The Messenger Newsletter

The PNC is underway!  After two organizational meetings with the liaisons from Grace Presbytery's Committee on Ministry, we have officially embarked on what promises to be an exciting yet lengthy and prayerful journey.

The pastor search is organized into several levels and stages.  Much of the early work for Levels 1-3 has been done by the session, in affirming our mission statement and core values, as well as by you, the congregation, in providing input as to your desires and needs for our church in line with the mission statement and core values.  From there the church moves to Level 4, and thus begins the work of the Pastor Nominating Committee.

The PNC will now move through six steps of action to lead us ultimately to the selection of our final candidate for Pastor: 1) getting organized, 2) completing a Church Information Form, 3) Securing the Pastor Information Form, 4) contacting candidates, 5) interviewing candidates and, 6) selection of and invitation to the final candidate.

Each of these steps seems so simple at first blush, but rest assured there are many details required to move from one step to the next.  Our goal will be to keep you as well informed as we are able to, and we welcome your continued input - we assure you it will be brought before the committee.  The PNC is committed to communicating with you regularly about our progress through the newsletter and "minutes for mission."  By requirement of Presbyterian Church Guidelines, we will be unable to discuss specific details regarding candidates, interview visits, locations, etc., and we ask for your understanding and support of this highly necessary confidentiality.

Finally, and most importantly, we ask for your continued prayers and support for both LHPC and the PNC throughout this process.  It has become clear that this journey is less about securing a candidate to fill our church's pastoral vacancy, but more about allowing the Lord to reveal His will and His plan for LHPC, by leading us to a pastoral Candidate who will help fulfill that plan.

We invite you to join us: let us work, let us pray, and let us listen attentively for His word and for His call to Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church.

Once again it's that time of year when our thoughts turn to lazy days and vacations to cooler places, and the Nominating Committee is seeking input from the congregation as the search begins for "a few good people" to serve as Elders in the Class of 2009.

The nominations window will be open during the month of July, and the committee will meet several times over the summer preparing a list of possible candidates for the Session.  Please think about all the wonderfully talented people in our congregation and make your recommendations.  Nomination forms will be available throughout the month of July.

The committee members are Ginger Williams, Geri McCleskey, Carol Greenman, Jan Gifford, Kyle Koch, John Brown and Nancy Hager.

The Nominating Committee needs your suggestions for five slots in the Class of 2009 which will take office on January 1, 2007. Your suggestions to the committee will be appreciated.  Please note:

• Session members must meet the requirements of both denominations for qualification to office.  These are general and will be posted on the bulletin board in the main hallway just beyond the office.
• Session members must be active members of the congregation and must have been members for at least six months.
• Session members must not have served on the session for two (2) years prior to the date of installation to a new term.
• No current member of the retiring Class of 2006 may succeed him/herself.

Members of the immediate family of persons in the Classes of 2007 or 2008 are not eligible for election to the Class of 2009. The following currently serve on Session:

Class of 2006: Cecil Dass, Jack Martin, Hilary Puckett, Dan Wadley and Ginger Williams.

Class of 2007: Johnie Foster, Geri McCleskey, Steve Moore, Meg Richardson and Dale Talley.

Class of 2008: Carol Greenman, Bert Hager, Hollie Higgins, Missy Rodgers and Bill Miller.

Suggestions for Session, Class of 2009 1. ________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________ 4. ________________________________________ 5. ________________________________________ Please complete and drop in the offering plate or mail to: Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church 8525 Audelia Road Dallas, TX 75238

Volunteer Opportunities
Every time the White Rock Center of Hope facility opens it requires the services of a minimum of ten volunteers.  If you are interested in helping your neighbors who are experiencing a temporary crisis, the following jobs are available during the Center's normal hours of operation:  Receptionist, Interviewer, Food Pantry Worker, and Clothes Closet Worker.  The Center is open Monday through Friday, 9am - 2pm, Saturdays 9am - 12pm, and the second and third Thursday evenings 6:30pm - 8:30pm.  For more information contact WRCH Director, Ted Beechler, at 214-328-2978, or Missy Rodgers, Missions Chairperson, at 214-902-9935.

