/Newsletter_06March

Come, now is the time to

Worship is one of those interesting words we use. It’s what we call “gathering together at church on Sunday morning.” It’s part of how we honor the 1st through 4th Commandments. According to the Shorter Catechism, it is part of the “chief end of man” — to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. And it’s also a core value here at SHPC.

Great News on every page…

Scripture, Worship, You

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rom the time of the reformation the reading of Scripture and the proclamation of God’s Word has been at the center of worship. It defines who we are and sets our foundation firmly in Jesus Christ. It is this foundation that also sets the ground for true worship. It is not just a nebulous God who we worship. It is the God that has made himself known to us in history. We worship a God who made promises to Abraham and Sarah. We worship a God whose character is revealed in the salvation of Israelites from the bondage of slavery. We worship a God who made his grace known to us in Jesus Christ. We worship a God whom we can encounter each Sunday… and Monday… and Tuesday…. That’s the God we worship.

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ecause Scripture is so important for true worship, we give you the scripture for each Sunday in our newsletter each month.

We do this so that you can read ahead. Taking some time on Saturday evening or Sunday morning to linger over the scripture for the week will enhance your worship experience. I encourage you to make a note of your questions or highlight some portion of the text that is of particular importance to you. By doing so you will position your heart and mind to be open to the Holy Spirit’s work on Sunday mornings.

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y hope is that our worship is alive and imminently applicable to our day-to-day lives. See you Sunday.

From the Pastor 2 Special Section: Worship 3-4,6 Adult Ministry 5-7, 10 Welcome, New Members 8-9 Mission 10 Children’s Ministry 11-12 African Pastors 13 Meet Your Leadership Team!14-15 Endowment News 16 Student Ministry 17-18 Ask the Budget Guy 19 Had Enough Yet? Presbyterian Personals 20-21 SHPC Calendar 23

Sermons for March Sermon Series: The Ten Commandments March 5 Commandment 7: Pleasure Undefiled Exodus 20:14 March 12 Commandment 8: Acquire By the Rules Exodus 20:15 March 19 Commandment 9: Hold to the Truth Exodus 20:16 March 26 Commandment 10: Crave Contentment Exodus 20:17

Are you interested in becoming part of SHPC? The next SHPC Inquirers' Classes will be held Sunday, April 23rd and 30th, 2006, from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. at the church.

Visitors wishing to join the congregation or considering membership should sign up now. The Session will receive class participants wishing to join into church membership May 9th.

Childcare is available, but reservations must be made in advance. To learn more, please contact the church office at 892-3580.

See the smiling faces of our January Inquirers’ Class on pages 8-9.

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and I've come to see his point (made in three parts, I'm sure!).

Greeting Each Other submitted by Robert Hicks

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reeters really are the face of our church. A smile and a handshake can go a long way to make a visitor feel at home as soon as they walk in the door. For the long-time members arriving, it's always a nice way to start your Sunday morning worship experience.

“Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:7 (RSV)

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aul's letter to fellow Christians in Rome is certainly brought to life by the people of Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian or me, who hasn't really been Church. When my wife (at that Greeters really are able to take part in many small time, fiancée), Brenda, and I were looking for a church home, the the face of our group sessions, it's a great way to start recognizing faces and putting open friendliness and fellowship church. names to the folks joining our among the congregation at SHPC rapidly growing congregation. was apparent from the first visit and important to our initial worship experience e have a fantastic group of folks who help here. out in the Greeting Ministry. They represent

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the membership of our church to a tee. There are long-time members who seem to know everyone who walks in the doors and there are relatively new members who…like me…find this a good way to get connected in worship with our hat said -- with a new marriage; the arrival of friends and neighbors at SHPC. a beautiful baby girl, Mollie; and a new job -reeters are grandparents, Greeters are I had a bunch of excuses for why I couldn't get parents of teenaged and college aged kids, involved with the mission work. As much as I really want to, right now I can't get away for the Greeters are parents dropping off their toddlers in nursery before greeting on a Sunday morning. mission to Mexico, much less Malawi!

Greeters are singles. hat I found that I could do is become a n short, Greeters are Shepherd of the Hills Greeter, welcoming everyone from charter Presbyterian Church and I send my thanks and members to first-time visitors to church on Sunday mornings. Larry has repeatedly said that prayers to all those who serve an essential part of our Worship Experience. greeting is an important ministry of our church nother quality of SHPC that struck us is the strong sense of mission -- not only in Central Texas, but across the world -- that this church carries out.

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are holy!” And there’s the compliment — “You have such a beautiful voice! If I had a voice like yours ....”

Make a Joyful Noise — or — He Who Sings, Prays Twice submitted by Kimbol Soques

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ruth #1: the choir is made of people who love to sing to God. No more, no less. There’s no talent requirement. There’s no behavior requirement (thank goodness!). If you are silly at home, you’ll probably end up being silly at choir.

And the psalmist and I meant what we said about “joyful noise!” God’s emphasis is not on correctness. It’s on joy.

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or me, to worship is to sing. Or to sing is to worship, I’m not sure which ... for they’re so twined together I can’t pull them apart. I will admit to standing up front and singing — with the Chancel Choir, with our Circle of Friends (often called “the girl group”) — but it doesn’t matter where I stand or sit. It doesn’t matter if the song is old or new. I sing.

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here is something about singing that, for me, ince I’m a visible singer, I’ve gotten some links my body and my voice with the bodies interesting comments over the years. I’ve met and voices of others into a physical connection people who were startled by my steady joking with our Lord. To sing is to worship God with my around — “But you’re in the choir! Choir people whole self. I owe Him nothing less.

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What About Baptism?

The Church Is Not a Building

submitted by Tammy Boehman

submitted by Darenda Keil

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ccording to dictionary.com, baptism is a religious sacrament marked by the symbolic use of water and resulting in admission of the recipient into the community of Christians.

However for me and for the members of our church it is so much more.

id you know that SHPC has an outreach to a residence home in our neighborhood? Pastor Larry was asked to supply a preacher for The Park at Beckett Meadows on Beckett Drive.

Darenda Keil, our seminary intern, joyfully filled the request.

