Connect - HPPC Magazine - Issue 11

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MONTH VISION STORIES FROM ALL 24 MINISTRIES YOUR GIFTS AT WORK

ISSUE

11

ANNUAL REPORT

AUG/SEPT/OCT 2015 1

Nursery is provided 8 am–End of final worship services

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

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

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CONTENTS VISION 4 7

Letter from Jay Living Vision

A New Season For Hppc

12 Transformation Pathways Worship, Group, Serve

28 High School Ministry 9th–12th Grades

30 College Ministry 32 Young Adults Ministry

14 Spiritual Formation

36 Women’s Ministry

18 By The Numbers

40 Adults 60 Plus Ministry

Becoming More Like Jesus The Past 12 Months

MINISTRY RECAPS 20 Early Childhood Birth–Kindergarten

22 Elementary Ministry 1st–4th Grades

24 Jam56 Ministry 5th & 6th Grades

26 Middle School Ministry 7th & 8th Grades

38 Men’s Ministry 42 All Nations Ministry

54 Church Planting 56 IFP

International Friendship Program

57 Small Groups

New Initiative Preview

58 HPPDS 59 Hillier School 60 At The Heart of Money Stewardship & Finance

44 Congregational Life

CHURCH LIFE

46 Music Ministry

64 Calendar

Caring For Our Members Adults & Children

48 Recreation Ministry 50 Urban Outreach

68 Milestones 71 New Members

Our Local Dallas Ministries

52 World Outreach 3

FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOSPEL I hope this summer has brought you nearness to Jesus, joy in walking with him and a deep connection with those in your life. I am excited about this special Annual Report issue of Connect Magazine. It shows how your partnership with HPPC has brought forth immense joy and fruit to God’s Kingdom.

The strength of HPPC can be found in the generosity and commitment of its people. This is seen through the countless servant leadership hours given to teach children’s Sunday School classes, to run small groups, to serve at church gatherings; and through those who financially support the church and its initiatives. We’ve had an incredible year and as we launch into fall, I have never felt more excited about what God is doing in and around our city.

This issue is going to give you a wonderful picture of transformation – of our people and of the people out in the community that we are serving. Each ministry will recap their year and then share a special moment in the life of their ministry.

We have also arrived at the joyful place of being able to see how our mission will take flesh, both in the next year and in the years ahead. You will read about a Living Vision and Transformation Pathways. Don’t let these words intimidate you, because our heart for the coming year is very simple – we want to keep Jesus as the center of everything that happens and to continue to make disciples of Jesus wherever we go.

The upcoming season at HPPC will be about pursuing excellence in all we do and delighting ourselves in We have seen hundreds of lives touched by Jesus the Lord (Psalm 37:4). We look forward to developing locally and globally. Your spiritual investment has God-fearing leaders, building upon and strengthening been used to disciple children, students and adults. the legacy of our multitude of generations and You have provided medical care, education and pursuing transformation in the likeness of Christ for clothes for the under-served in South and West Dallas, each member of our church family.

Haiti, Kenya and Cuba. Your efforts of compassion You are a big part of God’s mission for HPPC. Thank have made the Gospel credible to a hurting and you for partnering with us for the sake of the Gospel. skeptical world. You have helped train pastors and launched a new generation of church planters. As Blessings, HPPC grows in numbers, we have worked hard to secure excellent pastoral staff who are able to provide for the diverse and ever-growing shepherding needs of our congregation. These are just a few things that your generosity has made possible.

Jay Lee Executive Pastor

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2015 Children & Students

Children & Students

KICKOFF! PROMOTION SUNDAY

SUNDAY, AUG. 23 – CHILDREN & STUDENTS

Join us for this special Sunday as we promote all children and students to their new Sunday School class for the 2015–16 school year! We are so excited to engage our kids in God’s Word and help develop their faith in Jesus Christ.

MIDWEEK KICKOFF

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 26 – ALL GRADES

2015–16

JAM56 5

– 6th Grades hppc.org/JAM56 th

Sundays 9:30 am, JAM56 Room Midweek Wednesdays Bible Study, 6–7:30 pm JAM56 Kickoff Pool Party – Wednesday, Aug. 26 BringCHANCE your towelto and head the HP Pool LAST sign upover fortoSummer (3801 Lexington) from 6–7:30 pm as we kick off Youth Mission Trips!

Wednesday night Bible study. We will have Ruthie’s grilled cheese and snow cones so come hungry!

Bring your friends!

Middle School 7

th

hppc.org/middleschool

– 8th Grades

Sundays 9:30 am, Bell Center/MS Room Midweek Weekly Small Groups (details online) Middle School Kickoff Party – Wednesday, Aug. 26 Join us from 6–7:30 pm for a pool party and dinner!

FALL PARENT MEETING SUNDAY, AUG. 30

Parents of Early Childhood through High School, Join us at 9:30 am in Elliott Hall for an information meeting about the upcoming year’s activities.

Elementary 1 –4 st

hppc.org/elementary

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Grades

Confirmation 7

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hppc.org/confirmation

Grade

Introductory Parent/Student Meeting Sunday, Sept. 20, 6–7:30 pm, Bell Center 8 Student Monthly Classes (Mandatory) Sunday, 6–7:30 pm, Bell Center for dinner/class

High School 9

– 12th Grades

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hppc.org/highschool

Sundays 9:30 am, Alexander Hall Midweek Wednesdays MASH, 6–7:30 pm

Sundays 9:30 am, Bell Center Midweek Weekly Small Groups (details online)

MASH Kickoff Party – Wednesday, Aug. 26 All 1st–4th Graders are welcome! Alexander Hall at 6 pm, pick up at Hunt Building at 7:30 pm.

Pizza and lots of fun!

High School Kickoff Party – Wednesday, Aug. 26 Wednesday, Aug. 26, 7–8:30 pm Start your year off right with dinner from food trucks and great fellowship!

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FOR THE NEXT SEASON IN THE LIFE OF OUR CHURCH, WE WILL UNITE IN THE PURSUIT OF A VISION TO LEAD ALL GENERATIONS INTO A TRANSFORMING RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS.

LIVING VISION A NEW SEASON FOR HPPC

ur church will celebrate its 90th birthday in 2016, a milestone that makes us older than Winnie-the-Pooh, bubble gum and sliced bread. Through several stock market crashes, the Normandy invasion and the creation of the World Wide Web, members of HPPC have been actively fulfilling our mission to Make Disciples of Jesus Christ.

As amazing as the last 90 years have been, it’s a drop in the bucket compared to what has been happening in the universal Church for the last 2,000 years. Ever since Christ said, You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, (Matthew 16:18) God has been using and directing his body of believers throughout history for his glory.

PURPOSE AND MISSION The Westminster Shorter Catechism says that the most important thing that we can do as Christians is to “glorify God and to enjoy him forever.” He made us for his own glory, gave us the great privilege of knowing him and finding true enjoyment in him. Taking part in his mission of redemption and renewal is a critical and exciting way to accomplish this directive from Scripture.

Because of this, it’s important for HPPC as a church body to consistently evaluate how God is calling us to participate based on our people, our resources and the needs in the world. Our elders recently completed a time of discernment; they affirmed a vision for the upcoming season in the life of our church and would like to introduce it to you.

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THE LIVING VISION: LEADING ALL GENERATIONS INTO A TRANSFORMING RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS

INCREASE SUNDAY MORNING ATTENDANCE BY 20%

While discerning God’s call for HPPC is vitally important, it would just be a thick stack of papers on a desk somewhere if there were not practical, tangible ways to pursue his desire for our church.

Therefore, Session adopted a Living Vision – a short-term, 18-month focus for our church – which has 30 measurable, tangible goals that hold church leadership accountable. The creation of the Living Vision is rooted in the Mission Study Report, several Session Tasks Force reports and visionary leadership from the Office of the Senior Pastor (OSP).

For the next season, HPPC will be whole-heartedly focused on making the vision of Leading All Generations into a Transforming Relationship with Jesus a reality. At the conclusion of the next 18 months, Session will begin to discern a new short-term focus for the church.

Session approved the 30 goals and then entrusted each of them to the OSP for implementation and assignment to a director or team for execution.

Complete details of all of the Living Vision goals can be found online at hppc.org/livingvision. The following are highlights of the initiatives in process or slated to begin soon.

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Attendance in itself isn’t transformational, but it is one tangible way to measure the effectiveness of our ministry. Creating reverent, energetic and engaging worship experiences as well as dynamic and welcoming communities for children, students and adults are two of the ways that we hope to meet the goal of gathering 2,000 people on campus every Sunday morning.

Measure Date: May 2016

ESTABLISH A CLEAR GROWTH AND TRANSFORMATION PATH FOR ALL GENERATIONS Opportunities for transformation are all around us, but finding out how to begin the process has often been confusing or daunting. A team has developed a plan for all life stages that is unified, well structured and easy to follow, called Transformation Pathways.

Read more on pages 12–13.

Measure Date: August 2015

We want every guest to have a warm and welcoming experience. We also want guests and new members to have clear and simple ways to get involved in HPPC’s community. Reallocating parking spaces and improving signage and greeters’ knowledge are a few initiatives recently executed to meet this goal. Also, we now have a dedicated staff member to oversee the guest experience, ensure guest follow up and provide ways for people to get plugged into our church.

Measure Date: December 2015

INCREASE CHILDREN AND STUDENT PROGRAM ATTENDANCE BY 15%

INCREASE PARTICIPATION IN SERVING OPPORTUNITIES BY 25%

LIVING VISION CONT.

IMPROVE GUEST EXPERIENCE AND ASSIMILATION OF NEW MEMBERS

Putting others before ourselves shapes our hearts for God’s glory. We have created amazing partnerships with local ministries where members can show the love of Christ to those in need right here in Dallas. Short-term mission trips are also a great way to experience personal transformation.

We plan to meet this goal by elevating the importance of mission trips, providing new trip opportunities and highlighting ways to serve locally.

Measure Date: August 2017

INCREASE ADULT SMALL GROUP PARTICIPATION BY 20% Children and students are a pivotal part of our future and we want them excited about coming to church.

The goal is to have at least 450 unique participants in activities on Sundays and Wednesdays. These kids will be learning about Jesus and having fun with friends. We want them to feel like they have a church home at HPPC. Measure Date: June 2017

We’ve had small groups at HPPC, but the Living Vision prioritizes each member’s involvement as a critical part of life at HPPC. Staff restructuring will allow better support of groups and a new small group initiative will launch in the fall. Baseline numbers are being established to measure involvement, but the heart of the initiative is to have members know the joy of living and growing in Christian community.

Measure Date: August 2017 9

LAUNCH A LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT INCUBATOR Raising up leaders is a part of HPPC’s DNA. Session’s desire to be a beacon church in our denomination, ECO, requires strong and well-equipped leaders – lay and pastoral. A Servant Leader Development Program is underway. It will encompass leader training for small groups, Sunday School teachers, Children and Student small group teachers, spiritual formation for elders and deacons and Faith at Work for lay leaders. HPPC is also committed to identifying, encouraging and raising up pastors who will lead new ECO church plants.

Measure Date: August 2017

INCREASE GIVING AND EASE OF GIVING God does not ask us to give to meet a budget number, but rather to shape our hearts by putting Christ’s commandments above our own desires.

Giving is often the last area that we are willing to surrender control over, but it is a critical element for personal transformation. The goals are to increase the number of giving households from 50 percent to 60 percent, increase the average annual giving amount of our congregation by 5 percent and also increase registered online givers by 25 percent.

Initiatives include raising the importance of giving, simplifying and removing barriers to the giving process and emphasizing the inseparability of faithful, joyful giving from our mission as a church.

Measure Date: August 2017

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INCREASE THE NUMBER OF ADULTS 60 PLUS VOLUNTEERS BY 10%

The Adults 60 Plus Ministry is overflowing with wisdom and experience that can be easily shared.

By encouraging more adults in this life stage to serve specifically in the Children & Student Ministry, intergenerational connectivity will deepen at both ends of the age spectrum. The goal is to see a joyous cycle of blessing and honoring through an abundance of volunteers from this life stage.

Measure Date: August 2017

CREATE A STRATEGIC CHURCH PLANTING PLAN Our evangelism and church planting teams are creating a strategic plan for HPPC to reach the un-churched for the Kingdom. It involves identifying and equipping planters as well as best methods and locations for the plants. HPPC’s goal is to launch a new church plant or campus every two years.

Measure Date: September 2015

Sunday morning building space at HPPC has long been at a premium. Many areas on campus are in dire need of upgrades or repairs. The architecture firm Merriman Holt Powell, which specializes in renovating established churches, has been engaged to propose a plan to maximize our current campus to enhance worship and welcome guests to our church.

Architects, lay leaders and staff will engage the entire congregation this fall, and develop a plan to match the campus to our vision and mission.

Measure Date: February 2016

IMPROVE WORSHIP VENUE AUDIO AND VISUAL.

LIVING VISION CONT.

CREATE A MASTER ARCHITECTURE PLAN

It is important that technology enhances the worship experience, rather than detract from it.

Studies revealed that production upgrades in all worship venues would be beneficial. Installation of a sound system in Wynne Chapel has already greatly enhanced the venue. Soon, the Modern Service will be recorded in HD video and available online.

The Sanctuary received lighting upgrades earlier this year and plans are underway to upgrade the 25-year-old video equipment.

Measure Date: August 2016

It is important to remember that these are just a few of the tangible goals for a given season that leaders and ministry teams are pursuing as we seek to fulfill the greater mission of Making Disciples of Jesus Christ.

For this new season, we hope that you will commit to worship with us, join a small group within our community and serve alongside other covenant partners. Please pray about how God can use you to propel HPPC further toward what he has called us to do as a church body.

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TRANSFORMATION PATHWAYS WORSHIP, GROUP, SERVE

e understand God’s mission for the global Church and we now have a pretty good idea of what the next 18 months will look like for HPPC as a church body (p. 8–11), but what about personal growth as Covenant Partners (members) seek to transform into mature disciples?

One of the Living Vision directives was to answer that question by providing a clear path of discipleship for our members no matter where they are on their journey. Transformation Pathways: Worship, Group, Serve is the discipleship initiative that was created to give specific, ongoing direction that will lead to deeper relationships with our Heavenly Father, with the people in our church family and with all of God’s children in the world.