Sack Lunch Stories will be taking a break in July, but will return August 1st.  Save the date now because Larry Thomas will be sharing his story and walk with God.  Cris Emrich shared her exciting story with fourteen folks in June.

The Men's Fellowship will continue it's regular schedule through the summer.  We are currently studying the Book of Acts.  Men's Fellowship meets the second Tuesday of the month for dinner and fellowship at 7:00 p.m.  Men's Bible Study meets on all other Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m.

The Send a Kid to Camp breakfasts will also continue to be held from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on the second Sunday of each month.

We are still collecting for the 2 Cents a Meal program.  The orange sand bucket is usually at the back of the sanctuary every Sunday.  We have some worthy causes and will update you when we select the ones which to use the money for.  Past recipients have been related to the Katrina Hurricane victims.

Please contact Steve Moore or Missy Rodgers with any questions concerning these ministries.

The summer is winding down, vacations are over, another school year is about to begin.  But do you still find yourself looking for fun and new things to do?

Join us each Tuesday evening in August for dinner and activities!  You will have the chance to participate in Bible Study, Art Classes, Music Classes and cooking, just to name a few.  Each week we will offer new activities for children and adults.  Watch for more details in the bulletin and on the LHPC website.

Mark your calendars!

Dinner:
6:30-7:30 p.m.

Activities:
7:30-9:00 p.m.

Every Tuesday during the month of August.

In addition to the stated meeting of June 19, 2006, the LHPC session was also called to meet on May 14 and June 18, when two new families were received into membership.  To keep you up to date, the following are notes gleaned from the minutes of these meetings...

• J. B. Pendergrass of the Stewardship & Finance Committee reported to session on that committee's recent meeting with Gerald Farley of Generis concerning our next drive for funds.  He also reviewed the financial statement.
• It was particularly noted that the CDC has once again closed the month with a positive balance.
• The Property Committee in its report has determined that while the existing air conditioning system in the sanctuary building can be maintained for several more years at a reasonable yearly rate, thought needs to be given to accumulating necessary funds for an eventual upgrade to the system.
• The session approved the request of the Rev. Larry Thomas to be out of the pulpit on July 16 and 23 while he and his family are on vacation.  Chuck Ramsay will be asked to bring the message on those two Sundays.
• Because the Rev. Thomas will be out at the regularly scheduled time for the July session meeting, the session voted to cancel that meeting.
• The next meeting of Grace Presbytery (PC/USA) will be held on September 7, 2005, at First Presbyterian Church in Tyler.  Elders Steve Moore and Ginger Williams will serve as Commissioner and Alternate, respectively.  Anyone is welcome to attend these meetings.

Lastly, Elder Geri McCleskey reported on the June 10 meeting of Grace Presbytery. Don't forget to check the bulletin board in the long hall for the latest minutes from the last Session meeting!

The Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir has been working very hard since Easter on the music for "A Few of My Favorite Things;  A Concert of American Song".  The concert will consist of music of and by American composers.  They are folk tunes and hymns arranged by Robert Shaw, Alice Parker, and Joseph Jennings as well as original compositions by John Carter and K. Lee Scott.  These are all songs chosen by the members of the choir as their "Favorite Things."  One of the many highlights will be an original composition by Mary Alice Rich, which will include a solo by our special guest soloist, Edward Gibson.  Edward is a Master of Sacred Music Student at Perkins School of Theology.

The concert will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday in the sanctuary and will be followed by a classic 4th-of-July style picnic, with hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the stuff that goes with them!  Please come and consider making a donation to the Music Ministry of our Church, so that we will be able to continue to provide such high quality events to the congregation and the community.  See you on Sunday!

     — Peyton Strouth

The Event That Will Be!
Due to Hurricane Rita, ACT 2005 became the event that never was. While disappointing to those who planned the event and looked forward to attending, it was a blessing in disguise.  Participants were given the option of getting a refund of their registration fee but they all said no and chose instead to donate it to hurricane relief and together gave $8000 to the cause.  The money was designated to pay for salaries for pastors whose churches were damaged and whose congregations were dispersed as a result of the storms.

