1871 | Volume 1 Issue 3 by 1871

3 Texan Travels

A Look Into the Year It All Began

Building Hope in Guatemala

And Then There's This

@1871MAG

Tayler's Fountain

The Dirty Dozen

God's Love Roars and Overflows Like a River

Student Intern Program

31 Being a Christian in College

Expressing a Heart of Worship

The Oaks

EKELLER@WHITESCHAPELUMC.COM

A Letter to My Mom

Note from the Editor Hey y’all – I want to personally welcome you to our third issue of 1871, the White’s Chapel digital magazine. But this magazine has sought to share stories beyond the confines of our beautiful campus, to tell you of the work that’s getting done through God: in our community, within our ministries and even out into the world.

We had the opportunity in this edition to feature many mission-minded stories and I hope they encourage you in whatever season you’re walking through. Summers can bring about many adventures – from road tripping city to city to visit family or friends, traveling internationally to serve on a mission trip or go on vacation, or even just enjoying a slower pace of life – perfect for finding moments to worship through.

These stories are so important to our team and to this church because we believe they share the heart we all have – the heart to show everyone we meet the love and grace of Jesus Christ. And I believe that everyone is given a different gifting and opportunity to do that in their own way.

As you experience the following stories, I ask that you pray for what God might be stirring in your heart and in the hearts you interact with. And of course, feel free to share this with your circle of loved ones wherever they are in their faith journey!

The weather continues to get warmer, the busyness doesn’t seem to end and yet, this is one of my favorite seasons of the year. Summer usually means days last longer and the typical rigidity of fall and spring fall to the wayside. With that in mind, I encourage you to savor this issue of 1871, take your time through each story told and in my opinion, it pairs very well with an ice cold glass of sweet tea. Again, welcome to the summer issue of 1871 – enjoy!

Emily Keller

TEXAN TRAVELS By Kat Ormsby

epending on traffic, a simple grocery store run can easily feel like a road trip. Texas is spread out and is actually bigger than most countries. That’s why road trips in Texas can be vacations all on their own. As Texans, we don’t need to leave our state to have a good time and we love a good road trip, just ask the people that work at Buc-ee’s!

Buc-ee’s has road trippers stopping for Beaver Nuggets, kolaches, to fresh fountain sodas every single day! We have it all right here in the Lone Star State. If you are looking for some ideas of places to road trip in Texas this coming summer, here is a list of the top trips to take in Texas. There is more than one way to enjoy Texas. Look through this article and create your own Texan adventure, one that fits you like a custom pair of boots!

San Antonio San Antonio is a major city in south-central Texas with a rich colonial heritage. Home of the Alamo, an 18th-century Spanish mission preserved as a museum, marks the infamous 1836 Battle for Texan independence from Mexico.

The Alamo The San Antonio River Walk stretches along the San Antonio River with a colorful oasis of cypress-lined paved paths, arched stone bridges and landscapes. It gently winds through the city center, providing millions of visitors with easy access to the city's cultural hot spots, historic sites and other attractions.

The River Walk

Located in downtown San Antonio, the 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas provides guests with the most spectacular view of the Alamo City. Enjoy the gorgeous panorama view from the revolving Chart House Restaurant, take in the scenery from the Observation Deck or experience the thrilling 4D theater ride.

Tower of the A

mericas

Just outside San Antonio in Comal County, you can venture 180 feet below ground into the Natural Bridge Caverns. The Natural Bridge Caverns are the largest known commercial caverns in the U.S. State of Texas. Discovered in 1960 during excavation of the entrance trail, a human tooth, arrowheads, and spearheads dating from 5,000 B.C. were found.

Caverns

Houston / Galveston Houston has the biggest population of a city in the state of Texas, extending to Galveston, connected right up to the Gulf of Mexico. Discover the history of American space travel with a trip to NASA's Space Center. At NASA, families can see everything from full-sized rockets to rocks brought back from NASA missions. The center has extensive science, technology, engineering and mathematics education programs for all ages and draws more than 200,000 students and teachers each year.

Space Center

t c i r t s i D r e t a e Th The Grand Opera

The city’s downtown includes a 17-block Theater District, home to the renowned Houston Grand Opera, and the Historic District, with 19th-century architecture and upscale restaurants. This is a visitor friendly spot, and located right in the heart of the Theater District is the popular Bayou Place. Featuring a large multilevel building containing full-service restaurants, live music, and the Sundance Cinema, it is one of Houston’s premier dining and entertainment hot spots. The Bayou Music Center features live concerts, stage plays, and stand-up comedy.

Galveston is an island city on the Gulf Coast of Texas and south of the outskirts of Houston. It’s known for Moody Gardens, where giant glass pyramids house sharks, monkeys and other animals. Amusement rides and restaurants line Galveston Island’s Pleasure Pier on the south shore. Many Texans flock to Galveston in the summer months, filling the beaches along this treasured coastal city.

Moody Garde

Hill Country The small towns and two-lane roads that take you out westward from Austin make up the heart of the Texas Hill Country. There you will find the unexpected treasures of Texas rivers that wind through cypress trees, shimmering lakes within limestone canyons, and rustic German towns with names such as Fredericksburg, New Braunfels, Boerne, and Kerrville.

The Hill s

of Hill C ountry

Round as a giant Easter egg, Enchanted Rock sits half-buried in the hills near Fredericksburg. It’s the nation’s second largest granite dome, next to Georgia’s Stone Mountain. This is an easy, and beautiful activity for the entire family.

k c o R d e t n a Ench If it’s hot, grab a tube and float the rivers. This is a long-standing Texas tradition. Tubing along the slow-flowing rivers is one of the most popular types of water recreation in the Hill Country. You just need an inner tube, some cold drinks, and family. There’s the San Marcos River, Comal River, Guadalupe River, and Medina River to choose from.

River Flo

ating

Waco Waco is a city in central Texas along the Brazos River. Home to Baylor University, Waco is the halfway point between Dallas and Austin.

y t i s r e v i n U Baylor Chip and Joanna Many of you will be familiar with HGTV’s hit show, “Fixer Upper” which is filmed and produced in Waco. Magnolia Market is a nationally recognized home decor boutique, founded by Chip & Joanna Gaines. The store features a hand-selected collection of unique design items featured in both their own farmhouse and on the show. Located downtown in the renovated, historic Brazos Valley Cotton Oil Co, Magnolia Market at the Silos has a broad range of gifts and antiques.

Right next to Magnolia Silos is a museum dedicated to the nation's oldest major soft drink, Dr Pepper! Dr Pepper is a native Texan soda that boasts 23 exciting flavors. The drink was created in the 1880s by pharmacist Charles Alderton in Waco. This Dr Pepper museum includes three floors of exhibits featuring information about the soft drink and a massive memorabilia collection. But here’s a tip: you won’t get a free soda with your admission, but checking out the classic soda fountain shop on the first floor is worth it!

Dr. Peppe

r Museum

Austin Austin is the state capital of Texas, an inland city bordering the Hill Country region. Home to the University of Texas flagship campus, Austin is known for its eclectic live-music scene centered around country, blues and rock. Its many parks and lakes are popular for hiking, biking, swimming and boating.

Go Longhorns!

Live Music

Standing proudly in the heart of central Austin is the Texas State Capitol building, which is Texas' legislative center. Opened in 1888, this landmark stands 14 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Many say it's the most impressive state legislative building they've ever seen.

Texas State Cap it

Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. Approximately 1.5 million bats have made the Congress Avenue Bridge their home. The Congress Avenue Bridge is located southwest of downtown Austin in between the Colorado River and Lady Bird Lake. The bats settled here after a renovation of the bridge in 1980 created crevices that were perfect for bats to take refuge in against predators. Every spring, the Mexican free-tailed bats migrate north to the bridge. In the summertime, the bats can be seen each evening at dusk as they emerge for their nightly excursions to rid the city of annoying insects before heading back to Mexico in the fall. It's nearly impossible to be unimpressed by the nightly mass exodus.

Smack dab in the middle of Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool is a favorite spot among all. Native American settlers once believed the springs possessed spiritual healing powers, and professional travel writers still refer to Barton Springs as the soul of Austin. Formed from underground hot springs, the three-acre pool consistently stays between 68 and 70 degrees.

Barton Sp

rings

West Texas West Texas is primarily known for its vast and rugged landscape. Although it is a remote region, West Texas offers visitors plenty of things to see and do while on vacation on this end of the state. This area is filled with a number of small, unique, charming (and sometimes quirky) towns. These cities and towns, together with the natural beauty of the Rio Grande River and Franklin and Davis Mountains, offer West Texas visitors a surprising array of things to see and do.

Big Bend

Davis Mountain

Big Bend National Park is the biggest and best-known attraction in West Texas. Big Bend offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities in a primitive setting. Big Bend National Park encompasses more than 800,000 acres, including 118 miles of the Rio Grande River. There is no shortage of area for hikers to explore.

" a d a r P " s ' a f r Ma

The Marfa Lights

Marfa is one of the most unique small towns in Texas (or anywhere else for that matter). On the surface, Marfa is like a lot of Texas' older towns. But when you travel into Marfa you will understand why it is known for its weird quirks and mysterious lights on the horizon. These lights, which have come to be known as the "Marfa Lights," have been seen almost nightly since they were first spotted in 1883. However, even now, nearly 150 years later, no one is able to explain this phenomenon. Each year, thousands of visitors flock to this strange yet adorable art town to view the breathtaking lights and take in the many odd museums and restaurants.

El Paso is the largest city in West Texas, along the waters of the Rio Grande. El Paso is home to plenty of cacti and desert wildlife like coyotes, wild insects, snakes, and even eagles. In Franklin Mountains State Park, the Wyler Aerial Tramway brings you to the Ranger Peak scenic overlook for enchanting views of the city and beyond. Nearby, the National Border Patrol Museum traces the history of the U.S. Border Patrol, from its founding in 1924 to the present. This is a unique and interesting place for a family excursion out west.

While many of these cities might have been on your radar or not, we encourage you to travel the beautiful roads of our state this summer! With your family and the great blue skies of Texas, grab a state map and maybe some Beaver Nuggets from Buc-ees and get on the road. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to share your adventures with us, submit your photos with #1871travelTX on social media!

Article cover art by Freepik

A LOOK INTO THE YEAR IT ALL BEGAN BY CASSIDY WILLIAMS

ustic horse-drawn wagons rolled through the scenic plains of Texas. Cowboys and Indians fought over land, illustrating the famous dynamic portrayed in western movies. It was an uncertain time for the people of Texas. The state had just rejoined the Union after the Civil War, in 1869, and although President Lincoln abolished slavery in 1865, the state was still divided on the issue in the 1870s. Tension was present throughout many of the southern states. In a time with so much conflict and uncertainty, hope and stability were a rare thing.

Food, transportation and materials were all sold at a lower price point than what we see today. Sugar was seven cents per pound and apples were two for five cents. More expensive items, such as a wagon or rifle, were sold between $50 or $65. Homes and farming equipment were the most expensive items on the market. A four-bedroom home sold for about $700 and field equipment was about $325, according to an online catalog of goods at that time.

