with the special night and celebrate with the fifth-grade families made a big impact. On June 15, the Men’s Ministry held a service day at AELC in the name of Christ. The Men’s Ministry wanted to start a Father’s Day tradition that encourages fathers and their families to get involved by serving others while working together. The top priorities for the school that the workday aimed to accomplish were to move everything out of the classrooms for summer cleaning, landscape the front and side of the school,
scrape and paint four basketball goals, repaint basketball lines, paint school colors on one of the large walls, repair the playground and paint two stairwells. Forty people registered, but 60 people showed up to help. What an amazing turnout! That morning, eight local children from West Dallas came to help too. They received T-shirts, worked hard together and made new friendships. One of the volunteers and HPPC member, Tom Koons, said, “There was a sincere feeling of fellowship. We worked hard as the tasks were farreaching. It was hot and muggy, but everyone went above what they were asked to do, and it was a true blessing to be part of this event.” We are commanded to share Christ’s love by humbling ourselves to serve one another and those in need. There are many ways for you to get busy doing exactly that through our Adopt-a-School partnership, so please consider how you can participate. Go to hppc.org/adoptaschool to learn more.
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LIFE AT HPPC Playground fun at Wee Summer Weekly Boyd Pou swings high to the sky
Y outh Mission Trip to Haiti changes lives G uatemala Mission Trip for Living Water International Members trekked south to dig water wells
G enesis Youth Choir (7-12 Grade) visits Disneyland during their summer tour and mission trip
G enesis boys sing and serve in L.A.
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Intergenerational Influence More than 250 members from fifth graders to senior adults gathered for the intergenerational class
JAM56 kids hit the beach to play and serve in Galveston this summer
N early & Newly Wed Dinner Party Elizabeth and Pete Hoffman with Dave and Lauren Harner
❾H PPC’s Chorale sang Divine Harmony in the Arts District at City Performance Hall
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Upcoming Calendar Date
Event
Location
Time
Sunday, Sept. 1
High School Sunday Night Event
Bell Center
6-7:30 pm
First Sunday Night of Prayer
Wynne Chapel
7-8 pm
Women’s Ministry Kickoff Luncheon
Elliott Hall
11:30 am-1 pm
Women’s Ministry Kickoff Dinner
Elliott Hall
6-7:30 pm
Middle School – First Wednesday Big Group
Bell Center
6-7:30 pm
Thursday, Sept. 5
Smokey John’s BBQ Bible Study
1820 W. Mockingbird
6:30-8:30 pm
Friday, Sept. 6
International Friendship Program Fellowships
Bell Center
7:15-8:30 pm
Saturday, Sept. 7
Deacon Retreat
Circle T Ranch
8:30 am-2 pm
Tailgating on the Boulevard
SMU Boulevard
5-7:30 pm
Covenant Parenting – Baptism Class
Room 103
9:30-10:30 am
One by One Mentor Recruit Luncheon
Private Dining Room
12:15-1:30 pm
High School Sunday Night Event
Bell Center
6-7:30 pm
Monday, Sept. 9
Women’s Ministry Monthly Bible Study Circles
