Connect - HPPC Magazine - Issue 10

MAY/JUNE/JULY 2015 ISSUE NO. 10

Sunday Mornings Worship Services Communion Service Wynne Chapel 8:15 am

Sanctuary Services

Excellence in Early Childhood Education 12 MONTHS–KINDERGARTEN HPPDS.ORG

ENROLL TODAY!

9:30 and 11 am

Modern Service Elliott Hall – Hunt Building 11:05 am

All Nations Service Gym – Hunt Building 11 am

Chinese-Mandarin Service Wynne Chapel 11 am Nursery is provided 8 am–1:30 pm

Sunday Morning Communities Children, Students & Adults hppc.org/connect

Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

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Equipping children with learning differences, academically and spiritually.

GRADES 1–8 | HILLIERSCHOOL.ORG

PAGE 24 | Ginny Peck shared her physical and spiritual journey.

Featured on the Cover: Dave Konker at a Bonton Farms service day.

Connect Magazine is published quarterly by Highland Park Presbyterian Church 3821 University Blvd.

Dallas, Texas 75205 Postmaster: Send address change to Connect Magazine 3821 University Blvd.

Dallas, Texas 75205 Periodicals Postage Pending at Dallas, TX

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PASTOR’S THOUGHTS Road Map to the Perfect Summer

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SPIRITUAL GROWTH Loving a Stranger

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WOMEN’S MINISTRY Sharing God’s Truths

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WOMEN’S MINISTRY Studying and Serving Together

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Carey Ciolfi

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HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY It’s Just Not the Same

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PHOTOS Holy Week at HPPC

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SUMMER AT HPPC GUIDE Children & Students Ministry

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PHOTOS Life at HPPC

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EARLY CHILDHOOD MINISTRY Take a Walk in The Woods

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WORLD OUTREACH Home Away from Home

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SPIRITUAL FORMATION God, Do a Good Work in Me

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UPCOMING EVENTS Calendar of Events

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RECURRING EVENTS Calendar of Recurring Events

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URBAN OUTREACH Cultivating Relationships + Restoration

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MILESTONES Life Events

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MILESTONES New Officers

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MISSIONARY FOCUS Dottie and Carlton Meredith

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CONGREGATIONAL LIFE Bring the Church to the People

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MILESTONES New Members

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WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH by Greg Hobbs

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Road Map to the Perfect Summer AT THE END OF JULY, I will be

marking my one-year anniversary as a pastor here at Highland Park Pres. The joy and fulfillment that Ali and I have experienced in ministry with you is beyond what we ever imagined. We are truly grateful to be a part of what God is doing in and through this church community.

BRYAN DUNAGAN SENIOR PASTOR

I am learning, or perhaps rediscovering from my childhood days, that Dallas is a pretty warm place in the summer. I can understand why some of you would want to retreat to cooler places come July and August.

Even as the temperatures climb, many of our most strategic ministries reach their peak. Vacation Bible School, mission trips, retreats and camps for our children and students are in full swing, not to mention our five worship services every Sunday! I hope you will stay connected to our church family this summer.

By now you may have firmed up your summer vacation plans. Some of you may be adventurous, carefree, go-wherethe-wind-blows kind of travelers, but I’ll bet a few of you are obsessive planners like me. We need to visualize the destination and the path we will take to get to where we are going.

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Similarly, for the past year, I have been walking alongside church leaders to help give shape to Highland Park Pres’ path into the future. We have been praying through and exploring every turn in the road map – or vision – that will guide us into this next season of mission and ministry.

We will continue to build on the great legacy of HPPC’s past as we seek God’s guidance for our future. In the coming months we will explore this road map together in more depth, but what I can tell you is that we will focus on leading every generation into a truly transforming relationship with Jesus.

While we may not see you every single Sunday this summer, remember that God’s mission never takes a vacation – so be the hands and feet of Jesus and a vessel of his grace wherever you go!

In Christ,

H P P C . O RG /FOURT H O FJULY

SATU R DAY, J ULY 4, 9 AM TH E L EE’ S HO USE ( 3 9 3 9 U NI VERSI TY B LVD)

S E C O N D S AT U R DAY S AT

Bonton farmS Work the garden and care for farm animals at a South Dallas urban farm serving those in need.

hppc.org/bonton

WOME N’S SUMME R

BIBLE STUDIE S

JUNE 5 & AUGUST 7 9:30–10:30 AM WIGHT GARDEN

ME E TING WE E KLY

Join us for an engaging and interactive story time for parents and Pre-K and younger children.

Each story time includes a fun craft and snack.

HPPC.ORG/SUMMER

LE ARN MORE AT

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SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Loving a Stranger

How Abiding in Christ Leads to Loving Well IN AN AGE when intelligence is demanded and giftedness is rewarded, it is difficult and often non-motivating to pursue depth. Depth of character does not get public recognition, nor does it necessarily pay off. In many instances, lack of character is overlooked as long as intelligence and giftedness are unhindered in someone’s performance.

by Laura Murray Pastor of Spiritual Formation

Learning more about them, I believe store clerks, orphans, the homeless, total they made such an impact because strangers or even our enemies. Whoever they abide in Jesus. As they have lived and for however long he asks us to love, we life with Jesus, they have developed a need Jesus to shape us, to change us and to unique depth of character that leads deepen us in order to love others well. them to love someone well – even in How do we develop this depth of a five-minute interaction. In those character – this life of integrity, love and moments they were not interested in serving that communicates the love of people walking by or distracted by God for others? We continue striving their next tasks: they focused solely on Over and over again, the disciples asked with the spiritual practices. This is a dayministering to the one person standing Jesus questions about in, day-out part of the Christian performance, ranking and “Superficiality is the curse of our age. life. We do not do it alone; we why and how they were The doctrine of instant satisfaction is a cannot do it alone. We need supposed to perform. Jesus primary spiritual problem. The desperate God’s help and we need the responded by asking deeper help of other Christians. need today is not for a greater number questions, telling stories and My encouragement to you is to pointing towards the depth of intelligent people, or gifted people, grow to be a person of depth. of their character. His focus but for deep people.” – Richard Foster, As a result, you will be able was the transformation of Celebration of Discipline to communicate God’s love their hearts and whether it before them. The impact of those fiveto a stranger in less than five minutes. lined up with his heart and the values of minute interactions has lasted more Continue striving daily and do it with his kingdom. than five months and I believe will last others. Strive so that through God’s even longer. These experiences have In the past year, two people have made transforming work in you, the world will challenged me to listen and to love well a profound impact on my life. In know his love. the people God has placed around me. my brief interaction with them they If you are looking for a place to begin, communicated interest, value, worth The work that Jesus is doing in us – the visit hppc.org/connect to find out and care for me. Both interactions were transformation of our hearts – is for the more about mid-week and Sunday small less than five minutes long and they sake of his glory and the people he has groups and communities. were strangers. How were they able to placed in our lives. We may minister to do that? children, classmates, families, colleagues,

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A fresh take on sharing faith and wisdom across generations WHAT IF THERE were a place where you could walk and

talk with other women of different ages and stages, laughing, gleaning wisdom and sharing in life’s struggles? A place that grounded you in the truth of God’s love as well as in relationship with those who are familiar with the road you are walking? A place where you could listen to one another and listen to God for one another?

A group of our women were searching for a fresh way to connect ladies from different generations. Last fall, Janie Bell, Lisa Koons and Nancy Gentry sought insight from others when they attended a seminar on mentoring, offered by Dallas Theological Seminary’s Dr. Sue Edwards. The questions raised and the experiences shared that day spoke directly to these women’s hearts about mentoring and the need to craft a new vision for the intergenerational gathering of our women.

“What we learned is that we can’t do this the ‘old school’ way – we shouldn’t even call it mentoring! Women are now seeking a two-way exchange – more of a friendship,” Janie shared.

Lisa added, “We also learned that [mentoring] can’t be so formal. It should be organic.” That knowledge led to a new initiative for a large-group women’s Bible study.

For the fall semester, all daytime studies will gather

WOMEN’S MINISTRY

Sharing God’s Timeless Truths

Wednesday mornings for a nine-week study of God’s timeless truths for women led by HPPC’s faithful and trusted Bible study teachers. There will also be a time to break into smaller groups to connect across generations and affirm the enduring truths of Scripture no matter what the season of life.

“It’s a departure from the way we’ve done things for a long time, but I think that giving women an opportunity to gather and share their lives and wisdom, from older to younger and vice versa, will deepen relationships between the women of our church. It will also enrich their journeys of personal transformation,” Janie explained.

Visit hppc.org/women to find the latest details about the fall study and upcoming events in the Women’s Ministry.

Studying and Serving Together

Sisters Loved by God Bible study ladies serve in the community WHEN BIBLE STUDY leader Deborah Fugit got word that the North Texas Food

Bank needed volunteers, she rallied her Tuesday evening Sisters Loved by God group. “I invited my study gals to join me. I also invited friends that I thought would love to serve others and get to know more about our group,” she shared.

Thirty women answered the call and they put together 2,730 bags of food for the Food for Kids Backpack Program. That equated to 8,125 nutritious meals that helped kids fight hunger over the weekend.

At HPPC, there are many weekly and monthly Bible studies from which to choose and they offer more than just study of the written Word. Women find not only wisdom, but also a strong sense of community. Deborah was encouraged that the “Sisters” had such a strong desire to be the hands and feet of Christ.

While the school-year studies break for the summer, the Women’s Ministry is featuring two summer Bible studies beginning in mid-June. Get connected and meet some new sisters in Christ.

For details, visit hppc.org/womens-bible-studies.

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Carey Ciolfi | All In An HPPC member shares her gifts far and wide throughout the church How long have you been a member at HPPC?

What other ways do you serve inside the church?

Is there time left for you to get filled up spiritually?

I have been a member for about 12 years. I can’t say there was just one thing that brought my husband, Mark, and me here – our daughter started at HPPDS, we liked the Sunday evening Pursuit (modern) service and many of our friends were coming too.