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e welcome visitors and new members into our church every Sunday morning. When someone is baptized it is an official welcome into our SHPC family. Baptism is a promise that we will work together as a family to display Christ’s love for each other. Each time I notice there is a baptism scheduled, I smile. It is so refreshing to see parents and siblings as they commit to raising their young children in the love of Jesus Christ.

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he writes, “I began preaching last fall before Thanksgiving and have enjoyed being there every week since. The people are just delightful. I have grown to love and understand our neighbors who live there and some of their special needs at the life station these wisdom people are experiencing. Each week I attempt to address those needs, using a pastoral style of preaching. Like Pastor Larry, I want to speak to the needs of the heart. I believe God cares so much about our lives and wants us to live joyfully and fully in Christ and it is a privilege to share with them. Their loving kindness and support help encourage me too!

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myself was not baptized as an infant partly because my parents were from two different Christian denominations. While we were dating, Ben and I began to come to SHPC on a regular basis. As I learned more of Christ’s love and lessons for life, I wanted to continue learning even more. So when Ben proposed, I knew I needed to be baptized prior to our wedding.

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he preaching is only half of the service.

The other half, the ministry of music, is led by Carol Cunningham. The residents love it and sit long after the service is over soaking up the love they feel in and through her music.

Recently Doug Budd has joined the team and helps with services along with Faries McDaniel, and Allan Gunter who assists in the ministry of music. Doug preached last week and we all realized he was the natural leader to take over this ministry after I leave this summer to finish her seminary education. We thank God for this wonderful opportunity and if anyone would like to join in, we would love to include you in on the fun!”

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o us, the marriage ceremony is a religious one, and we wanted the love of Christ to enrich our marriage. If I was to enter into a relationship with Ben where we wanted God to be a major part, I felt as if I needed to first commit to having a relationship with God on my own.

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he questions asked at baptism do not ask the person if they know all there is to know about Christ. They ask that we believe in God, realize our need for forgiveness of sin, trust in his mercy, and promise to be a disciple to our life’s end. Even in my infancy of biblical knowledge I knew I could answer those questions with conviction. Just 6 weeks before my commitment to Ben, I first committed to Christ through baptism. Since then my relationship with Ben continues to deepen, my knowledge and love for Christ grow, and I will forever be a part of the SHPC — and the Christian — family.

Darenda Keil and Doug Budd leading worship at The Park at Beckett Meadows 4

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hy do we get so defensive and resentful when God tells us to take a day off? Why submitted by Sherry Smith, Director of Adult Ministry does that seem to us like a difficult thing to do?

Do we think we are so very important that the was blessed to be raised by Sabbath-keeping world will fall apart without our constant parents in a Sabbath-supporting community. I grew up knowing that Sunday was a special day, striving? I really believe that Christians need to a day that was different from other days. A large reclaim the idea of Sabbath. part of Saturday was about getting things n her book, Keeping the Sabbath Wholly, Marva prepared for Sunday. Stores were closed on J. Dawn talks about four things that make up Sunday and my school would never have even Sabbath keeping: ceasing, resting, embracing, thought of scheduling any kind of practice or and feasting. To cease on the Sabbath means to game on Sunday. This is very quit laboring at accomplishment different from the situation of and instead do things that are [...F]our things most kids growing up in America make up Sabbath enjoyable and freeing. The today. Therefore, keeping the greatest result of Sabbath resting keeping: ceasing, is the opportunity to know the Sabbath holy has become an extremely countercultural thing resting, embracing, presence of God. We are to to do. embrace things such as peace, and feasting. wholeness, and Christian continuously hear people community. And we are to feast lamenting about how stressed on such things as beauty, music, and affection. they are and how much they need a vacation,

Countercultural Resting

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yet when Sabbath keeping is mentioned many church people react as if it's just one more chore they find oppressive rather than embracing it as one of God's most loving gifts to us. American culture tells us we must strive, produce, purchase, and accomplish. The Bible tells us we are dependent on God and all else begins to fall into place when we begin to worship Him, obey His will and follow His plan.

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urge each of you to take a fresh look at ways to keep Sabbath. The first step may be just to realize how very countercultural it has become.

The next may be to evaluate which activities are restful for you either spiritually, physically, emotionally, intellectually, or socially, and which things are stressful. The third may be to pray for strength and wisdom and then begin to "just say no" to anything that doesn't support your idea of Sabbath.

THE LIBRARY LOOKS AT WORSHIP

of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ-- Worship is a Verb will show you how to leave the dull confines of the pew and enter the courts of the Living God.”

Our church library has a variety of books related to worship. For books about worshipping as a community, check the 264 shelf. Among others, you'll find:

The Worldliness of Worship - “Public Worship Is a Verb - “Worship. It isn't an worship is a common activity for most entertaining showcase for a talented Christians, yet comparatively few take the soprano or a lecture on textual criticism or a pleasant weekly reunion of friends and family. time to ask themselves questions about the meaning of worship and how Instead, true worship is a joyous celebration

continued, page 10

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Senior Adult Ministry at Shepherd of the Hills: Where are we, and where are we going? submitted by Carol Cunningham

In the past year, we have had 84 adults out of 104 over the age of 65 attend various events on our smorgasbord of Senior Adult Activities. Out of 110 families who have at least one member between ages 50 and 65, at least 27 members have been participants in our ministry.

fellowships and Bible Studies? There are evening study groups and a Saturday Golden Years Lunch Bunch as well as the Friday night Bridge Group.

We currently have these opportunities available for March: 2

1st Thursday Mary-Martha Circle 10 a.m. - noon 1st Tuesday “Groan”-Ups Game Day 10 a.m. - noon 2nd Friday Fellowship Bridge Group 7 p.m. - whenever 2nd Saturday Golden Years Lunch Bunch 11:30 a.m. - whenever one time U.S. Presidents Study Group 10 a.m. - noon 3rd Saturday Men's Breakfast Fellowship 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. quarterly SAM Planning Meeting 10 a.m. - noon 4th Tuesday Older Women's Legacy (OWL) 1:30 pm - 3:30 p.m.