Meeting times and locations online
Thursday, Sept. 12
Hillier School Parent Night
Alexander Building
6-8 pm
Friday, Sept. 13
Telling Your Story
Private Dining Room
9:30-10:30 am
International Friendship Program Fellowships
Bell Center
7:15-8:30 pm
Saturday, Sept. 14
All Nations Ladies Bible Study
Off Campus
4-6 pm
Sunday, Sept. 15
Confirmation Sunday
Sanctuary
11 am
Women’s Ministry Tea Honoring Anne Scates
Home of Jan Rees-Jones 3-5 pm
2013-14 Confirmation Information Meeting
Bell Center
6-7:30 pm
Brown Bag and a Book
H018
12-1 pm
Management Council Meeting
H018
5-7 pm
Wednesday, Sept. 18
Gathering of Men Lunch Series
Elliott Hall
12-1 pm
Thursday, Sept. 19
Smokey John’s BBQ Bible Study
1820 W. Mockingbird
6:30-8:30 pm
Friday, Sept. 20
Young Adult Women’s Retreat Departs
McCann Lakehouse
International Friendship Program Fellowships
Bell Center
7:15-8:30 pm
Saturday, Sept. 21
Body & Soul Ministry – Breakfast to the Homeless
Off Campus
7:30-10:30 am
Sunday, Sept. 22
Third-Grade Bible Sunday – Parents & Students
Alexander Hall
9:30-10:30 am
Third-Grade Bible Sunday Presentation
Sanctuary
11 am
4th Sunday All Church Lunch
Elliott Hall
10:45 am-1 pm
Highlander Concert – Park Cities Organists Celebration
Sanctuary
7-9 pm
Women’s Ministry Hands of Love
Elliott Hall
9-11 am
Session Meeting
H020
5:30-8 pm
Gathering of Men Lunch Series
Elliott Hall
12-1 pm
Wednesday, Sept. 4
Sunday, Sept. 8
Monday, Sept. 16
Monday, Sept. 23
Wednesday, Sept. 25
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SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER Date
Event
Location
Time
Thursday, Sept. 26
HPPDS Family Picnic
HPPC Front Lawn
5:30-7:30 pm
Friday, Sept. 27
Hillier School Fair Day
Alexander Bldg
All day
Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival
Elliott Hall
6-9 pm
Saturday, Sept. 28
Chancel Choir Retreat
Alexander Hall
9 am-3 pm
Sunday, Sept. 29
Parenting Now: Raising Kids in Our Modern World
Elliott Hall
9:30-10:30 am
Wednesday, Oct. 2
Gathering of Men Lunch Series
Elliott Hall
12-1 pm
Parenting Now: Raising Kids in Our Fear-Filled World
Bell Center
6-7:30 pm
Middle School – Big Group
TBD
6-7:30 pm
Thursday, Oct. 3
Smokey John’s BBQ Bible Study
1820 W. Mockingbird
6:30-8:30 pm
Friday, Oct. 4
Telling Your Story
Private Dining Room
9:30-10:30 am
Parent’s Night Out
Alexander Bldg
6-9:30 pm
Tailgating on The Boulevard
SMU Boulevard
2 hrs before kickoff
Immunization Clinic
Elliott Hall
8:30 am-12:15 pm
Operation Christmas Child Booth
Hunt Bldg
8:30 am-12:15 pm
Come to the Table Workshop
Wynne Chapel
9:30-10:30 am
Sunday, Oct. 6
Highlander Concert – Reformation and Remembrance Sanctuary
7-9 pm
First Sunday Night of Prayer
Wynne Chapel
7-8 pm
Wednesday, Oct. 9
Parenting Now: Raising Kids in Our Busy World
Bell Center
6-7:30 pm
Saturday, Oct. 12
All Nations Ladies Bible Study
Off Campus
4-6 pm
Sunday, Oct. 13
Operation Christmas Child Booth
Elliott Hall
8:30 am-12:15 pm
Sunday, Oct. 14
Women’s Ministry Bible Study Circles
Meeting times and locations online
Events, dates and time are subject to change and reflect information received when sent to press. Visit hppc.org/calendar for most up-to-date information.