Organized religious centers were a relatively new concept for the rural areas of Texas in the 1870s. In previous years, people may have studied the Bible and attended religious meetings but it may not have been an organized practice. An article from the Texas State Historical Association reported that, “accommodations rather than membership were counted by the [Religious Census of 1860] to avoid having the state seem to investigate church membership. The aggregate accommodations in Methodist churches expanded from 33,045 in 1850 to 103,799 a decade later. Baptists could accommodate 10,680 in 1850 and 77,435 10 years later. By 1860, there were 410 Methodist churches in Texas, 280 Baptist, 72 Presbyterian and 52 Cumberland Presbyterian. Other denominations also expanded, but on a smaller scale than the three major evangelistic denominations… Once established, however, churches carried out their traditional roles as civilizing forces, moral and ethical leaders, and as major supporters of education.”

It was in 1871, in the midst of such an ambiguous time, that Rev. Lewis M. White developed a church that brought a glimmer of hope to the believers of North Texas. Nearly 150 years ago, settlers came to this area, by wagon train, and began meeting to discuss the Lord and study His word. Through God’s grace, the church developed into a community of believers and community members. Who knew that God’s plan for the original settlers would continue into the 21st century?

Although religious organizations had seen tremendous growth in the decades that led up to 1870, churches were not seen on a grand scale like they are today. Churches were typically made up of a small community and the residents of the surrounding areas. Even though churches were small, they typically had an impact on the community around it. Despite political tension and an overall feeling of uncertainty, churches became the place that people could actively focus on God. It created that sense of hope and stability.

A small community, inspired by the Holy Spirit, grew into a church that has represented the people of the Tarrant County area and has reached out to people of many other as well. The original settlers came from an Oak Hill church in Georgia to establish an extension of the church further south. Twelve families, in addition to a few single individuals, moved west from Dade County, Georgia and after a difficult trip, decided to settle in what was then the Great Prairie of Texas. The leader of the caravan, S. B. Austin, organized a church that met in his home. After a time, he donated two acres north of his home for the community to build a church and cemetery. Oak Hill Methodist Church South, later named White’s Chapel after Rev. White, was established in the rural area, much different than what we know it as today. It was a time long before the shops of Southlake or even most of the major roads, like State Highway 114. In 1871, the closest trail or route to the area was around Interstate 35, according to the Southlake Historical Society. The first formal service of Oak Hill Methodist Church South was held in the historical chapel, now called Founder’s Chapel, in February of 1872. Even though the church was in a rural area, crowds came from as far as 20 miles to attend the church because it was the only Methodist church in the area. It has been reported that there were 40 charter members of the church when it was organized.

Common for churches of that time, circuit rider preachers filled the pulpit to preach messages that were impressed on their heart and tended to draw a crowd. As time worn on, Rev. White became the first permanent pastor. Residents of the area enjoyed his messages and began to recognize the church for his teachings. It is because of him that people began to call the church White’s Chapel.

“A small community, inspired by the Holy Spirit, grew into a church that has represented the people of the Tarrant County area and has reached out to people of many other as well.”

Since the year the church was founded, White’s Chapel has been committed to living out the dreams established by the pioneers who came before us. The church continues to strive to be rooted in a place of worship, for people to allow God to shape and guide their lives, and for others to know White’s Chapel by the fruit it bears. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, through the presence of His love and grace, and through the open hearts of our community of faith, the church has continued to grow and prosper. Its rich history is still unfolding as its leaders look to God in preparation for the future.

WC STUDENT INTERNS: SUMMER 2018

By Emily Keller

ur student ministry is one of my favorite aspects of this church. Experiencing just one event, you can feel the inclusivity, authenticity and passion for Jesus – and it starts with the hearts of both the staff and the students. The student ministry opens its arms to students in seventh through 12th grade, creating an open space for worship, conversations and ultimately – relationships. And each summer, the staff opens their offices to interns. Often, these interns were once students of the program and get to experience the other side and get a feel for their calling into ministry. In the summer of 2011, Floyd and Michelle Joseph, co-directors of WC Students, were in charge of their first intern program – from interviewing, to selection, to directing them over the summer. “We have loved getting to build those connections and relationships each year with the interns, and we really feel like we’ve been blessed with a dream team this summer. It gets better and better every year!” exclaimed Michelle. The program seeks to continue developing a heart for ministry. Our student ministry strives to blossom a ministry-minded heart in each student, and this internship is just another extension of that. Participants get the opportunity to see behind the veil and work alongside staff while also learning what the balance of student ministry and everyday life as a youth minister can look like. “This job is a whole lot of fun and whole lot of work.

Student interns from left to right: Kaleigh Flaherty, Jarred Smith, Syndney Swift, Jarred Repice, Emily Vowels

We want to guide them into that balance to have both well – and to prevent that burnout many youth pastors can experience down the road,” explained Floyd. This year, the department has decided to hire five interns and both Josephs are just excited for the fun, laughter and vision these new minds can bring to the table. Because summer can be a very busy time with mission trips and summer groups, having the interns will help create that refreshing and fun atmosphere – propelling the students into the fall semester with a renewed sense of fire. “I love having the interns because they bring so much youth to the office! They are full of so much excitement from college and offer so many new ideas,” shared Laura Robinson, WC Student Minister. One of the biggest things the co-directors want the interns to experience this summer is to take ownership on this side of the ministry. Jarred Repice, a freshman at the University of Texas, has been involved with WC Students since he was a sophomore in high school. “As a student, I primarily saw the product of all the work the staff did behind the scenes. As an intern, I want to experience and take part in that work that makes WC Students so amazing,” said Repice, intern. “God truly just made it apparent to me that WC is the place where I was supposed to spend my summer, so I’m excited to see what He’s going to do through me."

“It is incredible to see former students coming back and pouring into the ministry that first poured into them,” explained Rev. Sam Robbins, WC Student Minister. “And it’s awesome to see how quickly our students bond with the interns – so much so that after just one summer, it feels like they’ve been here all year.”

“We want to connect them to any ministry they might voice an interest in – Care & Support, teaching, or even if they enjoy being that hype man. We’ll help them articulate that gift, point them in the right direction and create opportunities for them to hone in on the giftings the Lord has given them,” shared Michelle. “But don’t worry, everybody ends up helping fold those 5,000 t-shirts too!”

Each summer, Michelle and Floyd try to find specific areas where the interns are gifted and encourage them to further develop those areas within the ministry. This internship is an opportunity to expose them to all the hats of being a student minister – it’s not just fun mission trips and playing video games with students.

For Sydney Swift, a sophomore at Baylor University, this internship was a clear prompting from God. After not receiving a highly anticipated summer position, she had a difficult time coming to terms with it. But, Michelle reached out to her and asked if she’d like to help with the Two is Better retreat for the student girls in February.

Sydney Swift (center) with other "Two Is Better" members

“God just simply spoke to me to reach out and ask her if she was interested in helping out with the retreat – not knowing what her response would be,” explained Michelle. This question meant the world to Swift because she has the heart to be more involved in the student ministry even though she’s in college. “It was honestly such a Godsend that I was able to make it and get to work with the girls that weekend because I absolutely loved it. I shared with Michelle that my plans for the summer had fallen through, and I was sad that I wasn’t getting to do anything with ministry and she offered for me to come work here this summer! I know now that God had me there that weekend for a reason, and to lead me to the opportunities He will present this summer,” said Swift, intern.

One of the newest staff additions to WC Students saw, firsthand, the amazing possibilities that could come from having Swift as an intern this summer. “I remember meeting Sydney at Two is Better and seeing how the eighth graders just flooded to her. I think this summer is just going to be that but even more so, she’s got a draw to her of this genuine authenticity and the kids see it!” explained Laurel Lampasas, WC Student Minister. While most of the interns have had an experience with the student program on the either side, getting to experience it from a staff side is one that creates lifelong friendships, inside jokes

and deep relationships that many don’t want to leave when summer ends. For Shelby Aman, WC Student Minister, this will be her first summer working with student interns and she can’t wait! “I cannot wait to get to know each one of our great interns – our staff raves about them. I’m excited to see what the Lord is going to do through them!” Emily Vowels, a sophomore at Texas A&M University, will be returning for her second summer internship with WC Students. Last summer was her first time even being involved with White’s Chapel or the student program. She quickly fell in love with the ministry and the evidence that the Lord is at work here. Vowels has a big heart for the kids in this stage of life and the action of this ministry.

“When I was in student ministry at the church I grew up in, this is the time I truly fell in love with Jesus and started to pursue an intimate relationship with him. I think it’s truly a blessing to get to be a part of the journey of walking with 12 to 18 year olds as they get genuinely excited about Jesus,” shared Vowels, student intern. “It is such an honor to even get to play a tiny part of equipping and supporting students as they walk through this time of their life.”

Emily Vowel (left) with WC Students

While being an intern is the main interaction Vowels has had with WC Students, Jared Smith, also a sophomore at Texas A&M, has been involved since he was in seventh grade. Smith has always had a passion for working with kids and being a part of the WC Students’ family.

Kaleigh Flaherty, a junior from Texas A&M, expressed the same love for having the opportunity to walk alongside WC Students staff and kids to not only gain experience for possibly walking into a ministry calling, but tools that can be applied to any career path God may have for her.

“Getting the opportunity to work on the other side of the program was something I felt called to the moment I knew it was an option,” said Smith, intern. “I’ve loved experiencing the trips we take and getting to know the staff over the years as a student, so another summer working the other side of these trips alongside the staff is exciting.”

“I am looking forward to gaining experience and tools in youth ministry that can be carried over into all aspects of my life. I love the ways that the WC staff walks alongside students and families in all areas of life: they cultivate a true sense of community within and outside of the walls of the youth floor,” shared Flaherty, intern. “This is something that I think can be done in a future career, no matter what that may be." and gain past

This summer is sure to bring entertainment to not only those in the WC Student staff suite, but also to all of us around White’s Chapel. We are so excited to welcome the new team of student interns – if you see them, feel free to give them a wave and welcome them to the staff side of WC! “Our interns never cease to build strong and lasting impressions upon our students and the staff family while they’re here. We love our summer interns!” exclaimed Josh Robinson, WC Students Worship Leader.

Jarred Repice (second from left) with WC Students

Expressing A Heart of Worship By: Cassidy Williams

orship isn’t just a word. It’s a verb; it’s expressed through action with a thankful, humbled heart. Worship can also look different to different people. For some, it might look like raised hands, in sign of submission. For others, it might look like a bowed head and attentive heart. Maybe it could even be expressed in service of the Lord. Worship is unique to each individual and it moves in a way that is unlike anything else we can experience. It brings us closer to God and the Holy Spirit. Worship is more than just a word.