As our population continues to change, we need 7 to keep asking the question: “How can we be 10 ministers to our members?” What has kept 20 of our members from being able to participate? Is 11 it because there is no program that meets their needs or interests? Is it because there are 14 constraints that prevent them from being able to 18 attend? At least 7 of these members reside in assisted living facilities or are homebound. How 21 can we minister to those who cannot come to our house of worship? What kind of programs or 28 activities might be beneficial to those who are not yet retired, but close to retirement? Is If you are interested in the directions that the there a need for a special ministry that Senior Adult Ministries are moving, you are addresses this age group? invited to join us in a SAM Developmental Planning Meeting in March. This meeting will We do have ministries in place that provide videotapes of Sunday morning services. There is take place on Tuesday morning, March 21st at 10:00 in room 7. If you would be interested in currently a ministry to The Park at Beckett Meadows for Sunday morning worship services at attending but cannot because of work commitments or other factors, please contact 9:30. These worship services have been led by Carol Cunningham at 441-8563 to let her know of Darenda Keil and Doug Budd and are well your interest. We are seeking a renewal of attended. spirit, focus and commitment for our Senior What about those who are still working, and do Adult Ministry as we continue to grow in this not have time during the day to attend our congregation. Won't you be a part of that?

NEW EVENT! Stories, Facts and Trivia Regarding U.S. Presidents You are invited to join fellow church members to hear some interesting information about our U.S. Presidents-presented by Faries McDaniel. He is an 81-year-old retired Presbyterian minister who is active in the life of our church and a member of our Senior Adult Ministry Council. This will be a one-time only meeting on Tuesday, March 14, at 10 a.m. for a two-hour meeting in room 7.

The Golden Years Lunch Bunch will meet for food and fellowship March 11th at 11:30 a.m. at The Y Bar and Grill on Hwy 71 W (next to Sonic). Lunch will be a choice of Chicken Lasagna or Blackened Catfish (not too spicy). The price is $12.00 and includes tax and tip. For ease of payment, please bring cash. (No credit cards, please.) Call Carol or Jack Gilchrist at 288-4945 for reservations and to make your lunch choice. Hope you can join us!

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The Fellowship Bridge Group will play the second Friday in March — the 10th — at 7 p. m. in Room 7. Our hostess will be Lucette Weiderman. Please call Virginia McNutt at 288-7187 or Martha Meador at 288-3341 by Tuesday, March 7th if you would like to play.

Our February winner was Mal Hunter.

What about Islam?

For most American Christians, Islam has been a distant religion from far-away lands. However, since 9/11 the Islamic religion has been front and center in today's news. Beginning Wednesday March 22 at 7:00 we will begin a class on understanding Islam. Paul Friesen and Darenda Keil will guide us in this fascinating journey. Paul has been a missionary to Malaysia for the past twenty years and now works for a mission agency that works throughout Asia and the Middle East. Darenda is our seminary intern.

Before coming to SHPC, Darenda spent many years ministering in and among Muslims in Turkey. You won't want to miss this class!

Mary-Martha Circle will meet Thursday, March 2nd at 10 a.m. in Portable B (because of IHN). Our special guest will be Seminary Intern Darenda Keil who will speak to us about Turkey, where she used to live. After her talk, our lesson will be number 6, “The Power of Community” from our study Spiritual Gifts, and will be presented by Sherry Smith. Following the Circle lesson (no business meeting) those who wish to stay to cross stitch Christmons should bring a sack lunch. Cross-stitch materials will be furnished. For more information call Martha Meador at 288-3341.

The Men’s Breakfast Fellowship will meet at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 18th in the narthex. To RSVP, call Jim Black at 892-2982.

All men are welcome!

Foundations

Our Super Bowl Party / Diapers and Wipes Shower was a great success! Why? Because we gathered together in fellowship — not necessarily because the Steelers won!

Tammy Boehman and Camden Tracy take a break from cheering

Mmm... Snacks!

(James & Caroline Lee)

Now here’s the heart of the action!

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Christopher and Cheryl Olson

Cheryl and Christopher have two children: Jonas, 11, and Anna, 7.

Bill and Connie Trevillion

Bill and Nan Goodman

Bill and Nan live in Dripping Springs from November to May and then migrate to the cooler weather of Sharon, CT for the summer. They have three children: Gray, Gwen, and Lynnie. Gray and Gwen - and their spouses - live near each other in Pennsylvania; Lynnie is a naturalized Texan, having lived half her life here in Austin!

Denise Berry

Connie and Bill moved from Houston to Austin in 1987.

They have two grown children and one beautiful granddaughter. Bill is a mechanical engineer and is very interested in mission work, having traveled to Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Mexico. Connie is a church financial assistant and bookkeeper for its preschool.

Jack was raised in Langley, Arkansas and settled in Austin in 1976 after service wth the U.S. Air Force. He currently is a consultant with I.S.I., a detention equipment contractor.

Jack is the proud grandfather of Finn and Piers and father of Susan, who lives in Tulsa with her husband Jesse.

Denise is married to Brian Berry. They have two children, Kaylan, 5, and Hannah, 5 months.

Denise currently is at home enjoying her children; prior to that she was a social worker for 14 years before becoming a 5th-grade teacher in 2002.

Darren and Kassandra Stalbaum

Jack Crump

Darren and Kassandra have one child, Austin.

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Glenn and Britta Dukes Trici Smethers

Glenn is an avid runner, biker, and VP of a software company. He is active in workplace ministry and teaches Sunday School. Caleb, 6, is a budding artist and social kindergartener. Besides enjoying her new position as Director of Children’s Ministry here at SHPC, Britta also volunteers with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Ulrich Bortfeld and Florence Hua

Nancy Harris

Before settling down in Circle C Ranch in 2003, Ulrich and Florence lived in many different places and countries. They have two children, Marco, 10, and Nicole, 7, and are expecting their third child in July.

Ulrich is an engineer and Florence teaches piano. They enjoy arts, music, and nature.

Rod and Nancy Hines Nancy and Rod have been married for 35 years. While they lived all over the US, in England, and Germany while Rod was in the Air Force, they have been in Austin for 20 years. Rod recently retired as a commercial airline pilot, and Nancy taught preschool here at SHPC for five years.

They have two children: Traci, who lives in Houston, and Grant, who lives in Austin.