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WORSHIP You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.

Matthew 22:37-38

WORSHIP Throughout the Scriptures, God commands his people to delight in worshiping him.

The word worship comes from the old English phrase “worth shape” and means to be shaped by the worth of what you behold. In corporate worship, we gather to behold the great majesty and graciousness of our God that we would be shaped by the worth of who he is.

As we sing, pray, confess, give, hear God’s Word and celebrate Communion; his excellencies are pressed into our hearts. We begin to love what God loves and to value what he values. Worship therefore not only magnifies God but also furthers our transformation into His likeness.

HPPC is asking that every Covenant Partner commit to making Sunday morning worship, in whatever style, a central part of their weekly rhythm and growth in Christ.

GROUP

In the New Testament, there are 59 mentions about doing something with or for “one another.” As people made in the image of a Trinitarian God, we are created for relationships with other believers that help foster our growth into the likeness of Christ.

Small groups provide us with the opportunity to move beyond the rows of worship into relationships where we can work out the truth of God’s Word and work it into our lives. By circling up, we can build friendships to love and support one another, hold one another accountable, pray for one another, and help one another grow up in the grace of Jesus Christ.

HPPC is asking every Covenant Partner to become part of a small group in which we invest in and grow alongside members of our church family.

GROUP A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35

SERVE

SERVE Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet… now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

John 13:15, 17

Jesus came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. As we grasp the sacrificial and costly way in which Jesus served us, our hearts will be drawn to serve others out of joy and gratitude to God. Yet the very act of serving changes our hearts as well. As we obediently elevate the needs and interest of others ahead of our own, we experience deep joy and gratification and also come to reflect the very nature of the God in whose image we were made and are being remade.

HPPC is asking every covenant partner to commit to serving others inside or outside our church that we would grow to embody and display the humble, sacrificial love of Christ.

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SPIRITUAL FORMATION

BECOMING MORE LIKE JESUS hat exactly is spiritual formation, anyway?

I remember first coming across that phrase, “spiritual formation,” and wondering if it was a kind of mystic activity reserved for introverted contemplatives who read Wendell Berry. I have come to realize over time, though, that these words express the most important process in the world – the process of becoming more and more like Jesus.

Unfortunately, devoted followers of Jesus are not microwaveable. There is no formula for instant transformation; it requires diligence and a patient commitment to training in the classic spiritual practices. What works for one person may not be the ideal strategy for spiritual growth in the life of another. In other words, disciples are hand-crafted, not mass-produced.

Paul says in Romans 7:18 ... For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. He confesses to the struggle of knowing that by nature

he is a sinful person. Similar to Paul, Christians’ bodies today are also held captive by sinful desires, but God reveals in Romans 12:2 the way to break free: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

We are grateful for the many stories of life change in our HPPC community over the past year. Our hope is that God will continue to lead people from every generation – through this church’s ministry and mission – into a transforming relationship with Jesus.

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DEVOTED FOLLOWERS OF JESUS ARE NOT MICROWAVEABLE. The renewing of the mind is a process that takes time, study, discipline and desire. God’s work of spiritual growth in members of Highland Park Pres was visible in many ways over the past year. The following pages highlight three transformational methods: this past year’s sermon series, the 40-day devotional on spiritual practices and the seminary-level course instruction of LITE.

BRYAN DUNAGAN

Senior Pastor 214-525-4248 | bryan.dunagan@hppc.org 14

Crafting sermon series is a collaborative effort that begins with prayer and the question, “How can we lead people down the path of spiritual maturity in Christ through the ongoing teaching of Scripture?” Pastors then spend many hours in study and prayer to prepare sermons for every Sunday.

PSALM 23: A SONG FOR THE LIVING took the passage read at the end of someone’s life and turned it into a deep well of wisdom for living life today.

THE WITH-GOD LIFE THE PERFECT FAMILY series walked through series challenged us to the Sermon on the Mount resist presenting a veneer and the importance of of perfection. Church closing the gap between exists for the broken, the knowing how and the bruised and battered that actual doing of life they may live together with Jesus. in authentic community under grace.

SPIRITUAL FORMATION

SERMON SERIES

Take a look back at this past year’s topics.

A MARY CHRISTMAS

To hear these sermons, visit hppc.org/messages or download our app on your iPhone or iPad.

looked at the story of Christmas through the eyes of Mary, a real person who exhibited real faith.

DOUBTING OUR DOUBTS series wrestled with the paradox of giving Christians permission to doubt while living in a place of faith. By confronting the hard questions, faith is actually strengthened.

STRIVE was an in-depth Lent study of the necessity of the spiritual disciplines and how their practice leads to true freedom.

DO JUSTICE series

GENERATIONS series

FAITH IN THE GAP

focused on how we as individuals and a community should care for the least and the lost of the world.

spelled out the biblical call to bless and honor the generations in and outside of the church by telling of the power of God.

addressed the human struggle to affirm God’s goodness in a world where evil seems to flourish.

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SPIRITUAL PRACTICES DEVOTIONAL

from the congregation

t all started with the simple thought, “How can we make Lent about more than just giving up chocolate?” and then the ripple effect began. “How can we help our congregation engage the Lenten Season, understanding it as more than just giving stuff up for 40 days?” and then, “How can we help the sermons move from Sunday into Monday through Saturday as well?”

Our leaders shared this deep desire to help the congregation engage in the classic spiritual practices of the church. The Lent Devotional Guide project was started last fall with confidence, prayer and trust that God would use a few words on a page to help transform lives.

I like Laura’s analogy as I talk about our Spiritual Gym with my sons. We have to make a conscious effort through Godly practices to have healthy spiritual lives. But I find myself alternating between periods of being in shape and gaps where I fall way short. This is a great series for HPPC to do together – great idea and timing. I have my gear on and am ready for Ash Wednesday to get here. Let’s go!” – Tom Koons I love the heart of [the Strive Devotional] – that we, as a community of faith, would be drawn closer to the Lord through practicing spiritual disciplines. I was challenged and have heard God speaking Truth to me.” – Lauren Eastburn I am really excited and look forward to having this resource for transformation during Lent.” – Charles Clift

We watched the guides “fly off the shelves.” People were sharing their Strive devotionals with friends who didn’t have one. They were shared with neighbors, around family dinner tables, at student small groups and in Sunday morning communities. They were taken on trips and used in personal time with God. Many more utilized the guide’s daily online version.

The guide, which helped countless people open their hearts to God’s leading, was made possible because of the prayers, the time and the giving to HPPC by so many.

LAURA MURRAY

Pastor of Spiritual Formation 214-525-4178 | laura.murray@hppc.org 16

from the graduates

PPC’s Lay Institute for Theological Education (LITE) exists to equip and empower our members to live and lead from a Reformed and biblical appreciation of God and his Word. This theological formation not only enhances the life and leadership of our church but also strengthens our witness to Christ in an increasingly post-Christian culture.

Over the last two years, more than 150 people have participated in at least one of the 10-week core classes on Christian Doctrine, Redemption in the Old and New Testaments and the practices of the Christian faith. Of these participants, 13 attended each of the core classes and read significant sections of Scripture and additional materials.

LITE teachers were incredibly encouraged and grateful to honor their efforts and achievement at a graduation dinner this May.

The LITE program will continue this fall with “History of Christian Doctrine” taught by Teaching Pastor Charlie Dunn and Director of Modern Worship Seth Jones. For more information, visit hppc.org/lite.

You cannot help but be changed as you dig deeper in these courses. On one occasion, we were charged to wake up in the morning and ask, ‘What would the New Jerusalem look like?’ and to then go and live the day in view of that goal. Now that’s transformational!” – Jackie Burke

SPIRITUAL FORMATION CONT.

LITE PROGRAM

It has been so powerful to open the Old Testament and see God through new eyes.

The Kingdom of God has new meaning and is written more clearly on my heart. Digging deeper into the Bible through these courses has renewed a yearning to know God and to be like him.” – Marisa Knag We feel we have a much better understanding of where the church is headed and of God’s plan for us. We also benefited greatly from the interaction in each class, and we are blessed to attend a church full of so much wisdom and insight.” – Allen and Teresa Welsh

CHARLIE DUNN

Teaching Pastor 214-525-4318 | charlie.dunn@hppc.org hppc.org/lite

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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

BY THE NUMBERS

5

Days

THE PAST 12 MONTHS

420 Kids

190 280

Volunteers

Families

MESSAGES Sanctuary, Modern & Communion Services hppc.org/messages

90

Sermons Delivered

by Bryan

MEMBERSHIP

155

Total Sermons Available Online

hppc.org/attend

ONLINE

MILESTONES

@hppcindallas

hppc.org/milestones

44 Baptisms

26 Births

21 Weddings

52 HS Graduates

29 Memorials 18

62 Confirmations

332,682

166

hppc.org Page Views

Instagram Followers

3,334

Facebook Likes

TOTAL BENEVOLENCE

$1,397,393 Church Planting

Urban Outreach

World Outreach

DGO

113,000

333,900

422,993

527,500

WORLD OUTREACH hppc.org/missionaries

39

Missionaries Supported

MISSION TRIP PARTICIPANTS

800

hppc.org/missiontrips

Bibles for Cuba

URBAN OUTREACH

11

Locations

$1575 Amount Collected for Bonton Farms

by VBS Kids

100K

Serving Saturday Meals Packed

29 Urban Ministry Partners

1267

Members Mobilized for Urban Service

in

8

Countries

MINISTRY RECAPS Turn the page to read stories and updates from

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Ministries at HPPC

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EARLY CHILDHOOD BIRTH–KINDERGARTEN

or the Early Childhood Ministry, it was a year filled with change and growth. For the first time in decades, the ministry began the year without the beloved Parent’s Co-Op Ministry. In the midst of this big shift, the Lord was faithful and we welcomed new discipleship opportunities to plant the seeds of faith in the hearts and minds of young children.

THE WOODS PLAY SPACE When one door closes, another opens. This quaint saying became a reality when two Co-Op classrooms transitioned into a temporary playroom and then later transformed into a forest-themed play space for young children and caregivers to gather. The Woods provides a warm invitation for families to be a part of HPPC’s community. The youngest children also have a clear indicator that they have a place at HPPC right from the start.

created a tool that will help their children continue to learn the Easter story and also share it with others.

It was a wonderful time of generations learning and connecting. Additional Play & Learn events are scheduled for the upcoming year.

MID-WEEK NURSERY CURRICULUM For our youngest ones, a monthly curriculum was added so that while parents attended Bible studies and meetings, their children experienced Bible stories, Scripture memory and activities that helped write Truth upon their hearts. It was heart-warming to hear little ones share Bible stories with their parents at pick-up time.

PLAY & LEARN MINISTRY During Lent, the new Play & Learn Ministry invited parents/grandparents to gather with their children to hear the Easter story and to learn how to share it in an age-appropriate way. The adults and children had a great time participating in the storytelling. They also 20

hppc.org/earlychildhood

TERESA MURRAY

Director of Early Childhood 214-525-4252 | teresa.murray@hppc.org

CALLED TO TEACH

EARLY CHILDHOOD MINISTRY

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THE CHILDREN ARE COMPLETELY ENTHRALLED AND ENGAGED AND EXCITED TO LEARN MORE.

By Teresa Murray

We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD and his might, and the wonders that he has done. – Psalm 78:4 Sunday mornings in the Alexander Building are always bustling! The energy of families in the halls and in Wight Garden is infectious. The teaching that takes place in the classrooms is planting the seeds of faith in such fun ways. The enthusiasm rises to the next level in the 11 am Kindergarten room thanks to the love and faithful teaching of Ms. Sharla and Ms. Denise.

Denise has been teaching the Kindergarteners for almost 25 years and Sharla for 15 years. Instead of repeating the 9:30 am curriculum, these ladies plan their lessons and then teach the children using the Godly Play curriculum. The Bible is brought to life with their interactive teaching style, Scripture memory

incentives and natural encouragement for each child who enters their room.

These ladies know all about the kids’ lives because of the quality time spent each week catching up with every child. During welcome time, the room’s atmosphere could be described as “boisterous.”

However, if you passed by the room during teaching time, you could hear a pin drop. The children are completely enthralled and engaged and excited to learn more.

Ms. Sharla and Ms. Denise, like so many of our Sunday School teachers, feel called to teach these children and take it very seriously. Almost every Sunday, older children look forward to Ms. Sharla and Ms. Denise stopping by their classrooms to stay for a while and catch up. Year after year, our church family is blessed by Sharla’s and Denise’s faithful answering of the Lord’s calling.

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The Advent Festival was a great family evening of crafts, a service project and the telling of the story of Jesus’ birth. The MASH Candy House Competition showed off the construction (and candy-eating) skills of 61 Elementary kids as they ended the ministry semester.

ELEMENTARY MINISTRY 1ST–4TH GRADES

he Elementary Ministry had a great year of pouring into 1st–4th graders at HPPC. Sunday mornings were filled with worship and teaching and Wednesday nights were packed with food, games and Bible study. The dedication of volunteers and staff created such loving environments.

At their age, Elementary kids are eager to soak up stories of the Bible and it is always an exciting day when the 3rd graders are presented with a colorful Adventure Bible that shares God’s word with them on just the right level. This year, 50 children and their families participated in 3rd Grade Bible Sunday.

Throughout the year, Come to the Table workshops were held to introduce children to Communion. After learning the three “Rs” of the sacrament – remember, receive and rejoice – kids and their families took part in The Lord’s Supper in worship.

WALTER TETER

Director of Elementary 214-525-4258 | walter.teter@hppc.org 22

hppc.org/elementary

Dads and Dodgeball was a great night dedicated to kids, dads and having fun. The group talked about the importance of reading the Bible as a family.

It’s never too early for children to learn about serving others for Christ. In October, MASH kids had a great time packing Operation Christmas Child boxes that were sent across the world. The Best Lemonade Stand Ever in April was a fun way for 3rd and 4th graders to raise $4,000 for The Children’s Hunger Fund. JAM56 mission kids delivered the money to the San Antonio organization that used it to feed 400 families for one week.

