The Messenger Newsletter

Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church is about to take the next important step in securing permanent pastoral leadership.

The Session has determined that now is the time for this congregational meeting to be called.  The ministries of our church are in good shape.  The congregational gathering held on March 26, 2006, demonstrated that there is openness to new leadership and a sense of anticipation and energy to tackle new challenges.

Therefore, a congregational meeting has been called following the 11:00 Worship Service on April 30, 2006, for the purpose of electing a Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC).

The Session has asked the Session's Nominating Committee to propose a slate of nominees for the PNC.  After careful and prayerful attention, the Session's Nominating Committee has submitted a slate of nine members.  Their names and information on their background and service to the church and the community have been included in this publication.  These nominees have been contacted and have agreed to serve, if elected.  Let me say, as your Interim Pastor, that this is a superb group of nominees, who I think will do an excellent job.  The slate is balanced in terms of age and gender, and all areas of the church are represented.  All the nominees have served the church in numerous capacities and have demonstrated commitment and sound judgment.

Although this is the slate the Session will propose, there will also be provision for nominations from the floor.  If you do plan to make a nomination, please remember the following:

• Election to a PNC is a sacred trust.
• Those who are asked to serve should consider this to be a significant commitment of their time, energy, and very best wisdom.
• They should be knowledgeable of the church, the community, and Presbyterian theology and government.
• They should be persons who understand and accept this as a task of spiritual discernment, not being easily influenced by personal desires or congregational politics, but rather listening for the voice of God.
• They should be persons of integrity who respect confidentiality.
• They should be active members of LHPC.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT BEFORE NOMINATION SUCH PERSONS SHOULD BE CONTACTED AHEAD OF TIME TO DETERMINE WHETHER THEY WOULD SERVE IF ELECTED.

The experience of being a member of a PNC is a powerful and awesome experience that often strengthens faith and changes lives. The PNC goes about a spiritual discernment process to discover the person God is calling to lead this ministry. I urge you to be in prayer for the church, the Session and the PNC as we journey together through this important time in the life of Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church.

   —Larry

RALPH GIFFORD
Ralph Gifford, a long time member of this congregation, has served the church in many capacities.

Ralph and his wife Jan and their children joined the Lake Park CPC in 1971.  They soon became an active family and Ralph has served not only as an elder but also as delegate to Red River Presbytery meetings and to the General Assembly.  He has shown his leadership abilities by serving as chair of the Property Committee, a member of the Yard Crew and as a mentor to some of its young people.

As an active member of the community he has served on the Chamber of Commerce Round Table and has worked with the Boy Scouts and as a soccer coach.

Ralph states that he did not actually become active in the church until he married Jan.  He further states that throughout his life he has used his faith and the teachings of Christ to guide him in his business and in his life.

BERT HAGER
Bert Hager has been a member of this congregation since he and his wife, Nancy, joined Lake Park CPC in 1977.  Since that time he has served in many capacities, having first become an elder in 1981.  Currently Bert is serving in the Class of 2008, his fourth term as an elder.  Other leadership roles have included Sunday School teacher, co-chair of the Christian Education Committee, member of the yard crew, chair of the Called-to-Care Task Force, church camp counselor, usher, and mentor to the youth.  His involvement in the community include membership on the New Church Development Task Force of the presbytery, contact crisis line volunteer, facilitator and counselor.  As to his faith journey, Bert states that he never took an interest until 1976 when he received what he believes to be a "wake up call."  He now feels he is more loving, more considerate of others.  He believes this is what God wants of him.

LIN JOHNSON
Raised a Presbyterian, as a youth Lin Johnson attended churches of other denominations which resulted in the kindling of an interest in comparative religion.

Lin and her husband, the late Bob Johnson, became members of Lake Park CPC in late 1998.  Since then she has filled many leadership roles -both in the church and in the community.

As a member of the Congregational Care Committee, Lin maintains the attendance records on members.  Recently she served on the special task force responsible for the recently published membership directory for which she designed the pictorial section.  She has also served as usher and assistant circle chair.