Soon after I started teaching Sunday School, I was asked to be a teacher in the Mother’s Co-Op program. It was another great opportunity to share in the developing faith of our little ones!

Of course! Getting to know other people our age and in our same stage of life was very important to the spiritual stability and growth of our family’s faith. We jumped into the Journey Sunday Morning Community and have enjoyed creating long-lasting friendships along with experiencing solid biblical teaching.

How did you become involved at HPPC? Immediately, I felt called to teach Sunday School class for our daughter, Carina, and then for our son, Cullen.

It is a great experience to see young children’s eyes light up as they learn God’s truths. I still volunteer in my kids’ church activities today! They are now in middle and high school so I’ve been able to see the progression from their first hearing about Jesus to the development of their own personal relationship with him.

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I’ve also enjoyed some new leadership roles over the past couple of years by serving as the Vice-Moderator of the JAM56 Committee and now being on the Middle School Parent Board.

My weekdays are spent on our campus too! I work at HPPDS as the office manager. It is a great job that has me interacting with both students and parents throughout the day as part of a team that is dedicated to achieving academic excellence in a loving, Christian environment.

Our family has fun serving together on Sundays as greeters and ushers for the 1105 Modern Worship Service, too.

Do you have a favorite area of service?

Well, I am having a great time leading a small group Bible study for 7th graders this year. I wish I could pick a favorite, but I don’t think I can!

As you can see, there are so many ways to get involved at our church! I want to encourage everyone to see where they might use their gifts for the sake of others. Visit hppc.org/serve.

Raising your high school kids like you were raised is a recipe for disaster DO YOU HAVE FOND MEMORIES of high school? Simple days with simple ways? Do you tell yourself that surely things haven’t changed that much since you were walking the same halls as your children?

They take cues from us. What is a busy life that appears rich, yet upon closer inspection is unfulfilled?

Often parents take their memories of high school and overlay them on their kids today, assuming the times are similar. Jim Gribnitz, HPPC’s Minister to Children and Students, said this is a dangerously false assumption. “A few differences easily come to mind – access, pressure and opportunity – when comparing the past and the present. We need to be aware and prepared,” he warned.

Kids today have a larger discretionary income than we had at their age. They are also given the opportunity to push boundaries further by parents that disconnect in the interest of cultivating their children’s independence. More money mixed with less parental involvement is a recipe for disaster.

OPPORTUNITY

HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY

High School. It’s Just Not the Same.

I have heard about parents sending a busload of prom kids off to a lake house for the weekend – with alcohol and without supervision. Having the attitude that “kids will be kids” or ACCESS “other parents allow it” cannot be acceptable to parents who Kids today have instant access to the digital world by way of are intentionally raising their children to follow Christ and their thumbs and a smartphone. Apps tell (or show) them not the world. what friends are doing, where to ONE more THING hang out and who is “cool.” With the opportunity to avoid personal Despite all of these challenges, interaction, they use texts, tweets there is one thing that still holds and photos to communicate – and true for them as it did for us: often, miscommunicate – their kids still need their parents. The feelings and actions with peers. world is screaming false messages Parents have to know what their at them, and whispering in such high schoolers are accessing. We are subtle ways that they don’t realize shepherding God’s children. they are being fed the lies. They need parents and other adults to PRESSURE speak truth into them.

Social media has become a self-worth barometer and further Parents often retreat from involvement in their kids’ lives to perpetuates the culture of comparison. Who has the most give them space. The mindset that once a kid gets to high friends, the most likes, the cutest picture, the coolest vacation? school the parents should back out of their lives is inaccurate.

Kids are turning to friends and sometimes strangers to Kids act like they don’t want parents around because they determine their significance in the world. think that is how they are supposed to act, but it is not what Reinforcing the biblical worldview that they are fearfully, they really need. wonderfully and uniquely made and are fully accepted in High schoolers must have Christian adults to guide them in Christ is crucial. a world that emphasizes self-reliance, devalues sexual purity In addition to social pressure, there is enormous pressure to and encourages the endless pursuit of wealth. They desperately perform in school. Many families have access to the finest want parents to turn to when questions arise. They need public school district or private schools in Dallas, yet hours parents reinforcing that fulfillment is found only in Jesus. are spent with after-school tutors to get ahead. Playing several Prom, graduation and send-offs to college are quickly sports and squeezing in service hours on the weekends are approaching. In this season, be present and involved in their essential resumé components. Culture tells them to look lives, align your parental decisions with your faith and be ahead to college and a high-paying job, rather than doing vigilant about pointing them to the ultimate parent – their well in school and enjoying times of rest, refueling and heavenly father. self-discovery.

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PALM SUNDAY AT HPPC  Palm Sunday services featured the Children’s Choirs.

Gracie Kong, Carter Fagan and Charlotte Kern

 Three generations of Touchstones were all smiles.

Margo and Lillie Touchstone with their mother, Tricia, and grandmother, Carol.

 Anastasia Moyo with her daughter, Kendi, was ready to enjoy picnic food, family and sunshine.

 This little guy was ready for some tacos!

Andrew Lesher with his mom, Kristen.

 The donkey refused to enter the Sanctuary services, but later agreed to pose for pictures.

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HOLY WEEK AT HPPC  More than one thousand people attended the Palm Sunday Church Family Picnic, March 29.

 The ice cream cookie sandwiches were a hit!

Steve Nix with daughters, Madeleine and Lauren

 Le Le enjoyed the test tube bubbles handed out to get kids excited about this year’s science-themed Vacation Bible School.

 HPPDS kids joyfully sang and read Scripture at the annual Easter Family Service, April 2.

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HOLY WEEK AT HPPC  We made 100,000 meals at Serving Saturday, April 4.

Luke Martin and Jack Fitzmartin

 Lila Marshall and Diane Carlson on Serving Saturday.  Roberta and John Williamson arrived early for Easter service and secured great seats for worship.

 Rain couldn’t deter those who came to hear Bryan’s first Easter sermon, the brass ensemble and Messiah’s Hallelujah Chorus sung by the Chancel Choir.

 Chinese students shared their recent faith journey and were baptized at Modern Easter Service.

Chuqiao Hu and Kangyi Xu

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WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD to an amazing

summer at HPPC for kids and their families! From brand new camps and weekly Bible studies, to some of the great things we have done for years, our hope is that this summer gives your family opportunities to connect with each other, with other families and with Christ. Here are just a few comments from kids who participated in HPPC camps last year!

Sign up today for all the fun! hppc.org/summer

“

I get to build things at woodworking this summer – this will be fun because I like to build with Legos®.”

“

VBS is my favorite because you get to sing a lot of songs!”

“

My favorite was Hurricane Harbor because you get to go to a fun water park with your church friends.”

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I liked Sky Ranch water games on the front lawn!”

“

I liked going to the UP pool with Walter and Emily!”

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MISSION TRIPS Completed 5th Grade–12 th Grade | hppc.org/go SAN ANTONIO MISSION TRIP June 22–27

SUMMER KICKOFFS ELEMENTARY KICKOFF Monday, June 15 6–8 pm, UP Pool

Families and kids, join us for a summer kickoff party as we get ready to have a summer of fun with you! We will grill hot dogs at Curtis Park and swim at the UP Pool. Go to the window and say you are with HPPC and you will be given a wristband. (Please note: This is a family event. Kids must be accompanied by a parent.) Cost: Free

JAM56 KICKOFF

Monday, June 15 5:30–8:30 pm, HPPC Join the JAM56 staff for a fun-filled night kicking off the summer. We will meet at HPPC for dinner, games and a movie. Cost: Free

MIDDLE SCHOOL KICKOFF Wednesday, June 3 6–10:30 pm, HPPC

Take me out to the ballgame! Join us for a night of fun at the ballpark as we watch the Texas Rangers take on the Chicago White Sox. Cost: $25 for tickets; Bring money for dinner.

Registration: hppc.org/summer

HIGH SCHOOL CO-ED HOUSE/BOAT TRIP Friday–Monday, June 5–8 Lake Ouachita, AR

Join us for a jam-packed weekend of fellowship, fun and worship on Lake Ouachita in Arkansas. Boys will be on the boat and girls will be in a house, and will gather for daily activities! Meet at HPPC Friday, June 5, at 8 am. We will arrive back Monday, June 8, at 4 pm. Cost: $325 Registration: hppc.org/summer

JAM56 is headed to San Antonio to serve with Children’s Hunger Fund. We will serve meals in a soup kitchen, organize a clothing drive and more. Evenings will conclude with devotions and worship. We will also enjoy some sights of San Antonio! Cost: $375 students | $275 volunteers

MILWAUKEE MISSION TRIP July 6–12

We are off to Milwaukee to serve with City on a Hill and Marquette University. We will visit homeless shelters, prepare meals and lead arts and crafts workshops for kids. Each evening will conclude with devotions and worship. We will also enjoy the sights of Milwaukee! Cost: $650

COLORADO CONFIRMATION TRIPS June 21–27 or July 19–25

Confirmation students are headed to Sky Ranch Ute Trail in Colorado for an action-packed week of spiritual growth, group bonding and reflecting on experiences in Confirmation. We will also go kayaking, white water rafting, rock climbing and camping in Crested Butte.

Cost: $750

TRIUMPH SPORTS 5–12 years old

Cost: $110 | hppc.org/triumphsports

ALL STAR SPORTS

Monday–Thursday, June 8–11 1–4 pm daily, HPPC (after VBS) This sports camp will include basketball, soccer, flag football, ultimate frisbee, kickball and dodgeball. If participating in VBS, please bring your lunch.

DODGEBALL

Monday–Thursday, July 13–16 8:30–11 am, HPPC This camp is all about dodgeball! Kids learn throwing, catching, dodging and strategy. We will end the week with a dodgeball tournament.

BASKETBALL

Monday–Thursday, Aug. 10–13 8:30–11 am, HPPC

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It’s time for some hoops! Campers will learn the basics and key skills, making great friends at the same time!

The last day of camp will feature a tournament.

