The Messenger Newsletter

These members were first suggested by the congregation.  Then their names were placed before the session by the Nominating Committee.  They will be ordained and/or installed on December 12, to take office on January 1, 2005.

Johnie Foster  A member since 1992, Johnie is active in Presbyterian Women and is a member of the Congregational Care Committee and the Reachout Task Force.  This will be her first time to serve as an elder.

Geri McCleskey  A member since 1983, Geri is active in Presbyterian Women, is a Meals on Wheels volunteer and has served in a variety of capacities.  She is an ordained elder and has previously served on the session.

Steve Moore  A member since 1971, Steve has served as an usher, choir member and maintenance volunteer.  This will be his first time to serve as an elder.

Meg Richardson  A member since 1994, Meg is our Youth Director, advises the Christian Education Committee and serves on committees for both Grace and Red River Presbyteries.  This will be her first time to serve as an elder.

Dale Talley  A member since 1988, Dale is a member of the choir and has served in a number of capacities, including committee chair.  She is an ordained elder and has served previously on the session.

The session expresses appreciation to all who suggested members to the Class of 2007 and to this Nominating Committee for its work in the important part of the life of the church.

"By most standards, I am sure that our estate would be considered rather modest, but we have been blessed with good health, a wonderful family, a comfortable lifestyle and wonderful friends, many of whom are fellow church members.  I never felt that we were in a position to arrange trusts or endowments, but after attending the recent program presented by Malinda Hunt of the Texas Presbyterian Foundation, I realized that I could take a sum of money from my personal IRA and invest it in a charitable annuity with the foundation, draw a much better rate of interest on it and receive income from it until my death, after which the balance will be given to LHPC."

"It won’t be a big windfall for the church, but perhaps the amount will be enough to cover my remaining pledge for that calendar year.  Maybe this is a little step toward better stewardship.  I’m very glad I attended that program and took this action.  Thank you, thank you, thank you, Lord!"

The letter above graciously was written by a long-time faithful LHPC-er.  She wrote it to give the rest of us insight into why she felt her action would be beneficial to herself as well as the work of the Lord through LHPC.

To see if a Charitable Gift Annuity is right for you, call Malinda Hunt, Director of Development, Texas Presbyterian Foundation at 214-522-3155.  Malinda is very knowledgeable, helpful, and there will be absolutely no obligation on your part.

"When will construction be complete?"  That’s the question everyone wants answered.  "We’re getting closer all the time"—gee, aren’t you tired of hearing that?  I’m tired of having to answer without having a date certain to give.  As we are learning, the truth with construction is that there are few certainties-at least when it comes to targeted completion dates!!!

Progress is being made.  By the time you read this, even more progress will have been made.  Be assured of this: When the project is completed and we have a Certificate of Occupancy from the city, you, and everyone else we can think of to share the news with, will know.  Believe me, you will know!!!

In the meantime, enjoy the accompanying article about a mom and her CDC daughter.  We aren’t building simply to accommodate our weekday child care program, of course, but isn’t it nice to know that the quality of care we provide could present this mother/daughter duo with such a dilemma?  And won’t both be delighted when this child and the others can move into a bright, airy, brand new facility?

Is it all worthwhile?  We think so....

Through the years there have been many children who have passed through the CDC and in doing so have claimed a special place in the hearts of the staff.  Recently the parents of just such a child called Miss Laura to tell her that they were moving to a location far enough away that they thought it would be better if they put their child in a day care center closer to the new home.  The staff was stricken by the news but understood the need behind the family’s decision.  That was about a week ago....

Today (October 15) the mother of this special child called again to speak with Miss Laura.  She was in tears–obviously distressed.  Much concerned, Miss Laura sought to find the cause of the mother’s distress.  "I just can’t do it!" said the mother.  "Do what?," asked Miss Laura.  The mother went on to explain that she felt so strongly that the CDC was part of her child’s family that she simply had not the heart or the courage to take her out and enroll elsewhere.  Long story short:  the child will be staying in our CDC even though this will mean her mom will have to start their day a little earlier than might be expected!

Upon recommendations from the Worship and Personnel committees, the Session has expanded Peyton’s responsibilities and hours to include directing the new Contemporary Worship service.  He will continue his present duties as Director of Music Ministries.  In his new role, he will be responsible for planning for the new service (with a team comprised of members and the professional staff), helping recruit musicians and electronic technicians and leading the service.

As soon as possible after the completion of construction, Contemporary Worship will be added to our present Sunday morning worship schedule: the 8:30 a.m. informal service and the traditional 10:45 a.m. service.  This service will take place in the Youth Hall in the new Education Building.

For a fuller explanation of the upcoming Contemporary Worship and the potential for ministry and outreach it affords, please see the accompanying article submitted by Cinda Koch.