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Library News, continued from page 5

it relates to the rest of life. To raise these questions is the purpose of this book.”

Catch the New Wind; the Church Is Alive and Dancing - “Here in dynamic and fresh format is creative worship that involves all the people-worship that catches them up in a new wind of religious expression and encourages them to participate fully and openly.”

246 KLE - Worship Without Words; the Signs and Symbols of Our Faith - This intriguing book defines the elements involved in worship in Protestant and Catholic churches from abbey to vigil. It also includes an explanation of the liturgical year, church architecture, creeds, the music of worship, and many more topics.

We also have books on individual worship.

Two of these are: 263.3 DAW - Keeping the Sabbath Wholly: Ceasing, Resting, Embracing, Feasting - “If all the world would experience [the author's] Sabbath, stress-related ailments would be far less prevalent-and God would be better known.” (Review from Ministry magazine.)

263.2 HIC - A Day of Rest; Creating Spiritual Space in Your Week - “Now more than ever, we need to avail ourselves of the power and renewal found in the concepts of Sabbath: the ancient programmed rhythm designed to keep us stead in the midstream of life without the constant danger of being swept off our feet.”

Enjoy these and other books about worship by checking them out!

PUT YOUR FEET WHERE YOUR HEART IS!!

The 28th Annual Austin Crop Walk for Hunger will occur March 4th and 5th at the Roy Guerro Colorado River Park, 800 Grove Boulevard.

75% of the funds collected go to international hunger work and 25% fights hunger in Austin and Central Texas.

One in ten children under 12 years old in Texas is hungry Texas ranks first out of 50 states in the highest percentage of hungry families An estimated 41,000 children under the age of 18 in Travis County are confronted with food insecurity every day Form a SHPC team or go directly to the walk.

Registration time on Saturday the 4th is at 9:30 am and is at 1:45 pm on Sunday the 5th. If you would like to form a team or would like more information, contact David Parmer, (512) 8587255 or dparmer@austin.rr.com.

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Who Am I? Submitted by Britta Dukes, Director of Children’s MInistries

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n a world exploding with choices, this question is commonplace. We all desire to have a sense of who we are, where we came from, what values define us. So it really shouldn't come as a surprise that the same questioning holds true concerning our collective identity as Christians. Our children need to be able to know, understand and answer the crucial question: “Who are we as people of faith?”

symbol of inclusion in God's grace, as well as covenant with the Church. Basically, baptism is our rite of belonging. And having a yearning to belong — a yearning to be known and valued as a person — is human nature.

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lementary age children in particular want and need to belong, so helping them understand the meaning of their baptism — the very fact that they belong to the Body of Christ, the family of God, a worldwide Christian communityn an effort to equip them to answer this is essential. It is the Body of Christ... the question, we offer a workshop entitled Church... US!... who nurture, support and love “Children at the Lord's Table.” Through a series them unconditionally throughout their lives and of discussions, games and activities, participants in the development of their Christian faith. Then will learn how our Christian identity — being they can, in turn, mature into faithful followers members of God's family — is directly linked to who nurture, support and love the next both worshipping and celebrating the generation. And so on, and so on, and so on... sacraments. Because worship is the central act esides having a community of believers of God's gathered community and because the around to remind us of God's love, we also sacraments of Baptism and Communion are the have the sacrament of Communion, or the Lord's gifts of God which assure us wholeheartedly of Supper. Like baptism, it is a gift from God God's love for us, we lay our foundation here. assuring us of God's love. Gathering around the Upon this foundation, then, we will define who Lord's Table also allows us the opportunity to we are as people of God and what it means to remember. This is why the words “In grow into our identity in Christ. remembrance of me” are often printed across irst and foremost, worship is what we do. In the front of Communion tables. It is a time for fact, worshiping together is essential for the us to remember the gift of Jesus Christ. formation of our identity as people of God. Not Likewise, it is a time for us to be reminded that only is it the central act of our gathered Christ calls us to be obedient and faithful in community, but it is also our direct response to doing God's will in our lives and in the world. It let God know that we acknowledge God's is a time for us to remember who and whose we offerings of love and grace in our lives. Because are.

God loves us and reaches out to us, we want to n short, the purpose of our Children ad the respond by showing God that we, too, desire to Lord’s Table workshop is to equip kids with the be in relationship. And because we so desire, we return this love by offering our lives to God. answer to the initial question of “Who am I?” in such a way that their first and immediate We worship! response is: e worship as a community of faith, and in baptism, we affirm that a person — “I am a child of God!” whether infant, child or adult — belongs to this community of faith. Baptism is the sign and

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Let's feed thousands with our fish!

Just as Jesus multiplied loaves and fishes to feed thousands of people, so now can we! Fishshaped collection boxes will be handed out on Sunday, March 5th for members of our congregation to collect coins and cash for families in need throughout the world.

Since 1949, Presbyterians have joined with millions of other Christians through One Great Hour of Sharing to share God's love with people experiencing need. Our gifts support ministries of disaster response, refugee assistance and resettlement, and community development that help people find safe refuge, start new lives, and work together to strengthen their families and communities. Recognizing that the hope we have in Christ is lived out in our hope for one another, we respond with gifts that help our sisters and brothers around the world find the hope for a brighter future.

Shepherd of the Hills Preschool has had a fabulous beginning to the New Year! Along with the excitement of returning to school and reuniting with friends and teachers, the children were able to experience snow in Austin, Texas with the Snowball Bonanza.

This event included shaving 800 lbs. of ice with a snow cone machine by our wonderful parent volunteers. Everyone had a great time!

Our students had even more fun this month with the Little Wedding Chapel and fun Valentine Parties. A new activity this February included an afterschool trip to an assisted living center to deliver handmade valentine cards by the children. This was a truly wonderful experience for both the residents and students.

As you can see, the children are quite busy learning and playing. If you would like to place your child on a waiting list for preschool for next year, now is the time to call Terri at 892-7528.

Please come see the Bright Lights mission bulletin board in our Sunday school hallway for more information on the recipients of this year's donations. Thanks for your help, and remember: Let's feed thousands with our fish!

Mark your calendars for SHPC's biannual Family Retreat — April 29th-30th!