SAN FRANCISCO MISSION TRIP July 6–12

High School is headed to San Francisco! We have partnered with City Impact and will spend the week serving the homeless, working in their thrift store and doing street ministry, where we will show the love of Jesus to the urban community. We will also have the opportunity to walk the Golden Gate Bridge and attend a Giants baseball game. Cost: $950

INTERGENERATIONAL HAITI MISSION TRIP June 18–25

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 4 years (by Sept. 1)–Completed 6th Grade

VB S

VBS 2015: GOD’S PLAN 4 U = JESUS Monday–Friday, June 8–12 9:30 am–12 pm daily, HPPC

You won’t want to miss VBS 2015! This year we’ll explore God’s formula for our lives with a science-lab theme. Enjoy being a part of this great week for kids or have fun time participating as an adult volunteer. Cost: Free Registration and Volunteer Signup: hppc.org/vbs

Help us host a week-long Vacation Bible School at one of Haiti Outreach Ministries’ (HOM) churches.

If you like crafts, music, lessons and other activities – this is for you! See God’s work firsthand as you engage and love on the local children of Haiti. We encourage students entering 12th Grade through adults to participate in this trip. Cost: $1200

GENESIS CHOIR SEATTLE MISSION TRIP June 13–18

Genesis Student Choir is heading to Seattle to work with Catholic Charities Volunteer Services to serve elderly in the area by doing chores and projects at their homes. We will sing in a church on Sunday morning and also sing a few concerts at retirement homes. Cost: $800 (must be an active choir member)

EARLY CHILDHOOD 2 months–Completed Kindergarten WEE SUMMER WEEKLY

9:30 am–1 pm, HPPC 2 months–Completed Pre-K Monday, Wednesday: Session 1: June 29 and July 1 Session 3: July 6 and July 8 Tuesday, Thursday: Session 2: June 30 and July 2 Session 4: July 7 and July 9 Send your little ones to a two-day, Bible-based day camp.

Campers will experience crafts, snacks, games, songs, stories, chapel, art and outdoor recreation. The theme is Heroes of the Bible. Space is limited. Cost: $85/session Registration: hppc.org/summer

CROSS CHEER Completed K–4 Grade th

Cost: $140 | hppc.org/crosscheer

DANCE CAMP

Monday–Friday, June 15–19 9 am–12 pm daily, HPPC Girls will learn the basics of kicks, leaps and turns in different styles of dance. Campers are put into teams to create a routine for performance day. There will be daily devotionals and the coach will share her testimony.

CHEER CAMP

Monday–Friday, July 13–17 1:30–4:30 pm daily, HPPC Activities include cheers, stunts, jumps, dance and tumbling. Campers are put into teams to create a routine for performance day. Each day includes a devotional. Mid-week the coach will share her testimony.

PARENT’S MORNING OUT July 20–23 OR July 27–30 9:30 am–12 pm, HPPC 2 months–4 years

Children will enjoy learning about the Fruit of the Spirit at our new, four-day Parent’s Morning Out camp. Time at camp will include in-room crafts, snacks, games, songs and playground time. Space is limited. Cost: $120/week Registration: hppc.org/summer

FRIDAY STORY TIME

Friday, June 5 and Friday, Aug. 7 9:30–10:30 am, HPPC Join us for an engaging and interactive story time for parents and young children. Each story time will include a fun craft and snack. Cost: Free

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ELEMENTARY Completed 1st–4th Grade WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY

Wednesdays, June 17–July 29 6–7:30 pm, UP Pool Dive into a study of Philippians 6–6:30 pm and then swim from 6:30–7:30 pm. Drop off and pick up at the UP Pool.

Cost: Admission to UP Pool is free for everyone. Bring money for dinner.

ELEMENTARY OPEN GYM

June 17 and 24; July 8 and 27–31; Aug. 10–14 1–3 pm, HPPC Gym Take a break from the heat and play kickball, basketball or a game of tag with your friends. Cost: Free

HURRICANE HARBOR

Thursdays, July 9, 16 and 23 9 am–4 pm, HPPC Don’t miss our Thursday Trips to Hurricane Harbor! We will meet at HPPC at 9 am and return by 4 pm. Each Thursday trip is limited to 50 children. Cost: $50 per person

6 TH GRADE MYSTERY TRIP Monday–Wednesday, Aug. 3–5 9 am–4 pm, HPPC Completed 6th Grade

This three-day retreat will build community, celebrate the 6th graders as they graduate from JAM56 and introduce them to the Middle School staff and program. Location is a mystery, so be on the lookout for more details! Space is limited to 12! Cost: $300 Registration: hppc.org/summer

MIDDLE SCHOOL Completed 7 th and 8 th Grade WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY

Wednesdays, June 17–July 29 (except July 8) 6–8:15 pm, HPPC Come hang out, play games and study the book of Philippians as it relates to 7th and 8th graders. Then we will all have dinner together. Cost: Bring $10 for dinner

Registration: hppc.org/summer

DIVE

Friday–Saturday, July 31–Aug. 1 11 am–3 pm, Great Wolf Lodge Completed 4th graders, join Elementary and JAM56 staff as we dive Into the Water and Into the Word. This will be a memorable send-off for our future JAMmers! HPPC drop off Friday, July 31 at 11 am and HPPC pick up at Saturday, Aug. 1 at 3 pm. Cost: $50 Registration: hppc.org/dive

JAM56 Completed 5 and 6 Grade th

th

WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY

Wednesdays, June 17–July 29 (except June 24) 6–8:15 pm, HPPC Come hang out, play games and study the book of Philippians as it relates to 5th and 6th Graders. We will end by going out to dinner. Cost: Bring $10 for dinner

HURRICANE HARBOR Thursday, July 16 9 am–4 pm, HPPC

JAM56 and Elementary will be teaming up and heading to Hurricane Harbor! We will meet at the church at 9 am and return by 4 pm. The trip is limited to 50 children. Cost: $50 Registration: hppc.org/summer

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HIGH SCHOOL Completed 9 th–12 th Grade WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY

Wednesdays, June 17–July 29 (except July 8) 6–8:15 pm, Bell Center Join us this summer for a guys and girls Bible study. We will study the book of Philippians as it relates to high school students. Cost: Bring $10 for dinner

ULTIMATE FRISBEE TUESDAYS Tuesdays, June 16–Aug. 18 3–5 pm, Williams Park

All high schoolers (guys and girls) meet at Williams Park for ultimate frisbee and hanging out with Brandi and Michael on Tuesday afternoons. Cost: Free

RECREATION

Completed K–12 years old Register for camps at hppc.org/summer WOODWORKING CAMP

Monday–Friday, June 22–26 9:30 am–1 pm daily, HPPC Completed Kindergarten–4th Grade Come learn the basics of woodworking. Kids will spend the week working on a project that they will get to take home. All supplies provided. Bring your own lunch. Space limited to 12. Cost: $100

FILM CAMP

Monday–Friday, June 22–26 9:30 am–1 pm daily, HPPC Completed Kindergarten–4th Grade

Monday–Thursday, June 29–July 2 OR Monday–Friday, July 27–31 9:30 am–1 pm daily, HPPC Completed 3rd and 4th Grade

Join us as we teach you the basics of cooking. At the end of the week each child will bake something to deliver to a Dallas organization in need. Bring your own lunch. Space is limited. Cost: $50

Learn the basics of filmmaking. Children will make a short video, from pre-production to the final cut. Bring a smart device with a camera if possible. Bring your lunch. Space limited to 10. Cost: June 29–July 2: $150; July 27–31: $175

COOKING CLASS

FUTSAL CAMPS

FAMILY FUN

Activities for Elementary and their families (no drop-off) FAMILY SKATING Sunday, June 28 2–4 pm White Rock Skate

Dust off your skating skills and get ready to Hokey Pokey and Limbo as we have a great time together! Cost: $6/child and $2/parent.

Covers admission and skate rental.

Registration: Not required

FAMILY MOVIE: MINIONS Saturday, July 11 11 am–1:30 pm Studio Movie Grill (Royal Ln)

Enjoy some family fun at the movies! We will have lunch and see Minions. Seating is limited to 75 people. Cost: $5 per person. Covers movie ticket and lunch.

Registration: hppc.org/summer

FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS GAME Friday, July 24 7:05 pm Dr. Pepper Ballpark

You and your family are invited to join us for Elementary Family Night at a Frisco Roughriders baseball game. Join other families as the Roughriders take on the Corpus Christi Hooks.

Cost: $5 per ticket.

Registration: hppc.org/summer

Monday–Friday, July 6–10 OR Monday–Friday, July 20–24 9:30 am–1 pm daily, HPPC Completed Kindergarten–4th Grade Learn to play futsal, the fast-paced variation of indoor soccer that shaped many soccer stars. No cleats. Bring your lunch. Space limited to 50. Cost: $120

ART CAMP

Monday–Friday, July 6–10 9:30 am–1 pm daily, HPPC Completed Kindergarten–4th Grade Join us as we will explore a variety of mediums. Painting, ceramics and more! Bring your lunch. Cost: $125 (includes the cost of supplies)

DANCE CAMP

Monday–Friday, July 20–24 1:30–3:30 pm daily, HPPC Completed Kindergarten–4th Grade HP Dance Company will offer group instruction in ballet, contemporary and hip-hop genres. The camp will teach flexibility, coordination, strength, body movement and musicality. Cost: $140

SKY RANCH LAUNCH CAMP Monday–Friday, Aug. 3–7 9 am–3 pm daily, HPPC 5–11 years old

Campers will enjoy fun camp-style activities with caring Sky Ranch counselors right here at HPPC. Kids will have a great time while learning to build character and strengthening their faith. Limited enrollment. Cost: $270 Registration: skyranch.org/launch-camp

17

LIFE AT HPPC  All Nations 14th Anniversary Celebration, Feb. 15.

Lorna Nyambura and Nancy Muthoni

 Many ladies cooked up authentic African cuisine for

the All Nations Celebration.

Joyce Ithaara, Hellen Kimathi and Rosemary Hinga

 The Chinese-Mandarin Community gathered for a traditional New Year celebration, Feb. 21.