“I’m coming back to the heart of worship and it’s all about you. It’s all about you, Jesus I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it When it’s all about you, It’s all about you, Jesus” The song, Heart of Worship, by Matt Redman, really captures the idea of humble worship and admiration for the Lord. At the end of the song, he sings “It’s all about you,” over and over to remind his soul why he sings. It’s this attitude and outward submission that illustrates the true meaning of worship.

“We worship in spirit and truth” - Josh Robinson 19

With so many talented individuals at White’s Chapel, there is no shortage of people that portray the humble meaning of worship. It’s about making that connection with God. It’s about something more than one’s self. The members of the WC Chancel Choir and orchestra, the members on the tech team, and other members of the music ministry are all important to making worship at White’s Chapel meaningful. Each person involved, no matter what their talent, pours into the church worship experience so that people are able to focus their attention on God. However, an individual can only experience the heavenly peace that encompasses God’s presence if they choose to do so.

Josh Robinson, the WC Student Worship Leader and co-worship leader during the Saturday night service in the Bridge, is one of the many leaders within the ministry that allows the Lord to guide him through every worship experience. Over the last two years, he and his wife, Laura, have been able to work side-by-side within the student department at White’s Chapel. Both leaders are thankful and blessed to be part of such a great and God-focused team lead by co-directors of WC Students, Floyd and Michelle Joseph.

JOSH ROBINSON

“The student worship here is so different than other places and it’s not just because I’m here leading worship because it was really here before I was,” Robinson said. “I am just lucky to help lead and encourage them. Through this ministry, the students have developed this heart and this urgency to just grow closer to God. Through song, they really seem to connect in that way. Without hesitation, they are able to worship Him fully.” Robinson began serving in churches at around 13 years old. He began as a volunteer, serving in New Braunfels, before accepting his first full-time ministry position at White’s Chapel. His first experience leading worship for WC Students was during one of the high school mission trips. Because it was such a powerful experience for both him and the students involved, he has tried to continue to lead worship with that same sense of expectation and urgency. Robinson believes worship is not only expressed during a weekday or weekend service but also lived out in day-to-day life. “I get to not only lead worship on the trips and during services, with and for the youth, but I also get to help walk alongside the students in life,” said Robinson. “I get to see what worship looks like throughout the week and help train them up to be worship leaders as well someday… That’s my passion: shepherding His worshipers and worshiping Him. It’s important that His sheep know how to worship Him and what that truly means 99 percent of it is off the stage and expressing it throughout your day-to-day life. It’s knowing who God is and learning to worship and serve him to the fullest. We worship in spirit and truth.”

Anyone that meets Robinson notices his genuine smile and sense of heavenly joy. It’s the type of joy that only comes from the Lord and it can be seen on and off the stage. He believes worship is hearing and obeying God’s voice, and he lives that out to his best ability. This is reflected on the stage when leading worship, within his own quiet moments studying the Bible or praying, and waiting on the Lord to make his next move. God comes first in worship.

DOUG KOVACH “I think worship is just acknowledging the Lord’s gifts and presence,” Doug Kovach, WC’s Live Production Video Director, said. “I am just trying to let the Lord see His work and glory through me. I want other people to see Jesus through me. I try to have a servant’s heart in all that I do but it’s not about me and it’s never going to be about me.” Like Robinson, Kovach serves because he believes it is God’s calling for him to minister to others. Even though Kovach is not up, performing on a stage each week, he does help manage the tech team in order to add to the overall worship experience for members of the congregation. For him, worship has incorporated his talent in media as well as his passion for missions.

Kovach grew up looking up to his grandparents, who would often travel to spread the word of God. He initially got into videography because of his mother, who taught a photography class at a local community college. His passion for both his career in the broadcast/media world and his love for mission work have been encouraged during his time at White’s Chapel. “After having a business here in Southlake, as well as attending the church, I found that this was a place that I could apply my years in those talents and trades,” Kovach said. “I got involved about 11 years ago. I joined the church program with the idea of expanding my mission in ministry and being able to support other ministries. I learned pretty early that I wasn’t going to be a preacher, but there are so many other ways to minister to other people. In the music world, we are there to promote the artist, to make them shine and do their best. I just took that trade and applied it to the church world - in making our music ministry and pastors shine to where they can give their message in a way that would reach the most people.”

Kovach previously worked with talented musicians, including the band Loverboy, in many live productions. He first joined the church in 2003 and slowly got more involved with the people and ministries offered at the church. Now, he is able to worship God through his talent for live productions by managing live video during services or Bible studies, producing and directing Sunday services in the sanctuary, providing live video for Dr. McKellar’s Bible studies during the week, and Point| Counterpoint on Wednesday night, as well as assisting in additional events in the sanctuary. For him, worship is about helping provide an overall worship experience for the members of the church as well as the other members of the tech team.

“Our department is a ministry in itself in that we tend to hire high school and college students. It is the base of our production team and it’s a way to minister to those students while they are also learning a skill. Working in live video production is very fast-paced and a high-demand environment. They are going into a high-stress environment while in a church atmosphere. We are trying to minister to people but also create a quality product. They get to see what a live broadcast is like each week.” Within a year of first being hired by the church, Kovach’s wife, Cheryl, was diagnosed with breast cancer. With all the treatments that she had to go through, Kovach is thankful that he was able to be close to her- instead of on the road like he was before joining the church. They went through a seven-year journey together before Cheryl passed away. Although it was a very hard time, Kovach believes God was with him every step of the way. He spoke the words, “Thy will be done,” over those months of pain and heartache. He continues to invite God to have His way over his future situations as well.

“I can’t imagine what it would have been like, being outside of the church during that journey,” he said. “The Lord’s time is so different for everyone. It’s something we’ll never understand and I don’t try to understand it; I just know that we are all on different journeys and different paths. There is no reason to compare mine with the next person or the next person. We are given today. We are only guaranteed this moment, now.”

GRACE HUGHES Grace Hughes, the 22-year-old Young Adult’s worship leader and co-worship leader during the Saturday night service in the Bridge, tries to emulate this idea as well in her everyday life. She believes that worship is an opportunity to hear God. It’s important for individuals to put their thoughts and worries aside to better hear His voice.

“The idea of worship is to put your guard down and take time to listen for God’s voice,” Hughes said. “We are always going a million miles an hour, especially here, so it’s really important to find that down time. The reason worship is so repetitive is because the more you say it, the more you proclaim it and the more you understand it.” Hughes has been involved in music since she was young. Because her mom was the Children’s Music Minister at White’s Chapel a few years back, Hughes was able to grow up hearing and studying music in a church environment. She first took voice lessons at four years old and has been passionately singing ever since. Her mom, now the choir director at Richland High School, continues to encourage and inspire her in her music.

Over the years, she has sung in the Children’s and the WC Choir, performed in church musicals, worked with the Young Adult and WC Student ministries, and has been featured in multiple worship events at the church. Through every experience she is involved in, she tries to provide a genuine and moving worship experience for people within the church.

“I adore music,” Hughes said. “I adore worship music but I never want that to be an idol. I want to be able to go back and say God is my foundation, not music. It really reminds me of where I’m supposed to be and what the main goal is.” Even though she has a passion for singing, it hasn’t always been an easy task for her. She had to learn to hear tone and pitch, despite being deaf in her right ear. In addition to her ear, she has also had to deal with medical limitations and struggles over the years. During her senior year of high school, Hughes was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a disease of inflammation within the digestive tract that causes abdominal pain and fatigue. It can also drastically impact one’s diet or health. Overcoming the physical limitations of her body and the emotional toll each trial was, at times, hard to overcome. During times of frustration or anxiety, Hughes sings certain songs to get her through each circumstance. She often tells herself to “put off (her) heaviness and put on a garment of praise.” “I think worship is getting ready to hear God’s word but we hear that all the time,” she said. “You have to almost prep yourself for worship - which may be strange to hear considering worship is prepping your heart to hear the sermon - but if you do that, you will get to a place where you are just flooded with emotion. You’re flooded with the Holy Spirit.”

Hughes is inspired by the work the Holy Spirit is doing at White’s Chapel, both in student & young adult ministries, and during the weekend services. She believes that worship, in addition to reading the Bible, can drastically impact one’s relationship with the Lord. She has recently found herself going back to the Scripture, where some of these worship songs came from. Worship, for her, is an interactive experience that includes action and faith. It continues to inspire her, reflected in both her stage presence and her personal life.

“We are all in different places in our journey but we are all there, looking to God for the answers,” Hughes said. “I continue to serve because I keep hearing more messages from God that need to be shared; I continue to serve because there is still a need. The way I serve is through singing. It’s the best way I know to serve God. I know the gift that I have is the best way I can connect with as many people as I need to as well.” 24

ROBIN MURPHY Robin Murphy, one of the members of the WC choir, had a very musical upbringing, getting a lot of musical inspiration from her grandmother’s church. She participated in many different aspects of music within that church. She was able to sing in the children’s choir, be a member of the handbell choir, and sing in the adult choir. In addition to singing soprano, Murphy also played the piano. Eventually, she became a music major and graduated from Baylor. After graduating, she was able to be involved in multiple different church music positions, singing passionately for different organizations and churches. She was able to use her talent in multiple churches in different areas, including churches in Cincinnati and New York. She came back to Dallas and stopped singing professionally, after living in New York for 15 years. Once she moved back to the Dallas area, she stopped pursuing a singing career for about eight years. Once she decided to start singing again, she joined the Dallas Symphony Chorus and began taking piano lessons as well. Murphy learned about the White’s Chapel’s music program from her piano instructor. She then joined the WC choir in order to continue training her voice. The Chancel Choir, made up of about 175 members, helps lead worship at the 11 a.m. and Murphy typically accompanies them, singing as a soprano. She has been a member of the choir for six years, now - driving all the way from Frisco just to participate!

“This is the first church, since that First United Church in Corsicana, that I am a part of because it is my choice - not because it’s a job,” Murphy said. “They are a great group and I love the leaders: Shaunna, Bruce, and all the clergy staff. I love them all. It’s a big place but it never felt like a big place.” For Murphy, singing had been a career choice but it was more than that, it was a passion. Once she got back into the music world again, she was able to enjoy it as a hobby. It wasn’t a job but a choice and she appreciated the opportunity to sing again. She believes worship is more than just words. It’s a personal experience.

“Music has always been part of the worship experience for me,” she said. “I know that’s true for a lot of people, too, because it is so tactile. You can remember how you felt when you first heard a song - whether it was really loud or really soft or really brilliant or really fast or whatever sets the mood. For me, a music program that was all-inclusive and very giving during the service had to be part of that for me to be satisfied. For me, White’s Chapel definitely does that.”