COMING BACK AROUND

By Walter Teter

As the Elementary Ministry director for the past fifteen years, one of the blessings of my tenure is that I have seen many kids grow up in our church and watched

When Eric was in the Elementary Ministry there were times when he was a challenge (like most boys). He spent some Sunday mornings in my office instead of class, but he also had many moments of connecting with the Bible lessons. Over the course of three years, I watched God transform Eric’s heart as he went from a 1st grader who challenged his Sunday School teacher to an engaged 4th grade student.

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He began as a junior counselor at Summer Splash and would set up crafts, make lemonade and clean up after activities. They were not elegant jobs but he never complained. Now a junior at Highland Park High School, he has become one of my most faithful volunteers. Every Sunday, Eric volunteers with 2nd graders and every Wednesday night he helps at MASH. God took this sometimes difficult little boy and transformed him into a young man who loves to serve.

I smile when I see Eric come alongside a rowdy 2nd grade boy and redirect him to the lesson. Eric points our Elementary children to Christ. God does have our kids in his hands and he does transform them!

ELEMENTARY MINISTRY

their love for Christ deepen. Eric Johnsen is one of those students.

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY FOR CHILDREN TO LEARN ABOUT SERVING OTHERS FOR CHRIST. After that year, he left our ministry but we were able to watch the transformation continue as others loved and mentored him. Then something really cool happened.

Eric began volunteering in our Elementary Ministry.

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JAM56 MINISTRY 5TH & 6TH GRADES

AM56 Ministry’s theme was to help students understand the Christian call to fulfill the greatest commandment to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength as well as to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37–39).

This past year had lots of silliness and laughter mixed with great times of learning and sharing. Small group leaders volunteered alongside staff and invested in the students each Sunday through Bible lessons. Staff and volunteers did their best to match the students’ endless energy on Wednesday nights too!

with HPPC member Dorothy Moore and her East Dallas organization that is changing lives.

This summer, 30 JAM56 kids served as HPPC VBS volunteers and then 50 students traveled to San Antonio to make a difference outside of Dallas.

They served by making food packs and organizing a Bonding is always a big part of JAM56’s ministry. clothing drive for a local ministry. Students strengthened The year started with a kickoff pool party, everyone their faith with nightly devotionals and deepened ate way too much chocolate during Choctober, they joined middle and high school kids for Club Christmas, friendships through sharing time and fun activities. played a ton of Gaga ball and then celebrated the end of school by getting sticky and dirty at the Fiasco Cup. In addition to big group activities, once a month leaders took groups of two or three students to lunch following church services to get to know them better.

Kids also loved when Roy popped into their school to share lunch with them.

Living out the year’s theme through service was powerful for students. JAM56 strengthened their partnership with Reconciliation Outreach by packing the church vans with students several times last year.

Eager students shared the love of God by hosting a soccer camp, helping with a school supply drive and much more. It was a privilege to once again partner 24

hppc.org/jam56

ROY FARIAS

Director of JAM56 214-525-4316 | roy.farias@hppc.org

As we age, we become less bold. At the physical extreme perhaps cliff diving has lost its appeal. In the spiritual realm maybe sharing your faith gets harder as the years go by. JAM56 student Key Coker Jr.’s story may motivate you to be bold once again.

endure for us. The rope knots symbolize how we are able to forever be joined with him in Heaven.

Key’s mother, Katherine, saw him a short time later with a cross much taller than him – six feet tall to be exact. Key dug a hole, set the cross and secured the base. And there it was: a very large wooden cross in the family’s front yard.

Key’s mom “hoped a few friends would be sweet and buy one” but the response to the email was overwhelming. Orders steadily came in until one day, the floodgates opened. Janet Denison of The Denison Forum came across the email and decided to share Key’s story on her blog.

Key was inspired to donate some of his proceeds to Kershaw’s Challenge after hearing Ellen and Clayton Kershaw speak at HPPC. The Christian organization encourages people to use their talents In January 2014, Key and members of HPPC’s Troop to make a difference and give back. Key beamed, “I 82 were sitting in the Sanctuary in uniform for Boy love baseball and am a huge Clayton Kershaw fan!

Scout Sunday. As he looked at the chancel, he was I wanted to share my love of the game just like he inspired to create a cross using knot-tying skills recently learned for a Scout merit badge. After church, does so I decided to give to his Mercy Street “Field of he rounded up some wood and rope and got to work. Dreams” project [in West Dallas].”

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HIS CROSS IN OUR YARD MADE ME REALIZE THAT IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO BOLDLY PROCLAIM OUR FAITH. Katherine Coker Key shared that he has always enjoyed symbols and how they express things without having to use words.

“John 3:16 has been engraved on my heart for a long time,” he said. “So for me, the symbol of the cross is the way to share the story of God’s greatest gift.”

Leading up to Easter, Key’s oversized cross received a good deal of attention from neighbors and passers-by alike. One woman drove up and asked if he could make a duplicate for her.

As the new year rolled around, Key wondered if the cross he made last year could make an even bigger impact this Easter. “I asked my parents what they thought about my making crosses and selling them to our friends and neighbors. They really encouraged me,” he said.

Each element of the cross has meaning to Key. The wood is a reminder of the sacrifice. The rope lashing around the wood symbolizes what Jesus chose to

JAM56 MINISTRY

A BOLD FAITH

Orders came in from all over the United States, leaving the Coker family amazed and very busy.

Katherine said, “We are just in awe of how God has used a simple afternoon project for Key to share the Good News in such a big way!”

The family’s trips to the lumberyard increased in frequency, as did the conversations with friends, neighbors and teachers.

Key realized how God gave him an easy way to share Jesus – even with total strangers in the checkout line at Home Depot.

“His cross in our yard made me realize that it is so important to boldly proclaim our faith,” Key’s mom said. “I was worried the neighborhood might have a problem with such a large statement, but Key, with a big heart and a child-like faith, marched it into the front yard for all to see. He loves the Lord and you know it!”

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MIDDLE SCHOOL MINISTRY 7TH & 8TH GRADES

t was an exciting year for the Middle School Ministry! The question was continuously woven throughout the year, “What does it look like when a middle school student follows Jesus Christ?” Each month kids gathered for First Wednesday Night Big Group. Jesus’ calling of the disciples in Matthew 4, kicked off the year.

Digging deeper into the chapter, students looked at discipleship from the viewpoints of Jesus, the Apostles and Zebedee (whose sons left him to join Jesus). They even looked from the perspective of the boat. Students were challenged to think about their own “boat” – the things that kept them from following Christ – and where they were in the process of stepping out in faith to follow Jesus.

In small groups (LTGs), 7th graders focused on theory and foundations of faith as they learned systematic theology in Confirmation – The Trinity,

Salvation, Bible, Church, Mission, Reformed Theology and the Eschaton (return of Christ). The 8th graders focused on application and the meaning of following Christ by reading through Colossians and Ruth.

The ministry’s goal was to stretch students to think critically about their personal faith and beliefs.

Great conversations were had in their small groups as a result.

Kids were encouraged to build community all year long through playing paintball and neon dodgeball at Gurly/Burly and plunging into an ice-cold lake after shaving cream wars at the Polar Bear Retreat. The summer concluded with two Confirmation class retreats in Colorado and the combined Middle School & High School Summer Mission Trip to serve the homeless population in San Francisco.

A BIGGER ROLE TO PLAY This year’s Confirmation class had 62 kids and more than 50 sponsors! In the past, the confirmation students and a church sponsor would get together over the course of the year for encouragement and to discuss topics in class. As a result of feedback from last year’s sponsors, the program was altered to integrate them into the class, which helped them feel more equipped to discuss the curriculum and bond with their students.

Sponsors went from meeting once or twice outside of

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MIDDLE SCHOOL MINISTRY

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THE MIDDLE SCHOOL MINISTRY’S GOAL WAS TO STRETCH STUDENTS TO THINK CRITICALLY ABOUT THEIR PERSONAL FAITH AND BELIEFS. the class to joining every class with their student. It was initially a confusing change of pace from the old way, but leaders quickly saw great benefits emerge.

Over the course of the year, students and sponsors were better able to bond and form meaningful relationships. Sponsors became an integral part of the teaching team and felt more equipped to have meaningful discussions.

One of the greatest experiences for staff was getting to watch adult sponsors teach and lead discussions with 12 and 13-year-olds. It was a great testament to the intergenerational culture of our church that so many sponsors were willing to let God work through them this year. Our sponsors were a central component of connecting our 7th graders with theology and the Gospel in life-changing ways.

JIM GRIBNITZ

Minister to Children & Students 214-525-4251 | jim.gribnitz@hppc.org hppc.org/middleschool

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HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY 9TH–12TH GRADES

rom golden pumpkins and Laser Tag to pulling weeds in the rain at Bonton Farms, the High School Ministry had a full year! The past 12 months saw the addition of a director, Michael Atwell, and an associate, Brandi Patton, along with a host of many other blessings. God moved in incredible ways in the lives of the students; new relationships were formed, existing friendships strengthened and lives were changed.

The year’s primary goal for the High School Ministry staff was to reach out to students and invite them into a community where the Gospel was preached, community was intentional and Christ was at the center of it all. The staff worked hard to provide a place where the door was always open and all students were welcome.

Some event highlights included the first-annual Golden Gourd Awards where kids made short films and then gathered for a giant watching party; girls only get-togethers with games and crafts; nights out for Whirly Ball, laser tag and live action play of the game, Assassin. Students also bonded and grew spiritually at weekly in-home, small group Bible studies.

With a year full of ideas, excitement and new events, it was evident that God was present and moving in the lives of these students. Michael and Brandi are eager and excited to see how God will continue to work in the High School Ministry this coming year.

THE POWER OF MUSIC

By Michael Atwell

There are few constants in High School Ministry, but one thing for sure is that students connect with God through music. Gospel-driven words associated with a powerful melody can cause a young person to meet face-to-face with his or her creator. This year, one of High School Ministry’s greatest blessings has been the addition of the Student Worship Band. It has opened the door for students to use their gifts of playing guitar, playing drums, playing piano and singing. Through this new ministry opportunity, they have been learning how to lead peers in authentic praise and worship that points them to Christ.

The ministry hosted a two-week series, CRUSH: A Biblical View of Love, Sex and Dating, that was popular with the kids – even drawing in some new faces.

Serving was an integral part of the program year.

Bonton Farms gave students the chance to give back to the South Dallas community. As part of the Middle School Polar Bear Retreat work crew and JAM56 Fiasco Cup volunteers, high schoolers modeled serving to younger students at HPPC. 28

MICHAEL ATWELL

Director of High School 214-525-4308 | michael.atwell@hppc.org

HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY

Students meet on Saturday morning to rehearse for the next day. They gather at 8:30 am on Sunday morning to set up and prepare. Before they begin, they pray that God will be the focus and will be honored through their music.

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I’VE GROWN IN MY FAITH THIS PAST YEAR AND IN MY ABILITY TO LEAD OTHERS IN PRAISING GOD. Caleb Jeavons Over the past few months, we’ve had multiple students request to be a part of the Sunday morning worship. We’ve had new kids attend so that they can use their gifts for God’s glory. For the main band leader, Caleb Jeavons, worship has played a vital role

in his spiritual growth: “I’ve grown in my faith this past year and in my ability to lead others in praising God.” Witness the Holy Spirit through the Student Worship Band every Sunday at 9:30 am in the Bell Center. hppc.org/highschool

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COLLEGE MINISTRY PPC’s College Ministry serves two groups of students throughout the year. The church’s proximity to SMU has the ministry team reaching out to students from September to May (The Den), and then they are busy reconnecting with college kids who have come back to Dallas over summer and Christmas breaks.

meals. Boulevarding for several SMU games as well as Christmas and Super Bowl parties were a few of the social activities that encouraged fellowship and community building among students and leaders.

One highlight of the year for the College Ministry was launching a student ministry team. Several students wanted to be more intentional about serving God in The Den met weekly throughout the academic year at various capacities at SMU. Ministry training sessions the College House on McFarlin. Each Sunday evening, helped equip them for their new roles. They also helped plan upcoming activities for The Den. In a group of students gathered for an interactive Bible August, leaders will continue in their ministry roles study and a shared meal. Helping students establish upon their return to campus.

Christian community and teaching them how to practically live out God’s Word during these important years is core to The Den’s ministry. Prioritization was also given to one-on-one meetings to deepen relationships and study the Bible. HPPC members from multiple generations blessed students again this year by preparing and serving the Sunday night

JONATHAN HICKS

Director of College Ministry 214-525-4276 | jonathan.hicks@hppc.org 30

COLLEGE MINISTRY

A NEW LIFE IN CHRIST This past year, God worked through one of our college students, T.I. Atkins, who lovingly shared the Gospel and God’s story of redemption with a friend from his hometown. He recounted the event to College Director Jonathan Hicks who was able to become a part of the story as well.

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THE JOY OF THAT EXPERIENCE FOR ME WAS TWO-FOLD. I GOT TO SEE A YOUNG MAN FILLED WITH A NEW LOVE FOR JESUS, BUT I WAS ALSO ABLE TO SEE GOD USE T.I. AS A MINISTER OF RECONCILIATION. Jonathan Hicks T.I. told of his friend Jacob, who had watched T.I. grow in his relationship with Jesus over the years and saw how Christ had shaped his life, particularly during the time at college. Jacob had been pretty resistant to the Gospel for years,” T.I. said. “So it was nothing less than a miracle when he made the decision to become a Christian!”

T.I. recalled how he spent many times talking through Jacob’s objections to the faith. He encouraged Jacob to read the Bible and also some select books like Tim Keller’s The Reason for God and C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity to address some of his questions. Over the breaks, they would attend church together. This Christmas break was different. T.I. learned that his friend prayed to trust Jesus.

T.I. wanted to celebrate the new life in Christ of his longtime friend. When Jacob came to Dallas for a visit in early January, T.I. invited some friends and spiritual mentors to his house to share in the occasion. They feasted together on large quantities of grilled meat (the college guy’s meal of choice) and gathered around to hear Jacob’s story. He spoke of how God had changed his heart to love Jesus. Friends then prayed for Jacob and encouraged him as he began his walk with Jesus.

Jonathan, HPPC’s college director, attended the celebration and shared his thoughts: “The joy of that experience for me was two-fold. I got to see a young man filled with a new love for Jesus, but I was also able to see God use T.I. as a minister of reconciliation.