 Young adults served at AELC’s Science Night, Feb 12.

Tim Zeigler and Molly Averitt

 WIll MacIntosh and his dad, Tad, turned JAM56’s Dads + Darts event upside down, Feb. 7.

18

LIFE AT HPPC  The Annual Polar Bear Retreat was fun, messy and great bonding for middle school students, Feb. 13.

 Genesis Student Choir had a send-off for Organist Michael Shake, who was a beloved and integral part of the student choir leadership, March 1.

 Guys hopped on the Mavs Bus and saw the Mavericks edge out the Suns, April 8.

 Students presented an original musical at the

Hillier Hoedown, March 20.

David Cazeres and Preston Newsom

19

EARLY CHILDHOOD MINISTRY

Take a Walk in The Woods

Weekday play space opens at HPPC to bring young families together A POT-BELLIED BEAR, a book-loving moose and a wide-

eyed owl are just a few of the forest creatures that have taken up residence in the Alexander Building. Don’t worry, there isn’t a pest problem ... there’s a brand new play space for our families with young children!

hours drawing wall murals depicting life in the forest as well as giving personality to each of the creatures that would call The Woods their home.

Often the church is thought to primarily serve the adults of the congregation. However, the Children’s Ministry believes that The Woods installation will clearly indicate that HPPC loves our youngest disciples from day one.

Kids can be seen in The Woods crawling through log tunnels, sliding down a waterfall slide, exploring a beaver’s dam and reading a book perched on a flower stool – all under a lush At first glance, The Woods play space may look like a simple canopy of trees. The manipulatives and equipment inside indoor playground, but it creates a warm, fun, inviting and are primarily for preschool children, but the room has been safe environment, drawing kids designed so that parents and through the church’s doors. The caregivers can get down on the room is designed to create a floor and play with the kids too! foundation of love for young The space was inspired by families that can be built upon. requests and dreams of our By having kids connect with existing families, who wanted a Bible stories and other activities safe and inviting place to bring in the age-appropriate and joyful their children. They wanted area, it also displays God’s love somewhere to gather as a for them. community where they could interact creatively with their The Bible verse on the wall was chosen to reinforce that love. children, no matter what the weather was outside. It was also It is from 1 John 4:19: We love because he first loved us. built to draw new families into our HPPC congregation.

Another intention of the play space was to give families easy The process began approximately 18 months ago after HPPC access to the Nursery and Early Childhood (EC) staff. EC engaged Worlds of WOW, the design firm that also created Director Teresa Murray said, “By having The Woods, parents the Wight Garden theme, to design and construct the have a great way to interact with our team during the week. room. Careful thought was given to the theme and also to We are always around and want to build trusting and loving the dexterity, agility and needs of the children. Artists spent

The Early Childhood Ministry sees the gift from the Woods Fund, and ultimately our Lord, as the catalyst for a new chapter in their life stage’s ministry.

A special dedication, held March 22, was attended by nearly 200 adults and children. Jim Gribnitz prayed over the space and dedicated it to the glory of our Lord. Bill Ogle, representing The Foundation, expressed their joy of allocating funds that will affect the lives of so many in the community. Bryan Dunagan, decked out in a forest ranger’s hat and surrounded by eager boys and girls, cut the ribbon and officially opened The Woods.

EARLY CHILDHOOD MINISTRY

play space creation, their generosity also provides for initiatives such as no-cost VBS for the community and creative summer programming.

Teresa said that the goal for the space was to have it shout: “Our church loves young families and we want them here!” Mission accomplished.

relationships with our families. We want to answer questions, ask questions and be a support “I brought my kiddos up to play in The Woods system to them in times of frustration and celebration. We have so many amazing resources this week and had a blast! What a blessing that room is for mommas with toddlers! Thank you to share with our families as they seek to raise for that vision for our young church family.”

Godly children.”

She also hopes that by having this play space, moms, dads, grandparents and caregivers would feel encouraged to invite friends and neighbors. It could also be used to introduce them to Highland Park Pres in a relaxed, casual way.

– Kelsey Phillips

Visit hppc.org/earlychildhood. The Woods play space is open weekdays from 9 am–1 pm and 3–5 pm for children Kindergarten-age and younger with their parents or caregivers.

The play space was named and themed in honor of the generous grant from The Woods Endowment Fund at the Foundation. Mary and Al Wood’s fund was established to benefit the children of HPPC. In addition to the

21

WORLD OUTREACH

Home Away from Home

A look at the International Friendship Program through a student’s eyes AS TRAVELERS EXITED their aircraft, a thick

wall of hot air arrestingly confirmed their arrival into the metroplex. Last August, Chinese graduate law student Danwen Zheng was one of many international passengers who landed in Dallas and was greeted by the sweltering heat. It didn’t diminish the excitement of his upcoming academic adventure, however.

food, especially the turkey and dessert, and watching the football game in their backyard.

What’s more, I met with their other family members and friends, and it was amazing to talk with them. It was a wonderful experience for me to have a traditional American festival with a local American family.”

Danwen also had opportunities to share elements of the Chinese culture with his partner family. “I found that their sons like Hong Kong martial artist Jackie Chan very much and have watched lots of his movies. I have shared about Chinese food and the traditional Chinese festivals, such as Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival,” he said.

Through his Chinese university, Danwen was chosen to participate in a one-year exchange program with SMU’s Dedman School of Law to study for his master’s degree in international law (LL.M.). In addition to learning at a foreign university, Danwen looked forward to experiencing U.S. culture, specifically with local When asked what it has meant to have a host residents. “I was told by a friend who was at family in an unfamiliar country, Danwen shared, SMU last year about the International Friendship “I feel that I also have a family here in the United Program (IFP). He strongly recommended it. I was States. They treat me like a member of their family. glad to get a family,” Danwen said.

It is an awesome experience!”

Danwen’s first experience with his partner family, Currently, IFP has more foreign students than the Nastris, was dinner at their home. Each American partners. Become a partner for a student month they have shared a meal together. He said this fall and reap the benefits of an international that going to a Stars hockey game was a special friendship by interacting with people who might experience too. look and believe differently than we do. To apply, In November, the Nastri family shared the visit hppc.org/partners.

American holiday tradition of Thanksgiving with Danwen. He recalled: “I enjoyed the delicious

22

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC June 13–19 GUATEMALA June 13–20 Sept. 26–Oct. 3 ETHIOPIA June 25–July 6 HAITI July 18–25 SPAIN July 24–Aug. 3 There is still time to apply!

IMBIRIKANI, KENYA Aug. 1–10

Go to hppc.org/missiontrips to register and for more information.

NJUTHINE, KENYA Aug. 2–13

The Foundation at HPPC assists with wills, bequests, and charitable gift annuities, establishes endowment funds and more, with the mission to support local and international Christian ministry for women and children.

To become a part of The Foundation and bless generations into the future, visit the website.

FOUNDATIONHPPC.ORG 23

PERSONAL FAITH

God, Do a Good Work within Me

A woman’s diary of intense physical struggle that led to spiritual fruit MY NAME IS GINNY PECK. I am a true Southern girl

with a zest for life. I love the Lord. I love my husband, Josh. I also have been living with a painful and debilitating disease, dystonia, since I was 14 years old. Dystonia is a neuromuscular affliction caused by brain signals sent to the body’s muscles, telling them to remain in a permanently contracted state. It makes most physical activities difficult and exhausting. After a world-renowned team of Atlanta doctors implanted a device inside my chest and brain that controlled the brain-to-muscle signals, the past eight years of my life had been “normal.” Then, one early winter morning, it all changed.

THE UNDOING OF NORMAL

It was a Friday in February 2013. Josh and I were meeting my parents at the farm for the weekend. We don’t farm anything and the cows are long gone. So the name is not descriptive, but it is right. There are wide fields, deep woods, creeks; things and places I have known since I was a child. It is dear to me because it is beautiful and rich in memories, and I feel deeply close to God there.

I woke early that first morning. As I stepped onto the wooden floor, I immediately felt all of the tendons in my feet. They were sharp and taut and prickly. This made my chest tighten with anxiety. Soon after, my right leg began to turn inward and my back started bending.

For most of the morning I sat silently in a chair near the window and watched the songbirds come and go at the birdfeeder. By lunch, my dad looked at me, worried. He and I knew that something wasn’t right, but I didn’t want to talk about it. After eight years of living as a “normal” person, it was hard to admit freedom was in the process of leaving.

24

Within a few short days, we had moved in with my parents and been seen by my team of doctors. People think about doctors in a magical way. Something breaks and we (irrationally) believe that they can fix it right away. Sometimes they just can’t. And this was one of those times.

GRIEVING AND LEAVING

My heart was broken. Just one week before, I had a good job, lived in a lovely house with Josh and was considering adopting our first child. Now all of those things perched precariously at the edge of a cliff, like a ball that could be pushed either way, depending on how the wind blew. With one flick of a switch I could be better, or we could spend months trying different things.

At first, I did not handle things well. At all. I did not want to see anyone. I did not want to see the sadness on my friends’ faces when they saw me walk. I did not want strangers to stare. An element of depth is added to a disability when you see yourself through another person’s eyes. I had learned long ago to cope gracefully with this reality, but I did not want to learn it over again.

After one of the doctor visits, Josh said, “You are a young person with an old person’s disease.” When he said that, I burst into tears. His statement wasn’t medically accurate, but it was true from a practical perspective. He had articulated something that I never could – that I am young, yet this condition has the power to give me the life of someone many years my senior. I grieved for myself, for Josh and for the things we were in danger of losing together.

The next year or so was spent trying to figure out the neurostimulator settings so I could get back to normal.

After little success, the doctors told me that brain surgery was inevitable. During that time period, Josh was not only

GOD AND SCIENCE

The effects of a deep brain stimulation surgery 10 years ago and then the device implantation eight years ago had been nothing short of miraculous. It took a lot of trial and error, but by the end, I walked steadily on my own – straight and tall and without stiffness. However, this time around, I had been warned to prepare myself that the results may not be as dramatic and the side effects might be different.