Actively interested in genealogy, she has held leadership positions for numerous genealogical and historical research groups and has served in leadership positions in various community groups.

Lin, whose faith leads her to believe that God's grace surrounds us all, feels that LHPC has become both her family and her friend-a feeling for which she is most grateful.

CINDA KOCH
Cinda Koch, along with her husband, Jim, and their two sons, Ryan and Kyle, has served the congregation of LHPC in many, many ways.

A member of the session Class of 2004, she has also served as moderator of Lake Highlands Presbyterian Women, circle leader, Contemporary Worship Service planning team, coordinator of the 2005 Corner Market and as an active leader for Cub Pack 435.

She is not only active in the church but has also held leadership roles in the PTA at the elementary school where her sons attended.  Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, Cinda worked for 18 years in marketing and sales for British Airways.

Cinda joined LHPC in 1990.  She expresses her faith journey as a step-by-step journey, an evolving process.

TAMMY MACKESEY
Tammy Mackesey was raised in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the daughter of a CPC minister.

She joined the LHPC family in 1987.  Both Tammy and her husband, Rich, have been very supportive of LHPC.  Since joining, Tammy has served as elder in the Classes of 2002 (filling an unexpired term) and 2003.  She has further served on the Stewardship and Finance Committee, the Nominating Committee, the Appreciative Inquiry Task Force, the CDC Recovery Committee, as the church's Financial Secretary, and she served as Campaign Director for the LHPC Building Campaign in 2002.

A consulting actuary by profession, she has served as a member of the Actuarial Studies Advisory Committee at the University of Texas.

Tammy states that her faith has always been strong and has sustained her in challenging times and in times of need.

CHUCK RAMSAY
Chuck Ramsay, the son of a strong Presbyterian family, has served in many capacities for the church.

An X-Ray/MRI Technician and Radiographer by trade, he and his family became members of Northminster in 1995 and at the time of merger he served on one of the merger teams.  As a leader in the church, Chuck just recently rotated off the session.  In the past Chuck has served as chair of the Christian Education Committee, Sunday School teacher for both adult and children's classes, member of the Dedication Planning Committee, member of the CDC Committee as well as Stewardship & Finance Committee, Sunday liturgist, lector and on several occasions has filled the pulpit.

In the community Chuck has served as a Cub Scout leader and as past president of the Dallas Area Radiologic Technologists Society.

Like many others Chuck rebelled in his youth against religion and the faith of his parents.  Also like others, he later returned to the faith of his youth.

MISSY RODGERS
Missy Rodgers, currently serving as a member of the session Class of 2008, has been an extremely active member of the congregation.

Missy spent a good part of her early life as a child of Lake Park C.P.C.  As an adult and the wife of Mike Rodgers, she continues to be an active member.  She has served as chair of the Missions Committee for several years as well as being active in women's work.  In support of the youth program she has served as Sunday School teacher and as camp nurse in the summer camp program.

In addition, Missy has served in many volunteer positions at the schools their children attend.

Missy states that she accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and that through that belief and the love and support of her family and her church, she is greatly blessed.

HERMAN SAWYER
Herman Sawyer, his wife, Pattye and their family have been members of this congregation since 1978, having joined Northminster P.C. at that time.

As a young man, Herman served in the United States Army.  He is a graduate of Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana.  He now serves as a Dallas Police Officer where he has been employed for 32 years.

In his work for the church Herman has served as an elder, recently rotating off as a member of the Class of 2005, and as a Commissioner to presbytery meetings.  He has also been an active member of several committees.

Herman states that he grew up in a Christian home and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age.  He further states that he feels his faith journey continues to strengthen him.

DALE TALLEY
Dale Talley is a long time member of Lake Highlands P.C., having been a member of the former congregation of Lake Park since 1988.

An active supporter of the church, Dale has served on the LHPC session twice, first at the time of merger and currently as a member of the Class of 2007.  In addition, she has from the beginning served as an active member of the choir which she declares holds a special place for her.  Dale feels that it is in the music of worship that she most senses the presence of God.  She has served in several leadership positions as well.  She also served most recently as a member of the Personnel/Interim Search Committee.