Murphy was shocked when she found out she had Parkinson’s disease a few years ago. Eventually, the tick in her hand developed into a tremor and, at times, she felt very weak. Even though it was hard to participate or even stand with the choir, she persevered because her love for singing was greater than the discomfort she was feeling. There is still a limit to what her body will allow her to do but she continues to purse her passion. Through it all, she still sees God’s presence. “A couple weeks after they diagnosed that the tick in my hand was indeed not just a little tick in my finger, I was sitting out in the congregation and my hand was out of control,” Murphy said. “But, I noticed that during the service, when Dr. McKellar spoke, I didn’t have any tremors. I still don’t have tremors. That’s kind of funny isn’t it?” God is able to do miraculous things for those He loves. Murphy’s experience is a testament to that. There is something about putting aside yourself to seek God to seek His voice, to seek His love. Worship is a time to renew people’s minds and take on the peace God has for them. Romans 12:1-2 illustrates this idea by stating, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Even though her future plans may be uncertain because of medical reasons, Murphy wants to pursue music for as long as she is able.

“I love singing and I love the church out here,” she said. “This is an element of my life that was missing for a long time and I’m glad to have it back. Everything that has happened to me has obviously happened for a purpose.”

TOMMY DUER Tommy Duer, a trombone player in the WC orchestra, has a similar view that was formed when he was faced with a life-threatening medical condition and infection of the bloodstream. When Duer was diagnosed with bladder cancer and lymphoma, he was deeply moved by the amount of support he received from members of the church choir and orchestra. He entered the hospital a few months later to treat a kidney stone that then caused an infection within his bloodstream.

“With all the support people gave me, it made me really believe that someone ‘upstairs’ is really looking out for me,” Duer said. “I very easily could have said, ‘I have cancer; I might as well just give up,’ but when you see people within your support group pulling for you, then there’s really no rational reason to give up.” Duer has been playing music from a young age and continues to do so regularly. At just 16 years old, he was able to join a music organization, with other experienced musicians, that played dance music for different events. When he was younger, he enjoyed playing secular music but now, he enjoys using his talents to play dynamic religious pieces for church services and events. He believes the talent at White’s Chapel is amazing and beyond that, believes the attitude and heart of the musicians here are unmatched by other professional music organizations.

“It’s really awesome because you are playing with extremely talented people but not only that, you’re with extremely talented people that have a goal of serving Jesus Christ,” he said. “It’s really neat to see how dedicated these musicians are. To be honest with you, in the music profession, a lot of the really talented musicians are not always faith-based but yet, the ones we have here… the common thread of all of the really great people here is the fact that they want to serve the Lord. They want to serve the church. That, to me, is unusual but yet so rewarding and satisfying that they see a higher purpose in what they do.”

After having been a part of the orchestra for almost ten years, he has learned that worshiping with others around you can be a powerful thing. He believes being a part of the worship experience at the church, as well as being involved in that community, is a privilege. When he was not able to participate in the services, due to cancer treatment, he was disappointed that he was “missing out on a good thing.” He wanted to be up on the stage, submitting his talents for the Lord and encouraging others to worship with him.

“It used to be that we were providing a service for the congregation but now, it has turned around completely,” he said. “Doing what we do in music ministry is therapeutic to us and so we feel cheated if we aren’t part of it. I had never experienced that before. There are so many other people that have told me they feel the same thing if they aren’t able to be here. They feel like they’re missing out and I feel the same way.”

At what point does worship become a necessity? At what point does it become something we are so invested in that we just can’t miss out? When is it time to completely surrender before our Father - our King? People should be eager to connect with God in their own way. It’s an introspective, quiet, intimate and meaningful moment with God.

Worship is about God. Even though we have amazing and talented people representing the church up on that stage, that’s not what should be our main focus. Even the worship leaders, tech team, and WC choir and orchestra are focusing on making worship more than just a song. The heart of these musical leaders is evident. Everyone’s story is just a little bit similar but everyone is on his or her own journey with God. Worship more than just a song. It’s an opportunity to let go and experience God in a new way.

Being a Christian in College By Kat Ormsby

ollege can be hazardous to your faith. When you get to college, you’re leaving behind your network of support and heading to a world with different perspectives, responsibilities, and expectations. There is no guarantee you won’t face challenges to your faith when walking through life as a college student. So how do you stay Christian in college? How do you stay open about your faith in what could be a more secular environment?

Avery Sadler is a member of White’s Chapel and recent graduate of Carroll Senior High School. She is currently attending Ole Miss University as a freshman. I got the opportunity to sit down and chat with her about walking with God in this new season of life. Did you grow up in White’s Chapel? My family moved to Southlake 16 years ago and we’ve been going to White’s Chapel ever since. How did the WC Students ministry develop your faith? I was constantly encouraged by my friends in the student ministry and the WC Students staff. The students who were consistent showed Christ’s love through their words and actions. And the staff led with humility and patience, they gave us time to really process and understand what we were hearing. I also loved how WC Students shows you what it is like to live in close community, not only in a large group but in our one-on-one relationships. They taught me how to listen and love others. They also taught me how to really dive in and dissect the Bible. Are there any people that you consider role models, and have influenced you? Having the interns every year was always so exciting because they were closer to our age. The interns provided that extra staffing to minister to the students. They were always open to listen and give biblical advice.

Do you have any advice for high school students about getting involved in WC Students? GO TO INTERSECTION. There will always be something the Lord wants you to hear or someone He wants you to meet. Making the habit of being plugged into a ministry will help you create the habit to get plugged into your college ministry. Don’t be discouraged by other people having friends already through WC Students. Friends come with time and those relationships will build the more you attend WC Students events. Are you involved in any ministry at Ole Miss? I’m involved with RUF (Reformed University Fellowship). I LOVE IT. It has been the base of most of my friendships and has kept me in the Word and living a life for Christ. Has ministry (or simply pursuing your faith) shaped your path in life? Oh for sure. Building the foundation in middle and high school helped me stay persistent in my faith throughout college. I live with the Holy Spirit as my super power and Him leading my life. Avery Sadler (left)

What makes being involved in ministry in college difficult? I think it’s difficult to be consistent with your college ministry because of how inconsistent the typical college schedule can be. I always feel refreshed and well-equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit when I make time to go to my college ministry or Bible studies.

Do you have any recommendations for future college students or students in WC Student ministry currently? STAY ACTIVE. BE CONSISTENT. It also helps to have your own quiet time and build your personal relationship with the Lord. Make Him a part of your every move!!!!

As our graduating seniors in high school begin their next phase of life, we pray that they will partner with the Holy Spirit and the ministries surrounding them to continue in a race of faith.

God's Love Roars and Overflows Like a River:

Vacation Bible School

By Cassidy Williams

f you ask most people what they remember about church when they were younger, Vacation Bible School is probably one of the main things they would think of. There’s something about the pure-hearted joy that children experience while they are there that can warm a parent’s heart. The unique crafts, the meaningful Biblical messages, the fun songs, the humbling worship experiences, and the sense of community is absolutely inspiring. These kids are the next generation, the leaders of tomorrow. How amazing is it that they are being taught the love of Jesus at such a young age? It is planting the seed of belief and maybe, just maybe, it’s producing roots that go beyond what the eye can see. This year, White’s Chapel is hosting a “Roaring River Rampage,” themed VBS and VBX. VBS is the program for those kindergarten – fourth grade. Both programs will be held everyday from June 11-14, 9 a.m. to noon. Their week will consist of crafts, games, Bible studies, as well as many more exciting activities. VBX, the program created for fifth and sixth graders, will allow children to have a little more freedom with activities and more indepth mission project work, while emphasizing the same Bible stories, principles, and fun activities.

This will allow the older kids to get a deeper meaning out of the summer program. With all the excitement that comes with VBS, many kids are able to learn about Jesus while creating fun, long-lasting memories. For many children, this is the first time they are able to hear about God. People within the community invite their children’s friends to attend and some parents, unable to stay at home with their children for the summer, get their child in VBS to provide a social element to their summer. Maybe for some, this is really the first time they get to hear the stories about Jesus and His disciples. Maybe for others, this is the first time they are able to understand their own spirituality. “We have kids that will come to VBS that have never heard about Jesus before,” Director of Children’s Special Events, Denise Bennett said. “This is a time that they can hear the Gospel - a time that they might not get the rest of the year. It’s a great opportunity because it’s so fun… it makes it more appealing to kids that maybe don’t come on a regular basis.”

How was our last Vacation Bible School? 2017 VBS Recap

VBS has been an important outreach event for WC Kids for many years. Last year, there were about 900 children on campus during the week-long event. With each year that passes, the program grows by welcoming families within the community, both members and non-members, into church. The “Rolling River Rampage” theme for this year’s VBS at White’s Chapel originates from Isaiah 43:2. It states, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fir e, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.” “Every year, we see entire families of new VBS kids start attending church because their kids had fun here,” Bennett said. “Because the kids had such a great time, they decide they want to go to Sunday school. When you get the kids in Sunday school, you get the parents involved in the church. That’s why it’s such a great outreach event - to get those parents involved.” Bennett believes White’s Chapel’s VBS’ success is largely attributed to dedicated volunteers that have a heart for children to know the Lord. Anyone, going into seventh grade or older, is welcome to volunteer. The children’s ministry team is also in need of older volunteers, those in high school/college or older.

“I really appreciate my directors that help out in all the areas and activities,” Bennett said. “All my directors put in their time and offer ideas that just make it a fabulous event. They put a ton of time into making VBS great. I really, truly love all aspects of VBS and can’t wait to see what all God will do at this year’s event!” Programs like these, that require additional support from volunteers, are important to not only the children, but the volunteers as well. Young adults, empty nesters, and high school helpers are encouraged to help the children’s ministry provide a strong, Godcentered experience for everyone involved. Bennett is encouraged and moved by the heart individuals have for these kids. They have a passion to minister to the participants through song, conversation, and Bible studies but above all that; they have a passion for the children themselves. “It’s an outreach for volunteers too,” Bennett said. “When they volunteer at VBS, they often decide to get more involved with Sunday school and other events. I just think there is a lot of outreach through this event; there are a lot of different ways that it touches lives. It’s so much fun. I’m always thankful for all of the volunteers that come - they have so much fun with the kids because they have a heart for it.” Jesus himself had a heart for the children of the world. He expressed God’s love and kindness through every word and interaction involving children. One scripture, found in Mark 10: 13-16, explains how He tells His disciples to let the children come to Him. He then says how important it is to have a child-like, pure approach to faith. “People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter

it.’ And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” God values children. They are important to him. It can be easy for us to dismiss our children for being immature or maybe at times, hard to handle. But, programs like VBS allow us to see God’s heart for children. It allows us to teach the scripture at a young age. It also allows us to pour into them. In a world of such a harsh reality, it is important to let kids understand the powerful and overflowing love God has for us. The Bible states that children should be taught the word of God from a young age. VBS allows us to obey that teaching in a fun, memorable and impactful way. 2 Timothy 3:14-15 reads, “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” The scripture from 2 Timothy 3:14-15 also outlines the idea that scripture is important to people of all ages. Adults should know the Bible just as they were taught. VBS is not just a one-time event where you hear silly songs and make crafts. Vacation Bible School is an event to teach children that God loves us more than we could imagine. It also teaches us to have joy as we worship Him. These things should carry us from adolescence into adulthood. We should continue studying the Word as we continue through life. “VBS is really an awesome event that is not necessarily limited to age,” said Bennett. “It’s great for the children participating, it’s great for the volunteers ministering to them, and it’s great for the parents that bring their kids.” Registration for White’s Chapel VBS is still open to those wanting to enroll and forms are available online. Parents also have the opportunity to purchase a t-shirt or CD of the program when signing their child up for VBS. Children must be five years old by Sept. 1 to participate. Volunteers may also sign up online. For more information, please contact Denise Bennett.