Being a giver by nature, I was humbled when I realized that in that season, I couldn’t do everything for myself and had to become a recipient. Often I have thought about the story in Mark 2, when Jesus was healing inside an overcrowded house in Capernaum. Four friends carried a paralytic man on a stretcher to the house, were unsuccessful entering the house, scaled the building and then lowered the man down through the roof. All this was done with a relentless faith that Jesus would heal their friend.

PERSONAL FAITH

completing his master’s degree in theology, but taking care of all of the physical chores. One day, he got a call to interview for a ministry position … in Dallas. No! How could I leave our support system in my condition? Yet, Josh and I felt such a clear call to go. The only thing that had felt as certain was our desire to marry each other. In the midst of darkness, God had shone a light.

When I lacked hope, friends and family hoped for me.

When I had no words for prayer, they prayed for me. When I couldn’t find the strength to move forward, they picked me up and carried me. God showed me that living through life’s challenges was and is impossible without him and the strength of community.

I hoped and prayed that the procedure would again provide a new beginning. The surgery to replace the neurostimulator and the signal wires running up into my brain lasted 11 hours.

I was surprised at how little actual pain there was afterward.

I was tired and looked beat up, “like Sinead O’Connor after a bar fight,” Josh said.

I was forced to wait one month before they programmed the device. Sometimes waiting feels like sandpaper – rough and irritating. It didn’t feel like the bad type of waiting. Those days were restful and full of hope.

I strongly believe that God worked a miracle for me through science. He created all things that make up the subject of science. He gave doctors and researchers a hunger for knowledge about how our complex bodies work. Not everybody responded the way that I did to this type of treatment. I had to stop asking “why” and start asking about “who” and “for what purpose.”

GRATITUDE THROUGH THE ROOF

We have been amazed by the generosity of the people of HPPC. Shortly after we arrived in Dallas, meals, gift cards and flowers appeared from people we didn’t even know. At first, we tried to refuse – I was under the delusion that I didn’t need much help – but they didn’t give us a choice. They took Christ’s command to “love your neighbor” seriously and practiced it even when their new neighbors were unknown to them. I know that I most likely won’t be able to repay the generosity, and that is hard to accept. I think there is probably some theological lesson there that I am meant to see. What struck me was that all I could do was say thank you. The food brought did more than feed us and the flowers planted did more than decorate our house. Our souls and our marriage were nourished by the downtime that Josh and I got to spend together.

Ginny and Josh Peck celebrated new life on Easter Sunday.

A BRIGHT FUTURE

In March, my doctor gave us great news: My recent procedure was a permanent fix. They also learned the cause of my device failure, which has already helped them improve the lives of other patients. It was meaningful that we were able to witness the greater good that God worked through my suffering!

This past year pushed me to the end of myself – to a place where I felt hollow, small and brittle. But it left space for the light of grace to come through. Grace from my husband every day, through countless selfless actions. Grace from friends whose faith was strong when mine was very weak. Grace from our church, where countless people have acted as friends when we were still strangers. And the mysterious grace of God, which gives my life hope and weight and goodness, in spite of my flawed and narrow self.

25

Upcoming Calendar

MAY

Date

Event

Location

Time

Saturday, May 16

Troop 80 Eagle Scout Ceremony and Luncheon

Wynne Chapel & Elliott Hall

11:45 am–4 pm

Sunday, May 17

JAM56 & Student Mission Trip Commissioning

Sanctuary & Elliott Hall

11 am

JAM56 & Student Mission Trip Information Meetings

JAM56 Room & Bell Center

12–1 pm

VBS Volunteer Training

Alexander Hall

12–1:30 pm

Monday, May 18

Brown Bag & a Book

H018

12–1 pm

Tuesday, May 19

Tuesday Night: A Young Adult Community

The Beaty’s Home

7–8:30 pm

Wednesday, May 20

Shiloh Ministry Study

Parlor

5:45–7 pm

VBS Volunteer Training

Alexander Hall

6–7:30 pm

Middle School End of Year Party

Front Lawn

6–8:30 pm

Love The City: A Young Adult Initiative

Various

Various

Deacon Dinner

Elliott Hall

5:45–7:30 pm

Wynne Chapel

9:30 & 11 am

Front Lawn

8 am–12 pm

Thursday, May 21 Monday, May 25

Memorial Day – Church Closed

Wednesday, May 27

HPPDS Sending Forth Ceremony

Thu & Fri, May 28, 29 HPPDS Beginners Picnic Friday, May 29

HPPDS Field Day

Williams Park

8 am–12 pm

Sunday, May 31

Genesis Student Choir Pre-Mission Trip Concert

Sanctuary

6:30 pm

Wednesday, June 3

Hillier School Field Day

Williams Park

10:30 am–1 pm

Shiloh Ministry Study

Parlor

5:45–7 pm

Middle School Summer Kickoff – Rangers Game

Globe Life Ballpark

6–10:30 pm

Thursday, June 4

Hillier School Baccalaureate & Awards Service

Elliott Hall

1–1:30 pm

Friday, June 5

High School House/Boat Summer Kickoff Trip Departs**

Lake Ouachita, AR

Early Childhood First Friday Story Time

Room 109

9:30–10:30 am

Sunday, June 7

Covenant Parenting Class

Wight Garden

9:30–10:30 am

Mon–Fri, June 8–12

VBS Week: “God’s Plan 4 U = Jesus”

Alexander Bldg & Elliott Hall

9:30 am–12 pm

Mon, June 8

Triumph Sports Camp – All Star Sports Begins

Gym

1–4 pm

Wednesday, June 10

Shiloh Ministry – Women’s Coffee

Parlor

5:45–7 pm

VBS Family Night

Elliott Hall

6–7 pm

HPPC Serves at Austin Street Shelter

Off Campus

6–8 pm

HPPC Serves at Bonton Farms

6915 Bexar St

9:30 am–12 pm

Saturday, June 13

Guatemala Mission Trip Departs** Dominican Republic Family Mission Trip Departs** Genesis Student Choir Mission Trip Departs** *Check hppc.org/calendar for the most up-to-date information. **Advance registration required.

26

UPCOMING EVENTS,

JUNE/JULY

CONT.

Date

Event

Location

Time

Monday, June 15

Elementary Family Summer Kickoff Party

UP Pool

6–8 pm

JAM56 Summer Kickoff Party

Gym

6–7:30 pm

Cross Cheer Dance Camp Begins**

Gym

9 am–12 pm

Elementary Summer Open Gym Days

Gym

1–3 pm

Shiloh Ministry Study

Parlor

5:45–7 pm

Saturday, June 20

Family Workday at Amelia Earhart Learning Center

3531 N. Westmoreland

9 am–2 pm

Sunday, June 21

New Members Class

H017

9–11 am

All Nations Father’s Day Service

Gym & Elliott Hall

11 am–4 pm

Sunday, June 21

Middle School Confirmation Trip – #1 Departs**

Ute Trail, CO

Monday, June 22

Woodworking Camp Begins**

Bell Center

9:30 am–1 pm

Cooking Class Begins**

Alexander Bldg

9:30 am–1 pm

JAM56 Mission Trip Departs**

San Antonio, TX

Wednesday, June 24

Elementary Summer Open Gym Days

Gym

1–3 pm

Friday, June 26

All Nations Ladies Retreat

Denton, TX

9 am–12 pm

Sunday, June 28

New Member Vows

Wynne Chapel

10:30–10:45 am

4th Sunday Lunch

Elliott Hall

12:15–2 pm

Elementary Family Skating at White Rock Skate

White Rock Skate

2–4 pm

Film Camp Begins**

Bell Center

9:30 am–12 pm

Wee Summer Weekly**

Alexander Bldg

9:30 am–1 pm

Tuesday, June 30

Wee Summer Weekly**

Alexander Bldg

9:30 am–1 pm

Wednesday, July 1

Wee Summer Weekly**

Alexander Bldg

9:30 am–1 pm

Thursday, July 2

Wee Summer Weekly**

Alexander Bldg

9:30 am–1 pm

The Lee’s Home

9–11 am

Wee Summer Weekly**

Alexander Bldg

9:30–10:30 am

Art Camp Begins**

Alexander Bldg & Gym

9:30 am–1 pm

Futsal Camp Begins**

Gym

9:30 am–1 pm

Middle School Mission Trip Departs**

Milwaukee, WI

High School Mission Trip Departs**

San Francisco, CA

Tuesday, July 7

Wee Summer Weekly**

Alexander Bldg

9:30 am–1 pm

Wednesday, July 8

Wee Summer Weekly**

Alexander Bldg

9:30 am–1 pm

Elementary Summer Open Gym Day

Gym

1–3 pm

HPPC Serves at Austin Street Shelter

Off Campus

6–8 pm

Wednesday, June 17

Monday, June 29

th

Friday, July 3

4 of July Observance – Church Closed

Saturday, July 4

4th of July Party + Parade 4th of July – Church Closed

Monday, July 6

*Check hppc.org/calendar for the most up-to-date information. **Advance registration required.

27

UPCOMING EVENTS,

JULY

CONT.