This year the ACT planning team consisting of representatives of Grace (PCUSA) and Red River (CPC) Presbyteries have worked hard to bring you another quality Christian Education program.  This year's event will take place on September 29 & 30 at First Presbyterian Church in Ft Worth.  Because we felt the theme of last year's event was still very relevant we chose to carry it over, "The Theology of Grace and the Ministry of Hospitality."  I encourage you to mark your calendar and plan to participate in this education event.  You can go to www.gracepresbytery.com and click on the ACT logo for information on courses offered.  If you have questions or need more information see Meg Richardson.

All women of LHPC are members of Presbyterian Women and are welcome to attend each general meeting or any circle.  If you have thought about joining a circle, now would be a good time to have your name placed in the Women's Yearbook.  It will be compiled early this summer.

Can you name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time?  Can you think of a few women who have made you feel appreciated and special?  Can you think of five women you enjoy spending time with?  Through prayer, bible study, fellowship, and service offered in the circles there is an opportunity for every woman to have a richer and more rewarding life.  To become a member of a circle, contact the incoming Moderator, Helen Kelso, at 214-348-0668 or the following chairs of each circle:

Circle l meets the third Monday evening of the month at 7:00 p.m.  Renee Kunde is chairperson, and can be contacted at 214-341-7452.

Circle 2 meets the third Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m.  Collene Ziegenfuss is chairperson, and can be reached at 214-348-3513.

Circle of Hope meets the third Wednesday of the month at 9:45 a.m.  Linda Swanson is chairperson, and can be contacted at 214-327-5113.

Circle of Joy meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m.  Contact Missy Rodgers, chairperson at 214-902-9935.  Circle of Joy meets through the year, while Circles 1, 2, and Hope meet from September through May.

Other Opportunities
LHPW Board will meet on July 19 and August 9 at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.  The Corner Market will be held on November 11th, 2006.

Please bring books, magazines and puzzles for Veteran's Hospital to Fellowship Hall on the last two Sundays in August.  Reading material is very low at this time, so you contributions are appreciated!

The second annual LHPC Arts Camp will kick off on Monday, July 10th, at 9:00 a.m.  This year promises to be even more exciting than last.  Our theme this year is "Noah's Ark"  The Campers will be able to choose from Choir, Drama, Keyboard, Guitar, or Visual Art.  All of these activities will be based on the Old Testament story of Noah's Ark.  The finale of the week will be a performance of the story where all of the campers present something that they have learned during week, and the entire congregation is invited to come watch.

Please encourage your friends, neighbors, grandkids, or any children who you know to attend this wonderful inspiring week at LHPC.  This event is free to all participants.  If you would like to help by volunteering your time during the week, or by making a donation, please contact Missy Rodgers or Peyton Strouth.  Seven dollars will sponsor a camper.  Wow! . . .  Just imagine, that for twenty five dollars you could help inspire and possibly change the life of three children in our community.

July and August Youth Schedule

July 10-14, 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.: Arts Camp
July 19, 12:00 Noon: Midweek Madness - Come to the Youth Activities Hall for pizza, games, movies and fun!
July 22- 27: Red River Summer Camps at Camp WOW
July 30, 12:00 p.m.: Youth Fellowship Lunch after worship service.
August 1, 6:30 p.m.: Terrific Tuesday-An event for children, youth and adults.
     Dinner, Bible studies and special workshops.
August 6, 12:00 p.m.: Lunch after worship service
August 6: Stay-N-Play: Detail to come!
August 8, 6:30 p.m.:-Terrific Tuesday
August 15, 6:30 p.m.:-Terrific Tuesday
August 20: Youth Fundraiser-White Elephant Bingo-A Family Event!
August 22, 6:30 p.m.:-Terrific Tuesday
August 29, 6:30 p.m.:-Terrific Tuesday

Please see Meg Richardson for more information concerning any of these events and programs.

