The Messenger Newsletter

What is the Legacy Fund?
The Legacy Fund was established by the session of the Colonial Presbyterian Church with an initial gift of approximately $350,000 to assist the newly formed Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church to increase and strengthen its ministries.  The session of Colonial showed great foresight into the future needs of a newly formed congregation.  We shall be eternally grateful to the Colonial session and to its congregation who made this very essential gift to Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church possible.

Why Legacy Fund Reimbursements to the Church?
The church reimbursements are being made to help fund the salaries of the Youth Director, Scholar in Residence, Director of Music, Organist and Lead Soprano, who were hired to enhance our Youth, Worship, Christian Ed, Congregational Care, Outreach and other ministries essential to the life and growth of this new congregation.  Legacy Fund reimbursements to the church were $11,678.10 in the first two months of 2004, an annual rate of $70,068.60.  As gifts to the Operating Fund increase we can lower our dependence on the Legacy Fund.  A 25% increase in gifts to the Operating Fund would be required to be totally free of the need for Legacy Funds.  Your support of this goal is earnestly solicited!

Why Legacy Fund Reimbursements for CDC?
CDC is a major ministry of Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church, serving the children and families of our community for more than 40 years.  Through Appreciative Inquiry we have identified children and community as key themes in the stories that were told by the members of our congregation.  Our CDC exemplifies both of these important ministries-children and community.  CDC has been self-sufficient for many years prior to 2002.  Since that time, CDC operations have been severely impacted by 9/11, an economic downturn, growing unemployment, and a deteriorating facility located at someone else's church.  The newly formed CDC Recovery Committee has an objective of returning CDC to self-sufficiency by mid-2005.  The plans involve short-term improvements to the current facility, a later move to our new facility, a cost reduction program, solicitation of gifts, an enlarged and enhanced program, and (later) an increase in rates.  In the interim, CDC losses are being underwritten by Legacy Fund reimbursements which began January 1, 2004 and totaled $10,268.26 for the first two months, a $61,609.56 annual rate.  Your gifts to CDC during this interim period are earnestly solicited!  If you would like to become personally involved in the financial support of our CDC, please put your contribution in the offering plate on Sunday and mark your offering envelope "CDC."

Missions and Reach Out enlisted members of the congregation to deliver Church bulletins the week preceding Palm Sunday, giving the Easter Season services of our church to their neighbors.

This is a simple way of getting information about our church to the community.  There are countless other ways of letting our neighbors know about our church and the things it offers.  As ideas occur to you please share them with the Reach Out and Missions Committee.

What’s that all about?
The people of Lake Highlands have identified reaching out to the community as one of their primary interests.  That’s proven to be true by the many mission and reach out activities in which our members and friends are involved.  However, one of our projects of long standing is tottering on the brink of being lost.

The program is “Meals on Wheels.”  You’ll be hearing more about this soon through various committees and organizations within our church family because members of the session have been asked to help find someone to serve.  Maybe that person will be you?

Do you like the good feeling that you get when you help someone less fortunate than yourself?  Do you like knowing that you have done some little something that makes life easier for another?  You can have that good feeling and the knowledge that your contribution of a little time is worth a mint to those who benefit from it.

As one of our ministries Meals on Wheels is actually sponsored by the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA).  The VNA is only able to offer this service to the elderly because folks like you volunteer a bit of your time.  In this particular case, Lake Highlands needs someone to coordinate the program.  Before you gasp and say “no,” please be assured it’s not the labor intensive job you may imagine it to be.  Fortunately, LHPC has been involved in this activity since long before we became a union church.  Drivers are in place, schedules are worked out and, of course, the food preparation is not even our responsibility!  There is a need for someone to coordinate our drivers—a job that probably would take only about 30 or 40 minutes out of one day of one week of each month!!  And it’s even simpler than that because the only time the coordinator is required to act is if one of the drivers for some reason cannot fulfill their time slot.  In that event, the coordinator receives notice and is expected to find a substitute.  Formerly this was done by one of our members who has now died.  So, now the position is vacant.

It’s been said before, but please think and pray about this.  We are all very fortunate in that we likely have family and friends who will pitch in and help us if and when we need it.  However, not all families are that way;  some people find themselves unable to get help when it’s needed.  If you would like to make this your mission, your response to our church’s continuing quest for reaching out to the community, please contact Missy Rodgers at 214/902-9935 or the church office at 214/348-2133.

Remember—to those to whom much is given, much is expected!  That’s you and me!

Dear Friends at LHPC!
Gosh!  It seems like just forever since I last heard from you but I know how busy all of you have been what with getting ready to add on to the church over on Audelia.  I’ve heard Miss Laura and the teachers talk about the wonderful things that are happening.  I was also here on the day all the people from the church walked through our rooms to see how we were and what we were doing.