Followed by 3 Consecutive Wednesdays at 6 pm in the Bell Center: Oct. 2
Raising Kids in Our Modern World Sunday Kickoff Sept. 29, 9:30 am Elliott Hall hppc.org/parentingnow
Children’s Choirs present
Fear-Filled World Rhett Smith Oct. 9
Busy World Kathleen Fischer Oct. 16
Entitled World Nell Bush
K-6th Grade Choirs Kickoff Sept. 8, 4:45-5:45 pm 2nd floor Alexander Bldg hppc.org/music
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Upcoming Calendar Date
Event
Location
Time
Monday, Oct. 14
HPPDS Fair Day
Alexander Bldg
All day
Wednesday, Oct. 16
Workplace Evangelism Lunch Series
Elliott Hall
12-1 pm
Parenting Now: Raising Kids in Our Entitled World
Bell Center
6-7:30 pm
Thursday, Oct. 17
Smokey John’s BBQ Bible Study
1820 W. Mockingbird
6:30-8:30 pm
Friday, Oct. 18
Men’s Golf Retreat – Departs
Pine Dunes, Palestine
12 pm
Saturday, Oct. 19
Body & Soul Ministry – Breakfast to the Homeless
Off Campus
7:30-10:30 am
Gurly/Burly Middle School Weekend
Bell Center & Off Campus
12 pm
HPPDS – A Neon Night at the Lumen
Hotel Lumen
7:30-10 pm
Operation Christmas Child Booth
Elliott Hall
8:30 am-12:15 pm
Children’s Choir Pizza in the Park
Williams Park
5:45-7 pm
Brown Bag and a Book
H018
12-1 pm
Management Council Meeting
H018
5-7 pm
Wednesday, Oct. 23
Workplace Evangelism Lunch Series
Elliott Hall
12-1 pm
Saturday, Oct. 26
Tailgating on The Boulevard
SMU Boulevard
2 hrs before kickoff
Sunday, Oct. 27
Operation Christmas Child Booth
Elliott Hall
8:30 am-12:15 pm
4th Sunday All Church Lunch
Elliott Hall
10:45 am-1 pm
Women’s Ministry Hands of Love
Elliott Hall
9-11 am
Session Meeting
H020
5:30-8:00 pm
Wednesday, Oct. 30
Workplace Evangelism Lunch Series
Elliott Hall
12-1 pm
Thursday, Oct. 31
Fall Fun Festival
Elliott Hall & Gym
5-6:30 pm
Sunday, Oct. 20
Monday, Oct. 21
Monday, Oct. 28
* REGISTRATION REQUIRED **WEEKLY WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDIES BEGIN SEPT. 9
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OCTOBER
RECURRING EVENTS
Date
Event
Location
Time
Sundays
Morning Prayer Time
H019
8:30-9 am
Nursery (2 months - 2 years)
Alexander Bldg
8 am-1:30 pm
Journey Into Membership – Fall I* begins 9/8
H017
9-10:30 am
Journey Into Membership – Fall II* begins 10/27
H017
9-10:30 am
Marriage Prep Course – Fall* begins 9/15
Private Dining Room
9-10:30 am
Early Childhood Sunday School (2 yrs - Kindergarten)
Alexander Bldg
9:30 & 11 am
Elementary Sunday Morning (1st - 4th Grade)
Alexander Bldg
9:30 am
JAM56 Sunday Morning (5th and 6th Grade)
Alexander Bldg
9:30 am
Youth Sunday Morning Communities
Bell Center
9:30 am
Adult Sunday Morning Communities
Locations Online
9:30 & 11 am
* REGISTRATION REQUIRED ** W EEKLY WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDIES BEGIN SEPT. 9
RECURRING EVENTS, CONT.
Date
Event
Location
Time
Sundays
Children’s Choirs (Kindergarten-6th Grade) Begin 9/8
Alexander Bldg
4:45-5:45 pm
Genesis Youth Choir Rehearsal
Choral Rehearsal Hall
4:45-6 pm
The Den (College Ministry) at College House
3833 McFarlin Blvd
6-7:30 pm
Women’s Monday Night Bible Study**
H019
6:30-8 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
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
History of Christine Doctrine (Begins Sept. 10)
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
6-7:30 pm
JAM56 Wednesday Night Bible Study
Gym & JAM56 Room
6-7:30 pm
Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University*
H020
6-7:30 pm
DivorceCare
Private Dining Room
6:30-8 pm
Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Choral Hall (H208)
7-9:30 pm
John McCoy’s Men’s Bible Study
H018
7:15-8 am
Frank Hundley Men’s Bible Study
H019
7:30-8:30 am