This is just one of the great joys of getting to minister to college students at HPPC!” T.I. has been involved in The Den for almost three years and is part of the SMU student ministry leader team. He has served on several mission trips to Haiti, volunteered in the High School Ministry and recently became a covenant partner. hppc.org/college

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YOUNG ADULTS MINISTRY oung adults have been the fastest growing life stage of our church in recent years and it has been exciting to see them grow closer to Jesus and to one another through teaching, social events and service initiatives.

Throughout last year, the Harbor Community featured rich teaching and discussions each Sunday morning in the Parlor. Dedicated teachers on rotation, guest speakers like Rhett Smith and panel discussions with parents of older children deepened the Christian walk of members.

A Tuesday Night Large Group of mostly singles and newly-married young adults was launched last August.

They gathered twice monthly to eat dinner and study Scripture together. The response was overwhelming and drew significant numbers of people to the church and into Christian community.

God’s heart for his people is that they love one another, share life’s ups and downs together, grow closer to him together and draw others near to him. This kind of authentic community was made visible in the Young Adults Ministry through small groups and community events. Mid-week Bible studies and Dinner for 8 groups fostered deeper friendships and growth of spiritual wisdom. The art of potluck was perfected by bigger group gatherings including the Fall BBQ, the Christmas Party hosted by the Dunagans, the Super Bowl party, the Crawfish Boil, Guys and Girls Nights and the Fourth of July Picnic and Parade.

Service around Dallas with HPPC’s ministry partners was another core component of their time spent 32

CAMERON BEATY

Director of Young Adults 214-525-4272 | cameron.beaty@hppc.org

YOUNG ADULTS MINISTRY

together. Young adults served AELC students, teachers and parents as Science Night volunteers, with a cookout after a PTA meeting and with a party celebrating the 5th grade graduates. They were also the hands and feet of Christ at Bonton Farms by painting, planting and caring about the community’s joys and struggles.

After another great year of increasing young adult numbers, leaders decided the over-capacity community would be best served by being segmented into two distinct groups. In May it was announced that new Sunday Morning Communities will begin in late August.

Adults in their mid-30’s to 40’s will spin off into a new community while Young Adults will remain focused primarily on 20’s to mid-30’s. Both look forward to an exciting year of growth in Christ Jesus as they plan new events and initiatives.

TAKE AWAY MY FEAR

By Darby Scebold

Despite being a missionary kid, I’ve always struggled with feeling ill-equipped to share the Gospel. I don’t have seminary level knowledge about theology and feel like I can’t articulate my faith very well. Last fall I prayed for an opportunity to share my faith in a way that felt natural to me. I asked, “Lord, if you created me and designed me in this unique way, please give me an opportunity to share your love with someone.

Take away my fear.”

My husband, John, and I are part of an HPPC small group of young adults. Just before Christmas we gathered at a local restaurant and happened to meet a young woman who recently relocated from

New York. Through conversations, I learned that she was raised in a Jewish home. I also discovered that she was curious about experiencing worship at an evangelical church. We exchanged information and promised to stay in touch.

Two weeks later, she joined us for the Christmas Eve service and loved it. She especially enjoyed receiving Tim Keller’s book, The Reason for God. Following the service, she joined my family’s Christmas Eve festivities – it was the first time she had celebrated Christmas. That evening she told us about her search for a spiritual path.

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I DIDN’T HAVE TO DO ANY CONVINCING OR USE BIG THEOLOGICAL WORDS; I SHOWED UP AND MADE MYSELF AVAILABLE. GOD’S LOVE TRANSCENDS OUR WORDS AND ACTIONS. In January, we attended the Doubting Our Doubts sermon series together. One Sunday at lunch she asked about picking a Bible so she could learn more.

Soon after that, we began reading the book of Mark together and had great conversations about Jesus. hppc.org/youngadults

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Continued from previous page.

Before dawn on a cold February morning, my friend woke me by text with some very exciting news. Around 2 am that morning, she had accepted Christ as her Savior! She still had questions, but was so grateful for his gift that she didn’t want to delay acknowledging her need for him. The tears started flowing!

On March 8, I was overjoyed to see my new sister get baptized. Our small group and my family witnessed it as well. Following the service, we celebrated her adoption into the family in Christ with a fabulous brunch party.

Reflecting on my experience, I realize that I didn’t have to do any convincing or use big theological words; I showed up and made myself available. God’s love transcends our words and actions. The pressure is off of us. We should feel free to let him do his thing.

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AN OPEN TRIBE

By Erin Hicks

“No way! Me too!” In fall 2011, these four words drew guards down and put hearts at ease when six young mothers at HPPC took the big scary step of admitting that they were lonely and hungry for Christ-centered friendship.

While there were plenty of young mothers at the church, there wasn’t a clear way for them to connect with one another. This left many feeling isolated as they navigated motherhood on their own. The six women began meeting weekly to study and pray for one another. Soon, play groups were formed as more young moms joined and children expanded families.

As these women bonded, their husbands connected within the group too. Friends and neighbors were

invited and meals were shared. Today the original group of six moms has more than tripled and added more than 20 babies. They have become for each other what Christian author Jen Hatmaker aptly calls her “tribe.” They are the people to text last minute to meet at the park or to watch one kid while taking the other to the emergency room.

The moms of this young adult community emphasized that they are an open tribe – one that is eager to envelope the next lonely mom or newcomer to Dallas and one that doesn’t want to see anyone fall through the cracks and into isolation. They affirmed Jen Hatmaker’s wisdom that by sharing the burden of parenting, it becomes lighter for everyone to carry.

Jen wrote in her book, Out of the Spin Cycle, of the importance of friends, “Never was I more susceptible to isolation than during young motherhood. If we are to love each other like Jesus loved us, then it makes practical sense to band together during this time.

Because, like Jesus does, we’ll end up loving each other when we’re crazy, burned out, hysterical and exhausted.”

hppc.org/youngadults

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Anchor was born out of women across generations who wanted to connect in spiritual partnership by blessing and honoring one another. The hope is that at the study’s conclusion, women will continue to deepen friendships made.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY he Women’s Ministry was no exception to the surge of energy and enthusiasm in HPPC’s atmosphere over the past year. The annual theme of Celebrate Your Season was woven throughout studies, events and acts of service as women were called to be a light in all seasons of a life lived in Christ.

The fall was busy with a welcome reception for Ali Dunagan and a kickoff luncheon that featured Proverbs 31 speaker Suzie Eller, who encouraged women to see the difficult crossroads in life as a time to examine whether God is the one directing their steps. In December, women gathered for Cup of Christmas Cheer, followed by the springtime Legacy of Faith dinner where Adrienne Strodel candidly shared her faith journey after her son had an ATV accident and suffered a traumatic brain injury.

In April, 90 moms, daughters, friends and neighbors were outfitted with aprons, paint palettes and brushes for Lift High the Cross, a new Holy Week fellowship event. Women had a meaningful morning as they expressed gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice through cross painting.

Spiritual transformation happened for so many through one of the 17 weekly and monthly Bible studies. Leadership was also excited to announce Anchor, a new intergenerational women’s community for the fall. Weekly studies will pause for the nineweek gathering featuring HPPC teachers who will be sharing about God’s timeless truths.

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hppc.org/women

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GOD HAS HARD-WIRED US TO LIVE LIFE IN COMMUNITY AND THESE ARE JUST TWO WOMEN IN THE MINISTRY EXPERIENCING THE RICHNESS OF THE BLESSINGS THAT COME FROM INTERTWINING THE GENERATIONS OF SISTERS IN CHRIST. Service initiatives like sewing newborn caps and “snugglies,” AELC’s Reading Buddies program and book sorting project, ARK’s Mother Mentor Program and Serving Saturday meal packing brought women both inside and outside the church together in community for Christ. The Tom Thumb Rewards Card Program also raised $10,000 to bless organizations in need throughout the Dallas community.

Ministry leadership is looking forward to another year of encouraging all generations of women at HPPC in their spiritual walk.

WALK WITH ME “I had been praying for some time about a spiritual mentor in my life.

When Lisa Koons told me that several women were exploring a spiritual partnership ministry at HPPC, I was so excited!”

Marley Goudge, a member of the Young Adults Community, reflected.

“One woman stood out in my mind. I admired

Angie Vaughan had just spent five years in seminary, was busy as a Baylor Hospital chaplain and was wrapping up her kids’ school years when the call came about serving as a mentor. “I was very unsure if I could commit myself to serving in this current season,” she shared. On the call, Angie was told that someone had specifically asked for her as a mentor. “I didn’t even ask about the young woman, I said tell me her name. When she said, ‘Marley,’ without hesitation I said, ‘I’m in.’” Angie knew God had been at work in anticipation of this moment.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY

her as a godly woman and wanted to get to know her better. I asked Lisa if she planned to participate.”

While serving as a shepherd in the New Members Class two years ago, Angie got to know Marley and her husband, Robert. Catching up with each other mostly happened in Elliott Hall on Sunday mornings, yet Angie felt a connection with Marley – like she was family. “I was thrilled that Angie agreed. Clicking with a spiritual partner was very important to me,” Marley said. Angie’s candidness and honesty had Marley feeling like she was catching up with an old friend. Angie said that this kind of intergenerational living feels like a fountain of youth for her.

God has hard-wired us to live life in community and these are just two women in the ministry experiencing the richness of the blessings that come from intertwining the generations of sisters in Christ.

PAM PEARSON

Women’s Ministry Coordinator 214-525-4231 | pam.pearson@hppc.org 37

MEN’S MINISTRY he Men at HPPC continued to grow spiritually, deepen friendships and serve in many ministries within the church. Two new initiatives over the past year were the Ascent Men’s Community held on Tuesday mornings and the Handyman Ministry, which was created to assist older members with small projects or simple repairs around the house.

There were many ways men were seen serving, whether inside the church as ushers and greeters on Sundays, throughout the week in leadership as elders or deacons or in the community for the Serving Saturday event, the AELC Family Work Day or most recently through the Handyman Ministry.

Sporting events were used as a way to introduce newcomers to HPPC as well as forge existing relationships among active members. The fall Ryder

Cup-styled golf retreat at Lost Pines in East Texas and the in-town spring scramble at Stevens Park were both well attended. The retreat featured guest speaker and Reunion Church pastor, Richard Ellis, who pushed men deeper into the Word. The scramble raised funds for our West Dallas ministry partner, Amelia Earhart Learning Center in West Dallas. Nights out for Mavericks, Stars and Rangers games were a great way to relax and get to know one another better.

In January, the Men’s ministry hosted an evening with Ellen and Clayton Kershaw. The MVP pitcher and his wife shared with a packed room about baseball, their faith journeys and how they passionately encourage each person to use their talents to serve the Lord through Kershaw’s Challenge.

JOSH PECK

Director of Adults & Connections 214-525-4184 | josh.peck@hppc.org 38

The goals for the coming year are to not only continue building spiritual character, but also growing the number of ministry participants as they seek to make disciples.

MEN’S MINISTRY

BUILDING STRONG MEN A strong man is authoritative, confident, successful, tough and independent. He works long hours, for great money, so his children can go to the best schools, his wife can have a lovely home and they can hit the slopes in the winter and sail clear waters in the summer.

That is society’s definition of a strong man, but what defines a strong Christian man?

Just a few weeks into the launch, 120 men were already meeting in small groups on Tuesday morning.

On the agenda was digging deep into Scripture, but not before receiving a dose of Jimmy Fallon-esque comedy to complement the coffee and (ever-illusive) breakfast.

Men were asked to deviate from old habits like checking the boxes, going through the motions and pretending that life was great. Teachers first shared a brief lesson on some tough topics and then groups huddled up to talk about what the subject meant for their lives.

He is submissive – to the authority of Jesus Christ. He is humble – knowing that his salvation is not based on his efforts. He works hard – because the Lord says work is good and he earnestly seeks to glorify God using his talents. He is gentle – in the leading and disciplining of his children and in the loving of his wife. Christians have been called to live in this world and He is dependent – upon God’s daily grace and mercy. not of it. But it can’t be done in isolation, because sin does its best work in the dark. Men of HPPC’s Several men of the church saw a need for a place Ascent Community are stepping into the light and where guys could gather for support, accountability, intentionally striving to be strong biblical men. and learning as they sought to be strong Christian To learn more about Ascent, visit hppc.org/ascent. men. That need led staff and lay leaders to put together a men’s community last fall called Ascent.

hppc.org/men

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ADULTS 60 PLUS MINISTRY he collective sentiment about the past year for the Adults 60 Plus Ministry team has been, “Thank you, Lord!” What began as the Senior Adult Ministry ended with a new name, a new committee structure and some exciting initiatives for the coming years.

Similar to other ministries, Adults 60 Plus’ year was influenced by opportunities identified in the Mission Study Report as the whole church sought direction for HPPC’s future. A task force was formed and challenged to take a fresh look at how this life stage could be an integral part of blessing and uniting the generations.

The first task accomplished was a name change for the life stage in order to reflect the group of mature adults moving beyond the throes of raising children

and to help them invest in the life and work of HPPC. Integrating these men and women into community life and ministering to them were also deemed critically important.

The committee structure also changed to reflect the expanded age range and to facilitate increased activity in all ministry areas of HPPC. The following subcommittees were reaffirmed and some new ones created: Friday Fellowship Team, Homebound Ministry Team, Engagement Ministry Team and Sticky Faith Ministry Team.

Involvement highlights of the year included Women’s and Men’s Ministry events and Bible studies, Handyman Ministry, VBS, Serving Saturday, Bonton Farms, Reconciliation Outreach Ministries, Confirmation Program sponsors, day trips around the city, Friday Fellowship programs and Homebound visitation and communion.

MOLLY JONES

Director of Adults 60 Plus 214-525-4216 | molly.jones@hppc.org 40

In the coming year, Adults 60 Plus men and women look forward to richly blessing younger generations at HPPC, particularly in the Children and Student Ministry, and blessing the city through spiritual partnership and service as they share God’s message of hope.

ADULT 60 PLUS MINISTRY

ENTER INTO THE JOY OF THE MASTER There are many seasons in life, each with purpose and meaning, but one that many people enjoy greatly is the time when they get to focus abundantly on blessing others. For many of the Adults 60 Plus members of our church, this is the perfect time in their lives to actively participate in the many ministries of HPPC.

