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 at a date to be announced and will take office on January 1, 2006.

Carol Greenman
Carol became a member of the former Lake Park congregation in 1989.  She remembers the warm welcome she and her son received and soon became involved in the church’s activities.  In addition to having served as a Sunday School teacher for seven years and then acting Sunday School Superintendent, she is also a member of both the chancel and the hand bell choirs.  Of her faith, Carol states that while she can’t remember when she became aware of her trust and faith in God, neither can she remember a time when she didn’t have it.

Bert Hager
Since he and his wife, Nancy, joined the former Lake Park congregation in 1977, Bert has served on numerous church committees, both as a member and as chair.  He was first ordained as an elder in 1981, having most recently served as a member of the Class of 2001, and has also worked with several outside groups sponsored by LHPC.  When asked about his faith journey, Bert states that upon becoming a believer he felt challenged to love his fellow man, a challenge he is meeting and considers to be an adventure on which he’s happy to be.

Hollie Higgins
Hollie has previously served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church, most recently as a member of the Class of 2003.  She currently serves as the chair of the Worship Committee and has been actively involved in the youth activities of LHPC along with her husband, Jeff. In addition, she has served as Sunday School teacher and has been active in women’s work and the Appreciative Inquiry Team.  She states that she was reared in the church and in a Christian family and feels that her association with LHPC has been a continued blessing in her life.

Bill Miller
Bill has served the church in many ways.  Having last served on the LHPC session as a member of the Class of 2004, Bill was ordained in 1987 while a member of the former Northminster congregation.  As a member of LHPC he has also served as a Sunday School teacher, as a member of the “Gang of Nine” at the time of the merger and as Executive Director of the Building Fund Campaign.  When asked about his faith journey, Bill stated he was lucky enough to be born and reared in a Christian family and that while lax in his activity during his college years, time and maturity have corrected that.

Missy Rodgers
Missy, while not having served previously as an elder, has been an extremely active member of the congregation.  She has served as chair of the Missions Committee for several years as well as being active in women’s work. She has served as Sunday School teacher and as camp nurse in the summer camp program.  Missy and her husband, Mike, are the parents of two children and Missy has served in many volunteer positions at the schools their children attend.  Having joined the former Lake Park congregation in 1972, 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.

I would like to thank everyone for making Consecration Sunday on October 23rd a very great success.  The Stewardship and Finance Committee appreciates every gift and every gift giver!  Thank you for continuing the good work that God has begun at LHPC.

If you didn’t get a chance to make your pledge to the Operating Fund for 2006, please call me at 214-340-6173 or call the church office for a pledge card.  May God bless us all in 2006!

—Chuck Ramsay

We understand people have been asking for a new and updated church directory for quite some time, but it was decided that we’d wait until we got into the new building, etc.  Well, thanks to a great group of people under the direction of Robbie Meusel, we have one “in the works” though it will be several weeks before the finished product is available.

Robbie’s committee consisted of Lin Johnson, Betty J. Anderson, Betty Davis, Harriet Dingman, Pauline Ellis, Billie Hill, Eloise Love, Danna Pool, Jackie Ritchey, Velma Smith, Sue Sullivan, Cindy Wadley and Eula Watterson, with back-up support from the office folks, Kay Wyne, Sammye Wood and Ladell Ritchey, and George Meusel offered various kinds of assistance.

Comments heard during the Olan Mills picture-taking days were “The family will get pictures for Christmas,” Now I have a new picture for my obituary,” “I finally got him to pose for a new picture of us together,” etc.  To all of you, we offer our grateful thanks and appreciation.

Bake Sale & Quilt Raffle
November 12th 9:00—4:00 p.m.

This year’s market, all indoors in our new fellowship hall, will bring many new and exciting vendors to LHPC to show and sell products.

Food will be prepared by Men’s Fellowship, and of course, stop by the women’s bake sale to stock up on your holiday pies and desserts.  (You will even have a chance to place your order for a Thanksgiving fried turkey or casseroles!)  The quilt raffle will take place at 3:00 p.m. —get your tickets!  The Youth will hold their annual Garage Sale fund raiser in the Youth Hall.

Dear friends in LHPC,
You really know how to party!  You overwhelmed Ann and me with my retirement lunch on September 25—Ann less so than me because she had been in on at least part of the planning.  All I was told was “You’d better show up on the 25th,” and “Stay out of fellowship hall until after worship.”