Center for Spiritual Growth, 230 East Travis Street, San Antonio (210) 354-1002 March 3rd, 7 p.m. — Zen-Christian lecture March 4th, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Day of Retreat Father Robert Kennedy, Jesuit and Zen teacher. Fair share donation. Please register by February 28. Call for permission to register late. (Participants may attend one or both events.) Call Margaret Nakamura to car-pool.

Come spend a beautiful spring weekend with other families at the T Bar M ranch in New Braunfels. Watch the bulletin and the family ministry bulletin board for more information.

Check their Website at www.SpiritualitySA.org for other events.

Seton Cove, 3708 Crawford Avenue, 451-0272

OUR SCHOOL NEEDS YOU!

Seton Cove offers a wide variety of programs on spirituality and faith in action, including two brown-bag luncheon series. For a complete listing and more details, call or visit the website at www.seton.net/setoncove.

PLEASE CONSIDER GIVING THE GIFT OF YOUR TIME AND TEACHING TO OUR CHILDREN THIS SPRING. WE STILL HAVE OPENINGS FOR LEADERSHIP WITH MOST AGE GROUPS. Call Britta Dukes for more info — 892-3580, ext 107 or britta@shpc.org 12

from Andrea Gerlach

Tamara and Mickey Bell invited us over to dinner to meet them. From the moment we walked in the door it was a blessing. They were so warm and welcoming! We asked a million questions and they answered them all.

They talked about their lives prior to Christ and how Christ came into their lives. They spoke highly of their wives and how the country is trying to get away from the way they treated women in the past. They spoke of the AIDS crisis and how little they have in their lives.

from Ken Seiler

Roz and I briefly saw them in Larry's office when we gave Clement a laptop. Clement was truly humbled and I started thinking that, while he may not have thought he could reciprocate, just the look on his face and his sincerity was a much more precious gift than the material gift we gave him.

After dinner, Chimwemwe started playing the piano and Clement showed us the moves to “Ahai, Ahai” (my inventive spelling). The children came in and danced and we could feel the Holy Spirit moving in the room connecting us to these wonderful men through Christ.

From Sarah Morgan

Several of us agreed that a quick trip to the zoo might be fun. On short notice, a small group of parents with young children met on a Tuesday morning at the Austin zoo. The pastors were particularly enthralled with the big cats, as they have largely disappeared from Malawi. While we were looking at leopard resting close to the fence, Clement decided to get a picture. It suddenly lunged at him, baring its fangs and letting loose a deep growl. We all jumped — Clement was relieved that there was a good fence between us!

Chimwemewe then shared a story about his grandfather.

Many years ago, his grandfather had left his village to go hunting. While in the bush, he was surprised by a leopard. The cat attacked him. His grandfather wrestled with it and, using a spear, was eventually able to kill it. He brought it back to the village and was hailed as a great hunter.

Chimwemewe told me that this story followed his grandfather all of his life, giving him great stature within the tribe.

For more stories and memories, check out the SHPC News webpage — www.shpc.org/news.html 13

As you may imagine, it takes more than Pastors Larry and Mike to keep things moving and make things happen around Shepherd of the Hills.

If you have been a member for awhile, you have probably helped elect a group of leaders — of elders and deacons — to serve our church.

If you’re not familiar with the terms, elders are the ones who form the Session.

They gather as a large group monthly, and meet in committees as necessary, to set new policies, decide about the management of SHPC, and generally do the things that move the church forward. It’s similar to being a U.S. Senator or Representative ... though Larry is NOT like the President!

Deacons take responsibility for the caring ministries of our church. As a group, they’re referred to as the Diaconate, and they work together to make sure all the people in our church family are visited, prayed for, and cherished as we are called to do.

Ministry Involvement: (previous term) treasurer, Worship Committee

Ministry Involvement: Mission Committee Ice Cream: chocolate chip cookie dough Wayne Crawley, Class of 2008

Ice Cream: peach Hal Elliott Ministry Involvement: Youth Committee

Ministry Involvement: Children's Committee Ice Cream: pralines & cream Katy Bourgeois, Class of 2008

Gaston Broyles Jr., Class of 2008

Ice Cream: vanilla (because it's flexible!)

Diane Ramirez, Class of 2008

Beaman Floyd, Jr., Class of 2006

Ministry Involvement: Family Ministry team, Stephen Ministry Ice Cream: Twix!

Karen Johnson, Class of 2008

Kathy Segura, Class of 2008

So get to know your leadership! Say hello to them Sunday mornings; ask them about their favorite ice cream flavor! Most importantly, pray for them, their families, and their work for our church.

Gary Mann, Class of 2007 14

Laren Schiller, Class of 2006

Anita Savage, Class of 2006

Bill Zuraitis,Class of 2007

Doug Budd, Class of 2007

Don Nowakowski

David Parmer, Class of 2006

Not pictured: Leslye Womack, class of 2006 Tom Kubena, class of 2007 Maria Tissing, class of 2007 Ken Lauber, class of 2008

Carol Ideker, Class of 2007

Fred Peyton, Class of 2007

Not pictured: Ruth Stein, class of 2006 Will Petty, class of 2007

Pattie

Dale Eason, Class of 2006

Thelma Morris, Class of 2008 (not pictured) sent her bio: Ministry Involvement: Alpha Helen Turrentine, Class of 2007 15

Caring Forever Endowment Fund

The Search is On!! submitted by Allen Gunter, Endowment Committee

Like last year, the Caring Forever 2006 Award will be $1,000, and we need YOU to tell us who it should go to! Nominate just the right person or organization that really needs this money for a special mission or education project. (Just make sure they are not a member of SHPC.)

in the church office. Just be sure to get your nomination in by Sunday, March 19th. All nominations will be reviewed by a Task Force appointed by the Session, and the Caring Forever 2006 Award will be A generous man will prosper; presented in church he who refreshes others will on Mother's Day, himself be refreshed. th Sunday May 14 .

Past awards have been made for work with the homeless, mission work in Cuba, disaster relief -Proverbs 11:25 work and education and campus ministry work.