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WE CAN SERVE WITH OPEN AND LOVING HEARTS OUT OF THE SENSE OF BLESSING THAT GOD HAS GIVEN TO US. Molly Jones Name a ministry of this church and you will most likely find a member of the Adults 60 Plus community involved, as there seems to be something to interest just about everyone! This past year, many were VBS volunteers – one brought his grandchild and then stayed to teach class and another acted out Bible stories in daily chapel time. Others worked up a sweat by serving at Bonton Farms or helped out with home repairs through the new Handyman Ministry. Teams of people also took time to visit with and bring Communion to homebound members.

Each opportunity was a joyful exercise in binding the generations together.

In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus shared these words with his disciples to emphasize the joy our Heavenly Father feels when we use our special gifts to share, or multiply, the good news of his love in the world: Well done, good and faithful servant. The Adults 60 Plus community is excited to be active and engaged in all areas of the church in anticipation of hearing Jesus say those words one day.

“It is our hope that we can be a blessing to the church as a whole by serving with open and loving hearts out of the sense of blessing that God has given to us,” said Director Molly Jones.

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singing and praising in both English and native African languages. Several times last year, All Nations and Modern services were combined to unite HPPC members in a unique hybrid of the two worship styles.

ALL NATIONS MINISTRY hat began 14 years ago as a church plant has become a vibrant and integral part of the tapestry of the HPPC family. The All Nations community had another wonderful year of worship, serving and growing in their spiritual walk with Jesus.

This body of mostly first-generation emigrants from countries like Kenya, Namibia and Ghana has steadily grown in numbers over the years and needed room to welcome all those who wanted to attend worship. The relocation this past year of Sunday worship from the at-capacity Bell Center to the Hunt Building Gym was a cause for major celebration.

All Nations worship is a multi-hour event with a start time that is known to be a moving target. Their passion for the Lord is evidenced by unabashed

Bible studies for men, women and youth kept the community in the habit of learning and growing closer to Christ and to each other. Choir and worship band provided opportunities for members to get into the rhythm of sharing their gifts. Retreat weekends took people out of their routines and brought them closer to each other and deepened their spiritual walk.

Coming together for food and fellowship is a vital part of strengthening the interconnectedness of all the generations that take part in All Nations. New Year’s Day, All Nations’ Anniversary Sunday, Easter, Mother’s and Father’s Day and Christmas Day were some of the occasions last year that featured guest preachers and potluck meals of authentic African cuisine.

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I DID NOT HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS, BUT GOD USED ME IN THOSE MOMENTS TO POINT THEM TO THE TRUTH AND TO HIM. In addition to on-campus activity, All Nations also had a very active presence across the city. Members continued to use parish-focused Bible study groups as a way to reach out to new neighbors. Director of All Nations Children, Student and College, Mathew Ngao, said that many people are not able to attend worship services on Sundays but felt connected to the larger group through the weekly studies.

With more worship space, All Nations looks forward to growing their community in the coming year for God’s glory.

THE WORK IS NOT FINISHED An adult volunteer shared their story of impact from the All Nations Youth Spring Break 2015 retreat.

CYPRIAN GUCHIENDA

Pastor to All Nations 214-525-4285 | cyprian.guchienda@hppc.org 42

As I prepped for the All Nations Students Spring Break Retreat, I knew my role was to be a helper. In my eyes, it meant assisting the leaders with small

ALL NATIONS MINISTRY

tasks, such as setting up for dinner and running small errands. I definitely knew my role and intended to stay in it. I also prayed that God would use the leaders in a powerful way and that they would have a lasting impact on the youth’s lives during those three days.

struggles and I was not satisfied with just coming back to my normal routine. I didn’t know specifics but I knew that I wanted to get more involved. I felt that the retreat was just a beginning. It was an open door for a larger investment into the lives of the All Nations kids.

I came in as a helper with a strong sense of my limitations and fears. I knew I could not stand before the group and share words that would be life-changing. That has never been me. I also felt very self-conscious around the youth – wondering if they would think I was cool enough to be in their midst.

Would I make them uncomfortable? How could I avoid them seeing me as a stereotypical leader’s assistant just there to keep them out of trouble?

God proved to me that even within my limitations, he could use a small conversation to alter lives. He also placed a strong burden on me to continue having those small conversations. Though the retreat ended, the work is not finished.

Contradictory to my prayers for the leaders, I somehow felt I was an exception. Little did I know that he was working through me in a powerful way all along. Even though I had some fears, I was open to being there when they wanted someone to talk with.

In this small role, I spent several afternoons having individual conversations. These small talks were life-altering for me, and in some way I felt a deep sense of God’s presence and his work in them. I was exposed to deep struggles and challenges faced by our youth – things I had never faced at their age. Yet I felt God using me to share his power and strength through his Word and presence. I can’t quite explain, but I found myself having conversations I never expected to be a part of in a million years and I shared about God in a way I had never done before. I did not have all the answers, but God used me in those moments to point them to the truth and to him.

After those three days, I returned to my usual work routine but I was still shaken; I felt that three days was not enough. My eyes had been opened to such deep hppc.org/attend

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CONGREGATIONAL LIFE CARING FOR OUR MEMBERS he heart of the Congregational Life Ministry is to care for HPPC members in all stages of life so that they in turn can serve others in the church and in the community.

Some of the ministries under the Congregational Life include Deacons, Angel Food Ministry, Hospital Visitation, Support Groups, Funerals and Memorials, Prayer Room and the newly added Shiloh: Infertility and Loss Ministry. Team members saw God moving through each of these ministries over the past year.

THE POWER OF PRAYER There’s a little room just off the south door of Wynne Chapel and if you didn’t know it was the Prayer Room, you just might miss it. However, every day men and women, with the gift of intercessory prayer, silently slip in and out of this tiny room that serves a mighty

CHERYL BLACK

Director of Congregational Life 214-525-4288 | cheryl.black@hppc.org 44

purpose. There are 50 people in this ministry who have committed to spend time passionately praying for the needs of others. Prayer cards are collected in the offering plate, in the Welcome Center, or received through online website submissions and then they go to work – praying for the needs of our church family as well as petitioning for those around the world who have no voice.

When there were no more tears left to cry or strength to carry on, many have been comforted knowing that the angels in the prayer room lifted up their requests to our Heavenly Father. It’s a ministry with no public accolades, and yet the fruits of its labor are so great.

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE MINISTRY

INTO THE LIGHT Congregational Life coordinates several support groups that address specific needs like grief, lifestyle addictions and divorce. This year, a new support group, Shiloh, was launched for couples experiencing infertility, miscarriage or infant loss. A simple mention about Shiloh in a Sunday service brought tears to one woman’s eyes. Her heart leapt at the chance to share the burden of anxiety and sadness of her infertility experience with couples on the same journey. The ministry consists of a women’s weekly Bible study and

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THERE SEEMS TO BE A NEVER-ENDING SUPPLY OF MEN AND WOMEN WILLING TO BLESS OTHERS a time of sharing. Couples events are held periodically as well. Leaders pray that the ministry will continue to draw more people out of the darkness and shame they feel during this season and bring them into the light of hope and peace found in our sovereign Lord.

ANGELS COME IN ALL SIZES Since its inception in May 2013, deacons and shepherds have delivered 430 Angel Food Ministry bags to church families who have experienced a major life event such as welcoming a new baby, hospitalization or the loss of a loved one. The homemade meal, complete with an angel food cake, not only provides the family a night off from cooking, but also gives a connection opportunity between members in the same neighborhood.

Shepherd Chris Davidson recently delivered an Angel Food meal to new parents within his parish. On that particular day his daughter, Sarah, joined him in full regal attire, complete with tiara. She proudly helped her dad carry the bag that was almost as big as she was! Double blessings came from that day’s delivery – one family received the gift of rest and another was able to model the joy of serving to his child.

CYCLE OF SERVING Sometimes people simply can’t give. They find themselves needing to receive – to receive help, prayers, encouragement or support. Thankfully so many in our church family stand ready for those members who are in that season of life. There seems to be a never-ending supply of men and women willing to bless others and Congregational Life Director Cheryl Black explains why: “Time and again I see people who have been touched by a ministry and soon after they ask how they can become involved. It seems to have created a ministry-within-a-ministry and gives so many the chance to serve after being served.”

One member saw the joy of residents in her mother’s assisted living facility when the church visited, which moved her to serve in our Homebound Ministry.

Another member experienced the love of Christ through an Angel Food delivery and felt called to become a part of the cooking team as a way to give back to the ministry that touched her heart. A couple that experienced the pain of infertility joined the Shiloh Ministry to walk that heartbreaking journey with others.

Ecclesiastes tells us that for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

However, it is always the time to draw close to your church family. Someone is waiting with open arms to give rest to the weary and burdened. hppc.org/congregationallife

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that helps feed people in homeless shelters.

MUSIC MINISTRY

ADULTS AND CHILDREN

he use of music to honor God, bless each other and bless the world is something that HPPC has faithfully accomplished for many generations. Two adult choirs, one student choir, three children’s choirs, two handbell choirs, brass and percussion ensembles, organists, pianists, guest soloists and bagpipers all made this ministry incredibly vibrant over the past year.

Members of the adult choirs sang in 125 Sunday worship and special services as well as numerous memorials and weddings. Music was also shared with the entire community through Highlander Concert Series performances highlighting both our Chancel Choir and Highland Park Chorale.

Children and student choirs blessed several Sunday services, a Christmas Eve service and fascinated family and friends with full-scale musical productions. The Genesis Choir, comprised of 7th–12th grade students, traveled to Seattle, Washington, where they sang in churches and retirement homes; then served by working at an urban farm 46

Through the Highlander Concert series, HPPC welcomed back the world-renowned Tallis Scholars choral group. The Advent Organ Recital Series featured talented guest organists from around the city for weekly concerts leading up to Christmas.

Members also delighted in the annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan worship service that honored the Scottish heritage of the Presbyterian faith with music from a bagpipe ensemble.

Music in its many forms is not only a way to express gratitude to God, but is also a powerful tool for evangelism. The ministry team is already looking forward to another exciting year of serving the Lord by sharing his Word through worship and music.

A CHANCE TO LEAD The art of music seems to bring together people of all different personalities. It draws in the shy, the bold and everything in between. For many members of the Genesis Choir, being a part of this community has been life-changing – it’s been a place to grow in spirit and in confidence.

This past year, the Genesis Choir united 28 students in six different grades from nine different school districts or private schools under the common desire to enrich people’s lives through singing. Director Gay Munselle used weekly rehearsals not only for song practice, but also to incorporate intentional team building and spiritual development.

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THE ART OF MUSIC SEEMS TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER. IT DRAWS IN THE SHY, THE BOLD AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. Gay Munselle “Our children are growing up in such a highly competitive society. I have seen so many at our church who have struggled for academic success or vied for top-tier leadership positions at school and been disappointed. Yet, I am excited to see that through choir participation, they have had the opportunity to explore and develop leadership skills,” Gay shared.

MUSIC MINISTRY

The Genesis community of choir students consistently encouraged one another and exemplified unconditional acceptance of their peers. Gay noted that this kind of affirmation by Christian brothers and sisters is formative and life altering: “We’ve had kids outside of the church join Genesis for a chance to share their musical gifts and be a part of a safe, accepting community. We have welcomed them with open arms.”

THE BELLS ARE BACK For many years, HPPC had a carillon that chimed the hour and played hymns and tunes, which became a special part of the atmosphere in University Park.

Every now and then people mentioned it fondly, but no one could remember the last time they heard it ring.

ringing bells, they wanted to give a new carillon to the church. Martha Lou said, “We all thought what a joyous way to celebrate our anniversaries and bless the community. Let’s bring the carillon music back!”

HPPC’s new carillon features digitally mastered recordings from the world’s finest carillons. They are played through high-quality speakers housed in the spire that face all four cardinal points. An iPad stores the music and cues the bells to chime.

Whether tolling the hour, pealing in celebration of a wedding or playing seasonal carols, the bells of the new carillon are once again glorifying God as part of the church’s atmosphere and in the community for many years to come.

The word carillon comes from the French word quadrillon, which means four bells. In early centuries, manually ringing bells alerted townspeople to events.

However, modern bell-ringing is more often used to bring sacred music outdoors. Usually, keyboardactivated clappers ring bronze bells housed in a tower. Because our Sanctuary spire wasn’t large enough to house a complete bell set, an electronic carillon that played recordings of bells was installed in 1952. It was a gift of George E. Seay, Sr. and his two brothers.

Ministry leaders were discussing options for replacing the inoperable unit when two couples came forward with an idea. Nancy and George Seay and Martha Lou and Dan Beaird, members who have lived near the church for many years, were each celebrating 50th wedding anniversaries. With fond memories of the

GREG HOBBS

Director of Music 214-525-4208 | greg.hobbs@hppc.org hppc.org/music

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RECREATION MINISTRY he Sports and Recreation Ministry was blessed with a new director, Peter McKee, who spent the year getting familiar with existing programs and also trying out new ones.

The Park Cities Basketball League, a mainstay in the community, had another successful year due to the help from current and past staff. Middle and high school boys heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the season with weekly devotionals, and when the whistle blew, they played the game with sportsmanship and enthusiasm.

Neymar. Elementary kids enjoyed two summer Futsal camps, which will lead to something bigger this fall.

Other recreation initiatives included yoga, handball and volleyball. Women enjoyed yoga classes that focused on resting and refueling with Scripture. A handball league drew many people from international backgrounds to the church. Volleyball nights were popular with All Nations members who brought friends to play as well.

The Sports and Recreation Ministry’s goal is to become a great vehicle for outreach and discipleship for members of the church as well as those in the surrounding community.

Many new sports activities were introduced through weekly events and summer camps. Futsal Fridays had many middle school students playing the internationally GAMES FOR THE GOSPEL popular game, which is a variation of indoor soccer.

Known for its creativity and exciting play, the game has produced soccer stars like Messi, Ronaldo and Last fall, JAM56 asked the Sports and Recreation Ministry to partner with them for a service event at Reconciliation Outreach (RO). Wanting to focus on a sport that everyone could enjoy, they chose Futsal, a game that is fast-paced, high-scoring and rapidly growing across the globe. The five-on-five games involve fancy footwork and creative shot-making.