All the women in the church are invited to a Baby Shower on Sunday, July 30th, at 2:00 p.m.  The shower will be in honor of Amy Jeter (who is having a baby girl) and Amy Chester (who is having a baby boy).  Please contact Cinda Koch or Meg Richardson for further details on this upcoming event!

Everyone over age 55 (members and guests) is invited for a fried chicken and ice cream sundae lunch on Friday, July 21st.  We will meet in Fellowship Hall at 11:00 a.m. for an indoor picnic.  Bring a salad and a guest, if you please, and join us for vittles and visiting!  For reservations, please call Jan Gifford at 214-348-8595.

Dear LHPC Friends & Family:

Thank you so much for your expressions of kindness and love during my mom's illness.  A special thank you to the choir who lovingly moved choir practice one night from the choir room to the outside front porch of my parent's house so that my mom might listen to one of her favorite songs.  Your cards, food, smiles and prayers have helped to make this unbearable time a little bit better.

     With much love,

     The Puckett Family

Dear Friends:

My deepest thanks go out to all of you for the flowers, cards, and food you sent following the illness and death of my beloved Fred.

We've known most of you for forty years or more- from Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts to all the levels of softball, for men and women and hardball for boys. Fred coached and led many of you and your kids. And he loved it as he loved all of life. Thank you for loving him back.

     Love,

     Penny & Family

Memorials Bob Bruner Jack & Barbara Sudderth Veryl Johnson Sammye Wood Nelle O'Neal Bert & Nancy Hager Dick & Ruth Howard Bob & Ione Humphrey Hollis & Zoe Jacobie Pamela Leutz Steve Moore Rich & Tammy Mackesey J.B. & Mary Lou Pendergrass The Puckett Family Sara Secor Ann Shelton Jack & Barbara Sudderth Jack & Linda Swanson Joy Valderas Eula Watterson Mr. & Mrs. Ray Yost Honorary Gifts Doris Bruner Jack & Barbara Sudderth Honorary Gifts Sound System Steve Moore LHPC Choir Anna Wynne Nelle O'Neal Memorials, designated for LHPC Choir Sponsored Child Arts Camp Mac Hubbard Lin Johnson Ethel Kamper Pat West Child Development Center Anonymous Sammye Wood Music Ministry/POH Anonymous Betty J. Anderson Al & Delores Iliya Fawzi & Aida Iliya Harriet Dingman Ralph & Jan Gifford Marian Grubbs Ethel Kamper Eloise Love Rich & Tammy Mackesey Steve Moore J.B. & Mary Lou Pendergrass Lorene Pinnell Chuck & Maureen Ramsay Mary Simpson Jack & Barbara Sudderth Sue Sullivan Linda Swanson Jere & Emily Turner Collene Ziegenfuss

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

We welcome Christy and Jim Cumbie to LHPC.  They were received upon Letter of Transfer on June 18, 2006.

Congratulations to Travis Greenman and Amy Evans who were married on March 8, 2005 in Edinburgh, Scotland.  Contact the church office for new mailing address.

The Church expresses Christian Sympathy to the family of Rosilla Hagen, who passed away on June 13, 2006.  Rosilla was a former member of Colonial Presbyterian Church and had resided in California for a number of years.

The following persons visited worship service during the month of May:

Bob & Judy Thornton, Beverly Scroggins, Charlie & L. Swanson, Jim & Christy Cumbie, B. J. Thomas, Bob & Maryellen Volker, Mike Easton, Autumn Howell, Barry & Sandy Litchfield, Richard & Jackie Mackesey, Ciocan Family, Rachel Glass, Tricia & Alyssa Perchalla, Roland & Dottie Mackey, Doug Van Wey, Frank Duckett, Kathy Faw, Kevin Heil, Sharon Morrow, Michael Elizondo, Andy Kershaw, Greg Harrison, Andrea Eberle

A special thank you to Betty Davis and Lin Johnson for volunteering in the church office this summer.

We appreciate your help!

Please bring your donations for White Rock Center of Hope and place in the plastic container in Fellowship Hall.

The follow items are needed:

• Canned Tomatoes
• Canned Fruit
• Peanut Butter
• Jelly
• Green Beans