Just to keep you up to date, the following are notes gleaned from the minutes of the stated session meeting of October 18, the called meeting of September 26, and the Congregational and Corporate meetings of Oct.17,...

The newly elected Class of 2007 was in attendance at this meeting and a special word of welcome was extended to them.  The date of December 12, 2004, was set for their ordination and/or installation.

The Property Development Committee reported on the building construction work on Audelia Road.  The session also approved the appointment of Bill Miller as a liaison to serve between the church, the contractor and the bank as any need might arise.  Because he has spent his working life in real estate development, Bill is well versed in the procedures to be followed and will be a great addition in this capacity.

The Property Committee announced that they will be looking for additional help in maintaining the newly landscaped areas after completion.  They will encourage and welcome help from anyone in the congregation who would like to take part in this project as it develops.

The Christian Education Committee reported that Sunday School classes will continue to meet in their present locations.  Occupancy of either of the two new buildings is not possible until the City has issued a Certificate of Occupancy.  At the present time, Rally Day is being planned for late November.  This, too, of course, is dependent upon receipt of the Certificate of Occupancy.  When the "CO" has been issued, the Sunday School classes will occupy the new Education Building and the Sunday School Greeter (formerly known as Sunday School Superintendent) will be officed in the reception area by the outside door on the north end of the building.  It is felt this will allow that person to be more easily accessible not only to any who might need direction but also to give easier access for the Greeter to the Sunday School classes.  The C.E. Committee is presently looking for someone who can fill this special position.

The Youth Director reviewed upcoming events calendared for the next several months in which the youth will be involved, such as Youth Group Garage Sale, the Carol Sing-A-Long being planned for December 19, and the winter retreat scheduled for January 15-16 at the new youth camp, Camp WOW.  Special note was made of the turnout for both ACT 2004 held in late September and the McCree Esprit 2004 which promises to be a recurring yearly event.

The Appreciative Inquiry Team announced that the A-I Storybook will be distributed on Consecration Sunday (Oct. 24).

The Missional statement presented by Grace Presbytery was adopted unanimously.

In reporting on the recent CPC Red River Presbytery meeting, the commissioner to the meeting reminded session that the spring meeting (April 2005) is scheduled to be held at our church in the new facility.

With the opening of our new facility, LHPC will begin to offer a 3rd Sunday Morning worship service—an adult and youth oriented Contemporary Worship!  Of course, this service is open to any and all worshipers, but most particularly aims to fill the need to offer a more relaxed, participative service that attracts and nourishes young adults.  Our Contemporary Worship service will contain all the traditional elements– prayer, praise, message and communion—it just will have a much different look, feel and sound.

We expect that our new building will bring visitors to LHPC who are looking for a menu of services.  Adding this new style of worship service allows us to attract both and hold these younger generations and thereby provide a vital ministry to them.  Using the new Youth Hall, we will be able to provide a casual environment with seating for 50-60 people.  An elevated stage, sound system, and audio-visual capabilities will provide us a unique opportunity to present this type of service—something we haven’t had before!  Logistically speaking, a praise band can simply "plug in and play."

We anticipate this worship service to be in place soon after the completion of construction so that new visitors to LHPC may see Contemporary Worship as a place that they can fit in.  The many musical and technical needs for this type of service offer a variety of ways for younger adults to immediately begin serving-whether it be the adult praise and worship band or on a technical team operating sound or AV equipment each week.  It’s a new type of outreach to a generation who feels right at home contributing in these areas.

Our entire congregation has the opportunity to assist in developing this exciting new ministry in two ways:

You can assist with funding in your weekly giving by marking a special contribution to "Contemporary Worship."  We have already received three commitments totaling one-third of the anticipated yearly expense!  Wow!

Spread the word-We’ll soon be building volunteer teams for each of the service areas-technical and sound equipment operators, Praise and Worship band musicians and vocalists.  Is there an opportunity here for you or someone you know to use their gifts and PC?

-submitted by Cinda Koch

What a great day!!  On October 3 five churches representing five denominations came together to host a neighborhood block party in the pumpkin patch at St. James Episcopal Church.  Except for a short rain shower the weather was great.  We have had estimates of up to 800 people in attendance.  Altitude performed a set and sounded awesome!  Special thanks to Bob E. for being such a great sport and climbing into the dunking booth!  And thank you to all of those from LHPC who spent the afternoon volunteering, we could not have done it without your help.  Thank you to all those who came to participate and have fun!!  All the money given at any of the special events will go to White Rock Center of Hope.  Plans for next year's event are already under way.  Several more churches have expressed interest in joining us next year.  We will need even more volunteers from our church to help out.  Now that the planning team has one year behind us we have even bigger plans for next year!!  Mark your calendar for McCree Esprit 2005 on Sunday, October 2!!