BUILDING HOPE IN GUATEMALA By Emily Keller

Traveling internationally can be stressful, hectic and maybe even a teeny bit frightening for some. But choosing to spend your spring break to travel internationally, on a mission trip, takes a very special heart. The WC Student Program went on their second trip to Guatemala this past March and took junior and senior students along to serve – and I was blessed enough to be able to go and experience my very first international mission trip. “It was so beautiful to see the generosity of the students. They understand that there’s really never the perfect time to go on a mission trip – now is always the time; you only get busier as you get older! For them to sacrifice their week off of school was such a testament to the heart they have for missions and for people,” shared Josh Robinson, Student Worship Leader.

'God, as always, had an amazing and very big plan for each of us on the trip'

Departing on March 10, a Saturday afternoon, I could feel the anticipation of the group while we waited to board our plane. People were chatting excitedly with the people around them - everyone donning their custom WC Guatemala shirts. For me, this trip was completely outside of my comfort zone. I had never gone on an international mission trip, and had never even spent time with the students on the trip – nonetheless, the ones in my work group. But God, as always, had an amazing and very big plan for each of us on the trip. Once we were there, we were given the opportunity to worship alongside the community on Sunday morning – experiencing worship in another language was a powerful moment for every single participant. “There was a merging of English and Spanish, creating this beautiful intercultural worship that was a picture of what it will be like to worship in Heaven,” explained Laura Robinson, student minister. “Looking around, I saw how big God is and each student was able to recognize that too.”

Miles traveled from DFW to La Aurora International Airport

Students Leaders Total hours worked/ministered

Floyd Joseph, co-director of WC Students, was overwhelmed by this service too. “Getting to celebrate God in a new way and in a new culture is such a renewing and exciting thing. God is so big and stretches across nations. Experiencing this picture of eternity was a beautiful moment for our kids.” This day of worship prepared each of our hearts for the coming week – building homes and relationships with the families in the Guatemalan village we were a part of. Monday morning, the feeling of the Spirit of God was palpable because we were already focused on doing God’s will. Watching students greet children as we got off our bus, to when we prayed over each family and worksite, it was very clear that God was blessing their obedience in stepping out on this trip.

“Our students stepped out in obedience when they decided to attend this trip and give up their break from school and God blesses obedience. Many students may have felt anxiety or fear leading up to this trip but they truly saw Monday morning that this trip wasn’t about them, or about us,” said Laura. Floyd believes this international mission trip is one way to build upon the mission-minded heart they try to cultivate in each student. This is a tangible opportunity to show who God is, build out the Kingdom of Heaven, and share the Gospel. “On each mission trip, we truly just want to know what the need is and do our best to meet it. And through that effort to meet a need, students and leaders got to see the new homeowners celebrate God and have their faith strengthened,” explained Floyd. We partnered with HeartWork Missions to build four different homes for four different families within the village of Santa María de Jesús, Sacatepequez in Guatemala. Each group stepped up to help with cutting two-byfours, hammering nails to create the frame of the house, playing and sharing love with the many beautiful kids, and ultimately, wore their heart on their sleeve to care for each person they came in contact with. Consider themselves Atheist, Agnostic, or Irreligious. The highest percentage in Latin America!

This village is very different from our Southlake community – which could have deterred the students from being bold in their faith. Instead, I think it inspired each person to fall more in love with Jesus. “We live in a wealthier zip code, and there are so many other ways of life that some people just don’t get exposed to,” said Rev. Sam Robbins, student minister. “It is important that we step out into these areas and understand the need of the world for Jesus.” For many, this trip opened up opportunities for vulnerable conversations and honest moments where their faith could flourish.

Million People in Guatemala City

CAPITAL Guatemala City

“I saw God aligning these conversations – for adult leaders, students, and even staff. As a new staffer, I really got the opportunity to get to know these amazing kids because of God’s movement in Guatemala,” shared Laurel Lampasas, student minister. “Kids were able to experience vulnerability from leaders, and in turn, show that to the people around them and in the village.” The week ended up not going as planned, which looking back now, created so many opportunities for God to move. Sickness moving throughout our compound and last minute plan changes threatened to take away the heart of this trip – to share God’s love. But our students and staff continued to see the need and meet it. While many got sick, many committed to taking care of them and helping in any way they could. When plans changed on the fly, students responded in a flexible and positive way. “Students’ heart to push through and want to continue to do things even if they didn’t feel well showed me just how much passion each of them has,” said Josh. “It was so cool to see these juniors and seniors want to push past and just continue on the mission.”

New Homes 2 Bedrooms Living room Fully furnished Backpacks for kids Even Michelle Joseph, co-director of WC Students, who didn’t get to go on the trip as planned, was overwhelmed to hear how the students had risen to the occasion. “Each of the students just kept showing up and giving themselves fully wherever they were needed. I just am so proud of them!” exclaimed Michelle. On the Friday of our trip, students and staff were finally able to go and hand the keys over to the families the houses were made for. This very special day is known as “dedication day,” and the entire group goes to each house, prays over the house and the family, blesses the families with special gifts and hands over the keys. Each student was able to truly experience the joy of being the hands and feet of Jesus.

Through this trip, we were able to see students open to serving the very people that came on the trip with them – and they served without any expectation.

“Each house dedication was personal and you could see the love the students had for each family. We took our time at each house and you could just see the strengthening of faith within each family,” shared Floyd. Although I wasn’t able to attend the house dedications due to getting sick, just hearing the stories of the overwhelming joy and gratefulness the families expressed has created a fire in my heart to go back and to just keep sharing the love of God with anyone I can. Students purchased hammocks, picture frames, beautiful crosses, to groceries, to take this new house to a home for each of these families. Because of their obedience, these families experienced God in a very real way. Many of you might feel a tug to experience an international mission trip, or even a mission in your local community, but something may be holding you back. I urge you to step outside of yourself and your comfort zone and let God be God. “It is totally okay to be anxious about these things – but you can’t take God out of the equation. God is with us the whole time and you’ll see it step by step,” explained Sam.

Every single one of the WC Student staff members will be more than willing to talk to you and encourage you to go on a mission of a lifetime! “Trust God: He hasn’t called us to safety, He’s called us to share the Good News. There is such a need for Jesus and if you simply look to the fruitful aspects rather than at your self, the fears will melt,” said Josh. But another thing to remember is that the need for mission work is not only found in the thirdworld countries or in those cities you see on the news, it can take place in your every day life and in each of your relationships.

“These trips help us realign our priorities to Jesus, gets us more focused and away from the distractions. But the real beauty is it cultivating us to be more mission-minded, and for us to bring that heart for Jesus and loving people home,” shared Laura.

By Debbie McKellar Meet a group of modern-day retirees who are far from retired: George Assenheimer, Glen Bradshaw, Bill Charters, Rich Duft, Roland Galyean, Keith Hall, Gary Harriger, Dave Houser, Dennis Kime, Ken Nelson, Chris Rowley, Tim Wernicke, and Jim Williams. Twelve (actually thirteen and counting as they have recruited another into their gang) merry men who have become volunteers for so many missions, it is difficult for them to remember them all.

They have come to be called The Dirty Dozen, a name that people of a certain age remember as a World War II movie in the late 1960s. The film, with World War II as a backdrop, was based on a military mission assigned to 12 rogue criminals who are promised commuted sentences if they complete their assignment. In spite of their history, the 12 men prove a spirited and courageous unit.

The spirited and courageous men of White’s Chapel’s Dirty Dozen have a much more wholesome mission - and outlook - on their work. And, without question, character that is far from rogue. There have been several stories regaling how the name was adopted. One such story recalled a dedication ceremony about a year ago for the WC Dental Clinic in south Fort Worth. Greg Eveland, who had chaired the clinic project, and thanking the many people who had been instrumental in seeing the project come to fruition. Just off-thecuff, Eveland, “referred to our group of guys as the dirty dozen and it just kind of stuck. I think he said they ran out of room on the plaque so they just decided to put it all into one group-the Dirty Dozen.” That would, of course, make a lot of sense. All of these guys get their hands dirty: They take an old property or building, do the demo and the removal of debris. And, just like any makeover seen on television, they fix and rebuild every aspect of the project from carpentry, dry wall, plumbing, and electrical, to masonry, flooring, tiling, and painting.

Chris Rowley Bio: From Connecticut, Venue Business owner, married, three children; 9 years at White’s Chapel Skill: go-to is sheetrock work Recent projects and missions: FaithWorks, Angels’ Attic, Dental Clinic, Emergency Relief Team, Fannett home and café, Trinity UMC in Ennis, Backpack ministry, Christmas and Thanksgiving delivery

Dave Houser

Bio: From Peoria, IL, nine years in the United States Air Force, 31 years with airlines, retired for six years; about 33 years at White’s Chapel UMC Skill: painting and caulking

Recent projects and missions: Dental Clinic, Men’s Mission Trip, High School Mission Trip, Sager Brown UMCOR, Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, Angels’ Attic, Nash apartments, restoring church in Ennis, Agape Meal, Super Saturdays, International Missions (Costa Rica, Guatemala, Ghana, Uruguay), various other deliveries through FaithWorks ministry

Dennis Kime Bio: From Nebraska, retired pharmacist, married, two children, 4 grandchildren; 3 ½ years at White’s Chapel Skill: Painting, woodworking, clean-up

However, Rev. Dara Austin Pastor for FaithWorks, remembers the reference technically started with the Home with a Heart [the Nash Street apartments in Grapevine] ministry. “Several of these gentlemen were already active in helping with FaithWorks on various mission ministries,” explained Austin. “When we became engaged with Home with a Heart, I asked Chris (Rowley) if he would be willing to lead that ministry. He answered with an enthusiastic yes! I explained that the objective was to ask more people to get involved; people who perhaps had not ever engaged in a mission activity before. It didn’t matter the skill level, what was important was the community group experience it created. Chris went to work…or should we say…God went to work through Chris. What started as a group of four or five men, gradually grew to a dedicated and committed

Recent projects and missions: Nash Street Apartments, Angels’ Attic, Backpack Ministry, Thanksgiving and Christmas deliveries.

George Assenheimer Bio: Married to Jana, two daughters. Member of White’s Chapel 20 years. Skill: ERT certified Recent projects and missions: Fannett project organizer home and café, Emergency Relief Team, Trinity UMC in Ennis renovation, Men’s mission trips.