Early Birds Bible Study**
Bridesmaids’ Room
7:30-8:30 am
John McCoy’s Women’s Bible Study
H020
8:15-9 am
Precept Bible Study**
H018
9-10:30 am
Elliott Handbell Ensemble
H017
6:30-8 pm
Chorale Rehearsal (Fall Rehearsals Through Oct. 3)
Choral Hall (H208)
7-9 pm
Women’s Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting
H019
7-9 pm
Men’s Breakfast
Flying Fish
7-8 am
Career Networking
Welcome Center
8-9 am
Friday Fellowship
Elliott Hall
9 am-1 pm
Zumba Gold
H020
9:30-10:30 am
All Nations Youth Bible Study
Off Campus
7:30-9 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 Fellowship
H018, H019, H020
5:30-8:30 pm
Mondays Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Thursdays
Fridays
Saturdays
Events, dates and time 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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Parish News Births Bethany Kendi Moyo Daughter of Stacie Njuguna and Moyo Kimathi Born May 31, 2013 Ellen Kate Kirkpatrick Daughter of Alison and Andrew Kirkpatrick Born June 5, 2013 Kason Elijah Morsinkhoff Son of Melissa and Jonathan Morsinkhoff Born July 6, 2013
Sacrament of Baptism Shay Elizabeth Abernathy Daughter of Stephanie and Stephen Abernathy Born April 30, 2012 Baptized June 16, 2013 David Muhia Gichuki Son of Annie Muiruri and Sammy Muhia Born Feb. 24, 2013 Baptized June 16, 2013 Kingston Mungai Kongo Son of Agnes Wambui and Martin Ngugi Njoroge Born Nov. 21, 2007 Baptized June 16, 2013 Landon Kyle Long Son of Tanya and Aaron Long Born Dec. 14, 2012 Baptized June 16, 2013
Kenton Njoroge Ngugi Son of Agnes Wambui and Martin Ngugi Njoroge Born Sept. 16, 2011 Baptized June 16, 2013 Kamryn Rae Schwabauer Daughter of Michelle and Karl Schwabauer Born Oct. 1, 2012 Baptized June 16, 2013 Zhu Jiayun Baptized July 14, 2013 Michael Shane Fadda Son of Michelle and Dani Fadda Born June 30, 2009 Baptized July 21, 2013
Weddings Julia Sands and Joseph Robinson Daughter of Nancy and the late David Sands Son of Nancy and Richard Robinson Married April 13, 2013
Catherine Little and Patrick Smith Daughter of David Little Son of Laurie and Pat Smith Married June 22, 2013 Cara Goedeke and Mark Ellis Daughter of Patty and Martin Goedeke Son of Karen and George Ellis Married June 29, 2013 Bonnie Hudson and Peter Yates Daughter of Dana and Stan Hudson Son of Carrie and Rick Yates Married June 29, 2013 Courtney Van Amburgh and Coby Morrow Daughter of John and Lynn Van Amburgh Son of Wes and Terrie Morrow Married July 13, 2013 Mandy Warthan and Jason White Daughter of Lynn and Jackie Warthan Son of Jerry and Vicki White Married July 20, 2013
Debbie Clegg and Biff Palmer Married June 1, 2013 Chelsea White and John Hunter Daughter of Sue and Larry White Son of Torrey and Roy Hunter Married June 1, 2013 Alison Pitzer and Nick Mesec Daughter of Dennie and Mark Pitzer Son of Christy and Mark Mesec Married June 8, 2013 Jennifer Long and Jordan Hooker Daughter of Susan and John Long Son of Charlotte and Walter Hooker Married June 8, 2013
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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Entered the Church
Triumphant
Hal Holz, passed away on May 14, 2013. Sympathy to his daughter, Cathy Fletcher and family. Luther Rogers, passed away on May 18, 2013. Sympathy to his wife, Jane Rogers. George Seminoff, passed away on May 19, 2013. Sympathy to his wife, Sharon Seminoff. Marguerite Green, passed away on May 22, 2013. Sympathy to her husband, Rev. Dr. Roger Green and family. Lee Bowen, passed away on June 7, 2013. Sympathy to her son, J. Beverly “Bev” Bowen. Dave Clarkson, passed away on June 9, 2013. Sympathy to his son, Doug Clarkson and family.