Congratulations to Jill Schreiber, whose chili recipe won First Prize at the McCree Esprit chili cook-off!

[ see photos... ]

Circle l will meet Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Ann Shelton, 10508 Royalwood.  For information call Joni Kern at 972-412-1059.

Circle 2 will meet Nov. 16, at 9:30 a.m. at the home of Velma Smith, 10817 Palace Way.  For information call Velma at 214-328-8949 or Harriet Dingman at 214-348-2317.

Circle of Hope will meet Nov. 17 at 9:30 a.m. with the meeting place to be announced.  For information call Sara Secor at 214-348-7628.

Circle of Joy will meet Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m.  For information call Meg Richardson at 214-763-1359 or Rebeka Stephens at 214-673-4759.

Other Opportunities
Women’s Board Meeting will be held on Nov. 10 at 10:00 a.m. at the home of Eula Watterson, 4414 Lake Hills, Rowlett.

The Brazos de Cristos meeting will be held Nov. 11 at 10:00 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church. For information phone Nelda Walker at 214-824-7685.

Youth Garage Sale and Women’s Bake Sale will be held on Nov. 13 from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. It will be carried over to Nov. 14 from 9:30 a.m. and resuming after second service is over.

On Sunday, Nov. 14, from 3:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m. a bridal shower will be held for Sarah Jones at the home of Cinda Koch. All women of the church are invited.

The Stone Soup Luncheon and Style Show is tentatively set for January 2005.

When construction is complete and the landscaping is done, the Property Committee will be faced with more maintenance than it has formerly had.  It’s not that there will be more land or grass to be cut; the increased need will come as a result of the many small islands of "land" inserted into the parking areas.  A rotation system will be worked out so that the responsibility for doing the work will not fall to one person but will be the responsibility of a larger team effort!  If you would be interested in taking part in this project, contact Ralph Gifford at 214-348-8595 or call the church office at 214-348-2133.

Upcoming
Youth Garage Sale and Women’s Bake Sale

Although we will not be having our usual Corner Market due to construction, the youth and LHP Women will still be having their annual Garage Sale and Bake Sale.  So, clean out those closets and bring your garage sale donations to the ARC November 7-12.  You may bring your baked goods for the garage sale on Friday, November 12th, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. or bring them on Saturday morning.  These are big fundraisers for both ministries so be sure you are there on the 13th!  If you would like to donate something for the garage sale but need someone to pick it up, please call Cinda Koch at 214-343-4642.  If you have any questions about this event, contact Cinda or Meg at the church office.

Special thanks to volunteers
Martha Boyd, George Meusel, Ladell Ritchey & Lorene Pinnell for working on the newsletter.  They cheerfully assist the church to distribute the newsletter out to you every month!

Memorial Gifts Charles H. Pinnell Memorial gift to CDC Recovery by Oilwell Retirees CDC Recovery Gifts Bill & Martha Boyd Cal & Johnie Foster Ralph & Jan Gifford Mac Hubbard Bob & Ione Humphrey Jim & Cinda Koch Rich & Tammy Mackesey Steve Moore Connor Puckett Harold & Glenn Eva Riggs Herman & Pattye Sawyer Ann Shelton

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

A wedding Shower in honor of Sarah Jones, Bride-Elect of Greg Signall will be held on Sunday, November 14, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. at the Koch residence.  All women in the church are invited, and it is hosted by Circle of Joy.

Congratulations to Jennifer Signall and Justin White who were married on October 23rd in McKinney, Texas.

The church expresses Christian sympathy to the Titus Family upon the death of Kim’s mother, Hazel Titus.  Services were held in Phoenix, Arizona on October 14th.

On September 24 and 25, 400 people gathered for ACT 2004 and 520 youth and sponsors gathered for ACT II at Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church.  This year's event was a great one.  There were lots of good instructors and keynote speakers.  LHPC attendance was a bit low this year.  Those who were able to participate came back with lots of ideas and excitement.  I hope that next year LHPC will have even more members there to be a part of this great event.  Next year's dates are September 23-24 at Highland Park Presbyterian Church.

Cooking with Lard, a comedy you can sink your teeth into features our own Lisa Fairchild Titus.  Opens Oct. 29th at Addie’s Care Southfork Hotel, Plano.  (N. Central Express at 16th St.)  Call 214-821-9411 to reserve tickets.  Recommended for those age 18 or older.

LHPC is forming a new musical group who will serve as the musicians for “Praise on High,” our new Contemporary Sunday Morning Worship Service .  If you would like to perform uplifting positive Christian Music we would like to hear from you.  Please call Peyton at 214-226-6073.

LHPC Contemporary Worship—The timing is right, we have the facilities and the resources– What an exciting way to bring our new buildings into the vision, mission and ministry of LHPC!