The Messenger Newsletter

The Rev. Dr. Larry A. Thomas

By definition, an Interim Pastor is a minister invited by the session to preach the Word, to administer the sacraments and to fulfill pastoral duties for a specified period of time.  While this person is with the church he/she will help the church to reflect on itself and its ministry so that all will have a clearer sense of direction in the search for a permanent pastor.

It is with great pleasure that the session announces the selection of the Reverend Dr. Larry A. Thomas as Interim Pastor for LHPC.  Many of you have already taken an opportunity to introduce yourselves to Dr. Thomas and his wife, B. J. As the weeks go by, we hope the rest of you will do likewise.

Dr. Thomas, who lives in Arlington, comes to us through Grace Presbytery, PC(USA) and has extensive experience as an interim.  Having graduated with a Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago in 1979, he has served in both large and small churches in Tennessee and Texas with his most recent assignment having been in Richardson.  During these years he has also taken an active part in various presbyterial duties by either serving on or moderating committees.

Dr. Thomas states that the heart of his ministry has been the interpretation and application of the Gospel to the life of the church whether that happens in the pulpit, the committee meeting, or the classroom--wherever that opportunity comes his way.

On the more personal side, Larry came from Oklahoma although he states that his family's roots lie in Texas, his grandfather having served in the Texas Legislature.  His wife, B. J., is a native of Port Arthur.  Larry has two sons, Brian and Christopher, and a stepdaughter, Courtney Sanders.  Courtney and her family, which includes two young children, live just down the street from B. J. and Larry.  Larry confesses that while he has no hobbies he is a voracious reader of all kinds of literature.  He and B. J. enjoy the theater as well as traveling here and abroad.

Larry will be in the office during the week and, of course, in the pulpit on Sundays.  Please take a minute to come by to meet the preacher!

One of the nicer things about our church family is how well we all work together to fulfill the church's mission.  Our progress has been wonderful but it could not have been done without everyone pulling together.  We have done this for the most part through working on or with committees or groups within the church.

So, have you found your niche?  And just what does that mean? Generally, a niche is a special place within the scheme of things.  Within the confines of LHPC, it would generally mean finding a committee or group with whom you really enjoy working. So, have you found your special place(s) within LHPC?

There are a variety of ways in which you can do this.  In all there are ten defined committees working under the umbrella of the session.  These committees include the Child Development Center, Communications, Property, Stewardship & Finance, Christian Education, Congregational Care, Fellowship, Missions (includes the Reach Out Task Force) and Worship.  In addition to these, there are various other groups such as the Women's Circles, the Men's Fellowship, the Men's Bible Study group, Tuesday Testimonial Luncheons, Sandwich Ministry, Sunday School classes, Meals on Wheels, etc.

Hopefully this article will tickle your interest and perhaps make you a little curious.  In the succeeding months the specific aspects of each committee will be discussed and brought to your attention.  There are wonderful opportunities here for each and every one to get involved, to enjoy the friendship and love of others and to help carry out the mission of the church.

First of all, B. J. and I want to thank you for the tremendous welcome we have received.  Your warmth and graciousness have been overwhelming.  We are having a great time getting to know the many fine people of Lake Highlands Presbyterian.  (Keep telling us your names, please, until you're sure we know you!)

It is a joy to be among you as your pastor for this interim period!  I am delighted to have this opportunity to worship and work with you as we enter into a new chapter of this church's story of service to God in this community.  I had heard from many that Lake Highlands was a strong church, but now I am discovering for myself the many and diverse gifts of the session, staff and members of the congregation.  You make ministry an exciting adventure.

The interim time can be one of the most significant spiritual events in the life of the church if one understands that some of the most profound insights and experiences of God come during our times of.  The greatest spiritual question a church can ask is:  "What is God doing in our midst at this time and under these circumstances?"  This is the question we will seek to answer as we explore God's future together.

I am convinced that God is calling you, as the people of God, to do marvelous things.  It is a powerful thing to be led by the Spirit.  Perhaps one of our greatest mistakes we make as Christians is to limit God. It is exciting for me to wonder what new things God has in store for you.

As we begin our journey together, let us remember that God is faithful to God's promises, and God promises to sustain and empower the church.  When we trust those promises, great and wonderful things happen. So let our trust not be in ourselves, but in the "One who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine," (Ephesians 3:20)

Grace and Peace
— Larry

Thanks to all you who helped make the January 18th blood drive with Carter Blood care a success.  Our participation provides the individual members who donated family coverage benefits for a year and the church club plan will allow benefits to church members and others under certain circumstances.  And of course the benefits to the community are impossible to measure.  We were told that some hospitals had come to the point of having to cancel elective surgeries due to a blood shortage.