Dan Murchison Craddock Jr., passed away on June 20, 2013. Sympathy to his son, Tom Craddock, and family; and his daughter, Lila Marshall and family. Margaret “Clissy” Oliver, passed away on June 23, 2013. Sympathy to her daughter, Pedie Bramblett and family. Grace Larmour Sigler, passed away on July 1, 2013. Sympathy to her daughter, Penny Horton and family. Ernestine Van Buren, passed away on July 3, 2013. Robert Schermerhorn, passed away on July 3, 2013. Sympathy to his sister, Linda Brown and family. Marrian Kerr, passed away on July 7, 2013. Sympathy to her son, Guy Kerr and family; and her daughter Janet Smith and family.
Wallace Meador, passed away on June 12, 2013. Sympathy to his wife, Jean Meador. Robert Bruce Schneider, passed away on June 16, 2013. Sympathy to his son, Donald Schneider and family. Zion Kamau, passed away on June 19, 2013. Sympathy to his parents, Alice Ngugi and Robert Kamau Maina and family.
* Only immediate family members that are surviving church members can be listed.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 To schedule a baptism, contact Janie Taylor at 214-525-4248 or janie.taylor@hppc.org. Because of our large congregation, we can only list weddings of members or children and grandchildren of HPPC members. Deaths of members or their immediate family will be listed. Births and baptisms include members and their children.
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NEW ELDER CLASS OF 2016
Parish News
Incoming Elder Class of 2016
Kathleen Hodges
Martha Hooper
Guy Kerr
Kent Krause
Tom Leiser
Ron Lutz
Leslie Melson
Tom Pearson
EACH JANUARY, the Officer Nominating Committee, made up of current elders, recommends to the congregation, men and women to serve in the office of elder of our church. This year, eight ladies and gentlemen were elected by the congregation into the office to serve a three-year term.
“True to our Presbyterian polity, the officer-nominating process works because of the wonderful support and involvement of our congregation, who nominated so many incredible people,’ said ONC Moderator Susan Harvey. ‘It is humbling and inspiring to learn about so many great members in our congregation – it made our job extremely difficult – but we were so grateful so many are willing to serve.” According to the Book of Order, ruling elders, together with teaching elders (the called pastors), exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation. These ruling elders, together with the teaching elders, form the Session and are responsible for spiritual vision, oversight, ministry and financial and policy decisions. Each elder will serve on one of the committees of the Session, all of which are designed to foster and support the common goal of Making Disciples of Jesus Christ. Elder photos are on the east hallway of the Hunt Building on the first floor.
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2013-14 HPPC ELDERS Bill Asbury Suzanne Bennett Jackie Burke Andrew Campbell Chuck Chernosky Key Coker Adrian Cook Jerry Fullinwider Mike Harris Kathleen Hodges Martha Hooper Butch Johnson Jim Johnston Lucy Kamau Guy Kerr Carol Kilman Kent Krause Cynthia Landen Tom Leiser Ron Lutz Ed Mahon
Lila Marshall Glen Martin Leslie Melson Monty Montgomery Mark Moore Ted Munselle Matthew Noack Becky Paterik Tom Pearson Sharon Penfold Bruce Pickett Brad Popkin John Rain Karl Rathjen Doug Smith Melissa Thornton Mark Todd Marsha Williams Jamie Woodley Steve Zimmerly
Ministers and Staff Rev. Dr. L. Nelson Bell II Rev. Dr. Jim Gribnitz Rev. Dr. Cyprian Guchienda Rev. Dr. Jay Lee Rev. Joe Rightmyer
Rev. Ben Wang Rev. Dr. Marshall Zieman Mark Story, Exec. Director Rev. Dr. Michael Walker, TIRI Ben Brown, Clerk of Session
FOURTH OF JULY HPPC members, the Walshes, host parade-watching festivities every year near the church Margaret Ann Lindstrom with her mother, Peggy Bell
K ids watch intensely in front of HPPC as the parade travels by
A rrive early with coffee to get a great seat Marisa and Peter Knag and their daughter, Phoebe
F amilies gather at the Lees’ home Amanda Jeter, Elizabeth Parker and Bettie Story chat before the parade
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MISSIONARY FOCUS
MISSIONARY FOCUS Dziu and Garrick Roegner | CRU and Q WHAT IF COLLEGE students were leading the greatest Christian movement of all time? That is Dziu and Garrick Roegner’s vision for the people of Spain. In September 2005, the Roegners joined the Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU) staff and moved to Granada, Spain, to work with students from the University of Granada. Their hope is to get to know the students and help them become Christians with a vibrant and active faith. Only an estimated 200 out of 80,000 students are followers of Christ, so Dziu and Garrick have had their hands full. HPPC missionaries Dziu and Garrick Roegner with their three children, Evelyn (9), Mathis (6) and Violet (8 months).