Dale currently works for the Parkland Health & Hospital System as Director of Maternal & Infants' Services.  She has been publicly recognized by her profession as one of the "Great 100 Nurses" in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Hospital Council.

Dale has been a member of the Presbyterian Church her entire life from which she draws great strength.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
and don't lean on your own understanding.
In all things acknowledge him,
and he shall direct your way."

Proverbs 3:5, 6

Three months have now elapsed since we last reported to you on the status of the Flower Calendar.  Some of you had expressed an interest in knowing what dates are available when you might be able to contribute to the church by assuming responsibility for the flowers for Sunday services.  Your response to that article was simply wonderful, and we thank all of you who so generously signed up.  We still have a few dates available should some of the rest of you wish to take this opportunity to honor someone.  These dates include:  April 23 and 30; May 14; June 4, 18 and 25; July 30; August 13 and 27; September 24; November 12 and 19; December 31.

Even though the cost to our members is a cost break, as the gas prices go up, so does the cost of providing flowers on Sunday mornings.  McSahans no charges us $31.50.  If you have signed up for a Sunday but have not yet had the opportunity to pay for them, you may do so by placing your check or money in an offering envelope and marking the envelope as "Sunday Flowers."  Thanks again to each and everyone of you!

Dorothy Appiah-Ntifor
Dorothy is graduating from Lake Highlands High School.  At LHHS she was active in choir, A Cappella Honors Varsity Mixed Choir (where she was soprano section leader) and member of the pop show choir, Espree.  She is also involved in Theatre Club and has performed in a number of musicals.  Dorothy is an honor student and a member of the National Honor Society.  She is a recipient of the Young Texanne Award (Optimist Club) and the Character Counts Award (Exchange Club).

At LHPC Dorothy has been a very active youth member and sings in the Chancel Choir and Praise On High praise band and serves as lector for the 11:00 worship service.  Dorothy hopes to attend Southern Methodist University or Texas Christian University in the fall.

Matt Caanen
Matt is graduating from Richardson High School.  He has been an active LHPC Youth Group member and plays in the Richardson High School Marching Band.  Matt has also been active in Boy Scouts of America and is currently finishing up requirements for the prestigious Eagle rank.  Matt plans to attend Richland College in the fall and then transfer to Texas State University to major in Zoology.

Chris Dass
Chris is graduating from Lake Highlands High School where he has been involved in Mu Alpha Theta (National Math Honor Society) tutoring elementary students in the feeder schools and the Interact Club (Rotary Volunteer Club).  He represented the Lake Highlands Chapter at Camp Enterprise at Midiothian, TX, the National Junior Beta Club for 9th Grade, MADD Strides for Change Walk in May 2005.  He was the Assistant Stage Manager for the LHHS musical "Guys and Dolls" and was involved in the 2005 Fall Show, "The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe".  Chris is an active LHPC Youth Group member where he helps run sound from time to time and serves on the Worship Committee.  He plans to attend Texas A & M University in the fall.

Brian Heil
Brian is graduating from Lake Highlands High School where he was a member of the A Cappella Honors Mixed Choir (tenor section leader) and played for the Wildcat baseball team.  He is a recipient of the Character Counts Award and All Region in choir.  Brian has been an active member of the LHPC Youth Group where he was a founding member of the youth band, Altitude.  He has also served on the planning council for the Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference for the last four years, taught a music class during the summer at LHPC-CDC and volunteered on the leadership team for Vacation Bible Study for the last several years.  Brian writes and records his own contemporary Christian rock music and will be attending Bethel College in McKenzie, Tennessee this fall on a music scholarship and hopes to have a chance to play baseball in his spare time!

Ryan Koch
Ryan will be graduating from Lake Highlands High School where he is in National Honor Society, top 10% of his class, active in marching band and has been a part of symphonic band and the Wildcat baseball team.  Ryan is an Eagle Scout as well as being very active in the LHPC Youth Group.  He is a founding member of our youth band, Altitude, and the POH praise band.  He has also worked full time in the summer and part time during the school year.  This summer he will be working for six weeks at Pine Cove Christian camp.  He will be attending Texas A & M University in the fall, majoring in Civil Engineering, and hopes to continue drumming for a praise service in College Station.

