The Messenger Newsletter

An Ash Wednesday Service is a beautiful way to begin our Lenten observance.  Lent is a forty-day preparation for the celebration of the mystery of our redemption in the death and resurrection of Christ.  Thus, the purpose of Lent is to bring us once again to a profound awareness of our need of God and of the gift of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.

At the Service of Ashes on March 1, 7:00 P.M., we will confess our sin, reflect on our mortality, and receive the imposition of ashes, an ancient symbol of humility and repentance.  We will receive the sign of the cross on our foreheads and hear the words:  "Turn from sin and be faithful to the gospel."

An integral part of our Lenten discipline should be reflection on the quality of our faith and life.

This Lenten season, you will have a variety of opportunities to deepen your understanding of the Gospel.

On Sunday evenings beginning on March 5, at 6:00 P.M., the Worship committee will sponsor a Lenten Series, "Windows on the Passion".  Led by Larry Thomas, we will explore the last hours of Christ's life from the perspective of the scriptures, great artists, and Biblical historians.

On Palm Sunday, April 9th, the choir will present the marvelous Rutter's Requiem at the 11:00 morning service.  That evening we will celebrate the Seder in the fellowship hall.  What is a Seder?  It is the traditional Jewish Passover meal observed by Jesus with his disciples, which we know as the Last Supper.  Traditional foods and symbols will be used and Larry Thomas will be our guide for the celebration with Peyton Strouth assisting as Cantor.

Our Chancel Choir will be performing John Rutter's Requiem on Sunday, April 9, for worship during the eleven o'clock service for the beginning of Holy Week.  This service is traditionally called "Palm Sunday" and has included elements of the passion as well as Christ's arrival in Jerusalem.  Our choice of Requiem will not replace a Palm Sunday celebration, but will place emphasis on the Passion.

Requiem's premiere performance was here in Dallas at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church on October 13, 1985 and since that time has been a beloved piece of music for choirs everywhere.  It is scored for organ, an instrumental ensemble, a choir and soprano soloist!

This text, which can be traced back to the eighth and ninth centuries, has been a favorite for composers and has been set to music by everyone from Palestrina to Stravinsky.  The title, Requiem, comes from the first words of the introit of the Missa pro defunctis or "Mass for the Dead."  The words, "Requiem aeterna dona eis, Domine: et lux perpetua luceat eis." are the first words of the prayer and are translated:  "Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them."

The Requiem Mass in its traditional form is unfairly considered by some to focus on the negative ideas of judgment and the end of time.  In Rutter's version the heavier or less positive text of the Dies irae, translated "Day of wrath," is replaced with more of the positive words of Psalm 23.  One of the other differences between this requiem and others is that the text includes not just Latin but English as well.  The English texts are sentences of scripture from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer Burial Service.

For the final section he uses the text of the communio, a sharing in common, from the Mass.  He once again adds some English text, this time from the Book of Revelation:  "I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, for they rest from their labours:  even so saith the spirit."  (Rev.14:12-14) The idea of perpetual light is echoed from the first section, and brings about a closing prayer to the whole work as the choir sings:

Lux aeterna luceat eis, Domine: cum sanctis tuis in aeternum, quia pius es.

May light eternal shine upon them, O Lord, in the company of thy saints forever; for thou art merciful.

The Christian Education Committee takes the nurturing of faith through Christian education as a serious challenge.  Studying the scriptures and scripture related materials help give the believer an insight into who God is and what God requires of us.  Studying, teaching and learning are lifelong processes.  The mission of the Christian Education Committee is to provide a path to further teaching and learning about God the Father, Son, and The Holy Spirit to all age groups.