Date

Event

Location

Time

Thursday, July 9

Elementary & JAM 56 Hurricane Harbor Day Trips**

Hurricane Harbor

9 am–4 pm

Wee Summer Weekly**

Alexander Bldg

9:30 am–1 pm

HPPC Serves at Bonton Farms

6915 Bexar St

9:30 am–12 pm

Elementary Studio Movie Grill Event – Minions**

SMG Royal

11 am–1:30 pm

Triumph Sports Camp – Dodgeball Begins**

Gym

8:30–11:30 am

Cross Cheer – Cheerleading Camp Begins**

Gym

1–4 pm

Thursday, July 16

Elementary & JAM 56 Hurricane Harbor Day Trips**

Hurricane Harbor

9 am–4 pm

Saturday, July 18

Haiti Mission Trip Departs**

Sunday, July 19

Middle School Confirmation Trip – #2 Departs**

Colorado

Monday, July 20

Futsal Camp Begins**

Gym

9:30 am–1 pm

Highland Park Dance Company Workshop Begins**

Gym

1:30–3:30 pm

Alexander Bldg

9:30 am–12:30 pm

Saturday, July 11

Ethiopia Mission Trip Departs** Monday, July 13

Mon–Thu, July 20–23 Early Childhood Parent’s Mornings Out** Thursday, July 23

Elementary Hurricane Harbor Day Trip**

Hurricane Harbor

9 am–4 pm

Friday, July 24

Elementary Frisco Rough Riders Game**

Dr. Pepper Ballpark

6:30–11 pm

Sunday, July 26

4th Sunday Lunch

Elliott Hall

12:15–2 pm

Monday, July 27

Early Childhood Parent’s Morning Out**

Alexander Bldg

9:30 am–12:30 pm

Film Camp Begins**

Bell Center

9:30 am–1 pm

Gym

1–3 pm

Mon–Fri, July 27–31 Elementary Open Gym – Daily Friday, July 31

th

DIVE Retreat Begins (4 Graders)**

Great Wolf Lodge

RECURRING EVENTS Date

Event

Location

Time

Sundays

Nursery (2 months–2 years)

Alexander Bldg

8:30–9 am

Prayer Time with a Pastor

H019

8 am–1:30 pm

Marriage Prep**

H017

9–10:30 am

Early Childhood Sunday School (2 yrs–Kindergarten) Alexander Bldg

9:30 & 11 am

Elementary Sunday Morning (1st–4th Grade)

Alexander Bldg

9:30 am

JAM56 Sunday Morning (5 –6 Grade)

JAM56 Room

9:30 am

Student Sunday Morning Communities

Bell Center

9:30 am

Adult Sunday Morning Communities

Varies

9:30 am & 11 am

Children’s Choir Rehearsals*

Alexander Bldg

4:45–5:45 pm

Genesis Student Choir Rehearsal*

Choral Hall

4:45–6 pm

th

th

*Check hppc.org/calendar for the most up-to-date information. **Advance registration required.

28

RECURRING EVENTS,

CONT.

Date

Event

Location

Time

Mondays

Boy Scouts Troop 82 Weekly Meeting*

Bell Center

7:30–9:30 pm

Tuesdays

Yoga*

H019

8:30–9:30 am

Moms After God’s Heart Bible Study*

H018

9:30–11:15 am

Chinese Women’s Bible Study*

Parlor

10 am–12 pm

Women’s Summer Lunch Bunch Bible Study* (June 16–Aug. 18)

H018

11:30 am–1 pm

High School Ultimate Frisbee (June 16–Aug. 18)

Williams Park

3–5 pm

Team Handball (18 years and older)

Gym

6:30–8:30 pm

Boy Scouts Troop 80 Weekly Meeting*

Bell Center

6:45–8:15 pm

Community Bible Study (CBS)*

Elliott Hall

6:45–8:15 pm

Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting

H018

6–7 pm

Families Anonymous Meeting

H019

6–8 pm

College House

8–9:30 pm

Chinese Ministry Dad’s Breakfast (1 and 3 )

Private Dining Room

7–8 am

Women’s Ministry Women in the Word*

H018–H020

9:45–11:30 am

Elementary Summer Bible Study (Begins June 17)

UP Pool

6–7:30 pm

JAM56 Summer Bible Study (Begins June 17)

Gym & JAM56 Room

6–7:30 pm

College Summer Bible Study

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Fridays

Saturdays

st

rd

Middle School Summer Bible Study (Begins June 17) Bell Center

6–8:15 pm

High School Summer Bible Study (Begins June 17)

Bell Center

7–8:30 pm

Chancel Choir Rehearsal*

Choral Hall

7–9:30 pm

Frank Hundley’s Men’s Shared Bible Study

H019

7:30–8:30 am

Women’s Ministry Early Bird Bible Study*

Bridesmaids’ Room

7:30–8:30 am

Women’s Ministry Precept Bible Study*

H018

9–10:30 am

Women’s Summer Psalms Study (Begins June 18)

H020

9:30–10:15 am

Women in Recovery Meeting

H019

7–8 pm

Smokey John’s BBQ Bible Study

Off Campus

7–8:30 pm

Men’s Breakfast at Flying Fish*

Off Campus

7–8 am

Adults 60 Plus Friday Fellowship*

Elliott Hall

9 am–1 pm

All Nations Youth Bible Study

Off Campus

7:30–9 pm

All Nations Youth and College Gathering

Bell Center

12–3 pm

All Nations Worship Team Rehearsal

Gym

2:30–6:30 pm

All Nations Choir Rehearsal

H208

3–5 pm

Chinese Weekly Bible Study

H020

6:45–8:30 pm

*Check hppc.org/calendar for most up-to-date information. **Advance registration required.

Events, dates and times are subject to change and reflect information received when the issue was sent to press.

Visit hppc.org/calendar for the most up-to-date information.

29

URBAN MINISTRY

Cultivating Relationships + Restoration

South Dallas’ Bonton Farms is growing more than just vegetables “YOU ARE FREE to ask questions here. There are no bad

questions because we know that we are all here with good intentions. As you work here alongside the residents of Bonton, get to know them. It’s not about the work, it’s about the relationships.” Those words were spoken this spring

by Daron Babcock, head of Bonton Farm Works, to a group of HPPC volunteers who were ready to get their hands dirty on the farm alongside former criminals, drug dealers and substance abusers – all set on changing their lives for good.

The new year brought an exciting new urban partnership into focus at HPPC. It started in a garden for fruits and vegetables, but will culminate with a bountiful harvest of the hearts of the lost for God’s glory in the South Dallas community of Bonton. The farm, still under construction, will not only provide much needed nutritious food options; it will nourish souls.

Patrick Wright was one of the lost and now he literally holds the keys to the farm. He grew up in Bonton in his grandfather’s house, which was surrounded by drug dealers, addicts and prostitutes. “They were a reflection of the only future we thought we had. We didn’t see people with briefcases driving off to a job in corporate America,” he recalled. Family members offered him alcohol and drugs, things spiraled out of control and he eventually landed in prison. He got a second chance after his release, but it was short-lived.

30

“I remember feeling so alone. I was in my 40s and didn’t have a job, a car, a home or a purpose for my life. After I got laid off from a good job, I had to stay at my uncle’s place. My friends would come over and we would all get high to pass the time,” he said. However, after the high wore off, the misery and emptiness returned.

For many years, the god Patrick knew was from his Islamic faith. He felt comfort in the rituals, but it came up short.

“I started going to [a Christian] church with my family, but only to make them happy, not because I believed,” he said.

“I realized that I had a color issue with God. He was always portrayed as white and in the culture of Bonton that meant we were being tricked into worshiping ‘a white man.’ It wasn’t until I had a conversation with Daron that I truly understood.”

That conversation happened about nine months ago when Patrick answered a knock at the door one afternoon. He found a group of people, including Daron, asking to borrow some electricity for a power tool. They were coming together to work on rebuilding a house next door. He loaned them power and with nothing else to do, joined their project that day. It changed Patrick’s life forever.

As the two worked, the conversation turned to Patrick’s life in Bonton. He smiled big as he recalled how the conversation went. “Daron told me that not having a job wasn’t my problem. And not having money wasn’t my problem. I’d had them both and lost them both and still didn’t seem to have

VOLUNTEER

With months of physical work of his own and discipleship

by Daron and other mentors, Patrick turned to a path of restoration, healing and purpose. “I realized that I am just like Adam and Eve in the garden. God gives us so many good things, yet we are tempted to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, by way of our choices. There are side effects when you choose that tree – some good and some bad. We need the Holy Spirit in us to guide all of our actions every day,” he said.

URBAN MINISTRY

what I needed. He said, ‘What you need is Jesus!’ I thought to myself, maybe that is what I need, because nothing else is working.” Daron shared that God made all people in his image. If God made us all, it couldn’t be about color; it was simply about being a person of God.

Patrick is just one of the residents who has joined this new family in Bonton. As shepherd and manager of the farm, he wakes up with the sun and is anxious to get to work. He greets the goats and chickens and then tackles the day’s chores.

“I have such a sense of purpose and meaning now. I love these people like they are truly my family. I am thankful for their mercy and grace with me every day. It has made me closer to my mom and my daughter too,” Patrick shared.

Patrick used to be wary of strangers wanting to come down to Bonton to help, but he says he’s gained a whole new perspective: “It means so much to us when people take the time to come down and volunteer at the farm or mentor at Bible studies. We see their realness about wanting to help and it keeps us all going.”

“I have such a sense of purpose and meaning now. I love these people like they are truly my family.”

– Patrick Wright Bonton Farms is just one of the initiatives of The Good Works Company (part of H.I.S. Bridgebuilders) that seeks to bring faith and healing, self-worth, safety and a strong sense of ownership to the members of the community. Daron Babcock and his team of urban missionaries have no doubt that God is doing a “good work” in Bonton.

Visit hppc.org/bonton, to find out more about Bonton Farms and the ways you can use your talents and passion to bless and serve this community.

HPPC.ORG/BONTON 31

Milestones

*Only immediate family members that are church members are listed.