Caring Forever Perhaps you know someone who could use the awards come only from the earnings of the award for a special mission or education project? Endowment Fund. The principal of the Fund – There's a nomination form at the bottom of this your contributions – are never spent. They stay in the Fund, continuing to earn even more to be page, or you can get one in the narthex. Just used for awards in years to come. look for the Caring Forever Endowment Fund tree on Sundays. There will also be an envelope for you to put your completed nomination in, or you can put it in the Endowment Fund mail box

Have questions? Just ask an Endowment Committee member (Sue Frye, Allen Gunter, Junie Ledbetter).

CARING FOREVER 2006 AWARD NOMINATION FORM I nominate the following for the $1000 Caring Forever 2005 award: I believe the award is deserved for the following reasons:

Submitted by: _____________________________ Telephone Number _________________ Nominees cannot be a member of SHPC and must use the award for mission, for education for a near-term project or for an on-going project that needs additional funding. The award is not to be used as a reward for past projects or actions. A Task Force appointed by the Session will review nominations and make a recommendation to the Session which will then make the final decision.

16

PRESENTING THE MESSAGE OF JESUS IN A WAY KIDS “GET”

MARCH 2006

Student Ministry

Are you ready for what’s next?

Graduation & Confirmation Dinner MAY 7th 6-8 p.m.

As a parent of a preteen I am am quickly learning that there is still a lot for me to learn. One of my biggest struggles is with keeping my cool. I know that raising my voice will do little or no good yet there I go, getting all loud and upset.As a parent I need

to find new ways to keep my cool so that I will be able communicate clearly to my kids what the problem is and how they can correct it. I know it will sounds simple, but this works. Instead of “raging” try sitting down next to them, (continued next page)

For the past 3 years our students have taken part in an event called the The students go without any solid food for 30 hours to understand hunger on a first-hand basis. At the event, they learn about the cycle of poverty and the importance of community as well as how

You all are invited to celebrate with our Middle School and High School Graduates with our Big Graduation Dinner Party at the church. You will laugh and you will cry as we share stories of growing faith and hear about the adventures that our students have gone on while at Shepherd of the Hills. As an added bonus, we will also be celebrating our 2006 Confirmation Class. This is one special evening in the life of our church that should not be missed. Check the bulletin insert in the coming weeks for more details.

Put it on your calendar today. May 7th 6-8 p.m.

Pastor Mike

they can help. Learning and experiencing is fine, but not enough. The students also seek out people to sponsor them per hour that they go hungry. In previous years our students have raised almost $40,000!

Every dollar counts. It’s about saving lives.

SHPC STUDENT MINISTRIES — CHECK US OUT ON THE WEB WWW.SHPC.ORG

PAGE 17

PRESENTING THE MESSAGE OF JESUS IN A WAY KIDS “GET”

MARCH 2006

TOUGH CURVES AT HIGH SPEED, cont’d

placing your hand on their shoulder and talking to them softly. No matter how heated your student gets YOU need to remain as calm as possible.

A good rule to remember is “the one who raises their voice first loses.” Take the time to help your student understand what you need to communicate without intimidating them. I talk with kids all the time and one of their biggest concerns is about talking with their parents because their parents get so upset (read angry).

Anger does not facilitate healthy communication rather it build walls that prevent it. Learn now how to handle the little things because the bigger stuff in life is coming down the line. It is like driving a car through a tight turn... if you know there is another big curve coming, you drive a bit slower. Slow those heated conversations down.

“Fathers, don’t exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.” - Ephesians 6

Every year we take a whole bunch of kids on a whole bunch of summer adven-

tures. This year we have three HUGE trips for you to pick from. We will again be taking our high school students to South Padre Island for the Fun in the Son Student Conference (July 9th 14th) and our middle school students will be heading for the high mountain country of Gunnison, Colorado for

the Great Escape (June 24thJuly 1st). Finally, we are taking the whole church family to Mexico for our annual house-building trip.

All of these trips are sure to fill up so sign up soon and get us your $100 deposit to secure your spot. Sign up on the web at www.shpc.org

S OM E T H I N G F I S H Y F O R 6 T H G R A D E R S I want to let you all know about a new program I am super excited about! It is called “Something Fishy” and is designed for our incoming 6th-grade students. I know the transition to middle school is difficult and we are here to help. The plain truth is that many just are not ready physically or socially. At something fishy we will help smooth out those rough waters. This new course will be starting this summer and is going to be a blast. All our incoming sixth graders and their friends are invited to join us as we get to know each other and God better. Pay attention to the bulletin for more info about Something Fishy!

SHPC STUDENT MINISTRIES — CHECK US OUT ON THE WEB WWW.SHPC.ORG

PAGE 18

submitted by Allen Gunter

Had Enough Yet? Tired of being jerked around by the credit card companies? Fed up with late fees and over limit charges? Ticked off about increases in your interest rates? Frustrated by increases in your minimum monthly payment amounts?

If you're finally ready to ditch that credit card debt once and for all, just follow these simple steps. Works every time!

Step 1: The Cold Shoulder

Step 3: The Avalanche If you have debt on more than one credit card, add up your monthly minimums from all of them. That's your line in the sand. Then pick the card you want to get rid of first. As your minimum monthly payments decline, pay the monthly minimum on everything except for the card you're paying off first. That card gets the difference between your line in the sand and the minimums on the other cards.

Nothing else will work if you don't stop adding to So as your minimums go down, you'll be paying your credit card balances. So give your cards more and more on the first card and less and the cold shoulder by sticking them in a baggie, less on all the others. That ever increasing filling it with water and putting it in your payment avalanche on the first card will get it freezer. Start using your debit card or cash. paid off fast! And when it's paid off, do the (Exception: If you absolutely need something like a new washing machine, for example, using same thing with the next card you want to get rid of. Just keep your line in the sand at the a credit card lets you dispute same level and that second card the payment if the item doesn't For a humorous (but very true!) will disappear even faster! get delivered, or breaks down look at getting out of debt, check shortly after it arrives and the You can get an example of how out the Steve Martin skit at soundmoneytips.com/article/6917 dealer isn't dealing fairly with this works at the church website you.) (www.shpc.org). Click on "Adult Ministry" and look for the “Credit Card Step 2: The Line in the Sand Avalanche” under “Special Items and Helps.”