Jeff Jacobie
Jeff graduated from Centenary College in December 2005, receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Philosophy.  Jeff is currently living in Dallas, has begun his own business, Jeff Jacobie Company, LLC, Remodeling and Renovating, with a specialty in hand-made furniture.  Jeff is engaged to Camille Wright, and they will be married in June.

Blake Wyne
Blake is graduating in May from Texas A & M University with a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture Systems Management.  As a member of Company E-2 in the Corps of Cadets, Blake held numerous leadership positions in his outfit, and was Senior Class Treasurer for Texas A & M, Class of 2005.  In December, 2005 Blake was a recipient of the Corps of Cadets Leadership Excellence Award.  Blake will be in a management trainee position for Archer Daniels Midland Company, based in Logansport, Indiana.

Congratulations and best wishes to our high school and college graduates!

Stay-N-Play
For children ages toddler through 5th grade and their parents.  The kids had a great time in April eating pizza, making Easter cards for the homebound members of LHPC, and ending with a treasure hunt!

Join us on Sunday, May 7, as we travel to the Dallas Zoo for a day full of fun and fellowship!

Spiritual Study Trip
Study together with friends from Norte Presbytery in Guatemala and explore how we encounter God, one another, and creation.  Visit magnificent Mayan sites!  Estimated cost $1500 (includes airfare, lodging, meals, transportation - also includes the expense of a Guatemalan counterpart to attend the study).  Dates are July 21-July 28.  Sponsored by the Eastern Dallas Cluster of Presbyterian Churches.

Sack Lunch Stories
Tuesday, May 2, at 12:00 noon, featuring Roger Emrich.  Bring a sack lunch, coffee and lemonade will be provided.

Young at Heart
The 5th Annual "A Day in the Country" will be held on Saturday, May 20, at the Gifford's log cabin in East Texas.  Meet at the Church at 9:00 a.m. to carpool; we will return late afternoon.  Cost: $5 per person.  Contact the Giffords at 214-348-8595 for reservations.

LHPC Emergency Assistance Program
The church now has in place a new policy to help individuals who come to the church asking for assistance.  Emergency Food Kits have been prepared and are available to be given out as needed.  Sponsored by the Missions Committee and Reach Out Task Force.  Please contact Missy Rodgers for more information on any of the Mission or Outreach Programs.

Men’s Fellowship will meet on Tuesday, May 9, at 7:00 p.m.  Please bring a cut of meat for the grill and we will have the usual good food and good fellowship.  All other Tuesdays will meet for Bible Study, currently studying the Book of Acts.

Don’s forget that Sunday, May 14, the Men will be serving breakfast from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., with all proceeds to help send kids to summer camp.

A welcome invitation is extended to any women and guest of LHPC to attend a May Women’s Circle or to attend a luncheon on May 6 to hear a book review by Ann Shelton.  Circle 1 will meet at the home of Joyce Doss, 9518 Hillville on Monday, May 15, at 7:00 p.m. for potluck dinner.

Circle 1 and Circle 2 will be concluding the Bible Study, For Everything, A Season, with this lesson emphasizing Pentecost.  Circle 2 will meet at the home of Dolores Iliya, 8554 Bargiames Lane on Tuesday, May 16 at 10:00 a.m. for a salad luncheon.  For information about carpooling from LHPC please phone Collene Ziegenfuss at 214-348-3513.  The Circle of Hope will meet in fellowship Hall on Wednesday, My 17 at 9:45 a.m. to enjoy a salad luncheon.  The Circle of Joy will meet in the office of Meg Richardson on the evenings of Monday, May 8 and 22 for study and fellowship.

LHPW Board will meet at the home of Cinda Koch, 9907 Capridge at 10:00 a.m.  The new board members will be guests of the 2005-2006 board at a potluck luncheon.