Peter McKee was already introducing the sport to HPPC kids, so was excited to do the same for RO.

PETER MCKEE

Recreation Coordinator 214-525-4265 | peter.mckee@hppc.org 48

The Dorothy Moore Gymnasium was the perfect place to introduce the game to a bunch of energetic boys and girls. JAM56 students jumped right in alongside the boys and girls of RO to learn the sport and to coach the younger kids. The initial time of drills and awkward greetings melted into a mass of kids who were laughing, hollering and cheering for one another as they kicked the ball across the gym.

RECREATION MINISTRY

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IT WAS BEAUTIFUL TO SEE HOW A SPORT CAN BREAK DOWN ARTIFICIAL BARRIERS AND PAVE INROADS FOR GOSPEL RELATIONSHIPS.” Peter McKee

“It was beautiful to see how a sport can break down artificial barriers and pave inroads for gospel relationships. I have always loved sports for this reason,” Peter shared. A “good shot” or “great pass” shout-out can create an instant friendship.

JAM56 students saw that reaching out to others less fortunate is easier than they thought. The boys and girls of RO witnessed older students who cared and wanted to play with them. Leaders for both groups saw transformation that day.

Sports can be an incredible tool for the Gospel.

It makes teammates out of people who may not otherwise speak to each other and draws people from different backgrounds into community together in the name of Christ.

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HPPC 75

DOWNTOWN DALLAS

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URBAN OUTREACH

35E

OUR LOCAL DALLAS MINISTRIES

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At HPPC, we hope to see a spiritual, economic and physical transformation of our city. We fund ministries and serve with our partners to help them to be successful in their Gospel-driven missions. Here are a few fun statistics from eight of our partners:

ACT Dallas HPPC members partnered with ACT Dallas in prayer and providing legal counsel.

ACT shares the Gospel through empowering inner-city residents with tools they need to take back their neighborhood.

Bonton Farms HPPC donated 100 chickens to Bonton Farms, which in total produce about 75 eggs each day. That’s 27,375 eggs per year for the Bonton residents who are living in a food desert.

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Amelia Earhart Learning Center

Austin Street Shelter

Body and Soul

In 2014–15, we had 50 reading buddies taking an hour out of their week to build friendships and love on kids from AELC.

HPPC members served over 400 meals each month to the homeless men and women at Austin Street Shelter in downtown Dallas.

Once a month, we served over 80 homeless men and women who came for breakfast and worship at a downtown church.

Additionally, HPPC gave away 960 toiletry kits.

Dallas Leadership Foundation HPPC partnered with more than 700 people and churches to help targeted neighborhoods receive cleanups and renovations.

Mercy Street When our AELC students transition to middle school, Mercy Street provides longterm mentors that establish relationships that encourage kids to seek growth in faith, activities and academics.

Reconciliation Outreach HPPC supported RO’s ministry which impacted approximately 1,000 children through summer camps, after school programs and youth outreach.

URBAN OUTREACH

PARENT POWER HPPC’s partnership with the Amelia Earhart Learning Center has come into full-bloom since the bond started in 2012. Church members and team leaders have discovered the mutual beauty of church-school transformation – finding themselves immersed in the lives of the children, parents and staff in West Dallas.

It is not uncommon to walk down the halls and find HPPC reading buddies in the library, members helping teachers in the classroom and a team available for staff support.

Over the past couple of years, we have witnessed loving, committed relationships blossom between our mentors and students that encourage academic growth and social development. Additionally, it has been especially rewarding to watch the state test scores rise across the board.

When our lay leaders began building relationships with the parents, it resulted in more PTA involvement.

The parents have even started “coffee mornings”– a time to get together and help one another with parenting issues and to talk about how they can build a better community.

Being in a diverse neighborhood brings the challenge of language and cultural barriers. Through these programs and support, the parents have felt empowered to replace the frustration and hurt with love and grace for one another.

We are looking forward to deepening our relationship with the children, parents and staff at AELC as we continue to grow together this coming school year.

But the real unsung heroes are the group of parents that have been stepping into leadership roles at the little school. Multiple non-profit organizations have played a role in equipping these awesome moms and dads.

In collaboration with the ARK Group (Adults Relating to Kids), another community partner of AELC, the church and school laid the foundation for growth by providing classes for parents with practical, easyto-use techniques and support in order to raise responsible, resilient, well-adjusted children.

CAROLINE KRAUSE

Urban Ministry Coordinator 214-525-4124 | caroline.krause@hppc.org hppc.org/outreach

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WORLD OUTREACH In order to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in the world, HPPC is committed to cross-cultural ministry through short-term mission trips. Our members are mobilized to partner with those out in the field. Listed below are several highlights from our 2014–15 initiatives and mission trips:

Cuba

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Dominican Republic

HPPC helped spread the Gospel across the island by supporting 30 church planters and by purchasing and distributing over 800 Bibles.

This summer, our DR team partnered with Mission Emmanuel to finish building a home for Margarita and her eight children. HPPC also replaced tattered mats laid on a dirt floor with mattresses.

Justice

Kenya

More than 25 girls have been rescued from slavery with HPPC’s financial support of the new International Justice Mission office in the Dominican Republic.

Imbirikani, Kenya – Over 250 pastors and elders were theologically trained to benefit their villages.

hppc.org/outreach

Njuthine, Kenya – Over 1,300 villagers received treatment by the local health clinic.

Ethiopia

Haiti

Over 200 people were able to support their families with HPPC-sponsored microloans.

HPPC helped Haiti Outreach Ministries complete their secondary school, which gives high school students access to a safe and high-quality education.

Also, 150 kids attended summer camp and had a blast while hearing the Gospel!

Living Water International Our Guatemala teams drilled two shallow-water wells that will provide clean water for over 1,000 people. These communities were exposed to the Gospel and love of Jesus Christ.

Spain Our Spain team served at the CRU hostel with HPPC missionaries Garrick and Dziu Roegner. They ministered to weary travelers walking the Camino de Santiago with food, beds and genuine hospitality.

Christians are called to give a voice to the voiceless and hope to the hopeless throughout the world.

Alone, it seems an impossible task, but when HPPC partners financially with organizations embedded in the communities desperate for help, we can affect real change. International Justice Mission (IJM) has been a mission partner for many years and they recently shared the rescue story of Clarisa in the Dominican Republic.

arrived and has recently given birth to a beautiful baby.

She is learning that she has been wonderfully made in God’s image.

Clarisa lives in the capital city of Santo Domingo.

She’s one of nine siblings raised in a poor and very dangerous neighborhood where so many girls are left vulnerable to abuse. Although Clarisa is 14, a developmental disability has her experiencing the world much like a 6-year-old does.

Judi Wheeler was able to meet Clarisa on her recent trip to the Dominican Republic. “My first thought was how tiny she was, really just a child. But I quickly saw how much she had grown and healed in her time at Lily House. She was so thankful as she told me that she knew God had sent people to save her from the street.”

WORLD OUTREACH

JUSTICE FOR CLARISA

Her innocence made her easy prey for a man who Clarisa’s story gives IJM and HPPC members hope that targeted children in this slum. He cornered her, many other girls can experience restoration too, not sexually assaulted her over the course of a year just in the Dominican Republic but all over the world. and then allegedly sold her. Clarisa’s mother, Alma, was deeply hurt and confused as she watched her sweet daughter become angry and aloof. When she discovered the horrifying reason, Alma ran to authorities.

IJM partnered with local anti-trafficking police to arrest the abusers within days. The IJM team had 48 hectic hours to collect the needed evidence. They succeeded, and the alleged traffickers are still in prison today while IJM fights relentlessly for their conviction. A conviction will show the community that abusing children is not tolerated.

IJM helped place Clarisa in Lily House, an aftercare facility, to help her deal with the pain and shame she felt from the abuse. Clarisa was pregnant when she

JUDI WHEELER

Director of World Outreach 214-525-4237 | judi.wheeler@hppc.org

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CHURCH PLANTING hurch planting has long been part of HPPC, which has established more than 20 congregations over the last 50 years.

In the past it may have meant gathering a few existing members, finding or constructing a worship venue and opening the doors. “Today, the model looks very different,” Director of Church Planting Kraig Kelly explained. “Over the past several years, we’ve had to relearn how to be missionaries in today’s culture.”

In the context of religion, more recent generations of seekers are no longer drawn to knowledgeable people inside religious institutions, but rather to the internet or people they deem influential in their own spheres.

Christianity as a religious body has been removed as the primary source for knowledge about God. Given these factors, church planting methods have adapted and become more organic in nature.

HPPC’s General Operating Budget or Designated Giving Opportunities (DGO) offerings in 2014–15 supported five planters: Ben and Esther Wang, Pollo and Polla Corral, Raymond Romero, Mark Keffer and Keith Peeler. These dynamic men and women have exhibited a passion for sharing the Gospel and have an entrepreneurial spirit that motivates them to connect with non-churched people in ways that are comfortable and authentic.

CHINESE MANDARIN Started by Rev. Ben Wang and Rev. Esther Liu, the Chinese-Mandarin church plant continued its efforts this past year to become a self-sustaining body. With over 50 regular members and several outreach events that hosted 100–400 people, they consistently reached 54

families for Christ. A majority of the adult baptisms that took place last year at HPPC were Chinese men and women.

Ben and Esther have developed new elders and mentored Chinese seminarians/Bible College students who are impacting others for Christ. The church plant has sent four missionaries back to China in the last five years, multiplying the Christian influence in China and Southeast Asia.

LOVE IN MOTION Again this year through their Uptown plant, LOVE in Motion, Pollo and Polla Corral did what most existing churches cannot. They invested a significant amount of time building personal relationships with young adults and adults aged between 50 and 60 who believe differently than they do and who are not yet connected with a church. They met weekly for worship time but spent most of their time modeling the love of Christ in their neighborhood. The Corral family also blessed DISD schoolteachers with monthly support and encouragement that was desperately needed and much appreciated. LOVE in Motion was recognized and commended by the school district in May.

CUBAN HISPANIC CHURCH Raymond Romero, originally a part of our ministry work in Las Tunas, Cuba, immigrated with his family to Dallas in 2008 to begin a new chapter in their lives.

He started a Cuban Hispanic church that met in a Hunt Building classroom for several years and then launched into its own space reaching the Spanish-speaking communities near White Rock Lake and in Garland.

CHURCH PLANTING

MARK KEFFER Mark Keffer’s heart for the unreached in the city of Prosper (north of Frisco) led him to explore how he could share the Gospel in a unique way with those not likely to walk into a traditional church. HPPC’s Church Planting Residency Program gave him the opportunity to learn from the experience of church leaders and planters. Upon completion of the program this spring, Mark committed to continue planting seeds of faith, deepen relationships within his community and seek opportunities to gather people for fellowship.

KEITH PEELER Keith Peeler moved his family to Junius Heights in 2011 to share the Gospel by opening his home and offering radical hospitality to all who entered.

“By loving people as they are, they find a place of safety and security in our relationships,” Keith shared.

“We are vulnerable and honest and that is what opens the door to conversations about God.” Keith and his family also spent time training leaders and pastors about how to minister in their own neighborhoods in ways non-church people can understand.

Much of the North American Church has seen a decline or plateau in membership, but ethnic churches have grown as the population continues to diversify.

With that in mind, the Evangelism and Church Planting Ministry looks forward to planting another ethnic or a multi-ethnic church in the metro Dallas area as HPPC seeks to unite all families in one faith under Jesus Christ.

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NOTHING ELSE – NOT CRUSADES, OUTREACH PROGRAMS, PARA-CHURCH MINISTRIES, GROWING MEGACHURCHES, CONGREGATIONAL CONSULTING, NOR CHURCH RENEWAL PROCESSES – WILL HAVE THE CONSISTENT IMPACT OF DYNAMIC, EXTENSIVE CHURCH PLANTING. Tim Keller Redeemer Presbyterian Church

KRAIG KELLY

Director of Evangelism & Church Planting 214-525-4210 | kraig.kelly@hppc.org hppc.org/church-planting

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IFP

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP PROGRAM

his year has been one of the most rewarding for the International Friendship Program (IFP). In 2014–15, HPPC partnered with over 94 students from the following countries: China, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Thailand, Ukraine and Vietnam.

And that’s just the beginning! Beautiful stories are being shared throughout the church of these unique, multi-cultural relationships that have formed and the joy they bring.

When coming to America for the first time, international students often feel anxious and overwhelmed during a critical time of cultural adjustment. But after starting a friendship through IFP, they begin to feel loved and valued, which gives them an easier transition into campus life and helps them to excel in their studies.

More often than not, American partners and students are so touched by their friendship that they decide to continue hanging out and being part of each other’s lives.

When we experience God’s untamable love for us, we cannot help but to share that same love with others.

Let us grow together in the bond of love by making new friends, sharing our lives together and getting to know one another.

Find out how you can be a partner at hppc.org/ifp.

For American partners, the friendship is equally priceless. Not only are they exposed to new foods, ideas and customs but they are actually surprised by how much they have in common with their student partner. Meet-ups range from dinners to social outings and occur usually two to three times each semester.

KRAIG KELLY

Director of Evangelism & Church Planting 214-525-4210 | kraig.kelly@hppc.org 56

hppc.org/ifp

SMALL GROUPS NEW INITIATIVE PREVIEW

hy small groups?” “What happens in a small group?” “Why are we talking about them now?” Given my new role as Director of Groups, members have approached me with questions like those. They shared words of encouragement about the initiative and expressed interest in finding a group, but generally they have been intrigued and curious.

Small groups aren’t necessarily something new for HPPC – we have several of them that have met for 20 years or more. Having visited with some of these groups, I discovered that the two keys to their longevity are a commitment to continually learning how to live out God’s Word and the earnest caring for one another through all of life’s circumstances. This is a great picture of Christian community!

Helping individuals find circles of people who will encourage them learn to love and follow Jesus is a pivotal part of the vision for the upcoming season of our church.

A group that meets regularly and points us to God’s work in our life, prays for us, and challenges us is part of what we need to grow as followers of Jesus.