Those individuals participating were Bill and Martha Boyd, Deborah and John Brown, Ashita and Cecil Dass, Leslie Durham, Cal and Johnie Foster, Ralph Gifford, Carol Greenman, Nancy Hager, Helen Kelso, Tom Kriehn, Pam Leutz, Glen McCleskey, Chuck Ramsay, Missy Rodgers, Herman Sawyer, and Mary Simpson.

Highlands Christian Church also sent some donors.  A total of 28 people volunteered, with a total of 24 units of blood drawn.  We exceeded our assigned goal and we're very proud of all of you!  Also thanks to Ladell Ritchey, Pat and L.V. Massengale, Linda Swanson and Martha Boyd for assisting in enlistment, set-up and clean-up activities and helping to provide support and refreshments for the donors.

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At the request of Friends of Good Shepherd, the ladies of LHPC contributed candy and cookies for the first annual F.O.G.S.'s Pinata Christmas Party.  The party was held on December 15th at the Good Shepherd Preschool in West Dallas.  The school was formerly sponsored by the Latin American Auxiliary, which has been disbanded.

The session held its monthly stated meeting on the evening of Monday, January 16, 2006 and was moderated by the Rev. Robert M. Shelton.  The following are highpoint's of that meeting:

The clerk announced the removal from the rolls of two persons who have sent notice stated that they are now attending or have joined other churches.  Those persons are Wanda Ferguson (now a member of 1st P.C. in Richardson) and Bill Williams (now a member of Lovers Lane Methodist Church).

By written report the 2005 Nominating Committee announced its progress in obtaining names to be presented to the congregation as possible candidates for the Pastor Nominating Committee to be elected by the congregation.

The Worship Committee made recommendation and session approved the organization of a special task force whose purpose will be to approach the membership for special funding to be used for the improvement of the sound equipment in the sanctuary.  The committee further stated that some funding has already been received but that approximately $3,500 is still needed.  Questions concerning this project should be directed to the Worship Committee.

In its continuing efforts to be solvent the CDC Committee has announced their intent to employ a professional catering service for all of the food needs for the children of the CDC.  It was further announced that this will provide a huge savings in the amount of expense now carried by the Center for food and food supplies.  Plans are also under way to raise the rates for the PDO and the eventual phasing out of that part of the CDC.

The Communications Committee announced the completion of its assignment to provide interior and exterior pictures of LHPC to Grace Presbytery as requested by them.

Presbytery meeting dates were announced and various elders volunteered to serve as either commissioner or alternate.  These dates are announced elsewhere in this newsletter.

Not so long ago someone asked why we never published the Flower Calendar any more in the newsletter.  Available space was the first answer that came to mind but in all honesty that has not always been the case.  The fact is that once having left it out, it was easy to forget to renew the habit!  So, with apologies for being so lax, the following is a list of the available dates as of this date, January 10, 2006.  Hopefully you'll find one you want to use to donate flowers in honor or in memory of someone near and dear to you.  The cost is now only $31.50 which represents a slight increase recently imposed by the florist to cover the rising cost of fuel.  Your check should be made out to LHPC and marked "for Sunday flowers."

Please keep in mind as you read through the above list that this article is being written on January 10, 2006.  By the time the newsletter arrives at your house, some of the dates may already be taken.  Thanks for your help!  Thanks for your patience!

 Click here to view the flower calendar

Don't forget to bring your donations for the White Rock Center of Hope on the first Sunday of each month.  Accepted items include:  non-perishable foods, clothing, shoes, books, games, and household items.  The collection area is located in Fellowship Hall.  Items urgently needed this month include canned fruits and meats, coats, jackets, sweat shirts and sweat pants.

In January eleven persons attended the Testimonial Tuesday luncheon when Cindy Wadley told her story.  We had three new faces in attendance!  Next month Bert Hager will be talking about his exciting childhood and what brought him closer to the Lord.

For those of you who have been participating in the 2 Cents-A-Meal Program, we truly thank you!  The big orange bucket holds the contribution of your change to help others.  Last fall over $250.00 was collected, and the funds were used to buy supplies that filled 100 children's activities kits for Hurricane Katrina victims.  Contact Steve Moore for more information on this wonderful program.