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Garrick and Dziu have a great history with HPPC – where they met and fell in love. After a few college ministry mission trips, they felt early on that God was calling their marriage to be about missions. Dziu became HPPC’s Director of Evangelism and Outreach while Garrick attended Dallas Theological Seminary. After graduation, they wanted to give full-time overseas missions a try. Garrick says, “As we prayed and researched where we should go, our hearts were stirred to Europe as a place in need of creative evangelism.” It is there they have resided for the past eight years.
Last year, the Roegners launched a campus ministry called Q that focuses on the value of missions, growth and community. Through this they have seen students share their faith with others and reconnect with Christ. One student prays for his non-Christian friends and looks for ways to share his faith with them. Because there are so few Christians in Granada, many students feel isolated in their faith. So, another part of the Roegners’ ministry is training and encouraging the Christian students to be part of the campus ministry, and the bonus is that they do not then feel so alone. They invite students into their lives to love them and allow them to see Christ working in them. Their desire is to continue to develop their ministry through spending time with people and to share the Gospel within the context of deep relationships. The Roegners are on home assignment in Dallas through January. Hear more about their experiences in Spain at a luncheon Sunday, October 27. Be on the look-out for more details at hppc.org/calendar.
TORNADO SEASON CAME and went in what seemed to
be our own backyard. When massive devastation happens, like what occurred in Moore, Oklahoma this past spring; it often leaves people asking what they can do to help. Since the 1970s, HPPC’s Disaster Relief Team (formerly World Relief ) has been giving money to organizations and neighboring churches where natural disasters occur. The team’s mission is to provide immediate relief to those affected by these disasters on behalf of HPPC.
DISASTER RELIEF
Weathering the Storms
Organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, Salvation Army and The Outreach Foundation provide meals, shelter, water and cleanup, and they are trusted Christian organizations to which we give our contributions. Habitat for Humanity spent several years building the majority of Granbury’s Rancho Brazos Estates, and when the tornadoes hit Granbury this spring they wiped out most of those homes. With the donations made to our Disaster Relief Fund, we were able to support Habitat in rebuilding these homes that were recently destroyed. Hurricane Sandy was the deadliest and most destructive storm in 2012, and HPPC sent our donations to one of our newer partnerships, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. This ministry sends counselors and chaplains to the cities affected and ministers to hurting people in the aftermath of manmade and natural disasters. Becky Stockum, Disaster Relief Team moderator said, “This is the best committee to be on at HPPC, because all we do is give money to those in need of help.” Becky wants this team to be the congregation’s go-to for disaster relief and wants the congregation to have confidence in knowing their contributions have gone to faith-based organizations that HPPC supports and trusts. Visit hppc.org/disasterrelief if you would like to donate to Disaster Relief.