The Christian Education Committee is responsible for finding teachers and developing Sunday morning classes for all age groups as well as looking for other Christian Education opportunities and programs to offer to the church.  There are many places for you to serve in Christian Education.  Some of these include:

• Teaching a Sunday School class
• Leading a short term Bible Study
• Volunteering to work at Arts Camp
• Help with special holiday projects and programs
• Help lead Children's Church during the 11:00 service

People with an interest in working in Christian Education are always needed and welcomed!  If you would like to help with this wonderful LHPC ministry or just learn a little more about it, contact our Christian Education Committee Chair, Peggy Signall or Programs Director, Meg Richardson.

Grace Presbytery (PCUSA) takes with utmost concern the task of searching for and calling a permanent pastor.  For this purpose, the Committee on Ministry (COM) has designed a detailed process that enables our congregation and Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) to get ready to begin this search.

First is a mission study process conducted by the session and congregation.  An understanding of the nature of a particular church's concept of mission and its unique identity are essential before the search for a pastor can begin.  Also a study of these fundamental characteristics is foundational for the work of the PNC.  It is the session that has primary responsibility for conducting this study, with input from the congregation and using resources available from the presbytery.  In order to accomplish a study that is a good and useful instrument to our congregation, Grace Presbytery has designed a two-part process, which follows.

Part one is to be completed before the PNC is elected;  it includes four steps:

Step one involves disciplined prayer and reviews of the first four chapters of the Book of Order:  Presbytery's missional statement, the congregation's mission statement, and the demographics of the area.  This step the session accomplished at its stated meeting on Monday, February 20. Laura Finch, our COM liaison, was here to explain the process and guide us in this first step.

In step two, which has been scheduled for Monday, March 6th, the session will create a mission foundation statement based on answers to the following questions:

What is God's work in the world?  What is our congregation's part in God's work?

Step three, at a congregational gathering, soon to be scheduled, the congregation is asked to comment on this statement, and on the expectations it has of its elected leaders and its new pastor.

Step four, the session then prepares a report, including the mission foundation statement and list of expectations.  Upon approval of this report by the Committee On Ministry, the congregation may elect a PNC.

  —Larry

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the February 26th Breakfast for Lunch.  In March we will be back to the regular schedule of Bible Study every Tuesday evening, except for the second Tuesday, March 14th, which will be Men's Fellowship Grill night.

We are seeking talent at LHPC to participate in the first annual Talent Night on Saturday, April 29th.  So far, we have magic shows, skits and, of course, music.  Please see Steve Moore or any of the men involved with Men's Fellowship if you want to showcase your talents!

Your generous donations and pledges to help pay for the new Sanctuary Sound System and hearing impaired units are greatly appreciated.  Gifts and pledges may be made by using the offering envelopes and marking them "Sound System."

Young at Heart met at the church in January for lunch and to put together "Emergency Food Kits" (the kits include nonperishable, easy-to-open food items, a beverage, personal hygiene items, and an information sheet) as part of the Walk-in Policy.  The group also met in February for their annual Valentine covered dish lunch.

White Rock Center of Hope collections are designated for the first Sunday of each month.  Please bring your much needed donations for the White Rock Center of Hope!

"Understanding Mood Disorders, Depression & Bipolar Disorder"
Join us for a FREE educational program given by professionals from LifeNet Community Behavioral Healthcare, as they provide information on the signs and symptoms of depression, treatment options and what you can do if you or someone you love are affected by these disorders.  These are two of the most treatable disorders, but many people unfortunately do not get the help they need because they misunderstand the issues surrounding the illnesses or they fear the stigma.  For reservations or questions, please contact Missy Rodgers at 214-902-9935 or missyro@earthlink.net. This program is sponsored by the Missions Committee and Reach Out Task Force.

One of the many benevolences that are budgeted by our Presbyterian Women is to our children's homes.  Each month our Presbyterian Women give $25 to the CP Denton Children's Home, and $25 to the USA Children's Homes.  This amount is in addition to the generous gifts given to the homes at Christmas time.  Every woman in the church is invited to become actively involved in furthering these good works, enjoying fellowship, and learning more about the Bible by attending one of the following women's circles:

Circle l will meet Monday, March 20, at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Gladys Williams, 9605 Livenshire.  For more information call Lorene Pinnell at 214-348-0401.