One day some of our visitors were talking about something they called “Preciative Inquiry.”  They said that was a group of people at the church who were trying to find out what made the church be as good as it is.  And you know what—one of the things they said that Lake Highlands does best is to help the children in the community by having the CDC!  Imagine that!

People often think little kids like me don’t understand or realize what’s going on.  Sometimes that’s true but other times we can be pretty grown up and understanding.  I understand that all of you are going to help us to improve things here on Plano Road until we are able to move to Audelia.  You’ve gotten us new floor coverings and curtains and I heard that the rooms might even get painted.

I guess what I’m getting at is that all of us and everyone involved really, really do thank you.  We love our home away from home and the fact that you love it enough to want to help fix it up is just great!  Thank you so-o-o much!!

Love, Jenny
OxOxO

Just to keep you up to date, the following are notes gleaned from the minutes of March 8, 2004....

At the February meeting a special team was appointed to study and analyze the Child Development Center.  The members of that team, consisting of Tammy Mackesey, Cinda Koch, Ginger Williams and Rebeka Stephens, were very thorough in their research.  The team presented session with a recovery plan.  The session adopted the plan which will go into effect immediately.

The Stewardship and Finance Committee presented resolutions relating to the loan from Compass Bank which were adopted.  This signifies one more step toward securing our loan from the bank and finally closing on the building project documents.

The S & F Committee also announced that the congregation will be presented with a special program in May which will address ways by which persons can remember the church at the time of their death.

The baptism of Gregory Lucas Logan was noted and the request of Lori and Frank Salerno for the baptism of their infant daughter Lucinda Margaret on April 11 was received.

Dorothy and Frances Appiah-Ntifor were received into membership by profession of faith.

The session agreed to cancel the 8:30 a.m. services on March 14 and April 25, 2004, to accommodate special activities to be held on those two Sundays.

Beginning in June 2004, the session meetings will be held on the third Monday of each month.

The Youth Director announced the intention of the youth to take part in a work day on March 27 at Grace Presbyterian Village.

The Missions Committee announced that they still have not found anyone to coordinate the Meals on Wheels program for our volunteers.  It was pointed out that because this is an established program, the main responsibility of that person would be to find substitutes in the event one of the regular workers is unable to on any particular date.

Worship Committee announced that tentative plans are being made for another “casual classic” in May with Bruce Wittrig performing.

John Brown, Commissioner to the February meeting of Grace Presbytery, presented his report and encouraged everyone to attend at least one of these meetings during the year.

Don’t forget to check the bulletin board outside the pastor’s office on Audelia Road to read the complete minute from the last Session meeting!

Spring clean up was a success on Saturday, March 20th.  The following volunteers worked on the interior and exterior of the church to spruce it up:  Bert Hager, Ladell Ritchey, Don Heaton, Don Kern, John Wyne, Bob & Louise McCall, Ralph & Jan Gifford, Cecil, Andrew, & Chris Dass, Missy , Evan & Abby Rodgers, Meg Richardson, George Meusel, Audrey Pierce & Chuck Ramsay.

One Great Hour Of Sharing
One Great Hour of Sharing, a Protestant-wide annual emphasis and offering, is dedicated to disaster relief and improving living conditions in all parts of the world, including here at home. In 2002 when Hurricane Isadora hit the Louisiana coast, to be followed two weeks later by Hurricane Lili, members of First Presbyterian Church, Thibodaux, realized work groups would be coming from across the country. This congregation provided living quarters, with shower facilities, for the groups. One Great Hour of Sharing was also there, providing materials for rebuilding homes. Our One Great Hour of Sharing Offering will be received on Palm Sunday, April 4.  Please give generously.

We will use PC(USA) informational pieces and offering envelopes for One Great Hour of Sharing.  However, as always, our offering will be divided equally between the Presbyterian Church (USA) and Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Circle l will meet Monday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m. at Dorothy Drew’s.  Contact Joni Kern at 972-412-1059 for more information.

Circle 2 will meet Tuesday, April 21, at 9:30 a.m. at Collene Ziegenfuss’.  Contact June Faircloth at 214-348-3949 or Sue Sullivan at 214-348-7629 for more information.

Circle of Hope will meet Wednesday, April 21, at 9:30 a.m. Location to be announced later.  Contact Sara Secor at 214-348-7628 or Virginia Salter at 214-328-1221 for more information.

Circle of Joy will meet Tuesday, April 20, at 7:30 p.m. at Rebeka Stephens’.  Contact Lisa Halliburton at 214-343-0344 for more information.

Women’s Board Meeting will be held Wednesday, April 14, 10:00 a.m.  Location will be announced later.

Annual Birthday Tea will be held on Saturday, April 3 at 11:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.  There will be an election of officers for the coming year.

Mission Project Workshop will meet Wednesday, April 28.  Location will be announced late.  All projects for the year will be completed.