Births

Sacrament of Baptism

Ethan Zachary Tsai Son of Adela and Ray Tsai Born Nov. 4, 2014

Thomas Alexander Jacob Son of Kristie Jacob Born Oct. 29, 2013 Baptized Oct. 19, 2014

William Michael “Tripp” Clark Son of Ramsey and Michael Clark Born Nov. 12, 2014 Abigael Mugisha Daughter of Rachel Wambui Marcharia Born Nov. 20, 2014 Dash French Son of Lindsay and Dax French Born Nov. 29, 2014 Dax French Son of Lindsay and Dax French Born Nov. 29, 2014 Clarke French Daughter of Lindsay and Dax French Born Nov. 29, 2014 Josiah Cooper Morsinkhoff Son of Melissa and Jonathan Morsinkhoff Born Jan. 12, 2015 Olive Ngari Daughter of Catherine Mwangi Nyambura and George Ngari Born Jan. 17, 2015 Henry Douglas Glidewell Son of Britt and Jeff Glidewell Born Feb. 13, 2015 Conner Judson Jones Son of Michelle and Seth Jones Born Feb. 24, 2015 Benjamin Paul Hicks Son of Erin and Jonathan Hicks Born March 19, 2015

Precious Jazmine N. Mbugua Daughter of Mary and George Mbugua Born June 17, 2003 Baptized Oct. 19, 2014 Geoffrey Musila Baptized Oct. 19, 2014 Kimberly Vernell Baptized Oct. 19, 2014 William McConnel Grady Son of Elizabeth Paschall and Cody Grady Born June 25, 2014 Baptized Nov. 16, 2014 Ashley Ann Hunt Daughter of Chelsea and Austin Hunt Born July 14, 2014 Baptized Nov. 16, 2014 Madison Joye Hunt Daughter of Chelsea and Austin Hunt Born July 14, 2014 Baptized Nov. 16, 2014 John Grandy Hunt Son of Morgan and Casey Hunt Born Sept. 27, 2014 Baptized Nov. 16, 2014 Cyrus Gakuo Karuga Son of Sarah Mwihaki and Edwin Karuga Gakuo Born March 9, 2012 Baptized Nov. 16, 2014

Malcolm McEachern Coke Son of Britt and Greg Coke Born Oct. 20, 2013 Baptized Dec. 14, 2014 Merrick Haglin Son of Donna and Preston Haglin Born Oct. 20, 2013 Baptized Dec. 14, 2014 Parker Clymer Holmes Son of Garnett and Michael Holmes Born Jan. 12, 2013 Baptized Dec. 14, 2014 Faith Njoroge Daughter of Bilha Mureithi and Samuel Njoroge Kihato Born July 22, 2014 Baptized Dec. 14, 2014 Christine Nyambura Njenga Daughter of Margaret Wanjiru Njenga and John Njenga Mukoma Born April 7, 2012 Baptized Jan. 11, 2015 Dr. Jiemin Jia Baptized Jan. 18, 2015 Francis Ruth Louis Daughter of Emily and Matthew Louis Born Feb. 10, 2014 Baptized Feb. 8, 2015 Robyn Nyathikia Anyebe Daughter of Wanjiru Mganga and Anthony Obotu Anyebe Born Feb. 3, 2014 Baptized Feb. 15, 2015 Eleanor “Charlie” Lewis Jackson Daughter of Lauren and Chad Jackson Born Sept. 26, 2014 Baptized Feb. 15, 2015

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 Information printed in Milestones is provided from HPPC’s Congregational Care list. If you want to share news of births, baptisms, marriages or deaths, please contact Elaine Curtis in Congregational Care at 214-525-4230 or elaine.curtis@hppc.org or online at hppc.org/milestones.

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Lewis Njeru Son of Mary Njeru and James Njoka Born Oct. 29, 2007 Baptized Feb. 15, 2015

Brittany Bundren and Daniel Smith Daughter Karen and Charles Bundren Son of Martha and Gary Smith Married Dec. 20, 2014

Nelson Bunker Hunt, passed away on Oct. 21, 2014. Sympathy to his sister, Caroline Rose Hunt; his brother, Herb Hunt, and their families.

Timothy Kirikiru Njuguna Son of Tabitha Njeri Muriuki and Haron Njuguna Kirikiru Born Oct. 23, 2004 Baptized Feb. 15, 2015

Elizabeth Story and Will Wilshusen Daughter of Bettie and Mark Story Son of Tiffa and Bill Wilshusen Married Jan. 24, 2015

Cornelia Vanderveid, passed away on Oct. 23, 2014. Sympathy to her daughter, Nancy Lankford, and family.

Joseph Mutahi Njuguna Son of Tabitha Njeri Muriuki and Haron Njuguna Kirikiru Born Nov. 18, 2008 Baptized Feb. 15, 2015 Landon Charles Schmidt Son of Lauren and Brandon Schmidt Born March 29, 2014 Baptized Feb. 15, 2015 Theodore Lieu Son of Christina and Tom Lieu Born Feb. 8, 2012 Baptized March 15, 2015

Weddings Laura Lawson and Cook Langmade Daughter of Carole and David Lawson Son of Shannon and Bill Langmade Married Nov. 8, 2014 Lauren Gilmore and Mason Woodley Daughter of Debbie and Gary Gilmore Son of Lisa and James Woodley Married Nov. 15, 2014 Betsy Houseman and B. Fisher Daughter of Julie and Lon Houseman Son of Mary Louise and Davis Fisher Married Dec. 13, 2014

Shelley Green and Kyle Greenwell Daughter of JoAnn Stewart and Jim Green Son of Linda and Tom Greenwell Married Jan. 31, 2015 Kristen George and Andrew Henk Daughter of Michelle and Kirk George Son of Cindy and Gene Henk Married March 7, 2015 Jenny Houseman and Cory Fowler Daughter of Julie and Lon Houseman Son of Robin and Lynn Fowler Married March 14, 2015 Shannon Finley and Andre Mardian Daughter of Valerie and Guy Finley Son of Nicole and Eric Mardian Married March 21, 2015

Entered the Church

Triumphant

Thomas Klessig, passed away on Sept. 23, 2014. Sympathy to his parents, Richard and Annie, and his sister, Elizabeth, and family.

Thomas Mulchiy, Jr., passed away on Oct. 18, 2014. Sympathy to his daughter, Dottie Hyde, and family.

Marion Teague Bridges, passed away on Oct. 26, 2014. Sympathy to her daughter, Victoria Bridges, and family.

Judy Boschker, passed away on Oct. 27, 2014. Sympathy to her sister, Carol Casey, and family.

George Mwangi Wainaina, passed away on Oct. 27, 2014. Sympathy to his sister, Loyce Waruguru Brown, and family.

Dr. Byron Brown, passed away on Nov. 27, 2014. Sympathy to his sister, Loyce Waruguru Brown, and family.

Marge Stewart, passed away on Nov. 27, 2014. Sympathy to her daughter, Dr. Sara Burke, and family.

Mary Wairimu Kamau, passed away on Nov. 30, 2014. Sympathy to her sister, Lucy Kamau.

John Fisk, passed away on Dec. 6, 2014.

Sympathy to his sons, Ethan and Pierce Fisk, and family.

Vahik Baghdassarian, passed away on Dec. 17, 2014. Sympathy to his daughter, Rev. Laura Murray, and family.

Bill Wyatt, passed away on Dec. 19, 2014. Sympathy to his sister, Bonnie Turner, and family.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 To schedule a baptism, contact Marti Oden at 214-525-4348 or marti.oden@hppc.org. Because of our large congregation, we can only list weddings of members or children and grandchildren of HPPC members. Deaths of members or their immediate family will be listed. Births and baptisms include members and their children.

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Milestones, cont.

*Only immediate family members that are church members are listed.

William Roever, passed away on Dec. 20, 2014. Sympathy to his brother, Dick Roever Sr., and family.

Justin Haynes, passed away on Jan. 10, 2015. Sympathy to his aunt, Sandra Carlton, and family.

Bonnie Ballem, passed away on Feb. 17, 2015. Sympathy to her daughter, Darla Airington, and family.

Preston Peak, passed away on Dec. 26, 2014. Sympathy to his wife, Martha Peak, and family.

Elizabeth Lacy Bond, passed away on Jan. 15, 2015. Sympathy to her daughter, Kathryn Bond.

John Kamande, passed away on Feb. 20, 2015. Sympathy to his sister, Joyce Maina, and family.

Mary Ann Smith, passed away on Dec. 31, 2014. Sympathy to her daughter, Mary Ann Barbier-Mueller, her son Bragg Smith III, her granddaughters, Maria-Gabriela Tollett and Emily Kohler, and their families.

Eunice Wambui, passed away on Jan. 17, 2015. Sympathy to her brother, Peter Maina, and family.

Constancia Tanda Katjimune, passed away on Feb. 21, 2015. Sympathy to her grandson, Lionel Johnson Katjimune.

Glenn Garber, passed away on Jan. 21, 2015. Sympathy to his daughter, Ann Hallam, and family.

Janis Ozmun, passed away on Feb. 26, 2015. Sympathy to her son, Jack O’Boyle; her granddaughter, Amy Teter, and their families.

Susan Duke, passed away in Dec. 2014. Sympathy to her mother, “Tinker” Rautenberg, and family.

Carlen Penfold, passed away on Dec. 30, 2014. Sympathy to her son, Judge Craig Penfold, and family.

Robert Adair Jr, passed away on Dec. 28, 2014. Sympathy to his son, Rob Adair, and family.

Francis Bilbo, passed away on Jan. 2, 2015. Sympathy to her niece, Cynthia Brogden, and family.

Sam Vongkaseum, passed away on Jan. 4, 2015. Sympathy to his son, Kevin Vongkaseum, and family.

Dr. Tim Fjordbak, passed away on Jan. 6, 2015. Sympathy to his brother, Ed Fjordbak, and family.

John Keller McCarron, passed away on Jan. 7, 2015. Sympathy to his son, Dr. Michael McCarron, and family; and his granddaughter, Katy Evans, and family.

Rev. Kenneth Mukoma Nijiriri, passed away on Jan. 7, 2015. Sympathy to his son, John Mukoma Njenga, and family.

Lillian Lawson, passed away on Jan. 16, 2015. Sympathy to her son, David Lawson, and family; her granddaughter, Mary Corrigan, and family.

Mrs. Gordon “Betty” Tucker, passed away on Jan. 21, 2015. Sympathy to her daughter, Libby Albritton; her nephews, Bob and Tom Blakeney; and her cousin, Gene Rain, and their families.

Wanda “Billy” Parson, passed away on Jan. 31, 2015.

Marion Nichols, passed away on Feb. 5, 2015. Sympathy to her nephews, Buzz Bennett and Cam Rembert; her niece, Kathleen Parsons, and their families.