Glen Bradshaw Bio: Retired Dallas Police Detective, married w/ two grown children, from Dallas, Texas; 12 years at White’s Chapel UMC Skill: “Jack of all trades-master of none” Recent projects and missions: Angels’ Attic, San Antonio, Grace, Habitat for Humanity, Repairing church in Ennis, TX, Toy delivery, Christmas Store, T.A. Sims, Dental Clinic, International missions (Costa Rica)

Gary Harriger Bio: From P.A., married with two sons and two daughters, three grandchildren; 20 years at White’s Chapel Skill: Quality assurance: doors and everything in between Recent projects and missions: Habitat houses, Nash Apartments, Dental Clinic, Trinity UMC in Ennis

Jim Williams Bio: From Tulsa, OK, Graduated from OSU with a BS in Accounting, married, Air Force Pilot for 10 years, Southwest Airlines for 25 years, retired in 2013, 12 years at White’s Chapel UMC Skill: painting and caulking Recent projects and missions: Nash Street Apartments, Dental Clinic, Backpack Ministry, Repairing church in Ennis, Backpack ministry, Super Saturdays, Angels’ Attic, UMCOR in LA, International missions (Guatemala), Stone Project

Keith Hall Bio: From Texas, married, two kids. Four years at White’s Chapel Skill: Little bit of everything: painting, sheetrock, electrical, plumbing, demo Recent projects and missions: Angels’ Attic, Dental Clinic, food and toy deliveries, Trinity UMC in Ennis renovation, Nash Apartments

group of people (including several women) who say “yes “ to wherever and whenever God leads them.” Austin said that as the group grew to 12 people, it became a joke that the group should have a name. “I counted the volunteers, all men at the time, and there were twelve. We initially thought about simply the The Twelve. Then I remembered a recent sermon that John (McKellar) and Todd (Renner) preached about standing on dirty shoulders and getting our hands dirty for Christ. It just clicked: they became the 'Dirty Dozen.'" In truth, it is hard to know when, exactly, the group became a group. They did not necessarily know each other well, or at all, prior to their now renown volunteer ensemble, even though they have all attended White’s Chapel for multiple years. For some, the road to volunteerism began by helping out at Angels' Attic, White’s Chapel’s upscale retail store in Grapevine. The shop needed volunteers to pick up and deliver large items, so a couple of the guys signed up. Others met working on the White’s Chapel Habitat for Humanity House in 2011. They brought their hammers and tools and went to work. They laughed, and joked and became their own band of brothers, meeting others like them in each job they saw that just needed someone to do it. As they worked and talked and taught each other individual skills that became mutual, they also shared other missions they heard about along the way: FaithWorks needed someone to deliver toys or set up a workshop or deliver food to kids and families in need. The White’s Chapel Men were going on a mission trip to San Antonio to work on intercity housing. A few people were going to Ghana, then to Costa Rica to help build schools, meeting rooms, dorms. As friendships grew, decisions were made to take some of the training classes to be qualified to seriously volunteer. Through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) certifications were earned that allowed several

of these men to be first responders in emergency situations. When the chemical plant exploded in West, Texas, they were there. When tornadoes ripped through East Texas in the spring of 2015, they were there. And when Hurricane Harvey crushed and flooded the Gulf Coast, they were there once again. All in all the men, in various combinations, have done all of this---and more---over and over again. They continue to do everyday jobs for Angels' Attic, Grapevine Reliefand Community Exchange (GRACE), and FaithWorks. They have made trips to Guatemala to build stoves, returned annually to continue building projects in Costa Rica, taken their skills to Uruguay, returned numerous times to the Texas Coast to help victims of Hurricane Harvey, been WC high school mission trip sponsors and project coordinators to Joplin, MO and worked on several Habitat for Humanity projects. This past year in their spare time, they have remodeled five of the Nash Street apartments as part of the Grace Transitional Housing Project, reconstructed the building in south Fort Worth that is being used for the WC Dental Clinic, and helped rebuild the Fellowship Hall at Trinity United Methodist Church in Ennis. “They committed six Mondays to Trinity to just go in there and remodel,” said Dr. Judy Hunt, WC Executive Pastor. “They are amazing, they just get it done with a smile on their face.” The camaraderie is one of several payoffs for the volunteer hours. “We were unloading furniture and the people watching us said ‘Wow! Y’all look like you’re having a lot of fun!'” said Glen Bradshaw. “The reality is that we do have a great time. We sometimes joke about how many hours it takes before we start collecting overtime in this volunteer job!” Tim Wernicke remembers another benefit. "When we work out-of-town assignments, we can’t tell you how many people will cook for us. One sweet lady in Ennis will cook for us every time we go. She is about 90 years old and can barely walk but she will get there before us and make sure that everything is

Ken Nelson Bio: From Salt Lake City UT/Wisconsin. Married, three children, three grandchildren. 20 years at White’s Chapel. Skill: Cabinetry, Plumbing, Electrical Recent projects and missions: International (Costa Rica, Ghana, Uruguay) mission trips, Dental Clinic, Nash Street Apartments, rebuilding restaurant in Hamshire, TX

Rich Duft Bio: From Illinois, married to Jane, two sons, retired from Johnson & Johnson, two years at White’s Chapel UMC Skill: painting & woodworking Recent projects and missions: Rebuilding Fellowship Hall in Ennis, Angels’ Attic, Hurricane Harvey relief, Grace (Nash apartments), Rebuilding homes in Fannett, TX, food pantry, International missions (Costa Rica, Guatemala)

Roland Galyean Bio: From Indiana, 4 grown children, 5 grandchildren. 8 years at White’s Chapel Skill: electrical, painting, demo, whatever needed Recent projects and missions: Dental Clinic, Food Pantry, Habitat for Humanity, Trinity UMC in Ennis, Angels’ Attic

Tim Wernicke Bio: From Hurst, Bedford, Desoto, Southlake. Married; two kids, two grandkids, 24 years at White’s Chapel. Skill: Demo day, sheetrock, flooring, learning new skills Recent projects and missions: Nash Street Apartments, Dental Clinic, Trinity UMC in Ennis, Fannett home and café.

done. She’s cooking, taking out trash, and staying busy before we even get there.” But all of them will agree that the biggest payoff is the opportunity to be able to go in and do these projects. “The best blessing is to get to help people.” “There are no words to describe what these gentlemen do and the value of the work they accomplish,” said Austin. “They have saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in labor costs. Their results are impeccable; they are very particular about their work. Sometimes I wonder how they get so much accomplished because of their laughter.” “What I love most about this group is their heart. They each have such an unselfish spirit and are the most generous group of gentlemen I have ever met. Sometimes I wonder how they get so much accomplished because of their laughter.” Their wish is for more to join their ranks. More volunteers are needed in Emergency Relief Training, which is essentially taking a one day class to earn certification. UMCOR provides frequent training on various church campuses (some trainings have been held at White’s Chapel). These are for the big jobs that need first responders immediately after disasters, and again in the months after the television cameras and press have ceased advertising the need for workers. “What we really need is a Dirty Two Dozen or a Dirty Three Dozen,” someone says. “When people don’t have roofs over their head, families are in panic mode.”

“We are called to be the ‘hands and feet of Christ’ and I think we are. We go out and help some of these people in need. I can just imagine them praying for help… well, God was a little busy so he sent me and he sent some of these other guys as well. Doing His work - that’s what we are doing. If we had more volunteers sign up, we would be able to fill more teams to help more people.” “I think, in the past, I stood back because I felt like I needed an invite or something,” adds Jim Williams. “But this is an open group. Some people might think that it’s just a bunch of guys and they don’t want anyone else because we are close. But it’s just not that way. They let me join!” And what would be the job description for recruitment? There was a brief silence, and then: “Willing,” said Glen Bradshaw. “Be willing and be open. There is always something to do. The toughest job is that first time. If you take that first job, it becomes contagious, it really does. You meet all new friends and you know you’re accomplishing something to help somebody. That’s it in a nutshell. We don’t care what your job skills are; we don’t care if you don’t have any. We’re just looking for people who are willing. The rest works itself out.” He added that many people don’t get started because they think they have to be committed every week. “If you can’t come one week, you don’t come! We don’t get paid! We volunteer and that’s the beautiful part! You come when you can!”

Dave Houser’s perspective was, perhaps, the most eloquent of all.

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Please contact: Dara Austin | daustin@whiteschapelumc.com faithworks2035@whiteschapelumc.com. 817.481.4147

TAYLER'S STATUE by Kat Ormsby

Many of you may recognize the eight and a half foot tall statue of Jesus that was built right outside the sanctuary of our church. High schoolers take joyful pictures with their caps and gowns or prom dresses. There have been marriage proposals and memorials in front of it. It is a postcard spot on our beautiful campus. It creates a tangible picture of Jesus powerfully watching over us in our life’s adventures. But do you know how it got there?

The statue viewed at dusk. The fountain can be seen from White Chapel BLVD- it is in an easily accessable location, accompanied by benches and a garden.

This statue was built in honor of Tayler Reynolds who passed away in 2009 at the age of 13, from complications due to leukemia. It was a gift from the Reynolds family. The statue is a replica of a 19th-century work by Danish sculptor, Bertel Thorvaldsen. The original is in the Church of Our Lady, the cathedral of Copenhagen. What is amazing is that the statue doesn’t only represent Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for our sins, or simply remind us of the beautiful memory of Tayler. The statue also continues to make the world a better place by giving back. Because of the coins thrown into the fountain, the organization, “Tayler’s Water Wells for Africa,” was created.

Tayler’s Water Wells for Africa is an organization that brings clean water to rural villages in Africa by drilling wells. Because of Tayler, numerous wells have been drilled throughout Africa, bringing hope and life-giving water to thousands. “One of the Ghanaian pastors told me that my daughter gave her life to give his people life. That statement was so overwhelming to me, I saw beauty out of the ashes, and that good had come from loss,” shared Ginger Reynolds, in an excerpt from her book, God Kisses. Specifically in Ghana, thousands are forced to collect water from drains, ditches and streams. Many suffer a deprivation that threatens life, destroys opportunity and severely undermines

human dignity. Clean water brings life, and the lack of it is a major problem that can be avoided. In Ghana, close to six million people (nearly 22 percent) rely on surface water to meet their daily water needs, leaving them vulnerable to waterrelated illness and disease, according to water. org. Seventy percent of all diseases in Ghana are caused by unsafe contaminated water supply. Ghana is in the middle of a water crisis. White’s Chapel goes on a mission trip every two years to bless the supported water wells in rural villages as well as administer medications, build pavilions to serve as schools and churches,

and be the hands and feet of Jesus to meet whatever need is presented. So far, we have had the opportunity to bless 36 water wells in Africa which have all brought clean drinking water to more than 50,000 people. “When a water well is put into a community, it literally brings life to the village. Before the well was put in, there were people filling up water bottles with murky water from the side of the road. These wells change their lives,” explained Doug Kovach, WC’s Live Production Video Director and many-time attendee of the mission trip.