LHPC filled sixty-three gift bags for the girls at the Texas Youth Commission at Christmas time.  Thanks to all for making their Christmas a happy one.  We received this word from the Willoughby House in Ft. Worth:

Dear LHPC: Thank you for sharing with the Willoughby girls.  They loved the Christmas bags.

If you would like more information on the activities sponsored by Mission and Outreach, please contact Missy Rodgers at 214-902-9935.

The Women's Board Meeting will be Wednesday, January 11, at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.

All women in the congregation are cordially invited to become better acquainted with other women in the church, and to learn about different religious studies by attending a circle meeting this February.  Circle 1 and Circle 2 will be learning about the season of Lent, "A Time to Keep and a Time to Throw Away."  The Circle of Hope will be learning about Lydia in their continuing study of women in the Bible.  The Circle of Joy will be reviewing Beth Moore's book entitled Beloved Disciples.

Circle l will meet Monday, February 20, at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Eloise Love.  For information, phone Lorene Pinnell at 214-348-0401.

Circle 2 will meet Tuesday, February 21, at 9:30 a.m. at LHPC with Lucy Zaccone serving as hostess.  For more information, contact Lucy at 972-437-6635.

Circle of Hope will meet Wednesday, February 15, at 9:45 a.m. at LHPC with Linda Swanson and Virginia Salter serving as hostesses.  For information call Martha Boyd Secor at 214-341-4747.

Circle of Joy will meet on the second and fourth Monday Evenings, February 13 and 27th, at 7:00 p.m. at LHPC in Meg Richardson's office.  For information phone Missy Rogers at 214-902-9935.

Other Opportunities
LHPC Board meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 8, at LHPC.

The women of LHPC will once again be joining thousands of other women from all over Texas and the surrounding states for the annual "Women of Faith" 2006 conference held at the American Airlines Center on August 25 and 26. Many companies hold tickets for every event that takes place at the arena, but do not attend all of the events.  If you, or the company you work for have box seat tickets that will not be used for this event, we would love to purchase them from you!  Contact Missy Rodgers at 214-902-9935 or missyro@earthlink.net.

Sunday, Feb. 12 will be the Men's Fellowship Pancake Breakfast for everyone in the church.  (Back by popular demand: Eggs.)

Sunday, Feb. 26 the Men will be serving a Brunch Buffet immediately following 11:00 a.m. worship service and the Congregational Meeting.  Entertainment will be provided.

Pay close attention as we will soon be signing up talent for the First Annual Men's Fellowship Spring Talent Show.  The entire congregation is invited to showcase their talents.  We already have singing acts, magic acts and skits.  The Talent Show will be on Saturday, April 29.

Don't forget that there is a Men's Bible Study every Tuesday night (except for Men's Fellowship Night.)  We are currently studying the Gospel according to John.

For more information, contact Steve Moore at steve911@sbcglobal.net.

Youth Schedule

Feb. 5: Youth Fellowship from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Feb. 10-11: Mission Mania at LHPC

The LHPC Youth will team up with Eastminster PC Youth to work on church and community service projects and will join other youth in the Eastern Dallas Cluster of Presbyterian Churches for a Youth Rally at St. Mark Presbyterian Church.

Feb. 19: Youth Fellowship from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Youth Summer Camp Dates:
July 10-14: Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference
July 22-27: Red River Summer Camp at Camp WOW
Grace Presbytery Summer Camps: Offered throughout the summer

Kid Stuff

Stay-N-Play Dates (for Toddlers -5th Grade)
Feb. 5: 12 Noon (Lunch at McDonalds)
March 5: 12 Noon (Lunch and Roller Skating)
April 2: 12 Noon (Lunch & Service Project)
May 7: 12 Noon (Lunch and Zoo Trip)

Kid's Summer Camp Dates

Red River Junior Camp: (4th-6th grade) July 22-27 at Camp WOW
Grace Presbytery Summer Camps: Offered throughout the summer

Mark your Calendar

LHPC Music Camp: July 10-14

Dear Church Family:
If this is printed in the February newsletter, it will have been a year that my dear wife Doris, suffered the first of three very damaging strokes.  I pray she doesn't have any more by the time this is printed (or at all).  Those of you with whom I have been in contact know the grief this has caused me.  I now understand the grief that comes with the loss of loved ones.  It seemed just when she was about to overcome the effects of one stroke, another would occur to cause more and worse damage.  Currently, she is slightly improving from the damage caused by the third stroke but she has a long way to go.