Your expressions of appreciation were deeply gratifying.  Your lighthearted remembrances gave a proper color to the day and even carried me through almost to the end of my response.  Your very generous gift will shelter us for years to come.  (We’ve bought a travel trailer.)  Thank you very much.

I have long contended that ministry is a two-way street.  If the pastor pastors the people, the people find ways to pastor the pastor.  You have done so more times than I can count, individually and collectively.  You did it again when you allowed me to bring my career to a close in a gracious, lighthearted and very memorable way.  Thank you!

Some of you have asked about our plans.  My first priority is to find out what retirement feels like;  I already have a good model in Ann since she has done hers so well.  Then we’ll just have to see; we’ve determined we will make no drastic moves until we’re accustomed to our new lifestyle.  The one thing I do know for certain is that I shall miss you even as I continue to hold you deeply in my heart.

In my letters I sometimes use a closing I borrowed from Paul . It is my wish for you now:

Grace and Peace,

—Robert E Shelton

See a collection of Roberts Rambling

The session’s stated meeting for the month of October was held on the evening of October 17, 2005;  the following notes are presented for your review:

The session entered into its fourth and final study segment based on the study of Acts 16:5 under the leadership of Missy Rodgers.

The Worship Committee brought two recommendations to session, both of which were adopted.  These included cancellation of all but one service (the 11:00 a.m.) on Christmas Day and the cancellation of the 8:30 a.m. service on Sunday, January 1, 2005.  Thus the church worship schedule for these two Sundays will be:  Sunday, December 25, 2005, 11:00 a.m. only; and Sunday, January 1, 2006, 9:00 a.m (POH), 11:00 a.m.

Reports were received from the commissioners to both Grace Presbytery, PC(USA) and Red River Presbytery, CPC, at which the Rev. Robert E. Shelton was honored.

Brief mention was made of the Town Hall Meetings to be held on October 18 and 20, 2005.  Discussions at these meetings will address the process through which LHPC must go while looking for a new pastor.  The congregation will be encouraged to ask questions of any member of the Personnel/Interim Search Committee or the session.

Tentative plans were discussed for a reception to be held in honor of the Rev. Robert M. Shelton.

Please feel free to come by the office any time if you wish to read the minutes in whole.

Your help is needed and truly appreciated...

Are you perchance looking for a way to help LHPC?  We have the perfect solution for you—it’s painless, takes minimal time and costs you absolutely nothing except a few minutes.  Many of you are already involved and perhaps many more will want to be.  What is it?  Why, it’s the Prayer Chain!  It’s time to add and subtract names!  If you are currently on the list of callers and wish to have your name removed or if you have not taken this opportunity to help and would like to, please call Mac Hubbard at 972-270-0905.

CDC is participating in the St. Jude Walk-a-thon on Friday, November 4.  Notes will be sent home to parents so everyone will know “why” our parking lot is full of “Little Walk-a-thoners.”

CDC will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 24 and November 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

LHPC hosted a “Teacher Appreciation Day” on October 16 to show appreciation for our dedicated CDC teachers and to honor outgoing Director Laura Taylor.  Judy Regan was welcomed as the new CDC Director.

As a reminder, if you have not yet visited our Child Development Center, please stop by for a tour.  We are here for your children Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.  For more information, please call the CDC at 214-343-7103.

Testimonial Tuesday
The second Testimonial Tuesday was held on October 4th in Fellowship Hall with Dan Wadley sharing his moving story.  Attendance was up by 75%!  Those who attended said they enjoyed the experience and were moved by Dan’s story and all that he has been through.

The Testimonial Tuesdays have brought members closer together, and have provided some spiritual experience for those who have participated.

Please mark November 1st on your calendar to hear the exciting story of Herman Sawyer.  This offers another opportunity to build even closer bonds with each other as a church family.

Halftime with Bob Newton
Halftime with Bob Newton was a success, and this is only the beginning.  About 100 coaches, principals, parents and student athletes attended the inaugural presentation at the LH Freshman Center on October 5th and 6th.  This was an excellent demonstration of LHPC’s community service.

Several things came out of this presentation, including:
The need for a confidential survey of all the athletes in the RISD so we can specifically target what the needs are. Betty Ford Center has produced such a survey and we will be working with them to try get them distributed to the athletes which may provide another opportunity for LHPC sponsorship.