Carroll Huntress, passed away on Feb. 11, 2015. Sympathy to his daughter, Pam Huntress, and family.

Gachue Mbugua, passed away on Feb. 11, 2015. Sympathy to his daughter, Jane Gachue, and family.

Mapil Muruko, passed away on Feb. 14, 2015. Sympathy to his brother, Lionel Johnson Katjimune.

Edith Ryser Jones, passed away on Feb. 27, 2015. Sympathy to her daughter, Laurie White.

Amos Nduva, passed away on Feb. 27, 2015. Sympathy to his daughter, Naomi Kimani.

Robert Severin, passed away on March 8, 2015. Sympathy to his sister, Valerie Finley, his brother, John Severin, and their families.

Elizabeth “Elisa” Hammack, passed away on March 11, 2015. Sympathy to her parents, Gloria and Jack Hammack.

Duncan Ndug’u Kaniaru, passed away on March 19, 2015. Sympathy to his daughter, Maggy Mukundi, and family.

Karen McCann, passed away on March 17, 2015. Sympathy to her husband, Don, and family.

Dr. Stanley McLeroy, passed away on March 20, 2015. Sympathy to his daughter, Sheila Bell, and family. * Only immediate family members that are surviving church members are listed.

Information printed in Milestones is provided from HPPC’s Congregational Care list. If you want to share news of births, baptisms, marriages or deaths, please contact Elaine Curtis in Congregational Care at 214-525-4230 or elaine.curtis@hppc.org or online at hppc.org/milestones.

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Ben Bell (E)

Jeff Boykin (E)

Charles Clift (E)

Laurie Connell (E)

Lauren Eastburn (E)

Chandler Phillips (E)

Christopher Akin (D)

Julie Butterfield (D)

Larry Carlson (D)

Jennifer Castellaw (D)

Mary Colson (D)

Marie Crowe (D)

Carrie Easley (D)

Jackie Ewing (D)

Cindy Harding (D)

Caitlin Holcomb (D)

Margaret Hunt (D)

Taylor Hunt (D)

John Martin (D)

Judy Martin (D)

Anna Palms (D)

Sharon Penfold (D)

Regina Pistor (D)

Brad Popkin (D)

Alisa Sell (D)

PARISH NEWS - NEW OFFICERS

New Officers

Board of Trustees

Dick Dzina Pat Hurst Not Pictured: Amy Hughes (D) Mary Taylor (D)

Mimi Vanderstraaten (D)

Angie Vaughan (D)

Julie Wallis (D)

D – Deacon E – Elder

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MISSIONARY FOCUS

MISSIONARY FOCUS Dottie & Carlton Meredith | Brussels, Belgium HPPC MISSIONARIES, Dottie and Carlton Meredith have been serving in theological education for over 25 years in Belgium, where they teach weekly at the small theological seminary they helped start in 1989. Carlton serves as president of the Biblical Seminary of Brussels with The D.M. Stearns Missionary Fund. The Merediths’ ministry revolves around three axes: the Seminary; church ministry and related activities, such as weekend retreats, conferences, pastoral counseling, writing and mentoring.

A big part of the Merediths’ ministry is sharing the good news of the gospel; surprisingly, few Belgians have ever even heard it. Evangelicals today represent 2% of Belgium’s population. Only 4% attend church of any kind on Sundays. Through years of immersing themselves in the Belgian culture and building relationships, several of their unchurched friends are beginning to ask personal and pertinent questions about the Christian faith.

Here are excerpts from an interview with the Merediths during their recent furlough at HPPC. To read the full blog post, visit hppc.org/meredith.

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What do you enjoy most about your ministry?

The most exciting thing for us is to be present when people discover something in the Scriptures that helps them in their walk with God or day-to-day life.

We also love knowing that our students are involved in ministries of their own and are sharing the Gospel. Personally, we love having the privilege of studying the Bible as a key part of our job.

What is important for us to know?

Belgium is one of the more difficult places in Europe in which to minister today. It is a prosperous, modern European country, highly secularized and atheistic, with a burgeoning Muslim population (25–30% in Brussels today). The average evangelical church in Belgium today comprises 30–35 people and does not have a full-time pastor. With so few people attending weekly Christian services, Belgium is indeed a mission field.

Are you able to share the gospel freely?

There is full freedom of belief in Belgium. However, there are increasing restrictions on the public expression of religious belief. Belgians consider faith a private matter and believe that

expressions of faith should be kept within the confines of houses of worship.

They regard public expressions of faith in poor taste and a breach of etiquette.

Although these attitudes are impediments to the progress of the gospel, the spirit of God is still actively bringing people to faith, even in post-Christian Belgium. As Jesus pointed out to Nicodemus, who came to him in the dark of the night: “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from or where it is going; so is every one who is born of the Spirit.”

– John 3:8.

What are some specific ways we can pray for you this next school year?

Because there are so many people who understand English in Brussels today, we are beginning to offer a few classes, conferences and seminars not only in French, but also in English. Up until now, the school has been exclusively French-speaking. We would appreciate your prayers for God’s blessing and guidance on this new dimension of the school’s continuing education ministry.

Homebound Ministry seeks to connect with members outside the church DOES IT SEEM far-fetched to imagine God’s glory displayed in the halls of a nursing home or assisted living facility? Nancy Bloede said that was exactly what she witnessed when she visited her own mother who resides in a nearby facility. “I saw God using visitors to bring smiles to residents’ faces.

It was through a touch of the hand, a hug or eye-to-eye conversations,” she shared. These simple actions by volunteers showed the residents – and caregivers too – that they matter and are connected to greater community. This inspired her to get involved in our Homebound Ministry.

When the need arises to move from a traditional residence into a care facility, it is often a difficult transition. A sense of loss is experienced when new residents have to learn how to get around, adapt to a different environment and wrestle with feelings of decreased independence. While given a wide array of new activities and people to meet, loneliness invades. They quietly ask themselves questions about being forgotten by their family – both biological and spiritual.

HPPC has at its very core the passion to honor and bless all generations. The embodiment of this church ethos is revealed in the hands-on caring for the elder generation. Many members of our church who faithfully served, who sat in the same pews we now sit in and who have given joyfully of their resources to nourish the church family have entered a phase of their lives that requires community to come to them.

The Homebound Ministry team is beginning to re-energize and is looking for members from all generations to serve.

Helen Garrot and Gloria Box, considered by many as the hearts and souls of this outreach effort, have been involved

Gloria Box served a communion element to Lettie Kelley.

since its inception, but are excited to have new volunteers.

Mike Harris and his wife, Carolyn, visit Presbyterian Village North regularly with their dog, Boomer. “It is such a treat to visit with these folks. We go to bless people, but we end up being equally blessed by them,” he said. In March, the Men’s Ministry gathered some four-legged friends to join Boomer for some quality time with the residents.

Weaving the thread from one generation through to the next is done by engaging with one another. Nancy noted, “I want them to know that their life matters! I never leave without being uplifted by their lives and thankful for these dear people who have raised children, worked jobs and served our country. Now they sit and wait for someone to acknowledge their presence.”

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

Bring the Church to the People

Hearing stories from the residents’ pasts, learning about their careers, favorite pasttimes, their families and simply about “the way things were” is an enriching experience for the team members. Investing your time and presence is a cherished gift to be given.

The ministry team is committed to visiting homebound members once a month with the goal of simply letting them know they matter and need volunteers. Using your God-given gifts for 15-30 minutes each month to obediently care for his people is a light shining for our Lord.

Visitors, communion servers, administrators, organizers, trainers and gift assemblers are all ways to serve this ministry.

Enjoy the glory of God who allows us to be a part of his work.

To volunteer or let the team know of a new homebound member, visit hppc.org/homebound.

Sissy the Great Dane and a PVN resident had a great visit!

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W E LC O M E to our new members

January and March 2015 Membership Classes

hppc.org/stories 38

Greg Hobbs, Director of Music “HOW CAN WE SING the Lord’s song in

a strange land?” This was the lament of the children of Israel when they were removed from their homeland and forced into Babylonian captivity. How fascinating that the cry of the people would go out not first for freedom or justice, but for singing the Lord’s song.

God’s people understood that the source of all their strength, even the most important, basic fundamental right as God’s people was to be able to sing to the Lord. By faith and experience they already knew that any improvement in their sad state could not occur without first singing to God. The needs for justice, freedom and identity as God’s people would be realized in due time. Indeed, upon their return to Israel, the people would flourish. But they inherently understood that the immediate need to call upon the Lord through song, engaging God through the spiritual medium of

singing, would be the foundation of the relationship with God that would eventually act as the realization of all their prosperous dreams of being home.

There was plenty of music in Babylon.

The king held great festivals, feasts and parties that highlighted extraordinary music. It was fun, entertaining and thrilling stuff, but without the Lord at the center of it, doomed to failure.

The children of Israel didn’t need to be entertained through the Babylonian by Southwest (BxSW) Festival at the funky bar down on 6th Street and Euphrates; they needed sacred music to connect their souls to the Spirit of God. When they returned home, they built a temple for God. When they completed God’s temple, they set aside a special group of people dedicated to singing the Lord’s song and helping all the Israelites worship God through singing.

In our day, we are constantly entertained and surrounded by music. It’s everywhere, becoming background noise at virtually every public gathering spot. It can entertain us and sometimes even irritate us by disrupting conversation. Music makes life fun at parties, picnics, driving, movies, exercise, fireworks and so on.

We can’t imagine most of these activities without it.

But the Lord’s song ... it’s different. It changes us so that we are no longer the audience – we don’t just listen. We are no longer consumers – we are active participants. Singing the Lord’s song awakens our spiritual selves and connects us with the Holy Spirit.

Music of the world acts to entertain us while we are out there in the world. The Lord’s song is why we come back home.

How can we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land? We can’t. When we sing the Lord’s song, we are home.

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3821 UNIVERSITY BLVD. DALLAS, TEXAS 75205 214-526-7457 | HPPC.ORG

7-WEEK SUMMER SERMON SERIES

Sundays, May 3–June 14 hppc.org/messages