Once you stop adding new charges, your outstanding balance will start going down and so Step 4: The Rate Diet will your minimum payment. And that's where If you're getting credit card offers in the mail you draw the line - by refusing to lower your with lower rates, call your current credit card monthly payment until you're out of debt. companies and tell them you'd like to stay with them but.... Maybe they'll lower your interest For example, suppose you currently have rate. If not, you can always transfer your $10,000 in credit card debt at 12% interest and balances to a new card. But be very careful your monthly minimum payment is 4% of your balance. Your minimum this month is $400, but there are many, many pitfalls and “gotchas.” since you're no longer charging, it goes down to For more info on this and other rate diet options, look for “Swapping Interest Rates - A $388 next month. Instead of paying the lower New Reality Show?” in the “Budget Guy Article amount, though, you opt to pay $400 again: Archive” on the church website (see above).

Monthly Payment

Time to Pay Off

Interest Paid

Decreasing minimum

10 yrs, 8 mos

$3,200

$400

2 yrs, 5 mos

$1,600

Part of my job at SHPC is helping people get out of debt.

It’s free and it’s confidential. Just call the Budget Guy, Allen Gunter, at 292-4035 or send an email to BudgetGuy@SHPC.org. And check out the Crown Financial Ministries Small Study Groups – call Margaret Fetty at 288-9034 for more information.

That's right - just keeping your monthly payment fixed makes a huge difference!

19

Joys – Rylan James Gillis, son of John & Lynette Gillis and brother of Jack, was born February 19th — Zachary Charles Bay, son of Derrick & Amy and brother of Alex & Michael, was born February 16th — Peggy Platt’s latest PET scan shows her thyroid cancer in complete remission — Abby June Sims, daughter of Terry & Jennifer, and granddaughter of Joy & Esso Essary, was born February 8th — Lindsey Marie Morales, daughter of Laura & Rich Morales and sister of Kaitlyn & Emily, was born February 7th — Paul Floyd, brother of Beaman Floyd, has returned from his tour of duty in Afghanistan Sorrows – Mary Loucks, aunt of Karmen Miller, passed away February 18th — William Starnes, brother of Maria Tissing, passed away February 14th. A memorial service was held in Wichita Falls February 18th — Graham Lee Young, infant son of Mike & Erica Young, passed away February 3rd.

A memorial service was held February 9th — John Burleson passed away shortly after midnight January 30th. Services were held in Austin Saturday, February 4th Please pray for — Ruth Davis, broken hip — Harry Langston, father of Nancy Peyton, pancreatic cancer — John Ippolito, brother of Rosemary Barnett, prayers for healing — Joy Essary, pneumonia — Pat Costrini, friend of Marsha Holt, beginning radiation and chemo treatments — Howard Bonebrake, recovering from hip replacement surgery — M.J. Gabour, greatgrandfather of Becki Breed, undergoing cancer treatment — May Denmark, friend of Rita Paschak, strength and healing — Margo Bjeletich, undergoing chemotherapy — Dan Bjeletich, recovering from surgery — the family of Doug Herren, friends of the Gilchrists, after his death from cancer — the family of Bob Warsham, friends of the Gilchrists, after his death from cancer — Tony Franzolino, elevated blood sugar levels — David Dickinson, his wife Lynn and family, surgery for brain cancer — Theresa Bessette, teacher at Oak Hill Elementary, and family, on the death of her brother, Jerry Miller — Sharon McElroy, friend of Caren Zysk, on the death of her son in Iraq — the family of John Burleson — Steve Pearson, recovering from surgery — Don Totusek, friend of Pat Franzolino, serious illness — ThuyXa Henry, niece of Sarah Stranahan, recovering from coma after a recent car accident — Dodie Stockwell, sister-in-law of Sarah Stranahan, relief from pain — Margaret Redding, friend of Nancy Peyton, recovering from hip replacement — David Hines, brother of Georgia Crawley, recovering from heart surgery — Jessie Brown, friend of Carol Gilchrist, severe pneumonia — John Watts, cousin of Ken Seiler, recurring cancer — Mary Boyce, mother of Liz Boyce, recovering from a fall — Beverly and her children — Anthony — James — Rose — Kent — Christina and her children — Christopher and Chris — those in hurricane-stricken areas Please pray for Members of the Armed Forces and all world leaders involved in war zone crises including: Quantrell Blake, friend of Tammy Boehman... Anthony Canas, son-in-law of Linda Brooke and Celestino Mendiola... Dennis Low... D. J. Haney, nephew of Paula Boatright... Stephen Hartman, nephew of Karla and Richard Snell... John Steele, nephew of Martha Meador... Ryan Moeller, friend of Carol Ideker… John Sanchez, son of Birdie Lindsey… Jason Addison, son of Al and Jai Leigh Addison… Clay Narey, cousin of Aimee Killeen …

David B. Craig, son of Linda Kimmons… Kenneth McKinney, friend of Carlen Floyd… Jason Mills, son-in-law of Gaston and Junie Broyles… John Paul Hipolito, son of neighbor of Bill Stokes… Eric Wesley, friend of the Gilchrists

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3 Mar 4 Mar 4 Mar 5 Mar

6 Mar

7 Mar

1 Mar 3 Mar 4 Mar 6 Mar 9 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 13 Mar 14 Mar 15 Mar 16 Mar 20 Mar 24 Mar 25 26 27 30 31

Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar

Perry & Sylvia Stewart Bruce & Evelina Warren Joe & Stacie Tracy Ken & Rosemary Clapham Carol & Dwane Ideker Glenn & Deanna Lovelace Clyde & Verna Hudson Ken & Victoria Johnson Eric & Jennifer Prosser Melvin & Carolyn Deutsch David & Lynne Dickinson Don & Karen Greathouse Kristi & Matt Piskorz Wendy & Brian Saari Kimbol & Marty Soques Inace & Tom Henry Kori & Trish Eskelin Sarah & Buddy Stranahan Laurel & Steve Calhoun Brian & Denise Berry Chris & Kristin Aardema Stefan & Pat Haag Rick & Kathy Lewis Greg Freed & Laurel Holland

