The Messenger Newsletter

Houston, Dallas, Texline, Harlingen, Muleshoe, Wascom and All Points in Between:  We Have a Contract!
At last, negotiations are through and value engineering (cost savings) is behind us.  We have a construction contact for the Audelia Rd. Campus with Mycon General Contractors of McKinney.

It has been a long process as we have worked step-by-step through the architect’s plans.  The result is that we have a project within our budget goal.

Thanks to a lot of people, both members of the Property Development Committee and consultants in a variety of fields.  Special thanks to Martin Vernon, Committee chair, and two members.  John Eversole, an architect, and Hollis Jacobie, a contractor, have given hours beyond counting in seeing that the plans and project are what we need.

Now the contract, construction budget and a few other pieces of data go the bank for closing the loan.

Watch for the ground breaking announcement!

An Invitation To Spirituality
The forty-day season, preparatory to Easter, invites us to be particularly intentional about our faith.  Traditionally that has been encouraged by a Lenten sacrifice, “giving up something for Lent.”

I would like to suggest a different approach: embracing something for Lent.  Specifically, embracing what God has done for you through Jesus Christ.  That might take the following forms.

Reading one of the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke or John.  Almost any translation will serve.  What is important is to read it as you would a short story, to get the flow of it.  Then re-read it meditatively and prayerfully and pause to think about what you've read.  That will allow its depth to penetrate your consciousness.

Spend quality time with God, fifteen minutes, if not each day then at least three times each week.  If your chosen time is in the morning, you can anticipate the day and open yourself to God’s presence as the day unfolds.  If your time is in the evening, then rehearse the day and celebrate God’s presence in it.  At either time, just be still, feel God and open yourself without telling God what God ought to.  Prayer, after all, begins with and is always more listening than telling.

Most importantly, gather with the people of God in worship.  God also is present in the church’s worship.  And remember, the pivotal question in worship is not “What did I get out of it?” but “What did I give to God through my worship?”

Finally, if a Lenten sacrifice helps you focus upon deepening your spiritual life, then by all means choose that one thing that has the most significance for you and practice it.

If you will practice one or more of these disciplines, I believe you will come to Easter with a deeper faith and more profound reason for gratitude for what God has done for you.

--Robert E Shelton

What’s that all about?
If you haven't heard about Intermission, stay tuned for the next one and come join us! Intermission is a chance for any youth, children or adults to come learn a few of the contemporary Christian songs played by the youth band.

Once a month, our children’s and youth Sunday School classes will spend their time jamming’ out in the sanctuary as Altitude leads them thru some cool Christian music-hand motions included! This takes place in between our two traditional services-and so the name, Intermission.

If you’re not already participating in a Sunday school class, please feel free to join us.  The sanctuary will have different look and feel-but the message is still the same-sharing and rejoicing together.  We just do it louder! March Intermission date is to be announced, so watch the bulletin for more information.  You’ll love the energy.

(See photo’s from Sunday February 8)

Steve Moore and Sara Secor were elected to a one-year term at the congregational meeting on February 15.  Their election completes the Nominating Committee, which consists of:

John Brown, Chair, Hollis Jacobie and Dan Wadley from the Session Chris Jacobie from the Youth, and Carol Greenman from Presbyterian Women

Sara Secor and Steve Moore from the congregation.

Here’s to You, “Altitude” or Let’s Amplify “Altitude”
“Altitude,” our youth band, consists of Lauren B., Brian H., Chris J. and Kyle and Ryan K. They have played for worship, fellowship dinners and an outdoor concert.  They have “gone on the road.” Now they are leading our elementary children in learning new songs as a part of the church school curriculum.  And do you know, some of their songs are their originals?

OK, now let me touch on a couple of subjects that may or may not be there—at least no one has mentioned either to me.  (If I don't need to address them, good; let’s just forget I brought them up.) One: “This is music?” YEP.  It’s the music of today’s youth.  It’s as uniquely their generation’s as any popular music of any other generation.  The other: “This is church music?” YEP.  And these young people are aware that they play as much for the glory of God as an organist, string ensemble or any other makers of traditional church music.