Circle 2 will meet Tuesday, March 21, at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.  Hostess: Lucy Zaccone.  Please call Lucy at 972-437-6635 for information.

Circle of Hope will meet Wednesday, March 15, at 9:45 a.m. in Fellowship Hall with Nelda Walker serving as hostess.  Phone Jan Gifford for information at 214-348-8595.

Circle of Joy will meet on Monday evenings, March 13 and March 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the office of Meg Richardson at LHPC.  For information, phone Missy Rodgers at 214-902-9935.

Other Opportunities
Women's Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 8, at 10:00 a.m. at LHPC.

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To the Women of Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church: Thank you so much for the wonderful basket of books that were collected for Andrew. He is enjoying listening to all of the stories. We feel very blessed to have become part of Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church and we appreciate all of your kindness.

Sincerely,
Joe, Beth & Andrew Gillespie

Youth Schedule

March 5: Youth Fellowship (time TBA)
March 12: Youth Fellowship Lunch
March 19: Youth Fellowship (time TBA)
March 26: Youth Fellowship (time TBA)

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)
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

Summer Camps information for children and youth posted on the bulletin boards in the main hallway or contact Meg Richardson at the church office.

Mark your Calendar

LHPC Arts Camp: July 10-14

Volunteers are needed to help with this year's Arts Camp.  This year we will include breakout groups for Drama and Set Design.  If you would like to find out more about volunteer Opportunities, contact Peyton Strouth or Meg Richardson at the church office.

To the Women of Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church:
Thank you so much for the wonderful basket of books that were collected for Andrew. He is enjoying listening to all of the stories. We feel very blessed to have become part of Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church and we appreciate all of your kindness.

     Sincerely,

     Joe, Beth & Andrew Gillespie

Dear Members and Pastor of Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church:
Thank you for your congregation's donation of $104.17 to the White Rock Center of Hope during January.

The Center is a wonderful and amazing place where God's love is readily apparent.  His Divine Providence is exhibited not only in the food, clothes and financial aid we distribute, but also in how He provides for the Center's needs.  Every day our clients, volunteers and especially I see confirmation of the wisdom stated in Psalms 121:2, "My help cometh from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."  Thank you for your congregation's commitment and trust.  Truly, He has brought this to pass.

During the first three months of this fiscal year, we assisted 1,424 families, 4,266 people, of whom 2,075 are children.  We have distributed over 29,000 pounds of food and nearly 17,000 items of clothing.  We have paid $20,000 in rent and utility bills.

None of this would have been possible without your support.  We are able to assist our neighbors in need only because you care.  Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to obey our Lord's command to "Feed His sheep."

     Sincerely,

     Ted Beechler
     Executive Director, White Rock Center of Hope

Thanks Choir
To the Choir, Peyton and John:  Thank you for the beautiful music each Sunday during worship

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 January:
Greg Fairchild, Ciocan Family, M. & Frank Duckett, Doug Van Wey, Rachel Glass, Jeanie & Ted Woolridge, Dixie Edwards, John & Laura Clark, Bill Williams, Doyle & Nancy Oliver, Shawn & Jennifer Herrin, Roland & Dorothy Mackey, Patti, Greg & Michelle Smith, Harriet Drissen, Zane Wilson, Anna Wynne, John & Allison Meyers, Justin & Amy Jeter, Trish Perchalla, James & Jessica Bradley, Jayne Hegebart, Justin & Jennie Beth Chance, Wilma Carroll, Lynne Davis, Ken & Lois Leeb, Duncan Dagbe, Bruce & Thu Dieterk, Autumn, Aimee & Emma Howell, Perryn & Jonathon Rice, Lauren Barry, Bobby Rodgers, Irene Keil

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.