8 Mar

9 Mar

10 Mar

11 Mar

12 Mar

13 Mar 14 Mar

15 Mar 1 Mar 2 Mar 3 Mar

Pat Haberman Kelly Gabbart Angela Immitt Alma Moore Troy Spink

16 Mar

18 Mar

Bryan Chase Toko Sato Nathan Brock John Addison Richard Bonnin Kristen Chambers Madison Royer Bill Hall Evelina Warren Hailey Sandel Fred Peyton Don Hardwick Katie Icenhauer-Ramirez Hannah Sandel Jim McNutt Louree Eason Laren Schiller Jason Loos Damen Lawler Al Olson Mike Petty Marilyn Wade Brandon Starkjohann Thelma Morris Doug Riffey Madison Roland Charles Hakim Joel Cabello Ruth Ann Widner Amanda Houghton Kassandra Stalbaum Lucy Litteaur Kate Wheeler Teena Davis Ben May Laura Donnell Bonnie Vaughn Melissa Grance Carol Gilchrist Eric Schultz Patrick Wallace Bill Zuraitis Deb Ballew Terry Payne Carrie Snell Austin Allen Jeremy Mudgett Joty Majka

18 Mar

20 Mar

21 Mar 22 Mar

23 Mar

24 Mar

25 Mar

26 Mar

27 Mar 28 Mar 29 Mar

30 Mar 31 Mar

Rita & Alfred Teague 7015 Magenta Lane Austin TX 78739

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Frances Hopper Chuck Courtney Heather Hennigan Allison Sauceda Barbara Nowlan Sherine Thomas Tanya Coughlin Teresa Riffey Mickey Bell Jim Riggs Brian Berry Alexandria Hanks Aaron Brinks Brian Folkers Regina Rosilier Lauren Tarrant David May Lila Ramos Kristin Loewe Joe Wood Jettie Sherrier Sandy Hill Arthur Hanks Julie Bonnin Madison Jechow Mike Bullock Christie Wright Leon Johnson Lindsay Crump Pete Budic Linda Jones Allan Fetty Paula Cook John Clapham Spencer Collins Kendall Gonzales Vicki Brown Inace Henry Joe Manzello Karen Kennamer Erin Cozart Carol Dittlinger-Ideker GT Pugh Jeffrey Cloyd Laurie Bender Kassidy Whitmire

1 Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Growing Up Christian ...

6:30 p.m. Jesus, the One and Only: Women’s Wed. Bible Study 7 p.m.

Ash Wednesday Worship

2 Thursday 9:30 a.m. Mothers of Young Children (MYC) Devotional 10 a.m. Mary-Martha Circle 7 p.m.

Journey Group: Adams’ 7 p.m.

Crown Financial Ministries Class

16 Thursday 9:30 a.m. MYC Devotional 7 p.m.

Journey Group: Adams’ 7 p.m.

Crown Ministries Class

18 Saturday 7:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Fellowship

19 Sunday

9:45 a.m. Bright Lights Sunday School 11 a.m. Confirmation/Youth New Members class 5 p.m.

Journey Group, library 5:30 p.m. Alpha Marriage Course 6:30 p.m. Everlast Evening Fellowship 11:59 p.m. APRIL Newsletter deadline

4 Saturday 9:30 a.m. Children at the Lord’s Table Workshop

5 Sunday 9:45 a.m.

11 a.m.

5 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

IHN Ends Bright Lights Sunday School Confirmation/Youth New Members class Journey Group, library Alpha Marriage Course Everlast Evening Fellowship Prayer 101

21 Tuesday 10 a.m.

6 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

“Groan”-Ups Game Day

8 Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Growing Up Christian ...

6:30 p.m. Women’s Wed. Bible Study 7 p.m.

Chancel Choir Rehearsal

9 Thursday 9:30 a.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

MYC Devotional Journey Group: Adams’ Crown Financial Ministries Class Book Club Students leave for Enchanted Rock Fellowship Bridge Group

11 Saturday 11:30 a.m. Golden Years Lunch Bunch

9:30 a.m. MYC Devotional 7 p.m.

Journey Group: Adams’ 7 p.m.

Crown Financial Ministries Class

26 Sunday 9:45 a.m.

11 a.m.

5 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

13 Monday AISD Spring Break: office open AM only 14 Tuesday 10 a.m.

U.S. Presidents Study Group

15 Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Evermore Evening Fellowship 6:30 p.m. Women’s Wed. Bible Study 7 p.m.

Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Bright Lights Sunday School Confirmation/Youth New Members class Journey Group, library Alpha Marriage Course Everlast Evening Fellowship

28 Tuesday 1:30 p.m. Older Women’s Legacy (OWL) class

29 Wednesday 5:45 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

12 Sunday 9:45 a.m. Bright Lights Sunday School 11 a.m. Confirmation/Youth New Members class 5 p.m.

Journey Group, library NO Alpha Marriage Course 6:30 p.m. Everlast Evening Fellowship 7 p.m.

Prayer 101

Evermore Evening Fellowship Women’s Wed. Bible Study Chancel Choir Rehearsal Understanding Islam

23 Thursday

10 Friday 7 p.m.

SAM Planning Meeting Stephen Ministry group meeting, room 7

22 Wednesday

7 Tuesday 10 a.m.

End AISD Spring Break

Babysitting Co-Op Evermore Evening Fellowship Women’s Wed. Bible Study Chancel Choir Rehearsal Understanding Islam

30 Thursday 9:30 a.m. MYC Devotional 7 p.m.

Journey Group: Adams’ 7 p.m.

Crown Financial Ministries Class

31 Friday 30-Hour Famine Begins

2 Apr., Sunday YOUTH SUNDAY 30-Hour Famine Ends

Feel free to tear off and save this page to help you keep on top of everything that’s happening at Shepherd of the Hills!

23

Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church 5226 West William Cannon Drive Austin, TX 78749-2244

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID AUSTIN, TX Permit #1279

March 2006 Issue 3

The Rev. Larry Coulter, Pastor The Rev. Michael Killeen, Associate Pastor 5226 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749 Phone: 512-892-3580, FAX: 512-892-6307 www.shpc.org Pastor’s email: larry@shpc.org church@shpc.org