It did me good beyond telling when “Altitude” entertained after a church wide dinner last fall.  Their most enthusiastic fans were folks whose music of choice would have come from the Swing Era of the ‘30s and ‘40s.  As long as we have that kind of understanding and appreciation across generational lines, we’re OK.

Now, a request for your consideration: “Altitude” has amplifiers for their instruments, which are their own.  But they don't have adequate amplification for voice.  And the system in the sanctuary is woefully inadequate; it was designed to project the spoken voice.  When the band moves outdoors or goes on the road, they have to borrow equipment.

What if some adult groups in the church adopted “Altitude’s” needed amplification as a special project to help provide the kind of sound system they need? What if you and I as members could find funds—say the cost of a moderate meal out—to help meet the need? If that happened and if the next time you heard them, you could think with justifiable pride, “They’re a neat group of young people, and I helped make this possible.”

What if we all joined together to help AMPLIFY ALTITUDE? If you want to get in on the front end of making it possible, you can make your contribution to the church, designated for “Altitude.” (No, the session hasn't yet had this appeal before it for consideration.  If I waited until the next meeting, I'd be another month in sharing the thought.  And this needs attention now.)

--Robert E Shelton

(See photo’s from Sunday February 8)

Just to keep you up to date, the following are notes gleaned from the minutes of January 12 and February 8 and 9....

Over the past two months, the Appreciative Inquiry has analyzed the many wonderful faith stories received by them through personal interviews with the congregation.  From this they have formulated five provocative propositions which will be used in further analysis to determine which of our programs are the most effective.

Property Development announced that the permits have been obtained and submitted to the bank as requested.  The construction contract is due to be signed any day and the construction budget is approaching completion.  The session has appointed a committee of three persons to begin formulating plans for the Groundbreaking Ceremony.

The session received and approved the budget for 2004.  Stewardship & Finance have also announced the completion of the audit of the financial records for 2003.

John Burkwall was received into membership on February 22.

Plans were made and a committee appointed to handle packing and storing of our things at both the Plano Road facility and the present education/fellowship hall building on Audelia Road.  CDC has announced that it is gathering boxes to begin the packing process.

Grace Presbytery has announced the resignation of the Rev. Dr. Wilson Gunn who has accepted a call from the National Capital Presbytery in Washington, D.C. (Clerk’s note: Dr. Gunn has been a great help to LHPC in our work planning the new building project and helping us to obtain presbytery approval.)

The spring mowing schedule is completed and has been posted.

Various scheduling dates were approved for the year 2004.

Elders John Brown and Cinda Koch were elected as commissioners to the February and June PC(USA) presbytery meetings, respectively, and Cecil Dass and Herman Sawyer were elected to serve as alternates to these same meetings.  Ralph Gifford was elected as commissioner to the April CPC presbytery meetings along with Chuck Ramsay as alternate for that meeting.

Session approved the issuance of an invitation to Red River Presbytery to hold its Spring 2005 meeting at the new LHPC facility.

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!

Mark your calendar to attend the annual spring clean-up for the church.  On Saturday, March 20th from 8:00 a.m. until noon, volunteers are needed to help with cleaning the outside as well as the inside of the church.

For more information, please call Ralph Gifford at 214-348-8595

Robbie Meusel and her aunt were the first employees of Casa Linda Theatre.  Here is an article that was published in the 58th anniversary edition of The White Rocker newspaper.

In 1945, my Uncle Raymond Spence and my fiancé, George Meusel, were in the military.  I spent a lot of time with my Aunt Dorothy Spence.  We both were lonesome so we looked for something to do to occupy our time.  We found out that the Casa Linda Theatre was opening and hiring.  My aunt was in the Ticket Booth and I was in the Concession Stand.  We were the first employees.  Jim Smith’s Mobil was the only other business in Casa Linda at that time.

Circle l will meet Monday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m. at Eloise Love's. Contact Joni Kern at 972-412-1059 for more information.

Circle 2 will meet Tuesday, March 26, at 9:30 a.m. at Sara Secor's. Contact June Faircloth at 214-348-3949 or Sue Sullivan at 214-348-7629 for more information.

Circle of Hope will meet Wednesday, March 17, at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.  Contact Sara Secor at 214-348-7628 or Virginia Salter at 214-328-1221 for more information.