A better policy is needed in the RISD to handle drugs and alcohol situations. Currently there is a "0 Tolerance" policy, which means if a student needs help, they risk possible scholarships, humiliation, team participation and maybe even their future if they try to seek help.  A policy that encourages those to seek help with some flexibility in punishment for the first cry would be more suitable.

The athletes who don't drink and do drugs know of team members who do.  They have witnessed the peer pressure and recruiting by those on the fringes.  They need help in dealing with that situation.

There is a huge need for athletes and other students at the high school level for a place to hang out, park their cars, listen to music and have good clean fun.  This is an area LHPC may really be able to help in.

More education is needed at both the junior and senior high level for the faculty, athletes, coaches and parents.  LHPC should be proud for sponsoring this event and reaching out to the community in such a special way.

Boy Scout Troop 435 and Cub Scout Pack 435 had a joint meeting on October 17th at LHPC.  Justice Kerry Fitzgerald from the Dallas 5th Court of Appeals was the guest speaker.  Justice Fitzgerald is a former criminal defense attorney and criminal prosecutor.  In his speech, “Scouts—You Are Our Future” Justice Fitzgerald gave several examples of instances where God has had a direct influence on the events in his life . We welcome the Scouts and are thrilled to have them in our church.

Thank you to everyone who came out and volunteered and those who worked behind the scenes for this year’s McCree Esprit!  It was a beautiful day for six area churches to come together for a fun time, despite being a little warm.  Our own Praise on High band was the main musical attraction playing twice during the event to great reviews.  $501.47 was raised from special events to go to White Rock Center of Hope and approximately 800 people came out to be part of the fun.  Plans for next year’s event are already under way 2005 McCree Esprit LHPC Planning Team — Meg Richardson, Missy Rodgers & Peyton Strouth

For all those young, younger and youngest adults who don’t feel like they are ready for the “Young at Heart” group!  Friday- October 28th Join us at Uncle Calvin’s Coffee House at North Park Presbyterian Fellowship Hall.

Coffee and music doors open at 7:30 p.m. show starts at 8:00 p.m.  Tickets are $12.00.  RSVP to Missy Rodgers missyro@earthlink.net or Meg Richardson meg@lhpres.org

Circle l will meet Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Martha Boyd, 9746 Chiswell.  For information call Lorene Pinnell at 214-348-0401.

Circle 2 will meet Nov. 15, at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.  Hostess will be Glenn Eva Riggs.  For information call Collene Ziegenfuss at 214-348-3513 or Lucy Zaccone at 972-437-6635.

Circle of Hope will meet Nov. 16 at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.  Hostesses will be Sara Secor and Betty Davis.  For more information call Jan Gifford at 214-348-8595.

Circle of Joy will hold meetings on the following Monday evenings:  November 14th and 28th at 7:00 p.m. in the office of Meg Richardson at LHPC.  For information, phone Missy Rogers at 214-902-9935.

Other Opportunities
Board Meeting:  November 9th at LHPC at 10:00 a.m. with Geri McCleskey serving as hostess and giving the devotion.

Come to the Corner Market and Bake Sale on November 12th from 9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m. Contribute quality articles to be sold at The Women’s Table and/or bring baked goods to LHPC Fellowship Hall on Friday, November 11th until 8:00 p.m.

Annual Thanksgiving Potluck Luncheon on Sunday, Nov. 20th following 11:00 a.m. Worship

Monday, November 14th at 6:30 PM

“An Evening with Pete Puckett”
Dallas Elks Lodge 71 (8550 Lullwater)

Dinner will be provided by the troop and entertainment from Broadway, Pop and Church will be provided by Pete Puckett and Company.  Ticket price is $7.00 per person.  If interested in purchasing tickets see a scout from Troop 707, come by the Troop meeting at the lodge on Monday nights at 7:00 or email Pete Puckett at pete_p@swbell.net.  This is a fundraiser so your additional contributions to the Troop are appreciated.  The scouts in the troop pay for each campout, summer camp, winter camp and camping supplies throughout the year.  Your support is appreciated.  Pete Puckett has been performing in the Dallas area for years.  You may have seen (or heard) him in the Dallas Summer Musicals, Theatre Three, Garland Summer Musicals or close by at church at Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church.

Youth Garage Sale

Saturday November 12
9:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.

Bring your donations to the church Sunday, November 6-Friday, November 11.  Questions - contact Missy Rodgers 214-902-9935 missyro@earthlink.net

LHPC Performance
“A Shepherd’s Story”

Musical based on Luke 2:1-20 Sunday, December 11 — 4:00 p.m.