This November, individuals have the opportunity to join with our church and other missionaries to continue this blessing and sharing of a very tangible proof of the love of the Gospel – water. Whether you’ve been on many mission trips in your life, or none at all, this is a great opportunity for anyone to step out and do God’s work and to fulfill the calling of serving the world. “I think some people will discover that this experience is a dream they never knew that they had. Sharing the love of Jesus by transforming lives halfway across the world is a surreal experience. You don’t want to miss it,” encourages co-pastor and attendee, Dr. Todd Renner. Ken Nelson, one of the trip attendees over the years, explains that the need for water in Ghana can be a very eye-opening thing to see.

“The access to water in Ghana is very different from here. Water is plentiful and accessible in the U.S. The resources we are so used to, such as water, are not guaranteed for those in Ghana and other places around the world,” Nelson shared. “If we can create a well and bring life to a community, what an honor and a gift.”

world – and that you have the opportunity to partner in that legacy this year. Mark your calendars for a trip of a lifetime, November 11 to 18, – and prepare to experience your faith in a whole new way.

Next time you catch a glimpse of the powerful statue, remember it represents so much more. It represents Tayler and her legacy that continues to live on bringing life to villages all over the

And then there’s this By Debbie McKellar Apparently, you don’t have to read the Bible anymore. I recently caught this newsflash in a daily email news update. Let me back up a bit. I am, unfortunately, a newsaholic. I actively seek and absorb news in all formats. I collect information ---good, bad, happy, sad, indifferent. As an adult, and as a former teacher, I’ve tried to walk the line, look at both sides of an issue, be objective, argue positively, allow others the benefit of the doubt. Granted, that’s been a bit more difficult lately. However , as if I NEED it, after reading, watching, and listening to various sources of news, I also get a summarized version of the news in my email. Often this version is delivered with a bit of tongue-in-cheek humor; something we could all probably use.

I like to think I have a good sense of humor, but recently this “Quote of the Day” was included in my morning news brief from the Skimm:

"Repetitive, self-contradictory, sententious, foolish" - GQ, explaining why the Bible is on its list of books you don't have to read. Bold move.” In all honesty, my first response was not laughter. GQ is not typically a magazine on my radar, so, had it not been for my daily news summary, I would probably have missed this little nugget of information. But there it was, staring me in the face, just daring me to react. The magic of computers is the ability to instantly link information with other information. Within seconds I had the full article of reference, and spent the next few moments of my life in absolute incredulity.

The actual article was entitled 21 Books You Don’t Have to Read. (GQ, April 22, 2018). The byline ‘by the Editors of GQ’ was confusing; commentary for each of the listed books was credited to different people including current authors, contributors, and a couple of actual editors.

For example, we might totally just wipe out the American Civil War and World War II. Nothing about either of those eras was pretty. Deleted history leads to forgotten history. Forgotten history is not therefore, a learned common denominator of society. We all know what happens when we fail to learn from history.

My first impulse was to glance through the list at what other books had become out of vogue. To the magazine’s credit, the Bible was not number one on the list.

Other books on the list You Don’t Have to Read include J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye; The Old Man and the Sea AND A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway, The Alchemist, (Paulo Coelho); The Lord of the Rings, (J.R.R. Tolkien), Dracula (Bram Stoker); Catch 22 (Joseph Heller); Slaughterhouse-Five (Kurt Vonnegut); John Adams (David McCullough) and Gulliver’s Travels (Jonathan Swift).

The first book on the list was Pulitzer Prize winning Lonesome Dove, by Texan Larry McMurtry. The reason, according to one Lauren Groff (a 39 year old, award-winning novelist and short story writer whose work I am not acquainted with) is that she is convinced that ‘the cowboy mythos, with its rigid masculine emotional landscape, glorification of guns and destruction, and misogynistic gender roles, is a major factor in the degradation of America.’ Rather than perpetuate this myth, Ms. Groff would “love for everyone, but particularly American men, to read The Mountain Lion by Jean Stafford: A wicked, brilliant, dark book set largely on a ranch in Colorado, but it acts in many ways as a strong rebuttal to all the old toxic western stereotypes we all need to explore.” Now, upon reading this indictment and recommendation, I would first like to say that while a work of fiction, Lonesome Dove was based on the lives of Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving, two real cowboys who actually lived in the late 1800s, actually owned ranches and actually drove cattle. This world was not mythical. Cowboys are not mythical. Cowgirls are not mythical. This story is not a western stereotype. Certainly there were parts of the historical west that were toxic, but if we delete the areas of history that were and are toxic, well, there would be a lot of deleted history.

And the aforementioned Holy Bible, which weighs in at number 12 on the list. For each of the books selected as no longer relevant, there is a suggestion of what to read instead. These recommendations are made by people I’ve never heard of, proposing books, I admit, I’ve never read (perhaps my ignorance is showing). I have no opinion, therefore, of the suggestions, but I have some very strong opinions about dismissing works that are time proven contributions to cultural literacy; particularly those with historical connotations. In the case of the Bible, the reasoning for irrelevance in today’s society, according to contributor Jesse Ball, (also a 39-year-old American novelist) is as follows: “The Holy Bible is rated very highly by all the people who supposedly live by it but who in actuality have not read it. Those who have read it know there are some good parts, but overall it is certainly not the finest thing that man has ever produced. It is repetitive, self-contradictory, sententious, foolish, and even at times illintentioned.” Yikes.

How many insults can there be in three sentences? Is it just a personal thing, or is this upsetting to anyone else?

soul and with all your mind and to love your neighbor as yourself could certainly stand to be reviewed and reignited in today’s society.

Ball, also an American novelist and poet, added his alternative read to the Bible by saying, “If the thing you heard was good about the Bible was the nasty bits, then I propose Agota Kristof's The Notebook, a marvelous tale of two brothers who have to get along when things get rough. The subtlety and cruelty of this story is like that famous sword stroke (from below the boat) that plunged upward through the bowels, the lungs, and the throat and into the brain of the rower.”

I can’t help but wonder, why the Bible? There are other world religious Scriptures that were not chosen for this list. Are they deemed more relevant? Or is it that, in choosing the Bible and targeting both the Christian and the Jewish communities, it is the path of least resistance? Are we politically safer than others? Have we as Christians become so complacent that we nonchalantly and predictably dismiss the suggestion that our Scriptures are irrelevant to many in today’s society? Have our values changed and become so unrecognizable that anything goes? Has respect for the followers of Jesus Christ and the believers of God the Father been completely lost in the greater society?

Wow. I think I could write a novel of indignation on that paragraph alone. When a large part of a society has a shared literacy, we should be prudent at the idea of throwing out our common references. The references may be examples of good or of bad, but the knowledge gleaned from them creates a common conversation. Without these commonalities, there is no conversation. The Holy Bible has certainly been a part of commonality. The differences of opinion in its meanings have generated volumes of contradictions, certainly. It is, according to Guinness, the best-selling book of all time with over five billion (and counting) copies sold and distributed worldwide in a reported 349 written languages. It was one of the first mass-produced publications (the ‘Gutenberg Bible’, first printed around the year 1455, was Gutenberg’s best known printed item). It was the catalyst for the Protestant Reformation and has been influential in many political, social, and cultural changes throughout history. The basic lessons of the Bible could not be more relevant. Obviously the Ten Commandments of the Old Testament are a basis for the written law of many governments. The Commandments of Jesus, to love your God with all your heart and with all your

Is it simply a younger generation that subscribes to this belief, and if so, what does that say to the future of our country and world? To infer that after six centuries, reading the Bible is no longer necessary is at the very least, insulting. As a Christian, I find it frightening.

The Oaks

By Emily Keller

eciding to start a church can be an intimidating, possibly even frightening, thought to have placed in your heart. But for Rev. Jon Reeves, the call to start a church plant was cultivated through steps of confirmation from God that created a confidence for when it was time for him to step out and plant the Oaks United Methodist Church. The Oaks hosted their very first service in Weatherford in October 2016, in the Mary Martin Elementary School, but the dream of a church plant began way before then. As Reeves will tell you, there are so many moving pieces, and different people, that are a part of this call. This journey started with him and his wife, Amber. When they got married in 2003, they started attending a church plant in a cafeteria, and just felt drawn to it. “We thought, how cool is this? Look how God is working in these people’s lives. And they meet in a school cafeteria!” exclaimed Reeves. It seemed like this might be something they wanted to be a part of, but like many other church plants, it didn’t pan out. While this was painful, God was clearly at work.

Attendance 101

Years later, the Reeves couple was looking for a church in Weatherford, and visited nearly every church in town. “We were invited to a little United Methodist Church plant in Hudson Oaks called ‘Light of the World,’ and we knew from week one that we were at home in this church and where we needed to be.” In their time at this church, their discipleship really picked up a lot of speed and momentum. It became a place of growth and transformation for them, and they became deeply involved in worship, teaching Sunday school and whatever other ways they could plug in.

But yet again, this church didn’t make it either and the Reeves felt homeless when it closed down in October 2010. They became involved in other established churches and seemed to let the passionate idea they had for the new church start go dormant. But God had a bigger plan. In January 2014, Jon was on staff at a church and him and Amber started kicking around the idea again of planting their own church. “We started to wonder and talk about what it could be like – discerning where God could lead us next and almost immediately, we started to feel the call to launch a new church start.” Conversations began to happen furiously and they felt the confirmation from God that this was where He was leading them. The opportunities were there, the doors kept opening and the call just began to grow in their hearts. Then in April 2014, Jon had a very vivid dream that was another brick of confirmation in the building of the new church plant. “It felt like watching a movie. My wife and I were driving a U-Haul van down Interstate 20 and people were stopping and resting on the side of the road. The freeway ended at this elementary school where we got out, walked inside and my mom was sitting inside – writing name tags. We hear voices say, ‘Alright, we’re about to start,’ and we’re still confused so we ask what’s going on. And the people explain to us that we’re starting a church here, and the dream ended there!”

Following that dream, Amber and Jon were completely sold on the idea, but the conversations stayed more lowkey until December 2017 – where Jon was able to speak with someone in our conference in charge of starting new churches. There was already the idea planted in the leader’s mind to place a new church plant in the Hudson Oaks area and they felt led to endorse Jon and his family for that placement. While many might imagine starting a brand new church might look like the old parachute drop-style: the pastor has a suitcase and is dropped off somewhere to start the church and everyone just waves bye! This strategy concerned the Reeves and they expressed that to the conference superintendent, and through that boldness, the idea of Path1 was introduced to Jon. “We didn’t know what Path1 was at the time – but we knew God was calling us to start a new church. It looked like we were receiving the opportunity to know where that would be – five minutes from where we’ve lived for the past ten years. Amber has been a teacher there for ten years, my kids have grown up here, we already felt we were connected to the community,” shared Reeves. “While we were rooted there, we were willing to leave for the call of God – but we became so excited that God was opening this door for new ministry, right in our backyard.”