Circle of Joy will meet Tuesday, March 16, at 7:30 p.m. at Lisa Halliburton's.  Contact Lisa Halliburton at 214-343-0344 for more information.

Women’s Board Meeting will be held Wednesday, March 11, at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.

Women’s General Meeting will meet Tuesday, March 2, at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.  Suzanna Swanson will give a presentation about Senior Source.  It will be a covered dish breakfast.

Mission Project Workshop will meet Wednesday, March 31, at 9:30 a.m. at Fellowship Hall.  The women will be working on community projects.

March 7:  No Youth Fellowship
March 14:  No Youth Fellowship
March 21:  Youth Fellowship
March 28:  Youth Fellowship

Look what is happening with our youth!
Tierney T. was the youngest dancer from the Dallas Ballet Center to be asked to audition for Pennsylvania Ballet’s Rock School of Dance summer intensive.  She was one of 60 girls in her age group in Dallas at the audition , and was one of the few to be accepted!! She will be in Philadelphia from June 27th until July 16th studying with dancers from all over the world.  Congratulations, Tierney!

Congratulations to Ryan K. for his recent achievement in earning the Rank of Eagle Scout.  Ryan is a member of Boy Scout Troop 890, is a sophomore and honor student at Lake Highlands High School.  Ryan also plays on the Wildcat Baseball team, is a member of the L Marching Band, and also plays in LHPC’s Youth Band, Altitude.

     I want to express my appreciation to those in the congregation who have send cards, flowers and calls of encouragement to me during these trying times.  I am feeling fine.  May God bless you all.

     Friend in Christ,

     Dorothy Mackey

Dear Friends:
     Sometimes we forget how supportive friends can be.  You have helped me remember this with all of the love you have shown to me in the death of my sister, Nita. All of your cards, notes and calls have helped me remember how near and dear each of you is to me.  Thank you so much for being there when I needed you.

     With warmest regards,

     Mac Hubbard

Dear Friends at LHPC:
     Thank you very much for the engraved silver baby cup for our new son, Lucas Gregory.  We look forward to everyone meeting him soon.

     Paul & Cari Logan

Memorial Gifts Gary Balzer Bert & Nancy Hager Dick & Ruth Howard J.B. & Mary Lou Pendergrass Jack & Barbara Sudderth Mary Nell Enright Martha Boyd Paul & Betty Bozeman Doris Bruner Grover & Marsha Herrera Marion Hull Al & Dolores Iliya Hollis & Zoe Jacobie Don & Joni Kern DeDee Lyde & Gene Miller Glen & Geri McCleskey Keith & Charlotte Meek Ed & Dianne Miller Elizabeth Boss Moore George & Eloa Pace J. B. & Mary Lou Pendergrass Jim & Danna Pool Lorene Pinnell Ethlene Richardson Glenn Eva Riggs Sara Secor Grace Smith Velma Smith Jack & Barbara Suddereth Jack & Linda Swanson Nita Hockin Martha Boyd Rich & Tammy Mackesey Kevin Ward Bert & Nancy Hager

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

The church exrpesses Christian sympathy to John Brown and his family in the death of his mother, Mary Ruth Brown.  Services were held in Dallas on February 7th.

John Burkwall, who was received into membership by profession of faith and baptism during worship on February 22.  He, of course, is the church’s organist.

Lucas Gregory (Luke) Logan, son of Cari and Paul, received baptism during worship on February 29.  That is a Leap Day baptism!

Attention all youth and adults
If you are interested in playing hand bells come join the hand bell choir.  There will be an organizational meeting to see if we have enough people to play and when we would have practices.  These instruments can be a wonderful asset to our churches ministry... And they are really fun too! Please call or email Peyton Strouth at 214-226-6073 or rcclcrowe@aol.com if you have any questions about joining the hand bell choir.

Don't miss this one!  On Tuesday, March 9 at 7:00 p.m. you can audit our own Scholar in Residence, Dr. Robert M. Shelton, the Oracle of Karnack, detail the role of en in the growth and continued existence of Christianity during the past 200 years.  Come, bring a friend, and your own meat for grilling.

Friday, March 19
11:00 a.m.
Game Day, bring your own lunch.