On May 6 at 11:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall an Installation Luncheon will be held.  Ann Shelton will review the book, Lone Star Love Story.  Circle of Hope members will serve as hostesses with the other circle members bringing salads.  Women and guests of LHPC are invited to attend.

Youth Fellowship

May 7: Youth & Stay-N-Play trip to the Dallas Zoo
May 21: Youth Sunday
May 28: Lunch after 11:00 Worship

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)
The kiddos will enjoy a day with their bigger pals at the zoo on Sunday, May 7th.  We will leave after the 11:00 a.m. worship service, so be sure to bring a change of clothes.

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

Vacation Bible School: June 12-16

Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church and St. James Episcopal Church Big Brother/Sister Training June 5-9; VBS: June 12-16

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.

Familiar Cause, New Look

For twenty-some odd years St. Timothy Cumberland Presbyterian Church has hosted a softball tournament to benefit the Denton Cumberland Presbyterian Children's home.  This year after much consideration, they have decided to join forces with St. Matthew Cumberland Presbyterian Church for a new way to raise money.

June 23-24: Volleyball Tournament (Youth and Adult Divisions) to be held at St. Matthew CPC.  Cost: $15.00 per person (All proceeds benefiting Denton Cumberland Presbyterian Children's Home)

June 24: Golf Tournament (All Ages) at Hidden Creek Gold Course.  Cost: $80.00 per team.  (All proceeds benefiting Denton Cumberland Presbyterian Children's Home)

If you are interested in forming a team for either one of these events, please see Meg Richardson for registration information.

To LHPC
It is a shame that one has to suffer a disaster or illness to experience the love and care this congregation has to offer — but what an awesome experience to receive it.  Many thanks for the cards, calls and wonderful food you shared with us, and the prayers offered on our behalf.  Pat is feeling much better now and we know your caring has been a big factor in her recovery.

     Sincerely,

     Pat & L.V. Massengale

I would like to say thank you to everyone who helped to make this year's Lenten and Easter music possible, especially to the choir for all their hard work and dedication to excellence.  It is a pleasure to serve such a group of singer/musicians and to work with such a great staff.

     Thanks, Peyton Strouth

Memorial Gifts Kathryn Forrest Women of Circle 2 Bert & Nancy Hager J.B. & Mary Lou Pendergrass Jack & Barbara Sudderth CDC Gifts Anonymous CDC Playground Equipment Courtney Johnson Music Ministry/POH Anonymous Ralph & Jan Gifford Steve Moore J.B. & Mary Lou Pendergrass Linda Swanson Rev. Betty Youngman Sanctuary Sound System Anonymous Bob & Ione Humphrey Helen Kelso LHPC Women Myles Matz Bob & Louise McCall Steve Moore J.B. & Mary Lou Pendergrass Margaret Phillips Audrey Pierce Chuck & Maureen Ramsay Tony & Joy Valderas Eula Watterson Pat West Rev. Betty Youngman White Rock Center of Hope Mac Hubbard

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

The church expresses Christian Sympathy to the Pannek Family upon the death of Fred Pannek, who died on April 4th.  Services were held in Wildwood Chapel at Restland in Dallas.

The church expresses Christian Sympathy to the Rinehart Family, upon the death of Cass Rinehart's father, James Perry.  Mr. Perry died on April 7th and services are pending.

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

Enrique & Tamera Garibay, Ciocan Family, Bob Volker, Greg Harrison, Lio Urban, Justin & Amy Jeter, Jon & Allison Meyers, Frank & Mew Duckett, Doug Van Wey, Sallie & Emillie Jarbe, Joe Morrow, Gene Harrelson, Trish Perchalla, Dorothy & Roland Mackey, Bonnie Eimann, Mary & Curtis Johnson, Autumn Howell, Tagg & Marissa Baker, Dixie Edwards, Larry & Leigh Lyon, Andy, Liz & Emma Kershaw, Richard & Phyllis Ammeeter, Rachel Glass, Bill & Irene Keil, Jeanie Wooldridge, Tagg & Marissa Baker, Sharon Morrow, Darrell & Christen Armer, Matthew Crowe, Mary & Archie Campbell, Mary Ann Tucker