Professions Of Faith

Many wouldn’t have felt so boldly in moving wherever God called after a decade of creating a home and roots of familiarity in a town, but Reeves and his family knew that there was a special calling in their lives to do ministry. But because of that, God blessed them and placed them in that area before they even realized what it would mean. Fast forward to October 2016, and Jon and his family are leading their very first service in an elementary school, off Interstate 20, called the Oaks. This dream, tied to that first call, really cultivated their commitment and passion over the years of waiting and discerning. Before the doors of the Oaks opened, the Reeves family walked through the experience of the Path1 intern program. According to UMC Discipleship, Path1 (also known as New Church Starts) is a team of leaders drawn from many levels of the United Methodist Church who are charged with training and equipping new church planters who will start new congregations throughout the U.S. Through this program, our conference paired Jon up with Drs. John McKellar and Todd Renner. Both are very passionate, supportive and encouraging of the call to begin new, healthy churches. “I feel very blessed that I was able to gain this relationship and learn from the best.John McKellar was able to teach me things like strategy and how to do certain things - like how to talk to and work with people, as well as how to invite them into something new and be part of the team. He has such a natural gifting for working with people in ministry, and that’s where it all happens for churches to get going and gain momentum.”

An impactful thing Reeves learned while on staff here was just how crucial that network of Care & Support is – if people feel like they’re truly cared for, and supported in their walk with Christ, they’re more willing to commit and be part of the community – and in turn, the community will be healthy and continue to grow. For him, WC has become his community and a spiritual home, one that him and Amber can come back to and feel refreshed.

As our Path1 pastor, Reeves was able to be hands-on within each ministry and get a feel for the heart of each one. One of the ministries that impacted him the most was being a part of Care & Support where Reeves was asked to get on the funeral rotation, make hospital visits and be the pastor on call. “It is such a strong ministry, especially for a church this size. That was one of the most formative pastoral experiences I got here – I was able to see firsthand that at the end of the day, people are coming to church to connect with God and to connect with other people. And when we strive to grow in our relationship with God, we’re going to need other people to go alongside us,” Reeves shared.

“One of the hardest things I’ve had to battle in the process of planting and growing a brand new church is loneliness – and not in that I’m always by myself. I went from being on staff at churches, to being the Path1 resident at WC and I always had people around me. Then I woke up one morning and I discovered that I was the church planting pastor at this church that was being born into existence – and now I was the one who was going to wake up each week bearing the weight and responsibility of the ministry and the church, and I’ve never really felt that before.”

The struggle that Jon was concerned about is one that many pastors can say they’ve faced and one that can be spoken into by others. In addition to staying connected to his community and encouraging mentors, Jon says that he has to keep this before God daily. If he’s not careful, he can begin to slip into stress and disconnection. A way that he has found to fight this darkness is to truly observe the Sabbath and to take care of himself and his family with rest. Although many may see being a pastor as a “job,” Reeves just explains it as what he does, not a career or job he goes to. “There is a connection between your physical wellbeing and your spiritual wellbeing, if I don’t take the Sabbath and the rest my body needs, it will affect me spiritually. Being a pastor is who I am and there’s very little ‘9 to 5’ with it so my family and I have been learning the importance and the beauty of boundaries.” For Jon’s family, the Oaks has truly become their home. By God’s beautiful design, it has grown into a church with a lot of joyful children running around! It really speaks to the sense of life and growth the community is experiencing. The Reeves couple has had the chance to see their own kids, Jovie and Landry, claim this church their own and run around with their very own church posse.

Jovie, their eight-year-old daughter, was the first baptism to take place at the church plant – and her own father was able to do it! “Personally, this was one of my favorite moments of this church plant – it was one of those moments that just makes me so proud. Her love for Jesus has just been blossoming and it’s very genuine. That’s been a huge blessing to me as a dad, just as a parent.” And for their wild, crazy and wonderful fouryear-old son, Landry – he makes it very clear that this is his church! “He will come out of kids’ church every weekend and share what he learned: he knows his Bible stories and his church songs. What we’re finding is he just walks around the house, singing songs from church! So I see this development as a kid who is at church all the time, even when he might not want to be, and it’s a positive thing. Amber and I are praying that God will continue to use that and that we continue to make wise decisions as parents.”

Another favorite memory the Reeves have of the Oaks was their first anniversary of launching weekly worship. On a Sunday in October 2017, the church was full of joy and celebration. There was lunch and cake and everyone stayed after service to enjoy a meal together. Included in the commemoration were banners and pamphlets outlining a physical vision of what this church could become – a beautiful architectural rendering of a building.

“That Sunday, we were celebrating what God had done in the year leading up to it, but we used the opportunity to begin looking forward too. It wasn’t about looking back and saying we had a great year, but that we’re excited about what God is going to continue to do in the future, looking at the next year as an opportunity to go further, to go deeper and be even more faithful.” As for groundbreaking on the beautiful building, there’s not a date quite set yet. There’s an analogy McKellar has passed onto Jon in the church planting and growing mission field: “It’s like riding a wave: I imagine if I were to surf, it would involve a wave, a surfboard and me. From what I’ve seen of surfing is that when the waves come in, you want to catch it at the right time - and if you’re too late or too early, you just completely miss what’s going on.” For church leadership, it’s key to pay attention to the moves of the Spirit in the church and where God is moving the people. As a young pastor, it might seem easy to think that when you’re leading people at a church, and that you’re coming up with all the ideas and telling people what they are – but in reality, Jon has seen it way more symbiotic than that. “We all have to listen to God together and wait on the move of the Holy Spirit together and be inspired together. And the task of being the leader is to be faithful enough to take those first steps of faith, but to get other people involved in the process, too.” At the Oaks, as Jon says, they’d prefer to be faithful where they are and continue to grow, rather than stepping out too early and doing something that could potentially hurt the church instead of helping it. As a congregation and as leaders, they stay in regular conversation over the dreams of what’s to come – keeping the visuals and vision in front of them every week so they don’t get comfortable, and it’s not something they forget about. “We want to be ready to make a move quickly when the time comes, instead of getting content. We want to be ready when God says we’re ready.”

As time passes since their first service in October 2016, the Oaks has seen a consistent increase in the ability to reach people and encourage commitment to the church and the mission. White’s Chapel continues to partner with Jon Reeves, his family and the Oaks in the church planting process – personally, professionally and spiritually. We ask that you continue to pray for this blossoming church and the ministry it will continue to bring to Parker County and Weatherford. As a church community, we are all excited to see what God is going to continue to do through the Oaks and we look forward to many more opportunities to be bold in our faith and obedient to the calls of God in the future.

Average Attendance

Small Groups

, y m m o M r a e D

d e r o n o h o s s a w I . d l r o w e r i t n e e h t n i m o m t s e b e h t e . m t h e g i v r a g s a d o w G I t e a h z i t l a t e h r g u I o h t t a h y t l l e a r u o t m c a e h I t e , l t t e t g i l I s r a e w d l I o n e e h h T W . s a w e r e h t m o m t s e b e h t e v i e c e r o t t h at G o d c h o s e m e . s s a l c n e t r a g r e d n i k y m o t t e b a h p l a e h t f o s r e t t e l n i n i d s e k p l a a h t s p s e t p a e g r n i t n y r p o s m i r r c u o e c i r r o f g n u i o g y n i k r n b a h T . s e c i t c a r p Thank you for m i d n w s a y y m r a f r o b i l l l a e h t t a o s t d e n m a t s g n i e k h a t t n i r o g f n i u o y k n a h T . s n i f f u M Thank you for sitt c M , g e g E d a g m n i d t n a a e h t y o m l g g n i n i w k e r s a p r o e f h t u o n y i k t n a s a h e T . e m o t d a e r d n the car while w a e m o h e k a t o t s k o o b f o g a b l e f f u d n e e filling up a gr . r a e y h c a e s e m u t s o c n e e w o l l a H d e m e over-the-top, th . s s e c e r g n i r u d m e h t r e t s a m d l u o w I t a h t o s l o o h c s r e t f r a e d e a m e l h r t i e e w h c s r e a h b t y g e n k i n e o b m r e o h f t u o g y n i c k i n t a c h a T r p . s r e i o t f r u a o p y y k a n d a h h t T r i b r s e d v n o e i p e r e f l s y m e l h b t i a t w t e d g r r a o y f k n c u a b y m e h g t n i n n i n a g l n p i p m a c d n a s t n e Thank you for t p u g n i t t e s r o f u o y k n a h T . s e m a g r e c c o s y at a l l o f m . p e e l s y n a t e g t ' n d i d u o y h g u o h t n e and me, ev s t s o h g h t i w d o o h r o b h g i e n e h t n i e n o y l n o e h t s a w y l i m a f r u e O c n . e l i a c e s d y g m i b g n i a h s h i c n u i s f s r y o a f d i u l o o y h k g n n i a k h T a . f o o r e h t n o s Thank you for m u a l u C o y a t k n n a a S h T a . h g t n i i h w t r e o t i d r o r v a a y f t r n u o o r y f g e n h i t e b n i s r i a f e c n e i c s d playing tennis n a h g r u o o f d u e o i y k o k o n c a h f T o . s o m o e z t s e y h s t r o a t l o s s e s r s e a b p m e n m o s e a e s r u o d n a projects. I r s k t n e a p h T s a . s s e l i v a o m i m n a e h m t r t a a f s y e b t a a b d e n m r o o h c p g o n i p g n r i o f u o y k n a h T . l o f o r ra n d o m l y b r o h c e s h t r e e t m f a g n e i h m c h a t e i t w r h o f a r u p o O y g k n i n h a c h t T a . w s g d n i n h a t e l t t i l e h t n i baking cookies y o j g n i d n i f d n a s t s a f k a e r b e k a c . n s a e p r e u t d c a i m p e m t o e h n n r o o b f e u l b you g n i k a t d n a s d n a t s e d a n o m e l t a g n i p p o t s f o e c n a t r o imp

Thank you for our annual trips to the State Fair of Texas to eat Fletcher's Corny Dogs and get a picture with Big Tex. Thank you for letting me stay up all night to help you play extravagant pranks on the neighbors. Thank you for teaching me to see a friend in every single person that I meet. You have never, ever met a stranger. Thank you for always making me watch the Olympic ceremonies and making sure I understood that dreams really do come true with hard work. Thank you for supporting me in absolutely anything I ever wanted to do. Because of you, I have always known that the sky was the limit and anything was possible. Thank you for holding me in your arms when I was struggling with depression and finding specialists when I needed help. Thank you for your support in getting me to college and making sure everything would be okay. Thank you for flying out and coming to get me when I wasn't. Thank you for wiping my tears and never giving up on me. Thank you for showing me the importance of prayer and how to love like Jesus loves. Thank you for showing me what a fighter looks like. Thank you for proving the doctor's predictions wrong. Thank you for being the miracle that you are. I want to be just like you. This letter should be much longer than it is. There's so much more that I need to thank you for. But, just know that not a day goes by without me feeling blessed that you're both my supermom and my best friend. Happy Mother's Day to the best. I love you forever. Love, Pup

A BIG THAnK YOU TO ALL OUR MOMS, AUNTS, SISTERS, GRANDMAS, AND THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN LIKE MAMAS TO US! 56

Keep an eye out for our next issue! coming September 21, 2018