I thank all of you for your prayers, and God for lettering me keep her for a while longer.  I want to especially thank those of you who brought me food when it was needed, flowers to brighten her room, cards of encouragement (dozens of them,) and visited her to uplift her spirits, and mine.

Visitors are welcome, she understands most of what is said to her, and can make simple replies.  I try to keep the church office informed of her location since in our quest for better facilities we've moved frequently.

I'm sorry that I can't reply to every call or answering machine message but since she can't do anything for herself, I stay all day, every day of the year with her.  I will try to reply occasionally when time permits.

     Clyde Forrester

Memorial Gifts Klahr & Iris Raney Jack & Barbara Sudderth Honorary Gifts Dixie Edwards Jack & Barbara Sudderth Carl & Nelle O'Neal Jack & Barbara Sudderth CDC Gifts Anonymous Conor Puckett Mason Puckett Praise On High Gifts Anonymous Eloise Love Steve Moore Linda Swanson

The best thing about the future is that it comes only on day at a time.

The Church expresses Christian sympathy to the Hudspeth Family upon the death of Don Hudspeth on January 17, 2006.  Services were held at First Presbyterian Church of Ennnis on January 20th.

The following persons visited worship service during the month of December:
Anna Wynne, Leslie Durham, The Ciocan Family, Amy Greenman, Doug VanWey, Patti & Michelle Smith, Butch Sandefer, Maria Arena, Joe & Mary Sanders, Jeanie Woolridge, Greg Harrison, Jennifer & Aaron Hodges, Wilma Carroll, Nadine Maxwell, Tate & April Gorman, Clark & Sharon Wood, George & Phyllis Cralle, Jade & Joyce Kiland, Lauren Barry, Monica Sutton, The Shaub Family, The Barone Family, Bill & Irene Keil, John & Mary Ann Puckett, Danny & Martha Judkins, Toril Solheim, Hilda Ramsay, Mary Lou Miller, Roland & Dottie Mackey, Mark, Xanadu & Skyla Ramsay, Trey, Lavra, Christan & McKayla Ramsay, Ellen Smith, Hal Gillespie & Joann Donovan, Trish Perchella

March 4	PC (USA) at St. Barnabas, Richardson Session commissioner - Ginger Williams, Alternate - Bert Hager
April 29	CPC at Burns Flat, Oklahoma Session commissioner - Bert Hager, Alternate - Meg Richardson
June 10	PC (USA) at Westminster, Ft. Worth Commissioner - Geri McCleskey, Alternate - Ginger Williams
September 9	PC (USA) at 1st PC, Tyler Commissioner - Steve Moore, Alternate - Dale Talley
October 21	CPC (Location TBA) (Commissioner and alternate unassigned)
November 10-11	PC (USA) at NorthPark Commissioner - Missy Rodgers, Alternate - Carol Greenman

While the commissioner and alternate assignments are made by session, all are welcome and encouraged to attend these meetings.

Sunday, February 26, at 12:00 noon

The Session has called the congregation to meet for the following purposes:

1. To receive and review the 2005 Annual Report
2. To elect two (2) members to a one-year term on the Nominating Committee

All nominations must be made from the floor; none will be presented by the Session.  Nominees must be members of the church and must have given consent to serve prior to the nomination.  In the event of more than two nominations, the election will be by balloting.  No current member of the Session is eligible for nomination.

Current members of the Nominating Committee are:

From the Session:  Ginger Williams (Chair), Geri McCleskey & Carol Greenman
From Presbyterian Women:  Jan Gifford
From Presbyterian Youth:  To be named

The Hand bell Choir is in serious need of three additional players.  Please call the church office or email Peyton at PeyTenor@aol.com if you have an interest in joining this wonderful group.  Thank you!

The Young at Heart will have a Valentine Luncheon at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 17 in Fellowship Hall.  Please bring a covered dish, a funny Valentine and a friend.  For information, call Betty Davis.

Nelle M. Crowder wed Carl L. O'Neal on January 31, 1956 in Lawrenceburg, TN.  Nelle from St. Thomas School of Nursing.  Carl has a BS from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and a Master of Science from M.I.T.  They lived in Boston before moving to Dallas where they raised three girls, Kelli Lambert, Hilary Puckett and Edan O'Neal.  "Ma" and "Da" celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded friends, family and most importantly their two grandsons Conor and Mason Puckett.