Images courtesy of The Associated Press
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IN THE LOOP
Continuing Our Legacy Leadership Transition DURING THIS SEASON of leadership transition, the Mission Study Report (MSR) published this spring illustrates many ways God has blessed us since our founding in 1926, and it highlights eight key opportunities for HPPC to seek God’s direction and wisdom in the days ahead: 1. Develop Vision Clarity 2. Stand as a Flourishing Church and a Missionary Base 3. Reflect and Encourage Cultural Diversity 4. Bless and Unite All Generations 5. Develop a Culture of Discipleship 6. Match the HPPC Campus to the Vision 7. Develop and Support Intentional Leadership 8. Lead in the Presbyterian Movement While each of these eight opportunities are of considerable importance, the Session immediately prioritized the top three for the coming fiscal year: 1. Stand as a Flourishing Church 2. Bless All Generations 3. Lead in the Presbyterian Movement
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Two of the task forces, Stand as a Flourishing Church and Bless All Generations, have had their recommendations approved by the Session. The third task force, Lead in the Presbyterian Movement (LPM), is underway and gathering information from our church leaders. Pages 25 and 26 of our MSR affirm that HPPC values its leadership in the Presbyterian Reformed Tradition. Our Session seeks to evaluate the nature of our denominational affiliation and is gathering input. There will be opportunities for everyone’s input and feedback during this congregation-wide conversation. The MSR described HPPC as a Biblical, Reformed Community devoted to Leadership and Service. Those five bolded words are the values that define us; they have been the hallmarks of our congregation for generations. God blessed us with them, and, above all else, we need to be true to them. The challenge for the Session, therefore, is to discern whether HPPC can be true to her calling into the Presbyterian stream of the Reformed Tradition within the global church and to be a leader in North American Presbyterianism while remaining a member of the PC(USA). The Session has plans to address the remaining five opportunities within the coming year. Please continue to pray for our church and its leaders during these exciting times, as together we find ways to Continue Our Legacy.
Dr. Greg Hobbs, Director of Music
THE PROPHET ISAIAH experienced a worship encounter with God that was so profound he interrupted the flow of his prophetic writings to describe it. This description is found in the sixth chapter of his book and for centuries has served as the basic template for worship. Take a moment and read Isaiah 6:1-9. In his description, Isaiah leads us through a holy conversation he has with God that can be broken down as: • Revelation – God reveals His presence to Isaiah. Notice that God doesn’t sit on the throne, He is already there. Isaiah finally sees God. • Adoration – The great holy creatures worshiping God praise Him as they call to one another “Holy, Holy, Holy...” • Confession – Isaiah realizes he is in the presence of God’s purity and immediately recognizes his imperfection and need for cleansing.
• Restoration – At this point, the heavenly being brings the hot coal, so dangerous that he needs tongs to carry it, and cleanses Isaiah. • Proclamation – After his cleansing, Isaiah is ready to truly hear God’s voice and God makes a request. • Dedication – Isaiah hears the request and immediately responds, offering to be sent. • Benediction – God commands him to go. In our weekly services of worship we attempt to capture that extraordinary scene described by Isaiah and connect with true worship. Notice that worship begins with God and not with us – God reveals himself to us at the start of worship. Then the children of God respond to His presence with deep and magnificent praise. They sing to one another that He is not once holy, but three times holy; His glory doesn’t just fill the Sanctuary, but the entire planet.
Because of this understanding of His glory we eagerly and humbly confess our failings and ask forgiveness. In God’s extraordinary way, He accepts our confession and cleanses us in a way that is unimaginable – a hot coal against a tongue doesn’t sound like cleansing, it sounds like torture! As cleansed beings in God’s presence, we are then ready to hear what God has to say – remember that worship is a conversation initiated by God, and we are here on His terms. When we, as cleansed persons, truly hear God’s voice in worship, we can then commit ourselves to follow God where He leads. The final act of worship is God’s simple command, “Go...” Our benediction is a reminder that our worship has a purpose to affect the world beyond our church walls. Come prepared for an extraordinary encounter with God this and every Sunday.
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3821 UNIVERSITY BLVD. DALLAS, TEXAS 75205 214-526-7457 | HPPC.ORG
Mark Your Calendars!
Highlander Concert Series {2013} Park Cities Organists Celebration Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013 | 7 pm Bach – Ein feste Burg is unser Gott Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013 | 7 pm Highland Park Chorale Hymnus Paradisi Sunday, Nov. 3, 2013 | 7 pm HPPC Chancel Choir Handel’s Messiah Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013 | 6 pm HPPC Chancel Choir
highlanderconcerts.org
FRIDAY EVENING FELLOWSHIP SEPT. 6, 13 & 20 | 7-9 pm BELL CENTER Everyone is invited to join our international students and partners for conversation and refreshments, Friday evenings in September. For more details, contact kraig.kelly@hppc.org.
You are Invited! Women’s Ministry Tea honoring
Anne Scates Sept. 15 3-5 pm Home of Jan Rees-Jones 6700 Turtle Creek For details
HPPC.ORG/WOMEN