LH Child Development Center Performance
“A Shepherd’s Story”

Musical based on Luke 2:1-20 Friday, December 16 — 6:00 p.m.

Men’s Fellowship will cook up breakfast on Sunday, Nov. 13th from 8:15 a.m.—10:30 a.m.  All proceeds go towards the Youth Camp Fund.  Please support the Men and enjoy a wonderful breakfast!

Appropriate for All Ages, $10.00 per class

Classes:  Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church
The classes are open – you may begin anytime – Please bring your own props

Thank you so much for the support you have shown the Lake Highlands Elementary Staff.  Young at Heart arrived one morning at LHE loaded with brand new clothes and supplies for one of our teachers whose entire family (18 strong) was displaced by the hurricane.  People showed up on my door bringing homemade pies, cakes, and casseroles.  They were quickly devoured by the Lewis family.  You will be pleased to know that they have FINALLY located the one missing family member.  He is alive and getting better every day.  Thanks again for the care, support, and prayers.

— Hilary Puckett and the entire staff at Lake Highlands Elementary School

Joe & A. J. Campagna Zula Campagna Ed & Sally Kuny CDC Staff Members Frank Emrich Rich & Tammy Mackesey J.B. & Mary Lou Pendergrass Jack & Barbara Sudderth Charles Pinnell Oilwell Retirees Honorary Gifts CDC Staff Members & Families Ed & Sally Kun CDC Gifts Anonymous Mac Hubbard Conor Puckett Mason Puckett Ann Shelton Praise On High Gifts Anonymous Hollis & Zoë Jacobie Steve Moore Linda Swanson Playground Equipment Anthony & Christina Hageman Ed & Sally Kuny Oilwell Retirees Mason Puckett Katrina Hurricane Donations Anonymous Zula Campagna David & Hilda Dass Jim & Cinda Koch L.V. & Pat Massengale Glen & Geri McCleskey White Rock Center of Hope Sara Secor

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

Welcome to our world, Rylie Jane Heaton.  Proud grandparents are Don & Betty Heaton, proud parents are David & Cynthia Heaton of McKinney.  Rylie was born on Monday, October 10th.

We want to thank all of you who lifted Kate and our family up during the past six weeks.  We could actually feel all the prayers and positive thoughts coming to us at Stanford Medical Center in California during Kate’s two brain surgeries.  She is doing so well, is out of pain now, even from the surgery, and has had no more strokes.  We are so blessed in the Lord and in all of you who prayed for us, sent cards and flowers.  Kate is in Oklahoma this week seeing her friends, advisors, etc., but will be back soon.  We hope to see all of you this Sunday (Jon and my colds gone, I hope) so that we can thank you in person.

God bless all of us. He is so good! — Cass Rinehart

The following persons visited Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church worship services during the months of September:

Alan Emrich, Donald Emrich, Liz & Alek Grigorian, Theresa & Laura Mullins, The Scott Sprier Family, Evalyn James, Paul & Jill Schreiber, Natalie Harrison, Tyler Holcombe, Ellen & Andy Richie, Mrs. George Jones, Mary Ann Mitchell, Sharon Bradley, Ron & Amy Chester, Bill & Irene Keil, Dorothy & Roland Mackey, David, Kelly & Gracie Shelton, Frank & Joanne Bradley, Kevin & Karen Caldwell, Bruce, Charlene & Evan Morrison, Josh Shipp, Connie Tubb, Greg Harrison, Leslie Durham, The Kevin Wood Family, Doug Van Wey, Dale, Kathie & Nicole Eggleston, Betty Youngman, Peter, Brandt & Emma Swanson, The Charles Matz Family, Nic Santangelo, Roy & Vivian Sayler, Donna & Tom Hearst, Joyce Adams, Tom & Lynne Coleman, Terry & Emily Tosch, Jeff Laceky, Kaye Morgan, Randy Patterson, Jon & Allison Meyers, Mary Motley, Clement Ogumbiyi, Robert Volker, Tina & Tony Hageman, Tate & April Gorman, Chuck & Sally Turner, Lynn Davis, Joe & Beth Gillespie

Ummmmmmmmm... What is that wonderful fragrance coming from the Fellowship Hall?  That’s the delightful aroma of our new Community Coffee blend that is now a part of LHPC’s new Coffee Bar just inside the Fellowship Hall.  Stop by between services on Sunday for a delicious, hot cup of coffee and stay for a visit with friends.