This fall we are launching a discipleship program called Transformation Pathways (p. 12–13). Along with Worship and Serve, Group (or getting into a small group) is an essential element in furthering our My previous role in the Young Adults Ministry gave me spiritual growth. Let’s circle up! great insight into the power of groups. I saw members help families with new babies by bringing a meal, watching a sibling or running errands. I witnessed them comfort a brokenhearted couple struggling to get pregnant. I heard stories of new people getting into groups and how quickly it made our church feel like home. These small groups also bonded through service to our urban mission partners.

A flourishing church is teeming with groups who make a practice of applying God’s Word and living it out together. They are an intentional way to create deep relationships within the church, which can be difficult in the midst of busy lives.

“Christians grow more in circles, not rows” is a phrase often said by our senior pastor, Bryan Dunagan.

JONATHAN HICKS

Director of Groups 214-525-4276 | jonathan.hicks@hppc.org hppc.org/connect

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HPPDS

or Highland Park Presbyterian Day School, the past year was one of new ages and faces, as well as revision of its mission statement. The school continued providing excellence in early childhood education, and recently completed the first offering of classes for toddlers.

Mothers asking for a nurturing, Christian environment for their one- and two-year-old children spurred the additional classes. The school’s leadership felt affirmed by the decision as the inaugural year’s enrollment was at capacity.

“

TEACHING CHILDREN FROM A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW IS A CRITICAL ACT OF DISCIPLESHIP. Sarah Good

Leaders decided to analyze the current mission statement to ensure it spoke to the school’s new student age range. A committee spent last summer creating a mission that clearly defined who they were and would capture the true essence of what they sought to do on a daily basis. The new mission statement was unveiled last fall: Highland Park Presbyterian Day School partners with families to educate the whole child within a nurturing Christian environment.

HPPDS is an important ministry housed within the four walls of our church. It affirms our belief that loving and teaching children from a biblical worldview is a critical act of discipleship. Although it is a separate entity, HPPC supports the school financially through reduced rent and utilities and through director and pastor participation in worship services.

As HPPDS looks to the upcoming academic year and into the future, they are excited to continue building upon the solid foundation already laid.

Current toddler parent Ashley Flowers shared, “Three out of my four children have attended the Co-Op program. When my youngest turned two, sadly there was no Co-Op. I was nervous and unsure about the new structure, but after having Drew in the two-yearold class, I am now a big fan! The new teachers are amazing and he absolutely loves going to school.”

Similar to other grades, the toddler classes have a robust curriculum that educates the whole child with rich and varied experiences designed to promote age-appropriate growth and development.

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hppds.org

SARAH GOOD Executive Director 214-525-4233 sarah.good@hppc.org

HILLIER SCHOOL

he Hillier School celebrated its 46th year with 40 students enrolled from around the metroplex. Through generous support 19 of the students were granted tuition assistance. In addition to advancing students academically, staff and faculty encouraged spiritual growth and service of others.

RECAP AND VISION AT HIGHLAND PARK PRES

FIND YOUR PLACE The Hillier School has been committed to ensuring that students with learning differences can thrive academically and socially. The heartbeat of the school is to have each child know they are cherished just the way God made them and that includes how they learn.

HPPC’s Walter Teter led weekly chapels and Jim Gribnitz delivered sermons for the holiday worship “So often we get students who have been told or services. Students also participated through performing made to feel they aren’t smart and won’t ever be worship songs and reading Scripture passages. successful. We love and encourage them in order to break through the buildup of negativity and self-doubt.

Preston and Martha Peak Student Leadership Council We show students that they are truly intelligent and students collected donations for the Salvation Army that understanding how they learn is the key to and also served meals at a local homeless shelter. unlocking the doors to their futures,” shared Director The western-themed Hillier Hoedown fundraising Ginger Gustovich. “Each student’s transformation is a dinner was postponed because of snow and ice but story all its own.” still raised thousands of dollars for the school. The night included a play performed by students titled, At the close of each school year Hillier hosts a A Tall Tale ‘neath the Texas Sky. Baccalaureate and Awards Ceremony where they recognize the hard work of the students and teachers.

Hillier is gearing up for another year of welcoming The growth of the students as they face academic students who are excited to learn and to realize their challenges and tackle new learning experiences with full potential! developing confidence is also celebrated.

GINGER GUSTOVICH Director/Head of School 214-525-4241 ginger.gustovich@hppc.org

At the ceremony, one of graduates shared her heartfelt story of how the Hillier School had impacted her personal confidence and improved her academic skills. With tears in her eyes and a quiver in her voice, she told her fellow students, “I have learned that size doesn’t matter if you find what’s right for you, no matter if it is 100 kids, or 2,000; as long as you find your place, you’ll be fine. And I definitely found my place here at Hillier.” hillierschool.org

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AT THE HEART OF MONEY STEWARDSHIP & FINANCE t’s easy for us to think that money is just money. However, the Bible is clear that money is not really about money – it is about our heart. It’s a hard reality to accept, but our relationship with money is a key indicator of our relationship with Christ. Therefore, generosity is one of the things at the center of our spiritual transformation.

Bryan Dunagan recently said, “We want to develop a natural rhythm of engaging the congregation with a vision of contagious generosity and make stewardship a thread that runs through the entire mission of the church rather than a periodically enforced silo.”

In order to achieve that vision of contagious generosity, the Stewardship Committee has established a three-year strategic plan. In three distinct areas there will be a noticeable shift in how we talk about connecting faith and money:

Spiritual goals are not easily quantifiable. However, we have developed three key stewardship metrics that we believe will give our congregation some indication of success when measured on a three-year basis: Increase the number of givers. Currently only about 50 percent of our members give. We want to increase that percentage to 60 percent in the next three years.

Increase the average size gift. The average size gift to the annual budget is currently $5,850 per year. We want to increase this average by 5 percent each year.

Increase recurring giving. By encouraging electronic giving methods we expect to increase automatic giving from 8 percent to at least 25 percent of the total annual budget.

BIBLICALLY

Our church is about to celebrate 90 years of pursuing God’s mission in the world. We believe that nothing can hold back a congregation with hearts fully yielded to our Lord and Savior in every way.

PRACTICALLY We will link our money to the ways God is calling us to In that, our spiritual growth will be evident. Our joy will be infectious. Our love will be overflowing. Our ministry and mission. generosity will be contagious!

We will learn how our faith walk and money decisions are inextricably woven together.

FINANCIALLY

We will become more transparent in how we budget and invest in ministry.

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– The Stewardship and Admin/Finance Committees

EXPENSES BY MINISTRY AT HPPC

Children & Students 21% | $1,973,913 Pastoral Ministry 16% | $1,561,486 College to Adults 60 Plus 13% | $1,183,926 Music & Worship 12% | $1,173,956

AT THE HEART OF MONEY

Outreach 30% | $2,817,484

Congregational Life 8% | $774,822

Personnel 53% | $5,206,958

HPPC

Benevolence 19% | $1,898,232 Ministry Programs 11% | $1,045,389 Facilities 8% | $834,076

EXPENSES BY TYPE AT

Ministry Support 6% | $555,574 Reserves/Other Debt 3% | $259,245

Personnel | 51%

SIMILIAR CHURCHES

Benevolence | 8% Ministry Programs | 11% Facilities | 10% Ministry Support | 8% Mortgages & Leases | 8% Reserves & Debt | 4% *See Notes for Expenses by Type on p. 63 hppc.org/budget

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$11.7

11

$10.5 $9.8

$9.8

9 IN MILLIONS

To learn more about the Budget or about Designated Giving Opportunities, please visit hppc.org/give.

13

ANNUAL GIVING 2004–2014

he General Operating Budget (GOB) is vital to the life and ministry of HPPC. Undesignated gifts allow us to operate vital ministries, to create discipleship opportunities and even to keep the lights on. But members also give generously outside the budget to fund additional ministries that spread the Gospel.

$8.2 $7.9

$7.7 $7.3 7 04/05

05/06

06/07

Members

by Age

9% 8% Securities

GIVING BY AGE GROUP 2013 – 2014

GIVING BY METHOD 2013 – 2014

83% Cash/Check

1%

10%

07/08 Giving

by Age

Years Old

0–25

1%

26–35

4%

Years Old

36–45

12%

Years Old

18%

Years Old

19%

Years Old

46–55

56–65

11%

23%

23%

Online

40%

Over 65 Years Old

4,299 TOTAL MEMBERS

30% $10.6 MILLION TOTAL GIVING 9% Anonymous

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GIVING TO HPPC (TOTAL) GENERAL OPERATING BUDGET $11.6

Includes Forward

by Faith Campaign

$10.6 $10.2

$10.2 $9.6

$8.2 $7.8

08/09

09/10

$7.9

$7.8

$7.9

AT THE HEART OF MONEY CONT.

$12.9

$7.6

10/11

11/12

12/13

13/14

GIVING BY HOUSEHOLD Over $50K

23 | 1%

$25K to 50K

37 | 2%

$10K to 25K

113 | 5%

$5K to 10K

103 | 5%

$1K to 5K

335 | 16%

$1 to 1K

438 | 19% 1,182 | 53%

$0

%0

10

20

30

40

50

NUMBER & PERCENT OF HOUSEHOLDS

*Expenses by Type (p.61) Expenses by Type at HPPC are based on Total Projected Spending for the 2014/2015 fiscal year of approximately $9,800,000, which does not include the giving to the Settlement Fund.

Expenses by Type at Similar Churches is based on the results of a national study done by Christianity Today of approximately 1,600 churches and information from a survey of 21 large Texas churches. hppc.org/budget