April 4 7:  Crop Walk
The annual 5K walk to fight hunger will take place in Turtle Creek.  Everyone in the church is welcome to join the youth and children!
April 11:  Easter Sunday
Youth will help with the Egg Hunt
April 18:  Youth Fellowship
April 25:  Youth Sunday
10:45 a.m. - Worship service will be led by the Youth of the church.
(No 8:30 a.m. service on April 25th)
May 1:  Altitude to play at Camp El Har.  Call Meg Richardson for more info.

Camp Dates

Senior High Camp
(going into 9, 10, 11, 12 & 2004 grads): June 20-June 25
Junior High Camp
(going into 7 & 8 grade): June 25-29
Junior Camp
(going into 4, 5, 6 grades) June: 29-July 3
CPYC
(going into 10, 11, 12, & 2004 grades): July 4-9
Triennium
July 20-25

Look what is happening with our youth!

Ted Receives Award

Ted E. is a member of the Mock Trial Team at Dallas Christian School.  They recently competed against twenty other teams at the Crowley Criminal Courts Building, an event that is supported by the Dallas Bar Association and Foundation.  Ted’s school is small, so Ted had to be the attorney for both the prosecution and the defense and had to prepare and deliver opening and closing statements as well as examination of witnesses.

Dallas Christian School did not move up to compete in the regionals, but at the banquet, which was held at the Belo Mansion, Ted received a plaque for Most Outstanding Advocate and a check for $500.00 from the Dallas Bar Foundation.

Congratulations, Ted!

Dorothy A., Global Scholar Nominee

Because of her academic achievements, Dorothy has been nominated to represent the U.S. at the 2004 Global Youth Leaders Conference.

Congratulations, Dorothy!

Dear Church Family:
     Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers, cards & attendance at Mary Brown’s Memorial Service.  Your expressions meant a great deal to us.

     John & Deborah Brown

To my friends at LHPC:
     My heartfelt thanks for your prayers, cards, and messages of concern during my recent surgery.

     Marion Watson

Memorial Gifts Mary Ruth Brown Horizon Sunday School Class Mac Hubbard Mary Nell Enright John & Laura Clark Pauline Ellis Ralph & Jan Gifford Chuck & JoMarie Goldsberry Mac Hubbard Nita Hockin Doris Bruner Pauline Ellis Chuck & JoMarie Goldsberry Horizon Sunday School Class Don & Joni Kern Sammye Wood Ioan Spora Ralph Gifford J.B. & Mary Lou Pendergrass Gifts to CDC Honoring Work of: Laura Taylor & CDC Staff, Tammy Mackesey & CDC Recovery Committee, Sammye Wood & CDC Committee J.B. & Mary Lou Pendergrass Gifts to CDC Jim & Cinda Koch Ralph & Jan Gifford Rich & Tammy Mackesey

The world is sustained by three things: by truth, by justice, by peace.

Jess Jensen, a friend of the church, died on February 25.  Her memorial service was held at Restland, Dallas, on March 5.

“Welcome to Our World” to Gabrielle Elizabeth Eversole, adopted infant daughter of John and Kathy and little sister of Bethany.

Dorothy and Frances Appiah-Ntifor were received into membership on February 29 by profession of faith and confirmation of baptism.  They are the daughters of Clement and Genevieve.

The church expresses Christian sympathy to the Pinnell Family upon the death of Mastom Goerner who died on February 19, and upon the death of Amanda Laake who died on February 25.

The Reverend Julie Riley, former Parish Associate of the congregation, was installed as Associate Pastor of Woodhaven Presbyterian Church, Irving, on February 29.

The church expresses Christian Sympathy to the Boyd Family upon the death of Martha’s brother, Bill Rothfus who died on March 19th.

The Cinco de Mayo Carnival is sponsored by Brazos de Cristo/Arms of Christ, will be held on Saturday, May 1, from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Chapel Hills Presbyterian Church.  The location of the church is 10210 Webb Chapel Road.  There will be food, entertainment, games, and plenty of fun for all.  For more information, call Missy Rodgers at 214-902-9935.

The South Asian Presbyterian Church, a primarily Urdu speaking congregation, was constituted on February 28 as a member congregation of Grace Presbytery.  Our important role in the development of the congregation was to provide meeting space as long as we owned the Plano Road Campus.  The congregation continues to meet at 9400 Plano Rd.

Bert Hager has served for almost three years as our liaison and as a member of Grace Presbytery’s Steering Committee to the congregation.

Men’s Fellowship will meet on Tuesday, April 13, 2004, at 7:00 p.m.  Elder Cecil Dass will present an over-view of the religions of India, with emphasis on the development of Christianity.  See you at the church!

Friday, April 16
11:00 a.m.

Trip to Arboretum, carpooling from ARC.  Bring a sack lunch.

     Admission: $6.00
     Parking: $4.00