63

CALENDAR UPCOMING EVENTS Date

Event

Location

Time

Friday, Aug. 7

Early Childhood First Friday Story Time

Wight Garden

9:30–10:30 am

Saturday, Aug. 8

HPPC Serves at Bonton Farms

6915 Bexar St

9:30 am–12 pm

Sunday, Aug. 9

Burgers and Backpacks

Bell Center

12:15–1:15 pm

Monday, Aug. 10

Triumph Sports Camp – Basketball Begins*

Gym

8:30–11:30 am

Elementary Open Gym Days

Gym

1–3 pm

Tuesday, Aug 11

Elementary Open Gym Days

Gym

1–3 pm

Wednesday, Aug. 12

Elementary Open Gym Days

Gym

1–3 pm

HPPC Serves at Austin Street Shelter

Off Campus

6–8 pm

Shiloh Ministry – Co-Ed event

TBD

5:45–7 pm

Thursday, Aug. 13

Elementary Open Gym Days

Gym

1–3 pm

Friday, Aug. 14

Elementary Open Gym Days

Gym

1–3 pm

Saturday, Aug. 15

Body and Soul Breakfast for the Homeless

Off Campus

8:30–11 am

Reconciliation Back to School Bash

4311 Bryan St

8 am–1 pm

Tuesday, Aug. 18

Men’s Ministry – Night at the Ballpark

Globe Life Ballpark

5:45–10 pm

Wednesday, Aug 19

Shiloh Ministry Bible Study

Parlor

5:45–7 pm

Thursday, Aug. 20

HPPDS Parents Night

Alexander Bldg

5:30–7:30 pm

Sunday, Aug. 23

Promotion Sunday

Alexander Bldg

9:30–10:30 am

Installation of Elders and Deacons

All Services

11 am

First Day of School HPPDS & Hillier School

Alexander Bldg

8:15 am

Hillier School Parent Orientation

Elliott Hall

9–10 am

Tuesday, Aug. 25

Men’s Ministry Ascent Begins

Elliott Hall

7–8 am

Wednesday, Aug. 26

Elementary MASH Kickoff

Alexander Hall

6–7:30 pm

JAM56 Wednesday Night Kickoff

Off Campus

6–7:30 pm

Middle School Fall Kickoff

Off Campus

6–7:30 pm

High School Fall Kickoff

Off Campus

7–8:30 pm

Thursday, Aug. 27

HPPC Serves – Amelia Earhart Monthly PTA Meeting

Off Campus

6–8:30 pm

Saturday, Aug. 29

Prison Ministry Training

Bell Center

8:30 am–3 pm

Sunday, Aug. 30

Children & Student Ministry Parent Meeting

Elliott Hall

9:30–10:30 am

Cuban Pastor Luncheon

Elliott Hall

12:30–2 pm

Wednesday, Sept. 2

Shiloh Ministry Bible Study

Parlor

5:45–7 pm

Saturday, Sept. 5

Chancel Choir Retreat

Off Campus

3–5 pm

Saturday, Sept. 5

Chinese Family Retreat Departs

Off Campus

Monday, Aug. 24

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

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AUG/SEPT

SEPT/OCT

Date

Event

Location

Time

Wednesday, Sept. 9

Women’s Ministry Anchor Study Begins

Elliott Hall

9–11 am

Shiloh Ministry Coffee

Parlor

5:45–7 pm

HPPC Serves at Austin Street Shelter

Off Campus

6–8 pm

Friday, Sept. 11

Elementary Movie and Message

Alexander Bldg

6–9:30 pm

Saturday, Sept. 12

Deacon Annual Retreat

TBD

8:30 am–1:30 pm

Prison Ministry Training

Bell Center

8:30 am–3 pm

HPPC Serves at Bonton Farms

6915 Bexar St

9:30 am–12 pm

Covenant Parenting

Room 105

9:30–10:30 am

Confirmation Sunday

Sanctuary

11 am

Monday, Sept. 14

Women’s Ministry Monthly Bible Study Circles

Meeting times and locations online

Tuesday, Sept. 15

Hillier School Fall Parent Night

Alexander Hall

6–9 pm

Wednesday, Sept. 16

Gathering of Men

Elliott Hall

12–1 pm

Shiloh Ministry Bible Study

Parlor

5:45–7 pm

Thursday, Sept. 17

HPPDS School Picnic

Front Lawn

5–7 pm

Friday, Sept. 18

High School Retreat Departs**

Off Campus

Sunday, Sept. 20

New Members Class**

H017

9–11 am

2015–16 Confirmation Information Meeting

Bell Center

6–7:30 pm

Highlander Concert

City Performance Hall

7–9 pm

Tuesday, Sept 22

Young Adults Forum

Wynne Chapel

7–8:30 pm

Wednesday, Sept. 23

Gathering of Men

Elliott Hall

12–1 pm

Thursday, Sept. 24

HPPC Serves at AELC Monthly PTA Meeting

Off Campus

6–8:30 pm

Saturday, Sept. 26

Prison Ministry Training

Bell Center

8:30 am–3 pm

Sunday, Sept. 27

New Members Vows

Wynne Chapel

10:30–11 am

Chinese Minstry’s Moon Festival

Bell Center

5-9:30 pm

Monday, Sept. 28

Women’s Ministry Fall Kickoff

Elliott Hall

11:30 am–1 pm

Wednesday, Sept. 30

Gathering of Men

Elliott Hall

12–1 pm

Thursday, Oct. 1

7th–12th Grade Moms Coffee

Bell Center

9:30–10:30 am

Sunday, Oct. 4

Operation Christmas Child Booth

Stained Glass Hallway

8 am–1 pm

Come to the Table

Wynne Chapel

9:30–10:30 am

Fall Picnic on the Lawn

Front Lawn

12:15 pm

Sunday, Sept. 13

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

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UPCOMING EVENTS

OCT

Date

Event

Location

Time

Wednesday, Oct. 7

MASH Moms and Milkshakes

Alexander Hall

6–7:30 pm

Saturday, Oct. 10

HPPC Serves at Bonton Farms

6915 Bexar St

9:30 am–12 pm

Saturday, Oct. 10

Prison Ministry Training

Bell Center

8:30 am–3 pm

Monday, Oct. 12

Women’s Ministry Monthly Bible Study Circles

Meeting times and locations online

Wednesday, Oct. 14

HPPC Serves at Austin Street Shelter

Off Campus

6–8 pm

Shiloh Ministry Coffee

Parlor

5:45–7 pm

Thursday, Oct. 15

New Members Class

H017

6:30–8:30 pm

Friday, Oct. 16

Men’s Ministry Golf & Fishing Retreat Departs

Pine Dunes

Saturday, Oct. 17

All Nations Lake Retreat

Off Campus

2–9 pm

Sunday, Oct. 18

Third Grade Bible Sunday

Alexander Hall, Sanctuary

9:30 am–12 pm

New Member Vows

Wynne Chapel

10:30–11 am

Highlander Concert

Sanctuary

7–8:30 pm

Wednesday, Oct. 21

Shiloh Ministry Bible Study

Parlor

5:45–7 pm

Thursday, Oct. 22

HPPC Serves at AELC Monthly PTA Meeting

Off Campus

6–8:30 pm

Friday, Oct. 23

Young Adult Retreat Departs

Off Campus

Saturday, Oct. 24

Project JAM56 & Gaga Fest

RO & Gym

12:30–6 pm

Wednesday, Oct. 28

HPPDS Fall Preview

Parlor

9:30–10:30 am

High School Golden Gourd Awards

Bell Center

7–8:30 pm

Fall Fun Fest

Elliott Hall

5–6:30 pm

Saturday, Oct. 31

RECURRING EVENTS Date

Event

Location

Time

Sundays

Nursery (2 months–2 years)

Alexander Bldg

8 am–12:45 pm

Prayer Time with a Pastor

H019

8:30–9 am

Early Childhood Sunday School (2 yrs–Kindergarten)

Alexander Bldg

9:30 & 11 am

Elementary Sunday Morning (1st–4th Grades)

Alexander Bldg

9:30 am

JAM56 Sunday Morning (5th–6th Grades)

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 (Begins Sept. 13)*

Alexander Bldg

5–6 pm

Genesis Student Choir Rehearsal (Begins Aug. 23)*

Choral Hall

4:45–6 pm

The Den (Begins Aug. 30)

College House

6–7:30 pm

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

66

CONT.

Date

Event

Location

Time

Mondays

Boy Scouts Troop 82 Weekly Meeting*

Bell Center

7:30–9:30 pm

Tuesdays

Ascent (Begins Aug. 25)*

Elliott Hall

7–8 am

Yoga (Begins Sept. 1)*

H019

8:30–9:30 am

Women’s Bible Study: Moms After God’s Heart

H018

9:30–11:15 am

Chinese Women’s Bible Study*

Parlor

10 am–12 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

Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting

H018

6–7 pm

Families Anonymous Meeting

H019

6–8 pm

Highland Ringers (Begins Sept 8)

H017

6:30–8 pm

Women’s Bible Study: Sisters Loved by God

H020

6:30–8 pm

Chinese Ministry Dad’s Breakfast (1 and 3 )

Private Dining Room

7–8 am

Women’s Ministry Bible Study: Anchor (Begins Sept. 9)*

Elliott Hall

9:30–11:30 am

MASH (Begins Sept. 2)

Alexander Hall

6–7:30 pm

JAM56 Wednesday Bible Study (Begins Sept. 2)

Gym & JAM56 Room

6–7:30 pm

Middle School Small Groups (Begins Sept. 2)

Off Campus

6–7:30 pm

High School Wednesday Night Small Group (Begins Sept. 2)

Off Campus

7–8:30 pm

Divorce Care (Begins Sept. 9)

Private Dining Room

6:30–8 pm

Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Begins Aug. 12)*

Choral Hall

7–9:30 pm

Frank Hundley’s Men’s Shared Bible Study

H019

7:30–8:30 am

Women’s Bible Study: Early Birds (Begins Sept. 10)*

Bridesmaids’ Room

7:30–8:30 am

Elliott Handbell Ensemble (Begins Sept 10)

H017

6:30-8 pm

History of Christian Doctrine (Begins Sept. 10)

Alexander Hall

7–8:30 pm

Women in Recovery Meeting

H019

7–8 pm

Smokey John’s BBQ Bible Study

Off Campus

7–8:30 pm

HP Chorale Choir Rehearsals (Aug. 13–Sept. 17)

Choral Hall

7–9 pm

Adults 60 Plus Friday Fellowship (Begins Sept. 11)

Elliott Hall

9 am–1 pm

Chinese Family Fellowship

H017 & H019

6:30–9 pm

All Nations College & Young Adults Bible Study

Off Campus

7:30–9 pm

All Nations Students 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

H018 & H020

6–9 pm

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Fridays

Saturdays

st

rd

RECURRING EVENTS

RECURRING EVENTS,

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.

67

MILESTONES BIRTHS GEORGE PATRICK MURPHY Son of Allison and Shaun Murphy Born March 17, 2015 MARGARET “MARGO” KINGSLEY MCKEE Daughter of Eva and Peter McKee Born March 26, 2015 LAURENCE KATHRYN “KATE” CASTELLAW Daughter of Carson and Kyle Castellaw Born April 2, 2015 ALLIE ELIZABETH SINCLAIR Daughter of Casey and Chandler Sinclair Born April 25, 2015 JOHN DAVENPORT STEELE Son of Laura and Eric Steele Born May 12, 2015 GEORGE BAXTER “LAITH” UNDERWOOD Son of Brittney and Baxter Underwood Born May 15, 2015 RUTH ANN MORRISS Born May 20, 2015 Daughter of Ashley and Marcus Morriss LANDRY KATHERINE BRAMHALL Born May 25, 2015 Daughter of Caryn and Dylan Bramhall GRAHAM ROBERT CARDWELL Son of Jennifer and Craig Cardwell Born June 1, 2015

68

ANDREW SIMMONS WILKINS Son of Lisa and Clint Wilkins Born June 2, 2015 ELISE VALE HODGES Daughter of Erin and Hayden Hodges Born June 5, 2015 NATHAN KIMATHI MOYO Son of Stacie Njuguna and Moyo Kimathi Born June 15, 2015

BAPTISMS CHUQIAO HU Baptized April 5, 2015 KANGYI XU Baptized April 5, 2015 JOSEPH MUIRURI GICHUKI Son of Annie Muiruri and Samuel Muhia Born Sept. 18, 2014 Baptized April 19, 2015 GABRIELLE KIBICHO Daughter of Carol Kibicho Born June 3, 2013 Baptized April 19, 2015 ROBERT REDDICK SMITH III Son of Elizabeth and James Smith Born June 10, 2014 Baptized April 19, 2015 ROBERT MICHAEL “TRIPP” CLARK III Son of Ramsey and Robert Clark, Jr. Born Nov. 12, 2014 Baptized May 10, 2015

CHARLES BRADLEY KNOTT Son of Christina and Zachary Knott Born March 29, 2014 Baptized May 10, 2015

ELLEN LINDSEY & CHAD ELLIS Daughter of Cheryl and Gary Lindsey Son of Marsha and David Ellis Married May 2, 2015

HAYLEY ANN LANGLEY Daughter of Courtney and Scott Langley Born June 11, 2014 Baptized May 10, 2015

MISSY ROGERS & TIM PECK Daughter of Beth and Rob Rogers Son of Jean and Jim Wolitarsky Married May 16, 2015

PIPER ALLYN SUROWIEC Daughter of Kristin North and Paul Surowiec Born April 15, 2014 Baptized May 10, 2015

MELANIE LAWSON & MITCHELL EBERENZ Daughter of Cynthia Hutchinson and Howard Lawson Son of Janis and Rob Eberenz Married May 23, 2015

AARON JUNXI HAO Son of Yue Yin and Yanjun Hao Born Feb. 9, 2015 Baptized June 21, 2015

ALEXANDRA NIED & BENJAMIN TOWNSEND Daughter of Joy and Michael Nied Son of Ellen and Pete Townsend Married May 30, 2015

MAKYNZEE LYNN MOORE Daughter of Aimee and Joel Moore Born Feb. 22, 2013 Baptized June 21, 2015

KATHLEEN WARD & CHARLIE FRASER Daughter of Candy and Gary Ward Son of Helen and Charles Fraser Married June 6, 2015

WEDDINGS ASHLEY LUCAS & SCOTT BAILEY Daughter of Jan and Randy Lucas Son of Raye and Ed Bailey Married March 28, 2015 KATHERINE SMITH & SAM THOMPSON Daughter of Julie and Scott Smith Son of Kathy and Bryan Thompson Married April 11, 2015

APRIL MORRIS & RICK LAFITTE Daughter of Barbara and the late Fred Morris Son of Darrell and the late Dorothy Lafitte Married June 13, 2015 HUTTON HIPPS & IAN BECKCOM Daughter of Sandra and Chris Hipps Son of Julie Quinn and Chris Beckcom Married June 20, 2015

69

MILESTONES CONT.

ENTERED THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT CAROLYN SHEPHERD, passed away on March 15, 2015.

NINGII KATJIMUNE, passed away on May 10, 2015.

Sympathy to her brother, Lionel Katjimune.

FRED “TONY” MORRIS, passed away on May 10, 2015.

Sympathy to his daughter, April Lafitte, and family.

MIKE LEISER, passed away on May 13, 2015.

JAMES “FRED” SIZER, passed away on March 14, 2015. Sympathy to his brother, Tom Leiser, and family.

Sympathy to his mother, Winnie Sizer; his sisters, Lorene JACK NEAL, SR., passed away on May 13, 2015.

Romero and Anna Womble, and their families.

Sympathy to his wife, Martha Neal, and family.

SAMUEL KIMWELE NJULI, passed away on March 26, 2015. Sympathy to his son, Charles Kimwele, and family.

NANCY UNDERWOOD, passed away on March 26, 2015. Sympathy to her father, George Underwood, and family.

ELIZABETH PHARR, passed away on March 27, 2015.

DOROTHY DIXON, passed away on March 29, 2015.

ESTHER KILPATRICK, passed away on April 3, 2015.

Sympathy to her daughter, Mary Kilpatrick, and family.

JAMES “JIM” HALT, passed away on April 6, 2015.

Sympathy to his wife, Beverly Halt, and family.

EVELYN UNDERWOOD CLIFT, passed away on April 6, 2015. Sympathy to her son, Charles Clift, and family.

ABUID MACHARIA CHEGE, passed away on April 15, 2015. Sympathy to his sister, Winfred Chege, and family.

HAZEL RUTH CABLE, passed away on April 23, 2015.

Sympathy to her son, Davis Cable, and family.

PEGGY CHRISTOPHER, passed away on April 27, 2015.

Sympathy to her husband, Robert Christopher, and family.

SYLVIA “NANETTE” GEEO, passed away on April 30, 2015.

LUANN REDMAN, passed away on May 18, 2015.

Sympathy to her daughter, Vanessa Redman.

ETHEL ROBBINS, passed away on May 21, 2015.

Sympathy to her husband, Dr. Frank Robbins, and family.

ANN DOWDY, passed away on May 21, 2015.

Sympathy to her son, Trey Dowdy, and family.

DAVID KIBUI MUCHIRI, passed away on May 23, 2015.

Sympathy to his siblings, Margaret “Mumbi” Baskin, Ricki Baskin, Francis Baskin and Shiro Baskin, and their families.

MARGARET WILBORN, passed away on May 25, 2015.

Sympathy to her sister, Louise Yancey, and family.

BRUCE WEAVER, passed away on May 31, 2015.

Sympathy to his daughter, Kimberly Iadevaia, and family.

DR. RONALD JACK DONALDSON, passed away on June 4, 2015. Sympathy to his daughter, Sandy Hipps, and family.

VIRGINIAH WANJIRU CHEGE, passed away on June 11, 2015. Sympathy to her daughter, Winfred Chege, and family.

MARDI BRYANT JONES, passed away on June 12, 2015. Sympathy to her son, Trip Jones.

JAMES KIBUGI MWANGI, passed away on June 16, 2015. Sympathy to his brother, Stephen Mwangi, and family.

HOWARD BARKER, JR., passed away on April 27, 2015. MARTHA KATE MCCORD, passed away on June 24, 2015. Sympathy to her daughter, Kate McCord, Sympathy to his daughter, Lee Davis, and family. and family.

JANE MUTHONI WAKIBIA, passed away on April 30, 2015. Sympathy to her daughter, *Only immediate family members that Rose Wakibia Maina, and family. are church members are listed.

BRUCE SULLIVAN, passed away on May 3, 2015.

Sympathy to his sister, Louise Yancey, and family.

ANGLINE ADUNDO, passed away on May 4, 2015.

Sympathy to her son, Bob Okinyi Oryanyo.

70

For Milestones Contact: 214-525-4230 or elaine.curtis@hppc.org For Baptisms Contact: 214-525-4348 or marti.oden@hppc.org

NEW MEMBERS

W E LC O M E

To Our New Covenant Partners May and June 2015 Membership Classes

NEXT CLASS: SEPT. 20 To find out more about joining our church family or to register for the next class, visit hppc.org/membership 71

3821 University Blvd.

Dallas, Texas 75205